This is quite interesting. This is a different side of Ranma, and one
that is very plausible, considering the crap he's been through
(Neko-ken training, etc.). Just a few points:

---
Pleasure and Pain (tentative title)
a story by Dot
---

A very apropos title, under the circumstances.

	"But no one would use that much iodine in such a short time! It 
stings something horrible!"

	'Oh, God...' Akane rushed downstairs.

Actually, I would think that it would take a little more to get Akane
suspicious... possibly having other first-aid supplies missing (e.g.
rubbing alcohol, bandages, or possibly razor blades). Unless, of
course, she's thinking that it's *her* slugging him that's causing the
injury.....

	Almost giggling with anticipation, Ranma fumbled with the iodine 
bottle, nearly spilling it in his haste.  He tried to steady

himself, but his 

hands still shook as he unscrewed the bottle cap and poured some of

the 

noxious liquid into it.  Still shaking, he brought the cap over the

long 

scrape along his leg.

This is a bit odd, considering.... Did he inflict the wound onto
himself? If he did, it would be a very clean cut with no ragged edges
(from a razor blade, knife, or just some broken glass). And giggling
with anticipation.... I'd think he'd be more concentrating on making
sure that he got plenty of the liquid onto the cut.

	Drip.

	Pain.  Glorious, magnificent, burning pain.   Ranma smiled.

	Drip.

	Spilled a little too much that time.  Steady.

	Drip.

	The tips of his nails were turning brown.  He would have to wash 
his hands later.  With nice, hot, scalding water and lots of soap.

	Drip.

=O_o= *Very* nice description here. Just a question: what motivates
him to do this to himself?

	What was even more frightening, though, was the look on his face.  
It was a wild, estatic expression, like a drug addict who had just

taken a 

hit.

Having family members who have had this disorder, I've never seen one
look *happy* about it. I could see Ranma here concentrating and making
another long slice in himself while Akane was watching.

June 7
	Ranma went to see a psychiatrist today.  Turns out that his self-
mutilation was being caused by a severe form of depression. 

Thankfully, 

though, the doctor said that all he needed was some medicine and

lots of 

love.  Ranma's taking both regularly now.

Lots of love is *definitely* needed. It is after all, the best
medicine (laughter coming in a close second, no matter what how the
saying goes).

	Uncle Genma doesn't rant and rave about his "coward of a son" 
anymore.  As soon as Aunt Nodoka found out about what happened, she 
marched over to our house and dragged Uncle Genma into the dojo.  I 
couldn't quite understand what was being said, but after that, Uncle 
Genma only talked when Aunt Nodoka spoke to him.

=^_^= Good. (Genma's second on my list of "Anime fathers who should be
castrated with plastic knives", right under Ikari Gendou. *evil grin*)

Very well-written story. It puts forth quite a bit of emotion for
being so short, and demonstrates well the need for *understanding,*
not just ignoring the problem and hoping it will vanish.

Dedicated to Keener and others who have gone through those long,

dark, 

and lonely nights.

Having done that myself, I can understand the impact of the story.
Bravo.

Jess, the LilTigre =^_^=


==
Romantic Gesture #345: Packing your boyfriend's severed arm with you
       wherever you go. Just be sure to keep it in a cooler.

               *~* Tora-chan Productions, Ltd. *~*
      -Proudly presenting BlueSeed fanfiction since 1997!-
              http://members.spree.com/sip/liltigre/
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