The Party's Over
Prelude
By: P-R-P-Chan
Ryouga stumbled through the barren wastelands of.. somebody's backyard,
thinking to himself. 'Why can't I ever get where I'm going? Just one more
day.. I'll never make it. All I want to do is have Akane there for it, but
I'll never find her.' Grumbling to himself in depression, the lost boy
stumbled past the Tendou home.
Kasumi set the food down on the table, but stared Ranma down as he tried
to start eating. (note: this didn't stop Genma). "Ranma, I'm pretty sure
you know this, after all Ryouga is YOUR friend, but it's his birthday
tommorow, so I was thinking we could have a little party for him with all
of his friends."
Ranma, for his part, was about to get into one of his outburtst about
Ryouga not being his friends, how he's always trying to kill him, and the
fact that he was one of the dumbest people he knew, when Akane elbowed him
in the gut. "Oh that would be nice Kasumi!" Akane said happily, "I think I
know the perfect gift for him also!"
"What's it matter? He'll never find his.." Ranma trailed off as P-Chan
wandered into the room, and was happily swept up by Akane, "Ok, fine. Do
what you want, he'll probably get lost anyways, or celebrate it by trying
to kill me." With that Ranma stalked off out of the room, but quickly
returned when he realised he was missing out on supper.
Akane walked next to Ranma, holding lovingly onto her 'P-Chan', discussing
what she should get Ryouga for his birthday, P-chan's ears perking up at
this. Ranma, deciding that he didn't want Ryouga to know what he was
getting him until he opened it, tried to excuse himself with that exact
idea. This of course started an argument.
"Ranma! You don't think I can keep a secret? You can't even trust me to do
this?"
"Akane, that's not what I mean, and since when do you trust me? All you
ever do is hit me before listening to what I have to say!"
"That's not true! Ranma no Baka!" Akane launched Ranma over the skyline
with a well placed hit from her mallet, "C'mon P-Chan, let's go find
something for Ryouga."
Ranma stood and shook the dust from his landing off as he became aware of
his surroundings, 'Stupid Akane, why'd she havta.. cool.. I'm exactly where
I wanted to be..'
Without looking where he was going, he started to walk, knowing exactly
where he had to go to get the 'perfect' present for Ryouga; and walking
straight into someone, knocking them both to the ground. As he was picking
himself up, he noticed that the ground didn't feel right, not hard, more
yielding, almost fleshlike? Looking down he realized he was lying over
some woman, using her chest to right himself, one hand on each breast.
With a cry of alarm, Ranma jumped back, repeating "Gomen nasai" over and
over, all while covering his head from the beating he was sure he was going
to get.
"Ranchan?" Ukyou asked in concern, "Don't worry I'm not gonna hit you, I'm
not Akane. It was an accident."
Ranma slowly looked up, "Ukyou? What are you doing here?"
"I'm looking for a present for Ryouga, Kasumi called and told me it was
his birthday tomorrow. What about you?"
"The same, I guess I gotta get something for the big idiot. And I have
the perfect idea, c'mon we can go together."
"Okay Honey, you lead the way!"
As Ranma started walking the only thing he could do was ponder how good it
felt, being with Ukyou.
The Party's Over
Part 1
By: P-R-P-Chan
Ryouga smiled over at Akane, sitting across the table from him, as Kasumi
placed his birthday cake in front of him. The eldest Tendo daughter handed
him a knife to make the ceremonial first cut. Ryouga briefly entertained
the idea of launching it at Ranma's unsuspecting face, but dismissed it
quickly, as he wanted to enjoy the night; even if Ranma's death would make
him quite happy. Besides, the knife wasn't nearly sharp enough.
Mousse stared dreamily at Shampoo, seat next to him, completely oblivious
to her stares of revulsion, but catching the sultry looks the shot over at
Ranma. Ranma, Akane, Mousse, Shampoo, and Ukyou. Ryouga's friends. At
least that's how Kasumi saw it. Ryouga wanted to be more than just friends
with Akane. Her and Ukyou were probably the only people he'd consider
friends; Mousse and Shampoo? Sometimes allies. Ranma? sometimes enemy;
Whenever Akane wasn't in danger.
Ryouga tried his best to ignore Ranma's prescence, even if he was sitting
next to Akane, and making fun of her, getting her angry. Ryouga was ready
to jump into action, 'Ranma Killing' gear fully engaged, when he felt a
hand on his shoulder, pushing him back into his seat. Looking to his right
he met Ukyou's stare, soothing his rage with a qiuck smile. One last
glance at his nemesis and he turned back to his cake. Only to find Ranma
grabbing the last piece.
Finally the party entered full swing, Ryouga breaking the idle chatter as
he lunged for Ranma's throat. Ranma reacted quickly, leaning back and
kicking upwards as Ryouga passed over him. Unfortunately he didn't think
his move out completely. In the time it took for Ryouga to hit the
ceiling, Shampoo had glomped him, Mousse charging him moments after.
Akane, not even giving Mousse a chance to attack Ranma, nor Ranma the time
to slip out of Shampoo's hug, knocked her wayward fiancee out into the
pond. The redhead spluttered as she resurfaced, glaring at Akane.
"What was that for?" Ranma managed befroe her eyes grew wide in surprise.
Everyone else was dumbfounded by Ranma's expresoin until they heard the
dull 'thwack' as Ryouga, making an amazing show of direction sense, found
out which way was down. Mousse collapsed unconsious in a heap, Ryouga's
rock solid head being to much for his own. Ukyou just smiled as Ryouga
quickly regained his feet and moved to attack his redheaded adversary.
"Ranma! This is all your fault! You just had to ruin my birthday, didn't
you?" Ryouga started his charge, but quickly stopped himsef as he realized
what Ranma was doing; Namely getting out of the koi pond, the pond filled
with cold water, as well as a number of his clothes from all the time she'd
fallen in. Losing none of his rage, or what little cool he retained, the
wandering martial artist picked the table up over his head, sending dishes
to the floor. Luckily Kasumi had planned for this eventuality and supplied
then only with paper plates and cups. He launched it at Ranma, who had
just stumbled to his feet; in time to meet the table head on, sending him
back into the Tendo pond.
Later, after everyone had cooled off a bit, and Ranma had access to some
hot water, Akane decided it would be a good time to give Ryouga his gifts.
Ryouga was a bit embarrased when she pulled out a large gift-wrapped box
and handed it to him.
"Go ahead Ryouga, open it! I'm sure you'll like it." How little Akane
knew; he'd helped her pick it out. They always say it's the thought that
counts, and to Ryouga that was what really mattered. Akane had gone
looking for something for him. Slowly he pulled the paper apart, taking
care not to rip it to much, not wanting to see Akane's handiwork destroyed
in a matter of seconds. Opening the box, he let everyone else see what he
already knew was there; a heavy wool sweater, coloured much the same as the
regular shirts he wore, a dusty yellow.
"Thanks Akane, it's just what I need. It gets kind of cold when your
wandering around the woods at night." Ryouga moved to hug her, but held
back instead. He really didn't want to seem to forward, not that he ever
did, but that thought was squelched when Akane dragged him into a hug.
"Your welcome Ryouga, I'm glad you liked it. P-Chan helped me pick it
out," Akane looked around a bit, "But he seems to have gotten lost again.
Don't you think he has good taste?"
Ranma stifled a laugh, almost. Akane shut him up with a glare as she
released Ryouga, who'd fallen into one of his love fueled trances. "Ranma,
It's your turn."
Ranma took a moment before reaching into his pocket, coming out with a
small cardboard box, crushed in places now, and sat it in front of Ryouga.
After a bit of silence, Ukyou spoke up, "Ryouga? Earth to Ryouga.." and
mumbling to herself, "How that boy ever expects to get anywhere with Akane
when he's liks this is beyond me."
Ryouga snapped out of his reverie, seeing Ranma's waiting face and the
present in front of him, opened it. Tilting the box, a compass fell into
the palm of his waiting hand. Staring at it for a second, he thought about
jumping Ranma again, but one glance at Akane told him she wouldn't aprove.
"Thanks Ranma, I really needed this." Ryouga's words were dripping with
sarcasm, but to Ranma it was completely unnoticed.
"Hey, no problem. Figured it wouldn't do you much good, but it's the
thought that counts." Ryouga's face darkened hearing those words, 'Shows
just how little you think.'
Ukyou, once again playing the role of peacemaker, presented him with her
gift. Taking it from her eager hands, Ryouga noted immediatly it was a
book. One could never mistake the way they bent, and how the spine didn't.
'Maybe, just maybe, someone sees more to me than an angry lost boy.'
Eagerly he ripped off the wrapping, and his heart sunk. 'Or maybe not.'
"Thanks for the atlas, Ukyou." She nodded her head happily, "My last one
was falling apart, I would have had to get it replaced eventually, now i
don't have to bother."
"It has all the little towns in Japan, as well as the cities. Won't help
you much in the forest, but once you find civilization.." Ukyou was
beaming, thinking about how useful her present would be, nevermind the fact
that Ryouga with a map was usually more lost than Ryouga without one.
Next Akane looked over to Shampoo, who was fidgeting behind her back.
"What's wrong Shampoo? Didn't get anything for Ryouga's birthday? I guess
we can't fault you, you never have time since your always throwing yourself
at Ranma." Akane couldn't help needling the Chinese Amazon, for once
thinking she had the upper hand.
"Not True! Shampoo give Pig-boy free ramen at Nekohanten for life!"
"Is that all you can do? Fine, he's got free okonomiyaki at Ucchan's as
well!" Ukyou couldn't just let Shampoo get off that easy, like Akane, she
felt anytime you could get the best of Shampoo you should make the most of it.
"Why need okonomiyaki when he got ramen? Better waitress too!" Shampoo
stuck out her chest, making sure that Ranma could get an eyeful, to
illustrate her point. Mousse started moaning at this time, rubbing his
head he sat up.
"Are we giving out presents yet? Mine's right here," Mousse said as he
pulled a card out from his robes. Ranma, not wanting yet another fight
between his fiancees, motioned for the half-blind martial artist to toss it
over to Ryouga.
"My first idea for a gift for you was to kill Ranma, " Ukyou and Shampoo
stopped glaring at each other, instead focusing on Mousse, "But then I
decided that an even better gift would be letting you have the pleasure, "
Ukyou and Shampoo's faces hardened even more, Ranma was visibly twitching,
trying to keep his anger in check.
"So finally I found the one thing that could be welcome without being
insulting, " Mousse glanced down at Ranma's compass, Ryouga's that is.
"Open it up, it's an invitation to me and Shampoo's wedding, I'll tell you
when we finally.." Mousse trailed off as he lapsed into unconciousness again.
"Stupid Mousse, Shampoo no marry him, only marry Ranma!" With this she
threw herself at the man in question. Ukyou jumping her in turn, a catfight
starting, with Akane eyeing Ranma as if to blame him for ruining Ryouga's
birthday.
As for Ryouga, he sat there dreaming of the day when he would be able to
send out invitations to his and Akane's wedding.
The Party's Over
Part 2
By: P-R-P-Chan
With Mousse unconscious, Ryouga in wonderland, and Ranma the objective of
a tug of war between Ukyou and Shampoo; there was nothing to stop a pervert
from getting his jollies.
"Akane!" Happosai yelled as he clutched her breasts and tried to smother
himself in her cleavage. Akane was startled, but not enough for her not to
uppercut the old goat through the ceiling. Ukyou broke away from her fight
with Shampoo to applaud Akane's action.
"Good going, that should teach him for.." Ukyou looked at the ceiling
trying to judge how much force Happosai had been subjected to. "About two
minute." She finished lamely.
Meanwhile Shampoo had jumped Ranma, straddling his torso. "Spatula Girl
give up! Shampoo get airen!"
"Damn it, Ranma! Can't I take my eye off you for a second? You pervert!"
Akane prepared to mangle her fiancee, but Ryouga beat her to the point.
"Ranma! I put up with you so far tonight, but enough is enough. Even on my
birthday you can't help but ruin..." Ryouga trailed off, his eyes crossing,
as once again someone dropped from the sky to collide with his head.
"Why didn't anyone tell me it was his birthday? I love celebrations."
Happosai called, as he hopped off the birthday boy's head and onto the
table. Looking around in seeming disappointment he called into the kitchen,
"Kasumi!"
"Yes?" Came the reply from the eldest Tendo daughter.
"Could you bring me the bottle of Sho-Chu and 1, 2, 3.. six glasses?" The
old man turned to the teenagers again, "Now we can really start the party!"
"But.." Kasumi started as she arrived with a trayful of what Happosai had
asked for.
"Now, now.. I know what you're going to say, 'They're not old enough, you
have to be twenty to drink.' Well in my day we started drinking from the
day we could tilt back the bottle. And shouldn't Ryouga be having a good
time?" Happosai finished, filling a cup of Sho-Chu and handing it to Ryouga.
"We don't need alcohol to have a good time!" Akane voiced her opinion
before being shut down.
"Of course you don't need it! But is sure makes everything a hell of a lot
better." Happosai filled another glass and handed it to Akane, "Drink up!"
He knocked back a shot as Akane looked on dubiously.
"Father wouldn't approve of..." Kasumi started, only to be interrupted
once again, as Soun and Genma popped up to add their two cents (note:
between the two of them they had two cents, that's one apiece.)
"It's perfectly alright Kasumi," Soun consoled his eldest. "Ranma and
Akane are both old enough to handle it."
Soun turned to Genma and whispered, "Alcohol should take away their
inhibitions, and without them, they'll surely declare their love for each
other!"
"And then our lines will be secure..." Genma replied before turning to his
son. "The Master is right, son! You're only young once, make the most of it!"
"Shut up, Pop! This is probably just some scheme of yours to get me and
Akane married. Why don't you drink it yourself, if you're so keen on it?"
"Sounds good, it has been awhile since I.. Boy! Are you afraid? Don't you
want to be manly like your father?"
"I barely consider you a man, you spend most of the time as a panda
anyway!" Ranma interjected. Genma blithely ignored his son's comment as he
continued.
"Look, even your fiancee has a drink! Do you want to be married to a woman
more manly than you? Do you?"
"I've known Akane was manly since the day I met her! But there's no way
she's manlier than me!" Ranma grabbed the proffered drink and slammed it
back, as Akane did the same, malleting him into the floor soon afterwards.
"You Jerk! Jerk! Jerk, Jerk!" She repeated this about five times,
emphasizing her point with a swing of her mallet. Finally her father
intervened.
"Akane, try to calm down, here have another, it'll help." Akane turned to
the glass that Happosai had refilled (not that he'd been neglecting his
own, mind you.) and downed it as well. She slammed back two more before
Soun spoke again.
"I know I told you it was ok to drink Akane, but maybe youi should slow
down a bit."
"I can handle it! Besides it tastes too bad to drink any other way."
Genma stopped Soun's retort, motioning for them to get back to their game
of shogi. "C'mon Tendo, let's get out of their way and let nature take it's
course."
As they left, Shampoo and Ukyou, who'd gotten into another squabble, this
time over who got to play nurse for Ranma, suddenly had an idea.
"If Shampoo get airen drunk, maybe he see Shampoo is better woman.'
'If I get Ranchan drunk, I'm sure his defenses will be down.. then he'll
tell everyone that It's me he loves!'
Both started to get up but stopped seeing their action echoed by their
rival. 'But first, drink to calm the nerves.' they both thought, motioning
for Happosai to fill their glasses as well.
Ryouga watched as Ukyou and Shampoo started what amounted to a drinking
contest, Akane did her impression of a fish in water, and realized he
hadn't touched his glass. Hesitantly, he put it to his lips, taking a swig
before grimacing and downing the rest.
Ranma finally recovered from the beating Akane had given him, watching
Ryouga's tentative sip. Laughing he sat back up, "That's no way for a man
to drink, P-Chan." He grabbed a glass and drank it's contents in one gulp.
"That's how a man drinks, none of that sipping stuff."
"Since when are you a man, Ranma?" Not to be outdone, Ryouga finished off
another, slamming it onto the table as he finished.
"Ryouga, you couldn't beat me at anything, no matter how hard you tried.
Why do you think you'll win now? Don't wast my time."
"Shut up, Ranma! I'll drink you under the table, you chicken!"
"If you really wanna be humiliated worse than usually.. alright then."
Grabbing the bottle from Happosai, Ranma filled both their glasses. "Let's
see who's more of a man then! Go!"
The Party's Over
Part 3
By: P-R-P-Chan
Ranma and Ryouga were hugging.
"No man.. I mean I really love you.. yer the bestest pal.."
"Wha bout all that 'Prepare to Die Ranma!'.. that aint the way you treat
your best pal."
"You know that's only cause of Akane."
Akane clued into the conversation about this point.
"What about me?" Akane broke into laughter, "Look at you two drunks!
Hanging onto each other like.. something.." Akane started to giggle.
Ukyou just sat there, watching Ranma's every move, seeing the sway of his
drunken body, the way his chest shook as he laughed. Silently, longingly,
she watched, and drank. She ignored everything that Shampoo was saying to
her, not that it mattered. Shampoo was babbling about some childhood
experience, at least Ukyou would know that if she spoke any chinese.
Ranma stood unsteadily, Ukyou watching his every movement. "I'm gonna go
practice in the dojo." he slurred. He stumbled out of the room, Ukyou right
behind him, Shampoo keeping pace with her, continuing her anecdote about
her aunt, a bottle of alcohol, rabbits, and Jusenkyo. This left Ryouga and
Akane alone.
Soun and Genma continued they're game of shogi, the noise from the party
hardly disturbing them, most of their gameplay being distraction anyways.
"I really wish they'd keep it down. What will the neighbors think?"
"Don't worry about it, Tendo-kun. I'm sure they're used to it by now."
"I wouldn't be surprised.. How I long for the days when everything was
quiet, nice and tranquil.. but those days are gone." Soun broke into one of
his crying fits. Genma moved to comfort him.
"Don't worry Soun, all that matters is the union of our two lines, and
that is practically assured after tonight!"
"Your probably right, Saotome." Soun spluttered, as he took advantage of
his friend's concern to move a few pieces around on the board. "Back to the
game, shall we?"
Akane stared into Ryouga's eyes. "What did you mean when you said it was
all because of me?"
"Ummm.. it's uhh.. It's all Ranma's fault! That's what I said, you must
have heard me wrong.. It's not like I attack him for you, i mean.. ummm.."
"Come on Ryouga, tell me! Why won't you tell me this? You guys will never
tell me why you're always fighting." Akane's face cracked into a grin,
"It's almost like you two are fighting over me.." Akane broke into laughter
at that.
"Well it wasn't originally.. but I guess you could say that."
"Ryouga.. I was joking.. You don't really mean that do you?" Akane looked
straight into his eyes, trying to deny the truth that was coming clear.
"I do, Akane. I love you.. I can't believe I finally said it, I've been
trying since.." Ryouga broke off at the sight of Akane's tears. "Akane,
what's the..?"
"Just leave me be for now, The dojo's right over there. Even you can't
miss it." As Ryouga left with a confused look on his face, Akane broke down
and wept.
Ranma sat, back against the wall in the dojo. He'd tried an easy kata, but
after falling down three times and having to deal with Shampoo's laughter,
he'd given up. Ukyou rested her head against his shoulder, his arm around
her, both watching Shampoo parade around without her shirt.
"These mine! No can have!" Shampoo emphasized her point, presing her
breasts together with her hands. She started doing cartwheels, and
handstands, not very affectively, but she did draw Ranma's attention.
Upside down, breasts bared to the world, Ranma's eyes never left them,
neither did Ukyou's.
Akane walked into the room, eyes damp, and sat on the other side of Ranma,
nuzzling her head into his side. Ranma reached his other arm around to
embrace her, and noticed her sniffling.
"What's wrong?" He said gently into her ear.
"Ryouga.. He told me he loves me.. he told me.." Akane stuttered.
"Shhh.." Ranma consoled her. "Don't worry about it, you don't see me
worrying about all my relationships.. ok bad example.. come on Akane..
lighten up."
"But what am I supposed to do? I can't just deny he said it.. And I won't
be able to treat him the same.."
"Why not? Just because he feels something, doesn't mean you have to.. I
kinda like you." Ukyou stirred at this, "And Ukyou, but I don't treat you
different from the others.. Just don't worry about it, and accept it.."
"I guess.." Akane quieted down, her and Ukyou settling even more into
their respective sides of Ranma's chest.
"No man get these, they no good! All Shampoo's! No one else." Shampoo was
again back to displaying her bosom for eveyone to see, and denying them the
right to it. Ryouga picked this moment to appear in the dojo, having gotten
slightly lost, taking the roundabout route first the bathroom, Akane's
room, some closet, the kitchen, and the neighbor's porch. Needless to say
he collapsed spurting blood the moment he walked in, catching a full
frontal of Shampoo sent him over the edge. Akane disengaged herself from
Ranma and crossed the room.
Ryouga regained his senses as Akane sat down next to him, curling up with
his knees as Akane began to speak. Ranma and Ukyou couldn't hear what they
were saying, Akane whispering, Ryouga barely speaking. Neither did they
care, both were comfortable with each others prescence, the feel of the
other's body against theirs.
"Why are you so nice? Usually your a jackass.."
"I dunno, Ucchan.. I guess it's the alcohol.. If I was like this all the
time.. I'd be married.. or maybe giving you my kids.." Ranma laughed lightly.
"It doesn't sound like such a bad idea.." Ukyou blushed slightly, Ranma
just nuzzling into the nape of her neck and closing his eyes.
"Doesn't sound bad at all.. but what about Akane? I don't know what to
do.. I like her too.. Don't start thinking I'm like Kuno.. It's just the
way I am.. I don't have much choice.. I've got to be a manly man! and manly
men have lots of women.." He whispered, his lips brushing against the back
of her neck.
"So you're just using us to maintain your image?" Ukyou smiled, either
recognizing it for a joke, or not really minding at all. or both.
"You know I'm not like that.. If it weren't for you I'd be married to
Akane already.. and If it weren't for Akane. As I said, you'd probably be
having my children."
"Well we can only use protection.." Ukyou rubbed her hand against his chest.
"No... It's not that I haven't thought about it.. I have.. but.. what
about Akane? I love her also.. I doubt either of you would want to share..
I know i wouldn't want to share either of you.." Ranma stopped for a minute
breathing lighly through Ukyou's hair. "Why do you have to be so wonderful?
I'd be able to make a choice.. I wouldn't have to deal with all the crap I
havta put up with.."
"Weren't you just telling Akane to accept it? We both love you.. even if
Akane doens't show it.."
"I know she does.. It was you that I wasn't sure of.. but.. It doesn't
really matter.. I can't make a decision, and until I do.. ah well.."
Ranma glanced up at Shampoo, still the exhibitionist. "We've still got
that movie to watch." He got up and headed to the family room, the others
following close behind.
The Party's Over
Part 4
By: P-R-P-Chan
Ranma and company piled through the dining area, each stepping over
Mousse's still unconscious body. Akane led the pack as they headed
upstairs, albeit somewhat unsteadily. Ranma was the first to claim a spot
as they reached the family room, taking the choice seat in front of the TV.
A disapproving glance from Akane sent him from the sofa to the love seat,
this one facing sideways. Ranma drunkenly sprawled onto it, sitting
diagonally, back resting against the corner. Akane popped a tape into the
VCR and took a place with Ranma; beating Ukyou who'd had to navigate for
Ryouga.
Shampoo, fully clothed again, slumped into the place so recently vacated
by Ranma; Ukyou the place beside her, leaving the end seat for Ryouga.
"Ryouga? Could you hit the lights?" Akane slurred, as she lay back against
Ranma's chest. Ryouga did as asked, and before sitting down, draped a
blanket over the two fiancees, a look of concern on his face. Akane barely
noticed, too drunk to focus. Ranma didn't either; he was preoccupied with
Akane's slender form pressed against him.
The movie started, and the attention was focused mainly on the screen. Not
to say that it didn't waver; Ukyou stole glances over at Ranma and Akane,
whether it was jealousy or just a longing even she wasn't sure. Ryouga
feeling his loneliness, ostracized to the far corner on his birthday, even
in a room filled with his 'friends'. Shampoo only took the time to stare at
her majestic figure, slender curves, and smile approvingly.
So, in silence they watched the movie. Ranma unseen by the others, stroked
Akane's side, taking comfort in the smooth feel of her figure under his
hands. Dangerously, on every pass, he lingered along the curvature of her
breast.
"I wouldn't be mad." Akane whispered up at him. Ranma smiled slightly at
her words, as part of his many fantasies became reality, his hand wandering
to her front. Feeling a woman's body, one other than his own, Ranma had the
same reaction most men would. Akane tensed as she felt Ranma's manhood
harden against her thigh, but relaxed a bit as he gently made circles with
her breast, trying unsuccessfully to flick her rapidly hardening nipple
through her blouse.
"Ranma you really shouldn't.." Akane whispered, breaking off as Ranma
interrupted her.
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked in a caring tone. When she didn't
answer, he continued his explorations, trying to get under her shirt and to
her flesh. Finding it to tight about her body, he briefly caressed her
inner thigh before moving back to her bosom.
The movie continued, as did Ranma's ministrations, none of his other love
interests took note. Ukyou was actually watching the film, a rather strange
yakuza movie by Takashi Miike by the name of Fudoh. Ryouga wasn't paying
attention, rather he was just staring into space, the alcohol finally
having kicked in, much to drunk to focus on anything in the room. The only
thing he was concentrating on was keeping the contents of his stomach where
they were. Shampoo had fallen asleep, clutching a half empty bottle of
Sho-Chu. Between the five of them, this was their third bottle.
Nabiki wandered into the room, and headed towards Akane. "Kasumi told me
to.. God Akane, you smell like a brewery.. Anyways, she just wanted to
remind you that you have to get up early tomorrow."
Akane glanced up at Ranma, with a questioning gaze. He moved his hands to
her side, and gently pushed her into a sitting position. "You should go to
sleep, your hardly awake anyways.."
Pushing the covers off them, Akane stood up, wobbling more than slightly.
Nabiki steadied her, guiding her towards her room, and her bed. Ranma
watched her go, focusing on her ass as it swayed, more than usual due to
her drunken stumbling.
"I'm going to sleep." Ranma announced, following in Akane's footsteps.
"Ranma, " Ryouga croaked. "Can you help me to the bathroom?"
One look at the greenish tinge his face had taken, and Ranma was quick to
help. Before leaving the room he turned back to Ukyou and Shampoo, who
hadn't given any hint that they'd noticed any of this. "You guys can sleep
here I guess, I'll see you in the morning."
Ukyou just nodded and went back to the movie, stealing a glance at Ranma
as he turned away, then stole the bottle Shampoo was cradling to her bosom.
She moved to the other couch, gathered the covers around her, and settled
in to watch the movie and finish off the alcohol.
Ranma woke to the birds chirping, and the sun hitting his face. His
father, in his natural form for once, snored on beside him. He rose
unsteadily, and headed downstairs for a drink of water and maybe some
breakfast. As he went past Akane's door, he heard her alarm go off, and
then crunching sound. Paying no mind to this, he continued downstairs and
served himself a drink, taking a seat at the dinner table. Not even Kasumi
was up this early, the clock in the kitchen had read five-thirty. Replaying
the events of last night, a smile came to his lips, but was quickly erased
as Akane came down the stairs, gave him an odd stare and marched out of the
house.
Ranma decided he needed to talk to her, but as he rose he realized
something he should have earlier, he still hadn't sobered up from last
night. Finishing his water, he stumbled back upstairs and back into bed.
A few days past, and Ranma still hadn't gotten a chance to speak to Akane,
she was out most of the time, having just gotten a part-time job for the
summer. It was the interview that he'd watched her leave for the night
after Ryouga's party. That morning had been quite hectic once Ranma awoke
for the second time. Somehow Ryouga had ended up sleeping in Shampoo's arms
after returning from the bathroom, neither of them remembering how he'd
gotten their. At the breakfast table, both their faces had been flushed,
but with a tinge of green. The two of them were feeling rather under the
whether, Ukyou as well, but not to the same extent. Ranma seemed to be the
only one that wasn't bothered by all the alcohol from the night before, and
he had other things on his mind, more important than feeling queasy.
Ryouga's party had been Friday night, it was now tuesday and Ranma still
hadn't gotten a chance to speak to Akane, the few times she'd been home,
she'd either claimed she was tired and went to bed, or been with some
friends from school. Ranma needed to speak to her alone, he'd thought that
their relationship was going to go forwards because of what happened, but
the way Akane was avoiding him made him think the opposite might be true.
The fact that she working in a neighboring ward most of the day, meant he
spent most of his time replaying the event over and over in his mind,
trying to figure out what could be wrong.
Finally it hit him, he'd taken advantage of her drunken state, Kuno had
tried that on him, during the Romeo and Juliet play, and he hadn't been
that happy with it either. Ranma began sinking into despair, he moped
around the house all day, and didn't even try to speak to Akane when she
did show up, even if it was only to catch supper and the leave with some
friends. He really needed something to get his mind off it, and it showed up.
"Ranma.. " Ryouga started, as he was shown in by Kasumi.
"I needed a fight to get my mind off things, alright Ryouga let's go."
Ranma stood and walked into the yard. Ryouga followed but didn't seem
prepared for any violence.
"I didn't come to fight.. things are different now."
"How? .. C'mon let's go for a walk." Ranma led Ryouga out of the compound
and into the street. Walking side-by-side, finally Ranma continued. "So you
want to talk? That's all?"
"I've been thinking about it, and I've realized something. You're probably
my only friend.. So what's the point in killing you? I'd just be even more
lonely then I am now."
"God.. your even more depressed than usual.. What happened to the angry
'Die Ranma' person I know?"
"I really don't have any reason to hate you, the more I think about it the
more that's true."
"What about Jusenkyo? I cursed you to turn into someones pet.. or even
their meal! Aren't you angry at that, P-Chan?" Ranma was getting annoyed,
he'd actually been looking for a fight, anything to get his mind off
things, From Ryouga he expected one, not a long winded speech.
"If I hadn't followed you there, If you had been looking instead of
chasing your father. It was a bunch of mistakes, and It's almost ruined my
life.. But they were accidents. The only thing that's really kept me going
was Akane."
"Akane! That's right, don't you want to beat me to death and have Akane
for yourself?"
"No."
"Don't you even want to punish me for how badly I've treated her?"
"I've done enough, she can do it herself. When she decides she needs to."
"What if I told you I took advatange of her? Wouldn't you want to get
revenge?" 'This has got to work," Ranma thought, 'There's no way he can
stay calm after that.'
"I'd.. No.."
"On your birthday? Using a happy occasion for you, in order to get closer
to the love of your life? You sure you wouldn't want to kill me?"
"I already knew about that.. It's what I've been thinking about for the
past couple of days."
"You know!?!? How?"
"You'd be surprised at the things she mentions to her P-Chan.."
"Is she..?"
"Pissed as hell."
"Shit."
"At herself though.."
"What'd she do? It was me who was fondling her breasts!" Ranma glanced
around nervously as he realized just how loud he'd said that. Luckily no
one had heard, or if they did, didn't bother getting involved in someone
else's 'affairs'.
"She didn't say no. She is mad at you, but more at herself.. She was
crying, after she realized how little control she had, I think she's going
to take a bit more time to deal with it."
"I've been trying to talk to her.. but.."
"Ranma, just leave her be for a bit. You'll most likely get a chance this
weekend, one fo the few things she's spoken about aside from how angry she
is, is how much fun it'll be to get away from it when she goes to the
fireworks."
"Their on Friday night right?"
"Yeah, be sure not to make it worse... You know how you are.."
"Ryouga.. I can't believe I'm saying this.. but.. Thanks." Ranma reached
out his hand, "Friends?"
"We always were.." Ryouga said shaking his hand. "I've got to go.. I'll
see you around."
"Sure.. see you."
Ryouga walked away, Ranma watching his back, not seeing the tears start to
stream down Ryouga's face.
The Party's Over
Part 5
By: P-R-P-Chan
Ranma moved through the kata, seemingly lost in it, letting the movements
control him. Punch, block, turn, kick, turn, elbow.. He'd been doing the
same repetitions for the better part of three hours now, a serene look
masked his face, his eyes were slits, as if he were barely awake. No
acknowledgement came as Akane came in dressed for a workout. Punch, block,
turn. Akane turned and walked out. No words were spoken. Kick, turn, elbow,
punch, smack. Ranma collapsed, holding his ankle with both hands.
Ranma mentally played over the events of last week, again. It wasn't
supposed to be like this, It was.. The dull throb from his ankle yanked
Ranma back to reality. But only briefly. Akane.. He couldn't concentrate
around her anymore. He just wanted to apologize, to tell her how sorry he
was, to see if she wanted... Ranma stood up, a pained look on his face, and
limped off to the bathroom.
Akane scrubbed the soap over her body, cleaning, getting rid of the dirt,
washing away.. everything. Picking up the bath bucket, she doused herself
with cool water, rinsing herself clean. Maybe a bit too cold, her body
shivered, and her nipples stood out just.. just like..
The door to the furo slid open, as Ranma stepped in, clad only in a towel,
which was around his neck. Akane and Ranma appraised each other briefly.
Akane didn't get mad, Ranma didn't get embarassed.
"Sorry, I didn't know you were in here." It was the first time words had
passed between the two in almost a week. That was the end of the
conversation. Ranma walked out, closing the door behind him.
Ranma walked slowly along the road towards Ukyou's. She was the only one
he could talk to. It wasn't like Ukyou was his confidant, or his best
friend. Well possibly she was his only friend, but.. She was also his
fiancee. Not like that meant much, who knew how many girls his father had
engaged him too? No, he went to Ukyou for two reasons. She wasn't as
likely as some other people to go postal on him, and even more importantly,
she had a restaurant. Man was he hungry.
"What's wrong, Ranchan?" Ukyou asked as he took a seat in front of the
counter.
"Everything, Ukyou, Everything.."
"C'mon, it can't be that bad.. Here have a special." Ukyou passed a plate
to her fiancee, flipping a okonomiyaki into it.
"Miss? Excuse me wasn't that mine?" A customer asked, staring as Ranma
gloomily muched down on his food.
"Sorry, we're closed. Have a nice night!" Ukyou motioned for him to leave.
"But I just ordered, and.."
"I said get the hell out!" Ukyou shouted at him, drawing her giant combat
spatula from under the counter. After he'd left she turned back to Ranma,
who was looking at her very strangely.
'And this is the one I thought least likely to get violent?'
"Sorry about that. So tell me! Ranma, what's on your mind?"
"It's Akane." He said between bites, "We haven't spoken since Ryouga's
party.."
"The party were you told me that you loved her more than me?"
"Did I say that?" Ukyou nodded. "I didnt' mean it like that, It's just..."
"That you love her more than me... I've had a chance to think about it,
and I think I always knew.. But.."
"We aren't speaking right now.. you might still have a chance." Ranam
looked straight at her, "That was a joke."
"So I don't even have a chance anymore?"
"Don't twist my words around! You're as bad as Akane!" Ukyou let out a
small laugh.
"Ranchan, I.." It was going to be deep and meaningful, but Ranma interrupted.
"You wouldn't happen to have any sake around would you?"
Ukyou looked up, she wanted to just come out and way it, no matter how
cheesy it sounded. Yell out, 'I'll always be there for you!' But, she
didn't. Instead she pulled a bottle from the freezer and two cups from
behind her. Placing one in front of each of them, she filled Ranma's.
"You getting to like this stuff, Ranchan?"
"A bit, I always thought losing control would be something to be feared,
not enjoy." Ranma filled Ukyou's cup to the brim.
"Kampai." Ranma clicked his cup to Ukyou's and they both knocked the cups
back, the cool fluid running down the back of their throats. Ukyou filled
both their glasses again, not bothering further with tradition, and moved
to a booth where Ranma joined her.
"So are your going to tell me what this is about?"
"After this bottle.." Ranma put his cup up for another toast, and finshed
off another. Ukyou followed suit.
Ranma and Ukyou were halfway through the third bottle, when finally he
broached the subject.
"Last friday while we were watching the movie.. Me and.."
"You and Akane were snuggled up together like a bug in a rug.. and there I
was attached to Shampoo.. Do you think I might be gay?"
"What?" Ranma nearly lost his seat, almost spilling Ukyou from his lap.
"Just a joke, Ranchan.. just a joke. How could I ever want for anything
else." Ukyou's hand lazily drifted over Ranma's chest. "So what happened?"
"There we were, watching that movie, both of us too drunk to focus... and
I started.. well.. rubbing her.."
"Rubbing? What the hell's that supposed to mean?"
"Caressing her.."
"Anything like this?" Ukyou took Ranma's hand in both of hers, and slipped
it into her blouse.
"No.. just the side of her body.." Ranma showed her what he meant,
removing his hand from her shirt, and stroking Ukyou's find curves.
Ukyou's face closed in on Ranma's. "And that's all? Doesn't seem like
much.." She whispered into his ear.
"Then she told me she wouldn't be mad.. What a laugh..."
"That's Akane for you.. emotions like a jack in the box.."
"So I started.." Ranma ran his hand over her breast, feeling her through
her thin shirt.
"And she's angry about that? It's nothing.. nothing we're not doing.."
Ukyou was still whispering into Ranma's ear, her own hands roaming over his
chest.
"It bothered her.. It really did.. Ukyou I'm sorry..." Ranma removed his
hands from her front, bring her into an embrace.
"You don't have to be sorry, Ranchan. I'll always be here for you.."
"I shouldn't have..' Ukyou tried to hush him, but Ranma continued
nonetheless.
"I told you I loved you.. I shouldn't have.. not when my feelings for
Akane are so much stronger..."
"I understand.. can't say I like it.. but.."
"I'm so sorry.. I.. I shoudl really go..."
"Do you have to?" Ukyou lifted her head off his shoulder, facing him,
their lips nearly touching. Then they did. Passion overuled thought,
neither wanting to break the kiss, a sign of affection they both craved.
For Ranma, it was a sign of giving up, and reluctantly, slowly, he broke away.
"I'm sorry." Ranma stumbled out the door and into the night.
Ukyou sat in the booth for awhile, wishing she could have had more,
wishing that Ranma didn't have to leave, wishing he didn't love Akane.
Dejectedly she moved to clean up, but seeing the half empty bottle, decided
a few more drinks might be in order.
***
im reposting this for two reasons, it has been awhile since i posted
anything, and it was requested, normally i'd say go to my webpage, but
that's kinda down... Also requested was 'A Second Too Late' that i will..
when i get the next part done.. which means first i have to contact my
elusive counterpart (i think he moved to winnipeg now...) to see if he's ok
with it..
P-R-P-Chan
"Nihao Ranma! Shampoo come sit on face?"
The Ranma !/2 Fanfiction Archive
http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~prpchan/index.htm
P-R-P-Chan's Pathetic Little Place
http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~prpchan/little/index.htm
Soon to Come
http://www.fanfics.com
and
http://www.fanfics.net
Once they're both up, anyone is welcome to free hosting, and I'm also
going to need someone to take care of the non-ranma archives (i'm still
going to maintain the ranma one)