Disclaimer: Ranma and Co. are the liscensed trademarked copyrighted etc. of Takahashi and Co.

Chapter Six: A gun held to the little pig's head

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ranma awoke pretty early that Wednsday. He grumbled a bit, something about school and a bomb, but he reluctantly sat up, clearing his eyes and adjusting to the light. He never really like the morning. It usually meant school, and that was something he could do without. It always meant breakfast, which used to be a daily challenge with Akane always finding something to fight with him about. But that aspect of the morning was gone, thankfully. It made waking up that much more pleasant. But still..... there was just something about trudging around that early that bugged him.

He looked over to Jason, still sleeping soundly. Thank God he doesn't snore. Man, I envy that guy so much! I mean, he doesn't go to school, he plays music, which he seems to enjoy a lot, for a living.... What more could you ask for? He thought about it for a moment. Well..... He was all alone for a while, he says. I guess that can't be too pleasant, but still..... his life hasn't been all that hard, has it? He abandoned his train of thought. Too much strain in the morning hurt his brain. He slid open the door, and made his way downstairs.

He was greeted by the usual sight. Kasumi was getting breakfast ready, Genma and Soun had just broken out the playing board, and Nabiki and Akane had yet to arise. But another person was there, someone who usually wasn't, but wasn't all too unfamiliar anyways. Ryoga was sitting at the table, silent as ever. I forgot that he had showed up yesterday, but why's he in human form? Shouldn't he be in bed with Akane, as P-chan? The thought made him shiver. Not that I want him there, but that's where he is. He sat down next to his brooding friend.

"Yo, Ryoga, what's up?"

"Huh? Oh, good morning, Ranma. I was just thinking....."

"Jeez, man, don't need to be so solemn. Two zombies are enough for this house."

"Two zombies....?"

Ranma jerked a thumb over to the fathers. "Them, Ryoga."

"Oh, right." He smiled a little, and Ranma was glad to see he wasn't in a complete state of depression.

"So, uh, what were you thinking about?"

"Ah....... Akane."

"Don't you always, huh bud?"

Ryoga shook his head. "I know I should tell her, I know I should just end it now, but...... to tell someone something like that..... it's hard, Ranma."

"Yeah, yeah, I know how you feel. But ya know...... Akane and I..... we're practically a couple now...."

"So I heard." Ryoga turned to his friend. "What about it?"

"You're mad, aren't 'cha?"

"Yes, a bit."

Ranma frowned. "Don't lie to yourself, or to me. I can see right through you. You're pissed, and that's all right."

"I just wish...... there was something I could do..... something to make her change her mind....."

"You know..... I'm not the one to talk to. If you really want a chance...... you just have to go to Akane.... and tell her everything."

"But.... I can't......"

Ranma crossed his arms. "I give up. I told you all I can. You just gotta suck it up, and take it like a man." He leaned in a bit. "You know, Ryoga..... I ain't mad that you still are set on Akane. You know why?"

"No."

"Because you never told her how you feel. You never told her about P-chan. I told her everything. And that's what separates you and me. That's what really decided it. I'm sorry to say it, but you waited too long."

Ryoga started poking the floor, creating finger-sized holes all over the place. "Yeah......"

"Don't feel to bad, Ryoga, just tell her...... Tonight, we'll arrange it all....... I'll get us alone, just us three, and you'll do it. I'll help ya."

"Really, Ranma."

"Really." He looked over to the stairs. "Well, if it isn't the sleeping beauties."

Ryoga turned and saw Nabiki and Akane desending from the second story. Their hair was in two clumps, but they looked beautiful, all the same. Oh man, I can't tell her. I can't..... No. I gotta. Tonight, just like Ranma said, I'll do it. I'll do it!

"H-Hello, Akane."

"Oh, morning Ryoga. What brings you here?"

"I was..... just passing through...."

Akane gave him a little smile. "Somehow, I seriously doubt this was your destination."

Nabiki tossed her hair around, and took her place. "Yeah. Where do you really wanna be? Kyoto? Fuji? Okinawa?"

Ryoga scratched his head. "Ya know.... I don't really have anywhere specific I wanna go. I was just.... wandering."

A voice, new to Ryoga, echoed from above. "Well that's not very wise of you. No wonder you get lost all the time."

Ryoga leapt up, and faced the stranger. It's that guy! The one from yesterday! "You..... what are you doing here!?"

"Ryoga!" Akane chastised him loudly. "He is our guest, just like you! We took him in a few days ago. His name's Jason Vargas. Jason, this is...."

"Ryoga Hibiki. I've heard." He stepped in, and held his gaze at eye-level with Ryoga. "You've got some nerve, attacking random strangers off the street."

Ryoga wiped his nose. "You wanna make something of it?"

"Yo, Ryoga, cool it. He's a cool guy, man."

"Oh really?"

Ranma sighed, letting Ryoga to his stare-down. Jason turned away, and sat down next to Nabiki. She eyed him suspiciously, but turned away after a bit. Ryoga snorted, then sat back down beside Akane.

"So, Akane..... I hear that you and Ranma are..... well......"

Akane bit her lip. Oh, no. I hope he doesn't feel too hurt. Ranma said he had a crush on me, but.... I don't think he'll be as easy to cheer up as Ukyo. He's got a history of depression. She thought back to the time he almost destroyed Ranma, using the Lion's Roar ki blast repeatedly.

"Ryoga......."

Ryoga shook his head. "No, no, don't worry about me. I..... I wanna talk to you, later. Just me, you, and Ranma. In private. Please?"

She looked into his begging eyes. "How could I refuse?"

Ryoga smile, and Ranma lifted his tea cup to hide his own grin. The little coot. He's not gonna have so much trouble with this after all.

Jason and Nabiki, meanwhile, were quietly talking, holding their own private little conversation.

"Yes, Nabiki?"

"What do you mean, yes? You've got some nerve, showing me up like that."

"To show somebody up, there needs to be witnesses. Tell me, just who saw our little.... exchange?"

"Hmph. All right, Jason, you've got some gut. But how long can you last?"

"Long enough."

"I seriously doubt it." She pulled a little slip of paper out of her shirt.

"And just where were you hiding that?"

Nabiki sneered. "In my own, special hiding place. But that's beside the point." She fingered the paper. "Have you ever heard of blackmail?"

"Ha. What're you gonna do, close the shop?"

"I very well could."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

He squinted at her. She showed no break in her composure, but Jason could sense otherwise. She's bluffing. But..... I'll play along. Wonder what she's got in mind....

"Okay, then. Name you're terms."

Nabiki placed her finger on his nose. "I want you -" She pointed to herself, " - to take me -" she turned the finger to the door, " - out. Your treat."

"Is that all?"

Nabiki's grin grew wider. "That was all, but since you insisted...... I want you to take me someplace...... Romantic."

Jason almost repeated his previous statement, but thought better of it. "Fine. I take you out to dinner, take you somewhere special, and in return..."

"Are you joking? Honey, you don't get anything except my affection." She placed the paper back where it came from. "And of course, you keep your precious store."

"I would say thank you, but....."

"Why not? It is good manners, after all."

"Heh. You keep your manners, and I'll keep my promise. Deal?"

"Technically, we never promised anything......"

"Oh, quit BS'n me. Deal?"

She didn't answer, only ran her nailed finger around his ear, and tugged at the collar of his shirt a bit. Then, she finished her meal quickly, and left to go get ready for school. No one had noticed the little exchange, and the other two school kids departed for school soon after. Jason quietly ate, contemplating. Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky. I don't doubt her intellegence. Her motives, however..... are a bit....... questionable. He allowed himself a quick grin. Not that I don't mind her motives. They are a bit.... suggestive, but what can a little date hurt? He finished his meal as well, leaving Ryoga to watch him depart.

Hm. Jason, huh? I don't like him. He makes my skin crawl. I'll have to talk with him as well. Just what purpose does he have, staying here?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason lounged on the counter, furiously strumming a guitar he had found while rummaging around the shop. He had left soon after breakfast, and wanted to get his shop ready for business as soon as possible. Fortunately for him, the old man that previously owned it was a very neat man. The merchandise lists were carefully sorted into file cabinets, and past transactions were all kept on record. Shipment purchases gave Jason a nice picture of who dealt what at what prices, and there were even a few charts that showed the most popular sales. Man, this guy had it organized. He knew what was going on. It'll be hard following this guy's dedication. But I sure as hell will try.

He began by inspecting some of the instruments. Many were in mint condition, but Jason spotted a few that had either missing or bent pieces. Luckily, the store had its own workshop in the back, complete with power tools, workbenches, and schematics. All Jason would have to do is order the parts, and he could install them himself. He was quite pleased, with the place, and tried something to occupy himself with some advertising. He propped open the door, whipped out a 12-string acoustic guitar, laid himself onto the counter, and began playing. He heard people stop and listen, as he struck up a fairly fast blues solo. He relaxed, as he let his hands and ears play the music, while his mind nearly went on auto-pilot.

After a few minutes, he heard someone step it. He stopped playing, and laid the guitar onto the case that was on the floor. He swiveled around to look at his first customer, and his hopes fell when he saw Ryoga, shutting the glass door behind him. He leaned up against the door frame, and eyed Jason with a grin.

"You play quite the song, Jason."

"I'm glad you approve."

"Nah, I don't know anything about music. It just sounded good. But I'm not here to discuss technique with you."

"Should I be shaking in my boots?"

"No, you should be listening."

"Anytime pal."

Ryoga tapped his foot, and gathered himself for the questions. "What business, exactly, do you have at the Tendo dojo?"

"My own."

"And that would be..?"

"A friendly one. They took me in when they found me on the street. I've just recently moved to Nerima, but with nowhere to stay, I was searching for an inn in an unknown town. I was weary from a concert I had given, when I collapsed in front of their house. They took kindly on me, and I've been with them since last Saturday."

"Hmm. Interesting. You seem to be on quite good terms with Ranma."

"Yeah, we're buddies. In fact..... You could say that I'm the one to hook Ranma and Akane up."

Ryoga rushed up, and met him with an angry stare. "Don't lie. They've had feelings for each other since I met the Tendos. Don't play with me...."

"I'm not. I did get them together. Ranma had hurt Akane's feelings, from some incident after school, if I recall. She was crying in her room. I was the one that ushered Ranma into Akane's room, during her time of need. Logical conclusions can be drawn as to what happened next..."

Ryoga's eyes grew wide. "Don't tell me...... that they.... they've......"

"No. Don't get any ideas. They're relationship is still young. But Ranma finally expressed his feelings to Akane, and she accepted with arms wide open."

"So..... that's what Ranma meant. He was able to tell her before I was." He clenched his fists. A vein popped out from his neck. "And this was your doing?"

"So what if it was....?"

Ryoga's eyes were glowing red with his rage. "You don't understand.... what Akane was to me..... I will not let her go..... And I will punish those people that stand in my path."

Jason reached his right hand under his jacket, and gripped his pistol. "Don't get any ideas. Take whatever grudge you have to the dojo. Not here. Not in my store."

Ryoga smiled. It was predatory, evil. "And what if I don't? Are you threatening me with that pea shooter of yours?"

He pulled it out, and held if level with Ryoga's eye. "I can still do damage." He lowered his voice. "And Akane wouldn't approve."

That was the last straw for Ryoga. With a yell, he spun on his heal, and smacked open the door. With a snarl, he called to Jason as he walked away.

"You know nothing! Not of me, and not of Akane! You're meddling in my affairs will be cut short, Jason!"

Jason watched him wander off down the street. Hmph. I wonder if he can even find his way home.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

School ended, with nothing noteworthy happening. Ranma and Akane were generally more accepted as a couple, but a few people still had their doubts. Kuno, as always, never gave up, but that was routine for the two. They dispensed of him, tossing him into the pool, and walked away briskly. Actually, Akane was the one who wanted to get home soon. Kasumi had planned her first cooking lesson for this afternoon. Akane was to cook the rice for the meal. At first, Akane was reluctant to start with something so basic, but Kasumi insisted.

"To be a good cook, you need to have patience. Even an experienced person such as myself can always use a good refresher in the basics. We'll start from the very bottom. I want you to try and forget everything you ever learned, because what I'm going to show you is everything you'll need to know. Okay, Akane?"

Akane had agreed, and so she hurried home, Ranma in tow, to start her first lesson.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason had locked up for the evening. He wanted to stay longer, as he had noticed that more customers were stopping by later on in the day, but he remembered his date with Nabiki, and with a grin, he wondered why she acted the way she did. Why did she go through that whole act with the blackmail thing, just to get me to ask her out? I mean, she could've just asked.......... No. She's not like that. She never likes to speak her mind directly. I don't understand why, but she likes to do things her way. She like to stay in control. I guess if she had actually asked for one, it would seem like a move on her part, and not mine. She doesn't want to admit that she want to go out. But that's okay. It's one reason why I'm so attracted to her, I suppose. He walked down the street, hands in his pockets. He felt the holstered pistol rubbing against his side. What do I tell her about that? It's not like it can kill anybody.... not with these loaded in. He thought back to his case, which held several sharp-edged bolts. They could kill a person if an artery was struck. But those could not be loaded into a clip, like the BB's could. You had to manually insert each bolt. That's okay. It's not like I really need those. But..... you can never be too prepared. Sides, I never pull those out. I only have ever had to use BB's. I don't think she'll mind. But still....... He realized that there was a bad history of keeping secrets with the Tendos and the Saotomes. I'll tell her, tonight.

He arrived home, and saw that Ranma and Ryoga were sparring in the yard. He and Ryoga locked eyes for a moment, but Jason continued on, and Ryoga kept up his excersise with Ranma. Jason looked over at Soun and Genma, who were drinking some sake and watching a concert on TV. I wonder if Nabiki told anyone yet. He spotted a crack in the door, and saw that Akane was helping Kasumi in the kitchen. Huh. I wonder what Akane's doing in there. Ranma told me she was dangerous with herbs and spices. I guess I should be grateful we're not eating here tonight. He made his way up the stairs, and looked over at Nabiki's room. It was closed, and a small 'Do Not Disturb' Post-It was stuck to the door. Do Not Disturb? She must be getting ready. I hope she isn't planning anything too fancy.... Cause I don't have any thing like that. It's not me. He entered his room, and sat down in front of his case. He opened it, and pulled open one of the few sliding compartments. He found his only dress shirt, a brown silk button-down with a black spiderweb design runnning down from the right shoulder and flaring out at the bottom of the left torso. Still pretty casual, but with a black pair of slacks and my jacket, it'll look fine. Besides... He grinned to himself ... I don't think Nabiki would like it if I dressed uncomfortably. And real dress stuff is SO uncomfortable.... He slipped on his slacks, took off the holster, and donned his shirt. Not too bad.... He glanced down at the gun. Why not? He strapped on the leather piece, arranging it so that rested on his left breast. Nabiki won't see it there, and if she hugs me or gets close, she won't feel it. He covered it with the heavy jacket, and took a peek at himself in the mirror. Not too bad, not too bad. I wonder what she's wearing. Something revealing, for sure. That girl has no shame.

He left the room, and walked back over to Nabiki's room. I can hear her moving around. She must not be ready yet. He knocked anyways, and she responded kind.

"Can't you read the sign?"

"No."

"Ha. You're a funny guy."

"Nope."

"Oh, shut up."

"No."

She opened the door, and the sight made Jason step back, just a bit. Nabiki's dress was stunning. It was an incredible crimson red, V-cut at the chest, and cut high on the legs. It had only one long sleeve, on the right side, and her right hand was gloved similarly. All in all, simple, but very effective. Crap. She must have known. She knew I would go casual, and she went pretty high fashion in response. Damn, she's gorgeous. Why did she have to dress like that?

"So, with you're meager budget, where do you plan on going?"

Now that, Jason had covered. He had talked with one of his employers earlier, and the manager had gladly secured a spot for them in a very nice club. Nabiki would fit right in. In fact, Jason would be the one sticking out, as most of the other patrons wore tuxedoes. But he didn't care. High culture didn't concern him now. The girl standing next to him did.

"Oh, just some dingy little bar off the corner of the store's street. You'll hate it."

"Try me."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Akane had watched Kasumi carefully, as she prepared the first batch of rice as a demonstration. Akane was to observe, and see exactly Kasumi did that made her so good. Kasumi was methodical, presice, and un-erring, but she moved so quickly that Akane sometimes lost her hands in a blur. In no time at all, Kasumi was holding out a steaming bowl of rice. Akane hung her head. I barley caught any of that. This is gonna be harder than I thought....

"All right, Akane, your turn."

Akane calmed her nerves, and remembered the steps Kasumi took to prepare her rice. First, pour two cups of rice into the pot. She was about to reach in the jar and scoop out the uncooked rice, when Kasumi touched her atop her head. Akane turned, to see Kasumi smiling, but shaking her finger.

"Huh? But..."

"One key to cooking is to always measure out your ingredients first. That way, you don't have to measure during the actual cooking process. You have to lay everything out first, and then begin cooking. Chop everything first, measure anything first, and beat together anything first before letting anything touch the stove."

Oh, I see. Yes, that makes sense. And as Akane did this, Kasumi watched with pride. Oh, look, that already makes her ten times better.....

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ranma and Ryoga moved into the dojo when it got too cold to spar outside anymore. Ryoga really had some frustration and nervousness to work off, and he really gave Ranma a run for his money. They were both panting hard when Ranma called a time-out.

"Whoa, Ryoga, take it easy. Ya don't wanna faint before you ever get to talk to Akane."

"Yeah, I know. I'm just...... I'm just so nervous about it. Finally telling her I'm P-chan, and all......"

"Look, don't worry about it. She takes it how she takes it. You know it only gets worse if you put it off longer, and it would be lying to her if you never told her at all. It's a lose-lose thing here. Just tell her now, and get it over with."

"Right. Ranma.......... Thanks for everything. You don't know how much this means to me."

"Sure I do. I went through the same thing. Only......... she was available when I talked to her. You, on the other hand............. I just wish......."

"No, Ranma. I.......... I can get over her. I'm not worried about you two now. That's already done and done. I already know that my chances with Akane have disappeared. But..... I just don't want her to be sick with me when she finds out that I'm P-chan, the one who's........... who's been sleeping in her bed. Will she call me a pervert? Or worse?"

"Of course she will. But she's called me a pervert for the past two years, and look where we are now. She'll forgive you, Ryoga. It'll take time though. Time and patience."

"Ha. Too true." He looked over at the bucket of water. "There it is, Ranma. The key to it all. I'm gonna show her, finally, who I really am." He walked over to the bucket, and hefted it up. "The bane of my existence, cold water." He held it over his head, and pretended to pour it ceremoniously. "I will finally be free of this guilt!"

Ranma chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, hold your horses. Not yet, or else we're gonna have to change ya back before Akane gets here. Just where is she, anyways?"

"Oh, boys! I have something for you to try."

Ranma cocked an eyebrow. "Something to try...?"

Akane walked into the dojo, and held out her steaming bowl of rice, with two spoons sticking out the sides.

Ranma and Ryoga threw up their hands in horror.

"A-Akane? Dear? Please don't tell me you cooked that..."

"Oh, shut up! Kasumi helped me, the whole way! I'm sure it'll be good, it's just rice!"

"Yeah. It's real easy to say when - "

Dink. Splash. Bwee?

Ranma heard these noises, and his blood froze. No.... don't tell me.... did Ryoga.... drop the bucket?

He in fact had. The bucket was now rolling lazily around, empty save for a few drops. A pile of yellow and black clothes was lying wet on the ground where Ryoga had stood. And in front of the pile, sitting damp, wide-eyed, was P-chan.

"Oh, no, Ryoga, you had ta drop it now! Jeez...."

Akane dropped the bowl, and it crashed onto the floor loudly. The rice spilled everywhere. Ryoga......... P-chan......... Water.......... Jusenkyo?

"Ryoga...... you too?"

P-chan nodded.

"That means......... oh, Ryoga........ why...........?" And then Akane fell to the floor, unconsious.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nabiki marveled at the club's interior, which contrasted sharply with it's dark outside. The sign Green Flair was blinking steadily in neon brightness, indicating a shabby place. Crap. Jason was right. Why did he bring me to a dinky little.... When they stepped inside, it took her breath away. Warmly lit booths extended on to the left and right of the entrance. A few ushers waited around, welcoming them, and showing them around. The carpeted middle path led down a few steps to a circular lounge, with tables scattered around the perimiter. A large dance floor was lit up brightly, and a few spotlights helped to make it stand our from the shadowed tables. They made their way to their booth, which was not as dark as the lounge tables, but still gave off a secretive, private aura. They had a good view of the dance area, and of the performing band on stage.

"Wow. For a dinky little bar, it's got style."

"I knew you would approve."

Nabiki took a seat, and Jason followed suit. The waiter there took their orders of a wine cooler and a root beer. They were brought out quickly. Jason eyed Nabiki's drink.

"You drink those often?"

"Oh, please, there's barely alchohol in these kind anyways. It's the flavor that counts."

Jason shook his head, and drained half his mug quickly. He let out a long sigh, as the sting from the carbonation burned down his throat.

"Impressive. Do you drink?"

Jason looked at his mug. "I can. When you go on the road, even for just two years, with the crowd I had, the places I saw.... you learn things."

"Oh, c'mon." She took a sip. "A little drink here, a little drink there, it can't hurt."

"But for us.... it wasn't like that. We ordered bottles by the dozen. Scotch, bourbon, whiskey, gin and tonic....... you name it, I've had it."

"Wow. Quite a lot."

"Like I said, it was the crowd. The experience."

Nabiki looked at him thoughtfully. "Tell me, which was your favorite."

"What?"

"Which drink did you like best? C'mon, it's not like they tasted bad, or else you wouldn't have drank."

"...... Whiskey."

"Oooh, the man's drink."

"Don't take it lightly."

"Oh, you're too uptight. You need to relax. That's what tonight is for."

Jason looked up at her. She was mindlessly twirling her glass, looking out to the dance floor. The band was playing a nice Latin tune, slow and smooth, but Nabiki didn't make a move. Hm. She wants to dance, but....

"Not this song?"

Nabiki shook her head. "No. Not this one."

Jason took another gulp of his root beer, almost completely finishing it, then scooted over closer to Nabiki. She seemed to pay no mind. I wonder what kinda song she's waiting for. He looked up at the band. They look pretty good. Maybe they know a few good ones.... He racked his braind for ideas. C'mon, what kinda song would a person like Nabiki want? A serious tune, but not mushy. Sad. She'll want a sad song. It made him feel a bit down himself. Why does she want a sad song? It's our night out, she should want to kick back, and enjoy, like she's been telling me to.

"You're such a hypocrite."

Nabiki eyed him. I finally got her attention. "What?"

"Here you are, telling me to relax, to enjoy, and here you are just staring aimlessly at the floor. You're looking for a song, but you won't tell me which."

"Would telling you matter?"

Jason frowned a bit at her tone. "Nabiki........ what's wrong?"

She sighed, and put her glass down. "Have you ever had that feeling, where you're not quite sure what to do?"

"What sort of situation?"

"Life, Jason, the whole kauhna. Ever since Mom died............ Life's been sorta lonely. I had my sisters, I had my dad, and that was good, for a while. But I started to miss the old days. You know, I had lots friends, lots of people to talk to, before Mom died. After that........"

"You just didn't feel like being a friendly person anymore."

"That's it exactly. What with Kasumi becoming the designated housewoman, and Akane still young with school, Dad sorta broke down. He lost all his students, and it's been a struggle ever since."

"You felt...... obliged to make money for the family."

"Before I knew it...... money became second-hand to me. I didn't have to think about it, I just took advantage of every opportunity I got."

Jason placed one elbow onto the table, and rested his head on his hand, facing Nabiki. "Do you feel regretful about it all?"

"No. I don't. I feel very proud that I helped out the family like I did. I just.......... I just miss my mother. If she hadn't died......... "

"Then life would have been totally different for you. I understand."

Nabiki glared at him. "No, you don't. You don't know what it's like. We had it hard, Jason, we had it real rough. I'm not complaing for me, but for all of us. Even Akane, before Ranma came, had to deal with so much pressure from the guys at school. She hated it, and every day she told us that she hated it. Kasumi stays at home, and rarely gets out. She does everything in thr house, cooking and cleaning and whatever else needed to be done. She doesn't have many people to talk to, either. And Father..... he loved Mom so much......... You have no idea what we've been through."

Nabiki turned away, and listened to the band again. That jerk. Trying to say that he understand. That he can sympathize. Look at his life, he......... Nabiki suddenly realized that she knew nothing about his life. The one time she had asked, he clammed up like a shell. Maybe he'll tell me here, now. She turned to him, but he was nowhere to be found. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jason making his way over to the band. What's he think he's doing? He climbed up on stage, and whispered something to one of the band members. Then, he hopped off, and made his way back over to Nabiki. Instead of taking his seat, he grabbed her hand, and pulled over to the dance stage.

"Hey! What are you doing!?"

"You wanted to dance, right?"

"I never said anything about..."

"I saw it in your eyes. You were staring down here like you were starved."

"And you presume to pull me down without asking me what sort of song I want?"

"You wanted a slow, waltzy type tune."

"Nice guess."

"I picked something completely different."

"Oh, genius. That wins the Noble Prize for sure."

"Funny." The band began yelling out a chorus, and with the bass player starting it off, a fast-paced Latin beat was formed.

"I'll never go back to Georgia, I'll never go back to Georgia....."

"And just what the heck is this?"

"One of my favorites. C'mon, dance with me."

"You must be joking."

"Now that's the Nabiki I know. You coming or not?"

She sighed, but reluctantly stepped out with Jason onto the floor. Cheers quickly followed, as many other couples joined them. There was no set of steps anyone followed. Each group took up a different style. Jason and Nabiki started a twirling, twisting rythym that matched the song's energy. The rest of the instruments joined in, and the volume increased dramatically. Jason and Nabiki clasped hands, and spun in unison as a trumpet blasted out the beginnings of a high-pitched solo. The two teens stretched their arms out, then pulled each other close, until their faces nearly touched, and then spread back out again. They repeated this move for a while, letting their heads level out from the spinning, and enjoying the company. Both Jason and Nabiki had loosened up greatly, and Nabiki was even smiling. Jason was laughing loudly, reveling in the tune, and Nabiki's company. As the beat changed to a snappy swing beat, they changed into a waltz position, but instead of waltzing, they swayed around, forward and backwards, side to side. Several pairs followed suit, confused at the sudden change in the song. It change back soon after, and Jason and Nabiki went back to the whirling dervish dance they had been performing before. The song ended on a high, dramatic finish, which lasted a minute at least. The whole club roared in applause, as the upbeat song was the best all evening. Jason and Nabiki were breathing heavily, and walked over to their table. Two more drinks, the same as before, were ordered, and the teens rested a bit to catch their breath.

When Nabiki had steadied her breathing, she shifted over to Jason's side, and held his hand. "You know, you dance pretty well, for someone who doesn't know how to dance."

"Was it that obvious?"

"No. You actually did pretty well, but you don't dance much, do you?"

"Are you kidding?" He chuckled. "I don't dance EVER."

"Then why the heck did you insist on picking that song of all songs?"

"I wanted.......... I wanted to cheer you up. It is, after all, your night out."

"OUR night out."

He grinned. "Heh. I guess."

"I guess we really shouldn't discuss such things here."

"I agree." The drinks had arrived, and they clinked their glasses together in a toast. "To something."

"How about us?"

"Coming from me? It would of sounded..... Romantic, or something."

"Yeah. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

"From me? Trust me, I don't do romantics."

"Really? Amuse me, then."

"You're a funny girl."

"I get it from you."

"Maybe."

They joked around for a few more minutes, enjoying the company, the relaxed atmosphere. Jason was quite pleased that Nabiki had gotten rid of her solemn mood. Tonight's not the night for that. Maybe some other time. Maybe later.

After about half an hour, a small group of men made their way up the steps, and approached the couple briskly. Jason had spotted them a while back, eyeing them, but he dissmissed them easily, thinking that they were soley attracted to Nabiki. He was partially right.

"Hey, man, nice girl you got there." The front man, obviously the ringleader of the three, spoke up in a deep, gruff voice.

"She isn't for sale."

"Ha. I wasn't planning on paying."

"Then I suggest you take yourselves elsewhere."

"Oooh, big threat comin' from a little man. Listen, punk, I don't think you quite realize what a prize ya got there. I want her."

"I don't think she'd go with you anyways."

The aggressor leaned over and tried to place his hand under Nabiki's chin, but she moved away. "Foxy. I'd make her come with us."

Jason hopped up on to the table, drew his pistol, dropped down on one knee, and aimed the gun squarely at the man's head, knocking over his mug on the way up. The men stumbled back in surprise, and the two henchmen left without much resistance. The remaining thug stood stock still, shaking in his boots.

"Get the hell out of my face. My finger's starting to itch." Jason watched as the man scurried away, tripping over himself repeatedly. He sighed, and reholstered the pistol. He got down from the table, and stood up in front of Nabiki. Her eyes had turned very emotionless, and she was staring up at his face. It was a little unnerving to see her sudden change of mood. Jason held out his arm, and said, "Let's go."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They walked silently, arm in arm, away from the club. For about ten minutes, neither one of them said anything, as Jason led them to the city outskirts. They arrived at a park on the edge of town, high up on a hill overlooking the city. Jason and Nabiki stood, still not saying anything. Jason wanted to explain why he had the pistol, and was finally about to speak up, when Nabiki reached into his jaket and pulled out the gun for herself. She pointed it at the ground and fired. She inspected it carefully.

"BB's?"

"So what?"

"That was quite an act you played, Jason. For a second there, I almost wanted to think you were serious. BB's?"

He shrugged. "Well, it does the same job as real bullets. I protect myself with it. It's not like I wanna really hurt somebody."

"That was a bit of a surprise, coming from you. Why didn't you tell me you had a pistol?"

"I didn't think it was that big a deal."

"Well it's not, seeing as how they're just BB's." She placed the gun back into his jacket, but didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she wrapped it around his side, and cuddled close to him. Jason noticed that a slight breeze was picking up. He removed his jacket, and placed it over Nabiki's shoulders. She didn't say anything, only looked out to the city, who's lights were bright and lovely.

"You know........ I can come here and see the city anytime I want. I do see it frequently, in fact."

"Then why aren't you complaining about it."

"Because.......... it's different, here, with you. Somehow, it seems more........"

"Special?"

She looked over at him. His eyes were staring out at the expanse of Nerima. Although not a large city, there was a simple beauty about it that pleased the eye. Nabiki saw this in his eyes, his stare, his expression. He really like it here. I'm glad. She squeezed him a little bit harder. I'm really, really happy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN: Long chapter. Well, that took a while. I got stuck a few times, what with school and more school taking up all my free time. But it was a good chapter. Now, for the past few chapters, Jason has been the focus of my story. This is really the last chapter for that. In fact, I have decided to make this story into two separate 'books'. It will be on the same story, but next chapter will be the end of this particular book.

This chapter, if you were watching close, contained two songs. Double Whammie!!! The first, when Jason was strumming in his shop, was not actually a song. Supposedly, it was a 12-string acoustic guitar solo by Stevie Ray Vaugh, and recorded for MTV. Just search '12-String Guitar Solo' on Kazaa, and you should find it. If not, tweak the wording a bit. I assure you, its' there.

The second is the song Jason requests that the band play. It's a song called 'Manteca', and the best version is a Miles Davis live performance. It's a great song.