Ryoga looked up at the stars in the early evening sky. He'd been wandering for over a week now, still not quite sure how he'd gotten lost on the way to the bathroom in the Tendo home. He was usually so good at finding it. He was just glad he'd stumbled back into the guest room after an hour to get his things. He had suspected another long journey was about to happen back then.
Sighing, Ryoga took a look around at his surroundings. He was in a large city that looked like it could be Tokyo, but he just wasn't sure. He felt like he'd been here before though.
As usual on his long travels, the lost boy's thoughts drifted to his supposed love. "Dear Akane, why must we be forced apart like this?" Ryoga asked himself. He looked back at the stars, the same stars Akane could be gazing upon. "When we meet again, I just know I'll finally find the courage to tell you my true feelings."
Deep in his heart, beyond his feelings for Akane, another emotion swelled. He was met with memories of his time with Akari, and felt a strain in his chest. He didn't want to hurt Akari, and certainly did feel something for her.
"I'm sorry, Akari," he whispered. "But if I am brought back to Akane, surely it must be fate."
Ryoga steeled himself to commit to his declaration and continued to walk through the city streets. He didn't know where he was, or how long it would take him to get where he was going. He only knew what he wanted to do when he got there, with no thought given to anything else.
Ranma ½: Limitless
By: OmegaGear
Chapter XIV: Desire
Ranma got off the train and looked around. If everything was going as planned, Akane wouldn't be far behind her, probably only a train or two back. That allowed her some time to be sure.
While she hadn't felt Ku at all during the short train ride to the next district over from Nerima, Ranma didn't want to take any chances. She felt the air around her, reaching with all of her senses. Nothing. There was no ice, or feeling of foreboding.
"I guess he really doesn't suspect anything," Ranma said to herself.
Ranma looked at the thermos in her hand and decided that everything was going to work out. She left the train station and continued on her way at a brisk jog. While she hadn't been to this district much, she still had a handle on where she wanted to go. It wasn't long before she reached the park.
Ranma looked at the gate entrance to the park and a cart next to it. The cart was full of flowers, and a man standing by it was holding a few, calling out to people passing by to purchase one.
Ranma walked up to the cart and at the various different flower arrangements and single flowers. She remembered how happy Akane had looked the last time she'd received flowers in the park. It was a memory so important to Ranma, she'd gotten a photo of it so she'd never forget.
"It couldn't hurt," Ranma said, and picked out a single rose.
"Good evening, miss," the man by the cart smiled. He thought it was a bit unusual for a girl to be buying a rose, but didn't want to offend a potential customer. "A single rose is 500 yen."
"Okay," Ranma fished through her pocket for her money clip. She got out a 500 yen bill and handed it to the man.
"Thank you, miss," the man took the money, and the rose. He placed the stem in a plastic sleeve and returned it to Ranma. "Good luck."
"Er, thanks," Ranma stammered and took the rose.
She walked into the park and took a look around. The park was quiet this particular evening, which pleased Ranma. The fewer people that were around, the better. She really was worried it'd be full of people with it being a Friday night, and the first night after the end of the school year.
After a few minutes of walking around, Ranma found the fountain she'd been looking for. The small fountain was in a clearing in the park surrounded by benches and a couple of lamp posts to illuminate the area. The area was romantic by anyone's standards, but Ranma had a different reason for choosing this spot tonight. She needed the cold water nearby.
Ranma took a look around, noticing several couples in the area. They were all lost in their own little worlds, not paying the lone girl any mind. She left them to their privacy, looking for a spot with no one. After a short search, she found a bench off the pathway of the park with no one near it.
While the bench was a ways from the pathway, there was a lamp post by it. Ranma found the location curious, and bent down when she noticed some writing on the front of the bench.
This bench is in dedication to those who may think they are lost.
May you all find what you're searching for at this very spot, like we did.
"Heh... cute," Ranma said to herself. It was a little too much of a coincidence for her, but she didn't dwell on it. She sat down on the bench and juggled the thermos in one hand while she gently held the rose in the other. She hoped Akane got there soon.
- x -
Akane sat nervously as the train took her from Nerima to the neighboring district. While the note written by Ranma simply told her to meet him at a certain spot, Akane was already certain she knew what was going on.
Ranma had told her she might get to see him as a guy today when they separated last night. She'd completely forgotten about it because of exams and speaking to Cologne, but now she was anxious at the possibility.
Akane watched the city pass by as the train moved along its tracks. She drifted off and stared blankly as her thoughts focused on her fiancé. They still had a long way to go in coming to terms with everything that'd happened. Akane thought that she especially needed to address her conflicting feelings over Ranma's cursed form. She was also troubled by her inability to tell Ranma she loved him. Every time she tried, her voice just seemed to lock up.
Akane sighed at her failure to do what she wanted to the most. In the past, she'd convinced herself if Ranma ever declared such feelings for her that she'd be ready to say the same. As it turns out, that was just a fairy tale in her mind. In reality, she had hurdles to get over.
The conductor announced Akane's stop, and she stood up as the train slowed to a halt. She got off the train and recognized where she was. It would only be a short walk to the park that Ranma had indicated, but she wasn't sure what fountain he was talking about.
Akane walked to the park and began her search for the fountain. She assumed that it'd be in a clearing along the path, so she stuck to the walkway, rather than going over the grass.
It was a nice park, she thought while glancing around. The lamp posts illuminated the trees and grass with golden light, which had a beautiful glow against the night sky. It seemed to be a popular place for couples, as Akane spotted quite a few of them as she walked around by herself. She started to feel a little self conscious as a few noticed her. She hoped she found Ranma soon.
To Akane's delight, she came upon a fountain in a clearing surrounded by benches. She figured this must be it, and tried to spot Ranma nearby.
"Where could he be?" Akane asked out loud as she scanned the surrounding area. There were a few couples spread out along the benches, but no sign of Ranma, be it his girl or guy form.
Akane was a little frustrated that Ranma was nowhere to be seen. She didn't think a park of this size would have two fountains, so this had to be it. She talked around it once, looking along the area as she went, but still nothing.
Ranma watched Akane looking for her with a slightly amused smirk. She looked kind of cute the way she looked around a little nervously. Ranma didn't blame her for not seeing where she was right away and took pity on her. She kicked a small stone towards her, hoping the sound would get her attention.
Akane turned to the sound of a stone bounding off the ground behind her. She saw the small rock rolling towards her and looked up to where it'd come from once it stopped. Sure enough, there was Ranma in her red vest, sitting on a bench by a lamp post off the main pathway.
"Ranma!" Akane called as she ran over to the redhead on the bench.
"Hey," Ranma hid the rose behind her and stood up as Akane reached her. "You made it."
Akane nodded and looked at Ranma with obvious apprehension. She saw the thermos in Ranma's hand, and realized she had been right.
"So, exams go okay and everything?" Ranma asked.
"Er, yeah!" Akane answered. She thought it was strange that Ranma would ask that randomly, and eyed the thermos again.
Ranma saw Akane looking at the thermos and grinned. She tossed it into the air and caught it. "Expecting somethin?" she asked.
Akane didn't know how to respond to Ranma's teasing. She wanted to smack her, yell at her, but she also wanted her to just pour the damn water on her head. "Stop teasing me," she said softly.
"Hmm, I dunno. I kinda like this new side to you," Ranma smirked and spun the thermos on her finger. She enjoyed the look on Akane's face. It was adorable, although she'd never tell her that.
Akane growled at the possible insult and grabbed the thermos from Ranma's hand. She unscrewed the top and handed it back to her. "Just do it," she demanded.
"Alright, alright," Ranma took the thermos and turned around. "Just a few minutes," she said and poured the still hot water over her head slowly.
Akane watched wistfully as the water changed Ranma back into a man. She'd seen it hundreds of times before, but this time it took her breath away. Just the sight of him made her legs feel weak.
Ranma was unaware of the effect he was having on Akane, since his back was turned to her the entire time. He put down the thermos and picked up the rose he'd bought her before turning around. When he did, he lifted the flower to her and smiled. "It's not as many as last time," he said apologetically.
Akane took the rose and smiled. She'd never known Ranma to be so sweet, at least, not unless he had some other reason to be. Even the last flowers he'd gotten for her were part of some scheme to exact revenge on Nabiki. This time, she knew it was just for her, and the gesture made her feel wonderful.
"Thank you, Ranma," Akane said. She stepped forward and hugged him tightly. She immediately felt Ranma's warmth, and sighed against his chest. Everything felt perfect again.
Ranma flinched when Akane suddenly hugged him, just like last time. He recovered after a second and wrapped his arms around her, soaking in how soft she felt when held against him. He leaned down and inhaled her lavender scent.
He'd never paid attention to her whenever he had held her before, but now he was noticing every little detail. He was surprised at how small and gentle she felt in his arms. She was nothing like the uncute, wide bodied tomboy he'd made her out to be. Instead, she was as much a girl as anyone else, and a more amazing one in his mind.
Ranma had been thinking about what he was going to do this time, since he had planned things. Those plans were getting clouded by his desires though. He drifted deeper into the hug and started to rub Akane's back slowly. Akane let out an approving moan to Ranma's touch and did the same to him. She pulled herself against him and rubbed her cheek against his chest. She knew she wouldn't have him for long, and wanted as much of his warmth that she could get.
Ranma let out his own approving moan and moved one of his hands to her neck. Her skin was like silk when he touched it. He'd never imagined that they'd be this intimate so quickly, but there was such urgency to the time they were able to spend together. It was almost like they were secret lovers, and in some ways, they were. This development was their private treasure.
Unknown to Akane and Ranma, another teenager was now stumbling into the clearing where they were standing. Ryoga Hibiki was scratching his head wondering where this strangely lit forest had come from when he noticed the two lovers and ducked behind a bush.
Ryoga hated getting into situations like this. It was just awkward stumbling on people sharing a moment. He didn't want to embarrass the couple by revealing himself, so he peeked around the bush to see if they'd noticed him.
The couple remained embracing each other lovingly, completely oblivious to him watching them, much to Ryoga's relief. He looked a bit closer to see if it was possible to slip back the way he came, when he noticed that the girl looked a little familiar.
The girl's back was turned to him, but Ryoga couldn't help but notice that her hair was just like Akane's. Even that dress she wore was similar to one he'd seen her change into before, while in his cursed form. It couldn't be, could it?
"Akane?" Ryoga whispered to himself in wonder. He didn't want them to hear him just yet, just to make sure it was her.
Akane moved her hands up Ranma's back to his neck and massaged the muscles around it. They were hard, mirroring the power within them, but yielded to her hands.
Ranma loved the way Akane's hands felt on his muscles. It'd been so long since they'd felt any relief like this, with the cold baths and all. Every press of her fingers sent warm tingling sensations spreading through his shoulders and neck. Even the rose brushing against his skin felt nice.
"Akane," Ranma whispered. He moved his hand from her neck around to push her face up. As he looked into her eyes, he cupped her cheek with that hand.
So beautiful.
Akane heard Ranma's voice in her mind and moaned at his unspoken thoughts. That mysterious bond that at once had felt scary now only magnified the fire that was spreading through her body. If this is what Cologne meant, she wouldn't fear it ever.
Akane sighed and rubbed her cheek against Ranma's hand. She stopped rubbing his shoulders and moved one hand to his chest while the other pressed against his neck. She was urging him to give her what she wanted.
Kiss me.
Ranma felt Akane's gentle push on his neck and heard her soft voice in his mind. It sent shivers down his spine that left sparks on his nerves. He smiled at her unspoken request and brushed her lips with his thumb.
Akane tilted her face to kiss Ranma's palm after she felt him touch her lips. The simple touch beckoned her closer. She rubbed her cheek against Ranma's cradling hand and nearly purred at its gentle embrace.
Ranma.
Again, Ranma heard Akane's desires in his mind. Her words were like a perfect drug to him. They made his body tingle, and his thoughts a haze as his desires matched hers. He wouldn't deny her any longer.
Ranma moved his hand from her cheek and cradled the back of her head. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and pressed her against him. He took a moment to look into her eyes, at the desire in them. He saw life shining in those eyes. The same life that now pulsed through him. He drew himself to that life, and slowly tilted down to kiss her.
When Ranma had cupped Akane's face with his hand, it caused her to pull back just enough for Ryoga to see him. While he still hadn't come to a conclusion over the girl's identity, the red Chinese vest was unmistakable. Ryoga felt hot with anger at seeing Ranma being so intimate. He could only conclude that the girl was Akane now.
How dare he force himself on her like that! Ryoga thought. He immediately leapt out from the bushes and prepared to attack.
Ranma had just begun to tilt his head down to kiss Akane when he sensed danger. He paused what he was doing, much to Akane's disappointment. She whimpered slightly, wanting him to continue, but was drowned out by a sudden cry.
"Ranma Saotome, prepare to die!" Ryoga shouted and lunged at his hated rival with his umbrella.
Ranma turned Akane away from the attack and caught the tip of Ryoga's umbrella with his left hand.
Akane's body suddenly felt cold as the warmth she'd been sharing with Ranma suddenly vanished. She blinked and realized they were no longer alone at the sight of a furious Ryoga. "R-Ryoga?" she stuttered.
"Hey, Ryoga. I was wondering when you'd find your way back again," Ranma said sarcastically.
"And just in the nick of time, it seems," Ryoga growled.
"Is that so?" Ranma asked.
"That's right!" Ryoga jumped back a step to free his umbrella. He saw that Ranma was still holding Akane around her waist with his right arm and felt even angrier. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing to Akane?" Then he saw her bandaged hand, "And what happened to her hand? What did you do!"
"I'm not doing anything to her," Ranma retorted. "We're trying to have a moment of privacy. So, why don't you do what you're best at, and get lost?"
Ryoga growled at hearing the insult and clenched his umbrella tightly. "I'm going to wipe that damn grin off your face, Ranma!" he shouted.
"I'm not grinning," Ranma replied coldly.
"Shut up and fight!" Ryoga charged at Ranma with his umbrella again.
Ranma spun himself and Akane to roll past the attack and leave himself between her and Ryoga. He pushed off of Ryoga with Akane in his right arm and let her down once they'd landed a few feet away.
"You need to calm down, man!" Ranma shouted. "You could've hit Akane!"
By now, Ryoga was completely blinded by what he believed he'd seen, and twisted Ranma's words. "How dare you try to hide behind her!" Ryoga yelled even louder. "I won't let you use her like that!"
Ranma choked back his response and pushed Akane back. He knew Ryoga was beyond reasoning now, and simply had to guide him away from her.
"Ryoga, this isn't what you think!" Akane pleaded.
To Ryoga, those words only confirmed his claims. "Don't worry, Akane, I'll protect you!"
Ryoga ran at Ranma, prepared to strike. Ranma left Akane behind and charged Ryoga. While the lost boy attacked with his umbrella, Ranma had no intent of escalating the fight, and simply leapt over him.
"Stop running away, you coward!" Ryoga growled and turned around to swing again.
Ranma ducked under Ryoga's umbrella and slid back. This placed him in the large clearing with the fountain, which was quickly being evacuated by everyone at the sight of the two men fighting.
Ryoga was furious, attacking wildly. Ranma hadn't seen him this way in a long time, and wasn't sure if he'd be able to tire him enough to be able to talk it out. He also didn't want to fight back though, and attract unwanted attention.
Ryoga kept attacking with his umbrella and kicks as Ranma insisted on dodging. He hated the way Ranma mocked him this way. He hated how he always was so smug, because of his damn luck. He hated how he got to spend time with Akane while he was stuck wandering in search of her. He hated Ranma Saotome.
Ryoga let his emotions consume him, and attacked Ranma relentlessly. His body did not tire, despite putting all of his strength behind every swing of his weapon.
Akane watched Ryoga attack Ranma, afraid for what might happen. She didn't understand what was going on. Why had Ryoga suddenly attacked Ranma? Why couldn't they ever get away from everything?
"Would you two stop this!" she cried.
"Hear that, Ranma?" Ryoga asked, missing Akane's meaning entirely. "Akane's tired of waiting! Time to face your punishment, like a man!"
"Time?" Ranma looked up at the night sky. It was darker than when Akane had arrived, and Ranma mentally kicked himself. He'd been so consumed with how Akane made him feel he wasn't paying attention to how much time was passing by. He wondered just how long it'd been. He needed to get to the fountain, and fast.
Ranma saw the fountain next to Ryoga. There was no way he was getting through him to that water without wasting time. He could always just kick the idiot in with him, but he didn't want this evening getting any worse for anyone. Not even if they really did deserve it. There was only one way he saw for him to do this.
"No choice," Ranma muttered. He loosened his stance, nearly becoming limp, and vanished into the umi-sen ken.
Ryoga blinked when Ranma vanished before his very eyes. "Ranma?" he asked to the open air. He'd known Ranma to be full of tricks, but never had he seen him just vanish like that.
Akane saw Ranma vanish as well, and wondered what he was planning to do with the rarely used technique. She knew she wouldn't have to wait long though, since the umi-sen ken relied on speed to be successful.
As Akane thought, Ranma made his move just a few seconds later. He appeared behind Ryoga, right by the fountain, and splashed his face with cold water.
Akane felt herself being splashed as Ranma turned back into a girl. The once heated moment was now completely over. All of the passion she had felt for Ranma's male form was now turned to disappointment, and bitterness over being denied the kiss she'd wanted so desperately. These feelings forced their way through her control as tears threatened her eyes.
Ranma saw the emotions running through Akane's eyes and felt guilty over the way things had turned out. If she'd not spent so much time teasing or fooling around, they wouldn't have been interrupted before they kissed. Of course, it wasn't her fault that Ryoga had attacked her like that, but she wasn't going to blame it on him. Placing blame never seemed to work anyways.
Ryoga didn't notice Ranma make his move at the fountain, since his attention had been on Akane. At seeing her upset face, he believed he had just saved her from some awful crime. He didn't even think anything of the rose in her bandaged hand.
"It's ok, Akane," he said and walked over to her. "Ranma won't pull anything like that while I'm around."
How right he was, is exactly what Akane was thinking. All she could think about was how he'd just ruined what was one of the happiest moments of her life. Akane had never been good with her temper over even simple things, so something like this shot it through the roof. At times like this, her heart did the talking for her, and it made her slap Ryoga harder than she'd ever slapped anyone, even Ranma.
The impact of Akane's hand slapping Ryoga's face was hard enough to make Ranma's pigtail blow in the wind from its force. Even thought it wasn't being done to her, Ranma couldn't help but cringe at Akane's rage. She'd thought she'd seen Akane angry before. She was wrong.
Ryoga was stunned more from Akane committing the act than the force of the slap itself. As much as his cheek stung, his brain was shocked senseless. He did not understand why she would slap him, when he'd just stopped Ranma from forcing things on her.
Ryoga rubbed his burning cheek and turned to look at Akane. She was panting heavily, and looked angrier than he'd ever seen her. This wasn't just being upset over some small spat or accident. This was true, pent up, now unchained anger. It reminded him of the anger he felt towards Ranma, but that was impossible for her to feel that way towards him. Wasn't it?
"Akane?" Ryoga asked.
"You jerk! You stupid idiot!" Akane screamed as her body trembled from her bottled emotions. She was trying to keep herself under control, but it had been too much. She was in the process of letting her guard completely down when Ryoga had interrupted, and now it was impossible to reseal her feelings so quickly.
"Damn it," Akane growled. She clenched her right hand into a fist so tight, her knuckles turned white. "God damn it! All I wanted was a few minutes! Just a few minutes alone!" She started to sob as she vented her feelings. "Why does it always have to be this way?"
"It's ok, Akane," Ryoga said nervously. "He's gone now." He hoped his intuitions were correct, but they weren't.
Akane saw Ranma looking at her sadly. The small, red haired girl that was the man she loved just a few minutes ago. She hated the situation they were in, and wanted it to all go away. She didn't want to have to deal with all of the chaos just to hope for a few minutes with him.
"He's gone..." Akane muttered under her breath. She really didn't need any help realizing that fact. "You idiot!" Akane slapped Ryoga again, this time striking the other cheek with the back of her hand. "It's all your fault! You ruined everything!"
Akane had now completely lost it. Any grip she had on her control was gone. "Just get the hell out of here!" Akane shouted at the top of her lungs. She wasn't interested in hearing anything Ryoga had to say, and swiftly kicked him high into the air, and out of the park.
Ranma stood by the fountain nervously as Akane fumed after sending Ryoga flying. She had no idea how to handle Akane when she was like this, especially when her ire wasn't being directed at her. Should she be supportive? Maybe stern in insisting she have more control? Just keep quiet? Ranma didn't know, so she just went with option three.
Akane huffed at Ryoga when he finally vanished into the sky. She then looked at Ranma and just broke down completely. She didn't want Ranma to see her this way, and turned away before falling to her knees and crying.
Now, Ranma had entered an unknown land. Handling Akane when she was pissed off at someone other than her was already a daunting task. Handling her crying over t was beyond logic. Ranma did the only thing she thought she could handle. She attempted to direct the blame to herself. "I'm sorry, Akane," she said.
"You're sorry?" Akane asked between sobs. "For what? This wasn't your fault."
"I shouldn't have fooled around like that," Ranma said sheepishly. "I should have... I dunno... just kissed you?"
Akane's sobs subsided for a second as she laughed at Ranma's cluelessness. "You're such an idiot," she coughed.
"Does me being an idiot make you feel better?" Ranma asked, full of hope. She wanted Akane to turn around to look at her.
Akane laughed again, but kept her back to Ranma and returned to sobbing. "Don't you get it? I enjoyed the teasing," she admitted. "I liked acting like a normal couple for once. I enjoyed everything you did to me. I'm the one that's sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry for?" Ranma scratched her head nervously.
"Oh, Ranma," Akane's sobs became harder as she prepared to speak her heart. She knew this was going to hurt Ranma, but it was unbearable to keep it inside. "I'm sorry, because I'm ashamed."
"Ashamed? Isn't that a bit much?" Ranma tried to sound as light hearted as possible. She didn't like the way this was going.
"No!" Akane cried harder. "I'm ashamed... because...I've been so selfish about this. All I can think about is how you make me feel, and how much I want to see you as a guy."
"There's nothing wrong with that," Ranma blushed.
"But the real reason I'm ashamed, is because I can't look at you when you're a girl the same way as when you're a guy. I hate it that you're stuck being a girl like this. I'm ashamed at myself for being so selfish! ... And I'm sorry... I'm so sorry I can't accept you like this... I just..." Akane had said all she could say, and let herself cry freely.
Ranma felt her heart sink into an ice cold depth at hearing Akane's confession. It hit her where it mattered most, but she wasn't going to let it beat her. She didn't like the situation any more than Akane did. If she left Akane over her feelings, she had no right to even be mad at her, because it was surrendering, like a true coward. She steeled her heart against Akane's words. It wouldn't be this way forever, if she had anything to do with it.
Ranma knelt down next to Akane and rubbed her back gently. "Akane, it's okay," she said.
"How can you say that?" Akane said between heaving sobs. "You must think I'm terrible!"
"Well, no... I think you're... beautiful," Ranma said bashfully when nothing else came to mind. "Uh... that is... I mean... I never thought you were ever a terrible person," she stuttered in a very poor recovery attempt.
Akane sniffed, "and what about now?"
"Look at me."
Akane turned her head slowly, fighting back her tears as best she could. She had them down to sniffles by the time she was looking Ranma in the face.
Ranma examined Akane's face. It was red from crying. Her eyes were puffy, and her hair was a little messy. Her eyes showed the guilt she felt over what she'd just said. It was Akane without any of her defenses. It was the woman Ranma had always wanted to see. "Yeah, I still think you're pretty cute," Ranma said with a matter-of-fact tone.
Akane turned away. "Could you be serious for even one minute?" she asked, but in truth, she liked what she had said.
"Hey, I am being serious!" Ranma insisted sternly.
"What about what I said?" Akane asked.
"Well, that hurt..." Ranma admitted. "It hurt a lot."
"See?" Akane started to cry again.
"But, you're still stuck with me," Ranma added. "I can't really be mad at you anyways, when I feel the same way."
"What do you mean?"
"Promise not to laugh."
"I don't think anything could make me laugh right now."
"Well, okay. The truth is... I'm not interested in being with you when I'm a girl either. I know it's silly, because I feel the same way about you, no matter what, but I want to be the man you're with. I want to hold you and protect you, and it's just never really felt the same as a girl. And, to be honest... I'm kinda glad you're not interested in my girl form that way."
"You are?" Akane perked up slightly.
"Oh, yeah! At least now I know you're not some macho chick lesbian!" Ranma laughed.
Akane was too emotionally drained to get angry over Ranma's bluntness. Instead, she did see the humorous side to their predicament, and laughed along with her, although not as heartily. "Idiot," she whispered and lightly jabbed her shoulder.
"Ha! And you said you didn't think anything could make you laugh," Ranma said smugly.
"Well, it seems your mouth truly knows no limits."
"Ha ha..." Ranma stuck her tongue out at Akane.
"Do you think you can... really forgive me?" Akane sniffed.
No answer came for a few seconds, and Akane looked back over to see nothing but open air where Ranma had been. She was about to break down again, feeling abandoned, when Ranma reappeared in the same spot out of the umi-sen ken.
"What the heck?" Akane asked.
Ranma smiled and raised the thermos. She shook it to show there was still some water and handed it to Akane. "What do ya say?" she asked.
Akane felt the weight of the thermos. There wasn't much water in it, less than half, but it was enough, she hoped. That hope made her forget her sorrow, and she tipped the thermos over Ranma's head.
Ranma felt the change and watched Akane's face light up. He wasted no time, and gently pushed Akane onto her back before kissing her passionately.
Akane was surprised by the intensity of Ranma's kiss, but threw her own caution to the wind. Everything she'd wanted earlier came flooding back, and she pulled him against her in desperate need, discarding the rose she'd been holding onto since they first met in the park. She felt his warmth again, and dug her fingers into his back, wishing she could have even more.
Ranma moaned at Akane's aggressiveness. It was even more intense than the last time they'd kissed, and that was already more than he'd ever dreamed of. This new level of passion was intoxicating to him, and he drew away from her lips to trail kisses along her neck.
Akane gasped at Ranma's boldness, but did nothing to deter him. Each kiss on her neck sent waves of desire through her. She didn't think they'd move this quickly, but she also didn't care. She didn't know when she'd see him again. She turned her head to the side, offering more of her neck to Ranma's lips. She then moved her hands to the back of his head and ran her fingers through his hair while pressing him against her neck, craving more contact.
Yes, Ranma!
Ranma moaned as Akane urged him on with her unguarded mind. If only he could give her everything she wanted now. His own desires were nearly overpowering him with their urgency, but he wrestled for control. Instead of continuing his journey downward, he slowly kissed his way back up her neck, softer than on his way down.
Akane felt the sudden change in Ranma's aggressiveness, and whimpered as his lips gently pecked up her neck. She knew what Ranma was doing, and didn't want him to. "No, please," she whispered.
Ranma groaned in reply to Akane's protest. He didn't want to stop, but he had to. Even the gentle kisses he gave her neck sent electricity through his cheeks. The lavender scent of her hair filled his nose and begged him to bury is face against her skin, but he did not break.
Ranma continued up Akane's neck slowly. Once he reached her jaw, he moved up to her cheek, planting soft kisses over her drying tears.
Akane sighed at Ranma's intimate gesture. She had no idea he could be so romantic. She relaxed under Ranma's kisses as he moved to her other cheek. Her heart was beating happily as his kisses literally breathed away what had made her so sad.
Ranma finished kissing Akane's cheeks and rested his forehead on hers. Their noses were barely touching as they both breathed deeply from what they'd just done. Their lips were only an inch apart. Their breaths were like the softest kisses caressing each other's lips.
If only we had more time, Ranma thought.
Akane heard Ranma's wish, and felt the same way. She looked into his blue eyes. They were so full of desire, love, and just a touch of sadness. She'd never seen him so vulnerable before. No strong front to appear manly, or fake confidence. It was Ranma, as true as he could be. She knew he truly loved her because of those eyes, and she loved him too.
"Ranma, I..." Akane's voice caught in her throat again. She searched for the words she'd wanted to say, but they wouldn't come out. Even her mind seemed to lock up when she struggled to speak her feelings.
Ranma waited for her to finish. He even tried to actually hear her thoughts, but nothing came either way. He gave her an understanding smile. He could wait.
Ranma pushed a strand of hair behind Akane's ear with his right hand and then stroked her cheek. Akane sighed into his hand, relaxing into the end of their moment together. At that moment, a faint golden light shined where their chests were pressed against each other.
Ranma looked down at the golden light between their hearts with Akane. It was only the second time he'd seen this light, but he understood it already. This was what made what they shared so special. He looked over at the discarded rose and picked it up. He held it in front of Akane's face until she reached up and took it. "Until we meet again," he said.
Akane gazed at the rose as Ranma stood up and ran to the fountain. It's stem had been damaged by the events of the evening, but it was still the most perfect rose she'd ever seen as it was illuminated in the now fading golden light of her heart. She brought it to her nose and inhaled its sweet scent. The smell of roses would forever remind her of this night.
Akane sat up slowly. She was still feeling slightly euphoric from Ranma's affections. By the time she stood up, Ranma had changed back into a girl and was looking back at her with a slight smile.
"Let's head home," she said.
Akane nodded. She held the rose gently so as not to damage it further and joined Ranma to leave the park. The night had not started or ended how she'd expected, but she was contented by it. She didn't know how long it'd be until next time, but she would remember this night to remind her that it was worth the wait.
- x -
Ryoga cried out in pain and shock to the sudden blow he'd only ever seen Akane use on Ranma. His whole world had been turned upside-down in a matter of seconds. Was she so angry that she'd just completely snapped? He wondered. Ranma will pay for this dearly!
As Ryoga decided on what he was going to do, his long flight came to its crashing end into a body of cold water. Of course... he groaned as his body shrank into his cursed form. Damn you, Ranma! This is all your fault!
P-chan struggled to break the surface of the water and paddled desperately to the rocky edge. He oinked and squealed frantically, cursing Ranma for causing him this new misery.
"Oh, it's Akane's pet pig," a girl suddenly said.
"Bwee?" P-chan looked up to see Akane's older sister, Kasumi standing over him.
"Why, hello there, P-chan," Kasumi smiled. "It's been so long. Akane will be so glad to see you."
P-chan bweed happily as Kasumi pulled him out of the water. That was right. Akane would be happy to see him, just like she always was. She wasn't mad at him. It was all a misunderstanding.
"Oh my, your cheeks are all swollen," Kasumi said when she looked at the little piglet closely. They were slightly red too. "Did someone hit you?"
It's all that damn Ranma's fault! He's the reason Akane hit me! P-chan squealed angrily.
"Well, you're safe now," Kasumi smiled. "There you go," Kasumi dried P-chan with her apron and put him down on the porch. "Unfortunately, Akane's out with Ranma right now, but they shouldn't be long."
P-chan gave an angry growl at the mention of Ranma and squealed his protests over him forcing Akane to spend time out with him. Kasumi only giggled at the little pig's outburst.
"I'm sorry, I don't speak pig," she joked. She really did find it odd that a pig could be so complex in its behavior. It was like it really understood Japanese.
P-chan huffed and snorted his frustration. If only she could understand what he was trying to tell her. He'd love to see how the most homely Tendo sister would react at learning Ranma was doing such dishonorable things to Akane.
"Well, you go run along to her room," Kasumi said and waved the pig off. "I still have one last chore to do."
P-chan nodded and turned to run down the hall. He was good at finding Akane's room, evidence that they were meant to be together, he believed. She'd be happy to see him in there, like she always was. She would tell him everything, and reveal it was all a misunderstanding, and lament on mistaking Ryoga for Ranma in her anger. That's exactly what was going to happen, the pig thought.
P-chan hopped up the stairs and found Akane's room, but its door was shut. He squealed sadly and jumped several times to try to turn the knob, but couldn't manage to twist it enough.
"Oh, what's this?" a woman said.
P-chan oinked in question and looked at the woman whom had snuck up on him. He recognized the kimono clad woman as Ranma's mother, Nodoka.
"You must be this infamous pet pig I've heard about," she said sweetly. "Are you trying to get into Akane's room?"
P-chan nodded and oinked an affirmation.
"Well, it wouldn't be right for me to intrude upon her," Nodoka said, to which P-chan oinked sadly. "But we can't have you out here making such a ruckus. I'm sure Akane won't mind."
Nodoka opened the door to Akane's room enough to let P-chan through. Once the little black piglet was inside, she closed the door behind him.
P-chan looked around the dark room. He could smell her lavender scent in the air and whiffed it in greedily. Ah, my dear Akane, how sweet you smell. P-chan oinked happily. He hopped up onto Akane's bed and took his spot on her pillow. He couldn't wait for her to come home to him.
Author's Notes: Ah, what a chapter. I'll be honest, the original draft did not have that second scene with the thermos. I had originally planned on Akane's night really being ruined, but it just seemed way too cruel in the end. It also didn't quite fit with the next couple major events involving her, since her emotional state would be completely different. This one went through several read-throughs and edits to try to get that emotional break down and recovery just right.
I do realize that their relationship has moved at a fast pace. I have always viewed Ranma and Akane's relationship as a situation shaped by extreme circumstances. For my story, it took a very extreme event for them to finally break through their barriers, and it's extreme circumstances that cause them to make their decisions. I think it's understanding for two people who've faced death together on so many occasions to express themselves like this when they finally do. Don't get me wrong. I do like the light hearted, all is well approach that some Ranma+Akane stories take. I'm just taking a more extreme approach to things, because this is a story that involves love, not one that centers on it being nurtured.
As for Ryoga, I know I've made him appear kind of hard. There's a lot of opinions out there about Ryoga and his feelings over different characters. Ultimately, I think that Ryoga does have a noble heart, but I also think that he truly does hate Ranma. I don't think they really have this "sense of honor friendship" that so many people have written into their stories.
Yes, it's true, Ryoga isn't always out to kill Ranma in the anime/manga. It is also true that he's begrudgingly left Ranma in peace, but look at those circumstances. In every case, it's because he has something to gain, be it a cure, Akane's affection, private time with Akane, or even just appearing in a better light than Ranma. The times he's relented and left, it's always been with the goal to come back and exact his revenge eventually. Ryoga, in my opinion, just hates Ranma to the very core, because he allows his feelings to train wreck and is "drunk" on them at times. While it can be argued that he's not in his right mind when he's like that, I just don't think you sink that far so often unless the hatred is real. And yes, I do think he's this dense when he's P-chan.
On the flip side, I don't think Ranma hates Ryoga, but is annoyed by him to near the breaking point at times. Ranma has shown to rarely hate anyone, unless they hurt or threaten Akane. Ryoga doesn't fit that requirement, so he gets a pass.
AliceTheBookGirl: You can definitely expect this bond to be an important part of one or two upcoming battles. The thoughts I didn't factor into combat as of yet. It's more of a sappy intimacy thing for now.
kimiwoaishiteru18: It's funny you should say that, because I'm writing this to be "movie" length.
As usual, any comments on this chapter, and the fanfic as a whole, are greatly appreciated.