Co-written by DarkPheonix 666
Summertime Struggle, Part 3: Mousse on the Loose
The dwarfish crone hopped closer on her cane, a gnarled root of a stick which she used for transport. Her black eyes peered at the trio curiously, an expression of fondness directed towards her great-granddaughter, while she frowned at Mousse. "For heaven's sake, Mousse...I believe my granddaughter has rejected you numerous times with your conquest of proposal. Leave the poor girl be; take the hint already! Now, where may I find my true son-in-law, Ryoga Hibiki?" she questioned. The boy had been pestering Shampoo since their childhood, forcing the young girl into giving him an answer that wasn't rejection, deluding himself into believing she would ever return his feelings. She was, however, relieved that her great-granddaughter had found herself a husband whom she saw fitting, meaning they could return to China together and start to take over the next generation of the clan in her place.
Shampoo pushed Ryoga forward eagerly, her hand wrapping around his and squeezing it comfortingly, unknowingly bringing Ryoga back to reality. "Great-Grandmother, this is Ryoga. The man who will be my husband," Shampoo giggled. She knew her great grandmother would approve, he was everything expected for a future ruler. He was handsome, smart, and a skilled fighter. She couldn't ask for a better man. She couldn't wait until they were married.
Cologne squinted at Ryoga, leaning in close as she inspected him. "So you're the one who managed to capture my grandaughter's heart, eh?" she asked. Shampoo had always understood the laws of their village when it came to marriage, but she had usually focused on her training and studies. Showing disinterest in any man that attempted to win her heart. Including Mousse, she had bested every man that had tried to court her. Ryoga was the first man to ever defeat her in combat and cause her to become so love-struck.
"Y-yes, ma'am..." Ryoga nodded, feeling a bit nervous, though maintaining his ground. Cologne smiled warmly, she could sense the overflowing ki from this boy, he was indeed strong, reminding her of a tiger. Though bashful she sensed a passionate heart within him. She had to admit his fanged appearance was also endearing; a socially awkward, shy yet strong-willed young man to keep her wild, hot-headed great-granddaughter grounded. They could grow through each other. "Well, I can't wait to be invited to the wedding, you'll make a fine leader of the amazons." she smiled.
Ryoga blushed, him? Leader of the Amazons? He was still in high school, next year he'd become a senior like Ranma. He still had college to consider, marriage was still a ways off for him. He'd always dreamed of marriage, living happily in a nice home with a loving wife, but that was way into his future. He couldn't possibly throw his life away for such a serious commitment...he wasn't mature enough yet!
"I cannot accept this! This untamed, fanged wild boy cannot be suitable as a future leader! He's nothing but a delinquent and he has tricked my beloved Shampoo!" Mousse raged. He yanked a chain from his robes, instantly, wrapping it around Ryoga's ankle and yanking him away from Shampoo and ramming him into the sand roughly. He would throw this fool into the ocean and drown him; he would make him rue the day he was ever born for looking at Shampoo. He would never allow anyone unworthy to have his woman. They needed to see sense, he would never make a good leader. He would cause rebellion, blackmail others, and force them to obey his twisted will! He was an outsider, an enemy, he didn't belong in their tribe. If he wouldn't leave of his own will, he would get rid of Ryoga himself and Shampoo would see how strong he was.
"Damn, things are getting heated over there..." Kenma thought curiously; he knew that Shampoo was from a Chinese tribe that their father pissed off. But since then Shampoo had been mellow, trying to adapt to normal life and act like a teenager. She could be scary and sometimes perverted, but she was a nice girl. But what in the hell had Ryoga done to invoke the wrath of this romantic rival?
"Hey, what's Ryoga gotten himself into?" Akane asked curiously; she had hoped she and Shampoo could go for a swim or maybe get some food. But as soon as she saw Ryoga, she had become distracted all over again. She was blind to love and once she found Ryoga, nothing else mattered.
Kenma blushed at the sight of Akane in her bikini, her curves, her legs, she was so pretty. "Uh...meeting the in-laws?" he babbled. He couldn't stare, or else she would get the wrong idea. This was supposed to be a fun trip.
"Yikes..." Akane cringed; she didn't envy them in the slightest. But she hoped nobody would get too badly hurt by any of this. Poor Ryoga was just trying to enjoy the beach in quiet comfort, avoiding drama. She knew he and Shampoo were making progress but all relationships took time.
"No kidding," Kenma nodded in agreement. "I'd go over and say something...but I feel like I should just wait until the dust settles, y'know?" He felt like he would get punched or blamed for something if he got involved; he could feel the rage from here, and he didn't want to get on Ryoga's bad side any further than he already was. Though he wanted to defend his friend, this was something Ryoga had to handle alone.
Shampoo dropped to her knees to examine her husband, making sure he wasn't harmed too badly. "Darling husband...!" A volatile rage was filling her very body as she shot a death glare at her would-be suitor. "Mousse. what the hell are you doing?" Shampoo raged, how dare he lay a hand on her betrothed. Mousse had never been able to beat her, he had never bested her nor had he ever won at trying to seduce her. She had never attacked him, all of her fights with him had been one-sided and deflective. But now she would fight to kill if he tried to lay a hand on her husband again. She was used to him pestering her but going after her husband was a different matter entirely.
Ryoga got to his feet, his cheek swollen from the rough impact, sand was harder than it looked. He rubbed his face and scowled at Mousse. "What the hell is your issue with me?" he snapped. He'd his lip as he fell, the taste of tangy blood hitting his tongue. This guy had a stick up his ass about something, he didn't know if he was Shampoo's stalker, an old fling, or a past arranged marriage. But she wasn't into him and he was being problematic. First, it was meeting her great-grandmother, which surprised him that someone so old could still be alive and kicking. But now his beach trip was being interrupted and he didn't appreciate it. Now he understood Kenma's frustration at being attacked and harassed for something without ever understanding why. Maybe he could try being softer on the redhead.
"You cowardly snake! You must have lured Shampoo into this marriage somehow!" Mousse growled. He had to have something against her, maybe a love potion, blackmail, or maybe he was leading her on. This marriage couldn't continue, he wouldn't allow it to happen! There was no way anyone was better than him as a husband to Shampoo!
Ryoga scoffed, a smirk appearing on his lips, he'd met all sorts of guys over the years, many who saw women as prizes who should feel lucky they caught their interest. No way was he going to let someone like this try and take Shampoo for himself, she wasn't a prize, she was an independent warrior. "Do you REALLY believe that?" asked Ryoga. "Or are you just deluding yourself because you don't actually think Shampoo could be interested in anyone besides you?" He wasn't taking rejection well, he was instead behaving like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum and trying to gain her attention and failing.
"Don't you try to give ME the runaround!" Mousse ranted. "I'm the ONLY one who's right for Shampoo, and I will NOT stand down to some scruffy wolf-boy! He wouldn't know the first thing about being a leader! He'd just lead anyone who follows him off a cliff!"
Ryoga punched Mousse in the jaw, sending him staggering backward, his eyes flaming red with pure rage. His social awkwardness and shyness didn't make him weak, it allowed him to respect the underdogs. People were constantly undermining and underestimating him. He held back his strength as to not appear like a bully, like Ranma. Yes, he had no idea of what was expected of him as a leader, but providing and caring for your people was the first thing. Yes, he was overwhelmed by the boundless affection Shampoo threw at him, but the hope and sincerity she showed him. Wanting to teach him how to be a good leader, that meant the world to him. The fact that she believed in him.
"Damn! Ryoga got the punch in! Way to go, buddy!" Ranma cheered; he knew Ryoga often avoided fights and held back because he didn't want to hurt people or cause problems. But he was stronger than he appeared, due to the heaviness of the umbrella he carried, and he used intuition and intellect to win fights rather than brute strength.
"Kick his ass, Ryoga!" Ukyo chimed in.
Shampoo cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled at the top of her voice, "I believe in you, husband!" She knew Ryoga was strong and he never had to prove that to anyone; his battle aura radiated from him in waves. His emotions only increased that and made him stronger...like they somehow fed into it like an endless supply of energy. He followed his heart and fought honorably, never using underhanded tactics to win a fight. She knew he could beat Mousse fair and square, watching the annoying glasses-clad geek get his ass handed to him by her current lover would be amusing to observe.
"Not even married yet and already cheering on her man..." Cologne chuckled; it was clear that they were perfect for each other. Shampoo was a loyal warrior to her sisters and family, fighting for their honor and defending her village. But this was the first time Shampoo had ever become so devoted and loyal to a man, going out of her way for him. Truly she was smitten with this young man and her actions proved that.
Kenma's eyes widened as he watched Ryoga unleash his strength; he knew Ryoga tended to act neutrally in a fight and not involve himself in petty squabbles. But once he got riled up or someone he cared about was involved, he was a force to be reckoned with. "Holy crap..." he muttered, astonished. "NICE RIGHT HOOK, RYOGA! TEACH THE JERK A LESSON!"
It seemed this trip wasn't going to be so boring after all. Ryoga overheard Kenma cheering him on; he'd have to talk with him about that afterward...in the meantime, now was the moment for action.
Mousse staggered to his feet, clutching his jaw, which was now sore from the punch, he hadn't expected him to use such an underhanded trick. However, he was stronger than he appeared, meaning he didn't have to hold back. "Y-you...you miserable mongrel...!" he fumed, a small bit of blood trickling from the side of his mouth. He would pay dearly for damaging his face, spilling the blood of an Amazon like himself.
"Don't act like you know shit about me, glasses!" Ryoga snarled. "Shampoo chose me and I don't know if I'll live up to her expectations. But I'll damn well try and that's what matters, working through shit together, as healthy relationships do. But chasing after a girl who doesn't want you is called 'obsession', not love!" He assumed he was just some punk, a delinquent who caused trouble and involved Shampoo somehow. No, he'd beaten Shampoo fair and square, after making amends with Kenma and Ranma, casting aside their rivalry. Shampoo had tracked them down, looking for a vendetta, then instead became his lover. Yes, he was still getting used to their relationship, and the language barrier, as well as cultural differences, could be difficult. But she was a sweet girl, a great cook, and a strong fighter. Her smile made him tingly inside, watching her fight was like observing a dance. She was passionate, dedicated, and driven, he admired that. He still had no idea how they would make it work, but they were trying. But like Hell he was going to let her get forced into a relationship that would make her unhappy! He was going to fight for the relationship he'd built with her!
Akane cupped her hand over her mouth as she stifled an aww that escaped her lips. If Ryoga was truly trying to be better for Shampoo, then he was enough of a man for her already.
"He's hubby material, alright!" Ukyo sighed happily, cupping her cheeks at how adorable his comment was.
"Lame!" Ranma called. Kenma proceeded to punch his brother in the face for his hurtful comment. Ranma really was a thoughtless jerk sometimes, and during those times, he needed to be put in his place.
Shampoo felt her cheeks heat up, and her heart was fluttering in her chest. Seeing Ryoga so vulnerable, so honest...it caused butterflies to form in her stomach. She wanted to see more of this gentle side of her husband. Showing honesty in his emotions, lowering his guard, and letting her in. He may have been flustered and angry but at least he was saying what he truly felt.
"Now...if you're done, I'm down to get something to eat," Ryoga finished, turning to face Shampoo, who was currently blushing like crazy. "What about you, Shampoo? Would you wanna get some lunch?" All this stress and fighting had worked him up and appetite, he never thought clearly on an empty stomach either.
Take me right here and right now, you sexy man~! Shampoo thought; she had never been more in love with someone in her life. She didn't think a man could leave her speechless but he knocked her off her feet. She never knew what to predict with Ryoga and she absolutely LOVED it. "Food... sound good..." she mumbled in awe, feeling like a blushing maiden. She would go anywhere with him, to the ends of the earth she would follow, wherever he was she wanted to be.
"I think Shampoo has butterflies," Akane giggled. Seeing the Chinese Amazon so tongue-tied was rather sweet. Ryoga laughed bashfully, his lip still split as he approached the Amazon, feeling guilty about meeting her in-laws being more awkward than expected. He turned towards Cologne in an attempt to be polite and introduce himself a second time to the elder, giving a better impression. Akane had never seen her best friend so stunned; the proverbial cat had her by the tongue and it was adorable to witness. These two dorks were so perfect for each other, a match made in heaven. Ryoga was endearing and he would fight for Shampoo, never letting anyone speak down to her, yet respecting her strength. He didn't want to belittle her like Mousse, he wanted to be her equal. Which is what Amazons stood for, equality. However, he felt a chain bind around his neck choking him, dragging him backward. Mousse was yanking him back towards him, grinning like a madman.
"Mousse! Enough! You will end this childish duel right now!" Cologne demanded; he was behaving out of term, he had lost, thus meaning by the amazon laws he needed to respectfully back down and understand that he was now shamed, scorned, and rejected. Many of the village sisters found Mousse attractive, though he was too blind to see it, metaphorically and literally. Many women of the village would make him a happy wife. But he was insistent on fighting her future son-in-law to prove a point that was becoming tedious and annoying.
But Mousse was a stubborn one; so long as he was still breathing, he would fight to the end. "Never, Shampoo will be my bride!" he cackled. Suddenly, a seashell hit him in the back of the head. "Huh?" he asked. "Who threw that?"
Turning around, he saw Kenma, standing defiantly before his eyes.
"That'd be me, jackass!" the redheaded boy yelled. "And unless you want me to find a rock and split your skull with it, you're gonna let my friend go!" As far as Kenma was concerned, Shampoo had made her choice and she wanted Ryoga, and Ryoga felt the same way about her. They were happy and this guy was interfering with that. This wasn't his fight, sure, and he had planned to merely observe...but if this stranger planned on killing Ryoga to get what he wanted, he was going to fight back. He was playing dirty to get what he wanted, which made him not only dishonorable as a man but as a martial artist. He was no better than Kuno.
Plus, what kind of a friend would he be if he let his pal die?
Mousse growled, gnashing his teeth together. He hated this interference, but once Shampoo had realized they were meant to be, he would get even with all of them. "Fine, you want him? Go get him!" he laughed. He yanked the chain, dragging Ryoga into the air, the boy choking as he felt the air leave his lungs...struggling for breath as he was flung towards the water, Ryoga felt his blood run cold; he was headed for the ocean. If that so much as splashed him, he'd transform into a half-naked pig girl in front of everyone. tears of fear filling his eyes. This was it, his life was over, everyone would know and he would become a laughingstock. He'd be here in front of all his friends and strangers, trapped in the body of a girl with pig ears, half-naked. God, why did life hate him so much?
"Why won't Ryoga fight back? He can easily yank on that chain!" Ukyo questioned; he'd shown enough fighting spirit earlier, so why was he holding back now? It would kill him!
"Ryoga's scared of water!" Akane panicked; he tolerated baths and showers, but he hated cold water or anything like rain or the ocean, avoiding it at all costs unless he had to. He never explained why, but it was a valid fear nonetheless.
Shampoo stiffened; she'd sensed Ryoga didn't want to swim all afternoon, but she never knew it was this bad...to have such an ingrained phobia of water. She lunged at Ryoga, punching Mousse in the jaw sending him staggering back, all while running to her husband in a blind panic. Leaping into the air, Shampoo grabbed him in her arms before she tumbled towards the ground, guarding him against the impact of the fall and shielding him with her body so she got the brunt of the bruises and scrapes; she had suffered worse from her training growing up. Ryoga couldn't help but blush at this as Shampoo caught him in her arms. How sweet she smelled, how warm and soft her body was.
"You've got a lot of nerve!" Kenma shouted. "You blabber on and on about how Ryoga is a coward and a snake, how he 'stole' Shampoo from you...but it's obvious that you're just a sore loser who doesn't know how to take 'no' for an answer! If you REALLY cared for Shampoo, you'd stop bugging her and actually respect her feelings!" the redheaded boy gripped his hands into balled fists, his hair nearly standing on end like an angry cat; this Mousse guy was the lowest of the low. He used cowardly methods to win a fight and nearly killed Ryoga in the process!
Shampoo uncurled her arms from Ryoga, watching him protectively, his eyes were like those of a deer caught in headlights, and he was shaking like a leaf. She turned her gaze towards the ocean; was Ryoga scared of water? Was that why he didn't want to go swimming with her earlier? All this time he'd been too scared to say anything? Her face softened, and she cupped his face in her hands affectionately. "Ryoga? You're safe, Shampoo is here," she said, trying to soothe him. She felt bad that he didn't trust her enough to say anything, scared of being teased by everyone. But she didn't think less of him for it. She would make sure they went on a trip next time that he would enjoy, maybe later they could enjoy some fireworks and sit by a campfire.
Ryoga stared at her in an anxiety-fueled haze; his whole body was trembling, he felt sick and he couldn't stop the tears that wanted to fall. He could have transformed, he could have changed in front of everyone, then his secret would be out. "Sh... Shampoo...!" he hiccuped. He felt so childish crying like this in front of her, but he couldn't stop himself, he hadn't expected Mousse to try something like that. Why couldn't he have been cursed as something else? Hell, why had he been cursed at all? What had he done to deserve any of this?
Shampoo glared at Mousse. "Stupid pervert Kenma right! I want a strong husband, but you aren't strong, you're a coward!" she exclaimed. "You keep pushing your feelings onto me. Ryoga respects me more than you ever will, he's the husband I want, always!" For this one rare occasion she would agree with the redhead, he had a point but she would never admit to that. Mousse was a coward and he always had been, crying and blaming everyone for his mistakes and failures instead of taking responsibility. So long as he kept behaving like a child she would never take him seriously, nor would any other woman.
"Stupid pervert? HEY!" Kenma snapped, seems she was back to insulting him again. Why was that now her chosen nickname for him? of all the names she could have chosen she chose that one? Not goofy redhead? Fire-head, carrot top? No, she chose "stupid pervert", just his luck.
"Well, she has a point," Ukyo shrugged, she'd seen him not only eyeing her up but Akane too. His gaze always roamed and he had a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knew what he was thinking. He made his pervy thoughts too easy to read which creeped people out.
"Yup," Ranma agreed in unison, the two fist-bumping.
"TEYANDEE! WHO THE HELL ASKED YOU?!" Kenma shouted at the two of them, growling lowly under his breath. Why were they always ganging up on him? Was it just a hobby of theirs now? "...whatever! My point is, you can't just keep bothering Shampoo, hoping that she'll cave in and accept you as her boyfriend. If you really, TRULY love her, then you'll be sensible enough to think about what SHE wants, and not what you think she needs."
Mousse scoffed as he looked over the group with great disdain. "Hmph...very well, then," he relented, brushing himself off. "You may have won this day, Ryoga, but mark my words, I will win Shampoo's heart! You'll see!"
And off he went, leaving the group to watch as he left.
"So...you guys wanna get some food? I'm starving!" Ranma declared, breaking the silence; watching all that fighting had made him hungry! He was a growing boy after all and he needed some nourishment. While they were at the beach they may as well look for some good food. There were a lot of places to choose from, so they were spoiled for choice. Hell, maybe they could forage just like when they were little kids during their training.
"Great idea, Ran-chan, I'll heat up the grill!" Ukyo smiled; she'd brought that grill with her just in case. She and the others could get some food from a local shop along with some beers. They could finally have some fun and make the memories that summer brought with them. Tenderly cooked meats, golden grilled vegetables above a hot fire, what could be better? It was summer heaven: sitting around a grill with your friends while the heavenly scent of cooking filled your empty stomachs.
"TEYANDEE! Free food from a hot girl! Holiday saved!" Kenma cheered, pumping his fists in the air. Seeing Ukyo in a bikini cooking food did sound appealing...because, of course, he'd worked up a serious hunger!
Ukyo blushed at his comment but ignored making a snide one in rebuttal. "If I'm cooking, you guys are carrying the ingredients!" she huffed.
Kenma and Ranma ignored her comment, mutually cheering about free food, one of the few things they could agree on liking.
"Free food! This day just got even better!" exclaimed Genma. "...now if only I could get up!" Apparently, when packing for the beach trip, he'd neglected to pack sunscreen, which left him with a very nasty sunburn. He had thought that one of his kin or even Kasumi would be kind enough to put sunscreen on him to protect him.
"Too bad for you, old man!" Kenma retorted, sticking out his tongue and pulling down his bottom eyelid. The fatass would just end up eating all of their food and leaving them with nothing, so for him to be left out was a blessing. More food for them in the long run.
"Dammit, boy! Show me the respect I deserve!" Genma yelled as he tried to get up. "You're going to get me that food right now!" He was their father, the patriarch, and the current head of the Saotome School of Anything Goes. Those sons of his were supposed to look up to him and respect him. Instead, they mocked him, those impetuous brats! How had he been given two sons and both of them were so problematic? It made no sense-at least, not in Genma's warped mind.
"No, so phooey on you-ey!" Kenma retorted smugly. "Starve for all I care!"
While Ukyo walked ahead with the twin brothers to prepare a BBQ for them, Genma continued sulking and ranting about youths not respecting their elders.
A LITTLE WHILE LATER...
Shampoo and Akane lingered behind while Ryoga sat curled up under a palm tree still in shock, crying silently. Shampoo had been worried about her lover and Akane had been worried for her friend. Kenma and the others could get along for a brief while and she wanted to make sure he was ok. "Ryoga, you ok? Shampoo stay with you until you feel better," she offered. She could see the fear in his eyes, unmoving. Ryoga blushed, feeling ashamed that his fear of water had become so apparent, waiting for the endless mockery from others.
Shampoo averted her gaze to the ocean; the crystal blue waters seemed so hypnotic and soothing. But Ryoga looked at it, as though it was a feral beast. Could it be true what Akane had said?
"Ryoga? You scared of water?" she asked. She wondered what had caused such an intense fear of it for him; perhaps a childhood trauma of some kind? All fears had a root cause, maybe she could learn Ryoga's and help him overcome it.
"Y-yeah..." Ryoga forced the words out, hanging his head in shame; he knew how pathetic it sounded. "Go on...make fun of me if you want..."
Ranma had made fun of him for years, knowing he would never be able to match up to him. When they were little kids, he called him a crybaby due to how Ryoga would become impatient or snap a lot, due to being a sensitive boy. Telling him he acted like a sissy, leading to other people teasing him in return. If Ranma learned about this he would never let him live it down, he would hold this over him for years. This was his treasured secret, something he'd kept hidden and now Mousse had revealed it, he'd embarrassed him in front of everyone.
Shampoo's face softened; even as an Amazon, her people had known fear: animals terrorizing their village, natural disasters such as landfalls, storms, heavy rain, flooding, fires. All people had a fear of something, be it rational or irrational. She cupped his face fondly, her brownish-red eyes lovingly gazing into his copper eyes before she started speaking in her improved Japanese. "I think it's brave that you can admit to that, not many men would allow themselves to show weakness," she soothed. All the men in her village acted like strong providers, despite women predominantly being the strongest; the men there were always trying to show off and impress the women to prove they were perfect husband candidates. Mousse was guilty of such things, pretending to be something he wasn't to make her happy. Ryoga, meanwhile, wore his heart on his sleeve constantly, despite his rough exterior he was an innately gentle soul. Ryoga had not only admitted to his fear, but he was pouring himself out to her, confessing something personal to her, showing he trusted her.
"Really?" Ryoga replied, wiping his eyes; she wasn't going to make fun of him?
Shampoo leaned across to press a chaste kiss to Ryoga's lips, and the fanged bandana teen felt his heart skip a beat. His first kiss, with an Amazon no less, he had to be the luckiest man alive. No wonder girls daydreamed about this stuff, he felt like his stomach was full of butterflies and he was dancing on cloud-fucking-nine! "Shampoo no want a husband who tell her what to do or impress her; Shampoo want an equal, a man, someone kind, like Ryoga!" she smiled. He was everything she'd ever wanted and more, the kind of man who treated her like a princess but didn't lesser himself to do so. Someone who would stand by her side, who would stand back and let her fight her own fights. But would stand in and defend her when he saw she needed help.
A small bit of steam whooshed from Ryoga's ears, and he felt absolutely giddy "...thanks, Shampoo!" he managed to say. "So...let's go get that food. How about it?". All this fear and crying had made him hungrier than ever, he needed energy and he would be no use if he was starving. It wasn't the best first date but it would certainly be an eventful memory they could reflect on and laugh at.
Shampoo smiled, patting the sand from herself and getting to her feet, she then held out her hand to Ryoga smiling warmly. He didn't like hugs much and he was still anxious which meant he would be overstimulated, meaning hugs may make his anxiety worse. "How about we go and get some of Ukyo's BBQ before stupid pervert Kenma eats it all?" she smiled. She hadn't had a BBQ before but it sounded delicious, back home they ate roasted meats, rice, stews, and other hearty meals. Their traditional cuisine was much more different than the food back in China. Ryoga blushed, he was often overwhelmed when Shampoo glomped on him but this was nice, slow, going at a pace he liked. He shyly reached up to hold her hand, getting to his feet. Walking hand in hand with Shampoo down the beach to get food.
Cologne smiled as she watched Ryoga and Shampoo walk away "Ah, young love, I can't wait to see my future great-great-grandchildren" she chuckled. Love took time and patience, at their age awkwardness was expected, but it was progressing naturally as it should. They trusted each other, Shampoo defended him loyally and saw good in him. Ryoga defended her in turn and protected her from those who would try and lay claim to her or insult her. Ryoga admitted to his flaws instead of bullshitting, confessing his imperfections but also how Shampoo caused him to want to be a better man. She couldn't think of a better match.
Kenma looked up from his plate of food to see Ryoga sitting down nearby, with Shampoo sitting beside Ryoga.
"...what do you want?" the redheaded boy asked; didn't Ryoga have better things to be doing, like avoiding Shampoo's glomping?
"Just to eat lunch with my best friend," Ryoga replied; he was exhausted mentally and physically, he just wanted to eat dinner and then collapse in his bed. He didn't want any more unpleasant surprises, he just wanted to eat. He would listen to whatever Kenma had to say, but it would fall on deaf ears. He just wanted to exist, to be left in his own head until he calmed down. Whatever stick Kenma had up his ass was his own problem.
"Well...okay," Kenma replied, pleasantly surprised at this turn of events. "Look, man...about the other day..."
"What?! Are you STILL going on about that?!" Ryoga asked, annoyed.
"No, no! I wanted to apologize!" Kenma blurted, putting his hands up. "Just hear me out, alright?"
Ryoga gave a sigh, and calmed down; Shampoo turned towards Kenma, a subtle venom in her eyes as she glared at him.
"I thought about what happened, and I admit, I have a very long way to go before I can even BEGIN calling myself a martial artist," Kenma explained. "But I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. If anyone's to blame for how much I suck, it's me...and also my old man, a little bit. But once this trip is over, I swear I'm gonna buckle down and train more often. Maybe then I'll be able to protect myself...and others."
"So no more of the whole woe-is-me attitude?" asked Ryoga.
Kenma nodded. "The pity party stops here and now," he replied.
"Hey, Kenma?" asked Ryoga before he started eating. "...thanks for distracting Mousse earlier, even if it didn't work like you were expecting."
"No problem," Kenma replied. "It's the sorta thing that pals would do for one another."
"Yep," Ryoga nodded, before smirking. "Another thing pals would do is remind each other to start eating before their food vanishes."
"Good point..." Kenma vocalized before he tucked into his plateful of food, with Ryoga tucking into his own.
"Husband? Do you want to go for a walk later? Lots of pretty shells~" Shampoo suggested. She was thinking of perhaps making a necklace or some other form of decoration to commemorate the trip. She knew shells were rare around here and she wanted to find some that she could take home with her. Maybe she could make a ring or earrings too; she'd decide when she got home. But she definitely knew the sunset would be very romantic to watch with Ryoga...and maybe he could help her find the perfect shell.
Ryoga blushed as he swallowed some food. "S-s-sure, sounds good!" he mumbled. She was being sweeter than usual with him, and though it got him flustered, it was making him happy too. He hated to admit that being coddled by Shampoo a little wasn't all bad. Despite the bumps in the road, it definitely looked like this relationship was going to be very successful. He wondered if Shampoo would be enrolling at their school too; seeing her in a sailor uniform did sound tempting...
"Hey!" Genma called as his stomach growled. "Isn't anybody gonna feed me...?"
"Feed yourself, old man; I don't pander to layabout negligent fathers!" Ukyo scoffed.
"If you can sniff out alcohol by nature, perhaps finding food should become your second skill!" Cologne chuckled.
Genma let out a groan of agony as his stomach growled again, drowned out by the sounds of the waves pounding against the shoreline. Maybe he could try foraging, like how he used to as a young man when training. Maybe a pretty girl along the beach would take pity on him? But then again...I doubt it.