Heart of Fire, Soul of Ice
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Part 3: The Feeling of Togetherness
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Ranma and Akane walked to school, quite a bit of distance between them. Although Akane didn't want to admit it, if Ranma hadn't pushed her away the previous night, no doubt that kissing would have carried over to something with more lasting effects. She glanced towards him and blushed faintly.
He swallowed. After last night, he didn't know how to treat her. She had been so warm and he'd wanted her so much, he still did. He could still taste her on his tounge, still feel her soft, satiny skin under his fingertips. His throat was still dry. He jumped from the fence and walked beside her, his hand hesitantely reaching towards hers.
She jumped when his fingers twined with hers. She looked up at him her gaze frightened almost. "Ranma..."
He just held her hand, looking at the sidewalk. He wanted to touch her skin again, just so he would never forget how warm she was, how willing she'd been. It hurt to think about, but he knew what would have happened. Something would have gone wrong and they'd have been caught and forced to marry before they were ready.
Akane swallowed damply. "Ranma...about...last night..." She started awkwardly.
He just squeezed her fingers. "Don't worry about it, Akane-chan..." He whispered, smiling down at her. Yet, there was a slightly haunted look in his eyes. He could still feel the nerves that had been affecting him the past week. He gently caressed her hand and sighed, his face calming. "It wasn't your fault...things...just got a little out of hand..." He bit his lip.
"I didn't mean that..." She said softly. "I...I wouldn't have minded..." She whispered.
He looked over at her surprised. "Akane...?"
She blushed awkwardly. "I...I liked it...when you held me...and kissed me..." She spoke in low, imperceptible tones. "I...felt all warm and fuzzy again...like when you tell me you love me...b-but...you pushed me away and the warm fuzzy feelings went away..." She wanted to cry.
Ranma pulled his fiancee to a stop and stared at her, his eyes wide. "Akane..." He whispered. He'd hurt her when he stopped what was happening then. He hadn't meant to. "Oh, gods...I'm sorry...but, Akane...I'm not ready...and I don't think you're really ready..." He sighed, hugging her gently. "Let's skip classes today, sweetheart, I'll see if I can make you feel warm and fuzzy without...doing that..."
She blinked, staring up at him. "Ranma..."
He winced, waiting for the mallet. "Sorry...I shouldn't have suggested it...only delinquits like me ditch classes..." He said softly, looking away.
"Let's do it." She said easily.
His eyes jerked up and he stared. She was smiling at him. "Akane?"
She smiled up at him. "Let's go..." She whispered, kissing their joined hands.
His lips turned up into a smile and he scooped her up, jumping up to the rooftops.
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Fushicho was confused when she didn't see Ranma or Akane in class that day. She shrugged it off as another adventure and lifted her eyes to the front of the class where a new student was being introduced. Her hair stood on end, straight out from her head.
"Class, this is Okami, he's been living in Osaka for awhile. He'll take the seat next to Fushicho." The teacher paused. "Isn't that Tendo's seat?" He asked Fushicho.
"Yes, sir, they...went on a little adventure..." She said, not wanting to get in trouble.
"Those kids...oh, well. She'll sit next to her fiancee when she get's back." Okami walked towards her and plopped down next to her. "Hi, Fushicho-chan..." He said, leaning towards her barely.
"Okami-kun, what are you doing here?!" She whispered harshly.
"Wanna see your progress."
"Give me a break, wolf..." She whispered, her face irritable. "We'll talk at lunch." She said sternly.
"Yes, phoenix..." He winked at her and smiled as she blushed.
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"So...how's the romance between Ranma and Akane coming?" Okami asked over a supurbly done okinomiyaki. He had known why the personal intrest had drawn her out of heaven and had followed to make sure the God of Death's plan didn't work.
"They got together faster than I thought they would, but there are still alot of kinks to work out. Ranma got rid of one himself. Ryoga is no longer an issue. The girls are going to take longer though." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Ranma and Akane ditched together today."
"I was wondering where they were."
She sighed, closing her eyes and resting back against the tree. "I'm almowt wondering if I shouldn't go home now..." She said, remembering the crowd of people who'd greated her at the gate everymorning since she'd begun school.
It was annoying. Maybe if she had a strong fiancee like Akane did...Her eyes lifted to Okami, who was watching the cherry blossoms fall, a peaceful look on his face. Her best friend. The one she trusted with all of her secrets. "Okami...why are you really here?"
He looked up, surprised. "Wha-?"
"Something's up. I know it. You're never coming down here if you can help it. Tell me."
He sighed. He couldn't just tell her, though. He'd known about the battle that was coming for awhile now, but he couldn't tell her. "I saw what was going on with those guys and thought you might need a hand dealing with them...?"
She arched an eyebrow. "Really...?"
"Y-yeah!"
She shook her head. "No, it's not...but I understand if you don't want to tell me." She smiled at her friend. "You're fairly easily read, my dear Okami." She said, leaning against his shoulder.
Okami blushed brightly, resting his head against hers. He sniffed her hair, wondering how she could get such an impossible smell to her hair. An unnamable fragrance. He sighed, contenting himself to snuggle the beautiful spirit at his side. He gently tangled his fingers with hers, his eyes slowly closing. "Fushicho-chan..." He whispered softly. "Don't let yourself get hurt...my student..."
She blinked, surprised. "Okami?" She looked up at him, confused.
He gently caressed her face, his eyes serious. "Oh, my little spitfire, you don't get it do you...you can't feel it can you?"
She looked baffled.
"The nervous feeling permeating the area around this battle ravaged district...Ranma, Akane, Ryoga...as an accomplished martial artist, you should KNOW...something is going to happen."
Fushicho looked at him, her eyes widening. "You mean..."
"It is beginning...and Ranma and Akane are major players. You must train Ranma further..."
"But...oh, just come with me, Okami, come with me and watch." She stood, pulling him to his feet easily, revealing strength in her that was invisible.
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Ranma and Akane snuck into the dojo, his arm around her shoulders, her's at his waist. They spoke in hushed tones, giggling softly. Deep down, Akane wondered why she'd never ditched with Ranma before. It felt wonderful to do.
Ranma stood across from Akane in the dojo and bowed deeply to her, watching as she did the same. "Akane, today, we're doing endurance training."
She looked at him, her face confused. "Why?"
He smiled, then winked. "Indulge me..." He said softly. "I'm gradually going to make my hits harder and faster, so it's not as easy for you to block them. Hopefully, this will help you become a proverbial sherman tank like Ryoga." He saw her wince at the name and sighed, his eyes saddening. He stepped towards her and pulled her into a gentle hug. "Let's warm up, alright?" He asked.
She nodded mutely, hugging him back. She began to stretch out her muscles and felt Ranma applying gentle pressure on her, enough to help her stretch, but not enough to hurt. She didn't understand why he was always treating her with such amazing tenderness. She smiled, beginning a fairly simple kata. Silently, she wondered why Ranma wasn't warming up, too.
He watched her, his eyes soft. She needed to be alot tougher and a bit stronger, even when she wasn't angry. He needed her to live with him, be able to stand up against more difficult apponents, like Shampoo, Ukyou, and anything else that might be stronger than them. He couldn't lose her. He watched her spin gracefully through the kata, her movements fluid, her eyes happy. He sighed, his eyes following her every movement. She was already a wonderful martial artist. If she'd been trained as long as he had, no doubt she could clean the floor with him.
He sighed, smiling a bit. There was no doubt. She was the most beautiful of all the girls who chased him. The nicest, and no doubt about it, the one with the most potential for growth in the arts. He watched her, noting where she needed to tighten her defenses and where she shouldn't make a certain mistake.
"Aren't you going to warm up?" She asked as she finished her kata.
He was startled out of his thoughts and blinked quickly, trying to clear the muck from his brain. "Oh, yeah..." He stepped towards the center of the room and began to move. He went through a kata far more complex than the one Akane had done, and closed his eyes as he finished the first turn. He continued his thoughts, spinning through the kata with practiced ease, not pushing himself, or easing up on himself either.
She would need to learn to control her aura, but right now, she needed to tighten her deffenses, be a little tougher, and get a little faster. Still, that's what he was hoping to work on today. He slowly completed the kata, and bowed to the shrine. When he faced Akane, she had an amazed look on her face.
"Could you teach me that?" She asked, her face lit up.
He smiled a bit, blushing and scratching the back of his head. "Sure, but after we get you a little closer to my level..." He said softly. "Now, prepare yourself..." He prayed mentally that he wouldn't severely hurt her.
Akane jumped out of her skin when Ranma jumped towards her and actually hit her, not as hard as he could have, but it was a solid punch that landed to her stomach. She gasped, collapsing.
Ranma caught her as she fell, his eyes frightened. "Are you alright?!" He asked, his hands gently laying over her stomach. "I didn't hurt you too much did I?"
She stared up at him in surprise. "N-no...I was just winded...I wasn't expecting it..." She forced herself to stand upright and bit her lip. "Again..."
He began using more complex moves, trying to get her to dodge him or attack back. He flipped her a few times, and during one time, he chastised her.
"You've made that same mistake three times, Akane. I spotted it, so would Shampoo or Ukyou. NEVER leave yourself open to an attack..." He grabbed her hand and helped her to her feet. She was blushing badly and covered her face in shame.
"I'm no good, am I? I'll never stand a chance against anyone..." She began to sniffle and wiped her eyes angrily.
Ranma caught her face and tilted it up. "You're wrong, Akane..." He whispered. "You just haven't made it your life...There's nothing wrong with that, but something big is going to happen soon, I can feel it, and I don't want to see you hurt..." He caressed her face and smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get better in time." He kissed her quickly and then took a ready position. "Now come on, you uncute tomboy." He saw her enraged expression and smiled internally.
She pulled out the mallet and prepared to flatten him. HOW DARE HE CALL ME THAT! AFTER HE KISSED ME NO LESS! She swung the mallet down, only to feel dozens of gentle taps to her chest. Individually they wouldn't have hurt, but one after another hitting the same spot and she dropped the mallet. "Te..." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.
Ranma saw her tears and stopped immidiately. "Akane?!" He gasped, his hands catching her shoulders. "Are you okay?!"
She smiled through her pain. "Hurts a bit..." She whispered.
He hugged her gently, then released her. "Don't let your anger control you..." He said with a gentle caress to her face. "It will be your one major downfall in a fight. If you don't control yourself, and your emotions during the fight...you could get severly hurt. If it had been Shampoo, she wouldn't have done those taps, she would have used the full strength...and she could have killed you."
She winced. He was right. She'd been letting her anger controll her for too long. She bit her lip hard and straightened. "Hai, sensei." She said in all seriousness. She saw him jump a bit at the term and examine her.
He looked her up and down. Her stance had changed alot after he said that. She stood with self confidence, no anger, but trust was somewhere in her eyes. She trusted him not to hurt her badly. He nodded, lunging, and attacking her. He took care to pull all the punches, still moving with only a fraction of his speed. As they practiced, he gradually put a little more force behind his blows and sped them up a little.
She bit her lip, watching his flying hands and hurrying to block as many as possible, even if some came through. She could tell he was pulling his blows, and didn't care. She could feel how the strength and speed increased and she was happy he was finally taking her skill seriously. Each wince was made happily. Finally, a well placed kick sent her into the wall and she gasped in surprised pain.
Ranma stopped, his eyes pained. He could see her wince every time he hit her, and it was tearing him apart that he was willingly hurting her. He hated every grunt of pain and wince, every time he heard skin connect with skin and every time a tear pierced her eye. He walked towards her and plopped down beside her, barely winded. "Akane..." He whispered, near tears.
She looked up at him and saw the pain on his face. "Ranma? What's wrong? Are you okay?" She asked.
He shook his head. "No...I hate this..." He fought tears and failed. "Oh, Akane, I hate seeing you in pain...and knowing I'm willingly doing this to you..." He shook his head, dragging his sleeve across his face. "But...I HAVE to do this...I can feel something...it's the same feeling I got before I went back to Jusenkyo...that something really bad is going to happen, and somehow you're going to get hurt, and I can't let that happen..." He swallowed painfully. "Oh, Akane...I'm so afraid I'm going to lose you..."
She stared up at him surprised. "The feeling like all hell was going to break loose and there as nothing you could do to stop it...like butterflies in your stomache, only a more frightening feeling, almost evil..." She whispered. "I've been getting it too..." She looked at her feet, laying limply against the wall. She was exhausted.
"Yes..." He looked at her. "Oh, gods, I don't think I could bear it if I lost you..." He whispered. "I can't live without you..." He pulled her into a tight hug, his face covered in tears, but he didn't care.
Akane hugged him back hesitantely. She'd rarely seen him drop his guard and let her see what was in his heart. She didn't know what all to make of it. She felt her heart beating hard in her chest and snuggled closer to him.
"I love you..." He whispered into her hair, inhaling the fragrance she emitted. She was so warm. So alive. The last time he'd cried, holding her like this, he'd been so sure she was dead. Jusendo. Her body had been so cold, so limp, but now she was warm, her body pulsing with life. He cupped her face gently, his fingers caressing her forhead, her cheeks, her nose, until he finally buried his hands into her thick beautiful hair and kissed her lovingly. "Oh, gods..." He whispered into her mouth.
Akane's eyes fell closed and she clung to him. "Ranma..." She moaned softly into his mouth. She felt her strength gradually returning and shuddered slightly. "Ranma, dont..." She pushed him away, her face slightly upset. "I don't want to hurt you..."
He touched her face, guiding it back so he could look down into her swimming brown eyes. "You won't, trust me..." He kissed her lips again, running a hand through her hair. He felt her her relaxing and kissed a line to her neck where he sucked at her throat gently. She smelled wonderful, like a real woman, not someone who was covered in perfume, but natural, the smell of soap, and shampoo. He sighed heavily.
If only this moment wasn't spoiled with that damn feeling. He lifted his eyes and stared at Akane for a long moment. "Akane..." He whispered, one free hand gently caressing her neck. He let out a soft moan and pulled away from her completely. He saw the twinge of sadness in Akane's eyes and stood, offering her his hands. "We should get to bed...We DO have to go to school tomorrow..."
With a sigh and a nod, she slipped her hands into his and let herself be hauled onto her feet. They stood there for a long minute before the door slammed open and they heard the noises of rejoicing outside.
"You've finally accepted your engagement!" Soun cried, bursting into tears. He ran in and prepared to hug them, but Ranma ducked out of Soun's hug before he got caught in it and darted out of the room, his face matching his blood red shirt perfectly. He reached his bedroom and slammed the door closed. DAMN THEM!
With an anguished groan, he collapsed onto his futon, his face severely upset. Why was it whenever he got close to her, their families interfered?! He sighed, putting his hands over his eyes and rubbing them. "I wish I could have peace..."
Soon, Genma wandered in, grinning from ear to furred ear, and prepared to go to bed. Ranma glared at the panda as he walked across the room. "What the hell are you so happy about?!" He snarled.
Genma held up a sign. *Finally getting along with Akane, eh, boy?* The panda chuckled somewhat evilly. His chuckles died a quick death when Ranma shot him a glare that would have withered someone else. *What?!*
An angry snort and Ranma was back onto his feet. Something was going to happen and soon. He didn't have time to deal with this crap. He stormed out of his room and down the stairs to the bathroom. He heard voices inside and cringed. One was Kasumi, the other Nabiki, and finally Akane.
"Come on, it's not like no one knew where this was going, Akane. I just want to make a few bucks..." Nabiki's voice rang out clear.
"We've known you loved each other for awhile now." Kasumi was coaxing her, too.
Akane's voice sounded seriously irritated. "This isn't anyone's business except for Ranma's and mine! I would like it if people would just leave us alone! I'm sick of living my life under a microscope!"
He continued down the hall till he reached the living room. She was right. Staying here was like living under a microscope. No matter where they went, they'd never have a moment of peace and quiet. If they ever got married, they'd have to worry about the whole family listening in on their first night.
Just then, his thoughts caught up with him. Married...? He leaned against the outside wall and stared up at the sky. Was he really ready to get married? He knew he loved her, but...married?
Perhaps he should be more worried about HER being ready to marry HIM. What if she didn't want to get married? What if she didn't look at him like someone should look at a husband. He just wasn't sure about anything anymore. And the nervousness was growing.
He grabbed his pig-tail and tugged on it fearfully. Where was a damn demi- god when you needed one...
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Akane toweled her hair off, staring into the mirror on her desk. She had never felt so happy as she had when Ranma had held her like that. So tenderly, gentle, loving. It felt wonderful to feel so loved. She sighed, leaning back against her chair.
Yet, everytime they got close to each other, he was backing away, frightened, perhaps of becoming too close to her. She picked up her comb, dragging it through her hair, knowing she was just worrying over nothing. Yet, these nerves weren't just nothing. Something was going to happen, and the feelings seemed to be slowing intensifying.
Perhaps that's why she pushed him.
Maybe her fear of losing him made her less worried about the risks of rushing their relationship before it was ready. All she knew was she was feeling a deep need for him that she couldn't completely explain. It had hardly been a week since she'd so forcefully thrown him out of the bathroom that morning, when the nerves started. She deeply regreted that now. Although they were growing closer now, they still had their fair share of arguments.
She sighed, flopping back on her bed and staring up at the roof. She heard a gentle tap at her window and glanced towards it.
Ranma hung there, upside down, his gaze peering back at her.
With a faint blush, she gestured for him to come in and watched as he slid the window open. When he was safely inside, she sat, looking up at him, flushed pink. "What brings you here at this hour...?" She whispered, her hands fisting in the bedsheets.
He walked towards her, then knelt on the floor, resting his head against her thighs like a pillow. He remained silent, not answering her question, but his intense gaze caused her to tremble. One of his hands captured hers, while his other ran along her calf-muscle gently. "Can I stay with you for awhile? I promise I wont try anything..." He whispered, looking up at her surprised chocolate brown eyes.
"I..." She ran her fingers through his hair and sighed. "Yes...I don't suppose I have a problem with you staying here..." She slid down onto the floor, resting her back against the bed, then patted her lap again, smiling at him sweetly. When his black hair was finally resting on her lap, she sighed, lacing her fingers with his. "I-"
"PANTIES!"
The shrill, but definately male voice caused them both to curse and jump to their feet, Ranma striding over to the closet to throw it open. Akane's underclothing had been strewn all over the inside and Happosai sat in the middle of it all, looking quite pleased with himself.
"HAPPOSAI!" They both exclaimed.
The ancient pervert smiled up at them. "Oh, don't mind me, kids, why don't you just go have a nice romp on the bed while I videotape?"
Ranma cracked his knuckles. "If Akane and I were going to have sex..." He said in a dangerous voice as he seized him. "WE SURE WOULDN'T DO IT IN FRONT OF A FUCKING PERVERT LIKE YOU!"
Happosai got a prompt ticket to Tokyo, care of Ranma's foot.
Ranma was so mad he was glowing. Akane looked up at him in shock, and backed away slightly. "How DARE that little perv imply something like that! I shoulda put his head through a wall! Damn him! Why is it whenever we get..." He flushed then shut up.
"Ranma..." Akane touched his arm gently. "Ignore him." She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Just ignore him..."
Ranma pulled away and placed a finger over his lips, pointing towards the door. He arched an eyebrow and imitated holding a glass up to his ear and leaning against a door or wall. He half-grinned and pointed towards her seat.
"What are you going to do with me on the chair?" She questioned as he steered her towards it, completely confused.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I'm going to play with our families minds."
She felt him sit her down and gasped. "Ranma?!"
His hands caressed her neck and shoulders and she let out a soft moan.
He heard whispering from outside and grinned. His fingers gently kneeded the muscles in her shoulders and Akane groaned louder. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "We're being listened to."
"Ohhhh..." She murmered, understanding and grinning as well. Revenge for being spied on. His fingers worked gently at her sore muscles causeing her to whimper and cry out in pain or pleasure. She could hear the speach outside plainly now.
"What do you suppose is going on in there, Tendo?" Genma's voice caused a sneer to cross their faces.
"Sounds to me like Akane's gettin some, daddy." Nabiki said.
Ranma hit a particularly sore muscle and Akane cried out in obvious pain.
"Gently, Ranma!"
"Sorry..." He mumbled.
Soun burst in the door, full demon head attack. "IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE SEX WITH HER AT LEAST TREAT HER LIKE SHE SHOULD BE TRE-" That was when they noticed nether child was out of their clothing, and Akane was recieving a shoulder rub. Everyone stared.
Ranma and Akane looked at them and arched an eyebrow. "Next time you're listening, perhaps you should be sure of the entire situation before making assumptions." Akane said, resting her hands over Ranma's. "There are times when a little privacy would be greatly appreciated."
"You mean you weren't...?"
The pair shook their heads and Soun burst into tears.
Fushicho walked up, glancing around at the others and sweatdropping. "You guys weren't spying on those two again, were you?"
Ranma and Akane just smiled at each other and with a gentle squeeze to Akane's shoulder, Ranma headed back to his room.
"Ranma-" Akane started, causing him to glance back at her, his eyes somehow hopeful. She paused, noting their parent's staring at them. "Good night..."
He half-smiled and nodded. "Sleep well..." With that, he wandered back to his room.
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Part 3: The Feeling of Togetherness
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Ranma and Akane walked to school, quite a bit of distance between them. Although Akane didn't want to admit it, if Ranma hadn't pushed her away the previous night, no doubt that kissing would have carried over to something with more lasting effects. She glanced towards him and blushed faintly.
He swallowed. After last night, he didn't know how to treat her. She had been so warm and he'd wanted her so much, he still did. He could still taste her on his tounge, still feel her soft, satiny skin under his fingertips. His throat was still dry. He jumped from the fence and walked beside her, his hand hesitantely reaching towards hers.
She jumped when his fingers twined with hers. She looked up at him her gaze frightened almost. "Ranma..."
He just held her hand, looking at the sidewalk. He wanted to touch her skin again, just so he would never forget how warm she was, how willing she'd been. It hurt to think about, but he knew what would have happened. Something would have gone wrong and they'd have been caught and forced to marry before they were ready.
Akane swallowed damply. "Ranma...about...last night..." She started awkwardly.
He just squeezed her fingers. "Don't worry about it, Akane-chan..." He whispered, smiling down at her. Yet, there was a slightly haunted look in his eyes. He could still feel the nerves that had been affecting him the past week. He gently caressed her hand and sighed, his face calming. "It wasn't your fault...things...just got a little out of hand..." He bit his lip.
"I didn't mean that..." She said softly. "I...I wouldn't have minded..." She whispered.
He looked over at her surprised. "Akane...?"
She blushed awkwardly. "I...I liked it...when you held me...and kissed me..." She spoke in low, imperceptible tones. "I...felt all warm and fuzzy again...like when you tell me you love me...b-but...you pushed me away and the warm fuzzy feelings went away..." She wanted to cry.
Ranma pulled his fiancee to a stop and stared at her, his eyes wide. "Akane..." He whispered. He'd hurt her when he stopped what was happening then. He hadn't meant to. "Oh, gods...I'm sorry...but, Akane...I'm not ready...and I don't think you're really ready..." He sighed, hugging her gently. "Let's skip classes today, sweetheart, I'll see if I can make you feel warm and fuzzy without...doing that..."
She blinked, staring up at him. "Ranma..."
He winced, waiting for the mallet. "Sorry...I shouldn't have suggested it...only delinquits like me ditch classes..." He said softly, looking away.
"Let's do it." She said easily.
His eyes jerked up and he stared. She was smiling at him. "Akane?"
She smiled up at him. "Let's go..." She whispered, kissing their joined hands.
His lips turned up into a smile and he scooped her up, jumping up to the rooftops.
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Fushicho was confused when she didn't see Ranma or Akane in class that day. She shrugged it off as another adventure and lifted her eyes to the front of the class where a new student was being introduced. Her hair stood on end, straight out from her head.
"Class, this is Okami, he's been living in Osaka for awhile. He'll take the seat next to Fushicho." The teacher paused. "Isn't that Tendo's seat?" He asked Fushicho.
"Yes, sir, they...went on a little adventure..." She said, not wanting to get in trouble.
"Those kids...oh, well. She'll sit next to her fiancee when she get's back." Okami walked towards her and plopped down next to her. "Hi, Fushicho-chan..." He said, leaning towards her barely.
"Okami-kun, what are you doing here?!" She whispered harshly.
"Wanna see your progress."
"Give me a break, wolf..." She whispered, her face irritable. "We'll talk at lunch." She said sternly.
"Yes, phoenix..." He winked at her and smiled as she blushed.
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"So...how's the romance between Ranma and Akane coming?" Okami asked over a supurbly done okinomiyaki. He had known why the personal intrest had drawn her out of heaven and had followed to make sure the God of Death's plan didn't work.
"They got together faster than I thought they would, but there are still alot of kinks to work out. Ranma got rid of one himself. Ryoga is no longer an issue. The girls are going to take longer though." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Ranma and Akane ditched together today."
"I was wondering where they were."
She sighed, closing her eyes and resting back against the tree. "I'm almowt wondering if I shouldn't go home now..." She said, remembering the crowd of people who'd greated her at the gate everymorning since she'd begun school.
It was annoying. Maybe if she had a strong fiancee like Akane did...Her eyes lifted to Okami, who was watching the cherry blossoms fall, a peaceful look on his face. Her best friend. The one she trusted with all of her secrets. "Okami...why are you really here?"
He looked up, surprised. "Wha-?"
"Something's up. I know it. You're never coming down here if you can help it. Tell me."
He sighed. He couldn't just tell her, though. He'd known about the battle that was coming for awhile now, but he couldn't tell her. "I saw what was going on with those guys and thought you might need a hand dealing with them...?"
She arched an eyebrow. "Really...?"
"Y-yeah!"
She shook her head. "No, it's not...but I understand if you don't want to tell me." She smiled at her friend. "You're fairly easily read, my dear Okami." She said, leaning against his shoulder.
Okami blushed brightly, resting his head against hers. He sniffed her hair, wondering how she could get such an impossible smell to her hair. An unnamable fragrance. He sighed, contenting himself to snuggle the beautiful spirit at his side. He gently tangled his fingers with hers, his eyes slowly closing. "Fushicho-chan..." He whispered softly. "Don't let yourself get hurt...my student..."
She blinked, surprised. "Okami?" She looked up at him, confused.
He gently caressed her face, his eyes serious. "Oh, my little spitfire, you don't get it do you...you can't feel it can you?"
She looked baffled.
"The nervous feeling permeating the area around this battle ravaged district...Ranma, Akane, Ryoga...as an accomplished martial artist, you should KNOW...something is going to happen."
Fushicho looked at him, her eyes widening. "You mean..."
"It is beginning...and Ranma and Akane are major players. You must train Ranma further..."
"But...oh, just come with me, Okami, come with me and watch." She stood, pulling him to his feet easily, revealing strength in her that was invisible.
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Ranma and Akane snuck into the dojo, his arm around her shoulders, her's at his waist. They spoke in hushed tones, giggling softly. Deep down, Akane wondered why she'd never ditched with Ranma before. It felt wonderful to do.
Ranma stood across from Akane in the dojo and bowed deeply to her, watching as she did the same. "Akane, today, we're doing endurance training."
She looked at him, her face confused. "Why?"
He smiled, then winked. "Indulge me..." He said softly. "I'm gradually going to make my hits harder and faster, so it's not as easy for you to block them. Hopefully, this will help you become a proverbial sherman tank like Ryoga." He saw her wince at the name and sighed, his eyes saddening. He stepped towards her and pulled her into a gentle hug. "Let's warm up, alright?" He asked.
She nodded mutely, hugging him back. She began to stretch out her muscles and felt Ranma applying gentle pressure on her, enough to help her stretch, but not enough to hurt. She didn't understand why he was always treating her with such amazing tenderness. She smiled, beginning a fairly simple kata. Silently, she wondered why Ranma wasn't warming up, too.
He watched her, his eyes soft. She needed to be alot tougher and a bit stronger, even when she wasn't angry. He needed her to live with him, be able to stand up against more difficult apponents, like Shampoo, Ukyou, and anything else that might be stronger than them. He couldn't lose her. He watched her spin gracefully through the kata, her movements fluid, her eyes happy. He sighed, his eyes following her every movement. She was already a wonderful martial artist. If she'd been trained as long as he had, no doubt she could clean the floor with him.
He sighed, smiling a bit. There was no doubt. She was the most beautiful of all the girls who chased him. The nicest, and no doubt about it, the one with the most potential for growth in the arts. He watched her, noting where she needed to tighten her defenses and where she shouldn't make a certain mistake.
"Aren't you going to warm up?" She asked as she finished her kata.
He was startled out of his thoughts and blinked quickly, trying to clear the muck from his brain. "Oh, yeah..." He stepped towards the center of the room and began to move. He went through a kata far more complex than the one Akane had done, and closed his eyes as he finished the first turn. He continued his thoughts, spinning through the kata with practiced ease, not pushing himself, or easing up on himself either.
She would need to learn to control her aura, but right now, she needed to tighten her deffenses, be a little tougher, and get a little faster. Still, that's what he was hoping to work on today. He slowly completed the kata, and bowed to the shrine. When he faced Akane, she had an amazed look on her face.
"Could you teach me that?" She asked, her face lit up.
He smiled a bit, blushing and scratching the back of his head. "Sure, but after we get you a little closer to my level..." He said softly. "Now, prepare yourself..." He prayed mentally that he wouldn't severely hurt her.
Akane jumped out of her skin when Ranma jumped towards her and actually hit her, not as hard as he could have, but it was a solid punch that landed to her stomach. She gasped, collapsing.
Ranma caught her as she fell, his eyes frightened. "Are you alright?!" He asked, his hands gently laying over her stomach. "I didn't hurt you too much did I?"
She stared up at him in surprise. "N-no...I was just winded...I wasn't expecting it..." She forced herself to stand upright and bit her lip. "Again..."
He began using more complex moves, trying to get her to dodge him or attack back. He flipped her a few times, and during one time, he chastised her.
"You've made that same mistake three times, Akane. I spotted it, so would Shampoo or Ukyou. NEVER leave yourself open to an attack..." He grabbed her hand and helped her to her feet. She was blushing badly and covered her face in shame.
"I'm no good, am I? I'll never stand a chance against anyone..." She began to sniffle and wiped her eyes angrily.
Ranma caught her face and tilted it up. "You're wrong, Akane..." He whispered. "You just haven't made it your life...There's nothing wrong with that, but something big is going to happen soon, I can feel it, and I don't want to see you hurt..." He caressed her face and smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get better in time." He kissed her quickly and then took a ready position. "Now come on, you uncute tomboy." He saw her enraged expression and smiled internally.
She pulled out the mallet and prepared to flatten him. HOW DARE HE CALL ME THAT! AFTER HE KISSED ME NO LESS! She swung the mallet down, only to feel dozens of gentle taps to her chest. Individually they wouldn't have hurt, but one after another hitting the same spot and she dropped the mallet. "Te..." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.
Ranma saw her tears and stopped immidiately. "Akane?!" He gasped, his hands catching her shoulders. "Are you okay?!"
She smiled through her pain. "Hurts a bit..." She whispered.
He hugged her gently, then released her. "Don't let your anger control you..." He said with a gentle caress to her face. "It will be your one major downfall in a fight. If you don't control yourself, and your emotions during the fight...you could get severly hurt. If it had been Shampoo, she wouldn't have done those taps, she would have used the full strength...and she could have killed you."
She winced. He was right. She'd been letting her anger controll her for too long. She bit her lip hard and straightened. "Hai, sensei." She said in all seriousness. She saw him jump a bit at the term and examine her.
He looked her up and down. Her stance had changed alot after he said that. She stood with self confidence, no anger, but trust was somewhere in her eyes. She trusted him not to hurt her badly. He nodded, lunging, and attacking her. He took care to pull all the punches, still moving with only a fraction of his speed. As they practiced, he gradually put a little more force behind his blows and sped them up a little.
She bit her lip, watching his flying hands and hurrying to block as many as possible, even if some came through. She could tell he was pulling his blows, and didn't care. She could feel how the strength and speed increased and she was happy he was finally taking her skill seriously. Each wince was made happily. Finally, a well placed kick sent her into the wall and she gasped in surprised pain.
Ranma stopped, his eyes pained. He could see her wince every time he hit her, and it was tearing him apart that he was willingly hurting her. He hated every grunt of pain and wince, every time he heard skin connect with skin and every time a tear pierced her eye. He walked towards her and plopped down beside her, barely winded. "Akane..." He whispered, near tears.
She looked up at him and saw the pain on his face. "Ranma? What's wrong? Are you okay?" She asked.
He shook his head. "No...I hate this..." He fought tears and failed. "Oh, Akane, I hate seeing you in pain...and knowing I'm willingly doing this to you..." He shook his head, dragging his sleeve across his face. "But...I HAVE to do this...I can feel something...it's the same feeling I got before I went back to Jusenkyo...that something really bad is going to happen, and somehow you're going to get hurt, and I can't let that happen..." He swallowed painfully. "Oh, Akane...I'm so afraid I'm going to lose you..."
She stared up at him surprised. "The feeling like all hell was going to break loose and there as nothing you could do to stop it...like butterflies in your stomache, only a more frightening feeling, almost evil..." She whispered. "I've been getting it too..." She looked at her feet, laying limply against the wall. She was exhausted.
"Yes..." He looked at her. "Oh, gods, I don't think I could bear it if I lost you..." He whispered. "I can't live without you..." He pulled her into a tight hug, his face covered in tears, but he didn't care.
Akane hugged him back hesitantely. She'd rarely seen him drop his guard and let her see what was in his heart. She didn't know what all to make of it. She felt her heart beating hard in her chest and snuggled closer to him.
"I love you..." He whispered into her hair, inhaling the fragrance she emitted. She was so warm. So alive. The last time he'd cried, holding her like this, he'd been so sure she was dead. Jusendo. Her body had been so cold, so limp, but now she was warm, her body pulsing with life. He cupped her face gently, his fingers caressing her forhead, her cheeks, her nose, until he finally buried his hands into her thick beautiful hair and kissed her lovingly. "Oh, gods..." He whispered into her mouth.
Akane's eyes fell closed and she clung to him. "Ranma..." She moaned softly into his mouth. She felt her strength gradually returning and shuddered slightly. "Ranma, dont..." She pushed him away, her face slightly upset. "I don't want to hurt you..."
He touched her face, guiding it back so he could look down into her swimming brown eyes. "You won't, trust me..." He kissed her lips again, running a hand through her hair. He felt her her relaxing and kissed a line to her neck where he sucked at her throat gently. She smelled wonderful, like a real woman, not someone who was covered in perfume, but natural, the smell of soap, and shampoo. He sighed heavily.
If only this moment wasn't spoiled with that damn feeling. He lifted his eyes and stared at Akane for a long moment. "Akane..." He whispered, one free hand gently caressing her neck. He let out a soft moan and pulled away from her completely. He saw the twinge of sadness in Akane's eyes and stood, offering her his hands. "We should get to bed...We DO have to go to school tomorrow..."
With a sigh and a nod, she slipped her hands into his and let herself be hauled onto her feet. They stood there for a long minute before the door slammed open and they heard the noises of rejoicing outside.
"You've finally accepted your engagement!" Soun cried, bursting into tears. He ran in and prepared to hug them, but Ranma ducked out of Soun's hug before he got caught in it and darted out of the room, his face matching his blood red shirt perfectly. He reached his bedroom and slammed the door closed. DAMN THEM!
With an anguished groan, he collapsed onto his futon, his face severely upset. Why was it whenever he got close to her, their families interfered?! He sighed, putting his hands over his eyes and rubbing them. "I wish I could have peace..."
Soon, Genma wandered in, grinning from ear to furred ear, and prepared to go to bed. Ranma glared at the panda as he walked across the room. "What the hell are you so happy about?!" He snarled.
Genma held up a sign. *Finally getting along with Akane, eh, boy?* The panda chuckled somewhat evilly. His chuckles died a quick death when Ranma shot him a glare that would have withered someone else. *What?!*
An angry snort and Ranma was back onto his feet. Something was going to happen and soon. He didn't have time to deal with this crap. He stormed out of his room and down the stairs to the bathroom. He heard voices inside and cringed. One was Kasumi, the other Nabiki, and finally Akane.
"Come on, it's not like no one knew where this was going, Akane. I just want to make a few bucks..." Nabiki's voice rang out clear.
"We've known you loved each other for awhile now." Kasumi was coaxing her, too.
Akane's voice sounded seriously irritated. "This isn't anyone's business except for Ranma's and mine! I would like it if people would just leave us alone! I'm sick of living my life under a microscope!"
He continued down the hall till he reached the living room. She was right. Staying here was like living under a microscope. No matter where they went, they'd never have a moment of peace and quiet. If they ever got married, they'd have to worry about the whole family listening in on their first night.
Just then, his thoughts caught up with him. Married...? He leaned against the outside wall and stared up at the sky. Was he really ready to get married? He knew he loved her, but...married?
Perhaps he should be more worried about HER being ready to marry HIM. What if she didn't want to get married? What if she didn't look at him like someone should look at a husband. He just wasn't sure about anything anymore. And the nervousness was growing.
He grabbed his pig-tail and tugged on it fearfully. Where was a damn demi- god when you needed one...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Akane toweled her hair off, staring into the mirror on her desk. She had never felt so happy as she had when Ranma had held her like that. So tenderly, gentle, loving. It felt wonderful to feel so loved. She sighed, leaning back against her chair.
Yet, everytime they got close to each other, he was backing away, frightened, perhaps of becoming too close to her. She picked up her comb, dragging it through her hair, knowing she was just worrying over nothing. Yet, these nerves weren't just nothing. Something was going to happen, and the feelings seemed to be slowing intensifying.
Perhaps that's why she pushed him.
Maybe her fear of losing him made her less worried about the risks of rushing their relationship before it was ready. All she knew was she was feeling a deep need for him that she couldn't completely explain. It had hardly been a week since she'd so forcefully thrown him out of the bathroom that morning, when the nerves started. She deeply regreted that now. Although they were growing closer now, they still had their fair share of arguments.
She sighed, flopping back on her bed and staring up at the roof. She heard a gentle tap at her window and glanced towards it.
Ranma hung there, upside down, his gaze peering back at her.
With a faint blush, she gestured for him to come in and watched as he slid the window open. When he was safely inside, she sat, looking up at him, flushed pink. "What brings you here at this hour...?" She whispered, her hands fisting in the bedsheets.
He walked towards her, then knelt on the floor, resting his head against her thighs like a pillow. He remained silent, not answering her question, but his intense gaze caused her to tremble. One of his hands captured hers, while his other ran along her calf-muscle gently. "Can I stay with you for awhile? I promise I wont try anything..." He whispered, looking up at her surprised chocolate brown eyes.
"I..." She ran her fingers through his hair and sighed. "Yes...I don't suppose I have a problem with you staying here..." She slid down onto the floor, resting her back against the bed, then patted her lap again, smiling at him sweetly. When his black hair was finally resting on her lap, she sighed, lacing her fingers with his. "I-"
"PANTIES!"
The shrill, but definately male voice caused them both to curse and jump to their feet, Ranma striding over to the closet to throw it open. Akane's underclothing had been strewn all over the inside and Happosai sat in the middle of it all, looking quite pleased with himself.
"HAPPOSAI!" They both exclaimed.
The ancient pervert smiled up at them. "Oh, don't mind me, kids, why don't you just go have a nice romp on the bed while I videotape?"
Ranma cracked his knuckles. "If Akane and I were going to have sex..." He said in a dangerous voice as he seized him. "WE SURE WOULDN'T DO IT IN FRONT OF A FUCKING PERVERT LIKE YOU!"
Happosai got a prompt ticket to Tokyo, care of Ranma's foot.
Ranma was so mad he was glowing. Akane looked up at him in shock, and backed away slightly. "How DARE that little perv imply something like that! I shoulda put his head through a wall! Damn him! Why is it whenever we get..." He flushed then shut up.
"Ranma..." Akane touched his arm gently. "Ignore him." She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Just ignore him..."
Ranma pulled away and placed a finger over his lips, pointing towards the door. He arched an eyebrow and imitated holding a glass up to his ear and leaning against a door or wall. He half-grinned and pointed towards her seat.
"What are you going to do with me on the chair?" She questioned as he steered her towards it, completely confused.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I'm going to play with our families minds."
She felt him sit her down and gasped. "Ranma?!"
His hands caressed her neck and shoulders and she let out a soft moan.
He heard whispering from outside and grinned. His fingers gently kneeded the muscles in her shoulders and Akane groaned louder. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "We're being listened to."
"Ohhhh..." She murmered, understanding and grinning as well. Revenge for being spied on. His fingers worked gently at her sore muscles causeing her to whimper and cry out in pain or pleasure. She could hear the speach outside plainly now.
"What do you suppose is going on in there, Tendo?" Genma's voice caused a sneer to cross their faces.
"Sounds to me like Akane's gettin some, daddy." Nabiki said.
Ranma hit a particularly sore muscle and Akane cried out in obvious pain.
"Gently, Ranma!"
"Sorry..." He mumbled.
Soun burst in the door, full demon head attack. "IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE SEX WITH HER AT LEAST TREAT HER LIKE SHE SHOULD BE TRE-" That was when they noticed nether child was out of their clothing, and Akane was recieving a shoulder rub. Everyone stared.
Ranma and Akane looked at them and arched an eyebrow. "Next time you're listening, perhaps you should be sure of the entire situation before making assumptions." Akane said, resting her hands over Ranma's. "There are times when a little privacy would be greatly appreciated."
"You mean you weren't...?"
The pair shook their heads and Soun burst into tears.
Fushicho walked up, glancing around at the others and sweatdropping. "You guys weren't spying on those two again, were you?"
Ranma and Akane just smiled at each other and with a gentle squeeze to Akane's shoulder, Ranma headed back to his room.
"Ranma-" Akane started, causing him to glance back at her, his eyes somehow hopeful. She paused, noting their parent's staring at them. "Good night..."
He half-smiled and nodded. "Sleep well..." With that, he wandered back to his room.