Three Days:
A Moment in Time
By: Crystal_V_Princess
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½, though it is a delicious thought! Heeheehee! *gets mental picture of Ranma* Heehee! J/K! All rights to the characters and storyline (except for the one I'm writing of course!) belong to that genius Rumiko Takahashi (God bless her!).
Note: In my last installment I said there would be another chapter and maybe an epilogue coming, well, that was not worded properly I'm afraid. You see, Day Two isn't over yet-heh, heh! So there should be TWO more chappies and an epilogue coming up! This being one of the two! Wait, no, er, nevermind! I've thoroughly confused myself now, hope YOU guys got it!
Dedications: To ~*! Fireblaze ~*! (Geez, you've become a regular part of the "Dedications" by now!! With good reason, of course!). To Tim Z, thank you for all your encouragement, and for putting up with me for the past few weeks!!!!! Love ya! To Caramia Shallear Cessiyyess, Juniper Winner, Lian Leviathan, Trinity (thanks for cheering me up!), Sara, Lana Panther, Akane and of course, Furaidochikin!!! Thankies, dear! I love you all! XXXOOO!!!!
Princesse, ce loz je vous porte
Que sans vous je ne feusse rien,
A vous et a tous m'en rapporte,
On doit dire du bien le bien.
Francois Villon, "The Poems of Francois Villon", "Poesies Diverses"
They'd slept apart that night; more from fright of themselves than each other. Tossing and turning simultaneously in their separate beds, reacting in turn to the soft crumpling of sheets and blankets as they moved about uncomfortably in their bedding. Somehow, the shared fear was bringing them closer, making the distance nearly intolerable. And in those moments, the two realised just how much in love they really were.
After those few hours of slumber, Ranma rose early, careful not to wake the girl sleeping in the master bedroom, stepping out into the crisp air of early morning. He breathed in deeply, his nose filling with the sweet scent of the foliage; the rain had left everything clean and damp.
The woodland around the summerhouse was pretty, hemmed round by an amphitheatre of purple mountains, rich in tint and furrowed by ravines, high in air and spindly pine trees. The orange sun came rising from behind the leaves, bathing the landscape in the fiery colours of dawn.
"Ranma?" Akane's voice came from behind him; and though he hadn't expected it, he wasn't surprised to hear her.
The pigtailed boy turned smoothly to gaze at his fiancée, azure eyes gentle and wondering. She moved toward him, warm and sleep-soft, holding a lamp up, which added to the oranges and pinks that illuminated her form and face. "What're you doing?" She murmured, opening the glass door of the lantern to blow out the flame of the candle.
"Watching everything wake up." He said, remembering the words she'd said about the awakening life of the forest the first day they'd come.
She smiled warmly; obviously she'd remembered as well. "Hmm." Was the only reply needed as her hand found it's way into his.
"Watch with me?" He asked, his tone imploring but reassured. Akane nodded slowly and let out a deep breath that felt as if she'd held it forever.
A small rasping noise emerged from her throat as she tried to smile, followed by a cough. Ranma squeezed her hand and a look of worry spread over his face.
"You okay, Akane?" He questioned anxiously, his brows knitting together. She struggled to suppress another cough as she nodded, causing a violent string of hacking in place.
The boy placed a hand on her smooth forehead and another on his own, feeling for any difference in temperature. "You have a fever!" He exclaimed, pulling his fingers away quickly and grabbing her arms. Her eyelids fluttered like nervous butterflies and her face appeared to pale.
"Just a little headache," she gasped, pressing her fingertips to her throbbing temple, "I'm okay." Ranma wasn't convinced by her ailing tone and gently persuaded her to let him surrender the futon for her to use again, and to retire at once to rest; her consent was extorted only upon the condition that he would not leave her for a moment.
After she'd settled back into bed, he wiped a washcloth soaked in cold water across her brow softly. "Jeez, Akane," He said fretfully, "You shouldn't have come outside like that last night!" His words invoked the memouries of their shared kisses and he blushed slightly.
She tried to sit up but he pressed his palm against her shoulder gently and she lowered herself back onto the bedding. "I should have let you wander off angry?" She questioned, her tone half hurt and half accusing.
Ranma's face softened considerably and a little smile pulled at his lips. "No. I'm sorry. I'm just worried." The honesty of his words surprised them both and he turned quickly to dip the cloth back into the bucket of cold water behind him.
The pig-tailed boy felt a gentle tug on the back of his shirt, right above his waist. "I'll be okay." She said, her voice quiet but forceful. "Don't worry so much." He swiveled around slowly to look at her, his eyes soft and raw with feeling.
Not a thought went through his head as he reached down and clutched her to him. "Akane-" She lifted her arms around him and pressed her face into his shoulder.
"You don't have to say it if you don't want to. Not yet." The words compelled him more than any encouragement could have.
He moved back, not releasing her completely, and tightened his jaw, swallowing. "I want to." A look of doubt passed like a shadow through her eyes and he wanted to hold her again, make that doubt go away. "Really. I do." She looked away for a second then back at him.
"But if you don't-" He shook his head, the tightly woven pigtail sailing over his right shoulder and resting there.
"I'd say so." Her fingers found their way to his unruly bangs and her small hand brushed across the glossy black fringes.
Gazing up at him, Akane realised how utterly endearing he looked when he got that serious expression on his face. Those deep determined eyes. That wild thick hair. The strong line of his nose. She drank in the sight of him, trying to memorise every inch of his face in that one moment.
"It's hard though." He whispered, his voice imploring and explanatory, "And-"
"Scary." She finished for him. He stretched his hand out to grasp hers and squeezed it firmly.
"Right." There was a strain in his tone. "I will though. I need to-" His voice faltered and the girl's heart tightened.
"You're not ready." She said softly, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him against her again. "I don't want you to say it!" She felt like crying. He'd told her through his actions, and it was true there was a saying about actions speaking louder than words, but she needed to hear it from his lips. Why couldn't he speak a few little words? Maybe he didn't really love her after all.
The thought made her insides clench so hard it made her chest hurt. She didn't want to think about it. She couldn't. Akane fought back tears but a small sniffle emerged despite her efforts.
"Akane?" Ranma's voice was quizzical, his chin bobbing about on the swell of her shoulder as he spoke. Suddenly, she moved back and took his face between her hands. She pushed her lips hard against his. She wouldn't cry.
The pig-tailed boy's eyes widened then fluttered closed as he slowly returned the kiss. His arms circled her body, holding her close. Something warm and salty slid between their lips and he pulled back to see his fiancée crying.
His fingers reached up and touched the tear on his mouth, bursting the perfect droplet. "I love you." He stated, confused and apprehensive. "What's wrong?"
The girl's shoulders shook and Ranma tilted her chin up to him gently. "I love you." He repeated, for lack of anything better to say, if anything could have been better. Akane briefly wondered how he'd read her mind.
He stared at her. She stared back, her velvety brown eyes shimmering with emotion. She smiled. "Thank you." His face loosened a bit at her grin and she took his hand again, gripping his fingers in a gentle embrace.
"Yeah." He murmured, not taking his eyes from her face. The short- haired girl laid back down on the blankets and closed her eyes.
"How many days have we been here so far?" She asked, letting out a long breath. She felt the cloth on her brow again and the corner of her mouth turned up gently.
"Two, counting today and not counting Wednesday." He sounded softer and lower when she couldn't see him, it was the kind of experience you get when you talk to someone over the phone.
"Oh. It feels like a hundred years." Her eyes blinked open and a hurt expression sat on they boy's face. "No. No." She said quickly, sitting up, causing the rag to fly out of his hand and across the room, "Not like that. I just meant it seems strange without everything being so crazy as it is when we're home." A deep red blush ran across her cheeks as she realised she'd just called the Tendo dojo home. Their home. Together.
Ranma didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he kept it hidden quite well. "Guess you're right." He agreed, standing and retrieving the damp material. He dunked it back into the water, rinsing out any dust that may have gotten caught in the fibres when thrown. "It's quieter here. More peaceful. Deserted." The washcloth was squeezed out and placed on her forehead again. They looked at each other. A sudden sense of reserve filled the room and Akane bit her lip and searched the walls with her eyes.
It was deserted. They were completely alone here, far from prying eyes, insane Amazons, okonomiyaki chefs and the Kuno siblings. She pondered silently if their parents expected anything to-happen. A worm of fear crawled through her blood until it went cold and inkled into her heart. Did Ranma expect anything to happen?
She rolled over onto her side, watching him watch anything but her. No. He didn't. He was as innocent in all this as she was, if not more so. She doubted the thought had ever crossed his mind, and suddenly felt guilty. Sorry Ranma-she apologised to him inwardly.
The silence was becoming unnerving and something had to be done. She stood up carefully, making sure to step on the creaky board. Aha! That got his attention! Ranma glanced at her from the corner of his eyes then turned to face her altogether. "I'm going to take a bath." She said cheerfully, setting them both suddenly at ease. She saw the boy's shoulder visibly slacken and smiled secretly. Good. Things were back as they should be.
Akane walked to the bathroom door and slid it open, not turning around. "Akane?" His voice sounded behind her, questioning and calm. She swiveled in the open doorway and gazed at him.
"Yes?" She asked, raising the gentle curve of her eyebrows into arches. He grinned. It was a nice easy grin.
"Can I have another kiss?" He sounded shy but assured. She smiled back and went to him slowly, stepping into his outstretched arms. Now this was the life, she thought as their lips melted together. Without a doubt.
Author's Note: I'm sorry this took so long, but I've had computer troubles and other kinds of troubles too, so I'm sorry, but I couldn't do a wee bitsy thing about it! There, I hope that apology's accepted!
I've had a few questions posed to me since the last chapter, and I'm going to answer them now. The first one was about me being a coffee drinker. I'm not quite sure what significance this has to my writing style but I'll answer your questions nonetheless.
Yes, it's true that I drink coffee on a regular basis, with milk preferably, but I can drink it black as well. Seeing as I am of an age to do so (Yes, I know that you don't stop growing till you're 27!) there is really no need to worry! Really! So please, don't be too concerned about this! If it helps ease those of you who were troubled by this habit, I also drink tea frequently. If possible Mucho Mate (accent above the "E") with lemon. It's made by Traditional Medicinals and has a lovely herbal-y, refreshing taste which rejuvenates the body, lifts the soul and is all natural to boot! No, I am not part of a worldwide advertising party sent out to infiltrate your growing minds and make you into Mucho Mate zombies. No worries! Heeheehee!
People have also asked me about my music preferences seeing as I have added some of the music I listen to while writing into the beginning credits or acknowledgements. I love Celtic and French music (I AM of strong French blood after all!) I am also a HUGE fan of David Bowie. I don't really have any favourite band or singer, but if I did, he would be it! I listen to a bit of everything so I don't have any specific variety I absolutely only patronise. I also love the Japanese band Smap, if you can, check them out, they're awesome! Truthfully, I love most sappy love songs, and I suppose these would have to be the majority of the music I listen to (not counting David Bowie of course!). Thanks for your time if you even got so far as to read all this! I'll write more soon! If you want to read any more of my fiction, click on my name and it will give you a listing, then click on the title you wish to read! Thanks for everything!
Love,
Your Lady,
Crystal_V_Princess ;P
P.S. If you want the translation to the poem in the beginning, e-mail me or I'll write it into my next chappie, whichever! Love!
A Moment in Time
By: Crystal_V_Princess
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½, though it is a delicious thought! Heeheehee! *gets mental picture of Ranma* Heehee! J/K! All rights to the characters and storyline (except for the one I'm writing of course!) belong to that genius Rumiko Takahashi (God bless her!).
Note: In my last installment I said there would be another chapter and maybe an epilogue coming, well, that was not worded properly I'm afraid. You see, Day Two isn't over yet-heh, heh! So there should be TWO more chappies and an epilogue coming up! This being one of the two! Wait, no, er, nevermind! I've thoroughly confused myself now, hope YOU guys got it!
Dedications: To ~*! Fireblaze ~*! (Geez, you've become a regular part of the "Dedications" by now!! With good reason, of course!). To Tim Z, thank you for all your encouragement, and for putting up with me for the past few weeks!!!!! Love ya! To Caramia Shallear Cessiyyess, Juniper Winner, Lian Leviathan, Trinity (thanks for cheering me up!), Sara, Lana Panther, Akane and of course, Furaidochikin!!! Thankies, dear! I love you all! XXXOOO!!!!
Princesse, ce loz je vous porte
Que sans vous je ne feusse rien,
A vous et a tous m'en rapporte,
On doit dire du bien le bien.
Francois Villon, "The Poems of Francois Villon", "Poesies Diverses"
They'd slept apart that night; more from fright of themselves than each other. Tossing and turning simultaneously in their separate beds, reacting in turn to the soft crumpling of sheets and blankets as they moved about uncomfortably in their bedding. Somehow, the shared fear was bringing them closer, making the distance nearly intolerable. And in those moments, the two realised just how much in love they really were.
After those few hours of slumber, Ranma rose early, careful not to wake the girl sleeping in the master bedroom, stepping out into the crisp air of early morning. He breathed in deeply, his nose filling with the sweet scent of the foliage; the rain had left everything clean and damp.
The woodland around the summerhouse was pretty, hemmed round by an amphitheatre of purple mountains, rich in tint and furrowed by ravines, high in air and spindly pine trees. The orange sun came rising from behind the leaves, bathing the landscape in the fiery colours of dawn.
"Ranma?" Akane's voice came from behind him; and though he hadn't expected it, he wasn't surprised to hear her.
The pigtailed boy turned smoothly to gaze at his fiancée, azure eyes gentle and wondering. She moved toward him, warm and sleep-soft, holding a lamp up, which added to the oranges and pinks that illuminated her form and face. "What're you doing?" She murmured, opening the glass door of the lantern to blow out the flame of the candle.
"Watching everything wake up." He said, remembering the words she'd said about the awakening life of the forest the first day they'd come.
She smiled warmly; obviously she'd remembered as well. "Hmm." Was the only reply needed as her hand found it's way into his.
"Watch with me?" He asked, his tone imploring but reassured. Akane nodded slowly and let out a deep breath that felt as if she'd held it forever.
A small rasping noise emerged from her throat as she tried to smile, followed by a cough. Ranma squeezed her hand and a look of worry spread over his face.
"You okay, Akane?" He questioned anxiously, his brows knitting together. She struggled to suppress another cough as she nodded, causing a violent string of hacking in place.
The boy placed a hand on her smooth forehead and another on his own, feeling for any difference in temperature. "You have a fever!" He exclaimed, pulling his fingers away quickly and grabbing her arms. Her eyelids fluttered like nervous butterflies and her face appeared to pale.
"Just a little headache," she gasped, pressing her fingertips to her throbbing temple, "I'm okay." Ranma wasn't convinced by her ailing tone and gently persuaded her to let him surrender the futon for her to use again, and to retire at once to rest; her consent was extorted only upon the condition that he would not leave her for a moment.
After she'd settled back into bed, he wiped a washcloth soaked in cold water across her brow softly. "Jeez, Akane," He said fretfully, "You shouldn't have come outside like that last night!" His words invoked the memouries of their shared kisses and he blushed slightly.
She tried to sit up but he pressed his palm against her shoulder gently and she lowered herself back onto the bedding. "I should have let you wander off angry?" She questioned, her tone half hurt and half accusing.
Ranma's face softened considerably and a little smile pulled at his lips. "No. I'm sorry. I'm just worried." The honesty of his words surprised them both and he turned quickly to dip the cloth back into the bucket of cold water behind him.
The pig-tailed boy felt a gentle tug on the back of his shirt, right above his waist. "I'll be okay." She said, her voice quiet but forceful. "Don't worry so much." He swiveled around slowly to look at her, his eyes soft and raw with feeling.
Not a thought went through his head as he reached down and clutched her to him. "Akane-" She lifted her arms around him and pressed her face into his shoulder.
"You don't have to say it if you don't want to. Not yet." The words compelled him more than any encouragement could have.
He moved back, not releasing her completely, and tightened his jaw, swallowing. "I want to." A look of doubt passed like a shadow through her eyes and he wanted to hold her again, make that doubt go away. "Really. I do." She looked away for a second then back at him.
"But if you don't-" He shook his head, the tightly woven pigtail sailing over his right shoulder and resting there.
"I'd say so." Her fingers found their way to his unruly bangs and her small hand brushed across the glossy black fringes.
Gazing up at him, Akane realised how utterly endearing he looked when he got that serious expression on his face. Those deep determined eyes. That wild thick hair. The strong line of his nose. She drank in the sight of him, trying to memorise every inch of his face in that one moment.
"It's hard though." He whispered, his voice imploring and explanatory, "And-"
"Scary." She finished for him. He stretched his hand out to grasp hers and squeezed it firmly.
"Right." There was a strain in his tone. "I will though. I need to-" His voice faltered and the girl's heart tightened.
"You're not ready." She said softly, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him against her again. "I don't want you to say it!" She felt like crying. He'd told her through his actions, and it was true there was a saying about actions speaking louder than words, but she needed to hear it from his lips. Why couldn't he speak a few little words? Maybe he didn't really love her after all.
The thought made her insides clench so hard it made her chest hurt. She didn't want to think about it. She couldn't. Akane fought back tears but a small sniffle emerged despite her efforts.
"Akane?" Ranma's voice was quizzical, his chin bobbing about on the swell of her shoulder as he spoke. Suddenly, she moved back and took his face between her hands. She pushed her lips hard against his. She wouldn't cry.
The pig-tailed boy's eyes widened then fluttered closed as he slowly returned the kiss. His arms circled her body, holding her close. Something warm and salty slid between their lips and he pulled back to see his fiancée crying.
His fingers reached up and touched the tear on his mouth, bursting the perfect droplet. "I love you." He stated, confused and apprehensive. "What's wrong?"
The girl's shoulders shook and Ranma tilted her chin up to him gently. "I love you." He repeated, for lack of anything better to say, if anything could have been better. Akane briefly wondered how he'd read her mind.
He stared at her. She stared back, her velvety brown eyes shimmering with emotion. She smiled. "Thank you." His face loosened a bit at her grin and she took his hand again, gripping his fingers in a gentle embrace.
"Yeah." He murmured, not taking his eyes from her face. The short- haired girl laid back down on the blankets and closed her eyes.
"How many days have we been here so far?" She asked, letting out a long breath. She felt the cloth on her brow again and the corner of her mouth turned up gently.
"Two, counting today and not counting Wednesday." He sounded softer and lower when she couldn't see him, it was the kind of experience you get when you talk to someone over the phone.
"Oh. It feels like a hundred years." Her eyes blinked open and a hurt expression sat on they boy's face. "No. No." She said quickly, sitting up, causing the rag to fly out of his hand and across the room, "Not like that. I just meant it seems strange without everything being so crazy as it is when we're home." A deep red blush ran across her cheeks as she realised she'd just called the Tendo dojo home. Their home. Together.
Ranma didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he kept it hidden quite well. "Guess you're right." He agreed, standing and retrieving the damp material. He dunked it back into the water, rinsing out any dust that may have gotten caught in the fibres when thrown. "It's quieter here. More peaceful. Deserted." The washcloth was squeezed out and placed on her forehead again. They looked at each other. A sudden sense of reserve filled the room and Akane bit her lip and searched the walls with her eyes.
It was deserted. They were completely alone here, far from prying eyes, insane Amazons, okonomiyaki chefs and the Kuno siblings. She pondered silently if their parents expected anything to-happen. A worm of fear crawled through her blood until it went cold and inkled into her heart. Did Ranma expect anything to happen?
She rolled over onto her side, watching him watch anything but her. No. He didn't. He was as innocent in all this as she was, if not more so. She doubted the thought had ever crossed his mind, and suddenly felt guilty. Sorry Ranma-she apologised to him inwardly.
The silence was becoming unnerving and something had to be done. She stood up carefully, making sure to step on the creaky board. Aha! That got his attention! Ranma glanced at her from the corner of his eyes then turned to face her altogether. "I'm going to take a bath." She said cheerfully, setting them both suddenly at ease. She saw the boy's shoulder visibly slacken and smiled secretly. Good. Things were back as they should be.
Akane walked to the bathroom door and slid it open, not turning around. "Akane?" His voice sounded behind her, questioning and calm. She swiveled in the open doorway and gazed at him.
"Yes?" She asked, raising the gentle curve of her eyebrows into arches. He grinned. It was a nice easy grin.
"Can I have another kiss?" He sounded shy but assured. She smiled back and went to him slowly, stepping into his outstretched arms. Now this was the life, she thought as their lips melted together. Without a doubt.
Author's Note: I'm sorry this took so long, but I've had computer troubles and other kinds of troubles too, so I'm sorry, but I couldn't do a wee bitsy thing about it! There, I hope that apology's accepted!
I've had a few questions posed to me since the last chapter, and I'm going to answer them now. The first one was about me being a coffee drinker. I'm not quite sure what significance this has to my writing style but I'll answer your questions nonetheless.
Yes, it's true that I drink coffee on a regular basis, with milk preferably, but I can drink it black as well. Seeing as I am of an age to do so (Yes, I know that you don't stop growing till you're 27!) there is really no need to worry! Really! So please, don't be too concerned about this! If it helps ease those of you who were troubled by this habit, I also drink tea frequently. If possible Mucho Mate (accent above the "E") with lemon. It's made by Traditional Medicinals and has a lovely herbal-y, refreshing taste which rejuvenates the body, lifts the soul and is all natural to boot! No, I am not part of a worldwide advertising party sent out to infiltrate your growing minds and make you into Mucho Mate zombies. No worries! Heeheehee!
People have also asked me about my music preferences seeing as I have added some of the music I listen to while writing into the beginning credits or acknowledgements. I love Celtic and French music (I AM of strong French blood after all!) I am also a HUGE fan of David Bowie. I don't really have any favourite band or singer, but if I did, he would be it! I listen to a bit of everything so I don't have any specific variety I absolutely only patronise. I also love the Japanese band Smap, if you can, check them out, they're awesome! Truthfully, I love most sappy love songs, and I suppose these would have to be the majority of the music I listen to (not counting David Bowie of course!). Thanks for your time if you even got so far as to read all this! I'll write more soon! If you want to read any more of my fiction, click on my name and it will give you a listing, then click on the title you wish to read! Thanks for everything!
Love,
Your Lady,
Crystal_V_Princess ;P
P.S. If you want the translation to the poem in the beginning, e-mail me or I'll write it into my next chappie, whichever! Love!