DISCLAIMER:
Author: If I own Ranma 1/2, Ryuu doesn't have an ego.
Ryuu: I do not have an ego!
Ranma: Who's the greatest Martial Artist alive?
Ryuu: Me!
Author: Ryuu has an ego and I don't own Ranma 1/2.
A/N:
Hi, Everyone! I know, I took my time getting this one out, but school sucks and being in 10th grade doesn't help with the homework load. Anyway, I'll spare my rants this time and let you guys get straight to the story. As long as you all promise to review after you finish reading. Enjoy!
The 3 R's of Martial Arts - Chapter 12
/Tendo House - Bathroom/
"Are you still blushing over that pet-name I gave you?" Ryuu asked as they walked in.
"N-no! Of course not. Why would you say that?" Nabiki countered as she released Ryuu from the straight jacket.
Ryuu had calmed down considerably since they entered the house from the backyard. And she was still trying to figure out why Ryuu made her blush with just a simple pet name. The fact that she was still attempting to regain control over her blush was annoying her to no end.
"No reason. Just asking."
Ryuu removed his shirt as Nabiki grabbed the needed supplies. When Nabiki returned her blush was renewed and she cursed Ryuu's god like body. (Ryuu: Modest aren't we? Author: Can't say you don't enjoy the compliments. Ryuu: No, no I can't...)
He smiled as he noticed Nabiki's blush. He sat down on a stool so Nabiki could change his bandage.
They were alone, in the bathroom, and the silence between them was unnerving. Nabiki decided to end the silence and get some questions answered all at once.
(Ryuu, in the bathroom, with the stool. If you don't know where that's from I'm going to have to get Ryuu and Starling and hurt you.)
"Ryuu?"
"Hm?"
"Where'd you get that scar on your shoulder?"
"... ...China...Ow, careful with that disinfectant."
"Sorry, couldn't find the cream...How'd you get it?"
"It was an arrow wound. The village elders said I was lucky 'cause it didn't hit anything major."
Nabiki frowned inside. His answers were vague and didn't tell her anything she already didn't know. It was going to take more time...until then she wasn't about to let that annoying silence between them return.
"And the tattoo?"
"Huh?"
"The tattoo on your shoulder blade. Why'd you get it?"
"Oh, that. I don't know really. I was wandering around New York with Pops, Ryo, and Ranma. I had some extra money on me so I figured what the hell. I went into a tattoo place and got it. That was about 2 and half years ago."
"Oh..."
Damn it, there goes the conversation, Nabiki thought to herself.
That unnerving silence engulfed the room once more. Nabiki finished replacing his bandage and Ryuu stood up just as Nabiki did.
As Ryuu stood there before Nabiki he suddenly had a sly smile on his face. He began walking in circles around Nabiki and after a few times stopped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I answered your questions and I saved your life today. I'd say you were in my debt," Ryuu said into Nabiki's ear.
"I can give you a check if you like..." Nabiki said, unconsciously leaning into Ryuu.
"I don't want money, Nabiki."
"Then what do you want?"
"... ...A date. Tomorrow night. I'll pay for everything, you just come."
"But how would that be repaying my debt?"
Ryuu just smiled, "You'll see..."
Nabiki couldn't see the smile, but somehow she knew it was there.
"And if I decline your offer?"
Ryuu suddenly moved from behind Nabiki, causing her to lose her balance a bit, and moved to lean casually on the wall. Nabiki, after regaining her balance, turned to look at Ryuu.
"Nothing. I lose an opportunity to have some questions answered. And you lose an opportunity to both have more questions answered and to have a date with a dashingly handsome young man," Ryuu said smirking.
"Well, aren't we the modest one? You certainly are different from you brothers Ryuu...I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask. Now, if we're done here, I believe Kasumi saved some tea for us. Shall we go?" Ryuu asked extending his arm for her.
Nabiki shook her head in disbelief. It was amazing how Ryuu could go from modest, to courteous in less then half a second. Nonetheless she linked her arm with his and they proceeded to the hall.
/Tea Room/
It was just Ryo and Kasumi sitting at the table. Genma and Suon had left to visit some bars and mourn over the dojo. Ranma, however, had left to train Akane outside.
Ryo had had a nice talk with Ranma about the basics of avoiding being bashed over the head by mallets. Ranma had listened intently and his foot-in-mouth disease had lightened up a bit. He still slipped up once in a while, but you have to give him credit, he was trying to make things right. And, perhaps, gain an extra friend in the process.
"What do you suppose is taking Ryuu and Nabiki so long?" Kasumi asked from her position next to Ryo.
Ryo shrugged his shoulders, "He likes to be difficult when someone's changing his bandages. He probably wanted Nabiki to change his bandage because me and Ranma have developed...ways to keep him in check."
"What sort of ways, Ryo-Chan?" Kasumi had started calling Ryo "Chan" a few weeks ago. It still caused a slight blush to stir on Ryo's face, but he was adjusting quite well, and wasn't as bothered by it as one might think.
(Author: Hint, hint. Ryuu: Will you stop!! Author: Stop what? Ryuu: That "hint, hint" thing. Author: Why does it annoy you? Ryuu: Yes! Author: Or does it remind you of something? (Smile) Hint, hint. Ryuu: I have no flipping clue why I even try... Author: (smiling) Me neither.)
"Well, we usually lend him a lighter to play with and some flammable objects...At least that's what I do...why do you ask, Kasumi-Chan?"
"No reason, actually. I was just curious," Kasumi said sipping her tea.
"We're still up for Saturday, right, Kasumi-Chan?"
"Of course."
(Author: Hmm...wonder what those two are up to? Ryuu: As if you don't know. Author: I do know actually. But I'll be damned if I tell you anything. Ryuu: Fck you too then... Author: Maybe later, but I don't think Starling would be too happy about that. Ryuu: (Glares at Author) ...)
A few seconds later Ryuu and Nabiki walked down arm in arm.
"So, might I ask what you two were doing upstairs that it took you 15 minutes to change a single bandage?" Ryo implored.
"I was changing his bandage," Nabiki answered.
"And talking, that's why it took so long," Ryuu added.
"You seem sober. Why is that?" Ryo asked.
"To tell you the truth, I seriously don't know. But fear not, tomorrow will be just as exciting as any sugar-high day. That is certain."
"That's good to hear, Ryuu," Ryo said.
"Yes, just lovely..." Nabiki muttered.
Kasumi nodded and Ryuu simply sat down across from Ryo and accepted the cup of tea Kasumi handed him. Nabiki sat down beside Ryuu and also accepted a cup of tea that Kasumi handed her.
(Ryuu: Aren't you going to add anything else? Author: ... Ryuu: Well? Author: I don't feel like giving Ranma a scene. Ryuu: Why? Author: Ranma pissed me off when I couldn't find my camera equipment the other day... Ryuu: What'd he do? Author: More like say...He told me you had run off with it, and I wouldn't believe him so I had Akane give him a "small" jolt...I wonder why Ranma would say such a thing...? Ryuu: (Blush) I have no idea...)
/The Next Day - Some Random Street That Leads To Furinkan High/
Today was, as Ryuu had said, the same as every other day when he was sugar-high. Except Ranma chose to stand beside Akane on the sidewalk, Akane didn't mind it in the least. The only reason Ryuu was walking with Akane and the others was the fact that he had slept a bit late, meaning Nabiki was also with them.
Akane's left eyebrow began to twitch slightly, "Will you stop doing flips on the fence, Ryuu?"
Ryuu stopped mid-flip, (Don't ask me how he did it, he just did.), and landed on his hands on the fence. He walked on his hands the rest of the way to school.
The only time he jumped off the fence was when he spotted a poor (yeah right) squirrel near a tree. Ryuu had followed the squirrel up the tree, and then fell down wrestling with it.
When they reached the school Akane quickly disposed of Kuno, seeing as Ranma was trying to keep Ryuu from making Kuno self-combust on the spot. It's not like anyone would've minded, (Hell I bet they would've celebrated, I know I would.), but they didn't want to get sued.
Kuno hadn't said anything to make Ryuu angry, but Ryuu was in a hyper pyro mood. (To suit his mood he wore a camo t-shirt that said "Ha! Now you can't see me!" Just thought you might wanna know.)
The rest of the day went as follows: Ryuu spends the day holding buckets. Except for one period when he had Chemistry. Ryuu blew up the chem. lab causing the school to evacuate. Everyone was happy considering school was going to be canceled for the next week and a half. And no one was complaining, Ryuu was especially happy as he roasted marshmallows over the burning chem. lab door.
Eventually the firemen who were called managed to extract Ryuu from the burning building. The firemen were a bit shocked by Ryuu when they found out he had no injuries except for his shoulder wound.
Ryuu walked over to Ranma and looked him in the eye with a large smile on his face, "I win the bet."
Ryo, who was standing beside Ranma, raised an eyebrow, "Bet?"
"Yup. Ranma bet me, this morning, that I couldn't get school canceled for at least a week," Ryuu said with a simple nod.
"Ranma..."
"What? I was getting bored. And now we can train more."
Ryuu nodded in agreement. Ryo sighed an exasperated sigh, "You guys are hopeless."
"Yes we are. Now, if you don't mind, I must find Nabiki. I need to ask her something..." Ryuu said walking away.
"He couldn't just do something simple and get suspended...NO, he has to burn down the whole school...(sigh) I give up," Ryo said. He started walking home, hoping to get some meditation in before anyone got home.
Ranma shrugged his shoulders, and figured now was the best time to start making plans for the week. After all, school was canceled and he had some free time, and he wasn't planning on training for the whole week.
Akane stood there by the front gate and watched the school burn to the ground, "At least we don't have to take that PSAT test now...."
Nabiki was over by a tree, in a far corner of the school grounds, discussing some plans for the rest of the week.
Ryuu walked over with a smile that almost turned Nabiki's knees to jelly...almost.
"About time they got you out of there. What were you doing anyway?" Nabiki asked.
"I refused to leave because I was roasting marshmallows. I had one more left when they came, it wasn't golden brown just yet..." Ryuu answered casually.
Everyone around him sweatdropped, and Nabiki just shook her head.
"So, what's on the agenda for the week?" Ryuu asked.
/Tendo Home/
"Ranma no Baka!!"
"Iie! I can explain... (WHAM) Ite!!"
Akane stalked into the house fuming. Ranma was trying to teach Akane how to control her temper. Of course, when he mentioned it...well he got a free flight to LEO (Lower Earth Orbit) courtesy of Akane Airlines.
'We really need to do something about that temper of hers,' Ryo thought, 'If anything it will allow Ranma to live a bit longer...'
Ryuu came in the door and was called over by Ryo.
"Yeah, what's up?" Ryuu asked.
"We need to do something about Akane's temper. I'm thinking we should take a trip to the Golf course, and see if we can't get Akane to control her temper and help Ranma with his foot-in-mouth disease."
"Awesome idea. It'll work. And besides I think Nabiki would enjoy some golf too...she can come right?"
"Sure, why not."
Ryuu was walking away when a thought occurred to him, "Ryo."
"Yeah?"
"While you're at it bring your girlfriend," With that Ryuu turned away with a smirk on his face.
Ryo blushed, 'He knows...but how? We were so discreet...' Then a scene from just the day before brought itself to the forefront of Ryo's thoughts.
"We're still up for Saturday, right, Kasumi-Chan?"
"Of course."
A few seconds later Ryuu and Nabiki walked down arm in arm.
Ryo uttered a single word as realization hit him, "Shit..."
/That Night/
(A small recap: Ryuu discussed the Golfing idea with Nabiki, as did Ryo to Ranma and Akane. Of course Ryo kept his reasons to himself to avoid Mallet-sama. And now back to our story...)
Ryuu was waiting a bit impatiently at the chosen restaurant. He had told Nabiki when and where to meet him, now he just had to wait. Waiting was not something Ryuu enjoyed doing.
Ryuu had gotten dressed up, in his opinion, just for the occasion. He had on a nice button up black shirt with the kanji for trust on the upper left chest area. He was also wearing his favorite chain necklace, on it was a simple key. (It's meaning will be revealed later on.) And he was wearing regular black jeans.
All in all, Ryuu was pretty "spiffed" up, as one might say.
Ryuu was so caught up in his silent complaints/musings that he didn't notice Nabiki walk in and talk to the butler dude by the door. Ryuu was brought out of his thoughts by a small cough.
Ryuu brought himself from his thoughts and looked up.
"Hello, Ryuu. How do I look?"
"Hey...absolutely fabulous, Nabiki-Chan."
Nabiki was wearing a simple jean skirt that came up to the top of her knees. With it she wore a light blue blouse. Though they were casual clothes they were perfect for the occasion.
"Ready for our date?" Ryuu asked.
"Of course."
Ryuu got up from his chair and pulled out the chair so Nabiki could sit. He pushed her in before he sat down himself.
(Author: (Stares at Ryuu) ... Ryuu: What? Author: You used manners with her...You have manners? Ryuu: I only use manners when the occasion calls for it. Author: I tripped and fell the other day. You didn't even help me up. Ryuu: But you're a clumsy person. You're always falling or tripping over something. Author: Grr...(Jumps out of chair and begins breaking things over Ryuu's head.))
"So the infamous Ryuu had manners?"
Ryuu's eyebrow did a spock maneuver, "'Infamous'?"
Nabiki shrugged her shoulders, "So what now?"
"We order drinks, then we begin our game of '20 questions'. Sound okay to you?"
"Fine with me."
They both ordered their drinks and then Ryuu leaned back in his chair as Nabiki got in her business mood.
"So, what do you want to ask me?" Ryuu asked.
"What's that key on your neck for?"
(Told you we'd get to it. ) )
Ryuu fingered the key on the chain around his neck," It was a birthday joke from my brothers. We were staying with some people in Tokyo during the fourth year of our trip. We had just come back from America and we had ran away from the old man, just to spite him.
"Anyway, we were staying there and we met some people. Belldandy was the one who found us. She brought us back to her place and met the others. There was Urd, Belldandy's sister, Skuld, the youngest of the three sisters, and Keiichi, Belldandy's boyfriend. They were all cool people. But for some reason, I still don't know why, Urd had an infatuation with me.
"She had had a thing for handcuffs, and always had at least one pair handy. She freaked me out. When she wasn't chasing after me with some kinda technique she thought would help me. Of course they did help me. I just didn't...agree with her methods."
"What methods did she use?"
"Let's just say she enjoyed using handcuffs okay?"
"Um, okay...but what was the inside joke?"
"The year after we left, I turned 14. Ryo and Ranma bought me a pair of handcuffs and they got me this chain to put the key on. Their exact words when they gave'em to me was 'So you never forget the good times with Sensei-Urd.' I called them bastards and put the chain around my neck," Ryuu smiled at the memory.
Nabiki nodded her head in understanding.
"Now it's my turn to ask you something. Does Ranma's pigtail remind you of someone?" Ryuu asked.
Nabiki tilted her head to the side and thought about it for a minute, "Now that you mention it....it reminds me of one the mangas I read when I was younger...but I can't seem to remember his name..."
/Somewhere in an alternate universe/
A young man with long brown hair in a braid sneezed.
"Damn it! I wish people would stop talking about me..."
"Well maybe if you stopped wearing your hair in a braid they would stop talking, Duo..." Trowa said.
Heero just barely managed to hold back a snicker.
Wufei just shook his head and thought, 'How did I get stuck with these people?'
/Back in Nerima, Japan/
Ryuu just smiled, "Well you answered my question so now for your next question."
Nabiki nodded, "Okay, how did you meet Shampoo?" And in her mind Nabiki was ranting about a Chinese bimbo who didn't know how to keep away from her potential fiancé.
"Ah, Shampoo. Was wondering when you'd ask about her. We met her in China."
"Yes, I know that. But how did you meet her?"
Ryu just smiled one of his smiles, the one he used when he knew he was irritating someone.
"Well, we were traveling through China and were confronted by some amazon women who guarded the front gates. Since Ryo was the most proficient when speaking Chinese they pulled him aside to talk."
"And then what happened?"
Ryuu wagged his finger in Nabiki's face," Nah-ah! One question each turn. That's the rules! And now you'll have to wait." Ryuu said pointing as the waitress came to take their orders.
Nabiki noted that as the waitress took their orders the waitress's eyes kept moving back and forth between her and Ryuu to see if they had something serious going. Nabiki kept her tongue in check, but Ryuu wasn't helping, as he was making small talk with the waitress about certain dishes.
After the waitress departed Ryuu saw Nabiki's glare that was directed at him. He smiled his smile and shrugged, "Hey, if you got it, use it."
Nabiki rolled her eyes and waited for Ryuu's next question.
"Hmm, my turn, huh?" At Nabiki's nod he put his hands under his chin in the famous Gendo Ikari (Is that his name? The negligent father in Evangelion?) style.
"Let's see....what do I want to know about you...? I don't know what else to ask you...so instead. I'll let you have the rest of the answer to your previous question. Deal?"
Nabiki smiled and nodded.
"Good. Okay, let's see, where was I...? Oh yeah. Anyway, Ryo was pulled aside so the elders could talk to him. I don't have a clue what they talked about, Because I wasn't allowed inside. When Ryo came back out he explained to us that he had sorted things out for us and that we were allowed to stay in the village for as long as we wanted.
"We were also expelled from the Kiss of death and the outsiders challenge," When Nabiki's eyebrow raised he decided to go into deeper detail, "The Kiss of death is when an outsider defeats an amazon, that amazon will sometimes give the outsider the Kiss of death if she feels her pride has been damaged. In doing so she has sworn to chase the one who defeated her to the ends of the world until she is killed.
"The outsiders challenge is when an amazon woman challenges an outsider. If the outsider defeats the amazon woman then she is, by amazon law, married to the outsider. And yes, this goes for both genders."
Nabiki nodded in understanding, "Okay. Now that I know about that, what about your meeting Shampoo?"
Ryuu smiled at the memory, "It's funny actually. Shampoo had attacked Ranma about an hour after our arrival. Ranma had taken her out with a simple kick to the temple, when Shampoo had gotten up and was about to declare her love for her new 'airen' Cologne, one of the village elders, came up to Shampoo and clocked her before she could give Ranma the kiss of marriage.
"She explained to Shampoo the conditions of our stay. After that we all just kind of became friends and sparring partners. Ranma and I would spar with Shampoo, actually. Ryo just spent most of his time at the village's medicine hut. Supposedly learning about the local medicine techniques and shiatsu."
Nabiki nodded but gained a hard look in her eyes as the waitress returned with their food.
Ryuu saw the look the waitress gave him. It was one of those looks that a predator had as they eyed up their prey. It made him uncomfortable, but far be it from him to show it. He simply smiled and thanked the waitress as he took his food.
Nabiki was giving the waitress a glare that, if looks could kill, would've vaporized the waitress on the spot. The waitress, a bit unnerved by Nabiki's glare, handed Nabiki her food and walked away. But not before getting one more glance at Ryuu.
They ate their food in silence, as Nabiki's question was answered. Afterwards they made some small talk, mostly Nabiki asking Ryuu where he had played golf before. He just smirked and shrugged his shoulders, saying she'd find out when they played tomorrow. Which, to Ryuu's delight, seemed to annoy Nabiki even more so.
After Ryuu paid the bill they left, and were now walking in relative silence.
Ryuu was feeling happy that their little date had gone so well. Ryuu, very discreetly, moved closer to Nabiki. A minute passed before he had grabbed her hand so he could hold it in his. Nabiki blushed as she noticed, finally, how close they were walking.
After a while Nabiki felt relaxed enough to lean on Ryuu. Ryuu smiled and they continued walking home in silence, just enjoying each others presence.
/Tendo Home – Ryuu, Ryo, & Ranma's Room/
Ryuu was blushing pretty badly as he lay staring at the ceiling in his room.
FLASHBACK
"Well...." Ryuu said as they approached the gates.
Nabiki sighed before standing straight and turning to face Ryuu, "I had a great time, Ryuu."
Ryuu scratched the back of his head in that famous Saotome way, "Uh...heheh...yeah, me too. So...I guess this is it..."
Nabiki nodded, "Yeah..."
Ryuu smiled evilly as a thought crossed his mind.
Nabiki got a little nervous at the smile, "Ryuu? What are you thinking?"
Ryuu only continued to smile, "Oh nothing special..."
Nabiki never got the chance to respond as Ryuu moved forward and gave Nabiki a kiss on the lips.
Ryuu, still smiling, broke the kiss after a second, and turned to walk away, "See you later!"
Nabiki was still in a daze as she watched Ryuu walk away. When she finally recomposed herself she mentally cursed as she berated herself for not kissing back.
END FLASHBACK
Ryuu still couldn't believe he had gotten the nerve to kiss Nabiki. Though the only disappointment he felt was because of the fact she hadn't kissed back. Ryuu decided he would try again tomorrow.
With that decided he turned over and closed his eyes, finally allowing sleep to overcome him.
To Be Continued...
Reviews:
Mimi-chan15- You have no idea how true that is. Sugar-highs get you into lots of trouble. But that's only my opinion, though it doesn't help when I prefer to be sugar-high while in school. It dulls the pain.
Ranma-chan2- Personally I prefer Ryuu. But that's because I created him. He's kinda like an untamed image of me...only male. And it's a pleasure answering your questions. :)
ZRO4825- Okay, people who like Kodachi, no offense to those who do, have got to be less sane then I am. But quickly off that subject, thank you for the jerky idea. You see I'm going to make good use of it later on. Preferably in the next chapter.
Ryo's destiny- I swear you have a bigger obsession with DS then I do with sugar, seems impossible don't it? Hope I disappointed you somewhat with the bathroom scene. 'Cause kami knows you were hoping for some action. ;)
Giant Baka Head- Okay, just though you might wanna know, there is a reason we call Ryuu a pyro. I was still kind of getting over my writer's block last chapter and that's why there wasn't much going on. But, c'mon! I mean, didn't you think last chapter was funny? Even a teeny bit?
Koala Kitty- Yes, I'm sorry if you were looking for something a bit more. But I'm not very good when it comes to emotional scenes. Personally I like to avoid them.
Niana Kuonji- We pyros were never sane. Anyway, I think I'll let Ryuu handle the rest of your of your review. (Ryuu: (Drooling into bucket conveniently placed below his mouth) ...) I think that'll answer Ippen's questions. You don't need to chase squirrels to get Ryuu's attention. I'm not in shock...just temporary writer's block.
Rhysel Ash- Um...thanks...I think. The relationship with Shampoo is that they're all friends. Period. No hidden motives, oh...except to get back that stolen artifact from Genma back to the Amazons....
Fushigionnanokoinahoodedcloak- Well, here's more. Just like you asked.
A/N:
Author: (Playing with Safety Pins) Heheheh....
Ryuu: I'm tired! Can we go now?
Author: Safety Pins are an oxymoron...would you like to know why?
Ryuu: No, I wanna go to sleep. Can we go now?
Author: Fine.
Ryuu: Yay!!
Author: After a few words with our readers.
Ryuu: Damn...
Author: (Gets down on knees and bows) Gomen nasai!!
Ryuu: We didn't mean to make you wait so long for the next chapter.
Author: We started it. Got to the date.
Ryuu: And our minds blanked.
Author: After that it kind of just sat in my hard drive for over a month.
Ryuu: But we are not dead! As you can clearly see!
Author: We are back! And next time Ranma and company will go to the golf course!
Ryuu: Wonder what havoc we'll cause?
Author: Anyway, I've rewritten certain chapters as, from more reading of manga and fanfiction...
Ryuu: We've come to realize that certain Japanese terms were being used wrong.
Author: And those of you who read Confusion, I will be rewriting the whole story.
Ryuu: As it is now is not acceptable to our terms in quality.
Author: So we will rewrite it. And hope it comes out even better!
Ryuu: Anou...I'm tired can we please go now?
Author: Okay.
Ryuu: Okay, peoples! Review!
Author: I want to at least hit 85 in reviews before chapter 13 comes out!
Ryuu: So review! The more reviews we get, the faster we update!
Author: So REVIEW!!!
Ryuu: Ja ne!