A/N first I want to thank all the reviewers now and forever. Second I want
everyone to read the A/N at the end of the chappie. Third the next chappie
will have Mat/Ruby ness for all you nice people out there. But be warned,
I suck at romance. Please read A/N at the end of the chapter. I can't
write the next one until I get votes! Help!
Magical-flyingdragon: =3 that is cute! Thanks for the review! bloodmoon- To put your mind at rest, she isn't kissing him YET. Partially because she isn't ready for it. But Else will make a second appearance and playing a semi-major role in the future. Thank u 4 reviewing!
Chapter 18: Incident at the Four Kings
Ruby and Mat left the Grinwell's farm the next morning. Else was nowhere to be found and the only thing Shasta had to say was that she hoped this would take her daughter down a few notches. They were given a portion of bread and dried meat to take with them. Ruby also took the garments she had worn the other day, but stored in her pack. Mat left with a small smile, and repaired clothing.
Using the new skills she had learned, the redhead was able to flirt her way into convincing farmers and merchants to give the two rides. Mat opposed this at first, the flirting, which Ruby ignored stating that he did it to every pretty face he came across. It was that they passed through several small towns, one of which was called The Four Kings.
"Maybe we should camp out tonight." Suggested Mat as they hopped off the back of the wagon.
"But I don't want to. With a smile and hair toss, I can likely get any innkeeper to lend us a spare room. You can juggle and I can play to turn him around." She whined as she twirled away from a carriage. Children were playing among the ruts in the ground and she was tempted to join them.
Mat looked at her. He saw the playful smile etched on her face, the sparkle in her eyes. The way she moved, so graceful and yet not. It was like she were a bird, with that thought he chased all nonsense out of his head. Yes, she was a bird. A bird that was likely to bite your nose off. He nodded to himself. "I just don't want to have to chase off some poor soul who reads too much into those smiles and hair tosses."
"They won't. Beside, I want a bath, and hot food. Lets at least stay long enough for that." As if to support her choice, it began to rain. It started as sprinkle. When Mat protested and Ruby glared it changed to a downpour.
Sputtering out some water, he said, "Fine. You win, lets find someplace we can perform."
Mat grabbed her arm and they started for the first inn they could see. A quick poke in reveled it to already have some performers. They followed this pattern, sloshing thought the streets, until only one was left. The Dancing Cart Man had few occupants where the others seemed filled.
Ruby caught sight of the innkeeper and froze. Something inside was screaming at her that this was NOT the best place to be. Mat pushed her the rest of the way in and stalked right up to the man.
"Me and my friend would like a bath and supper. I juggle and she plays the flute." He said in an impatient tone. Ruby grimaced as she felt a pair of eyes roam up and down her figure.
"I already have man who plays the dulcimer." The innkeeper said sourly. He scowled and for the first time Ruby noticed all the serving maids jump up and go to work with surprising energy.
"You have a drunk Saml Hake." A passing serving maid said. She had a tray with two mugs and was quite plump. Mat noticed how all the plump people seemed nicer than the skinny ones. She paused and considered for a moment. "Most times he can't see well enough to find the common room. Haven't seen him in two days"
Hake backhanded her. Ruby was surprised by the action, but quickly snapped out of it to dive for the mugs. The tray thumped on the floor and some of the wine sloshed out, but not much. The maid looked at the girl, doing a quick curtsy and taking the mugs from her.
The innkeeper then noticed the sword at her hip, as well as the heron mark on it. He licked his lips. "If you can move like that, then why aren't you the juggler?" Ruby guessed it was an attempt to lighten the mood. "Tell you what, I'll give you a room in the back, a bath in the morning, and food after everyone's gone. Deal?"
Ruby felt her stomach. It was fine. Mat looked at her. They both turned to look at Hake. "We eat in three hours. Whatever's there. And as much as we want."
Ruby unslung the packs as they made their way to the back of the room. A raised platform was in the back, with a bench. She set the stuff down and pulled out Thom's flute. She ran her fingers over the metal, thinking about the past owner. With a sudden bright grin on her face she took a breath and blew into the instrument. A loud clear note rang out that brought many hands up to cover ears. She laughed, seeing that she had the room's attention, and began to play 'Marooned five days' which was known in this town as 'Ten cats and Two dogs.' The song started out with low notes and gradually grew to a fast paced high noted song.
She played two more, then let Mat do his stuff. He rolled up his sleeves and began to juggle. First he produced the three colored balls, out of thin air. Then he did the basics. Slowly he popped new ones into the circle and before long had a large figure eight.
They alternated between acts and Ruby noticed in fascination that Mat didn't carry the balls on his person. How in the light did he make them appear if they weren't stored somewhere? She'd have to ask him about that.
As Ruby moved to take up the position, she heard more than one voice whistle and really wanted to punch some faces in. They were drunk, and the suggestions they were making were turning the serving maids red. "Mat, after we eat we need to leave."
His expression showed annoyance. "But we just got here."
She nodded and began to play, 'The wind in the willows'. An inner clock went off and they two stepped off stage and headed for the kitchens.
Hake blocked them at the door. He had a scowl on his face and pointed at the crowd. "And where do you think you're going? The crowd hasn't left yet."
Ruby straightened her back, and grew several inches. She put her hands on her hips, one lightly resting on sword hilt. "The agreement was for three hours, then we eat. We will leave, if we don't get the agreed upon food." She rolled her neck and let a few joints pop.
The man stared at them for a moment. Mat shrugged and produced the Shadar Logoth dagger. Hake's eyes went wide at seeing the ruby on the hilt, and he smiled. The skinny man called into the kitchen, "Feed um!" He turned back to roaring group of customers who were calling for the juggler and music.
Ruby just rolled her eyes and pushed open the door. The cook gave a polite nod to them both and filled two plates with peas, beef and potatoes. She cleared a space and continued talking with the serving maids who were on break.
"Crazy or not, it's what I hear. He went to half the inns in town before he came here. Just walked in, looked around, and walked out without saying one word, not even at the Royal Inn." One girl with fluffy brown hair in a ponytail said as she massaged a foot.
The cook placed a set of forks and knives out for Ruby and Mat who dug into the food, listening. The woman shook her spoon and laughed. "Maybe he thought here was the most comfortable!"
Ruby gave a snort and licked her plate clean; Mat was almost finished with his. The girl raised her plate for more and the plump cook slapped some more on.
"What I hear he didn't even get to the four kings until after nightfall, and even then with his horses blowing hard." Another girl said, this one was a blonde with a freckled face and small nose. She groaned as she moved over to the exit door. "Got to go give the fat-ass over at the window table his ale. Hake's going to skewer me."
They mulled over the new bit of gossip and both Ruby and Mat had asked for a fourth portion. An unspoken food-eating contest had been called. The girl with the ponytail looked at the cook.
"Where'd he come form? No one but a mad man travel after dark. A mad man or a fool." She chewed on one end of her hair and left. A girl filled the bench seat she had previously occupied with tears in her eyes.
"He isn't my type, but I always say that a man can't be too bad if enough gold comes with him." The maids nodded as one. It was true, even if they were treated like shit; Hake paid three times the other inns. Even with all the deducts taken for spilling, they still made more then if they were working at one of the other inns.
Mat pushed back his sixth plate and grinned. Ruby glared at him, she had only been able to finish off five. "Hey, I'm going out, try not to hit anyone with those balls of yours."
He just waved a dismissal and walked to the door and up on the stage. Ruby passed through the crowd and outside to the stables. The kitchen gossip was dead on, but she didn't really doubt that. One thing learned in Two Rivers, people talk, and most talking occurs around food and wine.
What she had found were four pure bred horses stomping into the straw and collapsing into it. Outside were two black coaches. She cursed and made back to the inn. Something made her stop and that something smelled bad.
Jak was staring at her, and he had a knowing grin on his face. He blocked the door. "Well well well. Out here in the dark, dark's dangerous girl." He moved a step closer. Ruby inwardly wished for mouthwash. She paused. 'What in light is mouthwash. And why do I think of a minty clean when it comes up?'
She banished the thought and ran through all the different ways to get out of the situation, before she could do anything, Jak fell to the side and grabbed the wall for support. He rubbed his head and muttered. Ruby snagged the gray ball lying on the ground and hopped onto the stage with her friend.
"I thought I told you to not hit anyone with these." She dropped it into his hand.
"Who me? Naww." He smiled that oh-so-innocent smile. However Ruby noted that whenever his eyes fell on Jak they gleamed with an unspoken threat.
Ruby bobbed her head in time to the music and shifted the flute to the right. Mat peered over and saw a man dressed head to toe in velvet and silk. He was bigger than normal, and had a pleased smile on his face as he watched the red head play. Mat scowled.
She finished the song and spoke as they alternated. "He looks familiar, Whitebridge."
Mat whispered back under his breath, "If he tries anything I'll gut him and use his innards for fish bate."
Ruby blinked and sat down, fingering the sword.
The two had been working long into the night. With a yawn, Ruby followed Mat into a back room they were to sleep in. It was dark and the only light came from a small lantern. Hake insisted that they rest, and not worry about any noises that might be heard.
The door shut and Ruby collapsed on a pallet. "Damn, he's got those two bouncers at the end of the hall. Can't leave."
Mat jammed a nail in the doorknob. "They probably want to wait till were asleep. Then cut out throats, no muss no fuss." He moved over to the window. "Thing's rusted shut. It's pouring out there, if we did escape we could get away and have tracks covered."
"Right. Let me see this." She looked at the bars and placed her hands on them. "It's gonna take a while, I don't think the Chi was made for inanimate objects. I have the ask someone." Ruby stroked the bars and started mumbling to herself.
Mat put an ear to the door, he heard footsteps. The knob rattled and he jumped back. The archer picked up his bow and drew the string taught. "We got company."
"Go away Hake." Ruby spoke in a commanding tone. Her hands had started glowing and were gripped on the iron bars of the window.
"I fear you mistake me. Master Hake and his, minions...will not trouble us. They are asleep and in the morning will only wonder where you have vanished. Let me in my young friends, we must talk." His voice was silky smooth. Ruby and Mat wore twin scowls as they recognized the speaker, Howel Gode.
"We don't have anything to talk about. Go away and let us sleep." Mat spoke in a quieter voice, "You think you could hurry up with whatever you're doing?"
Gode laughed, full of arrogance. He rambled on about joining the Master and becoming Dreadlord. When they didn't open the door he had his men start ramming it. Mat groaned. The door shook but held firm.
Suddenly the man made a comment on how he could 'entertain' the girl. That did it. With a screech the door flew open and a bright flash lit the room.
When the dust cleared, Ruby coughed and helped Mat to his feet. They dug out their belongings and moved to the wall, but there was no wall.
"What happened?" She asked as they stepped over the dead bodies.
Mat shrugged and fumbled around. "I can't see. Everything's blurry." His arm shot out and took hold of Ruby's wrist. His eyes were unfocused and worried. Ruby held his hand and dragged him off.
"We better go before Hake comes out and sees us. By the way, where'd all your stuff go?"
Mat looked at the ground; at least she assumed he was looking at it with his head down. "I'm not to sure about that. It all started on the Spray. After you did what you did to the dagger."
They sloshed through the mud and Ruby nodded. This was just another weird thing to add to the many.
Mat ducked under a tree branch with out looking at it. "I don't know how I do it. It's just easy to do. Like when we first started swimming. It was hard at first, but it was like we already knew how to do it and just had to remember."
"The only thing is that it makes me tired and I don't mean to do it. Like with the juggling balls. I was going to put them the way that," he paused and thought. "That Thom does, but I couldn't find them. Until I pretended to pull them out that is. I was just guessing."
Ruby ducked under a dense hedge and dragged Mat with her. "Relax, I think I know what your experiencing. Just ride it out." She grinned madly; it was lucky that Mat didn't see it because he got a sudden chill. "I'll help you."
"How?"
"I can teach you. Someone I know said that when this sort of thing happens you need to work out. Doing chores and what not."
Mat flustered. "Are you suggesting I'm fat?!"
"No not at all. I'm just saying that your tapping into this power now because of all the work we've been doing for rooms and food. When we were back in Two Rivers you always found a way to get out of the most of your work, I didn't." She giggled. "Mistress Cauthorn always said skipping out on work would come back to bite you."
Mat snorted and tried his best to look appalled. "I don't know what you mean. I did everything I was told."
"Sure you did. I can help you to not be so tired after it"
Mat leaned into her. His eyes started at her face. His hands on hers. "Lets just take a break for now."
Ruby gulped and leaned into him. Mat stroked her damp hair, ringing the water out. Ranma saw the signs. He sent an alarm through Ruby's body. She jumped back and was blushing full force.
"Ahh, that is to say, umm, I love you Mat but this...well, I need some sleep." She turned on her side and closed her eyes.
Mat was watching her still form. He sighed. "So close...so close..." he moaned. The boy rubbed his eyes. They were getting clearer, but anything beyond three feet was a blur.
With a yawn he settled in for sleep. The patter of the rain like a lullaby to them.
End...
A/N Woo! Mat's got the hots for her. But will they develop? One question. Remember the dagger that chick tries to kill them with? Should they take it with um or leave it. I can't decide. Read and Review!
Magical-flyingdragon: =3 that is cute! Thanks for the review! bloodmoon- To put your mind at rest, she isn't kissing him YET. Partially because she isn't ready for it. But Else will make a second appearance and playing a semi-major role in the future. Thank u 4 reviewing!
Chapter 18: Incident at the Four Kings
Ruby and Mat left the Grinwell's farm the next morning. Else was nowhere to be found and the only thing Shasta had to say was that she hoped this would take her daughter down a few notches. They were given a portion of bread and dried meat to take with them. Ruby also took the garments she had worn the other day, but stored in her pack. Mat left with a small smile, and repaired clothing.
Using the new skills she had learned, the redhead was able to flirt her way into convincing farmers and merchants to give the two rides. Mat opposed this at first, the flirting, which Ruby ignored stating that he did it to every pretty face he came across. It was that they passed through several small towns, one of which was called The Four Kings.
"Maybe we should camp out tonight." Suggested Mat as they hopped off the back of the wagon.
"But I don't want to. With a smile and hair toss, I can likely get any innkeeper to lend us a spare room. You can juggle and I can play to turn him around." She whined as she twirled away from a carriage. Children were playing among the ruts in the ground and she was tempted to join them.
Mat looked at her. He saw the playful smile etched on her face, the sparkle in her eyes. The way she moved, so graceful and yet not. It was like she were a bird, with that thought he chased all nonsense out of his head. Yes, she was a bird. A bird that was likely to bite your nose off. He nodded to himself. "I just don't want to have to chase off some poor soul who reads too much into those smiles and hair tosses."
"They won't. Beside, I want a bath, and hot food. Lets at least stay long enough for that." As if to support her choice, it began to rain. It started as sprinkle. When Mat protested and Ruby glared it changed to a downpour.
Sputtering out some water, he said, "Fine. You win, lets find someplace we can perform."
Mat grabbed her arm and they started for the first inn they could see. A quick poke in reveled it to already have some performers. They followed this pattern, sloshing thought the streets, until only one was left. The Dancing Cart Man had few occupants where the others seemed filled.
Ruby caught sight of the innkeeper and froze. Something inside was screaming at her that this was NOT the best place to be. Mat pushed her the rest of the way in and stalked right up to the man.
"Me and my friend would like a bath and supper. I juggle and she plays the flute." He said in an impatient tone. Ruby grimaced as she felt a pair of eyes roam up and down her figure.
"I already have man who plays the dulcimer." The innkeeper said sourly. He scowled and for the first time Ruby noticed all the serving maids jump up and go to work with surprising energy.
"You have a drunk Saml Hake." A passing serving maid said. She had a tray with two mugs and was quite plump. Mat noticed how all the plump people seemed nicer than the skinny ones. She paused and considered for a moment. "Most times he can't see well enough to find the common room. Haven't seen him in two days"
Hake backhanded her. Ruby was surprised by the action, but quickly snapped out of it to dive for the mugs. The tray thumped on the floor and some of the wine sloshed out, but not much. The maid looked at the girl, doing a quick curtsy and taking the mugs from her.
The innkeeper then noticed the sword at her hip, as well as the heron mark on it. He licked his lips. "If you can move like that, then why aren't you the juggler?" Ruby guessed it was an attempt to lighten the mood. "Tell you what, I'll give you a room in the back, a bath in the morning, and food after everyone's gone. Deal?"
Ruby felt her stomach. It was fine. Mat looked at her. They both turned to look at Hake. "We eat in three hours. Whatever's there. And as much as we want."
Ruby unslung the packs as they made their way to the back of the room. A raised platform was in the back, with a bench. She set the stuff down and pulled out Thom's flute. She ran her fingers over the metal, thinking about the past owner. With a sudden bright grin on her face she took a breath and blew into the instrument. A loud clear note rang out that brought many hands up to cover ears. She laughed, seeing that she had the room's attention, and began to play 'Marooned five days' which was known in this town as 'Ten cats and Two dogs.' The song started out with low notes and gradually grew to a fast paced high noted song.
She played two more, then let Mat do his stuff. He rolled up his sleeves and began to juggle. First he produced the three colored balls, out of thin air. Then he did the basics. Slowly he popped new ones into the circle and before long had a large figure eight.
They alternated between acts and Ruby noticed in fascination that Mat didn't carry the balls on his person. How in the light did he make them appear if they weren't stored somewhere? She'd have to ask him about that.
As Ruby moved to take up the position, she heard more than one voice whistle and really wanted to punch some faces in. They were drunk, and the suggestions they were making were turning the serving maids red. "Mat, after we eat we need to leave."
His expression showed annoyance. "But we just got here."
She nodded and began to play, 'The wind in the willows'. An inner clock went off and they two stepped off stage and headed for the kitchens.
Hake blocked them at the door. He had a scowl on his face and pointed at the crowd. "And where do you think you're going? The crowd hasn't left yet."
Ruby straightened her back, and grew several inches. She put her hands on her hips, one lightly resting on sword hilt. "The agreement was for three hours, then we eat. We will leave, if we don't get the agreed upon food." She rolled her neck and let a few joints pop.
The man stared at them for a moment. Mat shrugged and produced the Shadar Logoth dagger. Hake's eyes went wide at seeing the ruby on the hilt, and he smiled. The skinny man called into the kitchen, "Feed um!" He turned back to roaring group of customers who were calling for the juggler and music.
Ruby just rolled her eyes and pushed open the door. The cook gave a polite nod to them both and filled two plates with peas, beef and potatoes. She cleared a space and continued talking with the serving maids who were on break.
"Crazy or not, it's what I hear. He went to half the inns in town before he came here. Just walked in, looked around, and walked out without saying one word, not even at the Royal Inn." One girl with fluffy brown hair in a ponytail said as she massaged a foot.
The cook placed a set of forks and knives out for Ruby and Mat who dug into the food, listening. The woman shook her spoon and laughed. "Maybe he thought here was the most comfortable!"
Ruby gave a snort and licked her plate clean; Mat was almost finished with his. The girl raised her plate for more and the plump cook slapped some more on.
"What I hear he didn't even get to the four kings until after nightfall, and even then with his horses blowing hard." Another girl said, this one was a blonde with a freckled face and small nose. She groaned as she moved over to the exit door. "Got to go give the fat-ass over at the window table his ale. Hake's going to skewer me."
They mulled over the new bit of gossip and both Ruby and Mat had asked for a fourth portion. An unspoken food-eating contest had been called. The girl with the ponytail looked at the cook.
"Where'd he come form? No one but a mad man travel after dark. A mad man or a fool." She chewed on one end of her hair and left. A girl filled the bench seat she had previously occupied with tears in her eyes.
"He isn't my type, but I always say that a man can't be too bad if enough gold comes with him." The maids nodded as one. It was true, even if they were treated like shit; Hake paid three times the other inns. Even with all the deducts taken for spilling, they still made more then if they were working at one of the other inns.
Mat pushed back his sixth plate and grinned. Ruby glared at him, she had only been able to finish off five. "Hey, I'm going out, try not to hit anyone with those balls of yours."
He just waved a dismissal and walked to the door and up on the stage. Ruby passed through the crowd and outside to the stables. The kitchen gossip was dead on, but she didn't really doubt that. One thing learned in Two Rivers, people talk, and most talking occurs around food and wine.
What she had found were four pure bred horses stomping into the straw and collapsing into it. Outside were two black coaches. She cursed and made back to the inn. Something made her stop and that something smelled bad.
Jak was staring at her, and he had a knowing grin on his face. He blocked the door. "Well well well. Out here in the dark, dark's dangerous girl." He moved a step closer. Ruby inwardly wished for mouthwash. She paused. 'What in light is mouthwash. And why do I think of a minty clean when it comes up?'
She banished the thought and ran through all the different ways to get out of the situation, before she could do anything, Jak fell to the side and grabbed the wall for support. He rubbed his head and muttered. Ruby snagged the gray ball lying on the ground and hopped onto the stage with her friend.
"I thought I told you to not hit anyone with these." She dropped it into his hand.
"Who me? Naww." He smiled that oh-so-innocent smile. However Ruby noted that whenever his eyes fell on Jak they gleamed with an unspoken threat.
Ruby bobbed her head in time to the music and shifted the flute to the right. Mat peered over and saw a man dressed head to toe in velvet and silk. He was bigger than normal, and had a pleased smile on his face as he watched the red head play. Mat scowled.
She finished the song and spoke as they alternated. "He looks familiar, Whitebridge."
Mat whispered back under his breath, "If he tries anything I'll gut him and use his innards for fish bate."
Ruby blinked and sat down, fingering the sword.
The two had been working long into the night. With a yawn, Ruby followed Mat into a back room they were to sleep in. It was dark and the only light came from a small lantern. Hake insisted that they rest, and not worry about any noises that might be heard.
The door shut and Ruby collapsed on a pallet. "Damn, he's got those two bouncers at the end of the hall. Can't leave."
Mat jammed a nail in the doorknob. "They probably want to wait till were asleep. Then cut out throats, no muss no fuss." He moved over to the window. "Thing's rusted shut. It's pouring out there, if we did escape we could get away and have tracks covered."
"Right. Let me see this." She looked at the bars and placed her hands on them. "It's gonna take a while, I don't think the Chi was made for inanimate objects. I have the ask someone." Ruby stroked the bars and started mumbling to herself.
Mat put an ear to the door, he heard footsteps. The knob rattled and he jumped back. The archer picked up his bow and drew the string taught. "We got company."
"Go away Hake." Ruby spoke in a commanding tone. Her hands had started glowing and were gripped on the iron bars of the window.
"I fear you mistake me. Master Hake and his, minions...will not trouble us. They are asleep and in the morning will only wonder where you have vanished. Let me in my young friends, we must talk." His voice was silky smooth. Ruby and Mat wore twin scowls as they recognized the speaker, Howel Gode.
"We don't have anything to talk about. Go away and let us sleep." Mat spoke in a quieter voice, "You think you could hurry up with whatever you're doing?"
Gode laughed, full of arrogance. He rambled on about joining the Master and becoming Dreadlord. When they didn't open the door he had his men start ramming it. Mat groaned. The door shook but held firm.
Suddenly the man made a comment on how he could 'entertain' the girl. That did it. With a screech the door flew open and a bright flash lit the room.
When the dust cleared, Ruby coughed and helped Mat to his feet. They dug out their belongings and moved to the wall, but there was no wall.
"What happened?" She asked as they stepped over the dead bodies.
Mat shrugged and fumbled around. "I can't see. Everything's blurry." His arm shot out and took hold of Ruby's wrist. His eyes were unfocused and worried. Ruby held his hand and dragged him off.
"We better go before Hake comes out and sees us. By the way, where'd all your stuff go?"
Mat looked at the ground; at least she assumed he was looking at it with his head down. "I'm not to sure about that. It all started on the Spray. After you did what you did to the dagger."
They sloshed through the mud and Ruby nodded. This was just another weird thing to add to the many.
Mat ducked under a tree branch with out looking at it. "I don't know how I do it. It's just easy to do. Like when we first started swimming. It was hard at first, but it was like we already knew how to do it and just had to remember."
"The only thing is that it makes me tired and I don't mean to do it. Like with the juggling balls. I was going to put them the way that," he paused and thought. "That Thom does, but I couldn't find them. Until I pretended to pull them out that is. I was just guessing."
Ruby ducked under a dense hedge and dragged Mat with her. "Relax, I think I know what your experiencing. Just ride it out." She grinned madly; it was lucky that Mat didn't see it because he got a sudden chill. "I'll help you."
"How?"
"I can teach you. Someone I know said that when this sort of thing happens you need to work out. Doing chores and what not."
Mat flustered. "Are you suggesting I'm fat?!"
"No not at all. I'm just saying that your tapping into this power now because of all the work we've been doing for rooms and food. When we were back in Two Rivers you always found a way to get out of the most of your work, I didn't." She giggled. "Mistress Cauthorn always said skipping out on work would come back to bite you."
Mat snorted and tried his best to look appalled. "I don't know what you mean. I did everything I was told."
"Sure you did. I can help you to not be so tired after it"
Mat leaned into her. His eyes started at her face. His hands on hers. "Lets just take a break for now."
Ruby gulped and leaned into him. Mat stroked her damp hair, ringing the water out. Ranma saw the signs. He sent an alarm through Ruby's body. She jumped back and was blushing full force.
"Ahh, that is to say, umm, I love you Mat but this...well, I need some sleep." She turned on her side and closed her eyes.
Mat was watching her still form. He sighed. "So close...so close..." he moaned. The boy rubbed his eyes. They were getting clearer, but anything beyond three feet was a blur.
With a yawn he settled in for sleep. The patter of the rain like a lullaby to them.
End...
A/N Woo! Mat's got the hots for her. But will they develop? One question. Remember the dagger that chick tries to kill them with? Should they take it with um or leave it. I can't decide. Read and Review!