Disclaimer: Ranma1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
'Thoughts'
":Chinese-Amazon dialect:"
"Normal Speech"
(Sound Effects)
Notes: Well firstly I have to thank everyone that reviewed. It really keeps me writing. Always great to hear many of you like the story. OK onto what I'm discussing with goku. Firstly this is not meant to be an Akane bashing story. I only want to put forth the Amazons as I understand them. Now with the band-aid episode. Well no one forced him to do anything, Shampoo and Ukyo wanted him to sign marriage certificates. They definitely did not force him, it was the band-aid magic that made him more open to the girls. The life pill issue is strange since most magic the Ranma verse isn't really permanent and/or has a cure. But he never swallowed it, so I really don't have any clear facts about it. But if it really was that permanent then where is the giant octopus? Happosai must have some hard days running from that thing :P. As for the updates, well I have been having power related problems. Seems after multiple power trips that the washer was the cause. I also went away for the weekend so I didn't get any writing done, but chap3 of FMU will be out in a few days. Enough talk and so onto the story. Enjoy.
The Way Things Are?
Chapter 4:
Warm and comfortable, that was the feeling Ranma felt at this moment. Whatever he was holding, it was really soft and cozy. He tightened his embrace around it, giving it a little squeeze. It seemed to let out a contented sigh and started to warp itself around him. The sun was playing on Ranma's face, slightly waking him from his sleep.
"Hmmmm," Ranma hummed softly.
He gave it another soft squeeze. It felt so soft and firm at the same time. The round shape he had in his left hand had a really nice feel to it. So he started rubbing his hand against it a little harder. There was something strange about what he was holding. It had something hard poking out in the middle. So he decided to investigate it more by pinching it softly. The response was that whatever he was holding started to heat up and rub itself harder against him. What confused him was that he was also holding something in his right hand. But this had a completely different feel to it. There was a greater firmness to it than what he was holding in his left hand. So continuing his investigation he gave it an even harder squeeze. But the response was much the same as what he got from whatever was in his left hand. So being the natural genius he was, he decided to give both of them a nice hard tug and squeeze. The response he got this time woke him up so fast he nearly hit the roof.
"Aiya," she giggled with a heavy blush on her face," Ranma get all naughty, naughty with Shampoo. Maybe Shampoo need lock door if Airen want play with Shampoo more."
A little blood dribbled out of his left nostril as he heard how the word play rolled off of Shampoo's tongue like honey. He did a quick retake of where his hands were. Giving her breast and rear another gentle squeeze, his hands left them as quick as if they had been burned. Before he could jump out of the bed, Shampoo had wrapped her arms and legs around him.
"Ranma no go yet. Fun, fun in bedroom with Ranma only begin," she licked his ear and with a throaty voice said, "Shampoo make Ranma feel too, too good."
More blood gushed out of his nose with that comment as he became putty in her hands. A heavy blush was starting to spread across his body as her hands caressed his back.
"Aiyyaaa," she said softly into his ear as she felt something press hard against her inner thigh.
"S,s,s, Shampoo," Ranma said quickly," Please, I'm not completely ready yet. These feelings are completely new to me."
Shampoo titled her head to the side and gave him an odd look as he said this.
"What Airen mean?"
"Well, I don't really know what. But something healed in me after I finished completing some hidden healing techniques," he said with a sigh," I think it has to do with what my pops did to me."
"Shampoo think she know what happen," she lightly kissed her Airen in the forehead, "Shampoo see Ranma act different around Shampoo. But Shampoo like what happen to Ranma too, too much."
"So do mind when I look at you?"
"Aiyaaa!" she said loudly," Shampoo love when Airen look at Shampoo body. Shampoo body for Airen, Ranma look and touch Shampoo as much as like. Shampoo no mind."
Ranma blush was no in full force and a little steam came out of his ears. This made her give away into a fit of giggles.
"So you don't mind if we only carry on with this when we get married. I can't lie and say I didn't like touching you, but I'd feel more comfortable if we get married first before we go any further."
"Is ok Shampoo understand," she said with a sweet smile and kiss to his cheek," Come we take too, too nice bath together."
With that Shampoo grabbed his hands and pulled him off the bed. She quickly dragged him out of her room and toward the bathroom. Ranma still had a blush on his face, but he wasn't protesting. This made Shampoo almost glow with happiness. Just at they were about to enter, they heard a familiar chuckle behind them.
"It seems you don't mind being in the same room as my naked great-granddaughter any more, son-in-law," she said with a loud cackle
Both of their faces quickly went to fire engine red at Cologne's words. This only made her laugh louder.
"But if you both wanted to 'fool' around then why not just stay in your bedroom Shampoo?"
Neither of them could look her in the eyes as she said this.
'I haven't had this much fun teasing a couple in hundreds of years. They're both so easy' thought Cologne
Her laugh died down slowly.
"I'll stop teasing both of you," she said with a good natured smile," Just don't take too long. The late lunch hour rush is about to start soon, so I'd like Shampoo's help with that."
After saying that, she hopped on off and disappeared around the corner. Shampoo and Ranma both finally ended up in the changing room. Shampoo immediately started taking off her clothes, but Ranma was staring at the ground and shuffling his feet. Shampoo tried getting his attention by placing her hand in front of his face. So she grabbed his face in both of her hands trying to make him look at her, but his eyes were still locked on the ground.
"Ranma please look at Shampoo," she said with a sad voice, "What wrong?"
"It's nothing, it's just," he didn't complete the sentence.
Shampoo gave off a loving smile and said," Airen no need worry. Shampoo love Ranma, Ranma love Shampoo. No need hide, no need keep secrets. Shampoo belong Ranma and Ranma belong Shampoo," giving him a lovingly soft kiss on his lips.
Ranma's eyes snapped off from the floor and into Shampoo eyes. All he saw there was unconditional love and care. His arms wrapped around her neck and drew her in close. They continued holding one another for a few minutes, savoring each other's warmth. Finally letting go both quickly stripped off their clothes and gave each other a loving look. Ranma took Shampoo's hand in his own and opened the final door that led into the proper bathing area. But Shampoo would have none of this. She quickly pounced onto his back, embracing him in her patented Amazon glomp. Blood dripped out of his nose, as he felt her nude body pressed against his back. She let out a happy squeal when she saw this.
"Aiyaa, Ranma still have too, too naughty thoughts about Shampoo. But Ranma no get away, Airen need wash Shampoo. Make Shampoo too, too sweaty and hot when play with Shampoo boob and bum in bed," she let out a happy giggle as his full body blush returned in full.
But neither one let go of the other, as they both disappeared behind the screen door of the bathroom.
Cologne was still laughing at them when she made her way into the kitchen downstairs. The late lunch rush was about to start, so she needed to get ready for that. Hopefully her great-granddaughter and son-in-law wouldn't be too busy for long. But it wasn't like she actually really cared. Those two deserved as much time together as possible since there wouldn't be a lot of that when the other wives started to show up. But right now it pleased her that those two had some time to reconcile and open their hearts to each other. She had no doubt in her mind that Ranma, Shampoo, and his other wives would change the tribe for the better. The world lay open before them.
"Oh! The great great-grandchildren I'll get to spoil and train," she finished with a content smile on her face.
'The only times I've ever left this happy were on the days my great-granddaughters were born. I knew putting my faith in son-in-law was the best thing an old woman like me could do. He's proven all my fears where unfounded. His skill has gone above and beyond what I ever expected. Thank you Ranma.'
She knew that a permanent smile would be on her face for the rest of the day. Even Mousse's stupid antics wouldn't be able to rid her of it. Talking about Mousse, she wondered when Mr. Part-Timer would be back from his little delivery trip. Probably a few days, since the fool still refused to keep his glasses on at all times. Shaking her head, she continued to prepare for the late lunch rush hour.
'The twins will probably be showing up soon. The letter I posted today should reach them before the end of tomorrow. The Amazon postal service has never failed before, great birds those. But I wonder how well they have grown since we last saw them. Probably still using those silly techniques, but I'm sure Ranma and Shampoo will be able to break that habit of theirs. It will all come in time.'
Ukyo was starting to get worried. She had strange feeling when she woke up this morning that something big was going to happen. It sent a chill down her back but then left a warm feeling in her. Something was definitely off. Ranma was missing from school, which really wasn't that unusual. Since Akane's mallet seemed to hit him into other districts all the time before school. What bothered her was that she had asked Akane if she had hit Ranma with her mallet this morning, but found out that Akane did no such thing, because Ranma had left early with Nabiki. That made her really uncomfortable. She knew Ranma wouldn't do anything, but it was Nabiki that she didn't trust. Ukyo felt very ashamed when she had calmed down after the failed wedding. Never had she been used in that way before by any one. Nabiki played her for an utter fool in front of Ranma. That was what angered her the most. Thankfully Ranma went for food a few days later at her restaurant. They sat there for hours talking about things, when she finally built up the courage to apologize for doing what she did. However, Ranma forgave her immediately, and tears ran down her eyes at how great a person he was. She had jumped into his arms and stayed there for at least an hour crying her eyes out.
'I can't believe how affectionate he was. He held me for a long time, caressing my back and saying that it's all forgiven. Oh Ranma, if only both of us could have stayed in each others arms forever. Akane has done everything in her power to hurt you. All you have to do is come to me and I'll promise never to hurt you.'
A lone tear trailed down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away before anyone saw it. Class was boring as usual, but not having Ranma there to stare at made it even more so. She could remember one day that she caught Ranma staring at her with a caring look in his eyes. Her heart had thundered against her chest with such force. It was the most wonderful feeling ever, that her beloved was staring at her in such a way.
'How can he make me fall in love with him again and again? I've always loved him, but every time I see him, he just rejuvenates the feeling all over again. Hehehe...well he does have a really cute rear. But it's his heart that just makes me melt. Oh Ranchan, can't you see how much I love you. I could never treat you as bad as that stupid Tendo does. She's too dense to see what's right in front of her. But I'm glad in a way, because you'll eventually leave her for the way she treats you Ranchan. Then you'll see how much I truly love you.'
She now had a healthy blush on her face. The lunch bell rang and shook her out of her thoughts.
'Hopefully Ranchan is back by now, so I can make him a wonderful meal, unlike Akane's poison. Damn, can't that girl see she sucks at making food? She's doesn't even taste test it. Maybe she'll create something that blows up in her face and puts her into the hospital for a while.'
She looks to her left and sees Akane talking to her friends like she's having the most wonderful day.
'A girl can hope can't she?'
With that she shrugs her shoulders and goes down to the bottom floor. Hopefully she'll see Ranma there waiting for her to make him a wonderful meal. As her feet were about to touch the stairs, she had a flashback of about when she asked Ranma if he wanted to go on a trip with her in the fall tourism season. A smile played on her face. He said yes and that both of them could go alone with some camping gear. She remembered her thoughts about a two man tent and to 'accidentally forget' her sleeping bag. Her face was now completely red with embarrassment.
'If Akane only hadn't interrupted us, we might have set a date and gone together. She always finds a way to ruin my plans for Ranma honey and me in some way or another.'
She shrugged at that, since she's seen how Ranma started to drift away from Akane more and more. It was only a matter of time before he rejected Akane completely. Her blush was gone and a smile took its place as she started walking down the stairs to hopefully see Ranma in the courtyard.
Ranma and Shampoo came out of the bathroom refreshed and both blushing like crazy. Shampoo had not let Ranma once get out of her grip in the entire bathing experience. He was also caught staring at her breasts quite a few times during the whole ordeal. This made Shampoo bounce around more and shove out her chest, so he could get a better view. This made both Ranma and Shampoo blush a bright red. She was also caught by Ranma for staring at his particular parts. She had given him a peck of the cheek and wink, while still blatantly staring at him with a smile. Both of them were getting a little excited, so both decided they better calm down and finish bathing before this got out of hand. But as they were putting their clothes back on, she just couldn't help giving him a little sexy show with the only underwear she always wears. The topless Amazon bouncing around and blowing him kisses gave him a quick and swift nosebleed. His eyes just couldn't leave her beautiful body alone. Shampoo had enjoyed that immensely, and squeezed his butt to make him know that she was enjoying him looking at her as much as she enjoyed showing him. Afterwards both finished dressing with a happy glow on both of them.
"Shampoo no able say how happy Shampoo is that Airen no run no more," she said while clinging to his right arm and resting her head on his shoulder as they walked down the stairs to the actually cafe.
"I have no reason to run from you anymore Shampoo. It's all been a great misunderstanding," he said as he gently gave her hand a reassuring squeeze," I won't ever run from someone as beautiful as you."
"Wo ai ni!"
Shampoo gave her Airen the best glomp she could as she captured his lips on her own. Her tongue dove past his lips and both started having a heated make-out session.
"Oh my, I thought both of you would have calmed down by now. After that thorough physical inspection you both gave each other in the bath," Cologne laughed over the counter that went to the kitchen.
Both blushed as they were caught red handed. Steam was coming out of Ranma's ears and Shampoo had a small pout on her face from being interrupted. This only served to make her great-grandmother laugh louder.
"Don't worry great-granddaughter. You and your husband will have a lot of time later to show each the affection you feel for each other. But now I need your help before the lunch rush hour begins," she said with a caring smile.
"I think I should better leave before the others get too suspicious," Ranma turned to leave but Shampoo grabbed his hand before he could.
"Huh?"
"Give Shampoo kiss good bye, before leave," she said softly while rubbing her thumb in his hand.
"Oh, OK!" Ranma gave her a wink and moved in for the kiss.
Shampoo was just standing there waiting for him to take the lead. Ranma saw this and smiled. As soon as his lips touched hers, she grabbed him behind his head. Deepening the kiss, it lasted for a good solid minute before both slowly pulled away slowly, eyes locked. With that Ranma gave her hand a final squeeze and left.
"You sure do like kissing him don't you great-granddaughter," Cologne had a smirk on her face while looking at her through one eye.
"Aiya!" Shampoo placed her hands on her face to hide her blush," Ranma taste too, too good. Also Shampoo smell Ranma on body. Is too, too, too good day."
Shampoo finished with a very happy giggle.
"Indeed," Cologne was laughing again.
'Ahh, young love. Shampoo, I only wish you and Ranma the best of the best in the future.'
"Ok Shampoo, we need to start getting ready for all the customers."
Both of them smiled and started preparing for the lunch hour rush.
This was the best day ever. Ranma never felt so alive. He never ever expected it to go so well. Shampoo really just loved him, the law had no part in it. The cat in him seemed to be content as well. I didn't stop purring since he found out the wonderful news. His ideas of what the Amazons were smashed today, and it never felt so good to have been so wrong about something before. He sailed over the roof tops as if they were mere stones in the road. His aura was a brilliant blue mixed with lavender, which could only have been from Shampoo. He still smelt her on him, and it created a wonderful warm feeling in his chest.
'It's still so hard to believe everything worked out so well with the Amazons. I've had the wrong idea about them all this time. '
But he knew that not everything would work out as great as it did with the Amazons. The Tendos and his family would blow a gasket when they found out what he was planning. All the other engagements would break if he left the Saotome family name behind him. But he was still a little unsure and hesitant about that. Ranma was just a blur as he moved over the roof tops.
'Well, hopefully I can make it to school before the lunch break ends.'
He increased his speed, leaving a blue streak behind him. His speed was now that of Amiguriken speeds. It felt great to see the world blur and move under his feet, because of his power. It was a great thrill. The School was coming into sight, so he made one big final jump towards it. It felt like flight as he moved through the air. He landed just outside the exterior wall. None of the students had seen him yet, which he was very grateful for. With a quick leap over the wall, he began walking into the chaos that was Furikan.
It had not been a good day for Nabiki. She knew something was seriously wrong with Ranma. The vibes she got from him during the year after the failed wedding were constantly changing. His love for Akane, to her, seemed to be slipping. He no longer made any effort in talking or spending time with her. It really wasn't such a surprise to her, since the way her sister treated Ranma was a sure fire way to end any relationship. Nabiki looked out of her class room window at Akane talking to her friends. Her sister looked so happy and had a gentle smile on her face.
'Oh little sister, why can't you be that way around Ranma? Can't you see that you're losing him, or that maybe you have already lost him? I know you love him, but the way you treat him is really unacceptable Akane. I'm surprised he hasn't already left. It speaks volumes of his character. Where do you see that pervert in him that you say he is Akane. He has EIGHTY freaking fiancées to choose from girl, and not a single one treats him like you do. They all shower him with love and affection. All have figures to die for, if it was any other guy besides Ranma, then we'd probably already have seen a couple of pregnant girls running around. Don't you see that any girl in this entire district that know Ranma would give a limb to have him or someone half as loyal as him.'
Nabiki sighed and shook her head while looking at Akane. A spot of red caught her eye. It was Ranma. He had just leapt over the surrounding wall into the courtyard. Akane's head turned towards him as one of her friends pointed out that Ranma was here. She could see and feel her little sister's anger from here.
'Akane, I sure hope you know what you're doing. Cause something is really off with Ranma today. If you push it too far, I can't guarantee that I can get you and Ranma back together. Ranma, I just hope whatever is going on in your cute little head won't cause too much damage.'
She turned around and asked for the daily report from one of her subordinates.
Ranma could feel Akane's anger when she noticed him. The chopsticks in her hands snapped. So he decided to walk the other way, not wanting to deal with Akane.
'Man, what a way to spoil a good mood Akane. You just look at me and become angry now. It doesn't really matter any more though. You've beaten out each and every feeling of love I've had for you. But that's all you do to me now Akane. Hit and hit and hit again until nothing is left.'
Just as Ranma turned around to get away from Akane, Ukyo jumped in front of him. She had obviously completely ignored Akane.
"Hey Ranma honey," she said with a beautiful smile, "can I make you one of my specials that you love so much?"
"I wish I could Ucchan, but that tomboy would probably hit me with that stupid mallet of hers again," he said with a sad look," maybe I'll come over later on in the day and have some. Then we could at least have a nice private talk with each other."
Ukyo first wanted to get angry at Ranma's refusal, but a smile quickly broke out when he said he wanted to spend some time alone with her. She was definitely going to make sure that no other customers would bother them.
"Ok Ranchan, it's a date then," she said with a wink and expected him to say it's not a date.
"I'll be there Ucchan," he winked back at her, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
The most beautiful smile that Ranma had ever seen formed on her soft lips. He could feel her aura go from content to extremely happy in a split second. Her eyes held such great surprise and love that he wanted to embrace her there and tell her how everything was going to be ok. She looked into his eyes to see if he was playing a game with her. But all she found was complete truth and care in those blue eyes of his. Her heart fluttered and her pulse rapidly increased. Her Ranchan said that he wouldn't miss a date with her for the world. Never ever did she expect him to say something like that, and it created the most wonderful feeling in her heart. So she did what any other girl would do in this situation, she blushed the brightest red ever.
"I.., I'll see you there then Ranchan," she ran back into the school with her hands on her face trying to hide the blush.
A loving smile appeared on Ranma's face at his Ucchan's antics. It felt as if the warm feeling in his chest would burst out of him. His eyes still locked on Ukyo when she stopped at the entrance to look at him again. He gave her a wink and saw her blush only brighten. She quickly hid it and ran inside.
'Oh Ucchan, you're so cute when you blush. I really meant what I said, not even for the world. You mean too much to me. These feelings I've had for you and Shampoo have been there for the longest time. Now I finally have a chance to express them to you. I just hope you'll be able to accept Shampoo as well. But I'll cross that bridge when we get there.'
Ranma's peace wasn't long lived as Akane heard that Ranma had accepted the date with Ukyo.
Akane couldn't believe what she just heard come out of Ranma's mouth. He accepted a date with Ukyo, his cute fiancée. Her anger only grew at that. Not only was he who knows where with Shampoo doing who knows what. He arrives at school with a silly grin on his face, but also gets Ukyo to ask him out on a date.
'How dare that PERVERT! I'm going to hit him so hard that he's not going to walk for a week!'
With that Akane rushed up too him with her mallet and hit him square in the jaw. Ranma's reflexes worked a split second too late for him to dodge it. But his eyes got the chance to bore into Akane's. Akane for a moment saw the pain in his eyes as she hit him. Something was terribly wrong, but her anger needed a release. As she connected, Ranma took off and flew into the horizon.
"RANMA NO BAKA!" she screamed and turned around with her nose in the air.
'Good, that pervert deserves it. She flirted with Ukyo in front of the entire school.'
The reason she hit him for felt right, but hitting him felt absolutely wrong.
'What's wrong with him? He never looked at me that way before. It made me feel very cold and lonely inside...WHAT do I care. He's just a pervert.'
With that she walked away stomping her feet and a smile on her face. But even with the smile, Akane couldn't shake the foreboding feeling in her heart that something was terribly wrong.
Ranma flew through the air at incredible speeds. His jaw hurt like hell and he was tasting blood in his mouth. He crash landed into the Tendo pond as a gigantic splash, changing him into his female form. His hands balled into fists. He could feel anger and depression grab at him. The water around him started to warm up from his red aura. But before it could get any worse, he heard Kasumi humming a little tune from inside the house. His anger calmed down. Now all he felt was a deep sadness at what had happened. He never even realized himself changing back into his male form.
'Is that all she does? Can't she even talk to me? This is the last time you will ever take your anger out on me Akane.'
He got out of the pond and went inside to wash off the pond water and rinse out his clothes. But before he made it to the step, Kasumi saw him.
"Oh my Ranma, shouldn't you be at school?" she asked with a confused look.
"Akane hit me again and I just don't want to go back to be hit again." As he said this his blood was seen on his teeth by Kasumi.
"Ranma are you hurt?" she came closer to examine his face.
Her hands traced his jaw and cheek. She could see a big cut under his jaw and he probably bit his cheek when her baby sister hit him.
"Please sit down in the living room Ranma. I'm just going to get the first aid kit," she said with a sad smile.
Ranma complies with a nod and went to go sit down at the table. Kasumi had always been nice to him, even when everyone else was not. She was a true shining light in the Tendo family.
'Kasumi you deserve so much better than how this family treats you.'
Ranma didn't wait long for Kasumi to return with the first aid kit. She was always so gentle. Her hands never caused pain. Ranma had developed feelings for her a long time ago. First he thought of her as a sister, but that changed over time as he grew to know her better. But he knew she'd never feel the same way. She had rejected him the first day they met. It saddened him, that she judged him so freely then. But in the end his heart couldn't ignore her. She was loving, caring, and most of all beautiful.
'Too bad it would never work out between us. She likes older men and probably thinks of me as some punk. I just hope you find someone that makes you happy Kasumi.'
Kasumi had done an excellent job of caring for Ranma's injuries. She just finished with the final touches and stared into his eyes. She was surprised that he had been staring at her this whole time. What she saw in his eyes caught her off guard completely. It was a deep loving care that shone in his eyes. But before she could really understand what she saw, Ranma averted his eyes and stood up.
"Thank you Kasumi," he said with a sad smile and went upstairs to wash off the pond residue.
Kasumi sat there shocked. She hadn't realized that a blush was on her face.
'Did I really see what I just saw? Can Ranma really feel that way for me after the way I had rejected him. I.., I know he has a heart of gold, but still.'
She sat there and contemplated how Ranma could ever feel that way for her. She blushed an even brighter red when she remembered how he flirted with her in the back yard. She was a little sad that Ranma only did it because of Happosai's band aid. What if he felt that way for her without the love potion? Her heart fluttered and her breathing increased.
'I must not think like this. Akane and Ranma are engaged, and I know she loves him deep down in her heart. I have to forget about what I saw and carry on with my chores.'
"Oh my, look at the time. I have to finish cleaning downstairs or I'll never get dinner done on time," she packed away all the first aid equipment and walked off to finish the day's chores.
...to be continued.
Author's Notes: Probably one of my fav chaps I have ever written as I love interaction between Ranma and Shampoo. For me they make the best couple in Ranma. Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter.
OokamiShiroi out.