Tomboy Trouble

By Skye Silverwing

Disclaimer: If I owned any of it, you would not be reading it for free.

Chapter 2: Mutual Attraction.

By lunch, Nabiki Tendo was seeking a certain tomboy. In her hand, she had a file with the name "Haruka Tenoh" written on it. The contents had surprised her.

It seemed that not only was Ms. Tenoh a cross-dressing girl who often was cited over her school record for passing herself off as a boy, but also that she had high end connections amongst two very powerful corporations. In fact, Haruka's scholarship was the first of its kind that Meioh Industries had ever produced. That alone placed the Tomboy on Nabiki's Radar, not to mention that the girl's father was the CEO of Tenoh Incorporated, an impressive connection in itself, even if the two were not exactly on speaking terms.

Catching sight of her target, she headed for the blonde girl in the boy's uniform, who was talking to some members of the track team. "Pardon me, Tenoh-san," she said in a down-to-business voice, "My name is Nabiki Tendo, and I was wondering if I could have a word with you. Alone."

The track team members, recognizing Nabiki and knowing her reputation, fled quickly, leaving Haruka with her eyes locked on the middle Tendo, gauging the girl, as if to determine if she was an active threat. "Well," she said, "it seems we are rather suddenly alone, so let's talk."

Nabiki smiled. "I already have most of the information I need about you, Haruka," she said, "but I wanted to ask about a few things."

Haruka nodded, and motioned for Nabiki to sit.

Nabiki did, and produced a small notepad. "Ok, Haruka, did you know about Kuno's standing 'beat Akane to date her' order before you defeated her?"

"No." the blonde said, "Fortunate side-effect. I heard there was going to be a fight and went to check it out. Didn't expect the crowd to be participating."

Nabiki nodded. "Are you aware that revealing your gender would most likely let you out of the date with my sister as well as the fight with Kuno?" She asked.

Haruka chuckled. "True, but why would I want to do that?" she asked, "I love martial arts and my intended date will simply be her teaching me the basics of that 'Anything Goes' style of hers. Not to mention the fact that the girl has one of the most gorgeous smiles I have ever seen."

Nabiki cocked her head at that. "What about Kuno?"

Haruka sighed. "If Stickboy is as tough as Akane claims, I probably won't stand much of a chance right now," she said, "but if Akane's skill is any indication, Anything Goes may be able to make up the difference."

Nabiki raised one eyebrow at that. "In one day?" she asked, "The school is good, but it isn't that good. Besides, didn't you beat Akane?"

Haruka chuckled. "No. All I did was spot the hole in the maneuver she was using to attack the whole crowd." She said, "I don't think I could beat her one-on-one without the other distractions. Though a spar tonight will prove if I am wrong. Worst case, I admit to being a girl and back out of the fight with Kuno tomorrow."

Nabiki chuckled. "I have to admit, it is pretty well thought out." She said, "Now we just have to discuss my fee for not blowing your cover early."

Haruka developed a worried look as Nabiki began to chuckle evilly.

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

Akane walked home slowly, trying to figure out her own unusual behavior. Ordinarily, if any boy had slowed her progress through the Hentai Horde, she would have spawned a mallet and brained him, or at least let Kuno trounce him. After all, he had not even hurt her. But for some reason, she could not bring herself to do anything after she found herself in Haruka's arms, staring into his eyes. She even defended him from Kuno by agreeing to the stupid date thing!

Worse yet, she found herself unable to stop thinking about him. His eyes, his hair, that slightly cocky curve to the side of his mouth… She could barely even think him a pervert. It was like somehow she knew she could trust him, like they knew each other from somewhere, sometime, long ago…

Akane was so lost in thought thinking about Haruka that she failed to notice as she walked into a crosswalk, directly in the path of a speeding bus. She was shocked out of her reverie by the bus blaring on its horn as it bore down on her.

Suddenly, there was a flurry of motion, a shifting in the air and a blur of color as Akane was swept up in a diving roll and carried to safety.

She stared up, once again surprised to be cradled in the arms of Haruka Tenoh.

The mysterious young man smiled down at her. "It seems that you are always falling into my arms, Princess." He whispered, then raised his voice, "That's hardly the way to catch a bus."

The sudden shift from the soft, sensual tone to the harsh joke jarred from the shock she had been in, and she slapped the boy across the face. "PERVERT!" she cried, "How dare you touch me like that!"

Haruka rolled her eyes and chuckled merrily at the cute anger on the cute girl's face. "Sorry," she said, "Shall I let the bus hit you next time?"

Akane stopped and had the grace to look ashamed. "Oh… Sorry." She said in barely a whisper, "What are you doing here, anyway?"

Haruka smiled at the girl and chuckled. "You and I have a date, remember?" she said. "Your sister was kind enough to point me the right way after you left." She barely avoided wincing as she thought about what THAT little piece of info has cost her. "I was just cruising up on my bike when you strolled out in front of the bus. What was going through your mind, anyway?"

Akane blushed and immediately turned her back to hide it. "N-none of your business!" she said, sticking her nose in the air, closing her eyes and stomping off… Directly into a street lamp pole.

It was all Haruka could do not to laugh at the poor girl. "Here, let me give you a ride home." She said, indicating her motorcycle, "Maybe then we can spar and work on how I am going to survive my fight with Kuno."

Akane nodded, and was actually looking forward to the first decent spar she had had in some time.

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

Akane and Haruka stood in the dojo facing off against each other.

Haruka grinned. "Now don't you go easy on me." She said, siding into a basic Kenpo stance. "I will not be able to get better if you do."

Akane sighed. "I don't know why I would." She replied, "You beat me this morning, remember?"

Haruka sighed in response. "All I did was break your combat maneuver." She said, "I took an action it could not account for and then you stopped. You could have thumped me on the head, you know."

Akane grinned viciously. "I can still thump you on the head, Haruka." She said, "I bet you are just as perverted as the rest of them."

Haruka grinned. "You don't know the half of it."

What followed was a whirlwind of combat, Akane and Haruka dancing back and fourth on the dojo floor lashing out with punches, kicks, and throws. To Akane's surprise, she found that Haruka was very adept in analyzing her moves, to such extent that the blonde would never let her use the same combo twice. Akane found herself unable to hold back her skill, lest Haruka gain the advantage.

After nearly twenty minutes, the two were breathing hard and covered in bruises. Akane struck out with a lightning fast haymaker, sending Haruka slamming back into the Dojo's wall. The blonde dropped to the ground and did not move.

Concerned, Akane hurried and knelt beside the other fighter. Lifting her head gently off the ground, into her lap. "Haruka?" she asked "Are you okay? I didn't mean to hurt you…mmph!"

Akane was cut off by a sizzling kiss delivered by the apparent boy. At first, a part of her wanted to scream "pervert" and belt the boy one, but as the initial shock faded, she found herself enjoying it, leaning in to it and even kissing back. Kissing Haruka was felt like one of the most natural and right thing she had done since the first time she learned a kata.

As they sat there on the floor of the dojo, in each other's arms, certain…details… of Haruka's physique became readily apparent to her. She pressed her hands against the blonde's chest and leapt back from the surprising discovery.

"You… You're a…" Akane stuttered.

"A girl. Yes." Haruka finished, "Born that way."

"But you kissed me!" Akane said in a shocked tone, "So you're a…"

"Lesbian. Yes." Haruka finished, "One of the reasons I am not talking to my Dad anymore."

"B-but I liked it…." Akane said, as if realizing a terrible truth, "Does that make me…"

"A lesbian too?" Haruka said, a bit of mirth shining in her eyes, "I don't know. A girl can hope, though."

Akane stared at her, as if expecting her to get angry at her, to deny her for some reason. She felt like she needed Haruka to love her. She felt a connection to the girl that spanned back into the unknown depths of the past. Suddenly she became aware of the way that Haruka was staring intently into her eyes, and she could almost see the same need reflected in them.

"Akane…" Haruka whispered, "It might sound cheesy, but I feel like I have known you forever."

"Like we've met before, somehow." Akane finished, "Like I can trust you with my life, my soul, my secrets, and everything I hold dear…"

The two embraced again, but separated as they heard the front door of the house open. "I'm home!" Kasumi called, "Akane, could you come help me with these groceries?"

Akane smiled at Haruka and stood up. "Coming Kasumi!" she called, casting Haruka a sultry glance and then walking from the dojo with a slight sway to her hips that brought the lesbian to her feet as well.

"Wait! I'm coming too!" she called.

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

Kasumi entered the front door with her arms loaded with groceries, unable to see, she called for her little sister to help her carry the food for that she would prepare that evening for dinner. She smiled as she felt a pair of strong hands taking one of the heavy bags from her. "Thank-you, Aka- Oh, my!" She was surprised to see a blonde tomboy instead of the usual blue haired one.

Seeing her sister just behind the unknown girl, she directed an unhappy glance to her. "Akane, you did not tell me you had a guest." She said. "Who is your friend?"

Akane smiled and took some of the bags as well, leaving Kasumi with no burden. "This is Haruka." She said before turning toward the Kitchen. "She's a new student that I am teaching so that she can defend herself better."

Haruka quickly moved to follow Akane, shrugging off Kasumi's protests that a guest should not have to help put away groceries.

Giving up on stopping Haruka from helping, Kasumi busied herself with making a quick snack as well as some tea, though she paused more then once to notice how much consideration Akane and Haruka gave each other. She thought it must be nice for Akane to have a friend that she responds to that well.

Kasumi looked up as they finished putting the groceries away and smiled. "Haruka-san, Akane-chan, would you like some tea?" she asked.

The two tomboys nodded. Between the three of them, they polished off the snacks and tea, and then sat having polite conversation until Nabiki arrived home. The middle Tendo nodded greeting to Haruka then headed up to her room. Then Soun Tendo entered, having collected the mail for the day.

"Oh, my!" said Kasumi, looking at the time, "Look at the time! I need to start on dinner. Haruka, will you be joining us?"

Haruka nodded, and Akane took her by the arm. "Haruka and I are going to go for a quick jog, and then get some practice in before dinner." Akane said, pulling Haruka toward the door.

As they got outside, Haruka looked at Akane. "What was that all about?" she asked, "You pulled me out kind of quick, there."

Akane looked at her and sighed. "My father is something of a Traditionalist." She said. "He will never accept a relationship like ours, so I think we need to keep it under wraps. At least, for now."

Haruka nodded and the two began to jog, moving as quickly as they were able, which quickly became a competition of which one could catch the other fastest. A pair of lovers, playing tag as they dashed through the streets. \They just knew that nothing could ruin this.

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

"COMING BACK FROM CHINA. BRINGING RANMA – SAOTOME."

Soun Tendo stared at the Postcard as though it was a sign from the heavens, tears streaming down his face.

He could not wait to see the joyous looks on his daughters' faces when they heard the news. His old friend was coming and bringing their fiancée.

He stood up and went to the family room. "Kasumi! Nabiki! Akane!" He called, "Could you three come here, please?"

Kasumi, having only been in the next room, arrived quickly. "Oh, my!" she said, "Father, what is it? I think Akane went for a jog with her new friend, though they should be back any time now."

Nabiki arrived next. "What is it, Daddy?" she said, somewhat irately. "I was working on my homework, as well as updating my finances for a recent windfall."

Soun smiles, "Girls, I have some great news," he said, "but it affects all three of you, so we need to wait for your sister."

A few minutes later, Akane and Haruka returned to find Nabiki waiting for them at the gate.

Akane looked at her sister. "What's up, sis?" she asked.

Nabiki cocked an eyebrow at the smile on Akane's face but decided to ignore it. "Daddy wants us in the family room." She replied, "Apparently he has some good news for us."

Curious, Akane followed her sister and Haruka tagged along, hanging back.

When they reached the Family room, Nabiki looked at Soun. "Okay, we are all here now." She said flatly. "What's this all about?"

Soun looked at his daughters and smiled. "I just received word that my old friend Genma and his son just returned from China and he is bringing his son, Ranma, who will be the fiancée of one of you."

"FIANCEE?" shouted four voices.

"You want us to marry someone we never met?" Nabiki asked.

"They are coming from China, so you will meet him." Soun replied, "Most likely today."

"Is he older then me?" Kasumi asked, "I don't like younger men."

"Is he cute?" Nabiki asked, "Or rich? What kind of guy is he?"

"I don't know." Soun said, "I have never met him. The pact was made before any of you were born."

"I am not going to marry some perverted boy!" Akane said, with more then one reason, eliciting a relieved sigh from Haruka, who was hiding behind a nearby wall.

Suddenly, there was a clamor outside the compound wall. "LET ME GO YA OL' FOOL!" Shouted a voice from outside.

"That must be them now!" Soun said, leaping to his feet and heading for the door.

"Alright, lets meet this 'Ranma'" Nabiki said, following him.

"Oh, my," said Kasumi, straightening her house dress, "I do hope he is older."

Akane cast a worried glance at Haruka. Something did not feel right.

Nabiki and Soun rather suddenly came running back into the room, followed by a huge Panda, carrying a struggling teenager on its shoulder.

"STOP IT YA OL' FOOL! YER SCARIN'EM!" The teen shouted.

"Father, don't tell me that is your friend!" Kasumi demanded, backing away.

"No!" said Soun, "Genma was definitely Human!"

"Yeah, sure," Akane said, dropping into a defensive stance, "and Pandas wander in here all the time!"

Haruka was about to back Akane up when the Panda set the teen on the ground.

Soun stepped forward and took a close look at them. "You…" the Tendo Patriarch said, "You wouldn't be…"

The girl looked at the ground with her violet eyes, holding her pigtail, so dark purple it was nearly black, in her hands, and said. "I'm Ranma Saotome… Sorry 'bout this."

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

Outside time, at the time gates, Setsuna Meioh's eyes widened. She looked at Skye Silverwing, who stood next to her with a self-satisfied smirk on his face. "You have got to be kidding me." Setsuna whispered.

Skye grinned. "Bet you didn't see that coming."

.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.

Love constructive criticism. Tell me what you think of the story so far; give me an idea of what you think should happen next.