The next morning Ryoga woke up with Ukyo resting on his chest. His mouth dropped and his eyes bulged. He wanted to push her off but was tough to leave. Sure, they weren't together, but the feel of her warmth and softness was undeniably good. Her face was peaceful and content. It was his first restful sleep in a bed for a long time. He would always be thrashed by Akane in her sleep. It wouldn't have been so bad if he were in his human body rather than a small pig.

However unwilling to pull her off, he climbed out from Ukyo's arms and off the bed as quietly and gently as he could. He went down and took a moment to gather himself before making breakfast.

That night, Ukyo insisted she soak in the spring and for Ryoga to stay on standby. "How about sitting in the living room facing away from the spring?" As much as he preferred not to, he knew he'd be forced to.

He sat, occupying himself by writing letters, face red knowing that a naked girl was bathing behind him. He sensed a projectile coming straight at him. He dodged and faced the intruder. Ukyo, prepared, wrapped herself in a long robe, held up her spatula and took cover by the rocks. "Heh heh, I won't leave empty handed this time!" the dirty thief cackled. Ryoga shot razor bandanas at him, which were swiftly dodged. The prowler jumped on the rock at he furthest end. "I'll end this here..."

His eyes glowed and his aura grew large. But Ryoga wouldn't give him a chance. Ryoga attacked. He dodged Ryoga's flying kick by jumping upwards. As he landed, Ryoga quickly released a powerful shi shi hokodan blast while the intruder was mid jump. "No faaaaaiiiirrrr!" the intruder could be heard wailing as he was blasted several towns over.

Ryoga jumped down into the hot spring. Ukyo dropped her spatula and ran over to him. He held her hands in his. "Are you alright, Ukyo?"

"I'm fine... thanks, Ryoga..." She gazed into his hazel eyes.

Ryoga was captivated by the view of Ukyo in the moonlight. He's been suppressing feelings for her that were welling up inside him.

As much as Ukyo didn't want to admit it, she was by no means timid and and acted on her desires. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Ryoga, taken by surprise, stiffened and pulled back slightly. Ah, what am I thinking? He's in love with Akane... She took her arms off and turned to leave. Ryoga quickly grabbed hold of Ukyo's hand and gently pulled her back. "Ukyo, I didn't mean to... you took me by surprise..." He took her in his arms. They held each other close. In the dimness of the twilight, they could feel each other's affection. "In that case..." Ukyo leaned in for a kiss. Ryoga met her lips with his. I think I'll take tomorrow off... thought Ukyo.

...

Sorry about the delay in uploading. I hope you enjoyed this romance between Ryoga and Ukyo. I wasn't really happy with this chapter since it feels a little empty, but I'll probably be updating it at some point. I know Ryoga doesn't learn shi shi hokodan until later, but eh. Thanks for those who review(ed) it! I appreciate feedback.