A/N: Gentle readers, this is not a darkfic. Meaning:

There is more thematic focus on romance and comfort; and

The dark aspects of the story will not go beyond physical/emotional abuse.

I just wanted to clear up this issue quickly. There will be some more dark on the way, but in my opinion it's tasteful and is solid conflict, not a thematic element itself.

Please refer to the prologue for content rating information (It's rated M for more than cursing).

Disclaimer: The original work below is based on the characters and works of Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Media. I do not own the rights to any of this content, and am not benefiting financially from its publishing.

Silver Linings Dojo

by Kevin Mohaj

Chapter 6: A Short Summer Appeared Here, Just Now.

Konatsu rubbed his bruised side as he extricated himself from the tree rooted near the Tendo Dojo. The kunoichi hurried before Ranma and fell to his knees, moaning, "Ranma-sama, please accept my apologies for trespassing! I meant for my presence to go unnoticed."

Konatsu looked up from his deep bow to see Ranma's uncomfortable look before the pigtailed martial artist replied, "Geez, Konatsu, you're lucky I knew it was you. What's tha big deal hiding out in a tree anyway? It's after midnight, man!"

Konatsu, to Ranma's chagrin, bowed so deeply his face touched the soft grass before he replied, "Ranma-sama, I know you to be a fair and honorable man. I was at the wedding in stealth, and I know what Ukyo-sama has done, but I beg you to release her!"

A long silence passed during which Konatsu dared to raise his head, but to his confusion Ranma was looking back at him with evident surprise. At this point Konatsu began to take stock of the man before him. There was thinness to Ranma, and the moonlight seemed to emphasize his waxen complexion. Ranma's eyes were sunken and surrounded with dark black circles. Konatsu felt a small shiver when he looked into Ranma's eyes, but wasn't able to discern why the martial artist' countenance was unnerving him.

"Konatsu… what the Hell are you talking about?"

Konatsu trembled and forced himself to regain his composure, but during his recovery Ranma gently lifted the male kunoichi to his feet. Konatsu felt Ranma's strong hand lifting his chin and he met Ranma's serious eyes.

"Konatsu… What happened? Where is Ukyo?"

Konatsu was at a loss. The police told him Ranma was responsible for all of this. Konatsu was deeply ashamed of Ukyo's actions, but couldn't abandon her all the same. Konatsu met Ranma's eyes once more before replying.

"Ranma-sama, the police arrested Ukyo-sama last week for serious criminal charges. The police were granted a detention order pending her… her trial…" at this Konatsu broke into tears; the stress of the last week finally catching up to the ninjutsu master.

It was a moment before Ranma responded, and Konatsu was surprised at the soft look in the pigtailed martial artist's face.

"This has gotta be a mistake, Konatsu. I never contacted the police; I mean who would do something like…"

Konatsu looked up as Ranma's words trailed off; the kunoichi was surprised to see growing anger on Ranma's face. Ranma put an arm around Konatsu's shoulders and walked him into the Tendo home. Konatsu didn't speak: he was too stressed and anxious and hadn't slept well for days. Ranma seemed to appreciate the kunoichi's need for space, and busied himself making two cups of tea.

After a moment Ranma broke the silence, "Konatsu, are you hungry? We have some leftover rice and pickles. Not much, but ya lookin thin."

Konatsu felt himself smile by reflex. After living with his… family… for many years any offer of kindness was strange and new to him.

"Hai, Ranma-sama, thank you so much for your consideration," Konatsu whispered demurely.

"One condition: call me Ranma," Ranma let out a small laugh, "or Ran-chan if you like."

Konatsu studied the martial artist as he brought a small plate and a mug of tea to the kitchen table. Ranma caught his gaze and must have seen Konatsu's look of shock.

"Yes, Konatsu, you will eat at the damn table. I know about your creepy family, I know how ya were raised, and I know how ya act a slave, but you aren't doing any of that crap around me." Ranma's expression was soft, yet his eyes seemed to pierce into Konatsu.

Konatsu sipped his tea quietly before responding, "It's the only life I know, Ranma-sa… Ranma."

Ranma scowled and slammed his hand on the table. Konatsu continued to sip his tea as if unaware of Ranma's outburst.

"Damnit, why d'ya have to be like that? Why can't ya understand that everybody accepts ya as you are?" Ranma replied heatedly.

Konatsu set his teacup down and met Ranma's gaze evenly, although his response was a whisper, "I suppose we are a lot more alike than I once thought."

Ranma face lit up with anger. The tableau held as Konatsu and Ranma stared each other down…

Before letting loose two resounding bellows of laughter.

"Damnit, Konatsu," Ranma said between gasps of laughter, "Y'av tried to poison me, kill me, and that's not to mention all the stuff your… family… has done, but I never realized... We do have a lot in common" Ranma's voice still held laughter, but his face was thoughtful.

Konatsu giggled in reply, "My… step-family maybe awful, but Genma and Happosai could give them a run for their money, wouldn't you say?"

Ranma grimaced suddenly and said in a quieter tone, "I think I can forgive pops now… I almost…"

"I know… I saw from the tree. You were not yourself then, Ranma-sama," Konatsu said gently.

"Ranma," the pigtailed martial artist replied off handedly before continuing, "We were both raised to be how our families wanted us to be. Hell, Pops could give your family a run for their money: all the times I was forced to steal, or sold off to some crazy martial artist family, or…"

"Tossed into a pit of cats?" Konatsu continued gently, noticing the Ranma's sudden fearful look. Konatsu shrugged, "Ukyo-sama told me many things about you, and I think you have a point."

Ranma seemed to study Konatsu for a long time while he sipped on his own cup of tea. Konatsu had started gracefully eating the pickles and rice on his plate during the pause.

After Konatsu set his chopsticks down, Ranma stood and walked to the sink before continuing to speak, "I was raised to be the best martial artist in the world, but also to become a man among men." Ranma laughed at that, but to Konatsu it seemed hollow. Ranma splashed her face with cold water from the sink and turned to face the kunoichi.

"At first, I hated the curse. Hell, it caused me so many problems." Ranma-chan seemed to look past Konatsu at something unseen. "Yet," Ranma continued, "it's also saved me… Without the fear of being locked into this body I wouldn't be the martial artist I am." Ranma giggled for a moment before slapping herself and sighing, "I wouldn't even know the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken if I hadn't been searching for a cure."

Konatsu nodded to himself when Ranma-chan sat back down. Konatsu poured them both another cup of tea, exhibiting amazing grace in the simple act. Konatsu took up the conversational pause.

"I was raised to be a servant… not really, more like a slave to my stepmother. Then you came with Genma and Happosai, and my family had me swear vengeance." Konatsu nodded again, and continued, "I suppose I'd be a failure, or dead, if it weren't for how I was raised…" Konatsu felt depression setting over him.

"You are the first male kunoichi in a century, Konatsu. You know how I feel about your skills; how could you consider yourself a failure?" Ranma asked.

Konatsu smiled bitterly at Ranma, "I'll answer that if you answer me a question first," at Ranma's hesitant nod Konatsu continued, "Are you happy?"

Ranma-chan shivered for a moment, and then shook her head.

Konatsu nodded again, "We may have become better, stronger… men…" he giggled before continuing, "from our upbringing, but neither of us are happy… and I think we are unhappy for the same reason…"

Ranma-chan smiled at her one-time rival. Suddenly, she leaned over the sink and splashed hot water on his face. Ranma and Konatsu put away their dishes and Konatsu started towards the door; until a firm hand grasped his shoulder.

"You can't go back to U-chan's right now and I ain't letting ya sleep outside. Come on upstairs, I have a spare futon in my room, no arguments." Ranma's tone was considerate but also firm.

Konatsu stared at Ranma in shock before replying, "Ranma-sama!" he whispered forgetting his formal wording, "Wh… Why? After all that's happened between us…"

Ranma shrugged and met the kunoichi's eyes before he said softly, "Because you're right: we haven't been able to… we haven't… they don't feel that way for us, Konatsu. I dunno why, but you're right: we are a lot alike. I need somebody to train with… somebody I can respect and trust…" Ranma shivered, "I need somebody to help me regain control… I need a friend."

Konatsu felt his breath catch at Ranma's words, but he nodded. Ranma continued, "Tomorrow, we will get to the bottom of the situation with Ukyo. I have an idea of who filed the charges." Konatsu and Ranma walked upstairs together and laid out their futons.

After they settled Konatsu looked over at Ranma and whispered, "We don't have to be the way… our families… want us to be…"

Ranma turned onto his back and put his hands behind his head. He seemed to think for a long time, and Konatsu waited. Finally, Ranma spoke to the ceiling, "I think we could learn a lot from each other, and I'm not just referring to martial arts."

Konatsu felt himself nodding, and ventured, "I always try to forget their abuse; I know you feel the same way… I don't want… I don't want to be a slave anymore. I want to be…" Konatsu trailed off.

"…yourself?" Ranma finished. At Konatsu's nod he sighed, "I feel the same way. I can't waste my life trying to cure this curse just because I was raised to be manly. I'll miss out on living… I have to learn to live with this curse…"

Konatsu giggled, "Does that mean you want lessons in the kunoichi discipline? You'd make a lovely geisha with your red hair…"

Ranma growled, but Konatsu recognized it as playful. Ranma huffed, "Watch it!"

Konatsu sobered and raised his hands in apology. Ranma resumed laughing at the gesture.

Ranma sat up after a minute and looked at Konatsu before saying, "Konatsu, jokes aside… I… I've had these thoughts lately, and I don't know who to talk to about it. Other than Doc Tofu, but I don't see him until Saturday…"

The kunoichi sat up and copied Ranma's pose, curious he ventured, "Do you go to Ono-sensei for therapy too?"

Ranma looked at him in shock causing Konatsu to giggle before resuming, "Well, I have my own share of family and personal issues, Ranma."

Ranma laughed before responding, "Shoulda figured, and yes I do see the Doc. Ever since Jusendo…"

Konatsu grabbed Ranma's arm at the pause and whispered, "It's okay, Ranma. We'll talk about that another time. What thoughts have you been having?"

Ranma looked, really looked, at Konatsu for a long moment. The kunoichi felt that Ranma was deciding exactly what to say. Eventually Ranma continued.

"Akane," he began, Konatsu nodded for him to continue, "I've noticed that she… like she sorta… Hell it's hard to talk about this… I think she likes my girl side. I mean! Not… like that exactly, but…"

Konatsu appraised his formal rival for a moment before he ventured, "Maybe a man-amongst-men isn't what Akane is searching for?"

Ranma seemed to taste the words for a moment, then nodded with a sheepish look, "A better way of saying it would be 'a completely insensitive jerk' isn't what she's searching for."

Konatsu and Ranma looked down for a minute. The taste of friendship was very new to Konatsu, especially one where he was… an equal?

Konatsu never imagined feeling like an equal to Ranma. It never occurred to Konatsu that Ranma was just as confused as he was. That thought in mind, Konatsu met Ranma's eyes before speaking.

"I am too sensitive…" Konatsu ventured.

"…and I am a jerk," Ranma finished smiling.

The two often confused, and perpetually lonely men, nodded in understanding. After a moment, Ranma yawned, "Alright, enough for one day. Let's get some sleep."

Konatsu didn't trust his voice, and lay down with a sigh at the cushion and pillow. This sure beats sleeping on the ground or in a tree. He thought to himself with another sigh.

Ranma chuckled knowingly, "I'll make sure it's okay with Kasumi tomorrow, but I'll be damned if my buddy sleeps in a tree again. Night 'Natsu."

"Goodnight, ….Ranma."

~~~k~m~~~

Akane returning from her morning job quickly slipped on house slippers before walking into the Tendo home. She could smell Kasumi cooking breakfast in the kitchen, and stepped into see if she needed any help.

"Ohayou, oneesan!" Akane called as she walked in.

Kasumi smiled at Akane, "Ohayou, Akane-chan. Breakfast will be ready soon, could you wake Ranma-kun up before you take your bath?"

Akane grimaced. Why do I have to wake that baka up? She headed upstairs anyway, never wanting/able to argue with Kasumi. She knocked on the guest room softly, and heard snoring within. Shaking her, head she slid open the door and barked, "Ranma! Wak… WHO IS THAT?!"

Akane's brain was hard-wired to react a certain way when confronted with evidence of Ranma's perversion. That's all it was. She certainly wasn't jealous that the futon next to Ranma was occupied with some strange woman. That couldn't be it. He was a pervert, and that was that.

Ranma seemed to stir at her shout, "Not so loud! I'm tryin ta sleep—OOUFF!"

Akane followed up her mallet smash with a quick kick tossing Ranma out of the window followed by a resounding splash. "DIE PERVERT!"

Before Akane could follow her baka fiancée out the window for the deathblow, a soft hand grabbed her arm. Akane felt her anger burst and she turned around preparing to backhand this hussy into the next…

"KONATSU?!" Akane shrieked.

"Akane-sama! Why did you attack Ranma-sam…Ranma like that?!" The male kunoichi looked confused and also angry.

Akane reeled back from the male ninja and stammered, "Wha… Why… What are YOU doing here, Konatsu?"

Konatsu turned his face from the window after ascertaining that Ranma-chan, though sputtering obscenities, was not injured. He gave Akane a severe look before replying, "Ranma-sa… I mean… Ranma found out I was… homeless. He offered me his spare futon."

Akane looked at the male kunoichi nervously, "Konatsu… you and Ranma… I mean…"

Konatsu blushed through his blush make-up and shook his head vehemently, waving his hands in warding before him. "Ukyo-sama is the only one for me!" He blurted out.

Then, to Akane's surprise, he smiled at her, "Why, Akane-sama, it appears as if you may be jealous?" The female kunoichi's just smiled knowingly as Akane began rambling denials.

Ranma-chan burst through the door dripping water, "Why. You. UNCUTE. TOMBOY! What d'ya do that for!" she screamed.

To Akane's surprise, Konatsu waved his hands in front of Ranma, "Ranma-sama, Akane-sama thought I was a woman when she walked in this morning."

Akane just sat there stunned, and now awaiting Ranma's biting insults at her stupidity. How was I supposed to know it was Konatsu! Damnit, now I look like an idiot!

However, Ranma's insults never came. Instead, Konatsu and Ranma looked down at her, then back to each other, before they both broke out into simultaneous laughter.

Akane felt her anger rising again. "Will somebody explain to me what the Hell is going on here?!"

Ranma and Konatsu sobered, and faced her. Ranma's expression turned serious as he began to speak.

"Ukyo has been arrested, and is being detained downtown. They have closed U-chan's while they search for evidence." In a few moments, Ranma apprised Akane of the situation as Konatsu explained it the night previous.

Akane was still in shock, "I'm angry at Ukyo for blowing up the dojo, but that's nothing compared to the damage your other hussies cause almost weekly. Who called the police on U-chan?"

"I did," replied a chipper and self-satisfied voice, "and if by 'other hussies' you mean Shampoo and Kodachi, then you will be happy to know that I filed charges against them as well. However, Shampoo is currently evading arrest."

Ranma turned to face Nabiki with a glare. "What's your game this time, Nabiki! How much do we have to pay for you to release Ukyo?"

Nabiki laughed softly, an eerie sound that made Akane feel uncomfortable.

"How much? Why little bro, this one is on the house. After all, you are the one that filed criminal charges against them."

Ranma's mouth opened like a frog, and then snapped shut angrily. He gave Nabiki an appraising glare before responding, "You must be pretty good with a pen."

Nabiki laughed even harder, "Why Ranma! Not as thick as you let on, huh?" She smiled at the furious looks coming from the three martial artists.

Nabiki sighed, "Look, don't get your collective panties in a twist," she smiled at Konatsu and Ranma's blushes, "you filed the charges against them; it's your choice to drop them. Considering what I could have done to them for the damages they caused… and of course the attempted murder of my sister, I think you should be relieved."

"Besides," she added with a smirk after the silence started to stretch, "hasn't it been nice and quiet this past week?"

Akane could hear Nabiki's laughter trailing out down the hallway.

Konatsu and Ranma shared a look that didn't go unnoticed by Akane, and then they nodded at one another.

~~~k~m~~~

Kasumi wondered what was keeping Ranma and Akane when she saw Nabiki coming down the stairs with a smile on her face. Kasumi frowned to herself. Nabiki had explained that she had a 'plan' but despite the eldest sister's attempts Nabiki refused to buckle.

I have to keep an eye on her. Kasumi thought sourly.

The silent battles Nabiki and her fought over the middle daughter's incessant meddling were becoming more numerous. Nabiki turned to the ever present business portfolio and ignored Kasumi's questioning looks.

Kasumi sighed as she thought of the many problems facing her family. Akane was adjusting much faster than Ranma. Tofu already told Kasumi of his plan to acclimate Akane to normal living, even if she didn't understand why the classes had to be kept secret. However, Tofu's assessment of Ranma was deeply concerning, especially after what happened to Mr. Saotome last night.

Kasumi realized that breakfast was likely burning while she and Nabiki were having their silent battle. With another sigh and a disapproving glance Kasumi rushed back into her kitchen.

That's strange; I don't remember pouring the rice out.

Kasumi was preparing breakfast for everybody when Akane walked into the kitchen. Kasumi looked up at her, "Akane-chan, would you set the table, please?"

Akane's eyes widened slightly before she replied, "Oneesan, I thought you already set the table…"

Kasumi followed her to the table and saw it set for everybody with an amazing floral display in the center; Nabiki was still engrossed in her portfolio. Ranma had his hands behind his head and looked like he was suppressing a grin. Kasumi's hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh my!"

Nabiki looked up briefly to see the remarkably set table and then promptly fell backwards on her chair to the floor with a gasp of shock, "Who! When!?" she screamed.

Akane tended to Nabiki while Kasumi walked towards the table. "This is amazing ichibana… who?"

Ranma coughed and caught her attention, he pointed up.

Kasumi saw a very pretty girl clinging to the corner of the ceiling looking like a scared mouse.

"Oh my!"

Ranma laughed and motioned towards the girl, "Konatsu, ya can come down now. You remember Kasumi? Ya enjoyed her rice once?" He faced Kasumi, "Do you mind if Konatsu stays with us until he gets on his feet, Kasumi? He is… without a home right now."

Kasumi took in the remarkable ichibana, the origami folded napkins, and with recall of the saved rice she suddenly smiled.

"Why Konatsu…-kun. Come down and have breakfast with us."

Konatsu looked even more frightened than before, but dropped to the floor. He stammered, "I couldn't possibly intrude on your meal, Kasumi-sama."

Kasumi looked at Ranma, who did a shrug and half grin, and then returned her attention to the strange man before her.

"Nonsense, why don't you and I serve breakfast this morning?" She said smiling.

She led Konatsu, who was bowing and mumbling thanks constantly, back into the kitchen.

~~~k~m~~~

Later that morning Akane, Ranma, and Konatsu were waiting outside the police station. Akane was brimming with various emotions, and was pacing slightly. She noticed that Konatsu was also unable to remain calm constantly wringing his hands.

Akane paused for a moment to take in Konatsu. The normally trans-vested ninja was wearing one of Ranma's Chinese shirts and pants. He refused at first; until Kasumi pointed out that the only outfit the kunoichi had was dirty from sleeping in trees. Akane was surprised by the changes the simple outfit brought about in Konatsu. Without his draping kimonos and female ninja outfits his muscles were much more visible, portraying masculinity, if rather softened compared to Ranma.

Akane resumed her pacing. She was torn about Ukyo, but she didn't want her to spend another night in jail. She used some of Ono-sensei's techniques to calm herself down and analyze her emotions.

Angry… Well, that's normal more or less. Ukyo did try to blow me up with okonomiyaki bombs.

Paranoid… She sighed, at least now I know Ranma didn't murder his 'fiancees,' but after last night…

Jealous… No, that's ridiculous. Ranma is just here to bail his friend out of jail.

Shocked… Holy Kami-sama, I'm not jealous of that jerk!

Sad… This is a stupid exercise.

Akane's spiraling thoughts were interrupted when the station's entrance opened and Ukyo walked out into the sunshine. Well, she looks like hell: so much for being angry.

Ukyo saw the trio waiting for her and she stopped in her tracks; Akane wasn't sure how long the tableau would last. She had expected Konatsu to rush Ukyo and gush over her. She looked over at the now slightly more masculine kunoichi.

Konatsu looked relieved, although Akane thought she saw a hint of disappointment in his gaze. The kunoichi, however, wasn't moving.

"Ukyo," Akane felt a strangeness hearing the name from Ranma's mouth, "In light of the debt my family owes the Kuonji, our friendship, and the wishes of my friend, Konatsu, the Saotome clan has dropped all charges against you." His voice was crisp and formal like steel. Akane watched stunned as he looked towards Konatsu before speaking again.

"'Natsu, Kasumi wanted me to invite you for dinner tonight, and I could use a good spar. We'll call you at U-chan's with the time?"

At Konatsu's nod Ranma smiled briefly. He turned towards Ukyo for a moment before returning to Konatsu saying, "If you would take care of the rest."

Akane watched as Konatsu nodded and Ranma and he grasped arms. Then Akane stifled a gasp as Ranma approached her and grabbed her hand. He gently pulled her away from the scene, and without a look back he called over his shoulder.

"It's over, Ukyo."

Akane couldn't find any words as they walked back home. The chill in the heat of day was enough to tell her what Ranma was feeling. Wordlessly, Akane moved closer and put an arm around Ranma's waist.

~~~k~m~~~

A/N: Heh, so I said 25 chapters… then Chapter Five got split… leading me to split Chapter Six... Ok, let's all just have a laugh at past me while this story pours out of my brain like cold water for Ranma.

Whenever I introduce a new character I fear that their camp will set out to attack me. For the record, Ukyo is easily my second favorite fiancée. That's about all I can say today though.

Thanks for reading!

A/Post-Note: Look up Kenzan Konatsu for the title reference if needed.