MEET THE "CHEF" ….
What !? 9:20 ?! How come I've been sleeping this late ?
Her eyes stared incredulously at the tiny alarm clock set between her futon and the "window wall" (i.e. the wall where the window is).
She had a hard time believing she had kinda "slept in", waking up more than 2 hours later than usual (she usually was up between 7:00 and 7:30, but around 7:00 was the most regular case).
The red-haired female then couldn't repress a long yawn and stretched her arms with a muffled moan of effort, which ended in a deep, long sigh.
Leaving her arms extended to the back, on both sides of her head, she closed her eyes and gave a small smile.
I think I know why my sleep was so long and deep, and so good, with no waking up during the night, this time…
It was summed up in one word, or rather one name… which, by some nice and sweet coincidence, happened to begin by the very same letter as her own.
R…
As in, say… Revel… Relish… Ravishing… Romance… or even...… Romeo.
That reminded her of that one time when, as he boy, he had been Akane/Juliet's Romeo, in the class's play. He had to get rid of those two pests that Kuno and Happosai were, and had finally managed to kiss Akane… with her lips ending on the tape she had put over his mouth.
Close enough, right ?
That got Ranma to think about the relationships with and feelings for his fiancée… hum, his chosen fiancée… hum hum, his forcibly chosen fiancée, to be fully accurate.
The heir of the Anything Goes Martial Arts school had been getting on much better with the heir of the Tendo dojo, both having matured, understood things – and notably their past wrongs -, pondered on the efforts they had to consent in order to make amends for their misbehaviours of the past and thus learn to live in harmony… and affection.
But what was their relationship really like, nowadays ? Was it actually love or… "merely" a good friendship (which was already wonderful, given the past tensions) ?
Do I love Akane ?
Can I love Akane ?
And if I don't now, will I someday ?
Very pertinent questions.
The only answer she was certain of was the second one : YES.
Yes, Ranma could love Akane, now that both had bonded and gotten closer. It was possible indeed.
But as for the other answers…
Will I love her someday ? Hum, hell if I know… it's not impossible, after all… one never knows with fate, with life's surprises... but I doubt this will happen.
And do I love her now ?
She took a moment to reflect upon this most important question.
But after a two or three minutes, she had to admit that she also knew the answer to that question : NO.
YES, she could love Akane, but NO, she didn't right now.
And after looking at the ceiling for long, long seconds, she realized that it wasn't because the youngest Tendo wasn't lovable in several ways… but rather that she considered her as a close friend now, and not as a lover / love interest.
That, and also…
Also….
Ranma's thoughts had come back to the one she had been thinking about the most lately. The one who had got the most attention from her heart and her mind, the one who might well receive, in a near future, what Akane didn't receive from Ranma these days, even with their now close and harmonious relationship…
He's probably out now. For some training or other stuff. He never sleeps this late, being an early bird. And I'm sure that, during the time he spent with that wise old man, he was also used to getting up early, most certainly like the wise elder himself. Good discipline.
At long last did Ranma finally push back the blanket and examine her ankle.
The bruise was there, coloring the area in a dark red hue.
She delicately put her fingers on the spot and gently pushed… but that was enough to earn a wince from her, as she briskly inhaled through her gritted teeth, her eyes closed.
Damn bastards…
Cautiously moving, she got up and extended her arm to grab the crutches set against the "window wall", then she started "crutching" to the ajar door of the bedroom, fully opened the latter, continued to the left and…
Her blue eyes stared at the stairs.
Great ! How do I do now ? I can't use the crutches to go downstairs, that won't work ! *sigh* Guess I'll have to-
Just at this moment, Kasumi happened to be passing by the stairs, in the inferior level, and Ranma caught sight of her
"Kasumi !" called out the redhead.
The "called-out" one turned around and spotted the injured one, standing at the top of the stairs, leaning on her crutches.
"Oh, Ranma, you're awake ! Good ! I didn't dare to wake you up, because after all, you're supposed to rest and mustn't move from here for some time. I thought I might as well let you sleep longer."
"Right. Uh… I don't know how to get downstairs with these things here. Could you help me, please ?"
"Oh, I'll do better than that : I'll call Genma and he'll carry you down in his arms. He's currently playing with our father. Just a minute."
"Oh, uh… Kasumi ?"
The firstborn Tendo had already turned around to go fetch the "panda-man" but turned back to the pigtailed girl.
"Yes, Ranma ?"
"Do you know where Ryoga is ?"
"Oh, he said he had to go downtown. He had to look for something and might be coming home late tonight. He said he couldn't just yet tell us what it was about, but that he would let us know as soon as he had found it."
This got Ranma's brain working intensively.
"I'll go get your father, alright ?"
"Uh ? … Oh yes, yes ! Thanks, Kasumi !"
But no sooner had she said this that the red-haired young woman fell back into deep thoughts.
What is he looking for ? What can it be ?
A pause.
Should I ask him ? It's personal after all, and he said he would tell us when the time comes, so I'd better wait. But still…
Still… she couldn't help wonder.
The former piglet-cursed boy would let nothing take down his resolution and hope. He knew he might probably have to swallow several bitter pills before finally receiving a positive answer.
His first eight attempts had been vain, but even if that slightly disappointed him, he was well aware that he would most likely have to face such a difficult situation. After all, many people didn't need what he wanted to offer them, not at that time at least, because they already had everything they needed.
Or rather everybody they needed.
I won't let all those negative answers put me out or ruin my mood. I won't be bitter or sad, but instead will keep on trying and trying until… I hear a YES.
Ryoga was determined and no one could break his tenacity.
As he walked the streets in search of his goal, his mind came back to Ranma.
I hope she's doing better today. She really had it rough, but fortunately, the worst was avoided. Damn, if I come across those bastards again someday, I'll… I'll…
He suddenly stopped and closed his eyes.
I mustn't think about it. These guys are despicable, but I mustn't let violence blind me up… even when it seems well deserved. I must keep my emotions in check and not any bad vibrations get to me. Besides, I don't have any reason to be angry or violent right now. I must focus on Ranma and my hope that she'll feel less painful. She deserves to be. She has been improving a lot, and becoming a nice, positive person one must care for, and I'll definitely care for her and help her have a good, happy existence.
That thought made his lips bend upward, as his mind and heart were focused on his former rival – on his female form, actually… - and hoping for his… hum… her well-being.
He decided to try his luck in the establishment on his left.
Alas, he received another NO from the owner, who still thanked him for his offer… but this time, it was followed by an unexpected bit of assistance : "You should go to the old Takahashi's, he needs help and may well accept yours. He runs THE RED PIG (1), a restaurant that is just around next corner : you walk out of here to the left and, at next crossroad, you turn right and walk for less than 2 minutes, it will be on your right. A sign says it's temporarily closed for holiday, but right below is another one clarifying that people who want to apply for the job can knock and will exceptionally be allowed in."
"Thank you very much ! Goodbye !" half-screamed Ryoga with an enthusiastic expression.
Finally a positive answer. Well, not yet, actually : we'll see what that Mr. Takahashi tells me when I make my proposal… but at least, it's some help, and I do need it !
The "old Ryoga" would most probably have turned right upon exiting the place, or perhaps left… but then left again at the crossroad ! And would then have got lost.
But the "new Ryoga" took the time to focus and recall the helpful man's directions and, after taking left once outside, he correctly headed right short after. As for the time he had to walk, since he wasn't sure exactly when he'd get to roughly two minutes, he simply kept looking at the various signs indicating the names of the shops and restaurants…
…and sure enough, he soon spotted THE RED PIG, written in red letters and a small emblem showing the silhouette of a… guess what… red pig.
"I've found it !" he exulted, earning a few surprised looks from passers-by.
Wasting no time, he knocked on the front panel and an elderly man, elegantly clad, opened after a few seconds' wait. He had a wrinkled face, white hair… but most of all, and that warmed the boy's heart, a benevolent look and smile.
He let Ryoga in and politely listened to the offer of that motivated young lad, then gently gave 3 little nods.
"My second cook had to leave, because he was moving out to a remote part of this city, you see, and I therefore need a new man to help the first cook. I would be glad to hire you, young man, but in order to do so, I will need to check your potential and your cooking abilities…" explained Mr Takahashi. (2)
"Yes, yes, of course. I understand. I stayed with a wise old man for a few years, and not only did he help me to learn self-mastery and meditation, but also teach me how to cook and properly prepare dishes. I hope I'll be measuring up."
"Very well, very well. I'm delighted to hear you learned meditation, which is very important indeed."
He briefly gazed away, as if he remembered something from his past, a brief smile lighting up his features…
"Right, how about I let you take a little test, young man ? I'll give you the recipes of two of my most popular dishes and you'll get them fixed for me. Does that sound fair to you ?"
"Yes, yes, no problem ! I'm your man !"
"With the enthusiasm you display, and if your cooking skills are as good as I fancy they are, then… yes, you'll be my man !"
And the old gentleman gave a puckish grin that made him appear younger for a moment.
"Katsumi ! Can I help you with something ?"
The addressee of that proposal blinked at the blue-eyed young woman watching her and waiting for her reply.
"You want to help me ? How unexpected of you ! But also, how nice too !"
Ranma sighed.
"I know I don't often offer you my help, Kasumi, and honestly, I do regret it. I mean, you work so hard for this family, you take care of so many things, really…"
The eldest Tendo daughter had a modest smiled and looked away.
"You're too kind, dear Ranma. I'm just doing my part." Then she made eye contact again. "You really changed and matured. I'm impressed by the nice, helpful person you've become."
It was the redhead's turn to feel flattered by such positive comments.
"Eh eh… thanks…" Then she regained her composure. "Anyway… what can I do for you ? I'm getting bored just resting and waiting…"
"Hum… let's see… This afternoon, I wanted to fold the dried up laundry and put it in a basket… and clean up the kitchen a bit… oh, and I also have to mend the beige tunic of Ryoga : it's torn in a place…"
Needless say which word – or rather, which name – made Ranma's eyes grow wider and a smile "jump" on her lips…
"Oh yes ! I could do that and mend it for him !"
Kasumi lightly chuckled.
"You and Ryoga really became good friends, I can tell. You're so eager to help him !"
The female Saotome felt her face heat up and her eyes drifted to the wall.
"Uh… it's just… he has turned into such a cool and nice guy that I… I feel almost compelled to do what I can to help him…"
"I understand that. And I'll show you how to sew."
Kasumi fetched some beige yarn and a needle and, after managing to put the first one into the eye of the second one, she quickly did a few crossed stitches, at one end of the tear, as a start, to secure the whole work.
"Look, here is how it's done : you drive the needle into the fabric, near the last stitch, and get it back on the other side, then you gently pull like this… and put the needle again just close-by, drive it again through, get it back, pull the yarn, and same thing until the end of the tear. Then you can call me, as I need to do some crossed stitches again at the end, just like at the beginning. Oh, and make sure stitches are very close to each other, because the less space there is between them, the more resistant the seam will be and the less risk there is for it to come apart and the tear to reopen."
A brief pause.
"Do you think you can manage ?"
"Sure ! I'm on it !" exclaimed an enthusiastic Ranma, getting to work.
I'll do my best. And if it's not good enough, I'll start all over again. And again, if need be. I want it to be perfect, or close to perfect. He deserves it. He deserves being helped, made more comfortable in life, and I shall be there for him, even for the little things, the basic, everyday stuff. Now to achieve this at best…
And she did quite well indeed, soon managing to "repair" Ryoga's beige tunic. In fact, she would have liked to finish the job herself, without any help, but she didn't know how to do those crossed stitches, so she resolved to call Kasumi for the final touches.
"Very well, Ranma ! Good job there ! You've assimilated it quite fast ! I'm sure Ryoga will be pleased, and proud of you too !"
The shorter girl hesitated – she was about to tell Kasumi that it was necessary to let him know who had fixed his tunic – but on second thought…
On second thought, she just let it go… because she wasn't against Ryoga's attention.
Even on the contrary…..
After spending most of the day at THE RED PIG, in order to show his cooking skills (he had finally prepared three dishes instead of two) and let the old Takahashi decide whether he was fit for the job, Ryoga had decided to ask the latter his way to the street of the Tendo dojo, as he wasn't entirely sure he would take the correct itinerary. True, he had already come to this neighbourhood here – the one of THE RED PIG – but he didn't trust his improving sense of direction enough just yet to simply head in the direction he thought was the good one, without previously asking.
But it turned out the way he considered as the right one indeed was, and that he was actually located really close to the dojo : only a few streets away, as a matter of fact. This would definitely make it easier to go back and forth between both locations / streets.
Soon enough, in the diminishing dusk light, he recognized the entrance of his new home, ahead of him, on the other side of the street : the small tile roof over the wooden doors, with the vertical sign covered of ideograms on the right side.
Out of the blue, he decided to enter by the garden side instead of the doors and, after crouching, propelled himself to the top of the wall, which he barely touched, using it as a foothold to jump on, down into the garden.
And he landed right beside…
"Ranma ?!"
Blue eyes opened in a flash and red-haired head turned around just as quickly.
"RYOGA !"
Ranma was sitting close to the wall, with her back to the dojo, crutches in the grass, on her left.
And now she was staring at him, and to say that she was beaming would still be an understatement…
She quickly reached for her "walking aids" and, holding them in one hand, put the other on the ground, in order to push herself up.
"No no no, let me help you up !" he immediately said.
And, bowing in her direction, he wrapped his arms around her petite frame, while she wrapped hers around his neck.
Heat suddenly rose through their bodies…
After delicately lifting her and getting her back up, he smiled at her and she smiled at him.
"Thank you, Ryoga…"
"My pleasure, Ranma…"
They knew their cheeks had got a certain well-known hue, which usually made people turn away at once, but for some reason, they kept on staring at each other for a few more seconds, their arms still wrapped around the other's body/neck.
Only seconds… but which seemed to last longer than just seconds.
I could get lost in those black eyes of his… and since he's looking at me as well, maybe he feels the same…
She has got some really beautiful eyes… blue is such an attractive color…
Then they (somewhat reluctantly) unwrapped their arms and let them down… but somehow, said arms were almost itching to delicately wrap again…
"How have you been, Ranma ? I've been thinking about you several times today and hoping that your ankle was less painful… Is that the case ?"
She nodded, pleased to hear he had her on his mind quite a few times that day…
"The pain has slightly diminished, yes. But it won't be ok before probably one week or ten days at least… I must ask Kasumi to change the healing poultice later tonight."
His turn to nod.
"I've been missing you… it was a long day and I got a bit bored… oh, I mended your beige tunic ! It was torn and Kasumi showed me how to sew it up !"
"Thanks a lot, very kind of you ! And sorry for giving you work to do !"
He said the last bit with an awkward laugh.
"No problem, it was a pleasure…" she kindly replied.
Then a question surfaced in his mind.
"Why were you sitting in the garden, by the way ?"
She laughed lightly.
"Oh, I was trying to meditate. You made me want to do it. I know you had asked me to wait until I was healed, but… I just felt like trying. Hum… And how has your day been, Ryoga ? What have you been doing, tell me ?"
"Uh, well, I could tell you, but I had actually planned to announce the good news to the whole family, all together at once, at dinner time…"
"Oh, alright, I understand. But I'm already glad to hear it's good news !" she replied with a grin.
"Yes, and I hope you'll be proud of me !"
"We will be, for sure." A brief pause. "And I am already…"
More smiling, more enjoying the moment, more feeling happy…
They were all looking at him expectantly, after he had told them that he had some good news to share.
He quickly eyed them all in a panoramic look (with his eyes finally coming back to Ranma, on which they remained for three more seconds), then spat it out :
"After several attempts today, I managed to get a job ! So I'll be able to take part in the dojo's expenses !"
He looked pleased with himself, and truly, who wouldn't have been ?
"That's wonderful, Ryoga !" immediately exclaimed an enthusiastic voice.
All looks shifted from Ryoga to Ranma.
"I never thought I would hear you express happiness for your rival, honestly…" remarked Nabiki on her well-known taunting tone.
The female Saotome didn't know how to answer that, but Ryoga came to the rescue at once.
"We no longer are rivals, Nabiki. We are friends now. And friends indeed rejoice for each other's achievements."
"Still can't come to terms with the idea of your friendship, if you'll excuse me…" she almost carelessly voiced.
He didn't insist, and Ranma didn't show any further sign of enthusiasm during the rest of the dinner. But she was enthusiastic nevertheless.
"I'm just as happy as Ranma about this good news, Ryoga !" exclaimed a visibly content Akane. "And I'm proud of you for succeeding !"
"What kind of job is it ?" inquisitively phrased Kasumi.
"I'll be working as the cook's assistant, or second cook as my new boss says, at a restaurant called THE RED PIG, a few streets away."
"Ah, the old Takahashi, right ?" pertinently asked Soun.
"Yes, he will be my boss. He's a very kind and polite man, and he helps taking in the orders and serving the dishes, together with a boy named Ataru. Oh, and the cook's name is Yusaku (3) : he's a cool guy and he complimented me on my cooking skills, as I showed them what I could do today. The restaurant was closed for holiday but an exception was made for people who wished to apply for the job : they were allowed in. And so we spent several hours in the kitchen, Yusaku, Mr Takahashi and I, during which I learned three recipes and cooked the three dishes. That took me the whole afternoon, because they were complex, but I think I managed pretty good, as both seemed quite pleased. A bit too much salt in one of the dishes, not quite enough soy sauce in another, but all in all, they were confident in my capacities. And so, I start the day after tomorrow, with the reopening of the restaurant. I hope I'll do good."
"I'm sure you will !" replied Soun. "And Mr Takahashi is a very nice elderly gentleman : we've often chatted, during his short lunch break – he never took long breaks, as work means a lot to him – and I can tell you that, working for him, you'll be in good hands. He's demanding, but fair, sympathetic, comprehensive and of a generous nature. I'm delighted to hear you'll be staying with him."
"You'll do just fine, I'm convinced of that." Kasumi ensured him.
The former "piglet-boy", once eternal wanderer and Ranma's rival, now promoted cook and Ranma's friend, rubbed the back of his head.
"Eh eh, thank you all ! I appreciate." he told them, looking at the whole family but his eyes once again lingering a bit more on a certain red-haired young woman who smiled at him yet judged it preferable to not be overly enthusiastic, so as to avoid raising suspicion (notably from Nabiki, sharp eyes and sharp ears).
"Ranma, are you sure this is a good idea ? I mean, Dr Tofu told you that you should avoid moving as much as possible. We could have waited until at least next week."
"I know, Akane. You told me that we could wait a bit… but it's ok, really. It has been almost a week since he started, and I don't think any family member has paid him a visit yet, so he'll be happy to see us. Besides, my ankle is less painful now, so it'll be ok."
"Are you sure ?"
The pigtailed female thought that her managing perfectly well with the crutches should have spared her those questions, even if she understood their reason and was inwardly grateful to her friend for being worried about her.
"It's the third time that you ask me if I'm sure. And so, for the third time, yes, I'm sure. I'll be alright, trust me. My ankle feels better. But thanks for worrying and for asking."
"Right, if you say so…"
"I say so"
And Ranma winked, making Akane snort.
They soon entered THE RED PIG and were greeted by a charming elderly man.
"Good morning, my dear. Be welcome to my modest restaurant. My name is Takahashi. Make yourselves comfortable, please !" he cheerfully told them. "Oh, and I'm sorry for you, Miss…" he added when he spotted Ranma, resting on her crutches.
"Thank you very much." she replied, half-bowing to him.
"Let me get you a comfortable spot with as little passing as possible, so you won't be disturbed. It's better, in your condition." He looked at the smaller young woman as he pronounced that last sentence.
"Thank you for your kindness !" Akane exclaimed.
He bowed and asked them to follow him.
They took their seats, and upon choosing their dishes…
"Can you please ask Ryoga to bring us our dishes ?" asked the redhead. "He told us you were attending customers in the main room, you and that young man over there, but could you exceptionally ask Ryoga to bring our dishes ? He's a friend of ours and we want to make him a surprise !"
Mr Takahashi chuckled.
"I see. No problem, I'll ask him, and I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you. He's lucky to have such nice friends as you."
With that said, the elderly owner of THE RED PIG excused himself and went to inform the two cooks of the girls' order.
About 20 minutes later, Ryoga arrived with a tray on which two ramen soups were steaming.
"Ra- Ranma ? Akane ?"
The surprise made him stop yet he didn't tilt nor drop the tray… fortunately enough.
"Hey there, Ryoga !" exclaimed the beaming Saotome.
"We thought we'd pay you a little visit, and taste your food" explained the grinning Tendo.
"What a cool surprise !" he told them as he walked to their table, now fully focused again. "Thanks a lot, really !"
He was radiant, no less !
"I hope you'll like those soups." he said as he put them in front of his close friends. "Yusaku let me prepare your soups, as he was busy cooking another dish, so… these are Ryoga-made ! Bon appetit !"
He winked at them, they laughed heartily… and Ranma playfully winked back at him, but with the eye that Akane couldn't see… because it wasn't only playful after all…
He noticed it, blurted out a nervous tee-hee and hurried away, back to his kitchen.
"He's too cute, isn't he ?" remarked Akane before trying her soup.
"Oh yes, the cutest of all !" Ranma replied on an amused tone.
Yet despite that tone, she meant it… for real.
He was the cutest.
He IS the cutest. And I love being around him.
She then realized that her last sentence could be shorter than that… shorter by 2 words…
Author's notes :
(1) : THE RED PIG : I take it you guessed that the restaurant's name hints to both Ryoga and Ranma, eh ? If not, well… here it is ! ;)
(2) : Mr Takahashi : my personal homage to Rumiko Takahashi, creator of the original manga RANMA ½, back in the 80's. Blessed be her name !
(3) : Ataru / Yusaku : those names refer to the protagonists of two manga, respectively URUSEI YATSURA and MAISON IKKOKU, both written by… Rumiko Takahashi again (before RANMA ½), so another homage of mine to that oh-so-talented lady ! Blessed be her name (bis) ! I used to watch the two corresponding anime, just as I did with RANMA ½, and man, was it fun ! But it dates back to the 80's… 35 years ago or so… ah, nostalgia…!
Ok, that's… a bit long, I know. Forgive me ? **Puss in Boots eyes**
Right, so Ryoga found a job, ain't that cool ? I wanted him to feel the need to take part more actively to the dojo's life, by helping with the higher expenses the Tendos must face because of the three newcomers (Ryoga, Ranma and Genma)… which somehow is normal. This also shows the new maturity of Ryoga, who doesn't want to live off others (like a freeloader of sorts, as a certain Tendo daughter does…) but thinks it normal to help with a situation he has an active part in. Same as helping to pay a rent when you're staying at someone's place, really.
I had initially planned to have Ranma go alone to THE RED PIG, but then it occurred to me that it would be kinda strange if Ryoga and her always ended up alone in all situations, as if nobody ever accompanied them anywhere whatsoever… hence did I bring Akane along. What is implied – but that I didn't write – is this : Ranma had that lunch idea first and wanted to go on her own, but then Akane happened to propose the same thing to her and therefore suggested they went together, to which Ranma had to agree… but not without feeling somewhat disappointed that she then wouldn't be alone with her favourite Lost Boy…
Oh, before I forget : for those of you who want to read other RxR, I recommend MAGIC AND MUSHROOMS, by illori leene. I have finished it 2 days ago – well, it remains unfinished, as alas too many FFic's – and I consider it the best RxR I've read so far. So, if you're interested AND haven't done it yet… hurry to read it ! You'll most likely like or love it ! ;)
I guess there's not much else to say, so I'll be FINALLY putting the final dot to that story, and start next chappy tomorrow. Hope you enjoy it all, thanxxxx for letting me know your opinions in reviews (as always in a constructive and respectful way, please, my gratitude and thanxxxx in advance !), all remarks welcome, I'll be interested in your feedbacks, and… see you soon, buddies !
+ LEO +