Clumsy at Love
Chapter 35: The Twist And Turns
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½
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She hardly had slept. Last night's series of events was too good to be true. Well, except for the part when a certain jerk had harassed her, but then Ranma punched that same jerk. She badly wants to hit that creep too, but Ranma beats her to do it and ruin his so-perfect image.
Okay, forget the unpleasant part, and let's get to the splendid part.
The talking, walking and running part.
She loved the way he looked deep into her eyes. His warm smile and pleasant voice. She loved the feel of his gentle touch and his sweet little gestures that made her heart flutter all night. She sighed dreamily. She swears that that magical, wonderful moment... she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. She was glad that she didn't let her habitual skepticism ruin the moment and had just enjoyed the wonderful moment.
Though she must confess that it was the exact cheesy scene she purposely avoided in all those novels she had read in her life. She understood now why she loathed them all along. It's because every time she read one, Ranma's profile would come out floating in her mind. Worst, she would feel a pang of jealousy of the heroines. She couldn't believe those cheap ridiculous scenes would ever happen to her!
Is God making it up to her? Did her mom finally forgive her?
And then she realized; She was comfortable with their current situation. Maybe she didn't need to either confess or suppress her feelings. Perhaps she didn't have to get out of her comfort zone and take needless risks. Perhaps, it's better if their relationship stays like this forever.
Her contemplation was interrupted when she caught her officemates breaking off their huddle upon her entrance to their department.
"What happened?" she asked nervously. It's all written on their faces that something is amiss.
"It's Ranma," Yuka and Sayuri said in chorus. Her heart dropped to her stomach. She knew it!
"He's been called in the CEO's office." Said Yuka.
"Yes, they said he would be reprimanded and would face severe punishment for his outrage ~." And then she's gone. She bolted out of their department without glancing back or uttering another word. Her worried face, though, explains it all.
It's happening; her worries. She shouldn't have shut it down yesterday. She should have urged him to return to the party to apologize and explain what happened. But she did not and just selfishly kept him to herself. The truth is, she was jealous and upset of those lovely ladies flirting with him the whole night through. And now, Ranma would be paying for her greediness.
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She's been following Ranma all day, but he looked like he has no worries. In fact, he seemed a little more cheery than usual. So, how can she express her concerns if the person involved is so relaxed?
Ugh, this is frustrating her.
"Hi." They turned around and found a stunning lady in a black dress waiting at their office lounge.
"Ukyo!" Ranma called out, crossed the room in a few strides, and embraced the lady. "What are you doing here?" He asked as he released their surprise guest, whose cheeks were now crimson red.
Ukyo's stare fell at her and greeted her instead of answering impatient Ranma's query. "Hi, Akane." She said.
"Um, hello." She greeted back. "How have you been?"
"Come on in," Ranma cut in, opening his office door in a jiff. "Let's talk inside." He added.
Ukyo hesitated a bit before stepping inside. "See you later," she said before completely turning her back on her.
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"What's going on? Why are you here?" Ranma inquired as soon as the door closed behind them.
"You're not answering calls lately. And you know exactly what's going on and why I am here."
Ranma chuckled. "And that made you come here all the way from LA? I'm so touched."
"Ranma... What about your goals? Your dreams and ambition... have you forgotten all about them?"
"Ukyo..." He breathed.
"What?" She demanded. "You've been waiting for this to happen all these years. And now that your success is just around the corner, you're giving it up?"
Ranma took one deep sigh and then smiled. "Breathe, Ukyo. Don't stress yourself too much because of me. You're making me feel bad. You have a life to live, but here you are... Worrying about my dreams and ambition. I mean, basically my life. How will you be able to find your Mr. Right doing that?"
Ukyo stood up, looking hurt and upset at the same time. He could tell that much. "Think, Ranma. Think about the time, the efforts, the people who inspired you to build this project, and the sacrifices you've made to make this happen. If you let this go, it's over for you, your dream, and for the people who you are supposed to save." She huffed and then marched out of the door.
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Akane had been eyeing Ranma, but it seemed that he really had no clue this time. He was too preoccupied with whatever he was thinking to give a shit about her stealing glances.
She could say that he physically attended her farewell party. Still, his heart and mind are somewhere else, and she had a hunch where exactly.
To his guardian angel, who's right now, is here in the country.
Why is she here? What did they talk about so seriously that made her leave utterly upset and then distress him in return? When he just shrugged his shoulder when he heard about his punishment for his crime last night.
"Spit it out." He commanded and almost gave her a heart attack.
"Ha?" She stammered, blushing profusely.
"Stop giving sidelong glances already and just spit it out." He insisted without looking.
"When did you ~ how long have you ~" she stuttered. He chuckled.
"Akane, you better learn to say the words you want to say. Don't just sit there doing nothing but stare or glare. That can't solve anything."
"I'm not a dumbhead."
"And please, stop twisting my words." He pleads.
"Am not."
"Do you want to run away with me?" He unexpectedly asked in a low voice, still not looking.
"Huh?"
And then, in one swift move, he took her hand and smoothly left the premises together, like escaping is not a big deal to him.
Is he a part-time thief, a celebrity, or something? She wondered, definitely amazed by the slickness of his move.
He released her hand at the parking lot in front of his car. To her confusion, he walked straight to his compartment instead of the driver's seat and pulled out jackets and helmets before facing her.
"Do you trust me?" He asked, scaring her.
"I mean do you trust me with your life?" A smile is tugging up one side of his mouth, his eyes twinkling, easing up her nerves instantly.
She thought, Why not? He's already her lifesaver. Of course, she would trust her with her life.
And then he unveils their ride for the night, earning a gasp from her. "Oh, my God! It's the latest Ducati Monster!" She screeched.
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After hours of driving around, they stopped at the highest resort of the nearby mountain to rest before returning to the city, only to find the most beautiful night view in the world.
"God, this is so breathtaking." She sighed.
"I knew you'd love this." He commented.
She smiled. "Thanks for bringing me here."
Then a long moment of silence.
- Just enjoying the fresh breath of nature and appreciating the beauty of city lights, the sky above, and the earth below. -
"What are you planning to do now that you are officially jobless again?" He then asked, breaking their noble silence.
"I don't know. I'm still figuring it out." She answered honestly.
"You know you can always come back to the company anytime."
"Noted." She mumbled, nodding her head.
"And whatever you decide to do, please know that I'll always be here supporting you, cheering for you. Hmm?"
She looked up and met his deep blue eyes, which she could tell, held so many different emotions at the same time... but among them, she picked up his sincerity.
This time, he broke the connection, looking away and chuckling. "Except if you decide to confine yourself again into solitude." He added, earning a snort from her.
Then silence again.
"I am suspended for at least two weeks." He finally confessed.
"You're not." She had a feeling but still couldn't believe it.
Ranma smiled with a hint of sadness.
"I'm sorry to hear that." She whispered softly and then jerked back up. "Right, your parents… how did they take it?"
"They were utterly disappointed."
"Of course. You should have tried explaining to them what happened."
"Like I have the evidence that I'm telling the truth, and that idiot deserves more than that solid punch in the face. Ahhh, forget it." He groaned. "So, what are you gonna do with your free time?"
"I don't know yet."
"Wanna go on a vacation with me?"
"You're not one-bit guilty about your crime, are you?" she accused.
He shook his head once. "There's no sense dwelling on something you can't control."
"So, are you gonna come with me? It's on me. Promise, you'll have nothing to worry about."
Are you kidding me? I love to! But she decided to keep her mouth shut to protect her dignity.
"Look… taking a breather, breaking the habit, changing sceneries is the best way to decide, build plans, or just break free." He pushed further. "Come with me, please?"
She nodded her head once, and then he shouted yes! Pumping a fist into the air. "Promise you'll not regret taking this long holiday with me."
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Regret.
She shouldn't have boarded on this plane to New York.
She should have pretended to have diarrhea earlier before they left the house.
If she could turn back the time, she would undo the decision of agreeing with him to come on this vacation.
Who knew that this invitation was not exclusive to one? Who knew that his dream vacation was for a threesome? Who knew that she was gonna spend this whole vacation together with Ranma and his guardian angel "Ukyo"?!