10. RED LETTER …. (1)
"Really ?" exclaimed Ranma, her face a compromise between surprise and delight.
"Really." calmly confirmed Ryoga as he picked up another tiny fish from the small bowl.
"It's very kind of Mr Takahashi to give you a free afternoon and evening for your birthday." Soun reacted to Ryoga's announcement. "But then again, I'm not surprised : after all these years I've known him, I've sure retained several qualities of his, among which his generosity. He's very kind at heart and has always been doing his utmost to help people, the best he could. He's comprehensive, supportive, humane… he's a gem of a man, and you're really lucky to get to work with him !"
"That much I know : he never gets angry, is never ever bossy, helps us in the kitchen whenever we're too busy… and he's always in a good mood ! Always ! Well… except when he gathered us three to announce us the debt problem : that time, he was not smiling…
"A debt ?" Kasumi asked, putting a hand on her cheek in her typical worry gesture.
"Ah, true, I hadn't told you… well, I only had informed Ranma, because she had asked me the reason of my getting distracted that day, when Mr Takahashi told us at work. The fact is that Mr Takahashi borrowed money from a few people to get his business started and there remained 200'000 yen to pay to the last creditor, in order to finally clear all the loans, and the restaurant to fully belong to Mr Takahashi. And Ranma helped me gather all the remaining money, with the assistance of Nabiki. I don't know all the details, but you can ask them, they will explain you everything…"
Soun turned to the petite female.
"I don't think I need to hear all the details, and I can still ask Nabiki about it, since she's in the know. But I think I must wholeheartedly thank you for your help in this matter. Ryoga may not be one of my children, but I would do as much as possible to help him, as he's a good family friend and deserves to be treated kindly. So, thank you very much for doing that for him, Ranma !"
The latter half-bowed, modestly replying it was her pleasure, and that she had been glad to give Ryoga a helping hand, smiling brightly at him.
"It is a pity he couldn't give you the whole day off though…" remarked Kasumi on a regretful tone that she rarely ever used.
"I know. But the guy who'll be filling in for me could work only in the evening, not at noon, and since Saturday is the busiest day for us… I'll have to work there until roughly 14:00 today. I'll come back here as quickly as I'm able to, will shower and change clothes in no time and then... well, you'll take me to that secret place we're all going to for my birthday. Thank you again to all of you for the surprise and the gifts, but really… the best gift for me is all the love you offer me… the friendship and love."
As he pronounced the last word, his brown eyes were intentionally set on certain blue eyes, which she understood, her own look briefly switching from happy to tender…
Ryoga had to leave shortly after, with everybody renewing their birthday as well as nice day wishes – with a certain woman catching up with him as he was walking away, to whisper him something tender in a warm voice backed up by a loving stare - , and that made him start his day at best, with a light heart and "sunny" mind.
Kasumi was clearing away the dishes, with the redhead helping out (she had regularly been lending a hand to the kind "house caretaker" these past months), and as the smaller woman was handing the taller one the empty fish bowl…
"Nabiki explained me everything, and while I can't help feeling sad for Akane, I'm still happy for Ryoga and you. And I hope you'll have a long and harmonious relationship, as harmonious as possible."
"Thanks a lot, Kasumi. And about Akane, well… we both feel like very close friends, but not as lovers. I know it's a pity, but –"
She was cut short by the brunette's hand gently landing on her shoulder and delicately squeezing it.
"Sometimes, life goes a different way than the one we had planned or hoped for. Sometimes even a totally different one. There's nothing we can do about it, we have to accept it, no matter what it takes. It can be very difficult to do so, but… eventually… we don't always have the choice. And feelings, like emotions, cannot be controlled. You feel what you feel for Akane and Ryoga, and must live with it. But as long as nobody suffers, as long as all call say they're happy, then it's all good. I wish Ryoga and you a good life."
Ranma had never heard Kasumi speak in such a profound, mature, even wise way. She had always been so self-effacing, so discreet, never really expressing her feelings, her ideas, her thoughts… so this was new about her, and quite baffling !
"Waow, Kasumi, I never heard you speak so wisely ! That's… impressive ! Thank you for those kind words… and for wishing us well ! I thought Nabiki and you would be disappointed by my choice, for "letting down" Akane, but you've actually been comprehensive about it… and even supportive, and you have no idea how much I value your support !"
"You deserve that support, Ranma. You and Ryoga. You've become really nice and mature people, and it's now a pleasure living with you… while it wasn't so easy in the past, given all the constant quarrels with Akane and Ryoga, that regularly ended in house damage. Now, all this is behind, fortunately for all of us."
"Y-Yeah, sorry again for all that. For bothering you and breaking down this place quite a few times..." the young martial artist sheepishly apologized.
"All good, Ranma." Kasumi concluded with a smile.
/
That morning seemed to fly by, with Ryoga having a lot on his plate (2) at THE RED PIG, while the Tendo and Saotome daughters were busy with several house chores. Nabiki and Ranma, who rarely ever lent a helping hand back in the old days, now took a more active part in "home duties", and on a quite regular basis, which earned them thanks and gratitude from Kasumi and Akane, but also from both fathers… who, as for them, still didn't do much, limiting themselves to one activity most of the time… you know which one, right, dear readers ? ;)
It was 13:20 when the young cook got back home, Mr Takahashi deciding to let him leave an hour earlier, at 13:00, with himself helping Yusaku until around 14:20, when the last "lunch customers" had left. He quickly hurried to the shower while the others were getting prepared.
Twenty minutes later, almost all were ready to go to… the surprise location where they'd be spending that afternoon, for Ryoga's birthday. They had taken out their coats, as the weather had turned chilly that weekend, first cold of the year coming in.
There remained only one person missing in the little group waiting in the entrance.
"What's taking Ranma so much time ?" complained Akane. "I mean, he's taking even more time than you when YOU're getting all dressed up and made-up, Nabiki !"
"Why, thank you very much indeed !" ironically retaliated her short-haired sister, with a no less ironical bow. "Anyway, she's indeed a bit long there… Guess she has become a real woman, with all the delays this implies, eh !"
And she laughed at her own joke.
"Well, in a way, she really is a woman now, since she…." Kasumi then lowered her voice to continue : "…since she has fallen in love with a boy. This means her identity is now 100% female."
"I rest my case !" exclaimed the teasing brunette on a most funny tone, obviously in a good mood.
Akane rolled her eyes while Kasumi lightly chuckled.
Soun and Genma arrived, and Ryoga came downstairs shortly after.
"We're all set ?" asked Genma.
"I think someone is mi-"
"Where's Ranma ?" wondered Ryoga aloud, unwillingly interrupting Soun.
"I'm coming, I'm coming !" could be heard from upstairs.
The last female hurriedly got downstairs… and all found themselves short of breath !
Ranma looked magnificent, no less !
Purple eye-shadow adorned her eyelids, mascara her eyelashes, red nail polish her fingertips,… and she wore earrings, which was a new for her ! These consisted of thin tiny gleaming "streaks" that each ended by a minuscule star. She had chosen these earrings because the streaks reminded her of the falling rain (Ryoga had returned on a rainy day, when she had met him on her training area) and the tiny stars referred to the starry sky above them as they meditated on the roof each evening.
And all could smell her perfume, which wasn't too heady and actually a very pleasant fragrance.
She wore a calf-length light blue Chinese outfit with a pattern of tiny yellow flowers, and she had chosen those two colours because they referred to Ryoga and her : yellow for his bandana, blue for her eyes. She wished she had found an outfit with brown, for his eyes, but alas… that colour wasn't very popular in clothing items…
And on her right shoulder hung a tiny burgundy leatherette handbag.
Her red hair looked shinier and better coiffed than usual, appearing inviting to one's caress… as it was softer than before, maybe even silky or stuff.
"Ranma… you look splendid !" marvelled a wide-eyed Kasumi.
"Yes, you're so feminine, Ranma ! It's a total metamorphosis ! Wonderful !" exclaimed a no less admiring Akane.
"A real woman indeed… and what a woman…!" was all that an equally wide-eyed Nabiki could utter as she stared at that superb female that, not that along ago, was still a tomboyish girl who almost never refused a fight and always wanted to win… What a change indeed !
But of course, the most astonished of all was Ryoga, who was short of words : all he could do was simply remain there standing, his mouth agape, as he feasted his eyes with the glorious red-haired beauty who had just appeared before their incredulous eyes…
…and who was now his girlfriend ! Lucky him !
She couldn't help chuckling at his expression, then apologized for her delay.
"I never thought that one day I'd take so much time for dressing-up and making-up. Gone are the days of manhood, eh…"
The three sisters laughed out loud…
…but as for the two fathers…
Well, Soun was not upset, but he clearly appeared thrown off balance.
As for Genma… it was more straightforward, given away by his frown : he was angry.
"That's not funny, Son. I've let you keep your girl body for a moment now, thinking you'd get tired of it and return to your male self, like you're supposed to. And not only do I see you remain a girl, but also start behaving like one, with all that fancy stuff on your face, that handbag, those red nails… You who were so impatient to find a cure to your curse, to rid yourself of your weak side, you are now indulging in it ! You disappoint me, Son !"
All happiness had got drained from the faces around.
Ranma in particular was unusually pale, her jaw clenched.
Please…not today, Pops… not on my beloved's birthday…
"I'm sorry if I do… but can we… can we please talk about this another day ? Next day, if you w-"
"Why not today ?" he cut her curtly. "Why not now ? Or maybe not now, if you prefer to discuss this one-to-one with me… but later then !"
She gulped.
"Look, I understand you want to talk about it, Pops, and we will, but we're all going out together for Ryoga's birthday and it would be a pity to-"
"Okay, okay, you want to spend a good day with your friends, got it !" Genma snarled, cutting her again. "But we will have a little talk, you and I ! Isn't it, Son ?"
He was staring sternly at this child he kept on calling a "son" (although the latter had been male only three days out of many months), a slightly cruel smirk on his lips, arms crossed, as if daring that uneasy redhead across from him to refuse.
"A-Alright…" the latter said, still feeling cold sweat all over her back.
/
Ryoga did his best to comfort his Love during the bus ride, telling her that it was supposed to be a happy day, and that she shouldn't let her father's words get to her and perturb her. He would say and do all he could to alleviate her burden and avoid her day to be ruined.
She ended up smiling at him, out of gratitude, but he could tell it was only half-heartedly, and that worry wasn't cast aside yet.
But a small part of his mind also wondered where they were heading to, as he was the only one left out of that secret (because it was a surprise for his birthday).
He soon found out, though : when the whole family stood up from their seats once the bus stopped in front of… the amusement park !
"For your birthday, we thought you might like visiting this kind of funny park." Akane explained as she looked at Ryoga. "We once went to a similar one in summer, a few years ago, and I think you had enjoyed it, so…"
"That's a good idea, yes ! And I'm glad you're all here with me to make the most of that beautiful day !"
His enthusiasm vaguely faltered when, looking around at all his friends, he spotted the expression of Genma.
Hum… not that beautiful either… but hopefully things will go better, now that we're in a relaxing and fun environment…
Soun, by his friend's side, didn't seem that upset, but he sure had a serious expression nevertheless.
It's gonna be a long day…, Ranma thought as she briefly glanced at the two men.
Nabiki, resolutely generous since she had understood the pointlessness of greed, paid the total amount and, once they were inside, Genma dragged Soun away, claiming they didn't want to disturb the youth and wanted to try different attractions on their side.
"That's strange…" Kasumi commented.
"It seemed as if they didn't want to remain with us…" added Akane.
Nabiki looked at Ranma and saw her hung her head… which confirmed what she thought, and what the red-haired daughter had guessed : Genma didn't want to stay with the group because he was ashamed of Ranma and didn't want to bear with the presence of a "degenerate son".
"Hey, nevermind, right ? Who needs grumpy old men anyway ?" loudly said Nabiki. "We'll have more fun all together, young adults with fun-looking minds ! What d'ya say ?"
"You're right, better spend the day with nice, smiling friends !" admitted Akane, mouthing the words 'thank you' as she realized what her sister was doing with her merry speech (trying to light up the atmosphere and especially lift Ranma's spirits).
Ranma turned to Ryoga.
"Where do you want to go first, Darling ?"
She immediately realized her mistake and swiftly put a hand over her mouth, goggling at the three sisters, who were smiling at the couple.
"I-I mean…"
"We know what you mean, since we know and support your secret love, so you don't have to find excuses when you're with us three…" the second daughter reminded them.
"But you must be careful that no one else is around when you utter such loving words…" the first one pertinently remarked.
"It's nice to hear you say such a sweet thing, by the way…" the third one noted, smiling gently at Ranma, who felt her face heat up.
"Thank you for… being on our side. It means a lot." Ryoga thanked them, with the bob-cut woman nodding and winking.
After a brief discussion, they decided to head to the rollercoaster first… and boy, were they in for goosebumps and yells of excitement as they kept on moving up, down, around, abruptly fall, rushing back up to gain momentum for the next crazy dive !
Ranma decided to hold Ryoga's hand, and squeezed it every now and then, to which he responded a few seconds later by a squeeze of his own… and while they looked ahead for most of the ride, they still turned to look at each other two or three times, all smiles out.
"Waow, what a hell of a ride, people !" the brown-eyed female enthusiastically screamed.
"Yes, good thing we ate long ago, eh eh !" pointed out the Tendo martial artist.
"We could go to the ghost train next…" suggested Ryoga with a playful wicked smirk.
"Yes, that would be great !" instantly agreed the redhead. "Right, girls ?"
"I… I don't know… uh…" hesitantly replied Kasumi, visibly lukewarm.
"Oh, come on, it's not that scary, Sis' ! I'll go with you, ok ?" proposed Nabiki.
"Well…"
"Don't worry, Kasumi, it will be fine ! That attraction is not too creepy, because it's intended for children in the first place. They can't put stuff that's too spooky in there. You'll see, it's not that terrible !" the smallest female comforted her.
"Thank you, Ranma. Mmmmh… Alright then, I'll give it a try."
"Yes !" victoriously yelled the dauntless sister, pumping her fist in the air.
This time, there were two "hands-holding" : once again our two lovebirds… and then the two sisters, with the second daughter keeping her big sister's hand in hers to help her feel safer.
During the couple's trip in the dark, Ryoga lifted Ranma's hand to his lips and kissed it gently.
"Thank you, my Love ! You are so charming !"
"You're the charming one today, my red-haired beauty ! You look absolutely stunning !"
"All for you, Darling !"
She also kissed his hand, and although it was dark… they knew they were grinning wide in that moment… wider than they ever had !
"You're right, it wasn't that scary after all…" admitted Kasumi after all had finished their turn.
"See ? Told you so !" Nabiki reacted, smirking.
"I'd like to try one of the shooting games over there" announced Akane, pointing at a nearby booth. "Who wants to try with me ?"
"I'd like to !"
Nabiki turned to Ranma.
"Really ? Why's that ? Wanna get some training in order to get ready to shoot someone ? Maybe that killjoy of Kuno ?"
"Tendo Nabiki ! How dare you ?"
They all jumped and the one called out slowly turned around, sweat-dropping…
…only to find face to face with none other than the killjoy in person, dressed casually for once (and not in kendo outfit), surrounded by several boys who were part of the school's kendo club.
"Oh, there you are, Kuno ! What a surprise !" the brunette exclaimed on a fake joyous tone, as if nothing had happened.
"Why exactly am I a killjoy ?"
"Because you keep on harassing Akane while she has made it clear she's not interested in you !" the blue-eyed female said on a firm tone, replying in place of Nabiki.
"Saotome Ranma ! When I think that your body hosts both genders, and that the lovely pigtailed girl you are is also that annoying mannerless boy… what a waste ! That's why I had to focus on Tendo Akane only."
"And I'm still not interested !" half-shouted the latter, clenching her fists.
"Give me a chance, will you ? You won't regret it ! I'm a fantastic man, you'll be happy with me, and -"
"Alright, alright, that's it ! Let's forget about this !" Nabiki exclaimed, confusing the issue. "We've got a shooting booth to visit. Bye, Kuno !"
"What ?! Hey, wait !" he screamed, stretching his arm in their direction.
"Uh-uh !" the bob-cut one replied with a smirk while dragging away her sisters, with Ranma and Ryoga bringing up the rear.
They quickly arrived at the booth and, while Nabiki complained about Kuno's ponderousness, Akane got her rifle ready.
She aimed at the fidgeting small balloons and got six of them… and as reward, a plush heart, which she handed out to Ranma.
"To symbolize your love !" she commented, and forced the redhead to accept it.
After the booth guy had put several more balloons in the little cage, said redhead went second and got nine of them… and a big plush dog, which she gave to Akane, to return the favour.
"Pretty good !" commented the short-haired brunette, impressed.
"Can I try ?" asked an interested Ryoga.
"Of course, Darling !"
The petite woman goggled and quickly glanced at the sisters, then around her.
"Relax, Ranma ! You don't need to be so nervous. Our fathers must be on the other side of the park, and the three of us really don't mind your pet names, even on the contrary. So… chill !"
The redhead nodded and smiled at the "brownhead", then turned to watch her sweetheart's performance.
And a performance, it certainly was : no less than twelve balloons burst !
"You don't hunt, by chance ?" joked the overawed booth guy.
"Ah ah, no… or not yet, at least !" came the reply, which made the guy snigger.
Ranma didn't want any prize, as she already had one, but suggested that Ryoga took one for him, yet the young (gentle)man preferred to leave it to Nabiki or Kasumi to pick-up something, and since the first one insisted for the second one to choose a prize, Kasumi ended up with a heart-shaped key ring, because "I always thought about buying something to put my keys on, should they fall, and then become easier to spot on the ground".
As they were walking away, the former greedy-scheming girl turned to the former piglet-changing boy.
"Hey, Ryoga, you scored 12, Man ! You're even more eager to shoot Kuno or what ?!"
That sally instantly made them all guffaw.
"Well, that dude used to stalk my girlfriend, so I guess he got it coming !" he amusingly replied.
More laughs.
"Thanks, my sweet protector !" tenderly whispered the red-haired female as she admired him, this time not minding that the three sisters had heard the loving word..
"You two are such a cute couple, to be honest" unexpectedly complimented Akane. "I'm happy you found each other."
Ranma suddenly felt bad for her.
"I…I hope you also find someone just as wonderful, Akane. Sorry for not being able to-"
"Forget it ! It's not that serious after all. Women can be better off without men, and often are, if you ask me (3). So I really can wait before "tying the knot", as they say. And don't feel sorry, Ranma. I want you to be happy, because I AM happy for you two !"
She gave a bright, sincere smile that reassured the small woman and made her feel better.
"Well, she's right ! Women are better without men ! See, we left the fathers aside and thus are having a good time, women together !" the short-haired brunette remarked.
"Nabiki !" gently scolded Kasumi !
"And you forgot Ryoga ! He is a man and we're having a wonderful time with him !" Ranma pointed out.
"Ok, ok, you win !" Hey, how about we get some snacks ? I'd love to get a candy apple ! What about you ?"
They decided to have a little break before continuing their tour.
/
After they had exited the amusement park, Akane proposed that they invited Ryoga to a restaurant, to top it off, but the concerned party declined.
"You've already invited me to that park, and that's enough for me. Let's just eat at home, that will be fine. But thanks for the proposition anyway."
"But, Ryoga…" started Ranma, yet he put his hand up.
"I know what you will say, but really, it's all good, I ensure you. My real gift it to spend that day with you all, with the people I love."
And just like last time, he had his eyes on the Saotome daughter when he pronounced the last word.
"As you wish…" she softly said, smiling.
But Kasumi didn't have to prepare the whole meal on her own, this time :Nabiki, Akane, Ranma, Ryoga… they all lent a hand ! It was a common effort, and all common efforts, all those showing solidarity, are the best there can be !
The first daughter gave instructions while she prepared this and that, all followed her lead and did as they were told by her, and in no time a delicious dinner was ready.
They were all pretty hungry, after all those emotions in the various attractions, and ate with appetite, complimenting not only Kasumi, this time, but the whole groups of cooks, who had done some great job for amateurs (except Ryoga, the only professional cook among them).
Then came the gifts moment.
Genma and Soun each gave money, not knowing exactly what to offer the young man (and not exactly willing to wonder about it and make an effort to choose something).
Akane presented him with a lucky charm in the form of a small navy blue bag with the ideogram PROTECTION written on it.
Kasumi handed the Bandana Boy a self-knitted scarf as winter season was not very far away now.
Nabiki's choice was a red sweater showing a guy with a chef's hat and cooking apron, proudly proclaiming : "I am the best cook in the world !" (which made him laugh out loud)
Finally, Ryoga turned to the last person in the room, who had been impatiently waiting to offer him her present. And as she put the tiny parcel in his hand, her index finger surreptitiously and softly rubbed his hand, giving it a tiny gentle caress.
He appreciated both the gift and that sweet lil' gesture.
All gasped at the splendid red gemstone that hung from the thin silver chain of the pendant.
"It's a lucky charm… again !" explained Ranma, with a funny look at Akane, who had also given him one. "They say it protects you against evil spirits and ensures you a happy life with your loved one."
"Ranma, it's… it's so beautiful… but it must have cost you a lot !" he told her.
"Probably not as much as you think, but I did invest in it, so to speak. Then again, that's what someone does for her or his best friend, right ?"
She concluded with a wink.
"You're my best friend as well, Ranma…" he replied, playing the game. "Hum, no offense to you all, guys, I really like you all a lot, I swear, but Ranma and I have bonded so closely these past weeks that… well…"
"You don't need to explain or justify anything, Ryoga ! Friendship doesn't need any reason !" said Akane.
"It's a good thing you two have become such good friends, after arguing, fighting or competing so often…" pertinently remarked Kasumi.
"You have the right to have a best friend, each of you : each of us has that right. And it's a great thing that you did befriend each other!" observed Nabiki, giving them a thumb up.
Ranma and Ryoga noticed that the three sisters were referring to their secret couple as friends… but given the men's presence, needless wonder about the reason.
Soun cleared his voice.
"Yes, it's indeed more than welcome that you did stop fighting - and breaking this house on a regular basis - to become close friends ! It has become peaceful overall since your relationship evolved, we thank you for this. Isn't it, Saotome ?"
"Sure…" he said, arms crossed, face still a serious as this afternoon.
He was the only one not smiling in the room…
"Well, anyway, happy birthday again and best wishes, dear Ryoga !" exclaimed the expert in clouding-the-issue.
Ranma felt grateful to Nabiki for "defusing" an uncomfortable situation, but still felt anxious about her father's attitude, which was clearly related to her…
/
WARNING : this last part contains some arousing moments. Nothing too explicit, mind you, nothing M-rated or so… but it's their first exciting moment, and it's gonna be hot. It's up to you to read or not. If you do, please no flames in review, thanks.
It was even colder that night, but "in compensation" was the sky free of clouds, and the two lovers could admire dozens of tiny diamonds scattered throughout the endless black velvet of the vault of heaven.
They had grabbed their coats and silently left home around a quarter past eleven, making sure the two fathers weren't around to spot them together, and they were now quietly strolling hand in hand, fingers intertwined.
"It's so beautiful…" sighed the red-haired female as she feasted her eyes with the majestic show displayed above them by Mother Nature.
"But less than the two blue jewels which hypnotize me every day…" he commented.
She turned to him and saw him stare at her.
"Yeah, those jewels, exactly…"
"You flatterer…"
"Always, for you…"
She snorted.
"Shall we go to the park ?" she suggested.
"We shall, yes."
As they walked, she slowly rubbed her thumb on his hand, and he did the same after, before she resumed doing so.
She had been worried over her father's behaviour when they had left home, but as they walked on, she did her best to cast these dark thoughts aside to make the most of this sweet moment with her beloved.
They soon arrived at the park and looked for a comfortable spot.
Comfortable… and hidden.
No sooner were they sitting that…
"Now's time for your real present, Ryoga Hibiki…" said the redhead in a sultry voice he had never ever heard, as she leaned forward.
That voice left him speechless… that and the arms sensually wrapping around his neck
She lifted her lips to his, slowly, their gazes locked with each other…
… and he finally got to taste her lips, and her his lips.
Their mouths moved together, but it really just was their lips for the time being.
Still, it was already awesome !
Mmmmmmh… finally I can kiss the man I love ! And that's just AMAZING ! Mmmmmmh…
He was no less fond of kissing her and relished in doing so.
Oh Ranma… at last I can take your soft lips… at last… I've longed for this moment !
Her hands were caressing his hair, ruffling it all over, but oh so gently, so lovingly…
His hands were rubbing her back and caressing her soft hair, both in turn.
They kept on kissing tenderly, and at some point, she cupped his hot face with her cold hands as she gave him an even more passionate kiss.
They parted after what seemed like forever, and truly, they had lost any notion of time…
"I love you, Ryoga Hibiki. I've been refraining to say the Three Sacred Words for so many days… but now I can finally pronounce them, and I will again and again and again : I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you…!"
"And I love you back, Ranma Saotome ! Like you have no idea !"
"Show me how much…"
She got up, positioned herself between his legs, then sat back down, and put her legs on either side of his waist, kinda encircling him.
"It will be more practical that way…"
She leaned forward again and they returned to their lovely lip-sealing session.
It was slow yet intense, and nothing else didn't matter to them in this moment. It was just them and their immense love for each other.
"Open up your mouth, Love…"
Once he had done so, she put her tongue on the right corner of his lips and delicately traced it all over his upper lip, slowly, sensuously, then continued on his lower lip, licking it gradually, in a round motion, amorously, until she came back to her starting point.
"Mmmmmh… your lips taste so good, Sweetheart…" she told him in a warm voice.
"I'm glad you love them. Now let me return the favour, Dearie…"
She opened up her mouth and he took all the time to lick her lips, his tongue gently slipping around as his eyes didn't leave hers, not even for one second. And as much as she wanted to close her eyes to enjoy it at best, his two "brown magnets" were too powerful for her to leave them, not even for the shortest moment.
"Your lips taste even better, my Ranma…"
"Thank you, my Ryoga. Now let's soul kiss. Uh…you know what that is, actually ?"
He shook his head.
"It's the same as French kissing. And if you still don't know what I'm talking about…"
Her arms sneaked back around his neck, her open mouth got to his and her tongue made its way inside his mouth.
They passionately deep kissed, their tongues entwining around each other in his mouth, moans accompanying their oral caresses…
After a long moment, they parted, panting, and Ranma rubbed her hands together, blew air onto them, and continued this for a minute or so, until said hands were warm again.
She then opened Ryoga's coat, pulled up his shirt, put her hands underneath, and as she caressed his back, she put her mouth to his ear and whispered : "Now come visit my mouth, Darling…"
The next minutes were spent kissing with more passion, quicker, deeper, inside Ranma's mouth, making her moan louder and breathe heavier, faster…
Their hearts beat hectically, pumping more blood than they had ever, and their bodies were hotter than they had ever got in any fight or training session.
"Ryoga… Ryoga… oh God… you're so… so good, Love… I love you… I love you… so much… so f.u.c.k.i.n.g. much !" she panted, as her hands endlessly caressed his back.
It had been a long time since the frail woman had ever sworn… but given the circumstances… it was justified.
"So… so do I… Ranma… my… darling Ranma… I love you… so damn much !" he said, breathing heavily in between words.
"I'll give you… more pleasure… my Ryoga…"
She moved closer to him, put her hands on his chest, this time, put her mouth close to her ear and whispered, in a voice as soft as velvet : "Don't move and enjoy…"
Then her mouth barely moved…
…and she closed her lips on his earlobe…
…and started sucking on it, slowly, gently.
"R… Ranma… it's… it's so… intense… oh damn… Ranma… Ran-… -maaaaaa…"
She caressed his chest, her hands wandering all over his muscular torso and enjoying the tiny hard mounds on either sides of it, as she sucked with more force, feeling him tense more and more, moaning louder, longer… better…
But it was nothing compared to her moans, when he did the same to her, and at some point she was so excited that she couldn't help scratching his back with her red nails.
Realizing what she was doing, she stopped and, out of breath, she managed to say :
"So-… Sorry… for doing… that… I was… so excited… that I… I couldn't help… digging my… nails… into y-"
"Shhhhhhh… its' ok, really. Don't hold back. Do it if you want…"
"But… it hurt… no ?"
"Nothing from you will ever hurt me, Ranma, I swear ! It's okay, I tell you."
"If you're… sure… then… ok…"
During the next minutes, he "tortured" her lobe so deftly that she couldn't resist to the great wave of delight overwhelming her, and as she moaned always louder, she ended up sinking her nails into his back again, and asking him two or three times if he was sure it didn't hurt too much.
And, as a matter of fact, it did… but he wanted her to let go and express her full pleasure, so he said it didn't hurt that much. A lie… but for a good cause.
"Oh God… dear God… Ryoga… you're.. you're driving… me… crazyyyyyyy !"
Then he finally gave her earlobe a definitive break and started kissing all over her face : on her right cheek, forehead, mouth, chin, left cheek, mouth again, left temple, forehead again, nose, mouth again…
Once he had carried out his little "kiss covering", he looked intensely at her, eyes shining bright.
"I've never been so happy. And all this thanks to you ! I love you, Ranma Saotome !"
"And I love you back, Ryoga Hibiki ! You make me immensely happy ! Immensely !"
She lunged forward and attached her mouth to his neck, where she started to trace soft, slow kisses, each time leaving her mouth linger several seconds on his skin before the next kiss.
Ranma kept on covering his neck with her passionate lips, unable to stop, caught in the frenzy of hot love, of sheer excitement.
At some point, she sucked on his skin, at the basis of his neck, knowing exactly what she was doing : she wanted to make a hickey there, as if to leave her "signature" on him and thus claim his body as her property.
He held her tightly as she did so, knowing about her purpose yet too aroused to ask her not to do so. He wasn't himself anymore, he couldn't help it…
Then she licked his neck up to his chin and they had another long, deep kiss, first in her mouth, then in his, moaning like there'd be no tomorrow…
At long last, they were sated and stared intensely at each other, panting, smiling… happy.
"That was… absolutely… unbelievable… my Ryoga… but… let's leave it… at that… for this…evening… I don't… want to… go any further… for now… I hope you understand… and you're not… too disappointed…"
"It's fine… my Ranma… I understand… and didn't want… to go… any further… anyway… this is… already… incredible !"
"I'm happy… if you are… Darling…and thanks a lot… for making me… that blissful !"
She cupped his face in her hands again and kissed him for the umpteenth time, that evening… but this time, it was a tender kiss, the kind that concluded a couple's stimulating moment.
Pulling his head towards her, she rested her forehead against his, her blue lost in his brown, in an extremely affectionate gaze.
"Ryoga Hibiki, you are mine, and I want to spend my life with you."
"Ranma Saotome, you also are mine, and my existence is by your side."
It was an Oath of Eternal Love.
This meant so much, so incredibly much in one's life… and it made their bond as solid and lasting as it could ever be.
The two lovebirds, tired by their long and intense session, closed their coats, intertwined their fingers again and slowly strolled back home, admiring the sky again, whispering loving words and stopping in front of the entrance to the Tendo's to hug each other tightly for a long, long final embrace, and to share the last kiss of a long series.
It had been an excellent day (a certain father's attitude excepted) and it found a very sweet, positive, encouraging, bright conclusion.
Because some days are just that great.
And of course, that night was for both R's one of the best nights of the year…
/
Author's Notes :
Red letter (chapter title) : not sure it's absolutely clear, so just in case : this refers to the expression red letter / red letter day, to mention a memorable day
Ryoga having a lot on his plate : I had initially written 'was pretty busy', but the adjective 'busy' is already on next line… then I remembered Ryoga was a cook in a restaurant, and so… metaphor of the year, hands down ! ;P
Women being better off without men : that Akane line reflects my opinion on the matter, because indeed are ladies regularly happier/more free when men aren't around. It's sad and disappointing, of course, but that's how it is. I don't know if you could say it's a manifestation of my feminism, but I guess you could, yes. And I sincerely wish my fellow men were much much much more respectful to ladies, because we owe you Mesdames (i.e. Ladies) so much in existence, and for so long in History !
Right. A slightly shorter chapter, this time. But a pretty cool one, no ? I wanted something positive, but still had Genma play the killjoy… But hey, he wants his son to continue the Anything Goes… school, and plans him to marry Akane, so seeing him remain a "her" obviously will infuriate him. We'll see how this goes…
The last part is naturally the one that might spark some reviews… or not. But I hope none of you felt offended by that content : these are two people in love leaving free rein to their passion… without going too far. It's their first intimate time, after all, so it obviously wouldn't reach decency's limits… and besides, this is a love story, not a lemon or similar, so forget about intercourse. It remains correct and doesn't cross the boundary.
The amusement park was somewhat reminiscent of that episode in which they all took part in a racing cars contest, but with different attractions here.
Also, Nabiki, who used to be a troublemaker, has become a troubleSOLVER in this fic' ! I was lukewarm about that character in the anime, because of her money obsession (going as far as blackmailing), and decided to have her redeem herself and helping the others, instead of regularly throwing spanners in their works…
Ah, about the red pendant offered by Ranma... she chose that colour for Ryoga to think about her and for her to be close to him in a way : indeed, always having red on him would somehow symbolize having Ranma always with him/by his side.
That's about it, I guess.
This story will temporarily come to a halt, because I'll be on holiday in a few days, without any computer access. I'll resume writing whenever possible, but I have an inkling that, depending on my moments of spare/free time, next chapter could be out in two to three weeks.
Oh, and one final word : yesterday, I finished watching again/"rewatching" the anime, with episodes 160 and 161 seen in a row (while I used to watch one episode at a time up to now). And boy, did I love watching the whole show once more ! It's really an awesome anime, particularly the first two seasons, and part of season 3 ! Now, I gotta watch the OVA's and the films (as many as are available on YT or DM), which I'll start after my holiday.
Take care in the meantime, and B as happy as can B !
See you… asap ! :) And thanxxxx for ongoing support, in any form !
) LEO (