Hi Everyone.
I somehow managed to find time to get this chapter up, so please read and enjoy!
A very dark cloud had been over Saotome Ranma's head since the fight. Five long, grueling days in the mountains had taking its toll on him. He had been forced to cooperate with Ryoga who was equally unhappy and it had been a living hell so far. His father and Soun had tried multiple attempts to get them to reconcile but each time it ended with them having to pry to boys apart and they were right back to where they started. He couldn't even begin to count the number of injuries that he had acquired from fighting so much.
Since Soun and Genma had refused to leave the mountains until they made up, Ranma had figured he would probably be living the rest of his life up here if things didn't improve.
He hadn't really said anything to anybody. All he thought about was Akane and how upset she had looked. He had done stupid shit as a guy many times before, but somehow, he always found a way to cheer Akane up. Only this time the circumstances were different. If Ryoga hadn't caught them kissing, then everything would've been fine. Ranma had always known of his rival's one-sided love for Akane and while it was a hinderance he'd learned to either ignore or deflect it. Clearly this time it was totally different. Ranma had never actually seen Ryoga so angry before; even with all the challenges they fought out. Sure, both of them were stupid, yet despite their constant bickering their friendship deep down had never actually split them apart.
Ranma had refused to sit with the others around the fire this night. It may have been summer but the mountains were still freezing at night. He'd rather be out in the cold by himself if it meant that he'd have some much-needed space away from the crazy group.
The chilly mountain air didn't even phase him. He was worried about Akane. He had tried escaping a few times only to be caught, beaten, tied up and dragged back. Ryoga had met the same thing whenever he tried to escape. He was smart enough not to run this time, but he knew that he'd have to find a way to make it up to Akane. Even though it had been Ryoga who had started this mess, he felt responsible as well. If he been thinking he would've backed down and restrained Ryoga. But in his defense Ryoga had really been intent to kill him that night, and naturally Ranma had needed to defend himself for his survival. From behind he could hear footsteps but he didn't turn around from his spot.
"You're going to get sick if you keep sitting out here, come and warm up by the fire". He ignored his father which earned him a whack "Listen up when I'm talking to you!".
He growled "Get lost, old man!" he landed a hit on his father but Genma didn't back down "Ranma! How long do you intend to keep this up?! A real man accepts his wrongdoings and makes up for them".
"I didn't even do anything! The moron over there did!" he pointed to Ryoga who was sitting by the fire warming himself. "You are both to blame for Akane's tears. Why can't you two just get along and say sorry?!".
Genma took his son in a grip "Why are such a brat Ranma! Just do the right thing and get it over with already".
Ranma scoffed in irritation "Just leave me alone!" he sent his father flying back to the camp with a kick and stormed off into the forest.
"Damn that stupid old man! Who the hell does he think he is, trying to tell me what to do?!" He kept on walking until he found a large clearing and at last, he could have some alone time. The night sky was clear and all the stars were visible. Laying his body down on the cool grass, Ranma let his thoughts wonder back to Akane. He missed her, he always did whenever he was away but now more than ever, he wanted to see her.
They had only recently declared their love for each other, but his feelings were as strong as they had always been. Ranma breathed out a sigh as he stared up at the endless stars. He knew that his fiancée was with her sisters and he knew that it was good for her to have a distraction from the drama but that still didn't help the loneliness he felt. If he truly thought about it Akane was the only one who understood him. Ranma had, had a lonely childhood. He didn't get a chance to experience the up and downs of childhood, since he was always traveling with his father to become a martial artist. Creating relationships with others hadn't really been his strong suit but ever since meeting Akane he had learned to accept others as well as himself. He never actually realized how lonely he was. But somehow Akane had mended that hole in his heart and Ranma had been able to move on from it all.
He sighed again, he didn't know when precisely he fell in love with Akane, but in his heart he had known all along that she was the one for him. Yes, both had their differences but through thick and thin Akane had stuck with him no matter how insane things got. He wanted to be with her forever.
He sat up scratching his head. He suddenly was remembering that Akane had mention that she wanted to make love to him.
Ranma was no longer a kid, he knew what she meant when she had said that. He himself, was no stranger to the natural feelings of sexual desire and lounging. He had always thought that Akane was pretty cute, beautiful even. His pride and stubbornness had kept him from saying it out loud for the longest time but it was the truth. Despite his female half, even Ranma knew that the female body could be very alluring; he just didn't allow himself to dwell on it. He was at that critical age, where he still had characteristics of a child but was also adapting into a man. Sometimes the two would mix up and as a result it often led to the typical boyish behavior that most males experienced in their adolescence. Ranma was no exception.
He thought back to his first kiss with Akane, how easy it had been to lose himself. Ranma had never really experienced sexual desire until his fiancée awoke it inside of him. Maybe he had always felt it without realizing it. That was a possibility. He wasn't foolish enough to confuse love and lust. They were two separate things but if used properly together could make something beautiful. As a young male Ranma's body and mind was beginning to feel those emotions and now that Akane had awaken them he wanted more of it. He wished that he could see her, to feel her tender lips once more. Even now just thinking about kissing her was giving him peace of mind. At least it had been until the one person he didn't want to see had to show up. His eyes narrowed as he saw Ryoga behind him, he must've been sent to go look for him and by sheer chance he had found him.
"What do you want?" his voice was rough and aggressive. He didn't dare take is eyes off Ryoga as he sat himself down next to him. There was a tension in the air, but Ryoga didn't move, he hadn't yet looked his way either.
The silence between them was driving Ranma crazy, had Ryoga come all the way out here just to torment him? He was about say something when his rival beat him too it.
"I've been thinking". Ranma raised a brow "Oh? About what?" there was another wave of silence, the only sounds heard was the forest.
"I know you want to get off this mountain as much as I do". Ranma didn't dare move "We've been arguing non-stop for almost six days now". He just now figures that out? He was even stupider then Ranma thought. But he didn't say anything.
Ryoga still hadn't looked his direction "I'm a martial artist too, and I have decided to come out and say what I did wasn't cool". Ramna didn't look convinced in the slightest "You really are a dumbass, making us go through all of this". He noticed Ryoga's body tense but he didn't lash out as he expected him too. That implied that Ryoga was using a lot of willpower to keep his temper under control. Well, go figure. Perhaps he finally came to realize just how idiotic he was after all.
"What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry ok". He had finally turned to face him, his expression said that he was being reluctant to admit it. Ranma guessed that part easily, anytime Akane was involved Ryoga's mind never thought straight.
"Hmm you sure don't look like you mean it". Ryoga stood up "I didn't come here to fight you". Ranma stood up as well "So you admit it then?" "I just told you, didn't I?!". Both stared at each other ready to take action if needed.
"Then answer me this, why did you lash out at me? You knew that Akane loves me". It seemed as though Ryoga wasn't prepared for that question and he had a hard time finding the answer. Ranma already knew what it was, he was just pressing him to confess. One might say he was being petty, but nothing was ever that simple between them.
"Feh. Don't ask me dumb questions. You know very well that I love Akane as well".
Ranma felt his pride being challenged "Yet you were the one who attacked first".
He knew that he had him there. No matter how many ways you looked at it, Ryoga had been the one who started it. Both of them knew that.
"At least I'm trying to admit that I'm wrong. Unlike you who can't seem to let it go".
In spite of having apologized to him, he was still acting like a bitch. He couldn't stand that.
Ranma tsked in annoyance, now Ryoga was just being stubborn. "Akane fell in love with me, not you. Yet you can't seem to give up on this one-sided affection". Ranma was well aware that he was entering dangerous territory but he wasn't about to let his rival get the better or him.
"No girl has ever cared for me like Akane does. You don't deserve her love". A dark gaze was in their eyes. Neither was backing down and it seemed another fight was becoming inevitable.
"I didn't tell her to love me, she chose to do that on her own".
Ryoga was growling lowly. His anger was rising again. He pointed a finger at Ranma.
"Why did she have to pick a chump like you?! You never even cared about her the way I do".
"Will you just shut up! You don't have the slightest clue what you're talking about".
"There's no way in hell that you'd be able to understand a woman. Akane's heart is not your toy".
Ranma clenched his fists "I've spent the most time with her, you'd never even begin to understand the bond we've developed. You're just jealous that you'll never be with her no matter how much you try". He took a step closer "You've always been jealous of me, that's why you don't back down because you know that I'm superior to you. You may have feelings for Akane, but you can't force her to love you".
Ryoga raised his fists "Wanna prove that to me?! I'm ready anytime".
He could've engaged in battle with Ryoga but instead Ranma chose not to react. He was tired of fighting and even though he hated to admit it, he wanted to come to terms with Ryoga and settle this once and for all. Fighting wasn't going to solve anything, he knew that. He'd just been so angry and stubborn that he let his foolishness overcome his sense of reasoning.
"You said it yourself, that you didn't come here to fight. So, neither will I".
"Don't try acting all mature now". Ranma clenched his fists harder, he wasn't going to goaded no matter how much Ryoga led him on.
"Look Ryoga, we could fight each other all we want but it won't mean a thing. Stop trying to go against the obvious". That only served to anger him more and he would've landed a punch had Ranma not blocked his fist.
"I love Akane, and she loves me. It's already been decided. I'm not going to waste my time anymore with this stupidity. You can hate me all you want, but it won't change a thing. I admit that I've been a moron for not making peace sooner, and I'm sorry about that but it's just like you said. I'm a martial artist and I have to know when to back down and do the right thing".
The fact alone that Ranma had said that, proved that he wasn't the nutcase that he made himself out to be. Even he knew that enough is enough when the time was needed. His words seemed to have gotten to Ryoga since he lowered his fists but they still didn't dare take their eyes off each other. Ranma knew that Ryoga knew that he was right, he doubted that Ryoga would ever say what they both knew he wanted to. But sometimes words didn't have to be spoken to understand someone, having known Ryoga for so long Ranma could tell that his rival had submitted to him. All it was just a petty argument between boys. It was time to forget about it.
Ranma walked towards Ryoga and placed a hand on his shoulder "Let's go back. It's getting cold out here".
That was the signal to forgive and forget, Ranma was prepared to give Ryoga a beating if necessary but thankfully he didn't show any signs of hostility anymore.
All Ryoga could do was follow him. Ranma knew that Ryoga hated having to submit to him, he knew that he had lost this battle before it even began. But his foolish pride wasn't allowing him to accept it, he could hear Ryoga grind his teeth in frustration and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. This wouldn't be the last fight he'd have with him; at least for now there was a mutual truce between them and the bloodlust was gone.
"Fine, you win. I accept my defeat". Well about time. Took long enough for Ryoga to admit it. He would give him that.
"But don't you dare think that you've won. This isn't over by a longshot".
Ranma knew that Ryoga would say that. He was too stupid for his own good. He'd let it go for tonight.
When they finally made it back to camp, Genma and Soun looked overjoyed that they'd come back without any more injuries to patch up "So you boys finally made up. Now we can let bygones be bygones". Ranma chose to ignore them "I'm going to take a bath".
There was a hot spring not far from their campsite, and he figured a good long soak would be in order. A short walk later and he had reached it, steam rising from the water. It was in an isolated area so there was no chance of some walking in unexpectedly. Quickly undressing himself, Ranma breathed in relief as he slipped into the hot water. It felt like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. At long last he could be alone with his thoughts.
He wondered if Akane was thinking about him, the same way that he was thinking about her. It really was amazing how love had a way of changing a person's mindset.
Ranma suspected that come morning, they'd all head back. He had been waiting for the moment he could leave this mountain. Not being able to see Akane was starting to get to him. He thought back again to how she wanted to make love. He had no idea why he was wondering about it so much all of a sudden; call it his instincts or just a twist of fate but whatever it was it had gotten a hold of him. Ranma had never been with a woman, he had plenty of girls chasing him but he hadn't paid attention to any of them since they simply didn't interest him like Akane did. There had been a few rare times when he had seen her naked, and he had to admit that Akane was a very attractive woman. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to claim her for himself.
His gaze subconsciously shifted down between his legs, he could feel himself stirring. He wondered if Akane would be satisfied with it. Ranma was bigger than average, but not to a point where it would be considered abnormal. He never believed those ridiculous rumors about what women liked but as a male he couldn't help but take some pride in what he was blessed with. He never actually thought about sex before. Since for the longest time that was something that he had no interest in, his training as a martial artist didn't allow him to dwell on such things. His father had talked with him about it a few times in the past, so Ranma wasn't completely oblivious to the basics of human nature. But still since Akane had admitted what she wanted he had found himself thinking about it more. It had been in the back of his head for a few days now.
He felt it stir some more. Thinking about Akane had caused his little friend to awaken and it seem as though it was trying to get his full attention. It wasn't uncommon for males to have sudden urges, especially when in the peak of their adolescence. Ranma was familiar with these male characteristics, but Akane had deepened his desire even more now. He groaned a bit as blood rushed through his loins. This was become more common and he was fully aware that it would be painful later, if he didn't take care of it.
He had meant what he said when he told Akane that he didn't want to go into it too fast. But somehow, he couldn't help but get the feeling that she had been encouraging him to make the move.
He needed to keep it together, it would eventually pass. His body told him otherwise, he could feel himself grow and it was getting harder to control the urge. He was fully erect now and he cursed under his breath. He hadn't intended to get hard, but now that he was this was quite a predicament. Try as hard as he might, he simply couldn't fight the overall instincts of human nature. There was only one thing to do at this point, he'd have to release the tension before it really started to hurt.
A quick scan to ensure that he was completely alone and he slipped his hand under to grasp himself. He had masturbated a few times in the past just out of curiosity, but this was one of the very few times that he would be thinking about Akane.
Closing his eyes, he started to stroke himself. He thought back to how good it felt to kiss his fiancée; the feel of her body pressed against him. Her skin was so soft and succulent he could still feel his hands all over her. The roundness of her breasts, the taste of her tongue. It was all for him and only him. Ranma groaned softly picking up his pace. He couldn't fight his body's urges and he knew that he wanted to make love to her as bad as she did. He would make her scream up to heaven, he'd claim her as many times as she wanted. He would give himself completely to her and she would to him. He wanted everything, her body, her voice, her pleasure. Ranma clenched his teeth he was almost there. He was stroking himself as hard as he could and he imagined Akane's hands instead of his own. Those dainty, tender hands over him. How wonderful it would feel to have her hands stroking him. He wondered what it be like to have her mouth over him, would it feel just as good if not better? He could already see her begging him for more sending her to the point of no return, faster, faster don't stop. Keep going, oh gods it felt so good.
He nearly screamed as he finally came, he continued to stroke himself until at last he was done and his body went limp.
Ranma panted a bit. He felt so much better now but still he wanted Akane. He would have to wait a little longer but oh, how he couldn't wait to make love to her. He would make sure the woman he loved enjoyed every bit of it.
He finished his bath, dressed himself and walked back to camp. Ignoring his father asking what had taking him so long. For the first time in days, he was feeling normal again. Ryoga was already inside the tent but Ranma decided he'd sleep outside for the night. Well, he would've had his dad not so kindly insisted that he go in and stay with Ryoga saying that he didn't want to drag back his sick son in the morning. They had been sharing a tent since they got here and Ranma was so grateful that he could get some sleep without having to fear for an attack. He dreamed about Akane that night, her sweet voice and her gentle smile. She wasn't perfect but neither was he. Maybe that's why they went so well together.
It would be three more days until they finally made it back home. As expected Ranma and Ryoga had been dragged all over here and there since Soun and Genma had wanted to take some vacation time. Which meant getting drunk and running up food and hotel bills that had to be paid off in the form of manual labor. Needless to say, Ranma couldn't have been happier to be back and much to his surprise and delight Akane had been at the entrance to greet them. She didn't look to pleased.
Before he could say a word, Akane had marched over and smacked him and Ryoga hard several times across the face. There cheeks were swollen and puffy once Akane got it out of her system. "That's for acting like morons in front of me". She then took both of them in a hug "Thank goodness you're alright" a few tears escaped her. "I was so worried". She truly had thought at one point that they'd be severely injured or worse; Akane was thankful that her fiancé and her friend were still in one piece, now she could finally relax.
"Ranma, Ryoga isn't there something you'd like to say".
Both boys looked bashful "Akane we're sorry". "We didn't mean to make you cry".
She was still looking at them expectedly; Ryoga still had something he needed to say to her "I'm sorry I attacked Ranma. I was being an idiot. I didn't mean to scare you".
His apology seemed good enough and she patted his head "You dummy. Just don't let it happen again".
Despite Ryoga's outward appearance, he was still feeling hurt on the inside. After all he knew that his love was just one-sided. He knew that Akane had chosen Ranma long ago, but since he was unable to forget his feelings, it made the heartbreak hurt just that little bit more.
"Akane I'll be going now. Next time I see you I'll be a new man". He heard Akane try to stop him but he just kept walking, tears streaming down his face. It was going to be a long journey to recover.
With Ryoga now out of sight, Akane felt strangely disappointed. Her friend hadn't said much, then again Ryoga never said anything whenever he departed to who knows where. He could've at least stayed for a while and told her the reason behind his anger that night.
She felt her fiancé wrap his arms around her waist "Don't worry about him. We both know he'll come back".
She snuggled closer to Ranma, resting her head on his shoulder "I've missed you. I was so worried". He kissed her forehead "I'm alright now Akane".
"What do we do now?" she had asked that question honestly. Now that the family knew, it was expected that a wedding would occur. But that also meant that word of their courtship would be leaked and neither of them wanted any lunatics disturbing their happiness.
"We should talk with our dads. Make them swear not to do anything until some time passes". She nodded in agreement "I guess this means we'll have to keep up the act".
It wasn't like they had much of a choice. It was either pretend that nothing had changed our risk being caught and letting the whole damn world know.
"What about Ryoga?"
"He's too stupid to say anything. I know that he'll keep quiet, if he does say something I'll beat him to a pulp".
Akane sighed "Let's go in". More then anything right now she wanted to kiss him, but having learned their lesson the first time, they instead opted for holding hands. It wasn't exactly what either of them wanted but they did need to put on a front after all. All Akane could do was now hope that luck was on her side.
All done for now.
I'm really not planning to have this be a super long story. But at the same time, I hate rushing things. I guess at best it'll end up being between 10 and 15 chapters. We'll see how this goes.
As always leave a review and take care.