Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I do not claim any rights to any of the characters or concepts created or owned by Viz Video or Rumiko Takahashi. This is just the work of one fan to the others. The only characters or concepts that i claim are the ones I created or introduced. That said, I bring you:
Broken Mirrors
Sunday, July 12th 6:30AM, The Saotome Residence.
Warmth. That is the first thing that passes through Ranko's mind as she stirs. So warm. Wrapped tight in a blanket that feels oddly heavy, cocooning her in warmth and comfort. She could get used to this, honestly. She didn't even remember having any of the usual nightmares that mar her sleep. To be honest, everything from the later half of last night was more than a bit fuzzy.
Still, spending time with Akane and the other girls? That...was honestly nerve wracking but awesome. She could get used to that. Especially spending more time with her girlfriend. That thought still made her feel giddy, and a bit odd. Like, butterflies were flitting around in her stomach, and a warmth spreading throughout her core.
She nestled back into the blanket that was surrounding her, then noticed some odd lumps sticking into her back. Her sleepy mind pauses, trying to figure out what is going on as she wriggles back a bit more, then feels the blanket shift, a gentle pressure tightening across her stomach.
Her eyes go wide as she slowly turns her head, looking behind her. Yes, just like her she thought. She wasn't in bed alone. There was a very much asleep Akane cuddled up against her back, playing the big spoon to her little spoon. Ranko's brain overheats for a moment as she flushes bright red, carefully lifting the blanket a bit to make sure that they are, indeed, dressed. Now, how they both ended up in expensive silk sleepwear. MATCHING expensive silk sleepwear, was something that she would have to have a little talk with the head maid about. A very loud talk, perhaps. But not right now. RIght now, not freaking out was in order.
No matter how very, very nice it felt.
Her mind and body freeze as she feels the warm presence of Akane shift ever so slightly, her arms tightening around Ranko as she is drawn back into the blessed warmth and comfort. Ranko's mind does shut down for a minute or two when she feels Akane sleepily nuzzle into her hair, taking a very audible sniff of the heavily blushing redhead's long lochs.
Another minute, and a soft "Morning." can be heard from behind her. Ranko swallows with some difficulty as she finds her mouth suddenly very dry. "M..Morning, Akane-chan. I...I hope you slept well?" Ranko says softly, blushing as she is hugged just a bit tighter.
"I..slept very well, Ranko-chan. I..wasn't expecting to wake up like this, though…." Akane says in an embarrassed tone of voice, shifting just a bit.
"Neither was I..and...we are dressed, if that is what you were wondering…." Ranko says with a heavy blush.
"That...was kind of what I was wondering, yes. So...Umm...Do you have any idea how we ended up like...This? Not that I mind. I..really don't mind waking up like this. I would even say I kind of like waking up like this…. Ok, no more rambling, I'm going to be quiet now." Akane says in an awkward tone of voice, drawing a happy little laugh from her equally blushing and embarrassed girlfriend.
"Well, I know we drank...A lot. And, I sort of remember getting into the car, and Shiro said...Something, but I kind of don't really remember anything after that." Ranko sighs and snuggles back, freezing when she realizes what she did. She relaxes a bit when the arms around her squeeze just a bit tighter, drawing her fully against the taller woman behind her. After a moment, she continues. "I would guess that Shiro and the rest of the staff are conspiring against us, though. I know I've been bathed, dressed, and placed into bed with my wonderful girlfriend…."
Akane laughs and nuzzles gently into the warm mass that is Ranko's hair. "Yes, we have been thoroughly set up. Still, it's not a bad way to wake up on a Sunday, is it?"
Ranko freezes, remembering suddenly what day it is as her eyes seek out the clock. She relaxes a little, seeing what time it is but knows now that they can't linger here. "We...really should get up. My brother will be arriving in a few hours, and...I have to get things ready for him. I'm sorry, Akane-chan…. As much as I want to just lay here with you, I can't…."
Akane nods and gives her another gentle squeeze, then acting on impulse she starts to get up, leaning down and kissing the cheek of her girlfriend and watching how she turns even redder and freezes up for a moment. "Ok, I can understand. It's the only time you two get to spend together, after all." She pauses as she looks at her neatly laundered and folded clothes, then turns to look at Ranko who is now sitting up in bed. "Why is that, anyhow? I've always thought that was a very strange arrangement. Why can't you both live here together all the time?"
There is the soft sound of a throat being cleared from the doorway as the head maid walks in wearing her usual dark kimono and her hair up in its usual tight bun. "Sadly, it is the arrangement that had to be made, so that the many duties of the Saotome could be carried out. They are bound to some rather archaic practices that are traditional, and need to be maintained. Surely, a member of an honorable and old house such as yours understands, Madam Tendo?"
Akane blushes and nods, relaxing a bit as Ranko breathes out a breath of relief. "Of course, it is just a bit unusual, in this day and age."
The head maid nods, bowing slightly. "I am sorry for any inconvenience our ways might cause you, Madam. Now, if I can escort you to the dining hall, breakfast is served. Afterwards, when you are ready, Shiro will take you home. Thank you for taking such good care of our Lady, we do worry about her so."
Akane laughs softly, walking over and helping Ranko into her chair. "It is my pleasure to take her into my care as much as I can. Truly. And thank you, I accept the generous gift of your hospitality." Akane says as she bows.
The head maid gives the two a very knowing smirk as she leads them to a quiet meal between the two lovers, a warm smile gracing the face of the matron of the house. "Perhaps the Saotome can truly be saved from the fate that they have been given. Now, if only the young Master can make such progress with his lady." she thinks to herself as she tends to the many details behind the scenes.
After the meal, the pair say their reluctant goodbyes, Ranko sitting and watching the car leave with a morose look on her face. "Chika, we need to tell them sooner rather than later, don't we? Do..You think they will stay with us? Will..She stay with me, knowing the truth?"
Chika Sasami sighs softly, resting a hand gently on her young lady's shoulder. "I think that they will come around. The tragic fate you two linger under is a heavy one to bear alone. We do what we can, but you both need more in your lives. If I may be so bold to say, M'lady? She is good for you, as Miss Kuonji is good for the young master. It would seem that fate can be gentle, even when it is so often cruel. I think, given time, the young ladies will come around and accept what is. You two must be brave, though. Don't let it linger too long, or resentment is sure to bloom." She takes the handles to her mistress' chair gently in hand. "Now, let us make preparations for your brother to arrive. You had best update your journal, you have quite a bit to pass along.
Ranko sighs and nods. "Yes, Chika-sama."
Chika shakes her head and looks down at her ward. "You might be the lady of this house, but do not think I will not lecture you if you are being childish." She grins and winks at her. "Perhaps your brother had best get to it, so that I have a proper little one to fuss over."
Ranko blushes brightly and shakes her head. "You are horrible, Chika."
"I do my best, M'lady." She says in a serene tone of voice as she takes her young lady into the parlor.
Sometime later, Ranma sighs as he watches the car leave, heading for the Saotome's secluded retreat high in the hills and low ranges of the mountains. From how the staff is buzzing, he can only imagine that his sister must have done something outrageous, or, as is more likely, was the victim of their scheming. Honestly, sometimes he had to wonder who really ruled the House of Saotome. The Lord and Lady of the clan, or the heads of the household staff. On second thought, perhaps it was best to not know. Probably better for his pride that way.
He makes his way into the study, pulling out the journal that Ranko had left for him, and starts to get caught up on the week's events.
A short time later, he pages for Chika, with a stern look on his face.
"I think you need to explain this, Mrs. Sasami." He says as he looks at her gravely.
"What can I say? You two are taking your time when those wonderful women are left lingering. We just wanted to give things a little...Nudge." She says in a serene tone of voice.
He sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose, reaching for his cane. "I'm going for a walk."
"Do say hello to Madam Kuonji for me, Master." Chika says as she bows her way out of the room.
His grumbled response is something that is probably best not repeated.
Monday, July 13th. The Toho Center for Physical Rehabilitation. 7:00 AM.
Ranma walked into the building with just a bit more spring in his stride, his cane striking out a shard staccato as he walks with purpose. As much as he enjoyed the chance to talk to her over the phone Sunday night, seeing Ukyo in person always filled him with a bit more energy. Perhaps his sister was right, and it was best to talk to them sooner rather than later. But such things should not be rushed, they were not even sure that things would last, after all.
No matter how much both of them wished it would.
The bright smile and happy bow that greet him as he walks towards the desk make the time he spent away from her seem like nothing, a trifling moment easily forgotten. The way her eyes light up, the little quirk of her lips, all the little details that scream 'Ukyo' to him make the hard work ahead easier.
He bows formally to her, the little smile that creases his lips ruins the stoic image that he projects to the world for just a moment. It's a private moment, a rare slip of the facade that is only for her.
The gentle smile he gets in return is the only acknowledgement that he gets, but it is more than enough. The two exchange pleasantries as they prepare for the day's exercises, finishing with a walk as has become their routine. He stands there for a moment at the end of the trail, eyes closed with her close to his side, their hands just barely touching. "I have a couple of trips I have to make, one this week and another in two weeks."
Ukyo nods, a bit of a sad smile on her face. "I guess we won't have much time together then. Will you still be able to make it to your sessions, though?"
He clears his throat, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. "I...Was actually going to ask if you would like to come. With me, I mean. I mean, would you like to come with me on my trips? I know that the one this week is very short notice, but I..Only recently thought of inviting you. Sorry."
Ukyo looks at him, a little smile on her lips. "Ranma Saotome, are you asking me to run away with you for a romantic trip, just the two of us?"
He coughs slightly, casting a look at her. "I...Might be. It would be you, myself, and Shiro, of course. Since I have to take the car around."
Ukyo thinks for a moment, then nods. "I will see about this week, I can't make any promises, you understand. But, the trip in two weeks? I am fairly certain I can do that one. I do seem to have a bit of leave accumulated." She laughs and shakes her head. "I am, after all, married to my job."
Ranma nods, a small smile gracing his stoic face. "That you are. Something that I have benefited from a fair amount, to be honest." He hesitantly reaches for her hand, relaxing as their fingers interlace together.
"I will see what my boss has to say. No promises sugar, but I will do what I can." Ukyo says as she leans slightly against his side.
He hesitates, then draws her in closer, pulling her in front of him and wrapping her in his arms. He relaxes a bit as she melts back against him, a soft sigh slipping from parted lips. "I...could get used to this."
She smiles, turning her head to gaze at him softly. "You and me both, sugar."
Who leans in first to kiss the other, that is anyone's guess.