Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Boy Chronicles ❯ Lost Boy: Found ( Chapter 3 )

Title: Leaving Never Never Land: The Story of “The Lost Boy”

Parts: 3 of ?

Rating: Don't know. Will probably get to R

Pairing: None yet. Ryoga/Kuno

Warnings: It's yaoi There's some violence. Still don't know exactly what to put here.

Disclaimers: Starts the “Don't own `em, wish I did” hoe down

Notes: [Indicates thought] “indicates speech”

Feedback: I'd be ever so grateful.

 

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Chapter 3: Lost Boy - Found

 

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Kuno hurried about the house. he attempted to get everything back to being presentable. Every once-in-a-while he'd stop by the parlor and peek in at his guest. The bandana'd boy had passed through unconsciousness and into sleep. His breathing was slow and effortless. This made Kuno happy. After making sure the boy was still alive, he'd go clean another part of the Tatewaki estate.

 

The cleaning was a slow process. He did the jobs he knew he could do. After every job was completed, Kuno always found his way back to the parlor. In those brief visits to the sleeping boy, Kuno had started to study him.

 

The boy on the sofa was of average height. he'd seemed taller somehow when he had fought. But as it was, the boy was probably a good inch shorter than Kuno. The boy compensated for his height though. Kuno could tell through the fabric of the bandages that the boy was pure muscle. The stocky boy on the couch was a far cry from tall, willowy Kuno.

 

Most of all, Kuno noted the expression on the teen's face. The sleeping boy's expression was peaceful. His lips were curved in a small smile. In one fist, he clutched the blanket. The whole image made the boy look like a sleeping toddler. [So cute.] Kuno mused. [No. Not cute. Handso--.] His brain stopped working as he gawked at the sleeping teen. “You're tired, that all. Tired.” Kuno decided to rest where he was. The boy might wake up. Kuno wanted to be there when it happened. He smiled and again headed up the stairs. When he returned with blankets, the boy was awake.

 

Ryoga was dizzy when he awoke. Kicking off a blanket, he tried to sit up. Pain shot through his body, and he was forced to remain reclined. A beaming face hovered over him. “Hello.” The rich boy greeted with a smile. “I was wondering when you'd come back to the land of the living.”

 

Ryoga blinked at the smiling boy. He was slowly beginning to recognize things. Like the fact that the rich boy was talking to him. Ryoga tried to get up. “Thanks for everything. I'll just let myself out. Sorry for being any trouble-- Uh, I didn't catch your name.” He stammered, using the wall to keep himself upright.

 

“My name is Kuno Tatewaki.” Kuno extended a hand. “And you were no trouble.” Ryoga politely went to shake it. That was his undoing. Without the wall to keep him supported, Ryoga's legs folded under him. He closed his eyes, knowing that his meeting the floor was inevitable.

 

Ryoga opened his eyes when his fall was cushioned. The rich boy had caught him. They remained on the floor for some time. Kuno supporting Ryoga. The silence stretched between them, long and awkward. Finally Ryoga broke the silence. “I'm Ryoga.” The boy sounded a little displeased when Kuno let him go. He had almost enjoyed their closeness on the floor.

 

“Well, Ryoga, it would seem that you are stuck here until you've healed enough to go.”

 

Ryoga was indignant. “Why am I even here? I'm sure the cops could have handled it.”

“Well, for one thing, I told the cops you were my butler or something.” Kuno waited for another outburst. Ryoga remained silent. Kuno smiled bigger. “I don't know why, but they fell for it.”

 

“Because they're morons, that's why. The big money question is why you did tell them this.” Ryoga could hear the sarcasm in his voice.

 

Kuno didn't miss it. His smile wavered. “I owe you. That's why. Those guys would have killed me. From the looks of it, they almost killed you.” Kuno reached out instinctually and ruffled Ryoga's shaggy dark hair.

 

Perturbed by this display, Ryoga caught the hand as it pulled back. “Duty and honor be damned!” He swore, pushing the hand away. Kuno looked at him with sad eyes. Ryoga caught the almost begging quality in the glance. It destroyed his resolve, leaving it in dust. “Oh --- All right! I'll stay. But only until I'm better.”

 

Kuno smiled. The smile was inviting. Soon Ryoga was smiling as well. They just sat in the parlor for some time smiled at one another. It was as if they held some secret joke. “But,” Ryoga's smile became a scowl. “I don't have to like it.”

 

Kuno was still smiling when another awkward silence was about to settle in. “I never said you had to.” He whispered, words being lost to the silence. Standing, Kuno expected that to be the lost sound he ever heard from the now brooding Ryoga. Instead, he heard an odd noise from the other boy. He turned to see Ryoga blushed very red.

 

Kuno looked at him. “Hungry?” Ryoga nodded. “Well then, I'll just see if I can make you up something.” The boy left the room, leaving behind a very grateful Ryoga.

 

He knew he had a lot to be thankful to Kuno for. He tried to list them. There was a roof over his head, and he was still alive. Both of these were contributed to Kuno's generosity. [The boy was trying to help you out, Ryoga.] He told himself. [You should be more grateful.]

 

“Shut up.” He answered himself. Ryoga was glad Kuno wasn't present to witness this conversation with his conscience. The other boy might come to think Ryoga was insane. [Well, at least admit you need him right now.]

 

His conscience was still berating him when Kuno arrived with a steaming bowl. “Chicken noodle.” He announced. He almost dropped it when Ryoga cried out.

 

“I don't need anybody!” Ryoga shut his mouth with a loud smack, finally noticing Kuno's pained expression. [Oh no!] He squelched the feeling of dread away. The felling that came with the thought of chasing Kuno away. “What I meant to say was, I don't need anyone to help me eat. Yeah, that's it. I can feed myself.” Ryoga congratulated himself on his phenomenal save. Then he smiled gratefully when Kuno handed him the bowl.

 

Ryoga's attempts to eat were poorly executed. Most oh the soup would end up on his lap. He knew it, but his pride wouldn't let him admit his failure. Kuno saved his pride the trouble. the other man had assessed the trouble.

 

Kuno bit back a laugh as he took the spoon away from Ryoga. With a neutral expression on his face, he fed the scowling boy calmly. Inside, he felt as if he'd just betrayed the other boy. That by not letting Ryoga try, Ryoga would be less of a man.

 

Ryoga took his feeding remarkably well. He ate without complaint. The soup was hot and nourishing. And logically, Ryoga knew he had nothing to complain about. But the truth was, Ryoga NOT a logical guy. Under his calm exterior, the boy was a bundle of raw emotions fighting for superiority. His pride was fighting a very hard battle with inadequacy. Then another, stranger emotion joined the fray. It was the one that ultimately won. Ryoga was actually starting to enjoy the attention that Kuno gave him. He was happy being close to him.

 

Kuno's voice broke into his thought. “Well, not that that's done with, I'm going to wash up. And then we're going to find you a decent place to sleep. The couch is no place for a grown man.”

 

Kuno swept out of the parlor. From the kitchen he could hear Ryoga say, “Thanks for everything, Kuno. You really don't have to. You know.” Kuno was about to answer when Ryoga continued, “And that was some really good soup. It is a special family recipe or something?”

 

Kuno picked up the Pregresso can. He didn't know what had spurred the compliment, but he liked hearing it anyways. “Actually -- Yes. Yes it is. It's a secret recipe handed down through many generations.” [Yeah. Just add water.]

 

From the parlor came Ryoga's reply. “That's really nice.” His voice seemed to fade off at the end.

 

Kuno tossed the can in the garbage. [Later.] He told himself. [I'll tell him the truth later.] Then he reappeared in the parlor. “Now let's get you to be--” Kuno trailed off to look at Ryoga. The boy was already asleep on the sofa. “d.” He finished his sentience quietly. Tucking Ryoga in, Kuno smiled.

 

[Poor guy.] He mused. [I really should disturb him. He probably hasn't had a descent sleep in ages.]

“Good night, Ryoga.” On an impulse, Kuno pushed then bangs off Ryoga's forehead and kissed him softly. He flipped of the lamps and went up stairs.

 

“Good night Kuno.” Ryoga whispered. He had been awake through the whole thing. His finger tips brushed the spot where Kuno's lips had touched him. It was still warm, as was the feeling welling up in his chest. Ryoga pushed the feeling away with questions. [Why did he do that? What does he want from me?] Ryoga's questions went unanswered as he drifted off into sleep.

 

Ryoga's dreams were pleasant for once. It was a sunny afternoon and he was walking on the beach. The sand was damp under his bare feet. A light wind smelled of the salt water. The warmth was intoxicating. So was the warmness of a voice calling him from somewhere down the beach. the voice called his name lovingly. The way the voice called made him feel much warmer. He turned to see who it was. As he turned, everything began to get hazy. The figure was starting to vanish. To Ryoga's dismay, he was waking up. The teen struggled to see the person who loved him enough to call his name like that.

 

His yes snapped open. Kuno was hanging over him, smiling. The rich boy's hair was still rumpled from sleep. “It's about time you were up.”

 

Early morning wasn't exactly the best time for Ryoga. To his credit, he didn't curse at the other boy's cheery personality. He rolled over so his back was to Kuno. “Go away. Can't you let a guy sleep.” He mumbled into his pillow. “It's too early.”

 

Kuno stood there with his on his hips. “Early! It's almost noon.” He kneeled beside the couch, and lightly touched the other's forearm. “You can't just sleep the day away and expect to get better.”

 

“I can try.” Came the indignant reply. Ryoga curled up tighter, trying to keep the blanket and still look dispassionate about this. It didn't work. Kuno's hand tightened around his bicep. Then in one powerful tug, Ryoga was pulled off the couch.

 

Kuno wasn't ready for Ryoga's retaliation. He had just expected to get the other boy off the couch and be done with it. Instead, with a perturbed growl the other boy attached. Attacked wasn't actually the right word. Kuno knew that if Ryoga truly wanted to attack him, he would stand a chance. This seemed to

be more like a friendly wrestling match.

 

They rolled around the floor in a mess of elbows and knees. Ryoga was in no condition to sustain such a game, but he was holding up pretty well. For him, it became lightly amusing to let the other boy think he'd pinned Ryoga before claiming superiority again. There was a slight thrill in being able to touch Kuno. Even if it was only a game. And Ryoga knew all games had to end. He finished this game, pinning Kuno under him.

 

They were breathing heavily. Ryoga was choking back a laugh. It came out a giggle. He lay as heavily as he could on Kuno's chest, keeping his arms from moving. “Do you give up?” He could hear Kuno's heart beating quickly. “Or shall I just sleep here?” Ryoga didn't know where that had come from, but he knew it didn't sound like a threat.

 

Kuno was almost tempted to tell Ryoga to stay the way he was. In his mind, he was starting to picture Ryoga in a very similar position. Only there was an absence of cloths. Instead he barked out, “Never! Kuno yields to no one! Besides, it seems to me that you're wide awake.”

 

He fully expected Ryoga to pull away. The other boy remained where he was. “Well, so I am.” He sat up, bringing Kuno with him. Now he pinned Kuno's arms behind his back. Leaning until they were nose to nose, Ryoga spoke, “You planned this all along, didn't you?”

 

“Planned what?” Kuno sounded distracted. He was. All he could think about were those soft lips merely inches away.

 

“This little wrestling match to get me out bed.” Ryoga let go of Kuno's hands. “That was very smart of you. I'll have to watch out in the future.” He laughed, tapping Kuno's nose with his index finger.

 

Kuno caught the hand and leaned closer. he could see the confusion spring into Ryoga's eyes. [You'll understand soon enough.] The space between their faces was slowly diminished. Then the doorbell rang. Kuno let out a sigh of frustration, as Ryoga sprang back like a skittish animal. Kuno was standing, but Ryoga stopped him.

 

“Hey, wait a minute. I'm supposed to your servant. So let me act like one.”

 

He stalked out of the room in the cloths that Kuno had let him borrow. They were too long. Kuno made a mental note to get Ryoga some cloths that fit better. It wasn't decent to run around necked. [Then again.] He thought, picturing a very delicious looking necked Ryoga trying to polish the sliver. “Stop that, you pervert.” He told himself.

 

He was beginning to wonder what was taking the boy so long. He might have gotten lost. The house was large. It had been know to happen. Only, the door bell had stopped ringing. The implications of this was devastating. It meant Ryoga had left. That was the only answer. the thought upset Kuno. He knew the deal was only until Ryoga was better. This morning, Ryoga had proved that he was. And even though he'd only known Ryoga for less than two days, the thought of not seeing the other boy made him want to die on the inside.

 

He heard the door slam shut and then heavy footsteps. It was just his imagination. Ryoga had left. He was gone forever. He was standing in the parlor glairing at him. Kuno let out the breath he had been holding. “Some old guy at the door. Called himself Soun Tendo. He was wanting to talk to you about something.”

 

Kuno's calm demeanor broke. He turned, and frantically clutched Ryoga's hand. Ryoga looked at him with a raise an eyebrow. It disappeared under his bandana. “He's in the foyer right now.”

 

Kuno let go and almost sprinted out of the parlor. Ryoga had told him the truth. Soun Tendo, an old friend of his father, stood at the door. Behind him, in the driveway, his three daughters sat in the Roles Royce. “Oh, how wonderful to see you, Mr. Tendo. Don't just stand in the doorway. Come in.”

 

The Tendo patriarch motioned to the car and his daughter joined him the foyer. “Thank you Kuno. It is always a pleasure to be in your home.”

 

Kuno led the parlor. He was surprised when Ryoga wasn't there. Somehow, he's managed to erase all evidence of his presence in this room. Kuno sat, relieved. “So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

 

“I was just in the area and I wished to come by to remind that you have the responsibility of the Halloween ball this year. Surly, that boy who answered the door would told you that.”

 

Nabiki, the middle child, spoke up. “Who was that, Kuno-baby?”

 

“Him. Oh -- He's my servant. You know how hard it is to keep up a place like this by one's self So I contacted someone, and they sent him out.”

 

“That is very smart of you, Kuno. Just let him know that when you chose one of my daughters that he'll have to serve them too.” Tendo trailed off as a loud clang came from the kitchen. It was followed by some colorful cursing.

 

“Oh my!” Kasumi, the eldest said, shocked.

 

In his mind, Kuno was cursing right along with Ryoga. That man had just had keep jumping on him to marry one of his horrid daughters. He just wished Tendo would just shut up about the whole thing. Instead he stood and said, “If you'll excuse me for a second, I must see what is going on with Ryoga.” Kuno left the room quickly, as the youngest, Akane piped up.

 

“Poor Kuno. He got a klutz for a servant. When I marry him, I`ll hire a new person.”

 

Kuno barged into the kitchen in a snit. The door slamming against the wall. As it swung back he yelled, “Ryoga, what the Hell is going on here!”

 

Ryoga turned. he was covered from head to toe with flour. There wasn't a spot on his body that wasn't white. He was holding a fire extinguisher. There were pans on the floor. The oven was smoking heavily. He set the extinguisher down with a loud clank. he put a hand behind his head in embarrassment. “Well, I was trying to... I mean, I thought that maybe...” He was starting to fidget, bending a spoon as he tried to talk.

 

“Just spit it out. What are you trying to do, destroy my kitchen!” Kuno's voice rose.

 

“I wanted to make a snack or something for your stupid guest, okay! Is it my fault I'm trying to make this whole dumb idea of yours work!” Ryoga yelled back. “Maybe I should have left when I had the chance.” He turned his back to Kuno.

 

Kuno was dumbfounded. Ryoga was trying, that was obvious. He had made Ryoga want to leave. He called himself all kinds of horrible names in his head. “Now look Ryoga. I know you're trying.” He raged. Then his voice quieted. “I didn't mean to yell at you, okay.” He tried to get Ryoga to face him.

 

“Okay.” the other boy turned. There were wet trails through the flour. It took all of Kuno's willpower not to hold the boy. “I did find this though.” Ryoga produced a plate with Sara Lee cheesecake. “It was in the fridge.” The boy looked more embarrassed as he pulled the carving knife from the counter that he'd embedded it in. “And I made tea.” He vaguely gestured to the streaming cups.

Kuno laughed at Ryoga. “You are too much!” Then he was gone, leaving Ryoga to clean us his mess.

 

The Tendo girls and their father were debating about who'd marry Kuno when the object of their discussion returned. he set the plate down and hastily explained the noises. “The neighbor's dog got in somehow. What you heard was Ryoga chasing him out. But let's not talk of that. How about these wonderful refreshments he whipped up for you.”

 

The girls started to nibble on their treats. Soun however told Kuno, “You are too familiar with your servants. A first name basis is spoiling them too much. One should know their place in life. One of my daughters will surly help you learn that. Don't you think so, girls?” He didn't get the answer he expected.

 

“Oh my, such good cake. May I have another piece. Go on and try one father.”

 

“If Kuno-baby's servant cooks like this, he deserves to be on a first name basis. You could make a lot of money with fool this good.”

 

Akane piped up. “He should be shot!” Kuno almost choked. But the tomboy continued, “This is the worst tea I've ever tasted.”

 

“Oh my. I'm afraid so. Not even your tea is this awful, Akane.”

 

Kuno took a drink and gagged. It was horrendous tea. But Ryoga had tried, so he forced himself to down three cups of the swill. During that time, marriage was brought up twelve more times. The subject was forgotten. Finally Soun got around to what he had come for originally.

 

“And remember, this year's ball must have a theme. I don't see how you can come up with anything on such short notice though.”

 

“Short notice?” Kuno asked, testily.

 

“Halloween is in two days. Now, I believe we can see ourselves out. Have a pleasant evening.” Kuno watched the door shut happily. he as glad that Tendo was gone.

 

A voice behind him said what he'd been thinking for the entire visit. “Does he act like that on purpose , or was he born that way?” Ryoga stood, leaning against a wall in the parlor. He had cleaned up rather well. The only flour to be seen was a smear across his nose.

 

“He wasn't born.” Kuno remarked, dryly. “He was hatched.” He wanted to panic but Ryoga's calm presence kept his nervous energy to a manageable level. “But I'd forgotten about this stupid ball. It's three days away. I don't have anything planned. Not one idea.”

 

“So basically what you're saying,” Ryoga plopped on the couch, “is that you're massively screwed.” Ryoga smiled when Kuno sat next to him.

 

“Well, in a nut shell, yes I am.” Kuno pouted. He stopped when he felt Ryoga's arm around his shoulders, squeezing softly. he turned to look straight at Ryoga. there was a mischievous light in his eyes.

 

“What about Kuno never give up? You aren't screwed, and you know why? Because you have me.” Ryoga watched Kuno's face light up. “I'm sure two brilliant, handsome, insanely lucky guys like us can come up with something.” Kuno was getting pumped up by Ryoga's little pep speech.

 

“You're right. We can do this. I'll get some paper and we're going to sit here until we come up with something so amazing it'll be talked about for years to come!” Kuno sprung to his feet and was about to dash out of the room, Ryoga's innocent question stopped him dead.

“Um Kuno, what is a ball?” Ryoga watched Kuno's face and body almost deflate. There was an odd look to his face. It was one Ryoga wasn't sure he didn't like. It was a look a defeat.

 

Kuno sighed. “Well, were screwed. But I'll get the paper anyways.”