Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Music And Love ❯ Chapter 1
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: darkanime Thanks for kicking Ranma out of the house Akane..... *smirk*
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 03.29.2004 | Pages: 61 | Words: 41.1K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Completed
Ranma_the_great: Heya people! I'm the author that brought you Ranma and Kagome in my vision! Well, enjoy our Ranma and Shampoo fic! Look for me and my friend, darkanime, in co-author stories! Enjoy!!!!!!!!! And by the way, the Kagome was just something new…
darkanime: um, yeah. Enjoy….. I just do Ranma/Shampoo fics so whatever….(whispers) I bet he's gonna do something stupid to this fic……..like…..err….like... I dunno ….Ah well…hopefully the story is okay to read.
Disclaimer: We don't own Ranma 1/2, so don't sue……..
As usual, Akane and Ranma were in the dojo fighting…
Akane: WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!!?! YOU'RE HANGING AROUND HER LIKE SHE'S FOOD!!!
Ranma: I DON'T HANG AROUND THERE!!! IT'S JUST COINCIDENCE THAT THE NEKO HANTEN (Cat Café) IS THE ONLY PLACE WITH GOOD FOOD!! *Whispers* I wouldn't eat your food if my life depended on it, `cuz your food would kill m-
Akane slammed her fist into Ranma's head…Once it made contact, Ranma moved his head a little to continue their little bout.
Ranma: WHAT THE HECK!?!!
Akane: YOU HANG AROUND THAT BIMBO ALL DAY!!!!!
Ranma blocked Akane's next attempt to strike. Ranma looked at Akane for a second, before Akane stopped trying to hit him. He looked at Akane dead in the eyes.
Ranma: She's not a bimbo… And she isn't some Barbie doll that's always in a happy mood either…
By now, Akane was shading red in absolute fury…With that, Ranma looked at the fist that he caught. He was star struck. In shock, he realized what he had just said. Ranma stared at his hand and what he had stopped; Akane from hitting him. He walked out of the room in a daze. Akane was still shocked. A few seconds later, Akane bent her head down as her aura grew. Another few seconds later, Akane rushed out of the room to confront Ranma.
Ranma was walking to the kitchen where he smelled Kasumi's cooking.
Ranma: `Fooooooooood!!!'
Kasumi looked behind her, only to be greeted by a drooling Ranma. She only smiled that smile that she always gave off.
Kasumi: Why hello Ranma. Where's Akane?
Ranma only grumbled and looked at her cooking. He drooled a waterfall. Once he just about reached for some of her home cooked pie, Akane appeared at a speeding rate, charging right at Ranma. He only gave Akane a questioning look with a piece of pie in his mouth, before sidestepping Akane's attack. She tripped and fell on Kasumi's meal. Ranma's eyes widened and he began to cry.
Ranma: Akane! Whaaaaaat did you just do? Noooot the piiieee!!! DANG IT DUMB TOMBOY!!! MY STOMACH!!!
Akane was getting up and had a deep blue aura surrounding her figure. She had the pie in her face. Ranma looked at it hungrily. Then he shrugged still looking at Akane's creamed filled face.
Ranma: `Why not?'
He put his finger in the juicy cream that was on her face. Then he licked the cream that was on his finger with a smile.
Ranma: Well, at least the pie still tastes good dumb tomboy! Hahaha!!!
Akane took a nearby towel and cleaned off her face. When she was done, she looked up at Ranma with fury. He gulped and started to back away holding up his hands to ward Akane off.
Once again, Ranma was hit in the face with Akane's fist. He fell to the floor. Once he got up, he stared at Akane with P.Oed eyes. Evidently, He was fed up. His hands were balled into fists and his teeth were clenched tightly. He looked at Akane in the eyes and then… slapped her……
A long period of silence ensued. Akane's face had a red hand mark imprinted on it. She brought her hand to her face and stared at the ground confused and P.Oed…
Ranma walked out of the Tendo dojo in a huff. Since Soun and Genma were playing a game from outside of the dojo, they heard the commotion. Soun looked at Ranma questioningly. A few seconds later, Akane ran after him and began crying out in pain and anger.
Akane: DON'T COME BACK YOU THREE-TIMING CASSA NOVA!!!!
Soun appeared by her shoulders out of nowhere and began whispering in her ears.
Soun: For how long?
Akane didn't seem to be paying attention to her father, but she answered his question in fury.
Akane: DON'T COME BACK FOR A MONTH YOU GREEDY FREE LOADER!!!
Soun: A m-month? Isn't that a little rash A-
Akane cut him off with a glare. Soun sweat dropped, instantly shut his mouth, backed off, and went back to his game with Genma, who was now a panda.
Ranma: How come I'm the only one who gets picked on anyway?
Ranma had his hands behind his head walking downtown and was looking for a place to eat…
Ranma: `Shampoo or Ukyo's place…'
Ranma sighed. Whatever place he saw first would be the place he would eat at, he decided. Ranma saw the Neko Hanten first. His stomach growled to the loudest extent. He grinned and felt some of his drool coming to his mouth. The bell to the restaurant rang as he bolted in. People stared at him as his stomach growled again. He blushed erubescent, but rushed over to the counter where Mousse was mopping the floor. Cologne was right behind Mousse with an annoyed expression on her face. She was about to say something, but Ranma didn't stick around to hear it.
Ranma: `Where the heck is Shampoo? I'm hungry!'
Ranma ran around the whole café with his stomach growling. He ended up in front of Cologne again. To him, it looked like she popped out of nowhere. She had several plates of Ramen in her hands. He grabbed the plates, sat down, and began to gorge while thinking.
The sky…. It's pretty, but it's way better at home…. I wonder what my Airen's doing?…………I wonder if I should go home without him………NO!! I will not admit defeat! Ranma will be mine!………………*Sigh* Oh, who am I kidding? I already lost that slight chance that I had with him. But what should I do? I can't go home in shame…..But I can't win Ranma like this………
*CRASH*
What the heck was that?! DANGIT!!!! I hate when this happens………………….Wait…… RANMA'S HERE! I better gather myself up. I still have to act like a happy ditz around… My Airen…*sigh* Why don't I just give up this "act". I could show how I really feel…… Nah. They wouldn't be able to handle me not being the cheerful little doll that they're used to…Maybe Great-grandmother will, but she hasn't seen ME in a REAL long time…and neither has Mousse…….damn.
Ranma was jumping around on tables eating his ramen and avoiding Mousse's chain attacks. Once he finished half of his bowl, he ducked his head from a kid's potty seat. Ranma raised an eyebrow.
Ranma: Can't you use anything better than a toilet seat? That's just plain dumb!
Ranma spotted out a cup of water. He kicked the glass so that the water would fly at Mousse. It hit it's intended target, and Mousse turned into Moomoo-chan. Ranma sat back down at his table and continued to finish his bowls of Ramen.
Ranma glared at him and returned to his meal. Without turning around, he tossed a fork at Moomoo-chan. Moomoo-chan flew into the air before the fork could do him real harm. Moomoo-chan almost passed out when he saw that the fork landed in his tail feathers.
Ranma: Next time I'll make roast duck out of you, so….Watch out at midnight `cause I'll be hungry……..
Shampoo finally dropped down off the roof and walked through the entrance with a depressed expression on her face. She just brushed by Ranma, but stopped at the foot of the stairs. She looked back at Ranma with a forced smile on her face.
Shampoo: Nihao Airen.
Shampoo looked outside the window. It was pitch black right now. She looked at Ranma's clothing and frowned with worry.
Shampoo: Airen….. You can stay here tonight. Violent-Girl's been beating up on you again….Stay here…There's a couch in the back. Night.
Shampoo gave him a sweet smile and waved at him. By now, Shampoo was walking upstairs. Ranma and Mousse looked at her retreating figure with surprised eyes. Mousse, because he hasn't seen Shampoo in a low mood in a very long time. And Ranma because he hasn't heard Shampoo use proper Japanese before.
Ranma: `That… was… a….cute….smile….but…WHAT?! WHAT THE?! WHEN'D SHE START ACTING LIKE THIS?!'
Shampoo: `I did what I said I wouldn't do. I acted like myself for once…….And in front of Ranma too……*sigh* Now I can rest in peace for one night…hopefully…'
Shampoo closed her tired and stressed eyes and was soon asleep.
Ranma and Mousse were still awestruck. After five minutes, Cologne walked in. She stopped and looked at the two and then at what they were staring at. She tapped on both of their shoulders with her staff.
Cologne: What's wrong future-son-in-law? And you too Mr. Part Time?
They just stayed there, glued to their position. Both in different thoughts.
Mousse: `My beloved, what is wrong with you?'
Ranma: ` What's up with her?'
Ranma looked down at the ground and thought for a moment. He looked up again, sighed, put his bowl down, and stood up.
Ranma: `I hope I know what I'm doing…..'
Ranma took a deep breath and walked up stairs. Cologne watched him walk up the stairs with a grin on her face. Normally, if it was Mousse, she wouldn't let him, but this is Ranma. He's actually taking action for once.
Ranma started walking through the corridor. He went through all the rooms and opened all the doors, but all the rooms were empty. Well, except for the ONLY closed one. Ranma sweat dropped and headed towards the door. He finally stopped in front of the last door; Shampoo's door.
Ranma: `Here we go…. I can always turn around…no I can't do that….DAMMIT!!!……...uh okay, just open the door and comfort her. I don't need another fiancée ticked off at me because of whatever made her in a bad mood…'
Ranma opened the door and walked towards Shampoo. He stopped by her bedside and stared at her for a moment or what he thought of as a few seconds. He stood there for a few minutes watching Shampoo. He watched her breathing, her closed eyes, her figure (which he was in awe at), and mostly all of her features.
He never really "looked" at her. Ranma smiled softly as he watched her with ease and intent as he started to walk towards her. He blushed and shook his head. Then he sat down on the bed and, without realizing it, started to caress her hair. Shampoo began to form a smile and began to wake up. As soon as she could see, even if it wasn't all that clearly, she looked up at Ranma and she thought she was dreaming. And in most cases, that couldn't be good thing.
Shampoo smiled softly and began to mumble.
Shampoo: Finally, something good emerges from living in a wretched world. Wonderful dreams…….
She positioned her body to look up Ranma. Then she carefully put her head on his lap. Ranma's face turned ten shades of red.
Ranma: `uh oh….DAMN!!…….um, stay calm…..'
Ranma felt that Shampoo was starting to relax. Ranma looked up, blankly at the ceiling, blushing furiously. Shampoo started to mumble again.
Shampoo: Might as well make this dream a good one.
Ranma thought she was going to do something that Akane would find out about and panicked. Then Ranma drooped into a lying down position so he could feel a little more comfortable and also get out of her eyesight. Shampoo shifted into a comfortable spot (on his chest). Then she put her arm across Ranma and clasped onto him. Shampoo drifted back off to sleep.
Ranma: `I always got into the awkward positions…Whoa, this is warm…'
Ranma looked at Shampoo, began to hug back…and blushed even more.
Ranma: `am I doing what I think I'm………………………….D ANGIT! HOW COME THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS TO ME?!!'
After eating, Ranma's always been tired……..and, he just ate….
A few hours later, Shampoo woke up lazily to see Ranma's face inches away from hers. His slow breathing was tickling her face. She smiled softly, as if she didn't know anything was wrong and pulled herself off him. Suddenly, after she grasped that Ranma was in HER bed with HER, she fell off the bed in shock. Hearing the noise, Ranma woke up and quickly looked up to scan the area he was in. After he saw nothing in the room since Shampoo was still on the floor twitching, he fell back on the bed softly and went back to sleep. Unconsciously, he frowned and started searching for the warmth that he felt earlier.
Shampoo finally got up and stared at Ranma for a little bit. A few minutes later, she walked out of the room and then into the bathroom in a dazed like state. Then….. she screamed.
Shampoo: AAIYAAAAA!!!!!
Ranma snapped his eyes open, fell out of the bed, and quickly stood up. He looked back and forth to see where the noise was coming from.
Ranma: Wha-what? What's going on!?
Mousse ran up the stairs to see Ranma next to Shampoo's bed. Mousse also noticed that Ranma's hair was a little messed up and thought of the worst possible thing that could happen in his life.
Mousse: Y-YOU PERVERT!!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY BELOVED SHAMPOO!!!!!!?
Ranma slammed him on the head with an angry expression on his face.
Ranma: Nothing you weirdo! Now get yer head out of the gutter!
Cologne also heard the scream and hopped her way into the bathroom to see Shampoo crying.
Cologne: What's wrong Great-granddaughter?
Shampoo looked at Cologne with watery eyes and began to reply. She pointed to her room.
Shampoo: Look behind you.
Cologne turned around to see Ranma standing there. She looked surprised. Then Ranma lifted his hands to say something.
Ranma: `J-jeez…and I thought she l-liked when I was close to her..' I-I went in there to comfort her and then she…er…you explain Sham-
Mousse hit Ranma over the head with the toilet seat. Cologne splashed Mousse with a bucket of water that she seemed to pull out of nowhere, annoyed by his behavior.
Cologne: Don't interrupt son-in-law when he's explaining what happened to my Great-granddaughter Mr. Part Time.
Mousse glared at Cologne. She glared back at him. He sighed and finally shut his mouth. Mousse kept quiet trying to listen to the conversation.
Shampoo: I thought I was dreaming… I saw Ranma by my side and I turned to embrace him…I was comfortable in that position… Then I fell asleep…
Ranma: Y-yeah! Uh………!!…'Oh sh-…!'………Hey it's not what you think okay!?
Ranma's face was turning several different shades of red at the moment. He faced an accusing glare, an equally embarrassed expression, and one merry smile. Ranma's nerve broke. He jumped out of the nearest window and ran away at top speed in a random direction. He ran for several minutes before he had to stop to catch his breath. He turned around to make sure no one was following and scanned the area to see where he was. He looked around and found that he was near a huge pond. He sat several feet away from the pond so the water wouldn't trigger his transformation. Ranma looked down to watch the beating shore. Ranma then looked at the rising sun. He found himself enticed with it. It truly was stunning sight.
Ranma: I never noticed that nature could be so beautiful with all that's going on in life. It feels good to just see something natural……. It somehow…somehow reminds me of Shampoo…
Ranma's eyes widened when he noticed what he just said. He stared at the sunrise in thought. A few seconds later, he heard foot- steps. Ranma, thinking it was someone who wanted to pound him, jumped in a nearby tree to hide. Ranma watched Shampoo walk toward the pond and scanned the area to make sure no one was there. Without noticing it, he began to involuntarily blush. Shampoo looked up in the tree and noticed Ranma. She backed off when Ranma jumped down.
Shampoo: What are you doing here Airen?
Ranma groaned before answering her.
Ranma: Getting out of that awkward situation back there. You?
Shampoo turned away, not wanting to let Ranma see her blush, and began to talk again. She started to twiddle with her fingers.
Shampoo: Why did you……..go into my room like that? I said that you could SLEEP on the couch didn't I?
Ranma started to blush just thinking about it.
Ranma: You started to act funny…….and I just……thought you needed…..To be comforted…………but then….. I *gulp* fell…asleep…
Ranma blushed harder and averted his eyes to the sky. Shampoo's eyes widened a little and became a little teary. She turned back to him, but looked at the ground.
Shampoo: ….Thank you Ranma……
Ranma just blushed harder and kept looking at the sky. They just stayed in silence for a few minutes in an awkward silence before Shampoo turned and looked straight at Ranma. Her blush finally disappeared, but Ranma's hasn't. He just kept blushing. It made Shampoo smile softly.
Shampoo: Ranma….
When Ranma heard her call his name, he blushed harder. Shampoo took a step forward and moved her face towards his. He didn't seem to notice because he was trying to hide his blush. So Shampoo placed her hand tenderly on Ranma's face, turned her head, and softly kissed him on the cheek. She smiled gently in his direction and took a step back. Ranma was stock-still.
Shampoo: Thank you again Ranma…
Ranma just stood there, flabbergasted. Shampoo turned her back on him and walked a little ways away from him before she sat down watching the sun reflecting on the water.
Ranma stayed in shock for a few more minutes before he moved his hand to where Shampoo had kissed him.
Ranma: `That was….soft…'
Ranma blushed again and turned to her direction. Shampoo looked up at the sky and finally began to get up. She gave him one last look, which made him blush, and got up. She wiped all the sand away from her and began walking back to the Neko Hanten.
Shampoo: I'll see you later Airen….. after all….. I think that Violent-Girl kicked you out again.
Ranma stared at her, dumbstruck, as she smiled a little at him before she turned to go to the Neko Hanten. He watched her until her figure disappeared out of his sight. He looked at where Shampoo sat earlier before sitting down himself and looking at the sun.
Ranma was walking downtown looking for something to do. Once he neared a grocery store, he started looking at all the flyers on the wall. One single flyer caught his eye. It said, " FREE trip to China! Just WIN a Pair-Karaoke contest!" Ranma grabbed the flyer and started walking around with it. Ranma was so hooked on to the flyer that he didn't see a pole that was right in front of him. WHAM! Ranma walked right into the pole.
Ranma: ow….
Ranma slid off the pole then began to think. As he walked off, he tried thinking of cool songs to do and a partner to do it with.
Ranma: 'Hmmm, who should I team up with? I don't know anybody who sings around here….'
Ranma walked by the Neko Hanten without another thought. Once he neared the park, he heard the humming from a nearby bench. Ranma stopped and listened to the voice. He jumped onto a tree and scanned the area to see who it was.
Ranma: `Dang! Whoever that is, I need to get `em to do a duet with me!'
So Ranma scouted the park to see Shampoo sitting in the next tree right by him. It actually looked like she was on his tree's branch since it was so close. Ranma, startled, fell out of the tree with a THUMP. He groggily got up to his feet and looked again. Sure enough, Shampoo was still humming to herself.
Ranma: Jeez Shampoo, why didn't you tell me you were there?
Shampoo didn't seem to notice him. Either that or she was just ignoring him.
Shampoo: `Just keep ignoring him. This is my time.'
Ranma: Hmm…
Ranma jumped up behind Shampoo and sneaked up behind her. Ranma listened intently to what Shampoo was saying.
Shampoo: Finally, I thought I would have to face Ranma after that embarrassing situati-
Ranma smirked at her.
Ranma: `So that's how she wants it huh?' AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!
Shampoo felt her eardrums hammering in her head. She fell out of the tree, shrieking.
Ranma: Heh, thought you could ignore me?
Shampoo got up clutching her ears.
Shampoo: You surprised me! What do you want Airen?
Ranma sat down Indian style and started to explain the contest.
Ranma: I was walking downtown and saw a flyer for a contest. The prize is a free trip to China if you win a Karaoke contest. The problem is…it has to be two people doing the contest. Thus, I walked by here and heard you humming….. So you wanna partner up with me?
Shampoo: P-partner? `But I do this for fun….But he is my…..' *sigh* Okay……. But what song do you want to do?
Ranma: In English it's called….. 1/2…..ironic huh?
Shampoo thought for a moment.
Shampoo: Ironic?…….no kidding…….But how is this song going to be a duet?
Ranma: I sing one stanza and then you sing one stanza, then we both sing the chorus.
Shampoo: Um….okay….But what about…. Akane? Wouldn't you rather pair up with her?
Ranma turned his head in disgust.
Ranma: Me? Pair up with that dumb annoying, uncute, tomboy… How bout, no…
Shampoo thought about it for a moment and grinned a little.
Shampoo: Okay then…..So… it's settled?
Ranma: Guess so…
Ranma and Shampoo just stared for a moment. Ranma got up and inched his way toward Shampoo. Both of their faces were about 5 inches apart. Shampoo gasped as he softly grabbed her chin.
Ranma could feel his heart drumming madly in his chest.
Ranma: `Hey! What the heck am I doing?! Stop idi-!'
Too late…Ranma pressed his lips softly onto Shampoo's.
Ranma: `Never done this before…..She feels like…. silk…..mm?!'
He pulled apart after several seconds and then jumped off the branch. Shampoo couldn't see with Ranma's face turned, but his face was thirty shades of red. He waved back at her and started to run off.
Ranma: Later Shampoo! `I can't believe I just did that….but…*grin* It was worth it…..'
Shampoo blushed an interesting shade of pink. Then she brought her hand to her lips. In wonder, she turned to watch Ranma run off.
Shampoo: `wow….that was new…..'
Shampoo smiled happily in Ranma's direction as a daydream began to form itself.
Ranma's blush was more colored than the red in his blood.
Ranma: `Why the heck did I do that?………Ah well, better not think about it………it did feel nice though…..'
Ranma blushed even more as he headed towards the Tendo dojo. Once halfway near the dojo, Ranma stopped near a wall and thought.
Ranma: `I got kicked out of the house cause of the dumb tomboy…But I need to talk to someone with singing capabilities…oh, Kasumi hums in the morning…. Maybe she can teach me how to sing the song… Not that I need a teacher of course.'
Ranma hopped onto a wall and continued to run toward the dojo. He came to a stop after a thought came to mind.
Ranma: 'how to get by Akane..…'
Ranma resumed his run and put the thought to side, but not before shivering when he thought about HER. Ranma made a slight turn and headed into the dojo. Once he reached the dojo, he went to the kitchen window. He peered through the kitchen window and saw that Kasumi was cooking a meal.
Ranma: `For pops I bet.'
Ranma lightly tapped at the window until Kasumi faced him. She was about to open her mouth, but was cut off when she saw Ranma point outside. She smiled and walked outside to hear what he wanted to say. Kasumi was about to greet Ranma outside, but Ranma covered her mouth with his hand. She was startled, but she maintained her original smile, even though it was covered by Ranma's hand. Ranma looked around, checking if there was anyone who could hear him, before he let go of Kasumi's mouth.
Kasumi: Uh yes Ranma? What is it that you want dear?
Ranma: Hrm, well, I umm….I…..I…..
Ranma started to stutter and blush. He hung his head low in embarrassment. A few moments later, he looked back at Kasumi.
Ranma: can you teach me how to sing?
Kasumi smiled that Kasumi smile of hers and nodded.
Kasumi: Sure Ranma.
Ranma blushed even more, thinking of what he got himself into. He nodded at her and awaited for her instructions.
Kasumi: Maybe it would be easier if we go to a Karaoke area. Just let me get my things, tell Father that I'll be out for a while, and we'll leave.
Ranma nodded again, and waited outside as Kasumi went to gather everything up. Soon after, they were off to practice.
A few days later, Ranma was heading toward the Neko Hanten about to tell Shampoo the news. He had just entered themselves into the contest. Once he was near the Neko Hanten, Mousse suddenly came into view. He looked like he was just in a bar fight. Ranma looked at the broken window that was Mousse's size and sweat dropped.
Ranma: `He must of done sumthin stupid to Shampoo again…' Lemme guess, you thought Shampoo actually liked you… Then you tried to hug her.
Mousse looked down as the sweat drop on Ranma's forehead got bigger.
Mousse: Put a cork in it Ranma.
Ranma was startled that Mousse could say something other then, "DIE SAOTOME!!!!"
Ranma: Tsch…
Mousse growled at Ranma. Ranma just kept walking toward the back of the Neko Hanten where Shampoo usually cooked. Mousse glared at Ranma's back and threw chains at him.
Mousse: DIE SAOTOME!!!!!
Ranma ducked, pulled his bottom eyelid down, stuck out his tongue, and ran into the back. Mousse could clearly hear him saying stuff to him though. His teeth clenched.
Ranma (far off): Nyeh! You can't get me and you know it!
Mousse fumed for a little while before he kicked a nearby trash can. Then he was off to the market.
Ranma: `Doesn't he ever learn? Either he'll get beat by Shampoo, and in a sick way he likes it, or he'll get beat by me, which he hates…….hold up……'
Ranma thought about what he had just said. His eye started to twitch.
Ranma: `What kind of sick animal is he?'
Ranma held his hand over his eye when it didn't stop twitching. Then he started to walk out of the storage room to go find Shampoo. Since the storage room was by the kitchen, he didn't have any trouble with finding his way to Shampoo. Especially since she was humming. Ranma grinned when he finally recognized the tune.
Ranma: `That was the song that she was humming in the park a few days ago…..This should be fun….'
Ranma peered out of the storage room and looked around the kitchen. He saw Shampoo cooking a bunch of noodles while she was humming. He listened to the tune like he did last time and was about to go up behind her to scare her, but stopped dead in his tracks. Ranma quickly hid himself as she started to sing.
(D/N: Ya want ta listen to the MIDI? <http://www.animelyrics.com/anime/ams/amgheart.mid>
(Shampoo)
~ Just being close to you doesn't make love happen.
Even if I make a puzzle you can't solve it because you're slow
We came to the spring sea, wearing summer clothes.
Please cover me gently with your shirt. ~
Ranma felt heat rise to his cheeks as he listened to Shampoo sing.
(Shampoo)
~ My heart won't let me say
"Please kiss me."
Day dream... My dream gets bigger
and disappears high in the sky. ~
Ranma closed his eyes and became enchanted listening to Shampoo's gentle voice.
(Shampoo)
~ Any girl can be happy.
When they fall in love, they start shining.
Even if the tears start flowing, or my heart aches,
if it's because of you, I won't be sad. ~
Ranma's forgot that he was supposed to be sneaking up to Shampoo and began walking towards Shampoo.
Shampoo started to hum a few bars before singing again.
(Shampoo)
~ I want to have a secret. I want to feel guilty.
Though I know what's happening with you, I pretend I don't
Even if my heart races in fall, or I feel sad in winter,
I'll be okay if this precious love bears fruit. ~
Ranma started to move even closer. He felt like his heart and head were gonna explode.
(Shampoo)
~ I want to be certain of your heart.
I believe in your fingers touching me.
It's my first true love,
which is why my cheeks are burning. ~
Ranma was within several feet. His eyes seemed to be glazed over for some reason.
Ranma: `She really does have a cute voice…..'
(Shampoo)
~ When a girl is in love, she can become beautiful.
She doesn't even need red lipstick.
Even if she can't sleep, all she does is dream,
overflowing with feelings of love. ~
Ranma was in range of just scaring Shampoo out of her mind. He had his chance because it seemed like Shampoo was too into cooking and singing at the time to be paying attention to anything else.
(Shampoo)
~ Any girl can be happy.
If she is full of love, she can be invincible.
Even if tears start to flow, or her heart aches,
if it's because of you, she'll become gentler. ~
Ranma finally got a little control of his body when he inhaled some of Shampoo's perfume but it was already too late. Ranma enclosed his arms around her. Shampoo was scared out of her mind and thought it was some freak that wanted her for himself. She was about to hit him on the head, but noticed right away that Ranma was the one holding her (how could she not?). Shampoo turned her head towards him. Ranma blushed a bright red as Shampoo had a taint of pink on her face. Ranma was now moving his head even closer to her face.
Ranma: `this is just too…..DIFFICULT not to!'
Shampoo looked at Ranma's face…She noticed that he was inching his face towards her.
Shampoo: R-Ranma?
Ranma was about to kiss Shampoo on the lips, but when she said his name, he was half way snapped out of it. So instead, he kissed her cheek. He inwardly cursed at himself as they began to blush brighter. Ranma pulled his head away and finally regained full control of his body, but he didn't pull away from the embrace. Instead, he pulled her closer, but not too close. Shampoo looked at Ranma in the eyes.
Shampoo: A-airen…what are…you doing?
Ranma blushed harder and looked away from Shampoo's eyes.
Ranma: `How does looking at her eyes affect me like that?….What to do! What to do!…I don't even know what I'm doing!'
Shampoo continued to look at Ranma even though he averted eye contact. She slowly looked towards Ranma's lips and blushed pink.
Shampoo: `it feels nice to be the one receiving a kiss for once….maybe it would be okay if I … '
Shampoo hesitated for a second before she started to embrace back. Shampoo put her head to Ranma's chest and felt her face begin to burn even more. Ranma felt his whole body start to turn red when Shampoo started to embrace back.
Ranma: `Hopefully the Old Ghoul doesn't see us like this…'
Ranma just set the whole thing off. Cologne finally decided to hop in. Ranma inwardly growled but was too embarrassed to do anything else. Ranma and Shampoo let go at the same time and jumped to different sides of the room. Cologne looked back and forth between them. Now it seemed like Ranma and Shampoo were doing something completely different. Cologne arched an eyebrow.
Ranma: We really gotta work on…..
Cologne: `What were those two doing?' Hello future-son-in-law.
Ranma looked towards Cologne and frowned a bit.
Ranma: Yeah…hey…..hrm, we gotta work on uh the…music now…
Shampoo looked at Ranma and then to her Great-grandmother. Cologne looked back at her and noticed the faint blush on her cheeks. Cologne looked at Ranma from the corner of her eyes and grinned. She noticed that his breathing was a little off.
Cologne: `Ah….so that's what they were doing.'
Shampoo seemed a little nerved when she saw the smile that was forming on her Great-grandmother's lips.
Shampoo: `It's starting to scare me……..'
Ranma turned away from the happy grin of Cologne gave off. It started to freak him out. Then it hit him. She knew what he was doing…… he blushed crimson.
Ranma: `DAMN!!!'
Ranma looked away trying to get rid of his blush and began to walk toward the storage room. He stopped at the doorway, but didn't turn around.
Ranma: C'mon Shampoo, we got work to do.
Shampoo nodded before she got up and followed Ranma. Cologne elbowed Shampoo softly. Shampoo glared at her. Cologne laughed and watched her Great-granddaughter walk out of the Neko Hanten blushing. Cologne looked at her departing granddaughter fondly. Ranma and Shampoo walked out the door.
Cologne: `I haven't seen Shampoo blush in a very long time…..finally.'
Then, when Cologne started to clean the dishes, Ranma popped his head back in the door. She gave him a questioning look. He looked at her and glared while blushing. Cologne smirked before she threw a plate at him.
Cologne: Go on now son-in-law! Shampoo's waiting!
Ranma caught the plate and blushed even more. Then he glared at her, stuck out his tongue, and threw back the plate before leaving. Cologne only chuckled at his antics.
Ranma and Shampoo began walking towards a Karaoke place. They would occasionally look at each other from the corner of their eyes, but every time they would make eye contact and look the other way blushing. After a few minutes of silence, they reached the line to go in a Karaoke room.
Ranma: Tsch, lines are always long for Karaoke…dumb couples. `Good, keep her mind off the incident…'
Shampoo looked at Ranma then to the line. She sweat dropped. There were three COUPLES ahead of them.
Shampoo: `He must be trying to get my mind off of earlier' It's okay Airen. I know you're trying to keep my mind off of what happened earlier…….
Shampoo blushed and looked towards the ground. Ranma looked at her. Then he turned the other way and blushed.
Ranma: `Great cover moron…'
Ranma put his arm behind his head and laughed. His lips were starting to quiver from being so nervous.
Ranma: hehe…what are you talking about? `….Like she's gonna fall for that.'
Shampoo gave a flat stare at him and sighed. She looked towards the line and sighed again.
Shampoo: nothing... `idiot…'
Ranma looked towards the line and groaned. All those stupid couples were really doing was making out. Ranma felt a vein pop on his forehead. He grabbed the oblivious Shampoo's hand and dragged her inside. She was stunned for a moment, but looked towards the couples and sweat dropped.
Shampoo: `We could have just came in?!'
Ranma continued to drag Shampoo in the Karaoke place. Once he let go of her hand, Ranma and Shampoo got the room number and moved up to the Karaoke room. Once they were inside, they both grabbed a mic.
The two of them finally put down the mics. Shampoo was surprised at Ranma because he actually did it without someone dragging him to the machine. Not to mention he actually did okay without anyone badgering him. They both sat down on a couch that was in the room and sighed. They were actually sweating.
Ranma: Who knew we could have such a workout just by singing?
Shampoo looked at him and smirked.
Shampoo: well it wouldn't have been like that if you weren't trying to challenge me the WHOLE time……
He glared at her. Then folded his arms and looked away.
Ranma: I wasn't "challenging" you… I was just… testing my ability… `……..'
Ranma inwardly sweat dropped. Shampoo only leered at him.
Shampoo: Sure thing…That's why when I got a better score than you, you tried hitting the machine…and you tackled me…. dummy …….
Ranma and Shampoo were singing both at the same level and were sweating hard. At the end of the song, they looked at the scoreboard. Shampoo got one point higher which made her giggle. Ranma gained an aura and glared at the machine. He started to beat the machine with kicks and punches yelling in anger.
Ranma: STUPID LYING DAMN MACHINE!!!!
Shampoo chuckled. Ranma finally stopped beating the machine for air and breathed heavily. Ranma began to glare at Shampoo. She just held her stomach and started laughing at him. Ranma clenched his fist, blushed from embarrassment, growled, and tackled Shampoo to the ground. He held her arms up over her head with one of his hands and put his other arm to the side. He grinned when she struggled.
Ranma: Well, Miss Almighty, what are you gonna do now?
Shampoo only struggled more. Ranma grinned in mock evil. Shampoo looked up at him and glared. He feigned hurt, but soon cast her a smirk of vengeance.
Ranma: Fine then……on with the tickle torture!
Ranma grinned again and began to tickle her stomach. Shampoo laughed uncontrollably until tears came out of her eyes. Ranma smirked in victory and struck a pose. Shampoo only glared with tear stained eyes.
Ranma: HAHAH-!!!
Shampoo (cockily): I wouldn't laugh if I were you Ranma. In fact, I think that you should let me go or else……
Ranma only looked at her like she was stupid.
Ranma: You MUST be crazy! I'm winning and you know it! You're just trying to trick me!
Shampoo grinned at him. He looked at her confused for a moment before Shampoo looked at him wickedly and kicked him. Ranma flew into and hit the cold hard wall. Shampoo grinned at Ranma's figure and got up.
Shampoo: I told you so Airen…..You're too easy.
Ranma fell off the wall. After a few seconds, Ranma groaned, got up, started walking towards Shampoo, and glared at her.
Shampoo chuckled when she thought of how angry Ranma got at the Karaoke machine just because he lost against her. Ranma started to glare at her.
Ranma: What's so funny?
Shampoo only shook her head and giggled. Ranma growled at her with a flat expression on his face.
Ranma: Whatever…
Shampoo continued to giggle at Ranma, but soon stopped when she saw that Ranma was looking at her with an embarrassed look on his face. She sat up and grinned at him.
Shampoo: Airen, when are we going to the tournament?
Ranma looked at Shampoo for a second before getting out a flyer from one of his pockets. He looked at it again and soon gave it to her. Before she could read it, though, Ranma started to talk about it. He looked up at the ceiling.
Ranma: well, I guess we have it tomorrow…….
Shampoo only looked at him, shocked, before she fell over. Ranma looked down at her fallen figure and sweat dropped. Ranma crouched down to the floor and looked at her twitching figure. Shampoo soon got her face off the ground and glared at him.
Shampoo: Why didn't you tell me that earlier?!
Ranma looked down at her and glared back.
Ranma: I only found out a few hours ago! And I was gonna tell you about it, but you were too busy singing…..and…. I …..*gulp* I ……
Ranma started to blush when he thought about it. He averted his eyes towards the ground. His eyes started to travel on the ground and they landed on Shampoo's hands. Her hands were balled up tightly. Ranma looked at her hands questioningly, but decided against looking at Shampoo for answers.
Ranma: `Dammit…..and it's happened how many times now? What's going on with me? I just don't understand…..'
Ranma: `Dumb tournament! I know why I've been acting all weird. It's all cause of that….that…DAMN tournament!'
Ranma began walking towards the Neko Hanten with a ticked off expression on his face. It only got worse when the old ghoul appeared next to him.
Ranma: Whaddya want ya Old Ghoul? I ain't in the mood for you today.
Cologne, as usual, hit him on the head with a grin.
Cologne: Shampoo's in the back son-in-law.
Ranma frowned when he saw her grin at him. He snorted in disdain.
Ranma: I only came here, old ghoul, is cause WE got a tournament. Nothin more and nothin less.
Ranma resumed his walk with Cologne staring at him. She grinned again.
Cologne: `Well well well. He is certainly in a good mood today isn't he? Heh heh, my Great-granddaughter must be getting to him. Maybe that's why he's so frustrated.'
Cologne chuckled and hopped away.
Cologne: He's finally beginning to understand…
Cologne thought aloud before continuing with her work.
Ranma almost felt himself give into his anger. He snarled at himself.
Ranma: `Why the heck am I getting so worked up anyway? It's not like Mr. P or Kuno's been around me…..So what's up with me today?'
Ranma sighed before shaking his head.
Ranma: `Better clear my thoughts of it. I got a tournament to win!'
Ranma shoved his anger to the corner of his mind.
Ranma: `Anger is luxury I can't afford right now.'
He put his hands behind his head and looked for Shampoo. Shampoo `appeared' behind Ranma and followed him for a while. Ranma walked around the Neko Hanten for five minutes. Ranma came to a halt. He turned his head slowly to meet Shampoo's smiling face.
Ranma jumped up in the air from surprise onto the ceiling. Once he looked down towards Shampoo, he saw that she was laughing at him. His face turned red from embarrassment. He dropped on top of Shampoo's head and glared.
Ranma: What, may I ask, gave you the idea, TO SCARE THE LIVING HELL OUT OF ME!!!!!!
Shampoo just laughed more. Ranma pointed to the door.
Ranma: Lets just go now.
He grumbled as he jumped off as Shampoo walked on. He was about to go out the door, but Shampoo turned back and waved towards Cologne. Instantly, Ranma froze.
Ranma: `When in the hell did she get over there? Stupid old ghoul…'
Ranma turned back towards Cologne and glared at her. She only smirked at him. Shampoo looked towards her Great-grandmother and then to Ranma for a while. She finally sighed and grabbed Ranma by the arm, pulling him out the door even when she heard protests.
Once the two got away from the Neko Hanten, Shampoo dropped Ranma's arm and continued on her walk. Ranma stared at her for a moment and followed. They walked in silence for a while when Shampoo started to hum. Ranma noticed the pleasant tone and started to hum with her. Once they neared the place for the tournament, which coincidentally was Furinkan High School, they stopped dead in their tracks and stopped their humming. Ranma turned towards Shampoo and gave a quizzical look. She looked back at him with one of her own.
Ranma: Uh, so are you ready to sing that…uh song?
Shampoo smiled at him and nodded. He blushed and looked away. Inwardly, he scowled.
Ranma: `Great. Just great. I can't even look at her without blushing…..Dammit….'
Shampoo was oblivious to Ranma's blush and just continued to walk towards the school. After a short while, Ranma followed her.
Ranma: `hopefully Akane isn't here to see this…..Hell, I hope no one's here to see this tournament.'
They reached the doors and opened it to hundreds of people. Ranma's jaw fell to the floor. Shampoo laughed out loud.
Ranma: GOD DAMMIT!!
Everyone turns around to see Ranma jump behind Shampoo and began whistling. Shampoo sweat dropped and side stepped. Ranma coughed and jumped behind a curtain. Ranma revealed half of his face as he pulled the curtain away and looked at Shampoo.
Ranma: You enjoy this don't you?
Shampoo laughed as she took him behind stage to sign in. He was acutely aware that she was touching him….which made him blush….Once they got near some bulky guy who was holding a clipboard in his hands, the guy looked up from the clipboard and raised an eyebrow. Shampoo noticed that there was a tag on his shirt.
Shampoo: `What kind of name is Kaji?'
Shampoo inwardly shrugged. Ranma's face was almost as red as a balloon. Once the guy looked at Ranma and then to Shampoo, he smiled at Ranma in a teasing manner.
Kaji: So, you're ashamed that your girlfriend is dragging you here?
Ranma blushed brightly when he heard Kaji's hoarse laugh. Inconspicuously, Shampoo slightly turned pink at the comment. Kaji eyed Shampoo for a moment and smirked. He gave a more thorough examination when he started to feel her up. Ranma twitched and held himself back from pouncing on Kaji.
Kaji: Well, I wouldn't mind having her for a girlfriend. Heh heh, well how bout it Miss? Give up the little squeak and go for a real man!
The man moved closer to Shampoo. Ranma looked at Kaji for a second before he stood between the two.
Ranma: Hey buddy, she's my fiancée, so BACK THE HELL UP!!
Ranma glared at Kaji and growled at him. Ranma grounded his teeth.
Ranma: Stay…Away…from…her….
And with that, Ranma tapped on Kaji's forehead. He was sent sprawling back towards the wall. Ranma twitched before he walked over to the unconscious man and took the clipboard. He scanned for his and Shampoo's name. Once he found them, he took the pen from the clipboard and checked their names off. He also noticed that there was a schedule. He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Shampoo looked over at the unconscious Kaji and back over to Ranma. He looked tense. Shampoo smiled at Ranma.
Shampoo: 'He's been acting so different lately…*sigh* I guess I'll never understand…But that's my Airen...'
Ranma looked back over to Shampoo who was smiling at him. Ranma blushed five shades of red and turned away. He started to walk towards the other groups that were somewhere away from Kaji back stage.
Ranma: Lets get goin. We're gonna be up second.
Somehow a smile slipped as he walked on. Shampoo at Ranma's back for a moment before running up beside him. Once they got towards the other groups of people who were going to perform, they loitered for a while, waiting. Ranma just looked around the stage for a while, with his eyes landing back at Shampoo. He shifted uneasily as his stomach began to clench. He began to stare at her for a few moments, losing himself and the world around him. All he could focus on was Shampoo.
Ranma's eyes seemed to wander all over her face. Her eyes, he noticed, were a deep rich color that he never really looked at before. He didn't notice that Shampoo was now looking at him, because that's how he got to really look into her eyes. All he was paying attention to was her beauty.
Shampoo felt like butterflies were in her stomach that were flapping their wings all around her insides. Ranma was smiling at her right now. Well, he probably didn't notice that, but he really DID have a soft smile on his face. Shampoo became very aware that Ranma's breath was on her face and he was inching his face towards her. She didn't move however, because she was backed up against a wall. Not that she wanted to get away….
Ranma shifted a little closer to Shampoo. Then Ranma slowly reached out his arms, so he wouldn't frighten her, and gently grabbed her waist. A second later, he pulled her closer to himself and snaked his arms around her waist. Shampoo looked at Ranma intently in the face as his face inched closer to hers. He looked at her in the eyes for a moment before his eyes flicked to Shampoo's lips. Ranma looked intently at Shampoo's parted moistened lips. Ranma looked back to her eyes and looked at her uncertainly. Then, as if a burst of courage surged through him, Ranma leaned in closer to Shampoo. Shampoo noticed that Ranma was slowly closing his eyes as he was inching towards her face. Shampoo sharply inhaled as she felt Ranma's lips press softly onto hers. Her eyes became hazed and soon she closed her eyes. For better access to the kiss, Shampoo put her arms around Ranma's neck as he pulled her even closer to him. For those few seconds, all they could think about was about each other. To them, they wanted to stay that way forever.
And there was only one way to end a perfect moment…. the curtains to the stage went up. Ranma instantly pulled away from Shampoo as a reflex. His hands came up to his face as he looked to his side.
Ranma: I didn't do it!
Ranma noticed that no one was near him and sighed in relief. Ranma turned back to Shampoo intending to begin at where they left off until he heard a few whistles Ranma slowly turned away from Shampoo, who's breathing was slightly uneven. He looked out to the audience and noticed that almost everyone was staring at them. Ranma didn't realize he was holding his breath. He released his breath and blushed blood red. He cursed under his breath and looked up, trying to make himself inconspicuous.
Ranma: `Ah dammit! I cant believe I just…I just….'
Ranma looked towards Shampoo and instantly felt heat rise up to his cheeks.
Ranma: `Okay…maybe it wasn't a bad idea….'
Ranma looked out to the audience again. All the guys in the audience slightly leaned in their seats to look at Shampoo. Once they did, they looked at each other and groaned.
Guy: AAAH MAN! YOU GOT A HOT BABE FOR A GIRLFRIEND! DAMN YOU!
A girl in the audience that was sitting right near the man, got up from her seat and hit him in the head with her purse and left in a huff. The man's face glistened with perspiration as he stared Shampoo.
Guy: I'M OPEN NOW!!!
Ranma stared at the man with wide eyes before he glared and jumped off the stage.
Ranma: `What the hell is it with all those guys?! All they ever do is hit on Shampoo!'
Ranma went through the audience and got closer to the man. He sweat dropped as Ranma got closer. Then, Ranma grabbed onto his collar and glared at him in the face. Ranma turned to the crowd with the man's collar in his clenched hand.
Ranma: WHOEVER HITS ON HER AGAIN WILL REGRET IT!!!! HERE WILL BE YOUR FATE!!
So as an example, Ranma started to give the guy hell…Well, worse than hell… The man ran out of the stadium with a limp, about four broken ribs, ripped clothing, an unnatural looking hand, a few teeth were missing, and he had two black eyes.
Every guy in the crowd leaned away from Ranma. He looked up to the stage at Shampoo and blushed. Shampoo stared at Ranma for a minute before giggling lightly and waving at him. He waved back and began his way back up to the stage. Before Ranma hopped up to the stage, he fired one last glare to the guys in the audience. They sweat dropped as Ranma jumped up and got to Shampoo's side. Ranma stared at Shampoo for a second when she wasn't looking at him. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he saw a slight pinkish hue to her cheeks. Shampoo noticed Ranma staring at her and smiled a little. He turned slightly away from her to look at the mics on the table.
Ranma: Come on Shampoo. It's our turn to blow these people away.
Ranma brushed past Shampoo and got his mic from the table. Shampoo looked at him with a slight grin on her face before she walked up beside him. Once she walked over to Ranma's side, she could feel heat emanating from him. She looked at him closely and noticed that he was sweating.
Shampoo: `He must be nervous…'
Shampoo walked right behind Ranma and lightly encircled her arms around his chest. He turned to her as she backed away slightly. He blushed lightly. Ranma took the other mic off the table and reached out his arm for her to grasp onto it. She looked at the mic curiously before she grabbed it and looked at Ranma in the face. He was still sweating. Shampoo frowned a little at that, so she lightly brushed her hand against his. She lightly held onto his hand and gave a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Ranma looked at their clasped hands before looking at Shampoo in the face and giving a small smile of appreciation.
The two of them held onto each other's hands as they walked up the stage. The announcer appeared out of nowhere; running, then jumped and skidded to a halt on his knees once he was at center stage. He coughed a few times before he cresendoed his voice.
Announcer: LET ME ENTRODUCE AND WELCOME OUR SECOND GROUP!! RANMA AND SHAMPOO THE LOVELY COUPLE!!
The crowd didn't look all that surprised. Instead, most of the girls had on that dazed look when they were thinking about true love as the guys looked at the couple gloomily. Ranma even heard some of the guys curse out loud. The announcer smiled crazily at the crowd. He hopped around a few times and began dancing while going to the back of the stage. He was still looking at the crowd however.
Announcer: THEY'LL BE SINGIN A LOVE SONG!! SO ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO HAVE GI-GACK!!!!!
The announcer tripped over the curtain as the crowd of people watched him. They sweat dropped. He jumped back at up quickly, which startled them, and laughed merrily.
Announcer: I'M OKAY!!
The announcer continued on his way backstage and disappeared behind the curtains. A moment later, Ranma and Shampoo got their mics ready to sing when they heard another thump backstage. Ranma looked at Shampoo and sweat dropped.
Announcer: SOMEONE WAXED THE FLO-
Everyone heard another thump before all was quiet. They all sweat dropped and began to listen intently, waiting until the too-into-it announcer. They were also looking at the curtains waiting until he would pop up. When they didn't hear or see anything they sighed in relief.
Ranma looked at Shampoo for a moment and then to the side. He saw some dude that was tuning some box.
Ranma: `Must be for the music'
Ranma then looked down into the front of the stage. A few people were watching both of them intently wearing masks. Ranma looked towards Shampoo. She looked back at him and smiled reassuringly. He smiled nervously back.
Ranma: do know who those people *he flicked his eyes over to the judges* over there are? They're the judges.
Shampoo looked at them and noticed that they were wearing masks. She looked at one to another. Soon her gaze landed on one of the judges. Her eyes narrowed and twitched in remembrance. She looked at Ranma in the face when he laid a hand on her shoulder.
Shampoo (whispering): She's one of my Amazon sisters…..
The judge that was being inspected by Shampoo looked up and almost fell out of the chair. The judge got up and hopped up on the stage.
Judge: <Xian Pu. *bow* I see that you have finally caught this Ranma Saotome.>
The masked Amazon said that last sentence while sizing Ranma up. Shampoo looked nervously at Ranma and then back to the masked Amazon. Ranma looked at Shampoo confused.
Ranma: Heya Shampoo? What the heck are you guys talkin bout?……And tell your sister to STOP SIZING ME UP!!
As Ranma said this two more judges came. They took off the masks and were Shampoo's sisters, Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung, emerged from the masks. Ranma's jaw dropped and he rubbed his temples. The two sisters hugged Shampoo excitedly. She smiled back and hugged them with an equal amount of vigor. Once the three released each other, Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung began to speak Chinese to the masked `other' sister.
Amazon: <Well, the Matriarch said that Ranma would be one that would not be caught easily>
Ranma stared uneasy at the three as they laughed out loud. Ranma turned to see Shampoo's expression. He grabbed her shoulder and whispered to her.
Ranma: *whispers* What are they saying?
Shampoo just grinned slightly at him. Ranma groaned.
Ranma: *whispers* Their talking bout us aren't they?
Shampoo giggled and nodded. Ranma turned and grunted. The three amazons turned to Shampoo.
Amazon: Well, where is the Matriarch, Shampoo?
In that instant, Shampoo had a feeling like she was being watched. She looked out in the audience and saw her great-grandmother. Shampoo sighed.
Shampoo: `She knows everything doesn't she…..'
The announcer took that time to jump down from the top of the building, landing on his feet. He turned his back on the audience and looked at the three Amazons.
Announcer: SORRY BUT NO TIME TO CHITCHAT! WE HAVE TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!! AND YOU'RE THE JUDGES!! IT'S TIME TO JUDGE!!
The three Amazons looked at each other for a moment and sighed. They cast Shampoo and Ranma one last look and headed off the stage. The announcer nodded in satisfaction. He took a wired mic and faced back to the audience.
Announcer: ALL RIGHT LADIES AND GENTS! TIME TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!!!
The announcer cautiously walked off stage until no one could see him anymore. When they turned towards the competitors, they waited patiently. Then they heard a blast from the speakers.
Announcer: GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!
Ranma and Shampoo sweat dropped, but Ranma yelled back at him.
Ranma: WE CAN'T SING WITHOUT THE MUSIC MORON!!!! SHUT UP ALREADY!!!!
Then suddenly, it was quiet. The guy with the music box turned up the music and cued that it was almost time to sing. The music began to play and Ranma and Shampoo were about to start when they were interrupted yet again.
Announcer: THERE'S YOUR MUSIC!! NOW SING!!!
Ranma ignored him and nudged Shampoo. She looked towards him in the eyes for a moment before they both nodded at each other slightly. Then Shampoo started the song.
(RSTG/N: This is the song's MIDI file so you got an idea of the flow and what not… <http://www.animelyrics.com/anime/kenshin/rkhalf.htm>)
(Shampoo)
~ I put my ear against your back and held you.
My body is kind of like a borderline, a hindrance.
It's as if you're going to go somewhere.~
Ranma took a deep breath and began his stanza.
(Ranma)
~ But if I keep them in, such feelings will tear me apart.
I want to get closer and closer to you
in a world that's no more than 3 meters away from you.~
Ranma ended as he began to blush. Shampoo smiled at him.
Shampoo: `He really does look cute when he blushes…'
(Shampoo)
~Taking turns pumping the pedals
Passing over bowing sunflowers
Taking in the steady wind, yeah, as if we could fly.
For the first time, I felt your heat.
I want to be stronger than anyone else!
With warm rhythm
Two hearts beating as one~
The two of them looked at each other in the eyes for a brief moment
(Both)
~ Lip to lip, eye to eye, hand in hand.
God doesn't forbid anything at all.
I love you. I love you. I love you.~
(Ranma)
~ I haven't learned my lesson yet;
but an adult wouldn't understand.
It's painful and distressing,
wanting to show you my feelings; feels like I'm gonna burst.
I'm looking the other way, waiting, so
take the hand that's hesitating in your pocket [4]
and touch my cheek.
Put a spell on me with loving power.~
Soon everyone in the audience heard instruments being played. Ranma stopped singing. Soon, they started up again.
(Shampoo)
~ We always took the long way home together.
The sky seeming to overflow bitter orange
Sort of happy & sad~
(Ranma)
~ Why were "we" born?
We're 1/2 of each other, right?
I try thinking by myself, but
as I expected I'm not very good at it.~
(Shampoo)
~ I envied the strong person who was able to throw
a ball so far that it went out of sight,
and wanted to become a boy.
Softly, like calm water
I want to be stronger than anyone else!
Like when I was small
Isn't it strange, my tears are falling~
(Both)
~ Lip to lip, eye to eye, hand in hand.
The same entity, feeling the same thing.
I love you. I love you. I love you.~
(Ranma)
~ I haven't learned my lesson yet;
but an adult wouldn't understand.
Even though I was told I wouldn't be able to reach,
right now, I just want to jump!
I'll give you a bye-bye kiss,
the distance of the final step,
so hold me even more,
as if to keep the sun from setting.~
Again there was music. They stopped singing for a bit.
(Shampoo)
~ We watched the lone sun setting together, just the 2 of us.
It was absolutely beautiful.
It's just somehow I can't say it, somehow it's not enough~
There was yet again music.
(Ranma)
~ On the day when this world explodes,
just like Nostradamus predicted,
I want to become one with you!
With warm rhythm
Two hearts beating as one~
(Both)
~ Lip to lip, eye to eye, hand in hand
God doesn't forbid anything at all.
I love you. I love you. I love you.~
I haven't learned my lesson yet;
but an adult wouldn't understand.
It's frustrating and distressing,
wanting to show you my feelings; feels like I'm gonna burst.
I'm looking the other way, waiting, so
take the hand that's hesitating in your pocket
and touch my cheek.
Put a spell on me with loving power,
as if to keep the sun from setting.~
They both looked at each other and smiled. Then they held hands while they bowed and the crowd went wild. Once the two of them collected their breaths, they looked towards the judges…Well Ranma looked towards the judges. They put up scores: 9, 10, and 10. Ranma almost gawked at the scores, but then, noticing that those were good things, grinned. He looked towards Shampoo.
Ranma: I bet I did better then you.
Shampoo sweat dropped and rubbed her forehead trying to soothe her headache. Then she looked up at him with a smirk. She looked challengingly at him.
Shampoo: heh, you wish!
Ranma looked at Shampoo with fire in his eyes. He took a step towards her.
Ranma: We'll see about that now won't we?
He focused his vision on her eyes with his determined ones. Shampoo looked at Ranma steadily in the eyes before breaking eye contact with him. Then she chuckled lightly and looked back at Ranma in the eyes with a dangerous gleam. He broke out into a sweat.
Ranma: `W-what's that chuckle for?' Uh heh heh….. I uh….heh heh……don't hurt me….
Shampoo backed away from Ranma and looked at him incredulously. Then, she burst out into a fit of giggles until tears sprung in her eyes. Ranma glared at her. She just laughed even harder. He turned away angrily. Shampoo soon stopped laughing and smiled at him. Once she heard Chinese being used, Shampoo looked over to her Great-grandmother and fellow Amazons. They were all talking. Shampoo looked at Ranma's turned back before she hopped off the stage.
Shampoo walked casually over to the group as the masked Amazon took off the mask. Her hair cascaded along her shoulders and face as the mask fell. She looked annoyed as her hair fell all over her face. She brushed it away and soon it was back to its normal length. The Amazon had shiny smooth green hair that stopped around her mid-back. Her cyan colored eyes shone with intensity. Shampoo grinned slightly.
Shampoo: `Finally she's decided to stop wearing that mask.'
The Amazon soon began talking to Cologne again. Shampoo looked back as to where Ranma was. He still looked a little miffed.
Ranma: `I think that's enough punishment for now…Shampoo's been real quiet….'
Ranma turned back to see that Shampoo was no longer by his side. He looked around quickly and noticed that Shampoo was waving at him.
Shampoo: `It took him a while to get over it…. How cute.'
She smiled brightly at him. He looked at her for a moment and his eyes became clouded in a daze. Ranma shook his head out of his thoughts and came back to reality before he went into la-la land. Then he hopped off the stage and jogged towards Shampoo. Shampoo turned her back on him as she heard her name being called. By the time Ranma came up to Shampoo, she was talking to the Amazons. He grabbed her shoulder with his hand and without even turning around, Shampoo introduced Ranma to her friend.
Shampoo: Ranma, this is one of my Amazon sisters, Gloss…
Ranma nodded his head towards Gloss as she eyed him. Shampoo stepped to the side so she could tell what their reactions toward one another was. Gloss smiled at Ranma before she took a step forward. Ranma reacted by bringing his hand out towards her. She looked at it curiously and grinned whole-heartedly. Gloss grabbed Ranma's welcoming hand and gave a strong grip that made Ranma want to yank away his hand and scream. But instead of doing that, Ranma flinched slightly and released the grip. He stomached the pain he felt in his hand to show that he wasn't a weakling. He looked at his aching hand and noticed that it was red. He looked at Gloss and smiled weakly.
Ranma: It's uh nice to meet you…
Gloss grinned at him and looked towards Shampoo.
Gloss: I can't believe that you could hook a guy like that. Most guys in our tribe can't even touch me without recoiling in pain.
Shampoo grinned nervously and unconsciously looked at Ranma's reddened hand. She gave Ranma a look that said "sorry". He only smiled slightly in pain. He gritted his teeth and glanced at Gloss. Shampoo turned to the stage and back to her Amazon sisters. She cocked a brow.
Shampoo: Aren't you guys supposed to be the judges?
Shampoo cast a questioning look as her sisters stumbled and ran to there judging seats.
Amazons: WE'RE SO SORRY! BRING OUT THE NEXT CONTESTENTS!!
The crowd sweat-dropped as the sisters fumbled for their seats. Cologne smiled half-heartedly. Ranma groaned and looked at Shampoo. She noticed that he was looking at her, so she turned to face him. He looked away.
Ranma: I uh think that it's ok if we go in the back and get some food don't you?
Shampoo nodded, so they proceeded to go to the back and get some food. Shampoo looked back at her Amazon sisters before jogging back to Lung-Lung. Ranma looked back with a raised eyebrow before he saw that Lung-Lung nod. Shampoo looked at the others, whom nodded, and then raced back up to him. He looked at her questioningly.
Ranma: Whatcha do that for?
Shampoo shrugged.
Shampoo: Since we're going to be eating I might as well tell them to go and meet us there when they finish deciding.
Ranma nodded and they began walking again. A few seconds later he looked back at Shampoo.
Ranma: But won't we be done eating by then?
Shampoo grinned faintly.
Shampoo: I doubt it since it's free and you have a bottomless stomach.
Shampoo stuck her tongue out at him and ran off ahead of Ranma. He stared at her for a second before he growled and put his hands up in the air in mock anger.
The Amazons looked at each other and huddled together. Gloss looked at the twins with a serious expression on her face.
Gloss: You do know that we have to be fair for this contest right? I mean there were other good contestants too
Ling-Ling looked at Gloss angrily.
Ling-Ling: So you mean to tell me that you are ACTUALLY thinking of having another pair win? Are YOU CRAZY!!?? Shampoo and Ranma WERE the best!
Lung-Lung looked at Ling-Ling and then at Gloss. They were glaring at each other angrily. Lung-Lung sighed and took her say in the matter.
Lung-Lung: We have to be fair. We are Amazons after all…
Ling-Ling looked at her sister like she was just shot. Gloss grinned at Ling-Ling and sat back down in her seat. She looked at the list.
Gloss: So…We have to choose the best pair right? Well the best pairs out there were Shampoo and Ranma and some other pair….Urgh…I forgot who they were….
Ling-Ling glared at Gloss's turned back. She was tempted to hit her, but restrained and thought for a moment.
Ling-Ling: I think that the couple was….
Lung-Lung looked at her sister before replying.
Lung-Lung: They were Ayane and Lain…
Gloss snapped her fingers and leaned forward.
Gloss: That's right.
Lung-Lung smirked at her and thought about it.
Lung-Lung: they were pretty good even though I thought the group was supposed to be a guy and a girl.
Ling-Ling: Nah it doesn't have to be like that. There were a few other groups with only males remember?
Gloss: Oh yeah! Those really cute guys!
Lung-Lung shook her head to the side. Ling-Ling sighed and looked at Gloss in irritation.
Ling-Ling: Do you ALWAYS think about guys?! Geez! You're almost as bad as…..
She looked at Gloss again and sweat dropped.
Ling-Ling: Never mind…I forgot that YOU are the most boy crazy girl in the WHOLE entire village…
Gloss rubbed her forehead and sighed.
Gloss: Am not…Lotion is you idiot!
Ling-Ling glared at her. Gloss glared back.
Ling-Ling: Yeah right! You know that YOU'RE the most boy crazy….Not her… The only reason why you came to Japan was to see the boys around here.
Gloss looked away and groaned.
Gloss: ….'DAMN YOU!!!' Okay okay already….So what? Don't tell me you don't want to go looking for an Airen…
Ling-Ling doubled over. Lung-Lung began to laugh at her.
Lung-Lung: You don't understand at all do you?
Lung-Lung slowly looked over to the other side. Gloss and Ling-Ling looked up abruptly and saw the announcer coming towards them. They all got up and looked at him cautiously. He grinned at them.
Announcer: ALL RIGHT LADIES! IT'S TIME FOR THE RESULTS!!
They all felt their hearts drop and stood frozen for a second. A few seconds later they looked amongst themselves and quickly formed together in a huddle. Gloss looked at Ling-Ling, who was looking at Lung-Lung. They both had a gleam in their eyes. Then they looked at her with a knowing look. It took a few moments before she came to a conclusion. They all nodded and broke their huddle. Then they looked at the announcer. He looked about ready to fall asleep.
Gloss: Ranma and Shampoo.
The crowd heard Gloss announce it loud enough for them to hear, so they stood and cheered. The auditorium rung as the cheer roared on. The Amazons smiled and started to look for Ranma and Shampoo. A long moment passed before Gloss turned and looked at Lung-Lung.
Gloss: Where were they going again?
The twin sisters sweat-dropped and fell down.
Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung: GAH!
Lung-Lung rubbed her temples and pointed towards the back of the stage. Gloss gazed up and saw a sign that said, "Free food for the contestants." Gloss rubbed the back of her head and laughed nervously.
Gloss: Oh yeah…
Ling-Ling sighed heavily as they headed towards the back of the stage.
The Amazons went through the tables looking for the couple. Once they spotted Ranma and Shampoo, they glanced at each other and grinned. Then all of a sudden, their demeanors became one of depression. Shampoo and Ranma were sitting at a table eating ramen lightly talking, but stirred when the Amazons walked in. Ranma and Shampoo examined the Amazons moods for a moment before Ranma turned back to Shampoo and looked at her worriedly. She gave him the exact same look before Ranma turned back to the Amazons.
Ranma: Results?
Gloss was on the edge of slightly smiling at them, but Ling-Ling noticed and elbowed Gloss. Gloss scowled at her, but Ling-Ling paid no heed to her and began to answer Ranma's question.
Ling-Ling: *depressed* You guys….
Ranma cocked a brow. Then he leaned forward and gazed at Ling-Ling. His heart pounded and he shifted nervously. He looked at Shampoo and then back at Ling-Ling. Then, suddenly, Ling-Ling gave a megawatt smile at him.
Ling-Ling: WON!!!
Ranma stood frozen on the spot for a moment. All of a sudden, his emotions ran amuck. He jumped on the table and danced joyously. Gloss and the twin sisters smiled nervously. Ranma hopped on one leg and jumped down to Shampoo. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to one side. He snaked his arm around her waist and leaned his body to the ground with her below him. Ranma cocked a brow with a wide smile on his face.
Ranma: Tango?
Ranma offered as Shampoo chuckled playfully and nodded. Ranma brought themselves up and spun Shampoo to the left. Once she was an arm's length away, Ranma spun her back to himself. Leaning Shampoo over his forearm, Ranma drew his face closer to her face. Once he could feel her breathing onto his face, which he noticed was slightly uneven, he pulled back a little and smiled. Ranma backed away from Shampoo and began dancing again saying…
Ranma: Never gonna be a girl again! Never gonna be a girl again!
…Before he ran back up to Shampoo and lifted her in his arms while spinning them around. They both laughed happily before Ranma brought Shampoo back to the solid ground. The whole exchange between the two made the three Amazons grin at each other from the side.
Gloss: I'm betting that they'll get married in just a week.
Ling-Ling smirked at Gloss while Lung-Lung got out a sheet of paper putting down the bets.
Ling-Ling: Knowing my big sister, she will probably want to get married in a little less than a week.
Gloss scoffed as Lung-Lung wrote both of their bets down. Lung-Lung looked back and gave both of them funny looks.
Lung-Lung: Well I'm betting that they'll get married when big sister's Airen is ready for marriage.
Both Gloss and Ling-Ling shot Lung-Lung a doubtful look. She only shrugged.
Lung-Lung: Well don't you remember when we came here and he sorta defeated us? *Sigh* Never mind….Well what are we gonna bet?
Ling-Ling blinked before answering her in a sly tone.
Ling-Ling: The winner gets to have the losers' do what ever she wants for a whole week. And I mean WHAT EVER. Sounds fair?
Gloss shrugged while Lung-Lung nodded. A second later, they looked at each other with challenging looks on their faces.
Gloss, Ling-Ling, and Lung-Lung: Get ready to lose!
Shampoo and Ranma stopped in the middle of their happy moment when Shampoo's Amazon sisters yelled out. All three of them looked at Shampoo and sweat dropped. Gloss grinned nervously.
Gloss: We just…. we're just happy that you guys won. Now the both of you can get rid of your dumb curses.
Ranma blinked twice.
Ranma: `Oh yeah…I forgot that she turns into a c-c-c-ca-ca-cat….'
Ranma turned nervously to Shampoo just as she shook her head.
Shampoo: you really didn't have to remind us about that….
Gloss gave Shampoo an apologetic look before turning back to Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung. They began to idly chat. Ranma's teeth began to chatter uncontrollably. Shampoo sighed and began to rub Ranma's back soothingly so he would calm down. She noticed that as soon as she started to rub, he tensed.
Shampoo: Calm down, relax…
Shampoo said calmly into Ranma's ear as he relaxed and closed his eyes. Inwardly, Shampoo smiled.
Shampoo: `Well at least that Kitchen Destroyer isn't the only one who can calm my Airen down…'
Ranma's shoulders slumped onto one of total relaxation. Soon, he put his head in the crook of Shampoo's neck. Shampoo was surprised but didn't do anything. Ranma noticed that, and took advantage of his new comfortable position. Shampoo smiled and nudged Ranma. He groaned.
Ranma: Wwhhhhaaaattt?
Shampoo slipped away from Ranma for a moment. He knew this because the warmth he felt when he was touching her was now gone. Ranma groaned again and looked towards Shampoo. She was sitting down by a table.
Ranma: How come you did that?
Shampoo just smiled and motioned for him to sit down. He grunted but consented. The next thing he knew was that he was in an embrace. Ranma stiffened for a moment. His brain went into overdrive and his eyes became hazed over. Ranma put his head on Shampoo's shoulder and when he was sure that she wouldn't move again, he closed his eyes.
The other Amazons looked back over to them and looked at the position they were in. They shifted and looked at each other and nodded. They silently started to walk away staring at their Amazon sister and her lover. They silently `awed' on the way out. Ling-Ling peered back around to see the couple again, but was cut short by Lung-Lung pulling her away. Ling-Ling pouted as she was dragged away by her sister.
(R-S_t_G/N: I'm sorry, but I've decided to quit this right now…. )
Meanwhile, Ranma felt himself dozing off to his dislike. And to make it even worse, Shampoo was softly stroking his back to make him relax even more.
Ranma: `Ah dammit… Does she do this on purpose?'
Ranma's eyelids began to feel like a hundred pounds of lead. He closed his eyes and felt himself losing consciousness. Shampoo felt Ranma's weight begin to feel heavier. Shampoo smirked.
Shampoo: `Well, finally my Airen's starting to warm up to me. Finally….'
Shampoo held onto Ranma as he fell into his slumber. Her grip wasn't that tight, however, so Ranma fell onto her lap. Shampoo smiled softly and traced Ranma's peaceful features with her index finger.
Shampoo: `I'll just let him sleep….Maybe running from lots of people around Nerima can get tiring….'
Ranma groaned as he drifted back into consciousness. He could still see darkness because he didn't open his eyes, but he felt a warmth also.
Ranma: `W-wha…….'
Ranma groped around, trying to figure out what the source of warmth was. It was only when he felt a soft hand that he knew what it was. Or more precisely, who it was. Quickly, Ranma noticed that the hand was limp. He groggily opened his eyes to see that Shampoo was towering over him, asleep.
Ranma looked up at Shampoo until he noticed the position he was in. He slowly moved away from Shampoo's lap so he wouldn't disturb her slumber. Once he was back into a sitting position, Ranma looked at Shampoo. She had her back to the chair, but she was still sitting as she was sleeping. So, he could see her face with a tranquil look on it.
Ranma didn't even notice that he was staring until some one else pointed it out to him. Ranma got hit in the head from behind and felt a lump forming. He growled and looked behind to see Cologne smiling at him in amusement.
Cologne: You should really stop staring Son-in-law. You're drooling.
Ranma blinked twice before he noticed and felt that there was something wet and sticky on his face. Ranma growled again and furiously wiped away the drool from his mouth.
Ranma: What do you want ya Old Ghoul!?
Cologne ignored him, unable to resist a little more teasing.
Cologne: My my, I thought that you only drool when you look at the thing that you love the most: food.
By that time, Cologne was cackling. Ranma felt a blush rising, but quickly beat it down and glared. Cologne looked at Ranma happily.
Cologne: So Son-in-law? Have you FINALLY decided to stop ignoring your duty as Shampoo's Airen?
Ranma was about to retort, but he quickly shut his mouth, flabbergasted. He turned away and put his head on the table as he groaned. A muffled reply was all Cologne could hear. She looked at Ranma annoyed. Then she hit him with her staff on his head. Ranma groaned again.
Ranma: `can't this Old Ghoul leave me alone? Dammit I don't even know what the hell is wrong with me! How the heck am I sup-`
Ranma blinked and jumped up out of his chair in shock. He stood stalk still as Cologne observed him.
Ranma: `No no no no no! I don't HAVE to think about it cause I know the answer! I always have the same damn answer! It's NO NO NO NO NO!!! ………….. Dammit ……… I …. can't …… believe…..that……I……'
Ranma cut himself off and focused his eyes. Cologne was looking at him again. Ranma glared at her, but she only shrugged.
Cologne: It was you, not me, who was thinking so hard about some girl that you claim to not like.
Ranma: I never said that.
Those few words shot out like a bullet with intensity. Ranma didn't even notice that those words flew out of his mouth for a few seconds. It was only when Cologne stood near him, looking wide-eyed, that he realized what he said.
Ranma: `What the…..'
Ranma backed up against the table, which made it move slightly. He now had perspiration on his face and on his hands.
Ranma: `why am I so nervous?'
Ranma looked towards Shampoo. She started to stir from her sleep. Ranma suddenly felt the urge just to be by her side but fought down the feeling. He looked back towards Cologne.
Ranma: I-I don't w-want her….
Even to his own ears, Ranma felt like those words were hollow.
Ranma: `What's wrong with me? I can't be……..NO I can't be!'
He felt his heart begin to beat faster. He looked towards to Shampoo and to his horror, he found her eyes on him. Ranma outwardly flinched as he saw the look of hopelessness on Shampoo's face. And to make it worse, Shampoo turned away from him and ran off. But Ranma did not fail to see a few tears making their way to her eyes as she turned away. Ranma was about to run after her, but found himself unable to move. It was like his feet were rooted to the ground.
Ranma felt his heart begin to clench tightly and suddenly he couldn't breathe. A few tears threatened to spill as he fought down the sharp pain he felt. Ranma watched as he saw a flash of purple hair make its way out of the stadium.
Cologne observed her Son-in-law as he fell to his knees. She noticed that his eyes were filled with anguish.
Cologne: `My Son-in-law is such a fool sometimes. He doesn't even know that he's in love….Well….At least he's in love with my Great Granddaughter. They'll make up soon enough…'
Cologne grinned and stared at her Son-in-law for a moment before she headed out of the stage. She didn't even turn around when she began talking to Ranma. She just continue on her way.
Cologne: Well Son-in-law. I think you finally did it. You made my Great-granddaughter cry in front of you for ONCE.
Ranma finally got a hold of his emotions and unsteadily got back up to his feet. Ranma began an unsteady stride towards Cologne, but stopped and looked at her directly in the eyes. His voice sounded strained.
Ranma: S-she…….cries for me? For me? Why? I'm not worth the DAMN EFFORT!!!
Ranma dashed out of the room furiously then. He didn't even see the smirk on Cologne's face as he sped off.
Cologne: Well I guess it was a good thing I said that. Maybe that was the trigger to get him into gear.
Shampoo ran and ran as her tears blurred her vision. It didn't even occur to her that she passed the Neko Hanten three times over. Once she wiped away her tears angrily, she noticed that she had passed the Neko Hanten. She sped off back to the door and once she got inside, she slammed it hard. She didn't even wait to see what she had done to the door. It was cracked and the hinges were barely hanging onto the door.
Shampoo: I can't believe he said that! After how he's been acting around me! Has he done that to the others too? Could he? `Of course he could. All of them would kill just to be with him….' But that jerk kissed me!
Shampoo ran into her room and plopped herself onto her bed as the tears flowed silently. She clenched the sides of her pillow tightly.
Ranma growled in fury as he sprinted towards the Neko Hanten.
Ranma: `I'm gonna get to the bottom of this. I'm gonna get to the bottom of all this. And that includes why the hell I'm getting all stupid around Shampoo. Dumb Old Ghoul sayin that I stare and…and….'
Ranma growled again. Once he was close to the Neko Hanten, he sped his pace.
Ranma: `WHY THE HELL WOULD SHE CRY OVER ME?!!! NO ONE SHOULD CRY OVER ME! NO ONE!'
The more furious Ranma became, the more Ranma sped up.
Ranma: `I WON'T ALLOW SOMEONE I CARE ABOUT CRY FOR ME!!!'
Again, Ranma didn't know that he said something he wasn't supposedly, supposed to say. Ranma slowed down to a halt to study the door. He noticed the hinges and winced.
Ranma: I really wish I didn't say that I don't care…. Now she's mad…And I bet she can be even more furious than that dumb tomboy is when she's mad.
Ranma slightly opened the door, but that was the pressure it took for the door to come falling down. He sweat dropped.
Ranma: `Well I know for sure now that Shampoo's here.'
Ranma looked from side to side to see if someone saw that the door was busted. He sighed in relief when he noticed that no one witnessed the door fell down to the ground.
Ranma quietly walked in the Neko Hanten and looked up the stairs. His frustration and worry was replaced by nervousness.
Ranma: `What the hell do I think I'm doin? What AM I doin? What do I think I'll do when I see Shampoo?'
Ranma groaned in frustration, but looked back up to the stairs. He puffed his chest.
Ranma: `Well whatever I say, I wont back down until she hears all of it.'
Ranma then walked up the stairs and headed straight for Shampoo's room. It was not closed, but instead it was slightly ajar. Ranma felt his footsteps getting heavier with each step he took. And the closer he got, the more nervous he became.
Ranma: I can do this. I can do this.
He kept repeating to himself. Once he reached the knob, Ranma slightly pushed the door to open it even more. He peered inside and looked at Shampoo.
Ranma stepped inside and got closer to Shampoo. Once he could see her face, he crouched and looked at her intently. She was frowning in her sleep.
Ranma (whispering): Do you know how much pressure you put on me just now?! Damn, you scared the hell out of me and confuse me so much. Why? I want to know why you worry and confuse me….
Ranma watched Shampoo for a few seconds, listening to her breath. He tentatively reached a hand to cup Shampoo's face. He stroked her cheek with his thumb.
Ranma: `She's so soft….'
He brought his face closer until he could feel her soft even breathing on his face. He looked at her closed eyes before dropping his eyes to her lips. Unconsciously, his heart began to pound hard and fast. Ranma gulped as he watched Shampoo's lips intently. He slowly began to lean forward…
But at the same time, Shampoo woke up. Ranma didn't know that Shampoo was awake because he was a little preoccupied at the moment. Shampoo blinked her unfocused eyes before she noticed that Ranma was hovering over her…and was a little too close for comfort. She screamed in surprise and knocked Ranma off her.
Ranma: `so…close…..'
Ranma blinked his eyes after he got up from the floor. He looked towards Shampoo and blushed. She had her hand on her chest heaving, but when she noticed that Ranma was looking at her, she threw a pillow at him.
Again, Ranma got knocked over. Once he got up again, he was facing accusing eyes. Ranma felt a lump forming in his throat.
Ranma: W-what did I do?
Shampoo got up from her bed and got in close to Ranma's face. She looked at him with hardened eyes and slapped him across the face.
Shampoo: I can't believe you!
Ranma just stood there, shocked, but soon his defense mechanism kicked in. Ranma glared at Shampoo.
Ranma: What the hell did I do?!
Shampoo: You were trying to kiss me you jerk!
Ranma was taken aback by that. He looked at her dumbfounded.
Ranma: `But I thought that she liked it if I kiss her….' Yeah so what!?
Shampoo glared at him again before sitting on her bed and crossing her arms over her chest.
Shampoo: It's not like you love me, so why would you want to kiss me huh Ranma?
Ranma narrowed his eyes at the accusation. Ranma's anger was starting to boil.
Ranma: `I can't believe that she accuses me of kissing her because I don't love her.'
Ranma: DAMMIT I'LL KISS YOU IF I WANT!!
Shampoo shot up and looked at Ranma defiantly.
Shampoo: NO YOU CAN'T!
Ranma: YES I CAN AND I WILL!
Shampoo: WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THAT ANYWAY AIREN!? IT'S NOT LIKE YOU LOVE ME!
Ranma's anger burst then.
Ranma: YES I DO DAMMIT! I LOVE YOU!!
Ranma grabbed Shampoo by the shoulders and pushed her down onto her bed. He leaned over her with his hands still on her shoulders. Now that he looked at her, he noticed that she looked like she was shocked. For a second Ranma looked at her confused, but then quickly understood why Shampoo was so shocked. Ranma backed away and looked the other way when Shampoo got up.
Ranma: `I can't believe that I said that I loved her….but I don't love her…..But then why would I say it if I don't?'
Ranma slowly backed away when Shampoo came closer to him. Even though he couldn't see her eyes because they were hidden behind her bangs, Ranma could still tell what she was thinking. He took another step that led to the back of the wall. He looked to the sides in search for help. There was none. His heart began to beat faster in nervousness.
Ranma: `Ah damn….'
Ranma felt himself back up against the wall. He gulped. Shampoo was getting closer to him now. In fact, she was just in arms length. Shampoo looked back up at him. Ranma felt himself blushing when he saw her face. She had a look of such uncertainty on her face and a soft pink blush on her face that it made Ranma want to just throw himself at her. He looked at her in the face as his vision hazed over.
Ranma: `Kawaii….'
Ranma shook his head as he continued to blush. He looked away from the adorable sight. Shampoo saw Ranma look away from her just as his eyes had a glint in them. She smiled a little.
Shampoo felt like she was the luckiest girl in the world. She looked at Ranma again and smiled mischievously.
Shampoo: `Well, I better show MY Airen my thank you…'
Ranma shut his eyes tightly as Shampoo's presence came closer to him.
Ranma: `Ah damn damn damn damn damn! Why's she doin thi-…..man she smells good……'
Shampoo noticed how tense he was and how calmer he became when she closed in on him. She smiled and gently took his face in her hands. Ranma's eyes shot open. Once Shampoo was looking at Ranma directly in the eyes, she smiled at him and leaned in closer to his face.
He felt his eyes begin to wander to Shampoo's lips. He quickly looked up again as he saw a smile tug at her lips. Ranma's heart was hammering in his chest now.
Ranma: `Can't she hear that? It's practically coming out of my ears.'
Ranma looked at Shampoo nervously.
Ranma: `Why am I letting this happen? I can do what I always do. Avoid it….But….'
Ranma stole another glance at Shampoo's lips. He gulped with anticipation.
Ranma: `Ah damn it…I want this….and I don't think she'll take no for an answer…'
Ranma blushed again and leaned himself forward to capture Shampoo's lips with his. For a second, he could feel her tensing, but it soon passed.
Ranma: ` I bet she wasn't expecting me to do that….'
Ranma smiled against the kiss. Shampoo pressed herself gently near him.
Ranma: `Actually, she does feel good…and she's so warm too…'
Ranma encircled his arms around Shampoo's waist and pulled her closer to him. It turn, Shampoo put her arms around his neck. They looked at each other for a second to see each other's reactions, and slowly closed their eyes. Ranma had his lips pressed onto Shampoo's softly at first, but then hungrily and fiercely after a few seconds. Shampoo quirked her mouth into a small satisfied smirk.
Shampoo: `At least now I know my Airen can kiss….'
Ranma quickly pulled himself away from the wall and turned the both of them so that Shampoo was shoved next to it.
Ranma: `What am I doing? Stop it Ranma! You're not a wild animal!……'
Ranma chided himself for his stupidity.
Ranma: `It's not like we're THAT experienced with kissing….well I ain't anyway….I'm not so sure bout Shampoo….Maybe giving me those kisses before was a practice for a real one…..Where the other individual responds to her…. Geez I was an idiot…'
Shampoo gasped as Ranma started to slow his pace down and caress her face as he kissed her. Out of breath, Shampoo pulled away from the kiss. She was red in the face as she panted for oxygen. Ranma smiled at her with a childish look on his face.
Ranma: `She looks so cute like that…'
Ranma came in quickly for a peck on the lips. Shampoo blinked two times before Ranma was awarded with a delicate blush adorning her face. Ranma's smile widened. She was still in his embrace as she backed away from the kiss. Shampoo noticed that Ranma didn't lessen his grip on her.
Shampoo: A-Airen?
Ranma took a deep breath and looked at Shampoo in the eyes. His eyes softened considerably.
Ranma: `This is it…'
Ranma: Wo Ai Ni Sham-chan….
Shampoo: I love you too Airen…
Ranma's heart began to flutter. Shampoo looked at Ranma with her megawatt smile and glomped onto him. Ranma, not expecting her to glomp onto him, fell back. She held onto him by his neck and began talking to him in his ear. Her breath tickled his ear as she began talking.
Shampoo: <I will love you like no other my lover.>
Even though Ranma couldn't understand Chinese, he could somewhat understand what she was saying to him. He blushed fiercely. Shampoo smiled lovingly at him and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Ranma now had a goofy grin on his face. Shampoo smiled and got up, and soon after, Ranma got up. She hugged him and he embraced her back. They stayed in their embrace for a few moments before reluctantly pulling away from each other.
Ranma suddenly became very nervous.
Ranma: How are we gonna tell this to everybody Sham-chan?
Shampoo: `Sham-chan….'
She smiled at Ranma for the nickname but soon got serious. Ranma was taken aback for the quick change of attitudes. He reached out and took Shampoo's hands in his, intertwining their fingers. She looked at their intertwined hands before looking back at Ranma in the face.
Shampoo: We have to tell them Airen.
Ranma looked at Shampoo solemnly and nodded. He looked at Shampoo worriedly a few seconds later.
Ranma: You do know that my stupid old man will wa-
Cologne: I wouldn't worry so much about him son-in-law.
Ranma and Shampoo swerved around to see Cologne looking at them. Ranma blinked and blushed, as Shampoo looked dumbfounded.
Ranma: WHAT DID YOU SEE?……..*cough* I mean, How the heck did you get here? We didn't even notice your aura.
Cologne gave Ranma a secretive smile.
Cologne: I have my ways son-in-law. But now get back to your topic. You said that your good- for- nothing father is going to make you do something. Like run away or break off your rendezvous with my Great-granddaughter is that right?
Ranma scowled.
Ranma: That's exactly what my Old Man will do.
Cologne nodded. She turned to Shampoo.
Cologne: Well Great-granddaughter? Would you allow that?
And in a blink of an eye, even Cologne couldn't catch it, Shampoo was holding onto Ranma tightly as she glared defiantly at Cologne. Ranma looked surprised. Even Cologne looked surprised a how fast Shampoo could be.
Shampoo: Airen is mine Great-grandmother. I won't give him up to anyone.
Shampoo gripped onto Ranma tightly. Cologne nodded at her.
Cologne: Good. That's what I wanted to hear. Well, Son-in-law…
Cologne looked back at Ranma. She noticed that Shampoo was still holding on to him and smirked.
Cologne: Well son-in-law you have no need to worry about your father. We have the Amazon laws and Shampoo's Amazon sisters on our side. Also, Mr. Tendo has no say in this matter. You chose your fiancée.
Ranma gave a smile of relief. Shampoo gave Ranma a kiss on the cheek in happiness.
Shampoo: I'm glad you finally chose Airen. I doubt that I would have been able to control myself any longer with emotions if you didn't.
Ranma gave an apologetic look to her. Cologne cleared her throat to get their attention.
Cologne: But there is problems son-in-law. You have to tell your other fiancées about your decision…
Ranma paled.
Ranma: They're gonna kill me…..
Cologne looked at Ranma sympathetically. She looked away for a moment to look at something in the back and then turned back to Ranma.
Cologne: Don't worry so much son-in-law. You can handle those girls, and if you cant, Shampoo can.
Ranma: But I don't want them to get hurt.
Cologne: I'm afraid that is inevitable son-in-law. But it would be a wise suggestion to say it to them gently. One thing I doubt though is that they will accept you choosing Shampoo over them. They might just run off and attack her blindly.
Ranma was about to protest, but Cologne cut in.
Cologne: Please don't defend them when you know that it's true son-in-law.
Ranma drooped his head. Shampoo sighed and gave him another kiss. He moved his head to look at her. Shampoo began to get nervous under his gaze as it passed the third minute. He finally looked at Cologne and nodded.
Ranma: Ok. I won't because you are right about that….
Cologne smiled at him.
Cologne: Just in case they do try to do something unrational I've decided to have Gloss watch your fiancées when you talk to them.
Ranma blinked his eyes as Gloss walked in from the back. She winked at him. Ranma turned back to Cologne.
Ranma: Why her?
Gloss looked at him insulted as Shampoo snickered. Cologne
smirked at her. Gloss stepped up to Ranma and narrowed her eyes at him.
Gloss: For your information, I am one of the highest ranked Amazons in the tribe.
Ranma looked at her with doubt in his eyes as Shampoo backed away laughing.
Ranma: You don't look like you could even beat Shampoo….
Gloss fell over as Shampoo burst out into a full fit of laughter. Ranma turned to Shampoo questioningly.
Ranma: What's so funny Sham-ch….uh Shampoo?
Shampoo stopped her hearty laughter and frowned at Ranma.
Shampoo: `Why'd he just change back like that?'
Ranma noticed the frown on Shampoo's face and frowned himself.
Ranma: `That's great idiot. Now she'll be mad at you….'
Ranma sighed and looked over at Gloss. She was now getting up from where she fell. Ranma noticed the look on her face and sweat dropped. Gloss looked at Ranma in fury.
Gloss: FINE I CANT BEAT SHAMPOO BUT SO WHAT?! NO ONE IN OUR DIVISION CAN BEAT HER!!
Ranma plugged his ears after the first word. He winced at how loud she was.
Ranma: `Man, that even broke my barrier of my ear plug….'
Ranma sweat dropped again and looked back at Shampoo. She was now sitting down with earplugs in her ears too while looking outside. Once she noticed Ranma was looking at her, she turned sharply to him. He turned away when she turned to him. He began blushing and from the corner of his eye, he watched her again. She turned back to look outside again. Ranma inwardly sighed.
Ranma: `She is mad…damn….'
Ranma suddenly noticed something. He wasn't being pummeled with a mallet.
Ranma: `They really are different….I thought they would be the same when they're angry because Shampoo is an Amazon…and Akane…well she's Akane….. Who knew that women could get angry so differently…. I think I don't like either….but if Shampoo was yelling angrily at me, I think I would of enjoyed it….She can be so passionate about things….'
Ranma blushed again when he caught himself staring at Shampoo. Shampoo didn't seem to notice, but Gloss and Cologne did. They gave each other knowing looks. Ranma quickly turned away again when Shampoo noticed that he was looking at he again. He looked up as a blush made its way to his face for the millionth time. Shampoo looked at him suspiciously before turning away again.
Shampoo: `Why does he keep doing that?'
Shampoo pondered that for a while before she noticed that Gloss and Ranma were heading out the door.
Shampoo: Where are you two going?
Gloss and Ranma turned to look at them. Gloss elbowed Ranma in the ribs for him to answer, but he just looked at her with a stutter. Gloss sighed at him.
Gloss: `He's hopeless….' We're going to tell your Airen's other….fiancées…. That he has chosen his bride….
Shampoo blushed at the choice of words. She looked at Ranma and noticed that he was blushing also.
Shampoo: `He's so cute…I can't stay mad at him forever….'
With that decided, Shampoo got out of her chair and walked towards Ranma. He looked at her as she grabbed his face and brought it near hers. She kissed him for a few seconds and let go. then she smiled at him in encouragement.
Shampoo: For luck.
Ranma nodded and walked out of the Neko Hanten funnily like he was drunk. Gloss giggled at the motion because a few seconds later, he knocked into a pole. Shampoo grinned as Gloss headed out the door.
Gloss: See ya later.
She waved at Shampoo and Cologne without turning before leaving. Shampoo turned back and found her Great-grandmother looking at her with a grin.
Cologne: Well now. I haven't seen my son-in-law do that before.
Shampoo looked at her innocently.
Shampoo: I didn't do anything wrong to my Airen.
Cologne snickered and nodded.
Cologne: I know that, but it is quite funny at how he responds to a kiss.
Shampoo looked at Cologne confused as Cologne laughed.
Cologne: Oh come now Great-granddaughter. Don't tell me you didn't notice his pigtail standing on end.
Shampoo laughed at that.
Shampoo: I'm not sure Great-grandmother, but I think that he only does that if I kiss him in public. He's so shy.
Cologne nodded.
Cologne: yes, but I believe that you will cure him of that soon.
Not understanding, Shampoo just nodded at her. Cologne laughed again.
Cologne: Tell me though Great-granddaughter. Did your Airen kiss you like you thought he would?
Cologne smirked as she saw the hazed puppy love look Shampoo's face.
Cologne: I'll take that as a yes…
Shampoo just smiled at her.
Shampoo: I hope my Airen can handle telling them….He really does have a good heart….
Again, Cologne nodded.
Cologne: Do not worry. Ling-Ling, Lung-Lung, and Gloss will be watching.
Shampoo: But I thought you said it was only Gloss.
Cologne: Think about Great-granddaughter. A male that has large pride. One female is a bit of a nuisance in their eyes for protection. But three is would down right be insulting to them. It is the same way with our tribe except in reverse.
Shampoo sighed and nodded.
Shampoo: `Hopefully he doesn't end up getting beaten up….'
Shampoo worried about that. She knew how competitive the girls could get, but whom she was really worried about was Akane. That was the one girl that both Ukyo and she had to watch out for. If Ukyo didn't know that Akane was the real competition then she really didn't stand a chance. Shampoo noticed that Akane was the one who was mostly with Ranma so she concluded that Akane would be her real rival for love.
Shampoo: `But against the odds, I finally have Ranma.'
A bit of pride laced into that sentence.
Shampoo: `that Violent Girl better not hurt my Airen. She will pay if she does….'
Shampoo blinked her eyes out of her anger. She sighed and then went about her business waiting for Ranma to return with the news as to how the ex-fiancées reacted.
Ranma walked to Ucchan's nervously. Gloss followed from behind him so he wouldn't be disturbed with his thoughts.
Gloss: `Thank god that stupid Ling-Ling isn't here. She'd probably be nagging on him right about now. I'm glad that the matriarch chose me for the job.'
Gloss smiled in satisfaction at that. Meanwhile, Ranma looked at the Ucchan nervously.
Ranma: `How am I gonna do this? Ucchan's my friend….But that's all I see her as…My friend…heck, I still see her like a guy…. *sigh* I have to tell her that I love Shampoo.'
Ranma breathed in and out before he noticed the closed sign on the door. He facefaulted. Gloss looked at the sign and blinked before smiling.
Gloss: Well I guess it's her fault she isn't here. We better go to your other fiancée. The one that's the most trouble.
Ranma: Which one would that be?
Gloss looked at him in shock.
Gloss: But Matriarch said that you had THREE fiancées.
Ranma blushed a little at that.
Ranma: Well yeah, but there's a psycho that's been after me. She's just as much trouble as Akane.
Gloss looked at Ranma astounded.
Gloss: Well now I know why Shampoo was so forceful before with love. I would be to if I knew that I was competing against three other women.
Ranma cocked a brow and looked at her questioningly.
Ranma: What do you mean by that?
Gloss: Oh come on. Don't tell me that Shampoo hasn't shown that soft side yet. She's your fiancée and you STILL haven't see that side of her yet?
Ranma: I don't know what side of her your talking about….
Gloss: Damn. I thought since she was working for your love against those other girls she would have used that soft side.
Ranma looked at her even more perplexed.
Ranma: She's shown her soft side many times before….Unless….When the others are around….
Gloss: yeah I heard. They say that she used magic and stuff like that.
Ranma nodded before Gloss sighed.
Gloss: Why'd she do that? It would have been easier just to use her soft side. She'd have hooked you sooner.
Ranma: I still don't know what you're talking about…
Gloss: I think Shampoo was scared to lose… Maybe that's why she was forceful instead of being soft…
Gloss looked at Ranma and smirked.
Gloss: But now since you really are hers, I think she'll show that soft side…
Ranma and Gloss began to walk again. Ranma would give Gloss glances of confusion every now and then, but he turned away after a few seconds to think about it.
Gloss: By the way, which place are we goin to now?
Ranma: I guess to….Kuno's mansion…
Ranma scowled when he thought about talking to Kodachi about the whole thing. Most likely, she'd try to poison and kill Shampoo at the least. He shook his head and thought about what Gloss was saying earlier.
Ranma: `Maybe she means the looks Shampoo gives off every now and then to me…'
Ranma smiled when he thought about it. His eyes unconsciously softened when he pictured it.
Ranma: `Actually, it's pretty easy picturing Sham-chan…She really is cute…'
Gloss noticed the far off look on Ranma's face and concluded that he was thinking about Shampoo again. Gloss grinned.
Gloss: `Thank god he chose my sister. I doubt that she would take losing him to another would heal her heart easily.'
Gloss shivered.
Gloss: `It would be like hell froze over…'
Gloss noticed a tall mansion was in her view. She nudged Ranma and pointed at it. She noticed that Ranma shivered.
Ranma: Damn…you better prepare yourself Gloss…Kodachi is crazy….
Gloss of course didn't understand what he meant because she hasn't ever seen Kodachi, but she was about to find out. Ranma looked nervously about the mansion.
Ranma: man, this is gonna be hell…
Ranma began walking towards Kodachi's room and noticed that the door was slightly ajar. He frowned and called out to her.
Ranma: Hey Kodachi! I need to talk to ya!
Gloss watched as a girl in a green leotard came out of a room and leaped into the air spinning her ribbon. She came down right in front of Ranma as she began laughing. Gloss winced at the sound.
Kodachi: Ohohohoho! Ranma darling! Finally you have come to see me!
Ranma dodged the hug that was to come and the ribbon that was supposed to lasso him. He growled deep within his throat.
Ranma: `The next time I say that I'm going to tell her something, I'll just hit myself….it's WAYYY easier….'
Ranma made a motion for Kodachi to stop coming near him.
Ranma: Kodachi, we really need to talk.
Kodachi smiled at him expectantly.
Kodachi: Have you finally decided that it is not worth your time to be with that Tendo girl?
Ranma: Well… Yes actually….And I have to tell you….I've decided who I want as my….b-bride…..
Ranma blushed at the statement. Kodachi smiled devilishly at him and began circling a part of Ranma's with her finger. Ranma laughed nervously and backed away.
Kodachi: Oh Ranma darling finally you have chosen me as you bride…
Kodachi began to drift off in a little daydream where they were in a wedding ceremony getting married. Ranma twitched.
Ranma: Wait wait wait! Hold up! I never said-
Kodachi shook herself from her daydream and narrowed her eyes.
Kodachi: Darling, what is it that you are implying? Are you saying that I am NOT to be your bride?
Venom practically flew from her mouth as she said that. Ranma started to back away nervously at the accusation even though it was true. Kodachi narrowed her eyes and finally noticed the newcomer. She looked at Gloss over.
Kodachi: Well darling? Is THIS thing supposed to be your bride?
Up until now, Gloss just watched, but when she heard that the girl clad in a leotard was talking, Gloss looked insulted. She growled and took a challenging step towards Kodachi. Kodachi brought up her ribbon.
Gloss: and what's that SUPPOSED to mean?
Kodachi stuck her nose in the air pompously.
Kdoachi: Why would my darling choose you over me? I, Kodachi the Black Rose, am one hundred times prettier than you.
Gloss growled again and looked about ready to knock the Kuno girl upside the head. But at that time, Ranma decided to cut her off to her victim. Ranma waved a hand in front of Kodachi's face.
Ranma: No you got it ALL wrong! I ain't gonna marry her!
Gloss: `What the hell?'
Kodachi looked Ranma over carefully and after consideration, she smiled and tried to hug Ranma again. He sighed and jumped into a tree.
Ranma: Kodachi! I said that I NEED to TALK to you!
Kodachi: Fine then Ranma darling. Just come down first.
Ranma looked at her suspiciously before jumping down again. He noticed Gloss glaring at Kodachi in the back. He snickered.
Ranma: `I guess she would be happy if Kodachi tries to do anything. That way she'd be allowed to hit her…' Um well, Kodachi, as you know, I'm goin to marry someone…
Kodachi nodded at him, so he continued.
Ranma: Before I tell you who it is, I want you to promise me one thing.
Kodachi: what is that Ranma darling?
Ranma: You have to promise me first.
Kodachi looked at him skeptically.
Kodachi: `Fine then I will do as my darling says, but if it's something I don't like then I will do it…' Fine….I promise.
Kodachi hid a hand behind her back and crossed her fingers. Since Gloss was right behind her, she noticed this and narrowed her eyes.
Gloss: `Great….I get to fight her…..'
Gloss blinked her eyes before the thought registered in her head. She smirked maliciously.
Gloss: `YES! This stupid ribbon girl annoys the hell outta me!'
Ranma looked at Kodachi again before he took a deep breathe.
Ranma: You just promised me that you wont attack the girl I'm going to marry.
Kodachi blinked her eyes before she frowned and looked angrily at him.
Kodachi: `HE'S GETTING MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE?!!! PROPOSTEROUS!!!'
Kodachi held on to her ribbon tightly.
Kodachi: `Well she wont be able to have my darling…She'll be having a little visit from me in a few minutes.' Okay Ranma darling.
Ranma flinched once she said that to him, she noticed.
Kodachi: Who exactly is it that you'll be…. marrying? I'll be sure to send the both of you a bouquet of roses once you do get married.
Again Ranma looked at her doubtfully, but decided not to push her buttons.
Ranma: I…I chose….
Kodachi listened intently as he took a breathe.
Kodachi: You chose who darling?
Ranma: I chose….Shampoo.
Kodachi looked at him with unbelieving eyes. Anger started to erupt in her eyes.
Kodachi: That little vixen has put you under some spell again! I shall make her pay for that!
Ranma: Wait! She didn't do anything!
Ranma shot up as Kodachi began to jump in the air and throw her ribbon around. Gloss looked at him before grinning.
Gloss: Don't worry, she's all mine. Why don't you just go to that other place for now. I'm sure I'll be done with her once you get there. It's the Tendo Dojo is it not?
Ranma nodded at her before she looked up and ran off to get Kodachi. Ranma sighed as he watched Gloss chase after Kodachi.
Ranma: For some reason I feel sorry for Kodachi…
He sighed again before grudgingly began to walk to the dojo.
Gloss ran until she spotted the lunatic with the ribbon. She growled and took out a weapon from sub space. Her weapon of choice: a katana. Again, the Kuno girl began to laugh hideously. Gloss began screaming at the top of her lungs to get her attention.
Gloss: HEY! COME BACK HERE! I WANT TO FIGHT!!!
Kodachi looked down at Gloss from mid air and scowled, but jumped down and stood ground.
Kodachi: It is a challenge you want? Fine. I accept, but make it quick because I have a house call to make.
Gloss grinned at her and got into a stance.
Gloss: Don't worry. It'll be quick.
Gloss gave a battle cry and charged straight at Kodachi. Kodachi on the other hand, jumped straight into the air and threw the end of her ribbon at her. Gloss anticipated the attack and dashed to the side. Kodachi landed back in the ground and threw her ribbon again. Gloss didn't have time to dodge this time, so she was caught in the ribbon. Gloss struggled for a moment as Kodachi began her laughter once again. Before long, Gloss had a good grip on her katana and sliced the ribbon.
Kodachi jumped back a few feet to give herself distance. She looked at her destroyed ribbon.
Kodachi: You naughty naughty girl! You will pay for that!
Kodachi took out another ribbon and began to do the same tactics. Gloss got bored of it and began to cut it up. When Kodachi was getting out another one, Gloss got the chance and charged at her. Instead of slicing her opponent into little pieces like Kodachi had thought, Gloss jumped right behind her and hit her in the back of the head with the hilt of the Katana hard.
Once Kodachi felt the impact of the katana hit her head, it got blurry and darkness soon ungulfed her. Gloss looked at Kodachi's fallen figure with a smirk.
Gloss: Such a stupid Japanese female… Too bad I couldn't just kill her. These Japanese really don't know how to have fun…Getting sued around here instead of being declared the victor…But of course….Damn, it wasn't a death match to begin with.
Gloss allowed herself to frown before she began to catch up with Ranma.
Ling-Ling scowled as she watched the battle from a nearby tree.
Ling-Ling: I can't believe that she beat her that slowly. All she does is the same dumb attack. I bet I could have beaten her easily.
Lung-Lung watched as her sister began ranting about how stupid and slow Gloss was. She sweat dropped.
Ling-Ling: And I don't understand why we have to stay out of sight while we watch them. How come Gloss gets to stay out in the open?
Lung-Lung thought about it before she tried to console her sister.
Lung-Lung: Maybe we're backup. You know, we are stronger than Gloss. So maybe the Matriarch wanted her in front and us in the back because she would lose easily. We're in the shadows because we're stronger.
Ling-Ling: then why aren't we first?
Lung-Lung: um….Maybe she needs the practice? You saw how slow she was to fight that Japanese girl.
Ling-Ling scowled.
Ling-Ling: She's such a goof off. She needs the practice because all she's been doing was flirt with boys.
Lung-Lung nodded and watched as Gloss began running.
Lung-Lung: Well we better go and catch up with her…
Ling-Ling sighed as they jumped from tree to tree.
It was only a few seconds later that Gloss found him. She almost fell over when she saw how slow he was. She walked right behind him.
Gloss: A turtle can move faster than you.
Ranma turned around when he heard the voice. He looked surprised.
Ranma: Wow. You beat her that fast?
Gloss smirked.
Gloss: Of course. She's a weakling. Now…We have to go to the Tendo Dojo…Hurry up already…
Ranma scowled.
Ranma: I'm not ready to go there…
Gloss: Well it doesn't seem like you'll ever be ready…Just do it. The faster you go, the faster you get to see Shampoo.
Ranma allowed himself to smile.
Ranma: Oh yeah…I got sumthin to look froward to when I tell Akane. Later I'd have Shampoo to see…
Gloss smirked at how small and dreamy his voice became. He was beginning to drift off again. She looked at him again. Scratch that, he was already in la-la land. Gloss looked around and spotted a sign. She was about to ask Ranma if that was the place, but he was still in la-la land. Gloss sighed and tapped on his shoulder. After a second, he shook himself and looked at her.
Ranma: What?
Gloss: isn't that the place right there?
Gloss pointed her index finger to a dojo. Ranma noticed it right away since Kasumi was doing her work out in the yard. Ranma felt the urge to bolt and run back to the Neko Hanten.
Ranma: `Man, what's Kasumi gonna say when she finds out? I don't think she'll be very happy…'
Gloss noticed the freaked out look and sighed.
Gloss: come on. what's the worst that could happen?
Ranma looked at her shakily.
Ranma: You just HAD to say that didn't you?
Gloss sweat dropped as they headed towards the dojo. Kasumi looked at Ranma and waved hello. He copied the gesture.
Kasumi: Hello Ranma. How was the contest? Did you win?
Kasumi turned and noticed Gloss standing there, idly listening to the conversation. She looked embarrassed for some reason.
Kasumi: Oh my! I'm so sorry, how rude of me. I didn't notice that there was someone with Ranma. Let me introduce myself. I'm Kasumi. Nice to meet you.
Kasumi bowed. Gloss looked at her for a second before responding.
Gloss: `She must me the house woman or however you say it..' Hello….I'm Gloss.
Kasumi beamed at her while Ranma just watched the exchangement with wide O_O eyes.
Ranma: uh Kasumi…I think it'd be better go inside now. I have to talk about my engagement to Akane.
Kasumi looked at him with confusion, but nodded and turned on her heel.
Ranma: Oh Kasumi? Tell everyone okay?
Kasumi turned back to him and nodded before heading inside. Ranma sighed as he thought about what he was going to do. Gloss laid a hand on his shoulder and hit him in the back. He fell to the floor. Once he got back up, he dusted himself off and headed inside.
Ranma: `It wont be that bad…it wont be that bad….it wont be that bad…. I still have Shampoo to look forward to…'
Ranma stopped his train of thought for a moment before continuing.
Ranma: `It wont be that bad….it wont be that bad…..it wont be that bad……'
Gloss followed him crankily.
Gloss: `I'd rather go chase after a formidable suitor for myself…'
Ling-Ling jumped through another tree before ending up in the Tendo's yard. Ling-Ling watched angrily while Lung-Lung got out some popcorn from somewhere and began eating. Ling-Ling looked at her in astonishment.
Ling-Ling: Where'd you get the popcorn?
Lung-Lung shrugged and offered her some. They began to watch in the shadows while waiting until something interesting would happen.
Ranma walked into the dojo with Gloss. The Tendo's and Genma were already sitting around the table. Soun had happy tears pouring from his eyes. When Ranma came in through the door, Soun and Genma jumped up from their seats and magically appeared by Ranma. Ranma sweat dropped.
Soun: Is it true Ranma? Have you finally decided to fulfill your engagement to Akane?
Genma: Boy you better not be joking!
Ranma unconsciously backed up a step as the two fathers let go of him and began holding hands and dancing in happiness. Gloss watched the two of them with a sweat drop on her head.
Gloss: `And one of those idiots is supposed to be his father? What a joke….'
Gloss leaned back against the door and watched as the events began to unfold. Ranma cleared his throat to grab their attention.
Ranma: I have made my choice as you all know….
The crowd in the room all had different reactions. Akane looked up at him in shock. Nabiki looked at him with a brow raised. Kasumi just smiled happily, and the two fathers were celebrating. Gloss continued to look at Ranma to watch how he was going to say what he had to say. Ranma looked at everyone nervously.
Akane: Are you serious Ranma? I mean, you've decided to…to….
Akane was at a loss for words. Ranma grew even more nervous. Akane looked right beside him and saw the green haired girl. Akane's anger began to surface.
Akane: Wait, don't tell me. You've decided to marry her right?
Ranma: Why the heck are all you guys sayin that? I told Kodachi that I made a choice and came to the same conclusion. NO I AINT GONNA MARRY HER!
Akane huffed.
Akane: Well you don't have to be so angry. I was just asking.
Ranma looked at Akane angrily.
Akane: Who is she anyway? And why is she here?
Ranma motioned to Gloss.
Ranma: Ok you want the story? This is Gloss. She's an Amazon.
Noticing everyone's, save Kasumi, expressions, Ranma continued.
Ranma: Yeah she's an Amazon. She's from Shampoo's tribe. The reason she's here is because she was checking over Shampoo and how things were going with us.
Akane narrowed her eyes and looked at Gloss.
Akane: So your telling me she's here to be the inspector? She's here to see your relationship with Shampoo?
Ranma looked embarrassed at how blunt Akane had put that. Nonetheless, he nodded. Akane back at Ranma before she sighed.
Akane: So she really didn't have a reason to check on you guys. It's just like with Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung.
Ranma cast a nervous glance at Gloss. She caught it and shrugged. Akane looked at her confused.
Gloss: You better tell them…
Akane felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She looked back at Ranma and saw that he nodded. Akane felt her anger start to resurface.
Akane: So what's that supposed to mean?
Ranma turned to her and cast her an apologetic look before turning to everyone. By this time, Soun and Genma stopped dancing and celebrating. They looked at Ranma with disbelief.
Ranma: `They have to hear this out of my own mouth..' Everyone…I've decided that I'm going to follow the Amazon laws and marry Shampoo….I-I love her….And I've decided to cut off my engagement to Akane. I hope you all understand.
Ranma felt nervous from the thick uncomfortable silence. He looked at his father and saw that Genma's jaw was now on the ground from shock. Soun wasn't any better. Actually, he was crying his head off. Ranma turned to Nabiki and saw the calculating look on her face. Ranma waited until she spoke her mind.
Nabiki: How exactly are you going to break your engagement to Akane?
Ranma: Ya know… I never exactly wanted this engagement in the first place…. Even though I have three engagements, it is only legal to have one. ANY one I choose might I add. Since its only legal, thank god for that, I had to choose…I fell in love with Shampoo…. You do the math…. Even though I was arranged to have a marriage with Akane, Pops didn't have a contract signed… That means it really ISNT a real engagement…The same goes with Ukyo…But for the Amazons they made you do something so it was legal. I talked to the Old Ghoul earlier……Besides, who would want a wife who would kick you out of the house at the drop of a hat? I don't want one….I guess I should thank Akane though…She gave me a chance to know Shampoo better. I wouldn't have found out all that info if it weren't for Akane kickin me outta the house.
Ranma spared Akane a glance.
Ranma: thanks a lot Akane. You really made my choice for me.
Ranma grinned. Akane felt tears well up, so she excused herself and ran to her room. Even though Ranma was a little pained at seeing her cry, he knew it was inevitable. He sighed and made a move to leave.
Ranma: You know, you guys are like my family though. I don't want and don't have to marry a Tendo, but I think of you guys as my family. Once I get married to Shampoo sometime in the future, I'll send you an invitation. I hope that you guys attend.
Gloss watched them in silence.
Gloss: `Heh, who knew if what he said was true…. I have to ask Matriarch…'
Kasumi stood up and walked over to Ranma. Gloss tensed a bit and watched them intensely. He looked at her in the eyes trying to see if she was angry with him. Instead, he saw happiness. She hugged him.
Kasumi: I'm glad that you finally made your choice and I hope you'll be happy. I accept to attending your wedding.
Ranma smiled up at her. Gloss sighed and watched them more easily.
Ranma: Thanks… I just hope everyone else won't ruin it for me.
Kasumi let go of him and gave him a sympathetic look.
Kasumi: I hope not…
Genma and Soun took that opportunity to go to Ranma's side. Ranma scowled.
Genma: How could you do this boy!?
Soun: Yes! You two have an obligation to fulfill!
Soun began to wail, as did Genma. Ranma turned away from them.
Ranma: look. Accept it. I ain't gonna marry her. If you don't leave me alone with that, then you'll have to answer to the Amazons….
They looked at Gloss then and noticed the sword by her side. They sweat dropped and backed up a bit.
Ranma: Look Pops. You better not try to take me when I'm asleep either.
Genma sweat dropped again. Ranma shook his head.
Ranma: Well Pops, I guess I'll see ya around. I'm goin back….home….
Ranma smiled and waved at everyone. Gloss looked up and took off, out the door. He followed, heading towards the Neko Hanten.
Ling-Ling watched as Ranma and Gloss took off. Lung-Lung was already sleeping since it took so long. She was just about to fall asleep too. She grinned.
Ling-Ling: FINALLY!!
Lung-Lung screamed at the sudden noise and fell out of the tree. Once she was on the ground, she looked at her sister. She was laughing at her. Lung-Lung growled and threw a nearby rock, knocking her and what was left of the popcorn on the ground. Lung-Lung smirked.
Lung-Lung: Serves you right sister.
Ling-Ling growled.
Ling-Ling: Let's just go back to Big Sister's place. Her Airen and stupid Gloss already left.
Shampoo looked up when she saw Ranma come in the Neko Hanten. Looking at his face, she knew that things went better than she thought it would. He looked at her and grinned. Shampoo smiled and walked over, before giving him a hug.
Shampoo: Everything actually went well?
Ranma: I think so… But Ukyo wasn't there so….
Shampoo shook her head.
Shampoo: It doesn't matter Airen. At least it wasn't that bad. I'm guessing that Gloss wasn't needed?
Ranma smirked before Gloss barged in panting. She looked at Ranma in disbelief.
Gloss: How the hell are you that fast? I was ahead of you!
Ranma grinned.
Ranma: Heh heh, I can be fast if I'm motivated.
Ranma held Shampoo closer to himself. She looked at Gloss and grinned. Gloss only rolled her eyes.
Gloss: Can't you guys do that in private?
Shampoo stuck her tongue out at Gloss. Gloss returned the motion. Ranma laughed at that and began to walk away. Cologne hopped in and looked at Ranma. He looked back at her and smirked.
Ranma: Well they didn't give me that much trouble….and I think Gloss liked beating up Kodachi actually….
Cologne cackled and noticed the two girls. She hopped over to them and knocked them both on the heads with her staff. Since Shampoo got more hits on the head with Cologne's staff than Gloss did, she recovered faster. Gloss groaned as she got up a few minutes later. Ranma looked at Cologne and grinned.
Ranma: Finally things are goin my w-
He was knocked onto the floor when Shampoo pounced on him in a full Amazon glomp. She grabbed his head in both hands and kissed him with all the passion she could muster. Ranma slowly succumbed to the kiss. Cologne watched in amusement as she saw steam coming out of Ranma's shirt. Gloss scowled at the couple in jealousy.
Gloss: `Shampoo's so lucky…I want an Airen….'
Gloss sighed before she looked out the door. What caught her eye was that a cute guy was walking by. She grinned and began her way out the door. Cologne noticed the glazed consumer look in Gloss's eyes and sighed.
Cologne: `Great…She saw a boy again….'
Gloss grinned and took her eyes away for a moment to look at the couple still on the ground.
Gloss: Well I don't think they'll be needing me here for now….I'll see ya later Matriarch!
Gloss grinned as the look came on her face again. She ran off out the door. Cologne watched as Gloss began chasing after the guy. He looked at Gloss for a moment before he ran off screaming. Gloss began her hunt for the male. Cologne sighed as Gloss went out of sight running around chasing a male.
Cologne: I think she's going to get a restraining order soon…
Cologne noticed the pair before she decided to hop. She would have hopped on one of them if she did because they were in the middle of the floor.
Cologne: Why not just go into Shampoo's room or something? You two might disturb the customers.
Ranma looked up at Cologne with a goofy grin on his face. Cologne gave him a quizzical look before she understood.
Cologne: You two can do that on your honeymoon. Not now.
Ranma snapped out of it and blushed. He began to stutter.
Ranma: I-I w-wasn't thi-thinking ab-bout th-that!
He noticed heavy breathing beneath him and yipped. He rolled out of the way so Shampoo could get up. She was red in the face and was breathing heavily. That didn't seem to faze her however, because she had a huge smile on her face.
Shampoo: woah…
Ranma blushed even harder. He grabbed Shampoo's hand and began to drag Shampoo up the stairs as she began giggling from his embarrassment. Cologne shook her head at their antics.
Cologne: `Kids these days…..'
She looked back up at the two of them. Shampoo was stilling giggling like a schoolgirl with a secret while Ranma was blushing profusely trying to get her upstairs. Cologne grinned at them.
Cologne: `Well at least they're happy….'
Ranma sighed one final time before he stopped trying to drag Shampoo. Ranma looked around to see if anyone was watching him, Cologne smirked at that, and before Shampoo knew it, she was up in Ranma's arms bride style. She began giggling again and began kissing him on the neck. Ranma looked like he was trying to keep his balance on the stairs as he was being kissed. He blushed more and opened his mouth to protest, but Shampoo cut him off with a kiss on the lips. Ranma instantly stopped trying his protest as he led them upstairs. Cologne sighed again.
Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung dashed back to the Neko Hanten. They noticed the closed sign and pounded on the door. After a few a few seconds, Cologne answered the door.
Ling-Ling: Aww…It's not fair Matriarch…We didn't even DO anything….
Ling-Ling pouted as Cologne led them inside. Once they were inside, they noticed the lack of people.
Ling-Ling: Where's Big Sister, Ranma, and….Gloss?
Lung-Lung knew her sister didn't really care for Gloss and sighed. Cologne gave them a knowing look.
Cologne: Well you know Gloss…..Out chasing some male who's running for his life…
Ling-Ling (mumbling): who wouldn't?
Cologne: And Son-in-law and Shampoo are upstairs….Those two really can't seem to keep their paws off each other.
Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung blushed at the statement.
Lung-Lung: You mean they're…..
Lung-Lung trailed off awkwardly.
Cologne: No I don't think they are…It'll be a while until my Son-in-law will be comfortable just kissing her.
Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung sighed but nodded in understanding.
Ranma and Shampoo went into Shampoo's room and broke off their kiss. They looked at each other and blushed a bit.
Ranma: I uh……
Shampoo got out of his grasp and steadied hers feet on the floor.
Shampoo: We need to talk Airen.
Ranma noticed her soft, but firm and demanding voice. He reluctantly nodded. The two sat on the edge of the bed. Shampoo
looked up at him.
Shampoo: tell me what happened Airen.
Ranma: I have to tell you Sham-chan, that I won't let anyone take you…..that means everyone……. I chose you…I love you….. I won't have you taking off on me if you have second thoughts just because things get tough….
Shampoo smiled softly to him and nodded. She motioned for him to answer what she asked him to tell her. After a moment of hesitation, Ranma sighed but relented.
Ranma: Well the first place we were goin to was to Ukyo's…She wasn't there so we still have trouble with her…. Anyway, next we went to the Kuno's and paid a visit to Kodachi……
They were on one of the rooftops watching the stars …well …. Ranma was anyway….. Shampoo shifted herself closer to Ranma and nuzzled his neck. Ranma looked at Shampoo curiously. Even though he could feel a blush rising to his cheeks, he encircled her waist to bring her closer to himself. Ranma looked back to the stars in the sky as the two of them stayed in silence for a few minutes. Then, to Ranma's surprise, Shampoo pulled away from him. Ranma felt the soft warmth fading and frowned. Shampoo looked down.
Shampoo: Airen? What are we going to do wi-
Ranma growled and embraced Shampoo tightly. With her head on Ranma's chest, she buried her face into his shirt.
Ranma: Don't talk about them! I already told you that I don't care about them! I chose you over them!
Shampoo buried her face deeper into Ranma's shirt. He sighed and began to stroke Shampoo's hair.
Ranma: will you stop worrying about them? Please?
Ranma pulled Shampoo away from him to look at her directly in the eyes. She averted them and looked at the floor. Ranma moved his face closer to Shampoo's and lifted her chin. He noticed that that she was quivering. Ranma brought his face even closer and studied Shampoo's features.
Ranma: `She looks so worried….'
Ranma noticed that a strand of her hair was out of place. He gently tucked it behind her ear and cupped her face, forcing Shampoo to look at him. He looked at Shampoo directly in the eyes.
Ranma: Don't worry too much. You gotta remember that we can live our own lives. The Old Man and everyone else won't be able to control us. We already have the protection from the tribe just in case anyway….So stop worrying.
Ranma smiled in reassurance and slowly leaned forward. Shampoo blinked a few times before smiling back at him and enclosing her arms around Ranma's neck. They smiled at each other for another second before leaning forward into a sweet kiss…
Ranma_the_great: That's it…it's done….well, for the chapter…that is…
darkanime: but I thought it WAS supposed to be a one shot……*sigh* whatever…..
Ranma: *ignores dark* Well…till next chapter ja!
dark: tsch…..that will be like…..next month at the least……
*both starts to walk away with sweat drops on their heads…*
dark: *grumbling* I need to edit this later…..
Ranma: GAH! *falls*
March 24, 2004
*dark comes in and sighs*
dark: well people, my co-author decided to give up on the fic today. He says he screws it every time, so he quit. He quit it about the time when Ranma was falling asleep after the contest. Well I guess I can live with it….Hopefully all you guys and girls like the rest of it though. I'm still new at this stuff…
March 29, 2004
okay….. I finished the story…. I dun think it was that good….but all those kisses and fluff stuff….well I guess it gets to ya when in your other stories you haven't even made a fluff moment yet…… Well ok whatever…. Um the song that Shampoo sung when she was cooking and stuff was from Aa! Megami Sama. The song was called, My Heart Iidasenai Your Heart Tashikametai or in English, My Heart Won't Let Me Say, I Want to be Certain of Your Heart. I haven't heard the song, but I like the lyrics. Oh, and the other song was from Rurouni Kenshin. The song was called 1/2…..
BTW I know that this isn't very good. That's why I've decided to make a better version. My friend who I was working this on earlier said that I can make fluff…He LOVES fluff so I dunno if that's true…..Keh, well I'm SURE that there's a lot of mistakes in here and bits and pieces of the story missing, but I'm still new at this…Actually, I'm very new at this KIND of fic…Well whatever…. It was a long fic for a one shot. Well, ya can flame or comment on this story. Actually, I know I'll get flames. Heh, I'll be expecting lots of em….. *cough* Er, heh, Hopefully some of you guys enjoyed it. Till next time! Ja!
