All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses
and Demons:
Chapter 7:
Inside the Tendo house, Kasumi and Ukyo ignored Ranko's protests as they removed her chinese shirt and pants and started treating her bruises and minor abrasions. Kasumi cleaned Ranko's face with a washcloth, while Ukyo did the same for her hands and arms.
Kasumi hummed softly to herself and nodded with a slight smile. "There doesn't appear to be anything serious... although one or two of these bruises will still be purple tomorrow. We'll have to see if we can cover up those for the photo shoot tomorrow. We will have at least two days of shooting, perhaps three if things go slowly." She giggled. "I sound like Nabiki, don't I."
Ukyo laughed. "Your really getting into this calendar shoot, aren't you, Kasumi?"
Kasumi nodded. "I'm not really sure why... but it is fun. I'm still amazed that they want me for this."
Ukyo shook her head. "I'm not. You're really pretty, Kasumi. Isn't she, Ranchan?"
Ranko nodded firmly. "Sure, Kasumi, you're really good looking. I've always thought so."
Kasumi blushed, and turned her head away slightly. "Oh my. Thank you, Ranko. You are very beautiful yourself you know. You should take better care of yourself... at least during the shoot."
Ranko's eyebrows quirked, but she resisted the impulse to protest. "Sure, Kasumi." Ukyo giggled to herself, and Ranko stuck out her tongue at her, then started to laugh at herself. Kasumi joined in as well, laughing quietly, for once feeling like one of the girls, even if Ranko was really a boy.
Outside, Ryoga was just standing, having been a silent
observer of everything that had gone on that evening. Ryoga hadn't known
what to think about Ranma's separation into two people. Seeing Akane's
distress bothered him more than he wanted to admit, even to himself, but
he was still unsure what to do about it. When Ranko and Ukyo had
revealed their re-engagement,
he was mostly unsurprised, but Akane's obvious pain had nearly driven
him again to act.
Only a lack of targets prevented him from action. < I promised Akane, I wouldn't attack Ranma... and... and it's not... it's not really Ranma's fault....> That last thought had come like pulling nails, making him physically wince, but he couldn't really find it in himself to go back to his old habit of blaming Ranma for everything. < I realize now, that Ranma does care for Akane, and doesn't want to hurt her. The one to blame for this... is Kuno.> Ryoga cracked his knuckles in anticipation. < Oh yes, I will make him pay!> The bandana clad martial artist hesitated. < Wait... which way is the back door?> He looked around, not daring to move. "Um... help?"
********************
The first day of the actual calendar shoot began at dawn. All the models, as well as Ranma, Dr. Tofu, and Johnathon, showed up at the designers' small studio just before it got light. The photo crew was already there, and they soon got underway, heading for the seaside. The fashion designers had rented two mini vans for the duration of the shoot, and the photo crew had their own vehicle. The group reached the beach just as it was getting fully light out. All the models got changed as the photo crew set up their equipment. As the models came out of the nearby changing rooms, one by one, a small crowd began to gather around the cameras, investigating the situation. Most of the males had appreciative grins as they got a good look at the swimsuit models. A few whistles and cheers greeted them as they came up for the first shots.
The head camera man, a cheerful looking man in his early thirties with a modest mustache, eyed the crowd in mild dismay. "The crowd's going to be a bit of a problem. Usually we shoot this sort of thing in the off season, or have a section of the beach cleared off...."
Johnathon looked thoughtful. "I think we can manage that. I used to do this sort of thing for a living. Ranma, Doctor, care to assist me?" Ranma nodded quickly, Dr. Tofu a second later.
Ranma jerked a thumb at the crowd. "So what are we going to do about them anyway? We can't exactly beat em up."
Johnathon chuckled. "No, but I think we can clear the crew a space to work without resorting to violence. Just follow my lead and do what I do. I used to do security work while I was finishing up college."
He started towards the crowd. "Just remember, be polite, but firm. Be confident, a good presence is essential. And finally, don't hit anyone! Intimidate with your calm, not your anger." As he walked, Johnathon's shoulders straightened, his stride lengthened slightly, and he seemed to swagger just slightly. He shot the other two men a steely eyed look, polite but ironclad in it's firmness, that was completely different from Johnathon's normal expression.
Ranma and Dr. Tofu could both sense Johnathon's aura build up invisibly, becoming threatening, pushing forward twenty or thirty feet, as a subtle warning of his approach. He turned to face the crowd and gave one more piece of advice before they reached them. "Don't go overboard, and don't scare anyone too badly."
Ranma and Dr. Tofu nodded to each other, building up the proper mindset to imitate Johnathon's. They noted that as Johnathon got within twenty feet of the crowd, individuals started to turn toward him, away from the models. Only three or four, but their movement alerted others, which alerted others... Johnathon walked almost casually through the crowd, which parted for him automatically, and placed himself between them and the photo crew and models. A subtle hint of nervousness ran through the crowd. Something about the tall lanky gajin put them on the defensive although most of them couldn't put a finger on exactly why.
Johnathon cleared his throat and addressed them politely, but with steel in his gaze. "Excuse me, but we're running security for this shoot, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to keep this area clear while it's going on."
The crowd hesitated, and started to slowly break
up. A half a dozen young men remained, peering over at the girls.
"Hey man!" One began, "We want to see the girls! Come on, we're
not hurting anything...." He trailed off as his hackles started to
react to a threat coming up from behind and to the right. He slowly
turned to see Ranma stalking towards him menacingly.
Ranma's physical body language and stride were nearly a perfect imitation
of Johnathon's, but his aura was much stronger,
almost visibly distorting the air around the young martial artist.
Dr. Tofu went almost unnoticed besides him, having imitated Johnathon's
posture and threatening aura much more exactly. Ranma and Dr. Tofu
came in on either side of Johnathon, gazing politely but firmly at the
crowd.
Dr. Tofu inclined his head down the beach. "If you would all give the models and photo crew some room...." He trailed off. The six young men and few remaining hangers on had retreated hastily, not wanting to remain a second longer anywhere near Ranma's threatening gaze.
Johnathon raised an eyebrow at Ranma. "That's great, Ranma... but a bit overkill though, don't you think?"
Ranma's aura faded until it was just a bit stronger than Johnathon's or the doctor's. "Oh? Do you think so?"
Johnathon chuckled. "Well, at least they didn't faint or run screaming."
Ranma chuckled as well. "I bet I could pull that off too, with a little more practice."
Johnathon's sighed. "Not during the shoot please. Practice scaring the pants off people on your own time."
Ranma grinned. "Sure Johnathon-san."
Johnathon glanced around at the surrounding area. "Well, that worked pretty well. I figure we can keep this up until the girls are done shooting."
Ranma shrugged. "Sure. Hey, where'd you learn to do that, anyway?"
Johnathon blinked. "I'd ask you the same, except I'd bet I know the answer. Happosai, right?"
Ranma nodded. "Yup, the old freak nearly paralyzed me with his battle aura once. I just tried to imitate that. You?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Lots of practice. I was a guard for three years during college, and it's a handy trick. It's just presence and self confidence really, although I got better at it after my Kendo instructor taught me to focus my chi. It works great on dogs too. Easier in fact, cause they're a lot more sensitive. I've been able to stare down dogs since I was a kid. I've just built on that a lot."
Ukyo, Akane and Shampoo had ignored the crowd, while Kasumi, Nabiki and Ranko had been nervous at the attention, until they backed off. The head camera man, noting that his scenery was clear, waved the girls over so they could begin the shoot.
Ranko went first, setting an example for the others. She had gotten the knack of the 'sexy' pose down pat. Her seemingly uninhibited playfulness and come hither looks were designed to bring guys running. Ranko knew exactly what guys liked, and had plenty of practice in giving it to them. The cameras loved her, as did the guys using them. Those who knew her, however, had different reactions.
Nabiki grinned, counting her money rolling in.
Kasumi smiled indulgently. "Ranko's very good at this isn't she?" She commented pleasantly.
Akane, having seen it all before, just rolled her eyes. "What a ham." Ukyo was halfway between laughter and embarrassment at her fiancee's aptitude.
Shampoo appraised Ranko's antics, and took mental notes.
Johnathon caught Ranko's act out of the corner of his eye and he turned to look. His eyes widened a bit as he watched. After a minute, Johnathon turned to Ranma, raising an eyebrow. "Anything Goes?" He asked pointedly.
Ranma looked embarrassed at his other half's antics. "Anything Goes." He answered with a sigh.
Dr. Tofu didn't comment, observing passively, taking in other people's reactions, particularly Nabiki's, though he tried not to be too obvious about it.
Akane went next, deciding to ignore any embarrassment
she might feel. Nabiki gave the photographers some tips on shooting
her younger sister. Ranko was very photogenic, but Akane was a bit
more difficult. The photographer had Akane look away from the camera
and had her walk, run, do a kata, stretch... Akane was best in motion.
Caught unaware her
true beauty shone through. Ranma's eyes were fixed on his wife,
as were Ranko's. They both were spellbound by Akane.
Halfway through the shoot however, Ranko tore her eyes away, and looked
for Ukyo.
The chef returned her look steadily, frowning a bit sadly. Ukyo saw silent apology in Ranko's eyes, and acknowledged it, nodding, her eyes becoming calm. < What can I expect?> Ukyo thought wryly to herself. < Ranko... Ranchan's not going to just stop loving Akane just cause she's not married to her anymore... I just wish she would look at me like that.>
The photographer waved at Shampoo next, but the Amazon simply looked over at Nabiki pointedly.
Nabiki grinned and nodded. "A deal is a deal, Shampoo." She nodded next to the photographer. "I will go next."
Nabiki had an excellent grasp of what men liked as well, although she was neither as practiced or as uninhibited as Ranko. Nevertheless, she put on a good show, working with the photographer. Her superior smile and 'ice queen' attitude transformed into a sultry look and statuesque poise that invited one to look, but not to touch.
Shampoo followed Nabiki, feeling competitive.
She always enjoyed showing off her superior figure to best advantage, and
today was no exception. Shampoo had been practicing her technique
for years, and it showed. She concentrated on Dr. Tofu and Ranma,
showing one man how lucky he was, and the other what he was missing out
on. For several minutes, the good doctor found it quite difficult
to remain clinically detached. As for Ranma, this was nothing new,
and Akane was more than
enough to keep his attention.
Kasumi was up finally. Dr. Tofu deliberately remained fixed on Shampoo and kept his eyes away, not trusting himself fully not to stare. The willowly housewife was demure at first, but she caught Johnathon's eyes and started to relax. Kasumi began to pose, smiling, just for him. The photographer moved to the side, catching her expressions, making it appear that she was looking right at the camera. Johnathon fell in love with his wife all over again, and the photographer grinned ecstatically to himself as he got a series of incredibly expressive shots. Kasumi wasn't as playful as Ranko, as energetic as Akane, or as sexy as Shampoo, but the look on her face made your heart pound and your breath stop.
Ukyo was last. She had been a bit embarrassed and shy at first. Having been dressed up as a guy for ten years hadn't done any good for her self confidence, especially about her appearance.
Ranko was encouraging. "Go get em Ucchan." She told her quietly. "Haven't I always told you you're cute?"
Ukyo nodded, grinning slightly. "That you have, sugar." She was feeling a bit competitive as well, and overcame her shyness slowly, finally showing off as skillfully as Shampoo.
The photographer caught it all in successive shots,
from shy to playful, and couldn't help shaking his head in mild amazement.
< These girls could go a long way in this business... and I'm the one
to shoot them first.> He took a look at his crew appraisingly.
They were all grins as well. It had been a good shoot, and they knew
it. He nodded and waved towards the van. "Pack up! We've
got two more locations to shoot at today!" < And if they both
go like this, we may not need any
more....>
As everyone started heading for the vehicles and changing rooms, Ranma heard a rapid clicking sound from behind a small sand dune. He casually hopped over and rolled his eyes when he identified the photographer taking pictures of the models from behind.
"Gosenkugi." He said flatly.
The pale, skinny sneak started up, and looked back at Ranma wildly. "Ah... ah...."
Ranma put out his hand. "The film, Gos... I don't feel like pulping you today."
Gosenkugi hesitated. "Um...."
Ranma snorted and snapped the camera out of his hands. "It's not like ya got a choice. I'm just bein nice cause I don't like beatin up on the weak." Ranma opened up the back of the camera and extracted the film, then tossed the camera back at Gosenkugi. "You're lucky I'm such a nice guy, Gos. Next time I see ya pulling somethin like this, I think I'll just tell the girls...." He waved his hand dismissively. "Now scoot, before one of them notices you and figures out you been spyin again."
Ranma watched the slippery little guy run off and
shrugged. "Bah, pathetic. If I was ever that bad, I'd just
jump off a cliff or
something." He tossed up the film and caught it again.
"Hey, maybe the photographer could use these shots... couldn't hurt."
The rest of the day went smoothly enough, though at the third site Gosenkugi showed up again. Dr. Tofu was the one to spot him this time, just before he could start taking pictures. The Doctor moved quickly over and confronted the youth before Gosenkugi could get away. "This is a private photo shoot son. You'll have to go." He nodded hastily and left quickly, glad that Dr. Tofu didn't know him.
Hikaru Gosenkugi swore silently to himself as he snuck away. < That was the doctor Nabiki told about her hypnosis. If he gets suspicious, he might be a problem. I'd better tell the mistress.>
Later that evening, after the photo shoot was over, the photographer was developing his photos. Nabiki supervised the procedure, not wanting anything to go wrong with the photos, and also enjoying the chance to watch a professional work his craft. When the photographer got to Gosenkugi's film, Nabiki blinked. "Those aren't your shots are they?"
The photographer shook his head. "Nope, you've
got a good eye. Akane Saotome's husband, Ranma, said he got these off some
guy on the beach." He went over the photos. "Hmm... nothing
we can use. These are all close ups of the red-head, Ranko... from
behind. Pretty good shots actually, but you can't see anything but
her back in most of these." He shrugged. "Kid must have some
sort of weird fetish for the lower back or something. Not that I
blame him for his choice of girl
to photo. That red-head is quite something."
Nabiki laughed. "Ranko's something else alright, something else entirely." She glanced at the photos. "You're right, these photos aren't much good, unless your a fan of lower back muscles." Nabiki paused, glancing at one photo in particular where those muscles stood out especially well. < Although Ranko does have a nice back... and a nice everything else, just like her twin.> Nabiki took that one photo for her own collection and discarded the rest. "Well, that's all for today. See you tomorrow."
The photographer looked up from his own perusal and nodded. "Yup, we should be able to finish up then. The shoots are going great."
Nabiki shrugged and turned to go. "Of course they are. I set them up after all."
Nabiki dismissed the incident from her mind. It wasn't until the next day she recalled it. The final photo shoot was wrapping up in its second location for the day, when Johnathon noticed the faint click of a camera from behind a bush.
He walked deliberately over and confronted the pale youth hiding in the bushes. The young man started to his feet and rapidly began to backpedal. Something clicked in Johnathon's mind. "Don't I know you? Hikaru right? Hikaru Gosenkugi?"
Gosenkugi froze and gulped. "Um, Sensei... this isn't what it looks like."
Johnathon looked dubious. "It looks like you were taking photos of my wife and the other girls."
Gosenkugi blinked. "Um... then I guess it is what it looks like?" He started backing away again, hoping that the normally mild mannered English teacher would let him go.
Johnathon sighed to himself. < Nabiki will
want that film. Normally, I'd let him go with a warning but....>
He headed for the
skinny youth rapidly. "Sorry Hikaru, but I can't let you walk
away with those pictures. Give me the film." Gosenkugi tried
to run, hoping his teacher wasn't faster than him. Johnathon caught
him in two steps, grabbing his left wrist and bringing him to an abrupt
halt. "Hikaru, normally I wouldn't do this, but you've come at a
bad time to take pictures of the girls. I'll pay you for the film,
but this was supposed to be a private photo shoot. Nabiki asked me
to make sure there's no one but the professional photographer taking pictures."
Gosenkugi struggled weakly against Johnathon's grip. Johnathon sighed.
< A first year student could break that grip. Gosenkugi's harmless.>
Noticing the commotion, Dr. Tofu and Ranma came over.
Dr. Tofu blinked. "You again?"
Ranma sighed. "Gosenkugi, I should've known."
Johnathon took the camera from the pale teenager's now quiescent hand and handed it to Ranma. "He's been around before this?" Johnathon queried.
Ranma nodded. "Yeah, yesterday morning. I took a roll of film off him them too."
Dr. Tofu nodded. "He was there later the same day as well." < Where have I heard that name before?>
Ranma got the film and handed the camera back. "I should just break this thing but... it's just not worth it." He shrugged. "Let him go, John-san."
Johnathon released the boy and Gosenkugi hurried off. As Gosenkugi went around a corner, Nabiki walked up. "What's the problem, gentlemen... and Ranma?"
Ranma shook his head, handing her the film. "Very funny. It was just Gosenkugi."
Nabiki snorted, shaking her head. "Won't he ever learn? First Akane, now Ranko. He was they guy you caught yesterday, Ranma?"
Ranma nodded. "Yeah. What do you mean, now Ranko? Don't tell me that he's...."
Nabiki shrugged. "The film he shot yesterday was all of her."
Ranma shuddered. "No way, Gos knows about the curse, doesn't he?"
Nabiki shrugged. "Well, you're standing right there, maybe he thinks she's really your sister or something."
Ranma winced again. "Ranko's not going to like this."
Nabiki laughed. "I think she'd be used to it by now, from Kuno." Nabiki grinned wider. "You were such a hotie, Ranma, your fan club was bigger than Akane's!" < Until the guys at Furinkan finally figured out the curse.>
As Nabiki continued to tease Ranma about his male
admirers, Dr. Tofu's narrowed in remembrance. < Gosenkugi?
Now I remember. He was the boy who Nabiki thought shot that video
tape of her stripping.... What's going on? Why is she so calm about
him showing up taking pictures again? I'd think she'd at least be a little
angry still.> Dr. Tofu paused in thought as the others headed for
the vehicles. < I've wondered about how well Nabiki was dealing
with this shoot. I thought she'd find it a little difficult after
what happened to her. That experience with the hypnosis incense had
to be terribly traumatic, and she's been acting completely normally.
That could have just been her having adjusted, and her rationalizing this
shoot as something she had
control of. The worst part of what happened to Nabiki with the
incense was the loss of control, but being photographed by
Mr. Gosenkugi again, with him spying on her again, however indirectly,
I would have expected some sort of negative reaction, but there was nothing.
Nabiki Tendo is extremely good at concealing her true feelings, but I think
I would be able to notice something.>
The doctor frowned to himself. < I should
talk to her and make sure she's not repressing the trauma. That's
not healthy, Not healthy at all.> He started walking over to join
the others. < I should wait until I can speak to her alone, however.
It
wouldn't do to break Nabiki's confidence in me.>
**************************
The head photographer put the lens cap back on his
camera and nodded to Ranko. "That's a wrap. You were excellent,
Ranko-chan."
Ranko bristled slightly. "Sheesh, don't call me chan, OK?"
The older man waved a hand defensively. "Sorry, I keep forgetting... Saotome-san. Anyway, we're all done with shooting, so you can go home now."
Ranko nodded with a relieved sigh. "Finally! This is it, right? You've got all the shots you need?"
The photographer nodded back. "Absolutely. I've already finished with all the other girls. You were the last one today. I believe Ukyo-san is waiting for you by the van."
Ranko grinned and took off. "Good luck with the photos."
The photographer shook his head. "Strange girl."
Ranko reached the van that the fashion designers had rented to ferry her and the other "models" to each shooting location. Ukyo had already changed clothes into a yellow shoulderless top with a V-neck and a pair of brown pants that made the normally bishonan girl look very feminine. Despite seeing Ukyo in various swim wear for the last few days, Ranko thought Ukyo looked more natural in pants. No one would accuse her of being a boy today, however.
As Ranko reached her, Ukyo handed her her school bag, which held Ranko's normal clothes. "You all finished, Sugar?"
Ranko took the bag and started pulling out her red Chinese shirt and black pants. "Yeah, that was it. The photographer said he had enough now and we could go home." She glanced around curiously. "Where did everyone else go?"
Ukyo nodded down the beach toward the lights of the nearby city. "They were planning on getting something to eat."
"Oh." Ranko started pulling her clothing on over the red bikini that she had worn for the final few shots. "So um...."
Ukyo cleared her throat. "Ranchan, would you like to um... go for a walk? The beach is nice and cool now, and the with the sun going down it's quite a sight...."
Ranko blinked, then nodded. "Sure Ucchan. Lets go."
Ukyo held out her hand to her short, red headed fiancee. "Come on, Ranko, I don't want to miss the sunset." Ranko took her best friend's hand willingly enough and the two girls ran down to the beach to where they could catch a glimpse of the last rays of sunlight. They stood there watching the sun sink over the horizon for several minutes, holding hands lightly. Ukyo glanced over and slightly down at her companion, frowning slightly. < This is not exactly how I pictured this... standing on the beach, watching the sun set... I imagined it so many times, but I always pictured myself holding on to Ranchan's arm, and leaning into his shoulder....> Ukyo tried to figure out how she was supposed to lean on the smaller girl next to her, then gave up. < I guess I'll have to make do.>
Ranko felt Ukyo let go of her hand. The taller girl
then put her arm around Ranko's shoulders companionably. She stepped
in slightly, pulling Ranko just a bit so that she was nestled under her
arm, Ranko's head barely resting on the chef's shoulder. The petite
red head stiffened up uncomfortably and Ukyo stopped breathing, not wanting
to let go, but not wanting to drive Ranko away either. After what
seemed an eternity, Ranko finally unfroze and wrapped an arm around Ukyo's
back, lifting her head a bit so that she wasn't quite leaning on her fiancee
anymore. As Ukyo felt Ranko relax she did as well, letting out
a nervous breath.
Ranko sighed. < This is how I used to hold Akane... except I'm the girl now... and Ukyo's acting like the guy! How am I supposed to react to this, anyway?> She looked up at Ukyo with a weak smile. "Hey Ucchan... so, have you ever done this before? You know, going out on dates and stuff?" Ukyo blinked in surprise, glancing down at the red head. Ranko shrugged helplessly.. "That's kinda what we're doing, right?"
Ukyo hesitated. "Yeah Ranchan, I suppose you could call it that... you don't... mind... going on a date... or anything.... do you?"
Ranko shook her head immediately. "No way, Ucchan! A guy would have to be crazy not to want to go out with a cute girl like you...." She turned slightly red. "Er...."
Ukyo giggled. "Well, if a guy comes along, you tell him that for me, OK?"
Ranko glared at her. "Hey!"
Ukyo snickered a bit before sobering. "I'm kidding, Ranchan. You're the only guy or girl for me, OK?"
Ranko nodded. "I know, Ucchan. You've always been there for me. That means a lot, you know?" She looked curious. "Still, did you? Go out on any dates that is, before this?"
Ukyo was taken slightly aback. "Well, I was pretending to be a guy for the last ten years, so there really wasn't any way I could meet anyone I'd want to date...."
Ranko noticed her hesitation and smiled slyly. "But...."
Ukyo blushed slightly. "Well... I had to keep up appearances... pretending to be a guy, so... I did go on a couple dates...."
Ranko looked suspicious. "Not with Tsubasa?"
Ukyo looked horrified. "No! No way! Do you think he would ever have given up if I had?" She glanced around. "At least I think he's given up... with Tsubasa you never know...."
Ranko's eyes widened. "So, you were pretending to be a guy? That means you went on a date with a girl?"
Ukyo nodded, shrugging helplessly. "Um... three dates actually, before I moved here. She was nice enough, but I really wasn't interested." She blinked. "Er... I mean, I would have had to tell her the truth, and I'm pretty sure that would have ended things... but as it was, I ended up moving here, and I found you again."
Ranko shrugged noncommittally. "It's no big deal, Ucchan. I was just interested, that's all. I never really went on any dates before... cept for Akane, and Shampoo a couple times... but that didn't really count, cause she always blackmailed me into it or somethin...." Ranko hesitated, then glanced up at Ukyo, who was looking pained. < Uh oh... what'd I say now? Is it because she doesn't want to be here with a girl?>
Ukyo grimaced at the mention of Akane, then schooled her features. < Come on, Ukyo, you know Ranma and Akane had gone out. They did a lot more than that, so why does it bother me that they dated?> Ukyo shook her head. < I'm being silly. What's the big deal about a date or two, after everything else I have to worry about?>
Ranko watched Ukyo calm down and sighed. < I don't know what to do. Ucchan needs me to be here for her. I said I'm going to marry her, why am I so reluctant to let myself feel anything for her?> Ranko answered her own question. < Why? Because I'm a girl right now, and because of... Akane.> Ranko recalled the honeymoon night for the thousandth time in the past few days and blushed. < I still can't believe Akane was willing to do that... to accept me as a girl... like that.> She glanced at Ukyo. < Could... could Ukyo... like girls... like that? Akane seemed to, and Ukyo's been dressing up as a guy for so long, she's even dated a girl... and she's got her arm around me now. It was Ucchan's idea for us to share her futon... even if we haven't done anything yet....>
Ukyo glanced at Ranko, noticed the red head was staring
at her and looked quickly away, blushing. < Oh my god... does
Ranko expect me to... to do something? What should I do?> She
remembered the dating advice she had gotten from some of her friends at
the all boys school she had gone to before Furinkan high school.
< Should I kiss her? What if she isn't ready? God, do I
even want to kiss another girl?> Ukyo glanced back at Ranko, and
noticed the red head was starting to blush as
well, turning away shyly. "Ranchan...."
Ranko looked back at Ukyo, still blushing slightly. "Yes, Ucchan?"
Ukyo swallowed shallowly and bent her head down toward the smaller girl's. "Ranko.... I...."
Ranko's eyes went wide and she froze. < Is... is she going to kiss me?> Ukyo's face got closer and closer and Ranko's eyes got wider and wider. < Oh my god, she is! What am I gonna do? What should I do? If I pull away, Ucchan will be hurt, but....> Before Ranko could form a coherent plan, Ukyo's lips met her own. With just a trace of hesitation she responded. < Akane... please forgive me.> It was a fairly chaste kiss, but neither one of them made any motion to pull away immediately. Ranko tried to relax. < Ucchan. She's my best friend, and she's really cute... and... I like her... and she's cute... and....>
Ukyo was trying to figure out what she was feeling. < Ranchan... I love... her.> Slowly she deepened the kiss, trying to find a spark of passion in herself in the kiss. She wasn't sure exactly what to expect. < Its... its nice, but... should there be something more?>
A young boy's voice broke the stillness. "Mommy, why are those two girls kissing each other?" Ranko and Ukyo broke apart guiltily, and they both noticed the middle aged woman pulling her curious son away from them up the beach.
"Don't stare, dear. I'll explain it to you when you're older." The woman politely kept her own eyes adverted, while nodding a slight apology in their direction as she gently hauled her child away. Ranko and Ukyo found themselves blushing furiously, not able to look each other in the eyes.
Ukyo spoke first. "Does it... does it bother you that people see us as two girls, Ranchan?"
Ranko hesitated, thinking about it. "Well... not that, not really. I mean, why should I care what other people think about us. If a couple of girls decide they... er... well, love each other, I'm cool with that...." She shook her head. "I just... I can't get used to being thought of as a... a girl myself." She shrugged helplessly. "I don't know how to explain it...."
Ukyo looked concerned. "Is there anything I could do? I mean, I did offer to dress up like a guy more... I'm so used to it that it doesn't make a difference to me, anyway."
Ranko shook her head. "No... no, that don't matter none to me either...." She shook her head again. "I really hadn't thought of it that way before, but... if people are going to think I'm a girl... I don't want em thinking I like guys. I don't care if they think we're... lesbians... but the idea of people thinking that I would kiss a guy...." She shuddered. "Ugh. I get the creeps just thinking about it."
Ukyo nodded slowly. "I understand, Ranchan. Whichever we do is fine with me."
Ranko glanced at her seriously. "Are you sure, Ucchan? If you're embarrassed or anything, I could try dressing up as a guy, or we could wait until I become a guy again before we do nothin...." Ranko shrugged. "Heck, I know you're a girl, even when you're pretending to be a guy. If you want to pretend again, I'm cool with it, really. It's no big deal." She sniffed. "Just as long as I don't have to kiss any real guys, I don't really care."
Ukyo shrugged back at Ranko. "It's no big deal for me either, Ranchan. Who cares what people think?" Inwardly she cringed, remembering all the teasing and torment she had endured after Ranma and his father had abandoned her. < No, it doesn't matter. Nothing anyone else says matters to me, as long as I get my Ranchan.>
**********************
When everyone had gotten back together at the Tendo home after the shoot, Ranma told Ranko about her new admirer. The short red-head swore. "Damn it! That pervert! I shoulda killed him when he first showed up at Ucchan's!"
Ukyo, nearby at the time, snorted. "That might have been better than encouraging him like you did."
Ranko blinked incredulously. "Encourage? What are you talkin about?"
Ukyo giggled. "Pushing your... chest at him like that. You gave him quite a show you know."
Ranma and Ranko both looked surprised. "You mean because of that..." Ranko began, "He thinks I like him?"
Ranma tried to think back. "You know, Ucchan's got a point there I think. I mean, you... we never really cared much for 'feminine' modesty and stuff, but when a girl goes and shows you... you know... and doesn't hit ya after... it means she's got the hots... I mean, she's interested, real interested, right?"
Akane walloped Ranma on the back of the head. "How would you know, Ranma? Have you had a lot of girls 'show' you stuff?"
Ranma winced. "Hey, Akane it's not like I wanted them to or nothing. Girls just always seemed to throw themselves at me...."
Akane sniffed angrily. "Oh, and do you deny you enjoyed it?"
As Ranma and Akane started to argue in earnest, Ranko turned to Ukyo. "You don't think that Gos really...."
Ukyo shrugged. "Looks like. Since he's obviously seen both you and Ranma in the same place, he probably thinks you're Ranma's sister or something."
Ranko shuddered. 'No way, no way! Not another one! I'm getting sick of it! One love sick idiot after another! I'm just going to have ta kill him!"
Ukyo patted her shoulder. "I don't think you'll have to go quite that far, Ranchan. I'll help you discourage him, OK?" She looked sideways at Ranko. "So how many girls have shown you 'stuff' anyway? Besides Shampoo that is."
Ranko hesitated, turning red. "Um...."
Ukyo winked at her. "Don't worry Ranchan, I'm not going to hit you."
Ranko grimaced. "Well...."
Ukyo tried to tease her. "Is that why you ended up with Akane instead of me? Did she give you a free show?" Ranma, Akane and Ranko all froze guiltily. Ukyo blinked. "She did? You're kidding! Akane?" Ukyo's eyes narrowed dangerously. "When?" Her tone was brisk.
Ranko waved her hands from side to side. "No, no, no... it's not like that, Ucchan! Akane hit me afterward! Every time! Really!"
Ukyo's eyes were wide. "She... hit you... AFTERWARD?!! EVERY TIME?!?"
Akane rolled her eyes. "Oh, like that's going to make it better!" She turned to the fuming Okinamiyaki chef with for her, a very reasonable expression. "It was the day Ranma first arrived at our house, you see. I thought Ranma was a girl, and when I saw her clothes in the hamper, I decided to join her in the bath." She blushed. "I walked in on him...."
Ukyo listened, more interested now than angry. "Ooh! Did you... did you um...."
Akane blushed brighter. "Get a look? I think we both did, but at the time I thought Ranma was some pervert that had sneaked into our bathroom...." She shook her head. "How was I to know? Anyway, I got out of the bathroom right away, put on my gi, and ran into the living room to grab something big to hit him with."
Ukyo laughed lightly. "I should have known it would have been something like that."
Akane frowned. "Something like what?"
Ukyo shook her head. "I just mean that Ranchan is always getting into embarrassing situations like that because of his curse... or at least he did...." She glanced at Ranko. "At least you don't have to worry about stuff like that happening anymore."
Ranko sighed and nodded. "That's one good thing." She frowned. "Still, I'd rather get embarrassed like that and worse, rather than never be a guy again."
Ranma sighed in response. "I'm sorry, Ranko. I understand what you're going through." He shook his head. "My curse wasn't so bad that I'd have ever chosen to do this to you."
Ranko nodded. "I know, bro. It's not your fault." She grinned confidently. "Besides, before too long I'll get a guy body again."
Akane reached over and patted her ex-fiancee on the shoulder. "Of course you will, Ranko." < Please, oh please let her be right for once!>
Ukyo spoke up to break the tension in the room. "So, tell me about the other times Akane flashed you, Ranchan." She directed her question to the female half of the pair. "I've got to hear this story....:"
Ranko, Ranma and Akane all blushed, and Ranko swallowed nervously. "I don't know...."
Ukyo smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not going to get mad. I've accepted what's happened between you and Akane. I'm not going to let that spoil our future, OK? Go ahead and tell me about it, I'm really interested."
Akane sighed. "I'll tell you, if you want, Ukyo." She rolled her eyes. "The second time was on the same day.... Ranma's father explained about the curses... by throwing Ranma into the koi pond, so he was a girl. Then Ranma had said something insulting about my figure, and I... er... Ihithimwiththetable....."
Ukyo blinked. "What did you say, Akane? I couldn't quite make that out."
Ranko sniffed. "She hit me with the dinner table. When I came too, I decided to take a bath and get changed back into a guy, only I didn't realize that while I had been out, Akane had gone in to take her own bath...."
Akane blushed. "I was so shocked over everything...
getting engaged to a boy who turned into a girl can do that... that I forgot
to put up the occupied sign. I came out of the furo just as Ranko
was coming in, and we both got another good look...." She blushed.
"This time she was a girl... not that I cared. I was furious, and
I slapped her and stormed off." Akane glanced at Ranko, then at Ranma.
"I guess I do owe the both of you an apology. You never really were
a pervert... well,
not much, anyway."
Ukyo shook her head. "And I thought I got embarrassed when Ranchan tried to prove to Ryoga that I was really a girl. Sheesh. If it's not one thing with you, Ranchan, it's another." She shot Ranko a quick smile. "Not that I'm complaining. I like a little excitement from time to time."
Ranko sighed. "I'm getting a bit tired of it all myself. Just this once, I hope this trip to China is completely boring."
Ukyo gave her fiancee a measured look. < Not if I have anything to say about it, Ranchan.>
End Chapter 7
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