A Ranma 1/2 fanfic by Ronin. All characters herein are property of Takahashi Rumiko. (Honestly, do you think -I- could come up with those kind of characters? Gimme a break.) ^_^ ------------------------------------- M A S Q U E R A D E (by Ronin) ------------------------------------- "Come on, Ranma." "No way, Nabiki! There's absolutely no way you'll get me in that dress!" A humph sounded. "Do you want me to have to call in the money you owe me?" "Well..." "-All- of it, Ranma?" "That's not fair!" "Life seldom is. Look. We'll dye your hair black and you can wear it loose. Nobody will even know that it's you." "Aaaargh! Can't you get somebody else to do this?" "No. Are you telling me you -can't-?" A mocking tone. "Awww, is da big bad martial artist afwaid?" "Cut it OUT!" A pause. "Okay. I'll do it. Why do you need me to meet this guy for you, anyway?" Secretive, with barely-hidden amusement. "I have my reasons." "Yeah, I just bet. How much?" Rustle of fabric. "Hand me that damn brassiere already." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "WHAT?" "There's no need to be rude, Ryoga. Just do like I tell you." "Why should I?" A rustle. A pause. "Hey, where did you get those photos?" "That's my business, and I -always- know my business." "Nabiki! Give me those right now!" A low laugh. "They show -everything-, don't they?" Nonchalant. "It sure would be a shame if Akane saw these." "You wouldn't dare!" "Just do what I tell you. Otherwise... oink oink oink. Got the idea?" Pause, then resigned. "All right. Who is she? And why do -I- have to meet her?" "I really can't say." "I knew this was going to be a bad day..." Theatrical sigh. "All right. I really shouldn't be telling you this, but she's a very shy young lady who's seen you around a lot. You don't know her, but she adores you, Ryoga. The thing is..." "Uh oh." "The girls at school keep teasing her for liking a guy who carries an umbrella around all the time." "Hey! What's wrong with carrying an umbrella?" "Look. All you have to do is dye your hair with this stuff, and wear some different clothing. She'll know it's you, but no one else will. Trust me, she thinks you are the most noble and handsome man she's ever seen. She'd know you anywhere." Curiousity. "Really?" "Absolutely. Keeps doodling your name in her notebook at school and all that junk." "Well... okay. I'll do it. But only because you're blackmailing me." Barely veiled amusement. "Of course. Oh, and Ryoga? No words. She's very shy, and I don't want you to frighten her off." "All right." Slight embarrassment. "Uh... Nabiki? Do you know where I can get a suit?" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It is a radiant summer evening. The warm sunset casts a rosy glow across the park, lacing shadows in a glorious play of filigreed contrast over the wide lawn. A vision in white stands by the fountain, the musical sound of falling water tranquil. Her hair is raven black, tumbling across her shoulders in a modest, rippling wave. Accented with kohl, deep turquoise eyes flicker restlessly as she waits nervously. The slight edginess she displays only adds to her beauty, casting the aura of a nervous doe, breathtaking and poised for flight. Her slim form shows that she would be well suited to such flight, fine-boned and deceptively delicate. A flock of birds rise up from the ground at the entrance, startling her. She places a hand on her breast, seeking to still the wild beating of her heart. Her eyes are wide with surprise, pools of jewelled ecstasy that drown the soul. The cause of the birds departure appears, striding slowly towards the fountain. It is he. His hair blazes like a torch, ruddy in the last glare of sundown. Each step is smooth, rippling with restrained power beneath the well-fitted suit. The only break in the dark colour of his form is a spotted scarf, knotted carelessly about his throat. He is trim and well-muscled, but not overly so. With catlike grace, he ascends the steps of the square to the fountain's rim and halts, silhouetted against the dying day. A faint and exciting aura of danger is present about him. While motionless, he seems only to be held quivering on the brink of swift, powerful action. He holds out a hand to her. Not a commanding hand, or a gesturing one, but a hand open, offering. A question. Tentatively, she ripples forward. After a pause, she slowly slides her small, delicate hand into his own. An answer. Demurely she lowers her eyes, avoiding his gaze, her shyness causing a faint smile to warm his features. Without warning, he pulls her in towards him. Tilting her head upward, he descends with a gentle kiss. Her lips taste faintly of rice, soft and impossibly textured. Eyes closed as he soaks in the beauty of the night, and of her. A seeming shiver of ardor runs through her body. Without breaking the kiss, he pulls her close. WHAM! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Owwww!" "Sorry, Ryoga. Here's some more ice. Hold this on your ankle while I wash out those cuts." "Crazy girl! I thought you said she liked me!" Muffled snicker. "Well... some of us show love in unusual ways." Moan. "I should never have listened to you, Nabiki." "Look at it this way. You learned a valuable lesson." Sarcastic. "Oh yeah? And what's that?" "When you get involved romantically with someone, you should wear protection." Moans of pain. "You got that right. Body armor sounds really good right about now..." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Blechhh!" Sounds of water and violent scrubbing. "Ranma? What are you doing?" "That's the -last- time I do -anything- for you, Nabiki! I'm washing my mouth out. Bleaghhhh, that's gross!" Gargling noises. "Oh come -on-, Ranma. You're making a big deal out of nothing." "You weren't the one who got kissed, so just shut up!" A pause. "Too bad. So how was it?" Suspicious. "How was what?" "The kiss?" "IT WAS DISGUSTING! I NEVER WANT TO KISS A GUY AGAIN!" "That's what they all say. Don't worry, you'll get over it." Rustle of paper. "In fact, there's a dance at the youth center next week, and I just happen to have a couple of clients searching for a hot date. You interested?" "No!" "That'll be five hundred forty two thousand, eight hundred and twenty six yen." Whimper. "Oh man..." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: It's not exactly a story, but that's my entry. Enjoy! Ronin.