Comments
Seed00 - I'm glad it's coming a bit clearer. I get confused myself sometimes when I'm writing but in a way it's meant to be puzzling sometimes. Just not to the degree I was making it before haha.
nuclear death frog - I actually enjoyed those episodes but I can understand why others might not. It's your prerogative if you want to skip them, I won't be doing the card game thing much in the fic.
Tsuki_CB - Am I really Making Konoka come off as that bad? :sweat2: I mean I'm pulling back a lot from the current series of events with her so hopefully not...
Dumbledork- 1.It wasn't around the whole day for the missing day, there was a time skip between the start of the day till after school and the clone got dismissed and then re-summoned during that time. As for why Ranma tends to use the clone even when he likely doesn't need to it depends... he's had the pendent for years now and there a bit of compulsion involved. Also Ranma is a BIT crazy and has a habit of talking to himself, with the pendent he just tends to use it as a way to give him someone to talk too.
2. yes, I brought it up earlier in the fic before the amazons attack arc, but it was a short scene so it's not surprising if you missed it.
3. Well for Ranma it's simple, His involvement with Eva and her plan means that the last thing he wants to do is let the headmaster know anything. Setsuna is another matter entirely. Her loyalties lie with Konoka, though she'd does not want to her to be putting herself in this kind of situation she also see she has not right to expose her mistresses secret dealings to the headmaster... unless things were really dire she likely would turn to that option. though to be honest the main reason is that I never thought of that as a possibility
Besides the Old bastard like already knows whats going on... he's sneaky like that. (he wants Negi and Konoka to get together after all)
As for the split issue I'm not going to say anything solid one way or another. I've done a lot of rewriting the recent events so I'm going to let it all settle before I make any solid decisions... I will say it's more likely to happen then not and likely not a split in the traditional sense... but I have a lot of possibilities bouncing around my head.
anyway on with the fic!
Snippet
Things had calmed down after the card games ended, the group settling into idle conversation and snack consumption. Though as it got later in the evening Konoka made her cheerful declaration, ôLet's make this a sleepover!ö
ôWha?ö
ôOoh that would be great!ö Sayo clapped her hands together excitedly, looking to Ranko with hopeful eyes. ôWould that be okay?ö
ôEr, I guess so...ö Ranko was a little taken aback as varying degrees of smiles shown on her friends faces, it was hard not to return a small one of her own. Though as her eyes fell on Asuna and negi she felt the usual issue fall into place. ôI should probably run it by Ranma-niichan though.ö She said hopping up to her feet, ôI'll just give him a call.ö she said making her way to her bedroom. She leaned against the other side of the door as her mind wandered.
To clone or not to clone...
At this late in the night a small bout of pendent use wouldn't put her out of commission and would do well to hold her identity in front of Negi, and to a lesser extent Asuna. Though on that same line of thought it wasn't THAT necessary, there's plenty of excuses to use for her male half's absence and with most of the people in the know they'd back her up. She allowed herself a bit of a sigh, ever since Negi had started sticking his nose into things he'd had to up his pendent use to nearly double. It was tiring.
But well... maybe this could be a good time to just get it out there?
It was a surprising thought, but she'd opened up to both Mana and Setsuna recently and it had gone much better then expected. If Asuna and Negi knew she could be much more relaxed about-
Your too important to me!
Well... Maybe tonight wouldn't be the best time for a reveal. Ranko fingered the pendent unconsciously as she fought down the still vivid memory and her own reddened cheeks. Soon though, after all this gets sorted. A flash of Negi's face brought a more sobering mood. Well, if anyone will still want to talk to me at all...
1234321
Out in the living room Mana and Sayo had retreated to they apartment to grab extra pillows and blankets, leaving Asuna with time to reflect on the events to come. She wasn't sure she was ready to confront Ranma again, but she wasn't sure if letting it dwell with her mind free to wander was good for her sanity. The more the memories settled the more unsure she was on what she would say, or even could say. Even as she worked herself up to Takahata-level anxiety, she wasn't even sure how she felt. Scenarios came and went but with some many variables it justed ended up giving her a headache. The opening of a door brought her back to reality, Ranko was back..
ôHm, where's Sa-chan and Mana?ö
ôThey went to get some pillows.ö Setsuna replied calmly.
ôSo what did Ranma-san say?ö Negi asked causing Asuna to sit up straighter. She could feel the tension building.
ôOh he was fine with it, but decided to bow out and spend the night at a co-workers. Said that it would be a bit too much estrogen in one house.ö She said with a chuckle. ôEr, no offense to you Sensei.
ôNone taken.ö
Thunk! Asuna ignored the looks she got from her companions as she allowed her head to fall on the table with a groan. This was going to drive her crazy if she had to keep this to herself.
ôEr, you okay Asuna?ö She slowly turned her head to her confused hostess and after a moment of silence made her decision. She brought herself upright with a defeated sigh.
ôCan I borrow you and Konoka for a minute?ö her request got some puzzled looked but the pigtailed girl nodded.
ôSure.ö
ôOf course Asuna.ö Konoka said with a smile. Asuna stood and made her way to the kitchen, followed shortly by Ranko. Konoka got to her feet shortly after and paused before giving a formal bow to Setsuna. ôExcuse me for a moment Oujo-sama,ö she said before passing her friend a grin and making her way into the kitchen as the swordswoman shook her head and sighed.
1234321
Asuna had taken position leaning against the wall, fidgeting with her hair a bit clearly missing her usual style. Ranko for her part was perching sitting on the counter top looking somewhat hesitant herself. As Konoka joined them with a supportive smile Asuna took a breath to settle her nerves and begin. ôI think Ranma is staying away tonight because of me.ö She muttered looking down.
ôWhat? What makes you think that?ö Konoka passed a glance to the martial arist who was examining her choice of wall paper quite intensely. ôDid you have another fight?ö
ôWell yes, and that's probably part of it. But it's more then that. I had brought him to the roof to talk about last night...ö reluctantly she began to run down the events of the rooftop encounter. Never looking up, not trusting herself at the moment. Though she did manage to recount the whole mess, only then did she look back up a slight flush on her face. Konoka for her part was stuck speechless for a moment, a rare event for the levelheaded girl. Ranko was quiet as well seemly trying to process it all.
ôRanma confessed to you?ö she spoke slowly trying to place the words but it still seemed off.
ôI well no... I don't know!ö she threw her arms up in frustration. ôWe were both a step away from getting in a fist fight, it hardly romantic timing. But it was still kinda... Nice.ö she covered her face and groaned. ôI can't stop thinking about it, and he just ran off so I don't know what he meant!ö
ôThat does kind of sound like something he would do.ö Konoka turned her gaze back to Ranko, who was still keeping silent. ôWell, had you heard anything about this Ranko?ö she asked casually but eyed the girl carefully noting how she tensed. The martial artist tried to collect herself but flinched a bit as Asuna was looking her way too.
ôWell, not really.ö she began evasively, ôI mean things were still pretty heated from last night. He's really worried... about both of you. With the Vampire stuff.ö She muttered carefully choosing her words. ôNeither of us have really dated anyone, so really I'm just as surprised.ö Konoka nodded a bit taking the words as they were. Both of her friends were passionate and stubborn. It was all the easier to see the scene play out... though for Asuna it wasn't enough.
ôUm, what do you think though?ö she asked hopefully. ôDoes Ranma...ö she couldn't finish the sentence much less the thought. She wasn't even sure which she'd be more relieved to hear. Yes or no. Ranko scratched her reddening cheeks.
ôAh, I don't know... I mean.ö Ranko trailed off awkwardly he eyes straying from Asuna's trying to find something else to look at though she choked as they landed on the door. Puzzled Asuna and konoka followed the gaze to see an impassive Mana with some rolled up blankets under each arm and Sayo hugging a pair of pillows tightly to her chest.
ôDon't mind us. Please... Go on.ö Mana said evenly.
In the end nothing really got resolved, neither Ranko or Asuna were able to breech the topic again. But at the same time the release had helped somewhat, even if the results were still up in the air. Fortunately Konoka had managed to refocus the even back to original goal of the evening, keeping Ranko company. As the bedrolls got spread out the fledgling mage prepared the final activity for the evening.
ôMovie time!ö
ôNow I don't want you girls staying up too late tonight,ö Negi said cautioningly. ôThere is class tomorrow.ö
ôYes sensei,ö The girls chorused as Konoka began to dig through her bag. There were disadvantages of course for having your homeroom teacher at your sleepover. Ranko raised an eyebrow.
ôYour staying as well Sensei?ö
ôEr,ö the boy looked distinctly uncomfortable as he glanced outside. ôIt's rather late to be out at this point.ö He didn't bring it to words but clearly a blond vampire was on his mind. ôIf it's not a problem...ö
ôDon't worry about it kid,ö she said ruffing his hair. ôI was just curious, I'm sure Niichan will be glad you're chaperoning.ö she said with a bit of a smirk. Even if that was his intention it was still hard to picture the boy as the responsible party amongst the teenagers.
ôHere they are, I brought two options. First off." she pulled a DVD free from the bag and held it up with a clearly mischievous grin. ôFlowers in Winter.ö The red head groaned, she'd never heard of the movie but it was clear but that picture on the front and the flowery border that it was some majorly shojo movie... not her style. Setsuna joined her with a slight grimace while Negi put on a polite face despite it not being anything close to what the boy was interested in. It seemed that she'd picked this out clearly to tease her friend.
"Oh!" Not all reactions were negative, as Sayo seemed to light up at the sight of it. "I've seen that one."
"Really?" the mis-dressed mage offered a pleasantly surprised smile.
"Mm, I got to watch it a few days ago. It was really sweet."
"I know. So you a fan then?"
"Yeah, but I got it from M-OW!"
"The library." Mana finished calmly as a pouting Sayo rubbed her shin. The mercenary passed a level glance around the table daring anyone to comment but they seemed to let it drop easily enough... The other two warriors though did bare slight repressed smirks of amusement.
Who would have thought?
"Well um," Konoka tried to steer the topic back on track. "I figured that wouldn't go over so well so I brought something a little more palatable for the hostess." she said pulling out the second DVD. This one brought up a smile, as it was one of Ranko's favorites. ôAge of the Warrior 2: Burning Souls in Tokyoö Light hearted, full of action with good quality fighting. "Better?"
"Much," the red head said with a smile before brushing stray hairs from her eyes. She had her reasons for keeping her hair tied and this was one of them. She wasn't sure how most girls got through the day.
"This good for everyone else?" No one disputed the choice and so people went about preparing the room. After some insistence Ranko was allowed to get the movie set up on her aged DVD player while the others did more physical tasks. The table was moved aside to give an unobstructed view. The seating pillow wear moved back toward the wall for a good view and to allow them to have something to lean against. Popcorn was made and the lights were dimmed.
Ranko took a seat against the wall expecting everyone to settle in but soon found them all converging on her spot. Mana had surprised everyone right off the bat. After taking a seat next to her she pulled the small girl into her lap and wrapped her arms lightly about her midsection. ôMana what the-?ö
ôJust relax,ö was all she said in reply with one of her mysterious smiles.
ôEasy for you to say... ô The gentle affection was at odds with what she was used to from the mercenary, unexpected but nice. At the very least it was much more comfortable then the floor pillow... at least after she managed to ignore 'cushion' behind her head. Sayo took her spot to her roommates right, grabbing one of Ranko's hands and giving it a squeeze. This was something the red head was more used to, Sayo had always been clingy and that hadn't changed with gaining a body. Asuna took a seat on her other side seemingly bemused by the impromptu cuddle party fortunately for Ranko's sanity her friend was content to remain in a more standard sitting position. Though they may have had more to due with Asuna's lack of familiarity with Mana more then anything.
Konoka settled down on Asuna's other side intent on a cuddling of her own as she snatched up the boy teacher and pulled him close, leaving the boy flustered. She waved Setsuna over as well who took a seat a respectable distance to side. That didn't mean Setsuna was surprised when she felt a head lean on her shoulder as Konoka had scooted closer. Judging by the small smile both shared it was a wonder why the swordswoman even sat away in the first place.
As the movie began to roll Ranko couldn't help but smile a little, this was the most fun he'd had just hanging around in ages. Though his little circle had grown it still felt close and personal. As he allowed herself to really relax in Mana's arms she let her min wander. Maybe there was some way they could do something like this again...
end chapter
Thats the tentative end for the new chapter 10. I may re work it a bit but that seemed like a nice note to end it on. Was going to have Windfalcon look over it but his comp was a bit borked at the time so he'll just have to read it here
Seed00 - I'm glad it's coming a bit clearer. I get confused myself sometimes when I'm writing but in a way it's meant to be puzzling sometimes. Just not to the degree I was making it before haha.
nuclear death frog - I actually enjoyed those episodes but I can understand why others might not. It's your prerogative if you want to skip them, I won't be doing the card game thing much in the fic.
Tsuki_CB - Am I really Making Konoka come off as that bad? :sweat2: I mean I'm pulling back a lot from the current series of events with her so hopefully not...
Dumbledork- 1.It wasn't around the whole day for the missing day, there was a time skip between the start of the day till after school and the clone got dismissed and then re-summoned during that time. As for why Ranma tends to use the clone even when he likely doesn't need to it depends... he's had the pendent for years now and there a bit of compulsion involved. Also Ranma is a BIT crazy and has a habit of talking to himself, with the pendent he just tends to use it as a way to give him someone to talk too.
2. yes, I brought it up earlier in the fic before the amazons attack arc, but it was a short scene so it's not surprising if you missed it.
3. Well for Ranma it's simple, His involvement with Eva and her plan means that the last thing he wants to do is let the headmaster know anything. Setsuna is another matter entirely. Her loyalties lie with Konoka, though she'd does not want to her to be putting herself in this kind of situation she also see she has not right to expose her mistresses secret dealings to the headmaster... unless things were really dire she likely would turn to that option. though to be honest the main reason is that I never thought of that as a possibility
Besides the Old bastard like already knows whats going on... he's sneaky like that. (he wants Negi and Konoka to get together after all)As for the split issue I'm not going to say anything solid one way or another. I've done a lot of rewriting the recent events so I'm going to let it all settle before I make any solid decisions... I will say it's more likely to happen then not and likely not a split in the traditional sense... but I have a lot of possibilities bouncing around my head.
anyway on with the fic!
Snippet
Things had calmed down after the card games ended, the group settling into idle conversation and snack consumption. Though as it got later in the evening Konoka made her cheerful declaration, ôLet's make this a sleepover!ö
ôWha?ö
ôOoh that would be great!ö Sayo clapped her hands together excitedly, looking to Ranko with hopeful eyes. ôWould that be okay?ö
ôEr, I guess so...ö Ranko was a little taken aback as varying degrees of smiles shown on her friends faces, it was hard not to return a small one of her own. Though as her eyes fell on Asuna and negi she felt the usual issue fall into place. ôI should probably run it by Ranma-niichan though.ö She said hopping up to her feet, ôI'll just give him a call.ö she said making her way to her bedroom. She leaned against the other side of the door as her mind wandered.
To clone or not to clone...
At this late in the night a small bout of pendent use wouldn't put her out of commission and would do well to hold her identity in front of Negi, and to a lesser extent Asuna. Though on that same line of thought it wasn't THAT necessary, there's plenty of excuses to use for her male half's absence and with most of the people in the know they'd back her up. She allowed herself a bit of a sigh, ever since Negi had started sticking his nose into things he'd had to up his pendent use to nearly double. It was tiring.
But well... maybe this could be a good time to just get it out there?
It was a surprising thought, but she'd opened up to both Mana and Setsuna recently and it had gone much better then expected. If Asuna and Negi knew she could be much more relaxed about-
Your too important to me!
Well... Maybe tonight wouldn't be the best time for a reveal. Ranko fingered the pendent unconsciously as she fought down the still vivid memory and her own reddened cheeks. Soon though, after all this gets sorted. A flash of Negi's face brought a more sobering mood. Well, if anyone will still want to talk to me at all...
1234321
Out in the living room Mana and Sayo had retreated to they apartment to grab extra pillows and blankets, leaving Asuna with time to reflect on the events to come. She wasn't sure she was ready to confront Ranma again, but she wasn't sure if letting it dwell with her mind free to wander was good for her sanity. The more the memories settled the more unsure she was on what she would say, or even could say. Even as she worked herself up to Takahata-level anxiety, she wasn't even sure how she felt. Scenarios came and went but with some many variables it justed ended up giving her a headache. The opening of a door brought her back to reality, Ranko was back..
ôHm, where's Sa-chan and Mana?ö
ôThey went to get some pillows.ö Setsuna replied calmly.
ôSo what did Ranma-san say?ö Negi asked causing Asuna to sit up straighter. She could feel the tension building.
ôOh he was fine with it, but decided to bow out and spend the night at a co-workers. Said that it would be a bit too much estrogen in one house.ö She said with a chuckle. ôEr, no offense to you Sensei.
ôNone taken.ö
Thunk! Asuna ignored the looks she got from her companions as she allowed her head to fall on the table with a groan. This was going to drive her crazy if she had to keep this to herself.
ôEr, you okay Asuna?ö She slowly turned her head to her confused hostess and after a moment of silence made her decision. She brought herself upright with a defeated sigh.
ôCan I borrow you and Konoka for a minute?ö her request got some puzzled looked but the pigtailed girl nodded.
ôSure.ö
ôOf course Asuna.ö Konoka said with a smile. Asuna stood and made her way to the kitchen, followed shortly by Ranko. Konoka got to her feet shortly after and paused before giving a formal bow to Setsuna. ôExcuse me for a moment Oujo-sama,ö she said before passing her friend a grin and making her way into the kitchen as the swordswoman shook her head and sighed.
1234321
Asuna had taken position leaning against the wall, fidgeting with her hair a bit clearly missing her usual style. Ranko for her part was perching sitting on the counter top looking somewhat hesitant herself. As Konoka joined them with a supportive smile Asuna took a breath to settle her nerves and begin. ôI think Ranma is staying away tonight because of me.ö She muttered looking down.
ôWhat? What makes you think that?ö Konoka passed a glance to the martial arist who was examining her choice of wall paper quite intensely. ôDid you have another fight?ö
ôWell yes, and that's probably part of it. But it's more then that. I had brought him to the roof to talk about last night...ö reluctantly she began to run down the events of the rooftop encounter. Never looking up, not trusting herself at the moment. Though she did manage to recount the whole mess, only then did she look back up a slight flush on her face. Konoka for her part was stuck speechless for a moment, a rare event for the levelheaded girl. Ranko was quiet as well seemly trying to process it all.
ôRanma confessed to you?ö she spoke slowly trying to place the words but it still seemed off.
ôI well no... I don't know!ö she threw her arms up in frustration. ôWe were both a step away from getting in a fist fight, it hardly romantic timing. But it was still kinda... Nice.ö she covered her face and groaned. ôI can't stop thinking about it, and he just ran off so I don't know what he meant!ö
ôThat does kind of sound like something he would do.ö Konoka turned her gaze back to Ranko, who was still keeping silent. ôWell, had you heard anything about this Ranko?ö she asked casually but eyed the girl carefully noting how she tensed. The martial artist tried to collect herself but flinched a bit as Asuna was looking her way too.
ôWell, not really.ö she began evasively, ôI mean things were still pretty heated from last night. He's really worried... about both of you. With the Vampire stuff.ö She muttered carefully choosing her words. ôNeither of us have really dated anyone, so really I'm just as surprised.ö Konoka nodded a bit taking the words as they were. Both of her friends were passionate and stubborn. It was all the easier to see the scene play out... though for Asuna it wasn't enough.
ôUm, what do you think though?ö she asked hopefully. ôDoes Ranma...ö she couldn't finish the sentence much less the thought. She wasn't even sure which she'd be more relieved to hear. Yes or no. Ranko scratched her reddening cheeks.
ôAh, I don't know... I mean.ö Ranko trailed off awkwardly he eyes straying from Asuna's trying to find something else to look at though she choked as they landed on the door. Puzzled Asuna and konoka followed the gaze to see an impassive Mana with some rolled up blankets under each arm and Sayo hugging a pair of pillows tightly to her chest.
ôDon't mind us. Please... Go on.ö Mana said evenly.
In the end nothing really got resolved, neither Ranko or Asuna were able to breech the topic again. But at the same time the release had helped somewhat, even if the results were still up in the air. Fortunately Konoka had managed to refocus the even back to original goal of the evening, keeping Ranko company. As the bedrolls got spread out the fledgling mage prepared the final activity for the evening.
ôMovie time!ö
ôNow I don't want you girls staying up too late tonight,ö Negi said cautioningly. ôThere is class tomorrow.ö
ôYes sensei,ö The girls chorused as Konoka began to dig through her bag. There were disadvantages of course for having your homeroom teacher at your sleepover. Ranko raised an eyebrow.
ôYour staying as well Sensei?ö
ôEr,ö the boy looked distinctly uncomfortable as he glanced outside. ôIt's rather late to be out at this point.ö He didn't bring it to words but clearly a blond vampire was on his mind. ôIf it's not a problem...ö
ôDon't worry about it kid,ö she said ruffing his hair. ôI was just curious, I'm sure Niichan will be glad you're chaperoning.ö she said with a bit of a smirk. Even if that was his intention it was still hard to picture the boy as the responsible party amongst the teenagers.
ôHere they are, I brought two options. First off." she pulled a DVD free from the bag and held it up with a clearly mischievous grin. ôFlowers in Winter.ö The red head groaned, she'd never heard of the movie but it was clear but that picture on the front and the flowery border that it was some majorly shojo movie... not her style. Setsuna joined her with a slight grimace while Negi put on a polite face despite it not being anything close to what the boy was interested in. It seemed that she'd picked this out clearly to tease her friend.
"Oh!" Not all reactions were negative, as Sayo seemed to light up at the sight of it. "I've seen that one."
"Really?" the mis-dressed mage offered a pleasantly surprised smile.
"Mm, I got to watch it a few days ago. It was really sweet."
"I know. So you a fan then?"
"Yeah, but I got it from M-OW!"
"The library." Mana finished calmly as a pouting Sayo rubbed her shin. The mercenary passed a level glance around the table daring anyone to comment but they seemed to let it drop easily enough... The other two warriors though did bare slight repressed smirks of amusement.
Who would have thought?
"Well um," Konoka tried to steer the topic back on track. "I figured that wouldn't go over so well so I brought something a little more palatable for the hostess." she said pulling out the second DVD. This one brought up a smile, as it was one of Ranko's favorites. ôAge of the Warrior 2: Burning Souls in Tokyoö Light hearted, full of action with good quality fighting. "Better?"
"Much," the red head said with a smile before brushing stray hairs from her eyes. She had her reasons for keeping her hair tied and this was one of them. She wasn't sure how most girls got through the day.
"This good for everyone else?" No one disputed the choice and so people went about preparing the room. After some insistence Ranko was allowed to get the movie set up on her aged DVD player while the others did more physical tasks. The table was moved aside to give an unobstructed view. The seating pillow wear moved back toward the wall for a good view and to allow them to have something to lean against. Popcorn was made and the lights were dimmed.
Ranko took a seat against the wall expecting everyone to settle in but soon found them all converging on her spot. Mana had surprised everyone right off the bat. After taking a seat next to her she pulled the small girl into her lap and wrapped her arms lightly about her midsection. ôMana what the-?ö
ôJust relax,ö was all she said in reply with one of her mysterious smiles.
ôEasy for you to say... ô The gentle affection was at odds with what she was used to from the mercenary, unexpected but nice. At the very least it was much more comfortable then the floor pillow... at least after she managed to ignore 'cushion' behind her head. Sayo took her spot to her roommates right, grabbing one of Ranko's hands and giving it a squeeze. This was something the red head was more used to, Sayo had always been clingy and that hadn't changed with gaining a body. Asuna took a seat on her other side seemingly bemused by the impromptu cuddle party fortunately for Ranko's sanity her friend was content to remain in a more standard sitting position. Though they may have had more to due with Asuna's lack of familiarity with Mana more then anything.
Konoka settled down on Asuna's other side intent on a cuddling of her own as she snatched up the boy teacher and pulled him close, leaving the boy flustered. She waved Setsuna over as well who took a seat a respectable distance to side. That didn't mean Setsuna was surprised when she felt a head lean on her shoulder as Konoka had scooted closer. Judging by the small smile both shared it was a wonder why the swordswoman even sat away in the first place.
As the movie began to roll Ranko couldn't help but smile a little, this was the most fun he'd had just hanging around in ages. Though his little circle had grown it still felt close and personal. As he allowed herself to really relax in Mana's arms she let her min wander. Maybe there was some way they could do something like this again...
end chapter
Thats the tentative end for the new chapter 10. I may re work it a bit but that seemed like a nice note to end it on. Was going to have Windfalcon look over it but his comp was a bit borked at the time so he'll just have to read it here
