That didn't mean that she was going to get away from the expected sort of conversation though.
"I didn't know that you were into younger guys," Ryonami commented, using one hand to brush her curls over one shoulder.
Kikuko shook her head and smiled. "She's never been one to care about such things. It's the person that she's after."
"Then he's the sort that she wants?"
"Well, of course he is. And why wouldn't she? I mean, he's cute, got a real good body, and doesn't seem to be all that bad of a kisser. Right, Nabiki."
"That's part of it," the girl in question replied, and gave a mock glare towards her short haired friend. "Just keep your mind off of his lips, okay?"
"No problem. They're yours, right?"
"Something like that."
"It's just so great though. Don't you think?"
The long haired member of the trio gave a small smirk. "I'd have to say that it'll work out. I mean, it's like he was ready to lay her flat on the ground right there."
"True. But what we did see was hot enough. I mean, I could have sworn that she was 'tonguing' him for a bit!"
"Hey, she was probably enjoying herself at that moment."
"Yeah, but we've got to remember that this has to be more than just that. After all, she's gone out with plenty of guys, and some of them have had to be good kissers. But she's done nothing more than get a paid evening of entertainment and food from them, and from a guy who doesn't look like he even puts his change in a glass jar, she seems ready to get hot and heavy with him," Kikuko observed.
"You're right on that. Those other guys wouldn't get a chance to have lunch with her after a date. Him...."
"Would probably get it."
"May be getting it now."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because he's coming this way," Ryonami responded, pointing to where several voices were expressing surprise at the moment. "Were you expecting him, Nabiki?"
"No... I figured that he might show up, but...." Nabiki trailed off as she looked up at her husband. "What is going on, Ranma?"
"This guy's been sayin' stuff about ya, and I wanted ta hear what ya had ta say about it," he told her flat out.
"What did he say?"
"Lotsa junk, in my opinion. Stuff about ya bein' some kind of evil bookie who's bilkin' everyone out of their money, and how you're manipulatin' everyone ta do what ya want them too. And how you're supposed ta be some mean bitch of a girl who's cold ta everyone, no matter what's goin' on."
"Is he now...." his wife murmured, her eyes narrowing on the boy who's collar he was holding. She recognized the individual only as one of the few jerks who kept on whining about being cheated no matter what the situation might really have been.
"So, what d'ya think? I mean, he says that the only reason that ya wanna have me 'round is as an enforcer, and that ya you're just leadin' me on. Heck, he seemed to be tryin' ta warn me off, sayin' that I should leave while the gettin's good. Apparently, ya probably don't really want me, and you don't deserve anyone."
Nabiki leaned her head forward and let her hair brush her cheeks. "I see...."
"That's it?"
"Not really."
"Then what else is there?"
"Plenty," the young 'Mrs. Saotome' told her husband, and glanced over at the boy who'd caused the mess. "And the truth is...."
"Only what I told him. I mean, you're a bookie who is always looking for a quick buck!" the boy whined.
"Actually... I do like to make money. I can buy things, and it helps me see how well my mind can come up with idea...."
"See! She's probably going to let you feel her up so that she can use you!"
"It's not like that!"
"Oh, come on! You don't let any guy get close, and now you go for him? He could enjoy himself, and never realize that you're using it to keep him on a leash."
Opening her mouth, Nabiki went to retort... but was beaten to it by her husband, who now held the boy facing him by the shirt front. "D'ya really think that I didn't know that she likes ta make money?"
"Eh?"
"Come on, I ain't dumb like that."
"But you don't mean...."
Ranma gave off a loud snort. "I know that she likes ta do a lotta bettin', and that she wins a lot of the time. But I also know that she's never really hurt anyone. I mean, since when has someone our age actually had enough money that losin' it'll ruin 'em?"
"Well...."
"And ya should know somethin' else. She's a great girl who's really smart and pretty. Havin' someone like that bein' with me makes me feel real good. Though...."
"Just for the future? I don't like it when people try ta attack her, either in words, or by their fists. So, if someone tries ta hurt her, I'll be there ta make sure they stop," the pigtailed boy growled lowly, holding the other boy so that their faces were centimeters apart. "Got the idea?"
"Sure thing."
"Good."
"Err... Waaa! Oof!" the boy grunted as Ranma let him go, allowing the boy to drop to the ground. Once that happened, he glanced between the couple, before choking back a whimper and bolting from the area.
"Pheh. Good riddence ta bad garbage."
"Ranma, you...." his wife trailed off.
"What?"
"You really... you believe so much in me?"
"'Course I do. Why wouldn't I?"
"Then why did you bring that boy to her?" Ryonami asked him.
"He was sayin' some bad stuff 'bout her. I had ta give her a chance ta respond."
"Ooohhh...." chorused both of the friends.
"But now that I'm finished with him...."
"Why don't you have lunch with us?" Nabiki softly suggested.
"Really?"
For a moment, Kikuko looked confused, but then a slow grin stretched across her face. "Why not? Remember, couples are supposed to share moments like these."
"Well... if I ain't botherin' ya...."
In response, his wife held her arms out to him with a look of welcome in her eyes. There was a second when he looked uncertain about it, but then he merely shrugged and went to her. She held him for a long moment and kissed him before guiding him to lay with his head pillowed on her lap. There he rested, with his face close to her full bosom, but his attention on her as a person, as she insisted on stroking his hair.
The fact that she also made it clear that she was going to feed him wasn't bad in his book. Having a good meal was great, and having her slim fingers place the food from his bento into his mouth was rather pleasant, if he did say so himself. So, he didn't show much reluctance over the whole thing, while:
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(Posted Mon, 11 Dec 2006 05:37)
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