New Start

By: Missfortune

See part 1: Drunkard's Revenge for disclaimers and notes.

Ryouga stood just outside the doorway as Ranma told the children their bed time story. His wounds had been tended to by Kasumi and Tofu while the children peeked around the door curiously, but Ranma had avoided him all night.

"And Satoshi led all the troublesome Pikachu out of the town. But when he returned for his payment, the mayor refused to pay him. So Satoshi decided to take the town's prized possession."

"What was that Mommy?"

"The mayor's son, Shigeru. Satoshi held out his hand in kindness and the other boy could not resist. So hand in hand they walked out of the town and it is said that they lived happily ever after raising tamed Pikachus."

"Wow, I wanna have a Peekaboo too!"

"That's Pikachu silly!"

"Yeah, what you said Mommy."

"They say that Pikachus are very hard to find these days but maybe you'll get lucky Ryushi. But not tonight! Now its time for bed."

"Ok, good night Mommy"

"Good night babies. Sweet dreams."

"Sweet Dreams Mommy"

"I love you."

"We love you too!" the twins chimed.

Ranma got up from the chair between the twins' beds. He turned out the light and kissed each child before carefully making his way out to the hall, where he was surprised to find Ryouga waiting for him.

"Ryouga," Ranma whispered avoiding eye contact.

"Ranma. Can we talk? Please?" Ryouga pleaded.

Ranma shut his eyes and stood frozen in the doorway. He gave a sigh and nodded in resignation.

They walked out to the living room and sat in chairs opposite each other. Ranma stared off into the fireplace watching the jumping flames. Ryouga was the first to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Ranma, I am so sorry," Ryouga began softly.

"Please don't," Ranma interrupted.

"You don't want me to apologize?" Ryouga asked confused.

"No, I don't want you to apologize because you feel obligated to. I want you to apologize because you want to or not at all," Ranma said.

Ryouga got up and walked around the coffee table. He kneeled in front of Ranma. "Ranma please look at me," Ryouga instructed as he took Ranma's hands. Ranma slowly drew his gaze from the fire and looked into Ryouga's deep brown eyes. Ryouga looked Ranma straight in the eye as he took a deep breath. "Ranma, I am truly sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I'm sorry I hurt you. Sorry I raped you. Sorry I rejected you. Sorry I tried to hurt you. But most of all I'm sorry I met you, because if we had never met, I never would have caused you all this pain." Ryouga said solemnly. Tears streamed down Ranma's face. "And one more thing Ranma. I know this is too late to do you any good, but I love you too," Ryouga admitted.

Ranma broke down into sobs. He cried as if his heart were breaking all over again.

"Oh Ranma! I'm sorry I hurt you again didn't I? I'll go then. I'm sorry," Ryouga said regretfully.

"No, don't," Ranma whispered clasping his hand tighter. "I know I should be mad at you, but I've loved you for so long, I can't bring myself to do that. It's been too long."

"I know I made some bad decisions in the past, but is there any way we could start again?" Ryouga asked.

Ranma nodded. "Ranma Hibiki. Nice to meet you." Ranma said with a small teary smile.

TBC...

Go to Part 8