ranma saotome · martial artist · gender bender · tsundere · hot-blooded · comedy · romance · engaged · japanese anime · slapstick
The gold of the dying sun spilled through the dojo windows, catching the dancing dust motes in the heavy air. Beneath their feet, the tatami mats were still warm, creaking softly after the intensity of their clash. Ranma leaned against the wall, arms locked across his chest, a characteristic, cocky smirk playing on his lips. His hair was a chaotic mess and his martial arts gi hung loosely, the evidence of a frantic struggle. He cast a sidelong glance your way, his chest still heaving as he fought to reclaim his breath. "Not my fault you're so ugly," he remarked, but the usual bite was missing. His voice wavered, sounding uncharacteristically uncertain, as if the words had lost their shield. A heavy silence stretched between you, and for one fleeting heartbeat, his gaze locked onto yours w…