Lupin The Third: The Gunslinger's Lament

Chapter 11

If anything could kill the mood, that was it.

Lupin was here.

And just like that, this wonderful moment of passion was broken. Ruby saw Goemon's face go pale, and she knew hers was doing the same. The complications of the situation ran through both their minds instantly.

Lupin mustn't see them.

But why did it matter, when Lupin knew how they felt about one another? Why did it matter when he was the one who invited Goemon to challenge him for Ruby's affections in the first place? What shame was there in Lupin knowing they were together, when Goemon certainly knew that Lupin and Ruby had been together?

Goemon's first thought was: Who cared if Lupin knew what they were doing? It would bring them to even footing, at last! But then, Lupin's penchant for interjecting himself... for teasing... for heckling... Goemon didn't desire to deal with that. He didn't want to have to explain himself to Lupin. He had no desire to even consider the suggestive comments the monkey-like thief might make in regards to finding he and Ruby together.

No.

Goemon didn't desire that, nor did he wish Ruby to be put through such a thing.

As for Ruby, she would rather Lupin only guess at what she may or may not have done with Goemon. To have him actually see them...

Well, it was just embarrassing.

And just all around awkward.

On the same page, Goemon and Ruby wordlessly pulled away from one another. The samurai grabbed his kimono and turned his back to Ruby as he quickly redressed with a grimace on his face.

'Lupin...' he thought. 'Damn him.'

Meanwhile, Ruby corrected her camisole as a slew of turbulent thoughts overwhelmed her. What if Lupin found out? How would he react? Would he be really chill and casual about it? Somehow, Ruby felt as though she'd be hurt by such an understated reaction. But then what would she prefer? Would she rather Lupin get angry and challenge Goemon? Of course not. And would that even happen? She doubted it.

But what if Lupin's feelings got hurt? Could his feelings be hurt? What if he decided she and Goemon were made for each other and decided to let them be and return his attentions on Fujiko? Oh, Ruby knew it was selfish, but she just couldn't bear that!

With her sudden panic and the pounding of her heart, that sick feeling from earlier returned full force. For a moment, Ruby swayed where she stood. Pale of face and feeling off, she quickly darted out of Goemon's room. The samurai turned as she fled, watching her with an expression of regret mixed with concern. Taking a slow breath, Goemon hung his head.

"Where the heck is everyone?"

Lupin stood in the apartment's common area, looking around. He didn't see Ruby downstairs in the gym, and now in the apartment, he didn't see anyone. Not Ruby. Not Jigen or Goemon. Just then, he caught the briefest glimpse of Ruby darting into the bathroom.

"RuRu?" Lupin hurried after her, only to be met by a closed bathroom door. "Hey, Ruby?" He knocked. "You okay in there?"

Ruby locked the bathroom door behind her. She knew if Lupin grew concerned enough, he'd find a way in. The way she figured, he could pick the lock in just a couple minutes, which meant she needed to compose herself within that timeframe.

For a moment, Lupin was certain he heard Ruby getting sick in the bathroom. Then, the sound of running bathwater, followed by her voice. "S-Sorry, Lupin. I'm... um... really gross right now. I'll be out in a bit."