This story takes place after Learn from the Experts, Sousuke and before Lost and Found. Elements of Ranma One Half are referenced from FanFiction stories Resolution and Locked out of Love. Standard disclaimer in that I don't own Full Metal Panic or Ranma.

Italics are thoughts

Somethings Missing

Kaname is awake in her bed. She glances down at her hand and sees the light glinting off the ring Sousuke had given her several months ago. She smiles to herself as she remembers the day he had given it to her. She starts to frown a little as she looks back over the last few months and wonders what it is that is bothering her. She and Sousuke have been getting along with no major problems. He has been very laid back and mature, no more sounding like a soldier all the time, no explosions or assaults on other people. He has been getting good, even excellent, grades in school. People like him better because his new outlook and socializing skills. He and she have been doing well with their feelings toward each other. Kaname pauses on that and examines her feelings toward Sousuke. She definitely likes him and even admits to herself that she loves him. That doesn't seem to be the problem. She thinks over the physical part of their relationship. Sousuke had been very shy at first about holding hands or hugging her. She had to be the one to initiate or hint for a kiss but he frequently surprises her now with spontaneous kisses. Thinking about it she realizes that they have been static in anymore intimate touching and that she wants it and needs it. He surprises her sometimes when he will cup his hands on her bottom while kissing or brushes her breast while hugging her. When he does that she jumps but he immediately stops and just goes back to hugging her. She wonders if he is not going beyond what they do because he does not want to be more intimate. She wonders, sadly, if maybe he is not really in love with her.

Sousuke was lying as usual under his bed. He is also thinking about his relationship with the woman he loves. It has been going well but Kaname seems to be getting restless or irritated at him for some reason. He had checked the calendar and it was not time for her period. He made sure he hasn't acted as he had in the past to upset her or make her mad. He had remembered all relevant dates and anniversaries and given appropriate gifts. He makes sure that he touches and kisses her appropriately. He has tried to move forward in being intimate. Kami-sama, would I like to be more intimate with her. When he tries though, she tenses up as if she is getting ready to hit him with her halisen, so he stays with the safe holding hands and hugging. He wonders if she is not going beyond what they do because she doesn't want to be more intimate. He wonders, sadly, if maybe she is not really in love with him.

Morning finds the two in school and they go about their normal routine. Sousuke walks over to her after classes.

"Kaname, we have a break coming up for several days. I can get us some rooms at a ski resort that Mithril uses. Would you like to go?" asked Sousuke.

"If you can get two rooms...two rooms with connecting door...that locks. Sure, I wouldn't mind going for some alone time with you." said Kaname.

"For security reasons, I was going insist that the rooms be next to each other. A connecting door would be essential for ease of entry in case of emergency. Although locking the door would hinder entry, if that is a condition you want, so be it." said Sousuke.

They share the same thought Maybe we can work things out