Note: Ranma 1/2 is the property of Rumiko Takahashi

Name of the story: Babysitting
Date: 27 August 2008
COMPLETE

Akane was getting exhausted chasing after Jiro all day. She had been asked by their neighbor to look after the little boy while the parents take a much-needed time off. Akane was happy to help, not realizing how much work goes into caring for a 6-year old boy. She had spent all day playing with Jiro, feeding him and making sure he took a nap in the afternoon. Babysitting was proving to be more of an exercise than her normal work out routine. Nevertheless, Akane was proud in the knowledge that because of her, Jiro's parents are able to enjoy one day to themselves. They work so hard and Akane knew they could use a break from their daily responsibilities, especially now that she knows how much of a handful Jiro can be.

Ranma had been watching Akane take care of Jiro and wondered what could have possessed her to volunteer for such an assignment. The little kid had boundless energy to spare and he was getting tired just watching Akane take care of the boy. At the same time he couldn't help but notice how gentle and patient Akane is being with Jiro. It reminded him of the time when he and Ryoga were turned into little boys. Akane helped them turn back to their normal ages by growing the special mushroom antidote. Ranma had to admire Akane's kindness in helping him and Ryoga out even though they had been fighting non-stop and causing her all sorts of trouble all day. It got him thinking that Akane is a lot more patient and understanding than he gives her credit for.

Pretty soon Jiro's parents came to pick him up and they thanked Akane profusely for watching him all day. They hoped Jiro didn't give her too much of a hard time and Akane reassured them that he didn't and that in fact, she enjoyed spending the day with Jiro. After giving Jiro a quick kiss goodbye, Akane headed to her room and plopped onto her bed exhausted. She was grateful to finally be able to lie still and relax but within a few minutes she heard a knock on her door. It was Ranma. Kasumi sent him upstairs to give Akane her dinner. She wasn't able to join the rest of the family at dinnertime because she had to feed Jiro. Akane thanked Ranma and asked him to stay and keep her company while she ate.

Ranma could see that although Akane was tired she seemed happy and Ranma just had to find out what was making her smile so much.

"Well I was just thinking back on some of Jiro's antics today. I really did enjoy taking care of him. He is such an adorable little boy and aside from being very energetic, he was pretty much well behaved. I enjoyed playing with him, reading to him and feeding him. He was also very curious and I tried my best to explain things to him. I tried to exercise the same patience my mom showed me when I was little. Besides, if nothing else this was good practice for me. I would someday like to be the kind of mom my mother was to me and my sisters."

Perhaps it was the fatigue, but it wasn't until the words were out of her mouth that she realized what she had just revealed to Ranma.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about, you did a good job with Jiro today and I can see how much his parents appreciated your help. I'm sure you would make a good mom someday…."

Akane was relieved that Ranma didn't make fun of her and was even complimenting her but apparently Ranma wasn't done talking.

…and you don't have to worry about our kids getting out of hand because I'll be there to help you out."

And with that Ranma left the room, leaving Akane shocked. She had no idea that Ranma had given any serious thought to their future together, much less having a family but knowing that Ranma sees them as getting married someday has brought an even bigger smile to her face. Who knew babysitting could be such an enlightening experience?