It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
Whether he likes it or not.
"Soun, honey, did you hear that they finally sold that large house down the street?"
"Hmmm..." he answered without looking up from his newspaper.
His long-suffering wife sighed at the lack of response and rolled her eyes.
"Darling, don't you know what this means?"
Understanding the tone and underlying threat before he could even process the words, the Tendo patriarch carefully folded his paper and gave his full attention to his lovely wife. He smiled widely and sincerely.
"No, I do not. Why don't you enlighten me," he replied with a wink.
Around them, five pairs of eyes rolled.
"Please, Daddy. I'm trying to eat my breakfast. Can't you please save your flirting for after we're done?" Nabiki asked irately.
Their mother giggled in response. Giggled! It would be cute if it wasn't so nauseating for all their daughters. Even Kasumi, the most mild-tempered and indulgent of them all was a little perturbed by their open displays of affection.
Ignoring her five daughters, Hinako batted her eyelashes at her husband as she handed him a cup of tea.
"As I was saying, this is good news for our family! I heard that the young man who bought the house is a doctor!"
"A doctor, you say? And how would that be good news for us? Are we in search for a new physician? I thought you were quite happy with Dr. Mashima," he replied teasingly.
Ignoring his obvious attempts to poke at her, she said, "Well, hopefully he will catch the eye of one of our daughters."
Akane put down her chopsticks.
"Really, Mother. Do you plan on pushing us at every single man that enters the neighborhood?"
"Why, yes. Yes, I do."
Akane sighed again, exasperated.
"When you have five unmarried daughters, you will find that getting them married occupies all your waking thoughts, too. At this point I'd be happy if at least one of you could find a suitor."
"Mother!" Nabiki, Akane, Sayuri, and Yuka cried in unison. Kasumi only shook her head in amusement.
Their mother ignored the exclamation and the accompanying eye rolls and glares pointed in her direction and went on blithely, "Honestly, I don't know what the problem is; it's not like any of you are hard to look at! And yet not a single man between the five of you!"
"You act like we're spinsters!" Sayuri exclaimed. "We're still in our early twenties!"
"Yes, and by your age, I was already married and had both you and Yuka."
Sayuri and Yuka rolled their eyes but wisely kept their mouths shut. They knew from experience that any further objections would only cause their mother to continue her rant, so they began to eat their breakfast sullenly.
Seeing that her daughters had given up their objections, Hinako turned her full attention to her husband, who was looking at them all with a bemused expression on his face.
"As I was saying, I heard that he will move in this weekend. Do you think I should stop by and bring him something to welcome him to the neighborhood? Perhaps a nice curry or a cake?"
"And I assume that you will use that as an excuse to grill the poor man about his love life?"
Hinako smiled widely. It was so nice to be married to someone who understood her so well. While it was the second marriage for both of them, to her, Soun was the only man to really touch her heart. Her daughters were the only things she truly treasured from her first tumultuous marriage. Soun, however, had loved his first wife dearly and had been devastated by her death. Some women would have felt insecure and a bit jealous, but she only felt lucky to have found a man who had so much love to give and did it so fiercely. They had been married for almost 15 years and she still felt like a newlywed.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled broadly. "Well, if we happen upon the subject, what harm will it do?"
Soun chuckled. "Why don't I head over there instead? I can get to know the young man to see if he is worthy of courting one of our lovely daughters." He caught Akane's eye and winked at her.
"If you think that's best. I'll bake a batch of cookies for you to take with you. Your father is so good and kind to us," Hinako said with a sultry smile.
She went over to place a kiss on his cheek and hugged him from behind. The Tendo patriarch smiled at his beautiful wife. They stared at each other intensely and four young women rolled their eyes while Kasumi, who was forever patient, only smiled at them indulgently. They all knew that look and moved to leave, completely unnoticed by their parents. They had no wish to witness more of their parents' amorous behavior. Akane had not finished her breakfast but she unsurprisingly found she suddenly lost her appetite.
Soun had another, purely selfish motive for going to see the new neighbor himself. Over the years, he had watched many men, young and old, make fools over themselves when they met Hinako before they found out she was a married woman. Even after they found out, some of them continued to try to impress her and a few were brazen enough to proposition her, something the seasoned martial artist had no tolerance for. He intervened immediately and made his displeasure quite clear. That was, of course, when he needed to; she was very effective at shutting a man down and making him feel he were only two feet tall. So he would meet the doctor and make sure he didn't get any ideas about Hinako.
He couldn't blame them, though and knew she was an exceptionally attractive woman. Now in her early forties, her face was wrinkle-free and she still looked youthful. Strangers often mistook her as the girls' older sister, a fact that amused her to no end. She worked out regularly to keep her figure voluptuous.
After his first wife passed, Soun had been resigned to being a single father to three young girls and worked hard to fight the depression that threatened to consume him after Kimiko's sudden death. The only thing keeping him from sinking into the abyss was his daughters, who needed him very much. He worked hard to give them a semblance of stability and take care of them.
Two years after Kimiko's passing, he met Hinako at a school event for his daughters. Her own daughter, Sayuri, was in the same class as Akane, his youngest. He found her to be a nice woman but had not paid much attention to her. As their girls grew closer, the two parents were forced to spend more and more time together. He got to know the vivacious woman and began to admire her strength.
He learned that Hinako had married right out of high school to an older man. Her parents had arranged the marriage, which she had been forced to accept. She had been honest about not loving her first husband but had still tried be a good wife to him. She had been widowed shortly after her youngest, Yuka, was born when her husband died suddenly. Luckily, he left her with a modest living and she was able to stay home to raise her young daughters.
As they grew closer, Soun refused to acknowledge his growing feelings for Hinako, feeling that he was betraying his wife's memory by even considering dating. Surprisingly, it was his eldest daughter who helped him overcome his insecurities. Always watchful and empathetic, she had seen her father as he interacted with the older woman and noticed how much happier he was when she was around. One day after her younger sisters had gone to bed and he was tucking her in, Kasumi had told him that it was okay for him to be happy. Mother would never have wanted him to be alone the rest of his life and she would have been glad to see him find someone else to love.
Shocked at his daughter's comment, he could only kiss her on the forehead and wish her a good night. Though he was startled by it, he wasn't exactly surprised. Kasumi had always been an old soul, insightful and mature beyond her years. It took him a few weeks of thinking over her words before he realized that his feelings for Hinako did nothing to diminish his love for Kimiko. Kasumi was right, his beloved wife would have wanted him to find happiness.
Then he had spent another few weeks worried that Hinako would not be interested in him, with her being so vivacious and ten years his junior. So it came as a big surprise when he learned that she had been hiding her feelings for him for a long time. Somehow she had fallen for him and he would forever be grateful for that fact.
It took very little to get Akane and Sayuri used to the idea of them as a family. The two were so close they were excited at the prospect. Yuka, the youngest, was also the shyest and while it took her some time to open up around Soun, his genuine affection for her won her over quickly. It was Nabiki who was the harshest critic of their relationship. She was naturally untrusting and had felt betrayed by the idea that Hinako was trying to replace her mother, whom she had loved dearly. It took a while but she, too, eventually warmed up to Hinako. It helped that the older woman was always honest and quite frank with Nabiki, never trying to coddle or talk condescendingly towards her.
They had dated awhile but Soun was still nervous when he proposed to Hinako, and even more so when they announced their engagement to the girls. He knew he made the right decision when the two families merged together so seamlessly.
Years later, he couldn't imagine a better life. It was filled with laughter and fun as well as arguments and temper tantrums. But that was to be expected when one lived in a house with six women.
He still thought of Kimiko every day and missed her dearly. But he was comforted by the idea that if she was looking down upon them, she would be proud of the women her daughters became. She would be happy that he was no longer alone and found a wife that treated their daughters like her own.
Across town, two gentlemen walked through an empty building, the elder smiling broadly in excitement.
"I'm going to have my private quarters upstairs and downstairs will serve as my practice space. The reception area will be there," he gestured to one side of the building then moved towards the center and added, "It will be equipped with four private exam rooms plus a small physical therapy area over here," he motion to the end of the building.
"Why so many exam rooms?" his companion asked.
"Once the practice is up and running, I plan on hiring another physician to work with me, along with a RN and a physical therapist for those who need it."
Tofu, while a general practitioner, had a specialty in sports medicine. He had studied martial arts since he was a small child and had his fair share of injuries. His own experiences influenced his choice in careers.
Tofu watched his friend, a bit anxious about his response. Ranma's good opinion was the most important in his life. While brilliant, Tofu knew that he tended to have his head in the clouds and was considered flighty by most. Ranma was grounded, and at a young age, already a successful businessman. While some considered him harsh and sometimes cold, Tofu knew he ran his company efficiently and effectively, and cared deeply about people dearest to him. He considered himself lucky enough to be one of the people Ranma cared about and considered as his best friend. The one person in his life he could always count on.
Ranma Saotome took another glance around the building, envisioning the office Tofu described. It was a modest space and would be a small practice, smaller than a doctor who graduated first in his class deserved, but Tofu was a simple man. A small office like this, where he could get to know his patients and make a difference, was exactly the kind of practice that would make him happy. Ranma finally nodded and a grin broke over his face.
"I can see it. It sounds perfect for you."
Tofu took another look around the empty space, the image of what his practice would look like clear in his mind. His body was almost vibrating in excitement for the future ahead. He had a feeling that this was a huge turning point in his life, his business endeavor being just the beginning of what was to come.
To Hinako's great disappointment, Soun had been unable to meet the new doctor for almost a month! Despite the rumors, Dr. Ono (she had at least found out his name) had not moved into the building since it had been going through renovations. The doctor had come and gone but it had been almost impossible to pin the man down. They saw moving vans over the weekend, which she could only see as a good sign.
Despite the lack of his presence, rumors flew around the neighborhood about the man and his practice. She found out that the building was to also serve as his home, which Hinako thought was smart. It also meant he would be living in the neighborhood, which was a plus as it would allow her daughters to 'run across' him more often. The shopkeepers had nothing but good things to say about his manners and the women who had seen him all said he was handsome. Especially when he smiled. Apparently, he smiled a lot because more than one young lady already had set her cap at him.
Hinako could only sigh over that. A young, unmarried doctor in the neighborhood was bound to get the marriage-minded mommas plotting, but add the fact that he was amicable and attractive and the young misses were bound to be falling all over themselves for his attention. She wasn't surprised as it was to be expected. She was only more determined that one of her five daughters would catch his attention. It would be lovely to have at least one of her daughters settled so close to their home.
And it was finally their chance to shine.
The clinic was to have an open house. The doctor was trying to generate buzz and business by allowing the neighborhood a look at his office, providing further incentive by offering refreshments for everyone who came. Hinako could have told him it was unnecessary since the neighborhood could talk of little else.
She walked into the family room where all five girls were lounging to get a quick look at what everyone was wearing. First impressions were lasting ones, and she wanted them to look their best. She took a quick look around, happy with the dresses Kasumi, Akane, and Sayuri were wearing. She wished that Yuka would have picked a dress that was a bit more flattering - she had such a cute figure – but knew that was just her style. She had the opposite problem with Nabiki, who always straddled the line between fashionable and inappropriate. Today she landed on the inappropriate side with her mini-skirt and mid-drift baring tank top, her breasts fully on display and the lace of her bra peeking out.
"Nabiki, please go change."
"Why?" she asked without looking up from her magazine.
"Because we want to make a good impression and you're dressed a bit too scantily."
"You want us to get noticed by the doctor and this will get me noticed."
"Yes, but…"
"Besides, I need some sort of advantage with Kasumi around."
At the sound of her name, the eldest Tendo turned her head, her eyebrow raised in question. She wasn't the only one to tune into the conversation as the rest of the girls looked up from their various activities.
"I beg your pardon?"
Nabiki only rolled her eyes. "Come on, Kasumi, don't act surprised. You know that when it comes to looks, none of us can compete with you."
"Nabiki! Don't pick on her," Akane said in her defense.
While scowling, she couldn't help but agree. Not only was Kasumi beautiful, she was also smart, soft-spoken, kind, and already a wonderful cook. She was as close to the Japanese feminine ideal as possible and the rest of them could never compete. It never really bothered Akane but she knew her other sisters often felt over-shadowed by her. After all, who could live up to Kasumi? She felt for them but that didn't mean she would let Nabiki put Kasumi on the spot. Out of all the sisters, Kasumi had always been the gentlest and hated confrontation.
"I'm not. I'm just stating the truth. Once the doctor lays his eyes on her, the rest of us won't have a chance. We all know it. "
"She's right, there's almost no point in us going," Sayuri added with a pout, surprising no one as she usually sided with Nabiki.
"Our only hope is that the doctor will have some friends there. Rich ones."
"Come on, Nabiki, you don't really want to marry a man just for his money, do you?" Akane wondered.
"Why not? You know the old saying, 'It's just as easy to love a rich man as a poor man.'"
"You're definitely going to get noticed dressed like that," Yuka said with a sniff, "But any rich men are more likely to think you're available to rent than date."
"Not everyone can aspire to living in a convent like you. When was the last time a guy even looked in your direction?"
"That's enough, girls."
Hinako knew from experience that Nabiki's narrowed eyes and cool tone, and the stubborn tilt in Yuka's chin, meant things were likely to escalate quickly.
"Nabiki, please change into something a little more conservative and save this outfit for the next time you're going to a club."
She and Hinako stared at each other in a silent battle of wills before Nabiki got up to changed. She knew from experience that it wasn't worth the fight when her mother had that look on her face. With a roll of her eyes and one last glare at Yuka, she left to find something her mother would find more suitable. Inspiration suddenly hit her and she smirked.
She came back down a moment later wearing one of Yuka's prim button-up shirts. Only Yuka would never have left the top three buttons undone. Nor would she have tied the front into a knot, making the top snug and short. She paired it with the pleated skirt Yuka had bought it with and mercifully decided against the thigh high socks she had considered but still managed to look like a naughty schoolgirl. Which was exactly the look she was going for.
Hinako sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as the expected argument started. Nabiki was always raiding the other girls' closets without asking, which annoyed them, but the not-so-subtle dig in retaliation to Yuka's comment was the beginning of a row they simply didn't have time for.
After some careful diplomacy by Hinako - which left her with a low-level headache - the family left the house a little while later. They walked to the clinic since it was only a few blocks from their house with a slightly frustrated Hinako walking in front with Soun, who was carrying the yakisoba Hinako had made to welcome Tofu to the neighborhood. He was trying to distract his wife and put her in a good mood after the fight the girls had, which he could hear from the dojo. He could admit to hiding there when the shouting started. He was no coward but he knew better than to get in the middle of an argument involving clothes and boys.
Yuka, Kasumi, and Akane followed behind them with the latter two trying to cheer up Yuka, who was glancing behind her shoulder and throwing daggers at Nabiki. She was walking with Sayuri, the two joking and laughing loudly. Every time Yuka glared at her, Nabiki only smirked back, feeling smug at winning their little fight. She pulled the two tails on her shirt, making it even shorter, before giving Yuka a taunting little finger wave.
As expected, the medical office was full of people, some taking great interest in the the office before meeting the man himself. They wandered through, Hinako recognizing some expensive, tasteful pieces, which surprised her since it was a doctor's office and those tended to be staid and clinical. She was impressed as it showed the doctor had class and money. They reached the backyard where more people were milling about in groups, talking to each other. Tables seemed to groan under the weight of all the food. It seemed no one had told the good doctor that all the neighbors would all show up baring edible gifts.
She looked around, nodding and waving at some of her friends, all of whom had daughters, which they had brought along. She saw a few unfamiliar faces and one of them was talking to the Kuonjis. Perfect. The Kuonjis were family friends and could be interrupted without seeming rude. She smiled as they were waved over a moment later. When they walked over they all bowed politely to Mr. Kuonji before he introduced their family.
"Dr. Ono, these are good friends of ours, the Tendos. Soun is on the city council."
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Ono."
They bowed to each other before Tofu said, "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Tendo."
"This is my wife, Hinako."
"Dr. Ono," she greeted with a bow. "I brought you some yakisoba, but it looks like it might be superfluous."
"What it looks like is delicious and is very much appreciated. Thank you very much."
Hinako smiled at him, pleased with his manners.
"These are our daughters. Kasumi, 25, Nabiki 23, Sayuri and Akane both 22, and Yuka, 21."
Hinako couldn't help but notice the way his gaze lingered on Kasumi. He had to clear his throat before moving on to acknowledge the other girls. It took him a moment to process the information he was getting and how odd the introduction was.
"Sayuri and Akane, are you fraternal twins?" he asked politely, looking at them both.
While they were both pretty, they had no features in common. The girls gave him bemused smiles, too used to the question from strangers to have it bother them. Soun laughed before answering the question.
"No, Sayuri and Yuka are my step-daughters."
He looked apologetically at the girls. 'Step' was considered a four-letter word in their house and only used when explaining their family situation to strangers.
"It's nice to meet both of you. All…all of you," Tofu said, his eyes automatically going back to Kasumi before turning and waving forward a small group of people.
"I would like to introduce you to my sisters, Kodachi and Asuza, her husband Mikado Sanzenin and my friend, Ranma Saotome. These are the Tendos."
While they all bow politely, Akane couldn't help but notice how perfunctory it was. Not short enough to be insulting but very slight. It was also hard to miss the stiff smiles on the ladies' faces as they took in her sisters in an almost insulting appraisal. Too used to this reaction, Akane had to struggle to not roll her eyes, and turned her head instead. Her gaze landed on Ranma. From his profile she could see a chiseled face, with a strong jaw and defined cheekbones. But what was most unique were his blue eyes. She would have considered him handsome but his eyes were too cool as he appraised her family in a haughty way, almost as if they weren't worth his attention. He turned his head suddenly and their eyes locked.
Blue was hardly adequate to describe them. They were startlingly bright and clear, almost like a lake. But they also had so much depth in them and if she spent hours looking into them she wouldn't understand the secrets they hid. She realized that she was staring - rudely so - when he simply cocked his eyebrow at her. She averted her eyes and could feel her face heating up with embarrassment. She tried not to fidget but she couldn't stop herself from taking a peek to see if he was still looking at her.
He was.
There was a knowing smirk that she dearly wished she could wipe off his face before he completely dismissed her. His face went blank again as he turned his attention to the conversation Dr. Tofu, Mr. Kuonji, and her father were having.
Akane crossed her arms and turned her head with a huff and thought, Jerk.
A/N: Big shout out to alwaysZutarian and Marie Allen for all their support and beta help!
As you can see, familial dynamics from Ranma will not be followed in this AU. I chose character roles based on best fit.
I know it's been forever since I've posted an original story but things have been crazy for me. I've quit my job, moved, and remodeled our new house. Between the packing, unpacking, cleaning and getting the kids acclimated to their new schools, and a second remodel, I've had zero time or desire to write. However, I am trying to change that. There will probably be a flurry of activity on my account, but don't get too excited, there's a caveat.
In the past I have only posted stories that I have fully intended to finish, but this time I can't guarantee that any of the stories will get past the first chapter. I've had a few story ideas that I want to get out there and hope that your reviews (hint, hint) and enthusiasm will inspire some creativity. I've made pretty good headway on some of them and figure I might as well post what I have. Does this sound familiar? No? Well it will, I'll be posting this section of the footnote verbatim to all my new stories.
As always, thank you for reading!
~PurseMonger
P.S. I'm on tumblr with like, ten whole followers! I've been toying with the idea that I should post my stories there, too. If for some reason you hit your head and want to follow me, my handle is PurseMongerStuff.
