Thank you so much for the lovely response guys,

James Birdsong: Thank you for your encouragement...it really means the world.

Miss Tsubasa: I will say it again, you are my first ever reviewer and for that you will always be in my heart. Thank you for your support.

_

Ranma stared at the too-thin-miso-soup.

He scratched under his ear, then his temple...then his hand went to the back of his neck, to massage it. His hand slid down too his lap. Then he looked at the bowls around him.

Perfectly chopped vegetables, unburnt meat, a thick brown broth. Looking back at his own bowl...he studied it with utmost care...for his own safety of course. But surprisingly, it looked rather...alright.

He quickly glanced up at an expectant Akane who's smile was starting to waver.

He picked up his chopsticks, knowing well enough that thrashing, screaming and crying will get him nowhere, he stirred them through the brown, but translucent broth.

Feeling something getting caught in between them he picked it up and pulled it out.

It was one of the most enormous pieces of carrots he'd seen. It looked like she'd tried to cut them into cubes then got tired of it and just dumped the entire carrot in there. He turned to her with a small contorted smile and questioned her with a raised eyebrow, remembering to keep it polite.

She smiled a bit shyly, as her tongue peeked out from between her lips, slipping back in just as quickly.

He looked back at the orange, amorphed object, shrugged and tossed it in his mouth.

Everyone at the table waited. Watching Ranma with awestruck silence...as if he came back from the dead.

Ranma knew their expressions were valid considering Akane's progress so far.

But it really wasn't bad.

It wasn't normal, neither was it tasty...but it was...edible.

The tomboy seemed to be relieved that he hadn't fainted, and was smiling wildly now, still expecting him to make a comment.

He put the bowl to his lips taking a small sip, then he ate a piece of meat.

Glancing at her, he spoke.

"It's edible, could use a bit of salt."

"That's it?" Nabiki asked, surprised "There's nothing else wrong with it?"

Akane scowled at her sister but looked back at him, waiting for his response.

Ranma was glad to know she was willing to take his criticism.

To make her feel less embarrassed, he addressed her directly.

"Well you saw the carrot right?" he asked her.

She nodded.

"It shows you lack patience...which..." he added "is important for improving your martial arts too."

Picking up a ball of meat he placed it in her mouth.

"Burnt?" He raised an eyebrow.

A pink hue spread over her nose, but she nodded.

Ranma oblivious continued, "You're timing's off." Pushing the bowl toward her own, he pointed at the two alternately,

"See the difference?"

he didn't wait for her nod.

"It's a bit thin, it means you lack practice."

He pulled his bowl back infront of himself.

Picking the it up again, he sipped as if nothing had happened.

And soon everyone else followed suit.

When almost everyone was done with dinner and the pair was left alone watching television. Ranma swooped in close to her ear.

"I see the metal chopping board came handy"

Akane turned to smile at him.

"Well I guess there was some improvement, right?" she asked.

Ranma leaned back on the floor and said

"Yup! No crunchy wooden chips."

She turned to look at him. She wanted to ask him if he would help her train better. After his rant earlier, he'd brought her attention to where and how she was lacking, and she knew he would teach her right if he did. She sighed softly, already knowing his answer, he wouldn't lift a hand against her, she shook her head annoyed at the thought.

But she didn't want to ruin this moment.

She would make him train her! Because she was just as stubborn as he was.

She wouldn't back down!

But right now, she didnt want to fight.

She wanted to lie down next to him. And she did, she knew he was still shy about touching each other, but she also knew he didn't mind. Liked it even.

So, she lay down and took his hand that was laying next to her.

Turning her head to the side, she saw his eyes wide and his neck, ears, cheeks and nose...all grow into a shade of crimson.

His hand was limp in hers when she placed it on her stomach, but moments later, like she knew he would, his hold on her tightened comfortably.

Akane smiled

A while later she asked her fiancé,

"What do you think of me joining 'Masterchef Japan'?"

Rolling his eyes as he looked at her, he chastised, "Oh! At least spare THEM for Kami's sake!"

Akane laughed.

Turning onto her side, she ran her fingers through his hair. Enjoying the pink hue returning to his face she teased, "I'm so sorry that you have to deal with a nuisance like me." with a touch of sincerity to it.

Ranma stared at her for a while acknowledging the absence of pretence in her tone. But then realised if he stared at her for to long...he...that he...might just kiss her.

Taking it as his cue, he teased right back, "You don't need to be..." he started out sincere, thumbing her cheek for effect. Before the words could completely sink in the idiot added with his eyebrow cocked, "...because I already am."

She smacked him on the head at the remark. A complaining "Hey!" tumbled out of her mouth.

Ranma laughed, continuing their playful banter.

...

So maybe Akane would train with her fiancé, in a few years, And maybe Ranma would eventually be able to kiss her...whenever he felt like it

They both knew...there were things they both had to talk about, but what's the rush?...

For now, they were happy throwing jibes at each other.

_

I still think I can do better, but I've just given in to the new excitement of posting...anything!

But I promise guys, I'll get better!

I won't give up!

I will make your hearts palpitate with mu writing!

Bit dramatic, don't you think?

I've editied the previous chapter a bit at a certain section...I sort of felt Ranma needed more of a reason to do what he did...but I don't even know if I clarified that for myself even...

Well,

anyway...as long as you enjoyed it.

I'm as happy as can be.