Cat's Eye View: Competent Advice
By
triviatrap1982
I don't own Ranma ½. It's owned by Rumiko Takahashi.
A little bit of time has passed, and things are starting to get interesting. First, Kodachi has been working for Cologne for a solid week. It was working out well. She still was able to captain the Rhythmic Gymnastics team. She also was able to improve on her cooking and sewing. After all, she still at the end of the day at least would want to be a house wife...or at least be single and knowing what to do. She also was able to learn from Mousse on how to properly wash dishes, and to take out the trash. She scowled, but Mousse told her straight up she will be doing menial tasks from time to time. She was tossing the trash in the alley way. She wiped her brow, because she was doing some very hard work. She finished her task and came inside to wash her hands in the restroom. That was something that was enforced by Cologne. Mousse finished cleaning a stack of dishes and refilled the sink. He knew what was going to happen. The general rush before it got too late to have dinner. Mousse looked over to Kodachi.
"I hope things are working out for you," Mousse said encouraging her.
"Thanks," Kodachi said happily, "It's been going really fast it seems."
"Miss Cologne says it's because you're actually are doing something when time flies," Mousse said smiling.
"I can't argue with that logic," Kodachi said.
"Oh yeah, Shampoo needs you to help on deliveries...it's becoming too much for her," Mousse informed her.
"I'll be on it as soon as I can," Kodachi said.
"Don't worry about the rest of the trash, I got it!"
Mousse sprang into action, to allow Kodachi to get the addresses of the people who made their carryout orders. Kodachi had a bike as well, and she knew how to deliver without spilling a drop. This was a trait that she learned from the Ramen king when she ran into him. It was tough training sure, but she learned how to do it. She also learned from his daughter how to be quick and prompt. Shampoo also played a role in the training as well. She taught Kodachi how to quickly memorize the addresses, without getting lost. Angry customers are not what any retail businesses need...and when it comes to delivery. As for Kodachi and Shampoo...they have become friends. Kodachi was still aware that she can't be screwing around. She knows that if she breaks up Ukyo and Shampoo in any way...not even her idiotic brother would forgive her. After all of the deliveries Kodachi was able to sit down. It was a slow time, and the customers left. Cologne did allow the martial artists to linger, since after all...they worked very hard.
"That was too long," Kodachi said.
"I know," Shampoo said, "maybe we can find one thing just for you to do yes?"
"I hope so," Kodachi said. "I can't be an effective martial artist if I tire myself out."
"It was the same for me before I learned to do just one thing," Shampoo said.
"Hey here's some juice for you," Mousse said. "I paid for it don't worry."
"Thank you," Kodachi said, "We all need some sort of a rest."
"Kodachi, you'll get used to it," Mousse said. He had pride in his voice.
"You're doing all of the menial jobs," Kodachi said. "How can you be so proud?"
"Easy," Mousse said, "anything worth doing right, is a job well done."
"Yes that's a good attitude," Cologne said happily.
"Besides that," Mousse continued, "I have been learning how to cook so I can help out more in the kitchen."
"Kodachi, may I speak with you in private?" Cologne asked.
"Yes," Kodachi answered.
She followed Cologne into the kitchen. Of course, Kodachi knew what this was about. Kodachi was warned not to get too friendly with Shampoo. She already had to deal with Mousse and his brooding behavior. She didn't need it from Shampoo at all. Kodachi understood exactly. She did allow for two days off for the Rhythmic Gymnastics team, so she can take care of some business. She knew she'd have to go to Ukyo to make right with her. After all...Ukyo really didn't like her at all. Still...she got a feeling in her stomach that she may well unintentionally do something that would cause a rift. That's something she wasn't going to be responsible for. Cologne let her back out, as Ukyo came in to check out Shampoo. Mousse he went quickly into the kitchen to not cause a stir. Cologne was puzzled as to why he'd do that.
"Miss Cologne," Mousse said, "I'll be perfectly honest...this is tense."
"I fail to see why you got your self out of there," Cologne said confused.
"If I get splashed with cold water...I get turned to duck," Mousse warned.
"You don't want anybody to take it out on you do you...?"
"Hell no...Shampoo and Ukyo will murder me!"
"Ah, now I see where you're coming from."
Ukyo came in, and her aura was bringing in anger. Shampoo rushed to Ukyo to calm her down. She didn't need a brawl, and her check docked for damages. Kodachi backed off very quickly. She took Ukyo aside to talk to her. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. She sat her down to talk to her. Kodachi didn't want to have any discontent, or discord with these two. Shampoo was worried about what the spatula girl was going to do. However, Kodachi was able to hold her own. She had thrown down with these two before. She knew what each was capable of. She also knew what Shampoo was really capable of is she wanted to protect her interests. She too knew she wasn't above having to do dirty tricks like the red thread of fate. She was calmed down which calmed Ukyo down, a lot.
"Listen...I'm well aware I'm not the best person you want to see right now," Kodachi admitted.
"I know...but please tell me what you're doing here," Ukyo demanded.
"I got a part-time job with Miss Cologne," Kodachi admitted.
"That's true," Mousse said as he came out of the kitchen. He heard everything so far.
"I'm going to see if I can do just one thing," Kodachi said.
"Well...I'm feeling a lot foolish," Ukyo said calming down.
"Listen...I don't want to get between you and Shampoo, or Ranma and Akane," Kodachi said. "I'll walk and quit to..."
"No," Ukyo said, "I know what you're trying to do...but you don't have to throw your job away because I haven't learned to be secure yet."
"Listen...and I want Shampoo to hear this too," Kodachi said. "You both still have a lot to learn about relationships...I do too."
"You will learn," Cologne said. "I've made major mistakes when I was a younger woman...about 280 years ago."
"Miss Cologne's point," Mousse said. "You either learn from it...or be annoying with it."
That hit home to the three girls. Cologne was quite impressed with what Mousse said. He went through the phase of being annoying. He also knew that somebody was going to call him out on it. He was glad it was Cologne, since she has the wisdom of being elderly. She also has learned from her own foolish mistakes. The three bowed to the elder out of pure respect. She let them up. She had Mousse take Kodachi away. Their shift was ended, and she was about to close down for the day. She would take care of the dishes...if Mousse left her with anything to clean. She looked to Shampoo. She spoke up quite bluntly.
"You both need to trust each other," Cologne said. "I'm not sure...but I have seen Ranma and Akane work on themselves to make their relationship work."
"That makes perfect sense," Ukyo said.
"I think I know why we're so tense," Shampoo said. "We barely spend time together."
"We should get better with that," Ukyo admitted. "I know we've been busy but still, it's rough."
"Golden week is coming up next week," Cologne said. "We'll be closed down so you and Ukyo can spend serious time together."
"Hey we can hang out, just us!" Shampoo squealed happily.
"That's what I'm looking forward to!" Ukyo smiled.
They did hug each other. They made plans for their week-long vacation. Ukyo did have to deal with the homework given. Shampoo didn't really need to deal with school since she was educated in the Amazon village in China. It also made little sense for her to attend high school, since that would really have interfered with her helping out with Cologne. The same thing could be said of Mousse. Ukyo on the other hand she made it work, and missed a couple of days here and there. She learned how to manage her time well. She did need advice from somebody who had been in a relationship...that was valid. Ranma and Akane knew what they were talking about. However, they just now were getting serious. She decided she was going to talk to the one guy she hoped she didn't have to deal with. She wanted to talk to Happosai. She did have her spatulas ready just in case he acted up. She went to the Tendo house after she wished Shampoo a good night, and Happosai was underfoot of Ranma. He was trying to steal Akane's panties...yet again.
"Listen, there's vending machines for that," Ranma hissed.
"It's just not the same!" Happosai whined.
"Did I come in at the worst possible time?" Ukyo asked.
"Nah...I'm going to launch this perverted gnome into space," Ranma promised with his aura red hot.
"Before you do...I need his advice," Ukyo said. Her tone warned Happosai that she'll help Ranma.
"Okay! I'll be good!" Happosai shouted submitting.
"Good," Ranma said, releasing him, but slapped him with a demon's ward just in case, "what was it you wanted to talk to him about?"
"Happosai, you've had relationships right?" Ukyo asked.
"I've tried," Happosai said, "however, they've never worked out."
'I wonder why...' Ranma thought still irritated.
"I can't help you...maybe Mr. Tendo can...if he's no too much of a pussy to..." Happosai started...but got launched by Ranma.
"Did he try to steal Akane's panties again?" Ukyo asked sighing.
"Yeah, honestly I have more respect for Ryoga," Ranma said. The lost boy heard him.
"Hey, just because I did take advantage at first doesn't mean I should be respected," Ryoga said.
"You were at least up front about it...and you never stolen panties," Ranma returned.
"True...and if you're looking for Mr. Tendo...he's in the dojo," Ryoga said.
"Okay, thanks you two!" Ukyo called.
She went into the dojo where Soun was there meditating. He saw Ukyo and invited her in. Shampoo happened to come to do the same thing. She saw Happosai land in the Cat Café's trash dumpster...though he's getting chewed out by Cologne. He invited the Chinese Amazon in and he sat her down. He knew what they wanted. He still had the experiences of somebody who was married. He also had the heartache of a husband who lost his wife, and partner. He didn't think this would happen, but his passion for life was set aflame by Ranma and Akane. He's even to the point where now he's going to go out and date again. He looked to the both of them sternly.
"You both are wondering what to do from here," Soun said bluntly.
"We are," Ukyo answered.
"If Ranma told you it wasn't going to be easy...he's correct," Soun said. "There's no such thing as a perfect relationship."
"What does that mean?" Shampoo asked confused.
"I can say from experience that there will be highs and lows...and good times and bad," Soun answered. "All you have to do is learn to deal with it."
"I get it," Ukyo said.
"Yes, and I'll be honest...I know my wife is watching over all of us for protection," Soun said happily.
"Wow...I feel like such a fool," Shampoo said sadly.
"You're a martial artist," Soun said. "Remember, you were in the running to be Ranma's one and only at one point."
"So it made sense that we had to compete," Ukyo returned. "Now...we don't want to compete...we want to support each other."
"That's a good idea," Soun said. "Ukyo...whenever things don't go your way...you will have to accept them."
"I know," Ukyo said. "Something I learned the hard way."
"We can't be selfish either," Shampoo added in.
"That is true," Soun said. "If you throw a tantrum, and are selfish, then what kind of a relationship will you have?"
This actually put in perspective what Ukyo and Shampoo must do. Ranma and Akane came into the dojo not expecting them at all. They offered refreshments, but it was refused. Soun got up and smiled. He hoped that these two will take his advice seriously. Ranma knew what talk he's given them. Soun was more reliable than Genma. Genma was married...but...he's been a book in how not to deal in relationships. This also meant abandoning his own wife for ten years for a training journey that could have easily been done in Japan. Ranma smiled and he sat down with Akane. They had one of the weirdest days ever.
"You know...Kuno is becoming less of a creep," Ranma said.
"I think Kodachi put him in check," Akane said.
"Speaking of which," Ukyo added, "she did get a part time job with Miss Cologne."
"That's right," Shampoo said. "She's going to be doing one thing from now on."
"She did everything on her first day?" Ranma asked.
"Yes," Shampoo said, "she's tired out from that...and it's not good for her."
"You know, we've been trying to become friends at least with Kodachi," Akane said.
"It's possible," Ukyo said. "She just needs to not brood."
"Did I hear my name called?" Kodachi asked as she walked in...like a normal person.
"You did," Akane said. "You're finally around so Ranma and I can ask if you want to be friends."
"I don't feel like I..." Kodachi said.
"Don't be silly," Akane said. "It's all in the past."
"You just have to forgive yourself is all," Ranma added.
"Thank you," Kodachi said. "I just don't want to break anybody up."
"You won't," Ranma said. "I'd be foolish to put my relationship with Akane in Jeopardy."
Ukyo recoiled when Ranma made that statement. It caused Shampoo to take pause. She read between the lines. She couldn't try to deny it...but she and Ukyo had to forgive themselves as well. They have forgiven Ranma (and Genma to a lesser extent). They've even forgiven Kodachi. However, they still had to forgive themselves. Kodachi smiled and she nodded. She knew what Ranma meant. Kodachi decided she was going to have some "girl talk" with Akane at some point. Ranma knew he'd have to deal with Kuno. Her promise to feed Kuno and her father to Mr. Scaly Green still stood. She decided it would actually be a good idea if she and Akane would get together on Saturday. After all, Golden Week would be coming up...and things would be perfect. Ukyo and Shampoo decided they would be going on a date on Saturday. They wanted actually to let their fifth date be special. It had been a while since they had their first date...and they needed it to be something...more intimate.