Chapter 25
"Peace offering"
Ranma was in the dojo sparring with Ukyo, while Akane watched in mild frustration from the corner. She looked at the pressure cast on her arm. Dr. Tofu had told her it would be at least a week before it came off. She was under strict orders to not do any exercise until the cast came off, hence her frustration. The good news was that the bone was only bruised not broken. Except for the evidence of the cast and some assorted bruises there was nothing to show that a battle of any kind had occurred the day before.
The door to the dojo opened and Kasumi walked in carrying a tray. On the tray were some snacks, tea and a letter. Right behind Kasumi came Nabiki carrying a package. Ranma and Ukyo immediately stopped sparring.
"Food." Shouted Ranma. "Alright!" Ranma grabbed a bun off the tray and bit into it enthusiastically. "What's in the box?" He mumbled around the bun. Akane immediately hit him on the top of his head.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." She admonished. "What's in the box?"
"I have no idea, sis." Said Nabiki. "Mousse dropped it off with the letter." She pointed to the letter on the tray. "It's addressed to Akane."
Akane picked up the letter. "Nabiki, it's addressed to the head of the Saotome clan."
"Like I said, it's addressed to you." Smirked Nabiki.
"Open it Akane." Chuckled Ranma. "If it's from the old ghoul, Nabiki is probably right."
Akane opened the letter. She frowned slightly as she read. "Well it's from Kho Lon all right. She's going back to China, Mousse and Shampoo are staying."
"Aw, why is the old bat going and not Shampoo and Mousse?" Grumbled Ranma.
Akane's frown deepened. "It seems that Shampoo has been banished. She's not allowed to return home for five years or if she has a child by." Akane peered at the letter. "A male member of the Saotome clan." Akane continued reading. "Mousse is staying because Shampoo is staying." Akane looked at the box "She said she's sending along a 'peace offering'.
"Do you think it's safe to open it?" Asked Ukyo.
"Probably." Replied Nabiki. "This is just an opening round in negotiations. Besides, she knows Akane and Ukyo would kick Shampoo's butt if she tried something."
"Damn straight." Stated Ukyo. Akane nodded.
"Well open it Akane." Commanded Nabiki.
"Okay, okay." Snapped Akane. Despite that she quickly stripped the covering off the package and opened the wooden box that was revealed. Akane set the box down on the floor and opened the lid. She stared at the contents for a moment. Standing just behind her, Ukyo could see Akane's ears turn bright red.
"Akane?" Said Ukyo.
In response Akane crooked her finger over her shoulder to call Ukyo over. Curious Ukyo went over to inspect the contents of the box.
"What's in the box?" Called Nabiki.
"Nothing!" Shouted Akane and Ukyo in unison. They quickly stood up. Akane shut the box closed and picked it up. "Ranma, could you come upstairs with us, please?" She said.
Curious, Ranma followed as the two girls ran from the dojo. Kasumi looked curiously at Nabiki. "What do you think was in the box?"
Nabiki was examining the wrappings from the package. "Whatever it is, its' from China." Suddenly Nabiki grinned. "From Jusenkyo as a matter of fact." Then just as suddenly Nabiki groaned in disgust. "Hey Kasumi, when did Ono say Akane could take the cast off her arm?
"A week from Saturday, why?"
"Can I sleep in your room next Saturday night?"
"Of course little sister." Replied Kasumi." May I ask why?"
"Well if I'm right, the box contained Instant Nannichuan powder."
"That's nice." Replied Kasumi. "I'm sure Ranma will appreciate that."
"Oh, I'm sure." Smirked Nabiki.
"But that still doesn't explain why you want to sleep in my room next Saturday."
"The package was addressed to Akane." Replied Nabiki. She shivered.
Nabiki watched Kasumi's face as puzzlement led to understanding. The one thing Nabiki admired in Kasumi was her older sisters composure. Try as hard as she might she could never get her sister to respond with anything more that a mild 'Oh my'. So it was with justifiable glee as Nabiki watched her older sister blushed the brightest red she had seen on anyone.
"You don't mean.I mean she wouldn't.he wouldn't.they wouldn't.would they?" Kasumi stuttered.
Nabiki shrugged. "Maybe." She said but her expression should her true opinion.
Kasumi started fanning herself with her hand. "My it's getting hot in here." Kasumi stood up shakily. "Oh dear." She started walking out of the dojo.
"Hey." Nabiki called. "What about sleeping in your room Saturday night?"
Kasumi stopped turned and nodded, then without saying anything she scurried away fanning herself furiously.
Ranma walked behind the two blushing girls in puzzlement. He attempts to get information where replied with stuttering remarks to 'wait until we get to our room'. With the events of the previous day still fresh, no one had suggested Ukyo go back home or that Ranma move back into the guest room. In a sense it was now 'their' room.
Once they were in the room Ranma spoke. "Okay, are you gonna tell me what was in the box?"
Akane looked at Ukyo before replying. "Well, you see." She stuttered. "Oh hell, look for yourself." She handed Ranma the box.
Ranma looked at the box. He took it from Akane and examined it. It was a square wooden box about a foot wide and deep and about four inches high. Ranma gasped when he recognized the Chinese symbol for Jusenkyo. With trembling fingers he opened it. Inside were packets, dozens upon dozens of packets. Ranma picked up one. "Nannichuan." He read out loud. He picked up a second and then a third. All of them had the symbols that read 'Instant Nannichuan, just add water'.
"Well that was kinda nice of the old ghoul." Said Ranma slowly. "I guess it could come in handy when I go swimming."
"Um, Ranma honey, I don't think the packets are for you."
"Not for me?" Asked Ranma in surprise. "Then for who? I don't think she'd want Pops to have it."
"For me and Ukyo." Replied Akane. Her voice broke nervously. Akane pulled out the letter from Kho Lon. "A child by a male member of the Saotome clan." She read.
"Well there's only me and Pops, and we don't need." Ranma's mouth dropped open. "Oh."
"I don't know if I should feel complimented or insulted." Grumped Akane.
"Coming from the old ghoul?" Replied Ranma seriously. "It's a compliment." Ranma's expression turned thoughtful.
"Does she actually expect one of US to father a child?" Said Ukyo in disbelief, neither she nor Akane noticing Ranma's sudden interest. "With Shampoo?" Ukyo shook her head. "Even if we." Ukyo gagged. "Did. There's still the question of her taking the child." Ukyo looked seriously at Ranma. "The leader of the Saotome clan." She nodded at Ranma. "Has already disallowed it."
Akane pursed her lips. Finally she nodded. "You're right and it was the right decision." She patted Ranma on the chest. "Not bad, Ranma, not bad at all." Ranma smiled shyly. "It still means Shampoo is going to be around for another five years though." Akane continued. Everyone frowned at that.
Ukyo started playing with the packets in the box. "So what are we going to do with this stuff?"
"Well we better hide it someplace safe." Said Ranma nervously. Seeing the packets started his mind thinking in directions that he wasn't sure he wanted it to go.
"I know just the place." Said Akane. She went over to her closet and lifted up a couple of floorboards. She went back and got the box. No one noticed as she grabbed a packet before she closed it. She quickly hid the packet in her pocket. She put the box in the hiding place, replaced the floorboards and returned to sit with Ranma and Ukyo.
"Man, I can't believe the old ghoul sent those." Said Ranma.
"I know, sugar." Agreed Ukyo. She looked at Akane. "You really think Kho Lon intended one of us to." She broke off. The idea of having sex, as a man, was unsettling, especially sex with.her.
Akane shrugged. "Maybe." She looked at Ranma out of the corner of her She could see he was getting fidgety. "Let's talk about something else, okay?"
Both Ukyo and Ranma nodded vigorously in agreement. "Whatcha wanna talk about Akane?" Asked Ranma. Akane didn't miss the note of relief in his voice. She smiled to herself.
"Well." Began Akane. "Us." Before anyone could respond she continued. "Everyone here knows about us now." She smiled wryly as both Ranma and Ukyo blushed. "We weren't exactly quiet about it, you know."
Despite her blush Ukyo giggled. "Yeah." She agreed. "What are you thinking Akane?"
Akane looked at the floor for a moment. "Ranma?" She asked looking at him.
"Yeah?"
"I'd like your permission to ask that Ukyo move in with us." She replied. Ukyo started in surprise.
"My permission?" He replied in confusion. "Why do you need my permission?"
"Because you're clan leader, dummy." She said in mild annoyance. "This is important Ranma and we have to do it right." She nodded as comprehension dawned on Ranma's face.
Ranma looked thoughtful for a moment. He looked at Ukyo. "It's gonna be tough Uk-chan. People are gonna talk." He said. "It's your decision." He pulled on his pigtail. "I just want you to know, no matter what you decide, you'll always be my best friend."
"I know Ran-chan." Smiled Ukyo. Ukyo looked at Akane. "I have one question before I answer." Akane looked at Ukyo questioningly. "What will you tell people when they ask?"
"The truth, Ukyo." Replied Akane calmly. "All of it." Akane smiled. "If they cant handle it, that's their problem."
"All of it?"
Akane laughed, "Well if someone asks something too personal, I may have to hit them." Then her expression grew more serious. "But I wont deny it, either."
Ukyo smiled. "Have I said we're crazy?"
Ranma and Akane laughed as they nodded.
End Chapter 25
End Book 2
Authors Notes: Oh, I am not done yet, I'm already working on Book 3. Book 3 is planned to be somewhat short. At this moment it is being written to take place in a single day. If that holds then Book 4 is also in the works. I think a few of you already have an idea on what Chapter 3 will be about. Plus a few surprises I think.
I have to admit, I loved some of the speculation of what I had in mind. From the very beginning I had planned to create, as Ranma put it, a 'triple'. Read some of the early chapters of Couch Trips and you'll see it. One of the most frequent objections I heard was that Ranma considered Ukyo as 'one of the guys'. But couldn't that be said of ALL his official fiancés?
Now, I have a request. Fanfiction.net has been a great forum but it's restrictions keep forcing me to modify (Wholesale surgery if you ask me.) some chapters in order to maintain an acceptable rating. So, what I want to know is if anyone would be willing to provide some web-space for Couch Trips?
"Peace offering"
Ranma was in the dojo sparring with Ukyo, while Akane watched in mild frustration from the corner. She looked at the pressure cast on her arm. Dr. Tofu had told her it would be at least a week before it came off. She was under strict orders to not do any exercise until the cast came off, hence her frustration. The good news was that the bone was only bruised not broken. Except for the evidence of the cast and some assorted bruises there was nothing to show that a battle of any kind had occurred the day before.
The door to the dojo opened and Kasumi walked in carrying a tray. On the tray were some snacks, tea and a letter. Right behind Kasumi came Nabiki carrying a package. Ranma and Ukyo immediately stopped sparring.
"Food." Shouted Ranma. "Alright!" Ranma grabbed a bun off the tray and bit into it enthusiastically. "What's in the box?" He mumbled around the bun. Akane immediately hit him on the top of his head.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." She admonished. "What's in the box?"
"I have no idea, sis." Said Nabiki. "Mousse dropped it off with the letter." She pointed to the letter on the tray. "It's addressed to Akane."
Akane picked up the letter. "Nabiki, it's addressed to the head of the Saotome clan."
"Like I said, it's addressed to you." Smirked Nabiki.
"Open it Akane." Chuckled Ranma. "If it's from the old ghoul, Nabiki is probably right."
Akane opened the letter. She frowned slightly as she read. "Well it's from Kho Lon all right. She's going back to China, Mousse and Shampoo are staying."
"Aw, why is the old bat going and not Shampoo and Mousse?" Grumbled Ranma.
Akane's frown deepened. "It seems that Shampoo has been banished. She's not allowed to return home for five years or if she has a child by." Akane peered at the letter. "A male member of the Saotome clan." Akane continued reading. "Mousse is staying because Shampoo is staying." Akane looked at the box "She said she's sending along a 'peace offering'.
"Do you think it's safe to open it?" Asked Ukyo.
"Probably." Replied Nabiki. "This is just an opening round in negotiations. Besides, she knows Akane and Ukyo would kick Shampoo's butt if she tried something."
"Damn straight." Stated Ukyo. Akane nodded.
"Well open it Akane." Commanded Nabiki.
"Okay, okay." Snapped Akane. Despite that she quickly stripped the covering off the package and opened the wooden box that was revealed. Akane set the box down on the floor and opened the lid. She stared at the contents for a moment. Standing just behind her, Ukyo could see Akane's ears turn bright red.
"Akane?" Said Ukyo.
In response Akane crooked her finger over her shoulder to call Ukyo over. Curious Ukyo went over to inspect the contents of the box.
"What's in the box?" Called Nabiki.
"Nothing!" Shouted Akane and Ukyo in unison. They quickly stood up. Akane shut the box closed and picked it up. "Ranma, could you come upstairs with us, please?" She said.
Curious, Ranma followed as the two girls ran from the dojo. Kasumi looked curiously at Nabiki. "What do you think was in the box?"
Nabiki was examining the wrappings from the package. "Whatever it is, its' from China." Suddenly Nabiki grinned. "From Jusenkyo as a matter of fact." Then just as suddenly Nabiki groaned in disgust. "Hey Kasumi, when did Ono say Akane could take the cast off her arm?
"A week from Saturday, why?"
"Can I sleep in your room next Saturday night?"
"Of course little sister." Replied Kasumi." May I ask why?"
"Well if I'm right, the box contained Instant Nannichuan powder."
"That's nice." Replied Kasumi. "I'm sure Ranma will appreciate that."
"Oh, I'm sure." Smirked Nabiki.
"But that still doesn't explain why you want to sleep in my room next Saturday."
"The package was addressed to Akane." Replied Nabiki. She shivered.
Nabiki watched Kasumi's face as puzzlement led to understanding. The one thing Nabiki admired in Kasumi was her older sisters composure. Try as hard as she might she could never get her sister to respond with anything more that a mild 'Oh my'. So it was with justifiable glee as Nabiki watched her older sister blushed the brightest red she had seen on anyone.
"You don't mean.I mean she wouldn't.he wouldn't.they wouldn't.would they?" Kasumi stuttered.
Nabiki shrugged. "Maybe." She said but her expression should her true opinion.
Kasumi started fanning herself with her hand. "My it's getting hot in here." Kasumi stood up shakily. "Oh dear." She started walking out of the dojo.
"Hey." Nabiki called. "What about sleeping in your room Saturday night?"
Kasumi stopped turned and nodded, then without saying anything she scurried away fanning herself furiously.
Ranma walked behind the two blushing girls in puzzlement. He attempts to get information where replied with stuttering remarks to 'wait until we get to our room'. With the events of the previous day still fresh, no one had suggested Ukyo go back home or that Ranma move back into the guest room. In a sense it was now 'their' room.
Once they were in the room Ranma spoke. "Okay, are you gonna tell me what was in the box?"
Akane looked at Ukyo before replying. "Well, you see." She stuttered. "Oh hell, look for yourself." She handed Ranma the box.
Ranma looked at the box. He took it from Akane and examined it. It was a square wooden box about a foot wide and deep and about four inches high. Ranma gasped when he recognized the Chinese symbol for Jusenkyo. With trembling fingers he opened it. Inside were packets, dozens upon dozens of packets. Ranma picked up one. "Nannichuan." He read out loud. He picked up a second and then a third. All of them had the symbols that read 'Instant Nannichuan, just add water'.
"Well that was kinda nice of the old ghoul." Said Ranma slowly. "I guess it could come in handy when I go swimming."
"Um, Ranma honey, I don't think the packets are for you."
"Not for me?" Asked Ranma in surprise. "Then for who? I don't think she'd want Pops to have it."
"For me and Ukyo." Replied Akane. Her voice broke nervously. Akane pulled out the letter from Kho Lon. "A child by a male member of the Saotome clan." She read.
"Well there's only me and Pops, and we don't need." Ranma's mouth dropped open. "Oh."
"I don't know if I should feel complimented or insulted." Grumped Akane.
"Coming from the old ghoul?" Replied Ranma seriously. "It's a compliment." Ranma's expression turned thoughtful.
"Does she actually expect one of US to father a child?" Said Ukyo in disbelief, neither she nor Akane noticing Ranma's sudden interest. "With Shampoo?" Ukyo shook her head. "Even if we." Ukyo gagged. "Did. There's still the question of her taking the child." Ukyo looked seriously at Ranma. "The leader of the Saotome clan." She nodded at Ranma. "Has already disallowed it."
Akane pursed her lips. Finally she nodded. "You're right and it was the right decision." She patted Ranma on the chest. "Not bad, Ranma, not bad at all." Ranma smiled shyly. "It still means Shampoo is going to be around for another five years though." Akane continued. Everyone frowned at that.
Ukyo started playing with the packets in the box. "So what are we going to do with this stuff?"
"Well we better hide it someplace safe." Said Ranma nervously. Seeing the packets started his mind thinking in directions that he wasn't sure he wanted it to go.
"I know just the place." Said Akane. She went over to her closet and lifted up a couple of floorboards. She went back and got the box. No one noticed as she grabbed a packet before she closed it. She quickly hid the packet in her pocket. She put the box in the hiding place, replaced the floorboards and returned to sit with Ranma and Ukyo.
"Man, I can't believe the old ghoul sent those." Said Ranma.
"I know, sugar." Agreed Ukyo. She looked at Akane. "You really think Kho Lon intended one of us to." She broke off. The idea of having sex, as a man, was unsettling, especially sex with.her.
Akane shrugged. "Maybe." She looked at Ranma out of the corner of her She could see he was getting fidgety. "Let's talk about something else, okay?"
Both Ukyo and Ranma nodded vigorously in agreement. "Whatcha wanna talk about Akane?" Asked Ranma. Akane didn't miss the note of relief in his voice. She smiled to herself.
"Well." Began Akane. "Us." Before anyone could respond she continued. "Everyone here knows about us now." She smiled wryly as both Ranma and Ukyo blushed. "We weren't exactly quiet about it, you know."
Despite her blush Ukyo giggled. "Yeah." She agreed. "What are you thinking Akane?"
Akane looked at the floor for a moment. "Ranma?" She asked looking at him.
"Yeah?"
"I'd like your permission to ask that Ukyo move in with us." She replied. Ukyo started in surprise.
"My permission?" He replied in confusion. "Why do you need my permission?"
"Because you're clan leader, dummy." She said in mild annoyance. "This is important Ranma and we have to do it right." She nodded as comprehension dawned on Ranma's face.
Ranma looked thoughtful for a moment. He looked at Ukyo. "It's gonna be tough Uk-chan. People are gonna talk." He said. "It's your decision." He pulled on his pigtail. "I just want you to know, no matter what you decide, you'll always be my best friend."
"I know Ran-chan." Smiled Ukyo. Ukyo looked at Akane. "I have one question before I answer." Akane looked at Ukyo questioningly. "What will you tell people when they ask?"
"The truth, Ukyo." Replied Akane calmly. "All of it." Akane smiled. "If they cant handle it, that's their problem."
"All of it?"
Akane laughed, "Well if someone asks something too personal, I may have to hit them." Then her expression grew more serious. "But I wont deny it, either."
Ukyo smiled. "Have I said we're crazy?"
Ranma and Akane laughed as they nodded.
End Chapter 25
End Book 2
Authors Notes: Oh, I am not done yet, I'm already working on Book 3. Book 3 is planned to be somewhat short. At this moment it is being written to take place in a single day. If that holds then Book 4 is also in the works. I think a few of you already have an idea on what Chapter 3 will be about. Plus a few surprises I think.
I have to admit, I loved some of the speculation of what I had in mind. From the very beginning I had planned to create, as Ranma put it, a 'triple'. Read some of the early chapters of Couch Trips and you'll see it. One of the most frequent objections I heard was that Ranma considered Ukyo as 'one of the guys'. But couldn't that be said of ALL his official fiancés?
Now, I have a request. Fanfiction.net has been a great forum but it's restrictions keep forcing me to modify (Wholesale surgery if you ask me.) some chapters in order to maintain an acceptable rating. So, what I want to know is if anyone would be willing to provide some web-space for Couch Trips?