Chapter 44

"So," Ranma said, taking Akane in hand "Are you ready for your first dance as Mrs. Saotome?"

"Technically, you're Mrs. Saotome right now, Ranma." Akane said smirking as he stood up "Or did you fail to notice the dress?"

"Oh, Ha ha ha. " Ranma said, wrapping her arms around her new husband. "You lead then. But don't step on my feet, like you did at the rehearsal."

"Where are Ranma and Akane going?" Ryoga asked, watching the bride and groom leave their seats.

"It looks as though they're going to have their first dance." Akari answered. This only added to Ryoga's confusion.

"First dance?" he asked "What's that?"

"It's tradition, Ryoga." Akari replied as she began to explain. "This is the first time that Ranma and Akane will dance as a married couple."

"Oh," Ryoga said finally understanding. "So when we get married, we'll be expected to do this too? I don't even know how to dance."

"Well then," Akari said smiling "You'd best get learning. And if you step on my feet, you'll go back in the carry cage."

"Understood." Said Ryoga knowing his place.

"So do want to dance, too?" Tatewaki said looking towards Nabiki.

"Not yet," Nabiki said watching her brother and new sister in law on the dance floor. "Give it a few more minutes, until everyone else decides to join in."

"Very well, my dear." Tatewaki said "But you should know that I am a very capable dancer as well as a swordsman."

"I bet you are Tacchi," Nabiki said smiling "I bet you are."

"Oh, they make a wonderful couple," Nodoka said as she turned to face her panda husband. "Don't they, Genma?"

Genma nodded as he helped himself to another plate of food.

"Are you sure you don't want any hot water, dear?" she asked to which the panda nodded.

It's ok honey, he signed I'm fine for now.

Just then, Kiagi came up to Nodoka and Genma and sat down across the table from them. "Ah, Mr Saotome." He said "I don't suppose you have any more of that concoction you used at Ranma's birthday, by any chance?"

The panda shook his furry head. Sorry magic man. He signed Boss's orders.

"Fair enough." Kiagi said sadly as he stood up and walked back to the bar "Now I have to find another way to get hammered."

"Whew," Ranma said as she suddenly stopped dancing. "I need to sit down now."

"Ok then," Akane said taking his wife back to there, table where they both sat down. "I think you may have overdone it a bit. You are nearly eight month's gone now"

"I know, stop worrying."Ranma said breathing heavily.

"How's everyone doing over here?" Soun asked as he came up to Ranma and Akane's table. "Are you alright, Ranma? You look a little flushed."

"I'm fine Mr. Tendo," Ranma said "I just need to catch my breath."

"Well, while you're sitting down," Soun said sitting next to the bride and groom "I thought i would take this opportunity to give you both something"

"What is it Dad?" Akane asked as he watched his father produce two small envelopes from his jacket pocket.

"Well," Soun said clearing his throat. "As you know when I and Ranma's father originally set up your engagement, it was because we both wanted the two of you to inherit my dojo and carry on our combined schools."

"So...Now that we're married," Ranma said "The dojo is essentially ours, isn't it."

"That's correct, son" Soun answered as he opened one of the envelopes and passed its contents to Ranma.

Unfolding the document she read it clearly. "This document certifies that the property know as the Tendo Dojo is now the property of Ranma and Akane Saotome." She read, chuckling at reading Akane's new surname for the first time. "Guess it's official now, huh?"

"So what's in the other envelope, Dad?" Akane asked as he looked at the deed to the dojo and read it for himself.

"Take a look and see for yourself, Akane." Soun said as he passed the other envelope to Akane.

Akane opened the envelope and as soon as she looked the document it contained, his facial expression changed to shock. "This is the deed to our house." Akane said as Soun nodded, "You're giving us the house, too?"

"But what about you, Mr. Tendo?" Ranma asked

"Your mother said that I can stay with them." Soun answered "So, I'll be moving out on Friday."

"But what about Kasumi and Nabiki?" Akane asked, concerned for his sisters. "Have you spoken to them about this?"

"Actually, it was their idea." Soun said, much to Ranma and Akane's surprise. "Nabiki has decided to move in with Tatewaki and with Kasumi being engaged to Tofu, they both want to find a house near the surgery."

"I really don't know what to say." Ranma answered "Thank you, Mr. Tendo."

"Thank you daddy." Akane said, hugging his father.

"Don't mention it." Soun said hugging his son back. "I'm just making sure that my grandchild has a roof over their head."