Chapter 13
"Dinner Dates"
Dr. Epstein seated himself at the table. The 'Family' was setting the table. Well that's what the end result was, in actuality Ranma was tossing the plates, utensils and glasses over his shoulder toward the table. Akane and Ukyo grabbed the dishes out of mid-air and placed them on the table. The doctor admired the unconscious skill demonstrated.
By habit the doctor opened himself up to the emotional currents of those around him. Not that he really needed to, the quiet humming and occasional laughter was a good enough mood indicator. He smiled.
The door to the kitchen opened and Nodoka exited carrying a large platter of food.
"All right!" Shouted Ranma. "Tempura." Murmurs of agreement came from Akane and Ukyo.
"Manners." Chided Nodoka as Ranma's chopsticks began to blur. Nodoka 's admonishment was given sharp punctuation by a couple of well-placed elbows from Akane and Ukyo.
"Okay, okay. I get the point." Grumbled Ranma. "Geez, it's only the doc."
"Why thank you, Ranma." Dr. Epstein said wryly.
"Aw, you know what I mean." Ranma hastily responded. "You're family."
"Well even though I agree with you my son, there is no excuse for poor manners." Responded Nodoka tartly.
"Yes Mom." Sighed Ranma.
"I understand you went to see Ryoga." Said Akane.
Dr. Epstein nodded.
"Great!" Said Ranma. "How is old pork-butt doing?" He snickered. "He hasn't gotten lost already, has he?"
Dr. Epstein put down his chopsticks. "Ranma I need you to do me a favor." He said seriously.
"Sure doc." Replied Ranma. "Whatever you want."
"I want the three of you to go visit him and Akari." Said the doctor.
"Sure." Said Ranma. "We were planning to do that anyway."
"That's good, but that wasn't the favor." Replied the doctor. He let his gaze wander over the three teenagers. "When you go visit, don't talk about his problem with directions." Dr. Epstein took a breath. "I really can't talk about it, but it is very important." He looked at Akane and Ukyo. "I want the same favor from you two as well."
Akane and Ukyo nodded.
"Can I still call him pork-butt?" Asked Ranma. Ukyo and Akane started giggling.
"Ranma!" Admonished Nodoka. She was about to say more but the doctor held up his hand.
"Actually I think Ryoga is not going to mind the pig references that much anymore."
Nodoka stared at Dr. Epstein for a moment then a smile came to her face. "Akari is a good match for him, isn't she?"
Dr. Epstein nodded. "A truly remarkable girl, Nodoka." He picked up his chopsticks and grabbed another piece of the tempura. "By the way Nodoka, this tempura is delicious." Dr. Epstein grabbed another piece.
"Thank you doctor." Said Nodoka. She held up a small bottle. "Would you like some Sake?"
Dr. Epstein gazed into Nodoka's eyes for a long moment before answering. "Why not?' He said cheerfully.
Nodoka smiled and poured the some Sake into a cup and handed it to the doctor.
"Aren't you having any, Nodoka?" Said the doctor with a smile. "I really hate drinking alone."
"Why not?' Replied Nodoka was a small smile of her own and filled another cup. She raised the cup to the doctor.
"Hey can I get some too?" Chirped Ukyo. She gave Nodoka a pleading look. She held up her hand holding her thumb and forefinger a small distance apart. "Just a little?" She smiled at Nodoka. "Please Mother?"
Nodoka felt her heart jump in her chest hearing Ukyo calling her 'mother'. She smiled broadly. "Why not?' She said. "How about you Akane?"
Akane nodded vigorously.
"Ranma?"
"I dunno." Said Ranma slowly. "That stuff isn't good for martial artists."
"Oh come on Ranma." Pleaded Akane. "Just this once."
"Oh go ahead Ran-chan." Added Ukyo. "One drink isn't going to hurt."
"Oh, all right." Said Ranma. "Just this once."
"Yay!" Cheered Ukyo and Akane.
"Goodness." Laughed Nodoka. "It's becoming quite a party tonight." She quickly poured Sake into glasses and placed them in front of the three teenagers. "We should make a toast." She declared. "What should we drink to?" Asked Nodoka looking at the doctor as she said it.
The doctor picked up his cup and thought for a moment. He raised his cup toward Nodoka. "How about we drink to." He paused. "Happiness." Dr. Epstein smiled. "Take it from someone my age. Life is too short to waste it on sadness." He let his gaze wander from person to person finally settling back again on Nodoka. "The greatest gift we can ever give to someone is to make them happy." He smiled warmly at Nodoka.
Nodoka lifted her cup. "To happiness it is then." Ranma, Akane and Ukyo quickly followed suit.
"To happiness."
After dinner and the table was cleared Nodoka turned on the radio. She kept a bottle of sake available for herself and the doctor. Dr. Epstein reveled in the rare, for him, feeling of belonging. For once the constant emotional background noise was bearable even pleasant. He and Nodoka chatted quietly.
Akane was whispering something into Ukyo's ear that was making her blush. Since she had to lean across Ranma to do it, Ranma found himself with a face full of Akane. Ranma grinned as he took the opportunity to gently bite a particularly attractive part of her anatomy.
"Oh." Squeaked Akane. "Stop that." She whispered. "Didn't you get enough to eat?" She joked.
"Yeah." Ranma whispered back. "I was just thinking about dessert."
Akane gave Ranma a smoldering look. "That's what I was talking to Ukyo about." She swatted him on the head. "Now behave."
"Yes dear." Laughed Ranma.
"It's so good to see him so happy." Said Nodoka to the doctor. "My family owes you a great debt." She took a sip of her sake.
"Nonsense Nodoka." Protested the doctor.
"Well I for one am grateful." Responded Nodoka. "Not like some people." She muttered under her breath.
"Genma?" Asked the doctor gently.
"Oh I'm sorry doctor, I didn't mean for you to hear that." Replied Nodoka. She nodded anyway.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Said the doctor. At Nodoka's quick glance at the three teenagers, the doctor continued. "Not here." The doctor smiled. "I'll walk you home and we can talk on the way."
"Well I don't know if I want to talk about Genma right now, but I wouldn't mind being escorted home." She looked over to the three teens. They had their heads together and were laughing about something. "Ranma dear?"
"Yeah mom?"
"It's getting late. I must be going home." Ranma started to rise but Nodoka waved him back down. "Don't bother dearest. The doctor has offered to walk me home."
Ranma nodded. "Okay, you'll be safe with him."
Nodoka smiled and stood. "Let me get my handbag and we can go." She said to the doctor. She went into the kitchen and then returned a minute later. "Okay, I'm all set."
Dr. Epstein offered his arm to Nodoka. After a moments hesitation she took it. Nodoka and Dr. Epstein strolled along in the warm spring Nerima evening.
"Doctor?" Said Nodoka after they had been walking for a few minutes. "May I ask you a personal question?"
"On one condition." Responded the doctor.
"And that is?" Said Nodoka archly.
Dr. Epstein smiled. "Only if you call me Robert."
Nodoka blushed. "That would be terribly familiar."
"Well Ranma did say I was family and he IS the clan leader." Said the doctor.
Nodoka laughed merrily. "Why so he did." Said Nodoka. "Robert."
"So what was your question?"
Nodoka blushed. "I know this is very forward of me." She said. "But why aren't you married?" Nodoka blushed deeper. "I would think a man like you would have many admirers."
It was the doctors' turn to blush. His senses informed him of whom one of his 'admirers' would be. "Actually, I've been married three times." He said finally. "And before you ask, we're all still friends."
Nodoka was shocked. "Three times?" She asked incredulously.
The doctor nodded. He shrugged. "Jeanine, that's my first wife, told me that living with me was like being in one of those reality TV shows." He smiled wryly. "You know the kind where there are hidden cameras everywhere."
Nodoka nodded then paled as the implications of what the doctor meant hit her.
"Alyssa, my second wife, and Tricia, my third wife said I made them nervous." The doctor laughed sourly. "Actually Tricia said I was 'spooky'."
Nodoka squeezed the doctors' arm comfortingly. "Oh Robert, I'm so sorry." She said. "I shouldn't have pried."
The doctor patted Nodoka's hand. "It's okay." He said soothingly. "I don't mind telling you." The doctor laughed. "Besides, they all still visit me from time to time."
Nodoka raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really?" She drawled. "And why would they do that?"
"Oh look." Said Dr. Epstein. "You're home." He pointed to a house.
"So we are." Said Nodoka. "We-would you like to come in for a moment?" Silently Nodoka cursed her tongue for stuttering. "You still haven't told me why your ex-wives visit you." She said lightly.
A pained look flashed across the doctors' face. "I don't think that would be a good idea Nodoka." He said seriously. He looked into Nodoka's eyes.
Nodoka met his gaze unflinchingly. "You're right it would be a terrible idea." She said softly. "You know exactly what I'm feeling right now don't you?"
The doctor nodded. "I can't completely turn it off Nodoka." The doctor said quietly. "There's always some leakage." As they were talking Nodoka took the doctors hand and led him quietly to the house. When they reached the door the doctor stopped. He was about to say something when Nodoka put the palm of her hand over his mouth.
"I know. It's a terrible idea." She said. Nodoka opened the door to her home and led the doctor into the main room. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."
Dr. Epstein smiled wryly as Nodoka exited the room. He walked around the room. There were pictures and photographs everywhere. Most of them were of Ranma, either alone or with Akane and a fair number with Akane and Ukyo. There were a few pictures of Nodoka at different ages. Dr. Epstein noticed one picture lying face down on a shelf. Curious he picked it up. It was a picture of Nodoka and Genma on their wedding day. The doctor replaced the picture. Dr. Epstein sat down on the couch.
A few minutes later Nodoka returned wearing lavender, silk pajamas with a matching silk robe over it. She sat down next to the doctor on the couch. They looked at each other searchingly for a moment then Nodoka leaned against the doctor. The doctor put his arm around her. Nodoka sighed.
"You don't know how long it's been since I've been held by a man." Said Nodoka softly. "I miss it."
"Nodoka. I. " The doctor began.
"He hasn't touched me since he's returned." She continued. "He'd rather stay out all night drinking with Soun or." She bit off the rest of her words. "How long must I wait?" She demanded.
"Have you considered a divorce?"
Nodoka sighed. "It's not that easy, Robert." She said. "I have Ranma to think of." She turned to the doctor. "I'm lonely." She said quietly. "Is it so wrong for two lonely people to give each other some comfort?" She gave the doctor a long look. "I don't need to be an empath to know that you are lonely as well." She fitted her body against the doctors'.
"Nodoka?"
Nodoka snuggled closer to the doctor. "Yes Robert?"
"Do you still want to know why my ex-wives visit me?"
Nodoka giggled. "Because you're such a great lover?" She teased.
Dr. Epstein smiled. "Nodoka." He breathed. "THIS is how an empath makes love."
Nodoka's eyes widened as a wave of pleasure, as if her whole body had just been caressed, ran through her. The doctor lightly ran his fingers over her eyes, her nose, her lips. His fingers left a trail of hot fire in their wake. Nodoka gasped. His hand trailed lower. When his hand cupped her silk covered breast, Nodoka had to bite back a scream of ecstasy.
"Oh Robert." Panted Nodoka. "I had no idea."
"You still don't." Replied the doctor very quietly.
Nodoka did scream when the doctor slipped his hand inside her pajama top.
Muu Tse contemplated the beautiful woman seated across from him. A part of him twinged in guilt. For a moment an image of a certain lavender haired Chinese amazon appeared in his minds eye. But the reality of his elegant companion quickly washed the image away. 'Why am I so attracted to her?" thought Muu Tse. He snorted. 'Better question is what does she see in me?'
"A hundred yen for your thoughts." Teased Nabiki. "And it better be about me." She added sternly.
Muu Tse laughed. "It was."
Nabiki blushed. "Oh." She said. She leaned an elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. 'A date.' She thought. 'An actual date with an actual boy.' Nabiki let her eyes wander appreciatively over what she could see of Muu Tse. "So what were you thinking?"
"Where's my hundred yen?" Muu Tse said smilingly.
Nabiki laughed. "Put it on my tab." She said lightly.
Muu Tse laughed then sobered quickly. "Just wondering if you were having a good time."
Nabiki smiled. "Oh yes." She said. "You?"
Muu Tse smiled back and nodded. "I have a confession." He said a minute later.
"Oh?"
Muu Tse blushed. "This is my first real date." He said. "And. And I'm glad it's with you."
Nabiki stared at Muu Tse for a moment before dropping her eyes. "Pay the check, Muu Tse." She said in a husky voice.
"Did I say something wrong?" He asked in confusion.
Nabiki shook her head still looking at the tabletop. Finally she lifted her eyes and gave him a smile that rivaled one of Akane's best efforts. "This is my first real date too." She said. "And I'm glad it's with you." She leaned forward. "Ukyo gave me the key to her apartment." She whispered.
Muu Tse started waving frantically for the waitress.
Akane lay face down on her futon. Ukyo was straddling her hips giving her a massage. Akane purred as Ukyo's strong hands worked their magic easing away the muscle aches of their after dinner workout. Ranma was still in the dojo.
"You know." Said Ukyo musingly. "I think Mother and Dr. Epstein like each other."
"For heavens sake." Hissed Akane. "Don't mention that in front of Ranma."
"Why do you think I'm saying it now?" Retorted Ukyo.
Akane relaxed. "Sorry Ukyo." She apologized. "I shouldn't have snapped at you." She rested her chin on her crossed arms. "Good thing Ranma can be so dense sometimes."
"So what should we do?" Asked Ukyo as she continued to knead Akane's back.
"Nothing." Replied Akane.
"Good plan." Responded Ukyo.
Nabiki unlocked the door to Ukyo's apartment. Her hands were shaking so badly it had taken her a couple tries before she got the key into the lock. Muu Tse was standing so close to her she could feel the heat of his body. She pushed open the door and entered. "I think Ukyo keeps something to drink in the kitchen." Said Nabiki. 'I can't believe I'm doing this.' She thought. "Why don't you see if you can find it?" She said aloud.
Muu Tse nodded. He entered the kitchen and turned the light on. He started opening cabinet after cabinet. Finally he spotted a dust-covered bottle of American whiskey on a high shelf. He reached up and pulled it down. He located a couple glasses and retrieved some ice from the refrigerator. As he poured he noticed how badly his hands were shaking. He took a deep breath and returned to the darkened main room. "Nabiki?" He said into the darkened room. A rustle of fabric alerted him.
"Over here." He heard Nabiki whisper. His many years of not relying on his eyes allowed Muu Tse to navigate unerringly toward her voice. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he made out Nabiki sitting on the couch. Muu Tse noticed she was covered in a blanket. "Cold?" He asked.
"A little." Replied Nabiki in a shaky voice.
"Here." Said Muu Tse handing her the drink. "This should help." He sat down next to her.
Nabiki took the offered glass and proceeded to down the contents resulting in her coughing and choking 'Oh really smooth, Nabiki.' She thought angrily. "Sorry." She said when she stopped coughing. "What was that anyway?'
"Whiskey." Replied Muu Tse. "It's all I could find."
Nabiki took another sip. The liquid burned a fiery path down her throat. "Whew." She said. "That's strong."
"Still cold?" He asked.
Nabiki nodded. "How about you?"
"A little." He replied.
Nabiki held open the blanket. "Join me?" She said shyly.
Muu Tse gasped as he realized that Nabiki was naked underneath the blanket. He gulped nervously. Muu Tse nodded.
Kasumi lay with her head pillowed on Dr. Tofu's chest basking in the warm lassitude that came after their lovemaking. She smiled as she heard the soft buzz of a snore coming from Ono. 'Men.' She thought in amusement. 'Be fair, Kasumi.' She chastised herself. 'You did wear him out.' Kasumi giggled sleepily. She stretched her arm across Ono's chest and soon was peacefully asleep.
Soun and Genma were on their third bar of the evening 'pub crawl'. Experienced drinkers the two of them they were pleasantly high but nowhere near drunk. Both were very well known in their community and, as long as they remained sober, well liked.
"A good night to celebrate our good fortune, hey Tendo?" Said Genma with a huge smile.
"Indeed Saotome." Agreed Soun. "Especially when we can afford to celebrate properly." Soun rubbed the back of his head. "I think I'm beginning to enjoy teaching again."
Genma pursed his lips in disgust. "Whatever Tendo." He said. "I still think the boy should be teaching, instead of wasting his time in that Okonomiyaki shop." Genma called the waitress over and asked for the check. When it arrived he signed for it, knowing full well that the bill would be sent to, and paid for by, Nodoka. 'Bitch.' He thought nastily. 'Make Ranma clan leader will she?' He thought. 'That money is mine!' An evil grin came to his face.
"Anything wrong, Saotome?" Asked Soun.
"Nothing Tendo." Said Genma. "Just thinking some pleasant thoughts"
"Now where the hell am I?" Grumbled Ryoga.
"Ryoga?" Said a voice. "Is that you?"
"Akari?" Stammered Ryoga.
"What are you doing in my room?" She asked quietly.
"Y-your room?" He stuttered. He heard the sound of someone moving in the darkened room. Akari gulped as Akari approached. "S-sorry." He said nervously. "I guess I got lost."
Akari took Ryoga's hand in hers and led him over to the bed. She pushed him down. "Hmph." She snorted. She started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Akari?" Said Ryoga. "What are you doing?"
"Doing what the doctor said." She replied. She pulled the shirt off an unresisting Ryoga. "Making sure you're here in the morning."
Nabiki and Muu Tse cuddled together under the blanket. It had taken a lot of maneuvering and plenty of giggles but Muu Tse's clothes now lay on a heap on the floor next to Nabiki's. Their kisses had been tentative at first but soon became progressively more urgent. Their hands began to slowly explore each other's bodies.
"You are so beautiful." Whispered Muu Tse.
"As pretty as Xian Pu?" Asked Nabiki. 'Oh, good one Nabiki.' She scolded herself. 'Bring up his ex-girlfriend.' Nabiki turned her head away from Muu Tse. "Sorry." She whispered. A hand gently cupped her chin and turned her head back.
"Prettier." Said Muu Tse. "And smarter. And sexier" His voice became a whisper. "I care about you Nabiki."
Nabiki threw her arms around Muu Tse and pulled him against her body. She hugged him tightly for a long time. Finally she released him and knuckled away a couple stray tears from her eyes. With a happy sigh she languidly lay down on the couch. Nabiki opened her arms invitingly. Muu Tse lay down next to her. Nabiki wrapped her arms around Muu Tse. "Tell me again how beautiful I am." She whispered into his ear.
Nodoka brushed a stray hair away from her face and leaned closer to Dr. Epstein. "My heavens Robert." She whispered. "I was joking."
"What?" He teased. "I'm not a great lover?"
Nodoka swatted him on the shoulder. "Hmph." She said. "I think your ego is big enough already. Thank you very much." Suddenly she smiled. "Do that again."
"If you insist."
"I do." She replied imperiously. "And Robert?"
"Yes Nodoka?"
"You might want to take your clothes off this time." She blushed prettily. "I heard it's better that way."
"Where to now, Saotome?" Asked a slightly drunken Soun.
"I thought we'd visit the Jade Dragon tonight, Tendo." Replied Genma. "I hear they have a couple of new girls."
"Oh really?" Said Soun. "Korean?"
"Better." Replied Genma. "American." Genma laughed. "I'm paying." Genma smirked to himself. 'Take that, Nodoka.'
Ranma entered the bedroom he shared with Akane and Ukyo and was immediately splashed with cold water.
"What ya do that for?" Complained Ranma. She wiped the cold water from her face. Her jaw dropped as she found herself confronted by Akane and Ukyo in matching pink teddies. Akane was holding a third matching outfit.
"This will look better on your girl form." Teased Akane. "That is unless you don't want dessert."
"Gimme that." Blushed Ranma. "I don't know why I should even bother putting this on." She teased. "You're just gonna take it off me."
"But Ranma honey." Purred Ukyo. "Half the fun of getting presents is unwrapping them."
Ranma blushed deeper.
Authors Note; Yes folks there is a lemon scene missing.You know the drill.
Dr. Epstein's eyes shot open in agony as an extremely powerful emotional surge assaulted his extra sense. At the same time he felt the bed shake as Nodoka tossed fitfully in her sleep.
"No don't take him." He heard Nodoka whimper in her sleep. "Don't take my baby."
Dr. Epstein exerted his abilities and calmed Nodoka. "Shh." He said softly. "It's all right." As Nodoka calmed she wrapped herself around the doctor, her head finally coming to rest on the doctor's chest. Dr. Epstein stroked Nodoka's hair. "It's all right." Repeated the doctor. He exerted his abilities a little more and watched as a smile appeared on Nodoka's face.
"Pleasant dreams." He said and fell back to sleep.
End Chapter 14
"Dinner Dates"
Dr. Epstein seated himself at the table. The 'Family' was setting the table. Well that's what the end result was, in actuality Ranma was tossing the plates, utensils and glasses over his shoulder toward the table. Akane and Ukyo grabbed the dishes out of mid-air and placed them on the table. The doctor admired the unconscious skill demonstrated.
By habit the doctor opened himself up to the emotional currents of those around him. Not that he really needed to, the quiet humming and occasional laughter was a good enough mood indicator. He smiled.
The door to the kitchen opened and Nodoka exited carrying a large platter of food.
"All right!" Shouted Ranma. "Tempura." Murmurs of agreement came from Akane and Ukyo.
"Manners." Chided Nodoka as Ranma's chopsticks began to blur. Nodoka 's admonishment was given sharp punctuation by a couple of well-placed elbows from Akane and Ukyo.
"Okay, okay. I get the point." Grumbled Ranma. "Geez, it's only the doc."
"Why thank you, Ranma." Dr. Epstein said wryly.
"Aw, you know what I mean." Ranma hastily responded. "You're family."
"Well even though I agree with you my son, there is no excuse for poor manners." Responded Nodoka tartly.
"Yes Mom." Sighed Ranma.
"I understand you went to see Ryoga." Said Akane.
Dr. Epstein nodded.
"Great!" Said Ranma. "How is old pork-butt doing?" He snickered. "He hasn't gotten lost already, has he?"
Dr. Epstein put down his chopsticks. "Ranma I need you to do me a favor." He said seriously.
"Sure doc." Replied Ranma. "Whatever you want."
"I want the three of you to go visit him and Akari." Said the doctor.
"Sure." Said Ranma. "We were planning to do that anyway."
"That's good, but that wasn't the favor." Replied the doctor. He let his gaze wander over the three teenagers. "When you go visit, don't talk about his problem with directions." Dr. Epstein took a breath. "I really can't talk about it, but it is very important." He looked at Akane and Ukyo. "I want the same favor from you two as well."
Akane and Ukyo nodded.
"Can I still call him pork-butt?" Asked Ranma. Ukyo and Akane started giggling.
"Ranma!" Admonished Nodoka. She was about to say more but the doctor held up his hand.
"Actually I think Ryoga is not going to mind the pig references that much anymore."
Nodoka stared at Dr. Epstein for a moment then a smile came to her face. "Akari is a good match for him, isn't she?"
Dr. Epstein nodded. "A truly remarkable girl, Nodoka." He picked up his chopsticks and grabbed another piece of the tempura. "By the way Nodoka, this tempura is delicious." Dr. Epstein grabbed another piece.
"Thank you doctor." Said Nodoka. She held up a small bottle. "Would you like some Sake?"
Dr. Epstein gazed into Nodoka's eyes for a long moment before answering. "Why not?' He said cheerfully.
Nodoka smiled and poured the some Sake into a cup and handed it to the doctor.
"Aren't you having any, Nodoka?" Said the doctor with a smile. "I really hate drinking alone."
"Why not?' Replied Nodoka was a small smile of her own and filled another cup. She raised the cup to the doctor.
"Hey can I get some too?" Chirped Ukyo. She gave Nodoka a pleading look. She held up her hand holding her thumb and forefinger a small distance apart. "Just a little?" She smiled at Nodoka. "Please Mother?"
Nodoka felt her heart jump in her chest hearing Ukyo calling her 'mother'. She smiled broadly. "Why not?' She said. "How about you Akane?"
Akane nodded vigorously.
"Ranma?"
"I dunno." Said Ranma slowly. "That stuff isn't good for martial artists."
"Oh come on Ranma." Pleaded Akane. "Just this once."
"Oh go ahead Ran-chan." Added Ukyo. "One drink isn't going to hurt."
"Oh, all right." Said Ranma. "Just this once."
"Yay!" Cheered Ukyo and Akane.
"Goodness." Laughed Nodoka. "It's becoming quite a party tonight." She quickly poured Sake into glasses and placed them in front of the three teenagers. "We should make a toast." She declared. "What should we drink to?" Asked Nodoka looking at the doctor as she said it.
The doctor picked up his cup and thought for a moment. He raised his cup toward Nodoka. "How about we drink to." He paused. "Happiness." Dr. Epstein smiled. "Take it from someone my age. Life is too short to waste it on sadness." He let his gaze wander from person to person finally settling back again on Nodoka. "The greatest gift we can ever give to someone is to make them happy." He smiled warmly at Nodoka.
Nodoka lifted her cup. "To happiness it is then." Ranma, Akane and Ukyo quickly followed suit.
"To happiness."
After dinner and the table was cleared Nodoka turned on the radio. She kept a bottle of sake available for herself and the doctor. Dr. Epstein reveled in the rare, for him, feeling of belonging. For once the constant emotional background noise was bearable even pleasant. He and Nodoka chatted quietly.
Akane was whispering something into Ukyo's ear that was making her blush. Since she had to lean across Ranma to do it, Ranma found himself with a face full of Akane. Ranma grinned as he took the opportunity to gently bite a particularly attractive part of her anatomy.
"Oh." Squeaked Akane. "Stop that." She whispered. "Didn't you get enough to eat?" She joked.
"Yeah." Ranma whispered back. "I was just thinking about dessert."
Akane gave Ranma a smoldering look. "That's what I was talking to Ukyo about." She swatted him on the head. "Now behave."
"Yes dear." Laughed Ranma.
"It's so good to see him so happy." Said Nodoka to the doctor. "My family owes you a great debt." She took a sip of her sake.
"Nonsense Nodoka." Protested the doctor.
"Well I for one am grateful." Responded Nodoka. "Not like some people." She muttered under her breath.
"Genma?" Asked the doctor gently.
"Oh I'm sorry doctor, I didn't mean for you to hear that." Replied Nodoka. She nodded anyway.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Said the doctor. At Nodoka's quick glance at the three teenagers, the doctor continued. "Not here." The doctor smiled. "I'll walk you home and we can talk on the way."
"Well I don't know if I want to talk about Genma right now, but I wouldn't mind being escorted home." She looked over to the three teens. They had their heads together and were laughing about something. "Ranma dear?"
"Yeah mom?"
"It's getting late. I must be going home." Ranma started to rise but Nodoka waved him back down. "Don't bother dearest. The doctor has offered to walk me home."
Ranma nodded. "Okay, you'll be safe with him."
Nodoka smiled and stood. "Let me get my handbag and we can go." She said to the doctor. She went into the kitchen and then returned a minute later. "Okay, I'm all set."
Dr. Epstein offered his arm to Nodoka. After a moments hesitation she took it. Nodoka and Dr. Epstein strolled along in the warm spring Nerima evening.
"Doctor?" Said Nodoka after they had been walking for a few minutes. "May I ask you a personal question?"
"On one condition." Responded the doctor.
"And that is?" Said Nodoka archly.
Dr. Epstein smiled. "Only if you call me Robert."
Nodoka blushed. "That would be terribly familiar."
"Well Ranma did say I was family and he IS the clan leader." Said the doctor.
Nodoka laughed merrily. "Why so he did." Said Nodoka. "Robert."
"So what was your question?"
Nodoka blushed. "I know this is very forward of me." She said. "But why aren't you married?" Nodoka blushed deeper. "I would think a man like you would have many admirers."
It was the doctors' turn to blush. His senses informed him of whom one of his 'admirers' would be. "Actually, I've been married three times." He said finally. "And before you ask, we're all still friends."
Nodoka was shocked. "Three times?" She asked incredulously.
The doctor nodded. He shrugged. "Jeanine, that's my first wife, told me that living with me was like being in one of those reality TV shows." He smiled wryly. "You know the kind where there are hidden cameras everywhere."
Nodoka nodded then paled as the implications of what the doctor meant hit her.
"Alyssa, my second wife, and Tricia, my third wife said I made them nervous." The doctor laughed sourly. "Actually Tricia said I was 'spooky'."
Nodoka squeezed the doctors' arm comfortingly. "Oh Robert, I'm so sorry." She said. "I shouldn't have pried."
The doctor patted Nodoka's hand. "It's okay." He said soothingly. "I don't mind telling you." The doctor laughed. "Besides, they all still visit me from time to time."
Nodoka raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really?" She drawled. "And why would they do that?"
"Oh look." Said Dr. Epstein. "You're home." He pointed to a house.
"So we are." Said Nodoka. "We-would you like to come in for a moment?" Silently Nodoka cursed her tongue for stuttering. "You still haven't told me why your ex-wives visit you." She said lightly.
A pained look flashed across the doctors' face. "I don't think that would be a good idea Nodoka." He said seriously. He looked into Nodoka's eyes.
Nodoka met his gaze unflinchingly. "You're right it would be a terrible idea." She said softly. "You know exactly what I'm feeling right now don't you?"
The doctor nodded. "I can't completely turn it off Nodoka." The doctor said quietly. "There's always some leakage." As they were talking Nodoka took the doctors hand and led him quietly to the house. When they reached the door the doctor stopped. He was about to say something when Nodoka put the palm of her hand over his mouth.
"I know. It's a terrible idea." She said. Nodoka opened the door to her home and led the doctor into the main room. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."
Dr. Epstein smiled wryly as Nodoka exited the room. He walked around the room. There were pictures and photographs everywhere. Most of them were of Ranma, either alone or with Akane and a fair number with Akane and Ukyo. There were a few pictures of Nodoka at different ages. Dr. Epstein noticed one picture lying face down on a shelf. Curious he picked it up. It was a picture of Nodoka and Genma on their wedding day. The doctor replaced the picture. Dr. Epstein sat down on the couch.
A few minutes later Nodoka returned wearing lavender, silk pajamas with a matching silk robe over it. She sat down next to the doctor on the couch. They looked at each other searchingly for a moment then Nodoka leaned against the doctor. The doctor put his arm around her. Nodoka sighed.
"You don't know how long it's been since I've been held by a man." Said Nodoka softly. "I miss it."
"Nodoka. I. " The doctor began.
"He hasn't touched me since he's returned." She continued. "He'd rather stay out all night drinking with Soun or." She bit off the rest of her words. "How long must I wait?" She demanded.
"Have you considered a divorce?"
Nodoka sighed. "It's not that easy, Robert." She said. "I have Ranma to think of." She turned to the doctor. "I'm lonely." She said quietly. "Is it so wrong for two lonely people to give each other some comfort?" She gave the doctor a long look. "I don't need to be an empath to know that you are lonely as well." She fitted her body against the doctors'.
"Nodoka?"
Nodoka snuggled closer to the doctor. "Yes Robert?"
"Do you still want to know why my ex-wives visit me?"
Nodoka giggled. "Because you're such a great lover?" She teased.
Dr. Epstein smiled. "Nodoka." He breathed. "THIS is how an empath makes love."
Nodoka's eyes widened as a wave of pleasure, as if her whole body had just been caressed, ran through her. The doctor lightly ran his fingers over her eyes, her nose, her lips. His fingers left a trail of hot fire in their wake. Nodoka gasped. His hand trailed lower. When his hand cupped her silk covered breast, Nodoka had to bite back a scream of ecstasy.
"Oh Robert." Panted Nodoka. "I had no idea."
"You still don't." Replied the doctor very quietly.
Nodoka did scream when the doctor slipped his hand inside her pajama top.
Muu Tse contemplated the beautiful woman seated across from him. A part of him twinged in guilt. For a moment an image of a certain lavender haired Chinese amazon appeared in his minds eye. But the reality of his elegant companion quickly washed the image away. 'Why am I so attracted to her?" thought Muu Tse. He snorted. 'Better question is what does she see in me?'
"A hundred yen for your thoughts." Teased Nabiki. "And it better be about me." She added sternly.
Muu Tse laughed. "It was."
Nabiki blushed. "Oh." She said. She leaned an elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. 'A date.' She thought. 'An actual date with an actual boy.' Nabiki let her eyes wander appreciatively over what she could see of Muu Tse. "So what were you thinking?"
"Where's my hundred yen?" Muu Tse said smilingly.
Nabiki laughed. "Put it on my tab." She said lightly.
Muu Tse laughed then sobered quickly. "Just wondering if you were having a good time."
Nabiki smiled. "Oh yes." She said. "You?"
Muu Tse smiled back and nodded. "I have a confession." He said a minute later.
"Oh?"
Muu Tse blushed. "This is my first real date." He said. "And. And I'm glad it's with you."
Nabiki stared at Muu Tse for a moment before dropping her eyes. "Pay the check, Muu Tse." She said in a husky voice.
"Did I say something wrong?" He asked in confusion.
Nabiki shook her head still looking at the tabletop. Finally she lifted her eyes and gave him a smile that rivaled one of Akane's best efforts. "This is my first real date too." She said. "And I'm glad it's with you." She leaned forward. "Ukyo gave me the key to her apartment." She whispered.
Muu Tse started waving frantically for the waitress.
Akane lay face down on her futon. Ukyo was straddling her hips giving her a massage. Akane purred as Ukyo's strong hands worked their magic easing away the muscle aches of their after dinner workout. Ranma was still in the dojo.
"You know." Said Ukyo musingly. "I think Mother and Dr. Epstein like each other."
"For heavens sake." Hissed Akane. "Don't mention that in front of Ranma."
"Why do you think I'm saying it now?" Retorted Ukyo.
Akane relaxed. "Sorry Ukyo." She apologized. "I shouldn't have snapped at you." She rested her chin on her crossed arms. "Good thing Ranma can be so dense sometimes."
"So what should we do?" Asked Ukyo as she continued to knead Akane's back.
"Nothing." Replied Akane.
"Good plan." Responded Ukyo.
Nabiki unlocked the door to Ukyo's apartment. Her hands were shaking so badly it had taken her a couple tries before she got the key into the lock. Muu Tse was standing so close to her she could feel the heat of his body. She pushed open the door and entered. "I think Ukyo keeps something to drink in the kitchen." Said Nabiki. 'I can't believe I'm doing this.' She thought. "Why don't you see if you can find it?" She said aloud.
Muu Tse nodded. He entered the kitchen and turned the light on. He started opening cabinet after cabinet. Finally he spotted a dust-covered bottle of American whiskey on a high shelf. He reached up and pulled it down. He located a couple glasses and retrieved some ice from the refrigerator. As he poured he noticed how badly his hands were shaking. He took a deep breath and returned to the darkened main room. "Nabiki?" He said into the darkened room. A rustle of fabric alerted him.
"Over here." He heard Nabiki whisper. His many years of not relying on his eyes allowed Muu Tse to navigate unerringly toward her voice. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he made out Nabiki sitting on the couch. Muu Tse noticed she was covered in a blanket. "Cold?" He asked.
"A little." Replied Nabiki in a shaky voice.
"Here." Said Muu Tse handing her the drink. "This should help." He sat down next to her.
Nabiki took the offered glass and proceeded to down the contents resulting in her coughing and choking 'Oh really smooth, Nabiki.' She thought angrily. "Sorry." She said when she stopped coughing. "What was that anyway?'
"Whiskey." Replied Muu Tse. "It's all I could find."
Nabiki took another sip. The liquid burned a fiery path down her throat. "Whew." She said. "That's strong."
"Still cold?" He asked.
Nabiki nodded. "How about you?"
"A little." He replied.
Nabiki held open the blanket. "Join me?" She said shyly.
Muu Tse gasped as he realized that Nabiki was naked underneath the blanket. He gulped nervously. Muu Tse nodded.
Kasumi lay with her head pillowed on Dr. Tofu's chest basking in the warm lassitude that came after their lovemaking. She smiled as she heard the soft buzz of a snore coming from Ono. 'Men.' She thought in amusement. 'Be fair, Kasumi.' She chastised herself. 'You did wear him out.' Kasumi giggled sleepily. She stretched her arm across Ono's chest and soon was peacefully asleep.
Soun and Genma were on their third bar of the evening 'pub crawl'. Experienced drinkers the two of them they were pleasantly high but nowhere near drunk. Both were very well known in their community and, as long as they remained sober, well liked.
"A good night to celebrate our good fortune, hey Tendo?" Said Genma with a huge smile.
"Indeed Saotome." Agreed Soun. "Especially when we can afford to celebrate properly." Soun rubbed the back of his head. "I think I'm beginning to enjoy teaching again."
Genma pursed his lips in disgust. "Whatever Tendo." He said. "I still think the boy should be teaching, instead of wasting his time in that Okonomiyaki shop." Genma called the waitress over and asked for the check. When it arrived he signed for it, knowing full well that the bill would be sent to, and paid for by, Nodoka. 'Bitch.' He thought nastily. 'Make Ranma clan leader will she?' He thought. 'That money is mine!' An evil grin came to his face.
"Anything wrong, Saotome?" Asked Soun.
"Nothing Tendo." Said Genma. "Just thinking some pleasant thoughts"
"Now where the hell am I?" Grumbled Ryoga.
"Ryoga?" Said a voice. "Is that you?"
"Akari?" Stammered Ryoga.
"What are you doing in my room?" She asked quietly.
"Y-your room?" He stuttered. He heard the sound of someone moving in the darkened room. Akari gulped as Akari approached. "S-sorry." He said nervously. "I guess I got lost."
Akari took Ryoga's hand in hers and led him over to the bed. She pushed him down. "Hmph." She snorted. She started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Akari?" Said Ryoga. "What are you doing?"
"Doing what the doctor said." She replied. She pulled the shirt off an unresisting Ryoga. "Making sure you're here in the morning."
Nabiki and Muu Tse cuddled together under the blanket. It had taken a lot of maneuvering and plenty of giggles but Muu Tse's clothes now lay on a heap on the floor next to Nabiki's. Their kisses had been tentative at first but soon became progressively more urgent. Their hands began to slowly explore each other's bodies.
"You are so beautiful." Whispered Muu Tse.
"As pretty as Xian Pu?" Asked Nabiki. 'Oh, good one Nabiki.' She scolded herself. 'Bring up his ex-girlfriend.' Nabiki turned her head away from Muu Tse. "Sorry." She whispered. A hand gently cupped her chin and turned her head back.
"Prettier." Said Muu Tse. "And smarter. And sexier" His voice became a whisper. "I care about you Nabiki."
Nabiki threw her arms around Muu Tse and pulled him against her body. She hugged him tightly for a long time. Finally she released him and knuckled away a couple stray tears from her eyes. With a happy sigh she languidly lay down on the couch. Nabiki opened her arms invitingly. Muu Tse lay down next to her. Nabiki wrapped her arms around Muu Tse. "Tell me again how beautiful I am." She whispered into his ear.
Nodoka brushed a stray hair away from her face and leaned closer to Dr. Epstein. "My heavens Robert." She whispered. "I was joking."
"What?" He teased. "I'm not a great lover?"
Nodoka swatted him on the shoulder. "Hmph." She said. "I think your ego is big enough already. Thank you very much." Suddenly she smiled. "Do that again."
"If you insist."
"I do." She replied imperiously. "And Robert?"
"Yes Nodoka?"
"You might want to take your clothes off this time." She blushed prettily. "I heard it's better that way."
"Where to now, Saotome?" Asked a slightly drunken Soun.
"I thought we'd visit the Jade Dragon tonight, Tendo." Replied Genma. "I hear they have a couple of new girls."
"Oh really?" Said Soun. "Korean?"
"Better." Replied Genma. "American." Genma laughed. "I'm paying." Genma smirked to himself. 'Take that, Nodoka.'
Ranma entered the bedroom he shared with Akane and Ukyo and was immediately splashed with cold water.
"What ya do that for?" Complained Ranma. She wiped the cold water from her face. Her jaw dropped as she found herself confronted by Akane and Ukyo in matching pink teddies. Akane was holding a third matching outfit.
"This will look better on your girl form." Teased Akane. "That is unless you don't want dessert."
"Gimme that." Blushed Ranma. "I don't know why I should even bother putting this on." She teased. "You're just gonna take it off me."
"But Ranma honey." Purred Ukyo. "Half the fun of getting presents is unwrapping them."
Ranma blushed deeper.
Authors Note; Yes folks there is a lemon scene missing.You know the drill.
Dr. Epstein's eyes shot open in agony as an extremely powerful emotional surge assaulted his extra sense. At the same time he felt the bed shake as Nodoka tossed fitfully in her sleep.
"No don't take him." He heard Nodoka whimper in her sleep. "Don't take my baby."
Dr. Epstein exerted his abilities and calmed Nodoka. "Shh." He said softly. "It's all right." As Nodoka calmed she wrapped herself around the doctor, her head finally coming to rest on the doctor's chest. Dr. Epstein stroked Nodoka's hair. "It's all right." Repeated the doctor. He exerted his abilities a little more and watched as a smile appeared on Nodoka's face.
"Pleasant dreams." He said and fell back to sleep.
End Chapter 14
