Ranma ½ – Happily Ever After

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ is the property of Takahashi Rumiko and all those other large corporations that publish and distribute Ranma ½. No profit is gained from this work, just a great deal of enjoyment writing it.

Chapter 90 – Sunday: Rest, Relaxation and Reflection

"Do you run like that every morning?" Fukumi asked.

"Ranma, Akane, Yuka and Fumiko do," Kazuko replied.

"And I think Natsume and Karumi do too," Aimi added. "And I think Jun does too now that he's moving in with Fumiko."

"But usually we only run on mornings like this when we have a get together like we had last night," Sachiko said. "Now Akane, Ranma, Yuka, Fumiko and Karumi will head to the dojo and do a light workout."

"I couldn't imagine doing anything like that after working a night at the hostess club," Fukumi said.

"I can't imagine it would make a hangover feel any better," Aimi responded.

"Unfortunately, the only sure cure I've found for a hangover is having more to drink," Fukumi replied.

"That's what I've always said," Sachiko said. "And a couple of drinks in the morning made Mr. Wadazumi's literature class a lot easier to endure."

"You were drunk every morning for Mr. Wadazumi's class?" Kazuko asked.

"Not every morning," Sachiko replied. "Just mornings when I had too much to drink the night before and I knew Mr. Wadazumi was going to be reading one of his lame stories to us."

"So most mornings," Aimi said sarcastically.

"Don't worry," Fukumi said with a little chuckle. "Everyone ends up with a literature teacher like that. Mine was Miss Rakumitsu my first year in junior high. She had a high screeching voice and she graced our class with at least two dramatic readings a week. Luckily she was so nearsighted and clueless I could drink in class and she never noticed."

"You actually drank in class?" Kazuko asked.

"I did," Fukumi replied with a smile, "until I got caught by the assistant principal."

"How much trouble did you get into?" Aimi asked.

"Not that much," Fukumi answered, "… after I offered to share my bottle with her. But after that she kept me on a short leash."

"Sachiko, that sounds like you after you started the fire in the boys' lavatory," Kazuko said.


"I was only joking when I suggested that you should try it on," Sayuri said, walking side by side. "I'm sorry things turned out the way they did."

"It wasn't your fault," Yoshio responded. "I knew once my sister saw the costume and she figured out that Hikari didn't buy it for anyone in particular she'd be on my case to try it on."

"You could have said no," Sayuri said.

"You know my sister better than that."

"Yeah… I guess I do." Sayuri paused for a moment then said, "You did make a pretty good looking Sailor Venus… especially with the wig. You look good with long hair like that."

Yoshio chuckled and smiled, "Thanks… So any plans for today."

"Nothing in particular," Sayuri answered. "Would you mind if we used your house to get together with my mom and dad?"

"Not a problem," Yoshio replied. "Any reason in particular?"

"Mostly to check in with them," Sayuri responded, "and maybe run the idea of us moving into your house with you, Hiroshi and your sister."

"Gonna cook dinner for them?"

"I could do that. Dinner would have to be about seven. That way dad could have dinner and then head into work."

"Your dad is still on the overnight shift?"

"The schedule usually gets messed up during the holidays. More times than not he ends up on the overnight shift between Christmas and New Years'."

"That doesn't seem particularly fair. His seniority should get him some consideration."

"Maybe in a way it does. Working the overnight means that my dad gets to miss most of the meals my grandmother cooks."

"So your mom gets stuck eating your grandmother's cooking."

"Pretty much," Sayuri answered.

"Was your grandmother's cooking always that terrible?" Yoshio asked.

"That depends on who you ask," Sayuri replied. "My mom remembers a time when grandmother's food was edible, but that must have been before she met my dad. My dad says that the first time he had dinner with grandma and grandpa, he thought he was going to die. He thought that the miso soup he had could have been used to remove paint from a car, but he thought it might eat through the metal."

"What ever happened to your grandfather?"

"One day grandma sent him to the store for soy sauce and hot sauce," Sayuri answered, "and he never came home."

"Sounds like a smart man," Yoshio said. "And nobody has heard from him since?"

"Nothing…" Sayuri replied. "... Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?"

"Not really," Yoshio responded. "… At least not until dinner time."

"When we get to Akane's, would you give my parents a call? If I call and my grandmother answers, she hangs up on me."

"Not a problem. Anything else on the schedule?"

"I was wondering if you'd come shopping with me downtown."

"This wouldn't involve a trip to a certain shop in Akihabara?" Yoshio asked.

"It might," Sayuri responded. "I kind of like the Coach's Sailor Jupiter costume."

Yoshio smiled. "You would make a good Sailor Jupiter."

"What would you think if I let my hair grow longer?"

"Your hair looks good the way it is," Yoshio said, "but I think you'd look good with longer hair too."

"I think you would look good if you let your hair grow long again."

"So that I don't need a wig when I wear the Sailor Venus costume?"

Sayuri chuckled. "Well… Maybe not that long…" Sayuri remained silent for several seconds then asked, "You would actually consider dressing up as Sailor Venus again?"

"Maybe… But it would probably depend on if the right Sailor Jupiter asked me to do it."


"Mizuki like riding trains," Mizuki said as she sat in a seat next to a window.

Ukyo and Ryoga took seats in the row directly across the aisle from her.

"Just remember," Ukyo said, "you need to keep your clothes on at least until we get to the inn where we're staying tonight."

"Mizuki understand. Mizuki not like wearing clothes… But Mizuki understand."

Ukyo turned to Ryoga and asked, "How are you doing this morning?"

"Better now that we're on the train," Ryoga replied. "How about you?"

"Better now that my brain finally caught up with everything that happened yesterday," Ukyo answered. "So much of yesterday is still a blur."

"Same here," Ryoga responded. "I think I understand now why Mr. Takamizo transferred the property to us. It's like Mr. Tendo signing over the house, dojo and property to Ranma and Akane. It's a huge tax savings."

"Is that what you and Mousse were talking to Mr. Takamizo about before he left last night?" Ukyo asked.

"That," Ryoga answered, "and we ran some ideas past him about renovations for the second floor. He said that it was his father that divided it up into apartments. He said that it used to be one big open space. But once we take the walls out, we shouldn't have any problems configuring the space to have enough bedrooms for everyone."

"It's not like we'll need four kitchens," Ukyo said. "We could probably get away with one big kitchen… But leave the four bathrooms."

"Definitely," Ryoga replied. "What would you think about having one big bath that everyone could fit in?"

"Could you do that on the second floor?"

"Mousse and I were thinking more about building an addition at the back of the building next to where the back staircase is. Mr. Takamizo says that we own the property right up to the alley. We could use half of that space for a bath and the other half for storage for the restaurants."

"That would be nice," Ukyo said, "or we could expand the kitchen space so Shampoo has more space to move around. It would be nice to be able to fit more than two people back there, especially on busy nights."

"Mousse is going to start working on plans so we can get started once we get back."

Slowly at first, the train pulled out of the station but quickly picked up speed. Mizuki's seemed to be glued to the window as she watched the scenery zip by.

"So… other than finding the monastery where you stayed," Ukyo asked, "do you have any plans for what you'd like to see and do?"

"Not… not really," Ryoga answered. "There are a lot of beautiful places in the mountains… but it's going to be cold and snowy. I guess I've never planned that far ahead since I've never known where I'm going to end up."

Ukyo chuckled. "I figured that would be the case, so I asked Kasumi to get some travel information from her travel agent friend. Akita is apparently pretty famous for its New Years' Eve celebration and even during the winter they have tours of the parks in the area."

Ryoga smiled. "I remember there was a beautiful waterfalls near the monastery."

"Maybe we'll get the chance to see it," Ukyo responded, "… Although I wouldn't mind terribly if we spent time together in our room."

"I wouldn't mind that either," Ryoga replied as a hint of blush appeared on his cheeks, "but I'm not sure how well that would work out with Mizuki sharing the room with us."

"It may not be as much of an issue as you think," Ukyo said. "It seems like Shampoo has given Mizuki a rather detailed explanation of the process of making babies."

"I know," Ryoga said. "Mizuki was trying to explain the process to anyone who'd listen to her at the reception yesterday."

"That was pretty funny watching her try to explain the process to your father."

Ryoga chuckled. "That was pretty funny. I thought mom was going to completely lose it."

"But I think Shampoo impressed on Mizuki that the baby making process only works if we have time alone together."

"Is that why she spent the night with Ya-Ling?" Ryoga asked.

"Probably," Ukyo answered.

Ukyo leaned over and kissed Ryoga on the cheek. "I love you."

Ryoga extended his arm and embraced Ukyo. "I love you too."


"So, your boyfriend plays the trumpet," Karumi said as she stepped into the bath with her sister. "Is he any good?"

"Gota is a very good trumpet player," Natsume answered.

"What kind of music does his band play?"

"It isn't his band," Natsume responded. "He's just a member."

Karumi shook her head. "You know what I mean… So… What kind of music?"

"I guess you could say a little bit of everything," Natsume replied, "but mostly America jazz and something he called… ahhh… Dixieland."

"What did you think about it?"

Natsume smiled. "It was fun… It makes you feel good… And… no... I wouldn't mind going to another concert."

"I'm glad," Karumi responded. "So… Do you and Gota have plans for tonight?"

"Ahhh… Actually we do. He invited me to dinner with his family tonight."

"This sounds like it might be getting serious."

"I… I… guess you could say that," Natsume answered. "He'd like you to come to dinner too."

"I… I guess I wouldn't mind… if you don't mind me tagging along."

"I don't mind you tagging along," Natsume answered, "as long as you don't ask stupid questions… like… when are you getting married… And other stuff like that."

"You mean I can't ask when he's going to take you to a love hotel?"

"No, you can't ask anything like that!"

Karumi began to laugh. "Don't worry sis. I'll be on my best behavior. I promise."

The two girls sat and soaked in silence for some time.

"Karumi… Gota asked me something last night... And it wasn't if I would marry him."

"Take it easy sis… What did he ask you?"

"He asked that if we found our father if we would move to where he is."

"Wha… what did you tell him?"

"I told him… I told him that I didn't think so… I told him that I didn't think you or I would move even if we did find father."


"So," Aka-chan asked, "Do you and Papa have any plans for the day?"

She and Akane were submerged up to their necks in Akane's and Ranma's bath.

"Nothing really," Akane answered. "Normally Kasumi and I would be busy making Sunday dinner, but everyone seems to have other plans for tonight. Is there something you and Akio would like to do today?"

"Not really," Aka-chan answered. "I guess I was looking forward to a day Akio and I could take some time to relax with you and Papa. Last week was really crazy."

"It was, wasn't it?" Akane replied. "But not nearly as crazy as it used to be before Ranma and I got married."

"I guess so," Aka-chan responded with a chuckle. "Kasumi was telling me some stories. By comparison, life must be pretty boring now."

"I'll take boring over exciting any day," Akane said. "It's been more than two years since anyone tried to kidnap me. And thinking about it, our lives are still pretty exciting, just in a different way."

"Do you and Papa have any plans for New Years'?"

"Just the usual," Akane answered. "Get up early so we can watch the sunrise from the roof of the dojo… Then a trip to the shrine… Then brunch… Then sit back and relax for the rest of the day…"

"Sounds nice and relaxed," Aka-chan replied. "You don't stay up to watch 'Red Versus White', do you?"

"Not in particular. I know sometimes Kasumi has stayed up to watch, but I think she and Tofu are going out to celebrate."

"That's good," Aka-chan said with a grin. "If I were with Grandma, that's what I would be doing. Her sisters insist that Grandma stay up and watch with them when grandma would prefer to go out and party somewhere."

"I guess I never thought of your grandmother as a party animal."

"I remember Grandma and Grandpa having some wild parties at the inn during the holidays… but after Grandpa died…"

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence Aka-chan asked, "Are you and Papa and your friends going to get together to party for New Years?"

"Ranma and I hadn't planned anything… But if you'd like…"

"I really like your friends," Aka-chan said. "… Although a few of them get a little crazy when they have too much to drink."

"You mean like Miyuki?"

"Miyuki comes to mind… But you and Papa had your moments too."

"Yeah we did," Akane responded. "You know that wasn't what I intended to happen."

Aka-chan chuckled. "I know…Akio was worried that you or Papa would be angry with him… but I think he's recovered."

"That's good," Akane replied. "So, what were you thinking?"

"Maybe just a little get together with you and Papa and Yuka and Yoshio and Hiroshi and Sayuri."

"Hmmm… It probably wouldn't be good to do anything tomorrow with practice on Tuesday. And dad and Megumi are going to sign their marriage documents on Tuesday and Kasumi wants to have a little reception afterwards… But maybe Tuesday night. Ranma and I really don't have any reason that we need to be up early Wednesday… What do you think?"

"I guess that would be OK," Aka-chan answered.

"Would you like this to be a party like we had last night," Akane asked, "or would you like to have something like the mint liquor to drink?"

"I guess I'd like something like the mint liquor," Aka-cha answered, "… as long as we don't overdo it… too much."


"That wasn't too bad of a cleanup," Hikari said as she surveyed the living room.

"Well it helped that the guys took care of the futons," Miyuki replied. "Dishes are done and the kitchen is cleaned up."

"Thanks," Hikari said after giving Miyuki a kiss on the cheek. "Where's Yuriko?"

"The usual…" Miyuki answered. "Sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a stack of tournament papers in front of her."

"Have you ever had a look at the stuff from the tournament committee?" Hikari asked.

"A few," Miyuki answered. "A most of it doesn't make any sense to me."

"There's a good reason for that," Hikari responded. "Most if it simply doesn't make sense… like the instructions for what forms need to be filled out and when and where the forms need to be sent. There's one form that has three different sets of instructions about how it's supposed to be filled out, where Yuriko needs to send the form and the deadline for submitting it. And the information about what gymnastic elements are legal and which ones aren't and what the difficulty factor is for one move versus another are even worse."

"I guess better Yuriko than me," Miyuki said.

"Don't let her hear you say that or she'll have you in there helping her," Hikari said with a chuckle, "and I don't think threatening to kiss her would get you out of it."

"You're probably right," Miyuki answered. "Do you have any plans for tonight?"

"Not in particular," Hikari replied. "Why?"

"Well… I was thinking…" Miyuki began to say.

But Hikari interrupted her and said, "Uuuu… That could be dangerous…"

"Quiet you," Miyuki responded with a scowl. She took a breath then said, "I was thinking that if I go with you to see your aunt, we'll need to have dinner with my parents either tonight or tomorrow night."

"Yeah… You're right," Hikari said. "It would probably be better if we could get together tonight. That would give us time to pack and get ready tomorrow night."

"I'll give mom a call and see what we can work out," Miyuki answered.


"So, what's up with your mom and dad this morning?" Una asked as she walked side by side with Seiji.

Ichiko was walking a few steps behind next to Daniel.

"I think mom and dad did a little too much celebrating last night," Seiji replied. "I think that they thought getting my sister and me out of the house was their best hope of peace and quiet."

"Looking at all of the empties," Ichiko said, "it looks like they did a lot more than a little bit of celebrating. So what's the plan for today?"

"Well, first thing is to check in with Daniel's parents…" Una replied, "and let his mother know that he survived his first sleepover… (in English) even if he did tell Ranma that he has nice boobs and that he wants to fondle them."

"I'm sorry," Daniel replied (in English). "That's not what I meant to say. I was just trying to say that I thought she looked cute in the costume she was wearing."

"Let me guess," Una responded (still in English), "it's something one of your brothers taught you to say."

"Actually my sister taught it to me," Daniel replied.

"It figures," Una said, shaking her head. Then, continuing in Japanese, "We'll have to figure out what other bad translations your sister taught you and work on your Japanese so you don't say something like that to Ichiko."

"I don't know," Seiji commented. "Maybe my sister might like if a guy said something like that to her."

"Seiji!" Ichiko exclaimed. "What would you do if someone said something like that to Una?"

Before Seiji had a chance to respond, Una replied, "If Seiji was the one saying it, I probably wouldn't mind."


"Thanks for helping," Ranma (in his male form) said as he and Akio set down the Christmas decoration box they had just carried up to the attic.

"Not a problem," Akio replied. He looked around the attic then asked, "What is all of this stuff up here. I think you have more stuff up here in your attic than Aka-chan's grandmother has in her attic."

"That may be," Ranma answered. "Most of these boxes are clothing that Kasumi, Nabiki and Akane have out grown… But some of the clothing belonged their mom and dad. There are also boxes of books and old toys. Kasumi doesn't like to throw away anything… Although, I can't complain. Kasumi has bailed me out a few times when I needed an outfit for something."

Akio smiled and shook his head.

"You know that Aka-chan and her grandmother cleaned out her parent's room."

"Aka-chan told us about that," Ranma responded. "That must have been tough for her."

"It was," Akio said. "You know that that room is now officially my room for when I visit."

"She mentioned something about that."

"You know that it's right next door to her room," Akio said. "There's even a door that connects the two rooms."

"She mentioned something about that too."

"Ranma… I'd like to ask you a very personal question," Akio said. "I hope you won't be offended… But… When was the first time you and Akane had sex?"

"That depends on what you mean by sex," Ranma answered after taking several seconds to consider his response. "If you mean, 'let's have a baby' sex… That didn't happen until after we were married. But if you mean 'let's touch each other and make each other feel good'… We started doing some of that almost as soon as I moved into Akane's room." After a moment of silence Ranma asked, "Is there a problem with you and Aka-chan sharing a room?"

Akio chuckled. "I don't think Aka-chan has a problem with it… But I'm nervous that things might get out of hand and that Aka-chan and I will do something that we would regret later."

Ranma smiled. "You mean like nine months later."

"Yeah… That's what I mean."

"I think that you and Aka-chan are mature enough to have a talk and set down some ground rules and decide what you and she will do if the opportunity arises and you actually do have intercourse. I know Aka-chan carries a supply of condoms with her."

"Yeah, she does… and she's already reminded me of that a couple of times."


Hiroshi knew he shouldn't laugh. The same thing had happened to him when he first started helping his parents in the bakery.

But he couldn't help himself.

There was Yuka, standing next to one of the large mixers, engulfed in a cloud of flour. Her normally brown hair was coated in flour, as was all of her clothing.

"That's why you turn down the mixer to low before you add the flour," Hiroshi said, trying his hardest not to laugh.

"It would have been nice if someone had warned her about that before she added the flour," Hiroshi's mother said.

"I would have," Hiroshi protested, "if someone hadn't sent me to the storeroom to get a bag of sugar that apparently we didn't need… Yuka, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Yuka replied as she attempted to brush the flour from her clothing. "I hope I didn't ruin anything."

"You didn't dear." Hiroshi's mother said. "But I think that someone needs to show you how to add flour to a mixer… while I discuss some things with Hiroshi's father."


"Thanks for coming shopping with us," Aoi said as she, Suzuko, Rei and Kenji walked toward Aoi's and Suzuko's apartment from the grocery store.

Kenji and Rei were each carrying two bags of groceries.

"It's not like Rei and I had anything else to do today," Kenji replied.

"And it's kind of nice to have some say in meal planning," Rei added.

"Your mom doesn't always cook stuff you like?" Suzuko asked.

"My mom's idea of menu planning is to buy what's on sale," Rei explained. "If eel is on sale, we'll be eating eel all week."

"Euuu!" Suzuko said. "I don't like eel."

"Nothing to worry about," Aoi said. "Mom and I don't like eel either. If dad wants eel, he'll order it for himself when we go out."

"Meal planning is a lot easier at our house since my sister moved out," Kenji said. "First, for some reason, my sister decided that pork was somehow poisoning her, so she refused to eat that… And then she decided she would single-handedly save the oceans by refusing to eat any kind of seafood… And of course she wouldn't let any of us eat any seafood."

"Your sister is a nutcase," Suzuko responded.

"That's nothing you needed to tell me," Kenji replied.

"So, what's your preference for dinner," Aoi asked with a grin, "pork cutlets or tuna steaks?"


"Auntie Arisu," Oniko asked as she sat down at the dining room table where Arisu set the ramen noodles she had prepared for lunch for her and her niece, "where are mama and papa and grandma and grandpa?"

"I'm not quite sure where your parents are," Arisu replied, "but I'm going to assume that they went out to some party last night and are still recovering somewhere. And grandma and grandpa went to Osaka for New Years with grandma's sisters. They won't be back until next Sunday."

"Oh…" Oniko said… then she slurped up some of the ramen from her bowl.

"So I guess it's just you and me today," Arisu said. "Is there something you'd like to do today?"

"I don't know," Oniko answered. "Maybe could I try on my Sailor Chibi Moon costume again?"

"I think that would be all right," Arisu replied. "Did you remember to thank Miss Hikari and Miss Miyuki?"

"I said thank you to both of them," Oniko said, "and then I gave the both a hug and a kiss."

"You gave them both hugs and kisses?"

"I did… Did I do something wrong?"

Arisu smiled. "No… you didn't do anything wrong."

"Auntie Arisu, could I ask you a question?"

"Sure… What would you like to know?"

"Last night, I saw Miss Hikari and Miss Miyuki kissing each other and I heard Miss Miyuki say that she loved Miss Hikari… Mama says that only boys and girls are supposed to kiss and say I love you to each other."

"Miss Miyuki and Miss Hikari are very special to each other," Arisu said after taking a moment to think about she was going to say. "Sometimes two girls or two boys develop special feelings for each other and they kiss and hug and tell each other that they love each other. Miss Miyuki and Miss Hikari love each other very much… and there is nothing wrong with that."

"So it would be all right if I loved another girl."

"It's all right, but you might want to wait until you're a little older before you make a choice like that."

"Oh…" Oniko said. She thought for a moment then said, "So… does that mean that I need to be older before I tell you that you are the most special person in the world and that I love you?"


"Where is everyone today?" Ranma asked as he help Akane set the table for lunch.

"Let's see," Akane said, "Aka-chan and Akio went to the store for me and should be back any minute now. Kasumi is with Tofu. She's trying to get all of the end of the year filing done before the end of the year. Then she and Tofu are going to a welcoming reception for Tofu. Kasumi said not to expect her home early."

"Kasumi is really turning into quite a party animal," Ranma commented.

"I'm glad she's getting the chance to enjoy herself," Akane responded. "And let's see… Yuka is helping Hiroshi and his parents at the bakery today and then they're all going out for dinner. Yoshio and Sayuri are at his house. Sayuri is cooking dinner for her parents. I think they're going to talk about Yuka, Hiroshi, Sayuri and Yoshio moving back into Yuka's and Yoshio's parent's house."

"Do you think Sayuri's parents will approve?" Ranma asked.

"Sayuri seems to think they will," Akane answered. "Even if it just because it gives Sayuri's dad a place to escape from his mother-in-law's cooking."

"Is her cooking really that bad?"

"You and your dad weren't here yet the last time Sayuri's grandmother came for the holidays and stayed until June. Sayuri brought in a bento each day that her grandmother made for her. It smelled like natto that had gone bad and whatever the sauce was, it ate through the lacquer finish on the inside of the box."

"I don't even want to think about what that would smell like."

"Sayuri would partner with me in domestic science class because she said that what I cooked was so much better than anything her grandmother made."

"Ouch!" Ranma responded with a wince when the thought of some of Akane's early cooking attempts came to mind. "So, where are your dad and Megumi?"

"They were going to stop to see Megumi's grandmother," Akane answered, "and then they were going to a get together with some of the people from the planning board. Megumi mentioned something about trying to close down as many bars as they could. Oh… and by the way, after the reception after dad and Megumi sign the marriage paperwork, Megumi and dad are going on a mini honeymoon. Megumi said not to look for them to be back until the Saturday after New Years."

Ranma chuckled.

"What?" Akane asked.

"I think one of the guestrooms is going to have to be converted to a nursery," Ranma responded.

"Probably," Akane said. "The guestroom where Natsume and Karumi are now used to be the nursery."

"Hmmm… If Yuka and Yoshio move back into their house, Natsume and Karumi could move up to yours and Nabiki's old rooms."

"That would work," Akane answered.

"By the way, speaking of Natsume and Karumi," Ranma said, "I haven't seen them since we worked out this morning. Any idea what's up?"

"Natsume and Karumi were invited to have dinner with Gota and his parents tonight," Akane answered. "So before Kasumi headed off to see Tofu, she and Karumi dragged Natsume off to the beauty parlor to at least get her hair trimmed and styled."

"Bet that went over well," Ranma said with a chuckle.

"Not as badly as it could have," Akane answered. "I think that Natsume has developed some serious feelings for Gota… And I think Karumi is honestly looking forward to going to school."

"Karumi would make a pretty good addition to the gymnastics' team." Ranma paused, and after a moment of reflection asked, "Which would you prefer… a baby brother or a baby sister?"

"What do you mean?" Akane asked.

"If… or maybe better to ask, when Megumi gets pregnant, which would you prefer, a baby brother or a baby sister?"

"I know that dad's preference would be to have a son," Akane answered, "but I think having a younger sister would be nice. How about you? You're going to have a baby brother or sister sometime in May. Which would you prefer?"

"My dad would like another son," Ranma replied, "but I think I agree with mom… and you. I wouldn't mind having a little sister either."


"OK… Arrangements are all made," Miyuki said after she hung up the phone. "It turns out that tonight is a better night for mom and dad too. Mom is making reservations for us for dinner at seven at a restaurant that's three blocks from the main train station on the same block as the hotel where mom and dad are staying. She also said that we should dress up tonight." Miyuki looked squarely at Yuriko and said, "No sweats allowed."

"Why am I being included in all of this?" Yuriko protested.

"Because mom said specifically that you were to accompany Hikari and me to dinner," Miyuki responded, "even if we have to put you in handcuffs and leg shackles and drag you there. She also explained to me where she keeps the handcuffs and leg shackles if we need to use them."

Yuriko sighed. "But I really don't have anything nice to wear to a fancy restaurant."

"Let me check to see what I have that will fit you," Hikari said,

"Hmmm… How about the lavender dress?" Miyuki suggested.

"I don't think so," Hikari replied. "At least not without some alterations. That one is short on me. I don't think Yuriko would be able to bend or sit without flashing everyone around her. I was thinking something more like the pale pink outfit. It's not so short that Yuriko would feel uncomfortable."

"No pink!" Yuriko responded. "I hate pink. My mom and Kiriko used to dress up me and my sisters in nearly transparent pink sundresses and parade us around in public."

"How old were you?" Hikari asked.

"I think Hanako and I were thirteen or fourteen when we started to refuse to participate in their dress-up game," Yuriko answered. "That would mean that Ayaka was eight or nine. No bra… No panties… Mom thought it was cute putting us on display like that… But it was absolutely gross, especially when she sent us to school that way."

"Didn't your school have uniforms that you had to wear?" Hikari asked. "Didn't you and your sisters get in trouble for showing up to school like that?"

"No uniforms and the principal was one of mom's and Kiriko's… close friends," Yuriko replied. "I think if mom had sent us to school naked, it would have been all right with the principal."

"It sounds like the plot for a hentai video," Hikari said.

"Living with my mom and Kiriko felt like we were living in a hentai video that we couldn't escape from."

Miyuki chuckled.

"There was nothing funny about it," Yuriko protested. "It was absolutely disgusting."

"I'm sure it was," Miyuki said. "But that's not what I was laughing about."

"Then... what was so funny?" Yuriko asked.

"I think that was the first time I ever heard you refer to your mother as 'mom'," Miyuki answered. "Usually it's 'that women' or at best 'mother'… Or refer to your mom's lover by name."

Yuriko remained silent for a moment… then replied, "My mom at her very best was a terrible woman… And she and Kiriko made their best effort to make my life and my sisters' lives and our dad's life a living hell… And I so hated them for that… Especially for what they did to our father…"

Yuriko paused and took in a deep breath and after she slowly exhaled, she said, "But, you know… now… now that I know she's dying… I'm finding it harder and harder to hate her."

Tears began to well up in Yuriko's eyes. "She did some truly terrible things to me and I don't think I could ever bring myself to love her… but I can't bring myself to hate her either."

Tears began to roll down her cheeks. "I don't know what to feel anymore."

Miyuki embraced Yuriko as Yuriko began to sob.

"It's all right," Miyuki whispered into Yuriko's ear. "Everything will be all right."


"The water's not too hot is it," Una asked.

"No… This is perfect," Ichiko said as she lowered herself into the bath next to Una. "The heater on our bath hasn't worked right for more than a month. Either you get ice water or water you can use for cooking."

"That sounds like what our heater was doing before mom and dad replaced it," Una responded.

"I wasn't expecting your mom to make dinner for my brother and me,"

"It's not a problem," Una replied. "Mom is still in cook for a large crowd mode."

"She isn't planning a meal like we had Christmas day."

"No, nothing like that," Una responded. "I think the plan is for chicken and shrimp teriyaki with vegetables and ramen."

"Mmmm… Sounds good," Ichiko said. "Considering how many empties that were scattered around the house I think Seiji and I would probably fending for ourselves for dinner tonight."

Ichiko slid down into the bath until just her head was above the water. "This feels so go."

Nothing was said for a minute or two. Ichiko broke the silence, saying, "Your friends from the gymnastics' club are all really nice… Although, I think Hikari is more over the top about Sailor Moon than my brother."

Una chuckled. "You think? Although Seiji does give her a run for the money."

"Yeah, he does," Ichiko replied. "I've never seen so many Teddy Bears."

"Hikari's been collecting them for a long time," Una answered. "She thinks she has over three hundred bears. Her grandmother travels all over the world and gets them for her… And that's not all of them. She still has a couple of boxes of them still in storage."

"Wow…"

After several more seconds of silent reflection, Ichiko said, "I want to thank you. I had a lot of fun last night."

"And my cousin behaved himself?"

"He did," Ichiko replied. "He is so cute."

"Even when he says things like, 'I'd like to be inside you'?" Una asked with a chuckle.

Ichiko blushed. "Even when he says things like that. I know what he meant… Anyway… It's probably a translation that his sister taught him… What's up with her anyway?"

"It gets kind of complicated," Una answered. "The company that my uncle worked for was bought by a Japanese company and everything having to do with the project he was working on was transferred to Japan. Originally, my uncle was only supposed to be here for six months and then he would be able to transfer back to the United States. But six months eventually became eight months… and then a year. Then, about two years ago, the company offered my uncle a huge raise in pay if he would stay here in Japan permanently and that's when he moved his family here."

"And let me guess, Daniel's sister was unhappy about moving to Japan," Ichiko said.

"Not just his sister, but his brothers and mother as well," Una replied. "Daniel's mother speaks almost no Japanese and she isn't willing to even try to learn any. Daniel's brothers, Ryan and Sean, were already in high school when they moved and his sister was in eighth grade when they moved here."

"So… Daniel's sister is…"

"Daniel's sister is in her first year of high school, like me," Una responded. "Sean is in his second year of high school and Ryan is in his third year. What makes things even more complicated is that Ryan was accepted to a college in the United States and Daniel's mother wants to move everyone back to the United States."

"So… Daniel will be moving back to the United States?" Ichiko asked.

"Not likely," Una answered. "His brothers and sister are all for moving back, but Daniel, even before he met you, wanted to stay here with his father. I think now he has even more of a reason to stay here in Japan."


"Don't you need to check in with your parents?" Fukumi asked as she, Aimi, Kazuko and Sachiko entered Sachiko's apartment.

"Not much point in that," Sachiko replied. "I'd have to get their attention first. Right now my bet is that they're glued to the television watching some stupid game show where stupid people make fools of themselves doing stupid challenges. And tonight they'll be watching their favorite stupid comedies. Sometimes I wonder if they remember that they have to get up every so often to use the toilet."

"What do your parents eat?" Fukumi asked.

"On the weekend," Sachiko replied, "all they eat is takeout."

"Kazuko, how about you?" Aimi asked. "Shouldn't you check in with your parents?"

"Right now, mom is at work," Kazuko answered. "She won't be home for at least another two hours… And if my dad has to work tonight, he'll be sleeping… And if he doesn't have to work tonight, he'll be awake and won't be very pleasant."

"I'm not going to worry about that right now," Sachiko said. "I'm hungry. Aimi, would you mind helping me chop vegetables?"

"Not at all," Aimi answered.

"And nobody should be shy," Sachiko said. "Get what you want to drink from the fridge. There's fruit juice, sweet iced coffee, shochu and fruit juice and some hard liquor. If anyone would like beer or sake, I can run to the store and get some."

"You have someplace where you can buy beer and sake?" Fukumi asked.

"Sachiko flashes her panties at the guy who runs the place," Kazuko said, "and he lets her buy as much beer and sake as she wants."

"Sachiko, I thought we agreed to go easy on the booze," Aimi said, "at least for a little while… And remember, we have gymnastics' practice in the morning."

"I know," Sachiko replied, "but I figured if we did our drinking early today, all of the bad effects will have worn off by the time it's time for practice."

"I don't think that the way it works," Aimi responded.

"Aimi's right," Fukumi said. "It never works out that way. Right now iced coffee will be fine… but maybe we could have a drink with dinner. What kind of hard liquor do you have?"

"I think my mom called it Southern Comfort," Aimi said, "or something like that. We were all pretty drunk, so I don't remember what she said clearly."

"Southern Comfort is pretty good booze," Fukumi replied, "and kind of expensive. Where did you get that?"

"They had bottles of it at the Christmas Eve party that we went to," Aimi answered, "and Sachiko snuck a few bottles out."

"I did not sneak them out," Sachiko protested. "I asked and was told that I could have as many bottles as I wanted… And that if I wanted more I could get as much as I wanted."

"Who told you that?" Aimi asked.

"I think it was Akane-sempai's sister," Sachiko answered. "Although I was pretty drunk at the time, so it's all kind of hazy."

"Maybe this might be a good opportunity to teach you how to drink," Fukumi said, "because I think you're likely to get an invitation to Mr. Kiyobe's New Years party."

"What do you mean?" Aimi asked.

"Tuesday night is the New Years party for all the people who work for Mr. Kiyobe at the club and restaurant," Fukumi explained. "It's a big catered event. Kobe beef, lobster, shrimp, sushi, sashimi, tempura, pizza, spicy chicken wings… and of course, lots of booze."

"Why would Mr. Kiyobe want to invite us to a party for his employees?" Kazuko asked.

"Because Mr. Kiyobe considers Aimi and her mother family," Fukumi answered, "and by extension, you and Sachiko."

"And you don't think we'll be able to decline the invitation?" Aimi asked.

"I guess you could," Fukumi replied, "and I'm sure Mr. Kiyobe would understand… But I'd really would like if you came… You guys are fun to drink with."


"Stop complaining sis," Karumi said as she and Natsume walked to the place they had agreed to meet Gota. "You look great. If I were into things like that, I'd ask you out on a date."

"Don't be disgusting," Natsume replied.

Karumi laughed. "Don't worry sis. I don't lean that way. I'm just saying that if I did, you would be at the top of my list."

"That's not funny," Natsume grumbled. "You don't think this dress is too short… And why couldn't I wear a bra with this?"

"The dress is definitely not too short," Karumi answered. "We could take the hemline up five or six centimeters and it still wouldn't be too short. And the reason you couldn't wear a bra is because you don't have a bra that would work for that neckline. And don't worry… Your boobs are staying exactly where they're supposed to be… and will stay there unless they have some help falling out."

"And, why aren't you wearing a bra?"

"Same reason," Karumi answered. "It seems like Akane's mother had an affinity for outfits with low cut necklines."

The pair walked silently for several seconds.

"I think Akane was right though," Karumi said. "I think that pink dress would have been perfect for you."

"That dress is nearly transparent," Natsume responded. "I might as well have gone naked."

"That is always an option, sis," Karumi replied sarcastically. "I'm sure Gota wouldn't have complained."

"Gota might not have complained," Natsume responded, "but I don't think it would make a positive impression on Gota's parents."

"No, it probably wouldn't," Karumi said. "… But does that mean that you might consider taking off your clothes for Gota?"

"Stop that!" Natsume said. "You said that you'd be on your best behavior tonight."

Karumi laughed. "I'm just getting my jabs in now while I still can. I promise I'll be on my best behavior. I won't even mention that the hair on your head wasn't the only hair you had trimmed."

"KARUMI!"


Arisu hung up the phone, shaking her head. Oniko was standing next to her.

"That was your father," Arisu said. "Better late than never he decided to give us a call and let us know that he and your mom were invited to spend the New Years holiday with your mom's relatives in Yokohama and that they won't be back until late next Sunday. So it looks like it's only you and me for the next few days."

"Are you angry with mama and papa?" Oniko asked after a few seconds of silence.

"I guess I am," Arisu replied. "At least a little bit. It would have been nice if they asked before they took off, instead of making us wait and wonder if they were all right."

"Auntie Arisu… Are you angry with me?"

"No, Oniko, I am definitely not angry with out." Arisu paused then said, "It looks like it's going to be just you and me for dinner. Would you like to do takeout or would you like to go to a restaurant and eat out?"

"Ahhh… Could we go to the Cat Café for ramen? Miss Shampoo makes really good ramen."

"That would be all right," Arisu replied. "Go get your jacket. It's too cool to go out without one."

As Oniko ran into the bedroom, Arisu sighed and shook her head. Saturday was Oniko's fourth birthday and both her parents and her grandparents wouldn't be home to celebrate the day with her. Arisu doubted that her brother even remembered.

When Oniko returned, she was carrying both her jacket and Arisu's. "I brought your jacket for you," Oniko said with a big smile on her face.

"Thank you," Arisu said as she accepted the jacket from her niece.

Arisu put on her jacket and then helped Oniko with hers.

"Oniko," Arisu said after a moment of silent reflection, "Saturday is your birthday, but your mama and papa and grandma and grandpa won't be home yet."

"Oh," Oniko responded.

"But I would like to make that a special day for you," Arisu said. "So I'd like to do whatever I can to make Saturday a special day for you. Think about what you'd like to do and I'll try to make sure it happens."

"Auntie Arisu, could I go on a special training run with the gymnastics' club?"

The request stunned Arisu and it took several seconds before she responded. "Ahhh… Where did you hear about special training runs?"

"Last night at Miss Miyuki's and Miss Hikari's house," Oniko answered. "Some of the girls were talking about it. It sounds like fun to go running in the park not wearing any clothes."

Arisu was in a bind as to what to say.

"Ahhh… That will depend… Ahhh… On the weather," Arisu finally said. "It might be too cold for the club to go out on a special training run on Saturday."

"Oh," Oniko said. "I guess that might be true… But if the club goes out running, could I come too?"

"We'll have to see," Arisu answered.

"Auntie Arisu, have you ever run in the park not wearing your clothes?"

There seemed little point in lying. "Yes I have… once or twice."

"Was it fun?"

Arisu smiled. "Yes it was, Oniko. It was a lot of fun."


"I still don't believe you," Fukumi said as she and Sachiko entered Sachiko's parents' apartment. The volume of the television was turned up and there was the smell from takeout food that had been left out too long.

"Just watch," Sachiko said as the pair walked to the sofa where Sachiko's parents were sitting and staring at the television.

"MOM! DAD! I'M HOME!" Sachiko yelled over the blare of the television. "I HAVE SOME OF MY FRIENDS OVER."

"That's fine dear," Sachiko's mother replied, her eyes still transfixed on the television. There was no acknowledgement at all from Sachiko's father.

"WE'RE ALL GOING TO GET DRUNK, WATCH PORN VIDEOS AND HAVE SEX WITH EACH OTHER," Sachiko yelled, "AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO GO OUT AND RUN NAKED IN THE PARK!"

"That's fine dear," Sachiko's mother answered. "Don't get into too much trouble. If you need money, just take it out of my purse."

Within seconds, Sachiko's mother's attention had fully returned to the television. Sachiko retrieved some glasses from the cupboard and handed them off to Fukumi. As Fukumi and Sachiko were leaving, Sachiko stopped at a table near the door, retrieved her mother's purse and pulled out a stack of bills.

Once they were out in the hallway, Fukumi said, "I still don't believe it."

"I told you," Sachiko replied as she quickly counted up how much money she had taken.

Fukumi looked at the stack of bills in Sachiko's hand then asked, "How much money did you take?"

"Ahhh… seventeen thousand Yen," Sachiko replied.

"Seventeen thou…" Fukumi responded.

"Don't worry," Sachiko said. "I could have taken another twenty thousand and she would never notice. She never has any idea how much money she has in her purse."


"Thanks for helping with the dishes," Suzuko said as she handed the last of the pans that needed to be washed to Kenji.

"Not a problem," Kenji answered. "Since my sister moved out I usually get to do the dishes."

"Doesn't your dad help out?" Suzuko asked.

"Nah," Kenji said with a smile. "My dad has a terrible allergy to dish soap. He breaks out with a terrible case of whining any time his hands come in contact with dish water."

"What did you think of dinner?"

"It was different," Kenji answered. "I've never had pork cooked in a ginger sauce like that, but it was good."

"What did you think of the green beans?"

"Usually I don't care for green beans," Kenji replied, "but those were really good."

"I sautéed them with some garlic and with slivered almonds."

"You can make them any time and I'll eat them," Kenji responded. "Any idea when Aoi and Rei will be back?"

"They shouldn't be too long," Suzuko said, "as long as Aoi can decide what flavor of ice cream she wants."

"So… once we have our ice cream, is there something else that you'd like to do tonight?"

"I wish it was warmer," Suzuko replied. "I wouldn't mind going out for a training run."

"I definitely think it's too cold to do that tonight."

"I know."

"You don't feel embarrassed running around naked in the park where people might see you?"

"I might feel embarrassed if someone other than you or Aoi or Rei or the other members of the gymnastics' club saw me… But for some reason running without wearing any clothing feels… invigorating."

"Would you feel embarrassed if I asked you to take off your clothing right now?"

"I might… unless you took off your clothes too."


"So, what do you think?" Sayuri asked.

"This is pretty good," Sayuri's father replied.

Sayuri smiled. "Not too spicy?"

"No, not to spicy," Sayuri's dad answered with a chuckle. "Of course nothing is spicy compared to your grandmother's cooking."

"So, her cooking hasn't gotten any better?" Yoshio asked.

Sayuri's mother sighed. "If anything, her cooking has gotten worse."

"Is that possible?" Sayuri asked.

"She discovered some tiny dried Thai hot peppers at the market," Sayuri's mom answered. "She bought a half kilo of them and ground them up."

"Yeah… One pepper is the equivalent to a whole bottle of hot sauce," Sayuri's dad explained, "and she puts four or five spoonfuls in everything she cooks. The paint on the wall by the stove is starting to peel."

"Any progress on convincing her to leave," Sayuri asked.

"Are you pregnant yet?" Sayuri's dad asked.

"No!" Sayuri responded.

"Then, no… No progress," Sayuri's dad replied.

"She's absolutely insistent that she will not leave until you are married, pregnant and have a baby," Sayuri's mom said.

"Mom, you know that's not going to happen any time soon," Sayuri replied.

"I know dear," Sayuri's mom said, "but I hope you two are using condoms."

"Mom!"

"Rest assured, Mrs. Anjo," Yoshio said, "that if Sayuri and I have sex, we will use condoms… at least until we're actually married."

Sayuri's mother smiled. "That's very reassuring… And at this point probably the best I could hope for. I'm not ready to be a grandmother yet."

"And I'm not ready to make you a grandmother," Sayuri said.

"Not being ready is no guarantee that it won't happen," Sayuri's father said.

"I know that dad," Sayuri responded. "I know that very well."

"Actually though… There is one other thing," Yoshio said. "Yuka and I have talked with my dad before… but Sayuri and I would like to move in together into my parent's house. My sister and Hiroshi would move in with us at least until the renovations are done on the old house behind the bakery."

"Is there a problem with you staying with the Tendo's?" Sayuri's mother asked.

"There isn't a problem," Sayuri said. "There's plenty of space, even with Mr. Tendo's nieces moving in. And I'm not sure you heard, but Mr. Tendo is getting remarried."

"No, I hadn't heard," Mrs. Anjo replied. She paused for a moment then asked, "What will happen when your mom gets better and they come back from Sapporo?"

There was no immediate response, but finally Yoshio replied, "My dad hasn't actually said anything directly, but from the way he's been talking, he's not confident that that is ever going to happen. Even if the doctors figure out what's causing our mom's problems, she may never be able to function without twenty-four hour care."

Nothing was said for quite some time.

"When would you make the move?" Mr. Anjo asked.

"It would make sense to make the move before we start school again," Yoshio answered. "Then our friends from school can help with the move."

"That soon," Sayuri's father said.

"I know that it isn't the best of situation, Mr. Anjo", Yoshio said, "but if it's a matter of trust, I will give you a key and you could check up on us any time you like."

Sayuri's dad smiled. "I appreciate the gesture. It's not a matter of trust. I do trust you… and my daughter, not to do anything stupid deliberately. I mean, let's be honest with each other. I understand that you and Sayuri are probably having sex on a somewhat regular basis. I also understand that, even under the best of circumstances and Sayuri was still living at home, there's no way my wife and I could prevent you and Sayuri from having sex, short of locking her in her room. So it's not so much the idea of trust… It's more of a matter of letting go."

"Mr. Anjo, I love Sayuri," Yoshio responded. "If it were at all possible, without question, I would marry her this very second. I would be willing to have a shrine ceremony. I'm sure that my uncle would be willing to officiate the service."

"Hmmm… That might be enough to get your grandmother to think about going home," Sayuri's father said.

Sayuri shook her head. "Dad, you know better than that. Grandma won't leave until she's sure I'm pregnant at the very least. She'd probably want to watch to make sure Yoshio and I were doing it right."

"That's gross," Yoshio said.

"Yeah, it is," Sayuri's mom agreed. "But Sayuri is right… about my mother not leaving until Sayuri is pregnant… Not about watching."

Mr. Anjo sighed. "I'm not so sure that she wouldn't want to watch."

There was a sigh of resignation from Sayuri's mother that, without words, agreed with her husband's observation.

After a moment of reflection, Sayuri's mom said, "Dear, I think I'd be willing to let Sayuri and Yoshio move in together. I think that it's the best solution to a problem that isn't going to get any better in the immediate future. And, although I have no intention of checking up on her, she would be closer to home."

"Yeah dad," Sayuri said. "If you and mom give me at least a little advanced notice, you'd have someplace to go to get something edible to eat… And dad, you could leave your beer in our refrigerator and be reasonably sure that it would still be there when you want one."


"Did you have fun today?" Ichiko asked.

She was walking side by side with Daniel.

"Yes I did have fun today," Daniel replied after carefully considering his words.

Ichiko smiled. "I'm glad. I plan to go to gymnastics' practice tomorrow with my brother and Una. Would you like to come with me?"

"I want to spend the day with you."

Ichiko smiled. "I want to spend the day with you too."

Daniel smiled. "You are a nice person. I love you."

"Ahhh…" Ichiko said, taken aback by Daniel's declaration, but she thought for a moment and then asked in English, "Did you mean to say I like you?"

"Ahhh…" Daniel said.

Ichiko began to chuckle and said (again in English),"I thought so. You said I love you."

"I… I'm sorry… I… I didn't…" Daniel stammered (in English)… his face turning bright red.

"Don't worry… Don't worry…" Ichiko said (now in Japanese). "I understand what you meant… I like you too."

Ichiko took Daniel by the hand and smiled. "I do like you too"


"I'm sorry we took so long," Aoi said.

"She couldn't decide if she wanted plain chocolate," Rei said as he placed the two grocery bags he was carrying on the table, "or chocolate fudge ripple or mint chocolate chip."

"I'm discerning a pattern here," Kenji said. "So what did you buy?"

"All of them," Rei answered.

"What else did you buy?" Suzuko asked as she looked into the grocery bags.

"Chocolate sauce," Aoi replied, "and cans of whipped cream and cherries and chocolate sprinkles."

"Aoi?" Suzuko responded.

"Sorry," Aoi said, "but it's been a while since our last ice cream fix."

"That's true," Suzuko said. "It has been a while."

"So what have you been doing while we were out getting Aoi's ice cream fix?" Rei asked.

"Dishes are all washed and put away," Suzuko answered, "and Kenji asked me if I'd be embarrassed if he asked me to take off my clothes."

"And what did you tell Kenji?" Aoi asked.

"I told him that I wouldn't be embarrassed if he took off his clothes too," Suzuko replied.

"And the both of you are still dressed?" Rei said.

"I thought that it might be best to wait for you and Aoi to come back from the store," Suzuko answered.

"I suppose that you'd like me to take off my clothes," Aoi asked Rei.

"I certainly wouldn't object if you did," Rei answered.

"Oh course I'd expect you to do the same," Aoi said.

Rei chuckled. "Of course."

"Should we put some of this ice cream into the freezer first?" Kenji asked.

"Don't bother," Aoi replied. "I don't expect any of this to be left by the end of the night," Aoi answered, "if I have anything to do with it. Just grab some spoons and bowls and let's dig in."

"Do you think we should take off our clothes before or after we have the ice cream?" Suzuko asked.

"I think before," Aoi said as she pulled her T-shirt off over her head. "Then we can find out if eating ice cream while you're naked enhances the experience and report back the results back to the team."


"What we're going to do is play a little drinking game," Fukumi said as she filled the four short glasses in front of her about half full of liquor. "The object of the game is to be the one with something left in your glass when everyone else's glass is empty."

"I guess I don't understand the reason for this," Aimi said as Fukumi pushed one of the glasses to each of the girls and kept one for herself.

"The idea of the game is to teach you how to make one drink last you, if necessary for a whole evening," Fukumi answered. "It's an important skill to learn if you're a hostess club hostess."

"I have no intention of becoming a hostess," Aimi protested.

"I know that," Fukumi replied with a chuckle. "But it's still an important life skill to learn earlier in your drinking career."

"OK then," Sachiko said. "Why would you want to make one drink last all evening? Isn't getting drunk the point of drinking?"

"It can be," Fukumi answered, "but, at least working for Mr. Kiyobe, it's a matter of being social, and getting our customers to buy drinks. That's how the club and the hostesses make their money. OK… Let's start out by taking a small sip from our drinks."

Fukumi raised her glass to her lips and allowed a small quantity of the liquor to flow into her mouth. Then she gestured that Aimi, Kazuko and Sachiko do the same.

When she saw Kazuko wince, Fukumi said, "If you're not used to drinking, that first sip is likely to burn."

"It did," Kazuko replied, "but not nearly as badly as the first time I had something like this to drink."

"The first time I thought Kazuko was going to choke," Sachiko said.

"But this time I was expecting it," Kazuko said, "so it wasn't so bad."

"OK, then…" Fukumi said. "Now that you've had your first sip, set your drink down on the table and take your hand off of the glass."

"Why do you do that?" Kazuko asked.

"Because, if you hold the glass in your hand," Fukumi replied, "you're likely to take another drink before you're ready."

"Do you drink like this when you're working?" Sachiko asked.

"How I drink at work depends on if my customer is paying for my drinks or if I'm paying for my own," Fukumi answered. "I only make money on the drinks my customer pays for. If my customer is too cheap to pay for my drinks, I'm actually losing money, so I try to make one drink last as long as possible. But if my customer is paying for my drinks, I'll drink much faster and encourage my customer to do the same."

Fukumi lifted her glass again and took another small sip. And although Fukumi had not said anything, Aimi, Kazuko and Sachiko felt compelled to do the same.

"Usually the customer isn't at the club to get drunk," Fukumi said as she set down her drink on the table and the girls followed suit. "If that's the person's goal, it's much cheaper to do it at a regular bar. Most of the time, what a customer wants, especially if they come in alone, is conversation… Quiet conversation. Maybe he's had a tough day at the office and he knows that his wife isn't interested in hearing how bad it was, so he'll come in and have a drink or two at the club before he goes home."

Fukumi picked up her glass and sipped… And again the girls did likewise.

"Sometimes though our customers don't have anyone to go home to," Fukumi said, "and we may be the only friendly conversation our customer might have at all. By the way, you shouldn't feel the need to have a drink every time I do. You are all drinking more than I am every time you drink. If you take a drink every time I do, you're guaranteed to lose this game."

"What's the penalty for losing this game?" Sachiko asked.

"Well, if you were a hostess, and your customer isn't buying your drinks, that would be another drink you'd have to pay for yourself," Fukumi answered. "It's considered bad form for a hostess to have an empty glass in front of her."

Fukumi took another sip of liquor, then set her glass down. This time though, only Sachiko took a sip with her.

"So you and mom make all of your money by convincing your customers to get drunk," Aimi said, "and in the process get drunk yourselves."

"It's not quite like that," Fukumi said. "The hostesses get paid an hourly wage for socializing with our clientele… And, at least from Mr. Kiyobe, it's a fair living wage. But we get a commission from every drink our customer pays for."

"So if your customer is a cheap bastard," Sachiko said, "you're stuck paying for your own drinks. I hope you get a discount."

"When you were at the club," Fukumi said as she picked up her drink, "you probably heard your mom ask about her reserve."

This time no one else picked up their glasses. Fukumi smiled and took a sip and set her glass back down.

"I was wondering about that," Aimi said. "I heard mom and a couple of the other hostesses ask about their reserves."

"Mr. Kiyobe lets us buy a couple of bottles of liquor at cost for us to use when we're paying for our own drinks. I usually have four or five different kinds of liquor in my reserve… And I can let the bartender know what kind of a customer I have. Like if I have a real cheap bastard, I'll order scotch with water, and that lets the bartender know that it's going to be a really long evening."

"How's that?" Kazuko asked as she picked up her drink and took a sip.

"Well first, I don't like the taste of scotch, so it's easier for me to sip it rather than gulp it down. And if I order it with water, the drink isn't as strong and I'm less likely to get drunk."


"So this is where you live?" Ichiko asked.

"Yeah," Daniel answered. "It's kind of small for our family. I have to share a room with my brothers… And my sister's room is really tiny. Not anything like the room she had when we were living in the United States."

"I can imagine," Ichiko said. "So I'll be by around eight-thirty to walk with you to gymnastics' practice."

Daniel smiled. Then in English, he said, "I like you."

Ichiko replied, also in English, "I like you too."

After a few moments of silence, Ichiko asked, "Do you think your brothers and sister are watching us?"

"I don't know about my brothers," Daniel said, "but the window over the front door is my sister's bedroom. She's probably watching for me to come home."

"Hmmm… Have you ever been kissed by a girl before?" Ichiko asked.

"Ahhh… not… not really," Daniel stammered, "except by my mother and my aunts."

"They don't count," Ichiko replied.

Without any additional warning, Ichiko embraced Daniel and said, "If your sister is watching, let's give her something to talk about."

Then Ichiko planted her lips on Daniel's lips and kissed him. It took a few seconds, but Daniel soon reciprocated, wrapping his arms around Ichiko and actively kissed Ichiko.

After a few seconds, when both found the need to breathe again, their lips separated, but they remained in each other's embrace.

"That wasn't so bad, was it," Ichiko said. "Would you like to do that again?"

Daniel didn't answer. He just pressed his lips against Ichiko's and they kissed… several more times.


"Hi mom," Miyuki said. "Sorry we're running late. This is not the easiest place to find."

"Sorry about that," Miyuki's mother replied. "And you're not really that late. We just got here a few minutes ago."

"You can order anything you'd like to drink," Miyuki's father said. "No one here is going to ask to see ID,"

"And see that you convinced your coach to wear something other than sweats," Miyuki's mom said.

Hikari chuckled. "It wasn't easy. We ended borrowing something from your closet."

"That's fine," Miyuki's mom answered. That outfit never looked as good on me as it does on your coach."

"We had to borrow a pair of your shoes," Miyuki said. "Yuriko didn't have a pair of sneakers that went well with the dress."

"Enough already," Yuriko responded. "I usually don't have a need to wear shoes with a heel."

"Well the outfit looks good on you," Miyuki's mother said. "And I see you didn't need to handcuffs and shackles."

"No we didn't," Miyuki replied, "at least for the most part."

Before Yuriko could say anything, the waitress approached the table and asked, "May I get everyone something to drink?"

"I'll have a double scotch with a little water," Miyuki's dad said.

Miyuki's mom ordered next. "I'll have a rum and cola."

"Bourbon, straight up," Yuriko said.

"I'll have the same," Miyuki said next.

"The same for me," Hikari said.

"Make those all doubles," Miyuki's dad said.

"Will there be anything else?" the waitress asked.

"I think that will be fine for now," Miyuki's father said and the waitress retreated to the bar to get their drinks.

"So are all of you going to New York with Hikari's grandmother?" Miyuki's mom asked.

"Yeah," Miyuki answered. "We finally convinced Yuriko to join us. Akari is making all of the arrangements."

"Well that will work out well," Miyuki's dad said. "Your mom and I have to head back to Australia sooner than we thought."

"When do you have to go back?" Hikari asked.

"We have plane reservations for the second of January," Miyuki's mom answered. "Dad needs to be back on the job site by the Monday after New Years."

"What's up," Miyuki asked. "Why the change in schedule?"

"The scope of the project changed a little," Miyuki's dad replied, "and the investors want to have a meeting on Monday to go over the changes."

"That sounds pretty typical," Miyuki said.

"But that is probably going to change the duration of the job?" Miyuki's father said.

"So, you'll need to be there longer than three years?" Hikari asked.

Miyuki's dad sighed. "It might be as long as five years… or even longer depending of the changes in scope that we'll be talking about on Monday."

"Will you be able to get back for graduation?" Miyuki asked.

"That's a definite yes," Miyuki's mom replied. "Your dad and I will be back for graduation. We already have two weeks scheduled for that."

"Unless things change," Miyuki grumbled.

"I will make sure that doesn't happen," Miyuki's mom said.

"I don't think the company realizes what they've gotten themselves into by hiring your mother," Miyuki's dad said.

"What?" Miyuki responded.

"I told my boss that I would need a personal assistant who could speak both Japanese and English," Miyuki's dad answered, "and they decided that your mother would be the perfect candidate for the job."

"But mom really doesn't speak English all that well," Miyuki said.

"It doesn't really matter," Miyuki's mom replied. "In Australia they don't speak English like we learned in school."

Just as Miyuki's mom was saying that, the waitress returned with the drinks for the table. Ad once the drinks were distributed, Miyuki's father raised his glass and said, "To the future… Cheers."

Bourbon was not exactly Miyuki's and Hikari's drink of choice, but it wasn't terrible and compared to what Miyuki and Hikari were used to drinking, it went down pretty smoothly… which it had do, since Miyuki's dad emptied his glass in a single draw and Miyuki, Hikari and Yuriko felt compelled to do the same.

"That was pretty good," Miyuki's dad said. "Another round of drinks for everyone."

"Dad!" Miyuki said.

"Don't worry," Miyuki's dad said. "The company is picking up the tab for tonight's dinner and drinks. Order whatever you want for dinner and have as much as you want to drink. I want to make tonight kind of special."


"Mizuki take Mizuki clothes off now."

Mizuki. Ukyo and Ryoga hadn't been in their room at the inn for any more than ten seconds before Mizuki asked.

Mizuki wasn't waiting for an answer. The blouse she had been wearing was already unbuttoned and on its way on to the floor. And her skirt and panties were not far behind.

Ukyo was glad that they had decided to eat dinner before they came to their room for the evening.

Of course, this was not unexpected. Ryoga had to remind Mizuki twice while they were on the train that she couldn't unbutton her blouse.

The room was very basic. There was a single western style bed for Ukyo and Ryoga and a cot for Mizuki. And other than a small dresser there wasn't much else in the way of furniture. The only other amenity was the small bathroom equipped with a toilet, sink and a shower. Although Spartan, it wasn't any more than Ukyo expected.

On the other hand, Kasumi's travel agent friend, who made the reservations for Ukyo and Ryoga must have mentioned that this was Ukyo's and Ryoga's honeymoon since there was a tray on the dresser with an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne in it (and three champagne glasses) and a note saying congratulations on your special day.

"I've never had champagne before," Ukyo said, "but Akane said that the champagne she and Ranma had on their honeymoon was really good."

"I don't know," Ryoga said. "I don't usually drink… And what about Mizuki."

"I don't think it would hurt if she had a little," Ukyo said. "And we really don't have any place we have to be in the morning. Let me unpack our clothes and get them put away… And then we can get ready for bed and have something to drink."


"How are you feeling?" Fukumi asked.

"Not bad," Kazuko replied. "I really don't feel drunk like I did after we went to the hostess club… or after the party at Akane's and Ranma's house."

Kazuko's glass was empty, as was Sachiko's. Both Aimi and Fukumi still had some liquor left in their glasses.

"The problem is," Fukumi said, "especially for people just starting to drink that they tend to toss down a whole glass of liquor at a time and they get drunk really fast. And once you're drunk, the next drink goes down even easier… And the drink after that… and the drink after that…"

"Then why is it that mom always comes home so drunk?" Aimi asked. "By now she should know all of this."

"She does," Fukumi said after taking a sip from her glass, "but she also has regular customers who willing like to pay for as much as your mom wants to drink. Your mom gets very flirty when she gets drunk and although they know that there's no way that she would go to bed with them, they like to hear her talk dirty to them."

"How about you?" Sachiko asked. "Why do you get drunk?"

"Well, for one thing, I like the money I make when I'm drinking," Fukumi answered. "I know I'm going to get a big paycheck for every night I get drunk like that. And I have my special customers who buy my drinks and tell me how pretty I look. And they like to see if there's some way that they can out drink me."

"Like the guy who drinks the spiced rum?" Sachiko asked.

"Oh… Mr. Obitsu is a special case," Fukumi said with a smile. "He's such a nice man. His wife died about two years ago. He and his wife never had any children and he has no living relatives. He says that I'm like the daughter he and his wife never had. He still works and travels for his company, but he's always in town the first full week of every month. And on Thursday night of that week, he comes in to visit me and buy me drinks. I get really drunk with him and we talk about all sorts of things. He says it makes him feel good that he has someone like me to talk to. And last year, when he came in after the first of the year, he gave me an envelope with two hundred thousand yen in it. I expected that he was trying to get me to go to bed with him, which I probably might have done, but he didn't. He told me to use the money to buy some nice things for myself. Of course, when he came in in February, he wanted me to tell him all of the things I bought for myself."


"Mizuki, would you like something to drink?" Ukyo asked.

Ryoga was wearing his boxer shorts while Ukyo was wearing a somewhat transparent night gown. Mizuki, of course, was still completely naked and would remain so until Ukyo convinced her to get dressed in the morning.

"Mizuki like something to drink."

Ryoga popped the cork from the bottle of champagne (the cork flew out and did a three point bank off of the opposite wall).

As Ryoga poured the bubbly liquid from the bottle into the glasses, he said, "Mizuki, remember, this isn't juice. You need to sip it slowly."

"Mizuki remember."

When Ryoga finished pouring, he handed one glass to Ukyo, one glass to Mizuki and took the third glass for himself.

"To a bright and wonderful future for our family," Ryoga said.

"And for our future family," Ukyo added.


It was another round of drinks and one food order later and Miyuki was already feeling the effects of the alcohol of what she already had to drink, but that didn't stop her father from ordering another round when the sushi appetizer platter was delivered.

"So when we come back for graduation," Miyuki's mother was explaining, "we'll sign all of the paperwork to transfer ownership of the house to you."

Miyuki took a sip from her drink and asked, "But why transfer the house to me now? And how am I supposed to pay all of the taxes and bills?"

"It's a tax thing," Miyuki's dad answered, "or at least that's how it was explained to me at the office. Something about owning a house that isn't your primary residence."

"And you don't need to worry about taxes and bills," Miyuki's mom said. "Your dad and I are setting up an account to pay for all of that, plus money so that you and Hikari can buy what you need for yourselves."

"And once you decide where you're going to college," Miyuki's dad said, "we'll set up an account to pay for that…" Miyuki's father paused and took a drink from his glass then asked, "You are planning to go to college, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm planning to go to college," Miyuki replied. "I'm probably going to go to school to get certified as a teacher and a gymnastics' coach… Since someone seems to think that I'd make a good coach."

"Well, you would," Yuriko responded. "You have a knack to see things that other people, including myself, miss… And you seem to be able to tell someone that they screwed up without making them feel bad."

"What about you Hikari?" Miyuki's mom asked. "What are your plans for college?"

Hikari took a drink from her glass then replied, "Actually I was thinking about going to college to become a teacher too… But I was thinking more of becoming an elementary school teacher. Maybe first or second grade. I really have some fond memories of my teachers in elementary school."

"You mean like Miss Haibara" Miyuki asked.

Hikari smiled. "Yeah… Like Miss Haibara… I was really sad when I heard that she retired."

"So when are you leaving for the United States?" Miyuki's mom asked.

"Grandma would like to be in the air by five Tuesday evening," Hikari answered, "although earlier if possible. That will get us to New York in time for us to get some rest before we go to see Aunt Chika… and Grandma's meeting with the weirdo clothing designer."

"You'll be in New York for New Years Eve," Miyuki's mom said.

"Yeah… Grandma says that our hotel is right in Times Square," Hikari answered.

"In a suite of rooms on the forty-fifth floor overlooking Times Square," Miyuki said. "It's all supposed to be really crazy. Hikari and I were thinking about joining the crowd for the ball drop."

"You girls need to be careful," Miyuki's mom said.

"Don't worry," Yuriko said, "I'll keep an eye on them and try to make sure they don't get into too much trouble."

Miyuki's mother took a drink from her glass and then said, "There is one little matter to take care of. Before we left from Sidney, we did some shopping. If things had worked out differently, dad and I would have given these to you on New Years Day."

Miyuki's mom retrieved a small box from her purse and handed it to Miyuki. Miyuki opened the box to reveal a simple gold ring.

"Mom… This is a wed…" Miyuki began to say, but stopped when she saw the smile on her mother's face. Her mom nodded and Miyuki turned to Hikari, slipped the ring on Hikari's finger and said, "Hikari Rokujo, with this ring I thee wed, to be my wife and companion, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for as long as we both shall live."

Miyuki's mom retrieved a second box from her purse and handed it to Hikari. It contained a ring identical to the one that she was now wearing. Hikari smiled, slipped the ring on to Miyuki's finger and said, "Miyuki Hozumi, with this ring I thee wed, to be my husband and companion, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for as long as we both shall live."

After a moment of silence, Miyuki said, "Wow! That was something else. Thank you mom… Thank you dad. This is really special."

"Thank you Mister and Missus Hozumi," Hikari said. "Thank you so very much."

"This isn't exactly the wedding I had envisioned for you," Miyuki's mom said, "but I think this is the right thing. I just regret that I won't have grand children to spoil."

"Don't say that mom," Miyuki said. Despite the stern glare from Yuriko, Miyuki continued, "There are a lot of children out there who need parents. Someday Hikari and I may be able to adopt."

Hikari smiled. "I would like that too… But that's a matter for someday."

"There is one more thing," Miyuki's father said.

And on that cue, Mrs. Hozumi retrieved a third box from her purse and handed it to Miyuki. It contained a third identical ring. Miyuki turned to Hikari and smiled, then they both turned to Yuriko, who looked at them, but said nothing.

Both Miyuki and Hikari took hold of the ring and slipped it on Yuriko's finger. Then the two girls smiled and said slowly together, "Yuriko Nohina, with this ring we thee wed, to be our companion and we be your companions, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for as long as we all shall live."

"I love you Yuriko," Miyuki said.

"And I love you too," Hikari quickly added.

Yuriko smiled, but it was obvious that she was holding back tears. "And I love you both very much. I love you so very much."


"Did I say anything to embarrass?" Karumi said as she removed the dress she had been wearing, tossed it into the laundry basket and then began to look for a night shirt to change into.

"No you didn't," Natsume replied. "Thank you."

"What do you think about getting a bath before we go to bed?" Karumi asked.

"Hmmm… That sounds like a good idea," Natsume replied. "I don't think anyone else is home, so I don't think anyone would mind."

"Even if people were home," Karumi said, "no one would mind. Anyway, I thought that I saw lights on in Ranma's and Akane's apartment. Akio and Aka-chan are probably out there with Ranma and Akane. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"Not really," Natsume answered, "other than running and working out in the morning."

"I was planning to go with Ranma and Akane to gymnastics' practice. Their coach thinks that I'd have no problem qualifying for next year's team."

"If you can actually go to school."

"Nobody thinks it will be a problem. Uncle Soun said that he'd fill out all of the paperwork so that I can start in April."

"What about school records from junior high school?"

"Uncle Soun doesn't think that will be necessary. Ranma just started showing up with Akane and no one asked any questions. So, other than running and working out, any plans?"

"Ahhh… Actually I was thinking of going to the fish market and see if there's anything I can do to help Gota and his parents."

Karumi snickered

"What? What's so funny?"

"You and Gota make a real good couple. You were holding hands with him under the table, weren't you?"

Natsume's face turned a rosy red.

"You really like Gota, don't you?"

"I do," Natsume replied quietly. "He's one of the nicest people I ever met."

"Compared to some of the people we met during our travels," Karumi responded, "all of the people in Nerima are the nicest people we ever met."

"I think you're right."

"Sis… Seriously… Knowing what you know about Gota now… If he asked you to marry him, would you say yes?"

"Karumi, we just met. I don't know that much about him… And he doesn't know that much about me…"

"I know that sis," Karumi replied. "And I'm not expecting something like that to happen… But if he did, what would you say?"

Natsume sighed. "If he asked me today to marry him, I would probably say yes."


It would be wrong to say that Ukyo, Ryoga and Mizuki were drunk. They were pleasantly intoxicated. And to be more accurate, Ryoga and Mizuki were both sound asleep. Ryoga on the bed and Mizuki on her cot.

Ryoga was right. He had no real experience with drinking. He only managed to finish one glass of champagne before he was sound asleep.

Mizuki did much better. She and Ukyo shared what remained of the champagne. It gave Ukyo the chance to talk with Mizuki about arranging some private time for Ukyo and Ryoga so that they could work on the process of 'making babies'. Initially Ukyo was worried that Mizuki might want to stay and watch, but Mizuki reassured Ukyo in her own special way that she understood that Ryoga and Ukyo needed private time alone in order to make the 'baby making' process work.

Ukyo also found out that Mizuki had a bit more drinking experience than Ukyo thought. Mizuki explained that for the last two nights, Mizuki had spent the night with Ya-Ling and the two had shared a bottle of sake each night.

Mizuki also revealed that Ya-Ling had shown Mizuki where and how to touch herself to make herself 'feel wonderful'. Ukyo declined Mizuki's offer to show Ukyo what she had learned.

They talked for some time, but eventually Mizuki began to nod off, so Ukyo tucked Mizuki in on the cot and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Mizuki love Uchan."

"Uchan love Mizuki too."

In almost no time at all, Mizuki was asleep. Ukyo climbed into bed, turned off the light and cuddled up with her sleeping husband and soon was sound asleep.


Considering the circumstances, Miyuki, Hikari and Yuriko had had far too much to drink. And their drunken status didn't enhance the train ride home. And to top things off, Yuriko decided that she wanted to pick up something else to drink, which the three consumed while they sat on a bench in the park.

"I feel like blowing off practice in the morning," Hikari said as she removed her shoes in the entryway to the house.

"You can't do that," Miyuki replied as she removed her jacket and hung it up on the peg reserved for it. "I want to show off my wife to the rest of the team.

"I still don't understand my place in this whole mess," Yuriko said. "If Miyuki is the husband and Hikari is the wife, what does that make me?"

"I guess that would make you our mistress," Miyuki answered.

Hikari chuckled. "I like that idea."

"I'm not quite sure I do," Yuriko responded.

"So what do you want to do now?" Hikari asked.

"I'm sure I have another bottle or two of something," Yuriko offered.

"If we're going to do that we might as well drink all night and go to practice completely hammered," Miyuki responded.

"I don't think that would be a very good idea," Hikari said, "especially if we're doing the uneven bars." Hikari smiled then said, "And ideally, I can only think of one thing that newlyweds do on their wedding night."

"You mean have sex," Miyuki said with a chuckle. "I guess I wouldn't mind doing that."

"Do you want to check out what's in your mom's bottom dresser drawer to see if there's something there that might enhance our wedding night experience," Hikari asked.

"I don't think so," Miyuki answered. "I really don't think our experience needs any enhancing."

"You're right," Hikari said. "Just being close and intimate is all I need… Although I wouldn't mind if our mistress joined us."

"I wouldn't mind that either," Miyuki agreed.

"I think I'll beg out tonight," Yuriko said, "and let the two of you enjoy yourselves."

"You can if you want to," Miyuki said. "I certainly won't force you to join us… But you're part of this marriage too and Hikari and I would like you to be a part of it at all levels. And it's not like Hikari and I are planning to do anything weird. We're probably just going to cuddle and kiss and touch each other."

"And we would really like you to be part of that," Hikari added.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for that," Yuriko replied. "At least, not yet."

"That's all right," Miyuki said.

Miyuki smiled, put her head on Yuriko's shoulder then kissed Yuriko gently on the cheek.

"Hikari and I love you… and we're glad you're a part of our lives."