Himeko looked through her wardrobe the next morning. It was, she decided, like selecting a combat weapon. Now she had the appearance of her person down pat, she had to select Himeko's clothing choices. Ranko preferred things either comfortable, like shorts and capris or her old kung fu pants and changsan, or she'd really like a qipao.
Himeko, she knew herself to be more demure but also liked to dress up way more. She thought blouses and skirts or soft pants. Digging around, she pulled out a ruffled blouse in a powder blue colour. Nodding, she put it to the side and went looking for a cami to wear under it, since it was cooling down. She looked to find a short bolero to go over the top and found one in a woolen fabric that was navy blue and had sleeves that ended just past her elbow with some flounce.
A knee-length pleated skirt with a straight hem in the same navy blue went along with some sheer nude tights– it was a little cold but she ran a little hot even as Himeko, so it should be fine. She knew she had some nice knee-length kitten-heeled boots that would go well with the ensemble. Nabiki had coached her on fashion this last week since Himeko was supposed to be a fashionable rich girl, and Himeko had attacked it in the same way that Ranko attacked martial arts issues.
She made sure each one was a designer label that her mother had splurged on to help with that illusion. Where Nodoka got the money, she didn't ask, but Himeko's auntie hadn't yet complained about prices any time she'd known her.
She set the chosen items on the chair next to her desk and went to her underwear drawer, again picking out a matching set that were some of her more expensive ones. She didn't expect for anyone to see them, but as Nabiki had pointed out, it was important to keep the entire illusion going.
Picking her chosen clothing up, she walked to the furo and spent a good amount of time scrubbing herself down and using some of the more flowery soaps and scrubs. Since being Himeko she'd made sure to do all sorts of morning rituals that Nabiki had suggested, though she knew as Ranko she'd never have done them.
Dressing in her chosen outfit, she stared into the mirror. All this stuff was like her art. Ranko had martial arts, and so did Himeko, but Himeko (and probably eventually Ranko as they'd probably mix a bit she figured) had this.
Taking a breath, she began to apply her makeup, making it subtle. This was something she was used to anyway – as Ranma any number of times she'd had to apply it herself, especially during that stay with those kunoichi, and that had been before Jusenkyo. They'd called her pretty and she remembered it fondly now. She'd been embarrassed at the time.
Afterwards, well, it had been good practice. Becoming Himeko had been more practice on a different skin palette – Ranko was darker-skinned than the pale Himeko.
Finishing the makeup, she took her hair from the bun she'd tied it up in – it hadn't been a hair wash day today, so she'd put it up in a bun under a shower cap to keep it dry – she started brushing the coppery curls. She regarded herself a moment after holding her hair back with a blue alice band, and then slid the glasses she'd been using that had no corrective lenses in them on.
Regarding her reflection, Himeko nodded. Done. She looked nothing like Ranko or Ranma. Tasteful, subtle makeup, with a hint of faint blue eyeshadow, and long lashes. Her lip gloss was soft and made them shine, and the glasses softened her face.
The ruffled, conservative blouse hinted at her decolletage without showing it off, only showing a hint of skin below the neck. She'd selected a choker with a small gem hanging from it that was one of Nodoka's old ones. All of the individual pieces together made her look like a high-class, rich girl who enjoyed dressing up but was also a little shy and quite down to earth.
Perfect.
Himeko made her way downstairs and into the family room.
"Himeko-chan!" Nodoka enthused. "Don't you look lovely today?"
"Good morning, Auntie." Himeko said politely. "I thought I would dress nicely if you wish me to meet Nabiki-chan's family. I'm given to understand her elder sister is effectively the head of the family and as such I do not think it wise for me to misrepresent our family."
Nodoka nodded. "That's very thoughtful of you, Himeko-chan." She said. She gestured to the table and Himeko sat at it. "Breakfast will be along shortly. You still have the list of tasks?"
"Yes, auntie." Himeko pulled it from her skirt's pocket and showed it. "I will memorise it and then follow the instructions."
Nodoka smiled. "You're such a good girl. It's almost a pity you're only staying for a short while."
Himeko smiled back. "Oh, I suspect I may be here longer than you think."
Once breakfast had finished, she stood and said her goodbyes, picked up the designer handbag that matched her outfit, in navy blue (Himeko, unlike Ranko, actively colour coordinated instead of making happy accidents), and slipped her boots on in the genkan, zipping the sides up and walking out of her mother's house. She looked around to see if anyone was watching and noticed no one looking oddly at her as she walked along the road at a steady pace.
}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{
The train back to Nerima proper had Himeko feeling antsy until she stepped off and walked along the platform, almost running into Kunou Kodachi. The crazed gymnast looked her over a moment and then bowed. "My apologies." She said formally.
Himeko shook herself from her shock. Kodachi was in more normal dress than her leotard, and was regarding her with an interest and… almost a hopeful kinship?
Loath though Himeko was to spend any time with her, she bowed back. "No, miss, my apologies. It was very rude of me not to look where I was going."
Kodachi blinked and then smiled. "Ah, do not worry. I am certain neither of us was bruised. It is nice to meet a fellow woman of high class."
Himeko didn't let her internal glee show on her face. "O-oh," She said, blushing slightly. "Yes, myself too."
Kodachi laughed her slightly insane laugh, and Himeko took a slight step back, but then tittered, putting her own hand in front of her mouth.
"Well, as nice as this is, I must be on my way." Kodachi said. "If you happen to see a young man with blue eyes and black hair in a pigtail, please don't hesitate to let the Kunou clan know. Though from your attire I see money is no issue, the friendship of the Kunou clan always goes far."
Himko bowed. "I shall do so, Kunou-san. I am sure the Nayotake clan considers you allies already, but furthering bonds of friendship can only be a good thing."
Kodachi nodded. "Verily!" She shook her head. "Ugh, I sound like my brother. Fare well, Nayotake-san."
Himeko bowed again and then walked up the stairs and out of the Fuurinkan station. Looking around the familiar streets, she nodded to herself and squealed inside. She'd managed to trick Kodachi. One person with a vested interest in either killing or marrying her hadn't even begun to recognise her. Perhaps she could do some of this. Certainly at the Tendou house she thought she wouldn't have problems, aside from Nabiki.
The Neko Hanten on the other hand… She was still terrified of Cologne. The old woman would find her out, she was sure, and she didn't know if she could yet fight her to more than a stalemate.
However… First was the Tendou house.
Walking along the road, she tried to look like she wasn't sure where she was going. Asked for directions from the occasional policeman until she spotted a familiar mop of blue-black hair in the distance.
Akane looked as fashionable as always, which was to say, very fashionable except in comparison to how Himeko was currently dressed.
Surreptitiously looking herself over in the nearby shop windows, she nodded to herself and then approached the tomboy, who appeared to be walking along the road towards her home (Himeko was making it look like she was especially lost by going the wrong way) with some shopping for Kasumi.
"Excuse me?" She asked, clearing her throat as Akane approached.
Akane eyed her warily a moment and then smiled. Himeko nearly lost it then. There was that smile that caused her knees to weaken, even now. Sure, it wasn't quite the wattage she gave the few times she'd given it to Ranma, but given that she'd rarely seen it anyway…
She caught herself and managed to make the flush just look like embarrassment.
"Can I help?" Akane asked politely. Himeko nodded.
"Y-yes... I'm looking for the Tendou Dojo? My Auntie that I'm staying with asked me to pick some things up from a… Tendou Kasumi?" She smiled at Akane. "I don't suppose you can guide me there?"
Akane brightened after eyeing her suspiciously again. "Oh! You're in luck!" She nodded. "I'm Tendou Akane, Kasumi is my big sister."
Himko clapped her hands together. "Oh, wonderful!" She enthused. "How fortuitous!"
Akane looked the girl over. Ginger hair in tight curls, and pale skin. She looked like someone in her history had had at least a hint of western features, though they'd all but gone by now aside from the hair. The glasses on her nose were about the only thing that she wore that wasn't designer, everything else was expensive and richly branded right down to her fancy boots. Akane felt poor just standing next to her.
Himeko smiled gently. "Would you possibly show me to your home then, Tendou-san?" She asked. "I am new in the area and my auntie bid me to meet with some people she knows and procure some items that Auntie had lent her." She blushed and then bowed. "Apologies, I didn't even introduce myself, how rude! Please forgive me! My name is Nayotake Himeko."
"Certainly, Nayotake-san, and don't worry, I'm not too worried about that!" Akane smiled at Himeko and gestured. "Please, follow me. I'm sure Kasumi would love to meet you."
Walking the short way back to the Tendou home, Akane found herself warming to the girl who seemed a little shy, and quietly spoken. Her clothes, though. Akane thought she had been a fashionable girl but Himeko definitely won over her there.
"So, what do you like to do, Tendou-san?" Himeko enquired politely. Akane smiled at her.
"I'm a martial artist. It's something of a local thing. I'm the heir to the Tendou school of Anything Goes martial arts."
Himeko tittered, putting a hand to her mouth. "I see! Well, I am staying with my Auntie to learn her path actually, so we are not that dissimilar." The copper-haired girl smiled warmly. "Perhaps we can demonstrate to one another and, if our styles are compatible, potentially have a spar once I am up to scratch. I have been learning for some time, but you know how it is when you go from self-teaching to a master."
Akane flushed but pushed the irritation down. Himeko couldn't have known about her father, so it's not fair to get angry at her.
Himeko, meanwhile, winced internally. Foot in mouth again, and that's not something Himeko does. Ranko, sure, but Himeko was better spoken than that. She'd have to think more clearly in future.
They neared the gate and Akane pointed the property out. Himeko made a show of giggling at the sign.
"To engage the owner in savage combat, please use rear door?"
Akane nodded. "We do occasionally get dojo destroyers coming by."
"Oh my, that must be exciting. Is it you or your father that defends the place?" Himeko tried a probe. Akane took in a breath and then let it out explosively.
"I do at the moment. Dad hasn't… really practiced in a while. But up to recently…" She trails off, looking sad, and Himeko gambles by putting a hand on her arm.
"It's fine, Tendou-san. Don't worry if you don't wish to tell me."
Akane sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Nayotake-san." Himeko inclined her head and Akane motioned. "Come on, let's go in. You'll like my sisters."
Himeko followed Akane, feeling somewhat dislocated. She tried to push it down. She'd fooled Akane, it looked like, but Kasumi, Soun and Genma were somewhat more difficult. Nabiki already knew, so that took the worst of it away.
Stepping in, Akane called out that she was home and Himeko smiled to hear Kasumi moving around the corner as Himeko removed her boots and slipped into the guest house slippers. She didn't choose the pair she had worn as Ranko but made sure to use the spares.
Kasumi's smile broadened. "Who is your friend, imouto-chan?" She asked, nodding to Himeko.
Himko gave a deep, polite bow. "Tendou-sama, I am Nayotake Himeko. I'm currently staying with my auntie who has asked me to retrieve some items. Although…" She smiled demurely. "I believe she wishes me to make some acquaintances as I am somewhat shy and new to the area."
Kasumi returned the bow. "Nayotake-san, please. I am Tendou Kasumi and you may call me by my given name. 'Tendou-sama' makes me sound like my father!" She tittered at the same time as Himeko, and Akane looked between the two of them and rolled her eyes slightly.
Nabiki came down the stairs and eyed Himeko. "Oh, Hime-chan. How nice to see you here." She drawled.
Himeko froze. Nabiki was pushing things. She'd been intending to pretend not to know her, but that… f-feline was out of the bag.
"Nabiki-san. I did not know this was also your home!" She breezed. She turned to Kasumi and Akane. "Nabiki-san here has been visiting my Auntie. Apparently, she's helping to find her d-son?"
Nabiki nodded. "I have. I'm surprised you're here."
Himeko bowed to Nabiki. "Nabiki-san, Auntie Nodoka requested I retrieve items loaned to Kasumi-san."
"Auntie…" Akane began.
"…Nodoka?" Kasumi finished.
Himeko nodded. "Yes, my auntie on my mother's side." She said. "Auntie Saotome has been a wonderful sensei."
"That would make you…" Kasumi pondered a moment and Akane finished the thought.
"Ranma's cousin?"
Himeko made herself brighten. "Oh! Yes! I've never met my cousin Ranma. I've heard he was something of a wild boy. Have you seen him? Auntie Saotome misses him terribly."
"No, he's… On a training trip." Akane said, still pondering Himeko. Looking at it, she could easily believe that this girl was Ranma's cousin, especially with the coppery hair.
"Ah, a pity. I would love to meet him. Would that mean you are his fiancée, Tendou-san?" Himeko asked Akane, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Akane blushed but nodded. "N-not that I w-w-want to, you u-understand!"
Himeko stared a moment and then something clicked. Seeing this from the outside… It was obvious that Akane did want to.
A pang went through her, but she kept her expression soft. "Is my cousin not good enough for you?"
"It was a-arranged." Akane said after a moment, and Himeko nodded.
"I see. How terribly old-fashioned!"
Kasumi disappeared into the kitchen to make tea and Akane invited Himeko into the family room. Soun and Genma appeared to be back, and Genma eyed Himeko as she sat politely next to Akane. He seemed to be trying to place her as if wondering where he'd seen her before.
Soun looked over interestedly as well. "Oh, who is your friend, Akane?"
Himeko stood up and gave a deep bow. "I am Nayotake Himeko, Tendou-sama." She said formally. "I was sent here by my aunt to retrieve some items on loan from her to Kasumi-san."
Soun blinked at the formal address, but then smiled paternally at her. "I am pleased to meet you, Nayotake-san. Please, Soun will do in private."
"As you say, Soun-san." Himeko said. She looked to Genma. "Are you Saotome Genma-san?" She enquired. "If so, my auntie is certainly looking for you. I'll have to tell her I've seen you."
Himeko had never seen Genma's face hit that particular porridge-like shade of greyish white before but he turned it extremely quickly.
Akane giggled. "He'll only vanish, Nayotake-san." She said.
"Please, Tendou-san, call me Himeko." Himeko said, sitting back down while Genma sputtered.
"Only if you call me Akane." Akane said.
"I shall try. I was raised to be very polite though, so please do forgive any transgressions or my forgetting to refer to you as such."
Kasumi came out with the tea and Himeko made small talk with the sisters, as Nabiki seemed intent on trying to trip Himeko up.
She figured that it was probably Nodoka's way of testing her without being there. Som she kept her story straight and remained a polite, cordial, if distant guest.
Himeko watched Akane subtly, though. She knew she bothered the short-haired girl and wondered how long it would be before she decided to tes– splash!
Himeko looked up from where Akane had unconvincingly 'accidentally' knocked over her tea, the liquid sailing right over the table and landing on Himeko's head.
Silently thankful for the potion she'd taken, Himeko stared as the water dripped off her hair and glasses. She took them off and closed her eyes, already planning on using this as a get out clause. Akane's hand flew to her mouth and she knew she was in trouble when Himeko wiped her glasses clean and stood up abruptly. Ignoring the towel offered to her by Nabiki, she made her way to the kitchen where Kasumi was and knocked politely on the wall.
"May I have my auntie's things, Tendou-san?" She asked politely, yet coldly. "I suddenly need to leave."
"I'm so sorry, Himeko-san!" Akane said, wringing her hands. "I thought- I didn't mean- I-"
"Please." Himeko's voice was cold and distant. "By all means, explain what you mean by splashing me with hot tea. What did you think?"
Akane looked down. "I thought you were Ranma." She admitted.
"You thought my male cousin was me?" Himeko made to sound surprised.
"H-he has a curse… it turns him into a girl with cold water, hot turns him back. I just wondered…"
"A curse. Really? Is that the excuse?" Himeko used a handkerchief from her bag to wipe the tea from her hair. "Well, wonder no more, Tendou-san." She said.
Akane looked down in shame. "I'm sorry. I acted without thinking. Please forgive me? I don't want Ranma's cousin to hate me…"
Himeko took in a deep breath and let it out, making herself sigh. "This time, then. But please refrain from throwing hot liquids onto me in future. You could have burned me, Tendou-san."
Akane winced. "I know. I'm sorry. Look, let's exchange numbers and we can talk again? I'd really like to be friends."
Himeko pondered this, then nodded, reaching into her handbag and pulling out her business card case, handing one over to Akane of her own, exchanging it for Akane's. "Perhaps sometime we can talk and be friends. For now I must be going."
Akane nodded and headed to the dojo after a quick farewell. Nabiki smirked. "Very nicely done, imouto-chan." She said quietly.
"I'm certain I don't know what you're talking about, Nabiki-san." Himeko said.
Kasumi appeared with a bag. "Here you are, Himeko-chan, the cookbooks I borrowed." She leaned in closely. "And well done, Ranko-chan. Very cleverly done. Full marks."
Himeko's blood ran cold. "I… I…" Her image wavered a moment, and she centred herself, stabilising the change despite her shock. "I don't understand, Kasumi-san." She managed. "Thank you for the books, I will pass your greetings onto Auntie."
Himeko made her way to the genkan, zipping up her boots and then leaving in a hurry.
Nabiki leaned into Kasumi. "She's coming along nicely, isn't she?"
Kasumi giggled. "Certainly. She handled Akane masterfully."
"Well, maybe when this is all done they can…"
Kasumi shrugged at her middle sister. "Perhaps. I wouldn't get your hopes up. Still, if she and Himeko-chan make friends, that's all the better." She sighed. "I'd kill for that lovely hair."
"Well, it isn't that real."
"I'll call Auntie and tell her the first lesson's been learned." Kasumi wiped her hands on her towel and went to the house phone.
}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{
Himeko walked along the road from the dojo, thoroughly freaked out. Kasumi had known who she was! She might as well have been transparent. Sure she'd mostly fooled Akane, especially with her Nabiki impersonation but she'd failed to fool Kasumi.
She sat heavily on a nearby bench, trying to collect her thoughts. Nabiki had known who she was. Why had Nodoka sent her here?
A lesson.
It had to be a lesson. This whole thing smacked of it.
Himeko's fist clenched. At least this lesson wasn't withholding food from her for 'training'.
She stood up and thought over the rest of her instructions.
Then she made her way into town proper, making sure to go into her old haunts. The lack of recognition from any of the local crazies certainly helped her self-confidence return as she moved her way through the various shops.
She even ran into Sayuri and Yuka who seemed to be standing rather close together. After apologising for her clumsiness, she bowed and introduced herself as Ranma's cousin.
Predictably, all they could talk about was 'his' disappearance.
"Tendou-san told me he was off on a training trip." She'd said, and the two looked at each other.
"That's very like him, but I've not seen Akane like this before…"
Himeko sighed. "Well, I'm sure she has her reasons for telling me what she did. Thank you, it was nice meeting you. I may see you at school as I am transferring."
They bade her goodbye and Himeko's stomach gurgled. She smiled softly and made her way to the next destination.
Okonomyaki Ucchan's was fairly empty for this time of day, though Himeko had seen it emptier. She made her way to the grill where Ukyou was flipping the pancakes with an expert movement and sat down at the short bar before it. Ukyou looked up to her and then nodded.
"Hey there, sugar, be with ya in a mo'." She said. Himeko smiled demurely.
"Of course. Please don't rush on my account."
"Nah, that'd be bad customer service!" Ukyou grinned easily at her and Himeko blushed. Ukyou was in her male disguise. And Himeko, lately aware that she was just as attracted to men as women found that Ukyou cut a dashing male figure. As little as she actually wanted to date her best friend, she could still see she was cute no matter her guise.
For a moment Himeko did wonder if Ukyou was like her, only in… reverse? That had to exist, right? It stood to reason that if there were people born boys on the outside but girls inside, like her and Konatsu, but that there were girls who were boys inside. What about both, or neither?
Having had her eyes opened to her own identity crisis, Himeko had thought about this the last month or so. In the end she figured she'd be best asking people when it didn't seem too rude.
Ukyou finished with her current customer and turned to Himeko. "Awright, sugar, whatcha fancyin'?"
Himeko made a show of pondering the menu. "A seafood special, please." She said, placing the money down.
"Sure thing, comin' up." Ukyou started cooking and then looked Himeko over. "Say, you look new around here an' yet you're kinda familiar. Have we met?"
Himeko giggled. "Oh, I've been getting that all day. Apparently I look like my cousin Ranma a lot, so I've been having people comment on it all day!"
Ukyou stared at Himeko. "…Come again, sugar?"
"I look like my cousin Ranma. Though I've not met him yet, which is a shame. Auntie Saotome is really trying to contact him. You haven't seen him, have you?"
Ukyou flipped the pancake. "Not recently. He kinda vanished recently." She says after a moment. Himeko blinked.
"Oh. I wonder why?"
"How much do you know?" Ukyou narrowed her eyes. "Wait, you're not Ranchan in disguise are you?"
"Is this that silly curse thing Tendou-san was on about? She drenched me in hot tea because she 'thought I was Ranma'. Some nonsense about a curse turning him into a girl. I'll admit, Auntie did say he liked dolls as a toddler but even so…"
Ukyou shook her head. "No, it's real. I've seen it. If you get chance go by the Nekohanten. Two of the staff there turn into animals when they get splashed with cold water."
Himeko sighed. "I suppose I should. Would you like me to prove I am not my cousin?"
"Aw, that ain't needed, sugar. Sorry to bring it up, Akane's a little rash but you ain't nothin' like Ranchan. For starters he ain't nowhere as well-spoken as you."
Himeko giggled. "Well, my family is rather well to-do."
"That explains all the fancy duds." Ukyou commented, sliding the okonomiyaki over to her. "Eat up, sugar." She smiled at Himeko a moment. "So tell me about yourself! I'd love to get to know Ranma's cousin. On his Ma's side I imagine?"
Himeko started eating daintily and she could see she'd hopefully fooled Ukyou by the fact that she ate slowly and politely. "Not a lot to tell, I'm afraid. I am related through Auntie Nodoka, yes. I've never met my cousin, sadly. I'd like to though. I've heard he's very good at martial arts. I'm good, too, though I focused on one Path rather than his style."
"Ah, I am in the Kuonji school of Okonomiyaki martial arts myself. My lovely waitress here," Ukyou motioned to Konatsu, who bowed and smiled demurely. Himeko bowed back, "She's a kunoichi, probably the best in the country."
Himeko beamed. "Oh really? I'd love to discuss techniques! The Path of the Silken Breeze has loose connections to some of the more esoteric ninjutsu techniques."
Ukyou smiled at the now-excited ginger girl. "Oh, sure thing. It's quiet enough. Hey Kona-chan! Got a fellow sorta-ninja here who wants to talk techniques, it's break time!"
Konatsu made her way over and bowed. "Greetings, I am Konatsu." She smiled at Himeko who gave a shy smile back.
"Hello there. I am Nayotake Himeko and I walk the Path of the Silken Breeze." She said, bowing formally. "I am pleased to meet someone on a similar path to my own, Konatsu-san."
Ukyou got a call for another pancake and smiled at the two. "I'll leave you two gals to talk shop." She moved away as Konatsu sat next to Himeko.
"I have not heard of the practitioners of the Silken Breeze teaching often. From my knowledge it isn't one well-walked."
"My aunt is the Master." Himeko said, continuing to eat her okonomiyaki. "I was learning from lesser family members, but I excelled and, well, I needed further instruction. Though I am concerned for school. I was at a large private school before, now I will be attending Fuurinkan High, which I have heard… mixed things about."
Konatsu shrugged. "I would not know, Nayotake-sama." She said. Himeko looked shocked.
"You do not go to school? Are you not wishing for an education?"
"I have been completing exams at a distance. There are… errors… in my records which otherwise would prevent me from attending the local school. And there is the restaurant to consider."
Himeko pondered a moment. "Well, as long as you are happy and doing well in your studies." She smiled. "I must say, it is nice to meet someone like yourself. Auntie would love to meet you too, she's very traditional and that kimono is beautiful." She looked curious. "Have you met my cousin?"
"Your cousin, Nayotake-sama?" Konatsu looked intrigued.
"Please. Himeko will do. Nayotake-sama is my grandfather and I am not that old yet!" Himeko tittered under her hand. "And yes, my cousin. Apparently, he is well-known here?"
"Ah, you mean Ranma-sama?" Konatsu nodded. "I know them."
Himeko canted her head to one side curiously. "'Them'? Surely you mean 'him'?"
Konatsu shook her head. "No, I mean 'them'. Their curse does muddy the waters somewhat in such things."
Himeko sighed. "This curse thing again."
"You don't believe in curses?" Konatsu asked.
"I'll believe it when I see it… Which I suspect I will as Auntie Nodoka bid me order supper from the Nekohanten, and I'm told that there are such happenings there. But it would be terrible if that were the case."
"Why is that, Himeko-san?"
Himeko sighed as she finished her okonomiyaki and moved the plate away, setting her chopsticks down. "Auntie Saotome has this contract where Ranma must commit seppuku if he is not 'a man amongst men'. His father too."
Konatsu stared in shock. "What? But then if…" She went pale. "Oh, if that got out, poor Ranma-sama…" She mumbled to herself.
"You heard me, Konatsu-san." Himeko pretended not to hear the last bit, "It's very sad, and I can see why he might hide if he had that curse." She sighed. "I wonder if that is why he and my uncle Genma are always on training trips when she stops by. I can't blame them if my cousin really has that curse. Auntie Saotome is very invested in manliness for her son."
Konatsu worried at her lip. Himeko could almost see the gears whirring. The kunoichi's thought processes and insight into Ranko's character and potential of being transgender were clear since Himeko knew Ranko's thought process on that intimately. She could tell Konatsu saw Ranko as something of a kindred spirit in that and that shook her somewhat. If Konatsu could tell, who else?
Shaking her head, Himeko checked her watch (high-end brand, naturally) and bowed formally to Konatsu. "I am sorry to cut this short, Konatsu-san but I simply must be going if I'm to fulfil my instructions for dinner tonight. I was very hungry as I was heading there and while I enjoy Chinese food, it has been too long since I have had a decent okonomiyaki." She bowed again. "Please pass my regards onto Kuonji-san for the delicious food."
"No need'a that, sugar, I'm back this side." Ukyou returned to the section of the grill that Himeko sat at. "Thanks for comin' along. Was nice meetin' more'a Ranma's family. He ever tell his ma we're engaged?"
Himeko blinked at Ukyou. Outside she feigned shock at the idea of her 'cousin' being engaged, internally that it took this long for Ukyou to mention it.
Konatsu made a face that Himeko was happy not to see directed at her. "Yes, well, if Ranma-sama has run away, Ukyou-sama, why do you think he has? He made his choice. You were not his favourite person after the wedding."
Ukyou looked down at the grill. "Yeah, I know. Still… Gal can dream, yanno?"
Konatsu smiled sadly. "Yes, she can indeed."
Himeko cleared her throat and the two jumped. "Oh, sorry sug!" Ukyou said, embarrassed. "TMI I guess! Still, Kona-chan's a bit right."
"I wonder where he went?" Konatsu asked, her eyes lingering on Himeko, who shuffled a little and smiled uncertainly.
"Don't ask me. I've never met him. I was looking forwards to, a cousin my age who I can spar with I have no brothers or sisters, so I wouldn't mind someone like that."
Ukyou sighed. "I guess… He'll come back when he finds what he's lookin' for."
Himeko raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"He was getting' mighty contemplative before he left, like he were lookin' for a reason to keep goin'. I guess he figured he'd go and find it. Or himself." Ukyou smiled softly. "I hope he finds it."
Himeko nodded along. "If it makes my family happier, me too." She said. She bowed to the two. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. I must dash but I would like to hear about this engagement of yours. It sounds like a very interesting tale."
The two said their farewells and Himeko made her way out of the restaurant, using her ki to have the wind eavesdrop on Ukyou and Konatsu through a trick Nodoka had taught her.
"You think that she might've been…?"
Konatsu's shrug was obvious through the rustle of cloth. "I do not think so, Ukyou-sama." She said. "She moves differently to Ranma-sama, and that's very difficult to fake. And her ki felt nothing like theirs."
Ukyou 'hmm'ed a moment and then sighed. "Guess she really is his cousin. Seemed a nice gal, bit hoity toity."
"She is definitely monied, though at least she isn't like Kunou-sama and his sister."
"Positively sane in comparison. Though I'm pretty sure her wardrobe alone cost more than the monthly utilities for this place." Ukyou commented. "Ranchan wouldn't know good fashion if it bit him in the face. I mean I wouldn't but I can at least recognise when somethin' designer's yellin' at my face that someone's posh, unlike that dumbass. I hope he's okay."
"They'll find themselves, and then may come back or not. We can wait for them in the meantime."
"You're too good to me, Kona-chan." Ukyou's voice faded away as Himeko's technique hit its limit of range. She blinked. She knew fashion.
Well, she amended, she knew fashion now after some drilling in by Nabiki. Who had also suggested a way to make money that Himeko was… concerned about. Ranko on the other hand seemed ambivalent about it. Himeko just felt like it could go wrong.
She did know, however, that she was beautiful enough to be a good model.
Smiling faintly to herself, Himeko moved along the road and swallowed as she caught sight of the sign for the Nekohanten.
Time for the worst part of the tests today.
}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{
A/NSo I did some fanfic for NaNoWriMo!
All words count!
Next chapter is the Nekohanten and Cologne!