It's been a while since I wrote anything about Ranma 1/2

So I decided to write another fic in the fandom for all my fellow AkanexRanma fans, just pure fluffy goodness

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Akane was pissed, I mean in the year of knowing her, their engagement, developing their relationship and becoming unwilling roommates and in-laws, Ranma had become rather adapted to reading and perceiving her moods and triggers. He'd become rather proud of the fact he knew her better than anyone, followed only second to her sisters. He had memorised so much of her hobbies and personality that he couldn't deny they were a couple. Knowing when to keep his mouth shut and what hurt her feelings. Knowing that when Akane was in a foul mood he was walking on eggshells, but he found himself intimidated by the silence that came with her rage. After having been on the receiving end of her superhuman strength.

Akane was stood alone, reflectively contemplating her emotions, the aura of rage pouring from her body was like smoke choking the air. Anyone within a nearby radius would sense her negative mood and would know to avoid her, instead choosing to gossip with their opinions. Akane couldn't care less what people thought, she was allowed to be angry, Ranma was in the wrong not her. Was he trying to piss her off intentionally? Ever since they became engaged their relationship had been rocky and tense, always falling into arguments. Was this how he got his kicks when he was bored? Using her as a form of entertainment, playing with her feelings? One minute she thought she really understood him, that they were growing up, moving past their differences. That's what made it worse, how much it hurt to watch. Having to watch Shampoo flirt with him in Chinese, groping all over him in public, fluttering her big doe eyes at him and pressing herself against him. Trying to manipulate him, acting all clingy and possessive towards him as if she wasn't the other woman, as if she was the owner of Ranma. Like Akane's engagement meant nothing, throwing herself shamelessly at him despite the fact it made Ranma uncomfortable and he wasn't interested in her romantically. Pushing the topic of marriage on Ranma nearly constantly. Shampoo had used spells, potions and all forms of tricks to make Ranma fall in love with her or choose him. Using underhanded tactics to take him back to China against his will. Often causing Ranma to become frustrated and distrustful of her. Though she was an ally to them, it was often unwitting and Ranma was wary around her. But then Ukyo wasn't any better, she manipulated him, using their longterm childhood friendship against him, guilt tripping Ranma into obeying her wishes. The only reason Ranma was softer on Ukyo was because he looked at her as a little sister. Ukyo at least never backstabbed Akane, open about her feelings for Ranma and being respectful towards Akane. She both loved Ranma as a friend while also harbouring feelings for him as his fiance and childhood crush.

Akane wasn't stupid, she knew in comparison to them both she lacked the basic skills to become a housewife, they were always teasing her for being a bad future bride. Shampoo stated how plain Akane was, her short temper, lack of femininity and more. Shampoo was threatened by Ranma's attraction to Akane, their natural chemistry and genuine care for each other. She had been raised as the heir to the Tendou Dojo, aside from training, she never took an interest in wifely duties, she never saw herself getting married to anyone. However, the closer she got to Ranma, the deeper their relationship developed and changed, she realised she wanted to change. But she tried to learn even when she was terrible at it, even Ranma was a better cook. She couldn't win him over with her cooking, she didn't have the stunning amazon beauty of Shampoo, nor did she have the tomboyish laid back nature of Ukyo. She wasn't grateful, and she was commonly known to be a klutz, but she was here first, she was the first person to meet Ranma, enter his life, form a bond with him. She'd been by his side all this time, while Ukyo and Shampoo had been in the past, even when he was in Neko form he trusted her more than anyone. If not for Genma, Ukyo and Shampoo would never have been part of his life, she hated feeling like she wasn't enough.

Ranma hesitated, he knew when Akane was angry it was risky territory, he'd sulked enough times due to never being able to understand Akane, her hotheaded nature and quick to lash out attitude. But now he'd come to understand Akane had a tsundere nature, whatever she said was the opposite. She tended to internalise her emotions, show anger first and use her strength to vent her feelings when jealous. It was like poking a wild animal with a stick, but he didn't want to fight with her, he didn't want to argue. He was tired of pointlessly arguing with her instead of just trying to understand her and do something nice. He just didn't have the energy, his curse of being able to turn into a girl gave him a better perspective. "Hey Akane" he called loudly, his voice hesitant, it had become instinctive to sense when Akane was mad, all of his hairs began to stand on end, every fibre of his being told him to turn tail and run. That aura she gave off, like a dog about to bite, he felt goosebumps running across his skin, fear dancing in his stomach. He didn't want to get hit, but he didn't want to leave things this way.

Akane stiffened, her body turning rigid and hugging herself tighter, she didn't want excuses, she didn't want lies. She didn't want to look at him right now, just picturing his face made the anger inside of her surge. All the girls in their year, hell her own friends gushed about how jealous they were of her relationship with Ranma. But they had no idea of how frustrating it could be sometimes. How many tears had she shed over Ranma? That stupid look on his face, a mix of a kicked puppy and conflicted anger, unable to admit he was in the wrong yet filled with guilt. She felt her eyes stinging with fresh tears "Leave me alone Ranma" she warned.

Ranma shifted, a pang of sadness filling him, she was putting up walls again to protect herself and distancing herself from him. He hated knowing he was responsible for her feeling this way, even if it was unintentional. She was going to be his future wife, he may not have chosen her but she was the only girl he would choose. He trusted her with his fear of cats, knowing she would never tease him for it, due to the trauma Genma inflicted upon her. When he reverted into Neko-ken form, she was always the person he ran to. His cat form showing affection and trust for her, hissing at anyone else came close. He could hear her voice wobbling as she fought back the urge to cry, putting on a brave face to seem strong so she wouldn't burst into tears. He didn't want her to cry, he hated it when he saw that heartbroken look on her face. He was prepared to be the bigger person and take responsibility "Can... can we talk? Dinner is on me?" he mumbled.

Akane calmed, the tension in her body easing as she contemplated his offer, this was something she never expected to occur. Usually he would storm off or follow her home until she decided to talk to him. Instead, Ranma was offering her dinner, he nearly always thought with this stomach, he loved Kasumi's cooking, nearly always stopping by Ukyo's for food. To ask her for dinner meant he had to be sorry, hell, at least he wasn't getting accusatory and finding excuses to defend himself. He wanted to talk it out, he wanted to explain himself while listening to her feelings. She turned to him suspiciously, her arms still folded defensively "You'll pay?" she questioned. Ranma nodded

Akane and Ranma sat beside one another on a bench, enjoying the content silence and a hot meal. It wasn't often it was just the two of them unless their family was off on a trip or making their way home from school. Having some privacy without interruption felt nice, less tension, no nosy family members. Ranma had got yakisoba, it wasn't anything fancy but it was good, nowhere near Ukyo's shop or the cat cafe where Shampoo worked, basic street food anyone could get after work or school. It filled both their empty stomachs and brought them a sense of comfort. Ranma bowed his head guiltily, he knew Akane had a sweet tooth and enjoyed being treated on occasion, hell all girls did "Sorry it's so cheap" he mumbled. He didn't have a part time job, he was still a student so it was against the rules. He didn't have any way of earning money and Genma spent what little money they had on himself. He needed to get a part time job in the near future so he could learn to stand on his own. At least then he could take Akane to nicer places.

Akane took another mouthful "It's good" she hummed, tasty even. Akane had treated him to ice cream, crepes and parfaits all the time, she got freebies from Ukyo. Ranma didn't get pocket money from Ranma nor did he have any income. She was guessing he stole the money from Genma, which didn't surprise her in the slightest, Genma had never been the kind of father to spend money on his son. She knew Ranma planned on finding income somehow, a part time job so he could squirrel away his own money that Genma couldn't get his hands on. So he could gain independence from his father.

Ranma took a deep breath, they didn't come all this way just to eat in awkward silence, he knew she was upset and he needed to apologize and give her an explanation. He didn't want to avoid her or deal with Akane's passive aggressive behaviour for weeks. He didn't want their relationship to devolve to his parents level, where they should have divorced years ago. Genma running away with his son and abandoning his wife, Nodoka resenting him for years and living with the heartbreak of never seeing her son again. If Akane was to be his wife, communication and honesty needed to be a priority, "Listen Akane, I..." he trailed off, licking his lips as he tried to focus his words.

Akane sighed, she really had hoped to just forget about it, the sickening feeling twisting her stomach and lessening her appetite. She had to tolerate Shampoo's presence enough as it was, she didn't need her running around in her thoughts too. Knowing that she was just a possible alternate for Ranma, not the woman he would choose. "It's ok Ranma, just leave it..." she sighed irritably, she didn't want to be in a shitty mood all evening. She just wanted to enjoy her meal in peace and then go sulk in her room until she felt better.

Ranma growled, his eyes intense and filled with conflict, he was sick of this, Akane getting hurt because Shampoo couldn't understand boundaries or take no for an answer. He was sick of being treated like a prize for other women to choose from and having no say in the matter. "But it's not ok" he yelled abruptly, his tone loud, impatient and filled with frustration. Everyone had been dictating his life since he was born, his father ripped him from his mother when he was an infant, forced into numerous arranged marriages because of his cowardly father. Numerous rivals that were due to his father or circumstances beyond his control, he just wanted some damn peace and quiet. Akane jumped at the tone of his voice, nearly dropping her food, shocking her at the rage that poured from his tone. She hadn't heard Ranma this angry in a while, she had seen him brooding, sulking, scared and more, but this was pure bitter rage. Venting his feelings honestly and taking control. Staring at him in confusion, questioning silently if he was ok.

Ranma gripped his hands into balled fists, staring at his food, the cooked noodles now looked black and unappetising, trying to focus his emotions. He didn't want to yell at Akane, this wasn't her fault, she had every right to be frustrated, jealous and hurt. He'd gotten mad at Kuno, Ryoga, Mikado and numerous other men flirting with and trying to steal Akane for themselves. He knew how much it hurt and how shitty it felt. But he hated that whatever good, healing, bonding and affection that formed between them was ruined by invasive people. He hated that when he tried to make it up to Akane, Ryoga had to butt in and try and speak for Akane when it had nothing to do with him. He hated that her family had to be nosy, she hated that everyone had to have their say on their relationship. He wasn't good at being soft, sensitive or emotional, pops had beaten that out of him from a young age, feelings weren't manly. "I... The Shampoo thing was pops fault, I never wanted to marry Shampoo, we just wanted a free meal. She's cute and all, but I'm not a prize. I don't wanna be in a relationship where everything she says goes. I don't wanna live in China and I don't wanna be a trophy husband" he sighs. Mousse was head over heels for Shampoo and they both clearly shared feelings for each other, but Shampoo's one sided attraction and obsession with Ranma prevented her from developing any other romantic bonds. Her rules and traditions didn't mean anything in Japan and she needed to move on with her life and stop harassing him. The whole trip to China was for training, if not for Genma not being able to read Chinese they never would have ended up in this mess. But Genma was too stubborn to take responsibility for any of his mistakes. Shampoo would make someone a lucky husband, but it wasn't going to be him, as much as she may hate to admit that, given her pride. There were many other wonderful men in the world that could make her happy. Her grandmother alongside Shampoo were blackmailing and bullying him into marriage, even in his neko form Ranma hated Shampoo. She would never be someone important in his heart, nor his life, but if she changed her views and decided to be friends, he would happily accept that.

Akane softened, she knew Ranma often grew irritated with Cologne's schemes and Shampoo using her Amazon heritage to further her plans. Ranma was scared of Shampoo and though things had settled, he didn't fully trust her. Even she could admit Shampoo was cute, all the boys in their school had a crush on her, but she was also manipulative, pushy, clingy and demanding, she treated Ranma like a prize rather than a had erased Akane's memory so that she could have Ranma all to herself, she had used Ranma's phobia to go on a date with her. She showed no remorse or guilt for the awful things she did to Ranma and called it love.

"Ukyo is...well she's more complicated, she's like my little sister, y'know both growing up as only kids. She's my best friend, I've known her my whole life. I don't wanna marry her, I can't... I don't see her that way. I don't feel that way about her..." Ranma trailed off. Leaving Ukyo behind was one of the hardest things he had ever done, knowing that Genma stole their cart and abandoned Ukyo made it even worse. Ukyo had forgiven him but she would never forgive Genma. He could never see Ukyo not being part of his life, she was family, but he would never be her fiancé. He just hoped someday she would understand that and find someone who would love her the way she deserved.

Akane hummed, she could never understand the loneliness of Ranma being an only child and stuck with Genma's shitty parenting. Ukyo had been his friend since they were kids, they had a bond that even she was jealous of. Falling back into their habitual relationship almost instantly, they told each other everything. They planned camping trips, training trips, all sorts of things. She had luckily been born with two older sisters, one maternal and nurturing, the other street smart and scheming, but still empathetic. Ranma loved Ukyo, but in the same way she felt about her sisters, the way anyone felt about their siblings. She was family to him, albeit the only real family he had ever known, he didn't want to hurt her feelings because he couldn't bear to lose her. "Ranma..." she trailed off. Even she had formed a close friendship with Ukyo, she always looked out for her and being a fellow tomboy they could easily bond. She didn't feel as threatened by Ukyo, due to the fact that Ukyo was perceptive and considerate.

Ranma took a deep breath "But...they both take advantage of my trust for them, Shampoo is always using some kind of amazon magic on me, or my...p..phobia of c... c... cats..." he whimpered. Shampoo's cursed form gave him nightmares and as soon as she would transform, Ranma cowered from her, keeping her as far away from him as possible. Ranma had since put up boundaries with Shampoo and whenever she brought cats as blackmail, Akane would protect him. She could see how cruel, traumatic and manipulative using Ranma's phobia against him was. Akane gave him a sympathetic look as he forced himself to mention his hellish phobia. "...That ain't ok, Ukyo is nice, I really care about her, I trust her more than pops. But she can be kinda pushy, I'm not a toy for them to fight over, I don't wanna date them, let alone marry them" he huffed.

Akane hummed, she had to agree that half the time Shampoo and Ukyo fought over Ranma like he was a shiny toy, they both wanted him and neither refused to admit defeat or acknowledge how he felt about things. They just assumed he would obediently accept his fate and choose between them. Ranma was allowed to choose who he would marry, but he couldn't control his feelings, if he couldn't return their feelings, then they had to accept that. Ranma had his own dreams. She couldn't imagine how stressful and claustrophobic it had to feel to have girls disrespecting your privacy and personal space all the time. But that didn't mean it didn't hurt her feelings to watch and tolerate it, ignoring that she was even there.

Ranma's face darkened, his cheeks matching the colour of his shirt, avoiding eye contact as he swallowed timidly, fiddling with his fingers. He was relieved their parents weren't here. Meaning they couldn't tease them about this in the future. "The... the only girl I should be paying attention to is you Akane" he mumbled shyly. Akane was the only girl he wanted by his side, the only person he felt comfortable with. He trusted Akane, more than he had trusted anyone in his entire life, more than Genma, more than Ukyo, more than Shampoo. She made him feel safe, she made him feel loved, she was always considerate of his feelings, wellbeing and safety. Yes she was stubborn and a bad cook, but she had more redeeming qualities. He wanted to do right by her, be a better man for her, yes she teased him but he never seemed to mind it. He called her a tomboy, but he meant it out of affection, he respected her immensely as a fellow martial artist. His Neko-ken form was always drawn to her and attracted to her, jumping into her lap to feel safe and calm until he reverted back to normal. Though at first she was embarrassed, she had grown accustomed to it and even came to enjoy it. He loved going on dates with her, he wanted to do nice things for her, hell, he may not have enjoyed her cooking, but he would happily break traditions and become a house husband for her while she ran the dojo. He had learned to cook while training with his father, he had to eat somehow. He had proven his cooking skills matched his mothers. So why not cook for Akane instead? He didn't care if Shampoo hated him, Ukyo would forgive him in time, but he couldn't stand the thought of Akane hating him.

Akane felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment, a fluttering of happiness filling her, she was so glad she got to see this softer side of him. Ranma had such a big heart, but unfortunately it was often clouded by his fathers influence or his negative personality traits. This was very mature of Ranma and she was glad he apologised to her, glad she gave him a second chance. He'd admitted to his mistakes, he'd apologised to her, he'd taken responsibility instead of being a coward like Genma. She wondered how much of his mother's personality he had inherited, as well as her looks. She softened, she had to admit when Ranma was shy, bashful and awkward like this, it was endearing, like she was seeing the real Ranma. If only Ryoga knew about this, maybe then he wouldn't give Ranma such a hard time about being a jerk. Slowly, she leaned across the bench to kiss his cheek, her lips brushing against his cheek, causing Ranma to tense with embarrassment. She smiled at him, her brown eyes gentle and warm "Thank you"

Ranma blushed, he would be remembering that kiss for weeks to come, how warm and soft her lips felt. Despite having lived with Akane for over a year, they had never once kissed, being rather shy with affection. But more than anything he was relieved she was no longer mad at him. But he didn't want to repeat the cycle of arguing anymore, he wanted them to move past it or even avoid it, somehow making sure Shampoo and Ukyo would knock it off. He shifted bashfully "I... I'm not asking ya to go nuts but...if.. if you want... you can pull me away... if you want to" he mumbled. If she didn't like another girl getting too close she could pull him away from them, just so long as she didn't throw things at him in a 'd do the same if another man got close to Akane, he had punched Kuno enough times, hell he wanted to do the same to Ryoga.

Akane chuckled, leaning over to gently tug at his braid with an amused smirk "You mean like this" she teased, enjoying how soft and silky his hair felt between her fingers. She had never been into guys with long hair before, but on Ranma she had to admit he suited it. Maybe someday he would consider a ponytail instead of a braid.

"Hey" Ranma pouted, but there was no anger in his tone, merely amusement, if she was seriously angry she would have pulled harder. She never pulled his hair or hurt him the way Shampoo did. The way Cologne would drag him using it. Akane moved closer to Ranma, their knees touching, her hair tickling his cheeks, still eating her Yakisoba. But instead she merely sat and watched the stars, enjoying the moment. She was glad they did this, having time alone, privacy. They should organise secret dates more often without the intrusive gaze of their friends and family. No interruptions, no onlookers, no secret filming via a camera, just their own company.