His Euphoria.

A/N: Hello! As promised here is a new update. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took their time to read and review my little story, it means a lot to me, truly. I love that people appreciate what I do. I will try to post updates soon again. Thank you so much, I hope you will keep supporting me till the end of this story!

Disclaimer: All rights and credits go to the owner and creator of Ranma ½ , Rumiko Takakshi.

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Ranma blinked his eyes wide open, taking a swift glance at the clock, it's 11:45 am. ΄That's strange, why did no one wake me up? It's late already and today is a school day. Well, it's not like I mind having a day off school anyways΄ He thought, slowly lifting himself to a sitting position on his futon, hands clasped loosely in his lap. Ranma closed his eyes, letting a small grateful smile appear on his face, even if it was just for a moment, he felt like he was in absolute bliss. Then finally he got up and headed downstairs to get something to eat.

As he headed downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar sounds of Kasumi's gentle humming and the clattering of dishes, peering around the kitchen her back was turned to him as she did the chores.

"Good morning, Kasumi," Ranma said after clearing his throat.

"Good morning, Ranma-kun! You're finally awake," Kasumi replied in her honey-like voice, giving him a soft smile.

"Oh, well about that," Ranma trailed off awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Why did no one wake me up?"

"Akane told me that you have been tired last night, and you needed to get some proper rest and sleep. So, she called in the school and told them that you aren't going to be coming today," Kasumi explained.

Ranma's heart fluttered at those words, Akane had always been looking out for him, silently. Even when he was asleep, she'd made sure to tell them to let him rest. Instead of worrying about herself, she was worried about him, even though she must have been tired because she stayed up all night and barely got any sleep just to console him. How can someone be so considerate and selfless?

"Ranma-kun, would you like to have some breakfast? You must be hungry," Kasumi's gentle voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Yes, Kasumi. Thank you," He answered.

"I left your serving food on the dinner table, go and eat it while I'll make some tea for you," Kasumi replied and was about to turn around to continue her work but stopped when she saw the hesitant look on his face. "Ranma-kun, what's wrong?" She asked gently.

"Uh, yes. Would you mind if I just on the kitchen table and ate breakfast here?" Ranma asked, hesitantly.

"I wouldn't mind at all. It would be nice to have some company," Kasumi replied giving him a welcoming, reassuring smile.

"Alright then," his face instantly brightened as he brought the food and set it to the kitchen table, pulling one of the chairs to sit.

Ranma ate in silence as Kasumi busied herself with her chores, again. That's the thing about Kasumi, she always made people feel comfortable, she had a calming aura around her, perhaps it's one of her many charms. Suddenly, he remembered that the house is unusually quiet.

"Say Kasumi?" He asked.

"Yes?"

"Where is Pops and Mr. Tendou?"

"Oh, they just went out to the public bathes," Kasumi answered, and he just nodded in understanding, munching on his food. "Is there anything worrying you?" Kasumi said, turning to look at him.

Ranma blinked in surprise, he was caught off guard. "How did you know?"

"It's obvious that something's worrying you, it's written all over your face," Kasumi explained, patiently. "And you've been part of the family for two years now, so I can tell that you're worried about something."

"You consider me a part of your family?" Ranma whispered.

Kasumi's brows furrowed in confusion as she answered. "Yes, of course, you are. Ever since you and Mr. Satome came here two years ago, we considered you as family members of this household," her tone was full of tenderness and sincerity.

Ranma could feel the oxygen stuck in his throat, Kasumi's words had hit him hard. ΄So that's it΄ He thought to himself, that's what he has missed through his life. The feeling of belonging, to be able to feel that he has a family. Throughout his life, Ranma has always travelled with his dad from place to place, never had a place he could call home. He had vague memories of his mom who he had last seen was when he was five years old, and as for his dad, they never had the "father-son" relationship. To Ranma, the only place he ever found comfort and solace in, was the Tendo's household. Slowly, lifting his eyes to meet Kasumi's gaze, they both looked at each other with contrasting expressions, while Kasumi's gaze was just light, warm, and bright, on the other hand Ranma's blue eyes held so many different emotions to the point that he felt overwhelmed with them. She had just told him something he never realized, but it's true, always there right in front of him. The Tendo's are Ranma's family.

Suddenly, a sound of soft rustling and feet padding down on the wooden floor put their conversation to an end.

"Kasumi onee-chan! I'm back," Akane said cheerfully her voice ringing in the hallway.

"Welcome back, Akane-chan," Kasumi greeted her little sister back as she came to the kitchen. Akane was a little startled to see Ranma sitting on the table.

"Oh, Ranma, hi. You're awake now, are you feeling better?" Akane asked him worriedly, her inquisitive brown pools looking at him.

"Yo, Akane. I'm feeling better now," he replied, a small smile on his face, she nodded her head slightly in response, a grin slowly forming on her face.

"Seems like you're in good spirits today, Akane-chan," Kasumi said looking at her fondly.

"Yes, today has been a good day. Ah, I almost forgot! Onee-chan, you told me that you want me to get you some groceries today, right?" Akane asked.

"Yes, I was about to ask you, but you look tired, why don't you just go wash up and rest and I'll get them instead?" Kasumi said peering at her younger sister's face, a hint of worry in her voice. At that, Ranma looked down on the floor guiltily, it was his own fault, she had stayed up all night because of him after all.

She just shook her head, reassuringly. "It's okay, Kasumi onee-chan. I'm not tired at all, I feel so energetic. So, please just give me the list, so I can come back before dinner," Akane replied with so much enthusiasm, making both Kasumi and Ranma smile, her energy was contagious.

"Alright, but how about you go change your clothes to something more comfortable first and then get the groceries?" Kasumi said gently as she brushed the bangs of Akane's hair with her fingers.

"Okay, I'll be back in 5 minutes!" Akane said before running upstairs.

As soon as Akane left the kitchen, Kasumi turned to Ranma. "Would it be too much to ask you to accompany her, Ranma-kun? The groceries are heavy, and she needs someone to help her carry them all the way back."

"I need to get a walk and it's fine I'll go," Ranma replied getting up pushing the chair. "Thank you for the meal, Kasumi," he said timidly, rubbing his neck again. She gave him a warm smile in response.

"Onee-chan, I'm going now," Akane called from the hallway as she slid the door shut behind her.

"I better get going," Ranma said hurriedly to Kasumi as he went behind Akane.

"Akane! Hey, wait!" Ranma caught up with her halfway just as she was about to walk down the street.

Akane turned to him in surprise, tilting her head to the side in confusion. "Ranma, what are you doing here?" She asked him.

Ranma cleared his throat. "Can.. I come with you? To help you with the groceries?" He trailed off laughing awkwardly, looking everywhere except her face.

That wasn't what Akane was expecting him to say at all. Her face turned a haughty shade of pink, she twiddled with her fingers together, she replied. "It's alright with me, there is a special place I want to show you."