Yay! Chapter 3!!! OK, no one seems that confused anymore. So let's go!

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma 1/2 or any characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and Shogakukan.

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Chapter 3- Utter Bewilderment a.k.a. Chaos

.:Ukyo:.

I can't think straight. First Ranma says he's in love with Shampoo, now he's apologizing to me. Neither of them are hostile. On top of that, Shampoo's being all nice. I guess I'm taking my curse easier now, and I don't know why.
So, I'm staring at them blankly, when suddenly Ranma goes,
"I gotta go! Just remembered something!" and dashes out. He drags Shampoo with him. Is he trying to make me confused? He's succeeding.

|/(Ranma)\|

As soon as we're outside the shop, I put my hands on her shoulders and say, sharply,
"We have to figure out a way to stop her from being so depressed."
"Depressed?"

(*_*) Shampoo (*_*)

"Depressed," he repeats. "We have to cheer her up."
Why would I want to make her happy? I'm in love with Ranma, if she's happy I know she'll steal him, and--
"Come on, Shampoo," he pleads. It is hard to argue with those eyes.
"All right," I agree, "on one condition. You mine, Ranma. Please no go let Ukyo steal you." There is laughter in his eyes, and I add, "Please."
"Right, come on." He runs back in, sits on the chair again, and says to Ukyo,
"Want to come to dinner with me tonight?" He's mine! MINE!! He promised he wouldn't let her steal him. Promised...

.:Ukyo:.

I'm hearing the words, but it's like a dream. I am yet again confused. But I hear myself agree shakily, tell him I have to go, walk up the stairs. Leave. I hear my feet padding up the wooden stairs, muttering to myself. They have pictures of those girls with flowers and petals, picking them off, one by one, he loves me, he loves me not. I had always thought it was silly custom, but now I see the reason. Everything's clearing up... but then I just get even more confused.

|/(Ranma)\|

I feel so much better now. I can cheer her up. But I remember my promise to Shampoo--"Please no go let Ukyo steal you." Of course, she wasn't stealing me. But how will I explain this to Akane? I haven't even told her of my feelings for Shampoo, much less Ukyo. I'm torn. but I decide to go explain to Akane.
She's doing karate, as usual. I walk up to her and say, quietly,
"Akane, I need to talk to you."
"Yes, Ranma?" she says, scowling a little. "I'm busy now."
"Um, yeah. I need to tell you that--" I can't say it. Not the part with Shampoo. "I'm going out to dinner tonight. With... Ukyo."

{/}Akane{\}

I hear his words, but try to ignore them. I can't. He's going out with Ukyo, why should I care? I punch the bag in front of me and bite my lip angrily, and say, jerkily,
"I... don't... care."
Why should I? It's just one measly dinner, spent with a childhood friend he's known all his life. Even if she's a girl. I shouldn't care.
But I do. I do care, with all my heart. I wish this wasn't happening.

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Maybe I'm obsessed with short chapters!!! That's a bad thing. ^_~

Once again, I'm open to reviews, though I prefer good ones. Ask any questions and I'll try to answer it, in the fic or after, or during the Q&A section. Anyway, sum-up time!

Ranma apologizes.

Shampoo & Ranma try to cheer Ukyo up, and result is a date between Ukyo & Ranma.

Ranma explains to Akane, who tries to contain her feelings.

New chapter soon! Ranma goes on his dinner date with Ukyo... What'll happen? *dramatic music*

-Ukyo-chan