Usotsuki

By NatsuNoAme

Hello again minna-san! Me so happy to see you again! See? I'm not dead yet! I know, I know, it took me a long time to update AGAIN but sessha's begging you all to bear with me a little! (gets down on her knees pleading) Kudasai??? This time I went travelling more than a week for holidays [Aw c'mon, it was Carnival!!! And EVERYONE here rests or travels in Carnivals... ^_^]. Moreover I came to the conclusion that will be a little hard for me to write the next chapters quicker than that, because for now on it'll all depend on my inspiration and spare time - and because I haven't really thought of story's details after that... ^_^ [well, if they're gonna depend only on your spare time, then they have nothing to worry about, right? Although your inspiration may not work that well sometimes...] hey! I happen to be a very busy girl, ok? Just ask my friends and they'll tell you that, ne?

(NatsuNoAme's friends sneak out in total silence, pretending they didn't heard)

Guys?? Come back!!! Err..... ^_^;;;

So I may have some spare time, what's the big deal??? You have it too, or did you forget you're a part of me? [ugh, that's right... keep forgetting that... being someone's alter ego sucks, you know?] yeah, yeah, let me go on now... where was I? oh, right!

I changed the fic section from romance/humor to just romance. It was just not as funny as I thought it would be... so gomen for the mess minna-san! (bows politely to everyone with a big 'forgive me' grin). I guess I'm not ready to write a humor fanfic yet, or maybe I've been reading way too much of all those angsty and serious fanfics... [but they're soooo good to read... we just can't help it! ^_^] Yep... damn it, I hate it when she's right! ~_~

Irasshaimase - welcome, or welcome back

Iinazuke - promised fiancé[e]

Kotatsu - small table with some kind of heater underneath, and covered with thick blanket on its sides. Very common in Japan, especially during winter

Gomen - sorry

And on with the story!

Ah, almost forgot: from now on, I'll put my thanks to my reviewers on the bottom... it's better this way!

Ok, NOW we're on with the story!

DISCLAIMER: Rumiko Takahashi-sama is the only genius behind all this craziness. Except for the craziness itself. That one belongs to me. ^_^

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Chapter 4 – Justifications and goodbyes II

Winter was starting to show signs of its end in Nerima. Temperature was getting a little higher each day, and wherever one may look it would see the once naked trees wanting to grow green leaves once more. Still, weather was very cold, and families took those opportunities to get together on their living rooms, under a kotatsu, or in front of a big fireplace. In the Tendos house wasn't any different. Except for Ranma and Akane, all family was gaddered inside the heated living room hearing or telling stories to their more than welcome guest, Ukyo (after all, anyone who brings good food like her okonomiyakis would be very welcome in that house, especially for Genma).

- Ukyo-san, if all these stories you're telling us about your trip were as funny living as they were to hear, the I guess you and Ryouga-san must've had a great time, huh? - said Soun Tendo, still laughing from Ukyo's last story.

Ukyo would have answered that, but it didn't seem necessary when she saw that he had already turned around to make one of his usual jokes to Genma - the only one who actually found it funny. Kasumi took advantage of that small break to check on her guest.

- Ukyo-san, would you like anything else? Perhaps more tea or food? - she said, with her casual smile and unbreakable good mood.

- No, thank you Kasumi-san. But there's something I've been meaning to ask you... what happened to Shampoo and the others? The Nekohanten is closed, or so I heard, and I never saw that crazy Kodachi and her brother again since.., er, since I left town.

Everyone instantly looked at Nabiki, who was comfortably seated under the kotatsu, playing with her teacup. Already used to be the house's center of information, she didn't even bothered to look up while answered Ukyo's question.

- Let's see, Shampoo and that old hag disappeared almost two months ago, nobody knows why. My guess is they went back to China for some odd reason. Kodachi went totally nuts right after the almost-wedding, so her parents locked her up in some madhouse for rich not far from Nerima (although they say in their official version that she's studying in a better school in Tokyo... you know, to keep the good reputation). And Kuno didn't go with her thanks to my interference. Now he's studying in the same college that I am...

- Really? - Ukyo listened carefully to Nabiki's info, but at the end of it, she looked more puzzled than before. Seeing everyone's looks now on her, she went on. - I mean, I can understand Shampoo disappearing, and I can DEFINETELY understand Kodachi's being finally locked up, but why didn't Kuno went along? Isn't he as nuts as she is?

- Well, yeah. But then he almost begged me to help him so, with the condition of going to a psychiatrist at least once a week until the doctor releases him, I convinced his family to not send him along. You know, he's actually getting better now... - Nabiki completed.

- That's my daughter! No wonder she's a law student. And one of the best! - Soun proudly announced, despite of Nabiki's protests of how he was embarrassing her in front of their guest.

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On the second floor of the house...

Akane couldn't decide with what she was more furious about: Ranma for kissing Ukyo, or herself for have cared about it. She had managed to ignore him the day after that, but two days after Akane walked into them, it wasn't possible anymore.

Of course Ranma had tried to explain what happened to Akane, and spend the whole day after her, but his usual lack of patience and gentleness combined with his big mouth didn't help at all. He tried really hard this time, but seeing that it was going nowhere, Ranma finally gave up, and left Akane on her own, leaving her sarcastic remarks all by herself.

She really tried to rest after that, but her extremely bad mood insisted in staying. Meditating wasn't making it any better, and any other kind of distraction only seemed to make her more angry. She even tried to stay in the living room with her family, but she didn't want to meet Ukyo, at least not yet. Forced her to face her feelings once more, she marched back to her bedroom, almost stepping on a small black piglet on her way.

- Wha... Oh, it's you P-chan! What are you doing in the middle of the hallway? You could get hurt! Here, let me take you back to my room.

P-chan watched his owner as she took him on her arms and went back to her bedroom, feeling a little more relieved now that she found her 'living secret diary'...

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While that, a female -and soaked- Ranma was just starting her hot bath. She made sure to lock the bathroom door, after all, people walking into other people baths were way too much common in that house... Door locked, she could finally fully enjoy the hot water, immediately turning back to his male form. Advantages aside, he actually hated turning into a girl. Of course that he was getting used to it, after all, it was years of curse by now, and in Nerima cold water seems to appear everywhere... but still, everytime he turned into a girl, Ranma couldn't wait until he could turn back to be himself.

Realizing that he was a 'he' again, Ranma could sit back and relax, thinking of that afternoon, of what made 'she' run back to the bathroom...

_____

- Stop chasing me, you idiot!

Akane was almost running now, Ranma right after her. It has been like that all day long, since Ranma tried to tell Akane exactly what had happened two nights before. Only Akane didn't wanna hear, making them play that cat-mouse game whenever he started talking about it.

- Stop running away then! I won't give up until you listen to me!

- I don't want to listen! I've said once and say it again: I don't care about what happened, you moron!

- Then why are you so mad, huh?

That was it. Akane stopped running to turn around, and face Ranma angrily, almost dearing him to say it again. They were almost by the koi pound by now.

- What?? And what makes you think that I'm mad?

- This is so typical! Why don't you just hit me and call me names like you always do?

Ranma thought that he had Akane on his hands, but the closest he was getting was on her nerves. Akane seriously considered doing exactly what he said. But realizing that it would only make him more confident about himself and this hole situation, she just took a deep breath and gave him a little of her newest side.

- Humph! Aren't we a little too self-absorbed? Honestly Ranma, I always knew you had a big ego, but I never thought it would be THAT big...

- Eh? - that was getting Ranma a little confused - So what? Now you're gonna say that what you saw the other night doesn't bother you? At all??

- Hellooo??? And WHAT exactly had I been saying for that past two hours???

Ranma kept staring Akane puzzled. She wasn't angry? She wasn't even feelings jealous?? Now that left him completely lost - not to mention disappointed at her. After all, not being jealous meant she doesn't feel anything... and that hurt on him more than any punch or kick that she could hit... In that moment, Ukyo appeared from the front gate carrying a basket full of her famous okonomiyakis.

- Ah! Akane-chan, Ran-chan, there you are!

- Uchan, irasshaimase!

- Thanks. I found a little break in the restaurant to come visit you guys and... - Ukyo stopped talking when she at last realized the look on her friends faces - Er, gomen... am I interrupting somethin' here?

Holding her anger to prove a point to Ranma was one thing, but being totally ignored by Ranma the second Ukyo entered the house was something she simply couldn't accept. Making her best effort to keep her face serious - but still making a vein or two pop on her forehead - she didn't even gave Ranma the chance to answer that.

- No, not at all. Our conversation was over anyway... so if you excuse me...

- Akane, are you SURE you're not mad? - Ranma just had to be sure about it.

Veins still popping out of her forehead, Akane smiled at him. Continuous act, her right leg passed quickly under his, making Ranma lose his balance, and gaddered all her strength to push him into the koi pound. From inside the koi pound, the now female Ranma got up ready to protest, but instead she watched her iinazuke walk into the house while answering her calmly:

- Yes, I'm sure.

_____

Ranma couldn't help but to smile at that thought. She was, better, she is angry at him. That's not good for him, of course, but at least now he knows she still feels a little jealous of him...

- Feh, that girl's got a temper worse than mine! It's no wonder I fell for her like that...

- Really? Now, that's interesting... - a feminine sarcastic voice came from the bathroom door.

- What the...??? Who...!

Ranma would have jumped of the bathtub with surprise, if that wouldn't be an extremely stupid thing to do. The door clicked as it was unlocked and opened a few inches, and Nabiki warned him.

- Are you dressed? You'd better be, cause I'm coming in...

- W-wait! Wait a sec! - Ranma was paralyzed with surprise for a moment, but now he had to think fast. Opening the cold water, he got himself under the shower as fast a he could. Nabiki entered just in time to meet his female form. - Damn it, Nabiki! Are you insane? I'm taking a bath here! - she shouted at Nabiki, hidden behind the not so decent shower curtain.

- Don't worry, it's not like I saw [or even wanted to see] anything... Here, dress this. - she threw a thick bathrobe to Ranma's direction, who gladly dressed herself. Still, she couldn't stop to look puzzled at her. "What the hell is wrong with these people?"

- But how did you... I mean, I'm sure I...

- Locked the door? Yeah, you did, but I have a copy of all the house's keys... you know, just in case. But that's not the case! I'm here cuz we need to talk, Ranma.

- But in HERE? And NOW? Couldn't you at least wait until I get out of the bathroom? And what's the deal with you scaring me like that? I swear Nabiki, or you have mastered the 'sneaking-up-on-people' stile, or I'm losing my practice... - the last sentence was more a worried whisper to herself than a question.

- One thing at it's time, Ranma. First, yes, it has to be in here cuz, apparently, that's the only place in the house where the others don't try to listen behind the door, and I haven't put any bugs... yet. Second, everyone's busy with Ukyo-san now, so they'll take a while to realize I'm not there, IF they realize that. There won't be a better moment than this. And third, well, whatever answer that would be, I'm sure aunt Genma won't be happy to know...

Nabiki was grinning the whole time. She was already enjoying this, and the real conversation hasn't even begun! She could only imagine the fun she would have by the end of it... On the other hand, Ranma wasn't liking this situation at all.

- Alright, what do you want? - Ranma was feeling rather impatient, with arms crossed in front of her chest.

- I wanna help you. - Nabiki answered, for Ranma's surprise.

- What??

End of chapter 4

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Curious? Good! But now you'll have to wait until next chapter! Heheheee... Man, since Tesuka-chan finished her fic, I'm feeling so evil.... ^_^ Alright, alright, be mad at me if you want, but we all have to admit that my chapters are getting longer, ne? Yay! It would be even longer if I hadn't gave in to this evil voice in my head saying: 'finish it there! Let them curious!' [Evil? Really? I thought it was your lazy side...] er, well... *bonks alter ago in the head* shut up!

...... ahem, carrying on:

Yay, yay! More reviewers!!! I'm so happy! If this keeps going as it is, I'll be the happiest girl I know! [well, maybe I'm exaggerating... or maybe not! ^_^] Anyway... time to thank you all!!

Elisteran – Thank you for your constructive review! Is always nice to see someone paying so close attention to your writing to see and correct my errors, so thanks again. I'm also working on the short chapters and my English errors [by the way, you're right about Ryouga's phrase. I'll correct it sometime]. As I said, English is not my first language, so you might find a few flaws now and then, despite of my constant care... About your questions: well, I'm sure that even a Japanese college isn't all full time, and it was already evening so I guessed she should be at home by then. My first thought when I started writing this fic was to write about their feelings, and how hard it is to grow up in the middle of such a mess that are their lives, so when I put Nabiki in the middle of the 'mess', I just couldn't resist in making her growing up with them as well. Although she IS more grown up than the others - and she's definetely getting over the 'penny ante scheming' thing - there's some old habits that are just hard to let go... besides, I needed her that way at the moment. ^_^ So you might have your questions answered in a few chapters... if you don't, then it would be all my fault for not making it clear enough, and I apologize. ~_~;;

Ah! And about Ryouga's constant showing up at the Tendo's, well you too would've find time – even if working – to see the one you love, now wouldn't you? ^_~

NemesisZero – I appreciate your review and concern in helping me on my fanfic, but I really don't think it is necessary to attribute every spoken phrase to it's character. That way it would only make it too repetitional, and I believe it to be unnecessary. The lines and paragraphs used on my story may seem a little odd for you and other people, but it's just my regular way of writing – kind of a habit I've always had – and I use it because I didn't think it would be confusing or even tedious for someone to read. You see, in my way of thinking I decided to write this way to make it LESS tedious, hard, or confusing for the reader and even myself. Anyway, reading your review made me realize that I could be wrong about it, so I'll watch my writing closer next time. Thank you. ^_^

Animecartoons - and I'm glad you're reading my fic! I'll try to make longer chapters, ok? Thanks ^_^

Ranma+Akane4Ever - Yay! I'm so happy to hear that! Please tell me when you put it online so I can read it, ok? Oh, about the English errors... I know! No matter how much attention I pay in it, there are still some things that just pass through me! ~_~ Well, Akane's not gonna slaughter him... yet. Heheheeee, I feel soooo evil! [grins widely] Wait and see!

[well, or just wait if we're gonna depend on NatsuNoAme alone...] Hey! Just because I seem to have a writer block now and then doesn't mean I can't write a chapter on time!... I guess......... er, keep reading! ^_^;;;

Chinmoku - hey, you might think I'm being evil to Ranma [but you ARE! That's the whole fun in writing this fic!], but what you did to Okita-san and Seta-san is very mean too!!! = p keep writing!

Thanks one more time minna-san, and for the other readers [there ARE others, right?] review, please!!! ^_^

Until next chapter!