Duo awoke from his gentle sleep as the first rays of morning light splashed
across his face. He smiled at Nabiki as she lay beside him still sleeping.
Kasumi knocked quietly on the door before opening it, "Nabiki. Do you know where Duo is? He's not in his." Kasumi gasped as she saw Duo lying with Nabiki in her bed.
Duo made a shushing motion and pointed at Nabiki who was still asleep. When Kasumi nodded showing that she would talk quieter Duo drew back the covers and showed Kasumi that they were both still fully clothed.
Kasumi breathed a sigh of relief and motioned for Duo to come with her. Duo nodded and carefully climbed out of the bed so he wouldn't disturb Nabiki. He gathered his things and followed Kasumi down the hall, "Duo I want to thank you."
Duo looked a bit confused, "Thank me? What for?"
Kasumi smiled before continuing, "You may not know it but Nabiki has always felt a bit left out of everything. She always watched as everyone around her always seemed to have someone to care for them. Ranma and Akane," she blushed as she said the next few names, "Me and Dr. Tofu." She looked away a little and waited for the blush to pass, then continued, "She's never really had a loving relationship with anyone other then family until you came along." Kasumi gave Duo a quick hug, "You mean so much to her. And I'm glad she found someone like you."
Duo returned the hug, "Actually, I should be thanking you. If I hadn't found you when I did, Then I would still be out there fighting thugs and gang members for information on where to find Karasu. My life would still be driven by the need to seek vengeance for my biological father's death. And more then likely, I would have been killed." Duo looked back down the hall at Nabiki's room, "And I wouldn't have found love." He turned back, "No Kasumi you shouldn't be thanking me. I should be the one thanking you."
Duo gave his sister-in-law a hug then walked down the stairs to the backyard and began to practice with his new Tonfa's. Maybe he would ask Ranma to spare with him later.
The Fathers Return Chapter 5
Nabiki woke up around 8 o'clock and looked around. She didn't remember coming up to her room last night, Kasumi of Duo must have helped her upstairs, 'Duo' her mind was filled with memories of last night. She smiled and quickly got out of bed. After getting dressed she went in search of Duo.
She found him out back after a few minutes. He was training with his new Tonfa's. He had taken his shirt off giving her a wonderful view of his firm taunt muscles. For a few minutes she just stood there watching her fiancé as he went through his morning workout.
She gasped as she noticed his many faded scares on his upper torso. When he heard her gasp he put his Tanfa's down and quickly toweled off then sat next to her. She smiled at him and enveloped him in a firm hug, "Good morning my love." She said as she gave him a passionate kiss.
Duo smiled and returned the kiss, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Duo asked.
Nabiki looked at him, "Yes. How did you sleep?" Nabiki wasn't sure but she thought she could see the faintest of blushes on Duo's face, but it was quickly gone. Before he could answer Nabiki gasped and ran into the house and up the stairs.
She returned a few moments later with a medium sized box. Duo had a confused look on his face as she handed it to him, "With all the excitement last night I forgot to give this to you. Open it."
Duo smiled as he opened the box. He let out a small gasp as he saw what was inside. The box contained ten small Kuni throwing daggers. He took one out and gave it a quick inspection. They were perfectly balanced and the blade was razor sharp. The box also contained a bandoleer with ten vacant slots. Duo closed the box and set it aside. Then he took hold of Nabiki and pulled her into a tight loving embrace, "Thank you." He said.
Nabiki smiled, she hadn't seen him this happy since he returned from his training a few months ago. "Your welcome." She kissed him passionately then went inside to help Kasumi with breakfast and left Duo to continue his workout.
When she entered the kitchen Kasumi was just coming in from getting the mail. She began to sort it on the kitchen counter. There were various thank you letters from people who had attended the party, and a few other letters from relatives wishing them all a merry Christmas, and one post card.
She turned it over to see who it was from, and gasped when she saw that it was from her father. She quickly started reading the text. It read,
'Dear Girls, Mr. Saotome and I have finished with our training trip, and will be returning in just a few days. I hope to see you all soon, and hope that Ranma and Akane are getting along. I'm bringing someone I want you to meet. Please make them feel welcome. See you soon, Your Father.'
Kasumi's knees felt weak, and she had to kneel on the floor to keep from falling over.
"What is it Kasumi?" Nabiki asked in a concerned voice.
Kasumi looked up at her with tears in her eyes, "It's a card from father. He's coming home." Kasumi wiped away her tears and smiled, "He's finally coming home."
Nabiki was a bit startled by this information, they had all agreed that they would move on with there lives and forget about there father for the time being, they never expected him to be returning home so soon. After all it had only been three years. When Ranma had gone on a training trip with his father they didn't go home for nearly ten years. She wondered how he would react when he saw how Ranma and Akane were getting along.
Then she turned pail and had to sit down herself. What would her father say about Duo? He had been living with them for almost two years now, and was now Nabiki's Fiancé. Father had always said that for someone to become engaged to one of his daughters, they had to defeat him in combat. She looked out the door to where Duo was practicing in the yard. How would she tell him?
**********
The figure watched Duo training from the roof of a nearby building and smiled, 'So he has a woman now.' He got up and started hoping along the rooftops away from the Tendo home. 'My Master will be most pleased with this information.' He began to laugh an evil laugh as he ran off into the distance.
**********
Nabiki spent the rest of the day trying to find the best way to tell Duo about the post card. Kasumi had already told Ranma and Akane. After dinner she found Duo outside laying on his back looking up at the stars. She asked if he would like to go for a walk. He nodded and followed her out of the yard.
As a general rule around Nerima you don't go out after dark because of the gangs. But since Duo arrived most of the gang members had gone into hiding. Probably because Duo and Ranma went out almost every night and helped the local police keep the peace. They had several fights with some of the gangs, so it was somewhat safe to go outside now. Most of the gangs had been disbanded or gone into hiding. But some of the larger gangs were still seen hanging around every so often.
She looked over at Duo as they started to walk across one of Nerima's many bridges. The moon was full and its reflection glistened across the water running beneath them. It was a beautiful night, but Nabiki couldn't seem to get fid of the knot forming in her stomach as she tried to word what she was about to say.
They stopped at the center of the bridge, and Duo seemed to notice her unease, "Is something wrong Nabiki?" he asked his face full of concern as he looked in her eyes for an answer.
She gave him a reassuring smile, "Its nothing." She could see that he didn't believe her, but the look in his eyes said that he wouldn't pry.
"Actually," She said in a half worried tone, "there is something I wanted to talk with you about." She started to fidget slightly
Duo had learned sometime ago that Nabiki only started to fidget when she was extremely nervous. Something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what. "Nabiki." He said as he took hold of her chin and lifted her face to look into his eyes, "You know that you can tell me anything. But I won't pry."
She knew he was right, she could tell him anything. She took a deep breath and began, "Kasumi got a postcard today." She paused before continuing, "It was from our father. He's finished with his training trip and is on his way home." She looked away unable to meet his gaze, "He's never really liked the idea of any of us getting married unless it was his idea. He once said that for someone to marry one of his daughters that they would have to beat him in combat." She looked back at Duo with tears in her eyes, "He won't like that we're engaged." She turned away again as the tears began to flow down her face, "I just don't know what to do."
She felt his arms rap around her in a light yet loving embrace. He wiped away her tears, "It will be alright Nabiki."
She tried to relax but couldn't, "No it won't. Father will brake our engagement and throw you out and see to it that we don't see each other anymore." Her tears started to flow again, "What will we do? I don't want to lose you."
Duo smiled at her and gave her a light loving kiss, "Don't worry. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. And don't worry about your father. All he has to do is get to know me a little." He gently brushed away some of her tears, "You saw something good in me. So I'm sure that he will to."
His words didn't help much but they did help some. She nodded and didn't offer any resistance when he picked her up and started to carry her home. Her eyes closed as she rested in his arms. She felt safe with him, and she knew that he was right. He would find a way to work things out. She smiled as she drifted off into a gentle sleep.
**********
When they got home it was a little after 11 o'clock. Everyone was asleep so Duo walked quietly up the stairs to Nabiki's room. He gently set her down on the bed, and gently covered her with a light blanket. He smiled as he watched her laying peacefully in her bed. He took off his rod and sat on the floor against the wall opposite her bed. He set his rod next to his leg as he slowly drifted off into a light but comfortable sleep.
**********
Duo awoke with a start. His eyes were wide and already adjusted to the dark room. He was drenched with sweat and his right hand was clutched tightly around his rod. He felt odd, and there was something at the edge of his senses. And it was moving closer, but it was still some distance away yet.
He slowly pried his fingers off his rod and focused on the energy he was sensing. It took him a moment to recognize it, "Karasu." He said out loud. He heard something stir and remembered where he was. Nabiki's room. He quietly set his rod aside and forced himself to calm down. It was taking most of his focus to stay still. His father's killer was back, and getting closer and closer with every second.
Then he remembered the conversation with Kasumi when he first arrived in Nerima. He had promised her that he would stop hunting Karasu. It wouldn't be easy. His gaze fell upon Nabiki's sleeping form and he felt a sudden wave of peace flow over himself.
'Nabiki wouldn't want me getting this upset over such a thing.' He took a deep breath, 'I guess I'll just let him go now. Constantly searching for him would do me no good, and Nabiki would get hurt if I got into a fight with him.' He looked out the half open window, stood up and walked quietly over to it. He stood there for a moment just letting the night air beat across his face as a slight breeze flowed into the room. "Yes." He said in a whisper so as not to wake his beloved Nabiki, "Ketsueki Karasu. As of this night I will stop my hunt for you. You are cleared from my vengeance unless I see you on the street." With that the energy of Karasu disappeared from his senses, and try as he might Duo could not find it again.
He turned to look at Nabiki as she stirred in her bed once more. 'That wasn't for you Nabiki. It was for me. I needed to let go, just one more time.' He walked back to his place against the wall, and sat back down and drifted off to sleep. For the first time in his life Duo felt peace while he slept.
**********
Nabiki awoke just as the sun was starting to fill the room. She looked down at herself and was surprised to find that she had again slept in her cloths. She got up and started to change into a new outfit when she noticed that she wasn't alone. She covered herself with her bed sheets. She relaxed somewhat as she realized that the sleeping form was Duo. She quickly changed and decided that he must have put her in bed when they got home last night. She covered him with a light blanket when she noticed that he was shivering slightly.
Nabiki started to leave the room so Duo could get some sleep when she herd him stir. "Nabiki," he said as he opened his eyes, "Good morning."
Nabiki wasn't sure what to do. Duo had slept in her room. But he hadn't tried anything, so she decided that it was ok. She smiled and took his hand as he stood up and led her downstairs.
As they sat down at the table an arrow with a note attached flew threw the sliding door and imbedded itself into the table.
Duo took the note and read it,
'To the cowardly cur Duo Karr. I am now under the training of a new master. The next time we fight I don't think you'll find me such an easy opponent when we next fight. Sighed The Great Tatewaki Kuno, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High.'
Duo looked at the note with a somewhat startled look on his face, "Well looks like Kuno is starting to get serious." he set the note down and looked at the ceiling, "I guess I'll have to watch my back now. At least for a wile."
Nabiki looked at the note and looked at Duo with concern in her eyes. "Don't worry Nabiki." Kasumi said, startling her a little. "I'm sure Duo will be fine." Nabiki didn't look to sure of this, "Besides with father returning, that would mean that you know who will be back."
Nabiki's eyes went wide, "Oh no. Not him." Now it was Duo's turn to be confused. Nabiki turned to him. "The him I'm referring to is our fathers master. His name is Happosai. He's the one our father went off with on the training trip, along with Ranma's father."
Duo still wasn't quite sure why this would be a problem, but decided that it couldn't be that bad.
**********
The days passed quickly and soon it was time for Mr. Tendo and Mr. Saotome to return.
They all stayed home for the day so they could all be there for their fathers return. Kasumi was busy preparing one of her feasts, Ranma and Akane were both getting ready to pound there fathers into a bloody pulp for just up and leaving like that. Nabiki sat at the table feeling very nervous. Duo sat in the tree out back waiting patiently.
A knock came at the door and Kasumi rushed to answer it. Duo hopped down from the tree and walked inside and sat next to Nabiki. Kasumi returned a few moments later with two men and a beautiful woman.
They sat down and looked at Duo for a moment, "Uh.. Girls who is this?" asked one.
"Oh my where are my manners?" asked Kasumi, "Duo this is our father," she pointed to the one who had spoken. "And this is Ranma's father Mr. Saotome." She turned to the men, "Father, Mr. Saotome, this is Duo. He's been staying with us for a wile."
Mr. Tendo looked at Duo for a moment then turned to the woman with them, "Girls this is Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's Mother."
Everyone looked at Ranma as he just stared at her. He slowly stood up and walked over to her. "Mom?" he asked.
She smiled and stood up, "Its me Ranma. I'm back." Ranma had tears in his eyes as he gave his mother who he hadn't seen in over 12 years a hug.
Duo smiled as he stood and walked out to the yard and hopped back into the tree. He didn't want to leave Nabiki but he also didn't want to interrupt the reunion of a long separated family. He sighed as his thoughts became filled with the few memories he still had of his real mother and father. He closed his eyes as a tear rolled down his face.
**********
An hour or so passed and Duo woke up when he heard Nabiki calling to him. He hopped down and joined the others in the sitting room. Nabiki turned to her father, "Daddy. There's something I have to tell you."
He set down his tea and looked at her, "Yes Nabiki what is it?"
Nabiki made a slight gulping sound as she continued, "Duo has been living here for about two years and has become almost part of the family." She took a sip of her tea before continuing, "The other night he asked me to marry him, and I accepted." She gave Duo's hand a squeeze under the table.
There was a clang as Mr. Tendo dropped his tea, then fainted.
Kasumi knocked quietly on the door before opening it, "Nabiki. Do you know where Duo is? He's not in his." Kasumi gasped as she saw Duo lying with Nabiki in her bed.
Duo made a shushing motion and pointed at Nabiki who was still asleep. When Kasumi nodded showing that she would talk quieter Duo drew back the covers and showed Kasumi that they were both still fully clothed.
Kasumi breathed a sigh of relief and motioned for Duo to come with her. Duo nodded and carefully climbed out of the bed so he wouldn't disturb Nabiki. He gathered his things and followed Kasumi down the hall, "Duo I want to thank you."
Duo looked a bit confused, "Thank me? What for?"
Kasumi smiled before continuing, "You may not know it but Nabiki has always felt a bit left out of everything. She always watched as everyone around her always seemed to have someone to care for them. Ranma and Akane," she blushed as she said the next few names, "Me and Dr. Tofu." She looked away a little and waited for the blush to pass, then continued, "She's never really had a loving relationship with anyone other then family until you came along." Kasumi gave Duo a quick hug, "You mean so much to her. And I'm glad she found someone like you."
Duo returned the hug, "Actually, I should be thanking you. If I hadn't found you when I did, Then I would still be out there fighting thugs and gang members for information on where to find Karasu. My life would still be driven by the need to seek vengeance for my biological father's death. And more then likely, I would have been killed." Duo looked back down the hall at Nabiki's room, "And I wouldn't have found love." He turned back, "No Kasumi you shouldn't be thanking me. I should be the one thanking you."
Duo gave his sister-in-law a hug then walked down the stairs to the backyard and began to practice with his new Tonfa's. Maybe he would ask Ranma to spare with him later.
The Fathers Return Chapter 5
Nabiki woke up around 8 o'clock and looked around. She didn't remember coming up to her room last night, Kasumi of Duo must have helped her upstairs, 'Duo' her mind was filled with memories of last night. She smiled and quickly got out of bed. After getting dressed she went in search of Duo.
She found him out back after a few minutes. He was training with his new Tonfa's. He had taken his shirt off giving her a wonderful view of his firm taunt muscles. For a few minutes she just stood there watching her fiancé as he went through his morning workout.
She gasped as she noticed his many faded scares on his upper torso. When he heard her gasp he put his Tanfa's down and quickly toweled off then sat next to her. She smiled at him and enveloped him in a firm hug, "Good morning my love." She said as she gave him a passionate kiss.
Duo smiled and returned the kiss, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Duo asked.
Nabiki looked at him, "Yes. How did you sleep?" Nabiki wasn't sure but she thought she could see the faintest of blushes on Duo's face, but it was quickly gone. Before he could answer Nabiki gasped and ran into the house and up the stairs.
She returned a few moments later with a medium sized box. Duo had a confused look on his face as she handed it to him, "With all the excitement last night I forgot to give this to you. Open it."
Duo smiled as he opened the box. He let out a small gasp as he saw what was inside. The box contained ten small Kuni throwing daggers. He took one out and gave it a quick inspection. They were perfectly balanced and the blade was razor sharp. The box also contained a bandoleer with ten vacant slots. Duo closed the box and set it aside. Then he took hold of Nabiki and pulled her into a tight loving embrace, "Thank you." He said.
Nabiki smiled, she hadn't seen him this happy since he returned from his training a few months ago. "Your welcome." She kissed him passionately then went inside to help Kasumi with breakfast and left Duo to continue his workout.
When she entered the kitchen Kasumi was just coming in from getting the mail. She began to sort it on the kitchen counter. There were various thank you letters from people who had attended the party, and a few other letters from relatives wishing them all a merry Christmas, and one post card.
She turned it over to see who it was from, and gasped when she saw that it was from her father. She quickly started reading the text. It read,
'Dear Girls, Mr. Saotome and I have finished with our training trip, and will be returning in just a few days. I hope to see you all soon, and hope that Ranma and Akane are getting along. I'm bringing someone I want you to meet. Please make them feel welcome. See you soon, Your Father.'
Kasumi's knees felt weak, and she had to kneel on the floor to keep from falling over.
"What is it Kasumi?" Nabiki asked in a concerned voice.
Kasumi looked up at her with tears in her eyes, "It's a card from father. He's coming home." Kasumi wiped away her tears and smiled, "He's finally coming home."
Nabiki was a bit startled by this information, they had all agreed that they would move on with there lives and forget about there father for the time being, they never expected him to be returning home so soon. After all it had only been three years. When Ranma had gone on a training trip with his father they didn't go home for nearly ten years. She wondered how he would react when he saw how Ranma and Akane were getting along.
Then she turned pail and had to sit down herself. What would her father say about Duo? He had been living with them for almost two years now, and was now Nabiki's Fiancé. Father had always said that for someone to become engaged to one of his daughters, they had to defeat him in combat. She looked out the door to where Duo was practicing in the yard. How would she tell him?
**********
The figure watched Duo training from the roof of a nearby building and smiled, 'So he has a woman now.' He got up and started hoping along the rooftops away from the Tendo home. 'My Master will be most pleased with this information.' He began to laugh an evil laugh as he ran off into the distance.
**********
Nabiki spent the rest of the day trying to find the best way to tell Duo about the post card. Kasumi had already told Ranma and Akane. After dinner she found Duo outside laying on his back looking up at the stars. She asked if he would like to go for a walk. He nodded and followed her out of the yard.
As a general rule around Nerima you don't go out after dark because of the gangs. But since Duo arrived most of the gang members had gone into hiding. Probably because Duo and Ranma went out almost every night and helped the local police keep the peace. They had several fights with some of the gangs, so it was somewhat safe to go outside now. Most of the gangs had been disbanded or gone into hiding. But some of the larger gangs were still seen hanging around every so often.
She looked over at Duo as they started to walk across one of Nerima's many bridges. The moon was full and its reflection glistened across the water running beneath them. It was a beautiful night, but Nabiki couldn't seem to get fid of the knot forming in her stomach as she tried to word what she was about to say.
They stopped at the center of the bridge, and Duo seemed to notice her unease, "Is something wrong Nabiki?" he asked his face full of concern as he looked in her eyes for an answer.
She gave him a reassuring smile, "Its nothing." She could see that he didn't believe her, but the look in his eyes said that he wouldn't pry.
"Actually," She said in a half worried tone, "there is something I wanted to talk with you about." She started to fidget slightly
Duo had learned sometime ago that Nabiki only started to fidget when she was extremely nervous. Something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what. "Nabiki." He said as he took hold of her chin and lifted her face to look into his eyes, "You know that you can tell me anything. But I won't pry."
She knew he was right, she could tell him anything. She took a deep breath and began, "Kasumi got a postcard today." She paused before continuing, "It was from our father. He's finished with his training trip and is on his way home." She looked away unable to meet his gaze, "He's never really liked the idea of any of us getting married unless it was his idea. He once said that for someone to marry one of his daughters that they would have to beat him in combat." She looked back at Duo with tears in her eyes, "He won't like that we're engaged." She turned away again as the tears began to flow down her face, "I just don't know what to do."
She felt his arms rap around her in a light yet loving embrace. He wiped away her tears, "It will be alright Nabiki."
She tried to relax but couldn't, "No it won't. Father will brake our engagement and throw you out and see to it that we don't see each other anymore." Her tears started to flow again, "What will we do? I don't want to lose you."
Duo smiled at her and gave her a light loving kiss, "Don't worry. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. And don't worry about your father. All he has to do is get to know me a little." He gently brushed away some of her tears, "You saw something good in me. So I'm sure that he will to."
His words didn't help much but they did help some. She nodded and didn't offer any resistance when he picked her up and started to carry her home. Her eyes closed as she rested in his arms. She felt safe with him, and she knew that he was right. He would find a way to work things out. She smiled as she drifted off into a gentle sleep.
**********
When they got home it was a little after 11 o'clock. Everyone was asleep so Duo walked quietly up the stairs to Nabiki's room. He gently set her down on the bed, and gently covered her with a light blanket. He smiled as he watched her laying peacefully in her bed. He took off his rod and sat on the floor against the wall opposite her bed. He set his rod next to his leg as he slowly drifted off into a light but comfortable sleep.
**********
Duo awoke with a start. His eyes were wide and already adjusted to the dark room. He was drenched with sweat and his right hand was clutched tightly around his rod. He felt odd, and there was something at the edge of his senses. And it was moving closer, but it was still some distance away yet.
He slowly pried his fingers off his rod and focused on the energy he was sensing. It took him a moment to recognize it, "Karasu." He said out loud. He heard something stir and remembered where he was. Nabiki's room. He quietly set his rod aside and forced himself to calm down. It was taking most of his focus to stay still. His father's killer was back, and getting closer and closer with every second.
Then he remembered the conversation with Kasumi when he first arrived in Nerima. He had promised her that he would stop hunting Karasu. It wouldn't be easy. His gaze fell upon Nabiki's sleeping form and he felt a sudden wave of peace flow over himself.
'Nabiki wouldn't want me getting this upset over such a thing.' He took a deep breath, 'I guess I'll just let him go now. Constantly searching for him would do me no good, and Nabiki would get hurt if I got into a fight with him.' He looked out the half open window, stood up and walked quietly over to it. He stood there for a moment just letting the night air beat across his face as a slight breeze flowed into the room. "Yes." He said in a whisper so as not to wake his beloved Nabiki, "Ketsueki Karasu. As of this night I will stop my hunt for you. You are cleared from my vengeance unless I see you on the street." With that the energy of Karasu disappeared from his senses, and try as he might Duo could not find it again.
He turned to look at Nabiki as she stirred in her bed once more. 'That wasn't for you Nabiki. It was for me. I needed to let go, just one more time.' He walked back to his place against the wall, and sat back down and drifted off to sleep. For the first time in his life Duo felt peace while he slept.
**********
Nabiki awoke just as the sun was starting to fill the room. She looked down at herself and was surprised to find that she had again slept in her cloths. She got up and started to change into a new outfit when she noticed that she wasn't alone. She covered herself with her bed sheets. She relaxed somewhat as she realized that the sleeping form was Duo. She quickly changed and decided that he must have put her in bed when they got home last night. She covered him with a light blanket when she noticed that he was shivering slightly.
Nabiki started to leave the room so Duo could get some sleep when she herd him stir. "Nabiki," he said as he opened his eyes, "Good morning."
Nabiki wasn't sure what to do. Duo had slept in her room. But he hadn't tried anything, so she decided that it was ok. She smiled and took his hand as he stood up and led her downstairs.
As they sat down at the table an arrow with a note attached flew threw the sliding door and imbedded itself into the table.
Duo took the note and read it,
'To the cowardly cur Duo Karr. I am now under the training of a new master. The next time we fight I don't think you'll find me such an easy opponent when we next fight. Sighed The Great Tatewaki Kuno, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High.'
Duo looked at the note with a somewhat startled look on his face, "Well looks like Kuno is starting to get serious." he set the note down and looked at the ceiling, "I guess I'll have to watch my back now. At least for a wile."
Nabiki looked at the note and looked at Duo with concern in her eyes. "Don't worry Nabiki." Kasumi said, startling her a little. "I'm sure Duo will be fine." Nabiki didn't look to sure of this, "Besides with father returning, that would mean that you know who will be back."
Nabiki's eyes went wide, "Oh no. Not him." Now it was Duo's turn to be confused. Nabiki turned to him. "The him I'm referring to is our fathers master. His name is Happosai. He's the one our father went off with on the training trip, along with Ranma's father."
Duo still wasn't quite sure why this would be a problem, but decided that it couldn't be that bad.
**********
The days passed quickly and soon it was time for Mr. Tendo and Mr. Saotome to return.
They all stayed home for the day so they could all be there for their fathers return. Kasumi was busy preparing one of her feasts, Ranma and Akane were both getting ready to pound there fathers into a bloody pulp for just up and leaving like that. Nabiki sat at the table feeling very nervous. Duo sat in the tree out back waiting patiently.
A knock came at the door and Kasumi rushed to answer it. Duo hopped down from the tree and walked inside and sat next to Nabiki. Kasumi returned a few moments later with two men and a beautiful woman.
They sat down and looked at Duo for a moment, "Uh.. Girls who is this?" asked one.
"Oh my where are my manners?" asked Kasumi, "Duo this is our father," she pointed to the one who had spoken. "And this is Ranma's father Mr. Saotome." She turned to the men, "Father, Mr. Saotome, this is Duo. He's been staying with us for a wile."
Mr. Tendo looked at Duo for a moment then turned to the woman with them, "Girls this is Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's Mother."
Everyone looked at Ranma as he just stared at her. He slowly stood up and walked over to her. "Mom?" he asked.
She smiled and stood up, "Its me Ranma. I'm back." Ranma had tears in his eyes as he gave his mother who he hadn't seen in over 12 years a hug.
Duo smiled as he stood and walked out to the yard and hopped back into the tree. He didn't want to leave Nabiki but he also didn't want to interrupt the reunion of a long separated family. He sighed as his thoughts became filled with the few memories he still had of his real mother and father. He closed his eyes as a tear rolled down his face.
**********
An hour or so passed and Duo woke up when he heard Nabiki calling to him. He hopped down and joined the others in the sitting room. Nabiki turned to her father, "Daddy. There's something I have to tell you."
He set down his tea and looked at her, "Yes Nabiki what is it?"
Nabiki made a slight gulping sound as she continued, "Duo has been living here for about two years and has become almost part of the family." She took a sip of her tea before continuing, "The other night he asked me to marry him, and I accepted." She gave Duo's hand a squeeze under the table.
There was a clang as Mr. Tendo dropped his tea, then fainted.