Chapter Six
-Splash-
"Rah raga raga..." 'Why hello Akane' read the sign that was held by Genma/panda
"Where's Ranma?" Akane
'I don't know' read the sign. Genma
"Ok. Sorry about that. Anyway breakfast is ready." Akane
Akane went down stairs and found that Ranma was already eating and so was Nabiki and her father.
"You're up early." Akane said to Ranma
"I had to get up earlier if I wanted to eat at the temple so I got use to it." Ranma
"Oh. So you were a free loader there to were you?" Akane
"I earned my keep by teaching. Just like I plan to do here." Ranma countered
Akane was silent at this remark. How could she insult Ranma when he was bring students here.
"Well I'm done. I'll see the two of you at school." Ranma said and got of and left
Nabiki waited for Akane to finish so that they could walk to school together. But only if Akane hurried it.
Akane and Nabiki were walking to school when Nabiki asked Akane "do you love him?"
"What?" Akane
"Don't looked so shocked. I know that you like him. I know that you like him a lot but I want to know if you love him." Nabiki
"Its none of your business. Besides even if I did tell you, you would just sell the information." Akane
Nabiki gave a mock hurt expression.
"Akane I want to know so that there wont be complications." Nabiki
"What could make things more complicated. Ranma has so many girls after him that it wouldn't make a difference." Akane
"Well actually he has reduced the number and simplified things rather well but things never remain simple when it has to do with Ranma." Nabiki
"What do you mean. Things aren't simpler than they were." Akane
"Maybe for you. But for Ranma he has reduced it quite a bit. First he got Ryoga to quit fighting him. He took control of his life away from his father and then he got Mousse to quit fighting him and fight shampoo instead. Since Mousse did fight shampoo and win that means that shampoo and Mousse will get married which means that they went back to china along with cologne. he broke the engagement with Ukyo but managed to fix there friendship when she was mad at him actually I fixed that part but Akane doesn't need to know that and he has also made sure that most of the others wont come after him but the ones that he still has to deal with is You, Kuno, Kodachi, maybe Ukyo but not like he use to, his mother, Happosai, and Me." Nabiki
"You? Why you?" Akane
"Well if you tell me that you love him and convince me that you do and that you aren't just saying it then I will tell no one or let anyone know in anyway. It will remain a secret until you decided to tell him but if you don't. If you don't then I am going to quit playing such a minor role in his life and give you a run for your money. Its you he likes the most but after last night he isn't convinced that you even like him. Before your little exchange in the hall you had him but after that you lost him. Now if you want him your going to have to work at it. If you love him I wont interfere which will reduce the complexity he has to deal with but if you don't then things will get interesting." Nabiki
"Nabiki, I don't know." Akane
"What do you mean you don't know? You've had the longest to decided whether you do or not. You've seen his good sides and his bad sides he does everything for you. So if you don't know then I guess I was wrong about you." Nabiki
"Well do you?" Akane
"I don't know yet." Nabiki
"See. Not so easy is it. You've had just as long to decide but you still haven't decided so don't lecture me." Akane
"Well I never even gave it any thought since we did choose you for him and then everyone just assumed that it was going to be you and Ranma. But when he left he asked all of us and we all turned him down. After that night I started thinking what would have happened if I had been chosen. And thinking about it Ranma is a great guy. I've only been thinking about it for about two months now. And you've had much longer. Besides I haven't had to give it serious thought yet because Ranma hasn't really thought of me as a possibility yet. He may start to after last night but if you love him then I will explain to him that I'm not interested." Nabiki
"But you deserve as much of a chance as I do." Akane
"Akane I don't even know if I want him. I am attracted to him yes but I still don't know. If you leave this at I don't know I'm not going to hold back anymore." Nabiki
"You're giving me an ultimatum?" Akane
"Yes. Tell me now or we become rivals." Nabiki
Nabiki and Akane both stopped and stared at each other.
"Fine if you want that JERK. You can have him." Akane said and walked away
damnit Akane if you had just said yes none of what's going to happen, would. Well, sis, you missed your chance. Nabiki
When Akane got to class she notice Ranma sitting at his desk reading.
what? Ranma's reading? He never reads. I wonder what he is reading. Akane
Akane sat down in her seat which was over one and up a few from Ranma's. Ukyo came in and walked past Akane to sit next to Ranma. This was strange because Ukyo had been sitting in the front of the room as far from Ranma as possible but now she was sitting next to him.
"Hey Ukyo." Ranma
"Ranma you'll never believe it." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"You know that money you gave me?" Ukyo
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well I decided to add to my restaurant." Ukyo
"But there isn't anywhere to add to it right there." Ranma
"I bought the cat cafe." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"Cologne sold it to me cheap she didn't think I had the money to buy it from her at that price but I did. She was really only telling me it was that price because I was a friend but then she had to sell it to me. Oh Ranma I am so happy. If she hadn't been trying to sell it and if I hadn't had the money I would never be able to afford a place that big. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Ukyo said and hugged Ranma
"Uhh...your welcome." Ranma said
Akane didn't miss the exchange. THAT JERK. HE ISN'T EVEN ENGAGED TO HER ANYMORE. HE'S ENGAGED TO EITHER ME OR NABIKI. Me or Nabiki. What if he chooses her over Me. Akane
"So will you help me move and get set up?" Ukyo
"Well I have to teach classes right after school but after that I would be glad to help." Ranma
The first classes went fast and at lunch Ranma eat with Ukyo. Who still didn't like to charge Ranma but he insisted that he pay her. Akane sat with her friends as usual. She wasn't really paying attention to the conversation until the words "look its Nabiki. And she's headed over to Ranma. I wonder what's going on. " Caught her attention and she turned to watch what was going to happen.
"Ranma." Nabiki
"Nabiki? What do you want?" Ranma
"Well I wanted to talk to you." Nabiki
"Oh. Ok." Ranma
Nabiki sat down next to Ranma
Akane missed the next exchange between Nabiki and Ranma because she heard "wow. Nabiki sat down with Ranma. Looks like the rumors are true. Nabiki really is interested in Ranma. I wouldn't have believed it otherwise." Akane then continued listening to Nabiki's and Ranma's conversation.
"So Ranma did you want to do something tonight after your classes." Nabiki
Ranma was silent for a moment but then responded "I would but tonight I am helping Ukyo move from her old place to her new place." Ranma
"New place? I haven't heard about this yet." Nabiki
"Well since Ranma gave me that money I decided to upgrade to a bigger place and I saw a for sale sign at the cat cafe." Ukyo
"Yeah I know the cat cafe was for sale. After Ranma got Mousse to fight shampoo they went back to china." Nabiki
"Yeah exactly and because of that cologne wanted to get back to china so when I asked how much she was selling it for she gave me a price. And the first price I couldn't afford and when she saw my expression she said but for a friend of shampoo's she would lower the price. So she did and I don't think she expected me to be able to afford it since she looked surprised when I told her I would buy it. I had to use the equity for my restaurant and what Ranma gave me to pay for it but I was able to. It was such a good deal." Ukyo
"Wow. That really is good. The cat cafe is quite a bit larger than your place or I mean your old place. If you need more help to move I can call in some favors and we can have you moved within an hour." Nabiki
"Really?...how much?" Ukyo
"Free of charge." Nabiki
"I'm sure. What do you get out of this?" Ukyo
"Ranma tonight." Nabiki
"What?" Ukyo
"What if Ukyo wanted me to just hang out with her. And me helping her move was just an excuse." Ranma
"Well it was but I would like the help. Ranma what if we did something some other time." Ukyo
"Well if that's ok with you." Ranma
"Yeah I could really use the help moving." Ukyo
"Great. I'll see you later Ranma." Nabiki said and got up to go call in her favors
Akane watched Nabiki walk off and Ranma and Ukyo go back to talking. When she said she wasn't going to hold back she meant It. Akane
After the school day was over Ranma and Akane walked back home together. Akane was ignoring Ranma and Ranma was up on the fence watching Akane. When they reached the Tendo household Ranma went strait for the dojo. Akane followed to see just how many students would be there and how good Ranma was. Akane knew Ranma was good she just wanted to see if he could teach. Ranma sat down and started doing his homework.
"What are you doing?" Akane
"My homework." Ranma
"You never do homework." Akane
"Yes I do and besides my grades have been improving. I want to get as much of it done as possible before class." Ranma
"So it wont interfere with your date with Nabiki." Akane
"to be honest I don't have a clue what Nabiki wants but she sounded like she really wanted it to be tonight whatever it is so I thought that I should have as much of my homework done since it sounds like it is rather important to her." Ranma
"So you do care about what Nabiki wants instead of me don't you." Akane
Said was getting ready to leave when Ranma called out.
"Akane, wait! Its not that I don't care what you want its just that I don't know what you want. I know you want to be a better martial artist but you don't want to be taught. I also know that you want to be a better cook so I got you this. I was afraid that if I gave it to you that you would be insulted or something but since you want to learn to cook better you have to have something to learn from. Here." Ranma said pulling out a book and handing it to Akane
"Its a cook book. Its for beginners. Ranma what are you saying about my cooking?" Akane
"Nothing its just that you want to learn to cook and you have to start small first before you can move on to the big things." Ranma
"But I want to make the better foods." Akane
"Hmm. Akane how many bricks can you brake?" Ranma
"What? Eight why?" Akane
"How many do you want to break?" Ranma
"Twelve why?" Akane
"Would you stack up 12 bricks and just try to brake them until you could finally do 12?" Ranma
"NO. I would start with 9 and work on that first and then move on to 10 when I could brake 9." Akane said and as she said that she realized what Ranma was talking about.
"See my point? Start with that and when you can do those you can move on to others." Ranma
"Thank you Ranma." Akane said and watched Ranma go back to his studying.
Akane left and went to the kitchen. She opened it to the first page. How to boil water. "I know how to do that one." She then looked at the next one. How to cook an egg. Akane set to work following the directions as carefully as possible.
Akane left the kitchen caring a plate with a cooked egg on it. Nabiki saw this and got worried but she didn't want to make a big deal of it because she knew that Ranma would refuse to eat it. Akane continued to the dojo and she saw several people arriving and being shown the way to the dojo by Kasumi. Akane went inside and approached Ranma.
"Ranma I cooked something from that book you got me." Akane
Ranma looked very nervous. "Did you follow the procedure exactly and not make any changes or anything?" Ranma
"Yes Ranma I did. Now are you going to try it or not?" Akane
"I'm going to but only because you followed the instructions and didn't change it." Ranma said and tried a bite of the egg that Akane had made. "Its pretty good. I personally like it a little less cooked but as long as you follow the instructions its good." Ranma
"But how do you know I over cooked it?" Akane
"Because of the taste." Ranma
"So you are saying its bad." Akane
"No. I said it was good. But everyone has there own preferences. If you try it you may like it just the way it is but I just prefer my eggs not quite this done." Ranma
"So you like it?" Akane
"Yes." Ranma
There was a silence between the two. After a moment Ranma said "Akane I need to start class so why don't you move to the side or take a place on the mat." Ranma
"Are you saying that I need to take classes. And from you." Akane was sorry that she said that as soon as she said it. Not only would it make Ranma mad but it would make him look bad in front of his students.
"You don't need to since you 're a decent martial artist but you can always improve and I can teach you but if you don't want to learn from me then you can just leave." Ranma
Akane was shocked that Ranma had said that to her. She just couldn't believe that he would talk to her like that. Akane was getting angry. Before she could stop herself she swung at Ranma and she expected to hit him but Ranma did what he had been doing recently, he had been dodging her attacks. When she swung at him he grabbed her and gave her a light push that sent her to the door of the dojo. When she saw where she had been pushed she just continued in that direction when the momentum that Ranma gave her ran out. Ranma watched Akane continue out the door. He wanted to go after her but what he did had to be done.
Akane went to her room and started to cry but it wasn't long before she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in." Akane
Akane was shocked at who entered because it was Ranma. He was the last person she had expected.
"Ranma what are you doing here? You still have class to teach." Akane
"I'm having one of my better students run the rest of them through the warm ups. I needed to come check on you." Ranma
"You were worried about me?" Akane
"Of course. Do you think I wanted to do that. I had to do that so that the students wouldn't think there teacher couldn't defend himself." Ranma
"I know. I shouldn't have done that. Even if no one else was around." Akane
"So your ok?" Ranma
"Yes." Akane
"Good." Ranma turned and started to leave when Akane called to him.
"Ranma! I'm sorry." Akane
"I know. So am I." Ranma said and then continued back on his way to the dojo.
"I'm impressed. I didn't think he would come up here." Nabiki
"Why do you care. If Ranma and I don't get along then you and him have a better chance." Akane
"Akane. You may think of it that way but I don't. If he is happier with you than with me then fine. I'll find someone else. If he's happier with you than with me then I wouldn't want him because he would always wonder what could have been. But as long as you and Ranma aren't sure then I am going to try. Its that easy. And if you don't feel the same way then you are being just like shampoo, Ukyo, and Kodachi." Nabiki
"Nabiki that was low." Akane
"Get over it." Nabiki
Nabiki left the room and Akane was alone in the room.
Would I be okay if Ranma was truly happier with someone else? Akane
Akane went down to the dojo and stood outside the door watching Ranma teach the class. He was actually a good teacher. When he was finished the class dispersed and left the dojo. When all the students where gone Akane was going to go in when she say Nabiki walk up to Ranma.
"That was great Ranma. I'm impressed. I didn't think you were going to be that good at teaching but I'm wrong. That is one bet I don't mind losing." Nabiki
"Who'd you bet against?" Ranma
"Myself." Nabiki
"Ok" Ranma "well I'm ready."
"No you're not. You need to go shower and change into something a little nicer." Nabiki
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Ranma
"If you don't wear something nicer then we aren't even going to get in." Nabiki
"Oh. Ok. I'll go get ready then." Ranma said heading toward the house.
Akane hid out of sight and then Nabiki headed towards the house. When both Ranma and Nabiki where out of sight Akane came out of hiding and went to her room.
When Ranma finished his bath he got dressed and walked down the hall to Nabiki's room. Ranma knocked on the door and when Nabiki didn't answer he went downstairs to see if she was there.
"You ready Ranma?" Nabiki
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well lets go." Nabiki said
"Ok." Ranma
Ranma and Nabiki walked out of the dojo and down the street.
"Nabiki?" Ranma
"Yes?:" Nabiki
"Where are we going?" Ranma
"We're going to a rather upscale restaurant and they are having an all you can eat buffet tonight so I thought that you would like that." Nabiki
"Nabiki. I don't know if I can afford it. I gave most of my money to you and to Ukyo." Ranma
"Well I have a large amount of money that I didn't expect to get so I am feeling generous." Nabiki
"So is that the only reason that we are going out. Because I gave you a lot of money that you didn't expect." Ranma
Nabiki sincerely looked hurt by that.
"I shouldn't have said that." Ranma
"Its ok. Ranma I deserve that. I've never done anything to make you believe otherwise." Nabiki
"But I still shouldn't have said it." Ranma
"Ranma. How do you feel about Akane." Nabiki
"I don't think we should talk about that." Ranma
"Well I do. I need to know." Nabiki said her eyes pleading with Ranma.
Ranma couldn't refuse. Why do all girls have to have that ability over Me. -sigh- "Nabiki I'm not going to lie to you. I like her a lot. I use to think it was more but I could never be sure. I'm still not sure. I'm beginning to think that it will never be more than what it is. Before I left if she had said that she loved me I would have said the same and up till a few days ago I probably still would have." Ranma
"But not now?" Nabiki
"No." Ranma
"Why." Nabiki
"Because I'm not so sure I would believe her anymore." Ranma
"Why would you doubt her?" Nabiki
"Hey you asked." Ranma
"I know. Now I want to know why." Nabiki
"Maybe because I'm not so sure on the way I would respond that I want her to be just as indecisive." Ranma
"May I ask how many people your down to for who you would be interested in?" Nabiki
"Three. It use to be two." Ranma
"What? I thought you said that you would have said yes to Akane. Your just as bad as Kuno." Nabiki
"Nabiki. Since I have know her Akane has been top on my list. And until recently Ukyo was the only other possibility. She wasn't anywhere close to Akane but if Akane had gone with someone else I probably would be with Ukyo. Don't ever tell Ukyo this." Ranma
"You said until recently Ukyo was the only other one. Who is the new girl." Nabiki
Ranma looked shocked "why you of course."
It was Nabiki's turn to look shocked. "I didn't think I would be on your list. So where do I fit compared to Akane and Ukyo?" Nabiki
"Nabiki this isn't fair." Ranma
"I need to know." Nabiki
I wonder if this is how she gets Kuno to do whatever she wants. Ahhhhhhhh. I just compared myself to Kuno. Ranma "right now Akane is still first but she is losing ground. I use to think of Ukyo as only a friend and that the married was forced like with shampoo. I never did like shampoo in that way. I thought of Ukyo as a friend for so long that it is hard not to. Before I always forced myself to look at Ukyo as my best friend because I didn't want to be forced into marriage. I thought that after I broke the engagement that she would never want to see me again. But even now that it isn't forced I am stating to view Ukyo differently. She is gaining ground but Akane is still first. And you Nabiki. You didn't even place before but when you asked me back I started thinking of you differently also. I am seeing a different side of you. And I like it. You are gaining ground also. You are gaining quicker than Ukyo but Ukyo is still second. You are a quickly approaching third. I have to tell you that I am still very skeptical of this, like you might be doing some elaborate trick against me. And if it turns out that it is then you will no longer have a chance." Ranma "uhh...I mean...oh shit. I shouldn't have said that."
"That's alright. I deserve that. And now I know. Before I didn't think I had that much of a chance but now I know that I do. I'm a little upset that you think that this might be a trick since I am opening up to you but I was expecting it. And if you had said otherwise I probably would have thought that you were lying to me. So I guess you could say that we are even. I am happy to know that I am gaining position in your heart." Nabiki said all this and couldn't help but blush.
Ranma and Nabiki walked the rest of the way to the restaurant. When they got there the host walked up to Nabiki and said "this way Ms Tendo. I'll show you to your usual table."
"You have a usual table?" Ranma
"You sound surprised." Nabiki
"Well yeah." Ranma
Nabiki couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you come here that often?" Ranma
"Not really. But normally when I go to places like this they remember me." Nabiki
"Here you are." The host said and allowed Ranma to seat Nabiki and then Ranma sat himself
"Would you like to see a menu Ms. Tendo?" Host
"No thank you. I would like my usual and my date will have the all you can eat platter." Nabiki
"Good choice. And what would you like to drink." Host
"Tea please." Ranma
"A glass of the house wine." Nabiki
"Very well." The host said and then walked off
"The house wine. You're not suppose to drink." Ranma
"With the amount of business that I bring here they don't care." Nabiki
"But its wrong for someone as young as you to drink." Ranma
"Oh your no fun. Its not going to hurt anyone." Nabiki
Ranma wanted to protest but he didn't know what he was doing at a place like this. is this the way that Nabiki really is. Is the Nabiki that we see at the house a false front or is what I see here the false Nabiki or have I seen the real Nabiki yet? Ranma
The host brought out the drinks for Ranma and Nabiki. Later the host brought them dinner. Ranma and Nabiki made small talk through dinner and then left.
"So did you like it?" Nabiki
"It was good. I don't think that it is worth the prices but it was good." Ranma
"I agree with you there. Don't expect to go there often." Nabiki
"Don't worry about that. So...do you have anything else planned or do you just want to head back home now?" Ranma
"How would you like to take a walk in the park." Nabiki
"Anything you want to do." Ranma
"Anything I want to do?" Nabiki said in a conniving voice
"Uhh...yeah sure." Ranma said in a nervous tone
Nabiki couldn't resist the opportunity. She wrapped her arms around Ranma's neck and pulled him into a kiss. Ranma tensed at first but when Nabiki didn't release Ranma relaxed and put his arms around Nabiki. They continued to stand there and kiss but nothing ever lasts. Ranma was splashed with water. Both Ranma and Nabiki felt the change in Ranma. Nabiki pulled back with a smile on her face.
"I always wondered what it would be like to kiss another girl." Nabiki
Ranma just had a irritated expression. But was surprise when Nabiki poured some warm water on him.
"Even though I like your girl form, I like your boy form more." Nabiki
"Ah yeah." Ranma
"So are you sure you want to stick with your statement of anything I want?" Nabiki
"Well its to late for me to take it back." Ranma
"Really?" Nabiki said with a gleam in her eye.
"Uhhh..." Ranma
-Splash-
"Rah raga raga..." 'Why hello Akane' read the sign that was held by Genma/panda
"Where's Ranma?" Akane
'I don't know' read the sign. Genma
"Ok. Sorry about that. Anyway breakfast is ready." Akane
Akane went down stairs and found that Ranma was already eating and so was Nabiki and her father.
"You're up early." Akane said to Ranma
"I had to get up earlier if I wanted to eat at the temple so I got use to it." Ranma
"Oh. So you were a free loader there to were you?" Akane
"I earned my keep by teaching. Just like I plan to do here." Ranma countered
Akane was silent at this remark. How could she insult Ranma when he was bring students here.
"Well I'm done. I'll see the two of you at school." Ranma said and got of and left
Nabiki waited for Akane to finish so that they could walk to school together. But only if Akane hurried it.
Akane and Nabiki were walking to school when Nabiki asked Akane "do you love him?"
"What?" Akane
"Don't looked so shocked. I know that you like him. I know that you like him a lot but I want to know if you love him." Nabiki
"Its none of your business. Besides even if I did tell you, you would just sell the information." Akane
Nabiki gave a mock hurt expression.
"Akane I want to know so that there wont be complications." Nabiki
"What could make things more complicated. Ranma has so many girls after him that it wouldn't make a difference." Akane
"Well actually he has reduced the number and simplified things rather well but things never remain simple when it has to do with Ranma." Nabiki
"What do you mean. Things aren't simpler than they were." Akane
"Maybe for you. But for Ranma he has reduced it quite a bit. First he got Ryoga to quit fighting him. He took control of his life away from his father and then he got Mousse to quit fighting him and fight shampoo instead. Since Mousse did fight shampoo and win that means that shampoo and Mousse will get married which means that they went back to china along with cologne. he broke the engagement with Ukyo but managed to fix there friendship when she was mad at him actually I fixed that part but Akane doesn't need to know that and he has also made sure that most of the others wont come after him but the ones that he still has to deal with is You, Kuno, Kodachi, maybe Ukyo but not like he use to, his mother, Happosai, and Me." Nabiki
"You? Why you?" Akane
"Well if you tell me that you love him and convince me that you do and that you aren't just saying it then I will tell no one or let anyone know in anyway. It will remain a secret until you decided to tell him but if you don't. If you don't then I am going to quit playing such a minor role in his life and give you a run for your money. Its you he likes the most but after last night he isn't convinced that you even like him. Before your little exchange in the hall you had him but after that you lost him. Now if you want him your going to have to work at it. If you love him I wont interfere which will reduce the complexity he has to deal with but if you don't then things will get interesting." Nabiki
"Nabiki, I don't know." Akane
"What do you mean you don't know? You've had the longest to decided whether you do or not. You've seen his good sides and his bad sides he does everything for you. So if you don't know then I guess I was wrong about you." Nabiki
"Well do you?" Akane
"I don't know yet." Nabiki
"See. Not so easy is it. You've had just as long to decide but you still haven't decided so don't lecture me." Akane
"Well I never even gave it any thought since we did choose you for him and then everyone just assumed that it was going to be you and Ranma. But when he left he asked all of us and we all turned him down. After that night I started thinking what would have happened if I had been chosen. And thinking about it Ranma is a great guy. I've only been thinking about it for about two months now. And you've had much longer. Besides I haven't had to give it serious thought yet because Ranma hasn't really thought of me as a possibility yet. He may start to after last night but if you love him then I will explain to him that I'm not interested." Nabiki
"But you deserve as much of a chance as I do." Akane
"Akane I don't even know if I want him. I am attracted to him yes but I still don't know. If you leave this at I don't know I'm not going to hold back anymore." Nabiki
"You're giving me an ultimatum?" Akane
"Yes. Tell me now or we become rivals." Nabiki
Nabiki and Akane both stopped and stared at each other.
"Fine if you want that JERK. You can have him." Akane said and walked away
damnit Akane if you had just said yes none of what's going to happen, would. Well, sis, you missed your chance. Nabiki
When Akane got to class she notice Ranma sitting at his desk reading.
what? Ranma's reading? He never reads. I wonder what he is reading. Akane
Akane sat down in her seat which was over one and up a few from Ranma's. Ukyo came in and walked past Akane to sit next to Ranma. This was strange because Ukyo had been sitting in the front of the room as far from Ranma as possible but now she was sitting next to him.
"Hey Ukyo." Ranma
"Ranma you'll never believe it." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"You know that money you gave me?" Ukyo
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well I decided to add to my restaurant." Ukyo
"But there isn't anywhere to add to it right there." Ranma
"I bought the cat cafe." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"Cologne sold it to me cheap she didn't think I had the money to buy it from her at that price but I did. She was really only telling me it was that price because I was a friend but then she had to sell it to me. Oh Ranma I am so happy. If she hadn't been trying to sell it and if I hadn't had the money I would never be able to afford a place that big. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Ukyo said and hugged Ranma
"Uhh...your welcome." Ranma said
Akane didn't miss the exchange. THAT JERK. HE ISN'T EVEN ENGAGED TO HER ANYMORE. HE'S ENGAGED TO EITHER ME OR NABIKI. Me or Nabiki. What if he chooses her over Me. Akane
"So will you help me move and get set up?" Ukyo
"Well I have to teach classes right after school but after that I would be glad to help." Ranma
The first classes went fast and at lunch Ranma eat with Ukyo. Who still didn't like to charge Ranma but he insisted that he pay her. Akane sat with her friends as usual. She wasn't really paying attention to the conversation until the words "look its Nabiki. And she's headed over to Ranma. I wonder what's going on. " Caught her attention and she turned to watch what was going to happen.
"Ranma." Nabiki
"Nabiki? What do you want?" Ranma
"Well I wanted to talk to you." Nabiki
"Oh. Ok." Ranma
Nabiki sat down next to Ranma
Akane missed the next exchange between Nabiki and Ranma because she heard "wow. Nabiki sat down with Ranma. Looks like the rumors are true. Nabiki really is interested in Ranma. I wouldn't have believed it otherwise." Akane then continued listening to Nabiki's and Ranma's conversation.
"So Ranma did you want to do something tonight after your classes." Nabiki
Ranma was silent for a moment but then responded "I would but tonight I am helping Ukyo move from her old place to her new place." Ranma
"New place? I haven't heard about this yet." Nabiki
"Well since Ranma gave me that money I decided to upgrade to a bigger place and I saw a for sale sign at the cat cafe." Ukyo
"Yeah I know the cat cafe was for sale. After Ranma got Mousse to fight shampoo they went back to china." Nabiki
"Yeah exactly and because of that cologne wanted to get back to china so when I asked how much she was selling it for she gave me a price. And the first price I couldn't afford and when she saw my expression she said but for a friend of shampoo's she would lower the price. So she did and I don't think she expected me to be able to afford it since she looked surprised when I told her I would buy it. I had to use the equity for my restaurant and what Ranma gave me to pay for it but I was able to. It was such a good deal." Ukyo
"Wow. That really is good. The cat cafe is quite a bit larger than your place or I mean your old place. If you need more help to move I can call in some favors and we can have you moved within an hour." Nabiki
"Really?...how much?" Ukyo
"Free of charge." Nabiki
"I'm sure. What do you get out of this?" Ukyo
"Ranma tonight." Nabiki
"What?" Ukyo
"What if Ukyo wanted me to just hang out with her. And me helping her move was just an excuse." Ranma
"Well it was but I would like the help. Ranma what if we did something some other time." Ukyo
"Well if that's ok with you." Ranma
"Yeah I could really use the help moving." Ukyo
"Great. I'll see you later Ranma." Nabiki said and got up to go call in her favors
Akane watched Nabiki walk off and Ranma and Ukyo go back to talking. When she said she wasn't going to hold back she meant It. Akane
After the school day was over Ranma and Akane walked back home together. Akane was ignoring Ranma and Ranma was up on the fence watching Akane. When they reached the Tendo household Ranma went strait for the dojo. Akane followed to see just how many students would be there and how good Ranma was. Akane knew Ranma was good she just wanted to see if he could teach. Ranma sat down and started doing his homework.
"What are you doing?" Akane
"My homework." Ranma
"You never do homework." Akane
"Yes I do and besides my grades have been improving. I want to get as much of it done as possible before class." Ranma
"So it wont interfere with your date with Nabiki." Akane
"to be honest I don't have a clue what Nabiki wants but she sounded like she really wanted it to be tonight whatever it is so I thought that I should have as much of my homework done since it sounds like it is rather important to her." Ranma
"So you do care about what Nabiki wants instead of me don't you." Akane
Said was getting ready to leave when Ranma called out.
"Akane, wait! Its not that I don't care what you want its just that I don't know what you want. I know you want to be a better martial artist but you don't want to be taught. I also know that you want to be a better cook so I got you this. I was afraid that if I gave it to you that you would be insulted or something but since you want to learn to cook better you have to have something to learn from. Here." Ranma said pulling out a book and handing it to Akane
"Its a cook book. Its for beginners. Ranma what are you saying about my cooking?" Akane
"Nothing its just that you want to learn to cook and you have to start small first before you can move on to the big things." Ranma
"But I want to make the better foods." Akane
"Hmm. Akane how many bricks can you brake?" Ranma
"What? Eight why?" Akane
"How many do you want to break?" Ranma
"Twelve why?" Akane
"Would you stack up 12 bricks and just try to brake them until you could finally do 12?" Ranma
"NO. I would start with 9 and work on that first and then move on to 10 when I could brake 9." Akane said and as she said that she realized what Ranma was talking about.
"See my point? Start with that and when you can do those you can move on to others." Ranma
"Thank you Ranma." Akane said and watched Ranma go back to his studying.
Akane left and went to the kitchen. She opened it to the first page. How to boil water. "I know how to do that one." She then looked at the next one. How to cook an egg. Akane set to work following the directions as carefully as possible.
Akane left the kitchen caring a plate with a cooked egg on it. Nabiki saw this and got worried but she didn't want to make a big deal of it because she knew that Ranma would refuse to eat it. Akane continued to the dojo and she saw several people arriving and being shown the way to the dojo by Kasumi. Akane went inside and approached Ranma.
"Ranma I cooked something from that book you got me." Akane
Ranma looked very nervous. "Did you follow the procedure exactly and not make any changes or anything?" Ranma
"Yes Ranma I did. Now are you going to try it or not?" Akane
"I'm going to but only because you followed the instructions and didn't change it." Ranma said and tried a bite of the egg that Akane had made. "Its pretty good. I personally like it a little less cooked but as long as you follow the instructions its good." Ranma
"But how do you know I over cooked it?" Akane
"Because of the taste." Ranma
"So you are saying its bad." Akane
"No. I said it was good. But everyone has there own preferences. If you try it you may like it just the way it is but I just prefer my eggs not quite this done." Ranma
"So you like it?" Akane
"Yes." Ranma
There was a silence between the two. After a moment Ranma said "Akane I need to start class so why don't you move to the side or take a place on the mat." Ranma
"Are you saying that I need to take classes. And from you." Akane was sorry that she said that as soon as she said it. Not only would it make Ranma mad but it would make him look bad in front of his students.
"You don't need to since you 're a decent martial artist but you can always improve and I can teach you but if you don't want to learn from me then you can just leave." Ranma
Akane was shocked that Ranma had said that to her. She just couldn't believe that he would talk to her like that. Akane was getting angry. Before she could stop herself she swung at Ranma and she expected to hit him but Ranma did what he had been doing recently, he had been dodging her attacks. When she swung at him he grabbed her and gave her a light push that sent her to the door of the dojo. When she saw where she had been pushed she just continued in that direction when the momentum that Ranma gave her ran out. Ranma watched Akane continue out the door. He wanted to go after her but what he did had to be done.
Akane went to her room and started to cry but it wasn't long before she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in." Akane
Akane was shocked at who entered because it was Ranma. He was the last person she had expected.
"Ranma what are you doing here? You still have class to teach." Akane
"I'm having one of my better students run the rest of them through the warm ups. I needed to come check on you." Ranma
"You were worried about me?" Akane
"Of course. Do you think I wanted to do that. I had to do that so that the students wouldn't think there teacher couldn't defend himself." Ranma
"I know. I shouldn't have done that. Even if no one else was around." Akane
"So your ok?" Ranma
"Yes." Akane
"Good." Ranma turned and started to leave when Akane called to him.
"Ranma! I'm sorry." Akane
"I know. So am I." Ranma said and then continued back on his way to the dojo.
"I'm impressed. I didn't think he would come up here." Nabiki
"Why do you care. If Ranma and I don't get along then you and him have a better chance." Akane
"Akane. You may think of it that way but I don't. If he is happier with you than with me then fine. I'll find someone else. If he's happier with you than with me then I wouldn't want him because he would always wonder what could have been. But as long as you and Ranma aren't sure then I am going to try. Its that easy. And if you don't feel the same way then you are being just like shampoo, Ukyo, and Kodachi." Nabiki
"Nabiki that was low." Akane
"Get over it." Nabiki
Nabiki left the room and Akane was alone in the room.
Would I be okay if Ranma was truly happier with someone else? Akane
Akane went down to the dojo and stood outside the door watching Ranma teach the class. He was actually a good teacher. When he was finished the class dispersed and left the dojo. When all the students where gone Akane was going to go in when she say Nabiki walk up to Ranma.
"That was great Ranma. I'm impressed. I didn't think you were going to be that good at teaching but I'm wrong. That is one bet I don't mind losing." Nabiki
"Who'd you bet against?" Ranma
"Myself." Nabiki
"Ok" Ranma "well I'm ready."
"No you're not. You need to go shower and change into something a little nicer." Nabiki
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Ranma
"If you don't wear something nicer then we aren't even going to get in." Nabiki
"Oh. Ok. I'll go get ready then." Ranma said heading toward the house.
Akane hid out of sight and then Nabiki headed towards the house. When both Ranma and Nabiki where out of sight Akane came out of hiding and went to her room.
When Ranma finished his bath he got dressed and walked down the hall to Nabiki's room. Ranma knocked on the door and when Nabiki didn't answer he went downstairs to see if she was there.
"You ready Ranma?" Nabiki
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well lets go." Nabiki said
"Ok." Ranma
Ranma and Nabiki walked out of the dojo and down the street.
"Nabiki?" Ranma
"Yes?:" Nabiki
"Where are we going?" Ranma
"We're going to a rather upscale restaurant and they are having an all you can eat buffet tonight so I thought that you would like that." Nabiki
"Nabiki. I don't know if I can afford it. I gave most of my money to you and to Ukyo." Ranma
"Well I have a large amount of money that I didn't expect to get so I am feeling generous." Nabiki
"So is that the only reason that we are going out. Because I gave you a lot of money that you didn't expect." Ranma
Nabiki sincerely looked hurt by that.
"I shouldn't have said that." Ranma
"Its ok. Ranma I deserve that. I've never done anything to make you believe otherwise." Nabiki
"But I still shouldn't have said it." Ranma
"Ranma. How do you feel about Akane." Nabiki
"I don't think we should talk about that." Ranma
"Well I do. I need to know." Nabiki said her eyes pleading with Ranma.
Ranma couldn't refuse. Why do all girls have to have that ability over Me. -sigh- "Nabiki I'm not going to lie to you. I like her a lot. I use to think it was more but I could never be sure. I'm still not sure. I'm beginning to think that it will never be more than what it is. Before I left if she had said that she loved me I would have said the same and up till a few days ago I probably still would have." Ranma
"But not now?" Nabiki
"No." Ranma
"Why." Nabiki
"Because I'm not so sure I would believe her anymore." Ranma
"Why would you doubt her?" Nabiki
"Hey you asked." Ranma
"I know. Now I want to know why." Nabiki
"Maybe because I'm not so sure on the way I would respond that I want her to be just as indecisive." Ranma
"May I ask how many people your down to for who you would be interested in?" Nabiki
"Three. It use to be two." Ranma
"What? I thought you said that you would have said yes to Akane. Your just as bad as Kuno." Nabiki
"Nabiki. Since I have know her Akane has been top on my list. And until recently Ukyo was the only other possibility. She wasn't anywhere close to Akane but if Akane had gone with someone else I probably would be with Ukyo. Don't ever tell Ukyo this." Ranma
"You said until recently Ukyo was the only other one. Who is the new girl." Nabiki
Ranma looked shocked "why you of course."
It was Nabiki's turn to look shocked. "I didn't think I would be on your list. So where do I fit compared to Akane and Ukyo?" Nabiki
"Nabiki this isn't fair." Ranma
"I need to know." Nabiki
I wonder if this is how she gets Kuno to do whatever she wants. Ahhhhhhhh. I just compared myself to Kuno. Ranma "right now Akane is still first but she is losing ground. I use to think of Ukyo as only a friend and that the married was forced like with shampoo. I never did like shampoo in that way. I thought of Ukyo as a friend for so long that it is hard not to. Before I always forced myself to look at Ukyo as my best friend because I didn't want to be forced into marriage. I thought that after I broke the engagement that she would never want to see me again. But even now that it isn't forced I am stating to view Ukyo differently. She is gaining ground but Akane is still first. And you Nabiki. You didn't even place before but when you asked me back I started thinking of you differently also. I am seeing a different side of you. And I like it. You are gaining ground also. You are gaining quicker than Ukyo but Ukyo is still second. You are a quickly approaching third. I have to tell you that I am still very skeptical of this, like you might be doing some elaborate trick against me. And if it turns out that it is then you will no longer have a chance." Ranma "uhh...I mean...oh shit. I shouldn't have said that."
"That's alright. I deserve that. And now I know. Before I didn't think I had that much of a chance but now I know that I do. I'm a little upset that you think that this might be a trick since I am opening up to you but I was expecting it. And if you had said otherwise I probably would have thought that you were lying to me. So I guess you could say that we are even. I am happy to know that I am gaining position in your heart." Nabiki said all this and couldn't help but blush.
Ranma and Nabiki walked the rest of the way to the restaurant. When they got there the host walked up to Nabiki and said "this way Ms Tendo. I'll show you to your usual table."
"You have a usual table?" Ranma
"You sound surprised." Nabiki
"Well yeah." Ranma
Nabiki couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you come here that often?" Ranma
"Not really. But normally when I go to places like this they remember me." Nabiki
"Here you are." The host said and allowed Ranma to seat Nabiki and then Ranma sat himself
"Would you like to see a menu Ms. Tendo?" Host
"No thank you. I would like my usual and my date will have the all you can eat platter." Nabiki
"Good choice. And what would you like to drink." Host
"Tea please." Ranma
"A glass of the house wine." Nabiki
"Very well." The host said and then walked off
"The house wine. You're not suppose to drink." Ranma
"With the amount of business that I bring here they don't care." Nabiki
"But its wrong for someone as young as you to drink." Ranma
"Oh your no fun. Its not going to hurt anyone." Nabiki
Ranma wanted to protest but he didn't know what he was doing at a place like this. is this the way that Nabiki really is. Is the Nabiki that we see at the house a false front or is what I see here the false Nabiki or have I seen the real Nabiki yet? Ranma
The host brought out the drinks for Ranma and Nabiki. Later the host brought them dinner. Ranma and Nabiki made small talk through dinner and then left.
"So did you like it?" Nabiki
"It was good. I don't think that it is worth the prices but it was good." Ranma
"I agree with you there. Don't expect to go there often." Nabiki
"Don't worry about that. So...do you have anything else planned or do you just want to head back home now?" Ranma
"How would you like to take a walk in the park." Nabiki
"Anything you want to do." Ranma
"Anything I want to do?" Nabiki said in a conniving voice
"Uhh...yeah sure." Ranma said in a nervous tone
Nabiki couldn't resist the opportunity. She wrapped her arms around Ranma's neck and pulled him into a kiss. Ranma tensed at first but when Nabiki didn't release Ranma relaxed and put his arms around Nabiki. They continued to stand there and kiss but nothing ever lasts. Ranma was splashed with water. Both Ranma and Nabiki felt the change in Ranma. Nabiki pulled back with a smile on her face.
"I always wondered what it would be like to kiss another girl." Nabiki
Ranma just had a irritated expression. But was surprise when Nabiki poured some warm water on him.
"Even though I like your girl form, I like your boy form more." Nabiki
"Ah yeah." Ranma
"So are you sure you want to stick with your statement of anything I want?" Nabiki
"Well its to late for me to take it back." Ranma
"Really?" Nabiki said with a gleam in her eye.
"Uhhh..." Ranma