Chapter Seven
Ranma and Nabiki walked in from outside.
"Hello Ranma. Did you have a good date with Nabiki. And why are you in girl form. I thought that she would have taken some hot water with her." Kasumi
"She did. Never and I repeat never say to Nabiki 'anything she wants.'" Ranma said and ascended the stairs to the bathroom
"Oh my." Kasumi
Nabiki had a huge grin on her face.
"Uh Nabiki. The two of you didn't... " Kasumi
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Nabiki
"Actually yes I would." Kasumi
This shocked Nabiki back to reality because she never expected Kasumi to say something like that.
"Uh...not exactly." Nabiki
"What do you mean not exactly?" Kasumi
"Well we didn't do anything together." Nabiki
"Which means?" Kasumi
"I showed her how a girl likes to have fun." Nabiki
"Oh my." Kasumi said back to her normal tone.
I cant wait to take a bath and change back to a guy. I will never say 'anything' ever again. I cant believe that girls do things like that. I cant believe that...that I actually let Nabiki talk me into doing that either. Ranma
Ranma opened the door to the bathroom/changing room and went in. She got herself undressed and opened the dividing door. After she did she new that she had made a mistake. But to her relief no one was there. To Ranma's surprise the bath was already full. Ranma shrugged and got in. She felt the change as she changed from a she to a he.
That's much better. Ranma thought as he sat there. Ranma then submerged himself to help clear his mind. When Ranma surfaced he saw Akane sitting across from him with her eyes closed. Ranma got very nervous as can be expected from this situation.
I wonder if I could get out of here without here noticing. Probably not and it would look very suspicious. Well here goes. Ranma "uhhh...Akane...I..." Ranma tried to say something, anything.
"Ranma? What are you doing in here?" Akane said apparently not noticing that neither she or Ranma were wearing any clothes.
"Uhh... I was taking a bath and I dunked myself and when I came back up you were in here." Ranma explained
"Oh." Akane said and then she realized that she and Ranma were in the bath together.
"I'll leave so that you don't have to." Ranma said and started to get up but Akane stopped him.
"You don't have to. We're already in here. And its not like we haven't seen each other like this before." Akane said with a visible blush
Ranma settled back down. I don't believe this. First it was Nabiki. Now its Akane. Please don't let Akane ask about what Nabiki and I did. Ranma thought. After Ranma was convinced that Akane wasn't going to pound him he rested his head on the side of the tub and closed his eyes. He was just enjoying the water.
Akane was watching Ranma. She watched to see what he was going to do. At first he looked very nervous and then he laid his head on the tub and closed his eyes. And all the nervousness appeared to vanish. When he did so she to relaxed. I really didn't mean to walk in and do this but now that I have I'm not so sure it was a bad thing. Its actually kind of nice. Why do I always call Ranma a hentai and things like that. He is actually kind and he is a gentleman well he has the honor of a gentleman but not the manners. And he is even getting better at that. I wonder what made Ranma change. It was probably Nabiki. Why did it have to be Nabiki. Ranma's not even looking at me. Does he really think of me as being uncute. He must to not even care that I am in here. THAT JERK. He is probably thinking of Nabiki. I can t believe this. And here I thought that Ranma and I might start getting along. Akane
Ranma felt the tension in the room start to increase. Without opening his eyes he asked "what's wrong Akane?"
Akane was snapped out of her thoughts. "What?"
"What's wrong? I don't even have to look at you to know that something's bothering you." Ranma
"Well its...its about you and Nabiki." Akane
-Sigh- Ranma sat up and looked Akane in the eyes. "What about her?" Ranma
"Well its just that..." Akane
"That you think that the reason I came back is because of Nabiki." Ranma
"Exactly." Akane said if he came up with that I must be right.
"Well I did come back because of Nabiki. But not for the reason that you are thinking." Ranma
Akane couldn't believe Ranma was saying this to her. And here we are, in the bathroom together and he is telling me how great Nabiki is.
"I didn't come back because I had feelings for Nabiki although that is starting to change. I came back because I thought that things might be different this time. I thought that we might get along better and that there would be fewer problems." Ranma
When Akane heard this she started to calm down again. wait a minute. He said that his feelings for Nabiki is starting to change. What does that mean? Does that mean that he doesn't like me? I thought that he did. Akane
"I tired to be nicer to you before I left but it never seemed to work out right. You always took it wrong or something would happen that would make it wrong. And then I left and we almost became strangers. I never expected any of you to ask me back since none of you wanted me here but when Nabiki asked me to come back I though that things would be different so I thought I would come back and see if things were. Some things are. Pop doesn't try to boss me around anymore. Nabiki is nicer. Ukyo is my friend again and doesn't have a hold on me anymore so I don't have to worry about being nice to her now. Kasumi is still nice as ever but I have started thanking her for the things that she does instead of taking her for granted. I've been trying to be nice to you but things still seem to turn bad. I've starting having doubts. I use to think that you did like me but you just didn't want to admit it and even when I left I still thought that you might but you didn't stop me and after that I didn't expect anything. But then when Nabiki asked me back I thought that if she wanted me back that you might also. And if you did then I thought that with me being nicer to you or at least trying to be that we would start to get along more but it doesn't really seem to be working. We seem to fight just as much." Ranma stopped
Akane was speechless did he just tell me how he feels. Ranma never tells me how he feels. He always just shuts me out. What did he mean by he is having doubts. Is he having doubts about his feelings for me? Does he have feeling for me? It almost sounded like he was saying that he does like me. Oh I hope he does. What am I saying. He's a insensitive jerk. AHHHH. What am I thinking. He obviously isn't insensitive. If anything he knows exactly how he feels. But what is he saying? Is he saying that he likes me? Or is he trying to tell me that he likes Nabiki better? Akane was brought out of her thoughts when Ranma started speaking again.
"Akane. If things stay the way they are. I don't think I could stand it. I don't want us to keep fighting. If that's the way its going to be then I think I'll have to move on." Ranma
"You're saying that you want to leave?" Akane
"No. I don't want to leave. I'm saying that I want our fighting to stop. I'm saying that if you don't have feelings for me that I have to move on." Ranma
Akane was silent for a while.
"I want our fighting to stop also. AND HOW CAN YOU DEMAND TO KNOW HOW I FEEL..."Akane was interrupted by Ranma getting out of the bath tub. Ranma walked into the changing room. Akane couldn't help but blush from the view that she got.
Ranma walked out of the bathroom and to his room.
"Ranma?" Akane
Silence
"Ranma?" Akane
Silence
"Ranma you jerk." Akane said and started crying. why did I have to do that? I said I wanted to stop fighting and then I started yelling at him.
Ranma walked into his room and went strait for his bag. things will never change. never. he picked up his bag and shouldered it. He started for the door and stopped. Nabiki has changed. Pop has changed. Ukyo has changed or maybe not Ukyo but the way I see her. Most of the others have changed but not Akane. Not Akane. She will never change. I wanted things to be different but they will never change. Ranma started for the door again and stopped again. Nabiki asked me back. Nabiki likes me. I am starting to like Nabiki. Nabiki was the one to ask me back. If it had been Akane and this happened then I would be gone. But it wasn't Akane that asked me back. It was Nabiki. I owe it to Nabiki to stay. Ranma put his bag back in its place. Ranma then settled in for the night.
The next morning Akane went into Ranma's room with a bucket of water but looked first. This time Ranma wasn't there. why was I going to do this anyway. Ranma didn't do anything. Akane took the bucket of water back to the bathroom. Akane then walked downstairs to the family room where everyone was. Kasumi started serving breakfast to everyone. So far breakfast was going rather smoothly. Genma and Ranma weren't fighting over the food. Soun wasn't crying over anything and Nabiki...well Nabiki never really added to the chaos at breakfast anyway. Akane went to take her place at the table by Ranma's side when she notice that Nabiki was there.
"What are you doing Nabiki?" Akane demanded
"Eating breakfast." Nabiki
"No. I mean what are you doing sitting in my seat?" Akane
"Well just because we tend to sit in certain places doesn't mean we cant change. And besides I thought that you didn't like sitting next to Ranma." Nabiki
Akane would have normally stated flat out that she didn't like Ranma but after there little chat the previous night she didn't because she had decided that she was going to be nicer to Ranma and watch what she said.
Nabiki had expected the usual 'why would I care. I never want to be engaged to that pervert.' Or something along those lined but she was surprised when it never came. Instead Akane just sat where Nabiki usually sat.
I must be losing my edge. First when I tell Akane she could go take her bath she walks in on Ranma and nothing happens. Well Ranma did leave but things didn't end the way I thought they would. I never would have thought that the two of them would have be able to last that long together in the bath tub. And just now I would have bet that Akane would make it worse by saying that she didn't want Ranma. I wonder if she really doesn't care or if she knew to keep quiet. If its the first that's good for me but if its the second that could make things harder. I'll have to be more careful around Akane. She might be smarter than I gave her credit for. Nabiki
-Splash-
"COME TO PAPA." Happosai yelled as he jumped for Ranma
Ranma grabbed Happosai by the shirt and then carried him outside. If Ranma had attacked Happosai or if Ranma missed no one would have given it a thought but Ranma just merely grabbed him and was carrying him off so everyone was curious. Everyone got up to follow Ranma
Ranma tossed Happosai aside and was getting ready to walk back inside when Happosai stopped him.
"Ranma. What's the meaning of this?" Happosai
"I'm sick of dealing with you." Ranma
"WHAT WAS THAT? You think you can just toss me aside and forget about me. Well forget it. You have insulted me and you will pay for it." Happosai
"Happosai you will not win against me." Ranma
"Oh really. All I have to do to win against you is to do what you don't want me to do. Ha ha ha. You cant stop me and you know it." Happosai
Where is he going with this. Ranma
Happosai threw a bomb at Ranma then another and another and he just threw them in succession at Ranma. When Ranma was busy with all the bombs Happosai took advantage of the situation and made a dash for Akane. Happosai succeeded in groping Akane and then he moved on to Nabiki.
They both screamed and when Ranma finished disposing of the last bomb he attacked Happosai. Happosai avoided the first attacks and goaded Ranma on.
"See Ranma. I'll always win." Happosai
"Not always." Ranma said and kicked Happosai into orbit.
"Ahhhhh. I could kill him." Akane
"I agree sis." Nabiki
"I could. And if he ever did anything worse to either of you, I would." Ranma
Said in a serious voice and walked back inside to finish his breakfast
Akane said to Nabiki "you don't think he was serious do you?"
"I don't know. He seemed pretty serious to me." Nabiki
Akane and Nabiki were talking to one another on there way to school while Ranma was walking on the fence.
Whispered (so Akane? Have you decided on how you feel about Ranma yet?) Nabiki
(Yes.) Akane
(Well?) Nabiki
(I like him. And I don't wan him to leave. But I don't know if I love him or not.) Akane
(Well I knew you like him. And what do you mean you don't want him to leave?) Nabiki
(Well last night...) Akane was interrupted
(When the two of you were in the bath together?) Nabiki
(How did you know about that?...you...you're the one who told me that I could take my bath. You knew that Ranma was in there. What were you trying to do? Were you trying to get Ranma and me to fight?) Akane
(Yes.) Nabiki
(Well don't. Ranma is on the brink of leaving again. The way he was talking last night anything could make him leave.) Akane
maybe I took his 'anything' statement to far. Could that be why he is on the brink of leaving again Nabiki (I think it might be my fault.)
(What? Why would it be your fault?) Akane (did something happen on your date?)
When Nabiki didn't respond Akane continued (something did happened. Didn't it? What did you do?) Akane
(Well.. he said that he is still very suspicious of me.) Nabiki
(But what happened?) Akane
(I'll only tell you if you tell me what happened between you and Ranma in the bathtub last night.) Nabiki
(What? Nothing happened.) Akane
(What do you mean nothing? The two of you were in there together for a long time.) Nabiki
(We talked.) Akane
(So you are telling me that you didn't do anything?) Nabiki
(We didn't do anything.) Akane
Nabiki said more to herself than to Akane (wow. Ranma must be more adventurous with his girl form.)
(What was that?) Akane
(Uhh nothing.) Nabiki said blushing slightly
When they got to school Ranma and Akane went to there class and they sat in there seats. Ukyo came in close to the bell and they didn't have time to talk.
At lunch Ranma sat with Ukyo.
"So, how was your date with Nabiki?" Ukyo
Ranma blushed
"Wow, that good huh." Ukyo
"What...what are you talking about?" Ranma
"Well its obvious something happened because your blushing." Ukyo
"Uhh...well we went to a really nice place for dinner." Ranma
"Uh huh. But that's not what's making you blush. Come on you can tell me. What happen?" Ukyo
"Well we were talking and then she kissed me." Ranma
"She what?" Ukyo
"She kissed me." Ranma
"Well I guess that is to be expected. I mean it was a date. I guess she was just a little more aggressive." Ukyo
"Aggressive would be the right word" Ranma said to himself
"What was that?' Ukyo
"Nothing. But that isn't the strangest part about the kiss. She changed me into a girl half way through it and then she said that she always wondered what it would be like to kiss a girl." Ranma
Ukyo just looked shocked. "Uhhh....I can see why that would be embarrassing." Ukyo
if she only knew. Ranma thought
"Well I have to say that I am glad I made that deal with Nabiki. Since I got out of my old place within two days I was able to sale it and not get taxed for it. All of it went to the new place. Its still called Ukyo's of course but it still feels weird. I even hired some help for while I'm at school. I still plan to cook there for breakfast and dinner but now I don't have to worry about closing it." Ukyo
"Sounds like its going well. Ranma
"Sure is. I don't think I ever could have gotten a place that size for so little if it wasn't for you." Ukyo "thank you so much."
"It was nothing." Ranma
(Anything) Nabiki whispered into Ranma's ear
This caused Ranma to blush deeply.
"Wow. What did you say to him. I've never gotten Ranma to react like that with one word." Ukyo
"It all depends on the word." Nabiki
"So what is it?" Ukyo
"Ah ash. That's my little secret. And don't think that Ranma is going to tell you." Nabiki said and then sat down next to Ranma.
"How do you do it Nabiki?" Ukyo
"Do what?" Nabiki
"Get Ranma to go on a date with you, sit next to him without him trying to get away, and make him react so easily." Ukyo
"Well I think it has to do with the fact that I am not trying to marry him and that our parents aren't trying to force it which causes Ranma to relax more. You know. You probably have a better chance with Ranma now than you did when you were trying to force Ranma into marrying you." Nabiki
"Really?" Ukyo
"Really." Nabiki
"So what happened on your date." Ukyo
"If you want to know you have to pay for it." Nabiki said and then looked at Ranma who had a very disapproving look on his face "on second thought I don't think that information is going to be for sale. You'll just have to wonder." Nabiki said and then looked at Ranma who had a satisfied expression.
I nearly blew it right there. I even knew that would happen. So why did I do that. Money. It always come down to money. Well this time I'm trying to get something money cant buy. Money never has worked on Ranma. Nabiki
That afternoon when school was over Nabiki had some business to attend to so Akane and Ranma headed home.
"Ranma. About yesterday. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I didn't mean to. It just sounded like you were forcing me to answer and I never have like to be forced to do anything." Akane
"I'm sorry too. The way it came out did sound like I was forcing you tell me. You aren't the only one who doesn't like to be forced into something. I don't think anyone likes to be forced into anything. Its just that I felt that I deserve to know how you really feel about me. If you like me and you just don't want to be forced into marriage I can get that changed now. But if you don't like me then I deserve to know that also." Ranma
"You do deserve to know. But I also deserve to know how you feel about me." Akane
"Fair enough. I like you. I like you more than anyone else. But that doesn't mean that I am ready to get married and I don't plan to unless I want to." Ranma
"Oh how romantic Ranma." Akane said sarcastically
"It wasn't mean to be. I'm serious." Ranma
He is serious. Akane what am I going to tell him. I didn't expect him to tell me. I'm not ready. That's not true. I do know. Akane
"I like you too. I like you more than anyone else. But that doesn't mean that I am ready to get married and I don't plan to unless I want to." Akane said just as serious as Ranma did.
Ranma reached for Akane's hand and she jumped when she felt him grab her hand. Normally Ranma would have let go but he knew that Akane wouldn't mind and that it just surprised her.
This time when Ranma taught his class Akane took up position in the back. She knew most of what Ranma was teaching already but she noticed that by actually listening to Ranma's remarks on how to improve and not take it offensively that she would improve. Many of the other students expected another fight like the one the previous day but it never came.
When Ranma's class was over he asked Akane "would you like to go to Ukyo's with me to see the new place."
Ukyo's I thought that he broke the engagement with her. Akane calm down. They are just friends. He just wants to see the new place. Even though it was the cat cafe and he went there all the time. There I go again trying to make it something its not. Wait a minute he would have gone to see it anyway but he is asking me if I want to come along. Is he asking me on a date. Akane
"Well?" Ranma
"Are you asking me out?" Akane
"Hmmm.... I guess I am. Yeah. Would you like to go out with me. I know this restaurant that recently moved to a new location. It has the best service." Ranma
"I'd love to. Let me go get ready and I'll be ready to go." Akane said and made her way quickly to the house
I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to take a shower before we went out. Ranma thought. He went up to the bathroom and walked in. This time it was his turn to walk in on Akane.
"Uhh... sorry." Ranma said and closed the door quickly
damn. Just when things were going so well. Ranma
"Ranma." Akane
"Yeah?" Ranma
"I've got a towel on. You can come back in." Akane
"You sure?" Ranma
"Well if you don't want to, you don't have to." Akane let him come in. Let him come in. What am I thinking. Akane
oh what the hell. Ranma thought
Ranma put a towel around his waist and walked in. He got in the bath with Akane and they started talking.
Ranma and Akane walked to Ukyo's, arms linked.
"You know Ranma this is nice." Akane
"Yeah it is." Ranma
Akane leaned more into Ranma as they walked.
When they finally got to Ukyo's they walked in and Ukyo greeted them.
"Welcome to Ukyo's. Oh Ranma it you. What do you think of the place? Isn't it great?" Ukyo "sit over here so we can talk."
Ranma looked to Akane
she's hitting on Ranma again. Akane don't blow this. Ukyo is just proud of her new place and she wants to talk with Ranma. What? Why is Ranma looking at me? Is he asking permission? Should I give it to him? Akane then nodded to Ranma
Ranma lead Akane over to the bar in front of Ukyo's grill
"I'm sorry. I should have asked if the two of you wanted to sit somewhere else. Somewhere more private?" Ukyo
"This is fine." Akane
"You sure?" Ranma
"Yeah." Akane said and scooted closer to Ranma
I don't believe it even Akane is doing it now. Ukyo thought maybe it was because he was gone for so long. Well no one ever said I had to stay out of it.
As the evening wore on the trio talked and every so often Ukyo would go serve the other customers.
"That was nice." Akane
"I agree." Ranma
"I could get use to this." Akane
"So could I." Ranma
Did I just say that out loud? Akane
"Hey, what do you say we get a movie on our way back to watch tonight?" Ranma
"Ok." Akane
Ranma and Akane stopped at a video store and then continued on there way home. When they got there they went to the living room and put in the movie. Akane moved closer to Ranma as the movie progressed and by the time it got halfway through the movie Akane had moved next to Ranma and was leaning into him. Ranma had his arm around her and they just watched in peace.
"When the movie was over they headed up to there rooms but before they parted Ranma pulled Akane into a kiss. Akane tensed at first but she quickly relaxed and then started to kiss Ranma back. They stood there for a while like that but everything must come to an end. When they parted Akane was speechless she just entered her room in a daze and closed the door.
YESSSSSS! Ranma thought and went to his room
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga screamed
"In the middle of the expressway." Young man driving a truck
"What? You don't find many people in Japan that speaks English as well as you." Ryoga
"Japan?! Dude, this is America." Young man
"America?! How did I get here? Well thank you." Ryoga said and started to walk off.
"Hey, wait! Do you need a lift somewhere?" Young man
"What?" Ryoga
"Do you need a ride. It will be a lot quicker." Young man
"Really?" Ryoga
"Hop in. And make it quick. I don't want to get a ticket for impeding the flow of traffic." Young man
Ryoga tossed his bag into the back of the truck and then jumped into the passenger seat. The young man immediately accelerated up to speed with the traffic.
"Thank you." Ryoga
"No problem. What type of music do you like?" Young man
"Uhh... it doesn't matter." Ryoga
The young man turned on the radio and started playing 80's rock.
"Hey this is pretty good." Ryoga
"Yeah it is." Young man "my name's Jack. What's yours?"
"Ryoga." Ryoga
"Ryoga huh. Nice to meet ya." Jack
Ryoga noted the cup of water in the cup holder and started to worry.
Jack exited off the expressway at a high rate of speed and made the turnoff likewise. Ryoga expected the water to slosh out and activate his curse but somehow when Jack took the turn the water barely even moved.
"I'm impressed." Ryoga
"What?" Jack
"You didn't spill your drink." Ryoga
"Oh I don't drink it. Its a driving tool. If I don't spill it then I am taking the turns smoothly." Jack
"I'm still impressed." Ryoga especially since I am a water magnet.
"I hope you don't mind if I stop and get some lunch. I'm starved. Waffle house good for you?" Jack
"Sure." Ryoga said having no idea what waffle house was.
Jack pulled into the parking lot and he got out of the truck. Ryoga to got out and followed jack inside.
"Hey Jack." Waitress
"How goes it?' Jack
"It goes. Who's your friend?" Waitress
"This is Ryoga" jack
"Nice to meet ya." Waitress said sticking out her hand. Ryoga shook it. "So what are y'all going to have?"
"My usual." Jack
"Ok. And for you?' waitress
"Uh just get me what ever he's having." Ryoga
"Ok." Waitress said and then called it in.
The waitress returned with two cups of coffee and two cups of water.
Jack downed his glass of water quickly.
"What's this?" Ryoga
"Its coffee. I could have sworn that they had coffee in Japan." Jack
"I think they do and I just never had any." Ryoga
Jack normally would have been done preparing his coffee but since his new friend didn't know what coffee was he probably didn't know what to do with it so Jack went through the steps slowly so Ryoga could follow suit. Ryoga bumped his glass of water and he was sure this was it. But the change never came.
"That would have been a mess." Jack said as he grabbed a napkin and started cleaning up the water that was spilt.
"Thank you." Ryoga
"No prob." Jack
When they finished they got back in Jack's truck.
"I assume you want to go to the air port since you want to get back to Japan." Jack
"Yes." Ryoga
"Ok. Well lets get going." Jack said and started on his way to the airport.
Ranma and Nabiki walked in from outside.
"Hello Ranma. Did you have a good date with Nabiki. And why are you in girl form. I thought that she would have taken some hot water with her." Kasumi
"She did. Never and I repeat never say to Nabiki 'anything she wants.'" Ranma said and ascended the stairs to the bathroom
"Oh my." Kasumi
Nabiki had a huge grin on her face.
"Uh Nabiki. The two of you didn't... " Kasumi
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Nabiki
"Actually yes I would." Kasumi
This shocked Nabiki back to reality because she never expected Kasumi to say something like that.
"Uh...not exactly." Nabiki
"What do you mean not exactly?" Kasumi
"Well we didn't do anything together." Nabiki
"Which means?" Kasumi
"I showed her how a girl likes to have fun." Nabiki
"Oh my." Kasumi said back to her normal tone.
I cant wait to take a bath and change back to a guy. I will never say 'anything' ever again. I cant believe that girls do things like that. I cant believe that...that I actually let Nabiki talk me into doing that either. Ranma
Ranma opened the door to the bathroom/changing room and went in. She got herself undressed and opened the dividing door. After she did she new that she had made a mistake. But to her relief no one was there. To Ranma's surprise the bath was already full. Ranma shrugged and got in. She felt the change as she changed from a she to a he.
That's much better. Ranma thought as he sat there. Ranma then submerged himself to help clear his mind. When Ranma surfaced he saw Akane sitting across from him with her eyes closed. Ranma got very nervous as can be expected from this situation.
I wonder if I could get out of here without here noticing. Probably not and it would look very suspicious. Well here goes. Ranma "uhhh...Akane...I..." Ranma tried to say something, anything.
"Ranma? What are you doing in here?" Akane said apparently not noticing that neither she or Ranma were wearing any clothes.
"Uhh... I was taking a bath and I dunked myself and when I came back up you were in here." Ranma explained
"Oh." Akane said and then she realized that she and Ranma were in the bath together.
"I'll leave so that you don't have to." Ranma said and started to get up but Akane stopped him.
"You don't have to. We're already in here. And its not like we haven't seen each other like this before." Akane said with a visible blush
Ranma settled back down. I don't believe this. First it was Nabiki. Now its Akane. Please don't let Akane ask about what Nabiki and I did. Ranma thought. After Ranma was convinced that Akane wasn't going to pound him he rested his head on the side of the tub and closed his eyes. He was just enjoying the water.
Akane was watching Ranma. She watched to see what he was going to do. At first he looked very nervous and then he laid his head on the tub and closed his eyes. And all the nervousness appeared to vanish. When he did so she to relaxed. I really didn't mean to walk in and do this but now that I have I'm not so sure it was a bad thing. Its actually kind of nice. Why do I always call Ranma a hentai and things like that. He is actually kind and he is a gentleman well he has the honor of a gentleman but not the manners. And he is even getting better at that. I wonder what made Ranma change. It was probably Nabiki. Why did it have to be Nabiki. Ranma's not even looking at me. Does he really think of me as being uncute. He must to not even care that I am in here. THAT JERK. He is probably thinking of Nabiki. I can t believe this. And here I thought that Ranma and I might start getting along. Akane
Ranma felt the tension in the room start to increase. Without opening his eyes he asked "what's wrong Akane?"
Akane was snapped out of her thoughts. "What?"
"What's wrong? I don't even have to look at you to know that something's bothering you." Ranma
"Well its...its about you and Nabiki." Akane
-Sigh- Ranma sat up and looked Akane in the eyes. "What about her?" Ranma
"Well its just that..." Akane
"That you think that the reason I came back is because of Nabiki." Ranma
"Exactly." Akane said if he came up with that I must be right.
"Well I did come back because of Nabiki. But not for the reason that you are thinking." Ranma
Akane couldn't believe Ranma was saying this to her. And here we are, in the bathroom together and he is telling me how great Nabiki is.
"I didn't come back because I had feelings for Nabiki although that is starting to change. I came back because I thought that things might be different this time. I thought that we might get along better and that there would be fewer problems." Ranma
When Akane heard this she started to calm down again. wait a minute. He said that his feelings for Nabiki is starting to change. What does that mean? Does that mean that he doesn't like me? I thought that he did. Akane
"I tired to be nicer to you before I left but it never seemed to work out right. You always took it wrong or something would happen that would make it wrong. And then I left and we almost became strangers. I never expected any of you to ask me back since none of you wanted me here but when Nabiki asked me to come back I though that things would be different so I thought I would come back and see if things were. Some things are. Pop doesn't try to boss me around anymore. Nabiki is nicer. Ukyo is my friend again and doesn't have a hold on me anymore so I don't have to worry about being nice to her now. Kasumi is still nice as ever but I have started thanking her for the things that she does instead of taking her for granted. I've been trying to be nice to you but things still seem to turn bad. I've starting having doubts. I use to think that you did like me but you just didn't want to admit it and even when I left I still thought that you might but you didn't stop me and after that I didn't expect anything. But then when Nabiki asked me back I thought that if she wanted me back that you might also. And if you did then I thought that with me being nicer to you or at least trying to be that we would start to get along more but it doesn't really seem to be working. We seem to fight just as much." Ranma stopped
Akane was speechless did he just tell me how he feels. Ranma never tells me how he feels. He always just shuts me out. What did he mean by he is having doubts. Is he having doubts about his feelings for me? Does he have feeling for me? It almost sounded like he was saying that he does like me. Oh I hope he does. What am I saying. He's a insensitive jerk. AHHHH. What am I thinking. He obviously isn't insensitive. If anything he knows exactly how he feels. But what is he saying? Is he saying that he likes me? Or is he trying to tell me that he likes Nabiki better? Akane was brought out of her thoughts when Ranma started speaking again.
"Akane. If things stay the way they are. I don't think I could stand it. I don't want us to keep fighting. If that's the way its going to be then I think I'll have to move on." Ranma
"You're saying that you want to leave?" Akane
"No. I don't want to leave. I'm saying that I want our fighting to stop. I'm saying that if you don't have feelings for me that I have to move on." Ranma
Akane was silent for a while.
"I want our fighting to stop also. AND HOW CAN YOU DEMAND TO KNOW HOW I FEEL..."Akane was interrupted by Ranma getting out of the bath tub. Ranma walked into the changing room. Akane couldn't help but blush from the view that she got.
Ranma walked out of the bathroom and to his room.
"Ranma?" Akane
Silence
"Ranma?" Akane
Silence
"Ranma you jerk." Akane said and started crying. why did I have to do that? I said I wanted to stop fighting and then I started yelling at him.
Ranma walked into his room and went strait for his bag. things will never change. never. he picked up his bag and shouldered it. He started for the door and stopped. Nabiki has changed. Pop has changed. Ukyo has changed or maybe not Ukyo but the way I see her. Most of the others have changed but not Akane. Not Akane. She will never change. I wanted things to be different but they will never change. Ranma started for the door again and stopped again. Nabiki asked me back. Nabiki likes me. I am starting to like Nabiki. Nabiki was the one to ask me back. If it had been Akane and this happened then I would be gone. But it wasn't Akane that asked me back. It was Nabiki. I owe it to Nabiki to stay. Ranma put his bag back in its place. Ranma then settled in for the night.
The next morning Akane went into Ranma's room with a bucket of water but looked first. This time Ranma wasn't there. why was I going to do this anyway. Ranma didn't do anything. Akane took the bucket of water back to the bathroom. Akane then walked downstairs to the family room where everyone was. Kasumi started serving breakfast to everyone. So far breakfast was going rather smoothly. Genma and Ranma weren't fighting over the food. Soun wasn't crying over anything and Nabiki...well Nabiki never really added to the chaos at breakfast anyway. Akane went to take her place at the table by Ranma's side when she notice that Nabiki was there.
"What are you doing Nabiki?" Akane demanded
"Eating breakfast." Nabiki
"No. I mean what are you doing sitting in my seat?" Akane
"Well just because we tend to sit in certain places doesn't mean we cant change. And besides I thought that you didn't like sitting next to Ranma." Nabiki
Akane would have normally stated flat out that she didn't like Ranma but after there little chat the previous night she didn't because she had decided that she was going to be nicer to Ranma and watch what she said.
Nabiki had expected the usual 'why would I care. I never want to be engaged to that pervert.' Or something along those lined but she was surprised when it never came. Instead Akane just sat where Nabiki usually sat.
I must be losing my edge. First when I tell Akane she could go take her bath she walks in on Ranma and nothing happens. Well Ranma did leave but things didn't end the way I thought they would. I never would have thought that the two of them would have be able to last that long together in the bath tub. And just now I would have bet that Akane would make it worse by saying that she didn't want Ranma. I wonder if she really doesn't care or if she knew to keep quiet. If its the first that's good for me but if its the second that could make things harder. I'll have to be more careful around Akane. She might be smarter than I gave her credit for. Nabiki
-Splash-
"COME TO PAPA." Happosai yelled as he jumped for Ranma
Ranma grabbed Happosai by the shirt and then carried him outside. If Ranma had attacked Happosai or if Ranma missed no one would have given it a thought but Ranma just merely grabbed him and was carrying him off so everyone was curious. Everyone got up to follow Ranma
Ranma tossed Happosai aside and was getting ready to walk back inside when Happosai stopped him.
"Ranma. What's the meaning of this?" Happosai
"I'm sick of dealing with you." Ranma
"WHAT WAS THAT? You think you can just toss me aside and forget about me. Well forget it. You have insulted me and you will pay for it." Happosai
"Happosai you will not win against me." Ranma
"Oh really. All I have to do to win against you is to do what you don't want me to do. Ha ha ha. You cant stop me and you know it." Happosai
Where is he going with this. Ranma
Happosai threw a bomb at Ranma then another and another and he just threw them in succession at Ranma. When Ranma was busy with all the bombs Happosai took advantage of the situation and made a dash for Akane. Happosai succeeded in groping Akane and then he moved on to Nabiki.
They both screamed and when Ranma finished disposing of the last bomb he attacked Happosai. Happosai avoided the first attacks and goaded Ranma on.
"See Ranma. I'll always win." Happosai
"Not always." Ranma said and kicked Happosai into orbit.
"Ahhhhh. I could kill him." Akane
"I agree sis." Nabiki
"I could. And if he ever did anything worse to either of you, I would." Ranma
Said in a serious voice and walked back inside to finish his breakfast
Akane said to Nabiki "you don't think he was serious do you?"
"I don't know. He seemed pretty serious to me." Nabiki
Akane and Nabiki were talking to one another on there way to school while Ranma was walking on the fence.
Whispered (so Akane? Have you decided on how you feel about Ranma yet?) Nabiki
(Yes.) Akane
(Well?) Nabiki
(I like him. And I don't wan him to leave. But I don't know if I love him or not.) Akane
(Well I knew you like him. And what do you mean you don't want him to leave?) Nabiki
(Well last night...) Akane was interrupted
(When the two of you were in the bath together?) Nabiki
(How did you know about that?...you...you're the one who told me that I could take my bath. You knew that Ranma was in there. What were you trying to do? Were you trying to get Ranma and me to fight?) Akane
(Yes.) Nabiki
(Well don't. Ranma is on the brink of leaving again. The way he was talking last night anything could make him leave.) Akane
maybe I took his 'anything' statement to far. Could that be why he is on the brink of leaving again Nabiki (I think it might be my fault.)
(What? Why would it be your fault?) Akane (did something happen on your date?)
When Nabiki didn't respond Akane continued (something did happened. Didn't it? What did you do?) Akane
(Well.. he said that he is still very suspicious of me.) Nabiki
(But what happened?) Akane
(I'll only tell you if you tell me what happened between you and Ranma in the bathtub last night.) Nabiki
(What? Nothing happened.) Akane
(What do you mean nothing? The two of you were in there together for a long time.) Nabiki
(We talked.) Akane
(So you are telling me that you didn't do anything?) Nabiki
(We didn't do anything.) Akane
Nabiki said more to herself than to Akane (wow. Ranma must be more adventurous with his girl form.)
(What was that?) Akane
(Uhh nothing.) Nabiki said blushing slightly
When they got to school Ranma and Akane went to there class and they sat in there seats. Ukyo came in close to the bell and they didn't have time to talk.
At lunch Ranma sat with Ukyo.
"So, how was your date with Nabiki?" Ukyo
Ranma blushed
"Wow, that good huh." Ukyo
"What...what are you talking about?" Ranma
"Well its obvious something happened because your blushing." Ukyo
"Uhh...well we went to a really nice place for dinner." Ranma
"Uh huh. But that's not what's making you blush. Come on you can tell me. What happen?" Ukyo
"Well we were talking and then she kissed me." Ranma
"She what?" Ukyo
"She kissed me." Ranma
"Well I guess that is to be expected. I mean it was a date. I guess she was just a little more aggressive." Ukyo
"Aggressive would be the right word" Ranma said to himself
"What was that?' Ukyo
"Nothing. But that isn't the strangest part about the kiss. She changed me into a girl half way through it and then she said that she always wondered what it would be like to kiss a girl." Ranma
Ukyo just looked shocked. "Uhhh....I can see why that would be embarrassing." Ukyo
if she only knew. Ranma thought
"Well I have to say that I am glad I made that deal with Nabiki. Since I got out of my old place within two days I was able to sale it and not get taxed for it. All of it went to the new place. Its still called Ukyo's of course but it still feels weird. I even hired some help for while I'm at school. I still plan to cook there for breakfast and dinner but now I don't have to worry about closing it." Ukyo
"Sounds like its going well. Ranma
"Sure is. I don't think I ever could have gotten a place that size for so little if it wasn't for you." Ukyo "thank you so much."
"It was nothing." Ranma
(Anything) Nabiki whispered into Ranma's ear
This caused Ranma to blush deeply.
"Wow. What did you say to him. I've never gotten Ranma to react like that with one word." Ukyo
"It all depends on the word." Nabiki
"So what is it?" Ukyo
"Ah ash. That's my little secret. And don't think that Ranma is going to tell you." Nabiki said and then sat down next to Ranma.
"How do you do it Nabiki?" Ukyo
"Do what?" Nabiki
"Get Ranma to go on a date with you, sit next to him without him trying to get away, and make him react so easily." Ukyo
"Well I think it has to do with the fact that I am not trying to marry him and that our parents aren't trying to force it which causes Ranma to relax more. You know. You probably have a better chance with Ranma now than you did when you were trying to force Ranma into marrying you." Nabiki
"Really?" Ukyo
"Really." Nabiki
"So what happened on your date." Ukyo
"If you want to know you have to pay for it." Nabiki said and then looked at Ranma who had a very disapproving look on his face "on second thought I don't think that information is going to be for sale. You'll just have to wonder." Nabiki said and then looked at Ranma who had a satisfied expression.
I nearly blew it right there. I even knew that would happen. So why did I do that. Money. It always come down to money. Well this time I'm trying to get something money cant buy. Money never has worked on Ranma. Nabiki
That afternoon when school was over Nabiki had some business to attend to so Akane and Ranma headed home.
"Ranma. About yesterday. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I didn't mean to. It just sounded like you were forcing me to answer and I never have like to be forced to do anything." Akane
"I'm sorry too. The way it came out did sound like I was forcing you tell me. You aren't the only one who doesn't like to be forced into something. I don't think anyone likes to be forced into anything. Its just that I felt that I deserve to know how you really feel about me. If you like me and you just don't want to be forced into marriage I can get that changed now. But if you don't like me then I deserve to know that also." Ranma
"You do deserve to know. But I also deserve to know how you feel about me." Akane
"Fair enough. I like you. I like you more than anyone else. But that doesn't mean that I am ready to get married and I don't plan to unless I want to." Ranma
"Oh how romantic Ranma." Akane said sarcastically
"It wasn't mean to be. I'm serious." Ranma
He is serious. Akane what am I going to tell him. I didn't expect him to tell me. I'm not ready. That's not true. I do know. Akane
"I like you too. I like you more than anyone else. But that doesn't mean that I am ready to get married and I don't plan to unless I want to." Akane said just as serious as Ranma did.
Ranma reached for Akane's hand and she jumped when she felt him grab her hand. Normally Ranma would have let go but he knew that Akane wouldn't mind and that it just surprised her.
This time when Ranma taught his class Akane took up position in the back. She knew most of what Ranma was teaching already but she noticed that by actually listening to Ranma's remarks on how to improve and not take it offensively that she would improve. Many of the other students expected another fight like the one the previous day but it never came.
When Ranma's class was over he asked Akane "would you like to go to Ukyo's with me to see the new place."
Ukyo's I thought that he broke the engagement with her. Akane calm down. They are just friends. He just wants to see the new place. Even though it was the cat cafe and he went there all the time. There I go again trying to make it something its not. Wait a minute he would have gone to see it anyway but he is asking me if I want to come along. Is he asking me on a date. Akane
"Well?" Ranma
"Are you asking me out?" Akane
"Hmmm.... I guess I am. Yeah. Would you like to go out with me. I know this restaurant that recently moved to a new location. It has the best service." Ranma
"I'd love to. Let me go get ready and I'll be ready to go." Akane said and made her way quickly to the house
I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to take a shower before we went out. Ranma thought. He went up to the bathroom and walked in. This time it was his turn to walk in on Akane.
"Uhh... sorry." Ranma said and closed the door quickly
damn. Just when things were going so well. Ranma
"Ranma." Akane
"Yeah?" Ranma
"I've got a towel on. You can come back in." Akane
"You sure?" Ranma
"Well if you don't want to, you don't have to." Akane let him come in. Let him come in. What am I thinking. Akane
oh what the hell. Ranma thought
Ranma put a towel around his waist and walked in. He got in the bath with Akane and they started talking.
Ranma and Akane walked to Ukyo's, arms linked.
"You know Ranma this is nice." Akane
"Yeah it is." Ranma
Akane leaned more into Ranma as they walked.
When they finally got to Ukyo's they walked in and Ukyo greeted them.
"Welcome to Ukyo's. Oh Ranma it you. What do you think of the place? Isn't it great?" Ukyo "sit over here so we can talk."
Ranma looked to Akane
she's hitting on Ranma again. Akane don't blow this. Ukyo is just proud of her new place and she wants to talk with Ranma. What? Why is Ranma looking at me? Is he asking permission? Should I give it to him? Akane then nodded to Ranma
Ranma lead Akane over to the bar in front of Ukyo's grill
"I'm sorry. I should have asked if the two of you wanted to sit somewhere else. Somewhere more private?" Ukyo
"This is fine." Akane
"You sure?" Ranma
"Yeah." Akane said and scooted closer to Ranma
I don't believe it even Akane is doing it now. Ukyo thought maybe it was because he was gone for so long. Well no one ever said I had to stay out of it.
As the evening wore on the trio talked and every so often Ukyo would go serve the other customers.
"That was nice." Akane
"I agree." Ranma
"I could get use to this." Akane
"So could I." Ranma
Did I just say that out loud? Akane
"Hey, what do you say we get a movie on our way back to watch tonight?" Ranma
"Ok." Akane
Ranma and Akane stopped at a video store and then continued on there way home. When they got there they went to the living room and put in the movie. Akane moved closer to Ranma as the movie progressed and by the time it got halfway through the movie Akane had moved next to Ranma and was leaning into him. Ranma had his arm around her and they just watched in peace.
"When the movie was over they headed up to there rooms but before they parted Ranma pulled Akane into a kiss. Akane tensed at first but she quickly relaxed and then started to kiss Ranma back. They stood there for a while like that but everything must come to an end. When they parted Akane was speechless she just entered her room in a daze and closed the door.
YESSSSSS! Ranma thought and went to his room
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga screamed
"In the middle of the expressway." Young man driving a truck
"What? You don't find many people in Japan that speaks English as well as you." Ryoga
"Japan?! Dude, this is America." Young man
"America?! How did I get here? Well thank you." Ryoga said and started to walk off.
"Hey, wait! Do you need a lift somewhere?" Young man
"What?" Ryoga
"Do you need a ride. It will be a lot quicker." Young man
"Really?" Ryoga
"Hop in. And make it quick. I don't want to get a ticket for impeding the flow of traffic." Young man
Ryoga tossed his bag into the back of the truck and then jumped into the passenger seat. The young man immediately accelerated up to speed with the traffic.
"Thank you." Ryoga
"No problem. What type of music do you like?" Young man
"Uhh... it doesn't matter." Ryoga
The young man turned on the radio and started playing 80's rock.
"Hey this is pretty good." Ryoga
"Yeah it is." Young man "my name's Jack. What's yours?"
"Ryoga." Ryoga
"Ryoga huh. Nice to meet ya." Jack
Ryoga noted the cup of water in the cup holder and started to worry.
Jack exited off the expressway at a high rate of speed and made the turnoff likewise. Ryoga expected the water to slosh out and activate his curse but somehow when Jack took the turn the water barely even moved.
"I'm impressed." Ryoga
"What?" Jack
"You didn't spill your drink." Ryoga
"Oh I don't drink it. Its a driving tool. If I don't spill it then I am taking the turns smoothly." Jack
"I'm still impressed." Ryoga especially since I am a water magnet.
"I hope you don't mind if I stop and get some lunch. I'm starved. Waffle house good for you?" Jack
"Sure." Ryoga said having no idea what waffle house was.
Jack pulled into the parking lot and he got out of the truck. Ryoga to got out and followed jack inside.
"Hey Jack." Waitress
"How goes it?' Jack
"It goes. Who's your friend?" Waitress
"This is Ryoga" jack
"Nice to meet ya." Waitress said sticking out her hand. Ryoga shook it. "So what are y'all going to have?"
"My usual." Jack
"Ok. And for you?' waitress
"Uh just get me what ever he's having." Ryoga
"Ok." Waitress said and then called it in.
The waitress returned with two cups of coffee and two cups of water.
Jack downed his glass of water quickly.
"What's this?" Ryoga
"Its coffee. I could have sworn that they had coffee in Japan." Jack
"I think they do and I just never had any." Ryoga
Jack normally would have been done preparing his coffee but since his new friend didn't know what coffee was he probably didn't know what to do with it so Jack went through the steps slowly so Ryoga could follow suit. Ryoga bumped his glass of water and he was sure this was it. But the change never came.
"That would have been a mess." Jack said as he grabbed a napkin and started cleaning up the water that was spilt.
"Thank you." Ryoga
"No prob." Jack
When they finished they got back in Jack's truck.
"I assume you want to go to the air port since you want to get back to Japan." Jack
"Yes." Ryoga
"Ok. Well lets get going." Jack said and started on his way to the airport.