I don't own Ranma 1/2.

-.Chapter seven.-

Ranma was standing on his head by the koi pond as Akane walked towards him. He saw her legs approaching, so he turned upside down and sat. Akane looked confused, and a bit angry. Well, I'm not gonna lie to you, she looked very angry.

She sat down beside Ranma and stared at the water. Ranma stared at Akane, expecting her to hit him, or yell at him, but she remained silent.

Ranma gathered strenght and tapped her shoulder.

"hum.. Is something wrong?" to which she coldly answered "Why should there be something wrong?"

He shrugged "I dunno... maybe the spar made you angry...'cause you certainly look angry..."-he leaned a little to the opposite side from Akane...he thought she would smack his head. But she didn't.

Her expression softened a bit. "You know Ranma... I've been thinking. We both sort of told each other how we felt when we were locked in that closet. I mean...it did feel good to be that close."

Ranma blinked "um, yeah"

"So.. why are we slowly coming back to the normal "I hate you" stuff?"

"I haven't done anything. You're the one that shouted at me and got angry."

Akane glared at Ranma "That's because you've been acting like you always do!!"

" Well how do you want me to act! that's who I am! that's how I am!"

"Well I don't think I like it!!!"

"Well then you don't like me!!!" he looked both angry and hurt.

The girl stared at the grass, regretting about what she just said. "Look Ranma... sometimes people have to change some things in order to get along with the one they love. I've been trying to change. I'm not punching you, smacking you, hitting you with my mallet... That's because I want our relationship to improve... don't you see that?"

He seriously replied "yeah, I do. But you know... it's always been hard for me... to change I mean... I've been trying to be nicer, or less arrogant... but if I change those things... a part of what makes me a good opponent would fade. I've dedicated my whole life to martial arts... you know that... I sacrificed my life for martial arts... and martial arts taught me to be arrogant, to not be too nice...

I'm very different when you're around, you know. I can be even worse than you think."

She smiled a tender smile "I don't think you're bad. You're noble, you help others, you're kind, you're caring, you're very honorable. But you don't show your feelings, because you've been taught not to, in order to become a great martial artist. But you're also a person you know... You need to release what you've got inside."

"oh, I am impulsive, no doubt of that... but sometimes I get too.... shy maybe? nervous... and I can't say a word. So I choose to show how I feel with actions..."

"Yeah, I noticed." She held his hand. "that's why I love you... you're a great human being."

Ranma was now blushing, and with a tender smile he said "so are you. And I l-love you t-too". he tightened his grip and the sun was setting as the two adolescents joined in a kiss.

After sharing a passionate but tender kiss, Ranma laid down, with Akane's head resting on his chest. They slowly fell asleep.

Nabiki came back and saw this strange strange image.

She thought to herself "Akane!? and Ranma!? Sleeping peacefully?? TOGETHER?! Damn, what did I miss!!"

She stepped closer to take a better look. "Well, Ranma's arms are behind his head, he's in his average position. But Akane's head is in his chest, and she's huggin' him... her left arm's wrapped around his ribs. Something must have happened...AND I MISSED IT!! DAMN IT!!!"

Kasumi walked in as well, with her shopping bags and a book she borrowed from Dr. Tofu's office. She stared confused at the couple.

"Oh my... don't they look adorable? I'm so happy for them. I'll make a delicious dinner tonight". She smiled her lovely smile and walked into the house.

The problem began when Soun and Genma walked in... and they saw their children sleeping like that.

"Oh, Kami-sama!! Tendou...Take a look at that!!"

Soun had tears beggining to fall down his cheeks- "Saotome!! Today's the day!! Oh my friend! They love each other!"

Genma was crying as well "I'm so happy Tendou!! Our schools! joined!!"

And they began to dance around the young couple, as they awakened. Akane and Ranma sat down, staring at their parents, confused.

"Pop...hey, pop! care to tell me what's goin' on?!"

Hugging his son strongly "You're a Saotome no doubt!!! You're a stud son!!"

Ranma's eyes widened profusely "What??? What are ya talkin' about?"

Soun was moved "You know you've got my blessing, Ranma. I can't tell you how happy I am that you two finally showed your love to each other."

Akane blushed "Dad... how?.... what?.... when!?... Why are you saying all these things?"

"Honey, I saw how you two fell asleep, and you looked inlove!"

The young Saotome released himself from his father's hug, and asked "You two think all this because of how we've fallen asleep?"

Soun and Genma:"YES!"

Akane and Ranma looked at each other, and then at their parents, and sighed.

Ranmatried to reason with'em "Look, pop. Nothing happened. We were tired and decided to take a nap. We were talking about stuff, and we just fell asleep. That's all."

Soun and Genma stared at their kids, and continued talking between them.

Soun: I really think their kids will be good looking!

Genma: Yes, and they'll be awesome martial artists! The best ever!

They continued talking as they walked into the household.

Ranma shrugged "well, 'Kane...guess we should let'em know that we're now serious about being a c-couple..."he blushed lightly.

"hmm...yeah... well...I don't want to get married this soon... but I guess saying it wouldn't hurt... we're already engaged, aren't we?" she smirked.

"yeah... okay... they somehow already know about it. We should act normally."

"normally as in "tomboy"/"baka"?"

He waved his hands, nervously "No, no! Heh, normally as in "normal""

"Ah... nice" she said, smiling.

They held each other's hands and walked into the house.

Kasumi was already cooking dinner, Soun and Genma were talking about their grandchildren while playing a game of shogi. And Nabiki was staring at Ranma and Akane.

The middle Tendou daughter asked them, with a distrustful look "Now, what are you two up to?"

Ranma blinked "What are ya talkin' about?"

Her eyes narrowed "What are you two planning? ... I don't believe this sudden "coupling" crap... Spit it out, what are you two up to? I know you can't stand the sight of each other..."

Ranma was still blinking "Nabiki...are u feelin' fine?"

"Yes, I am. I'm curious, that's all.. Say it, you know I'll find out sooner or later.. Now, young mister, I'll ask it one more time: What are you two up to!"

He stared at her for a couple of seconds, and said "ya know... you should get some sleep and relax a little..."

Nabiki was upset "Fine, have it your way. I'm gonna have to tell the janitor that you were in his closet without permission. I've got proves of it."

Akane was shocked "what? How did you..."

"I know a lot more than you think Akane. Now, if your little boyfriend over here doesn't tell me what's going on... I'm going to start talking, and it ain't going to be nice."

Ranma was really upset "There's nothing out of normal Nabiki. We just realized that we were gettin' along, we got close, got things out in the open, and found out we really like each other. I love Akane, and she loves me. Now, how bizarre can that be?"

A "click" sound could be heard.

The mercenary-girl grinned. "That should do it. Thanks Ranma! Now I'm getting all your fiancées out of the way, so you can marry my sister. Thanks!!"

She rewinded the tape, and ran to her bedroom.

Akane sighed "I can't believe you fell for that Ranma..."

Upset "You coulda warned me ya know!!"

And they sat, wondering what Nabiki's plan was..