Disclaimer: I still don't own Ranma and Co.

Ranma ½: The College Years

By: Chrissy H.


Chapter 4

1 month later…

"Ranma! Ranma! Guess what! I got the part!" Akane yelled excitedly as she ran over to Ranma.

Ranma heard his name being called and watched as the girl with short bluish black hair run towards him and wrap her arms around his neck. His eyes widen to the size of saucers with the impact.

"Hmpff." Ranma grunted as the air was knocked out of him. "A..Akane…c-can't b-br-breathe." Ranma said

Quickly, Akane jumped 5 feet away from him while blushing furiously. "S-sorry Ranma…I guess I was a bit excited." She said while looking at the ground.

Ranma rubbed the back of his neck while turning a bright shade of red. "Heh. No problem, Akane."

Michi looked at the scene in front of her suspiciously. They sure do act weird for an engaged couple. You'd think they had never hugged before. Well, now that I think of it, I don't think I have ever seen them hug, or kiss, or hold hands. Something's up here… "Congratulations Akane! What part did you get? For what play?" Michi said, smiling at the still pink cheeked girl in front of her.

"I got the part of Kate in The Taming of the Shrew!" Akane gushed.

"Sounds like just the play for you, Akane." Ranma said while smirking at her.

"And just what is that supposed to mean, Ranma?" Akane ground out.

"Oh, well, you know a tomboy like you…" Before Ranma could finish, Akane's fist had connected with his jaw.

"That's enough, Ranma." Akane said between clenched teeth.

"Oh my goodness! Ranma! Are you okay?" Michi said, helping him up. "Akane, was that really necessary?"

"The jerk deserved it!" Akane said, getting slightly jealous of watching another girl tend to Ranma.

"Akane! I just heard you got the part of Kate! That's awesome!" Akane looked over to see Kai running towards them. "I got the part of Benedict! We're going to be playing a couple!" He said as he stopped in front of them grinning madly.

"A what!" Ranma yelled looking at Akane and Kai. "Now wait a minute here…"

"Oh, Ranma, it's just a play." Akane said looking at her fiancé.

"Not that I care or anything." Ranma said defensively. "I mean, who would want to be a couple with you anyway? You're uncute, thighs the size of tree trunks, built like a brick…" Ranma was counting off his fingers when he suddenly noticed Akane run away from the group. "Oh geez…"

"Wow Ranma. That was really mean of you." Kai said shooting him a dirty look. "This was her big day in theatre arts and you just ruined it for her."

Ranma just looked at Kai and took off. Aww crap, I messed up this time.

Kai and Michi just watched the couple run off from them.

"There's just something not right about them being a couple." Michi said as she watched their retreating forms.

"Oh, didn't Ranma tell you? They're in a forced engagement. It's an arranged marriage." Kai said looking at Michi.

"What! No! He didn't tell me that! You mean, they don't actually want to be engaged?" Michi's eyes sparkled with the idea that she might still be able to get Ranma.

"Well, that's what they say. And you just saw what happened. But, I kinda wonder if there's something beneath it all. Whether they actually care for each other." Kai said with a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Well, let's find out!" Michi said with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"And how do you suggest we do that, Michi?" Kai asked suspiciously.

"Well, you like Akane, don't you? And I mean, more that a friend?" Michi looked up to Kai.

"Well, umm, heh, umm, yea…I guess." Kai said looking at the ground.

"No need to be so shy! I'll admit I like Ranma." Michi said with a gleam in her eyes. "So, all we have to do is try to kiss them. If they actually care for the other, they won't do it. BUT, if they don't…we both get what we want!" Michi said with a look of triumph on her face.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Michi." Kai said nervously.

"Sure it is! Just think about it. If they don't care for each other, we're saving them from a loveless marriage. And if they do, well at least we know!" Michi said with a grin on her face. "You're going to spending a lot of time with Akane practicing for the play. And I'm sure I can get Ranma to study with me for Health. It's perfect! We can take it slowly and have them warm up to us more and then make our move. Come on Kai! I can't do this without you. So, are we a team?" Michi asked putting out her hand.

Kai just looked at her hand for a long while contemplating this whole plan. If Akane really does love Ranma, this will never succeed. But if she doesn't, she'll be thanking me for getting her out of her engagement. It's for her own good! Eventually, he smiled and took her hand. With a firm shake he nodded, "Yes, we're a team."

Michi grinned a grin not unlike the one found on the Cheshire Cat.

"Akane! Wait up!" Ranma yelled running after Akane. "Come on, don't be stupid! Stop it now!"

"Stupid! Who are you calling stupid!" Akane suddenly stopped and turned around. She stopped so quickly Ranma almost ran into her.

Ranma could see the tears welling up in Akane's eyes. "Oh geez Akane, don't cry. You know I can't stand it when you cry."

Akane quickly brushed away the unshed tears. "I am NOT crying."

"Look, I didn't mean what I said back there. Really. Congratulations on your part in the play. I know you worked hard for it." Ranma said with an uncharacteristic serious look on his face.

Akane sniffled slightly. "Thanks."

"Come on, let's go for ice cream. My treat." Ranma said starting to walk in the direction of the ice cream parlor.

"Only if you stay a guy." Akane stated from behind him.

"Aww. Akane. You know guys don't eat ice cream." Ranma whined.

"Nope, I want you to stay a guy if we go get ice cream." Akane crossed her arms over her chest.

"Alright, fine, just this once. But only because you got your part in the play." Ranma said over his shoulder as he continued walking.

Akane smiled and caught up to walk beside him. "Thank you Ranma." Akane said softly.

Ranma smiled to himself and grabbed her hand in response. They walked the rest of the way to the ice cream parlor hand in hand.

AN: Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions! I'm trying to improve my writing, I promise! If anyone has any suggestions on what to do with the story, please let me know! I'm always looking for ideas! -Chrissy