** I do not own Ranma 1/2. That masterpiece is the property of Rumiko Takahashi. **

** I left this chapter alone for a few days, as I had things to do but also wasn't completely happy with it. I finished it today. Not everyone will like it, so I apologize, but this is where I feel the story needs to go. Thanks for all the reviews :) **

Ranma walked alone. He wasn't sure where he was at first, until he saw something familiar. Wait.. am I in Jusendo? Again? This must be a dream.. All of a sudden, his arms started to get wrapped up in threads.. The egg! He felt himself being pulled in, and then he saw Saffron. No! Oh, no! The entire scene started to form. He looked to where he knew Akane would be running to save him. "No! AKANE DON'T!" He screamed up to where he saw Akane as she ran to turn the tap. His arms were released and moments later he caught her nearly empty clothes, just the same way as before. He immediately looked for her doll body, as he knew where to find it, and hugged the tiny doll. No, no, no, not again. "Akane!" he yelled. Akane's body transformed back to full length. What? What's going on? She shouldn't be restored yet. This really is a dream. She's going to be okay. We are okay. Ranma took a deep breath. He looked down at Akane and realized.. the girl was Miyuki. Ranma shook his head. What is going on? Miyuki's eyes wouldn't open. He started gently shaking her to wake up. Her face fell, and she slowly vanished. Ranma sat looking at his arms with wide eyes. What is happening? "Miyuki!" he yelled.

He shot up in bed, sweat dripping down his face. What the hell was that? Ugh. Ranma got up and quickly ran to the furo to get cleaned up.

When he was done and dressed, he made his way down the stairs to meet the family for breakfast. He got half way down the stairs before he noticed a large birthday banner and the entire clan standing waiting for him with small party hats on. Crap.

"Happy Birthday!" The clan cheered.

"Uh, thanks guys." Ranma smiled a fake smile at everyone. Nodoka ran up and hugged her son and handed him a small present. Ranma smiled at his mother. "You didn't have to get me a present, Mom. I'm really fine."

Nodoka frowned at her son. "Stop that! Open it!" she beamed.

Ranma smiled and unwrapped the gift. He opened the box inside to find a men's necklace with a small katana charm on it. On the katana, his name was engraved. "Thanks, Mom." he smiled at her.

Nodoka immediately grabbed it and put it on Ranma. She stepped back and looked at him. "I can't believe you're 18 years old already, Ranma. You're growing into such a fine young man. A few rough edges to work on still, but very manly. I am so proud of you." She pulled Ranma into another hug. "Now, I've told everyone else that there are to be no presents until your party. You are to come home straight away after school so we can celebrate!"

Ranma looked at everyone else, "Thanks, guys."

Akane approached Ranma and handed him a bento. "It's a birthday bento for your lunch today. I made it myself!" she beamed.

Ranma put on a fake smile and nervously took the bento. "Uh, thanks Akane.."

Nodoka smiled at the two of them. "Alright. Breakfast time so you two can get off to school!"

Ranma and Akane walked along. The awkwardness between them was still present, but at least she was walking with him again. Maybe his birthday would be beneficial to getting her talking to him again. It felt a little wrong to use his birthday to manipulate the girl, but he saw the opportunity and couldn't bear to keep things this way with her.

Ranma looked at Akane and broke the ice. "You know, you really don't have to keep wearing the hat." he told her.

Akane smiled back. "But when people ask why I'm wearing it, I can tell them it's your birthday!" Akane laughed, knowing all too well that Ranma wasn't very comfortable with telling people it was his birthday.

Ranma sighed. "Do you have to?"

Akane beamed. "I sure do!"

Ranma shook his head. "Even though it's because of my birthday, I'm happy you're talking to me again." He admitted.

Akane smiled. "I'm still mad at you, but I'll put it aside for today."

Ranma nodded. "Good. I've missed you."

Akane looked at Ranma. "I've missed you, too."

They walked along quietly, until Akane spoke again. "How are you, Ranma?"

Ranma smiled at her. "I'll be fine. I'm working on it."

Akane looked pleased. "I'm glad. I'd like my friend back."

Ranma grinned. "I'd like my friend back, too."

"We've been through a lot, Ranma. It's been a rough month, but you've always been there for me before we got back from China. I'm not going to just forget that." Akane told him.

"It went both ways. I know I've really screwed up lately. I really don't know what I was thinking. I honestly thought my life was going to go one way and then, seemingly out of nowhere, it took a drastic turn. I can't deal with not having you to talk to. I know I hurt you with Miyuki and I still don't understand what happened there. I just know that I need you to stay in my life. " Ranma said.

Akane chuckled a little. "I appreciate that, Ranma. I know you miss her and I'm sorry I'm the reason she left."

Ranma shook his head. "It's not your fault, Akane. It's mine. I didn't handle anything right in the last month. I was acting like an idiot. I'm paying the price for that now. Hopefully you can forgive me for everything."

Akane nodded. "I'm working on it, too."

Thanks, Akane. That's the best I can ask for. I'm hoping that this Jusenkyo trip will be a good distraction." Ranma sighed.

"I hope so, too. I hope everyone gets their cure this time." Akane said.

They approached the school and saw Kaze waiting for them. Akane lit up and waved. "Hello Kaze!"

Ranma smiled at Kaze. "Hey man. What's going on?"

Kaze smiled at them both. "Happy birthday, Ranma!" He looked at Akane. "Nice hat."

Akane laughed as Ranma made the cutting gesture along his neck to imply he didn't want Kaze to keep talking about his birthday. Kaze chuckled.

"Birthdays are special, Ranma. Enjoy it!" Kaze continued.

Ranma sighed as several other students caught wind and started to approach him to give their best wishes. Ranma looked at Kaze after the other students walked away. "Yeah, thanks for that, man."

Akane looked at Kaze with flirty eyes. "We will see you after school for Ranma's party?" She asked.

Kaze smiled and nodded. "I wouldn't miss it. I was thinking, though, that I'd meet you here and walk home with you. Honestly, it's not like I have a whole lot else to do while I'm down here. I intended to have returned by now."

Akane smiled. "Sounds wonderful." Akane leaned in a little closer to Kaze. "Could I talk to you in private for a minute?" Akane asked.

Kaze nodded. "Of course."

Akane turned to Ranma. "Go ahead without me. I'll be right behind you."

Ranma looked confused, but did as he was told.

When Ranma, Akane and Kaze returned home, Ranma couldn't help but notice the lights were all off inside. Oh, no. She isn't..

He opened the door and walked inside. The lights then turned on and most of his friends and family jumped up to yell, "Surprise!"

Ranma smiled. "You know, it's not really a surprise if I know about it." Ranma looked around at the gawdy decorations and multitude of balloons everywhere. "Wow, mom. You, uh, really went all out." He said.

Nodoka shushed him. "We are making up for lost time."

In attendance were his parents, Soun, Kasumi, Nabiki, Ryoga, Ukyo, and, of course, Akane and Kaze who followed him inside.

After some formalities with the elders of the group, Nabiki ushered the younger guests into the dojo, which was turned into a dance floor with music already playing. Kasumi brought out some snacks and placed them on the table set up along the wall.

Ranma approached Kasumi. "I can't believe you guys did all this for me. I've been so miserable to everyone lately, I didn't expect any of this." He said.

Kasumi smiled. "You're family now, Ranma. Whether you marry Akane or not."

Ranma smiled back. "Thanks, Kasumi."

Ryoga approached him next. "Happy Birthday, Ranma. How does it feel to be a year older?" He asked.

"The same as it did when I was still 17 yesterday," Ranma chuckled.

"So, I have to tell you something. Akari broke up with me. That's why she wanted to speak to me privately. I would have told you earlier if you came with Ukyo to pick me up. She's moving to America to go to college, so she doesn't want us tied down while she's away." Ryoga explained.

"Oh, I'm sorry man. That's tough." Ranma said sympathetically.

"It's okay. It's not like we saw a lot of each other. Besides, I've been spending a lot of time with someone else," Ryoga explained.

Ranma raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Ryoga smiled. "Ukyo" he beamed.

Ranma's eyes widened. "Oh, wow man. Does she feel the same way?" He asked.

"I'm not sure yet, but I think so. Is that okay? I know she's one of your fiances." Ryoga asked.

Ranma laughed. "Ukyo is free to date whoever she wants. I'm happy for you two."

Ryoga smiled and then looked over at Ukyo, who was talking to Akane, Nabiki and Kaze. Ukyo felt Ryoga's eyes on her and looked back. She smiled then motioned for the boys to come over and join them. Ryoga looked at Ranma then motioned his head for Ranma to come along. The boys walked over to the group.

Nabiki walked over to a cooler bag she had brought in earlier and opened it. "What's a celebration without Champagne?!" Nabiki pulled out two large bottles and put them on the table beside the plastic cups.

Ranma cooked an eyebrow at Nabiki. "My mother would kill me."

Nabiki scrunched her face at Ranma. "Party pooper! The adults are leaving us youngsters to party, a little bit won't hurt!" Nabiki proceeded to pour everyone a drink. The rest of the party attendees took a cup, including Ranma, although reluctantly. Nabiki raised her glass, "Happy Birthday to Ranma!" She raised a toatst to the birthday boy then everyone took a drink.

The night went pretty well. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, even Ranma. Akane did notice that he seemed a little lost at times, but could tell he was trying his best to enjoy the only actual birthday party he's ever had. After a couple hours, Kaze and Akane approached Ranma. "Your present should be here soon. Come outside," Kaze told him. The three went outside of the dojo and stood there.

"What am I waiting for?" Ranma asked.

"Shh.. be patient. Should be here any second." Akane smiled at Ranma.

Suddenly, a cold wind carrying small snowflakes blew through the yard. Ranma looked at Kaze and Akane with wide eyes, knowing full well that this wasn't normal for the current weather and what this could mean. "Do you mean.. " He started but he couldn't form a thought. A bright light appeared and as it faded it slowly revealed a beautiful blonde girl with green eyes and a green kimono. "Miyuki!" Ranma ran to her and didn't even slow down before he scooped her up into a tight hug and spun her around. "You're here!" He exclaimed.

"Happy Birthday, handsome." Miyuki said to him. They stared into each other's eyes for a few intense moments before Ranma pulled her back in and hugged her with ferocity.

Kaze smiled at Akane. Akane wasn't really sure about how she felt about all this, but having Kaze there really helped her. For the first time, she felt almost good about seeing Ranma so happy finally. It definitely beat seeing him depressed and miserable.

Miyuki giggled. "Ranma, you're squeezing me a little hard, babe."

"Oh, sorry." He released her slightly and pulled her back just so he could look at her again. "I can't believe you're here. I wasn't sure I would ever see you again."

Miyuki smiled. "Well, it seems Akane cares about you quite a bit. She spoke to Kaze and sent him up to get me to come back down, at least for tonight."

"She needed a little convincing. She's stubborn." Kaze chuckled.

"I just didn't want to cause any more pain down here." Miyuki said solemnly.

"When she learned that Akane was the one who sent me, that really changed things." Kaze explained.

Ranma didn't let go of Miyuki, but turned his head to Akane and said, "Thank you. I don't know what to say. You're the most selfless person I know."

Miyuki smiled at Akane. "Thank you for your kind words, Akane. I won't forget them." Akane nodded.

Ranma took Miyuki's attention back. "Is this just a visit or are you coming back? I can't say goodbye again." Ranma pleaded.

Miyuki smiled and brushed some of Ranma's hair back. "I don't know what I'm going to do yet. Let's just go enjoy your party before we miss it." Miyuki suggested.

Ranma nodded, but he didn't want to let her go just yet. He pulled her in for one more hug before reluctantly letting go and taking her hand. "Let's go, then." He beamed.

Akane and Kaze walked back into the dojo first, with Ranma and Miyuki behind them. The rest of the group's eyes widened as they saw Ranma walk in with Miyuki.

"Oh my," Kasumi said.

"What's going on?" Ryoga asked.

Ranma grinned and looked down at Miyuki. "Just a small miracle." He out his arm around Miyuki, leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

Nabiki smirked. "Looks like it's time for another glass of champagne!" She announced as she began to pour the champagne into all the empty glasses.

Everyone took their glass of champagne and drank it. Nabiki turned to everyone. "Now, let's dance! What kind of party is this?" She announced and pulled Ukyo and Akane into the designated dance floor area. The girls started dancing. Kaze, Ryoga and Kasumi followed.

Ranma smiled down at Miyuki. "Thank you for coming down. I have been so sad since you left." Ranma told her.

"I've missed you so much, Ranma. Let's not talk about all that right now. It's your party, you need to have fun!" She told him, then smirked. "Would you like to dance?" She asked.

Ranma blushed, thinking about their previous dance nights. He was drinking all those times before, but the medication he has been taking mixed with the small amount of alcohol he's already consumed was definitely getting him buzzed faster, so this wasn't that different, although he wasn't about to dance quite like they used to in current company. Ranma smiled and told her, "I will always dance with you."

Muyuki smiled, took Ranma's hand and led him to the dance floor to dance with everyone. When they got there, Ranma lifted their hands and spun her around. She giggled.

The group had a great time dancing to all kinds of fast and slow music. During one of the slower songs, Ukyo approached Ranma and Miyuki. "Could I cut in, Miyuki? I'd like to have a birthday dance with my best friend." she asked.

Miyuki smiled brightly. "Absolutely you can." She let go of Ranma, then pulled him down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She then smiled at Ranma before walking over to where Akane and Nabiki were taking a break.

Ranma put his hand out to invite Ukyo into the dance. Ukyo smiled, took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled into position. They started to dance. Ukyo looked at Ranma. "So, how did we manage to welcome Miyuki back to the scene? Is she staying?" she asked him.

Ranma half smiled, "Akane and Kaze arranged it. I don't know if she's staying. I really hope she is. I honestly don't know what I'll do if she leaves with no contact again."

Ukyo smiled. "I can see you care about her a lot. I wish it wasn't the case, because, well, I wish you would have picked me. At the very least, Akane. Akane would have been easier to swallow. Instead, it had to be some random new girl who just happened to turn out to be an angel." Ukyo said.

Ranma nodded. "I know, Ukyo, but I can't help how I feel. I also don't want you or Akane to feel like second choices if she does leave again. You both deserve better than that."

Ukyo looked amused. "You got that right, sugar!"

Miyuki approached Akane and Nabiki. "Hello, girls." Miyuki greeted them.

Akane smiled at Miyuki while Nabiki eyed her suspiciously. "Hello, Miyuki. Thank you for coming to see Ranma. I think he really needed to see you." Akane told Miyuki.

Miyuki smiled back. "Thank you, Akane. I really needed to see him, too. You don't know how much you sending Kaze has meant to me."

Akane's smile dropped a little. "I didn't like doing it, though, Miyuki. I just saw how sad and hurt Ranma has been since you left. He deserves some happiness on his birthday."

Miyuki nodded. "I understand. I appreciate it either way." Miyuki briefly looked out to the dance floor to see the others still having fun dancing, then turned back to Akane. "I hear you and my brother have been hitting it off, though." she mused.

Nabiki chimed in. "Do you have another brother? Seriously. Is everyone in your family so good looking?" she asked.

Miyuki laughed. "Well, yes I do have other siblings. Sisters and brothers. We all look very similar. It's in the gene pool."

Nabiki nodded. "Next time, bring one for me." she said, seriously.

Miyuki laughed again. "I will see what I can do."

Nabiki eyed the empty cups and decided it was time to pour more champagne.