** I do not own Ranma 1/2. That masterpiece is the property of Rumiko Takahashi.**
Ranma knocked on Akane's door the next morning. Luckily, it was the weekend, but Ranma did have to bring Megami with him this time. Megami was quite thrilled to be in the Tendo home, as it was her favourite place to visit since she got so much attention from many of her favourite people here. Akane answered.
"Ranma? Why are you back already? I thought you were going to give me some time?" Akane asked, still in her pajamas.
"I'm sorry, Akane. With Kaze coming back today, I thought we should talk before he got back so we knew how to deal with everything. He's going to be so mad at me," Ranma said, with a clear amount of healthy fear about the situation they found themselves in.
"I kissed you, Ranma. You didn't cross the line, I did. I'm the one he will be mad at, and rightfully so," Akane said, seemingly ashamed of her actions.
"Somehow, Akane, I don't see it playing out the same way you do," Ranma let out a fake chuckle as he spoke.
"Nay-Nay!" Megami shouted from her father's arms, annoyed that the attention wasn't immediately on her.
"I'm sorry, Megami. Did I not say hello to you? How awful of me! Hello, sweet girl!" Akane said as she lowered herself to Megami's level and gave her a big smile. Akane reached out to take Megami from Ranma, who allowed her to take his child. Akane swung Megami around and gave her a kiss on the cheek as Megami giggled and gurgled. Ranma found the entire scene endearing, and added it as another reason Akane should stay in their lives.
Akane looked back over at Ranma. "I don't know what to tell you, though, Ranma. I haven't had any time to really think yet," she said.
Ranma nodded. "I know. I get it. I just want to know something, Akane," he said as he moved more into her room, to maintain some privacy, then shut the door behind him to avoid eavesdroppers. "Do you love me?" Ranma asked intently.
Akane's eyes widened. "Pardon me?" she asked.
"I think you heard me," Ranma said as he smiled weakly at her. "I love you. Do you love me?" Ranma asked again.
"I.. That's not an appropriate question to ask when I'm dating your daughter's uncle, Ranma," Akane deflected.
"That's not an answer, Akane," Ranma paused for a moment, then decided to continue. "That kiss yesterday.. I felt it. If I'm right, then I have no intention of giving up on us. Kaze will just have to deal with it," Ranma said, "but, I also don't want to keep chasing after you if it was just my wishful thinking. My heart breaks more and more every time you reject me. I don't know how much more it can take."
Akane looked at Ranma with sympathy. She understood the feeling of rejection all too well, because of Ranma himself, and couldn't imagine the grief his heart has been through with losing Megami the way he did. "Ranma, I do love you. I just don't know what that love means yet," Akane admitted.
"Do you love Kaze?" Ranma asked.
"Another inappropriate question," Akane warned.
"I don't think so. I think it's pretty important information, to be honest with you," Ranma explained.
"Maybe. I'm not sure yet. I know that I really like Kaze and I wanted to be with him," Akane said.
"Wanted? Like past tense?" Ranma asked.
"That's not what I meant, Ranma!" Akane started to get flustered.
Ranma put his hands up defensively. "I'm sorry, Akane. I'm not trying to upset you. I'm just trying to figure it all out," he said. "Let me ask you this," Ranma continued. "Did you feel the same kind of passion when you kissed Kaze as you clearly did when you kissed me?"
Akane deadpanned. Akane couldn't believe the gull Ranma had to ask these types of questions. Somehow, he seemed to be regaining some of that confidence that had been faltering lately. "I don't know," Akane said in a monotone voice.
"You don't know or you don't want to tell me?" Ranma asked.
"Ranma, I don't know. Okay?" Akane snapped at Ranma, annoyed with the way he was pressing her for information she wasn't prepared to give nor has she properly thought through yet. She did think she knew the answer, but had no desire to share that with Ranma. It was different with Kaze, but there were definite feelings and passion there.
"Okay, I'm sorry," Ranma responded, defensively. "I just.. I don't want to let this go if it means that it's my only chance."
Akane half smiled at Ranma. "I know, Ranma."
Megami smacked Akane's face. "Nay-Nay!" Megami yelled, getting impatient that no one was paying her any attention. Akane looked at Megami in shock.
"Megami! That's not nice! Say sorry to Akane!" Ranma gently scolded the infant.
Megami looked ashamed. "Wuhowwy." Megami attempted her apology.
Akane smiled at Megami. "You're forgiven, Megami. Next time, ask nicely, okay?" Akane told her. Megami squealed with newfound delight.
"Sorry, Akane. She's getting more and more demanding lately. Mom says she's becoming a toddler and I should be prepared for it to get worse before it gets any better," Ranma chuckled.
"It's okay, Ranma. I just didn't expect it," Akane smiled back.
"I'll take her home for lunch. Just think about what I've said. I will do anything I can to repent and make you happy, Akane. We are meant to be together. I love you," Ranma said before taking Megami from her arms and leaving.
"Venue is scheduled and confirmed! We just need the flowers, cake, DJ, tux fittings, dress shopping, guest list.." Ukyo was running through her to-do list for the wedding to her future husband who was currently donning glazed over eyes, clearly not fully listening. Ryoga was too busy worrying about his parents signing their consent. He needed to get in touch with Machiko to see how her side of things was coming along. "Ryoga!" Ukyo snapped to get his attention.
Ryoga blinked a few times to revisit reality. "What? Yeah, wedding.." he tried.
Ukyo raised an eyebrow at him. "You weren't listening to me," she accused.
Ryoga smiled at her. "I'm sorry, babe. It's a lot. Let's get Ranma and Akane over to help go through some of this. That's what we hired them for, right?" he asked.
Ukyo smiled. "Hired?" Ukyo laughed. "Are we crazy to get married this fast?" she asked.
Ryoga grabbed both of her hands in his. "Ukyo, every moment I spend not being married to you is a travesty. I can't wait to be your husband and have you as my wife. I want to start our lives together right away. Our wedding can't come soon enough," Ryoga shot her a killer, loving smile as he spoke.
Ukyo swooned slightly, before remembering the tasks at hand. "Yes, that's all good, but there's still a lot to do!" Ukyo exclaimed.
Ryoga chuckled. "What can I do to help?" Ryoga asked.
Ukyo beamed. "Take Ranma to the tux fitting this afternoon. You both need one. I will take Akane dress shopping. Later, at 3pm, we will meet at the baker's to do a cake tasting," Ukyo ordered.
"Your organization is very sexy," Ryoga winked at her. "And cake tasting? You mean we get to eat a bunch of cake today?" Ryoga added, excited at the concept.
Ukyo nodded. "Well, I'm going to have to fit my dress in a couple of weeks so you're going to be doing most of my tasting," Ukyo said as she smirked at her husband. She knew he wouldn't mind picking up the slack on this particular task.
Ryoga saluted. "Yes, boss!" he said. Ryoga had never felt more happy and at peace than he did right now. Why does everyone say weddings are stressful? They obviously don't have a fiance as amazing as mine.
Ukyo giggled. "It's a plan. Go get Ranma. Tux shopping and then baker's at 3pm. Break!" Ukyo got up and started getting ready to go pick up Akane to go dress shopping.
Ryoga couldn't stop smiling. He got up and walked over to Ukyo, scooping her up into his arms and spinning her around. He planted a kiss on her lips that lingered a few moments before putting her down. "I'll see you soon, beautiful," he said, then turned to leave.
"Bye, my handsome future husband." Ukyo swooned. Who knew Ryoga would turn into such a dotting fiance and that he would be all mine?
"What about this one?" Akane picked up a beautiful western style wedding dress for Ukyo that looked quite a bit like the one Akane had for the failed wedding to Ranma.
"I like it! Put it on the rack for me to try on!" Ukyo said as she spun around to keep looking through the gowns.
"Hey Ukyo, I need to talk about something sensitive with someone and you're probably the only person I can talk to about this," Akane started.
Ukyo smiled at her friend. "You talk while I start trying some of these dresses on!" she said with excitement.
Akane took a deep breath. "I kissed Ranma last night," she confessed.
Ukyo stopped what she was doing as her jaw almost hit the floor. She turned and looked at Akane, her mouth still agape. "What?!" Ukyo said, in a solid state of shock but a small smirk forming at the corners of her mouth. Ukyo loved gossip.
Akane looked away from Ukyo. "Yeah, I know how big this is. That's why I need to talk to you," she told her.
"What happened? Did he kiss you again? I told him to stop pushing you like that," Ukyo asked.
"No, I kissed him," Akane admitted.
"Okay! Wait. Back up. I need the whole story," Ukyo said as she pulled Akane down to sit with her on the change room bench.
"Well, I don't really know what happened. Ranma was saying all the right things and I just had this uncontrollable urge to kiss him. I didn't even think about Kaze until afterward, when he called," Akane said.
"Kaze called while you were kissing Ranma?!" Ukyo asked.
Akane nodded. "I know. I think he had some sort of sixth sense about it, to be honest. First thing he asked was if Ranma was there," Akane explained.
"Wow! Talk about timing. This is better than a daytime drama! Keep going!" Ukyo said.
"This isn't supposed to be for your entertainment, Ukyo," Akane raised an eyebrow at her friend. "I cheated on Kaze. He's going to be so hurt."
"I'm sure Kaze will forgive you, if that's what you want. He's the most understanding guy I've ever met," Ukyo reassured Akane.
"I'm starting to question if that's what I want. I don't know. Kaze is everything I always thought I wanted and needed. He's perfect. He's kind, intelligent, interesting, loving, understanding…" Akane trailed off.
Ukyo looked at her friend with sympathy. "But?" she asked.
Akane shook her head. "I don't know. I know Ranma is going to need some sort of answer about my feelings and I know I'm going to have to tell Kaze. Who knows how Kaze will react? He could be understanding, but he could also break up with me over this. I need to figure out what I want. I thought it was Kaze. I was over Ranma. I moved on. I was happy. He's confused me!" Akane looked down at her feet, sadness written all over her face.
"I have to ask, Akane," Ukyo leaned in closer to Akane with a smirk, "Is Ranma a good kisser?"
Akane blushed. "Well, I don't know what I was expecting because I know he only ever really kissed Miyuki and that didn't last that long, but, Ukyo, it was amazing. He was tender, yet firm and passionate. I couldn't stop dreaming about it last night," Akane admitted.
Ukyo smiled. "Two great guys wanting to be with you can't be the worst problem in the world, sugar. When is Kaze getting back?" she asked.
Akane shrugged. "Sometime tonight, I think. I didn't get an exact time. He's bringing the cursed person they were looking for. He found them and I guess got them to agree to come back to Nerima," she explained.
"Well," Ukyo said as she got up and grabbed a dress. "Keep talking while I try on these gowns. We will sort this out and find the best dresses for my wedding!"
"Ryoga, do we really have to wear these? These are not comfortable," Ranma said as he tugged on the sleeve of the tuxedo he was given to try on.
Ryoga laughed. "They will make the adjustments, then it will fit and feel better. At least that is what I've been told by the tailor," he said. Ranma scoffed, causing Ryoga to raise an eyebrow at him. "Why are you so irritable? It's just a tuxedo. I didn't even expect them to be comfortable," Ryoga asked.
Ranma sighed. "Can't get anything past you, man." Ranma looked around quickly before returning his gaze to Ryoga, leaning in and used his quiet voice to tell Ryoga, "Akane kissed me last night."
Ryoga's jaw dropped. "She kissed you?" Ranma nodded with a smile. "Ranma! That's huge! So why are you so bitchy then?" Ryoga asked.
Ranma shrugged. "Kaze called when we were kissing. I thought we came so far, then he derailed it fast. She is trying to figure out her feelings. She doesn't want to hurt Kaze. I mean, I don't want to hurt Kaze but not at the expense of not being with Akane," Ranma explained.
Ryoga nodded. "Kaze is coming back tonight, isn't he?" Ryoga asked. Ranma nodded. "Well, I'm sorry you are stuck in this state of limbo while she figures it out. If it's any consolation, I'm rooting for you," Ryoga said as he smacked Ranma lightly on the back.
"Thanks, man," Ranma smiled at his friend.
"I'll even delay the next date with Machiko," Ryoga winked at him. Ranma chuckled at his friend.
At the cake tasting, the four friends sat around a table as the waiter brought plate after plate of cake samples for the quartet to test. Ukyo was taking only tiny bites of each one, trying hard to get just enough to get the flavour but not enough to put too many calories in her stomach.
Ryoga turned to Ukyo. "Babe, you have to eat a little more than that. You look beautiful. You're not going to get fat from tasting cake," Ryoga said, then he took Ukyo's hand and kissed the back of it.
"I know I won't get fat, but I can't take any chances. Once this dress is fully fitted, it will cost too much if I have to get the seamstress to alter it again," Ukyo explained.
"I really like this one!" Akane said, fork still in hand.
"Okay, that one I will try," Ukyo said as she took a slightly larger bite and looked up at the ceiling as she analyzed the flavour. "Wow, that is good!" Ukyo said, then put her fork into the cake with a much larger bite then turned to feed it to Ryoga, who happily accepted the dessert.
"Good taste, Akane. Try this one, though," Ryoga said, then offered her the plate of cake he favoured.
Ranma's fork scooped in ahead of Akane's. "Hey!" Akane scolded him. Ranma laughed as he shoveled the large mouthful of cake into his mouth, then smirked at her. Akane shook her head, then went in for her own bite. "Oh, yeah! It's a tough call on which one is the best," Akane agreed.
"I vote for Akane's. She's got great taste," Ranma said as he winked at Akane. Akane smiled. Ranma carefully moved his hand under the table to sit on top of Akane's hand. Akane stiffened. Ranma felt the stiffening, then moved his hand back.
Ukyo frowned. "I can't keep tasting both cakes. Ryoga gets the final say," Ukyo delegated the decision.
Ryoga smiled. "This one," he announced, "but, layered with Akane's choice."
Akane smiled at Ryoga. "That would be so delicious!" Akane said.
"Decision made! Wedding progress was good today, team!" Ukyo pumped her fist up into the air in celebration.
"Alright, you let them know which cake you want and we could head back to my place and have tea until Kaze returns," Akane suggested.
"Great idea, Akane! Ryoga and I will meet you both there," Ukyo said as she winked at Ranma, who blushed.
Ranma and Akane returned to the Tendo residence. Megami was with Ranma's mother again, but Nodoka was more than happy to help for today's important events. Ranma and Akane walked into the kitchen and moved in a silent rhythm, making tea for everyone with a tray of tea snacks. When they were done, they turned and smiled at each other.
"Alright, Ukyo and Ryoga should be here any moment. Hopefully, Kaze will, too," Akane said.
Ranma winced at the thought of Kaze's return. "Do you know what you are going to tell Kaze yet?" Ranma asked.
Akane shook her head. "That is going to have to be for Kaze and I to work out. You and I will have to talk afterward. Let's get these trays out to the table," Akane said as she grabbed the tray of treats and Ranma grabbed the tray with the tea kettle, cups, sugar and milk.
Akane set her tray down at the table first, followed by Ranma. Just as Ranma's tray hit the table, there was a knock at the door.
"They must be here," Akane said as she answered the door. "Kaze!" Akane exclaimed and hugged her boyfriend.
Kaze smiled from ear to ear and he lifted Akane using his hug and swung her around. When he placed her back down, he leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. "Hey there, gorgeous. I missed you," he told her. Ranma could feel his jealousy rise, but he knew that there was nothing he could do about it right now so he stayed quiet.
"I missed you, too. Ukyo and Ryoga will be here any moment," Akane told him.
"We are right here," Ryoga announced from behind Kaze, standing next to a smiling Ukyo. Ukyo was almost always smiling these days.
Akane let the friends into the home as they all got situated around the table. Akane served their tea.
"Akane said you found the cursed person?" Ranma asked, trying to keep the conversation as far away from Kaze's relationship with Akane as possible.
Kaze nodded happily. "Yes. I would have brought them here, but they are getting cleaned up. I couldn't stand not seeing Akane a moment longer, so I came over first. I will go home and get them shortly," Kaze promised.
The conversation flowed fluidly between the friends. Kaze told them all about the storm in Canada and his adventures in helping the locals clean the debris and fix the damage. He also told a chilling tale of how he found the cursed person when they transformed before his very eyes randomly, just outside of Toronto. There is a lot of rain during this season in Toronto. Kaze then announced he would go retrieve the cursed person and would return shortly. Before he left, Akane stopped him and asked if they could speak in private for a moment. Ranma stiffened with fear. Kaze nodded and followed Akane up to her room for some privacy.
"What's going on, Akane?" Kaze slipped his hands around either side of her waist and pulled her closer to him. "I missed being able to hold and touch you. I feel like I was gone forever," Kaze said as he brought his head down to nuzzle Akane's neck. Akane slowly and gently pushed Kaze back, to show him that the conversation topic was serious. Kaze raised an eyebrow. "What is it? You're scaring me," he said to her.
Akane looked into Kaze's beautiful green eyes. He had shifted back to human form, but his eyes were still just as beautiful as when he was in tennin form. Akane had to look away from him to tell him the uncomfortable truth of what transpired while he was away. "Kaze, I want you to know that I really like you. I missed you like crazy when you were gone. You're an amazing person. You're kind, generous.." Akane started.
"Are you breaking up with me?" Kaze asked, stunned.
Akane's eyes widened. "What? No, that's not it," Akane said.
"Ok, good," Kaze hugged her again. "I would be heartbroken if you did."
Akane couldn't have felt more horrible, as she knew that's exactly what she was going to do to him when she told him the truth. "What I'm trying to tell you, Kaze, is that something happened while you were gone," Akane explained.
Kaze's eyebrows furrowed as he intently listened to Akane. The suspense was driving him mad.
"Ranma and I were talking, and he said some really emotional stuff to me. We got caught up in a moment, and.. " Akane looked up at Kaze again, whose expression was dropping as a realization was starting to dawn on him. "I kissed him."
Kaze dropped his arms off of Akane. "Why?" Kaze asked.
"I don't know. It was just a stupid moment that caught me by surprise. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I had to tell you," Akane dropped her head in shame.
Kaze backed up from Akane a little as he thought for a moment. "Do you love him?" Kaze asked Akane.
Akane was shocked by the question. "Do I love Ranma?" she asked. Kaze nodded. "Well, I mean.. I do love Ranma, but I am not sure if it's romantic or if it's like family." Akane admitted.
Kaze nodded slowly. "Do you love me?" Kaze asked.
Akane took a deep breath. She was still not prepared for these questions. "Maybe. I'm not sure yet. We were only just starting to progress in our relationship. I really do think I might, but I'm trying really hard to figure it out," Akane said, truthfully. Kaze frowned. "I'm so sorry, Kaze. What can I do to make this up to you?"
Kaze took Akane's hand. "I need to go get the cursed person I promised everyone. We will talk about this after I've done that. I need a little bit of time to process this," Kaze said, remaining calm.
Akane nodded and Kaze left. Akane stood by herself in her room for a moment before there was a rap at the door. "Akane?" Ranma asked quietly.
"Yeah, come in, Ranma," Akane said. Ranma walked in meekly. "I told him."
"I could tell by the way he left," Ranma said. "Are you alright?"
Akane shrugged. "I hurt him. He didn't freak out, like the kind and wonderful person he is, but I don't know what he's thinking yet," Akane said. "That scares me."
Ranma pulled Akane into a hug. "I'm sorry, Akane. If I just admitted my feelings for you before or just after Jusendo, you wouldn't be in this situation. We would be married right now. This is all my fault," Ranma said.
Akane gently pushed Ranma back off of her. "Let's go back downstairs and wait for Kaze to get back. I'm sure he won't be long. Akane led Ranma back downstairs where they poured themselves some more tea and sat quietly while Ukyo went over more wedding business.
A short while later, there was another knock at the door. Akane moved to answer it. As she opened the door, she saw Kaze there, but he was blocking the other person.
"Akane, I need you to brace yourself," Kaze said, putting the relationship drama between them aside for a moment. Akane nodded. Kaze took a deep breath, then moved to the side.
"Miyuki?!" Akane exclaimed, startling everyone in the house. The others came running up to the door.
There stood a blemished, dulled, and human looking Miyuki. She looked up at Kaze. "These are the people you told me about?" she asked. Kaze nodded as everyone's jaw dropped.
"Let's go inside, everyone, and I'll explain what we've figured out so far," Kaze said as he waited to be let into the home.