A/N: A BIGGGG Sorry for the late update!! I hope you will like it!!!
Akane stood by Ranma's side. She was still gripping his arm tightly as the sudden appearance of her Aunt Suki felt to her as if some thunder had just clashed upon her. She kept looking at her direction with complete disbelief in her eyes, her mouth slightly agape with surprise. After she hears her aunt's soothing voice after so long time, she whispers in a stunned tone,
"Mom… You .. it's really you!!"
Suki just nodded her head once and didn't bother to wipe her tears clean as she opened her arms for her for a hug.
"Won't you come and hug your mom, Akane? I missed you so much, my baby!"
Hearing her aunt's warm loving tone, Akane couldn't hold back anymore. A soft sob escaped her mouth and within seconds, she removes her arm from around Ranma and hastily ran towards her aunt to hug her tightly.
Ranma suddenly felt cold and lonely.. Now that he is seeing Akane going towards her aunt while leaving him behind , it feels to him as if he is losing a big side of his heart. His heart started to beat rapidly, painfully as he saw the scean that was unfolding in front of his eyes.
He saw with amazement, at how frantically both of them were hugging each other while tears of happiness soaked both their faces. He could actually guess what exactly Akane might be feeling right at that moment. Because he had gone through the same situation with his mother as well. But as he kept watching the emotional rebound between them, he was getting more anxious by the seconds. He saw that her aunt slowly tried to break their hug but Akane was not letting her go. Her aunt Suki giggled softly, tears still soaked on her face as she laid her palms over Akane's cheeks to make her look at her. And then when Akane looked at her, she began showering kisses on Akane's face and forehead, this time making Akane giggle as well as they hugged more comfortably again.
For Ranma, it was like, the Akane he was witnessing at this moment, is looking more childlike and carefree than he had ever seen her before. It's like, suddenly this tough and strong girl he knew, just ripped off all her fake exterior of being powerful all the time and melted with the security to be herself. Like he always feels secure to be himself every time he is with her, she is showing this defenceless side of her in her aunt's arms. And to think of it, she had never been like this in front of him. She never looked this relaxed.
'But, why? Why can't she feel guardless around me?! Why does she always have to pretend to be strong on my presence!? Am I not reliable enough for her? Doesn't she feel secure around me?'
His aura suddenly became depressed as he kept looking at them. Then suddenly, Suki slightly opened her eyes while still hugging Akane and for the very first time, their eyes met. For some reason he couldn't avert his eyes from her. Her eyes were warm but strangely cold as well, as she kept looking at him without blinking her eyes. It was as if they were silently having a staring contest, where no one was ready to be the first one to blink their eyes and lose..
"Mom..!"
Akane whispers and breaks their hug when she notices her aunt's body getting stiff. She at first looked at Suki's face and then turned to face the person that her aunt was looking at. She sighed knowingly and said while fully turning to face Ranma,
"Mom.. This is.."
"Saotome…" Suki intervenes in the middle, "He is Genma's son.."
" His name is Ranma, mom.."
The helpless way Akane said those words, made Suki turn to face her as she heard Ranma saying with a polite tone,
"Hello Miss Suki, I am Ranma Saotome.." saying that, Ranma slightly bowed his head to adress her politely.
Suki smiles as she looks at Ranma. Then nodding her head at him she says,
"So… we finally met, Ranma Saotome! I was hoping to meet you soon, but I couldn't manage to come here.. Oh! Sorry! Let me first introduce myself to you.. I am Tendo Suki. I am their aunt.."
Ranma nodded as a single sweatdrop tripped down from his forehead,
"Umm.. I.. Uhh I know.. Kane has told me 'bout ya.. And umm I am glad ta meet ya mam.."
"Mam!" Suki laughed a little and said, "Oh you are such a sweetheart..! Please don't call me mam! You can call me aunt Su too!"
Ranma cleared his voice and looked at Akane and then to aunt Su. He then nodded his head and said,
" 'Kay mam.. I mean ta say aunt Su.."
Suki nodded and asked,
"Where is Mrs Saotome? Isn't she at home?"
Kasumi interrupt in the middle as she comes to stand beside Suki,
"Oh Suki! She was with us in the shopping mall but she said she had to buy some groceries for the dinner, so…"
"Oh! I get it.." Suki said and turned to face Akane with a happy manner and saw her giving Ranma a longing look while he ignored looking in her direction. She sighs and clears her voice to bring Akane's attention back to herself,
"So, is my baby happy to see her aunt back, huh?!"
Akane turned to face Suki with a start and began to nod her head frantically as she asked her,
"But.. but.. I thought you would come at onechan's wedding! I never thought that you would come two weeks early!!"
Suki sighs as she began to crease Akane's cheek,
"Mmhm.. The actual plan was that.. But, I changed my mind in the last minute.. I wanted to see you for so long that I couldn't resist it anymore! I wanted to surprise you guys today, but you were missing from the spot! I only told Tofu about my plan… Kasumi also didn't have any clue about that.."
Suki turned her face to look at Kasumi, who just sighed and wrapped her arms around her from behind,
"Oh, Suki! You know, I still can't believe that you are standing in front of me!"
"Aww my babies!! I missed this group hugs so much..!!"
Suki says sniffing as Akane and Kasumi both hugged her..
"Hey! Make some space for me!"
Nabiki says as she forcefully hugged them all.. They all smiled with complete satisfaction as they all were too much emotionally charged with their reunion after all those years. Then suddenly, they heard the front door opening as Nodoka enters the house,
"I am home! Sorry I am a little late! But don't worry dear, dinner will be ready soon…. Oh dear!" She stopped babbling while noticing the scene.
Ranma instantly went to her side and took the begs from her hands. Then nodding towards them, he excused himself and took the begs to the kitchen..
"Hello , Mrs Saotome!" Nabiki said, Slightly bowing her head, "I hope you are doing fine!"
"Oh dear! Nabiki! I am so glad to see you back!!" Nodoka declared happily.
"Me too, obasama! Oh! Let me introduce you to our Aunt Suki.."
"Oh my dear Kami! You are their Aunt Suki! Suki Tendo!' Nodoka asked excitedly as she clasped both her hands in front of her chest.
Suki nodded, smiling at her as she said,
" Yes, dear.. I am their aunt Suki.."
"Oh my! I still can't believe that! You look so young! I was thinking that maybe one of Kasumi dear's friends may have come to visit her!"
Suki giggles at her and says,
"Oh, I am just seven years older than Kasumi! So I think it's normal to think that.."
Kasumi giggles too as she circles her arms around Suki,
"Oh yes, Obasama! You are right though! She is my friend! Because she was my all time playing partner when we were little. I have never seen her as my aunt! We are more friends than nephews.."
"Oh.. That's so good to hear.!." Nodoka sighs lovingly. "And oh yes! I am Nodoka Saotome.." She bowed slightly and began to say but got interrupted as Suki asked..
"So you are that Genma's wife?"
Nodoka looked up at her in awe and nodded her head.
"Oh! I am sorry to hear that!" Suki said sighing, "A woman as humble as you to be his wife.."
Suki couldn't continue as Kasumi gripped her shoulder tightly to make her stop talking. Then they hears Nodoka sighing with a heavy heart as she whispers while smiling at them,
"Oh dear! I am so happy that you understand… Anyways, where is my manners! I am sorry, but please come and have some tea with us! Akane dear, why don't you take your aunt and Nabiki to the living room!"
"Oh no no! Please don't bother!"
"Nonsense! It will bother me if you don't have dinner with us too!"
"Mom.." Ranma poked his head out from the kitchen door, "Uhh.. I have prepared the tea.."
"That's Wonderful, my son!!" Nodoka clapped once with excitement, then with a bright smile on her face she turned to look at the four girls and asked them,
"Now, please come this way.. Let's just enjoy a moment of tea time together..!"
After that they all soon settled on the living room area and Kasumi went to help Nodoka and Ranma to bring the snacks. Soon, they all sat by the table comfortably, but the difference was the unusual way they sat together. Instead of sitting by Akane's side as he always does, this time Ranma chose to sit by Nodoka's side, ignoring Akane's stare all the while. Nabiki sat by Akane and shook her head knowingly when she saw her sister's depressed mood. Nabiki clears her throat and began saying on her usual cool tone,
"Hey Ranma.. How have you been? You have really grown up so much in such a short time!"
"Isn't he looking more manly, Nabiki?!!" Nodoka interrupted excitedly.
"Oh yes, he sure does!"
Nabiki said in a teasing way as she looked at a flushed looking Ranma who was silently drinking his tea..
Suki was silently observing everyone while having her tea, then after some moment had passed, she began saying formally,
"Actually, I want to thank both of you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of my daughters in their difficult times! I don't know how to express my gratitude vocally, but the way you guys helped them at the time of their need, it really means a lot to me.. Because this is the most unexpected and unfortunate thing that happened with the Tendo dojo. And we were not prepared for anything like this! But, you guys voluntarily took responsibility for them and took care of them.."
"Oh no! Please don't say that, dear Suki. They are my daughters too! How can I leave them in their time of need?" Nodoka said politely.
"Besides, we have lived like a family for the last four years…And the Tendo family took care of us for years! This is the least we could do.." Ranma said in a simple tone as he looked at Suki…
Suki smiled at him, "So I see, you did it as a repay to what they did..? Hmm.. That's interesting.."
Akane looked up at her aunt and tried to correct Ranma,
"No no! That's not what he meant.. What he meant to say is…"
"Akane!! It's okay! It's not a big deal anyway! The main thing that matters is he is saying that you guys are like a family now, isn't it right Ranma?" Suki asked as she turned to look at Ranma.
Little sweat drops started dripping from Ranma's forehead as he gulped and nodded his head at her.
Suki smiled again, "That's so sweet of you guys! Nabiki had told me the same thing that you guys are like family now. It makes me feel happy, you know.." She turned to face Akane and said, "Akane… Kasumi, I really want to spend a long night talking with you guys, I missed you guys so much!" She then feced Nodoka and asked her politely,
"Mrs Saotome, I want to ask for your permission to take both my girls to where I will be living. They are now in your hands, so I can't just ask them without your concern.."
Nodoka and Ranma's face itdiately fault, Ranma looked down sadly and for some reason, this time Nodoka felt the depressing aura that Ranma was feeling,
"My my! Why would you stay elsewhere when you can stay here with us, dear Suki? Yes, I know, our house is small, but I promise, you won't have any problems staying here!"
"WHO'S GONNA STAY IN HERE AGAIN!? THE HELL!! GUEST, GUEST, GUEST! This is not a GUEST house! Feh, bunch of freeloaders..!! PAY OR GETOUT!!"
They all got shocked to hear the sudden declaration coming from a drunken man.They heard as he walked with heavy steps and stopped outside the living room.
Genma's heavily heated drunken eyes immediately fell onto their new guest, who was staring back at him with raw hatred in her eyes. Genma scrunched his nose in confusion and started smirking on his own. He then declared like a crazed man,
"No more free guests here! Hikk! Yea haf ta pay if Ya wanna stay here.." He chuckled and hiccups as he said while fixing his glasses, "And for this pretty woman here, I will even cut off half the price if Ya want.. Hikk!!"
The smell which was coming out from him was too toxic and everyone felt disgusted by his presence. They all growled simulatedly and got irritated,
"How pathetic!" Suki whispers harshly as she puts her palm over her nose.
Ranma got angry and started scowling,
"What the hell, Pop!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YA DOING..!!"
"Huh! Me?" Genma asked hiccuping, "I am doing business here!"
"AWW! Just shut the HELL UP, old man!! AND GO UP TO YOUR ROOM!" Ranma yelled, eying him heatedly.
"WHAT!!! UNGRATEFUL SON OF MINE!! YOU SHOULD FEEL LUCKY THAT I AM EVEN LETTING YA STAY HERE FOR FREE!! BUT IF YA ACT THIS DUMB I MAY.."
"You have heard what our son has said, right, husband dear?!!" Nodoka asked firmly as she gave Genma a meaningful look.
"I… I uh.. I uh..hik!"
"Excuse me please! You guys can carry on.."
Saying that with a defeated sigh, Nodoka stood up and went straight towards Genma. When she reached his side, she silently held his hand and squeezed it painfully. Then without any word, she dragged that whining old drunk man up to their room.
Suki removes her hand from her nose as she shakes her head in disappointment as she kept glaring at his parting direction.
"Oh Kami…" Akane whispers sadly as she looks down at her clasped hand.
"I am really sorry 'bout what had just happened.." Ranma said apologetically as he slightly bowed his head.
"It's ok, Ranma.. It's not your fault…" Kasumi said in a motherly tone.
Suki clears her voice, "Anyway, that was actually unexpected what just happened,.. But, Ranma, I hope now you will let my daughters come with me..?"
Ranma gulped as he quickly looked at Akane with his grim eyes.. He doesn't want Akane to go… But does he have the right to stop her from going? He knows he doesn't have.. His heart started cringing in anticipation of letting her go like this. It's like his whole life is crashing in front of his own eyes..Yes, he is angry at Akane and he has a plan to not to talk to her any time soon, but the thought of her leaving his house was too much for him. That's why he felt relieved when his mother suggested them to stay at their place. But now, after what his pop did, he lost all the hopes to ask them to stay here any longer. To say he is embarrassed, it's beyond imagination. His mind suddenly stopped working, his thoughts tangled badly as he kept looking at his tomboy who was looking down on her hand. Then suddenly, she looked up… And to his utter surprise, she looked terrified and broken..
'But, why is she looking so miserable right now!? She should be happy that her aunt is here to see her, right?!'
"Ranma?"
Hearing Suki's call, Ranma's train of thoughts paused as he turned to stare at Suki. Ranma than sighs and said,
"Please you don't have to ask for any permission from anyone. They are your daughters, they can go wherever they want to go..."
"But Ranma.." Akane hastily spokes up, but got interrupted by Ranma immediately,
"And besides,I think it's a bright idea that ya take them with ya and enjoy, my pop here is..."
"Oh Ranma.. It's so generous of you, dear. Thank you for understanding.." Suki says in a warm tone, "And yes, maybe we have disturbed you when you were about to leave the house too, right?"
"Uhh.. No, I was actually.." He turned to look at Akane for a moment and saw her horrifyingly moving her head, saying no, her eyes wide with fear. He looked away from her and said in a hard tone,
"I just came back home at that time."
"Oh! So you went to your job?" Suki asked..
"No.. I had a date with Ukyo today. I have been with her since morning.. She is my.."
"Another fiancee?!" Suki asked with a mysterious smile as she stared at Ranma. He was about to reply her but she interrupted him again,
"Ranma, you are such an honest boy, must say…!! You guys are still young! Not to forget, very good looking as well, so it's normal to hang around with girls! It's not a big deal at all! But, did Akane knew about this?".
Ranma couldn't stop his smirk as he shook his head and says,
"Well, she was the one who send me in the first place.."
Nabiki and Suki, both faced Akane with surprise in their eyes.
"Really sis?!"
"Kami! Thi is.." Suki paused and took some deep breaths. She clears her throat and tries to compose herself, as she says as calmly as possible,
"Well.. Uh.. It's good that my daughter is so open-minded… Umm, anyway Ranma, we really should leave now.. It's already getting late.."
Ranma ignored looking at Akane, who was giving him a desperate pleading look. He sighs wholeheartedly and sadly. Then he nodded his head at them and bid them goodbye..
An hour later..
The ride to the hotel was filled with complete silence. No one said anything, nor did anyone ask anything to anyone. Suki silently took them to her deluxe room and soon they all got freshened up. They all settled down comfortably. That deluxe room had two big rooms, but the four of them had settled in on the same room. Kasumi was sitting on the bed while resting her back on the bed rail. Nabiki was sitting over a comfortable sofa. As for Akane, she sat by the leg side of the bed as she crossed her legs over the bed and rested both her arms over her crossed thighs. She looked down sadly as her bangs hid all her emotions. And Suki kept pacing in the room like a caged lion, her arms crossed, nose scrunched as she kept growling in frustration now and then.
"Suki! Calm down..! Come, sit over here with me!" Kasumi said with a soothing voice as she padded beside her.
Suki sighs loudly and turned to face Akane. She was groaned angrily as she said with a hard tone,
"What type of idiocy you are up to, Akane!"
"Aunt Su.." Nabiki tried to intervene.
"Don't interrupt me!!" She scowled loudly, "What did he say! You sent him on a date with Ukyo?! IS HE EVEN TELLING THE TRUTH!"
Akane silently nodded her head, but didn't look up at her.
"Oh Akane Akane Akane!!!" Kasumi whispers while shaking her head.
"Kasumi! This is completely ridiculous!!" Suki says in a defeated tone, "Has she gone nuts? I am speechless right now…! I was hoping to see the worst, but it's not even just worse! It's HORRIBLE!! THAT GENMA!!! HOW DARE HE TALKED TO US LIKE THAT!!! HAS HE ACCUSED YOU GUYS LIKE THIS BEFORE ALSO! TELL ME THE TRUTH KASUMI..!!"
"Oh Suki, he used to talk like this when he was drunk! That's all.. But Ranma and Nodoka always supported us..!"
"And how often does Genma get drunk?!" She asked both the girls with an accusing look.
There was a pause for some moment then,
"Every single day, mom.."
Akane whispers as she looks up at Suki with tears in her eyes..
Suki balled her fists tightly and controlled her tone of voice as she asked Akane,
"Why haven't you told me about this!? Is this why your aunt Suki has gone through all those difficulties to hear from her daughters that some creep had been accusing them for no reason?! You guys didn't need any help. I, Tendo Suki, is more than capable of taking care of my own daughters, we need no blame, no shame, no insults, no sympathy! Why have you let your guard down like that Akane? Why are you doing this to yourself? Tell me… "
Akane couldn't answer her as her eyes kept pouring tears of sorrow. Suki slowly went closer to her and sat on her knees in front of her and laid her palm over Akane's face. She wiped her tears clean and asked again,
"Why Akane? You are my brave daughter. Tell me… why do you have to go through all this? Tell me the truth, Akane.."
"Mom.. I… mom.. I.. Because, I love him, mom.. I am sorry.. I.. I don't know how it happened…but..mom.. I love him…"
Akane broke down while saying this as she held onto her aunt's hand tightly. Suki smiled sadly and tried to comfort her, but Akane kept talking as she said in a desperate tone,
"Please mom, please.. don't judge him this badly.. Don't think bad about him because of what his father did.. He is not like him! He is not like his father!!! He doesn't drink at all! I was the one who sent him to date Ukyo! It was not his fault! He didn't want to go at all! He is innocent, mom!! Please please.. try to understand.. Please… he is not greedy like his father.. Please don't judge him for his possession!"
"Possession?" Suki asked softly, "How can you even think that your mom would ever judge someone for what possession he may have or not? We were not born with a silver spoon on our mouths as well, Akane.. This is the least thing I would ever judge on somebody.."
"Then why? Why mom?! Then why are you stopping me from having any relationship with him? You always wanted a secure life for us and I know that's why you have been telling us to not fall for him. I have listened to you all the time, mom! You have no idea how badly I treated him sometimes! But he never left my side! He always stayed by my side in my difficult times. He has been my best friend , my best mentor.. I know he don't have much to offer me. But I also know that in future Ranma will definitely help me to achieve my goals.. He will never stop me, mom!"
"I believe you, Akane. I understand that he may be a nice guy. And I also can understand how hard it might be for you now, but still… I can't let this happen.. No..not all all.."
"BUT WHY, MOM!" She snapped frustrated as her voice broke with the helplessness she was feeling, "If you think Ranma is a nice person and if you don't have any problems with his possession, then why? WHY DO YOU HATE HIM SO MUCH!"
Suki didn't react at her outburst as she calmly said,
"I don't hate Ranma, Akane.. But, if you really want to know why I am being this hard on him, then I have to tell you something that I should have told you a long time before…"
"Suki! No! Please!" Kasumi requested in a pleading tone.
"Kasumi, don't stop me please! Nabiki and Akane both are mature enough to know the truth now and they can have independent judgements of their own.."
"Wait a second! What secret are you guys hiding from us?!" Nabiki asked anxiously as she sat up straight.
"Mom!? What do you mean..?" Akane whispers harshly..
"I mean to tell you the real reason behind why I am not letting you have a relationship with Ranma.. Which only me and Kasumi had known for years but we had decided to hide this matter from you guys.. So, tell me both of you, are you guys ready to know the truth..?! Do you even want to hear it from me?"
Akane gulped in anticipation as she slowly, hesitantly nodded her head….
A/N: Some of you guys had always told me that my stories are like roller-coaster rides! To be honest, this time I am actually feeling the ride myself!! This chapter was so hard for me to write, my God!!! I know, the next one will be even harder for me T-T !!! Please always let me know your honest feelings about this fic by reviewing this fic in here. I know, it will really boost my confidence and help me with my writing in future!! Your reviews work like magic dose for me! Believe me, I love to read them again and again and again… It makes me so happy too!!! Hope to post soon!!! Stay tuned!!!! :D