Chapter 1: "Hands"

You can do this, Akane… it's nothing new. Okay, well, sort of new. I mean, that's why it feels like a big deal. But remember, it's not the first time. Just the first time in a long while. And we haven't done this out here, in public. Oh God, now I'm over thinking things. Again.

It's just that ever since Daddy's little declaration and the bombed wedding, what we do has more weight. Especially, out here, on our usual school route with the world watching. It wouldn't just be holding hands with Ranma. It would be raising a flag, staking a claim, and announcing with a bullhorn: "I want this. We choose this."

Honestly, I already agreed to marry him last month. Most assume it was only because Ranma's cure was at stake, but I wouldn't have gone through with it unless I was sure. Marriage is forever in my book, and I realize now… I want it with him. Aggravating, head strong, arrogant, caring, kind-hearted, generous … him.

I cast a covert glance at my surroundings. I don't detect anyone, but I still half expect Shampoo to show up to fulfill her Kiss of Death, or Ukyo to come at me with a battle spatula, all while Kodachi cackles maniacally with her ribbon baton. I both dread the thought and welcome it. If they want a fight, they'll get one. I'm done playing games.

Life is too short for that.

Jusendou taught me that.

I turn my head briefly to look at him. He's right by my side, (not on the fence!), walking at his usual relaxed stride, schoolbag slung carelessly over his shoulder as if he's without a care in the world.

Okay. Deep breath. Act natural. It's not like we want his ego to get even more inflated knowing you're flustered trying this. You get enough uncute and unfeminine comments as it is. Asking first would just be embarrassing. And he did make the first effort, walking next to you out here, didn't he?

So just reach … and touch.

Life's been kinda good lately. Ryoga's finally taken the hint and is off at Akari's farm, or let's be realistic, wandering the planet. But at least he's trying to get his ass there instead of in Akane's bed, so… yeah, a definite improvement.

Of course not everything is perfect. Frankly, I'm not sure how I'd handle perfect. Or "normal", for that matter. Probably be bored outta my skull. But all in all, things are good.

Shampoo still has the hots for me (not that I blame her), and Kodachi still thinks she can woo me (gross, no thanks), and Ucchan's the same as always, if a little embarrassed over those bombs last month, but there haven't been any crazy schemes to get me hitched to anyone since Tendo-san made his declaration. So it's been kinda peaceful-like. In the past week, Akane and I have only had to deal with one Dojo Destroyer and a challenge from that wacky Martial Arts Ceramic Master. You should see how quickly I can make, bake, and break pottery now…Akane, too, though I still don't see how it'll ever be useful. But anyway… it's been good.

Akane and I are still, uh, well, I guess 'complicated' is the best way to describe it. But less complicated than before, if you get my meaning? I kinda realize how much I don't want to piss her off just to get her attention. I'm not a wet-behind-the-ears 16-year-old brat anymore. Hell, we'll be starting our senior year soon. So walks to the school are a bit different. I don't bother with the fence-walking. I mean, it's not like I need that trivial amount of balance training...and, alright, the view and company is better down here. Not that I'd come out and say it to the tomboy. But I think she knows, anyway. Like how she somehow knew what I wanted to say, but never actually said, back in China.

So these days, whenever she sees me not take my old perch on the fence, she gives me one of those smiles that puts the sunrise to shame, and away we go to pound Kuno in the head, dodge purple-haired bicycle deliveries, and swerve from any ladles of water, side by side. We even make it to school on time, most days.

But I gotta admit, lately, I have felt a little bit restless. Not quite like feeling a storm brewing, but kind of like someone's been holding their breath a little too long. Something's probably gotta change soon. And I'll admit, I'm not sure if I want it to or not. As I said, it's been kinda peaceful. But maybe peaceful isn't what I want? It's a little confusing.

And I think Akane might feel that way, too. She's been giving covert looks at me when she thinks I'm not noticing. Sometimes she even has a blush on her face. Of course, I sometimes do the same to her, and then she notices me blushing, and … yeah… we're still stuck at 'complicated' but with a touch more 'comfortable' yet 'waiting for more' thrown in.

Now I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice until it's already over.

Akane's hand.

I nearly trip at the shock.

That touch, I swear I know it anywhere. I don't even have to look. Her small, warm hand has gently grabbed mine. Not tight and clingy like Shampoo, and not enthusiastically pulling like Ucchan, but surprisingly gentle and almost shy. She's not even looking at me. She's staring straight ahead, her school bag coyly behind her back, still admiring the blue of the sky, but there's an extra touch of pink on her cheeks than there was before. Contrary to her feisty nature, I know the tomboy gets shy about stuff like this. And yet she made the first move. Kinda like when we left Higo Forest and I was too undecided...alright, chicken, I'll admit it… to grab hers, first. Only this time we're not on a secluded journey away from civilization and all who know us. We're on the sidewalk. In public. In the crazy ward of Nerima that has half a dozen or so nutsos wanting to win the Fiancee Wars.

And just like the first time, there's no way I'm going to pull away. But unlike then, I'm not going to get depressed that I didn't make the first move.

I was right. Change was brewing.

And it's damn good.

Original Publication Date: Sept. 2, 2020

Inspiration image: pinterest dot com slash pin slash 3870349659993441