A/N: Hello everyone! Before starting reading this fic, I want to clarify something to my dear reader "Ranma420".. I have already mentioned at chapter 21 by Kasumi's dialog that, she sees her aunt Suki as her friend. If you notice, while mentioning Suki to others, she always address her as her aunt, but in person , she calls her by her name. It's because they sees each other more like friends then nephew. If you say its disrespectful, then think about it this way, in anime or manga , we hardly saw or read Akane and Nabiki calling Kasumi 'oneechan'..! They always address her by her name, Kasumi! That doesn't mean they are disrespecting her, right? I write mostly family dramatic fic, and by my own personal experience, I have seen so many people doing this! So it's normal for me.. I hope it answers your question dear :).. Thanks for your review and thanks to all my other readers who spent their precious time to read and review my work! Thanks a lot! A BIGGGG HUG!

So... let's began reading... :)

Ranma stared at the dousing campsite fire, without blinking his eyes, as he lost himself in deep thoughts. His nightmare from last night is still hunting him mercilessly. It was not the first time that he had seen a nightmare like this. The day he had left his house and started living here, his days of restless sleep had started. Not a single day had passed since then, when he had a decent sleep and rest.

To be honest, he is feeling mentally exhausted , physically drained. He lost all his path and his visions felt blurry. He hadn't been eating a lot lately, just enough to survive. He kept training hard day and night, to occupy his mind in something else rather than thinking about Akane.

But, it was futile. Because, whatever he did, however he tried, his mind always wondered about one thing, and that is, what Akane is doing and how she is managing her aunt Suki all by herself ?

He sighs tiredly as he throws a small rock at the fireplace. He smirked humorlessly as he saw the fire blowing with the soft wind. He looked up and observed his surroundings.. This place was beautifully surrounded by green nature. He knew this place for so long, this place held so many memories for him. But, this place was a secret place. When he found this peaceful place, he didn't even tell his father about this.. Whenever he used to feel troubled and restless, he always used to run here to hide to this place and he would instantly find peace. It's like this place have some kind of magic charm in it. But, this time though, this magical place did nothing to soothe his restlessness, neither did it give him any peace.

He wanted to bring Akane to this place. The secret he was so reluctant to share with anyone else, he wanted to share it only with her. He wanted to bring her here, so that she could lose herself in the beauty of this beautiful nature. He wanted her to forget all her worries and feel the magical atmosphere, while he would have lost himself looking at her beautiful face. The immense pleasure her one smile could give him, that is unreplaceable. He was planning it for so long and sadly when that day came when he thought he would ask her, she had asked him to do unthinkable..!

He balled his hands tightly as he closed his eyes, then he thought bitterly,

'And here I thought that finally I am ready to open up with her. I was ready to tell her how I really feel about her. What not I had imagined when I planned to bring her here with me.. But that tomboy ruined every plan for me..! And after what Ukyo had told me..'

Ranma sighs as he a scrunched his shoulder in defeat.

'Its not like I am doubting that uncute tomboy . But… I don't know why.. When I heard Ukyo telling me about Akio and her dating each other, my all sanity broke down and I completely lost my composure. And I did return to her! I went to the shopping only to see her, because I wanted to apologise to her for my rough behaviour.. But.. When I again saw both of them together, I lost my mind! I had to get out of that place as soon as possible. I wanted to hurt Akane the way she had hurt me. That's why, whether I liked this idea of leaving her alone or not, I left her to deal with this problem all alone. And for the very first time, I, Ranma Saotome broke his promise. But then… Whenever I remember Nabiki's warning words, I feel kinda uneasy! Why'd she warned me for? Why are they are so scared of aunt Suki? She is not looking too strict to me! So what's the deal with her?'

Ranma sighs heavily and stood up. He began to fix all the left out messes that needed to be fixed and razed the fire carefully. He then gave the place a final look and closed his bagpack. Settling his bag over his back he stood up straight and looked at the place where he had made his tent before,

'I don't know if I still can talk to Akane. But whatever it is, I can't risk losing her. And to be honest, I want her to do something so that I can soothe my mind and start talking with her again. Even if it means to beat the ego out of me, then be it… I just want us to act normally again. I just want to tease her and annoy her the way I always used to do. I am tired of this stubborn game of myself. I want to end it so badly! And I know staying away from her will only raise the problem with her. I desperately want to end this fight with her.. And for that, I need her, I need her help…'

Thinking that with a defeated sigh, he turned to leave his favourite place, to return to the only place his mind could find peace…*

"Isn't he an eye candy! Just look at him..!"

Hearing Nabiki's dreamy whisper tone, Akane turned to look at her and saw her looking in the direction of Taichi as he was helping some kids to make a big sandcastle. They were currently resting over a sun lounger at the beach side.. Akane was just trying to calm herself and enjoy the momentum for a while. Wearing a casual clothing, with a popsicle in her hand, she was enjoying herself as she was looking at some group of friends playing on the sea. And at that exact moment, she heard her sister's fussing sound..

Akane looked at Taichi and sighed tiredly. Taichi, a humble, polite and principled guy, flawlessly handsome, perfect in every feature, an eligible bachelor, a proud son of Josh and Amber.

Akane saw as Taichi finally pulled the bucket up and made a perfect sandcastle for the kids. The kids were so happy, they hugged him and clapped in excitement. Then suddenly, his black sparkling eyes turned towards her and their eyes locked. He gave her a polite smile and raised his arm to wave his hand at them.

Akane blushed and turned to look at the other side and saw her sister frantically waving back at him and she said to her, while gushing,

"Awww! He is so handsome…!"

"Good for you, sister.." Akane said in a bored tone, as she resumed having her treat and looking everywhere except at his direction.

"Oh! Chill sis! I am not telling you to date him or anything! You can at least look at him! He is every girl's dream man! Perfect in every angle! Have you noticed his six-pack abs sis?"

Akane finished her treat and decided to stand up and leave.

"Oh gosh! He is coming! He is coming!" Nabiki said fussing as she nervously stood up as well.

"Hello there..! How are you guys?" Taichi said in a deep manly tone as he stood in front of them with a handsomely warm smile over his face.

"Hey, Taichi! We are actually looking at how you were helping those kids to make a sand castle..! You have such a kind heart..! That's so sweet of you!" Nabiki said in a girly tone as she laid her one hand over her chest.

"Oh! Really! So do you both think the same way for me then?" Taichi asked as he eyed Akane, who was trying her best to ignore their talking.

"Of course!" Nabiki almost yelled in excitement as she elbowed Akane's side to pull her attention back to them.

Akane sighed irritatedly as she forcefully smiled up at his direction. She knows she can't ignore him as she wished to. His parents and he himself, means a lot to her aunt Suki. And all of them had supported her aunt Suki at the time of her difficult times. It means indirectly, they helped her family in their time of need. That's why despite feeling uncomfortable by the way he stares at her and the vibes that his presence gives her, she could do nothing but smile at him and respond to him positively.

"Umm.. Yeah, that's right! Uh.. I am sorry, I really need to go.. I have some work to finish! Bye guys! See you later.."

Akane didn't wait for their response as she hastily left the place. *

At evening time..

"Aww Onee-chan, I still can't believe that in only five days you are getting married! I am too excited for you!" Akane said cheerfully, she hugged Kasumi sideways as she sat beside her on her bed.

"Oh my! Akane, believe me sister, I am feeling way too anxious about it! It's like, time is flying by way too quickly..!"

Akane laid her head over Kasumi's warm shoulder as she sighed sadly and said,

"Umhmm! Tell me about it! But don't feel too anxious about it oneechan.. After all, you are getting married to such a generous, responsible guy! I know Dr Tofu will always take care of you.."

"You think so?"

Akane tightened her hold as she said,

" I know so!" Akane sighs again as she paused for a moment, then biting her lower lips she asked Kasumi in a soft tone,

"Say.. Oneechan.."

"Tell me what's bothering you dear.."

"Ranma…" She clears her throat as she asked her in a weavery tone, "Do you think he will come back on time?"

Kasumi laid her warm hand over Akane,s hand which was holding her shoulder, as she said in a gentle tone,

"I am sure that he will return before my wedding .."

Akane again asked her in a troubled tone,

"But oneechan, only five days left for the day! How can you be sure that he will return in this short time?!"

"Just like you are being sure that your Dr Tofu will take care of me, that's how I can be sure as well that my Ranma would definitely come back for my wedding.."

"But!"

"No buts , Akane! It's Ranma we are talking about here! Five days is still long to doubt him! Because I know, as he promised me, he could possibly appear at the very last minute at the venue, but he would definitely come! He won't break his promise to me.."

Akane released her from her hug as she looked up at her with hopeful eyes. She smiled at Kasumi and nodded at her, but before she could say anything anymore, suddenly their door opened as they saw Suki and Nabiki enter the room with troubled expressions on their faces.

"Oh my! What happened to you guys..?"

Nabiki smirked at them as she shook her head and said,

"Nothing new, sis! Just as usual!"

"What do you mean by that, Nabiki? Mom, you okay?" Akane asked worriedly as she saw her aunt Suki forcefully sitting on a sofa, which was in front of them and with a foul mood as well. "Mom?"

Suki lightly pinched the bridge of her nose as she looked up at them with an uneasy expression,

"Akane.. Sweetheart.. I really don't know how to tell you this baby.."

"Tell me, what's the matter?!"

Suki balled her palms as she helplessly looked at them and began to explain in a hurry,

"You won't believe what just happened! I mean I was not expecting this but… ummm.. But I don't know how to.. What I mean to say is.. I couldn't say no to him and he was so insisting! And his parents practically bagged me! I was so unprepared for this.. This is so difficult for me! I mean how could I say no to them face to face when they were begging me that way..! It was so new to me..! I am really confused right now! I don't know what is right or not! I don't know how to ask you this! This is utterly stupid! What I mean to say is…."

"Mom!" Akane said worriedly as she stood up and hastily went to her side. She kneeled down in front of Suki and laid her palm over her aunt's shaking balled fists. Akane looked at her eyes hard and said in a soft tone,

"Calm down mom..! Don't panic like this..! You know you can tell me anything without any resistance! So don't worry.."

"Oh my baby!" Suki sighs deeply as she laid a hand over Akane's cheek as she tried to say again but failed to do so,

"Akane, honey, what I want to say is.. That is. I mean..Oh Kami, help me..!"

"What she wants to say is that, Taichi has asked her for a big favour.." Nabiki said as she began to munch on an apple.

"What favour?" Akane asked as she eyed Nabiki worriedly.

"As I said, it's nothing new…" She replied bored as she eyed her with a smirk on her face, "He just wants to have a dinner date with you, lil sis! Lucky you!"

"Oh my!"

"WHAT!" Akane turned to look at her aunt for confirmation and when she saw her nodding at her, she greeted her teeth in frustration and stood up furiously,

"I am NOT going to ANY dates with NO ONE!" Akane explained angrily.

"Akane calm down , honey, please.." Suki said as she also stood up and tried to reach Akane.

But Akane was too angry at that moment that she backed out from her and said bitterly,

"I can't believe you are doing this to me, mom! What is the matter with you?"

"I didn't ask him to date you! He was the one who was insisting…"

"Then go and tell him that I am not a toy that he could get If he insists like a baby!"

Akane was looking at her aunt with hard wide eyes as she began to breathe heavily as if she was having a hard battle with her.

Suki helplessly looked at Kasumi and Akane as she said in a shaky tone,

"I DID say no to him, Akane..! But, his parents practically bagged me in front of Nabiki! Ask her if you don't believe me! You know very well what they have done for us! I just can't say no to their faces when they all were requesting me like that! Kasumi's wedding is still knocking on the door and if at this time I broke their heart by saying harsh words to them, do you even understand what the consequences would be? "

"I DON'T WANT TO UNDERSTAND ANYTHING, MOM!

" Why are you not understanding, Akane? He just wants to have dinner with you.. That's it! Don't think like it's a date, simple!"

"But this is what an actual date looks like, aunt Su.." Nabiki said in a bored tone, still munching on her apple.

"Nabiki! You are not helping the matter here!" Suki said angrily , exhausted by the whole situation.

"You guys! Calm down, would you!?" Kasumi said as she stood up and went to stand beside Akane. Then she asked Suki in a calming tone,

"Suki! This is not normal! I mean how could that guy ask you to date Akane! He should have asked her himself, right!"

"Aunt Su said the same things to them though!" Nabiki interrupted again.

Suki sighs as she said,

"I know that Kasumi! He should be the one who should have asked Akane about this.. Taichi is always been a shy guy.. I have known him for so long! He is such an adorable guy.. Such a gentle person and he respects me so much.."

"Not to mention he is Tall, handsome and utterly rich!" Nabiki interrupted again.

Suki shook her head at Nabiki and looked at Kasumi and Akane,

"Please Akane, help me get out of this situation dear.."

"I can't do this , mom!"

"But.."

"Haven't you told him about Akane being engaged?!' Kasumi asked in a soft tone.

"No! Why would I tell them that, Kasumi?"

"Why not?!" Akane asked, shocked.

Suki now looked at Akane hard and said,

"I have never accepted this engagement! And as far as my knowledge goes, I have never heard about any official engagement ceremony happening before! This is nothing but a selfish childish game to me , young lady! Don't try to point out this fact to me!"

Akane sighs angrily as she said in a hard tone,

"Mom, I would do anything you would ask me to do! But not this! You guys acknowledge it or not, mom, but it's true that me and Ranma have been engaged for four long years! Going on a date when he is not even here , that would mean I am somewhat cheating on him! I can't do that , mom! Please don't ask me to do that.."

"But Ranma also went to date his fiance! If he can, then why not you?"

"He didn't want to go, mom! I was the one who had foolishly sent him to her! That's what started this whole hassle in the first place! And that's why he is still upset with me, mom!" Akane's eyes tear up as her voice breaks in desperation..

"Akane.. Baby, I understand, but…"

'knock knock knock'.. Suki sighs as she heard the sudden interruption.. Suki pinched the bridge of her nose again as she politely asked them to come in.

"Suki! Akane dear..!" Suddenly Nodoka entered the room with a bright smile on her face as she said excitedly,

"Look! Who has just arrived!" She paused for a moment as she mentioned someone to come forward..

Ranma slowly entered the room and slowly revealed himself.. He slightly bowed towards them and said politely,

"Hello everyone! Nice to see you guys.."

"Ranma!" Suki whispered in disbelief, shocked to see him.

"Oh my! Ranma!" Kasumi explained excitedly.

" 'bout time!" Nabiki smirked looking at him.

Akane couldn't utter any word as she kept looking at him with stunned filled eyes. Then when she heard him talking, her stunned trance broke as she began sobbing helplessly.

Hearing Akane's sobbing sound, Ranma looked up at her with a worried expression on his face..

When Akane saw him looking at her with concern filled eyes, she couldn't hold back anymore as she hurriedly ran towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She didn't care about what others would think, she just wanted to hug him closer to her. Akane deeply buried her face on his chest and gave a heavy sigh of relief. She took a deep breath, his so familiar manly smell washing through her senses, making her dizzy with happiness. She closed her eyes in complete contentment and laid her wet cheek over his warm chest. Then tightening her hold on him, she whispered to him in a pleasant tone,

"Oh Ranma.. Thank you.. Thanks for coming back.. I am so glad to see you! Oh Kami! I missed you so much, Ranma…..!"

A/N: Hmmmmm... Now what you guys think will happen next, huh! Any guess :D! Ahhh.. I am soooo evil..! Hahaha! But must say, thanks to my hubby I managed to post today, otherwise, it would have taken me much more longer! Please do review and let me know.. Your words never get waste, because this pushes me to update fast! So, let me know if you guys are excited for the upcoming chapters or not! see you guys hopefully soon!