Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½

Honor or Love?

Ranma:

XxX

"So let me get this straight," Ranma said, taking deep breaths. It was the only thing he could do to keep his anger at bay. "Akane engaged herself to Ryoga, they live about two hours away, and she was sending you to go get homework for her so she didn't fall behind in classes?" Sayuri and Yuka nodded slowly. He couldn't believe it, she engaged herself to Ryoga? That meant that she allowed it? That meant that she had to... like him? Love him? He couldn't believe that! Akane didn't even let him inches near her! So this had to be some sick dream. He cast his gaze at the girls, they looked serious in their explanation. He turned his eyes away and stared at the open streets. After school clubs had just gotten out so kids began to flood from the school. As everyone passed him he tried to blend in with them, somehow disappear out of the world's sight. "I can't believe it. Wait 'til I see that tomboy, I'll give her a piece of my mind!"

Yuka could almost punch Ranma in the mouth. Great Martial Artist or not, he was an idiot! A stupid retard who wouldn't know love even if it him in the face! "Are you kidding me, Ranma? She was not the one who kissed that amazon chick perfume or whatever her name was on your wedding day, she wasn't the one who yelled at you to get a new husband, and she was not the one who allowed the engagement to Ukyo!" Yuka knew her face was crimson red. Finally, she got out the words she wanted to say for the last month or two years! "I understand you're jealous, but it's too late. You had a chance for two years and you blew it! She has someone who's gonna put her first."

"Yeah," Sayuri added. "Gives you something to think about, right?"

Ranma clenched his fists and left them at his sides. "She's my fiancee. Mine. If anyone is going to marry her it's gonna be... Me!" Ranma turned and walked away leaving the girls to stare at his back. He jumped on top of the fence and began to run at lightening speed, disappearing from their sight.

Yuka placed her hands on her hips and let out a sigh. "Hey, Sayuri. Do you think that he's going to be able to win her back?" Yuka questioned, looking at her long-time-friend for an answer.

Sayuri placed a finger on her chin and thought about it for a few seconds. "Well, it's not entirely impossible. I mean, old habits die hard, right? What did she say when you called her last night?"

"Well I told her that Ranma knew about, well, everything. From Ryoga to her residence. From what I've seen, it didn't even seem like she cared. She scolded me for spilling where her new house was, but she was already half way to her house by then. Her old one, I mean." Yuka reminisced the conversation she had with Akane the night before.

"Halfway to her house? So she should be there by now!" Sayuri exclaimed.

Yuka nodded. "I hope Ranma doesn't ruin her one chance at happiness," her eyes narrowed in warning. "That's the least he can do for ruining her one day. The one day to be a princess, and have a fairytale ending every girl dreams of."

"Well," Sayuri started. "What if Ranma is her only chance at happiness?"

"What!" Yuka yelled, not getting where this conversation was going.

"It's probable, that Akane isn't exactly over Ranma yet," Yuka opened her mouth to comment, but Sayuri cut her off. "You know Akane, she says things but means an entirely different meaning! Ranma was the first boy who ever broke her out of her comfort zone. He was her first love. Memories like that don't exactly die you know."

"That's ludicrous," Yuka huffed. "I can even bet on that."

"Then bet," Sayuri urged. "I'm always up for making easy cash." She smiled innocently.

"F-Fine!" Yuka challenged. "Put it there!"

Both girls intertwined hands and shook, one would remain victorious, the other a loser.

XxX

Ranma took a long walk home. What was the rush? All he had to do was explain to his Pop and Akane's dad that Akane was engaged to Ryoga and uniting the school was hopeless. Plus, Ukyo was probably still rushing around yelling at chefs, designers, or even Kasumi! Although that was hard to believe. He wistfully thought of all the ways of the outcome of his life. Four children, great restaurant, happy life. But where was the action? Where was the mallets and demons or even challenges? What fun was it to marry a girl who constantly threw herself at you? That takes away from the whole 'mysterious' edge to life. He didn't want to know about his life before it even happened! That was boring!

With Akane, he was never sure how things would turn out. One moment she was angry at him, pushing him to his limits, and other times she would just look up at him with those big brown eyes.. Eyes she probably looked longingly at Ryoga with now. He felt adrenaline pump through his veins as he realized that this wasn't the end. Akane was just being another challenge, another mind puzzle he would have to solve. He loved challenges. All he had to do was think thoroughly and find the hidden meanings behind her words. Then he would claim her rightfully on his, 'all-the-things-Rama-got-right-in-his-life prize'.

Wait, he didn't like Akane, no way! Sure she was cute, and her smiles seemed to light up his atmosphere, but she was also stubborn, unsexy, one who lacked feminine skills, hard-headed, and violent! When she had her mallet she would knock him from Japan to Europe! Not someone he wanted to wake-up in the morning to see. But if it wasn't Akane, then who? It wasn't like he needed Akane, nor a Dojo. It was an 'Anything-Goes' school, not 'Can't-do-if-not-married' school. He could just open the school and train a kid to be almost as good as him. Then why did it hurt him so much if Akane was engaged to Ryoga?

He tapped his chest, maybe it was something he ate which made him this crazy. He would just have to ask Kasumi about it when he got home. He snapped out of his thoughts long enough jump off the fence before his fall. Man it was survival out here when you aren't aware! He ran his hand through his jet black hair and closed his eyes. He knew his way to the house by heart; every step, amount of leaves, number of rocks on the pavement. It was like home. Better than training on the road with a greedy old man, he had to admit. If only his Pop didn't steal that cart from Ukyo. If only he had not callin' her cute. If only Akane was still here to announce him as her fiancee.

Not that he was anyone's property, no! He was Ranma Saotome, men-among-men! It was about time he earned some doggone respect- ouch. He cracked one eye open to see he hit a taxi car waiting outside of his house. What was this? He edged around to see a man tipping his hat his way.

"Hello, sir."

"Yo," Ranma replied informally. "Whatcha doing here?"

"Just dropping some things off for a customer."

"Who would be?"

"Ms. Tendo," he repositioned his hat on his head and waved dismissively. "See you around, sir."

Ranma didn't reply and watched the car drive to the end of the street an take a right turn. Ranma shrugged, all that thinking was making him delusional. He swung his book bag over his back and continued to make his arrival in the Dojo. Instinctively, he took off his shoes and headed into the kitchen, looking for leftover food from dinner last night. After a few bites he heard the titter-patter of Kasumi's footsteps. She entered the kitchen in an obvious rush looking for something that she didn't take notice of Ranma. "Yo, Kasumi."

She had the biggest smile plastered on her face. "Oh my, Ranma! I didn't even notice you! I have great news about Akane!"

He felt distressed at the mention of her name. "Well I have not-so-good news. Akane is-"

"-here!" Ukyo chirped, entering the kitchen. She wasn't too happy about seeing Akane until Ryoga emerged out from behind her. That was when she lightened up, Akane was seeing someone else, Ranma was no longer an option which left him all to herself. "She's over in the kitchen talking to her dad." Ukyo waited to see Ranma's reaction.

"What she is saying is true, Ranma. Akane is alive and well! Won't you go to greet her?" Kasumi inquired sweetly.

Ranma needed a few moments to take in the news he was hearing. Akane was here.. Here! He felt a tinge of regret cloud his judgment on whether he should greet her or not. But since it was from Kasumi, he... he..."Sure, Kasumi." He sighed in defeat. After getting up, he entered the living room and saw Akane sitting there with her hands brushing Ryoga's. She was comforting her dad with one hand and that was when she glanced up at him. Her eyes were cold lifeless, and for a second their gazes locked. "Nice seeing you again," he scoffed. "I'm gonna go take a bath."

He escaped before noticing the disappointed stares and looks. What did they expect? For them to run in a meadow? Hug and get married? No, that's not what is going to happen. He didn't even glance at Ryoga, looking at him only made him want to kill him. He put his hands in his pocket before shutting the bathroom door, practically diving in to the water. He didn't mean to be such a... Jerk, but it just seemed that she was getting along fine without him while he was trying to literally pry Ukyo's hands off of him! What if that was the same case with Ryoga? Akane only agreed to marry him because of her situation? Or what if Ryoga was so depressed Akane couldn't just leave him alone to fend for himself? Well, he's seen Akane do nicer things. For him, at least.

Ukyo swung open the door and in her right hand held some bath supplies. "Ran-chan!" She saw his face form into nervousness and it only made her giggle at him for being so shy. "I'm here to scrub your back, don't have a heart attack!"

Great, he mentally kicked himself, why didn't he just lock the door? Oh, right, they have no locks! It's just an invitation to perverts, fiancees and burglars to just waltz in her and scrub your back. He sighed quietly, not wanting Ukyo to hear him. The last thing he wanted was Akane to walk by and think that he was in love with Ukyo. Or acting lovey-dovey in the least. All he had to say was 'no', why was it so hard? He opened his mouth, why couldn't his brain cope with him and form the words necessary to hightail her out of here? It was so easy with Akane, 'no, stupid tomboy!' But maybe that was because he trusted her. Trusted her not to come up with crazy potions to try to kill him or seduce him. With Ukyo, Shampoo, and Kodachi, it was another story. "It's alright, Ucchan. I got it," he regretted the words once they came out when he noticed her pained expression. "B-But! Can you fill me in on the wedding?"

Ukyo nodded gleefully and took a seat on the toilet before starting her rant. "Okay, so I already got the seating charts, cake, and invitations. We just have to mail those out pretty soon," she let out an exasperated sigh. "Ran-chan, I know this might hurt, but can we postpone the wedding for one more week? That way I can get everything done and have a perfect wedding." Her face beamed at the mention of 'perfect wedding'.

Ranma almost jumped out of the bath and yelled with joy. But remembering what situation he was in, he decided it would be best to stay in the water. "Sure, Ucchan. Darn, I was looking forward to it to. But we gotta do what we gotta do, right?" She nodded. "Oh, and your classwork is in my bag."

When she turned to leave he quickly stood up and threw his clothes on, following her on her exit. He paused when he saw Akane creeping up the stairs. Akane smiled warmly at Ukyo before looping her in a hug. If he didn't know Akane any better, he would say she was ignoring him. He stood and found his feet much more interesting. "Congratulations on your engagement, Ukyo! I am so happy for you." Akane said ecstatically. "Am I invited?" She teased.

"'Course, sugar," Ukyo ruffled her head. "You and Ryoga, huh? Tell me why I could see that coming?" Ukyo laughed and waved before hearing her response. She smiled one more time before heading off downstairs. She had no reason to hate Akane anymore, she had won. Years of struggling, and she had won what she came to Japan for in the first place: Ranma. Now that she had that, she would even spend time with Shampoo! Speaking of who, she had to hurry and get this wedding running before Shampoo and Mousse returned. Especially before that grandmother of her's as well.

Akane bowed politely in front of Ranma. "I didn't get to talk to you before, since you were in a rush. But congratulations on your engagement to Ukyo. Are you done with the bath?" It wasn't her original intention to speak to Ranma, but her dad pulverized her to. He didn't look any different from when she had last seen him. Still the same blue eyes, black hair, smooth skin, built body.. But when you passed all of that and looked him in the eyes, she could see despair and torture. It was evident he didn't want to get married to Ukyo. But that wasn't her problem or business, she was just here to greet her ex-fiancee. Her dad was also extremely angry about her wanting to marry Ryoga instead, but she promised that she would still carry on the Dojo, he was okay with that much.

"Uh, thanks," was his meager reply. This was it, he had to get Akane alone to talk. He searched for the right words and his mind returned back to the old Akane, his Akane. What she always wanted most was ... "Hey, do you wanna spar later on today?" Her eyes flickered with ambition and surprise. But instantly it disappeared, revealing the new Akane. The one that he didn't know, the one that he felt he had met for the first time today.

"No, thanks," she brushed his invitation off. She was here for her family, not drama. "Are you done with the bath?" She repeated her question.

"Y-Yeah." He told her frustrated. She brushed pass him and he could even feel the coldness erupting from her body. The one that yelled, 'stay away from me, Saotome!'. On the outside, she looked exactly the way he left her: short blue hair, round face, slim body, uncute attitude. She bowed to him like he was a president, not someone she knew for two years! If she wanted to act like they were nothing anymore, than that's just what he would do. He would marry Ukyo and learn to love her even if it killed him. But when Akane was always in trouble, he was the one to save her. But now that he's in trouble, would she return the favor?

His eyes narrowed as he felt a familiar aura approach him. "Ryoga," he said slowly through gritted teeth. He turned to see his old friend/foe- they were never sure who was what. Ryoga was grinning slightly, leaning slightly on the wall for a more dramatic effect. He knew what his facial expression meant, it meant that he was taunting him with his victory. After all, it was sort of unbelievable. Who would have expected the boy who couldn't even ask her out on a date muster up the guts to bend down and become engaged? Not him. Ranma was never one to accept defeat, he sat and thought out a plan before returning and defeating his opponent. For now, he had lost. That much he could accept. He whirled around and continued to walk away and down the stairs to see how his future wife was doing.

"Ranma."

Damn. "What?" He replied impatiently, signaling he had somewhere to go.

"What, no hug?" He shot back with a taunting smirk.

"What you did was low, Ryoga. But whatever- it's any mans game."

"That's why you don't have Akane right now you idiot," Ranma turned and looked at him menacingly. He wasn't afraid. He could tell that he had the upper hand in strength and in marriage. It's not like he was being cocky, but something was just off about him. He would take this advantage and strike, finally show to Akane how worthy he was. "You think this is all a game. Like she's some prize to be won! All you did was insult her and show her how unworthy she was. Which she wasn't. It was more vice-versa. Anyway, you're invited to my wedding. Plus-"

"Well once she find out that little P-chan secret-"

"She already knows," he laughed. "Face it Ranma, you lose. Ryoga Hibiki beat you, in everything." He turned on his heel and began to walk away.

"Everything? Ha, meet me in the Dojo tomorrow night and I'll show you who's still on top." Ryoga nodded and began to slide down the railing leading to the kitchen. He glanced at the bathroom door before taking the same route after his competitor and stumbled upon something.. paper? He picked it off of the ground and stared into a picture of no other than Akari. He quirked a brow. This must have fallen out of Ryoga's pocket. "Interesting."

With new found hope, the pig-tailed Martial Artist laughed to himself as he escaped to the Dojo to practice.

XxX

A/N: So there it is, the end of this chapter. Thanks for reading this far, if you have! I will try to hurry and finish this story to get back to Kanji, I have big plans for that story. Haha, anyways, please review and tell me what you think! Reviews are great inspiration to me to keep writing!

Stay tuned for the next chapter: Akane's P.O.V!

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