Disclaimer: I can't think of any more saracastic disclaimers. Oh, what's the world coming to? (By the way, Takahashi owns all Ranma rights.)

Forenote: In response to one reviewer's question, Ukyo, Ryoga, Shampoo, and others will be making an appearance in this story. Mostly, they'll be dealing with the fact that Ranma and Akane are together, and finding ways to cope with it. How will they take it? Who will find love, and who will lose their way? I wonder......

Chapter Five: Three Stooges, and a Phoenix from the Food Tray

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It was another sunny day at Furinkan High School. Ranma and Akane were still the main topic of gossip around campus, but their immediate friends had calmed down about it for the most part. Still, it humored the pair to see eyes bulge as they passed by. The whispers and rumors they heard were, for the most part, just silly stretchings of the truth. They took it in stride, bathing in their newfound fame. Kuno, however, persisted in separating the two with flowery poetry and ill-placed attacks. But he never was a match for Ranma, and with Akane at his side, the teens were unbeatable.

Walking home from school under the blazing sun, Ranma's stomach decided to let its emptiness be known. A feral growl startled Akane. "What was that?"

Ranma patted his gut lovingly. "Ah, the old boy's running low on fuel. Let's get something to snack on."

Akane put on her best disapproving look. "By snack, you mean second lunch."

"Oh, don't be so modest."

They continued walking, until Ranma spied his favorite restaurant. "Hey, its Ukyo's! Let's go, Akane!" And he excitedly pulled her in. Akane's blood ran cold, as she realized that Ukyo had no clue about their relationship. The only thing she might have heard would be the rumors flying around school. Uh oh. I hope this doesn't lead to any trouble.

"Hello, Ucchan! How've ya been?" Ranma took a seat at the bar-grill, and smiled at his old friend. Akane timidly sat next to him. Ukyo was busy with a few other orders, and didn't respond to Ranma's greeting, until she had served out two platters of food. Then, with deliberate conviction, she slowly turned to face her fianceé. Ranma threw his hands up in horror at her face. The smile was evil, her eyes were slits, and with poison-tipped words, she grabbed Ranma's ear, and pulled him close.

"Ranma.....", she didn't refer to him by the playful 'Ranchan', "do you know what I heard in school today?" He shook his head quickly. She leaned in closer, and all Akane could hear was 'psst, psst, psst'. Ranma jumped back, and waved his hands around frantically.

"N-N-Nooo!!! We.... We NEVER did anything like THAT!!! Who told you that we did THAT!!??"

"Really?" She didn't stop staring him down, but some softness had come back in her voice.

"Really, REALLY!!! I-I don't know were that came, from, but it's not true! Believe me, Ucchan, it didn't happen!"

Ukyo clapped her hands together, and her face went back to her usual smiling ways. "Oh, that's so good to hear! For a second there, I was worried! I mean, c'mon, you and Akane, a couple? Really, the nerve of some people!"

"Uhhh.... Ucchan?"

Ukyo looked over at Ranma? He had taken his seat again, but this time, his arm was wrapped around Akane. He was trying to grin, but it came out as a grimace. "We..... we ARE a couple, Ucchan. Just not as serious as the rumors say."

"Aaaaiiiiiiieeeeeeee!!!!" Ukyo leaped over the counter, landed next to Akane, and pulled her close. "Now Akane, Ranma's joking, right? I know how much you two fight. Just tell me that this is all some elaborate scheme, or some hidden camera show. C'mon, buddy. PLEASE tell me this ain't real. It's a joke, right, sugar?"

Akane gave Ukyo a little hug, and then turned to Ranma and laid her head on his arm. "Sorry, Ukyo."

"Ah-Aaah, b-but, y-you two.... I-I, c-can't believe...." Ukyo hung her head. She made her way around the bar, picked up a spatula, and silently began to flip some more okonomiyaki. Akane looked over at the downtrodden teen. I forgot. She really like Ranma. I hope she doesn't take this to harshly. Even though she always tried to get Ranma for herself, she was still a friend. I'd better cheer her up.

"Hey, Ranma? Can you leave us alone for a while? I think we need to have a girl-to-girl talk."

Ranma gulped down a large piece of food, and gave Akane a solemn look. "Is it going to be okay?"

Akane only shrugged. Ranma dug in his pocket for some change, placed it on the counter, and left his two fianceés alone. Great. I didn't think Ukyo would take it like that. I only hope Akane can cheer her up.

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Jason shuffled around some files, looking for a select few. Cool. I found it. He placed the last sheet into a manilla folder, wrapped a rubber band around it, and placed it into a side pocket on his case. Now to head over to the shop. Jason, Nabiki, and the old man were planning to meet in the shop to make the deed transfer, before the man left to live his peaceful retirement with his son. Nabiki had yet to come back from school, but she would no doubt remember, so there was no need for Jason to wait up for her.

His thoughts wandered to the calculating young girl. She really is clever. But she's such a loner, never talking unless absolutely necessary. Reminds me a little of myself. "Hmph." I'm not really so cold, am I? Ahh, what the heck. Now's not the time. I gotta get over to the store.

Jason hefted his case onto his shoulder, and made his way down the stairs. He waved to the dueling fathers, and to Kasumi, who was dusting some furniture. He crossed the yard, closed the large main doors behind him, and was about to take off, when an enraged sounding voice spoke up from behind him.

"You...... you live in the same house as Ranma Saotome!?" Jason tilted his head to see a man clad in yellow garments standing there, covered in shadows, a red hue surrounding him. What's this joker gonna try? Jason didn't acknowledge him, only continued walking away.

Ryoga's fury only increased at the stranger's nonchalance. Why, that.... I'll show him! Ryoga pulled out his umbrella, opened it, and flung it angrily at his opponent. Jason's finely tuned ears picked up the sounds of the attack, and he let his case fall to the ground. He somersaulted to the side, rotating to face his attacker, and at the same time, reached behind him to pull out his weapon. He landed, and let his front foot slide out. He aimed the little pistol at Ryoga, and fired. Once, twice, three times.

The little bb's struck Ryoga precisely, one on each ankle, makng him falter, and the last was place squarely in his forehead. Ryoga's eyes rolled lazily, and he fell toppled over backwards, unconsious. Jason holstered his pistol, which was hidden underneath his left arm, and took off to the music store. Man, who the hell was that? And what does he have against Ranma. Wait.... Ranma was telling me about this one guy that had it bad for Akane.... Maybe that was him...? Aww, who cares? I gotta get to the store quickly, now that that jerk wasted my time. I don't like to be late.

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Ranma strolled lazily thourgh the familiar streets of the town. Although his calm manner betrayed nothing, inside, he was feeling a hell of a lot of things. Ukyo..... I'm sorry, Ukyo. I didn't wanna disappoint you like that. You're my friend. Heck, you're probably my best friend. But.... Akane is more than a friend, now. I like you, Ukyo, but I love her. Can't I do both? Isn't it all right to have you as my best friend? God, I'm so confused. Why does it have to be like this? I wish that Ukyo had someone else. She deserves someone else. But she's set on me. It's too much. Too much conflict, too much friction. I don't wanna hurt anybody. But.....

"Ranma, you come here, NOW! Have some explaining to do, Ranma does!" Oh, no.... Not this.... Not now! Ranma would recognize the broken Japanese anywhere. He looked up, and saw the familiar bike falling towards him. He rolled out of the way, barely evading the black rubber. He saw that Shampoo's face was contorted into a scowl, unfitting for the Amazon girl.

"Ranma, Shampoo hear you and Akane together! That true? Does Shampoo need to teach Ranma lesson?"

"Shampoo, please, just forget it! Forget the Amazon law! I can't be your husband, okay? Akane is..."

"Pervert-girl no match for Shampoo! Shampoo much better bride for Ranma! Why you no understand?"

"Arrgh! Don't you have Mousse? Can't you bother him?"

"Mousse busy at restaurant. He good waiter, but bad husband. Amazon law must be followed. Shampoo WILL marry Ranma!"

Ranma couldn't take it anymore. God, isn't one fianceé enough? I already broke Ukyo's heart. Shampoo won't back down so easily. "I can't deal with this, Shampoo! Just leave me alone!" And he turned tail and bolted down the street. Shampoo's face twisted even more, and she pushed off, pedaling rapidly, leaving a trail of fire in her wake.

"Ranma wait for Shampoo! This no is right!"

Ranma heard Shampoo gaining rapidly, and leapt up onto a rooftop. Shampoo abandoned her bike, and gave chase. For five minutes, the little game of cat-and-mouse persisted, until Ranma couldn't run anymore. Man, I need to lose her! I need someplace to hide! Ranma touched down onto the street, and ran into the first shop he eyed. He quickly closed the door, and peered out the window. He saw Shampoo blow by, not even slowing to look for him. Good. I lost her. Phew. He turned around, and noticed where he was. An array of boxes, cases, and packages where scattered around. Three people were standing in a circle, discussing over a few pieces of paper. With a start, he recognized Nabiki and Jason, talking with an old man. So this is the music store that Jason bought, huh? Wow. And Nabiki's here, too.

"Yo, Jason!"

Jason looked up, and greeted his pal. "What's up, Ranma? You look winded."

"I just escaped with my life. Man, this is ridiculous."

Jason grinned. "How many times has that happened?"

"Enough."

"I bet."

"So, what's Nabiki doin' here?"

Jason tapped his head. "She's the one with all the know-how. She's practically makin' the transfer herself."

"Are you sure?"

"What do you mean?"

Ranma nuged him in the ribs. "I mean, are you sure she ain't here for you?"

Jason held his grin steady. "Ha. You're a funny guy."

"Yeah, aren't I?"

Nabiki and the old man finished talking, and walked over to the two boys. "Well, Jason, that's that. We are now in formal possession of the deed, and the store's content as well."

Jason nodded. "That's great." He stopped smiling, and faced the old man. "Don't worry, sir. I'll take good care of the place."

"I'm sure you will." He held out his hand, and Jason met it in a firm grasp. They shook for a few seconds, then a honking noise attracted the four people's attention. "Well, that's my limo. I guess I'll be going now." He sighed. "I'm gonna miss this town."

Jason waved. "You make sure to visit, all right?"

The man laughed, and made his way out the door. With a final goodbye, he stepped into the car, and the grey Lincoln took off, leaving a cloud of dust behind it.

"He was a good guy." Jason turned to his store, and smiled. "What a place. My store." Which reminds me... "Nabiki?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you say, 'we are in possession'?"

Nabiki grinned cruely, and showed him the deed. "Technically, we own it together, since I own the accounts that filter money to your accounts." She patted him on the head. "But don't worry. I'll leave it to you. I'll take care of the rent, you worry about the actual store. Decorate however you wish." She placed a finger under his chin, and stepped in close. "Don't get any ideas, buddy-boy." She waved carelessly, and left the store without another word.

Ranma stood awkwardly, his head tilted in disbelief. "Well.... that was interesting." Jason struggled to keep his face in check. She's sly. And sexy. I'd better watch myself around her. Don't wanna fall into one of HER traps. But couldn't help but wonder about the young woman that had just helped him out so tremendously......

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Ukyo had closed the store early, much to the disappointment of her customers. She locked the doors, and didn't even bother to clean the tables. She just sat down on one of them, and buried her head in her hands. Akane looked over to her sorrowfully. Now we can talk. Oh, I hope she doesn't take it too hard. I couldn't live with myself if she did.

Akane walked over to her, and pulled out a chair next to her. She tried to see Ukyo's expression, but all she heard were quiet sobs. She's crying. She's really hurt by this whole thing. Akane proceeded to rub her back gently. "Hey, Ukyo..." The chef lowered her hands a bit, and Akane spotted tear-strained eyes over the tips of her fingers. Why did it have to be this way? "I'm..... I'm sorry about all this. It happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what it meant. You cared about him a lot, didn't you?" She recieved a nod in response. Good. At least she's listening. "I know you did. You were his best friend. Heck... you still are his best friend. He still cares about you a whole lot, ya know."

"But.... he sniff he loves you, Akane. He's yours, not mine. How can we be together?"

"In all reality, Ukyo.... you can't. Not in the way you wanted it. But you can still be there for him, as a friend."

"But.... But I loved him, Akane. He was one of the only people I even knew. Do you know how lonely I was? Do you realize that he was my only friend?"

"And I took him away. God, Ukyo, I'm so sorry. If there was another way..... but there isn't. I hate to be so selfish, but..."

"I understand. You know.... we're not that different, Akane. We both love him. But.... you're the only one he loves, back."

Akane changed her tone a bit. "That's not true. He loves you too, Ukyo. There are different levels of affection, different levels of care a person can show another. I just have... a different one with him than you do."

"He meant the world to me, Akane..... He was my life...."

Akane looked down. She's right. For ten years, her life was devoted to deafeating Ranma, and when they finally met again, she fell for him. I can't even begin to understand... but I can't let her mope like this. She's got to live her life.

"Ukyo.... I can't say much... but I'll say what I can. I can't sympathize with what you've been through. But.... I know that Ranma isn't the only great guy ouy there. There are others, for sure. You just have to look hard enough. And besides..." Akane gave her a cheeky smile, "...we'll be here for ya. After all, we are you're friends."

Ukyo pondered this for a bit. "Really?"

"Of course. Ranma's already close to you, and now you got me. We'll stand by you, no matter what. We're you're friends." She lowered her voice. "It's what we have to give. Our friendship. Our trust. Tell me, Ukyo, do you trust us?"

Ukyo looked up, into Akane's face. She saw a sincerity there that made her heart melt. She really means it.... She's my friend. And Ranma.... well, I guess I can't have him. After ten years, I can't have him. Such a waste.... of ten years.

"I just feel.... so helpless. Like nothing's gone right."

"You're right. Nothing has gone right for you. But you wanna know why? It's because you were alone. It's because you didn't have friends. I hope, that when you accept us as friends, you'll see that there's more to life than you know."

Ukyo sat up fully. Friends... my friends. It's got a nice ring to it. Maybe.... Maybe I can live with this. After all, I've gone long enough as a loner. "Friends, Akane?"

Akane's smile grew enormous. "Ukyo, baby.... you might as well be family."

Ukyo grinned, just a bit. "The way you're family acts, I'd be scared to consider it."

Akane burst out laughing. Ukyo chuckled, then giggled, and eventually joined Akane in a chorus of happiness. Friends, huh? I could get used to it.

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The day was drawing to a close. Evening was in full bloom, and the various members of the Tendo household made their way home. Ranma, Jason, and Nabiki were the first to arrive, and the first sight that greeted them was a little black piglet with a yellow scarf running out to them angrily.

"Well, well, if it isn't P-Chan. Hello, pig. What's up, you get lost or something?"

"Bwee, bwee!" Uncomprehensible squeals answered him.

Jason leaned in. "P-Chan?"

Ranma lowered his voice. "That's Ryoga, the guy I was tellin' you about. He's got a Jusenkyo curse, too, but Akane and the rest don't know about it. Ya gotta keep it quiet, all right?"

"Yeah, sure. Ya know, I met him, before I left the house this afternoon?"

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. He got real mad, and hocked his umbella around. I had to resort to desperate measures."

"Whadda you mean?"

Jason snuck a peek at Nabiki, to make sure she had already gone inside, then pulled out his pistol. Ranma freaked.

"A gun!?"

"SSHHHH!!! No, it's just a BB pistol. I use it when I have to, since I don't know any martial arts. I'm a pretty good marksman, if I have to say so myself."

"Well, it wouldn't be a good idea to keep that hidden for too long. Somebody's gonna find out sooner or later."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get around to it. Just keep it a secret until later, okay?"

"Sure, no problem."

They walked inside the house, just as Akane and Ukyo rounded the corner of the street. They saw the two boys scurry into the house. Now what were those two up to?

"Uhh, Akane? Who was that with Ranchan?"

"Oh, that's Jason, our new houseguest. We took him in after the music festival. He's quite the musician, and Ranma and he get along very well."

"Oh, that's good to hear. What's he like?"

"He's very quiet, except for when he's playing a song. I think Nabiki has the hots for him."

"Really? Wow, Nabiki, who'd have thought?"

"Not any of us. I don't think Jason even realizes it, the poor guy."

The girls walked in together, and the sight made Ranma sigh loudly. Phew. Ucchan's all right. But I still have to make it up to her. Well, it's now or never. He got up from the porch, and walked over to her. They met on the path, and Akane hurried over to the porch, to sit and watch. I hope he doesn't mess this up for her.

"Ucchan.... I'm sorry. It's just....." He hung his head. "I thought that..."

Ukyo spoke up. "It's all right, Ranchan. If I wanted to get you, I should have acted sooner. It's my fault..."

"No, Ucchan. Nothing's nobody's fault. It's just how things happen. But if it's any consolidation...." He stepped close. "I did kinda like you. Fact is, I still do. But now... we can't be lovers. All I can offer is my friendship. C'mon, Ucchan.... for old times' sake?"

Ukyo looked up at him. Gosh, he's handsome. How can I say no? "Sure, Ranchan, friends."

He gave her a big hug, which made her blush. "Thanks, Ucchan. I promise you, you'll find somebody. And when you do, me an' Akane will be best man and woman at your wedding. It'll be great. Whadda ya say, best buddy?"

Ukyo practically beamed. "That sounds great, Ranchan."

"Now, then, you're gonna have dinner with us, and you're gonna have a good time, ya hear?"

Ukyo just laughed, and the two walked arm in arm to the dining room. Akane watched, a bit jealous, but she shook it off. That's great. They're still the best of friends. I shouldn't get jealous. After all, Ranma's mine, and we all know it. It's not like Ukyo's gonna steal him away or anything like that.... "Ranma, my love, I hope you aren't getting any ideas..."

"Why, whatever could you mean, Akane?"

"Oooooooh, come here, you!"

"Hey, hey, OUCH!!!" And the family, Ukyo included, laughed heartily at the couple. Yeah, she thought, I could get used to this....

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"Wow, Kasumi, you really are a great cook!"

"Why, thank you, Ukyo. I hear that you are quite skilled yourself..."

"Yeah, I guess you could say that..."

"I've always wanted to learn okonomiyaki, but the cookbooks I found are very vauge on the actual methods."

"I can help you there! C'mon, I'll show ya."

"Why, thank you very much, Ukyo!"

"No problem!"

As Kasumi followed Ukyo into the kitchen, Akane felt a little down. I seem to be the only one here who can't cook. Even Nabiki knows how not to kill someone. Oh, I wish I could learn to cook, but I can't seem to understand it. Ranma saw Akane looking hungrily at the cooking pair. Oh, man, I hope she doesn't feel to bad 'bout them two being real great cooks and all. I tell her it's all right if she ain't the best cook, but she always feels bad about it. I wish she wouldn't. He got up, and snapped Akane out of her daze. "Hey, Akane, you wanna go work out?"

"Huh? Oh, sure, wait up."

He waited for her to catch up, then began talking again. "Ya know, Akane, don't feel so bad about your cooking. Not everybody can be good at everything. You've got martial arts, and you've got me, and don't forget that one time when you made those cookies, and then I ate 'em all and got sick..."

She giggled. "Yeah, I remember." Her mood turned sour again. "But, I just wish that I could cook, so that I can cook for you, and we don't have to depend on Kasumi all the time."

"If you're that concerned about it, ask Kasumi, or even Ukyo. I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out."

"Yeah...." Kasumi would be a great teacher! All the other times I've tried to learn, it's been alone! Maybe I'll ask her, later..... "Yeah! I'll do that!" She grabbed Ranma's shirt, and pulled him into a deep kiss. "I love you, Ranma!"

He scratched his head. "Yeah, I'm not such a bad guy...."

"Yes, you are."

"Well, thanks for raining down on my parade."

"Anytime, dummy, anytime."

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Jason pulled out his ocarina. It was one of his oldest instruments. He had gotten it as a present from his uncle years ago, when he still resided in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Aaahh. Those were the good old days..... He pictured his old house, high up on the hilly lands on the outskirts of the downtown area. That was the life. Before all the trouble began.... Before I left..... He frowned, and tossed the flute to the other side of the room, then quickly ran back to retreive it, making sure it wasn't damaged. Good, it's all right. I'm sorry, little ocarina, it's not you I'm mad at..... It's them..... It's my parents..... It's their arrogance, their lifestyle.... I hate them for it...

Knock, knock Jason's thoughts were interupted by a knocking at the door. "Yes, come in." The door slid open, and Nabiki laid herself down on Ranma's futon.

"So, you ready work the shop tomorrow?"

"Sure am. I don't think I'm gonna change anything, except for a few of the burnt-out light bulbs."

"Yeah, that store sure was dark." She noticed the litte instrument in his hands. "What's that?"

He raised up the flute to the light. "It's called an ocarina. It's a little wooden flute. My uncle gave me this on my eleventh birthday. It's my favorite present up to date."

"Oh? And the music store you just practically got given isn't?"

"It's not that, it's..... it's what the flute means to me. It was the last present...... before I met my parents...."

"Huh?"

Jason almost began to talk some more, when he stopped himself. What the hell am I doing? Telling that to her..... I'm supposed to forget about it all! "I'm sorry, Nabiki, but I don't wanna talk about it."

"What's wrong? Got a little secert you don't wanna share?"

His expression didn't change, but his voice sure did. "I said, I do not want to talk about it. I like to keep my business to myself." His voice was edged with a cold anger. Nabiki could see his hands gripping the wooden flute a bit harder.

"Aww, c'mon, I'm your friend, right....?"

He couldn't keep it in completely, and some of his rage escaped. He turned his head to her, and Nabiki froze at the blank, but icy stare he had. "Go away." And with that, he looked away again.

Nabiki grew frustrated. "Excuse me for trying to be friendly. I guess anti-social really does describe you." She got up, and waltzed out of the room. Jason thanked the stars for getting her out. God, why does she have to be like that? Doesn't she have any respect for privacy? He looked down at the ocarina. Man, she's so..... so arrogant.... who does she think she is, anyway.... my mother? With that thought, he choked on his breath, and realized what he had just done. Oh, man..... I'm sorry, Nabiki..... I was just..... Crap, now she's gonna be pissed at me..... He sighed, and remembered his advice to Ranma a few days ago. Just apologize, I said. Man, who'd have thought I'd be stuck in his situation. Well, I'd better go anyways, else that would make me a hypocrite. He got up, and strode over to Nabiki's room. He knocked softly.

"Who is it?"

"A friend."

"Liar."

Jason froze. Well, there goes that plan....

"You gonna come in or what?"

He let a grin appear and fade, as he opened her door. She was on her bed, covering her face with a magazine, lying on her side like she always was. And of course, she makes it as hard as possible to even talk to her. He spied her open window, and propped himself up into it. He took a glance outside, at the crescent moon.

"Quiet night, huh?"

"Is that it?"

Jason sighed. So she's still mad. "No, that's not it......" He fumbled for something to say. What did I tell Ranma. Just say sorry.... Ha. Easier said then done, far easier. "Sorry."

"Is that it?"

Jason looked at her, and wondered what was going on in that brown-haired head of hers. Fine. I can play that way.

"If that's all you wanna make it."

"Nice try. Sorry for what?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"Does it matter if it's obvious or not?"

"Does it matter to you?"

"Yes."

"I would think that someone of your intelligence could figure it out."

"I'm not one for rehtoric. C'mon, spill the beans."

"I snapped at you."

"Ya, I noticed."

"I didn't mean to."

"But you did."

"And I suppose I'm soley at fault for that?"

"How can this be my fault?"

Jason let his head droop. "I was angry, not at you, when you came in. I was just..... remembering something that happened, a while ago. I don't like to talk about it, so when you asked, it touched a nerve. I snapped at you, not wanting to talk about it."

Nabiki let her magazine fall away. "That still doesn't explain how it's my fault."

"It's not.... it's my fault. It's all my fault. It's just..... forget it. I'm sorry for yelling at you."

Nabiki propped her head up on her hands, and looked at him. He was staring his ocarina, like he was looking at a deceased friend. Wow. He really feels bad about all this. I feel bad for the guy. Maybe I shouldn't get so mad with him. "Listen, Jason......." Why do I have the urge to apologize to him? I didn't do anything to him...... She looked closer, at his face. I guess I did snap at him a bit.... And call him a liar.... Maybe I should say sorry. Gosh, now I know how he feels. Well, best not to be a hypocrite. "Listen, Jason," she repeated herself, "it's okay. No harm done. Everybody snaps sometimes. I don't want you to feel bad for my sake." Way to not be a hypocrite, Nabiki. Man, I'm hopeless.

"Thanks, Nabiki. I really feel bad when I get angry at people. It's worse when it's not their fault."

She fell onto her back. "Okay, okay, don't get all mushy on me." She saw her remark had the desired response when Jason's mouth twitched. Ha. He's so reclusive, never wanting to smile.

Jason looked by at her, and saw she was staring at him. He looked back outside quickly, trying to hide his blush. "Hey, you wanna hear a song?"

"Is it about me?"

"No."

"Then I'm not interested."

He chuckled, and raised the flute to his lips. He began to play a soft, quiet melody. At first, Nabiki thought he was going to try a Kuno-ish love song, but Jason picked up the tempo, and the rythym became more upbeat. Not a love song.... it's more like a lullaby. I imagine a bunch of kids, running around, having fun. It's a nice song. Of course, she was never going to tell him that to his face. Jason bobbed his head to the beat, and a brezee blew in through the open window. It stirred his curly hair around a bit, and Nabiki couldn't help but stare at him. Wow. He really is good-looking. If I had to say, I'd say better than even Ranma. She closed her eyes, and let the tune carry her worries away.

Jason finished the song, and turned to fine Nabiki, breathing slowly, eyes closed. Asleep.... no, she's faking. This gave Jason a brilliant idea. He got down from the ledge, and approached her, quietly, just like she expected him to. He bent down, and examined her 'sleeping form', just like she wanted him to. He drew his face close to hers, just like she wanted him to. At the last moment, she opened her eyes wide, and smiled. Hah, she thought, I caught him in the act. Now, he's gonna fall over himself, trying to deny what.... She noticed that he didn't falter at all. In fact, he was grinning again, one corner of his mouth high above the other. What's this joker think he's.... He placed his hand on the back of her head, and pressed their lips together. Wha...? She kept her eyes open, trying to see excatly what was forcing him to do it. His eyes were closed, as he continued the kiss. Slowly, against her will, Nabiki loosened up. Her eyes nearly closed, as she responed with her own lips. When he felt her finally kiss back, he parted, walked over to the door, and was about to leave, when he stopped.

"If you didn't like it, why didn't you stop me?" And then he left without another word.

Nabiki lay there, breathing heavily. She couldn't believe what had transpired. That........ little.......... She turned over, facing the wall. A furious blush encompassed her face. How dare he say I didn't like it............. I loved it.

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AN: MUWAHAHAHAHAH!!! Nabiki got outsmarted. For those of you who didn't realize it, she was trying to make him extremely embarrassed by acting as though she was asleep, as bait for a goodnight kiss. Obviously, it didn't work. He expected her move, and got her with her guard-down. So.... what happens next? I would say it's obvious, but after the huge conversation those to had about the obvious..... I won't say anymore.

Jason's little song this time was 'Stories to Tell', another song from the Trigun OST #1, The First Donuts. It's appropriate, since that's exactly what Jason had: stories to tell. Search on Kazaa, just put in the name directly, it'll come up for sure.

So, now that dispels the wandering minds of a few readers. Ukyo is not Jason's girl: Nabiki is. Obvious, isn't it? (God, I gotta stop with this obvious crap) Don't worry, for all you Ukyo fans, I've got something up my sleeve for her. Isn't it obv.......... never mind.