Shinobu felt a weight off of her shoulders after she and Nabiki had discussed their plans. They were going to plan a ball. That way they could get all dressed up in fancy clothes that'll knock the socks off their counterparts. Not only that, it was the perfect opportunity to get feelings They would just have to get Aime on board.
Together she and Nabiki searched everywhere for the pink haired woman to no avail.
"Right when you actually need her, she's nowhere to be found." Nabiki scoffed as they stood in the lobby, ringing the bell for five minutes.
As Nabiki's hand reached down to ring the bell once more, she was stopped by chatter on the far end of the lobby. Kuno and Shuutaro walked arm in arm, laughing amongst each other.
As they approached them, the two girls watched with confusion.
"Since when did you two become so chummy?" Nabiki asked as she raised her brow.
"We have become brothers in arms," Shuutaro replied with a huge grin.
"I have found a kindred spirit in Shuutaro Mendou." Kuno added and motioned between them, wearing an equally huge grin. "I now dub him, the White Thunder."
Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Oh brother."
"Oh brother indeed," Shuutaro bowed his head with reverence. "I will wear this name with pride."
"Well that's fine and all," Shinobu said, finding this all to be strange. "But what happened to wanting to kill each other?"
Just a day ago they were mortal enemies and fighting each other with their swords, fighting for their honor. It was almost too good to be true.
"Perhaps I have misjudged Mendou." Kuno admitted. "And for that, I apologize to you Miss Miyake for defiling your honor and his honor in turn." Kuno took one of Shinobu's hands in both of his. "Forgive me."
Nabiki couldn't believe her ears. Kuno, Tatewaki 'Blue Thunder' Kuno, apologizing for hitting on a girl in the past?
For Shinobu, this was new. Finally, a man who owns up to his mistakes. Ataru could take a few notes. What she didn't know was that this was new for Kuno too.
Shinobu smiled softly. "You're forgiven."
Kuno dipped his head. "Thank you. You are a kind soul. Mendou is a lucky man."
Tell him that, not me. Shinobu thought as she eyed Shuutaro who was still smiling. He didn't dignify the remark with any change in his posture or expression. She briefly wonders if it even got through to him. For once, Shinobu would like to be seen.
Thankfully, Kuno never let the room be too silent. "And what were you two ladies up to? Have you found sisterhood amongst yourselves?"
Nabiki spoke for them since she didn't want Shinobu spilling the beans on their plan. "Something like that."
"Looking for Miss Aime?" Shuutaro asked.
Shinobu was already on board. "Oh you know, just looking for some room service."
"Whatever it is you need, we could get it for you." Shuutaro offered after sharing a look with Kuno. They were both happy to help.
"It doesn't concern you," Nabiki said quickly. "Girl stuff."
"Nabiki." Kuno draped a hand across his chest, looking all offended. "You wound me. I have a sister, whom I take primary care of. You can tell me anything."
"Hm." Nabiki quickly hatched a plan to get the boys off their tail. "Well... Alright. Shinobu just started her period, so could you find us some pads and tampons?"
Shinobu shot Nabiki a 'why me' look because it was untrue. Regardless, it was a good plan.
"Why Shinobu, how come you haven't said it before? Let's go right away Kuno." Shuutaro led Kuno away, leaving Shinobu and Nabiki alone once more.
"That takes care of that." Nabiki announced. "Works on Ranma every single time."
"Very, very clever Nabiki."
The two girls watch as Aime appeared before them like a Cheshire cat, laying across her desk. She pressed down on the bell. "Ring-a-ding-ding. I'm here."
Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Took you long enough."
"I'm guessing you two ladies don't actually need toiletries." Aime created a cradle for her head with her hands.
Shinobu shook her head in response. "We would like your permission to plan a ball."
"Ooh, I like the way you think." Aime materialized a pen and notepad and scribbled in it. "It'll be done on Sunday."
"Three more days? What will we do until then?" Shinobu looked at Nabiki.
Nabiki shrugged, taking a peppermint from the bowl on the desk. "Continue as normal."
The girls retreated into their rooms and Shinobu was met with a gaggle of feminine products.
Shuutaro stepped out from behind a large stack. "The staff had been kind enough to supply us with all of this. I've even got you a heating pad."
"Oh Shuutaro..."
Concern flashed into his eyes. "What? What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Shinobu said, reaching out to hug him. She laid her chin on his shoulder. "Thank you."
She didn't have the heart to tell him that she didn't need any of this.
"Of course." Shuutaro patted her back. "Ask and you shall receive. I'd do anything for you."
With just the two of them here, Shinobu was inclined to believe him. His kindness never ran short with her until Lum was around.
"Shuutaro..." Shinobu began. "What's going to happen when we go back home?"
"I'll take you to your house personally." he replied. "I would like to make sure you get home safe."
It wasn't the answer Shinobu was hoping for, but it would suffice.
"Nabiki, have I don't something to anger you?" Kuno asked.
Nabiki was laying on her bed, flipping through a magazine. She kicked her feet in the air. "What makes you think that Kuno-baby?"
Kuno frowned. He slowly walked up to her bed and got on his knees, resting his head on the ledge. "You haven't spoken to me all day."
"I wasn't aware that you liked my company so much."
"In this situation, your company is better than none."
Nabiki snickered. "I thought you found a friend in the 'White Thunder.' You don't need my company. Don't pretend you care about me Kuno-baby. What would Akane think?"
Kuno hesitated before answering. "I believe Akane would be grateful that I have taken care of her sister."
"So is that why you're being nice tome?" Nabiki looked up from her magazine.
"I—"
"Goodnight Kuno." Nabiki stood up and turned off the lights.