Trying to fly with Kuno was a nightmare. The vacation didn't allow private jets on their island so the two were going to be forced to fly on a regular plane.

It looked like Kuno tried to pack his entire room— or rather had Sasuke do it for him.

Stacks and stacks of luggage were outside of the Kuno Residence when Nabiki had arrived, her father Soun as her escort.

Nabiki did a slow whistle as she peered up at the mountain of Kuno's luggage. "How much of that do you actually need?"

"All of it." Kuno answered promptly.

Without warning, Nabiki snatched up one of them and clicked it open. The contents were mildly surprised.

Photos upon photos of Akane and the Pigtailed Girl.

Nabiki lowered her brows for a deadpanned expression and glanced up at Kuno. Her eyes did all the talking.

"What?" asked Kuno nervously.

"Sasuke," Nabiki prompted, "please remove all of these that have photos of my sister and the Pigtailed Girl in them."

Sasuke emerged from behind the mountain and took the luggage from her hands along with many others. He managed to decrease the stack by half.

Nabiki placed her hands on her hips and glared at Kuno beside her. "What else could you possibly have in there?"

Kuno crossed his arms, closing his eyes to avoid her gaze. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Alright well, Sasuke can you please narrow it down to what he actually needs?" Nabiki rubbed her forehead. She wasn't defeated yet but she could already tell that this trip was going to feel extra long.

"Right away miss!" Sasuke began to start the new task when Kuno grabbed him by his shirt.

"Who are you, Nabiki Tendo, to order around my Sasuke?" he asked.

Nabiki sighed and rolled her eyes. "Do you want to go on this trip or not?" She was met with silence. "That's what I thought. So come on, let's only take what you need before you cause the plane to crash with how many items you were carrying."

Kuno let Sasuke go and allowed him to take more luggage away. Eventually, he only had two bags left to take.

"That's more like it." Nabiki noted. She dusted her hands as if she did any heavy lifting, ready to go.

"Now hold on just a second Nabiki," Soun said, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I must speak with Kuno before you go."

Speaking with Kuno could mean a lot of things, all of them embarrassing.

Nabiki frowned slightly, chewing on the corners of her mouth. "Do you really have to daddy? We'll be fine on our own. We're nearly adults."

"You two nearly being adults is exactly what I'm worried about." Soun pressed.

Mumbling, Nabiki rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't give Akane any of this crap with Ranma."

"That's because Akane is engaged to Ranma."

"One that you arranged."

"Exactly!" Soun responds enthusiastically. "I'm glad you understand."

"No daddy, I don't." Nabiki mumbles. However it falls on deaf ears. Soun already pulled Kuno to the side, one hand on his shoulder. They chatted amoungst themselves in low tones so that Nabiki wouldn't hear. Kuno would cast glances at her and Soun would redirect his attention away.

I wonder what's that about. Typically it was easy for her to tell what Kuno was thinking. Sweet, simple Kuno. That's what she likes about him. It made him an easy target to weed out some yen here and there.

When they were done talking, Soun said his goodbyes and headed back to the dojo and Kuno rejoined her at her side.

"So," Nabiki clucked her tongue off the roof of her mouth. "Mind telling me what you two were talking about?"

Kuno smirked. Nabiki did not like that one bit. Being out of the loop was never in the cards for Nabiki Tendo. She knew everything. "Not at all," Kuno replied. "Now don't let your mood sully our vacation. Chin up Nabiki Tendo, there is much splendour to be had." His smirk shifted into a smile.

Nabiki scoffed as the Kuno Family's personal cabbie pulled up the street. "I think I'll feel better if you buy me some packaged peanuts and cookies on the plane."

Kuno said that he wouldn't but he did. It was hard to resist Nabiki Tendo's heckling.

But as Kuno sat next to her in first class he realized it was hard to resist Nabiki Tendo.


Flying with Shuutaro was a dream. Being the gentleman that he was, Shuutaro took care of everything and made Shinobu feel at ease.

It helped him feel at ease after all, it took his mind off of Lum. How she might be picking out swimsuits with Ataru, modeling them for him, laughing together...

"Uhm, Mendou... You're hurting me."

"Hm?"

Shuutaro looked down at where they were holding hands. He was gripping Shinobu's hand tightly to the point that his knuckles turned white. His face flushing, he retracted his hand to reveal the reddening flesh of Shinobu's hand.

"Forgive me," he sighed.

His limo had just dropped them off at the airport and they were walking together inside.

Before Shinobu could ask if he was okay, Shuutaro acted quickly and threw his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. "I was worried about getting separated from you." he lied.

Shinobu believed it and blushed, averting her eyes towards the floor. "I'm glad that you came."

"I am as well."

Shuutaro needed a distraction. If he were to stay at home, he'd be stuck with his lunatic sister's antics. Before he left, he recalled her talking about building a water park inside their home. He perished the thought before it made him shiver. Whatever she had planned was going to be a bloodbath.

Besides if Shinobu went on vacation alone, Shuutaro wouldn't have a good excuse to spend time with Lum. He'd truly be alone all week.

Shinobu was a cute girl though. Looking at her now, blushing at his words. He dreamt that he'd marry her one day.

Give or take a few dozen other girls.

Regardless, Shinobu was among them.

A week alone with her was a huge step. He just hoped that he wouldn't be a coward to her romantic advances this time.

This time he couldn't hold back his shiver.

"Are you alright, Mendou?" Shinobu asked innocently.

"Yes!" Shuutaro answered abruptly, quietly adding, "I am..."

It was an odd sight, seeing his pretty face contort with emotions Shinobu did not understand. She figured he might have been thinking about Lum, but as soon as the assumption crossed her mind he offered to buy her a drink.

"Or anything you want really," he had said.

His kindness made her forget everything.

What was she even thinking? She's with him! The love of her dreams! Every other girl in their class could merely dream of this moment.

And she had a week with him all to herself.

"Miss Shinobu, are you alright? You appear to be shaking."

Shinobu broke out of her thoughts. "Oh! I'm fine. Just excited is all."

Shuutaro helped her sit down, worried for her health "Stay here."

"Mendou—?"

He left her there with all their belongings, disappearing into a crowd of bustling people who were going or arriving on vacation. She lost sight of him after a couple of people with roller bags crossed in front of him.

As she waited for him, Shinobu jostled her leg, tapping her foot into the ground. A few minutes had passed until Shuutaro returned. He has two Cokes with him—presumably one for her and for himself, and a water bottle.

Condensation was already forming around the drinks, making Shuutaro's hand wet. As he passed the water to Shinobu some of it indirectly wiped off.

"You should have some water before you faint, Miss Shinobu." the boy instructed. His eyes sparkled with concern, causing her heart to flutter.

Before she wasn't sure she was going to faint but she might now.


The two parties finally made landing.

"What was this island called again, Nabiki?" Kuno asked as he gazed out the window.

The island was small and vaguely heart shaped. Kuno thought it looked more like a kidney bean.

Nabiki pulled out the pamphlet and read it once again. "Cherish Island."

"Hm."

Their plane landed, and once they got off the airport appeared to be a little too empty for the amount of people that were on the plane.

Including the other supposed planes that landed.

Nabiki continued reading the pamphlet. "We're supposed to be picked up in front of the airport to get taken to the resort."

"Sally forth then, we don't want to be late to see the Pigtailed Girl." Kuno says, sighing in adoration for his redheaded beauty.

Of course, Nabiki wasn't going to tell him that she tricked him. Not yet anyway, she did want to see the look on his face when he realizes the truth.

They walked together and found a pick up area.

Slowly but surely, less and less people were to be found. It was quite odd.

"Look," Nabiki points out. "There's a couple people over there. Seems like they're also headed to the resort."

Kuno peered over her to see if it was girl Ranma. He was disappointed when he didn't see her. Just a brunette girl and a raven haired boy around their age. Not much to note.

Nabiki and Kuno towed their belongings behind them and stood next to this other couple who were sitting on a bench. Nabiki recognized a familiar colorful piece of paper tucked in the girl's hands. While she convinced Kuno to come with her for his money, this girl probably had real relationship problems. At least, Nabiki assumed so. The way they were bunched close together made them seem like a couple.

And only a couple would be this close on a hot day.

The boy looked up at the two that joined them, his eyes calculating.

"Easy there tiger," Nabiki said, feeling uneasy like they were being sized up. "We're not going to rob you."

"No... It's not that." He bent his head down towards the girl next to him. "Shinobu, just how did you hear about this place?"

"From an advertisement in the mail." Shinobu responded. "Why?"

The boy stroked his chin. "You'd think there would be more vacationers than just us four."

"Maybe they're already there." Shinobu suggests with a small shrug.

Kuno speaks up, a forlorn expression upon his face. He draped the back of his hand across his forehead, his other hand touching the bare part of his chest showing through his kendo uniform. "Oh my scarlet goddess, I hope that you await me in the resort."

Nabiki grabs the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "Could you like... Not do that in front of other people?"

"I don't answer to the likes of you, Nabiki Tendo." Kuno scoffed.

"I'll give you a photo of my sister if you go over there and see what's the holdup with the pickup." Nabiki instructed. Immediately Kuno listened to her, eager to receive the photo.

Once he was gone, Nabiki turned towards the other two. "Don't mind him, he's got a few screws loose." She changed the subject. "I'll trade ya a couple yen for some airplane peanuts. I'm Nabiki by the way. But Tatewaki 'Blue Thunder' Kuno over there already announced that."

"Shinobu Miyake."

"Shuutaro Mendou."

Shinobu blinked after where Kuno went. "...Blue Thunder?"

Somehow, Kuno appeared behind her. "I see the young maiden is curious about the Blue Thunder. However I regret to inform you, my heart already belongs to two others. Although..." Kuno grabbed her shoulders. "I don't suppose there can't be room for one more."

Shinobu grabbed one of his hands and smiled.

"Tatewaki Kuno, you've done it again." Kuno nearly shed a tear. "I'm such a—"

Before he could finish his sentence Shinobu had flipped him over her head and into the concrete. Nabiki was impressed. The girl reminded her of Akane.

Nabiki also noticed that Shuutaro's hand was clutching a hilt of a sword tucked into his clothes. He carefully conceales it since Shinobu handled the situation.

This ought to be very interesting. Nabiki thought.

Just then, a trolley came to pick the four of them up, rolling over Kuno.

The crunching of his bones could be heard. He's be just fine as mere moments later he would stand up and crack his back into place.

"Walk it off Kuno-baby, it's time to go."

The trolley ride was an awkward one with both pairs directly seated across from each other.

Kuno sat with his hands bunched up at his knees, back as straight as it could possibly be after being ran over. It was fairly impressive. Nabiki sat next to him, angling her knees in the other direction so they wouldn't be touching.

The trolley bounced and jostled them around a bit but otherwise it was very tame for the relatively short trip. The trolleyman said hardly up two words to them and that was, "All aboard!" The whole rest of the way he was silent with a big grin on his face. Must've really loved his job.

He dropped them off in front of the resort.

On the outside it was magnificent, just like the pictures.

Marble pillars held up the overhang where cars would come and go. Strangely enough there weren't any cars. But there were two large glass doors with ornate brass handles. Behind the doors was the lobby. White tiled floors polished to perfection. Across from the checkout was the lounge area, decorated with rattan chairs and couches

The place was large but strangely empty. The only other people there were the employees.

"Something definitely doesn't feel right," said Shuutaro, helping Shinobu down to her feel.

Shinobu sighs softly. "Oh Mendou, why can't you just enjoy yourself? We've made it."

"But it won't be too late to turn back. We've got everything packed."

He did have a point, something strange was going on but Shinobu had him exactly where she wanted him. The resort was beautiful, it would be such a waste to not enjoy it.

Besides, she felt safe with him.

Shinobu turned so that her back was facing him. "If that's... What you really want."

"Miss Shinobu—"

Nabiki yawns, tossing her belongings down from the trolley. "So dramatic. So maybe we're the only ones here. It means we have the whole place to ourselves."

Nabiki was hoping to swindle some vacationers but if this was how it was going to be then so be it. Even she needs a break sometimes.

"So... Does that mean there's no Pigtailed Girl?" Kuno asked quietly.

"Yup," Nabiki swiveled on her heel to start heading inside. "I lied."

Kuno was mad now. He balled up his hands into fists. "You... Conniving wench! You tricked me!"

Nabiki casted a glance over her shoulder. "I'd think twice about calling me a wench."

"Y-you lied!" Kuno continued, making his way over to her. "What do you plan to do now that you have me here? Drain me of my money until I haven't a single coin to my name?" He reached out to grab Nabiki but Shuutaro slipped in between them, his katana drawn.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but I cannot allow you to hurt a woman."

"What?" Kuno's face was red. "I-i would never!"

Nabiki held back a chuckle. She knew Kuno would never hurt her, or any girl for that matter. But it was very pleasant to see him get flustered.

Kuno pulled out his bokken. "Stand aside heathen, I only wish to speak with her. You don't know her at all but Nabiki Tendo is a snake."

"Oh Kuno-baby, you wound me." Nabiki feigned playing as the damsel in distress, quivering her lip. "You don't mean that."

"Yes I do."

"Enough!" Shuutaro slammed the butt of his katana into Kuno's side. He then held it overhead to deliver a more dangerous blow.

"Now, now," said a voice. "I believe you've done enough. This isn't a place for fighting."

All four snapped their attention towards the woman entering the lobby. The light slapping of her sandals slowly approaching. She was dressed for the sunny weather, a billowing blue sundress and a comically large sunhat. Long flowing reddish pink hair followed behind her.

Shuutaro folded at the sight of a pretty lady. "Apologies Miss," he says, sheathing his katana. "It won't happen again."

The woman stops, tilting her sunhat upwards so that she may get a good look at the group. She was wearing large square sunglasses indoors. "So... This is the group we're working with?"

"What do you mean... Working with?" At this time Kuno had put away his bokken.

"Ohh yeah, I regret to inform you that this is a couple's therapy retreat." Nabiki tapped her chin. "Guess it slipped my mind."

Kuno narrowed his eyes at her. "You and I are not a couple."

"You're telling me." Nabiki shrugged. "I just wanted a nice vacation."

"Settle down children," the woman interjected. "My name is Aime, the owner of this resort. Allow me to show you to your rooms."

Nabiki scoffed. "Don't tell me we're going to have to share beds."

Aime laughed like little twinkling bells. "I like you, you're funny." She gestured for the others to follow her. The slapping of her sandals against her heels begins to sound once again.

She leads them to the elevator, standing in the middle while the two pairs sheepishly flank her sides. It felt like the elevator was climbing forever. Aime pressed the button for the 9th floor so it was no wonder.

"The cafeteria and pool are on the ground floor," she informed them. "The bowling alley and the arcade are on the second."

She listed amenity after amenity, essentially talking their ears off. There was a lot to do around here.

Aime grinned as they finally reached their floor, the elevator doors swishing open. The teens let go of their breaths of anticipation.

Summer vacation has truly begun.