9. REVELATIONS….
The first thing she noticed was the pain.
Not an acute one, fortunately, but an ongoing one, that made her pretty uncomfortable.
My poor head… what happened to me…?
She tried to remember the recent events, but couldn't at first.
But after a minute or so…
Ah yes, the karaoke… what an evening… then the drinks… I think I ended up light-headed… tipsy… and this is the hangover… or at least its "light" version, since the pain is not too sharp...
She thought for a bit more… then her eyes shot open as she remembered the most important !
The money !
Turning her head, she looked at the clock and…
"10:15 ! Dammit !"
She hurriedly fumbled out of her bed, noticed that she had slept only in underwear, briskly opened a cupboard, grabbed a sweatshirt and sweat pants she used to wear when lounging in her room, bolted for the doorknob, rushed to the third door on the left, knocked rapidly and tried to ignore the pain, which was now throbbing, courtesy of all her swift movements.
"Hello, Ranma ! Did you have a good night ?"
"Nabiki, I don't have the time to chitchat, sorry. I overslept and must now hurry to THE RED PIG, to give Ryoga the rest of the money ! There's no time to waste !"
"Relax, Ranma. Please come in and I'll explain you everything."
The brunette moved aside and the just-awake female swiftly entered then turned to the room's owner.
"I don't have much time. So please try to sum it up so I can get going in no time !"
"You don't need to go to THE RED PIG, Ranma. I already did this morning and gave Ryoga the money. They have everything now and are waiting for the creditor. It's all done. You needn't go anywhere, only to calm down, okay ?"
"Okay, okay. But why didn't you wake me up ? I could have gone myself. You didn't have to come out for me, you already did enough."
"Oh, I know. But I also know someone was bound to wake up late today, courtesy of a certain… hum… say, tiredness yesterday evening…"
A smirk stretched the brunette's lips.
"Speaking of which… this is for you !" she added as she walked to her desk and came back with a glass of water and a tablet. "Aspirin. I hope your headache isn't too sharp, is it ?"
"No, it's… bearable. Thank you, Nabiki."
The other nodded, smiling, and watched the uncomfortable woman swallow her medicine.
The Tendo daughter invited the Saotome daughter to sit on the bed, in order to feel more at ease for the upcoming conversation.
"So… how much money did you have to give Mr Takahashi ? How much was still missing to reach 200'000 ?"
"I don't know how much was still missing, but I gave him 200'000 and asked him to give back their money to Ryoga and his colleagues. And in that envelope over there is your money."
"WHAT ?! But… I don't get it… why did you give him the total amount ?! You just had to pay him the difference, what was still missing to reach 200'000 !"
"Oh, I know that, mind you. But we gathered an awful lot of cash yesterday, and people left a great many "tips" for the performers in that red box, by the stage, so we could afford that expense. In fact… I told Akiko, when I was at her place this morning, that I wouldn't accept any salary or commission on the final benefit of the income, and that all the money I should have got for these would instead be added to the amount I was to bring to THE RED PIG afterwards."
Ranma was utterly dumfounded, to say the least.
"But… but then… that means you… didn't get paid for the karaoke ?! After organizing it from A to Z ?! You didn't get anything, after all the efforts you put into it ?!"
Nabiki closed her eyes and was silent for a few seconds. Ranma hesitated to ask her more, but preferred to let her friend the time to find the right words to explain this incredible outcome.
The brown-eyed girl then gazed intently at the blue-eyed one, any smile or smirk now gone.
"Ranma… my relation to money has changed. A lot. I used to be a materialistic bitch, a selfish opportunist, a pretentious freeloader, greedy, so damn greedy, yes. Obsessed by moneymaking, by getting free treats from men, using all means to get cash, including selling private pictures of people – notably you and Akane - … and even blackmailing ! That's how mean I had become. When I think about all this, all I used to do, it makes me sick to my stomach, and I despise myself for behaving that way for… for all too long !"
Ranma was speechless, she couldn't believe what she heard… and even wondered if she really was awake after all. Because this… this didn't seem real at all.
"But then, many months ago… something happened. It's my secret and I didn't tell anybody up to now, so you'll be the first one to hear this." She inhaled deeply, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "I… I lost one of my best friends at the time. Her name was Hitomi and she was a very kind and generous girl. Very different from me, and I still wonder how come we became friends while we were so different : a self-giving girl and a selfish, grasping girl. But sometimes, opposite attract, as you might have heard… and besides, I didn't show her all of my nature ! She ignored I sold private stuff from others to make some cash, and naturally that I also forced people to do my bidding, going as far as blackmailing them. We just hung around and did fun stuff, like all good friends do. We tended to like more or less similar things, despite our distinct natures. So all went well at first, and I made sure she wasn't around when I acted in my base, contemptible way. I knew what would happen if she ever found out…"
Nabiki hung her head.
"But she did. I still don't know how, but she did find out. Perhaps some of the blackmailed people, or some of those I had exploited the photos of, decided to get their revenge by telling my good friend who I really was… and thus have our friendship ruined. Which was indeed a terribly efficient revenge. And that's exactly what took place. Hitomi told me everything she knew about my… "dark side", and insisted that she couldn't keep such a mean, selfish, heartless girl as friend, no matter the good times we had before. She left me, and from this day on, I vowed to renounce my obsession of money and materialistic stuff such as free treats from others. In case you didn't notice, I almost never mentioned money-related things these past months. Just like you, Ryoga or Akane, I've changed… I've matured, Ranma. But I'm sad it happened the hard way, by losing a dear friend of mine…"
She finally got silent, her head still down.
Ranma saw a few tiny wet spots appear on the sad girl's skirt.
"Nabiki…" It was her turn to press a shoulder to comfort, just like the brunette had done it for her before the start of the karaoke. "I'm… really sorry… and I... I admire you for changing… for becoming a new person… for no longer granting money more importance than it actually does have. Thank you for telling me all this… and again for helping me yesterday, and all this without even getting paid !"
Nabiki raised her wet brown eyes and put her hand over Ranma's.
"Thank YOU, Ranma, for having become such a cool, nice girl, and for being so wonderful yesterday evening. I had a great great time thanks to you, and that's what matters the most. People matter the most, actually. Not money, not things, not purchases : PEOPLE ! We should always value our dear ones the most. I want to do just that from now on : care for those I love, my family, my friends, like you guys do. And I'm glad that the restaurant is now saved, and Ryoga can keep his job and be happy with it. I know how much he's important to y-"
She put a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with realization.
"How much he's important to me, that's what you wanted to say ?" cautiously asked Ranma, yet already knowing the answer.
"I… I didn't mean…"
An unsettled Nabiki was a very rare sight, which was itself unsettling.
The redhead swallowed her saliva.
"Did you… did you figure out something, Nabiki ?" she asked, feeling that infamous impression return… the one she had felt while waiting for her turn, at the karaoke… those butterflies, down there…
"Are you sure you want to know ?"
Ranma thought for a moment, then confirmed she wanted it.
"Alright. So… you remember when you asked me how you could repay me for my help, and I replied that I would ask you a question later on and wanted you to answer it ?"
The pigtailed woman nodded.
"Well, that question was about you and Ryoga. I wanted to know the feelings you had for each other. I'm pretty sure I know what they are – I have good eyes, ears and sense of deduction – but I still want to hear it from you. Now… if you'd rather not tell me, I won't insist… but I would be very grateful if you chose to trust me, knowing that I wouldn't repeat anything you'd tell me. Cross my heart and hope to die. I'm no longer that scheming bitch who would use info for her profit. I'm just… curious about you two, that's all."
There was a silence, as Ranma put things in balance, to decide if it was a good idea.
Then she turned to the bob-cut woman… and smiled.
"You told me a secret of yours, and a painful one, so it's only fair I tell you a secret of mine in return. You know you can trust me with your secret, I know I can trust you with mine."
Nabiki returned the smile.
"Thanks a lot, dear Ranma. I appreciate… and more than you think."
The red-haired one took a deep breath… and dove straight into it.
"Yes, you guessed right : Ryoga and I are in love. I first felt empathy for him, when he told me about his dark past, and I then realized that he had matured so much and had become so different than the Ryoga I knew… He's now more clever, calmer, level-headed, thoughtful, considerate, kind. He's a new man, with many admirable qualities he developed over time, while he spent those years with that wise old man, in the mountains near Jusyenkyo. He has become wise and respectful. All this attracted me. And he told me that my maturing, my changing in the same way as him - more considerate and calm, more caring and supportive – was what also appealed to him. We've only recently actually confessed our love to each other, because… we were still somewhat shy, you know. But now, we're officially together… in secret."
Nabiki nodded to show her understanding, then smiled bright.
"I'm glad that you two found each other. You've been solitary for quite some time, in your life, Ryoga even more than you, and I was wondering when you and him would end up with someone… and it turns out you ended up together ! That's nice, but also logical : your maturity, you positive evolution is the main reason that brought you together. And given all the efforts you've been making in your behaviour, in your life, you deserve all that happiness. You've become good people, and good people should be happy… together."
Ranma blinked.
"Does that mean… that you're happy for us ?"
"Yup, And that I'm supporting your couple. Ryoga and you have earned deep respect, not only my respect but everybody's, and you deserve to be loved... and be happy together."
The readhead threw herself at Nabiki and hugged her.
"Oh, thank you, Nabiki ! Thank you so much for understanding and being supportive ! You have no idea how much it means to me !"
"Oh… I guess I do have an idea, yes."
And as they parted, she winked at the petite woman…
…whose smile disappeared after a few seconds.
"But… uh… you're not too disappointed by my… uh… my "abandoning" Akane ? By not loving her ?"
Nabiki laughed.
"Wel, honestly, after all these years, I can say that I could never imagine you two being together. You've become good friends, close friends, but I don't see any sign of infatuation in either of you two. You're getting along much much better than you used to, that's a fact, but you never appeared to me as being smitten with each other. Besides…"
She paused, as if she needed to decide whether she should share the bit of info or not.
"Besides ?" questioned Ranma, now curious.
Nabiki made up her mind.
"Besides, I had a discussion with Akane, very recently. She told me she suspected your love relationship. Strongly suspected. I didn't tell her that I was almost sure about it, but instead asked her how she'd feel if it was real, if Ryoga and you were indeed in love and became a couple. I also asked her what her feelings for you currently were : friendship or love."
Then she merely looked at Ranma, who felt nervousness start gnawing at her.
"And…?"
"And all I can tell you is that you should definitely talk to Akane. Ask her how she feels about you, and in return share your own feelings for her : that you consider it friendship, not love. She might ask you about your relationship with Ryoga, and I think you can safely confess it to her. Trust me, it will go well. You're in a for a surprise, Ranma… but a good one !"
The pigtailed woman got very thoughtful.
"She also feels friendship and not love for me, that's it ?"
"Talk to her, Ranma." Nabiki said, putting her hand on the redhead's shoulder.
Then she turned to look at the wall clock.
"At what time does Ryoga have his lunch break ?"
"Around 13:30, usually."
"Ok. Then go get dressed and have lunch with your beloved." She grinned. "Oh, and do you want me to remove your lipstick or not ? You went to bed with it, as you were too tired to take it off. But maybe you can keep it for Ryoga… and if someone asks you about that lipstick, you can tell them we went to a karaoke party together, and that's why you have it on… which is true in the first place."
"I'll leave it on." Ranma said after a brief thinking. "I'd better hurry. But…" She grabbed Nabiki's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you for your precious help and support ! Thank you for becoming such a wonderful person and maturing that much ! Thank you for confiding to me, and listening to my confessions ! You're incredible, Nabiki !"
"So are you, Ranma !"
/
As Ranma was heading to THE RED PIG, she was still marvelling at Nabiki's surprising change of demeanour. The cold-hearted and calculating girl had been replaced by a helpful, selfless young woman with whom she felt she could well become friend… because they had clearly started to bond, and there was no reason why it would stop.
At first, a part of Ranma had been suspicious of Nabiki's intentions, wondering why she was suddenly offering her help while she had always been self-interested, doing things for money, scheming and stuff.
Well… she hadn't behaved that same way for a few months now, Ranma recalled. And Nabiki had said that the drama involving her friend had taken place… a few months ago indeed. So that made sense, and tipped the scales in favour of a sincere, honest change of personality.
Which meant less worries for the whole family – Ranma and Akane foremost, who had many of their intimate photos sold all over the school – and more positive things… like Ranma and Nabiki bonding, for instance.
The martial artist arrived at the restaurant just in time, and as soon as she put a foot inside…
"OH ! There you ARE, Miss Ranma !"
Mr Takahashi ran to her and bowed low.
"Thank you so very much for helping us for the restaurant ! We wouldn't have made it without your precious help !"
"With great pleasure, really. Did you pay that guy back already ?"
"Yes, he passed by about 40 minutes ago. The final debt has been cleared ! So this restaurant now fully belongs to me ! Thank you so much, Miss Ranma !"
It was her turn to bow.
"Hum, could you please let Ryoga know that I'm here ? I wanted him to take his break with me…"
"Certainly, certainly. I'll get him for you."
A minute later was her loved one right under her tender stare.
"Hi, Love ! The restaurant is saved ! And it's all thanks to you ! Nabiki told us you've been working hard to get all that money, when she brought us the full amount earlier. But how did you gather so much in so little time, just a few days ?!"
She wasn't sure she could let him know just yet what she had been doing, although singing at a karaoke was nothing to be ashamed of… but she just felt somewhat shy about it.
"It's a secret…" she said on a funny tone, zipping up her mouth… and then, she couldn't resist hugging him, even in front of Mr Takahashi, Ataru and a few customers.
"Thank you so much, my Ranma…" he whispered in her ear as he returned the embrace.
I could definitely get used to this… she thought.
I just love to hug her… he thought.
Out of gratitude, the now radiant owner of THE RED PIG decided to invite the couple for lunch, telling them they could order whatever they wanted from the menu.
Another nice surprise, at least the third or fourth good thing since the day before.
They ate with appetite, smiling at each other, gazing lovingly at one another, telling each other tender words… but just not The Three Sacred Words, which they had agreed to both utter only on the evening of the young cook's birthday.
Once their meal was over…
"By the way, you look very nice with your lipstick and polish… and red hair, of course !" He winked. "I think red just became my favourite colour."
Ranma added some more red to herself… by blushing.
"And also… you have a wonderful voice."
Her blue eyes widened.
"What ?"
"I said you have a wonderful voice. You sing amazingly."
She gulped
"Wh-Why are you telling me that, Ryoga ?"
"Because I was in the audience of the Santé Café yesterday, with Yusaku and Ataru. Yusaku had heard of the karaoke and proposed Ataru and me to attend it. We arrived there maybe half an hour before your turn came. And… you were absolutely incredible, Ranma ! Really ! Your gorgeous voice and admirable style of singing, with so much emotion, was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. And the energy with which you performed the second song was also impressive. You hypnotized me, Dearie, I swear !"
Ranma had listened to all of it and at first didn't know what to reply.
Noticing her silence, he just waited, respecting her thinking, and leaving her enough time to formulate an answer.
"I… I had no idea you were there… it was dark in there and I couldn't see the faces of the spectators…" But her hesitation gave way to her happiness. "But I'm so glad you were attending this, and that you enjoyed it that much ! I sang for you, in a way, did this all for you…"
"All for me ?"
She bit her lip.
"Actually…"
She let out a resigned sigh, knowing she wouldn't get out of it… and after all, wasn't she not supposed to lie to the one she loved ?
"Ok, I guess I talked too much there… So… here it is : I took part in this karaoke to gather money for the restaurant, to reach the amount of 200'000 yen. I asked the help of Nabiki for this, because I needed that money very quickly, and she told me about that karaoke, and how it would help me quickly get all the missing cash. So I decided to accept and sang yesterday. And then Nabiki brought you the money this morning, while I was still asleep at home. I would have brought it myself, of course, but I overslept this morning…"
She naturally didn't indicate the reason of the latter.
"After all that you gave for the performance, all that you offered us, you deserved to sleep in, Ranma."
She beamed at him.
"But… Nabiki helped you, you said ?" He got pensive. "What did she ask in return ? Because I assume she didn't do it for free, eh ?"
"Well, as surprising as it may sound, she did it for free, yes ! She even renounced her salary and commission for this event, and added that she was impressed at how much we had matured, you and I, now that we stopped bickering, fighting and all that. She said we've become good persons, worth of respect, and it's clear she now respects us."
"Really ? That's… incredible ! But pretty cool too ! Nabiki respecting us…"
"Yes… and I can tell she has also changed, matured. And although you might not believe it, she no longer is obsessed with moneymaking, profits, freeloading or even blackmailing people for money, all of which she still did the past year. We all have become better persons, Nabiki, Akane, you, me… as we strived to correct our flaws."
Both were silent for a moment, pondering on that surprising yet positive twist of fate, with people improving in their lives and earning the respect of people they wouldn't have thought they would.
The tide is turning…
Then Ranma grinned at Ryoga.
"Anyway... I'm so pleased you could be there with me, yesterday evening, even if I was unaware of it, and also glad that you had a good time. Thanks a lot for the compliment on my voice."
"You're welcome. It was truly mesmerizing. You have a beautiful voice… and a beautiful face… a beautiful body… but most of all, a beautiful soul."
He caressed her cheek…
…and she felt like exploding out of immense happiness !
/
As she was walking back home, Ranma suddenly remembered that Nabiki now knew about their secret love.
Should I tell Ryoga about her being in the know ? Let him know that she actually does support our couple and think we deserve to be happy together ? How will he react ? Will he also be pleased, like me, or will he rather be upset that someone else knows ?
She thought she could tell him this weekend… maybe tomorrow, Saturday…
Saturday… that rang a bell…
"Gosh ! Tomorrow is his birthday !" she screamed aloud, making some heads turn around at her.
She was so focused on the karaoke, on saving Ryoga's job, that she had temporarily forgotten that on Saturday was the second big event of the week !
I must buy him something ! And I also should think of something nice to do ! It will be a family event, of course, and some of the others will probably have ideas to celebrate the birthday at best – Akane at least, for sure – but I should come up with one or two proposals at least…
And she also wanted to look her best. Not sure about the lipstick, she might take it off, but felt that the red nails should remain. And also…
She made a detour to a jewellery store, to see what she could afford.
The choice was quickly made, and she then visited another shop, where she ended up purchasing Ryoga's present.
Doubly pleased with herself, she strolled back home, trying to figure out some nice birthday activities.
As she quietly walked in the sun, she suddenly remembered that day when she had been eating a burger in the park nearby.
It wasn't so long ago, actually. But that memory wasn't so good, because of her unexpected weakness, that dizzy spell and nausea… that was when she had been deeply troubled by Ryoga's dark secret.
And then came another memory… but a good one, this time : a certain piggyback ride after being saved by her beloved and invited to a restaurant. It was a beautiful day, just as sunny as this one, with several good moments in it, and she ended up almost falling asleep on his back, cradled so sweetly and feeling so nicely cared for.
That's when I fell in love for him, I'm sure…
Ranma was very happy to remember this moment, which had been one of the happiest in the past few months (1), and her first tender moment with Ryoga. At the time, the brown-eyed man had thought that she was tired and felt sleepy, hence her resting her head on his back, but in fact…
… she was just beginning to fall for him.
I wish I could live that moment again… that he could carry me on his back again, and we could go home that way, on a sunny afternoon… I miss that moment… and I miss him…
Life wasn't easy (although it could be), but the positive moments, the happy memories with the loved ones helped one go through existence, diminished the worries and making it overall worth keeping on living, no matter the hardships.
Ryoga's return was a blessing, she knew it, just like Nabiki's support was one as well, and feeling so much good vibes around her made her all the more willing to strive, to hold on, to be brave against all odds.
He gives me courage and hope…
And these were among the most necessary "things" one could wish for in life.
/
When she arrived home, the redhead got changed, putting on some training clothes, and decided to practice in the dojo…
…where she found Akane, already training.
The advice of Nabiki resurfaced in her memory - you should definitely talk to Akane. Ask her how she feels about you, and in return share your own feelings for her : that you consider it friendship, not love – and Ranma wondered if she could and should do it now.
"Hey Ranma ! Wanna be my sparring partner ?"
"Sure !"
That session reminded her of the good old days… except that she was less focused, as she still hesitated to engage in that crucial discussion with her once fiancée, and this resulted in the youngest Tendo daughter having the upper hand in their little battle.
"You're not concentrated enough !" the black-haired woman ended up remarking. "What's on your mind, Ranma ?"
"Well, I…"
Now or never… NOW OR NEVER !
"Akane… tell me… what do you feel for me ? I mean… we've both changed, alright, we've matured and improved in our behaviours, our relationships. We've been getting along real good for so many months now. But… do you still feel the same, or have your feelings evolved ? Is it…"
Come on, SAY IT !
"Is it love or friendship you feel for me, Akane ?"
The latter smiled gently.
"I'm glad you're asking me, because I seriously considered talking to you about our feelings. It's a good thing you brought it up by yourself… a mature decision on your part, and I thank you wholeheartedly for this. And so…"
She inhaled deeply.
"So here it is : I used to have sweet feelings for you, yes, but it wasn't… well I don't think it was actually love. I'm pretty sure it was a tender friendship, the kind that exists between two very close friends, who care a lot for each other, confide to one another, support each other and so on. That kind of relationship, that is somewhere between friendship and love. I don't think it turned into love at some point, because of our recurring bickering, which made me realize that, after all, even if we had been getting better along, we might after all not be made for each other, and that our engagement wasn't indeed real, but reflected mainly our fathers' will, in order to ensure the continuation of the martial arts school."
She paused, leaving some time for all this to sink in and be understood by the red-haired female across from her.
"I really like you a lot, Ranma, but I don't love you. I consider you like a very close friend… or maybe even as a kind of younger sister. Maybe that sounds stupid but –"
"No !"
Akane was surprised by the sudden interruption, but Ranma didn't leave her time to react and continued :
"No, it's far from stupid, because… to be honest… I feel the same for you. Not love, but a very close and tender friendship, and perhaps even the same type of complicity that indeed exists between two sisters, two girls that get along so well that they… they could have been sisters ! I feel the same bond, and even if it may not be as strong as love or passion, it's still a very strong and deep bond, probably one of the strongest there can be. A very close and affectionate friendship is almost as strong as love is, don't you think ?"
Both were now smiling, and the Tendo heir nodded to show her full agreement with the Saotome heir.
There was a long silence, during which the next words of Nabiki, those which came right after the ones she had just recalled earlier, also came back in her memory : She might ask you about your relationship with Ryoga, and I think you can safely confess it to her.
Ranma knew she was halfway through, after making sure that Akane wasn't in love with her. Now came the second part, the most delicate one… the confession !
She swallowed her saliva.
"Tell me, Akane, since you don't love me, you… uh… you wouldn't mind if I loved someone else ? But if, as a woman, I loved a man, and not the other way round ? I mean… what if I wanted to remain a woman because I loved a man and wanted to spend my life with him ? Would you… accept that ?"
Her close friend's smile widened.
"Ranma… I thought you'd never tell me. That you'd never broach that matter, out of fear of my reaction. But I'm relieved and pleased you did, as it will help getting along even better. Sincerity is a great asset in a relationship, and will always be preferable to hiding… and of course to lying ! Don't you think ?"
The red-haired female nodded, smiling.
"And so, to answer your question, yes, I would accept that. In fact, I do accept that… as I know that you are in love with a good man, and also know his identity. And it's fine with me. You two have become better persons, have made great efforts to make amends and improve your relationship… and it worked ! Your bond has been getting stronger, so strong that friendship ended up turning into love. That's one of the best things that can happen between two souls, Ranma !"
"But how did you find out ?"
"Honestly, it wasn't so difficult… after a while. Because for quite some time, it might have seemed that Ryoga and you were just getting closer in terms of friendship degrees : friends, good friends, close friends. I assumed that you had become the latter. But when I saw you remain a girl and never change back to your male self… when I saw you spend always more time with Ryoga… when I noticed your enthusiasm at the news of Ryoga's new job… when I also caught your looks… I knew that it probably was more than a close friendship after all, that it had got so close that it had… crossed a boundary and evolved into another feeling, the purest of all."
Again, she left a moment of silence for Ranma to absorb and understand all this, before adding :
"And you know, regarding my insistence to have you spend that weekend at the Mountain Lodge as a man, during the full stay… well I asked you this because I wanted to check something about your relationship with Ryoga : I wanted to see if you were still that close to him as a male than you were close to him as a female ! It turned out you weren't, and just appeared as two friends, while you were much closer when you were a woman. This was one more point in favour of your love relationship."
Ranma was very surprised by that last revelation, in a day that literally swarmed with revelations.
"You… you tricked me, Akane ?"
For the first time in many many months, the long-gone feeling of anger returned.
Akane pleaded her cause :
"Ranma, I was unsettled by the possibility of you two being in love and had to be sure of your feelings for each other. I'm sincerely sorry that you were upset by that 3-days gender change, but I don't think I would have been sure of anything if I hadn't seen how Ryoga and you behaved around each other with you in your male form. And I apologize to you if I made you feel bad. But at least, now you know I do support your couple and that I'm happy for you, and that's the most important, Ranma ! I do wish Ryoga and you to be happy !"
These last words managed to calm down the blue-eyed – and somewhat annoyed – beauty, who deeply inhaled to fully regain her self-control.
"Okay, okay, I guess I forgive you. But no more turning into a boy for me, got it ?"
"I swear I won't ask you again. And thanks for forgiving me."
Knock knock !
None of them moved, so the door finally opened.
"Hey, you two !"
"Hi, Nabiki ! What's up ?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to give you this."
She raised her right hand, which held two envelopes, and after closing the door, she went to hand them to the two women sat on the bed, then she herself sat crisscross applesauce on the carpet, across from them.
"Na-Nabiki ? What's all that money ?" her sister exclaimed, a bundle of bills in her hand.
"This money represents the profit I made by selling yours and Ranma's pictures to Kuno and other classmates around the school, during many months… all too many, actually ! It was undue to make money on your back, I'm ashamed of ever doing this, and I want to hand you back what belongs to you in the first place."
"But –"
"No but !" cut the second daughter, her hand raised as a stop gesture. "I explained to Ranma this morning how much I had changed and matured, especially regarding money and relationships. I was wrong to be so obsessed with profit, gifts, freeloading, taking advantage of others, all wrong, and when I think of all that… I'm more than sheepish. I won't ever do it again, trust me. I'll now value people, dear ones, harmonious relationships. And that's the end of it. Please accept that money."
Akane and Ranma exchanged a look.
"Well, if you're sure…" began the redhead.
"I am" simply replied the "brownhead".
A pause.
"By the way… may I ask if you two talked about your feelings about each other, like I had both advised you to ? I know it's none of my business, but I'm curious, soooo…"
"Yes we did, and what we both feel for one another is friendship, very close friendship, yet not love." Ranma explained. "And I also told Akane about… uh… about Ryoga and me."
And immediately after uttering this, her gaze sank to the floor and her face began to heat up.
And here I go blushing… but after all, it's only human…
"And I fully accept it !" announced the heir of the Tendo dojo. "Because I can see they've been both very happy these past weeks, they make one another happy… and they deserve to be together, because they were alone for most of their lives… and also they've become such good, nice, caring people over time. They fit with each other, and I hope they'll have a pleasant life together."
"Great, just great !" triumphantly exclaimed Nabiki as she clasped her hands. "You think just like me, Akane ! I'm delighted it's turning out so well !" Then she abruptly regained seriousness. "But the hardest part is still to come : to let our fathers know about the cancellation of your engagement, guys… and that won't be a cinch !"
"Tell me about it…" the Yusenkyo, cursed woman said with a sigh. "They're the only ones we must inform, but still… Oh, and Kasumi as well, actually !"
The brunette smirked.
"Leave it to me. I'll tell her tonight. I know my kind sister like the back of my hand. She'll probably be sad for Akane, but I'll explain her about your current relationship of friendship and Ranma's love for Ryoga, and I'm sure she'll eventually accept it. Besides… I can be very persuasive, as you know !"
Her smirk widened and, crossing her arms, she winked.
"Oh, and you can also tell Ryoga about our support. I think he deserves to know, and he'll be very happy about it ! Why not tell him tonight ?" proposed the former fiancée.
"Do you think I should ?" wondered the former fiancé.
"You should, yes, because sincere lovers must be honest in their bond and not hide stuff from each other. Trust is a necessity in a couple."
"Akane is absolutely right. Don't hide things from him… unless it's some embarrassing personal issue that you don't want to disclose to anyone at all. But for all the rest… be honest and speak it out loud.
The pigtailed one nodded then grabbed one of each sister's hands in her own hands.
"Akane… Nabiki… Thank you ! Thank you so very much ! You have no idea how happy I am right now, knowing you're on my side and wish our couple happiness ! It means a lot… a tremendous lot ! Thank you with all my heart !"
"Don't mention it…" the second sister said with a wave of her hand, but smiling bright.
"We'll always be here for you. Be happy, Ranma." the third sister added, smiling no less bright.
"I will."
And a third bright smile joined the other two.
/
"We were much more focused for this session, weren't we ?"
"Definitely. That's because we are at peace, well-balanced, truly happy."
"Oh yes, we are…"
She grinned in reply, then got closer to him…
…and rested her head on his chest.
He put one arm around her and used the other to caress her hair, which prompted her to close her eyes and "let her hair down", as they say.
His heartbeats… slow and powerful… one of the finest music to my ears, along with his voice… especially when he pronounces my name…
"Your hair is so soft, Ranma…"
"And your chest so warm… and your heartbeats so soothing…"
Happiness… that unsurpassable gift of life…
But since "all things must pass" (2), they had to part after a (long long) while, blue and brown then locking in an amorous gaze, lips bent as upward as they possibly could.
Happiness… that priceless treasure of existence…
"Ryoga… I need to tell you something important : the three Tendo sisters know about our couple, and they all support our couple !"
"You… you told them ?!"
"As a matter of fact, Nabiki had guessed, Akane almost, and Kasumi had a strong suspicion. Nabiki asked me this morning and advised me to set the record straight with Akane, who had just as well found out. As for Kasumi, Nabiki also discussed it with earlier in the early evening, and Nabiki later told me that while Kasumi was sorry for my engagement with Akane, she did understand that we both were only friends – but very good and close ones – and agreed that the true love we share is more important than an arranged marriage for our fathers' own interest. So now, the three of them are aware that we're together and fully support it. They say that we're a better match than Akane and me, and that our happiness all these past weeks, due to our often spending time together, shows that we need each other and make one another happy… and that's the most important, as they all said. And it's true : harmonious and reciprocal love is the essential, and not some set-up bond that arranges others' business. If Akane and I were forced into marriage, none of us would be happy, while you and I can… and will be !"
"Yes, we will. Thanks for being sincere with me and telling me all this. Perhaps you were a bit hesitant to let me know, I don't know… perhaps you thought I might react wrong, be angry at you for telling them about us… but I'm not. I understand. And anyway, we would have to tell them one day, so… now it's all done. But…"
His composure grew somber.
"…but now comes the real test : unveiling the truth of our love to both fathers. That will be the most difficult, as I imagine they'll be against it, given that it implies for their martial arts school…"
Ranma's face gained a firm expression.
"But I CAN help with the Anything Goes even if I'm with you ! Why couldn't I ? I don't HAVE to be married to Akane for that ! I can promise them I'll do it although I'm married to you and not to Akane ! It's not incompatible !"
Ryoga put a hand on her shoulder.
"I know, Ranma. But old men are stubborn, more often than not, as you and I know…"
Silence came in between, a long one…then…
"We'll see when the moment comes, but for now… we must find out what to do tomorrow."
He blinked at her.
"Tomorrow ? …Aaaah yes, tomorrow… Right. Well… have you got any idea ?"
"What would you like to do, Darling ? I'd do anything for you."
"Ooooh… put that way…"
She elbowed him playfully.
"Hey ! Calm down your hormones, Sweetheart !"
"No no no, I wasn't thinking of that… more about…"
He touched his lips.
"Mmmmmh… depends if you're a good boy… maybe yes, then…"
They stared at each other…
…and guffawed !
And as they looked at the sky while discussing tomorrow's possibilities, in terms of activities, his arm around her waist, hers around his, Ranma spotted a shooting star and pointed at it.
Needless say what wish they made when they saw it…
…the same wish.
/
Author's Notes :
Piggyback ride as one of the happiest moments in the past few moments : I consider it one of the most tender, most touching moments of this story, indeed, and the piggyback ride Akane gives to Ranma (episode 5) is one of my favourite instants in all of the seven seasons. It's calm, moving, beautiful, almost poetic, so nice to see the two of them being at peace with each other… and the gorgeous piano, as well as the night, adds to that touching, poetic-like atmosphere… I'll never get tired of watching that moment, whenever I'm on episode 5.
All things must pass : this is the title of George Harrsion's triple album, and I'm fond of this title… because it's so true, so pertinent. All things indeed have a beginning… and an end. They'll never go on forever, for they can't. That's one of the only few absolute certainties in life : that there is an end to each thing, and that nothing lasts forever… no matter how much we hoped some would.
Ok, that was a chatty chappy, granted. But many crucial things were revealed in here, and some essential things about existence as well, about happiness, friendship, love. It's an important chapter, in a way, as several important bits of info come out and are shared between people… people who have understood how wrong they were and decided to make the necessary efforts to change. It takes courage and maturity to do so, but if it happens for good, and lives do improve, then… all those people who put their will into their doing better end up happier. And that's vital. So yeah, chatty chappy… but important chappy.
I hope most of those who read this still like what they find. I put a lot into this fic, which is naturally not exceptional or brilliant, but at least sincere, moving and mature (didn't dare to write 'intelligent' lol).
Thanks as always to all those who show their support, in one way or another, and may you… may WE all improve in our lives as well and thus get happier !
Take care and B fine !
% Léo %