Hello all. I'm so sorry for the wait, life just happen you know.

Thankfully I got a new chapter up and going. If you find any spelling mistakes just ignore them. I tried editing the best I could. I hope that you all enjoy.

Ranma almost didn't believe what he had heard. Kasumi had pulled him aside one evening, saying that she had a favor to ask of him and he had been left completely dumbfounded. "What?" He could've sworn that he heard Kasumi wrong or something.

"I want you to take Akane on a date".

His jaw dropped. Holly hell, he had heard her right "A date? But why?"

Kasumi patted his shoulder "Ranma-kun, Akane has been trying to be more affectionate with you. It's only fair that you return her advances. A date is the perfect thing".

He had no bloody clue where to even begin. Sure, Ranma had been on a few dates before; only because he was either blackmailed or forced into it by some various chaotic circumstances from other girls that had their eyes on him. Taking Akane on a date just sounded so weird. Had he ever gone on a date simply for the hell of it? Ranma couldn't answer that question even if he wanted to. But Kasumi had made a fair point, lately his fiancé was really trying to show more affection towards him. Like buying him sweets, doing his laundry, cleaning his room and even making him meals, well at least attempting too.

Akane's cooking was still quite horrible, but it was the thought that counted. He still got whacked over the head when he made a comment about her cooking skills though. Ranma had taken notice of Akane's sudden kindness, and he knew better than to spoil her mood. He knew firsthand how the smallest mistake would cost him dearly. Maybe Kasumi was onto something. Still, the concept of a date had never gone well for him but this time it wasn't some bat-shit crazy girl it was his fiancé that he loved more then anything.

"Jeez, I don't know. I mean Akane and I have never…".

"That's why it would be good for both of you. Akane has been trying so hard because she cares".

Kasumi was smart enough not to mention that Akane had been trying to distract herself from lust, but she guessed that Ranma had also potentially figured that out. Even if he hadn't, he probably would eventually.

"Where would I start?"

Kasumi sighed gently "Ranma-kun I know that it may sound a little frightening, but I really do think that you should try. Akane would appreciate it if you did".

That didn't sound so bad, at least he could be more himself and not have to put up with stupid shit that he often delt with. Of course, he'd have to think about what Akane would enjoy since it would technically be their first real date together. Just pondering was starting to give him a headache. Something that Kasumi had noticed, feeling sorry for him she decided to help him out a little.

"Akane wouldn't mind if it was something nice and simple. A date in the park sounds wonderful".

"Really?" Kasumi nodded "Yes of course. Just try walking around and talking to each other, maybe holding hands too".

Ranma tilted his head to the side, that did seem appealing. The park was a good place to start, it would be calm and quiet and no one else would be around to bother them.

"What else should I do? Do I have to buy her something?" He only asked that because he didn't have the slightest clue. On all the dates he was forced into, he always had to put up a front to keep himself from getting into more trouble. But this was totally different. Just because Akane was his fiancée didn't mean that he knew how to court her. There were some things about women that he simply couldn't figure out and dates were one of them.

"Don't think about it too hard. I'm sure that Akane will enjoy whatever it is you come up with. All you must do is be in the moment".

Kasumi could see the wheels in Ranma's head turning and he seemed to come up with an idea, as his face suddenly lit up.

"I think I've got it". He didn't explain to her what he came up with as he was suddenly out the door; whatever it was Kasumi hoped that it would be enough. Akane could sometimes be picky, and she didn't want any misunderstandings between them. Kasumi could only hope that Ranma would think it through before he proceeded with anything.

Meanwhile Akane was in her room reading. For a while now in secret, she had been studying up on sex and the biology of it. She had read all sorts of books so far from the evolution of sex and sexual selection to the complications of what made human sexuality so damn bizarre. Even the reproduction habits of other animals and compared them to humans. While she had learned quite a lot from her reading, Akane still didn't feel like she had grasped the answers just yet. She had read all sorts of books exploring sex and desire from not only a biological and natural perspective but a psychological perspective as well; and went so far to learn how early human ancestors evolved different methods of childcare and mating habits that lead to the present day. It was all very educational and informative and Akane could confidently say that she understood the biological principles of lust and human nature of sex. But that still didn't give her what she wanted, Akane figured that she'd have to do more reading to find out what it was she was missing, she had read so many books that she had lost track of the numbers ages ago. Sometimes she would get headaches from reading so much. But she didn't want to stop until she was sure that she had the answers within her grasp. So, she kept reading unaware of her surroundings until something landed on her head. It was a rubber arrow with a message tied to it.

Akane glanced over it and her mouth gaped slightly. She almost didn't believe what it said until she read over it twice. A big smile spread across her face when she realized that Ranma had asked her out on a date. Her chest suddenly felt so warm, like fireworks were going off in her heart and she almost screamed with delight. Akane had never dreamed that her fiancé would ask her out on a date, she didn't think he had the guts. But the note proved her wrong. Akane twirled around her room giggling uncontrollably. She was just so giddy she couldn't control herself.

"Oh, what a happy day! What should I wear? I need the perfect outfit and shoes. Maybe I should put on makeup? I've never been able to do it right, but I can try. Should I wear a dress? Or a skirt?" Akane was a jumble of thoughts and ideas as she rummaged through her closet trying to find the right clothes for her date. Akane herself hadn't experienced a real date. In the past she had found herself on dates only because of circumstance that usually ended with some misfortune. So, she was practically over the moon to know that she'd finally get a quality date with Ranma. In her mind she was picturing them having an expensive romantic dinner or walking along a moonlit beach. But she knew that Ranma didn't have that kind of cash. Oh well, she'd settle for anything if it was with Ranma.

Akane had made sure to look her best when she arrived at the meeting place. She had chosen to wear a red dress with matching shoes with a red ribbon in her hair.

She was still feeling all a flutter, and her heart nearly exploded when she saw Ranma approaching. He had actually tried to look nice which was a first. Akane was hopeful that their first actual date would be a good one.

"Yo. Glad you could make it".

Akane smiled warmly "I wouldn't miss it". Ranma offered her his arm, much to Akane's surprise but she happily accepted his gesture. He was being quite the gentleman for her. It made her feel special. "What did you have in mind?" she asked. Ranma looked a little sheepish "I thought we could take a walk around the park for a while". In the back of her head, the more romantic side of her was screaming for something bigger. But the more reasonable side of her said that a simple walk was the perfect start to a date, and she didn't want to spoil the mood.

Truth to be told, Ranma was feeling very nervous. Kasumi had explained a few things about how dates work. But that didn't mean he fully understood what he was supposed to be doing. He had little experience anyway but nonetheless Ranma was determined to make sure that they both enjoyed themselves. He also had his backup plan in case he needed it. As the minutes passed, he found himself loosening up more and more and just casually talking with Akane about anything that came to mind. Being in love could really change someone's perspective on things. Soon enough, the two were even laughing and joking around like they didn't have a care in the world. Everything seemed to be going perfectly. At least that's what it looked like on the outside.

Neither one of them had noticed that they were being trailed. Shampoo and Ryoga had incidentally just so happening to be in the same area at the same time; and by sheer coincidence had walked into each other only to discover that the objects of both their crushes were together on a date.

Ryoga and Shampoo typically did not interact with each other much. They weren't exactly friends but at the same time they weren't against each other in any way. But when it came to their selfish needs concerning Ranma and Akane they were more than willing to work together. It had been Shampoo that convinced Ryoga to follow them and try to interfere with the date to get Ranma and Akane apart. So that was why they were following at a safe distance looking for any sort of opportunity to interfere.

Akane meanwhile was enjoying herself immensely. She never actually thought that she would be able to act so casually with Ranma. He was being especially considerate of her, such as making sure that she didn't trip and offering to take a different path to walk down.

In the past, Akane would've thought the idea of going on a date with her fiancé was stupid. She was especially impressed when Ranma bought her ice cream. She was so caught up in her date that she didn't even notice the two pairs of eyes burning with jealously from the bushes. It was taking everything in them not to jump out and rip them apart. The scene was so bitterly sweet.

"Akane, you got ice cream on your cheek".

"I do? Where?"

Akane was stunned when her fiancé suddenly leaned in close and licked her cheek clean. He grinned "There all taken care of".

Her face turned scarlet. Her heart began to pound in her chest "T-thank you" she stuttered, still trying to process everything.

"Ranma!" both turned their heads to see a very angry Ranma and Shampoo who couldn't take it anymore. They broke their cover from the bushes and made a dash for the pair.

"Ranma, what do you think you are doing? Have you no shame". Shampoo huffed in jealously.

"What the hell? What are you guys doing here?!"

"How dare you do that to Akane-san! I'll make you pay!". Ryoga didn't waste time reaching for his red umbrella trying to land a hit on his rival.

"Not this again. Why can't you just give up already". Akane turned her attention to Shampoo "What do you want?".

"Tendo Akane, I challenge you. Whoever win have the right to date Ranma".

Akane clicked her tongue , in irritation. Leave it to these two to ruin a perfect moment with her fiancé. Well, she wouldn't stand for it. "Fine. Have it your way, you'll going to regret interfering with my date".

Ranma was still trying to get away from Ryoga but he was as stubborn as they came. The knucklehead still was not able to get over his very one-sided crush.

"Come back here! I can't destroy you if you keep running away".

"Will you stop it already. Just leave us alone, for crying out loud".

"Take it like a man Ranma!".

From the corner of his eye, he saw Akane duking it out with Shampoo and he knew that if he didn't reach her soon Akane could get seriously hurt.

"You idiot, I don't have the time to deal with you. You're just a jealous sore loser!".

Ryoga growled in anger "Shut up and fight me! I'll pulverize you!".

Ranma stopped in his tracks, feeling very impatient to get back to Akane. If Ryoga wanted a fight, then he'd make sure to end things quickly. He was in a bad mood now and Ryoga needed to learn his lesson. It hadn't taken long for Ranma to get on level ground with his rival, he could tell that Ryoga was trying very hard to knock him into the ground, but unfortunately for him he ended up getting a taste of pavement below them when he was pounded face first into the ground. Ranma knew it would be a while before Ryoga gained conscience, so he propped him up against the nearest tree before rushing to help Akane.

She was panting hard, as to be expected since Shampoo was stronger. But Akane had held her ground and managed to drive Shampoo back a bit. She was getting tired fast, and Shampoo knew this.

"Ranma belong to Shampoo, Tendo Akane prepare to die". Before Shampoo could land the final blow. Ranma made it just in time to block the attack.

"Shampoo cut it out already! Leave Akane alone!".

Ranma moved his fiancée behind him to protect her. He knew that Shampoo wouldn't give up so easily, she had been chasing him for ages now. She was just as stubborn as Ryoga was when it came to getting what she wanted.

"Ranma, go on date with Shampoo".

"You really are crazy; you know that right. He's not going to date you because he's dating me!".

Akane was grateful that her fiancé had shown up when he did. As strong as she was as a martial artist, Akane knew her limits and Shampoo had more experience in hand-to-hand combat.

"Shampoo I will give you two choices. Either you back down now and walk away, or you'll have to deal with me". The tone in his voice meant that he was dead serious and even Shampoo knew when to back down. Reluctantly Shampoo wisely made to retreat, stating that she would be back to challenge Akane later.

"Akane are you alright?"

Her brown eyes told that she was upset. Why did something always have to spoil the mood whenever she was with her fiancé. It was completely ridiculous. "I'm sorry" she mumbled "For what?" Akane couldn't help the few tears that escaped "You planned all of this out for me, and because of Ryoga and Shampoo it was ruined". She really did feel guilty that all her fiancé's hard work was for not. Ranma took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears.

"Hey it's ok. I should've known that this was going to happen".

He was kind enough to wipe away the remaining tears and offered her a smile "Don't sweat it. I still enjoyed myself and besides our date isn't over yet".

"It isn't?"

"Course not. I still have something in mind".

She followed him in confusion as he led her back to the household. "What are we doing back home?" she asked, "You'll have to wait and see".

Akane waited at the bottom of the stairs until Ranma called her up. She followed his voice to his room and when she opened the door she gasped slightly.

"Surprise. I'm not much of a decorator. But I figured that I'd give it a try anyway".

Her fiancé had set up a tasty meal for them in the middle of the room; complete with fancy dishes and fine tea.

"Oh, Ranma". Akane blushed at the sight, he really was a gentleman today.

"I had to bribe pop to get him to leave us alone. It wasn't easy but I managed". He didn't tell her that he agreed to do all his father's laundry for a month, and he had to scrub his back for a week if he gave him the money to pay for everything. He would make do with the torture if it meant Akane could be happy. He motioned for her to sit down. Akane was delighted that Ranma had gone out of his to do this for her. He had even cooked the food himself, well it was more like Kasumi did most of the cooking and he helped her on the side. But even so, it was still delicious.

Akane felt a warmth in her chest spread all over. It wasn't a big gesture of affection, but it was still important to her. She felt so special that she was the only girl that Ranma would do this for.

"Akane?"

"Yes?" she saw his cheeks grow pink "Do you like it?" She smiled tenderly "Of course I do. This is one of the sweetest things that anyone has ever done for me. Thank you so much, Ranma". He smiled "Your welcome". She felt like she was on cloud nine and soaring. She took back everything that she had ever said about her fiancé being a total jerk to women.

"Akane?" "Hm?" Ranma didn't speak up right away, he had pondered over this for a long time and he decided that now was the best chance he was going to get if he ever wanted to speak up to his fiancé. He cleared his throat "I know that our engagement was something our dads agreed on. But I never once asked you personally if this is what you wanted". She didn't understand what he was saying at first "That is true". Ranma's cheeks darkened some more. "I love you Akane. I always have and I always will, that's why I must ask you something before anything else". He couldn't be. Could he? Somebody pinch her or something, this had to be too good to be true. "Ranma are you…" she watched as Ranma pulled out a small box and her jaw dropped to see an engagement ring.

"Akane will you marry me?".

It took all her willpower not to pass out from the overwhelming happiness that she was feeling. She began to cry again but this time they were tears of joy.

"Yes! Yes of course I will!". Ranma didn't have time to react as she tackled him to the ground, giving him a mind blowing kiss. "I love you Ranma, I want to be with you forever". He smiled "Me too". Sitting them both up Akane couldn't stop her tears as Ranma slipped the ring onto her finger. "Best to wear this in secret for now. Don't want anyone making trouble". She laughed in glee before she kissed him again. "I'll be the best wife you ever had. We'll have lots of children and we'll raise them to be talented martial artists and-", "Slow down, Akane" he chortled. "We'll have a family of our own soon enough. I promise you that I will love and protect you even if it costs me my life".

Akane had never felt true serendipity before. But right now, that was all she could feel; her fiancé had made her unbelievably happy and she would cherish this moment until the day she died. "I love you Ranma", "I love you too Akane" she kissed him again for the first time feeling so glad that love had finally found her, and she wouldn't let it go no matter what.

Nice little ending for this chapter wasn't it. I thought that something sweet would be in order. I will have the next chapter up whenever I can. So don't worry guys, I haven't given up yet and I will finish this story.

See you all next time, bye :P