Hey guys.
I couldn't wait with this chapter so I figured that I might as well write it down now before I forget and let something slip. Life is about to get real crazy for me, but I promise that I will finish this story. As always please read and review.
Onwards people!
Tendo Kasumi had always loved the winter season. It was such a cozy time of the year, where one could spend time with family and friends and enjoy the various holidays that came with the season. But the eldest Tendo daughter was very concerned about her youngest sister. Even as winter took its toll, Ranma still had not returned. Kasumi knew that it wasn't her place to try and give Akane false comfort, but she had tried to help her cope with her depression the best way she could. She usually enjoyed walking in the cold admiring the fallen snow, but Kasumi was too distracted by her thoughts to pay attention.
Neither she nor Nabiki were able to do anything to help at this point. Kasumi had tried very hard to help Akane, and she knew that Akane appreciated it. But her efforts were in vain. Nothing seemed to make Akane smile or laugh anymore. A permanent look of sadness was always on her face. Kasumi had also noticed that Akane had refused to remove the ring from her finger, when she had asked why Akane said that it was because she believed that Ranma would come back one day and that they would finally marry. Kasumi didn't know if Akane was trying to fool herself or if she meant what she had said. But either way, the eldest daughter didn't know what to tell her. All that Kasumi could do was wait to let time try and heal the wounds and hope for the best.
She was almost home carrying bags of groceries when she stopped in her tracks. There was yelling coming from the household and Kasumi gasped when she heard two familiar voices that she'd recognize anywhere. She hurried to open the front door and to her absolute delight, there in the living room was Ranma and Genma arguing about something. Kasumi was so surprised that she dropped the bags of groceries which were promptly caught by Nabiki and Soun before anything could break. Kasumi had no idea what to say, so instead she hurried over and embraced them both.
"Ranma-kun, Mr. Saotome. Thank goodness you're both alright".
Kasumi was so happy to see them, it had been months and now at long last they were home. There were a billion questions that she wanted to ask, but Kasumi knew that she wasn't the one that had to ask them. The two men took Kasumi in a hug, it felt like the family was complete again.
"They came back before the sun rose" Nabiki said in the background "I was the first person to meet them and then daddy came once he heard their voices".
Soun was practically sobbing in joy "The gods have smiled down on us. Akane will be so happy that you have come back. Fortune really had blessed us".
"Tendo-kun it's good to be back. I've missed this warm house".
"Saotome-kun you had me worried sick. You must tell me all the details later".
Kasumi's happy expression turned into one of concern when she turned her attention to Ranma. He was just standing there with this odd look in his eyes. She tilted her head to the side a bit in confusion. What was the matter? Didn't he want to know about Akane?
Ranma didn't show any indication that he wanted to see Akane "Where is she now?" he asked coolly.
Kasumi hesitated for a second, something that didn't go unnoticed by Ranma. He was watching her every move like a hawk. It was kind of nerve wracking.
"Akane left with friends for a trip but she's coming back today".
Ranma nodded "I see. I'll be in my room; it was a long journey and I'm tired".
Kasumi didn't know what to say to that as Ranma retreated to his bedroom upstairs. She knew that it had been wishful thinking that Ranma would be ecstatic to see Akane first thing. But once again it wasn't her place to be the peacemaker. That didn't mean that she didn't have the right to want some answers, and all eyes turned to Genma, who was looking exasperated.
"My son can really be as stubborn as they come. I tried every way possible to get him to talk to me, but he wouldn't budge an inch. All he kept saying was that he needed to get stronger for Akane's sake".
"So, he didn't mention anything at all?"
Genma shook his head "Nothing. I tried again and again but he never responded".
Everyone looked confused, what did that mean? Everyone had their own interpretation of what it could have meant, but Kasumi was doubtful. Given Ranma's character Kasumi knew that he wasn't just saying that to act as a cover up, yet at the same time it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that Ranma was trying to hide what he actually felt. There was murmuring among the family and Kasumi sighed "Everyone perhaps it's best to give Ranma some time to settle down". That had been Kasumi's way of saying there was no use going into it any further. Ranma would talk to them when he was ready so all they could do was wait and see what would happen.
The eldest daughter wanted to shake off the feeling of uneasiness as she went about her day tending to the house, but that wasn't going to be the case. In the back of her head, she kept thinking about the outcome of what would happen when Ranma and Akane finally saw each other. Kasumi played out each scenario in her head; the odds weren't looking good. That didn't mean that it wasn't a total disaster, there was also that chance that everything would be worked out between them and life would carry on like normal.
Kasumi cared deeply about her family and only wanted what was best for them. Even though she knew that she wasn't her departed mother, Kasumi had always felt that as the oldest daughter she had a responsibility to take care of her sisters.
When Akane did eventually come back, Kasumi knew that she'd have to word Ranma's return delicately. She still didn't know what Ranma's actual feelings were towards Akane as of right now, as far as she knew he could still be angry, and it wouldn't do anyone any good to have them arguing. Kasumi was well aware of Akane's bad temper. Her little sister was easily misled when angered and if Akane lost her temper then even if she didn't intend to, she could very well drive Ranma away again. Her childish stubbornness had always been a downfall.
Kasumi had been so surprised when Ranma suddenly appeared and offered to help. She didn't know what to do so she accepted his help. Kasumi watched his body language closely as he helped her hang the laundry, he didn't show any signs of aggression or hostility. He was completely relaxed but his face told her otherwise. She could see in his eyes that Ranma was having some internal war with himself, and she guessed that he was trying to distract himself by doing chores. Well, there was only one way to solve this mystery. She would have to ask him about it.
"Ranma-kun are you feeling alright?"
He nodded, not bothering to make eye contact. Kasumi knew that she shouldn't force it, but she was still curious.
"Where did you go for training?"
Nothing. So, she tried again "Did you see some new places? That must've been exciting".
He stopped and turned slowly to face her "Kasumi, I know that you have questions about where I was and what I was doing, but right now I can't tell you anything. I must speak with Akane first, so I would appreciate it if you didn't try to pry".
He had remained completely cool, not even batting an eye; he was serious, and he didn't want to repeat himself. Kasumi knew that was the signal to drop it. No matter how much she wanted to know more, Ranma was going to do it on his own terms. All she could do was nod in acceptance and continue with her day.
It was late in the evening when Akane finally made it home. Spending two days with friends had been mentally draining for her. Nabiki had somehow talked her into going on a trip with her friends, much to her dismay she had no choice but to comply since Nabiki had already arranged it for her. Her sister had told her it would be good for her to have a chance of scenery. Part of her had been relieved to be out and about away from home she wouldn't deny that but, in her state, it was also mentally exhausting. Having to act all cheerful and carefree was such a chore. So, she was glad to be home away from everyone, she wanted to be alone.
Akane had not expected her sisters to be waiting for her when she walked through the front door, both had nervous looks on their faces. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What's up?"
Kasumi was about to say something when Nabiki beat her to it "Ranma came back".
Akane's jaw dropped, she was frozen. She almost didn't want to believe what her sister had said "He came back this morning, wouldn't say a word to anyone, said that he needed to talk to you first".
Akane looked like she was going to faint, Nabiki could've said it with a little more grace but knowing that Ranma was here was enough to make Akane's heartbeat faster. She would've hit the floor had Kasumi not caught her.
"Ranma told us that he wanted to be alone with you to talk, so father and Mr. Saotome left not long ago, they said a winter vacation would do some good".
Nabiki stepped in "Sis and I are going to hot spring resort for a few days, so he's all yours Akane".
Kasumi didn't let go of her sister until she was certain that she wouldn't pass out. She cleared her throat "Ranma asked us all to leave for the sake of giving you privacy". Akane's whole world was spinning too fast. This was all a lot to take in, but nonetheless she still felt a spark inside of her that was only growing. She had thought about what she was going to say for weeks now. It was almost too good to be true that it was going to happen.
"Akane be patient with Ranma and yourself. Give him a chance to explain".
That was all Kasumi was going to say, whatever came next would only be decided by them. There was nothing more that she could do. Growing impatient Nabiki hurried her out the door smiling at their younger sister "Good luck Akane, see you soon".
Then just like that Akane was left by herself in the doorway. Ranma was upstairs waiting for her but she needed a few minutes to get it together. This was all so sudden; she hadn't been prepared at all. First, she needed to calm her breathing, once it was steady she took a few extra minutes to run over what she wanted to say. Kasumi had basically given her a major piece of advice and she didn't want to waste it. Akane still wasn't certain that she was ready yet to confront Ranma but she had to try. She couldn't keep living like this; it was now or never she wasn't going to get another chance like this again.
Slowly she walked up the stairs, her feet felt like they were getting heavier with each step. Despite trying not to let her thoughts get the best of her, her mind was racing with emotions. Was she going to keep it together? Would she let her temper overcome her reasoning? Akane's heart picked up again and she swallowed hard. So much for trying to keep a steady composure, she was so nervous her hands were beginning to sweat. After what felt like an eternity, she reached the last step and slowly made her way to his room. She was about to knock when she noticed was a crack in the door, Akane couldn't help but peak inside and her heart felt like it was going to burst. There was Ranma, her sisters hadn't been kidding her; he was actually right in front of her. He was shirtless sitting in the middle of the floor, his braid was undone as he brushed out his long, luscious locks.
Akane's face immediately heated up, this isn't what she expected but whatever; there was no control over anything now. Her legs felt so weak, and her heart felt like it was going to stop any second now. She couldn't find her voice as Ranma turned his head to the door, he had a very calm expression on his face.
She watched him put the brush down, stand up and walk over, every instinct was telling her to run. But she couldn't move even if she wanted to. All she could do was stand there helpless as Ranma opened the door completely. She expected him to do something like yell or even hit her, she could've sworn that he heard her pounding heart in her chest. Akane expected the worse but instead Ranma gave her a warm smile mixed with sadness and embraced her.
"I'm home Akane".
She was so confused. What was he doing? Shouldn't he be angry with her? What was he thinking? Akane didn't know what to do, so she just stood there trying to make sense of everything. She didn't return his embrace or push him away, she just stood there.
"I missed you every day".
What the hell? What was happening right now? Akane couldn't speak, this was downright crazy. Was she dreaming? This couldn't be right.
"I was never angry at you. I was angry at myself; I didn't think that I was strong enough to protect you. On that day I didn't know what to do. I thought that if I didn't get stronger then I was going to lose you to them. I couldn't let that happen".
At first, she didn't know what he was talking about but then it all clicked. Akane could feel wetness on her clothes, he was crying. She couldn't remember a time when she had seen him cry before. It was different, but not in a bad way.
"I'm sorry I worried you. It must've been so hard for you. But I couldn't come back unless I knew that I was strong enough to be the man you deserved".
Akane thought back to the day Ranma left, given his massive ego and his pride it all made sense that Ranma would feel weak. But to actually doubt himself? That must've really stung. Ranma had never been the type to let his vulnerability show even when it was necessary. So, in his mind, he must've felt so horrible with himself, but the real question was why?
"Akane, I could never ever hate you. I wanted to tell you everything, but I was too afraid".
She felt his tears come down harder "I felt so ashamed of myself that I couldn't fight them all off, it was like my life as a martial artist was at stake, but I lost track of something even more precious and that was you. I was so angry and frustrated that day that I said some things I deeply regret". He was crying harder letting his feelings burst out.
"I didn't want to give you up. I didn't want anyone to take you away from me".
Akane still hadn't said anything, she was still trying to wrap her head around Ranma's confession. She should be furious with him for leaving her alone for months without a single word. She should be pointing out everything that she had to go through in his absence. She should've told him what a despicable man he had been for his actions. Her anger was dying to let him have it, to make him feel the pain that she had to endure. Part of her didn't care about anything else, just to punish him for his wrongdoing.
Yet she couldn't do it. In this moment this wasn't Ranma being a knucklehead fueled by his ego, this was Ranma showing her just how truly vulnerable he was a person. He was willing to put aside everything just to show her how human he could be. It was so touching that she started to cry as well. How could she be angry with him. None of this was his fault to begin with, she couldn't hate him even if she tried to.
She at last returned his embrace "You idiot. I was so worried about you" she sobbed.
"I wanted to come back to you sooner, but I was scared. I didn't know if I would be able to face you".
He took the words right out of her mouth. It seemed they both had done some stupid things to each other again. Would they ever learn their lesson?
"I felt so terrible, I thought you had left because of me. I was the one who said that we were formally engaged, I didn't mean to cause so much trouble. It was all my fault".
Ranma held her tighter "It's not your fault Akane. It's mine, I couldn't face them all to protect you". She only cried harder "I never should've said anything to begin with, I'm so sorry Ranma". She held him tighter.
"I won't let anyone try and come between us. I don't want to be apart from you ever again". She had meant what she said.
"I'm here now Akane".
Both stood there for who knows how long just crying as they held each other. They both knew that they had misunderstood each other, and both knew that they needed to forgive each other if they had any hope of moving on.
"Ranma would you still be willing to love me?"
She asked that question honestly, frightened that he would say otherwise. His tears didn't stop flowing "Akane I love you, more than you'll ever know. I'll never leave you again for as long as I live".
That was all she wanted to hear as she wrapped her arms around his neck leaning against him still crying. Sometime later they had calmed down enough to look each other in the eye. Tenderly Ranma kissed her, hoping that she wouldn't reject him, but Akane returned it with equal tenderness and both were crying again for a different reason. It was Akane who deepened their kiss, she couldn't have been happier to have her fiancé back with her. It was all that she could hope for.
With that they both knew that everything had been forgiving. But something else was still lingering, something that had been long overdue between them and now at last it was finally time to seal the distance between them once and for all.
Akane was the first to make the tentative movements to indicate what she wanted, and Ranma responded instantly. Tonight was going to be it, and he would make sure that they would enjoy it.
Sorry this chapter is a little shorter than usual. I didn't want to give too much away. That, and I didn't have time to write down more. The next chapter will finally be that long awaited lemon so hold onto your seats.
Until next time everybody.
Peace out :P