Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I do not claim any rights to any of the characters or concepts created or owned by Viz Video or Rumiko Takahashi. This is just the work of one fan to the others. The only characters or concepts that i claim are the ones I created or introduced. That said, I bring you:
Broken Mirrors.
Monday, June 22nd, 5:32 PM. The Saotome residence.
Ranko stretches and tries to relax, knowing she can't put this off anymore than she has already today. Yes, her first weekday back in the city always was busy. A thousand little things that she would never have expected to be the duties of a lady like herself from a good family were never on the radar before this. Figuring out where to find her next meal, or how to survive Father's latest training idea, those were the day to day challenges she was used to. Fights that were all too often deadly serious where the things she used to live for, before all of this.
How things could change. It was a subject she thought of often, as she went about the routine of her days and weeks since the accident, since her life was saved and changed as it was. The last year was probably one of the best of her whole life, she felt so much more connected, so much more alive now. It was amazing just how much she had changed in the last year, and she knew for certain a big part of it was Akane. She sighs, as she looks at the number written down, and knows that she can't put this off anymore.
She knows that her brother will be doing the same thing next week, making the same call, and hoping as she does that it goes well. That it doesn't ruin things for the other.
Steeling her resolve, she dials the number, waiting with nerves she had never really felt when in a life or death fight before. Probably because it wasn't really her life and happiness that was on the line, perhaps that was it.
Her thoughts are derailed as she hears the voice on the other end of the line speaking to her. "Hello, this is Ukyo Kuonji, how can I help you?"
"Hello Miss Kuonji, I don't think we have ever had the pleasure of talking before, much less the chance. It's a situation that I felt was well past the time to fix. My name is Ranko Saotome, and I do believe you are someone that my brother would consider a dear friend."
A soft, warm laugh fills the phone, as she can hear the person on the other end of the line shift around a bit. "I would hope so, sugar. And, please, just call me Ukyo. I'd prefer that, if that is ok Miss Saotome?"
Ranko smiles and shakes her head a little, clearing her throat. "Then I insist you call me Ranko, Ukyo."
Ukyo smiles on her end of the phone "I'd like that, Ranko. So, how are you doing? And to what do I owe the pleasure of finally getting to talk to Ranma's sister?"
Ranko fidgets nervously, taking a deep breath. "I'm doing good, actually. Really good. I was hoping that we could talk, face to face. Maybe over some tea? I'd like to get to know you better, and give you the chance to get to know me. If you are serious about my brother, I can safely say you will be stuck with me as well. We are very close, you see."
Ukyo pauses for a moment, then answers. "I'd like that too, sugar. Your brother is someone really special, and I get the feeling it runs in the family. So, when and where would you like to meet?"
Ranko smiles, relaxing a bit. "What are your plans Wednesday night, if I can intrude? If not then, then is there another night that would work better? I might not be available over the weekend, since I am hoping to have plans." She says with a slight blush to her cheeks.
Ukyo responds quickly "No intrusion, Ranko. I'd love to sit and talk about your brother with you, I would love to get all the juicy details. I should be able to arrange for wednesday night, what time would work best for you?"
Ranko pauses as she looks at her planner. "I'm free after six? Tea and something light to eat?"
Ukyo hrms softly, then says "That would be perfect, I will look forward to it. Thank you for inviting me, Ranko."
"No, thank you for accepting, Ukyo. I'm eager to meet the woman who has my brother so off his usual guarded self." Ranko responds with a soft smile.
She is rewarded with a peal of warm laughter. "Sugar, I can honestly say I'm looking forward to meeting you. I never expected to meet someone like your brother, much less how we met. I have to say, seeing him always brightens up my day. I should get going, though, I need to finish getting ready to head home. I will see you Wednesday night, then. Take care, sugar."
Ranko laughs and says her farewells as well, smiling happily as she wheels herself away from the desk, nodding to the ever present Shiro. "Well, that went well. Not that I expected it to not go well. Shiro, I need an honest opinion from you, please."
Shiro bows and nods when he rises. "Of course, Mistress. I will always help in any way I can."
Ranko looks pensive as Shiro starts to wheel her towards the dining room. "Are….we doing the right thing? These are normal people, living ordinary lives. We are far from that, do we really have the right to drag them into the oddities that is our existence? Let's be honest here, I don't belong here, and by all rights neither of us should be alive." She trails off, looking pensive as her hands grip each other tight in her lap.
Shiro pauses before he takes her into the dining room, then nods and addresses his Mistress. "Lady Saotome, you are where you belong. My family has served the Saotome for generations, and in all that time, we have never once regretted our decision. Fate works in odd ways, and if you are here, it is because you are fated to be here, right now. The people that you have met, they are better for knowing you both. I am sure that the Lady Tendo considers herself richer for having met you, for finding you, for becoming part of her life." He hesitates for a moment, then decides to forge ahead. "The life of a lesbian in Japan is never going to be easy, no matter your station. Some see it as a trend, or a fad, or a perversion of social norms. Others see it in more favorable lights, yes, but those that choose to be true to their hearts will always be challenged. Because of your upbringing, it is hardly a surprise what your preferences are, Mistress. We are all glad that you have found someone that you could share your life with, that will understand you and your challenges, and most importantly. Someone who makes you happy, and you make her happy."
Ranko looks back and up at him, a soft smile and a gentle blush coloring her cheeks. "I don't think I have ever heard you say that many words at once, Shiro. You must really feel strongly on the matter, for you of all people to speak out." She sighs and nods, looking back forward as they continue to the table. "Thank you, for speaking your mind. For being honest with me. It's one of the many reasons we value your service to us, your loyalty to us, so very much."
"It is my humble duty and privilege, Mistress." He says as he steps back and leaves his Lady to her supper.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 11:00AM. The Nerima Center for Mental Health.
It's a nervous Ranko that sits and fidgets in her chair as she is wheeled towards where she will meet Akane as she casts a furtive look back at the ever stoic Shiro, meeting his eyes and seeming to find some comfort in what she finds there as she turns back and straightens her skirt for the upteenth time in the last couple of minutes.
She stops her fidgeting when she sees the smiling face of Akane waiting for her, standing like she always does. There is no awkwardness in her gaze, or in her open smile. No hesitation in how she steps forward like she always does to greet Ranko, in how their eyes meet and perhaps linger a little bit longer than normal.
Shiro bows as he steps back. "I leave our Lady in your care, Lady Tendo." He says formally as he steps away, the quizzical look he gets from Akane fading in an instant as the two women start to converse on their way to the conservatory. Once they are alone, the topic of choice is the concert, and each of their impressions on the performance. They quickly lose themselves in the simple joys of talking to each other, even as Akane gently asks the usual questions on how Ranko's state of mind is, how she is adjusting, and what challenges she expects to face this week.
Ranko laughs warmly, blushing as she quickly looks away. "Well, I face a couple of challenges this week, to be honest. First, I have an appointment with someone who is...Very special in my brother's life. It's the first time we are meeting, and I hope to make a good impression on her. I have a bit of unease, I will admit. It's not like either of us have had anyone in our lives since the accident, or in my case, before that even."
Akane nods, sitting down next to Ranko and offering her a cup of tea. "And what do you think about that? About meeting someone who is interested in your brother? You do know it is perfectly natural to feel nervous when you are meeting someone who your brother has an emotional attachment with." She rests her hand on Ranko's, that warm smile of hers lifting the other woman's spirits as it always does.
Ranko takes a long, calming breath just like she has been taught, trying to ignore just how warm and welcoming Akane's hand feels on hers. "I know, it's just with the situation we are in, how our lives are, it's not easy to consider bringing someone else into it." She casts a meaningful look at Akane, then blushes and looks away.
Akane gives her hand a little squeeze. "And now we come to the other elephant in the room, correct? You and I. Tell me, Ranko, how do you see us? How do you WANT to see us?"
Ranko chuckles and looks back at Akane. "You never make things easy, do you?" She closes her eyes, taking comfort and strength in her companion's presence. "I think we are amazing friends, not that I ever figured we would be. We can talk about anything, regardless of whether it directly concerns my recovery or not. I would not be where I am without you, to be honest. And, I think we could be more, if that is what you want. I want to see us getting closer, seeing where it leads. I know that we probably shouldn't, that it could interfere with my therapy, but I.. I haven't felt this way about anyone else before, Akane. I never thought I would find someone who makes me feel like this." She bites her lip, casting a furtive look into the gentle, caring eyes of her friend. "I know I want to spend more time with you, even though I know it's not going to be easy."
Akane nods, giving herself a minute to think about that. "We are good friends, Ranko. And we work well together. I won't risk that, I hope you understand. Your recovery and mental health come first." Seeing the slightly crestfallen look that crosses Ranko's face she shakes her head and gives her hand a squeeze. "Let me finish, please, before you come to any conclusions, ok?" She takes a moment, then continues. "The concert was amazing. I haven't had that much fun with anyone in ages. Believe it or not, I haven't had many relationships either. And things are generally as easy or hard as we let them be, as we make them be. We tend to over complicate things, it's in our natures. Now, let's try and simplify things. Tell me what you want, and I will answer. Simple, yes?" She grins and winks.
Ranko reaches out, taking Akane's other hand and letting the contact settle herself, still herself. A deep breath gives way to a soft, warm smile. "Akane, would you like to go to dinner with me on Saturday. Would you let me take you out….On a date?" She finishes with a blush and a little nervous laugh.
Akane smiles and gives her hands a squeeze. "See? Not that hard. Ranko, I would love to. I would love to go on our first official date."
If the hug that Ranko gave Akane was filled with just a bit more affection than normal, who would fault them?