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 29th, 7:00 AM. The Toho Center for Physical Rehabilitation.

Ranma sighed as he finished going through his sister's notes from the week and rubbed the bridge of his nose before securing the sheaf of neatly written papers into the briefcase he kept at hand. "You have been a busy one this last week, sis." He mutters to himself as he looks out the window as they approach the building. A slight smile comes to his face as he relaxes a bit in anticipation of his workout, and seeing Ukyo again. It might not seem like much time at all since they had last seen each other to him, but a week had passed by already.

In that time, she had met with his sister, and it would seem planned a group outing at some point with most of the women that were in her circle. Once again he could not help but wish that he could allow himself such indulgences, but that was not his fate. He had an image to maintain, for the sake of all of them. At least he could allow himself the one indulgence of spending time with Ukyo when it was not business.

But that did bring up the fact that he would have to have a talk with Miss Akane Tendo, to make sure of her intentions towards his sister. No matter how challenging their situation, or perhaps because of it, this was more necessary than ever. Especially if they were to think about taking the steps that his sister had outlined, and bringing them fully into the complexities of their own lives.

He can feel Shiro's eyes on him as he looks towards the front of the car as they pull to a stop in front of the building. "It's ok, Shiro. My sister is just proposing steps that will make our lives drastically more complex. In other words, nothing new from her." He shakes his head as he waits for Shiro to open the door for him, his cane already in hand.

As Shiro bows to him outside of the open door, the most pragmatic member of their household has his own view to express on the matter. "If I may be so bold, Master? As someone who has served you and your sister for years, and have seen the growth of both of you I am confident in saying that these changes are for the best of all involved. Even the young ladies who could very well have their view of the world changed fundamentally." He falls into his usual place behind the Master of the Saotome, only breaking his place to open the door for the young master of the house.

Ranma gives his ever faithful retainer a long look and nods. "Perhaps you are right, Shiro. I will make arrangements to formally speak to the young lady that has won my dear sister's heart, and see if I think she has the mettle needed for the task that lays before her." He turns to regard the smiling brunette who is already waiting for him, a subtle break in their usual protocol, but one that he thinks he could grow used to even as his own heart seems to become a bit lighter in his chest.

Shiro drops back a few more steps, watching with hidden approving eyes as his young lord meets with one of the two women who have changed their lives in such fundamental and important ways. With a subtle nod to the young lady that she returns with a brilliant smile he returns to the car to make a report to Mrs. Watanabe, confident that Nabiki would approve of how things were going.

Ranma's strides lengthen just a tad, walking a bit more briskly than is normal for the reserved, stately young man as he closes the distance with a smiling Ukyo. "Hello, Miss Kuonji, it is a pleasant surprise to see you waiting here." He greets her as he rests his hands on the head of his cane.

"I thought that a bit of a change was due, Ranma. Let's get you changed and we can discuss some thoughts I have had on your therapy going forward?" She asks as she starts to lead him towards the changing rooms, very aware of his eyes on her. It was something that had sent a thrill up her spine for some time now, but the heat that seemed to pool in her body was a new and pleasant occurrence. One that she had to admit she could get used to.

It was with some measure of reluctance that Ranma parts from his trainer as he goes and changes, studying himself in the mirror once he is done changing his clothes. He knows that she doesn't seem to mind the scars that criss=cross his body, or the impairments that his condition have laid like such a heavy burden on him. He is all too aware that his own mind is at fault for most of the insecurities that he feels, only made more profound by the Japanese view on injuries such as his. That is why the path to rehabilitation was so vital, not just for him but for his sister. He takes a slow, calming breath then walks out of the changing room towards where he knows Ukyo will be waiting for him.

The way her eyes light up just a bit warms his heart and makes his breath catch just a bit, how the light streaming in through the windows makes the simple one piece swimsuit she is currently wearing seem so much more attractive how it hugs her tight muscles and gentle curves. Her mass of hair is tied up into a high ponytail, the heavy weight of it laying over her shoulder at the moment. He pauses for a long moment, letting the image burn itself into his mind's eye. Perhaps his sister was right. Perhaps this was worth the risk.

The laps in the pool seem to go much easier with Ukyo beside him, gently urging him on as he works through the routine she had set for them that day. They talked softly about little things, something that the pair of them hadn't done before. When she takes his hand to help him out of the pool, their touch lingers just a bit longer than normal as they look into each other's eyes before breaking the long gaze as she leads him towards the indoor track. "I thought that we would walk for a bit, while I propose some changes that I have been thinking about, if that is ok with you, Ranma?" Ukyo asks while leading the way.

"I trust in your judgement, Ukyo. So, what exactly are these changes you had in mind?" He asks as they start to walk around the track.

"I was thinking of starting to do some trail walking with you, since getting you out in the sun more will be beneficial to your recovery, and with the progress you have made some short walks should not be a problem." Ukyo says as she grabs two bottles of water from one of the nearby carts, passing one to him with a gentle smile on her face.

"I think that sounds like a plan I could work with, Ukyo." He says as their fingers touch, and a flush slowly creeps over both of their faces. They each look away and continue to walk side by side, falling into an easy, comfortable silence.

Their session ends with Ranma receiving a massage from one of the experts that is always on hand there, and the young couple making plans for an outing together later in the week.

As Ranma walks back towards the car, Ukyo catches up with him and says softly to him. "Do tell your sister that I enjoyed our talk together, Sugar. She is an amazing young woman, and I hope that I can get to know her better." Her hand on his arm lingers for just a moment longer, then she steps back as he reluctantly heads for the car.

He looks back at her one last time, a rare smile on his face. "I will make sure that she is informed, Ukyo. Thank you for your kindness today, and for spending some time with my sister." He bows to her before getting into the car with a happy smile on his face, a fact that does not go unnoticed by Shiro.

He checks the time and reaches for his phone, knowing Akane's itinerary from the notes that his sister always leaves. After a few rings, he hears her voice on the other end of the line, sounding just a bit flushed.

"Hello, this is the Tendo Dojo, Akane Tendo speaking. How may I help you?" She says as she towels herself off, having just finished her morning practice session. The number was not familiar, but she had a suspicion who it might be, from how prompt she had learned that Ranko's brother was from their many talks.

"It is nice to speak to you again, Miss Tendo. This is Ranko's brother, Ranma. I hope I did not catch you at an inopportune time?" He says as he shifts a bit in his seat, reaching for a bottle of water.

"Not at all, Saotome-san! I was hoping I would hear from you, to be honest. Your sister is an amazing woman, and I can say honestly I was a bit surprised when I met you for the first time at the dojo." Akane says as she leans against the wall, holding the cold bottle of water against herself to help cool down and focus.

"Please, just call me Ranma. Miss Tendo, I was hoping that we could sit and have a talk sometime soon, about your future with the Saotome Dojo, and your relationship with my sister." He tries to soften his tone, but he knows full well how he sounds to others.

"I will call you Ranma as long as you call me Akane. Miss Tendo always sounds so formal, especially when I do hope that I can spend more time with your sister." She takes a sip of her water, glancing at her calendar. "My week is pretty open, actually. I am free today, Wednesday, and Friday this week. Other than that, I have work or plans with my family most of the week. Oh, and I am free on Sunday, but I know that is time you dedicate to spending with Ranko."

"Indeed. I appreciate your openness with me, Akane. She speaks very highly of you, you know. She credits most of her progress on your influence in her life. For that, I owe you a great debt. My sister has lost so much because of the accident, I know that I, myself, can never make amends for that." Ranma says in his usually formal tone, surprised at the soft laughter that comes from the other end of the line.

"She is a true joy to work with. Honestly, I think I have learned just as much from our time together. She has such a warm and wonderful spirit to her, she is indomitable. If there is anyone that can overcome any adversity, it is your sister. She truly inspires me, you know." Akane says with a fond tone in her voice.

Ranma colors slightly and coughs softly. "Indeed. I see. You are very fond of my sister, I can tell. Then, you won't have any problem meeting me, say, Wednesday night to discuss your future with the Saotome? Say, six o'clock? I can have the family chef prepare us something to eat for supper while we talk."

"That would be lovely, Ranma. Will you be sending your car, or should I come over on my own?" Akane asks as she makes a quick note on her calendar.

"If it is ok, I will send Shiro to get you. We can talk a bit on the drive over, I would like to get to know you better." Ranma says as he makes his own notes.

"That would be perfect. Thank you for giving me this chance, Ranma." Akane says with a happy lilt to her voice.

"It is I that will be forever grateful to you, Akane." He says as they each say their farewells, and ends the call as they pull into the Saotome Dojo grounds. Ranma schools his face as he drops back once more into his image of the resolute and implacable heir to the family's school.

Not even the grinning mountain of a man that is Ryoga Hibiki can break that perfect mask.

Not like a certain young lady does without even trying.

*A/N*

Another chapter down! Things will start to move rapidly soon, as the scars of the past are laid bare.

2100 words closer to my goal, one that I don't think I will make (I'm currently at about 13000 words in four days, losing Sunday and most of Monday didn't help with meeting my target, but that is life and family for you)

Once again, thank you all for reading and reviewing! It's good to know that this story has finally found an audience (And the fact I am a better writer seems to help as well!)

Till next time,

Stay Frosty!