Nabiki took Ranma and Akane to the rooftop restaurant that the hotel had. They sat at a corner table. Nabiki sat alone facing them as Ranma and Akane sat together facing Nabiki. She cleared her voice and said to the nervous couple.

"Please be comfortable guys! Do you guys want any drinks? Akane, you know the orange juice here is so amazing! I think you should try it!"

Akane immediately looked up at her and turned to face Ranma when he tried to suppress his smirk. Nabiki also started chuckling, which made Akane growl in annoyance as she said,

"You know everything, ain't you, Nabiki?"

Nabiki chuckled and said, "Ofcourse I know! I may not live with you guys; but I do take information about you guys all the time! Poor Ranma! He became the guinea pig for your drunk experiment!"

"Hey!! Don't call him that!" Akane said, pouting.

Nabiki raised one eyebrow at her and asked, "Aww! Being defensive.. hmmm.."

Akane huffed angrily and said, "He is my friend! Of course I would be defensive!"

Nabiki smirked and narrowed her eyes at her and said teasingly, "Oww; only friend then..huh lil sis?"

Akane got flustered and said, "Nabiki, please!!"

Ranma cleared his voice and said, "Sorry for interrupting, but it's okay, Mrs Nabiki.. I.."

"Oh Ranma.." Nabiki stopped him and said with a sly smile on her face, "Would you please stop reminding me that I am a married woman now! Just call me Nabiki! No Mrs no nothing! Only Nabiki! Anyways, I would be honoured to hear my name directly from a handsome young man like you! I am tired of being with older guys.." She sighed hissing, shrugging her shoulders.

Ranma nervously smiled at her, his face flushed red with embarrassment as he said, "Umm alright then, Nabiki.."

"That's excellent, Ranma honey! Umm would you mind if I call you honey?" Nabiki asked in an innocent tone.

"Uhh.. It's okay, Nabiki; you can all me that if you want to." Ranma said smiling sweetly at her.

"Awww…! You are such a sweet guy!" Nabiki said, batting her eyelashes at him playfully.

"Ahmm ahmm.." Akane forcefully cleared her voice and said, "We came here to ask you something, Nabiki! Should we ask her that first , Ranma…ho–ney?!" Akane asked with her greeted teeth as she gave a side glare to Ranma.

Ranma gulped hard and nodded his head hastily. Ranma took a deep breath and started explaining about his anxiousness about Kasumi and Tofu's relationship and what he noticed between them. After finishing his tale, Akane added in saying,

" I am not sure, Nabiki! I still didn't notice any difference between them! It's just Ranma's assumption, which I want to clear out."

Nabiki cleared her voice, she placed her arms over the table and slightly bent down as she slightly rested her body over it and asked Ramma with a playful tone, "Say Ranma, why do you assume that, honey? Like my sister said, it looked normal, didn't it?"

Ranma shrugged his shoulders and said, "I am not sure, Nabiki. The way Dr Tofu behaved whenever we talked about Oneechan; it looked very suspicious to me. Not only once; I have visited him lots of times after I started training with Akane. Every time I went there, I purposely asked him about oneechan many times; and I got the same reaction from him."

"Ummm.." Akane said with a low tone, "In that case, I also tried to talk about Dr Tofu with oneechan more often , but she always became angry and irritated whenever I said anything about him. So, I stopped asking her.." Akane turned to look at Ranma and asked, " My point is, if Kasumi has any romantic feelings for Dr Tofu then why would she be furious about him? She didn't even want to invite him home for dinner!"

Ranma also looked at her and replied in a doubtful tone, "Maybe because she expects something from him which he has failed to fulfill, Akane..! Maybe you have only seen the anger in Kasumi's eyes, not the hope.."

"Wow! Quite amazing, Ranma!" Nabiki said with an amazement tone, "I am so happy that finally I have found someone who has a bright mind to notice the small details that happens around the house!"

"Hey, excuse me!" Akane got a little agitated as she said while pouting at Nabiki, "Take your words back, Nabiki, we also have bright minds to notice things.."

Nabiki rolled her eyes and gave her a narrow look and said, "Oh c'mon sis, is there anything else you guys had ever noticed rather than alzebras, geometry's and pythagoras?! The whole neighborhood would have gotten looted but still you and Akio would focus on your dumb studies!"

"That's not true!! We do notice things!" Akane said, pouting like a child. Then she felt a touch on her hand which was over the table and saw, Ranma had laid his hand over her hand. She looked at him as he said,

"Akane, Nabiki is just teasing you.. Don't take it personally.."

Akane gave a long breath and pulled her hand away from him. She doesn't know why she did it but, since the time she saw him smiling at Nabiki and their friendly gestures, she started to feel a burning sensation on her heart. She never felt like this before. She remembered once she felt this way, when her colleague once tried to flirt with Ranma. Now she is feeling exactly the same way like she did that day, honesty, she was feeling even more irritated as she kept witnessing their interaction.

Nabiki gave a sly smile as she noticed the small interaction between Akane and Ranma. As if reading her sister's mind, she decided to play with her more. She sighed dramatically and laid her hand over Ranma's hand and said,

"Oh Ranma honey! You are so generous! Thank you for noticing the little details about those two idiots and reaching out to me.."

Ranma's whole body got stiff when Nabiki started rubbing his hands in front of Akane. He could already feel that Akane was upset at him for some reason. But when Nabiki laid her hand over his hand, he could literally feel the hot aura coming out from beside him. He actually became scared of her for the first time ; and in his nervousness he couldn't think clearly at all! Neither he could take his hand away from Nabiki; nor he could look at Akane. He gulped hard and suddenly a plan pooped up in his head;

"Oh no!! Excuse me, Nabiki; I have dropped something on the floor.." Saying that, he hastily looked down and used the hand Nabiki was holding to pick up a fake object from the floor.

Nabiki was enjoying every little detail that the new couple was doing in front of her. They both looked so adorably innocent that she wanted to keep teasing them more, but for now, she decided to focus on Kasumi. Because for her, this particular thing means a lot. She smiled at them and said,

"Tofu-san was Kasumi's senior when they were studying; you do know that, right, Akane?"

Akane took a deep breath to calm herself down and to focus on Nabiki's words, she nodded her head slowly and said,

"Yes, I know that.."

"I bet, you already told Ranma about what happened to Kasumi oneechan as well.?"

Akane looked down in shame and said, "Yes I did.."

Nabiki smirked and said, "Don't look down, Akane! In fact I think you did an amazing job by sharing this with your friend! Anyways, as I always say, whatever happened to Kasumi is no one's fault but our father's!"

"Nabiki, please.." Akane interrupted her when she heard her venom filled tone; "Please don't blame father anymore.."

"I WON'T STOP blaming him, Akane! Not until I see Kasumi happy again! Do you think this is the life she has wished for?! This is ridiculous!! Don't forget, you also wanted to become a martial artist, but you gave up on your dream so that you can fulfill our mother's wish!"

Akane shook her head and said, "I love doing this as well, Nabiki; its fine, no one in forcing me.."

"But father made Kasumi accept this marriage because of this! Kasumi didn't have to go through this if father hadn't played the guilt trip game with her! Sometimes I just wish our mom was here, then we wouldn't had to see those dumb situations…"

Akane looked down in sadness. She clutched her hands over her skirt as she listened to Nabiki and found nothing but truth. Then suddenly she felt Ranma's hand over her fisted hand as he laid his hand over hers. This time though she didn't push him away; in fact, she was happy that he was holding her hands, because it was really helping her ease the pain in her heart.

Nabiki sighed and said with a tight tone, "I am sorry, Akane. But it's like whenever I think of Kasumi, I feel so angry and frustrated all the time.."

While gripping Akane's hand, unnoticed to Nabiki; he looked at Nabiki and asked her, "I think my assumption is correct then, isn't it Nabiki?"

Nabiki smirked and nodded her head and said, " You are right, Ranma! Kasumi is Tofu's long-time crush!"

"What! Really?!" Akane asked, surprised! "But how come?!"

" You mean, Kasumi is?" Ranma asked, eyeing Nabiki closely.

Nabiki chuckled and said in an impressive tone, "You are excellent , Ranma. You understood the hidden meaning of what I said. Anyways, yes, Kasumi is his long-time crush and unknown to him, Kasumi had a crush on him too."

Akane was still in disbelief, she shook her head and asked her, "Kasumi also had crush on him? Then why did she marry that idiot then?"

Nabiki looked at them with a distant expression on her face and said, "Because Tofu has a lame brain, that's why... Sorry, I do like that guy, but because of his cowardness, Kasumi had to marry another guy. I still remember those days. They looked so happy together. Although they had been friends for years, but still Tofu always used to act crazy in front of Kasumi. Still, they managed to build up a silent relationship between them, where words didn't matter to them! Kasumi used to tell me everything! She was so happy with the little things he used to do for her. She even chose to become a nurse so that she could always stay by his side."

Akane couldn't hold it anymore as she asked her, "When did all of this happen!! What me and Akio were doing back then!! How come we don't have any clues about it!!"

Nabiki rolled her eyes and said, "You guys were right in front of them! But you guys were too lame to see the obvious!! Anyways, how are you going to find out about it? Have you ever looked up from your books to notice there are people around you!?"

Ranma laughed slightly which made Akane pout, she huffed angrily and said, "You know we were busy to get the scholarship! That was not easy at all.."

"I know!" Nabiki said and smiled at her saying, "Me and Kasumi were very proud of you two. And anyway, you guys couldn't have done anything if you knew about it! It was only at Tofu's hand to save their relationship.."

Ranma and Akane looked at each other in confusion; then turned to look at Nabiki as she started talking again,

"When father asked Kasumi to marry that guy; that same night me and Kasumi, we both went to Tofu. Kasumi literally bagged him to confess his feelings for her, but that idiot remained silent. Kasumi wanted to confess to him first, but she couldn't do it. The way she saw him silently standing there, broke her completely and made her stop confessing her feelings for him. She fully gave up hope of hearing him saying anything to her. But still she gave him a chance. She gave him time, and told him if he didn't confess to her she would do what Father was asking her to do. I also requested him and warned him, but that idiot stood like a statue and all he did was cry like a baby.

The day came, when he had to confess to Kasumi. She waited for him all day long, but that idiotic person didn't come. I was so shocked when I saw Kasumi returning home with a broken state, I immediately went out to search for him; but he left…That DUMB IDIOTIC person FLED from the spot..! The next day, before I could get a chance to fix anything, Kasumi said yes to the marriage and things happened the way it happened…"

Nabiki paused and balled her fists tightly. Ranma noticed the sisters then. Both looked so depressed and vulnerable at that time.. Akane gave a shaky breath and asked her,

"But why did he do that, Nabiki? If he loves my sister then.."

"Because of our father.."

"Huh!? What?!" Akane whispered in complete disbelief.

Nabiki greeted her teeth and said, "What do you think sis? Why I am so angry at our father! Why do I want to punish him for? You know why I married Kuno? Because he helped me in every situation. And he also helped me to track down Tofu as well! When I found him though, he was in a devastated state. He stopped practicing and started living an isolated life with his family. At first I didn't want to meet him because I was so angry at him! But when I saw the incident with Kasumi; when you guys took her back home; I went to Tofu to ask him why he ruined my sister's life! And there he told me the truth. He told me that he wanted to tell Kasumi about his feelings, but father stopped him. Our father begged him to give up on Kasumi and to let her marry that guy. Because our father didn't want to miss the chance to fulfill his dream. That's why Tofu left without telling her anything!"

"No!" Akane whispered in disbelief, she hastily laid her hand over Nabiki's hand and asked in a tear-streaked tone, "Please Nabiki, please tell me this is not true.."

Nabiki blinked her eyes and gave a long sigh. She held Akane's hand and said, "It is true, Akane. And that's the reason why I became so angry at father and married Kuno."

"Then why you hadn't said it to Oneechan! If she would know that then maybe she won't be upset at you anymore!"

Nabiki shook her head and said, "Akane, you know our father is a good man! God knows how that man manipulated him which made him do such things! Maybe his patience has broken all the limits thats why Father did what he did! Anyways, I don't want to blame anyone anymore. And I definitely don't want Kasumi to find out about what Father did! I don't want her to hate our father, Akane.." Akane sniffed and nodded her head. Nabiki smiled at her and looked at Ranma and said, "Ranma, I hope you understand why it's important to keep it a secret. You won't say it to Kasumi, right?"

Ranma quickly shook his head, his heart still beating painfully because this is the first time he has ever felt so many emotions running through his mind all at once. He was feeling devastated by the revelation, he was worried about how Akane would take it, and he was also awe by their strong mindset and the way they are handling their situations! And he thought his life was unfair to him.. But after hearing this….

Nabiki took a long breath and said in a more loud voice,

"Chill sis!! As I said, I am happy with Kuno! Maybe at the beginning I did it because of another reason; but now, I really do love this guy! You know Ranma, my husband is usually so calm and composed around the girls! But whenever he sees my little sister, he flips out and I see the most perverted part of him!"

Nabiki started laughing hard, which made Akane moan in annoyance. She moved her hand from the table and said,

"You should scold your husband for doing that, you know!"

"But why?" Nabiki shrugged her shoulders and said, "It's not a big deal, Akane! You are the one who needs to be changed! You are too sensitive, my God!"

Akane rolled her eyes at her and said, "Maybe not for you, but it is a big deal for me! You know I am not that comfortable with boys."

Nabiki eyed Ranma meaningfully and said, "Oh really? Then I think you should start looking for a boyfriend, Akane! I am sure he could teach you to be comfortable in many ways!"

"Keep quiet, Nabiki!!" Akane looked at Ranma and at that exact moment he also looked at her. Both blushed, got nervous and quickly looked away from each other.

Nabiki chuckled and said in a playful tone, "You can also accept the proposal that Kuno had given you. Kuno would be so thrilled if you say yes to that guy.."

"What!" Akane asked in disbelief, "Are you talking about that.."

"Nabiki.." Ranma interrupted them and said in a tightly controlled tone, "What should we do about oneechan? We just can't let them stay like this forever?"

"What about them, Ranma?" Akane asked, not sure.

Ranma looked at her and said, "We need to think of a plan to get them together, Akane."

"Get them together?!" Akane asked hopefully, "Is that even possible?"

Nabiki was enjoying every part of this interaction! It didn't go unnoticed to Nabiki how he changed the subject so quickly. She smirked to herself and decided to return to the topic of Kasumi for the time being, "It is indeed possible, if they still feels the same way for each other."

Akane looked at her and asked her in an impatience manner, "But how are we going to find out about it? Kasumi always get angry if I mention Tofu's name and Dr Tofu is so hard to predict as well!!"

"I know sis.. But we do need to find out about this if we really want to help them. The question is, are you willing to help them and take the risk?"

Akane gave a nervous sigh and said in a shaky tone, "I am not sure! I am …."

"I will help you guys! Don't worry!" Ranma said, nodding his head confidently.

Nabiki looked at him deeply and said, "Are you sure, Ranma? I am asking you because, if things doesn't happen as we wish to; then maybe Kasumi won't allow you to come to Tendo house anymore! Which means you can't go to the Dojo to learn martial arts anymore. The main point is, are you willing to risk it Ranma?"

Ranma closed his eyes and then felt Akane's hand on his shoulder. He looked at her concerned-filled eyes as she said, "You don't have to do it, Ranma. You have already done a lot for us. Let me and Akio handle this."

Nabiki sighed defeatedly and said, "Then it will be a complete failure I am sure!"

"Hey!" Akane said defensively, her face blushed red as she said, " I know we didn't paid that much attention back then , but at least we can try now!"

"Akane, there is no time to try things out now! This is serious." Nabiki said with a sad sigh.

"I will help!" Ranma said, with a strong voice.

Akane looked at him and said, "But Ranma.."

"It's alright, Akane! I am ready to risk it all!" He looked back at Nabiki and said, "I may not know you guys for a long time; but I really have this feeling that I know you all for a very long time. Akane, Akio and Oneechan; they all have been so kind to me. If I don't do it now, then I don't think I could ever forgive myself. I know it's a family matter; but please let me help you. I promise I will keep everything a secret and keep every piece of information confidential."

Nabiki gave him a genuine smile and nodded her head. She stood up and walked towards him. She offered her hand to him, which he took hesitatingly as she slowly guided him to stand up. She then looked at his eyes and said with a passionate tone,

"Thank you, Ranma! I know with your help we will definitely succeed! Poor you, I wish I knew you a few years back; otherwise you wouldn't have to feel you are not part of the Tando family.." Saying that with a whispered tone, she gave a long sigh and hugged him as she laid her head on his chest.

Ranma's whole body got stiff! He started to sweat hard as he became too scared to even turn around and see Akane's reaction for this. As he kept thinking about her, he hear a loud thump from the table. He quickly looked back and saw as Akane stood up in haste, her hands over the table and she was looking down with an angry expression on her face. Then taking a long breath she declared hotly,

"We will miss our train if we don't hurry up!"

Saying that in a haste, she started walking away from that place..

"Kane wait!!" He said as he tried to break the hug, which proved to be hard for him.

"AKANE WAIT! YOU HAVE TO MET THAT GUY!! KUNO MIGHT BE WAITING FOR YOU.."

Akane stormed back towards Nabiki and slapped the table hard and said, "I am NOT going to MARRY anyone!!"

"But Akane, don't rush your decision, sis! If you minus the age fector, He is tall and handsome and not to mention a very rich guy! He is richer than Kuno, you know! You can fulfill all your dreams with him!"

Akane gave her a heated look and noticed she was still clutching onto Ranma's shirt. She gave Ranma an angry look and said, "Hear me loud and clear, Nabiki; if I can't fulfill my own dreams by myself, I don't want to see them anymore. I don't want to take any shortcuts in my life.. Take care.." Saying that she walked out from there.

Nabiki sighed and shook her head, "She could be so stubborn sometimes, Ranma honey! Sometimes so much that she doesn't even think about her own good! Well, thats Akane for you.."

"Uhhh.." Ranma forcefully pulled away from her and bent down in front of her and said, "I am so glad to meet you, Nabiki! I am sure we are going to fix this problem and we will meet soon! Thank you for your time.."

He didn't even wait for her reply; he hastily stood up and walked out from the place.

Nabiki smirked playfully and shook her head in amazement as she whisperd to herself,

"Both dummies!"

Akane huffed and puffed as she kept walking in a quick pace. After wandering alone blindly for a long time, she felt a pang of guilt in her heart for leaving Ranma behind like this. She stopped and growled angrily. As she turned to go back to the venue, her nose bumped onto a hard body; she looked up at the person and was surprised to see Ranma looking down at her with disappointment.

"So you decided to leave me with her alone, huh? How cruel, Akane. But as long as I remember I didn't leave your side when Kuno was there.."

Akane fumed angrily. She knew what Ranma was saying was true, but that didn't mean she have to agree to it infront of his face. She looked at him hard and said,

"I left because I felt that you were way too comfortable with her.." She turned around and started walking again and said, "I didn't want to break the sweet moment between you two!"

Ranma shook his head in defeat and started following her closely as he said, "I ain't enjoying anything, Akane! Stop jumping to conclusions! Nabiki is your sister, how am I going to stop her from what she was doing? I was trying to be respectful, that's all.."

Akane heard the disappointment in his tone. She peaked at him from the corner of his eyes and said nothing. After some moments of silently walking together, she stopped and held his hand to make him stop walking as well. She looked down and said with a soft whispered tone,

"I am sorry , Ranma.."

"For what?"

Akane moaned and said, "Because I left you there with her, baka!"

Ranma smirked hearing that and poked her cheek softly and said, "Its alright! Next time please don't make assumptions and wait for me.."

Akane moaned and said with a whiny tone, "I am feeling so horrible right now, Ranma! I am feeling like I am the most selfish woman in this world!"

Ranma became confused as he said, "Hey, I said it's alright! You don't have to think like that!"

Akane shook her head, her eyes getting wet with tears as she said with a shaky tone, "I was so into myself that I didn't even notice what was happening around me! If I knew about their relationship back then maybe I could have helped them somehow! But all I did was…

"Akane!" Ranma stopped her, he held her shoulder tightly and said, "You, Oneechan and Nabiki, three of you have been fighting your own battles! You guys are so strong in your own ways! And I feel so privileged to be able to meet The Tendo sisters! Please don't feel bad about anything.."

Akane chuckled while wiping her tears with her finger as she said in a playful tone,

"I bet you are more happy to meet Nabiki, Ranma honey.."

Ranma laughed and shook his head as they started to walk side by side again. Then Ranma said with a genuine tone, "I am just glad that you haven't said yes to Nabiki's proposal to marry that guy.."

Akane giggled and asked him, "Honestly, you really thought I would say yes to her?"

Ranma looked down and said in an unsure tone, "Ummm maybe because he is a rich guy. Nabiki also chose to marry a guy like him, you know!"

"For money, you mean?" Akane looked at him,but he couldn't say anything as he kept looking down, "Honestly Ranma, don't you think if I care about money I would have hung around with Ryoga more than you?"

Ranma stopped walking and looked at her. She also stopped walking, she looked at him with a smile on her face and said,

"We might be sisters, but I am not Nabiki. She was always like this. But as I said to her, I don't believe in shortcuts. And anyway I would never choose someone for money!" Akane sighed and looked up at the night sky, her eyes twinkling beautifully as she whispered softly, "I would be lying to you if I told you that I never wished to have a love in my life. I do want one, Ranma! I need one, actually..! Sometimes I feel so tired of all the hectic work I have to do! So many responsibilities burden my shoulders! Sometimes I do feel lonely. But that doesn't mean I will rush to choose a partner for me. I don't need money, I need that person beside me! I need someone who would always be there for me! I know it sounds silly, but I do wish to find someone who would cook for me, because I am horrible at it! And I also don't want him to complain about it! I want a reliable shoulder to cry on! I want warmth to help me with my sleepless nights! I want him to scold me if I am wrong; I want him to pamper me just like a child! I want to annoy him day and night; and in return I want him to love me the fullest. I want him to tell me I am beautiful in the my most horrible state! I want him to crease my hair when I come home from work, tired and broken! I want him to be supportive! I want him as my friend! I want to see my family on him.. I want him to love me for me!"

Akane looked at him, and saw him looking at her with a wondrous expression on his face. She smiled at him and said, "Sounds stupid, right? I know it's impossible to get someone like the guy I wish for, that's why I never bothered to look for one! And I am sure no money can buy this happiness! So….. I have decided to stop searching for that Mr right for me; and move on. I will love myself, I will pamper myself and I want to be capable enough to buy takeouts for myself every single day!"

She giggled saying that and started walking ahead of him. She was saying so many things to him as they kept walking together towards the station; but all Ranma could hear was the repeating words of what she told him moments ago..

Next Morning

~~~~I need someone who would always be there for me! I know it sounds silly, but I do wish to find someone who would cook for me, because I am horrible at it! And I also don't want him to complain about it! I want a reliable shoulder to cry on! I want warmth to help me with my sleepless nights! I want him to scold me if I am wrong; I want him to pamper me just like a child! I want to annoy him day and night; and in return I want him to love me the fullest. I want him to tell me I am beautiful in the my most horrible state! I want him to crease my hair when I come home from work, tired and broken! I want him to be supportive! I want him as my friend! I want to see my family on him.. I want him to love me for me!~~~~

Ranma sighed hard as he rolled over his bed. Last night Akane's words kept on repeating in his brain again and again. He couldn't even manage to sleep at all. Last night they returned home just in time! They didn't do much on their ride back home. Akane was so tired, she fell asleep on his shoulder and didn't wake up until they reached Nerima station.

Ranma woke up early that day because he was on a mission. Last night, as he kept on thinking about what Akane said to him; he made a plan to himself. And now, the time has come when he has to execute his plan!

He walked out from his room and went to the kitchen. As he thought, he found Mr Hiro preparing breakfast for them. He cleared his voice and entered the kitchen. Mr Hiro was shocked to see him there. He bowed to him and said,

"Good morning, Master! You are up early today!"

"Good morning to you too, Mr Hiro!"

"Please wait a little bit! I will quickly prepare breakfast for you!"

"Uhhh.. Mr Hiro, I need a favour from you.."

Hiro looked at him in confusion and asked him,

"What is it, Master?"

Ranma smiled and shook his head and said, "It's only Ranma, Mr Hiro! Anyways, I.. I want you to teach me how to cook.."

"Huh? But why, Ranma? I am here to cook for you!"

Ranma chuckled and said, "It's in a requirement list for something that I want.. Now tell me, would you teach me please?"

A/N: I hope you like this chapter guys! Please do write to me if you enjoyed reading it. Your reviews always make my day more beautiful. Thank you:)...