000

"Well, that was fun." Ukyou commented dryly. Which was about the only thing about her that was dry. She shook out her shirt, her jacket already hanging over the fence around the roof of Furinkan, leaving her with only her bindings to maintain her modesty.

Akane scowled, not having the same option without stripping down to bra and panties. She shivered a bit, crossing her arms as she leaned next to the door for the roof access, keeping guard. "I'm guessing we can thank the principal for the hot water in the lawn sprinklers, too."

"Did you see which way Ranchan went? Did she get hit?" Ukyou asked, hanging up her shirt and wrapping her arms around herself. The wind that had picked up had a bit of a bite to it.

"Pretty sure she dodged the sprinklers. I lost track of her when I smashed that camera in the statue outside." Akane replied. "How did we not notice he had put up those stupid things again?"

"He puts them up every other week or so. We didn't hadn't gotten around to smashing them this time." Ukyou muttered. "Probably because they hadn't started doing anything obnoxious yet."

"Remember the ones that fired Bowl-cut wigs and Buzz-cut hair caps?" Akane said, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"Yeah. Ranchan shorted them out by switching from male to female in front of them over and over." Ukyou chuckled a bit, then went silent, shooting a guilty glance at the other girl. "Look, Akane…"

"You cheated, Ukyou." Akane said, refusing to look up at the other girl. "I never kissed Ranma like that."

Ukyou scowled. "Don't start crying 'foul' on me, sugar! Or did you conveniently forget you're not engaged to Ranchan anymore?"

"That's not…!" Akane looked up, pushing away from the door to protest, then stopped and hung her head. "... That… that was a mistake."

"Yeah, just like the last time you did it?" Ukyou asked, her expression hard. "Or every time you start screaming at him that the engagement is off? You wanna lump in all the times you've called him a pervert and told him you hate him, too? Or are you still gonna stand by those?"

"That's not fair!" Akane snarled, swiping the hair with her arm. "You know what he's like! All the stupid insensitive stunts he pulls! All the times he insults my figure, or says I can't cook, or…"

"You can't cook, Akane." Ukyou cut her off sharply. "I'm not going to coddle your stupid domestic fantasy anymore, just because no one else has the guts except Ranma. You can't cook, and rather than tasting your own cooking, accepting the consequences of your mistakes, and maybe having some chance of improving, you force your toxic crap down Ranma's throat, then make it his fault when he gags!"

"Oh yeah?! What about you!?" Akane stepped forward, getting into Ukyou's face. "Giving him all that free food, pretending he's your best friend so he'll tell you all his problems…"

"I am his best friend!" Ukyou growled back.

"That wasn't a 'best friend' kiss." Akane smirked. "You keep playing up the friend card because it's all you've got. You're just fooling him into trusting you, thinking you'll support him, but it's only so you can get him for yourself! You can't accept that you've been in the Friend Zone from the start!"

Ukyou smirked. "Like you said, that wasn't a 'best friend' kiss." She leaned in nose to nose with Akane. "And Ranma kissed me back."

Akane's face twisted, hurt and rage flickering across her features. "You're lying."

"Ask your sister when you see her. She got a good look." Ukyou stepped back, turning away from the dark haired girl and stretching nonchalantly.

"You're lying!" Akane snarled. "Ranma would never…"

"Why?! Just because he never did with you!?" Ukyou whirled on Akane. "You lived with him. You had all the chances in the world to take the next step if you really wanted to. I heard about that whole 'Romeo and Juliet' thing. Tape, Akane? Was the idea of actually kissing him for real that repugnant?! Or did you just want him to think it was?"

"That's not… it wasn't…" Akane felt her anger warring with hot shame. Normally she would just get angrier to push the shame away, but… she felt something else rising when she did. Despair. Every time I get embarrassed I get angry. Every time I get angry Ranma moves away from me a little further, and this time he's not coming back! Her rancor drained, and with her only real defense against her own feelings compromised, she was left with no real choice but to actually feel what she didn't want to feel.

She wrapped her arms around herself and turned away from Ukyou, trying to hide her reaction as everything she had been cramming down with false self confidence and paving over with rage started to bubble up through the cracks. All the fear, all the insecurity, all the self-doubt. Her self confidence splintered, and she started shuddering as the weight of it all became intolerable. A tear dropped to the ground, followed by another, a gasping sob escaping her lips as she struggled and failed to hide her humiliating vulnerability from her rival.

Ukyou was hardly Akane's biggest fan, but she didn't hate the girl by any stretch, and she had had enough experience with genuine despair to recognize it when she saw it. The hardness in her eyes softened as the dark haired girl trembled and struggled to hold in her emotions. She sighed and walked over to her, gently turning her around by the shoulders and giving her a hug.

That ruptured the floodgates. Akane buried her face in Ukyou's shoulder and started bawling uncontrollably.

Ukyou patted her back, and mumbled reassuring things, and otherwise just let the girl vent it all. She had some idea what Akane was feeling, after all. Those same, scary feelings that gnawed in the back of her mind, that had bubbled up just a few minutes ago, and pushed her to do something reckless.

The flood took a few minutes to subside, with Akane unable to do more than cling to Ukyou and sob. Gradually, the sobs faded, her breathing slowing as the surge of emotions ebbed. Still, that black despair squatted in her gut like frozen lead. After a few more minutes, she spoke. "I didn't want this…"

"Didn't want what?" Ukyou asked softly, moving her hand to Akane's hair.

"I didn't want to love him. I didn't want to need him." Akane answered. "I tried to fight it. To just be okay on my own, like I always was. Then someday I forgot what that was even like. And that… that terrifies me. And so I pushed and pushed, but he was always there, and it was okay. As long as I didn't push too hard he would always come back, and as long as I didn't stop pushing I didn't have to accept that… that…" She trailed off, voice quavering. She held to Ukyou tighter.

"That you loved him." Ukyou finished for her.

Akane nodded and sniffed. "I'm so stupid! I couldn't even say it except when I was hurting him, when I was pushing him away my hardest. And… and… he didn't come back. And now I know I can't… I can't be without him… And I'm already losing him." She shuddered. "And the worst part… the worst part is I still want to push!"

Ukyou nodded silently. I stayed his 'best friend' because it was safer. More comfortable. I didn't have to be vulnerable. She took a deep breath, realizing with a little joy that she had overcome that hurdle herself in their relationship. But at the same time, she felt a pang of guilt, because the girl she was holding was paying the price.

"How are we supposed to live without him?" Akane finally said. She laughed bitterly and rested her chin on Ukyou's shoulder. "How dare he make us love him… how dare he make us need him when we'd have to do without him one day."

"He wouldn't be worth fighting so hard for if I could answer that, sugar." Ukyou replied.

Akane finally released her death grip, and Ukyou gave her a final squeeze before gently easing her off her by the shoulders. Akane smiled bashfully, and Ukyou reached up to wipe a tear from her cheek. "Look, maybe we should go talk…"

She never finished the sentence. At that moment the door slammed open, and a very wet and thoroughly enraged Tatewaki Kuno burst out onto the roof, his eyes locking onto Ukyou as the new target of his ire.

"You!" He snarled, his eyes widening. Already electricity was crackling around him.

Ukyou realized she was still in the middle of wiping away one of Akane's tears, and probably looked very much like she was cupping Akane's cheek. Uh oh.

"Not content to ensorcell the Pig-tailed girl, now you seek to slake your base and vile lusts with the beauteous Akane Tendo?!" He howled. "And you degrade her by forcing such unwanted attentions while wearing your feminine guise?! Have you no morals, deceiver!?"

"Oh for the love of…" Akane whirled on him. "Who I kiss is none of your business, Kuno! And for the record I'd much rather kiss Ukyou than you!"

Kuno took a step back. "What is this? Madness from the mouth of my love? Nay…" He clenched his fist. "The Deceiver's hold on you is stronger than I had feared!" He held up his bokken, his eyes locking onto Ukyou again. "Fear not my love! I shall smite this false angel and show you his true form!" Electricity began gathering around the end of his bokken again.

Damnit! Ukyou's battle spatula was a few feet away from her. She wasn't exactly sure what this new move of Kuno's was, but she didn't want to risk facing it unarmed. She turned and coiled, making a leap for her weapon.

Akane caught the movement in the corner of her eyes, seeing Ukyou making a diver for her battle spatula. At the same time, Kuno's bokken was engulfed in blue-white lightning. As he began his downstroke, she put two and two together. Electricity! Ukyou's spatula is metal! "UKYOU NO!"

The bolt arced and split fingers of lightning striking and electrifying the fence, the bulk of the strike going for the largest piece of metal, the spatula. There was a report like a gunshot, and Ukyou was blasted backwards by the thunderbolt, slamming into a utility shed.

"Ha! See how the foul incubus crumbles before the might of Tatewaki Kuno!" Kuno said, a maniacal look in his eyes.

"YOU BASTARD!" Akane reacted without thinking. The rage was back, but this time it wasn't there to cover anything.

Kuno saw her move, and smiled, spreading his arms wide. "Ah, yes! The spell is broken! Come to me, Akane Tendo! Together we shall…"

The first punch landed squarely in his gut, knocking his breath and words away and slamming him back against the closed door behind him.

Akane didn't give him a chance to recover. She howled, her next blow striking him in the ribs, the next in the solar plexus, the next the collarbone. Her hands started to blur as her rage fueled her strikes, pushing her faster and harder as she began to approach a fair approximation of the Kachū Tenshin Amaguriken.

Kuno wheezed as her assault denied him any air at all. She added kicks to the repertoire, pushing herself faster as she roared in rage. The frame of the metal door began to crack and warp, the hinges groaning. Kuno made a weak coughing noise as something crunched inside him, but Akane was far beyond caring at this point. She rocked back on her left foot, spun and delivered a final fierce spinning roundhouse kick to his chest. The overstressed hinges ripped free from their mounts, and the whole door popped through the ruined frame into the stairwell. It fell back with Kuno still on top of it and slid down the stairs, clattering and crashing to a stop on the floor below.

Akane panted. Her fists stung from the beating she had just delivered, her arms ached from pushing herself faster than she had ever gone. For a moment she stared, a little horrified at what she had just done, but then she heard a cough from behind her and forgot all about Kuno, turning and running over to Ukyou.

The Okonomiyaki chef was curled up on the ground. She moaned again, coughing a little, but didn't stir. Akane knelt next to her.

"Ukyou! Oh God, Ukyou!" She gently gathered the taller girl into her arms and stood. "I'll get you to Doc Tofu, just hang on, okay?" She coiled and leapt, thankful that she had bullied Genma into teaching her how to roofjump. She alighted briefly on the fence, and then with another bound was gone.

000

The quiet groundskeeper's shed rattled a bit as the lock was snapped off. The door opened, and two figures slipped inside.

"Did anyone see?" Ranma asked as he ducked inside. He was damp, back in his male form, the girl's uniform tight and ill-fitting on his larger male frame.

"No, I'm pretty sure Akane smashed the statue before you got hit." An equally damp Nabiki replied, following him and closing the door behind her. She released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, and leaned back against the door. "We should have known the Principal would have traps set up to catch you as a male on school grounds."

"Bad luck Kuno set them off." Ranma muttered. He walked over to the utility sink and turned the cold water faucet, making a face as steam rose from the sink. "Hot water in all the cold water pipes. Hula-brain really went all out this time."

"Here." Nabiki scooped up a bucket and stuck it under the tap, letting it fill just enough for the water to cover the bottom. "That should be enough, we'll just let that cool enough to trigger the change." She turned off the tap.

"Yeah, good idea." Ranma squirmed. "You have no idea how uncomfortable this is."

Nabiki patted him on the shoulder. "Come on, I'll unzip you. No point in you popping a seam trying to breathe." She pulled over a couple of crates to make some makeshift seats. She noticed something and reached behind them to tug on a strap, connected to something too heavy for her to move. "Hey, is this…"

Ranma walked over, looking at what she had found. He reached down and lifted the pack up with a grunt. "Well, whadaya know? That's where Kuno stashed Ryouga's stuff."

"See if he has a comb?" Nabiki sat down on one crate, motioning Ranma to sit on the one in front of her. "Your hair is full of glass."

Ranma sat down heavily, opening the pack and fishing around. He was briefly tempted by the clean folded clothes inside, but being a guy on school grounds would just make the whole exercise he had gone through moot. Plus that would mean wearing Ryouga's underwear, which was a level of intimacy he was not willing to share with the lost boy. He found a small grooming kit and passed it over his shoulder to Nabiki. "Uh… you don't have to, you know." He said, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish.

"Don't be stupid." Nabiki replied, fishing a comb out of the kit, then proceeding to unbind Ranma's pigtail, setting aside the whisker that had been used to tie it. "Didn't your hair used to grow like crazy when you undid your pigtail?"

"Dragon whisker expired almost six months ago." Ranma replied. "Pops was pretty heartbroken that he couldn't use it to make more of that hair growth gruel." He bowed his head a bit, submitting to her attentions as she picked out the largest pieces of glass. "So… when are you gonna yell at me?"

Nabiki sighed. "I'm not going to yell at you, Saotome." She said softly, working his hair loose, and running the comb through it, teasing out smaller pieces of glass carefully.

"That kiss wasn't what you meant and you know it. I knew it." Ranma sighed. "You don't hafta pretend you're not mad."

Nabiki blew out a frustrated breath. "Alright, fine! I'm angry." She growled and returned to brushing.

"So?" Ranma prompted.

"So I'm still not going to yell at you, Saotome." Nabiki snapped. "It wasn't your fault and… Ukyou is your fiancee. You have every right to kiss her. More than that, even. And I told you to."

He reached back, catching her hand and stopping her, turning on the crate to look at her. "You're my fiancee too, Nabiki. And… and I don't wanna think about what Akane must have felt." He looked down. "I don't… I don't think sometimes… until after, and…"

"Ranma, what were you thinking about." Nabiki asked, scowling. "When you kissed her back, I mean?"

"Nothing! I mean… I didn't mean…!" Ranma stammered, but trailed off when he saw Nabiki's expression. "... I-I mean… I… I was thinking about Ucchan. About… about how this was… was… really the first thing she had ever asked for from me. And how I didn't want to tell her 'no'. And… and after a second… I wanted to give it to her." He blushed.

Nabiki leaned in and cupped his head. "That's what you're supposed to feel when you kiss someone, Saotome. You're supposed to think of the person you're kissing." She said softly. "You did it right, and with the right person. It's not your job to take care of all the other people on the sidelines when you do it."

His eyes remained downcast. "But… I mean…" He looked into her eyes. "It was like that when I kissed you, too."

Nabiki's eyes widened a bit, and she hastily let go of his face, straightening and looking to the side, anywhere but meeting his gaze.

His eyes dropped again. "Am I just a Casanova?" He shuddered a bit. "I mean… you're supposed to only feel that way about one girl right? I felt… I felt some of that when Akane kissed me on the cheek too. I went from not feeling anything to not being able to turn it off." He clenched his fists. "What the hell is wrong with me?"

"Puberty." Nabiki said dryly. "That's… probably my fault too. I gave you the crash course." She folded her hands in her lap. "Look, Ranma… It's okay. You're still not a pervert or a Casanova. It's just…" She took a breath, trying to think how to explain it. "You've got this notion that holding hands is the same as a declaration of eternal devotion. And it's not. It's okay to hold hands, and go on dates and even get kissed and kiss back. Even if it's with different people. You're hardly the only one, you just… have terrible luck with having it all made a public spectacle." She winced again, remembering how much of that was directly her fault. "This is the time when you're supposed to do all that stuff. To kind of figure out who you fit with."

"Yeah… but… my parents…" Ranma started weakly.

"... Are an idiot, and stuck living in Feudal Japan respectively, and which one is which seems to vary from day to day!" Nabiki said sharply. She took a breath and closed her eyes, getting her sudden flare of temper under control. "I'm sorry… I didn't have any right to say that."

Ranma opened his mouth, then closed it again. He should be defending them, right? Certainly his Mom. A good son wouldn't let that kind of slur stand. Pops IS an idiot. He's got that coming, but… Mom is good right? She at least CARES. So… why aren't I saying anything? He slumped, feeling a surge of guilt. I'm being petty, just 'cause she's strict…

Nabiki pushed his shoulder. "Turn around, I'm not done with your hair yet."

"I can do the rest myself." Ranma said, reaching for the comb, but she jerked it away.

"Yes, you can. But you're not going to." Nabiki said sternly. "Now turn."

He did as he was told, feeling her come up behind him again and resume brushing. He shivered a bit… not because having her comb his hair was unpleasant, but because it altogether wasn't. It felt entirely too good, and he really didn't think it was okay for him to be feeling like that so soon after what happened with Ukyou. Or Akane.

"So… uh… how do normal people work this out?" He asked tentatively, trying to distract himself from the feel of her running her fingers through his hair. There was something very primal about being groomed he didn't want to think about right now.

"Normal people don't have arranged marriages anymore. Much less three." She scoffed. She was silent a moment, obviously thinking about it. "They date. They get awkward. They do stupid things. They break each other's hearts. They recover." She was finally satisfied all the glass was gone, and started weaving the braid again. "And eventually they figure out what they're really looking for. Usually in time for them to have grown up enough to be ready for a real adult relationship."

"You're guessing that last bit." Ranma stated astutely.

"Yes, I am." Nabiki admitted. "And… maybe not everyone manages that last bit. Or they don't figure out what they want before they decide, and make a bad decision. Like Kuno's parents. That's why this whole engagement thing is so stupid. They should have waited until we were at least through high school"

"Then we might have ended up with other people." Ranma said, twiddling his thumbs.

"Would that have been so bad? Give us a chance to work it out for ourselves. Do the arranged marriage thing if we don't find someone on our own by the time we turn 30 or something, like those marriage pacts they have in the movies between childhood friends." She tied off the end of the pigtail, giving it a gentle tug to make sure it was secure. Kasumi would probably want to redo it later, but at least she had managed to get it straight.

"What about uniting the schools?" Ranma asked.

"They're not even one generation removed from each other, and neither Daddy nor Mr. Saotome have any pupils except for you and Akane, and Happosai is the Grandmaster of both schools. They are united." Nabiki huffed. "There isn't even a separate dojo for the Saotome School, and the Tendo branch doesn't have any special moves beyond the basic teachings. It's just an excuse because they got drunk when they were young and thought it'd be neat if their kids got married so they'd have an excuse to hang out and get drunk more."

Ranma turned and looked at her. "You really don't think there's anything special about the Tendo School? Even though it's your birthright?"

"There is exactly one thing about the Tendo school that is special, and it's not the teaching of some crazed ancient lecher, or a run down old dojo." Nabiki said. "It's Akane Tendo, plain and simple. Besides her that dojo hasn't produced a single thing of worth."

Ranma quirked an eyebrow. "It produced you."

Nabiki felt her cheek grow warm, the offhanded compliment catching her off-guard. "I'm… not a martial artist."

"No, but you're one of the most formidable people I've ever met." He gave her a lopsided grin and stood, walking over to the bucket and sticking his finger in. "I think it's cool enough now." He picked it up and dumped it over his head, the water in the bucket just enough to wet his hair, but it was enough to trigger the change.

"So, wanna get out of here?" Ranma grinned over her shoulder at Nabiki, reaching back to readjust her bra and zip up her dress.

"I… Yeah… sure, one minute." Nabiki shook the stunned expression off her face and stood up, walking over to the door. "Stand back, if the Principal is out there with a hot water gun or something it's better if he hits me with it than you."

"Careful, it could be really hot." Ranma said. "Like, scalding."

"Good point." Nabiki reached into her pocket and pulled out a compact instant camera, tossing it to Ranma. "If he soaks me, snap a pic. If someone can win a million dollars over accidentally spilled hot coffee, imagine what I'd be able to get for intentionally scalding a student with a pre-meditated water hose?"

"That doesn't stop you getting burned!"

"Burns heal, and a hundred million yen would be a terrific anaesthetic." Nabiki replied, cracking the door open. She peered out, but didn't see anyone. She sighed in disappointment and motioned for Ranma to follow. "Coast is clear."

"You actually sound unhappy 'bout that." Ranma muttered. "You are a weird girl, Nabiki."

They stepped out blinking into the daylight. After her eyes adjusted, Nabiki could see a number of fire trucks parked on the street outside the school, and students milling about in the courtyard.

"Looks like they evacuated the school." Ranma said. "Don't see any sign of Pineapple head."

"Well, the school electric system blows out, and the sprinkler system goes off. Not to mention they're going to find the sprinkler system got tampered with to connect it to the hot water boilers. I imagine Principal Kuno has a lot of explaining to do, and a lot of paperwork to fill out. Doubt they'll let any students back into the school today." Nabiki smirked. "Bet the fines are going to sting."

"Do you see Ukyou or Akane out there?" Ranma asked, peering around as she stepped out of the shed. She had Ryouga's backpack slung over her shoulder.

Nabiki shook her head. "I really hope Kuno didn't catch up with them."

"Hey, what's that?" Ranma pointed into the crowd as a stretcher was brought out from the school.

They walked to the edge of the crowd, trying to get a look at who was being wheeled out on the stretcher. For a moment, Nabiki was worried it would be Akane or Ukyou, but then suddenly an arm emerged from the covering sheet, clutching the splintered remains of a bokken.

"I YET STAND!" Kuno announced, before the ruined bokken slipped from his grasp as he passed out once more.

"Well… I guess that answers whether he ran into Ukyou and Akane." Nabiki said dryly.

"I don't see any more stretchers, so I guess they managed to deal with his new technique okay…" Ranma said, though there was an edge of uncertainty in her voice. Her thoughts dwelt on how much metal Ukyou typically had on her person.

"We should probably make ourselves scarce before someone thinks to start asking us questions about what happened." Nabiki said. She turn and took Ranma's arm, guiding her away.

"We headed back home?" Ranma asked.

Nabiki shook her head, taking a deep breath. "No. I need to talk with the Amazons about all this. We don't need Shampoo popping up at the dojo and blowing your cover with your parents."

Ranma winced. Nabiki could tell how much she disliked keeping secrets from her mother. "Yeah… I guess."

"We also need to tell her you kissed Ukyou."

"WHAT?!" Ranma gaped at Nabiki, aghast.

000

Akane landed a bit heavily outside the clinic, stumbling a bit. She wasn't used to carrying someone while roofjumping, and Ukyou was still a limp, dead weight. She ran up to the door and threw it open, almost causing it to jump off its tracks. "Doctor Tofu!"

The young doctor emerged from his back room immediately. "What is all this commotion… Akane?" He saw the distraught girl carrying the okonomiyaki chef and his eyes narrowed as his professional instincts took over. "In here." He stepped back into the back room and waved Akane to bring Ukyou in waving her to lay her down on one of the beds as he wheeled over a cart of instruments. "What happened."

"It was some kind of new attack from Kuno. Like a bolt of lightning from his sword." Akane hiccuped. "She hasn't woken up yet. I rushed her directly here."

"You did the right thing." Tofu said. He opened one of her eyes, shining a light into it, checking for reaction." Did she take a blow to the head?"

Akane nodded. "She was knocked back when the bolt hit her spatula. It threw her into the roof shed."

"Tell me about this attack of Kuno's." Tofu said, continuing his examination. He checked her hands, noting the burns on the palms. He gently starting probing her chi flows with his fingers, feeling the disruptions, especially around the back of the skull.

"It's… it's not like any I've seen before. It isn't like the Mōko Takabisha or Shishi Hōkōdan or any of the others ones I've seen. It was electrical… seemed to be drawn to metal." She watched him work, wringing her hands.

"Did you smell ozone when he used it?" Tofu asked. He pressed a few pressure points on Ukyou's neck and chin, redirecting her chi flows and trying to restore order to chaotic aura.

"Yes! Yers I did… that's what made me think we should avoid metal, but before I could warn Ukyou…" She looked at him. "You know what it is?"

"I might." Tofu replied. "If I'm right, it's a gross misuse of the technique. Fortunately, I don't think Ukyou took the worst of it. Most of the damage was caused by the bump on the head." He stepped back and adjusted his glasses. "She appears to have a concussion, which is the worst of her injuries, and some minor burns on her hands." He looked at Akane. "Does she have any family or next of kin?"

Akane considered. There's Konatsu… but I don't know how to contact him. Same with Ukyou's parents. "None that I know how to reach quickly." She admitted.

Tofu nodded. "Would you be willing to stay until she wakes? Concussion victims need to be monitored for 24 hours after the injury, particularly if it results in unconsciousness." He brought over another wheeled table with some gauze and salve. "Her chi flows look strong, so I don't believe she's in any danger, but she is likely going to be disoriented when she wakes up, and I'm afraid Ms. Kuonji doesn't know me terribly well." He started treating the burns on her palms.

"I… of course!" Akane nodded.

He smiled. She blushed a little, echos of her old crush on him resurfacing. "Great! I haven't had an assistant since that Shampoo girl was working here." He sighed. "I hear she's working in a restaraunt now. A shame. It's a real waste of talent."

Akane blinked. "Talent?"

He nodded as he carefully applied the salve, then started to loosely wrap the hands to protect them. "Oh yes. Her knowledge of herbalist remedies and chi flows was most impressive. Moreover, she had a real knack of pressure points and acupuncture." He shook his head. "I suppose that's part of what she was taught back home, but it seems such a waste to see it used on pointless battles."

"I doubt she sees it that way. Or her Great-Grandmother." Akane muttered.

Tofu finished one hand, then moved to the other. "Yes. The Amazon Way. Shampoo told me a little of them while she was here." He shook his head. "Shortsightedness, pushing for more warriors without concern of where they will find the healers to mend them after their hunt for 'glory' leaves them broken and bleeding."

Akane cocked her head. She had never heard the normally soft-spoken doctor talk so sharply on a topic. "I think her Great-Grandmother wouldn't agree with you."

Tofu sighed. "The Full-Body Cat Tongue. I remember her." He shook his head. "Far be it for me to question an elder, but… as a physician I take issue with her methods." He finished with the bandages. "She should wake up soon, but until then we need to keep an eye out for any worsening of her condition, such as seizures or fever. I'll watch her for now if you want to go give your family a call and let them know you'll be here, and I'll set up the other cot for you to use tonight." He stood. "Normally I'd call for an ambulance to take her to the hospital for observation, but I get the feeling that would bring up more questions than you'd be comfortable with?"

Akane blushed, remembering the rage she had felt as she had laid into Kuno… and feeling something… maybe several somethings… break inside him under her fists. "Y-yeah, that'd be best for now."

"Good, now before you make your call, let me see your hands."

"My hands…?" Akane glanced at her hands, seeing her knuckles were abraded, bruises starting to show. She self consciously tucked them behind her. "My hands are fine."

He gave her a stern look until she caved, presenting her hands like a guilty child. He took them with a gentle grip, turning them over in his own larger hands.

Akane blushed. Digging up her old feelings about Dr Tofu was not something she wanted to do right now.

"You've been training. A lot." He muttered. "Callouses on the knuckles, yet you still did this much damage." He didn't meet her eyes as she took out a bottle of antiseptic, dipping a cotton swab into it. "Will I be seeing Kuno soon?"

Anyone else would have taken that to assume he meant to treat injuries, but Akane knew he was asking if Kuno had survived. She had known what she was doing, strikes intended to do as much damage as possible. She wasn't hitting to incapacitate. "He was breathing." She said softly. "The fire department was already there because of him setting off the sprinklers."

"I see." Tofu replied, and said no more on it. He finished treating the abrasions, then pressed a few points on the back of her hands, and the palms. "There. That should promote blood flow and keep it from bruising too badly. Try not to hit anything for a few hours. Now, go call your family."

000

"Look Ranma, you remember how Ukyou freaked out when Akane gave you a peck on the cheek." Nabiki said. "You don't honestly think Shampoo won't find out about your kiss with Ukyou? The entire school saw it!"

"Yeah, but…" Ranma sighed in frustration. "Isn't there any other way?"

The old Nabiki would have leapt at the chance to profit a little from the flustered Redhead. In fact, something like this could have allowed her to keep Ranma on a leash pretty much indefinitely. She idly wondered how she had gotten from that Nabiki to the one who was following Ranma cleaning up all her 'whoopsies' like a dog owner at the dog park. "Ranma, trust me… She will be mad, she will be hurt, there will be consequences… but they'll be a lot less if you admit it to her yourself, rather than her finding out through the grapevine and having to confront you."

"And you'll back me up, right?" Ranma asked hopefully.

"Absolutely not." Nabiki replied. "I'm helpful. Not suicidal."

"You are so uncute…" Ranma muttered, unconsciously slipping into an old pattern.

Nabiki smirked. She caught Ranma by the shoulder, turning her, and before she could protest she firmly backed her up against the wall, stepping right into her personal space and tilting the redhead's chin up with the light pressure of her finger. She was rewarded with a sharp intake of breath, wide eyes, and a rapidly deepening blush.

She leaned in close, so that their noses almost touched, and Ranma could feel the warmth of her breath as she whispered. "You are such a terrible liar, Saotome."

She then stepped away and continued on her path as if nothing happened.

Ranma closed her eyes and shuddered. "That's… that's super not fair, Nabiki." She pushed off the wall and sullenly followed after her.

Nabiki turned, walking backward, smirking, enjoying the feeling of getting some of her own back. "What isn't fair? That I teased you?" She winked. "Or that I didn't follow through?"

"Not follow through on what, Nabiki Tendo?"

Nabiki blinked and looked up. Above her, perched on a signpost and peering down at her curiously was the lavender haired amazon, her bright reddish eyes wide with almost feline curiosity.

"Yaaaaaa!" Nabiki yelped and toppled over backwards.

Shampoo blinked, then looked up and spotted her prey. "Ranma!" She sprung from the signpost, bowling over the girl in a flying glomp.

"Ack! No, Shampoo!" Ranma wriggled and struggled, but Shampoo had long ago mastered the art of holding onto the slippery Saotome, and wasn't about to let her go, especially with no Akane in sight to ruin it by hitting her Àirén.

Nabiki grumbled, dusting herself off. I'm not dead, so I guess Shampoo didn't catch my little tease. She thought, breathing a sigh of relief. She saw Ranma struggling and sighed, walking over to provide assistance.

Ranma looked up to see Nabiki approaching, though she stopped a few feet away. Close enough for her to see her mouth the words 'Hug her back'

Ranma blushed. She honestly would have preferred if Nabiki had just hit her, as was the standard way to pry Shampoo off of her. Timidly, she put her arms around the excited amazon and awkwardly squeezed back.

Shampoo immediately seemed to melt in her arms. As soon as there was the security of being held in return, she relaxed, somehow fitting herself even closer to the redhead than should have been possible with them both being girls.

Ranma flushed deep red as she suddenly became aware of far too many interesting things about Shampoo's anatomy. With how her hormones had been carbonated today, she could already feel her female body responding in ways she's wasn't really ready to deal with. Oh, yeah… thanks Nabiki… this is MUCH worse…

But the discomfort had only just begun, as the contented Amazon started to make a sound that was an entirely too accurate reproduction of a purr.

Ranma immediately stiffened, the blush on her cheeks vanishing as all the blood drained from her face.

Nabiki sighed and walked the rest of the way over, squatting next to them. She poked the back of Shampoo's head gently. "Shampoo? Free advice, so take it for what it's worth, but… You probably shouldn't purr while hugging the ailurophobic."

"Mmmm?" Shampoo looked up at Nabiki, then back at Ranma, who was stiff as a board and twitching. "Ah! Mercenary Girl make good point. Wǒ hěn bàoqiàn wǒ de ài." She reluctantly disentangled herself from the redhead.

"Guh… N-no… no p-problem… Shampoo…" Ranma managed, still twitching, staring ahead sightlessly.

"Àirén come to date Shampoo?"

Ranma snapped back to herself, ready to snap out her usual vehemently negative response to that, but she paused, for the moment noticing the look in the girl's eyes.

Shampoo's expression was earnest. Hopeful. How many times has she asked me that with that same expression? After I had turned her down so many times? Ranma though, feeling a big ball of guilt crawl it's way into her throat. "Umm… We'll… we'll talk about that, okay?"

"Aiyaaah!" Shampoo giggled and bounced back, like a child at Christmas. That just made the guilt worse. Ranma picked herself up and hung her head. This is going to suck. Thanks again, Nabiki.

"We actually need to talk to you and your Grandmother about some stuff going on at school Ranma could use some help with." Nabiki said. "Do you have a few minutes?"

"Is slow time in restaurant. Not yet dinner rush. Good time to talk!" Shampoo nodded. She looped her arm through Ranma's, then noticed paused, giving her a once over. "Why Ranma dressed as girl today?"

Ranma sighed. "It's… part of the problem I'm having." Ranma said. "I'll explain inside."

000

True to her word, the restaurant was empty at this time of day. Shampoo had been quick to summon her great grandmother, and the ancient amazon matriarch had seemed to be bemused by Ranma's current attire. After whipping Ranma up a ramen (And as an afterthought one for Nabiki, which was nice as they had missed lunch) they listened patiently as Ranma laid out the story, with interjections and additions by Nabiki.

"So… The principal has challenged son-in-law, and the prize is his very manhood itself. At least as far as school is concerned." Cologne croaked, perched on her cane as she sipped at a cup of tea. "Hardly a serious matter, but a fun distraction I suppose."

Nabiki's eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward. "With all due respect, Elder, I think the matter is more serious than you give it credit for."

"Kuno is a buffoon. He'll get distracted by a coconut soon enough and likely forget this matter." Cologne replied dismissively.

"He's not the concern. Himura Tanaka is." Nabiki insisted.

"The ambitious girl with aspirations of olympic glory? Heh…" Cologne muttered, taking another sip from her cup.

"The ambitious girl with connections to the Triad." Nabiki corrected.

She had to admit to some satisfaction to seeing Cologne choke on her tea a bit.

"... Explain." Cologne coughed lightly into a handkerchief, fixing her eyes on Nabiki.

Nabiki felt the full weight of that scrutiny come down on her. The force of Cologne's full attention was… oppressive to say the least. The woman was not to be trifled with. But… this was the arena of Nabiki's art. Even if she was facing a grand master, what sort of Tendo would she be if she backed down from a challenge? She smirked and sat back a bit, relaxing her posture consciously, radiating confidence as she crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. "Normally that kind of premium information would have a price tag, Honored Elder." She said, quickly holding up a hand to forestall a protest. "But I'm aware we are soliciting assistance here, and so openness is important. Wouldn't you say?"

"Yes…" Cologne grated, her eyes narrowing.

Nabiki felt that invisible pressure increase. It was… terrifying. Of course the woman was a skilled martial artist, and could snap Nabiki's neck faster than she anyone could respond to. But more than that, she had 300 years of experience in leadership, scheming and maneuvering in a society that had no tolerance for weakness. She could already tell the woman was probing her for chinks in her armor, and would inevitably find them. She wouldn't tolerate Nabiki having such an advantage for long. She would have to give the woman what she sought, but carefully. If she didn't play to Cologne's expectations of her, poisoned her information it with uncertainty or suspicion, the elder amazon would like start digging deeper than she was comfortable with. She was fending off a much stronger opponent, so her only choice was to give ground, but to do it in a controlled fashion so she didn't end up on her rear.

Outwardly she betrayed none of this as she adopted her most businesslike smile - something with a lot of teeth. "I'll be frank, my information is hearsay at best but the source is reputable, a reporter at a local paper who owed me a few favors. But, by its very nature, if it was more than hearsay there wouldn't be a problem." She sighed. "Himura Tanaka is the granddaughter of Kazuya Tanaka, CEO and majority shareholder of Tanaka Pharmaceuticals, a company that has been shadowed by the authorities for years for suspicion of connections to Yakuza and Triad drug trafficking operations, specifically in the production and distribution of methamphetamines and other performance enhancing drugs." She crossed her arms. "After two decades, nothing has been linked, and anyone in Japan who has pursued the case has either been disgraced, transferred to other cases, or mysteriously disappeared; and there are rumors of similar happenings in any other countries they have dealings with. I am sure you can see the problems someone with connections like that can pose should they decide they want something." Nabiki closed her eyes, and focused on her breathing and heartrate as she waited for the inevitable questions.

"And what she wants is son-in-law." Cologne replied.

Nabiki opened her eyes and met Cologne's. Internally it made her shrivel; She could feel those ancient eyes searching hers, probing, judging. "She doesn't want him." Nabiki clarified. "She wants her." She flicked her eyes to Ranma in her female form. "The entire situation with the Principal I believe was just to get Ranma's paperwork altered to allow her to compete on Himura's behalf in the women's league."

"You don't believe she will honor the agreement with son-in-law." Another statement, rather than a question.

Nabiki sighed, allowing some of her nervous energy to be released as an expression of frustration. I'm leaking information like a sieve. She's just confirming what she already knows at this point. "I don't believe she will, no. She has already indicated she has sufficient material to bring real legal charges against Ranma based around the unforgiving assessment the authorities are likely to have of his misadventures, as well as his… tendency to impersonate a female to gain access to places like the girl's changeroom, women's side furo… actions that could be mistaken as… 'predatory'." Nabiki felt a twinge as she caught Ranma wincing out of the corner of her eye. The whole 'pervert' accusation was still a tender topic. Moreso now that Ranma was starting to realize it was a lot more serious accusation to make.

"I care little for Japanese laws, and less for their coddling of 'social norms'." Cologne replied haughtily. "Son-in-law will return with us to China, at which point such charges would be moot."

"Really? Ever wonder how difficult it is to get someone with an open sex offender case out of the country?" Nabiki leaned forward. Cologne's disdain for Japanese laws had given her an opening, and she intended to press the advantage. "Or how well the extradition laws between China and Japan work?" She forced herself to meet and hold those ancient eyes.

She saw something that looked almost like respect flicker through them. "You… may have a point." Cologne grudgingly agreed. "Then it would seem that the primary obstacle is this Himura."

"Shampoo can fix." The lavender haired Amazon grinned and cracked her knuckles. "Obstacles are for killing."

Nabiki glanced at her, then back to Cologne. "I presume you understand why that would be a mistake?" Nabiki promoted the elder.

"The Triad, yes." Cologne sighed. "They are… a problem. Even for us." She reached out and touched Shampoo's shoulder. "Do not act hastily, child. You will need to learn that not all problems can be solved by force."

Shampoo scowled. "Other ways to deal with. Can use Xi Fa Xiang Gao."

"That's actually probably our best bet." Nabiki agreed, remembering the memory erasing shiatsu technique that had once been used on her sister. "But until we know who might notice her memory has changed, and how they might react, we should avoid using it. We'd likely only have one opportunity to get it right before larger forces get involved."

"Then what would you have us do, child?" Cologne croaked, growing impatient.

Nabiki relaxed a bit. She had made her point and they were willing to listen for now. "For now, Ranma needs safe spaces. Unfortunately her mother has… forbidden her from observing the primary condition of the challenge, namely attending school as a girl, as that would be 'unmanly'. However, the primary edict of the Saotome School of Martial Arts requires she accept all challenges, which her mother also expects her to observe."

"That no make sense." Shampoo said, looking confused. "How Ranma take challenge without following rules of challenge?"

"Given the man she married, such logic makes perfect sense." Cologne snorted. She held up a hand to counter Ranma's protest. "Peace, son-in-law. You cannot deny your family has a tendency to place contradictory responsibilities upon your shoulders. How many fiancees has your fool of a father saddled you with?"

"Forty-seven." Ranma muttered, reluctantly forced to concede the point.

"Forty-eight, Ranma." Nabiki reminded her, earning a halfhearted glare from the redhead. "Needless to say, something has to give. So it would be helpful if Ranma could stash a change of clothes here, as well as relying on you for discretion when it comes to what is said to her parents?"

"Is that all?" Cologne smiled. "And with all this seriousness I thought you were going to ask something of actual consequence from us. Son-in-law is welcome here whenever he likes, and of course we will be discreet with his plans."

"We too-too happy to help!" Shampoo beamed.

"We… might need more help, depending on how this plays out." Nabiki cautioned. "For now, we just need more information. But I would like it if Shampoo could keep in touch with us. Say… a standing lunch order from the Nekohanten?"

"I'll see Shampoo is there with your delivery. Hot and fresh a soon as the lunch bell rings." Cologne smirked. She hopped off the table and pogo'd away. "I sense you kids have some things to discuss amongst yourselves. I'll see myself out."

Shampoo blinked, then glanced at Nabiki and Ranma.

Nabiki glanced at Ranma and sighed. Of course. Ranma would be an open book to her. She was reading him this whole time. I might as well not have bothered with my game face at all.

Ranma stood up, self-consciously brushing off her skirt. "C'mon, Shampoo. Let's go outside. I've… uhh… got some stuff to talk about." She shot a glance at Nabiki, then slunk out the door as Shampoo glomped her arm.

"A moment, Nabiki Tendo." Cologne's voice came from behind her. Nabiki froze, then turned.

The old woman was perched on her cane a few feet away, but Nabiki felt like she was nose to nose, being scrutinized. Here it comes…

"There is something about this matter that I do not understand." She narrowed her eyes. "You."

Nabiki took a breath. She knew this question was coming. "You mean, 'what is my angle'?"

"To put it simply? Yes." Cologne replied. "You have been notable to me only in your consistency, Nabiki Tendo. Regardless of the situation, your first response has invariably been to discover how best to profit from it. This has even been at the expense of your own family, when it suited your ends. Until now."

Nabiki smirked. Too easy, Cologne. "And that's true, and I imagine my angle would be clearer had I seen fit to give you the whole story."

Cologne narrowed her eyes. "And…?"

"And… Doing so would expose my own interests, which would weaken my position. Something which I have very little incentive to do." Nabiki maintained her smirk. Oh, she could feel the menace from the woman now, but this was more familiar territory. She examined her nails disinterestedly.

"Pfeh." Cologne spat, then hopped over, producing a small envelope from her robes and handing it over. "I trust this will be sufficient incentive?"

Nabiki didn't have to fake the smirk anymore. And got you. She accepted the envelope, opening it to find a number of bills. Around 50,000 yen at first glance. She gave a theatrical sigh. "Ms. Himura hasn't just been causing problems for our dear Ranma. She's saw fit to undermine and cripple my entire operation, including using her business contacts to confiscate property I had in secure storage, records… essentially stealing everything I had built over the last few years out from under me." She scowled, and again, she didn't need to fake the ice in her stare, or her heart as she spoke of it. "Allowing the matter to stand in any form is… unacceptable."

"Ah." The pressure from Cologne immediately receded as she received an answer that satisfied her. "Now it makes sense. Revenge."

"Not just revenge. Allowed to continue, Himura would undoubtedly prove an obstacle to my future plans, as I'm obviously on her radar." Nabiki smirked. "And obstacles are for killing. In a manner of speaking." She sighed airily. "And by assisting Ranma pro bono, as well as any others who might be interested in crossing Ms. Himura, I keep their rancor nicely focused on her."

Cologne chuckled. "I see. I didn't realize you had such a vindictive streak, Nabiki Tendo."

"Oh, I don't." Nabiki replied. "I'm simply collecting my payment. She co-opted my entire operation, and regardless of what she or her cronies think, it is still mine. They're merely leasing it. The rent is not cheap, and the interest is compounding quickly." She locked eyes with Cologne. "And this time, I am making an exception to my usual policy and taking payment in flesh, rather than cash. Call it… sending a message to anyone else who thinks it's wise to deal with me so… casually."

Cologne cackled. "And there is the Nabiki Tendo I know. Though perhaps I misjudged how nuanced you can be." She shook her head. "I think I will enjoy your little caper. Just be careful. I can shield Son-in-law from repercussions should the Triad become involved… but that is all. Understand?"

"Trust me. I know enough to know when I am out of my depth." Nabiki turned. "I'll keep you posted as things develop." She headed out the door, giving the old woman a careless wave as she stepped out. "Thank you for the meal, by the way."

Nabiki managed to maintain her composure as she left, and as she walked down the sidewalk and got around the corner of the building. Then she ducked around it, leaned against the wall and clutched her chest, taking a deep breath.

She closed her eyes, taking a minute to regain her composure, quieting her breathing and regaining her center. I don't think there's a boardroom meeting in Japan that will faze me after that.

She opened her eyes and pushed off the wall. It was time to see how Ranma was doing. She walked along the street towards the vacant lot that the local martial artists tended to use for privacy.

She was still a block away when she heard the slap.

000

Ranma lead Shampoo to the empty lot, trying to run through how she was going to explain things to the Amazon. She stole a glance at her, as she hold onto her arm, eyes closed as she allowed herself to be lead, just enjoying being with her Àirén.

She really just… likes being around me, doesn't she? She thought guiltily. Why didn't I notice it?

You did. Some small voice said to her. You always knew. Why do you think you freaked out when that Reversal Jewel thing happened? You enjoy the attention, just like Akane said. You just never admitted it before.

She sighed and slumped more. I retrospect a lot more of Akane's barbs were on the mark than she was really comfortable with. Self-awareness kinda sucked.

She stopped as they got to the empty lot. Shampoo gave her a quizzical look and released her arm. "What is it Àirén?"

Ranma took a deep breath. "A… lot of stuff happened at school today. I thought… it'd be better if I just told you about it rather than you hearing about it second hand." She bowed her head. "When school started today, I found Akane's lost pet pig, P-chan."

"You mean, you find stupid lost boy Ryouga in curse form." Shampoo corrected, crossing her arms and smirking.

Ranma blushed a bit. "Well, yeah, but 'Kane doesn't know that. S-so… I gave him back to her. She… uh… she thanked me…"

"Good!" Shampoo's smiled widened. "Maybe she marry Pig-idiot and stay out of Shampoo hair!"

"... And she kissed me." Ranma finished. "O-on the cheek!" She quickly corrected. She looked up to gauge the reaction.

Shampoo was glowering. She closed her eyes, then harrumphed. "Is no matter. Knowing violent girl, probably giving Kiss of Death." She cocked head. "Was at school, so was girl side, yes?"

Ranma nodded slowly. "Yeah, been a girl all day."

"Then definitely Kiss of Death." She smirked. "Maybe Akane not make such bad Amazon. Too-too much pride though."

"Yeah, well, Ukyou didn't see it the same way." Ranma continued. "She got pissed."

Shampoo stepped forward. "Spatula girl no hurt, yes?" She asked, looking genuinely concerned. "Not understand custom. Get wrong idea."

And Akane had the RIGHT idea? Ranma didn't point this out, not wanting to give Shampoo more reasons to be mad. "Yes, well… She got mad, but she didn't hurt me…" She blushed. "She… uh…" She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "She decided she wanted her own kiss as compensation, except it wasn't a kiss on the cheek, and the whole school saw it." She said quickly, and braced.

Nothing happened.

Ranma waited a few more moment, aware that such things were sometimes delayed, but nothing. Tentatively, she relaxed and opened an eye. Maybe she isn't mad?

Shampoo was glowing. Literally. Her battle aura was flaring visibly around her, like pale blue flame flickering around her form. Her eyes were shadowed, but Ranma got the impression if she could see them, they'd be red and glowing.

Well, I had a good run, I guess. She thought, stiffening as the Amazon took a couple of steps closer.

"Did you kiss her back?"

Ranma took a second. It didn't sound like Shampoo talking at all. Her voice was low, tight. The usual bubbly inflection was gone.

Ranma wanted to lie. Part of her knew Shampoo wanted her to lie. It would have been so easy to lie…

"Yeah… I… yes I did." Ranma replied softly, dropping her eyes. Her posture relaxed and her shoulders slumped.

The slap snapped her head to the side. Ranma didn't resist or try and roll with it. It hurt, but part of her didn't think it had hurt enough. That ball of guilt in her gut had grown spikes, and was starting to twist.

"You love her?" Shampoo asked softly, in that same low, dangerous voice. "You with her now?"

Ranma's head drooped back into place, her eyes on the ground. She felt the sting in her cheek, the heat that indicated it was probably going to leave a mark. Her vision blurred. "I don't know." She admitted softly. "I'm more confused now." She clenched her fists. "I… I know it would be better if I could just decide, but…" Her hands relaxed and she closed her eyes again. "I'm sorry. I know that's not good enough."

She expected the next blow would hurt a lot more, but wasn't bracing for it. She refused to. She was a bit surprised when she felt gentle hands on either side of her face, coaxing her to look up.

Shampoo's eyes were wet, but she had a smile on her face. Her face was only inches from Ranma's. "'Not know' is good enough answer. Is mean Shampoo still can have hope. Is mean even kiss not enough to make Àirén forget Shampoo." She brushed her thumb across Ranma's cheek, wiping away an errant tear. "Is for Shampoo, yes?"

Ranma nodded slightly, struggling to keep more from joining it, and failing. No, hit me! She screamed internally. Hurt me! I can deal with that! Don't… don't… The ball of guilt was spinning and writhing now, twisting and churning her insides.

Shampoo seemed determined to defy Ranma's wishes, however, and instead pulled the smaller redhead into a hug. Not the usual Amazon glomp; This was gentle, reassuring, and utterly devastating.

Men amongst men don't cry! Men amongst men don't cry! Men… I'm not a man right now! Ranma wrapped her arms around Shampoo. For once, she was the one clinging. She shuddered and buried her face in the amazon's shoulder. "I'm sorry… I don't… I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what I'm feeling…"

Shampoo gently pushed her back a bit by the shoulders. "Shampoo know. Know same feeling. But Shampoo know what it means. Knows why Àirén's heart hurts. Because Àirén loves. That enough now for Shampoo. That give hope." She smiled. "That and one other thing." She cupped Ranma's cheek and leaned in.

The kiss wasn't sudden, or a surprise, or in any way forceful. Ranma could have backed away, or even flinched, or even just not seemed willing, and she got the feeling that this time Shampoo would have stopped.

Ranma absolutely wasn't going to do any of those things.

She surprised herself by meeting Shampoo halfway. By now this was no longer something terrifying and new. It was another way of communicating, another dimension to this martial art of communication, and she was starting to learn the katas. She opened her mouth as Shampoo's soft lips met hers, her arms sliding around her neck. She felt Shampoo's arms around her waist pulling her closer, and she didn't resist, leaning more into the kiss. Her eyes slid closed, and everything was sensations and tastes and smells and sounds. She found with some surprise that she was the one pushing the kiss, deepening it as she opened her mouth and pressed herself close to the Amazon, her fingers tangling in Shampoo's hair. She wondered how she had never noticed it was so soft, or smelled so nice.

She felt something on her thigh, but it took a moment for her hormone-addled mind to realize it was Shampoo's hand. Shampoo wasn't the first to try and cop a feel, but… Ranma shivered as she felt her hand slide up under her skirt. She was the first Ranma was going to let get away with it.

They finally broke the kiss, both of them breathless and flustered. Their lips brushed a few more times, threatening to start the kiss anew. Both were shaking a little from the intensity.

Shampoo gently pressed her forehead to Ranma's. "Wǒ ài nǐ."

Ranma shivered, for the first time really feeling the impact of those words. She felt dizzy, flustered. She licked her lips and nodded dumbly. Her mouth started to move of its own accord. "W-wǒ…"

Shampoo put a finger to her lips. "No. Not yet." She said softly. "Too easy now. Already said with lips and tongue and hands." She smiled. "Say when hard to say. Then Shampoo know you made choice. Then know is ready." She gave her lips another gentle peck. "Have to do deliveries now. Come back soon though, Àirén. Take Shampoo to date, yes?"

Ranma nodded dumbly once more, and only as Shampoo stepped away did she realize the Amazon had had her hand under her skirt the whole time, as that hand left her rear.

Shampoo smiled, blew a kiss, and then leapt over the wall back towards the Nekohanten.

Watching her leave, Ranma slowly sank to her knees, her expression slack as the weight of everything that had just happened caught up with her.

"I don't… I don't think I can take much more of this…"

On the other side of the wall, Nabiki looked at the ground, her arms crossed defensively over her chest.

Mine.

Stop that! She angrily told the little voice, gritting her teeth. He made up with Shampoo, we've got her on board to help us, the Cologne hurdle is cleared, we want to go home.

We want our turn.

No we don't! She insisted, though she had to admit there was a sick sensation of loss in the pit of her stomach. There had been a kind of satisfaction in having so easily gone further with Ranma than any of them had, easily slipping past his defenses against their amorous attempts. But now it seemed they had each done her one better, and that twisted something in the competitive, possessive part of her that was refusing to let go of Ranma no matter how hard she tried.

000

Ryouga gingerly peeked out of the classroom door, looking left and right. The torrent of hot water from the sprinklers had cut off, but the alarm bells were still ringing. Fortunately, it seemed that the school had been emptied in record time.

He breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a near thing. He had been left behind in the sudden mad dash as Ukyou had done her level best to take Ranma's head off, something Ryouga had dearly wished he could do in that very moment.

I might have to revise my opinion of Ukyou upwards. He thought, a small smile crossing his face. She's got the Ranma-smashing down to an art. Shame I lost them, though. Would have been nice to see him… her… whatever get what's coming to 'em. He carefully crept out of the classroom. With all this hot water though, doesn't that mean Ranma lost his challenge? He paused at that. Seeing Ranma get smashed was one thing, but challenges were serious business, and challenges involving the curse were dangerous.

Ever since the business with Prince Herb and the Chiisuiton, he and Ranma had had something of an unspoken understanding when it came to business regarding the curse. That and something about this Himura person disturbed him, enough to put aside rivalries… at least in respect to her.

I'll worry about it later. For now, I just need to find some clothes, search the school for my pack, and…

"There's one!"

Ryouga whirled to see a group of firefighters at the end of the hall. They started rushing towards him.

Oh crap! Ryouga whirled to flee, but slipped on a still warm puddle on the linoleum floor, crashing onto his chin. Before he could recover they were on him.

"Is he all right?"

"He's been in here this whole time, he could be badly scalded, be careful."

"Where are his clothes?"

"Look at him, he's red as a beet, he's probably burned badly enough that they were unbearable."

"Just sit tight son, we're here to help."

"N-no, wait, I'm okay, really!" Ryouga struggled, but he didn't really want to hurt the men who were only trying to do their jobs.

"He's fighting!"

"Probably hyperthermia. We need to get him outside."

"Should we get him a blanket? The whole student body is still out there."

"No time, it's a sauna in here."

THE WHOLE STUDENT BODY?! Ryouga yelped and struggled harder, as hard as he dared, but these men were well trained. "No, please! It's okay! Just get me some pants or something!"

"Quickly, help me restrain him!"

"Got his arms?"

"He's strong!"

"Ranma, this is all your fault!"

000

Outside of the school, sitting in the comfort of a limousine, Himura watched as the last straggler was extracted from the school, some unfortunate boy who had lost his clothes and was being frog-marched to the ambulance. In all the strangeness of Furinkan High, it was barely worth noting at this point, though the lower class students seemed suitably entertained.

She lifted a cell phone to her ear "Yes, the last of them has just been evacuated. Once the firefighter crews are gone, I want work crews in there to get the school cleaned up. I want the school to be ready to open in the morning. Ensure the Gymnasium floor was not damaged, that is the absolute priority." She flipped her phone closed, then glowered at the man sitting across from her. "You very nearly ruined everything."

The dark mirrored glasses flashed, reflecting the light from the window. "Ey wahine, not my fault some delinquent keki decided to go wrecking school property."

"No, but it is when said delinquent is your son." She glowered at him. "And filling all the water pipes with hot water was not part of the agreement. I need Ranma to play for my team, not fail the challenge before it even begins!"

The Principal smirked. "You not be knowin' this particular keki very well, 'den. Ranma Saotome always tryin' ta find a way around dem rules when dey not suit him. Always tryin' ta win his way. So we keep him on his toes, so he too busy tryin' ta win my game to worry about yours. Den we have de big fun, ye?"

Himura sighed and folded her arms. "Let me make something clear, Principal Kunou. By all means, distract Ranma and her little friends all you like. But rendering the school uninhabitable will also disrupt my plans for her, and I am not interested in regularly financing emergency work crews to repair the damage you cause."

"I can pay for me own work, wahine." Kunou snorted. "You not the only one wit' dem big kahuna bucks ye?"

"Really?" She asked coldly. "Who do you think owns the bank all your investments are with?"

She couldn't see his expression, but from how his palm tree styled topknot drooped she knew she had his attention. She leaned forward to press her point. "With a phone call, I can have you and your family out on the street tomorrow. Your wealth is a convenience we maintain to avoid requiring more direct involvement, nothing more." She sat back, satisfied she had cowed him sufficiently. "Now… as I said, by all means, challenge our dear Ranma. Make her fight and struggle for her womanhood. I want her to learn to fear the change. I want her to erode that supermale self-image herself. And when she has wedged open her own armor for me, I will destroy the illusion of masculinity that has limited her for so long. And then, I will make her useful."

000

Ukyou stirred, almost immediately regretting the whole concept of consciousness. Her head ached, throbbed with a sickly jagged pulse that made her nauseous. It hurt to have her eyes closed, but as she slowly cracked open open, that was worse.

As a mercy the room was dark and quiet, though each point of light was like a needle through her eyes into her brain. She groaned, turning her head slightly, as something was on her hand.

A tussle of dark hair obscured the features of who it was, but it was pretty obvious to Ukyou who it was. Akane had fallen asleep sitting next to her bed, her head pillowed on her hand. Ukyou gently extricated her hand, managing not to wake the girl and sighed. It was actually really touching that Akane was so devotedly watching her, but Akane wasn't the one she had really hoped would be there.

And as soon as I get a moment with Ranchan, it gets snatched away. She thought sadly. She brushed back Akane's hair out of her eyes without thinking about it, tucking it behind her ear. I guess it was kind of the same for you, huh Akane? Except you were fighting yourself too. She sighed. She had never really felt the rancor for Akane that Shampoo had expressed… in fact, when Ranma wasn't on the line she got along with her quite well. Akane had at least always been sympathetic to her own problems with hangers-on.

Ukyou rather liked Shampoo, too. It was nice having female friends that she had things in common with, ones who could be a bit of a template for being more feminine without being overly girly. Ukyou found herself often emulating one of the other as she tried to edge herself away from her past as masquerading as a boy.

But you still do it, even though everyone knows. She thought glumly. She glanced down at her chest, and the tightly wrapped tape that was currently serving as both a top and a brassiere. Still binding, and wearing a boy's uniform, and talking and acting like a boy… even kissed Ranma like a boy. No wonder Kuno got confused.

She smiled a bit, remembering the kiss.That she had no regrets about. Something profound had changed with Ranma. She didn't know what it was, but for once it seemed to be in her favor. Who knew she could kiss like that? I wonder if she's that good as a guy. The pleasant thoughts did much to soothe her pounding head.

"Mmmrfle…" Akane stirred next to her. Ukyou realized she had been unconsciously playing with Akane's hair while she had been thinking about her kiss with Ranma and jerked her hand back quickly, doing her best to hide a blush.

"Ukyou…?" Akane looked up blearily, then broke out into the widest smile. "Ukyou!"

Now, whatever other faults Akane had, when she gave someone the full force of her smile it was transformative in its effect, making her almost radiant. Regardless of the gender or orientation of the person it was directed at, it was compelling. There was a reason Akane had been the most sought-after girl in all of Furinkan.

The smile caught Ukyou off guard, some sort of primal response flooding her brain with endorphins, the same sort of protective, possessive urges that would surge when presented with something adorable and innocent. This was only reinforced when Akane hugged her with a force and enthusiasm that would have made an Amazon proud.

"Hey… hey… easy…" Ukyou said, a bit hoarsely. Her throat felt dry. She found her arms going around the girl and returning the hug automatically. She chuckled weakly. "I didn't know you cared, sugar."

"Of course I care!" Akane pulled back, and Ukyou could see her eyes were puffy, as if she had been crying. "This is all my fault, and I know Doctor Tofu said it was just a concussion, but it looked so bad when Kunou hit you, and when you wouldn't wake up, I…"

Ukyou put her hands on her shoulders. "Akane… easy… it's just a concussion. Happens all the time." She smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring way. "And it's not your fault. And it's not mine, nor Ranma's. Kunou has no business attacking someone just because he's delusional about the girl they kissed."

Akane nodded dumbly. Her eyes dropped. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Poor Kunou… lost both his loves to the same person on the same day."

"What do you mean?" Ukyou cocked her head. Her recollection of the events was still a bit fuzzy. She remembered the heart-to-heart with Akane, and Kunou bursting in, but it was a bit of a jumble after that.

"Well, to have the lips of both of his true loves stolen by a dashing rogue in one day!" She affected a dramatic air, giggling softly. "Ukyou, you scoundrel, you!"

Ukyou wasn't smiling, though Akane hadn't noticed. Her eyes were wide, sightless for a moment, before they dropped, flicking back and forth as she rapidly ran through her damaged memories of the event. Wait… Did I kiss Akane?!

"So… Kunou burst onto the roof… saw us…" A snippet of memory came back back to her, Akane angrily shouting, "Who I kiss is none of your business, Kuno! And for the record I'd much rather kiss Ukyou than YOU!"

Her breath hitched in her throat. WHY DID I KISS AKANE!?

Akane blushed. "He… he used that new technique. You dove for your spatula, but… it was an electrical attack, so you got hit, and it threw you into the roof shed, and you hit your head and went limp…." She shuddered.

"So how did you get away from Kunou?" Ukyou asked, putting aside the question of the kiss for now.

Akane's face fell. "I… punched him through the door."

Ukyou raised an eyebrow. "That's it? It usually takes more than that to get him to knock it off."

Akane cringed. "The… the door was closed at the time."

"Oh." Ukyou replied. Then her mind rewound a bit as she thought about the door in question, and her jaw dropped. "Oh! The roof access door? Akane, that's a fire door. It's made of steel!"

Akane nodded again. "I know."

Ukyou drew in a breath. "It… wasn't just one punch, was it?"

Akane shook her head. "I… When I saw him hurt you… when he gave me that stupid triumphant look… like I was supposed to be happy about it…!" She clenched her fists. "I just… I started hitting him. I was… I was so angry…" She shuddered. "I felt… things break inside of him after a bit, and kept hitting."

Ukyou felt a cold, sinking feeling in her stomach. "Did… did you… is he…?"

Akane shook her head. "He was breathing and making noise when the door finally hit the bottom of the stairs. B-but… I don't know how badly I hurt him. I just grabbed you and ran."

Ukyou let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. But that just raised more questions. Akane had never managed to seriously hurt Kunou, even when she had been really angry. She hadn't even when he had attacked Ranma, though Kunou had never really been a threat before. Did I make THAT much of an impression with that kiss?

"Look, it's okay, Akane." Ukyou said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It was an unprovoked assault, and after all the damage he did I don't think anyone would blame you for putting him down hard. "I… uh… appreciate it was for my sake, though."

Akane looked up, and the smile was there again, and Ukyou felt a little lurch in her chest. How has Ranchan not ended up married to her already with her flashing those at him? She smiled back weakly, then coughed.

"Sorry, sugar… could you get me a glass of water? My throat's dry."

Akane blinked, then bounded up, eager to be able to do something. "Right! One sec Ukyou!" She bounded off, and Ukyou could hear the sound of running water.

Ukyou let her head slump back to the pillow. Okay, okay… deep breaths… We were on the roof, arguing about Ranchan… Akane said something about it not being fair… she wanted a kiss too? That part is fuzzy… She was crying… I hugged her… there was a tear on her cheek I wiped away… She winced as the fuzzy memories settled into a scene that was uncomfortably romantic. And then what she said to Kunou after… Okay, okay… so I must have kissed her. And… She glanced up as Akane came back into the room with the glass of water. And she's okay with it?

Akane handed her the water with that same earnest, eager-to-please smile, and Ukyou felt a blush spreading across her cheeks. She took the water and took her time taking a slow drink to cover it. O-okay… maybe MORE than okay with it. Is… is she doting on me like this because she thinks…? She coughed a bit, choking on her sip as the absurd idea hit her.

"Careful!" Akane quickly reached forward and took the glass, holding it. "Not too fast or you'll choke." She waited for Ukyou to recover, a look of concern in her eyes.

Ukyou made the mistake of meeting that gaze. Immediately the blush was back as her mind interpreted it as something else entirely, and very quickly she found something fascinating to study on the blanket. It wasn't the strangeness of the circumstance that made this so awkward for Ukyou, it was the fact it was entirely too familiar.

000

Three years ago

"Ukyou-senpaiiii!"

Ukyou looked up from the manga he was reading. The bus was always late to this particular stop, so he had learned to stock up on reading materials to pass the time.

His classmate Akiko waved to him, beaming brightly as she trotted over, sitting next to him. The short haired girl had been a godsend for Ukyou, starting out at a new school and trying to fit in. His secret made things a little awkward, but Akiko being a bit of a tomboy was making it a bit easier.

"So whatcha reading today?" The brown haired girl asked, leaning over to glance at the manga. "Shokugeki no Souma? Oooh, are you going to try some of those recipes?"

Ukyou chuckled. "I doubt the effects of mine would be as dramatic, but it gives me idea for new Okonomiyaki recipes."

"You could totally be a protagonist in that book, Senpai!" She gave him a thumbs up.

Ukyou raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You've read it? I didn't realize my cooking affected you that much, Akiko-chan." He smirked, remembering that the depicted reactions to the heavenly food in the series usually involved a lot of clothes evaporating and orgasmic responses.

"E-ecchi!" She yelped and blushed, smacking him on the shoulder.

Ukyou found a little playful light flirting tended to help put customers at ease in the restaurant. His Dad was a bit notorious from engaging the older women in a bit of banter, and Ukyou found emulating it had helped him fit in a lot easier in his new school. He had also noted it had helped Akiko loosen up a bit, and she had been a lot less socially awkward lately. He thought he had even seen one of the boys in class chatting her up.

"A-actually… I was hoping I could catch you before you caught your bus." She looked down at her hands, looking uncharacteristically shy. "Umm… Toshiro asked me to go to the dance with him…"

Ukyou brightened. "That's great!" He was honestly happy for his friend, knowing how much trouble she had speaking with boys. She had made him swear to never 'get stupid ideas' around her so she wouldn't have to deal with her normal nervousness, a promise his secret made easy to keep. Though he had to admit part of him was a little sad, knowing that with a boyfriend she wouldn't be so keen to hang around with him anymore.

"I told him no."

"Eh…?" Ukyou blinked. "But… why? I thought you liked Toshi."

"I do! I… I did…" She trailed off. "B-but… I… I was hoping someone else would ask me."

"Oh? Who?" Ukyou asked. "Kenta? Fujio? It's not Gentaro, is it? I mean, not to judge, but…"

Akiko huffed and gave him an annoyed look. "You are so dense sometimes Senpai!"

Ukyou held up his hands in a placating gesture. "What? I don't understand what you're upset about, Akiko-chan!"

Akiko scowled, still blushing. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and seemed to come to some kind of decision. Then leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

Ukyou's eyes went wide, and the color drained from his face.

Akiko felt him freeze up. She drew back, and her face fell. "Nothing, huh?" She said softly, and slumped back onto the bench, her eyes downcast. "I-I kind of figured… I mean… you're one of the most handsome boys in school, even if you're kinda awkward…"

"Akiko…" Ukyou croaked, his jaw working wordlessly as he watched all of the confidence and poise his friend had built up crumble before him, like she was shrinking. No, no, no, NO!

Akiko pulled her legs up to her chin and hugged them. "I'm sorry…" She said softly. "It was stupid, I shouldn't have done it. I knew I shouldn't have done it. I'm… I'm not the sort of girl you would…"

Ukyou squeezed his eyes shut. His 'secret' was making his friend's self confidence self destruct right in front of him… but if he told her the truth… He took a deep breath and blurted out. "Akiko, I'm a girl!"

Akiko stopped her self-disparaging monologue, turning and looking at Ukyou with wide eyes. "What…?"

Before she could protest, Ukyou unbuttoned her shirt, opening it enough to show her the bindings. Akiko's eyes widened, and Ukyou buttoned her shirt back up again.

Here it comes. She thought glumly.

"Wha… Why?!" Akiko asked, aghast. She stared at Ukyou, her eyes filling with hurt and betrayal as the full impact of The Secret sunk in. "WHY!?"

"It's a matter of honor." Ukyou said quietly, though she knew that wasn't going to help. It never helped.

The slap was new, but the emotions behind it weren't. Ukyou cupped her stinging cheek and turned her head back to look at her friend.

Hot tears of shame and anger were running down her cheeks. "I trusted you…" She said in a trembling voice. "I told you things… And you've been lying to me all along?! What kind of pervert are you!?"

"Akiko, I'm not…!" Ukyou started, but the girl bolted up from the bunch, her hands balled into fists.

"I never want to see you again!" She snarled. "I HATE YOU!"

With that, she spun on her heel and ran, heaving with sobs as she did.

Ukyou stared dumbly after her as she receded into the distance. This wasn't the first time she had been found out, but it was the first time it was by someone who really mattered to her. She hung her head, her hand cupping her cheek as it throbbed. She didn't cry. Guys didn't cry.

The next day he transferred to an all boys school, and he never saw Akiko again.

000

But Akane already knows. Everyone does. It's not a secret anymore. She reached for the glass. "Thanks, sugar." She took another sip, trying to coax more memories from the fog, but all she accomplished was making her migraine worse. "Nnngh… My head is killing me."

"Doc Tofu gave me some of these for you." Akane pulled out a little plate with a couple of pills on it.

Ukyou accepted them. She gave Akane a searching look, then sighed. No matter what happened on the roof, she just didn't have it in her to feel rancor towards the girl anymore. "So when are you going to take back the engagement to Ranma?"

Akane's expression dropped. "I… I tried. He… he didn't think it would be a good idea."

Of course it isn't, you two are like oil and water! Ukyou thought, then quashed that mean, if accurate, little thought. Surprised Ranchan grew a spine about it though. He's been acting differently since the end of summer, come to think. Not in a bad way. "Well, maybe if you told him what you told me, he'd rethink that?"

Akane blinked. "I… maybe… but…" She cocked her head. "Why would you tell me that?" She ducked her head. "I mean… You… Ranma…"

Why DID I tell her that? Ukyou crossed her arms, clearing her throat. "Because I'm not an ogre?" She said sternly. "When I win Ranchan, I want it to be because I'm the best choice, not because of some stupid unresolved drama that ends up hanging over his head his whole life." She nodded her head, satisfied with her answer to herself. She continued, a little more gently. "Look… Akane… I want to be friends when this is all over, if we can. No matter what happens. Like it or not, us fiancees got a lot in common."

Akane considered. "Well… what about Shampoo?" She asked.

"Oh, she and I made peace a long time ago." Ukyou replied airily. "We have tea together a couple of times a week."

"What!?"

Ukyou gave her a quizzical look. "Why does that surprise you? We were both fighting an uphill battle. And after whatever the hell happened in China, she wasn't exactly interested in fighting with me over the runner up spot. So… we started meeting up to discuss tactics."

"And plan how to bomb my wedding?!" Akane growled.

"Yes. and plan how to bomb your wedding." Ukyou met her gaze. "Honestly, from what we heard your parents were basically pulling a shotgun wedding on you two before you'd even had a chance to recover. We figured we were doing you two a favor."

"Most favors don't involve bombs!"

Ukyou sighed. "Alright, point, we got carried away. But honestly, can you tell me you were ready to get married right then and there?"

"I… I…" Akane deflated. "I thought so… at the time. But… After the wedding got cancelled…"

"You went right back to fighting and being stubborn and stupid." Ukyou finished for her. "Both of you." She clarified to head off Akane's hurt ego a little. "Face it, sugar, your parents make terrible decisions. Trying to force you two together without even letting you process a major event like that? Good way to putting you on the path to resenting each other the rest of your lives. That's probably why Nabiki sold out the location so cheap."

Akane winced. "I doubt any of you did it to do me any favors." She grumbled.

"No, you're right." Ukyou replied. "But… truthfully? If I was sure that you were what Ranchan wanted? If I knew that you were the one who made him happy, and it wasn't just some stupid love potion or broach or… or… PTSD talking?" She shook her head. "I'd step aside."

Akane's face fell. "Well… I'm not the one, am I? Congratulations."

"You didn't see the stupid happy goofy look she got on her face when you kissed her, Akane." Ukyou replied, unconsciously switching gender pronouns as the specific memory floated to the surface. "Why do you think I was so angry with her?"

Why am I encouraging her!? Ukyou winced a bit. She found herself warring internally. On one hand, getting Akane to just give up on Ranma would make her life a lot easier, but on the other… she didn't want to see the look of betrayal she had seen in Akiko's eyes in Akane's. Akane reminded her too much of her old friend, and she wondered if that was why she had given in to whatever impulse had driven her to kiss her.

"Y-you think?" Akane said, and the look of hope in her eyes was something Ukyou decided that she simply didn't have the heart to crush.

"Let's just call us on even footing now." She said, extending her hand. "Friends and fellow fiancees?"

Akane practically glomped her hand. "Yes! Errr…" She trailed off. "It'd sound a little less weird if we weren't engaged to the same guy, but… Okay!"

"Good." Ukyou swallowed the pills and took a swig of water. "You can come with me to Fiancee's Tea tomorrow afternoon and help keep Shampoo from killing me when I tell her what happened."

000

Nabiki studied the quiet redhead as they walked. She had let Ranma take the lead since they had left the Nekohanten, and she noticed they were taking a wandering route that didn't seem to be leading back to Tofu's or the Tendo Dojo.

"You okay, Ranma?" She asked softly. She lightly touched the girl's shoulder.

Ranma started, "Huh? Uh… yeah… sure… why?" She mumbled, almost immediately sinking back into whatever thoughts had distracted her.

"Well, because we're apparently wandering Tokyo aimlessly." Nabiki remarked dryly. "Are we going anywhere?"

"Sorry. I'm just… not feeling like heading home yet." Ranma said. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if cold, even though it was still quite warm out. "You don't have to stick around."

"No, I don't." Nabiki replied, and made no move to leave her side. "So, do you want to go get some hot water?"

"Didn't bring my guy clothes." Ranma replied.

"Oh, I can fix that." Nabiki said, leaning over and waving the sheaf of bills she had recently acquired. "You could use some new clothes, anyway."

"Where did you get that?" Ranma asked, her eyes widening as she realizing the bills were 10,000 yen notes.

"My little secret. It's a windfall, and I'm feeling generous." Nabiki replied. "Beach Weekend rules, promise."

"You sure?" Ranma asked. "Seems you're doing a lot for me lately without asking for anything."

"You don't trust me?" Nabiki feigned a hurt expression.

Ranma held up her hands, frantically waving off what she had immediately taken at face value. "No, no! I trust you, honest! I just…" She sighed and deflated a little. "I feel a little guilty. I don't like being a burden."

Nabiki felt a twinge. Part of her, that old mercenary greed, wanted to take advantage of this, pointing out angrily how strained her resources were right now, and how she could milk this to earn back what she was putting out and start rebuilding her capital.

Some other part of her, that new possessive little voice that wasn't so little anymore, was grinding the mercenary into the dirt and demanding she hug the girl right now.

She trusts us.

She ended up splitting the difference. "Call it an investment, Saotome." She said, smiling a bit. "Besides, I could use a shopping spree to de-stress. And you need some extra changes of clothes."

"All right." She said, sounding a little unconvinced. "Just… no weird stuff, okay?"

Nabiki reached over and gently ruffled the redhead's hair. "No weird stuff. I promise."

000

The walk went a little quicker, now that they had a destination, and there was the promise of Ranma being able to return to her natural form. Nabiki opted for the large shopping center connected to the rail station, as it was outside of the usual haunts of the Nerima crew. She first had to get some male clothes for Ranma (She found it a bit amusing she knew his sizes better than Ranma did), then she played lookout at a nearby bathroom as Ranma ducked inside and changed clothes and genders.

"Uhhh… Nabiki? These pants are kind of weird." Ranma said nervously. He stepped out of the bathroom, looking around, Ryouga's pack slung over his shoulder.

She smirked. "They're jeans, Ranma. Haven't you ever worn jeans before?" She looked him over. It was just a simple button down short sleeved white shirt and a pair of blue jeans, not too far removed from his preferred chinese shirts.

"I'm used to looser pants." He turned, making a face. "I mean, these feel kind of constricting."

"They shouldn't be too bad. They were originally designed to be work pants, so they should be fairly… rugged…" She trailed off as he turned, then quickly looked away. The jeans were doing some very interesting things to Ranma's backside that she hadn't counted on. I am buying him more pairs of jeans for Christmas, and counting it as Akane's present too! She decided.

"I guess." He picked at the shirt and made a face. "Fabric feels kinda rough."

"Well, silk is expensive." Nabiki retorted. "Honestly, how did you ever manage to afford one shirt, much less as many as you have?"

Ranma rubbed the back of his head. "Well… Pops and i usually stuck to the training dogis before the curse. After…" He shrugged. "Wasn't really an option for me. I would kinda… fall out of it if I got splashed. I needed something that actually closed in the front, you know? So I did some odd-jobs for these old monks, and they traded the clothes."

"You realize that if they weren't so well worn, those shirts would go for eight to ten thousand yen a pop?" Nabiki said. "I shudder every time you come home with one all torn up."

"Kasumi patches them up pretty nice." Ranma replied, ignoring Nabiki's renewed shudder. "Besides, what do you care?"

"Because you can look better for cheaper." Nabiki replied. "Heck, those shirts were too big for you when you came here, even for your guy side. Now i notice some of them are getting a bit snug even as a girl. You're going to need to replace them eventually." She crossed her arms. "Shopping is something I'm very good at. If we save the silk for the special stuff we can seriously improve your wardrobe."

"Guys don't think about stuff like that." Ranma muttered. He stiffened as Nabiki casually slipped her arm through his.

"Don't be silly, Ranma. You'd be shocked how much time your pals at school spend on preening. Not as much as the girls, true, but…" She shrugged.

"Nabikiwhatareyoudoing?!" Ranma squeaked, looking around nervously.

"Oh stop panicking Ranma." She hugged his arm a little tighter, almost in defiance. "There aren't any fiancees around. Besides, I can hug my boyfriend's arm if I want to." She tugged gently to get him moving.

"Boyfriend?" He replied in confusion, though he did start walking with her. "That was just for the weekend."

She shook her head and smirked up at him. "I upgraded you, remember? I also didn't stipulate a time limit on the upgrade. Besides, I like it better than 'fiance'."

"Nabiki…"

She didn't meet his gaze. "Look.. I know I'm being irrational right now, after everything I've said to you." She unconsciously hugged a little tighter. "This is… harder than I expected. I need a little reassurance, okay?"

They walked out into the mall proper, merging into the throng of the crowd.

"Are you jealous?" Ranma asked, a little incredulously.

"Honestly? Yes." Nabiki replied, surprising him. She gave him a challenging look. "I'm human, okay? Even if rationally I know going after you myself is a bad idea, I still…" She blushed a bit and looked away. "... I still like you."

"Like? Not love?" Ranma teased a bit.

"Ranma, we're still in high school. We don't know what love is." Nabiki replied. "You don't. I don't. Akane certainly doesn't. And neither does Ukyou or Shampoo. It's 90% hormones and 10% self delusion right now."

"You don't believe that." Ranma scoffed, though her comment did strike home. There had always been that nebulous uncertainty about what love was. He didn't even have a clear idea what it was supposed to be. So much of what life had shown him about it had been contradictory or nonsensical.

I think Nabiki had it right. I need to figure out what I want first. He thought after a moment as they walked silently. It's like how you figure out a kata. When it's all together, it can be complex, tough to follow. So you break it down, right? So… if I break THIS down, then… what Nabiki told me before makes sense. I need to know what I want, then go from there. So what do I want?

His stomach growled as if in response. "Hey, Nabiki…"

She was already smirking up at him. "I heard. Come on. You are a terrible burden on diet willpower, you know that?"

"You're on a diet?"

"No, but if I was, you'd destroy it." She guided him towards a stall that smelled absolutely heavenly. They were selling karaage, paired with leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and all wrapped up in some sort of rice flour tortilla. Again Nabiki paid without comment and handed him one.

She's changed. He thought, pondering her a moment as she bit into her wrap. She hasn't gotten a cent out of any of this, not since that weekend, and she doesn't even point it out for leverage or nothin'. And as soon as she does get some money, she's blowing it on me… He sighed, biting into his own food. It was very good, the ingredients were surprisingly fresh.

I want to pay her back. He thought a moment, then sighed and shook his head. No, that's not right, is it? I mean, it's obvious, but it's just… obligation, isn't it? Just like how I want to make Ukyou an' Shampoo an' Akane happy. It's not from inside. It should be more like… like… He glanced at the wrap in his hand. Like food. Like… something no one had to TELL me to want.

Nabiki slipped her arm through his casually again started walking. He was a bit amazed that no one batted an eyelash at it. But then, even the smallest thing was such a big deal back home. Maybe this is how it normally is? He let Nabiki guide him, and took a moment to just look around the mall. It was nothing special, the usual harsh fluorescent lights, linoleum floors, smattering of rubbery-looking plants and water fountains. Normally nothing he'd bother noticing. But this time he took the time to really pay attention to the people all around them. People going about their own business. By themselves, families, couples. Young and old. None of them were worried about honor duels, or seppuku pledges, or multiple fiancees, or foreign princes, or ancient Chinese curses.

None of them know what it's like to jump from rooftop to rooftop either. He thought. To feel like you're flying. Or to feel the flow of ki through your body, molding it to your will. They'll never know or understand the Art. Part of him noted darkly.

His eyes flicked to a young boy, swinging from his parents' hands as he walked between them, giggling as they chatted with him and each other.

He stopped walking, his eyes following them a moment, feeling a cold realization in the pit of his stomach. They don't need to. They don't NEED the Art. Not like me. Because… because their lives are full of… of other things. Of each other.

"Ranma?" He heard the soft voice, and for a moment, he thought he imagined it. He turned to see Nabiki looking up at him, concern on her face.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, not having any idea what to say. His thoughts were still racing as things that had never made sense to him started to click into place. The Art is everything to me. But… I never HAD anything else! I didn't grow up with my parents, I didn't go ice skating, or play on the beach, or have a best friend at school… Anytime I started, we moved on. The only thing that was always there was Pops, and the Art. That's all I had… because that's all he WANTED me to have… He wanted it to be my whole life. But… He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, feeling a little dizzy as he edged closer to a betrayal of his father he had never contemplated before. Everything around him seemed to slow. But… do I want it to be my whole life?

"Ranma, are you okay?" Nabiki was starting to sound worried now.

The Art is important. He decided, his breathing slowing as a calm clarity came over him. It's more important than most people realize. But… it's not everything. It's not ENOUGH. There has to be more. There has to be… be…

He opened his eyes, and the first thing he could see was Nabiki, eyes wide with concern.

"... Balance." He breathed, and the world started moving again.

"Ranma!" Nabiki gently shook him by the shoulders. "Are you still with me?"

He smiled and nodded. He had the first piece, the first motion in the enormously complex kata that he was starting to comprehend was life. He knew what he wanted.

"Yeah. Nabiki? I… I want to be your boyfriend."

She blinked at him, confused, then raised an eyebrow. "Did… you have some kind of 'Formula 411' moment happen there, Ranma? I just told you…"

He took her hand gently and shook his head. "No, just listen a sec. I want to be your boyfriend. Not because our parents said we're engaged. Not because you said to pretend because of a cover story. Not as part of some stupid scheme to try and sort out my mess of a life. I want to be your boyfriend because that's what I want."

It took a second for that to sink in. He was actually able to watch the realization blossom in her eyes, the pupils dilate, and the color rush to her cheeks. For a moment, there wasn't a trace of the Ice Queen there, and that glimpse was enough for him to know he was on the right track.

Before she could say anything else, he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Gently, slowly, just long enough for her shocked reaction to fade, and for his intent to be clear. He drew back and looked into her eyes, and waited there to see what her response was.

The blush had spread, and she had a look of wide-eyed shock he had never seen on her before. It was actually quite fetching. He opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again, hiccuped, blinked rapidly, and then seemed to finally unfreeze, her eyes flicking back and forth as she frantically began to work her mental corkboard of The Madness. "Ranma, you can't… I can't… we can't…"

He put a finger to her lips.

"No." He said softly. "That's not how you told me it works. First step is to figure out what you want, right? Well, I just did that. I just told you. Second step is to figure out how to get there."

"But…" She shook her head. "No, no, no, Ranma, the fiancees, the rivals… The Madness! You know what will happen if…"

He shook his head, causing her to trail off. "It's just challenges, Nabiki. That's all it is. A bunch of challenges."

"But we need the other girls to deal with Himura's…"

"Challenges. If they're too big, break 'em down until they're small enough to tackle. But nothing is impossible. Hard, yeah. Mebbe even painful. But not impossible. You just gotta decide if you want it badly enough. And for me, this is more than just deciding who I wanna take to the movies, or go to the prom with, or get engaged to… it's about making what I want matter. About… finding a balance where it doesn't have to be a choice between giving up everything, and destroying someone I care about. So I'm all in on this. But that's me." He squeezed her hand and held her eyes with his. "What you want… what you need is different. And I get that. So… I guess now it's back in your court. Your serve, Nabiki Tendo. What do you want? And… is it worth the trouble to get it?"

She was still blushing, and Ranma decided he liked that… wanted to see it more, in fact. But as he watched, the shock and surprise was replaced as something flowed into her eyes. Not the Ice, but the confidence, the resolve, and the twinkle of that fascinating mind that he could tell was already hatching schemes he would barely be able to follow. That familiar, sly smirk curled her lip, and he could tell the Queen was back.

And then she pulled his head back down and made it very clear to him that his previous kiss was entirely insufficient, and she demanded better.

000

So, another big chapter, and I merrily proceed upon the path of making Ranma's life better by making it dramatically worse.

I promise to go into the origin's of Kunou's dangerous ability. And for those who like Ryouga, don't worry I am gonna ease up on the guy.

... Well, no, that's a lie. I'm going to transition him from Rumiko-style pain and humiliation to MY brand so he can enjoy along with all the rest! (But I'm not going to single him out as a punching bag, don't worry).

And, of course, things are going to get worse from here on in because of course they will.