Ukyou slumped down in the booth and sighed. She glanced around the restaurant, gaining a new perspective. In the six years that she had run Ucchan's, she had rarely sat at one of the tables just to relax and think. Sometimes her customers would carry their problems into Ucchan's, just like she had at the moment. She hoped that a nicely cooked meal would put some cheer into their lives.
Unfortunately, there was no one around to cheer her up.
She looked at the unopened bottle of champagne that was standing on the table in front of her. (Why do I feel this way?) she thought, trying to stare through the bottle to the empty seat across from her. (I'm over him now. I really am,) she thought with conviction. "Right. If that's true, why am I sitting here by myself in the dark?" she asked out loud.
A loud knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Can't you read? We're closed!" she snapped, a bit irritated. The knocking continued and Ukyou got up and stalked to the front door. "Look you jackass, I -said- that we're closed!" Ukyou yelled sharply as she opened the door. Her anger fled and her face softened as she looked at her guest. "Hello Ryoga," she said quietly.
The lost boy was wearing a pair of black slacks and a white dress shirt. He had a wrinkled sports coat in one arm, and a bottle of champagne in the other. "When you left the reception, I, uh, figured you could use a friend," Ryoga said.
"Isn't there someone -else- you should be comforting?" Ukyou asked, a small smile twisting on her face.
"I'm saving the hard part for last," Ryoga replied with a rueful grin. Ukyou backed away from the door and turned on the lights.
"Come on in, sugar. I think we had the same thing in mind," Ukyou replied, pointing the bottle on the table.
Ryoga nodded in reply and sat down at the booth. He placed his bottle next to the one on the table, noticing that they were identical. "Looks like I'm not the only one who 'borrowed' something from the reception," he observed.
"Like I said, we were thinking alike," Ukyou replied, sitting down across from Ryoga.
"Under the circumstances, we don't really need glasses, do we?" Ryoga asked.
"No, I don't think we do." Ukyou sighed.
"So, how are you holding up?" Ryoga asked gently.
"Oh, I'm fine. More than fine, really. The wedding just. . . brought a lot of feelings up, ya know? No one truly gets over Ranma Saotome," Ukyou replied.
"Tell me about it," Ryoga said darkly.
"I'm sorry, Ryoga. I forgot about that. How is Akane anyway?"
"Moody, confused, depressed, angry, happy. . . I dunno. She's happy for them and she's forgiven them, I think. But, she's been really distant these past few weeks, and it got worse as the wedding got closer. She's says she's over him, but-" Ryoga trailed off.
"I know. Believe me, I know. She keeps thinking about what might have been. I've been doing the same thing lately," Ukyou said.
"I guess. I just don't know what to do about it!" Ryoga replied in frustration.
"Just give her time, Ryoga. Four years ago, I don't think -any- us expected things to end up like this," Ukyou replied.
"Yeah, you're right about that! I remember, I was on my to Akari's house and. . ."
"I yearn for thee, fair maiden. Be mine!"
"Hey Babe, wanna get hitched?"
"I believe a merger of our long term assets would be quite beneficial."
"That's it, I've had it!" Ryoga fumed, slamming the book shut. He glared at the cover angrily. Written in bright red colors was the title, '101 Simple Marriage Proposals'. He tossed the book over his shoulder and sighed, kicking up more dust in the road as he walked. (How am I going to do this?) he thought, looking over the country horizon.
"Akari, I want you to be my wife!" Ryoga proclaimed, fingering a small jewelry box in his hand. "No, that's not right. Akari, I want to be your husband!" Ryoga said grandly, bowing to an imagined form of his one true love. "No, no, that's not right, either!" Ryoga muttered. He took a deep breath and got down on one knee. "Akari, will you marry me?" he asked out loud.
A large stupid smile grew on his face as he laughed loudly. "Perfect!" he shouted, dusting his knee off. "That's exactly the way to do it! Now, all I have to do is find her," Ryoga sighed, hoping that it would not take him too long to find Akari's farm.
"I can't believe you're doing this, Sis," Nabiki said.
"I know that it will be. . . difficult for people to accept, but we love each other," Kasumi pointed out.
Nabiki rubbed her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. "This is what I get for going away for college. I never would have seen this coming. I mean, when they broke up last week, I thought it was just another one of Akane's rages. I never expected something like this," Nabiki said.
"Akane and I have already talked about it, Nabiki. If Ranma still loved her, I wouldn't have said anything, but he doesn't. They simply grew apart," Kasumi replied.
"Right. And has he 'grown apart' from the all the other women who are after him?" Nabiki asked dryly.
"We still need to discuss that," Kasumi replied, smiling faintly.
"Of course," Nabiki said sarcastically. (I think I'll come home more often on the weekends now. Ranma, if you think I'll let you drag Kasumi through your spineless emotional tsunamis, guess again!) she thought.
"Nabiki? Are you going to be okay with this?" Kasumi asked in concern.
"Huh? Oh, sure Sis, I'll be just fine," Nabiki replied.
"You're not. . . going to 'do' anything to Ranma, are you?" Kasumi asked, still concerned.
" 'Do anything?' " Nabiki asked innocently. "Don't worry, -I- won't do anything to Ranma," she continued. (I think there are a few others who can take care of that,) she thought quietly.
"Look, I know you all want an explanation for what's going on, so I'm gonna tell ya. But, not until ya promise me that you won't say anything until I finish, okay?" Ranma said.
"Very well, Ranma. Explain to us, how after three years of being engaged, you and my baby girl discovered that 'you were not right for each other'," Soun growled.
Ranma, Soun, Genma, and Nodoka were seated around the dining table in the Tendo home. "I- I used to love Akane. I loved her a lot. I was willing to die for her, hell, I was willing to -kill- for her! But somewhere along the way, that loved faded and. . . and finally it disappeared," Ranma explained.
"Disappeared? Disappeared. . . just like that," Soun said flatly, "Ranma, you- you. . ," he trailed off, visibly slumping.
"You're so willing to toss away our clans' honor? I'm. . . disappointed, my son," Nodoka said coldly.
"Who said anything about 'tossin' away honor'?" Ranma demanded.
"Ranma," Genma began tiredly, "Soun and I agreed that our clans would be united, but you know that. You and Akane must get married, this is not open to discussion."
"A true man among men would not forsake his family's honor," Nodoka chimed in.
"Dammit, I don't -love- Akane, I love Kasumi!" Ranma exclaimed suddenly. His face was flushed and his breathing slightly ragged. (Damn, I didn't wanna tell them like that!) The three parents stared blankly at him for a few moments, comprehension slow in coming.
"You. . ," sputtered Genma.
"Love. . ." uttered Nodoka.
"Ka- Kasumi?" stuttered Soun.
"Ah. . . well, yeah," Ranma replied lamely.
"When- when did this happen?" Soun asked.
"A while back, I think, but we just admitted it a few days ago," Ranma replied.
"You said, 'we'. So, can I assume that Kasumi feels the same way?" Nodoka asked suddenly, leaning forward.
"Yeah, she does. Look, neither one of us wanted to hurt Akane, but this just sorta happened," Ranma explained
"Well, that's different, then. You and Kasumi will get married; just as soon as you graduate from high school," Nodoka said happily.
"B-But that's th-three months away!" Ranma protested.
"I suppose it is a bit too long to wait. We can hold the wedding next weekend if you like," Nodoka suggested.
"No! I meant that three months is too soon! Please, at least give Kasumi an' me a chance to really get to know each other," Ranma requested.
"I think not, Ranma. I'm too old to be going through this emotional roller coaster that is your life. You will marry Kasumi when you graduate, or you will no longer be welcome in this house," Soun declared.
"But- I mean, we haven't even-" Ranma sputtered.
"I have to agree with Tendo-san, my son. You will uphold your family's honor. You will marry Kasumi when you graduate; that is final," Nodoka said, ending the discussion, placing her hand on the table.
Several weeks after deciding on a proper proposal, Ryoga found himself standing in front of the Tendo Dojo. "Well, maybe Akane can help me find her," he thought hopefully as he knocked on the front door. After a few moments, the door opened, and Nodoka greeted him.
"Ryoga-kun! It's been months since we've seen you! How have you been?" Nodoka asked pleasantly.
"I have been well, Saotome-san," Ryoga replied politely.
"Good. And how about Akari-chan?" Nodoka asked.
"She was well the last time I saw her. It's been a few weeks," Ryoga replied sheepishly. Nodoka nodded understandingly and bade him to enter. Although most of the people who knew Ryoga accepted the fact that he was geographically challenged, it still embarrassed him when he got lost. Akari accepted it as well, and had chosen an interesting method of easing his embarrassment. The longer Ryoga remained lost, the more passionately she would greet him when he returned. The last time he had been gone for a week, and Akari had gifted him with a rather lengthy kiss upon his return. Suffice it to say, Ryoga was rather eager to get back to her.
Ryoga walked into the living room and glanced at the dining table. It was apparent that they had just finished lunch as Kasumi and Ranma gathered up the dishes and took them to the kitchen. Ryoga shook his head in disbelief. He had still not gotten used to Ranma actually doing work, and housework at that! He turned towards Nabiki, who was sitting on the sofa, flipping through what seemed to be a ledger. "Is Akane home?" he asked.
"She's up in her room, Ryoga," Nabiki replied, not looking up from the ledger.
"You- you're not going to charge me?" Ryoga asked in surprise.
"No. She needs a friend right now," Nabiki replied quietly, looking up at Ryoga.
Ryoga glanced once more towards the kitchen then turned towards the stairway. "I see," he replied, walking up the stairs. (They must have gotten into a fight again,) Ryoga thought, frowning as he continued up the stairs. (Ranma, you idiot! Things were getting along peacefully between you two, what did you do this time?) Ryoga had long since given up on Akane, ever since her botched wedding attempt with Ranma two years ago. Yet, she was his first love, and would always hold a special place in his heart. He hated it when Ranma hurt her. He paused as he stood outside her door, Nabiki's reaction finally registering fully in his mind. (Wait a minute! This must be serious if -she's- not charging me anything. . .) His mind full of concern, Ryoga knocked softly on the door in front of him.
"Have you thought of anything yet?" Ranma asked, waiting for Kasumi to hand him a washed dish.
"No, I haven't. Our parents are set on our getting married, I'm not sure that there is anything that we can do. I don't really feel comfortable going against their wishes, Ranma," Kasumi replied.
"I see," Ranma sighed.
"Ranma, would- would it really be so bad? I mean, marrying me this soon. You did want to get married eventually, right?" Kasumi asked in a small voice.
"Of course! But I want it to be something we both want to do. I want to do it in our own time. I- I want time to date you, and get to know you, and. . . and get to know myself. I made too many mistakes with Akane, I don't wanna repeat them with you," Ranma replied.
"I understand, Ranma. I just. . . can't help thinking that this is a dream, and when I wake up, you'll be off somewhere fighting for Akane, protecting her and as you always have, while I sit here, alone, thinking about what might have been," Kasumi said.
"This is no dream, Kasumi. I love you, and I -will- marry you, but not until were both ready. When we feel that it's right. Even if your father kicks me outta the house, I don't care. I won't let anyone force anything on us," Ranma stated fiercely.
"Oh, Ranma. What are we going to do?" Kasumi asked.
"I- I don't know," Ranma admitted.
"I guess we just have to take things one day at a time," Kasumi decided.
"At least one of us can keep from freakin' out through all this," Ranma said wryly.
"Just try to relax, Ranma. Things will take care of themselves," Kasumi advised, handing Ranma another wet dish. The two stood in companionable silence for several minutes as they continued to clean.
"What's that you're humming? I kinda recognize the tune," Ranma commented as he finished drying another dish.
"I hope you recognize it! We sang this song at our Christmas last year," Kasumi replied, handing Ranma a wet bowl.
"Oh yeah," Ranma said, taking the bowl from her hand.
"Honestly, your memory is terrible!" Kasumi chided with a shake of her head.
"Hey! It was a whole year ago!" Ranma protested, with a mockingly injured look. Kasumi giggled in response and handed him a large serving dish.
It had been almost a week since the two had proclaimed their love to each other, and things had more or less settled back to normal. They continued to do chores together, talk, and try to figure out what Ranma would do about college. Yet, there were times, at least once a day, when their eyes would connect, and a burst of love would fill them both. The intoxicating emotions would leave them nearly incapacitated, and they stopped talking, opting for more passionate displays of affection.
Ranma looked forward to such moments eagerly, but with nervous trepidation as well. It was like being the victim of a surprise attack; he never knew when the emotional surge would occur.
"Do you remember the day you first arrived here?" Kasumi asked, enjoying their little game.
"Hey, that was -three- years ago!" Ranma replied.
"What about your father's birthday?"
"We never really celebrated Pop's birthday," Ranma protested.
"Oh? Then how about your mother's birthday? We -did- have a party for her last year, remember?" Kasumi challenged.
"Uh. . . it was. . . uh," Ranma replied lamely.
"What about -my- birthday?" Kasumi asked, smiling sweetly.
(Uh oh. Man, I'm in for it now!) Ranma thought, frantically trying to remember the party they had held for Kasumi the previous year.
"You don't remember, do you?" she accused.
"Uh. . ."
"Oh Ranma, do you even remember the day you told me that you loved me?" Kasumi asked plaintively. Ranma blushed deeply as he looked down at the dish in his hand.
"Yeah. I remember. It was last week," he replied softly.
"The day, Ranma, the day!" Kasumi demanded playfully, rolling her eyes.
"Uh. . . was it Monday?" Ranma asked, hazarding a guess.
Kasumi laughed as she put her cold, wet hands around Ranma's neck. Ranma looked down at her face and smiled sheepishly. "I guess I'll have to remember all the important things once we get married," Kasumi said softly as she leaned towards Ranma.
(Here we go,) Ranma thought, quivering slightly as he leaned his head towards Kasumi. His arms snaked around her waist as their lips met. As always, the kiss was sweet, and all of Ranma's defenses were lowered. He idly wondered what would happen if someone had attacked him just then. (I probably wouldn't even notice,) he thought wryly, slowly pulling away from Kasumi.
"As long as you don't forget how to do that," Kasumi said, breathing heavily as she put her head on Ranma's shoulder.
"Are you finished with the dishes already?" Nodoka asked, standing just outside the kitchen. Ranma and Kasumi automatically parted, blushing slightly at an amused Nodoka. "It'll take everyone some time to get used to this, but don't worry. After a while, such things won't cause you embarrassment," Nodoka assured the couple.
"Was there, uh, something you wanted, Mom?" Ranma asked uncomfortably.
"I just wanted to let you know that Ryoga is here," Nodoka replied.
"Where is he?" Ranma asked warily.
"He's up in Akane's room," Nodoka said levelly.
"Okay, let him know that I'll be waitin' for him in the Dojo," Ranma sighed.
"Ranma! You really shouldn't spar so soon after a meal!" Kasumi exclaimed.
"Spar?" Ranma asked incredulously, "Don't worry. I really doubt that we're gonna 'spar'," Ranma spat as he stalked out of the kitchen.
"Kasumi?" Ryoga asked in utter shock. Akane mutely nodded as she stared out her bedroom window. "But- but, th-that doesn't make any sense! The two of you-"
"He doesn't love me, Ryoga," Akane replied miserably.
"Of course he loves you! Akane, he nearly -killed- for you! He must be under some kind of spell or something!" Ryoga argued vehemently.
"I tried to convince myself of that too," Akane admitted, "But it's not true. Ra- Ranma and Kasumi have gotten really close over the past two years, while I drifted apart from him. The two of them actually talked! Ranma and I, well, we never really did that. I guess this I took things for granted, a little."
"Don't you -dare- take the blame for this! He's treated you like dirt the whole time you've been engaged, never admitting how he felt, always leading on other women! You- you love him, and he treats you like this? " Ryoga raged.
"Ryoga, please, calm down. There's nothing I can do about it. I- I'm hurt, but I still love them; the both of them, and. . . I want them to be happy. Maybe Ranma can avoid the same mistakes he made with me, and I -know- oneechan won't be making the same mistakes I did!" Akane replied.
"Maybe there's nothing -you- can do. But there -is- something I can do!" Ryoga growled, stalking out of Akane's bedroom before she could stop him. (That insensitive bastard! I'll beat some sense into him! Even if it kills him!) Ryoga thought, running downstairs. He reached the living room to find Nabiki still on the sofa. He glanced about the room, then suddenly bolted towards the kitchen."Where's Ranma?" He demanded, glaring at Kasumi and Nodoka, who had finished washing the dishes.
Nodoka and Kasumi glanced at each other uneasily. "He's in the dojo, Ryoga-kun," Kasumi replied.
"I know you care for Akane, but please, don't interfere in this. They need to work things out for themselves," Nodoka pleaded.
"In the dojo. Right. Thank you," he replied, quickly exiting the kitchen.
"Oh dear," Nodoka sighed, placing her hand on her cheek.
"I hope they'll be all right," Kasumi said, doing the same.
----------
mild editing by CSY staff:
TJ
Missy
_________________________