Disclaimer: I hereby disclaim that Ranma ½ is not created by me. Muahahaha I manage to add 28 more words to my update by adding a disclaimer =/

Title: Lost Memories

Summary: A boy with a forgotten past unexpectedly arrived and came to live together with the Tendo and Saotome family. How will he affect their lives? And how will they affect his life? How will his past affect them when it came to light? A Ranma and Akane pairing.

A/N: Finally realize how to add in the bold and italics properly when uploading to fanfic. =/ By the way "genkan" refers to the entrance area of a Japanese house where slippers and shoes are taken off and wore. Previously referred as "front door".

Volume 03

Chapter 13: Reconciliation

Chapter 14: Decisions

Chapter 15: Start of chaos

Chapter 16: Troubles begin

Chapter 17: Love

Chapter 18: The date

Chapter 13: Reconciliation

Scene: Akane's room, Monday morning,

Akane: (Wakes up) (Remembering yesterday events) (Sigh) Ara? (Felt her hand being clasped by two solid warm hands) (Sees onna-Ranma sleeping while kneeling down with her forehead resting on the mattress) (Thinking) Hen-hentai! (Reflexively raises a fist intending to knock a blow onto onna-Ranma's head but stops) (Recalls Kasumi's advice yesterday)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Kasumi: (Hugs Akane and let her cry on her shoulder, patting her back) (Whispers gently to Akane) Now, now Akane. Calm down. It will be all right. I understand your grief but being angry at Ranma-kun will not solve anything. Just cry out your sorrows. Let it out. I'm here for you. You know that don't you.

Akane: (Whimpers) Kasumi oneechan… (Thinking) Why am I so weak? Kasumi had never cried never need comfort. She is always so strong. Always comforting and taking care of us. Here I am considering myself as a martial artist and I…

(End of flashback sequence)

Akane: (Sigh) Ne, Ranma. (Shakes onna-Ranma) Ranma.

Onna-Ranma: (Muffled) Few more minutes.

Akane: (Frowns) (Thinking) I got a good mind to splash a bucket of water onto you if you weren't in my room. (Shaking onna-Ranma vigorously and speaks) Ranma, wake up.

Onna-Ranma: (Muffled) I'm sorry Akane.

Akane: (Freezes upon hearing the 'apology') (Thinking) Did he come here yesterday to apologize?

Onna-Ranma: (Sleeping)

Akane: Ranma. (Shakes Ranma harder)

Onna-Ranma: (Releases Akane's hand and stretches out her arms skywards and yawning) (Open her eyes and blinks) ACK! (Jumps backwards and babbles) Li-listen Akane let me explain! (Vigorously shaking his palms outwards) Is not what you think it is!

Akane: (Frowns) Then what is it Ranma?

Onna-Ranma: (Startled) Huh? (Thinking) Since when does she ask me to explain myself? Ouch. (Her legs gave way as blood starts circulating properly throughout her veins)

Akane: I'm waiting Ranma. (Thinking) For your apology.

Onna-Ranma: (Splutters) Eh ah urm… Ano… (Speechless) (Her mind a total blank since all the blood rushes down to her legs depriving the brain of blood)

Akane: (Thinking) He's hopeless… (Begins to yell) Ranma no hentai! (Raise her arms holding the mallet to bring down the impending doom blow)

Onna-Ranma: (Panics) (Mind begins to work overdrive) GomennasaiAkane! (Close her eyes and awaits the blow to come)

Akane: (Stops in mid-way) (Thinking) Twice. He actually said sorry to me twice. (Tears forming in her eyes) (Her grip on the mallet loosens)

Onna-Ranma: (Thinking) Is she getting slower than ever or what?

#Thud.#

Akane's mallet landed on the ground.

Onna-Ranma: (Peeks) (Panics) (Thinking) Aw, what the heck did I do now? (Begins to speaks) Ah Akane! I didn't mean to make you cry. Please don't cry. (Cautiously trying to comfort Akane)

Akane: Oh Ranma. (Hugs and cries on onna-Ranma) (Thinking) Why do I love this jerk in spite of all his terrible faults? (Recalling Rukawa's statement)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: Hai. (Nods head) I promise. By the way Akane-san, do bear in mind of the things Ranma had done for you in the past too.

Akane: (Watches Rukawa exiting her room) (Thinking) Ranma had only mentioned loving me on some occasions… Few times and mostly accidental but nevertheless still… He hardly admitted to loving anyone and had never to Shampoo or Ukyo. All the things he had done for me… Rescuing me from Pantyhose Taro, avenging me from the martial art cheerleader Konjo Mariko, ice-skate together with me against Shiratori Azusa and Sanzenin Mikado the golden pair of martial arts figure skating… Even telling off that Sanzenin-san that if he ever touches me he would kill him. (Smiles) And only I can break off his neko mode. That must have count for something. (Smiles happily) Maybe I do have a chance after all.

(End of flashback sequence)

Akane: (Still sobbing on onna-Ranma) (Thinking) He's always there for me… A jerk he may sometimes be… Okay most of the time he is an insensitive jerk… But he is still my jerk. (Amidst the crying, her lips slightly upwards)

Onna-Ranma: (Trembling) (Thinking) Is she going to kill me when she finally realizes what she is doing?

Akane: Ranma, since when do you know how to say sorry?

Onna-Ranma: Eh? (Thinking) What did she mean by that? (Begins to speak) I think when I was about four years old.

Akane: (Thinking) Is he trying to be funny?! Breath in breath out. Whew. (Begins to speak) I have never heard you said sorry to anyone for that matter? Why did you say sorry? (Thinking) Ranma would rather be malleted than apologize at other times. (A/N: Ranma only apologize for stupid matters. One great example is when mastering the Möko Rakuchi-sei which is the secret technique of Saotome Anything Goes where - Place both hands on solid ground, face your opponent, and fawn saying "gomennasai, gomennasai, gomennasai…". When Ranma was weakened by Happosai)

Onna-Ranma: Ore… Ore wa…

Akane: Why Ranma? I want to know.

Onna-Ranma: Be-because I heard you said you hate me Akane. I couldn't bear knowing that y-you hate me.

Akane: Oh Ranma. (Hugs onna-Ranma tighter) (Thinking) Hearing that is just as good as him saying he loves me. (Sigh)

Onna-Ranma: (Returns the hug in relief) (Thinking) I thought I was going to lose her…

#Creak…#

Nabiki: (Opens the door leading to Akane's room) (Ruffled hair and an annoyed look on her face) Chotto Akane what's up with all that yelling?

Soun&Genma: (Standing behind Nabiki, widen their sleepy eyes in surprise at the sight) (Smiles ecstatically)

Akane: (Removes herself hastily from onna-Ranma, blushing heavily)

Onna-Ranma: (Jumps backwards swiftly from Akane, shaking her arms vigorously) Is not what you think it is!

Nabiki: (Smirks) We see, we see Ranma-kun. (Winks)

Soun: I'm so happy, Saotome-kun. (Tears rolling down his cheeks)

Genma: (Using his sleeves to wipe off his tears) Me too Tendo-kun.

Soun&Genma: Our children are back together!

Ranma&Akane: (Face reddening)

Soun: Come Saotome-kun. Let's go get Kasumi to prepare a feast for breakfast. This calls for a celebration.

Soun&Genma: (Walk away together)

Scene: Tendo Dojo, second level,

Nabiki: Have fun making out you two. (Grins and closes the door quietly, leaving the embarrassed couple staring at each other) (Thinking) That was rather unexpected. Who would have thought those two will reconcile in such a short time. Maybe I can go through with phase 3 after all. In any case, I can't allow myself to lose money.

Soun: (Standing at the top of the staircase) Nabiki, have you seen Kasumi? She isn't in her kitchen as she usually would have been nor anywhere in the house?

Nabiki: Eh? Maybe she is still asleep?

Soun: Kasumi? Asleep at this time? That's a first.

Nabiki: True. (Knocks on Kasumi's door softly) Oneechan? (Thinking) No reply. (Opens the door carefully to Kasumi's room to peek inside) (Gasps in astonishment at the unexpected scene in front of her)

Soun: (Sees a flabbergasted Nabiki) Nabiki, dōshita no? [What's the matter?] (Approaches Nabiki and follows her line of sight) (Sees a very intimate posture of his most beloved eldest daughter) (Thinking) NANI! Kasumi?! (Rub his eyes disbelievingly) In her room. In her night gown. Snuggling closely o-on-on Rukawa's lap. (His eyes widen dramatically) Wrapping her arms around his waist. Rukawa-kun sitting cross-legged. Hands resting on his knees. Head resting on Kasumi's forehead. Such improper disgraceful behavior from my most prim and proper eldest daughter! I am losing my eldest daughter! To-to an undeserving guy like Rukawa! In fact absolutely almost every man in this world do not deserve to be her husband! (Wails at the top of his lungs) WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! KASUMI!

Nabiki: (Cover her ears protectively) (Flashes Soun an aggravated look for deafening her)

Genma: (Rushing up to the second level) What happened Tendo-kun? (Widen his eyes) (Thinking) Kasumi and…

Akane: Oto-san! Oneechan? Something bad must have happened! (Rushes out of the room) (Sees the scene in front of her) (Shocked) Ara! Kasumi oneechan. (Thinking) What is oneechan doing with Rukawa-kun?

Onna-Ranma: (Rushes out of the room simultaneously) (Thinking) Why is oji-san shouting like that? (Begins to speak) Nan da yo oji-san? (Blinks at the scene) (Blurts out) Whoa!

Rukawa: (Startled and slightly annoyed) (Thinking) What's with the crazy wailing? (Breathes in) Mmh what a nice sweet smell. (Open his eyes and sees Kasumi very, very close to him) (Remembers his awkward situation) (Blushes slightly) Ara I forgot… Er? (Becomes aware that the Tendo and Saotome family are staring at his uncomfortable and rather unhealthy position with Kasumi) (Stares back at them in horror) Shimatta… (Trembles in fear) I am so dead.

Kasumi: (Wakes up and sees Rukawa's face) (Smiles, remembering yesterday events) (Thinking) Ara, I cried myself to sleep yesterday and Rukawa-kun didn't wake me up. (Blushes) (Notices Rukawa's shocked expression and feel his panicking body shaking and trembling oddly) Dōshita no? [What's the matter?] (Follows his line of sight) Ara… (Her eyes widen slightly as she makes out…) Oto-san. Nabiki. Akane. Ranma-kun. Saotome oji-sama. (Her already blushing face burns deeper to a beetroot color) (Gets off Rukawa lightly, fairly embarrassed at the stares she received)

Rukawa: (Thinking) My arms and legs and back are all stiff and cramped. No escape…

Soun: (Grabs Rukawa by the collar once Kasumi removed herself from Rukawa) (Uses his demon head attack and yells furiously) Setsumei shite morao ka, Rukawa-kun?! [How do you explain yourself, Rukawa-kun?!]

Rukawa: (Shakes his head) (Tries to speak in a steady voice) Su-sumi-sumimasen Ten-Tendo oji-san b-but you see… I-I didn't… I mean… Is a mis-misunder-derstanding. I-is not what it seems. Hon-honest.

Soun: (Reverts back to normal mode and turns to Kasumi) Is that true? Kasumi, what do you have to say for yourself?

Kasumi: (Looks at Soun and gives a glance at the clock on her dressing table) (Realizes) (Shows a very shocked expression) Ara ara. (Lays a hand on her cheek) Gomen nasai, oto-san. I forgot to set the alarm clock and overslept. I'm sorry for not waking you all up. I better go and prepare breakfast now. Oh dear, oh dear… (Hurries herself to the kitchen)

#Thud.#

Everyone: (Faint) (Heads hitting the floor and their legs project upwards) (Oyakusoku pozu) (Sweating)

Rukawa: (Thinking) Is she for real or she's a pro at handling this kind of situation.

------

Chapter 14: Decisions

Scene: Tendo Dojo, living room,

Soun: (Grim look plastered on his face with a cigarette hanging loosely in his lips) (Thinking) My daughter what have he done to her?!

Genma: (Worried look) (Thinking) What's taking Kasumi so long to prepare breakfast?

Nabiki: (Thinking) 'Aho. I shouldn't have been too shocked at the sight. I literally had seen that coming didn't I? Baka! Should have took a camera and take some photos. Darn it! I wasted some potential money-making schemes with Tofu-sensei.

Akane: (Thinking) Kasumi oneechan… What about Tofu-sensei? (Looks at the clock on wall) Ara. School starting soon.

Ranma: (Thinking) Ah it feels so much better to be a man.

Scene: Tendo Dojo, kitchen,

Kasumi: (Thinking) It feels so good to have let out my emotions yesterday. I feel so "free"… Rather light. (Transfers a ladleful of miso soup to a spoon) (Begins to speak) Gomen ne Rukawa-kun for yesterday. And also for causing oto-san to yell at you. (Blows the soup gently to cool it down)

Rukawa: (Startled) Eh? Oh. Ah. I-is no problem Kasumi-san. I was erm… (Pauses) Glad to be of help to you. (Continues to load the bowls, plates and chopsticks onto the tray)

Kasumi: Arigato Rukawa-kun. (Tastes the miso soup) (Thinking) For being there, when I really need someone. (Begins to speak) For helping me out in my chores again.

Rukawa: Huh? Oh. Is no problem Kasumi-san. Is the least I can do when staying here, helping you out in your household chores. (Pauses) (Thinking) And trying live out the few minutes of my remaining life before facing the fearful music of Tendo oji-san in the living room if I wasn't helping Kasumi-san in the kitchen. (Begins to speak) Erm Kasumi-san. (Loads the bowls with rice)

Kasumi: Hmm? (Loads the food onto the plates)

Rukawa: I er hope you're feeling much better.

Kasumi: (Smiles) (Thinking) Very much. (Nods) (Begins to speak) Hai. Ano Rukawa-kun, can you please serve these dishes out while I prepare Nabiki, Akane and Ranma-kun no bentos. [Lunches]

Rukawa: Hai. (Carries the tray with its contents out)

Scene: Tendo Dojo, kitchen,

Kasumi: (Leaves the bentos on the kitchen cabinet and makes her way to the living room)

Scene: Tendo Dojo, living room,

Kasumi: (Sits down) (Picks up her bowl of rice) Itadakimasu mina. (Smiles)

Ranma: (Gobbling his food swiftly, his third bowl) (Thinking) Faster faster. (Glances at Akane) Soon Akane gonna drag me out to school 'cause we're late and I for one does not care if we're late or not. I'm starving. Must be because of yesterday I didn't eat much dinner.

Nabiki: (Put down her empty bowl) I'm done. Ittekimasu. (Grabs her bag and bento in the kitchen and heads out)

Kasumi: Itterasshai Nabiki-chan.

Akane: (Finishes her bowl) Gochiso sama deshita. Ranma let's go. We're late already. (Carries her bag)

Ranma: Matte yo, Akane. Kasumi, one more bowl please.

Kasumi: (Smiles) Hai.

Akane: Ranma! We have no time for one more bowl! (Drags Ranma along with her bag) Ittekimasu mina.

Ranma: Chotto matte yo Akane! (Grabs a piece of bread and his bag while being dragged out)

Rukawa: (Sweatdrops)

Kasumi: Ara, be careful Akane-chan.

Akane: Hai! Come on Ranma! (Rushes off to school)

Kasumi: (Smiles) (Thinking) I'm so glad Ranma-kun and Akane is back together again. I wonder what happen.

Soun: (Clears his throat) (Looks at Kasumi and Rukawa solemnly)

Rukawa: (Stares at his rice monotonously) (Thinking) Here it comes.

Soun: Kasumi-chan, Rukawa-kun.

Kasumi&Rukawa: (Looks at Soun) Hai?

Soun: (Sternly) Explain yourself for this morning incident.

Kasumi: Oto-san, nothing happened between Rukawa-kun and me. We were just…

Soun: (Expectantly) Just?

Kasumi: (Timidly) Nandemonai… [Nothing…]

Soun: (Turns to Rukawa) What about you?

Rukawa: Eh? Ore? Erm… It's a simple misunderstanding Tendo oji-san. Honest and simple as that. (Thinking) Though understanding Kasumi is not as simple as that. She's, I think is concealing her emotions and feelings inside.

Soun: What do you think Saotome-kun? (Turns to Genma)

#Sipping sounds.#

Genma: Kasumi-kun, this miso soup is delicious. (Thinking) It is worth it waiting slightly longer for it.

Kasumi: (Smiles) (Bows her head) Hai. Thank you for the compliment oji-sama.

Soun: Saotome-kun!

Genma: Oh heh heh Tendo-kun. Umm… (Smiles widely) Let us prepare a double wedding. Wahahahahahah!

Rukawa: What?

Kasumi: Ara. (Face reddens) (Covers her mouth in embarrassment)

Soun: (Incredulously) Are you crazy Saotome-kun?

Genma: Look Tendo-kun. Maybe Akane-kun will not feel shy about the wedding and getting married to Ranma if Kasumi-san is getting married together with Rukawa-kun on the same day with her. With that, the inheritance of the dojo and the joining of the Schools are secured.

Soun: (Loudly) Never! Kasumi deserves better.

Genma: (Sweatdrops) Okay, okay is just a suggestion.

Rukawa: (Sweating)

Kasumi: (Blushing) (Thinking) Ara. Rukawa-kun and me, together… Rukawa-kun… He seems childish but… Is he really childish? Yesterday he did manage to comfort me somehow… Rukawa-kun… Can I imagine him being the person to look after me?

Soun: (Looks sternly) Kasumi, Rukawa-kun. Can I safely trust that nothing of what I am thinking did happen yesterday night?

Kasumi: Hai oto-san.

Rukawa: Nothing of er th-that sort happened Tendo oji-san. If you like it, I can stay in the guest room instead of with Kasumi.

Soun: Very well then.

Kasumi: (Feeling hurt) (Looks at Rukawa slightly sad)

Rukawa: (Thinking) Why is she looking at me like that eh… What did I do?

Kasumi: (Looks down) (Thinking) Rukawa-kun… Why do I feel hurt just hearing Rukawa-kun saying that…?

Rukawa: (Thinking) Think think. Hmm… (Recalls yesterday incident)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: Eh? (Alarmed at the suddenly tearful Kasumi)

Kasumi: (Promptly gets off her bed and hugs Rukawa, who was still sitting down on the floor near the bed, tightly)

Rukawa: Har? (Thinking) …

Kasumi: (Sobbing onto Rukawa's chest) Don't leave me Rukawa-kun…

Rukawa: Kasumi-san?

Kasumi: (Continues to cry) Please. (Thinking) I need someone to hold me… To comfort me… To console me… To tell me everything will be fine… To make me feel secure… I need you.

Rukawa: (Returns the hug) (Thinking) What's wrong with her? What did I said? (Begins to speak) I-I… (Bites his lip) (Thinking) Why is it hard to say it? (Breathes in deeply and breathes out) For her sake. (Begins to speak) I won't leave you Kasumi. (Slowly and cautiously pats Kasumi's back to comfort her) Don't worry. I-I'm here for you okay.

Kasumi: (Hugs Rukawa tighter) (Succumbing to her feelings, her inner emotions) (Continues to cry out her grievances, her troubles, her worries in the form of tears, that had all been accumulated as it was suppressed deep within her during the past eleven years, but never been released simply because there was never anyone around for her) (Sniffs) (Thinking) Ara, my actions are totally unacceptable. Rukawa-kun is after all a stranger… (Pauses) (Holds Rukawa even closer to herself and breathing in deeply) You are here for me to hold on to. Nothing else matters…

Rukawa: … (Pats Kasumi's back periodically) (Thinking) I hope all this will make you feel better Kasumi-san. 'Cause my back starting to ache. It would be worth it if you will be okay.

Kasumi: (Sobbing yet manages to smile slightly as she buries her face into Rukawa's chest) (Thinking) He… Just by being here, returning my hug and patting my back can overcome any lack of comforting words on his part. (Falls asleep)

Rukawa: (Thinking) This is getting uncomfortable… (Looks at the sleeping figure of Kasumi who was sitting on his lap, her side of the body resting on his chest, her head resting near his shoulder, her arms wrapped around him by the waist) I don't have the heart to wake her… I wonder why is she so upset, so… Sad. (Grazes the back of his fingers on Kasumi's cheek) So soft, so smooth, so… (Shakes head) Man, my backache getting real annoying.

(End of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: (Thinking) I promised her I wouldn't leave her. Nice going. Forgotten it after less than a day. (Begins to speak) Eh sumimasen, Tendo oji-san. (Feeling nervy) But I think I should stay with Kasumi-san.

Soun: … (Stares gravely at Rukawa) (Thinking) Fishy… Very fishy… Disturbing… Very disturbing…

Rukawa: (Observes Soun facial expression towards himself) (Thinking) I think I just signed my death sentence.

Kasumi: (Looks up at Rukawa) (Thinking) Why do I hope? Why do I yearn? I can't be longing for him. After all young men are usually boring and immature aren't they? Rukawa-kun seems childish at times implying that he may be young but… But I do not actually think he is childish. And somehow I do not mind that at all. Oh dear. I am confusing myself with my own contradictions. Rukawa-kun, he teases me when we are alone doing chores together. Mature men don't tease and try to loosen me up. Don't I look carefree and peaceful? But his teasing somehow arouses something deep within me. It is like he is stirring the person deep within me that is kept hidden for so long that I thought I could not be anymore when I grew up and took care of my family. And come to think of it, I actually like him for doing all those antics of his… Dragging me into a shop just for fun, getting me to chase him, joking with me when I'm doing my chores… It felt like being a kid again and not a grown-up burdened with heavy responsibilities. Doing silly but rather amusing things for fun that I was deprived of, all these years. Does it really matter anymore? Do I really desire to be with someone like him? He may not seem really grown up but… But yesterday… It felt so… Nice to be held by him. I guessed I would have felt comforted even if it was anyone since I felt so terribly upset yesterday. Crying my heart out is the first step to feeling better after all. Still it was Rukawa-kun who stirred up my memories. No one ever got me to think for myself before.

Rukawa: (Getting intimidated by Soun's presence) (Thinking) Why isn't Tendo oji-san replying? He is unsettling my nerves.

Soun: Why is that?

Rukawa: Ano… (Thinking) Because she needs someone. (A quick glance at Soun) (Sweating) I can't really say that. Tendo oji-san might take it the wrong way. (Begins to speak nervously) W-well I don't know how to put it into words. Urm… You see… Is… (An enduring glance at Kasumi, his eyes yelling out for help)

Soun: (Frowns) (Thinking) First he suggested he would sleep in the guest room. Then he changed his mind. What is he up to? I must protect my daughter!

Kasumi: Oto-san.

Rukawa: (Relieved) (Thinking) Whew!

Soun: Nan de Kasumi.

Kasumi: Rukawa-kun can stay in my room. I do not mind that at all plus it would be rather cramped if Ranma-kun, Saotome oji-sama and Rukawa-kun all slept in the same room. (Smiles) (Thinking) I do enjoy Rukawa-kun's company. I cannot deny that. I enjoyed our late night chats, his company when he helped me do my chores. It feels like I'm unloading my burden somehow… And… And I think I do want to be near him, close to him.

Soun: (Thinking) What is wrong with Kasumi? Wanting a guy to sleep in her room, with her, giving an inadequate reason such as discomfort for our guests. Our guest room can easily accommodates three or four people. Ranma-kun, I want him to sleep in Akane's room but she forbid it and will half kill him if he ever sleeps there. Rukawa-kun I do not want him to be with Kasumi but she wants it. (Looks at Kasumi) I can't reject her wish… (Sigh) This is the only one of few times Kasumi ask me for something. She rarely asks for anything for herself. Anyway I'm sure Kasumi can take care of herself. Such is the hardship of being the father to three beautiful daughters. (Begins to speak) Kasumi, Rukawa-kun. I trust that nothing unconformable will occur under my roof… (Pauses) …And outside my roof for that matter.

Kasumi: Hai oto-san. (Smiles and bows her head)

Rukawa: (Bows his head) You won't Tendo oji-san. Arigato gozai masu. (Thinking) That went easier then I anticipated.

Soun: (Thinking thoughtfully) Hm… I should arrange an omiai [Marriage meeting] for Kasumi soon. She's already nearing her terireiki. And from the looks of things, she is lonely and wants a husband. I must find a wonderful potential husband that she deserves! Rich handsome famous! (A/N: "Terireiki" is the appropriate age for marriage, for a woman. It is 25 or younger. There's a saying "Women are like a Christmas cake - no good after the twenty-fifth.")

------

Chapter 15: Start of chaos

Scene: Furinkan Koukou [Wind Forest Hall High], outside 1st year classroom grade F,

Akane: (Carrying a bucket of water) Baka. This is all your fault you glutton!

Ranma: (Carrying two buckets of water) Why is it my fault! It is sensei who made us stand outside and carry pails of water.

Akane: (Grits her teeth in exasperation) If you have stop eating and follow me to school without resistance we wouldn't be stuck here carrying buckets!

Ranma: Wait a minute. Kasumi oneechan er… You know overslept and so there was a late breakfast.

Akane: You and your stomach!

Ranma: Lunch is a few hours away how do you expect me to endure the hunger?

Akane: (Frustrated) Arghh!

Ranma: Shimatta!

Akane: What now? (Thinking) What else can possibly be worse than coming late and not having enough breakfast for this jerk?

Ranma: (Rummaging his bag) We forgot to take our bentos… No… No! NO! NOOOOOO! Chigau da yo! [It can't be!]

Akane: (Face-faults) (Thinking) Something to do with his bottomless stomach again. (Yells, annoyed) Can you please sto… Eeps. (Startled at her sensei sudden appearance)

Sensei: (Standing between Ranma and Akane) (Visible vein on his temple) What is the matter with you two! I sent you out to punish you for lateness and it is obviously known to keep your mouth shut! You're DISRUPTING the whole class with your endless squabbles! (Breathes in heavily)

Ranma&Akane: (Oyakusoku pozu with hair standing to one end)

------

Scene: Tendo Dojo, kitchen,

Rukawa: (Thinking) Oh Ranma and Akane-san are patched up already. Nice one Ranma.

Kasumi: (Sees two bentos on the kitchen cabinet) Ara? Ranma-kun and Akane-chan forgot to take their bentos. Rukawa-kun would you mind going to their school and pass to them later.

Rukawa: Sure Kasumi-san. Where is it?

------

Scene: Furinkan Koukou, 2nd year classroom grade E,

Nabiki: (Thinking) Is Ranma and Akane still going out later? Or they will need some friendly "coaxing" from me? I can't allow myself to lose money because of their petty quarrels.

------

Scene: Furinkan Koukou, under a tree in the school compound, lunch time, (A/N: You know, that tree)

Ranma: (Sitting down) I'm starving! (Holding his stomach)

Akane: (Sitting down) Go and buy some food from the canteen.

Ranma: Sold-out.

Akane: …

Ukyo: Hi Ranchan, Akane-chan. I've been looking all over for you. (Sits down next to Ranma)

Ranma: Yo Ucchan.

Akane: (Slightly agitated) Hi Ukyo.

Ukyo: Are you hungry Ranchan? Here have an okonomiyaki specially made for you. (Smiles happily)

Ranma: Arigato Ucchan. (Smiles widely) You are the answer to my hunger. Itadakimasu!

Akane: (Her left eye twitches) (Thinking) The nerve of him.

Ukyo: (Smiling) Ne Akane-chan. There's enough for you too.

Akane: No thank you Ukyo.

Ukyo: Okay is your loss. (Gives Ranma some special attention)

Rukawa: Hey Akane-san! Ranma! (Waves his hand) (Runs towards them)

Ranma: Hey Rukawa! (Thinking) Hmm now then I noticed Rukawa's broken arm not in a cast. His arm has already mended? His bandages are off too. (Continues gorging his okonomiyaki)

Akane: What are you doing here, Rukawa-kun?

Rukawa: You guys forgot your bentos so Kasumi-san sent me to pass them to you. Wouldn't want you to go hungry.

Akane: Someone is already full now. (Glares at Ranma)

Ranma: Eh? (Gulps) (Looks guiltily back at Akane and Rukawa) Heh heh wouldn't want food made by Ucchan to go to waste, ne.

Rukawa: Eh right. (Sees Ukyo 'looking after' Ranma)

Akane: (Taking the bento from Rukawa) (Mutters) That's Kuonji Ukyo. Ranma's other fiancée.

Rukawa: (Thinking) Fiancée? (Begins to speak) Kon'nichi wa Kuonji-san. (Bows) Rukawa.

Ukyo: Yā Rukawa. Ukyo's the name, okonomiyaki's the game. Charmed, I'm sure. I'm Ranchan's (Places her hands below her chin 'Standard Anime 'Cute' Behavior #12345') kawaii iinazuke. (Smiling cutely)

Akane: (Eats her bento vehemently)

Ranma: (Thinking) I think I'm in trouble.

Rukawa: (Doubtfully) You're his fiancée?

Ukyo: Yup. Isn't Ranchan so handsome and cute!

Rukawa: (In a low voice) Ano… Ne Ranma, you didn't tell me that you also have a boy as your fiancé?

Ranma: (Vomits out a mouthful of okonomiyaki)

Akane: (Sweatdrops)

Rukawa: …

Ukyo: Were you born stupid or did you just grow that way?!

Rukawa: Eh… Neither?

Ukyo: I am 100% woman!

Rukawa: (Blinks uncertainly)

Ranma: (Gets up and approaches Ukyo)

Ukyo: (Surprised) Ran…

Ranma: (Calmly unbuttons the first two button of her male school uniform)

Akane: (Frowns darkly) (Thinking) What is that pervert doing now?

Ukyo: (Blushes real hard) (Softly) Ranchan… (Thinking) What is he doing? It can't be. Not in front of everyone? (Her unbuttoned male school uniform slightly reveals a binded chest)

Ranma: (Pushes Ukyo from the back slightly to make the chest clearer, emphasizing his point)

Rukawa: (Blushes) (Embarrassed) Oh.

#Kok.#

Ukyo: (Knocks Ranma's head) You jackass, you didn't have to show him my chest, ya know?! (Thinking) And I thought he wanna…

Ranma: Ow! (Rubs his head) What? I was just stating a point.

Akane: (Roll her eyes) (Thinking) Honestly he is such an insensitive idiot.

Ranma: I was just…

Ukyo: Never mind Ranchan. You're such a pain in the fanny sometimes... (Buttons up her shirt)

Rukawa: (Sweatdrops)

Student: (Shouting from a school building) Ukyo-san! Fujiyama-sensei looking for you!

Ukyo: (Shouts) Hai. (Sweet voice) Ja ne, Ranchan. (Smiles sweetly) Ja Akane-chan, Rukawa.

Ranma: Ja ne Ucchan. (Thinking) Whew.

Rukawa: Ja Ukyo.

Akane: Ja. So Rukawa-kun…

Rukawa: Ara?

Akane: What happened this morning?

Rukawa: (Uncomfortably) Eh. Erm, which is… (Thinking) Not the touchy issue I hope.

Akane: You know… In Kasumi's room…

Rukawa: Eh I think is best if you ask her about it yourself. I don't know how to answer. (Rubs the back of his head nervously)

Akane: Oh.

Ranma: Heh heh Rukawa. (Grins) Didn't know you and Kasumi have the hots for each other. And only after a couple of days. Wow.

Rukawa: (Face reddens involuntarily) Is nothing like that Ranma.

Ranma: You two were so cozy this morning. And the fact that you're blushing now.

Rukawa: (Thinking) Cozy? I was stiff to begin with. (Begins to speak) Not really.

Akane: Ne Rukawa-kun. Do you like oneechan?

Rukawa: (Thinking) Why are they asking me difficult questions… (Begins to speak) I don't have any reasons to dislike her ne, Akane.

Akane: Because Tofu-sensei is in love with oneechan.

Rukawa: Oh Tofu-sensei is?

Akane: But he's too shy to ask her out.

Rukawa: Does Kasumi-san know about his affection?

Akane: No.

Rukawa: (Thinking) Hmm maybe Tofu-sensei could be the key to helping her recover from her loneliness.

Ranma: But Akane, Kasumi already showing her affection to Rukawa here. (Grins widely) If sleeping on, with Rukawa ain't showing any affection I wonder wha…

#Konk.#

Ranma: (Yells) Nani shiyagaru! [Waddya do that for!] (Rubs his head painfully)

Akane: Baka. Don't be so rude.

Rukawa: Eh why are we talking about Kasumi-san and me? There's nothing between us. No worries.

Ranma: Are you sure Rukawa? You know…

Rukawa: (Interrupts quickly changing the subject) What about Akane-san and you?

Ranma: Er.

Akane: What about Ranma and me?

Rukawa: Isn't today supposedly your date?

Ranma: Erm… (Thinking) I'd forgotten about it…

Akane: (Looks at Ranma wonderingly)

Ranma: (Getting nervous) (Thinking) Is she waiting for an answer? Erm… If I say yes there is a 50% chance of making Akane angry. If I say no there is also a 50% chance of making Akane angry. What kind of decision is that… (Getting nervous)

Rukawa: …

Akane: Ranma. What is it taking you so long to answer Rukawa-kun.

Ranma: Eh eh erm… Ano… Is… Is up to you Akane heh heh. (Relieved) (Thinking) Yatta! That's the way!

Akane: Nani ga? What do you mean?

Ranma: I mean if you still wanna go and all, then we shall go. If not, we don't go.

Akane: (Smiles) (Thinking) Ranma is so thoughtful suddenly. Considering what happen the first date, I do hope this time the date will fare better. (Begins to speak) Okay let's go tonight. I'm looking forward to it.

Ranma: Yosh! [Okay!] (Thinking) Whew lucky I got out of that tight spot.

Rukawa: That's good to hear. (Smiles)

Ranma: So when are you gonna ask oneechan out Rukawa?

Rukawa: (Coughs) Of course not. Someone already has feelings for Kasumi-san.

Akane: Sou yo. [That's right]

Ranma: But what if Kasumi oneechan doesn't feel the same way. She may not necessarily return the same kind of feelings. (Thinking) Especially with Tofu-sensei erm special behavior…

Akane: (Slightly raised voice) Ranma. Kasumi love Tofu-sensei too.

Ranma: (Raises his voice) What do you know about that you unfeminine girl!

Akane: (Screaming back) I know because I know jerk! She's my sister.

Rukawa: (Face-faults) (Thinking) Here we go again.

Ranma: (Shouting loudly) Well you're going out on a date with this jerk! (Points a thumb to himself strangely proud) So that makes you an even bigger jerk ain't it?!

Akane: (Facing Ranma with her forehead pushing against Ranma's forehead) OH YEAH?!

Ranma: (Pushing his forehead harder against Akane's in retaliation) YEAH!

#Wooooooooo…#

A gust of wind blew by blowing leaves pass across the scene. Suddenly four students appeared at the scene.

Hiroshi: Wow!

Daisuke: Ranma finally asked Akane-san out!

Yuka: And Akane agreed!

Sayuri: So romantic! (Dramatically) Ohhhh…

Akane: (Removes herself away from Ranma) (Looks downwards blushing) (Thinking) Did we just shout we were going out together?

Ranma: (Embarrassed) (Thinking) I hate this kind of situation. (Begins to speak) Akane let's go!

Akane: Huh?

Ranma: (Picks Akane up in his arms and hops away)

Akane: Ranmaaa… (Thinking) What will people think?! (Sigh) I wouldn't mind be carried by him all day long…

Hiroshi: Ranma don't run away!

Daisuke: Tell us!

Yuka: Akane tell us the juicy details later!

Sayuri: We will be waiting Akane!

Rukawa: (Watching Ranma and Akane escaping) (Thinking) I'm pretty much surprised they didn't fight with each other again.

Hiroshi: Hey! You were with Ranma and Akane the whole time.

Rukawa: (Startled) Nan-nan de?

Sayuri: Yeah! Tell us what's exactly going on between those two.

Daisuke: Spill the beans.

Yuka: Do they really love each other?

Rukawa: (Sweatdrops) Well… I gotta go. Ja! (Runs off)

Hiroshi,Daisuke,Yuka&Sayuri: Matte yo! (Chases Rukawa) Anta dare ka? [Who are you?]

Scene: Furinkan Koukou, 2nd year classroom grade E, ten minutes later,

Nabiki: Why thank you so much Mitsui-kun. Please come again. You lost the bet Akagi-kun. You know those two will go out. They practically reveal it themselves! Come on pay up Ohgami-kun. You know there will be a 10% interest if you don't pay up by a week time. (Thinking) Life is good. Phase 3 not even required. Gomen ne Ranma-kun. (Grins to herself) Maybe I won't be helping you to avoid your jealous suitors nor Akane's suitors throughout the whole date. I will be too busy collecting money. (Grins) (Thinking) I guess I can buy that disc player that I want sooner than expected.

Scene: Furinkan Koukou, 1st year classroom grade F,

Sensei: Okay so when we get 5y-15x=5…

Kuno: (Enters the classroom as if he owns the school) Saotome Ranma, prepare to pit your skills against me! I will never let you off to freely force the fair Tendo Akane to succumb to your evil desires! As a humble samurai and being Furinkan Koukou no Aoi Ikazuchi [Furinkan High's Blue Thunder], I shall protect thee, Tendo Akane. Saotome Ranma come and feel my wrath! (Charges at Ranma with his bokken)

Ranma: (Jumps and lands on top of Kuno's head) (Sarcastically) Yo Kuno-senpai [Upperclassman Kuno]. I ain't forcing anyone, you know.

Akane: (Stares at the commotion) (Sweatdrops)

Sensei: (Thinking) …

Kuno: (Close his eyes) Making a mockery of Kuno Tatewaki like that! (Swings his bokken upwards to hit Ranma) I will not tolerate it!

Ranma: (Hops away) Well you asked for it. (Assumes a slacking attacking stance)

Kuno: (Notices Akane watching him) (Thinking) My dear Akane-kun watching and hoping that I beat that foul Saotome! Such hope such optimism such expectations. Hoping to be freed from his evil lust. (Glomps to Akane from the back) Do not worry Tendo Akane. (Points to Ranma with his bokken) For I shall vanquish this foul creature to oblivion and free thee and the lovely osage na onna [Pig-tailed girl] from his wretched clutches. Then I shall submit myself to…

Akane: (Shaking in annoyance) Mattaku… [Honestly…] I get so tired of this sometimes… (Does a deadly uppercut to Kuno's jaw)

#Crash!#

Kuno went flying off through the window spinning in circles with his body in oyakusoku pozu and reaching low earth orbit.

Akane: Baka.

Ranma: (Goes to the window) (Shouts) Ja Kuno-senpai!

Kuno: (Shouts) I will march upon the Tendo household and crush you Saotome and save Tendo Akane! Just you wait!

Ranma: (Yells) Hah! I'll be waiting. (Goes back to his desk)

Gosunkuji: (Watches at Ranma timidly from his desk) (Thinking) You fiend Saotome-kun! I will not let you go out on a date with the love of my life that easily… This will be a good time to try out my new toy.

Ukyo: (Thinking) Ranchan going out with Akane? I don't believe it. After all I'm the kawaii iinazuke, right? Still…

Sensei: … (Thinking) I think I should switch schools or change my job.

------

Chapter 16: Troubles begin

Scene: Along the streets, after school,

Ranma: (Walking on the fence)

Akane: (Humming happily)

Gosunkuji: (Following discreetly behind Ranma and Akane) (Thinking) Now if I did this correctly, Akane-san will soon hate Saotome-kun and vice versa. (Starts to imagine)

(Start of imagination sequence)

Scene: Furinkan Koukou compound,

Ranma: Ore wa dai kirai da yo! [I truly hate you!]

Akane: I hate you too Ranma! (Rushes off crying to an unexpectedly handsome Gosunkuji)

Gosunkuji: (Envelops Akane into his arms) Now, now Akane-chan, don't worry about that jerk Saotome-kun. You have me and I shall take care of you.

Ranma: Oi Gosunkuji! (Attacks Gosunkuji) Get away from my fiancée!

Gosunkuji: (Punches Ranma composedly in the face)

Ranma: (Burst into tears)

Akane: Oh Gosunkugi-kun… You're so chivalrous… (Edges her lips towards Gosunkuji's)

Gosunkuji: Just for you Akane-san… (Guides his own lips towards Akane's) Boku wa… [I…]

#BLAM.#

(End of imagination sequence)

#Thud.#

Gosunkuji: (Looks dazedly at the lamppost in front of him from the ground) (Thinking) Oh dear I hope nobody saw me. (Gets up) (Holds out two pieces of blue rectangular paper with weird symbols) (Mantra chanting) (Sees Ranma and Akane some distance in front turning around a corner, disappearing together) (Chases after them in a hurry)

Akane: Ranma. You go first. I want to go buy something. Ja ne. (Runs off)

Ranma: Okay. (Jumps down to the ground) (Sees a dog approaching him) (Bends down and gently scratches and pats the dog)

Dog: (Lays down on the ground, happy at being fondled) (Wags its tail)

Ranma: (Smiles) Ja! I gotta go. (Continues heading back home)

Gosunkuji: (Mantra chanting) (Arriving at the corner) (Accidentally steps on the dog tail) (Stops chanting) Oops…

Dog: (Growls menacingly baring its razor-sharp teeth) Grr…

Gosunkuji: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! (Runs away in the other direction)

Ranma: (Turns around) (Sees Gosunkuji getting chased by the dog) What's the matter with that idiot?

Dog: (Barking) Woooof wooof. (Snarling)

Ranma: (Continues walking back home) (Sees Rukawa along the way) Hey Rukawa!

Rukawa: (Turns around) Yo Ranma.

Ranma: Watcha doing around here?

Rukawa: Just went to pay a visit to Tofu-sensei.

Ranma: I see. By the way, your broken arm is healed already?

Rukawa: Yup.

Ranma: (Thinking) So fast! (Begins to speak) How did you do that?

Rukawa: I don't know. Tofu-sensei is finding out the reason why.

Ranma: Sou ka. [Is that so] Hey wanna spar with me later since you're fit now?

Rukawa: Erm Ranma. I cannot recall or remember any martial arts styles or techniques at all.

Ranma: Heh. Your amnesia is that serious? I meant… Surely your skills should be integrated in you that even amnesia also couldn't let you forget them.

Rukawa: (Shrugs) The only thing that seems to remains is my body is quite accustomed to blows. I watched you spar with your dad, even watched you practised some katas before but… None of the movements were familiar to me. It is like watching someone doing it the first time. I did try to perform out a kata but… (Shrugs) I just don't remember any of its movements. I don't know how.

Ranma: … (Thinking) His condition is worse than I thought.

Rukawa: I don't remember my past, my martial arts abilities. Thank Kami-sama that I still know how to eat and drink and do all the basic stuff heh… So I gotta relearn everything from scratch to do martial arts. (Thinking) Do I want to learn to fight? I don't really feel like I want to…

Ranma: Pretty true Rukawa.

Rukawa: Rukawa.

Ranma: Huh?

Rukawa: Rukawa is the only name I remember. What has it got to do with me? Is it my name? Whose name is it? (Sigh) Or is something else?

Ranma: Don't worry. (Places an arm over Rukawa's shoulder) We will do our best to help you Rukawa.

Rukawa: (Weak smile) Thanks Ranma.

Gosunkuji: (Appearing again, a distance behind Ranma and Rukawa) (Breathing heavily gasping for breaths) Get lost you mongrel! Huh huh huh. (Sees Ranma walking together with his arm over another undistinguished figure) (Thinking) Saotome-kun! You dare to put your arm onto Akane-san. I must not fail! (Looks behind to ensure a good safe distance existed between him and the dog)

Angry dog: (Growling) (Increases its pace)

Gosunkuji: Yipes! (Sprints faster)

Ranma&Rukawa: (Walking)

Gosunkuji: (Eyes getting slightly unfocused from exhaustion) (Running reaching Ranma and stops abruptly) (Close his eyes) Huh huh omm abira unken sowaka! Huh huh. (Places a blue color rectangular paper with weird signs onto Ranma's back) (Open eyes) (Thinking) There now Saotome-kun will hate Akane-san once I placed the other piece onto her!

Ranma: Hey! Watcha doing!

Gosunkuji: (Turns and faces Rukawa with his eyes closed) Omm abira huh huh unken sowaka! (Places a blue color rectangular paper with weird signs onto Rukawa's back) (Thinking) There now Akane-san will hate Saotome-kun! (Open his eyes) (Looks on taken aback, seeing a guy instead of Akane) (Place both his hands on his cheeks and eyes widen in horror) Ack!

Ranma: (Grabs Gosunkuji by the shirt) What the hell you put onto my back?!

Rukawa: … (Sees a weedy looking boy with bags under his eyes)

Angry dog: Grr wooof (Jumps onto Gosunkuji)

Gosunkuji: (Struggles) Ahh helpppppppp!

Ranma: (Releases Gosunkuji)

A cloud of dust formed with yells of pain from Gosunkuji. The dog slowly emerged out with a distinct satisfied victory expression, leaving behind a torn and dirty Gosunkuji lying on the ground.

Gosunkuji: Itee… (Fingers and legs twitching) (Faints)

Ranma: Jeez what the hell did he placed on my back?

Rukawa: Seems like a piece of paper.

Ranma: You have one too.

Rukawa: Let me get it off from you. (Touches the paper to remove it) (His body suddenly glows a bright yellow) Oops? Nani kore? [What is this?]

Ranma: Eh. (His body glows a bright orange) #Pi… Pi… Pa…# (Forces of attraction form in between his body and Rukawa's pulling them together)

Rukawa: Erkk! Nan de? (Resisting the attractive force towards Ranma)

Ranma: Arghh! (Resisting the attractive force towards Rukawa) (Thinking) Resist… (A spherical transparent 'force field' enveloped Rukawa and himself and grows larger and larger)

Rukawa: (Thinking) Can't hold on… (Yells) Ack! (Bangs to Ranma's body)

Ranma: Hargh! Ow!

#Syiiii… Wooooo! Zzziaaaaooon…#

The spherical light covering them eventually disappeared and exploded.

#Klak. Boom!#

Both boys were hurtled away from each other.

Ranma: (Crashes into the stone wall, back first, leaving a small crater on the wall) Oof! (Yellow glow on his body diminishes)

Rukawa: (Hurtles on the ground a few meters away, face first) Ouch! (Orange glow on his body grows fainter and disappears)

Ranma: Itee ja ne ka… [That thoroughly hurt…] (Rubs the back of his head) (Thinking) Shimatta my voice sounds different.

Rukawa: (Thinking) What a headache. (Rubs his head)

Ranma: (Thinking) I don't remembering wearing a red shirt this morning. 'Taku… [Sheesh] (Shakes head) (Gets up) Ranma, daijobou ka? (Brushes off dirt from his clothes)

Rukawa: I'm fine, Rukawa. (Gets up and faces Ranma) (Gasps)

Ranma: (Sees Rukawa) (Gasps) (Thinking) That's me.

Rukawa: Rukawa? I'm seeing myself… (Thinking) I hope is not what I think happened did happen to us…

Ranma: (Thinking) I'm suffering from hallucinations.

Ranma&Rukawa: (Shout in unison) Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Rukawa (Ranma): I AM GONNA KILL THAT BAKA GOSUNKUJI NO YAROU!!!!

Ranma (Rukawa): (Disconsolately) 'Taku… [Just great…]

(A/N: The first name indicates the body while the name in brackets indicated who is in that body. 'Taku is the short version of mattaku)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Seizes Gosunkuji by the shirt) Ku'so! Wake up you troublemaker witch crafter bakero!

Gosunkuji: (Delirious) (Incoherent mumbling) Ara ara… You me I no…

Rukawa (Ranma): Grrr! (Punts Gosunkuji away, sending him flying through the sky)

Ranma: (Rukawa): Ranma, what good will that do?

Rukawa (Ranma): Some satisfaction.

Ranma (Rukawa): How are we supposed to switch back now since you hurled him away? He did this to us.

Rukawa (Ranma): Chiku'so. [Dammit]

Ranma (Rukawa): No comment.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Thinking) Why does everything happen to me?!

Ranma (Rukawa): Better inform Tendo oji-san and the others about our situation and you better cancel your date with Akane.

Rukawa (Ranma): Yeah… NO!

Ranma (Rukawa): Huh?

Rukawa (Ranma): Akane will just assume that I do not want to go out with her.

Ranma (Rukawa): Akane-san won't, Ranma. This is serious and…

Rukawa (Ranma): She will. I know she will. Rukawa! You gotta go in my place for me. Just this once.

Ranma (Rukawa): What are you talking about? I can't do that. Do you know what you're saying?

Rukawa (Ranma): I know. Please.

Ranma (Rukawa): We have to tell the others, Ranma. You shouldn't be joking about…

Rukawa (Ranma): They won't believe us anyway for the moment.

Ranma (Rukawa): You can't be serious.

Rukawa (Ranma): Nabiki, Akane, oyaji and oji-san will just think I'm too chicken to take Akane out.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Face-faults) Are you?

Rukawa (Ranma): Damn not I am!

Ranma (Rukawa) So it doesn't matter what they think as long as you kno…

Rukawa (Ranma): Never Rukawa!

Ranma (Rukawa): So why don't you in my body tell them if you think they wouldn't believe your body.

Rukawa (Ranma): Hey, you were found sleeping together with Kasumi oneechan and now you're saying to them that we're switched and now your body which is supposedly control by me Ranma is going to take Akane out for a date. I don't think so.

Ranma (Rukawa): … (Sweating) (Thinking) Sheesh what an active imagination. (Begins to speak) Che. My body may tell them but there is no real need to take Akane out.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Sweating) (Thinking) Then I think Nabiki gonna come after my head. (Begins to speak nervously) Can't do that either.

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh. Demo…

Rukawa (Ranma): Rukawa… Would you believe if I told you that Akane and me switched bodies?

Ranma (Rukawa): Not really…

Rukawa (Ranma): You see.

Ranma (Rukawa): But I would ask for a demonstration or proof!

Rukawa (Ranma): How?

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh reveal some secrets that in your case only you and your oto-san know. And since you're in Akane body, knowing some of the Saotome's secrets should be no problem in believing, ne?

Rukawa (Ranma): People will just say Akane and I reveal our secrets to each other in the first place.

Ranma (Rukawa): …

Rukawa (Ranma): So you're on? But you better don't try anything funny with Akane.

Ranma (Rukawa): Are you serious? You want me to go out with your fiancée?

Nabiki: (Suddenly appears in between them) My, my. I didn't know Rukawa-kun have a fiancée.

Rukawa (Ranma): Yikes! (Oyakusoku pozu)

Ranma (Rukawa): Eeps! (Oyakusoku pozu)

Rukawa (Ranma): Nabiki where did you come from?

Nabiki: School where else.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Acting casual putting his arms behind his head) Eh right heh heh.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Feeling tense) (Thinking) So I'm acting Ranma, Ranma is acting me or we no longer putting an act 'cause Nabiki-san already sniffed something up?

Nabiki: So Rukawa-kun, (Grins) you just remembered you have a fiancée and you were with Kasumi oneechan or oneechan is now your fiancée? (Winks) And why do you want Ranma-kun to go out with your fiancée? Is it because Ranma-kun is in love with Kasumi oneechan or your fiancée when he is currently engaged to Akane.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweating) That is… Absurd heh heh.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Sweating) I er…

Nabiki: (Facing Ranma) And you were thinking of two timing Akane?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweating profusely) I was? (Shakes his head) I mean yes. NO! I mean… (Pauses) I don't know Nabiki-san.

Rukawa (Ranma): It's nothing like that Nabiki. Honest.

Nabiki: Hmm? (Squint her eyes suspiciously) (Thinking) Something is really up.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Thinking) She isn't buying it. (Begins to speak) Gotta go Nabiki. Ja ne! (Grabs Ranma and hop over the rooftops, escaping)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Dragged by Rukawa) Eh ja ne Nabiki-san.

Nabiki: (Mutters) Baka… I know you're up to something now… (Thinking) Hmm Rukawa-kun also knows how to roof hop eh.

------

Scene: Sakura Shopping District Street, bookshop,

Akane: I will have this book please.

Shopkeeper: Hai. (Smiles) That will be 1000 yen please.

Akane: (Pays) Arigato. (Holds the cooking book close to her chest) (Thinking) I'm gonna cook up something special for Ranma tomorrow.

------

Chapter 17: Love

Scene: Tendo Dojo, living room,

Nabiki: (Lying down on her stomach, flipping the pages of a magazine) (Thinking) Those two are spending a long time upstairs hiding in the guest room. What's up?

Kasumi: (Humming a song) (Vacuuming the floor)

Nabiki: Oneechan, where's oto-san and oji-san?

Kasumi: They went out, Nabiki. But I do not know where they had gone. They left early this morning after breakfast.

Nabiki: I see. (Thinking) I wonder where and what they're up to now.

Akane: (Slides open the sliding door) Tadaima.

Kasumi: Ara, Akane-chan. O-kaeri nasai. [Welcome home]

Nabiki: What's that Akane (Points towards the book Akane is holding) in your hand?

Akane: Hm? Oh. It is a cooking book. I'm gonna cook something special tomorrow. (Thinking) Like Udon noodles.

Nabiki: (Pales)

Akane: You don't need to cook dinner tomorrow night oneechan. (Smiles)

Kasumi: (Smiles) Hai Akane.

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): ARRGHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Runs out of the washroom, along the corridor, continuing his blood curdling scream)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Instantly appears) Huh what happen?!

Akane: Nani yo Ranma?

Kasumi: (Watches in surprise)

Nabiki: (Watches with interest)

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): (Looks at Akane, Nabiki and Kasumi) Oops.

Akane: Oops?

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): Eh nothing. Nothing Akane-sa…

Rukawa (Ranma): (Nudges onna-Ranma)

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): Ek. (Nervously) A-Akane. Heh heh.

(A/N: Ranma calling Akane, Akane-san would mean that he do not agree to the engagement. Likewise with Akane calling Ranma, Ranma-san. -san is mainly used for people you hardly know aka strangers and formal relationships between boss and employers. Ranma and Akane are fiancées, can't expect them to call each other with -san aka Ms. Mr.)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Whispers) Nan da yo? [What is it?]

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): (Whispers) I forgot about your curse. Splash and wash my face, your face with cold water then I transformed into your girl form and got panic that's all. (Thinking) It felt eerie… (Shudders)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Sweatdrops) (Whispers) You better get used to it. (Thinking) Heh this body ain't cursed. (Grins widely) Wheee! Looks like the switch did have some advantages. Still being in another person does feel weird.

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) Why is he so happy now…

Akane: Ne Ranma, Rukawa-kun. What are you two whispering about?

Nabiki: (Coolly) Please do share with us your big secret.

Rukawa (Ranma): Secret? (Acts casual) Hahahaha what secret do we have ne Ru-Ranma?

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): N-none at all Ru-Rukawa. (Flashes an 'everything is perfectly fine' smile) Why should we have one? (Put his arm around Rukawa's shoulder)

Nabiki: (Thinking) That's what I would call a "something isn't right" smile.

Kasumi: (Smiles) (Thinking) Ara ara. They're really good friends.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Pulls onna-Ranma with him) Yah Akane get ready for our… I meant your date with Ranma-SAMA soon.

Onna-Ranma (Rukawa): Ah sōdesu ne. I'm taking you out soon okay. Ja. (Scuttles off with Rukawa to the guest room)

Akane: … (Thinking) What's the matter with those two? Never mind. I got a date to dress up. (Smiles happily)

Kasumi: Akane, need my help to dress up for your date?

Akane: Hai oneechan. Arigato.

Kasumi: (Smiles) (Follows Akane to her room)

Nabiki: (Left alone to ponder) (Thinking) First, they're obviously hiding something. Second, they are dreadfully nervous. Third, they seem very guilty. Fourth, they are always running away when confronted. Hmm… And their body language and the way they talk. Their speech pattern… Rukawa is less polite and ruder than Ranma. And Ranma is more quiet and nervous. Hmm… Maybe… Well there is one way to find out. Well there are two ways to confirm my suspicions. (Grins) Nobody hides any secret from me. And gets away with it without me earning some yen off them.

Scene: Akane's room,

Akane: (Opens her wardrobe) Ne oneechan what should I wear?

Kasumi: Why don't you wear the yellow blouse with white ribbons on the skirt? It will be perfect for your little date, Akane-chan.

Akane: (Picks up the blouse by the hangar) (Looks in the mirror, the blouse overlapping her body) Oneechan, you think Ranma will like it?

Kasumi: Ranma-kun will like you no matter what you wear Akane-chan. (Leads Akane to a seat at the dressing table) (Starts brushing her hair and applying some makeup for her)

Akane: (Watches her sister working on her from the mirror) Ne oneechan.

Kasumi: Yes Akane?

Akane: Do you like Tofu-sensei?

Kasumi: (Smiles) Of course, Akane. He's been with us since as long as we could remember. He is such a dear friend and a wonderful chiropractor. He took care of you very well since you were always getting injured even as a toddler. We owe him a lot and he is such an amusing guy especially with his dear Betty-chan.

Akane: (Sweatdrops) Oneechan did you ever think of or want to go out on a date.

Kasumi: Sometimes I do, I guess. I'm still a woman just like you, Akane. (Pokes Akane on the side teasingly) (Thinking) Looking at couples together when I went out on my grocery shopping, I do feel left out.

Akane: (Startled by the nervy shock) Wakatteru yo, oneechan. [I know] Then why don't you?

Kasumi: Ara Akane-chan, nobody asks me. Besides it is improper for a woman to ask a man out. Furthermore who would want to ask me out anyway, Akane-chan?

Akane: Tofu-sensei? (Thinking) Oneechan is so traditional.

Kasumi: (Surprised) Ara Tofu-sensei? He would? I thought he is scared of me since he always acts so nervously in front of me. (Thinking) Tofu-sensei wants to ask me out? Oh my! I never noticed that.

Akane: (Sweatdrops) Tofu-sensei dai suki oneechan da yo.

Kasumi: Ara… (Blushes) Are you sure Akane-chan?

Akane: Hontō no. [It's true] Do you love him oneechan? (Sees Kasumi looking in the air deep in thought)

Kasumi: (Thinking) Tofu-sensei loves me? Do I love him? I don't know. Rukawa-kun. Do I love Rukawa-kun? I don't know either. He seems slightly childish. Or he is trying to warm up to me? It doesn't matter. I know I love my family.

Akane: Oneechan.

Kasumi: (Turns to Akane) I don't know Akane.

Akane: Oneechan, are you and Rukawa-kun…? (Thinking) Like together?

Kasumi: (Blushes) Ara Akane.

Akane: Why oneechan?

Kasumi: (Thinking) I don't know myself either Akane-chan. I know I prefer older men who are mature and responsible who can take care of me but Rukawa-kun… (Sigh) He don't even know his own age and he does seem silly at times… Well weirdly it is usually with me when we are together alone doing my household tasks since he usually behaves normally with other people but somehow I feel like he's trying to lighten me up, like he wants me to express out my inner personality. The person I was… Before I changed. Is this it? Is he joking with me and acting silly to try to make me laugh? Ara ara… I just realized that I have not really laugh... I do laugh but is more of because everyone is laughing. If he is warming up to me, does it mean he likes me?

Akane: Oneechan? (Touches Kasumi's arm)

Kasumi: (Feel Akane's warm hand on her arm) (Looks at Akane) Because he makes me feel safe, Akane.

Akane: I don't understand oneechan.

Kasumi: Why do you love Ranma-kun? Because he is always there for you isn't he.

Akane: (Nods) I guess.

Kasumi: He never let you down and went through all the troubles to save you and all, ne?

Akane: But Rukawa-kun doesn't save you from kidnappers and all, oneechan.

Kasumi: Rukawa-kun was there for me too though in a different sort of way. But still he was there with me, for me, even if it was only once. (Thinking) Ara Rukawa-kun… Do you know that your actions are starting to have an effect on me?

Akane: (Thinking) Is that connected to this morning incident?

Kasumi: (Smiles) Never mind Akane-chan. Rukawa-kun is a nice person. But oto-san will only want the best for us and we do not know anything about Rukawa-kun.

Akane: Oneechan, do you really love Rukawa-kun?

Kasumi: (Looks at Akane) Maybe Akane. (Thinking) I'm not sure myself either. (Begins to speak confidently) But it is certain that I love you, Akane and Nabiki and oto-san and oka-san. (Smiles lovingly)

Akane: Oneechan (Hugs Kasumi) (Thinking) You are always here for us oneechan. Maybe I can try to help you, for you.

Kasumi: (Returns the hug) Ara. We better hurry and get you ready for your date, Akane-chan.

Akane: Hai.

------

Chapter 18: The date

Scene: Tendo Dojo, living room,

Rukawa (Ranma): Just relax Rukawa. (Slips in some money into Ranma's pocket) Remember to act like me and try to speak like me but don't add in the part of me that is labeled insensitive 'jerk' by Akane. And please be romantic.

Ranma (Rukawa): Yare yare. You sure I must be romantic?

Rukawa (Ranma): Why shouldn't you be?

Ranma (Rukawa): 'Cause you aren't Ranma. Hahaha!

Rukawa (Ranma): …

Ranma (Rukawa): Did I break a fuse Ranma? (Grins)

Rukawa (Ranma): Yare yare. Just keep your cool the way I do.

Ranma (Rukawa): My lifetime will be cut short by then.

Rukawa (Ranma): …

Ranma (Rukawa): Akane-san is coming.

Rukawa (Ranma): Remember what I told you.

Ranma (Rukawa): Yes, yes. You can trust me. (Thinking) 'Taku. [Sheesh]

Rukawa (Ranma): You're a pal man!

Ranma (Rukawa): (Mutters) Why did I agree to this…

Rukawa (Ranma): Nani?

Ranma (Rukawa): Shh!

Akane: (Enters the room followed by Kasumi) (Sweetly and shyly) Hello Ranma. (Thinking) He's still wearing his typical red Chinese shirt and black pants. But he is still so gorgeous. (Blushes)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Widen eyes) H-hai… (Thinking) Woo she is so kawaii…

Ranma (Rukawa): (Nudges Rukawa)

Rukawa (Ranma): (Annoyed) Nan da yo. [What is it] (Realizing) Ek.

Ranma (Rukawa): Hey Akane-sa-chan. (Gulps down his mistake)

Akane: (Smiles) (Thinking) Hehe Ranma is jealous.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Thinking) Akane-chan? Akane-chan? (Sweating)

Ranma (Rukawa): Ready for tonight, Akane?

Akane: (Nods) Sure Ranma. (Thinking) I don't mind you calling me that way, Ranma…

Ranma (Rukawa): Okay, let's go. (Lets out his arm) Ittekimasu mina-san.

Akane: (Slips her arm into the crook of Ranma's arm) Ittekimasu Rukawa-kun, Kasumi oneechan.

Rukawa (Ranma): (Thinking) Now I'm wishing that is me… (Waves his hand forlornly)

Kasumi: Itterasshai Ranma-kun, Akane-chan. Ara, (Lays a hand on her cheek) they look so kawaii together ne, Rukawa-kun.

Rukawa (Ranma): That tom… I meant yes heh heh.

Kasumi: (Sigh) (Thinking) It is such a lovely night, I wish I had a date for tonight too. (Begins to speak) Ara, I must go prepare dinner. (Enters the kitchen) (Thinking) I don't have time for dates. (Sees Rukawa going towards the dojo) I feel somewhat longing and hoping that Rukawa-kun would help me. Just to be near him… (Sigh) (Prepares dinner for the family feeling a little lonely unexpectedly)

------

Scene: Along the streets, later,

Akane: (Walking) Ranma, where are we heading?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Walking) (Thinking) I have no idea. (Begins to speak) Why don't you just lead us to where your heart desires, Akane.

Akane: (Thinking dreamily) Ranma is finally being romantic. (Smiles) Okay Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) It is going to be a long night… I guess I might as well have fun too. (Senses something amiss) Huh? (Turns around) Whoa (Shouts) Look out Akane! (Shoves Akane with himself to the ground)

Akane: Ow.

#Thud. Eeeeekkk! crikkkk…#

Shampoo: (On her bike) Nihao Ranma! Wo ai ni.

Ranma (Rukawa): Xian Pu-san! You trying to kill us?!

Shampoo: Aiya Ranma. What you doing here out with Akane?

Akane: (Thinking) And here comes Shampoo to spoil it all. (Scowls)

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh we are on a date.

Shampoo: Aiyah Ranma got Shampoo. No need pervert girl. Let's go Ranma. (Glomps to Ranma) Shampoo want go out with airen.

Ranma (Rukawa): Eek! (Face reddens rapidly) (Thinking) Pervert girl? (Struggles) (Begins to speak) Get off me (Realizes his mistake) Sham-poo!

Akane: (Face getting redder with anger) (Twitching eyelids) Ra-Ranma!

Shampoo: (Glomping to Ranma) Ranma take Shampoo go on date.

Ranma (Rukawa): No Shampoo. I'm taking Akane out 'cause Ranma loves Akane.

Shampoo: (Stops glomping) (Stares at Ranma)

Akane: (Anger disappears swiftly) (Thinking) He said he loves me. He said he loves me in front of Shampoo…

Ranma (Rukawa): (Frees himself off a surprised Shampoo) Sumimasen Shampoo. But I gotta get going with Akane. Come on Akane. (Takes her hand) (Runs off) (Thinking) Xian Pu-san is scary. Really different from yesterday.

Shampoo: (Thinking) Ranma… (Eyes start to get watery) I must go tell hiba-chan [great grandmother], everything. And… (Sees the disappearing form of Ranma and Akane) (Blinks her tears) (Realizing) Did airen call me Xian Pu-san?

Scene: In the restaurant, Ranma and Akane's dining table, forty-five minutes later,

Ranma (Rukawa): (Finishes eating his dinner) Oishii desu. [This is delicious]

Akane: Ne Ranma how come you're eating normally for once?

Ranma (Rukawa): Huh normally?

Akane: Why aren't you eating like a glutton?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) Oh. (Begins to speak) Er… (Shrugs) Just feel like eating slowly that's all. (Thinking) That is so lame…

Akane: Okay… (Looks at Ranma)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Notices Akane staring at him) Hmm?

Akane: Why did or what made you ask me out for a date Ranma?

Ranma (Rukawa): Er… (Thinking) Ranma did want to ask Akane-san out. But he is scared of getting reject. I think. (Begins to speak) Ano Akane, I had always wanted to asked you out but never have enough courage…

Akane: You don't have the courage to ask me?

Ranma (Rukawa): I don't have the courage to go through if you had rejected me Akane. That's why it took me some time to ask you out.

Akane: Oh Ranma… I wouldn't have rejected you unless you were doing it out of guilt for something you have done. (Frowns slightly)

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh heh heh. Is nothing like that Akane. I know I haven't been really perfectly nice to you and all… Well it isn't really in my nature… I meant is hard for me to show my feelings to you. My real feelings.

Akane: (Thinking) Me too Ranma. Me too. (Looks at Ranma guiltily)

Scene: Outside the restaurant,

#Click. Click.#

Nabiki: (Grins) (Holding a camera) There. Two photos are more than enough as evidence that they both went out together. No point in wasting my film on more boring photos that I can't sell. (Heads back home)

Scene: Inside the restaurant,

Akane: I'm sorry for all the times I hit you Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): Sore wa…

Akane: But you must admit it, you deserved them.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweatdrops) (Thinking) No comment.

Akane: Most of the time.

Ranma (Rukawa): Mā na. [I guess]

Akane: (Smiles)

Ranma (Rukawa): You know Akane… You look very beautiful today.

Akane: (Blushes) Really? (Smiling)

Ranma (Rukawa): You are kawaii Akane, but when you smiles even kawaii cannot describes you. My heart will just melt.

Akane: (Looking down) (Blushing heavily) (Smiling) (Thinking) He calls me kawaii! I'm so happy! Kasumi oneechan really help me pick the right blouse for the date.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Looks at Akane nervously) (Thinking) I hope I'm not over doing it…

Akane: Ne Ranma you are so different today.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Grins teasingly) Eh is that good or bad? (Thinking) I'm sure is good. Hah!

Akane: Maybe both at the same time. (Sticks out her tongue childishly)

Ranma (Rukawa): Heh what so bad about it?

Akane: I kinda of miss the macho egoistic Ranma. (Grins playfully)

Ranma (Rukawa): Heh not today Akane. (Poses an idiotic humble posture) Today is the humble Ranma, your prince. (Grins)

Akane: Who are you and where is my Ranma?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweatdrops) (Thinking) In my body. (Begins to speak) In your heart I hope Akane. (Thinking) Will Akane-san really take in all this lame lines?

Akane: Oh Ranma. Maybe I prefer the today Ranma, Ranma. (Thinking) The romantic Ranma… The Ranma who compliment me as kawaii… The Ranma who admits he loves me… The Ranma who doesn't give me high blood pressure. (Blushes hard)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweating) Heh heh. (Thinking) Somehow it seemed to be overdoing. Well I guess Ranma always have overdone it on the wrong side… Akane is just dying to be complimented by Ranma. And Ranma wants me to be romantic. I think this is romantic… Hmm I'm getting pretty good at this.

Akane: Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): Yes Akane.

Akane: What do you think of Rukawa-kun?

Ranma (Rukawa): Ara? Erm… I think is better not to talk about him. (Thinking) I shouldn't be discussing about myself.

Akane: Why is he that bad?

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh. Chigau. [No, that's not it] (Thinking) From a certain point of view, yes. I'm totally tricking and dating you right now. (Begins to speak) Well hmm… I can depend on him to help me. (Thinking) Yatta! Good answer. I am certainly am helping Ranma out.

Akane: Sou ka.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Curious) Why do you want to know anyway? (Drinks a glass of water)

Akane: Well you see oneechan may be falling for Rukawa-kun.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Coughs) Masaka! [You don't say so!] (Thinking) Did I hear it right?

Akane: Ne Ranma, this afternoon you were just…

Ranma (Rukawa): Right, right Akane. Heh heh. (Thinking) Shimatta.

Akane: Anyway just now, oneechan told me that she is possibly falling for Rukawa-kun. That may also explained about this morning incident. So since you are usually around with Rukawa-kun fairly often though is been only a few days since he came to live with us, maybe you know more about him. I mean is he a nice person who would really take good care of oneechan? I mean he won't play around with her feelings, will he?

Ranma (Rukawa): Shiru ja nai wa yo. [Don't know] (Thinking) …

Akane: Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Stares through Akane pensively)

Akane: Ranma. (Shakes Ranma slightly)

Ranma (Rukawa): Huh? Oh. Er. Well… Akane, I think is best if you let Kasumi-san handles it between herself an-and Rukawa.

Akane: Date… [But…] I just want to help oneechan. She's always been there for us and we were hardly there for her. I told her Tofu-sensei loves her to give her hope that there is someone who is there for her. (Relates incident)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Akane: (Watches her sister working on her from the mirror) Ne oneechan.

Kasumi: Yes Akane?

Akane: Do you like Tofu-sensei?

Kasumi: (Smiles) Of course, Akane. He's been with us since as long as we could remember. He is such a dear friend and a wonderful chiropractor. He took care of you very well since you were always getting injured even as a toddler. We owe him a lot and he is such an amusing guy especially with his dear Betty-chan.

Akane: (Sweatdrops) Oneechan did you ever think of or want to go out on a date.

Kasumi: Sometimes I do, I guess. I'm still a woman just like you, Akane. (Pokes Akane on the side teasingly) (Thinking) Looking at couples together when I went out on my grocery shopping, I do feel left out.

Akane: (Startled by the nervy shock) Wakatteru yo, oneechan. [I know] Then why don't you?

Kasumi: Ara Akane-chan, nobody asks me. Besides it is improper for a woman to ask a man out. Furthermore who would want to ask me out anyway, Akane-chan?

Akane: Tofu-sensei? (Thinking) Oneechan is so traditional.

Kasumi: (Surprised) Ara Tofu-sensei? He would? I thought he is scared of me since he always acts so nervously in front of me. (Thinking) Tofu-sensei wants to ask me out? Oh my! I never noticed that.

Akane: (Sweatdrops) Tofu-sensei dai suki oneechan da yo.

Kasumi: Ara… (Blushes) Are you sure Akane-chan?

Akane: Hontō no. [Is true] Do you love him oneechan? (Sees Kasumi looking in the air deep in thought)

Kasumi: (Thinking) Tofu-sensei loves me? Do I love him? I don't know. Rukawa-kun. Do I love Rukawa-kun? I don't know either. He seems slightly childish. Or he is trying to warm up to me? It doesn't matter. I know I love my family.

Akane: Oneechan.

Kasumi: (Turns to Akane) I don't know Akane.

(End of flashback sequence)

Akane: So I guess Kasumi oneechan only regard Tofu-sensei as a friend, a doctor. Well to be truthful, how could oneechan ever be interested in someone who is too weird when she's around. (Sigh)

Ranma (Rukawa): I see. (Thinking) Kasumi-san treats Tofu-sensei as a friend only. I wonder what Akane-san mean by Tofu-sensei is weird. He seems perfectly normal and is such a knowledgeable guy. (Begins to speak) I think Kasumi-san can take care of herself Akane.

Akane: I just want her to be happy.

Ranma (Rukawa): Well only she herself would know how to find her happiness, ne.

Akane: Right…

Waitress: Here are your desserts. (Serves Ranma and Akane a chocolate sundae each)

Ranma (Rukawa): Mm, mm. (Eating his sundae) (Thinking) This is really good.

Akane: (Eating her sundae) Ne Ranma. You aren't embarrassed about being seen eating ice cream as a guy?

Ranma (Rukawa): … (Sweatdrops) (Thinking) Ara, am I supposed to be embarrassed? Weird. What's up with Ranma? (Begins to speak) Eh not really Akane…

Akane: Hmm… Why not? (Sweatdrops) (Thinking) He himself keeps saying is unmanly to eat ice cream. And girls are so lucky to be able to eat ice cream without being ashamed of themselves.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) What kind of question is that? (Begins to speak) Eh I'm just no longer embarrassed that's all.

Akane: Oh.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) I don't think she's taken to that lame explanation. (Begins to speak) Eh you see… Erm I'm too engrossed and more embarrassed to keep observing a kawaii ojo-chan [cute young lady] in front of me eating her ice cream and so have none embarrassment left to be embarrassed about eating ice cream. (Grins) (Thinking) I hope that did the trick. (Sweating) It sounds just as lame.

Akane: (Blushes heavily) (Thinking) Ara Ranma already called me kawaii twice today. (Stares into Ranma's eyes) Is he sick or something?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Stares back into Akane's eyes) (Thinking) This staring business is making me nervous…

Akane: (Sigh) (Thinking) His blue eyes are so beautiful. (Begins to speak) Ne Ranma is getting late we better get going.

Ranma (Rukawa): Hai. (Thinking) I wonder how much the bill is? Hmm how much did Ranma give me? (Checks his pocket) Hope is enough. (Blinks) 200 yen? 200 yen? Nani! He gave me 200 yen to take Akane out? Man! What the hell is he thinking?

Akane: (Sees a worried-stricken Ranma) Anything wrong, Ranma?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Sweating) Eh erm… (Thinking) I feel so humiliated. (Begins to speak) I found out, I'm a bit short on cash that's all.

Akane: Oh. (Digs in her handbag and pass Ranma some notes) (Thinking) Poor Ranma. Nabiki oneechan always swindles off him. (Smiles)

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh sumimasen Akane. (Thinking) I look like a retarded fool.

Akane: It's okay Ranma. I understand.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) I'm gonna strangle you when we get back Ranma. How can Akane-san be so perfectly fine with it?

------

Scene: Along the streets, ten minutes later,

Akane: (Walking slowly next to Ranma, holding to his arm) The stars are so bright and beautiful ne Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Looks up) Yes they are, Akane. But you shines brighter than them Akane.

Akane: (Smiles in surprise, her cheeks redden slightly) (Thinking) That's a change. (Remembering yesterday)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Akane: The sky is so blue and beautiful even after the rain isn't it, Ranma.

Ranma: Huh? Is it? (Looks up) It looked the same just like everyday.

Akane: (Face-faults) (Thinking) Baka…

Ranma: (Thinking) What is it with the sky anyway? (Looks up again) Nothing interesting at all.

(End of flashback sequence)

Akane: (Thinking) I shouldn't be asking for this but… (Begins to speak) Ranma.

Ranma (Rukawa): Yes Akane?

Akane: 'Atashi wa…

Kuno: (Appears from nowhere) Saotome Ranma! Prepare to meet your doom! (Charges at Ranma)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) Huh?

Kuno: (Striking his bokken at Ranma)

Akane: Get lost Kuno-senpai! (Kicks Kuno away in a flash) (Thinking) Of all the times he wants to disturb he chooses this time. (Frowns)

Kuno: Ahhh! (Spinning in circles through the starry night) No Tendo Akane! (Thinking) That foul Saotome have corrupted the mind of Tendo Akane! I must save her!

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) What was that all about? Who the hell is that guy?

Akane: Humph! Kuno no baka.

Ukyo: Ohh Ranchan!

Akane: (Thinking) Not another…

Ranma (Rukawa): Oh hi Uk-Ucchan.

Akane: (Her right eye twitches slightly)

Ukyo: What are you doing here with Akane? (Eyeing Akane jealously) (Thinking) I can't believe he actually took Akane-chan out.

Ranma (Rukawa): We are on our way home from our date.

Ukyo: (Thinking) Nani! (Feeling jealous) Then what about me? I'm also your iinazuke, Ranchan. Why don't you take me out tomorrow?

Ranma (Rukawa): Huh… No! (Surprised)

Ukyo: Why not?

Akane: (Watching) (Thinking) Ranma is different today. But I like it. (Smiles to herself)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Thinking) Ranma did mention Ukyo is his best friend during his younger days. (Begins to speak) Ucchan, you're my best friend and… And…

Ukyo: Ranchan don't you love me? (Pleading eyes)

Akane: (Watches with bated breath)

Ranma (Rukawa): Ucchan I-I love… Akane. (Thinking) I beginning to wish I never agree to take Akane-san out.

Ukyo: (Weakly) No… You don't mean that.

Ranma (Rukawa): I'm afraid I do Ucchan. You're…

Ukyo: (Slaps Ranma)

Ranma (Rukawa): Ucchan, listen to me, you see…

#Clang!#

#Thud.#

Ranma (Rukawa): Itai wa yo… [That really hurt…] (Rubs his face) (Watches Ukyo running away in tears, armed with her spatula)

Ukyo: (Thinking) If I ever see that jackass again I'm gonna hit where it hurts… Oh Ranchan…

Ranma (Rukawa): (Feeling guilty) Ucchan… (Thinking) Never mind I will get Ranma to settle it. (Begins to speak) Come on Akane. Let's go.

Akane: Ranma… Maybe you should go comfort Ukyo. (Thinking) She looks so dejected.

Ranma (Rukawa): I will… Another time. Come on let's go Akane. (Hold Akane's hand with his hand) You're more important. I don't want you to catch a cold here.

Akane: (Sigh) (Feel Ranma's warm hand with hers) (Thinking) I feel so contented… (Begins to speak softly) Ranma…

Ranma (Rukawa): Yes Akane.

Akane: (Blushes) (Thinking) I shouldn't be asking for this but… Is now or never. Okay not never. Maybe in future. (Giggles to herself) (Looks into Ranma's eyes) Ranma… Kiss me.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Startled) Nani? (Thinking) Shimatta…

Akane: (Softly) Kiss me Ranma. I want you to kiss me. I want a perfect end to tonight date. (Looks at Ranma's eyes ardently) (Thinking) I sound like a pervert… Who cares I just want to kiss him, to hold him, to feel him. I love him. (Place her arms around Ranma's neck)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Getting tense) (Thinking) I can't kiss her. There's no way I can. Akane-san thinks I'm Ranma. And Ranma will be mad if he knew I kissed her. (Looks at Akane) But if I don't kiss her Akane may get insulted or hurt. But if I do and one day when Akane finds out that I'm Rukawa… Sheesh! I'm getting a headache.

Akane: (Holding onto Ranma by his neck, her eyes closed, her face itches closer and closer)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Distances his head further and further from Akane's) Erm eh Akane. I can't kiss you… I won't… Er. (Thinking) Eek. I shouldn't have said I won't… Should have said I want to but I… Great, I had just signed my second death sentence again today…

Akane: (Open her eyes in surprise) Why Ranma? (Disappointment in her voice)

Ranma (Rukawa): (Nervously) T-there's a pretty good reason for it Akane. (Thinking) I hope she didn't took my "I won't" the wrong way.

Akane: (Coolly) Tell me about it. (Thinking) Am I too repulsive for him? Or he actually cares more than he had shown for his other fiancées.

Ranma (Rukawa): Eh… (Thinking) Ranma is so dead. So am I.

Akane: (Getting sad and angry at the same time) (Releases herself from holding Ranma) Am I too ugly for you that you don't want to kiss me Ranma?! (Thinking) The jerk! The nerve of him! Here I am making myself vulnerable and… And actually wanted to be kiss by him and he refused! (Begins to speak) Hmph!

Ranma (Rukawa): (Slightly alarmed) No is not that at all. (Thinking) Ku'so. I'm losing control of the situation.

Akane: Then what is it?

Ranma (Rukawa): (Softly) I don't know how to explain Akane…

Akane: Fine. What a great end to a near perfect date.

Ranma (Rukawa): (Dejected) (Thinking) Is no where near perfect Akane-san… It wasn't even Ranma that you went out with. Sumimasen Akane-san.

Akane: If you don't want to then don't. Is not like I want to kiss you anyway. (Leaves Ranma) (Thinking) Ranma no baka. (Sigh)

Ranma (Rukawa): Matte yo Akane. (Follows Akane back home) (Thinking) I guess I blew it huh.

Scene: Tendo Dojo, genkan, meanwhile,

Soun&Genma: Tadaima.

Nabiki: (Appears) (Sees a tall handsome dark brown hair youth with icy blue eyes wearing a suit) (Recognizing the guy, moves her gaze back to Soun and Genma) (Thinking) Bakas. Of all people, you brought him to be the suitor for oneechan?

Guy: (Holding Nabiki's hand) Have we met?

Nabiki: Moron… (Glares back)

Guy: That's odd. If I'd met a girl as cute as you, I'd never forget it.

----

End.

A/N: Enough clues given already. Guess you should all know who that suitor is =P

If you were wondering how Nabiki know that he is a suitor, it will be explain on the next update in flashback.

Poor Kasumi T.T

Wonders why Soun choose such a person? Will be explained in next update. What is going to happen? How will Ranma in Rukawa body react? What happen when Rukawa in Ranma body and Akane get back? What will Nabiki do?

Nabiki is also gonna make plentiful money off people in this coming update heh.

Ja matta.