Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Nabiki: Who wants to Marry a Millionaire? ❯ Chapter 2

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Standard Disclaimer: Don't own. Why couldn't I have thought of this series?!
WHY??Oh, well. There's always fanfics. Hope you all like this chapter.

*Denotes personal thoughts

Chapter 2

Back at the Tendo dojo, Kasumi puttered away in the kitchen finishing preparations for lunch. Occasionally, she'd look up and listen. It had been awfully quiet upstairs. No yelling or sounds of fighting could be heard.

"Hopefully, they are working things out." As she prepared the ramen, her thoughts drifted to Nabiki. She'd always worried over her sisters, but secretly Nabiki worried her the most. Sure Akane had her anger issues, but she was never afraid to let her feelings be known. Unfortunately, not so with Nabiki. Ever since their mother's death, she'd put up walls around herself, even with family. It bothered her that Nabiki pretended to have no feelings and let people think of her that way. Kasumi really blamed herself for this behavior. She should have never allowed her family to
get this dysfunctional.

"We're back!" came a shout from the living room.

Kasumi was startled out of her musing at the sound of her fathers voice. Pushing the door open to check, in walked Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome, who had just spent the day doing Kami knows what. They had disappeared bright and early that morning after the threat of household chores.

"Hello Father, Mr. Saotome. Lunch is almost ready."

"Hello Kasumi dear, where is everybody?" asked Soun and he and Genma sat down at the dining table.

"Hmm, after you left, Auntie Nodoka went to visit with a friend. Nabiki is out...walking and Akane and Ranma are in their bedroom." Kasumi said, coming out of the kitchen carrying a tray with a huge dish of ramen and empty bowls. She sat it down on the table in front of them.

"Upstairs you say? You hear that Tendo? Our children aren't fighting? Maybe they're working on our first grandchild." Genma said.

"Grandchild? Let's go up and..." Soun began.

"No!" Kasumi firmly insisted. Soun and Genma turned their heads in shock at the sight of marked disapproval on Kasumi's gentle face.

"But Kasumi, we-" Soun pleaded with his eldest daughter, who continued to frown fiercely at them.

"Leave Akane and Ranma alone. They don't need anymore interference from you. It's hard enough for them as it is. Just stop it!" Kasumi shook her finger at them in frustration.

"Kasumi, you don't understand. We..."

"No father. I won't stand for it any longer. Leave them in peace. If you don't, then I-I'll go on strike." Kasumi stated firmly. It was time she got control of her family.

"Strike?" they said simultaneously, gulping.

"That's right. I'll stop cooking and cleaning and leave everything in Akane's hands. You both know how much she loves to cook. We'll have nothing but Akane's cooking, morning, noon and night." And to show she was serious, she bent and took the lunch tray off the table.

"But, but..." Soun couldn't stop stuttering at the thought of Kasumi on strike and Akane in charge of cooking. They'd all be dead within the week.The thought sent chills down his spine.
*He was to young to die!*

Ever sneaky, Genma stopped shaking when he remembered his wife Nodoka. If Kasumi wouldn't cook and clean, Nodoka would do her wifely duties. But Kasumi wasn't finished and could tell by the smug gleam in Genma's eye he was plotting something.

"And I'm sure once I explain to Auntie the reasons why I'm on strike, she'll agree with me about leaving Ranma and Akane alone. After all, your continuing interference may just push them to hold off on children indefinitely. And I know how much Auntie wants a grandchild." Kasumi said, staring straight at Genma in a way that made him nervous.

"But maybe we should wait and ask her. Hmm?" Kasumi asked in her sweetest voice.

"No! You win daughter." Soun sighed, as he hung his head. *Blackmailed by my own daughter; and it wasn't even Nabiki*

"We promise to behave Kasumi. Just please, don't ask Akane to cook. We beg you!" Genma pleaded on his and and knees.

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with my cooking!" shouted Akane, as she walked down the stairs closely followed by Ranma.

Ranma wisely kept his mouth shut. He had not just spent the past twenty minutes making up with Akane to blow it with a careless mouth.

"What are you two up to now?" Ranma looked pointedly at his father for the answer.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. We were just getting ready for lunch, right Kasumi?" Genma asked, sweating under the intent look in Kasumi's eyes. Soun smiled nervously encase Kasumi made good on her threat. She in turn set back down the tray.

"What's going on Kasumi? What were you guys saying about my cooking?" Akane asked.

"I was just telling daddy and Mr. Saotome how much you've improved. And if they were good, I'd let you handle the cooking for me soon."

Ranma paled at the thought. *No! Please, anything but that. For the sake of humanity, no!*

Akane was thrilled at the compliment. "Oh Kasumi, do you really think I've improved?"

Kasumi just smiled her innocent smile and nodded. Beside her, Soun and Genma groaned.
Akane, so happy from the news, moved forward to hug her big sister. After breaking away, Akane stepped back and linked her hands with Ranma's and beamed.

*Must have been quite an apology.* Kasumi was happy they had made up and hoped it lasted.

"Kasumi, has Nabiki come home yet?" Ranma asked.

"No, she hasn't. I gathered you two have discussed what happened earlier?"

"Had to. I couldn't help but overhear everything from the room. They were yelling loud enough. I've forgiven Nabiki for what she did and so has Ranma. I want to tell her that." said Akane.

"What happened?" Soun asked.

"Eat you lunch daddy." Kasumi answered.

Not wanting to get on Kasumi's bad side, Soun went back to eating his ramen. Genma wisely kept his mouth shut too. Besides, the glutton was already working on his second helping.

"I'm proud of you both for being so mature about this whole situation." Kasumi was thrilled for them, but her worry still lay with Nabiki.

****************

Ukyo wiped her grill down then oiled it, getting ready for the lunch hour rush. She'd been late opening her restaurant and knew Ranma was the reason why. She couldn't stop thinking about him. He was still angry for her part at the wedding and had been cool to her ever since. It was hard enough knowing he was married to Akane, but she had deal with the knowledge he actually wanted to be married to her. She'd thought she was preventing him from being forced against his will to marry someone he didn't love. *Who was she kiddening? He'd done everything but sky write proof of his love for Akane over town. She just had not wanted to see it.*

"Hello Ukyo."

Driven abruptly out of her depressing thoughts, she looked up to see Ryoga and Nabiki walking in, with Nabiki's arm clasped around his. *What the hell? Has hell frozen over? Nabiki and Ryoga??!!*

Luckily she kept her disbelief from showing on her face as she started gathering ingredients.

"What will it be guys?" asked Ukyo, curious to know why they were together.

"I'll have my usual. How about you Ryoga?" Nabiki asked her companion as they sat down.

"I guess I'll have what she's having. It doesn't have any pork in it, does it?" Ryoga asked.

"No. Not a fan of the other white meat, huh?" grinned Nabiki. "I wonder why?" She leaned next to him, looking him dead in the face with those never-miss-a-thing eyes.

Ryoga flushed. "Just not a big fan of pork. So Ukyo, how's business?"
Eager to turn the topic, Ryoga looked anxiously at the okonomiyaky cook.

Ukyo looked curiously at him. She knew a deliberate change of subject when she heard one. Shrugging to herself, she mixed the ingredients and poured it on the grill. Handing them their utensils, she couldn't stand it any longer, she had to know,

"Business is good, I guess. So what are you two up to? You're the last two people I'd imagine hanging out together." wondered Ukyo.

"Well, I ran into Nabiki earlier when I was looking for the dojo. She said she was going to eat and since we were both hungry, I said why not. Besides, I couldn't find my way on my own." Ryoga said, fiddeling with a napkin.

Nabiki smiled to herself as she watched him from the corner of her eye. *Nice save. He's definitely not as clueless as first thought.*

"Here you go." Setting down the plates, Ukyo looked on to get their reactions.

"Delicious as always Ukyo." Taking a small bite, Nabiki complimented, for she knew all cooks loved praise.

"Hmm." Ryoga mumbled a quick thank you as he quickly shoveled the okonomiyaki in his mouth.

"Geez Ryoga. You're almost as bad as Genma. You act like you haven't eaten in days." Ukyo was aghast. He almost put Ranchan and his father to shame.

"That's because I haven't really. It's hard wandering all over the place never knowing where you'll end up." Ryoga said sheepishly, looking down at his now empty plate.

"So where did you end up this time?" Nabiki asked.

"Ah, I've been pretty much everywhere. Paris was nice and the food was great, though the people were kind of rude. New Zealand has some beautiful scenery and so does Hawaii. Even found my way to China. Unfortunately, I met up with some of the Amazons from Shampoo's tribe."

Clearly interested in the way the conversation was going, Nabiki leaned in closer to Ryoga. She loved gossip and after the days she's had, she really wanted something amusing to laugh about.

"So get yourself engaged, Ryoga?" drawled Nabiki.

"No! I remembered what happened to Ranma. That's the last thing I want." He flushed at Nabiki's close promity to him. "I-I just didn't try yo make trouble for myself."

"Hmph. No engagement? What's the point of going to China if you don't get yourself engaged to a crazed Amazon bimbo." Nabiki joked.

Ryoga sweatdropped. Ukyo laughed out loud at the thought of Ryoga engaged to another Shampoo. The eternally lost boy and annoying ramen girl? He'd be dead within a week from all the nosebleeds. Hmm? Nah, she wouldn't wish Shampoo or another like her on any man.

"That's not funny Nabiki." Just the thought sent chills down his spine.

After giggling with Ukyo at his expense for a few more minutes, Nabiki finished up her meal. Catching the drift it was time to go, Ryoga wiped his mouth with his napkin and stood up. Ukyo was then surprised for the second time that day, when Nabiki her the money for both meals.

"See you later Ukyo." Nabiki grinned at the look of shock on Ukyo's face as she grabbed Ryoga and led him out the door. All Ukyo could do was stare.
"?!?"

****************
Outside the restaurant, Nabiki turned to Ryoga was they walked up the street. "I want to thank you again for what you did earlier. And the quick save at Ucchan's."

"No problem." Ryoga smiled as he tried to keep from blushing.

"If I take you home, you have to promise you won't get into any fights. I'm already in the doghouse as it is."

"Promise. It'll be hard though. Wanting to beat the crap out of Ranma is a hard impulse to suppress." He quipped. *She's really cute when she smiles...what the? I love Akane. I shouldn't be noticing her sister.*

Nabiki just chuckled, shaking her head. *Cute fangs.*

When they finally got back home, lunch time was over. It had not been an easy task leading Ryoga back. The boy could barely walk a straight line and kept veering off in every direction.
Nabiki was surprised he ever made it back to Nerima at all. *I'm getting the boy a leash. Hmm, a leash. Stop that!* Nabiki shook her head.

Hearing the front door opening, Akane and Ranma looked up from the television. Akane immediately jumped off the couch and walked over to her sister. Nabiki steeled herself for the blow up of a lifetime. But it never came. Instead of yelling at her, Akane took Nabiki's hand. Without a word to Ranma or Ryoga, she led her sister upstairs.

Ranma and Ryoga silently watched the exchamge between sisters. They remained silent for a few minutes just staring back at the other.

"So P-chan, how's travels?"

"?!?"

**********************

In Akane's bedroom, the sisters faced each other. Akane on her bed, while Nabiki leaned against the door. Neither said a word until the tension became too much for Nabiki. "I'm sorry for ruining your wedding. I was selfish and insensitive not to think of you and Ranma's feelings. I know you have every right to to hate me, but I'm asking for forgiveness. I honestly never wanted to hurt you, Akane."

Akane remained silent as she took in what she'd just heard. She scrutinized her sisters face and saw genuine regret. That ws enough for her. She'd already forgiven Nabiki, but to hear her apologize and mean it, made her feel better. Akane got up from the bed and grabbed Nabiki into a hug. After the shock wore off, Nabiki returned it.

"I forgive you Nabi-chan. So does Ranma. It was by know means all your fault. It probably would have happened sadly no matter what. But that's all behind us." Akane said with a smile.

Nabiki returned it and then some. "Thank you."

**************************

Downstairs, Ranma and Ryoga were sitting on the couch watching television. Actually behaving civil towards one another. The very sight of it, as the Tendo sisters finally came back from their chat, gave Nabiki and Akane pause to stare.

"Hello Ryoga. Nice to see you again." Akane greeted. Turning away from Ryoga, Akane motioned Ranma over to her and Nabiki.

"Hey Ryoga, don't move from that spot or you'll end up in Canada. I might want to spar with you later." Ranma teased.

Growling, Ryoga clenched his fist at the taunt. "Ranma..." But remembering his promise, he kept his temper in check. He'd get back at that jerk later when no on was around.

"Stop picking on Ryoga." Akane said automatically.

Nabiki winked at Ryoga and he looked dumbstruck. An easy job thing for him.

"Um...Nabiki, I wanted to say I'm sorry about earlier. I was really harsh and I apologize." Ranma held out his hand as a peace offering.

"Forgiven. I had it coming. I'm sorry too; especially for calling you an insensitive, sex-changing, martial arts obsessing, gluttonous prick."

"I don't remember you saying that?" asked Ranma.

"Hmm. Must not have said that out loud." She took his hand and gave a firm shake.

Ranma facefaulted.

Akane just started laughing at the chagrined look on her husbands face. Nabiki always had to have the last word.

And cleaning up inside the kitchen Kasumi smiled and let out a sigh of relief.

******************

Meanwhile outside the entrance of the Tendo dojo stood the same lurking figure from the previous chapter.

"So this is where your girlfriend lives, huh? Well, she won't be for long." He sneered as he memorized every detail of the area.

"You a stalker?" a voice rang out.

"HUH?" said LF (Lurking figure). Looking around, he didn't see anyone. The street was completely empty. Shrugging, he returned his attention to the dojo. He felt a hard tap on his shoulder and looked down but only saw an out of place mail box.

"I said are you a stalker? Chinese prince? Forgotten fiancé? The dojo destroyer?" asked the talking mail box. This is Nerima after all.

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" screamed a terrified LF, as he jumped about five feet and took off running down the street.

"What's his problem? Fruitcake!"

the end .....until next chapter.

Now that's it for chapter 2. Now for some of you, Kasumi and Nabiki may seem out of character, but not to me. I always thought Kasumi had to keep up a front for her family. I mean, how many teenagers her age, just love cooking and cleaning all day long, everyday?! If this was real life she just might have snapped and mowed down her family with an uzzi. But I digress. My versions will be less cartoony and hopefully just as likeable as the orginals. Until next time.