Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Nabiki: Who wants to Marry a Millionaire? ❯ Chapter 4
Thank you for the nice words and reviews. ^^
*Denotes personal thoughts
Nabiki: Who wants to Marry a Millionaire? by Kuno-baby
Chapter 4
As we left off from last time, Kuno was trying to fight Isumu, Nabiki was wishing for a change of address and Ryoga was lost in Africa probably being eaten by lions....
"Um, who's that?" Isumu asked, kind of concerned why a strange man was waving a bokken in his face.
"This is Nerima's resident idiot, Tatewaki Kuno. Isumu, idiot, idiot, Isumu." Nabiki introduced the two to one another with a grin.
"What have you business with Nabiki Tendo, vile miscreant?" asked Kuno, holding his bokken threatening near Isumu's face.
"Is he for real? Who talks like that?" Isumu whispered to Nabiki.
"He does. He was dropped on head as a baby. Repeatedly." she answered.
Meanwhile the crowd was having a field day. It was usually Ranma and Akane that provided the entertaiment for the school. But this was just as good as a brawl.
"Not that's it's any business of yours, but I was walking Ms. Tendo to class. Got a problem with that?" Isumu questioned.
"Yes, I do. I, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, Tatewaki Kuno, feel it is my sacred duty to protect the innocent, yet misguided mercenary Nabiki Tendo from thy nefarious charms. Practicing your fowl seductions will not go unpunished. I will-" Kuno rambled to a stop once he looked around to find the court yard empty. They had all left him and wandered into the building. The bell rang loudly signifying he was late for class.
*********************
"How does he make the thunder and lighting come?" asked Isumu, chewing on his ham sandwich and Doritos. He was the only one with a "americanized meal" they teased.
"No one knows." said Nabiki as she shrugged.
After leaving Kuno in the yard, Isumu told Nabiki what was his first class was and turns out they had a class together. In fact, he shared all his new classes with her. All she did was smile pleasantly, but Nabiki didn't believe in coincidences. She was more suspecious than ever, even if he was sort of cute and kind of charming...she looked closely. Even his fang like left tooth was cute. Fang?
The day was half over and the students were getting anxious. Not one fight today! It just wasn't normal. It was lunch time and everyone in the cafeteria were busy eyeing the table Nabiki sat at with her sister, brother-in-law and the new student. Waiting.
"It's really nice here. Back home, the school I went to was crazy. I'm glad to go to a normal school for a change." Isumu confided, sitting next to Nabiki, while Akane and Ranma sat across from them.
"BWAHAHA-HA-HAHAHAHHA!" Akane and Ranma started laughing uncontrollably at that statement. Nabiki couldn't help but chuckle too. Isumu was, of course confused and wondered what he said to cause such a reaction.
"What did I say?" he asked, as he watched Akane and Ranma fall over one another in mirth.
"Do you really want to know?" she questioned, to which he nodded. She then preceded to tell him all about Nerima and the psychotic people who lived there.
"Let me get this straight," he replied, scratching his head. "So this Kuno guy is chasing this pig tailed goddess, right?"
"Yup." The trio nodded.
But he's also chasing your sister Akane?"
"Yup."
"And the pig-tailed girl is really Ranma. The guy sitting right across from me. And he has three women in love with him even though he's married." Isumu pointed at Akane and Ranma in disbelief.
"Yup."
"And your sister and Ranma constantly beat up on Kuno? And he still chases them?"
"Yup."
"He's a persistant little devil, isn't he?" He commented. "Not to be rude or anything, but the guy sounds like an idiot!"
Nabiki agreed. "Yup."
"Is this town built near a nuclear power plant or something? Has anyone tested the water?" Isumu wondered, finishing off his sandwich.
"We're not pulling your leg, honest." Akane said. Feeling michievous, Akane grabbed her water bottle and before Ranma had a chance to escape, doused him with it.
Isumu's eyes almost popped out of their sockets when he got a load of female Ranma. *Nose bleed alert!*
"What'd you do that for?!" shouted Ranma-chan. The guys in the cafeteria immediately got nose bleeds or passed out. Or both.
"Told you." Nabiki said to the stunned Isumu. She waved her hand in front of his face to snap him out of it.
"Wow. It's true. I was sure you were pulling my leg. Man, are those things real?!" Isumu pointed to Ranma-chan chest area, before blushing at asking such a question around Nabiki.
Chagrined, Ranma nodded.
"Come on, Ranma. Let's go find you some hot water." Akane suggested, grabbing her lunch bag and getting up from her seat.
"I wouldn't need hot water if you hadn't splashed me, tomboy." he growled. He got up too and glared down at his wife.
"Who are you calling a tomboy?!" Akane yelled, as they walked away fighting.
"Man, this is one wacked place." stated Isumu.
"That's not even the half of it." Nabiki smirked.
Not wanting to miss the opportunity, he smiled at her. "Well, you can tell me all about it when I pick you up tonight."
"Asking me out on a date. But we just met?" she inquired silkily.
"Yeah. I'd like to get to know you better. I'd like to take you out to dinner. If you're not already busy." *Smart move, idiot! Don't give her a way to say no!*
"Alright."
"So, that is a yes?" he asked hopefully. He put on his best pleading look.
"Yes. Pick me up at seven." Writing down her address on a napkin, she handed it to him. Getting up from the table, she smiled slyly and sauntered away. Let the gossipers suck on that! "See you later, Isumu."
Isumu could only stare bemused as he watched her leave. *Man, what a woman. Ryoga's not man enough to keep you, honey. But I am.*
After walking away from the cafeteria, she made sure no students were near by. Nabiki pulled out her new cell phone she'd confiscated from one of her indebted clients. Hitting speed dial, it only rang twice before being picked it.
"Yeah, it's Nabiki. Run a check on a Isumu Kimura. I want all you can find out brought to me by the end of the day. Bye."
CLICK!
********************
When school was over for the day, the trio walked home with Ranma and Akane teasing Nabiki about her new boyfriend.
"It's one date. I'm not having his love child, so shut up." Nabiki rolled her eyes, as they came to the front door of their home.
Kasumi looked up from her dusting when she heard the door opening. Nodoka, who was helping with chores, put down the clothes she was folding.
"Hello Kasumi, Mom." Ranma greeted, taking off his shoes, while Akane and Nabiki did the same.The ladies answered hello back.
"How was school today children?" Nodoka asked. She delicately got from her pillow she was sitting on on the floor.
"Nabiki's got a boyfriend!" Akane grinned playfully at her older sister. She then sighed as Ranma headed straight to the kitchen. *Geez, he just ate!*
Nodoka and Kasumi shared a look. This was serious. Nabiki had a boyfriend? When did this happen? They rushed over to her for the gossip...news.
"He's not my boyfriend. His name is Isumu Kimura and he's a new student. I've already ordered a check run on him to make sure he's not a wacko. We will be going out tonight, unless I find anything too damaging. So there." Nabiki stated, arms crossed as she flopped down on the couch.
Kasumi was curious about this young man. She was responsible for her sisters welfare and had to make sure this young man was on the level. "Does he seem nice?"
"Yeah, There's something about him I can't place, but it seems familiar. Oh well, it'll come to me. So, where's daddy and Mr. Saotome?" Nabiki asked, looking around.
"Daddy and Uncle are out shopping for their trip. They'll be out for a while. Why? Do you need them?" Kasumi asked.
"Nope, but we do have something to tell you two about." Nabiki nodded to Akane, who instantly understood. She called Ranma from the kitchen.
After the trio explained about the second honeymoon and Nabiki's plan, they waited anxiously for a response.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you two. And I'm so proud of you Nabiki." Gushed Kasumi, with her hands clasped together.
"Mom, Kasumi, you gotta keep this quiet. Pops and Mr. Tendo can't know about this. They'll ruin it for us." pleaded Ranma.
"I don't approve of secrets son. Maybe if I talked to your fathers-" began Nodoka.
Everyone started shaking their head in the negative. Even Kasumi agreed with the decision.
"Mom, I know you want to be honest and fair, but they have meddled in our lives enough. If they get wind of this it'll ruin everything. This is about Akane and me. We want our privacy without everything being about heirs and carrying on the school. We deserve this."
Ranma stared intently at this mother.
At that moment Nodoka was never more proud of her son. He was standing up for himself and not letting anyone interfere. It still amazed her how well he turned out after being raised solely by Genma.
"I'm so pleased to have you as my son. You've never made me prouder. And I promise I won't tell your father. You're right, this is about you and Akane and nothing else." Nodoka said, reaching out to hug her son and daughter-in-law.
Just then Nabiki's cell phone rang. Putting it to her ear she ignored the nosy people in the room. "Hello. Uh, huh? Really? Well, that's a surprise to say the least. Okay, thanks. Bye." The phone closed with a snap.
Seeing all eyes on her, she got up from the couch and walked to the steps. "Gotta go find something to wear. Kasumi, when daddy comes home, don't tell him about tonight."
Kasumi nodded as Nabiki left. She and Akane remained silent for a second before rushing to the stairs after Nabiki. Ranma looked at his mother and shrugged.
**********************
Hours passed and ten dresses later, Nabiki found her gold mine.
"Nabiki, you're not thinking of wearing that dress out on a date, are you? It's almost see through and it's too thin and too short." Kasumi said disapproving. Inwardly she was jealous. *That dress would look great on her. If only that idiot Tofu would ask her out!*
"I know" Nabiki grinned, looking into the mirror. Holding up the scantliy short black dress to her front, she knew she had found the outfit. Hell, might as well look fabulous and enjoy a free meal.
"Just remember, sis. If he tries something let me know. I'll break him in half." Akane said simply.
Nabiki nodded absentmindedly, since she knew Akane could do just that.
***********************
"WHERE THE HELL-" shouted an angry voice, pushing pass some pedestrians. It was getting late in the evening and Ryoga was frustrated and exhausted.
"Hey, Ryoga." a voice interrupted him.
"Huh? Oh, hi Mousse." Ryoga looked to his left and saw the Cat Cafe restaurant. Mousse waved from the entrance. Well, not to him. To a short, fat lady walking her dog, but he got the picture.
"I'm starved. Might as well, catch a bite." Ryoga said, heading inside.
************************
Ding, Dong! Ding, Dong!
It was seven on the dot and Nabiki was dressed to impress. Thankfully dumb and dumber hadn't come home yet and Happosai was still in police custody for a botched panty raid last month. She didn't need any drama tonight, unless she was providing it. Besides, she was ready to get some answers from Isumu Kimura. Having one of her workers hack into his records, she had gotten quite a surprise with the info given to her.
Nabiki stood with Kasumi as she waited at the top of the stairs. She always made an entrance. Nodoka went to answer the door. Akane and Ranma watched from the couch. Ranma's eye's practically popped out of his head when he saw her dress. It was daring and short, clung like second skin and showed off all of her attributes. He looked away before he got a nose bleed and a head bash from Akane.
Isumu stood nervously outside the door. He had to play it cool. He did not want to mess up his plans with this girl.
"Good evening young man. Please come in." Nodoka gestured inside before closing the door after him.
He bowed and stepped in only to almost swallow his tongue when Nabiki descended the stairs. *WHOA! Is that dress legal?*
"N-Nabiki, you look beautiful." he said in awe.
As Nabiki and Isumu checked each other out, the family observed them like an episode of Wild Kingdom. He was dressed in a nice black suit and was very handsome looking. They actually made a stunning pair. After a couple of seconds of this, Nabiki was the first to break the spell.
"You look very nice yourself." she said smoothly, knowing she was turning his mind to mush.
"Nabiki, dear. Aren't you going to introduce your date?" asked Nodoka.
It wasn't a question. Nodoka was extremely protective of the girls and as the only adult, she watched over them like a mother hen.
"Isumu Kimura, meet my auntie Nodoka Saotome. Ranma's mother." Nabiki made introductions, gleefully aware of her dates nervousness.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, madam." Isumu sweated under Nodoka's formidable glance.
"Where are you two off to this evening?"
"I was thinking of dinner first and afterward we could go see a movie or one of the local plays. I promise to have her home at a proper hour." answered Isumu. *Geez, if this is only the aunt, I'd hate to meet her father!*
"Auntie, we'll be late if we don't leave now." Pushing a relieved date toward the door, Nabiki winked. "Don't wait up."
Outside there was a limo parked in front of the house gates. Isumu steered her to the car as driver stepped forward to open the door for them. The family waved good-bye to them until the limo was out of sight
"Let's follow them." Akane said eagerly. Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
"What? You want to follow her on her date?" asked Ranma in surprise.
"Just to make sure she's all right and Isumu doesn't try anything." Akane said, she batted her eyes at him.
"Liar. You're just being nosy." he snorted.
Grabbing his hand, she dragged him in the direction the limo went. "That too. Come on!"
Before Kasumi and Nodoka could voice their displeasure, the two were off. Kasumi shook her head in dismay. "Auntie, don't you think we should go stop them?" Kasumi wondered.
"Hmph. No way am I getting involved in this. Besides, when Nabiki catches them it won't be pretty." stated Nodoka as she led Kasumi back into the house.
***********************
"I'm really sorry, Nabiki." Isumu hung his head in shame. The restaurant had been booked and there were no seats left. Even the offer of money hadn't swayed management.*Damnit, why didn't I call ahead?*
Normally, this would have royally pissed her off, but he looked so upset that she let it go. Unfortunately, she had no pull in this restaurant and sure didn't have the money Isumu was throwing around.
"That's okay, you're new here. How about this? I know a place that serves great food, even if the staff is certifiable." Nabiki said trying to cheer him up. Besides, she need answers and she'd get them tonight.
"What's the name? I'll tell my driver." he asked relieved.
"Cat Cafe."
***********************
"Nihao. Welcome." Shampoo smiled and bowed as Nabiki and a strange man entered. She casually eyed Nabiki's dress in envy. *So pretty. Hmm, a little long though. I'll have to ask her where she got it.*
All eyes at the restaurant stopped to check out the nicely dressed couple coming in. Drools a plenty happened when eyes wandered over Nabiki. Many a nose bleed could be found.
"Hey Shampoo. We'd like a table, please."
Shampoo nodded and asked them to follow her to a nice secluded table near the back. Handing them menus she waited while they chose their orders. Writing them down, Shampoo cheerfully bounced away. Hell, with a body like Shampoo's how could you not.
"Is that the one of the girls in love with Ranma?" Isumu whispered, leaning against the table. He descretely checked her out. That hugging pink, chinese number she had on riveled Nabiki's for outrageousness. From what Nabiki had told him, Shampoo was as deadly as she was beautiful. Oh, and something about never getting into a fight with her. Still, he only had eyes for Nabiki.
"Yup. Shampoo, Amazon princess."
"Is she really a princess?" he asked curious.
"No." Nabiki laughed.
They sat there waiting for the food to arrive while making small talk. Nabiki caught the sight of a familiar bandana clad world traveler. He was walking out what looked to be a broom closet. Definitely Ryoga.
"Ryoga, over here. Go left...no, you're other left!" Nabiki called to him, chagrined. He looked confused for a moment before seeing Nabiki wavying at him. He headed in her direction.
Isumu stiffened at the name. He turned in his chair as he and Ryoga eyes met and clashed.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Ryoga screamed. Getting up from his chair, Isumu glared at his hated enemy while Ryoga reached for his red umbrella.
Watching the anomosity radiate between, Nabiki lifted an eyebrow. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say you two know each other. Right, Isumu Hibiki?"
Stunned, Isumu turned his attention away from his cousin Ryoga and back to his date. "How did you know. I-."
"I ran a check. Besides, the fangs are a dead giveaway." glared Nabiki.
"What the hell are you trying to pull, Isumu? Why are you here with Nabiki?" questioned Ryoga.
The entire room got quiet as they watched this scene unhold. Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse watched from behind the counter. Well, Mouuse watched a potted plant, but you get the idea.
"Greatgrandmother, you think they fight?" Shampoo asked.
"I don't care if they fight, they just better not do it in here." Cologne said, defying gravity and the laws of nature by standing on a long walking stick. "If you two young men have a beef, take it outside."
"I'm here for revenge cousin. I'm here to make you pay for ruining my life!" Isumu snapped, bunching his fist and taking a defensive position.
Nabiki wisely got up from her spot and walked around the table and two fuming men.
"Are you still going on about that? What kind of person spends all their time plotting revenge what?" Ryoga questioned as everyone in the room gave him a dirty look.
"Hypocrite! I'll pay you back, Ryoga. And I'll start by stealing your girlfriend." With that said, Isumu lunged for Nabiki, grabbing her around the waist and kissing her in front of everyone.
Shampoo handed a bag of popcorn to Mousse, but he was busy facing the wall. Cologne mumbled something about childish behavior and went back to fixing orders.
"You bastard! Get your filthy hands off her!" Snapped Ryoga, pulling Isumu away from stunned Nabiki. Ryoga pushed Nabiki behind him to keep her from his cousin. "That's it! You wanna fight! Well, bring it on cuz!"
He aimed his umbrella menacingly. Isumu reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a...credit card. With a flick of his wrist, it became a throwing star!
"Oh, for goodness sake! A credit card? Kami, I hate this town!" snapped an exasperated Nabiki.
And the battle began...
Okay, that's chapter 4. Whew, I've never written this much in my life. Glad people like it. And yes, this might be a Ryoga/Nabiki pairing. I have fallen in love with that couple. But then, I don't know yet. Isumu has his moments, too. Sigh, love never is easy! Hope you come back for the next installment. BYE!