COS85-87
A Change of Scene, Chapters 85-87
by June "KaraOhki" Geraci
March 19, 2000
Ranma 1/2 and its characters were borrowed from Rumiko Takahashi. This story was written for noncommercial purposes only.
Chapter 85
�That guy is following you again.�
Nabiki glanced behind her. �How many days has it been now?�
Her companion shrugged. �I first noticed about a week ago. It could have been going on before that. You want me to say something to him?�
�No thanks, Mike.�
�Why not? It looks to me like you�ve got a stalker problem!�
Mike wasn�t very amused when Nabiki began to laugh. �Hey, that�s not something to take lightly!�
�No, it�s not, but you�ve got the wrong idea. I think it�s time I explained.�
*****
�He hasn�t talked to me since the wedding. Every now and then I�ll notice him looking at me, but he never comes near enough to say anything.�
Mike didn�t know what to say. He hadn�t intended to be more than Nabiki�s friend when he was assigned to be her class partner, and was trying desperately to keep to that intent, especially when Nabiki had made it clear that she wasn�t interested. He�d wondered why, but now he knew. She still cared about the guy who was following her around--Tatewaki Kuno.
He decided to be philosophical about it. It didn�t make sense to pursue a serious relationship with Nabiki when he knew that sooner or later he�d have to leave Japan and go back home.
Once Mike came to that conclusion, the rest was easy.
�Why don�t YOU go talk to HIM?�
�Excuse me?�
Nabiki�s manner had gone from friendly to icy.
�Don�t give me that. You�ve still got feelings for the guy. Go talk to him!�
�If and when I�m good and ready to!� Nabiki stalked off, and Mike grinned.
�Gotcha,� he whispered.
*****
The first seed had been planted. Nabiki was still thinking about Mike�s comment the next day. "You've still got feelings for the guy," had been his words. Was he right? Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone.
"Hi, Nabiki!"
"Akane? Is something wrong?"
Nabiki knew nothing was wrong before she'd finished asking the question. Akane sounded unusually excited, but in an extremely positive way.
"No, Sis. Everything is wonderful! Ranma's curse is gone!"
"It WHAT?" Nabiki sat down very quickly. "How?" She had a fleeting moment of regret for all the pictures she hadn't taken of Ranma in his female form, then tossed the thought aside. Her sister sounded too happy for anything else to matter.
Akane quickly explained about the restoration of the springs, and how Shiro and Shampoo had surprised them with the water. "Ranma's on his way to Nerima right now with his father's water."
"Why aren't you with him?"
There was a long pause before Akane answered. "We couldn't afford two tickets."
�And you�re calling long-distance? Hang up, and I�ll call you back!� Nabiki slammed the phone down before Akane could object, and started dialing.
Akane found herself listening to a dial tone, and hung up the phone. It rang seconds later.
�Ok, now tell me why you don�t have enough money to go to Nerima.�
�Extra expenses and a little less money than usual, Sis. I usually do a better job with our budget, but not this month.�
�What happened this month? That is, if you want to tell me.�
�It�s okay. Ranma and I missed some work because of the play. Then we got even further behind because we went to Nerima when Mousse attacked Kasumi. I hadn�t figured two round-trip tickets into our budget.�
�And now Ranma�s gone again, so it�s three. Do you have enough money for this month�s bills?�
�Just about, Sis, but--�
�But what?�
�Nothing!�
Nabiki frowned. That answer had come just a little too quickly. �It�s not nothing, is it? Tell me!�
There was a huge sigh from the other end. When Akane started talking again, she sounded very young and frightened.
�I don�t think we�ll have enough to buy food. I don�t want to ask Daddy for money!�
�You don�t have to. I�ll send you a check.�
�Sis!�
Nabiki raised her voice. �Don�t argue with me! How often do I give away money with no strings attached? Just buy what you need, and keep where it came from to yourself. Ranma doesn�t ask how you spend your money, does he?�
�No, he just gives me his paycheck and lets me take care of everything.�
�Then don�t worry about it!�
Akane was tempted to just give in, but her pride got in the way.
�It�s not a gift. It�s a loan. I�m going to pay you back.�
�Don�t you even TRY to pay me back!�
Nabiki�s tone was enough to convince Akane to change the subject.
�Okay, okay!� Akane paused, and wondered how to tell Nabiki her next bit of news. She shrugged her shoulders, and decided to just tell her.
�I got a letter from Kuno today.�
�You WHAT?�
�You heard me. He wanted to apologize for all the trouble he caused me and Ranma, and for trying to mess up our wedding.�
�Well, it�s about time!�
Nabiki sounded annoyed, but Akane caught something else in her tone. Something that sounded a little like sadness. Although she had never understood what Nabiki saw in Kuno, she cared enough about her sister�s feelings to keep talking. �There�s something else he said. I think you should hear it.�
Akane picked up the letter and began to read. �I regret the pain I have caused you, but there is something I regret more. I hurt your sister, and have alienated her. If there was a way to go back in time and change that I would do so, but I am afraid it is too late.�
There was a long silence on each side of the line.
�Did he write anything else?�
�No, after that he just closes the letter. Do you want me to give him a message? I can write him back for you.�
�No...no thank you. This is something I have to do myself. So, any more surprises for me?�
�No more surprises. Why?�
�You seem to be full of them today. I figured next you�d tell me you were pregnant.�
�No, not yet.�
Nabiki squeaked. �Not yet? What do you mean by that?�
�We talked about it. We�re not ready yet.�
�Don�t scare me like that!�
�Well you brought it up!�
�Right. I guess I did. I�ve got to go. I�m meeting my partner for lunch.�
�You mean Mike? Are the two of you dating?�
�No. It�s strictly a business relationship.�
�Too bad. He sounds like a nice guy.�
�He is. Gotta go.�
Nabiki hung up as fast as she could, and put her head in her hands. A second seed had been planted next to the first. Mike said she should talk to Kuno. Akane said Tatewaki still cared about her. What was she going to do?
*****
Akane laughed at her sister�s quick retreat, and went to the closet for her coat. As long as Ranma was away, she was going to drop in on Nodoka. Her mother-in-law had been treating her rather coldly for weeks, and Akane wanted the opportunity to talk to her without Ranma�s presence.
*****
�Hello! Anybody home?�
Ranma�s voice didn�t have a chance to fade away before pounding footsteps brought Genma and Soun into view. Seconds later, Kasumi appeared behind them.
�Ranma, what a lovely surprise! I�ll make you some tea!� Kasumi whirled around and ran into the kitchen before Ranma could respond. Genma and Soun just stared. Ranma was standing there, a small bag slung over his shoulder, and a large heavy-looking package hanging from his hand. Of course, they jumped to conclusions.
�Akane threw you out, boy? What did you do this time?�
�Ranma! How could you hurt my little girl like that!�
�WAIT A SECOND!!� Ranma�s shout stopped both fathers mid-stride. �Nobody threw me out!� Ranma put down his bags, and his hands curled into fists. �And NOBODY accuses me of hurting my wife!� He turned around and took a couple of deep breaths, trying hard to control his temper. When were they going to stop? Ever?
Kasumi appeared beside Ranma. She gently tugged at his arm, and led him to the table. �Here�s your tea, Ranma. Where is Akane?� She sat beside Ranma and reached for the teapot, but was prevented from continuing the gesture when Ranma hugged her.
�Thank you,� he whispered.
Kasumi blushed, and started pouring the tea. �Where is Akane?� she repeated.
�Akane has to work this afternoon,� replied Ranma. �She�s sorry she couldn�t come, but she understood how important it was for me to get here.� He looked at the three confused faces before him and smiled. �I�m cured.�
*****
�It�s so nice of you to drop by, Akane.�
The minute Akane had walked into Ucchan�s, Nodoka had left the grill to Konatsu and shepherded her daughter-in-law to a corner table. Then she�d rushed to prepare a pot of tea and get a plate of small cakes. Akane looked at her mother-in-law, trying not to let her nervousness show. Nodoka was being a little too friendly.
�I thought Ranma would be with you, celebrating. I can�t believe that horrible curse is gone!�
Akane couldn�t help laughing. �I can hardly believe it either! But I thought he told you when he called--Shiro brought another jug of water, so Ranma left for Nerima this morning.�
For just a moment, Akane was certain that a look of annoyance crossed Nodoka�s face, but it was quickly replaced with her usual smile. �That was kind of your friend. I�m sure Dearest will appreciate it.� She paused, and took a bite of one of the cakes.
�Now that you�re through with the play, what are you doing with your time?�
�Working and studying mostly, and next Saturday morning I�m taking an extra cooking class. We�re going to learn how to bake bread.�
�That sounds lovely! It seems that your major problems are behind the two of you, Akane. Perhaps now it�s time to start thinking about starting a family.�
Shocked by Nodoka�s sudden change of subject, Akane struggled to keep the smile on her face. �We�ve talked about it, and--�
�Yes! Please say yes!�
�I�m sorry, but--�
Nodoka put aside all pretense of friendliness. �You selfish girl! It is your obligation as Ranma�s wife to provide an heir to the Saotome name! How dare you refuse to give my son a child!�
�I never said--�
�I�m sorry you ever married him!� Nodoka stood, pushing her chair back so hard that it nearly fell over. She pointed at the door. �Get out! I have nothing to say to you!�
�But--�
�I said to get out!�
Akane picked up her coat and ran. Two blocks down the street she stopped and put the coat on, trying to button it with shaking fingers. What was she going to tell Ranma?
The answer came very quickly. Nothing. Ranma had waited too long for a reconciliation with his mother, and there was no way Akane would forgive herself if she came between them. This was something she would keep to herself.
Then a memory from her wedding day came to her. She and Ranma had promised not to keep secrets from one another.
Two choices, neither of them good ones. What was she going to do?
A glance at the clock tower on campus sent Akane toward the day care center. She had regained her outward composure by the time she arrived there, and was able to greet her supervisor with her usual smile.
�Akane, I�m glad you�re here. We�ve got a new baby, and his mother asked especially for you.�
�Mrs. Kawara?� Akane dashed into the nursery, and found Mrs. Kawara waiting for her. The young woman worked in the administrative offices on campus, and had been away on maternity leave. She was sitting in a rocking chair holding her son, and Akane immediately noted the anxious look on her face.
�I�m glad to see you, Akane. I know you�ll take good care of Yori, but I can't help--"
The young woman�s face crumpled, and she began to cry. �I hate to leave him! We haven�t been apart since he was born! I can�t DO this!�
Little Yori felt his mother's distress. He stiffened in his mother's arms, and his face began to turn red. Akane immediately took charge. She flew around the rocking chair and began to rub her client's shoulders.
"Hush, hush now. If you cry, the baby will too!"
"I'm sorry!"
Akane continued rubbing. "It's okay. Just relax."
After a couple of minutes Akane could feel the tension in Mrs. Kawara's shoulders ease, and she stopped rubbing and knelt down beside her. "Do you feel better?"
Mrs. Kawara nodded, and closed her eyes. When she opened them again she had a very determined look on her face. She stood up, and softly kissed her baby�s cheek.
�Mama will see you later. Be good for Akane.�
*****
�I don�t know why you wouldn�t just believe me for once!�
Ranma stood in the bathing room, soaking wet. His father had dragged him and the jug of water he held into the room and then shoved him under a cold shower.
�I only brought one change of clothes, ya know!�
Ranma�s annoyance faded rapidly when he saw the expression on his father�s face. It had been one of skepticism, but that had changed to joyful amazement. Genma grabbed the jug from Ranma�s hands and started to unscrew the lid, but Ranma took it back.
�Take off your clothes and kneel down. I�ll pour.�
Soun stood in the doorway, watching. Ranma poured. Genma held his breath, and turned on the cold shower. Nothing happened.
For the rest of that afternoon and well into the night a different kind of pouring took place. Eventually, two old friends fell asleep where they sat. Ranma took pity on them, put the sake away, and carried them off to bed.
*****
Akane�s supervisor waited until Mrs. Kawara was gone before she approached her. �You handled that situation beautifully, Akane. How did you know what to do?� She watched as Akane tucked the baby into a crib before replying.
�We ran into the same situation a few times in Nerima. I watched the way they treated the nervous mothers, but this was the first time I ever had to do it myself.�
�I wouldn�t have known that. You were very professional. Well done!�
Akane blushed. �Thank you.� She turned around to hide her embarrassment, and tucked a blanket around Yori. �He�s nearly asleep.�
�Can you handle things by yourself for a little while? I need to run a few errands.�
�Sure, take your time. There aren�t too many children here today.� Akane placed a rocking chair between the cribs where the sleeping babies rested and the area where the toddlers were playing so that she could keep an eye on all of them. The room was quiet, except for occasional sounds of laughter from the playing children.
Akane was taking care of a diaper change when two of the toddlers behind her began to argue. She looked over her shoulder, and discovered that they were wrestling over a stuffed Pikachu. Once the baby was back in her crib Akane quickly got between the combatants and snatched the Pikachu away. The children objected loudly.
�He�s mine!!!�
�NO!!! MINE!!!�
�No,� said Akane softly. �Pikachu is tired, and needs a nap.� She put the stuffed toy in one of the cribs, and covered it with a blanket, then she led the children to a table. She took out a wooden jigsaw puzzle, and put the pieces between them. �I want the two of you to work on this together.�
�What is it?�
�You won�t know until you put it together. I�m not telling!�
That was enough encouragement to get the pair started. Akane watched them for a few moments, but was soon distracted by soft kitten-like sounds coming from Yori�s crib. He was beginning to wake up. Akane walked across the room and looked down at the baby. He was squirming around, and his face was turning red. When he noticed Akane�s presence he looked at her curiously. This was NOT his mother.
�Hello. I�m Akane.�
Yori continued squirming, and began to whimper. Akane scooped him up, and checked his diaper.
�Somebody needs a change. Let�s go!�
Once Yori was warm and dry again, he stopped whimpering. Akane settled down in the rocking chair with the baby in her arms and rocked gently. She hadn�t had a baby this young to care for in months, and it was affecting her in a disturbing way. She kept bringing him close to her face, breathing in the sweet smell that was a combination of soap and water, baby powder, and new baby. Within a few short minutes Akane was overwhelmed with a yearning that brought her dangerously close to tears. She didn�t want to be taking care of other people�s babies. She wanted one of her own.
�Ranma,� she whispered. �What am I going to do?�
Chapter 86
Ranma woke with the sense that he was not alone. He�d chosen to sleep in Akane�s old room, leaving his snoring father alone in the room they�d once shared.
When he opened his eyes a familiar face was looking back from the vicinity of his feet. P-chan sat there staring at him.
�Ryoga! Am I glad to see you!� Ranma grabbed the piglet and dashed downstairs, stopping long enough to retrieve Ryoga�s backpack from its usual hiding place on the porch before continuing on to the bathing room. He tossed the piglet into the tub, and watched him transform. Ryoga sat there looking at Ranma suspiciously.
�Why would you be glad to see me?�
�Because I�m cured.�
The look of disbelief Ranma got made him reach for the cold water. It only took a second to convince Ryoga that he was telling the truth.
�Pop�s cured too, Ryoga. Shampoo brought us water from Jusenkyo. There�s a jug with your name on it in Ube. You coming?�
�You BET I am!� Ryoga jumped out of the tub and grabbed a towel, and then stopped dead. �Um, I don�t have any money for a ticket. Do you?�
�You�ve gotta be kidding.�
�Hey, you have a job!�
Ranma looked disgusted. �Yeah, but I�m married, remember?�
It was as if a light bulb went on over Ryoga�s head. Married men gave their wives their money...and their wives took care of all the bills. There was something to be said about being single.
�So, have you got any ideas?�
Ranma turned on the shower spray and aimed it at Ryoga.
�We�ll just sneak you on the train.�
*****
The woman sitting next to Ranma looked down at the knapsack at his feet. A little toy pig was sticking out of it.
�That almost looks real.�
Ranma chuckled. �It belongs to my wife.�
Ryoga glared at him.
*****
�You told the Elders? What happened?�
Cologne chuckled. �It wasn�t what I expected, child. They knew.�
Shampoo gasped. �They knew?�
�Evidently they�ve been watching us for years. I sensed a great deal of hostility, and a little bit of jealousy. They didn�t threaten us, which was surprising. I expected our family to be expelled from the village, but there are so many of us that I believe the Elders realized it would do a great deal of harm.
�It�s a good thing our family IS so large, otherwise it might not have gone so well. They�re going to watch us, openly this time, and try to see what it is that makes us so successful. I think perhaps they�re trying to see if both ways of life can exist openly in Joketsuzoku without coming to blows with each other.�
�Does that mean you won�t be coming here? Shiro and I wanted you to live with us.�
�I�m not sure. The young ones want to win this on their own. Maybe they need to. If that�s the case, I�ll be back in Japan soon, but I don�t think I�ll move in with you.�
Shampoo stared at the phone as if it was giving her the wrong messages.
�Why not, Great-Grandmother?�
�Newlyweds need their privacy.�
After their conversation ended, Shampoo got ready to leave the apartment. Shiro was already on campus, and she wanted to explore the town that was her new home. Then the doorbell rang.
�Ranma!�
�Hi. I just saved you and Shiro a trip.�
Ranma set a familiar looking backpack down on the floor, and lifted the flap. P-chan hopped out, looking at Shampoo with an expression easy to understand. He knew.
Within seconds Shampoo had pulled the jug out of the closet, and Ranma had P-chan in the bathroom. Shampoo wasn�t accustomed to seeing Ryoga happy--his usual attitude being anger or misery--but when he emerged there was no mistaking his joy. Then he did something totally unexpected. He hugged her.
�Thank you, Shampoo. You don�t know how much I hated being a pig!�
�Yes, I do.�
Ryoga let go, blushing. Shampoo was just as red. She gestured Ryoga and Ranma to chairs, and put a teakettle on the stove.
�What will you do now, Ryoga?�
�I want to go home.�
�You mean your house?� asked Ranma.
�Yes. I want to see my mother and father, if they�re at home. The last time I saw them was just before you got married. I was afraid to let them see me very often, because, well, you know...�
Ranma reached across the table and patted Ryoga�s arm. �We know. How are you going to get there?�
�I don�t know! I can�t even afford to get back to Nerima.�
Ryoga was beginning to look agitated, which was pretty normal for him, but made Shampoo nervous. Ryoga tended to be rather destructive when he was depressed. Hopefully what she was about to tell him would help. She poured some tea, and sat beside him.
�Ryoga, I can help. Where is your home?�
�I, ah, I...�
�I know the address,� interrupted Ranma.
�Good. You know how to get there from the train?�
�Yeah.�
Shampoo jumped up, went into the bedroom, and retrieved her purse. She opened it and pulled out her wallet.
�Ranma, how much for the train? How much for a taxi to Ryoga�s house?�
�What good would that do? He�ll get lost between the station and the taxi!�
�Stupid Ranma! Let Shampoo--let me finish!�
Within an hour, Ranma was walking Ryoga back to the station, where he used Shampoo�s money to buy him a ticket to Nerima. Just before pushing him into the train, Ranma repeated Ryoga�s instructions to him for what seemed to be the millionth time.
�Here�s the money. Don�t you DARE lose it! I told the conductor to put you off the train in Nerima, so wait for him! Don�t you DARE leave your seat until you get there, GOT IT?�
�Yes!�
The cabby will be waiting for you on the platform. He�ll have a blue cap on, and a red jacket. Stand there until HE finds YOU. Got it?�
�Yeah! Come on, Ranma! I�m not stupid! I just can�t find my way!�
�Sorry. Shampoo went to a lot of trouble for you. Don�t screw up.�
Ranma shoved Ryoga onto the train. �Say hello to your Mom for me. I like her.�
*****
Nodoka sat at the table, her untouched breakfast before her. She was tired of waiting for Akane to change. Evidently she was too self-centered to give her son the child he deserved. That didn�t mean Nodoka wouldn�t get what she wanted. Just because Akane wouldn�t give Ranma a child didn�t mean there wasn�t someone else who was willing to. The only problem was how and when to get Ranma and Ukyo together.
Then Nodoka smiled. Akane had given her the information she needed. All she had to do was make the arrangements.
*****
Akane kept glancing at the clock and across the room to where Ranma was supposed to be. He should have been back from Nerima by now, so why wasn�t he at culinary arts class?
*****
�Damn, why does it have to be raining?� Ranma ran upstairs to the apartment, changed his clothes, and ran off to campus. Despite the fact that he�d taken his umbrella, he was rather wet by the time he got to his English class, where he slid into his seat with only a couple of minutes to spare.
After the class was over, Ranma�s instructor took him aside.
�Saotome, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this course. I think perhaps you ought to consider working with a tutor.�
�My wife�s been trying to help me out. Her English is better than mine.�
�I think you�d be better off with a tutor.� The professor stuck his hand in his pocket, and pulled out a card. �Give this young lady a call.�
Ranma looked at the card in his hand. �Al-li-son? Allison. Is she an American?�
�Yes. I think you�ll like her.�
�Okay. Thanks.� Ranma shoved the card in his pocket, grabbed his umbrella, and left the room. When he opened the door to leave the building he found Anne standing in the entranceway, scowling at the rain. For half a second Ranma wondered why she looked different, and then he realized that she�d cut her hair short.
�You cut your hair!�
Anne nodded. �Do you like it? I wanted something different after wearing my hair like Sailor Moon for so long.�
�Yeah, short hair looks good on you.�
�Thanks.� Anne looked out at the rain, and sighed. �I can�t believe I left my umbrella in my room!�
�Where are you going?�
�I need a cup of tea, but it�s not worth getting soaked for.�
Ranma unfurled his umbrella and handed it to Anne. �Here, I don�t mind getting wet.�
Before Anne could refuse his offer, he sprinted out into the rain. She looked after him, shrugged her shoulders, and headed for the cafeteria. Maybe she�d been imagining things when she saw Ranma get caught in the rain before. He still looked like a guy to her.
*****
Ranma was running so fast that he nearly ran Akane down when he encountered her. As it was, her umbrella went flying and he had to retrieve it for her.
�Sorry, honey. You okay?�
Ranma tried putting the umbrella over Akane, but she took it and folded it up.
�I�m fine.�
�Then what are you doing folding up your umbrella? You�re going to get soaked!�
Akane just smiled, and linked her arm through Ranma�s. �Did you forget what I said the other day? I�ve always wanted to be able to walk in the rain with you.�
�You�re nuts, you know.� Ranma leaned over and kissed his wife. Then they walked home, hand in hand, smiling and dripping wet.
*****
�You told me that you figured something out, Ukyo. What is it?�
�I�m not sure how to tell you, Doctor.�
�Just try.�
�I think I let other people influence me too much.�
The doctor sat back and picked up his pad. �Can you explain what you mean?�
�I was thinking back to when my father wanted to engage me to Ranma. I was only a little girl, and Ranma was my friend, so if that was what Daddy wanted, I was going to listen to him. I listened, Ranma�s father took him away, and Daddy blamed it on me. My friends all laughed at me, so I thought it was my fault. See what I mean?�
�Yes. What else?�
Ukyo sighed. �All I wanted to do was take revenge on Ranma. When I finally found him, I found out it wasn�t his fault that they left me behind. He didn�t even know I was a girl! Then...then he called me cute. I�m so stupid! All he had to do was say that to make me change my mind. I told you--I depend too much on what other people think, and I let them push me around.�
�Ranma pushed you around?�
�Ranma? You�ve got to be kidding. He�s too soft-hearted to even try. But I think his mother is trying to.�
The doctor raised his eyebrows. He�d met Mrs. Saotome, and she appeared to him to be a very sweet, kind person. Was Ukyo trying to imply that she was manipulative? Ukyo saw his skeptical expression, and continued before he could say anything.
�Mrs. Saotome said she came to Ube to help me. I�m not sure if she�s helping me, or herself. She keeps telling me Ranma loves me.�
�Do you believe that?�
�I�d like to. No, I want to. But I think it�s a lie.�
Ukyo got up and started pacing around the room. �I have to know the truth. I can�t let go until I know...and I can�t find out while I�m here!�
�And what about Ranma�s wife?�
�Akane? That�s a little more...complicated. I can�t ignore the truth any more. She loves Ranma. He loves her.� What Ukyo didn�t say aloud--her hope that Ranma might love both her and Akane--remained unspoken.
The doctor said nothing. Ukyo continued to pace while the doctor thought. �Well, aren�t you going to say anything?�
�I�ve been waiting for you to come to this conclusion. If you think it�s time to take control of your own life and face the truth--whatever you find out--I�m willing to discharge you. That doesn�t mean you�re completely on your own, Ukyo. I still want to see you on a regular basis. Do you understand that?�
The response he got was enthusiastic agreement. The doctor left to make arrangements for Ukyo�s discharge, and she sat down in the chair he�d just vacated.
Her plan had worked. Tell most of the truth, and hope the doctor would let her out. It was time to find out what she really wanted from Ranma, and what he was willing to give.
Ukyo sighed. More than likely, things wouldn�t work out the way she wanted, but she was prepared to face that.
Chapter 87
Mrs. Hibiki heard the doorbell ring. It rang twice more before she found the door. That was better than usual. Normally, by the time she'd get to a door the visitor would be gone.
A stranger stood on her doorstep.
�May I help you?�
�Are you Mrs. Hibiki?�
�Yes.�
The man looked relieved. �I have a delivery for you. Just one moment.� He ran to the sidewalk, opened the door of a taxi, and pulled out a young man. Mrs. Hibiki�s hands flew to her mouth.
�Ryoga!!�
�Mom!�
Ryoga paused long enough to hand the envelope containing the driver�s fee to him, then he allowed his mother to grab him and give him the hug he�d wanted for so long.
*****
Akane wondered why her feet were cold. She opened one eye and squinted toward them. Ranma had kicked the blankets off their feet. Again. She sat up to cover them and paused a moment.
Ranma�s feet were bigger than hers. A lot bigger. Akane had always known that, but found herself thinking about how much smaller his feet were than hers when he was female. She wasn�t going to be seeing those feet anymore. Akane pulled the blanket over their feet and began to lie down, but instead picked up Ranma�s hand and placed hers on top of it. Her fingertips barely reached the first joint of his fingers. And thinking of fingers, where was Ranma�s wedding ring?
Ah yes, still around his neck. It hadn�t occurred to either of them that he didn�t need to wear it there any longer. She looked for the clasp, but it wasn�t at the back of his neck. It must have slipped around somewhere in front.
Akane was reaching inside Ranma�s undershirt for the clasp when both of his hands grabbed hers.
�What are you doing, trying to strangle me?�
�Uh, uh. Trying to get your ring.�
Ranma yawned, unhooked the clasp, and handed the ring and chain to Akane. �You had to wake me up for that?�
Akane sighed. Sometimes romance was lost on Ranma. She took the ring off the chain, slipped it onto his finger, and lay back down. A few seconds later Ranma turned over, pulled Akane into his arms, and nuzzled her neck.
�Thank you. I like it better there.� He lay his cheek against her breast, and soon fell asleep again. Akane smiled, closed her eyes, and joined him.
*****
While her son and his wife slept peacefully in their attic, Nodoka lay staring at the ceiling of the small room she had at Ucchan�s.
Ukyo�s unexpected arrival had taken Nodoka completely by surprise, though she was extremely glad to see her. Now it would be much easier to get her and Ranma together.
The only thing that was bothering her was the slight change she�d detected in Ukyo�s attitude. She sensed something like a drawing back, a reluctance on Ukyo�s part to confide in her. Ukyo had been treating her like a mother for weeks, telling Nodoka all the secrets of her heart. Something had changed. What?
Nodoka thought about it. Then she realized what was wrong. She�d been wasting too much time getting Ukyo and Ranma together, and Ukyo was beginning to doubt that she could. Nodoka turned over and closed her eyes. Saturday was only a few days away. Then everything she�d planned would work out.
Then another doubt came to her, forcing her back to wakefulness. There was another problem.
Ranma. If he had only been with her when he was small. Then she could have raised him to be properly respectful and obedient to his mother. Although her son showed his affection for her by trying to please her, he had a stubborn streak that she found disturbing.
No. Ranma would obey her. She was his mother, after all.
*****
Nabiki opened one eye and squinted at the clock. It was time to get up.
Unfortunately, Nabiki hadn�t slept well. Thoughts of the past had kept her awake for hours. She�d relived much of the previous summer--long walks with Kuno, picnic lunches, candlelit dinners. The serious talks they�d had about a possible future together.
Then everything had gone to pieces. He�d forced her to choose between Ranma and Akane, or him. When she had taken her side with her sister and her fiance, Tatewaki had walked out on her. Then to make matters worse he�d crashed her sister�s wedding and tried to prevent the marriage.
She knew Tatewaki well enough to realize that he often spoke or acted before he thought. Evidently he�d been doing a lot of thinking. Did he have it in him to put his pride aside and talk to her?
�Maybe I should talk to him,� she muttered. Then she shook her head violently and got out of bed. If she and Kuno had any chance of a real relationship, he had to be able to admit he was wrong to her face without any prodding from her or anyone else. The fact that he�d written an apology to Akane was at least an encouraging sign.
*****
Tatewaki Kuno rummaged through the refrigerator, looking for something to have for breakfast. When he had first moved into his own apartment he considered the chore of making his own meals preferable to having to share space with a roommate. Now the novelty had worn off. He cooked when he had to, and ate out the rest of the time.
�Perhaps I should eat on campus,� he muttered, and closed the refrigerator door.
Kuno saw Nabiki entering the cafeteria as he was approaching it, and hesitated. Perhaps now was the time to try to speak to her. If only he could find the right words.
He picked up something to eat and made his way toward Nabiki�s table. His apprehension increased in direct proportion to the decrease in distance between them, especially since he couldn�t interpret her expression.
�May I join you?�
Nabiki merely nodded.
The two ate in silence for several minutes. Nabiki kept her eyes on her plate, while Kuno kept sneaking sidelong glances at her. She was just as lovely as ever, and just as secretive. It had taken him so long to get past that wall of hers, and now it was up again. He had no one to blame but himself.
What was frightening him even more was that it had taken him weeks of indecision, following Nabiki around campus, before he had been able to ask her out that very first time. He had considered college the perfect opportunity to change the way people looked at him. Kuno wanted the respect of his peers. He wanted a normal life, rather than the one he�d been living.
He also wanted someone to love. Not a fantasy, like Akane had been, or an illusion, like Ranma. Someone real. And of all people, he had found that someone to be Nabiki.
Now he had to start all over again.
[You will get nowhere if you do not start.] Kuno took his own advice, and picked up his teacup. Cradling it in both hands, he looked into it while he spoke.
�Nabiki, I would appreciate it if you would allow me to speak to you.�
He looked at her long enough to note her raised eyebrow, but her nod encouraged him. Then he returned his gaze to the cup.
�First, I must apologize for the way I treated you the day we went to Ube. I was unfair, unkind, and unreasonable. You were right to side with your sister and her fiance, and I was wrong to try to make you choose.�
Another glance showed a completely neutral expression on Nabiki�s face.
�I am still trying to explain to myself why I tried to break up your sister�s wedding. Perhaps some part of me still distrusted Ranma. That was a mistake. He has more than sufficiently proved his devotion to Akane. She has received my apology.�
Nabiki�s soft response made Kuno jump. �I know that. She told me.�
�Has she forgiven me?�
�I believe so.�
Kuno held his breath for a moment, put down his teacup, and asked his next question.
�Have you?�
A small hand reached over and covered one of his. �Keep talking, Tatewaki. I�m listening.�
*****
Ranma woke up, aware that the soft �pillow� he�d been resting his head on was no longer there. The space beside him was still warm, so Akane hadn�t been gone long.
�Akane? Where are you?�
�Making breakfast.�
Rubbing his eyes, Ranma stumbled into the kitchen. Akane turned from the stove, gave him a quick smile--one which didn�t quite meet her eyes--and went back to work.
�Akane?�
�What?�
�What�s wrong?�
Akane tried to look unconcerned, but the rising color on her face betrayed her.
�W-what makes you think something�s wrong?�
Ranma looked disgusted. �You�ve gotta be kidding! You�ve been acting weird since I came back from Nerima. Something�s bothering you.�
�I-I...�
The stricken look in Akane�s eyes made Ranma�s heart sink. �It can�t be that bad! Tell me!�
�Your mother...I think your mother hates me.�
�WHAT???�
�She started again about babies. I tried to explain that we�d decided to wait, but she--she got the idea that I just didn�t WANT children.�
Akane began to cry.
�I tried to explain to her that we can�t afford to have a baby right now, but she wouldn�t listen to me! She threw me out of the restaurant.�
Ranma jumped out of his chair, held Akane close, and stroked her hair. �I�ll talk to her. I�ll explain. Don�t cry.�
�You don�t understand! It hurts SO bad because...�
�Because what?�
Before answering, Akane looked deeply into Ranma�s eyes. He saw her hesitation and looked back steadily, telling her to trust him.
�I want to have your children, and I hate waiting!�
�So? You want to have a baby?�
�We can�t afford it! You know that! I told you how much everything costs...we just can�t do it right now. Just buying diapers would break our budget.�
Ranma gently kissed his wife. �I�m sorry, sweetheart. I won�t make you wait too long. I promise.
�Oh, Ranma...�
�And I�ll talk to Mom. She owes you an apology.�
*****
�We�re going to be late for class, you know.�
�Do you mind?�
Nabiki felt Kuno squeeze her hand, and smiled at him.
�Actually, if you want to ditch classes for the day, I wouldn�t mind at all.�
That was all Kuno needed to hear.
�Then come with me.�
Kuno smiled--a wide, happy smile that hadn�t crossed his face for months--rose, and held his hand out for Nabiki�s. She didn�t hesitate to take it.
*****
Akane was able to stop crying before she burned her and Ranma�s breakfast, and was actually smiling again by the time they finished eating.
She and Ranma were out in the hallway and Ranma was locking the door when he opened it and ran back in.
�Ranma? What are you doing?�
�I forgot! I need to make a phone call. My English professor wants me to get some tutoring.�
Akane followed Ranma into the kitchen and put her things down. �I was afraid that would happen.�
She watched as Ranma dug around in his pockets until he found the card.
*****
Allison was about to leave her apartment when the phone rang. She considered letting it ring, because she hated being late, but thought better of it.
�Hello?�
The person on the other end spoke in careful English.
�Hello. Is this Al-li-son?�
Suppressing a giggle [another person who can�t say my name!], Allison responded.
�Yes, this is Allison. You can speak Japanese if you want to.�
The sigh of relief on the other end nearly got her giggling again.
�Thank you. My name is Ranma Saotome. I was referred to you for tutoring. Are you available?�
�Sure, if we can coordinate our schedules. When would you like to meet? I�m available this evening.�
�This evening? I don�t have to work. Can you come after dinner?�
�Sure, let me have the address.� Allison made a quick note of the address, and realized that Ranma did not live on campus. �I�ll see you around six if that is all right.�
�Yes, thank you!�
Ranma turned around and found Akane standing there looking mystified.
"Didn't you tell your professor I was helping you?"
"Yes, but he insisted I needed a tutor."
�But how are we going to pay her? What does she charge?�
�I�ll find out tonight.�
Akane started to pace around the kitchen. �We can�t stretch our budget any farther than it already is. But I don�t want you to flunk English!�
�Don�t worry. I�ll think of something.� The skeptical look Ranma got from his wife made him slightly indignant. �Well, I will!�
*****
When Akane came out of the locker room after her shower, she found Ranma sitting on the gym floor with Mishi. He gave her a grin, and waved her over.
�Mishi�s ready to start those self-defense classes, Akane. Who do you think should teach her, you or me?�
Akane couldn�t believe that Ranma had asked.
�You�ve got to be kidding! You�re the one teaching me, right? How to sense when danger is near, what to do about it. Just start from the beginning and I�ll repeat it all with her. How does that sound to you, Mishi?�
�I like it.� Mishi paused, and looked a little embarrassed. �I think right now Ranma�s the only guy I don�t get nervous around.�
�Even if I don�t turn into a girl any more?�
�I�ll never forget that you did it just to make me feel better. You�re a good friend.�
*****
Afternoon found Kuno and Nabiki wandering around Morioka. They�d spent the entire morning talking, continued talking during lunch, and just kept going. The topic of conversation never went beyond the two of them, at least not until they wandered into the shopping district. Nabiki glanced into the book shop window, and stopped dead. After staring a couple of seconds, she dropped Kuno�s hand and dashed inside.
Kuno found Nabiki in the poetry aisle, practically drooling over the book in her hands.
�I�ve been waiting for this for months! He�s my favorite poet!�
Nabiki gave Kuno a smile that shook him down to his toes before she dashed to the cashier�s desk. The woman rang up the sale while Nabiki was getting out her wallet. When she opened it her hand went to her mouth.
�I forgot!� she muttered.
The cashier looked extremely annoyed for a moment, but her expression changed when Kuno paid her.
�No, Tatewaki, don�t! I�ll get it next week when I get paid!�
Her companion did a marvelous job of pretending to be deaf, accepted the wrapped package, and escorted her out of the store.
�You didn�t have to--�
�Hush. Wait until we have a private place to talk.�
Kuno led Nabiki to his apartment, sat her down in the kitchen, and put the teakettle on the stove. He remained silent until the tea was prepared, and then joined her.
�In all of the years I have known you, I have never seen you without enough money to get what you needed or wanted. Something is wrong.�
Nabiki didn�t know what to say. A year ago, she would have lied to Tatewaki. Now she didn�t want to.
�I�m earning enough, if that�s what you�re worried about. It�s just that...you see...I sent Akane a check a few days ago, so I�ll be a little short until I get paid again.�
She knew that she hadn�t worded her statement right when Kuno became furious.
�You had to send your sister money? Does Saotome not support her? How dare he neglect her so!"
Kuno began to rise from his chair, causing Nabiki to nearly drop her teacup in her haste to grab his arm.
"Calm down! You can't jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts!"
Nabiki had the satisfaction of seeing that her words took immediate effect. Kuno immediately calmed himself and sat down again.
"Then tell me."
"They had some unusual expenses to cover. Things like that happen, you know. Also, I suppose you don't know about Kasumi, do you?"
"What does Kasumi have to do with this?"
"A lot. I'll start from the beginning."
Nabiki began to relate the story of Shampoo and Shiro's romance, and Kasumi's active involvement in it. When she told him about Mousse's attack on Kasumi, she wasn�t surprised at his reaction.
�That coward! How could anyone think of hurting a gentle person like Kasumi! If I ever see him he will feel my wrath!�
�Take a number. You�re behind Tofu, Daddy, Mr. Saotome, and most of the merchants in Nerima. You wouldn�t believe how many bouquets of flowers, and presents of fruit, or fish, or whatever the particular person sells have come to the house. All of them want a piece of Mousse.�
Nabiki paused, and tried to remember what she had been saying before Kuno interrupted.
�Oh, but what I was trying to tell you was that Daddy phoned me from the hospital, and Mr. Saotome phoned Ranma and Akane in Ube, and told us all to come home.�
"I see. Ranma and Akane had to rush home from Ube, and that is an expensive trip. That would stretch a small budget."
"It did, and Ranma's second trip to Nerima made it even worse."
"Why did he have to go a second time?"
When Nabiki told Kuno about Ranma's cure, his jaw nearly hit the floor.
"So the pigtailed girl is gone. Saotome must be very relieved. So am I."
Nabiki stared. "Excuse me?"
Kuno reached out and caressed Nabiki's cheek. "There is only one woman I care about, and she is sitting at this table."
*****
Ukyo spent her first morning out of the hospital checking over her restaurant. It was wonderfully clean and organized, which caused her to embarrass Konatsu terribly when she praised him.
They were taking inventory in the pantry when a thought came to her. Konatsu had come to see her every day in the hospital. He�d even come when she was mean and nasty to him and had told him to stay away. That made Ukyo feel terrible--she�d never even said thank you.
Konatsu looked down from the ladder he was standing on when Ukyo tugged on his sleeve.
�Yes?�
�Come down, please.�
When she hugged him he stiffened, but after a moment or two his arms went around her and he hugged her back.
�Why?�
�Because. I don�t deserve a friend like you.�
The arms holding her took a firmer grip. �Yes, you do.�
Ukyo allowed herself a few seconds to enjoy the sensation of being held by someone who cared about her. How long had it been since anyone had touched her?
Oh yes, there had been the nurses and the doctors. Competent, healing hands, but not the hands of a friend. This was better. The only problem was that she would have preferred the hands to belong to someone else.
She pulled away, blinking back tears. Konatsu looked panic-stricken.
�It�s okay. I�ll be all right. Just give me a minute.�
Ukyo closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down. Why was she so upset?
Then she stopped lying to herself, and opened her eyes to take a good look at the person standing in front of her. He�d stood by her even when he knew he wasn�t wanted. He�d been there every day for her, and she�d never really appreciated that.
�Why do you stay? Why did you come to see me every day, even when I yelled at you?�
�Do you really need an answer?�
�No. I guess not.� Ukyo turned to the shelves and made a pretense of arranging the boxes of noodles. �You were with me every day, and Ranma never came to see me once.�
�Yes he did.�
�What?�
Konatsu put his hand to his mouth. �He, uh!�
�When did he come see me? I never saw him!�
�I�m sorry. That�s because the night he went to see you, you weren�t there.�
Ukyo looked thoroughly confused for a few seconds, and then the impact of what Konatsu was saying sank in.
�Oh, no. That was--was that the night I...�
�Yes. The night you tried to break into his apartment.�
�No wonder, then.�
The sound of footsteps made Ukyo put her finger to her lips, and she moved toward the door.
�Do you two need any help in there?� Nodoka looked through the doorway and smiled at Ukyo.
�I�m nearly done, thank you! Can you watch the shop for a little while? We�re getting low on some things, and I thought I�d drag Konatsu to the market with me.�
Ukyo barely waited for Nodoka�s reply before she grabbed Konatsu�s arm and dragged him out of the shop. Instead of the marketplace, she led him to a small park and pushed him down onto the first bench she could find.
�I thought we were going shopping?�
�Later. I have a couple of questions, and I didn�t want Mrs. Saotome to hear.�
Konatsu�s confused expression was replaced with a concerned one, but Ukyo didn�t seem to notice.
�Have you talked to Ranma at all since I went to the hospital?�
�Yes. He comes by every couple of days to see his mother.�
�That�s not what I asked. Have YOU talked to him? Does he...does he ever talk about me?�
Both of Ukyo�s hands were encased in a warm grip. �Always. He worries about you, but he didn�t think it was a good idea to visit. So he would come to me and ask how you were.�
�Why didn�t he ask his mother?�
�You don�t know, do you?� Konatsu paused and looked around him. They were in a public place, and he didn�t want anyone listening in on what was a rather private conversation. �He told me that they had a big disagreement back in Nerima about you, so I guess he�d rather ask me.�
�About me? What about me?�
Konatsu waited until a young woman pushing a baby carriage passed them.
�You�re sure you can handle this?�
�I think so.�
�She�s trying to pressure Ranma into taking you as a mistress.�
Ukyo hissed, and pulled her hands out of Konatsu�s. �I thought she was up to something!� She stood, and began to pace around.
�Where are you going?�
�Nowhere. Just give me a few minutes.�
*****
Konatsu watched Ukyo from his place on the bench. She had been circling the park for fifteen minutes, obviously deep in thought.
He wondered what she would say if he told her the whole truth about Ranma�s conversations with him. One particular point stood out in his memory:
�I don�t know what�s gotten into Mom, Konatsu! Look at how long it took me and Akane to get together. Do you think I want to spoil it by cheating on her? Besides, I don�t--I don�t feel that way about Ukyo. She�s a nice girl and all, but Akane...�
Ranma had trailed off, but Konatsu didn�t have any problem understanding him. He knew what it was like to love someone to the exclusivity of all others.
Unfortunately, Konatsu was pretty sure that Nodoka had figured that out. She�d dropped more than one hint that his help wasn�t needed in the restaurant, and that he shouldn�t feel obligated to stay. Perhaps she viewed him as competition for her son.
As far as Ukyo�s situation was concerned, Konatsu was impressed at her change in attitude. He was certain that a few weeks earlier she would have jumped at the chance to grab Ranma, whether or not it was what he wanted. Those therapy sessions were definitely doing her good.
*****
Nodoka waited until Ukyo had disappeared around the corner before she picked up the phone. Ranma answered nearly immediately.
�Mom? I was about to leave for class, I�m late.�
�I won�t keep you long, dear. I just wanted to know if I could drop by on Saturday morning.�
�Saturday? Akane won�t be here, but I should be, I think�
Akane�s voice could be heard in the background, and Nodoka strained unsuccessfully to hear.
�I have to go out for a little while on Saturday. We need a couple of things at the store, and I want to get my hair trimmed. If you get there before I�m back, just have Mrs. Takai let you in. I�ve gotta go, Mom. See you Saturday.�
Ranma hung up before Nodoka had a chance to say good bye to him.
*****
�Your mother is coming Saturday? Did she say what she wanted?�
�I didn�t have time to let her tell me, Akane.� Ranma waited until they got downstairs and out of the house before he continued. �I don�t really care why she wants to come here. I want to talk to her about you.�
�I don�t want you two to fight because of me.�
�Neither do I.�
*****
Nodoka held the door open for Ukyo and Konatsu so that they could carry their purchases inside.
�Why didn�t you have all this delivered? This was much too much for you to carry.�
Ukyo just shrugged. �It didn�t seem like much to me.�
�But a lady shouldn�t have to bear such burdens.�
She got no response. Ukyo continued into the back with her packages and began putting them away. What did Nodoka want from her, exactly? During her walk with Konatsu she had agreed to sit back and let Nodoka reveal herself. That meant not prying for more information, but rather allowing things to develop naturally.
�Let me finish, Ukyo. It�s nearly time to open.�
Ukyo left Konatsu to finish stocking the shelves, washed her hands, and began preparations for the lunchtime crowd. Nodoka started to assist her and Ukyo caught a few odd looks from her before she spoke.
�I�m going to see Ranma Saturday morning, Ukyo dear. Will you come with me?�
�R-Ranma? You�re sure he�ll want to see me!�
�Of course he will! Aren�t you his oldest friend?�
�I guess I am.�