DO YOU REMEMBER...?

By Bing

Part Three: Lovers

Chapter 15 – Remember Love

Written by Bing and Kalaong

-Anonymous

~Morning, Ucchan’s~

Ryoga whistled a happy tune as he flipped the okonomiyaki over the griddle. As he waited for it to cook, he stood back and observed his surroundings. It was only 7:30 in the morning yet the place was already packed, and he could tell that it was going to be a busy for the rest of the day.

He looked over to his left and saw his eldest son Yuuta taking orders from the customers. His daughter, Natsuki, was behind the cash register while handling the payments. His other daughter, Ayaka, was delivering okonomiyakis from table to table.

I guess that’s one of the advantages of having lots of kids. Ryoga thought with a smile. You don’t have to hire extra help.

Coming from the entrance, Akane walked into the restaurant. She was carrying a big present with her. When she spotted Ryoga, she waved and the latter waved back.

"Ohayu, Ryoga." Akane greeted as she came over to him.

Ryoga smiled. "Hi, Akane."

"I heard the news about Ukyou. Congratulations."

"Thanks. How did you find out?"

"Kasumi saw Ayaka at the market the other day. She said that Ukyou had a boy."

"Yes." Ryoga nodded his head vigorously and continued to smile. "We just got back from the hospital yesterday."

"I bought something for the baby. "Akane held out the gift.

"Thank you, Akane." Then he suggested, "Why don’t you go on upstairs? I’m sure Ukyou would be glad to see you."

Akane thanked him and moments later, she was upstairs where Ukyou welcomed her happily. After giving her the baby’s gift, Ukyou let her hold the baby.

"He’s so cute!" Akane exclaimed as she carried the baby in her arms. "What’s his name?"

"Ren," replied Ukyou.

"Hi, Ren Hibiki. I’m your aunt Akane. You’re just so precious, aren’t you? Aren’t you?" As she looked up at Ukyou, she giggled. "I have to admit that I miss this."

Ukyou laughed. "Well, I never thought I’d go through this again. I didn’t expect that at thirty-six years old, I’d get pregnant and have a baby. We were so shocked, but once the baby came, all doubts were erased. We’re very happy." She watched Akane smile at the baby. "How come you never had any children aside from Hikaru?"

"Hmm? Oh, um, gosh. I guess we always thought that one was enough."

"Oh."

"But I don’t regret. Hikaru’s very special."

A short silence followed until Ukyou asked, "So how’s everything at the dojo?"

"Oh, we’re hiring right now. We cancelled class for today. Ranma has to meet with a real estate agent about selling the house."

Ukyou shook her head. "I can’t believe Ranchan is leaving. Japan is his home."

"Well, this is what they want."

"And how do you feel about this, Akane? About Ranchan leaving, I mean."

"Well, he’s been wanting an heir for years, and now that Michiko is ready to start a family with him, I am quite happy for him."

She gave her friend a motherly smile. "You don’t have to hide it from me, Akane. You can talk to me about it."

Akane shrugged. "What’s to talk about? Long before Ranma and I signed the one year contract, we agreed that we would divide our share among ourselves."

Ukyou rolled her eyes. "Come on, Akane. Like I wasn’t born yesterday. A month ago, we told you how Ranma came to marry Michiko. I knew that it upset you. I mean if I were in your shoes, I’d be pretty pissed off about it."

Akane looked away from her. "He’s married now, Ukyou. There’s absolutely nothing I can do about it. I think this separation is what’s best for me."

They were interrupted by a rapping around on the door and Ukyou called out, "Come in!"

The door opened and Shampoo entered. "Nihao!"

"Hi, Shampoo!" Ukyou crossed the room, and they hugged.

"How are you?" Shampoo asked.

"Much better now. Thanks."

Shampoo looked at Akane. "Hello, Akane."

Akane nodded but didn’t smile. "Shampoo."

A very tense silence followed.

Ukyou cleared her throat and suggested in a cheerful voice, "Shampoo, why don’t you sit down and join us?"

As Shampoo was about to take her suggestion, Akane said, "Ukyou, I think I better get going."

"But you just got here," Ukyou told her.

"I know, but I just realized that I had to do something." Akane gave Ren back to her and headed for the door. "I’ll see you later."

She left Ukyou and Shampoo despite the stunned looks on their faces.

***

Akane had barely taken a few steps outside from the restaurant when she heard her name being called.

"Akane! Akane!"

Akane didn’t have to turn around to find out who it was. She knew she should just ignore her, but decided to face Shampoo.

"Yes?" Her voice came out rather cool.

Shampoo paused once she reached her. "Akane...I ...how are you?"

It took her a moment to reply. "Fine."

"I haven’t seen you in weeks."

"I’ve been busy between teaching classes and hiring teachers."

"Yes, I’ve heard that Ranma was leaving. It must be difficult to find a replacement."

"Yes, it is. Not that you’d care anyway."

Akane turned to leave, but Shampoo called her again. "Akane."

"What?" She looked at her.

"Akane, I know we haven’t exactly been the best of friends."

"You’ve got that right. You and Mousse wanted me killed."

Shampoo looked startled and then she glanced down. "So, Ranma told you."

"You certainly didn’t tell me when you had the chance."

She took a deep breath and faced Akane again. "Akane, you weren’t the only one who went through tough times. Do you know what happened to me after I lost Ranma to Michiko? I was banned from my village. I was the best warrior and suddenly I was no longer welcomed because I failed to get my husband. My honor was lost. That was when I discovered just how unconditional Mousse loved me." She went on. "I know what I did was wrong, and I am truly sorry."

"Shampoo, you not only wanted to kill me, but you also lied to me. How am I suppose to trust you?"

"I don’t know, Akane."

"You know what’s best? I think you and me should avoid each other as much as possible. I could never forgive or forget you and Mousse did to me."

Shampoo opened her mouth to speak, but Akane shook her head at her and walked away.

***

Several moments later, Akane arrived at her house. She then saw Ranma walking out of the dojo with another man. Curious, she went over to them and waved.

"Hi!" She called out with a smile.

Ranma acknowledged her presence with a wave. "Hey, Akane." He glanced at his companion. "Mr. Nangi, this is my partner Akane Sato. Akane, this is Mr. Nangi."

Akane bowed down slightly and Nangi followed the same suit. "How do you do, Ms. Sato."

"Just fine."

"Mr. Saotome has told me all about the school and what you do here. I hope you will consider hiring me."

Akane gave Ranma a glance and then asked Nangi, "Oh, you had your interview already?"

"Yes."

Akane looked at Ranma again. "I see."

Ranma spoke up, "Well, Mr. Nangi, it was nice meeting you. We’ll contact you as soon as we reached a decision."

"Thank you, Mr. Saotome. It was a pleasure meeting you both."

When he left, Akane turned to Ranma. "You interviewed him without me."

Ranma shrugged. "You weren’t here, so I gave him his interview."

As he was about to leave, Akane followed him. "But we were suppose to interview the applicant together."

"He lives in another town. I thought it was a waste of his time to come back for an interview. I saw him standing outside your house when I was on my way for my appointment. When I asked what he wanted, he said that he was applying for the job. I asked if he was game for an interview, and he said ok." Ranma saw her frown. "Hey, don’t get upset. Besides, I don’t think he should get the job."

Akane raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah, he doesn’t have much experience. He’s only been teaching for a year and a half. If he teaches the upper level classes, they’ll know more techniques than him."

"Fine."

"Trust me on this, okay? Anyway, I better go. I’ll be late for my appointment."

"Alright." Akane’s facial expression was as firm as her voice.

Ranma looked back at her. "You’re mad at me."

"No, I’m not."

"Yes, you are, Akane. Look, I’m sorry, okay? I won’t interview anyone without you around."

"No, forget it." Akane waved her hand at him. "You’re right about not hiring him. We need someone with years of experience."

Ranma nodded as Akane looked down. She felt silly getting angry at him. He did have his reasons.

Slowly, he approached her. "Listen, Akane, there’s something I want to talk about. It’s about Hikaru."

Her eyes looked up at him. "Yes?"

"Well, since I’ll be leaving in about a month or so, I think it’s best if he knew about me. I mean there’s a possibility that I might not return to Japan for a long time. I just thought maybe we ought to tell him before I go."

Her head slowly nodded. "I’ll have to contact him and tell him to come home. Maybe we’ll have dinner. Just the three of us."

Ranma let out a small, appreciative smile. "I’d like that."

Akane smiled back. Then as the two of them headed for the gate together, she told him, "I’ll call Hikaru tonight and ask him to come over this weekend. Would that be alright?"

"That would be great."

They stopped at the opening of the gate, and Akane observed the reaction of his face. "You don’t seem too happy."

"I’m happy. I’m just...worried, I guess. He might not take the news very well."

"Ranma, Hikaru is a very open-minded. I’m sure once we explain everything to him, he’ll understand."

"I hope so."

There was a sound of a horn that interrupted them. They looked behind them and saw a taxi pulling up in front of Akane’s house.

Ranma glanced at Akane. "An applicant perhaps?"

Akane shrugged. "Maybe."

As soon as the taxi came to a halt, the backdoor opened, and Hikaru Sato stepped out. He let out a huge smile and waved at Akane. "Hi, Mom!"

Akane was surprised. "Hikaru!"

Hikaru paid the driver and as soon as the taxi drove off, he ran to Akane and gave her a hug. "Mom! It’s great to see you."

Akane hugged her son back. "Hikaru, what a nice surprise. What are you doing here? It’s the middle of the week. Don’t you have school?"

"I don’t have classes on Wednesdays. I guess I shoulda called, but I was sorda in a hurry."

"Nonsense. You’re my son. You’re always welcomed here."

Hikaru looked at Ranma. "Hi, Saotome-sensei."

Ranma nodded at him. He suddenly felt awkward, almost shy. "Hello, Hikaru."

"What are you two doing out here? Is class already through for the day?"

"No, actually, we cancelled class just for today," replied Ranma. "I have an appointment with the real estate agent about selling my house."

"Selling your house? Why?" Hikaru asked.

"Ranma’s leaving for San Francisco next month," answered Akane.

"Really?" Hikaru was astonished.

Akane nodded.

Hikaru faced Ranma. "But why?"

"Well, Michiko wants to start our life anew, " explained Ranma. "Anyway, our contract is almost through. There’s no use for me hanging around here, right, Akane?"

"Right, Ranma."

Hikaru watched Ranma and Akane gave each other a slow, but sad smile. Suddenly, he felt strange. He didn’t know why. He had seen his mom and Ranma together countless of times, but somehow...it seemed different.

Hikaru put his hand over his mother’s shoulder. "Come on, Mom."

Akane turned to him. "Listen, Hikaru, why don’t you go inside? Ranma and I have to talk about something."

If Hikaru was suspicious, he didn’t show it. "Sure."

As soon as Hikaru was out of the earshot, Akane looked at Ranma. "Well, how about dinner tomorrow night at my house?"

"Okay." Ranma nodded.

"We might not get another chance like this."

"I know."

"You have that worried look on you face again, Ranma."

"I just didn’t think that it would happen sooner." He let out a small laugh. "I know that sounds real dumb."

"I know how you feel. For more than seventeen years, I led him to believe that Kouhei was his father, and it can’t go on like this."

"You’re right. The sooner he knows the truth, the better."

***

Hikaru pulled back the curtain. Looking down from the window in his room, he had a good view of Ranma and Akane outside.

What could they be possibly talking about that I’m not allowed to hear? He shook his head to himself. Maybe it’s nothing. I’m just being paranoid.

Then he saw Ranma reach out for Akane’s arm and hold it while Akane looked up to him. They stood that way for a long moment as if they were in their own world.

Finally, Ranma broke away and said goodbye. Akane nodded, and she started to leave. Hikaru continued to observe as Ranma headed for his house. Then he saw his mother do a surprising thing. She turned around and watched Ranma.

Hikaru stepped away from the window. His heart began to beat very fast. Could it be? Was it possible? His mom was in love with Ranma Saotome? Impossible! But somehow, he knew that it wasn’t.

***

Akane shook her head to herself as if she was to snap herself back to reality. What am I doing? Why am I staring at Ranma?

Quickly, she whirled around and began to make her way back to the house.

I have got to stop thinking about Ranma and start focusing on much important things like the school and finding a replacement. But, who the hell am I kidding? A replacement for Ranma? No one could ever replace Ranma. I longed for our contract to end so that the two of us could gain some independence, but the closer our partnership is coming to an end, the more I dread it.

She let out a long sigh as tears welled in her eyes. Akane blinked them back as she shifted towards the dojo. Oh, Dad, what were you thinking when you drew up that agreement?

Akane entered the house, and she met Hikaru who was descending from upstairs. He was carrying a knapsack on his back.

Akane blinked in surprise. "Where are you going?"

Instead of answering, Hikaru asked, "Mom, what was that?"

"What was what?"

"What were you and Saotome-sensei talking about that I can’t find out about?"

"You’ll know soon enough."

"Why can’t you tell me now?"

"It’s best if we both told you at the same time."

Hikaru refused to drop the subject. "Tell me what?"

Akane gave her son an exasperated look. "Hikaru, please."

"Something’s going on between you and Saotome-sensei, isn’t there?"

"Saotome..." Akane trailed off and frowned.

"You’re in love with him, aren’t you?"

Her eyes widened as she dropped her jaw. "Hikaru!"

"You are! Mom, are you crazy?" Hikaru’s voice raised. "He’s married! I meant what I said about finding a husband...but not getting involved with someone else’s husband!"

Akane closed her mouth and formed a thin line with her lips. "Alright, Hikaru, I think what you said is enough. Right now, I can’t explain anything without Ranma present. Tomorrow evening, the three of us will have dinner at this house."

"I won’t be here for dinner tomorrow or tonight’s dinner."

"What? Why not?"

"I came here only to pick up some of my clothes and meet Yi-Ping at the Nekohanten."

Akane frowned at the mention of Shampoo’s daughter. "Yi Ping? For what?"

"She’s thinking about attending Yokohama University this school year. Since I had no class today, I thought it would be nice to show her around the campus and help her decide if she wants to go there or not."

"Oh, no, you’re not."

"Why?"

"Because..." Akane trailed off. She’s Shampoo’s daughter. "Because...Yi- Ping’s mother and I just don’t see eye to eye."

"And that’s the reason why I shouldn’t be friends with her?"

"No...I...it’s hard to explain, Hikaru."

Hikaru shook his head. He didn’t really want to make this argument any worse so he became firm about dropping it. "Look, Mom, I’m sorry, but I can’t stay. Yi-Ping and I have been making plans for weeks. There’s no way I’m changing them."

Without another word, he walked out of the house. Akane followed him until she reached the doorway. As she sadly watched her son leave, she felt like she should say something...anything... to make things alright between them.

"Hikaru!"

Hikaru stopped at his tracks and spun around. He felt awful leaving his mom with things unsettled, so he went back to her. His blue eyes softened as he told her, "Mom, listen, I love you. And, the last thing I want for you is to get hurt. The past few years have been unkind, and I don’t want you to go through all that ever again." He went on. "I don’t know what it is exactly between you and Saotome-sensei, but I have a pretty good idea how you feel for him...but please...please, Mom, don’t get involved with him."

"Hikaru..."

He put his hands over her shoulders. "Please, Mom, promise."

Akane didn’t say anything, but she slowly nodded.

Pleased with her answer, Hikaru kissed her cheek and then hurried off to meet Yi-Ping.

***

~Tendo-Saotome dojo, the next morning~

"He’s not coming? Why not?" Ranma’s voice was alarmed.

Akane didn’t reply at once. She first waited for the children to pass by and enter the dojo while she and Ranma were standing at the doorway to greet them.

She spoke up in a gentle voice. "He left, Ranma. Yesterday."

"Why didn’t you stop him?"

"He had plans."

A look of fear crossed his face. "Something went wrong, didn’t it?"

"Well..."

"Does he know about me already?"

Akane shook her head. "No, no. I didn’t tell him anything. It wouldn’t be fair if I told him and you weren’t there."

Ranma seemed to calm down. "Oh, okay. So what happened?"

Before Akane could reply, they heard an all too familiar voice call out, "Hello!"

It was Nabiki. She was with her twin sons. Immediately, she ushered them inside and turned to Ranma and Akane.

Ranma knew that Nabiki really never came with her boys unless it was really important. "Well, Nabiki, what brings you by?"

"Oh, I’m just here to confirm your appointment tomorrow."

"Appointment?" Ranma’s face went blank.

"Oh?" Nabiki looked at Akane. "You mean you haven’t told him yet?"

"Tell me what?" Ranma faced Akane.

"You two have an appointment with Tacchi tomorrow at eleven in his office," Nabiki replied for her sister.

"For what?"

Akane answered, "I thought we should start discussing about how we should divide our profit and the schools."

"Yeah, you know. You have to decide which of the schools Akane gets to keep and how much money she’ll be getting," chimed in Nabiki. "It’s a question of who gets what. It’s the same thing what couples get through when they get a divorce."

Ranma stared at Akane, not quite sure what to say. Akane did nothing except avoid his eyes.

Nabiki watched the exchange almost with an amusement. Then, she said, "Well, you two obviously have tons to discuss, so I’ll leave you alone. Ta-ta."

When Nabiki was finally gone, Akane said, "I was going to tell you."

"When did you talk to, Nabiki?"

"Yesterday..." After I talked to Hikaru, she quietly added to herself. "You think it’s too soon?"

Ranma blinked. "No...not really. Just surprised."

"It’s better to have this settled now rather than in the last minute, don’t you think?"

"Right."

Akane turned away from him. Besides, the more I disassociate myself with you, the better it is for me to realize that we’re not meant to be.

***

~Ucchan’s~

It had been a long day, and Ryoga couldn’t been more happier when closing time was approaching. By then, the restaurant was empty. He let his children off early and gave them money to watch a movie as a reward for doing such a good job. His kids didn’t refuse and took off immediately.

Moments after they were gone, Ukyou came down with the baby. "Hi, honey!"

Ryoga smiled and crossed the room to where they were. He hadn’t seen them since this morning, and it was a tremendous relief to set his eyes on them after a busy day.

"Hi!" He kissed Ukyou and then took the baby from her as he said, "Hey, Ren, come here you. Daddy missed you so, so much today." After kissing his son, he glanced at Ukyou. "How was he?"

"He spent most of the day asleep." Ukyou smiled.

"And how are you?"

"Tired. You?"

"Same. What do you say that I close up right now and we just cuddle upstairs before our kids come and ruin our privacy?"

"I think I like that idea."

Suddenly there were footsteps at the doorway as someone called out, "Hey, any okonomiyakis left to eat?"

The couple looked and saw Ranma who just stepped inside. He waved at them. "Hey, guys."

Ukyou smiled. "Hi, Ranchan!"

"We’re closed," Ryoga told him.

"You are not. You still have fifteen minutes, which gives you enough time for you to cook me two okonomiyakis with everything on it."

Ryoga’s eyes went small as he returned the baby to his mother. "Hmph. You’re lucky you caught me in a good mood."

As Ryoga prepared his order, Ranma joined Ukyou. "Hey, so the little man finally decided to come out."

Ukyou laughed. "Yeah. Would you like to hold him?"

Ranma agreed. While he and Ukyou sat at the bar, Ranma held Ren in his arms.

Ukyou was saying, "Say hello to Uncle Ranma, Ren."

Ranma smiled at the baby. "Hey, there, Ren. Hiya doin?" He looked towards Ryoga’s direction. "Geez, Ryoga, he looks like you."

"Of course!" Ryoga held his head up with pride.

"Poor guy, but the worst thing could happen is for him to inherit your lousy sense of direction."

"Go ahead. Make fun of me. Maybe you won’t be laughing after I burn your order and make you eat it."

The two of them laughed as Ukyou smiled and shook her head. Despite how many years had passed, Ranma and Ryoga still continued to pick on each other. But what might had been serious before was all a joke between them now.

Moments later, Ryoga finished cooking Ranma’s order. As Ranma ate, Ukyou continued to sit next to him with her baby while Ryoga stood at the counter.

"So, Ranma how’s everything?" asked Ukyou in a casual voice.

"Oh, fine. Michiko and I started sorting out our things last week. I met with the real estate agent yesterday. I’m going to sell the house with the furniture."

"You mean it’s really happening?"

"Yup. It’s really happening."

"So that’s it, huh?" Ryoga leaned against the counter with his hands. "You’re just going to fly off to America and leave us here."

Ranma shrugged. "Why not?"

"And who’s going to help out Akane while you’re gone?"

"Don’t know yet," he replied with his mouthful.

"You better find someone soon, Ranma. It would be better if you’re still around once he starts his first day. That way you can orient him."

Ukyou nodded. "Ryoga has a point. Wouldn’t you want to leave the school in good hands?"

Ranma suddenly remembered what happened at the dojo earlier, about how Akane just seemed so eager to break their partnership. "What’s the difference?" He snapped out. "We’re separating. The dojo will be all hers."

Ukyou and her husband looked at each other. Ryoga shook his head and let out a sigh. "Oh, Ranma, Ranma, Ranma."

"What?" Ranma stared at him as his eyebrows met.

"Nothing. You’re still an idiot."

Ranma was about to say something back smart but he was interrupted when someone called out a friendly greeting from the entrance of the restaurant. The three looked and saw Akane who had stuck her head in with a big grin.

"You’re not closed yet, are you?" She asked.

"Akane, hi! No, of course not." Ryoga told her, "Come on in."

"Good! Because I wanted to talk to Ranma about something."

Ranma was puzzled. "What?"

Instead of replying, Akane turned her head and talked to someone from outside. "Come on in, Kazuki. Don’t be shy."

Akane pulled a guy in his thirties into the restaurant. He was tall and muscular. Ryoga, Ukyou, and Ranma all had curious looks on their faces.

"Guys," she said as her eyes shone, "there’s someone here I’d like you to meet. This is Kazuki Ofuda, an old friend of mine. Kazuki, these are my friends-Ranma, Ryoga, and Ukyou."

After they exchanged hellos, Akane added, "Kazuki and I used to go to the same university, but he graduated a year before me."

"So where do you come from, Kazuki?" asked Ukyou.

"From Yokohama. I was visiting a friend here in Nerima. I was at the shopping district when I saw Akane. At first, I didn’t recognize her, but when she came up to me and smiled, I remembered." Kazuki looked at Akane. "After all, who could forget Akane Tendo’s smile?"

Akane laughed. "You’re such a kidder. Anyway, Ranma, Kazuki has a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He graduated first in his class."

"Well, I think you would have been first, Akane." Kazuki winked at her.

She socked him in the arm. "Stop being so modest." She looked at Ranma again. "He’s really quite good. You should see him, and he’s been teaching for several years."

Ranma eyed the two of them suspiciously. He noted how Akane had gently put her hand on Kazuki’s arm. "Oh, yeah?"

"I was thinking...maybe we could give him an interview tomorrow?" Akane’s eyes were hopeful.

"I studied at one of the branches of your school," added Kazuki.

"Is that right?" Ranma continued to stare at them.

"I know several techniques."

"Hmmph." Ranma looked smug. "Knowing techniques is one thing. Mastering them is quite another."

Kazuki frowned while the color on Akane’s face drained. Without taking her eyes at Ranma, she told her friend, "Kazuki, could you wait for me outside please?"

"Uh...sure." Kazuki looked rather embarrassed.

As Kazuki left, Ukyou carefully turned away from Akane and Ranma. She spotted Ryoga giving her a look that seemed to say, "Ranma’s in trouble now."

"Ranma, what the hell was that all about?" Akane demanded. Without giving him a chance to speak, she went on. "You’ve got a lot of nerve, Ranma." She looked up at the ceiling and back at him again. "Damn it. You are so arrogant. You didn’t have to hire him on the spot. All he needed was an interview."

Ranma’s eyebrows met. "Well, if you’re so dead set on giving him an interview, why don’t you give it to him them? What’s the big deal?"

She put her hands on her hips. "The big deal is that you’re leaving soon and we still haven’t decided who should fill in your place. The least you could do is be a little considerate."

"Considerate! Well, hell, Akane, you certainly didn’t even consult with me before you talked to Nabiki. If you’re so hell bent on getting rid of me and ending this partnership, then maybe you should go ahead and hire him! I mean you’re all so excited at the thought of just giving him an interview."

She frowned. "And what’s that suppose to mean?"

"You didn’t even correct him when he called you Akane Tendo."

"He knew me before I was married."

"Oh, so now you’re making yourself available for him? Is that it?" Sarcasm filled his voice.

Akane turned red in anger. With a sudden impulse, she reached for the glass of water near Ranma and threw the contents at him. Ranma gasped as the cold water splash all over his face.

Akane slammed the glass back down on the counter. "Jerk!" She exclaimed. "I hope you choke on that okonomiyaki!"

She left the restaurant, muttering, "Baka."

Stunned, Ranma stared after her as water dripped down his face.

Quietly, Ryoga handed him a towel. Ranma gratefully took it and wiped himself.

"You deserved that, Ranchan," Ukyou told him.

Ranma kept silent.

"If I didn’t know any better, Ranma, " said Ryoga. "I’d say that the real reason you haven’t hired anyone is because you don’t want anyone else working with Akane."

He snapped out, "Are you crazy? That’s not..." Ranma trailed off and realized what he was saying. His voice went small. "True."

Ukyou leaned over to him. "Ranchan, tell us the truth. Do you really want to leave Nerima?"

He looked down at his food. "Michiko...Michiko and I made an agreement."

Ukyou suddenly felt sorry for him. "Please answer my question, Ranchan."

Ranma shook his head. "No, I think I’ve answered it well enough."

***

Instead of going home after the ordeal at the restaurant, Ranma went to his mom’s house. Nodoka, as usual, was glad to see her son. She asked how the preparations for their departure were going, and Ranma replied in a mumble, "Fine. Just fine."

He hung around for awhile and watched TV with his mom. Around ten, Nodoka decided to turn in for the night. Ranma, who agreed it was getting late, decided to go home.

Upon reaching his house, he paused in front of the Tendo home. None of the lights inside were on. Akane must have gone to bed by now. He felt pretty bad about earlier and wanted to talk to her and apologize, but he’ll have to wait in the morning.

Quietly, he entered his house. Once in his living room, Ranma checked his answering machine. There was one message. It was from Michiko.

"Darling, it’s me. I just called to check how things are going. Did you talk to the real estate- "

Ranma stopped the recording. Without another thought, he went straight to bed. He closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep. Yet, as long minutes passed he continued to lie awake. For the next hour or so, he tossed and turned until finally he sat up.

Damn it!

He glanced at clock next to him. It was close to one in the morning. Throwing the covers aside, Ranma got up and tossed on his shirt. Maybe a little workout would help.

Minutes later, he left his house and crossed the street and arrived at Akane’s, almost sneaking inside. As he was going to the dojo, he saw the light was on. He figured that Akane must have forgotten to turn it off. The entrance was closed, but when Ranma came closer, he saw that the door was slightly opened.

Peering through the crack, he saw Akane. Her back was facing him. She was doing some kata. He and Akane had done kata together several times, but he never really watched her since he was doing his own. As she moved slowly and gracefully, Ranma held his breath. She was so amazing...so beautiful...

As Ranma moved one of his feet back, the wood beneath him creaked loudly. He cursed silently.

Akane’s concentration broke. "Who’s there?"

Gingerly, he slid the door completely open and revealed himself. "It’s only me, Akane."

She froze as he walked inside. "What are you doing here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing."

Akane sighed and admitted, "I couldn’t sleep."

"Me neither."

Both of them fell quiet, looking down at their feet until Akane spoke up.

"Listen, Ranma, I’m sorry I lost my temper at you."

He shrugged. "That’s alright. I deserved that. I was being a jerk, and I’m sorry. We should give Kazuki a chance."

"I’ll call him tomorrow."

Ranma looked around. "I’m going to miss this place. I mean I know I’m going to have a dojo of my own, but I don’t think it’ll be the same."

Akane nodded. "I know what you mean. In Takasaki, I had my own dojo, but it never was as special as this."

"I agree." He fell silent again, not sure what quite to say. "So..."

"So...now that you’re here, do you want to do some kata together?"

"Sure!" Then he stopped. "No, wait. I have a better idea. Why don’t we spar?"

Akane was surprised. "Me spar with you?"

Ranma shrugged. "Well, we never did try since you came back."

"Okay!" She winked. "Glad to know that you’ve finally decided to shed that chauvinistic attitude of yours."

"For now." He laughed as Akane took her position.

"Hmph. Well, since I might never get another chance, I’m not going to make this easy on you."

There was a smug look on his face. "Well, we’ll see about that."

Akane nodded at him. "Alright. I’m ready."

Ranma raised his fists. "Attack me."

With a determination, Akane charged at Ranma. She threw punches at him, which he blocked with his own hands.

He’s still fast as ever.

She’s gotten better.

Doing a 180 degree kick, Akane tried to hit her opponent, but she missed when Ranma jumped high into the air. Akane watched as he flipped back. Gracefully, he landed on his feet. Now standing a several feet away from her, Ranma charged and attacked with his fists. Akane avoided them as much as possible and struck back.

On and on, they fought. Attack. Dodge. Attack. Dodge. As their spar continued, so did its intensity. It was as if their attacks were directed to the feelings they had for another.

Finally, Akane was getting tired and managed to lose her guard when Ranma swept his feet under hers. She collapsed to the floor and looked up at Ranma who stood above her.

She sat up, trying to catch her breath while Ranma fell down on his knees in front to her, with his hands on his thighs. His chest heaved up and down. When the both had finally calmed down, Ranma looked towards Akane who was staring at him.

"I don’t want to fight anymore," he said in a soft voice.

Akane shook her head. "Me neither."

Their eyes met. Ranma slowly moved forward just as Akane leaned her face towards him. Their lips met in an electrifying kiss that would forever change their lives.

Akane put her arms around him as he reached for her waist and pulled her closer to him.

Gently, he put her down on the floor. Akane cupped his face as their kisses grew more passionate one after another. Finally, they broke free. Ranma buried his face at the crook of her neck, breathing heavily, unable to believe the intensity of the kisses they shared while Akane held him tight, stroking his pigtail and his back.

Slowly, he lifted his head, not quite sure what to say. "Akane..."

Akane reached up to him, feeling herself drowning into the sea of his blue eyes. For months, she felt like she was in a deep fog of confusion and denial. Yet, it was clear what she wanted: To be with Ranma Saotome. Her one true love. "Ranma...Ranma, stay with me."

Ranma knew that once he replied there was no turning back. He knew that it was no use. He knew that the more he tried to suppress his feelings for Akane, the deeper they became for she was the only woman who could ever fill the emptiness he had for more than seventeen years.

He gave her a sweet long kiss. "Yes. Yes, Akane, I’ll stay."

For a long moment, Ranma just lay there. The electric tingle of her body against his was more fantastic than he could have ever imagined.

Then of their own accord, his hands swept over her body, each curved sweet memory coming back to life. Even through the cotton, the feeling of Ranma’s hands moving over her breasts and arms was exquisite. Akane reciprocated his actions, feeling each and every strong muscle and cord, running her fingers through his hair.

Ranma’s hand flowed down her body, parting her gi, revealing her breasts retained by her bra. He brushed his cheek against hers, and felt a drop of wetness trickle against his face.

"Akane?"

"Please...don’t...stop...I’ve wanted this for so long..."

Ranma kissed her as his hand slid under her gi and rubbed against her panties. His fingers slid under the soft cotton, and brushed against the soft, downy hair. Tears fell down his cheek as he felt her wetness seep through the soft forest of curls.

"Cured, hell, Akane. I haven’t been a whole man since I left you."

Akane rested his forehead against her own as his hand slid further down, his fingertips brushing against her lower lips. She took a deep breath and kissed him as he smoothly dipped a fingertip inside her.

Akane moaned, and thrust her hips at him. Ranma slowly pushed his finger into her, stroking her tender, wet softness. He gently rocked his finger in and out of time with the rhythmic rocking of her hips.

Akane reached up and began to undo the buttons on his shirt, then gave up and ripped it open as Ranma’s finger stroked just the right place, causing her to cry out as the lights went dim. Buttons scattered across the dojo floor as she slid her hands across his chest.

Ranma leaned down and caught the clasp of her bra in his teeth, then popped it free. He gazed at her breasts, then buried his face between them feeling her breathe in and out, the soft mounds pulsing around him.

Akane slid her hand down his chest, into his pants and boxers, then grasped his manhood, feeling it grow hard and hot in response to her touch.

Ranma could barely believe the soft, wet heat that wrapped around his fingers as he flicked her clit with his thumb, and then Akane was holding him in her hand. The message was clear. Now.

Akane pulled her hand out of his trousers and tugged the drawstring free as Ranma did the same with the belt of her gi. He shook his trousers down as Akane reached down and pushed the bottom of her gi off. His boxers were much more stubborn; he had to push them down by hand. Akane’s panties were even more so- her juices caused them to cling to her tender bits as she pulled them away.

Finally his hardness pointed to her longing wetness like a missile of hard flesh as he wriggled off his shirt. Akane let her arms fall out of her gi and bra.

The she lay down, reaching up towards her one true love. "Ranma?"

He kissed her, whispering her name against her lips as he kneeled down, his hardness teasing along the soft curls between her legs. He found her channel and dipped slowly his tip into her.

"Please...slowly..."

"I won’t hurt you..."

She shook her head. "No..."

Ranma looked into her tear-streaked eyes.

"I want to savor it...slowly...please..."

Ranma breathed slowly as he pushed his tip into her, just a bit and felt Akane tremble.

Akane had never thought she would feel him again, and the experience was driving her out of her mind.

Ranma pushed a bit harder, and his head sank into her. She trembled even more clasping him inside her, her warmth driving him mad with lust. But his love said that she wanted to savor it, and he would do anything to please her. He pushed a bit deeper into her, feeling her flutter around his manhood, and he realized that this was something he wanted to savor as well.

Akane sobbed. She had dreamt of this, of her one true love returning to hold her and make the pain go away...

Ranma kept pushing, gently, slowly, feeling her slowly engulf him. As he reached halfway point, her channel flexing around him, her lips tugging at him, her breath coming in short, jerky gasps. She reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him close.

Ranma slid all the way into her, and rested there for a moment, feeling her tightness surround him, flexing around him.

Akane sobbed into his shoulder, intoxicated with the feeling of him within her once again. Then she looked up, and realized that Ranma had been crying as well. She kissed his eyes closed, as he had done to her long ago, and began to gently thrust her hips at him.

Ranma immediately began to meet her thrusts, his manhood slipping into her and out again, every movement familiar yet exciting.

He looked into her eyes, and an image of six-year-old Hikaru playing at Akane’s feet seemed to reflect in them. Only this time, it was him that stepped forward and hugged her. This time, Hikaru ran up and wrapped his arms around his leg, not a stranger’s.

The image was broken by Akane, gasping, as his slowly stroking manhood brought her to climax, hugging him tightly as he continued to thrust. This was what he missed. The way she would accept every pleasure he wrought from her body as a gift in love, instead of a duty to be demanded.

She arched beneath him as she laid feathery kisses over his face, neck, and chest, the warm, rush of her orgasm bathing his manhood driving him to thrust even further, deeper. She kicked her legs, wrapping them together as his thrust grew stronger, more demanding.

She rolled, keeping his manhood buried within her, then pushed them both upright, so she could look at him in the eyes as he moved within her. He sat there, pulsing his hips into hers, as Akane dove toward his mouth and kissed him furiously.

He reached around, holding her in his arms, feeling her rise and fall upon his manhood, and then they fell, over, into the abyss, his seed shooting up into her, their cries muffled by each other’s mouths as they reached their goal.

Ranma lay back, Akane lying atop him, his manhood buried within her soft clasp, softening, shrinking.

After a few moment, Ranma opened his mouth, only to find Akane pressing her finger against his lips.

"We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We thought we had won once before, and paid for our arrogance with eighteen years of loneliness."

Ranma nodded, holding her a little tighter in her embrace.

"Don’t make any promises. This is for us. This is now. We have to let the future take care of itself, or we won’t have time for us."

Akane rose and began gently undulate her hips onto his manhood, calling the shrinking organ back into service.

Ranma pushed his hips up into her channel as she rode him.

"I know. But I love you, Akane, I always have."

He let his fingers slide over her soft belly.

"And I always will."

Akane leaned down, smiling as she kissed him gently.

"I know," she whispered against his lips. "I know."

It was one unforgettable night; a night that would forever be engraved in their memories; a night where two lost souls found one another and remembered to love again.

Author’s notes:

*Sniff* Oh...oh, how sweet! They finally got together! *Sniffle! Bing reaches for a tissue nearby and blows her nose loudly*

Ahem!

Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to get too emotional back there, but I am GLAD that I finally got to this part. After two parts and two chapters, who wouldn’t be happy that our favorite couple got together, right?

And, don’t deny it! You’re happy, too...and I’m sure all those Michiko-bashers are celebrating right about now. ^_^

Just a few things I’d like to point out here...

1.) I know that Shampoo may seem too weepy here and makes her totally OOC (out of character, for those who don’t know what that stands for). Ok! Maybe she is! But, hey, let’s have some reality check here (based on the fanfic, of course). She happens to be 36 years old, happily married, and has two kids. If that doesn’t change her to a mature, caring person, I don’t know what will. Also I’ve read a several fanfics where they portray her as this heartless, selfish, conniving (need I go on?) witch...which I got pretty weary of. So, in response to that, I decided to be totally weird and totally different and humanize her.

Smile, E-chan. ^_~

A bit of a spoiler: These are just a few characters you might see in chapters 16 and 17.

Ranma and Akane....DUH!

Kuno, Nabiki...and perhaps special appearances by Miss Kodachi Kuno. (YEAH! I see those Kodachi fans cheering)....and of course...Michiko. Ah, yes! We certainly can’t leave her out...especially when she finds out what Ranma and Akane have been doing. Her face would be priceless.

Heheheheeeeheeeehahahahaha! I am soooo evil!

~Bing

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