DB Sommer
7th March 2004, 06:00 AM
While waiting for the last prereader to get back to me on the second half, I
shall post the first half.
The Things We Wish For...
Chapter 13
Any and all C+C is appreciated. You can contact me at
sommer@3rdm.net
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Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Ranma 1/2 characters. They
belong to Takahashi and whomever she sold the rights to.
Preface: What's happened before: Akane got her hands on a wish and used it
to wish her mother had never been in a car accident and was alive in the
present. Well, her mother wasn't in an accident, and is with them in the
present. There's only a slight complication; Kachiko had been in two
accidents, the first occurring when she was the ripe old age of seventeen.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
More excited than he had been for months, Ranma squared off against his
opponent for what would be the final and deciding conflict. After months of
deception, evasion, and outright cowardice, he had trapped his foe,
affording his opponent no path of escape.
"It's ten o'clock already. I want to get this over with and get to bed,"
Kachiko yawned for emphasis.
It was a trick of some sort, everything was when it came to her. But he had
gotten her to agree to one last sparring match in exchange for willingly
going on a date with the intention of having a good time. It was an
incredible sacrifice on his part, but as his father always said, the path of
the martial arts sometimes required sacrifices.
"Let's get a move on here."
Dating was one of the worst things he could do. It only led to a host of
irate people, including romantic interests, parents, and even total
strangers. At least it didn't seem as though Kachiko would be any making any
demands of him, beyond him trying to make it a good time for both of them.
The upcoming date could have been much worse, as past experience had taught
him.
"You're internally soliloquizing, aren't you?"
If anything, it was the exact opposite, as Kachiko had laid a set of
specific ground rules beforehand, rules that expressly prohibited him from
trying anything, not that he wanted to, of course. But it implied she would
not be engaging in such behavior either. There was a reassurance in that.
"You are. Great. Just !#$% great."
And there was one other problem bothering him like few things ever had.
Kachiko had the audacity to compare him to Kunou. No, worse. She said Kunou
was better than him. It was as inconceivable as snow in July, or talking his
way out of a fight. He could not rest knowing someone believed in such a
boldfaced lie. He had to set her straight and prove he was the manlier of
men. For if Kachiko thought Kunou was better than him, who else might come
to believe the same thing? No, this was a problem that had to be settled
now, before it grew out of control, like a contagious disease, or Happosai
with unlimited access to women's undergarments.
That would be dealt with later. Right now there was something more important
to worry about; finally showing Kachiko conclusively who the more talented
martial artist was. Everyone else in the house was asleep, and Ranma had
nailed the doors to the dojo shut, ensuring there would be no outside
interference. This time it would be a clean one-on-one battle with the
winner being permanently declared the better martial artist while the loser
would be just another defeated foe. Ranma trembled in excitement at the
opportunity to finally show his superiority.
Ranma went into his standard attack stance. "All right. I'm read... Hey!" he
shouted at the girl who was now resting in a curled up position on the floor
with her eyes closed.
Maintaining his distance, wary of a trap from such a tricky foe, he shouted,
"Wake up!"
Kachiko's eyes fluttered open. "So, finally done with your mental rambling
and ready to fight?"
"I was not mentally rambling and I'm always ready for a fight. And remember
your promise. No tricks this time, got it?"
"I got it, I got it." Kachiko stretched out, raising her arms above her head
as she yawned. For just a moment, the belt on her gi loosened, allowing an
opening of flesh starting with her neck down to slightly below the center of
her chest to show. It displayed the fact that she was choosing to fight
without a shirt or bra underneath her uniform.
The sight made Ranma slightly uncomfortable. Undoubtedly that was the exact
reaction Kachiko had been hoping for. Luckily, he had come up with the
perfect counter of his own, one that had worked every time he had used it..
Kachiko took on a more serious demeanor as she matched Ranma's own stance.
"Are you ready?"
"Let's do it." Eager to end things, Ranma ran forward to attack.
Kachiko responded by turning around and running in the opposite direction.
"Hey, you can't do that!" Ranma shouted as he began chasing after her.
"Sure I can. I like to refer to it as the Tendou School of Martial Arts
Ultimate Defense: Strategic Relocation."
"All you're doing is running away."
"From someone stronger and slower than me: the ideal situation to employ
Strategic Relocation." Kachiko maintained her speed.
Well, Ranma mused, it wasn't like The Saotome School of Anything Goes didn't
have its own version of that 'defense'. Luckily, despite being slower, they
were in an enclosed space, and in the time it would take for Kachiko to
crack open the door or destroy a wall, Ranma would be upon her.
Kachiko must have come to the same conclusion as she suddenly stopped and
reversed direction, running backward and lashing out with an elbow toward
Ranma's head.
He ducked under the blow, but Kachiko having anticipated the evasion,
suddenly went low, spinning and lashing out with her leg. She caught Ranma
with a leg sweep and knocked him off his feet. She tried following up with
an axe kick into his stomach, but Ranma had barely hit the floor before
springing back up and out of the way of the blow. The kick broke several
floorboards.
Her lack of restraint irked Ranma. He was holding back rather than risk
hurting the time-lost girl, both for his own peace of mind as well as to
avoid incurring the wrath of the Tendous. Though even with him holding back,
the outcome still wasn't in doubt. Not this time.
Since she had chosen to close the distance, Ranma was not going to allow her
to run from him again. He immediately went on the offensive with a flurry of
punches aimed for various disabling areas of her body.
Much to his surprise, Kachiko deflected or evaded the blows, some by only
the slimmest of margins. He increased his speed, but she managed to keep up
with him, though it was taking obvious effort on her part. As frustrating as
his inability to land a clean blow was, to his trained eye he perceived that
the only reason she could keep up was because she was putting everything
into defense, while he was holding slightly back in case of retaliation on
her part. Still, it was something of a revelation that she could defend
herself so well. She might not have been anywhere near as strong as him, or
as skilled, but she possessed superior reflexes. It made things challenging.
"Not bad," Ranma tried distracting her with his talk, but Kachiko didn't
rise to the bait, and remained silent as she continued blocking his rain of
blows.
The stalemate continued for nearly an entire minute before Ranma felt the
first burning sensation of exhaustion set in. He could still fight for a
while, but his attacks would become progressively slower as the match wore
on. Kachiko was breathing hard, but still remained as fast as ever.
Concerned she would flee at the first sign of an opening, or worse, come up
with some trick to remove her from the fight altogether, Ranma used the plan
he had concocted to counter her trickiness and defeat her.
Ranma let a smile creep across his features, one that came surprisingly easy
despite its premeditation. "It's funny. I never realized it until now, with
us fighting like this, but that look of concentration on your face actually
makes you looks cute."
For just a moment, Kachiko hesitated. That was the only opening Ranma
needed. He snared one of her wrists and jerked her toward him, knocking her
off balance. He pulled her past his body and sidestepped, allowing her to
trip over his extended leg while keeping a firm grip on her arm as she
struck the floor. It was all over at that point; Ranma had both superior
strength and leverage. Within seconds he was sitting on the small of her
back, twisting both her arms behind her back and muscling them high enough
to prevent her from breaking out of the hold.
"Give up?" Ranma offered.
Kachiko snarled once. An increase in pressure changed it to a squeal. "Fine,
I yield."
"Who's the better fighter?"
"You are."
"That sounded good. I want to hear it again."
"You are, oh great and invincible martial artist. Now get off my back before
I get really mad!"
Ranma did as she requested and leapt into the air, shouting in glee at his
triumph. After celebrating for several minutes with his 'Happy Martial
Artist' dance, he threw open the doors to the dojo, ripping the boards
nailed over them off, and raced into the house as he continuously chanted
how he was the better man.
Kachiko rubbed her sore arms, staring at where Ranma had exited the dojo.
Despite her contention, she did not seem angry, but rather perplexed, and
perhaps a touch distressed.
"Did he mean it when he called me cute?"
She was left without an answer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was not until the next day, after a restless night with little sleep,
that Kachiko considered ripping Ranma's lips off his mouth for causing her
such grief. It was curious, and more than a little annoying. All it had
taken was him saying a single compliment and turning her into a downward
spiral of uncertainty and confusion. It didn't make sense. Guys had called
her cute before. Lots of them, and some of them had been cute too. Kunou
complimented her continuously and in much more flowery language when he was
in her presence, and on a basis strictly of looks, he was more handsome than
Ranma (though not by much). So why was it when Ranma said something as
simple as calling her 'cute' it made her feel warm inside?
Of course, it might have been nothing more than an attempt to throw her off
her game and lose the match, which it had done. She would have tried the
same thing if she thought it would work. Maybe Ranma had finally learned to
be shifty. Actually, she was certain the timing of the remark was to do
precisely that. But that wasn't what was really troubling her. 'Was he
sincere?', that was what she was concerned about. Just because he had been
opportunistic didn't mean he was lying.
The more she thought about it, the more she thought Ranma meant what he had
said. He didn't seem like the type that could lie that casually, or
convincingly. He was a terrible actor on the few times she could recall him
trying to pretend to be something he wasn't. But there was no strain or
hesitation when he called her cute. It was as natural as saying she had
black hair. So that meant he was being honest. Probably.
But why did it matter? Why did his words affect her more than Kunou's? Maybe
it was because they meant more, since he never spoke that way. One of
Kunou's more distinctive traits was a glib tongue that passed out praise
freely. He made the same flattering comments about Akane and some pig-tailed
girl he had the hots for as he did about Kachiko. While she enjoyed the
flattery, it wasn't as though it was exclusively meant for her, which made
it less important. While she felt appreciated, his words hadn't made her
heart flutter or cheeks warm the way Ranma's had.
"Stupid jerk," she grumbled to herself. They hadn't even gone out on a date
yet, and she was not fixated on him they way she had been on Bosatsu. There
was no way he should have been able to make her react this way. She didn't c
are for it. Not one little bit. Guys were supposed to jump when women said
jump, not the other way around. She wanted Ranma reacting to her flattery,
not her reacting to his. She wanted to control the direction of the
relationship, if they were going to have one, which she had not decided yet
since they hadn't even gone on a date to see if there was any chemistry
between them. Now Ranma had thrown the whole plan out of whack with his
stray compliment, which might not have even been a sincere one. It made her
angry.
Kachiko wondered if there were any other girls that found Ranma as alluring
and annoying at the same time as she did.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma hummed to himself as he prepared for his date. Not that he was looking
forward to the date, but he was still delighted at his victory and Kachiko
telling everyone in the home that he was the better martial artist. It felt
wonderful putting everyone's doubts regarding that to rest. The two fluke
victories Kachiko had managed (the third match not being a loss for him no
matter what Kachiko claimed) were just that. Ranma's superiority had been
assured in both thought and deed, and he found himself happier than he had
been in months. Even having to go out on a date couldn't foul his mood. He'd
probably manage to have a good time, and if things started to bring him
down, he'd make Kachiko admit he was the better man again to boost his
morale.
He had already picked out what the suit he would wear, an 'engagement gift'
given months ago by the two pushy fathers. He had also chosen what
restaurant they would dine in (one he could afford), and made a reservation.
All was ready to give Kachiko the time of her life.
Ranma still felt good about himself when a knock on his door interrupted his
reverie. He told the person, "Come in," as he finished buttoning up his
shirt.
Nodoka did so.
"Hey, Mom, what's up?" Ranma asked distractedly as he adjusted his tie for
the third time. He couldn't seem to center it, and he wanted it to appear
perfect for the date.
Rather than answering at first, Nodoka closed the door behind her. Ranma
finally took note of her. She looked like a prisoner about to walk to the
gallows, or his father being forced to admit he did something shifty.
"What's wrong?"
Nodoka walked further into the room until she stood next to her son. She
cleared her throat. "I realize that tonight you are going on an official
date with that... girl, who could potentially be your... fiancee...
someday."
So it was the engagement thing again. The way just about everyone other than
Kachiko brought it up was annoying Ranma to no end. "It's just a date. We
aren't talking about getting engaged or anything like that."
"Thankfully," Nodoka muttered. "You should really, really take your time
regarding the engagement. Don't rush into any decisions. You have all the
time in the world. Don't think just because you're dating her that's any
reason to get engaged to her. Please."
"I keep telling you it's just a date. She's made it real clear from the
beginning she's not interested in getting engaged to anyone for a long time,
and that includes me." Which was one of the reasons the date wasn't as
troubling as it could be.
"Yes, well, it would be best that a... situation does not arise that would
force an engagement, so here." She thrust a small packet that had been
hidden in her hands toward Ranma.
It took Ranma a second to identify the condom. "Just what in the hell am I
supposed to do with that thing?!"
Nodoka rolled her eyes. "Didn't your father teach you anything? Very well,
first you tear open the wrapper then remove it. Then unroll it on your-"
"I know how it works!" Ranma interrupted before the conversation went one
word further. "What I mean is I don't need something like that on my date."
Nodoka's gaze took on a burning light. She dominated Ranma's vision as she
drew herself up to her full height. "That's the exact sort of attitude that
leads to unwanted complications! I will not be questioned on this decision,
young man! You are my son. You will be taking this with you on your date if
I have to put it on myself!"
Ranma's stomach recoiled at the very idea. Sensing his mother would try to
follow through on the threat, he accepted the item and put it in his pocket.
"That's better," Nodoka said, the majority of her anger dissipating. "Now
you're prepared for your... date. Remember, don't take any chances." It was
much a threat as it was a warning. Her task completed, Nodoka exited the
bedroom and shut the door forcefully behind her.
Staring at the door, Ranma gulped nervously. It was as though the condom
weighed a thousand pounds and threatened to tear a hole through his pocket.
He couldn't believe his mother was encouraging him to do... that with
Kachiko. While he knew she demanded he be manly, he thought she disliked the
time-lost girl. It was confusing.
Worse, he didn't want to imagine how Kachiko would react if she caught him
with something like that in his pocket. She had made the 'no getting to
second base' rule clear, which suited Ranma just fine. But if she discovered
he had come on a date with something that was intended to be used to 'go for
home', he'd be lucky if she didn't go ballistic and forcibly remove the
anatomical feature that the condom was designed for.
"Why does it seem like every time my life gets better, something else makes
it worse?" he grumbled.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Soun Tendou sat in his bedroom, looking through a photo album perched on his
lap. It was the first time in over a decade he could bring himself to pore
through the pictures and feel good about them. Normally he would break down
and weep over each one. In many ways, it was though he was looking at them
for the first time. There were so many joyful images of the past, and it was
a good past. It had been a happy life, and worth remembering in a way that
warmed the heart rather than tearing it apart. How could he have been so
blind and foolish for so long?
He was smiling at a picture of his wife and the girls playing in the nearby
park, remembering that day well, when the door to the room burst open and
Kasumi entered.
"Father, we have to move quickly!" Kasumi urged.
Soun immediately shut the album and placed it aside. To see Kasumi panicked
meant something terrible must be happening. "What is it?"
"Ranma is going to try to date Mother tonight. We must stop him. I already
have the perfect plan." She pulled out a brown, unmarked bottle. "I'll offer
to feed Ranma some special cookies. They'll be laced with this mild poison
that will make him too sick to go. Then you can step in and offer to take
mother out instead."
Soun shook his head. "Kasumi, we can't do that."
"Do you think we should use laxatives instead? I wasn't as confident about
using those, since it might take too long to affect him, and he would be all
right in between visits to the bathroom. Although I suppose it would be less
cruel to him."
"We cannot do that either."
"I'll distract him while you knock him out from behind?"
Soun rose to his feet and walked to Kasumi. He placed his hands
affectionately on her shoulders. "No, Daughter. We aren't going to interfere
in any way."
Kasumi looked heartbroken. "Oh Father, don't tell me you've given up. I just
know Mother will come to her senses and realize you're the only one for
her."
Soun gave a smile accompanied by a slightly sad laugh. "Kasumi it's not that
simple. Kachiko, the one that is currently living in our house, is not your
mother."
A touch of fear laced Kasumi's voice. "Of course she is. I mean, I know
she's young, but she's her. I can tell by some of the things she does. And
you recognize her. And she admits to who she is. She's our mother."
"She's no more a mother than you are," Soun informed his eldest daughter.
"She's the girl that has the potential to be your mother, but that's all it
is. Potential. She might be similar to your mother, which makes it hard to
differentiate sometimes, but she isn't her."
"She is," Kasumi contended, voice cracking ever so slightly.
Soun tried being firm, yet comfort his daughter at the same time. "She's
never given birth to anyone. She is not the woman in your memories. She's
not the woman that raised you and showered you with affection and helped
make you into the wonderful young woman you are today. Your mother is dead."
"She's right here, living in Akane's room. She's the second chance we need
to have Mother back!" Kasumi insisted.
"She is not," Soun said in a tone that left no room for argument. "She's her
own person. She's Kachiko Tendou, a rambunctious teenage girl who's been
torn out of her time and put here among us. She is not the second coming of
your mother, Kasumi. I know you miss your mother, I still miss her too, and
so do Akane and Nabiki, but you have to let go. You can always honor and
cherish her memory, but you have to move on beyond her. It's what she would
have wanted."
Tears began to fill Kasumi's eyes. "But it's not fair. I want her to be
Mother so we can do all the things we never had a chance to do."
"She's not the person you want her to be," Soun insisted. "Even if somehow
she were to change like that, it would be because she wants to, not because
you do. It was like that when you were born. Kachi didn't act like a mother
because I made her, it was because she wanted to love and raise you. The
girl with us now has made it clear she has no desire to act the role of your
mother, which she is currently ill-suited for. You must stop trying to force
her to behave that way. You'll only earn her resentment, and I know you
don't want that."
Kasumi couldn't respond. She simply began to weep.
Seeing how the words were making his daughter break down, Soun embraced
Kasumi, trying to comfort her as best as he could. "Believe me, I know what
you're going through. For the longest time I felt exactly the same way. But
recently I've come to the realization, no, the acceptance, that your mother
is gone and she is never coming back. She was the world to us, and
justifiably so. But while we keep her in our hearts, we must honor her
memory and move on. Our lives did not stop on the day she died. They might
have been slowed down for a while, but not stopped. It would be shameful,
and she would never forgive us if we were to continue wallowing in misery
over her absence. She would want us to move on, beyond what we were, and to
continue living life to the fullest, just as we did when she was here at our
side."
Kasumi stared at Soun through tear filled eyes. "But it's not fair. I
thought we had a wish that came true. I want her to be Mother so much."
Soun continued embracing his daughter. "I did too, but even if she was to
wake up one day and start behaving like we want her to, she still wouldn't
really be your mother. She still wouldn't be my wife. Only the woman who
went through the exact same experiences your mother did could be that, and
this young girl has not. Nor would your mother want her to pretend. We have
to let the past go, so we can move forward to the future. And we have to let
Kachi, no, Kachiko," he corrected himself. "Live life as she wants to while
she's here. If she wants to date Ranma, well, it does make for an awkward
situation, but we have to respect her wishes."
Kasumi continued sobbing for a while, letting the tears flow down her
cheeks. After a handful of minutes, the sobbing slowed down, the stopped as
her form seemed to firm up. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up
to her father. "I suppose you're right. I think I've known it since she and
I went out that night drinking and doing other things."
"I'd rather you didn't remind me of that," Soun said, uncomfortable at the
memory of the state Kasumi had returned in that night.
Not sensing the effect her words were having, she continued. "I enjoyed
myself, spending time with her, and dancing with those boys was fun. I
haven't done anything like that in a very long time, if ever. It was fun
cutting loose like that."
"Ah, yes." Soun suddenly found his words about 'going forward' coming back
to haunt him as Kasumi spoke of doing exactly that in her reminiscing about
drinking and interacting with men. Of course, she was nineteen and entitled
to do engage in such behavior, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
After dwelling on her enjoyable time, Kasumi turned the conversation back to
its original topic. "But what I was trying to get at is it wasn't the sort
of thing I would ever have done with Mother, and I think I knew it. I mean,
she's so much like Mother in some ways that it was sort of like I'm with
her, but at the same time it's not."
"I know what you mean," Soun agreed.
"I suppose you're right," Kasumi finally decided. "I should let her do what
she wants instead of trying to make her into what I want. But, it's
difficult. I'd rather have Mother back than just having a friend, and an
erratic one at that."
"Yes, it is," Soun said. "But we'll manage to get by. Understanding the
truth of the matter is the first, and most important, step. Once we manage
that, the rest will be easier to deal with."
"Yes, Father," Kasumi said with a touch of remaining melancholy.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma stared at the packet in his hand, the item primarily responsible for
ruining what had previously been a good mood. He deftly rolled the object
between his fingers wondering why it being 'ribbed and lubricated' was for a
woman's pleasure. While he knew how the things worked, he wasn't aware of
the finer details involved with their design. His opinion on the subject of
prophylactics was that he didn't need them since he wasn't going to engage
in the behavior that would necessitate having one. End of discussion. Now he
found himself thrust into a situation that was almost surreal, thanks to his
mother's bizarre behavior.
He grunted in annoyance, pondering what to do with it. The best thing would
be to throw it out, but if his mother asked to see it and the packet wasn't
with him, there was no telling what she might do. She might even make him
wear one for the entire evening!
Ranma was considering running the risk and tossing it in a wastebasket when
the door to the room was thrown open. Reflexively he hid the packet in his
pocket, hoping whoever had barged in hadn't seen it. When he identified the
intruder as an angry Akane, he prayed twice as hard he was quicker than her
eye could follow.
For a moment, Akane's eyes focused on the hand hidden in his pant's pocket.
Then she turned her angry gaze from it to Ranma himself. "Is what Nabiki
said true? Are you going out on a date with my mother?"
"Well, yeah," Ranma said, hesitantly. Judging by the look on Akane's face,
she was mad as hell. It was times like this he wished he had less pride and
could run for it. Or had a terrible direction sense like Ryouga. Becoming
lost could only help his current situation.
The answer only made Akane angrier. "I've had enough of this. It's time to
stop this nonsense once and for all. I forbid you from going out with her!"
Rather than back off or become apologetic, Ranma's own gaze narrowed. "Where
do you get off telling me what to do?"
The retaliatory anger did nothing to assuage Akane's own. "Because you are
my fiancé. Mine! You have no business fooling around with someone like her,
or anyone else, for that matter!"
Ranma dug in even harder. "And you think that gives you the right to tell me
what to do and who I can hang around with and anything else. You think you
can lord it over me like I'm your pet or something? Well I got news for you,
I am not your fiancé at the moment. I'm not anyone's fiancé. I am my own man
for the first time in a long time, and I happen to like it that way. I got
no intention of being engaged to anybody for a good long while."
"Even me?" Akane said bitterly.
Ranma threw his hands up in frustration. "Aren't you listening? It's 'even
everyone'. Why do you keep trying to make it sound like it's all about you?
It's not always about you. Sometimes it's about me, and this is one of those
times."
"You were ready to marry me once," Akane said, her voice somewhat more
subdued.
"I was knocked out and others dressed me up and took me to the chapel. I
think it's safe to say that whole thing was not my idea. I was still messed
up from Saffron, you nearly dying, and the springs getting screwed up. It
wasn't exactly the best time for me."
"Then you're saying you don't want to get married?" Akane said, the anger
returning.
Ranma felt like screaming at the top of his lungs. "I'm saying I don't want
to get married now! I'm tired of everyone trying to push me into things I
don't want to do. Even my mom's starting to do it. You used to be different,
but now you're acting just as bad as everyone else."
"Except Kachi?" Akane asked bitterly.
Ranma shook his head. "Nah, she does it too, but at least she lets me know
how far she's trying to push me, and it's not that far, really. It's a heck
of a lot less than anyone else is trying, even you, now."
The anger returned a threefold. "So you're saying she's better than me?!"
"No-" Ranma tried to explain, but was cut off before he could manage more.
"It's because of her, isn't it?! It's all that damned Kachi's fault you're
acting this way! You used to be better behaved and not act like such a jerk,
but now you're worse than ever! She's been making you think stupid things
and interfering in matters that don't concern her, like calling off the
engagement and trying to seduce you! I hate her! I wish she'd never come
into our lives!"
"I'm not getting seduced by no one and it's not her fault," Ranma insisted.
"I'm doing this stuff because I want to do it, which is the exact opposite
of people making me do it."
"Fine," Akane said in a low, hiss, and exited the room, slamming the door
shut behind her hard enough to cause it to crack.
Ranma stared helplessly at the door. He hated seeing Akane worked up like
that and wanted to calm her down, but it was obvious she would only get
angrier if he tried explaining things to her again. And he was more than a
little mad at her for her own self-centered attitude. Why couldn't she give
him the space he wanted? Why did she have to try to force herself on him
now, just when he was starting to get a little breathing room? Well, she was
going to have to adjust. He'd give her time to cool off and try again later,
when she might actually be willing to listen to him.
And if she didn't listen, well, then that was her fault, not his. He was
trying his best. He knew he was. It was time for other people to make
adjustments for his well being, rather than theirs. Akane included.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a quiet and somber Ranma that made his way downstairs, the issue with
Akane still bothering him. She'd get over it, of course, like she always
did. Although there was something bothering him about their arguments of
late. They seemed more serious rather than stemming from the usual
misunderstandings. They'd just have to work through it. But that was for
later. Right now, he had to live up to his word and take Kachiko out on her
date.
At least he didn't have any concerns that she would turn all serious and
argue with him, or try anything untoward. There was a reassuring feeling in
her constant litany of "Don't try anything funny or you'll be sorry" on
their date. It was the first time he had been given a set of ground rules in
his dealings with a person. If only everyone else in his life did the same,
then he could relax.
Ranma found Kachiko waiting for him in the entryway to the house, ready to
leave. She was dressed in a sedate white and blue dress that accentuated her
inherent cuteness, at least in Ranma's eyes. He had been slightly uneasy
wondering if she would choose something more risqué, like that small red
dress she wore that night they had gone out to dine at the Indian
restaurant. Seeing her clothed that way had made him uncomfortable. It was
odd, since he couldn't recall seeing someone dressed in such an outfit
making him feel that way before. Luckily, Kachiko hadn't tried anything, and
once they settled down to eat, things went well with the two talking and
having a general good time. He hoped she would behave herself like that
again so that things went smoothly. If she tried anything tricky, like
Shampoo had during the time he went on a date with her for the Instant
Nannichuan, it would ruin everything.
Maybe it would be best to reaffirm their agreement. He said to Kachiko,
"Remember, the deal is you don't try no funny stuff, like trying to make me
engaged to you or something."
Kachiko, who had seemed somewhat distracted, focused on Ranma, her eyebrows
forming a 'V' of annoyance. "This is our first date. Try going any further
than that, and you'll be the one who ends up feeling sorry. The way you keep
harping on it makes me think you might be up to something. Maybe we should
call this off and I'll go out with Tachi-kun. He won't keep trying to talk
himself out of trying to do something perverted with me on a date. And he
knows how to impress a girl too, I bet," she said under her breath.
Once again the suggestion that an idiot like Kunou could one up Ranma in
anything, especially when it came to women, raised his ire. "Forget it.
You're going out with me. I already made plans and everything. I personally
guarantee this will be the most unforgettable date you've ever been on.." He
grabbed her by the hand and dragged her out the door.
They had only made it to the street when Kachiko said, "Holding hands within
the first minute? My, you're certainly aggressive."
Ranma realized what he was doing and released her hand, as though holding it
a second longer would have resulted in third degree burns. "I didn't mean it
like that."
"I know you didn't. I just thought it would be cute to tweak you a little,"
she joked.
The two began walking alongside one another at a less frantic pace. They
were not so near one another as to suggest they were intimate, but neither
did it imply only a casual acquaintance either. Ranma was aware of this, and
relieved she didn't try getting too close by holding his arm or a similar
romantic action.
"So, what are our plans for this evening?" Kachiko asked.
"Dinner and a movie," Ranma answered. Asking some of the guys at school for
advice, they seemed to think that was a standard plan when going out on a
'first date'. That made sense to Ranma, and sounded agreeable. He didn't
watch too many movies, and one had to eat no matter what. That way the time
with Kachiko wouldn't be wasted no matter how things turned out.
"Sounds good. Eating first?" Kachiko asked.
"I was thinking afterwards." Besides, the semi-formal restaurant's
reservation was booked for later in the evening. While he wasn't concerned
about doing anything romantic with Kachiko, there was no way he'd look cheap
compared to Kunou.
As if on cue, a voice some distance from behind them shouted out, "Saotome,
you cur, unhand that noble beauty!"
Both of the people in question turned to see a tuxedo clad Kunou, bokken in
hand, racing toward them.
"I didn't call him to mess things up," Ranma told Kachiko, remembering their
deal about trying to make the date go smoothly.
"I didn't think you had."
"I'm just making sure," Ranma said.
By the time their exchange had finished, Kunou had caught up to them. He
leveled his bokken accusingly at Ranma. "Foul sorcerer, how dare you weave
your enchantments about this fair young maiden!"
Kachiko turned to Ranma. "You know magic? That's cool. I never went out with
someone who could do magic tricks. Can you pull a rabbit out of your pocket?
How about the interlocking ring thing? I could never figure that one out. Or
change water to wine? That would be really cool, and we could drink the
stuff afterwards."
Irked, Ranma said, "I don't know any magic. It's that idiot who got confused
over my little changing problem with cold water. "
"Oh," Kachiko said. "Well, that is magical, sort of. I'd rather know how the
ring trick works, though."
"Once again I order you to keep your churlish hands away from the beauteous
Kachiko Tendou," Kunou reiterated.
Before Ranma could speak, Kachiko said, "It's okay, Tachi-kun, we're just
going out on a date. I asked him, actually."
Kunou recoiled. "Never! I forbid this foul animal from engaging in such an
act. He'll attempt lascivious and improper actions if left alone in your
presence."
"Then he'll end up doubled-over in pain from a couple of knees to the groin.
Did you know the male scrotum actually can be driven into the pelvic bone
about an inch or so?"
Both Ranma and Kunou winced and crossed their legs.
Ranma told her, "Even though I'm not going to do anything perverted, you're
still really killing the atmosphere here."
Kunou sneered at Ranma. "Enough. I forbid this travesty from taking place."
"Since I'm not available tonight, just go out with Akane or that pig-tailed
girl you keep going on about," Kachiko suggested. "I don't mind."
"He can't do that!" Ranma said.
Kachiko arched an eyebrow at that. "Oh? Have a crush on them too, do you?"
"No!" Ranma exclaimed. "It's just Akane doesn't deserve to have him
bothering her and the 'pig-tailed girl' is you know who." He pulled his
pig-tail.
Kachiko's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, you mean to tell me he doesn't
know about your gender problem?"
"I tried explaining it to him, but he refuses to believe it. I guarantee
you, him harassing me over it makes me ill to my stomach."
"I understand. Yumi tried to seduce me all the time." Kachiko patted Ranma
sympathetically on the shoulder.
"I cannot tolerate such an open display of affection!" Kunou declared.
Kachiko evened things out by patting Kunou on the head in sympathy. He
reacted joyfully to it, like any household dog would.
"Better?" Kachiko asked.
"I would date with you!" Kunou declared. He tried to embrace Kachiko, but
she ducked out of the way, allowing him to hug a lamppost.
Kachiko darted to Ranma's side. "Sorry, I'm with Ranma tonight, and while I
openly admit to being a lot of girl to handle, dating two guys at once is
too much. We can arrange something tomorrow."
Ranma turned on her in irritation. "Hey, you're going to have such a good
time tonight, you're going to forget all about him."
Bokken at the ready, Kunou once again declared, "I shall not allow you to go
out with Kachiko. Instead I shall dispose of you today and go out with her
in your stead."
Kachiko squirmed in delight. "Wow! My first official date here and I'm
already being fought over."
Ranma snapped, "Would you mind not encouraging him?!"
"Fine, I'll date the winner," Kachiko said satisfactorily.
"You will not. You're already on a date with me," Ranma stated in a firm
tone even as Kunou loosened up by taking several practice swings with his
bokken.
Kachiko moved closer to Ranma and whispered in his ear, "It's obvious
Tachi-kun's being overly possessive and not going to stop bothering us
unless he gets beaten. Besides, I think we both know who's going to win this
one."
"Oh, okay." What she said made sense. It probably was the quickest way
resolve the situation, and Kachiko knew Ranma was going to win, so it wasn't
like she was hoping to date Kunou instead.
"Have at you!" Kunou declared as he thrust his bokken toward Ranma's body.
Ranma side-stepped the thrust and moved forward, striking Kunou in a flurry
of punches and kicks, rendering him insensate within seconds.
"The winner!" Kachiko declared, holding Ranma's arm up high.
Ego satiated, Ranma said with a great deal of pride. "Come on, we're going
to continue our date."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They arrived at the movie multiplex without further incident.
Kachiko stared in awe at the number of titles on the marquee. "I can't
believe they offer so many movies at just one place. Where, or more
appropriately when, I come from you were lucky to get a choice of four."
"Yeah, they got a lot more variety now." Which was part of the problem Ranma
had as he looked over the titles offered. He had no idea what she would
like. He decided the best approach would be ask his date. "Anything catch
your eye?"
Kachiko looked them over, scratching her head in confusion. She stopped
scratching and shrugged. "Since you're the one paying, you go ahead and
decide. Choose something you'd enjoy, I'm sure I'll like it as well."
"Good." Ranma was relieved. The last thing in the world he wanted to see was
some sappy romance movie. He had enough romantic intentions directed at him,
and had no desire to watch someone else go through the same ordeal. Worse,
the movie would always resolve the situation. He had made that mistake once
in going to a movie with Akane. The ending, with the girl in the guy's arms
and all the other problems resolved nicely in a happily ever after ending
made Ranma stand up in the middle of the theater and shout, "Liar! It's
never that easy!"
It was the last time Akane let him go to the movies with her.
Ranma finally chose a martial arts picture. Kachiko liked martial arts, and
the two could laugh at how fake everything was. He walked up to the ticket
counter and said to the girl behind it, "Two tickets for 'Tekken'."
The girl looked at him curiously. She pointed to Kachiko. "Aren't you on a
date with that girl?"
"Um, yeah."
The ticket girl gave a delighted smile. "Then you'll want something
romantic. 'Boys Over Flowers' will do nicely."
The title alone made Ranma feel nauseated. "No way."
The girl's smile remained fixed in place. "It's an enchanting, romantic
picture about the coming of age of a girl and the men in her life that start
as her rivals, but end up falling for her. They're all so wonderful." She
sighed and stared off in the distance.
"I want two tickets for Tekken," Ranma insisted.
"It'll give you ideas on how to act and treat a lady right," the girl said
dreamily.
"I don't want to see some sappy romance picture filled with a bunch of
angsty bishonen guys mooning over some chick whose world revolves around
which one she's interested in."
"Have you ever thought of growing a little taller, losing some weight, and
letting your hair grow out? Your girlfriend would be really turned on."
"You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you?"
"Here are your tickets, Sir. She'll love it." She handed two to him.
Ranma sighed helplessly and accepted the fact this was one fight he wasn't
going to win. Shoujo fangirls were like a force of nature. One didn't defeat
them; one survived them.
As Ranma left, he heard the girl say to the next customer, "Hopeless
computer geek, comic collecting loser? I'll get you one for 'Army of
Darkness, Redux'."
"Actually I want to see Karekano."
"It won't do you any good. You're never going to land a girlfriend. It's
Army of Darkness for you." There was the sound of a ticket being printed.
This was the last time Ranma was ever coming to this theater.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mikado Sanzenin looked deeply in the eyes of the girl before him. "So, my
dear, did you enjoy the 'Marmalade Boy, revisited,' double feature?"
The girl had a tear in her eye. She wiped at it as she sniffled. "It was so
moving. I always cry when I see it."
He drew her into his arms. "I knew you would. You're so much like Miki, I am
overwhelmed with emotion."
She stared deeply into his eyes, "And you're my Yuu."
And with that he leaned down and kissed her. It seemed as though everything
became hazy and flowers filled the air as she returned the kiss with just as
much passion.
Mikado broke off the kiss. She swooned in his embrace. "Let's go out to eat,
and then return to my house where we can engage in deep and meaningful
conversation."
"I don't think so." Mikado released her, allowing her to stand on her own.
He pulled out a pen and a small, but thick, black book from his suit's
jacket pocket. He made a mark in it, saying to himself, "One thousand, one
hundred and twenty five," then returned it to his pocket.
Surprised by his suddenly aloof behavior, the girl said, "What's going on?"
"I think we should stop seeing each other," Mikado said bluntly.
"What do you mean?"
"We've already reached the kissing stage of our relationship. There's
nowhere else to go from there."
The girl trembled in fury. "You asshole!" She picked up a nearby trashcan
and slammed it into his head before stomping off.
"Breaking up is hard to do," Mikado waxed philosophically as he picked
himself up from the ground. It was still early. He should have enough time
to woo one more girl long enough to manage a kiss, then he would call it a
night. He surveyed the lobby with his eyes until they fell on one girl in
particular.
Mikado pulled out a mirror and looked into it, making sure his teeth gleamed
when he smiled. Satisfied, he was in proper form, he made his way to the
girl with the short hair and slender figure who was looking over candy in
the concession stand's display case.
"You'll want to avoid the JuJubes. They would require carbon dating to
determine how old they are," he said as he smoothly placed an affectionate
arm around her shoulder.
The girl's eyes narrowed as she turned to him. Suddenly they opened wide as
she shouted, "Icky!" and proceeded to drive a powerful punch into his
stomach.
The air whooshed out of Mikado's lungs and he fell to the ground doubled
over, unable to draw a single breath that didn't cause him pain.
He was barely able to make out an, "Oh, I'm sorry. You reminded me a lot of
some creepy pervert from my past, Icky Slutzenin, right down to the oily
residue your groping hand leaves behind. By the way, you shouldn't grab
women like that. It's only asking for trouble. And beatings. Lots and lots
of beatings." Kachiko purchased a large tub of popcorn and left, stepping
directly on Mikado's gut as she walked away.
Mikado simply lay there, gasping for air. Maybe he would call it a night
after all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Kachiko approached, Ranma saw she was rubbing at something on the
shoulder of her dress.
"I, ah, got the tickets," Ranma said sheepishly.
Kachiko gave up on the rubbing and sighed, turning her attention to Ranma.
"What movie are they for?"
Unable to force himself to repeat the name, Ranma offered them to her.
Kachiko read the title. "Boys Over Flowers?" She looked at one of the nearby
posters depicting the movie. It showed two boys kissing a surprised girl.
"Ewww. They look bishonen. I hate girly boys like that. Do you honestly like
movies like that? Because if you do, I don't think we should go out again."
Ranma was almost childlike as he complained, "It was that ticket seller. She
wouldn't give me the tickets to the movie I wanted."
Kachiko sighed. "Fine. I'll do it. Let me get the tickets." She chided,
"You've got to learn to be more firm. About the only thing you were adamant
about was me giving you a rematch."
Ranma watched as she walked over to the ticket seller. She saw Kachiko talk
to the girl for a few minutes, then return, bearing two tickets in hand.
Ranma managed to read the title that was sticking out from above her
fingers. "What's 'Super Girls'."
Kachiko's eyebrows twitched madly as she muttered, "She told me it was a
movie that would make me feel good about being a woman despite my... demure,
features."
Ranma chided, "You've got to learn to be more firm. About-"
"Just shut up and let's watch the movie," Kachiko insisted as she grabbed
him by the arm and escorted him into the theater.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[End part 1]
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shall post the first half.
The Things We Wish For...
Chapter 13
Any and all C+C is appreciated. You can contact me at
sommer@3rdm.net
All of my fics are stored at the following:
Larry F's new address at:
http://www.rakhal.com/florestica/d_b_sommer/index.html
And also Angcobra is now storing fics, at
http://www.hostultra.com/~AngCobraFics/dbsommer.html
At fanfiction.net:
http://www.fanfiction.net/
Or R+C books at:
http://www.fanworks.org
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Ranma 1/2 characters. They
belong to Takahashi and whomever she sold the rights to.
Preface: What's happened before: Akane got her hands on a wish and used it
to wish her mother had never been in a car accident and was alive in the
present. Well, her mother wasn't in an accident, and is with them in the
present. There's only a slight complication; Kachiko had been in two
accidents, the first occurring when she was the ripe old age of seventeen.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
More excited than he had been for months, Ranma squared off against his
opponent for what would be the final and deciding conflict. After months of
deception, evasion, and outright cowardice, he had trapped his foe,
affording his opponent no path of escape.
"It's ten o'clock already. I want to get this over with and get to bed,"
Kachiko yawned for emphasis.
It was a trick of some sort, everything was when it came to her. But he had
gotten her to agree to one last sparring match in exchange for willingly
going on a date with the intention of having a good time. It was an
incredible sacrifice on his part, but as his father always said, the path of
the martial arts sometimes required sacrifices.
"Let's get a move on here."
Dating was one of the worst things he could do. It only led to a host of
irate people, including romantic interests, parents, and even total
strangers. At least it didn't seem as though Kachiko would be any making any
demands of him, beyond him trying to make it a good time for both of them.
The upcoming date could have been much worse, as past experience had taught
him.
"You're internally soliloquizing, aren't you?"
If anything, it was the exact opposite, as Kachiko had laid a set of
specific ground rules beforehand, rules that expressly prohibited him from
trying anything, not that he wanted to, of course. But it implied she would
not be engaging in such behavior either. There was a reassurance in that.
"You are. Great. Just !#$% great."
And there was one other problem bothering him like few things ever had.
Kachiko had the audacity to compare him to Kunou. No, worse. She said Kunou
was better than him. It was as inconceivable as snow in July, or talking his
way out of a fight. He could not rest knowing someone believed in such a
boldfaced lie. He had to set her straight and prove he was the manlier of
men. For if Kachiko thought Kunou was better than him, who else might come
to believe the same thing? No, this was a problem that had to be settled
now, before it grew out of control, like a contagious disease, or Happosai
with unlimited access to women's undergarments.
That would be dealt with later. Right now there was something more important
to worry about; finally showing Kachiko conclusively who the more talented
martial artist was. Everyone else in the house was asleep, and Ranma had
nailed the doors to the dojo shut, ensuring there would be no outside
interference. This time it would be a clean one-on-one battle with the
winner being permanently declared the better martial artist while the loser
would be just another defeated foe. Ranma trembled in excitement at the
opportunity to finally show his superiority.
Ranma went into his standard attack stance. "All right. I'm read... Hey!" he
shouted at the girl who was now resting in a curled up position on the floor
with her eyes closed.
Maintaining his distance, wary of a trap from such a tricky foe, he shouted,
"Wake up!"
Kachiko's eyes fluttered open. "So, finally done with your mental rambling
and ready to fight?"
"I was not mentally rambling and I'm always ready for a fight. And remember
your promise. No tricks this time, got it?"
"I got it, I got it." Kachiko stretched out, raising her arms above her head
as she yawned. For just a moment, the belt on her gi loosened, allowing an
opening of flesh starting with her neck down to slightly below the center of
her chest to show. It displayed the fact that she was choosing to fight
without a shirt or bra underneath her uniform.
The sight made Ranma slightly uncomfortable. Undoubtedly that was the exact
reaction Kachiko had been hoping for. Luckily, he had come up with the
perfect counter of his own, one that had worked every time he had used it..
Kachiko took on a more serious demeanor as she matched Ranma's own stance.
"Are you ready?"
"Let's do it." Eager to end things, Ranma ran forward to attack.
Kachiko responded by turning around and running in the opposite direction.
"Hey, you can't do that!" Ranma shouted as he began chasing after her.
"Sure I can. I like to refer to it as the Tendou School of Martial Arts
Ultimate Defense: Strategic Relocation."
"All you're doing is running away."
"From someone stronger and slower than me: the ideal situation to employ
Strategic Relocation." Kachiko maintained her speed.
Well, Ranma mused, it wasn't like The Saotome School of Anything Goes didn't
have its own version of that 'defense'. Luckily, despite being slower, they
were in an enclosed space, and in the time it would take for Kachiko to
crack open the door or destroy a wall, Ranma would be upon her.
Kachiko must have come to the same conclusion as she suddenly stopped and
reversed direction, running backward and lashing out with an elbow toward
Ranma's head.
He ducked under the blow, but Kachiko having anticipated the evasion,
suddenly went low, spinning and lashing out with her leg. She caught Ranma
with a leg sweep and knocked him off his feet. She tried following up with
an axe kick into his stomach, but Ranma had barely hit the floor before
springing back up and out of the way of the blow. The kick broke several
floorboards.
Her lack of restraint irked Ranma. He was holding back rather than risk
hurting the time-lost girl, both for his own peace of mind as well as to
avoid incurring the wrath of the Tendous. Though even with him holding back,
the outcome still wasn't in doubt. Not this time.
Since she had chosen to close the distance, Ranma was not going to allow her
to run from him again. He immediately went on the offensive with a flurry of
punches aimed for various disabling areas of her body.
Much to his surprise, Kachiko deflected or evaded the blows, some by only
the slimmest of margins. He increased his speed, but she managed to keep up
with him, though it was taking obvious effort on her part. As frustrating as
his inability to land a clean blow was, to his trained eye he perceived that
the only reason she could keep up was because she was putting everything
into defense, while he was holding slightly back in case of retaliation on
her part. Still, it was something of a revelation that she could defend
herself so well. She might not have been anywhere near as strong as him, or
as skilled, but she possessed superior reflexes. It made things challenging.
"Not bad," Ranma tried distracting her with his talk, but Kachiko didn't
rise to the bait, and remained silent as she continued blocking his rain of
blows.
The stalemate continued for nearly an entire minute before Ranma felt the
first burning sensation of exhaustion set in. He could still fight for a
while, but his attacks would become progressively slower as the match wore
on. Kachiko was breathing hard, but still remained as fast as ever.
Concerned she would flee at the first sign of an opening, or worse, come up
with some trick to remove her from the fight altogether, Ranma used the plan
he had concocted to counter her trickiness and defeat her.
Ranma let a smile creep across his features, one that came surprisingly easy
despite its premeditation. "It's funny. I never realized it until now, with
us fighting like this, but that look of concentration on your face actually
makes you looks cute."
For just a moment, Kachiko hesitated. That was the only opening Ranma
needed. He snared one of her wrists and jerked her toward him, knocking her
off balance. He pulled her past his body and sidestepped, allowing her to
trip over his extended leg while keeping a firm grip on her arm as she
struck the floor. It was all over at that point; Ranma had both superior
strength and leverage. Within seconds he was sitting on the small of her
back, twisting both her arms behind her back and muscling them high enough
to prevent her from breaking out of the hold.
"Give up?" Ranma offered.
Kachiko snarled once. An increase in pressure changed it to a squeal. "Fine,
I yield."
"Who's the better fighter?"
"You are."
"That sounded good. I want to hear it again."
"You are, oh great and invincible martial artist. Now get off my back before
I get really mad!"
Ranma did as she requested and leapt into the air, shouting in glee at his
triumph. After celebrating for several minutes with his 'Happy Martial
Artist' dance, he threw open the doors to the dojo, ripping the boards
nailed over them off, and raced into the house as he continuously chanted
how he was the better man.
Kachiko rubbed her sore arms, staring at where Ranma had exited the dojo.
Despite her contention, she did not seem angry, but rather perplexed, and
perhaps a touch distressed.
"Did he mean it when he called me cute?"
She was left without an answer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was not until the next day, after a restless night with little sleep,
that Kachiko considered ripping Ranma's lips off his mouth for causing her
such grief. It was curious, and more than a little annoying. All it had
taken was him saying a single compliment and turning her into a downward
spiral of uncertainty and confusion. It didn't make sense. Guys had called
her cute before. Lots of them, and some of them had been cute too. Kunou
complimented her continuously and in much more flowery language when he was
in her presence, and on a basis strictly of looks, he was more handsome than
Ranma (though not by much). So why was it when Ranma said something as
simple as calling her 'cute' it made her feel warm inside?
Of course, it might have been nothing more than an attempt to throw her off
her game and lose the match, which it had done. She would have tried the
same thing if she thought it would work. Maybe Ranma had finally learned to
be shifty. Actually, she was certain the timing of the remark was to do
precisely that. But that wasn't what was really troubling her. 'Was he
sincere?', that was what she was concerned about. Just because he had been
opportunistic didn't mean he was lying.
The more she thought about it, the more she thought Ranma meant what he had
said. He didn't seem like the type that could lie that casually, or
convincingly. He was a terrible actor on the few times she could recall him
trying to pretend to be something he wasn't. But there was no strain or
hesitation when he called her cute. It was as natural as saying she had
black hair. So that meant he was being honest. Probably.
But why did it matter? Why did his words affect her more than Kunou's? Maybe
it was because they meant more, since he never spoke that way. One of
Kunou's more distinctive traits was a glib tongue that passed out praise
freely. He made the same flattering comments about Akane and some pig-tailed
girl he had the hots for as he did about Kachiko. While she enjoyed the
flattery, it wasn't as though it was exclusively meant for her, which made
it less important. While she felt appreciated, his words hadn't made her
heart flutter or cheeks warm the way Ranma's had.
"Stupid jerk," she grumbled to herself. They hadn't even gone out on a date
yet, and she was not fixated on him they way she had been on Bosatsu. There
was no way he should have been able to make her react this way. She didn't c
are for it. Not one little bit. Guys were supposed to jump when women said
jump, not the other way around. She wanted Ranma reacting to her flattery,
not her reacting to his. She wanted to control the direction of the
relationship, if they were going to have one, which she had not decided yet
since they hadn't even gone on a date to see if there was any chemistry
between them. Now Ranma had thrown the whole plan out of whack with his
stray compliment, which might not have even been a sincere one. It made her
angry.
Kachiko wondered if there were any other girls that found Ranma as alluring
and annoying at the same time as she did.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma hummed to himself as he prepared for his date. Not that he was looking
forward to the date, but he was still delighted at his victory and Kachiko
telling everyone in the home that he was the better martial artist. It felt
wonderful putting everyone's doubts regarding that to rest. The two fluke
victories Kachiko had managed (the third match not being a loss for him no
matter what Kachiko claimed) were just that. Ranma's superiority had been
assured in both thought and deed, and he found himself happier than he had
been in months. Even having to go out on a date couldn't foul his mood. He'd
probably manage to have a good time, and if things started to bring him
down, he'd make Kachiko admit he was the better man again to boost his
morale.
He had already picked out what the suit he would wear, an 'engagement gift'
given months ago by the two pushy fathers. He had also chosen what
restaurant they would dine in (one he could afford), and made a reservation.
All was ready to give Kachiko the time of her life.
Ranma still felt good about himself when a knock on his door interrupted his
reverie. He told the person, "Come in," as he finished buttoning up his
shirt.
Nodoka did so.
"Hey, Mom, what's up?" Ranma asked distractedly as he adjusted his tie for
the third time. He couldn't seem to center it, and he wanted it to appear
perfect for the date.
Rather than answering at first, Nodoka closed the door behind her. Ranma
finally took note of her. She looked like a prisoner about to walk to the
gallows, or his father being forced to admit he did something shifty.
"What's wrong?"
Nodoka walked further into the room until she stood next to her son. She
cleared her throat. "I realize that tonight you are going on an official
date with that... girl, who could potentially be your... fiancee...
someday."
So it was the engagement thing again. The way just about everyone other than
Kachiko brought it up was annoying Ranma to no end. "It's just a date. We
aren't talking about getting engaged or anything like that."
"Thankfully," Nodoka muttered. "You should really, really take your time
regarding the engagement. Don't rush into any decisions. You have all the
time in the world. Don't think just because you're dating her that's any
reason to get engaged to her. Please."
"I keep telling you it's just a date. She's made it real clear from the
beginning she's not interested in getting engaged to anyone for a long time,
and that includes me." Which was one of the reasons the date wasn't as
troubling as it could be.
"Yes, well, it would be best that a... situation does not arise that would
force an engagement, so here." She thrust a small packet that had been
hidden in her hands toward Ranma.
It took Ranma a second to identify the condom. "Just what in the hell am I
supposed to do with that thing?!"
Nodoka rolled her eyes. "Didn't your father teach you anything? Very well,
first you tear open the wrapper then remove it. Then unroll it on your-"
"I know how it works!" Ranma interrupted before the conversation went one
word further. "What I mean is I don't need something like that on my date."
Nodoka's gaze took on a burning light. She dominated Ranma's vision as she
drew herself up to her full height. "That's the exact sort of attitude that
leads to unwanted complications! I will not be questioned on this decision,
young man! You are my son. You will be taking this with you on your date if
I have to put it on myself!"
Ranma's stomach recoiled at the very idea. Sensing his mother would try to
follow through on the threat, he accepted the item and put it in his pocket.
"That's better," Nodoka said, the majority of her anger dissipating. "Now
you're prepared for your... date. Remember, don't take any chances." It was
much a threat as it was a warning. Her task completed, Nodoka exited the
bedroom and shut the door forcefully behind her.
Staring at the door, Ranma gulped nervously. It was as though the condom
weighed a thousand pounds and threatened to tear a hole through his pocket.
He couldn't believe his mother was encouraging him to do... that with
Kachiko. While he knew she demanded he be manly, he thought she disliked the
time-lost girl. It was confusing.
Worse, he didn't want to imagine how Kachiko would react if she caught him
with something like that in his pocket. She had made the 'no getting to
second base' rule clear, which suited Ranma just fine. But if she discovered
he had come on a date with something that was intended to be used to 'go for
home', he'd be lucky if she didn't go ballistic and forcibly remove the
anatomical feature that the condom was designed for.
"Why does it seem like every time my life gets better, something else makes
it worse?" he grumbled.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Soun Tendou sat in his bedroom, looking through a photo album perched on his
lap. It was the first time in over a decade he could bring himself to pore
through the pictures and feel good about them. Normally he would break down
and weep over each one. In many ways, it was though he was looking at them
for the first time. There were so many joyful images of the past, and it was
a good past. It had been a happy life, and worth remembering in a way that
warmed the heart rather than tearing it apart. How could he have been so
blind and foolish for so long?
He was smiling at a picture of his wife and the girls playing in the nearby
park, remembering that day well, when the door to the room burst open and
Kasumi entered.
"Father, we have to move quickly!" Kasumi urged.
Soun immediately shut the album and placed it aside. To see Kasumi panicked
meant something terrible must be happening. "What is it?"
"Ranma is going to try to date Mother tonight. We must stop him. I already
have the perfect plan." She pulled out a brown, unmarked bottle. "I'll offer
to feed Ranma some special cookies. They'll be laced with this mild poison
that will make him too sick to go. Then you can step in and offer to take
mother out instead."
Soun shook his head. "Kasumi, we can't do that."
"Do you think we should use laxatives instead? I wasn't as confident about
using those, since it might take too long to affect him, and he would be all
right in between visits to the bathroom. Although I suppose it would be less
cruel to him."
"We cannot do that either."
"I'll distract him while you knock him out from behind?"
Soun rose to his feet and walked to Kasumi. He placed his hands
affectionately on her shoulders. "No, Daughter. We aren't going to interfere
in any way."
Kasumi looked heartbroken. "Oh Father, don't tell me you've given up. I just
know Mother will come to her senses and realize you're the only one for
her."
Soun gave a smile accompanied by a slightly sad laugh. "Kasumi it's not that
simple. Kachiko, the one that is currently living in our house, is not your
mother."
A touch of fear laced Kasumi's voice. "Of course she is. I mean, I know
she's young, but she's her. I can tell by some of the things she does. And
you recognize her. And she admits to who she is. She's our mother."
"She's no more a mother than you are," Soun informed his eldest daughter.
"She's the girl that has the potential to be your mother, but that's all it
is. Potential. She might be similar to your mother, which makes it hard to
differentiate sometimes, but she isn't her."
"She is," Kasumi contended, voice cracking ever so slightly.
Soun tried being firm, yet comfort his daughter at the same time. "She's
never given birth to anyone. She is not the woman in your memories. She's
not the woman that raised you and showered you with affection and helped
make you into the wonderful young woman you are today. Your mother is dead."
"She's right here, living in Akane's room. She's the second chance we need
to have Mother back!" Kasumi insisted.
"She is not," Soun said in a tone that left no room for argument. "She's her
own person. She's Kachiko Tendou, a rambunctious teenage girl who's been
torn out of her time and put here among us. She is not the second coming of
your mother, Kasumi. I know you miss your mother, I still miss her too, and
so do Akane and Nabiki, but you have to let go. You can always honor and
cherish her memory, but you have to move on beyond her. It's what she would
have wanted."
Tears began to fill Kasumi's eyes. "But it's not fair. I want her to be
Mother so we can do all the things we never had a chance to do."
"She's not the person you want her to be," Soun insisted. "Even if somehow
she were to change like that, it would be because she wants to, not because
you do. It was like that when you were born. Kachi didn't act like a mother
because I made her, it was because she wanted to love and raise you. The
girl with us now has made it clear she has no desire to act the role of your
mother, which she is currently ill-suited for. You must stop trying to force
her to behave that way. You'll only earn her resentment, and I know you
don't want that."
Kasumi couldn't respond. She simply began to weep.
Seeing how the words were making his daughter break down, Soun embraced
Kasumi, trying to comfort her as best as he could. "Believe me, I know what
you're going through. For the longest time I felt exactly the same way. But
recently I've come to the realization, no, the acceptance, that your mother
is gone and she is never coming back. She was the world to us, and
justifiably so. But while we keep her in our hearts, we must honor her
memory and move on. Our lives did not stop on the day she died. They might
have been slowed down for a while, but not stopped. It would be shameful,
and she would never forgive us if we were to continue wallowing in misery
over her absence. She would want us to move on, beyond what we were, and to
continue living life to the fullest, just as we did when she was here at our
side."
Kasumi stared at Soun through tear filled eyes. "But it's not fair. I
thought we had a wish that came true. I want her to be Mother so much."
Soun continued embracing his daughter. "I did too, but even if she was to
wake up one day and start behaving like we want her to, she still wouldn't
really be your mother. She still wouldn't be my wife. Only the woman who
went through the exact same experiences your mother did could be that, and
this young girl has not. Nor would your mother want her to pretend. We have
to let the past go, so we can move forward to the future. And we have to let
Kachi, no, Kachiko," he corrected himself. "Live life as she wants to while
she's here. If she wants to date Ranma, well, it does make for an awkward
situation, but we have to respect her wishes."
Kasumi continued sobbing for a while, letting the tears flow down her
cheeks. After a handful of minutes, the sobbing slowed down, the stopped as
her form seemed to firm up. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up
to her father. "I suppose you're right. I think I've known it since she and
I went out that night drinking and doing other things."
"I'd rather you didn't remind me of that," Soun said, uncomfortable at the
memory of the state Kasumi had returned in that night.
Not sensing the effect her words were having, she continued. "I enjoyed
myself, spending time with her, and dancing with those boys was fun. I
haven't done anything like that in a very long time, if ever. It was fun
cutting loose like that."
"Ah, yes." Soun suddenly found his words about 'going forward' coming back
to haunt him as Kasumi spoke of doing exactly that in her reminiscing about
drinking and interacting with men. Of course, she was nineteen and entitled
to do engage in such behavior, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
After dwelling on her enjoyable time, Kasumi turned the conversation back to
its original topic. "But what I was trying to get at is it wasn't the sort
of thing I would ever have done with Mother, and I think I knew it. I mean,
she's so much like Mother in some ways that it was sort of like I'm with
her, but at the same time it's not."
"I know what you mean," Soun agreed.
"I suppose you're right," Kasumi finally decided. "I should let her do what
she wants instead of trying to make her into what I want. But, it's
difficult. I'd rather have Mother back than just having a friend, and an
erratic one at that."
"Yes, it is," Soun said. "But we'll manage to get by. Understanding the
truth of the matter is the first, and most important, step. Once we manage
that, the rest will be easier to deal with."
"Yes, Father," Kasumi said with a touch of remaining melancholy.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma stared at the packet in his hand, the item primarily responsible for
ruining what had previously been a good mood. He deftly rolled the object
between his fingers wondering why it being 'ribbed and lubricated' was for a
woman's pleasure. While he knew how the things worked, he wasn't aware of
the finer details involved with their design. His opinion on the subject of
prophylactics was that he didn't need them since he wasn't going to engage
in the behavior that would necessitate having one. End of discussion. Now he
found himself thrust into a situation that was almost surreal, thanks to his
mother's bizarre behavior.
He grunted in annoyance, pondering what to do with it. The best thing would
be to throw it out, but if his mother asked to see it and the packet wasn't
with him, there was no telling what she might do. She might even make him
wear one for the entire evening!
Ranma was considering running the risk and tossing it in a wastebasket when
the door to the room was thrown open. Reflexively he hid the packet in his
pocket, hoping whoever had barged in hadn't seen it. When he identified the
intruder as an angry Akane, he prayed twice as hard he was quicker than her
eye could follow.
For a moment, Akane's eyes focused on the hand hidden in his pant's pocket.
Then she turned her angry gaze from it to Ranma himself. "Is what Nabiki
said true? Are you going out on a date with my mother?"
"Well, yeah," Ranma said, hesitantly. Judging by the look on Akane's face,
she was mad as hell. It was times like this he wished he had less pride and
could run for it. Or had a terrible direction sense like Ryouga. Becoming
lost could only help his current situation.
The answer only made Akane angrier. "I've had enough of this. It's time to
stop this nonsense once and for all. I forbid you from going out with her!"
Rather than back off or become apologetic, Ranma's own gaze narrowed. "Where
do you get off telling me what to do?"
The retaliatory anger did nothing to assuage Akane's own. "Because you are
my fiancé. Mine! You have no business fooling around with someone like her,
or anyone else, for that matter!"
Ranma dug in even harder. "And you think that gives you the right to tell me
what to do and who I can hang around with and anything else. You think you
can lord it over me like I'm your pet or something? Well I got news for you,
I am not your fiancé at the moment. I'm not anyone's fiancé. I am my own man
for the first time in a long time, and I happen to like it that way. I got
no intention of being engaged to anybody for a good long while."
"Even me?" Akane said bitterly.
Ranma threw his hands up in frustration. "Aren't you listening? It's 'even
everyone'. Why do you keep trying to make it sound like it's all about you?
It's not always about you. Sometimes it's about me, and this is one of those
times."
"You were ready to marry me once," Akane said, her voice somewhat more
subdued.
"I was knocked out and others dressed me up and took me to the chapel. I
think it's safe to say that whole thing was not my idea. I was still messed
up from Saffron, you nearly dying, and the springs getting screwed up. It
wasn't exactly the best time for me."
"Then you're saying you don't want to get married?" Akane said, the anger
returning.
Ranma felt like screaming at the top of his lungs. "I'm saying I don't want
to get married now! I'm tired of everyone trying to push me into things I
don't want to do. Even my mom's starting to do it. You used to be different,
but now you're acting just as bad as everyone else."
"Except Kachi?" Akane asked bitterly.
Ranma shook his head. "Nah, she does it too, but at least she lets me know
how far she's trying to push me, and it's not that far, really. It's a heck
of a lot less than anyone else is trying, even you, now."
The anger returned a threefold. "So you're saying she's better than me?!"
"No-" Ranma tried to explain, but was cut off before he could manage more.
"It's because of her, isn't it?! It's all that damned Kachi's fault you're
acting this way! You used to be better behaved and not act like such a jerk,
but now you're worse than ever! She's been making you think stupid things
and interfering in matters that don't concern her, like calling off the
engagement and trying to seduce you! I hate her! I wish she'd never come
into our lives!"
"I'm not getting seduced by no one and it's not her fault," Ranma insisted.
"I'm doing this stuff because I want to do it, which is the exact opposite
of people making me do it."
"Fine," Akane said in a low, hiss, and exited the room, slamming the door
shut behind her hard enough to cause it to crack.
Ranma stared helplessly at the door. He hated seeing Akane worked up like
that and wanted to calm her down, but it was obvious she would only get
angrier if he tried explaining things to her again. And he was more than a
little mad at her for her own self-centered attitude. Why couldn't she give
him the space he wanted? Why did she have to try to force herself on him
now, just when he was starting to get a little breathing room? Well, she was
going to have to adjust. He'd give her time to cool off and try again later,
when she might actually be willing to listen to him.
And if she didn't listen, well, then that was her fault, not his. He was
trying his best. He knew he was. It was time for other people to make
adjustments for his well being, rather than theirs. Akane included.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a quiet and somber Ranma that made his way downstairs, the issue with
Akane still bothering him. She'd get over it, of course, like she always
did. Although there was something bothering him about their arguments of
late. They seemed more serious rather than stemming from the usual
misunderstandings. They'd just have to work through it. But that was for
later. Right now, he had to live up to his word and take Kachiko out on her
date.
At least he didn't have any concerns that she would turn all serious and
argue with him, or try anything untoward. There was a reassuring feeling in
her constant litany of "Don't try anything funny or you'll be sorry" on
their date. It was the first time he had been given a set of ground rules in
his dealings with a person. If only everyone else in his life did the same,
then he could relax.
Ranma found Kachiko waiting for him in the entryway to the house, ready to
leave. She was dressed in a sedate white and blue dress that accentuated her
inherent cuteness, at least in Ranma's eyes. He had been slightly uneasy
wondering if she would choose something more risqué, like that small red
dress she wore that night they had gone out to dine at the Indian
restaurant. Seeing her clothed that way had made him uncomfortable. It was
odd, since he couldn't recall seeing someone dressed in such an outfit
making him feel that way before. Luckily, Kachiko hadn't tried anything, and
once they settled down to eat, things went well with the two talking and
having a general good time. He hoped she would behave herself like that
again so that things went smoothly. If she tried anything tricky, like
Shampoo had during the time he went on a date with her for the Instant
Nannichuan, it would ruin everything.
Maybe it would be best to reaffirm their agreement. He said to Kachiko,
"Remember, the deal is you don't try no funny stuff, like trying to make me
engaged to you or something."
Kachiko, who had seemed somewhat distracted, focused on Ranma, her eyebrows
forming a 'V' of annoyance. "This is our first date. Try going any further
than that, and you'll be the one who ends up feeling sorry. The way you keep
harping on it makes me think you might be up to something. Maybe we should
call this off and I'll go out with Tachi-kun. He won't keep trying to talk
himself out of trying to do something perverted with me on a date. And he
knows how to impress a girl too, I bet," she said under her breath.
Once again the suggestion that an idiot like Kunou could one up Ranma in
anything, especially when it came to women, raised his ire. "Forget it.
You're going out with me. I already made plans and everything. I personally
guarantee this will be the most unforgettable date you've ever been on.." He
grabbed her by the hand and dragged her out the door.
They had only made it to the street when Kachiko said, "Holding hands within
the first minute? My, you're certainly aggressive."
Ranma realized what he was doing and released her hand, as though holding it
a second longer would have resulted in third degree burns. "I didn't mean it
like that."
"I know you didn't. I just thought it would be cute to tweak you a little,"
she joked.
The two began walking alongside one another at a less frantic pace. They
were not so near one another as to suggest they were intimate, but neither
did it imply only a casual acquaintance either. Ranma was aware of this, and
relieved she didn't try getting too close by holding his arm or a similar
romantic action.
"So, what are our plans for this evening?" Kachiko asked.
"Dinner and a movie," Ranma answered. Asking some of the guys at school for
advice, they seemed to think that was a standard plan when going out on a
'first date'. That made sense to Ranma, and sounded agreeable. He didn't
watch too many movies, and one had to eat no matter what. That way the time
with Kachiko wouldn't be wasted no matter how things turned out.
"Sounds good. Eating first?" Kachiko asked.
"I was thinking afterwards." Besides, the semi-formal restaurant's
reservation was booked for later in the evening. While he wasn't concerned
about doing anything romantic with Kachiko, there was no way he'd look cheap
compared to Kunou.
As if on cue, a voice some distance from behind them shouted out, "Saotome,
you cur, unhand that noble beauty!"
Both of the people in question turned to see a tuxedo clad Kunou, bokken in
hand, racing toward them.
"I didn't call him to mess things up," Ranma told Kachiko, remembering their
deal about trying to make the date go smoothly.
"I didn't think you had."
"I'm just making sure," Ranma said.
By the time their exchange had finished, Kunou had caught up to them. He
leveled his bokken accusingly at Ranma. "Foul sorcerer, how dare you weave
your enchantments about this fair young maiden!"
Kachiko turned to Ranma. "You know magic? That's cool. I never went out with
someone who could do magic tricks. Can you pull a rabbit out of your pocket?
How about the interlocking ring thing? I could never figure that one out. Or
change water to wine? That would be really cool, and we could drink the
stuff afterwards."
Irked, Ranma said, "I don't know any magic. It's that idiot who got confused
over my little changing problem with cold water. "
"Oh," Kachiko said. "Well, that is magical, sort of. I'd rather know how the
ring trick works, though."
"Once again I order you to keep your churlish hands away from the beauteous
Kachiko Tendou," Kunou reiterated.
Before Ranma could speak, Kachiko said, "It's okay, Tachi-kun, we're just
going out on a date. I asked him, actually."
Kunou recoiled. "Never! I forbid this foul animal from engaging in such an
act. He'll attempt lascivious and improper actions if left alone in your
presence."
"Then he'll end up doubled-over in pain from a couple of knees to the groin.
Did you know the male scrotum actually can be driven into the pelvic bone
about an inch or so?"
Both Ranma and Kunou winced and crossed their legs.
Ranma told her, "Even though I'm not going to do anything perverted, you're
still really killing the atmosphere here."
Kunou sneered at Ranma. "Enough. I forbid this travesty from taking place."
"Since I'm not available tonight, just go out with Akane or that pig-tailed
girl you keep going on about," Kachiko suggested. "I don't mind."
"He can't do that!" Ranma said.
Kachiko arched an eyebrow at that. "Oh? Have a crush on them too, do you?"
"No!" Ranma exclaimed. "It's just Akane doesn't deserve to have him
bothering her and the 'pig-tailed girl' is you know who." He pulled his
pig-tail.
Kachiko's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, you mean to tell me he doesn't
know about your gender problem?"
"I tried explaining it to him, but he refuses to believe it. I guarantee
you, him harassing me over it makes me ill to my stomach."
"I understand. Yumi tried to seduce me all the time." Kachiko patted Ranma
sympathetically on the shoulder.
"I cannot tolerate such an open display of affection!" Kunou declared.
Kachiko evened things out by patting Kunou on the head in sympathy. He
reacted joyfully to it, like any household dog would.
"Better?" Kachiko asked.
"I would date with you!" Kunou declared. He tried to embrace Kachiko, but
she ducked out of the way, allowing him to hug a lamppost.
Kachiko darted to Ranma's side. "Sorry, I'm with Ranma tonight, and while I
openly admit to being a lot of girl to handle, dating two guys at once is
too much. We can arrange something tomorrow."
Ranma turned on her in irritation. "Hey, you're going to have such a good
time tonight, you're going to forget all about him."
Bokken at the ready, Kunou once again declared, "I shall not allow you to go
out with Kachiko. Instead I shall dispose of you today and go out with her
in your stead."
Kachiko squirmed in delight. "Wow! My first official date here and I'm
already being fought over."
Ranma snapped, "Would you mind not encouraging him?!"
"Fine, I'll date the winner," Kachiko said satisfactorily.
"You will not. You're already on a date with me," Ranma stated in a firm
tone even as Kunou loosened up by taking several practice swings with his
bokken.
Kachiko moved closer to Ranma and whispered in his ear, "It's obvious
Tachi-kun's being overly possessive and not going to stop bothering us
unless he gets beaten. Besides, I think we both know who's going to win this
one."
"Oh, okay." What she said made sense. It probably was the quickest way
resolve the situation, and Kachiko knew Ranma was going to win, so it wasn't
like she was hoping to date Kunou instead.
"Have at you!" Kunou declared as he thrust his bokken toward Ranma's body.
Ranma side-stepped the thrust and moved forward, striking Kunou in a flurry
of punches and kicks, rendering him insensate within seconds.
"The winner!" Kachiko declared, holding Ranma's arm up high.
Ego satiated, Ranma said with a great deal of pride. "Come on, we're going
to continue our date."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They arrived at the movie multiplex without further incident.
Kachiko stared in awe at the number of titles on the marquee. "I can't
believe they offer so many movies at just one place. Where, or more
appropriately when, I come from you were lucky to get a choice of four."
"Yeah, they got a lot more variety now." Which was part of the problem Ranma
had as he looked over the titles offered. He had no idea what she would
like. He decided the best approach would be ask his date. "Anything catch
your eye?"
Kachiko looked them over, scratching her head in confusion. She stopped
scratching and shrugged. "Since you're the one paying, you go ahead and
decide. Choose something you'd enjoy, I'm sure I'll like it as well."
"Good." Ranma was relieved. The last thing in the world he wanted to see was
some sappy romance movie. He had enough romantic intentions directed at him,
and had no desire to watch someone else go through the same ordeal. Worse,
the movie would always resolve the situation. He had made that mistake once
in going to a movie with Akane. The ending, with the girl in the guy's arms
and all the other problems resolved nicely in a happily ever after ending
made Ranma stand up in the middle of the theater and shout, "Liar! It's
never that easy!"
It was the last time Akane let him go to the movies with her.
Ranma finally chose a martial arts picture. Kachiko liked martial arts, and
the two could laugh at how fake everything was. He walked up to the ticket
counter and said to the girl behind it, "Two tickets for 'Tekken'."
The girl looked at him curiously. She pointed to Kachiko. "Aren't you on a
date with that girl?"
"Um, yeah."
The ticket girl gave a delighted smile. "Then you'll want something
romantic. 'Boys Over Flowers' will do nicely."
The title alone made Ranma feel nauseated. "No way."
The girl's smile remained fixed in place. "It's an enchanting, romantic
picture about the coming of age of a girl and the men in her life that start
as her rivals, but end up falling for her. They're all so wonderful." She
sighed and stared off in the distance.
"I want two tickets for Tekken," Ranma insisted.
"It'll give you ideas on how to act and treat a lady right," the girl said
dreamily.
"I don't want to see some sappy romance picture filled with a bunch of
angsty bishonen guys mooning over some chick whose world revolves around
which one she's interested in."
"Have you ever thought of growing a little taller, losing some weight, and
letting your hair grow out? Your girlfriend would be really turned on."
"You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you?"
"Here are your tickets, Sir. She'll love it." She handed two to him.
Ranma sighed helplessly and accepted the fact this was one fight he wasn't
going to win. Shoujo fangirls were like a force of nature. One didn't defeat
them; one survived them.
As Ranma left, he heard the girl say to the next customer, "Hopeless
computer geek, comic collecting loser? I'll get you one for 'Army of
Darkness, Redux'."
"Actually I want to see Karekano."
"It won't do you any good. You're never going to land a girlfriend. It's
Army of Darkness for you." There was the sound of a ticket being printed.
This was the last time Ranma was ever coming to this theater.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mikado Sanzenin looked deeply in the eyes of the girl before him. "So, my
dear, did you enjoy the 'Marmalade Boy, revisited,' double feature?"
The girl had a tear in her eye. She wiped at it as she sniffled. "It was so
moving. I always cry when I see it."
He drew her into his arms. "I knew you would. You're so much like Miki, I am
overwhelmed with emotion."
She stared deeply into his eyes, "And you're my Yuu."
And with that he leaned down and kissed her. It seemed as though everything
became hazy and flowers filled the air as she returned the kiss with just as
much passion.
Mikado broke off the kiss. She swooned in his embrace. "Let's go out to eat,
and then return to my house where we can engage in deep and meaningful
conversation."
"I don't think so." Mikado released her, allowing her to stand on her own.
He pulled out a pen and a small, but thick, black book from his suit's
jacket pocket. He made a mark in it, saying to himself, "One thousand, one
hundred and twenty five," then returned it to his pocket.
Surprised by his suddenly aloof behavior, the girl said, "What's going on?"
"I think we should stop seeing each other," Mikado said bluntly.
"What do you mean?"
"We've already reached the kissing stage of our relationship. There's
nowhere else to go from there."
The girl trembled in fury. "You asshole!" She picked up a nearby trashcan
and slammed it into his head before stomping off.
"Breaking up is hard to do," Mikado waxed philosophically as he picked
himself up from the ground. It was still early. He should have enough time
to woo one more girl long enough to manage a kiss, then he would call it a
night. He surveyed the lobby with his eyes until they fell on one girl in
particular.
Mikado pulled out a mirror and looked into it, making sure his teeth gleamed
when he smiled. Satisfied, he was in proper form, he made his way to the
girl with the short hair and slender figure who was looking over candy in
the concession stand's display case.
"You'll want to avoid the JuJubes. They would require carbon dating to
determine how old they are," he said as he smoothly placed an affectionate
arm around her shoulder.
The girl's eyes narrowed as she turned to him. Suddenly they opened wide as
she shouted, "Icky!" and proceeded to drive a powerful punch into his
stomach.
The air whooshed out of Mikado's lungs and he fell to the ground doubled
over, unable to draw a single breath that didn't cause him pain.
He was barely able to make out an, "Oh, I'm sorry. You reminded me a lot of
some creepy pervert from my past, Icky Slutzenin, right down to the oily
residue your groping hand leaves behind. By the way, you shouldn't grab
women like that. It's only asking for trouble. And beatings. Lots and lots
of beatings." Kachiko purchased a large tub of popcorn and left, stepping
directly on Mikado's gut as she walked away.
Mikado simply lay there, gasping for air. Maybe he would call it a night
after all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Kachiko approached, Ranma saw she was rubbing at something on the
shoulder of her dress.
"I, ah, got the tickets," Ranma said sheepishly.
Kachiko gave up on the rubbing and sighed, turning her attention to Ranma.
"What movie are they for?"
Unable to force himself to repeat the name, Ranma offered them to her.
Kachiko read the title. "Boys Over Flowers?" She looked at one of the nearby
posters depicting the movie. It showed two boys kissing a surprised girl.
"Ewww. They look bishonen. I hate girly boys like that. Do you honestly like
movies like that? Because if you do, I don't think we should go out again."
Ranma was almost childlike as he complained, "It was that ticket seller. She
wouldn't give me the tickets to the movie I wanted."
Kachiko sighed. "Fine. I'll do it. Let me get the tickets." She chided,
"You've got to learn to be more firm. About the only thing you were adamant
about was me giving you a rematch."
Ranma watched as she walked over to the ticket seller. She saw Kachiko talk
to the girl for a few minutes, then return, bearing two tickets in hand.
Ranma managed to read the title that was sticking out from above her
fingers. "What's 'Super Girls'."
Kachiko's eyebrows twitched madly as she muttered, "She told me it was a
movie that would make me feel good about being a woman despite my... demure,
features."
Ranma chided, "You've got to learn to be more firm. About-"
"Just shut up and let's watch the movie," Kachiko insisted as she grabbed
him by the arm and escorted him into the theater.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[End part 1]
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