Akane walked next to Nabiki for the first time in a long time. "Why are you walking to school with us? You usually leave so much earlier."
          "I’m conducting an experiment and I need you and Ranma."
          Ranma jumped off the fence and glared at Nabiki. "I ain’t no guinea pig. Wait’ll P-chan comes back if you need a pig."
          Akane bit her lip as tears formed in her eyes. "P-chan’s not coming back Ramna! Ever again! How many times do I have to explain that?" She grabbed Nabiki’s hand and ran ahead of him.
          "Akane, I didn’t…" he started to yell after her then thought better of it. "Stupid tomboy," he mumbled as he started after them.
          "Um, Akane?" Nabiki squeezed er sister’s hand to get her attention. Akane’s stopped, not even winded.
          "Sorry." She continued toward the school at a much slower pace." "Oh Nabiki! You’re experiment. I’m sorry."
          "No, you’re the important one. Come on. I can’t be late."
          They entered the gates to find Kunou waiting patiently. "Ah, the lovely Tendo girls. Good morning to you, Akane Tendo."
          "Good morning."
          He faced Nabiki. "Words cannot describe this vision for I see you through the eyes of love. I must, for surely an angel has not come to Earth solely for me?"
          Nabiki flushed. "Morning Kunou-baby."
          "Good morning Nabiki Tendo."
          He stepped aside and they walked the last few feet to the school. "Was that the experiment?"
          "Yes."
          "Why Ranma?"
          "I wanted to see if he would get upset with how he treated you and how Kunou would react to the threat. I also wanted to see if he brought up the pig-tailed girl."
          "Ranma wouldn’t get upset. He doesn’t care if anybody hits on me." She shrugged. "Gotta go. Bye Nabiki."
          She watched her little sister rush off to class. Why were they so dense? Kunou walked up behind her and touched her elbow. "May I escort you to class?"
          "Certainly."

          Ranma kept casting quick glances at Akane, trying to gauge if she was still upset. He’d realized bringing up Ryouga today had probably not been one of the smartest things he’d ever done.
          He scribbled quickly on a piece of paper, then sent it over to her.
          "Ranma Saotome! Are you passing notes in my class?"
          "Yes Sensei."
          "Let me see." He took the note from Akane’s desk where it had just arrived. "I’m sorry."
          Akane looked at Ranma in surprise.
          "Does he have something to be sorry for Miss Tendo?’
          "We had an argument."
          "Well, take buckets and resolve it in the hall. I will not have it interfere with my classroom."
          "Yes Sensei." Akane led the way out of the classroom. When they were both outside, Akane faced him. "Are you really sorry?"
          "Yeah. I wasn’t thinking. And I wasn’t trying to hurt you. And I certainly wouldn’t deliberately bring up Ryouga today of all days."
          She smiled. "I’m sorry too then. P-chan was my pet. My confidante. I forget sometimes who he really is and just wish I had my pet back."
          He nodded. "I understand. So, what was Nabiki’s experiment?"
          "She just wanted to see how Kunou reacted to us."
          "He always reacts the same way."
          "Not anymore. He’s in love with Nabiki."           "What?" Ranma stared at Akane in shock, the scene he had witnessed in the hall finally making sense.
          "It’s true. They’re going out tonight. On a date."
          "Really? So we’ll have the house to ourselves?"
          Akane giggled. "I guess so."
          "Great! There’s a new Jackie Chan movie on TV."
          "What?" Suddenly there was a bucket aimed in his direction and a blue tinted fiancée glaring at him over it.
          "I’m kidding Akane. I have much more interesting plans for tonight." He watched the blush creep up her face and smiled to himself. Tonight could not come too soon.

          Kasumi walked into the Cat Café and smiled absently as Shampoo.
          "Can Shampoo help violent girl’s sister?"
          "Oh yes, I’m going to be out tonight, so I would like to order some ramen for Ranma and Akane. I’d like it delivered quietly without disturbing the household."
          Shampoo barely restrained her cry of victory. Here was the opportunity she needed without any dubious planning required. "Husband no even know Shampoo been there but for too too delicious ramen."
          "Excellent." Kasumi paid then left the restaurant. Today was going so well, perhaps she’d drop by and see Dr. Tofu.
          "Great grandmother, you hear?"
          "Indeed I did Shampoo. Son-in-law will be yours very soon. The special ramen will be finished in one hour."
          "Can hardly wait. Is okay for violent girl to eat?"
          "It is imperative that Akane eat the ramen as well." Cologne saw her grand daughter’s frown. "It is the only way the spell will know who to work against."
          Shampoo smiled. "Is fine. Shampoo is so happy. Soon husband take on real date!"

          Ukyou unlocked the front door of Ucchan’s and led Ryouga inside. She let go of it as she turned on the light, reassuring herself that she’d only held it to make sure he hadn’t gotten lost.
          "I’ll go get us something to eat Sugar. Stay right here."
          "Okay." He flexed his hand, thinking of good it felt to hold onto her. Sitting in front of the grill, he reminded himself of his love for Akane.
          Ukyou disappeared into the back for a few minutes, returning with the ingredients for their meal. "How about we eat first then talk about tomorrow?"
          "Sure."
          They ate in silence. Finishing her food, she pushed her plate away and began playing with her chopsticks. "So, what’s your plan?"
          "I’m going to beat Ranma once and for all, then I’ll take Akane."
          She smiled sadly at the determination in his eyes. "That doesn’t work if she loves him."
          "Well, I’ll talk to her too. I’ll tell her how I feel."
          "Why don’t you practice on me? Make sure you say the right thing."
          "First tell me what you plan is with Ranma."
          "I’m going to ask him if he loves me at all. Make him admit his feelings."
          "And if he doesn’t? If he says no?"
          "He won’t." She set the chopsticks down angrily. "He can’t."
          "Who’s being unreasonable now?" His voice was firm, but not mean. "I once told Ranma that I would do anything for her. It may shatter my heart, but if she loves him, I will let her go."
          "Fine. If he says no, I’ll ask him if he loves Akane."
          "And if he says yes?"
          "If he says yes, I’ll kill her."
          "What?" Ryouga was immediately in his fighting stance.           "Calm down Sugar. Not really. I guess I’ll just step aside and try to get on with my life. Surely there’s someone out there like Ranchan who’ll love me." She shook her head. "But that’s not what’s going to happen. Your turn."
          "Okay, so you’re Akane."
          "Yeah." She grimaced. "Should I mallet you yet?"           "Be serious." Ryouga tried to compose his thoughts without hammering holes into Ukyou’s counter. "Um, uh, Akane, I just want you to know I came back as soon as I could and I’m sorry I left you alone when you needed a friend. After what happened between us…"
          "What did happen between you?"
          The thought of Akane’s naked body straddling him flashed in his mind. "She…we…uh…kissed. Yeah. That’s it! A kiss."
          Ukyou stared at him in amazement. "You actually got up enough nerve to kiss her?"
          "Er, no. She kissed me."
          "That’s it Ryouga! She must not love Ranma if she kissed you."
          "Really?" He smiled happily. "Can you only kiss people you love?"
          She deflated. "No. But it’s a good start. Go on."
          "Okay. After what happened between us, I want you to know that I love you and don’t think Ranma deserves you. Let him say what he wishes Akane." Ryouga placed his hands on Ukyou’s shoulders, caught up in his speech. "I love you and I want to marry you." He pulled her gently to him. "Will you have me?" he breathed as their lips met.
          Ukyou started at his touch, mesmerized as he moved closer. When he kissed her, she immediately thought of Ranma until the soft insistent pressure - their first kiss - melted her resolve. Her arms slid around Ryouga’s neck and Ranma was very suddenly the last thing on her mind.

          Akane sat at the table across from Ranma. They hadn’t spoken since they left school, both too afraid of saying the wrong thing. Finally, Akane swallowed hard and spoke. "Kasumi left us ramen. Are you hungry?" She asked quietly.
          "Sure. I could eat." He watched her as she served him and could very easily imagine her as his wife, this their dojo. He dug into the ramen with his usual gusto, but watching her since he didn’t have to fight off his father.
          "It’s good, hmm?"
          "Yeah." He put his bowl down and watched her finish. She looked at him nervously.
          "I’m full. Should…"
          "Why don’t we go upstairs and talk for a while?"
          "Talk? Is that such a good idea for us?" She smiled and his heart sped up.
          "As long as you smile. A lot." He smiled back at her, his blue eyes shining. "C’mon Akane." He took her hand and led her up to her room.

          Nabiki stood in front of the limousine and waited for Kunou to join her. She could tell by the glances she was receiving that she looked good, even though most of her outfit was hidden by her cloak.
          "I am the envy of every man her tonight, having you on my arm." Kunou too was dressed well - suit, jacket and tie. Not a kendo outfit in sight. "Shall we?"
          He led her inside and took her cloak from her. The sapphire gown clung to her curves and emphasized the assets she usually downplayed. His eyes roamed over her like a lover’s caress.
          "You like it?"
          "Tonight the question will not simply be is Nabiki Tendo after his money, but is Kunou after her luscious body." He flushed as he realized what he’d said.
          She smiled, somewhat sadly. "I’ll take that as a yes."
          "Nabiki, you look more lovely than I imagined you would. And even if I believed you were after my money, it would be worth it to see you like this."
          "What makes you so sure I’m not after your money?"
          "Why date me? You’ve already obtained a substantial portion of it through other means."
          She watched his eyebrow twitch. Obviously, there was still something going on as far as Ranma and Akane were concerned.
          "Besides, you risk some of your reputation being out with me."
          "The saving grace being that everyone assumes I’m after your money."
          He took her hand. "Which ensures that we will remain unfettered with unwanted attention. No one with any brains comes between Nabiki Tendo and her money." He smiled flirtatiously. "Except, I hope, for me."

          Mousse stood outside the Cat Café, watching the busy dinner rush. Shampoo was working twice as hard either because he wasn’t there or because her mind seemed to be on something else. He stepped inside. His body still ached although Dr. Tofu had given him a clean bill of health. He hoped he wouldn’t have to fight.
          "Cologne." He watched the shriveled woman turn to face him. "I’ve come for my things."
          "Aiya! Mousse!" Shampoo saw him and her eyes lit up. She caught her great grandmother’s disapproving gaze and tried to frown. "What you do here Mousse? Go back to pervert girl. Marry her. She weak like you. Leave Ranma for strong warrior."
          "Don’t worry Shampoo. I fully intend to go back to the Tendos. They have welcomed me and invited me to stay." He turned back to Cologne, knowing he was reading things into the look in her eyes. "Are my things still in my room?"
          "Yes."
          "I would like to continue to work here. I will need to pay the Tendos. I cannot live off their generosity."
          Cologne simply nodded. "When will you return?"
          "Monday. The doctor agreed that should be fine." He headed for the stairs.
          "Mousse?" Shampoo’s voice was quiet as he walked past her. "You all right?"
          He didn’t look back. "Fine Shampoo. I’m fine."

          She looked around the room as he shut the door. Turning to face him, she realized he was her future. "Ranma?"
          "Yes Akane?"
          Her small hand reached out to touch the ties of his red silk shirt. "Winners strike first." The tie came undone to show some of his white tank top. He kept his hands to himself as she completely unbuttoned his shirt. There was a quiet rustle as the silk fell to the floor.
          His right hand moved up to rest on her shoulder, then softly caressed her throat and cheek. Sliding it slowly around to the back of her head, he brought her close to him. "I’ve been waiting for this since the day I met you Akane. I wish Sanzenin, Shampoo and Ukyou hadn’t spoiled it for me. I wanted you to be my first kiss Akane. My first everything. And my last. My only." He leaned forward, watching her, wanting to memorize everything so he could relive the moment forever. The mood, the excitement, her tears….her tears? He pulled away.
          "Akane?"
          "I’m sorry Ranma." The tears coursed down her cheeks. She moved over to the bed and sat down. "I’m sorry I ruined everything."
          "What? No!"
          "I wanted you to be my first! My only! Oh Ranma." She buried her tear-stained face in her hands.
          "No, stop it!" He sank to his knees in front of her. "It never happened. Just pretend for me. It’s our first time Akane. Our first times. It never happened. If it isn’t me, it isn’t real."
          She looked up, hope in her eyes to see his heart in his. "I love you Ranma."
          "I hope so. Otherwise, I’m in the wrong room." He smiled, then leaned forward to give her the kiss they both wanted and needed. But suddenly, it was if they both hit a brick wall.
          They stared at each other, inches apart but unable to go any further. Ranma pushed against the invisible barrier between them to no avail. "What the?"
Akane was just as startled. She reached out to touch him and couldn’t. "What’s happening?"
          "I’m not sure." He stood up. Touching the bed was no problem. "Hmm, mallet me."
          "No. I don’t want to spoil today."
          "Today’s already spoiled Akane. I can’t touch you. You can’t touch me. No touching, no challenge. So come on, you stubborn, macho, uncute, psycho tomboy! Mallet me."
          Akane was suddenly very happy to oblige.
          Ukyou backed away from Ryouga. They both stared at each other wordlessly. Finally, she found her voice. "Yeah. That should work great. Akane…she should respond to that." She giggled nervously. "Kissing is a good idea"
          Ryouga was confused. All these feelings were churning around inside of him. Feelings that didn’t’ make any sense. Feelings for Ukyou. Her fast heartbeat continued to echo in his ears. But what about Akane? Could he still love her. "AAAAGH!" He started to run out the door, but was stopped by a large spatula.
          "Calm down Sugar. We just got caught up in the moment. Don’t make it more than it was."
          He nodded, but couldn’t meet her eyes. "Right. Caught up in the moment."
          She led him back to his chair and sat down herself. "Okay. Do you want to play a game?" She breathed deeply. *So,* she wondered, *when does the moment end?*

          Ranma braced for impact and waited for the mallet to connect. He wasn’t disappointed.

          Everyone thought Shampoo was stupid. Not that she minded too much. She spoke broken Japanese to keep people thinking exactly that. So, in effect, she was really quite smart. *So why can’t I explain away this feeling,* she thought to herself. She should be ecstatic that he potion for Ranma was no doubt tearing him and Akane apart this very moment. But instead, she was horribly saddened to see Mousse walking down the steps with his meager belongings.
          Surely she wasn’t’ sorry to see him leave of his own free will. This is what she’s always thought she wanted.
          "Good-bye Mousse. Shampoo glad you give up stupid dream to marry her."
          He refused to look at her. "Good-bye Shampoo. I hope you remember what I said about Akane."
          *Does he love her?* she wondered. "Maybe if Mousse tell Ranma he love Akane, Ranma leave you alone and come be with true bride."
          "Saotome is welcome to you Shampoo."
          She reacted as though she’d been slapped. He didn’t love her anymore? "Shampoo no need your permission Mousse."
          He looked up at her, his turquoise eyes sad. "I know. You’ve never needed anything from me." He stepped past her and walked out the door.

          Ranma came to and immediately rushed to Akane’s side. She was lying strangely and was still unconscious. He reached a hand down to shake her and couldn’t touch her. "Damn!"
          He ran downstairs, unsure of what to do, but knowing he needed someone who could touch her. He swung open the front door to find Kasumi standing there, arms full of groceries.
          "Kasumi!" Ranma cried in relief. "Come on! Akane needs you!" He grabbed her arm and pulled her along behind him.
          They entered the bedroom. Ranma noticed for the first time that it looked like a time bomb had exploded. "Oh my!" Kasumi rushed over to her little sister. "Why did you leave her like this?"
          She moved Akane’s position and glared up at Ranma. "I’m sorry Kasumi. I can’t seem to touch her." He demonstrated. "We were trying to see if the mallet would work. When I woke up, it was….this?" He gestured around the room. "Is she okay Kasumi? Please say yes."
          "I think so. Go call Dr. Tofu."
          Ranma slunk out of the room to the phone. She had to be okay. She simply had to.
          Nabiki sipped the sake and stared at Kunou in the candlelight. He’d been the perfect gentleman all evening. And he’d resorted to poetry only twice. "Kunou-baby?"
          "Yes Nabiki?"
          "Thank you."
          "For?"
          "A wonderful evening."
          "Surely you do not wish it to end so soon?"
          "I…" she looked over at her purse, which had started beeping. She glanced at the pager then signaled the waiter for the phone. "Sorry. It’s home. If it were just business it could wait."
          "I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me."
          She laughed. "That’s probably the nicest thing I’ve ever said. Period."
          "No. You said yes."
          She blushed and dialed the phone, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her smile faded as she listened to Ranma’s explanation. "I’m sorry Kunou, I have to get home."
          He didn’t ask any questions, merely signaled for the check.
          Dr. Tofu looked at the family’s worried faces. Ranma looked wracked with guilt. Soun was in tears. Nabiki’s face was frozen, Kasumi was hiding in the kitchen and Mr. Saotome - well, Mr. Saotome was a panda.
          "Well?" Nabiki asked.
          "She’s conscious, but badly hurt. She’ll need bed rest, probably for several weeks."
          "But she’s okay, right?" Ranma’s voice was deep with unshed tears.
          "Nothing permanent." He winked. "She’s asking for you."
          His face brightened up a bit. "She is?"
          "Specifically she asked that I send the pervert jerk up. I guess that’s you."
          He stood, looking like he was headed for his doom. "Okay. I’m going up."
          He stood in the doorway looking at the soft blue-black hair framing her face. There were bruises on her face and cuts on the hand she had resting on the blanket. He walked over to the bed and attempted to take her hand. "Shit," he snapped when he realized he couldn’t.
          "You know, I thought we’d be explosive together, but I never imagined it would be like that." She smiled. "Dr. Tofu says we’re like magnets with the same charge. The more force you use to push us together, the more there is to push us apart."
          "I’m so sorry Akane."
          "Ranma, it isn’t’ your fault. You didn’t know."           "I should be the hurt one, not you."
          "Stop it. Stop blaming yourself." She tried to catch his eyes. "You have to figure out what’s causing this. We have a challenge to finish."
          "You’re right." His voice was sad and he still wouldn’t look at her. "I’m sorry Akane." He stood up and walked out of the room.
          "Oh Ranma," she sighed. "Don’t blame yourself."