Ryouga blindly nudged open the door to the Tendo’s bath. He’d been fighting with Ranma again and had lost despite his fury. The tide of the fight had been just about to turn when that damn old lady with her water scoop had turned him into "this."
          Sighing, "P-chan" crawled up the makeshift steps to the edge of the furo and prepared for the plunge.
          Akane looked up, her face and cheeks red from crying. "Oh, P-chan!" Her voice hit his ears about the same time his ears hit the water.
          *Oh shit.* Ryouga’s mind went blank as he felt his transformation take place. He subconsciously felt the water move to accommodate the larger body in the bath as well as Akane’s movement toward him. *The water’s so nice and warm. Just perfect for drowning.*
          Akane reached to grab her little P-chan and instead pulled Ryouga’s head above the water. "P-ch…Ryouga!?"
          He could do no more than whisper, "I’m so sorry Akane."
          She stared at him silently for a few moments, her mind racing. Pieces of the puzzle all fell into place. But her sorrow outweighed her normal rage, and a desperate plan came to mind. "Ryouga?"
          He looked up at her, expecting the fire in her eyes that usually preceded a swift, yet extremely painful, malleting. Instead, she was staring at his naked body. "Hai."
          "He may have you beat at martial arts, but I think you’ve got him beat in one department."
          He followed her eyes then quickly looked back at her, his face crimson. Big mistake. Having her gaze locked on him was causing another, albeit far more pleasant, change. Seeing Akane’s beautiful hazel eyes as well as her wet, naked body was a little too much to bear.

          When he came to, Akane was leaning over him, her body still damp and slightly sweaty. The towel that covered her nakedness couldn’t help but emphasize her shape as it clung to her.
          She smiled. *She smiled?* "Tilt your head back. Your nose won’t bleed then."
          "Akane?"
          "Don’t worry Ryouga. We’ll deal with it later. There’s something else that’s far more important to deal with first."

          *Yeah!* Thought Ranma. Now that blasted pig is going to get it. He leaned closer to the door in an effort to hear better. Not that he’d have too much trouble hearing her shout before she sent Ryouga into orbit. At last that damn pig wouldn’t be sleeping next to her, snuggling against her. Now she’d belong to…*Whoa. Slow down. No need for that.* He leaned in again. Akane was going to show P-chan exactly what she thought of him.

          "More important?" Ryouga’s brain refused to function. All he could manage to do was repeat whatever she said. Well, that and stare at the soft swell of her breast over the towel and the tendrils of hair that framed her face. "What is more important than my secret."
          "My secret."
          "You have a secret?" He sat up, concerned. "Are you cursed too Akane?"
          "In a way. You see, I’m cursed with liking two very sexy guys."
          "Sexy…?"
          "One of whom is sitting here naked beside me."
          "Naked…?"
          "And," she blushed. "Erect."
          "Erect…?" Ryouga started to giggle uncontrollably. All of which abruptly ended when her hand began to stroke his chest. He scrambled away from her, looking around wildly.
          "What’s the matter Ryouga-kun?’ Akane was a little concerned. Maybe she’d been wrong. Maybe her plan wasn’t going to work after all.
          "Where is he?"
          "He who?"
          "Ranma."
          "Ranma!" Her temper started to heat up. "Why do you want him here?"
          "He was here. He was touching me…"
          "Ryouga." Her voice was stern. "Watch me." She reached out and stroked his cheek. Slowly, she slid her hand down to his chest. "No Ranma. Male or female. Just you and me…" she unhooked to towel. Standing in front of him, she smiled softly. "And we’re all alone. And I’ve wanted to do this for so long."
          She took his face between her hands and leaned into him.
          He watched her until he had to close his eyes. Her lips were soft, pliant, yet strong. *We fit together* he thought. He closed his mind to the soft firmness of her breasts pressing against his chest. "Oh Akane," he sighed against her before easing his arms around her.

          *Sexy! Naked! Erect!* Ranma clenched his fists as he listened to their conversations. What the hell was going on? He felt the flashing warmth of his chi gathering around him as the thought of Akane - his Akane - in there seducing Ryouga. He was angry. No. Furious. *Damn! What the hell is she doing. If she’s gonna seduce anyone it should be me.* His mind was racing *Not that that uncute, sexless tomboy could seduce…*
          He heard Ryouga sigh and Akane’s soft moan. *Shit! This wasn’t’ supposed to happen. Akane is always angry!* Finding out Ryouga was P-chan should have sent her over the edge. Into his arms. Not Ryouga’s!

          Akane moaned softly as Ryouga tentatively stroked her breast. He felt her nipple tighten hard against his chest, then felt his body respond. He broke the kiss and pulled back to look at her. "Oh Akane, I don’t understand."
          She pulled back as well and stepped back into the furo. "I’ll make it easy then. I want you Ryouga."
          "But…but Ranma?"
          "Does it matter?" She seemed sad.
          He nodded. "H…hai."
          "I l…want him too. But, if our parents have their way, he and I will have the rest of our lives together. This may be our only chance. Besides, it’s important that I do this with someone who loves me." She sank beneath the still hot water and held open her arms. "Please Ryouga-sama? Don’t you want me too? We’re all those nights in my bed just for Ranma’s sake?" Tears filled her eyes once again.
          "Oh Akane, don’t cry. I…I do love you Akane-chan. I would do anything for you."
          "Then come here. I need you."

          Ranma was trying very hard to control his temper. So far he’d been doing all right, since he kept wavering between being furious with Ryouga and with Akane. The rest of their lives together? *She wants me* Not if what it sounds like is really happening. *She thinks I’m sexy* What complete disgrace! Sure, he had three other fiancées, but at least he didn’t… Someone who loves her. *I love you, you stupid tomboy!*
          "I…love you Akane." Ranma heard Ryouga’s declaration and felt the anger leave him. Pig-boy had beaten him to the punch. He waited for Akane to reciprocate. *If she loves him, I’ll walk away. I swear.*
          "Then come here. I need you."
          *NO!* Ranma mouthed the word and shook his head violently. No. She was his. He’d sworn no one would ever take her from him. And that sure as hell included Ryouga.
          He slid into the bathroom, closing the door silently behind him. He stayed against the wall, hidden by the steam from the bath. His eyes adjusted and he saw his greatest fears realized. Suddenly, he wished desperately to be on the other side of the door.

          Ryouga sank into the water and moved forward to Akane’s side. His hand reached out to push her hair back out of her eyes. His hand trembled and he stifled a nervous laugh. "I can’t believe this is happening," he whispered.
          "Neither can I." She caught his hand and guided it down to her breast. She’d felt so weak when he’d touched her there before. "But there’s no place I’d rather be."
          Ranma bit his lip. *You’d rather be with me,* he willed her to say. *Please Akane, say it.*
          Ryouga felt his shyness leave him as he caressed her. She seemed to be enjoying it so much. Taking a deep breath, he slid his arms to her sides and lifted her slightly. "You know, I got to do this as P-chan all the time. I don’t think I can resist." He nuzzled her left breast with his nose then, smiling, repeated the gesture on the right side. "Of course, not being P-chan, I have a little more freedom." Then, with a brief flash of fangs, his lips closed over her left nipple.
          "Ry…ouga…" Akane tilted her head back as she moaned. Her fingers traveled to his thick hair, holding his head to her breast. In response, he slid his hands slightly lower, moving her to straddle his thighs. She purred as the tip of his erection rubbed lightly against her. "Oh Ryouga…"
          He nibbled her nipple slightly, causing her to start. He smiled then licked where he had just bit. "You are beautiful. And you taste delicious." He settled back against her breast and this time, ministered his attention to the right side.
          Akane watched him smile then decided it was time to have a little fun at his expense. One hand left his dark hair and sank through the water. He was so lost in the sweet succulence of her breast that he wasn’t even aware of her movements. *His lips feel so nice. Maybe I shouldn’t…* She remembered the light nip. *Maybe I should.* Her hand rested lightly on his stomach before slowly venturing south.
          He stopped and looked up at her. "What?"
          "Isn’t this what you want Ryouga, Where you want to be? What you dreamed about all those nights in my bed? We’re here alone, completely naked. I said I needed you Ryouga." She squeezed her thighs slightly then moved her hand to gently hold his erection. "Ryouga!"
          "Do I please you?" His voice was formal despite the fact that he was still stiffening from her touch.
          "I think you may. You may have some shortcomings Hibiki, but this certainly isn’t one of them." She smiled to take any possible sting out of the comment. "And I’ll guide you so you can’t get lost along the way."
          "Even my lack of direction can’t keep me from you now."
          She rubbed the tip of his penis and felt his body contract. "What’s keeping you away from me then?"
          He removed her hand, sadly stopping the incredible sensations coursing up and down his spine. "Not a thing." Lifting her again, using the merest portion of his amazing strength, he positioned Akane above him.
          "Slowly," she breathed, her heart feeling like it would explode from her chest.
          "I’m sorry if I hurt you. I beg your forgiveness." He lowered her slowly as he raised himself to meet her, prolonging the agony, relishing the first moments. As he slid completely inside her, holding her tightly during the brief pain, he let himself breathe. "I love you Akane."
          *Ha! Ranma, I have my victory!*

          Ranma stared, unable to take his eyes away from the sight in front of him. The sight of her, wrapped up in his embrace, was slowly breaking his heart. *I love you Akane. How can you do this?* *Because you baka, you never told her.* He shook his head, trying not to hear his own thoughts. Akane opened her eyes and seemed to stare right at him. Tears glistened in her eyes and he found himself mesmerized by her body, her movements. *Ryouga’s been right all alone. She is beautiful. And now she belongs to him.*

          Akane moved with Ryouga, delighted with the feel of him beneath her, inside her. It was so new and different. She could almost forget he wasn’t Ranma. His hands left her sides and gripped the edge of the bath as he reigned in his strength, desperate not to hurt her. A wave of excitement washed over her. "Ryouga?"
          His breath was shallow and fast. The thought that this was Akane was destroying any endurance he’d learned over time. "Yes…A…Akane?
          "Harder."

          Ranma felt his chest clench. She was enjoying this. He leaned against the tile and watched her moving with the bastard’s every stroke. She kept breathing encouragement. Harder. Faster. Her body glistened in the steam and soft light. Why was she enjoying this? Could it be she really didn’t love him? He looked dejectedly at his feet and nearly fell down in surprise. He had the biggest erection he’d ever had. *Why am I enjoying this?* He looked back at Akane as she was suddenly overcome with an explosive orgasm. Ryouga spasmed beneath her, but Ranma was mesmerized by the silent tears trailing down her flushed face. *Because she’s so beautiful and I want her desperately.*

          Akane collapsed against Ryouga, holding him to her chest as though he’d never transformed. Opening her eyes, she was surprised and decidedly unnerved to see Ranma standing there.
          "Ranma…" she breathed.
          Ryouga immediately lost what was left of his erection. Ranma. She’d called him Ranma.
          "Akane."
          Or maybe she’d called *him* Ranma.
          "P-chan."
          "Ranma."
          Akane moved away from Ryouga, disappointed yet, at the same time, wildly excited. Ranma was furious. Her eyes swept over him, stopping just below his waist. Apparently furious wasn’t the only thing he was. "I can explain."
          "No need to. I heard it all. You’ve disgraced your family Akane. You’ve disgraced me and you’ve disgraced yourself." He looked down at Ryouga. "The way of a martial artist is full of temptation. You failed Ryouga."
          "You failed Ranma. You failed to see. The temptation was yours." He climbed out of the bath and changed into the spare clothes he kept hidden. "I love Akane."
          Ranma glowed a dangerous red. "Get the hell out of this house."
          "It’s okay Ryouga. Ranma and I need to talk."
          "I’ll just go down to the dojo." He smiled at her. "I love you Akane. I will treasure this gift you have given me. If he attempts to disgrace you, I will be by your side and he will have to deal with me. Then truly Ranma I will beat you. I don’t fight you for bread or a curse now Ranma. I fight for her love."
          They watched as he walked out of the room. As the door slid shut behind him, Ranma’s battle aura dissipated. He looked down into sad, hazel eyes. "Why Akane?"
          "For love."
          "Why him?"
          "Shouldn’t the first time be with someone who loves you? Not someone forced to be with you by his sense of duty and honor? He loves me Ranma. And I care for him."
          "You don’t love him." It was half statement, half question.
          "The person I love doesn’t love me."
          "I thought you were over Dr. Tofu."
          She ignored his comment and stood. He watched the water whisper off her skin like some Venus. She wrapped the towel around her. "Go away Ranma. I will tell my father of my disgrace and then you’ll be free to marry whomever you choose. I’ll solve one fiancée problem for you." She brushed past him, unable to meet his eyes. "Good-bye Ranma."

          *Damn! Damn! Damn!* Ranma ignored his clothes as he poured a bucketful of cold water over his body and felt the changes occur. One very effective way of getting rid of an erection. She then splashed herself with hot water, refusing to look at the tub. Not that he needed the reminder. All he had to do was close his eyes and right there he could see her…and him.
          He pulled off his shirt to wring it out. Here was his perfect opportunity to get out of marrying her. He could be rid of her cooking *if you can call it that*, her mallet, her jealousy, her anger, her smile, her sexy body, her love of life… Is that what he wanted? What would life be without her in it? He shook his head and slipped the shirt back on. Slowly, he headed for Akane’s room.

          Her door was ajar and he didn’t hear anything, so he peeked inside. She lay on the bed, not moving, still wearing only the towel. His heart beat faster in his chest, he felt his groin stirring and suddenly he felt guilty. *Why am I feeling guilty? She’s the one…*
          She opened her eyes and saw him standing there. "I was preparing myself. I will go down and await the return of the family." She made as if to stand.
          "No Akane, please."
          She wouldn’t look at him. "As you wish. I will wait here."
          He felt his anger threaten. Who was this stranger. His Akane would have killed him by now. "I…I just wanted to know why."
          "Why I did what I did, or why you watched?
          He let the comment go. "Why Akane?"
          "You don’t want to marry me, why does it matter? I saw you this morning. I heard what you said. I have given you an honorable way out of the engagement."
          "Why?"
          "I care very deeply for Ryouga. He has been a constant confidante and friend. If I can handle a fiancé that turns into a girl, surely I can handle one that turns into a pig."
          Ranma finally stepped into the room. "I see." He didn’t. He thought back to the morning trying to think of something - anything - that would have prompted this.
          *This morning….this morning…this…oh, shit.*

          He suddenly had a clear picture. He’d run into Shampoo and had escaped with Ukyou’s help. Knowing that Shampoo would follow them, he’d asked Ucchan to help him set her up.
          "Ucchan, I’ve finally made a decision."
          "Really Ranchan?"
          "I want to marry you."
          Ukyou smiled at him, wishing so much that this were real and not a game. "What about Shampoo?" He made some excuse that she hadn’t heard, intent only on him holding her hand. "And Akane?"
          "Bah, she’s not even competition. I’d sooner marry Kodachi than that stubborn, uncute tomboy."
          "And me?"
          "As soon as I can find a way out of Pop’s agreement with Mr. Tendo…"
          "Oh Ranchan!" She’d hugged him then kissed him long and hard.
          He’d tried to pull back, terrified of her ardor, but she held him firmly in her embrace. He’d heard the soft retreat of footsteps. He’d assumed it was Shampoo.

          "I thought you were Shampoo."
          "How on earth could you mistake a stubborn, uncute tomboy for someone as beautiful as Shampoo?"
          He walked over to the bed and sat beside her. "I thought Shampoo was spying on me, so Ucchan and I played it up for her benefit."
          "You don’t have to explain or apologize Ranma. It’s done."
          * I want my Akane back!* His mind and heart cried out to him. Why was he hurting her…again? "What was it like?"
          "Pardon?" She looked at him, then, remembering her role, cast he eyes down.
          "Was it…what you expected?"
          "Yes. And no."
          "I always thought I would be the first to…"
          "Have sex with me?"
          "Love you."
          "But you don’t." Akane walked over to the window and looked out. "You love Ukyou."
          "No. I mean I love her the way you love Ryouga…well not quite."
         "Have you?" He could see the rosy flush suffuse her entire body.
         "No. I’ve kissed a couple of girls. And accidentally a couple of guys. I’ve had stuff happen like fiancées walking in on me naked, that kind of thing." He laughed softly. "I’m sorry I hurt you Akane."
         "I’d say we’re pretty even on that score. I think it’s for the best that we use this to end our engagement."
         "I don’t. I don’t love Ukyou. Or Shampoo. Or Kodachi. I’ve only got one fiancée that I love."
         Her eyes opened wide and she faced him. "What did you say?"
         "I said I love you. Akane-sama."
         "But…but I…"
         "I realized a long time ago that I would risk my life to save yours. Today you risked your honor for me."
         "What I did…"
         "You probably gave Ryouga more self esteem today than he’s had in his entire life. He’d going to be hell to be around for quite awhile. Although, since he’s left us alone this long, I’d say he’s already lost."
         Her look was one of confusion. "Ranma, you’re being awfully…adult about all of this."
         "I realized while I was calming down that if I’m not very careful right now about what I say I’m going to lose you. Forever. That is something I can’t live with."
         Akane walked back over to the bed and sat next to him, almost close enough to touch. "You’re all wet."
         "I needed to cool down."
         "Your temper?"
         "Ah…not exactly." He reached out to brush a lock of hair out of her eyes. "I was watching you. Maybe I am some kind of a pervert Akane, but I couldn’t take my eyes off you. And I was so jealous of that bastard." His aura began to glow around him again.
         "I saw you. At the end. Just before everything exploded. It was your eyes I lost myself in. It was you I imagined beneath me. And then you were real."
         "Real mad."
         "Real excited."
         He blushed. "You could tell?"
         "I was pretty excited too. All I could think about was pulling you into that bath with me."
         "You are a pervert girl."
         "You wouldn’t have enjoyed it?" She looked slyly at him. "If I had pulled you in and held you against me, you wouldn’t have been the least bit interested?"
         "Um, Akane…?" He watched her stand before him. With a simple motion, the towel was falling to the ground. He followed it to the floor with his eyes then promptly shut them.
         Akane smiled. With a slight tug, she pulled his shirt off him. One hand caressed his smooth, muscled chest as her warm breath caused his nipple to harden. She smiled. *Not so different.* She kissed his neck, his collarbone then the hard nub on his chest. Her tongue flicked against it and she felt the shudder go through him. He was trembling now with every caress.
         "Akane," his whispered breath was as shaky as his hands.
         "Should I stop Ranma, or can I kiss you?"
         "Yes."
         "To which?"
         "Both." His raised his hands to touch her soft blue-black hair.
         "They’re mutually exclusive." She continued to stare straight into his closed eyes. He could feel her watching him and knew if he saw her eyes he was lost. He played the question over in his mind, amazed he could think with a naked Akane - he felt his groin respond immediately to that thought. Heard her giggle and knew she did too. What the hell. This was Akane. He opened his eyes and felt the world melt away. "I love you Akane. Will you marry me?"
         She lost her balance and landed on her bare bottom. "What did you say?"
         "I spent the time cooling down to think about my life without you. I couldn’t picture it Akane. I have no life without you in it. You’ve put up with so much because of my Pop and my curse. I can put this all behind us. I’m nothing without you."
         "What have you done with the real Ranma? Is this some kind of strange curse? Possession?" She wrapped her arms around her knees. "Ranma doesn’t act like this."
         "Would you rather I slammed out of the house and went to Ucchan’s?"
         "That I know how to deal with. The Ranma I know doesn’t do or say things like his."
         "The Akane I know doesn’t seduce pig-boy for my own good." He smiled. "We’re both a little out of character today. Shouldn’t we take advantage of it? Will you marry me?"
         "I…I…um," Akane stared up at his gorgeous eyes through tears swimming in hers. This was the last thing she expected, the last thing she’d dreamed would happen. This morning she’d thought Ukyou would be getting this speech.
         "Well?" Ranma was starting to get nervous. Maybe he’d read the whole situation wrong. He thought he was doing it right.
         "I’m not sure."
         "What?"
         Slowly, a sly smile spread across her face. "You’d have to prove yourself first."
         "Excuse me?"
         "We’ll, I’ve had a taste of extreme pleasure. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with something less."
         "Oh really?" He took her hands and helped her to stand. "You tryin’ to say he’s better than me?"
         "Well, I don’t really know, do I?" She grinned impishly. "Are you man enough to find out?"
         "What?" He took her arms and twisting his body, brought her down onto the bed. Straddling her, he held her arms pinned above her head. "What did you say? You don’t think I’m MAN enough?" He looked down at her breasts, held taut by her extended arms.
         "I never said that." Akane felt the rush of warmth flood her body. "I just know how strong and…built Ryouga is. Some men might be afraid of the comparison."
         "I’ve beaten Ryouga in every battle Akane. Do you think I’d lose one as important as this?" Still holding her down to the bed, he leaned slightly forward and softly kissed the tip of her nose. "I challenge you Akane Tendo."
         Her breath caught until she realized what he’d said. "Excuse me?"
         "In exactly one week, when we’re alone in the house again, I challenge you to a duel. Martial Arts Sexual Gratification. If I win, you marry me."
         "And if I win?"
         "What do you want for your prize?"
         She pretended to think. "You have to keep practicing until you get it right."
         "Then you accept?"
         "Hai." She sighed, a bit sadly as Ranma released her. He slid his shirt back on. "By the way Ranma, how do you intend to practice for this challenge?"
         "Well, you do have the edge, having some experience."
         "So?" Her voice took on a hard edge, fear throwing images of him with Ukyou, Shampoo or Kodachi in her mind.
         "I thought I’d better spend some time exploring the female body."
         "Whose?" Her voice was calm, but her mind was screaming. *He asks me to marry him then basically tells me he’s going to be unfaithful. That…that …BAKA* Akane reached for her mallet.
         "Mine."
         "Ranma no…huh?" She dropped the mallet and stared at her fiancé.
         "Know thy enemy." He smiled. "No more practicing for you though young lady."
         "Hai. At least not with Ryouga. Like you said, he’s halfway to Osaka by now."
         "Akane."
         Surprised at his serious tone at her joke, she stopped smiling.          "You’re mine Akane. If it happens again, I’ll kill him. No matter who it is."
         "Yes Ranma. I know."
         They heard noises downstairs and Akane leapt off the bed. "Go Ranma! Before they see us."
         He headed for the door with a soft glance as she started to dress. "It’s too bad. Cause you’re cute when you’re naked."