Kunou stood in his room, admiring himself in the mirror. He was wearing the suit he’d worn to dinner with Nabiki and trying, without much success, not to think about that evening. The pain was now gone whenever he thought of or saw Akane Tendo or the pig-tailed goddess, but the image of Nabiki in her clinging gown was still difficult to handle.
          "Master Kunou! The car awaits you!"
          He headed out of his room, his mind still on Nabiki. The pain was just a persistent aching now in his heart and, embarrassingly enough, his groin. Although he had to admit, as far as pain went, it was not altogether unpleasant.

          Ukyou stared at herself in the mirror. She’d gone out and bought a simple dress that enhanced the figure she normally worked so had to hid. *Not bad,* she thought as she twirled around. She’d certainly show that jackass Ryouga…She stopped her thought. Ranma. She loved Ranma.
          Didn’t she?
          She left the bathroom and sat on the edge of her bed. She’d told Nabiki that she loved Ranma, but she hadn’t believed her. Was that stupid pig-boy getting to her?
          She walked to the room he had stayed in and looked around. There was a hint of color peeking out from under the bedspread.
          One of his bandannas. Sighing, Ukyou turned it over in her hands. Trying not to think about what it meant, she tied it around her ponytail. Maybe no one would notice.

          Ryouga stood in front of the window in Ranma’s room. Since Akane’s accident, Ranma had moved back in so there were four bedrolls scattered around. Nabiki had brought two tuxedo boxes in and handed one to him.
          "You’re going to look fabulous, Ryouga-kun."
          "Will I look like a million yen?"
          "You’ll be with me, won’t you?" She’d smiled and left the room, but not before he’d seen the sad look in her eyes.
          He tugged at his bow tie and turned back into the room. Akane was standing in the doorway dressed in a long robe.
          "I don’t want anyone to see my dress yet, but I wanted to see how you looked."
          "And?"
          "You look almost as good as I’ve ever seen you."
          "Almost?" His disappointment was obvious.
          "Well," she moved closer to him so she could whisper. "The best I’ve seen you look, you were wearing a lot less."
          Ryouga blushed a deep red. "You shouldn’t say things like that!"
          She giggled. "I couldn’t resist. Honestly though, you look very handsome."
          "Thank you."
          "Ukyou’s going to love it."
          "I’m going with Nabiki."
          Akane nodded. "I know. But she’s not who you’re trying to impress."

          Shampoo lay her dress across her bed. The smooth Chinese silk was like heaven to touch.           "Shampoo? Are you almost ready child?"
          "Yes."
          Cologne stood in the doorway. It had once been her dress. The turquoise material had moved like water when she’d walked. Traditionally, an Amazon would wear it only to meet with her intended groom to commence the courting ritual. When she’d worn it, Happosai had not shown.
          "Why are you wearing this gown?"
          "I…" Shampoo sighed. "I no love Ranma Great grandmother. I know I disgrace but…"
          "Others have capably handled the tribe in our absence." She thought back to the day he’d disappointed her. Her heart had hardened that day, as all hearts do once broken. "When the battle is love, no one truly loses."
          The violet eyes were confused.
          "I know you love the duck boy. It is something we will deal with if the Tendo girl does not steal him from you."
          "I can wear dress then?"
          "Yes. But remember, this battle may not be as easily won as you think. And it will not end tonight."
          Shampoo didn’t care. Maybe, just maybe, tonight she’d win her heart’s desire.

          Mousse sat on the sun porch outside the Tendo home. It was almost sunset and the sky was aglow with color. He sighed deeply.
          "Is everything all right Mousse?" Kasumi smiled down at him.
          "Oh, of course," he smiled feebly.
          She sat next to him, setting the box she was carrying next to her. "When our mother died, I was the only one old enough to take the responsibility of raising my sisters. They are both very stubborn. And I can always tell when they lie." She straightened the edges of her apron. "They now do not even bother. You’ve obviously not learned this yet."
          "When I came here to stay, Akane and I both hoped that Shampoo would realize she couldn’t live without me. And, if tonight is any indication, it has not happened."
          "Tonight cannot be used to judge. It hasn’t happened yet."
          "It doesn’t need to happen. I know how it will turn out."
          "Mousse, when my mother’s heart stopped, in that instant, my life changed completely. In an instant, anything can change. Maybe not completely, but change just the same."
          "Kasumi…"
          "Trust me. The tiniest grain of sand can alter the course of a river. Don’t give up hope. That is all we have." She handed him the box she’d set beside her. "Wear this tonight. And hope."
          She stood and headed for the dojo. He openned the box and smiled at the tuxedo. It was her party. And, no matter what happened, at least he’d look nice.

          Nabiki refused to look in the mirror. She was afraid that if she saw how she looked, she might be too nervous to go downstairs.
          Her outfit clung luxuriously to her curves. The material was black, filmy and, if you looked closely, slightly see-through. Akane’s whistle said it all. "You are just aiming at Kunou, right Sis? Because you’re going to be causing a few nosebleeds."
          "Worried about Ranma?" she drawled.
          "No. I’m not. He’s the last thing on my mind tonight. I’m going to have a good time with Mousse and he’s welcome to Shampoo or Ukyou or…"
          "Me?" Nabiki smiled to show her she was joking. "Go get ready Akane."
          "You look great Nabi-chan."
          "Thanks." She waited for the door to shut behind her sister before she glanced at the mirror. Why was she doing this? Obviously for Kunou, but why? To prove she could take his mind off her sister and brother-in-law? Did she really want someone who was too stupid to realize Ranma and the pig-tailed girl were the same?
          Logic was Nabiki’s prize weapon. She stared at her reflection, not seeing the dress or herself. The first night, that first innocent kiss. No matter what drugs he’d been influenced by, he’d made her feel beautiful. Special. Desirable.
          Was it worth it?
          She saw her reflection and smiled what she considered her trademark smile. Yes. It was.
          The smile turned predatory, her real trademark smile, if for no other reason than to show Ukyou that no one questioned her business tactics or skill without paying the price.

          Barring the time he’d encountered Kodachi Kunou, the roof had always been calming for Ranma. Today, he sat above Akane’s room wondering why it wasn’t working.
          Maybe it was her soft humming. Was she enjoying not being engaged to him? Was that it?
          Or the fact that her shade was drawn so that he couldn’t get even the slightest glimpse of her.
          Or maybe it was the fact that he’d seen her earlier in the bathroom in only a towel and it had brought back a flood of memories.
          He’d been trying to put that day out of his mind since their challenge had been postponed.
          Now cancelled.
          Ranma pulled on his tuxedo jacket and tried to imagine what she’d wear tonight.
          Her humming stopped. He heard her window open and called out. "Akane?"
          "Yes Ranma?"
          "Do you hate me?" He hadn’t meant to say anything, much less that.
          *Easier than if I love him,* she thought. "No Ranma. I don’t hate you. You’d better go. Shampoo’s probably waiting."

          She closed the window and waited until she heard him leave. Tonight she’d have a good time. She’d dance with Mousse and Ryouga, maybe even Kunou. She’d laugh and sing. And tomorrow, she’d explain to her father what she’d done and why she and Ranma could no longer be engaged.
          And she’d face the hurt in his eyes, the disappointment in Kasumi’s, the knowing in Nabiki’s, and the…No. She wouldn’t be able to look into Ranma’s eyes.
          She looked down at her hands, surprised to find them shaking. That was for tomorrow. Her only regret was that she’d never get to know what it felt like to kiss him.
          She stood up and shook herself. She’d have plenty of time to brood later. Smiling at her reflection, Akane headed out the door. Tonight, she was going to have fun.

          Mousse opened the door to the dojo and listened to the collective gasp that echoed his own from moments before.
          Akane had made him wait until everyone else had arrived and was inside before showing him her outfit. She’d basked in his reaction and was doing the same now.
          All of her friends, schoolmates, rivals and relatives were used to seeing her in slightly large sweaters, knee length skirts or her school uniform. The red dress had a short skirt that flared slightly and a bodice that caressed her. The thin spaghetti straps seemed barely strong enough to support the tantalizing show of flesh. Her breasts were actually modestly covered, but appeared to be amply on display.
          Nabiki hated being upstaged. Although she looked classier, older and more sophisticated than Akane, the younger girl still looked better. At least the majority of the crowd wavered between looking at the two of them.
          She’d call it a draw. She leaned over. "Okay Ryouga. Look at me now. Pretend I’m your date."
          His eyes slowly traveled to her. "Sorry."
          She handed him another tissue. "Not a problem."
          Shampoo glared at Akane. How dare she look so comfortable with Mousse?
          Ranma just stared. No coherent thought crossed his mind. Akane deliberately looking sexy was too much. He could barely even handle it when she just looked cute.
          Shampoo took his hand and rubbed it against the silk on her knee. "Airen?"
          He turned to her. She looked beautiful as well. But her beauty was always there. Tight clothes, short skirts, tight hugs. Akane was shy. Bashful. Embarrassed. "Yes Shampoo?"
          "Me know you love her, but pretend I here?"
          "Sorry." He wasn’t used to her like this. He wasn’t sure he trusted it.
          "Is okay. Dance?"
          The music had started and Kasumi was dancing with her father. Nabiki was leading Ryouga and Kunou was lightly holding Ukyou.
          "Sure." He led her out to a spot by Kunou and Ukyou. "Are you still mad at me Ucchan?"
          *He didn’t even notice how I look. Even Kunou is more observant.* "I guess not."
          "Great. By the way, you look great. That dress really suits you." He turned back to Shampoo.
          Ukyou beamed. "Ranchan likes it. I knew he’d come around. He was just feeling bad about Akane.* She looked back at him to see him barely holding Shampoo and staring longingly at Akane dancing with his father.
          *I can’t believe I’m jealous of my Pop.* He pulled Shampoo closer as Akane turned his way. Nice to know his survival instinct was failing him again.

          The song ended and Kasumi gathered everyone in a circle.
          "Okay, we’re going to play a game. Everyone pick a partner. You dance with that person until the music ends then the women will go to the next partner on the left." She beamed her beatific smile. "It’s going to be so much fun!"
          Her spirit was infectious. The large crowd started pairing off. Akane started with Mousse and danced her way through her classmates, her father, Mr. Saotome, Dr. Tofu, Kunou, Ryouga, Sasuke and Principal Kunou. The music suddenly slowed and she found herself face to face with Ranma.
          His heart broke as her smiled faded. He hated knowing she couldn’t smile with him. He reached out a hand just a bit before he stopped. "We can’t dance."
          "We can’t touch."
          The looked at everyone else around them. Nabiki was with Kunou and both looked like they were hurting. "Do we look that bad?"
          Akane shrugged. "You look very nice."
          "You look absolutely amazing. I’d never have thought someone like you could look so good."
          "Someone like me?" Her voice took on a dangerous tone.
          "You just always come…" he stopped, somehow sensing he was entering life-threatening territory. "You always seem to de-emphasize your…uh, attributes. Sot that the guys don’t hit on you."
          She stared at him. He’d actually managed not to insult her. She started to smile then stopped. He was probably just concerned that she’d mallet him.
          He held his breath. At first he was just hoping not to get sent into orbit. Then he saw the first sign of a smile. If he could make her smile…
          Then it was gone. And, he realized as the music ended, so was his last chance to convince her that he needed her to be engaged to him, to love him.
          She moved onto Mousse and he wrapped her up in a soft, close hug. Valentine’s day, decided Ranma, could not get any worse.

          Kasumi made it worse several hours later.
          "Okay, we’re going to play one more game. It’s sort of like a scavenger hunt, only you’re only looking for one thing."
          She smiled and passed out maps to everyone. "Don’t look at them just yet. I’ve decided that instead of chocolates, this year we’d try a more American tradition and give presents. Small presents will be given to everyone. Once you get your gift, you go the marked spot on your map and meet your valentine. Once you’ve done that, come back to the dojo for more food, dancing and fun. Okay?"
          She watched as everyone filed out to get the little gifts she’d provided. Dr. Tofu was standing by with Sasuke to make sure all of the right people got the right gifts.
          Kasumi decided Cupid was most definitely her favorite role.