Chapter 14- The Proposal

"Please don’t say I love you…Those words touch me much too deeply…"

Ranma woke up to the sound of the birds chirping outside. He glanced at the clock. It was 6:15 a.m. Sitting up, he rested his back against the headboard. Gazing out the window, he saw that the morning turned out to be bright and sunny, which was a contrast to what the weather had been for the past few days.

He got up and stretched. A smile came to his lips. He had a good feeling that today was going to be a good one.

After eating breakfast, he got ready for work and whistled the whole time. Ranma was just about to head for the door when he realized something he hadn’t done since he came in last night from Utsunomiya. Check his answering machine.

As Ranma looked down at the machine, he saw that the light was not blinking. Michiko didn’t call. He frowned. Oh, well. It was Friday today, and she probably thought it was not necessary for her to call since she was coming home today.

Ranma shrugged to himself, thinking that it was no big deal. He left the house and crossed the street, arriving at Akane’s. His eyes turned towards her house. He felt this sudden urge to see her, which he couldn’t understand. Taking a deep breath, he told himself quietly, "No, no, Saotome. You’ll see her later."

He opened the dojo and did some kata while half-expecting Akane to arrive. When he was through, however, the children came. Ranma greeted them all a good morning at the doorway. Minutes passed and more children continued to come. Every once in awhile, he’d sneak a peek towards the house, hoping to get a glimpse of Akane.

By 7:55, all the children were inside. Akane still hadn’t arrived. He felt a pang of disappointment and wondered what was taking her so long. As Ranma turned to go inside the dojo, he started to get worried. She couldn’t be sick again, could she? Maybe I better go check on her.

When he whirled around, he barely noticed someone coming up to him…and they nearly collided to each other.

"Oh!" Akane jerked back.

"Akane." Ranma reacted the same way, surprised.

"I’m sorry."

Ranma held out his hands. "Easy. It’s okay."

"I had to run. I’m not too late, am I?"

"No, as a matter of fact, you’re just in time."

Akane smiled, and Ranma felt warm all over. He was standing so close to her…so close…like the time when they were in the cabin…together…alone…

At that moment, they heard children screaming, "It’s Sato-sensei! She’s back!"

Suddenly, all of Akane’s students surrounded them at their feet. They were jumping up and down. Then Ranma’s students also joined them, and everyone was talking and cheering at the same time.

"Sato-sensei! You’re here!"

"YAY!"

"We missed you, Sato-sensei!"

Ryota added, "Sato-sensei, I feel that the skies are now brighter now that your presence has filled the room! Yet my heart continues to weep…for Saotome-sensei will not allow you to be my teacher."

Akane laughed and exclaimed, "I missed you guys, too. And especially you, Ryota."

"Alas! The woman has spoken such true and divine words. This I shall keep in thy memory!"

Akane giggled and started hugging one of the kids as the others continued to cheer.

Ranma watched her. Her smile. Her voice. Her laughter. They all somehow made the dojo alive. He was alive again.

Akane felt Ranma’s eyes on her. She equally met them with hers. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt blush creeping up to her cheeks. Ranma…

"Sato-sensei! We’re so glad to have you back!" Rina’s small voice interrupted her thoughts. "Aren’t you, Saotome-sensei?"

Even Ranma had to shake himself out of his reverie. "What?’

"Aren’t you happy that she’s back?"

He glanced at Akane who was looking at him rather shyly. "Uhhh…yes, of course, Rina."

"Oh, look!" One of Ranma’s students called out. "Saotome-sensei is blushing!"

"Ooooh!" The children began to giggle and tease them as well.

Ranma was suddenly embarrassed, but regained his composure. "Alright! You kids knock it off. We’ve got class."

Akane cleared her throat and got all business-like. "That’s right. My class. My classroom. Pronto."

There were grumbles here and there as Ranma led his students away from Akane. While her students marched before her to their classroom, Akane kept her face firm.

Inside, she was smiling.

***

"Goodbye!" The last student called out as he ran outside the dojo.

Akane and Ranma waved as they watched him leave. Both let out a sigh of relief. It was lunchtime now. The morning classes were finished. Their day at the dojo was halfway through.

Ranma turned to her. "So where are you going to eat lunch?"

"Home, as usual," she replied. "You?"

He let out a smile as he slapped his tummy. "Well, this guy is screaming for some okonomiyaki."

Akane laughed as she waved her hand at him. "You haven’t changed a bit."

Ranma watched as she was about to go back inside. He suddenly had an idea. "Akane?"

Turning, Akane asked, "Yes?"

"I was…uh…wondering…"

"Yes, go on."

"I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch?" He saw her reaction go blank, but went on. "I mean…that is…if you want to…I mean…you don’t have to…"

She smiled at him as she clasped her hands before her. "I’d love to."

"You would?" Ranma was surprised.

"Sure. Let me just put away the bokken we used in my last class."

Yatta! He tried to keep the excitement away from his voice. "You need help?"

"No, no." She shook her head. "I won’t take long."

Ranma agreed, and he waited for her as she went to her classroom. He was glad that she agreed. It would give them a chance to talk…to catch up on old times, and he wanted to ask her more about Hikaru.

He heard footsteps approaching from behind. Ranma, who was expecting to see a student, turned around.

"Ranma!"

His eyes widened. "Michiko!"

Wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater and tight black leather pants that failed to conceal her sexy figure, Michiko walked up to him in an almost cat-like manner. She flashed him a seductive smile.

"Hi, stranger. Surprise."

"Wha…what are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you to come this early," he said as he pushed away the disappointment he felt.

She continued to smile. "I finished my work already for the week. Besides, I thought I’d come home now instead of tonight." Michiko traced the opening of his gi. "Did you miss me?"

"Yes…of course."

Michiko wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. Ranma, who was shocked to see her, hesitated at first, but soon found himself responding. She rubbed herself against him and slid her hands under his top, caressing his well-defined chest.

She broke off the kiss and rested her head on his shoulder. "Mmmm. I say we finish this at home, Mr. Saotome."

"Well…uh…I’m sort of hungry…"

She ran her hands up and down on his chest and she could tell that he was aroused. "So am I."

"Well…no…I didn’t mean that way…"

A low, throaty laughter came out from her. "I took out some Chinese food. You can eat at the house…and then maybe you can feed my own hunger."

Michiko kissed him again. This time she did it with more passion. Ranma kissed her back holding her steadily.

"I’m ready!"

Akane walked in the room and saw Ranma and Michiko, kissing, as they were locked in an embrace. Ranma opened one eye and saw her.

Akane!

"Oh, gomen nasai." Akane forced herself to look away, embarrassed.

Ranma stopped kissing Michiko, but was unable to back away from Michiko’s arms. "Oh…Akane…" He trailed off. He felt like he should explain, but what could he say?

"Hello, Akane." Michiko let out a grin but the look she had in her eyes was vicious.

Back off, Tendo. He’s mine.

Akane nodded towards her. "Michiko."

"Uh…Akane," started Ranma, "I think that…"

She interrupted him. "Oh! Since your wife is here, I suppose you’d like to spend time together now."

"Yes." He tried not to answer to slow, for the fear of Michiko getting suspicious.

"Well, then go ahead. Don’t stop on my account."

"Why, that’s very sweet of you," said Michiko in a voice coated with sugar. "Isn’t she just darling, Ranma?"

"Yeah."

Michiko started to leave as she led her husband outside. "Come along, sweetheart."

Akane watched them walk together hand in hand. Before leaving, however, Michiko turned to her.

"Oh, by the way, Akane-darling, please don’t get angry at Ranma if he comes late because…well…you know…" Michiko let out a haughty laugh.

Ranma looked back at her. "I’ll see you later, Akane."

Akane said nothing.

"At least you would know what it’s like to see the man you love in another woman’s arms."

***

"And here’s your order of three okonomiyakis with everything on it. Here’s your change and receipt. Have a nice day."

Ukyou recited with a smile as she handed the order to the customer who thanked her. When he left, Ukyou sighed, relieved that the take out line came to an end. Lunch time was always a pill. She looked down at her swollen belly. It’ll be just a matter weeks she’ll be giving birth, though she wished it would happen in a few days.

"Ukyou."

She glanced up, startled to find the person she least expected to see. "Akane."

"Hi." Akane let out an uncomfortable, almost shy smile.

"Can I get you anything?"

"I’ll have two orders with vegetables."

"You got it."

"Um, Ukyou, is Ryoga here?"

"He’s over there by the griddle." Ukyou watched her as Akane peered over to where Ryoga was. He was busy cooking okonomiyakis. "Do you want to talk to him?"

Akane nodded.

"Let me get him." She left Akane as she was calling out, "Ryoga-honey!"

Akane sat at one of the tables. She looked towards the couple. Ukyou was talking to Ryoga who cast Akane a nervous look. Then he nodded at Ukyou. She smiled and squeezed his arm.

Slowly, Ryoga approached Akane. He stood before her, uncertain of what to say.

Akane made the first move. "Hello, Ryoga."

"Hi."

She gestured towards the seat before her. "Please…sit down."

"Thank you." Ryoga took his seat. "You…you wanted to talk to me."

"Yes. I wanted to talk to you about last week."

"Oh, that. Akane, I-"

"No." Akane held up her hand. "Let me speak. I forgive you, Ryoga."

He was surprised and relieved at the same time. "You do?"

"What you did was wrong. Ranma and I had a long talk yesterday. He told me why you and him kept it as a secret, and I understand."

Ryoga looked down. "I was in love with you, Akane. I…I wanted to get close to you, but I saw that you only had eyes for Ranma." He finally looked up at her. "I had to get your attention somehow. I wanted to feel loved, and I saw that you loved me as P-chan. I pretended sometimes that you loved me…as me. I was living in a dream world. It was wrong, I know. I’m sorry. Because of me, I brought you and Ranma apart."

"No, Ryoga, you didn’t." She shook her head. "You were involved, yes, but I wouldn’t say directly."

He was puzzled. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Akane let out a sigh. "Let’s just say that there were other people who were." There was a flash of anger in her eyes, but she waved her hand as if to disregard it. "Anyway, I don’t want talk about it. It’s very disturbing." She gave him a gentle look. "The point is, Ryoga, you are forgiven. I would very much like to be friends again."

Ryoga smiled. "I would like that, Akane. And you will always be my friend."

He reached out and held her hand as they smiled at each other.

***

~Saturday. Ranma’s house~

Ranma was sitting at the kitchen table, recording the expenses he and Akane made during their trip to Utsunomiya in Nabiki’s notebook.

Moments later, Michiko came in. She stood next to him as she asked, "What are you doing, honey?"

"Oh, just writing down the expenses for the school."

Michiko leaned down, pretending to look interested. Then she turned to him and started giving him kisses. Then in one swift move, she straddled on his lap.

When she stopped kissing him, she smiled. "Why don’t you forget this thing for now, and maybe start working on your wife, eh?"

Ranma let out a low chuckle. "I can’t. Not right now. I promised Nabiki that I would put down what we spent in Utsunomiya in her notebook."

"Oh, I’m sure that Nabiki won’t mind if you were just a tad bit late." Michiko whispered and kissing his earlobe.

Ranma let out a sharp intake of breath and pulled away. "I told her that I’d bring her notebook by tonight."

Michiko pouted. "Oh, pooh."

"Later, okay?"

Michiko got off him and let out a sad smile. "I’m sorry. I guess not being able to see you for the past week or so has just been plain torture for me."

Ranma suddenly felt guilty. "Listen, as soon as I finish this, why don’t we just go out to dinner?"

She shook her head. "No, no, it’s not that." She sat down on the chair before him and took his hands. "I love you, Ranma. You know that, don’t you?"

"Sure, I do."

"Do you love me?"

An image of Akane flashed before his mind. His heart began to beat faster. He tightened his hands around Michiko and smiled. "Of course, I love you."

"I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. It’s been so difficult for us. You’re here in Nerima. I’m there in Osaka. This separation of ours is really driving me crazy, Ranma. I say we start over and start building our lives back together again."

"Michiko…"

She smiled at him. "Why don’t we move back to San Francisco?"

Ranma was more horrified than surprised. "San Francisco?"

"Yes, we were so much happier there. Tell me the truth. Didn’t we start having problems when we moved back here to Japan?"

"But…San Francisco?"

"You and I can start a whole new life there. In a few months, you and Akane will be breaking up the partnership. You will be on your own. You can open up your own Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I can move my headquarters there, and I will still be able to run the company."

"Why not just move to Osaka? I mean you can be closer to your job."

Michiko shook her head. "But, darling, that would be just so unfair to you! You’re the only one who has to give up something. Why not we both give up something? I would leave my job here at Osaka. And you would leave your job here at Nerima."

"Yes, but why San Francisco?"

"Ranma, I grew up in the States. I loved it there. I’m much more at home there than here in Japan. I believe that I will be more comfortable in an environment where I would be able to raise our child."

"Child?"

Michiko smiled. "Yes, child. Our child, Ranma. Yours and mine. Darling, you and I would be so happy! Don’t you agree?"

He forced himself to smile. "Yes."

"Oh, Ranma!"

She reached out to hug him as she said in her thoughts, "Akane Tendo, you don’t stand a chance."

The dinner at Kasumi’s house went on as planned. That evening, Akane, the Kunos, and the Tofus gathered together. Akane had arrived earlier to help out Kasumi with the cooking. Just before seven o’ clock, Kasumi and Akane were bringing out the food from the kitchen.

Kasumi had brought out the last dish, but asked Akane to bring out the punch from the kitchen.

Akane went in the kitchen, followed by Nabiki. It was only the two of them, much to the latter’s belief.

"Say, Akane, what’s going on with you and Ranma?" She asked.

Akane was caught by surprise. "I beg your pardon."

"I heard what happened in the dojo."

Her eyes narrowed. "Where did you hear that?"

"Ryou happened to mention it."

"Oh, like mother, like son."

"Akane."

She slammed her hand down on the counter. "Nothing is going on between Ranma and me! So, we got teased! Big deal!"

Nabiki, who didn’t expect Akane to get angry, drew back. "Akane, I’m just…I’m just worried about you…"

"Oh, sure you are, Nabiki. You blackmailed me into taking this partnership with Ranma…just so the school won’t go out of business…and, as usual, for your own purposes!"

Nabiki’s face went red in anger. "You’re lucky that I did! I saved your scrawny little ass back there, Akane! If it weren’t for me, you’d still be living in Takasaki, feeling so damn sorry for yourself!"

She took a deep breath to calm down. Reality check, she thought. Losing control was not her style.

Her voice spoke again in a low tone. "Now, look here, Akane. I don’t give a crap about what you think of me, but it just so happens that I am concerned about your well-being. Even if Ranma gave you up for a good reason, he still happens to be a married man."

"Don’t you think I know that?" Akane snapped out.

Kasumi came in. "Oh, my! What is all the yelling about?"

"Nothing." Akane and Nabiki exchanged hostile glances.

"Well, they’re all ready to start dinner. Akane, please bring out the drinks."

"Sure, Oneechan."

As Akane picked up the punchbowl and started to make her way out of the kitchen, Nabiki moved out of her way. As she passed by, she said, "Be careful."

But, Akane knew she wasn’t talking about the punch.

***

Their lovemaking that night left Michiko exhausted, and it wasn’t long after that she fell into a deep sleep. Ranma, however, was wide-awake. Slowly, he got out of bed and dressed. He grabbed Nabiki’s notebook and took off.

He arrived at the mansion where one of the maids answered. He asked for Nabiki. She wasn’t there. She was having dinner with her sisters at Kasumi’s.

Sisters.

Akane.

He thanked the maid and left, Ranma started to head back to his street, but paused for a brief moment. Suddenly , he turned around and broke out into a run. When he stopped, he found himself standing in front of the Tofu residence.

As Ranma approached the house, he could hear the laughter and the voices inside. He stood by the door for along time before deciding to knock.

When he did, he waited. It was Dr. Tofu who answered the door.

"Oh! Ranma!" He exclaimed. "What a pleasant surprise. Come on is and join us."

"Uh…no. I can’t stay. I just wanted to return Nabiki’s notebook." Ranma handed it to him. "Please give this to her."

"Of course." The doctor took the notebook. "Are you sure you don’t want to come in?"

"Yes, I’m sure, but there is one other thing…May I speak to Akane please?"

"Akane?" Dr. Tofu looked surprised. "Sure. Let me call her."

"Thank you, Doctor."

The doctor closed the door. Ranma started to pace back and forth. He had to see her. He didn’t know why he had to see her right now at this moment. All he knew was that he was going to go crazy if he didn’t.

Akane appeared at the doorway. She was surprised to see him. Glancing quickly at her watch, she saw that it was almost ten.

"Ranma!" Her voice was alarmed. "What are you doing here?"

"I…I was just giving Nabiki her notebook back."

"Oh. Where’s Michiko?"

"At home."

Akane remained where she was. She tried to keep her voice from being hostile. "She doesn’t know that you’re here, does she?"

A pause. "No, she’s asleep. Akane, can we talk?"

She hesitated. Finally, she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. "Okay. Let’s take a walk."

Ranma agreed. Without another word, they left the house. Side by side, they walked around the neighborhood.

"So, how’s your weekend so far?" asked Ranma.

"Fine," replied Akane. "You?"

"Okay."

I bet. Akane thought bitterly. Then she realized what she was doing. What am I being so sarcastic about? It’s not like I should be jealous. She felt her cheeks go red as she remembered the scene between Michiko and Ranma at the dojo. Thank goodness, it was dark. He wouldn’t be able to tell how embarrassed she was.

"You said you wanted to talk to me?" Akane asked.

"Yeah, it has something to do with our contract," replied Ranma.

"What of it?"

"Well, we only have three months left together. And we did agree to go on our separate ways, right?"

Akane nodded slowly. "Yes, that’s right."

Ranma nearly flinched. He almost wished she said no.

Akane stopped walking and faced him. "What’s this all about, Ranma?"

He looked at her. "Well, Michiko and I had been talking, and I thought you should know this right away since you are my partner."

"Know about what?"

"Michiko wants to move out of Nerima."

"Oh."

"We’ve been talking about moving since you took the partnership with me."

"I see. And, where are you moving?"

"San Francisco."

Akane was aghast. "San Francisco!"

Ranma nodded, not saying a word.

"But…but…that’s so far away…" Akane trailed off.

"I know." His voice was almost a whisper.

You can’t! I don’t want you to leave, Ranma. To hell with that contract! Her mind raced. Akane opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. No, I can’t say anything! Who am I kidding? He’s committed to another woman.

"She wants to raise our child there," Ranma went on. "She’s going to move the company’s headquarters, and I can open my own school."

His voice was almost cheerful. In fact, too cheerful. It made him sick. It tore him inside as he was saying that he was moving away…leaving her…again…

But what else can I do? I’ve asked Michiko to give me an heir for so long. It wouldn’t be fair to say no now that she’s agreed.

Akane forced herself to smile so wide that she thought her face was going to crack. "I’m happy for you, Ranma."

His face showed no emotion he felt inside. "Thank you."

She wanted to say something else…something meaningful. Her voice came out softly. "I’ll miss you."

"I’ll miss you, too."

Akane gazed into his blue eyes. He means it. Was it possible that he still…No! Even if he does…I can’t…I won’t…

Does she feel like the way I do? No way! I …can’t. I don’t want to hurt her…even if she does…I won’t…not again…

Finally, Akane spoke up. "You’d better go."

Ranma nodded. Without a word, he turned around and walked back home. Home to his wife.

Akane watched him from behind and felt tears trickling down her face.

Why is it that the one I want is the one thing I can’t have?

***

The outside world.

How she longed to be out there again...to be free...

It was a dream. A pathetic dream. She nearly laughed out loud. She was stuck in this hellhole. No thanks to her "brother dear" and his wife. Not to mention that bitch of a sister of hers...

A smile came out of her lips. An eerie smile. Someday...someday...she was going to get out...and there will be hell to pay. Yes, yes...what a pleasant thought...

And she let out a loud, maniacal laughter.

"OHOHOHOHOHO!"

Author’s Notes:

Uh-oh. She's baaaccckkk! Yes, people, you read right. Kodachi is here! You guys didn't think that I'd leave her out, did you? Like, come on! This woman kicks ass! No way I'm going to leave her out!

The opening of the chapter had the first two lines of Jewel’s song, Near You Always which was in her first album, Pieces of You. Of course, the song is her copyright. I used this for entertainment purpose only. The first two lines just reminded me of what Ranma and Akane were going through. And yes, I like Jewel (though some people may not) so leave me alone.

And I know you’re thinking: Aren’t you ever going to have a scene where they’re going to finally admit their feelings for each other? Yes, of course. I preferred that it didn’t happen in this chapter though. Don’t worry, kids. That day will come. I’m still having my fun. ^_^.

Hope you enjoyed this.