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“Saotome-san!” Kodachi exclaimed in surprise. Oh, no! Ranma-sama's mother must think I'm a brazen hussy to act so bold in her home! She thought in horror as she knelt demurely with her head down while nervously twirling her fingers in her lap.

Which was the farthest thing in Nodoka's mind. She blinked at the scene she walked in on. Oh, my! My son is so manly! She smiled grandly. “Oh! Excuse me. I'm sorry if I interrupted anything. Please continue.” she said making Ranma's eyes bug out. She took a step back out into the hallway and was about to close the door when Ranma bolted out the opening.

“N-No, mom! Uh, I mean, it's okay! Ya didn't interrupt anything! I was just 'bout ta leave! Yeah, that's it! I was just 'bout ta leave and, and get ready for school! Yeah! I hafta get ready for school!” He ran to his room leaving both women to stare after him. “Ya take care of Kodachi, mom, and I'll meet ya at the table! See ya!” He yelled over his shoulder.

Nodoka's kimono whipped around her and she had to brace herself against the sudden gust of wind her son's hasty exit kicked up. She clucked her tongue and shook her head. One day I will have to break my son of that shyness of his if I ever hope to have grandchildren. Really! You'd think by the way he reacts women eat men. Oh, well. At least he's taking my talk about school to heart. She stepped back into the guest room bearing a change of clothes for their female guest. She knelt in front of the girl and smiled kindly.

“I apologize for my son's behavior, Dachi. He can be painfully shy at times.”

“Wha- Oh!” Kodachi came to with a start after she realized someone was speaking to her. “No need to apologize, Saotome-san.”

“Oh, but I must. My son's conduct was rude.” The woman paused. “How are you feeling, Dachi?”

“I-I feel fine, Saotome-san.”

“Please, Dachi, it would honor me if you called me 'Auntie' like the rest of my son's friends.”

“I-I would like that, Sa..., Auntie.”

Nodoka's smile widened. She brought out the kimono she had chosen. “I hope this meets with your approval, Dachi-chan. Oh! I hope you don't mind me calling you Dachi-chan.”

“I-I don't mind, Auntie.” Kodachi stuttered. The name brought back memories of another woman who called her by that name. “It, It would be my honor.”

“Thank you, Dachi-chan. Now, what do you think of this kimono?”

“You do not have to bother with me, Auntie. I should leave.”

“Non-sense, Dachi-chan! You are not a bother. In fact it pleases me greatly to be able to do this.”

“Why? Why are you treating me so kindly, Auntie?”

“Why shouldn't I treat you kindly, Dachi-chan?”

“No one ever has.” Kodachi didn't count her father and Sasuke.

“Perhaps. But that does not mean I should not.” The smile never left her face.

“I, I do not know what to say, Auntie.”

“You do not have to say anything. Now we really should get you changed. Breakfast is already waiting.”

Kodachi's eyes watered and she bowed deeply again. “Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me.”

“Now, now. Dachi-chan. There is no need to do that.” She lifted the girl up. “Come.”

“Aun-Auntie?”

“Yes, Dachi-chan?”

“May, may I stay with you? Just for today. I do not feel like attending school today.”

“Yes, of course. I welcome your company.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, now. What did I say? Although, there is a little problem.”

“What would that be, Auntie?”

“Whatever shall we do about your underwear?”

Kodachi colored as she realized she did not have a change of her undergarments.

----------

Ranma was already waiting at the table when his mother and their house guest climbed down the stairs. Kodachi was wearing one of his mother's kimono's.

She looks nice now. Not like before.

He watched as his mother and the girl sat down opposite him. He waited for his mother to serve them both their rice.

“Um, ya look nice, Kodachi.” He complimented her causing the girl's cheeks to redden.

His mother and the girl smiled. “Thank you, Ranma-sama.”

No wonder girls are falling are over themselves going after my son. He can be such a charmer.

“Uh, ya can just call me Ranma, Kodachi.”

“Only if you call me Dachi, Ranma-sama.”

Alarm bells were ringing all over the boy's head. He wanted to say no but... “Um, sure, Ko... I mean, Dachi.” The girl blushed. “Uh, watcha plan on doing today?”

“Your mother has allowed me to stay with her today. I do not feel like attending school today.”

“Oh. Ya ain't sick or nothin', are ya?”

“No, Ranma, but thank you for your concern. I just need time to contemplate over the recent events.”

“Ah. Um, that's good, right? Didn't want ya to get sick or nothin'. Uh, mom?”

“Yes, son.”

“I forgot ta ask ya yesterday but Ucchan asked me ta ask ya if ya wanna go shopping with her this afternoon?”

“Of course. You may tell Ucchan I would be happy to accompany her.”

“Ah, okay. I'll bring Ucchan over after school.”

“That won't be necessary, Ranma. I'll just go to your school later and meet her there.”

“Nah, Ucchan insisted she come over. She said she wanna see our house.”

“Oh. That's fine then.” Nodoka remembered they had a guest. “Do you want to accompany us, Dachi-chan? I'm sure we'll have more fun that way. In fact why don't you invite the other girls, Ranma?”

Ranma nearly swallowed his chopsticks which was a good thing since it prevented him from putting his foot into his mouth. Are ya freakin' nuts, mom?! We won't have a house left standing if they all come here at the same time!

“I do not know, Auntie. We do not have a cordial relationship with one another.”

“Nonsense, Dachi-chan. I'm sure we'll all have a wonderful time together. Shopping is one of those activities that transcends differences among girls.”

“If you insist, Auntie.”“I insist.” Nodoka turned her attention to her son. “Ranma, I expect you to invite Akane and Shampoo. Kasumi and Nabiki also if they are available.” She ignored the pallor her son suddenly developed .

----------

Ranma was lost in thought thinking on how to explain the happenings at his house to his three fiancées, especially the presence of Kodachi, while roof-hopping towards school. They're sure to find out sooner or later. Not that I've got anything ta hide. Yeah, I'll think of something later. He shifted his thoughts to the more pressing concern of the girls' anger over what transpired the night before. How am I gonna stay alive long enough ta act nice ta 'em? He was leaping over several yattai when inspiration suddenly struck him. I'm such a genius! He made a slight detour as he went in search of some items.

Ranma arrived at Furinkan a little later compared to the day before due to his little side trip. When he got to the gates to the school he saw Kuno was already waiting for him inside the school grounds. Ranma groaned the instant he saw the kendoist.

Great! Just great! He's all I need! He checked to make sure what he bought would be safe in his 'pocket'. After watching Mousse, Shampoo, Ryouga, Akane and even Nabiki pull objects out of seemingly thin air enough times Ranma was finally able to do it himself although not at the same level as the near blind martial artist. He usually just kept his shoes there when he changed into a girl. He still couldn't figure out how Mousse could fit so much in his 'pocket'.

When Ranma was done checking he looked at the upperclassman who stood blocking the way .

"Hold, Saotome." Kuno imperiously ordered his arch-rival while pointing his bokken at Ranma. The effect was ruined by the fact that he was again covered in bandages from head to toe which muffled his voice.

Ranma sighed. There was just no getting around the upperclassman. Man, ain't there a way to knock some sense into this jerk? Mebbe I oughta drop him from a tall building also. Nah. Ain't no way I'm gonna catch the pervert. "Watcha want, Kuno? Make it quick 'cos I ain't got no time ta waste on ya."

"That's 'upperclassman Kuno' to you, you vile miscreant! Have you no limit to your depravity?"

Ranma blinked. "What?"

"First the beauteous Akane Tendou, next the pig-tailed goddess, then the heavenly Ukyou Kounji and now the noble swordswoman! I shall smite thee and end your reign of terror over women!" Kuno charged the younger boy.

Ranma blinked again. He didn't recognize the last girl Kuno accused him of enslaving. "'Noble swordswoman'? Who the heck is that?" The unarmed boy asked while dodging the slash of the bokken.

"Silence! Your lies do not fool the noble Blue Thunder!"

Slash.

Dodge.

"But I'm telling ya I don't know what yer talking 'bout!"

Stab and sidestep.

The hakama-clad teen paused in his attack as he stood straight, bokken at the side, left arm bent at the elbow with fist clenched and tears streaming done his cheeks. "How could anyone not know of the lovely woman who practices the same art as I? It is fate that has brought us together and you shall not keep us apart!"

“Kendo?” Now who do I know that practices kendo? Can't be Akane. His eyes widened when he realized he only knew of one other woman who praticed the art of the sword. “Kuno, ya sick pervert! That's my mom yer talking 'bout!”

Kuno blinked “Your mom?” He asked.

“Yeah! And you stay away from her!”

“You are even more depraved than I have thought, Saotome! To enslave your own mother for your pleasures!”

Ranma gagged. He drop-kicked the kendoist. “I'm not a sick, twisted pervert like ya, Kuno!”

Kuno blinked again after he picked himself up. “So you have no intention of enslaving her then? You are acknowledging my superior claim to her?”

[Pap!]

Ranma planted a foot into Kuno's face. “No! Get it into yer thick head, Kuno. I'm gonna say this just once. She's my mom! Ya stay away from her! Ya can harass and insult me all ya want but stay away from my mom!” He was bewildered when Kuno suddenly draped his left arm over his shoulders in a very familiar manner.

“But son.” Ranma spasmed at that. “How can I deny your mother's desires for myself. She has clearly shown her yearnings for my touch when she so boldly removed my garments in public.” The lecherous grin Kuno gave Ranma sent convulsions through the younger boy.

“Get away from me, ya sick, twisted pervert!”

[Punt!]

Ranma huffed after he kicked the kendoist away. He didn't care which way the other boy went. He shuddered. I'm gonna be sick for sure! Calling me 'son' fer cryin' out loud! I'd rather be dead! He shook his head violently to rid it of the images the upperclassman's words had conjured.

----------

With Kuno taken care of for the moment, Ranma went to sit by the steps to wait for the girls. He didn't have long to wait until he saw Akane and Nabiki round the corner to the school.

Okay, Ranma, showtime. He told himself to build his courage. He again checked on the items in his 'pocket'. Satisfied the items were still in good condition he stood and walked to meet the two Tendou sisters. He braced himself for the expected reaction from his 'uncute' fiancée.

“Good morning, Ranma!” Akane cheerfully greeted her fiancé when they were close enough causing the pig-tailed boy to stumble and her sister to smirk at her side. That certainly wasn't the expected reaction he was waiting for.

Ranma looked around. Maybe there's another Ranma I don't know about. When he saw no one whose name he didn't know, he turned back to Akane.

“Akane?”

“Yes, Ranma?”

Ranma felt like he just swallowed a heaping tablespoon of sugar. “Uh, are ya feelin' alright?”

“Of course, why shouldn't I feel all right?”

Make that two heaping tablespoons of sugar. “Um, well, with what happened last night I thought...”

Akane cut him off. “Oh, the kiss? Don't worry about it.” She smiled cutely.

Ranma was beside her in a flash gripping her shoulders and shaking her. “Alright, who are ya and what have ya done with the real Akane?”

Nabiki groaned and planted her forehead in her hand. Ranma, you idiot! Not that I can blame you. She looked at her younger sister who was beginning to turn red in anger. Oh, well. Better save his butt. “Ranma?” When the boy didn't acknowledge her and continued to shake her sister she came closer and yelled in his ear. “RANMA!!!”

Ranma let go of Akane and shook his head to clear the ringing in his ear. “What? Can't ya see I'm busy, Nabiki?”

“Yes, I can see you're very busy digging your own grave.” Nabiki pointed to her younger sibling.

Ranma looked back at his fiancée who was now glowing blue. “Uh-oh.” He began to back away.

Nabiki stepped aside to avoid becoming collateral damage. “Uh-oh is so right, Saotome.”

Akane was visibly shaking in an effort to control herself. “You jerk! I was trying to be nice to you!” She stalked towards the boy.

“Uh, you were?” Ranma intelligently answered back, waving his hands in a warding manner while continuing to back-pedal. “Um, why?”

“Why?! What kind of stupid question is that?! Do I have to have a reason to be nice to my fiancé?! Can't I be nice to you without you asking me dumb questions?! Don't you want me to be nice to you?!” Akane shrieked.

“I do! I do! I really do!” Ranma desperately said while nodding his head vigorously. Think! Think quickly, dumbass! He remembered what he bought earlier. The roses! Give her the roses quick, dumbass! He quickly reached into his 'pocket' and brought out three of the long-stemmed red roses he bought before going to Furinkan. He shoved them into Akane's face. “Here! These are for ya! Take it! Take it!” Idiot! Yer not supposed to shove them into the girl's face! That's real romantic! Something occurred to him. Thank God I had the thorns removed!

“What are you doing, you jerk?!” Akane was about to swat the roses aside when her mind registered what were in her face. She blinked and pulled her head back to get a better look. Roses? Red roses? Three red roses? Ranma's giving me three red roses?! Ranma's giving me three red roses on his own?! She looked back and forth between the flowers and the boy attached to the roses. Her mind sputtered to a halt while her mouth began to imitate a goldfish at the sudden shift in events and improbability of that happening.

Ranma cautiously peeked from behind the roses and looked at his fiancée. “Uh, don't ya want them?” He asked nervously. When Akane didn't answer and continued to gape he pulled back the roses and waved a hand in front of the girl's face. “Akane?” When he received no response he looked at Nabiki for help. Unfortunately the older girl was also in shock and gaping at the sudden, unexpected twist in the morning drama. He looked around. What's with the stupid look on everyone? Ya'd think they never saw a guy give a girl roses before.

He shifted his attention back to the youngest Tendou. Now what do I do? Ranma was stopped from pinching Akane's nose by the arrival of Ukyou.

“Ranchan honey!”

Ranma whipped around, greatly relieved. “Ucchan! Am I glad to see ya!”

“You are?!” He's glad to see me!

[Clamp!]

Ukyou latched onto Ranma's left arm. She smiled widely up at him.

“Uh, yeah.” He brought up the roses he held in his right hand to gesture around him causing Ukyou's eyes to go wide. He was about to say something about the condition of the people around them when Ukyou snatched the roses from his hand and hugged them to herself.

He was going to give me roses! Three long-stemmed red roses! I'm so, so happy! She enthusiastically hugged her fiancé. “Thank you, Ranchan! Thank you so much for the roses!” This is it! A perfect opportunity to kiss him! She was about to give Ranma a kiss on the lips when Ranma opened his mouth.

“Uh, Ucchan, those roses are for Akane.”

The kiss died on Ukyou's lips as her happiness was cruelly shattered. Tears began to pool in her eyes. “The-they're for Akane? N-not for me?” She asked with quivering lips. How could you?! How could you give roses to Akane and not to me?! Don't I mean anything to you?!

When Ranma saw the tears in Ukyou eyes he began to panic. “NO! I mean... Ucchan, wait!” He shouted as the girl ran off in tears, dropping the roses. Great going, ya idiot! Ya've got three roses for each of them! It doesn't matter which ones ya give! He caught the roses before they could touch the ground and was about to chase after the fleeing girl when he remembered his other fiancée. He was torn by indecision. Great! Just great! How do I keep screwing things up this badly?! Now what do I do?! He looked back and forth between Akane and the direction Ukyou ran off to.

“Well, well, well. What have you done now, son-in-law?”

Ranma whipped around to see Cologne and Shampoo standing a couple of meters away. “I ain't done nothin', ya old ghoul!” He snapped back. “Go away! I ain't got no time for ya right now.” He turned back to his dilemma.

[Bap!]

“Ow!” Ranma grabbed his head where Cologne had bopped him with her cane exposing the roses he held in his right hand to the two Amazons.

“Aiyah! Are those for me, Airen?!” Shampoo grabbed the roses before the teen-aged male could answer. “I'm so, so happy!”

Ranma was both more than a little bit annoyed and angry by now. “NO! They're for Akane!” He inadvertently snapped at his Amazon fiancée. He realized his mistake when he saw Shampoo's eyes tear up also. Oh, shit! Now look what ya made me do, ya old ghoul. “Shampoo, I...”

[Wham!]

A martial artist was now buried face first into the ground care of a bonbori.

“Akane this! Akane that! It's always Akane! Akane! Akane!” Shampoo threw the roses onto Ranma's back before running off with tears in her eyes as well.

Ranma groaned into ground before slumping down. Why do these things happen to me? What did I ever do to deserve this?

Cologne would have been amused if not for the pitiful state of her son-in-law. She just shook her head and sighed before flipping the depressed Ranma onto his back after retrieving the roses her great-granddaughter threw. She handed them back.

“Well, son-in-law, care to tell me what happened here?” She gestured around her.

Ranma sighed also. “Why not? Things couldn't possibly get any worse.” When one tempts Fate like that, Fate happily responds. It started to rain, wetting everyone caught without shelter and triggering his curse. “Me and my big goddamned mouth.” He, now a she, miserably groaned out from where she was lying on the ground. She covered her eyes with her right forearm.

She told Cologne how she had suddenly thought to surprise his/her fiancées by giving three red roses to each that morning to smoothen things over the kissing incident except things hadn't gone as smoothly as she planned.

The Amazon Matriarch cackled when she heard the whole story. “Coming from anybody but you, son-in-law, I would not have believed the tale. Only you could have such atrocious luck.”

“Give me a break, old ghoul.”

“Why would I do that, son-in-law?”

“Tell me one other guy who has three fiancées to keep happy.”

Cologne cackled louder. “Point taken, son-in-law, point taken. Very well, since I am in a good mood, I will not only give you a break but I will even lend you a hand.”

Ranma was feeling a bit hopeless. “Sure, why not? I could use all the help I could get.” She said without much enthusiasm.

“I'm serious, son-in-law. You get the two Tendou girls inside and wait while I track down Shampoo and the Kounji girl and bring them back here. Just make sure you and the roses are ready and in good condition when I bring back Shampoo and Ukyou.”

Some life stirred in the would be Romeo. “Really, you'd do that, ya old gho... erm, I mean, Cologne?”

“I'll let that one slide, son-in-law. And yes, I'll do that because I approve of your intentions. It's about time you began to treat the girls nicely. God knows they deserve it. I'm glad your mother is beginning to have a positive influence on you. I'll be back in a few minutes.”

“'Back in a few min...'?” Ranma blinked. One moment Cologne was there, the next she was gone. Whoah! The old ghoul sure can move when she wants to. She stood up just as the rain stopped. Ranma looked up just in time to see the sun emerge from behind some clouds. Well, at least things are starting to look up. A noise caught her attention and he looked back down to see Nabiki beginning to stir. Time to get this show on the road. She walked over to the Tendou girls.

----------

The bell had already rung for a couple of minutes when Cologne came back followed by the two other girls. Ranma, Akane and Nabiki stood up from where they were waiting on the steps and came forward to meet the new arrivals.

Shampoo and Ukyou suspiciously eyed Ranma, still a she, from behind the elder Amazon making the boy turned girl very uncomfortable. It was obvious the two had been crying. Cologne cocked her head towards the only one with a pig-tail among them and stepped aside leaving said girl in the middle and very much on the spot.

“Well, Saotome, now that we're all here what do you want to tell us? You know none of us likes to be late for class.” Nabiki started off.

“Com'on, Nabiki, cut me some slack will ya? I'm nervous enough as it is.” The hero unconsciously tugged at her pig-tail.

Nabiki's voice softened. “Sorry, Ranma-kun, didn't mean to pressure you.”

“Uh, don't worry 'bout it, Nabiki, and, um, thanks.” She tugged at her collar as if to loosen them some more, which was hard to do considering how loose her clothing already was. “Um, could ya, uh, stay together. I, uh, feel stupid talking when yer both at the front and back.”

When the girls were gathered in front of her, Ranma gathered her courage. “Um, well, I know I haven't been treating any of ya real good. Um, I mean I haven't been showing how much I appreciate all of ya. That is, um...” Frowns began to show on the girls' faces.

“I think we all get what you mean, son-in-law.” Cologne interrupted in exasperation. Really! Good thing I decided to stay or they'll be here the whole day!

“Uh, right, thanks, Cologne.”

“You're welcome, son-in-law. I think it best you get right to the point and give them what you intended to give them in the first place.”

“You didn't tell Shampoo and Ukyou?”“No. That's your job, remember?” Cologne was barely holding herself back from bopping the boy on the head again.

“Uh, right, right.” Ranma twiddled his fingers in front of him. “So, uh, what I mean is, um, that is...”

[Bap!] There were limits to everything.

“For heaven's sake, son-in-law! Just do it! We don't have all day!” She glared up to the school building and snapped. “And I'm sure the people eavesdropping would appreciate it as well! Don't you people have classes to teach or attend?!”

Sounds of people scrambling on their hands and feet were heard from all over the building. Sweat drops appeared on the youths with Cologne.

“Now, son-in-law, if you wish to do what you want to do, may I suggest you do it before more things go wrong?”

“Where on Earth am I now?!” The shout, which came from the side of the school where a clump of trees grew, emphasized the old woman's point.

Ranma groaned. I'd better do what the old ghoul says or I'll never finish. She looked at the Matriarch. “Matriarch, if you please? I'd really appreciate it if you could handle Ryouga for now.” Ranma politely pleaded, raising more than one pair of eyebrows, while waving in the general direction of the lost-boy's voice.

“Very well, son-in-law. I will take care of the Hibiki boy for you for now. However, I expect you to have finished your business by the time I get back.” Cologne pointedly looked at her great-granddaughter's Airen.

“Yes, grandmother. I will.” With that Cologne pogoed off leaving the teens to fend for themselves.

“Ranma Saotome, for stealing Shampoo, prepare to die!” Mousse shouted as he descended from the roof of the building, chain weapons flying out from his sleeves. He had followed Shampoo and Cologne that morning from the Nekohanten, wondering why the two were leaving so early when it was usually only Shampoo.

The girls scattered as Ranma whirled at the shout, irritation clearly on her face. “Give me a break, you moron!” She quickly caught one of the chains and pulled hard causing the near-blind martial artist to lose his balance in mid-air. She used the chain to slam the Chinese boy back and forth repeatedly into the ground.

When Ranma had let off sufficient steam by slamming Mousse she began to spin faster and faster. When she judged the speed to be enough she let go of the chain and watched as the white-robed male fly off into the distance.

“Well, Saotome, I guess this is pretty important by the way you were acting all polite and respectful to Cologne and how fast you got rid of Mousse.” Nabiki said once they were gathered together again focusing the attention back to Ranma.

The greatest martial artist of a generation nervously chuckled and scratched the back of her head. “Right. Right. This is, um, pretty important.” She took a very deep breath. Now or never before more idiots show up. She quickly brought out nine long-stemmed red roses from her 'pocket'. “Here.” She hurriedly handed three roses each to Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou rendering them speechless.

He, he's actually giving me roses?! The three were about to accost the red head and accuse her of being an imposter when the girl began her extemporaneous speech.

Ranma plunged ahead before her courage ran out. “Look, I ain't good with words so if I say something stupid ta screw things up, cut me some slack, okay?” Ranma almost slapped herself in frustration. Great going, dumbass! That was just so romantic! She sarcastically thought.

The three girls blinked. It's him. It's really him. Only Ranma could be so crude and clumsy.

Ranma began twiddling her thumbs together. “Anyway, I know I ain't been real nice to all of ya and don't treat ya right like ya deserve. And I know I didn't really took the time ta get ta know any of ya. I'm really, really sorry fer all that, not that all of it's my fault, and I know them roses ain't much but I hope you'll all still accept 'em and forgive me. I want ya all ta know I really do care about all of ya and all of ya means a lot ta me. And I promise to treat ya all better from now on ta show ya I really mean what I said. Ya know, like go on dates, watch movies and do all those other mushy stuff girls like to do. But ya gotta help me 'cos I don't know how or I'm no good at those stuff. And I know it ain't gonna be all good all of a sudden. It'll be hard but I'm willing ta work at it if ya are.”

The heads of the girls swam. I didn't get everything he said but... he said he cares! They thought as a warm, fuzzy feeling came over them and their pulses started to race.

The red head took another very deep breath after saying all that with only her first intake of air. “So I guess what I mean is, I wanna start over right with you guys.” She looked down and twiddled her fingers some more. “Um, that is if that's alright with you guys. I mean, if ya don't wanna, I... I understand and.. that is... what i meant is... I don't know why ya all wanna be with me 'cept for the engagements and laws and stuff... after all I'm just a martial artist, no thanks ta pops and... uh...um... and I know there's lots of guys much better than me... not that I'm not the best, mind ya but... if ya don't get what I mean or if I'm not making any sense, I understand... I mean I don't either... so... um, uh...”

“Ranma, just shut up.” Three soft voices said.

“Wha?” She looked up and was startled to see tears in the eyes of her three fiancées. “No! Don't cry! Whatever I said ta make ya cry I take it back! I didn't mean it! Honest! I...”

Akane tried to frown and smile at the same time through the tears of joy in her eyes. Ranma, you idiot, just shut up. When her fiancé continued to babble incoherently there was only one thing that came into her mind to stop him.

Further sputtering from the girl with the pig-tail was cut off when Akane came forward and wrapped her arms around her neck. Oh God! What am I doing?! She continued on auto-pilot, her body moving by itself. It just feels so... so right to do this.

“Wha-What are ya doing, Akane?!”

“Kissing you. What does it look like?”

“Bu-But we're both girls right now!”

“I don't care. You're still Ranma no matter how you look.”

“But, but, but...”

“Just shut up and kiss me, you big jerk.” She said just before bending down and pulling Ranma's head forward to give her a deep kiss on the lips.

[Toing!]

Ranma's pig-tail shot out straight up while muffled gasps, thumps and thuds were heard from the school building. The five teens ignored the noises.

After several moments, Akane broke the kiss. “Wow. Nabiki didn't exaggerate about the kiss.” She noted the glazed look and goofy grin on her fiancé. “Hey, it's still too early to do that.” She looked over her shoulders. “I'm sure Shampoo and Ukyou also want to show you their thanks.” She moved aside and let Shampoo take her place.

Louder gasps, thumps and thuds were heard.

Shampoo wrapped her arms around Ranma's neck. “Airen.” the Amazon breathed huskily before locking lips.

Akane felt the familiar pangs of jealousy course through her. She brutally stamped them down. No! We agreed! We all agreed! She looked away until she calmed herself down, taking comfort from the roses she held. He cares about me. That's all that matters. She repeated over and over.

After a few moments, Ranma's eyes rolled up into her head and she went limp in Shampoo's arms, a victim of sensory overload. The girl with the purple hair broke the kiss and looked down. “Oops. Didn't mean to do that.” She said apologetically to Ukyou.

“Yeah, right, I'm sure you didn't.” Ukyou sarcastically replied before replacing Shampoo. She sat down and cradled her fiancé in her arms. She gently shook the girl. “Ranchan. Wake up, Ranchan-honey.”

After a few shakes Ranma stirred. She blinked and opened her eyes. “Ucchan?” When Ukyou smiled and nodded, she groaned. “Er, what happened? What am I doing lying down on yer lap?”

“You fainted.”

“Oh. That would explain it, Ucchan.”

“Explain what, Ranchan?”

“I just had the strangest dream. So strange, ya'd never believe it, Ucchan.”

“Sounds interesting. Why don't you tell me about it?” She brushed a stray hair from her face.

“Would ya believe I was actually trying ta be nice to ya, Akane and Shampoo? I even gave ya three roses! Akane and Shampoo even kissed me as a girl! I mean I know I'm nice all the time but com'on! If I tried to do that I'd probably get pounded by the un...”

“Ahem.” Nabiki cleared her throat stopping Ranma from stuffing his foot deep into his mouth. I'll put it on your tab, Ranma.

Ranma raised her head and saw the other girls standing behind Ukyou. She noted the roses being cradled by Akane and Shampoo. She blinked and looked back at Ukyou. “It... it wasn't a dream?”

“No, you jackass. It's more than a dream. It's better than a dream.” She said tenderly and brought her roses into the girl's field of vision. “Thank you, Ranchan. You don't know how much this means to me.” She whispered before bending down and kissing Ranma full on the lips.

[TOING!]

This time Ranma's whole body stiffened. “God. That was awesome.” Ukyou said when she raised her head after the kiss. She noted the very goofy grin on the fiancé's face. Ukyou smiled and looked up to the other girls. “I take it he liked my kiss?” After the girls nodded she looked back down then up again. “Um, so how do wake him up?”

“I think I may be of some assistance with that.” Cologne cackled behind her, materializing as if by magic.

“GAH!” Ukyou cried out and jumped up in surprise, dropping Ranma's head hard onto the concrete floor.

[Bonk!]

That woke the girl up.

“Ow!” The poor abused(?) female clutched the back of her head and curled up in pain.

The girl from Kansai glared at the old woman while grabbing the front of her chest. “Don't do that!”

The elderly chinese woman simply cackled louder and pointed to the now awake but in pain girl. “You can thank me later, Ms. Kuonji.” She turned to the Ranma who was just now standing up, rubbing the back of her head where it hit the floor. “Well, son-in-law, I didn't think you had it in you. That wasn't so hard, was it? And isn't this a lot more pleasant?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Ya didn't hafta drop my head on the floor ta wake me up, ya know!” She grumbled.

“Humbug! That was nothing compared to the hits you usually take. More importantly, how do you feel?”

“How do I feel? Fine, no thanks to you bouncing my head on the floor.”

Cologne and the rest of the eavesdroppers blinked.

“Um, I should rephrase my question. How did you liked it, son-in-law?”

“Liked what?”

“What else.” Cologne waved in the direction of his three blushing fiancées.

“Great-grandmother!” Shampoo suddenly felt very shy. It was a very private matter after all.

The old woman simply cackled.

“Oh. Oh!” Ranma flushed as well. “None of yer business, ya old hag!”

“You are just so cute when you do that, son-in-law. I can see why my great-granddaughter has her eyes set on you.” Cologne cackled louder as Ranma reddened some more.

“Great-grandmother! You're embarrassing us!”“Bah! You should let an old woman have her fun, great-granddaughter.”

“But, great-grandmother...”

“All right! All right! I'll stop teasing son-in-law.” For now, anyway. “Now as thanks for my assistance in tracking down your two fiancées and taking care of the Hibiki boy...”

“What d'ya do with him, anyway?”

“I simply tapped his sleep spot and left him in one of the sheds behind the school. He should wake up in an hour or so. Now as I was saying, as thanks for my help, I expect you to take extremely good care of my great-granddaughter while she attends this institution.”

“What? Shampoo's attending Furinkan already?”

The girl nodded her head happily. “Starting today, Airen.”

Nabiki whistled, impressed. “That was fast. How did you get all the paperwork done in less than a day? After office hours even!”

“Ah, Ms. Tendou, you are as observant as ever. Unfortunately, the answer to your question is only for the Amazon Council to know but I'm sure someone with your intelligence will figure it out.”

The girl squinted. “Same way you were able to get visas and set up shop so quickly?”

Cologne cackled. “Sharp as ever, Ms. Tendou. Yes but that is as far as I am willing to tell. So now if you'll excuse me, I have a restaurant to run.” She looked up at the building once more. “Show's over, folks!” She yelled and bounded out of Furinkan accompanied by the sounds of scrambling again.

Nabiki watched the elder Amazon leave. Hmmm. Should I or shouldn't I? Her curiousity was piqued but she wondered if she should pry into Amazon business. Maybe I can squeeze some information out of Shampoo without her getting wise. Worth a shot later. She turned to the Ranma. “Well, Saotome, what did you want me here for? You didn't need me here to give your fiancées roses.” She studiously avoided looking enviously at what the three other girls preciously cradled. Damn. I'd better tell him soon or I'll be a nervous wreck.

Ranma blinked. She almost forgot about the older Tendou sister. “Uh, yeah, right. Almost forgot.” She brought out a single white rose. She turned to what she knew to be her only fiancées. “Um, I hope ya don't mind but I wanna give this to Nabiki to thank her for putting up with me and pops all those months.”

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou smiled. “Sure, Ranma/Airen/Ranchan. We don't mind. We have our own.”

Ranma blinked. “Uh, really?” When the three frowned she immediately retreated. “Uh, right. Of course ya don't mind. Hehe. Um, here.” She handed over the rose. “And, um, about the last night. I, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean ta kiss ya and I hope it wasn't yer first kiss and all. Girls really shouldn't hafta kiss guys they don't like.” She twiddled his fingers again. “Anyway, if it's alright with you guys” She looked at his fiancées. “I'd like to treat Nabiki out some time ta apologize. Ya guys can come if ya want.”

Nabiki was speechless again as she looked at the rose in her hand. It was the nicest anyone not family had ever been to her. Her voice broke. “Ranma, I, I... don't know what to say.” She walked over and pecked the girl on the cheek. “Thank you.” She left quickly. She didn't trust herself right now not to break down completely in front of everyone.

“Nabiki, wait!” Ranma moved to follow the girl.

“Ranma.” Akane stopped him.

“What? What did I do wrong? Why'd she run off like that?”

“I think sis needs a little time alone.”

“But...”

“Akane's right, Ranchan. When Nabiki's ready she'll tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“That's for her to say. And I don't mind if you treat her out without me.”

“Me, neither.”

“Me, too.”

“But you better take us out ourselves.” Ukyou finished with Akane and Shampoo nodding beside her.

“Um, 'bout that...”

“Later, Ranma. We're already late as it is. Come on, let's get to class. It's Shampoo's first day and she gets bucket duty already. And it's all your fault!” This time it was said with a smile. This once, Akane didn't mind being late for class.

“Hey, why is it...” The red-head saw the smile. “Uh, yeah. Right. Um?”

“Yes, Ranchan?”

“Uh, 'bout what happened just now...”

The three girls smiled. “What about it, Ranma? Didn't you like it?”

“NO! I mean, YES! Yes, I liked it. I really liked it lots. But...”

“But?”

“Um, you guys don't mind? I mean, don't guys hafta, you know, make the first move or sumthin' like that? Or kissing me while I'm a girl.” Ranma began twiddling his fingers again. “I mean, I don't want you guys getting bad reputations or nothin' 'cos of me.“

His three fiancées smiled, touched by their fiancé's thoughtfulness.

“I don't think you'll have to worry about that, Ranma, but thanks anyway.”

“Yeah, Ranchan. Those who know us, know better and those who don't, will know better.”

“Although that doesn't mean you can just sit back and wait for us to make the first move all the time, Airen. We expect you to take the initiative now and then.” Shampoo winked saucily making Ranma swallow. “Don't worry, Airen, we won't bite. Too much.” She said before turning and continuing on her way to their classroom. She was followed by her fellow fiancées, their hips swaying ever so gently from side to side drawing the eyes of their lone audience.

Why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? Ranma asked herself before walking towards their classroom also. The smile playing at the corner of her lips belied her thoughts.

----------

“Well, class, we have a new exchange student. Miss Shampoo?” The teacher had heard of her, of course. Everyone in Nerima had heard of Ranma Saotome, his bevy of beautiful women and everything else that happened around him. It was a matter of survival in Nerima, after all.

“Yes, sir.” The girl questioned bubbly nodded her head a little too much causing several males to sprain their necks.

“Ah, would you mind not, uh, moving around too much?” The teacher asked while massaging his neck to alleviate the sudden stab of pain he felt. “The school clinic is overworked as it is already.” When the voluptuous girl gave a blank stare he waved his left hand dismissively. “Um, never mind.” How in God's name can a girl like her act so innocently?! He shook his head to clear it. He looked at the paper he was holding. “This is a bit unusual. We don't normally admit students before they take the placement examination but since the school office gave their approval I assume everything is in order. However I do expect you to be in proper uniform by tomorrow.” He looked over his students. The boys were all smiling. They would have leered except they knew the girl could easily turn them into human pretzels. The girls, on the other hand, wore guarded expressions. They were unsure how to react to Shampoo's presence. “Well then, why don't you introduce yourself?”

“Yes, sir.” Shampoo faced the class. “I am Shampoo of the Joketsozoku, great-granddaughter of Cologne, Matriarch of the Joketsozoku. I am from the village of Nichieju in the Bayankala Mountain Range, Qinghai Province, China. And my Airen is Ranma Saotome.” She winked and blew a kiss towards the boy eliciting catcalls and wolf-whistles from the male half of the class.

At his desk, Ranma reddened and sunk lower in his seat. Aw, com'on, Shampoo, don't do that. Yer embarrassing me.

“Um, right. You didn't need to say or do the last part.” Sheesh, this class is getting weirder and weirder.I should never have moved from Tomobiki or Juuban. “Since you, Mr. Saotome, Ms. Tendou and Ms. Kounji were all late...” The teacher ignored the fact that they were all late. It was the principle of the thing. He pointed with his thumb out the door. “all of you stand in the hall.”

----------

Lucky bastard. Hiroshi, together with all of the boys in Furinkan, thought as he looked at Ranma from his desk as the boy exited with the three girls in tow. Three babes! Three gorgeous babes. He got kissed by three gorgeous babes!

Just look at him act so innocent as if nothing's happened. Hiroshi's partner in crime, Daisuke, thought as he, too, looked at the Saotome boy. Why couldn't I be so lucky? Why?!

Fool Saotome! Fool Saotome! Fool Saotome!

Then, as if by an inivisible cue, all the boys fantasized about three gorgeous babes kissing another gorgeous babe. Lecherous grins appeared like magic. Oooooohhhhhh!!!!!!

----------

Sayuri sighed while looking enviously at the roses Akane, Ukyou and Shampoo proudly displayed on their desks. They're so lucky. She looked at the giver of roses. About time Saotome did something nice for the girls. He can be so insensitive at times! She sighed. But what I wouldn't give to have a fiancé like him. Especially the way he is now.

Yuka looked at her best friend and guessed correctly what was in the girl's mind. She looked around and could hear every girl in their class, including Mio the fortune teller, sigh once in a while while looking out the door where their four classmates stood with buckets in hand. It's so romantic when they're all together like that. Yuka sighed also and went back to daydreaming about a boy with a pig-tail.

----------

Ranma led his fiancées out the door into the hallway for their punishment. As soon as he took his place in the corridor Shampoo and Ukyou quickly took positions on either side of him. The two leaned against him and laid their heads on his shoulders. They sighed in happiness despite the fact they were being punished and ignored the fuming girl left out.

Why you... Akane steamed as she looked at the happy faces of her two rivals. She sighed. That's what you get for being a slowpoke. She chided herself. She smiled as an idea occurred to her. Well, I'm not going to let them get one over me! She thought as she approached the lone male.

Ranma visibly flinched as he saw Akane smile and approach him. I'm not doing anything! I'm not doing anything! He would have waved his arms around except Shampoo and Ukyou had them immobilized. He shut his eyes and braced himself for impact.

Akane lost some of her smile when she saw her fiancé close his eyes and tense up. Did I really treat him that badly? Some of the smile returned when she thought of what she was about to do. Well, he's going to be surprised. She stuck her tongue out at the two long tressed girls who frowned before moving to stand right in front of Ranma and leaning on his chest.

“Hey!” Shampoo and Ukyou protested. “You can't do that!”

“Why not?!” Akane shot right back. “You two are just jealous you didn't think of it!”

It was the turn of the amazon and the chef to fume as they enviously eyed the tomboy lean into their fiancé's chest. Why didn't I think of that? After a while they shrugged and contented themselves to leaning on his arms in the meantime. Oh, well. Next time.

The pig-tailed boy started when he felt something touch his chest. When he felt no pain and heard the exchange he cautiously peeked with one eye down his chest. He was surprised when he saw short dark-blue hair blocking his view. He blinked as he looked at each of the girls' smiling faces. They seem happy. He relaxed and inhaled deeply, smelling the wonderful scents coming from his three fiancées. Um, this is kinda nice actually. His eyes widened and his head snapped back up as he felt something stir. In fact it's too nice!

No! No! No! Down, boy! Down! He swallowed as he could feel the combined heat coming from the three girls. Think nice thoughts. Think nice thoughts. Think nice thoughts. Visions of three naked... That's not nice! Ranma screamed to himself. Well, okay, it's naughty nice. He admitted before refocusing his thoughts. Think cold showers. Think cold showers. He repeated over and over as he tried to ignore the soft mounds pressing into him from three directions.

Ranma stood rigidly while steadfastly staring off ahead into space as he tried to keep himself from getting too excited due to physical contact of the three girls leaning into him in the corridor. He forced an uneasy smile on his face when he saw their teacher exit their classroom and look at them strangely.

He sighed in relief when their teacher gave them permission to go back into the classroom. When Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou stood back from him he gave them a sheepish smile. Thank God! I don't think I coulda held out much longer.“Uh, wanna study together?”

----------

The teacher sighed and gave up. There was no use fighting it. His students were too distracted to listen. With a resigned shrug he wrote 'Study Hour' on the blackboard and walked out of the classroom. His students never even gave an 'eep'.

When he saw the position the four students he sent out were in he blinked. They're not supposed to be enjoying it. He looked closer. Well the three girls seem to be enjoying it. Saotome just looks uncomfortable. He shrugged again. None of my business. He released the four teen-agers from their punishment as he passed them on his way to the faculty lounge.

One of these days I'll have to ask Mr. Saotome how he does it. I've read every dating book I could find and none of them worked. The teacher thought as he walked. I'm almost thirty. It's time I find a wife, settle down and start a family.

----------

Nabiki stared at the single white rose lying on top of her desk. Ever since she entered her classroom she could't take her mind off the flower. Get a grip, Nabiki! It's just a rose! You can buy a dozen if you want!

But it wouldn't be the same, would it? An inner voice answered.

Nabiki let out her breath. Get a grip! Get a grip!

“Miss Tendou!” Her teacher's voice cut through her thoughts, startling her. “Would you care to join us in class?”

The school girl blushed furiously. It wasn't lost on her classmates. Some started to snicker until she gave them her patented icy glare. She turned back to the teacher. “Ye-yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”

“Don't let it happen again.”

“I won't, sir.” Get a grip! Get a grip! Get a grip!

----------

“A-Auntie?” Kodachi nervously asked as she helped the Saotome matriarch around the house.

“Yes, Dachi-chan?”

“I, I...” Kodachi hesitated.

“Don't be shy, Dachi-chan. I don't bite. What is it?” Nodoka jokingly replied to put the girl at ease as they continued to putter around the house.

“It is about Ranma-sama, Auntie.”

Ranma's mother stopped and laid down the laundry she was carrying. “What about my son, Dachi-chan?”

“May I, may I be engaged to Ranma-sama, Auntie?” Kodachi continued in a rush. “I know I will make him a good wife! I know I will!”

Nodoka took the bundle of clothes her companion was carrying and put them down also. She took one of the girl's hands and led her to the living room where she sat them both down. Once they were seated she took both hands of Kodachi in her own and looked into her eyes.

“Dachi-chan, I know you will make my son a good wife and it would give me great pleasure to grant you your request.”

Kodachi looked away, crestfallen. She knew the answer before she even asked. Still she had to try. What? What must I do to be with Ranma-sama? It seemed not even all of her family's vast fortune was enough to give her what she most wanted. She felt a hand touch her left cheek.

“Dachi-chan, please try to understand. I have nothing against you. I would be honored to have you as a daughter-in-law. I would love nothing more than to give you your happiness with my son.” The older woman sighed. “However, my son already has too many commitments. It would be unfair to you...”

“I don't care! I don't care if it's unfair to me! Tell me what I must do to be with Ranma-sama, Auntie! Please!” Her voice lowered. “Please. I beg of you. It is what I want most.”

Nodoka smiled kindly. “Dachi-chan, if that was all I have to consider then I would have already granted your request but I must think about Ranma and his present fiancées as well. However, if they do not object having you as another of my son's fiancées then I will gladly grant you your request.”

Kodachi blinked, hope in her eyes. “Do, do you mean what you have said, Auntie?”

The mistress of the house nodded. “Of course I do, Dachi-chan.”

The girl leapt and hugged the older woman. “Thank you, Auntie! Thank you!”

“Da-Dachi-chan, let us not be too hasty. It is not that simple and it will be hard with no rewards guaranteed.”

“I don't care! I will do anything to be with Ranma!”

“I know you will, Dachi-chan, and I will pray for your success but please do not raise your hopes too much. I do not want you to be hurt.”

Kodachi didn't seem to hear the words of caution as she continued her hug. It was more hope than anyone had ever given her in her quest for the pig-tailed boy's hand. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Dachi-chan!”

The sixteen year old girl blinked again. “Ye-yes, Auntie?”

Nodoka repeated what she said in a concerned voice. “Dachi-chan, please do not raise your hopes too much. I do not want you to be hurt.”

Kodachi released her hold and looked down. “I know, Auntie. I am just so happy.” She looked up at the woman. “Auntie, you have been far kinder to me than anyone I have known in a long time. One day, I will repay your kindness. You only have to ask.”

Nodoka waved it off. “No need to repay me, Dachi-chan. Seeing you happy is payment enough.”

“You are too kind, Auntie, but I must insist.”

“Very well but I will not hold you to it.” Nodoka stood back up. “Well, I should get back to doing the chores. They will not do themselves, you know.” She grinned.

Kodachi stood as well and grinned back. “No, they definitely will not.” With that the two women went back to finish the household chores, one with a much lighter step than before.

----------

“Hey, man, what are you doing reading that book for?” Hiroshi asked his friend interrupting Ranma's reading of a textbook. “Don't tell me you find that stuff interesting?”

“Nah, it's because I promised my mom I'd do my best in school from now on.”

“Rii-ight.” So the ladies man is really a mama's boy. Will wonders never cease? Hiroshi thought before asking the question he was nominated to ask in behalf of their male classmates. “So, Ranma, how was it?”

“How was what, Hiroshi?”

“Don't play dumb with us, Saotome. You know very well what we're all interested in.” Daisuke answered while the rest of the boys in the class nodded behind him.

“No, I don't, Daisuke.”

“Sheesh! How dumb can you get? We're talking about being kissed by three hot babes, man!”

“Not to mention being a hot babe yourself at the time, Saotome.”

“----------hhhhhh!!!!!!”

“Oh.” Ranma intelligently answered back before it clicked in his brain what his male classmates were all interested in. He reddened before a frown appeared on his face. “It's none of yer damned business! Get away from me, ya jerks!” He yelled, causing the boys gathered around him to scatter and attracting the attention of the female half of the class who were gathered around his three fiancées.

“Come on, Ranma, don't be like that!” Daisuke whined from behind the safety of some desks they had stacked together. “You're a boy like us. You should understand our feelings and kiss and tell.”

“I said it's none of yer damned business!” To emphasize his point Ranma cupped his hands towards the stack of desks his male classmates were hiding behind and formed a ball of chi.

“Aaaiiiyyyeee!!!” The door to the classroom didn't stand a chance as a horde of boys scrambled out of the room to get out of the line of fire.

Ranma smirked and allowed the chi ball to dissipate. He was about to go back to reading his book in peace when he saw the girls still looking at him.

He blushed deeper as the girls stared and then giggled at him, some even bold enough to wink. He quickly buried his head in a book to avoid looking at them. He let out his breath when the girls turned back to whatever they were doing before his outburst.

----------

“Well, Akane, spill it!”

“No, I won't, Yuka!”

“Aw, come on, Akane, don't be a spoil sport!” Sayuri whined.

“Yeah!” The other girls agreed.

“No!”

“Well, I guess we'll have to ask Ukyou or Shampoo then.”

“Yeah!”

“Its none of yer damned business! Get away from me, ya jerks!”

The girls all looked in the direction of the shout in time to see the boys in their class scampering away from Ranma and then taking cover behind some desks they've stacked together.

“Come on, Ranma, don't be like that!” they heard Daisuke yell from behind the desks. “You're a boy like us. You should understand our feelings and kiss and tell.”

“I said it's none of yer damned business!” Ranma shouted back before they saw him cup his hands towards the stack of desks his male classmates were hiding behind and form a glowing ball of chi.

“Aaaiiiyyyeee!!!” The girls watched as their male classmates rushed out the door to the classroom

They looked back at the boy with multiple fiancées to see him blush. They all giggled before returning their attention to their three female classmates in their midst.

“Looks like Ranma isn't the 'kiss and tell' type.” Yuka commented.

“That's so sweet of him.” Sayuri sighed.

“Aaawww!!!” The rest of the girls sighed in agreement.

“So how was it, Ukyou?” Yuka demanded, returning to their purpose.

“Hey, if Ranchan won't talk, what makes you think we will?”

“Because it's different when girls talk about it.”

“Yeah, we're not perverts like boys.” Mio agreed.

“Yeah, that's why girls can, should, must talk about these things.”

Ukyou looked helplessly at her two cohorts. It looked like their classmates wasn't going to leave them alone until they heard all the sordid details. Shampoo simply shrugged. Akane held out for several seconds before the combined pleading stares of their classmates overcame her resistance. She shrugged in resignation as well.

“Okay, we'll tell you guys but you have to promise it doesn't go farther than this classroom.”

The girls all happily nodded their consent to the condition and leaned in closer.

----------

“Ranchan?”

Ranma looked up from his desk where he was practicing writing kanji. He was still a little miffed and a bit embarrassed from the Martial Arts Calligraphy challenge a while back and it was one of the areas of his education he was determined to improve on first. Heck, even Shampoo who didn't have the benefit of a formal education and Ryouga who spent less time in school could write it better than him. “Uh, yeah, Ucchan?” He noted Akane and Shampoo standing behind her with box lunches in hand. He blinked. “It's lunchtime already?” Time never went this fast before in class.

“Yes, you dummy.”

Ranma's stomach growled loudly to confirm it. The three girls giggled girlishly.

“See?”

“Um, right.”

“So where does Airen want to eat?”

“Um, I guess the usual place would be fine.”

“Oh! That's right. I almost forgot. Kasumi and Nabiki said they'll meet us there.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“That's good.”

“Good?”

“Um, yeah. I've got something to give to Kasumi, too. Uh, hope you guys don't mind.”

“Hmmm... Why are you being so sweet and thoughtful all of a sudden, Ranchan? Not that I'm complaining.”

“Yeah, you're starting to creep me out, Ranma. It's like you're a totally different person. What happened last night after you left?”

“Uh, that's one of the things I wanna talk to you guys 'bout. Com'on I'll tell ya all 'bout it during lunch.”

----------

“Man, that was good stuff!” Ranma announced to his audience of five girls after inhaling five box lunches. He leaned back and patted his stomach contentedly. “A guy could really get used ta this.”

“Really?” Five eyelids fluttered.

Ranma swallowed thickly “Uh, yeah. Really. Hehe.”

“So Airen, what did want to tell us?”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Shampoo. But before I tell ya guys, um, promise me ya'll listen to the entire story before ya say somethin'.”

“Why?”

“It's kinda a long and complicated story. I don't wanna have ya gettin' wrong ideas and all worked up over nothin'. So jus' promise me, 'kay?”

“Okay, we promise.”

“Thanks.” Ranma took a deep breath. “Um, Kodachi went ta my house yesterday afternoon ta meet my mom...”

“What?!”

“Hey! Ya promised!”

“But...”

“A promise is a promise!”

“Okay! Okay!” His three fiancées fumed.

“So Kodachi went ta my house. I don't know how she found out...”

“Sasuke.”

“What?”

“Sasuke.” Nabiki repeated. “I saw him sneaking off yesterday morning after hearing Auntie was your mother. My guess is he followed her home.”

“That makes sense. So he ain't that useless after all. Anyway...”

“That's not a nice thing to say, Ranma-kun. He tries his best after all. We cannot ask for more.”

Ranma looked repentant. “Uh, yeah, Kasumi. I, um, take what I said back.”

“Thank you, Ranma-kun. I'm sure Sasuke appreciates it as well.”

“Um, gettin' back to the story, Kodachi was at my house talkin' ta mom when I came home. As usual, I got splashed along the way and when I got home Kodachi tried to attack me but mom stopped her.”

“Your mom stopped Kodachi?!”

“Yeah, ya should have seen my mom! She didn't even need her sword! All she had to do was raise her voice.”

“Wow!”

“Yeah, you said it! Mom was awesome! Anyway, she said Kodachi had to know 'bout my curse and had me change in front of her. I think it was too much for her and she ran off.”

“Who ran off?”

“Who do ya think? Kodachi, of course! So mom sends me ta get her back 'cos she was afraid Kodachi might do something stupid...”

“So that was where you went when I called?”

“Uh, yeah. Anyway when I caught up with Kodachi I had to tackle her to stop her from jumping off the rooftop of a building...”

“What's wrong with her jumping off a rooftop? She does that all the time.”

“Not when the roof's 'bout two hundred meters high.”

“Two...? Just where exactly did you catch up with her?”

“I think we were in Shiodome already...”

“Shiodome?!”

“I know. I've never seen Kodachi run so fast before. I guess my curse really came as a shock to her.”

“What happened next?”

“Well, we got into a fight on the rooftop. She tried ta cut me up with her ribbon but I was able to catch it. Problem was when we both tugged on it, it broke and Kodachi fell off the roof...”

“She fell off?!”

“Yeah, so I had to run down the building...”

“You ran down the building? Are you crazy?! You could have been killed!”

“Com'on, ya can't expect me to just stand by and watch her fall, do ya? I had to do somethin' ta try and save her!” Ranma tried to reassure his girls. “Besides I ain't hurt or nothin'.”

“You better not have been!”

“Com'on, girls. Ya know I had to do something. What kind of a guy would I be if I didn't?”

A war of emotions battled within the girls. They knew Ranma was the kind of person of who would risk his own life for another. It was one of the reasons they fell for him but the mere thought of him getting hurt turned their blood cold. “I know. Just be more careful, Ranma/Airen/Ranchan. I don't want you to get hurt.”

“I will. I promise.” Ranma said in a softer voice. “Anyway after I saved her...”

“How exactly did you save her?”

“After I caught her I jumped back and forth between two buildings ta slow us down until we landed on the street. Along the way down I changed back into a boy and she calmed down.”

“How did you change in mid-air?”

“I dunno. I passed through some hot water while jumping. Dunno where it came from but I ain't complaining.”

“Heh, so good things do happen to you once in a while, Saotome.”

“Oh, I wouldn't say just once in a while, Nabiki.” Ranma quipped back while looking at his fiancées making them blush.

Nabiki blinked. Did he just get one over me? She smiled. “Good one Saotome. No wonder girls are falling all over themselves for you.”

Ranma blushed. “Uh, yeah. Anyway, along the way back she fell asleep.”

“What happened next?”

“When I got home after I left you guys, mom wanted to hear 'bout the training trip. So we were talkin' in the living room when Kodachi suddenly screamed. I tell ya, I never heard someone scream like she did. It scared the shit outta me, not that I'm afraid of anythin' mind ya. When me and mom got to the guest room...”

“Wait a minute. She spent the night at your house?”

“It wasn't my idea! It was mom's, I swear! Kodachi was asleep when I brought her back so mom thought to put her in the guest bedroom. I didn't do anythin'! Ya gotta believe me!”

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou looked at their fiancé then each other before looking back to the boy. “Okay, Ranma/Airen/Ranchan, we believe you. But did she try anything?”

Ranma sweated. “Um, uh, well...”

“Ranma/Airen/Ranchan! Did Kodachi try anything with you?!”

Ranma waffled “Um, I, uh, well... ”

“Ranma/Airen/Ranchan!”

Ranma caved. “Okay, okay! She tried ta kiss me this mornin'!“

“She what?! I'll kill her!”

“Com'on, girls! Don't be like that.”“Are you defending her?!”

“No! Well, um, maybe.”

“What?!”

“Girls, why don't we give Ranma-kun a chance to explain everything before you go all Neanderthal on him?” Nabiki interjected to which Kasumi nodded in agreement.

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou crossed their arms and sat back. “All right. Talk.” They barked out together.

The pig-tailed boy let out a sigh. “Thanks, Nabiki.” I wonder what the hell nean-whatever mean? He looked back to his three fiancées. “Akane, Shampoo, Ucchan, ya asked me a while ago why I've been all nice and thoughtful today. Part is 'cos of what I learned 'bout Kodachi and the Kunos.”

“The other day when I first went home to mom's house I tried ta ask mom what ta do 'bout Kodachi. When I told mom how the whole family was nuts she told me 'bout this tragedy that happened to the Kunos when Kodachi was just eight.” Ranma took a deep breath. “Her mother was gang raped and murdered while Kodachi was almost raped herself.”

His audience of five girls gasped and blinked in surprise. “That happened to her? To them?”

“Yeah, that was my reaction, too.”

“How?”

“From what mom could remember, a rival of the father ordered 'bout six men ta break into the Kuno home. Nobody knows why. They raped the women servants before gang-raping Kodachi's mom. She was murdered when she tried ta protect Kodachi from being raped. It all happened right in front of Kodachi and Kuno. Principal Kuno got home just as his wife was dying and killed the criminals with his bare hands. Mom wasn't sure but Ishe thinks the mastermind was never caught.”

“I think I remember reading something about that years ago in the newspapers.” Nabiki ventured.

“Why didn't you mention anything about it before, sis?”

“I guess I forgot about it. We had our own problems back then, Akane. Just trying to keep us from being thrown out on to the streets took almost all of my time.”

“Oh.”

“Oh, dear. That's horrible.” Kasumi was having difficulty imagining the events.

“Yeah, kinda makes ya understand why the family acts the way they do now.” Ranma shuddered. “Now ya understand why I'm kinda trying ta be nicer to Kodachi.”

“Why that's very nice of you, Ranma-kun.”

“That's still no reason for her to kiss you.”

Ranma smirked. “What can I say? I'm just too darned irresistible.”

“Too irresistible for your own good. Maybe we should do something about it.” Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou looked at one another then speculatively at their fiancé as if trying to figure out the best way to do it.

Ranma gulped. “No! No! No! No need to do that. Hehe.” The boy scratched the back of his head. “Uh, anyways, I think that was what Kodachi's nightmare was 'bout last night. Ya shoulda heard her scream.” He shivered. “Mom thought we ought ta try and help her so I volunteered ta watch over her fer the night. It was while I was watchin' over her that I noticed how different she looked. She looked so peaceful, not crazy or nuts at all. That's when I realized how little I knew 'bout her, 'bout all of ya. I mean I do know a lot 'bout ya guys but I didn't really make any effort ta get ta know ya guys and I promised myself I'd do somethin' 'bout it.”

“Do something like what?”

Ranma looked down and twiddled his fingers. “Um, like, uh, mebbe take ya guys out on dates?”

[Glomp!]

An amazon was now attached to the pig-tailed boy.

“Aiyah! Airen take Shampoo out to date!” The purple hair girl reverted to her cutesy behavior.

“Hey! Why do you get to go first?!” Akane and Ukyou glared at the Amazon.

“Because you two are slowpokes!” Shampoo stuck out her tongue while continuing to hug Ranma around the neck.

“Why you...” Akane and Ukyou each grabbed a leg and started to pull Shampoo off.

“Let go of my legs!” Shampoo yelled while trying to kick them free. “Sore losers!” She tightened her grip.

“Urk!”

“No!”

“I said let go!”

“You let go!”

Ranma tried to gasp out a plea through the constriction at his throat. “Gah... Gah... Gah...”

Nabiki sighed. “Shampoo, you'd better let go or Ranma won't be able to date any of you.”

Shampoo looked back up at her Airen's face. She eeped at the unhealthy shade of blue. “Aiyah! Airen!” She let go immediately. Too bad the other two was still tugging. The three tumbled down the incline towards the middle of the school field.

When they stopped tumbling, Shampoo stood up to get back to Ranma. She took a step and fell flat on her face as Ukyou shot out an arm and grabbed an ankle.

Ukyou stood up. “Hah! Served you right!” She turned, took a step and fell flat as Akane put out a leg to trip her.

Akane didn't waste time talking, she started running as fast as she could. She looked up when a shadow fell over her in time to see Shampoo and Ukyou descending on her. “Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!”

[Crash!]

Kasumi smiled at the antics of the younger girls in the middle of the field as the jumble of arms and legs moved back and forth across it. “They certainly are energetic today.” she said causing her remaining sister to blink and look at her strangely.

Nabiki shook her head. So much for cooperating. You'd think they'd have learned their lesson with the motorcycle. She smirked. Oh, well. Their loss, my gain. She turned to Ranma who was just catching his breath.

“So Ranma, how does Friday after school work for you?”

“Wha?” Her unsuspecting fiancé answered distractedly as he watched his three fiancées battle it out.

“You said you'd treat me out to thank me. I asked how about Friday after school?”

“Oh. Um, sure. Why not? They did say they wouldn't mind me taking you out alone. Uh, I think I oughta break them up.”

“Don't bother, Ranma. They're not really trying to hurt each other.”

“Oh? How can ya tell, Nabiki?”

“Well, if you haven't noticed they've only grabbed and tripped one another. No punches, kicks or weapons.”

Ranma looked closer. “Hey! You're right!” He said brightly. “But still, I should break it up before it gets out of hand.”

“I don't think you have to, Ranma-kun. Looks like they've settled it among themselves.” Nabiki pointed towards where the jumble of girls had finally stopped.

+++++++++

Ukyou panted heavily along with her companions as she tried to free her limbs from the tangle. “So both of you give up already?” She bluffed as she tried to move someone's knee from her face.

“Hah! I'm just getting warmed up!” Akane shot back around a lock of dark brown hair.

“Amazons never give up!” Shampoo defiantly answered from behind an elbow.

There was a brief scuffle as each tried to free herself. After several seconds of trying the three girls gave up. They were hopelessly tangled up with one another.

“You know we'll never get anywhere like this.” Ukyou finally commented, spitting out some purple hair. She sniffed. Nice smell. I wonder what shampoo Shampoo uses.

“Yeah.” Both Akane and Shampoo grudgingly admitted.

There was silence as each waited for the other to make the next move.

“So what do the two of you say we follow Nabiki's advice. We did pay for it, you know, and I hate wasting my hard-earned money.” Ukyou offered.

“No tricks?” Akane demanded.

“No tricks.” The amazon and chef agreed.

“Word of honor?”

“Word of honor.”

“Okay, fine with me. So how do we do this?”

“How about we have Ranchan take us all out on the first date? I don't think any of us wants to go second. After that we can talk about having some kind of arrangement for the following dates.”

“Do you think that's a good idea? Us three going on the same date?”

“Well, if we all agree not to hog him, I don't see why not.”

Shampoo shrugged. If it meant finally going on a date with her Airen. “I'm willing. I just want to go on a date with Airen.”

“Well, Akane? Truce? For the sake of finally going on a date with Ranchan?”

Akane sighed. “No hogging?” Both Shampoo and Ukyou nodded. “Okay. So when do we go on this 'date'?”

“How about Friday after school?” Ukyou suggested. Nods again. “Deal?” She held out her hand or what she thought was her hand.

“Deal.” Handshakes all around.

“Now, can whoever is sitting on my butt get off?!”

+++++++++

Ranma, Nabiki and Kasumi watched as the three girls wearily trudged back towards them covered in dust, grass and leaves with their clothes in disarray.

“Hey, they fixed it among themselves! That's cool!”

“Remember Friday after school, Ranma.”

The two of them sat back down beside Kasumi as they watched Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou walk back.

“Ranma/Airen/Ranchan, we've decided.” The three declared as they sat back down. “You're going to take the three of us out on Friday.”

Ranma's blood ran cold. He sweated as he imagined what would happen on such a date. “Uh, do you think that's a good idea?”

“Why wouldn't it be?”

“Uh, 'cos you three'll probably try to kill each other and I'll get caught in the middle, not ta mention there'll be three times more chances of me doin' somethin' dumb and ruining the date. Plus there'll be more jerks tryin' ta butt in.”

The three girls pouted. “Well, if you're so smart then you settle it who goes first.”

“Um, draw straws?”

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou thought for a moment before shaking their heads. “It's not going to work Ranma/Airen/Ranchan. None of us wants to go second.”

Ranma sighed. “Okay, but I hope ya girls don't mind having Nabiki along. She wants me to take her out Friday after school.” He answered.

Nabiki's eyes widened. It would put a major crimp in what she was planning if the other girls tagged along. Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! You should have specified you wanted to be treated alone. “Uh, I don't think it's a good idea to treat me out together with them, Ranma-kun.” She cooly returned the glares directed at her.

“Uh, why?”

“Because I don't you'll have enough money for four girls to enjoy themselves especially with me around.”

“Mebbe yer right...”

“Can we talk to Nabiki for a second?” Akane didn't wait for an answer as she dragged her sister off followed by Shampoo and Ukyou.

Ranma scratched his head. “What was that about?” He asked the remaining girl as the two of them watched Akane pull Nabiki a little way off.

“I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Ranma-kun.”

“You're probably right, Kasumi. So watcha like doin' in yer spare time, Kasumi-chan?” He asked as he began to try to know more about the older girl. He wondered why Kasumi was getting flushed all of a sudden. “Uh, you alright, Kasumi? Yer getting' all red.”

The older girl looked down at her hands in her lap. “I-I'm fine, Ranma-kun.”

“That's good ta hear. So whaddya do in yer spare time, Kasumi-chan?”

----------

“What do you think you're doing?!” Akane screeched at her older sister once they were out of earshot.

“Having a date with Ranma on Friday.” Nabiki cooly replied.

“You can't do that!”

“Why not?”

“Because that's when we're going!” Ukyou protested. “You can't go on a date with Ranchan before the three of us!”

“Then go tomorrow or on Thursday.”

“But it's a school day the next day! We won't have as much time!” Shampoo complained. (5)

“Come on, sis. Can't you go out next week or something? It's the first time Ranma actually asked someone out on a date.”

“He asked me out once when I was his fiancée.”

“That doesn't count. He didn't plan that as a real date. Come on, Nabiki. Please?”

“I might not last that long. I have to tell him sooner or I'll go crazy. Besides I want to talk to him before I talk with Auntie and daddy.”

“Then how about tomorrow or Thrusday?”

“That still means I get to go out with Ranma before you three.”

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou bit their lower lips. It was either have shorter time on their date or be second. The thought of intimidating Nabiki briefly crossed their minds. They quickly discarded it. Using physical methods didn't hold the same appeal as it once did. Nabiki had shown them that.

Nabiki sighed. “Okay, I'll do you three a favor and go out with Ranma on Thursday. How about that?” When the three still hesitated she sweetened the pot. “Come on, girls. It's not a real date since Ranma doesn't consider it as one, right? As far as he knows he's just treating me out to show his thanks. That's all. You don't have to worry being second to me.” That did it. One by one the three girls nodded. Wow! They actually bought that.

“So, are you girls happy now?”

“Yes, thanks, Nabiki.”

“No problem, sis.” Nabiki turned to head back. “I'll just put it on your tabs.”

“What?!”

----------

“Oh, dear. It's getting late. I should go home already. Father might be home already.”

“Daddy's still not home when you left, Kasumi?”

“No, Nabiki, and I'm getting worried.”

“Nah, you've got nothin' ta worry 'bout, Kasumi. Pops and Mr Tendou's gone missing fer several days before and they came back 'kay.”

“Ranma's right, Kasumi. I'm sure daddy's fine.” Akane agreed.

“Oh, I hope you're right. Still I should be going home.” She stood up after gathering the box lunch she brought.

Akane nudged Ranma in the ribs. “Hey, didn't you say you had something to give to Kasumi also?”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me.” He quickly stood and reached out to grab one of Kasumi's hands before the gentle girl could walk off. “Uh, Kasumi, um, can ya stay for a little while longer?” He asked while wondering why the older girl was turning even more red.

Kasumi was startled at the hand contact. “W-why, o-of course, Ranma-kun. What is it?” She stuttered while shyly looking down. His hand is so warm and gentle. It's hard to imagine it could crush stone. When Ranma let go her hand felt empty.

He brought out another white rose and held the flower towards her. “Um, Kasumi, I know I haven't really said thanks fer all you've done fer me and pops. And you've done lots. Cooking our meals, cleaning our messes, mending my clothes, saving me food, washing our clothes, treating my wounds, preparing the bath. All those stuff. I'm really sorry fer, well, taking ya fer granted. Anyway, I know it ain't much but I wanna give ya this rose ta say thanks and if you'll let me, I wanna treat ya out like Nabiki. It's the least I could do.”

When Kasumi didn't make a move to take the rose, Ranma became worried. “Kasumi? Are you okay?”

Kasumi sniffed. She dabbed at her eyes. “Ye-yes, Ranma-kun. I-I'm all right.” She reached out to take the rose. She looked up to look at Ranma's face.

“Ah! Kasumi, don't cry! I didn't mean to make you cry!”

“It's all right, Ranma-kun. I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm crying because I'm very happy.” She moved and placed her hands on his chest causing Ranma to freeze up. “You've made me very, very happy, Ranma-kun.” She buried her face in the boy's chest. “Thank you.”

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou tensed and stared as another girl practically hugged their fiancé. A girl with more than just friendship in mind and for the life of them they just couldn't get jealous. It was kasumi after all and they couldn't imagine her taking Ranma away and hurting them. No, Kasumi would never do that. Kasumi would never hurt anyone.

After a few seconds, Ranma relaxed. Baka! It's Kasumi! There's nothing wrong being hugged by Kasumi! He gently hugged back. This is kinda nice. She's so soft and smells nice, too. “Uh, it's me who should be thanking ya, Kasumi.”

After several seconds Kasumi broke the embrace and held up the rose to look at it. “It's really beautiful, Ranma-kun. You really didn't have to. It was my pleasure to do all those things.”

“Nah, ya deserve that, Kasumi. Actually much more than that so if all of ya don't mind I'd like ta treat ya out like Nabiki.”

“No need really, Ranma-kun.”

“No! I insist.”

“No, you really don't have to.”

“But I want to.”

“It really was no...”

Gagging sounds began to be heard from the four other persons present.

“Oh, for crying out loud!” Nabiki finally broke in to the relief of the other girls. “You can kidnap Kasumi if you really want to treat her out, Saotome. Just remember to give her a great time and return her safe and sound. Sheesh. Watching you two get all mushy like that...” She shivered before speaking to her elder sister. “Come on, Kasumi. Why don't you just let Ranma here treat you out? You really, really deserve it. In fact, no one deserves it more than you.”

“Um, if you say so, Nabiki.”

“I say so.”

“All right then.” Kasumi returned her attention to the pig-tailed boy. “So when do you want to treat me out, Ranma-kun?”

“Ah, well, I'm not really sure. When do you want to go out, Kasumi?”

“Oh. I don't know, too. I guess when you're available, Ranma-kun.”

“I'm pretty much available anytime, Kasumi. Except for Thursday and Friday night.”

“Oh, any day will be fine, Ranma-kun. I don't want to trouble you too much.”

The four other girls groaned again.

“Oh, for heaven's sake!” Nabiki broke in again just as Ranma was about to open his mouth. “Tomorrow! Go out tomorrow after school!”

“Is that all right with you...” Ranma and Kasumi said together before blinking.

“Good! Good!” Nabiki intervened again before Ranma and Kasumi got into another contest to see who was nicer. “It's settled then. Ranma takes Kasumi out tomorrow, me on Thursday and you three on Friday. Everyone clear on that?” Everyone nodded.

“So Ranchan, you've got a busy schedule ahead of you. Better rest up tonight.”

That prodded the loverboy's memory. “Oh, yeah. Ucchan, before I forget, mom said she'd be happy to go with ya shopping later today.”

“Really? That's great, Ranchan! So I'll meet her at your home?”

“Yeah, she wanted ta meet ya here but I told her ya wanna see our house.”

“So I'll come with you to your house after school?”

“Yep.”

“That's great! That's great! That's great!” Ukyou smiled widely at the other girls. Not only do I get to spend some time with Ranchan's mom, I get to see his new house and I get to spend some time with him! Alone!

“One more thing. Mom told me to invite all ya girls if ya all wanna come, too.”

The smile died on Ukyou's lips. No! No! No!

“Yes!” Akane, Kasumi, Nabiki and Shampoo immediately answered.

“Um, so you'll all come?” Not good.

“Yes!”

“I'll tell great-grandmother. She wants to go shopping also for my uniform.”

Really not good. “Okay, so we'll meet here after school. I'll call ahead so mom and Kodachi can get ready.”

“Kodachi's coming with us?!”

----------

End Chapter 5.

----------

Author's notes:

Well, it's long enough (it's more than twice as long as the other chapters) as it is so I decided to cut it here.

1. You all know what this technique is going to be, right?

2. As seen being used by Genma-Panda in the anime episode 'Close Call! The Dance of Death... On Ice.'

3. Going by the manga where the skating match happened before Shampoo arrived.

4. I can't remember if anyone else besides Shampoo among the five girls know Ryoga's secret. If anyone can point out an episode in the anime or a chapter in the manga where any of them know please let me know.

5. I've read in one fanfic here, I don't remember which, that the Japanese week starts on Tuesday and ends on Saturday while their “weekend” are Sunday and Monday. Is this true? If it is please tell me and I'll correct the days.

Gomen nasai it took so long to get this chapter out. Why you ask? Well basically I couldn't get the story right. Actually I still don't think I got it right. I practically rewrote this chapter three times and when I was finally getting somewhere the compact flash card I was keeping it on got trashed. Poof! All gone including the first side story.

Also the Nabiki lecture gave me lots of trouble. It's the part I rewrote the most times. In the first drafts there were lots of fireworks between the girls but I decided to cut those out for the time being. I hope you guys like the final version.

Anyway, I hope you all like this as much as the other chapters, especially chapter four. The reactions to chapter four caught me by surprise. I didn't think people would like it that much. The reviews were so good, too good, I got cold feet. Arigato gozaimas.

Now if only I can keep doing what I did in chapter four.

By the way, if you guys haven't noticed I've set my settings so I can accept anonymous reviews for my stories. More input, the better I think my stories will be.

With those out of the way, here's a recap of this chapter plus some teasers for the next.

Here we see Ranma being a bit introspective and angstsy, especially with his relationship with the girls, prompted by the new things he learned about his least favorite girl, Kodachi. Basically it made him realize how he'd never really got to know any of the girls. Well, he's going to do something about that now. Question is, will things go smoothly? Should I be even asking that question?

The girls are getting along better. They agreed not to interfere with one another and maybe even help each other out. Will the truce last? Will friendship bloom? Will Akane finally learn how to cook? Actually, she knows how to cook. She's just terrible at it.

Kodachi wants to be engaged to Ranma and is willing to do anything to achieve that. Will she be able to follow the direction Nodoka pointed her to? How will the other girls react to a Kodachi that's nice to them?

Who will get the coveted first kiss of Ranma?

What's going to happen on all those dates?

What will happen on the shopping trip? Will Ranma get dragged into it?

To the fans of Genma and Soun (don't be afraid, no one's going to lynch you, not me anyway), don't worry, it's not the end for them although it might take them a week or two to get home from where ever the barge is going. I just need to get rid of them for a few more days. They'll be worried sick at what might be happening back in Japan without their 'guidance' and plotting more schemes. When they do get back they're sure to be raring to get back into 'action.'

Next up: No need for Ranma! Or how to survive being the only half-guy in a house full of beautiful and amorous girls. So I'm off to watch Tenchi Muyo! and Love Hina for inspiration. Probably watch and read A!MG too for good measure. Poor, poor Ranma. Not!