Disclaimer:
I do not own these characters nor do I claim too, this is a simple fan based homage. Their creators and the companies they work for and with own the characters and all that pertains to them. (I.E. Rumiko Takahashi, Viz, Shougakukan). I do not intend on making any profit from making this story but only a writer writing about one of her favourite character, namely Nabiki. Now on with the show…

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Previously:

Akane was reflecting her relationship with Ranma and her sisters. Tatewaki expressed his desire to have a child to a very reluctant Nabiki and Ranma plans to meet up with Nabiki in the hopes that his instincts were not leading him astray.

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Morning came. Akane reluctantly got up. She felt so cold and alone. For the past couple of nights, she had slept alone in their bed. The bed seems huge and empty. She fought the desire to cry. She had done a lot of crying to last her a lifetime. Things were just not the same anymore. She knew that she and Ranma where drifting apart. The truth couldn't hurt anymore than she felt. She felt empty. No. Not empty. Just lonely. She should be happy being with Ranma. But after what had transgressed between them, it was hard to keep up the façade. Ranma should be getting up by now. She thought.

She began to freshen herself up before heading downstairs. Reluctantly she glanced at the dojo. She was drawn to it, knowing Ranma was there, perhaps still asleep. They had another argument last night, and as usual it ended badly. Akane didn't know what to think or feel anymore. She pursed her lips and was now more determined to talk to Ranma at breakfast. She will take Yuka's advice and try and convince Ranma to go with her and see a marriage counsellor. She tore her gaze away from the dojo and headed to the kitchen. It was time to make breakfast.

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Meanwhile at the Kuno residence:

Nabiki woke up earlier than Kuno, despite the fact that she slept in the early hours of dawn. She wasn't a morning person, but since her marriage, she had been getting up early to prepare their breakfast. Still groggy, she freshened herself up. She had a routine. First get into a cold shower to wake her body up then after dressing up head downstairs towards the kitchen to have a cup of coffee to wake up her mind. Then prepare breakfast.

She smiled as she remembered how Kasumi used to wake up early to prepare breakfast for their family. She never did really appreciate her older sister for the stuff she did around the house. Only now that she was married did she understand what drives Kasumi to wake up early in the morning. Love drove her older sister to wake up early in the morning to serve them, to make sure they were fed and well cared for. The feeling itself was quite fulfilling.

She smiled as she remembered how everyone assumed she didn't know how to cook. Only Kasumi knew otherwise. While she was perfectly able to employ her domestic skills, she kept them hidden. Back then she believed that if she showed any of her domestic skills, she will be expected to use them. Just like Kasumi has. She will be tied down to her family and while she loved and cared for them, she already carried the responsibility of keeping the family finances afloat.

While she loved her family, she feared she may never be able to spread her wings and become completely independent if she had become submissive like her older sister. Kasumi, to forever serve her family, abandoning her own dreams and her own needs, always putting her family first. While she loved her family, Nabiki didn't think she can be that altruistic or selfless enough to sacrifice her dreams. She had suffered enough. She promised herself back then, that this was one of the things she will keep hidden from them. All she ever wanted was to be herself.

To be free.

Free of the responsibilities she had carried.

Free to be herself.

Just to be free.

She smiled inwardly. She was now free. Yet she still felt trapped. Trapped by her own emotions. Sometimes, Nabiki thought if it was wise to have finally opened herself up years ago. With all the chaos that went on, she didn't even realise that the wall of ice she had built around herself was slowly crumbling and melting. She found herself more vulnerable than anything, yet happy in the same time. Not like before, where she felt safe but alone. Though when she thought about it. She wouldn't have changed anything if she was given a chance to.

Everything was already set in motion. The deed was done. The choice was done. She had made her choice. Now she has to live with it. It still didn't stop from bothering her though. Nabiki was surprised to find a pair of strong arms encircle her waist. Rather than try and get away from it, she leaned back against its powerful chest. She can feel the beating of its heart from her back. She soon felt lips kiss the side of her neck.

"Good morning anata" She said.

Kuno just mumbled in response to her. Still too busy kissing her neck.

He then moved to her ear and mumbled. "You belong in bed, not in the kitchen Na-chan."

"If you keep this up, we will end up in bed. And I doubt you have enough vigour to keep up." Nabiki grinned.

Kuno let her go and pouted.

"Sit down and eat your breakfast." She ordered.

"Yes, mam!." He said as he gave her a mock salute.

Nabiki laughed and then began to serve their breakfast, in the formal dinning area. Though there are helpers/servants to do the cooking, Nabiki insists in preparing Tatewaki his breakfast. After all, because of their busy schedule, there are times that they barely see each other. So as much as possible, Nabiki likes to be able to do something for her husband. A little thing that was never missed by Tatewaki.

Tatewaki cherish these little moments they have. Tatewaki looked up from his food and observed his wife eat. Even now, she is still beautiful. Is it even possible for a person to be even more radiant everyday? Tatewaki shook his head. To think that he was deluded into loving her younger sister. No it was not love. Merely a transference. An illusion. A crazy infatuation. He was glad to have finally snapped out of his obsession and saw what was right in front of him. Just then the dinning phone began to ring.

Nabiki got up from her seat and answered the phone. She frowned before handing the cordless phone towards Tatewaki.

"It's Mariko." She said crisply, before sitting down again and resumed eating.

Tatewaki couldn't hide his smirk. He knew Nabiki was upset. Perhaps even jealous. She always looked so cute when she was angry. He answered the phone and true to her word, it was Konjo Mariko. His business partner. Nabiki listened as her husband talked on the phone. She doesn't know why but every time the woman calls, she just bristled.

She had met Mariko in several occasions, even talked to her. But every time she saw her with her husband, she just gets very angry.

Could this be jealousy?

NO

Then why the hell did her grip tightened on the utensils?

She had heard stories that there was more than business going on when her husband and this woman was around each other but she never took any heed on it. Kuno would never betray her. Would he? True enough, Mariko is very attractive. With gold Blonde hair, porcelain skin and a body to die for. Add her flirtatious manners and seductive eyes and you got one hell of a problem in your hands. Ok. Maybe she is a tad jealous of her, but not by looks or physicality, but the closeness she has with her husband and his family.

Mariko is a close friend of Kodachi. Until now she and Kodachi barely get along. Mariko's family and the Kuno's family have been close for years, that's why everyone was pleased, when both Tatewaki and Mariko took over the business and began a merger, 5 years ago. She was stopped from her musings when her husband hanged up the phone and started to get up.

"I'm sorry anata, but I'm afraid I have to go and get ready. Thank you for the lovely breakfast." He said, before approaching her and giving her a chaste kiss on the forehead.

Nabiki tried not to show any displeasure from her features.

"Your upset?" he pointed out.

"No. Why? Should I be?" She replied back, nonchalantly.

"You know what?" He asked her.

"What?" She asked.

"You looked so cute when your upset." He said. Before pinching her nose lightly and giving her a quick kiss on the lips before he left the dinning room.

"I'm not upset!" She called out after him.

---

Tendo Residence:

Unfortunately in the Tendo residence, they didn't share the same jovial atmosphere as in the Kuno's.

"What do you mean your going out today?" Akane asked, blatantly obvious that she was upset over Ranma's declaration.

"That's just it. I'm going out today. I have some errands to do." Ranma answered in patience.

"You can't go out today, we are going out somewhere today." Akane informed him.

"When did you decide this?" He asked her.

"Last night." She informed him.

"Without asking me if I had any plans today?" He pointed out to her.

"Why are you being difficult about this? If it was some errand I'm sure you can do it later on today, Or are you meeting up with some other girl?" She asked full menace in her voice.

"BY KAMI AKANE! HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE BEEN THROUGH THIS! I'M NOT CHEATING ON YOU!" Ranma couldn't hold it any longer and raised his voice.

"THEN PROVE IT!" Akane challenged him, as she abruptly stood up as she slammed her palms on the table.

Still seething, Ranma counted up to ten in his head to keep his anger in check. After making sure he has calmed down a little, he got up and made his way towards the door.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING!" Akane called out.

"I'm going to get some fresh air." He answered before finally walking out the door.

Leaving Akane, still fuming in anger. He heard a loud crash, but didn't bother looking back instead he just kept walking.

"When did we become like this?" He asked himself as he continued to walk. Not really caring where he was going to end up.

"Why can't she trust me?" He said to himself, unconsciously clenching his fists.

---

His eyes was blurring from the tears that tries to escape. He slumped in a nearby telegraph pole (or electricity poles). His head bent. His fringe covering most of his features, especially his eyes from other people's view. If a person looked clearly enough they would see drops of tears coming from his face and down to the concrete pavement.

He was slowly getting tired. Tired of caring. Hoping and wishing that they will live happily ever after. Its been 10 years but it seemed like an eternity. In that 10yrs of being married he can only remember a few happy, cherished memories. Most of that 10 yrs were more about fighting, and Akane not trusting him. Is that how she truly sees him?

Again he began to walk. His head down and his shoulders hunched. The picture of a man defeated. He continued to walk until he suddenly felt something inside him, telling himself to look up in front him. He stopped and gave in to the invisible voice. What he saw confused him.

He was across the street from the Kuno mansion. He didn't know how or why he got there. He merely just stood there and watched. He saw the enormous ebony gates open, as it made way for a black Mercedes Benz to go and drove pass. From where he was standing he saw the driver. At the back seat he saw a familiar person sitting next to the window. It was Tatewaki Kuno.

---

Nabiki had just about finished getting ready. She was wearing a black designer blazer with matching min skirt which had slits on the side. She wore a white slip underneath the blazer as well as low heeled pumps. It looked sexy as well as professional. She was just about to get the keys to her car, when the door bell rang. Cursing inwardly, she turned around and went to the front door. Ready to tell whoever it was ringing that she was about to leave or they didn't want to buy anything. She was surprise however when she saw who the person was that greeted her.

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"Are you sure about this?" Kinnusuke asked over the phone.

"Positive." said the voice on the phone.

"I don't see why your doing this." Kinnusuke asked. Intrigued why this person was helping him, in trying to seduce Nabiki.

He didn't really trust people. Especially people who he has never met. But this person just called him up right out of the blue and confronted him about his attraction to the middle Tendo Girl. He felt sudden attraction to her years ago when they first met. She intrigued him like no other woman has. He decided to make her his, only to realise upon his return, that she was already married and to Kuno Tatewaki no less.

"I have my reasons." Said the voice on the phone.

"Such as?" Kinnusuke inquired.

"Revenge." the voice answered in a clipped tone.

"And by helping you, I will get Nabiki?" Kinnusuke questioned. It just sounded too good to be true. "Yes."

"Why should I believe you?" Kinnusuke asked.

"Because…" the voice paused.

"By helping you, I get what I want. We both get what we want, in the end. Isn't that enough?" the voice inquired.

"Very well then." Kinnusuke replied.

"Can I expect your cooperation?" the voice asked.

"For now." Kinnusuke replied before he hanged up.

In the other side of the line, the person smiled.

---

"Just a little bit more, wait just a little bit more and I will get my revenge." The person said to itself, as it leaned back against the reclining leather couch. Sipping red wine.

"Good things happen to those who wait, and I've waited for so long. After all, revenge is best serve cold." The person told itself before laughter filled the dark, office room.

---

Nabiki was quite surprise to see Ranma at her front door. They were meant to meet up later that day after 3pm. By looking at him he looked like hell. He looked so worn out and tired. His shoulders were slumped forward and his head bent. His normal confident aura that normally surrounds him was gone. Only this bleak apparition in front of her. It made Nabiki wonder what happened. But before she could as him, his head lifted, his eyes filled with pain and sorrow.

"Oh, your about to head to work." He said a bit surprised and dejectedly.

"Uhm, Yes I am actually." She replied back as she bit her lower lip. What is she to do?

"Sorry for bothering you, I should go and let you be on your way then." He said before stepping aside and ready to turn around and leave.

Nabiki hesitated.

What was she suppose to do?

She can't just let him leave?

It's obvious he needed someone to talk to. Besides just by looking at him, he looks like he doesn't want to be alone right now.

"Won't you come in for a bit and have some coffee? I still have a few hours to go anyways till work start." She lied.

But what else could she do?

"Wont you be late?" Ranma asked hesitantly.

"No, I wont. Besides I'm only suppose to read some old case files anyways. I can do them later." She reassured him.

"Are you sure?" He asked yet again.

"Saotome, I'm not going to ask you twice. Now either come in or I'll drag you sorry carcass in." She warned light heartedly. As she stepped aside to let him in.

---

Ranma hesitantly walked in. the Kuno mansion was huge. He was there countless of times years ago, but mostly cause he was drugged up by Kodachi. He never really had the chance to stop and absorb the whole ambience of the place. He noticed how the place looked brighter than before, the last time he was there. The impression of danger was no longer there as well. The traps were probably disabled when Nabiki and Tatewaki married.

Nabiki lead him towards the kitchen. Where she turned on the percolator to make some coffee. She motioned for him to sit down on one of the stools, as she went to the fridge to make him something to eat. All the while not noticing Ranma, closely watching her actions.

Ranma couldn't believe that the person in front of him was Nabiki. The same Nabiki that used him and loaned him off to his fiancées years ago. The same Nabiki that wouldn't lift a finger to help around the house unless you ask her or pay her. He shook his head. He already knew she had changed. It was just remarkable how much she had changed though.

"What are you smiling at Saotome?" Nabiki asked him. Snapping him out of his reverie.

"Nothing. Just remembering, something from the past." He replied back.

"Must be Something, if it could make you smile like that." Nabiki replied. In which was true. Judging from the way he looked earlier, he didn't look like he would be able to smile again.

"Let's just say, it's a shock in the system." He replied still smiling.

Nabiki raised one of her delicately shaped eyebrows at the comment. Before going towards the percolator and serving herself and Ranma a cup of coffee.

"So what brings you here?" She asked. She could have slapped herself for the lack of tack. Seeing the effects of her question.

She saw his face crumble. His smile disappeared, replaced by a crestfallen expression instead. Nabiki inwardly swore at herself.

"I don't know." he answered her truthfully.

"What do you mean you don't know?" She asked him.

He remained silent.

"You and Akane had another fight didn't you?" She asked him. Biting her lower lip.

He remained silent. But his silence told her she was right.

Nabiki decided instead to change the subject.

"What I meant to ask was, why are you here now? I though we talked about meeting at Omi today after 3pm?" She asked him.

Ranma sighed. Then explained what happened to her at breakfast.

"It's alright you know. You could have just rang me up, if you cancelled. It's ok." She told him. Trying to reassure him. Feeling a bit guilty that they had another row because of her.

"It wasn't that. It's just that she didn't even considered asking me, you know? And then accusing me of seeing another woman, having an affair. I just couldn't take it anymore so I just walked out." he explained.

"Gomen, Ranma." Nabiki apologised.

"What for?" he asked.

"Because of me, You and Akane had a fight." She explained as she took her cup towards the sink to wash it. Turning her back to him.

"It wasn't your fault Nabiki. Besides it was me who invited you to go out and meet up with me." He assured her.

"Still…" She said turning around to face him.

"Don't worry about it." He said. For a moment their eyes met.

Silence filled the room.

"I think I should head off to work now." Nabiki excused herself.

"I'll walk out with you." Ranma said as he got up. Taking his cup towards the sink to wash it.

"Just leave it. The house cleaner will come by today." She told him.

They both made their way towards the front door. Nabiki picked up her briefcase and keys, while Ranma waited for her. She locked the doors and turned on the alarm system before turning to Ranma asking him if he would like to get dropped off at the Tendo Dojo.

Ranma declined. Instead he walked her towards her silver BMW car.

"Are you sure?" She asked once she was in the car. Her windows rolled down. The car already revved up.

Ranma leaned on the car window sill and shook his head. Before telling her to drive carefully. In that instant Ranma almost froze. His face was merely inches away from Nabiki. Their eyes met yet again. Blue eyes meeting her Chocolate browns. His heart beat quickened. But he pushed the feeling away and bid his farewell as he pulled away from her car window.

Nabiki waved as she drove out of the driveway. Leaving Ranma standing there. Waving back at her. He remained standing there until he could no longer see her silver car and began to make his way home. Feeling a little bit lighter than before.

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Author's Notes:

Well what do you think? Sorry it took me so long to update… been too busy and Sick lately… So as a bonus I made it kinda longer… lol… Also experiencing some major writer's block… Hope you all like it…

Please review… Also please read my other stories… Well that's all for nows…

Just who is the Mysterious person that called Kinnusuke? What does it want? Why does it want revenge? Please tune in next time for the next chapter of "Thy Neighbour's Wife" Again please read my other stories and Please review!

Ja Ne