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Disclaimer :
The characters in this story aren’t mine, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi and other publications… I’m only here so I can practice my writing…lol… I do not own any of the characters and gains no profit from writing this story… so again please don’t sue!… I already have enough problems managing bill payments…
Remember: Mz Kitty plus Ranma 1/2 equals no profit. Which means no money, So please get your lawyers out of my house or I'll be force to sic my dogs at them. Thank you and enjoy the story.
Warning: There is OOC’s and potential shoujo-ai in the future instalments (because of Michiru and Haruka’s relationship and another couple). There will also be a divergence to AU. You have been dutifully warned.
Italics means Thoughts.
Bold Italics means Emphasis on the word
Author’s Pre-notes:
Thanks Ryo-Oh-Ki7. The problem with oneechan/ imoto-chan had been fixed. Domo arigatou.
I promised myself, this time around I will make sure that all errors would have been fixed. I guess I was wrong. After receiving a couple of flames (thanks for almost making me cry!). I figured that an explanation was in order.
About the Nerima-Juuban distance. I have researched it over google and found that there is no given approximation of distance and time information given to travel. I have done my research! But without anyone actually helping me out and actually citing me the actual site, I’m practically walking blindfolded (Figuratively Speaking). I will continue my explanation on my author notes. But for now enjoy the story.
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Ranma couldn't believe how fast everything turned out. One minute they were in Nerima and the next, they were now minutes away towards Juuban. He looked at his side were Nabiki was comfortably sleeping, his arm around her shoulders for comfort. She seems to be very comfortable as she leans in more and rested her head onto his chest.
At first Ranma was shocked at this gesture but looking at Nabiki's deep slumbering form, he felt himself relax and actually enjoyed the warmth both their bodies where creating in such close and intimate contact. He sighed and breathed in deeply. He began to remember what had happened in the bus station at Nerima.
He still couldn't believe that Akane had given him a hug and wished him luck! He had just finished his farewells with his parents, Mr Tendo and Kasumi when Akane hesitantly approached him. At first they both stood still not saying a word as if it would ruin things. He saw his father about to interfere probably by cheering him on or yelling something stupid or idiotic like: "What are you waiting for boy! Kiss your fiancée goodbye!" but was stopped by his mother's firm grip.
Mr Tendo in the other hand had begun to hesitantly approach Nabiki, as if unsure what to say or do. He then turned his attention to Akane. Looking at her made him feel weird inside. He admits he likes Akane, probably more than he lets on but her constant rejection and anger towards him made it somewhat hard for him to establish any real relationship with her.
It doesn't help that he also has a big problem with keeping his mouth shut and not thinking before he speaks but he always believed in actions speaks louder than words kind of thing. He never could put into words what he wants to say. He was just never good at expressing himself growing up with an idiotic father and all…
And yet there she stood in front of him, what seems to be like eternity was in fact only a few mere minutes, as he saw her overcome her shyness and hugged him for the briefest moment before finally wishing him luck and threatening him that he should look after her Oneechan or suffer the consequences. At first he felt joy being able to hug her, just enjoying the feel of her within his arms but as he had thought things over, he felt him self sadden. There was a possible reason why she had the courage to hug him and it dawned on him…
DAMN MY THOUGHTS!
The reason why Akane even hesitated to hug him was already an indication. She hugged him because it was safe. There was no longer the underlying pressure for them to be together, there were no other fiancées about and the engagement was postponed. Therefore there is no harm in just giving him a quick and friendly hug…
Friendly…
Friends…
Is that the way she sees me?
Is that why she’s always angry at me?
Because we were always being pushed together?
And now that she’s temporarily free from the engagement, does this mean she doesn't hold a grudge against me now?
He felt himself stricken by his thoughts.
He does care for Akane, maybe even Lov…
He was interrupted by Nabiki's stirring. His musings and shifting in his seat due to his uncomfortable thoughts probably roused her. He watched her face more closely now as she once again snuggled against him and drifted back once again to sleep slumber. She was actually quite beautiful and has so much innocence about her now that she had let all her control go as she surrendered herself to sleep, leaving a more vulnerable side of her that he hadn't really known she was capable of. In fact, if he didn't know her any better he could have easily fallen for her if it wasn't for all the trouble she had caused him and put him through over the past year.
He felt himself chuckle soundlessly. That will be the day!
Him and Nabiki…
The wild horse and the mercenary…
What a laugh…
But looking at her now, sleeping peacefully, he felt something inside of him stir. Who would have though someone like her can cause so much trouble and reign control all at the same time? She was the eye of the storm, the eye of the hurricane to be in fact. While everything around her was in utter chaos, she remains in control, cool and collected. Unlike Kasumi, who remains peaceful and calm allowing her aura to wash over everyone that surrounded her. Nabiki stands as a Maestro guiding the crashing crescendos. Pretty unbelievable.
His eyes then surveyed her face. He saw little dark circles in her eyes. Either she haven’t been getting enough sleep or she has been crying or probably both but it’s hard to imagine someone like Nabiki to cry. She has such a strong character that sometimes emotions seemed to be foreign to her. Her deep rhythmic breathing actually made him relax. He decided to close his eyes for a while. Just 10 more minutes till they get to Juuban so there was plenty of time for him to shut his eyes for a little while.
A bus ticket attendant came walking by to see if everything was alright with the passengers. She paused briefly as she gazed at the young couple sleeping. She couldn't help but giggle.
Oh to be young and in love again. She thought as she continued her rounds.
Meanwhile back at Juuban:
Ami and Usagi stopped by Ami's house to make sure that everything is set for the arrival of Ami's cousin and her guest. After making sure that the guest rooms were properly set up, they made their way towards the bus station to meet up with Rei. Usagi, who is still full of energy due to the recent encounter in the park was bombarding Ami with questions in regards to her cousin.
"Is she nice Ami? We've never really met any of your relatives before, what is she like? Is she really that mercenary? Is she really as smart as you? How come you never mentioned your cousins before? Does this mean one of your cousins is going to get married? Aren't they a little too young to be married? I wished me and Mamoru could do that! Are you going to be a bridesmaid? How come your cousin's fiancé is accompanying Akane's sister? Aren’t they meant to be together? Ami? AMI!" Usagi went on and on until she realised that Ami was barely listening.
"Oh! Gomen Usagi-san…" Ami recovered as she apologized sheepishly to her friend.
"What's wrong Ami? I’ve been talking to you and you barely respond at all? Is there something bothering you?" Asked Usagi, concerned for her friend.
"No, well yeah actually there are a lot of things that is bothering me at the moment Usagi-san" Ami replied truthfully as she sighed.
"Is it about your cousin?" Usagi continued to prod.
"Well yeah and the attacks that's been happening lately," answered Ami, there was just too many things happening and not enough time to figure them all out.
"Don't worry, Minako and Makoto will call once they find out something," assured Usagi as she tried to placate her friend.
"I know, but what I don't get is why are they attacking now? The attacks themselves don't make any sense at all, they're attacking at random. This is the 5th attack that's happened. It’s as if the enemy are just gauging us out, trying to draw us out. I mean the victims found weren't harm at all, not physically anyways. Then they just disappear once we show up," Explained Ami as she pointed out what really was bothering her about the recent turn of events.
"Yeah now that you mentioned it Ami, it is a bit weird that they don’t hang around for us to fight them. You don't think they’re afraid of us do you?" Asked Usagi, hoping that she was right. She really didn't want to have to fight another rising evil from any dimensions or planets.
"No, I don't think so. It seems as if they’re up to something. I can just feel it." Ami replied back honestly.
They finally made it to the bus station where they were greeted by Rei.
"What took you guys so long? Don't tell me Odango here got distracted again?" greeted Rei as she took a quick glance at Usagi.
"It’s nice to see you again too Rei, I'm glad to see your still a grouch!" retorted Usagi as she glared at her raven haired friend.
"Rei give Usagi a break, there has been another attack near the park near the shopping district, that's why were late," explained Ami.
Hearing this, Rei suddenly became serious. She had began having strange premonitions. Strange images which made no sense, including some very BAD vibes. There was definitely something sinister going on, but so far no one has been reported to be seriously hurt. Not yet anyways.
"Was anyone hurt? What happened?" asked Rei.
Usagi then proceeded to explained to Rei what had happened, when they heard the announcement that the bus from Nerima has just arrived and began to make their way towards the designated bus stop.
In the Bus:
Nabiki must have been really tired out. She had fallen asleep after saying her goodbyes to her loved ones. She had a good cry while Ranma panicked and tried to console her. She didn't even realised she had fallen asleep on him!
It was only a half an hour trip to Juuban, and she awoke once the announcement was made of their arrival. She felt warm, safe and secure. It took a while for her brain to register where she was and who she was with. Then the realisation hit her.
She had left Nerima. She was now in Juuban with Ranma.
She was with Ranma!
She gently lifted her head off his chest to absorb the situation. Ranma was still asleep, his breathing was soothing and even. She wanted to remove herself away from him but found she couldn't. He was so warm and comfy. She resisted the urge to lay her head back down again on his powerful and muscular chest and let herself go to the warmth and comfort he exuded but she opted on looking and studying his face instead.
She never denied that she found Ranma attractive. Why would she? Almost all the female species would think so! She knew why a lot of the girls go crazy for him. It was his naivety that attracted them to him like a moth to a flame, knowing that they would be safe whenever he was around. A typical knight and shinning armour that appealed to every girl's fantasy! But he was too much of an enigma for her. He was major trouble with a capital T. With all the trouble that seemed to follow him, it was really hard to establish any real rapport with him, still it felt nice to be held against his arms like this. She was interrupted of her musings however when she heard him murmuring.
"Akane," He softly whispered as he tightened his embrace on Nabiki.
That simple word brought Nabiki back to reality and who she was with. She was with Ranma, her younger sister's fiancé. Who currently had his arms wrap around her like she was his lover. It gave her enough incentive to remove his arms around her without waking him up, while keeping her close attention towards his face to make sure that he doesn't wake up. When she finally removed his arms around her, she suddenly felt cold and alone.
NO! She thought to herself.
I'm just being emotional, this whole ordeal has just been too much for me. She told herself.
Besides this is Saotome, were talking about. She berated herself, she was surprised however when Ranma began to reach out to her.
Ranma had begun to stir. He suddenly felt cold and alone. Still not quite awake yet, he unconsciously tried to reach out for comfort, the one that brought him warmth and security. He unconsciously tried to reach out to it to feel its warmth and soothe him once again but was shaken awake instead.
"Saotome wake up, we're here," came Nabiki's annoyed voice.
He lifted his eyes, and sure enough the bus had stopped. He then turned to look at his side only to see a very annoyed looking Tendo girl.
"Where are we?" He asked groggily.
"Where at Juuban, come on Saotome get up and get the bags already." Answered the irate girl.
Ranma was about to ask what her problem was, when he remembered what had happened. It was like being splashed by cold water and was now wide awake. He had fallen asleep with her in his arms!
Reality hit fast and hard.
There was always a mechanism for him to react on whenever he encountered these kinds of situations. It was embedded in his head and was further enhanced during his stay at the Tendo Dojo! He tried to rationalise things before the mechanism kicked in.
She woke up before him.
Saw the way he was holding her.
She had scooted away from him.
Saw the way she is looking at him right now which is very much annoyed!
That was when the mechanism took over. Ramble, Apologise and Panic! Not necessarily in that order of course.
She was probably angry and thought I had taken advantage of her! She must think I'm a pervert!
"Uhm Nabiki I can explain!" he rambled, putting his hands up as a defence.
"Just get up and get the bags, Ami is waiting for us," she informed him as she got up and quickly left him. Leaving Ranma dumbfounded and confused.
Ranma was confused. He thought for sure that Nabiki was going to hit him! Like the others!
When she had made a move of rising from her seat, he automatically put his hands up in front of his face (The Rumiko Takahashi sign thing). Assuming the position of protecting himself from the blow that was forthcoming but instead, all he heard was Nabiki's sigh and a motion of air that indicated that she moved and had passed him. She had left him alone in his seat unharmed and not even shouted or screamed at. Not even a small simple reprimand over his actions.
But no.
Despite what he thinks, she was more annoyed at herself than him. What was wrong with her?
I'm just lonely. She rationalised to herself. That should explain a lot of things. The dreams and the emotional havoc that was wreaking inside of her. She got out of the bus and had now made her way on the waiting area wanting to be alone for a while and took a deep breath.
YES! I'm definitely JUST LONELY! She concluded. Hopefully that will change since she's here in Juuban. She won’t be lonely. She won’t be feared. She will find whatever it was that motivated her to leave her home and loved ones.
"I will find it!" she decided, not really noticing that she had voiced her last thought out loud.
"Exactly what is it your looking for?” came a familiar voice.
Nabiki then turned around to see who the voice belonged to. She felt embarrassed when she realised she was just talking to herself earlier but was even more surprised when she saw who it was that questioned her. Her eyes grew wide with shock, as though she couldn't believe who it was that stood before her. Then cried out quite ecstatically.
"AMI!"
xxxxxxx
Author's Notes:
Lol hope you like it though… there’s more to come.
Now continuing with my rant…
I sincerely apologise about the whole location thing between Nerima and Juuban but as you can see the trip on the bus initiates some much needed quiet time between Ranma and Nabiki, allowing people to see their thoughts of leaving Nerima.
This was already fixed when I first posted this chapter. Originally, Ranma and Nabiki took the train to Juuban which took them 2hrs to travel. Togashi Gaijin had told me that Nerima was half an hour bus ride or something like that. I had altered it.
Many thanks to Togashi Gaijin for pointing out to me the location about Juuban and Nerima, in response, I did try to locate Juuban at google but didn't understand the little districts and estimated travelling time between two districts. I have to admit though that you did seem to come down a little harsh in correcting me but I did appreciate the correction though.
And if you still have a problem with my explanation… DEAL WITH IT!
This is called Fanfiction for crying out loud! (still I apologise, for not researching well enough… But I did do my bloody best!)
Thank you very much Ar-kaos, Innortal and Chris Anonymous for standing up for me, I appreciate your kind support.
Ok.. Now that I have that out of the way… I’d like to say thanks to the people who gave me CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms. Thank you very much. It was really greatly appreciated. That is all for now..
As always please review…
JA NE
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