I don’t own Ranma 1/2 Rumiko Takahashi does

Talking

Thinking

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Nabiki smiled to herself as she put the finishing touches on the meal she had prepared.

I might not be as good as Kasumi yet, but I’m getting close. Not that those 5 years of cooking for a family like mine gave me much choice.

A family like hers. She loved how that sounded. Since that phone call 5 years ago, her life had defiantly made a turn for the better.

Since that call, she had found a family, her charming husband and her loving daughters. He supported her through college, working several jobs and taking care of their daughters while she attended classes. He was so proud of her; he gave her 2 dozen roses for her graduation yesterday.

Smiling as she sipped her tea, she thought back to the event that changed her life.

Flashback

Ring Ring

Nabiki looked up from the manga she was reading.

That’s the business phone. I wonder whose calling.

Picking up the cell phone she had bought to help her keep in touch with her associates, she answered the call, not knowing how it would change her life.

“Hello”

“Oh, it’s you. Where have you been?”

“So, you need my help. You do know that this is going to cost you, right?”

“I was just making sure you understand. So, how can I help you?”

“We’ll discuss the cost once I find out what it is you need.”

“Wow….Only you would come to me for this kind of thing. Alright, I’ll see what I can do for you. Call me back in 30 minutes.”

Flashback End

All things considered, I am glad he didn’t ask anyone else.

Smiling at the fond memories, she looked up as she heard people moving around. Looking forward to the events of today, she went to set the table for her sisters and father.

I can’t wait, won’t he be surprised.

Ranma tread very softly around Nerima, taking care to blend in, and not stand out.

I hate this slow going. I could have been at the dojo by now, but with Kiren here, I can’t risk being seen. At least we’re almost there.

By keeping his aura down and walking on the sidewalks, not on the roofs or fence tops, he had made his way through the district without incident. But he knew it was only a matter of time.

Kiren chuckled at her fathers actions.

Daddy, you have been training me since I could walk. You have told me about the people here, but I’ve only had you and mommy to measure myself against. I want to see how strong I really am.

For as long as Kiren could remember, her daddy had trained her in his art. Nothing like what he had gone through, according to her mommy, but no matter how much she learned, she wanted more.

While her father had taught her to use her fists, Kiren’s mom taught her the power of the mind. She was smarter than most children her age, already being able to red and write.

I’m glad I have the mommy and daddy I have, even if they are a little unique.

For Akane, the day couldn’t have started stranger. First, she wakes up after a night of celebrating Nabiki’s graduation, to find that same sister had not only made breakfast, but that the food was nearly as good as Kasumi’s. Then, Nabiki offered to help Kasumi with the chores.

What’s going on? Why is Nabiki helping Kasumi out with the house? Is she blackmailing Kasumi? That has to be it. She’s offering to help so she can get her alone. Damn that Nabiki, she’s going as far as to blackmail Kasumi.

While Akane was sitting at the table, jumping to conclusions, Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome went to the dojo.

“Tendo, have you heard anything about the worthless son of mine?”

“Saotome, if anything new had been found out, we would know.”

Boy, where are you? You have to get back here so my retirement is assured.

Saotome, do you think we might have done the wrong thing at the failed wedding? No, the schools must be joined.

Nabiki watched her father and Genma walk out to the dojo.

I wonder if they’re still looking for Ranma. They haven’t asked me to look for any information on him since I left for college.

A knock on the door roused her from her thoughts.

“I’ll get it”

Akane looked up in confusion.

Why is Nabiki answering the door? What is happening today? Am I in a strange, alternate reality? Or is that a fake Nabiki? That has to be it; Nabiki would never act this way.

Nabiki wiped her hands and checked to ensure she hadn’t dropped anything, and then opened the door.

Ranma was getting nervous.

Well, we are almost to the dojo. I wonder how long this lucky streak will hold out. I didn’t expect to even make it this far.

Finally arriving at the dojo, Ranma set his shoulders, entered the grounds and knocked on the door. Behind him, Kiren was smirking with the same smirk that her father had worn when he had lived in this house.

“Ranma, you’re late.”

“Well, hello to you too Nabiki. Can we come in?”

“Sure, I’m sure you have some questions.”

“Yes I do, like why didn’t you tell me you told the landlord we didn’t need the apartment anymore?”

“I had my reasons. Now, drop your stuff and go get ready for a tournament.”

“And why should I go do that? I’m not entered in any tournament today.”

“Sure you are. I entered you.” Nabiki pulls a flyer out of the apron Kasumi had given her, so her dress wouldn’t get dirty. Ranma looks it over.

“Nerima Martial Arts Tourney? And how exactly did you enter me in this?”

“Well, that’s easy. You signed the form yourself last week, remember?” She pulled out a copy of his application.

“So that’s what it was I signed? Fine I’ll go. Why is this so important, Nab’s?”

“You have a debt to me, Saotome and now I’m cashing it in.”

She was trying to get a rise out of him, and needless to say, Ranma fell for it.

“Oh, and what exactly do I owe you, Nabiki?”

Reaching into her apron again, she pulled out another paper and held it in front of his face, ensuring that it was completely within his sight. Ranma froze; she was holding a marriage certificate, with his name on it, next to hers.

“A honeymoon, dear husband, is what you owe me.”

A/N: What? Ranma and Nabiki are married? How did that happen? Read the next chapter to find out. Well, see you next chapter. Read and review please. I like hearing feedback.