[FFML] [Fanfic][Ranma]A Change of Scene Chapter 97

[June Geraci]

Have been working on this chapter for months and it was nearly
done.  In honor of the return of the FFML, I finished the chapter
so you can read it.

For those of you who have been with the list for a long time,
this story is familiar.  For newcomers, please go to my website,
http://www.anifics.com/hosted/karaohki/ if you'd like to read
earlier chapters.

As always, I welcome your comments!

A Change of Scene, Chapter 97
by June "KaraOhki" Geraci (karaohki at snet.net)

July 1, 2007

Ranma 1/2 and its characters were borrowed from Rumiko Takahashi.
This story was written for noncommercial purposes only.



--------------------

Chapter 97



"Ryoga?  Ryoga, where are you?"

"In here, Mom!"

"Akari is here.  Aren't you coming downstairs?"

There was a rather long silence before Ryoga responded.  "I'm
stuck, Mom."

Mrs. Hibiki finally located Ryoga in his closet.  "Again?" she
said as she let him out.  "You're worse than your father was."

Ryoga groaned.  "Please, Mom.  Don't say that."

"Look at it this way, dear.  At least you have a girlfriend who
doesn't share your problem, the way I shared your father's.  She
will be there to help you until you outgrow it the way that we
did."

Mrs. Hibiki would have said more, but her son interrupted her
with a hug.

"Thanks."

Mrs. Hibiki turned Ryoga over to his girlfriend and watched from
the front door as they left.  Ryoga was doing quite well at night
school, now that he was getting there regularly.  "That girl is a
blessing," she murmured.

*****
"I want Mommy!"

Akane silently counted to ten, hoping her patience would hold
out.
It was her first day back to school and work now that the flu
epidemic was over, she was tired, and Yuki's mother wasn't due to
arrive for at least another fifteen minutes.  It was impossible
to explain what fifteen minutes meant to a three year old in a
way he would understand.  The toddler wanted his mother, and that
was all he cared about.  Akane went over to the bookshelf and sca
nned the selections.  After choosing one she got down onto the
floor in order to look at the child eye to eye.  "Want to know a
secret?"

Yuki had been holding his breath, preparing for a session of loud
howling, but Akane's question distracted him.  "Se-ker-it?" he
asked curiously.

Akane nodded.

"What?"

"This is a magic book.  If we read it together, it will make your
Mommy come faster!  Do you want to read it with me?"

"Yes, yes!!" cried Yuki, as he crawled into Akane's lap.  She
opened the book, but was interrupted by Ranma's arrival.  Yuki
pointed at him.  "That's not Mommy", he announced solemnly.

"Sure isn't," said Ranma.  He squatted down and tousled the boy's
hair.  "Hiya, Yuki."

"I WANT MOMMY!!!"  The shout was so loud that Ranma fell over
backwards.  Then he scrambled to a sitting position, looking
quite embarrassed.

Akane thought fast.  "You know something, Yuki?  The magic will
work even better if Ranma does it.  Do you want him to?"

"YES YES YES!!!!!"

To Akane's amusement, Ranma began scooting backwards across the
floor.  Then he stopped and waved his hands at her, looking more
than a little nervous.  "I don't know what you're up to, but I
don't want any part of it!"

Little Yuki, though, had his mind made up.  He flew off Akane's
lap, grabbed the book, and threw himself onto Ranma.  "Read!
Read?"

"Is that all I have to do?" Ranma asked his wife.  He still
looked worried.  "You said something about magic."

"Honey, just read, please?  I'll explain about the magic later!
I haven't had a chance to clean up this mess because..." her nod
and significant look at the child gave Ranma the message.  "This
way we'll be all ready to leave when his m-o-t-h-e-r arrives."

"Magic Book!  Magic Book!" chanted Yuki, as he climbed into
Ranma's lap and handed it to him.  Ranma just shrugged, and began
reading.

Of course, it was impossible for Ranma to simply read a book to a
child.  He had to use a different voice for each character, and
act out as much of the action as possible.  Akane smiled happily
as she put away all of the scattered toys, folded up sleeping
mats, and swept the floor.  There may have been a nineteen year
old and a three year old reading a book together, but at that
moment it seemed to Akane that there were two three year olds
sitting in front of her.  "You are going to be a wonderful
father," she murmured.  Then she turned her back on Ranma and
continued sweeping.  Wanting something she couldn't have yet was
too painful to think about.

It took nearly fifteen minutes for Ranma to finish reading the
book to Yuki, and the child was so fascinated that he didn't ask
for his mother once.  Instead, he cuddled up to Ranma, looking
quite content.  In a show of nearly perfect timing, the boy's
mother arrived just as Ranma finished the story and closed the
book.

That made Akane very happy, because Ranma had been sending her
some very interesting signals since his arrival.  Whenever Yuki
was busy giggling over some passage in the book, or what Ranma
had done to liven it up, he would look at her and grin.  It
wasn't his ordinary happy grin, but that of a man who had news to
impart.  Something was up, and Ranma was itching to tell her
about it.

"Mommy!" shouted Yuki.  The toddler was a streak of light as he
flew out of Ranma's lap and into his mother's arms.  "I'm
hungry!"

Yuki's mother just laughed.  "You're always hungry.  Let's go
eat."

She helped her son put on his jacket, and turned him to the
Saotomes, who were gathering their things together.  "Say good
night."

"Good night, Miss Akane.  Good night, Mr. Ranma.  Thank you for
reading the magic book."

"Magic book?  You know there is no such thing as magic."

"Yes there is, Mommy!  Isn't magic real, Mr. Ranma?"

"Um....well...maybe..."

"It is, too!"

Rather than argue with her son, Yuki's mother shrugged her
shoulders and led him outside.

"You think she'd believe us if we told her?" Ranma asked his
wife.

"Probably not."

Ranma laughed, and pulled Akane into a hug.  "Now what's this
about a magic book?"

Akane led her husband to the bookshelf, and pointed.  "Do you see
all the little labels on the books?"

"Yeah, they all have numbers."

"We read all of them out loud while somebody timed us.  The book
you just read has a fifteen on it.  Get the idea?"

Ranma looked confused.  "So you know how long it takes you to
read a book.  How is that magic?"

Akane giggled.  "Yuki's mother was expected in fifteen minutes.
I chose a book that takes that much time to read, and told him
that it was a magic book--"

"Oh!  She showed up right after I finished reading.  No wonder
Yuki thought it was magic!"  Ranma scanned the shelf again.
There were at least thirty books there.  "Whose idea was this?"

"Mine."

*****
Shampoo got up from the dinner table, yawning.  She began to
gather up the dishes, but Shiro stopped her.  "You're exhausted,"
he told her.  "Go to bed."  He was pleased, but a bit worried,
when she took his suggestion without arguing.

Shiro put the dishes under soapy water and put away the
leftovers.  He was about to check on Shampoo when the doorbell
rang.  To his complete surprise, Cologne stood there.
"Great-Grandmother!  Come in!"  Shiro accompanied his words with
actions, taking Cologne's bag with one hand and putting his other
arm around her.  "Shampoo didn't tell me you were coming!"

"That's because I didn't tell her.  Where is she, by the way?"

"Taking a nap.  I had the flu, and she wore herself out taking
care of me.  For a day or so I thought she was going to get it,
too, but she hasn't developed any of the symptoms."

"Ah, then let her sleep.  This will give me time to tell you what
has been happening in Joketsuzoku."

*****
 Akari was so busy concentrating on her knitting that she didn't
realize that Ryoga was standing in front of her until he spoke.
"I think I aced that test!"

"That's wonderful!  I'm very proud of you."  Akari tucked her
knitting into its bag and stood to give Ryoga a kiss on the
cheek.

As usual, he blushed profusely.

Holding hands, the couple started for Ryoga's house.  Ryoga put
all of his trust in Akari's sense of direction, so much so that
she only had to tug at him a couple of times to keep him on
track.

They were only a few minutes way from the Hibiki house when it
began to rain, and the pair was soon drenched.  Akari expected
Ryoga's hand to melt out of hers, but nothing happened.  She
fought back a surge of disappointment.

"I can't believe I didn't bring my umbrella!" Ryoga joked.  Then
he looked at her.  "Is something wrong?"

"I really miss P-chan," Akari replied before she could stop
herself.

Ryoga just stood there.  For a moment he looked angry, then he
just looked resigned.  "I knew this was coming, you know."

"What?"

"You've been different since I got cured."

Akari turned away, trying not to cry.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't
think I could be so attached to a little pig."  Then she took a
deep breath.

If they were going to have this talk, she'd have to tell him the
whole truth.

"To be honest, Ryoga, I've been having more doubts than that."

Ryoga grabbed her hand and tugged on it.  "Let's get somewhere
out of this rain."  Akari nodded and led him across the street to
a park, where they took shelter in a gazebo.  "What else did you
want to tell me?" he asked.

"When you defeated Katsunishiki, I was sure that was a sign.  And
then, when I found out about your curse, I was certain that you
were meant for me.  But I don't think it's going to work."

"Why not?"

"Because you're a wanderer."  Ryoga started to protest, but Akari
put up a hand.  "Let me finish.  Yes, you get lost.  But you're
also not the kind of person to sit still very long, and if you
were going to be with me you'd be stuck on the farm all the time.
I think you'd hate it."

Ryoga looked down.  Then he turned around and stared out into the
rain for a long time, while Akari waited.  He finally turned back
and took both of her hands.  "You might be right.  I've never
felt comfortable there."  He stopped, let go of one hand, and put
it to her cheek.  "You're a wonderful girl, Akari, but maybe you
deserve better than me."

Akari sniffled.  "Don't put yourself down.  I think you're pretty
special, you know.  I just don't think we're meant to be."

"Please don't cry!  I can't stand it when girls cry!"

"I'm fine, really.  Let me get you home."

The pair continued to hold hands as they walked, partly to keep
Ryoga from getting lost, and partly for comfort.  Every now and
then Ryoga would squeeze Akari's hand, or she would squeeze his.
When they finally got to the house, Akari stood there quietly
while Ryoga unlocked the door.

"You're all wet.  Let me make you some tea."

"I don't think so.  I'd like to get home."

"So, then, is this goodbye?"

Akari nodded, and put her arms around Ryoga.  He reciprocated
with a hug, and a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Good luck, Ryoga, in finding what you're looking for.  I'm sure
you will."

"I hope so, Akari.  And I wish the same for you."

She walked away without looking back.

*****

Shiro prepared a pot of tea for Cologne and finished the dishes
while she had her first cup.  He'd picked up some of Shampoo's
favorite pastries that afternoon which she had been too tired to
try, so he got them out for Cologne instead.

"Is anything wrong in the village, Great-Grandmother?  I didn't
expect to see you back so soon."

Cologne laughed.  "Nothing at all, Son-in-Law.  It's just that
the members of the younger generation want the chance to prove
themselves, BY themselves.  They need to show the Elders that the
village won't fall apart if women treat their husbands as
equals."

The old woman shook her head and chuckled again.  "That means
they don't want an old lady like me to 'help' out.  I can't blame
them, really."

"But isn't that rather disrespectful?"

"Perhaps, but understandable.  To be honest, I don't really mind.
It gave me an excuse to come see the two of you."

"Shampoo will be very glad to see you.  I think she missed you
more than she wanted to admit.  How is the treatment I sent
working on the fields?  Do you know if it's working?"

"Yes, very well, and I was told to thank you.  You saved us from
a great deal of hardship, Shiro."

"Remember what I said before?  You're family now."  He got up
from the table, and picked up Cologne's bag.  "Let me show you
your room."

After depositing Cologne's bag in the guest room, both stopped to
look in on Shampoo.  The girl was sound asleep, wrapped up to her
nose in blankets.  Cologne hesitated in the doorway and stared
intently at her before walking into the room.  She quietly
approached the bed, touched her great-granddaughter, and closed
her eyes.  Then she turned around and smiled at Shiro.  "You
haven't wasted any time, I see."

"Pardon me?  What do you mean?"

"It seems I am going to be a great-great-grandmother.  Did you
not know?"

Shiro didn't notice when Cologne left the room.  He was on his
knees beside the bed, holding onto Shampoo's hand.

*****

"Ranma, put me down!" Eeeeee!!"

Akane's shrieks and giggles only made Ranma spin her around more
madly.  He'd swept her into his arms the moment Akane finished
explaining about "magic books" and begun spinning her around the
room, kissing her passionately.

"Please?  Please put me down?"  Ranma gave Akane one final kiss
and set her on her feet.  Then he grabbed her again, because it
looked like she was going to fall down.  "What on earth has
gotten into you?"

"I don't know if you're going to remember this Akane, but try."
As Ranma spoke, he helped Akane gather her things together,
guided her out the door, and locked it behind them.  He pulled
her against his side and began the walk to their apartment.

"Remember what?"

"When we used to talk on the roof before we came here.  One night
I showed you all the courses I was going to take."

Akane looked totally confused.  "I remember, but why remind me
now?"

"Remember how excited I was about the science programs here?

"Oh!  Especially the labs.  You wanted to work in one--" Akane
cut herself off and looked at Ranma expectantly.

"When I got in today, Mr. Nagata was waiting for me.  He said
Professor Okino needed help in his research lab.  I guess he's
been doing some independent work trying to track down some
genetic disease.  He finally got some funding, so now he can
afford the help he needs.  Mr. Nagata recommended me!"

 "He's one of your professors, right?"

"Yeah, and I didn't think he knew who I was, but when Mr. Nagata
mentioned my name he said he wanted to talk to me.  So he sent me
over to see him."

"And?"

"I was scared to death, Akane.  That man is one of the toughest
teachers I've got, and I didn't know what to say to him.  But you
know what?  I didn't know he could be so friendly.  We talked for
at least an hour before he offered me the job."  Ranma stopped
walking to hug Akane before going on.  "This means more money,
too."

"I'm not going to complain about that!"

"Me neither."  Ranma grinned.  "Want to celebrate?  We could go
out to eat."

"Let's bring something home.  If we're going to celebrate--" and
Akane gave Ranma a look that drove up his temperature--"I want
you all to myself."

*****

Ukyo looked at the phone as if it was something repulsive, and
spoke in a flat voice.  "Yes.  He's here.  Just a moment."  Then
she looked across the room.  "Mr. Saotome, it's for you."

Genma looked at Ukyo strangely before taking the handset from
her.

Once he heard his wife's voice, he understood her attitude.  Ukyo
still hadn't forgiven Nodoka for interfering in her life.

"I haven't heard from you since you left.  Is everything all
right?"

"It is now.  I've had my hands full.  Konatsu had the flu, so if
I wasn't keeping an eye on him I was helping out with the shop."

"Oh, dear.  I do hope Ranma and Akane don't get it."

"They were also very sick, dear."

"And you took care of Konatsu instead of your own son?  Dearest,
where are your priorities?"

Genma actually backed up a few steps, holding the phone out at
arm's length.  "Dear, let me explain!  There was no need for me
to help out, because Nabiki and her husband had everything under
control!"

There was dead silence from the other side of the connection.
Genma began to sweat.  'Oops,' he thought to himself.

"I was unaware that Nabiki had a husband.  Would you care to
explain that?  And how long have YOU known about it?"

"That Shiro fellow told me!  Evidently Shampoo found out because
she brought some soup to Ranma when he was ill, and Nabiki was
there with the Kuno boy."

Nodoka gasped.  "Oh my goodness.  And she's keeping THAT a
secret?
Why?"

"Well Ukyo thinks--"

"She's GOT to be pregnant."

"That's what Ukyo thinks!  Where do you women GET these ideas?"

It was impossible to miss the smugness in Nodoka's tone when she
replied.  "Women just know these things, Dearest.  Trust me."

*****]

"Achoo!"

Kuno looked up from his studies.  "You are not getting sick, are
you?"

Nabiki rubbed her nose.  "I don't think so.  Maybe somebody's
talking about me."

*****

When Shiro didn't show up the next morning at the cafeteria, none
of his friends thought much of it.  Although he usually joined
the Saotomes, Mishi, Anne, and others in their group for tea
before classes began, he had been missing more than once since
his marriage.  When Ranma got to the one class he shared with
Shiro and his friend wasn't there, he began to wonder where he
was.

Ten minutes into the professor's lecture, the door opened and
Shiro rushed in.  He flinched and turned red when the professor
glared at him, muttered a quick apology, and hurried to his seat.

"Don't worry, you didn't miss much," whispered Ranma.  "He's
still reviewing what we discussed before.  Where were you?"

"I'll tell you later."

Ranma shrugged and continued taking notes.  After a few minutes
he noticed that Shiro was not himself.  Normally, Shiro paid
strict attention to the class, sitting very still except for
taking voluminous notes.  Today, Ranma would have sworn that
someone had put itching powder into his friend's clothes.

When the lecture ended and the students began to exit the room,
Shiro remained in his seat.  Ranma took that as a hint, and
stayed.  Soon they were the only two left in the room.

Shiro put his notes away and grinned at his friend.  "I hope I
can borrow the notes from my other class this morning from
somebody.  I missed that one altogether."

"Where were you?"

"I took Shampoo to the clinic."

Ranma grimaced.  "She got the flu, didn't she?"

Shiro's grin grew wider.  "Nope."

"Then what's wrong with her?"

"Nothing's wrong.  She's pregnant!"

Ranma slapped his friend on the back so hard that he nearly fell
off his seat.  "That's great!"

"Tell Shampoo that.  She was actually upset about it when Cologne
told her."

"Waitasec.  Cologne's back in town?  And she told Shampoo?"

Shiro nodded.  "She got in last night.  It was really weird, but
all Cologne had to do was walk into the room and she knew.  How
did she do that?"

"Ya got me.  Sometimes that old lady scares me.  But why was
Shampoo upset?"

This time Shiro laughed.  " Seems she wasn't ready to share me
with anybody yet.  She actually hit me."

"I can't believe she's mad at you!"

"Great-grandmother says she'll get over it."  Shiro winced, and
put a hand to his cheek, which was a little bit red.  "I hope she
hurries."

*****
Two blissfully happy people walked through the Nerima market
district.  Kasumi and Tofu were so wrapped up in their own little
world that they didn't realize the ease with which they were
navigating the crowded area.  A bubble of space surrounded them
on all sides.  The reason for this?  The locals had not yet
become accustomed to seeing the pair together without the good
doctor's behavior deteriorating into something rather bizarre.
Until the Nerima residents were absolutely certain that this
would no longer occur, the couple were able to walk along without
being crowded, pushed, shoved, elbowed, or having their toes
trodden on.  They also were enjoying, without really noticing,
being the first to be waited on wherever they went.  The opinion
of the shopkeepers was that it was prudent to get Kasumi and Tofu
out of their shops as quickly and efficiently as possible.  This
prevented any possible damage should Tofu go out of control, and
also helped to get customers into their shops, which mysteriously
emptied wherever the pair went.

"Are you sure you can't come for lunch?" asked Kasumi.

Tofu looked at his watch.  "I wish I could, but we're already
running late.  I have just enough time to walk you home and get
back to the clinic."

"But I hate to see you go hungry, dear.  You work so hard."

Tofu's glasses fogged for just a moment before he controlled
himself.  He was always deeply affected whenever Kasumi called
him "dear".  "I always have something to eat on hand at the
clinic.  There's no need to worry, Kasumi.  I will eat
something."

Kasumi stopped walking, put her hands on her hips, and scowled,
or at least tried to.  Then she poked Tofu's nose with the tip of
her finger.  "See to it that you do!"

If Tofu's arms hadn't been full of packages he would have hugged
his fiancee, despite the fact that they were out in public.  She
was just too adorable when she pretended to nag him.

*****

Nabiki glared at her husband.  "Tatewaki, I told you before, I do
NOT need a new computer!  There's nothing wrong with the one I
have!"

"I know that, but you are getting a new one anyway."

"Why?"

Kuno cleared his throat, and looked a bit embarrassed.  "When we
were in Ube, I noticed that Ranma and Akane do not have a
computer.  How do they manage?"

"Akane told me that they use the ones on campus that are put
aside for students who need them."

"And is that convenient?"

"No, not really.  Sometimes they have to wait in line to get
their reports done."  The confusion on Nabiki's face cleared.
"We're going to send them my old one, aren't we?  Why don't you
just give them a new one?"

"That would not be a good idea," replied her husband.  "If we
sent them a new one, they might be embarrassed; however, if we
send them your old one-"

"I see!" interrupted Nabiki.  "I could say that my spendthrift
husband insisted on buying me a brand-new computer, and I thought
they would appreciate my old one.  Very smart of you, Tate-chan."

Tatewaki just grinned.  "Now as I was about to say, this model-"

He was interrupted again.  "As long as you're splurging on a new
computer for me," Nabiki purred, "why don't we look at this one?"

Tatewaki laughed until he cried.

*****

Akane gathered her notes together and left the lecture hall with
Anne.  "Can you meet us for lunch?" she asked.

"Sure, I'll see you there."  Anne started to walk off, but
quickly made a u-turn.  "I nearly forgot again!  Ranma lent me
his umbrella, and I keep forgetting to give it to him.  Hang on."
She rummaged around in the bottom of her bag and came up with a
small folding umbrella.  "Tell him thanks for me."

"Sure.  I was wondering what happened to it."

Anne grinned mischievously.  "At least Ranma doesn't have to
worry about getting caught in the rain any more."

Akane's mouth dropped open.  "Wha-what did you say?"

"One day I saw Ranma run screaming across campus - you were
chasing him.  I saw him run through a fountain, and then he
wasn't a 'him' anymore, I mean...well, anyway, I didn't want to
say anything about it to either of you, but I figured Shiro would
know - after all, he was Ranma's roommate.  He filled me in on
the curse."

"And you never once let on that you knew."  Akane smiled.  "Thank
you."

Anne shrugged.  "Shiro made it pretty clear that Ranma didn't
want the whole world to know.  I can keep my mouth shut if I need
to."

Akane giggled.  "You're definitely not a dizzy blonde."

"Hey!  I only played Usage.  I'm NOT her!" giggled Anne.  Then
she stopped laughing and looked rather serious.  "What I've
always wondered is why Ranma was screaming, and why you were
chasing him."

"That's a story for another day, I'm afraid," replied Akane.
"But I can tell you this - I wasn't chasing Ranma.  I was trying
to catch up to him because he needed my help."

"Thank goodness.  I thought you were chasing after him because he
did something to make you mad.  He sure looked frightened
enough."

*****

Tatewaki was making arrangements to have Nabiki's new computer
delivered to their appointment when a voice behind him make him
turn around.

"Hello, brother."

"Good morning, Kodachi."

"Is it?  I hadn't noticed."  Kodachi accompanied her remark with
a glare at her sister-in-law.

Tatewaki gave his sister a look that silenced her, and turned
around to complete his arrangements with the salesman.  Then he
took Kodachi by the arm and steered her out of the store.  Nabiki
followed, looking rather concerned.

"Sister, this is not the time or place to discuss--"

"And when would be a good time, pray tell?  Next week?  Next
month?  This situation is intolerable!"

Nabiki turned pink and began to move away but her husband grabbed
her hand.  "No," he said forcefully.  "Stay right here."  Then he
turned his attention to Kodachi.  "Sister, do you enjoy attending
college here?"

"Yes, of course, but what does that have to do with--"

"And do you enjoy living in your apartment here in Morioka?  It
is far superior to the accommodations in the dormitory."

Kodachi began to look very nervous.  "Y-yes."

"And the allowance I give you?  Is it sufficient to meet your
needs?"

"You know that it is!  Stop changing the subject!"

Kuno smiled.  "I am glad that you are happy then.  But if you
wish to continue being happy, then I suggest that you stop
harassing me and my wife."

"How dare--"

"How dare I?  When Father returned to Hawaii, I was left with the
responsibility of caring for the Kuno estate.  That includes
administering your funds.  If I stop paying your tuition and your
rent, you will have no choice but to return to Nerima.  Is that
your desire?"

Kodachi began backing away.  "I just recalled a previous
appointment, Brother.  Please excuse me."  Within seconds she was
out of sight.

Tatewaki sagged, and Nabiki squeezed his hand.  "I know that was
difficult for you, but you handled it beautifully.  I'm very
proud of you."

"Did I?  This only postpones the inevitable.  Sooner or later I
will have to sit down and set my sister straight.  I am not
looking forward to it."

"I don't blame you," replied Nabiki, "but I have confidence in
you."  Then she abruptly changed the subject.  "I want to go home
tonight and tell Daddy about us.  It's time."

Tatewaki came close to grinning.  "Facing your own demons?"

Nabiki shrugged.  "More or less, I guess."

"Didn't you tell Akane that you wanted her and Ranma to be there
when you broke the news?"

"Yes, but I decided this is something we need to do on our own,
as a couple."

"You may be right."

*****

"Auntie, why didn't you tell us you were going shopping?  You
could have come along with us!"

"And spoil your time together, dear?"  Nodoka laughed.  "You two
have little enough of that."

Tofu reached for Nodoka's packages.  "At least let me carry these
home for you."

"Nonsense, these are quite light.  It's just yarn."

A few minutes later Tofu carried his fiancee's packages into the
house for her, kissed her goodbye, and headed for the clinic.
Mr. Tendo's morning class was about to end, so Kasumi hurried
into the kitchen to start lunch.

"Would you like some help, dear?"

"Not really, Auntie.  I'm not making anything complicated this
afternoon."

"In that case, I'll do the dishes afterwards.  I think I'll get
started on my project."  With that, Nodoka sat down and removed a
skein of yarn and a crochet hook from one of the bags she had
brought home with her.  Kasumi couldn't help patting the skein.

"This is so soft!"

"Yes, isn't it?  I've always loved working with this yarn."

Kasumi waited for Nodoka to say more, but she didn't volunteer
any more information.

*****

"Akane!  Akane, wait!"

Akane turned around just as Shampoo ran up to her.  She was
surprised to see tears on her friend's checks.  "What's wrong?"

"Shampoo can't, I mean I can't--" The obviously upset girl
stopped and tried to calm herself.  "Have you seen Airen?"

"Come with me.  Shiro should be meeting us for lunch."  Shampoo
fell in step beside Akane, but didn't say anything more.
"Shampoo, what's the matter?  Can I help?"

The girl shook her head.  "It is my fault.  I have to apologize
to Shiro."  She looked up at Akane, and winced.  "I hit him."

"You did?  What did he do?"

That made Shampoo stop walking.  "Nothing!  I mean, I was upset,
but it was not Husband's fault!"

"I don't understand."

Shampoo pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.  "I hit
Husband this morning because Great-Grandmother told me I was
pregnant.  I was not ready to be a mother yet.  But it is not
Shiro's fault."

Akane couldn't help giggling.  "I certainly hope it's his fault!"

It took Shampoo several seconds to wrap her mind around what
Akane was trying to say.  Then her shoulders began to shake.
"You are too funny, Akane.  Take me to see my husband so I can
make up with him."

*****

Nodoka put down her crocheting when Kasumi began to bring lunch
into the room.  "Let me help you."

"Thank you, Auntie."  Kasumi set down the dishes she was
carrying, and glanced at Nodoka's work, which she had placed in a
basket close to the table.  "Oh!  It's a bootie! That is very
pretty."

Seconds later, the phone rang.  Soun, who was coming up the
hallway from the Dojo, picked it up.  The two women listed to his
side of the conversation.

"Hello!  How are you?"  Soun paused for a moment, and suddenly
smiled widely.  "Yes, yes!  I'll meet you at the station.   What
time is your train coming in?"  "Nonsense!  I won't have my
little girl walking here all alone."  "Oh?  A taxi?"  He began to
sniffle.  "No, I'm not crying!  We will see you tonight."

"Daddy, was that Nabiki?"

Soun wiped his tears.  "Yes, your sister will be coming to spend
the weekend.  She said she is bringing someone with her."

Nodoka smiled brightly.  "Did she say how she was feeling?"

"No."  Soun looked blank.  "She sounded fine to me."

"Oh, I was just wondering," Nodoka said innocently.  "I remember
all too well how sick I was when I was expecting Ranma."

Kasumi nearly dropped the plate she was carrying.  "Auntie, what
are you saying?"

Soun began to shake.  "My little girl is pregnant?"

"Well...you see...when I talked to Genma, he told me that Nabiki
and the Kuno boy had been to Nerima, and--"

"I'm going to KILL him!" screamed Mr. Tendo.