Akane rolled down the window of the modern sedan car that she sat comfortably in. The air conditioner was blasting cool air against her skin. She resisted the urge to verbally "sigh" into the air, instead opting to further raise the corners of her mouth into a warm smile. With her hand, she reached out the window, feeling the rain sprinkles falling on her upturned palm. She then noticed that the precipitation had begin to stop as they traveled down the streets of Kyoto. Bringing her hand back into the car and tucking it safely into her other hand that laid on her lap. The streets to either side of the car were bustling with movement as young women scurried from buildings to building in preparation of the night's activities. The organized chaos of the town seemed so different from Nerima, yet in its own rights, very normal.

"I don't know why all of a sudden we felt the need to visit this smancy fancy place. The Spring Festival in Nerima was jus fine t'me". Akane bit back a irratated sigh and glanced over her shoulder at her forlorn fiancée. His attitude paralleled the dark skies above them, and for the life of herself, couldn't understand the problem.

"Ranma" She bit out shortly to the pigtailed boy who currently had his head in his upturned palm, a frown spoiling his handsome features. "As much time and not to mention money, your mother handed over so that we as a family could enjoy a weekend in Kyoto, you should try to keep your reservations to yourself." With that Akane snapped her attentions back to the activities just outside her window.

It had been roughly two summers since the disastrous wedding that Akane and Ranma had agreed to. Nodoka had seamlessly incorporated herself into the Tendo household, and with this happy edition to the extended family, life seemed to have eased into a smoother existence for all parties involved. It seemed as if for the children of Soun and Genma, the mother that seemingly had been missing for years had returned. Acknowledged, even in the eyes of the Kasuimi, who had served as a proxy matriarch for years.

The one person who appreciated her presence the most was that of Akane. For the last two years she had practically emulated the older woman, especially in the art of cooking. Nodoka had spent many a hour in the kitchen, teaching all she knew to the domestically challenged young woman. Unknown to Akane, Soatome-sama did this because she favored Akane above all, and wanted her skills set to perfection, for her son deserved nothing but the best.

Leading to this event, Nodoka had approached Soun with the idea of everyone attending the Spring Festival here in Kyoto. Her intentions were mainly wanting to show the girls the ritual dance Kamogawa Odori, a dance performed by geisha girls. Soun held a sweat drenched brow and a look of doom on his face, and quickly tried to decline. He explained that the Spring Festival in Kytoto and the geisha performance was very costly, and usually reserved for the affluent of Japan. The woman just laughed, saying that she wasn't requesting funds for the occasion, she would cover the cost * by what means, who knows* and that if the men of the family could join them, she knew they would appreciate it. Seeing himself free of any responsibility of finances for the weekend, Soun happily agreed, which found them here. In two rented sedans cruising down the street headed towards the hotel.

Ranma controlled the urge to grunt at the situation again, fearing upsetting Akane further. His mother thought it was necessary to drag him, his father and Tendo along on this "girly" trip. This was going to be a weekend of formalities and forced pleasantries that was sure to annoy him, past reason. All that bowing, fancy honorifics, not shoving food down your face, was ridiculous. Why leave town to act differently, to act as if his close ones were abundant in manners. Feh, this is STUPID. He glanced at his quick to anger fiancee out of the corner of his eyes. Inwardly a goofy grin was set.

Well, he couldn't hate it THAT much. The girl seemed to be glowing, her attention studiously attached to the bustle of the city. He loved her smile, loved when her passions were stirred and she seemed excited. So yeah, this may not be THAT bad. But all the same the scowl never left his face, even as the driver pulled up the luxurious hotel that his mother had secured for them.

His mother had influenced him greatly. Almost gone was the shyness and naivety that had all but plagued his youth. Gone was the difficulty he had with understanding his feelings. He still had problems with expressing himself, but his mother had explained that if he listen to his heart that when the time came, he would be able to say exactly what he needed to and mean it. She was soft and gentle with him, and he was quickly learning the things about the opposite sex that seemed so foreign and frightening to him. And the one person who benefited from this was...well him. How well he had learned his most prized fiancée. By learning what made her smile, he was rewarded by seeing it more. By avoiding things that would set her off, he saw less of her mallet...and her frown. He had grown accustomed to her upturned lips directed towards him. Even her speech towards him had became less demeaning, and grown a softer quality to it. All this is contributed to his mother's newfound presence in his life.

As the car pulled to a stop, he quickly hopped out, taking a moment to stretch and let go of a lazy yawn. In a great show of western chivalry, with a lopsided boyish grin slapped on his face, rounded the car, cuffing his hand under the door handle, opening it for Akane. Her, on the other side of the door, held a look of surprise. She was in the process of getting out. She quickly spilled out of the car, missing the door, propelled by her foward movements.. Ranma moved in swiftly grabbing her about the waist before she could fall out, causing a red tint to flash across Akane's cheeks. As he straightened her up and pulled her out of the car, she spoke a adorably shy "Arigato". Ranma hand flew to the back of his head and a bright smile to his face and turned towards the back of the car to help unload the luggage.

They entered the hotel, and it was easy to see the luxuriousness of the outside flow into the inside. The rich wooden corridor and finely decorated walls let the guest know exactly what kind of experience they could hope to get here. They were greeted at the check in counter by a wafer thin man, accustomed in a traditional all black happi and hakama pants, a creamy gold obi and tabi upon his feet.

"Ah! Welcome to Zenshou! I am Chiyoko-san and I am here to guide you to your room and provide you with any information you may need about this establishment!" He surveyed the group of people, noticing the matriarch with ease, and with a wink, called out "Ah! You must me Saotame-san, the one responsible for this lovely outing" and pointing to Soun, "And this must be your husband." Soun promptly blanched at the notion, feeling beams of surprise and anger from his friend who stood slightly behind him.

Nodoka brought her hand to her face to laugh. "No, No Chiyoko-san." laying a hand on Genma's shoulder "This is my husband. Soun is the father of the young ladies in attendance, Kasumi, Nabiki and our dear Akane. Here to her right is her fiancée, Ranma, our son. We are all here for the Spring Festival"

Chiyoko graced them with a smile after apologizing for the mix up. "Please, honored guest let me show you to your rooms." They all removed their shoes and were provided with slippers. After traveling some ways down the stone paved corridor, they approached several paneled sliding doors, where they slowed as Chiyoko about faced towards the group.

"Ah! Here we go. Nodoka-sama has secured four rooms for you this weekend." Turning to the door to his immediate left, "Soun Tendo", opening the door and ushering him in. Next he ushered Nabiki and Kasumi into a room, following up with the Satome's. It wasn't until the others were heading into their room did an objection rip from Akane's throat.

"Are you seriously saying that the last remaining room is for Ranma and me?" She quickly turned to Mother's doorway where Nadoko stood, taking it all in. She held up a hand as Akane seemed to be inhaling to let out another blast of anger.

"Akane, my dear. I'm not sure if you are aware, but you are Ranma's fiancée. Nothing new. And with you teetering on the age of 21 years, I think its fine time that you two started getting acquainted these sorts of living arrangements." With that she shortly turned on her heel, entered her room and slid the door close, leaving Akane startled and confused. Behind her Ranma was chuckling, not finding the situation all that bad, but with a heated glance from his finance', he stifled any continued laughter. She marched up to him, snatched her bag from his hand, turned her nose up and stormed into the room. "Uncute, uncute UNCUTE!" was all he said as he followed her into the room, the sliding door pulled closed behind him.

Chiyoko stayed behind in the hallway as Nadoko's door slid open once again. "Are you sure about this?" A knowing smile graced Satome's features, turnng to Chiyoko with a slight bow. "Trust me. I'm afraid with those two , its now or never. If they don't learn to express themselves, nothing short of a miracle will make them. If everything goes to plan, dear Chiyoko, this will work. I appreciate your cooperation and help with all of this. " She winked, and bowed her goodbye at the the thin man and retired into her room once again. Chiyoko gandered another glanced towars the young couple's door. Maybe you're right, Saotome-san. With that thought echoing through his head, Chiyoko left the hallway.

Nodoka sauntered over to the futon where her husband had already retired his traveling robes making himself comfortable on the lounge chaise. "Dear, what exactly DO you have planned?" Genma looked up from where he was laying to where his wife was now kneeling. "Honey, the problem with our son and soon to be daughter in law, is simply this. They are idiots." With that Genma shot straight up and provided his wife a surprised look. "Before you start, what I meant by that is, they are so self involved in some kind of control battle, that they each believe it's the other's responsibility to break first. With them both being equally head strong, I'd figure I'd give them a weekend where they felt comfortable enough to allow nature to take their course." And for the second time today she uttered the phrase "Trust me."

In the room set diagonally from that of Ranma's parents, Akane and the pigtailed boy had already unpacked. After a stare off for the better half of an hour, Akane eventually lightened up about the situation, and both were now enjoying television. Well, one was trying to enjoy television but the one currently holding the remote was flipping through the channels at breakneck speed.

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish here Ranma!?" Akane was annoyed, but held her tongue in check. Something she was trying to do more of nowadays. She saw a change in Ranma, a peek at a side of him, that showed as time passed, a sense of maturing that pleased her. He seemed to be trying. What exactly he was trying for, she wasn't sure of. But there was an elevated peace that had descended on their household in the last two years. And she liked to think it was because of the two of them. The fighting had lessened, the word lashings had all but dissappear, and the family had seen Akane's mallet or fierce uppercut punch...maybe once?

"These stations, they are TERRIBLE. Its all history, politics, history, news. No movies to watch...just THIS." Ranma pointed towards the screen, which was currently set on a program that looped pictures of the Japanese landscape. "We need to find something to do, Akane. Its only four in the afternoon." Akane lifted her head up from the pillow she was resting against, taking a look outside to the still raised son. She agreed with him. She stood to grab her bag, looping her arm within her, shuffling them both out of the room. "This town seems alive with activity. Lets go down to the market, grab something to eat, eh?"

The market, as Akane had mentioned was still very alive in their activities. It seemed as if everyone was moving. That's when Ranma spotted it. Only he would be able to spot "it" out of the tens of shops that littered the ave.

"Oi!! Okonomiyaki!" He reached down and grabbed Akane's hand, merely in an attempt to move her faster, missing the gentle rosing of her cheeks. "Raaaaanma! Slow down! Its not going anywhere!" He rounded the corner of the shop, with Akane in his wake, almost knocking the hostess down in their rush. At once they sat and Ranma took it upon himself to order food for the both of them.

"So when did you go ordering food for me? She raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk across her face. It was now Ranma's turn to blush. "Um. I-I'm treating too". This caused Akane's raised eyebrow to ascend into her hairline.

"Well thank you, Ranma" Akane paused to think about her next statement. Playing absently with the saltshaker, she looked over to Ranma. "Say, you aren't uncomfortable staying in the same room as me.." Akane lowered her head, in a shy manner but didn't back down "...seeing as there is only one futon?"

Ranma, who would have normally either ignored the situation all together or squirmed his way out of the conversation with an insult, simply said "No. I don't mind at all." He reached across the way, taking her hand into his, softly smiling at how small, but very powerful her hands were. Exactly like she was. It was something, these subtle shows of affection, they had grown into doing, but wouldn't exactly call practice. Especial when they were alone. A gentle stroke of the arm, a caress of the cheek, maybe a butterfly kiss or two.

Akane was about to reply to Ranma's gentleness, her face as red as a ripe tomato, when two steaming hot shrimp okonomiyaki were placed on the table, causing them to both withdraw their hands. Ranma immediately attacked his food, realizing this was probably the last time all weekend he would be able to inhale his food.

Akane had suddenly lost interest in her food. She was actually upset, in spite of herself. He ALWAYS did this. Especially lately. He would do something endearing, something that would get her heart to beat so hard in her chest, then shoot tiny sparkles of "Oh Ranma" out the top of her head. Then a second later, it was as if it never happened, the moment passing faster than the beating in her chest. She wanted the feeling to last, for it to be more than a passing moment. Something more inspired by what he was actually feeling in his heart, rather than inspired by some spur of the moment thought he was having. Inhaling and biting back a sigh, she picked up her okonomiyaki and ate it.

*-*-*-*-*

"Fireworks?"

"Yes Kasumi-san. Although a newer tradition for spring festival, it'll be held tonight by the open meadow. I'll look forward to seeing you out there! Its in an hour." Chiyoko bowed to his guest before leaving the room in an air of excitement.

Soun rounded the corner to see his entire family in the hallway, him shortly followed by Genma and Nodoka. "Did you hear Oto-sama? Fireworks, meadow, 6'oclock."

Slapping her sunglasses back on, Nabiki threw a two fingered salute and retreated back into her room. Kasumi hands found there way to her cheeks as she questioned out loud what should she wear. "Fireworks are romantic..." and she quickly followed Nabiki into the room. Nodoka smiled at the girls and turned to Ranma. "Us older folk are actually going down to enjoy the theater this evening. But I think it would be great if you kids enjoyed the show. So go get dressed." Shooing them towards their door, she too sharply turned on her heels and retired into her room. Akane looked over at Ranma and Ranma back at her. "Fireworks it is?" Ranma grinned and opened the door. "Sounds like fun, no?".

The open meadow was littered with people who were in the process of laying down blankets and unpacking their bags. The show was set to start any minute and the air was spiked with anticipation of the works. The four of them had picked a spot towards the back, wanting to avoid the larger mass of people crowding most of field. Ranma reached into his backpack and pulled out two blankets, laying them down on the meadow floor. The elder Tendo sisters took their place on one blanket, as Ranma and Akane situated themselves on the other blanket.

"Isn't this nice, everybody? Kasumi tucked her legs under her and took a glance towards the sky "I wonder when the show is going to st..." and before the words could leave her mouth, a stream of colorful heat bound towards the sky, exploding into a fountain of colors. The loud noise from the following explosion grabbing everyone's attention.

Ranma and Akane, attentions matching that of the crowd, sat close on the blanket as the show continued. Ranma looked past his shoulder, as the colors played across Akane's face. Again the excitement was evident in her eyes, as they danced back and forth, and he had to smile at that. She was beautiful. Regardless of how many times he declared her uncute, scream her to be sexless, even calling her a tomboy, he always knew one thing. She was none of the above. It amazed him it took all these years, her being near death, for him to understand exactly who Akane was and what her spirit was about.

She held a fiery strength that even he couldn't hold a candle too. When she was passionate about something, when she earnestly believed in that one thing, she fought with all she was worth, even if it didn't benefit her directly. She was a sweet kind of dream that he had been living for the last four years. And he knew it. He'd known it for years. That regardless of how many women claimed that he was their forever, that he only planned on honoring one woman with his heart.

He loved her.

He was sure she knew that, but he should credit his heart or her ears with the words. He just couldn't. Those three words scared him more than death, it seemed. You'd think all the power he got from her smile and staring into her eyes would give him the strength. Sure he could fight power hungry Gods and overzealous women to protect her life, but he couldn't tell her that he was in love with her. His mother probably would hang her head in shame at the thought.

His mind deep in musing, his hand seemingly having a mind of its own, grew brave. He reached across the short space between them, grazing the skin with his fingertips, concentrating all of his attention of the creamy texture of her bare shoulder.

Akane found herself startled but couldn't stop the slight shiver that his touch invoked in her. Slowly she turned her lovely head to stare as his hand made contact with her skin; the small circles he drew on her shoulder felt as if it were on fire. She then raised her hand to lay it softly on top of his, causing him to inhale sharply as she touched him just as suddenly as he had touched her. He looked up from her shoulder to her face, but her gaze was still studying their hands. Boldness coming from a niche in his soul he couldn't place. He raised his hand, his finger slipping between hers and locking them into his.

Akane breathing had shallowed. Hoping that this wasn't one of those random acts of affection Ranma was prone to lay on her at the drop of a dime, she tried not to move too much, aside from placing her hand on his. As if he would drop her hand at any moment. He wouldn't do this to her, if he knew. Yeah, he understood at this point, she had no reservation about marrying him. That was proved when she ok'd the wedding a couple of years back. Nicely, relations between the two had mellowed out into a more comfortable ease, something akin to an estranged dating situation. But four years engaged to someone you love, your heart just doesn't agree, it doesn't comply with the limitations set.

But Ranma didn't drop her hand, he instead reached over with his other hand, placing it gently under her chin, and with little effort raised her head until their eyes leveled.

"Ranma" Akane whispered. Warmth played out in Ranma's eyes and a hint of something she didn't understand. He brought his head closer to her and softly placed his forehead against her shoulder, placing a light kiss there. "You know what Akane? You're pretty special. I-I just thought I'd tell you that." And with that Ranma straightened up, his cheeks dusted with a light pink at his admission, while Akane lowered her head onto Ranma shoulder to continue to watch the show. "Ranma" she breathed out again, smiling to herself.

Kasumi watched the couple from up under lowered eyelids. "Yes. I can say that fireworks can be romantic."

When the show ended, the four young adults sauntered down the walkways of Kyoto. The warm air of spring caused a sense of merriment in all around, with laughter filling the air and smiles gracing the faces of those out and about that night. Vendors called out to the people lining the streets, to try a sweet bean bun or new flavor of ramen. Young ladies giggled, wrapped up in the romance the night provided, as the were escorted by their male companions. As the made there way down to the center of town Nabiki's eyes lit up.

"Kiyamachi!! We are on Kiyamachi!" As her companions face mirrored that of confusion, Nabiki let out a exasperated sigh, "Amateurs. I'm surrounded by them. This is Kiyamachi! Its like the center of all Kyoto's nightlife. Look! SANBOA! A baaaaar, heeeh heeh heeh. C'mon you slackers. Lets investigate." Nabiki firmly attached herself to Kasumi's arm, knowing she would be the first to try to back out

"I don't think this is appropriate Nab..." Kasumi stated as she tried to claw Nabiki's hand off her arm. "Oh give it a break, Kasumi. This is a vacation. Relax babe" And with that Nabiki yanked her elder sister into the bar. Ranma placed his hand on the small of Akane's back as she also seemed hesitant to enter Sanboa. "It'll be alright 'Kane, this should be fun. A whole lot different that Nerima. And look, Karaoke!" Ranma smiled and pushed her into the bar.

They joined the elder sisters at the far end of the bar where they were sitting and hopped up on the bar stools. Nabiki's commanding voice lifted above the loud singing coming from the Karaoke section to the bartender. "Ah! Kon wan ban, my good man! Listen here, I need four rounds of your best sake. Warm, and strong. No bull. Thanks hun."

She winked at the bartender, and slapped down a handful of yen, turning to her older sister. "You're gonna drink this and you're going to enjoy, Kas baby. Its fine time that you start living your life. You're almost 24 years old." The bartender laid the drinks before Nabiki, scooping up the money. "Drink" she calmly said, sliding the drink off the bar top and into Kasumi's hand.

Kasumi went pale and stared at the small beautifully decorated cup within her hands. "Oh my" she declared sending a determined look at Nabiki and to everyones surprised emptied the cup in one swift movement. Nabiki's eyes sparked, and only in a way the daughter of a Anything Goes Martial Art master could, deftly leaped on to the bar stool and let out a gigantic "WHOOP!" to Kasumi's boldness. Ranma snapped his head backwards in a deep laugh at Nabiki's antics and without further hesitation snatched his own cup and downed the contents. Nabiki reached over Kasumi, shoving the Akane's cup into her hand "Drink up little sister! This stuff is the best" Akane not to be outdone by Kasumi, of all people, closed her eyes and ponied up.

An hour and three rounds of sake later, the group, well inebriated and loosened up, slinked off the barstools and made their way towards the Karaoke stage. Normally in Japan, Karaoke is done in a private room with all those attended with you, but tonight, the bar was feeling western-ly, and held an open karaoke event. Everyone was crowded on the dance floor, laughing at the hilarity of the current singer doing a terrible rendition of "Domo Arigaoto".

"Feh! Why do a [hiccup] do a enwish song?" Ranma scrunched his face up upon only recognizing a few words from the song. Nabiki snickered "Someone-Som-Someone doesn't pay attention in claaaaaaaaaaassss, hahahaha!"

"Shaddap Nabiki. I'm going to find a seat." Turning left, Ranma unhinged his jaw and bellowed out "AKANE!!" Seeing as she was standing to his IMMEDIATE left, took the blast to her eardrum. "Oi! I'm right here ya damn jerk!" Hooking his hand through Akane's arm, he attempted to drag her away to the side booths when Nabiki snatched at her other.

"No Ranma, Akane is, ahem, Akane is acquir...required to sing with us. NOW. Tendo sisters will SING...for...for you. We will sing. Lets go Akane."

Akane allowed Nabiki to drag her to the stage where Kasumi was shyly standing with a microphone in her hand, silently waiting for the words to appear across the screen. Once on stage, Nabiki deposited Akane next to her older sister and made her way to the DJ, sliding him the selection slip, then rejoined her sisters. Each grabbed a microphone, both Akane and Nabiki giggling wildly at the crowd. Ranma now stood in front of the stage, whopping loudly to the sisters on stage, obnoxiously winding his hands in the air.

When the music started, Ranma was surprised it was one of the few songs he recognized. Recognition dawned on Akane's face as well. The melody sounded like a song from an American movie her and Ranma had watched some days ago. She moved a little closer to the crowd, searching for Ranma face, trying to see if he remembered the song as well. Akane eyes were bouncing from face to face in her search, but still brought the microphone closer to her face and with Nabiki and Kasumi, started singing.

Look into my eyes - you will see

What you mean to me

Search your heart - search your soul

And when you find me there you'll search no more

Kasumi and Nabiki seemingly feel back in the shadows as Akane continued to sing, as her gaze locked onto the one person in the audience who mattered the most. Sake, as crude of a lubricant as it is, was still a mighty effective one. One that allowed boldness to swim around her senses, and block out feelings and actions that proved useless to this moment.

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for

You know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you.

The pig tailed boy gaze was fixed on the petite brunette that performed on stage. Yeah, she was slurring just about every word, but still he understood the lyrics Himano-sama would be pleased, despite what Nabiki says and he felt touched that for once he was on the receiving in of the passion playing in her eyes. She was like a damn goddess, witch even, because he couldn't tear his eyes from Akane even if his life depended on it. It was as if his life depended ON her eyes, focused on his, rimmed in intensity.

There's no love - like your love

And no other - could give more love

There's nowhere - unless you're there

All the time - all the way

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more

I would fight for you - I'd lie for you

Walk the wire for you – yeah, I'd die for you

At this point Akane had staggered down from the stage to the floor in front of Ranma, still with an unblinking warm gaze locked on him. Her nerve intensifying with every second that passed. She was pretty sure it was the sake, making her look at Ranma like he was hers, unashamed to also show the world around then exactly how she felt. Yeah...it was the sake. She'd probably regret this in the morning. But it wasn't the morning and she wasn't sober. She all of a sudden was thankful she was blown off her ass, because she doubt she'd have the courage to be this daring, had she not been inebriated. Didn't matter. She could feel the air crackle with the intensity between the two, and she was almost certain that it wasn't all coming from her; that he was just as consumed in the moment as she was.

Ya know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

The small crowd around them lit up in applause, drawn into the couple's passion playing before their eyes. Akane laid the microphone down on the stage, but continued her gaze, something hungry in her eyes. Ranma felt as I he had no control over his body as he moved closer to Akane. He moved closer to her, trapping her body against the wall of the stage. The sultry, yet shy smile on her face, was calling him. He moved his hand to her hair, which felt like a cloud of blue warmth.

"What are you doing Ranma?" The warmth from his breath, clouding her senses. He was close. Too close.

"I'm drunk Akane, but I'm pretty sure I'm touching you."

"Yes. Exactly, you're drunk. And I know what your doing, but you're doing it in front of all these p-people" Akane broke eye contact with Ranma and glanced past his shoulder and the crowd of people watching their every move. "Everyone is watching us."

"Do, you think I care what these people think Akane? Do you think I care right now? The only thing I care about is you....and touching you..." Ranma moved his attentions from her eyes back down to her bare shoulder, that suddenly seemed as if it wanted some attention. Sliding his hand down from her hair to the junction between her neck and her shoulder, he bent his head down and placed a kiss onto the line of bare skin. Pausing to see if she was going to stop his worship of her skin, he continued back up until he reached the base of her neck. He placed an open mouth kiss, trailing his tongue to the shell of her ear.

Akane shuddered and closed her eyes briefly, wondering if she should cave into all of the sudden attention that her fiancée was giving her. In an instant she sobered, once again remembering her surroundings and remembering the situation. He's drunk. This isn't him. He's drunk drunk drunk drunk drunk... Pushing her temptation to the pit of her stomach, temporarily causing her legs to give way up under her, she shoved at Ranma, causing him to stumble back into the crowd. Looking around wildly, as if she had to escape that, she ran towards the exit.

Not understanding the situation that just played out in front of his eyes, Ranma tore after her. "Oh dear" was all that could be heard from the two sisters who had witnessed the whole play of events from the stage's vantage point. Kasumi was not sober enough to normally intervene, and Nabiki just looked on, uncharacteristically silent during the whole event. They'd figure they'd let the two of them, figure this one out for themselves. They obviously weren't kids anymore, and they obviously looked like they had started to walk down the path towards each other. "Want another shot Kasumi?" Nabiki hopped from the stage. Kasumi groaned...but followed her none the less.

Ranma hit the street, looking wildly around the alleyway for Akane. He looked up in time to see her cross into the main street and back into the meadow they'd originally seen the firework show. "AKANNNNNEEE!!!" She turned at the calling of her name, immediately recognizing the voice. Seeing that he was following her, she turned and continued running towards the meadow, picking up her speed.

She couldn't take it. The thoughts in her head were running rampant as she speed through the open field.

Damn you, Akane! Be careful what you wish for you stupid ninny. Make up your mind! You want the man or you don't. You FINALLY get him to show you attention. The type of attention a man would show a woman. And what do you do. You Run. Damn it all to hell.

Her attention drawn elsewhere and not on where exactly she was running and how she was running proved disastrous for Akane. Her mind snapped to, just as her foot checked something heavy and solid on the ground. Falling face first, she found herself laying flat against the ground, her heavy pant causing tiny dirt particles to fly into air. Maybe if she didn't move, she thought, he wouldn't see her and would go away.

No such luck.

"Akane?? Dammit, why are you running from me? Are you hurt? Why are you on the ground?" Ranma exhaled. "I'm too drunk for all the runnin' and chasin." Reaching down he pulled Akane up and turned her around to face him. Realization dawned on him when he saw the look on her face, and he quickly sobered. "Why...are you running from me? Did I scare you or something." Akane backed out of his arms and quickly found herself fast to the ground, rump landing with a hard thump.

Akane face screwed in anger as she spit out "Scared me? Do I look like the sort of woman to be scared by you, idiot. I had to get away from you before you mauled me like some common whore in front of all those people! What the hell are you thinking?"

Ranma took a step back. "MAULED...you? Mauled you...you think I was MAULING YOU? Why the hell would I want to do that Akane...you're nothing but a se...." Ranma stopped. He felt himself about to slip into a verbal attack to cover up the hurt he felt due to Akane's words. For once he was following his heart, following what his heart and body told him to do, and now he's a mauler?

The jagged edges of that realization broke something in him. All the fight in him seem to just seep out and was replaced by a weariness that he wore directly on his face. "That's it! There is no winning with you! If I ignore you, and to pay slight attention to women who actually seem to want me around, you get mad. The moment I try to get closer to you, you get MAD. What the fuck am I 'sposed to do? Well you know what? Forget it." Ranma turned on his heels and started to stalk away.

Akane bit her lip. She was losing her mind. But the world wouldn't stop spinning. She couldn't get her barrings. Everything she wanted to say was coming out competently wrong. What she had meant was, she didn't want her first intimate encounter with him to be in a bar full of drunks, including them. She wanted it to be special, something she had been waiting for, something they'd both remember. The word "maul" wasn't included in that, yet she had said it.

"Ranma. Wait. Don't go." But he didn't stop, he just kept walking away, and her anger got the best of her again. "Dammit Saotome! STOP! I'm not done with you yet!"

At this, Ranma halted, spinning slowly to face her again. "You don't get it, Akane. Maybe you do, and you chose to act as if you don't. I've had my choice of women, and I say this as fact not boast, that they literally tried killing each other, AND YOU might I add, to be with me. And through all of that, who was I with? Who did I spend my time with? Who did I tell my mother about?"

Ranma ran his hands through his head roughly, frustration taking taking its toll, at the blank look on her face "You, Akane. You! But I can't take this anymore." Ranma chose to look upwards towards to stars, as if he were asking for strength. " I-I think we should just cool down...maybe call the engagement off."

She suddenly found it hard to breath. Her heart slammed into her chest, and the spinning in her head picked up violently. "What are you saying, Ranma?"

Akane's eyes began to sting with the appearance of tears. It was hard to think, let alone put together a well structured sentence to combat his words, to make him understand. But all she could do was ask him that question.

"I...I don't know. Akane. All I know is that for the first time, I'm confident in me wanting you, but its obvious you don't want me that way. Why continue an engagement, built on nothing?" Ranma turned to walk away again when Akane called out for him to wait "I don't want you to go! Stay here and talk to me dammit! Stop running away!" I've known this man for years, and this is the most eloquent, heart touching speech he's EVER made. He can't take it? When did he START to take it?

But the frustration wouldn't leave, "Save it Akane...it's over." and he continued to walk away from her and out of the meadow.

*-*-*-*-

Akane wasn't upset. Nor mad. She was furious. She had sat in the meadow for hours, in an attempt to control her sobbing and access what exactly had happen. She no longer had a fiancée. That she understood. But through her crystal clear assessment of the change of events, she couldn't understand WHY things had changed. The engagement that she had never agreed to in the first place, yet had come to accept and anticipate, was now over. Without her input. She was put into this situation without a say and was then yanked back out without one solid word from her. Who did they take her for? What kind of BULLSHIT was this? Did she not deserve a chance to clear things up? A chance to maybe apologize, possibly mallet him for taking her words completely wrong? No, she got nothing but a turned back as it walked away.

Akane sighed.

Look at the hypocrite she turned out to be. She could count the stars, the many times she'd taken her anger out on Ranma without letting him explain. Always quick to jump to rash conclusions, not seeing his side of a situation, due to jealousy. But what was driving Ranma to do this, not to hear her out? Had she been that terrible to him over the years that he couldn't sit and talk with her. She suddenly felt old, and tired. It had only been a sort time, a couple of minutes really it seemed, but she missed him. She missed him so much. She wouldn't let this happen. He was her future, she was sure of it. Her heart told her that every time she was near him. She believed in destiny, she believed in fate, and she knew that Ranma was hers. She wouldn't let it end this way.

Dawn had began to breech the horizon, when Akane finally left the meadow, her legs carrying her faster as she rounded the corner onto the street. She didn't pay much attention to the wild looks of the Kyoto residents, as she swiftly moved in and around them, on her way back to the hotel. He would hear her out if it was the last thing she did. All she needed to do is speak from her heart. He'd understand. This fight is silly. This whole engagement cancel bull, was SILLY. She'd make him understand that. And she only knew one thing to say to him to make him realize this wasn't the answer. By the time she reached the lobby, she was completely out of breath, and rested on her knees, her exertions making her red as an apple. Sucking it up, she continued, her pace slowed from a full out run, to a rushed walked, as not to draw attention from the hotel staff.

She halted once she reached the sliding door of her and Ranma's joined room. Hesitantly she gripped the panel and slid it open, the room still dark. She padded into the room, her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness of the room. The sunlight from dawn still wasn't bright enough to penetrate the dark chocolate curtains, so she moved forward slowly.

"Ranma. Are you sleep. Ranma.... Ranma?"

Remembering how heavy a sleeper Ranma was, she made her way to the wall, in search of the light switch. She didn't want to make the mistake of stepping on him or kicking him in her attempt to find him. Finally finding the switch against the wall. She flicked the the switch up, light filling the area. Squinting slightly she now waited for her eyes to adjust to the light the room lamps gave off. Blinking, she finally open her eyes...to find that Ranma wasn't there. Confused she checked the bathroom, to find it empty. The only habitant of the room, was a white slip of paper that was laying against the counter top. Curious as to why he would leave her a note, she reached out and plucked it from its position.

Akane,

I'm serious about this. Don't try to find me.

Ranma.

The tears she had been bravely holding back all of this time, broke the dam and she slid to the floor as silent sobs began to rack her body.