Nabiki walked along behind Akane and Ukyo on their way home from school, listening to them complain about the girl Rei Ayanami who appeared to be moving in on Ranma. Privately, Nabiki found the whole situation hilarious. Not only were the girls getting jealous over a fictional character, but said fictional character probably had a far better chance of gaining Ranma's affections than they did. Suddenly, Akane stopped walking, nearly causing Nabiki to walk into her. Peering over Akane's shoulder, Nabiki blinked. It seemed they were about to add another spectator to Ranma's Odyssey. "Hiya, Auntie Saotome," Nabiki greeted. "How are you today?" "Good afternoon, Akane-chan, Nabiki-chan," Nodoka Saotome smiled. "I was just on my way to visit your home to see if my husband and son were back yet. They're so manly to be so dedicated to their training." Akane grimaced and glanced at Nabiki. Nabiki thought for a moment and nodded. "Auntie, there's something we have to tell you about Ranma," Akane said grimly. "Has something happened to my son?" Nodoka asked with concern. "I'm afraid so, Auntie," Nabiki said. "It's going to be a long story and a little hard to accept, so why don't we head home first. It will also take some demonstrations to convince you of the truth." An hour later, with the assistance of Cologne to prevent Genma from fleeing, Nodoka was informed of the whole story as far as the Tendo sisters knew it. Several demonstrations of the curses were made and Nabiki brought out her video footage of Ranma changing into 'Ranko'. Needless to say, Nodoka was completely floored. She didn't know whether to flay the skin from Genma's body in a slow, painful fashion followed by a nice roll in a bed of salt, cheer for her son's manliness, or grieve for the fact that she might never see him again. "S-so, what you are telling me, is that my son has been b-banished to this apocalyptic, psycho-drama anime show and we may watch his exploits there, but he may n-never return?" Nodoka stammered. "In a nutshell," Nabiki agreed. "Oh dear," Nodoka commented. "We were just about to watch the second tape," Kasumi said. "Won't you join us, Auntie?" "Yes, dear, I believe I will," Nodoka said. "How wonderful," Kasumi said pleasantly. "And if you like, tomorrow while the girls are at school, you can watch the first tape to catch up." Kasumi brought out a large tray of snacks and tea for everyone and after Cologne struck Genma's paralysis point to keep him from eating the entire tray, the group settled in to watch the next tape. (oO\O/Oo) Misato stood before a large map pinned to the board in their on-site base of operations. She was briefing the two pilots in front of her on their mission assignment. "Ranma, since you have the best sync ratio, you will be the shooter," Misato said. "If you don’t destroy it with your first shot, Rei will protect you from counter-fire with this heat shield off of the Space Shuttle. The gun will take about 30 seconds to cool down and recharge for another shot. You have to be sure to replace the fuse after the shot." "How long will the heat shield last?" Ranma asked. "We project it will last 17 seconds," Misato said glumly. "Which would leave Rei to block the beam with her body for the remaining 13 seconds," Ranma concluded. "Misato, I have a better suggestion." "Ranma," Misato said warningly. "You promised you'd listen, Misato," Ranma reminded. "Okay, what's your suggestion?" Misato sighed. "I should be the one with the shield. Rei should be the shooter," Ranma said, before she was interrupted by Misato. "Ranma, you're the shooter because you have the best sync ratio and you have the best chance of taking this thing out," Misato argued. "You didn't let me finish, Misato," Ranma chastised. "Look, maybe I do have the best sync ratio, but I also have other abilities that would be better suited to the shielding position. I have a technique called the Soul of Ice. I didn't have time to get it up before the beam hit last time, but with the technique I can actively cool the shield which will make it last a lot longer. In addition to that, the technique will also make the beam take longer to damage Unit 01's armor. My ki can also help absorb any damage that does happen. Where as Rei might have to suffer the beam unprotected for 13 seconds, I might be able to sustain the shield for long enough for the gun to be ready to fire again." "Come on, Ranma," Misato said. "You don't honestly expect me to believe that, do you?" Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped sharply. Rei stepped away from Ranma as bitter cold radiated off her. The humidity in the air began to condense into a slight mist around the redheaded girl and frost began to form on her plug suit. Misato gaped at her. "Believe me now?" Ranma asked, her breath puffing out in a cloud of steam. Misato nodded dumbly and Ranma dropped the technique. "There's more," Ranma said. "It doesn't really matter much how long it takes for the gun to cycle. If I'm between Rei and the target, she won't have a shot. That means I have to stay there as long as the angel can sustain its beam. That might be a lot longer than 30 seconds." "Okay, okay, you made your point," Misato said. "Rei, you're the shooter. Ranma will be the shield. Ranma, if you get killed, I'm gonna kick your ass. Got it?" "Sure, Misato," Ranma smirked. "Nice to know someone cares. Most people I know would be rooting for me to get killed." Misato stepped up and hugged the smaller girl. "Of course I care, you dope," Misato smiled. "Now get your butt out there and get ready. Good luck." "My luck ain't never been good, Misato," Ranma laughed as she followed Rei out of the command post. "I'll just have to depend on my skill." (oO\O/Oo) Ranma and Rei sat on the gantries beside their Evas waiting for the mission launch time. "Pilot Ikari?" Rei inquired. "Please call me Ranma, Rei," Ranma said with a wry grin. "We're friends, I'm pretty sure, so you're allowed. What did you want?" "Ranma, I wish to know why you convinced Captain Katsuragi to allow you to be my shield?" Rei inquired. "The pilot manning the shield will most likely die. I am more expendable than you are." "What are you on about?" Ranma growled. "Geez, the old geezer really mind-fucked you, didn't he? Let me tell you somethin', Rei, you are no more expendable than any other person at NERV, most especially that worthless scumbag that runs this show." "You are wrong," Rei said calmly. "I am easily replaced." "Not to me you aren't," Ranma said. "To the Old Fart, we are all easily replaced, but I value you, Rei. You are important to me as a friend. Regardless of how much more skilled I am than you, it's that very skill that makes me the right person for this detail. It would be a waste of my skills and your life for this to happen the way they initially planned it." "I disagree," Rei said tonelessly. "Well, it's a good thing for both of us you ain't in charge then, ain't it?" Ranma laughed, shooting the blue-haired girl a roguish grin. "You just concentrate on doing your thing and don't worry about me so much. We'll be fine." The blue-haired girl sat silently for a few more minutes as the lights in the city below went out due to the power being diverted. Ranma sat watching her with a slight smile until Rei stood. "It is time," Rei said softly. Ranma nodded and stood as well. "Good luck, Rei," Ranma said sincerely. "Goodbye...Ranma," Rei said morbidly. The pair walked down the gantry and entered their Evas. (oO\O/Oo) Rei took her position, prone behind the super-sized sniper rifle as the massive power capacitors being fed by all the electrical power in Japan began to charge up. Transformers crackled with energy as the field of coolant towers began to spool up to wick away the excess heat being produced. Rei reached up and deployed her targeting hood, drawing a bead on the angel. "Positron laser at 80 percent capacity and climbing," a tech reported over the comm. "Coolant towers functioning nominally." Rei watched the charge indicator crawl upwards as her targeting computer registered a target lock. "Picking up an energy buildup from the target!" a tech said in an urgent tone. Suddenly, Rei's sight picture was obscured, frantically she looked out from beneath the hood to find out what was wrong. She saw Unit 01 standing in her line of fire, a slight mist forming around the purple Eva. "Ranma, please remove yourself from my line of fire," Rei got out before the angel fired its weapon. The particle beam stabbed out and struck the heat shield just as Rei's charge indicator hit the fully charged mark. "Fire, Rei!" Misato said at the same time. "I cannot," Rei declined. "Ranma has stepped in front of me and is currently blocking the angel's particle beam." "WHAT?" Misato shrieked. "Sorry, Misato," Ranma said, the strain evident in her voice as she used the Soul of Ice to cool the rapidly heating shield. "Rei wasn't going to get a shot off before the angel. Rei, you just be ready. You're only going to get one shot. As soon as this beam stops, I'll drop out of the line of fire. If I fall, take the shot." "Affirmative," Rei's dispassionate voice replied. Ten seconds went by and Ranma was moving the shield to avoid letting the beam concentrate on one point, something that Rei didn't know if she would have been strong enough to do. At thirteen seconds, the shield was beginning to glow the faintest hint of dull red in places. At twenty seconds the shield was glowing bright, cherry-red all over its surface. At twenty-five seconds, the shield failed and Ranma began to block the beam with her Eva. Thirty seconds after the beam began, Ranma began screaming as the armor was immolated from her Eva. Three seconds after that, the angel's particle beam stopped. Ranma allowed Unit 01 to fall forward down the hill. With her line of fire clear and a target lock established Rei took her shot. The Positron Laser struck the angel at the tip of one of its horizontal points, blasting through and punching out the other side. The floating octahedron crashed to the ground, belching smoke and flames. Before it even touched the ground Rei brought Unit 00 to its feet and was running over to the fallen Eva. Once there, she ripped the entry plug hatch off the Eva's upper back and carefully removed the plug. Ejecting her own plug, the blue-haired girl ran over to Ranma's entry plug. Quickly triggering the emergency LCL vent, Rei popped the emergency hatch, ignoring the fact that the handles were burning hot. "Ranma," the inexpressive girl called. "Do you require assistance? Ranma, please respond." Ranma groaned and began to move gingerly. "Owwwie," Ranma moaned. "I hurt." "Of course you hurt," Rei informed her. "You were subjected to temperatures and pressures outside the human body's ability to withstand. Please do not do such a thing again. I-I...felt extremely unpleasant watching you die." Her red eyes held an intense look in them as they met Ranma's blue ones for a moment before they were directed downward. Ranma reached out and took Rei's hand in her own. "Rei?" Ranma said softly. "Thanks for caring." "You are welcome, Ranma," Rei said, her face feeling strangely warm. "Rei?" Ranma smiled gently. "Never say goodbye. Never give death a foothold in your mind, until you have no other choice. I'm going to take a little nap now. I burned through way too much ki." The blue-haired girl nodded silently as Ranma passed out. When the recovery teams got there, Rei was still holding the redhead's hand. (oO\O/Oo) "How is he, Ritsuko?" Misato asked. "As far as I can tell, there's nothing wrong with him," Ritsuko replied. "As near as I can tell, he's in some sort of meditative sleep. Rei said that he mentioned that he used up most of his 'ki' resisting the particle beam. I imagine that he is in a restorative cycle of some kind." "But it's been two days," Misato complained. "That eager to have your chief cook and bottle washer back?" Ritsuko teased. "I'm just concerned, that's all," Misato said. "But I have to admit, instant ramen ain't what it used to be." "Yes, I can understand that," Ritsuko laughed. "Be careful though or your prize will get stolen out from under you." "What do you mean?" Misato asked curiously. "Take a look," Ritsuko smirked, gesturing to the door to Ranma's room. Misato poked her head in and was surprised to see Rei Ayanami dressed in her school uniform and seated calmly beside Ranma's bed apparently doing homework. Pulling back, Misato gave Ritsuko a querying look. "She's been right there the whole time," Ritsuko grinned. "Even arranged for their school work to be dropped off here. I didn't think it was possible but my guess is our little Rei has taken a shine to Ranma." "Well, he is a little heartbreaker," Misato giggled. "And he does have a certain charisma and charm about him, in a crude sort of way." "Oh my, Misato, plan on entering the competition for Young Ranma's affections?" Ritsuko teased her dark-haired friend. "I'm not a cradle-robber, Ritsuko," Misato replied. "What about you? You seem to spend an awful lot of time with him yourself." Ritsuko laughed lightly. "I do, don't I?" Ritsuko smiled. "He's a fascinating young man, and easy on the eyes as well. But no, I don't think I'll be throwing my hat in that ring. Doesn't mean I can't look though." "You got that right," Misato giggled. "I walked in on him in the bath once. Believe you me, he was aptly named. Wild Horse indeed." "Just once, Misato?" Ritsuko smirked. Misato grinned and waved her finger at Ritsuko. "He seems to require an awful lot of physicals," Misato observed. "His body is like a high-performance sports car," Ritsuko sniffed haughtily, putting it in terms Misato could understand. "It requires constant monitoring and maintenance to keep it in top form." "Riiight," Misato laughed knowingly. (oO\O/Oo) Rei sat quietly, patiently studying the chapters of her science book she'd been assigned to read. Feeling eyes on her she looked over and saw that Ranma was awake, silently watching her. A light blush bloomed on her cheeks. "Hiya, Rei," Ranma said softly, his voice a little hoarse. "How long have I been out?" "This is the third morning since we destroyed the 5th angel," Rei replied impassively. "Have you been here the whole time?" Ranma asked, a little surprised. "I wished to monitor your recovery," Rei advised. "I have also secured your schoolwork that you missed." Ranma's growing smile faded at that last tidbit and he groaned. "That was...um...real sweet of you, Rei," Ranma mentioned. "Thanks." "You are welcome, Ranma," Rei stated. "Would you like some water?" "Um...sure, in a glass, so I can drink it, not on me, so I can absorb it through my skin," Ranma smirked. If Ranma had not been watching for it, he would have missed Rei's lips twitch into a fleeting smile. She put her book aside and poured him a glass of water from the pitcher on the table. Ranma accepted the glass and quaffed it down greedily. "Thanks," Ranma said, handing the glass back. "You know, you're really cute when you smile." Rei nearly dropped the glass before setting it on the table. "You're embarrassing me," Rei said, looking away and blushing darkly. "Nothin' to be embarrassed about," Ranma said. "It's nice. You should smile more often." Still blushing, she turned to him and gave him a small smile that seemed to make her face light up. Ranma graced her with one of his own heart-stopping grins. "I-I...should go inform Dr. Akagi that you have awoken," Rei said, nearly fleeing from the room. Ranma chuckled. Yes, Rei was thawing nicely. By the time Ritsuko returned to the room with Rei following along behind her, Ranma had already located the phone and called the cafeteria, ordering enough food to feed at least ten people. The first of it was being brought in as Ritsuko examined him. Ritsuko goggled at the amount of food that was arriving. "Planning on having a party, Ranma?" the blonde asked. It hit Ranma that Ritsuko was a lot like Nabiki, only nicer, with the way she drawled those teasing questions. "Nah, I used up a lot of ki. I need a lot of food to restore my reserves," Ranma explained. "But you two are welcome to join me if you want. I can always order more." "I might have a little bit," Ritsuko agreed, completing her exam. "So what's the verdict, Doc?" Ranma joked. "Is it terminal?" "Not this time, I'm afraid," Ritsuko laughed. "You'll be back in Misato's clutches by this afternoon. However, the next time you might not be so lucky." "Like I told Misato; I ain't never had no good luck. I prefer to rely on skill," Ranma quipped. "Well, skill is a bit more dependable than luck," Ritsuko agreed. "And you seem to have it in spades. I think you'll be alright." Ranma smiled as he tore into his breakfast with zeal. As he ate, Ranma reflected on the irony that he had to come to a fictional world and become involved in a life and death struggle to get a little peace and make a few friends. He was actually enjoying himself here. Of course it helped that he actually knew what was going on here, where as at home he was frequently clueless except for the gnawing certainty that everyone back home was out to make his life as hellish as possible. It didn't help that they all wanted opposing things from him and didn't give a rat's ass what he wanted, instead, blackmailing him emotionally, by using his sense of honor, or just plain blackmailing him. Here he didn't have any of those conflicts. He had one goal, save the world, and everybody was more or less onboard with that. Not that he was under any illusion that things would continue on as nicely as they were. He knew things would get ugly toward the end, but he also knew that there wasn't one person in the show that had their head screwed on straight. He was building a rapport with the people around him and if he could anchor them when things got tough and began to fall apart, Ranma was certain there would be a much different outcome. Finishing his meal some minutes later and feeling invigorated, Ranma turned his attention back to the two women. "So what's on the agenda for today, Dr Akagi?" Ranma asked. "Well, you are staying in this bed for the rest of the afternoon," the blonde informed him. "You need the rest. I'll check you out again this afternoon and if everything still looks good, I'll send you home with Misato." Ranma winced at the mention of Misato. "She's not too mad at me, is she?" Ranma asked. "Not that I know of," Akagi denied. "She is pretty concerned about you. She's been down to check on you as often as she can. Once she finds out your awake, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm treating you for cracked ribs." Ranma rolled his eyes at that. "Well, you just get some rest," the doctor advised. "Rei, you'll make sure he doesn't slip off to go beat on the Commander again or something, won't you?" "Yes, Doctor, I will make sure Ranma remains here and rests," Rei said dispassionately. "He has much classwork to get caught up on so that should keep him occupied." "Call if you need any help," Ritsuko said. "Otherwise, I'll see you this afternoon." "Affirmative," Rei said. After the doctor left, Rei sat down and began sifting through her papers with mechanical precision. Finally she located the stack she was looking for and handed them to Ranma. Ranma sighed and took them. "Ranma?" Rei spoke hesitantly. "Yeah, Rei?" Ranma said, looking up and meeting her red eyes. "I wish to accept your offer," Rei said. "Um...which offer?" Ranma asked. "I wish to be your friend and I also wish for you to train me in your art," Rei clarified. "You're already my friend, Rei," Ranma smiled. "As for trainin', it'll be a pleasure. We can start anytime you like. One thing though, how do you feel about moving out of the place you're in? It's kinda ratty and you probably shouldn't be stayin' in a place where the door is fallin' off the hinges and stuff." "That was a reinforced steel door in good working order," Rei stated. "I inspected it myself to ensure it provided adequate security." "Oh...um...sorry about that," Ranma said sheepishly. "Anyway, the point was I always get in some practice before school. If you lived closer to Misato's place then we could meet in the mornings and get in some trainin'." "What's this about Rei moving?" Misato asked coming in the door. "Well, I'm going to be trainin' her in the art," Ranma explained. "I was askin' her how she felt about moving closer so we could practice together in the mornin'." "That's a great idea," Misato smiled. "You know, I do have a spare room at my place still. You could move in with us, Rei. Com'ere you." Misato grabbed Ranma in a rib-crushing hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. Good job out there. Both of you did a fantastic job." "Thanks, Misato," Ranma gasped. Misato ruffled his hair as she let go. "So how about it, Rei? You up for stayin' at the Katsuragi home for the highly inebriated?" "'Inebriated'?" Misato asked. "It means 'drunk'," Ranma said with a smirk. "I know what it means, I'm just surprised you know words that big," Misato smirked back. "You didn't strain yourself with that one did ya?" Banter complete, both of them turned to look questioningly at Rei. "That would be adequate," Rei agreed. "Then it's settled," Ranma said cheerfully. "We'll stop by and get your stuff on the way home this afternoon." "That would be acceptable," Rei stated. (oO\O/Oo) "Eva Unit 01 has sustained damage to 75 percent of its armor," Ritsuko reported to the two men, Gendo Ikari and Kozo Fuyutsuki in Gendo's office. "Repairs will be completed in a week." "That will be acceptable," Gendo said from his standard, diabolical posture. "Also, while Unit 00 sustained no damage, our testing indicates that the Eva's performance is far below that of the other two active Eva units," the bottle-blonde scientist informed them. "I recommend that as soon as repairs are completed to Unit 01, we take Unit 00 offline for the X-mod. The modifications will take about two months, but they should greatly improve Unit 00's performance." "We don't have the funding for that," Fuyutsuki argued. "The UN has refused our requests for budget increases and they are funneling some of the funds that should have been coming to us to this new project, Jet Alone." "Do not worry about that," Gendo said. "NERV is the only hope to defeat the angels and the UN will see that soon enough. As soon as Unit 01 is back online, begin the modifications to Unit 00. In the meantime, I will put more pressure on NERV Germany to release Unit 02 and its pilot to us. By now it's clear that the angels are only attacking here." "I'll begin preparations," Ritsuko said and left the office. "What of our funding?" Fuyutsuki asked. "It will be taken care of once the UN sees what a spectacular failure this rival project is," Gendo said ominously. (oO\O/Oo) "Misato, Rei and I are going shopping," Ranma announced. "You got any suggestions on where the best place to look for clothes is?" Misato blinked. Ranma hated shopping for anything but food and she just couldn't wrap her mind around Rei as a fashion bug. This was something she had to be in on. "I know a few places," Misato grinned. "Going out to buy your girlfriend a cute outfit for your date?" "It ain't like that," Ranma said, blushing. "Rei just needs some clothes that she can train in. While it's good to be able to fight in what you wear all the time, her options are a little limited. She only owns four school uniforms, two bathing suits, and her plug suit. I don't want her to ruin her uniforms training so we're gonna get her some workout clothes." "Well, lets go then," Misato grinned broadly, chugging the rest of her beer and splashing Ranma with some water. "We can make it a girl's day out!" "Misato..." Ranma growled warningly, but was ignored. "It'll be fun!" Misato said cheerfully, grabbing for her keys. Ranma snatched them before Misato. "Okay, but I'm driving," Ranma smirked. "After all you've been drinking all morning." "Yeah, and?" Misato demanded to know the point. Ranma just grinned and jingled the keys before turning and heading to the door with Rei in tow. "Coming Misato?" Ranma asked. "Yeah, yeah," Misato said, grabbing her purse and following the two younger girls. Ranma drove and Misato gave directions. By the time they reached the mall, both of them were grinning like maniacs while Rei sat in the backseat looking a little frazzled, but as stoic as ever. "Almost there, Kiddo," Misato said cheerfully. "In another few months, you'll be almost as good a driver as me. Nice parking technique too." Rei sweat-dropped in spite of herself. Ranma had done a 180 degree emergency brake skid across two lanes of traffic and had come to rest perfectly parallel parked between two other cars. "Thanks, Misato," Ranma chirped. "I had a good teacher." Rei's sweat-drop grew as they exited the car and headed into the building. "Anyway, I know just where we need to go first," Misato said taking the lead. Ranma and Rei followed along behind the enthusiastic older woman as she cut her way through the afternoon mall crowds like a woman on a mission. Ranma about had a coronary as she saw where Misato was heading. Misato looked over her shoulder and smirked at them as she entered the lingerie shop. "Rei, you go on with Misato," Ranma suggested. "I'll just wait out here for you guys to..." Ranma was cut off as Misato reappeared and snagged her arm, dragging her in the store. "Don't even think about it, Ranma, sweetie," Misato said sweetly. "You need some stuff too. I noticed you don't ever wear a bra, even when you have to be in that form for a while, and you, young lady, are entirely too top heavy to run around without one. You at least need a sports bra for when you train. It'll be much more comfortable. Believe me, I know." Misato thrust her own well-developed chest out for emphasis. "Yeah, yeah," Ranma sighed in resignation. (oO\O/Oo) Misato had successfully talked Ranma into buying a selection of sports bras in plain colors and a few additional pairs of panties, less plain than the ones she currently owned, but the fact that they were called 'boy-cut' seemed to appeal to her. Misato also managed to coax her into buying a few sets of sleepwear, mostly cute flannel shorts that resembled boxers and matching tops much like Misato herself preferred to sleep in. After that, the older woman let the redhead off the hook to concentrate on Rei. While Ranma was standing near the register, trying to look as unobtrusive as possible, Misato led Rei around the store looking at things. "What do you think of this, Rei?" Misato asked holding up a set matching bra and panties made of pure, white lace. "These would look really cute on you." Rei contemplated the proffered items impassively. "They do not seem very durable," Rei said at last. "That's not a consideration," Misato giggled. "I bet Ranma would love to see you in these." "Ranma would like them?" Rei asked dispassionately. "Trust me," Misato grinned. "If Ranma saw you in this set, he'd be putty in your hands." Rei considered this. She had done some research in the last few days and she now understood that the strange effects she had been experiencing with Ranma were do to the fact that her body saw him as a desirable potential mate. He would give her strong children and he would be able to protect her and their offspring. She had also learned that males were visually stimulated to a larger degree than females. Misato was saying that the items she was holding would assist her in Ranma seeing her as a desirable potential mate. A light blush bloomed on her cheeks as she contemplated to where that would lead. Misato's grin broadened as she watched the girl work through her thought process. She knew she had the younger girl hooked now. Rei's wardrobe was about to expand by several orders of magnitude. Poor Ranma wouldn't stand a chance. (oO\O/Oo) "Geez," Ranma said tiredly as they stuffed the innumerable bags into Misato's car. "I only wanted to get Rei some work out clothes, not buy out the store." "Don't be such a spoil-sport, Ranma," Misato smirked. "Besides, Rei needed stuff to wear besides her school uniform and workout clothes. Now don't you think she looks cute?" Ranma looked over at Rei...again. She had a hard time not looking at the blue-haired girl in her new outfit. Rei was wearing a short, pale pink top and a pair of snug, white shorts along with a pair of strappy sandals on her feet. Rei blushed and looked down under Ranma's regard. "Yeah, you look really good, Rei," Ranma smiled. "That outfit looks really cute on you." "Thank you, Ranma," Rei said softly, her blush increasing. For Rei's part, she was having a hard time containing herself. The way Ranma looked at her filled her with unfamiliar feelings, good feelings. It was becoming extremely difficult for her to maintain her reserve. Gendo had taught her, by example, to always be reserved and ignore her emotions, but more and more, since Ranma had come, she had begun to wonder if Gendo's reserve was simply because he was empty inside, devoid of happiness and emotionally numb. In contrast, Ranma seemed full of emotions. He wore them on his face, plain to everyone. He seemed so full of life and exuberance, unwilling to let things get the better of him. Rei doubted that she could ever be that open with her feelings, but she did find that part of the pleasure she felt around Ranma was that openness. Thinking about this, Rei concluded that Ranma would enjoy her company more if she too were to become a little more open. She resolved to work on just that. Looking up at the pigtailed redhead, she allowed the smile she had found herself suppressing to bloom on her face. The happy smile that Ranma returned made the effort well worth it. (oO\O/Oo) "My son is so manly!" Nodoka sang as she whipped out her victory fans and did her happy dance. The fiancées were considerably less happy as it had become clear that their fiancé had officially acquired yet another girl chasing him. Worse yet, they couldn't do a thing to discourage her. And worst of all, he seemed to be responding to her. "Shampoo kill strange, husband-stealer girl," Shampoo grumbled. "How ya gonna do that, Sugar," Ukyo asked. "We're losing Ranma to a fictional character. I can't believe it." "She can have the perverted jerk for all I care," Akane growled, her glowing battle aura and the way she fingered her mallet gave lie to her words. "Waaaah, the schools will never be joined," Soun wailed. Nabiki just shook her head in amusement as she watched the floor show.
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