Ranma 1/2 is owned by Rumiko Takahashi.

Best Friends Day
----------------------

By: Anand Rao (although I *really* don't want the 'credit' for this one.)

Ukyo drummed her fingers on the countertop and engaged in her second 
favorite hobby.  Basically, how to get closer to Ranma but still keep her 
status as the 'cute' fiancee. She was finally starting to realize that 
aggressiveness and outright violence would not work.  The wedding attempt 
had proved that.

"I need an edge.  Something that Akane and Shampoo don't have. . ."

Everyone knew her okonmiyaki was the best around, but Ranma tended to enjoy 
all types of food with equal vigor.  He was even eating Akane's cooking 
these days.  She was a strong and well-trained fighter, but admittedly, 
Shampoo was at least as talented.

"Even Akane's been getting better lately."  Ukyo sighed and her fingers 
continued their rhythm.  "He has to see me as more than just a pal. More 
than just someone he confides in.  More than just his best. . . friend. . ." 
  Suddenly, the fingers stopped and she slammed her hand against the counter 
top.  "I got it!"


				********************************

Ranma sat on the back porch of the Tendo home as somewhat a pleasant aroma 
wafted out from the kitchen.  "Man, I hope that tastes as good as it smells, 
Akane," he muttered.  As he patiently waited for the state of his dinner, 
Ukyo bound over the back fence and jogged towards him.  "Hey, Ucchan, how's 
it going?"


"It's going just great, Ranchan!"  She coyly handed him a thick white 
envelope.  "I have something for you."

"What's this?"  Ranma turned the envelope around and looked at Ukyo.

"Um, today is Best Friends Day and-"

"Best Friends Day?  Never heard of it."

"Yes, well, it's not a Japanese holiday.  It's. . . it's European!   Um, 
from the country Liechtenstein!"

"Okay. . . What does that gotta do with this?"  Ranma held up the envelope.

"Well, on Best Friends Day, a person writes a letter to their best friend, 
telling him how she really feels about him."  Ukyo blushed demurely and 
looked down at her feet.

"Oh. . . cool."  Ranma rubbed his chin in deep thought for a few minutes the 
suddenly stood up.  "Thanks, Ucchan!"  He quickly turned to enter the house.

"Wait!  Um, where are you going?"

"Huh?  Oh, I wanna go write a letter to Jackie Chan."

Ukyo blinked.  "Jackie Chan?"

"Yeah.  Guys really shouldn't be writin' fan mail, but if it's Best Friends 
Day, then it's okay."

"B-but, Jackie Chan?"

"Sure!  His movies have done a lot for me as a martial artist and have 
provided hours of fun.  He never asks for anything in return, either. Who 
can ask for a better friend than that?"  Ranma grinned and walked into the 
house.

*******************

End

*******************

Okay, this was stupid.  Even by my standards.  But, I needed an excuse to 
provide a status report without spamming the list too badly.

Well, contrary to popular belief, I'm not dead, even if my web site is.  I 
-am- in the process of building a new one as some of you know.

I may even finish it some day.

At any rate, I still write.  Just realllllllllly slowly.

Juxtaposition chapter 5 is about 30% done.

Stained Glass Mind Chapter 3 is about 50% done.

His Only Begotten Son chapter 2 is about 30% done.

I've started a couple of new things and everything else is pretty much in 
limbo right now.

If you want to know the status of something in particular or want to see WIP 
copies of anything, let me know.

Namaste,

Anand




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