...cont'd...
=====
[Night time in Nerima]
Soun:
(yawns) Time to sleep.
Kasumi:
Oh my... it is quite late, isn't it?
Genma:
Get some sleep, boy. I'm going to give you a sound beating tomorrow morning.
Ranma:
Feh... that's what you say, oyaji.
Akane:
C'mon, Natsuki, I'll show you where to sleep.
Natsuki:
All right. Oyasumi nasai, everyone.
***
Akane:
This is my room. Here, you can sleep on my bed.
Natsuki:
I couldn't! I prefer sleeping on the ground, anyway.
Akane:
(doubtfully) If you're sure...
[a knock is heard and Kasumi enters, holding blankets and pillows]
Kasumi:
Akane, I thought maybe you might need some extra sheets.
Natsuki:
Here, I'll get it. Arigato, Kasumi. (proceeds to fix her mat)
Kasumi:
(frowns) Akane, didn't you offer-?
Natsuki:
Oh, I insisted sleeping on the floor.
Kasumi:
All right, then. Have a good night's rest, you two.
[Kasumi leaves and silence settles]
Akane:
Ano... time for bed, then! Early day tomorrow and all.
Natsuki:
Akane?
Akane:
Mmm?
Natsuki:
Why do I have this feeling that you're just dying to ask me something?
Akane:
(reddens) Eto...
Natsuki:
Kasumi told me that you're Ranma's iinazuke. (smiles) Congratulations.
Akane:
(mutters) More like condolences. (louder) When did she tell you?
Natsuki:
Oh, when I was in the kitchen helping her.
Akane:
// So that's why they were taking so long... // What else did oneechan say?
Natsuki:
Pretty much of everything. That Ranma's got all these other fiancees that he doesn't want-
Akane:
(snorts) Who says he doesn't want them? They're all in love with him... (suspiciously)
How about you? Are you in love with him?
Natsuki:
Aah, the question. (smiles softly when Akane reddens) Ranma? Of course I love him, Akane. He's saved me from the worst times and helped me break out of all the sorrow and pain in my life. (spots Akane's depressed look) But I only love Ranma, even Ryoga, like an elder brother. Nothing more, Akane.
Akane:
(doubtfully) Oh... I'm sure Ranma feels the same way.
Natsuki:
Akane, Ranma loves me as he would a younger sister.
Akane:
(blushes) You don't need to day this to me. Say it to Shampoo or whoever.
Natsuki:
(stares at Akane and says softly) Pride... don't let him slip through your fingers, Akane.
Akane:
Excuse me? I didn't hear you.
Natsuki:
Oh, nothing important... Oyasumi, Akane.
[the lights go out]
Akane:
(stares up at the darkness) // You're right, Natsuki... but did I ever have him in the first place? //
***
[A terrified scream interrupts the peace in the middle of the night in the household, waking its occupants]
[Akane leaps out of bed, switches on the light, and spots Happosai]
Akane:
Why, you hentai!
[Door bursts open and Ranma rushes in with Genma right behind]
Genma:
Master! What are you doing?
Ranma:
(sees Natsuki's terror-filled look and turns to Happosai) You never learn, do you, you bastard? This afternoon wasn't enough of a warning, is that it?
[with lighting speed Ranma grabs Happosai and leaps out Akane's window]
[Happosai's voice is dimly heard]
Happosai:
Ranma! Show your elders some respect, bo- iteeeee-!
Ranma:
Shut up, you bastard! Kacchu tenshin amaguriken!
[everyone stands frozen as the sounds of fists impacting against flesh is heard]
[Kasumi appears with Nabiki at her heels]
Kasumi:
Oh my... what happened?
[Akane hugs Natsuki tightly and feels Natsuki trembling]
[Soun steps forward but stops when Genma places a hand on his shoulder]
Soun:
Saotome?
Genma:
Don't go near her, Tendo.
[Soun turns and finds Natsuki staring at him with wide, frightened eyes, whimpering]
[after a few minutes, the girls managed to calm her down]
Akane:
Natsuki, what exectly happened?
Natsuki:
(shaking) It was dark, and suddenly someone whispered in my ear and grabbed
my- my-
[Ranma reappears in time to hear Natsuki]
Ranma:
Why that-! I'm gonna go back where I left him and pound a little bit more sense into-
Natsuki:
(takes a deep breath) Ranma, don't. Let's just forget about it.
Ranma:
But that freak just tried to-
Kasumi:
Ranma, let's leave Natsuki to have some time to rest.
Akane:
Onnechan's right, Ranma. Let Natsuki sleep it off.
Ranma:
(scowls) You don't understand.
Natsuki:
I'm fine, Ranma.
Ranma:
(reluctantly) All right. If you need me, I'll just be near, okay?
[Natsuki nods gratefully and soon the room is empty except for Akane and Natsuki]
Akane:
Don't worry, Natsuki. Ranma seldom gets this furious and Happosai knows what to avoid, and that's a very furious Ranma. He'll keep out of the way for now.
Natsuki:
Okay, Akane.
***
[Next day]
Ranma:
So far, so good. You must be a lucky charm, Natsuki. (grins)
[Natsuki smiles back and Akane frowns]
Voice:
Akane Tendo, who is this fair maiden who graces us with her prescence?
[Akane stiffens and Ranma sighs]
Akane:
Kuno sempai, this is Natsuki Urasawa, a friend of ours. Natsuki, this is-
Kuno:
Let me introduce myself, lovely Akane. I am Tatewaki Kuno, Furinkan High's
greatest- ite!
[a large rock lands on Kuno]
Akane:
Great, Ranma. Now Kuno's gonna come after you during break time.
Ranma:
(defensively) Hey, don't tell me you wanted to hear his stupid speech!
Akane:
Of course I don't!
Ranma:
Then why are you whining?
Akane:
Baka! I am not whining!
Natsuki:
Eto... wasn't that the bell?
Ranma and Akane:
Chikuso!
***
Hinako-sensei:
Late again, Ranma! And you too, Akane!
Akane:
Hinako-sensei, it wasn't our fault. Kuno sempai was bothering us and he wouldn't let us enter school.
Hinako-sensei:
(sternly) That's not a good excuse, Akane.
Akane:
Oh. (pauses, then rummages thru her school bag) Would you like some candy?
Hinako-sensei:
(eyes light up) All right, then. I'll have to punish that delinquent later. (grabs the candy) Now, take your seats.
Ranma:
(grumbles) Why does she let you go easy? She never listens when I try to explain.
[Akane grins smugly]
Ranma:
Natsuki, why don't you wait for us outside and-
Hinako-sensei:
Ranma! Stop talking to your classmate! You're distracting my class!
Ranma:
But she's not a student!
Hinako-sensei:
Of course she is. She's in the classroom, isn't she?
Ranma:
Demo-
Hinako-sensei:
Silence, Ranma! Or you'll have to stand in the hall! Now, sit down, Miss- (pauses)
Natsuki:
Natsuki Urasawa.
Hinako-sensei:
Yes, Miss Urasawa, be seated. We're about to start today's subject.
Akane:
Gomen, Natsuki. Guess you're stuck with us.
Natsuki:
I don't mind.
Voice:
(whispers) Natsu-chan.
Natsuki:
(looks around) Eh? Dare?
Voice:
(whispers again) 'Tsuki!
[Natsuki glances towards the window and spots Ryoga crouched at the ledge outside,
peeking in]
Natsuki:
(whispers) Ryoga! What're you doing here?
Ryoga:
(in a normal tone, after glancing nervously at the sensei's back) Ukyo told me to wait here 'till the final bell rings, cos she thought that I might get lost again. What are you doing in class? This is Akane's- ite!
[a chalk eraser hits Ryoga squarely on the face, leaving a white chalk rectangle mark on his stunned face]
Hinako-sensei:
So! Trying to sneak out of my class, now, are you, Mr Hibiki?
Natsuki:
But he's not-
Hinako-sensei:
Of course he's a student! Now, be a good boy and get back in here, or I'll drain your battle ki!
[Ryoga pales as he remembers his last encounter with her, then he obediently climbs into the classroom and sits next to Ranma]
Ranma:
Hehe. That's what you get for hanging on the window like that.
Ryoga:
Damare! Leave me alone, Ranma!
Hinako-sensei:
One more warning and I'll have to punish you!
[silence settles]
***
[after school]
Voice:
Natsuki!
[Natsuki turns and spots Shampoo]
Natsuki:
Ni hao, Shampoo!
[Shampoo pulls her away from the others]
Shampoo:
Natsuki do Shampoo favor, yes?
Natsuki:
(warily) What?
Shampoo:
(impatiently) You come with Shampoo to Nekohanten and Shampoo tell you about favor. Please?
Natsuki:
(curiously) Hmm... okay. (turns to others) I'll catch up with you later.
Akane:
(frowns) Shampoo...
Shampoo:
(innocently) What problem, violent girl? Shampoo just want to talk to friend of airen's,
is alright?
[Akane and Ukyo's eyes narrow while Ranma and Ryoga just shrug]
Akane:
// What's Shampoo up to? //
Ukyo:
// Kuso... that Chinese bimbo is up to something... but what? //
Shampoo:
Okay, we go now! Dzai jien!
[She drags Natsuki away. Ryoga frowns worriedly]
Ryoga:
Hey, Ranma... Shampoo wouldn't do something wierd to Natsu-chan, would she?
[Ranma shakes his head]
Ukyo:
(frowns) // Natsuki again! Why always her? //
Akane:
What's wrong?
Ukyo:
(snaps) Nothing! Let's just get going.
***
Shampoo:
{Great grandma! I'm home!} (turns to Natsuki) You speak Chinese?
Natsuki:
{Yes.}
Shampoo:
{Hao. Where is Great grandma?}
Mousse:
{Shampoo! You're back from delivery early! Are you ready to go on our date?} (runs to her)
[SPLASH!]
Muu-muu:
Quack! [waddles out of long white robes]
[Natsuki gapes as Shampoo puts down the glass that recently held water]
Shampoo:
{Natsuki, this is Mousse. Mousse, go away. I'm very busy right now.}
Muu-muu:
Quack! (waddles towards kitchen)
Voice:
Who's this you've brought with you, granddaughter?
Shampoo:
{Great grandma! This is Natsuki Urasawa, Ranma's friend from China.}
Cologne:
(nods to Natsuki) {Very well, Shampoo, but don't take too long. There are deliveries to make.}
Shampoo:
(nods) Yes, great grandmother.
[Cologne pogos away. Shampoo turns to Natsuki]
Natsuki:
{So what did you want to talk to me about?}
Shampoo:
{What alse? Tell me about airen.}
Natsuki:
(blinks) Tell you about-?
Shampoo:
(impatiently) {Please speak in Chinese, it's easier for me. Now, I said tell me about airen.}
Natsuki:
{Aaah... Ranma. I don't think I can tell you anything about him Shampoo...}
Shampoo:
(eyes narrow) {Why? You want Ranma all to yourself? You cannot have him! You must fight me first! Ranma is mine!}
Natsuki:
(holds hands in front of her) {I don't want to fight you! Don't worry, I don't want to marry Ranma or anything like that.} // What is with everyone here? It's either kill or marry Ranma. Kawaisou... //
Shampoo:
(calms) {You don't want him? Why not?}
Natsuki:
{It might come to you as a surprise, Shampoo, but Ranma isn't every girl's dream guy. He's a little too arrogant for my taste.}
Shampoo:
(nods sagely) {Very true... Ranma's full of pride, isn't he? But still, Ranma's all man! He's so strong. He even defeated me in combat.}
Natsuki:
{Tell me, Shampoo, if Ranma, his male body, that is, lost to you when you came after 'her' from China, would you actually even give him a second glance?}
Shampoo:
{No! I don't like weak boys. Besides, the laws would not allow me to marry such a boy. We need to keep our blood lines strong.}
Natsuki:
{But you say you love Ranma. Could it be that you just love what he stands for? Strength?}
Shampoo:
(glares) {You do not understand, girl.}
Natsuki:
{Explain to me, then.}
Shampoo:
(sighs) {I do not want to marry Ranma just because of the Joketsuzoku Law. I'll ask you, if you were as strong as me, would you marry a man who could not even best you in combat?} (sees Natsuki shrug, slightly confused) {No, You would not want a man like that. There would be no respect. And for that, I respect Airen.}
Natsuki:
{I don't know, Shampoo. From the way I look at it, respect's one of the fewest things Ranma gets here.}
Shampoo:
(stands stiffly) {Natsuki, I'm sorry, but I'll have to ask you to leave. I have many deliveries to make. I must go.}
Natsuki:
(smiles regretfully) {It was interesting, talking to you.}
Shampoo:
(formally) {Shie shie.}
Natsuki:
{Dzai djien, Shampoo. I'm sorry I couldn't help you.}
[Steps out and walks away.]
***
[Shampoo watches Natsuki's figure until she was too far away as she reflected on what the young girl said]
Cologne:
{Obstacle?}
Shampoo:
{I don't know. Might be. I'll see.}
Cologne:
{But if she is, will you do something about it?}
Shampoo:
(frowns) { // But she is airen's friend... and she's very nice too. I don't want to hurt her. // }
Cologne:
(Persistently) {Well?}
Shampoo:
(irritated) {Grandma, I said maybe. I'll see, okay?}
Cologne:
(eyes narrow) {Remember the Joketsuzoku Law, Xian Pu. To be unable to fulfill the Law will bring shame upon our lineage. The Nyu-che-szu elders, even with me at your side, will still banish you from our tribe. Remember that, great granddaughter.}
Shampoo:
(sadly) {I will, great grandma.}
Mousse:
{You old bat! Stop trying to threaten Xian Pu like that-}
[he gets hit on the head with Cologne's staff and is splashed with water]
Muu-muu:
Quack! Quack! (glares at Cologne)
[Cologne chuckles but stops as she spots Shampoo's brief look of wistfulness while looking at the duck]
[Cologne knocks the duck unconcious]
Shampoo:
(faintly protests) {Mu Sze...)
Cologne:
(sharply) {No, Xian Pu. Remember your responsibility. Remember who beat you and who's not man enough to even challenge the girl he wants.}
Shampoo:
(softly) {Yes.}
Cologne:
(smiles) {Hao.}
***
Sasuke:
Master, Miss Nabiki just called. She told me to tell you that you are to meet her at the ice cream shop nearby. She also told me to-
Kuno:
(looks up from a picture, irritated) Sasuke, you wretch! Can you not see that I am busy meditating?
[Sasuke peers over Kuno's shoulder and spots a picture of Akane in her gi and Ranko wearing nothing but a pair of boxers]
Sasuke:
(clears throat) Master, she wishes for me to say that it has something to do with Akane and the pig-tailed girl.
[Kuno swiftly stands]
Kuno:
Fine, then, I will go.
***
Nabiki:
Glad you could make it, Kuno.
Kuno:
What is it you have to say, Nabiki? Out with it.
Nabiki:
Well, I've got this great idea on how you can have Akane and your osage no onna for a whole evening in your own house.
Kuno:
(alert) Speak!
Nabiki:
Ice cream, please!
Kuno:
Nabiki-!
Nabiki:
Relax, Kuno baby. Just get me an ice cream, and it'll be worth the wait.
Kuno:
Waiter!
***
[Nabiki licks her ice cream]
Kuno:
(impatiently) Well?
Nabiki:
Easy, Kuno. Here's the plan: throw a party.
Kuno:
Nani?
Nabiki:
(sighs) Throw a party, Kuno...
Kuno:
That I heard! But I cannot see how that could possibly help in winning the affections of the beauties.
Nabiki:
(rolls eyes) Duh. You throw a party, invite a few people, especially Akane,
osage no onna, and... Ranma.
Kuno:
Ranma?! Why should I invite that fool?
Nabiki:
Because, osage no onna doesn't go to parties unless Ranma's invited.
Kuno:
More black magic of Saotome! That he shall-
Nabiki:
Don't start, Kuno. So, are you going to throw a pary or what?
Kuno:
(suspiciously) Are you sure you are not trying to decieve me again, Nabiki Tendo?
Nabiki:
(innocently) Nani? Me? Fool You? Why perish the thought! Who could trick you?
Kuno:
(puffs up) Yes, that's true. Am I not the Blue Thunder? The one who...
Nabiki:
(smiles slyly as Kuno drones on) // Kuno baby, you are such as a fool. This is gonna be one fine party. // Kuno, why don't you go home and start getting ready for the party? Leave the invitations to me.
Kuno:
Invitations? What need is there for invitations? I need only invite the fair beauties and their families.
Nabiki:
// kuso... // Kuno, believe me, they won't come if it's just them you'll invite.
Kuno:
Fine then, I will leave the matter of invitations in your capable hands, Nabiki Tendo. But I shall write my own invitation for both goddesses for fear that they might be deeply offended that I did not invite them myself. I shall also leave my servant Sasuke in your disposal should you find yourself in need of anything. I expect you to only invite people I approve of.
Nabiki:
Oh, don't worry, Kuno baby. I'll only invite a few people... you wouldn't even notice they were there. Trust me.
Kuno:
// Why do I suddenly feel a sense of fear? No matter, the goddesses will be in my arms soon. // Very well. I shall take my leave. Farewell, Nabiki.
Nabiki:
Ta ta, Kuno!
***
Ryoga:
Where am I? (looks up at sign) Ucchan's? Hmm... where's Uky- aargh! (trips on a chair)
Ukyo:
Ryoga? Is that you?
[Ryoga looks up and spots Ukyo running towards him while carrying her spatula,
wearing nothing but a _small damp_ towel.]
[blood erupts from his nose and he faints]
***
Ukyo:
Ryoga? Sugar, wake up!
Ryoga:
(opens eyes groggily) Eh? Nani... (sees Ukyo fully dressed and blushes) aah... I'm...
Ukyo:
(smiles, amused) I was bathing when I heard some noise so I came down. Next thing I knew you were bleeding on my floor and unconcious, to boot.
Ryoga:
(smiles sheepishly) Gomen nasai, Ukyo.
Ukyo:
It's okay. You hungry?
Ryoga:
Kinda...
Ukyo:
Just give me a sec. I'll cook you something. (walks to the counter)
Ryoga:
(watches Ukyo) // Ukyo's really sweet... and she can cook, too. Not like Akane- _what_ am I thinking?! //
Ukyo:
(concerned) You okay, sugar? You look kinda pale to me.
Ryoga:
(shakes head) Nah, I'm okay. // and she's so nice, too. Even though she knows about my curse, she doesn't seem to mind... but if Akane found out about it, she'd never forgive me. After all those times I''ve spent with her as a pig... Ukyo is so --no!! AkaneAkaneAkaneAkaneAKANE... //
Ukyo:
(steals a glance at Ryoga) // He looks so cute, frowning like that... even as a black pig, he's adorable. Maybe he's even cuter that Ranma. RANMA! Oh no... you love Ranma, Ukyo. Forget Ryoga. // (squeezes her eyes shut as she tries to imagine herself in Ranma's arms but she sees herself in Ryoga's instead. Frustratedly she bangs her hands on the frying counter.) ITE!
Ryoga:
(leaps to her side and grabs her hands) What happened?
Ukyo:
(blushes) I.. ah, my hand slipped, and...
Ryoga:
Better put some ointment and- (notices how close he is to Ukyo) aah...
[they look at each other]
[faces drift close, eyes close... Ryoga's lips hovered over Ukyo's...]
Voice:
Excuse me? Hello?
[The couple spring back, faces burning]
Ukyo:
(nervously) Sasuke! What are you doing here? // thank kami it's not Nabiki... //
Sasuke:
(seriously) Konnichiwa. I am here to present both of you an invitation from Master Kuno.
Ryoga:
An invitation?
Sasuke:
(nods) Hai. Master Kuno is holding a party at the Kuno residence tomorrow evening.
Both of you are invited.
Ukyo:
// hmm... I wonder what Kuno's up to? //
Ryoga:
(suspiciously) Who's idea was it?
Sasuke:
I am not at liberty to say...
Ryoga:
Tell me, or-
Sasuke:
(glances at fist nervously) Mistress Nabiki.
Ukyo:
Oh, I get it... she tricked him again.
Sasuke:
(ignores Ukyo's comment) Semi-formal and we will be serving cocktails. Now, if you please excuse me, I have to deliver these other invitations. (disappears)
[both look down at cards]
Ryoga:
Tommorow at 6. (shyly) What does a guy wear to a party like this?
Ukyo:
// Nothing. // (blushes) A tux, or just slacks, I think.
Ryoga:
(shuffles feet around awkwardly) I better go get one. I'll see you later, then.
Ukyo:
(watches him leave) Ja ne. (slumps down and buries her hands in her hair.) Aargh... what just happened?
***
[a letter appears in front of the manga Ranma was reading]
Ranma:
Who's it from, Nabiki?
Nabiki:
>From Kuno. Here's one for the both of you, Akane and Oneechan.
Ranma:
(reads) "Saotome, it is with great reluctance that I invite you to a party which will be held in my household tomorrow..." blah blah... (looks up, eyes narrowed) What's the deal? Why am I invited if he doesn't want me to come in the first place?
Akane:
Hey, mine's an invitation, too.
Kasumi:
Oh my, I can't go, since I'll be cleaning the dojo tomorrow. It was so nice of him to invite me, though. Maybe I should bake him cookies...
Ranma:
(impatiently) Well? Are you gonna tell me or not, Nabiki?
Nabiki:
(slyly) The explanation's in here. (hands him a letter)
Ranma:
Another one?!
Nabiki:
It's for your girl half this time.
[Ranma stares at the letter warily as one would at a poisonous snake]
Akane:
Well, Ranma? Are you gonna open it?
Natsuki:
(strolls in) Open what?
Nabiki:
Great, you're here. Here's an invitation from Kuno.
[Natsuki opens letter and reads]
Ranma:
Nabiki-! What'd you do that for?
Akane and Natsuki:
Nani?
Nabiki:
(smiles) I thought it'd be fun.
Ranma:
Fun?! Kisama-!
[Akane grabs the crumpled letter]
Akane:
"Osage no onna... a gathering of people will be at the Kuno household tomorrow." mmm... The wretch Saotome will be there. I will await your arrival with bated breath."
Ranma:
(mutters) I hope he turns blue and chokes.
Akane:
Nabiki! That was mean! (grins) You told Kuno that Ranma's girl half wouldn't come if Ranma didn't, did you?
[Nabiki nods and Natsuki laughs]
Ranma:
(glares at Natuki) Who's side are you on?
Natsuki:
(stops) Yours, of course. (laughs again)
Nabiki:
So, are you going, Natsuki?
Natsuki:
I've never gone to a party before... and I don't have anything to wear.
Nabiki:
(breezily) Neither does Akane. Don't worry, we'll go shopping for dresses with Akane and Ranma.
Ranma:
(angrily) You're never gonna get me to wear a dumb dress to that dumb party! Besides, who says I'm going to that stupid party?
Nabiki:
(whispers) But Ranma, who's gonna protect Natsuki from Kuno, _Happosai_, and
perhaps even the entire lecherous male student body of Furinkan?
Ranma:
// Why'd Kuno have to invite so many people? // Fine, fine. But I'm going as a guy.
Nabiki:
You get to go as both.
Ranma:
(snorts) Ha! Make me!
***
Nabiki:
Try this one on for size.
[Ranko moodily grabs the dress and stomps towards the dressing room, muttering
about evil girls and sharks.]
Natsuki:
What did you tell him back at the dojo?
Nabiki:
Oh, nothing much. Just that I'd tell Akane I caught Ranma making out with Shampoo.
Natsuki:
(eyes wide) He did?
Nabiki:
Of course not. He values his life. But who do you think Akane'll believe? A fiancee with numerous boyfriends or her own dear sister?
Natsuki:
(grins) Speaking of Akane... why don't we go see what she's picking out?
Akane:
(standing in front of a rack of dresses) Nabiki! Help me out, will you?
Nabiki:
Sure. What exactly are you looking for?
Akane:
Oh, I don't know. Something that'll... ah...
Natsuki:
Knock Ranma of his feet?
Akane:
Exactly! (reddens) I mean, of course not! Why would I care about what that baka thinks?
Nabiki:
(grins) Whatever. Let's get you something sexy.
Ranko:
Hey, Nabiki, are we done yet?
Nabiki:
Which one did you pick?
Ranko:
I don't know. I don't care. (glares at the dresses in her hands)
Nabiki:
(warningly) Ranma...
Ranko:
(scowls) Fine. The black one, I guess. Did you pick something out already, Natsuki?
Natsuki:
Hai, but I'm not going to show it to you yet.
Ranko:
Aww, Natsu-chan, that's no fair.
Nabiki:
Ranma, why don't you go change back to your male form and wait for us at the men's dep't? I'll pay for your dress first and you can pay me back later. // with interest. //
[Ranko nods and walks away]
***
Akane:
Ukyo?
Ukyo:
Akane! Fancy meeting you here! Are you picking out a dress too?
Akane:
Un. Nabiki and Natsuki are here with me.
Ukyo:
(spots a dress in Akane's hands) Is that what you're wearing tomorrow?
Akane:
I'm not sure yet.
Nabiki:
Akane, hurry up! Oh, hi Ukyo. I suppose you're going to the party?
Ukyo:
(nods) Could you help me pick a dress?
Nabiki:
Sure... but help doesn't come cheap, y'know.
Ukyo:
(sighs) Okay. (slaps a wad of bills on Nabiki's palm) Here.
Nabiki:
Well then, let's get you a drop dead gorgeous dress. Over here. (ushers Ukyo)
***
Ukyo:
Hi Natsuki!
Natsuki:
Hi. (watches the growing pile of dresses in Ukyo's arms) Which one are you getting?
Ukyo:
I don't know yet. I'll try these on first.
Nabiki:
While you're doing that, Akane and I will pay for our dresses. Natsuki?
Natsuki:
Oh, I'll just stay here with Ukyo.
***
Natsuki:
The purple one.
Ukyo:
(happily) You think? I kinda liked it myself.
Natsuki:
Sure. Ryoga will just love you in it.
Ukyo:
(freezes) R-ryoga?
Natsuki:
Oh my... did I say something wrong?
Ukyo:
Ryoga and I aren't...
Natsuki:
Oh. Eto... I thought Ryoga and you have- y'know. Have a thing for each other.
Ukyo:
Us? (laughs uncomfortably) No way. Didn't anybody tell you? I'm Ranma's iinazuke.
Natsuki:
(disappointed) Then I must have imagined it.
Ukyo:
(glances at her curiously while paying for the dress) Imagined what?
Natsuki:
Well... I thought Ryoga like you too. I mean, you were both so consious around each other and all...
Ukyo:
// Kuso! Am I that obvious? And what about Ryoga? Is Natsuki right? Does he like me too? //
Akane:
Ukyo, are you done?
Ukyo:
(looks at Akane) // Strange... I don't feel so hostile towards Akane like I used to before...// What's the hurry?
Akane:
Ranma's at the men's dep't. We're supposed to pick out a suit for him. Nabiki's gone ahead. // Wierd. Ukyo didn't go all squeally on us when I mentioned Ranma. What's going on? //
***
[They step into the men's dep't and spot Nabiki]
Akane:
Where's Ranma?
Nabiki:
(gestures at the dressing room) In there. Baka won't let me see what he looks like in them. He'll probably pick out the ugly one.
Ukyo:
// Hmm... I wonder if Ryoga picked out a suit yet? //
***
[10 minutes later]
Natsuki:
What's taking him so long?
***
Ranma:
Stupid shirt. (hears noise) Eh? Dare da? (spots a pair of familiar feet trying to hide) Hey, Ryoga, what the heck are y'doing? Hidin'?
Ryoga:
(springs out of his hiding place) I was not hiding, you jerk!
Ranma:
Whoa! (eyes widen) What the hell are you wearin', pal? Is this some kinda new fashion?
[takes in the sight of Ryoga wearing ridiculously short black slacks and a large, light blue frilly jacket.]
Ryoga:
(reddens) I just grabbed it!
Ranma:
And your eyes were probably shut.
[silence]
Ryoga:
Look, I don't have a single idea on how to go about this. I need your help. (tenses as he expects Ranma's mocking laughter)
Ranma:
(shrugs) Sure. Here, try on some of these. Nabiki picked 'em all out.
Ryoga:
Nabiki? Outside? Who else?
Ranma:
Dunno. Probably Natsu-chan and Akane. (watches Ryoga for some kind of reaction)
Ryoga:
Oh? (tries on a shirt)
Ranma:
(jaw drops) // 'Oh?' That's it? //
Natsuki:
(from outside) Ranma, what's taking you so long? Ukyo and I are hungry!
Ryoga:
(grows red) Ukyo? She's out there? (glares at Ranma) Why didn't you tell me?
Ranma:
Cos I didn't know, okay? When we got here it was just me, Akane, Nabiki an' 'Tsuki. Geez. (shouts) Hold on, I'm helping out R- mmph!
[Ryoga slaps his hand on Ranma's mouth and shakes his head frantically]
Ryoga:
(whispers) Sssh! Don't tell them I'm here!
Ranma:
Mmmph mmph.
Ryoga:
(confused) Eh? (removes hand)
Ranma:
(wipes mouth) I said, whatever. (loudly) Hold on, I'm lookin' for something. Hurry up, man, those girls are gonna kill me.
Ryoga:
(trying on another pair of slacks) I look like a cardboard cutout. I just wasn't made for these type of clothes.
Ranma:
(eyes him) You look fine to me. But I wish I could look as good as that guy- what's his name? Y'know, the guy with all those roses.
Ryoga:
(nods) Oh yeah. I saw him in action fighting a thing they call a youma. Uh... Tuxedo Marks? Is that it?
Ranma:
Sounds right to me.
Ryoga:
Don't know why he's so popular, though. Must be the uniform.
Ranma:
And he's always with those girls in fukus.
Ryoga:
(shudders) Don't remind me. My nose bled while watching them fight the youma, then I passed out when the girl in green and pink picked me up to get me out of the way.
Ranma:
// pathetic. // So, which one are you getting?
Ryoga:
What's the difference with these? I can't tell.
Ranma:
Same here. They all look the same to me. Hurry up and pick already!
Ryoga:
(suspiciously) Why are you being so nice to me?
Ranma:
(rolls eyes) Because, Ryoga, for once you're not attacking me or threatening me. It's a nice change.
Ryoga:
(scowls) Well, this is just temporary. I still hate you. Because of you, I went through-
Ranma:
'Hell', I know, I know. Look, I already said I was sorry. I can't keep-
Akane:
RANMA! What is taking you so long?!
Ranma:
I'm coming! Look, I gotta go. The tomboy's gonna kill me if I don't get out there.
Ryoga:
(sighs) You should really stop calling Akane that.
Ranma:
(startled) // Nani? That's it? No threats, no challenges? What the hell-? // Hey man, you feelin' okay?
Ryoga:
Yeah, sure. Why?
Ranma:
(shakes head, mystified) Nuthin'. See ya. (walks out)
***
=====
Akane:
Finally! What took you so long?
Ranma:
I was helping some guy pick out a suit. Let's get going. I'm starved.
***