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Time
Yet another depressing Ranma-POV fic by Ami-chan oO;
Time. That's what I don't have these days. Something that everybody wants to take away from me.
I want time to decide between fiancées. Time to get to know my mother as a child should. Time to get my life on a relatively normal track.
Yeah, right. Like I can around here.
Ukyou and Shampoo have been pushing more these days, dropping hints everywhere. Ucchan was about to kiss me yesterday, I know she was. Shampoo has been doing a lot more than trying to kiss me. A lot more. Kodachi tried to poison the Tendous, figuring that if there weren't any more, then the agreement between our families was null. Not that she needed to try; Akane was cooking that night and only I had to force down that slop she calls food. I was sick in the bathroom for an hour, but I've built up a resistance to most of the stuff the Black Rose uses, so that was the only effect.
That, and being slammed over most of Tokyo as soon as I got out of the bathroom.
I can't break any of the engagements, like some people have been urging me to. It's a matter of honor. I could pay Ucchan back for the yattai, I guess, but how can I give her back the ten years she spent as a boy, searching for me? Or take back the insults of her classmates after me and oyaji ran off? The hurt, the pain inside, still lingering after all these years, I can never take back.
And Shampoo? I'd gladly have her and Mousse together, but I can't. Not until he defeats both me and her. I don't want her as a fiancée, especially in a female-dominated society. I'm not being sexist, it's just that I can't see myself in that kind of lifestyle. Saotome Ranma, crushed down and forced to serve tea and cookies?
I don't think so.
Kodachi isn't even a fiancée. I don't know what I'm going to do about her. Other than try to avoid being killed by poison. Or paralyzed and dragged off to her room or something.
Akane. Don't remind me. Kawaiikune tomboy. I swear she's just looking for the excuse to use that mallet of hers, anytime she sees me. And if not her, then Ryouga, who's always after me for treating her so badly. Talk about your loyal watchdog.
And the problem is, I can't go to anybody for advice, even Dr. Tofu. Oyaji and Tendou-san, well, you know what their choice is. I'd be broke before I got even a hint of anything helpful from Nabiki, and Kasumi? Oy.
Even mom has nothing helpful to say, in my opinion. She wouldn't mind if I married all four, or just Akane and had three (or more!) concubines. Sometimes I think all she cares about is having grandchildren as soon as she can, and the more, the merrier.
Sorry, okaa-san, I'm not about to become a breeding stud, no matter what anybody says.
And the thing is, I really don't know her that well. I can't talk with her without the subject of fiancées coming up sometime or another, and I can't exactly go shopping with her—like I used to do when I was "Tendou Ranko"—and have the heart-to-hearts.I can't even go for a simple walk with her without one or more fiancées and/or rivals showing up.
Just once, I'd like some time. Just a little, is that so much for a guy to ask?
Well, occasionally a girl, but hey, I gotta deal with that.
Just a little time.
==========
"Hey, Ranma, what's the matter?"
"Go away, Akane. Leave me alone."
Akane's famous (or should I say infamous) temper flared up as her eyes narrowed. "Well, fine, then, baka, if you want some time to yourself, just tell me!"
To her surprise, her iinazuke didn't rise to the insult. "Yes," Ranma whispered, so softly that she almost missed it. "That's exactly what I want. Some time."
Akane stared at the pigtailed martial artist's back, puzzled. "What do you mean, Ranma?"
Ranma didn't answer for awhile. "Just some time, just a little," he finally said, turning to look at her with those smoky blue eyes. "That's all I'm asking for . . ." His quiet voice trailed off as he returned to staring at the sky.
Akane, rattled, climbed off the roof.
~owari~