{These characters are not property of me. I would never attempt to claim them as my own. This story may not be used without my permission, and may not be used to make money in any way, shape or form. Characters and certain situations were created by Rumiko Takahashi, so don't try any funny stuff!}
"Heck, I can't teach no one nothing." Ranma looked decidedly embarassed, yet flattered.
"I'm asking you, as a brother, to help me."
Ranma was still uncomfortable about being anyone's brother, especially since it meant marrying Akane. But there was something in Tatewaki's voice, something about his tone that Ranma couldn't refuse. "All right, Sempai. I'll teach you."
"Thank you. I'm sure you understand there are times when you have to stop turning your back."
Ranma nodded. He would never turn his back, never turn the other cheek. That concept was entirely unknown to him. "So when do ya wanna get started?"
"Soon. Tomorrow after school?"
"As long as Miss Hinako doesn't get mad at me, I can do that."
Ranma was waiting in the dojo when Tatewaki showed. Ranma was in his gi, something he hadn't worn in quite a while, so when Tatewaki appeared in shorts and a t-shirt, Ranma was a bit miffed. "Aren'tcha going to wear a gi?"
Tatewaki shook his head. "I don't like the way they fit," was all he would say. In truth, it reminded him too much of his hospital stay. He couldn't put one on without getting sick to his stomach.
"Well... OK. I guess we won't be doin' anything too tough. So you're on the Kendo team?"
"I used to be. Now I just practice at home, by myself." He didn't mention that the members of the Kendo team refused to have him back, no matter how good he was.
"That means this'll be easier ta get started."
So it began; Tatewaki's induction into the Saotome School of Indiscriminate Grappling, Ranma style.
"So you get bugged a lot at school?" The two were just leaving the dojo.
"Anytime, anywhere we see someone who knows, they'll say something. Some of the boys are getting more aggressive. They're getting brave enough to try standing in our way, a little shove, grabbing Nabiki's arm... They know that I can't really... do anything about it."
"Nothing?"
"No. I don't want to almost beat someone to death like I..." He stopped, realizing what he had just said.
Ranma looked at him in surprise. "To death? In the hospital?"
Tatewaki nodded. He hadn't wanted anyone to know about the incident. Even if it hadn't been entirely his fault, it was still a heinous act. And it brought back memories of what had happened after they had pulled him off the man.
He put his hand to his chest instinctively, as if he was holding his heart. As if he was waiting for the electricity to start and his heart to explode. He started breathing a little heavier.
"I can understand. I mean, a part of it is discipline, bein' able ta control yourself. Right?"
"Right. I don't ever want to lose control again. Ever. The consequences are too painful." He thought briefly of his sister, placed in an institution. Far away he hoped.
Ranma looked at Tatewaki a bit strangely. He hadn't expected a response like that. Painful? He just hoped he would never lose his self control and really hurt someone. Now if he could only convince Akane...
"Should we do this again tomorrow?" Ranma asked.
"I don't want to be too much trouble..."
"Naw, it's not a problem. Pop would probably flip his lid if he knew I was teachin' someone."
"Then I insist that I pay you for your time." It was the least he could do for the instruction.
Ranma started to refuse then considered the extra money he would have. "OK. But then we have ta get serious."
Nabiki slipped into the dojo and watched the two move. They were working their way through a basic kata, moving with grace and ease. She briefly considered getting Akane to watch with her, but then decided to keep the view all to herself.
Akane... Her poor little sister. When Genma and Ranma had showed up in their cursed forms, there really wasn't a chance. After going through the whole curse thing, Akane had been the only viable option. Kasumi had wanted nothing to do with a younger man, boy really. And, well, Nabiki had been completely unacceptable as wife bound by honor.
No matter how much she liked Ranma, even with his curse, she was a complete bust. Why would Ranma agree to marry her anyway? She had been 17 and four months pregnant with the child of Nerima's craziest family. So she spent 5 months watching Ranma and Akane bicker and call each other names, and grow rather fond of each other.
Takuma's gurgling brought her back to reality. She looked down and smiled. She loved Takuma with all her heart but she wasn't above admitting she wasn't all that great of a mother. Only Kasumi had been able to help her, rescue her. She didn't think she'd ever be able to move away, move away from Kasumi.
"How is my little Kuma-chan?" Tatewaki asked, standing over Nabiki.
She hadn't even noticed the pair end their practice.
He crouched down and took Takuma into his arms. He looked at the tiny face and found a reason to thank his sister as well as curse her. It couldn't have been fate; how could fate work in such a cruel manner?
"I'm so sorry," he said softly.
"What?" Nabiki asked, looking at his solemn face.
"I'm sorry about everything. I don't think I'll ever stop being sorry. I'm sorry for dishonoring you and your family. I'm sorry for forcing you into this situation." He slowly sat next to her. "I know you never really liked me; I could always see the pity in your eyes. I didn't want to force you into a relationship with someone you don't like, or respect..."
"I was always so stupid and pushy and ignorant... It's no surprise no one liked me. If my parents didn't like me, why would anyone else..." He stared at Takuma, a frown of pain and sorrow on his face. "I'll leave if you don't want me around. I don't want you to pity me anymore."
"Don't say stuff like that. You're all better, remember? And we all think you're fine. Don't we, Ranma?"
"Uh, sure." Ranma had never found any problem with Tatewaki; he would have to ask later about what had happened before he arrived. "Besides, all ya have ta do is get married, right? Then ya won't have ta worry about your honor or anything..."
Tatewaki looked up at Ranma, then over at Nabiki. Her eyes went from Tatewaki to Ranma and back. "We're... ah... We're too young to get married," she said nervously.
"Ya know, that's what I keep telling Pop, but I keep finding more and more fiancees," Ranma replied brightly, not seeing the looks Tatewaki and Nabiki were passing.