Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The wind’s whistling awoke Akane. It annoyed her further when she realized the window was closed. It wasn’t uncommon for the weather to be acting up like this, it was almost November, but it was hard to tell if it was a hyena was howling. The wind was loud enough that she doubted she could get much sleep. So much for beauty sleep.

Her homework was all done for the week, so that was out of the question. And studying… at… four in the morning? No thanks. So, as she grabbed a light weight jacket to put over her pale yellow short-sleeve top, she decided to star-gaze. She hadn’t done it… since the jerk first showed.

Honestly, what was with him? He had so many moments where he would just get on her nerves. Whether it was calling her an “uncute tomboy” or telling her that his female body was “objectively hotter” or refusing to hit her because “she’s a girl.” A logical part of Akane knew it was Genma’s fault. The bastard of a panda did not, shockingly, raise his son with milligram of as much grace as her father gave her, Nabiki, and Kasumi.

But then, she reasoned as she tip-toed down the stairs, he would have so many moments where he would shed off the macho-bullshit. When he cried out that Akane was his fiance, she felt protected in a way no one had shown her before or since. Or, when the blue-haired girl looked back, how Ranma had handled the whole Sham Pu affair. He was the one that snapped her back, who tried his absolute best to let go of Sham Pu, who… got kissed. No, none of that was Ranma’s fault, nor was it his when Kuno’s sister appeared and…

She had some apologizing to do, didn’t she…

Nevertheless, she slowly and quietly made it down the stairs then opened the door. To be expected, it was dark. But, weirdly, it wasn’t quiet. Sure, grasshoppers sung and the few cars driving at this hour hummed, but there was a weird noise coming from above. Not a plane, almost… sniffling?

As silent as she could be, Akane vaulted up to the top of the roof and was surprised to not see a black-pigtail and even more surprised not to see the rosy-pink-pigtail either. An unfamiliar girl with beautiful, wavy, bubblegum pink hair sat upon the rooftop, curled into herself. Akane could see the shoulders’ of the red sleeveless silk shake.

The gust of wind made her shiver, yet the girl seemed unaffected by nature as she cried.

Akane, for the first time in awhile, wasn’t sure what she should do. Comfort the kid? A complete stranger? Should she give space? Should she wake up Kasumi to ask her? Make some food for her? Bring her inside? She just didn’t know.

When the girl’s rear started nodding against the tiles, she realized she was over her head. Without much noise, the girl crouched down and walked toward the girl who froze.

“Hey…” Akane began softly, her voice barely louder than the wind. “Are you okay?”

She wasn’t sure why, but the girl flinched. Her body automatically turned to Akane and-

Ranma. Ranma was the crying girl she was hearing. She felt her body jolt back and a “Huh?” escaped her lips, but Ranma’s tear-stained cheeks and wide shimmering eyes looked unamused. Though the shorter girl’s laughs indicated otherwise. Even if it was a hauntingly broken sound.

Ranma giggled. And giggled, and giggled until some bright, sky blue began peaking through the midnight black. Akane felt extremely uncomfortable with whatever Ranma was doing. He was supposed to insult her! He was supposed to anger her! Why wasn’t he?

Was this one of the moments where he’d take off the manly jacket? Either way, she still needed to apologize.

So, she took a seat next to Ranma. Ranma wasn’t looking at her anymore, instead he had turned his head toward the peaking blue light and continued to hug his knees to his chest. He let out a sigh, no doubt ready to yell at Akane.

“Y’ever feel like ya ain’t got control over nothin’?” Ranma rhetorically asked, remaining in a curled ball, head peeking above his shoulders, “Like no matter what ya want, or do, or say it doesn’t mattuh?”

Akane watched the boy let out the same hollow laugh.

“Guess not… ya didn’t get taken away from ya home as a kid. All to be some heir to an art ya never loved,” Akane’s jaw dropped, “y’know he never asked me if I wanted dis? It was never up ta me. I don’t even remember my Ma….”

He sniffled and pulled his head down for a second.

“Then this curse happened… and I don’t hateit. I really don’t. I tried to. When I first fell in Jusenkyo’s pool, I felt so right. In a ‘pletely different body with the ‘wrong’ parts,” he breathed out, “And o’ course, I can’t tell Pops this. Make him think I’m weak? That ‘ma scared, little girl? No... No. I can’t.

Pops hates his. Ryoga, Sham Pu, Mousse all, at the most, put up withit. But I like it. I wantit. But I can’t. Cuz if Pops finds out, I’m done.”

Akane’s jaw closed, then opened, “the insults.” Akane could barely make out Ranma’s head bob. Akane watched in sadness as the boy-turned-girl hugged himself tighter.

“I don’t believe that junk, ‘Kane. Or, at least, I’m tryna notice it. Sometimes it’s a reflex and it’s only after I say it that I realize I fuck up… a lot of the times… I know it and still say it. I don’t like it, but I have to do it for him and your father. One of these days…

“Nevermind… I guess you’ll tell them. Least let me-”

Akane wrapped her arms around the tired boy. Light showers fell from her eyes as she felt Ranma tense in her arms. How could she? How could she have not realized sooner? His father eating all of his food, the fights at dawn, the persistence of doing things the Saotome-way, sleeping in the same room …

Akane felt herself turn green.

She turned her mind to the current girl infront of her. Ranma must have felt awful, no she told me she did, each time she insulted Akane. But, Akane tried to remember Ranma’s face each time after she insulted her… but she couldn’t. She’d either see red, or turn away, or on the offchance she saw his face in clear daylight she might catch him bite his lips. Like he was trying to stop any more word vomit from his mouth. 

Akane should have known. As she continued to rub his back, unsure of when she began, she dwelled into thoughts of what she could have done. When Ranma uncurled himself, Akane let him go, awkwardly rubbing her shoulder as both stood up and took a few steps away from each other, hanging off the roof. The two didn’t look at each other. Akane only turned towards the orange hue behind Ranma when he began speaking again. He didn’t look at her.

“I… don’t know what to do. I’ve thought of lotsa ways to see if ‘being a girl’ is okay. Pretend to smash my skull, talk to Ku Lon, use some shampoo. Maybe only at certain places like school, but no Nabiki would sell me out. Doctor Tofu might help, but I don’t need Pops overhearing. Running away… I don’t have anythin’. No c-cash… no brains… s-so…” Ranma wiped his eyes, “I…I…I t-think ‘bout tryin’ ta… g-g-get better a-a-at h-h-holding my breath undawatuh…”

Akane’s eyes bulged, “Ran-”

“N-no. Save ya pity. I-I,” Ranma suddenly turned to Akane, “You. I’m so tiada of you. Not only do I gotta deal with fiancee bull shit that, just for your information, I never signed up for, nor fuckin’ want, like that at all matters,” Ranma was a meter apart from Akane, “or ya sister dressing me up for photos,” another step, “or Ryoga tryin’ ta kill me for something that was his fault,” in hand’s reach, “or Pops or water or school or Happosai or anyone else’s problems with me,” another step. “But I gotta deal your shit. I wanted to be ya friend so badly! When you asked me, I felt so much fuckin’ joy, which got immediately smudged when ya told me you were glad I wasn’t a boy and got killed when ya screamed bloody murder when you,” she jab her finger between Akane’s chest, “didn’t knock.

In the beginnin’, I tried so hard to send signals that I hated all of the shit in my life. Ya know what ya did?” Ranma was in Akane’s face, “YA BLAMED ME! Not any of the idiots who were actively ignoring me; you joined them!” Akane took a step back, “Ya tried to provoke me into saying Sham Pu was cute. Even if I did think she was, why’d you care so much! Cuz you actively tell me that you don’t care, Akane,” she took a step back, “Not only don’t ya care, you never ever take my word for what it is. Forget the fiancees, I mean when ya assume I’m a pervert. When you tell me I’m scheming with goddamn Happosai. When ya assume I’m flirtin’ with every girl I walk into.”

Ranma sighed.

“I thought you’d get it,” Ranma admitted his anger fading, “You’re a tomboy, Akane, like it or not. You don’t fit into a neat ‘ittle box like everyone else, just like me. But ya don’t undastand. Sometimes, like with Mikado and parfratis, ya grasp the surface and that’s it. I’m stupid for even thinkin’ for a second you’d actually understand a bit of what I’ve gone through.”

Akane’s lips trembled, her body frozen in place.

“Ya don’t understand…” Ranma whispered as he stared out toward the rising sun. Tears began slowly falling down his face. He continued to mumble to himself the same phrase and Akane felt her heart break.

She was so worried about Ranma understanding her feelings, that she didn’t take anytime to even think about the boy she had feelings for. And he was broken glass, one tap away from breaking apart. People walked by him and made sure to put tiny dents. Some… some more than others, but made sure he could stay together, on the wall.

Akane believed Ranma. After everything Ranma said, she felt she had no choice. She couldn’t deny her feelings, just like how she couldn’t deny her role in Ranma’s gaping cracks. And how oblivi-

No. This wasn’t time to focus on herself and her mistakes. Ranma was crying… afraid… alone…. Akane shook her own tears away. Another gust of wind, flowed through Ranma’s beautiful, rose red hair.

“Ranma.”

Ranma’s shoulders’ tensed.

“Look at me, Ranma.”

Ranma’s eyes left the horizon, then danced as Ranma turned around. Akane wasn’t surprised they were red-rimmed and still filled with tears. Ranma looked confused. All of the anger in Ranma’s system evaporated.

When Akane threw her arms around Ranma, the smaller girl tensed for a moment. Akane wasn’t sure if Ranma was going to reject the hug, but was happy when she weakly touched Akane’s back and began wailing. Akane squeezed tighter as the sun was peaking above the trees.

Yes, Ranma wasn’t okay and Akane wasn’t perfect. 

But, as another gust of wind flew by, the girls found warmth in each other.

~

Chapter Text

“Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?”

Minori sang as she gestured to her black, glittery dress. Her eyes trained on the moon like a lover’s. Her footsteps were trained to be quiet.

“Wouldn’ you think I’m the girl, the girl who has… everythin’?”

As Minori spun on her heel, slightly twirling her dress and her long hair swishing, she couldn’t help but leak some tears. Though she kept in tune with the song. She wished she could see the movie again.

“Look at this trove, treasures untold. How many wonders can one cave’n hold?”

Akane and her kept up with their squabbles. It took a couple of weeks to mend the yelling in their relationship. Both girls knew the word apology like the back of their hands. Once the two of them cleaned their mess, Minori and Akane shone like the moon and sun. Minori could smile at that.

“Looking ‘round here you’d think: Sure, she’s got everythin’…”

The Tendo house, not even the dojo or backyard, had become her sacred ground. She spent far more time in girl-mode than boy-mode. And if that had to be because Akane was unusually clumsy, the singer didn’t mind. The only person who seemed to be judging her, to her dismay, was her pops.

“I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. I’ve got whozits and whatzits galaore.”

The chaos was still unfortunately following her. Sham Pu and Mousse seemed to ambush her every other day, Ryoga had just shown up for the second time in the past three weeks, the Kuno siblings were the usual morons…. Minori was tired. How stupid could she be? Just because she told Akane her mess didn’t mean that anything notable would change.

“You want thingamabobs? I’ve got twenty!”

She was still singing and dancing at the rooftops near sunrise…. She held up a two and a zero, before quickly flipping them, as if a fake audience would laugh at her for mixing it up. Minori wanted this to be over. She meant every word to Akane, however harsh those words were. More than ever, she needed things to change. And, with each passing day, running away seems appealing.

“But who cares? No big deal… I want mooooooore!”

Minori turned away from the moon, swaying her hips as she slowly walked to the other side. How much she would trade to be able to do this. To be able to perform instead of fight…

“I wanna be, where the people are. I wanna see, wanna see ‘em dancin’.”

Minori giggled as she made pretend people out of fingers and twirled with them. She then began dramatizing her gate as she continued prancing on the rooftop.

“Walkin’ ‘round on those, whadaya call ‘em? Oh, feet.”

She wiggled her toes. Minori couldn’t help but grin at this point. Even if everything is still shit, she could imagine a life with a family. A misguided father, but who cares deeply about her father. Sisters. Actual sisters who were around in the lunar girl’s life. She wished they might care more for her, but role models for her life in blood were… enchanting. 

“Flippin’ your fins you don’ get too far. Legs are required for jumpin’ n dancin’, strollin’ along down a, what’s the word again? Streeeet.”

Minori couldn’t help the bubbly steps. At this point, she wanted the entire world to be awake. She wanted them to hear her words loud and clear. The pinkette wanted them to watch her every move and take notes and share those notes with friends. She wanted them to ogle at her while she swayed her hips and moved her lips. She wanted them to pay attention to her, not her hands or feet.

“Up where they walk, up where they run.”

She exponentially increased her speed until she reached the limit. On the edge of the roof, she stared at the dawn sky, eyes sparkling the very stars in the sky. 

“Up where they stay all day in the sun!”

She quickly turned around, staring directly at the sun with a smirk. Minori, all without words, begged the sun to give her the worst. Though, as she remembered the next lyrics, her smirk began to fade.

“Wanderin’ free, wish I could be: Part of that world!”

Minori couldn’t help the water droplets that began to fall.

“What would I gi-”

“Ranma? Sweetie, can you get down from the roof?”

Ra- Minori’s blood froze. Why was Kasumi up so early? Unless… oh. Minori was out of time. A while ago. How… why didn’t she realize? And now it’s over.

Akane was lucky. How she understood Minori when no one else could, she had no idea. But, Minori knew Akane would be the only one to understand. Kasumi had family values. How could changing her sex be considered a family value?  

Minori sighed. Glancing down, she gave her silent praises to the dress one last time. Kasumi would surely make her get rid of it and any other clothes she has. The black was more obsidian with better light, and the slight glitter made it even prettier. Despite how cold it was, she didn’t care that it was sleeveless. Nor did she particularly mind the wrapped look or that the skirt of the dress went to her knees.

She felt real.

…

Pity.

.

.

.

Minori didn’t bother taking off the dress or heading back to the dojo. She figured she’d make one final plea to the house matriarch before her fate was sealed. Kasumi was minding her business in the kitchen. As soon as she saw the pinkette enter she gave a greeting with a typical smile plastered on her face. Minori didn’t smile, wordlessly taking a seat opposite to her usual to get a view of Kasumi.

Minori waited for the questions. Though Kasumi was patient, preparing a small snack. The heir saw the teapot boiling so maybe she was making tea or… maybe… Minori shook her head. Kasumi was kind, but she was the model of all perfect beings. She was femininity and nurture and care all wrapped into one woman. 

Kasumi wouldn’t tolerate her.

“Ranma? Oh, lovely dress! Would you like some tea?” Kasumi asked as the pot began to whistle. Minori mumbled a negative. She wouldn’t risk ruining the dress.

Kasumi just hummed and poured her own out. Then, before Minori could continue her spiral, was sitting in the lunar girl’s usual seat. When Minori glanced at her, Kasumi offered a small smile. Minori couldn’t return it.

Sagging her shoulders, she glanced at the yard. She paid attention to the chirping of grasshoppers.Not to Kasumi’s small sips or the gentle clatter of ceramic on the table.

“You have a beautiful voice, Ranma-chan.”

Minori felt her entire world fall off it’s axis, plummet into the sun, then get stuck in a black hole. Minori knew that’s what happened because she felt her cheeks warm and her upper body was suddenly resting on the floor. Why was Kasumi being so nice? Her voice isn’t that good…

“I… Wha… but…,”

“What’s wrong?”

Minori quickly sat back up, eyes squinting.

“You’ve heard me before?”

Kasumi nodded with a bright smile. Minori felt she was going to faint. 

“So you’ve known the whole time and didn’ say anythin’?”

Kasumi’s cheeks tinted a shade of red as she played with her hair for a bit.

“I did not want you to stop singing. Apologies for my selfishness,” Kasumi bowed.

Minori couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t…

“So you don’t mind me wearing the dress or singin’?”

Kasumi shook her head.

“Ranma-chan,” Minori held back a wince, “even if I did mind, your voice is too spectacular for me to deny you. How come you are not in any extracurriculars?”

Minori shook her head in disbelief. This couldn’t be right. Kasumi doesn’t have the full picture. If she knew, she would hate her. Oh. Minori is lying to her right now, isn’t she. Sure she is lying to everyone but Akane, but Kasumi especially. And she’s the one who cooks meals. Once she knows, Minori will be punished for being herself. It’s perfect.

“Kasumi, I, they don’t know I’m a g-girl,” Kasumi tilted her head, before her eyes widened, “l-like a girl up here,” she pointed to her head, “the c-curse got to me.”

“Oh! Thanks for telling me. Do you still go by Ranma?” Kasumi asked with the same bright smile, completely ignoring the last part. 

Minori fell the other way this time, mind completely shattered. Kasumi chuckled, mainly to herself! Minori was very far from the kitchen, though her body would say the opposite. Kasumi watched in slight horror as Minori shook. Her jaw hanging loose and physically on the ground with the rest of her face.

“R- Dear?” Kasumi asked.

.

.

.

When Minori was finally out of shock and sitting upright, Kasumi put down her tea. Minori had no idea what thoughts were flying in the matriarch’s head in front of her.

“I’m a girl, Kasumi. You don’t understand… the curse… I’m… wrong…,” Minori murmured.

“You are transsexual, no?” Kasumi asked, to which Minori shrugged, “It was in one of Doctor Tofu's books. You were birthed into a male body, but you want a female body? Wow, you must have lucked out!”

Minori just shook her head, “I…just want to be a girl. I’m a girl no matter the body. That’s what so wrong Kasumi… I’m so lucky Akane doesn’t think about that kinda stuff. Guys cannot be girls. I some… pervert for likin’ this! Pops isn’t panda brained, neither is any of the other cursed guys!”

Kasumi hummed, “Doesn’t sound perverted to me. And don’t use that word, that kind of language is not a young lady like yourself!” Minori blushed, “if I had the opposite of your curse, I would not stand being a guy. It’s just… I am so sorry for you Ra- sweetie. I don’t think this is the curse.”

“Hah?”

“You have had to live in the wrong body your whole life… I cannot imagine how that must have felt…,” Minori’s eyes began to shimmer, “And that is nonsense, sweetie. Do you want to be a girl?”

“Of c-cours-”

“Then you are. So you are not a guy who wants to be a girl as you seem to insinuate; you are a girl who wasn’t born in the right body.”

Minori balled up her fists. At the last second she remembered not to wake anyone in the house.

“Why are you so okay with this?! I’m messed up and screwed in the head! Akane I can understand bein’ on my side. She’s emotionally wrapped in my mess and sees me as something to fix. I’m not right, Kasumi! I’m not right at all!” Minori’s eyes shimmered more, “I-I’m messed up. Why won’t you kick me o-out!”

Kasumi got up, Minori was worried Kasumi would take the moment to leave and tell everyone how dirty she was. Instead she took a seat next to Minori.

“What do you want me to call you, sweetie?” Kasumi asked gently. Minori glanced around before looking down.

“M-minori,” she mumbled.

“Minori-chan? Can I tell you a truth?” Kasumi asked. Minori’s eyes caught on Kasumi’s fingers playing with themselves. Straightening up, she put her attention on Kasumi and nodded.

“I like other women.”

Minori’s eyes bulged.

“Like, l-like, them? Y-you do?” Kasumi nodded, “well th-that’s good! Good for you!”

“And that is how I can tell you truly do not mean a word you said earlier.”

“Hah?”

“If you meant what you said earlier, I would have expected you to throw some sort of fit. But you, Minori-chan, did not,” Minori shook, “did you really think I’d… kick you out? R-Minori-chan, that isn’t even my decision. I- you… I would never do that to you. Do you understand?”

Minori shook her head again and again as her whole body trembled.

“I- you. But- I, you…”

Kasumi took a glance at the scared girl in front of her with her pretty dress. Instead of Kasumi talking about the short crush she had when R- Minori arrived, as she was beginning to think that’d break the poor girl, she leaned closer and slowly wrapped her arms around the girl.

Minori didn’t fight, even as Kasumi felt her tears absorb into her yellow long sleeve. The mother by circumstance rubbed small circles into Minori’s back, whispering sweet nothings into her ear. The girl’s tears grew faster with each affirmation and, when she mentioned that Minori “is in your older sister’s arms”, the girl’s crying turned into sobs. Sobs that turned to wailing just a couple of minutes later.

Kasumi gently pressed her arm to Minori’s head, bringing her closer to her chest to muffle the noise. While the eldest Tendo knew Genma was a terrible father, she had no idea he was this bad. Everything began clicking for her: the cat pit, the insistence to be a man, how she never let her hair down . Kasumi didn’t know what Genma did to his daughter. But he would pay.

The worst part: Kasumi had no idea if Minori had any clue. The pigtail, maybe, since Minori’s hair is down into beautiful waves. But she also knew the tiny girl would keep the pigtail intact when she was a guy or girl. Oh the panda would pay.

Rubbing the pinkette, Kasumi watched as the girl’s cries began to quiet down. Still making sure to rub Minori’s back. Minori finally brought her hands around Kasumi, returning the hug and causing Kasumi to squeeze a little tighter for a second. Minori mumbled out an apology, clearly emotionally taken. Kasumi dismissed it. After a few minutes, Minori pulled away and Kasumi followed.

“Feel better, Minori-chan?” Kasumi asked. The girl sniffled and nodded, “good. I’m always here for you, okay?” the girl nodded.

Kasumi smiled, “Good. Now, how about you get out that dress and help me with the cooking?”

Minori blinked in surprise, “M-me?”

“Of course you! I’d love to see if my little sister’s cooking skills are up to standard.”

Minori let a smile overtake her. She couldn’t believe her luck. She just couldn’t…, “Are Akane’s up to standard?”

“Work in progress, Minori-chan,” Kasumi chuckled… Minori didn’t think she’d ever hear the eldest sister genuinely laugh… or make a joke at someone’s expense…

“And Nabiki’s?”

“Would she rather cook and not be able to work on a scheme, or be able to work on a scheme and still have a meal?” Minori shook her head.

“Sounds to me like it’ll be easy!” Kasumi raised her eyebrow, “Wh-what? I’ve cooked before!”

“Minori-chan, you will be my assistant. I’m not giving you full reigns until you prove yourself,” Kasumi lightly scolded, “besides, you’ll have time to learn this afternoon.”

“Af-afternoon? Kasumi, I got-”

“You’re taking a sick day, Minori-chan,” Kasumi said in a no-nonsense tone. Minori was about to protest, but one look from Kasumi told her all she needed to know.

The sun shined brightly as the girl walked to the dojo.

-/-/-

Chapter Text

“Minori!” Akane squeaked as she followed the pinkette out the door only to not find her. Looking down both hallways, out of windows, all of which closed….

Akane was afraid for Minori. She’d been rather closed off the last couple of weeks of December, a stark contrast to how she’d been near the beginning of the month. And during class, her foot was constantly tapping the ground. After lunch break, Akane noticed a small dent in said ground. 

Akane took a deep breath.

She’d hate to call on Nabiki’s services, but she had no idea where the girl could have gone. Certainly not home, that’s where her father and the panda were. While they were growing more and more like sisters, Akane couldn’t get a read on a closed off girl. 

Best case scenario? Maybe she’s in the bathroom. Which she’s already begun searching for, not caring about the different sexes. Or she’s still in school. Medium case scenario? Minori was back at home, found her way into Ucchan’s, even the Nekohanten seemed a thousand times better. The worst case?

Akane took a deep breath.

After a thorough search of the bathrooms, she couldn’t find the bubblegum or black haired girl. Not being able to think of any other places besides the hallways, Minori was out of the building. So she was useless….

Finding Nabiki’s classroom, Akane knocked, strongly requested Nabiki, amd guided her alongside the wall.

“Geez Akane, what’s with the attitude? Wanna tell me why we’re both out-”

“M-Ranma is missing,” Akane harshly whispered.

“So? Why is this my problem? You should be able to find your lover boy-

“Shut up. Shut up and listen to me, Nabiki,” Nabiki’s jaw hung open for a second before closing, “I have no clue where she is. I think you noticed how quiet she’s become. You’re the one with blackmail on everyone. I’m sure you could call in a favor from… who ever you know. I’m worried Ranma’s going to do… something drastic.

I don’t care how much it costs, or what questions you have for me, or whatever you’re thinking right now, understood?” Nabiki frantically nodded, “Good. Please find her.”

Akane’s grip, which she didn’t realize had tightened or that Nabiki was a centimeter above the ground. She murmured a quick apology to her older sister, then quickly made her way back to her class. Though she couldn’t retain any of the information her teacher was spewing.

.

.

.

Nabiki took a harsh breath. Akane had never gotten physical like that. Her uniform felt incredibly comfortable against her skin. 

She’d work out payment later. She abandoned her class, there was only Biology after this which wouldn’t impact her ability to make money, and began walking down the stairs towards a window. Nabiki had no idea what Akane was expecting from her besides the obvious. 

How was she supposed to find a trouble magnet girl…

Would she be in trouble if she opened the window and just… hopped out? Surely…

After Nabiki had closed the window, she walked onto the street and began staring into the world in front of her. Looking for a specific shade of pink, though it was completely fruitless. What would the martial artist who was clearly depressed do….

Who abruptly left class.

Tight-lipped without any dirt for the last couple of weeks.

Akane was furious.

No clues left behind.

The martial artist wanted to be alone. But she didn’t mean… oh. Nabiki felt her palms shake and quickly took a breath. Signs don’t always have words, but they do point directions.

Nabiki ran to the largest apartment building. As quick as her legs would let her, she began climbing the stairs, not caring for any confused residents, nor if authority would be called. Were people calling after her? Fuck if she cares, a child might be killing herself.

So.

Many.

Stairs.

The Ice Queen opened the door to the rooftop. 

Looking around, she didn’t see a pink-haired girl… until she walked around the door and her heart sagged in relief.

Staring out over the horizon, clad in her traditional silks and training pants, a girl, with flowing, long, pink hair, sat with her palms on the balcony, legs dangling from the rooftop, playing with her feet. The pinkette didn’t hear the loud door shut? 

Nabiki had a lot to process. She tip-toed next to the girl and slouched next to her, arms resting her head on the concrete. The bob-hair cut girl could see why someone like her would come up here besides the mental reasons. The sky was beautiful at sunrise, no doubt. However, there was something poetic with small clouds covering the sun.

Nabiki was awful at… emotions to it bluntly. It was Kasumi’s area of specialty since…. Nabiki tried to focus. What would she want to hear? What would a suicidal girl need?

Fuck! She couldn’t give a hug, her skin would c r a w l. And how reassuring would that be from the gossip master and self-titled Ice Queen? Nabiki did best with words but those were meaningless. How could she…?

She hated herself at this very moment more than, she believed, a single person could. Saotome, Kasumi, Akane, her father, panda, Saotome’s fiancees, hell if there was an heir to the Saotome school, there had to be a mother so throw her in the bunch. So many people were counting on the least qualified person.

If… she was going to be the last person Saotome might see, she might as well give the kid honesty. No strings attached.

“Beautiful weather we’re having, Minori?” Nabiki calmly said.

Minori’s head lowered for a half-second, then raised.

“Not surprised I know your name, huh?” 

Minori didn’t answer.

“Well, I’ll have you know that you and Akane happen to talk very loud in her room,” silence, “guess it's safe to say the engagement is still alive?”

…

“It’s fine if it’s not too. If you’re also attracted to guys, then that might be a problem. Though, Akane is more a guy, huh?”

Was she talking to a statue?

…

Sigh

“What do you think would happen if you jumped?”

Minori’s eyes slightly widened.

“If on the off chance you don’t survive because, let’s face it, you heal off injuries faster than anyone I’ve ever seen, what happens?”

Minori adjusted her left hand to give herself more support.

“I can tell you what won’t happen. Your classmates and rivals won’t move on within the second they hear the news. Maybe you won’t be in the news after a week, gossip travels, as you know, but you will be in all of their minds’. Each time I ask everyone to bet on something, guess what they’ll think about first. What I’d do to watch Minori fight one of her rivals! They will not move on. Move past, sure. You’re not family to them.

Your father won’t pack up and leave. He’d grieve for his dead son. Not daughter, even if you did d-die in that form. He raised you when you were a baby, taught you many of your skills as a fighter but also as a person, and he watched you grow up. He might be an asshole. He might be objectively wrong in how he shows his ‘love’. But he is your father. He will never move on from it.

Fiancees… like hell they’d move on in a couple of days, maybe weeks in your eyes. They all love you, Minori. Regardless of how you see it, how Akane sees it, or anyone else. They. Love. You. Maybe they’d… physically move away if you jumped but they won’t ever forget the way their hearts beated for you or the fights they fought for you.

My family wouldn’t be sad in the slightest, that you are probably right about Miss Minori. No, we’d be pissed, angry, emotional… we’d feel betrayed. We’d feel hurt.

Kasumi has been treating you like a younger Akane. Teaching you how to cook, do laundry, and take care of your hair, which looks beautiful down like that. You think she would mourn quietly? Do you really think that she would continue to work in the shadows? I don’t know if she could continue all of her chores without thinking of you. Emotional. She might even kill the panda in retribution.

Akane. You can’t seriously think she would be glad, right? I mean you two have been closer than ever! Akane would never forget you. Whether she sees you as a partner or not, that wouldn’t matter. She’d become a younger me, Minori. Okay, probably not, she can be a little headstrong and doesn’t tend to use her wits… but she’d be worse. She wouldn’t use her brain. She’d use violence. She’d never accept your death. Pissed and angered. Each of them would feel betrayed, Minori.”

Minori didn’t move a muscle. Tears silently flowed down her face like Niagra. However she didn’t make a noise.

“And, finally. Me,” it was Nabiki’s turn to glaze her eyes towards the sky. There was no world where she could deliver these words knowing Minori was watching, “what do you think the Queen of Ice would say? While I doubt you’d tell me, I am curious. What would someone think of a girl relentlessly acting like a stone-cold bitch at every opportunity? Who would always look for the money first and past people? I have no clue how poorly you think of me…

Do you think I’d give it a week before I started selling your shit? How much do you think it’d go for? Or! Or what about your deepest darkest secrets? Would I sell them as quickly? Probably not, the market would need to recover first. Economics come first to the Ice Queen, right?” Nabiki practically snarled the last sentence.

“Whatever you think I’d do is probably wrong. No, I’m… just like ice, Minori. The only way to thaw a frozen heart is to let it melt. That could take years, decades… but it’s safe. The other method? You crack it. You chip at the ice. Do you understand Minori? I might not physically die, but I’d sure as hell never have a chance at warming up. I already allow myself to be… open when I’m by myself. On a good day with my sisters. I wouldn’t have a good day. Every day would be painful as I think about the girl that I-”

Nabiki began choking up, frantically wiping at her face.

“I’d never be the same. Your d-death d-day would- hic haunt me for the rest of my life. As well- hic as every day afterwards. Everyone and I mean every-hic one has gotten better since you got here. Ex- hic except me. I’ve stayed the same and gotten richer. Oh the hic- joy! Betrayed. I’d have betrayed myself. I heard most conversations with you and Akane on the rooftops. Fr- hic free tickets to the best concert. You a-and Kasumi’s sisterly love. Your father training you. Rivals fighting you. N-name it, you wouldn’t name me.

So… uh, don’t slide off the edge please? I know Akane would app-”

She felt a force pull her backwards and strong arms hug her. Nabiki felt her clothes turn to acid. The way her body screamed at her to let go and resist but Nabiki refused those calls. She gently patted the smaller girl’s back as fresh tears began to flow down freely. Nabiki wasn’t sure who was wailing louder as they harmonized their sobs.

The two hugged for… a couple more minutes? Nabiki lost track of time, staying as present as she could for herself Minori, but eventually she let go. She tried not to let any of the poison she felt travel to her face, but she wasn’t sure she got rid of it all.

“Don’t… like… touching…,” was all she could mutter as the smaller girl frowned, but nodded. Minori, who was still silent, didn’t seem to know what to do with the information.

While Nabiki was skipping her science class, she figured she should at least practice it, right? The middle Tendo offered her hand which Minori tentatively took.

It… still grossed her out. But it wasn’t so overwhelming like the hug… she could at the very least tolerate it for the girl… who offered her a warm smile. Nabiki returned a smaller one as the two began walking back to the fire exit…

It was weird that there was flashing red and blue lights and piercing sirens. Had someone-

SHIT!

.

.

.

After a very not pleasant experience, Minori quickly threw her in the air without much force. She easily landed on her feet, maybe some of her younger years studying paid off, and shook her body around to try and get the acid out of her system. Enough, at least, so she could hold Minori’s hand.

Grasping it, she slowly opened the door and-

“-T AKANE?! ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOUR ELDEST SISTER?”

“Loud and clear Kasumi. I’m telling you, she’ll be okay. Nab-”

“Nabiki what?” She smirked as she guided Minori in behind her. Wherever the masters of Anything-Goes Martial Arts were, Nabiki didn’t particularly care. Immediately Kasumi and Akane began huddling over her like an injured puppy.

“OH THANK THE KAMI! Are you hurt, Min? I swear, don’t scare us like that!!” Akane playfully slapped the smaller girl’s shoulder. Shoulder girl’s cheeks turned bright pink. While no one else picked it up, Minori was clearly trying to apologize, but… couldn’t talk? Weird. Only in Nerima huh?

“Is anything broken? You did not actually get physically hurt right? No one touched my imouto-chan, right? I am so glad you are okay.” 

Whilst Kasumi and Akane gave Minori a hug, Nabiki released a sigh of relief. Everything was back to normal. Or at least some amount of normal. Even if a slight twinge of sadness accompanied that note. For reasons unexplainable to her, it’s not like she wanted Mi-

As she was beginning to let go off Minori’s hand, she felt a strong pull from the other girl. She glanced at Nabiki and began mouthing words. 

‘Stay, stay, stay Nabiki please stay i hope you can read lips, stay st-’

Nabiki felt shock overcome her. She glanced at the other two hugging her like a family then back at-

‘You’re my sister. My sister. You’re my sister, Nabiki. That’s who you are. You. You are. You are s-’

When Nabiki gave a final tight squeeze, the Queen of Ice took her final breaths. 

A loopy smile spread on Nabiki’s lips.

-/-/-