Chapter Text

The Art of the Standing Cat

[タチ][Tachi]

You can do it! Just march in there and say it!

No reason to delay it.

Akane!

…

Well, yes, maybe just another lap around the neighborhood, to get that stress out. But no delays after that. You know Nabiki will be fine with it. She’s been joking about it for years.

You’re gonna be fine.

Think about what you talked about with Yuka and Sayuri. Remember how they helped you understand yourself. Yes, it might have been a tad embarrassing to learn that Yuka already had a girlfriend, especially in the way it happened, but they both were very nice to you about it! And supportive!

So, you’re not alone now. And it can’t go worse than it did for Sayuri, right? Her parents didn't throw her out, only cut her allowance. So what if her father no longer speaks with her? Her mother is still very nice to all of you.

When it comes to Soun… You’re sure Nabiki would help with Dad. It might cost you, but she’s not gonna leave you hanging. Right? Right. Good.

Your dad could be better, but you're sure he's not going to stop treating you like a daughter, should you…

Don’t think about Kasumi.

Just run and don’t think about your oldest sister.

It’s not like she made you change yourself all those years ago. It’s fine. You’re fine.

It doesn’t mean that you have to drop everything and go back to the old ways that Kasumi never approved of, you can stay as this new Akane and keep all that you’ve changed… except that one tiny thing.

Or, well, a big thing!

What if you cut your hair, too? What would she say then?

Or… she might not do anything. Kasumi never said anything about Nabiki, after all. But maybe that’s because Nabiki never listens to anyone… and Kasumi might not know Nabiki’s jokes are of any actual substance. And maybe you’re reading too much into it, too? 

Maybe it’s just you?

No, Akane, don’t spiral.

Kami, girl, get a hold of yourself. You just ran past the Dojo again, instead of heading inside.

Nabiki’s jokes aren’t just jokes. You understand that. You’ve got an ally there already. She's annoying, but she has your back.

Sure, she might prove an expensive ally, but she’ll have to help you. When it comes to Dad, you trust her.

You think you can handle Kasumi. She’s not gonna do anything to you, either way. Just… disapprove. You can’t handle her disapproval. Or can you?

No, wait, there’s nothing wrong with you. If she disapproves, that’s on her. Good! Concentrate on that and press on.

You can do it. Just stop, turn back and head right inside.

Yes! That’s right.

You got this. You got this.

“I’m home!” Great. Project that confidence, Akane!

Now, head right into the house. And tell them.

Or, sure, go up to your room instead and get in your gi. Your gi makes you more confident, which means it’s gonna be easier to go through with everything.

Maybe a drop of training before you do it. 

Just a smidge.

…

How long has it been? You’re stalling again, Akane. You need to go and-

“Nabiki!” you blurt out your older sister's name, as she approaches.

The pile of blocks shatters under your fist. It’s not as therapeutic as you hoped for.

You have prepared a speech, remember? Maybe tell them one by one instead?

Yeah, that’s a good idea!

“... go, Akane.” Wait, Nabiki’s already speaking. Before you managed to collect yourself. “No wonder the boys all think you’re weird.”

You’re not weird! Just different! Tell her.

“Why should I care?” Good start! “The world doesn’t revolve around boys, Nabiki. Especially not for me.”

Nailed it! Nailed it? Wait, why isn’t she reacting?

You need something stronger! Something like-

“...this wouldn’t interest you.” Nabiki is talking about something else now.

What?

…

Fiancé?

…

No no no no. You have to tell them. Now.

You're all in one place, now’s the best chance for it. Just-

What’s that about the Tendo family legacy?

Yeah, that’s definitely not happening.

“Don’t we have some say in who we marry?” you demand. It’s not like you ever could marry a girl! Dumb laws!

It’s a good point, but not exactly what you’ve been trying to prepare yourself for. But maybe it can be used to segue into something more…

Your dad ignores both your completely reasonable point and Kasumi’s insistence on seeing this weird boy before deciding anything.

You’re definitely, one hundred percent not on board with any of it.

Just need to put it into words. And say it.

Or, yeah, you can just waffle about, waiting for that inspiration, sure…

At least you’re trying to think of something good! Effort matters!

Maybe when that Ranma comes, you can say it then? Who cares about the opinion of these two other people… You don't know them at all. What if they gossip? What if they tell someone else?

Shit. They might tell someone else.

Didn’t you think that through already? You were planning on everyone knowing, eventually. So what if that happens a few days sooner?

One way to evade them telling anyone, is to do it yourself, first!

Just need the exact - right - perfect words. Just that.

Easy?

…

“So this panda just decided to visit! Happens all the time!” These aren’t your perfect words, but at this point you’ve half given up on the whole thing.

And there's a huge panda inside, delivering a person. Because that's just a thing that can happen.

You’ll have to tell Yuka and Sayuri that you couldn’t do it.

And that… Saotome Ranma… they’re…

A girl?

What?

Nabiki’s right, she is quite cute!

Take a deep breath, Akane, you’re staring too much.

She’s looking back at you.

Don’t panic. Don’t!

Now that you’re in touch with yourself more, you should really know better. That lightness of step, that hitched breath. That’s just you finding a girl cute. It’s normal. For you.

Normal. Not weird, not perverted.

Just a thing that happens.

Stay calm, Akane.

No, Kasumi can’t have noticed. Why are you worrying about her noticing? Kasumi’s not even looking your way, she's taking care of Dad.

Shouldn’t you be worrying about your dad too, and not eyeing the exotic red hair of the guest?

Kami, you hope she stays for a few days.

You’re staring again.

Maybe you should stop Nabiki, at least? She’s clearly having too much fun at the redhead’s expense. And she’s enjoying it way too much for her not to be at least a little like you. But she’s also very rude, and that’s inappropriate and you should intervene and-

Too late, Ranma already demanded that she stop.

What if… you both got away from this mess?

“Hey, want to join me in the dojo?” you try. “I’m Akane. You want to be…” you hesitate, “...friends?”

Ranma smiles back. Oh wow, you don’t have anything under control at all, do you? One smile and your knees feel weak.

The Dojo is in the other building, and the way there is obvious, but you still consider taking her hand en route. You don't know if it's for her benefit or for yours, but you can bet anything that they would be soft to touch.

No, Akane, you can’t be weird to your guest on her first day here. Is holding hands weird? Other girls do it all the time. Nabiki certainly did more than hold hands with a girl!

But it would be different than holding hands with a friend. You’d know. You can’t help but keep stealing glances at the pretty redhead, and wishing you were braver, and could reach out and grab her hand.

And you’re already there.

Just smile, Akane. All is well. No need to panic.

Just offer a little match. Don’t get your foot in your mouth. Don’t accidentally kick her in the face. 

All simple, everyday stuff.

…

Wow, she’s good.

None of your attacks connect!

And she’s not even trying to hit you back.

Why isn’t she fighting back? Does… she know? Does she see how you can't muster your whole strength? Does she realize how she's making you dance for a tiniest chance to grab onto her? 

Maybe she’s a little like you?

Does she know that if you actually catch her in a grapple, you're not sure if you could let go?

You blush, as your next attack misses by even wider margin.

That smile. She has to have noticed.

What do you do? Try to win at all costs? Retreat and regroup?

No, Akane, don’t overdo it!

You pull your punch at the last moment, but it still connects with the wall, cracking it. At the same time, the girl leaps right over you, tapping the back of your head once.

She giggles, and then laughs.

It’s a wonderful sound. You can’t help but join in.

“Wow, you’re pretty… pretty good, that is,” you breathe out, trying to not get too lost in that moment of cheer. “I’m so glad you’re a girl.”

“Huh?”

If there had been no letter today, you would have definitely done it. Told everyone.

If there had been no Saotomes in your home, you wouldn’t have been afraid of some weird engagement to a non-existent boy and said your truth then and there.

“I’d really hate to lose to a boy!” you say, instead of pouring all that anxiety out. Then, you lean back onto the wall, borrowing the dojo’s strength.

You can’t read the other girl’s expression. Worried, maybe?

Just say it.

“I don’t… er.. you know that some girls like boys,” you say. “I don’t.”

“Huh?”

“I was gonna tell my family today,” you say. Maybe this pretty redhead will leave in the morning. Maybe telling her will push you in the corner and make you finally make that final leap of faith, and tell everyone. Maybe she likes you too?

“Tell them what?” Why doesn’t she get it? You have been talking as plainly as possible!

You can’t have it all be for nothing.

“I like girls!” you shout out, right at her face. “Pretty girls like you, not boys! Never boys!”

“Oh.” The girl looks very… uncomfortable with all this. She does mouth the word ‘pretty’ back at you, clearly blindsided by your choice of words.

Did you make a mistake? No. No way back now.

“Is that… allowed?” Ranma asks, absolutely red in her face. Cute as a button.

You can’t help but laugh at the innocence of the question.

“Yes. There's no one giving permissions for who you like, it just happens. Just… please, can you let me be the one to tell others? After I take a bath?” Just another small delay before you have to say it to Kasumi’s face.

You hope you’re not gonna be left to fend for yourself completely. Now, this wonderful girl will know, and she'll be there, and maybe that will be just the right kind of push to get you through it.

Somehow.

“Ah… sure,” your guest replies.

Yes!

“You’re only the third one who knows,” you overshare. Your hands are twitching. “Maybe fourth, since Nabiki’s been making jokes at my expense for years. She might have known even earlier than I did. Figures!”

“I won’t tell.”

“Thank you.” You say, and sigh. The weight on your shoulders feels weirdly lighter, but the world outside the dojo is even more threatening than it was. Just believe in yourself. You got this.

“It’s good that you know now,” you say. “I’ll know I’ve got someone watching my back as I do it.”

“Of- of course!” the girl says. “I’ll be there.”

Now, only a quick bath and… you’ll have to do it. No way back. Not when you promised to do it to Ranma.

“I’ll understand if you don’t want to share the bath,” you say, as an afterthought, “with a pervert like me.”

No, Akane! You talked about this with Yuka and Sayuri, there’s nothing weird or perverted about this! But it’s out there now. Can’t take it back, even if you want to! Oh how you want to take it back…

The redhead's face is almost on fire, she’s blushing so brightly.

You shuffle outside. Maybe running away in this one case is justified.

You can’t see your own face, but you can feel it heating up the evening’s air.

You ruined it all.

No, you didn’t! You took a first, brave step!

Outed yourself to a pretty stranger! Because she smiled at you!

Akane. You absolutely useless lesbian.

Chapter Text

The Art of the Standing Cat

[ネコ] [Neko]

Ranma!

Don’t zone out again! Think. Think!

What do you do now?

Think.

She called me pretty. She’s cute.

Not just about her! 

She hates boys.

Yeah, that! What’s up with that!?

But she likes girls! And she’s a girl too!

Can you believe it? You thought…

So what if she does! Nothing was ever gonna happen anyway!

Pops will have you back on the road soon anyway!

Even if you managed to stay for a bit, you’re still a-

Wait.

E-Easy, boy! Remember, you’re a girl!

Oh!

What if…

What if you never tell her?

That’s not a good plan! Pops might have already turned back and told them. What then?

You say that he’s confused! Claim that your curses are opposite to each other!

He’s cursed to turn into a panda with cold water and you’re cursed to turn into a boy with hot!

Would they believe that?

Too obvious, isn’t it?

Why are you even thinking about this!?

“Ranma?”

You jolt and raise your head to look at one of Akane’s sisters, the one with the bob cut.

She had been walking pretty quietly since she basically snuck up on you. Or you were so lost in thought…

“Yeah?” despite your best efforts the question comes out as a bit of a squeak, and you try to hide your worries behind a fake smile.

“Akane threw you out of the bath?” She asks, and lets out a short guffaw. “That’s… new. Aren’t you cold?”

You can feel your cheeks warming up. You should probably say something. “Ah…” 

Something coherent would be better. You lean back at the wall separating you from the bath, but remain in a crouch. Then, you free your hands by dropping the silk tangzhuang vest you’ve been fiddling with onto your knees. Next, you smack yourself lightly in the face. It takes a few quick taps of your palms at your cheeks to get a semblance of control.

Akane’s sister looks on, with a strange grin playing on her lips as she’s seizing you up. 

You hope she’s not gonna be handsy again.

“It’s fine, I’m warm enough,” you finally say, tackling the explanation for the state of your half-dress first, and point at your silk top draped on your knees. “It was still wet from the rain, and the sweat didn’t help. It’s more comfortable like this.” It’s not like the little spar tired you out, it’s just… You’ve been sitting right outside where Akane is taking a bath…

The cold air of the hallway is for the best.

The girl raises a single eyebrow, as if challenging you. “I see,” she says, and grins. 

You don’t like that grin.

Thankfully, the door opens, interrupting your increasingly awkward conversation and Akane steps out. Her hair is still damp, and she’s already dressed in a simple, bright shift-dress with ‘Carribean Seas’ printed and circled on her chest.

She looks so cute... Not that you’d ever be brave enough to say it out loud.

“Ranma, you can go in…” she starts addressing you and trails off, after all but stepping right into her sister. Oh, how you like hearing your name in her voice. “Nabiki? What’s u-” She freezes mid word as her eyes travel back to you… and she blinks a few times, her ears reddening instantly at the state of your undress.

“Oh, this is great.” Akane’s sister - Nabiki - that’s it, chuckles to herself once more. “I have to see this.”

Akane places a hand over her face, covering her eyes and sighs. “There’s nothing to see here!” She protests. “I just wanted to tell Ranma to go ahead…”

You consider running inside the bathroom and hiding, but as your back slides up the wall and your hands fumble to grab your top from sliding down off your knees and onto the floor…

Nabiki is all but standing in your way now, her hands crossed, her grin a drop more… sinister than before.

You freeze up for a briefest moment.

Her hand reaches out, finger pointed somewhere towards your chest, and as you flinch back a little remembering her earlier actions, she snaps it upwards, in a failed attempt to flick at your nose.

Nabiki might be quick, but you’re clearly faster, and lean back just enough to avoid the touch completely.

“What are you two doing?” Akane asks, her voice louder, if a bit shaky. She’s peeking from behind her fingers, as her face slowly gains more and more color to closer match her burning ears.

You shrug, avoiding either sister’s direct gaze. “I’m not doing anything, she keeps trying to… touch me.”

Nabiki chokes out yet another little laugh and turns slightly away to face Akane. “You’ve changed, little sister,” she says, this time poking at where Akane’s nose would be, had there been no hand in the way. “Nothing about Ranma’s lack of feminine modesty in the house?”

Akane swats her older sister’s finger to the side.

“Why would I have feminine modesty?” You mutter under your breath before you realize how bad that could sound with you looking like this.

Lucky for you, both of the sisters aren't paying too close attention to you now, locked in a mutual staring contest. Nabiki looks triumphant, while Akane is opening her mouth and closing it again, a bit like a fish out of water.

“We’re basically inside, it’s not like she’s in the main room,” Akane manages finally. “And… and…”

“You’re enjoying the view too much to complain, I get it,” Nabiki says and winks. “Why didn’t you let her bathe with you? You’re both girls, right? That would make it okay! Live a little!”

Both you and Akane flinch at the same time.

“I asked her not to,” you say, scrambling for a quick lie, but Akane’s response cuts you off.

“I like her, alright?” Akane’s voice is soft, but it rings in your head like you’ve been struck with a hammer. “Is that what you want me to say, Nabiki? She’s strong and she’s pretty and I would love nothing else but to brush her hair before the bath together, but it - it wouldn’t be right for me to do that, would it? I’m not you, I can’t just behave like a pervert and pretend it doesn’t matter, because it does!”

Pretty.

This is the second time she’s complimenting your looks. This time, it feels even more real than the last time. You haven’t expected to hear anything like this. Neither before nor now.

It blindsided you the last time. Now? You’re completely frozen.

Unresponsive.

Nabiki is saying something. You can hear the words but you’re not really listening. You can’t.

Instead, your mind runs though that impossible suggestion, the one that will never happen.

But you can see it. Even with your eyes open, it’s like a mirage. Right there.

You cannot even remember when was the last time someone else brushed your hair. And when you’re in this form… You’d just have to keep an eye on the Dragon’s Whisker, and let the hair hang loose for a bit, and then…

“... said something…”

You blink a few times, but the scene doesn’t disappear. You can almost feel a ghost-like touch at the back of your scalp, and one of your hands raises to touch the Whisker tying up your pigtail. You long for the freedom that untying it could offer… but you don’t dare to do it.

You can see both sisters before yourself too, even if they feel more distant than the alluring vision that’s overpowered your mind.

“...Yuka… didn’t work out…“

The words still don’t really register.

“Why me?” you mumble. Why would anyone want you like this? “But I- I-”

Nabiki nudges Akane a little, and she turns her head towards you.

The vision and reality merge together as you struggle to get any further words out. While you can’t help but imagine running your fingers through her hair yourself, and even have to stop yourself from reaching out… You know it’s not going to work out.

However much you have tricked her - even if accidentally - all these positive illusions will quickly turn sour once she finds out the truth.

There’s something glimmering in her eyes.

She hates boys.

Does she already know? 

Is that why?

Akane has tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry about this,” you blurt out, desperate to somehow stop them, but unable to think of anything that would actually help.

Akane brushes one of her hands past her eyes, and takes a heavy breath. “...I planned to tell everyone during dinner,” she finishes answering Nabiki, before focusing entirely on you. “I’m still doing it. I’ve got to do it right, even if you’d never consider me… I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.”

“Eh?” You suddenly feel very much lost, even more than you were before.

There’s a moment of silence as you both shuffle awkwardly before each other - you're desperately trying to understand if she knows… and she’s clearly thinking about something, too.

What do you do now? Is there a way to salvage… whatever this is?

Nabiki pinches at her nose. “You two,” she grumbles.

If nothing else, it jolts you a little. “I don’t…” you begin slowly, dragging the words out and hoping for some sort of answer to give. “You can’t actually like me - not as I am…”

“Strong?” Akane’s soft smile is going to stay with you forever. Even if her eyes are still glimmering with half-hidden tears. “Beautiful?”

Even as she’s tearing through your composure, you can’t help but notice that it takes her some effort to keep looking at your face - but you still catch her gaze wavering for a briefest moment, looking all of you over.

Beautiful?

Wow.

You… don’t yet understand how exactly that makes you feel, but seeing that blush blooming on Akane’s face gives yet another burst of strength and confidence.

Had… you been a boy, this would be enough to start boasting, and yet - you’re not…

“It’s not real,” you say, biting at your lips, confidence fleeing your body. “I- I can’t explain, not without- ruining everything.”

“Oh,” Akane says and clenches her palms, almost into fists..

“You’re v-very cute,” you barely manage. “But- You’re gonna end up hating me. I’m -”

You can’t do it.

“Why would I hate you?” Akane raises an eyebrow. She’s clearly trying to figure out what your words mean, and you have no idea how close she is from the truth.

“My- pops…” you shuffle a step back. “I don’t know what his plan is - but he knows your father, and… Well… I thought that while pops is… busy… I don’t-”

You can’t do it.

You don’t even remember what your original plan was - to delay the reveal as much as possible, maybe? Now that you’ve gotten to speak with Akane… She’s the one your thoughts are spinning around, not some half-formed plan made at the last second.

“I wish everything was different,” you say. “But-”

You still can’t.

Every other second as a girl is a second that Akane doesn’t hate you.

You can’t ruin this. Not yet.

“Is this about the whole fiancé business?” Nabiki asks and you jolt.

“Ah- P-probably,” you manage to push out.

“You got a twin brother, or something?” Nabiki crosses her hands. “Here to scout for him and your pops?”

“S- Something like that,” you say and all but fold into yourself. “I never wanted anything like this to happen! I just thought pops was spinning yarn again, and we’d be back on the road after he failed, but this time he’s being stubborn… Your style has so many similarities to ours, he might even be telling the truth about training with your father all those years ago!”

Akane mirrors her sister, crossing her hands, restrained anger slowly bubbling to the surface. “This is about inheriting the dojo, right? Dad doesn’t think I could run it!”

“I don’t want your dojo,” you hurry to reassure. I just want to spend more time with you. You barely manage to keep the thought to yourself. “I- I’ll leave,” you say instead. “After you’ve said your piece at the diner. I’ll pack up and leave…. I promise. I need to get back to China, anyway.”

Find a cure for the curse.

It hurts, but you mean it. The part about leaving to protect your fragile bond. You’re much less sure on how much you actually want to find a cure… and what exactly the best cure could entail. You don't dare to finish the thought.

“Why only after dinner?” Nabiki asks. “Aiming to nab an extra free meal before the road?”

“Nabiki, she’s a guest!” Akane protests, jumping to your defense. It makes you feel oddly warm. People don’t do that for you. Is this because you’re a girl now?

“If Akane still wants me there,” you say firmly. “I’ll be there.” You promised.

And you still ruined everything.

“Do you have to leave?” Akane asks suddenly. “If your father is as bad as you say, isn’t he still gonna try to get one of us engaged to your brother anyway?”

“If I run away, there’s gonna be no engagement,” you say. “I’m sure Pops is gonna try, but it won’t work without me.”

Nabiki chuckles. “Got your brother all wrapped up around your finger?” she guesses.

“I-” You sigh, bumping your fist at your own forehead in frustration. “There’s no brother. It’s just me.”

They clearly don’t understand you.

“I’m Ranma Saotome. I’m the only one here,” you say. “It’s a curse. I wish I could be the girl you see me as, but-”

What did you just say?

In that moment, looking at Akane - seeing yourself reflected in her eyes… It’s as close to the truth as it could be, isn’t it?

“I’m a fake,” you say. “I wish I wasn’t but I can’t change it.”

“What?” Nabiki and Akane blurt the question at the same time.

“That doesn’t explain anything,” Nabiki is the only one to carry on speaking, thrown off a little. “You’re clearly-”

“Of course you don’t believe me,” you interrupt. “We picked our curses in China. Pops turns into a giant panda when splashed with water, and I… Well, I’m…”  You gesture vaguely at yourself, your silk top fluttering about as you still clutch onto it, still half-naked. “Sorry about this.”

Nabiki’s eyes narrow.

Akane’s hand lifts towards her mouth.

“Hot water turns us back,” you offer. “ I’ll take a quick soak and you’ll see when I come out. I’m so sorry…”

You move forward, pushing past the two sisters to enter the bathroom. This time, Nabiki doesn’t stop you, and you can no longer even look at Akane’s face.

…

You ruined it all.

Didn’t you?

All three sisters are seated across from you. Your father is explaining the Jusenkyo curses. Nabiki is the one asking questions. You still don’t remember the oldest sister’s name.

Akane is silent. She only has eyes for you. She’s got her hand raised to cover her mouth, fingers curled up next to her lips in a loose fist. 

What is she thinking? You can’t tell.

You’re too focused on Akane to notice pops grabbing you by the scruff of your neck, and then you’re sailing in the air, towards a koi pond.

You emerge from the water, gasping for air, coughing. Wet.

Akane. She’s standing now, looking right at you. She… cares?

The anger at Pops dissipates. There’s only Akane. Only her.

You look at each other when you return to sit back down at the table, all soaking wet and pathetic. You can almost see your pitiful state reflected in her eyes.

It makes you feel warm. It makes your breathing uneven. Your heartbeat quickens, too. You can almost understand what she’s about to do, and you brace yourself for it.

Akane takes a deep breath. Blushes. “I’m a lesbian,” she announces loudly, interrupting whatever your parents wanted to say.

There’s a second of silence, as everyone at the table turns to look at Akane. She winks at you.

You can feel your heartbeat with your whole body.

Her father collapses for the second time that day.

“That’s nice, Akane,” the eldest sister says in such a non-expressive voice that you can’t tell if she’s voicing disapproval or being supportive. But since she immediately goes to get their father comfortable for the second recovery, you can only keep guessing at which it actually was.

Nabiki lets out a short, coughing laugh.

Pops… just sits there, staring.

You… could get lost in Akane’s eyes. It doesn’t matter that your clothes are wet. It doesn’t matter that you’re already feeling a little hungry. Because she’s looking right through you, in a way that makes your breath hitch.

You wish…

“I could be a girl for you,” you say, without even fully realizing that you’re voicing it out loud. But as soon as the words leave your lips, you know that you mean them.

This time it’s your pops who joins Akane’s dad on the floor.

Akane starts laughing - and you join her, your voices mixing together.

It’s a brand new beginning.

…

It’s only later in the evening, after yet another soak in the furo and a quick cold shower, that you realize just how weird this new chapter of your life will look… and you're already excited!

You don’t even remember when exactly Akane loaned you a pair of her PJ pants, but you’ve already settled on her bed, clutching at the Dragon’s Whisker, just so you don’t lose it. Akane’s brushing your hair. It's a dream come true. Yours and hers.

You know that it’s not gonna be easy. You can never be sure how long the two of you would stay together - Akane’s so cool that she probably could get any girl she wants. As long as she wants a girl that's you… you’re gonna be hers.

It’s a little weird that your fathers turned it all into an official engagement. You hope that it doesn’t ruin it for you - so far you’re both chosen to ignore it and take the days as they come.

You still don’t know where the oldest sister - Kasumi - stands on the question at all. You’re here to be for Akane, should she ever need it.

But all those little fears don’t matter. You know you and Akane will figure everything out.

Together.