Chapter Text
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Ranma, happy birthday to you.”
The chorus of voices brought a huge grin to Ranma’s face. She laughed as Kasumi walked into the room with a cake that had a big ‘20’ candle on top and set it in front of Ranma at the head of the table. It was usually Soun’s spot but he’d abdicated it for the birthday celebration. Instead, he sat to the right with Nabiki. To the left was Tofu with his son in his lap, baby Souichi babbling excitedly along with the singing.
“Aww guys, ya didn’t have to go to this much trouble,” Ranma said.
“Of course we did, it’s not every day you turn 20.” Kasumi smiled and took her seat next to her husband. “Now blow out your candles and make a wish.”
“Okay, okay.” Ranma acquiesced and leaned forward, blowing out the candles. Everyone clapped enthusiastically. Or as enthusiastically as Nabiki could clap. “Thanks guys! Can we dig in now?”
“Never change, Ranma.” Nabiki shook her head in amusement.
Kasumi grabbed the cake cutter and started slicing into the cake in question. It was chocolate, Ranma’s favorite. She handed the first slice to Ranma which she took eagerly. Once everyone got slices they all settled in to eat.
“Now I was thinking as a birthday gift we could all go into Tokyo for dinner. There’s a new restaurant that opened up there that I’ve heard good things about.” Soun suggested.
“Wouldn’t that be too expensive for all of us?” Ranma asked.
Soun made a scoffing noise. “Now don’t you worry about that. I may be an old man but I’m hardly destitute.”
“He means he puts aside money for all our birthdays for something like this,” Nabiki added.
Ranma had to fight the urge to tear up that he’d done something like that for her. See, the thing was, Ranma wasn’t his biological daughter. Soun had been treating Ranma like his child since she was 16.
“Oh and before I forget Ranma. Your mother sent a birthday card.” Kasumi said, handing over an envelope.
Now that surprised Ranma. At least until she opened it and the word ‘son’ was written about a million places. Ranma had come out as trans at 17 and Nadoka still lived in deep denial. But it was better than Genma who had completely disowned Ranma so she’d take it. Then again, even if Genma hadn’t disowned Ranma, she’d still not talk to him for a number of reasons.
“Dinner in Tokyo sounds nice.” Tofu said, bringing the topic back around. He probably saw the look on Ranma’s face. “Do you think we should try to get a sitter though? I don’t want Souichi being too disruptive.”
“Nah, Souichi is great. It wouldn’t be a family dinner without him.” Ranma reached over to ruffle what little hair the baby had.
The table suddenly got really quiet and Ranma realized too late what she’d said. Because the thing was that there would never truly be a family dinner would there? Not without Akane.
And Akane was gone.
“Oh I bought ice cream, let me get that!” Kasumi suddenly interrupted the sullen mood and stood up. She was always good at changing the subject when she needed to.
“Oh ice cream, that’s awesome.” Ranma grinned, shoving down her feelings.
“Why would I ever want to date an ugly tomboy like Akane?”
The last words Ranma had ever said to Akane. She hadn’t even said them to her directly, but there she’d been standing behind Ranma with wide eyes. Why had Ranma even said that? The two of them had made so much progress together! They’d gotten close to confessing feelings for each other several times. But Ranma had tried to be macho with the guys and run her mouth. Only for Akane to come up behind Ranma fresh off of being bullied at school again. Normally she might have brushed off the words but with them having made progress and issues at school, it seemed that had been the last straw for Akane. She’d run off from school, presumably headed home.
Ranma had never seen Akane again.
“Ranma, this is our stop.” Nabiki’s voice pulled Ranma from reliving the thoughts of three and a half years ago.
“Right, sorry.” Ranma climbed off the train with the rest of the family. Nabiki looked at her strangely but didn’t say anything. Ranma was grateful for that.
The restaurant they were headed to wasn’t overly fancy but it did seem popular. Luckily, Soun had called ahead and they were seated at a table relatively quickly. Ranma was still feeling antsy though so as soon as the waiter walked away, she stood.
“I’m going to the bathroom real quick. If the waiter comes back, Kasumi, you know what I like.”
“Okay Ranma.” Kasumi smiled before looking back at her menu.
The bathroom was in the same direction as the front door so Ranma was able to slip outside for some air. The streets were busy but Ranma still found it refreshing. Being out of doors had always suited Ranma more than being inside.
“Oof!” There was a small sound as a toddler ran right into Ranma’s leg.
“Oh no, are you alright kid?” Ranma asked worriedly as she looked down. She’d just been standing there, but she couldn’t help but feel bad anyway that the kid had run into her.
“Sowwy!” The toddler, a little girl probably around two or three, looked up at Ranma with wide eyes. She looked strangely familiar but Ranma couldn’t place it. She had long dark hair and light brown eyes.
“Hana!” A voice called and every part of Ranma froze. Because Ranma would know that voice anywhere. Even three and a half years later. Ranma looked up and there she was. It was like a vision out of Ranma’s dreams. She had dreamt this moment so many times she had to pinch herself to show it wasn't really a dream.
Akane Tendo stood there on the sidewalk in Tokyo.
This was not the Akane of Ranma’s dreams. Bags darkened her eyes and her dress hung lighter on her frame. She didn't look like someone who did martial arts, all that muscle mass was gone. Her hair was longer, falling just past her shoulders. And of course she looked older. In Ranma’s dreams, Akane always looked exactly the same as the day Ranma last saw her. Still, to Ranma she was unmistakable.
“Akane?” Ranma gasped. This caused Akane to freeze, eyes widening as she looked at Ranma. There was a brief flash of confusion mixed with something else in her eyes before Akane shook herself out of it.
“I’m sorry, you’re mistaken. My name is Ai.” Akane said quickly, grabbing the toddler and pulling her back behind a stroller. A stroller that contained two more children. A baby probably Souichi’s age and a little boy somewhere between the baby and the toddler Akane had called Hana.
Hana, Akane’s mother’s name. And Hana looked just like Akane which meant.....
“Oh my god.” Ranma’s mouth fell open as she realized all three children looked like Akane. That meant these three children belonged to Akane. “Akane, where have you been? How do you have kids?”
“You really are mistaken, I'm sorry. I don't know who you are.” Akane said with a shake of her head. “I really need to get going.”
“Ai!” A voice bellowed and Akane flinched. A man appeared with an angry look on his face. There was a coldness to his eyes that set Ranma on edge. He grabbed Akane's arm roughly and yanked her towards him. Akane looked at him fearfully as she ducked her head submissively.
“I'm sorry,” Akane murmured quickly.
In that moment Ranma realized something. Akane was wearing a long-sleeved dress and tights. Which not only wasn't her usual style but was awfully warm for the seasonably hot weather. Ranma wasn't the smartest in the world but she wasn't stupid.
“Hey, we were just talking. No need to freak out.” Ranma said, eyeing the man. She purposefully made her tone disrespectful to see if she could rile him up.
“Who do you think you are trying to tell me what to do?” The man snarled, reaching forward to shove Ranma back. Well that wasn't very nice.
“And who do you think you are touching me?” Ranma snapped as she stood her ground.
The man was apparently in a very bad mood because he released Akane to swing at Ranma. “I can do whatever I want you stupid bitch.”
Ranma easily dodged the punch and threw one back. It connected and the man went backwards onto his butt.
“Hey!” A police officer ran up after apparently having witnessed the scene. He hauled the man to his feet. “Sir, I saw you try to assault this young lady.”
“She's the one who assaulted me!” The man cried as he clutched his cheek.
“The young lady simply was defending herself. I saw with my own eyes.” The police officer huffed. “Miss, are you okay?”
Ranma decided to play up being a girl just a bit. “Officer! I’m so glad you showed up. That man tried to attack me!” She batted her blue eyes. “He really should be arrested. Who knows what he could do to others?”
“I think a trip to the station would do him some good.” The officer agreed, putting the man into handcuffs.
“Wait no, surely this is a misunderstanding.” The man suddenly looked worried.
“I guess we'll find out at the precinct.” The officer said, hauling him away.
“Ai! Tell this man it's just a misunderstanding.” The man shouted. “How can you take someone from their wife and young children?”
Akane, for her part, cowered in fear. She seemed to lack the strength Ranma was used to seeing from her. She was shaking like a leaf, her eyes on the ground as she just stood there. One arm was wrapped around Hana, and the other clutched the stroller for dear life.
“Akane?” Ranma tried but Akane didn’t look up from her spot on the ground. Before Ranma could pry any further, another officer showed up and escorted Akane away. Ranma shook her head and hurried back inside the restaurant. She had to tell the others what had happened.
Ranma watched as snow fell outside the window. Fat snowflakes drifted from the sky and softly landed, covering everything in a blanket of white and quiet. Outside was peaceful and calm, the snow causing a hush to fall over Nerima.
Ranma did her best to tune out the sounds of Soun and the police officer at the door.
“I refuse to just give up on her!” Soun bellowed. It was the most emotion besides sadness Ranma had heard from him in months.
“I'm sorry sir, we will continue doing all we can to try to find her but the case is completely cold. We don't have a single lead.” The officer said.
“My daughter is missing and you just want us to move on.” Soun said and it sounded like he was now crying. So much for the righteous anger from a moment ago.
“She's probably dead.” Nabiki settled into the seat next to Ranma. Ranma's head snapped up.
“That's not true!” Ranma protested.
“It's been a year and there's nothing. The police think she ran away but we all know that would never happen. So logically she's dead.” Nabiki shrugged. “Everyone's thinking it, no one wants to admit it.”
Ranma went silent as she processed that. Nabiki was probably right. It wasn't that the thought hadn't crossed Ranma's mind. Her nightmares certainly thought it was true. It had been a year since Akane had gone missing and there'd been no sign of her since. That had to mean something had happened to her. “Maybe.” Ranma mumbled.
“Look, I don't want it to be true either. But we have to face facts. The police have been looking everywhere for her. There'd be some sign of her if she were still alive.” Nabiki sighed. She genuinely looked upset which was strange for her. Usually she kept her expression neutral even when she was upset.
“I'm sorry Nabiki.” The guilt over Akane’s disappearance still ate Ranma alive. If only Ranma hadn't run her mouth.
Nabiki shook her head. “It's not your fault even if I know you think it is.”
Ranma had a million things she wanted to say but she didn't know where to start.
The door slammed shut and Soun passed them crying. He headed straight for his room, passing Kasumi on his way.
“He really wants to live in denial she's dead.” Nabiki commented.
“Nabiki!” Kasumi looked horrified. “Don't say that.”
“I can see it in your eyes, sis. You're thinking the same thing I am.” Nabiki said.
Kasumi shook her head emphatically. “I am not! I refuse to believe she's gone forever. We’ll find her.”
“Then where is she?” Nabiki's voice rose slightly. “If she's not dead then why hasn't anyone seen her. There's not been a single sign in a year. Let's be real, someone probably murdered her and ditched the body somewhere discrete.”
“Now you're just making up stories.” Kasumi frowned. “Akane will come back to us.”
“Maybe in a body bag.”
“Nabiki, what the hell?” Ranma snapped. Nabiki at least looked a bit remorseful at that.
“Look, I'm sorry, I'm just trying to be realistic.” Nabiki stood up from her spot next to Ranma. “I’m not living in delusion anymore. You all are welcome to.” With that she walked away.
There was a long moment of silence. Kasumi stood there looking upset but didn't seem to know what to say. Ranma didn’t know what to say either. “Kasumi, do you think she's really gone?”
Kasumi took a while to respond, the two of them watching the snow fall outside the window. “I don't know Ranma. I really don't know.”
Ranma should have beaten that man to a pulp.
“I can't believe Akane was with a man with a history like that.” Kasumi was pouring tea for everyone. “What all was it they said again?”
“It doesn’t matter what all his crimes were.” Soun interrupted. He had already been crying. “His biggest crime is that he's had Akane all this time!”
“I can't believe she was kidnapped,” Kasumi whispered. Her expression spelled out how horrified she was by this information.
“Yeah especially since we basically all just thought she'd just died,” Nabiki said.
“Nabiki!” Kasumi gasped.
“What, it's true! We all just assumed she'd died and we just didn't know about it.” Nabiki shrugged. “I'm right aren't I?”
“Look, it doesn't matter where we thought or didn't think she was.” Ranma finally spoke up. She'd been stewing in her feelings about wanting the man who'd kidnapped Akane dead. “They're going to bring her here soon and we need to be ready.”
“Ranma is right. Akane is coming back to us, so we need to make sure she feels welcome.” Soun nodded, rubbing his chin. There were still tears in his eyes but he'd calmed down some at the prospect of Akane needing to be welcomed back.
“Are we sure she even wants to be back here?” Nabiki asked, ever the blunt one.
“Of course she does, we’re her family. It might be hard at first but we can do this.” Kasumi said, ever the optimist.
Ranma was quiet as Nabiki and Kasumi went back and forth over whether Akane would want to be home or not. Guilt gnawed away at Ranma like some terrible creature. She'd always felt guilty that Akane had gone missing after their sort of fight, but this was different. Now Ranma knew why Akane had gone missing and what exactly to blame herself for. Not that they knew exactly what Akane had been through the last few years but still. They knew enough.
“Ranma.” Soun’s voice yanked Ranma out of her head and back into the conversation at hand. “Did you hear what I said?”
“No sorry, Pops. What did ya say?” Ranma rubbed at the back of her neck sheepishly.
“I was asking if you'd run to the store and get some of Akane's favorite foods for me.” Soun said.
Ranma nodded her head. “Yeah, ‘course I can.”
“I'm going to go get to work on tidying up Akane's room. I want to make sure it's ready for her.” Kasumi announced as she got to her feet.
“Don't you clean it like every week or something anyways?” Nabiki pointed out.
“Well I always hoped she'd come back.” Kasumi admitted. “Now I know I was right to do so.”
“Nabiki, I want you to help me get started tidying the rest of the house.” Soun said, also standing to his feet. “I want this place looking nice for a warm homecoming.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Nabiki sighed.
“I'll head out for the food.” Ranma said.
“You know where my wallet is.” Soun nodded his approval before heading off for cleaning supplies.
Ranma got up and headed for where Soun kept his wallet. She wasn't looking forward to this solo grocery trip. It would give her too much time to think. Unless she brought someone of course. “I'll just ask Tofu if I can take Souichi with me, he loves the store!”
This way Ranma wouldn't have to think about the guilt churning her stomach.
Rain made everything outside the window of the car look like a watercolor painting. Colors smeared and blended together creating what should have been a beautiful landscape. Instead for Akane it felt alien. Like this wasn't the world she knew and she was on some strange new planet. Her entire world had tilted on its axis after all.
The police car hummed quietly as the officer guided it down the rainy street. He didn't say anything which was nice. His fingers tapped idly on the steering wheel as he drove. It almost matched the rhythm of the rain.
Tap, tap, tap, tap.
The rain felt fitting for such a day in Akane's opinion. Daija was currently in prison and Akane was being taken to a house she hadn't seen since she was 16. At least the kids seemed to be taking this in stride. Yoiko was asleep, Akaji was flipping through a picture book, and Hana was watching the world excitedly through the car window. This was the farthest they'd ever been from home before after all. Part of Akane felt guilty for that. Their entire lives had been lived within just a few blocks because Akane wasn’t allowed to go any farther.
“Almost there, miss.” The officer finally spoke. It was unexpected enough that it startled Akane. “Sorry, just thought I’d let you know.”
“It’s okay, thank you.” Akane said quietly. The neighborhood outside the window seemed so foreign despite the man saying they were close. Shouldn’t Akane easily recognize this area? She’d spent her entire life living here. Yet it didn’t seem that familiar.
The police car came to a stop in front of the Tendo estate. Akane sat up straighter as the police officer got out of the car, pulling out an umbrella. He walked around to open Akane’s door for her and held the umbrella above her head. Akane climbed out of the car with a pit forming in her stomach. The front door of the house opened and Soun and Kasumi came out, each with their own umbrella.
“We thought you might need a hand with your things,” Soun said. Akane felt uncomfortable with the way his eyes fell on her and refused to leave despite saying he wanted to help. Then again Akane shouldn’t be that surprised given he hadn’t seen her in a long time.
“It’s in the trunk, sir.” The officer opened the trunk to reveal what meager belongings Akane had been able to get together before the house had been overrun by police.
“And I’m here to help with the children.” Kasumi smiled warmly. Her smile should have put Akane at ease but it just made her weary. She didn’t trust kind smiles anymore.
“Who dat?” Hana asked as Akane helped her out of her car seat. She climbed out of the car and grabbed a handful of Akane’s skirt.
“I’m your Aunt Kasumi, your Mama’s sister,” Kasumi answered easily.
“Oh.” Hana seemed surprised at that.
“This is Hana.” Akane finally spoke, gesturing to her eldest. Then she pulled out her son and hesitantly allowed Kasumi to take him in her arms. “This is Akaji.”
“It’s nice to meet you Hana and Akaji.” Kasumi smiled.
“And this is Yoiko.” Akane took the baby out and settled her on her hip.
“Wonderful! Now that I’ve got everything we can head inside.” Soun announced, carrying the luggage into the house with some help from the police officer.
“Right.” Kasumi nodded and headed for the house. Akane might have paused before going in had Kasumi not had Akaji. She wasn’t going to leave her son alone.
Everyone took off their shoes once they were inside. Soun thanked the officer as he bid him to set the items he was carrying just inside the door. The officer nodded and left.
“I’ll start taking things to your room, Akane.” Soun said.
“It’s-” Akane started to correct him. Her name was Ai. Except it wasn’t, was it? That had been the name etched into her bones for the last three and a half years, but it wasn’t actually her name. “Okay thank you.”
Nabiki and Ranma were just inside the house, both watching. Ranma’s eyes had locked onto Akane as soon as she walked in the door and hadn’t left. It was so strange seeing her again after so long. And strange didn’t even really describe it because this person looked like Akane but everything about her screamed she was someone else. This version of Akane, the girl who had called herself Ai, was very soft-spoken. She seemed to exist curled in on herself like one wrong move would cost her dearly. Her eyes flitted about nervously as if waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Those flitting eyes finally fell on Ranma and the two made eye contact.
Akane accidentally made eye contact with Ranma. She hadn’t meant to, she didn’t ever make eye contact with anyone. But she’d been looking around and Ranma had been looking at her.
“Hey, Akane.” Ranma greeted with a small smile. She didn’t want to freak Akane out more than she already was but she couldn’t not say hi. Maybe if they interacted more Ranma would see more of Akane’s actual personality coming out.
“Hello.” Akane nodded slightly in greeting, dropping her eyes back to the ground. Her skin crawled. So many eyes were on her, and the situation made her feel too unsure. Yes, maybe three and a half years ago she’d known these people as family but a lot had changed and she didn’t know what to expect.
Akane had only survived because she’d learned what to expect.
Ranma felt like they were doing a whole lot of standing around and staring. Nabiki hadn’t said a word, likely holding her tongue from being as blunt as she wanted to be. Kasumi had one of the kids but couldn’t take her eyes off Akane. And Ranma was staring too even though Akane had looked away from her after they’d made eye contact. It just was strange to see Akane again after so long thinking the worst. Or well maybe they hadn’t actually considered the worst if this was the outcome.
“What’s everyone standing around for?” Soun reappeared with a smile. Ranma was impressed he was dry-eyed. She’d honestly expected a full crying mess “Kasumi made a delicious homecoming meal and it’s going to get cold if we don’t eat it.”
“Right, silly me. How could I forget.” Kasumi finally tore her eyes off Akane. “I’m sure Tofu and Souichi are waiting on us too.”
Akane wanted to ask what Tofu was doing there and who Souichi was but she said nothing. Curiosity was dangerous. Instead she just gave a slight nod of acknowledgment as she followed everyone to the dining room.
“Kasumi and Tofu are married now and they have a little gremlin kid of their own.” Nabiki said.
“I was getting there.” Kasumi protested.
“You would have beat around the bush about it.” Nabiki rolled her eyes.
“Hello Akane.” Tofu greeted with a smile. Souichi just babbled and waved a chubby fist in the air.
“Congratulations,” Akane murmured.
Holy shit Ranma could not believe this girl in front of her was Akane. Maybe it really was someone named Ai who just so happened to look like Akane. She was acting nothing like she was supposed to. It was like whatever spark had been inside of her had died.
“It’s good to get Akane caught up on what she’s missed.” Soun said, although he did give Nabiki a bit of a reproachful look.
“Like Ranma going full girl.” Nabiki said.
“Oh yeah, I guess that is something she would have missed.” Ranma rubbed sheepishly at the back of her neck. “I stay in my girl form now. It’s kind of a long story.”
Akane said nothing as she just nodded. She hated everything about this situation. They all kept talking but it felt like the words were coming through water. She could hear them but they felt so hard to process. Maybe because they kept calling her Akane. That name felt foreign.
“I’m sure you’re hungry so let’s get to eating. We made sure to get your favorite.” Soun smiled brightly. Kasumi took that as her cue to start serving everyone, still balancing Akaji on her hip like it was nothing.
“Thank you.” Akane said, holding out her arms. “I can take Akaji now.”
“Oh right, I guess I’m just used to it with Souichi.” Kasumi handed the boy back to his mother. Akane easily balanced a child on each knee with Hana right beside her.
The meal was an awkward one. Akane only spoke when spoken to and only gave as much reply as necessary. Ranma had found herself being strangely quiet as mostly Kasumi and Soun tried to keep up small talk. She tried to not make it obvious but she was watching Akane most of the time. It was honestly like sitting across from a stranger the way she acted.
“Well that meal was delicious.” Soun patted his stomach. “But I’m sure you’re tired from such a long day, Akane. Your room is already for you and the children so you don’t need to worry about that. Would you like to get washed up first?”
“Yes, thank you.” Akane stood, picking up her two youngest. “Come along Hana, it’s time for a bath.”
“Otay Mama.” Hana said, standing up to follow Akane.
“Bath bath bath.” Akaji sang excitedly.
Once Akane was out of earshot Nabiki clapped her hands. “Well, that was awkward as hell.”
“Nabiki!” Kasumi scolded.
“What? Are we sure that was Akane? Because it sure didn’t seem like my little sister.”
“Nabiki!” It was Soun’s turn for scolding. “She just needs to adjust, that’s all.”
“Adjust? I think adjust is an understatement.” Nabiki scoffed.
“It is kind of weird seeing her so subdued.” Tofu tried to play mediator. “But she’s still Akane of course.”
Ranma was quiet as they debated. The problem was Nabiki was right. Akane just felt so unlike herself it was strange. Ranma wasn’t a fan. She wanted Akane to come in and yell at her for something or lose her temper or do anything that might have reminded Ranma of Akane at 16.
“I think it’ll just take some time for her to get back to herself,” Soun assured and there was confidence in his eyes.
“I’m going to go make sure they have enough towels,” Ranma announced, getting to her feet. She couldn’t do this conversation anymore.
“Good idea, Ranma.” Kasumi smiled.
Ranma nodded and headed in the direction of the bathroom. The door was closed so she knocked. “Akane do you have enough towels?” She called. There was no answer at first so she knocked again. This time Akane opened the door wearing a towel.
“Yes, we have enough towels,” Akane said quickly. She’d prefer to not be interrupted when trying to bathe three children but she kept her tone polite. The last thing she needed was punishment for having an attitude.
“Okay, that’s good.....” Ranma’s sentence trailed off as she took in Akane. Now that she wasn’t wearing her long dress her skin was showing around the towel. It made Ranma’s breath catch in her throat. There were bruises. A motley of them all over Akane’s body. It seemed like the most were on her arms but Ranma saw them on her shoulders and chest as well. They cut off exactly where long clothing couldn’t hide them.
“Thank you.” Akane nodded and waited for Ranma to be done. It was impolite to shut the door on her and would surely draw her ire should Akane do it.
“Right, no problem.” Ranma took a step back. “Enjoy your bath.” With that she beelined for her room, the myriad of bruises not leaving her mind.