V.11

                Roses for Kunou

By Kevin D. Hammel

Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publishing rights are held 
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. My purpose is to honor the 
creator and her works. No infringement intended.

This story takes place right after Bryan Neef's
Ranma's Birthday...

-------

Practice with her mother left Ranko in a better mood. She quickly 
cleaned herself off, again playing it safe using warm water, and went 
to her room. She had something very important to do.

Looking through her closet, she found her nicest dress, and took it 
out. Ranko dressed as quickly as she could, then went over to her 
dresser. Gazing with some apprehension at the various bottles of 
makeup, she found it was easy to apply, after all she had been doing 
this for years. She looked in the mirror, and was astonished. What 
would she have thought yesterday? When would yesterday truly become 
the dream it needed to be? Returning her gaze to the mirror, she 
noticed a single tear making its way down her face. She dried it, 
undid the damage, and then went downstairs.

"Ranko, where are you going?" Her mother asked, noting her daughter's 
attire. "Are going to visit that Kunou boy?"

"Yes, I need to see him."

"I think Akane said he is at General. Do you want me to come with 
you?"

"No, I need to do this myself. I should be back in about an hour."

She closed the door behind her.

-------

Ranko emerged from the station about a block from the hospital. 
Entering a flower shop next door, she got out her mirror and began 
looking at roses in it.

"This one should be right." A man said, holding a rose that matched 
her hair perfectly.

"Could I also buy a black, I mean dark blue one."

"This simple vase would be perfect for them." The man said, smiling at 
her.

Ranko flushed, then paid the man. "Thank you!"

"I always like to help. Good luck!" The man smiled as he watched the 
redhead leave.

-------

Ranko approached the receptionist. "Hello, could you tell me what room 
Kunou Tatewaki is in?"

"437. I am sure he will be glad to see you. The elevators are to the 
left." The woman said, smiling.

"Thank you!" Ranko flushed again and went to the elevator.

-------

Ranko entered room 437. Kunou Tatewaki looked up and smiled.

"Greetings, Tendou Ranko." He said in some pain. Perhaps sonnets were 
out for today.

"Greetings, upperclassman Kunou." She bowed deeply "I apologize for 
letting my anger take control of me today and injuring you. I beg your 
forgiveness, and assure you it will not happen again."

"Your apology is accepted, Tendou Ranko."

Ranko looked up, and showed him the flowers she had bought "I have 
brought you these flowers, but ask you to accept them only if you 
accept their message."

"Proceed"

"The two flowers represent two things. First, to serve as a reminder 
of my apology. Second... " Ranko picked up the red flower "...Consider 
what it means to love a flower. You love it, purchase it, and it gives 
you pleasure." She replaced the flower in the vase. "Now, consider 
what it means to love a woman. Unlike a flower, if only you love her, 
the love is not complete. Each repeated declaration of love only adds 
to the growing resentment the woman feels. Finally" she glanced at his 
bandages "something breaks." Her gaze returned to the two flowers 
"Neither Akane nor I love you. Do you accept these flowers 
upperclassman?" She finished, looking at his face.

Kunou Tatewaki looked a long time at the flowers. "Yes, I do."

Ranko looked at him with a smile.

"Now I would ask that you accept MY apology for the pain my arrogance 
has caused you," Kunou returned her smile.

Ranko's smile broadened. "I accept your apology. I am glad you 
accepted the flowers, upperclassman. I am sure Akane will visit you 
this evening." She looked into his eyes, her smile replaced by a more 
sober expression. "Please stay well. Good day, upperclassman."

"Thank you, Tendou Ranko."

Leaving the flowers on a table, Ranko walked out of the room.

(END)