Welcome to the next episode!! This is, as with the previous stories, based heavily on events and situations from the preceeding ones, which are available on my Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/coutuva As always, C&C is anticipated, accepted, and appreciated. All original Ranma1/2 Characters and Backstory Copyright Rumiko Takahashi, and are used without permission. Please Enjoy! Coutuva. Hell Hath No Fury - Part 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Hitomi smiled at the sight of all the bright new faces lined up in the common room, waiting for the start of the pre-admissions meeting. Each stood with their mothers, dressed in their new finery, some nervous, some excited, and most curious about what this new place was. "Nee, Anata.. This has to be the largest group so far..." Kikyo observed, shaking her head at the gathering. "Hai... we only have six spaces, but there are at least fifteen kids out there. I hate this part of the job," Hitomi sighed, reminded of her next duty. Having to select only six faces from the small sea of hopefuls before her posed a daunting task, as she wished she could just take them all in. She hated the thought of having to tell any of the moms the bad news, but she resigned herself to the fact that in order to give the level of care she wanted, she had to keep the numbers down. Sighing, she straightened her surprisingly conservative dress and prepared for the introductions. "Well, Kiko-chan... I guess it's time. Ready?" she asked, checking her hair in a nearby mirror. "Hai, Anata... Let's go," Kikyo smiled, patting her backside gently. "I'm right behind you," she smirked, then quickly tucked in the label that was stuck out of Hitomi's collar. "Arigato... " the redhead whispered over her shoulder, and then stepped out into the main room. After a final check of her own, Kikyo followed closely. "Konnichiwa, minna-san!" Hitomi smiled, bowing deeply before the Moms and preschoolers. "Welcome to Hiroshima Daycare! I am Seirei Hitomi, the manager, and this is Okimiyaki Kikyo, my lead assistant," she chimed, with a gesture toward her. As she began her prepared address concerning admissions, a smartly-dressed woman in the back of the crowd of hopeful candidates gasped audibly. She lowered her designer sunglasses in disbelief, and continued to stare at the totally enchanting figure before her. She sighed appreciatively as she felt her cheeks flush, and had to steady herself against the wall behind her as she felt herself becoming lightheaded. Abruptly, she felt a tug at her sleeve, which snapped her back to reality. "Okaasan... Okaasan! Come on... it's the tour!" the young girl beside her chided, trying to pull her along. "H... Hai, Rei-chan. I'm coming," she breathed, forcing her voice steady and waving a hand before her warming face. Soon, the tour was completed, and the group of hopefuls was led back to the common area, where Shampoo presided over a prepared luncheon. Hitomi and Kikyo circulated amoung their guests, chatting and answering questions, while the children played together nearby. As the girls made the rounds, the sharp-dressed woman sat demurely with her daughter at her side, watching the object of her affections intently through her sunglasses. She gasped again as she watched her getting closer, and could feel her heart rate increasing markedly. Quickly, she sent her child off to join the others, and zipped out her gold-rimmed compact case to check her face. Satisfied, she slid it back in her purse and pulled off her sunglasses, just in time to smile pleasantly. "Konnichiwa. Watashi wa Okimiyaki Kikyo desu," Kikyo bowed, smiling brightly. "I am pleased to welcome you to Hiroshima Daycare." "Ano... Ahh... Hajimemashite. I am Kazagaya Anita," the woman stammered, barely able to look Kikyo in the eyes as she rose from her own bow. "No need to be nervous. I'm just getting to know everyone, in case your daughter comes to our Centre," Kikyo assured, sensing the woman's anxiety. As she spoke, she reached out and took the woman's hand in hers, patting it gently. Anita felt her face flush instantly, and her knees start to wobble. With a slight moan, she collapsed into her chair heavily. Kikyo, surprised by the swoon, motioned for Hitomi to join her, and bring a glass of water. "Ano... Are you okay?" Hitomi asked, upon handing the now embarrassed woman the glass. Anita shook her head. "Hai... I am fine. I'm sorry for causing such a fuss... It has been a hectic week for me, and this event had me a bit nervous," she stammered, searching for an excuse. All the while, she had to fight an overwhelming urge to stare into Kikyo's deep brown eyes. Hitomi frowned. "Are you sure? We have a place in back where you could lay down if you wish," she offered, worried about the redness of the woman's face. "Daijobu, daijobu..." she deflected, pulling herself up in her chair. It is passing, thank you." "As long as you're sure..." Hitomi probed, noting how her eyes kept jumping toward Kikyo, who was now seated beside her, still holding her hand. "I'll stay with her for a few minutes, Sensei," Kikyo indicated, patting the woman's hand again. "Though she seems to be doing a lot better now." "Okay. I think that's a good idea. Let me know if you need anything... I'll be nearby," she finally smiled, rising and excusing herself. The woman only smiled again, then as soon as Hitomi was across the room, turned toward Kikyo. Kikyo actually felt her own cheeks flush as she recognized the look she was getting, and felt Anita's hand gently squeeze hers. "Well, if you're going to be all right, I should get back to my duties..." she abruptly blurted, rising quickly and bowing out of good form. Anita's face fell momentarily, but she recovered almost instantly. "I... Feel fine. Thank you for all your help. If you still wish to talk to me, I will be right here," she mentioned, with a none-too-subtle wink. "H... Hai. Arigato," Kikyo nodded numbly, turning to walk away -- quickly. Anita smiled, then issued a wistful sigh as she watched Kikyo leave. She couldn't take her eyes off of the woman's sexy walk and incredible body, and stared like a smitten schoolgirl for as long as she could. She could tell that Kikyo was at least five or six months pregnant, but that didn't bother her at all. She too was a mother, despite her preference. In fact, that observation did nothing but endear Kikyo to her, indicating someone who was caring and compassionate. "She's absolutely beautiful..." she thought to herself, hand rising to her face. "Okimiyaki Kikyo, I think I want to get to know you better," she added, smiling inwardly. She hadn't felt this way about anyone since she was a teenager, and the flood of emotion was making it difficult for her to maintain her demure exterior. As the day drew to a close and the guests all filed out to their cars, Anita looked back several times to try to catch a last glimpse of Kikyo. She smiled as she saw Kikyo appear briefly in a hallway, and waved quickly at her. Kikyo, catching the motion out of the corner of her eye, waved back politely. Inwardly, she was glad Anita had finally left. She had felt the woman's eyes burning into her back all day, and it was making her very uncomfortable. She knew that the woman's interest in her was far more than platonic, and she had to admit, had she not been so in love with Hitomi, she would have gone on a date with her in a minute. She was cultured, well to do, attractive, and seemed highly intelligent, all of the things and more that she would have looked for in a lover. Sighing with relief, she turned and headed back to the common room, where Hitomi and Shampoo were starting the cleanup. Out in the parking lot, Anita and her daughter stood patiently, waiting for their limousine to pick them up. Glancing at her watch, she huffed indignantly, noting the driver was late. Reaching into her purse, she withdrew her cell phone and dialed a stored number. "Yes... It's me. I want this driver replaced. He's late again. The second time this year. And I want you to do a little digging. Hai. Get whatever you can on one Kikyo Okimiyaki, and have it on my desk by the time I get there. And call in my beautician -- I need a makeover," she commanded in perfect English, her voice level and even. As she listened to the response from her phone, her face darkened. "I don't care about that. If he wants to keep his position, he'll be there. My car is finally here -- have that information ready when I arrive," she reminded, closing the small phone with an indignant snap. Huffing again, she waited quietly for the driver to scramble around to open her door. As he reached for the handle, he looked back at her fearfully. "I am sorry, Ma'am... It will never happen again," he flustered, feeling the sweat on his brow. "You're right. It won't," she responded in mock sweetness, flashing a quick grin. A few days later, with the situation largely forgotten, Kikyo stood naked in the bedroom looking herself over in the mirror. As she turned from side to side, she frowned slightly at her expanding midsection, and sighed at how unattractive she felt. As she was approaching six months along, she was showing fairly substantially, and her normally petite build only seemed to enhance the situation. She had also noticed her breasts starting to sag slightly, which served to darken her mood even more. She was proud to be carrying Hitomi's child, but she certainly didn't like what it was doing to her normally firm, trim physique. None of her favorite skirts fit any more, and most of her blouses didn't either. Her feet were aching from the extra weight, and her back had been sore for the last month. Just at that moment, Hitomi returned from the bathroom, a towel draped over her shoulders and nothing on but a pair of underwear. Noticing Kikyo's dark expression, she headed immediately for her girlfriend's side. "Nee, Kiko-chan... You don't look too happy," she observed, concerned. "Feeling pregnant?" "Hai..." she pouted, lowering her head. "I look like a sumo -- fat and ugly," she added, turning away. "Too ugly... For you," she added, quietly. Hitomi bit her lip and felt her heart melt. Reaching out, she took Kikyo by the shoulders and turned her back around. Seeing the embarrasment flaming Kikyo's lowered face, she sighed, then lifted her girlfriend's chin and looked deep into her eyes. "Kiko-chan... You're *not* ugly. In fact, you've never been more beautiful," she assured, pulling her into a gentle, loving hug. "I can't tell you... How much all of this means to me. You've given me so much... And now, a baby too." she continued, dropping to her knees and holding Kikyo's protruding tummy. "I love you for it... All of it... And I can't thank you enough," she added, kissing the baby gently, then resting her head on the same spot. Kikyo couldn't stop her cheeks from flushing as she reached down and held Hitomi's head, gently running her fingers through the red locks about her face. "Anata... How do you always know exactly what I need to hear?" she sniffed, a thick waver in her voice. "Easy... It's exactly how I feel," the redhead replied softly, a happy smile crossing her face. "Baka..." she breathed, lifting Hitomi back to her feet and hugging her as tightly as her tummy would allow. "Suki da yo, Hitomi-chan," she whispered, blinking back tears. A short while later, the smell of breakfast teased the two girls mercilessly, as they were behind schedule from trying to dress Kikyo. Finally, they wandered out to the diningroom, both eager to sample Shampoo's wonderful-smelling food. Shampoo stood as per usual before the stove, dressed only in her oversized shirt. "It smells great, Lin-san... But you didn't need to make such a big deal over it," Hitomi smiled, pouring herself and Kikyo a coffee. "Iie... I like to make a good breakfast. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning," the Amazon deflected, smiling. "That reminds me... Lin-san, Kikyo and I were talking about your helping us out the other day at the Center. If you're interested, we could use an extra pair of hands... Especially with the potential of six new kids," Hitomi indicated, with a wink at Kikyo. Shampoo's face lit. "Aiyah! You really want me to work with you?" she gasped, stunned at how Hitomi had seemed to have just read her mind. "Hai! I know how you love kids, and I also know how you've been feeling lately. So? What do you think?" "I am honored," she bowed, her large eyes dancing with excitement. Hitomi smiled contentedly, and signed a quick 'thumbs up' to Kikyo. "Okay, Lin-san... You can start today, if you want." "Aiyah! I want! I just have to get dressed!" she giggled, racing off to her room. "See? I told you she really wanted to do it. I watched her the other day, and she was in her glory," Kikyo grinned, nodding. "Hai. I saw it too. And I've been worried about her... I noticed how for a while there she was getting quieter and more sullen, and that's definitely not her," Hitomi smirked, sipping her coffee. "No kidding..." Kikyo agreed, looking over the fully-laid table before them. "Well, I'm starving, Anata... Let's eat before it gets cold." "You don't have to tell me twice!" she responded, snapping her sticks apart. All three women stood before the doors of the center, looking at each other in surprise. Before them were about five huge bouquets, all loaded with roses and expensive foods. Hitomi was the first to move, walking up and removing a very ornate but unaddressed card from the largest one. Opening it, she read it aloud to the others. "To the only ray of light in my heart... a token of my affections. I can't stop thinking about you, Kikyo-chan... Love, Anita." she recited, then froze in her place from a combination of shock and anger. The card drifted to the ground silently, coming to rest at Kikyo's feet. Shampoo gulped audibly, and Kikyo groaned aloud. "Anata... There's something I have to tell you," Kikyo finally stated, hanging her head. Hitomi sat quietly in her chair, hands folded demurely in her lap as she listened to Kikyo's nervous explanation of who 'Anita' was. When Kikyo finished, she sighed heavily. "I thought I picked up on something that day, but wrote it off to her fainting spell. Well, I guess we know what made her faint, ne?" she finally said, looking up at the nervous Kikyo. "Anata, I..." Kikyo stammered, not sure what to say. In her mind, she pictured scenes from when Mu Lin had dealt with threats, and feared Hitomi would do something similar. "Daijobu, Kiko-chan. I trust you completely," she smiled, reaching for her girlfriend's hand. "It's just what to do about this 'Anita'. She's got it pretty bad by the looks of things." Kikyo puffed a heavy sigh, both from relief and resignation. "I guess I'll have to call her and tell her I'm taken... I hate to do it to her, but it's the only way." "Aiyah... I'm glad I'm not you," Shampoo abruptly chimed in, shaking her head. "Feh... Suddenly, I'm not too happy to be me, either," she moaned, rolling her eyes. Hitomi had to smirk at the lamentation, then placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "I dunno, Kiko-chan... It's reminded me how good I have it, and it could be considered flattering," she smiled, winking. "Well, flattering or not, I'm not impressed with being put in this position... If you were the jealous type, this could have been a major problem," she complained, bitterly. "You're a lucky girl, all right. Well, I have to get the kitchen prepared. What should I have ready?" Shampoo redirected, turning to head out the door of the office. "Just milk, juice and the granola bars, Lin-san... They're not supposed to get a full breakfast, just an appetizer," Hitomi advised, following the Amazon out. "Hitomi-chan... I'll call her right now, ne?" Kikyo stated, rising to move behind the desk. "Hai... Just come to the common room when you're done," Hitomi called back, casting a sympathetic glance over her shoulder. "Good luck..." she added, smiling. Kikyo could only sigh, then moved to a heavy landing in the chair at Hitomi's desk. Starting up the Admissions Database program on the computer, she slowly typed in the name. As it came up on the screen a heartbeat later, she had the computer dial it and waited for someone to answer. "Good Morning," an elegant sounding gentleman with a rich English accent answered. "Kazagaya residence, to whom may I direct your call?" it continued, making Kikyo smile despite her feelings. "Hello. I am looking for Kazagaya Anita, please to get for me?" she opened, in careful English. "Certainly. And whom shall I say is calling?" "It is Okimiyaki Kikyo calling, please." "One moment, Ma'am," the voice responded, after a quiet gasp. As Kikyo tried to figure out why, the silence of the 'hold' broke gruffly. "Kikyo-chan...?" a soft, yet excited voice asked. "Hai. Kazagaya Anita?" Kikyo responded, ignoring the honorific. "Hai! I'm so glad you called me... I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since we met," Anita breathed, the happiness in her voice wrenching Kikyo's heart. Gritting her teeth, she fought hard to wrench up her courage. "Kazagaya-san, I am flattered that you think so highly of me, but I have to tell you that I am seeing someone already. I... Didn't want to lead you on, so I thought it best to tell you right away," she finally explained, keeping her voice as steady as she could. On the other end, there was only silence. After what seemed like an eternity, Kikyo heard a ragged breath, and then Anita finally spoke. "Arigato... Kikyo-chan. I... Am glad you told me," she began, the catch in her subdued voice tearing at Kikyo's heartstrings. "Gomen ne, Kazagaya-san..." she began, but wasn't able to finish. "It is all right, Kikyo-chan... I understand," Anita interrupted, her devastation evident. "I hope so... I don't want to hurt your feelings." "Hai... I knew that, Kikyo-chan. Well, I must go... I have a meeting in half an hour. Thank you again for calling... It was wonderful to hear from you. Ja." Anita concluded, and hung up the phone slowly. "Ja..." she echoed sadly, and clicked the release button. Despite having no romantic interest in Anita, it hurt her deeply to have to blow the porr woman off. Having been on the receiving end of such calls, she knew all too well how it felt. Sighing once more, she shook her head slowly and exited the program, all the while trying to remind herself that what she had done was ultimately for the best. Anita sat beside the phone, utterly stunned that Kikyo had spurned her. She couldn't fathom anyone turning her down... Especially considering who she was. As heiress to the third largest industrial fortune in Japan, she was worth more than most people could conceive of. Silently, she rose from her chair and walked toward her massive bed, her face still drained and expressionless. As she moved, the household staff, who had previously breathed a sigh of relief over her announcement that she had a new love in her life, noticed her state and slowly began to disappear. Anita, meantime, sat on the edge of her bed and stared into space, not moving a muscle. However, as soon as the last of the staff had left, she clenched her fists... And screamed. Hitomi couldn't help but notice Kikyo's depression, and assumed that she must have made the call. Biting her lip, she went immediately to her, wrapping a supportive arm around her slumping shoulders. "Is it over?" she asked, hopefully. "Hai, Anata... I told her. It devastated her to hear it, which really shocked me... I didn't think someone could fall that hard that fast," she responded, shaking her head. "Baka... That's how it was for me. When I saw you standing with Minako that day, I was a goner. I spent the whole morning looking for excuses to get near you, and then worked up the nerve to ask you to have lunch with me. I was in love before our first date," Hitomi smiled, hugging her tightly. "Ano... You were? So was I, but I was... Too shy to tell you." "I hate to interrupt you two loving birds, but your kids are starting to arrive now," Shampoo chimed in, winking at the other two women. "Ay... Duty calls, Anata," Kikyo noted, quickly kissing the redhead's cheek. "It do... Hi-ho, hi-ho!" she responded, grinning. "Baka... Both of you," Shampoo chided, shaking her head as she walked away. The rest of the day passed largely uneventfully, and Hitomi noticed with great satisfaction that Shampoo took to her new job very well. She had been worried that the Amazon was feeling like a fifth wheel, and knew from experience that she wouldn't accept such an existence. It was important to the Amazon to be able to contribute, even though it wasn't necessary. She noted that Kikyo, while still bothered by the phone call, felt better as the day progressed. She still made a point of staying close to her, just to assure her that all was well. In fact, as the day drew to a close, she decided to make sure of it. "Ne, Kiko-chan... Feel like doing a little shopping?" Kikyo stood up from filling a toybox and grinned. "Feel like doing a little shopping? You need to ask?" she smirked, wringing her hands happily. "How soon do we leave?" "Soon as we're done. I want to get you some new clothes... it's about time," she smiled, walking up and placing her hands on Kikyo's tummy. "Hai... I'm getting to the point where I haven't got anything that fits. Even my wrap skirt is stretched to it's limit," the girl agreed, shaking her head. "Well, let's go get you some real maternity clothes. They have some sharp styles in downtown." "Oho... Been doing a little reconnaissance, have we?" "Hai! I have to keep an eye out for these things, ne? Need to keep you comfortable... Especially at this stage." Kikyo smiled. "You're too good for me... And I mean that," she sighed, reaching up and placing her hand on the side of Hitomi's face. Hitomi smiled wryly. "And you know how I feel about that..." she winked, placing her own hand over Kikyo's. ==================================================================== END - Hell Hath No Fury - Part 1 A Ranma1/2 Fanfic by Coutuva. Comments Welcomed - Flames Extinguished! coutuva@gmail.com