Here it is, Volume Two Part Five!  For this and any of my other 
works, visit my Web Site at:

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.



Secrets: Volume Two Part Five
------------------------------------------------------------------



	The Specialist stood in the middle of the room, his face
suitably clinical as he flipped through his papers.  He glanced
up as Akane finally arrived, then watched with a raised eyebrow
as she quickly sat beside Nodoka.
        "My findings are fairly straightforward...  Miss Tendou,
your son suffers from Grand Mal Epilepsy.  Our results from the
electroencephalogram, combined with both your and the EMT's
descriptions of his seizure activity have confirmed it," he began,
consulting his notes once more.  "We have consulted with your
Family Physician, who has some experience in following such cases,
and prescribed a course of Phenacemide for your son.  That is a
drug which he must continue to take, *as prescribed*, without fail.
It will help control his seizures, if not prevent them entirely,
but he *must* stay on it for it to be effective.  You will have to
attend some counseling sessions to learn the proper interventions
for him as well," he concluded, raising his gaze to her shocked
face.
        "Ano... 'Interventions'?  What does that mean?" she
responded, nervously.
	"It describes what you, as his primary caregiver, must do
in case he has a seizure.  He could very easily injure himself, or
worse, if he is not properly handled during an episode.  This 
applies to anyone in whose care you leave him as well," he replied, 
casting a gaze around the room.
        "Doctor...  Why...  Is this happening?  What caused it?"
Miyoko abruptly asked, actually still somewhat fearful of the
answer.
        "We're not entirely certain.  We, as a medical community,
believe it results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and may
or may not be triggered by some kind of outside stimulus," he
responded, lowering his glasses and peering over the top of them.
        "What does that mean?" she shuddered, her expression 
becoming even more fearful.
	The Doctor tried smiling assuredly.  "Do you recall the
recent case of several hundred children having seizures while
watching a show on television?  That was a classic case of an
'outside stimulus'.  The majority of them were not even truly
Epileptic, but the show triggered a seizure anyway, since they
had just the 'right' type of chemical makeup in their brains.
They may never have another in their lives, unless the conditions
are right.  Your son, however, is Epileptic, and subject to
seizures set off by anything from loud sounds to emotional
distress.  He could even have an episode completely at random,
which is what makes him different," he explained, keeping his
voice gentle.
	"Masaka..." Akane gasped, her face whitening as she slumped
into a chair.  "My poor baby..." she breathed, sniffing.
        "There's no need to assume the worst, Miss Tendou.  If
your son is kept on his medications, and all those around him know
how to handle a seizure, he can live a perfectly normal life,
which includes driving.  It's far from debilitating if handled
correctly," he smiled, walking up to her and placing a hand on
her shoulder.  "We have a few more readings to take, but we should
be finished in about an hour or so.  Then, we will want to see
everyone who will require it for training," he turned and
announced, then bowed politely.  "We will page you over the
hospital system," he added, then took his leave.
	Miyoko sighed sadly as he departed, then cast a curious
glance at Akane.  She looked completely overwhelmed and shocked,
and until she noticed Miyoko looking at her and scowled, Miyoko
actually felt sorry for her.
	Akane, meantime, after seeing the look she was getting,
abruptly rose and turned to Nodoka.  "I'm going back to his
room...  Coming?" she asked, her voice edged with defiance.
	Nodoka flashed a glance at Miyoko, then nodded an
affirmative.  As they departed, Miyoko couldn't help but express
her exasperation.  "Damned hardass," she spat, shaking her head
sadly.
        "Ano...  Miyoko-chan...  Was that as bad...  As it sounded?"
Yoriko abruptly piped up, touching Miyoko's knee and looking at
her worriedly.
        "Iya...  He just gave her the 'big picture'.  He'll be fine
as long as he stays on the drugs.  I'm glad, actually.  He coulda
been one of those that don't respond well," she trailed off, not
wanting to even entertain the thought.
	"So he's going to be okay?" she brightened, clasping her
hands together.
	Miyoko smiled.  "From what I heard, yeah.  Akane's going
to have her hands full, but he'll be fine," she smiled weakly,
actually very relieved herself.
        "I'm so happy for you...  And him," she gushed, wrapping
Miyoko in a hug.
        "Yeah.  So am I , Yori-chan.  I'm gonna want to see him
again before we can leave though -- I want him to know I'm gonna
be around...  Even though I don't live here," she responded,
smiling.  "And I'm gonna have to talk to the Dragon Lady, too.
We gotta get something cleared up," she added, her face sobering.




	Miyoko pushed open the room door and looked in, expecting
find at least Akane within.  To her surprise, her son was laying
in his bed sound asleep, and no one else was in the room.  Smiling,
she moved to the side of his bed and looked in on him, her face
softening.
	"I'm so damned glad you're gonna be okay," she whispered,
her smile widening as he smacked his lips in his sleep.
	He was a gorgeous little boy, bearing the same unruly
black hair that she had in her other form.  His face looked
similar as well, except for the Tendou chin.  Reaching in and
adjusting his blankets, she felt her heart twinge at the thought
of having to leave him again.
        "Masaka...  It would be so easy...  If I could just tell
you," she whispered, smiling sadly as she fixed his hair.
	"Tell me what, Auntie?" a drowsy voice asked, followed
by a pair of very bright eyes looking back up at her.  Miyoko erked.
        "Ano...  Tell you that...  That I..." she stammered, but
was interrupted by Akane and Nodoka returning to the room.
        "What the hell are *you* doing in here?" Akane snapped,
dashing over and glaring at Miyoko across the bed.
	"What's your problem, Akane?  All I was doing was talking
to him!  I *do* have that right, you know!" she retorted,
matching Akane's glare.
	"Forget it!  You gave *that* up along with your rightful
gender, you baka hentai!" Akane shot back, furiously.  "As long
as you stay like...  Like *that*, you have no right to be here at
all!  Especially not with that little plaything of yours following
you around like a puppy on a leash!" she added, her eyes flashing
like she was preparing for battle.
	Miyoko tensed for an attack, her sapphire blues alive with
rage -- then just as suddenly, she relaxed.  Casting a sad glance
at the gaping Kei, she sighed and turned back toward Akane.
	"Figures...  You attack when I can't fight back.  What the 
hell ever happened to your honor, Akane?  Did it dry up and die 
along with your heart?" she countered calmly, still taking a subtle
defensive stance just in case.
        "My honor?  What about yours?  I wasn't the one who...
Augghhh!" she raged, only to be stopped by a well placed pressure
point from of all people, Nodoka.
        "I think Kei-chan has heard quite enough...  If you two
wish to continue this 'conversation', I suggest you do it
elsewhere," she advised, glaring into each of their eyes in turn.
	Miyoko cracked her knuckles.  "Whaddya say, Akane?  Care
to step outside?" she taunted, eyeing her expectantly.
	Akane swallowed hard.  "No, I don't.  I've said what I have
to say.  I don't need to repeat it," she glowered, rubbing her
neck.  "Consider it a permanent condition.  It's that way or no
way, and if I have to, I'll get a court order," she added, her
bravado slowly returning.
        "Kuso, Akane...  Why?  Why do you have to be so damned
difficult?  This could have been so simple!" Miyoko blurted,
her exasperation getting the better of her.
        "Simple for you...  *Perfect*...  For you!  But what about
Kei?  What about what he loses out on?" she countered, angrily.
	"Oh, shit...!  I'm not gonna get into this again with
you.  I already said my piece on that, and you know damned well
it would be true...  And you also know damned well you wouldn't be
able to handle it!  I was trying to do you a goddamned favour,
Akane...  But I guess I wasted my effort!" she finally yelled,
storming toward the door.  As she yanked the heavy door open as
easily as she would a paper slider, she turned and glared back at
Akane.  "I'll be back when you're ready to *discuss* this!" she
snarled, then disappeared out the door.
        "Don't do me any more damned *favours*, you...  You... Baka
Hentai!!" Akane shouted after her, angrily.  "I *never* want to
see you again!" she added, glaring at the closed door until she
dropped to her knees and broke out in tears.
	Nodoka, still standing where she was, only shook her head
sadly.  Her worst fears had just been realized, and she could feel
her heart sinking.  She knew that in all likelihood, she had just
seen the last of her only child, and if that turned out to be the
case, she knew she would never be able to forgive Akane.  Quietly,
she prayed that 'Miyoko' wasn't thinking the same thing.




	Miyoko was nowhere to be found.  Yoriko had gone looking
through the hospital when she hadn't returned after an hour, but 
had been unable to locate her.
	Now back in the waiting room, she toyed with her ring
worriedly as she prayed for her girlfriend's return.  Deep inside,
she could somehow tell something was wrong, even without the fact
that Miyoko wasn't around.
	Abruptly, she heard footsteps in the hallway, which at
first excited her -- until she realized that since she could hear
them, then it wasn't Miyoko.
	Much to her surprise, it was Nodoka who entered the
waiting room, breaking into a genuine smile as she walked toward
her.
        Yoriko rose quickly and bowed respectfully, then simply
stood demurely and waited for Nodoka to speak to her.
        "Konnichiwa, Naganato-san.  I came to see if Miyoko was
here.  She left the room after only few minutes," she stated,
walking up and bowing politely.
	Yoriko couldn't help but gasp.  "I haven't seen her...
Since she left to go there," she said, raising a hand to her
gaping mouth.
        "Not to worry.  She...  Tends to want to be alone when
things really upset her," Nodoka smiled, assuringly.  "And I'm
afraid Akane did."
	Yoriko's eyes widened.  "Oh, no..."
	"Hai.  They had a fight, which was indisputably Akane's
fault, but what resulted may have hurt Miyoko deeply.  I came
looking for her to see if she was all right...  And to see if she
still wants to have any contact...  With me," Nodoka sighed,
lowering her gaze for a moment.
        Now, Yoriko was worried.  "May I ask...  What happened?"
	Nodoka sighed, then lowered her eyes.  "We had best sit
down..." she suggested, gesturing for Yoriko to do so.  Once
they were seated, Nodoka set herself.  "Akane...  Has a problem
with Miyoko's lifestyle," she began, only to pause as she noted
Yoriko's pained expression.
        "She has a problem...  With me," Yoriko sighed, sadly.
"She's homophobic...  And perhaps even a little jealous of me,"
she continued, frowning.  "I was afraid...  That she might forbid
Miyoko from seeing her son over it...  And I assume that is what
happened?"
	Nodoka nodded sadly.  Yoriko sighed again, then lowered her
face.  "I am sorry...  I never meant to cause so much trouble in
the family," she began, but was interrupted by Nodoka touching
her leg.
        "No, Naganato-san.  You have nothing to apologize for.
This problem began long before you met Miyoko, and is rooted in far
more than just a quarrel over feelings," she assured, smiling
gently.  "It has now reached a point where I do not believe it will
ever be resolved.  There is too much...  Baggage," she admitted, her
voice softening.  Slowly, her expression changed from one of regret
to one of hope, making Yoriko wonder what was on her mind.
        Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Nodoka then looked
straight into her eyes and answered her question.  "Please...  Take
good care of my child...  My 'daughter'," she began, surprising
Yoriko completely.  "I have not had much of a chance to get to know
you, but it is apparent that Miyoko loves you.  She would willingly
give up everything to remain at your side.  To me, that speaks
volumes of your character, for she is not one to make such choices
rashly," she continued, as Yoriko's cheeks flushed embarrassedly.
"She is a good person, and as such deserves someone who will be
good to her.  I believe...  You are that person," she concluded,
smiling and patting Yoriko's hand.
	Yoriko, cheeks still flushed, also broke out in a smile.
Rising to her feet, she bowed deeply to Nodoka, then stood before
her demurely.  Her eyes had begun to shimmer, and she hoped she
would be able say her piece before starting to cry.
	"Se Nodoka, I am deeply honoured that you approve of me.
I had worried...  Given 'everything', that you might not.  I love
Miyoko...  And I know, beyond any question, that she loves me.  I
have tried to be good to her, as she has been so wonderful to
me...  In fact, she gave me back my life," she smiled with a sniff,
remembering the day they met.  "I cannot imagine living that life
without her as a part of it, which is why your acceptance of me
means so much.  Domo arigato gozaimashite, Saotome Nodoka-sama.
I will do my best...  To make her as happy as she has made me,"
she finally bowed, rising with a look on her face somewhere
between ecstatic happiness and bursting out in tears.
	Nodoka, herself now on the verge of tears, rose and hugged
the sniffing girl happily.
	Just as she was about to sit back down and start some
pleasant conversation, the sound of someone clearing her throat
caught their attention.  "Now that...  Is a Kodak Moment," Miyoko
smiled, walking up and wrapping a hug around both women.  "And
after what I just went through, it was the best damned thing I've
ever seen," she added softly, slipping each woman a kiss on the
cheek.  "Thanks, Mom...  I heard you two talking from the hall.
You have no idea how much this means to me...  And it means a lot
more than even I thought it did," she smiled, looking up at
Nodoka with an expression on her face that actually made the
woman gasp.
	All Nodoka could do was wrap the redhead in a huge hug,
one that seemed to express all the emotions that she had missed
sharing over the years.  By the time it was done, they were both
crying.  Yoriko, her heart feeling like it wanted to explode,
stepped up and hugged them both.
        "Oh, now isn't this sweet.  Looks like the friggin' Joy
Luck Club in here," a certain hateful voice abruptly sneered.
        "Akane?" Nodoka blurted, annoyed at her remark.
        "Hai...  I wondered where you went...  Looks like I found
out!" she snapped, eyes narrowing.  "You turning against me now, 
too?"
        "I'm not 'for' or 'against' either of you...  And I don't
believe I should have to be," Nodoka responded, controlling herself.
        "Well, if you approve of...  *This*, then I don't want you
around me!" she snarled, then turned and stomped back to her son's
room.
	All three women sighed and slumped their shoulders.  Nodoka
shook her head sadly, then stepped back from the group and bowed.
"I will...  Try to speak to her.  Although she seems as if she's
in a particularly foul mood today," she indicated, frowning.
"Everything's setting her off," she added her voice trailing off
as she thought of a possible reason.
        "Yeah...  Even with what's happened to Kei-chan, it seems a
bit much.  I still don't get it," Miyoko puffed, shaking her head.
        "I'll call you, Miyoko-chan...  If...  You want me to,"
Nodoka explored, looking over at the now grinning redhead hopefully.
	"Nice one," Miyoko commented, shooting a glance Yoriko.  
"Give me a pen and your daytimer...  I'll give you my address and 
my number.  Just *don't* give it out...  To anyone," she cautioned,
firmly.
	As she took the book back from Miyoko, Nodoka couldn't
resist one more hug, then stepped back and looked Miyoko over from
head to toe.  Abruptly, she frowned.  "That's not the proper way
for a young lady to stand, Miyoko-chan.  Feet together, back
straight, and hands over one another in front of you," she
remarked, winking.
	Miyoko was speechless.  Yoriko had to fight to keep from
laughing out loud.
	"Well, when in Rome, Miyoko-chan," Nodoka smirked, then
bowed and smiled.  Just in case I don't see you, I'll call you
in a few days.  Ja Ne!" she waved, then made her way off to the
hallway.
	Miyoko looked over at Yoriko as she shook off her shock,
then smirked as she noticed how Yori was sniggering under her
hands.  "Real damned funny," she commented, rolling her eyes.
        "Ano...  Now I see where you get it!" Yoriko stated, then
broke out laughing.
	"Ha, ha," Miyoko mocked, sticking out her tongue, which
only made Yoriko laugh even harder.  Finally, however, she managed
to settle herself, then invited Miyoko to join her on the bench.
        "Ano...  I hear from your mother that you had a fight with
Akane?" she opened, taking Miyoko's hand.
	Miyoko sighed resignedly as she leaned forward, resting her
elbows on her knees.  "Hai...  That we did.  She basically told me
that if I came near them again, she'd swear out a complaint.  I
guess...  That answers my question, ne?" she stated, sadly.  "It's
all over.  I could fight it, but the results wouldn't be worth it.
Kei would end up hating me in the end, anyway," she added, solemnly.
"I have a feeling...  That's why my mom came to talk to you.  She
saw the whole thing," she added, turning and looking up at Yoriko.
        "When you didn't come back right away...  I thought
something might have happened.  I've been afraid that she would do
this...  Because of me," Yoriko indicated, fretting.
	Miyoko huffed.  "No, it's far more than that," she remarked,
her face darkening.  "She does have a problem with you...
And *us*...  But she also has a problem with life in general.
Masaka...  It seems like a hundred years ago now -- the time that
Akane and I got along well enough to have had a kid...  Even though
we *were* both drunk.  Now...  Now it's like we're strangers.  I 
don't know her any more...  And I don't want to," she indicated, 
shaking her head.  "And it's pretty damned obvious she feels the 
same way," she added, resignedly.
	"Gomen ne... " Yoriko breathed sadly, able to see in
Miyoko's eyes how the situation was hurting her.
        "Huh...  Who'd have ever thought it'd turn out like this,
ne, Yori-chan?" she abruptly smirked, exasperation thick through
her voice.   Abruptly, she turned and looked at Yoriko with an
expression the girl couldn't make any sense of -- until Miyoko
spoke.  "Let's get out of here, Yori-chan.  There's nothing left 
for me here," she stated, flatly.
	



	The flight home felt incredibly long to Yoriko, who spent
most of it simply watching Miyoko stare out the windows of the
chopper, and occasionally sigh.  As the craft settled to its
landing in Kyoto, Miyoko did finally turn toward her, pat her knee
and smile weakly.
        "Home sweet home, ne Yori-chan?" she smirked, popping open
her belts.  As she went to rise from her seat, Yoriko grabbed her
arm.
        "Miyoko-chan...  Are you...  Okay with all this?" she asked,
firmly.
	Miyoko looked at her for a second, then frowned.  "No, I'm
not.  You went through all this..." she began, indicating the
helicopter, "And it turned out to be a waste.  I feel terrible
about that," she indicated, lowering her gaze.
        "Iya, Miyoko-chan.  At least now you know.  Your son
will be all right, and you know where you stand in his life -- and
what Akane's plans are.  It was well worth it," Yoriko countered,
earnestly.
	Miyoko looked back at her for a moment, then smiled weakly.
"Hai, Yori-chan...  I guess...  But I wish things had gone a bit
differently...  Both for me and my son.  Although...  When you
think about it, this *is* the way I always wanted it, ne?" she
responded, resignedly.
	Yoriko wasn't quite sure what to make of that response, but
didn't get a chance to discuss it.  As soon as they cleared the
helipad, they were met by a group of four women waiting by the
elevator doors.
	Instantly, Miyoko's eyes narrowed.  "What the hell is
this?" she growled quietly, leaning toward Yoriko.
        "Ano...  I have no idea, Miyoko-chan," she responded,
nervously.
	As the girls walked closer, the group fanned out to each
side, simultaneously bowing.  "Miss Naganato, Miss Takara...  We 
have been asked to meet you and escourt you to the Gallery, where
you are to be treated to the meal of your choice, compliments of 
Eric White," one of them stepped forward and announced, smiling 
brightly.
	The two girls looked at each other blinking for a few
seconds, then Miyoko finally spoke.  "Well...  You knew something
was coming.  Are you ready?  If not, we can just leave," she
asked, gently.
        "Ano...  What do you think I should do, Miyoko-chan?" she
asked in return, apparently shaken.
        "Like I said...  It's up to you, Yori-chan.  If you're not
ready, say so, and I'll get you out of here," the redhead responded
evenly, taking a good, close look around the area.
	Yoriko bit her knuckle.  Miyoko prepared herself.
        "Let's do it," Yoriko abruptly announced, determinedly.
        "Are you sure?" Miyoko responded, smiling despite her
concerns.
	"Hai.  I want to get this over with," she replied with a
sharp nod, her face set.
	Miyoko smiled even more broadly.  "I was hoping you'd say
that," she winked, resting a hand on the girl's shoulder.
	Yoriko also smiled, albeit slightly timidly.  "I can do it
if you're with me," she indicated quietly, placing her hand on
top of Miyoko's.  "I...  Want us to have our life back,
Miyoko-chan.  I'm tired of dealing with this," she added, her eyes
serious.
	Miyoko nodded, then leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"I'm so proud of you!  Let's get 'em," she stated, then kissed
her near her ear.  Turning toward the other patiently waiting women,
she smiled politely.  "Please...  Show us in," she stated, bowing
quickly.
	Upon being led to one of the best tables in the
establishment, Yoriko noticed that the Helicopter had made quite
the mess of their hair.  Casually, she suggested a trip to the 
powder room to get fixed up.
	After quick check with her compact mirror, Miyoko agreed
readily.  As they rose to go, Miyoko grabbed her purse, but Yoriko
left hers and insisted Miyoko do the same.
	Confused, Miyoko did as she asked, but wondered why until
they stepped in the room.  When they finally did, her eyes almost
fell out of her head.  In the amazingly large room, there was a
staff of manicurists, cosmetologists, hair stylists and masseuses
all waiting to serve them.
	Yoriko noticed Miyoko's reaction and giggled at her.  "This
is the Executive one.  It has everything we need," she indicated
happily, showing Miyoko to a styling chair.
	"No kidding," Miyoko whistled, somewhat overwhelmed.  The
facility was better appointed than the best Salon she had ever been
to, and probably staffed more people.  "This is incredible,
Yori-chan," she remarked, smiling.
        "Hai.  Go ahead...  Indulge yourself, Miyoko-chan.  You
deserve it after the last couple of days," Yoriko encouraged,
excitedly.
        Miyoko abruptly lowered an eyebrow.  "Waitaminnit...  You
set me up, didn't you?" she smirked, accusatorily.
	Yoriko giggled happily and broke out in a big smile.
"Hai.  When they said the 'Gallery', I remembered this.  I thought
I'd accept the offer just to get you in here," she explained, 
proudly.  "When in Rome, ne, Miyoko-chan?" she added, winking.
	"Baka ne," Miyoko puffed, taking a weak slap at her.
Yoriko just giggled even more.
	An hour later, sporting perfect coifs and fresh
manicure/pedicures, the girls returned to their table, and were
immediately greeted by the Maitre'd.
	"I see you have returned, and I must say, you both look
wonderful," he smiled, paying particular attention to Miyoko.
"Would you like something from the bar, or are you ready to order
an aperitif?" he continued, pulling out his order padd.
        "Iya...  We need a little time, please...  But we'll have a
Pekoe each, lemon and sugar on the side," Yoriko responded,
smiling politely.
	"Very good.  I will return shortly," he smiled, casting a
quick glance back at Miyoko as he punched in the request and went
on his way.
        "Oooohhhh...  I think he likes you, Miyoko-chan!" Yoriko 
snickered, covering her widening grin.
	Miyoko smirked.  "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
she accused, fighting down a grin of her own.
        "Ano...  A girl can't be too careful -- too many rich men
around here!" Yoriko almost blurted, having too much trouble
trying to keep from laughing.
        "Ha, ha...  Just you wait, girl.  I'll get y..." Miyoko
began, but was interrupted by the sudden wail of a baby a few
tables over.  Turning, she caught sight of a very flustered woman,
looking like she might be a young exec or admin, trying desperately
to assemble a bottle.  
	Without a second thought, she rose from the table.  "Poor
thing..." she breathed, heading straight for the child and 
standing beside its hanging chair.
	The child's mother looked up with exasperated panic on her
face, to which Miyoko only smiled pleasantly.  "May I hold her?"
she asked gently, to which the frazzled mom nodded rapidly.
	Nodding her acknowledgment, Miyoko stepped around and
smiled at the baby, who looked to be about six months old.  As soon
as the baby made eye contact, its piercing wail broke.  "That's a
good girl," Miyoko soothed, reaching in and lifting the baby to
her.  "Come here, sweetheart.  You don't have to make such a fuss
now, do you?" she continued gently, wiping the child's tears
away.  
	Within a few more moments, Miyoko had the child cooing and
giggling, while her mother finished getting her lunch ready.
	The other patrons of the restaurant, Yoriko included,
stared in awe at the scene.  The child's mother also looked on in
gape-mouthed amazement, her head shaking slowly.
        "Ano...  She doesn't like strangers," was all the rattled
woman could manage.
        "Well, thankfully, she likes me...  Don't you, honey?" she
teased, eliciting yet another giggle from the child.  "Are you all
set, Mommy?" she tossed over, catching the affirmative nod out of
the corner of her eye.  "Okay, sweetie...  You be a good girl for
Mommy now, and let's not have any more tears, ne?" she admonished,
then winked at the baby and handed her to her grateful mom.
        "Arigato gozaimashite.  I just started here today, and
haven't arranged daycare yet.  My daughter is upset by the
changes," she rattled off, still quite unnerved by the entire
situation.
	Miyoko just smiled and bowed.  "She's a beautiful little
girl.  She'll feel better soon.  Thank you for letting me hold
her," she responded, then waved at the baby and headed back to
Yoriko.
        "Ano...  Miyoko-chan...  How did you do that?" Yoriko
gushed, unable to contain herself even until Miyoko got back in
her seat.
	Miyoko blinked.  "Do what?  I just held her while her
mom got it together...  Wasn't she a doll?" she responded,
smiling again.
	"All you did was pick her up, and she settled right down!
I've never seen anyone do that before...  Especially to a strange
baby," Yoriko reiterated, still wide-eyed.
        "I don't know...  I've always been able to.  At least for
the last few years.  Never had a reason to before that," she
replied, off-handedly.  "It's no big deal," she added, looking
around for a waiter.
        "Huh...  No big deal?  Every mom I know would give her 
right arm to be able to quiet a baby like that.  You should
be running a Daycare, not teaching Martial Arts!" Yoriko smirked,
shaking her head.
        Miyoko shot her a cynical look.  "Feh.  Could you see *me*
surrounded by five-year-olds?  I don't have the patience for
that!" she dismissed, rolling her eyes.
        "Ano...  See it?  After seeing you do that, I'd recommend
it!" Yoriko smiled, nodding emphatically.
        "Heh...  I almost answered an ad for a Daycare Assistant
when I first got here, but figured I'd go crazy after a week.
Still think I would," she responded, dismissing the thought with a
wave of her arm.  "You see our 'gracious host' anywhere?  I'm
getting hungry," she redirected, looking around again.
        "Ano...  Hai!  There he is, and it looks like he has our
teas," Yoriko noted, pointing him out.  "What are you having?"
        "I think...  I'm going to have an American-Style steak.
I've never been able to afford one, so I figure I'll get one now.
What about you?"
        "I think I'll just have a Caesar...  They're really good
here."
	"That's it?  Just a salad?  Yori-chan, this is your chance
to try something exotic if you want...  Don't waste it," Miyoko
insisted, surprised at her girlfriend's reticence.
        "I'm not...  You haven't seen the Caesars here," she
winked in response, then leaned over the table.  "Besides, I have
to watch my figure," she added, emphatically.
        "Ano...  Nevermind.  I'll watch your figure...  You eat,"
Miyoko grinned, wagging her eyebrows.
        "Excuse me...  Sorry I took so long, but I was stopped on
my way back to your table," the voice of the Maitre'd abruptly
indicated, cheating Yoriko out of her saucy response.  "It seems as
though the young woman at that table insists on paying for your
tea -- and has asked me to once again express her gratitude for
your kind assistance," he continued, smiling.  Leaning a little
closer, he whispered toward Miyoko.  "She happens to be the
daughter of the Company's Managing Director.  You've made a very
good friend," he indicated, shooting her a look.
	"A-arigato," Miyoko stammered, caught between laughing at
his attempt to impress her, and the fact that she was living with
the CEO's daughter.  Yoriko quickly covered her mouth and began to
turn red.
        "Well then, have you come to a decision?" he smiled
knowingly, rising to his full height.
	"Hai.  Please assure her I appreciate her generosity, and
I'll have an American-Style 16 ounce sirloin steak, with all the
trimmings, well-done please," Miyoko stated, still fighting to
maintain her face.
	"I'll have the deluxe Caesar, with the 'Taste of Italy'
sides, please," Yoriko followed, shooting a teasing look at Miyoko.
        "And I'll have the steak as well, extra mushrooms," a
familiar voice indicated, drawing gasps from everyone at the table,
including the Maitre'd.
	Miyoko looked up at their 'guest' and frowned.  "Oh,
wonderful..." she breathed, sighing.




===================================================================
END - Secrets V2P5                     A Ranma1/2 Fanfic by Coutuva


Comments Welcomed - Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@vecdev.com