Ranko was not as... lucky as her brother. She had been pulled into the trip to get to know her soon-to be sister-in-laws. The redhead was fully aware of the pecularalities of her mother, but there was a difference. While she might have once been part of Ranma, and a tomboy, she was now her own girl and she had no problem in going shopping as she was used to it by now. It was WHAT she was going to buy which was the problem. Still, she found working with her mother better than allowing her to decided that her only daughter would look 'so cute in this'.
Yohko really didn't have that much trouble. Other than the 'Devil Hunter' stuff, she was pretty much a regular girl. Okay, her grandma and mother were wierd, but she was the closest thing to normal in family. Actually that was part of why she was enjoying the trip. There were no grandmas slinging clothing at her or mothers trying to get her to buy underwear that the boys would like. The brunette just hoped that her mother was just joking about considering visiting Mister Tendo...
Michiru wasn't having too bad a time either. She tended to flow like the sea and as such tried to deal with situations as they came about. (Usually trying to blow them up if she thought they were enemies, but that was another story.) Since she already wore elegant and feminine clothing, it was pretty easy to come find clothing that she and Nodoka could agree on.
Nodoka was having a grand old time. Going from no daughters to 'four' was a great thing in her book. Only one was biologically hers and another had a mother, but she was enjoying this opportunity to live her little dreams. And she was finding out so much about her daughters-in-laws-to-be!
Haruka was... fairly out of it. For a long time, the blonde had been going on a path of minimal feminity. While other girls dreamed of becoming brides, she wanted to be a race car driver. When the other girls played softball, she was a track star. As for her mode of dress, she tended to wear masculine clothing. She was as tough as tough as tough could be and fool be the boy who forgot that.
She was also in a sundress, some rather pretty sandals and a hint of makeup. Haruka was fairly mortified. A couple of passing boys gave the long legged blonde a long look of appreciation, while another standing nearby gave a whistle. This was about as far from her normal style as could be. It also held no benefit in her view.
"Oh, you look so pretty!," Nodoka said with a bright smile, "I'm sure that Ranma will just love it when he sees you!"
There was that, Haruka had to admit with a slight blush.
"Is that... yes it is!" said an approaching woman. "Haruka! I almost didn't recognize you!"
The Senshi of Neptune raised an eyebrow at her co-fiancee and got an oddly bashful look in return.
"Um... hi, Tetsuda-san," said the sandy-haired girl.
"'Aunt Eriko', remember?" the conservatively clad woman told her, "I haven't seen you in such a long time!"
"And I have not seen you for longer, Eriko-san," put in Nodoka.
"Nodoka? Can it be?"
"It really is me."
"It HAS been long, hasn't it? The last time we spoke, you were going to be married. What ever happen to that 'Genma' any way?"
"We are still married. And we have a son and daughter."
"Really?"
"Yes, Ranko here is mine and my son is at home at the moment."
"And what does your husband do now?"
"Nothing."
Eriko's eyes widened slightly. "Nothing? Is he unemployed?"
"Yes, but by choice. Ranma has gotten a rather large fortune that allows us to live well."
"Oh my. How very nice. If only Haruka would find someone like that rather than spending her time in all those races and such."
The Saotmome Matriarch giggled slightly and gave an indulgent smile to the other woman.
"What? Did I say something amusing?"
"You might say that. Haruka-chan is engaged to Ranma."
"She's going to marry your son?" At Nodoka's nod, Mrs. Tetsuda gave a bright smile. "How wonderful! This is great news!"
"Is it now?" growled Michiru under breath.
"We really must get together sometime. I know! My husband and I are having a party this Saturday. Why don't you and your fiance come Haruka?"
Fighting the urge to put her face in her hands, Haruka decided to:
Sat Aug 10 16:48:43 2002