The Wedding Day Break

by Layabout Thomas

[ONE-SHOT, mature situations, All Characters have been aged up 18 or older] - Two years after the wedding fiasco, Ranma and Akane have grown distant from each other. Feeling that the heir to the Saotome school is in need of a friend, Kasumi enters the picture and helps in more ways than she had originally hoped

The Wedding Day Break

A Ranma ½ AU Story

By Layabout Thomas

---

This will be my first post manga/anime fanfic one shot, so be brutal. For those of you waiting for an update on Wild Stalilion and The Mist, I apologize for not updating it, but a new chapter is coming, so bear with me. Anyway, once again, props to rewind gone nuts for going over this and I really appreciate his help.

Note: All Characters herein are aged up to 18 and up. You've been warned

---

"Damn it all, where is that priest?" growled Soun as he tapped his foot on the ground while looking at his watch.

Today was an important day for the Tendo and Saotome Anything Goes Martial Arts schools. Soon, his and Genma's schools would finally be united by way of holy matrimony. The heir to the Saotome School, Ranma Saotome, was finally getting married to his little girl and he couldn't be happier. After all the chaos, the fights and so much confusion, the wedding was going to happen. What surprised Soun more was how insistent Ranma was about getting married and doing the honorable thing.

Needless to say, he and Genma were overjoyed, and they decided to make preparations for the big day. Soun had decided to invite his friends from the Nerima City Council as well as invite friends of the bride from college. Genma had decided to take charge of decorations as well as getting a priest to make this official. The whole thing was going to go down at the Tendo Training Hall in a western style wedding, something Soun and his departed Kimiko did in their nuptials.

Now, on this special day, everything was ready. The decorations were in place, the guests had arrived with gifts and money, the cake was made and the two lucky lovebirds were going to fulfill a family promise. To Soun Tendo, this was a very big day.

Now if only the priest would arrive. Soun, rubbing his long black hair and scratching his mustache, was growing impatient.

"Still a no show, dad?" a voice asked.

Soun turned around and saw that Nabiki had walked up beside him. She was wearing a simple strapped white dress that went to her knees. Her brown hair was one of the things that haven't changed, still short at shoulder length. Around her neck was a necklace, no doubt given to her by one of her suitors from work. When she had graduated from high school, Nabiki made it her intention to attend a prestigious business college and make a name for herself.

Though Soun had questioned her tactics when it came to business, he had to admit that she had a head for it and wasn't surprised that she was far ahead of anyone in college. She still had her "side businesses'' and even at the age of nineteen, she had a habit of not thinking things through, but she has matured enough to solve her own problems should things get problematic. When Soun told her about the wedding, Nabiki took charge of the budget and assured him that everything will be perfect. He couldn't argue with the results and made it a point to thank the middle daughter for her part in all this.

Sighing softly, Soun said, "Still no sign of him. What could be taking him so long? The guests are getting impatient."

"You sure this guy is on the up and up?" asked Nabiki.

"I checked and triple checked, Nabiki," responded Soun. "Plus, he said he would make time since he apparently had other weddings on schedule. Hopefully he arrives on time."

"You really should have let me handle it," groaned Nabiki.

"You've done enough, daughter," Soun Assured. "Personally, I don't think Saotome and I would have accomplished much without you."

"Much appreciated," Nabiki said. "Hopefully I can get something out of this when the time comes."

'Never change, daughter,' Soun thought as he shook his head. He then asked, "So...how is she?"

"She's calmed down a bit," Nabiki responded. "I told her that stress wasn't going to do her or the baby any good. She still has her doubts, and blames herself for putting Ranma into such a position just as he was about to enter college, but I think she'll pull through."

"There's a lot riding on this, Nabiki."

"Yeah, it's not just about keeping honor intact."

Just then, both Soun and Nabiki saw somebody coming up to them. It was a young lady closer to Nabiki's age, dressed in a blue dress with ruffles on their shoulders. Much like Nabiki, her hair was short, though it was dark and in a different style. Her expression had an awkward air to it and she was holding a small box, wrapped with a bow.

Whilst both Soun and Nabiki were surprised by her arrival, Soun was the first one to soften up and greeted the young lady.

"Akane, welcome home," Soun said with a warm smile.

"Hey, dad," Akane answered. "Long time, no see."

"Guess you got our invitation," Nabiki said. "Though I really didn't think you would come, little sister...all things considered."

"Yeah, well...I just couldn't leave things as they were," Akane said, head bowed in shame. "Really, I just came here to bury the hatchet, settle things with Ranma and Kasumi and then leave. I said some pretty nasty things to them and..."

"You're always welcome here, Akane," assured Soun as he put his hand on Akane's shoulder. "The Tendo Dojo wouldn't be the same without you and it will always be your home."

"Thanks, dad. So...how is Kasumi doing?"

"Fine, all things considered," Soun said as he gazed at the residence. "Hopefully, nothing will happen between now and when she and Ranma both say 'I do'."

"Nothing ever comes easy with Ranma around," Nabiki pointed out.

"It really doesn't," Akane said as she walked into the compound.

---

Kasumi couldn't help but stare in the mirror. What she saw was a woman in a white western style wedding dress with ruffles on her shoulders. On her head was a simple tiara with a veil attached. She held a bouquet of flowers close to her chest as she breathed in and out, trying to calm herself. She then looked down at her belly, noting how big it had become. Over the last few months, she had become very self conscious about her appearance. It didn't help that she was also experiencing some pain; the baby inside of her swollen womb had been kicking much harder than usual lately.

Almost as if responding to her thoughts, the baby kicked three times in quick succession, making her rounded stomach visibly jostle from the motion inside. Kasumi sighed at this as she rubbed her stomach in an effort to calm her child down. As jittery and anxious as she felt, she knew it wouldn't do her or the baby any good to feel that way. Today was a big day for her and she didn't want anything to ruin it.

Heaving another big sigh, Kasumi turned her head to the side and stared at her door. Just a few doors down was the groom, Ranma Saotome. She could barely hear him and his parents arguing over things about honor between friends and how important today was. All Kasumi was thinking was how much has been put on the young man's shoulders. He was trained in the martial arts by his overbearing father from the day he could walk, not knowing anything about his mother until two years ago, trying to keep his honor intact in the face of two more suitors for his affections and trying to get good grades with her help. For anyone else, this would have been too much to bear, but Ranma soldiered on, and she truly believed that her fiance would have gone insane without her to guide him. He was even admitted to a university after taking the entrance exams. She had been very proud of him.

And now here she was, pregnant with Ranma's child, and while she had grown to love him, she still had that doubt that the young man was only marrying her so he could take responsibility and do what honor demanded of him. Ranma was eighteen years old, barely in his first year of college and she was three years older than him. So many things were going through the eldest Tendo daughter's mind that she was risking stress again. She breathed in and out in order to calm herself. Kasumi then went to her bed and sat down, her eyes never leaving her door and what lay beyond.

'Ranma...what you must really think of me...,' Kasumi thought sadly as she began going through her memories from months prior.

---

"Man...talk about barely," Ranma commented, bleary eyed.

"I'm sure you did well, Ranma," Kasumi assured.

"After all that studying and cramming, I better have," said Ranma, sighing.

At a local university cafe, Ranma and Kasumi sat at a small table, awaiting their order. An hour had passed since Ranma had taken the second round for the university entrance exams and his brain couldn't stop pounding. As a martial artist, academics was not something he would call his strongest suit, and he would rather learn a new technique than study books about things that he would probably never use in daily life.

Still, he had made a promise to Kasumi to study for college entrance exams once he graduated from high school. In the past few months, with help from Kasumi, he studied various subjects in order to prepare for that fateful weekend when he had to walk inside the university and take the exam. Once the cold weekend came, he made his way into the university to take the first round of examination.

To say that he was elated in passing this hurdle would be an understatement, but now that he completed the second round of testing, he felt anxious as he awaited his results. More than anything, he didn't want Kasumi's many months of tutoring as well as taking mock exams to go to waste.

Speaking of Kasumi, the woman sitting across from him had decided to accompany him to the university. It was a cold day and she was wearing her coat, her warmest sweater, a scarf around her neck, pants, shoes and earmuffs. Though he had wanted to make the trek to the university on his own, Kasumi had insisted on coming with him, wanting to congratulate him when he passed his test. Ranma guessed that Kasumi had all the confidence in the world that he would succeed, but in the back of his mind, it was more than that. For the past two years, they had a tutor/student relationship that morphed into friendship. She had helped him through some tough times both in scholastic and personal terms. Ranma couldn't help but smile.

Ranma hoped that Kasumi wouldn't catch a cold, though. She had done so much for him.

"What's with the smile, Ranma?" Kasumi asked.

Blushing, Ranma looked away from Kasumi, which made the woman giggle.

"Well, I…I just…," Ranma stammered. "I was just concerned about you, Kasumi. It's so cold out here and…well, after all these years of helping this meathead hit the books, I don't want you to get sick just by being with me."

"Ranma, I'm fine," Kasumi assured. "What you should be concerned about is how you did on your second round of examination. Personally, I think you did well."

"You really think so?" asked Ranma, a bit of doubt in his heart. "I barely passed the first test and this second one seemed impossible."

Kasumi took Ranma's hand in hers and smiled sweetly at him,eyes glistening. Ranma couldn't help but be mesmerized, transfixed as the Tendo family homemaker gave him this reassuring look that seemingly took every doubt in the world away. Kasumi had faith that he would succeed in this, just like succeeded in almost every fight he had been in. Ranma gulped, his cheeks warming as his heart beat so fast that it threatened to explode from his chest.

With a wink, Kasumi responded with a smile and said, "I'm your tutor, Ranma. I know you well enough that when you put your mind to it, you can do anything, even study a book."

Ranma couldn't help but give Kasumi a goofy smile as he laughed nervously.

"Hey, the results are in!" somebody shouted.

Ranma and Kasumi sat up from their chairs and ran towards the bulletin board. As they made their dash, they could see other students make a dash as well, forming what looked like an angry mob trying to get the bulletin board first. Not wanting to see Kasumi get trampled, Ranma picked her up bridal style and started to hop on top of each promising student's head, making them shout at him with annoyance. By the time he and Kasumi made it to the bulletin board, the other promising students had already mobbed it to see if they passed the exam. Ranma settled on standing on top of one of the hopefuls' heads as he and Kasumi searched for his name.

'C'mon, where is it!?' Ranma thought frantically as looked for his name. 'Man, if it isn't on there, then all that studying…no…Kasumi's counting on me and-'

"Ranma, I see it!" Kasumi said excitedly, pointing her finger at a spot on the board.

Ranma followed to where Kasumi was pointing at and sure enough, his name was on the list. It was lower than he had expected, but what was important is that he passed. His smile grew, unable to contain his happiness.

"I did it!" Ranma shouted as he danced on top of the students head, making him more annoyed.

"See, I told you you could do it!" Kasumi cheered as he embraced Ranma's neck.

"Oh, yeah! I have fists AND brains! Just another jock, huh!? Well, look out, college, cause Ranma Saotome is coming and he's bringing the hurt!"

"I'm so proud of you, my student!"

"Would you two get off my head!?" yelled the hopeful, whose neck was starting to cave in on his shoulders.

---

Once Ranma and Kasumi had arrived home and told everyone the good news, an impromptu celebration took place. Soun and Genma, Ranma's portly father, wasted no time bringing in the liquor and poured a few glasses for themselves, Nodoka, Genma's wife, and lastly, Ranma and Kasumi. Once everyone had settled and with their shot glasses filled, they raised them and clanked them together, yelling cheers.

The celebration went on as the patriarchs drank in more shots of sake. With every shot they took, they started to get a bit more drunk, until they reached the point where they started to sing a song of congratulations to Ranma. Nodoka had a few shots as well and she started to get a bit tipsy. Kasumi only had one shot and backed off while Ranma didn't drink his and just handed it over to his father. After a while, the sake had already been drunk. Soun had passed out while Genma was still up, though he was also on the verge of tipping over. Nodoka's face was a bit flushed and Ranma and Kasumi could only watch what was transpiring before them.

"I guess one wasn't enough," Ranma said flatly.

"Aw, c'mon, boy," Genma slurred. "It's..hic...it's a celebration. You missed out on having a man's drink here. It…puts hair on your chest that the ladies love!"

"I'll pass," Ranma responded, glaring at his father.

"Mrs. Saotome, where's Akane?" asked Kasumi. "I think she was taking the second round of examinations as well at another university."

"She passed," Nodoka responded, though she was also slurring her words. "High marks and everything….said…she said…hic…she said that she was…celebrating with friends and…wouldn't make it back till morning…shame really. Mr. Tendo always has the best liquor, Kasumi…she's really missing out…"

Kasumi's expression had changed to that of sadness. Akane, her youngest sister, was previously Ranma's fiance in an effort to unite the Anything Goes Martial Arts schools. She was the Tendo heir but she was nowhere near Ranma's level. This caused friction between them and their animosity towards each other was such that arguments and even outbursts of violence on Akane's part were a common occurrence. It didn't help that both had suitors for their hand, and the relationship had just exploded from there. After so much chaos, a wedding was set and things were about to go well... until suitors and rivals came along, ruining everything. After that, Ranma and Akane drifted apart as they didn't know how to handle their situation or just call the whole thing off.

That was two years ago, and things hadn't gotten any better.

Some time after the incident, Kasumi had caught Ranma training, though she could tell that the pigtailed martial artist was frustrated. In fact, the young man had angrily punched a wall of the Tendo home so hard that he had ended up not only cracking the wall, but also hurting his hand. She had immediately dragged him towards his room and made him wait so she could get the first aid kit.

After mending his hand, Kasumi got the nerve to ask how he felt. He said things were just getting worse for Akane and he and the other suitors have become more aggressive. He didn't think there was anything that could be done. Kasumi, sadly, couldn't help but agree as she had watched Ranma and Akane drift apart. She thought the two have been through so much and with them not finding any resolution, it could be possible that it was truly over. The two were so stubborn and pigheaded that maybe it was time to move on from each other.

It was here that Kasumi started to become the friend Ranma truly needed and promised that he would be there for him, to lend an ear or just be there when his frustrations got the better of him. Since then, she and Ranma became more amicable and treated each other like they knew each other for a long time. For the first time in seemingly a while, Ranma was happy and Kasumi felt like she accomplished something great.

The two grew even closer through Kasumi's tutoring. Though Ranma balked at this at first, Kasumi insisted that it would take his mind off things and that his grades needed improving. Though Ranma insisted that he didn't need to concern himself with school, since he and his father always moved around and he didn't stick around in one place, Kasumi had rebutted that Ranma didn't want his teachers to think he was a delinquent, before pointing out that he already had enough hassles without teachers breathing down his neck. Ranma reluctantly agreed and they started their tutoring sessions.

In an effort to be taken seriously as a tutor, Kasumi felt that she needed to dress the part. In her closet, she had found an old red vest as well as a long sleeve white blouse and a black skirt. She even decided to wear a pair of reading glasses to complete the ensemble. Satisfied, Kasumi made her way to the guest room with some books in hand. Once there, Kasumi was greeted by a speechless Ranma. She was confused as Ranma kept staring at her until he found his words and said that she actually looked like a teacher. Kasumi smiled at that and began what became a couple of years of tutoring.

Over time, Ranma's grades had improved and didn't have much trouble paying attention in class. There were a few subjects that still gave Ranma trouble, but it wasn't something that couldn't be considered insurmountable. If anything, Ranma became an average student, scholastic speaking. He wasn't flunking his courses and Ranma was always thankful to Kasumi, which made the eldest Tendo sister beam with pride knowing that her favorite, and only, student was doing so well.

Things however, took a turn in that second year in Ranma and Kasumi's relationship as a tutor and student. Kasumi had started noticing Ranma looking at her strangely, though the young man insisted it was nothing. She let things go as they were, but she suspected something in Ranma's attitude as time went by. It was starting to get to the point where the young man was doing a poor job hiding what he wanted to say and insisted that he needed to study for a big test…even if there wasn't one. Kasumi needed to confront Ranma about this and had moved the next tutoring session to her room.

As soon as Ranma entered the room, Kasumi asked, "Ranma…before we begin, is there something you want to say to me?"

"No, nothing," Ranma answered with a nervous shrug. "Um, shouldn't we get to studying? I really don't want to flunk that test."

With a frown on her face and a hand on her hip, Kasumi gave Ranma a look that just told him that she wasn't going to tolerate this subject dodging from him. She was going to get to the bottom of this and was going to make sure Ranma wasn't going to run away from this.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Ranma said, "I really can't keep things from you, can I?"

"Ranma, we're friends," Kasumi said, her expression softening. "I thought that over the last two years, we were close enough not to keep things from each other."

"It's not easy, you know. You've been so good to me that I don't want to ruin what we have. I don't want to lose you."

"Ranma, you're acting silly. You can be open with me, you always have."

"Not about this, Kasumi. Can we just drop it?"

"No, Ranma! Not until you say what you have to say!"

"You'll hate me!"

"I'll hate you if you don't say it, so try me!"

Through Ranma's rising anger, Kasumi could see fear in the young man's eyes. She didn't want to push him, but she felt that if this wasn't out in the open, it would hurt her friend and he wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything. This was something that Ranma was trying to keep to himself, but Kasumi felt that something like this needed to be out in order to move on.

"Fine, you want to know what, Kasumi!?" Ranma shouted. He steeled himself before blurting out, "I like you! Like, really like you, okay!? More than any gal I ever met! There, I said it!"

To say that Kasumi was stunned would be an understatement. Here was Ranma Saotome, the best martial artist of his generation, who has been the object of pursuit of pretty suitors, confessing his feelings towards her. For all she knew, he had never openly confessed something like this to any of his suitors, and to do this towards her…she really couldn't find the words. Two years ago, if Ranma had said something like this to her, she would have written it off as some silly crush he was experiencing, but seeing the expression in his eyes, she knew that Ranma wasn't lying. He meant what he said and he wanted to keep this locked away because he thought it would ruin everything and she pushed him to say it.

Still, Kasumi had her doubts and laughed a bit nervously.

"Ranma, now I know you're being silly," Kasumi began. "The girls that pursue you…they're so young and pretty and are martial artists like you. I'm just a plain looking old woman who helps around the house. What could you possibly like about me?"

"You're humble to a fault, you know that?" Ranma laughed humorlessly. "You've been my tutor and you taught me a lot of things these past few years, but you're wrong about one thing: you're the prettiest, kindest, sweetest, most big hearted lady I've ever met. You won Miss Beachside for a reason and you didn't even participate. I don't know if you knew this, but before he left for the States, Dr. Tofu had such a crush on you that his glasses fogged at the sight of you. The past couple of years I began to see it, too. I didn't want to admit it, but you beat out of me."

Again, Kasumi was speechless. There was so much to take in with what Ranma had to say. The whole Miss Beachside incident from back then had surprised her, as she felt that there were other girls more deserving of that title, like her sister Akane or any one of Ranma's other suitors. The story of Doctor Tofu's crush, however, whilst still something of a surprise, confirmed something that she had suspected for some time, because all she ever knew about him was his silly behavior while everyone in Nerima insisted how much of a good doctor he truly was. Maybe Ranma was right that she was too humble to notice such things... She would have liked to give the doctor a chance, but things were what they were.

Looking at the young man in front of him, Kasumi had to admit that she had grown fond of him. He started out as being her friend that he needed two years ago, but had grown so much these past two years and was starting to see what Akane and those other suitors had seen in him. He could be so sweet when he wanted to be, and while he was rough around the edges, which was only natural given his upbringing, there was no doubt that Ranma has a bit more maturity than any other man she has come across.

"And what of Akane?" Kasumi asked.

"It's never going to happen," Ranma admitted sadly. "I think that we're at a point where if we just say anything, no one is going to believe it. That and we had some really harsh things to say to each other in the past. We never even talk anymore."

Kasumi couldn't help but feel sad for Ranma and Akane. She had hoped that things would be patched between them, but it doesn't seem possible now.

"And you know something else, Kasumi?" Ranma asked. "The other girls…I haven't seen much of them these past two years. They didn't chase me anymore and I started to suspect something. I've been trying for what seemed like the longest time to get them to back off. Nothing I said was getting through to them. I was studying in peace with only a few interruptions and…I thought maybe you had something to do with it, but…"

Kasumi gave Ranma a nod, admitting to it. Ranma gave her an appreciative smile.

"You're my hero, you know that?" Ranma said, a blush forming. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

"Ranma, I just told them that you needed time to yourself," Kasumi said humbly. "I told them that after what you've been through, what happened in China and all that. It wasn't a big ask, to tell you the truth."

"It's a big weight off my shoulders, Kasumi," Ranma smiled thankfully to the lady in front of him. "Listen, I…I just want a chance, Kasumi. I know I'm just a kid in your eyes, but please…please, Kasumi. Let me be the man you deserve."

Once again, Kasumi was at a loss for words. It was taking every ounce of bravery for Ranma to admit to all of this, and she knew he just wanted a chance at love. She still felt humble and felt that Ranma deserved a girl his age and not some older woman. In the back of her mind, she was glad that Nabiki, who had graduated the year before, wasn't around to hear this or Ranma wouldn't hear the end of it. Akane also wasn't around because she was studying with friends and as for the Saotome couple and her father…she was glad they went to a council meeting. This was something between her and Ranma.

It was something to think about, but now wasn't the time.

"We should get to our studies," Kasumi said, picking up a book.

Looking back on it, Kasumi knew that it was the wrong thing to say to someone who bore his soul to her. She only said it because, at the time, she was unsure of herself and her feelings toward the young man. Strong and skilled as he was, Ranma seemed very fragile when he confessed his feelings towards her.

After that, they continued being student and tutor, but there was an awkwardness between them. In her private moments, Kasumi thought about what Ranma had said and felt like a heel for leaving him without a true answer. As a person, she had grown quite fond of him and maybe it was time to give herself a chance to experience something she has denied herself and see where it took her. All Ranma wanted was a chance and she was going to give it to him.

On the morning of the day she decided to enact her plan, Kasumi rose from her bed and closed her blinders, letting as little sunlight in. She also made sure that the door was locked. She then undressed, letting her nightgown fall to the floor. She then looked at herself in the mirror, from head to toe. She took note of her figure and every curve, taking it all in and wondered if Ranma would want someone like her. She was practically naked with the exception of her panties and began to imagine Ranma's reaction if he ever saw her like this. She then removed her panties, tossing them aside and instinctively covered her nethers with her hands. Kasumi blushed a beat red and could admit to herself now that she was…is a beautiful woman. She blushed even deeper at what part of her body Ranma would like. She shook her head, and put her nightgown and panties back on. She already had a plan in mind, but it had to wait until nightfall.

That night, Ranma was in Kasumi's room again for another tutoring session. She had asked everyone not to bother them as Ranma had a big test coming up. With that, Kasumi locked the door and while Ranma's back was turned as he studied a book, she unbuttoned two buttons from her blouse, revealing a bit of cleavage. She then hugged Ranma from behind, making sure her breasts could really be felt. Kasumi heard the young man gasp as he dropped the book. He stood still, not daring to make a move.

"Ranma…do you still feel that way about me?" asked Kasumi, trying to sound a bit huskily.

"Yes…" Ranma answered.

Kasumi had turned Ranma's body around to face him and planted her lips on his. She held him tightly and could feel his strong arms embrace her, which she took as her cue to kiss him even deeper. She poured every ounce of her feelings for him in that kiss and pushed her breasts to his chest in order to entice him. With each moment the kiss lasted, both were starting to moan in excitement of what was to come. In the end, things weren't taken that far and the make out session ended with them breathing heavily from the experience. They got back to studying, but there was no longer any awkwardness.

Both Ranma and Kasumi continued like this in their tutoring sessions. They would study one moment, and make out the next. For them, it was such a relief to let out those feelings, though they had to make sure they had to keep it a secret for the time being. Who knew what their parents or Akane might think of this change in their relationship. It was better this way, and it felt…naughtier, now that they both thought about it.

Then things got a bit more…intimate.

Initially, when their secret make out sessions had begun, she was the one that led him. Much like she was tutoring Ranma to get better grades, Kasumi was teaching him how to kiss. Ranma had allowed himself to let himself go, which made it easier for the eldest Tendo daughter to guide him and be more intimate. Kasumi had become bold in this as she had sometimes got herself into a position where she had Ranma on his back to her bed, pressing her entire body to his, making sure she pressed her breasts pressed into his chest. She had used her tongue to explore the insides of his mouth, tasting him as she had heard his moans of appreciation. Kasumi had often heard Ranma call her Teacher during their intimate sessions, which made her feel empowered as she continued to be even bolder with her kisses.

Kasumi was surprised at how well she doing since she was going heavily on what she had read in her romance novels, which tended to be very erotic in nature.

As Kasumi recalled, Ranma could be a very fast learner when he wanted to be. As much as she enjoyed teaching him how to be more intimate, she appreciated the times when the young man took the initiative. There were times when Ranma held her close, letting her feel his strong arms around her. Kasumi had let him take the lead, letting Ranma do what he wanted as she felt his kisses getting bolder and deeper, even experiencing his tongue inside her mouth as she responded to it with her own. She did have to drag him on top of her to the bed sometimes, though it made her blush to have the young man be in such a dominant position as he kissed her. As she experienced this, Kasumi felt Ranma's chest on her breasts, nipples hardening under her bra. She had even gasped whenever she felt the obvious sensation of the young man's erection between her legs. Kasumi couldn't help but smile, tears of joy coming from her eyes. Though it was in her nature to be humble, she was glad that Ranma made her feel like a beautiful woman.

Still, Kasumi felt that Ranma needed to learn more, so she devised another plan. She had only hoped that the Saotome heir would be receptive to it since it involved a certain curse he had attained in Jusenkyo, a region in China.

The curse in question came from cursed pools of water found in the treacherous training grounds in Jusenkyo with pieces of bamboo used as balancing poles. Each pool contained a tragic story where someone or something drowned in it and whenever someone went inside the pools, they would take the form of the person or thing that drowned there. Though hot water reversed the effects, cold water would change them right back to their cursed form.

Ranma himself had the curse that came from Jusenkyo that caused him to change into a busty, red-headed girl whenever splashed with cold water. It had been a hassle for him and made him the object of not just angry and envious girls, but an object of lust from hormonally charged boys. Worse yet, cold water tended to come up at the worst possible times, adding more to the curse.

Still, Kasumi felt that the next step should be taken, though it was going to take a lot of courage on her part, too.

Kasumi had instructed Ranma to come in late at night through her window. She had boiled a kettle of hot water before then, though she had to be really sneaky about it when she took it up to her room. She also had to make sure she took a glass of cold water as well. When midnight had come and with minimal light in her room, Kasumi heard a knocking at her window and saw that Ranma was waiting for her to open it. She did and Ranma swung himself inside. Kasumi blushed as she noted that the young man was wearing his white tank top and tan boxer shorts with blue trim. It took every ounce of her being not to jump on him and knew what she had to do next. She just hoped Ranma could forgive her.

Motioning Ranma to her bed, Kasumi went to her desk where she had placed the kettle and the glass of cold water earlier. When she grabbed the glass, she went to sit beside Ranma, who was looking at her curiously. The eldest Tendo daughter returned the look, though he couldn't tell what her intentions were.

"Ranma…do you trust me?" Kasumi asked, holding on to the glass of water.

"I do," Ranma responded simply.

"Then hold still," Kasumi said as she poured the cold water over Ranma's head.

The transformation was instantaneous and the young man had become a busty, redheaded girl who was a bit shorter than the male form. Sheer shock galvanized Ranma, causing him to instinctively leap away, before directing a disbelieving look at his tutor turned girlfriend, locks of soaking wet hair plastered to his face.

"Kasumi, what the hell!?" Ranma hissed, trying to keep her voice low.

"Ranma…bear with me," Kasumi began as she motioned Ranma to the bed again. "I'm going to instruct you in fondling a woman."

"Fondling…like…," Ranma blushed a deep crimson at what Kasumi was referring to.

"Yes, like that," Kasumi said, a blush forming on her face. "Listen…it isn't something I have experienced with anyone else and much like when we were kissing, it's very new. But please, Ranma. Let me teach you."

Kasumi could tell that Ranma was hesitant about all this. It was a huge step for him…her…whatever. She had to admit that the whole situation was very kinky, what with her taking the role of an instructor with Ranma as a very able but shy student. Kasumi gave Ranma a warm smile to reassure her that everything was going to be fine and nothing was going to go wrong. Seeing the man turned girl gulp nervously as she sat on the bed, Kasumi placed a hand on Ranma's shoulder to put her at ease.

Not giving Ranma any time to react, Kasumi moved her head close to Ranma's and kissed her on the lips. She could feel her hesitation at first, but the man turned woman responded to her. For Kasumi, this was a very huge step as she never entertained the idea of kissing another woman before this moment. She didn't feel any disgust as she knew that she was kissing the one she loved and wouldn't do anything that would cause harm. The fact that Ranma was responding to her made her feel giddy and felt that the person in front of her was beggining to get comfortable with this, so long as it was a woman doing this to her.

Letting go of Ranma's lips, Kasumi instructed, "Sit between my legs and turn your back to me. I'll lead you."

Kasumi moved a bit to give Ranma space as the redhead sat between her legs. She wrapped her arms around her waist, holding the girl close and pressing her breasts to her back. Ranma still felt pretty tense, but made no motion that indicated that she wanted to leave. Kasumi kissed Ranma on the neck, making her shiver as she breathed gently.

"So cute," Kasumi whispered huskily into Ranma's ear.

"Teacher Kasumi," Ranma said, still nervous.

"Just relax, my dear," Kasumi said soothingly. "I won't hurt you…just love you."

Feeling Ranma relaxed in her arms, Kasumi let go of her waist, pulled up Ranma's shirt, and gently started fondling her breasts. She wanted to be as gentle as possible, since she knew that breasts were the most sensitive part of a woman's body, and she didn't want to come on strong to the redheaded martial artist. Ranma's breasts were big and had a bit of a heft to them, making her a tad envious that they were bigger than her own. She used her fingers to touch around Ranma's nipples and they hardened to the touch. Kasumi could hear her breath quickening, though she saw her bite her lip on occasion, trying to muffle a moan.

Resting her head on Ranma's shoulder, Kasumi gave the girl a look to see how she was reacting to her touch. She could see that Ranma was experiencing many emotions, centering around embarrassment, arousal and excitement. Kasumi could also see that Ranma was trying to keep her voice down, which was understandable as she didn't want anyone waking up and barging in. She could feel the redhead quiver, which made her use her hands a bit more gently as she didn't want to come off as rough. Kasumi kissed Ranma's neck again, making her relax once more.

"How does it feel, Ranma?" Kasumi asked gently.

"Good…no, I can't possibly…," Ranma moaned and stammered. "I'm a guy…Kasumi…ooh, it feels…Kasumi…ooh, Kasumi…I can't believe…ooh, so good."

"I'm glad you feel that way," Kasumi said, keeping her hands on Ranma's breasts. "I'm not being too rough, am I?"

"No…your hands…my body…," Ranma continued to moan. "My breasts…so sensitive."

"You have to be gentle with a woman's breasts, Ranma. You can't be too rough with them or you'll hurt the one you love. I know men…and women... find them enticing, but you have to be mindful of their feelings. Just remember to be gentle…and you will be rewarded."

"I…I will…I'll never hurt you…I promise…Kasumi…aah…Kasumi…please…"

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No…teach me…Teacher…Teacher Kasumi…aah…aah..ooh…"

Kasumi continued to play with Ranma's breasts, pushing her deeper into her back so she could feel more aroused. Again, she felt a sense of empowerment over her as she felt the girl surrender to her touch. One of her hands left a breast briefly before inserting a finger into her mouth, covering it in saliva. The hand returned to the breast and Kasumi just rubbed Ranma's nipple, making her feel more excited. Ranma's voice was beginning to get more high-pitched as time went on and Kasumi looked to see that she was rubbing her thighs together. She took that as her cue to silence her with a kiss, her hand still on the redhead's breasts. Kasumi sensed that Ranma's excitement was reaching its peak.

Letting go of Ranma's lips again, Kasumi moved aside and gently laid her down on the bed. She straddled her and pushed her body up to hers, feeling Ranma's voluminous breasts squishing against her own, slightly smaller bosom. Kasumi went to Ranma's lips again, using her tongue as felt she Ranma's tongue coil with hers. The eldest Tendo daughter was feeling excited as well, her nipples hardening as she rubbed them against Ranma's breasts. Keeping her lips firmly on the redhead, Kasumi then heard a long muffled moan from her, feeling her body tense. After a second, Ranma relaxed, her lips leaving Kasumi's as she breathed heavily.

Getting off of Ranma, Kasumi looked over at her to see how she was faring. A distinct wet stain on Ranma's boxing shorts made it all too evident how excited the genderbent boy was. Kasumi shook her head, feeling that she may have made Ranma feel too much excitement as a girl. She was also surprised at herself since this was her first time making out with a female, even though she knew for a fact that the female was Ranma.

With a sigh, Kasumi got up from her bed and took off her nightgown, letting it fall to the floor. She sat back down on the bed and saw that Ranma had more or less settled down. Their eyes met and Kasumi could see that Ranma was taking her figure in, as if seeing it for the first time. She gave her a smile and she motioned her to where the kettle was. Ranma looked between Kasumi and the kettle and the eldest Tendo sister gave her a nod. The redheaded martial artist got up and took the kettle from the desk and poured the hot water over her head, turning him back into a young man again. All the while, Kasumi had laid herself on the bed, her back to the mattress and gave Ranma an inviting look. Her face betrayed her excitement as Ranma made his way over to her.

Kasumi looked up to Ranma as he towered over her, his body glistening from the hot water he had poured over himself. It honestly reminded her of her romance novels, especially whenever the part came up when the male lead was about to take the girl to heavenly pleasures. It made her whole body blush in anticipation. She could still see that Ranma was a bit unsure as she saw the worry on his face. She saw his hands opening and closing, seeing that the young man wanted to do this right.

"Ranma…I'll tell you if I like it," Kasumi giggled. "Just remember…be gentle with me…and I'll be good to you."

With that, Ranma lowered his hands and began to fondle Kasumi's breasts. She sighed, feeling those rough hands massage her orbs. Kasumi felt that the young man was trying to be as gentle as possible as she felt his hands around her breasts while also rubbing her nipples with his thumbs. Kasumi let out a moan before she caught herself, biting her lip. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed as Ranma looked at her, gauging her reaction to his touch. Her breathing had become heavy, feeling her arousal rising as Ranma continued to fondle her. In no time, Kasumi felt Ranma getting a bit more comfortable, feeling that he had gotten over his fear of hurting her. She let out a whine when she felt Ranma's hand leave her breasts, but before she could complain, Kasumi saw him lick his hands and they were on her breasts again. The sensations were getting to her, feeling the slickness of Ranma's saliva on her breasts as she felt something moist between her legs.

"Ranma…ooh, yes…darling…," moaned Kasumi, her excitement rising. "Such a…good boy…fast learner…show me, Ranma…show this-"

Kasumi was silenced with a kiss. Ranma's whole body was now on top of her, holding her tight as his lips locked with hers. Kasumi managed to embrace Ranma's neck and made sure his chest felt the full size of her breasts. She felt her body was on fire and could also feel the heat from Ranma's body as well. She blushed even redder when she felt the young man's erection through his shorts. Kasumi felt very happy as she and Ranma doubled their efforts to deepen their kisses.

After a while, Kasumi and Ranma came up for air and just looked at each other, their excitement still evident. They smiled lovingly and their lips met again. They held each other tightly before resting, basking in their own glow.

When Kasumi had woken up the next morning, she was half expecting Ranma to be there with her, but was disappointed when he wasn't. She knew that he didn't want to arouse suspicion from the other residents, but it still felt very lonely without him. With a sigh, Kasumi got up, took a bath, got dressed and made her way towards the kitchen. Just because it was the weekend, didn't mean that she got lazy around on her duties.

When she got to the kitchen, however, Kasumi noticed that there was a note on the counter. It was addressed to her and she recognized the handwriting belonging to Akane.

It simply said "Dojo. Come alone."

With a look of worry on her face, Kasumi headed towards the dojo. Once there, she saw her little sister looking at her with an expression that was never directed towards her before. Akane had a scowl on her face, her eyes glistening as she was trying to hold back her tears. Her hands were balled up into fists as she growled. It was a look of pure hate.

"You must think I'm an idiot, huh?" Akane seethed.

"Akane,I-" Kasumi began but was cut off.

"You Christmas cake bitch!" screamed Akane.

Kasumi gasped, fear clenching at her heart. It would seem that her little escapade with Ranma didn't go unnoticed, at least not by Akane. Many things were running through her mind, like if she or Ranma had been too loud or maybe Akane noticed Ranma sneaking out of the guest room. Either way, Kasumi was now the target of Akane's rage and she didn't know how to calm her down.

"You told me to back off, Kasumi," Akane continued, her voice starting to break. "You said that he needed distance after what had happened after the failed wedding two years ago and that he needed to study. I believed you…I backed off to give him space. I had to deal with a lot of things myself and even started seeing a counselor about my…issues and because of that…Ranma and I started to drift apart. We hardly ever spoke, but he got along well with you. You said you were just being his friend, but after what I heard yesterday…"

Akane began to laugh humorlessly as her tears began to flow from her cheeks looking away. Kasumi could see the hurt that practically emanated from her little sister's body. It didn't help that Akane had the look of someone that had been utterly betrayed. She didn't know what to say as anything could set Akane off. She really wanted to comfort her, but she felt that the last thing Akane needed was comfort from her.

"I thought….that Ranma and I were drifting….because he didn't want to tell me that he was getting close to those other girls that chased him," Akane said bitterly, sobbing. She then gave Kasumi a very hateful glare. "I just never thought that would be you…two years, Kasumi…two fucking years!"

"Akane, it wasn't…let me explain," Kasumi began to say.

"Just tell me, big sister!" spat Akane. "Tell me anything! Tell me that he used something or said something to take advantage of your kind nature! Tell me that he raped you and I swear to all that's holy-"

"Ranma did no such thing!" shouted Kasumi, livid that Akane could accuse Ranma of such a thing. "You know Ranma would never do that to me…to any girl! If anything…Ranma is a lot of things, Akane. He has his faults and can be insensitive and egotistic, but deep down, he is a good person! It seemed like the whole world was against him, even you! He needed a friend and…it just…went beyond that…"

Kasumi breathed heavily as she tried to calm down. She had never taken such a tone with her little sister and she could scarcely remember even taking that tone with Nabiki. But when Akane accused him of doing something so horrible, she knew he had to speak up in his defense. Still, there was some disbelief on Akane's face, like she didn't want to believe that Ranma didn't have an ulterior motive for what happened.

Akane's expression settled, but the glare was still on her face.

"You seduced him," Akane said, venom still in her voice. "If what you said was true, any of it, and Ranma was innocent in all this…then you seduced him. Never in my wildest dreams, Kasumi…but after what I heard last night…how you guided him…"

"Akane, no," Kasumi said soothingly. "That wasn't-"

"Go to hell, Kasumi," Akane spat. "You and Ranma can go to hell!"

With that, Akane ran out of the dojo, her tears in her eyes. Kasumi wanted to go after her and explain, but she knew she wouldn't listen. She fell to her knees and her mind raced. Akane knew and soon her father, Mr. and Mrs. Saotome would know what had happened between her and Ranma. She began to wonder and worry about what was going to happen. While she didn't regret her actions with Ranma, she still hurt her sister and it ached at her heart.

Before she could contemplate any further, Kasumi felt a pair of strong arms embrace her, making her gasp. She turned her head around and saw Ranma's face inches away from hers. All her worries melted away, feeling warm in Ranma's arms. She smiled a warm smile before Ranma kissed her, locking his lips with hers. When their lips parted, Kasumi's worried expression returned.

"Ranma…did I seduce you?" asked Kasumi.

"You didn't do anything to me that I didn't want, Kasumi," Ranma assured.

"Our parents…we have to tell them."

"Yeah…I'll be with you, Kasumi. No matter what."

Kasumi had called a meeting to the dining room moments later. As soon as she, Ranma, his parents and her father had settled at the table, Kasumi had told them what had happened. To say the reactions were mixed would have been an understatement. Her father expressed his disappointment and anger towards her and Ranma, how it hurt Akane and how it could potentially bring dishonor to the Tendo family. He had even brought up how Kimiko, his late wife, would have been ashamed of her, which really hurt Kasumi. Genma would scold Ranma about how he had also brought shame on the Saotome family, which only instigated an argument between father and son. Nodoka, Ranma's mother, would bring up that while she understood that her son needed to experience intimacy, she didn't think it was very manly to do so at the expense of his fiance. There was a lot of back and forth before everything had settled down.

In the end, Soun had made the decision that in order to keep the family honor intact as well as fulfill the promise between the Saotome and Tendo schools, Ranma's engagement was switched to Kasumi. Kasumi protested the decision, as she felt that Ranma didn't want to be forced into things so quickly, but to her surprise, Ranma accepted the responsibility. He even formally proposed to her. She accepted as she didn't want to hide her relationship with Ranma from her family anymore. Kasumi only wished that all this had happened under better circumstances.

As for Akane, she didn't come back for the rest of that day and when she did, she had started to treat Ranma and Kasumi more coldly and was often out of the house with her friends.

When Nabik, Kasumi's second youngest sister, was told about the switch, she had teased Kasumi mercilessly and wondered when her big sister would start acting like a true woman and not a surrogate mother. She did warn Ranma not to hurt her, though.

One thing Kasumi had expected is that word of what happened may have spread and awaited the inevitable fallout. Things like this always had earth shattering consequences.

A few days later, while Ranma and Akane were at school and her father was at another city council meeting, Kasumi was sweeping outside the house when she heard a limousine drive up near the entrance of the Tendo home. When it parked, a young man about Ranma's age exited the driver's side of the vehicle and opened the rear door. More boys in school uniform exited the vehicle and lined up vertically from the entrance. Finally, a young lady exited the limousine, dressed formally in a white blouse and black dress. Her black hair was done up in a ponytail and her expression had the air of sophistication, but also seriousness. Kasumi recognized the young lady as Kodachi, the wealthy Kuno heiress and someone who had been pursuing Ranma. She wasn't officially a suitor, but she had acted like one.

Kodachi had approached Kasumi and held her broom tightly. Though she had no illusions that she could best Kodachi, a champion martial arts gymnast from St. Hebereke School for Girls, she still needed to put up a brave front. The Kuno heiress was as deadly as she was beautiful.

As Kodachi stopped a few paces in front of her, Kasumi could feel Kodachi's eyes on her, feeling that she was being sized up. Not long after, the Kuno heiress closed her eyes and smirked. She then turned around, opened her eyes and addressed the boys in school uniforms, "Gentleman…what do you think of this woman with a broom?"

There was silence, but Kasumi could tell that the boys felt awkward about answering.

Kodachi frowned at this and asked dangerously, "I repeat, what do you think of this woman with the broom!?"

"Uh, she's pretty," one boy answered fearfully.

"Very much so," a second boy responded, sweating.

"Like a housewife," a third boy piped up.

"My dad would like her," another boy said.

"But she can't compare to you, mistress!" another boy assured.

"That's right, mistress Kuno! No lady in Japan…no lady in the world is as refined as you."

"Such class and beauty, mistress Kuno!"

"A superior athlete with no equal!"

That's when all the boys proclaimed, "Our mistress Kodachi…we love you forever!"

Kodachi let out a laugh that chilled Kasumi to the bone. What was more unnerving to her was that Kodachi's male entourage seemed to be smitten by it.

Kodachi turned around and faced Kasumi and sighed, "Ah, boys. They're so afraid of telling the truth to a lady, and fear the punishment of the gods themselves if they do. I swear, as delectable and loyal as they can be, they have to learn so much about honesty, don't you agree, Miss Tendo?"

"Ranma is at school," Kasumi responded with a frown.

"I know, Miss Tendo," Kodachi said. "Sadly, I can't stay here for long. St. Hebereke are having their annual field trip for America and the St. Yakekuso School for Boys is joining in. As you can see, these boys are from that school. I met them at a dance and they haven't left my side since."

Kasumi continued to look at Kodachi with seriousness as she knew she had a reason to be here.

Seeing that Kasumi was in no mood for her eccentricities, Kodachi smirked and said, "I really have to commend you, Kasumi Tendo. Your scheme of deceit, deviousness and duplicity played out perfectly and now you have the man of your dreams. A scheme worthy of me."

Kasumi looked at Kodachi oddly, confused about what she had just said.

Kodachi chuckled and continued, "Oh, come now. It was a beautiful plan. Two years ago, you told me that Ranma darling needed his space after what had happened between him and that bullish sister of yours. I had my suspicions, but I truly believed that my darling needed to make his decision with a clear head, so I waited and my spies reported back to me. You played the long game well and snatched Ranma up for yourself. Make no mistake, I was angry…but not as angry as I would have been back then."

Walking up to one of the boys and stroking his cheek, Kodachi said, "In those two years, I've been busy. I met these boys who had low self esteem and thought that they could never have the love of a refined woman like me. Yes, I still thought of Ranma as he was the one who came to my rescue, but maybe…just maybe…I didn't like him as much as I thought I did. Maybe it was the rush of being saved by a knight in shining armor. But a lady can't stay idle and wait for the man to show his feelings to me…if he even had them."

Kasumi remained silent, but kept her eyes on Kodachi.

"What I'm saying is that you don't have to worry, Kasumi Tendo," Kodachi assured. "You've won this game, played it masterfully even. You had everyone fooled with that facade of the Yamato Nadeshiko. But tell Ranma for me that he missed an opportunity in becoming part of my…entourage. Farewell…and enjoy your prize."

Kodachi walked over to the limo and snapped her fingers, motioning the driver to open the rear door. Once she entered, the other boys followed her in. Seconds later, the limo took off.

Seeing the Limo in the distance, Kasumi sighed in relief and continued sweeping. She smiled, knowing that Ranma would be happy that he won't have to deal with one more suitor.

"Kasumi?"

Kasumi was snapped back to where she was, sitting at the table next to Ranma with their parents liquored up. She looked at Ranma as he gave her a look of concern. She was so into her memories of what had happened in the last two years that she zoned out everything that was happening around her. There was so much hurt but there was so much love. She regretted hurting her little sister the way she did, but her actions with Ranma…she wouldn't take that back for anything. Kasumi gave her fiance an apologetic smile and took his hand in hers, happy for his concern.

Still, the memory of Kodachi also reminded her that Ranma still had two more suitors to deal with and with him going off to college, she felt that he needed to settle things before starting his new chapter in life.

"No-do-ka…" Genma slurred as he crawled towards his wife. "How…hic…how about we take this party upstairs?"

"Oh, my," Nodoka blushed. "Genma, you…just…not as panda this time."

"No promises," Genma smirked.

"Gross," Ranma muttered, seeing his father carry his mother over his shoulder, laughing with her.

Seeing that her father was out like a light and Saotomes about to engage in…activities, Kasumi turned to Ranma and asked, "Ranma…would you mind terribly if joined me for a night on the town?"

"Not at all, Kasumi," Ranma responded gladly.

---

In the hour that passed since Ranma and Kasumi had left the Tendo Dojo, they never really stopped anywhere as they just wanted to wander around town, away from drunk parents so they could have time to themselves. Though they wore warm clothes, the two held each other close for warmth. On occasion, Kasumi would greet some of the local townsfolk, people she had gotten to know over the years, be it market vendors or some of the housewives out shopping for the best winter deals. Some of these people did tease Kasumi about the young man she had latched herself to and some would even tease Ranma, whereupon the eldest Tendo daughter had to restrain him from doing something foolish. Considering how much Nerima had become the center of chaos since the arrival of the Saotomes, a walk around the city on what could be considered a date was a nice change of pace.

After grabbing a few snacks and warm drinks, Ranma and Kasumi settled on a park bench, relaxing as they sat close. Ever since Ranma got his test scores, Kasumi had felt very proud of what Ranma had accomplished over the last two years. She had helped guide him to be better in his studies and in some ways, helped him to become a better person. She still felt humbled as she felt that she didn't do much and Ranma did all the real work by himself. Now he was going to the university, studying for a career and fully realizing his potential. Without many distractions, Ranma was capable of being more than a martial artist.

Falling in love was something unforeseen, but Kasumi felt right in accepting Ranma's feelings for her because she had started to feel the same way about him.

As she glanced at Ranma, Kasumi could see that he had a lot on his mind. She wondered what he could be thinking as he had a serious look on his face. He had graduated high school, studied for months for college entrance exams and passed. That and he had become her fiance, which meant more responsibilities for him. Maybe he was thinking ahead and it worried her that Ranma might feel overwhelmed in how to tackle all this. Even though he had become better in his school studies, Ranma was more at home in practicing martial arts. Perhaps he feared that he would fail, though he would never admit it.

Kasumi held Ranma's hand in hers, which got his attention. She gave him a smile, which he returned.

"I know you will do well, Ranma Saotome," Kasumi assured. "But…if you need anything, I'll be there, whether it be a book or…"

"Or what?" Ranma asked curiously.

Kasumi gave Ranma a half lidded look before she moved her head close and kissed him on the lips. Ranma responded, his lips moving on their own.

"I had to see it for myself," a voice said, interrupting the couple.

Ranma and Kasumi turned to who had spoken and saw a woman who looked to be Ranma's age. She had long brown hair with a white bow tied around her head and ear muffs on her ears. She had a scarf around her neck, wore a sweater and pants. She looked to have a healthy figure and the winter clothes didn't hide that. What was unusual was that she had a giant spatula tied to her back.

Ranma and Kasumi knew this woman to be Ukyo Kounji, a martial artist with a talent for making okonomiyaki, which she had parlayed into the ownership of her own restaurant, Okonomiyaki Ucchan's. She was also an old friend of Ranma's, as well as one of his suitors. The couple tensed at the sight of her as she didn't look very happy. In fact, the girl looked dejected.

"Ucchan," Ranma spoke.

"Miss Kounji" Kasumi said.

"Ranchan, I…," Ukyo began, though she was trying hard to hold back her emotions. "After what had happened…after I helped crash your wedding to Akane, I felt like an utter idiot. I could have just let things be, but…I had to try because…"

Ukyo's eyes started to glisten as tears started to form.

"I felt that after what I did, I thought you'd never want to speak with me again," Ukyo continued as she turned her head towards Kasumi. "You came by my place and told me that Ranchan needed space to figure things out. I did, but I held out hope that me and Ranchan would at least be friends again, and maybe more. All I had to do was wait, but when I heard that you had somehow hooked up with him…"

Ukyo's tears were now starting to fall from her eyes.

"When I heard from Konatsu, you know, the crossdressing kunoichi I hired years back, about what had happened between you two, I was so angry," Ukyo went on. "He spotted you and Ranchan making out in your room while he was making a delivery, Kasumi. Believe me, I really wanted to tear you a new one because it felt like you lied to me about Ranma needing his space. But considering how much of a good reputation you have in this town…"

Ukyo couldn't take it anymore. She started to cry and fell to her knees, sobbing as she covered her face with her hands. Ranma went over to her, but when he tried to reach out, Ukyo swatted his hand away and glared at him. But the glare didn't hold for long as she became more despondent.

"When I first came here, I came for vengeance, Ranma," Ukyo said. "Your dad made a promise to my dad that I would have your hand, and he stole from us. I trained so I could have your head, but you still wanted to be friends. But I wanted more from you. I thought I had a chance when you didn't get along with Akane, but now…"

Ranma and Kasumi remained silent as Ukyo began to cry again. They didn't dare set her off and just let her vent out her frustrations. After a moment, Ukyo wiped her tears away and stood up. She looked at Ranma straight in the eye and could see that he really didn't want to see her like this.

"I don't have a shot in hell, do I?" asked Ukyo, shaken.

"Ucchan, I'm sorry," Ranma said, shaking his head. "My heart belongs to Kasumi, but we can still be-"

"Save it!" Ukyo shouted. "Just…I know what the score is, Ranchan. I lost and I'm more angry at myself. For a lot of reasons. So many years wasted…"

Ukyo turned around, though she had started to calm down.

"Just letting you both know that I'm leaving town," Ukyo said. "I have no reason to stay anymore and I have to explain to my father that I have failed. Hopefully…yeah, that's a bit of a stretch."

Without another word, Ukyo took off running, never turning back.

Kasumi couldn't help but feel sorry for Ukyo as she saw her running away. She truly felt that Ukyo's feelings for Ranma were genuine, and also that Ukyo's claim for Ranma's hand was more legitimate than the promise between her father and Genma Saotome. She then looked at Ranma's reaction and could see that he was also feeling hurt. For one thing, Ranma couldn't stand to see another girl cry and since Ukyo was his best friend since childhood, it probably stung a little more. Kasumi got up from the bench and hugged Ranma from behind. He seemed to calm down somewhat as she felt his hand on hers.

"She'll be okay, Ranma," spoke Kasumi.

"Yeah, I know," Ranma responded. "I never wanted to hurt her after everything and all."

"Son-in-law," an old voice spoke.

"Oh, not now," Ranma groaned as he turned around.

Ranma and Kasumi turned around and before them was a diminutive old woman that barely reached up to their knees, holding a long wooden cane . She had long gray hair and had a very stern and authoritative expression. Behind her was a young woman with purple that reached her waist and two strands of it hanging in her front who wore a cheongsam that held tightly to her well formed body. She had an even expression and her eyes were squarely on Ranma.

"Elder Cologne," Kasumi spoke.

"Miss Tendo," Cologne greeted. "I believe you know my great granddaughter Shampoo here. There's something we all need to discuss."

---

The Cat Cafe had opened its doors a couple of years ago under the watchful eye of Elder Cologne of the Joketsuzoku, a tribe of Chinese amazons who have been around for centuries. The establishment itself served many dishes native to where the Amazons came from and had been a popular spot in Nerima in the short time it had been open. The employees as well as the owner of the Cat Cafe were all of Amazon heritage and were skilled in not just cooking, but also serving in an efficient manner. Cologne herself ran a tight shift and didn't leave a margin for error. It wouldn't do much for her reputation as an elder of the amazons to be thought of as lax in her responsibilities.

For the moment, there were only four individuals sitting around a round table. Elder Cologne had ushered the customers and the rest of the employees away and closed the Cat Cafe for the remainder of the day. She stood on one of the chairs, cane in hand while her great grand-daughter Shampoo sat beside her, her expression even. Ranma had a stern expression on his face, not taking his eyes of Cologne and Kasumi sat close by her fiance, a diplomatic look on her face. The situation had the air of a business negotiation.

Letting out a heavy breath and narrowing her eyes, Cologne began, "Normally, I would try to beat some sense into you, son-in-law. You have an obligation to my Shampoo and to the Amazon Tribe. Our laws are not something one could just…handwave away because you don't like them. We Amazons have been around for many centuries, and we defend our traditions with our very lives. By all rights, I should just drag you away from this place and force the nuptials to proceed."

"You're welcome to try," Ranma challenged, a frown on his face. "I made my choice, old hag. I'm not abandoning Kasumi for no one."

"Must you be so difficult, my boy!?" argued Cologne harshly as she motioned towards Shampoo. "What…is so wrong in marrying my Shampoo!? She is the greatest amazon warrior of this generation, with beauty to match! Not many can match her in battle and she loves you because no man will ever be her equal in her eyes! You would benefit as well and your skills will surpass any warrior of the tribe, woman or man!"

"She chased me all over China because of a misunderstanding, and you expect me to marry her after what you and her have put me through!?" asked Ranma, standing up and slamming his hands on the table with a scowl. "Go ahead and just drag me away, old hag! Put me in chains, drug me or whatever! I'll find my way back to Japan and be with Kasumi! I love her, now and forever!"

Kasumi blushed a deep shade of red, and a goofy smile threatened to creep onto her face. This had been a far cry from the man she knew for two years who had a tough time admitting his feelings. Now Ranma's doing it without any fear. She felt flattered, giddy and her heart raced at what seemed to be a million miles per hour.

Looking up to see the reactions of the two people in front of her, Kasumi could see that Cologne was trying to contain what was left of her anger as she gripped the staff tightly, a scowl on her face. Shampoo was relatively quiet throughout all this, though Kasumi saw the downcast expression on her face. It was as if the young lady in front of her had all but given up.

Cologne then directed her attention towards Kasumi and said, "You came to me on behalf of my son-in-law, Kasumi Tendo. You said he needed to get his head straight before he made a decision. I gave you the benefit of the doubt and stayed away. I even told Shampoo to lay off because I had faith that Ranma would come to his senses and do what honor demands. But for you to come in and steal him from under Shampoo…"

Cologne let out a mirthless laugh before continuing.

"And you know what the funniest thing about all this? Shampoo didn't want to tell me. She saw you…you and son-in-law in the throws of passion. She had snuck out because she didn't want to wait for his decision and she saw both of you…I'm surprised she didn't even try to stop it. It was her duty to take out any obstacle and she didn't do it. And here I thought…"

"Elder Cologne," Kasumi started. "If I may ask, what would that have accomplished? You and Shampoo had tried everything to get Ranma away, force him away from his home so he can marry your great-granddaughter. The only thing you two have never tried is being reasonable. It would have been a one-sided affair, a loveless marriage that would only benefit you and your tribe."

Kasumi turned her attention to Shampoo.

"Shampoo…you say you loved my Ranma. You even declared it when you gave him the kiss of marriage. If you truly loved him…you wouldn't have to resort to tricks just to get him to come back to China with you. In fact, dare I say, he would have hated you and I don't think you would've wanted that, would you?"

Shampoo shut her eyes and shook her head.

"Had the circumstance been different, he would have chosen you," Kasumi continued. "You have a lot of things going for you, and any man would be lucky to have you. To tell you the truth, I'm surprised that Ranma chose me. I'm just a simple girl who takes care of the home, I'm not very pretty and I don't have many talents. I do what I can because I do my best to make everyone happy. Nothing more."

"Humble to a fault," Ranma chuckled.

"Oh, for the love of…," Cologne was losing what patience she had left. "Kasumi Tendo, if you are as kind as the people in this town say, then think of Shampoo! Don't you know what will happen to her if she comes back empty handed!? She will be dishonored and best case scenario, she will be exiled, never to return and be stripped of her standing! I won't let that happen because she's family! I'm not going to let some foolish house maid stand in the way of my Shampoo's happiness!"

"Then why don't you kill me?" Kasumi asked.

Her words elicited a gasp from those gathered at the table; Cologne in shock that she would be so bluntly spoken to, Ranma in fear, and as for Shampoo's reasons, they were hers and hers alone.

"It would be rather simple, wouldn't it?" Kasumi asked with a shrug, directing her attention to Shampoo. "I'm just an obstacle and I have no means to defend myself. I can't hope to fight back against you because I'm not a martial artist. The only way you'll get to Ranma is to go through me. But what then, Shampoo? If he doesn't return your feelings, will you drug him? Rape him until he's nothing more than your pet breeder? Is that what you want, Shampoo? Is that what Amazon honor means to you?"

At Kasumi's words, Shampoo felt a mixture of anger and sadness. Then, she raised her arms, balled up her hands into fists and smashed the table into pieces, screaming in sorrow as she did. Afterwards, she fell to her knees and started to cry. Ranma, Kasumi and Cologne could only watch as Shampoo grieved.

Without looking up, Shampoo muttered, "Is over, great-grandmother."

"Shampoo, you can't be serious!" Cologne shouted.

"Shampoo very serious!" Shampoo shot back. "Husband…Ranma will never love Shampoo like Shampoo wants. When Shampoo saw them…Ranma and Kasumi…Shampoo knew…Shampoo could do anything but Ranma would never love me…not like Kasumi…Kasumi's right, great-grandmother…Shampoo…defeated."

Cologne could only look at Shampoo in disbelief as she went over to comfort her. Her great-granddaughter had now become inconsolable as she cried into her hands. Cologne scowled and turned to face Kasumi and pointed her cane towards her, which caused Ranma to get in front of her in a fighting stance.

"There will be compensation, I assure you," warned Cologne. "If son-in-law won't give us that…then maybe one day, your heirs will have to pay. Get out of my sight!"

With that, Ranma and Kasumi left the Cat Cafe, the cries of the young amazon growing quieter as they walked further away.

---

As they walked further into the city, Ranma and Kasumi held each other's hands for comfort. It wasn't a surprise that Cologne had warned that consequences were coming, but it didn't make the situation any less worrisome. Still, it was somewhat of a relief that neither Cologne or Shampoo would try anything in the immediate future. At least Shampoo was convinced that there was nothing she could do to change things.

Kasumi glanced at Ranma and found that the young man had a warm smile. She also noted that his eyes were glistening. She didn't have to wonder long at what was going on through Ranma's mind as he pulled her into a hug. She returned it as she felt his arms hold her tightly.

"Thank you," Ranma said. "I can never thank you enough for what you did back there."

"Ranma…," Kasumi spoke softly. "Really, I didn't do much, I…"

"You did enough," Ranma insisted. "For all the stuff I could do, you did something I couldn't do. You freed me, Kasumi Tendo. I owe you so much."

"Ranma…no…it wasn't really…"

"I'll do anything for you, Kasumi. Just name it and I'll do it. Anything you want."

Kasumi couldn't think of anything at the moment and just held Ranma tightly. As she looked around, her eyes settled on an old brick building that was three stories high. Kasumi's eyes then noticed the plaque at the entrance of the building that read, "Peach and Plumbers Love Hotel, A Lucky Heaven Resort." She closed her eyes and gave it some thought before coming to her answer.

"Ranma…I don't want to go home tonight," Kasumi said, her eyes never leaving the building.

Ranma didn't have a chance to respond to that when Kasumi was leading him into the building.

---

Taking in their surroundings, Ranma and Kasumi stood inside their room that they were going to use for the night. When they first entered the room, they found themselves in the living room where there was a couch, a small table with bottles of water and assorted hardbound books, and a television set on top of a cabinet with two small doors and two drawers. Not far away was the bedroom, which made the couple blush, reminding them why they were here. There was also a small closet nearby and a door that led to the bathroom. The room looked pretty ordinary at first glance, but Ranma and Kasumi felt there was more to this room.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Kasumi began to explore the room. She went to the bedroom first and had a look in the interior, which contained a king sized bed, another tv set on a smaller cabinet with a video player and an assortment of movies next to it. Exiting the room, Kasumi explored the bathroom, finding the shower and a hot tub plus a few amenities like robes, slippers, hygiene products and a vending machine that contained drinks and…adult toys. Once again, Kasumi blushed, thinking that the owners of this place thought of everything.

Exiting the bathroom, Kasumi found Ranma sitting on the couch with one of the books from the table in hand. She found that his eyes went wide and had instantly closed, making a loud noise. Kasumi had a curious look on her face and sat next to Ranma, grabbing the book from him. She gasped as she saw the contents. It was basically a book of sexual positions and as Kasumi flipped through the pages, she found it to be very explicit. She stopped on a page on occasion and she could practically hear Ranma's panic noises as she continued to look at the book. When she closed it, Kasumi turned to a nervous looking Ranma and gave him a sly smile, which made the young man's hair and pigtail stood on end.

"Uh, it's…it's…not what you think, I…," Ranma stammered. "I swear, I didn't know what was in there! You gotta believe me!"

"Ranma…it's fine," Kasumi assured as she placed her hand on Ranma's cheek. "I'm not going to scold you for being curious. Besides…letting you in on a secret, I have some naughty material at home."

"You do!?" Ranma asked, shocked. "I mean…you?"

"Ranma, I'm curious about these things, too," Kasumi laughed. "Though to answer your question, I don't have any of those naughty magazines young people get. I have romance novels. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure for me and the ones I have are…very explicit. They even have some pictures. Even Nabiki doesn't know about it."

Kasumi giggled at the shocked look still firmly planted on Ranma's face. She didn't know if it was because of her hidden nature or the fact that she hid said nature from her nosy and greedy sister.

With a sigh, Kasumi stood up and said, "Listen…it's been a long day and after what has happened…I think we deserve this time alone. Plus, we're celebrating your next step into a larger world. I'm very proud of you, Ranma Saotome and…this is my reward, my student. Hopefully, you'll love it."

Ranma stood up and responded with a smile, "Teacher Kasumi…I'm sure I'll love it and…love you."

"I'll bet," Kasumi said slyly. "But we should get cleaned up. You'll go first. I…have some things I need to plan."

"I trust you," Ranma said with confidence.

'With what I have planned, I hope so,' Kasumi thought with a bit of worry.

---

Some time later, Kasumi emerged from the shower, wearing a bathrobe and slippers. Ranma had taken a shower earlier and Kasumi had told him to wait in the bedroom in the meantime. Entering the bedroom, she found her fiance sitting on the bed in a robe similar to his. She could see that he was deep in thought, no doubt having to do with what was about to happen between them. Though they had some very intense moments before this, this would be the first time they would go even further. She had a feeling Ranma wanted this to go right and Kasumi truly wanted him to be happy with her. She still felt humbled that Ranma would want her like this, but smiled that he wanted her nonetheless.

Knocking on the doorframe, Kasumi got Ranma's attention and the young man stood up instantly. She walked up to him and embraced him, making sure she pressed her breasts firmly on his chest. She felt his body go stiff but in an instant, felt him relax as she felt his arms wrap around her. Kasumi sighed, feeling the warmth of Ranma's embrace and once again, felt humbled when she felt his erection through the robe. Lifting her head up, Kasumi inched her face closer to kiss Ranma on the lips. She held her lips tightly on his and felt him respond to her. After a bit, Kasumi let go of his lips and rested her head on Ranma's shoulder and sighed.

"Do you truly trust me?" Kasumi asked.

"I do," Ranma responded. "With you guiding me, I know this will go right. I want to do right by you, Kasumi Tendo."

With a contented smile, Kasumi let go of Ranma and separated herself from him, leaving the room. It wasn't long before she came back with an open bottle of water in one hand and a small kettle of hot water in another. Placing the kettle on the counter, Kasumi approached Ranma. Once close to him, she looked at him to see if he was sure about her intentions. Ranma gave her a warm smile and Kasumi poured the contents of the water bottle over his head. The young man became a busty redhead in an instant.. What surprised Kasumi was that Ranma didn't flinch, unlike the last time she did this to him. The smile was still on the boy turned girl's face and she was glad that Ranma looked comfortable about what was going to happen. Kasumi moved her head closer to Ranma's, discarding the water bottle and placed her hands on her cheeks and kissed her on the lips. She didn't feel any hesitation on Ranma's part and her arms wrapped around her waist. As she deepened the kiss, Kasumi placed her hands on Ranma's shoulders and gently pushed her onto the bed. She got on top of her, giving her a half lidded stare and placed her lips onto hers again, mashing her robed covered breasts with Ranma's. Kasumi giggled through the kiss when Ranma responded to it eagerly.

Letting go of Ranma's lips, Kasumi amusingly said, "Oh my, Ranma. So cute and so eager…what am I going to do with you?"

"Kasumi…oh, Kasumi…what…are you…," Ranma breathed heavily.

"Being your tutor, my most precious darling," Kasumi responded as she ran her hands on Ranma's face and hair. "I know you want to do right by me so…let me be your guide. If I do something you don't like, let me know…and you can punish me for it."

"I…I could never…Kasumi, I trust you, so…do whatever you want…I…I won't stop…I love you…"

"I'm glad you have faith in me, Ranma. I promise I won't hurt you."

"No…you won't…I know you won't…so, please…"

Kasumi could see that Ranma was trying to hold back her emotions. When she saw a stray tear leave her eye, she touched it with her finger and wiped it off. Giving her a reassuring smile, Kasumi opened Ranma's robe, untying the sash and exposing her rather large breasts and a bit more. Not wanting her to be the only one exposed, Kasumi untied the sash of her robe and exposed her own body to Ranma. She then went down and kissed Ranma again, using her tongue to explore Ranma's mouth. Kasumi mashed her breasts with Ranma's again, eliciting a moan from the redhead as she felt her tongue make its way inside her mouth.

'Oh, my!' Kasumi thought in surprise, moaning as she felt Ranma's tongue. 'Ranma…oh, Ranma…you make me want to…no…for her sake…I won't rush things.'

Letting go of Ranma's lips, Kasumi lowered her head and kissed her neck and kept her lips there. As she licked the redhead's neck, she began to fondle her breasts, giving them a loving squeeze. Kasumi heard a high pitched squeak from Ranma, which made her look up to see her expression. She had her eyes shut, gritting her teeth and her face was blushing from both arousal and embarrassment. She stopped for a moment, but when Ranma opened her eyes and nodded to her with half lidded eyes, Kasumi continued. Kasumi fondled one of Ranma's breasts while using her other fingers to tease her nipples. They were erect and Ranma breathing had become heavy and ragged, letting out loud moans of pleasure.

Kasumi let go of Ranma's breasts and lowered herself to face them. Again, she felt envious of their size, but cast that feeling aside, choosing to admire their beauty. She then held Ranma tightly, using her head to feel the volume of her breasts. It wasn't long before she opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue. Giving one breast a gentle squeeze, Kasumi began to lick around Ranma's nipple, eliciting a gasp from her. She found that she liked the flavor and kept licking at it while still fondling the other breast. Hearing Ranma's cries of pleasure simply emboldened Kasumi to keep at it, sucking on the breast. Moments later, her mouth left Ranma's breast and went for the other one, giving it the same treatment. Again, this was something Kasumi never saw herself doing with another woman and was surprised at how much she was loving the taste. She was also glad that Ranma was going with the flow and made no motion to stop her.

Kasumi had only read about such lewd things in her romance novels and she remembered herself blushing when she read scenes about a male lead taking on two ladies and said ladies would pleasure each other just to bring out the male's wild side. To Kasumi, it felt very forbidden and it surprised her that the scene had made her wet between her legs.

"Kasumi…oh, Kasumi," Ranma moaned, her breathing quickened. "Only you…no one else…no one can do what…ah! Kasumi…Kasumi…oh my…something…Kasumi….I'm feeling weird…my body…what you're doing to my boobs…keep doing that…but…something's…happening…what…what's happening to me!?"

When Kasumi let go of Ranma's breasts, she tilted her head up at Ranma's face. Her expression was filled with a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment, her face flushed. Kasumi lowered her hand and made contact with Ranma's nethers, making the redhead close her thighs on instinct. Kasumi kissed Ranma to ease her and in no time, she parted her thighs, exposing how wet she had become. She moved her hand to feel around Ranma's exposed opening, feeling getting soaked. Letting go of Ranma's lips, Kasumi gauged her lover's reaction and continued to use her hand to pleasure her. Ranma was very much losing herself to lust. She used her other hand to pleasure one of Ranma's breasts, doubling the stimulation.

"Kasumi…Teacher Kasumi…your hands, they're…," Ranma was tearing up at the pleasure she was feeling. "Kasumi…I'm weird, am I? This feels so good…my body…my girl body feels so good…I love it…but…but…oh, my!"

Kasumi lifted her hand from where she was stimulating Ranma's opening. Indeed, her hand was very soaked, coated in Ranma's juices. She gave it a smell and found that she liked the scent of it. Fighting the impulse of licking her soaked hand, Kasumi instead moved her hand and extended her forefinger and middle finger towards Ranma. She then used those fingers to rub Ranma's lips, making the redhead open her mouth. Kasumi then inserted her two fingers inside of Ranma's mouth. The redhead began to suck on the eldest Tendo sister's fingers and even licked around, tasting her own juices.

"I can see you like your own taste," Kasumi commented with a smile. "This is how a woman tastes, Ranma. When a woman gets excited, she lets something out. I'm glad that you have reacted so favorably, my love. In fact…it makes me want more of it."

Moving between Ranma's legs, Kasumi got a better look of what was happening to her. She could see how truly wet her entrance had become and it was still twitching. The fact that Ranma had become so aroused that not only were her juices staining the blankets but also how much her entrance was seemingly aching for something else. Kasumi chuckled as she extended her tongue and began to lick at Ranma's thighs, teasing her. She could hear her practically begging through her moans and groans, but Kasumi kept on doing what she was doing. Eventually, Kasumi dove in, using her tongue to lick deep inside of Ranma's folds. She heard crying out in pleasure as she tasted her, lapping up more of her nectar. Kasumi herself moaned, letting Ranma know how much she loves her taste. Ranma's body was writhing in pleasure and Kasumi just kept going, surprised that she was enjoying this and making the boy turned girl feel more turned on.

'So tasty…I never thought that…oh, Ranma,' thought Kasumi as she began using her fingers to stimulate Ranma's clit while using her other fingers to dig deeper into Ranma's folds and using her tongue to taste more. 'So cute…what you must think of your trusting fiance…making you feel things you wouldn't normally feel…forgive me…for being a starved and lewd woman…'

"Kasumi…Kasumi…oh, shit…I'm…you're so…," Ranma breathed heavily, her moans getting even louder. "More…so good…my body…so tingly, I'm…I never thought…please…Kasumi…so close…"

After much time devoting herself to using her tongue to please Ranma's nethers, Kasumi lifted her head up and crawled over to her. She turned the redhead to her side, got behind her and spooned her. Kasumi then kissed Ranma thoroughly, inserting her tongue deeply inside her mouth and felt her respond instantly. She used her hands to fondle her breasts while tweaking her nipples, making Ranma respond with a contented sigh. She then lowered one of her hands towards her wet folds and started to stimulate it, making Ranma let go of her lips and cry out. As she saw Ranma enjoying her touch, Kasumi began to lick her neck, tasting her sweat covered skin. Given how Ranma was reacting positively, Kasumi was glad that the girl was letting herself go, feeling that the martial artist was no longer tense or afraid of being touched in such a manner.

"Ooh, Ranma…you do love this," whispered Kasumi into Ranma's ear, sensually. "The way your voice carries inside this room…and the way you look…so cute and good enough to eat…"

"Kasumi…I love you so much," Ranma said happily.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kasumi replied as she continued to finger Ranma's entrance. "Personally…I would have thought that you would hate me…for making you feel like this…as a woman instead of a man…"

"No…no never," Ranma responded, shaking her head vigorously. "You can…you can…oh, Kasumi! I'm so close!"

"I've been so cruel to you. So terribly cruel. I'm just an old woman using the facade of a tutor to take advantage of sweet, innocent you. Making you feel things…want things…making you, Ranma Saotome, my plaything in bed. You have no idea how much I wanted to have you like this. How much I desired you…you must think I'm a terrible woman for behaving so lewdly to you."

"No…Kasumi…you're not…don't ever…oh, Kasumi…more…you're so good to me…ah…ah…Kasumi…you're so kind…you know how to…make me…feel so…oh..oh...please…only you can…Kasumi…"

Letting go of Ranma, Kasumi slowly moved her so she was lying on the bed, face down. She then got behind her and lifted her rear up so it could stick out. Kasumi lowered her head, placed her hands on each of Ranma's buttocks and started to lick at her wet folds again. As she used her tongue to dig deeper into Ranma's entrance, Kasumi massaged her lover's buttocks, kneading them and making the red headed girl moan in pleasure. As she did this, Kasumi noted that Ranma was indeed getting close to bursting, though she was trying to hold back.

Moving her head away from Ranma's wetness, Kasumi moved her body and grabbed hold of one of her hips with one hand. She looked at her other hand, closed her eyes and sighed. Kasumi looked at Ranma anxiously as she used her free hand to slowly enter her opening. This made Ranma grip the bed sheets, left herself up with her arms cry out as she arched her back. Kasumi could see her tremble and hesitated to anything more, fearing that she may have gone too far. It wasn't until Ranma looked at her over her shoulder and gave her a nod that Kasumi began to move her hand in and out of her entrance. It started off slowly to build up a rhythm and in no time, Ranma was moving in sync with Kasumi. Seeing that Ranma began to enjoy herself, Kasumi picked up the pace and drove her hand deeper inside of Ranma, moving it faster as she did.

"Oh, fuck…Kasumi…deeper…," moaned Ranma. "Oh, make me…oh..ah…fuck…yeah…yeah…so fast…Kasumi…Kasumi…fuck…oh, yeah…"

"Do you still love me, Ranma?" asked Kasumi, moving her hand at a fast rate. "I'm driving my hand inside you, trying to bring you off, wanting to make you burst as a woman. Something you never thought you would feel, my love. I'm doing this to you and you still-"

"Oh, yes, fuck yes!" Ranma cried out, feeling close to climax. "Kasumi…no one else…only you can make me…do me…like this…I'll…ah…ah…Kasumi!"

"Ranma…oh, Ranma….you're so…so…"

"Kasumi…I'm going to come! Make me come! Please, I just want to…to…oh, I can't take it!"

With one final scream, Ranma climaxed, arching her back while letting it all out as she coated Kasumi's hand and arm with her release. The eldest Tendo sister could watch in amazement as she saw her lover's body tighten as she felt Ranma gripping her hand with her opening tightly. After a moment, Ranma collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily as her eyes became glazed. Seeing Ranma bask in the glow of her orgasm made Kasumi smile. Though she was glad that Ranma was alright with what had happened, she felt that experiencing an orgasm as a girl must be something the boy turned girl was trying to really process in her mind.

Getting off from the bed, Kasumi walked over to the counter and picked up the hot water kettle. She poured it all over Ranma's body and in an instant, she was he again. Kasumi didn't give Ranma any time to react as she was on him, pressing her breasts on his bare chest. She felt his arms wrap around her, feeling his muscles as she lowered head to kiss him on the lips. Kasumi felt the eagerness in Ranma's actions as he pulled her close, she herself wrapping her arms around his neck. As Ranma's tongue made its way inside her mouth, Kasumi felt her body getting pinned to bed, feeling the full weight on his body. She didn't resist and accepted him happily, moaning as Ranma kissed her deeply. Kasumi blushed even deeper as she felt Ranma's stiff erection rubbing up against her opening, moaning as her juices began to flow and coat it. Again, Kasumi felt flattered and humbled that Ranma would feel this way about her, but she also felt that it would be wrong for her to dispute her lover's opinion of her.

Letting go of the liplock, Kasumi spoke as she turned away bashfully, "Ranma…you really do like this old woman. I'm…I'm so glad that I'm to your liking."

"Hush, you," Ranma spoke with a warm smile. "You're not an old woman, Kasumi Tendo. I wish you would see what I see in you. The way you make me feel…the feeling of what I want to prove to you…you're such a hot babe, teacher, and I want to show you that."

"Just like a young man," Kasumi sighed, turning her head towards Ranma with teasing and loving eyes. "So eager to prove their manliness toward a mature woman. It makes me wonder if you truly love me or if you're just thinking with your hot…hard…very eager and very pleasing manhood that you want to drive deep inside me."

"I feel this way because I very much love you, Kasumi. With all my heart, you have to believe me."

"I do, Ranma. I know you'll do right by me…here in the now and in the future. I know you will treat me right because I trust you. Ranma…you…oh my…just…do as you will, Ranma. I guided you long enough, so…"

Accepting one more kiss on her lips from Ranma, Kasumi immediately felt his lips on her neck. She couldn't help but giggle at how much his lips tickled her neck, but gasped the moment Ranma's tongue licked her there. They were long and slow licks and it made Kasumi sigh, letting herself go so Ranma could do as he wanted. She then felt Ranma leave her neck, the young man moving his head downward towards her breast. Kasumi felt embarrassed as he just stared at them, as if he was just marveling at their size. Considering that, in her opinion, the size of her breasts didn't compare to Ranma's in his female or even those of his former suitors, Kasumi felt that there wasn't much to marvel at. Before she could speak of this, Ranma began to fondle her breasts, eliciting a sigh as she felt his strong but gentle hands. Kasumi's sighs turned to moans as she felt Ranma's hands massage them, caressing around her orbs. She closed her eyes and moaned in appreciation, her nipples becoming erect. A moment later, Kasumi let out a squeak when she felt Ranma kiss her nipples and felt his tongue lick around them while still feeling his hands fondle her breasts. Looking down at Ranma, she giggled as he continued to please her orbs, licking and nibbling her nipples.

"Ranma…your…oh my…," gasped Kasumi as she felt her breasts being practically devoured. "You're…oh…ah…aaah…you're concen…concentrating on…ooh…my breasts…so much like a horny young man…so glad..that you..you..oh my…"

Kasumi found herself letting out a whine when Ranma's lips and hands left her breasts. Before she could let out a protest, she felt his tongue trace down her body, making her giggle. It didn't take long before Ranma had reached his goal and parted Kasumi's thighs, exposing her opening. She could feel his eyes just staring at it while he traced her folds and clit with his fingers, making her feel embarrassed as well as aroused. Much like how she did it to Ranma in his female form, he licked around her opening, teasing her as she just wanted him to dive right into her sopping wet entrance. When she felt Ranma's tongue inside her, Kasumi let out a sob, a few tears leaving her eyes as a smile formed on her lips. As she started to moan out loud, Kasumi felt a bit of pride that Ranma was taking her lessons to heart and felt the young man's eagerness to please her. She had even felt him lick deeply inside her while also stimulating her clit with his fingers. She fought the urge to climax on his face, but it was difficult to do since Ranma had learned to please her real fast.

"Please…Ranma…I…I…ooh," Kasumi breathed heavily. "Your manhood…your big one…I want it…let me please you…my mouth…"

As soon as Ranma lifted his head from her entrance, Kasumi sat up as the young man was on her again, kissing her and making her taste her own juices. Kasumi moaned, savoring the taste as she held Ranma tightly. She was able to pin Ranma to the bed in a show of strength that even surprised the martial artist, but Kasumi didn't didn't give him time to be impressed. She began to lick his neck hungrily and was eagerily using her tongue to taste his chest, enjoying Ranma's manly side. Finally, her trek was over as Kasumi got between Ranma's legs and got a very good look at her lover's erection. She took in the size and stiffness, using her hand to feel the heat. Kasumi couldn't help but feel a bit bashful and blushed.

Giving her hand a lick, Kasumi began using it to coat Ranma's erection in her saliva, making it slick. Getting a good grip, she started to move her hand up and down, making sure to go slow at first as she didn't want Ranma to get too excited that he would stain her quickly. As she continued to use her hand to stimulate the member, Kasumi could hear Ranma letting out moans and groans, indicating that he was liking what she was doing. She gazed at Ranma's reaction as she looked up, seeing that Ranma's eyes were closed as his breathing began to get more heavy and ragged. She then opened her mouth and slowly engulfed Ranma's entire length inside her mouth, never taking her eyes off of him. Letting out a muffled moan, Kasumi moved her head up and down, using her tongue to taste Ranma's length. A moment later, Kasumi saw that Ranma had slightly opened his eyes, giving her a half lidded gaze. When he gave her a smile, Kasumi began to move even faster, making Ranma moan even louder. She then removed her mouth from her lover's member and licked the tip, tasting a white substance that was leaking out.

'Oh dear…I never thought that I…,' Kasumi thought as she engulfed Ranma's length inside her mouth again. 'The smell…the taste of manhood…my Ranma's manhood and his reaction…he's so cute when he's trying to hold on. I'm such a lewd woman…if anybody saw me like this…oh, Ranma, what…oh, Ranma!'

Kasumi let go of Ranma's erection and immediately was on top of him again, capturing his lips and kissing him feverishly. She straddled him, giving Ranma a look of intent as she grabbed Ranma's manhood. She lifted herself up and placed the tip of the stiff erection to her opening. Guiding it inside, Kasumi slowly lowered herself, her eyes opening widely as she felt every inch of Ranma's manhood. Throwing her head back, she let out a cry, feeling the pain of her virginity getting pierced. Tears were streaming down her eyes as she sobbed, her body shivering. Kasumi then looked down at Ranma, seeing the look of concern on his face as well as fear. She wiped the tears from her eyes, giving him a reassuring smile as she lowered herself to Ranma's face, kissing him briefly. Kasumi lifted herself and adjusted her position, guiding Ranma's hands to her hips as she did so.

"So tight…it feels so hot around me," Ranma said as he felt Kasumi's entrance wrap around his erection. "Kasumi…are you…are you sure that…"

"It's alright, Ranma," Kasumi said in a soothing voice. "It only hurt a little, but I'm fine, really. But do you really want to go through with this? Do you really want to be with someone so-"

Kasumi then felt a hard shove, making her gasp and moan. Ranma drove his erection deep inside her and she could feel him move his hips as he gripped Kasumi's hips, keeping her in place. Kasumi's cries were getting louder as she looked at Ranma's determined face.

"So humble to a fault," Ranma grunted, his erection going in and out of Kasumi. "I love you, Kasumi Tendo. I…I'm crazy for you…don't let anyone tell you any different. No girl..no woman compares to you, Kasumi. There's no one like you…do you hear me, Kasumi Tendo? There's no one…no one I love more…"

"Ranma…so deep…," Kasumi moaned as she was matching the rhythm with Ranma. "Yes…oh, yes drive it deeper! Show me…show me how much you want me…yes…oh, such a young and har manhood…make me yours…drive me crazy, you young and hard manly of a man…."

Driven by Ranma's love and strength, Kasumi moved along with his movements in order to bring herself off while also tightening her folds around her lover's erection. Moments passed as Kasumi's eyes were glazed over, losing herself to lust as she felt Ranma's hands on her breasts again. She didn't object at how strongly he grabbed on to them as she was letting her cries of pleasure drive him on so he could go at with anything holding him back. The lovers called each other's names as they continued to drive themselves to bliss and ecstasy. Positions changed from moment to moment and Kasumi was finding herself urging Ranma to do more, practically begging him to stimulate every part of her body.

It finally got to the point where Ranma was behind Kasumi, gripping her buttocks tightly as he drove his manhood deeper inside her. Kasumi heard his grunts and looked over her shoulder and saw that he was getting close. Ranma thrusts were hard and fast, so full of strength that many years of training could show. Kasumi cried and moaned for him, gripping the bed sheets in an effort to hold so she and Ranma could climax together. She could feel the energy Ranma had built up and was on the verge of exploding.

"Kasumi…something…I'm about to…," Ranma moaned, thrusting deeper into Kasumi.

"Come…Ranma, I'm close, too," Kasumi groaned. "Mark me…make me yours…please…spread it all inside me…spread it all-"

The two lovers let out a loud scream as they climaxed together. Kasumi could feel Ranma's seed fill her insides as she coated his erection with her nectar. A blissful smile formed on her lips as she felt her lover's seed leak out of her entrance. Less than a moment later, Kasumi and Ranma collapsed on the bed, letting out tired breaths as they held each other. For the moment, they basked in the glow of what they did and kissed each other deeply while embracing each other's sweat covered bodies tightly.

It was then that Kasumi felt Ranma's erection was still stiff. With a smirk, she lowered her hand and grabbed hold of it, feeling how hard it was and slicked with Ranma's seed as well as her own juices. Kasumi got on top of Ranma again as she felt reinvigorated by her lover's desire for her. She licked her hand clean of her juices and Ranma;s seed while giving a seductive stare at him.

"Ranma…we still have time for more," Kasumi spoke huskily. "You can spread more of you inside of me…for as much as you want. I'm yours, so please…"

"Kasumi, yes," Ranma said, breathing heavily. "I'll never stop for you, Kasumi…oh, Kasumi….Kasumi…"

---

"Kasumi?"

There was a knock on the door which took Kasumi out of her memories. A voice was calling out to her from behind the door, which she recognized as Ranma's. Apparently, he got tired of arguing with his parents and wanted to see her. There was a part of her that didn't want her fiance to see her so worried, but she felt that she needed to be with him because frankly, she wanted nothing more than to see his face at the moment.

"Come in," Kasumi said calmly.

The door opened and Kasumi felt her breath being taken away. There Ranma stood, dressed in a white tuxedo, looking handsome and dashing. She rarely saw him dressed so formally, though she could tell the young man felt a bit awkward from the way he tugged at his collar. Kasumi gave him a smile and got up from the bed, approaching him.

As she did, Kasumi's memories came back to her more vividly. Though it had started slowly, the lovemaking session had become more intense as she had felt something awaken in her. She had wanted to experience more, and as she got more intense, so did Ranma. Their sessions weren't limited to just the bed either; they had ended up going to the couch, the shower, the hot tub and a few more sessions on the bed again. She remembered how much energy Ranma had inside of him and how much he exploded inside of her so many times. After it was all over and the glow she had felt subsided, Kasumi had seen how exhausted Ranma was and she saw a few tears coming from his eyes. She had felt dread in her heart and apologized to him profusely until Ranma had to calm her down, telling her that he enjoyed every session and learned how to really give as much as he took and was actually glad he saw a more intense and sexy side of her. He had even teased her that what he saw was the true Kasumi Tendo. Kasumi felt embarrassed but quite happy that she was able to be the woman Ranma had wanted.

In the days that followed, Kasumi had started feeling sick and when she had vomited, she and Ranma went to the doctor. It was at the clinic where they found out that Kasumi was pregnant. She remembered that she fainted and when she woke up, she was on an examination bed with Ranma by her side. As soon as she sat up, her fiance embraced her tightly, saying how much he loved her, and she remembered apologizing for becoming a burden. Ranma insisted that she wasn't and he was going to do everything in his power to be a good husband to her and help her through all this. All Kasumi could think of is how noble this young man is and how much he wanted to sacrifice for her.

In the months that followed, Kasumi received plenty of help getting through her pregnancy. Aside from visits to the doctor, Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's mother, was also assisting whenever she was feeling any symptoms, though most of the time she was discussing baby names. She also had insisted that Genma get a job somewhere for the inevitable rise in bills. Soun also tried to help out as well whenever Nodoka wasn't available. As for Ranma, he had become somewhat of a mercenary, lending his abilities to those that could pay for them, college work permitting, so long as the job wasn't malicious or served those who'd do evil. She had remembered that Nabiki helped out in that endeavor…for a fee.

In Kasumi's opinion, Ranma had been a real sweetheart during all this. Because she was experiencing many symptoms, she was prone to lashing out at him, feeling frustrated because she couldn't do what she normally loved, and complaining about why the baby wouldn't just come out already. She had remembered saying some horrible things to Ranma and how much he wouldn't budge or raise his voice at her. This caused her to cry and she apologized to him and was glad to hear how much he loved her.

Kasumi reminded herself to give a speech to the guests, saying how thankful she is to her family and Ranma for helping through this time…and also resolved that when her pregnancy was over, she hoped that her family wouldn't mind looking after the child for a bit so she and Ranma can go on their honeymoon.

"I needed to see you, honey" Ranma said, barely containing his excitement.

"I wanted to see you, darling," Kasumi said calmly.

"Yeah, well…," Ranma laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "I just wanted to see how you were doing and…if the kid was behaving himself."

"Oh, the baby has been a real sweetheart," Kasumi assured. "A few kicks here and there, but other than that, a pure angel."

"Just like the mama," sighed Ranma, who then gave Kasumi's belly a stern glare. "Hey kid, just be good to your mother, or so help me I'll…I'll start you off with some intense training once you're out, got it!?

"Ranma, be nice," Kasumi playfully scolded.

"Aw, you know I'm kidding, Kasumi. I'm gonna make sure the kid grows up normally. Well, about as normally as a kid with a heavenly mother and a dad that can turn into a mom half the time. I'm certainly not going to take him away on a training trip for sixteen years."

"Is that why you were arguing with your parents just now?"

"Oh, hell yeah we were. My dad has it in his head that once the kid is born, I should start my own journey to train the kid in martial arts. I said no and he was going on and on about how the kid was going to grow up soft, and my mom was actually going along with it because, despite everything, I turned out great. Granted, I am great, but my kid deserves to grow up with a dad AND a mom, and once I pointed out to mom that she would miss out on spoiling the kid, she sided with me and dad had to eat crow."

Kasumi sighed in relief, knowing that her child was going to have a relatively normal childhood. She didn't envy her future mother-in-law in what she had to go through, not seeing or helping raise Ranma for those sixteen years, and for all that is holy, she was going to be there for her child come hell or high water.

Ranma then took Kasumi's hands in his, giving her a reassuring look. The Tendo bride could see his determination and heartfelt expression on his face. Her doubts started to melt as she thought back to two years in the past and up till now. She was there when he needed help and grew fond of him while Ranma fell in love with her. It had been a difficult journey, made more difficult with her pregnancy, but she and Ranma weathered the storm and were going to get married. She knew that whatever came next, Ranma would be there for her.

Kasumi leaned in and kissed Ranma on the lips. She immediately felt him respond to her and held the liplock. Kasumi wanted to stay like this for eternity and just let the world fade away, leaving only her and her fiance.

Just then, Kasumi's eyes went wide and let go of Ranma's lips. She started to tremble as she felt something happening to her body. Ranma looked at her with concern, though she looked down on the floor and noticed a puddle beneath her.

"Ranma…," Kasumi spoke fearfully.

"Kid, you got real bad timing," Ranma groaned.

---

Things got hectic real fast. As soon as Ranma announced that Kasumi was going into labor, Soun freaked out and called the hospital. Ranma was busy comforting and coaching Kasumi through the pain with Nodoka helping out, reminding her not to panic as it would do the baby no good. When the ambulance arrived, Kasumi was carried down from her room and loaded up into the vehicle with Ranma riding along with her. Nabiki drove her father, Akane, Genma and Nodoka to the hospital, chasing after the ambulance. Coincidentally, they saw the priest chasing after them, which made Nabiki roll her eyes up. As soon as the ambulance arrived, Kasumi was rolled out into the building and the staff told Ranma that he had to wait in the waiting room so they could deliver the baby. Reluctantly, Ranma agreed and he, his parents and the Tendos began to wait.

Hours had passed and still no word. Ranma had made it a habit to ask about Kasumi's status every half hour and had nearly fought with the staff when nothing new was being said. He had to be restrained by his mother, who had told him that the doctors were doing all they can, assuring that Kasumi was going to pull through and so was the baby. This wasn't enough to calm him down as he sat in his seat, his fear growing by the minute. Soun becoming inconsolable, fountaining geysers of tears and blubbering incoherently to himself, wasn't helping the mood either.

Ranma felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head and found that Akane had sat right next to him. There was immediate tension between them, so many years of animosity towards each other that had boiled over. They were engaged against their will when they first met in order to unite the Tendo and Saotome schools; because of that, they were always at each other's throats, declaring that they would never marry. Of course, there were times that they could tolerate each other, and there were glimpses of them starting to accept each other, but it had always been something, be it outside interference or just their own stubbornness, getting in the way. It all culminated at the failed wedding and they had since grown distant and cold. This caused Ranma to go into Kasumi's arms and two years later, had become engaged.

Ranma had remembered how angry Akane was when she stormed out of the dojo and not even acknowledging him months prior. She had found out about his and Kasumi's relationship and comforted the eldest Tendo daughter in the dojo. Akane wasn't seen around the house as much since it happened, and became a stranger when Kasumi got pregnant. He remembered her screaming at both he and Kasumi for how irresponsible they were being, and that they deserved everything horrible to happen to them. She stormed out of the house and didn't come back and that was the last time he had seen her…until now.

The only expression Ranma could see on Akane's face was regret. Soun had insisted on inviting her to the wedding, though Ranma didn't think she would show up. After what she had said to him and Kasumi, he would have understood. Too much bad blood between the three of them.

With a sigh, Akane spoke first, "So here we are."

"So we are," Ranma said in a low tone.

"Ranma, I…," Akane began to struggle to find the words.

"Listen, Akane…if you got something to say, then say it," Ranma said, trying to keep his tone even. "My soon-to-be wife is having a baby and I am tearing my hair out because I want to know if they're going to be okay. Gods help me if something wrong happens to them."

There was a moment of silence between them. Ranma was distraught over what was happening and Akane had never seen him more afraid. He was going to become a father and his concern was for Kasumi and her child. Memories of what she had said to them flooded back into her mind and all she could feel was guilt. She had been angry and ran away with the intent of never seeing them again, and now she regretted not being there to help with the pregnancy. She shook her head and looked towards Ranma.

"I didn't think I was coming back, not after everything," Akane began. "I just wanted to lose myself in my studies and practice, focus on improving my skills as a martial artist. I didn't want to see you or my sister. I tried to convince myself that it was for the best and that I had to look out for myself. When I received the invitation for the wedding, I was going to throw it away in the garbage, but…"

It was then that Akane sported a blush on her cheeks. Ranma noticed this as he raised an eyebrow.

"I met this high school kid, sixteen years of age," Akane continued. "An exchange student named Ralph Danielson. I saw him being bullied by these ruffians from a strip mall dojo and I decided to take him under my wing. I taught him how to fight and stand up for himself. He's a fast learner and was able to take them all on. All he needed was confidence. When he confessed his feelings to me, I tried telling him that I was bad news and nothing good will come of being with someone like me. The kid's stubborn and wanted to give it a shot, so I agreed to a date. Then one date became more and…well, he convinced me to come to the wedding and settle things. Ralphie can be very persuasive."

"Ralphie?" Ranma said, a teasing smile forming on his face.

"Don't even, Ranma," Akane warned. "The point is, I couldn't stay away and…well, I wanted to be a part of the child's life in some way. That and I couldn't hate on you two forever. Life is too short for that."

Ranma smiled at that. This was probably the most civil conversation he had had with Akane in a while, and he was glad that she had found someone. The fact that she came here in order to bury any ill feelings was something he never thought he'd see.

Akane extended her hand and said with a smile, "Hi, my name is Akane Tendo. Want to be friends?"

Ranma felt a bit nostalgic at this. Those were the words Akane had said to him two years ago when they first met. Had things played out differently, then maybe things would have turned out a whole lot differently. As things stood now, Ranma was actually glad that he could at least be friends with his former fiance.

Shaking Akane's hand, Ranma responded, "Eh, why not?"

"Ranma Saotome," a voice spoke.

Ranma stood up and saw a doctor standing in front of him. He, his parents and the Tendo's gathered around and awaited what he had to say.

"You can see them now," the doctor said, a smile on his face.

---

Not long after, the Tendo's and Saotomes had gathered around Kasumi, who was laying down on the hospital bed, exhausted, her hair disheveled and holding her newborn baby son. Ranma stayed close to Kasumi, his arm wrapped around Kasumi's shoulder and looking at his newborn son affectionately. The rest were marveling at the baby and making cooing noises, though the baby took no notice of this as he was sleeping soundly in his mother's arms. Kasumi's eyes were closed, but it didn't stop her tears from leaking out as she smiled.

"Such a beautiful child," Soun said, eyes glistening.

"Finally, a grandchild to spoil," Nodoka said, her hands clasped together and on the verge of tears.

"Nice work, sis," Nabiki complemented. "Though I think the kid really gave you hell before he came out."

"Children can be troublesome," Kasumi said, opening her eyes and giving her baby a warm smile. "But I'm looking forward to raising him the best I…." Kasumi stopped before looking up at Ranma and continuing. "The best we can. Isn't that right, Papa?"

"Hey, you can count on me, Mama," Ranma said before turning his attention to his son. "Hey, boy, as soon as you can walk and if you want, we start training. How's that for ya?"

"Ranma, no pressure," Kasumi scolded.

"Aw, I'm only joking," Ranma assured. "It'll be his choice if he wants to be a fighter like his dear old dad."

"Or his sweet and caring grandfather," Genma chimed in happily. "You know, I can definitely show him the ropes, you two. Maybe if I take him off your hands for a few years-"

Genma cringed as everyone, including Kasumi, gave him a warning glare.

"Or I can hand that responsibility to Ranma," Genma chuckled nervously. "After all, he is the father. I can't hold his hand forever."

Kasumi sighed and addressed everyone in the room tearfully and with joy, "Thank you, everyone. I really couldn't have done this without you…any of you. Now that little Itsuki is part of our lives, I hope that you can help me guide him. You all have something to offer my little one and you can teach him great things."

"Even me?" asked Akane, awkwardly.

Kasumi's attention was turned to Akane. It had been true that they parted on bad terms and she really didn't expect her to come to the wedding, but was glad that she was here now. She regarded her with a smile, though Akane bowed her head in shame.

"I'm sorry, big sister Kasumi," spoke Akane, shaking as she was trying to hold in her emotions. "I really shouldn't have said what I said to you back then and I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed all of us. I dishonored myself, my family name and you. But I promise I'll be there when you need me…whether just to babysit or when you have a fight with Ranma, I'll be there for you. I'll…I'll be the best aunt ever…if you'll have me."

"Akane…," Kasumi said softly, on the verge of tears. "You're always welcome in my family home. Little Istuki will be glad to have you as his aunt."

"Oh, thank you!" beamed Akane, raising her head as tears streamed from her eyes. "You won't regret this, Kasumi! Never ever!"

"Our family is back together!" bawled Soun. "Kimiko…my dear Kimiko…she'd be so happy!"

"And Kasumi…," Ranma began, taking Kasumi's hand into his. "I'll be good to you, forever and ever if you'll have me. You were there for me when I needed a friend and a guide and I can't thank you enough. You did things I couldn't have done on my own and for that I want to show how grateful I am…by being the best husband I can be. I know I don't have a good example when it comes to fatherhood, but I want to be the best for you."

"Ranma…yes," Kasumi sighed, smiling.

"Hey!" Genma shouted, offended by what Ranma had to say about him.

"Um, excuse me," a voice said.

Everyone turned to the source of the voice and saw that the priest had entered the room, a bible in hand. He tugged at the collar and straightened himself out, standing in front of Kasumi's bed.

"Sorry I was late, but I did have other events to attend to," the priest said sheepishly. "But I'm here now and ready for the nuptials. Are you two ready?"

"Yes, father!" both Ranma and Kasumi said.

"Very well then," the father started. Opening the bible, he began, "We are gathered here before God to witness the holy matrimony of Ranma Saotome and Kasumi Tendo and if…"

As the priest went on, Ranma and Kasumi gazed into each other's eyes. Difficult times brought them together and difficult times will challenge their union in the future. Even their little Itsuki will face his own challenges ahead. But here and now, Ranma and Kasumi have each and for them it was enough for their love. They knew that they needed help along the way, but marriage was never easy. Nothing really truly is.

Parenthood, for Ranma and Kasumi, will be their greatest challenge yet.