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Armed and Dangerously in Love
Setting - Two weeks, four days prior.
Since the night where Ranma and Kasumi spilled their thoughts to each other, Ranma could only think on in abandonment as Kasumi seemed to be purposefully avoiding him. Whenever he caught her, she would always look away really quick, as though not spotting him. He gave a slight frown as he noticed her look away from the breakfast table, unmindfully forgetting the bowl of miso she was holding. Being the most perceptive of the bunch, Nabiki raised an eyebrow before stating "Sis,... I think you should watch where your serving breakfast. You almost spilled it in Ranma-baby's pants"
Blushing bright red, Kasumi whirled around and opened her mouth to say something, before snapping it shut and looking away again -God, I can't even look at him straight anymore. I mean, I know it was an indirect comment, but it was so sweet. I,... I never been someone's girlfriend before-
Ranma gave another frown before shaking his head -Give me a dragon descendant, a freaking phoenix god, or a tomboy with a mallet, at least then I would know what to do!- he gave a mirthful chuckle before making his food disappear in record time, and then giving his father a smug look when he noticed his scowl. Standing up, Ranma took his bowl into the kitchen and looked into the sink full of dirty water, his mind blaring -What did I say that had Kasumi crying all night,... I know I say some stupid things time to time,... okay a lot more than that,... but I wouldn't do something like that to Kasumi, would I?-
So lost in his thoughts, Ranma didn't notice Kasumi walk into the kitchen, but did so when she cleared her throat "Um,... Ranma-kun,... I think we need to talk"
Going wide eyed, panic set into his mind as he nodded slowly "S-Sure Kasumi,... what did you want to talk about" internally this conversation took a different spin -OH MY GOD, SHE'S GOING TO KILL ME!-
Seeing Ranma's face fill with fear, Kasumi gave a light frown "Ranma-kun,... about the other night,..." Seeing his face fill with dread as well as fear, Kasumi felt her heart breaking slightly, and wondered why her chest hurt so much "When you said that I was beautiful,... did you,... mean it?"
Ranma calmed down a bit and blinked, his mouth opening and closing in an attempt at finding an answer "Of course! I mean,... yes Kasumi, you are definately beautiful." Seeing her blush, Ranma couldn't help but feel as thought something was lifted off of his mind.
Gaining a smile that shamed anything else that her lips graced, Kasumi stood up "Thank you very much Ranma-kun, even if it isn't true, that was very sweet of you"
Ranma watched her get up and head toward the dining room, when his mind registered what he said "W-Whoa, wait a minute there Kasumi,... what do you mean even if it isn't true?"
Giving him one of the same smiles she had been smiling since his arrival, Kasumi shook her head "Ranma,... there hasn't been a person who has said I was beautiful since I was in middle school." Her eyes gained a slick shine to them as she thought back "Even then it was done on a dare,..." She gave a small laugh of sadness before stating "The only time I was called beautiful, by a dare, when I was fourteen."
Ranma stared at the woman he thought he knew, the ever smiling Kasumi, as tears once again graced her cheeks "Kasumi,... I-"
Interupting him, Kasumi just smiled around the tears "Don't worry yourself about it Ranma-kun, thank you all the same"
Before Ranma could say anything about what was said, Akane walked into the kitchen "Oneechan, can I get some mor-" seeing the tears running down Kasumi's cheeks, and the lost look on Ranma's face, Akane erupted in anger "YOU BASTARD! HOW DARE YOU MAKE KASUMI CRY! RANMA NO BAKA!" Before anything could be said, she launched Ranma into the stratosphere with her traditional mallet.
Staring in object horror as Akane malleted Ranma for no apparent reason, Kasumi blew her top "What do you think you are you doing, young lady?"
Hearing eerily calm in her voice, Akane cringed "What? That baka was making you cry!" Honestly, Akane didn't understand why her sister was being so stern, so she blamed it all on Ranma, big deal she always did.
Speaking with the same eerily calm voice, Kasumi stared into Akane's eyes, causing the younger girl to flinch back "Akane, Ranma had said something that made me happy. I was crying because I was happy. You hit him for no reasons what so ever,... just like usual. Well this is how it is going to be from now on, from this day forth you are not to even touch Ranma" Seeing Akane about to retort, Kasumi glared at her "NOT EVEN ONCE!"
Taking a hesitant step back, Akane glowered at her sister "K-Kasumi,..." Then something clicked in her mind, the tears, Ranma's panicked face. Akane looked up with a fierce determination on her face "Don't worry Kasumi, I'll free you from whatever that perverted baka did!"
Giving her an incredulous look, Kasumi stepped forward and stared down at Akane "Maybe I didn't make myself clear,... you are not to even go NEAR Ranma from this day forth. In school, I want you to sit as far as possible from him. Lunch, you are not to even mention his name. To you, Ranma is nothing more than a tenant living in this household."
Staring with shock on her face, Akane went livid "Oh, if you care about him so much, maybe you should marry him!"
Her own eyes widening slightly, Kasumi took a deep breath and gave a wry smile "Maybe I will,... he is quite the charmer"
Horror filled Akane's face as her plan backfired -K-Kasumi wants Ranma for herself? Now I know I don't have a chance!- Tears started to pour from her eyes as she stared in betrayal at Kasumi "You,... You,... YOU EVIL BITCH!" Kasumi didn't have a second to react as her sister sank her fist into Kasumi's cheek, sending her slamming into the ground.
Kasumi held her cheek in agony, her eyes betraying all emotion but hatred for her younger sister -how dare she,... how dare she strike me when I've given my life to ensuring she could live hers!- Standing, albeit shakely, Kasumi once more stared down at her sister in defiance, ignoring the family as they charged into the room to see what was the matter "Are you done throwing your temper tantrum? Or need I have father spank you?"
Screaming in rage, Akane went to punch her sister once more, but found herself suspended in mid-air by the scruff of her neck "Akane,... I didn't mind when you constantly hit me,... truthfully it was a form of attention, I didn't mind that. But how COULD you attack someone like Kasumi,... I thought you better than that,... but your no better than Kuno" Saying his part, Ranma forced Akane away from Kasumi, and stood between the two sisters "Leave,... go to your room, do something. I won't stand by idly while you attack the only woman to have my respect, Ms Tendo"
Staring at Ranma, in his girl form, Akane's rage peaked "RANMA!" She lunged forward, intending to brutally maim the boy, but was shocked when she was floored with the least amount of movement. Getting back to her feet, the confusion set in her eyes, Akane charged once more. Only to end up on her back, once more without being able to follow his now her movements -He's,... He's held back this much?-
Ranma stared coldly at the girl he once thought he loved, his mind trying to figure out what caused this violent outburst against the sweetest girl he knows -Jeez,... Akane's totally lost it!- Seeing her stand once more, Ranma shook his head sadly "Akane,... I'm going to ask nicely,... please just go to your room" Seeing her charge again, Ranma frowned and stepped to the side of punch, put his foot behind her own, and pushed forward with his forearm, causing the girl to slam into the ground. All of this took place in a single second. Shaking his head, Ranma stepped back and guided Kasumi out of the room, intent on keeping her safe.
To Be Continued
Almost every question will be answered within the next two chapters. I'm planning this to be 5 chapters long, but I also don't want to drag it out, but also don't want to rush it. Quite the conundrum here. Also, please disregard most spelling arrors (intentional),... I'm typing this through my e-mail since I am doing a lot of it at work.
Who cut off Ranma and Kasumi's arm,... how did they end up engaged,... did they want this from the start since it took less than two weeks to willingly get married? Tune in next time, same Ranma time, same Ranma channel! (teehee)