Here is the promised sequel to "Kasumi and Spice and Everything Nice!"


WARNING:  Some viewers may consider these characters to be OOC




Love is in the Air, if Not in the Salt...
---------------------------------------

"I can't believe it!  School's finally out!"  Ranma exclaimed, bursting out
of the front doors of Furinken High School.  

Ranma stared out into the blue sky for a moment, his face glowing in the
sunlight.
He had not felt such pure joy in a long while.

"It _is_ amazing Ranma, that you didn't fail any of your finals."  Akane
said from
behind him.

"Yep!  It's gonna be a completely work-free summer for me!  No Summer
school!" Ranma
said as he walked towards the front gates.

"Speak for yourself Ranma-kun."  Nabiki said from behind the pair.  "I still
have
to get packed for my six-week internship in the States, THEN come back and study
for the Univeristy entrance exams..."

As the school year had come to an end, Nabiki had diligently gone through a
series
of tests, essays, and interviews to get an internship with a multinational
investment firm; which just happened to be headquartered in the U.S.  (note:
can't think of a name of a firm... sigh:  and my dad's a mutual fund guru too)

Ranma gave Nabiki a smug look. *Six weeks without her is gonna be great!  I
might
actually save some of my cash*  Nabiki noticed the look, glanced at Akane and
smirked back at Ranma.  

"You know, Ranma-kun, it truly is amazing that you passed all your
classes... Must
have been all that help Kasumi has been giving you lately, huh?"

Ranma noticed Akane tense up and continued walking casually.  "Yeah,
Kasumi-oneechan
has been helpful." Ranma had been using 'oneechan' for Kasumi for a few
weeks now.
It was as if he was trying to convince himself (and everyone else)  that she
was like a sister to him.  

Ever since the 'Love Salt' incident, Kasumi and Ranma had gotten closer.
Before,
they had been cordial at best.  Their lives did not intersect at anytime; except
for meals.  Kasumi was a homemaker, concerned with taking care of her
family; while
Ranma wasn't interested in anything that was not related to martial arts.

Yet since their "engagement" had ended, they were spending more and more time
together.  For once, Ranma actually started helping with the household chores
and Kasumi would provide Ranma with some occasional tutoring in math, history,
and some of the other subjects he had trouble with.  

The rest of the family (except for Akane) thought that this was just a 
beneficial side-effect of the whole situation.  False passion had turned
to friendship and Ranma was getting the female guidence that his mother
thought that he needed, and from someone in his own age group.  Soun
and Genma couldn't be happier.  By accepting Kasumi as a serrogate sister,
Ranma was bound to take the next step and marry into the family.  Nabiki
wasn't too concerned about what was going on.  She trusted Kasumi's 
judgment and knew that Ranma was too much of a wimp to actually try anything
with her; that didn't stop her from relentlessly teasing Akane and Ranma,
however.

Akane was suspicious; not of Kasumi, but of Ranma.  After all, hadn't he groped
and tried to hit on Miss Hinako often enough?  She felt that he had a perverted
fetish for older women and she was keeping a close eye on him.  She wished that
Ranma _had_ failed a class or two, at least to keep him busy.  *With everyone
else gone for at least a week, who knows what he might try?*

Nabiki was not the only person that was going to be out of town.  Happosai had
half threatened - half dragged Genma and Soun on another training trip.  What
he had not counted on was Nodoka going along to keep everyone in line; and to
cook the meals.  Akane was going to be on a week-long trip with some of her
friends in celebration of the end of the school year.  They had been planning
it for months and Akane was looking forward to it.  Now, she had seriously
considered dropping out, but her friends were adamant that she go along.
*That pervert better not do anything to Kasumi, or I'll kill him!*

Ranma kept walking in silence.  He knew what Akane was thinking, she had
warned and threatened him enough in the past few weeks.  *Stupid tomboy.
If I didn't do anything when Kasumi was in love with me, why would I do
anything now?*  Ranma thought bitterly.  He still remembered the kiss Kasumi
had given him that night when she was finally cured.  She had not repeated
the action since, and Ranma had wondered if it was some kind of joke on her
part.
A part of Ranma was disappointed at that prospect.

At any rate, the two of them had become closer.  Ranma felt more comfortable
around Kasumi than an other female; any other person actually.  The more he
thought about it, the more he realized that she had never judged him or had
jumped to any conclusions about him.  She accepted all the craziness he had
brought to the household with quiet grace and perceverence.  For the first time
since moving into the Tendo Dojo, Ranma realized how much work he had caused
Kasumi.  It was for that reason that he started helping out around the house;
besides, he liked being near her.    

Ranma sighed as he continued to walk.

Nabiki, noticing the sigh, spoke up. "Oh don't worry Ranma-kun, Akane will
be back in a week.  You won't miss her TOO much..."

Ranma glared at Nabiki then blushed; not in embarrassment but in guilt.  Truth
be told, he wasn't really thinking of Akane all that much.  

"Aw who would-"  Ranma started, then stopped.  It really wasn't worth the
effort.

"Aw, never mind..."  he finished lamely then quickly continued on home.


			*****************************

Kasumi sat on the back porch, taking a break from her work.  Her long brown 
hair was flowing freely over her shoulder.  She had removed the ribbon that
had held it in a ponytail and had let it out.  She stared out at the pond
as she ran her fingers through her hair.  *It's getting a bit long.*  She
thought to herself.  It was becoming a bit difficult to manage and wash, but
she was not ready to cut it yet.  She glanced up at the clock.  *They'll
be home soon.*

Kasumi sighed and waited.  She really didn't have that much to do until dinner.
The house was empty with out the Saotomes and her father.  She felt alone,
and realized how big their house was.  She wished there was something she could
do, some task, but everything had been completed.  Ranma had helped her clean
up in the morning, just like every morning for the past few weeks.  She almost
wished he would stop, just so that she get back on schedule.  

Deep down, she really didn't want him to stop.  It felt good to have a man help
her around the house.  For a few moments it felt like *home*;  Not her
_father's_
home, but _her_ home.  A home she hoped to setup one day with a husband.
Her thoughts
returned to Ranma.  *Nothing ever stays the same.  I guess I can't go back.  But
do I want to?*  Kasumi remembered everything she had done when she was under the
spell of Shampoo's salt.  

The funny thing was, she was not embarrased at all at the incident.  In fact,
the best way to describe what she was feeling would be...relief.  Unfortunately,
or fortunately, there _were_ some after-affects of the 'love salt'.  Kasumi
still
felt a hint of the mischieviousness that was present in her thoughts when
she tried to ensnare Ranma.  She was also more spontaneous now and did things
that suprised her when she did them.  

She ran fingers across her lips, remembering the time she had kissed Ranma
when she had finally been cured.  It was not an act she had planned, or
even considered.  She smiled at the memory of the look on his face.  He had
looked so cute, sitting there, concern for her evident in his eyes.  She just
had to kiss him.

Even stranger was the fact that she did not feel uncomfortable around Ranma at 
all, and he didn't seem uncomfortable around her.  That was on the surface, at 
least.  He had started calling her 'oneechan' now.  She winced when she thought
about it.  The term only served as a reminder that she was older than him.  She
knew there was some tension between them and was hoping that this next week
would give them the opportunity to talk things out.  She took another look at
the clock, tied back her hair, and walked into the kitchen.  


				***********************

When the trio finally came home from school, Akane and Nabiki went up to their
rooms to pack while Ranma headed directly to the dojo.  He changed into
a white gi and started warming up. He had been working out and practicing his 
katas more than usual lately.  The exercise helped clear his mind from the 
confusion and occasional guilt he felt over Kasumi and Akane.  *I'm such an
idiot*  
Ranma mentally sighed.  *Here I am, engaged to three women, none of whom I
want to
marry, and I'm already thinking about another girl.*  

Ranma performed a spin-kick, a little faster and more forceful than he
intended.  
*And it's Kasumi fer cryin' out loud! That's almost incestual.  She's like a
sister, or a mother to me.*  

Ranma breathed in deeply and let it out.  He forced all confusing thoughts out
of his mind as he continued the kata.  After what seemed like a few seconds, a
voice interrupted him.

"Ranma-kun?  Dinner is ready."

Ranma turned towards the voice, startled.  *Dinner already?  How long have I
been in here?*  

"Uh.. OK Kasumi-oneechan."

Kasumi hesitantly walked into the dojo towards Ranma; she was carrying a
large towel.

"I'd say you should take a bath first, but then the food will get hold.  You
better just towel off."

Kasumi, slowly and gently, started wiping the sweat off of Ranma's face and
neck. 
She felt strong muscles in his neck and shoulders through the fabric.  She
slowly
started wiping the sweat off his chest when Ranma stopped her, placing one
hand on hers
 and one hand on the towel.

"Uh... Thanks Kasumi-oneechan, I'll be ready in a few minutes."  Ranma said
stepping back.

"Ok, fine..." Kasumi replied stepping back.  

Neither one could meet the other's gaze.  Kasumi turned around and walked
out of the 
dojo, her face starting to flush and her hands trembling slightly.  *What was
I DOING?!* Kasumi frantically asked herself as she left the dojo.  Things had
been going smoothly so far, and all of a sudden she did something unexpected.  
She had started out innocently enough, really she did.  She just wanted to
help him get ready for dinner; that was all.  Kasumi had almost convinced
herself
as she entered the kitchen.  

Ranma stood in the middle of the dojo; a reoccurring chill sporadically 
climbing up and down his spine.  Whatever else had happened in the
past, Kasumi was not just teasing him THAT time.  *Oh man, I DON'T
want to deal with this.*  Ranma thought to himself.  *Why did everyone
have to pick NOW to leave the house?*  The family, at least, had provided
a buffer between him and Kasumi.  For at least one week, that buffer would
be gone.  Ranma sighed as he walked out of the dojo.  *Guess I'll just have
to avoid her...*

The three Tendo sisters and Ranma finished dinner quietly. Both
Akane and Nabiki were excited about their respective trips and had run off 
to make any last minute preperations that were needed.  As the two sisters 
ran upstairs to their rooms, Ranma, against his better judgement, decided 
to help Kasumi clean up.

The pair quietly cleared the table and started washing the dishes in the
kitchen.  As had become common, Kasumi washed while Ranma dried.  Normally,
they would talk; just inane conversation over the day's happenings.  It was
a pleasant experience for the both of them.  Ranma never got to "just talk"
with anyone, and Kasumi, despite finding household chores fulfilling, was
sometimes
lonely.  

This particular night, however, they cleaned in silence.  As the last dish
was dried, Kasumi finally turned towards Ranma as said, "Ranma, we... we
really need to talk.  There are some...things...that need to be said, and...
well, with everyone gone this week... it will give us a good opportunity to-"

"Well, I'd love to, " Ranma interrupted in a rush.  "You're right we really
need to talk, of course, I'm gonna be kinda busy next week, ya know, it being
summer and all...but I'll be sure to make some time to...talk."  

Ranma quickly left the kitchen and ran up to his room, leaving a bewildered
Kasumi behind.  *Oh, man... I really don't need this!* Ranma whined to
himself when he reached his room.  He stepped into his room and lay down on
his futon.  After a few seconds he got back up and started pacing the room.
Ranma had always avoiding talking to all the girls who where after him whenever
they got serious.  If he talked to them about his feelings, it would invariably
lead him to be forced into some kind of a decision, which would then lead
him to some
kind of a commitment.  The ONLY thing Ranma was committed to was martial arts;
besides, if he made a decision, he would hurt a lot of people, and he just
couldn't
do that.  

Ranma lay back down on his bed.  He thought about the different women in his
life.  Ukyou and Shampoo were cute, Akane was cute when she smiled, Kodachi? 
Ranma shuddered at that thought.  Kasumi... Kasumi wasn't cute; she was
beautiful.  Ranma sighed then forced himself to try to fall asleep.

			*****************************


Kasumi stared intently at the unoffending carrot as she chopped it into bits.
Actually, she was hacking at it rather than cutting it.  For the first time
since her mother died, Kasumi was mad;  not just upset, or angry, but MAD, and
a little hurt. For the past four days, ever since Akane and Nabiki had
left, Ranma was rarely seen at the Tendo home.  He woke up before Kasumi, and
came home well after she went to bed.  

She knew he was coming home each night because, she stayed awake until he did.
She knew he was avoiding her and had considered confronting him, but decided
against it.  If he didn't want to talk to her, she wouldn't force the issue.
If he wanted to be immature about the whole thing that was his business.  What
on earth had made her think that she could get involved with a younger man, not
even a man at that, but a boy.  "Insensitve jerk!" She growled out as her
knife slammed on to the cutting board.  

She looked down and sighed.  "Oh my... I'm starting to sound like Akane."
Kasumi said and then started laughing.  


			******************************

"Thank you, come again!"  Ranma-chan said sweetly as a customer left.  

She had been working in the Nekohanten for the past few days; ever since
everyone had left him alone with Kasumi.  Normally, Ranma wouldn't look
at this kind of work as a way to escape his problems but there were several
reasons he had decided to ask Cologne for her old job back.  First, all
the work kept her busy, and when she was busy, she didn't have to think
about Kasumi.  Second, Cologne was a slave driver, working Ranma to the
bone, day and night.  Because of this, Ranma was able stay away from
the dojo without getting bored or really having the time to feel guilty.  
Finally, Ranma was at the Nekohanten as a type of pennance.  Deep down,
he knew his was treating Kasumi badly, and staying as a girl and working
for the 'old ghoul' provided him with a sort of punishment.  *Maybe I can
make it up to her...*  

"I don't pay to take breaks son-in-law.  Three orders of ramen, coming your
way!"
Cologne called out.

"Got it, got it..." Ranma-chan mumbled.  She walked towards the counter as
Cologne tossed the bowls of ramen to her with practiced ease.  Ranma-chan 
leaped into the air, caught a bowl in each hand, caught the third 
with her right foot and landed gracefully back on the floor on her left foot.
The crowd in the resteraunt clapped and cheered at the display.  

After Ranma-chan finished serving the order, Shampoo glomped onto her.

"Ranma is getting good at being waitress!"  Shampoo exclaimed.

"Thanks Shampoo."  Ranma replied dryly.

"After work, you take Shampoo to date, yes?"  

"No Shampoo, " Ranma said, sounding like he had explained this several times
already.

"Like I keep tellin' ya, I'm not interested in takin' ya on a date!"

"If Ranma no like Shampoo, why Ranma come work here?"  Shampoo challenged.

"Well...Its kinda hard to explain..." Ranma lamely replied, scratching her head.

*God!  I can't tell HER about Kasumi, she'd kill her!*  Ranma thought to
herself.

Shampoo smiled knowingly.  "Shampoo not stupid.  Shampoo understand."

Ranma gulped nervously and weakly said, "Understand what?"

"Ranma not ready to tell Shampoo he love her.  It's OK.  Shampoo can wait."  

Shampoo gave Ranma-chan a hug, stepped back and said, "But not too long."

Shampoo giggled, turned around and bounced into the kitchen.

Ranma-chan stared at Shampoo with a look of shock and realization.  *she-
she can wait.*
All the girls he was involved with have been waiting for him.  They were
all the same age, and despite of everything, they were all still young.  Ranma
always figured that he could wait a few years before coming to some kind of
a conclusion.  After all, he was still in high school.  But he could not, would
not do that to Kasumi.  Kasumi wasn't old, far from it, but she was ready to
move on to the next stage in her life, a stage Ranma wasn't ready to deal
with.  
To be honest, it was a stage that none of Ranma's fiances' were ready to
deal with.
That's why, after almost two years, they were willing to wait and why
Kasumi, after
only a few months, needed to talk.

*Yes...I need to settle things with Kasumi once and for all.*  Ranma-chan said
to herself as she picked up another order.


			******************************

Kasumi lay in bed staring up the ceiling.  She glanced at the clock on her wall.
* Five minutes till 10 o'clock.  He'll be home soon.*  She had decided that
enough was enough.  She was going to confront Ranma tonight and they would talk,
whether he liked it or not.  She was going to wait for him in the living room,
but then decided that she wanted him securely in the house before she sprung
on him.
She admitted to herself that it was a sneaky way of handling the situation, but
it  would serve Ranma right after the lack of maturity he had been showing.

The house was very quiet at night and Kasumi was easily able to hear the front
door open.  She nearly jumped out of bed right then, but decided to wait
until Ranma had at least come upstairs.  She sat up in bed as she heard his
footsteps
come up the stairs.  By the time he had reached the top of the stairs, Kasumi
had gotten out of bed was about to open her door.

As her hand reached the door knob, there was a knock on the door.  Kasumi jumped
back, a little startled.  "Kasumi?"  Ranma-chan's voice queried.  "Are you
awake?"

Kasumi slowly opened her door and looked at Ranma-chan.  Ranma-chan took
a deep breath and and said, "I hope I didn't wake you..."

"No, I was still up."  Kasumi replied.  

The two stared at each other for a few moments.  Everything Kasumi had planned
to say was lost the minute she opened the door.  She couldn't believe that
Ranma was actually approaching her.  Ranma-chan finally took another deep breath
and bowed to Kasumi.  

"I'm sorry Kasumi.  I should not have left you alone in the house for all
these days.
I've been avoiding you when you needed to talk, and besides that, it is my duty
to protect you since no one else is around.  I have failed in that duty.  I hope
you can forgive me."

Kasumi just stared at the diminutive red head in front of her.  Ranma-chan
had not
risen from her bowed position.  Kasumi finally understood something that had
been
confusing her for the past two years.  She understood why this sex-changing,
rude,
crass, conceited, quick-tempered, insensitive young man had four women chasing 
after him.  She definitely included Akane in that count; Kasumi wasn't blind.  

In spite of all his short-comings, Ranma was a _good_ person.  He protected
those
who could not protect themselves.  He never backed down from anything he
considered
to be a challenge.  He fought hard for those who loved him, even if he did not
feel that same for them.  He forgave most of his enemies rather easily, even
when
they had given him reason not to.  Kasumi realized then that Ranma was not
immature;
just frustrated and a bit cynical.  By the age of 17, he had faced more
adversity
than most people did in a lifetime.  And yet he still had hope; he never
gave up.

All these things were good qualities in a husband.  Realizing that, Kasumi fell
into the same trap as the four women before her.  "Oh my..."  She said in a
resigned voice. She suddenly realized that Ranma was still bowing in front of
her.  

"Let's go downstairs Ranma, I'll get you some hot water and we can talk."

"Sure, Kasumi."

The pair went down stairs and Ranma sat in the living room while Kasumi went
to the kitchen and started boiling a kettle of water.  It was fortunate that
this particular task needed to be done; it gave Ranma and Kasumi a chance to
gather their thoughts.  

Ranma-chan was trying to relax on the sofa.  She had planned to tell Kasumi
that she was family, a sister really, and that he really didn't have any
romantic feelings for her.  Ranma figured, that given the time, he could
actually convince himself of this as well.  Once that was done, Kasumi could
move on to someone who deserved her and Ranma would look back on this 
situation as a nostalgic part of growing up.  This was the first time
Ranma had thought things through, and she was actually proud of the results.
*Yep... just gonna set her free..yeah...that's what I'm gonna do...yep*

Meanwhile, Kasumi was in the kitchen, staring at the kettle which was beginning
to heat up.  She knew that Ranma was not ready for any kind of commitment; to
her or to anyone.  If he was ready, he would have choosen a fiance a while back
and she wouldn't be in this situation right now.  She was more patient than most
people, but she felt the passage of time more keenly than a 17 year old boy.  At
age 20, she was hardly old, but she was a traditional woman and she wanted to
be married.  She wanted a husband who could guide her and protect her.  Someone
she could nurture and grow with.  

She was forced to grow up the day her mother died and her life was in limbo
ever since.  She knew that people looked to her to see what the ideal feminine
wife should be, but she took little pleasure in this, for in some ways, she
did not feel feminine at all.  At least until she had eaten Shampoo's love
salt.  Those feelings of passion and desire, repressed for so long, had
finally been released and she could no longer deny them.  

As the kettle began to whistle, Kasumi wondered how Ranma would fit into her
hopes and dreams for the future.  *I'm going tp have to handle this
carefully.  He's more skittish than a wild animal.* She turned of the stove,
picked up the kettle and walked into the living room. 

			*****************************

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"  Ranma-kun as nervously.  

The two of them were sitting on either end of the sofa, trying to relax and
sink into their respective corners.  They each had an arm stretched out
on the top of the sofa, their fingers almost touching.  

Ranma figured that he would let Kasumi lead the conversation and talk about
anything that she needed to and then he would react to her statements.  For
once, he figured that there was no need to jump the gun and stick his foot
in his mouth.  

"Just...just tell me about you."  Kasumi suggested.

"Huh? What're ya talking about Kasumi?  You know all about me... the
important stuff
anyway..." Ranma replied.

The request confused Ranma.  Whatever he was expecting, this certainly
wasn't it.

"Ranma, " Kasumi began patiently, "I think we both can admit that we feel a
certain...
attraction to each other because of what Shampoo did.  Am I right?"

Ranma opened his mouth, ready to refute her statement, but the look in her eyes
DARED him to disagree, so he only nodded mutely.  

"OK,"  Kasumi said, relaxing slightly.  "After what happened, I realized that
I know nothing about you.  Oh, I know about most of what you've gone through,
but I don't know how _feel_ about anything.  Do you talk to anyone Ranma?  I am
really just talk, about what you want, what you fear, what you dream..."

"Hey!  I ain't scared of nothing!"  Ranma said defensively.

"See?  That's what I mean!"  Kasumi shot back.  "Everyone has fears Ranma.
Everyone.
And I'm not just talking about cats..."  

Kasumi took deep breath and continued.  "I'm not pressuring you into
anything here
Ranma.  I'm just giving you a chance to talk, and hopefully, you'll give me
the same opportunity.  In spite of all the craziness around here, we're both
lonely Ranma. What do you say?"

Ranma relaxed completely after Kasumi finished talking.  *She didn't wanna talk
about marriage, or love, or any of that stuff!  She just wants to..talk.  heh.
What do I have to lose?*  

Ranma looked at Kasumi, gratitude evident in his eyes.  "Thank you Kasumi, I
guess...
I guess I'd like that."

Kasumi smirked, then gave Ranma an innocent look, "Ranma-kun, you looked
relieved!"

"Well I am, " Ranma started, not thinking (as usual), "I thought you wanted to 
talk about-"  Ranma suddenly stopped, realizing what he was about to say.

"About marriage? being in love?  having a relationship?"  Kasumi helpfully
offered.

Ranma paled then weakly nodded.  Kasumi laughed easily then said, "Well, we
still have time for all that.  Besides, don't you know?  Nothing EVER gets
resolved
around here!"

Ranma laughed, then teasingly said, "What ever you say, Oneechan."

Kasumi gave Ranma a pained look and replied, "PLEASE don't call me that Ranma, 
I feel positively ancient when YOU say it."

Ranma repressed a grin as he stood up, ready to run. "Oh?  Do you prefer
'Obasan' then?"
Ranma asked as he ran up the stairs laughing, Kasumi following close behind.  

*****************************************************************
THE END
**************
Ok, thanks to all the people who responded to
Kasumi and Spice and Everything Nice.  I really appreciated
the feedback and it motivated me to actually write the
sequel.  I had mentioned that this one might be a lemon,
but I backed off from that idea.  I just couldn't write
a sex scene that seemed....plausible.  Oh well.  

Special thanks to Carol Hull, who was the inspiration to
"Kasumi and Spice"  (Hope you liked this one Carol)

Special thanks also to Matt Posner who gave me lots of
well thought out and constructive feedback on "Kasumi and Spice"
Sorry Matt, I made most the same mistakes this time around...

And finally... thanks to all the FFMLIRC people you took the
time to listen to me talk about about my writing... 

as always, C&C is appreciated, anandr@earthlink.net