Dr. Tofu stood in the middle of his small living room, his feet spread
slight apart, his eyes closed, and taking deep, regular breaths.  He 
had moved all his furniture against walls, as if he was getting ready
to practice a complicated kata.

Actually, he was training for something much more difficult.  His hands were
at his sides.  The left one was free and relaxed, while he had a tight grip
on a small photograph in the right.  Keeping his eyes closed he slowly moved
his right hand towards his face so that the picture was only six inches away
from his eyes.  Taking more deep breath, for strength, he slowly opened his
eyes and look at the picture.  

He immediately felt his heart start to pound, his blood and skin start to
heat up, and his glasses start to fog.  *I have to do this!*  He thought
to himself.  He willed his heart rate to slow down.  He slowed his breathing
which had started to pick up once he had looked at the picture.  Slowly, but
surely, his body started to rest, and he joyfully realized that his glasses
were still clear, he could still see, and most importantly, he could still
think.  Finally!  The months of training had paid off.  His face relaxed 
and he smiled at the picture.  The picture of his Goddess, the one woman 
that he had loved for years on end.  *I love you Kasumi.*


		********* Raoh the Conquorer presents *********

		*********			      *********
		
		****	 Is Tofu Really Good For You?      ****

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

	      The sequel to "Love is in the Air, if not in the salt"
		
		***********************************************

Ranma and Akane managed to push their way through the crowd of worried, anxious,
and in some cases elated, students.  Akane was able to get into a good viewable
location first, since Ranma had been gently but firmly dragging Kasumi
behind him.
When they were finally able to read the numbers off the large board, they
stopped.

"What was your test number, Ranma?"  Kasumi asked, standing close beside him.

"It was 1101."  Ranma answered in a strained voice.  

Ranma couldn't believe how worried he had become.  *Its not like I care about
this stupid test, or even want to go to college* He angrily thought to himself.
If he had failed, however, Kasumi would have been disappointed in him.  Not that
she would have berated him about it.  She had always encouraged him, no
matter how
many stupid mistakes he had made.  That's not to say that they didn't fight.
They
did a whole lot of that.  It was just another sign that they were friends, that
they were growing closer, that they cared about each other.  

It had been a little over a year since they had decided to confide in each
other,
that there was a mutual attraction between them.  Neither one of the had talked
about the matter since, and life once again settled down into a "normal"
routine.
The only difference was, that Kasumi was now a part of it, and Ranma couldn't
be happier.  For the first time since he came to Nerima, he had someone one his 
side.  Someone who didn't _seem_ to have any ulterior motives or hidden agendas
where he was concerned.

Ranma quickly broke out his line of thinking when Akane started jumping up and
down, squeeling in glee.  "I passed!  I passed!"  she cried out.

"Congratulations Akane-chan!"  Kasumi said warmly then gave her sister a hug.

Ranma stared blankly at the test numbers on the board.  He didn't try to look
for his test number, he wasn't ready for the disappointment yet.  Kasumi had
spent many painstaking months tutoring Ranma and getting him ready for the test.
Ranma's life was a bit too chaotic to take summer classes, so Kasumi had
helped him at home, at every opportunity that had presented itself.  *All
for nothing...* Ranma sighed to himself.  

"Ara... Ranma, What was your test number, again?"  Kasumi asked  blinking at the
board.  

Ranma winced then said, "1101."

"Ranma!  You passed!"  Kasumi exclaimed.

"Wha-  How... Whe..."  Ranma stared at the board *1101*  He blinked, rubbed
his eyes
then looked at the board again *1101* "YAAATAAAAAAA!" Ranma yelled out then 
grabbed Kasumi in a fierce hug and started twirling her around in a circle. 
The students around them had all stepped back as soon as Ranma had yelled out.  
Those closest to the trio noticed that Ranma had started to glow.  

It should be said, at this point, that had Akane been paying attention, she
might have
started to glow as well; a very bright and angry blue glow.  However, Akane's
gaze was trasfixed on the test board.  *He...passed?*  

As for Kasumi, she couldn't be happier. Ranma was never one to show much in the
way of physical affection, so she was enjoying the hug for all it was worth. She
was very proud of Ranma, and in a way, proud of herself.  This was something
they had accomplished together.  He had not allowed his pride get in the way of
her helping him.  It just affirmed what she felt about him.  Kasumi, unlike
anyone else, had realized a very important part of Ranma's psyche.  By himself,
he was virtually unstoppable, he always found a creative way to overcome
the odds.  Yet, when Ranma had the support and love that ALL people need, there
was _nothing_ that could stop him.  He had grown up with out that support,
always
having to deal with the negative reinforcement his father provided.  *I know
I could make him happy. If he'd only give me a chance...*


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

That night, Kasumi and Nodoka made a huge dinner in honor and congratulations
of Ranma and Akane passing their college entrance exams.  Soun was ecstatic,
more for Ranma than for Akane.  He had little doubt that Akane would pass
her test, but Ranma was almost a lost cause.  Nodoka was pleased, she
wanted her son to continue his education and in the process, learn more about
life and perhaps settle down a little.  

As she sat at the dinner table, smiling at her son, she realized how much his
name fit his personality.  She was not concerned about his skills as
a martial arts, or truth be told, about his "honor" or "manhood".  Now,
she just wanted to him to be a productive member of society and face up
to his responsibilites.  

Genma just sat there, speechless, staring at Ranma.  Like Akane, he was amazed
that Ranma had managed to pass his test.  Then Kasumi served dinner and he
was back to his normal self.  

"So my boy, " Genma said between bites, "have the two of you decided what
University
you will be attending?"

Ranma looked at Genma with a confused look on his face.

"Well, " Akane spoke up, "I was thinking about Tokyo University, since its
pretty close to home."

"Splendid!" Genma answered, completely missing the fact that Ranma had not
answered him. This fact, however, did not go unnoticed by Nodoka or
Kasumi.

"Tokyo Univerisity, Ranma? "  Nodoka prompted.

Ranma scratched the back of his head and said, "I guess... I really haven't
given
the whol thing much thought.  Why do I gotta go to college anyways?!  High
School 
was enough of a drag, and besides, what's a University gonna teach me about
martial
arts?"

Before Nodoka could reply, Kasumi said, "Ranma, haven't you realized yet that 
exercising your brain is as important as exercising your body?  When you get
into a fight, you look for multiple weaknesses in your opponents defense,
right?"

Ranma just nodded, surprised that Kasumi knew even *that* much about fighting.  
It was just another reminder that there were many facets to her personality, and
many things that he still did not know about her.

Ranma paid attention as Kasumi continued, "You look for every opportunity, you
don't back away from a potential weakness just because it might be difficult
to exploit, right?"

Ranma nodded again, not really sure where Kasumi was going with this.  He
thought
back on the many fights he had fought; with Saffron, Ryoga, Kirin and the rest.

"It's the same way in life, Ranma.  If you go to University, MANY opportunities
will be open to you, you may not see them now, but you will later.  It will be
hard work, a huge challenge, but the opportunities are worth it, don't you
think?"

The rest of the family looked at Kasumi in amazement.  It was the longest
speech she had ever made.  Kasumi rarely interfered in the arguments,
challenges,
and general craziness that invaded the household.  This had remained true for
the most part even while she became closer to Ranma.  The family was not
expecting such insight from her.

Ranma just shook his head and smiled. Over the past year, he had gotten
used to Kasumi's wisdom.  Although it was not always as _nicely_ presented,
it was always infallible.  That fact should have irritated someone like
Ranma, but it didn't. It just made him more fond of her.  She never assumed
an air of superiority around him.  He finally jokingly said, "Gee, maybe you
should come with me Kasumi, I might miss some of those opportunities if you're
not around!"

Kasumi gently blushed as the rest of the family laughed good-naturedly.  
*Idiot.*  she mentally sighed to herself.  She didn't know whether she
was describing Ranma or herself.

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

As dinner concluded and Ranma and Kasumi started washing the dishes, someone
knocked on the front door.  Nodoka, who was in the kitchen as well, went
to answer the door and greet their vistor.  About twenty minutes passed while
Kasumi and Ranma talked and cleaned, neither one concerned about who their
vistor
might be.  As they had finished the dishes Nodoka stepped into the kitchen.  Her
eyes were alight with an excitement that was barely contained.  

"Kasumi?  Will you please come out here with me?  You have a guest."

"Oh my..."  Kasumi said as she looked around the kitchen; there was still a lot
work that needed to be done.  Ranma smiled, almost reading Kasumi's thoughts.

"Go ahead Kasumi, I'll take care of things in here."  Ranma said.

Kasumi smiled gratefully at Ranma, took off her apron and followed Nodoka
out of the kitchen.  When she stepped into the dining area, she found Dr. Tofu
sitting at the table with her whole family standing behind him.  Nabiki and
Akane were grinning ear to ear.  Genma looked bored, while Soun was, of course,
crying.  Now, Kasumi wasn't as oblivious as everyone thought she was, but she
still couldn't figure this one out.

"Tofu-sensei, Good evening.  I'm sorry you missed dinner..."

"Kasumi-san, "  Dr Tofu started, then cleared his throat.  

"Kasumi-san, I came here this evening to ask your father's permission to
court you.  Court you, with the intention of marrying you. "

He paused as he noticed the look of shock on Kasumi's face.  

"I am now asking your consent as well.  I know this is sudden and
unexpected, but
I have known your family for many years, and truly, I haved loved for many years
as well.  I hope you will give me a chance."

"Tofu-sensei, I... I don't know what to say...."

At this point, Soun decided to interject.  "The two of need time to get to
to know one each other better.  You should go on a date, this Saturday."

"Uh..." Kasumi started to reply, but was unable to continue as the rest of the
family started planning her first date.


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

After the details for the dat had been set, and Dr, Tofu had left, (kissing
Kasumi's
hand as he walked out), Kasumi walked back into the kitchen, desperately
needing to 
talk to Ranma.  In spite of the fact that the two of them did not have any
kind of 
romantic relationship, she knew that Dr. Tofu's proposal affected him as well.  
Besides, she just needed to talk to a friend about what had happened.  

Kasumi watched as Ranma finished putting the pots and pans away; he was
almost done cleaning the kitchen.  She marveled at how fast and efficient
he was.  Whenever he personally set out to do something, anything, without
outside pressure, he worked hard and took pride in his work.  

"Ranma," she said softly.  

Ranma turned towards her and smiled.  "So, who was your guest Kasumi?"

"It was Tofu-sensei."

"Oh?"  Ranma's voice and eyes suddenly became alert.

"Yes..." Kasumi answered, staring into Ranma's eyes.  "He said he wants to marry
me...and...and that he loves me."

Ranma looked at the floor for a few moments, then looked at Kasumi and forced
himself to smile.  "Well, It's about time!  I was wondering how long it
would take..."

Kasumi looked at Ranma, the surprise evident on her face.  "You knew?  For
how long?"

"I found out a few weeks after I got here.  According to Akane, he's felt
that way
for a while."

"You've known for almost two years!  And you didn't tell me!" Kasumi yelled
angrily.

"Everytime its the same thing, Ranma!  Why won't you open up to me?  Does my
friendship mean so little to you?"

Ranma took a deep breath and said, "Kasumi, I had no right to tell you how
Dr. Tofu
felt.  That was for him to say, when the time was right.  Besides, if a guy
isn't
ready to say it, then he isn't ready to commit to it."

Kasumi stared at Ranma as if she had been slapped.  

Without looking at her he continued, "I'm finished in here.  I'm going to go the
dojo and work on that new move pop showed my this morning."  

Before Kasumi could reply, Ranma walked passed her and out the door.

Ranma nearly stalked his way to the dojo.  Once he got inside he released the
breath he had been holding.  *Well it was bound to happen sooner or later* he
thought morosely about Dr. Tofu's proposal.  He didn't want to lose Kasumi, but
at the same time she deserved a chance at happiness.  

He started a simple kata to get warmed up and to relieve the growing confusion
and stress in his mind.  He understood why Kasumi was angry; at least he
thought he did.  She felt betrayed, but he was not intentionally keeping 
secrets from her.  He really didn't have any right to tell her how Dr. Tofu
felt.  *Is that really the reason you didn't tell her?*  He asked himself.
Ranma wanted to go the right thing.  He wanted Kasumi to be happy.  He want
to be honest with her.  Ranma could not continue the kata; the conflict
of his feelings was just too great.  In the past, he had always run away, here
to the dojo, to sort out his problems.  Kasumi deserved better than that.
*I gotta at least talk to her...*


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

Kasumi sat at a desk in her room staring a photo album.  She had flipped
through all the the pictures of her and her sisters growing up.  She saw
her mother, young and full of life.  Kasumi smiled at the memories that
the pictures brought her.  Her mother was a meticulous homemaker, and a
loving wife
and mother.  She, did not, however, have many skills or or engaged in activities
outside of the home.  Kasumi always wanted to be like her mother. She knew that
her sisters thought that she was wasting her life away, but she was happy.
She did everything the way her mother would have, wanting to make her proud, 
wanting to take care of the family and fill the void that her death had left.

The culmination of her dreams, of her desire to become like her mother, would
be getting married and raising a family. After so many years of working,
dreaming,
and hoping, that opportunity was in front of her.  Kasumi clothes the album and
stared blankly at the wall of her room.  She wondered if she had the strength
to give it all up and pursue a much more dangerous and uncertain path.  She
could
now admit to herself that she did indeed LOVE Ranma.  *But is love going to
be enough?*

Kasumi's train of thought was broken by the knock on her door. 

"Who is it?"  She asked.

"Uh...It's me, Kasumi..."  Ranma said from behind her door.

Kasumi suddenly remembered that she was angry with him.  

"I don't think I want to see you right now Ranma-kun."  

Ranma winced at the tone of her voice.  *Brrrr... so cold*  

"Kasumi...I...I'm sorry...Can't we talk?"  

Ranma apologizing this easily might have been quite a feat a year ago.  But
Ranma had learned to swallow _some_ of his pride where Kasumi was concerned.
He had always felt an overwhelming guilt whenever he had unintentionally 
done something to hurt her.  But then again, most people felt the same way,
Kasumi had that kind of personality.  People just didn't want to hurt her.

Kasumi smiled wearily and went to open the door, she didn't hold grudges for
long.  She felt that life was not worth the effort it took to stay mad at
someone.
She opened the door and allowed Ranma to enter her room, then she sat down
on her bed and waited.

Ranma looked at her for a few moments then started laughing as he shook his
head.  "Do realize that we always end up here, like this, whenever I say or
do something stupid?"

Kasumi gave Ranma a startled look, then smiled as the truth of his statement
dawned on her.  They would fight, he would go off the security of the dojo,
while
she retreated to her room.  After a while, Ranma approach her like this and they
would talk things out.  She idly wondered how much better his relationship
with Akane would be if he tried the same tactics with her.  

"I'm sorry I yelled at you Ranma, I...I was just shocked by Tofu-sensei's
proposal."


"Yeah...That took me by surprise too.  I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I still
feel like it wasn't my place to say anything..."


"I'm not mad about than anymore, Ranma, well not _really_.  What I want to
know is why you walked out on me?  Why you always walk out on me when I need
to talk?  Who else is there for me Ranma?  Who else is there for YOU?  You
are the only person in this house who doesn't treat me like I don't
have a brain in my head.  And that's why it hurts so much when you turn away
from me..."  Kasumi ended in a choked voice, tears starting to form in her eyes.

Ranma slowly walked over to her and hestitantly enveloped her in a hug.

"I'm so sorry Kasumi..." Ranma said, his voice thick with emotion.  

"You have shown me more kindness and friendship than anyone I've ever known,
and I don't deserve it...You, more than anyone, deserve to be happy, and no
one in this house can give you what you need...You provide so much and
get so little in return."

Kasumi just cried harder, holding on to Ranma tightly.  


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

The next few days flew by quickly for Kasumi and Saturday finally came.  Kasumi
sat on her bed an sighed as her younger sisters shuffled through her wardrobe,
looking for the *perfect* dress.  Ranma had convinced Kasumi to look at her
upcoming date with an open mind.  She wasn't _sure_ how Ranma felt about
her, but
she had her suspicions.  Ranma was trying to put her happiness before his own.
Ironically enough, the source of her internal conflict was trying to convince
her to take the easier, more secure path.  *That idiot is too noble for his
own good.*  She thought to herself.

Ranma had decided to spend Saturday away from the dojo.  He sat on a park bench
and watched as variously children played on a warm summer day.  He may have
wanted Kasumi
to be happy, but he didn't have to stick around the house and watch as Akane
and Nabiki got her ready for the big date.  

"Well, I guess they were meant to be together..."  Ranma grudgingly admitted
to himself.

Of course, Ranma used to think the same about Akane and himself.  Yet, over the 
course of the past year, his feelings for her diminished.  They still
argued, but
not as much, and Ranma really didn't feel like taking the effort to argue with
her.  His remarks, now, were more annoying, than painful.  He didn't take the
effort to hurt her, because nothing she said really hurt him.  He remembered a 
time, about a year ago, when he talked to Kasumi after a really big fight
with Akane.  He forgot what the fight was about, but Akane had invariably
hit him, then burst into tears and ran to her room.  

Kasumi had told him that a person could only hurt, and could only be hurt by,
a person they loved.  *Does that mean I don't love Akane?*  Ranma forced himself
to shy away from those thoughts.  Love or not, it looked like he would be
marrying her.  He had a suspicion that their parents would want to see them 
married before college started.  Akane and he were almost friends now.  They
talked more, about little, inane things; and Akane smiled more often than
before.  He still thought that she was cute when she smiled, but it didn't feel
the same.  Before, the sight of her smile used to stop his heart.  Now, it
just made him smile in return.  Ranma groaned as he put his head in his hands,
"Man, what a messed up life I have...*


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

Kasumi walked down the stairs wearing a beautiful white evening dress and her
hair done up in curls.  "Well, how do I look?"  She asked the assorted
crowd in the living room.  

Soun started crying as he said, "My baby girl is growing up!"

"You look absolutely stunning."  Nodoka remarked.  

"Doesn't she though?  We bought that dress today...it was on sale...."
Nabiki commented.

"You're look so beautiful, oneechan!"  Akane said, sighing.

"Thank you..."  Kasumi replied then asked, "Where is Ranma?  I...I have
to thank him before I leave for tonight."

"He's in the dojo, where else?"  Akane replied.  

"Excuse me for a minute..."  Kasumi said as she walked into the dojo.

When she got to the dojo entrance, she saw Ranma performing a complicated kata.
He was wearing a white gi, one that showed off his muscles really well.  She
stood there and watched for a few moments, lost in his movements, the shape 
of his body, and the sweat drenching his face and chest.  *He must have been
practicing for a long time*  She thought to herself.  Ranma rarely broke out
into a sweat when practicing, his body was so conditioned.  She knew this
because
she had spent many days, just like this, watching his fluid motions as he moved
from stance to stance. Her heart ached with need and longing... *Ranma...*

She had not realized that she had spoken out loud until Ranma turned to face
her.
She smiled as she saw the look of shock on his face.  

"K-Kasumi...you...you look..."  Ranma couldn't finish what he wanted to say.
Words couldn't describe what he was feeling when he saw her; his heart nearly
stopped.  

"Thank you, Ranma.  I'm glad you approve."

Ranma just nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Kasumi tore her eyes away from Ranma and sai, "Ranma, I..."

Before she could continue Ranma interrupted her and said, "Have a good time
tonight Kasumi, enjoy yourself, and...and for once, don't worry about
any of us.  We'll be fine."

Kasumi just looked at Ranma, nodded once, then walked away without looking back.


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

It was a little after ten o'clock at night when Kasumi walked back into the
house.
She walked into the living room, noticing that everyone was still awake.  The
women were watching TV, while Soun and Genma were playing Go and drinking sake.
Ranma was no where to be seen.  Everyone quickly stood up and turned towards
Kasumi when they saw that she had returned.

"So oneechan... How did it go?"  Akane asked eagerly.

"It was...fine." Kasumi asked in a tired voice.  "We ate dinner and talked."

"Oh how romantic!  My baby is getting married!"  Soun cried.

"Congratulations Kasumi! " Nodoka said as she hugged the newly engaged young
woman.

Kasumi was in a state of shock, things were moving way to fast for her.

"Hey Tendo? "  Genma interrupted his friend's, crying fit, "Why not save money
and make it a double wedding?  Akane and Ranma and Kasumi-san and Tofu-sensei."

Genma had tried to sound like the idea had just occurred to him.

"Why, Saotome!  What a brilliant idea!"

*Things are REALLY moving too fast* Kasumi thought to herself.  

"Excuse me, but I think I'm going to bed now..."  Kasumi told the
celebrating group.

"Is something wrong, oneechan?"  Akane asked as Kasumi walked up the stairs.

As Kasumi was about to answer, Genma said, "Don't worry Akane, new love has the
tendancy to wear out a person, right Tendo?"

Soun laughed.  "Absolutely right! Why I remember when..."

Kasumi ignored the rest of the conversation as she walked to her room.  When
she got
to her room, she opened the door and flopped down on her bed.  She did not
bother
to remove her dress, she was too tired.  It wasn't that the two of them had done
anything strenuous, but she was so _bored_ the entire time.  Tofu-sensei was
a kind
and sweet man,  and she was flattered that he had feelings for her.  But she
just
did not have those same feelings for him.  They had gone to dinner and
talked the 
entire time.  Actually, Kasumi listen more than anything.  She found out a great
deal about the man courting her and he _would_ make a good husband...to a woman
who loved him.  They whole time they were together, she did not feel any kind of
emotion, and kind of spark, any kind of chemistry like she did when she was
with Ranma.  The safe and secure path was not for her...and yet... did she
have the courage to take the dangerous one?

"Oneechan?  Are you asleep?" Akane asked as she knocked on the door.

"No, Akane-chan, please come in."  Kasumi replied, sitting up in bed.

Akane quietly opened the door, walked over to Kasumi's bed and sat down.

"I...I just wanted to say how happy I am for you Kasumi. You and Dr. Tofu belong
together."

Kasumi sighed and covered her head with her hands.

"What's wrong Kasumi?  You should be happy.  Dr. Tofu is a wonderful man.  He is
kind, sweet, intelligent, wise...not like the idiot I'M going to marry..."

Kasumi looked up at Akane sharply, tears in her eyes.  Akane moved back,
startled
by the look in Kasumi's eyes.  

"I'm engaged to a perfect man.  A perfect man who I do not love."  Kasumi said.

"Oneechan...." Akane began but was cut off as Kasumi held up her hand.

"Let me finish, Akane.  You.  You are NEVER going to meet a man as noble and
as honorable as Ranma.  In spite of being engaged to you against his will, he
never broke up with you, despite the numerous times you have broken up with
him.  He has also had countless opportunities to cheat on you, with so
many different girls, all chasing him, but he never did.  The only tie he 
had to you was that engagement, and he stuck by it.  He has protected and saved
you countless times and has ALWAYS been there when you really needed him.  Don't
you realize how hard that is find in a man?  And at the age of 18 no less!"  

Akane just numbly looked at Kasumi.  She knew that Ranma and she had gotten
closer, but she didn't realize how fiercely protective she was of him.  

Kasumi leaned up close to Akane and said, "Forget your pride, Akane... It
won't get you anywhere with him.  If you love him, even a little, tell him."

Akane looked down at her lap.  "But...but what if he doesn't love me?"  Akane
asked in a small voice.

Kasumi took a deep breath and said, "At least you'll know before the wedding."

Akane looked up, the impact of what her father was planning finally hitting her.

"I have to get this cleared up soon, don't I?"  

Kasumi nodded.  

"Ok... well, I guess there's no time like the present."  Akane said standing up.

She took a deep breath, then walked out of Kasumi's room.  *Good luck sister...*
Kasumi thought as Akane left.  Whatever happened, she wanted Akane and Ranma
to be happy, together, or seperately.


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

Akane tentatively knocked on Ranma's door.  After not hearing a response, she
knocked a lot harder.  

"Yeah, come in..." Ranma said in a bored tone.

Akane opened the door and walked into the room.  Ranma was laying back in his
futon, staring at the ceiling.  He did not get up when she walked in.  

"Ranma?"

"Yo Akane, what's up?"  Ranma asked, still laying on the futon.

Akane shifted uncomfortably on her feet.  *This idiot isn't making this any
easier
on me.*  She suddenly sat down next to Ranma, and he turned to face her.

"Kasumi came back from her date..." Akane began, "and...and Dad decided that she
and Dr Tofu would have a double wedding...with us...in a few months."

Ranma stiffened for a moment, then slowly sat up and faced Akane.

"I see."  he replied.

" 'I see'??? Is THAT all you can say???"  Akane asked, her anger growing.

"Well what do you want me to say?" Ranma replied, his anger growing as well.

"Tell me how feel about this!  Do you want to marry me?  Ranma,  do...do you
LOVE me?  " Akane asked as she turned Ranma's head and looked him straight in 
the eyes.

For years, Ranma had been dreading this question.  He knew it would come
eventually,
and he had played out the senerio many times in his mind.  He hadn't done so in
several months, and did so quickly right now.  He knew Akane wouldn't like the
answer.  He didn't want to hurt her.  It was part of his family's honor to marry
her.  They had been engaged for two years.  Kasumi was going to marry Dr. Tofu.
That last thought struck him hardest of all.  Yet, he didn't love Akane.  Could
he make her happy under those circumstances?  Could doom her to live the rest
of her life with a man you did not love her?  What would Kasumi think of him
if he did that...  

"Akane,  I like you... a lot.  We've become pretty good friends over this past 
year.  We can almost tolerate each other now. " Ranma said with a smile.

"But...I'm so sorry Akane, I don't love you."

Akane just stared blankly at Ranma.  She refused to let her mind register the
words he had just said.  After a few moments, Ranma gently touched her arm and
she jerked away, the tears starting to flow.

"All...all this time...Ranma..."  Akane said between sobs.

"I'm sorry Akane, " Ranma repeated.  "I might have had those feelings once,
but I don't
anymore..."

"Why...what happened?"

"Nothing happened, " Ranma lied.  "I just...i just..."  Ranma sighed and said,
"I didn't want to hurt you, but I guess its better that you know before the
wedding."

Akane's tear-stained face jerked up and she stared at Ranma.  *know before the
wedding*  Finally, everything was starting to make sense to her.  The past year,
the encouragement Kasumi gave Ranma, he help he provided her around the house,
Kasumi's outburst just a few minutes ago.  It all fit together in Akane's head.
She stood up and ran to her room, a feeling of betrayal deep in her heart.

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

The next morning, everyone ate breakfast in silence.  Kasumi, Ranma, and
Akane were
deep in thought from the previous evening.  Soun and Genma were hung over from
celebrating the previous night.  They had finished off a lot of sake.  As
everyone
finished, Kasumi and Nodoka were about to start on the dishes when Akane said,

"If you could all stay here for a few moments, I have an announcement."


Kasumi and Nodoka sat down, the curiosity evident on their face.  Ranma looked
visably agitated and very nervous.

"Ranma and I had a long talk last night. And...and we both came to the
decision that we are not right for each other...we will not be getting married.
And that is final."  

Akane stood up amidst the protests of her father and Genma but she ignored them
and slowly walked to her room, making sure not to show her tears to anyone.
*I love you Ranma...I hope you'll be happy.*

A few moments after she entered her room and sat on her bed, Kasumi walked in.

"Akane-chan... What happened?"  

Akane looked at Kasumi and bitterly said, "Why do they always love you oneechan?
Why aren't I good enough?"

Kasumi gently hugged Akane while she cried and said, "Oh Akane-chan...I am
so sorry.
I really am..."

Kasumi knew about Akane's crush on Dr. Tofu.  She realized what his love for
must have been like for her younger sister.  And now Ranma...*wait.  Did she
say that Ranma loves me?*  Kasumi guiltily surpresses a surge of joy.  She 
wanted her to be happy, she wanted Ranma, but not like this.  

"Akane, what happened?"  

"He doesn't love me, oneechan."  Akane said with a sigh, the tears starting
to fade.

"Somewhere along the way, we grew apart.  I knew it, but ignored it...I
always thought
that the two of us were meant for each other...that if I waited long enough,
he would come to me.  But you were right Kasumi, I should have told him how I
felt.  And now... its too late."

"I am sorry Akane."

"Are you Kasumi? Are you really?" Akane asked.

"Of course I am!"  Kasumi asked as she blushed.

"I know how you feel about him.  I  must have been blind not to see it all
this time."

"Akane, I..."

"DON'T TRY TO DENY IT!"  Akane screamed.  "Don't insult me or make light of what
I did downstairs by denying this..."

Kasumi wisely shut her mouth.

"Remember what you told me last night?  If you love him, even a little, tell
him.
Don't make the same mistake I did oneechan..."

"Akane...are, are you sure?"

"I...I am very mad with the both of you, and probably will be for a long time...
but, but I love you both and I want both of you to be happy."  Akane replied,
breaking down into tears again.  


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

The day passed by quickly in the Tendo home.  Akane and Ranma had both
stayed in their rooms all day.  Everyone was wise enough to stay away
from them.  Nodoka convinced Soun and Genma to give the two of them
some space; they both needed time to sort things out.

As nightfall, came Ranma was the only one not at the dinner table.  This
was a huge relief to Akane was hungry, but didn't want to see Ranma at the
time.  The family at dinner quietly.  No one even talked about Kasumi's
wedding, not wanting to touch any Akane's sore spots at the moment.  

As dinner ended, Kasumi walked up to Ranma's room with a plate of food
and cup of tea.  She gently knocked on the door before opening it.
Ranma was sitting on chair, staring outside of his window.  

"Its a beautiful night Kasumi, " he said without turning around.  Somehow,
he always knew it was her.  

"Yes...it is."

"How...how is Akane?"

Kasumi set the tray of food down on the floor and stood next to Ranma.

"I think...she will be OK, with time."  

After a few minutes of silence, Kasumi said, "She told me what happened last
night."

Ranma looked at Kasumi.  "I'm sorry Kasumi, I didn't want to hurt her...but
how could I marry a person I don't love?"

*You can't*  Kasumi thought to herself in silence.  The two stayed there in
silence for a bit longer.  Finally Kasumi said, "I'm not going to marry Tofu."

Ranma looked up at her, "Why?"  

"For the same reason your not marrying Akane..."  Kasumi replied.

She then took Ranma's hands in her's and wordlessly beckoned him to stand up.
Ranma stood facing her, the moonlight reflecting in her eyes.  Once again, he
marvelled at her beauty. Still holding onto his hands, Kasumi said,

"I'm not marrying Tofu because I don't LOVE him.  I love you.  I don't how
it happened or why it happened, but it's the truth.  I love you."

Ranma's hands began to tremble and he closed his eyes.  Kasumi  moved
her face closer to his and whispered, "I love you.  I'm going to keep
saying it until I get some kind of a respose from you.  I love you, I love
you, I-"

Kasumi's last words were muffled as Ranma bent his head towards her and
kissed her.
The kiss was long and sweet and Kasumi lost herself in it.  After a few
minutes, 
Ranma pulled back, breathing heavily.  After he calmed down a bit, he looked
deeply at Kasumi's flushed face and said, "I love you too."


	    **************************************************
	    *                 Short Epilogue                 *
            *                                                *
            *                  4 years later                 *
            **************************************************


Ranma stared at the full-length mirror that had been placed in his room
the previous day.  He kept trying to adjust the bow-tie of his tuxedo.
Somehow, it just was't coming out straight.

"You look FINE!"  Ryoga said behind him.  "If we don't leave soon, you're
gonna be late for your own wedding!"

"You're a fine one to be talking about being late."  Ranma grumbled

"Hey!  I made it here on time, right?" Ryoga protested.

"Yeah, Yeah... whatever."  Ranma said as he adjusted the tie one more time.

"Man, you sure do have long engagements!  I thought that two years with Akane
was bad, but four with Kasumi!"

"Hey...I wanted to be sure this time around...besides, I wasn't gonna marry
Kasumi until I had got my degree.  She deserves better than to be married
to some Ronin..."

Ryoga smiled and said, "So THAT'S how you passed!"

Ranma smiled back and replied, "All I needed was the right incentive..."

Ryoga looked at his watch and said, "We REALLY should be going..."

"Ok, Ok... you got the directions to the church?"  

"For the thousandth time, yes."

"Well, I gotta make sure with you...I don't wanna end up two weeks late
for my own wedding!"

"Heh.  So was Mr Tendo upset that your're not holding the wedding in the
dojo?"

"Yeah...A little, but you know the dojo was just too small for all the
guests."

"Well, you didn't HAVE to invite ALL your students..."

"Hey... my students are like my family Ryoga...you'd understand that
if you stuck around long enough to actually take on some students of
your own."

"Whatever you say Ranma-sensei."  Ryoga said mockingly with a bow.

Ranma glared at Ryoga for a few seconds, then they both started laughing.

"Come one P-chan...Let's go get me hitched!"

As Ryoga and Ranma left the room and the door closed behind them, Ranma
asked, "So, did ya patch things up with Akane yet?"

*****************************************************************
And the answer to that question, dear friends, is ANOTHER story.

THE END
*****************************************************************

Ok, this was the third and FINAL part of a story I am
collectively calling "Love and Marriage: The More Dangerous Path"
This whole thing started out when Mr. Robinson posted an
idea of Carol Hull's about Kasumi getting hit with one
of Shampoo's love potions and falling for Ranma.  I took that
idea and had a lot of fun with it... All well and good, then
several people requested that I continue it, but I didn't
resolve much of anything at the end of part 2, and thus
annoyed several people... So here is the last bit...with
Ranma and Kasumi's relationship finally resolved.  Hope
you enjoyed the ride and I'm sorry that Akane and Ranma
didn't end up together, but oh well... I gave her as noble
an exit as I could.  Thank you to everyone who wrote me
about this series...I have enjoyed writing it and probably
would have stopped after part one, if not for your encouragement.
Special thanks to Artemis & Luna, who are welcome to write
a Lemon portion of this story anytime they want. =)

Thanks again...  C&C to anandr@earthlink.net


  




=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Anand Rao
anandr@earthlink.net

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=