All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz
Communications.

                        Addicted pt 4

Cologne and Lilac excused themselves, leaving the six teens alone.

Nabiki moaned. "One day? It's not enough time!" She shuddered. "Sponge
and Rag... oh boy, I am not looking forward to this."

Kasumi gulped nervously. "I think I'll check Dr. Tofu's office, and see
if he's in."

Ranma looked at her then exchanged glances with Akane and Nabiki. "Maybe
I could... talk to him for you, Kasumi. I've got
some things to ask him myself."

Kasumi hesitated. "Ranma... do you want me to...?"  She paused, eyes
questioning.  Ranma waited for her to finish her sentence, looking back
at Kasumi in concern. "Ranma..." Kasumi said very quietly. "Do you want
me to marry Dr. Tofu?"

Ranma smiled, misunderstanding. "Yeah, Kasumi. I want you to be happy,
alright?  Don't worry about a thing. I'll fix things up
with the Doc."

Kasumi put on a pleasant smile.  "Thank you, Ranma."

Ranma nodded firmly and jogged out the back door, hopping the rear wall
effortlessly.

Kasumi's smile faded slightly. < Do I want to marry Dr. Tofu? >  She
pictured the man. Kindly laughter, fogged up glasses... so silly... that
cute pigtail... < Pigtail? No, that's Ranma. Dr. Tofu IS a very nice
man, he's a bit silly, but that's part of what I like about him. >
Kasumi pictured the doctor in her head again. <Ranma want's me to be
happy and marry Dr. Tofu. So that's what I'll do. >

Nabiki watched her older sister's face change expression from happy, to
thoughtful, to wistful. She sighed to herself. <Kasumi, what do you
really want? > Nabiki went back to a pressing problem.  <School is
tomorrow. If someone was selling these things a week ago... they'll be
all over the Furinkan by now. If we didn't have a long weekend, we would
have already been hearing all about this. > Nabiki shook her head in
frustration. <Tomorrow, one way or another, our lives are forever
changed.>
Nabiki went to the phone and dialed the number of her first lieutenant.

After three rings the phone was picked up. "Hello?"

Nabiki spoke quickly and precisely. "Ryomani? It's me. Something big has
come up... Yeah, real big. I need you to make some calls, and call in
some favors..."

Nabiki made several more calls. After an hour on the phone she was
done.  Nabiki went back into the living room and picked
up the tape and the note written by Mousse.

Nabiki looked over at Shampoo. "Shampoo, could you help me with a couple
things?"

Shampoo looked back questioningly. "What Nabiki need?"

Nabiki scratched her chin. "Well... first we need to make a stop over at
the Cat Cafe for some supplies. Then... well, I'll tell you the rest on
the way, OK?"

Shampoo nodded slowly. "OK. Is very important, Nabiki?" It wasn't really
a question.

Nabiki answered anyway. "Yeah, very important."

Shampoo and Nabiki left together, leaving Akane, Kasumi and Ukyo in the
living room.

Ukyo shook her head. "I really don't want to know what she's doing, do
I?"

Akane looked worried. "I hope that whatever it is, it works."

Ukyo nodded. "Me too." She looked hesitant. "Hey, is it alright if I
stay here tonight? I'll camp out in the dojo or something...
It's just that I don't really feel like going back to the restaurant
tonight."

Kasumi smiled. "We'll be glad to have you. Won't we, Akane?"

Akane glanced at Ukyo. "Sure... I don't mind, Ukyo. Its not like we're
fighting over Ranma anymore, is it?"

Ukyo sighed. "Nope... Akane.... Can we get along with each other? Can we
really? We've been at odds for so long..."

Akane hesitated. "I don't know. I guess... I'm willing to try, if you're
willing to meet me halfway."

Ukyo nodded, and smiled hesitantly. "I'm with you, Akane. You know, I
always thought we could be friends, if we weren't
fighting over Ranma."

Akane smiled back. "Sure, friends. I think I'd like that."

Ukyo grinned and held out her hand. "So, here's to the start of a
beautiful friendship."

Akane took Ukyo's hand and started to pump it. "Absolutely! I have a
good feeling about this."

Kasumi put her hands over theirs. "I think we will all be good friends."

The three girls smiled at each other, feeling much the same emotions,
camaraderie, friendship, worry, and underneath it all, a
strong hint of physical attraction. Akane and Ukyo started to blush
slightly, and their breathing started to get deeper and
slower. Slowly they released each other's hands.

Kasumi gave both younger girls hands a final squeeze and let go as
well.  "Oh my... I think we need to talk this out some more,
don't you?"

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

Ranma had taken his time getting to Dr. Tofu's, trying to think of what
he was going to say.  He had gotten several ideas, after walking around
the block a few times, but all of them had the problem of being likely
to give the good doctor a heart attack.

Ranma sighed to himself and went in anyway. < It's not like I've got
much choice. > The pigtailed martial artist glanced around the waiting
room. There were several elderly patients waiting to see the doctor.
Ranma frowned. < I need to talk to the Doc alone. I hate to do this
but...> Ranma glanced out the door.  "Hmm, I wonder how long I have
until Kasumi gets here. She said she was coming along in a couple
minutes..."

As a group, the patients jumped up and quickly exited the office,
nodding gratefully to Ranma as they did so.

When Dr. Tofu finished with the patient he had been currently working
on, he looked out and saw Ranma alone in his office.
"Ah, Ranma! How can I help you today?  Akane hasn't been hitting you
again, has she?"

Ranma shook his head. "No Doc, not for awhile..." He blinked. < That's
funny, Akane hasn't hit me since... then... >  He shook his head.
"Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I need you to show me some shiatsu
points, like a sleep shiatsu or a paralysis shiatsu or something."

Now Dr. Tofu blinked. "Why do you want to learn shiatsu, Ranma? And why
ask me?"

Ranma nodded at the second question. "Yeah, I know I could ask Cologne
or something, but I want to ask you about some
other stuff at the same time."

Dr. Tofu looked interested. "Oh?  What's going on, Ranma?"

Ranma sighed. "Well, I gotta fight Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo tomorrow, and
I don't want to hurt them."

Dr. Tofu blinked again. "How did this happen?"

Ranma sighed once more. "That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you
about.  Have you ever heard of a hypnosis mushroom?"

Tofu looked thoughtful. "I may have something on that in my books..."

Ranma nodded. "How about ground up Phoenix shell, some enhancement drugs
and stabilizer herbs..."

Dr. Tofu blinked several times. "That's quite a combination. Are you
saying that Akane, Ukyo, and Shampoo have been affected by these
things?"

Ranma nodded again. "Yeah. I kinda know what they do, and Cologne told
us about the long term affects, but I kinda thought a second opinion
might help."

Dr. Tofu looked worried. "Well, I'm sure Cologne knows more about these
things than I do, but let me see what I can find
out." He went into his office, Ranma following after, and went over to
his bookshelf. Dr. Tofu pulled out several old looking
books with Chinese characters on the covers. He selected one and opened
it.

As Tofu searched for the correct page, he spoke. "Well, as far as I can
remember, there is a rare brand of mushrooms, mildly poisonous, that
make anyone who ingests them susceptible to hypnotic suggestion. The
effects are supposed to wear off after several hours... ah yes... hmm,
yes, it says here that the hypnosis mushrooms only last for a day at
most, even when enhanced by other drugs."

Ranma nodded. "Yeah, that's what Cologne said. What about the other
stuff?"

Dr. Tofu nodded absently and started searching through his books. "Hmm,
phoenix shell... yes... yes... hmm, I see..." He glanced at Ranma
searchingly, then went back to his books. After several  minutes he
seemed to find what he was looking for.  "Hmm, Ranma, this faithfulness
drug, it's an Amazonian secret?"

Ranma nodded again. "Yeah, Cologne says it's punishable by death for a
non Amazon to use it."

Tofu looked unsurprised. "I believe I know of it then. It's used to...
cement bonds of marriage with outsiders?"

Ranma nodded, gulping. "Yeah."

Dr. Tofu closed his books. "Ranma, the only reason phoenix shell and the
faithfulness drug would be used together, would be
to enforce an Amazon marriage. Is there something else that you want to
tell me?"

Ranma sighed. "Doctor, a month ago, all that stuff got put into a dish
of spaghetti. We all had some and... Well... we all got
hypnotized, there was this song playing, see.... Addicted to Love... and
well, none of us had any control over what happened after..." Ranma
looked bitter. "After we all woke up, it was obvious what had happened.
Even if we couldn't remember it."

Dr. Tofu looked sympathetic. "Ranma, from everything I've read, those
hypnosis mushrooms are irresistible. There was nothing you could've
done." He frowned. "Then, you had sex with all three girls?" He shook
his head. "I'm afraid I can't help you, Ranma. If 'Faithfulness' was
used, from everything I've read, the effects are permanent. I'm sorry."

Ranma closed his eyes and sighed once more. "Thanks anyway, Doc. I hoped
you might know a way, but it really doesn't
matter now."

Dr. Tofu blinked. "You mentioned having to fight them, does this have
anything to do with Amazon law?"

Ranma nodded. "Yeah, all the other girls had to become Amazons, or
Shampoo would have had to kill them. Since by Amazon law, I've already
separately defeated Akane, Ukyo, and Shampoo, I have to marry them. The
fight is to prove I can
handle all three, to see if I'm worthy... It's that or let any Amazon
guy  who wants to, beat em and marry them... and I can't do
that. Besides, that night had further... complications."

Dr, Tofu blinked. "A month? Ah, I see... which girl is pregnant?"

Ranma sighed. "You mean which three girls... Doctor, You've gotta show
me that move. I can't go beating up on them,
especially not now, but I can't lose either."

Dr. Tofu nodded. "Now I understand. Ranma, I've never met anyone who
could attract trouble like you, but I'll help as best I
can."

Ranma sighed in relief. "Thanks Doc. I knew I could count on you."

Dr. Tofu shrugged. "Alright, why don't I show you that sleep shiatsu
point.

It's easier than learning all the paralysis ones, although it's harder
to execute..."

As Dr. Tofu started to demonstrate, Ranma held an internal debate. < I
gotta tell him about Kasumi... but he'll go to pieces, and I gotta learn
this move. > Ranma shook his head. < No, it's gotta be said, and Cologne
can teach me anyway. I have to tell him. > Ranma noted that the doctor
had stopped speaking and he fixed him with a serious look. "Doc, I gotta
tell you something else."

Dr. Tofu took his fingers away from the spot he had been showing Ranma.
"What is it, Ranma? Don't worry, you can tell me.
I am a doctor, after all."

Ranma sighed heavily. "Doc... there were two more affected by all of
this.  You see, Mousse had fixed us all this big dish of
spaghetti, saying it was a farewell dinner. Happosai had chased Pops and
Mr. Tendo away, and Mousse set it up and left,
but Kasumi and Nabiki were there that night..."

Tofu Onu froze. "K-Kasumi? K-K-Kasumi was there... she... and you..."
The doctor's glasses had fogged up. Deliberately he took them off and
wiped them. He put his glasses back on. "Ranma..." Tofu looked stunned,
barely in control. "You didn't... it wasn't... I... I..." His glasses
fogged up again. Once more Dr. Tofu took them off and wiped them.

Dr. Tofu put his glasses back on and tried to breathe slowly.  "I...
see.  Ranma, so... Nabiki and K-Kasumi are now Amazon's
as well?"

Ranma nodded. "Yeah, only, I've never beat them in combat, so they don't
have to marry me. Doctor, I know you like Kasumi. She likes you too. All
you have to do is tap her sleep spot..."

Dr. Tofu looked away. "I... can't. I couldn't bear to. I can't even
think straight when she's near..."

Ranma grabbed one of the doctor's arms. "Doc, you've gotta! A couple of
Amazons are coming here. Really disgusting guys. They can't find a girl
in China to save their lives... but Kasumi can't fight.  Its better you
than them. Hey, Kasumi likes you! Doc, you gotta try."

Tofu looked back at Ranma, his face growing serious. "Ranma... it
doesn't matter.  Don't you understand? Even if I could... defeat Kasumi,
I couldn't marry her. Ranma, you said that the Amazon drug used to
ensure marriage was used, right?"  Ranma nodded slowly. Tofu shook his
head. "If the drug works as it is rumored to, then Kasumi is, for lack
of a better term, addicted to you, and you to her."

Dr. Tofu's eyes were sad. "Ranma, have you been having strange thoughts,
dreams even, about Kasumi, and all the others?" Ranma looked away, then
slowly nodded. Dr. Tofu sighed. "Undoubtedly, Kasumi and the other girls
have as well. Ranma,
have... have they been acting differently toward you, or each other?"

Ranma nodded. "They aren't fighting over me like they used to, they all,
almost, get along..."

Dr. Tofu nodded in confirmation. "It is obvious, once you think about
it.  Ranma, if you don't marry Kasumi, you'll probably
be alright. Four other girls will take anyone's mind from one more.
Kasumi, however, has no one else. She's addicted to you.
No other man will really make her happy. Not really."

Dr. Tofu took his glasses off again and wiped them.  "Kasumi may like
me... and I suppose it's pretty obvious that I like her... but it won't
work, not now.  The effects of the drug will make Kasumi miserable
without you."  Dr. Tofu sighed heavily, his glasses had finally stopped
fogging up. "Ranma, I think you should have a talk with Kasumi. I can't
tell you what to do... but I know you would never want to hurt her."

Ranma looked seriously at Dr. Tofu. "Never in my life... Doc, do you
really think she's... addicted to me?"

Dr. Tofu looked sadly at him. "You tell me, Ranma, how do you feel about
her, really?"

Ranma blinked. "Kasumi's been, kinda like a mother to me. I really like
her..." He paused. "But lately... it's been more... I've
started seeing her in my dreams, and she's not motherly... at least...
she's a lot more than that... yeah, I guess, I love her."

Dr. Tofu nodded. "Her feelings have probably changed in the same way
toward you.  Talk to her, Ranma. Find out how you
both really feel, and be honest."

Ranma nodded slowly in agreement. "Alright Doc. I guess you're right...
only, I wish it hadn't happened this way... I wish..."

Dr Tofu's eyes were sad. "I know, I know... Ranma, you must do what must
be done.  You can't change what's happened,
you must deal with it."

Ranma nodded again. "I will. I'll go talk to Kasumi right away."

Dr. Tofu tried to smile and failed. "Ranma... why don't I teach you that
shiatsu point first. I don't want you to have to hurt
Kasumi, or any of the other girls, right?"

Ranma nodded quickly. "Right... I guess I'd better talk to Nabiki, too."

Dr. Tofu smiled faintly and began showing Ranma the sleep shiatsu point
again.

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

As Nabiki and Shampoo walked out of the Cat Cafe, Shampoo asked
quietly.  "What is Nabiki's plan? Nabiki got list of drugs, signed by
Great grandmother, have great grandmother call Chinese embassy, why?
Shampoo thought Nabiki wanted
to keep secret, not tell more peoples about it."

Nabiki sighed. "It's going to get out anyway, it already has, mostly.
This situation is already beyond fixing, entirely. When I was making
those calls earlier, I found out how far things have gotten. The tapes
have been available here for nine days. So far, and as far as I can
tell, only a few guys from Furinkan have been seen them. They've been
quiet up to now, probably because of Ranma and Akane, who would kill
them, and me. Everyone knows better than to cross me... but none of my
people had heard about this, as everyone knew to avoid them."

Nabiki shook her head wryly. "Still, there have been signs that that
screamed that something was up... signs I missed cause I
was too preoccupied.... Anyway, like I said, it's too late. Too many
know around here, just around here, to stop. The rest of
Tokyo will know soon enough.  We're as good as ruined now.  It'll take
months, probably, but word will get around.  The
Dojo will never get another student, unless we start teaching gaijin. No
offense, Shampoo. I'll be ruined in business, unless I
want to go to the Yakusa, and trust me, I don't. A few girlie pictures
of Ranma were no big deal. This video... is."

Shampoo nodded. "Shampoo understand this, honor is big deal here, right?
Ranma believed dishonorable, no can teach?"

Nabiki nodded. "Right, and since there is no stopping this from getting
out, we have to change it."

Shampoo looked confused. "How can change? What happen, happen."

Nabiki nodded. "Yes, but what we're going to do, is change what people
think happened. It's one thing to participate in a
mass orgy on tape. It's another thing all together to be victims of a
dastardly crime."

Shampoo nodded slowly. "Shampoo understand, but where are we going?"

Nabiki pointed at their destination. "To the police, there is a
detective waiting to take our statements about a crime. He is also about
to get a call from the Chinese embassy, as is his boss, and his boss's
boss. Happosai and Mousse are about to become
wanted felons."

Shampoo smiled widely and nodded. "Is good! Would rather kill
personally, but is good! This remove stain on honor?"

Nabiki shook her head. "No, not really. It'll lessen it a bit. Many will
still believe the worst. I think, hopefully, that most will
believe we were victims. Even then, things will be bad, but sympathy is
better then apathy and hatred."

Shampoo nodded, dubiously. "If Nabiki say so. But will not many more
people find out?"

Nabiki sighed. "Yes, quite a few, but it's better that they find out our
side of it first. I can't say if this will work, but I think it's
the best shot we have."

Shampoo placed a comforting hand on Nabiki's shoulder. "Nabiki does the
best she can for can for family. Shampoo glad to
help."

Nabiki smiled wanly. "Glad to have you Shampoo, but why don't you let me
do the talking, OK? I want to keep this as simple as possible. We were
drugged and hypnotized against our will, that's all. Let's keep Amazon
business between us Amazons, alright? Just agree with what I say."

Shampoo nodded firmly. "Shampoo understand, Japanese no understand
Amazon marriage." As she said it, the comforting
hand on Nabiki's shoulder became a caressing one.

Nabiki shivered slightly. "R-right. That part is for Amazons only, got
it?"  She paused to slip Shampoo's hand off her shoulder.  "Uh, not
now."

Shampoo jumped, having been unaware of her hand's actions. "Y-yes...
Shampoo understand."

Nabiki took a deep breath, crossed her fingers, and led Shampoo into the
police station.

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

Kasumi, Akane and Ukyo sat around the table, each sipping a freshly made
cup of tea.

Kasumi put her cup down and cleared her throat. "I suppose I will go
first... Akane, Ukyo, you have been having... dreams,
strange desires, as Cologne said?" Slowly the other two girls nodded.
Kasumi nodded back. "I have as well. After that night,
I dreamed... of Ranma... Not just of Ranma, but of Shampoo, and you,
Ukyo, and even my sisters. At first I thought it was just the effects of
that night, that it would stop... but it hasn't. If anything, it's
gotten worse. I have told myself over and over that such feelings are
not... sisterly, but it doesn't seem to matter. They  exist, and they're
not going away."

Akane shivered, chewing on her lip. "Kasumi, it's the drug... you
wouldn't feel... that way... if it wasn't for the drug. I wouldn't..."
She paused, then sighed. "I... I've felt the same... I keep on trying to
fight it, to deny it, but the dreams come back... and the feelings, just
keep getting stronger."

Ukyo nodded. "Yeah... I can't sleep through the night anymore. I don't
want to be so far away... I keep waking up, wanting to
come back here..."

Kasumi smiled at the chef. "Then you should stay. You shouldn't suffer
needlessly." Kasumi took Ukyo's hand comfortingly.

Ukyo smiled back and squeezed it. "Thanks, Kasumi. I really appreciate
it."

Ukyo brought her other hand on top of Kasumi's, and slightly stroked it,
going from the fingers to the wrist.  With a start, she pulled her hands
away.

Kasumi blinked. "Oh my."

Ukyo stammered. "I'm sorry, Kasumi... I don't know what got into me...
I..."

Kasumi shook her head, smiling gently. "Please don't apologize, there is
no need.  It's not wrong to show affection..." She
blushed. "Well, technically, there is nothing wrong with holding
hands."  Kasumi took Ukyo's hand again. "So don't apologize."

Ukyo nodded, putting her second hand on top of Kasumi's again. "Alright,
Kasumi." Ukyo sighed and perceptibly relaxed. "You don't know how much
I've needed this."

Kasumi smiled softly. "I think I do. I've missed you, when you were not
here, you and Shampoo, who's here the least.  Whenever Ranma, Akane and
Nabiki would go to school, I'd find myself counting the hours till they
got home." Kasumi
sighed, "Cologne was right, it is like an addiction."

Akane nodded fervently. "It is! It's like a craving... it's unnatural. I
never... thought about... other girls this way before..."

Ukyo looked questioningly at her. "Really? Not even with Ranchan? Didn't
you ever wonder what it might be like? I mean, he's a girl half the
time. What if he got stuck again, after you married him?"

Akane shook her head. "No way! I never thought about Ranma that way.
After... the dreams started... I wondered if maybe I
was a bit... I don't know... interested... But I'm not. I want Ranma
as... I mean, I need Ranma as..." Akane blushed brighter and
brighter. "Ranma is a guy, and that's the way... that I want him to be.
I'm not attracted to girls... at least, not before.  It's just... you,
and Shampoo and..." Akane lowered her head until it touched the table.
"I can't believe I just said all that. I am not..." She sighed. "Oh damn
it."

Kasumi brought her free hand over Akane's head and gently patted it,
smoothing out the hair on the back of her head. "It's OK, Akane, It's
OK."

Ukyo released Kasumi's hand so that she could move to Akane's side.
"Hey, it's not like you're alone here. I never imagined
myself being attracted to... well, any girl. I've played the part of a
guy for a long time, even gone out on a couple dates, just to
maintain appearances... but actually thinking about another girl like
that?"  She shrugged. "It's weird. I'm not that way, but now... let's be
honest, I think we all are having the same feelings."

Akane looked up. "Ukyo?" She sighed heavily. "You're braver than I could
be.  It's so hard to say... but it's still true. I never
would have believed... Shampoo... I mean, when you first showed up... I
took a look, right? You made a pretty cute guy. Nothing serious, but
well you know... When you turned out to be a girl, poof... you were just
a rival. Shampoo.... She's always
been a rival.... She tried to kill me, sorta.... but now, I'm always
thinking about her..."

Ukyo patted Akane's hand. "It's the same for me. Hey, it's strange,
but... It's kinda... nice, too. Especially now, now that I know you feel
the same way..."

Ukyo pulled back, blushing again. "Heh, heh... don't want to get carried
away here." Kasumi and Akane were both blushing
mildly again.

Kasumi slowly took her hand away from Akane's head. She sat back and
looked from Akane to Ukyo and back. "Akane,
Ukyo... I'm glad we got this out in the open. It's best that we're
honest with each other, yes?  I think this will be for the best.
After all, both of you are married to Ranma now, or you will be
tomorrow. Essentially you will also be married to each other.
There is nothing wrong with how you feel about each other. You're
marriage will be the stronger for it."  Kasumi sighed and
started standing up. "I'm happy that you will all get along. I'll let
you two talk awhile... I believe I'd like a nice bath."

Kasumi finished standing and turned away. Akane stared at her older
sister's back and frowned.

Ukyo stood. "Kasumi, what about you? You feel the same way we do, don't
you?  Didn't you say so?"

Kasumi slowly turned around. "I... yes... I did say that... but..."

Ukyo shook her head. "I know what it's like to be away from all of you,
Kasumi. Won't it be the same for you?"

Kasumi stood mutely, unable to deny Ukyo's words.

Ukyo nodded. "It would be... Kasumi... If you aren't part of... aren't
part of us... if you're alone... you'll be hurting. That's not
right. Kasumi, do you really like Dr. Tofu? If he's who you want, go for
it, but if you're just going to get him to marry you to
make Ranma happy, don't. We'll talk to Ranma... Kasumi, what do you
want?"

Kasumi shook her head. "I... I don't know. I like Dr. Tofu... he's a
very nice man..."

Ukyo prodded.  "But..."

Kasumi sighed. "But... I'm not sure." She smiled sadly. "It's up to
Ranma, and all of you. Things are complicated enough as they are. Why
don't we see how things go. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." She
turned to go once more. Kasumi walked to the hall, then turned back.
"Oh, do try to wait until tomorrow before... well, if you can't wait, be
discreet. We really should tell  father before he finds out about this
on his own." Ukyo and Akane were blushing furiously. Kasumi smiled
forgivingly.  "You will be married by tomorrow... so I won't say not to,
just be careful. Father and Mr. Saotome will be back home for supper, so
I'll be out in around an hour, alright?"

Akane and Ukyo nodded dumbly. Kasumi turned around again, and whistled a
cheerful tune as she headed for the bath Akane glanced at Ukyo, and
noticed the Okinomiyaki chef looking back shyly.  They both blushed even
deeper red.

"Akane..." Ukyo began. "Kasumi was just kidding, right?"

Akane gulped. "I... Kasumi usually doesn't... kid... I think she was
serious..."

Ukyo nodded slowly. "Ah..." She slowly sat down next to, but not too
close to, Akane. Both girls sighed deeply. Ukyo couldn't look away from
Akane's face. < Everything that we said, the dreams, night after
night...> Ukyo gulped. "Akane, how have you been dealing with this? I
mean, sleeping under the same roof and all.  Do you ever... get
tempted?"

Akane tried to look indignant and failed. "Ukyo." She had meant it to
come out angrily, but her voice had spoken the name softly. Akane shook
her head to clear it. "This is ridiculous."

Ukyo nodded, getting closer. "Absolutely."

Akane gulped. "I mean, they're just dreams, right? Just because we've
both had them, doesn't mean we..."

Ukyo shrugged. "Nope." She slid closer to Akane. "So, do you want me to
go?"

Akane swallowed nervously. Ukyo moved closer still, her hand lightly
touching Akane's arm. Ukyo's eyes were wide, scared, confused, and
needy.

Akane sighed. "No. I don't want you to go."

Ukyo nodded. "I... I don't want to go... Akane." She closed her eyes.
<Ranma, forgive me.>

Ukyo moved forward. Akane met her halfway, and they lightly kissed. They
broke apart after several seconds.

Akane blinked. "That was... nice."

Ukyo nodded. "Yeah, you're a good kisser, Akane... want to... try that
again?"

Akane hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah."

Ukyo reached out and gently grabbed Akane by the back of the head. They
came together and kissed once more. Just as they were starting to get
into it, the back door slid open. They broke apart, blushing wildly.

Together they looked. "Ranma!" Ranma was staring, slack jawed, from just
inside the door.

Akane shook her head violently. "It wasn't! We weren't..."

Ukyo sighed. "Akane, we were..." She shook her head. "Why deny it?
Ranma, we've got to talk."

Akane matched Ukyo's sigh. "But... I.... Oh heck. Sorry Ukyo, reflex
action."

Ranma blinked. "Huh... whoa... OK, I can deal with this." He shook his
head.  "Man, that's something I never expected to see... I guess Cologne
and Dr. Tofu were right."

Ukyo looked curious. "About what? Did you tell Dr. Tofu about...?"

Ranma nodded. "Yeah, he said... that the drug Mousse gave us, that last
one... makes us... addicted to each other, just like
Cologne said. He said some other stuff too. Where's Kasumi? I've got to
talk to her."

Akane blinked. "Um, Ranma, about Ukyo and me..."

Ranma shrugged. "Akane, a month ago I'd have been shocked... but after
everything else, it makes sense... I don't mind. In fact, I'm glad you
two are getting along, so forget it."

Akane smiled gratefully. "Ranma, thanks. This can't be easy for you."

Ranma shook his head. "Nah, I just don't want anyone to be hurt because
of me.  If you two are... getting along... It doesn't
bother me. I am worried about Kasumi though, and Nabiki. I need to
know... I need to know if they..."

Akane and Ukyo exchanged glances.

Ukyo turned back to Ranma. "Akane, Kasumi and I had a long talk. It
seems we all feel the same way. We all... are attracted to each other,
and to you... Ranma, Kasumi is in love with you too.

I... we... don't want to lose her."

Ranma blinked. "Akane?"

Akane nodded. "Yes, it's true. Kasumi loves you, and us, just like I
love you, and Ukyo, and her... even Shampoo and Nabiki. It used to be so
hard to say... but now, there's no more time, we have to be honest with
each other." She looked up into his eyes. "Ranma, do you...?"

Ranma hesitated only a moment, then sighed. "Yeah, all of you... I do...
l-love all of you... I've got to talk to Kasumi, and Nabiki."

Ukyo pointed. "Kasumi's in the tub, and Nabiki's not back yet." She
looked at Akane. "Akane, what do you think we should
do about this?"

Akane blushed. "Um... well... If you don't mind Kasumi... joining us...
I certainly don't."

Ukyo nodded. "Right, it's decided." She turned decisively to Ranma.
"Ranchan, Akane and I want you to marry Kasumi. Nabiki too if she wants
in. It's the only solution that's right."

Ranma just blinked. "You do?" He blinked again. "You do?"

Ukyo grinned. "Yes silly, we do."

Akane giggled, and nodded. "He is a bit silly, isn't he?"

Ranma stood there and stammered. "Um... now?"

Akane rolled her eyes. "No, idiot. Kasumi's in the bath right now."

Ukyo grinned wider. "Do you think she'd mind?"

Akane and Ranma both blushed. "Ukyo!" They protested together.

Ukyo just grinned wider. "What? It's not like we haven't seen her
before, or bathed together."

Ranma coughed. "I... I didn't look."

Akane seemed to consider. "Well, Ranma, why don't you wait here? Ukyo
and I will tell Kasumi that you want to talk to her, OK?"

Ukyo blinked. "Really?"

Akane nodded. "Sure, we're all girls, right?" She shot Ranma a warning
look.

"And you'd better propose to my big sister, or so help me I'll..."

Ukyo nodded. "That goes for me too, Ranma. Treat her right, OK?"

Ranma sighed, then smiled. "Sure, I'd never do nothing to hurt Kasumi."

Akane smiled back then grabbed Ukyo by the arm. "Come on, Ukyo. Kasumi
needs to hear this as soon as possible."

Ukyo tried not to yelp as Akane dragged her to the bathroom. "OK! Slow
down! I'm coming already!"

They entered the outer bath together and Akane called back. "Kasumi,
mind if we join you?"

There was a short pause, then Kasumi answered sweetly. "It's fine with
me, Akane-chan."

Akane nodded and started pulling her top off. Ukyo took a deep breath
and started removing her own clothing efficiently.
Akane finished undressing first, but paused to watch Ukyo.

Akane gulped as Ukyo finished removing her tights. "Oh my."

Ukyo blushed but finished undressing. They finished a look and entered
the bath together. Kasumi sat with her back to the door. Ukyo and Akane
went to the cold water and rinsed themselves off quickly, then slipped
into the tub on either side of
Kasumi. Kasumi shivered a bit as they joined her, just brushing her
sides.

Akane felt the shiver and nodded to herself. "Kasumi, Ranma's come
back... he want's to talk to you."

Kasumi blinked. "Oh my... he's back from Dr. Tofu's already. I'd better
see what he wants." Kasumi didn't move right away,
her voice has sounded slightly sad.

Ukyo patted her shoulder. "Don't worry honey, just go talk to him."

Akane touched Kasumi's shoulder with her hand, gently. "It's good news,
Ukyo and I think so."

Ukyo nodded. "Yup. Kasumi, trust me, you want to hear this."

Kasumi blinked. "I do?"  She looked from side to side, at identically
smiling faces. She started to smile back. "Oh my! I think
I'd better go talk to Ranma!"

Kasumi stood and exited the tub, drying off with a towel. She walked
out  unhurriedly, but when she reached the outer room
she began to quickly dress, disregarding propriety. In the furo, Akane
and Ukyo giggled at the sounds coming from the outer
bath. When they heard the outer door open and close, they turned to each
other. Akane started sliding over toward Ukyo,
beginning to breathe heavily.

Ukyo gulped, nervously licking her lips. "Um, Akane?"

Akane paused. "Yes?"

Ukyo sighed, then grinned. "Oh, never mind."

Akane nodded. "OK." She moved suddenly, going for a kiss.

Ukyo's eyes widened at her sudden aggressiveness, then relaxed, letting
her

emotions guide her. Akane was aggressive, but clumsy, her hands fumbling
across Ukyo's breasts. Ukyo went directly to the
point, slipping her tongue inside Akane's mouth. Akane responded
fervently, and in moments, neither girl was holding back at all.  Hands
groped and caressed, mouths kissing madly. Both of them were completely
lost in the passion of the moment.

In the living room, Kasumi entered to see Ranma sitting nervously on the
porch.  He glanced back at the sound of her approach, then turned away
to look out at the Koi pond. Kasumi came up and joined him, sitting to
his right quietly. Ranma
glanced at her, an uncertain look on his face.

Kasumi gazed back, hoping Akane and Ukyo's smiles had been for the
reason she suspected. < Does he, can Ranma, truly
want... me? > "Ranma, did you wish to speak to me?"

Ranma stared at her wondering. < Is this right? Wouldn't Dr. Tofu be a
better husband for Kasumi than me? I don't deserve
her, she needs someone better than me... but... if it would hurt her...
I can't send her away. > "Kasumi... Akane said you spoke about the
feelings that you all share... they said that... they, and you are
all... addicted to each other... and to... to me..."

Kasumi blushed. "They... said that? Ranma... I..."

Ranma nodded. "You know, I've been thinking. It took awhile, but I
finally started to realize something. Most of  the problems I've had
could've been solved a lot earlier, if I had just been honest about my
feelings. I didn't let anyone know how I really felt. So I decided...
I'd try to be more honest this time. Kasumi, don't you think that's
best?"

Kasumi nodded. "That is best, Ranma... except... sometimes you hide how
you feel, to keep from hurting another."

Ranma sighed. "Yeah, but in the long run, it just makes things worse,
right?"

Kasumi sighed in response. "Yes."

Ranma nodded in agreement. "Then this time, I'm just going to say how I
feel, alright?"

Kasumi nodded back, feeling very frightened.

Ranma took a deep breath. "Kasumi... I... I... l-love you. I want you to
be happy too. I've got all the other girls, so if you end
up marrying Dr. Tofu, I'd be OK."

Kasumi started to lower her head. < Oh, I had hoped that he might... but
naturally, Ranma's not really attracted to me... >

Ranma continued to speak. "That doesn't mean I want you to marry him, or
anyone else. I want you to be happy to do
whatever you want."

Kasumi blinked. < He doesn't want me to marry Dr. Tofu? >  "Ranma, what
do you want?"

Ranma scratched the back of his head. <Kasumi looked disappointed when I
suggested she marry Dr. Tofu... Does that mean...?> "I guess I did say I
would be honest about this... Kasumi what I want... Is you. I want to
marry you too..." He lowered his head. "I don't believe I actually
deserve you, or any of the others. I really don't deserve all five of
you, but..."

Kasumi leaned over, tilting her head so she could look into his eyes. "I
think you do deserve us, Ranma. Just like we, deserve
to be with you... Ranma, can you actually, do you really, find me
attractive?  I'm not as pretty as Shampoo or Ukyo, or as
energetic as Akane. I'm just a housewife..."

Ranma stared at her incredulously. "Kasumi? Of course I think you're...
attractive. I mean... you're beautiful! I've always thought so."

Kasumi shook her head. "I don't mind, Ranma. I'll be happy to be married
to you... even if you aren't very attracted to me. I'll
be happy just being near, being able to take care of you."

Ranma shook his head in response. "No way, Kasumi. That's not how it's
going to be. If I marry you... when I marry you... It's
not because you are a good housewife. It's because I love you."

Kasumi just smiled. "You're sweet, Ranma, but you don't have to pretend
for me. I don't mind. Really!"

Ranma started to look annoyed. "Kasumi, I said I was going to be
honest... I think I'm going to have to prove it too you."

Kasumi blinked. "Oh my... Ranma... I... I..."

Ranma turned further toward her, facing Kasumi directly. "Kasumi, since
you're an Amazon now, I have to defeat you to
marry you, right?"

Kasumi just blinked. "What? Ranma...?"

Ranma grabbed her by the shoulders and forced Kasumi to the floor in one
smooth movement, keeping her from hitting the
floor at the last second and gently pinning her there. Ranma held Kasumi
down with his body , holding her arms above her head with one hand,
using the other to prop himself up a bit so he didn't lean on her too
heavily. "There, Kasumi, do you surrender?
Have I beaten you?"

Kasumi looked up into his eyes, her heart hammering like a jackhammer,
her breath coming quickly in excitement. She nodded quickly, her eyes
looking like a trapped doe's. "Ranma... does this mean we're married?"

Ranma nodded faintly, trying not to let her bodies lush curves, trapped
beneath him, get him too excited. Kasumi broke into a
brilliant smile and impulsively kissed him on the lips. Ranma froze,
torn between a sudden urge to jump away and a surge of
lust at their current situation.

It was his concern for Kasumi's feelings that broke the tie. <If I run
away now, Kasumi will think I don't really feel attracted
to her, she'll be hurt. > That was more than enough, Ranma began kissing
her back, passionately. Kasumi slipped him her
tongue and Ranma hesitated only a moment before responding in kind.
Kasumi's thoughts were whirling. <He loves me! Ranma really loves me?
Isn't this wrong? No, we're married, it can't be wrong... oh it feels
so... so... except I want to do more for him. > Kasumi tried to move her
arms, which Ranma still had pinned over her head.

Ranma, feeling her slight struggles, released her arms and pushed
himself up, breaking their kiss. "Kasumi, it's the hypnosis... I
think... I mean, I do want to... do this... it's just..."

Kasumi smiled softly, feeling part of Ranma pressing against her hip.
<He really does want me. Ranma just doesn't wish to
force me. > "Ranma, don't worry... we've already done this... we're
married... it's alright." Kasumi began to unbutton her blouse. "Ranma,
won't you be a bit... uncomfortable... if we stop now? I don't want
that. Please make yourself comfortable..." Kasumi opened her shirt to
him, then started unhooking her bra. "Please... do as you wish."

                            End pt 4.

If you haven't guessed already, I will be following this up with
Addicted 4.5, which is very much a lemon. Addicted 5 will
come out after, and if you don't wasn't (or are too young to) read the
lemon, you should be able to pick up the gist without a
problem, so go ahead and skip it.