frice2000 said:
I think the main problem I see developing with this story, while also a good thing however, is where exactly it's going. While it's a really nice take on a Ranma and Kasumi relationship there seem to be rather deeply planted seeds already about what the resolution is going to be and how it's going to work out. Part of the reason canon could keep the 'romance' of Ranma and Akane going so long is that neither one really wanted the other to whatever extent. So what you've got with Ranma and Kasumi here is pretty different as Ranma is openly very interested in making things work with the elder Tendo.
Thanks for the thought provoking review. All I can say without spoiling is that canon events aren't my guide for this story. There's a six month difference, and as other have mentioned, this means some canon events may not happen while new events might come into play.
As for the relationship angle, feel free to interpret this next scene how you will. Other eyes usually reveal angles I'd never considered before.
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She hit the bottom of the staircase with enough force to knock her senses for a loop. Reaching out for some form of support, Kasumi noticed the she was pushing against something fleshy yet firm. Further exploration told her that she was groping at a well chiseled male chest.
She was lying on top of Ranma.
ôKya!ö Kasumi scrambled away, desperately ignoring the warmth threatening to rush to her cheeks as she disengaged the one arm that Ranma had wrapped protectively around her waist.
Unfortunately, her efforts to extricate herself put weight on her left leg, and pain flared through her senses.
æMy ankle!Æ she ended up on her rear. æIÆd better get this looked at,ö she thought, and nearly felt her heart stop when she realized just who sheÆd end up visiting.
æItÆs okay, I can still fix this,Æ Kasumi did her best to take stock of her situation. There were bandages tucked in the first aid kit, and she had practice patching Akane up.
The rapid footsteps from the family room may as well have been machinegun fire considering how badly it had shot down her plans.
ôI heard a noise,ö Soun asked concern tinting his voice. ôIs everyone alright?!ö
ôWeÆre fine, Father,ö Kasumi said, seating upright. Her trademark smile was out in full force. ôWe had a little tumble, thatÆs all.ö She almost succeeded in maintaining her faþade until fingers lightly prodded her leg and an involuntary whimper escaped her.
ôSheÆs not fine,ö Ranma interjected, staring intensely at the already swelling area. ôIt looks like she twisted her ankle.ö
Kasumi nearly jumped away in fright. When had he gotten there?!
ôMyà my little girl.ô Her fatherÆs eyes were beginning to glisten, but the pigtailed boy headed him off.
ôItÆs my fault!ö Ranma said while prostrated, gaining everyoneÆs attention. ôI wasnÆt looking where I was going. Please give me the chance to redeem myself.ö
ôDad?ö Akane came part way down the steps. ôWhatÆs wrong?ö She looked down at them. ôKasumi?! Why are you sitting there? Are you hurt?!ö She asked, hurrying down to help.
Meanwhile, Soun had lowered himself to clasp RanmaÆs hands. ôYouÆd do that? For my little girl?ö
Kasumi opened her mouth, but no sound was forthcoming. She was once again cast adrift in the rapidly unfolding events, unable to gain any control over the situation.
ôOf course,ö Ranma said while pulling away from the uncomfortably close mustache that was threatening to make contact. ôIÆll do anything.ö
ôWell then,ö the Tendo patriarch said, suddenly far too cheerful. ôDoctor TofuÆs our family physician. He runs a small clinic not too far from here--ö
Akane squeaked, diverting SounÆs attention. ôAkane?ö
ôAh.ö The youngest Tendo shook her head. ôNothing, Dad. I thought I saw a cockroach, but I guess it was just a shadow.ö Kasumi hadnÆt missed her sisterÆs sidelong glance.
Kasumi could tell she was doomed, but decided to go down fighting. ôFather, thereÆs not much pain. I think IÆll be able to take care of this myself.ö
Tears trickled down SounÆs face. ôMy little girl is so brave,ö he said before shaking his head. ôWhile your healing skills are excellent, we shouldnÆt be taking chances with your wellbeing.ö He turned to his youngest daughter. ôAkane, since RanmaÆs new here, could you guide them to the clinic?ö
Akane fidgeted a moment before assenting, ôAlright, Dad.ö
ôOkay then,ö Soun said, dusting off his pants. ôSince thatÆs settled. Ranma, make sure to bring Kasumi there safely. IÆm counting on you, Son.ö
The pigtailed boy saluted. ôI wonÆt let you down!ö
ôHahaha, thatÆs the spirit!ö Soun said as he returned to watching TV.
An awkward silence settled upon the three of them when Ranma realized that Kasumi didnÆt look as though she was ready to go, and neither did Akane.
ôErr, shouldnÆt we be going to see this Tofu guy?ö
æOh no!Æ Kasumi thought, and then turned to Akane who seemed to be in the midst of indecision. Was she going to tell him?
Akane flinched. ôWell you seeàö she trailed off before whispering something in RanmaÆs ear.
The pigtailed boyÆs eyes widened and he turned to Kasumi who palmed her face. æCould this get any more embarrassing?Æ