Provoked

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Chapter 6

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Ranma was struck with paralysis. His mind shattered into several pieces, leaving him empty-headed. Akane pulled back, flushed from her face down to her chest. She watched as Ranma twitched. A hue of red washed over him.

Akane closed her eyes and cursed herself. She couldn't believe she had lost control like that. After several moments, Ranma's blank eyes shifted from staring at the ceiling, to look at her.

"A-Akane...w...what...?"

She looked at him with sincerity. "Ranma...I'm so sorry. I just...I don't know."

He stared at her in confusion and awe. She kept her eyes glued to the floor, to save them both the embarrassment. Without saying a word, Ranma shuffled past her, out of the kitchen. Akane watched him in curiosity. After a few seconds, she followed.

Ranma made his way down the hall, past the staircase. He stopped infront of the telephone and picked it up. Akane watched in concern as he slowly dialed a number. He paused and waited for the ringing of the other line to stop.

"Hello?...Yeah, is Doctor Tofu there?"

Akane gaped. She rushed over and snatched the phone from his ear and slammed it down. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Getting you help," he replied, gravely.

Akane closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. "For the last time...There is NOTHING wrong with me!"

"If you honestly believe that, then there really is somethin' wrong with you. I mean, one minute you're being extremely nice. The next minute you're beating the crap out of me. And the next minute...you kiss me?" Ranma's serious face softened. "What's going on?..."

There was a brief silence. Akane stared down at her feet. "I...I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

Akane shrugged. "I just can't."

"What? Is it like...'girl problems' or something?"

Akane shook her head. "You just wouldn't understand...You'd probably think I was a weirdo."

"No I wouldn't. Akane, just tell me."

Akane cited the possible explanations in her head. No matter how she phrased it, it sounded ridiculous. She could already hear Ranma's obnoxious laughter that would follow. It just wasn't worth it.

"It...it doesn't really matter."

Ranma placed a hand on her shoulder. The touch sent a shiver through her body.

"It does to me. Look, I promise I won't laugh or think any less of you. Just tell me and this will all be clear."

Akane looked away. She just couldn't bring herself to believe that. Even SHE was disgusted by it. She shook her head.

"Ranma...I think its best if we kept our distance for awhile."

Ranma furrowed his eyebrows. "What're you talkin' about?"

Akane turned. "It's hard to explain."

'Wait." Ranma grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving.

When his fingers brushed her, it sent a jolt of electricity through her stomach. She quickly pulled away.

"Please...Don't touch me."

Ranma stared in bewilderment.

"I just need to be alone for a little while."

He continued to stare for a moment, attempting to figure her out. With no success, Ranma sighed in frustration and frowned. "Fine...If that's what you want."

He irritably walked around her and left the kitchen.

Akane sighed. She had no idea what to say to him. She didn't know what his reaction would be. Most likely it would just ruin their relationship. So it would have probably been best if she kept quiet.

But in the mean time, she could work on curing her problem.