Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and all the wonderful characters in it belong to the great Rumiko Takahashi. I just like borrowing her creations!

Notes: My eternal thanks goes out to everyone who left comments for this fic. It is because of you all that this fic goes on. I am having a blast writing it so Thanks Again for the interest!

Now, on with it!

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They were standing in front of her apartment building ten minutes later.

The walk over had been done in relative silence, as each of them sensed the unstated spark between them. Ranma, for his part, had never let go of her hand, the feel of it in his own somehow bringing him a comfort he had long ago forgotten.

The fact that they were being followed was also not lost on Ranma. He could smell the man's presence, one of Kuno's lackeys no doubt. He half hoped whoever it was would make a move. He had enjoyed watching the look on Takeshi's face when he'd revealed his true nature. He wouldn't mind sending the same message a second time.

"I realize I never did buy you that drink," she said, bringing him out of his current thoughts. "Would you like to come up now for another?"

He smiled down at her. "Yes," he replied, his voice as smooth as silk. "Yes, I would."

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"Go ahead and make yourself at home," she said, gesturing to the living room and the oversized blue sofa. "What can I get you to drink?"

"Saki if you have any," he replied, taking her advice and making himself comfortable. He settled into the sofa, glancing around as he admired the quaintness of her little apartment.

Akane quickly grabbed a bottle of saki from the fridge. She poured him a cup and handed it over, then deftly settled into the sofa next to him, pulling her legs up under her. She leaned into the cushions propping her head up on her elbow.

"Your friend is quite the character," she said, taking a sip of her saki. "You two go way back huh? How long have you known him?"

Ranma turned slightly in his seat to better face her. "Ryoga and I grew up together," he stated simply.

"Oh? Where was that?" she inquired, her eyes expressing her true interest in learning more about him. He noticed this and smiled inwardly to himself.

"Hikedo," he replied, tendering his next statement cautiously. "Our fathers were partners in a martial arts training center there."

He watched as she processed the information, curiously gauging her reaction.

"M-martial arts?" she stuttered, her eyes going wide. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I thought it might upset you," he replied, compassion lacing his tone. "The way your father…" He let his sentence trail, not sure how to finish it. She gave him a soft smile.

"Thank you Ranma," she said, the appreciation evident in her voice. "But it's okay, really. I think it's great. Sometimes I really do miss it." She eyed him appreciatively. "I guess you practice the art as well then?"

He nodded. "Yes, you could say my training was rigorous and unrelenting. My father always pushed me to do better. Some of his methods were…" he grimaced slightly at the memories. "Well, let's just say they weren't for the faint of heart."

Akane could sense it was a touchy subject and decided to steer the conversation back in a safer direction.

"So you and Ryoga grew up together huh?"

He smiled at her shift in subject, sensing instantly her urge to not pry into matters that might be painful for him.

"Yes," he replied. "Sort of like brothers." He gave a short pause, looking thoughtful. "And like all brothers he can be a bit overbearing at times. I'm sorry if he made you feel uncomfortable."

He watched as she flashed him a small smile. "It was that obvious huh?" she replied, a bit embarrassed.

"Not at all," he returned amiably. "I just have a knack for sensing these kinds of things."

"That's quite a knack," she admitted, her smile growing wider. She eyed him curiously. "Why do I get the feeling you have several secret hidden talents?"

"How do you mean?" he asked, feigning innocence.

She twisted her head ever so slightly, her short dark locks curling lazily around her delicate ear. When she spoke her voice was smoky almost seductive. It was almost enough to undo him.

"You wouldn't happen to have a knack for deciphering dreams now would you?"

"Dreams?" he said, surprised by the steadiness of his voice. He'd wondered if she'd sensed him last night and what it would mean to her if she had. He guessed he was about to find out.

She nodded slowly. "Do you believe dreams are just our subconscious letting go, or could they be something more?"

"More?" he inquired, his voice low, reflecting his desire. She felt her heartbeat quicken at the sound. Again she nodded, unconsciously licking her lips, a gesture that sent his lust into overdrive. He braced himself, desperately trying to rein it in with much effort.

"Yes."

Her voice was low, husky, her thoughts going back to her dream from the night before, and the certainty that Ranma had somehow been there with her. She wasn't sure, it was just a feeling, but she had always trusted her feelings.

He felt his breathing quicken. He didn't know how long he'd be able to restrain his emotions. As it was he was dangerously close to losing control of his desire. If he let go now…

"This may sound strange," she continued, trying to figure out the best way to describe what she had felt. "But I had the most unusual dream last night. If you can even call it a dream, it was more like…like..." she trailed, for a moment, grappling for the words to explain it to him.

"It was like you were there, in the room with me." She sighed, closing her eyes. "It doesn't make any sense does it?" she shook her head. "Forget it. I'm probably just losing my mind."

Ranma gave her a smile that was full of unbridled lust. She could see it in his eyes, so stark it made her breath catch. She felt the excitement building within her. She hadn't felt such an attraction to anyone in so long… it both frightened and elated her.

He leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers. She could read his want there, his hunger for her---and felt her breath quicken. When he spoke his voice was low, husky with his desire.

"I don't think you're crazy."

Akane swallowed hard, trying desperately to get a hold of herself. It wasn't like her to get caught up in emotion like this. She had always prided herself on being levelheaded. After all she hardly knew this man.

All her reasoning was for naught however, as she found herself inching ever closer to him, almost as if she were not under her own control.

Ranma knew this was wrong. That he must not lose control. That to do so would only put her in more danger. Oh, but how he wanted her. He could feel the lust building, becoming stronger with every moment that passed.

It was so close to escaping. He knew he had to rein it in, if he didn't he would level her. Overload her senses to the point of breaking her. He let out a long shaky breath, pulling the sensations back into himself with all the effort he could muster. He closed his eyes at the sweet pain it brought him.

Akane felt the sudden pull on her senses wane ever so slightly, as Ranma forced his desire back. She let out a disappointed moan, not wanting the feeling to leave her.

"What's wrong?" she breathed, her eyes smoky, reflecting her desire for him.

He groaned. "Akane…" he began, unable to finish the thought, his eyes still tightly closed. He nearly came undone when he felt her soft touch on the side of his face as she caressed his cheek lovingly.

"Ranma…" she breathed his name, her need obvious. He reached up and enveloped her hand in his, pressing it more firmly to his face. He tilted his head slightly, planting a soft kiss into her palm. She sucked in her breath at the sudden sensation it brought her.

Just as quickly as it had waned the feeling was once again upon her. As if something were tugging at her, drawing out her desire. Suddenly she was awash with feeling, of need and want like she'd never felt before. All she could do was respond to it, helplessly following it wherever it may lead---kind of like she had in her dream.

"Akane…" he tried again, he was so close to the edge he was surprised he had managed to hold it back this long. He felt her forehead press against his own as she moved in closer, her other hand snaking up so that she was cradling his face. He tried to protest but couldn't. It took all his concentration just to hold the lust at bay. When he felt her lips brush up against his he knew there was no hope for it. He heard her gasp as some of his desire escaped and made it's way to her.

Akane was rocked by the power of the sensations that washed over her when she'd kissed him. It was the same feeling she'd gotten that first time back in the bar. She was too overcome with feeling however to give it much more than fleeting consideration. Instinctively she moved in for another kiss and was shocked when with great reluctance he pulled away.

She noticed he was shaking with the effort as she watched him, her breathing heavy, her eyes conveying her obvious disappointment.

"Ranma?"

She breathed his name in desperation. The plea in her voice sent a dagger of pain through him. No matter what happened he was bound to hurt her. He cursed himself for ever entering her life. Slowly, when he felt he had a measure of control, he reopened his eyes and looked at her.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice raspy with his effort. "I can't do this to you. I won't."

Akane stared at him, the look of confusion evident in her eyes, her senses still awash with the feelings he had let slip through.

"Can't do what?" she breathed, trying to focus her thoughts. Was it that he didn't want to take advantage of her? She reached out and took his hands in hers, trying to reassure him. "Ranma, I want this."

Ranma closed his eyes against the images the sentiment evoked. She didn't have to tell him what she wanted. He could feel it rolling off her in waves. So much emotion, so willing to give herself over to it, he had to get out of here before he reached the point of no return.

"You don't know what you are asking Akane," he said, his voice full of raw emotion. She felt her heart ache at the sound.

"But I do," she insisted.

"No," he said, forcing his eyes open. He squeezed her hand gently. "You don't."

"I don't understand," she returned bewildered. "I thought…"

The wounded sound of her voice echoed through him, tormenting him.

"Make no mistake Akane," he managed, forcing another surge of need away. "I want you. I want you more than you know."

"Then why…"

"It's complicated," he interjected before she could say more. She shook her head in disbelief.

"What does that mean Ranma?" When he didn't answer she pressed on. "Are you married?"

"No," he said quickly, getting to his feet. He walked towards the window, staring aimlessly out into the calming night.

"Seeing someone?"

"No."

She gave an exasperated sigh. "Then it's not complicated at all Ranma. It's real simple."

She got up and walked over to where he stood, placing a gentle hand upon his back. He closed his eyes, reveling in her touch.

"I'm a big girl Ranma," she assured him. "I can take care of myself."

Under normal circumstances he had no doubt she could. Of course he was anything but normal.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Ranma spied something outside the window. It seemed to be lurking in the shadows. He trained his sight on the target, and saw a burly man creeping around in the darkness behind Akane's apartment. His senses told him it was the same one who had been following them.

He felt the wicked, almost feral, grin begin to spread across his face. Here was something to focus his pent up emotions on, and it would also allow him to protect Akane at the same time. He could already feel a rush of adrenaline at the thought of teaching this thug a lesson he would never forget.

"Ranma," Akane said softly, the confusion and hurt evident in her voice. It nearly broke him.

He turned swiftly to stare at her, bringing his hands up to gently cup her face. Without hesitation he brought his lips to hers and kissed her deeply, with a fierceness that was barely controlled.

She gasped at the power of it, giving herself over to it with equal passion, as she felt the familiar spark of electricity ignite her senses, making her moan heavily with the stark sensations suddenly coursing through her. Her breathing was ragged when he finally pulled away.

Slowly Ranma brought himself back under control, a smile finding its way to his lips as he noticed her flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. He leaned in placing a soft kiss upon her cheek, his voice, almost like a caress whispering seductively in her ear.

"I'll see you in your dreams."

Then, before she could begin to gather her wits about her he was gone.

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Heehee!! Was that ever fun to write! Soooo... did you guys have as much fun reading it as I did writing it??