A/N: I've gotten a few questions about the title of the story so I thought I'd quickly explain it! It's a term used by psychologists that means "madness shared by two", generally describing people who develop the same 'madness' over time. I thought it fit well with Christian and Ana's relationship because what I love about it is that it's passionate, messy, and chaotic, a sort of obsession that they share with each other which eventually will lead to a much healthier relationship. But don't worry, Christian's going to have to work for it to gain Ana's trust, she's not just going to roll over and accept anything. Thanks for the questions!

Ana's heart still hadn't stopped feeling like it was beating out of her chest since getting to the bar to meet Kate. Her breathing was shallow, her hands fidgety. Christian had disarmed her and she didn't know what to feel. He was like a hurricane with his stupid face and stupid hair and his stupid alpha male attitude, disrupting her life and making her question her judgment.

"Ana why do you look like you're about to pee your pants?" Kate handed her a much needed drink, which Ana chugged immediately.

"Shit Kate what the hell was that?" She scrunched her face, trying to get the distinctive taste of vodka out of her mouth.

"Just a warm-me-up, I'll get your usual in a minute, but first you get to tell me what has you all nervous." She waved her finger in Ana's general direction, accusatorially.

"I'm going to need another drink before we talk about the disaster in my life that is Christian Grey." Kate, who had been drinking her vodka sour normally suddenly choked, sputtered, and started coughing all over herself.

"Christian Grey? The Christian Grey? That's your Christian? The Christian who sent you flowers and is trying to get you to go on a date with him? That Christian?" Her eyes widened as she stared at Ana incredulously.

"Yeah, you know him?" God has she slept with him? That would be embarrassing. That would give me an excuse not to see him again though…

"Anastasia! Everyone in Seattle knows him! He owns half of this city. He's like a freaking billionaire! I was supposed interview him our senior year but I got sick. Do you seriously not know who he is?"

"You know I don't pay attention to these sort of things! Wait so you're telling me he's the Grey in Grey Enterprise Holdings? The Grey who owns Grey House? That Grey?" Ana had passed his building on work today and never paid it much attention. It was just another skyscraper in the city.

"You seriously didn't see Forbes' most eligible bachelors list this year? He was at the top of the list. Of course he's never seen with women so most people think he's gay. He's somewhat of a celebrity in Seattle. Are you sure you've never heard of him?" Ana started to understand why he did the things he did. Women probably threw themselves at him all the time; he's never had to work for a woman before. Of course he's completely clueless. That doesn't mean I want to get caught up in all that drama. God he's probably a magnet for trouble. Trouble I don't need in my life right now. I need to think about me for a couple months.

"Well he has excellent tastes in floral arrangements. I'm sure he got some assistant to send those to me."

"You've got to go on the date with him!" Kate exclaimed after Ana explained what happened in her office earlier today. That was not the reaction she wanted from her best friend.

"Kate, I just broke up with Jose!" Ana rolled her eyes as she waved the bartender over to order a gin and tonic. After the week she had, she wanted to get drunk and forget all of her problems, for at least a few hours. The pleasant buzz of alcohol already swarmed her mind, and set her at ease.

"So? That was like a week ago. It's not like you're that upset about it." Kate was beginning to slur her words a bit; clearly she had started drinking before Ana had gotten to the bar. Was I upset though? It's been a week and I don't really miss having Jose around to talk to. Shouldn't I miss him? Ana shook her head and turned back to Kate.

"I was cheated on! It's not like I trust men at the moment." It was true. Even if she wanted to start a relationship, she wasn't going to jump straight into it. It takes a lot of trust to be with someone, and her trust in men recently got thrown out the window.

"Okay, okay I get it, but Christian Grey is totally worth it! Even if you only go on a few dates. Plus he seems to really want to get to know you!" Ana rolled her eyes, Kate just didn't get it.

"There's just something off about him I know it. First he was rude to me in New York." Ana tried to explain where she was coming from, but Kate was too set in her opinion to care for her excuses.

"Okay I'm going to cut you off there, you were rude too. You basically yelled at the poor guy."

"Yeah, yeah I get it. But then he sent me flowers! All he knew was my name, meaning he went out of his way to find out where I worked!"

"Hey it's not like he sent the flowers to your home address. Now that would have been creepy. And if I google your name I could easily find out where you work, it's not that difficult. Ana at this point you're just making excuses! He's hot, you're newly single, going on one date won't kill you."

"Okay but today he showed up at my office! He paid for a session just to see me. Don't tell me that's not a little weird." Ana was getting frustrated now; Kate still didn't understand where she was coming from.

"That is a little stalker-y, but not completely strange. Maybe he just didn't know how to get your attention. He seems like the kind of guy who has girls falling at his feet, so he probably doesn't know how to act around you. Go on the date and see if he apologizes!" That's what Ana had been thinking earlier, so maybe that had a bit of merit. Going on one date really couldn't hurt much. If it's terrible, she could just tell him to get lost.

"Now you're just making excuses for him. Fine I'll go on the date, but in a well-lit area. And you better have your phone ready just in case I send you an SOS text."

"I'll have 911 on speed dial, don't worry."

"I've decided I want to drive separately," Ana slightly slurred into her phone. In her drunken state it seemed like the best idea to call Christian. After talking with Kate for another hour and countless drinks later, anything seemed like a good idea. She leaned on the brick of the wall outside the bar. The coolness felt nice against her overheating forehead.

"Anastasia are you drunk?" Christian's voice came out of her speaker like steel, sharp and pointed. She couldn't understand why he would be angry, maybe he was in the middle of something. Ana couldn't find enough energy to care, the alcohol blunting any and all inhibitions.

"I'm an adult, and it's Thursday," she said as if to answer his question. Christian gripped his phone impossibly tighter as he stared out into Seattle from the expanse of windows in his empty office. What the fuck is she thinking? She needs to be mine so I can stop this dangerous behavior. Jesus who knows what kind of guys she's around, they're probably all fucking her in their minds. No. No this isn't going to happen.

"Anastasia, tell me where you are." Christian stood up, running his hands through his hair and down to his tie. Suddenly it felt too tight around his neck, so he yanked it off in frustration.

"You sound like my father. Am I getting scolded right now?" Suddenly calling Christian didn't seem to be such a good idea after all.

"Ana, just tell me where you are I'll pick you up." For a second, Ana couldn't believe what she was hearing, and all she could do was laugh. She could hear an angry grunt come from the other side of her phone.

"Christian you've got to be kidding me. I'm with Kate and I'm catching a cab soon. I only called to tell you I want to arrive to our date separately tomorrow." While she was still drunk and her inhibitions were lowered, her voice remained strong. Who does that? Seriously we've met three times, no you're not picking me up from a bar because you don't like that I'm drunk. I like that I'm drunk and I'm a fucking responsible adult. If she could give herself a high five she would have.

"Ana—"

"Bye Christian! Text me where to meet you tomorrow!" Christian threw his phone against the couch cushion in his office. This woman was so fucking frustrating. He knew he could easily track her phone and pick her up, but he knew that wouldn't sit well with her. Especially for their date tomorrow.

Date tomorrow. God that sounds so weird. I've never actually… been on a date. What do people even talk about? Surely I can't ask her what her favorite sex position is? No, definitely not. She seems like the kind of girl to like to be on top anyway. That'll have to change, no way am I letting her near my chest like that… I'm not having vanilla sex with her what am I thinking, she's going to be spread eagle on my California king in the playroom, arms and legs bound. Or do I want to use the spreader bar? Both probably.

Thinking about sex only temporarily calmed Christian down until he started to think about men trying to bring Ana home from the bar tonight. God she looked so sexy in that tight little outfit tonight, of course men are going to be throwing themselves at her. What if she gets hurt? Damn it Grey get some control.

Ultimately Christian regained control the only way he knew how. He tracked her phone. Though, he valiantly fought the strong urge he had to drive over to Fifty's, the bar she was at, and throw her over his shoulder and take her home. Normal people go out with friends Grey. That's what normal people do. Ana is normal. Ana is not your submissive.

As he repeated that mantra, all he could think of was Ana as his submissive. She was plaguing his mind, and if he could just sleep with her once maybe these daydreams would finally stop. He could barely go a day without thinking about her and it was really preventing him from feeling in control. Flynn was no help at this point; he refused to tell Christian how to be normal. All he wanted was someone to tell him what to do, and how to get Ana to be his. Instead Flynn rambled on about defense mechanisms and the future.

All I fucking care about is the present, and in the present I want Ana.

Finally after twenty minutes, Christian watched as the GPS on her phone began to move in the direction of her apartment. Christian finally sighed in relief and watched as her phone settled at the address of her home. Ana was safe, and she was home.

Ana's alarm blared in her ear way too early for her liking. Luckily she had been drinking water all last night so her hangover was basically nonexistent. She stared at her ceiling dreading getting out of bed. She had her second meeting with Jack Hyde before her lunch with Christian today, and the prospect of meeting with Jack set her teeth on edge.

Ana had considered talking to Roach about giving him a referral, but her pride was holding her back. She would give Hyde a few more chances, but she wasn't optimistic.

She showered quickly and tried not to think about what she would have to help Hyde through today. Maybe she should try a more aggressive approach.

Ana was so preoccupied with worrying about Hyde that she barely had time to think about her date with Christian. What she would say to him, what would I even have in common with a billionaire? Fuck why did I agree to this.

She pulled on her outfit like armor, something to make her feel confidant when she knew everything about her day was going to make her feel small. She reached for her nicest skirt, sexy and black with a small slit on the side. She took a slouchy grey long sleeve shirt next and tucked it into her skirt. But her favorite part was the gorgeous black, pointed toe heels with straps around the ankle. She felt professional and sexy, just what she needed to survive today.

Today Hyde seemed more agitated than usual. The hair that had been meticulously styled earlier this week now fell across his forehead. The neatly pressed shirt was pulling out of his dress pants and there was a small coffee stain on his left pocket.

"Okay Mr. Hyde, last time we met we made some short term goals so you'd feel more respected in the work place, what did you do to meet these goals?" Ana settled into her chair and neatly crossed her legs.

Once Ana finished organizing her notes, she looked up for Hyde to proceed. His eyes lingered on her thighs for a second before realizing she had caught him leering at her. He scrunched his face and replaced it with a mask of indifference.

"I was far too busy this week to work on silly little goals," he scoffed, looking more interested in picking at the lint on his pants than looking at Ana.

"I understand that you think very little of this exercise Jack—" Hyde looked up from his preoccupation with his clothes fiercely.

"I thought I told you to call me Mr. Hyde."

"Yes, my mistake. Regardless, Mr. Hyde, goal oriented actions are the key to your therapy. To feeling better at work. If you're not going to work toward a change in attitude, then this therapy is a waste of not only your time but also my time," Ana's voice cut through Hyde's excuses and made him stiffen. Clearly he didn't like women standing up to him. A ghost of a smirk flashed across his lips.

"Miss. Steele. Ana. You seem to be under the impression that I want to be here. My boss gave me an ultimatum: work through my issues with a therapist or resign. I'm far too good at my job to resign, so here I am." Ana stared at him in disbelief, her jaw dropping slightly. Of course she had worked with people with court ordered therapy sessions, but they were generally couples going through divorces.

"Mr. Hyde, if you're looking for me to lie to your employer, I can tell you now that that's not going to happen." The asshole probably requested me as his therapist because he thought he could manipulate me, what the fuck.

"I apologize Ana, that's not what I'm asking you to do," Hyde's face looked apologetic but Ana could tell it was a ruse. He wasn't sorry at all and he was trying to manipulate her again. Oh well, if he's going to act like he's going to try he might accidentally get some good out of these sessions. I'll go along with it.

Ana never manipulated her patients, she liked to rely on trust and friendship, but she neither saw Hyde as someone she could trust nor have a friendship with. If he was going to try to manipulate her into action, then she could do the same thing.

"Apology accepted Mr. Hyde, how about we just talk instead of making goals. How were the past few days at work?"

"Who sent you those flowers, Ana?" She closed her eyes in frustration as he changed the subject away from his own life. She hated that he used her first name and demanded that she call him "Mr. Hyde". It was as if he demanded to be respected but didn't respect her.

"I'd prefer if you call me Miss. Steele. And they're just from someone I met last week."

"So you don't have a boyfriend?" Ana coughed to hide her alarm.

"No Mr. Hyde, but I don't see how that is any of your business."

"Sorry I'm late Christian, my last appointment ran late," Ana said as she briskly walked to the table where her date was already sitting, looking at his phone.

Christian immediately stood up as she approached their table, waving off her apology.

"Oh it was no problem, I know what it's like to be caught up in work," he leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek. Ana immediately stiffened but didn't pull away.

Of course Christian was lying when he told her he was okay with her lateness. He had been waiting for ten minutes, and within that time he couldn't contain his anxiety and frustration. Was she thinking of ditching him? What if something happened? Why did her appointment run late?

Ana smiled at him as she settled into her seat and looked at the drinks list.

"Oh don't worry about that, I ordered us a bottle of wine while I waited," he murmured while he reached across the table and placed his hand over hers that was holding the menu.

"Of course you did, control freak right?" She said jokingly as she set the menu down. Christian's face perked up in amusement and nodded. She somewhat appreciated that he ordered wine for them; Jose had never bothered to learn her tastes. He was much too docile to even consider ordering for her. "Don't even think about ordering food for me though," she said as she looked at Christian pointedly.

He bowed his head in acceptance and laughed. He had briefly considered ordering for her, but he could tell she wouldn't take that well. The wine was a good medium, a way for him to take control of something without upsetting her. I'm getting good at this.

"You look on edge, did you have a rough day?" Christian was genuinely curious. Ana's posture was much more rigid than the other times he had seen her. He ran his eyes up her body, taking in ever inch. Fuck me those shoes are hot. What I would give to see those around my shoulders. I wonder what she's wearing under that sexy skirt and top. If she were mine she would be in the nicest lingerie while wearing those heels.

Ana's hand immediately went to her shoulder, massaging out imaginary kinks as if to relieve some tension. I know a good way to relieve tension, Miss. Steele.

"I had an appointment before this that made me a little uncomfortable, but it's nothing I haven't handled before." She shrugged, but her explanation did little to make Christian feel better. He suddenly became more worried about who she was treating. He had to remind himself to get Taylor on that later.

"Well then I'm glad I ordered the wine," he smirked at her as the waiter came out with a bottle he knew she would like. Once the glasses were poured, he held out his glass for a toast. "To new beginnings then, and to taking chances." Ana happily clinked her glass to his and took a delicate drink. She had never had that particular wine before, but it was delicious. Christian certainly had good taste.

After the toast, there was a distinctive shift in the air surrounding them. They barely knew each other, but both were so focused on the other that the atmosphere was thick with tension.

"Before we ate I just wanted to apologize to you for showing up at your office. I know you were blindsided and it was unfair of me. I don't apologize often, so I hope you understand how much this means." Christian studied her face as she took in what he was saying. He could tell she was surprised and taken aback. Her mouth slid into an easy smile that reached her eyes; Christian knew Ana was the kind of person to be authentic with her feelings. If she were angry, she would tell you. He knew that from experience. And if she were happy, she wouldn't hold anything back. Christian enjoyed that sort of honesty, especially since it wasn't something he experienced often.

"Apology accepted. I wanted to apologize as well." Christian's eyebrows quirked up in curiosity. "I'm sorry for calling you drunk last night, I usually don't do that, and I'm slightly embarrassed." Christian's face darkened as he remembered that call from last night. It had bothered him like crazy, but at this point he had to laugh. It was kind of endearing that she had been thinking about him. His mood immediately lightened, and waved off her apology.

"Oh don't worry about it, it happens to everyone." No it doesn't. I'm all about pushing limits but not when it puts her in danger. I'll have to make sure she doesn't drink to excess too often… Christian had also noticed that she had only apologized for making the call, not the content of the call. She clearly didn't regret how demanding she was, just that she regretted the embarrassment she felt.

Ana nodded in approval, and then changed the subject as if wiping their slate clean. "So how was your morning?" Ana asked, acting genuinely interested.

Christian hadn't taken his eyes off Ana since she sat down, she was so captivating to him. He couldn't remember the last time someone was interested in his day other than his family. Maybe Elena, but she always had ulterior motives. He shook his head out of his thoughts as he realized Ana had asked him something. Pay attention Grey, damn it. Ignore the skirt, her milky thighs, and those fuck-me shoes. Shit.

"There was a minor personal emergency in the office. Someone from my past is giving me trouble, but nothing I can't handle either," he said referencing her answer earlier. He winked as he took another sip of wine, never taking his eyes off her. He wanted to change the subject, talking about his own life seemed much less interesting than talking about her life. He wanted to know everything about her. He knew he wanted her, but he was beginning to think that just having her once wasn't going to be enough. She had somehow wormed her way into his subconscious, and it didn't look like she was leaving anytime soon.

Second A/N: don't worry that's not the end of their date, I thought I'd split it up. Let me know what you think so far!