Hello everyone.

Finals have been crazy, but at least they're over and now I have more time on my hands to an extent.

Please read, review and enjoy! Onwards!

With the passing of summer came the fall season. Akane had been trying hard to keep her desire under control, but that was way easier said then done. It was not something that she could simply push down. Lust was an emotion that if given the right amount of time to grow could be an unstoppable force. Much to her dismay she hadn't been able to get any time alone with Ranma for months now and it made her miserable. Her secret daily rhythm of masturbation hadn't been doing much to help her either. She just couldn't get into it much. Akane felt like she was losing her mind at this rate. Her lust was taking over her sense of reasoning; so much that she had even started reading sex books in secret to get more insight of what she could expect or use later for future encounters.

She was beginning to wonder if this is what Ranma had told her about when he said that she could lose herself. Akane didn't like how this strong sexual appetite was eating her alive, but she didn't have any way to satisfy it until she actually experienced the real thing. She hadn't spoken to Kasumi about any of it. There were some things she just couldn't share with her older sister no matter how much of a help she was. Well, go figure the one person that she could turn to for help was the least person that anyone would've expected; especially given the fact that it was Kasumi.

Akane knew that she needed to think of a different way to handle this problem. She couldn't let her lust take over her completely. She refused to lose this battle. There had to be some way to control it better. She twirled a strand of her hair as she lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. She felt like she was losing her energy to even do the most basic things. It was getting to a point where she could almost say she was desperate. She wasn't obsessed, not yet at least; she hadn't gotten that far down the rabbit hole.

She sighed for the umpteenth time, if only she hadn't seen Ranma that day. Maybe she wouldn't be feeling the way she was now.

The more she thought about it, the more she started to understand that in a sense it was another reflection with her relationship with Ranma. To an ordinary person it didn't look like much, but Akane was positive that the natural buildup of her love for Ranma had led to all of this. There was always a turning point to things one way or another, so this was a completely natural thing that didn't need to be worried about; at least that what's she had convinced herself.

It started like a gentle ripple, but then gradually it got bigger and bigger until it became an enormous crashing wave. Akane sat up and crossed her arms. She felt like she was onto something. She knew what lust was by definition. Practically anyone could give a definition if they were asked. But she needed to ask herself did she actually understand what it was? Akane's brows scrunched as she pondered it. Without a doubt she knew that she was feeling lust she had made that conclusion long ago, but the real question was why? What had been the trigger? She thought back to the day that it all started. Even though it had sparked her lustfulness, had that really been it? Akane didn't feel like she was getting anywhere. 'Okay so if it wasn't that then what was it?' She wished she knew the answer. She thought back to all the times she had spent with Ranma, even if it hadn't been his intention he always had small ways that made her feel happy. Even from the very beginning, Akane could say that he had taken a hold of her heart. But that still didn't solve her problem. Perhaps there was more to the mystery then she previously thought. If she was experiencing what would only be described as a sexual longing, then where did love fit in?

Akane by now was well aware that again, she was getting too deep with her thoughts. But this was something she had to do. Deciding that it would be easier to write down what she was thinking, she moved over to her desk and began to ponder some more.

'I know that I'm in love. But what if that's not enough?'

Akane wasn't sure if love had anything to do with lust. Or if it did, she didn't know where to begin. Her sister had told her that there was more to a relationship then sex. But nonetheless she felt like was onto something. If she wanted to be specific then by definition love was a strong urge to feel affection or attachment to something or someone. Even though it had taken her a long time to admit to herself, Akane was deeply in love with Ranma. She couldn't deny that she was; even just being in his presence made her happy. She also knew that Ranma showed his love for her in ways that only she would understand. She didn't mind that he wasn't as affectionate or romantic as other people might be. She loved him simply for who he was, craziness and all.

Akane knew that love was in itself a very powerful emotion. Even when she was interacting with other men, she didn't feel that joy or happiness that she felt when she was with Ranma. Of course, she loved her family and her friends, but that was completely different then from actually being in love with someone.

She was certain that she could never love another man, the way that she loved Ranma. But that was only part of the answer that she was trying to find. She stopped writing for a moment to gather her thoughts and review what she had so far. Akane knew that it was very much possible that lust could stem from love if it was deep enough; it could also work the other way around if given the right circumstances. She had known Ranma for such a long time now; it would be a surprise if she hadn't started feeling sexual urges when she did.

'Okay then. But that still doesn't explain how my lust got so deep'.

Having no previous experience with any of this, Akane couldn't rely on any past interaction she had with men. As a woman, she had her own moral values and opinions so she had never fooled around with guys just for the hell of it.

Akane thought for a few minutes about the nature of lust. It was so easy to use it for the wrong things; but at the same time, it was also something that was perfectly natural when used properly. Human beings were creatures of lust. It was no secret that sex was greatly enjoyed and sought out by humans as a species. It was a defining characteristic that made humans unique in their own right. Akane was certainly no exception to this most basic principle. Akane had never actually considered thinking about lust from a psychological or even a biological perspective. But the more she pondered it, the more it seemed to make sense. Akane's knowledge of the human brain and human evolution was limited but she did remember a few things that seemed to make the point clearer. Human sexuality was a complicated and often confusing and misunderstood thing. She would have to read more about the biological nature of desire but at she had a much better idea of what she could possibly be feeling. It was clear that she'd have her work cut out for her. But at least she did feel a lot more at ease if she considered looking at sexual desire in a more scientific sort of way. Human beings were still animals, and all life incorporated sex into their lives one way or another; whether be it for creating the next generation or simply for the sheer hell of it. It was one of the most universal and basic instincts that was a driving force for life.

Akane reviewed her thoughts. She had used up quite a few pages and her head was starting to hurt from thinking so much. But at least she now had a much better reasoning that she could get more information on to help her cope with her sexual appetite.

She had just put away her journal when she heard a commotion coming from downstairs and the sound of a wall breaking. She grumbled to herself that it was a damn miracle her house was still able to stand after all that it had been though. When she walked downstairs, she saw Ranma and Ryoga arguing about something. It had been a while since she had seen her friend, and both males turned towards her when she made her presence known.

"Akane-san. I've come back".

"Ryoga, where did you come from?"

He froze, stuttering a bit. Ryoga was always like this whenever he was around Akane. It was almost a shame that he never had the courage to speak what he truly felt.

"A-Akane-san". His cheeks turned pink, something that did not go unnoticed by Ranma "You sure look a little flushed, huh, P-chan".

"Don't call me P-chan!" he snarled.

"Don't tell me you want to fight again?! Didn't you learn your lesson before".

He raised his fists "I can take you on anytime".

Akane merely shook her head "Stop it both of you".

She walked over and lightly whacked them on the head "Can you two at least try to get along? Why must you both always fight? It's not good for either of you". She walked past both of them "I'm going to take a walk, please do try not to destroy the house if you can help it".

She ignored them calling out to her and made her way down the street, the fresh air did seem to clear her head a bit. Akane knew that she couldn't permanently forget her problems but at least it was quite out here, it gave her a chance to think about something else that she felt was necessary. Perhaps the best way to tame her lust was simply to incorporate love instead. Akane figured that showing Ranma love was a much better alternative that would be best for the time being. At least until she felt more secure knowing that her sexual appetite was suppressed. Problem was though, Akane had bee so caught up in thinking about sex and how to control her feelings that she didn't have a clue where to start when it came to love.

Akane had plenty of men that all claimed to be in love with her. But even she knew that it was all just a sham.

She wasn't dumb enough to think that those fools could win her over simply by saying something mushy and they'd sweep her off her feet. She doubted that her sisters would be of much help if she asked them. She would be on her own. But maybe she could still do something discreetly, Akane thought for a moment. She didn't have to do something big, but starting small was probably the safest option. An idea suddenly came to her and she hurried to the nearest bakery.

Akane felt proud of herself when she walked back home holding a small cake. She knew for a fact that Ranma had a sweet tooth so if she gave him the cake as a gift then he'd might understand that it was a gesture of love. Just thinking about it was putting a pep in her step, she couldn't wait to see Ranma's expression when she gave it to him.

She was almost home when she was suddenly stopped by Tatewaki Kuno. "Tendo Akane, what a joy it is to see your lovely face". Akane cursed her bad luck to have to run into Kuno of all people right now. "Pardon me, I'd like to pass by".

She tried to walk around him, but he blocked her path "Ah, what is this? A present for me? What a wonderful surprise this is. I Tatewaki Kuno shall accept your token of love".

Akane intercepted as he tried to take it from her "It's not for you. I'm in a hurry". It fell on death ears as her path was blocked once again "Come, come now, do not be shy tender one. I am honored to receive anything that has been blessed by your hands".

She internally gagged, there were times when she hated how fucking persistent and ignorant her upperclassman was. "I told you already it's not for you. Now if you'd excuse me, I must be getting home".

Akane found herself running all over the place trying to shake off Kuno, but he was as stubborn as they came. Like a tick that was really dug in there. She was getting seriously annoyed that he still hadn't left her alone no matter how many times she told him to get lost. It made it even worse that he kept proclaiming that he was smitten by her. The chase eventually led to her home where Ranma and Ryoga were still arguing.

"Saotome Ranma, I challenge you!" Akane watched as Kuno's attention suddenly shifted to her fiancé. Who swiftly knocked down Ryoga "I shall defeat you once and for all and Tendo Akane and the pigtailed girl shall be mine". He took a swing at Ranma but was blocked. "Will you shut up already. I'm tired of your constant yapping".

Akane was dumbfounded as she watched the scene in front of her. It seemed as though Kuno's attention had certainly shifted away from her, at least that's what she thought until she was suddenly grabbed by him and was being carried away "Tendo Akane I have you at long last".

"Put me down, you jerk!". She hit him a few times but it didn't seem to knock him out like she wanted.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Ryoga running after her, but was used as a sudden launchpad by Ranma who gave Kuno a good KO and rescued her. "Akane are you alright?" she nodded "Yes I'm fine". Ranma set her down on her feet "What's that?" he pointed to the box she was still holding, Akane blushed "I wanted to give you something, it's for- "she didn't get to finish what she was saying because Ryoga had retaliated about being used as a launchpad by kicking Ranma from behind sending him flying "Don't use me as your personal launcher!" Akane could only watch as her fiancé hit the nearest roof "Akane-san you're safe now".

Ryoga had spoken too soon, because Kuno had regained consciousness and was now very angry. "Tendo Akane leap into my glorious bosom" he would've smothered her had Ryoga not pulled her out of the way just in time.

"You! How dare you interfere with my romance! You shall now face the wrath of the Blue Thunder, Takewaki Kuno!".

Akane's patience was nearly gone completely. What had started a simply thing had turned into a full-on chaotic battle between three men. She huffed in irritation and was about to walk away from the stupidity when her fiancé appeared before her. "Ranma?" he placed a comforting hand on her cheek "I'll deal with these two numbskulls" his action didn't go unnoticed and that seemed to enrage Ryoga and Kuno.

"Ranma! Keep your hands off Akane-san!".

"Saotome Ranma, prepare to be defeated by my blade!".

Two against one, wasn't a fair fight. But Ranma was doing surprisingly well against Ryoga and Kuno. Akane felt like she was going to explode her patience was now so thin, why was it that something so simple could turn into a huge fucking problem. This was so not the romantic gesture that she wanted to show. Akane was right about to say something when Kuno who had been hit by Ranma, accidently knocked into Ryoga who in turn stumbled forward and Akane shrieked in dismay as the cake she was holding was knocked out of her hands and splattered all over the ground. Everyone stopped instantly and Akane could only stare down at the gift she had so badly wanted to give to Ranma. It was completely ruined; Akane's face turned red from anger, she was more then angry, she was exasperated.

"You idiots had to go and make a circus out of this". She cracked her knuckles "I wanted to give that cake to someone special and now it's ruined". Akane was glaring daggers at them "Someone is going to pay for all of this".

"Tendo Akane, do not fear I will accept- "Pow! Kuno was sent flying miles away from her punch. She still didn't feel even a little better.

"Ranma! What have you done?! You upset Akane!".

"I upset her?! Its because of your constant stupidity that I'm always suffering because of you!".

Ryoga shoved Ranma out of the way "Akane-san please don't be angry, it was all Ranma's fault. I'll make it up to you".

"Hold it right there! When did I even do anything?!".

Akane cheeks got hotter, she was still very angry, her fists clenched until they were white. Even now Ranma and Ryoga were bickering. She looked back towards the flattened cake still lying on the grass. She never got to give it to Ranma, and she was so sure that he'd like it too.

"Akane-san" she took a step back when Ryoga tried approaching her. Tears were starting to flow down her cheeks. She gave an icy glare at both males and huffed in frustration before running off to be alone leaving both of them where they were. She could've unleashed her fury on them, so both of them got off easy and that's what was concerning.

Ranma had finally noticed the cake and walked over to pick it up. It was still lying in its box looking like a mess. It was hard to make out, but there was a message written on it. It took Ranma a minute to realize that the cake was meant for him, since it had his name on it. Akane had mentioned that it had been for someone special, and she had tried to give it to him earlier had she not been interrupted. Damn that stupid predicament, it really spoiled everything.

"Is that supposed to be a cake?" Ryoga had come over to take a look.

"Akane-san said it was for someone special?" Ranma gave him this look that said he was even dumber than he thought.

"She for sure didn't mean you". "What?" His eyes narrowed "What's that supposed to mean? She could've meant me you know". Ranma facepalmed, to hell with all the idiocy in his life.

"It was meant for me".

"You?! But why? I mean you of all people". Ranma sighed as he shook his head "Need I remind you that I'm her fiancé. She loves me".

He started to walk away "Where are you going?"

"I need to make this right". Ryoga started to follow "I have to make it up to her too". Ranma tsked in annoyance "Haven't you done enough already, besides she doesn't want to see you".

"I owe it to Akane to make it right". Ryoga was glaring sternly at Ranma "You're not the only one who loves her". He scoffed "Not this again, you're seriously wasting your time. Just let me make it up to her".

Akane was in the dojo trying to let off some steam by training. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were still wet and puffy. In the past she would've blamed Ranma for letting something like this happen. But she knew that it wasn't his fault, he had nothing to do with the accident. Still, that didn't stop her from feeling angry. Training did seem to help her let go of some stress, but she still hadn't felt better. She stopped suddenly to catch her breath and she wiped the sweat from her brow. She guessed that she could always try again and buy another cake, maybe next time would be better. She was about to leave when her fiancé walked into the dojo.

"Akane". She saw he was holding the box "Ranma? What are you doing?"

"You wanted to give this to me, didn't you?"

She nodded "I just thought you'd understand that it was a token of my love is all". Akane cleared her throat awkwardly "I can buy another one. That's one already ruined so- "Ranma gave her a warm smile and it made her heard skip a beat "Akane thank you". She was confused "But it's ruined". "That doesn't matter, you still wanted to give me something and that's what counts". She watched as he took a bite out of a piece "Mm, it's good". Akane's cheeks flushed pink. Her heart picked up it pace some more. She couldn't believe that Ranma still liked it even though it wasn't perfect. It was very sweet of him to accept her gift like that. It brought a smile across her face, "Oh Ranma" she couldn't stop herself from running up to embrace him. All her anger was evaporated instantly. "Akane what made you want to give this cake to me?"

Her cheeks darkened some more, she couldn't tell him the whole story. But she did have an explanation that would be passable "I thought that maybe I'd try a different approach". She squeezed him harder "Like maybe trying to show more that I love you". She wasn't sure if that made any sense, but it seemed as though Ranma got the idea since he kissed her cheek "You can be actually be very cute". He stumbled back a bit when she kissed him hard but he soon returned her affection.

From the entrance Ryoga had been watching the whole thing, seething with jealously. Every instinct was telling him to break them up; except that would be pointless. He learned long ago that Akane and Ranma were in love. His foolish pride wouldn't accept it though. He'd best forget about talking with Akane for now, he knew better then to act out. Instead, he left the pair alone quietly; he had learned his lesson last time and would accept his defeat for now. Still, that didn't stop him from feeling hurt inside. He promised himself that next time he saw Ranma he'd beat the shit out of him.

From inside the dojo Ranma and Akane were still kissing, and apparently it didn't go unnoticed because the sound of someone mumbling made them break apart and the whole family was there watching them intently "What are you all doing here?!" Akane shrieked in embarrassment her face turning red as a tomato.

"What? Did you really think that we'd miss all of this".

Nabiki was holding a camera and Soun was crying tears of joy "Akane, Ranma I'm so very proud of you both. You truly have made your fathers proud".

"Pop, what the hell are you doing?!" Ranma's face was just as red as Akane's, since Genma was in his panda form he held up a sign 'Don't mind us' and he was sent face first through the floor by the enraged pair.

They shooed their family out of the dojo, Akane threated to take away Nabiki's money jar if she had the nerve to show any pictures to the school and the middle Tendo daughter reluctantly had to give in. There really was never a dull moment in the Tendo household, it was insane.

Their faces were still red even after the family was sent away. All Ranma could do to clear away some of the embarrassment was offer Akane some of the cake and she gracefully accepted it. She would have to think of other ways to express love, but at least for now this was a good step in the right direction and as long as Ranma accepted it then that was all that matter to her.

Let's stop here for right now.

I should have the next chapter up in about two weeks. This story is almost over, I was never planning to make it super long but I'll try and wrap it up best I can.

Take care everybody!