Chapter 2

"Shampoo not cry, is against Amazon law." Her words brought him back to the problem at hand.

"I have to go now, bye Shampoo!" He turned and caught up with Akane. They both managed to make it into school by the first bell, for once.

Class seemed to go on forever. 'What is up with him today? He had actually told Shampoo to leave him alone. Does he feel the same way about me. Oh God I hope not!' She buried her face in her hands to hide the tears as they started to form. 'Geez, not in the middle of class, please not now.' She continued to rest her elbows on her desk for a moment longer when she heard the lunch bell ring. She slowly put her books away and took out her lunch. She then stood up to go find a quiet place to eat. She was startled by a hand that grasped her wrist.

"We need to talk," Ranma's voice was sort of scratchy. He quickly but efficiently pulled her through the rows of desk and out the door. In the hall way he managed to move his hand from her wrist and possessively yet gently around her hand. He continued to pull her down the hall to the stairs that would take them up to the roof.

'Oh, god he's going to dump me too, this can't be happening,' those thoughts started to push every other thought our of her head. A sudden slam brought her to her senses as she looked around. It was only the door. Then her attention was captured when she felt two strong hands on her shoulders. Scared and yet curious at the same time. She slowly let her gaze wander up past his chest to his deep blue eyes. She hadn't realized just how blue they really were until now. There was something different about them today though. 'There's a sadness to them, or maybe...worry....Ya right why would he worry about me.

"Akane, I've noticed you don't seem like your usual self lately. Did I do something wrong?" He noticed her eyes starting to look franticly for an answer. He knew what was really bothering her, he had heard her this morning by accident, but he wanted to hear it from her, like it was the first time. "Please Akane, tell me what's wrong. I'm...I...I'm worried about you." He noticed her start to bite her lower lip. 'Please, please would she tell me.

"Nothings wrong. I've just been busy. With school work and all. I'll be fine, no need to worry," 'Is he really worried like he had just said.' "Can we eat lunch now, I'm getting hungry."

"Yes, Akane, we can eat lunch now." They both sat down and ate the lunches. "Hey Akane. Do you mind walking home by yourself today, I have a few things I need to do after school?"

"Huh...no, go do your things." 'What could he possibly have to do. Oh well, its his business, Right.'

"It shouldn't take me long." 'I hope she doesn't pound me when she learns of my plans.'

"Tadiama."

"Oh, Akane. Your home late." Kasumi greeted her at the door. "Where is Ranma?"

"He said he had some things to do after school."

"Well I hope he won't be too late."

"I'm gonna go up and do my home work ok." Akane turned and slowly walked up the stairs to her room.

"Kasumi?" called Ranma as he walked into the kitchen.

"Hi Ranma. About time you showed up. You missed dinner, but I managed to save some for you two."

"You two? What are you talking about?"

"Akane, never came down so I figured she wasn't hungry." She gave Ranma a questioning glance.

"Can you fix her up a tray. I'll take it up to her?" Ranma turned and bolted out of the room.

"Sure...."

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