I don't own Ranma 1/2, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi.

-.Chapter One.-

He started punching the door, but he couldn't manage to open it. She remained sitting on the floor, with her legs extended and crossed. She was absolutely resigned, and she had an expression of guilt

Ranma was angry "Well... is this what you wanted, huh!? got it now??? we're locked inside here..no possibility to get out TIL TOMORROW!!!"

Akane couldn't help feeling guilty "Aright alright, don't fret... my fault... so what, you're the one who's usually getting us into trouble!"

"Yeah, but I never got us locked in an empty janitor's closet.." She didn't like that comment, but decided to omit it "At least we've got a radio, and some sort of.... bed? Well... we're not gonna die here..."

They remained quiet for a few minutes, but then Ranma's stomach began to roar "I'm starving! damn!" Akane looked for something in her backpack "Here... I've got a sandwich. Eat it. I'll eat an apple"

Ranma took the food and looked at her.. she could be very generous and friendly sometimes... he loved that about her... well... he loved everything about her.

She then said "You know.. I actually thought we could sneak from the test hiding in here...but I didn't know the janitor left so early... what time is it?? " Ranma got out of his "fantasy" and replied "humm, I don't have a watch...but I imagine it's around half past seven in the afternoon..." "gee...Kasumi must be worried.." He grinned "I don't think so... she probably thinks we're dating somewhere.. as if I was to date such an uncute tomboy...right!..." "Ranma...I don't think this is the right time nor place for an argument...so cut it out" He decided to carry on with the fight "You cut it out!!!! this is nothing but your fault. You're so silly... so freakin' stubborn! Why in god's name did you have to lock the door!?"

"I thought I had the key!! I've already told you!!"

"And I've told you a thousand times...THAT'S THE KEY TO THE LADIES ROOM!!! NOT TO THE JANITOR'S!!"

"Ok ok, take it easy. We'll be out of here in no time"

"We'll be outta here within 12 hours... 12 HOURS!....crap..... -he looked around the room- Good thing we've got a teeny window... we won't die for lack of oxygen...at least!"

"No, but I'll kill you if you don't cut it out with the complaining!"

Ranma crossed his arms "Ok! Alright!... What do you propose we do?" She glanced at him "Hmm...talk?"

"About what? you know we've got nothing in common"

"'course we do. Let's talk and find out, shall we?" He finally resigned "If you say so..."

After a long talk, the two of them started to feel more comfortable, and they laughed and kid around. Until a certain subject came up... and the conversation turned serious...

Ranma was now speaking now in a very deep voice "I don't know... I don't know where I'd be if I haven't met you..." She was a bit confused "Why do you say that?". Ranma was staring at the floor "Do you think our paths would have crossed over, if our parents haven't engaged us for the dojo's sake?" Akane blinked "I wouldn't know... perhaps.. perhaps not..."

"I don't think my life would've been the same" he said in a whisper...

She leaned a little bit towards Ranma "What was that? I couldn't hear you"

"That life can be very rare..."

"oh... well yeah... I mean... you've got quite a life there yourself..."

Ranma now returned to his usual tone "ya bet! It's not easy being a freak And it's not easy trying to obtain the higher title in martial arts -men category- when you turn into a freakin' "she" everytime you get spilled with cold water... it's too freakin' rare...not to mention embarrassing... honestly, I don't think anybody would be able to endure what I've endured... with the curse...and the neko-ken... I've endured hell..."

"it must be a hell of a burden... but again Ranma" she held his hand sweetly "I'm here, you know that"

A shiver ran down Ranma's spine, he felt awfully happy, it was such a rush.. he simply blushed and looked away, avoiding Akane's glance.

He looked at her big brown eyes "Thanks 'Kane... appreciate it.."

"You're very welcome, 'fiance' " And she gave him that smile that drove him mad.

Ranma smiled, bewitched by such beauty... Looked like that time alone wasn't going to be that bad... actually... he could think of some fun things to do...