He knew she was upset—probably more than he'd ever seen her upset. Usually when he had done something, she'd thrash in rage, be quick to clench her fists and accuse. But this time…this time it was different.
She had looked so lost.
Not unlike what Ranma was feeling right now. Ranma looked up and took notice where his wandering feet took him. A jewelry shop? The window displayed strings of pearls, earrings encrusted with diamonds, bands of silver and gold. He leaned against the cool glass, barely comprehending his surroundings.
He didn't understand. They had fought so much before. Why was today any different?
Ranma remembered fighting about something trivial on the way home from school. Ranma, walking next to his fiancée, muttered his usual "You're so uncute, Akane." He recalled saying it with annoyance and didn't bother to even slow his pace. He only stopped when he noticed there was no retort. Halting, he looked behind where Akane stood, her eyes cast to her white sneakers.
"A-Akane?" he asked hesitantly.
Moments passed. Finally she looked up, the hurt in her eyes apparent. It was odd, though. Her eyes were still dry. "Aren't you tired of it all," she said in a quiet voice, "Ranma?" Akane waited for no response, just continued walking home. The remainder of the walk was unnervingly silent. Once home, Akane retreated to her room without a glance towards Ranma.
The lack of rage in Akane made Ranma feel guilty. Remorse plagued him, causing him to wander aimlessly, deep in thought—which is how he had ended up in front of the jewelry shop. His eyes focused on a necklace laid out in the display window: a yellow gem that hung from a delicate gold chain. He thought of Akane. It'd be perfect for her. He pictured her shy smile as he presented the necklace to her.
She really was cutest when she smiled.
A bell rang, signaling that the owner, a plump man with kind eyes and graying hair, had stepped outside his shop. He smiled at Ranma. "I couldn't help but notice you were looking at my window. Perhaps I can wrap something up for your girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend?" Ranma echoed. He gave a short laugh and shook his head. "She'd probably just call me a pervert," he mumbled, talking more to himself than the shop owner. "No thanks," he said in a louder but quavering voice.
He spun around, his back facing the window. Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his pants, Ranma walked away.
AN: Thanks to M&N for betaing!