I couldn't bring myself to insult her this time. The look in her eyes just caught me off guard, I guess. She said "Thanks, Ranma."

I wonder if this time Shampoo really did put something in what we ate for dinner last night. I mean, this is Akane we're talking about. The tomboy that blames everything on me even if I didn't do anything and never liked to hear my explanations of why things turned out the way they were.

But that was Akane, she's always like that.

And then, when I think I should be retort back with some insult back to her. There she goes and makes me blush. There, she goes and gives me a smile in the end.

Sure, sometimes its filled with hate, sometimes its filled with anger, but sometimes, just when I think I've seen every side of her, she goes and smiles at me. Like this. Like right now.

And then, I'll think for days on end. She may be dense, but either way, maybe, MAYBE she's not 'uncute'...

I stood there with nothing to say, but, "Hey, go to sleep. One false move and you'll slip off the roof. We all know how clumsy you are."

That's when I jumped back and positioned my hands in a defensive stance. I was so ready for her to just go and hit me.

But she didn't. Not this time.

She silently stood up and dusted her pajamas. She sighed and answered, "Yeah."

For a second, I frowned and felt kind of guilty. She could always make me feel guilty like this. I guess...I guess I just hated disappointing her. No way would I tell her that. It's against my code. But I was no good at ever saying sorry to her, her of all people that needed a sorry from me...

She walked to back to her room. Without looking back, she said, "Oyasumi, Ranma."

Then, she slipped. Without even thinking, I reached out for her and caught her in the next instant.

"Told you," I snickered.

She looked up with tears about to fall. "I don't need your help."

I was so fazed by that sad look on her face that when she pushed me away, I didn't even feel it. I just watched her walk away, but she stopped.

"Ranma, I thought...I just thought maybe-" She stopped. "Never mind!"

And there, the old Akane stomped softly away from me into the darkness. But this time, she didn't look so cute angry. And just a little, I began to feel sad too.

So, I jumped off the roof and went inside the dojo to sulk. Facing one corner, I kept on thinking and rethinking.

"I can never understand what you're saying," I whispered to myself. You're so confusing.

She frustrated me. I'd say the truth and then she'd get mad. I'd say a lie and she'd get mad. I didn't ever know what she wanted. Even when she tells me to my face what she wants, I still don't get it.

We're both so stubborn.

And then, I started to do some exercises by myself. All my frustration and anger went into each punch. I don't understand. I don't understand..."I just don't get you!"

I thought about everything with this family, especially Akane. We were just pushed into everything. I know that very well, Akane.

But, but...Are you already tired of me? It's not my fault you get jealous for nothing. And sometimes it's pop's fault for getting me into the crimes he commits.

But, is that why you sighed and you looked like you were crying? Are you really sick of me now? Am I really as bad as you think and say I am? Maybe, maybe not.

Argh. I don't know.

I don't know why I can't ever make you happy!

"I've just punched another hole in the dojo..."

"Ara..."

--

Author's notes: Well, as always, I tried. I have nothing more to say. * smile *