Disclaimer: Shaman King belongs to their respective owners and the song, 'Myself' is owned by Changin' My Life. (I think. It's a really good song, even though it's not in English.) English translations to the lyrics were brought to you by: www.animelyrics.com
Edit Note (7/12/03): I added in a part just before Yoh and Anna… do things… to each other... *ahem* yeah. It's not a MAJOR event… just something I wanted to add. It contains a conversation with their grandparents and a limey scene.
Author Notes: This fic would have never been possible without your encouragement and inspiration… in short -- Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and/or review this fic. The wedding scene for the most part is western. I would have loved it to be a little more of a traditional Japanese one… but the idea of Yoh in a tuxedo… well… I think that's quite self-explanatory ;) Plus, I don't know very much about kimono designs so I guess I thought it would be safer sticking to things I knew about. (Actually, I don't know much about western wedding clothes either ^_^;)
Thanks: To my good friend, Princess Hazzel, whom I've grown close to throughout the year. Best wishes to you in high school. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this fic!!! To da*mouse for telling me those wonderful wonderful Yoh/Anna bits from the manga.
Replies:
da*mouse - Don't deny it! You're going to get that part done and out if I have to force it out of you! :)
Unmei - How could I leave you hanging? Simply because I'm evil.. lol… Mwahahaha.. like now. I'm making you read this in an attempt to delay your reading of the fic.
Apple-chan - Eh? Sequel? Uh… *whistles*
Everyone Else - Thanks for reading this fic! I appreciate your time… I really really do.
Notes: Ji-chan: Grandpa
Warnings: SOOOO… OOC!! A lot of dialogue… like the last chapter. If you continue to read this story, the probability of dying from excess mushiness is about 99.9%. No. That is not a joke. :)
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~~~
Everyone turned their heads to the back of the shrine as Anna nonchalantly walked in. Immediate murmurs and whispers were heard throughout the room.
'Is that Anna??"
'She looks beautiful!!'
'Truly fit for the bride of the Shaman King.'
The pounding of Yoh's heart stopped. He tried to breathe but suddenly found a lack of oxygen in the air. He gulped, as his eyes never left his bride. His mouth was wide open as his eyes became mesmerized by Anna's beauty. Even though a veil was over her, Yoh could see her pretty ivory face.
'Anna… beautiful… I can't believe this. She looks so… nothing like I imagined!'
Wisps of golden hair bounced up with each step Anna took. She tried to overcome her nervousness by pretended that the crowd wasn't paying attention to her. Rather, they were having conversations that had nothing to do with this day and this time. Her eyes only looked towards her gaping groom. Despite the dim look on his face, Yoh looked... well... much different than Anna had ever dreamed of. His dark eyes complemented well with his tuxedo and his long black hair was neatly combed down, reaching his shoulders. When she reached near the front of the shrine, she noticed that Yoh's expression on his face has not changed at all.
"Yoh…" she started.
"………….Hah?" he replied, still entranced.
Anna flushed as she spoke her next words, "You're drooling."
The dark-haired boy closed his mouth and sheepishly grinned, "Gomen."
Yohmei, dressed in an elaborate dark kimono, cleared his throat, "Now that the groom has finally stopped salivating, we will now proceed with the exchanging of wedding vows, starting with the groom."
Yoh blushed as he stared timidly at Anna. He took a deep breath and exhaled. Smiling, he began, "I'm not sure the words I'm going to say to you… will describe even half of what I'm feeling right now. I've always tried to deny the fact that I fell in love with you at first sight… but the more I think about our past together… It's really true. The moment I saw you… Was the moment I fell for you."
The crowed awed as Yoh continued, "I know you're really a caring person inside. The training you put me through was not purposely to torture me, but instead to make me become stronger. Because of you… I was able to become the Shaman King. Because of you… well... I guess everything in my wonderful life is because of you. You've changed me into a better person… you were able to teach me that anything is possible with time and patience."
"We've known each other for many years and we have grown to love and care for each other in many ways. I know that you will always be there for me and I promise that I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make your life as fulfilling as you have made mine. No matter what we have to go through in the future, I will love you and I will continue loving you throughout the rest of our lives..."
"I've always dreamed and wished for an easy life with you and now, my dream is about to be lived and my wish about to come true."
"When I first met you, I could see that your heart was aching with pain. I remember on those days, the only thing I wanted to do was to make you smile and hopefully open your heart and let you experience the wonderful things one can feel in spite of the pain. Even if it took me a lifetime to finally show you all those things, it would be worth it -- Just to know that you could open your heart to the world again."
Yoh grinned as he took a moment to breathe and rebuild his composure, "There is nothing more that I could ever want in life because I have you. I promise I will do anything and everything to make your life happy and satisfying. That is my only goal in the life I about to share with you and that is what I will strive for until our unfortunate moment of separation. But even in that moment, we will still be together …forever… in spirit. I know I'm probably said this a million times… but I love you and nothing will ever change my love for you. Through all the years we've known each other, our love has grown to a love I never thought was possible."
"I wanted to make this day… well.. one of those special days where people always say they can remember it like yesterday. I know this is a big day for you… being your birthday and your wedding at the same time. But.. if you just relax and trust me on this… I'll try to make this day last as long as possible and… a day you will never forget… even in the our next life..."
"I can't imagine life without you. Your presence near me… all this time… I never want to live life without ever knowing that feeling. I've been ready to spend my life with you since our first meeting and I guess.. well.. hope.. that you feel the same way I do."
"When I was younger… I promised you a good life. And after this day, I intend to fulfill that promise."
The crowd fell silent to the young man's meaningful words. Their thoughts wavered to and from each word the second Yoh started to speak and the last that was said.
"Yoh…" Anna's eyes glimmered with emotion. Though she shed no tears, her heart was weeping inside -- filled with overwhelming feelings that could never be expressed in words.
The groom grinned, "That came out longer than I thought it would."
A few chuckles from the crowd broke the emotional silence that was set upon them.
"That Yoh..." Horo Horo smiled.
"Ah.. Only that idiot could do something like that," Ren agreed.
Yohmei's eyes softened as he hesitated slightly in speaking to awaiting crowd, "We will continue as we now listen to what the bride has to say."
Anna looked at the floor, hoping that the feelings bursting inside her would somehow rearrange themselves as words. She glanced into the keen eyes of her husband-to-be and began, "I hope you realize how much those words have meant to me. Each second I listened to your voice… each time I've been wondering how I could have ever been this fortunate to have met you."
"When I compare myself with the person I am today, and the person I was years ago… so much has happened and so much has changed. You taught me things I never thought was ever possible in this world. Although, nothing much of what I say now will ever top anything of what you've just spoken… I want to tell you this, Asakura Yoh: You are my life and my only reason to live in this world. Without you, I have no reason to stay in this world."
"Years ago, I thought I was satisfied with my life. Depressing though it was, I was guaranteed to live life without pain. During that time I was content with sacrificing all emotions at its expense. Words like happiness and joy seemed so foreign to me. The only person who cared about my emotional well-being was you. You showed me how such small words could impact one's life and the world. For that… I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"No one has ever reached out to me in that way before. Everyone knew what I was capable of and fled away in fear. But you-- regardless of knowing what I could do to you, you never hesitated to reach out to me. Even though I tried to push you away, you never turned away when I needed you…"
"You never treated me like any other girl you knew. In a way, I felt special, knowing that you treated me differently… in a more considerate and compassionate way. Even though a part of you was scared of me, you still reached out. You never stopped… because you knew one day… I would respond to your reach."
"The promise you made… it's already been kept. A good life that I want… is a life spent with you. I can't think of a role more gratifying in life… than being the wife of Asakura Yoh."
"I knew I could believe in you and faith in you… when you risked your life back at the Osorezan. Despite our length of acquaintance at that time, you fought without hesitation. No one has ever done those things… and over the years… I grew used to you… grew used to… loving you and being with you."
"You've shown me so many wonderful things and taught me how to be able to love once again. The feeling that I abandoned long ago and left behind because it was too painful to bear… The feeling I knew that I was always lacking… You brought it back to me and shared it with me through the happy and the sorrowful times."
"I never thought I was lucky enough to be this happy in life… I always woke up thinking that it's all a dream and that I am back to living out on my own. But each day… it seems like it's a dream even beyond dreams. Everything you have done… has become so perfect that it seems surreal."
"I love you… and I'll never stop loving you. Even when and if we do live in 2 different worlds… I'll always love you… Asakura… Yoh."
Yoh couldn't help but be a little surprised. Who could have known that the itako could truly express herself in front of him and everyone?
'Anna… I never knew... How much I was to you.'
The dark-haired boy's thoughts were interrupted as applause began in the shrine. It seemed to have started simultaneously all around. The couple looked around at their friends and family, all clapping and smiling at them. They, in turn smiled, as they looked deep in each other's eyes, realizing the words that have just been exchanged.
Yoh's grandfather rose to his feet once again, wondering if he'd ever seen another couple as in love with one another as the ones in front of him.
"Well then, without further ado, I pronounce you two… Husband and wife! Yoh… I'll leave the next part up to you," Yohmei smiled.
"Sankyuu… Ji-chan," Yoh beamed as he looked at his wife.
"…Anna… I guess… we're finally… mar--" he started when a finger was placed on his lips.
The blonde moved in closer to her husband as she interrupted, "Yoh… just shut up and kiss me."
Yoh beamed, "My pleasure."
Closing the space between them, he placed his mouth over her soft lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body, wanting nothing more than his wife. Anna brought her arms above Yoh's shoulder and gently binds them around his neck. The hands of the clocked moved slowly as the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
The guests applauded once more, but this time cheering along with their rhythmic clapping.
"Alright, everyone clear out as the newlyweds share their first dance together!" Yohmei cried excitedly, "This song has been chosen by the groom on this special occasion."
The guests began to move to the back of the place as they gather in a semi-circle to witness this first dance among the two. The song began to play and the room was soon filled with an alluring melody.
Yoh led Anna to near the centre of the shrine as he tightly embraced her. Anna rested her head on his shoulder, wishing that this moment would never end.
Why, oh why do I love you so much?
My tears overflow this much
The bride moved slowly in harmony with her husband, her thoughts drifting slowly into the music she's never heard of.
That day, deep in your eyes, I saw the loneliness
Are the two of us really alike?
If I'd realized it, you were always by my side
Yoh began to think back to the first time he met Anna… Her cold eyes showing nothing but a void of emptiness. He wanted to show her… he wanted to see those eyes light up, filled with emotion. He wanted to be the one --the only one to achieve that goal.
Like a lost child, crying and searching
But there was no such thing as forever"It's okay if you don't believe in anyone," you whispered
Were the two of us really alike?
And I decided then I would protect youAnna thought back to her childhood before meeting Yoh. Always lost and constantly searching for something… or rather… someone to show her the meaning of the words she never learnt.
"Anna, I'm sorry if I hurt you just now… I know you didn't have a very happy past… But as my fiancée, I promise you...I'll let you lead a good life. I promise."
The pledge Yoh made… a few days after their first encounter. Those very words had stuck with her since then. Never had she forgotten a single second of that conversation. After seeing Yoh battling the day afterwards with Matamune… she made a vow to herself.
She would protect her Yoh at all costs… Like the way he had protected her…
Why do I love you so much?
Your voice rings inside me so much it makes me sad
Just what it was that supported me so much
From afar, I realize it now
Why do I love you so much?
It's so easy I just can't answerThe pair realized that the words they had spoken on this day had barely expressed a portion of the emotion they felt for one another. Love just wasn't a sentiment that could be easily divulged into something understandable. No language in the world could truly describe this feeling that could be painful and/or wonderful at times… How could you define the paradox known as love?
After their eventful dance, the guests made their way to the side of the shrine, where the party of celebration was held. Sake was shared and drunk by the newlyweds as a tradition. Of course, the guests drank sake as well… Though one particular boy had an accidental overdose of it.
"Oiii… Yoh…" the boy's words were slurred as he slung his arm around the groom, "Remember... ugh… that… thing?"
"What are you talking about, Horo Horo?" Yoh stared at his partially drunk friend.
"You know… the THING," he emphasized, spreading his arms out wide, hoping that Yoh would understand.
Yoh nodded slowly, pretending to play along with Horo Horo.
The Ainu laughed out loud, "Have you opened it yet?"
"Aren't wedding gifts supposed to be open… like… after… the…" Yoh blushed as he continued, "Er.. like.. on the next day.. after the… honeymoon."
Horo Horo chuckled to himself as Ren joined the two.
"What's wrong with him?" Ren pointed at the boy pounding his fists into the floor, virtually laughing his head off.
"Too much sake…"
"Uwa!!! Yoh… you funny guy!!" the Ainu burst out. The taller boy then draped his arm around Yoh once more as he whispered into his ear, "The gift I gave you…"
The groom looked at this friend suspiciously as he understood what he was getting at, "What… about… it?"
"It's… urp… magazine…"
Paling in response, Yoh shuddered, "…Do I want to know what kind of magazine it is?"
"Ah! 'Course… it's just… a nice... magazine. Something to get your mind… off… things… OR!" Horo Horo pointed up towards the roof, "Something.. to get your mind ON things… ehehe.. if you know what I mean." The blue-haired boy lightly jabbed Yoh in the chest as he fell to the floor, pulling Yoh down with him.
"Ahh! Horo Horo! Don't tell me…"
'Hentai… magazine…' his mind finished in shock.
Once more, Horo Horo laughed, clutching his stomach as tears formed from the corner of his eyes, "Just look at your face!!! It's a joke! Joke! Joke! Joke! J-O---"
Ren stopped the boy from finishing as he stepped on his chest, "You… idiot!"
The Ainu looked up at the younger Chinese boy, pointing, "You're funny."
Ren's fists tightened, "That's it!" He pulled out a rope and dragged the older boy onto a chair. Tying him mercilessly, he made sure Horo Horo would not be moving another inch for the rest of the ceremony.
"Aww… babe you're no fun.." Horo Horo looked down at his tied arms as he tried to struggle free.
Ren added on a piece of tape over his mouth, "What in the world were you thinking… inviting him to your wedding?"
"I didn't think he'd get drunk so fast…" Yoh sheepishly grinned.
The shorter boy sighed as Manta arrived from the other side of the room where dances were held. Faust and Eliza danced around enthusiastically, almost as if the day would never end.
Ryu pressured Lyserg to come dance with him, but Millie dragged Lyserg onto the dance floor before Lyserg could refuse both invitations to dance.
Pilica wanted Manta to dance with Kururu and like always, Manta accepted. Little did he know how difficult the task was, always trying to face the small spirit as well as trying to maintain balance on the dance floor. His exhausted features disappeared as he saw his three friends.
"Hi… congratulations, Yoh-kun!"
"Sankyuu, Manta."
Noticing the struggling boy on the chair, he asked, "Why is Horo Horo tied to a chair?"
"It's a long story," replied Ren, who was tightening the ropes around the blue-haired boy.
Sweatdropping, Manta didn't bother to question any further. "Where's Anna?"
"Ah… she's over there… with the girls," Yoh pointed.
"….Eh..?"
~~~
"So what was it like when you guys first kissed?" Elly asked, eyes widening in anticipation.
"What did you feel when you were dancing with him?" Sharona interrupted, leaving the previous question unanswered.
"What were you feeling when Yoh recited his vows?" Pilica eagerly inquired.
"Did you guys talk at all during the dance?"
"Were you scared at all?"
Anna sat quietly as she glanced from one person to the other, not knowing what to say. Luckily, all the questions were always disrupted in one way or another by the next. How could she answer each question precisely without going in-depth? It was impossible.
So what did she do?
She sat, forced a smile and hoped that this celebration would be over soon… so she could go home with her husband and start a new life together with him.
~~~
The ceremonies ended a few hours later and not a moment too soon for the newlyweds. Other then time with each other, it was almost torturing having to spend time with only their friends, trying to satisfy their knowledge on what they had felt during this time and those times. It had been quite tiring for both of them since all they wanted to do was just go home and relax.
Pressing the pedal down harder, Yoh accelerated the vehicle hoping to soon see the home that he and Anna shared.
"Someone's in a hurry to get home," Anna smiled as she watched Yoh make a quick turn around the block. He slowed down as the traffic lights changed from yellow to red.
"Can you blame me?" he grinned, leaning over to the passenger seat and giving his wife a quick kiss.
"I guess not…"
"Besides… this tuxedo is driving me nuts. It's too itchy… and hot," Yoh responded. The lights returned to green again and the dark-haired boy made no hesitation in accelerating the car once more.
When they finally reached in front of their home, Yoh quickly took off his seatbelt and rushed over to the left side of the car. He pushed the trigger on the handle and opened the door before Anna could reach the lever.
"Allow me, dear wife," he bowed slightly.
The blonde slowly stood up but not for long, as Yoh placed an arm on her back and lightly pushed her into his hold. Within seconds, Yoh had managed to carry his wife in his arms without her ever noticing.
"Yoh!" she managed to yelp as she realized her feet weren't on the ground.
"Relax," the dark-haired boy said, using his feet to close the car door. He carried her to the front, where he cleverly managed to open the door with his right foot.
"I'm surprised you haven't dropped me yet. The last time we trained your balance, it didn't work out so well."
"Well this time, what's at stake is my precious wife, so I can't afford to slip up."
Climbing up the stairs to the room they share together, Yoh's eyes never left his wife's. His body was shaking from both the fear and excitement of being together for the first time.
The room still smelt of the rose petals that Yoh had lain earlier the day. Letting Anna return to her feet, Yoh turned on the lights.
His mind wandered just a while ago when Anna and him were still in Izumo, thanking their grandparents.
"Thank you guys... for so much you've done for us on this day. We know weddings take at least months of planning and well… to have it arranged in such a short time…" he started as his hand held tightly on to Anna's.
"Say no more. It was our pleasure. After all, we did arrange this situation long ago, didn't we?" Yohmei smiled.
"Still… We owe you so much," Anna finished as she leaned into Yoh's embrace.
Kino pointed down the road. "Think nothing of it. Just get home now and make us some great-grandchildren."
The couple blushed madly as they slowly nodded in unison. "We'll visit you."
"We'll be here."
Meanwhile, his heart was beating fast as his breaths became more ragged. 'I feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack… What should I do? Should I say something? Mou… what can I do?'
A part of him just wanted to reach out to her… and just do it. But another part of him was holding him back. His body was excited but his mind was scared to death. 'What if she's not ready… but only agrees because… this is supposedly the time… for… that. I mean… What if she feels like she's being forced? I don't wanna force her! I should ask. Should I ask? Yes, it shows that you care about her… and her feelings. Ask!! ASK!'
"…Anna… if you're not…erm.. ready for this… we don't have to do it. I mean… we can always wait… I.. I don't want to force you.. or anything.. I just… yeah."
The itako spun around, causing her dress to dance around her in midair. Yoh gulped as he waited for a response… a slap maybe?
"…Yoh… maybe you can wait. But… I can't."
"Anna…"
Her eyes shone in determination, not hesitating one bit. "Yoh… I only want… you."
The boy flushed for what seemed to be the billionth time that day as he nodded. 'Anna… I…'
Before Yoh knew it, he quickly closed in the space between them through a kiss, pulling her close, almost protectively, almost as if he would lose her at any moment. His hands crawled up to the centre seam on her back, grasping for the zipper and finally pulling it down gradually. Anna's arms slipped around her husband's neck as she pulled him close, their lips meeting once more.
Loosening her wrap, she let her arm slide down Yoh's collarbone, leaving a tickling sensation along its path. Her dark eyes never left her lover's as she slowly undid the buttons on his white shirt. She ran her fingers up and down his chest teasingly as she pushed away the remaining clothed layers off him, revealing his toned muscles and tan chest, formed from years of physical shaman training.
Yoh placed his palms over her shoulders, unhurriedly pulling down the dress. The fabric fell softly to the ground and Anna stepped over it, moving towards Yoh. The boy swallowed as he took in the beautiful sight of his wife dressed only in a few garments of clothing.
"…Beautiful… I mean--! You're… really.. pretty.. and.. yeah."
Reddening deeply at the comment, Anna smirked, "You're not so bad-looking yourself."
"Why thank you," he beamed, drawing closer for another kiss. Slowly, he led her down onto futon, not hesitating in every second's worth in caressing her soft skin with his hands.
Looking down at the rose-flushed girl under him, Yoh lowered his head, brushing her lips with his own. Without haste, he began to plant tender kisses on her cheek, all the way down to her clavicle. Every kiss left a warm invisible mark on her body, letting warm shivers crawl up her spine.
"…Yoh," she moaned slightly as she felt his warmth wrap around her body. Her hands rested on the back of his neck, loosely wrapping her arms around him.
The dark-haired boy smiled in delight as he heard his name being cried out from his wife. He wanted her to cry out his name in pleasure. He wanted her to know it… he wanted to hear it… he wanted her to feel it… And He would cherish it -- this moment in time where nothing else matters in the world -- nothing but their love for each other.
That night, Yoh and Anna shared an intimate part of themselves with one another, knowing that that secret fragile part would always be kept safe in each other's hearts.
"Happy birthday… Asakura… Anna."
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Things To Know: In Japan, the steering wheels are on the right side if I'm not mistaken, that's why Yoh, went to his left side to open Anna's door. Yes, I realize that yoh driving a car is quite unexpected… buuuuut.. please bear with me on that part… I mean it's not like their going to ride the train in their formal wear right? And… I'm not technically sure if you can get drunk from sake… but.. yes.. in my weird crazy fic, that's possible. *nods*
Done, done, done!!! This fic is finally completed!
Reviews/Comments/Flames/Constructiveness/Anything are always welcome!