Disclaimer: Don't own Shaman King. This is all brought to you by my constant absent mind.
Author Notes: Sorry this one took so long. My internet is still cut and I've been busy with a few tests here and there. As you've probably guessed, this fic is another Yoh x Anna. Surprised? Yoh is 18 and Anna is 17.
Warning: OOC (It just wouldn't be fun if they were. ;) ), typical fluff, severe sappiness and corniness like there's no tomorrow and boring at the beginning and in other places.
Summary: As time draws nearer to Anna's birthday, Yoh can think of only one thing to give to her. And this time, he'll make sure she won't ever forget it.
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The clouds glided softly across the skies as golden rays illuminated a path above the horizon, revealing the sun's trudge upon the dome of blue. The streets of Tokyo rested silently as the weekend was upon the city and people. Local employees began to place sale and discount signs on their windows, waiting to persuade potential customers who came about. The main doors of shopping malls began to unlock and reopen for the day, welcoming early shoppers who refused to stay in bed.
Under the heated roof of the Asakura household, two sleeping figures laid still on the futon, unaware that the start of a new day was just a blink away. The blanket was barely used as a covering of warmth but rather as a discarded rag at their feet. The arms that belonged to a certain dark haired boy were wrapped loosely around the waist of his fiancée. Comfortable in his hold, Anna had placed her right palm lightly pressing against Yoh's chest. Her free hand was lying on his shoulder while the rest of her arm relaxed on his encircling arm. Their legs were completely tangled with one another's but that never disturbed their peaceful rest.
It's been just over five years since Yoh was declared the Shaman King and his dream that seemed unrealistic and foolish in the past of living an easy life had come true. Though training still continued, it wasn't nearly as backbreaking and frequent as it was before. Since it was a Sunday, he had the whole day for leisure activities unless told otherwise. Though of course, Yoh spent most of this time listening to music or with Anna.
Since the final battle with Hao, the soon-to-be married couple have been inseparable. Their relationship was never rushed into situations that neither of them were ready for and like most couples, they've talked and shared of virtually everything and anything with each other. The couple held hands when walking in public and secretly kissed when no one was around.
As they started to fall deeper in love with each other, the two decided that there shouldn't be a wall that separated them at night, bringing them to the idea of sharing one room and one bed together. The extra warmth that accompanied one another had brought provided much of an advantage over the winter months. Though during the boiling days of summer may have seemed to provide an excess amount of heat, Yoh and Anna shrugged it off, enjoying each other's company and the feeling of waking up beside a loved one.
The window in Anna's room had been opened as wide as possible, and as the sun finally rose high enough to brightly shine against Yoh's closed eyelids, he gradually stirred, adjusting his head position to avoid the sudden light. He slowly opened his eyes, frowning at the sun for waking him up so early. Eventually, his stare towards the skies dropped to the sleeping figure in front of him.
Anna was still sleeping soundly despite his abrupt movements. Wisps of her blonde hair covered her face as her chest rose with her breaths. Yoh couldn't help but smile as he slowly reached over and brushed the strands away from her face. He took her hand that was on his chest and brought it up to his lips, softly placing a kiss on it. Leaning slightly forward, he kissed her forehead as he withdrew his legs and arms. Yoh sat up and reached for the blanket that was at the end of the futon and placed it over Anna's waist, covering everything below her hips. He grabbed his headphones that was placed directly above him and wrapped it around his neck as always.
Heading for the door, Yoh took one more glance at the itako before slipping away. Quietly, he made his way down the stairs one by one, making sure not to step on the places that were likely to make a squeak. He was completely used to the morning silence that he almost jumped as he heard his name.
"Yoh-dono?" A familiar voice called just behind him.
"… Ah… Amidamaru... Good morning…"
"Good morning. Sorry if I startled you, but may I ask what you doing on such a fine morning like this? Shouldn't you be upstairs with Anna?"
"The sun was in my eyes and I was getting a little hungry, so I decided to come down and make a little breakfast."
"I take it she's still asleep."
Yoh grinned, "Uh-huh. And I don't want to wake her… just yet."
The samurai spirit raised a brow, "Have you got something planned?"
"Not really," Yoh replied as he grabbed the handle of the refrigerator door, reaching for four eggs.
Amidamaru watched as the dark haired boy continued rummaging through the fridge, occasionally grabbing a few ingredients here and there. By the time he was done, the counter was covered with: four eggs, a carton of orange juice, a loaf of bread, a package of uncooked bacon, and a wrapped plate with cookies.
Yoh looked at his spirit's surprised face filled with wonderment and possibly endless questions. With a grin he said, "I'm not done just yet." He closed the door to the refrigerator and started going through cupboards. New things were placed on the counter: A box of pancake mix and a can of hot chocolate mix. Other utensils like plates, forks, knives and drinking glasses were also added on top of the counter.
Taking the apron hanging on the hook on the side of the counter, Yoh shook off the wrinkles and put it on him, not minding the hints of previous cooking misfortunes tainted on the front. He prepared the pan and cracked two eggs, mixing it in a bowl with a whisk. As he pan heated up, he poured in the yellow liquid and grabbed another bowl in the cupboard. Yoh poured in a reasonable amount of pancake mix and cracked the remaining eggs into the bowl, swirling the mixture together for a while before adding water.
The sizzling of the eggs in the pan began to fade, signalling Yoh to flip it to the other side. Grabbing two slices of bread, he quickly placed it in the toaster, pushing down the trigger to initiate the heating. Scooping the eggs up with a utensil, he placed it on a plate and divided it in two before taking the other piece and moving it to the plate beside it. Adding more oil to refrain stickiness and difficult cleaning, Yoh added a few stripes of bacon, letting it sizzle in the pan.
Whizzing around, he took out the toast that popped out of the appliance and unwrapped the plate of cookies. Adding the cookies and toast to the two plates already containing eggs, Yoh flipped the bacon before returning back to the counter, placing a few more cookies. After, he filled the kettle and began heating it. Taking a moment to relax, he wiped off the sweat on his forehead and nose with the back of his hand before continuing on with the pancakes.
His spiritual friend could not help but gape at Yoh's quick movements and timing as one by one, assembled two savouring dishes. When Yoh was finally finished cooking, he took the hot water from the kettle and poured it into a cup partially filled with the hot chocolate mix. He took off the lid of the orange juice and poured it into a second cup. Stirring the hot chocolate, he glanced at his surroundings. Although he had to put a few things back into the fridge, everything was quite clean. Yoh opened a drawer in front of him and pulled out a tray. Carrying the plates onto the tray and then slowly with the drinks as well as adding a few utensils, he quickly finished off by putting used bowls and utensils in the sink and taking items scattered on counters back in the fridge.
"Who knew Yoh-dono would become quite the master chef?" Amidamaru joked as Yoh began to lift the tray from the counter.
"I guess practise makes perfect… I think if you had to cook breakfast for a few years straight, you would become a cook."
The spirit chuckled as he couldn't help but agree. Yoh carefully climbed up the stairs, carrying the tray, trying not to spill or tip over its contents. As he made his way down the hallway, he peaked into Anna's room and found her sitting up, rubbing her eyes.
"Good morning," Yoh spoke with his head poking in, startling the young girl.
" 'Morning… Why are you peaking in? Get in here so I can properly greet you."
Yoh grinned as he carried in the tray, giving Anna another shock of surprise. Setting it on the end of the futon, he crawled towards her and gave her a quick kiss.
As they parted, Anna couldn't help but say her thoughts aloud, "Yo-Yoh… You made breakfast? I mean… here…now… This is new."
Yoh chuckled as he stood up and undid the apron still tied around him, "Well, people do crazy things when they're in love." He smiled as he knelt down and kissed her once again.
"Well, since you're so crazy today, there are a few piles of dirty laundry downstairs, why don't you take care of that later on?"
"Hai. Hai. Consider it done by the end of the day. But… in the meanwhile..." He slipped his arm around her neck, "Why don't you join me for breakfast?"
Anna looked at him as he grinned widely. Her dark eyes softened as she responded, "I'd love to."
Yoh reached for one of the plates and set it on Anna's lap. "Here you go."
"Thank you," she replied, looking at the plate skeptically.
"I promise it's edible this time." Yoh leaned on his side beside her before popping back up and grabbing his own plate.
"Thank goodness." She grabbed her plate and began cutting the pancake in half and then into smaller pieces before eating it. "It's not bad. Pretty good actually."
"Hehe. Thank you. There's hot chocolate made specially for you," he glanced towards the cup with steam hovering over it.
"You really went out of your way to do this, didn't you?"
"It's the usual. Except this time, your breakfast is brought to you."
"You shouldn't get me spoiled on this breakfast delivery… otherwise I might have to make you start doing this everyday."
"Ehehehe. I guess that wouldn't be a good thing," chuckling nervously as he raised his arm and bent it in a position where it seemed to be reaching over to scratch the back of his head.
Anna's lips slowly curved into a small smile at his sheepish grin as he continued eating his breakfast. 'Asakura Yoh, what am I going to do with you? First, you made me fall in love with you and now your making me do things I'd never even consider thinking of doing in the past.' Not wanting to elaborate on her thoughts and feelings, she decided on finishing her meal.
Yoh caught a small glimpse of her smile and couldn't help wondering what her reaction would be like when she found out what he had planned for her birthday. One thing was definitely sure in his mind --- She wasn't going to forget this birthday… ever.
By mid afternoon, Yoh finished up with all the chores and was now contently relaxing in the living room as Anna was watching a Sunday afternoon program. His ears were filled with the entrancing melodies blaring from his headphones and his mind couldn't help but sing along to the familiar lyrics:
My arms are hurting so bad from feeling so empty,
My heart weighs like a ton cause it feels so heavy.
I'm standing here all alone wishing that I could have known
You just can't walk away from the damage.
My eyes may as well be blind if I just can't see you
My hands may as well be tied cause I just can't touch you
I'm standing here all alone wishing that I could have known
You just can't walk away from the damage.
Anna was about to comment on the inaudible loudness from the music when her show returned from commercials she thought would never end.
Two of the characters were standing near the edge of a cliff, a male with dark hair and eyes and a female with long black hair and bloodshot eyes.
"Are you still willing to jump even when you know you're loved?" The male shouted.
The woman wiped the away the tears that covered her face, "Who loves me in this world? Ken certainly didn't! That's why he chose to sleep with Amanda!" She looked down, deep into the ocean depth below. Chances of survival were next to none.
"Even though he didn't treat you like he should have… that doesn't mean there won't be others to love you… as the way I do," the man slowly spoke, hoping for her to step away from the edge.
"What are you talking about? You don't love me. Don't say things you don't mean."
"But I do mean it! I love you with all my heart… and ever since you've been with Ken, my heart has been broken because it was not I who would receive your love. You have to believe me. I wouldn't say this as a joke. My feelings towards you are honest and I would never use it as an excuse! Sakuno… I love you!"
Sakuno sniffled as tears fell down on her cheek once more, "…Really? Do you mean it?"
"Every word. You are the most beautiful woman, I've ever met… and I could punch Ken's lights out for not letting him realize it."
"Oh… Koushiro…" Her tears began to fall continuously, and she tried to take a step towards him, away from the edge. However, she lost her footing and slipped. Her body flung backwards into the grasp of gravity as she desperately tried to grab hold of the jagged edge.
"Sakuno!" The male jumped towards her instantly, reaching for her shaking hands. He held tightly to her sweaty palms, slowly pulling her up. "You can do it! Don't give up. You can't!"
"I'm trying… but… I don't think I can do it! My hands… they're too.. I can't!" She tried stepping on a stone for support as she let go to reach for his hand. Shattering into pieces along the cliffside, the stone tumbled down into the dark ocean.
Luckily, Koushiro grabbed her free arm just in time before her slip into death and he pulled her up, not caring if his muscles would be torn and sore later on.
Sakuno fell into Koushiro's arms as they both were lying a meter behind the edge. Pulling her close, he whispered in her ears, "It's okay… you're alright. I won't let you go ever." Her muffled sobs slowly died down in his chest as he kissed her forehead, cradling her lightly.
"I love you…" He repeated over and over in her ear.
Anna turned the television off, having enough sappiness to last for the day. 'Really.. soap operas are getting more and more melodramatic each day..'
A sigh escaped from her lips as she turned to Yoh, who was still listening to his music, bobbing his head to the beat. Slowly, she pulled up beside him and leaned on his shoulder for comfort.
Yoh pulled off his headphones to make sure she hadn't said anything. He turned towards her and wrapped his arms freely around her.
"Anything wrong?" Yoh asked with notable concern.
"Not really. It is getting hot in here though."
"We can go outside if you'd like."
"Sounds like a plan," she replied, standing up and in return, pulled Yoh up from his sitting position. Suddenly aware of how tall he had grown over the years, Anna steps back, still holding on to his hands.
Tempted to kiss her lips, Yoh gives into his temptations as he slouches forward and lightly touches her lips with his. Her stunned expression soon melts away as their kiss grew more passionate. Yoh's arms dropped to Anna's waist, pulling her closer to his body. Her hands climb up to his shoulders before enciricling his neck.
Ever so slowly, Anna walks backwards making sure Yoh follows her lead. They slowly put on their sandals and head through the open doors, still walking in an embrace. Their eyes never left each other's as they arrived to the side porch of their home. Resting under the shade, the couple sits down with Anna leaning into Yoh's chest with his arms draped around her. Her hands occasionally rise, wanting to feel his soft embrace.
"This feels nice…" Anna softly spoke into Yoh's leaning ear.
"Mmm hmm… I wish we could do this forever," he replied, looking into her dark eyes.
A moment of silence co-existed as their stares slowly brought their heads closer for another romantic encounter. Nothing else mattered in the world, just as long as they were sharing this moment together. Their joys, sorrows and troubles all disappeared as their love prevailed all their doubts and fears of the future.
The intensity of their kiss grew deeper and less conscientious as footsteps approached towards them. Two figures were now clearly standing in front of them, but neither of them realized it as they were caught up in each other's warmth and affection. One of the two individuals cleared their throat demanding their attentions, however it failed completely as the couple began to moan aloud. Trying again, the man cleared his throat with a more obvious and louder tone.
Still, no attentive responsive from the two. Finally, the woman beside him said in a loud and clear voice, "I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves, but how long are you going to keep us waiting?"
Immediately, their kiss broke as their heads shot up at the sudden voice.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Yoh exclaimed in shock as his face reddened with embarrassment, as did Anna's. "I thought you guys were coming tomorrow…" He started.
"There was a change in plans… I hope you don't mind," Yohmei answered, "But since it is an important event, we'd love to get it planned and carried out as soon as possible."
"What important event?" Anna asked, suddenly filled with curiosity.
"Why, your wedding of course!" Kino replied excitedly.
"………WHAT?!"
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I haven't read much of the manga and I haven't finished watching the anime… so this is all fictional writing based on my wonderful mind. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed the first part of this chapter.
Reviews, feedback and criticism are always greatly appreciated and welcomed. I won't get offended, so don't worry about it. I'll try to get the next one out soon. I promise.
The song lyric excerpt was from O-Town – From The Damage… and yeah… I know it's not something guys would normally listen to, but it matched the mood… sorta.. and that's why I chose it. (Actually, it just so happened that this song was playing when I was writing this story.)
Oh and… if any of you know Anna's birthday(date)… er… could you please please please PLEASE tell me?