AO: The time spot in this fan fiction is right after the Zashiki-Warashi part. I love her. I'm sorry if I get some xxxHolic stuff wrong, it's been forever since I've watched it, but I'm still really proud of this story.

It was just an average day at the shop; there was nothing special about it. Yuko had already drunken enough alcohol to make her completely drunk. Maru and Moro were prancing around the yard with Mokana. And of course, Watanuki was in the kitchen scrubbing dishes. He mumbled to himself: "Why am I here? I could be spending my time at the supermarket, buying happily from the half-off special today! But nooooo. I have to stay here and be her personal maid. I'm surprised she hasn't made me wear the complete dress yet. Oops, better not jinx it."

The wind blew through the shop, making the air a bit colder. Everything grew silent. Yuko glared over at the enterence gate. The twin's eyes glazed over.

"There's a customer."

"Yes, there's a customer."

Sure enough, there was a British man standing at the door.

Seated at the table, the Brit looked down at the ground, almost depressed. It was obvious that he had been crying earlier.

"Would you like some tea?" Yuko said. Her voice was warm and inviting, it made you want to reach in and hug her and receive comfort.

"No… thank you though."

Yuko's head bowed down in understanding for a quick second. "I see."

The man bounced up. "Why am I here? It was like I was dragged here subconsciously – I just want to go, but my body physically won't let me…"

Watanuki sighed from the doorway. The same had happened to him, but did he look that pathetic back then? This guy seemed week, like a girl.

Yuko smiled devilishly. "What's your first name?"

"Arthur."

"What's your last name?"

"Kirkland."

"Now, what do you wish for, above all else?"

Arthur paused for a second, and then his face blew out red. He was burning up as he whined, "Nothing!" He seemed ready to cry again.

"No. There's something you want, something you desire. If there wasn't, you wouldn't have entered this shop."

Pause.

"Why do you want to know?"

"I can grant you that wish, if you can pay back equally."

Arthur's head bobbed down. He said, "I'd love to have my wish granted, but I don't have my wallet with me. I lost it a few days ago, so I wouldn't be able to pay you back."

Watanuki was about to chime in and say that he didn't need currency, but Yuko smiled. "I don't think I have to grant your wish, Mr. Kirkland."

"Why not?"

She pointed to the gate.

There stood another man. Arthur jumped up, knocking down the table. "Alfred?"

Alfred looked up to him and smiled a huge grin. "Artie? What are you doing here? I was just walking, and I came to this place…"

Arthur glanced at Yuko and sighed. "I was dealing with some things, you could say."

"Well," Alfred scratched his cheek. "If you're done, do you want to go somewhere?"

"Sure!" Arthur said with a bit too much enthusiasm. He caught himself and cried out, "Don't think I'm doing it for you, or anything! It's just because I'm here…" He walked over to him. Before he left, Arthur over his shoulder and cheerfully exclaimed, "Thanks anyways!"

Watanuki came out holding a broomstick. "So what was his wish?"

Yuko sighed. "Arthur's wish was 'I wish for Alfred to love me,' and Alfred's was 'I wish for Arthur to love me,' which is why he could see the shop. I could've helped them, but love is a powerful thing which is hard to control, and their wishes are practically destined to grant themselves. It just takes some time is all." Yuko's eyes followed the American and Brit as they wandered into the street. Arthur was flustered and Alfred just laughed about it and pulled him into a hug.

Watanuki smiled, clenching the broomstick tightly. "It's nice when fate brings people together, isn't it?"