A/N: Hehe, thanks a lot to the people who read and reviewed this fic. ^^ I was planning to stop writing this one (because I felt so sorry for Horo-kun.. I love him, okay?? ^^). So I guess I owe all of you who encouraged me to continue this. My biggest and warmest ARIGATOU!! Oh yea, it wouldn't be too nice if I told you who ends up with who, ne? ^^
Chapter three Summary: Did loneliness get the most out of her? Hao comes in to comfort Anna, who obviously tries to push him away. But there is something far deeper that burns within Hao-sama's heart. Will Anna reciprocate it?
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Broken Chapter Three: TearsA quiet figure stood locked up in her room, peering through the glass window. Her golden tresses were tucked away by her scarlet bandana, and her black dress concealed her weary body.
It wasn't audible, but she has been crying. The way her raven eyes stared outside the house were bleak and resentful…or rather, blank as if this was all a bad dream.
But the reality was far more than a dream…it was real.
Kyouyama Anna quietly stepped out the house when all of the residents were off to their usual routine. She took a stroll down the gate and made her way to the park wordlessly. A soft breeze passed by as she closed her eyes to feel its comfort. It was peaceful and this eased her senses. At least, she could just take off the heavey burden off her shoulders.
"Imutou-chan?"
A familiar voice came from behind her, interrupting her thoughts. Anna quickly turned and saw Hao sitting on one of the tree's branches with a grin on his face.
She frowned and showed him her piercing glare. "What are you doing here?"
The shaman jumped off the ten-foot branch and walked closer to the itako. "Is it a sin to enjoy myself?" he asked, still holding up his undying smile. Hao circled Anna cautiously, ready to accept a slap. He was used to her hot temper anyway.
The itako snorted. "You have a lot of nerve to make up senseless excuses," she replied, watching him carefully.
Hao stopped and let out an innocent look. "What on earth are you talking about?" There was a question in his voice. "I don't suppose you think that I was following you."
"Is there another valid reason why you're here?" Anna shot back accusingly.
The shaman chuckled lightly. "My lovely imutou-chan, I was enjoying myself until you rudely interrupted my peace." He smiled. "Perhaps you, too, have a valid reason?"
The blonde-haired woman frowned. "I most certainly did not interrupt you." She glared at him—one that would make Yoh wish he wasn't born. But being different from Hao, his older brother was immune to Anna's intense angry stare. "It was you who called me."
Hao nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes…" He then looked at Anna intently, which made her flinch. "…and I can clearly see that you've been shedding rueful tears last night."
The girl averted her gaze. "N-No…"
Hao gently brushed her cheek with his gloved hand. "Deny, deny…and you will keep on lying to yourself," he spoke softly. "By then, one day when you will look back, you will have so many to regret."
Anna slapped his hand harshly. "I never gave you the right to touch me!" she exclaimed. "…stalker."
He shook his head in disapproval. "I can clearly see the way your eyes swell no matter how well you hide them," he explained as he ran his eyes up to the sky. He sighed. "What has Yoh done to you?"
Yoh.
The thought of him crumpled Anna tightly. She felt her chest tighten and the glare she possessed vanished into a remorseful expression. "Y-Yoh…" she found herself saying his name although she tried with all her power to get over him.
Hao watched her quietly and carefully. Anna…
She faced him with her usual blank raven eyes. "He was my fiance." He is your fiance… "And his life is none of my business since he ended our engagement officially." And you still care for him deeply…
But no matter how hard she tried to fight with her thoughts, Hao could read her like a book. He smiled—one that was forced. "I understand." …and I know you've been lying. That's enough, Anna.
That's enough.
There was a long silence as the both of them just stood there, never bothering to exchange glances or words. Hao was overwhelmed when he just realized that Anna did not leave when he expected her to.
She's sad and alone… He watched her shrug as a cold breeze passed by them. Slowly, he took a step closer to her and gently held her arm.
Anna didn't resist. It was as if she allowed him to do so.
Hao drew her close to him and embraced her lightly. There was no passion in the embrace. There was no electricity that flowed through them. It was just an embrace of comfort—one that Anna desperately needed.
"If you want to hate yourself…If you want to hate Yoh…please, don't." Hao brushed her hair softly. "Hate me instead. None of you deserve this much hatred."
And that hurt Hao deeply. He was only trying to comfort her, even if it meant letting her go. If only you knew how much you mean to me, Anna. I will forever live by you and no one else.
It was a vow; a vow that burned inside the shaman.
Anna gently pushed him away and shook her head. "No…"
Hao smiled, concealing his sadness. He knew she would say that. He expected it to happen. But he loved her deeply and he wanted to hold her so badly…but he couldn't.
He just couldn't.
However, it wouldn't hurt if he tried once. Just once…and it would last a lifetime.
Hao ran his fingers through Anna's hair delicately and smiled tenderly as he drew her closer. She didn't resist, so he didn't hesitate to continue his endeavor.
"Be my bride, Anna."
And he drew his lips close to hers to steal a kiss.
TSUZUKU
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A/N: Convinced? ^_^ Sorry for the short chapter. More of the Horo/Tamao/Yoh triangle next episode. BTW, I don't like calling Horo-kun with his dubbed name. It just doesn't suit him...err, even Hao. ZEKE??! Hehe, no offense to the people who like watching the dubbed version. Peace!! ^-^
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