Chapter 25

4 months had passed since that time and Yoh and Hao seemed to be getting used to eachother a bit more. Yoh,Hao,and Manta had done some clothes shopping together among other things. Though it seemed like Hao was good, Yoh still didn't completely trust him. for all he knew it could have been a trap. Faust checked up on Hao now and again finding him to behave strangly. Ryu and Faust were madly in love. All seemed well. Ryu hadn't noticed any movement in Jeanne's plans to take down Hao.

Hao looked out the window with jealousy as Yoh Jogged up the hill with Manta riding on his little bike. He sighed sitting on the futon Ryu had made for him and he looked up at the moon. I really do hate myself...- He thought glumly. " If I had been on Yoh's side all along maybe I would have had a chance with Manta.." His thoughts became darker and darker. Faust looked at him holding a small cup of cocoa. He sat down beside Hao. " Daijoubu..?" He handed hao the small cup, these past few weeks he had been like a councelor to Hao, more and more he began to believe that he truelly wasn't that other Hao..but actually another part of Yoh completely. He had Hao's attitude at times but would often show Yoh's sensetiveness. To him anyways. and sometimes he'd look at Manta with such longing Faust couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

" Yoh and Manta are out alone tonight...hmph...didn't even invite me...those asses.." Hao said as if he were a small child having a tantrum.

" Well...err.. they most likely wanted to be alone tonight..." Faust said as gently as possible. Hao looked as if he wanted to cry.

" Faust-kun?" Hao looked at him. A look Yoh would normally have given him when he was sad.

"eh?"

" I really....hate myself...I can't understand..why I'm still alive...I killed so many people..didn't help anyone..I feel.. so very worthless..like..I have no reason to be here..I..realise.. during the time I've been here that I really..don't hate Yoh..at all... I just..hate that..he has Manta and I don't.."Hao looked into his reflection. Steam coming up from the cup.

" Well you shouldn't interfier with them....you might find someone you like more...than Manta...or..just as much.. as him..and be happy that way." Faust said warmly taking a quick look at Ryu.

"Hnph...maybe..." Hao snorted going back to his more aggressive side.

"I'll talk to you when your in a better mood.." and with that Faust left running his hand through his hair gently and going to the otherside of the room to where Ryu was.

He sat down beside him looking at a small piece of paper.

" So... in his bank account.. we have enough to buy any sort of house.." Ryu explained.

" I was aware.." Faust teased. " But.. I don't think we should get anything...too large.." Faust looked at him.

" Yea I agree.. too large of a house can get confusing." Ryu looked at serveral pictures.

" Oh...thats a nice one..." Faust pointed at a small house that looked very similar to a cottage. "hmm.. it's located in Osaka..but less crowded and stress ful than Tokyo.." Faust looked up at him.

Ryu sighed " It's probibly best for Manta and Yoh that way.." Ryu looked over at the small bed " Hao too.."

Faust nodded.

" We can't let Jeanne find Hao..if she does she'll kill him.." Ryu said sounding worried. " And believe it or not after all the childish arguements we've gotten into these past few months the brat's grown on me.."

"ah... me too..." Ryu and Faust smiled at eachother both blushing in unison. Faust coughed.

" So I think this one's our best bet.." Faust noted still blushing.

" Yea.." Ryu looked the other way.

" Manta are you warm enough...?" Yoh looked down at him as he lay ontop of him a red blanket covered over them. The grass swayed in the wind. It began to snow a bit ontop of Funbari Hill.

" I'm fine" Manta smiled and kissed him shyly. Their clothes lay bundled together under the tree. Yoh kissed Manta's neck lightly. " Does it hurt..?" he snuggled him.

" No...I said I'm fine..." Manta smiled tenderly. " I love you..."

" I love you too.." Yoh smiled cradling him gently.

" I know its kind of late..but..want to go visit Anna and the others? its been along time.." Manta suggested snuggling more.

" Sure..whatever you want..." Yoh kissed his forehead. The couple dressed and headed for Funbari Hill. Yoh walked slowly making sure Manta was alright to walk.

" I think I'm going to take a walk.." Hao said softly taking a jacket and some pumkin flavored pocky with him.

" Be careful..and if your lost call for Yoh or Amidamaru.." Faust said.

" Don't go too far!!!" Ryu yelled in a somewhat motherly manner causing Faust to blush again

" I'll be careful..." Hao walked off putting some gloves on. He wanted to find Manta and Yoh. He was sure it would be alright now. He didn't want to think about what could have gone on that night. It hurt too much. He sighed heavily snow falling onto his chocolate brown hair.

He walked and walked untill he saw two familiar figures walking in the snow holding hands.

" Yoh....Manta-chan.." He called out his breath visable.

" Hao-kun?" Yoh turned around feeling a bit angry.

" how long were you following us.." Yoh asked.

" Not long!!! god!!" Hao shouted out defensively " I got bored so...can I tag along?"

" I guess so..." Yoh smiled at him in relief

" Sure!" Manta beamed up at him innocently.

The three walked together twords Funbari Inn.