Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters…

Horo Horo laid in his bed as he thought of today's events. Tamao showed up, his Tamao. There wasn't a doubt about it; he loved her. Ever since the beginning of the tournament, he loved her. She had this special innocence around her that made her so precious. He didn't expect her showing up in front of their door after so long; but he had missed her. But he knew he had to leave; she loved Yoh, not some dork like himself. The way she would smile; it made him happy. Sadly though, those smiles were all inspired by Yoh. At first, he didn't see why she liked Yoh. What did he have that was so important and so special? But as time progressed, Horo Horo realized that he couldn't do anything but watch. The only thing he wanted was to see her smile. No, he admits, he doesn't have to actually have her; just to see her smiling is enough. As long as she's happy, he's happy. His thoughts came to a sudden halt as he heard a noise from the hallway. He got up and found a darting figure down the hall. He quickly grabbed some warmer clothes and followed the person.

Though it was freezing cold outside, Tamao didn't mind. She sat on one of the vacant branches and looked at the bare gardens. 'Everything's frozen, everything's dead' Tamao thought sadly. She felt nowhere to turn, nowhere to go. Yoh and Anna were getting married, and Tamao could do nothing about it. From the very beginning, they were destined to be together. Tamao, who loved Yoh so much, was left out in the cold. No one was ever going to love her; she was destined to be alone for life. What a cruel fate, but it was fate indeed. Nothing can stop it, nothing can change it; it is fate after all. She was so lost in her misery that she didn't realize the door opening.

Horo Horo stepped up rather abruptly, wondering if there was a thief in the house, but he stopped suddenly as his eyes saw a cuddled up Tamao near the "garden". He slowly walked up behind her, though she didn't notice a thing. He watched as the cold breeze blew through her pink hair as it gently swayed. It was then that he saw how fragile she really was. He knew what she was thinking about, or who. And it broke his heart. There she was, sitting as still as a statue, eyes as distant as ever.

"Achoo!" Tamao suddenly let out as the cold finally got to her. Horo Horo suddenly saw what she was wearing and the weather outside and mentally slapped his head.

"Tamao-chan, are you alright?" Horo Horo quickly said, making his presence known.

"Oh, Horo-kun! What are you doing here?" Tamao quickly said as she realized the Ainu boy here.

"Oh, I heard someone come out." He said as he scratched his head sheepishly.

"Oh, did I wake you up? I'm so sorry." Tamao quickly got up and bowed apologetically. Horo Horo couldn't stand it anymore and gathered the pink haired girl in his arms. Tamao, surprised by his sudden action, blushed madly like she always did. Horo Horo found it amazing that she didn't push him away. The rising and falling of her shoulders told him she was weeping.

"I...I…don't g-get w-w-why!" Tamao shrieked but it was muffled my Horo Horo's chest.

"After all those years, he has failed to notice me. Why, why, why?" Tamao sobbed. She didn't know why she was telling Horo Horo this, but somehow, it felt right.

"Sh…Master Yoh's just dense, that's all." Horo Horo tried to say in his soothing tone.

"No, they are meant for each other. But what about me? No one will ever like me. I'm useless, an idiot, and I'm so weak!" Tamao asked, not really suspecting an answer. She pulled away from him.

"You know, there are still other people out there who loves you." Horo Horo said quietly. Tamao shook her head.

"No. One by one, they'll disappear as they find their own soul mates. Everyone will leave me, and I'll go die alone." Tamao said, sort of dazed. Horo Horo grabbed her shoulders and turned her around.

"Listen to me, you still have time. Yes, Anna-san and Master Yoh may have found each other already. But even though, you like him, doesn't mean that there's going to be other chances to fall in love. You'll find your guy some day." Horo Horo said sadly. His childish grin appeared on his face now. "And if no one wants to be that man, I'll gladly work hard to be that man."

Tamao was surprised and blushed crimson red. 'He couldn't mean…' This is a side Tamao had never seen before, the caring and comforting side of Horo Horo. Sure, Pirika and him would visit the house often, mainly because Horo Horo would want to eat her cooking. And the Ainu siblings and her has become closer friends. Horo Horo put his arms around the fragile girl warmly. And surprisingly enough, Tamao hugged him back. They loosened up and their faces were inches from each other.

"I love you, Tamao…" Horo Horo breathed as he lowered his head to close the gap between them.

"I love you too, Horo Horo." She said as she felt his hot breath just a few inches away. They locked lips for what seems to be seconds, but for them, it seemed forever. Tamao felt electricity run all through her body filling her with happiness and love. 'I've finally found him. I've finally found someone that'll appreciate my love and love me back.' Tamao thought as she looked into his ice blue eyes. Though they may be shockingly cold, she could see beyond that that showed pure love and warmth.

"Achoo!" Tamao let out unconsciously.

"Better get you inside before you catch a cold." Horo Horo laughed in that playful tone of his. He held her hand and led her inside. This is the beginning of something beautiful.