Sweet Christmas Idiot
CHAPTER 2: "Sweet Idiot"
Everyone always believes that Anna is cold. But after extensive behavioural observation done by yours truly I have concluded that it is a very wrong judgement. Anna is not cold and in the English version of Shaman King we hear Anna call Yoh 'sweetie pie' and some other nicknames in part to tease him. But the way she worries about him makes it obvious that she is NOT COLD but actually just a girl that doesn't care for emotional stupidness. That doesn't mean she isn't like that when Yoh and her are alone because you can always see some kind of calmness whenever they are together. It's a mature relationship unlike so many others in the Anime world.
Did it really take her thirty five minutes to shower?
That question was hunting Yoh's thoughts. He'd tried to shrug it off, actually succeeding for fifteen minutes until an image of Anna entered his mind. As he looked toward the door for the fiftieth time the door slipped open revealing a completely warm clothed Anna. She stood there, the only sign of her shower being her clinging wet hair.
"Miss Anna, master Yoh and I were beginning to wonder where you had gone"
"I was showering and I suggest you do the same Yoh. The water in the shower is warm"
She walked in front of the tv, turned it on and sat with her legs to her side, controller in hand.
"Yes Anna" He began to stand up, she was still upset with him.
"Oh and Yoh"
He looked toward her and saw her motioning him to come to her. He obeyed, expecting another slap. Once he was close enough and at her eye level she smirked playfully and delivered a sweet chaste kiss upon the cheek she had slapped earlier. When she pulled away he was smiling and looking at her adoringly.
"Go shower" She told him, he obeyed. Only this time he felt more light hearted.
"Do I really have to carry it UP the stairs!"
"Yes"
"Can't we sleep downstairs for now?"
"And where would we sleep Yoh? On the hard floor?"
"Not exactly, we could always snuggle"
Anna gave him a deadly look, an 'I can't believe you' look, a 'you've just grown two extra heads look'.
"No"
"Agh, all right"
There was no way around it, he knew. So he unplugged the thing, waited for it to cool down a little and carried it up the stairs.
"You can retire for the night Amidamaru"
"Yes miss Anna"
The ghost banished into nothing leaving the couple alone once again. As Yoh pushed the heater to Anna's room he decided to talk.
"I wonder where he goes"
"Probably to watch the snow fall or something"
"Man, he's lucky. He doesn't get cold or hot or hungry"
"If you really want it, I could always turn you into a ghost"
He chuckled at her humour.
"Good one Anna" She smiled a satisfied grin and helped him with the door. He quickly plugged the heater again and watched the warm vapour spread throughout the room.
"Seems like we're going to sleep nice and warm today"
"Seems like" She agreed, but she was already tugging down the blankets of her futon. She got in and made a comfortable sigh as she laid on her side with the blankets up to her neck. Yoh smiled lovingly at her, her mannerists sometimes seemed so incredible to him. He liked to watch her make and unmake the bed, the way her hands would pull and tug the blankets, or the way she brushed the golden hair. And the way she shopped for vegetables, it all seemed to have its own magic when she did it.
He walked to the futon and laid down beside her, a smirk on his lips all the time. Soon they were both facing each other, the blankets up to their necks and with Yoh smirking at her for no real reason.
"I'm really going to miss waking up next to you when we go to Izumo"
His hand wandered to her pale cheek and caressed the soft skin there.
"It's not like we'll be far apart Yoh, I'll be three rooms down"
He pressed closer to her, so that his mouth was right beside her ear and whispered.
"Can I go visit you?"
"In the morning"
"Aw, but Anna…"
"Will we tell them?"
"Tell them what?"
"That we already set a date"
"Oh, only if you want to"
"It's a year earlier than they expected" 'It's a year earlier than I expected' She thought.
"They'll be happy for us"
"I hope so"
"Shh, stop worrying"
He placed her head on the crook of his neck, his fingers playing with her hair as he held her.
"We should sleep"
"But I'm not sleepy yet" He whined. He liked talking to Anna while they were like this, it gave him the freedom to hug her and touch her as much as he wanted without having to worry about anything. He would do anything to prolong the moment if only a few minutes more.
"You're such a little kid"
"Hey you only get to be one once in a lifetime"
Unknowingly he stroke a nerve…Had she ever been one? She couldn't remember if she'd ever been a child. She'd always been expected to act mature, she didn't even recall ever playing hide and seek. Yoh noticed her space off. And decided to kiss her neck lovingly in order to bring her back to him.
"You've been leaving me so much lately Anna"
"Leaving you?"
"You've been spacing out a lot"
"Oh, I hadn't noticed" She lied. Taking her chin into his hands he lifted her face to meet his eyes.
"Anna, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong Yoh"
"Oh c'mon Anna, I know you better than that!"
She tried to look away but his hold on her face was firm.
"Please" He asked, ever so gently.
"A childhood… a mother… I never had any of it"
He released his hold on her face, turning it into soft caresses.
"All of those are fixable"
She looked at him questioningly. But he only smiled.
"You can have my mom, and you can have your childhood right now, with me"
She actually smirked, his solution sounded so simple and easy, yet it didn't seem to grasp the whole problem. No matter what everything in this world could be fixed in his eyes.
"It's not that easy"
"Maybe if you tell me why it hurts it'll make it easier"
She stared into his neck, her mind battling over what to do. She had been holding it inside herself for so long that she wasn't sure if she could talk about it, about her mother, her childhood, her life before him and the Asakuras.
"Just try" His soft plea was encouraging to her soul. And before she could question her own decision again she began.
"My mother hated me…"
"Why do you sa…"
"She didn't marry out of love. She married my father because she had to, because of the royal Shaman blood that gave him his royal name. But she never loved him and she never wanted children from him… however, she did have one… me."
She fought back the tears and succeeded. Yoh's eyes softened, his arms coming to wrap around her in a more comforting manner but she pulled away and sat up, the blanket sliding down her shirt.
"She never loved me, never wanted me… when I was three years old my father died, by then my mother was pregnant again, but not with my father's baby. She was pregnant with her lover's baby, the one man she loved and when that baby was born she adored her like she never adored me… months before my mother gave birth, my father died… and after that… she paid a maid to take me for a walk and drown me on the nearest river… she didn't even have the courage to do it herself!"
Her voice shook from anger now, anger and resentment toward the woman that had given her life.
"The maid must have taken pity on me because instead of drowning me like she had been paid to do, she took me to the Asakura's household"
"Anna"
Yoh sat up, his arms reaching for her but she shock them off, not wanting any pity for if there was any she was afraid she would break into sobs. But Yoh didn't give up and instead of giving into her wishes like he usually did he pinned her to his chest, his hands stroking her hair and back. She fought for a while, but soon melted into him.
"How do you know exactly?" He whispered in her ear.
"The maid told your grandmother everything before she begged her to take me. And master Kino told me before we left Izumo to start your training" She whispered.
He suddenly understood everything, why Anna was always so cold. Why his family did the impossible to avoid the subject… why they were engaged, why she had been abandoned… why they didn't know her birthday.
And perhaps for the first time in his life he felt… dread, true and pure hate toward the person who had caused Anna so much pain.
Wet
The cloth of his shirt was getting wet, why? He looked down, finally realizing that Anna was crying. They were quiet tears, tears that fell with such shyness and fear that for a moment he thought that they weren't there at all.
She didn't shake, didn't sob, just cried silent pain.
"I was never wanted." She whispered and he felt his heart break into pieces, melting into an indescribable pain in his chest. He held her, held her like he'd never held anyone. His strong arms wrapped around her frame. He found himself trying everything he could to make her stop crying, he'd never thought that watching Anna cry for the very first time would have this effect on him, he felt so helpless.
He began delivering kisses on her hair, her face, and soon he found her lips. Salty, her lips tasted salty because of the tears, not sweet like always.
"You are wanted… I want you Anna I need you… I love you" He covered her whole face with butterfly kisses as he spoke. Just wanting to make her stop crying, to make her feel like she was loved, to take away her pain.
She caught his mouth into hers in a passionate kiss. Taking in his essence, his strength and hoping that maybe, just maybe his kisses would take away all this. Without ever breaking apart Anna felt as Yoh lowered her to the bed, he kept kissing her and for the first time in her life she didn't care where it all let to. She didn't give a damn, she just wanted to stop hurting.
They kissed, tongues battled, hands caressed, sometime in there Yoh's hand pressed against her left breast causing her to moan and just like it started it ended, only it was Yoh who ended it. He delivered one last sweet kiss on her lips before removing himself from atop her, she tried to stop him by trapping him in another kiss but it as him who resisted this time. He caressed her face, supporting himself above her with one arm.
Slowly she opened her eyes, tear sparkling dark eyes. He smiled at her lovingly, it was him who was thinking rationally now. New tears gathered in her eyes, some dared fall only to be wiped away by Yoh's tender lips.
"Don't cry Anna, I'm here, I'll always be here"
"Promise me" She demanded in a bitter tone.
"I promise. No matter what"
He held her again, but her tears had stopped. She laid in his arms, eyes shut and thinking about what had just happened.
"You're my world Anna"
She smiled.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier"
"It's ok, you weren't ready"
"Still…" She seemed to stop talking, instead she snuggled deeper into his embrace. Whatever she was to say would sound all too mushy and stupid.
"We should go to sleep"
"I thought you weren't tired"
"I'm not, but I can always pretend to be"
She smirked at him.
"Fine" She answered gently. Both laid on their backs, finding a comfortable position. Suddenly Anna turned on her side, throwing her arm around Yoh's chest and positioning herself against him. He looked at her with surprise before finally surrendering to her wishes, he smiled, she smiled back.
'I adore you my sweet idiot'
Her eyes told him, he understood it well.
She closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep but for the boy by her side, sleep didn't come until late at night. Until then, he watched her sleep and enjoyed the feeling of being alive beside her.
Her eyes moved within her lids when she slept. She liked being close to something warm, she hated being pinned against the wall, she liked having a hand over her stomach and she sometimes thought he was part of the pillow.
That, he had learned in only one night of bad sleep. It wasn't her fault at all, he just wasn't tired so he drifted on and off all night. Strangely enough he'd never gotten bored of watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful, without worries, like an angel. He ran lazy fingers through her hair as he turned to look at the clock, 7:23 AM it read. It was way to early to wake her up, and truthfully he didn't feel like leaving this warm cozy room to go to the ice age outside. They had slept together quite a few times over the course of their lives but last night had been the first night he'd even actually taken the time to watch her sleep.
He would wait, he'd done it so far. He watched her face as she breathed and thought about what she had told him the night before.
Her mother. How could a mother do something so horrible to her own daughter? Still he felt better knowing it, it made it easier for him to understand her. Her worries, her doubts, her faith, her coldness. Underneath it all she was just a frightened little girl who only wanted to be loved.
He kissed her forehead tenderly, this was probably the only situation in which he was allowed to kiss her and watch her as much as he wanted. It really didn't sound as perverted in his mind as it did out loud, he could just picture himself telling his friends about his 'time' alone with Anna. If he told it like it was he would never hear the end of it from his friends… or Anna.
But right now there was nothing stopping him from staring, kissing and hugging his Anna, not even Anna herself.
"You really are amazing Anna, you know that? You are probably the only person on this earth that can make me train just because I have to and still look so cute while being bossy"
He began giggling at his own comment. Silly, very, but then again he'd had almost no sleep all night. He could have sworn he felt her snuggle deeper into his embrace. He couldn't help but feel like the happiest person in the world as he tightened his hold on her waist. He hid his nose in her hair and inhaled, her hair smelled like shampoo.
How could he not have seen how beautiful she was growing with each passing day? How her bangs would fall upon her face, the way her body took shape. Had he really been that blind? He was deep in thought and wonder when Anna's eyes opened, she caught him looking at her.
"Yoh?"
"Morning" He answered nervously.
"Ah, what time is it?"
"Around seven"
"Why are you up then?"
She rubbed sleep away from her eyes with the back of her hand, an action Yoh though cute to no end.
"I couldn't sleep"
"Wouldn't or couldn't?"
"Couldn't, trust me I wanted to"
"All right, it's not like we're doing anything today anyways"
"Yeah… did you sleep well?"
"Yeah"
Her eyes weren't completely opened and still looked very sleepy. Which was nothing like her, she was used to waking up at six AM everyday. Yet today she seemed to be more sleepy than usual.
"You still look sleepy Anna, why don't you sleep a while longer, I'll wake you up" He offered, but at hearing his suggestion she opened her eyes fully, convincing herself she wasn't.
"No, it's ok, I'm not tired."
He brushed some strands away from her face.
"What do you want to do today?" He asked her.
"Anything, I guess"
"Anything?"
Perhaps Yoh was taking advantage of her tired, not completely sane mind but that didn't stop him.
"Like 'I spy with my little eye'?"
"What's with you and that stupid game anyways?"
"I like it, it's fun."
"It's stupid"
"Oh c'mon Anna. It'll be fun, and it's not hard"
Perhaps it was the rate in which her mind was processing thoughts that made her nod her head as she met with his radiant happy smile.
"Yay! You go first"
"I don't think I…"
"Just start with "I spy with my little eye" and name something about the object"
"Agh, fine… I spy, with my little eye… a big idiot laying beside me"
"No Anna! You're not supposed to say where it is!"
She gave him one of her famous 'I can't believe you' looks that as usual he shook off.
"Try again!" He encouraged.
Why exactly she was doing this instead of shoving him aside and getting out of the room was beyond her comprehension, that is, until she remembered that the north pole was currently inhabiting her house. She exhaled heavily and tried again.
"I spy with my little eye… something… red"
"Umm…" Said Yoh as he sat up in the futon and looked around her room for anything red. Knowing Anna it had to be something small and probably hard to see… then again it could be the colour his cheek would turn after a slap if she got annoyed of him.
"Is it your bandana?" He asked, not completely satisfied with his answer.
"No, try again"
He kept looking around her room until something red suddenly caught his attention. Hanging from the ceiling was a circle shaped ornament with three tiny bells in the middle and hanging strings. It was pretty, and red.
"Is it that thing hanging from your ceiling?" Yoh pointed to the object and Anna looked over his shoulder just to make sure he was talking about the right thing.
"It's not a thing, it's an amulet, and yes that is it"
"I got it!"
Anna rolled her eyes but still a smirk sneaked into her lips at his excitement.
"My turn" He called as he collapsed back on the futon, a victory grin plastered on his face.
"I spy with my little eye something white!"
'Oh great, it could be snow for all I know' She thought with confusion.
"Can't you be a little more specific?"
"No, that'll be cheating"
"Fine" It wasn't like she needed it anyways.
"Snow?"
"Nope"
"The walls?"
"That's too easy!"
"…edge of closet?"
"No"
"Agh, fine tell me!"
"So soon? C'mon Anna, you can do better!"
"No I cannot do better at seven something in the morning! It could be a dot for all I know!"
"Fine… so you give up"
"No, 'I' don't give up Yoh, I'm just making you to tell me"
He chuckled; his hand went to her hair and after stroking some strands he picked out one 'special' one. He pulled it out but not before getting an "ouch" from Anna who looked at him with a mixture of wonder and annoyance. Once it was out Yoh held the particular single hair in front of her eyes, for her to see.
It was white… Anna had a white hair.
She gasped but it sounded like a yelp.
"That is not my hair"
"Yes it is and it's white"
"No, it can't be, I'm only sixteen!"
She took the hair into her hands and examined it, this couldn't be happening to her.
"See, you should stop stressing so much"
"Stressing! Stressing, this is your fault! You're the only one I stress over!"
Her confession touched him, he would have treasured it more if she hadn't said it so accusingly.
"This is your fault Yoh Asakura, if I turn into an old woman by the time we're twenty you will pay with your blood"
He swallowed, but the threat was paused by examining the hair further. She was truly shocked, but he wasn't sure why. A white hair wasn't that much of a big deal was it? It wasn't like it stood out, he had found it after an hour of playing with her bangs and even then he hadn't been completely sure.
"Anna it's not such a big deal, you can't even see it with your blonde hair!"
She gave him a sceptical look but he smiled. She was about to respond with a sketchy remark when Yoh's lips against her own stopped her. It was soft and sweet, to Anna it seemed like a plea of forgiveness. When they parted she exhaled deeply.
"If I get one more, you will be in a world of pain" She warned, referring to the white hair. His answer was a boyish smile and a peck on her cheek.
"You would look beautiful even with a million white hairs!"
"Compliments won't get you off the hook"
He grinned, amused. Every time she scolded him it sounded like a tease rather than a scold. She yawned, clear sign she was still tired.
"Anna, sleep a little longer"
"No"
"But!…"
"Do you want me to make you run laps out in the snow?"
"No"
"Then be quiet"
"Anna…"
"What?"
"Today is Christmas eve!"
"So?"
"So that means tomorrow is Christmas!"
"Yoh we don't celebrate Chr…"
"Yes I know but still! We could leave presents downstairs and open them in the morning"
As much as she was fighting the feeling she couldn't help but get a little of his contagious excitement.
"Yoh we're stuck inside, we can't go out to buy presents"
"Who said anything about buying! We can make each other something… hey we can spend all today making it! And in the afternoon we can cook something special and in the morning we'll open the presents we made for each other!"
He couldn't understand replacing variables in math yet he was able to plan out a plan for them to celebrate a holiday they always ignored. That amazed Anna. His hope filled eyes looked at her with a child's excitement. She never quite realized when she sighed, giving in.
"Fine, we'll do it" Her tone was of annoyance, but to Yoh it sounded like the almighty Anna had finally given in to his idea and would follow his rules. Smiling broadly he launched himself forward holding Anna in a tight hug.
"Thanks Anna!"
She allowed herself to smile and enjoy the hug.
"But we won't be seeing each other for the whole day or else it'll ruin the surprise"
Yoh mood changed as he heard her and he couldn't help but push her back a little so he could look into her face, a grin on his face that almost looked… cocky.
"Ok, but you'll be owing me a whole lot of kisses for tonight"
Her shocked expression was stopped by the fall of his lips upon hers. She would never stop being amazed at how he could change from an innocent naïve boy to a hormone-crazed teenager in a matter of seconds. Could it possible be the bit of Hao that lived in Yoh's soul?
She allowed him to kiss her for few minutes before finally pushing him away, an innocent look plastered on her face.
"Meals don't count, so go make breakfast while I change"
He nodded then stood up, he smiled lovingly at Anna before walking out of the room.
&&&&&&
He brought the heater down to the living room with no difficulty, and then went to make breakfast while Anna remained in the living room with her knitting. In the kitchen Yoh rubbed his hands together for warmth, suddenly he stood cold on his track as the outside sight hit him. From the kitchen window he saw a snow covered world with snow so thick that it made the trees look shorter and it was still snowing. But the sight was breathtaking.
"Anna, com'ere for a sec!" He called.
Moments later the blonde appeared on the kitchen door.
"What is it?"
"Come here, look" He extended his hands toward her and pointed out the window with his other one. Anna walked to his side and was rendered speechless by the snow covered world outside.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Mused Yoh.
She nodded but chills ran up her spine causing Goosebumps to cover skin.
From afar a small dark figure was visible, Yoh noticed it at first and within minutes the figure seemed to be walking closer.
"Is that a person?" He asked.
Anna waited and saw as the figure came closer and closer toward them.
"I think it's coming to our house"
"I'll go open the door"
Yoh ran out the kitchen and to the front porch where he tried to open the door, which seemed to be stuck with snow.
"Amidamaru!"
"Yes master Yoh?"
"A little help here"
"Of course"
Both opened the door, bracing for the cold gusts of wind that brazed them. The figure approached the door, and there, Yoh was able to see what the person was wearing. Long black jacket that covered his body, snowshoes and a scarf that covered his face, it held a case.
"Asakura household?" Asked the man.
"Yeah"
The figure stepped inside the house but not before shaking some snow off of him. Yoh waited patiently for the man as he lowered his hood and removed the scarf revealing a jolly looking man, black beard and pink cheeks.
"Hey there sonny, I'm the repair man, do you have a broken heater?"
Yoh quickly recovered from his shock and smiled at the man.
"Yeah we do"
"Good, I didn't get the wrong house, I'm the repair man"
"You didn't have to come in this weather"
"Are you kidding? My secretary told me the girl who called, threatened to kill me if I didn't show up soon… and according to her, she sounded like she meant it"
Yoh laughed sheepishly, his hands behind his head. The man began taking his coat off just as Anna appeared to see who it was.
"Anna, this is the repair man, he's here to fix the heating"
"About time you showed up, we've been freezing here for the last two days."
"I gather, you're the lady that called?"
"Yes I am"
The man gulped but smiled at the girl. Anna remained cold with an expression that promised a world of pain and suffering if he as much as looked at her funny. The man's eyes quickly diverted back to the young boy with the friendly smile.
"Well, let's get to business shall we? Where do you have the control?"
"It's right this way"
Yoh led the man down the hallway, Anna followed them close behind just to check the man did his work right. Truthfully she didn't understand any of the household repairing locations or techniques. That was Yoh's part of the responsibilities. But she decided to stick around for good measure.
Soon the man's head was buried in what looked like an oven with tools in his hands. All the while Anna leaned against a wall waiting patiently for the repairman to finish. She was feeling slightly disappointed, but to why, was absurd. She had to admit she liked to idea of been in a room alone with Yoh, she liked knowing she couldn't leave without freezing. She liked being close to him, sleeping next to him, needing his warmth.
She knew she would still get all of those things with the stupid heat fixed, only that now she wouldn't have an excuse for them. Strangely she sometimes still needed that excuse in order to do things.
So deep were her thoughts that she didn't notice as an hour passed by and slowly but surely the house began to warm up. Soon the man dug his head out of the wall with a satisfied smile on his face. He put his tools together and closed his toolbox.
"It's all done kids. I don't think this baby will be giving you any problems for a few years at least"
"Only a few years?" Asked Anna.
"Umm, it's unpredictable" He offered.
"Would you like anything hot to drink?" Was it just her or was Yoh having bedside manner to strangers? Usually he was clueless but polite to guests and it was her who offered refreshments. Unless they were Yoh's friends in which case she didn't give a damn.
"Thanks kid, I'd appreciate a coffee"
"Sorry we only have tea"
"Oh, right. Well I'll take the tea"
Yoh nodded and headed to the kitchen while Anna led the man to the cozy living room.
"It's a nice house you've got here. Where are your parents?" The man looked around the room, curious about these children.
"We live alone"
"Oh, so your brother and sister?"
"No, I'm his fiancée"
She was answering the questions like she was answering her favourite flavour of ice cream. But the man was speechless.
"Aren't you both a little young to be engaged?"
Just then Yoh entered the living room carrying a steaming cup of tea which the man eagerly took into his hands. Amidamaru sat by a corner, although of course the repairman could not see the guardian ghost.
"So did you venture out in the storm just to fix our heating?"
"There are several broken heaters in the city kid, I'm going around to the houses that called for repair and fixing them… call it an act of goodwill"
"More like an act of decency" Said Anna completely unashamed. The man threw a glare at the girl.
"So will you be killing me young lady?"
"I suppose if I do there will be other people living on the North pole like we were, so I will spare your life"
The man chuckled, a lively heartfelt chuckle.
"That's nice, I'll remember to ask them to thank you"
Anna threw a strange look his way, which Yoh recognized as amused. The man drank his tea in one gulp and stood up.
"Well thanks for the tea kids, I better be on my way"
"Wait, let me get my purse to pay you" Anna headed for the door, immediately feeling the difference from before, the house was slowly warming up. She soon came back, purse in hand.
"How much will it be?"
"Make it 2000 yen" ((((A water bottle in Tokyo is about 150 yen)))) (((Reference from the manga Mars… just stick with me here)))))
Anna looked at the man with some bewilderment. It was very good price he was giving them. Without another word Anna took three bills from her purse and handed them to the man.
"Kid, I said 2000"
"I know, keep the change"
Yoh looked over the man's shoulder and discovered she'd actually given him 2 500 yen. Surprised Yoh looked at his fiancée with a curious smile. The repairman smiled warmly at the girl as he put on his coats, and took his toolbox.
"Thanks a lot, take care, both of you" The man stood in front of the door, he gave them both one last glimpse before smiling mischievously. He held his remark in and opened the door to leave, a strong gust of wind came into the house. "Happy holidays" He called as he walked into the snow covered porch.
"Happy holidays!" Called Yoh before closing the door.
"It's freezing out there" He rubbed his arms, trying to warm off the coldness that the wind coming into the house had caused. He then looked up to meet with Anna's soft gaze, her arms were around herself, almost trying to warm herself. Smiling he silently made his way toward her and enveloped her in a warm hug.
She took it gladly, resting her head against his chest. Her previous act of kindness had been a rare one, not that she didn't do them, she just didn't do them often especially when it came to money. Anna took care of their financials almost to the point of being cheap. For her to have given 500 extra yen was not a common thing.
With that thought he kissed the crown of her head lovingly.
"Are you less worried?"
"About?"
"Us freezing to death"
"Yeah…"
"Isn't it time we get started on our gifts?"
"Yeah, after we finish breakfast"
He chuckled, the vibration reaching Anna's ears, causing her to smile.
"Well then I better go make breakfast!"
He unwrapped his arms from around Anna and was ready to leave except for the obstacle he encountered. Anna's arms hadn't unwrapped themselves from him, he looked at her with wonder until he heard a whisper.
"Stay, just a bit longer"
He did, going back to their original position, he embraced the blonde Itako and stroke her hair.
They've been apart a while. After finishing breakfast Anna had gone to her room leaving Yoh in the living room to work, truth was she was curious to see what her fiancée would make her, she didn't expect much, a song? A drawing? She had no idea what Yoh would think of making. But she knew exactly what to make him.
Clothes were too predictable, she'd made him several pieces of clothing over the years. And then there was his battle uniform. She was a master of sowing and crafts in general, it came as second nature to her. She'd always been able to pick up things quickly, perhaps that was what had pointed her apart from the rest of Master Kino's students.
She rarely had to be told things twice and was a good housekeeper. Especially when it came to the teachings of an Itako, she understood tactics, powers, mediams, spirit worlds. By the age of ten she'd swallowed entire books on the spirit world and had all Shaman Furiouku levels memorized. She knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it, her determination was perhaps what had pointed her apart from the rest. Perhaps what had even earned her the right to be Yoh's fiancée.
But what could she make him?
All he liked were his stupid BOB CD's.
And that's when it hit her… she had a BOB cd. It had been intentionally intended for his birthday but there was still a while until then. And this was an emergency… but they'd said 'make' perhaps if she made him something else as well… then she remembered something she had also been keeping for a while… yes it would work out after all.
Yoh sat in his room, a huge question in his head, he was at a loss to whether he should give his lovely fiancée a gift he'd been keeping, today or keep it till later… much later. But then again if he did give it to her now, Christmas would have a new meaning for both of them from now on, it would be a reason to celebrate. A reason for them to celebrate.
"Aw, fine here goes nothing" Said the brown haired boy to himself as he grabbed some paper and prepared to 'make' the other part of his gift.
That's how the whole morning went until late afternoon and both left their rooms in order to cook dinner. As they walked downstairs, side by side Yoh got the impulse to take her hand and he did. Though somewhat confused to the sudden display of affection Anna didn't say anything.
"Are you going to tell me what you're making"
"No"
"Oh c'mon Anna!"
"No"
He smiled then, and without warning he turned she so she was pinned against the wall in front of the staircase. Once he had her he kissed her, kissed her lovingly yet feverish. And in an instant he stopped.
"Just making up for the day" He grinned like an idiot and she allowed him to drag her downstairs.
He made dinner alone, his 'punishment' for having kissed her without her permission at the staircase. He didn't complain, it had been after all worth it.
She watched him cook from the door frame, she was 'sweeping' the floor though she had unofficially finished five minutes ago. She tried to remember of there was something else left to be done in the house but nothing came to mind. Everything was swept, cleaned and dusted, she'd done the laundry barely two days ago. That was something Yoh friends were good at, making messes to clean.
"How's your gift coming Yoh?"
"I'm all done"
"So soon?" She asked surprised and curious at how quickly he'd finished it.
"Yep, and you?"
"Almost… So what is it?"
He grinned, knowing she was hoping he'd tell her. No matter how much she denied it, she really was impatient. But she would have to wait to find out what her present was, and was she going to be surprised!
"Can't tell you"
It was really late when they began eating their dinner, almost eight. The day had been a busy one and Anna had asked for an extra hour to finish making her present. He'd agreed and had prepared dinner all by himself for the most part.
They ate in silence, only the chewing sounds of both were heard.
"This is good Yoh" Complimented Anna.
"Thanks Anna! I really tried to make it good" He said cheerfully and pleased with her rare compliment.
"You've gotten better, your food doesn't taste like cardboard anymore"
He sweat dropped. Suddenly Amidamaru appeared in the room, an exited look on his face.
"Master Yoh, Miss Anna, it stopped snowing!"
Both teenagers looked at each other in shock before jumping up and running to the nearest window to see for themselves. Once there they discovered that it had indeed stopped and only a white blanket of soft powder was left.
"Finally" Said Anna with relief. Yoh hugged her from behind, both arms around her stomach and a smile on his face.
"Just in time for the holiday you call Christmas" Commented Amidamaru glimpsing at the couple.
"Yeah, just in time" Agreed Yoh.
"We better go back before the food gets cold"
He let go of her, letting her walk out of the room.
"Would you like me to go out for the night master Yoh?"
He grinned sheepishly, a hand behind his head as he nodded.
"Would you mind? It's just that I want to tell Anna something and it'd be better if we were alone"
"Of course not, I'll go visit some old friends"
"You can always play Santa… haha Santa Amidamaru, you'd sure give the elf theory a scare"
"Ha ha, very funny" Said the guardian ghost in full sarcasm.
After a final goodnight Amidamaru retired to gaze upon the sleeping world while Yoh made his way back to the table.
They finished eating just in time for the Christmas classic "A Christmas carol" was just starting on TV.
Anna switched from sitting on her legs to lying on her side, she used Yoh's thigh as a pillow and watched attentively as Mr. Scrooge's old and dead business partner warned him about hell or something close to it. However her change in position was preventing Yoh from concentrating on the floating ghost with chains hanging. Instead his attention due to teenage hormones kept drifting back to his fiancee's rather curvy body. Her black dress had ridden up slightly, revealing a bit more of the tender skin of her thighs than usual.
He realized he hadn't seen her wearing her usual black dress in almost two days. And now that she was wearing it she looked even more 'desirable'. He tried to concentrate on the now first appearing past Christmas's spirit but his eyes kept finding her, finally in hopes of calming his desire and relax the slightly suspicious Anna he began to play with her bangs with one hand while the other sat still against her waist.
Bad, perverted, hormonal ridden images began popping into his mind. Images of his hands wondering to currently forbidden places of her body and caressing soft skin. Images of kisses and moans and her small frame underneath him. His lips feasting on her warm skin and feeling it move under his lips.
Much to her previous annoyance it had come to be clear to Anna that whenever they were alone and she happened to be close by he was always touching her in some way. She'd grown used to it over the past year and even welcomed it now, so when she was using his lap as a pillow and he didn't as much as touch her, she knew something was definitely wrong or his mind was somewhere else, in which case she always picked his thoughts to find out what. It was in fear of this that Yoh blocked out his thoughts, which got Anna even more suspicious.
So when Yoh started playing with her bangs she relaxed under his touch.
"This movie is stupid, the spirit world would never allow a ghost to appear to a human only to warn him about the coming spirits. And the only spirits that even have the ability to show the past, or future are grand spirits and they would never waste their time with such a person"
"Well… this movie is pretty old, I'm sure they didn't know any of that when they made it" Yoh answered in hopes that she didn't suspect anything of the thoughts that were raising in his head involving her and a bed.
"That information had been around for millions of years, it's only because this movie is from the West that it's ignorant"
FlashHe got distracted and she was able to pick his brain for a second. He'd felt it, an image had probably gotten through his barrier, and she'd probably seen it. He was getting ready for a slap when he felt Anna's head turn so she was looking at his face from her place.
"So that's why you're so quiet?" She asked unbelieving.
Heat rose into his cheeks, his blush obvious.
"I'm sorry… I can't help it… hormones probably"
"They've been fine for two days"
"They've been under control, but you've been wearing warm clothing"
She rolled her eyes, not believing how controllable and hormone driven guys were.
"Do you want me to go put on some pants again Yoh? Will that control your wild hormones?" She sounded mad and sarcastic. Yet she was mostly serious, gods knew she had enough trouble controlling her own hormones as it was without adding his own willingness and perverted images.
Anna was sitting up, angry, when Yoh quickly threw his arms around her shoulders causing her to fall against his chest. He nuzzled his nose against her blonde bangs and breathed in her scent.
"No it won't make it better Anna, it's not what you wear… it's you… I'm sorry, I can't control it and these images and thoughts just flash in my head without me having any control over them"
"Yoh" She whispered. She couldn't blame him, it was normal for an almost seventeen year old male. But what she'd seen…
Damn it.
She turned her head and kissed his lips sweetly. He looked at her apologetic.
"We have to work something out Yoh… and soon. This is becoming a problem for both of us."
He nuzzled the spot under he ear and kissed it.
"Does that mean I'm not the only one with raging hormones?"
"It means we have to figure something out and soon"
"Ok…"
She stayed like that, with Yoh's head against her temple and his arms around her. She sat on his lap, their legs sprayed in front of them.
Their minds were quiet for the rest of the movie, though with Yoh inpatient to give Anna his gift.
&&&
He thought about giving it to her now, but he ruled against it after thinking it over. It would be more of a surprise if she found her present tucked under the fake 13 inch Christmas tree he'd purchased long ago. It was mostly for decoration than anything else and Anna had allowed him to buy it when she finally admitted it would be nice to have something green in the house in winter… but it wasn't a Christmas tree, or so she said. It was a mere pine tree that happened to be portrayed as a stupid Christmas tree. She'd probably forgotten they even had it since it hadn't been used since two winters ago and he planned on putting it on her desk early in the morning with her present.
"It's late, I'm going to bed" She announced after Rudolph the red nosed reindeer movie started.
"I'm coming with you" Her reply was a mere nod. Quickly both teenagers made their way up the stairs after making sure everything was off for the night.
"How strange, I haven't seen Amidamaru for hours, have you?"
"Umm, yeah, he asked of he could go visit some spirit friends of his at the cemetery and I let him"
"Oh"
They parted shortly to change clothes as was their usual routine. And as usual Yoh finished changing into his Youkata first, but not before getting the small, old pine tree out with her present. After working out a mental plan Yoh knocked on her door and patiently waited for her to open it.
She eventually did, emerging with a very alike Youkata of her own.
"Yoh, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"What do you mean?"
"After what happened downstairs"
He seemed to think about it for a moment before breaking into a heartfelt, warm smile.
"I promise I'll be good"
She grinned back before adding a little threat.
"You better"
She got in first, Yoh followed. However this time it was Yoh who leaned in toward Anna, putting his head against her shoulder while slipping an arm around her waist and drawing her in closer. Though surprised she didn't say anything but slowly the hand belonging to the shoulder he was using as a pillow descended upon him as a soft caress to his face.
He wondered if he should give it to her now, he just couldn't wait until tomorrow, and it was such a beautiful night. But it wasn't Christmas yet, it was 11:45. Maybe if he could keep her awake for a few more minutes he could do it.
An idea suddenly appeared in his mind and he smiled. He looked up at Anna and found her half sleep. He started kissing her, chaste sweet kisses against her lips and cheeks. She made a noise between contentment and annoyance for being bothered. Finally she opened her eyes.
"Yoh" She whined.
"Come with me someplace"
"What? Yoh it's late and I'm tired"
"Pleeeaaassee Anna"
"No" She closed her eyes stubbornly.
"Do you trust me?"
"Do you think I would be here if I didn't?"
He chuckled.
"Then come with me to the roof"
"It's cold Yoh"
"I'll keep us warm"
"It's snowing"
"Not anymore it isn't"
"I'm tired!"
"Just for a few minutes, after that I promise I'll let you sleep until noon" That was a lie, even he knew it, he would by no chance let her miss Christmas morning. But he was getting desperate.
"Agh" After her final complaint she sat up on the bed and looked dangerously at him. He took that as a yes and proceeded to look for the warmest blanket he could find, (which so just happened to be the same one that had given them shelter from the ice house a mere two days ago.) He skilfully slipped the gift into the pocket of his youtaka and without saying a word he walked over to the bed where Anna was sitting and enveloped her with it. In a second she found herself being scooped off the bed and into Yoh's strong arms, and he still took the time to make sure she was completely covered by the blanket.
Then it happened.
He opened the window letting all the freezing air in and jumped out of the window! Anna was on the verse of lecturing him into oblivion when she felt warm energy cover them both, lifting them to the snow covered roof where Yoh sat close to the edge. He sat her on his lap and smiled one of his 'dummy' smiles. The warm energy was still surrounding them, keeping the cold out. Suddenly Anna sat up straight on Yoh's lap, grabbed the end of the blanket and yanked it around Yoh to cover him too.
"You brainless idiot, wasting your Furioku to keep us warm? And what are we doing on the roof!"
Yoh's smile never faltered, he drew her closer, wanting to loose himself in her eyes.
"Look up"
She did, and it was beautiful.
The sky was completely clear and the stars shimmered like she's never seen them shimmer before. The display was simply breathtaking and she couldn't help but smile.
"I noticed them when Amidamaru told us it'd stopped snowing"
She didn't say anything as she continued staring at the spectacle of lights above them. Suddenly she felt warm lips against her temple. And his breath tickle her ear as his hand played with her hair.
"I love you, you know"
She didn't turn to face him, instead she smiled.
"I know"
"And… Anna remember when I promised to make you my wife?"
'Like it was yesterday' She thought, she turned to face him now but he wasn't looking at her, but at the stars.
"Yeah"
"Well… I never really, proposed did I?"
'Where is this going?'
"No"
He locked eyes with hers, a mischievous smile on his lips. He pressed her closer against him, so that her face was only centimetres away from his.
"Anna?"
"Yeah?"
He placed a little box in front of her, a cardboard made box with little decorations all around it, hand made, obviously. Taking it in her hands Anna inspected the box, it was…cute, she could tell he'd taken care with the details.
"Open it" He said. She obeyed, gasping at seeing a ring inside the box. It was simple ring, a gold band with five tiny diamonds horizontally aligned in the middle. "I know it's not very fancy, but I promise I will buy you a nicer one when I finish my Shaman King training" 'And have access to the money' He added mentally.
"No"
He searched her face with worry but she continued staring at the ring. "I don't want another one"
He smiled, feeling overflowed with happiness. He suddenly remembered what he was here to do and taking the ring outside the box, Anna following it until he held it in front of her. He looked her in the eye.
"Anna, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
It took her a few moments for the words to sink in, and then closing her eyes shut she savoured the sound of the proposal she had so yearned for so many years. Remembering he was still waiting she opened her eyes and smiled.
"Yeah, I think I'll do you the honour of being my husband"
They laughed together, Yoh letting go of the nervousness he'd been carrying with him for weeks about proposing to Anna. And finally he gently slipped the ring into her finger, she smiled widely, perhaps for the first time in her life. The light weight on her finger just felt so natural, like it belonged there.
He interrupted her adoration of the ring now in her finger with a kiss. She responded immediately, inviting Yoh to deepen it as much as he wanted. They fell backwards on the terrace, kissing, not feeling the cold because of his Furioku.
His hand began running over her curves, her waist, her stomach, until finally touching her breasts through her youkata. She gasped at his boldness but moaned in delight. He was kissing her neck now, nipping at tender skin and kissing it. She was enjoying it so, but they had to stop…they just had to.
"Yoh" She moaned. He was kissing her chin, his hands caressing her body through the thin white fabric. "Yoh" She repeated, this time more urgently.
He stopped, a dazed expression on his face as he looked into her eyes.
"If we don't stop now, we won't be able to stop later"
Something in his eyes changed, the cloudiness in them lifted. His rational mind was making an appearance. He nodded in understanding and sat them both straight. He kissed her cheek one last time before getting up and carrying her back into her room.
Once inside, the window closed and Anna settled in bed he took a moment to look at her. She was beginning to fall asleep, her lids were heavy with sleep. But she still refused to give in until he was in bed as well. He slipped beside her, pleased with Anna's decision of using his chest as a pillow.
"Be a good pillow Yoh" She mumbled, snuggling closer.
He kissed the top of her head lovingly. His hands raising to play with her golden hair. And then it dawned on him.
She had said YES…she had said Yes to marrying him… she had accepted to be his wife… she had actually said Yes!
He smiled, smiled so big he thought his cheeks would hurt in the morning. He held her tighter, not wanting to let her go. She was his, his alone and now she wore the ring to prove it.
"Yoh…"
Surprised to find her still somewhat awake he humbled a "Umm?"
"Stop thinking so loud…"
He smiled, tightening his arms around her.
"Sorry"
"Yoh?"
"Umm?"
"I've always been yours, you idiot"
He chuckled then, delivering another kiss on the crown of her head.
Fini
or is it
Just beginning?
I want to thank everyone that reviewed so far, it was a great present. And I hope people that read this later on in the year also enjoy it. And please never be shy to tell me what you thought of the story. For now I say good bye and Merry Christmas.