Yami's koi: well. This is the new chap of Loving Touches, people. I hope to hell you enjoy it. I've worked hard on this just for you lovers of Yoh x Amidamaru and Anna x Jun. Do you think I should do a lemon for the Shaman and Samurai? Come on, tell me! Of course, it will be posted elsewhere to comply with the rules. Sorry for the lateness of this chapter, but I have had my birthday recently, I went to France and then I had to deal with exams. So… ehe?

Neutral Man: for once she's taking in the rules… that's an achievement. Just don't screw up again.

Yami's koi: Ignores him So, enjoy people! More at the bottom!

Anna hurriedly threw several of her possessions into a nearby mini suitcase, and zipped it shut. Her body was trembling with the shock and suddenness of it all, and she cursed herself for not doing something about her fiancée earlier. Overall, it would have meant a lot less pain for both of them.

Recalling what Yoh had said… Anna's tears blurred her vision once more, only to be impatiently brushed away with a flick of her hands.

Amidamaru… Amidamaru… Yoh had fallen in love with the silver-haired, loyal spirit guardian that had once haunted Monument Hill. Anna was not stupid. She had noticed that there had been some chemistry between the two, but she had always thought it to be of that of a very strong, unbreakable friendship.

Yet friendship can easily blossom into love. And such a love between Yoh and Amidamaru, even though neither had done anything in Anna's presence, was the most beautiful, pure love that Anna had ever had the honour to witness. She only hoped that she, and the one she loved, could attain that height perfection in love.

Anna paused for a moment to look around at her familiar surroundings of the Dobie Village Room she had been granted. Memories fluttered before her eyes… drunken dares, the ringing sounds of laughter and song, dreams of long ago and present being told and retold to friends, bonds being forged… all there, right for Anna to view and remember.

It would be difficult to leave those memories behind. But she had to, for she was something that was no longer needed in Yoh's life. And Anna was not about to defy what Yoh truly wanted.

With more tears escaping her eyes in a long waterfall of grief, Anna rose and headed for the exit to this place.

Yoh raised the back of his hand to wipe away his tears. What had been done was done, and nothing could erase that. He had to now deal with the consequences of Anna leaving him… such as his Grandfather's wrath. His mother would not mind so much, as she would rather have him marry for love than for power, but Yoh's father… well, he didn't know how he'd react. Probably badly.

He then felt strong, warm arms wind around his waist, and Yoh leaned back into Amidamaru's chest, not saying a word. He lowered his eyes so that he wouldn't have to face neither Bailong's nor Jun's accusing, hateful glares. What he did expect, more than anything, was some form of verbal abuse. But none came, so he tightened his grip around the samurai's waist, warm within his lover's grasp.

"You don't hate me?" Yoh asked quietly, closing his eyes as he felt gentle, warm fingers running through his hair comfortingly. Even though he knew that eyes can betray a lot about a person, he didn't care. He couldn't stand any more hatred being directed at him.

Jun started slightly as Yoh's question was, she felt, directed more at her. Bailong was merely stunned, unable to form a word, whilst she could just about manage a sentence or two. But she was determined to let her opinions be heard, and so this was what encouraged her to speak:

"I… I don't. Yoh, as long as you're happy, it doesn't matter what other people think. And I would rather have you love someone that I didn't…"

Yoh snapped his eyes open and stared into Jun's ashamed emerald eyes, taking in also her spirit guardian's reaction. It remained the same as before: wordless and also slightly sorrowful. Amidamaru tensed slightly in Yoh's arms, but the relaxed and continued offering Yoh some desperately needed attention. Fingers traced relaxing patterns on the Shaman's back, whilst one arm still held him close.

Amidamaru leaned down and placed a gentle, assuring kiss on Yoh's hair, feeling the silken locks tickle him slightly as Yoh raised his head. Slowly closing the gap between them, Amidamaru brushed his lips up against his lover's, stroking at Yoh's mouth with his warm, moist tongue. Yoh immediately allowed Amidamaru entrance, their tongues engaging in a sensual, erotic dance as light caresses and loving touches were exchanged. Amidamaru was leading the kiss, and he was deliberately teasing his lover… he was going so slowly, it was torture.

"Excuse me."

Yoh sighed and turned around, one arm still curled possessively around his samurais' waist. Jun was staring at him as if he was a total stranger with a neon sign plastered on his forehead, declaring he was naked beneath his clothes, and a rocket sticking out of his leg.

"Yes, Jun?" Yoh asked, disappointed his sensual moment with his lover had been forced to end early. His lips still tingled with Amidamaru's light touch, and he still craved for more as he saw Jun's expression shift slightly.

"You… don't care that even when you and Anna were engaged, I was in--"

"You should pay more attention, Jun-chan," Amidamaru said with a smile. "If Yoh would have cared, then he wouldn't be with me now." Yoh looked up at his spirit guardian as this was said, smiling. It felt so good to hear that being said.

Jun was still stunned by Yoh's complete acceptance of the matter. No wonder he was so loved… and who better to love him than Amidamaru? They were two of a kind… both loved their friends so much that they would die to save their lives, would wait for them, even if it took years… they were both so loving… towards anyone. The only real difference was the age, living status and their attitudes towards working. But still, Jun thought happily to herself, they did make a truly perfect couple.

A picture of Anna came back into Jun's mind, and her merry thoughts froze.

"Anna! What am I going to do?"

Yoh shrugged. "You'd better follow her." His eyes seemed deadly serious… something else that amazed Jun greatly. It looked as if Amidamaru's influence was rubbing off on him.

Yet Jun was troubled. She had so many things to say, but all had a lack of direction. And, even if she managed to find Anna before she left Dobie Village, then all that would come out would probably be an incoherent mumble. Things were not looking good.

"It's just something you'll have to do," Yoh said quietly, understanding what the Chinese female was going through. "If she rejects you, then she isn't worth having. Plus, Bailong is probably worth considering going bi for, Jun."

If that hadn't broken the mood, nothing else would have done. The martial arts expert blushed, and stared at the floor, wishing that he had the ability to simply fall through it, like a normal ghost could. As he was under a Doshie master, however… things weren't as easy as it appeared to be for the brave fighter. He had his body, and could feel everything emotionally… but nothing physically. He could only be stunned and winded in a fight… but never hurt.

Jun gazed at Yoh, astonished. She shook her head next, deciding that it was futile to wonder as to how someone could be so open at times.

"Well, I'm going. I'm not going to achieve anything just standing here, am I?" Jun said, more to herself than to anyone else. Before she left, she stole one last glance at Yoh and Amidamaru and, finally, Bailong.

"But I'll tell you something, Yoh… I really don't envy you right now. I don't know how Mikihisa and Keiko will react to your preference."

Yoh sighed and cast his eyes downward. Suddenly Jun regretted mentioning it, for as soon as she had finished, a dark cloud seemed to settle across Yoh's eyes, shielding them from emotions such as happiness and laughter.

"I know, I know, I KNOW! And Yohmei won't take to this well at all… but if they really love me, there shouldn't be a problem."

Jun laughed quietly. "If only things could be that way in life."

"We wouldn't be having this conversation if it was," Amidamaru added with a faint smile, "And we'd all be feeling happy, and not plagued by guilt or anxiety. Just thinking about it makes me wish I could do something to make it a reality."

Yoh smiled up at his samurai's young, wistful face. He leaned up and kissed him on the cheek softly. "If only. Then the world would be such a happy place. You and I wouldn't be dreading facing my family, Jun wouldn't be afraid of Anna… or at least not in the way that she is now."

Jun smiled and nodded at the couple. "I think now, Bailong, is our queue to leave." She said, leaving. She hesitated by the door. "Thanks Yoh. And I do hope that you're happy… and that your family accept you for who you are."

Yoh grinned at her. "I wish."

Jun didn't respond. She was halfway out of the door, and already breaking out into a run to catch up with the one she loved. The wind brushed her long, emerald locks back, causing it to fall from her elegant arrangement. With a growl, she ditched any ideas of looking pretty for Anna and quickened her pace, Bailong not far in front. Her extra spurt was all that she needed to make it up and over the hill, just in time to see the love of her life round a corner two blocks away from the hill, and out of Jun's sight.

With a determined look set into her face, Jun began once again, the journey much easier now that the hill had been tackled. The downhill run could have easily made her fall, but her feet fell steadily and safely along the pavement. All Jun could hear was the sound of her own heart, racing with anticipation and the adrenaline needed to get herself to the traditional female Shaman.

A song suddenly came into Jun's head, and she shook herself as she continued to run, hurtling around corners and passers-by. When racing after Anna, all she could do was think up of a song that she had heard less than ten times before.

But then, it would lessen the tension a bit.

But then, suddenly, Jun saw Anna at the end of her street. Her heart stopped for a moment, and she gasped for air. She was walking away.

"ANNA! ANNA, WAIT FOR ME, PLEASE!"

At her name being shouted, the Itako turned and regarded Jun with a weary eye.

"I'm not taking pity from you, if that's what you want. I'm done with Yoh… But I don't think that his parents will have anything nice to say about it. I don't care, but I don't want Yoh to have to break up with Amidamaru because of something his parents want." Anna confessed, her expression so downcast Jun was silent for a moment.

"I didn't come to persuade you to come back. There's something I must tell you." Jun said breathlessly, unable to regain her breath after her run.

Anna stood, with her hands on her hips, staring up at the Doshie. "And what would that be?"

Jun shrugged, knowing that actions sometimes can speak better than what actual words can. With a deep breath, she leaned down and planted a gentle, unhurried kiss on Anna's lips. After a moment's touch, she withdrew, afraid of being rejected. How ironic that it was just how Amidamaru had felt a few hours ago when he kissed Yoh.

Anna stared at Jun, wide-eyed, touching her lips. What was going on? Did Jun love her… or was that just a friendly gesture? But then, looking into the Tao's eyes, she knew what she had meant to say. Anna's face broke out into a smile, and she kissed Jun again, arms wrapping around the taller girls' neck.

At first Jun didn't know how to react, but she immediately fell into the kiss. Her tongue licked at Anna's closed lips, begging for entry. Slowly those lips opened, and Jun began an earnest exploration of the Itako's mouth. Anna tasted of darkness, if that was even possible. All that Jun knew was that it was tantalising, sending her senses into overdrive. To Anna, however, Jun tasted sweet, like a forgotten honey tasted so long ago. They leaned into each other, their passion for one another deepening as they expressed how they felt to one another through their kiss.

Unfortunately, all good things must end. And with both of the females running out of air, Jun snapped back, her cheeks a slight red as she caught her breath. That had been truly indescribable… and would hopefully be the first of many kisses, and other experiences, with Anna.

"I… I'm sorry that I couldn't say what I needed to before," Jun said shyly, taking Anna's hand as she whispered in the Itako's ear, "But I… was just so afraid that I would lose you… and I didn't want that. No way."

Anna shivered at hearing Jun's voice in her ear, and gave her lover a small, light kiss on her cheek.

"It's okay. I understand… and I was afraid, too." Anna admitted, eliciting a fake gasp from Jun.

"Wow, you can actually be scared? I never thought the words Anna and fear were compatible, but, obviously…" Jun trailed off, as Anna threw her a playfully intended punch. Both smiling, they held each other's hand as they made their way back to Anna's apartment… or, rather, Yoh and his friends' apartment. On the way back, they talked and joked happily with one another, just like they always did. Except this time, they felt a warm feeling in their chest, in stead of a heavy sort of ache that they knew was the cruelty of love, eating away at them for the inside.

Yoh and Amidamaru

Amidamaru still held his master tightly in his arms, reluctant to let him go. If everyone was as understanding as Jun, then the world would be perfect, and they could go around like they were now, not having to care about what other people said.

But now, right before them, lay a big obstacle that they could not avoid. Amidamaru could not protect Yoh from it, either, and therefore felt hopeless.

They knew that the Asakura family needed to have a successful heir to keep the clan alive. But with Yoh being gay, and with the samurai ghost that he had met on Monument Hill so long ago… that would not be possible.

Yoh wasn't scared. Hell no… he was terrified. He was scared of being himself in front of his own family, and felt both guilt and anger. Things shouldn't have to be so difficult for him: in the end, if he loved someone, who should be permitted to stop him? Could he stop Ryu liking ever woman who walked past with a pulse? Yoh smiled grimly. He had proved his point to himself, but he doubted his family would see it that way. He reached for Amidamaru's hand and gripped it tightly.

"I don't want to tell them." A simple, empty statement. And it made Amidamaru's heart bleed.

"We don't have to tell them straight away, Yoh, if you do not want to," Amidamaru said comfortingly, resting his head on top of Yoh's, "But it is your decision."

Yoh looked up at the samurai, sadly.

"But what do you want to do?"

Amidamaru was struck by the intensity of the question, and hesitated. He didn't really know. On the one hand, he wanted everyone to know about him and Yoh, and wanted them to celebrate it. On the other, however… he too felt concerned about what people would say. And, like Yoh, he too hated feeling that way. It was like his parents were taking away Yoh's independence, his right to be in love.

And that made Amidamaru's blood boil.

Taking deep breaths, the warrior answered: "I want them to know. But if they dare to say we cannot be together… then I won't just stand there, Yoh. I'm sorry. But I can't control myself as well as you think."

Yoh sighed and hugged his lover. "I know," He said lightly, "And I don't think I'll be able to take what they say, either."

"Then we're in the same position," Amidamaru whispered, stroking Yoh's cheek, to which he leaned into, "But… please, Yoh, if we must go, let's go now. I couldn't bear it if we were separated after so long…"

"Strange logic," Yoh muttered, retreating and kicking his sandals off, getting ready to walk outside. Yoh had always been a naturalist, and so felt better at ease when barefoot. "Come on then… let's go."

Taking Yoh's hand, Amidamaru followed his liege outside and began to slow walk towards where his parents' were staying. When they finally reached the building, their hands fell to their sides, and Yoh's heart rate increased. Breathing deeply, they knocked on the door.

In a few short moments, Keiko answered, smiling at her son pleasantly.

"Yoh! I'm so glad you're here… why don't you come in?"

Things were going to be difficult.

Yami's koi: woot! My exams are out, and I don't need to worry about how crappy I've done until August 25th.

Nefertiri: the announcement?

Yami's koi: my readers, appreciate this: a lot can happen between beginning a chapter and finishing it. Even though this is about six pages long, it's taken me a while due to other fics, stress, homework and exams. During this time… Neutral Man has been a back stabbing mother fucker. Therefore… he won't be in any of the future Author Notes. Now that that's out of the way… I've got some of my fan art on Do you wanna check it out? Just search for yamiskoi and click on me, and then… hopefully, Voila!

Nefertiri: she might do some pictures to go with these fics… but she will need your approval. What do you gies think? Is she good enough?

Yami's koi: I bloody hope so… but then, I wouldn't be doing an Applied Art and Design course for no reason. Please review me, and if possible look me up on fan art central. And with that said… SEE YA!