-RE-WRITTEN-

(Please read the final 'Ending Note' for important info)

Rikku: Hey... once again, this chap is re-written too... actually, more like edited since it wasn't half as bad as Chapter 1 was... Well, any questions on Miho's departure and return will be answered in this chapter so... enjoy guys and please review!

Winter of Love
Chapter 2: Living Under the Same Roof

For a moment, I just sat there, by the table, looking like a complete idiot. There was no need for introductions, but I still felt like a total stranger. Anna, Yoh and the new boy, Horohoro, just stared at me. Every once in awhile, Anna would lift her cup of tea to drink from it, but that was just about all the movement there was in the hollow living room. I shifted on the hard wooden floor uneasily. My mouth was completely dry, but I didn't dare ask for any sort of beverage - I didn't want to be the root of anymore 'silent-breaking'... especially since I wasn't in the mood for another chat.

Unfortunately, I was in for one. It was completely inevitable anyways. As soon as Anna finished her drink, she gave me a stern look. "So..." she began, rather nonchalantly.

I gulped, dreading the oncoming discussion... I couldn't escape. Dammit! "S-something you want to discuss, Anna?"

She nodded. "Plenty." Anna turned to Horohoro and gestured for him to leave, but the boy didn't budge. I couldn't tell if he was either playing 'disobedient little boy' or just too slow to understand the Itako's body language. Anna sighed loudly - which told me she was going to do what she rarely did. Give up. She'd carry on this squabble and get to the point, with or without Horohoro there. "First of all, why did you leave?"

I cleared my throat. Looking at my two friends - and that strange boy - was surprisingly hard, so I directed my eyes elsewhere. I was demanding too much from myself if I wanted to look at the people I abandoned. "I... I was tired. After my mother died... my father was a handful. I couldn't handle that life any longer... the life of spirits and shamans. I had to-"

"But how did you survive? Where did you go for shelter and food?" Yoh immediately questioned. It was just like my best friend to skip the scolding and jump for what actually had him concerned. Anna glanced at his anxiety and shook her head.

"I didn't have anywhere to stay." I responded. "No shelter, no nothing. I… I studied Martial Arts for protection," I gestured to the katana at my side with a tilt of my head. "Small shrines and dojo's provided me rooms and food, but only temporarily… The only thing I actually depended on was my training. I had no choice… I mean, the Spirit life never taught me protect-"

"And you quit that easily!" Anna's voice thundered as she punched the side of her fist onto the table. Yoh and Horohoro slightly jumped but I remained still - my eyes rested on the floor. "Being an Itako... being apart of the Spirit life isn't a yes or no situation. There's nothing to decide! So what if household pressures were building on you! You do what you were born to do - it's that easy! You don't give up just because you're bored of it-"

"That's not it!" I cried, unexpectedly. Anna was taken aback by my response, but Yoh now seemed as calm as ever. Horohoro sat there, his snowboard on his lap, a dazed glint in his eyes as he examined the board but listened attentively to the conversation as well. "Anna, I wasn't bored! I was fed up. In a way... it was too much for me. And I needed to escape. Something, in the back of my mind, kept telling me that there was something better for me out there... and I obeyed that little voice and left... with no destination, but one goal. To escape that hell I was living."

I paused for a minute and pursed my brows, turning my head and looking directly into Anna's eyes. "You think it was easy for me back then? To have a father who controlled my life? A father who wanted nothing more than money and was even going to use his own daughter as a worthless pawn in his mission? Anna... I didn't live your life... I didn't have everything you had. You were free. I wasn't. Even with your intense Itako training, you still didn't have it as rough as I did... I may sound selfish, but, unlike you, I was burdened with a dead mother... yeah, she was the reason we all cracked. My father's only this way because of her death... it drove him off the edge until he was blinded with greed and demands..." I lowered my voice... I could tell that, by now, it was shaky and weak. "And he took it all out on me. Even though... even though you and Yoh were my close friends back then... you two were still too young to realize how trapped and cornered I was... You don't know how it's like to have someone make your all decisions or chose all your paths... but I did.

"Until I ran away... I was locked in and I couldn't think for myself. My father held my thoughts. He held everything."

Anna was silenced at this. True, she was forcefully put into an arranged marriage, but she grew to it. Now she was living with her arranged fiancée, Yoh, and was content enough. As for me, I still couldn't run from my father... even then, after my return, I was still under his control. It was a win/win situation... for him.

"You mentioned Martial Arts." Yoh spoke up once again. "And protection. But why was it such a main necessity? You must have wanted that sense of protection even before you left, right?"

I nodded. "Yes. I knew I needed it even before I planned my escape."

"Was there a reason why? And… if not protection through Spirits, then why through Martial Arts?"

I frowned, brushing a few strands of hair behind my ear. I felt myself hesitate before replying. "I was afraid… and because of that, I knew I needed to learn how to protect myself. My mother's death wasn't something to take lightly. It was too mysterious, too sudden…"

"So you think she was murdered?" Yoh's expression fell serious.

I nodded. "After assuming that, I began to think, How long until I'm ambushed… until I'm in the same situation?" I chuckled, trying to hide the pain in my voice. I hated talking about my mother's death. "My mother couldn't protect herself. And I realized that I couldn't either, unless I learned to.

"The world of Spirits was something I knew I needed to leave behind if I ever wanted to change my corrupted life. So what good was learning protection from the very thing I had forced myself to dread? And…" I stopped to clutch my katana tightly in my hands. I stared down at it as I stroked the carefully designed handle with my index finger. "I've always liked swords… many forms of Martial Arts persist on the use of them… and I thought that was brilliant. The Arts to me are strong… reliable… perfect."

Silence then took place, making me realize Anna was finished. The interrogation was finally over. I inwardly sighed, watching as the blonde poured herself yet another cup of tea. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you like, Miho Sugiyama."

I felt my jaw drop in a matter of seconds. "N-nani? (What?)"

"You are still running from your father, are you not?"

I lowered my head, resting my katana at my side once again. "Yeah."

"We won't report anything about you staying here then… I think I'd like to offer you the help you never really sought out for in the beginning of it all…" Anna spun her words quickly… almost carelessly. But I swear it looked like a grin had formed on her lips, even if only for half a second.

"That's Anna's way of telling you, we understand you're situation and all is forgiven!" Yoh chirped, chuckling as he patted his fiancée's shoulder.

A smile slowly crept onto my face as I bowed my head to the shaman. "Thank you Asakura-san, Kyouyama-san…" I glanced at the snowboarder and nodded politely. "Horohoro-san." (Mr. Asakura, Ms. Kyouyama, Mr. Horohoro)

"There is one condition, however…" Anna suddenly stated. All eyes were on her now. "If you intend on living here, I suggest you hit the books."

"Excuse me?" I quirked up a brow in confusion.

"You're living in a Shaman household now… rules are rules. From now on, you are once again an Itako and you will study how to expert being one through my coaching. The first lessons revolve around books and scriptures… do I make myself clear?"

Even though I had told myself I would practice the Itako arts once again, Anna's version of training even seemed to surpass that of Martial Arts when it came to difficulty (I could tell by the glint in her eyes)… But, then again, I didn't want to risk death at her wrath. I sighed. 'Father's not here. It shouldn't be that hard.' "Hai (yes), Anna…"

"Good. Any questions?"

"One." I answered, glancing around the room. "If you are to introduce me back into the Spirit world, shouldn't I at least get a taste? Like… Yoh, Horohoro… where are your spirits?"

"Err…" The brunette nervously glanced at Anna. "Amidamaru, my spirit, is chained and under Anna's watch like always…"

"My Koropokkuru, Kororo is under my sister Pirika's care." Horohoro shrugged. "Sorry, Miho."

I groaned, pulling myself to my feet. "So much for returning to the exotic life of Shamans… It's alright guys." I grabbed my bag and weapon, turning to Anna with a questioning expression. "Well… which room will you be lending me?"

"Down the hall, the last room to your left… Horohoro, go help Miho with her stuff."

"Arigatou (Thank you)." I responded, handing Horohoro my bag as he approached me.

"Glad to be of service to you, miss." He replied in a sly and slick voice, flashing a brilliant smile my way just before he began walking to the direction of my new room with my bag over his shoulder.

Stunned, I slowly followed his lead, biting my bottom lip… confused about the warm feeling in my cheeks. 'That was… a really nice smile…'

xxxxx

When I was finally in the room and had just finished properly thanking Horohoro, I felt a relieved feeling boil up inside of me. I slid the door closed and glanced at the empty room. There was but only a futon folded up in the corner and a small closet. I dropped my bags by the closet and carefully placed my katana against the wall. Next, I unfolded the futon and lazily plopped my bottom on it. Grabbing a wad of cash from my pocket, I quickly began to count the remaining money.

I muttered a string of complaints all about the little amount left as I returned the money to my coat pocket. Sighing, I then laid my entire self on the futon as I stared at the ceiling, thinking about how long it had been since I had last felt so comfortable… "So this is what home really feels like, huh?"

xxxxx

Shortly after, I had fallen asleep in my new room, dwelling in an empty dream and snoozing countless minutes away… until an abrupt knock at the door sprung me awake and back to reality. Stifling a groan, I made my way to the door, sliding it open to reveal… Anna.

"Hello." She responded rather nonchalantly.

"Erm… hi?" I replied bluntly.

Anna rolled her eyes as if something was bugging her. "It's been 20 minutes since you've become an official resident here and already you're talking to the landlady with that tone of voice?"

"Anna, is there a point to this encounter?" I was taking a risk by replying like that, but I couldn't help how grumpy I was from the sudden wake-up call.

For a second, Anna's eyes lit on fire, but that flame shortly died within another second. As if she was realizing something. "I need to be quick. Yoh, Manta and I are going grocery shopping before the store closes… You can be trusted here without my eye on you, right?"

"Two things." I yawned, tilting my head to the side. "I'm not a thief and… who's Manta?"

"Yoh's best friend." Anna answered matter-of-fact-ly.

'Ouch.' I felt my insides burn with shock and sadness. 'Best friend, huh? It's funny how one can balance so many… or rather, replace an old one so easily.'

"Anyways, you don't mind staying here by yourself, do you?" The blonde questioned. She didn't seem to realize I was in another cloud of thought…

"Not at all." I reassured her. "But… um… won't Yoh's friend, Horohoro, be here as well?"

Anna shrugged it off. "He might be skulking around."

"Then I'm not entirely alone?"

"Of course not… what makes you think I'd allow that?"

I chuckled, shaking my head from side to side. "Just who do you take me for?"

With a short and blunt glance, the Itako turned to walk down the hall… even without an answer.

xxxxx

The first thing on my mind was food. My stomach rumbled angrily as I stepped foot into the kitchen. I took a quick look around before I began my search, rummaging through every cupboard and shelf for anything edible. To my delight, I finally found a bag of chips… but that was about it.

I was way too exhausted to look around, let alone take a tour around the entire shrine. That in mind, I took a seat in the living room – the nearest room I was allowed entrance to. There, I turned on the TV and treated myself to the chips I found.

After a few minutes of flipping through channels, countless soap operas and more chips, my attention was caught by the sound of loud rustling… most likely from the kitchen.

"Must be Horohoro." I told myself, shrugging.

"Hey… who took my chips?"

At that remark, I felt myself resisting a giggle. I could tell from his voice that my guess was right. Quickly, I stashed away the half-empty bag of chips under the tea-table as I heard Horohoro's footsteps head my way.

Biting my bottom lip and fearing my inability to keep a straight face, I kept my eyes on the TV and as the sound of footsteps ended, I clearly spoke up. "Ah, Horohoro, are you looking for something?"

…

'That's strange…' I remember thinking as I kept my gaze on the screen before me. 'No reply?'

"Ehh… Miho?"

'Dammit…he's seen through my cover!' I sighed, deciding to stand my ground as I slowly turned to face him. "Listen, Horohoro… I don't have your ch-"

…

I felt my jaw drop and my face heat up into a rainbow filled with shades of red. I also found it hard to stir up words, but even harder to look away from the boy… I tried to land my gaze elsewhere, close my eyes… even blink. But neither seemed possible.

This was unexpected… very unexpected.

I never had a problem interacting with boys when I was a preteen, and even now, as a 17-year-old, I could easily say the same.

But… when 'heavy training' meant losing all forms of social activities for the past five years…

…

Well, it's hard not to feel uncomfortable, utterly speechless and completely paralyzed when a fairly good-looking guy is standing before you…

… topless.

Not to mention, fresh out of the bath too.

When I finally forced myself to take my gaze off his well built body and killer abs, I realized that, from the look on his face, Horohoro was surprised too. Within seconds, his cheeks changed from their average tone to a cherry red, almost challenging the blush on my face.

"Erm… M-Miho…" He was the first to speak up, although it seemed awfully difficult. "Watashi (I)… umm…"

"S-so… you're still here." My eyes took control once again and grasped another peek at his abs until I regained authority and snapped them back to lock with his gaze.

"Um… yeah," Horohoro answered, sweat rolling down his flustered face. "I am…"

The tension between us fizzed and boiled to the point where I found my entire body heating up… I turned my head to face the TV and tried fixing my stare there. Chewing my bottom lip as my cheeks continued to burned, I wondered what he was thinking at that moment… it must've been harder for him, on account that he was the topless one…

"I-I thought you were with Anna since I heard her leave with quite a few voices, I assumed that I was… y-you know, by myself…"

"Ehhh… Horohoro-san," I inwardly groaned as I turned my gaze back to him. "D-don't worry, it's all right…"

Seconds flew by although it felt like it had been an eternity since I retrieved my eyes from Horohoro and onto the TV once again. The back of my neck heated up as I felt his uncomfortable stare on me. Lightly placing a hand to my chest, I could feel my heart rapidly beat at a breakneck speed.

"I-I think I should put a shirt on now." He finally said, grabbing my attention.

I turned around, a nervous smile in place. "Un. (Yeah)" I casually replied, nodding in agreement. I tried hard to relinquish the blush from my face until he finally turned around and left, heading for his room. A sigh of relief escaped my lips and I smoothly wiped the back of my hand against my moist forehead. 'Th-that was… unexpected…'

xxxxx

Fifteen minutes into the next TV Drama, I felt myself wondering where Horohoro had gone. Ten minutes ago, as I withdrew the last chip from the crumpled bag, he had passed by me – wearing a shirt – and headed directly into another room without so much as a backward glance. As I rested my chin on an upturned palm, the tip of my index finger tapped away at my cheek as a gesture of strained thought. "Maybe I should…"

With a deep sigh, I made it a decision to get up and look for the shaman. The reason… even I was unaware of. Turning the TV off, I grabbed the empty chip bag and made for the kitchen where I gazed around, in search of Horohoro. He was no where to be seen, so as soon as I threw away the bag, I deepened my pursuit. Whistling a catchy tune I caught on the train ride to Tokyo, I peeked into every room – except the locked ones – looking for the shaman. Sneaky, yes, but nonetheless fun.

I groaned, choosing to end my hunt when I realized he was no where to be found. "Maybe he went out…" I told my self, shrugging… but as I began walking towards the living room, I felt a thought strike me… there was one place I had forgotten to check.

With much stealth, I crept up to the backdoor. Silently sliding it open, I poked my head outside and glanced around. Finally, I spotted him. Horohoro was sitting on the small wooden porch, a dazed expression plastered to his face as he stared into the sky. Grinning, I put aside the whole "stealth" game and thrust the door open, closing it behind me as I approached the boy.

His eyes were taken off the clouds and were now on me as I took a seat beside him, now gazing up at the blue and white scenery he was previously watching. "It's so peaceful…" I spoke up, trying to stir a conversation open.

For a moment, I could still feel his eyes on me. "Yeah."

Smiling, I finally looked away from the sky, my eyes falling upon my hands as they folded together upon my lap. "I'm sorry for before."

Feeling flustered and indecisive about where to keep my gaze on, I slowly turned to look at him, meeting with his cold black orbs.

"Why would you be sorry?"

I felt a blush take form once again and quickly snapped my view back to my hands. "I-I honestly don't know… Anata (you)… erm… seeing you like that…"

"Being away for so long…" Horohoro suddenly began. "… you haven't had much contact with guys, have you?"

I nodded. "I feel like an outcast." I admitted with a great attempt to smile.

"You don't have to." He pointed out. I raised a brow, looking his way. "From my point of view, you had valid reasons to leave. Even though they might seem distant at first, I'm sure Anna and Yoh have realized that as well… they're happy to see you, that I know… Dakara (so)," That smile… that same brilliant smile from earlier. It had, once again, found its way to his face, placing me in sudden awe. "Cheer up, okay Miho?"

I numbly nodded, and realizing how stunned I must have looked, I quickly forced another subject. "B-but Horohoro… you act as if that encounter wasn't shocking at all to you! Don't act like that shocked reaction never even came along!"

As I began to chuckle at my own statement, I could see Horohoro's face burn up, a threatening glint in his eyes.

"Oh!" My laughter suddenly seized as a thought struck me.

"What's wrong?" The shaman inquired, his angry expression washing away.

"Um…" I didn't know how to explain the situation. Placing a nervous hand on the back of my neck, I gave my best apologetic smile. "You're not… still looking for y-your chips, are you?"

I observed the boy as his eyes widened in shock… then shut tight as he shook his head, laughing. "Y-you… were worried about… that?"

"Ehh…" my blush deepened, and as embarrassment weighed upon me, I threw a frustrated punch at Horohoro's arm as he continued to laugh… shortly breaking into my own fit of laughter too.

I didn't understand the feeling implanted into the depths of my stomach at all. But it made me want to laugh even more… out of plain happiness.

Rikku: I hope you don't think I'm rushing into things, but I like to pace my stories at the same speed of manga. Important and romantic events usual occur in the first volume, and that's what I like… sorry if you disagree!

But don't worry, if you're new to this fic, I can reassure you there's still a lot more moments, blushing and relationship adjustments coming up later on.

Next chapter is for introductions, so please R&R!

Dewa Mata!
x-Rikku-x

P.S. Please review!

xxxxx

Ending Note: It is absolutely necessary to read this re-written chapter (if you already read this chapter before it was re-written, I'm afraid you must read it again) along with all the other chapters that will be re-done; the newly added and/or changed events may affect the outcome of Winter of Love… not to mention, better explanations of the stuff that happened in the further chapters will be provided as well.