-RE-WRITTEN-

(Please refer to the 'Ending Note' for further information)

Rikku: Woot, I'm on a role. Re-writing chapter after chapter now that I found my inspiration again. My summer break starts in another month, but I'll be taking on at least two jobs, so now is a better time than ever to start writing. Please follow up guys, and continue to read what Miho and Horo have to offer in the upcoming chapters… right now, my only concern is the re-writing part – please make sure you read the 're-touched' chapters guys. As I keep saying, it's absolutely necessary since so many events have changed! I promise you guys that those old Miho and Horo moments were especially refined and a lot better now that my sense of writing has gradually developed to that of… ahem, higher standards. Rofl.

Winter of Love
Chapter 5: Everyone Needs a Shoulder to Lean on

What I assumed was 'suffering' from the incident at the ski lodge was nothing compared to Horohoro's fate – which wounded up just around the corner. My injuries and the soreness lining every inch of my body quickly met their match in the form of a young and petit blue-haired girl, emitting her overwhelmingly dark aura into every corner of the Asakura shrine.

And not even the impact of Horohoro's body and board colliding into mine at an exhilarating speed that rivaled that of a leopard could challenge Pirika's rage and fiery as she took out her anger and grudge against her brother with a voice hundreds of octaves higher than what was considered 'loud'.

Actually, she was the last person we expected to find at the shrine, discharging waves of negative energy like the villain pulled out of a bad horror film… Especially after a close-to-perfect, yet exhausting day that called for nothing more than rest…

"HOROHORO!"

His eyes widened in fear and shock. As we stepped into the kitchen to find the primary source of that spine-tingling feeling pulsating in every direction of the little shrine, Horohoro couldn't help but take a step back and brace himself for what might as well be the worse experience of his life. "P-Pirika…?"

"Where the hell were you all day!" she hollered, eyeing the four of us suspiciously. Pirika brought her right hand forth and shook it, as a small and crumpled up paper waved back and forth in her grip. "You leave as early as the morning with a note like this? What good is this tidbit of information in the first place!"

The poor shred of paper, which had undoubtedly played at Pirika's mercy just until our arrival, fell from her grasp and fluttered unto the kitchen floor with a dramatic silence following its fall… slowly, as if every eye in the room was witnessing the hardships one piece of refined bark endured at the cost of our enjoyment, a pang of pity and guilt erupted in the air…

And yes, Pirika does have this effect on people.

The small scribbling on the 'note' was barely visible from its respective place on the floor. Reluctantly, I took a step forward and reached for it. It was actually my first time reading the contents, but I suddenly felt the urge to strangle whoever had written it as well:

"Out. Be back soon.
Leftovers in the fridge, heat at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 2 minutes for best results."

I paused. The entire room was silent except for the occasional deep heave of anger coming from Pirika. "Who…" I began, almost afraid to hear an answer to my question. "Who the hell wrote this?"

There was a light chuckle, and immediately, an answer self-planted itself in everyone's mind. As if on cue, every head turned to look at the culprit at a mechanic speed, in fear of what stupid stunt he might pull next.

Horohoro was at his limits as he glared holes through the boy at fault. "Yoh…" he growled.

Yoh looked as if he wanted to run. With a weak smile, he chuckled once again. "Hehe… heh… oops?"

Pirika shrieked. Both Horohoro's attention and mine were snapped back at place as we watched her fume - hands clenched into tight fists, teeth… or rather, fangs, bearing at the corners of her mouth. Without much warning, Anna dragged Yoh away with a tight hold on his earlobe, heaving a great sigh of annoyance.

"Aren't my regular poundings enough to knock any sense into you, brother!" Pirika cried, frantically eyeing her sibling's every movement; every drop of sweat, every gulp, every twitch. "You just can't skip off when you know I have training planned for you! It's not that simple!"

"You had training planned with your sister?" I questioned, only to be given a look of warning from Horohoro in return. He turned to face his sister, holding up two defensive hands.

"I know, I know Pirika… but today was different – today was special."

I blushed at his attempt to protest. But Pirika noticed right away and locked her sharp eyes on me. The sudden image of a dartboard being relentlessly pierced by shooting darts had abruptly taken form in my mind.

"Special?" She repeated, almost in disbelief. She glared at me… a dark, threatening glare. "Why? Because of her?"

Her tone of voice and the emphasis in her words managed to light a spark in me. I didn't necessarily like her attitude towards me that very moment. And I wanted to prance on her. I was burning with anger inside, a feeling well-hidden and sheltered after years of enduring a tone similar to hers. I wanted to do something; I wanted to make it apparent that no one disregards Miho Sugiyama like that – not her, and definitely not my father.

But my sense of morality and the thought of hypocrisy held me back. I reminded myself that any pain and abuse inflicted on me was never meant for me to inflict on others. The thing about learning the Arts was that not only did the body need training – but the mind did too, in order to form a sense of justice.

"Why should you care about who I go out with or where I am?" There wasn't a single hint of fear or regret in Horohoro's voice as he stood his guard as boldly as possible. "In case you've forgotten, I'm your older brother – you can't prevent me from spending time with the people I'd like to be with most!"

I hated how often Horohoro made me blush, especially during the worst of situations. It was as if he was completely unaware of the advantage his words had on people. Fortunately for me, Pirika wasn't glaring me down anymore as she turned to her brother with a glint of shock and disappointment in her eyes, only to conceal it the second after behind another massive radiation of negativity. She looked simply terrifying as all her anger flushed to her cheeks.

"Are you trying to say that Kororo and I aren't worth spending time with?" Pirika stormed, grinding her teeth together.

"Eh?" Horohoro said rather dumbfounded, glancing around the room. "Kororo's here?"

It was at that moment when a tiny creature appeared from behind Pirika, overjoyed as its eyes met with Horohoro's. This 'Kororo' levitated in the air, holding a green leaf over its head, like an umbrella. It had large, observant eyes, and a cute smile that was just barely visible on its face. Immediately, 'Kororo' rushed into Horohoro's arms as he more than welcomed it with an inviting snuggle to his cheek.

I wanted to comment on how odd not only the scene before me was, but also how Horohoro had randomly chosen an inconvenient time like this to have such a drastic mood swing.

Seeing how distracted the three of them were, I decided I had no place in this discussion and slowly tried to slip out the door just like Yoh and Anna managed to.

However, just when I had turned my back, a sudden movement of Pirika's arm caught my eye, followed by an unusual sound. She was sighing. I turned to look directly at the blue-haired girl to see her hand on her forehead as she sighed in defeat.

Horohoro was no longer holding Kororo or enjoying himself. He looked towards his sister just as stern as before. "Look, I know you mean well Pirika… and I know you just want to help. But, think about it," I understood that he was being cautious not to hurt her feelings, "I can make my own decisions without referring to my younger sister first. And what I want now is to hang out with my friends – ya know, to relax sometimes instead of always being pushed to my limits."

Pirika shook her head from side to side in dismay. I noticed the disappointed glint in her eye yet again, but this time it was a lot more depressed. "I know, big brother… I'm sorry… I just want you to be the strongest you can be, but I also want to be there to help you accomplish that… I mean, what are siblings for… right?"

I noticed Horohoro had suddenly snapped back into his usual self as he sent a sweet smile Pirika's way. He motioned over to her and reassuringly patted her shoulder in an admirable big-brother manner. I never had any siblings, and if it weren't for Anna and Yoh, I might as well have been brought up alone. Such a scene like the one before me had compelled me to watch, and I felt almost guilty for witnessing their little family moment.

Pirika smiled. Suddenly, she looked past her brother's figure to glance at me. "So where'd you guys go anyways?"

I had opened my mouth to reply, after keeping silent for so long, until Horohoro cut in before I had even voiced myself. "Ski lodge." He answered bluntly.

"Without me!" she whined.

I inwardly winced, dreading the possible outcome of this talk if Pirika was to be enraged yet again.

"It was couples only, Pir." Horohoro explained.

'Kororo' peered at me for a moment and giggled, before Pirika waved it away. It immediately obeyed and flew off; leaving Horohoro a heartfelt smile before making its way out. It was then that I remembered the name 'Kororo' from a vague memory of almost two weeks ago… something about a 'Koropokkuru', was it?

Just then, I mentally slapped myself for not realizing sooner that that little creature was Horohoro's spirit companion!

Pirika, on the other hand, had her eyes bouncing back and forth – from her brother, to me, and back. "Couples only? Since when have you two…"

I blushed a violent shade of red and waved my hands to dismiss her assumption. "No, no, it's not what you think!" Horohoro turned to me with wide eyes that were clearly calling for help. Immediately, I added to the 'explanation'. "We were just getting to know each other; it meant nothing! Nothing, Pirika!"

Pirika laughed when she noticed our distraught expressions, both pleading for her belief. "I can't believe you two… So, do you mean to say that if I had a date too I could've joined you as well?"

"Well, yeah…" Horohoro responded, chuckling to himself. "But, then again, who would date you?"

The younger girl's brow twitched in anger. I could sense another outburst brewing, and I took the chance to run. But just as I turned around, fate began to pull at my strings again in order to keep me in the room, as the most unlikely person stepped in my way. Ren Tao.

He shoved past me, and the room fell silent once again. He didn't seem to realize that all eyes were on him as he pulled open the fridge and grabbed a can of soda.

To his misfortune, Pirika's face began to brighten with ideas. I glanced at her from the corner of my eye to see her gushing, almost as if she were complimenting herself for her stroke of brilliance yet to be revealed. She grinned widely, "I'm sure Ren would have taken me."

"What?" he asked in response to his name. Ren looked towards Pirika, clueless to what matter she was referring to.

"What?" Horohoro repeated, his tone not only surprised by outraged.

Pirika giggled. "You heard me. I'm sure Ren would take me to a ski lodge as well!"

The poor boy's face twisted with confusion. "I would?"

I glanced at Horohoro to see him radiating the same ferocious aura Pirika had been sporting just moments ago. He was regarding Ren with much resentment and from the constant twitch from the corner of his lips, it looked as if he was finding it hard to stir up some words. Without thinking, I quickly motioned over to grab his sleeve, meaning to hold him back from thrashing at the other shaman.

I flicked my gaze to my right next, only to see Pirika blushing three different shades of red. I wondered what had come over her so suddenly, since she never behaved this way before whenever she was around Ren… at least, during my past two weeks here. I looked over to see an opposite reaction from Ren himself. His eyebrows were drawn together and he was clearly confused. I managed to catch him taking a glance at Pirika, only to be taken back by her glowing red face.

Bearing his fangs, Horohoro growled madly – an intriguing resemblance to that of his very own sister. "Calm down." I muttered, tightening my grip on his shirt. He didn't listen. "You're overreacting," I tried again, a strict warning in my tone this time. Once again, he didn't abide. Realizing that my attempts would only be ignored, I sighed loudly and released him.

I watched as the snow shaman took large steps towards Tao, huffing like a wild boar. But when Ren had finally taken his quizzical gaze off Pirika to look at the approaching threat, he didn't look at all fazed. Instead, he displayed his most egotistical smirk and slouched back, giving the impression that he was just anticipating what Horohoro had up his sleeve.

But Horohoro noticed the lack of fear from Ren and stopped dead in his tracks. He glared daggers at the other shaman, making his point clear by… shaking a threatening fist at Ren's face…

Horohoro then proceeded to stomp out the kitchen, leaving a laughing Ren behind, a blushing Pirika and a rather speechless Miho.

Pirika was still elated over her newfound love interest as she gave Ren her best smile… although he wasn't particularly looking her way. He was still too busy laughing at Horohoro's retreating back.

I shook my head and groaned, finally deciding to clear out of the room. I wondered if leaving the two alone would do Pirika any good, but for her sake, I secretively wished her good luck in the back of my mind. But before disembarking, I turned my head and slightly bowed it in regard to Ren Tao. I was brought up to consider and respect any shaman of high rank so I figured I might as well carry on the tradition that even Emiko Sugiyama, my mother, practiced herself. I noticed Ren had acknowledged my humble display as he nodded to me. Probably wondering why a girl of my age rehearsed such homage, I told myself.

Finally, I left the kitchen in search of the moving train wreck that had also departed from the same location – Horohoro. I began to question what kind of destruction he might've been stimulating wherever he had gone… and how to stop it. The last thing Anna wanted was another body-shaped hole in the wall… the last thing the rest of us wanted was Anna facing another body-shaped hole in the wall. With much desperation, I was determined to talk Horohoro out of putting us all in that circumstance… but my mind also told me to do some good and comfort the poor boy in his time of distress.

I found myself passing by the bedrooms after a minute or so, after it was confirmed that Horohoro was not outside like before. I was almost concerned by now, mainly because of the lack of noise or falling ceiling… could he really be deep in thought over the situation? Was it possible that such a cool and controlled manner wasn't too sane for the kind of tempers that ran in Horohoro's bloodline?

But as I pondered on this, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of a certain pair in what they thought was the 'privacy' of another room…

I dragged myself back to watch, slouching over and peering into the small crack the door had left for me to peak inside.

Anna was standing over Yoh, clutching an armful of laundry. "Is this all?" she asked rather flatly. Apparently, this was Yoh's room.

He nodded, stretching in his seat on the cold wooden floor. I watched him silently gaze at the dry wall ahead of him, without offering Anna a single glance. Just the kind of reaction he received from her on the rare occasions when he did approach her.

Anna rolled her eyes and turned on her heel, heading towards the exit. Quickly, I pressed my back onto the wall, certain that she would see me on her way out.

I heard her footsteps tap against the floor and gulped.

"Wait."

The thumping stopped and when I was sure it was safe, I resumed my position. It was Yoh that had raised his voice.

Anna was looking at Yoh again. "What?"

Yoh chuckled. He got up from where he had been sitting and dusted off his pants. On his face was another one of his signature smiles… you know, the ones that make you want to smile too? "I just want you to know that… I appreciate it Anna, I really do."

She hugged the clothes to her chest. "Appreciate what? How I spend my time doing all the household chores while the rest of you sit around doing nothing?"

The shaman gave a quiet laugh. "That's not exactly what I meant… I just wanted to say thanks… you know, for everything you do… not just for everyone else… but for me."

Anna didn't make a sound. I wondered if she was blushing, or if she was at least feeling any embarrassment underneath that cold exterior. But a moment later, she turned away from Yoh, causing me to jolt a step back. I kept my sight on her though… out of curiousity, I was beginning to wonder how much progress these two had – secretively – made during the past few years.

Her face was twisted in frustration. Odd… wasn't Yoh paying her a compliment? A sign of gratitude?

"Don't bother with compassion, Yoh. I do all of this for a reason – because I have to. It's just like this whole 'relationship' … we didn't choose each other, this was arranged." Anna's face then fell with despair. "We could have so easily made our own decisions in the matter… like Miho did. But we didn't. And this is where we are now, Yoh, against my will and against yours."

I couldn't understand what made Anna snap, and I assumed Yoh couldn't either. He frowned. A sight I rarely saw and couldn't feel accustomed to. "So… if you had the chance, you'd change all of this?"

She paused. Hesitantly, Anna drew a deep breath and sighed. "No… of course not."

Yoh didn't say another word.

"I'm sorry I brought this up."

But this time the shaman played on with his usual cool and collected attitude. He chuckled and offered his biggest smile yet. "Ah, don't sweat it Anna."

I knew too well, however. After all, I was used to masking up all my emotions for years… I knew the act, and I could just barely see through it. There was a noticeable hint of sadness behind that smile. It was just too carefree for someone bearing all the weight of reality on his shoulders. Yoh knew of the realism in Anna's speech… they both knew it, but it was just too brutally honest.

Never, during my childhood, had I ever seen such a bottled-up sorrow in Yoh's eyes. I sighed and without further ado, decided now was the best time to take my leave…

xxxxx

Finally, I came upon Horohoro's door, just a couple minutes after my last excursion. But I just couldn't take my mind off my two good friends… Anna and Yoh… surely a pair as strong as those two couldn't be torn apart…?

I scoffed and tossed the thought aside as I slid Horohoro's door open, forgetting to knock with my mind still temporarily on hold.

He was sitting on the floor, in front of a wall. I watched as he threw a ball at that wall and caught it as it bounced back to him… over and over and over again…

"Um… Horohoro… do you want to talk?" I finally interjected.

The snow shaman caught the ball for the last time. Blankly, he looked over at me. I noticed the resistant look in his eyes and frowned, nodding my head in understanding. What I didn't understand, however, was the sinking feeling inside of me.

"No, wait."

I caught his gaze just in time to see the change in it.

"Miho, stay a bit."

I turned to close the door, trying my best to smile. Horohoro threw the ball over his shoulder where it landed in a pile of clothes. "You're still upset." I pinpointed, taking a seat on the floor, just beside him.

He shrugged. "I just don't get it… one minute, they're hardly alive to each other… the next, she's suddenly indulging in her 'feelings' for him."

"I think you're just afraid of losing your little sister." I smirked, poking at Horohoro's arm.

The boy blushed a beet red. "Of course not!" He protested. "I'd be more than happy to have Pirika gone, but…"

"Hm?"

"But… you know, as her brother, it's sorta my 'duty' to look after her, right?"

I inwardly gushed at his statement. How sweet… "There's nothing wrong with that."

"I just don't want her to be with someone that'll only cause her grief!" Horohoro continued.

"So, you really think Ren would do that to Pirika?" I inquired, pouching my lips in contemplation. "You really think he isn't the one for her?"

"Nope."

I sighed. "Love's a complicated thing, Horohoro. Honestly, I wouldn't know jack about it… but I do understand that it just has this way of creeping up on you… whether it's in the blink of an eye, or maybe in years to come… but somehow, it's just there, ready to prance on you whenever it feels like it." I chuckled, shaking my head. "I don't mean for it to sound ferocious or anything… but my point is, it's not as if Pirika or Ren planned for this to happen… I guess 'Cupid' decided to play around today and felt like connecting the two, before either of them could realize it – especially Pirika."

Horohoro glanced at me questioningly. I gave my warmest smile and concluded my speech: "It's just that everyone needs a shoulder to lean on, and love wants to pull the strings to let that happen."

"So you're saying I should just let them be?"

"I'm saying that maybe those two will actually need each other in the end of it all," I explained, "but I can't decide what's best for your sister and I definitely can't make up your mind for you. It's just a piece of advice, Horohoro."

"Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on…" he repeated.

I nodded, hugging my knees to my chest. "Even me."

It was a while before either of us spoke up again.

"Miho?"

"Yeah?"

"Ya know… my shoulder's always free."

Automatically, I brought my eyes to look into his. I felt my insides stir at his comment, but I let it out as a quiet chuckle. Slowly, I inched a bit closer to him and almost as if I had been doing so for such a long time, I placed my head on his shoulder, allowing my mind to erupt and my body to freeze.

It wasn't just an ordinary feeling, it was much more. It made me feel at home, like this was just the comfort I had been searching for after my mother's death, after my world was torn to bits… But now, it was as if something, or someone, was trying its hardest to fill in the blanks, to colour in the emptiness… to repair the shattered feelings… piece by piece.

Minutes flew by, but it felt like an eternity. I still didn't lift my head from Horohoro's shoulder. I felt awkward as the tension drained and silence took its place. I didn't blush, nor did I feel embarrassed… but that's what was so awkward. I wasn't the Miho that trained the Arts for five years in the most peculiar places… and I wasn't the one that would usually blush and squirm in the close comfort of a male… I was the one that was lost here. Forgetting her place, and allowing herself to slip…

But it felt so right.

Suddenly, the silence broke. Horohoro's voice began to ring through my ears. "Do you really think he deserves a chance?"

Unwillingly, I took my head off the boy to look directly at him. "You mean Ren?"

He nodded.

"It's still your decision to make… but I advice you don't do anything to hurt your sister." I warned. "Don't let your grudge against Ren be your guideline for her happiness."

"Mhmm."

… That response didn't exactly reassure anything for me.

With my opinion finally voiced, I brought myself to my feet. "And thank you, Horohoro."

"For what?" he asked, also getting up.

"For the shoulder." I smiled.

The shaman smirked. "It's always there if you need it."

"I'll take that into consideration then."

"Hey, Miho?"

I stopped midway in my walk towards the exit. "Hai?"

Horohoro was blushing. "Does this mean I can… you know, take you out sometime…"

"Again?" I joked, laughing in an attempt to suppress another mad blushing fit. "I'll think about it."

I slipped out the door and closed it, listening to Horohoro's audible sigh. The time we spent together had us both hooked like a bad addiction… but whatever it was we were 'hooked' on couldn't possibly be something good. I shook my head and grinned. "If I get too attached, I won't be able to tear myself away from you… stupid."

Rikku: Yep, there's chapter 5 re-written… phew, it was a long one too. Please review guys, I'd really appreciate it!

-
Nishikido-Rikku
( x-Rikku-x )

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. Thank you!