Hello lovely readers! I've been really busy lately, sorry for the absence. Please accept this long fluffy chapter to make up. I really hope you enjoy it just as much or even more than myself writing the date chapters. YAY for Yohna!
Not sure when I'll update next, maybe two weeks? So hopefully the below will keep you busy ;-)
And thank you to everyone reading and especially commenting. Your comments make my day and really motivate me to keep on writing. BIG THANK YOU!
Summary: Yoh and Anna are preparing to go on their first date out. All the rest are just spoilers. Oh, and warning, fluffiness ahead aka LET YOHNA BE HAPPY AND IN LOVE. They deserve it. Don't even try to change my mind 😉
Timeline: Before the star announcing the tournament comes/ before the Ragoh Star.
Chapter 11: Just a boy and a girl on date
Part 1 - Jittery, but happy
"Yoh-dono, I can't believe I am saying this, but Anna really makes you happy! Like honestly if you two wouldn't have told me about your relationship, I think by now I would have been at least certain something is up because it's really showing!" Amidamaru beamed proudly of himself for having come to these conclusions.
"What do you mean?" Yoh asked confused.
It's Saturday, 07:30 am in the morning and Yoh's running with his triple weights around the neighbourhood doing his training. He has to finish another few kms because he has to be ready for 8 am when he and Anna are going to leave for their first outdoor date. Their train is at 8:30 and Anna told him she doesn't want to rush to the station which is only at 20 minutes from them.
"Well, Yoh-dono, your smile is brighter, like you smiled before, but now even when you're thoughtful or lost in thought I can see the corners of your mouth turning into a smile."
"How do you know it's because of Anna or because I'm thinking of her?" Yoh asked flustered.
"It's showing Yoh-dono! Even your reaction now is a confirmation, but you always look her way and then your smile grows. It's also because she's the only major catalyst in your life lately, can't think of anything that could have just suddenly made you happier. I am sure it's not the hell training or the extra training although at times you're smiling during training too. Initially I was worried you're trying to hide something behind that smile like you do at times, but now I know it's nothing to worry and it's a genuine smile. You're so in love Yoh-dono, it's actually adorable!" Amidamaru awed.
"Amidamaru!" Yoh cried scandalized, his face red as a tomato.
"I'm sure Manta will probably notice too, he's your friend after all!"
"Manta too?!" Yoh asked absolutely mortified almost tripping over his own feet.
"Yes, but don't worry Yoh-dono, I'm sure he won't connect it to Anna immediately. She's also showing, but you have to spot her, she's really good at keeping a façade most of the time, but sometimes she also randomly smiles and I'm sure you're the reason!"
"She smiles because of me…" Yoh said smiling happily, yet his cheeks were still red from embarrassment.
He wasn't used to discussing so openly his relationship with Anna, yet he wanted to hear what Amidamaru thought. He somehow felt good to know someone knew and 'approved' it and also understood how much happiness it brought him.
"If I wouldn't have seen you two, I would have been certain the TV just over exaggerates love! I've never seen people in love and Fernando and Camille were my first OTP…" Amidamaru continued in his usual enthusiastic chatty matter.
"OTP?"
"It stands for one true pairing, Yoh-dono, Anna taught me, she said she learnt the term from her friends. It's when two people work together, like soulmates or are connected by the red thread! It's usually used by fans watching a particular show and it can be used for characters within any show."
"Aha…" Yoh nodded, but then his face became red again as a particular thought crossed his mind. 'Am I and Anna this OTP thing?!'
"So I was saying…" Amidamaru continued happily as he was whenever he got a chance to speak about his OTP. "I've never seen people in love in real life before Camille and Fernando and I thought they're just following a script - that's also what Anna said, that they're just very good at acting and it's not real. However, Yoh-dono, ever since I've been around you and Anna, I really think some parts aren't made up at all!"
"Wh..what?" Yoh sweatdropped.
"Your eyes sparkle and have this shine whenever Anna's around or you think of her or you hear her name, you smile brighter, you get nervous, you two act exactly like Fernando and Camille, Yoh-dono, I am sure! You both are in love, no, I think the best term is that you're both smitten because you're at times barely aware of how much you love each other and I am sure of this because we had this episode and…YOH-DONO! Oh, no, are you OK? Have you fainted from all the intense training? Yoh-dono, say something!"
Yoh just tripped and landed on the ground with his full body. His weights are killing him, but that's not the reason he doesn't want to get back up. He's just absolutely mortified after hearing Amidamaru's opinion on him and Anna. He thought he wanted to hear it, but now he realized he doesn't. He's so flustered he's not surprised he fell.
He can see with the corner of his eyes that Amidamaru's flying around him panicked so he needs to say something, yet he feels his mouth dry. And then he remembers what Amidamaru said, and his face is all red again and he doesn't want to say anything. Yet he knows he has the date and he can't be late…
Truth to be told, he's really jittery about it and that's part of the reason he got so overwhelmed by the discussion with Amidamaru too. He knows how long Anna's been planning for it and he wants things to go well for both of them. They deserve some quality time together, they didn't get a chance lately at all.
"Yoh-dono, are you OK, please say something? Should I go get…"
"Am I really that obvious? I mean is really all over my face that I'm in love with Anna?" Yoh admitted face still on the ground not daring to look at his ghost.
Amidamare laughed.
"Amidamaru!" Yoh raised his face to pout at him.
"It's not plainly obvious, but to people who know you, it is really showing! As I said, Manta should notice something, but don't worry, if someone doesn't know about you and Anna, they won't make the connection to her. Your face just reads 'in love' to people who know you well, but it's oblivious that it's about you and Anna though." Amidamaru explained as he watched Yoh get back up to running.
They are getting closer to the house.
"OK, I do admit maybe I am a bit happier lately because of her…" Yoh said chuckling trying to brush off his uneasiness.
"Yoh-dono, I didn't say it as a bad thing, I think it's wonderful you and Anna love each other so dearly! Like I know before she cared for you enough not to kill you, but ever since you two actually started to work on this relationship, I think her affection for you and your affection for her has bloomed into something beautiful! I apologise if my words have given you the wrong message, I was just trying to say that I am really happy that you two have taken this step to show each other your affection openly rather than just keep it inside yourselves. I think it's really helping your lives for the better."
"Thank you Amidamaru, that's really nice to know." Yoh smiled finally understanding.
Amidamaru might be extremely embarrassed about seeing him and Anna together, but now with him, his spirit was much confident in expressing his thoughts about their relationship. It was also Amidamaru's way to show his support and encouragement towards his master's relationship, but he got 'a bit' too enthusiastic because he compared Anna and Yoh to Camille and Fernando.
"…and it's also really nice to feel loved Amidamaru." Yoh added after a while smiling shyly.
"Yes, that does sound like a really nice feeling!" Amidamaru nodded before he saw Yoh's small smile grow.
"It just feels so warm and cosy and I feel so happy. And what makes it even better is that we feel the same because, I don't know, it just makes it so much better…"
"Uhh, Yoh-dono…" Amidamaru commented as he saw his master running past the house.
"Like when I'm with her at times I feel the happiest I've been in my life, this love thing is so cool! And it's also quite great Anna does love me back because she's so pretty and beautiful and…"
"Yoh-dono, the house…"
"…smart, strong, cute, her hair is so soft…" Yoh continued lost in thought and running happily.
"YOH-DONO!" Amidamaru cried putting himself in front of his master.
"…and can you believe it she actually likes me ba…Oh, what is it Amidamaru?" Yoh finally stopped just after he passed through his ghost.
"You passed the house."
"I DID?!"
"Yoh-dono, you know when you think of Anna you get a bit more dreamy than usual and your emotions take control…But I really think she won't be pleased if you're late…"
"No, no, I can't be late!" Yoh cried and started running back even faster than before although he was really tired. "Thanks for bringing me back, Amidamaru! And for being so great about this, it's nice to say certain things about it out loud actually…" Yoh admitted giving Amidamaru his characteristic smile.
"I'm here for you Yoh-dono, after all we're not just a team, we're also friends." The ghost replied gratefully.
"Exactly!" The boy answered gratefully as he entered the gates making his way towards the house.
"And Yoh-dono, of course I believe she likes you back! Why wouldn't she? You're such a kind and friendly person. Actually what you told me makes me believe you feel as if Anna is the only one who likes you or even loves you, but Yoh-dono, you forgot there's also your family and I am sure they love you dearly too."
For a second, sadness crossed Yoh's features as he got the weights off and Amidamaru noticed the boy also went still. Before he had a chance to ask about it, Yoh's smile was back on his face.
"Yeah, it's great Anna loves me…" Yoh said smiling softly, before he ran towards the showers.
Yoh didn't say anything about his family. Amidamaru didn't miss that.
"UHHH, NO!" Anna complained gritting her teeth in frustration as she threw the shirt off her on the wall.
Then she kicked the skirt of her and went to sit annoyed in the middle of the room in her underwear, pouting. The house ghosts had been warned - either go out of the house before 8 or stay for a trip to Hell. So, she's all by herself and preparing for the date.
She had tried out several outfits:
Her usual black dress - too normal, it's a special occasion, she wants to wear something different.
A kimono - it looks too formal.
A yukata - stands too much out!
A shirt and trousers - looks to casual.
A shirt and shorts - looks as if she's going to train Yoh.
Long shirt and trousers - no, she just doesn't like it, she actually feels like wearing a dress or a skirt.
A red dress - again looks too formal
A different black dress - no, too similar to her daily one
Another red one - too plain!
A shirt and skirt - she looks like she's ten years old!
'Uhhh, everything is just either too formal, or plain or just not what I want to wear!' Anna growled to herself annoyed.
There are ten minutes left. She has to find something!
"Anna, are you ready?" She hears Yoh ask through the door.
"Almost. Why, are you?"
"Of course!"
"I hope you didn't just put on your school outfit."
"…"
"We're doing something special Yoh, dress accordingly." Anna said annoyed that she's putting in this much effort and he didn't even consider dressing up.
"On second thoughts, I'll be ready."
She heard his door open and close. She sighed. At least now she's not the only one struggling to find an outfit. Is she putting too much thought into it? She didn't think she'll need this much time, yet here she is with no outfit ready yet.
Anna's doing it mostly for herself, but also because she wants to see Yoh's reaction. Would he even notice she's wearing something new? Since when did it start to matter for her? Isn't she different from the other girls of her age? What changed?
For the first time since the deal, Anna realized that she never thought of herself as a normal girl of her age. She's a strong itako. She's a shaman. She's Yoh's fiancée. Yet, she's also at times a girl of her age and this really hits her upon the realization. She's also a teen that goes at school and the struggles of this young age are showing. She briefly wonders if Yoh's also pondering these questions…
It's always been him and her - the two betrothed kids, now teens. She's his fiancée and he is hers, but at the end of the day, shaman powers aside, they are just two fourteen-year-old teens - a boy and a girl. And by some wonderful twist of the universe or mercy, they're also deeply in love for one another. And because they love each other, they are about to go on their date, date which is really important and a key moment in their relationship according to Anna.
The girl growled and eyed her wardrobe angrily until her eyes suddenly spot something white inside.
'My purse, at least I have one thing for the outfit.'
She crawled towards it to grab it yet upon approaching she realized that's not her purse - that's actually on the drawer, she'd already prepared that, she remembered. This was a white box.
It happened a couple of weeks ago, she was coming from her self-defense class when she passed this cloth shop. She spotted it on one of the mannequins in the window - it was a red dress with a black belt. The shoulders were visible and it stopped just above the knees. Anna liked clothes, but she wasn't too interested in shopping. However, something about this outfit just drew her to it.
She went in the shop and the lady selling it encouraged her to try it on. Anna loved how it looked on her - it emphasized her thin waist and slim body. And red made her look great! At the same time, it felt surprisingly comfortable. The shop woman also brought her matching red wedges that had tiny ribbons on the front.
Anna admired herself in the mirror. She loved this outfit, but she shouldn't be spending the money on herself. It's not like she needed this new dress. She was about to tell the lady that she won't buy it when the woman came with a red ribbon and started fixing it in Anna's hair. The girl stiffened, she didn't like her personal space invaded, but before she had a chance to give a piece of her mind to the lady, she had already stepped away to let her watch herself in the mirror.
Anna bit her lip really liking how she looked. She knew she was beautiful. She knew she didn't need a dress to feel so.
"I'll make you a special discount if you buy both the dress and the shoes. The ribbon is from the house. It really suits you so well!" The lady said smiling pleasantly.
Anna really wanted not to buy it. She had to resist. The Asakura money was for necessities only - like food. She could use the money she still had from the voucher Manta gave her, but then again, it wouldn't be enough and she was keeping that one for her date with Yoh. She'll just have to be strong and say no to the nice lady. She's only nice to her after all because she wants her to buy it.
"I bet that the boys around will surely drop dead upon seeing you. They probably usually eye you, but with this dress…actually, at how beautiful you are darling, don't you have a boyfriend already?"
Although the woman's nosy question irked Anna, it did make her resolve crumble. How would Yoh react seeing her in this? Why did it suddenly matter what he also thought?
She sighed. She really wanted to show it to him.
So here she was once again all dressed in the outfit. She finished arranging her hair before she added the ribbon. She twirled around the mirror admiring herself. She couldn't stop smiling at the sight. She really looked so pretty and it pleased her. She kept the receipt and the dress hidden in her wardrobe, too shy to actually show it to Yoh. She actually convinced herself she'll return it. And she was going to, but she just wanted to see herself once more in it. That's all. No other reason.
She looked at the clock. It was 8:00. She'll just need another 5 minutes to change into something else…she didn't know what, but she couldn't wear this dress. She had to return it unfortunately. She'll get the money back. That was the correct thing to do. They ate only rice the week they bought the dress. When Yoh asked why, Anna said it's part of the training. She never admitted it was because she spent the groceries money on the dress, yet she felt bad at the time. So she had to make up for that.
"Anna, are you ready? It's getting late."
"No, I need to change." She replied just as she was about to take her ribbon down.
"Uhm, Anna…"
"What is it now Yoh?" She asked annoyed because she wanted to get this done.
"I got the training time wrong…the train leaves during the weekdays at 8:30. It leaves in the weekend at 8:20, sorry…Amidamaru just came back from there, he went to check as you have previously instructed him to do. And the next one comes in one hour, but if you need time to change…"
"NO, I'll just stay like this, we don't have time." Anna shouted frustrated with the universe and opened the door remembering to also grab her white purse along. "Come on, let's go Yoh, it's already getting late. Yoh?"
Yoh froze. Anna just looked absolutely stunning to him. He knew she was naturally beautiful, but this outfit just emphasized it furthermore. The red dress was the perfect size, highlighting her beautiful slim body. It matched with the shoes that made her almost as tall as him. The outfit was perfectly completed by a cute red ribbon which Yoh found the most adorable accessory he's ever seen her wore. Her hair was up on a ponytail.
Yoh opened his mouth to say something, but totally forgot and closed it back. He just plainly stared at her unable to move or say anything. His cheeks got red and his mind started racing nervously: 'How could she be even more pretty than she already is?! Did her legs always look so beautiful? Red really is her colour. No, red and black, definitely, but pink's also really cute on her. How come she loves me?! Pretty girls don't look at boys like me…I can't believe my family had actually done one thing right and that was getting her as my fiancée. Now I'm grateful she put me change. Did she dress for the date? For me? For her? For us?'
"Yoh, we are going to be late. It's already late! And would you stop staring?! At least say something, is there something wrong with this dress, cause you know what, I wanted to change it anyway, we'll just take the next train." Anna said blushing from the intensity of his gaze, feeling uncomfortable. 'He doesn't like it, he's staring and trying to come up with something. This was such a bad idea, I also wasted the money…' Anna told herself turning around and gritting her teeth because she felt so nice until he had to ruin it and now she felt so upset about it that she felt tears pricking at the corner of her eyes.
"No, wait!" Yoh finally found his voice and grabbed her wrist when he saw her beautiful figure was ready to storm away and he just wanted to stare at her more…forever maybe... "You're just so beautiful and I…I am just overwhelmed and Anna, you're just so beautiful and that ribbon is so cute!" Yoh blurred blushing and closed his eyes expecting at least a slap from such an open outburst, but he didn't let go of her wrist.
It was Anna's turn to be stunned and at a loss of words. She turned back towards him and at his scared figure because he was afraid he'd said too much. She was actually feeling both flattered by his compliments and overwhelmed, not expecting such a strong reaction.
With this occasion she got a chance to check him out herself. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans and an orange hoodie. He had a grey backpack and his hair was hanging freely, his headphones probably in it. Anna blushed more, he was very beautiful too, in her opinion. She smiled and leaned to kiss his cheek.
Yoh was so surprised he opened his eyes and found her amber ones looking into his.
"You're very handsome yourself, now let's rush, I think we can actually catch that train if we speed up, but I need to lean on you, I'm not used to walking on those." Anna admitted shyly as she got her hand out of his grab just so she could properly hold his hand.
"That's fine, I got these super sneakers! The lady from the shop said they are so good you don't even feel yourself running!" Yoh said excitingly showing off his new 'cool' orange shoes with white markings and laces.
They started walking towards the station.
"Yoh, when did you buy these?" Anna asked not remembering ever seeing him wear these sneakers before, these shiny, new looking, brand looking sneakers.
"Well, Anna…" His voice was sheepish and his free hand went behind his head awkwardly. "I bought them before you moved in with me. I was shopping for school items and this shop assistant was so convincing that I couldn't say no…and then I found a shop with cheaper items and felt too lazy to go and return them so I kept them. I barely wore them in PE at school though, because I sometimes forgot to take them with me and I didn't want to leave them at school because they look quite expensive, and were, and was afraid someone might steal them. I had to only ate rice that week because they were indeed quite pricey, and I just didn't know how to explain it to my family that I spent half of the money they sent on shoes. I mean they finally let me by myself and I blew half of the budget only on shoes…"
"Oh…"
"Just oh? I was expecting a lecture or at least some kind of apostrophizing from you…" Yoh looked questioning at Anna who was blushing.
"Those things could happen Yoh." Anna said casually avoiding his inquisitive look.
"Yeah, but they don't happen to you, Anna! You're so calculated and have been taking such good care of the budget! You're always careful with our money and spend everything my family sends sensible. I'm amazed you didn't get yourself some stuff, I mean I always hear girls talk about how many clothes they just buy, but then again, you're a different girl…" Yoh wondered out loud.
"Different girl?" Anna frowned.
"You're a shaman girl!"
"-_-"
"But it's true! And the fact you are so careful with buying stuff must be a characteristic of it! Mum's also careful when buying stuff!" Yoh concluded, yet he looked unsure of his explanation himself.
"Shut up, shaman boy." Anna pouted cheeks red.
"You sound upset." Yoh noticed.
"No, I'm not."
"Is it because I made you shaman girl? I didn't mean it as an insult I was just trying to compliment your buying habits."
"No, Yoh, it's not that!" Anna snapped and let go off his arm trying to speed walk ahead of him.
"Then what is it, what did I say? Anna, watch out!" Yoh rushed to catch her elbow just as she almost tripped. He helped stabilize her.
"Stupid shoes." Anna mumbled leaning once again on Yoh, pouting.
"I don't want to ruin the date from the beginning, so tell me what's bothering you." Yoh pleaded.
"Uhhhh!"Anna growled scaring Yoh who stopped to look at her half concerned, half afraid of her reaction. "I bought this dress with your family's money and I shouldn't have! So stop complimenting me on something I'm as bad as you on!" She huffed and dragged him after her. "Come on, we're going to miss the train!"
"Are you afraid that my family will say something? I won't tell them, so don't worry."
"They send the money for necessities only. This wasn't a necessity. Even your acquisition was kind of a necessity, but mine wasn't!" Anna replied angry more at herself than him.
"But I think it's fine to buy yourself things you like now and then. They send us money for that too. And this dress is really great!"
"They do send us, but this was over the budget we receive for buying stuff we want for ourselves. It was almost half of the budget for our groceries!" Anna tried to make him understand how bad it was, yet Yoh shrugged.
"It's OK Anna…"
"No, it's not! We ate rice for a week because of this dress!" She snapped annoyed. He shouldn't encourage her!
"Let me finish! I meant it's OK to buy expensive stuff for yourself if you don't do it often, I guess it's like you said, it just happens. So honestly, I won't tell my family, but I wouldn't worry too much over that either. We're engaged, so it's your money too." Yoh said understanding.
"I made you eat rice for a week." Anna tried to reason once more, but Yoh could see her resolve was breaking.
"We survived, you said it was part of the training. And it's not like I didn't have to eat only rice before myself when I bought the pricey sneakers. It's all in the past now anyway. I forgive you, the dress was worth it!" Yoh commented checking her out, eyes shining and smile wide.
"I'll ask Manta for another voucher to make up for it." Anna mumbled face red. "And could you stop staring? Your brain is going to shut down again and we're going to both fall face flat on the asphalt." She added giving him a light shake to the arm.
"That also works." Yoh admitted and then moved his gaze to her face and saw the ribbon again. 'So cuuuute!'
"Mind the step, Yoh!" Anna told him noticing he was still staring at her instead of the road ahead judging by his dreamy look.
'She should wear a ribbon more often, it makes her look really adorable and less serious. And the ponytail also suits her quite well!' Yoh thought eyes still glued to her.
"Master Yoh!" Amidamaru shouted.
"Yoh!" Anna also screamed hanging on to him.
"We're fine!" Yoh defended maintaining their balance as best as he could.
Of course that because Yoh was so busy staring at Anna, he missed the step in front of them. He temporarily lost his balance, dragging Anna down with him. However, he managed to land in one hand and kept his body up while also supporting Anna's weight, who landed on his back.
"I told you to stop staring, idiot!" Anna huffed as they stood up.
"Sorry Anna!"
"Uhh, master Yoh-dono…"
"Yes Amidamaru, I know, I'll watch my steps…"
"No, not that. You're 10 minutes away from the station and the train leaves in 5 minutes."
"Oh!"
'And you both look so adorable, I could take one of those modern pictures if I had a camera! Can't blame Yoh-dono for staring, both him and Anna are so cute! And defiantly that ribbon makes Anna less scary. Fernando and Camille always look great, but my kids right here look awesome too, even better because they are so young and adorably in love.' Amidamaru awed internally looking like a proud parent at his master and his fiancée.
"Erase that wide stupid grin and creepy stare before I slap you into Hell and stop staring at me too!" Anna hissed coldly in Amidamaru's direction making the ghost take a step away from them. However, he noticed the girls small blush and realized he must have embarrassed her. 'It's hard to take Anna seriously in this outfit and when she's so kawaii around Yoh.' Amidamaru thought his face still happy.
"I MEANT IT!" Anna cried sharply making Amidamaru recoil in fear as the girl threw a rock through him. And another. And then another which looked so big. And she was hissing. Thank God Yoh held her hand or else Amidamaru was sure she would have jumped on him by now!
'AAAA, I forgot only Yoh gets a pass with those! This cinnamon roll will kill me!' Amidamaru screamed internally crying in fear.
"I know how we can make it!" Yoh told Anna also trying to distract her from throwing stones at Amidamaru. "Climb on my back! We're going to Funbari-dash there!"
"-_-" Anna threw another stone eying the ghost with her murderous gaze. "OK." She threw another one sending blazing daggers at the spirit." You're lucky we're late or else I would have strangled you with my beads!" Anna threatened the ghost as she climbed on Yoh's back. He had moved his backpack at the front.
"I apologise!" Amidamaru pleaded bowing down, trembling and sobbing in fear from the girl's anger aimed at him.
"Good, that's a much better way to look at me!" Anna said proudly hands around Yoh's neck and leaning her chin on his shoulder.
Yoh sweatdropped as he threw an apologetic look towards Amidamaru. Then he dashed towards the station.
"You have the beads?" He asked just as he jumped two steps at a time.
"Of course! I knew you won't take any weapon, so I had to come prepared instead. You know very well that last time we went to the movies we got attacked!"
"Good point."
"The lady from the shop lied! The sneakers don't run by themselves, I had to do all the effort!" Yoh complained once he and Anna were seated in the train, one next to another, trying to catch his breath.
"I hope you are not implying I was heavy?" She eyed him promising murder if an affirmative answer would come.
"No, I'm sure it's not you, I carried you before, it's the shoes and having to run long distances in a short time. I barely noticed your weight, you're definitely nothing compared to the weights and I am sure you can tell I'm not lying." Yoh commented watching Anna. He noticed she was still angry because of Amidamaru.
"That's good to know." Anna replied face neutral, yet internally she was pleased with his compliment.
Yoh moved his hand slowly towards Anna's, moving one if his fingers shyly towards hers. Anna grabbed his hand startling him. He looked at her and saw her watching the window absent-mindedly, yet a blush was visible on her face and he saw a small smile on her face in the reflection of the window. He beamed back happy they were holding hands. He felt her relax, her previous anger evaporating as if their hand-holding 'magically' helped her calm down.
"So, where are we going anyway? Can I ask now or is it still a surprise?" He asked with genuine curiosity and she turned to look at him.
"No, it's fine now. We're heading in the other part of the city, where no one knows us, so we'll be safe from any familiar faces…"
"Manta!" Amidamaru said suddenly appearing in front of them.
"Yes Amidamaru, like Manta." Anna replied irritated. She remembered her previous anger towards the ghost.
"No, no, I meant that's Manta!" Amidamaru insisted trying to lower himself down at the teens' feet.
Both Yoh and Anna turned around to see Manta happily strolling through the train hall followed by a tall man with glasses - his butler, Tamurazaki.
The teens ducked and exchanged a quick 'what now?' glance. It was too late to move somewhere else and there was no nearby place to hide.
Yoh suddenly had an idea and started to look through his backpack. He found some sunglasses and put them one. He put his hood up, hiding his hair. He also gave Anna a white plain t-shirt from the backpack which she quickly put it on trying to make it look as if her outfit was made out of a skirt and shirt.
Following his example, Anna then grabbed from her purse a picnic blanket and put it around Yoh covering his body. She also let her hair loose, untying the ponytail and the ribbon and quickly putting the red material around her neck instead.
"Let's pretend we're a couple sleeping." She whispered as she also got a pair of sunglasses from her purse and put it on.
She then shyly rested her head on Yoh's shoulder and closed her eyes. She felt his head rest on her and her hand squeezed her from under the cover reassuringly.
She prayed Manta won't notice them. She watched behind her sunglasses how the little boy seemed to walk past them focused on his chat with the butler.
'Come on, go forward, go forward…or I will kill you.' Anna threatened mentally.
She heard Yoh hold his breath.
Manta is past them at the next seats, but has stopped to make a point about whatever he is speaking and is gesticulating in his characteristic manner.
She can't hear Yoh breathing and he seems to try and shift. It takes Anna a second to realize he's actually trying not to sneeze. Her hair must have tickled him, she left it quite messy after uniting the ribbon and ponytail.
Manta is still too close by.
Before she gets a chance to tell Yoh to refrain from sneezing, he's already 'achooed' out loud, yet he quickly gets back into his fake sleeping, moving his head away from her. However, they have drawn Manta's attention.
"Anna?"
'Damn it, he recognized me, but it might still be a chance for Yoh. I mean, I can't fake and say it's not me, my voice would give me, but as long as Yoh doesn't say anything…' She gives Yoh a reassuring hand squeeze before she moves her glasses away with the other hand to look at Manta bored. She doesn't let go of their entwined hands, keeping them under the cover for her own comfort.
"Manta? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question." Manta looks confused at the apparently sleeping man next to Anna. "Who is he?"
'It can't be Yoh. Anna would never let Yoh come this close to her personal space, I swear I saw this man sleeping on her shoulder or something like that when I passed by, but didn't even considered the woman is Anna! This guy looks weird, like one of those bad guys that smoke near the trash area behind our school. He must be into sports, those sneakers he wears are a very famous sport brand, Yoh never wears brand stuff or pricey stuff.' Manta thought quickly inspecting the guy. 'What is he doing with Anna? She also looks quite dressed up and why is she this close to him?! Could she be… CHEATING ON YOH?!'
"I'm asking the questions here." Anna said narrowing her eyes murderously at Manta's thoughtful expression. "And close that mouth, you're drawing attention to us and you know I hate when people stare for nothing." She added looking around coldly.
A few nosy people turn back to their places.
"Do you know this lady mister Manta? Is she bothering you?" The butler asks looking uneasy at the girl who's throwing now daggers in his direction.
"She's a friend from school Tamurazaki, don't worry. Please go check if the next station is ours."
The butler nods and walks down the aisle to look for the train map.
"I am going to a university fair, my father sent me to it. It's coming at the next station and the speaker advised us to move forward down the aisle because the platform is too short and the back wagons won't reach it. What are you doing here? Who's your friend there?"
"You're being quite nosy and I don't like it." Anna said coldly as she put her sunglasses in her purse uninterested to respond.
"Where is Yoh?"
"He's training."
"Does he know you are here?"
"It's NONE of his or your business." She replied sharply and started looking at the window.
A sudden thought crossed Manta's mind. His face goes pale.
"Anna…" She eyed him again annoyed. "…are you…being blackmailed or something like that?...as in…is this guy keeping you…hostage?" Manta whispered worriedly.
Anna looked at him surprised for a second, a bit touched by his concern for her, but she avoided showing him the latter. Her face went back to her expressionless state before she responded less 'bitey':
"No, I am fine. I am just going on a da…" She stopped, biting her tongue, it wasn't the moment to be honest! "On a daily trip with the train, I like visiting different parts of Tokyo on my spare time with this guide. He's a local guide. Amidamaru recommended me the tour, you know he tours the city and knows some good places around." Anna explained keeping her voice steady and confident. Then she just waved her hand dismissively turning back to her window.
Manta wanted to believe Anna. No matter how evil she was, he did show she cared for Yoh and had some kind of compassion for him. And maybe Anna and the man just happened to fall asleep and fall on one another or he didn't see well when he passed by them. He shouldn't jump to conclusions so fast.
Anna never gave him the cheating vibes, though he would have never thought such a beautiful smart determined girl like her would hang out with such a slacker absent-minded guy like Yoh. So Manta just nodded smiling. His butler returned to announce their train was just approaching the station.
He was about to wave goodbye when his eyes noticed something he didn't see before. The blanket on the man had slightly shifted and Manta noticed his hand. The hand that was being held by Anna. He gasped just as the train stopped.
"Let's go Manta-sama!" His butler ushered him away.
Manta followed sadly, yet also angrily.
Anna was cheating on Yoh.
"All clear." Anna told Yoh as soon as she saw Manta out of the train and the train started moving again.
"Do you think he bought it?" Yoh asked getting from the cover and freeing his head so he could arrange himself back to his previous look.
He shook his bangs and put the sunglasses in the backpack.
"It seemed like, but I think he noticed something he didn't like in the end. He looked bothered by something, and I swear I saw him peak rather angry in my direction when he got down the train. Maybe he suspected…" Anna replied giving Yoh the shirt and then she arranged her dress.
She started to fold the picnic blanket to put back in her purse.
"Maybe he wasn't happy his father sent him to the fair. He's not sure what to do in the future, but he told me his father wants him to do a business degree so he can then take over the company in the future. He's not sure he wants to take over the company though…" Yoh explained and turned to look at Anna.
Suddenly his face saddened.
"What?" She asked concerned, accidentally showing too much emotion before she bit her lip prepared to ask a more annoyed 'what'.
"Your ribbon."
"What about it?" She asked flatly.
"Are you going to put it back?"
"And if I not? It distracts you and makes Amidamaru give me creepy looks." She says crossing her arms, yet she actually enjoyed he asked about it. She likes the ribbon very much herself.
"Please, Anna…" Yoh pleaded showing his sweet brown puppy eyes as he brought his hands together praying.
Anna blushed immediately and was way too close to him to be able to control herself - a big grin broke on her face and her soft loving look gazed in his direction. Yoh is so surprised by her obvious emotional display that his puppy eyes turned into surprised puppy eyes. The girl panicked realizing she showed 'waaaay' too much and turned towards the window to hide her embarrassment, only to see the glass was reflecting her face and Yoh was staring at it through it.
She made a frustration noise before she turned back to Yoh. He stiffened, afraid she'll take her annoyance on him, yet she just grabs his hoodie and hides her face there. His face turns into a big smile and he slowly puts his arms around her middle, patting her hair lightly, enjoying being able to touch it.
Anna seemed too mortified to even notice. For her, somehow, hiding in Yoh's shirts had always been a 'safe place' to hide from the rest of the world when she felt too overwhelmed by her new emotions, even if he's the cause. So she just laid there not moving, almost holding her breath, eyes closed, ears focused on his heart beat to help her calm her own racing heartbeat.
"You OK?"
"I'm not talking to you."
"But we're on a date. We're supposed to talk."
"Leave me alone, it's all your fault!" She huffed on his shirt fists clenching harder around it.
"I am sorry, but I don't know what I did?" Yoh was watching her tenderly, enjoying the feel of her soft hair on his fingers.
"Your cute face was too close to my personal space."
"You think my face is cute?" Yoh blushed not expecting that answer or being complimented so bluntly even by her.
"I said that out loud?!" Anna squeaked and pushed her face further in his shirt trying to hide somehow further. She didn't realize she had included 'cute' in the sentence.
"It's OK, I appreciate it, thanks Anna. I think you're really cute too with or without ribbon, but I think it really looks suits you." Yoh beamed and moved his arms further up so they're now around her face, offering her a nice hide out while he continued to play with her hair.
Anna was grateful for his arm shift and enjoys her little hide out, secretly smiling in his shirt.
"Take your time, I'll be here."
He feels her nod.
It took another ten minutes before he felt her move away from him. She first unclenched her fists, then put her hands arounds him. Then he felt her start to breath normally before she shifted slowly away from him. All this time before she is ready, he just sat there turned towards her and held her protectively like that, helping her hide from her own embarrassment. His eyes had been looking at her softly and ever now and then had moved his gaze around or down the window. His hands had never left her hair. He loved having her in his arms.
Anna turned on her chair and tied her hair up in a ponytail before she added the ribbon, making a perfect bow. Yoh is watching her intently. His small curious smile grew wider and wider as she moved on and became huge as she finished her bow and turned towards him, a small blush still visible on her cheeks.
"Happy now?" She huffed grabbing his head and staring into his beautiful eyes. She loved those kind innocent eyes that had overwhelmed her with the intensity of their sincere love emotions.
"Very happy, thank you Anna, you're amazing!" He just couldn't contain his happiness and hugged her.
He immediately realized his gesture through, froze and wanted to retract, but Anna's arms are already on his back, embracing him back.
"It's OK, Yoh!" She said softly enjoying the warmth of his body and the happiness coming out of him. It's so soothing to her soul and heart, making her happy too.
How can something so simple makes him so happy? Why doesn't she grant him these little things that make him so happy? Just because she's uncomfortable to share her personal space? But is she truly uncomfortable when Yoh touches her with his gentle touch? Doesn't she enjoy it?
Isn't it that she's actually uneasy not because she doesn't like her personal space invaded but because the onis from the past have made her fearful and violent? Isn't she uncomfortable being touched because no one before Yoh ever touched her with so much care and love? Isn't she actually just afraid of being hurt if she shares her personal space? But she loves Yoh and knows he won't ever hurt her, he wouldn't, he's Yoh, her guardian angel and saviour. Then why isn't she more acceptable towards his physical love when it makes him so happy and all he wants is to be around her and hug her or play with her hands or hair? Why is she being violent when all he wants is to just share his love with her just as she'd been doing with him?
'I don't want to see him anymore cringe in fear whenever he initiates any physical contact towards me…and I don't want to hurt him, he doesn't deserve it...' Anna suddenly acknowledged taking an important decision going forward.
"I love you." They both whispered softly, almost simultaneously, and barely audible conveying their love and gratefulness for each other's presence in each word.
They are actually both surprised they said it at the same, in perfect unity as if their hearts and souls resonated together the intense feeling. They part just a bit so they can gaze into each other's eyes with wonder before they smile lovingly and hug again. They both cling to each other trying to live as much in the moment as possible. Tears prickle at the corner of his eyes just as he feels Anna's tears on his shoulder.
They untangle eventually, smiling joyfully at one another before they lay their back on the seats, holding hands once more, Anna's head resting on Yoh's shoulder and his head on hers. They are happy and content to sit in silence, enjoying their current pleasant emotion.
Somewhere in the background Amidamaru is ugly-crying, yet happily looking at them. For now going forward nothing can change his mind about Yoh and Anna - the two are madly deeply beautifully in love and this is the most wonderful thing the ghost has ever seen in his 600 + years since he's been alive or dead. He strongly believes nothing will ever change their feelings, their connection and their strong deep bond and Amidamaru is grateful to have seen something so unique that not even Fernando and Camille can portray or show, that he can be part of and protect.
He smiled. The day was still young and so were Yoh and Anna.
'Bless them.' He whispered, looking forward to the day ahead.
