Hao slowly woke up, intuitively trying to locate the source of warmth, which comforted him all night. But instead, he found nothing and no one, only emptiness by his side and in his heart. Hao slapped himself into the forehead as he rolled over onto his back. What was he kidding? Did he really expect her to stay here? To be with him? No, of course not….after all what happened…no way…or maybe a little…a lot is more likely. That was his dream: to see her by his side every morning, to be his first ray of the sun…as well as the last. But is it even possible? No answer could come to this.

Yukiko had already spent an hour in the shower now and her stagnation didn't end. She just sat on warm white bricks and stared to one spot. The blonde couldn't believe that this could end up so soon and so…painfully. What a life! Yukiko just started to think that maybe she found someone, who really cares for her, someone, who she could care back and cherish…but all of it was destroyed within one single night. Anyway, how different this could've been? They are too far away from each other, too different… Oh, why this has to be so hard?

The white haired young woman stood in the terrace of her room. Her red eyes although fixed on the sky, really stared into nothing. Her thoughts kept coming back to yesterday's night, when Keiko announced Jeanne as the future wife or Asakura Hao. Not that she wasn't prepared for it – it was he, who she saw unprepared and caught completely off-guard. And his rush after that blonde woman…who was she? Jeanne turned around and walked to her closet to get ready for the day. It was time she found out who that gorgeous woman was.

Yukiko just changed into her usual red kimono as Keiko entered her room. The blonde bowed and said:

"I didn't have a chance to thank you for letting me to join the feast as a member of this court. This means a lot to me" Keiko nodded, a playful smile not leaving her lips. To Yukiko, it seemed that Keiko knew everything that happened between her and Hao and now, the mistress was about to show her out, but enjoying it right now. But instead of bad treatment, Yukiko received something else…something really big:

"This is what you deserve for well-done job here, in royal circle. Most of court's geisha house's customers are most pleased with you and lately been demanding only for you, almost competing against each other" Keiko paused for a while and after throwing a look to Yukiko's robes continued "however, I will ask you to get used to this appearance" Keiko showed to Yukiko's powder-less face "because from this day on, if you agree with it of course, you are taking my place as okaa-san of royal geisha house" Yukiko gasped, her eyes widened with amazement. Anything but this was expected from Keiko and now, the blonde felt lost and didn't know what to do or what to say. Luckily, Keiko understood her silence well and continued:

"From today, you will be managing fifty best geishas. You must learn how to judge their talents well, how to see what client really needs, you must know each and every geisha, working for you: only then the best results will be seen. You'll be helped by me and my assistants. You can always ask for advice. Until you learn this art, you will be known as my student" Yukiko barely felt her legs. Right now, she realized only two things: she just received the most wanted and most respected duty of geisha world and…she just gotten herself into chains of gold. But, however, the blonde wasn't scared of it at all. She said:

"If you think that I am capable for this duty, I'll except it and do my best" Yukiko bowed to Keiko and the elder woman smiled motherly to the blonde.

"You will make a finest okaa-san ever. Aya didn't mistake about you" and she turned around to leave.

"Let's go now. There's a lot I have to show you" and like this, Keiko brought Yukiko into endless whirl of duties, work and responsibilities.

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So much Yukiko had to learn…four months passed, the winter came and gone and the blonde didn't even notice how sakuras began to bloom in pink and spring was taking over. So many things changed around her and inside her. One thing was easily noticed: Yukiko socialized even less, only giving her time for it when it is needed to talk with customers or other geishas. Right now, when the blonde didn't have to attend clients herself, with all the things she had to do as okaa-san she now had time for reading and spending time…in very strange way…for about two months now, Ren Tao had been visiting her really often…almost every night. They wouldn't talk much; rather just sit in one place, Yukiko usually near the edge of terrace, on the pillow and Ren behind her, leaned against onsen's wall. He'd watch her delicate silhouette and admire her beauty like this, not expressing it, but letting to know it. Yukiko didn't mind it. She somehow learnt to like his presence in his way…distant, yet almost natural way…

On one evening like this few weeks ago, a conversation bloomed between the couple. It wasn't long, but it gotten into both minds deeply. Ren, as always, was sitting against the wall and Yukiko was looking at the white garden and darkening sky. Suddenly, Ren asked:

"Why wouldn't you just kick me out?" the blonde turned around and looked into his cold yellow eyes. Her own eyes didn't show much of a feeling, but inside she let herself to shrug at this question.

"Why don't you answer that for yourself? A person as intelligent as you surely to know the answer"

"Oh really? Why don't you make this easier and enlighten me?" Yukiko shrugged shoulders and turned back at the scenery of coming night.

"Maybe because I don't have anything against you?" she said silently "or maybe because I don't have anyone to sit with me like this? Or maybe both?"

"Strange to say it, but I feel the very same thing…This isn't right, but isn't wrong either" Yukiko nodded slightly, fixing up her robes of fur.

"See? I told you that you can answer this for yourself" her tone was icy, but some flicks of smirk could be sensed there.

"You're cold" suddenly stated Ren and got up, walking to the blonde "let's go inside" he showed to the onsen. Yukiko looked up to him with a look of not trusting animal looks up to the human. She didn't trust him, but however she got up and walked inside the warm building. The water was steaming, but neither had a wish to go into it, so they just sat by little square table and continued with the silence. It was already pitched-like darkness outside, when Ren got up to leave. He usually wouldn't say a word before leaving, but this time, he stopped by the side of the blonde and looked down to her. Yukiko looked up and they stayed immobile for a few seconds. Then, Ren bent down and placed his lips onto Yukiko's…only for few seconds, but it was enough for both to remember.

When Yukiko thought back onto this episode, it seemed like always repeating dream, only with few details changed, but the basis stayed the same. This was one hell of a strange relationship. Strangest from all I was allowed to have. Never had I felt so far away from person, yet so close. How come this could happen, I didn't know…nor did I wish to know…it just happened, that's all.

Not only her relationship with Ren was strange, but it got even stranger with Yoh. All the time, besides the one with Ren or her current job, she would spend with this Asakura clone. The blonde had to admit that she never met someone like him…someone so caring, so childish, so cute…sometimes so naïve. But she liked him this way. She liked his laid-back nature, his laziness, his easy going character…it all reminded to her that she was a person too…that even she had some feelings…eventually, Yoh turned out to be the only person, who could make her smile and even to break into laugh. Yukiko liked those times when he was around, either helping her with some documents or just hanging out in the garden or at Yukiko's place. All in all, that was the only real joy in Yukiko's busy life…the real joy, without mystery, pretending or coldness.

However, without being best friend, Yoh worked his role as a reminder of him…Hao. Each time Yukiko looked at Yoh, she saw his face, his eyes, his laugh, his smirking smile. Maybe that was the main reason why Yukiko liked being with Yoh: he represented Hao. As for him, during these four months, Yukiko barely met him, since he was busy with wedding, always traveling, barely staying at home. Only few glances, stolen on by-passing in corridors were the communication of the two…short, painful and always like a last goodbye. But each time Yukiko saw him, her heart would skip few beats, her lungs would suddenly become airless. He still affected her…and if only she knew, how she affected him…

Hao still couldn't use of seeing Jeanne, his fiancée, each morning by his side. Every time the brunette guy would wake up and through drowsiness of sleep feel something warm by his side, he'd attach himself to the source of warmth, completely sure that it is blonde woman, who he secretly loved…but each time he'd get rid of the laziness, he'd realize that it was only a distant and unknown person, called Jeanne Osoku. Not that he really didn't like her….she was wonderful: intelligent, beautiful, and graceful…but not Yukiko. Jeanne didn't have her attitude, her manners, her talents…her everything. The white haired woman just wasn't Yukiko…wasn't everything Hao loved…wasn't his only world…

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It was one of those warm spring days when the sky was cloudless and wind was carrying a playful joy and wanting to go outside and just enjoy the sun. Yukiko was walking slowly through the main garden of the mansion, admiring beautiful bloom of nature. She loved the spring and summer, which will come after it. These two could always warm her up…in every way. Yet, she wished for someone else to warm her up…not a nature element, but a person…

"Hey, Yukiko!" a voice called. The blonde stopped and turned to the direction of the caller: Yoh. The blonde smiled to herself: oh well, at least a portrait of someone she really wanted to see.

"Hi, Yoh. How's it going?"

"Just wonderful" the brunette guy grinned to her "listen, I have a suggestion: why don't we go to the town. I don't remember you being out of the mansion lately" Yukiko smiled to him.

"You're right I wasn't. Maybe that's a good idea. Is there somewhere particular you'd like to go?"

"Well, actually" Yoh winked to her "I'd like to show you something" Yukiko raised an eyebrow, immediately showing her distrust.

"Exactly what?"

"You'll see. You do trust me, don't you?" Yoh asked provocatively. Yukiko sighed, her expression turning into dangerous one.

"Don't play that game with me, Yoh" she warned immediately.

"Sorry, didn't mean it" Yoh raised his arms in defeat "so, let's go, shall we?"

Yoh dragged Yukiko throughout the town until they reached the limits and went into a little forest of firs.

"Where are you taking me, Yoh?" she demanded. Yukiko had been asking this question for about half an hour and still Yoh would answer the very same way:

"A little patience, Yukiko. We're almost there"

"You said it to me at the town's square twenty minutes ago" she said harshly, trying to pull out of Yoh's hand, since he was holding onto her forearm.

"Really? Then I'll just have to repeat myself"

"Listen, Asakura, I'm tired of this game" Yukiko tried to stop Yoh "and let me go!" suddenly the brunette guy stopped, quickly whirled around and pulled Yukiko to his embrace. At first Yoh was surprised by his own bravery, but he got back the balance and said silently.

"I won't, because this is important, ok?" he said, softly looking to her eyes. Yukiko's body was tensed, her heart beating fast. Now, he really looked like Hao when he held her like this. And the blonde couldn't say no to this look, these arms and this person.

"Ok. But at least mention what it is all about" Yoh smirked slightly, letting go of her and ready to walk on.

"You'll see very soon. Come on" and he went on. Yukiko had no choice but to follow him.

After another five minutes of walking, the couple found themselves on the edge of a cliff, from where a wonderful view appeared in all its beauty: it was countryside of freshly green field, crossed by a river and one wide road. The forests of firs were all over a huge field, darkening it, but making it look even more beautiful and inviting. Yukiko was stunned by this view. It was so fresh, so untouched, so free that she didn't want to leave it…just to be here and no where else in the world…it was like a paradise, a small and together huge isle of peace and harmony, along with nature.

"You like it?" Yoh whispered to Yukiko's year. The blonde nodded and three words slipped off her lips…words, she didn't plan to say, but they suited here perfectly:

"I love it"

"I knew you would" Yoh smiled to her "now, look there, where the river is nearest the forest" he showed to that direction. Yukiko tensed her sight and saw a small Japanese house cuddled by gigantic trees and a small bridge, leading to it over the blue river.

"What is that?" she asked, now feeling completely lost.

"Your new home. Happy birthday, Yukiko" Yoh said. The blonde's eyes widened and she turned to the brunette man with complete shock and amaze.

"Happy what?" she asked. Yoh only laughed slightly.

"Aya told me you have a habit to forget this day" he said, cute smile lingering on his lips "so I though it would be nice to remind it to you" Yukiko felt out of words. She didn't expect him to do it…nor didn't she expect him to know that it was her birthday. Oh crap, she didn't even remember it herself. With life speed like that, Yukiko could barely remember her vow to find out her roots, so how she's supposed to remember something like this.

"You've been to Aya?" she asked, her voice sounding a little weak and trembling.

"Yeah, picked a very nice timing, because it was hard to get some land in place like this" he showed to the horizon "but now that you loved it, why we just don't…" Yoh couldn't finish his sentence, because Yukiko hugged him tightly, pressing herself to his body.

"Thank you" she whispered. The blonde felt happy. For a first time, she could actually be with someone without knowing that it will end. Right now, Yukiko felt free. Right now, she felt Anna.

"Nah, it was nothing" Yoh smiled sheepishly as he hugged her back "so, want to have a look around your new home?"

The couple entered small and cozy Japanese house. It was empty now, but Yoh immediately explained:

"Furniture will come here next week. Sorry, didn't have time to finish everything" Yukiko laughed slightly and said:

"You've done so much already. I don't know how your mother will allow me to live away from mansion" she looked around the living room- to-be and spotted a vase full of red roses. Yukiko walked to them and kneeled, smelling one of them "they're wonderful" she whispered.

"Hoped for that one as well" Yoh kneeled by her side "my mother was right when she told me that you deserve it to be the best" Yukiko turned to him, completely in state of shock.

"She told you this?"

"Yeah. She told me lots of things about you. I just think that maybe we came out a bad start that all" he gave her another cute, but sheepish smile.

"Yeah, I think we did" a smirk bloomed in Yukiko's lips "we didn't even say hello or anything"

"Good point" Yoh said and stood up. He stretched out his hand and helped Yukiko to stand up "I know that Yukiko isn't your real name, so…why don't we start by getting to know each other" the blonde looked into his warm eyes and her heart suddenly became free and trusting…she could trust him…at least for now.

"Nice thinking" she said silently "I'm Anna. Anna Kyouyama"

"Anna…that's so beautiful"

"Yes, and dangerous too" a voice flew from the door "maybe you've forgotten your duties, Yukiko? Or should I say Anna?" the blonde looked to that way and to her horror; Midori was standing there, eyes glowing with evil intentions.

"Get out of my home" the blonde shot to her, but Midori just stepped in and looked around.

"Not planning to" she said with smirking voice "if Keiko-sama finds out, you won't be so happy like you are now"

"Maybe you need repeating?" Yoh asked, looking displeasingly to Midori "leave at once" the geisha sighed and turned around.

"Oh I'm leaving all right. But remember this, Yukiko: your fine days under Keiko's wing is over" and she left with a blow of wind.

"Oh, that idiot" Anna sighed "must've followed us since we left the mansion"

"Maybe. Oh well, I don't really think that my mother would be so underestimating and judge you from her words" Yoh said, his voice already sounding relaxed and easy.

"Yeah, I hope so" the blonde sighed again and threw her glance through the room "it's beautiful here…and calm" Anna inhaled deeply and by turning around she placed a kiss onto Yoh's cheek "thank you" she whispered softly…so softly that Yoh could feel honey coming out of her lips…