To Love

By: Emori-Rose

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King (No- duh!).

Summary: AU The tale of two lovers, bound by loyalty, shattered by hate.

A/N: Hey everyone!! This is the second chapter of 'To Love.' (Obviously) And I know I said on the last chapter, that I wouldn't update unless I get a fair amount of reviews, but I thought it was pretty unfair, also considering the fact that I was extremely pissed of at that time, and I guess that what lead to making me write the scene where Anna slaps Hao. Lolz XDXDXD. I just wanted to get the anger of me. And thanks to spikerbabe and MasterOfRiddles (Everyone's evil Nee-san) for the reviews, I appreciate it so much :3. And one more thing, I want to point out a mistake I made on the past chapter; I'm okay, it hurts a lot, but damn. That Anna chick hits hard." Hao said, rubbing his aching left cheek. 'Who those that Asakura think he is, anyways? 'Anna thought to herself as she headed for her next class. 'Those' is supposed to be 'does', my apologies if I created confusion there. I'm probably getting too damned annoying, so here's chapter 2!!

Chapter II- Simple things leading to larger ones

Kyouyama Anna woke up to a sunny morning, the curtains dancing along to the wind. It had been a week since she first attended the Shaman Academy. She walked over to the shower, as the cold water hit her hot skin like lead, but in a certainly good feeling crept to Anna, as she closed her eyes, enjoying the cool and calm sensation she was feeling.

"Please, no! Please don't leave me!!"

"I'm sorry Anna, but I just don't love you anymore…"

A black- haired boy then left the blonde as he rejoined hands with his white- haired lover.

Anna's eyes opened wide, biting her bottom lip hard to keep the tears from falling, though no one could see it. She knew she could never release these feelings ever again. That she could never trust, smile, laugh, live and love the way she did three years ago, because it wouldn't be the same, no matter what.

I can never open heart for anyone ever again, yet why does he feel so right?

At that a picture of a brunette with a smirk playing his lips appeared in her mind.

That's it!! I will forget about him. Asakura Hao, I will forget him. I just have to ignore him and everything will be the same again.

Anna vowed in her mind, but something was telling her it was indeed impossible.

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"Aw come on Anna-chan, it's just one date. Please?"

Anna sighed, slamming her locker shut. How did her mind think she could ignore him again?

"Please just leave me alone, Hao."

"You know you want to. I can tell Anna."

Her mind told her no, yet her heart was screaming yes. And she was utterly confused. The way he said her name was different. It made her feel something she thought she felt three years ago. Her heart told her what seemed to be right, but her mind thought otherwise.

And yet, he says, 'You know you want to.' And it may seem a typical pick-up line, but he does truly mean it. He knew there was something in Anna that attracted him to him so much, and he intended to find out.

"Fine. I'll go." An icy voice shook him from his thoughts, realizing the girl he thinks he loves was walking away from him.

"Really? So you'll go out with me?" Hao said catching up with the itako.

"Yes, are you deaf? And mind you, I am not doing this out of my sheer free will."

"Are you pointing out that I am forcing you to go out with me?" Hao asked amazed, as he thought the hundreds of girls forcing him to go out with them.

"You keep annoying me, and you never stop unless you get what you want. If you do not call this gesture forcing me, you are not just deaf, you are stupid as well." Anna answered. Walking briskly to her next class. Considering that the bell had rung a minute ago, and the halls almost empty.

"Never mind."

Anna stopped in her tracks as she looked behind her, to find Hao, who seemed to be depressed. She was too damned caught up on her own thoughts, she didn't notice Hao. Anna looked at Hao surprised, he asked her a billion times, and when she finally said yes, he turned her down?

Anna felt a pang of guilt and hurt at the same time, but refused o show it as she asked Hao, "Nani?"

The question rang in Hao's mind. Why? Why did he refuse her? Because I don't want you to feel that I'm just forcing you. Because I want you to go with me, 'cause you chose to spent some of your time and attention to me, out of your free will. Because you like me….

Hao thought sadly, the thought that Anna could read minds completely wiped of his mind.

"So that's why you refuse me now?" A voice shattered the silence, as Hao looked up and saw Anna's angelic face, her slim body standing a few feet from him. A thought ran through Hao's mind, as he slapped him forehead.

Bullshit! I forgot she can read minds. Damn it!!

"Damn right, Asakura. And that's exactly why I'm gonna ask you this: Do you want to go out tomorrow night?"

Hao looked at Anna questioningly, eyes wide, full of shock.

Anna sighed, "Fine. If you hate me that much, forget what I said."

"No wait, Anna! My answer is, GODAMNIT! YES!" Hao said panting nervously. Anna nodded,

"Pick me up at 6pm tomorrow night." Anna said, handing Hao her address.

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It was already tomorrow night, and though how many hours had past since Friday, Anna felt like she wasn't prepared. She looked at her reflection on her large mirror, as she tried to shake the feeling away.

She walked over to the door. Where a ringing sound could be heard, thanks to the doorbell.

"Coming." Came Anna's icy voice.

Anna opened the front door only to find Hao, with his usual smirk on. And his eyes widened in awe, as he looked down at the blonde, she looked marvelous!

A young girl could be seen, wearing a beautiful black evening dress, simple clothing that stopped above her knees, and up to her just below her chest, where a metal belt could be found. And up to her shirt, a v-neck could be spotted, while the sleeves of her dress stopped and inch above her elbows. Wearing black Goth boots, and black gloves similar to Hao's red ones metal bracelets encircling her wrists. And where clothing couldn't be found was fish-net-like clothing. To her face, without make-up. And her hair up in a bun, thanks to a metallic hair band. Sporting her usual beads.

And being seen next to her, he seemed to be reduced to a young boy who had long brown hair.

"Shall we go?" Anna's voice once more interrupted his thoughts, ice filled her emitted ion her vocals, with a hint of annoyance.

"We shall." Hao's smirk came about again, his hand reaching out to Anna's and much to her surprise she took it.

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They finally reached their destination, an expensive 5-star restaurant.

Only the best for her.

Hao thought to himself, as he followed the waiter, dragging Anna along, their hands clasped together.

He ordered for both of them and soon they were left alone. Seeming as only a few handful of people were eating, especially at this time. It was after all, quite early.

"So Anna, you look absolutely beautiful tonight."

And it started with a simple conversation, something Anna actually enjoyed, and so did Hao.

Time flew like the wind; soon they were eating the appetizers, to the soup, the main course, to the dessert. Yes, time certainly flies by quickly when you're enjoying yourself.

Both so engrossed in their conversation, not realizing they had reached Anna's house already. Hao led Anna to the front door.

"Truly, Hao. Thank you for this night. I enjoyed it."

Hao smiled a true one filled with happiness at Anna's statement. A smile that actually reached his eyes as well. Such a simple smile, yet it brought wonders to Anna. She hadn't experienced someone smiling at her for such a long time it felt so heart-warming. And unconsciously, a smile crept to her eyes and soft pink lips as well.

"It should be you I should thank. You after all, were the one who asked me out."

Anna rolled her eyes. As Hao leaned over her and her eyes widened at the sudden intimate interaction. Hao wrapped his arms around Anna's waist and Anna kissed him back.

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Anna smiled as she remembered what had happened. She felt happiness surge through her, making her feel that she wasn't completely alone. And she was safe, as she closed her eyes and retired for the night.

Unknown to her, an enemy was lurking in the darkness of the night.

"Kyouyama Anna. I shall destroy your happiness, just as you had destroyed mine."

At that the figure disappeared. Hao's eyes snapped open. Staring at the night sky, from the balcony of his room. He felt that something was completely wrong. And he didn't like it one bit.

Hao gasped as he felt two strong arms on his shoulders, its dark brown eyes shining in the moonlight.

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Whew! Just so you people know I purposely made this chapter long because I don't think I won't be able to update soon, since school is starting in a few weeks. And just for the record, this was just about the only chapter I wrote with the longest author's note yet. Lolz XD. Please R&R, I'd appreciate it a lot. Thanks.

Emori