So apparently, I'm still babysitting. I hope it's not an all-summer thing. If so…I'll just make her take a nap or something! But…that's highly unlikely…But don't worry! I'll get everything done! Please bear with me. : )

Oh and this chapter was originally to be named "Strawberries and Champagne Meet Love Spell", but it was too long. But both titles work out, or so I think. I should've called it "The Clash", hahaha.

And thanks so much for your wonderful reviews!! You guys are lovely!!

Please Enjoy!!

Chapter 4:

"Strawberries and Champagne meet Love Spell"

or

"Brown Eyes meet Blue"

I woke up to the smell of toast and eggs…and bacon. This wasn't normal at all. I opened my eyes. What was going on here? I sat up and looked at my clock: 1:33 p.m. My eyes widened; I totally missed my shift. I moaned and lay back down. It did feel good to get a full night's rest, though. I remember that I used to sleep in all the time when I was younger. I smiled as I rubbed my head against the pillow. I knew I had to get up, but I didn't want to. I sighed and with all my effort, got up.

Yoh got up and walked towards the smell and the sound of humming. He was pretty surprised to see Anna cooking. He knows they were little at the time, but from what he remembered, Anna didn't want to learn how to cook, "What are you doing?"

"What's it look like?" Anna said without turning around to face him, "Its breakfast."

"……At 1:37 in the afternoon?" Yoh lifted a brow.

"Shut up," she pointed her spatula at him, "I didn't have to do this. If you keep complaining then you ain't getting any."

Yoh sighed, but smiled. He decided not to argue because he was hungry. So he sat down at the table and said: "Oh boy, breakfast for lunch."

Soon Anna was done and put a plate in front of Yoh and then sat next to him, "You'd better not complain about the taste either. Like I said, I didn't have to do this for you."

Yoh smiled, "Why did you suddenly take up cooking? I thought you didn't like cooking."

"Oh? What's this? Are you complaining? I guess you don't want any then…"

"No, no, no!" Yoh said stopping Anna from taking away his plate, "I was just asking you!"

"Well," Anna paused for a second, "You missed breakfast and lunch…and, well it's bad if a runner doesn't eat, right?"

Yoh smiled, "Thank you, Anna."

"Don't get used to it. This is for helping me last night with the heater."

"So you'll only cook me something if I do a favor for you?"

Anna shrugged, "Basically."

"I knew it," Yoh laughed.

"So, do you work today? I know you missed your first shift, but knowing you, you probably have two shifts."

"Actually, I don't have another one."

Anna was a little shocked, but her voice still remained calm, "What? You don't have another shift? You actually have a day off?"

"Yeah, oh! That reminds me!" Yoh said after taking a bite, "We've determined where you're going to work at. You're going to work the front desk."

"So I'm going to be an Inn hostess?" Anna asked.

"Yeah, something like that."

Anna gave a little smirk as she drank her juice, "Sounds fun."

"And since I have the day off, I could show you the ropes."

"Alright," she said.

"Oh, and by the way," Yoh was practically done, "Who did you get to do my shift?"

"Your brother."

"What? Hao would never willingly take me shift…"

Anna smirked, "Don't be silly, we had a little talk, and he agreed willingly."

"Anna…what did you…?"

"Just hurry and finish," she said, getting up, "Get dressed so we can go."

Yoh gave a soft smile; Anna sure did have her ways. He picked up his plate and put it in the sink. He gathered his things and went into the restroom to get ready. After he was fully ready, he went and knocked on Anna's door, "Anna, are you ready?"

She opened the door and nodded as they walked out to the lobby area. Yoh started to explain what to say while working the front desk. After that he explained the difference in long-term rooms and short-term rooms and what room numbers they are. He explained just about everything he needed to explain and Anna seemed to catch on pretty fast.

I had a good feeling about Anna working here. She seemed to understand everything I said pretty easily. I had total confidence in her. I felt relieved that I didn't have to worry about her. She always caught onto things quickly. If she didn't understand something, she'd ask about it, that's probably why she was so good in school. And I knew that even though Anna didn't show it, she was excited to start. It would give her something to do other than staying in our room in her pajamas all the time waiting for everyone to get off work.

"So when do I start?" Anna asked.

"Hmm…well I don't have you on here till…"

"Let me see the schedule."

"B-but Anna—"

"Don't give me those words; the schedule please."

Yoh sighed; well at least she said please. He had to give in.

"Let's see…you have two shifts tomorrow," Anna looked at him, "I'll take the first one so I can get off in time to watch my show."

"A-Anna!"

"If you're worried I'll mess up because I'm starting so soon then you can come monitor me."

"Ah-okay Anna," Yoh gave a slight smile, "Oh, but what are you going to do about the uniform?"

"Hmm…well," Anna crossed her arms to think, "I think me and Pirika are about the same size, so I could ask if I could borrow her extra one for a while. By the way, when will I get mine?"

"Well, I'm ordering new ones that have the logo on it," Yoh thought for a second, "Maybe about a week from now. Don't worry, I ordered one for you too."

Anna looked down at the schedule, "Pirika doesn't work today. And something tells me asking Horo-Horo won't be any help."

"We can stop by her house," Yoh shrugged, "We have nothing else to do today."

"Sure," Anna said handing Yoh the schedule, "I haven't really been out much. I'd like to see what Funbari looks like."

"Okay," Yoh smiled, "How about we go for a walk and then on our way back we pick up the uniform. She doesn't live that far."

Anna nodded, "Let's call her first to make sure she'll be home. And let's make sure she says yes first."

"Right," Yoh nodded as they walked to the front desk. They used one of phones near the front desk. Luckily for them, Pirika answered and agreed. They notified her that they'd be there later in the evening. Yoh looked at Anna to see if she was ready and she just nodded. They walked by the front desk and Hao (who was working the front desk) asked, "Where are you two going? A date?"

Yoh opened his opened his mouth to speak, but Anna linked their arms together and said: "Yeah. Jealous?"

"Aw, Anna, you break my heart," Hao pretended to be hurt, "You promised you'd go on a date with me if I worked Yoh's shift this morning."

Yoh looked at Anna with wide eyes, "Anna…"

"Well, the date of the date is yet to be determined," Anna started to walk out, still linked with Yoh's arm, "In the meantime, go out with one of your other girlfriends."

Then both Yoh and Anna were out the door. Yoh unlinked their arms, "You promised to go on a date with Hao if he worked my shift?"

"Yeah, it's no big deal," she started to walk to her right.

"I see," Yoh said catching up to her. He was a little disappointed; maybe it was possible that even though they were twins, Hao was the better looking one, "I didn't know you liked Hao like that."

"I don't."

"Then why are you going on a date with him?"

Anna rolled her eyes, "We just went over this: so he could work your shift and you could get the day off."

"So you don't have those kinds of feelings for him?"

"No, of course not," Anna almost laughed, "He's still the evil, annoying boy I left in Hick Town. Besides, Hao's a playboy; he's probably not even interested."

"Hmm…" Yoh put his hands in his pockets.

"Relax, it's only a date," Anna lifted an eyebrow, "What are you so worked up about?"

"I don't trust Hao," Yoh mumbled.

"Then don't, trust me."

Yoh gave a little smile, "Okay."

They continued to walk the streets of Funbari. Every once and a while Yoh would point out various things, such as buildings or funny stories about this town. They didn't really have a destination until Yoh suggested that they visit his parents. They were in the area, so why not go visit them? His parents knew Anna very well and vice versa. Anna gave a little smile and willingly agreed to visit.

Yoh's parents didn't live that far from the Inn, considering the whole point of moving to Funbari was to be closer to his grandparents, who at the time, lived at the Inn. They reached the house and smiled, "Here it is."

Yoh knocked on the door and through the other side you could hear: "Coming!"

The door opened. Asakura Keiko popped her head out of from inside. Luckily, time had been good to her; she hardly had any wrinkles or grays. She basically looked the same. Keiko's face turned from a confused one to a happy-excited one, "Yoh! Oh, Miki, darling, Yoh came to visit! Oh, and you brought someone with you," Keiko looked at Anna, "Is this your girlfriend?"

"Mom!" Yoh half-laughed, "This is Anna, remember?"

"Oh my…..Kyoyama Anna?!"

"Yup," Anna nodded, "It's me, Auntie Keiko, I'm back…for a while."

"Come in, come in!" Keiko was overjoyed as she invited them in, "It's been so long!! Oh, Mikihisa! Hurry, quickly!" Keiko sat Yoh and Anna down on the sofa, "Want anything to drink, Anna-chan?"

"Oh, no thanks…" Anna gave a little smile.

"Don't be so polite! You're like family! I'll get you some tea."

Yoh laughed as his mother disappeared into the kitchen. Then his father entered, "I don't believe it! Kyoyama Anna-chan!"

"Hello Uncle Miki," Anna nodded.

"Where have you been all these years?" Mikihisa took a seat across from the two.

Keiko returned with the tea and handed it to Anna. Then she turned and sat next to her husband, fully interested to what Anna had to say.

"Oh, y'know, here and there," Anna took a sip of her tea, "We moved a lot."

"So you finally moved to Funbari," Mikihisa smiled.

"Something like that," she took another sip and looked elsewhere.

"So how is your family?" Keiko asked innocently.

Anna hesitated and Yoh started to wonder if bringing her here was the right thing to do, "They're…okay."

"So where about are you guys living?"

"Actually," Yoh butt in, "She's staying at my inn."

"Just her?"

"Yeah…" Yoh avoided eye contact, "She's out here for school purposes. She's not staying with Haijime as of this moment."

"Oh, I see," Mikihisa looked at Anna, "Anna-chan's always been the smart, mature, independent-type. I bet you're handling things just fine, right?"

Anna nodded, "I like staying on my own better."

"Is that so," Keiko asked and then sighed, "You kids now-a-days! Yoh and Hao have both moved into that inn and now Anna-chan has too! I guess there's no need for us anymore, Miki!"

Mikihisa laughed, "They just need their independence, darling."

"Well it was good talking to you," Yoh said getting up.

"Wait! You just got here!" Keiko stopped them, "Stay a little while longer! I want to catch up with Anna-chan! It's been years!"

Yoh sighed as he sat back down. He looked over at Anna and gave an apologetic face. Almost like he regretted taking her here.

"Geez, Yoh! Don't act like visiting your parents is a burden!" Keiko exclaimed.

"Sorry," Yoh sighed; what did he get them into?

Keiko smiled as she looked at both Yoh and Anna sitting next to each other. They almost looked like a couple; which reminded Keiko of asking this question: "So, Anna-chan, got a boyfriend?"

Anna was taken aback a bit as she was not expecting that question. Yoh, secretly, was eager to hear her answer. She took a breath and answered, "No. Not at the moment."

"Aw, how cute," Keiko giggled as she looked towards Mikihisa.

"What?" Anna and Yoh both asked in unison.

"Y'know, when you two were younger, we always thought you two would end up together," Mikihisa laughed.

"Annabelle and I would always talk about you two getting married," Keiko seemed to say with stars in her eyes.

"Mom…" Yoh sighed.

"What? You two were stuck together like glue. You were so sad when she moved away! But look, she's moved back! And you're still both together!"

Yoh gave a half-smile. He was happy to be with Anna again, but all this talk was probably annoying Anna, or at the least, embarrassing her. Yoh looked at the time, "Mom, it's getting late, we really should be going."

"Oh, okay Mr. Manager," Keiko got up to say goodbye, "If you must leave then fine."

Yoh and Anna got up to say their goodbyes. Mikihisa got up and patted his son on the back, "When did you get this tall?"

Yoh just smiled and laughed, "See ya later, Dad."

"See ya son, and don't take too long to visit again. Either you come to us, or we come to embarrass you at work. In front of your friends."

Yoh laughed, "Got'cha."

Then Mikihisa moved onto Anna and gave her a hug, "And you!! When did you become this beautiful?"

Anna gave a small, but visible smile, "It was nice seeing you again, Uncle Miki."

"Same here," Mikihisa released her from their hug, "Come back anytime, Anna-chan. And keep my boys in line."

"Will do, Uncle Miki."

"Bye, Mom," Yoh gave her a hug.

"My, Miki was right! You have grown taller!" She looked at her boy, "Bring Anna-chan back to visit soon, okay?"

Yoh nodded and smiled. Anna then came to Keiko and gave her a hug, "Bye Auntie Keiko, I was glad I got to see you again."

"Ditto," she hugged Anna tightly, "Like Miki said; keep an eye out on Yoh and Hao for us. You just tell me if he misbehaves, or treats you bad, got it?"

Anna smiled and gave a little laugh, "Hear that Yoh? You'd better start behaving better."

Yoh laughed, "I think you have the wrong son, Mom."

"That's right…that Hao! Ugh! He's always the little troublemaker! Y'know he never visits anymore!! Keep an eye on him too, Anna-chan!"

"Will do," Anna nodded and then looked to Yoh.

"Well, we'll be leaving now," Yoh waved as he and Anna walked out the door. They started their way down the street while Mikihisa and Keiko stood at the doorway.

"Aren't you happy, Miki? They're finally together again. I always knew they'd end up together."

Mikihisa smiled, "Yeah. I'm glad they found each other."

"Sorry," Yoh said while walking down the street, "if they upset you."

"Not at all," Anna responded with a small smile, "They don't know about Haijime and his sons; they were just acting normal. Besides, I love your parents like they were my own. They always looked after me when we were little. They even spoiled me more than they did with you and Hao."

"You got that right," Yoh crossed his arms, "Nothing was ever your fault. It was always mine."

Anna smiled, "See? After my mother died, I saw them as my parents; not Haijime."

"I'm glad you think like that."

"I always ran away to your house at night. And sure, they scolded me, but it was a loving, caring scolding. They never yelled at me and no matter how many times we caused trouble, they always invited me back and treated me like a daughter."

"See? Even when you ran away, they softly spoke to you, but yelled at me, saying I should've told them that you came," Yoh laughed and it seemed as if he was going to say something further, but a voice interrupted him:

"Yoh-kun!"

"Ah, Miss Julie!" Yoh turned as he met the beautiful blue eyes of Julie Anderson.

"What are you two doing? Going on a date?" she politely asked.

Anna opened her mouth to speak, but Yoh spoke in her stead, "No, we're just about to go to Pirika's house." Anna seemed a little disappointed in his answer, but said nothing in protest.

"Oh," Julie shifted her eyes to Anna, "Is this your roommate?"

Anna looked at Julie and Strawberries and Champagne met Love Spell; Brown eyes met Blue, "Yes. I'm Kyoyama Anna," she extended her hand. Julie took it and politely shook it. She opened her mouth, but Anna interrupted, "You already introduced yourself the other night, remember? You're Julie Anderson."

"Oh, right," Julie slowly removed her hand.

After seeing the awkward silence emitting from the two, Yoh decided to speak: "What are you doing out, Julie?"

"Oh, just a little shopping," she held out a big shopping bag, "But I think I'm about ready to head back."

"Oh, well we're on own way to Pirika's house which is on the way back to the inn. Would you like to join us?"

"Sure!" Julie beamed, but Anna frowned; she didn't look too happy to hear that. So they started on their merry-little way. Julie seemed especially happy to be walking alongside with Yoh.

Yoh looked down to see that Julie was struggling a little bit with her bag, so he offered: "Would you like me to carry that for you?"

"Uh, are you sure?" Julie hesitated, "If it's not too much trouble…"

"It's no trouble at all," Yoh took her bag, "I'm used to it. I used to do the heavy-duty work at the inn all the time. This bag doesn't even compare."

Julie giggled and Anna rolled her eyes. She wasn't really sure why, but she didn't seem to like Julie that much. She found Julie's presence annoying and unnecessary. It seemed like Julie loved to hog Yoh and kick Anna out of the picture. Anna used to be walking next to Yoh, but since Julie came; Anna was awkwardly in the middle. She was a little behind and Julie was a little ahead, making Julie also next to Yoh.

"So, if you don't mind me asking," Julie started, "How did you to become roommates?"

"We're childhood friends," Yoh answered, "It's been nearly 8 years since we saw each other. And since she finally came back and doesn't know this town very well, she's staying with me."

"Oh, I see," Julie looked at Anna, "You're so lucky! Did you two live near each other?"

Yoh smiled and started to talk about them. Anna decided to tune them out. She could hear occasional compliments from Julie to Yoh. It made Anna roll her eyes; it was so annoying. Julie was such a suck-up. And after a while of tuning them out, Anna found that somehow they got to the point where Julie was teaching Yoh some English. Anna already knew some English, so she didn't really give a damn about the subject. She just wished that they would be at Pirika's house soon.

Anna felt out of place. Yoh and Julie looked like they were a couple. Julie was giggling and Yoh was laughing; this made her angry. This made her feel as though this Julie-girl was Anna's replacement while she was away. But it's not like Anna chose to go away. No, if Anna had any choice in the matter, she would've chose to stay in Hick Town with Yoh. How could Yoh just replace Anna like that? No, Yoh wouldn't do that, would he?

"Anna, are you alright?" Yoh turned to her looking concerned.

"Yes, I'm fine. What makes you think I'm not?"

"You're walking a little slower, are you tired?"

"No, I said I was fine. How long till we get to Pirika's house?"

"Not much longer, we're actually really close. It should take less then 5 minutes."

Yoh did not lie; they were there in no time. They walked up the steps of the house and knocked on the door. Pirika came and opened the door, "There you guys are! Oh, I didn't know Julie was coming over too!"

"We just kinda ran into each other," Yoh smiled.

"Oh, I see," she glanced at Anna, "Come on in." Julie went first, then Yoh and then Anna. When Anna got to the door, Pirika whispered, "You look pretty upset, did Julie-san ruin the mood?"

Anna shook her head, "It doesn't matter."

Pirika shrugged, "Well then, hold on one moment, I'll get the uniform." As Pirika walked to her room, you could hear her apologizing, "Sorry the house is such a mess, my idiot brother never cleans up after himself!"

Yoh laughed, "Yeah that sounds like Horo-Horo."

"Ah! Here it is," Pirika said returning with the uniform in hand, "Sorry, but this one is a bit old. But you can keep this one until yours comes in."

"Are you sure?" Anna said taking it, "It looks like it's just a white-collared shirt and a black skirt. I can buy my own…"

"Oh, don't worry Anna," Pirika held out her hand, "I have another uniform I can use."

"Thank you," Anna gave a little nod.

"No worries," she smiled.

"Well, it's getting late, so we'll be on our way," Yoh nodded and smiled, "Thank you very much, the new uniforms should be in soon."

"I can't wait," Pirika said while Yoh, Anna, and Julie walked towards the door, "See you tomorrow!"

They nodded, "Bye!" Then, in the same order they came in, they left. And once again Pirika whispered to Anna, "Don't think you're done talking to me. Tomorrow we'll discuss why you're upset."

"It's nothing," Anna said trying to avoid the conversation as the followed the others out the door. Then louder Anna said: "Thank you Pirika! See you later!"

"Hmm…" Pirika crossed her arms as she saw them leaving, "Anna's definitely bothered by something…"

Once again, they were in the same positions they were before. Anna walked slower this time. She didn't care what they were talking about; she didn't want to hear it at all. It would only get her annoyed and she wasn't in the mood. This didn't go unnoticed though. Yoh watched Anna in the corner of his eye. He wanted to walk slower with Anna, but he felt that it would've been rude to Julie who was talking to him at the moment. Yoh inwardly sighed. He hoped Anna was okay.

Soon the trio reached the Inn. Yoh and Anna started their way to the B level. Julie stopped and said, "Well, I guess I'm off to my room."

"Alright," Yoh handed Julie her bag, "Here you go."

"Arigato, Yoh-kun."

"You're welcome," Yoh said in English.

Julie giggled at his accent, "Very good, Yoh-kun! I'll teach you more English later! Ja ne!"

"Ja ne!" Yoh waved as Julie walked away. Yoh glanced at Anna. He knew he couldn't just ask her "what's wrong?" because she would just answer in the usual, "nothing." Their way to the room was pure silence. It was very awkward and Yoh just put his hands in his pockets. She wasn't mad, was she? She had no to reason to be, right?

Anna walked into her room and dropped off the uniform. Knowing that Anna wouldn't discuss what was bothering her, Yoh asked, "Are you hungry?"

Anna nodded as they headed toward the dining area. It was buffet-style as usual, so they went off to get their own food. Anna finished before Yoh, so she just picked an empty table and sat at it.

"Anna-chan!"

"Go away, Hao."

"Ouch. I guess the date didn't go well? Don't worry, ours will be much better."

Anna rolled her eyes, "It wasn't a date. We visited your parents, ran into Julie, and picked up my uniform."

"Oh…third wheel, huh?"

"If you're going to talk like that…" Anna picked up her chopsticks, "…then it was me who was the third wheel."

"What? No way! I know Julie's fond of Yoh, but I didn't think Yoh—"

"Hao, are you spreading lies about me?" Yoh put his plate on the table and glared at Hao.

"No, who do you think I am?" Hao crossed his arms while Yoh sat down, "I would never do that to my little brother."

Yoh rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Yes you would, you would never admit it to my face though…"

"Oh, so I heard you visited mom and dad today, how are they?"

"Well you would know if you ever visited them."

"Hey, I'm a very busy man," Hao smirked.

"Which reminds me," Anna turned towards Hao, "Auntie Keiko told me to keep an eye on you…"

"W-what? You wouldn't tell on me, would you Anna-chan?"

"Well if you keep calling me "-chan"…" Anna smirked.

Hao rolled his eyes as he got up from the table, "You're no fun. You win this time, but remember you still owe me a date!"

"Oh," Anna pretended to sound disappointed, "You mean that didn't count?"

Hao pretended to laugh, "No, fortunately, it didn't. Don't forget!"

"You won't let me forget," Anna mumbled.

"Oh, and," Hao started to whisper to Anna, before he left, "Don't worry. I would never bring another woman on our date."

Anna rolled her eyes, "Leave already!"

Hao laughed as he walked off. Yoh looked at Anna, "I can't believe you agreed to his terms."

"Hey, you better be grateful. I'm going through all this trouble for you."

"I am grateful," Yoh gently smiled at her, "Really, I am."

Anna gave a small smile. They didn't say anything as they finished their dinner, but at least this time it wasn't an awkward silence. When they finished they decided to head to their rooms. Once entering their "home", Anna headed to her room, "I'm going to read for a bit."

"Okay, Anna, but don't forget you have to get up early tomorrow."

"Yeah, about that," she said before entering her room, "Could you wake me up? You go running around that time anyway, right?"

"Okay, we'll leave together," Yoh smiled, "If you don't come back down, Goodnight."

She nodded and entered her room, "Goodnight."

Anna eventually got bored of reading, so she decided to go to bed. There was a bathroom on her floor as well as the other one, so she didn't even bother coming down. Yoh and Anna already said their goodnights so she had no reason to go down anyway. While at the same time Anna was getting ready for bed, so was Yoh. They both laid down around the same time and eventually fell asleep around the same time too.

The annoying sound of the alarm woke up Yoh early. He reached over as he turned the alarm off. He got up slowly and rubbed his eyes. He yawned as he got out of bed and walked upstairs to wake Anna up. "Anna?" he knocked. When there was no response, he decided to say, "I'm coming in."

Anna was lying there, yet again tangled in her sheets. She had a peaceful expression on her face and he was tempted to not wake her up and just work the shift himself like he was supposed to. But he knew Anna would get mad if he worked it for her.

"Anna?" He sat on the bed. There was no response like before, so he gently shook her a bit.

Her eyes twitched and she moaned. She rubbed her face against the pillow and then hid her face in it.

"If you want, I'll work the shift," Yoh offered, "It's supposed to be mine anyway."

"No," Anna lifted her head up. Her hair was scattered across her face and with one quick swoop of her hand she pushed the hairs back, "It's not your shift anymore, it's mine."

Yoh laughed and got up, "Okay. Well then you'd better start getting ready. You don't want to be late for your first day."

Yoh started to leave, but Anna stopped him, "Yoh. Don't go easy on me, okay? If I'm late too many times or if I do something wrong, fire me."

"That won't happen, Anna," Yoh continued before Anna could protest, "Not as long as I'm your roommate, it won't. I won't let you be late, and I'll keep you in line so you won't do anything wrong."

Yoh gave a quick smile and for a second, Anna did too. Then Yoh walked out the door and left Anna alone to get dressed and ready. Yoh got ready rather quickly since he was only going to go run. While he was waiting for Anna, he decided to do some stretches. When he was just about done, Anna came done the stairs. She was dressed in the uniform and her hair was pulled back into a loose bun.

Yoh smiled, "Ready?"

"If you are," she simply responded.

He nodded and they made their way to the lobby area. No one was really up and about yet; just the people that worked early in the morning. Yoh looked at Anna, "Your hair looks really good pulled back."

"Don't get used to it," Anna said while tucking a loose strand behind her ear, "I just thought it looked "more professional" this way. And I didn't really have time to do it properly."

"Sometimes you'd wear your hair in a pony-tail when we were little," he said as they reached the front desk.

"You always say 'when we were little'," Anna turned towards him, "We're not little any more."

"I know," Yoh flashed a small yet sad smile, "But we were together when we were little. At this point, that's all we have." Anna's eyes slightly widened, but Yoh continued, "I have to go now. I think I'm really close to how I used to be. If I keep at it, I know I'll be fast again!"

Anna nodded as Yoh ran out the main door for his training. Anna entered the front desk area. What Yoh said remained in her head. Was there a future in store for them if they only had a past? She didn't know why, but this depressed her ever-so-slightly. She decided to ignore that feeling and looked down at the notepads in front of her. She picked up a pen and started to doodle on one of them. It was sure a boring morning.

An hour had passed and not a single customer. Anna sighed; she couldn't say she didn't expect this. The only hard part about working the morning shift is staying awake. But Anna would absolutely not fall asleep, even if nobody was here. She was not like Horo-Horo. But gradually, more and more people started to get up. At first there were only about 5 up, but now there was more than half up and the kitchen started to open. She watched the people enter the dining area and then shortly after, leave to go to work.

"Oh!" Anna heard coming from the opposite side of the main door. She turned her head to find Julie, "Ohayo Anna-san."

"Good Morning Miss Julia," Anna said in English.

"You speak English well," Julie said while walking up to the front desk, "But…um, it's Julie."

"Right, Julie."

Julie looked around, "Where's Yoh?"

Anna gave a dull look and leaned her head on her hand, "He's not here."

"But he usually works this shift on Mondays…"

"Well I'm working here now. It's my shift for today."

"Oh I see," Julie seemed a little disappointed, but then she seemed to brighten up a bit, "Is he off running?"

Anna was a little surprised that Julie knew this, "Yup."

"Oh, he's so good at it!" Julie exclaimed, "He's so fast! And he really loves doing it; you can tell by his expression! He looks so relaxed and calm, don't you agree?"

"I," Anna looked away, "I wouldn't know…I've never seen him run…"

"What? But aren't you supposedly one of his closest friends?"

"What was that? I couldn't understand," Anna lied. She didn't want to hear what Julie had to say, "Your Japanese isn't that good."

"Oh…gomen," Julie looked a little hurt.

"So, what did you say before?"

"Oh, never mind," Julie shook her head, "It was nothing."

"I see…" Anna said slowly and firmly, but dully looked at Julie.

"W-well, uh," Julie felt a little nervous at Anna's gaze, "D-do you know when he'll be back…?"

"Nope."

"How long has he been out?"

Anna rolled her eyes and said in English, "I don't know."

"Oh, okay," Julie looked down and also said in English, "I'm sorry to bother you."

Anna's English wasn't perfect, so she only caught the "I'm sorry" part, but she guessed the gist of it. And just when it seemed Julie was going to leave, Yoh entered, "Whoo! That was great! How's work, Anna?"

"Ah! Ohayo Yoh-kun!" Julie turned to him.

"Oh, Good Morning Miss Julie," he said in English, "Hello, Anna."

"Hi," Anna still with her same bored expression on her face.

"What's wrong, Anna," Yoh walked to the front desk, "Bored?"

"Not a single customer."

"Well at least Julie was here to keep you company," Yoh smiled and Julie smiled too.

Anna decided to bite her tongue so she wouldn't say something insulting about Julie. If she did, Yoh would probably give her the look that translated to "behave". So Anna just gave off a fake smile and nodded while saying, "Julie was actually waiting for you."

"You were?" Yoh looked at Julie.

Julie blushed, "Uh, well, yes."

"What is it?"

"I would like to ask you a favor…"

"Oh, sure," Yoh smiled, "Say, Julie, have you eaten yet?"

She shook her head and Anna lifted an eyebrow.

"Well, I'm really hungry…so how about we discuss what needs to be done at the dining area?" Yoh's stomach growled.

Anna rolled her eyes as Julie laughed, "Sure thing Yoh-kun."

"Thanks. I'm sorry."

"No, it's not a problem, I'm hungry too," Julie said while turning to leave to the dining area.

Yoh turned to follow Julie, but before he did, he flashed Anna a smile, "Don't worry."

At this Anna lifted her head off of her hand as she saw them walk off, "What does he mean by that?"

"Oi, Anna-chan!" Anna knew this phrase and voice too well.

Anna rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Yoh come back…"

"Why, Anna-chan," Hao approached the front desk, "You look absolutely beautiful today! Why don't you wear your hair like that every day?"

"Hello, Hao," Anna said reluctantly.

"Why are you at the front desk?"

"I'm working," Anna stood up so he could see her blouse and a little of her skirt, "That's why my hair's like this."

"Oh, but why are you working so soon?" Hao had a questioning look on his face, "This is Yoh's shift. And I didn't see you on the schedule for another week or so."

"I took over his shift," Anna simply said, "I decided that working two shifts in one day is too much for Yoh; considering he does everything around here."

"Well Yoh's the one who insists on doing it himself," Hao crossed his arms, "So I'll let him."

"He doesn't insist, he just offers. Learn to tell the difference and help him out once in a while."

"You're such a softie on Yoh. If it were me, you'd probably say: "If that's what he wants, let him do it"," Hao leaned on the front desk, "Isn't that right?"

"It's not that I'm a softie," Anna crossed her arms, "It's that I have no sympathy for you."

"Ain't that the truth?" Hao mumbled, "But you only have sympathy for Yoh."

"No, I show it to Pirika and Tamao too."

"Yeah, but they're your friends."

"And they show kindness towards me, though I don't know if you'll ever learn what it is."

"Tch. Like you know what that is."

"I know what it is; I just find it tiring to use it on someone who has never shown me kindness, or someone who doesn't deserve it."

"Hey, I've shown you nothing but kindness! That's why we're going on that date!"

"You call that kindness? Ha! You only set that date in exchange for working Yoh's shift."

"It was kindness, trust me," Hao said uncrossing his arms, "You'll enjoy a date with me."

Anna rolled her eyes, "Joy. I can't wait."

"Well," Hao hit the desk, "I have to be going now. I have work later and I want to enjoy my free-time now. Ja ne, Anna-chan."

"Go away already."

He laughed as left walked away. Anna was alone again. There was not a single customer. She didn't really sweat it though, it was still early and it was only her first day.

"Hey Anna."

Anna turned, "Yoh? I thought you were eating breakfast with Miss Julia."

"Julie," Yoh corrected, "And we finished."

"So what did she want?"

"She wanted some help on her Japanese."

"She speaks Japanese just fine," Anna lied.

"That's what I think, but she's going to college here, so she wants it to be better."

"I see…" Anna said through half-gritted teeth. She just created a reason for Yoh and Julie to be together more.

"Here," Yoh handed Anna a bagel and a cereal bar.

"What's this for?"

"I'm sorry. We didn't get a chance to eat breakfast this morning and then I came back from running and ate. You didn't. You must be hungry, that's why I got it for you."

"Is this why you said, 'Don't worry'?" Anna took the food.

"Uh-huh," he smiled and nodded, "If no one's here to help you out and relieve you for your break within the next hour and a half, I'll bring you another snack. Either that or I'll relieve you while you take a break."

"No," she said taking a piece of the bagel, "I don't want your help. I told you that this morning. Don't baby me."

"Alright Anna," Yoh gave another smile, "Others will be coming soon to help out. We only have one person work the desk in the morning because their usually isn't any costumers."

"I figured as much. Now go enjoy your day. Before you know it, you'll have to work yourself."

"Alright then, I'll see you later," Yoh brought a hand up in a short wave and walked away.

Anna was once again alone. She leaned her head on her hand and let out a soft sigh. She didn't want to feel this way. She didn't know why, but the words Yoh had said earlier still lingered and nagged her at the back of her mind. She didn't really know Yoh at all anymore, and she used to be the person who knew him the most. Now it was Julie who knew him. Anna felt a little replaced. But then she looked down at her bagel. She gave a soft smile; Yoh wouldn't do that. Not to her; his best friend.

Something was bothering Anna. I didn't know for sure, but I just had this feeling. But even though I had the feeling, that didn't mean it was true and it didn't tell me what it was either. Maybe Hao said something that pissed her off and that ruined her mood? I did see Hao walking away from the direction of the front desk…maybe he did? I guess I should ask her. That is, if she'll answer. Anna was so stubborn, but if it was really serious, and it was really bothering her, I'm sure she'll tell me, right?

Yoh entered his home and grabbed his bath supplies. A nice bath after running and before work sounded so good, so he wasn't going to argue if that was his desire. So he went and took his time. When he was done, he walked back to the B level. He was wearing his uniform, but decided not to button it or tuck it in yet. As he walked downstairs he looked at the time, "Anna should get off of work soon."

Anna came in and walked down the stairs. She un-tucked her shirt and unbuttoned a few buttons like Yoh usually does (she's wearing a shirt under), "Tadaima."

Yoh was lying on the couch watching the television. He lifted his head up and Anna walked towards the couch, "Oakeri."

"Scoot over," she said as she went to sit next to him. Yoh sat up and Anna sat on her legs, like she usually does. She let out a relaxed sigh as she took her hair down.

"Aw, why'd you do that?"

"What?" She shook her hair out a bit.

"Why'd you let your hair down?"

"Because work's over, I don't need it up anymore."

"But it looked so nice up."

"Your sense of style is off then. It was messy and hairs were falling out from it."

"But it looked good like that. Messy buns always looked good on you."

"Well it's my hair not yours," she started to comb it with her fingers, "I'll do what I want with it."

"Typical answer from you," Yoh laughed as he handed her the remote.

She took it, "Seriously, I don't even know why you try when you already know the outcome."

Yoh laughed, "I'm starting to wonder myself."

Anna changed the station to her program usually come on. Yoh no longer protested in watching it as he reluctantly found that he enjoyed the show. Now it became a routine; every weekday about this time they'd sit and watch the show.

Yoh smiled as he looked at her. She looked a bit tired though. She wasn't used to waking up early and working, "Anna, if you'd like, you can lie down."

"I don't want you to have to get up."

"Then I won't," Yoh smiled, "I don't mind."

They had been living together for almost a month now, she no longer felt uncomfortable, so she lied down; her feet rested on Yoh's lap, "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Nope," he said resting his hands on her ankles, "Not if you don't."

"Alright then," she turned her attention to the TV, "The show's started. Be quiet now."

Yoh inwardly laughed as he turned his attention to the TV. They watched the show quietly, but intently. As the show was ending, Yoh looked down at Anna's feet. He couldn't help it anymore; he just had to do it:

He had to tickle her.

"YOH!" Anna screamed as she tickled her feet. Yoh laughed, but Anna didn't find it to be funny, so, as Yoh should've expected, he got kicked him the face, "How DARE you!" She said sitting up.

Even thought Yoh got kicked in the face, he still laughed, "You won't ever admit it, but you're the most ticklish person I know."

Anna was mad; she hated being tickled, "I can't believe you did that! I trusted you!"

"Hey, hey, don't act like I betrayed you! I never said I wasn't gunna do that and you never told me not to!"

"But still! You should know!"

"I can't read your mind! I just wanted to know if you were still ticklish!"

Anna glared and crossed her arms, "What a jerk! Never do it again!"

"Okay, Anna," Yoh got up, "I promise I won't do it again if you ask me not to before-hand, alright?" Yoh started to leave.

"H-hey," Anna turned towards him, "That's not good enough!"

"It'll have to be," Yoh started up the stairs, "I gotta go or I'll be late!"

"Don't think I'm done with you!" Anna yelled as he disappeared on the B 2 level.

"Hai, hai," Yoh laughed as he left.

Anna glared at the upper level for a while until she heard the door slide shut. Seconds later her glare melted down. And a reluctant smile graced her lips as she looked at her feet. She rubbed them, Yoh hasn't changed very much. He still seemed like a little boy. Memories of Yoh tickling her came flooding into her mind. Anna would always get angry and slap him or something, but he never stopped. She couldn't expect him to make a promise to never tickle her again. Yoh always kept his promises; so she wouldn't make him make that one. Anna closed her eyes and shook her head; maybe she was getting soft.

Yoh smiled as he walked to the front desk. It was fun tickling Anna. Sure she'll be mad now, but she'll get over it. She always did. And even thought she won't admit it; he knows she liked it. He knew, today was going to be a good day.

Anna was probably pissed right now, but I know by the time I come home, she'll be cooled off. Besides, I think she was pretty bothered today by something, and that might've relieved her of it; at least for a bit. I know she outwardly hates it, but I couldn't help but do it. I think she's just afraid of laughing after all this time. I haven't hard a real laugh from her in who-knows-how-long. Tickling her might get one out of her. But I know, as of right now, she won't let that happen. She's been through too much and she's afraid to let her emotions show. I think she feels that if she let them loose, she'll be too weak. Many people would probably think that that logic was weird, but I think she's perfectly in the right mind.

I hope you liked that. This chapter wasn't exactly planned as much as the others. Actually to confess, I've been writing this story for a while now in my notebooks during class. So I guess I should thank math class for giving me the time to write this…hahaha. But what I've been doing is transferring it to the computer. And changing a few things around, like for instance, Julie Anderson was supposed to be an old bothersome lady named Linda Robinson…and look how that turned out! Haha. But I've only really written up to this chapter…so I'm a little afraid now. But I will try my very best to not disappoint you!! You guys mean so much to me!!

PREDICTION FOR THE NEXT UPDATE: again, a week. The next chapter's looking to be on the shorter side (sorry), but at least it will come to you sooner!

Please review!! Like I've said so many times before, it encourages me so much! It brightens up my whole day, seriously. I do a happy little dance and my cousin looks at my weirdly, but I don't care. So please click the purple button and leave just a few kind words?

Until next time: Ja ne!