Haha, well I'm getting a lot of people expressing their hate for Julie…well frankly, I don't like her that much myself. She's just one of those annoying nice people that you shouldn't hate but you do. And don't you guys worry this is a YohxAnna story till the end! But things are a little rocky right now…but just trust me, it'll get better and cuteness will prevail!! The beginning of this chapter is a little…well let's just say: non-cute…but by the end it is!! Just trust me!! Hehe, thanks for reviewing!
Oh, and to my dear Jamesters, for all your support with all of my various stories and random chapters, I've mentioned your name in this chapter. Your real name though…not my nick-name for you. Thanks so much!!
Thanks for all your kind reviews! You make my day! : )
Please, Enjoy!
Chapter 6:
"Apples and Oranges"
It's been about a week since the painting incident, and I've got to say that I'm feeling a lot better. I was sick for about 4 days, but then it slowed down to a mere cold. Now I feel fine, with the exception of a few runny noses and slight headaches. I think the same could be said for Anna. She hadn't really said anything about the matter. And for some odd reason, I could feel her pulling away. She seemed to be getting more distant, and I couldn't tell if it was just because she was sick, or if something was really wrong. Either way, she wouldn't tell me, and I just had to be patient and wait to see how things turned out.
"Hao," Yoh said getting his brother's attention, "My shift's over, I'm heading home."
"Alright," Hao gave a slightly non-caring response.
Yoh had walked away, and a few minutes later, Anna walked through the main door, "Is Yoh here?"
"You just missed him."
"Hmph."
"Is there anything I can help you with, Anna-chan?"
"You can start by stop calling me "-chan"."
Hao gave a slight laugh. Anna almost walked away from the desk, but Hao stopped her, "Hey, don't think I've forgotten about our little date. It's been like a month and a half."
"You won't quit, will you?"
"A deal's a deal, sweetheart."
"Don't call me that," Anna crossed her arms and gave a deep glare.
"Right. What was I thinking?"
"So when are we going?" Anna pushed an annoying strand of hair behind her ear.
"What?"
"Don't make me change my mind."
"Okay, okay," Hao sounded slightly excited, "How about a movie?"
"Sure, whatever," Anna uncrossed her arms, "When?"
"Uh, I'm free tomorrow night, you?"
"I get off at 5:30."
"Alright, then how about around 7?"
"Okay. See you then," Anna turned to leave.
"Oh, and Anna," once again Hao stopped her, "Don't forget to tell my little brother. If you don't tell him, then I will."
Anna ignored him as she walked back to the B level. Anna entered quietly and went to her room. She didn't even tell Yoh that she was home. She laid down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Why did she feel so…empty? This feeling wasn't new to her, she always empty before…but for the last 2 months, she didn't. She didn't know what she was feeling since she came here, but she knew it was something. Now, once more, she felt nothing. Ever since she declared that she wasn't going to be soft anymore, she felt empty. She was starting to wonder if it was even worth it.
"Anna," there was a knock her door, "Are you home?"
"Hai."
"May I come in?"
"Mhm."
"Is that a 'yes'?" Yoh slid the door slightly open to see Anna lying on the bed, "Are you not feeling well?"
It annoyed her how he always asked that. He sat on the edge of her bed as she shook her head slowly, "I'm fine now."
"Well, then, if you're up to it—"
"I'm not sick."
"Okay, you wouldn't mind coming with me then?"
"Depends where."
"I feel like having some ice cream. Wanna go to the ice cream parlor with me?"
Anna sat up slightly, "Hmm…"
"C'mon," he tried to persuade her, "You can get whatever you want, my treat."
"Hmph. But they never have apple flavored ice cream."
Yoh laughed, "So? No one ever has orange pie! Don't let that stop you!"
"Alright," Anna fully sat up, "I'll go."
"Great," Yoh got up, "let's go. I've been craving ice cream for the longest time."
Yoh and Anna then headed out of the inn and made their way to the ice cream parlor. The walk was quiet, but enjoyable, well, at least to Yoh it was. He knew Anna was quiet and didn't expect her to start up a conversation or to keep it going. They soon reached the ice cream parlor.
"How may I help you?" the cashier asked.
"Um," Yoh looked at Anna, "Just a minute. Anna, what do you want?"
Anna walked around looking at the choices then looked at the cashier, "2 scoops of Black Cherry."
"Okay," said the cashier, "You sir?"
"2 scoops of Orange and Cream, please."
The cashier got their ice creams and Yoh paid. Yoh looked at Anna and signaled her to follow him. Yoh lead Anna to a nearby park and sat on a bench. He patted the seat next to him for Anna to sit down. Anna sat down next to Yoh and they sat their quietly licking their ice creams.
"Oh, Yoh," she said, getting his attention, "Tomorrow night's the date."
"Date? What date?"
"Mine and Hao's. The one I promised to go on if he worked your shift."
"Oh, right," Yoh said a little sadly as he stared at his ice cream.
"Don't worry, it means nothing."
"Tomorrow's going to be boring though, I have it off."
"Then I'll make it up to you next time."
Yoh gave a smile, "Well, I guess tomorrow I'll just help Julie with her Japanese or she can help me with my English."
It was Anna's turn to frown. She stopped licking her ice cream and dwelled on what he said. Why? Why did he always bring her up?
After a while, Yoh noticed Anna not liking her ice cream anymore, "What's the matter? Don't like it?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Anna started to lick her ice cream again.
"Wanna try some of mine?" Yoh offered handing her his ice cream.
Anna said nothing as she took his ice cream and handed him hers. This sort of thing wasn't new to them; they used to do it all the time when they were little. Pretty much every time they had ice cream, they'd share. None of them ever mined and both usually looked forward to it.
"You haven't changed," Anna said taking a lick of Yoh's ice cream, "it's always Orange and Cream with you."
"Well, what about you?" Yoh licked hers, "You always complain that there's no apple flavor and then you just settle with cherry."
"Apples are red, cherries are red."
Yoh laughed, "Red's still your favorite color, right?"
Anna nodded while she handed Yoh's ice cream back to him, "Yours is still orange, correct?"
Yoh nodded.
"How unusual."
"I think that's why I like it. Not many people like orange and it seems like a neglected color. No one would ever predict it."
Anna gave the slightest of smiles and continued to eat her ice cream. After a while of eating their ice creams and occasional passing of words, they headed home. The rest of the day was pretty much uneventful. It was already towards the end of the day and both Yoh and Anna had ruined their appetites with the ice cream. Anna stayed in her room, claiming to be reading, but was only staring at the ceiling again. Yoh watched a few shows, but then got bored, and decided to go to bed. After Yoh had knocked on her door and told her he was going to sleep, Anna decided to too.
The next day came all too quickly and Anna was dreading the evening. On the other hand, Hao was anticipating it. Before Anna knew it, she was at work and it was 5:30 and she was off work already. She slowly walked home and upon arriving softly said, "Tadaima."
"Okaeri," Yoh was on the couch, "I recorded your show for you."
"Thanks," she nodded as she reached the couch and sat down, "I'll watch it later." Anna laid down with her feet on Yoh's lap; she gave him a glare, "No tickling."
Yoh shook his head while laughing. Then he rested his hands on her ankles and looked at her, "Aren't you going to get ready?"
"It's just Hao," Anna responded while taking her hair down, "It's not a big deal."
"You don't care about dates?"
"Again: it's just Hao. Do you want me to get dressed up for your brother?"
"No. Don't tempt him."
"I won't try to."
"So what are you guys doing?"
"Seeing a movie."
"Oh, which one?"
"I don't know," Anna shrugged, "I let him choose."
"He'll probably pick something lame," Yoh laughed.
"Most movies are lame," Anna looked at the T.V. "I don't expect much."
Yoh laughed, "I wonder what Hao expects to get out of this?"
"I don't know, but he ain't getting anything."
Yoh smiled, "Don't let Hao talk you into anything, okay?"
"You can trust me." Anna looked at Yoh, "You really think I'd let Hao talk meinto anything?"
"Ha ha, no. He and I both know you'd send him home with a beaten face first."
Anna looked at the clock and sighed, "I should start getting ready."
Yoh gave a slight nod as Anna slowly got up and made her way upstairs. She had gotten ready pretty fast, well, compared to other girls. She just wanted to get this over with. Nothing would happen between her and Hao, she wouldn't let it. He knew that, didn't he? He probably just wanted to take Anna out as a head turner; so Hao could "show off" his many attractive girlfriends. This date was probably for reputation purposes only.
Anna came down the stairs to the couch, fully ready. She was wearing a black camisole with red lace and a red bow under the chest with a black sweater. She wore skinny jeans with black flats with little red polka dots on them. Her hair, of course, was down with the exception of an apple clip on her left side. Yoh could feel his jaw drop.
"I'm ready," she said.
He wished he was taking her out.
Seeing as he was only staring, Anna walked over to the couch and sat next to him.
"You look good," was all he could say.
"Not too good, right?"
"You always look good…"
"No, I meant for Hao."
Yoh opened his mouth to answer, but there was a knock at the door. He looked toward Anna.
"Can you get it?"
"Sure," he nodded as he got up to answer it. He knew it was Hao though. He opened the door to see Hao's grinning face.
"Hey there little brother."
"Hao," Yoh gave a slight glare.
"Don't be jealous, little bro," Hao put an arm around Yoh's neck, "It's not my fault you don't have the balls to ask her out."
"Hao…" Yoh was really glaring now.
"Is that all you have to say: my name?"
"How this is: take care of her or I promise your face will be so distorted that you won't have another girlfriend for a year."
"Geez, Yoh, relax," Hao let go of his grip, "You're never fun to tease when it comes to Anna."
"This is serious!"
"What do you think I'm gunna do? I'm more afraid of Anna then I am of you!"
"Hmph," Yoh crossed his arms.
"Lighten up pouty-pants," Hao crossed his arms, "Go hang out with Julie, you'll feel better." Then Hao walked down the stairs, "Anna-chan!"
Yoh slowly uncrossed his arms. For once, he was jealous of his brother.
"Are you ready?" Hao asked approaching the couch.
"Can we not and say we did?"
"Sorry, doll, doesn't work that way."
Anna gave a slight moan and got up.
"You look lovely."
Anna gave a slight twitch of the eyebrow and a half nod as an acceptance of what he'd said.
Yoh made his way down stairs with his hands in his pockets.
"I guess we'll be leaving then," Hao signaled Anna to come with him.
Yoh nodded but said a little unenthusiastically, "Okay. Have fun."
"Don't wait up for us," Hao said jokingly.
Yoh's eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly, "Don't come back too late."
"Geez, Yoh," Hao said while walking up the stairs, "You sound like a parent."
Yoh sighed as he could no longer see them.
"See ya later," he heard Hao say as they exited.
"Bye," Yoh said softly as he leaned on the back of the couch.
Hao and Anna made their way to the movie theater. It was an awkward silence, unlike the comfortable silence Yoh and Anna always had. Hao was used to talking to his dates and showing off, trying to impress them. But Hao knew all too well that sweet-talking would have no affect at all on Anna.
"Why doesn't anyone have cars?" Anna asked crossing her arms.
"Why would I need a car?" Hao put his hands in his pockets, "I live at my work and everything's pretty much close by so there's no need. Besides, Yoh and I do know how to drive, we just don't need cars."
"I would've thought that someone like you would've gotten a car just to impress the ladies. None of them care?"
"No, most of the girls enjoy romantic strolls like this."
"This? You call this romantic?"
"Well usually for normal girls it is. But you have this wall around you and you won't let anyone in."
"Why should I have to?"
"You know, it's really annoying and frustrating…having to deal with your uncaring and nonchalant moods. I don't know how Yoh puts up with you."
"I didn't ask him to."
"But he does. Be thankful that he does. You're always acting like you hate the world."
"There's not much to like. You have no idea what I've been through," Anna stopped walking.
"Then enlighten me," Hao stopped a few feet in front off her, "Let's skip the movie and eat instead."
"Why would I tell you? Hasn't Yoh already?"
Indeed Yoh had, but Hao pretended he didn't. He promised Yoh that he wouldn't tell Anna he knew, but he was determined to hear Anna's story: from her own lips, "No. I just know that you moved. Why did you move so suddenly and not tell Yoh about it?"
Anna sighed and stared at her shoes. She didn't really care if Yoh had told Hao about her step family; she just cared if Yoh had told Hao that she cried. Actually, she somewhat wished Yoh had told Hao about her past; that way she didn't have to. She was pretty surprised too, Hao was nosy and nagged until he got what he wanted. Why hadn't he asked Yoh yet? She looked at him, "Fine. I'll tell you."
The restaurant Hao had in mind wasn't too far from where they were, so getting there was almost no time at all. The walk there was quiet, but Hao knew the talking would start once they were seated. They entered the restaurant and many heads turned to Hao and Anna, "Whoa, Hao, you struck gold this time! Who's the new girl? She reminds of that last foreigner you took out, what was her name? Oh, yeah! Jamie!"
Hao just smirked at his friends who were drooling over Anna, "Her name's Anna."
"Ooooh, Anna, eh? She a foreigner?" One of them asked due to Anna's non-Japanese name and blonde hair.
"Hao, these losers your friends?" Anna said in English. The guys, not understanding her, started to exclaim how cute her accent was.
Hao didn't quite understand her, but laughed anyway. Then he whispered to her, "I didn't know you knew English."
"I know only a little," she said quietly, "I just don't want to talk to your drooling friends."
Hao laughed and told the host to get them a table for two. Soon they were seated and they ordered their meals. There was silence for a while. Hao wasn't sure if Anna would bring it up, or if he should do it himself. He figured that Anna wouldn't want anyone to overhear, or interrupt, so he patiently waited for her to bring it up. Then the food was served and then he figured that she wasn't going to start it up. After a while Hao propped his elbows on the table and rested his head on his hands, "So. What are these issues you're having?"
"Remember Haijime, Kyosuke, and Kosuke?"
"Your step family?"
"They abused me." She flat out said; no hesitation at all. Then she continued to eat her food.
Hao was a little taken aback by her indifferent expression and calmness.
"Haijime used to abuse my mom when she was alive, and then after she died, I was his new target."
"D-did Yoh know about this?"
"Not at first," Anna took another bite, "But you know your brother. He's like you: won't mind his business."
"Did he do anything about it? 'Cuz he definitely didn't tell any adults!"
"Well, let's just say he wasn't robbed. He tried to protect me…and was beaten because of it," Anna's voice got soft and quiet as she let go of her chopsticks.
"Then what happened?"
"Haijime thought he killed Yoh, so once he sobered up, we left. As I got older, things got worse. I finally got the chance to run away, and I'm never going back… Kyosuke's got plans for me…."
"Well at least you ended up here, back with Yoh."
"I don't know how long I can stay here though."
"But Yoh can take care of you. Don't worry about it. He may not look like it, but he's really strong."
"That just makes me a burden. I hate burdens, therefore I hate being one."
"I'm sure it's no problem for him."
Anna looked down, "He's lived without me for almost half his life. He doesn't need me. I'll only get in the way."
Hao didn't really know what to say to that, but he was determined to keep this conversation going. He didn't want it to end this way, "But you're his best friend—"
"Not anymore. I'll only drag him down with our past…"
"Well maybe if you took some effort into showing you care or into showing some emotions…"
"Look, half my life I've been used and abused, I'm used to not feeling anything. You can't ask me to suddenly change. Things don't work that way."
"You can't even show your emotions to Yoh?"
"Especially not to him."
"Don't you trust him?"
"He's the only one I ever trust," Anna stood up, "I've lost my appetite."
"Alright, fine," Hao tried to signal a waiter, "I'll pay and we'll leave."
He paid the waiter and boxed their left over food. Actually neither of them ate much. As they walked out, Anna didn't say another word, and Hao didn't expect her to. She had said all she wanted to and would say no more if she didn't want him to hear. Hao wanted to say something, but didn't know if he should. To be safe, Hao remained silent until they reached the Inn. It was around 9:30 or 9:45 so it was still early compared to the time they would've arrived if they saw the movie instead.
"I'm sorry, Anna. I didn't mean this date to be a serious one. I owe you a better one."
"You owe me nothing," Anna started to walk off, "What would we do on a real date anyway?"
Hao gave a slight laugh, "You're right. You don't enjoy them anyway."
Anna gave a small smile as she continued her walk to the B level. She felt somewhat closer to Hao now, "Goodnight, Hao."
"Goodnight, Anna."
When Anna reached the B level, she opened the door and like usual said: "Tadaima."
She heard giggling; it wasn't Yoh's voice either. She lifted a brow as she walked down the stairs. She knew that annoying giggle all to well, but she deep down hoped and prayed that it wasn't who she thought it was.
Yoh look towards the stairs from the couch, "Okaeri! Why home so early?"
That's when Anna saw her: Julie Anderson. She could smell that sweet Love Spell scent that somehow overpowered her Strawberries and Champagne. Anna frowned; Julie was sitting in her spot. Anna slowly approached the couch, "The movie theater was too crowded, so we decided to eat instead." She lifted the box with her food in it, "I have leftovers. You can have it if you want."
"Thanks," Yoh responded as she handed him the box, "Did you have fun?"
"It was me and Hao," Anna responded as if what she was saying was obvious, "what do you expect?"
Yoh laughed, "I'll take that as a 'no'. Wanna join us? We're watching a movie."
Anna gave a quick glance at Julie, "I'm actually pretty tired. I might just go to bed."
Yoh gave a little frown, "Really?"
"Yeah, looks like there's no room for me anyway."
Then Julie scooted over towards Yoh, so as she'd be in the middle. She patted the seat next to her, "You can sit here."
Anna's eyes narrowed slightly, "No, thanks. I'm tired." She did not want to be left on the side.
"Are you sure?"
These questions were annoying, "Yes."
Anna started to walk off, but when Yoh said "Goodnight." She stopped.
"Goodnight, Yoh."
"Oyasumi, Anna." Julie smiled.
"Oyasumi, Julia."
"Um, Julie. Oh, and Anna," Julie signaled her to stop, "I've been meaning to ask you: that scent you're wearing, it's Strawberries and Champagne, right?"
Anna nodded.
"Oh, I knew it…" Julie looked towards Yoh, "And you don't mind?"
"No…should I?" Yoh was confused.
"Well, it's just that," Julie looked towards Anna, "I was told that smelling that scent too much makes Yoh nauseous."
Anna's eyes narrowed, "It does?"
"I…uh," how could Yoh possibly explain this? He loved that scent, but only when it was on Anna. There was nothing he could think to say without offending either of them.
"Goodnight." Anna walked off to her room in a hurry.
"Um, ex-excuse me, Julie," Yoh got up.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"
"Uh, no. It's okay," Yoh said quickly as he went up to Anna's room, "Anna?" He knocked.
There was no response.
"Uh, Anna, I—" he opened the door slightly.
"I'm changing."
"Ah! Sorry," Yoh turned his head.
"What do you want?" She asked indifferently as she slipped into her bed.
"Um, about the whole perfume thing," Yoh said while quietly entering.
"I never expected you to lie."
"What? I didn't lie."
"You lied to someone," she glared at him, "Either you lied to me saying that you loved my scent, or you lied to her saying that it made you nauseous."
"No, I didn't lie to anyone. I do love that scent, but only on you. I can't imagine anyone else wearing it. Before you came, Julie was wearing it. I, uh, was reminded of you…the last time we saw each other, and it got me thinking…I started to get reminded of how I felt back then and I got sick. So as not to offend Julie, Hao told her that that scent sometimes makes me nauseous if I smelt it too much. So Julie stopped wearing it."
Something didn't sit right with Anna when she heard that Julie was wearing her scent. Somehow she felt resentment towards Julie, "So my scent doesn't make you nauseous?"
"Of course not."
"But it reminds you of the past…?"
"It used to," Yoh gave a little smile, "But now that I see you, and see you safe, it makes me feel better."
Anna stopped glaring and just looked at him; he looked at her. They just stared at each other for a while. Yoh started to smile, and a small smile was starting to surface on Anna.
"Ah, Julie's down stairs," Yoh gave a sheepish smile.
Anna frowned…why? Why was she always brought up?!
"I'd better go back down," Yoh headed towards the door, "Goodnight, Anna."
Yoh heard no such response from her. He just heard to move in the sheets. He headed back down and sat next to Julie and apologized for making her wait alone. Julie smiled saying it was all right and they turned their attention back to the movie.
Anna stood awake, staring at the wall. She wasn't tired at all; she just used that as an excuse. Her eyes were wide open and just stared. What Anna felt now was unidentifiable. She didn't feel empty; oh no, she definitely felt something. She just didn't know what it was. She wasn't accustomed to feeling like this and they only feeling she recognized was sadness. Something deep down mad her sad and somewhat depressed…which in turn made her angry. Then she felt frustrated with the sudden rush of thoughts entering her head. They all came suddenly and gave here no time to sort them out. She closed her eyes tightly and hoped and all these thoughts would disappear.
"Good night, Yoh," Anna heard outside of her door, "Thanks so much for inviting me over."
"Oh, it's no problem at all," came Yoh's voice, "I enjoy your company."
There was a pause, but Anna heard some movement, "I really had fun tonight."
It sounded like they were on a date, "Me too, let's do it again."
"Sure!" Julie sounded excited.
"Would you like me to walk you back to your room?"
She giggled, "I think I can manage."
"Alright then, see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Yoh…"
"Goodnight, Julie."
Then Anna heard the door close. Something sank in Anna; if she had to guess she'd say it was her heart. She didn't know why, she really didn't. Or maybe she did know why, she just didn't want to admit it to herself…Yoh liked Julie.
For the next couple of days, Anna had been distant and somewhat cold. She didn't let Yoh see it though. She busied herself and always had an excuse to do something else. She had been going out a lot lately, almost always by herself. But so as not to concern Yoh, she'd say she was walking with Pirika or Tamao, but then after she walked them to their houses, she'd go off on her own. She needed to sort her feelings out, but the only thing that did was make her feel depressed.
Anna leaned her head on her bedpost. She took a breath and sighed. She hated this. She couldn't quite pin-point the source of her hate, but she knew that she hated feeling the way she was now. She didn't feel empty anymore; she felt something else. She took her hate and focused it on one person: Julie. Julie was nice, pretty, and minded her manners……everything Anna was not. Julie had shiny blonde hair, bright sapphire eyes, and had a wonderful personality. On the other hand, Anna had dull blonde (almost brownish) hair, boring brown eyes that couldn't be described with a wonderful adjective, and a blunt-rude personality. Wouldn't it be obvious to tell which one Yoh would choose?
Anna's eyes narrowed. She hated Julia, or Julie, whatever the hell her name is. Yoh was growing up; of course he'd be attracted to Julie. It just hurt her to admit it. And what was bugging her more was that she actually cared. Why? She had no idea, or, at least that's what she told herself. Deep down, though, she did know; she just didn't want to admit it to herself.
Truth be told, she always figured that Yoh and her would be together forever. Well, not forever, but close enough. She believed that they were truly inseparable and she wanted that to be a reality. But then Haijime came into the picture and ruined everything. He ruined their childhood, her innocence, and changed their lives forever. The only person in the world Anna trusted now was Yoh and she believed that she didn't have to trust anyone else; she didn't want to either.
She was being a baby about this and she hated it. She was pouting and ruining everyone's mood by her cold face and short answers. Since when did she let silly emotions bother her? Then she sighed; she wasn't being a baby; she was being honest. And she really hated that being honest was making her into a baby.
"Anna?" There was a knock at her door.
"What?" Her voice came out annoyed.
"Is there something wrong? You've been locked up in your room all day." Yoh had concern in his voice.
That's right; Yoh was the concerning type. "Peachy keen," was the response.
"Ah, okay," he said calmly, but unbelievingly.
Yoh was going to have to forget her.
Anna had to face the truth, if Yoh was to ever live a happy life, he had to forget her. And, if she wanted Yoh to move on, she'd have to leave. Soon. But just to reassure him that she wasn't going to leave like last time, she'd have to find a new place to live and a job. If she does that, if she proves to him that she's independent, Yoh would move on. Yoh would probably get with Julie, marry her, have a little happy family, and forget about little ol' Anna.
Anna gave a cold smile. She hated to even think of Yoh and Julie getting married, but if it made Yoh happy, then she'd deal with it. She could never maintain happiness for very long, so she figured that Yoh's happiness could be hers. But…was it supposed to hurt this much? Anna was born to live a sad life; that was for certain.
Yoh sat on the couch. The T.V. was on, but he wasn't paying attention to it. He was concerned with Anna. She hadn't come down from her room yet, which probably meant she hadn't eaten yet. Something was wrong and she wasn't telling him what was bothering her. Perhaps she'll tell him sooner or later…but he was still worried. If she wasn't eating, then she could get sick. He had to do something about it.
Anna hadn't moved. She was still sitting there, leaning on her bedpost. There was a knock at her door. Because she was so lost in her thoughts, the knock made her jump a bit, "What? What is it?"
"Can I come in?"
"Why?"
"Is that a 'yes' or a 'no'?"
"Agh," he could be so frustrating sometimes, "Come in."
Yoh came in the room with a try of caramel and apple slices. He smiled as he made his way to her bed.
"What's this?" Anna took her head off the bedpost.
"This? This is for you," Yoh sat on the side of her bed, "I noticed that you haven't come down to eat yet and I know you like apples, so here you go!"
"I don't want it. I'm not hungry."
"That's a lie," Yoh put the tray on Anna's lap, "I know you want it. Plus, I got it just for you."
"I don't want to eat it while you're staring at me and doing nothing."
Yoh then took out an orange from his shirt pocket, "Nope, this is for me. I thought we could enjoy a healthy meal together." Then he smiled. He gave that smile that Anna once thought was only for her, but that was stupid, wasn't it?
"C'mon," he said while putting a slice of apple to her mouth, "I know you want it."
"Stoppit," she took the slice out of his hand and put it to her mouth, "I can do it myself."
Yoh smiled as she ate the slice. He peeled his orange, "Dip your apples into the caramel. It's really good!"
"I know, I know," she dipped a slice, "You act like this is my first time having this. My mom used to give this to us as a snack all the time, remember?"
"Of course. That's why I brought these; to bring some pleasant nostalgia," Yoh finished peeling his orange. He ate a slice and then stared at the caramel.
"Don't even try it," Anna knew what Yoh was thinking, "That's gross. Nobody eats orange slices and caramel."
"But orange is my favorite and I wanna try it!" He dipped the orange in and Anna made a disgusted face. He ate it, "Mmm!"
"Ew!"
"You should try it!" He dipped a piece and put it by her mouth.
"No!" Anna shook her head, "You eat your nasty oranges and I'll eat my caramel apples!"
Yoh laughed, "Oranges aren't nasty! They're yummy no matter what form or way you eat them!"
"Nuh-uh. They're sour!"
"Not always, and so are apples!"
"Not as bad as oranges! Here, you just stick with your oranges, and I'll stick with my apples."
Yoh laughed, "Hey, they're two opposites!"
Anna bit hard into her apples slice. Apples and Oranges. Two opposites…just like them. They were totally different, just like apples and oranges. Yoh couldn't be compared to an orange, but both of them could definitely be compared to an apple and orange's differences. They were apples and oranges…both in the same category, but different characteristics.
"Anna? Is there something wrong?"
Anna shook her head as she grabbed an apples slice. She dipped in caramel and put it to Yoh's mouth, "Eat it."
"No thanks," he turned his head slightly, "It's yours, I gave it to you."
"You…" somehow his refusal made her sad, "…don't like apples? I…thought you did."
"I do," this somehow made Anna smile, "But I don't want to eat your food."
"But I'm giving it to you. I'm sharing."
Yoh gave a half-unsure smile, "M'kay." He then grabbed the slice and ate it.
"Good?"
"Good."
Anna smiled a little as they both continued to eat their fruits. Soon there was none left and both stared at the tray for a while until Yoh looked at Anna, "So, still hungry?"
Anna shook her head, "Thanks."
Yoh took the tray and stood up. He gave a concerned face, "You're okay, right? You're not trying to starve yourself, are you?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I just ate."
"No, I mean, if I wouldn't have come here with a tray of food, you wouldn't have eaten."
"I would've eventually," she leaned her head on her bedpost. Yoh gave a concerned look. She slowly shifted her eyes towards him, "Don't look at me like that. I'm just tired."
"Okay…" his voice softened a bit. Anna gave a quick small smile to assure him and he quietly left.
Anna sighed. If only she could forget. No, she could never forget her hero. She clenched her fist. She hatedfeeling like this. But she knew it would only stop when she left. No, it probably wouldn't ever stop, but at least it would hurt less. If she didn't have to see him and Julie together it would make her hurt less. Yes, she had to leave, soon.
She slipped into her bed and tried her hardest to fall asleep. She ended up staring at the ceiling instead. She didn't know how long she had been lying there, but a couple of hours would've been an accurate guess because Yoh came and knocked on her door to tell her that he was off to work.
I told her that I was leaving, but there was no response. I wasn't really expecting a vocal response, but I was expecting at least the sound of movement, but I didn't even get that. It made me wonder if she was still in the room, but I never heard her leave, so she must be in there, right? She was probably sleeping, she did say she was tired…Even still, I worried. There was something bothering her; I knew that for sure.
Anna was still lying there staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. She felt numb. Yoh had told her he was leaving, but she hadn't said anything or even moved an inch; not even to blink. Something was definitely wrong and she couldn't keep living like this. It bugged her, it really did, but even more so it hurt……it really did.
After about an hour or so, Anna slowly got up. The whole sleep thing wasn't working and she needed out. Maybe she'd go looking in another town for another job and another place to stay. The fresh air and time alone might help her out a little. Her room was getting stuffy and she couldn't take staring at her ceiling anymore. The sky would be much better.
Anna made her way to the lobby and stopped before getting in the view of the front desk. She peeked her head out to see Yoh with whom? Why, of course the lovely Julie. Anna frowned; he looked so happy whenever he talked to her. Anna sighed. If she walked passed him now, he probably wouldn't notice her. It was a perfect chance.
Anna walked by with her head pointed downwards. She stared at her shoes as she walked. Her bangs covered her eyes and just before leaving she decided to take a different jacket so it wouldn't look so obvious this time. She was almost positive he wouldn't notice…
"Anna?" Almost positive.
Anna turned her head to look at the chocolate-haired boy who called her name. She looked uninterested as she waited for him to speak. She knew what he would say.
"What's up?"
"Nothing."
"Are you all right?" Julie asked.
Anna gave a half-glare as her eyes shifted towards Julie, "I'm fine."
Julie was taken aback by Anna's glare. Yoh noticed Julie's surprise and decided to ask, "Where are you headed?"
Anna felt like saying "None of your business," but she knew Yoh would call her on that and get suspicious. So, instead she simply said, "Out."
"By yourself?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"No. But, uh…"
"I'll be careful. I just need fresh air."
"Ah, okay," Yoh's eyebrows furrowed.
"I told you: don't give me that look."
"I'm just worried Anna," Yoh's voice had concern in it. It was annoying, "You don't look so good."
"A lot's been on my mind," Anna walked out the door, "I need to sort it out."
Yoh frowned, not exactly satisfied with her answer.
Julie noticed this and decided to say, "Don't worry, she'll be fine."
Yoh stared at the door, "But something's up…"
"Maybe…she didn't want to say it in front of me?" Julie did take notice that Anna wasn't exactly fond of her.
"Hm…I hope you're right…"
Yoh continued to work and every once in a while stared at the door, hoping Anna would be the next person to walk in. When Yoh got off work, he took his time. He was really starting to get worried. She'd been out for hours. What could she have been doing? What if something happened?
Yoh was just about to walk out the door when Anna entered, "Anna!"
"Yoh? What are you doing?"
"I was worried about—"
"What?" She snapped, "You don't trust me?"
"No, that's not—"
"Typical," she put her hands on her hips, "You never trust me. I hate it! I have my own life! Let me live it! You don't have to know everything that's going on in it!!"
"Anna! I'm only—"
"Geez! Yoh!" Anna said full of frustration as she swiftly walked past him.
Yoh stood there looking at her storm off. He was utterly confused. What made her explode like that? After a while of trying to sort things out in his mind, he decided to go after her.
Anna went back to the B level and hastily made her way down stairs, but Yoh was close behind. She gave a frustrated groan once she reached the end of the staircase. Yoh walked in front of her and dared to ask, "What's your problem?"
Anna turned quickly to face him; her back was now facing the wall, "You wanna know what my problem is? My problem's you!"
"M-me?"
"What? You can't hear me? Yes, my problem is you!"
Yoh stood there shocked, "W-what did I do?"
"EVERYTHING! You're always in my business and you don't let me live my life for myself! I'm tired of it, Yoh! Why can't you just leave me alone??" Things were just flying out of her mouth; she wasn't sure she could stop it.
Yoh opened his mouth to defend himself; but no, Anna wouldn't let him speak.
"No! I'm talking! You'll listen!! I'm tired of this stupid routine! It's always 'Are you okay, Anna? You look sad, there's something wrong!!' Don't you ever quit?!"
Yoh frowned and his eyes started to narrow. She paused after she saw his look. She was surprised to hear him say, "No. Go on. I wanna hear what you have to say."
Anna continued on firm, even though it seemed her mouth was just spitting out things, even if she didn't mean it. She was on a roll and she didn't know when she'd stop, "And what's up with you? You're 18 years old already and no girlfriend? That's not normal for a boy your age! All boys ever care about is girls and sex! You've had neither! What's up with that, Yoh? You go for the other side?"
"Anna—!"
"I'm not finished!" her mouth just kept running and she was really starting to get to him, "You're one messed up guy, Yoh! You don't let me live my life and you don't have your own! You're nothing but a loser, Yoh!! Staying at this inn will get you nowhere! You're a loser who will never amount to anything!!"
"Is…that how you really feel, Anna?" Yoh's head pointed downward.
Anna rolled her eyes, "What? You gunna cry?"
Yoh slammed his hand into the wall next to Anna. Her eyes widened as she looked at him. His head was still down as he leaned a little closer. His hand was now clenched tightly into a fist. He was mad; for the first time in his life, he was mad at Anna, "…How dare you," he spat out, "My…my whole LIFE I spent worrying and caring about you!"
"I didn't ask—"
"I'm talking!" He yelled and shocked Anna, "You're going to listen, whether you want to or not!! You're so…so ungrateful! I took you in without charge! I gave you a job! I'm letting you take my room!! I know you didn't ask me to, but I did!! I did because you're my friend, but apparently that doesn't mean JACK-SHITto you!"
Yoh lifted his head and looked at Anna with total anger in his eyes. She didn't look away, she looked back at him with those emotionless eyes of hers that seemed to piss him off even more, "I mean…do I mean anything at all to you? Haha, of course not! You're probably just using me because you know I'd do anything to help you! You don't care! You never show it anyway! If you want to be that way, then fine!! I won't bother you anymore! We'll just be regular roommates! And it's not like you'd apologize anyway! So I won't even hold my breath!"
Then his fist slowly unclenched and his head once again pointed downward. His hand slowly slid down the wall, "I can't believe you, Anna…" He shook his head, "Y'know, there is someone I like. Yes, a girl that I like. I would've thought you of all people would understand that I'm trying to be respectful. You know, not all guys are the same and I thought you would've understood that!" Yoh looked at her angrily. He shook his head slowly with a cold laugh and turned to ascend up the stairs. She stood there in the same spot until she heard the door slam.
Anna leaned against the wall. She knew he was different; that's why she was so attracted to him. She couldn't believe what she had just said. Instant regret was what she was feeling now and she didn't know how to take it back. Anna bit her lip. How was she going to say she was sorry? She never really said sorry before and she found herself somewhat scared to talk to him. He had yelled at her. Out of all people, he yelled at her the loudest and his words hurt her the most. Everything he said was right, except for the part about Anna not caring about him. She was his friend and she never wanted that part of them to change. She wouldn't trade Yoh's friendship for anything in the world. That was all she had…but now she wasn't sure of that anymore.
Why? Why did she explode like that? Everything she said wasn't true. Even though sometimes she hated when Yoh bugged her about what was wrong, when he didn't do it…it bugged her. It hurt her when he didn't ask her what was wrong when something was wrong. She had been in such a bad mood for days and it took him till now to ask what was wrong with her. It bugged her how he didn't ask until now.
All of Yoh's words stuck in her head, but she noticed that Yoh never told her to leave. Out of all his anger and frustration, and most likely hate, he never told her to get out. She could still stay here in his room without paying; even if she was ungrateful. She hated being so prideful, but that was the way she was. It was hard to change so suddenly.
No matter how hard she tried, she didn't know how to apologize…especially not to Yoh. She wasn't sure why, but showing her emotions to him was really hard for her. She was so close to him, yet she was afraid of getting too close. But he was the closest to her than anyone else. If she was going to apologize to anyone, it should be him. Maybe she can admit her mistake. Maybe she can say those two words to him, and only to him.
Anna's stomach twisted and turned. She had a bad taste in her mouth, as if the words she spoke were poison. She had never felt this bad about doing anything before. Yoh had never been so mad at anyone, especially her. Everything from here on out was unpredictable. Would he talk to her? Would he hate her? Would he cool off by morning? Would he act as if nothing happened? Would he forget about it? No, he was too angry. He wouldn't forget, and he wouldn't act like nothing happened. Sure, he had a laid-back personality, but no matter what, he probably wouldn't cool down until she apologized.
Why? Why did she have to go out and say all those things she didn't mean? She wanted Yoh in her life more then anything…but Yoh could live without her. He didn't need her there dragging him down. He'd be happier if she wasn't always there giving him crap. She was always causing problems…Yoh would always just smile and do it. She never thanked him. She was ungrateful…and if she wasn't there, Yoh would probably be more appreciated…probably by Julie. Then maybe she needed this little outburst. It would make it easier for her to leave and Yoh would probably be too mad to protest. He'd willingly let her go.
Anna headed to her room. Once she got there, she plopped onto her bed and, like always, stared at the ceiling. She wondered where Yoh had run off to and when he'd get home. She desperately wanted to know how things would be different between the two. Would he really stop talking to her? Hours had passed, and she had laid there lifelessly as she wondered about Yoh. And even though hours passed, he was still not home.
When Anna was finally about to get up, she heard the main door open and then she heard it slam. Anna decided not to get up and to just stay in her room. Out of all of her time thinking, she still didn't know what to do. Usually he'd announce when he came home, but as expected, he didn't. So, Anna changed into her pajamas and tried to go to sleep, though she knew she wouldn't.
Yoh went down the stairs in an angry manner. He entered the downstairs bathroom and threw off his shirt. He washed his face and wiped off his sweat. All this time he had been running nonstop to clear his mind and to burn off his anger. It didn't quite work as well as he had hoped. He still had plenty of anger to burn off, but it was passed 10 o'clock and he had to get up early for work tomorrow.
He looked at the mirror and glared at his reflection. He hated feeling like this. He especially hated being mad at Anna, but he couldn't help it. All those things she said…did she really mean it? Is that really how she felt? Did she really think he wasn't attracted to girls? If she thought like that…then she definitely didn't consider him the way he considered her. He had done everything he could for her even when she continued to be ungrateful and sometimes insult him. Maybe she was tired of him. It hurt Yoh, and some reason, hurt turned into anger. And, if there were even the slightest chance she didn't mean it, she wouldn't say sorry. She wasn't the type to do that. Maybe Yoh and Anna…weren't to be.
Yoh put his head in his hands and let out a frustrated grunt. He hated feeling like this! He walked out of the bathroom and decided to pull out the bed and then change to his pajamas. If he slept, he didn't have to think about it, but then again, how could he fall asleep with such a heavy weight on his mind? The things she said wasn't going to go away over night and his anger would last until he could hear an apology from her…He might never get rid of this feeling.
I felt terrible. My head ached from the swirl of emotions building up inside of me. I was upset, hurt, confused, angered, and saddened. Running helped just a bit, but as soon as I stopped running, the pain came back. She yelled at me and I yelled at her. We have gotten into arguments before, but never like this. For her to yell was normal, but for me to yell…and like that? Never. But it…it pissed me off. And it…it hurt…It was almost like my heart was broken. How could she? I thought……No, I was wrong. Anna doesn't want to be with me anymore. She's tired of me…and I'm just another problem to her.
Yoh lay down on his bed, staring at his ceiling. Little did he know, she was doing the same. Neither could sleep and they probably wouldn't be for a while. Questions and possibilities ran through their heads and none could be answered or proven. They only had their own thoughts corrupting their minds and poisoning their hopes. This was truly hell.
The next day Yoh had left for work without saying anything. His mind was clouded with anger and sadness…He didn't even want to look at Anna. If he did, then who knows what would happen? He might get even angrier and not have control over what he says, or he might get soft. Either way, he didn't want to yell at Anna more, and he didn't want to get weakened by her. Even he was confused on how he should act. It was the first he had ever gotten mad at Anna. But he did know that she had to apologize, not him. Also, if she was tired of him, then he didn't want to get in her way.
Anna was awake when she heard the door shut. Even though she knew that he wouldn't say goodbye, her heart still sunk when she didn't hear it. She got up to see if he left her a note like he usually did when he leaves early like this, but there was no such thing. She sighed as she already knew the outcome. She shouldn't have said all those things to Yoh; her mind repeatedly reminded her of that. Regret was so much in every inch of her body that she could almost taste it. It hadn't even been a day yet, but she was already tired of this fight. What was she going to do if Yoh didn't talk to her?
It wasn't as though she only wanted to talk to Yoh so he'd do her favors, like he assumed, but she really wanted to talk to him, like normal. Yoh…was the only person she ever trusted…if she could no longer talk to him, then who could she trust? She'd be an empty shell again. Life would truly not be worth living. But even if she tried to escape life, Yoh, no matter how angry he was at Anna, wouldn't allow it. She needed to leave and get far away from here. She needed Yoh to forget about her. But first, she needed to apologize. Even if it was the hardest thing for her to do, she needed to do it, because living with this guilt would be a fate worse than hell.
For the next few days, they did not talk to each other. It seemed as though Yoh didn't even look at her. Sure she wanted to apologize, but fear consumed her body. What if he ignored her? What if yelled more? What if he didn't accept her apology? Anna sighed. She never thought she'd see the day where she was afraid of little old Yoh.
Yoh was working and Anna decided to step out to look for new places to stay. With Yoh not on her back, it was definitely easier to look for a new job and a new place, but, much to her surprise, she sure did miss Yoh's concerned remarks.
Anna headed towards the dining area, but in order to do that, she had to pass the lobby area where Yoh was. Anna frowned. Yoh was laughing and smiling: he was talking to Julie. Sure, whenever Anna got a glimpse of Yoh alone he looked upset, but whenever Yoh was with Julie, he was smiling. Anna sighed as she leaned against the wall.
"Oi, Anna."
Anna rolled her eyes at the sound of the voice, "What, Hao?"
"What's with you and Yoh? Are you guys fighting?"
Anna attempted to walk away, but then said, "Yeah. He yelled at me."
Anna walked away towards the diner while Hao stood there dumbstruck. He started to blink as what she said processed in his mind. Then he caught up to her, "Wait, wait, wait, wait! He yelled at you?"
Anna turned and started at him with emotionless eyes, "I yelled first. Then he yelled back."
"Wait, wait! I don't get it! Yoh would never get mad, especially not at you!"
Anna's eyes narrowed as she frowned, "I know. I went over the edge."
"You must've gone waaaay over the edge!"
"Hao, you're not making things any better!" Anna stormed off.
Hao's eyebrows furrowed. Things were not right here, "No matter what Anna says, there's no way he'd get mad, right?" It was time he had a talk with his little brother.
"Oi, Yoh," Hao walked to the front desk, "What's up with you and Anna?"
Yoh's smile disappeared, "I don't want to talk about it."
Hao looked at Julie with a sweet smile, "Excuse us?"
"Sure," Julie nodded and left with a quick smile and wave.
Hao looked at Yoh with a serious look. Yoh rolled his eyes, "We're in a fight."
"What do you mean? You never get mad, especially not at Anna. I mean, I know I told you to grow some balls, but I never thought you'd do that!"
"She said some out-of-line things and I got mad."
"She told me you yelled at her. You didn't, did you?"
Yoh paused. He opened his mouth slowly, "I did. And this time I'm not apologizing. She has to."
"You know she won't…"
"If she really respected me as a friend, she will. If she doesn't, then I guess we're not friends."
"But Anna means too much to—"
"I know what she means to me!" Yoh almost yelled, but then said softer, "I want to know what I mean to her."
Then two customers came in. Hao looked at Yoh and said, "We'll talk later."
Yoh slowly nodded, he could trust his brother. He turned towards the two customers and put on a fake smile, "Welcome to the En Onsen and Inn. How may I help you?"
Hao walked away and wondered about the details of the fights. What could Anna have possibly said to make Yoh yell at her? He was actually a little proud of Yoh for standing up for himself for once, but he was actually quite sad; he knew how Anna was. Kyoyama Anna apologized to no one.
Anna walked into the kitchen area. She looked at the time and whispered, "Just in time."
"Anna!" Tamao waved from the kitchen area, "I'm just cleaning up, I'll be there in a second!"
"Don't worry about it," Anna said sincerely, well, for her, "Take your time."
"Okay," Tamao said coming up to Anna while taking off her apron, "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well," Anna looked down, but then looked up, "I want you to teach me how to bake a cake."
The pink-haired girl blinked, "A cake? What for?"
"Just teach me, please, Tamao?"
Tamao's face softened, "All right. Let's go to my apartment and I'll show you."
Anna gave a slight smile as they walked out of the inn and toward Tamao's apartment. Once there, Tamao set up the stuff to bake a cake. She had a bunch of kitchen ware and utensils. She was in college majoring in the culinary arts, so Anna made a good choice coming to Tamao for baking advice.
Anna caught on to the steps fast, but she took it slow; this cake had to be perfect.
"Have you ever baked before?" Tamao asked, "Because, um, no offense, but if haven't baked before then it could come out bad…"
"Don't worry, I've cooked before, I just don't like doing it," Anna looked at Tamao, "Why? Am I doing something wrong?"
"N-no!" Tamao stammered, "I was just warning you."
"It better come out good," Anna mumbled.
"Um…uh, is this…for Yoh?" Tamao didn't look at Anna for fear Anna would glare. Instead, Anna gave a sad look while she continued stirring the batter, "I…I heard you two were fighting." Tamao was bold today.
"I…" Anna parted her lips, "…deserved every bit of it."
"What do you mean?"
"Yoh yelled at me…"
Tamao looked shocked, "Yoh?! H-he…he wouldn't…"
Anna gave a somewhat cold laugh, "I get that a lot. I really pissed him off. He won't even look at me."
Tamao sadly looked down, "…I'm sorry…"
"No, I am," Anna said quietly.
There was a bit of awkward silence on Tamao's part, but then she quickly looked at Anna and smiled, "Well then I'm going to help you bake the best cake ever made in this kitchen!"
Anna gave a small, almost sad smile, "Thank you, Tamao."
Then they started to concentrate on making the cake. Baking a cake took longer then Anna expected, but she somewhat enjoyed it nonetheless. She had some bonding time with Tamao and it made her feel a little better. Tamao reassured her that everything would be all right and Anna so badly wanted to believe her.
"Alright," Tamao looked at their work, "We finished! He likes vanilla frosting, right?"
"I'm sure," Anna looked at her cake, "Do you have any icing?"
"Um…yeah! What color?" Tamao looked through her cabinets.
"Orange."
"Okay, here," Tamao handed her the tube.
"Don't look," Anna said while opening the tube.
Tamao gave a slight laugh as she covered her eyes.
Anna wrote slowly and clearly. When she was done she put her hands on her hips, "I don't suppose you have a box I can put this inn?"
"Oh, yes!" Tamao said while moving to her cupboard, "May I look yet?"
"Yes, but not at the cake."
Tamao gave a little laugh as she took out a cake box and handed it to Anna while looking the other way.
Anna put the cake in the box and covered it, "Thanks."
"Well, since I made a cake with you, would you like a piece of cake?"
Anna stared at it. It sure looked tempting…
"C'mon, Anna," Tamao started to cut it, "You're going to have a piece."
Once Tamao cut two slices, one for herself and one for Anna, they sat at the table and started to eat it, "I hope mine came out as good as yours did, Tamao."
"I'm sure it did!" Tamao took a bit and smiled. After a few more bites, Tamao decided to speak, "Hey Anna?"
"Hm?"
"Thanks."
"What?"
"I mean," Tamao looked down and smiled, "When I was little, I always wanted to talk to you…I wanted us to be friends…but I was, uh, scared…and then you moved away and I thought I wouldn't see you again and that I missed my chance," Tamao lifted her head to look at Anna, "But you came back to us. And…and I wasn't too sure if we were friends until now…But now that you came to me for help, I'm sure we are! And I'm very glad!"
Anna was a little shocked to her Tamao's little confession, but then Anna smiled, "Thank you Tamao. You're a good friend and I'm sorry I've been so selfish." Anna got up and grabbed her cake-box.
"Thanks for coming over! I'll see you later!"
Anna nodded as she walked out the door, "Thanks for having me!"
Anna walked the streets of Funbari alone as she looked at all the buildings. If she was going to move, she should do it soon. She felt bad because now Tamao was very hopeful about their friendship. But things would be better if Anna wasn't around. Things would be easier for everyone. Everyone was just fine without her before, so why should there be a difference if she leaves this time?
When Anna reached the Inn it was already late, so she figured that after she set the cake in place, she'd go to bed. Once reaching the room, she felt butterflies in her stomach, was Yoh home? She didn't see him at the front desk. She descended down the stairs and saw that the couch was still a couch. Good, he wasn't home. She walked into the kitchen and placed the cake-box on the counter. She wrote a note "For Yoh only" and placed it on top of the box.
Anna sighed as she ascended up the stairs. A cake wouldn't make up for all she'd said, but she was hoping it would calm him down a bit. Anna changed into her pajamas and decided to go to bed. Making Yoh a cake made her feel a little better, but now she was nervous, she knew that tomorrow she would have to confront him. She'd have to say she's sorry. She closed her eyes. Tomorrow is a big day.
Anna woke up and looked at the clock next to her. 8 o'clock. "Yoh's at work," she whispered. She sat up, either he said goodbye and she didn't hear it, or he didn't say goodbye and he was still angry. She ran a hand through her hair and got up. She had to look at the cake.
As she descended down the stairs, each step got slower. Butterflies must've been dancing in her stomach. She was so nervous she could almost throw up. Why? Why was she so nervous? Nothing like this had ever bothered her before. She suddenly felt dizzy and was losing breath as she reached the last step. Anna took a deep breath and walked faster. There was no time to worry.
She stood in the doorway of the kitchen and didn't look at the counter yet. What if she found the cake in the trash? She didn't know what to do then. Anna took another deep breath. She shouldn't just stand here and worry. What happened to her? She above all others would usually just like to get things over with.
To Anna's relief, she found that the cake-box was there. She walked over to it to see the note she left now on the side of the cake instead of on top, which means Yoh must've looked at it. She quickly opened the box to find a piece of cake missing. Anna felt relieved; the missing piece meant something right? The words "I'M SORRY" were still clear on it. Anna felt better. Now all she had to do was talk to him. Knowing that he at least looked at the cake calmed her nerves. He at least knew her intentions now.
Anna took a deep breath. This wasn't like her at all. She didn't like feeling worried or nervous, so she tried to step it up. This, though, made her realize her emotional state. All these years, she always hid her emotions from everyone…but Yoh always brought them out of her. But because she was away from Yoh for so long…she wasn't used to feeling anything like this. She got used to always hiding her emotions and not feeling any of them, but here she was…barely two months and she's felt more emotions in those two short months then she has in the past 7 years. These emotions were overwhelming and ganging up on her…sometimes she didn't know how she'd take it.
She decided to avoid him while he was working. She didn't want their conversation to be cut short by the limits of his breaks or hers, so she decided to wait until they were both done with their shifts to confront him. She got dressed quickly and waited for Yoh to go on his break before she passed the front desk. With all the free time she's been getting, it wasn't too hard to check out a new apartment or a new job. Even though Anna was apologizing, she still decided that she'd leave. She just felt that Yoh needed to know that she didn't hate him or mean all those things she had said.
Anna had returned just in time to change for her shift and start. As hours went by, she started to get more and more nervous. Her face didn't show it, but she could feel it in her stomach and her hands had to constantly occupy themselves. She tapped her pen rather quickly as her eyes shifted towards the clock. Closer and closer…she could feel it. And as her stomach kept turning, she couldn't help but ask why one boy would make such an impact on her life?
Anna's shift ended. As she walked closer and closer towards the room, she could feel her stomach dropping. Her perfectly sturdy face started to falter and turn pale. Her hand was on the door. Maybe she wouldn't confront him? Maybe, since her room is next to the front door, she could slip in unnoticed? She opened the door and heard nothing. There was no noise…Was Yoh even home? She passed her room and decided to check it out. She went down the stairs to see that the couch was still a couch and that no one was in it. Then she looked towards the kitchen to see the light on. There he was…there was Yoh writing something.
Anna hesitated as she stood in the doorway. Yoh looked up at her from the table. For the first time in what seemed like forever, he looked at her.
"Yoh, I—"
"Are you hungry?"
"—huh?"
Yoh stood up and showed her what he had been writing, "I was writing you a note asking you to meet me at the diner."
Anna looked at her clothes, "I, uh…"
"You go up and change. Meet me and we can talk then," and with that he left.
Yoh's tone was indefinable. She couldn't tell if he had forgiven her or if he just wanted to hear her pathetic excuse of an apology to decide whether to forgive her or not. Either way, Anna didn't waste her time in getting ready to meet Yoh. She hurriedly put something on and rushed to the diner. She so badly just wanted to get this fight over with. It had bugged her more then anything ever had before.
She entered the inn's diner and saw Yoh sitting there. She went over to sit across from him. Yoh looked at her, somewhat emotionlessly. He didn't smile, but he didn't look angry either.
"Yoh," she looked at him in the eye, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean anything I said. I don't know why I—"
"Y'know," he interrupted, "That is the first time I heard you sincerely apologize."
"I mean it, Yoh: I'm…sorry."
Yoh just looked at her. She wanted to know what he was thinking…she wanted to know if he had accepted her apology. Then he opened his mouth to speak, "Are you apologizing so you'll feel better and I'll start doing favors for you, or do you really mean it?"
"Yoh. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."
"You said all those things to me, and yet you didn't mean that."
"I swear I didn't mean what I said back there. I was mad, and I took it out on you, but please believe me when I say I'm sorry. You know me, Yoh, I usually don't apologize."
Yoh stared at her for a while. He could see in her eyes that she really meant it. He sighed, "Are you hungry?"
Anna's eyebrows furrowed. Why did he keep asking that? "No. I don't have much of an appetite right now."
"Okay," Yoh stood up, "Me neither. Let's go back to the room then."
Anna inwardly sighed as Yoh started to walk off. She couldn't predict what he was up to. Was he doing this on purpose? Why was he so difficult? Was she always this difficult?
"Besides," he said as they made their way to the B level, "I'm more in the mood for cake."
Anna paused. What did that mean? It was driving her absolutely crazy not knowing what he meant, or how he felt. It was hard for her to understand him, especially since he hardly had an expression on his face. Yoh had never been like that before. He always showed his emotions, but maybe now that he's not…maybe he didn't know what to feel either. He was in the mood for cake though, so that was a good sign, wasn't it?
When they reached their floor, Anna felt awkward. She didn't know whether she should just enter her room then and there, or if she should follow Yoh to the kitchen.
"Do you want some cake?" Yoh spoke and almost made her jump.
"No, I made it for you and only you."
"Why's that?" As if he didn't know.
"Because I'm truly sorry, and," Anna looked down, "You're the only person I'll apologize to."
Yoh gave a little, almost non-visible smile, "Well, come down with me anyway."
So, she followed Yoh down the stairs and into the kitchen. He started to make some Hot Chocolate and prepared to cut the cake.
"Yoh," Anna had to know, "Do you forgive me? Are you still mad?"
"What you said really hurt."
Anna looked down.
"But," he placed a cup of Hot Chocolate in front of her, "You apologized, and you're sorry. I know how hard it is for you to apologize, so I believe you, Anna. I…forgive you. I'm glad you apologized."
Anna gripped her cup and looked at the creamy chocolate, "I…don't want to be a burden anymore."
Yoh looked at her as she stood up, "What do you mean?"
Anna started to walk into the T.V. room, "I…am going to move to another town and get a new job…support myself. You can have your old room back."
Yoh opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out; what was he to say to that? He stood up and followed Anna to the next room, "Anna!"
"I'm…sorry," Anna looked down as she put her hands on the couch, "I never thanked you, but I want you to know that I've very grateful to you and I couldn't take it if you were mad at me when I left."
Yoh walked over to her. He couldn't think of anything to say to make her stay. What he said must've really gotten to her head and though he meant it and was furious at the time, he didn't want her to leave. He'd take it all back if it meant her staying, "Anna, for what I said before, I'm s—"
"No! Don't apologize!" She quickly interrupted, "I know you meant what you said; it was true. I know it was…you're not the one who has to be sorry…"
"Anna," Yoh embraced Anna with his strong arms, "I'm glad you apologized."
"Me…" Anna wrapped her arms around him, "…too…"
"It means a lot to me," he rested his chin on her head.
"You're the only one I'll apologize to," She buried her head in his secure chest.
"That means even more."
"Yoh…" she said as closed her eyes, taking in his relaxing, soothing scent.
"Anna," he closed his eyes too and breathed in Strawberries and Champagne, "Don't leave."
"But, Yoh," she looked up at him, "I'm in your way here…I'm holding you back."
"You're not holding me back," he looked at her, "I know I yelled and said that you were ungrateful, but you've apologized and said your thanks. You know me, Anna. I'm not a "hold-a-grudge" kind of person. I was mad, but I could tell that you really meant it when you apologized. You've said it more then once…that's gotta mean something! Besides, I can't stay mad for very long, you know that. I hardly ever get mad."
"But Yoh…"
"Now you're the one saying 'but'."
Anna's eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly.
Yoh laughed, "There you go! Now that's more like you!"
"Yoh, I'm getting too comfortable here."
"Anna, you live here."
"No, you live here."
"As do you Anna. You've lived here for the past almost 2 months. I've seen you get more and more comfortable here. You're becoming more and more like your old-self."
"That's not good…"
"How is that not good?"
"If…if Kyosuke comes back, I'll be weak again!"
"Anna, showing your emotions, your feelings, is not weakness. And don't worry if Kyosuke comes back, I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you like he did before."
Anna buried her head back onto Yoh's chest and sighed.
"Anna. If you want to leave, you can. I'm not going to make you stay. But I…I believe you belong here, with us…with me."
Anna held onto him tighter, "I belong with you…"
They stood there embracing each other just enjoying the comfortable, sweet silence between them. They breathed in each other's scents and stood there relaxed. Even though they were just in a fight and hadn't talked or looked at each other for what seemed like forever, it seemed like they were making up for it. Neither said anything, neither wanted to either; they just wanted each other close. To remember this, always and forever. She needed him more then anything, and he wanted her by his side forever. They belonged together; they were themselves together. Together is who they were. Apart they were only living a half-life. The truth was…they couldn't live without each other. They didn't function properly and life was meaningless without the other. To live without each other…would be like sin, so long as they were apart. They needed this time together. They needed each other.
After what seemed like an eternity, they broke apart and stared at each other. Yoh opened his mouth, he was pretty sure he was speaking for both of them, "What should we do now?"
"Well," she thought, "I do owe you that movie night."
"A movie then?" Yoh asked while she nodded, "Okay! You pick the movie while I make some popcorn."
Upon his returning, Yoh sat on the couch while Anna laid down, resting her feet on his lap. Then she looked at him with a glare.
"I get it; I get it," he laughed, "Y'know, if you don't want me to do it, then don't tempt me."
"You're not the kind of guy to give into temptation, though, are you?"
Yoh shook his head, "Nope."
"See?" she turned her attention to the television, "That's why I do it."
Yoh smiled. Then they decided to settle with some movie they had never heard of. As they started to watch it…it seemed to be some kind of chick-flick. Yoh was a little bored of it as did Anna, so Yoh got up to get a blanket. When he returned, Yoh laughed and said, "Just in case we fall asleep from boredom…"
"Emi, you're my one and only."
"As are you Takeshi."
"My love for you burns with the intensity of a thousand suns!"
"And my love for you will last as long as time itself!"
Anna rolled her eyes, "Oh, please. I hate all this love crap."
"Not a believer in love?"
"Not this love."
"What do you mean?"
"This is all talk. They met like what, a week ago? How can you be sure you love someone in a week? Besides…how can you believe 'I love you'? They're just words…anyone can manage to say words that they don't mean just to please someone else or to get what they want."
"So you're saying that they shouldn't say it?"
"I'm saying that they should show it. Words hardly mean anything when anyone can manipulate them. Love should be an action, not a word. Some actions are louder than words," then she glanced at the television, then back at Yoh, "And when I say actions, I don't mean this."
Yoh looked at the television, Emi and Takeshi were making-out…passionately. Yoh laughed, "How long have they known each other?"
"Exactly, that's lust, not love."
Yoh looked at Anna, "Some things should be spoken, though."
"Like what?"
"Things like 'will you marry me?' If things aren't spoken, the other person might not get it."
"Well, yes, but you also give a ring to the person, its actions with words."
"So, as long as the person matches their words with their actions?"
"Yes," Anna said, sitting up, "I'm tired now. I think I'm going to go to bed."
"You mean you don't want to watch the end with me?"
"I already know the ending," she stood up and stretched, "They get married and live happily ever after."
Yoh laughed as he stood up, "You're probably right."
"I don't care if I'm wrong either."
Yoh laughed, "Well I guess I'll go to bed as well."
Anna walked to the staircase and started going up. Yoh followed her, but stayed to the side. She was about halfway up, when Yoh decided to say, "Goodnight Anna, I love you."
Anna gave a little laughed as she dramatically leaned over the rail of the staircase, "As do I, darling." Yoh laughed as she reached out for him, "My love for you is like a thousand burning suns!"
He reached out for her hand, "And my love for you will last as long as time itself!" Then he kissed her hand.
Anna laughed, for the first time since they were little, she laughed. Yoh smiled; her laugh was a beautiful sound. Anna pulled herself back from the rail, "Thanks, Yoh. I haven't laughed like that since forever. I've been so rotten to you, and yet you still show me forgiveness."
"It was my pleasure," he smiled, "Anna…I will always forgive you, as long as you're sorry."
Anna smiled the smile that she only showed Yoh, "Thanks, Yoh. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Anna," he smiled that smile that was reserved for Anna only, "Sweet Dreams."
"You too," he heard as she disappeared on the upper level.
Yoh smiled. He felt good. For the last couple of days, he felt horrible, but now he was refreshed. Rage and sorrow had filled his mind, but he was just so pleased to hear Anna's first, real, sincere apology, that all the rage and sorrow dissolved away like sugar in water. He wasn't the type to stay mad, and he couldn't help it that once had heard her apology that he wanted to just tell her that it was all right. But he needed to stay cool and collected; he needed to hear her whole apology. Now it was like a weight was taken off his chest, and he felt light as air. His heart soared when he heard her laughter. He needed to hear that, he really did.
Yoh turned off the T.V. truth be told, he didn't give a damn about the ending either. He hated sappy, drippy, juicy love. He made his bed and crawled in. For the first time in about a week, he could finally sleep with ease. Heck, he could finally sleep—period. He closed his eyes. He and Anna will be alright.
This morning, when I saw the cake, I didn't know how to react. It had said "I'M SORRY". I didn't know what to do…I stared at it, but then slowly cut myself a slice. I was a little happy to see that she cared, but that technically wasn't a real apology. So throughout the day I thought about it. If she dared to make me a cake, (which I knew she hated baking) then maybe she did care about this situation. I knew she worked, so I decided that I'd just meet her afterwards, and that's when I was about to leave her that note.
Even though we fought, I somehow feel slightly closer to Anna. Maybe it was because she decided to stay with me for sure this time. When she said all those things, she said that she was mad and that she didn't mean it, but what was she mad at? She couldn't have been mad at me, right? She probably has a perfectly good reason as to why she was mad. She probably held in her anger to the limit and just exploded. In that case, I'd say she was perfectly in the right mind.
Whoooooo…longest so far!! 39 pages XO!! I should've just made it an even 40 pages XD Hehe, and the next chapter is lookin' to be even longer than this…if you can believe that it's possible. I hope you guys enjoyed it!! I was actually thinking of making this chapter a cliffhanger like after they fought, but I thought you guys wouldn't like that, so I kept going until the fight was resolved. Unless…it would've been more exciting with the cliffhanger….ahhh too late for that. Haha. Oh well, I still hope that you enjoyed it! Please review and tell me what you think!
Oh and please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes…I was in a hurry when I was proof-reading this.
PREDICTION FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER: well, again…and like always next week. Maybe sooner, I don't know. I've already started it, so we'll see. Hopefully not too long.
Oh, and for all you Julie-haters out there, don't you worry, next chapter Anna will show her who's boss…haha. And also, the next chapter will have a lot of YohxAnna-ness, so the parts you've all been waiting for (well, kinda) will somewhat be in the next chapter! So please review and we'll see if I could get that chapter up quicker ; )
Until next time: Ja ne!