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Chapter Text

Darkness enveloped the outskirts of Funbari in a still motionless night. The moon shone brightly at the endless sky. Winter was announcing that it’s on its way as the cool breeze seeped in every crevice of the household.

Inside the former En Inn lies a young married couple tucked away in the comforts of their warm blankets. The youthful blonde lady was cooped-up within her own little world in her side of the bed. Pillows were propped around her back as she lounged, leaning on the headboard. She was engrossed in what seems to be a book about how to become a successful proprietress. Her husband was already quietly dozing off on the other side of the bed, his back turned against her while buried in the thick sheets.

Or so she thought.

“Aarrgghhhh,” the brunette lad grunted in frustration and proceeded to lie on his back with eyes still closed; his limbs outstretched in an attempt to ‘starfish’ in bed. “This is so annoying, Anna,” he continued.

“Yes, you are annoying,” his wife replied, not even daring to look-up from her book.

After sounding the most exasperated sigh he could muster, the young man rolled over to his side and paused until he was inches away from her side. He was lying on his abdomen, and he propped his chin on his hands, supported by his elbows. An idea popped in his mind and he needed to throw in some of his innate charm to be successful with the mission that he was about to ask from his wife.

A few seconds have passed until Anna finally acknowledged him, “don’t try to be cute.” Turning a page from her ‘novel’, still not looking at him, she added, “what do you want?”

He smirked. His charming antics worked.

“I’m starving. I was thinking of getting a midnight snack.” The young husband declared.

“You just finished all the leftovers from the fridge a while ago,” the blonde replied with an incredulous look.

Yoh gasped then flashed her a pout.  “I did no such thing!”

“If you didn’t, then what are you thinking of having for your snack, hm?” Anna challenged, going back to her reading.

“Hmm, let’s see…” Yoh tried to rack his brain for some possible choices of food left in the fridge. He did not want to admit that his wife was right. After not being able to come up with anything, a realisation dawned on him that he will need to cook some side dishes again tomorrow for their convenience, but that’s another problem for another day. He needs to fix his hunger stat.

“Fine. I’ll make instant noodles,” he finished with false conviction.

Anna whacked her book shut which made him flinch.

“Yoh, how many times have we talked about avoiding eating instant noodles before going to bed?” She retorted with a deadly tone.

“B-but Anna, I’m really hungry! Would you let me die of starvation?” He reasoned out and even reached for her right hand to press onto his tummy to prove his point by making her feel the growling sounds of his stomach. His cute pout never leaving his face.

The woman was caught off-guard by her husband’s sudden actions. She wanted to hit him on the head right then and there for interrupting her moments of solitude. However, her focus shifted, and she could not help but feel his toned abs through the fabric of his shirt as her hand remained firmly pressed onto him. She gulped involuntarily.

‘Maybe a snack wouldn’t be bad.’

Anna snapped from her momentary trance and regained her composure. “Shut up. You’ve been through worse,” she muttered while using the back of her hand to lightly knock his belly.

Yoh’s head dropped. He sighed once again but a coy smirk found its way on his lips. He will not accept his defeat. Not just yet.

“Ne, Anna,” his voice was uncharacteristically sultry. He moved closer next to her; his arms found their way to snake around his wife’s tiny waist. His chin found his way to rest on her shoulder taking a whiff of her fragrant hair in the process. “I promise, I won’t go to sleep right after eating it.”

The blonde remained rooted in her position but shot him a side glare through her narrowed eye slits.

“Aaand, I’ll drink lots of water,” he reassured, trying to prove that he is well aware of the possible health implications of eating the said snack.

Anna rolled her eyes. “Fine. Just hurry up. It’s getting too late.” It was all she could muster to avoid falling for his immensely dangerous irresistible aura.

“M’kay!” Her husband beamed with a wide toothy smile after planting a brief kiss on the side of her ear. In a quick movement, he jumped out of the bed motioning towards the door when he asked, “do you also want some?”

Anna shook her head.

“You sure?” he insisted, somehow not convinced.

The blonde shot him a murderous look signalling that she was getting annoyed.

“Ok! Got it!” he sweat-dropped and quickly made his way to the kitchen downstairs.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Several minutes passed and still no Yoh was returning from his ‘hunger game.’ Anna was getting impatient because first, her stupid husband left their room door slightly ajar, so the cold is starting to creep in; and second, she was about to finish her book and wants to call it a day. She has no tolerance left to go through the trouble of getting up just to fix the earlier and especially figure out the latter. She looked at the wall clock to tell the time— 12:45AM.

Or maybe she does.

She groaned as she irritably slid the blankets down her figure, ready to get out of the cozy bed when the brunette finally returned; a cup of steaming instant noodles and a bottled water in his hands.

“Sorry, the hot water kettle took time to boil,” he shrugged.

She did not say anything and went back to finish the remaining pages of her reading material. Her husband sat comfortably next to her in bed and started to eat his food.

A few more minutes passed when Anna inevitably took a waft of the instant noodles’ enticing aroma, the effects of MSG* triggering her brain’s impulse for hunger. Come to think of it, the atmosphere kind of felt warm now. The sound of Yoh’s shameless slurping of the noddles and gulping a large amount of broth also did not help at all.

The blonde’s eyes slowly crept towards the oblivious brunette by her side. She could see small beads of sweat forming on the side of his forehead and some on his neck from the steam produced by the hot cup. Her sight travelled down to his well-formed shoulders and chest which were quite discernible from the thin white shirt he wore to sleep.

Damn, if she caught him doing the same to her, she would have already smacked him on the head and called him a pervert.

The young woman did not notice how long she was staring at her husband for until a pair of chestnut eyes met her honey ones. He blinked a few times, a strand of noodle still hanging from his lips, waiting to be sucked in.

The young man eyed his wife suspiciously and suddenly whipped his instant noodles away from her like a child not wanting to share his candy. “I know that look! You said you didn’t want any!” Yoh blurted out. He ridiculously suspected that she was after his noodles.

‘Yoh, you idiot,’ she thought disbelievingly. He was so focused on his hunger that he was so clueless about his surroundings. She smirked. A playful one at that.

Being always the compassionate one, the brunette looked inside the cup of his instant noodles, “well, there’s still some left if you really want it,” he continued, handing the plastic cup to his wife.

Anna took the cup and placed it on the bedside table in the most alluring way possible, not breaking eye contact with her now puzzled husband. Her book, now long forgotten on the side.

It only took a few seconds to have one hungry mouth crashing into another. Hands skilfully explored each other’s bodies with sounds of greater oral gratification.

His mouth tasted a tad bit salty tonight but that didn’t matter.

They were both hungry after all.

Chapter Text

Yoh was a dreamer.

It was pretty obvious to say the least.

He was not the type of guy who would aggressively charge towards his goals head-on, not without the right push nor without apparent threat.

He still surprises himself whenever his thoughts marvelled at how much he has matured over the years. Sure, he still kept his unyielding laid-back nature which dominated his personality almost 98% of the time, but he matured.

On the other hand, his wife contrasted him in all of his being.

She is the definition of ferocity, the very essence of triumph. And whenever she declared war, she will give you war.

His wife was his right push. The motivation he had all these years through hell, to the Great Spirits, and then back.

Not that he complained about it, because that was the powerful energy that drawn him to her in the first place.

Today was no exception for Yoh’s fantasist side to come into play. He had every reason to, now that he had about a gazillion things in his mind.

Afterall, tomorrow will be the start of ‘the big day’.

He realised his uneventful reverie after receiving a spiritual nudge from Faust whilst they were in the state of hyoi gattai. This partially brought him back to his senses.

“Yoh-kun, I know how much you miss Anna-san, but I need you to focus on our task at hand,” the ghost stated playfully.

“Ah, sorry, Faust,” he replied sheepishly.

They finished vaccinating the last person for the day, and possibly the last for a long time.

As he withdrew the needle from his patient’s skin and discarded it into a jar full of other sharps that they have used along the way, Yoh exhaled a significant amount of breath he did not know he was holding. He received a few words of gratitude and a firm handshake from the injured man before waving goodbye. The main language used in the country still remained foreign to him with learning only the basics for simple conversations, but he always got by with the help of the spirits around them.

He plopped himself onto a rubble of concrete arranged to create a makeshift chair as he wiped his sweat-ridden forehead using the fabric of his sleeve on his right forearm. He disintegrated from Faust as he attempted to relax, the ghost now floating beside him.

“Phew! I will start cleaning-up in a few minutes. I think I just need a breather. Thank you, Faust.”

The human spirit gave him a reassuring smile. “You’ve done a great job. Take all the time you need.”

Yoh leaned back on his elbows and surveyed his surroundings. Sunset has just begun, and it brought about a myriad shade of orange, yellow and black around the premises.

They were in an old school turned into a camp. It was one of the old establishments around the area that took a big hit during the war. Parts of the building were dilapidated from the endless bombings, but the community has united to restore some of its rooms during ceasefire. It was enough to function as a temporary clinic and shelter.

‘If only humans worked together instead of continuously seeking conflicts.’

His thoughts wandered towards his wife again as he watched her still busied with her tasks. He could not help it. She was always his refuge when his emotions were brewing a storm.

Her side of the room were just several meters away from him, only separated by piled-up wooden fences that acted as dividers to provide privacy to the patients. Not that it offered enough coverage, anyway. He was still able to savour her otherworldly beauty through those useless dividers every time.

He observed how she moved with absolute finesse and grace as she administered medications to children and their mothers. Their second child sleeping soundly, strapped in a cloth sling secured around her back. She had the choice of settling the baby into an improvised cot while she performed her duties but being the protective mother that she was, she reasoned out that the place appeared unsanitary, and she did not want to risk it. Yoh admired her great attention to detail, as always, but he was pretty sure that this demeanour was somehow a projection of her immense longing for their first born, Hana.

Anna was great with kids. Her disciplinarian character coupled with her innate maternal instincts compelled youngsters to warm-up to her in an instant. Motherhood exuded from her naturally.

Yoh drifted further back into his precious memories.

He recalled that fateful day when he was casually lounging at an elevated and secluded grassland overlooking a majestic view of the sunset by the beach. Back to that island where the Shaman Fight took place. Anna was close by his side, leaning her head on his right shoulder with her eyes closed, as she deeply inhaled the cool breeze.

He immediately sensed that there was something significant she needed to tell him. Something that burdened her for the past weeks amidst the war, the battle to be king. He turned his attention to his fiancée, “you know I am always ready to listen,” he prompted.

Anna gently shifted to face him; eyes searched for his. And after a minute, she decided to break the silence, “I’m pregnant.”

He smiled fondly. The rest was history after that.

However, it did not occur to him that he would find himself in a similar situation until after almost 12 months ago.

Again, in the middle of a raging war.

He searched for his wife across the shack where they were offered to stay for the week. He just finished his mission for the day which involved evacuating almost half of the city due to a surprise military attack. He heard someone from the toilet hurling their stomach’s contents out from their system, so he went there to investigate. Inside the tiny space, he found her leaning over the shabby sink, breathing heavily, one hand damp with water on her mouth. He couldn’t make out her expression due to her long hair concealing parts of her face.

It would have been difficult to assess the whole situation if not for the two small white objects placed atop the sink. Those were two pregnancy strips which she possibly obtained from the ruined pharmacy nearby. Both strips showed two striking red lines on each. His eyes widened in realisation.

“Anna,” he murmured.

A few seconds passed before she glanced at him. She was biting her lower lip with a small worried smile, her eyes welled in tears.

It only took one quick stride to have her in his arms, hugging her for dear life. His lips travelled from her forehead to the side of her temple as he breathed in her unique scent that he always cherished.

“Sssh, I love you. I’m happy. We got this.”

Her face remained buried at the crook of his neck. She did not need to speak as she was now completely secured in his presence. She smiled contently hearing her husband’s soothing words.

They both shed tears of mixed emotions.

Yoh blinked from his deep recollections. He was surprised to feel the warmth in his cheeks and his eyes became slightly blurry. He quickly searched for his wife’s presence again from within the room.

After finishing with one patient and waiting for the next to settle, Anna somehow sensed her husband’s intent stares and she turned to see him, their eyes locked onto each other’s. She raised a brow as if questioning about what he was up to. Her amber orbs hoped to communicate things effectively.

Her eyes caught him off-guard. Those mesmerizing set always sent him to into an unknown world that transcends from physical, emotional, and spiritual attraction. He peeped into his and her soul through her eyes.

He tried to decipher her thoughts by just staring back, but it was difficult since her entire face except for her eyes was covered by a Niqab. Not that it was fully compulsory for her to wear such, but it was Yoh who sold the idea, tracing back to a certain dark history with them having to negotiate with his twin brother to bring them and their first born back to life. Ever since that incident, Yoh has been quite paranoid with the idea of his family’s safety.

While he gained plenty of allies over the years for intervening with the war and promoting peace within Syria, he inevitably garnered secret enemies, lurking from the dark, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. It was one of the reasons why he and Anna made the most painful decision of leaving Hana in Japan in the first place— to conceal his identity, to keep him away from inevitable harm. Hiding his wife’s face from the veering eyes of the public was no different. Making her features unidentifiable, making her anonymous from the rest somehow gave him a sense of security. Plus, he enjoyed the bonus effect of preventing the lustful gawking she received from random men whenever they laid sight of her irresistible beauty. He sneered at that thought.

A moment passed and he could still see Anna’s glare towards him, now narrowing her eyes to convey her curiosity.

He chuckled nervously.

“Nothing. I love you,” he mouthed softly, carefully elaborating each syllable with his mouth to make sure she would get the message in case she did not hear it.

Yoh swore he heard her scoff before turning away and going back to finishing her tasks.

After a few more rounds, the queue for nurse Anna’s, c/o Eliza’s assistance, slowly shortened as they were nearing the end of the day. The people in the community were aware that this would be the last of their services as mercenaries fort the meantime. Tomorrow, Yoh and Anna would set foot to fulfilling another one of their missions.

A 14 year-old mission.

He finally decided to get up and start packing their equipment and discarding the medical wastes. Anna would not be happy if she finished doing her business first before he could even start cleaning-up.

At this point, the mothers gathered at the clinic with their children of all ages. “Shukran, habibti!” Yoh overheard a woman spoke as she held Anna’s hand. A few more gathered around his wife muttering praises. “Mashallah!” someone else chirped. He continued to eavesdrop while he cleaned as others continued with their musings saying things along the lines of “such a beautiful one” or something about how he and Anna must have been very busy creating something so precious. All pertaining to their new baby.

He wondered if Anna was blushing behind her face covering because he almost certainly was.

He wanted to approach her badly, but more people started to flood the room to pay their respects and bid them farewell. He could only steal side glances while both of them accommodated the surge of people coming in.

They did not notice how the events quickly glossed over in front of them, but Yoh remembered witnessing the locals (and ghosts) gather in front of him and Anna (with Faust and Eliza next to them), all bowing in respect the way how they did it in Japan. That scene melted his heart knowing that their efforts and sacrifices made such an impact in the lives of so many throughout the years.

. . . . . . . . . . .

His quick shower earned him some form of short-lived relaxation, albeit he still could not help but feel anxious for the next day. He sighed as he exited the small grubby cubicle.

After donning his sleep pants, he made his way towards their transient room small enough to fit just a single dresser and the double mattress they slept in. It only had one tiny window for the purpose of ventilation with a small light bulb at the corner serving as the only source of scarce light.

How his wife managed to have a good shower after bathing their little one, he probably would not figure out soon enough, but the sight of his Anna alone made his heart flutter. She was finally rid of all the layers of clothing she had to wear outdoors, and was now lying in bed with her usual white sleeping yukata. Her curvy back facing the door of the room and her long blonde hair, still slightly damp from showering, sprawled around her pillow. She usually hates lying down in bed with wet hair, but he supposed she was too exhausted to care tonight. He giggled at the sight of their newest bundle of joy all cuddle-up securely next to her. They both looked adorable.

Oh, how he would give up his life for them.

Yoh hanged his damp shirt on one of the protruding nails from the wall after he used it to towel-dry his long brunette locks. Then, he lied down next to her gently, careful not to wake the sleeping cherub and his goddess. His arm found its way around his wife’s tiny waist as he pulled her back towards his bare chest. How she achieved to get back into shape just after a few months from giving birth is also beyond his comprehension. His face found its way onto the back of her head, kissing the side of her now exposed neck.

“You still won’t tell me what you were on about while staring at me like an idiot back in the clinic earlier?” Anna stirred, feeling the warmth of his chest on her back.

He took a good whiff of her scent, the mixture of honey and wildflowers, while he planted another kiss on her cheek.

“I was just thinking about how amazing you are.”

“And?”

She knew there was more to the story. She always knows.

He didn’t think it was important to reveal the entirety of his trip to memory lane earlier. He just wanted to find peace in her company. To calm his inner turmoil.

Sensing this as a sign of reluctance, Anna teased, “are you having a nervous breakdown about finally seeing Hana within the next couple of days?”

Bullseye.

“…because I am.” she continued when he did not speak.

He blinked at her declaration.

“You are?”

Of course. As the mother of his children, she had every right to do so.

“But as you’ve told me before, we got this,” she shrugged.

Hearing this from her made him lose any sense of reason. Receiving his own comforting words coming from her felt so reassuring— and sensual.

His hand left her waist and reached for her chin to slightly tilt her head towards him. Their kiss was gentle and loving at first, but as she showed no signs of protests, he took the opportunity to finally swoop his tongue hungrily in her mouth.

God, she had no idea how he longed for her. To be able to just feel her warmth on his own. To ease his wandering thoughts.

Anna moaned into the kiss. She turned to face her husband, pressing half of her body weight against him. She leaned onto his chest further as she pushed him down the mattress while their mouth continued in a heated dance. Her shoulders were now exposed as she climbed onto him, the yukata’s sleeves sliding off gently from her sides. Her damp hair now enveloping them, mingling with the heat of their flesh.

Following their endless exchange of butterfly kisses onto each other, he made a swift motion to lift both of them up from the mattress without breaking contact and carried her gently against the adjacent wall.

They shared kisses one after the other only pausing for air. He took pride at the sight of her submission and she welcomed every display of his affection as they made love.

Both trembled with broken, ragged breathing, feeling their strength ebbing away as they momentarily collapsed to lean on the wall once they have found sweet release.

It took them a minute to recover their breaths. He hugged her from behind and planted a sweet kiss on her temple.

“I love you, Hayati.”

She smiled. His vocabulary suddenly improved.

“I love you, too.”

He carried her back to their bed. Both chuckled at the sight of their newborn still its serene slumber. They realised they were only a few hours away from their intended departure from the promised land, but that did not matter.

Tomorrow they will head back home.

Tomorrow is the day they almost thought would never come.

Tomorrow they will finally face another one of their biggest goals.

‘The big day’.

For now, they sleep with their hearts full of hope for tomorrow.

Everything will work out in the end.

Chapter Text

“This is stupid.”

There, she said it.

The words kept ringing in her boggled mind as she kept demanding an answer from herself as to how she ended up in this folly. She almost swore to the gods that besides giving his two other companions a good beating after all this has transpired, she would also have to give herself a good smack in the head for falling victim to their ideas of idiocy.

She muttered a silent curse when she realised the feeling of no return. How could she let this happen? How could she let her foolish teenage self decide for her fate tonight? When did she allow a simple study night to turn into a drinking session, something that may be deemed so irresponsible? What will the adults say when they find out about their mini escapade?

Truth be told, alcohol is one of the vilest creations that humans have ever concocted since their existence began. A product of undeniable ingenuity, but also a mischievous traitor once it has caused one to lose his or her inhibitions.

They have done it before, they said. It would be fun, they said.

All three used to do it when they were younger, they argued, so they could not see a reason why they should chicken out now.

This time though, they decided to up the ante by putting a blindfold on the only female in the room to let her experience the challenge in a whole different level.

Anna grunted in frustration as she felt two sets of hands gently guiding her to a nearby wall and settling her back on it, ever careful not hurt herself in the process due to her lack of vision.

Apprehension slowly crept into her nerves. She sort of wondered why, as she has always been comfortable within their presence. They have always branded her as ‘one of the boys’ and she knew both of her male best friends long enough even before they have even learned to tie their shoelaces or graduated from potty training.

The famous Asakura twins, as everyone in their university would recognize them, chuckled clumsily at her obvious display of nerves. They were all kind of tipsy at this point and everything must seem comedic to them.

“Relax, Anna. Just enjoy it.” She heard Hao, the older of the two, attempted to reassure her with his husky voice. She didn’t know if her knowledge about him being a legendary ladies’ man in campus helped to ease down her reservations.

Yoh, the ever so sweet and gentle younger twin, was against it at first. If it made Anna uncomfortable enough, then he would gladly forgo the deed and search for another form of entertainment. However, due to his alcohol-fogged brain, his brother managed to convince him by stating the rules and regulations of the ‘act’. Somehow, they managed to convince Anna by making a promise that they would be her slaves for the whole month if she came out victorious. She, on the other hand, would simply treat them to the most expensive cafeteria near their school, should the twins end up in triumph.

Seemed like a fair bargain, indeed.

Anna grudgingly waited for the identical males to signal the start of their creative activity as they briefly excused themselves for a minute or so. Her hazy mind travelled to a precious memory, back to when they were children.

“So, what’s your guess?”

She looked back and forth between two pairs of chocolate brown eyes which were glowing with anticipation.

In front of her, stood the twins with same set of clothes from head to toe— white hoodies, a pair of light jeans and white sneakers. All hands were in their pockets, only their faces exposed with the hoods of their jumpers raised to cover their brunette hair which will be the dead giveaway if sighted, due to the differences in length. Without seeing Hao’s longer hair compared to Yoh’s and vice versa, the two were extremely identical and it would be nearly impossible to tell them apart when everything else were similar at that very moment. Heck, even their mother, Keiko, would have trouble deciphering who’s who between the two on some occasions whenever they cooked up the same mischief at home.

The girl continued to shift her gaze from one twin to another then stopped as she blinked her eyes, a cutesy smile crept on her face.

“Well?” Hao voiced out to follow up with her answer.

The female contender raised both her hands and pinched both Asakuras on each one of their outer cheeks. She pulled the one attached to her left hand, “you are Hao,” then pulled the other one grasped by right hand “and you are Yoh.”

The boys’ eyes grew in surprise. “How did you know!?” They yelled in synchronised disbelief.

“No fair! You cheated!” Accused the younger one.

Anna just glared at them coldly with a raised eyebrow. “T’was too easy. I could tell from your eyes.”

The brothers just looked at each other. Her explanation did not make any sense.

Since then, she has always prided herself with being the one and only person in the world who could tell the two identical souls apart even when she had her eyes closed, and the twins always somehow both enjoyed and hated that fact.

“Ready.” A voice broke her silent reverie and she acknowledged it as Yoh’s.

“Let us know when you are.” This time, it was Hao.

She raised her left hand with her thumb sticking out as a way of replying to their inquiry. Shuffling sounds were heard vibrating through the wooden floors of the Asakura residence. It felt as if they brought her to a secluded room adjacent to the study to eliminate any risks of being identified through familiar sounds such as voice, footsteps and whatnot. She could even tell that there was a scarce source of light in the vicinity due to the lack of lustre seeping through the fabric covering her eyes.

This time, beside not being able to see them, no sounds, no words, no funny gestures will be made when each brother enters the room one after the other. Only Anna was allowed to talk, touch, and feel their physique while either of the twins would stand their ground in front of her.

They obviously took this seriously and she will not let her pride wane.

Finally, the young lady heard someone enter the room in hushed tippy toes.

‘Very clever.’ She thought.

She felt the warmth of the person imprison her against the wall and her hands instinctively raised towards her front to stop the person from going further. A musky scent also enveloped her nostrils as she inhaled a familiar perfume, but she cursed silently for not being able to recall if it was Yoh’s or Hao’s signature scent. Her palms, now beginning to sweat from the thrill, met the cloth material with a firm surface underneath which felt to be the person’s chest. A blush crept up her cheeks upon realising this, but her determination gave her strength to move on.

“Hmm, let’s see…” she mused out loud.

Anna’s hands gradually travelled upwards, patting their way up to the person’s equally sturdy shoulder, then towards the sides of his neck, sliding to the back of the head; disappointed when she felt another fabric material.

‘A hoodie? Again?’ She let out a frustrated hiss and she could feel the other person biting his lips, struggling to hold back laughter when she reached out to his face. Now that she has eliminated the hair from her possible clues, the young lady proceeded with touching the lad’s facial features from the nose to his cheekbones, the earlobes, and even mentally measuring the depth of his eyes through blind sense of touch.

Not that it would be of much help in comparison when the next person comes in, but she would gladly take any piece of hint she could use to win this battle. She paused for a few seconds whilst she tried to memorize all the information gathered via her sense of touch; then she muttered a soft “okay,” while double tapping her friend’s chest, signalling that he was good to go.

A set of fingers lightly pinched her chin signalling acknowledgement before she heard soft footsteps slowly left the room.

After a minute or so, the second twin made his entrance with similar hushed steps. Anna deduced that her opponents may be both wearing socks to dull the sounds against the ground. Betrayal screamed when she took a waft of her other best friend’s scent. How audacious of them to wear the same perfume! A snort escaped Anna upon learning another one of the brothers’ witty tactics. They were too familiar with each other by this point of their lives that they have foreseen the risk of falling into their girl’s innate cunning, and so they used every single detail they could take to their advantage.

The person stood closely before her held one of her hands then brought it to his chest to allow her to start with her… ‘investigations’. She repeated the same treatments as she did with the first, hands awkwardly gliding towards her friend’s shoulders. Her upper limbs could always probe downwards this time but really, how would that help the situation?

‘When did both of them have such toned shoulders and pecs?’ She squirmed inwardly at her borderline dirty thoughts.

Unwilling for her honour being trampled on with an impending defeat, Anna raised her hands to touch the second participant’s features. Of course, it felt the same. Everything felt the same, damn it! She always knew that there would be no problems identifying the brothers’ identities. She could do it all day. But what escaped her clouded judgement was the possibility of failure once they have drowned out most of her senses, coupled with her liquor-influenced mind. Panic creeped in as her confidence slowly dwindled by the minute.

She racked her currently incompetent brain for a solution. There must be another way to wriggle herself up towards victory.

‘Oh! That’s right, their height!’

A sharp idea hit her struggling braincells. Their height would probably the only difference with Hao being the taller brother, by an inch. An inch! But how the hell would she be able to tell such a small difference in her current state? The young lady let out an infuriated sigh as she formed her resolve.

‘Fine. It’s all or nothing.’

Anna, throwing out all her rational ability to think, reached out towards the person in front of her, encircling her arms around his neck. She tiptoed onto the balls of her feet while she focused her remaining mental capacity in trying to gauge the young man’s height. Her hands deftly found their way towards the top of her friend’s head. Success was definitely making its way into her luck when suddenly, she could feel him sluggishly leaning onto her; his torso now gently pressing onto her tiny figure, squeezing her against the wall. His breath smelled of vodka, but she was too preoccupied to react even when she felt the air coming from his nostrils tickle the side of her face.

The other person was intently staring at her. She could literally feel his gaze that could probably pierce a hole through her blindfold. And in all honesty, she wanted that to happen. She wanted to get out from the visual constraints made by a mere piece of cloth just to get over with this whole ordeal. The suspense was killing her and there came this unidentified, lovely, giddy, sentiment that sent butterflies in her stomach.

She almost called out to her ‘captor’, but her words turned into a silenced gasp when he placed a clumsy but sweet kiss onto her parted lips. He would have seen her eyes shooting with tremendous amount of shock only if they were not hidden behind her eye cover. Her heart was pumping blood too fast it made her dizzy; but before she knew it, she was kissing him back!

Everything spiralled into a heated puddle of emotions when their tongues engaged in a battle for dominance. His hands swooped around her delicate waist and her arms further pulling him down towards her, deepening their shared bliss.

Both reluctantly pulled away from each other when they felt the need to refill their lungs with oxygen. The two were outrageously panting into one another’s face as they remained positioned with a dangerously short distance in between.

Anna loosened her grip when she felt the lad before her withdrew his stance. Hurried footsteps echoed as he abruptly exited the room.

Several minutes must have passed when she remained rooted to the ground, stunned. Finally, she made the decision to take her blindfold off, squinting as faint light flowed once again into her pupils. Nothing else mattered as she tried to decipher the implications behind the recent course of events, not noticing how ragged her breathing has become and on how flushed her cheeks felt. A finger lingered on her lips as she immersed herself in profound disbelief.

A touch of dignity ignited within her when she suddenly made the decision to confront the brazen human being who dared to commit such boldness. She straightened herself then marched out of the room to demand answers from those two idiots in the living room.

Anna laid sight on Hao first who was casually lounging on the carpet, his long hair now wildly sprawled on the ground. His eyes brightened upon seeing her.

“There you are! We thought earth swallowed you in—”

“You! You were the second one!” pointing a finger accusingly at the older twin. “How dare you kiss me!?” Anna’s face reddened with her display of feigned courage.

It was him. It had to be him. She was sure of it. Afterall, Asakura Hao’s reputation precedes him.

“Ha! Wrong! Wait, WHAT KISS!?” He stared at her incredulously as if she has grown a second head.

“Don’t you dare deny it, you pervert!”

“Anna, even though we’re obviously drunk, I’m smart enough to know that you are still capable of beating us to a pulp. I was the first one!”

The young lady paused and stared at her friend suspiciously. “Prove it!”

Hao held out a small piece of paper with the number “1” written on it, stating the fact that he and his brother actually resorted to drawing lots in order to determine who was going to be first and second.

Then, as if they developed mental telepathy on the spot, Hao and Anna whipped their heads towards the other occupant in the room when a similar thought struck them like lightning.

There lay next to the kotatsu was Yoh engaged in peaceful slumber, with the side of his forehead slumped flat on the table, and a stupid grin on his smug face. A miniscule piece of paper was wedged in his right hand, with a clear number “2” scribbled on it.

It didn’t matter if she lost the bet anymore.

Anna would definitely book a reservation for 3 at that fancy café but surely…

Yoh wouldn’t mind becoming her slave for the whole year either.

Chapter Text

Sigh.

What a pain in the bum.

Oyamada Manta did not know what actually gave him the idea to do an unannounced visit to his friend’s house at this time of the year. The skies are gloomy, the air is frigid, and the road to Funbari Hill is quite desolate during a late afternoon, mid-winter saga.

However, when his dear best friend (and his best friend’s dear blonde) suddenly decided not to show up at school today, curiosity got the better of him. After all, it is understandable that Yoh would be more than happy not to attend classes for the rest of his life, yes; but Anna being the responsible lady that she is with a sudden disappearance, no. 

He frowned at the thought of not being included in the equation when all he does is worry for his friends. What if Yoh got into another bloody fight? What if he went back to Izumo again and is bound to no return?

There has got to be something going on, and the young man is now in a mission to find out.

This was not supposed to happen.

He gave himself a mental slap as he realised quite the predicament that he is currently in. It is frustrating how he always manages to carry his shoes into such awkward situations. Manta always blamed his innate prying character and his insatiable need for more knowledge. But really, finding himself in such sticky situations will almost always be the product of his own doing.

But he was worried! What was an unsuspecting lad supposed to do when he called from the foyer, but no one answered? When he practically yelled but none acknowledged?

He gulped a tremendous amount of saliva for the nth time after witnessing the scene before him as it unfolded in a slow motion-like fashion. 

Adrenaline filled his senses triggering a ‘fight or flight’ response. He stood there rooted to the ground as he gaped in complete and utter shock, eyes wide as donuts and mouth opened like a gator’s pose.

Faint static sounds came from the television that was left running. Hazy mist floated from the the two ceramic cups, and a slice of chocolate strawberry cake were set on the table, indicating they have yet to be touched.

In reality, none of the details mattered. For there on the ground with only about 2 metres away from him, lay a young man and a young lady engaged in peaceful slumber, wildly proximate with each other. A mix of blonde and brunette strands were messily strewn on the floor as her forehead rested just below his chin, and his lips almost buried on her head. They both shared a steady rise and fall of their chests and the sound of their soft breaths synchronised harmoniously like lovely music to the ears.

Manta’s face felt incredibly warm as he noticed how his male friend had his right arm pillowing the female’s head as if protecting her from the cold and harsh villain known as the wooden floor, while his left arm possessively snaked around her small waist. Their lower limbs were strategically hidden beneath the kotatsu and he frantically tried to shake off his imagination of the brunette’s leg also being draped snugly over hers.

He gasped. He blinked. He gulped some more.

His brain had a sudden malfunction and he was 100% sure that it was all thanks to his nosy self.

He had to make a decision now.

Manta knew perfectly well that if he valued his life, then he would have to make a swift move of either evaporating from the scenario or letting the earth swallow him alive. He knew he will be lucky to survive case he turns his heel the other way now and swear not to leave a single trail of him casually welcoming himself inside the En Inn without being invited by its owners. He looked down and slowly stepped backwards, past the doorframe, to return to the hallway. He just… needed to…

*Squeak*

Okay, he is dead. Bye cruel world.

The male blonde’s eyes quickly darted back towards the sleeping couple when he heard the wooden floor’s betrayal, silently praying to the gods that the sound has not awoken the only female in the room. They must have heard his desperate pleas when he noted a shuffling noise and let a sigh of relief when his male friend groaned and moved.

Yoh slowly stirred as his eyes opened, drowsiness still reflected in them. His gaze immediately fell at his fiancée who was still unconscious and delicately bundled up close to him. His lips curved contentedly as an automatic response while he mused at the lass’s innocent sleeping face. A blush inevitably crept up his cheeks in embarrassment upon realising their intimate position, but his actions proved otherwise when he closed the minuscule distance between them even further by tightening his embrace and planting a sweet and gentle kiss on her forehead. He inhaled her intoxicating scent that reminded him of cherry blossoms before chuckling to himself when she remained unfazed like a well-nursed baby.

“A-ano…”

The sound of a familiar voice yanked the brunette away from his drowsy state. He turned his head as far as he can towards the direction of the doorway, which was situated at the top of his lying crown. His face showed a momentary touch of shock but was quickly replaced by a sheepish aura once he recognised the speaker.

“Yo, Manta!” He greeted cheerfully in a hushed tone, completely oblivious to his friend’s current mental breakdown. “Didn’t know you were coming.”

“S-Sorry, I didn’t say.” Manta replied. His voice slightly shaking from his current trauma.

Yoh blinked at his friend’s display of uneasiness wondering if something was wrong. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in. Just keep it down, though. We wouldn’t want to wake the dragon up.” He chuckled at his own joke.

“Are you both okay, Yoh-kun?”

“I’m fine… but Anna’s feeling a bit under the weather. You know, that time of the month.”

“Oh.” It was the only word— no, sound, that Manta could mutter. 

Uncomfortable silence passed for several seconds.

“I think… I should go.”

“Don’t be silly. Stay for dinner. There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry, but please help yourself… my hands are kinda full. Uehehe!”

Manta could not believe how Yoh was being so collected despite the funny position he was caught in. Never in their days, since he became friends with Yoh and Anna, have they become openly affectionate in front of others. He could not help but to wonder whether the couple was already used to this kind of affinity for each other. But then again, who was he to judge? He was the one who casually barged into their home like a squirrel hunting for chestnuts anyway.

Jokes on them.

Right when Manta was finally overcoming his nerves and was about to plop himself down comfortably on the floor to catch-up with his friend, Anna decided to stir in Yoh’s arms.

Both gentlemen froze when the female blonde simultaneously moaned, shifted her position and pressed for even more contact towards Yoh. She unconsciously slipped her right arm against her fiancé’s torso, her lips softly called out his name, then burrowed her face onto the crook of his neck; making the space between them non-existent.

A minute passed when Yoh and Manta remained unmoving while contemplating about what the hell just happened and to make sure that she was still asleep, blinking in sync with pinked cheeks and increased heartbeats.

“I- I should go.” 

“Uhm, yeah, okay.” Yoh nodded nervously with an apologetic smirk.

Manta could never recall how he reached his home safely that night. He was probably dazed the whole trip.

Next day at school, Manta sat on his seat lifelessly while waiting for classes to start. His eyes lit up when he saw Yoh enter the classroom with his usual bored look.

It was when the blonde lad raised his gaze and his line of sight accidentally collided with a pair of piercing amber eyes. He got petrified on the spot upon hearing a familiar female voice.

“So, Manta, I heard you visited yesterday afternoon.”

And yes, he will never visit his friends’ house unannounced ever again.

Chapter Text

“Yoh, I think it’s time for the talk.”

Asakura Yoh, age 29, shifted his curious gaze towards his wife, who was lounging gracefully by the wooden deck at their humble home’s backyard. 

His eyes instantly glued to her when he couldn’t help but to notice her left shoulder which was slightly exposed due to her loose clothing, a.k.a. his shirt. He knew she had a pair of short shorts somewhere underneath, but they were hardly visible due to the white top almost swallowing her whole frame. He was not particularly fond of the sweltering summer heat, but he was secretly rejoicing about its effects on his wife’s current choice of wardrobe.

Beads of sweat now formed on her shiny forehead and she indulged herself vigorously with the paper fan clasped in her hand. She stared at him with her ever serene face as she tried to pass the message without having to speak.

He was hopeless with taking hints, though.

The male shaman struggled to keep an eye open to peek through his brunette strands that covered his face, and some drops of sweat that slid past his brows as he continued with his morning push-ups.

“Time for what talk, Anna?” he asked nonchalantly as he finished with his routine. The muscles on his arms and back, clearly visible by being shirtless, rippled evidently while he maintained his love and hate relationship with the ground before him.

The blonde woman pursed her lips and rolled her eyes at her oblivious husband. 

“Ugh, seriously? We’ve talked about this before. I meant, the talk.” 

Anna couldn’t believe how dense her husband can be at times. She was already used to it, but there are just occasions when he really does go way above her patience threshold.

Yoh exhaled slowly as he pushed himself completely off from the dirt. He dusted his hands, clapped them together and patted them against the fabric of his jogger pants on his butt. He grabbed his shirt that was previously discarded on the side and flashed her a charming smirk as he wiped his sweat off with the fabric, then retired next to her on the deck.

He continued to glance at her with his infectious smile. 

Anna understood the conveyed meaning of his actions but ignored his naive whims.

“Come on, where’s my kiss?” he pouted.

“No!”

“How ‘bout my hug?” he gestured with arms spread outward, a hopeful smile crept on his face.

“No!”

“But Anna, I just finished my training! Where’s my rewar—“

“Yoh, focus!” she finally snapped.

He laughed at her annoyed face. She really was cute in more ways than just one. “Okay, okay, sorry. What was it again? Oh, right! The talk. ” Yoh stole a quick peck against his adorable blonde’s temple then proceeded to chug half of the water bottle contents in one go. “So, what about it?”

Anna seemed to hesitate for a moment but decided to begin her… story. There was no going back now.

“I saw your son this morning…” she paused and waited for her companion’s reaction but continued when he only raised his brows in anticipation, “with his fiancée.” She could not believe she had to pause and wait for a reply even though she was sure he did not get what she meant.

The blonde heaved a sigh.

“I-saw-Hana-making-out-with-Alumi!” she blurted out in one breath, hoping the shock would at least push some understanding into Yoh’s dormant logic.

The husband blinked at her twice, then blinked a few more times. “OH! You mean, THAT TALK!” he yelled with a surprised countenance, finally gaining some context.

A slap came whipping across his face.

Yoh touched his burning cheek with a waterfall of tears coming from his eyes. “What did I do!?” 

“Shush! You really want him to hear?” Anna huffed in annoyance, gesturing her eyeballs towards the indoors, implying that subject of their conversation was indeed inside the inn.

Silence fell in between.

“So, how’d you find out? The brunette asked after gaining momentum, now with a more serious tone but still with a reassuring smile.

“I was calling for Hana to come help pick-up some groceries from the store. Tried knocking on his room door but no one answered so I thought they’ve gone out…” Anna shifted in her seat, her hand movements with the fan slowing considerably, “…then I heard a sound from the TV room. My instincts led me there and then— then I saw them all over each other, kissing, hands on certain places and—“

“Okay! I get it! You— you don’t have to tell me the details,” Yoh cut her off while furiously waving his hand; a blush ridden on his face. 

She almost chuckled at her husband’s display of embarrassment upon hearing their son’s, well, ‘adventures’, but she bit her lip.

They may be powerful shamans of high caliber and they may be well known and respected in their field of expertise, they may be regarded as the ‘saviours’ of the world but at the end of the day, they were still human parents; and young ones at that. Now having a teenager son with raging hormones did not save them from having to deal with monumental talks about sex, including the wonders it may bring and the consequences one may get.

Anna sighed and leaned towards her husband, chin resting atop his shoulder. “I didn’t reprimand them, if that’s what you’re worried about. I sort of blanked, yes, so I decided to stay silent after excusing myself and just left. I knew they saw me because they were startled as day, but… what’s a mother to do, you know?”

A smile curved at the corner of Yoh’s lips as he drew his wife closer to him by putting an arm around her shoulder. “You did the right thing, I guess.” 

She sighed as a reply and looked him in the eye softly. “I just thought he might be more comfortable talking about it with you, so…”

The brunette chuckled after understanding his wife’s predicament and planted a soft peck on her lips. 

“I’ll do my best.”

. . . . . . . . . . .

Later that evening, the little family had a meal together. Hana announced that he was going out for dinner with Alumi but he still ate some light snacks with his folks, anyway. All of them decided to continue with their routines as they normally would but the young parents could definitely feel an air of awkwardness from their 15 year-old son’s non-verbal cues.

“Mom, dad, I’m going.” The blonde teenager declared.

“Err, Hana, before you go… walk with me?” It was Yoh’s turn to speak. His voice, calm and welcoming, as much as possible.

“Uhh, okay, sure.”

Anna took this as a hint and glanced at the two most precious men in her life before she busied herself with stuff in the kitchen to give them privacy. She saw the worry etched on her son’s face but she smiled as she saw her husband’s confidence.

They will be alright.

The Asakura men lingered silently at the front porch of their home.

Yoh lifted his head to appreciate the myriad of hues being presented by the sky during twilight. He breathed a large amount of air as he prepared to speak, both hands in his pockets.

“You wanted to talk to me about something, right?”

The brunette shifted his gaze towards his son who was calmly leaning on a tree near him. He smiled to himself as he marveled at the kid’s perceptiveness.

“Yeah… but by the looks of it, I think you already know.”

Hana’s face reddened at his father’s words but he remained subtle about it. He tried his best not to make the situation more uncomfortable than it already was.

Silence befell between the father and son. They let the sound of the crickets and cries of crows drown the background in hopes of alleviating the thick air.

Yoh chuckled first, a hand scratched the back of his head while he did. “To be honest, I don’t really know what to say but…” he trailed after chuckling some more, “I’m not here to scold you, Hana.” 

His eyes shifted to gain eye contact with his son. The teenager was clearly baffled by his father’s unpredictability.

“I am not going to scold you, nor I will tell you not to do it because really, who am I to talk? Uehehe!” the adult continued transitioning to a lighter mood. 

“Truth is, no one can stop you from the things you really want to do. However, I just wanted to make sure you’re aware that whatever comes after your actions as a consequence… will still fall under your full responsibility, alright?”

The teenager swallowed with wide eyes and he opened his mouth to speak but then closed it again as he could not formulate his words. He could not grasp how his father was being too chill about their talk, let alone with a topic considered as obscene by many. Then again, his dad was Asakura Yoh, and one can never expect the usual things coming from his father’s mind, he remembered his uncle once said.

Hana knew it must be quite difficult for his parents, too. It was never easy to touch base with him on such a delicate matter involving pre-marital sex and teenage pregnancies and whatnot. Afterall, he was a living proof. However, he never imagined the talk to be quite disorienting now that it happened.

Yoh noticed the inner battle that was taking place within his son’s mind judging by the shock and blush still ladened on his face. However, he also knew that Hana, being so much like Anna, words did not matter too much. He knew his son was smart enough and the message would have been already expressed even before the talk commenced. 

“So I guess what I’m really trying to tell you… if ever you decide on anything is… just— just be safe, okay?”

Hana did not realise he let out a snort as he detached his leaning body from the tree behind him. He was still panicking from within, but he fully understood where his dad was coming from; and he was pretty sure his mom was trying her best, too.

“Got it,” the blonde simply said. And motioned to go back to the inn. “You know, I think I forgot something inside so,” he paused and looked back towards his father with a genuine smile, “thanks, dad.”

It was Yoh’s turn to blush with confusion.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Moments after the father and son talk, Anna was still preoccupied with washing a couple of things by the sink, which appeared to be baby bottles. A small smile found its way on her mouth as her fingers unconsciously traced the object in her hands. Memories of Hana as a baby flooded her mind— the first time she held the cherub in her arms, the first time she witnessed his sweet smile and the first time he uttered the word: ‘mama’. 

She sighed.

‘They grow up too fast.’ She thought.

She was probably too engrossed with her sentiments that she did not see it coming when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. She was a bit startled, but she knew whom they belonged to without even looking.

“Hey, mom.”

“Hey.”

Anna rinsed and wiped her hands dry with the towelette nearby and reached towards to touch the back of her hugger’s head and press his face towards the back of her shoulder. She was amazed upon closely gauging her son’s height. If he continued to grow at this rate, he would be towering her by the time he turned eighteen.

Both mother and son shared a moment of tranquility within each other’s company.

“Hey mom?”

“Hm?”

“About earlier I— I just—“

“Shh. You don’t need to explain.” The mother interjected but with a soothing voice. “You don’t need to feel ashamed either.”

She turned to face the teenager to cup his face in her palms. Anna tilted her son’s face to look directly into his eyes, her expression retained an air of authority but it also exuded an unparalleled comfort coming from a mother’s touch. “I know you’re in a tough stage in your life right now and I get it. I trust that you know your limits and responsibilities as early as now. And if you ever need advice… you know that your dad and I are always here, right?”

“Yes, mom.” Hana agreed then buried his face once again on his mother’s shoulder, the little boy within him coming out from within.

“But if you make me a grandmother before I even turn 30, I swear, Hana—“

There it was. 

He knew his mother was being too calm for her own good and she always had an uncanny way of lightening the mood.

“Jeez! I won’t!”

“You better not. I’m not even joking. At least use protection—“

“Oh my god, stop!”

“Aand, always remember what they say, ladies first—“

“OH MY GOD, MOM! Calm down, I’m still a virgin!” 

By this time, the blonde teenager released Anna from his embrace. He was now red as a tomato and he had a feeling that his mother enjoyed every second of it.

They both looked at each other and started a fit of laughter, both waited until they settled.

Hana displayed a serene smile towards the woman before him. “Thanks, mom. I will make you proud of me. Just wait and see.”

Anna shook her head and ruffled his blonde locks, “You already make me proud.”

This made the youngster’s grin widen with so much naivety that Anna began to see Yoh reflected with each fibre of his being.

“Well then, I’m going now.” 

“Alright, you guys enjoy.” Anna nodded with a wink which earned her an eye roll from the teenager. She could only watch his retreating figure until he was gone.

“Damn. I don’t think you needed my help at all.”

The blonde turned her face towards the source of the voice only to find her husband leaning by the entrance to the kitchen. A bundle of linen that hid a blob of blonde strands was propped within the safety of his arms. She raised a brow and approached him to secure a light kiss on the tiny creature wrapped in the soft cloth.

“No, he wouldn’t come up to me like that if you didn’t do a good job. So, thank you… and well done.” Anna gave her husband a sweet kiss.

Yoh gave her that pure look of happiness. The one that reflected in their son’s face just moments ago. 

They were about to continue their little escapade of romance when they both heard someone coo loudly from within Yoh’s embrace. Both stared down at their months-old daughter as she stared back with her precious chestnut doe eyes.

“Oh, no. You and I are going to have a different talk in the future, young lady.” The brunette spoke firmly towards the oblivious infant, instantly transforming into an overly-protective dad mode.

Anna chuckled as she watched Yoh continue to talk to their daughter in his arms; even heard him telling the baby that she will not be allowed to have any boyfriends until she turned thirty.

She shook her head with a contented smile.

Life was sweet.

Chapter Text

“MOM!”

Tiny footsteps echoed around the luxurious hallways when a door opened to receive a precious blonde boy.

Another blonde, a gorgeous petite woman, stood by the foyer of her apartment, readily welcomed the little man within her warm embrace. Her long silky light hair fell past her shoulders forming a veil when she bent down to cradle her seven-year-old son who made the most energetic effort to throw himself at her and encircle his small arms around her waist. A serene smile crept onto her lips when the boy chuckled in excitement and buried his face on the crook of her neck. Her eyes closed as she pressed a gentle peck onto his crown while she tightened her hold on him.

“Oh, my baby. Did you have fun?” She murmured against his head, trying to brush down his rebellious wisps of hair.

“Yeah! The trip was so cool!” The boy beamed, lifting his face to look at his mother’s, eyes shining brightly with sweet innocence.

“That’s good.”

“But not as cool without you,” he continued.

“Hm?”

“I missed you, mom.” He raised his small hands and planted them on his mother’s cheeks. 

Anna’s eyes softened upon hearing her son’s naïve confession. A weak giggle escaped her mouth as she shook her head in amusement. “Hana, we’ve only been separated for two days.”

“But still,” the child pouted, “my classmates’ moms were there. You would’ve been the prettiest of them all if you came with us.”

The mother could only let out a sigh. They have talked about this before and she knew, out of all the three members of her family, she was the most distraught one from not being able to accompany her own son because of work schedule inconsistency, which forced her to go on an urgent trip.

“Sweetie, your dad was there.”

The child shifted his gaze to his back then drew out a wide grin, recovering shortly from his brief moment of melancholy. “Oh yeah, thanks, dad!”

It took a few seconds before a tall brunette man, who was standing behind the boy, acknowledged.

In all honesty, he was busy carefully studying some details about the woman before him. The mother of his child. He noticed how she was wearing a comfy-looking pair of satin dusty blue shorts that did absolute justice in exposing her enticing, smooth legs; and a simple oversized white shirt that exposed her bare shoulder when she unconsciously swept all her hair towards the other side of her neck as she picked-up to carry their son. Although already in her house clothes, he noticed that it has not been long since she reached home, given that she was still wearing light make-up and that her hair were still set in large loose curls at the ends.

He smiled to himself after witnessing the cute display made by the two most important beings in his life before him.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

Asakura Yoh’s musings were cut short when his chestnut irises met 2 sets of amber ones which were staring back at him with marked curiosity. “Ah,” he chuckled slightly, “no probs, kiddo.” He lifted his arm to reach for his son and ruffled his already messy blonde strands. This action made the boy burst in laughter.

“Why don’t you bring your things to your room? I’ve prepared the bath for you too.” Anna persuaded the boy whilst setting him down on the floor.

“Got yah!” The child with seemingly endless reserve of energy trotted lively across the hallway to follow his mother’s instructions, but not after he turned to his father to reach up for a hug, which the brunette granted when he crouched down to smooth his hand around the child’s back. He placed a kiss on his head. “See yah later, dad!” The father flashed his famous toothy grin.

“See you later.”

Both adults’ eyes followed the trail their son made until he was out of sight.

The woman faced the man who was still standing a metre from outside the entrance. Albeit retaining her confident aura, her body language showed a hint of apprehension when she loosely crossed her arms, both hands massaging her elbows.  

“Thanks for being my life saver,” she regarded him with a grateful look.

He smiled weakly and nodded. “Anna, accompanying my son to a school field trip is my job as his father. So, no biggie.”

She smiled in return but with a hint of melancholia.

“I mean, we can only try to do the best we can, right?” He added, worried that she might have taken the wrong message about parents and responsibilities and whatnot. He knew she was already guilty enough for not being able to accompany Hana in his first field trip out of town and he did not want to add any fuel to the fire in her inner turmoil.

He couldn’t blame himself, though.

Things have been running like that since who knew how long. One of them would start a conversation, she would say something, and he would say something in return, only to end up in a pile of misunderstood words and heated arguments. Ever since the big fiasco regarding Yoh’s alleged infidelity, nothing has ever been the same. Even though it was cleared that the allegations did not result into something dubious as extra-marital sex, there were deceptions, lies, and other things were prioritised over the security of each other’s feelings.

Anna tried to forgive; tried to heal from the devastating blow, but it became clear day by day that once trust and faith was broken, there was no going back.

The process was long and winding before they have realized they were both exhausted and spent, all their patience and strength ran flat. They have tried their hardest to fix the problems that came between them over the years. However, every time they managed to agree on one thing, another disagreement would surface, and they felt as if they were only endlessly threading above continuously rising waters.

They drowned in the sea flooded by irreconcilable indifferences. Before they knew it, they have grown apart and were only holding on to their marriage for the sake of their child.

He could not remember how they turned out that way, how they ended-up to be in such a hot mess; but ever since they finally agreed on something and called it quits almost a year ago, things have been stable.

Monotonous, but stable.

It was good that they both decided to prioritise their roles as parents to Hana, and this prompted them to remain civil with each other, although he admitted that, up to this day, that took a lot of work.

He could not fathom how he got to a point where his present meetings with the only woman he has ever loved were reduced to quick and almost formal meetings, mostly involving their son. Some were around their workplace, but those meetings were either always accompanied by another presence, or when alone together, they were painstakingly abrupt.

But he knew he fucked up, and it was the biggest turning point of their lives. They tried their best in making things work, the gods know they did, with all their might. Though sometimes, some things in life should be treated delicately as one would do with handling an egg. He was not careful enough to know that once a crack appears on that shell, things could never be the same no matter what. He was at least thankful that they were both granted shared custody of their son because he never thought he would have survived had he not been that lucky.

Yoh saw his ex-wife tuck her blonde strands behind her ear as she craned her neck to look through the tall and wide glass windows from inside her apartment. Situated near the top of a skyscraper, her place boasted a great view of the city skyline amidst Tokyo. Bright lights shone from other nearby buildings and a lively display of busy life continued at the grounds. The atmosphere, however, was pitch dark and harsh as heavy rain splattered across the city and occasional frightening shards of lightning flashed mercilessly.

“Would you like to pass time by having dinner with us?” She returned to face him, as she gestured her shoulder towards her back, “I mean, that thunderstorm looks like it isn’t gonna stop anytime and—”

“Yes. Yes, I’d like that.” He immediately answered. His excitement got the better of him.

She stepped aside to let him in before closing the door.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Yoh has never been inside Anna’s home.

Ever since the divorce, Hana was set to live with his mom, as the law normally mandated, until he was old enough to choose for himself.

The estranged couple could only imagine how the divorce has affected their son. The boy has become withdrawn and elusive after learning about his parents’ separation. Hana has always acted more mature for his age, first and foremost, but the devastating life event has made him more so. He became overly sensitive to his mother’s needs and has also become independent with household tasks which helped his mom a lot more than he could know. The first few months were quite difficult as his young mind could not come around the idea on why his parents had to separate and live in two different houses, but with the help of Yoh and Anna’s active co-parenting, he has slowly coped with the reality.

It was quite a sad thing to watch, but life happens, and things like divorce happen in life.

Yoh offered her to stay in their old home in Funbari, a conjugal property, as he declared his plans to buy a flat for himself instead. This was of course declined by his ex-wife, by stating the fact that their house was only gifted to them by his family, so it was technically his property. She declared that it would be easier if she and her son moved out and stayed in the city, near their workplace’s headquarters— the company he shared with his brother. He tried to push his reason but Anna, being the most efficient woman that she always was, has already devised her future plans long before they signed the papers.

And he still loved her for that. From the moment she walked out of the door, down to the very moment he is sharing with her right now.

“Tea?” He heard her ask and he only nodded with a smile in response as he followed her suit.

Surveying the surroundings before settling himself on a high stool by the kitchen bar, he noticed that the apartment was quite spacious and neat. It had an open space dining and living area. There was a minimalist staircase that connected a loft to the first floor. The bedrooms were probably upstairs, and there was a short corridor towards the back of the first floor, possibly leading to a washroom or a laundry. Anna has kept the decorations simple but elegant at the same time, and everything blended well in a cozy, modern feel.

The place smelled pleasant with a floral tinge to the air, and that is when Yoh’s eyes landed towards a grandiose object that could not be unseen— a fresh bouquet of about two dozen of wine-red Victorian roses contained in a tall crystal vase, nestled atop the kitchen bench. His eyes squinted. A weird feeling close to annoyance crept within him as faces of prospect senders plagued his mind. Anna never had to buy beautifully arranged flowers for herself when she was single because she almost always received some from her admirers anyway.

“So… how did your two-day tour go?” He opened as a conversation starter and as a halfway of probing.

He knew that her ‘celebrity’ status as a singer involved sudden changes in her schedules and he had access to information about her whereabouts given that the recording company was partly his, but he needed to know more.

He wanted to know more.

She had her back towards him whilst she made their tea and did not dare to look at him when she replied. “Just the usual. Fast-paced. Exhausting.”

‘Dammit,’ he thought. Her words were too short and concise.

“But you got to spend time alone at least, right?”

This time, she turned her head with a raised brow. ‘Why the weird questions now?’ She thought. She noticed how his eyes were distracted by something within the room and followed his line of sight, only to realise that he was unconsciously staring at the flowers by the countertop.

Anna rolled her eyes. “Hmm. Maybe, yes, and maybe, no.” She did not know why she said that but part of her wanted to provoke him.

Yoh opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, she then motioned her back towards him once again to finish making their drink. She could feel his intense gaze boring holes on her back, and she swore she heard him get up from his seat, but she decided to ignore that.

“Here’s your tea—” She never got to finish her sentence when she felt a sudden warmth radiating from a close presence at her back, and when she saw two familiar hands placed on the counter on either side of her. She whipped her whole body around to face the person who was invading her personal space.

“Yoh! What are you doing?” She asked incredulously, panic apparent in her eyes. She tried to escape by trying to nudge one of his arms away using her body, but he trapped her effortlessly with his strong stance.

He was towering over her, and he enjoyed it. Something within him felt some sort of mischievous pride when he got an intense reaction from her. He knew he was being intrusive, in a way, but he needed to test something. He ought to know if he was still able to make her feel, well, something, at the very least.

The brunette kept silent as he quietly studied her features once again. Her clear amber eyes which he fell for the very first time he laid sight on her, her luscious lashes that accompanied the windows to her soul, even the frown line that formed on her forehead when her brows knitted together in frustration. His gaze travelled to her pinked cheeks—whether the colour suggested blood rushing to her face or merely an artificial blush created by make-up, he did not care; she still looked ravishing with the colour, anyway. Next on his sight seeing journey were the enigmas that were her slightly parted lips. Oh, how it took all his willpower just to stop himself from claiming them with his mouth then and there. He tried to brush the thought by moving his vision to her jaw, down to her flawless neck and collarbone. That did not help at all.

“Yoh… please…” She glared up at him with pleading eyes. “I can’t— we can’t—“

“Of course, we can, Anna. We tried before, and we can do it, again.”

“We tried, and it didn’t work.” She corrected, emphasising the negative in her words.

He brushed off her pessimism by remaining silent, just staring intensely in her eyes. Both their orbs danced with a mixture of emotions, and he was hoping that love was still one of them.

Yoh gradually inched his face downwards and he saw her close her eyes in return. He could hear her heartbeats ramming through her chest and she felt his breath burn the skin on her cheek. Seeing the lack of further protests as a sign of her acceptance, he decided to go straight for the kill and went for her jawline, planting light butterfly-kisses-turned-wet as he reached the base of her neck. He heard her moan close to his ear and it made him grab her tiny waist in response, deepening the connection.

Anna was internally screaming at herself when she felt her once ironclad resistance, which she worked so hard to construct, was melted by her ex-husband as easy as 1, 2, 3. She hated him for that. She hated how his and her world collided and mixed as simple as day and night. She knew letting him in her apartment was a mistake. She knew if he tried something, she might not find the resolve to completely shun him out.

Her mind went blank when she felt him reach for the zipper of her dress. The rational part of her being ceased all functions when she lifted one leg, anchoring it to accommodate his hips pressing onto hers. She heard him moan her name like a prayer.

Both were ready to throw everything aside when he lifted her up to lean on her against the counter. Both chose to succumb to irresponsibility and be drowned by their strong emotions… and desires. Both knew the possible consequences later, and one of them came in the form of one little blonde blob of joy.

“Mooom!”

They both froze at the sudden noise, but their intense gazes remained against each other, their breaths mingling due to the closeness.

“Mom!”

They heard the voice nearing and decided to release one another from their locked embrace. Anna tried to fix her hair and clothes as quick as possible, and Yoh adjusted his pants which were now painfully tight.

Hana’s footsteps halted as he reached the railings of the loft atop the kitchen. The adults turned their heads up to their son who was now clad in fresh pyjamas, meaning he has finished taking his bath. “Mom, what’s for dinner? I’m starving!” He paused when he caught sight of his father. “Oh, hey dad, you’re still here! Are you staying the night?”

Hana only asked an innocent question. They were sure he did not mean to instigate anything by it, but sometimes they felt that he would throw these little ‘parent traps’ as his subconscious still silently hoped for reconciliation between his parents.

The child was now hopping down the stairs in excitement, taking two steps at a time in each leap.

“Hana! What did I tell you about safety around the stairs?” Asked the mom, who immediately went back to overprotective mode.

The little blonde giggled in mischief as he tried to defy his mother’s wrath. A few steps away from the ground and he nearly fell head first on the floor if not for a pair of strong arms that caught him.

“I got you.”

Hana’s bursted into fits of laughter when his father scooped him in his arms and winked at him.

“You didn’t answer my question,” the boy pouted cutely, “are you staying?”

Yoh stopped to look at his son, his eyeballs making multiple signals pointing to the only female in the room. The youngster followed his dad’s technique and looked at his mom with curious but hopeful eyes.

Anna could only sigh at their audacity. She turned her back to reach for food ingredients kept in the cupboards to hide her face from the two males. “There are extra blankets in the linen closet. The sofa pulls out as a convertible bed,” she declared loud enough for both father and son to hear.

“Yes!” Both Asakuras whispered to each other with stupid smirks on their faces while their hands reached for a silent high five.

“Thanks, son.”

“I gotchu, dad.”

Yoh brought Hana down to the floor so he can approach his mother. He watched as the boy, Anna’s mini male version, climbed up a footstool that he settled next to his mother as an attempt to help her with preparing dinner. He heard her mutter more words of reprimand about Hana being a defiant little gremlin and their son grabbing Anna’s hair to pull her down for an apologetic kiss on her cheek to pacify his mom.

And at that moment, Yoh knew, he was willing to do everything in his power to fix things that had long been broken.

This time, he knew he reformed a stronger resolve to make it right.

Chapter Text

“Unh!” 

A thudding noise was produced against the café table when a lad, who appeared to be a college student from the university nearby, lazily landed his forehead on the surface. His posture, timid, as his shoulders continued to slump forward with his arms dangling heavily towards the ground. 

A classic sign of despair. 

Another male, presumably in the same age as the other, snapped the book in his hands shut annoyingly as he exhaled an air of exasperation. 

"Okay. That’s it. What is wrong with you?” The one who was previously enjoying his time reading blurted out. He glared at his companion, eyes narrowed, and lips pursed. 

The other just turned his head sideways towards the speaker, his head still touching the table. “I don’t think I can do it.” 

“Yoh, don’t tell me you didn’t absorb a thing when I tutored you yesterday.” 

“Brother, you know I’m not talking about the Math exams.”  

Said brother rolled his eyes whilst his hand flipped his long chestnut hair which was tied in a ponytail. “Look, I don’t think she’s really that upset.” 

“When was the last time she’s hung out with us? Heck, she’s been avoiding us the whole week!” Yoh quipped back with a pout. He lowered his orange headphones to hang it around his neck. 

“I just studied History with her yesterday at the library,” the older one said a matter-of-factly. 

“Fine. She’s been avoiding me the whole week, then.” 

Hao could only sigh at his younger twin’s ramblings. He was about to point out that it was Yoh’s fault that their best friend, Anna, seems to be avoiding them— him, anyway; but he decided to bite his tongue on that. He will never hear the end of it if. “Well, she’ll be here any minute now, won’t she?” He decided to reassure the babbling one instead.  

Yoh’ brows knitted together and pouted even more. His head lowered once again, placing his arm across the table then planted his chin over it. His mind tried to recall his memories of that night. That hazy evening when the three of them—Anna, his brother, and him, spent a night a night of mischief, turning their so-called ‘group study’ into a drinking session with a twist. 

It was all fun and games before he apparently got ahead of himself, ending with a sweet little ‘encounter’ with the blonde. As per his older brother’s narration, the girl went stomping out of their game room after their little ruse and accused Hao of kissing her. It did not take long ‘til they figured out that it was Yoh who did. However, Yoh did not get the chance to clear his side of the story as he had gone flat out right after their mini drunken game. His guilt could only grow further when he had to experience his best friend’s aloofness towards him ever since. 

He winced at his recollections. 

Yoh tried to reach out to her. Sent her texts every now and then, only to receive the shortest and closed-ended replies. He tried to coax her into doing small meetups after school, even took his free time in-between subjects to fit hers, but she was smartly evasive; always able to come up with some valid excuse. 

Of course, when he got the one and only chance to bring-up the matter with her within the week past the ‘inicdent’, Anna just shrugged and denied remembering much about their shenanigans. He did not believe her one bit due to her body language said otherwise.

This has led him to worry that he was losing his best friend. 

All he had to do was to compose himself; control his raging young adolescent hormones, but he failed. Now she was gradually slipping away from him all because of his audacity.

Even now, he was quite skeptical if the girl would show up just to fulfil her consequence after losing their wager. Afterall, she knew he was going to be there.

Time ticked and the world continued around the twins inside the cozy space of the coffee shop. It was a little establishment that opened not long ago, situated near their college building. The business has received enough hype amongst the students within the campus for its perfect ambiance and their impeccable service. A little bit pricey that the norm but judging the type of students who flocked in that area, money did not seem to be an issue.

“Thought of ordering anytime soon before I go on my break, boys?” One of the café attendants approached the brothers. The two brunettes looked up towards the source of the voice, only to find a waitress, with straight blue hair, dressed in a short-skirted light yellow Kimono staring down at them with a raised brow. Her long smooth legs waggled slightly as she tapped her foot on the floor. She was holding a fancy silver tray on her left hand, and her right rested against her hip. A lollipop was distinctively wedged between his lips.

“Hey, Kanna. Thanks for asking, but we’re still waiting for one more person.” Hao smirked at the woman with implied familiarity.

“Alright. I’ll hand you over to my buddies then.” The waitress nodded her head towards two other attendants standing by the counter—a redhead and a blonde. They looked towards the twins’ table and blushed madly when Hao winked back at them.

The younger twin snorted at his big brother smug attitude. “Are they even allowed to suck on lollipops like that while at work,” he commented as the blue-haired woman walked away, ignoring his brother’s unapologetic flirtation. 

“Who cares? It’s hot!” Hao shrugged and Yoh decided not to comment on that.

He looked down at his phone and his face went glum upon confirming that his messages were only ‘seen-zoned’ by a certain blonde. “She didn’t even reply when I asked her where she was.”

Hao’s face brightened when he checked his mobile. “She says she won’t be long,” he declared casually upon showing Anna’s text.

Yoh’s eyes widened in disbelief. He opened his mouth to say something but was stopped when the door chimes sounded from the near distance, signalling that someone has just entered the place. 

True to that, the young brunette remained with his mouth agape when he caught a glimpse of fluttering golden locks as they were blown by the rush of air from the outdoors. The young lady who came in had a usual sullen look on her face; but that did not take away the beauty that reflected especially in her crystal amber eyes and luscious lashes. Her clothes, no matter what she wore, always looked elegant on her; and today’s outfit did not disappoint. 

Clad in white a slightly loose, long-sleeved blouse, high-waisted brown plaid mini skirt, coupled with a light brown beret hat and ankle boots, she could be mistaken for a model despite her petite height.

Yoh noticed how he and his twin gulped unconsciously at the sight of their female best friend, but he was sure enough that his heartbeats also jumped in the process. More so when his eyes met hers in a brief moment before she decided to evade any contact.

Anna reached their table in several quick strides that for some reason, seemed oh so alluring to the younger Asakura’s eyes. He could not remember when he started to see his best friend in a different light. It baffled him how she remained as the same girl he had known all his childhood, but somehow seemed different whenever she shared a good 10-meter radius of space with him. Her curvy hips stopped their graceful swaying when she stood next to the twins, slamming a piece of black rectangular plastic on the table which appeared to be her credit card.

“So, have you two decided on your orders yet?” She breathed with so much authority with a raised brow. 

Hao’s lips curved into a mischievous smile.

Yoh’s face broke into a frightening realisation.

That was the moment he knew…

He was in love with his best friend.

Chapter Text

“So, remind me why we’re here again?” a certain blue-haired lad spoke as he surveyed his surroundings— dim-lighted room, blaring multicoloured lights, a stage at the front where a DJ was skilfully mixing music, and a bar with extensive drinks menu on the side. Young people were everywhere, having the time of their lives. He was practically yelling out due to the loud noises in the background.

He also spotted a familiar girl with short pink hair from where he sat. She looked cute in her pink tank top and tight jeans, and she seemed to be enjoying talking to an acquaintance from another college, a guy with a distinguished Presley-like hairstyle and a weird fashion sense.

‘Isn’t he too old for her?’ he thought to himself.

His companions reacted with raised brows while taking a swing at their beer bottles. They were all sitting at an elevated lounge at the corner, inside a nocturnal establishment.

“Wasn’t it to spy on your little sister?” another guy with spiky hair taunted, nodding his head towards another blue haired individual, this time a lady, who was gleefully dancing with the club patrons on the dancefloor, looking pretty with her sequined dress.

“Huh?” the other one replied with eyes in slits. “You can’t fool me, Ren! I know you agreed to tag along because you were the one who wanted to snoop on Jun nee-san and her boyfriend!”

All the participants in the conversation, except a certain brunette, craned their necks towards another lounge where Ren’s older sister was getting all lovey-dovey with her beau, PaiLong. Her limbs playing footsies with his and her hands clawing at his muscular biceps while she appeared.

Ren chose not to comment on his sister’s public display of affection. However, HoroHoro, decided to further his jeering. “And Ren, Jeanne looks like she needs a dance partner. Isn’t she why you’re here for, too?”

Ren’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red upon noticing a lady, who was casually laughing sweetly while taking photos and videos of HoroHoro’s sister, Pirika, on the side. She was all dolled-up in a short white dress that complimented her long and curly ashy hair. A vein popped on Ren’s head, and he forced his eyes shut to keep himself from smashing his beer bottle on his friend’s head for teasing him back. “Funny, I don’t actually remember you being invited here,” he retorted.

“Excuse me? I, on the other hand, was particularly asked by our host to accompany them tonight.”

“Stoplight?” their other friend, Chocolove, interjected as an attempt of a joke. Ren chose to throw his drink bottle towards him instead.

“Hey! What was that for!?”

“Stop being lame!”

“Don’t worry, Chocolove, Ren here is just naturally defensive about his sister and his crush with my sister’s friend,” Horo continued with his teasing, which also earned him a drinking glass aimed at his head.

“I am not! And just to remind you, this is my birthday eve!” Ren blurted with a deeper blush on his face as he tackled the other two with a chokehold.

“Whoah! Whoah! Children, please!” another guy with long brown ponytailed hair and a smug smirk on his face, approached the set of three rampaging blockheads. “Seriously, I leave you guys for two minutes and now you’re tearing this place down with your drunk talk,” he said, settling two pails of chilled beers on their table.

The others looked at the newcomer while still holding on another’s throats, “He started it!” Horohoro reasoned out.

“Shut up, idiot! It’s my birthday!” Ren, countered.

“Uh, Ren, technically it’s not yet your birthd—” Chocolove chimed but was stopped by Ren shoving a bottle-opener up his nostril.

“Come on you bromance simps. We’re all here because it’s our first New Year’s Eve when all of us can enter and drink in the club… ‘legally’,” the brunette spoke once again.

“Oh yeah, that actually makes sense, Hao,” another male with green hair agreed whilst calmly drinking his alcohol amidst the chaos.

The commotion stopped abruptly as they all realised Hao’s point. It really was the first time they will celebrate the new year partying at a club. As young adolescents, it was sort of a milestone for them. Who cared if they were out partying to start the year?

Most of them, being members of affluent families with parents being too busy making money and some being orphaned at a young age, it was not a big deal. For them, friends were also family.

Hao’s grin widened, “Also, if you haven’t noticed yet, we’re here because of this,” he raised his thumb to quietly send signals to the group and point at another brown-haired dude whom he shared and identical face with. The said young man, Hao’s twin, appeared to be in a sour mood— brows knitted, mouth formed a scowl and eyes shot daggers at whoever he was glaring at from across the hall. He was unconsciously tapping his leg in an anxious way and all his friends knew it was not a common sight for him to be like that.

“Why does he look like a jealous dog who wants his owner’s attention?” Chocolove wondered out loud.

Out of curiosity, the young men followed their friend’s line of sight to trace the source of his worries and noticed a certain blonde lady demurely sitting crossed legged by the bar with a martini in her hand. She was clad in a short long-sleeved blood red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. It had a sweetheart neckline with hems that barely reached the mid of her thighs. Her black lace choker and strappy heels completed the whole dress-to-kill theme.

Her beauty was striking as she lounged confidently, the four men that were desperately trying to get her attention, offering her free drinks and sugar-coated words, were enough proof.

Hao laughed as the members of their group seemed to bob their heads back and forth in confusion between the younger twin and the blonde.

“What’s wrong with him?” their other friend joined their conversation after coming back from the toilet.

The older twin shrugged. “Well, Manta, my brother here has a huge dilemma up his ass,” he declared, secretly recalling a drunken incident between his younger brother and their female best friend from more than a month ago. That two have been painfully awkward when spending time around each other since then and it was annoying him to no end.

He knew he had to intervene; and there is no other perfect time to end a silent tension, to start a ‘do over’, other than when welcoming an upcoming year.

“And that is?”

HoroHoro stood up from his seat and approached his troubled mate, ignoring Manta’s inquiry. He rested his arm around the brunette’s shoulders to pull him away from his trance. “Hey, Yoh! Come on, man! This isn’t like you!” he muttered.

“It’s spiked,” Yoh replied absent-mindedly, eyes still fixated on the lady in red.

“Huh?” everyone replied, bewildered by his words.

“Anna’s drink. It’s spiked!” the younger brunette said in a clearer and serious tone as he got up from his seat to walk towards the girl.

Hao’s mood also switched suddenly from carefree to overprotective-friend mode upon hearing his brother’s concern. He hurriedly followed him to come in rescue of their damsel who looked opposite from being distressed.

“Which one?” the older brunette asked while both marched towards Anna.

“The one wearing black,” Yoh answered, still staring ahead.

“Got it.”

The twins reached the spot from where Anna was staying. A murderous countenance remained on their faces towards the four men who was surrounding her, particularly ‘the one in black’. Their friends could only watch in awe at the quick change of their attitude with the mention of their best friend being possibly thrown into harm’s way.

Anna was quite sure of herself as she watched the bartender concocting her drinks in front of her, or so she thought. Unbeknownst to her, one of the guys who were trying to get her attention for the past half an hour managed to slip the bartender a hefty tip, then had access to her drink for a split second to quickly drop the drugs in it.

She was fortunate that Yoh saw this after watching her like a hawk throughout the whole evening.

The blonde in red was about to take a sip from her cocktail when someone grabbed the glass away from her hand and threw the contents behind the bar. “I will take care of this, thank you very much,” a familiar person grabbed her by the waist to escort her out of the scene that was about to take place.

Anna was startled as her amber orbs met determined chestnut ones which were staring at her with so much concern.

It was not easy to drag her away, though. Her confusion made her resist her saviour’s advances.

“Yoh? Hao? What are you two doing?”

“Alright, dickheads! Party’s over!” Hao declared against the men by the bar, ignoring Anna’s question. He was engaged with a death staring contest. He pushed the stranger out of his seat to interrogate him even further.

“Who—whoah! What do you think you’re doing?” said the guy who spiked the girl’s drink.

“Hao, what the heck is going on?” Anna repeated her question, now starting to get annoyed. Even though she was already used to them being overprotective of her on some occasions, she did not understand why they were acting so territorial all of a sudden. Her judgement was beginning to be clouded by alcohol, and the busy surroundings and thumping beat of the loud music did not help.

She felt Yoh’s protective grip around her waist tightened as he was still motioning for her to come with him towards a more secure place.

Hao grabbed the guy’s shirt in an intimidating way, “what did you put in?” he continued.

“What? Who are you anyway?”

“What did you put in my friend’s drink!?” the brunette repeated, using-up all his willpower not to just hit the jerk squarely on the face. The fool was trying to act dumb when he was clearly guilty.

Morbid thoughts of Anna being taken advantage by a low life like him just made him instantly lose his cool.

“Yoh, take her away now.”

The blonde’s eyes widened upon seeing her friend’s aggressive countenance, but her vision shifted to Yoh was now determined to drag her away gently. “Anna, come on,” she let him this time.

“Hey, don’t take away our cutie pie! Were just having fun!” the arrogant dude chuckled as a form of ridicule against the twins.

Yoh exhaled hard as the fool struck a nerve. He took two quick strides back near the bar to push the offender away with a force strong enough to make him stumble a few steps back. “You stay away from her, you pervert!” he yelled, eyes burning with rage.

He was about to do more than pushing when he felt hand on his chest, and a worried Anna in front of him. “Yoh, stop it! Let’s go!” He took on last hateful glare towards the object of his anger before he took Anna’s hand and led her away from the ruckus.

. . . . . . . . . . .

As they reached a quieter part of the club, Yoh coaxed her to sit on one of the empty lounges nearby. “Are you okay?” he asked, worry still etched on his face.

She could only nod in response.

Anna pondered about the quick turn of events in her head. Part of her knew she was being stupid. She was acting like a bimbo on purpose. Recently, she has been engaging in self-destructive behaviour and she could not fully understand the root cause. Maybe it was her difficult situation with her parents at home, maybe it was the stress from school, or maybe it had something to do with her guy best friends.

Things around her have been crazy lately but events strangely spun out of control after her little tete-a-tete with Yoh several weeks ago. Anna was sure something changed after the kissing incident. She was oh so positive that something weird has stirred within her, but that was the problem; she could not put her finger on it, and it just boiled her blood to the core.

“That’s a relief,” her best friend interrupted her thoughts as he exhaled with a sad smile. She did not understand the reason for his melancholy but for some reason, she was still frustrated with him.

“Is it true?” she asked.

“What is?”

“Did that guy really put something in my drink?”

He could only nod in response.

“How were you so sure?”

Yoh blinked at her incredulously. Was she seriously doubting him now? “Anna, I saw the whole thing.”

“So you were watching me the whole time?” she retorted.

“Of course! Uhm, no! I mean…” the lad countered, blood starting to rush onto his cheeks.

Anna glared at her friend suspiciously. There it was again. That strange feeling.

She could feel her heart starting to thump violently against her ribcage, but she let her annoyance get the better of her emotions.

“You were treating me like a little girl who can’t take care of herself.”

“Anna, you were getting drunk and was seconds away from being a victim of a date rape! What am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t care! Why does it matter if I’m drunk? Why are you so affected that someone else was about to take advantage of me being irrational if you yourself enjoyed that privilege before?” she was being unreasonably stubborn.

Her words hurt like hell.

Yoh felt as if she was so disgusted with the idea of their kiss. Albeit drunken, it was still something he cherished while it lasted.

“I already said I’m sorry a hundred times for that, didn’t I?”

“What’s the difference?”

“The difference is I love you!”

Silence.

They were both dumbfounded with the words that escaped Yoh’s mouth.

An eternity passed by as time seemed to stand still with the unintentional confession.

“What?”

Anna could only stare at the young man in front of her with pupils wide as saucers. Her mind knew what she heard from him, but her brain did not seem to process the meaning.

Yoh just looked at her with emotive eyes. He swallowed as an attempt to revive his already dried throat.

He mentally slapped himself for his outburst.

It was not the way he planned to finally tell her how he felt but he messed up.

Anyway, he decided to dive even further. It was now or never.

“I love you.”

Silence.

The only thing remained was the invisible electrifying energy that formed between them, and the overwhelming connection that their eyes seem to convey with each other.

He continued when she did not respond, “There, I said it, okay? I’m in love with my best friend. People can judge me now, but I don’t care! I tried to shrug it off and I tried to deny it for so long. I also knew that my brother liked you in a way and we both made a silent pact with one another that we won’t nurture our feelings as to protect our friendship with you,” he paused to catch his shaking breath. “I did not want to be a terrible brother. I was afraid that if I felt something like this, I will lose you forever. I was scared that our friendship would be permanently damaged because of these stupid feelings. I tried to fight it, Anna. God knows I really did, but I… I…” he trailed off, the rational part of his brain betraying him.

The blonde lady was still speechless at Yoh’s display of emotions. She blinked a few times as an attempt to fight the tears that were forming in her eyes.

‘Why was she about to cry?’

A multitude of ideas plagued Anna’s mind as she tried to rationalise for the way she was feeling about his declaration of affection.

She could not understand.

She badly wanted to understand.

Moments passed and the two remained petrified. They were probably not even aware about the close proximity between them as they continued to bask in one another’s expressive stares.

Yoh’s mouth opened agape as he tried once again to find the right words but failed.

Anna’s breaths were pacing up as if she just finished running a damn marathon.

The sudden cheers from the crowd caught their attention momentarily but they did not break eye contact.

People excitedly pooled towards the stage together with friends. Loved ones came in hand in hand as the DJ initiated the New Year’s Eve countdown.

’10… 9… 8…’

“Please say something,” Yoh reached for Anna’s hand to squeeze it gently, eyes not leaving hers, as if he was searching for even the slightest hope behind those mesmerizing ambers.

‘…7… 6…’

At this point, Anna’s mind went blank. Her reasoning were brimming with so much unexplained emotions, it baffled her how the person before her was able to put her in such a roller coaster ride.

‘…5… 4… 3…’

A tear escaped the brunette’s eye and he hastily wiped it using the back of his hand. Due to Anna’s lack of reaction, he nodded in understanding. He started his way to acceptance that his best friend did not, and would not, feel the same way he did for her.

‘…2…’

Panic raced with every fibre of Anna’s being. She felt a strong desire bubbling from within her. A risky but powerful yearning was trying to erupt, and she was rapidly losing her control over it.

‘…1…’

Oh, to hell with it!

Anna threw all her inhibitions down the drain in one go as she grabbed Yoh’s shirt to pull him in a kiss.

The brunette was filled with shock that his eyes remained wide open as their lips collided. The kiss was sloppy, much like the start of their first one. However, it did not take long until both got comfortable, and it turned into something passionate, sweet and… wet.

He watched her piercing gaze turned glassy before she gradually closed her eyes; his lids followed suit as they both deepened the kiss.

Yoh moaned into Anna’s mouth when he felt her arms circling his neck, pushing down on him and making him lean back on the lounge he was sitting on. He felt her kneeling on both sides of his thighs and his hands automatically slid on her waist to support her whilst he cradled her.

Anna yelped at the abrupt intrusion of Yoh’s tongue into her mouth, but she did not deny him entrance. She even felt the urge to push herself down on him upon feeling his growing force between her legs.

The people around them were going wild. Almost everybody yelling happy new year wishes towards their companions, other couples shared their own kisses, glasses were being held up in the air for good cheers; but time stopped for the two as they continued with their fiery encounter.

They did not care how long the kiss lasted for, but it was evident in their heaving breaths and flushed faces that it lasted longer than ordinary. They continued to lock gazes with fire in their eyes, and meaningful smiles on their lips, delivering a few more quick kisses as aftershocks, then bursting into light chuckles.

“So…” Yoh started with a charming smirk, “does this mean I should start calling you my girlfriend instead of best friend?”

“Hm, I’ll decide on that when I’m sober,” Anna teased.

The brunette smiled warmly. “Am willing to wait,” he whispered against her lips as he pulled her again for another kiss.

. . . . . . . . . . .

From a distance, Yoh’s older twin and friend watched the couple’s sweet exchange amidst welcoming the new year.

“Are you a masochist?” Ren voiced out, after taking a gulp from his beverage.

Fortunately, the commotion with Anna’s offender earlier was already settled peacefully and their other friends have already walked off to enjoy the lively music on the dance floor.

Hao raised a brow at his companion. They were the only ones left lounging casually by their table.

“What do you mean?” he asked, despite knowing what Ren meant.

“Didn’t you have feelings for her? You even made that agreement with your brother about keeping Anna off limits from your prospects, remember?”

Hao closed his eyes as he flashed a knowing smile, flipping his long hair and settling his empty beer bottle on the table.

“She obviously has feelings for Yoh, too. So really, who am I to come in between?”

It was Ren’s turn to raise his brow in intrigue.

Hao force-shifted his gaze away from the blonde of his dreams, then towards the bar where he spotted some female acquaintances.

“As long as she’s happy, Ren,” he mentioned with a carefree smile, standing up to approach the ladies.

“Oh! And happy birthday, by the way! Now, don’t be a fool like me,” Hao patted Ren’s shoulder as he nodded his head towards the direction of Jeanne, who was also eyeing Ren from a distance, before walking off.

Ren snorted and spoke despite Hao not being able to hear him anymore, “happy new year to you, idiot.”

Chapter Text

She craned her neck sideways and reached for the back of his head to press his face closer to hers, to savour a passionate kiss.

Both cleaved their bodies towards their bed, blonde and brunette strands mingling on the sheets as they felt their last drop of energy leave them. They gasped for air with satisfied smiles on their faces.

“Damn, that was intense,” he mused.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re done?” She was the first to recover her breath by teasing her husband.

His eyes widened like oranges at her audacity. “Wha— Anna, don’t tell me that all of that still doesn’t cut it?”

She bit her lower lip to hide her smile.

It was funny how he sometimes gets all worked up whenever she feigns dissatisfaction after sharing their acts of love. There was something cute about Yoh being worried that he was not able to appease her needs the way she wanted him to. She loved testing his ego.

Mental training, of course.

“Meh, maybe you’re just getting old and—“

Anna did not get to further her attempt at a playful banter when she felt his fingers swiftly delved to tickle her ribs and her sides, the spots on her body only he knew would disarm her.

“Ah, really? Then maybe this will take your breath away!” Yoh declared bravely.

The husband wrapped his arms around his wife’s torso in an inescapable hold whilst he tackled her with his loving attacks. This caused the blonde to burst into a fit of uncontrolled giggles, even whipping around to face her man with pleading eyes.

“Yoh, stop! St— stop it, I tell you!”

His devilish grin grew as he continued with his childish advances, planting small bites on her neck down to her shoulder, making her shudder with more contact.

He marvelled at how his wife let go of herself at that very moment, when she succumbed to his naivety.

A few precious memories flashed through his mind involving the Oh-Oni from when he visited hell, a certain two-tailed cat, and his grandmother— all who made him resort to a vow he swore his best to keep. A vow to make his beloved happy.

A serene countenance found its way on the brunette’s face upon watching a carefree Anna who seemed to have enjoyed a moment of youth due to his actions. Her laughter slowly died down as he unconsciously ceased all tickling behaviour by becoming mesmerised by the rare sight next to him.

The blonde caught her breath but flashed a smile when her amber orbs gazed into his chestnut ones in curiosity.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Yoh shook his head gently with a calm smile, then pressed his palms on both sides of his wife’s face, rivalling her deep stare. “You should laugh more. It’s so beautiful.”

She raised a brow at this, a blush adding more colour to her cheeks. Anna opened her mouth to reply but was silenced when he drew her closer for a sweet kiss which she gladly returned.

When they finished, he sighed as their foreheads connected, eyes closed to savour their intimate moment. A minute has passed when neither one of them spoke. They were used to these occasions where no one felt the need to speak, not because they were out of words, but because both knew they have already conveyed the messages with each other being in perfect sync.

“Anna…”

“Hm?”

“Are you happy?”

This question, however, has taken her aback.

It was not something she expected from him. She blinked as she slowly detached her forehead with his to look directly in his eyes that were brimming with emotions.

Anna inhaled as she tried to formulate her thoughts before she replied with his query, but a knock suddenly resounded against their bedroom door, then a loud wailing of an infant followed.

“Mom?”

They both froze.

“Mom? Dad? Sorry to wake you but Mio won’t stop crying so I figured she might be hungry,” the voice of their teenage son paused, “we ran out of stored milk in the fridge.”

“Just a sec!” Yoh called out, both him and Anna scrambled to wear their yukatas for cover before he ran to welcome his son.

The door revealed two personas with strikingly similar hair to their mother— a worried Hana and his distressed 11-month-old sister, Mio, tucked securely in his arms.

Hana’s honeyed eyes studied his father’s unkempt look suspiciously before motioning inside. “Do I want to go inside your room right now?”

Yoh could only chuckle at his son’s perceptiveness while he took his daughter from his son and cradled her in a warm embrace, making her face and belly gently plop against his chest. He lightly swayed the little Anna while patting her back repeatedly as an attempt to calm her down.

The cherub only blinked curiously at her father’s actions, paused for a bit, then went back to crying. Her cheeks and nose were slightly reddened, and her chestnut eyes still flooded with tears.

Both father and son were now frantic to soothe the baby’s demands.

The young mother sat up in bed, legs crossed as she watched the scene before her with a contented smile on her face.

“Yes, I am.” Anna muttered the answer to herself before approaching her family.

She will need to tell that to her husband a bit later.

She will need to let him know that despite all his other broken promises, making her happy was surely one he was able to keep.

Chapter Text

"NO!” Yoh blurted out with all his might, face ladened with horror. But despite the sudden outburst with his booming voice, it wasn’t enough to drown the awkward silence around him.

The brunette blinked his eyes a couple of times before he came back to his senses and was immediately reminded about breakfast with his family that was currently taking place. His vision was welcomed by the faint glow of sunrise that seeped through the windows of their home, and his nostrils caught the appetising aroma of miso soup and grilled fish.

"You just woke up and you're already daydreaming. Way to go, old man." It was his son's voice.

Yoh adjusted his line of sight and he saw the two most important beings in his life-- one who sported a naive expression yet bore handsome features, and another with undisputed beauty and grace. Both had glistening strands of gold for hair, and both were throwing him the bombastic side eye.

The young father swallowed his breath.

"Let me guess. You're linking with your brother again, weren't you?" His wife plopped a piece of tofu in her tiny mouth. Her expression, passive as per usual.

"Eh? Err, uhm, yeah..." Yoh reluctantly replied with the truth, distracted with Anna’s mesmerising amber orbs that never fail to trap him into a trance. It’s not like he can just tell her then and there that he and his brother were sort of having a mental battle because of her, can he? What was man to do?

Anna nodded softly. "And what does he want this time? Don't tell me he--"

"Anna, are you pregnant?"

It was a question that came out of nowhere.  A question that was enough to catch his wife off guard and to cause his son to almost choke on a tiny piece of edamame.

There was a moment of silence yet again, and none of the three moved an inch from where they were seated next to the dining table.

"I haven't really checked. Why the sudden thought?" The only female in the group proceeded to eat calmly, sipping the warm tea from the olive-green ceramic cup in her dainty hands. She was slightly annoyed at his husband's lack of filter with his words considering their teenager son was with them, but she couldn't be bothered to reprimand him. Their household was never one to be considered as normal, anyway.

"You could be, right?" Yoh pondered, oblivious to the weird looks he was receiving. " I mean if my calculations are correct, based on the times that we--"

A fist slammed on the table. "You do realise that I'm still here, right!?"

The day hadn't even reached its peak, but Hana already had enough of his parents casually talking about making babies in front of him. What the hell is wrong with them? He would've poked his father's eyes using his chopsticks if it weren't for his mother's continued inquisition.

"So, what is it then? What did he say?" Anna assumed it was something petty as Hao tends to be insufferable most of the time, but she just wanted to make sure it wasn’t as serious as another war breaking out and whatnot.

Meanwhile, Yoh's cheeks pinked as he recalled the reason.


"Yoh...” The person being addressed opened an eye at the sound of his name, slightly annoyed about being called forth for possible nonsense. “Have you ever thought if I suddenly reincarnate as your child?" Hao's voice echoed within vast empty space in the King's plane within the Great Spirits.

Yoh glanced at his twin who was lounging unceremoniously in his plain concrete-clad throne.

"I-- I couldn't imagine..." He started without much thought, trying to picture himself looking after a toddler Hao. He shrugged at the idea since he didn't think it would be that bad. Hao as a child must be quite an adorable sight.

However, Yoh's gut churned, and his head did a full 360 degrees once certain images invaded his mind—Anna lovingly kissing the same toddler Hao on the forehead while cuddling. The child, in turn, staring at him with a devious smirk, growing little demon horns and a tail, which was flapping wildly like a cat hunting its scrumptious prey. Yoh paled at the sudden realisation of all the countless possibilities that may come from that simple question from Hao. He didn’t anticipate it to be so thought-provoking. Thus, Yoh's sudden panicked retaliation when the Shaman King asked him naughtily if he could, indeed, reincarnate as their son.

His focus returned to where his physical body was once again, uttering a simple “oh, it’s nothing,” to his wife with a shrug and his signature charming smile. It earned him a raised brow from Anna, but he was lucky she just went on with munching on her food, not pressing on the topic any further... for now.

Hana groaned to show his frustration. All he wanted was to start his day in peace by enjoying a hearty meal. It was such a fine morning following a festival, but how dare his father ruin it by looking like an unbearable pervert by blushing madly, giggling nervously, all while scratching his head bashfully without giving out proper context.  On the other hand, he kept a pleasant smile to himself at the thought of possibly having a sibling. Although he wouldn’t give his father the pleasure of seeing him agree, it wasn’t technically a bad thing, and he most certainly wouldn’t mind.

The Asakuras carried on with their odd way of bonding, with Anna asking for a gentle shoulder massage while reading her book, Yoh joyously complying to his wife’s every wish, and Hana serving them tea while inwardly snorting and rolling his eyes whenever his father would get painstakingly close to his mother.

The bamboo in their courtyard continued their pliant swaying and so did the rustling of a thousand paper cranes around their neighbourhood against the summer breeze.

For this year’s tanabata, Anna allowed her husband and son to have the tallest spots on the bamboo to hang their wishes, for hers was the same every year since she met Yoh; only now it included Hana in it.

Attached to the highest stalk were both Yoh's orange tanzaku crafted with red tassels at its bottom, and Hana's green one with a flower origami fastened to it.

The father's wish read as:

Please bless Hana with a sibling, so he won't be too lonely.

And the son written his as:

Please give me a baby sister or a brother so mom and dad won’t have to worry about me all the time.

P.S. - No funny ideas, uncle Hao. You've been warned.

Somewhere within the Great Spirits, a genuine smile grazed a certain god’s lips.

Chapter Text

The forceful resonance sent against the sliding outer shoji of her room immediately put a halt to her creative process.

Clicking her tongue after noticing the undesirable smear of ink on that high-quality paper she had long sought after, she was enveloped by a foreboding feeling that tonight would not be the same as her ordinary evenings, and possibly the nights that would come forth thereafter. 

“Denka-sama!” Even the frantic voice of Amidamaru could not be muffled by the thin walls that divided them.

Displeasure seeped into her veins once again.

The mere fact that a member of the imperial guards, who was once disguised as a measly devoted palace eunuch, readily exists by the entrance to her personal quarters only meant one thing: the said guard’s master had ordered to watch her for the night.

Whether it is to keep her safe from future attackers— a new unlocked fear after the recent incident related to her unlawful capture— or just for keeping her locked-up in her master’s estate for the sake of his entertainment, she was still unsure; but the only thing clear to her is that it was quite inappropriate for her guest to be visiting her in her quarters at this time of the night.

Her vision momentarily waded towards the view outside her window. The moon exuded tremendous brilliance on its night of fullness.

She surmised that she didn’t have the need for a candle to accompany her during her poetry-writing in the first place. Though as her thoughts had told her a minute ago, she will not, at any time, be successful in producing such form of literature even on her sleepless venture tonight no matter how hard she tried.

All because of the presence of an enigmatic who is now meters away from her.

Although her guest could be anyone, she need not have to assume the worst (or best) in that situation, but as far as her knowledge could take her, no one else can be addressed as ‘Denka-sama’ in the world where she lived in, except for the two known ‘Kotaishi’ of their empire.

Thanks to Amidamaru, she was handed a fair warning in regard to the real identity of her visitor.

She could now perfectly perceive the silhouette of his approaching figure after he went past the first door without any word spoken towards his trusted guard.

But dear gods! She was already dressed in her night clothing!

In addition, her face was bare and the outfit that she chose for the evening wasn’t exactly the most decent of all the night garments that she owned. Possibly because the atmosphere was quite humid compared to any ordinary nights of spring; but her exhaustion could also be the culprit of making her less elaborate about her attire for rest.

She could care less, just this once, right? Just for the night.

A night of calm after the storm.

The footsteps against the wooden floor froze as the most welcomed intruder paused by her door. By this time, she could observe his shadow, that was created by the faint source of warm lighting, looming over the paper-lined walls of her room.

The shadow that she knew belonged only to him.

“May I come in?” his manly tone simply stated.

It is always considerate of him to ask for her permission first every time he was planning on executing any possible action which may be deemed intrusive on her part.

A trait of a true nobleman.

It was bizarre how she could imagine the current expression that he must be having on his face right at that very moment just by hearing his familiar voice. And no, it isn’t exactly a happy one, she was sure of it.

On the other hand, no reply arose from her. Not even a miniscule sound. She couldn’t—for the love of art— force her words out for the fear of faltering while at it.

It did not matter on his part though, for he was not expecting her to answer, anyway. He was used to her being a lady of few words ever since the beginning of their peculiar relationship.

Between them, their actions always spoke flashier than words. Thus, explains the immense need for him to see her tonight— to ascertain how she truly feels. To confirm that she was genuinely fine.

A sigh escaped from the man. “I’m coming in,” he declared.

He did so, with the only hope that she would be presented in a decent state, at the very least. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know as to which god he will have to pray to, just to grant him the will for self-restraint in order to prevent himself from jumping at her the second he lay his eyes on her.

It did not take long before her helpless appearance welcomed his vision when he slid another door open. Today’s events had been extreme for her. He, of all the people, should know.

After her unspeakable abduction, coupled by the new wisdom that she may have obtained in the process, it is understandably enough to render her energy depleted.

He has yet to know the extent of her current knowledge about his real identity; but judging by the way she is acting in his presence right now, he could pretty much suspect that she already knew the truth.

Approaching the woman before him, he gracefully removed his navy silk haori and wrapped it around her shoulders when he noticed her discomfort from being more exposed than usual.

He felt her shoulder instantaneously tense up upon his unexpected touch.

Apart from the respectful gesture involving kneeling, with her arms raised across and in front of her to hide her face behind her sleeves in a fashion similar to how any commoner would do towards any high-ranking official, a portion of her left shoulder laid bare to him due to her loose clothing. Nestled in front of her are her writing materials temporarily discarded on her study furniture. And as much as he enjoyed beholding that sight— that he presumed no other man had been lucky enough to witness except for him— it pained him to see her in such a perturbed state.

“I apologise for arriving in such a short notice.”

“Forgive me for my inability to adequately prepare myself for your visit…”

Why is she suddenly talking in such a formal way? he ruminated.

“…denka-sama,” she added.

A nauseating feeling ignited from his gut.

She’s starting to raise her walls between them— an unnecessary wall of boundaries that would separate them, just by realizing of who he truly is.

“You do not—” he heaved a bulk of air he didn’t even know he was holding as he shut his eyes briefly in anguish before opening them once again. “I know I’ve told you this before, but I am fine with you calling me by my name.”

She shook her head gently in hopes that he would not take offence to her act of negating his words.

But how could she?

The person who was leaning in front of her—the very same person whom she once treated like a common colleague, and to whom she threw those unscrupulous glances and scathing words against carelessly— is the same person who was next in line, destined to lead all of Japan.

How lucky must she be to still stay alive, and not rather beheaded, at this point, considering how harshly she had treated him in the past.

She most certainly didn’t have the courage to face him, let alone, look him in the eye, now that she knows that the young man who was once simply ‘Yoh-sama’ to her, is indeed the elusive crown prince of their empire.

At what time of the day was it already, she had not a clue.

Yet, judging by the twinkling stars that laid upon the obsidian sky, she deduced that it was way past than the usual time when dinner is served in the inner palace, but just in time for an evening tea.

Her mind was slowly becoming incapable of processing both complex and simple reflections as the thick smoke slowly ravaged her surroundings.

In a short moment, she was almost sure that her final moments were laid in front of her. An untimely demise for her ever-so young body.

However, in a swift moment that played in an incredibly slow manner right between her eyes, she saw him. The person whom she was satirically longing to see before she met her creator was certainly there next to her.

Although his handsome face appeared just as how she remembered, she’d caught some unusual facets. His hair was diligently tied up in a high bun, a precious-looking katana was clutched in his right hand, and the sophisticated plated armour tied around his torso bore one intricate detail: the emblem of a fourteen-petaled chrysanthemum.

That was odd.

That crest belonged to the members of the imperial family. Therefore, why would he be casually gallivanting around the village bearing that symbol, and on his clothes, no less?

It could only mean one thing, and her stubborn consciousness was refusing to accept it.

Looking back at her saviour, she noticed that he was trying to communicate her something.

She could tell by his rattled countenance. Nonetheless, not a single sound was reaching her senses, for everything around her came in a jumbled and muffled mess.

She felt his palm bringing warmth to her face and the last elements that she witnessed before her vision blacked out were the tears brimming in his earnest, brown eyes.

“Yoh-sama…”

It may have been out of courtesy, or panic, but she managed to utter his name just as how she would usually address him. Her gaze still remained against the cold, hard, floor, and her face, hidden from his eyesight.

“Please look at me, I implore of you.”

He did not have to beg all his life.

He was the crown prince, for heaven’s sake. But for her— and only for her— he would be willing to clamour infinitely just to gain a fraction of her attention.

Nothing— not even the unbearable title bestowed upon him as a royal blood could stop him from seeking her company even for a miniscule amount of borrowed time.

Something was telling him that it was too late for that, now that she is starting to recoil her presence from him.

But he is not giving up.

The privilege of having her by his side is worth a million times over his sheer pride.

As if having a mind of its own, his hand reached over to cup her chin, prompting her to lift her face and eventually meet him eye-to-eye. Albeit successful in moving her head, her lashes fluttered wildly while her eyes remained casted down— a significant attempt to avoid his gaze.

“Please look at me… Anna.” He felt the need to emphasize her name.

Effectively enough, she lifted her lids after a brief moment of silence and finally stared directly at his eyes with a hint of defiance.

“Tell me how you feel right now.” His words almost did not come to light when her honey-tinted orbs disarmed him, as they always do.

“Cheated,” she started, “deceived,” she added when he didn’t refute her accusations.

She was certain that he was asking about her physical wellness rather that her emotional state, but her vision was starting to blur with her own tears, enough not to care about her own lack of understanding.

This time, it was his turn to avoid her scrutiny. “I’m sorry. I truly am.”

If anything, the gods would know how much he abhorred the idea of lying to her—of concealing his true persona away from her beautiful mind’s reach.

For him, his birthright is a result of nothing but a mere coincidence.

Being born under the royal family is only of sheer luck, similar to the lack thereof by the slaves born under unfortunate circumstances.

Yoh always believed that people should be treated equally and fairly regardless of their standing in society. All the more, he stood by the idea that one should have the freedom to express their emotions freely, same as one should indulge in the company of whoever they wanted to be with, without the need for such honorifics and nonsensical formalities in between.

In contrast, every fiber of Anna’s being wanted to scream.

Her very same soul wanted to question Yoh so desperately on how he managed to keep such an important detail of his life from her. She wanted to hit him, bawl in front of him like a misled child; but in the end, all she could do was to apologise because in their existing social standing, that is what is expected of her.

“Denka-sama, there is no nee—"

“Yoh,” he corrected her immediately. “Call me Yoh. I beg of you, Anna.”

It was already the second time he was pleading her within just a few minutes of their reunion. Oh, how special could this woman be to make the prince beg her not once, but twice.

He kneeled before her, with her kotatsu the only barrier remaining between them. He lowered his posture in a desperate attempt to level with her line of vision despite the significant differences in their height.

“Please don’t ever change. Please do not— even for one second— do not think that this can change anything between us.”

“Why?” It was her only response out of puzzlement.

“Because I could never live with myself if you were to avoid me.”

“Why?”

“I would not be able to bear the loneliness that will hound me should you start putting a distance between us just to consider my stature.”

“But why?”

“Because—"

A groan escaped his mouth.

He had tremendous amount of calm within him. Some even say he had the patience of Buddha, himself.

Conversely, when it came to Anna’s incessant demand for reasons as to why he would not survive a change in their current way of kinship, a particular strand of annoyance had ignited at the back of his head.

It was probably the second time he’d glimpsed at her without make-up. And with just a single look at her yearning face— with her dewy, unblemished skin and her narrow but plump berry lips— all his willpower perished in an instant.

He effortlessly leaped over her kotatsu to reach for her, dousing the fire off from the nearby candle with his swift movements.

They both ended in a compromising position, with him leaning on all fours above her, and with her, wide-eyed, and utterly immobilised by shock while lying on her back, beneath him.

Their noses were just inches apart and their gazes had nowhere to go except straight into one another’s.

Anna could effortlessly feel her majesty’s warm breath against her face. Yoh could hear his damsel’s erratic heartbeats in return.

The moment felt anything but fleeting as time stood still around them.

Neither of the two indicated the desire to move. And no one wanted to admit the enjoyable feeling that they both indulged in deep down.

Nothing made sense as to how they can start off by arguing then ending up completely satisfied with nothing but silence while basking in each other’s presence.

“You have yet to answer my question.” Anna whispered, with renewed courage that she surprised even herself.

Yoh remained in stillness, as if merely staring into his companion’s eyes was adding years to his life.

His vision gradually studied the modest slope of her nose, the apple of her cheeks that was profusely tinted by the rush of blood to her face, and the way she still held her proud composure despite being helplessly pinned down to the ground.

Only Anna could remain in the guise of a tiger while being held captive.

A smile made its way on the corners of Yoh’s mouth.

As much as he spent the last four days tremendously worrying for her safety, he couldn’t help but think that her kidnappers must’ve had an awfully hard time dealing with her.

Well, the fault was entirely on them, anyways. Of course, they did it under the orders of someone in higher standing. Someone Yoh swore to find in the name of justice once his emotions were stable enough not get the better of him.

But in the meantime, his presence was needed somewhere else. Somewhere within the arms of his most beloved blonde.

“Yoh…”

A minute must have passed while he was absorbed in his musings.

In contrast to him, Anna was as ill-tempered as a hawk.

Surely, her ability to wait for reason has improved a bit ever since fate decided to intertwine their paths; but on some occasions, she was still as impatient as ever.

Yoh’s smile grew as he stared down at Anna in endless amusement.

If she wanted answers, then he will most certainly serve it to her. The only catch is that it may be delivered in another way that was not through words.

In a bat of an eye, his lips connected with hers.

And their battle of reason continued to flourish.

Chapter Text

“Finally. Almost there.”

One of the five warriors stated the obvious as they all watched the Patch submarine surface above the sea.

There’s less than half an hour before the final battles take place in the Mu Continent in order to conclude the Shaman Fight.

From a distance, a huge crowd consisting of shamans and humans were rejoicing after surviving the menace that was Asakura Hao, the one who wielded overwhelming power of fire and almost wiped out an entire navy fleet. The surrounding destruction previously marked by death and war, now replaced with hope for peace.

Footsteps rustled against the shore as the Patch officials stood next to the submarine.

“Finalists, gather around. We will leave shortly for our next destination.”

Silence ensued among the people who bore witness to the scene.

“In half an hour, the remaining participants will be allowed to board the submarine.” Goldva ended her announcement before being escorted by the officials inside the sub.

“Is it normal that I’m feeling unusually queasy?” Horo Horo asked his friends.

“That’s ‘cause you’re weak.” Ren replied casually.

“What did you say? Pfft! If I’d known any better, I’d say your spiky hair is starting to quiver from getting the nerves. HAHAHAHAHA!” The blue-haired shaman spat back.

“Quiver, beaver?” Chocolove interjected, dressed as a fluffy brown mammal.

A royal rumble started amongst the members of team The Ren as per their usual, while Lyserg watched with secondhand embarrassment from nearby. He noticed how Yoh was spectating their friends’ banter from the sides with a smile on his face.

Only this time, Yoh’s eyes clearly spoke a different emotion.

Was it fear?

Sadness?

Uncertainty?

Lyserg motioned to call his friend, but a familiar blazing aura interrupted him.

Everyone lifted their heads as the massive Spirit of Fire hovered above them and landed on its feet, shaking the ground. The sand dust that enveloped the surroundings slowly dissipated and it gradually revealed Asakura Hao with a satisfied look on his face. Though what surprised the people wasn’t the arrival of the famous Onmyouji, but the presence of his female companion who carefully stepped down from the Spirit of Fire.

She exuded a regal energy befitting of a queen with her neutral expression and unwavering confidence. Little did everyone know, a storm was already brewing inside her heart.

The shamans who personally knew the unusual pair stood speechless. Four of Gandhara’s so-called ‘Five Elemental Warriors were the most baffled, and their gaze automatically fell onto their friend, Yoh.

The brunette remained calm and motionless, yet his eyes flashed a different story upon seeing Anna.

Hao’s smirk grew wider as he briefly met eye to eye with his twin. He even considered offering a hand to Anna as she unboarded his oversoul, but he knew better than to try and worsen her mood at that very moment.

All eyes followed Anna as she strolled the path towards the Five Warriors but her gaze remained glued to her beloved, who in turn, appeared slightly relieved to see her.

“What in the world were you—!?” Horo Horo’s mouth was sealed shut by Ren’s oversoul and the Ainu was dragged away from the scene by the others.

“You know where to find us afterwards,” Ren addressed Yoh before they left. Yoh just nodded with a smile as a gesture of genuine gratitude. Only the gods know how thankful he was to be given this opportunity with the help of his friends.

Yoh saw Anna standing about a foot in front of him. For a moment, his eyes stayed against Hao, and he didn’t miss the meaningful look his older brother gave him before he walked away. Several thoughts flooded Yoh’s mind, but he immediately pushed those aside for he didn’t want to stray his attention from his top priority.

Finally, crystal amber welcomed Yoh’s view and he felt all of his world focused on the only one thing that mattered at that very moment.

Her.

Yoh felt thankful that they were partly concealed by a large formation of rocks lining the other side of the beach when he approached Anna, shielding their unfinished business with each other from everyone’s prying eyes. On the contrary, he didn’t really give a damn at this point if anyone was to witness the sweet moment he planned to spend with his fiancée.

All he could think about was how he could cherish this last precious minutes of his time with Anna.

Always with her.

Yoh beamed his famous toothy smile.

“Just so you know, he offered to bring me here and I thought it was the fastest way to get back so… I…“ The blonde tried to reason, unsure of what she really wanted to say.

“I know, Anna. You don’t have to explain.” Yoh chuckled.

He thought it was cute of Anna to try and explain herself in a somewhat bashful manner just to clear up any possible misunderstandings that can arise from seeing her in the company of his older brother. He knew Anna wasn’t capable of being unfaithful to him and he wasn’t going to accuse her of infidelity. Never.

“Remind me to thank him later,” Yoh continued, with a loving smile.

Anna raised a brow at the simplicity of Yoh’s reaction. Not that she wasn’t used to his utterly calm demeanour, but here he was, in the brink of death, but still had time to make a mental note of thanking the enemy?

Only Yoh could do that.

Her Yoh.

“Are you feeling okay? You shouldn’t tire yourself out too much. What if—“

She caught him off guard with a sudden hug.

“Anna…”

Yoh finally understood his fiancee’s cues and decided to stay quiet. Of course, just like him, all she wanted was to spend her remaining time with him before he departed for the next round of fighting.

How could he be so clueless?

Amidst their quiet embrace, Yoh suddenly realised how much he’s grown when the tip of her forehead reached just below his chin. And just as he planted a chaste kiss atop Anna’s head, he felt her shaking uncontrollably while her face remained buried against his shoulder.

Was Anna crying?

Worse, she was sobbing.

Yoh has seen death, withered in excruciating pain, and even literally went through hell, yet this was the worst feeling he’d ever felt.

There wasn’t a thing in the world he wouldn’t do just to avoid seeing Anna like this. He recalled the similar feeling when they spent the night together in the past before he left for America, but this time, there’s so much more at stake.

This time, another life force, safely tucked in Anna’s womb, will be cheering him on.

Yoh’s grip tightened around Anna as she melted in his arms both in agony and comfort. It was all he could do to be there for her— shield her and their unborn child from everything that would dare to hurt them.

It was all he could do at that time he was nearing imminent death with an uncertain fate.

It was unfair.

It was cruel.

Out of all the people in the world, why do they have to be the ones to sacrifice? Why do they have to be the ones to be broken apart?

Despite being well-controlled, Anna’s sobs grew as a reflection of all the hurt from her past, present and future.

No words could be enough to describe the turmoil in her heart.

“Do you still want me to go?” His question seemed to make her pause a bit but there was no response. “Anna, please. Just say the word and I—“

Seeing her in misery was enough to rethink it all. To consider throwing everything they ever worked for down the drain.

“Our time’s up.” She declared without an iota of reluctance. Her voice was still muffled by his chest. “I’ll see you soon.”

Anna suddenly straightened up as if nothing happened. Her eyes, piercing as ever, stared directly at her fiancé, paired with a meaningful smile.

And with that, even with the absence of words, Yoh already knew her answer and so he nodded knowingly. “See you soon, then.”

He held his hand out for her… and she squeezed it dearly.