Shaman King Fan Fiction ❯ Love Me Once ❯ Last Chapter. ( Chapter 9 )

(( Standard disclaimers always apply. ))

She awoke in her bedroom alone. The door was closed, the blinds shut. Only her lamp light was on. The light was dimmed, covered with her red scarf. Her head hurt and she vaguely remembered how she managed through-out the day. Her questions were answered when Manta came bustling through the door with a tray of food.

"Oh, good. You're awake," he said as he came towards her. "This is hot, but Yoh said that it helps headaches.. or whatever it is that makes you faint like you do. You're not as strong as you think, I say."

Her glare could've frozen lava.

"Or not, heh, yeah, um, I was just sayin'," he mumbled as he wiped his hands on his pants and headed towards the door. "You lay down though. You've worried everyone."

He closed the door behind him as she lay silent on the bed. ` Everyone worried? I can't believe that.. but, how I would like to..' She picked up the spoon and dipped it into the hot soup.

After a few minutes of slurping and blowing on the souping, the door creaked open again. A dark eye peeked through the slip of the door, and slowly the full body entered. He smiled at her and moved quickly to the edge of the bed.

"How are you?" he asked as he watched her finish her soup.

She swallowed as the last of bits and said nothing.

He shrugged and sat on the bed. "Anna, you have, uh, some mathwork here and well, I had to take you home early because you were sick and all, so.."

She looked over at the clock and noticed that only half of the school day had gone by.

"Yoh," she spoke quietly. "Yoh, I need to ask you something. Did you mean what you said in the bathroom?"

There was another silence before Yoh stood up and moved closer to her.

"What did I say?"

She gazed at him for awhile as her eyes darkened. "You know exactly what you said."

He smirked. "Well, you know, Anna. I did say a lot."

"This isn't games, Yoh! I need to know how you feel towards me."

He smiled and sat beside her on his bed. "Well, I love you, Anna."

She stared at him. "Yoh.."

"Isn't that what you were asking? I've told you and I think it would be fair if you let me know. I don't like being in the dark either."

She looked down at her hands.

"Why did you need a date? Why couldn't you go with me?"

Her head snapped back up and her eyes flashed fury as she looked into his. "Because, Yoh. I wasn't welcome here. They're your friends, you're the one they love. I needed someone. And, please, do not tell me that you would've been that person because you know damned well you wouldn't've."

He stared at her. "Of course I would have-"

"No, don't lie. Please. I don't know what changed you and I don't know if what you feel is real. But, I know in the past you did not feel the same. It doesn't make me feel any better if you deny it."

He nodded. "I can see that. I think you're right at some point. No, I didn't feel the exact same, but I would've never allowed for you to go on a date with someone else. I believe I'm rather possessive. Even if I didn't show it, I'm going to let you know it's what I think everyday. Anna is my fiancée. And that is that. You know I would not have those same friends if you hadn't whipped me into shape the way you do. I'd be a lazy bum, wouldn't I? Always talking of help, but never actually doing anything? What kind of Shaman King would I be without my queen? All of these things we've been through together. Where would I be without you, Anna? You're my best friend."

She felt her eyes wet and she looked back down so that he wouldn't see the threatening tears.

"Thanks, Yoh."

He was silent.

"Anna. You haven't told me."

He placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head up so that she was once again looking at him.

"You are so beautiful."

The tears dripped down her cheeks, and he thumbed them away.

"Anna.. do you love me? Please say you do. Please."

She tried to open her mouth, but all she could manage was a nod.

"Good," he said as he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. She gasped and he slyly slid his tongue between her parted lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she leaned in closer and wrapped hers around his. The kiss seemed to go on forever, as passionate and fiery as it was. Yoh lifted his head, causing the kiss to break. She made an unfamiliar whimpering sound at the lost of contact.

He hugged her tighter and smiled as her nuzzled her cheek.

"Good thing we're already engaged."

"I love you, Yoh."

"I know."

(( The End. X__x ))