All The Same

Starting Again

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You deserve a chance at the kind of love
I'm not sure I'm worthy of
You deserve to have so much more
There's nothing left to say...but goodbye

- Goodbye, Air Supply

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Something stops him from leaving.

Two arms reached out and encircled around his torso.

He stopped in his tracks, brows furrowed, confused with her gesture. He sighed and tried to resume his steps but this only made her tighten her hold on him.

Yoh

That would've been the best scenario...before reality struck and reminded me that I was only imagining things. She didn't stop me from leaving. She just stood there; ever the cold one, ever the ice queen.

Maybe I was too hard on her, or maybe she didn't know what else to do other than respect my decision.

After all, I insisted. I chose to walk away.

One last look before I leave it all behind...

I will always love you. Sayounara, Anna.

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She stops him from leaving.

Anna

That would've been the best scenario. But then I realized I was only playing this scene in my head.

I never even stepped out of that porch to chase after him. Yoh shot me a quick glance; his eyes looked so somber that I had to look away. I was gonna beg some more. I was gonna tell him things he wanted to hear. I couldn't bring myself to do it because I don't deserve him. He doesn't deserve this...whatever this is.

Believe it or not, I wanted him to be happy too. I know he's contented with having me around, and I wanted to return the favor and try to be the person he needed. But sadly, I just can't.

For once, I wanted to play fair.

However, something in me stirred. I couldn't let this happen after all. I couldn't let him leave and I cannot figure out why.

So I ran after him.

The minute I caught up, my arms automatically wound itself around his body and, honestly, I liked how that gesture made me feel.

"You're running away again? This is a bad habit of yours, Yoh." Anna protested, determined to stand her ground.

Now, here we are. Starting over again.

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And when I hold you in my arms, I promise you
You're gonna feel a love that's beautiful and new
This time I'll love you even better, than I ever did before
And you'll be in my heart forevermore

- Starting Over Again, Natalie Cole

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The morning after...

"So,"
"So...?"
"What are your plans for today Mr. Asakura?"
"Mister Asakura is my dad. Yoh's just fine."
"Noted, Yoh." She stressed out. "Are you gonna answer my question though?"
"Hmm, let's see...How about I play hooky and we go somewhere quiet?" He smiled at her again.
"Sounds nice." Anna gave him a quick nod and continued, "But don't you have a lot of responsibility in your hands?"
"Daaawh...You are starting to sound like my father. You know, if I wasn't the only son, I wouldn't even do any of this. Not that I don't like to help or anything, it's... well I don't think it's for me. I'd like to think that I can do more for the clan if I'm out there in the field, rather than sit behind a desk."
"A CEO's desk, that is."
"Hahaha, very funny. My dream is pretty simple."
"Yeah? What is your dream, Yoh?"
"To have an easy life."

Anna laughed heartily. She didn't even think it was possible after everything that's happened.

"What? Why are you laughing? Are you mocking my dream?" Yoh said incredulously.
"Don't mind me." She answered in between laughs.
"Come on!" He whined.
"It's just... all this time, I thought you wanted to rule the world or something. I mean, I know it's not easy being an heir, but compared to everyone else, I would like to assume that you have had it easy."

"You do have a point. But it's not actually like that. I took the entrance exams of all the universities I was interested in like everyone else, and passed using my own abilities, no favors and stuff. I was also granted a scholarship so my Dad isn't paying for my tuition. I worked part time as an encoder to earn my allowance and the allowances that Dad sends me? I gave every cent to charity. I guess I wanted to prove that I can do it on my own. I also told him not to interfere, or else, I would call upon the powers that be to keep him in line."

Yoh snickered while Anna's brows creased.

"What do you mean by 'keeping your father in line'?"
"You probably don't remember, because you were frowning the whole time on our wedding and I get it, ah what's with my blabbering, but my Mom is actually in charge of 'internal family' affairs."
"Uh-huh...?"
"My mom is very persuasive, you have no idea." Yoh laughed.
"Sorry."
"For what?"
"For assuming..."
"Nah. Don't worry about it."
"But, really? An easy life?"
"Yeah. I know it's a bit hard to comprehend and I guess it depends on how the person perceives how life can be 'easy'. What I'm trying to say is that, no matter what happens, everything will work out in the end. If it doesn't work out, then it's not the end. Right?"

"Perhaps." Anna smiled, "You know what? I think I'll take on that playing hooky idea just for today."
"That's more like it! Hey, are you trying to divert my attention again? I haven't asked for your dream yet."
"More or less," She started.
"So what is your dream, Anna?"
"To be person you deserve."

Yoh sighed.

"Pfft. You're perfect. You don't even have to try."

She'd been so uptight from the day she married this wonderful man that she only realized this now; It was time to let go of the past, to move forward and finally be happy. What was holding her back? Herself.

"I still don't love you though."
"Ouch. Way to ruin the mood, thank you."
"But I like you. It's a start, right?"
"I guess...? I still love you though." He promptly replied and grinned..
"I know."
"Where to, then?"
"Anywhere you want to go."

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