All The Same

Barely Breathing

And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
The price that I would pay

- Duncan Sheik, Barely Breathing

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They both sat quietly in the kitchen area and casually sipped coffee, not exactly avoiding each other's stares, but more of, hesitating to speak up first.

"So," Finally, Anna decided to open the conversation "you love me."

Yoh looked up and answered "Yes. Why do you still sound so surprised?"

"Nothing...I just-" She eyed him curiously.
"It's not that hard to fall in love with you, just so you know. I'll be fine whether or not you love me back."

He could not believe she asked this question, but he managed to force a smile.

"Of course, it would be better if you felt the same way. But hey, who's complaining, right? Having you here is enough."
"How can you justify your feelings for me? I mean, we barely know each other. Don't tell me you believe in love at first sight." She smirked.
"I don't need to give my reasons since you wouldn't understand anyway." 

He poked at the waffle on his plate while she stared at him intently.

"You're right."

Silence.

"Let's just play it out. No deadlines and stuff." She suggested.

He looked at her to see if she was being serious. He's willing to let her go, yet it seemed she intended to pass on the chance of getting away from him completely.

Once again, Yoh would ask for an explanation– what would she gain from this? What was it that she really wanted from him? Why the hell is she making things a lot more complicated?

Isn't this what you yearned for?
-Yes.
So, what's the problem?
-It's because I can't keep her.
What do mean?
-It's obviously a one-sided love. Eventually, she'll grow tired of this 'game', if you may. After all is said and done, in the end, it will stay the same. She won't ever love me back.
But, you said you're fine either way.
-I know...gah!

An internal battle went through his head.

"What do you say?"
"Honestly? I'm not so sure this is a good idea."
"It was you who suggested that I should make an effort to get to know you better. I like to keep my end of the bargain for as long as possible. I never go out on my word."
"You don't have to, really. I told you, I'll fix everything. Just trust me,"
"I made up my mind, so we're not going to have this kind of conversation anytime soon. You hear me?"
"As you wish."

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It was eight years ago when they first met. It wasn't exactly pleasant to say the least, but he remembered every detail; from how the scorching summer sun burned his skin, to how he came across the girl who saved him from apparent death.

Yoh hated the heat, but he hated his bodyguards more. They wouldn't let the other kids near him and no matter how he pleaded he be left alone, they wouldn't stand down. So, when he got the chance, he ran the opposite direction as fast as he could, and in an almost failed attempt of avoiding collision, he fell over about an inch away from the unsuspecting girl.

The boy grinned sheepishly as he stood up, dusted his clothes and offered his hands, to which she glared at instantly. He rubbed the back of his neck with his other hand and apologized profusely.