YO! A one-shot about Hao and Mari. Actually, I'm more for HaoxAnna, but then as my good friend so rightly says, Anna dislikes Hao (I'm sorry, HaoxAnna fans, I am one of you too, but I'm just trying to be realistic). I was thinking it would be easier if I were to do Hao with someone who has a very high chance of being in love with him, and the Hanagumi was my first thought. Mari seems to be an interesting person to pair him up with, probably because she's the quietest of all of Hao's followers. It's one-sided though, as I don't think Hao can ever truly love a girl.
It was a cold winter evening, but the area in the field which held Hao-sama and us remained warm, for the wreaths of Mother Nature never bothered him even once. It has always been Hao-sama and his Spirit of Fire which protected us from things like these, be it freezing or sweltering surroundings. Another day of the Shaman Fight has gone by, and Hao-sama has just returned from watching a match involving his twin brother, Asakura Yoh and his friends. He seems pleased with the progress his otouto has made, or so he mentioned to us on his return.
It is winter, but the sky is clear. Mari sighs and stares across the sea, the full moon reflected on its surface. It is very beautiful, and makes Mari contemplative. Hao-sama loves to stare across it so much while he is thinking. Hao-sama, Kanna, Macchi and the others have retired into the Patch tents already. But Mari couldn't sleep. Mari is thinking far too much about Hao-sama.
Why is it Mari's heart simply pounds when Hao-sama addresses her? Not that it happens often. Hao-sama never seems to acknowledge Mari's presence, especially when we are with the others. Sometimes, Mari wishes to be Opacho, so that she can be the one Hao-sama trusts the most.Mari thinks how wonderful it would be if only... if only Hao-sama returned Mari's feelings. But that is impossible.
Mari came into these feelings for Hao-sama long ago, ever since she had become his loyal ally, but it was only recently Mari has finally confessed them to herself. It was Hao-sama who had saved Mari from all the suffering Mari had to go through in Italy. Hao-sama has also suffered rejection by the humans, so Mari and the rest of the Hanagumi can understand his feelings and will support him till the end. But supposing the end was really coming soon? What if Mari were to die by the hands of either the X-Laws, or even Asakura Yoh and his friends? Would Hao-sama care? Mari knows Hao-sama would protect his followers, even if he doesn't care for them, but what if she really died? Would he feel guilty? Mari still can remember how Asakura Yoh defeated the Hanagumi along with his allies. Mari still can't understand. These people don't understand a single thing about Hao-sama's feelings and the Hanagumi lost. The itako Anna said Hao-sama's heart was our limit, the reason why we lost but Mari doesn't believe it. What does she know? Mari particularly dislikes Kyoyama Anna, because… Hao-sama has taken an interest to this girl. Her sharp tongue and cold demeanor draws him to her. But of course, she will only ever love Asakura Yoh. People who like Asakura Yoh are blind. There is no comparison between him and Hao-sama, who is wiser, calmer, and a lot more powerful.
Mari shakes her head, trying to shake off those thoughts. She shudders if Hao-sama would know what she was thinking. It probably won't matter to him, but Mari will be highly embarrassed! Imagine if the Hanagumi knew what Mari feels for Hao-sama!
Hmph… Speak of the devil(but Hao-sama isn't, no matter how the X-Laws says he is), and he shall appear. How true was this saying at that moment.
"Mari? What are you doing here at this time?"
Mari freezes up, and turns to see Hao-sama himself, a slight smile on his face, relaxed as always. Mari can't help but think how good-looking he is, and is highly conscious of the fact they are actually alone together. Mari feels the heat slowly rushing to her cheeks at these thoughts. Mari is an idiot! Don't forget, Hao-sama can read your mind! my mind screams. Mari tries not to make any eye contact with Hao-sama in an effort to prevent him getting into my mind.
"Mari…Mari was just admiring the sea," Mari says, the words slightly tumbling out, and Mari curses herself for that. "Mari is going back to sleep now."
Mari gets up and attempts to go back to her tent, but Hao-sama reaches out and catches Mari's arm. "Wait, Mari."
"Umm…yes?"
Hao-sama smiles at me, making Mari's heart absolutely melt. "You seemed to be enjoying looking at the sea. Why don't you join me for a while, ne?"
Mari thinks to herself. Mari's heart is pounding with embarrassment and happiness to be star-gazing with Hao-sama. Just the two of us. The smile Hao-sama is giving Mari is simply….there are no words to describe it.
Mari will probably never get the chance to admire nature with just Hao-sama for a long time…
"Yes…"
Together, we watched the rippling waves of the sea lapping up the shore in silence. We hardly said anything to each other that night, but Mari now knows it doesn't matter. No matter what Hao-sama feels, or knows of Mari's feelings, Mari is certain of one thing – she would serve Hao-sama for as long she lives and would forever be loyal to him. As long as she is able to do what she can for him, as long as Hao-sama is happy… Mari is content.
Author's Note: So, how was it? Good? Bad? Fantastic? Disastrous? Plz review and tell me what you think! No flames though, and put any faults in a kind way (I hope there won't be, but it'll be highly appreciated). Onegai! And inform me of any spelling or grammer mistakes, thanks! Reviews make my day.