Studying is a boring thing to do, especially during exams. That's why I spend some time writing this piece of work when I wanted to have a break.

I intend this to be a series of stories that take place after the Shaman Tournament. Each story will probably be based on a song. It depends on if the lyrics could fully express what I want. The title 'Flowers in the Window' is a beautiful song by Travis. The meaning of this will be explained in later chapters.

This story is based on Say Goodnight, a song by The Click Five. As it seems I could not put the lyrics in here, I hope you would kindly read the lyrics of the song, then you may get a better understanding of the story.

Here goes the story. Hope you'll enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King, obviously.

Prologue: Say Goodnight.

'This is it.

'It's for the good…he doesn't need me anymore…'

Does he?

'Not a doubt.'

Then why are you asking yourself?

'Maybe I've finally gone crazy, for the sake of the world?'

Oh girl, be smart, don't be a retard.

'Why will he need me anyway? He has won. We're done. It's that simple.'

Teenagers these days. So stubborn that love blinds them.

'WE are not lovers. That's a certainty. I don't even know why I am talking to myself.'

Anna blinked. Trying her best to concentrate and stop arguing with herself, she packed her things in her room. There weren't much anyway. She looked at herself in the mirror. All she could see was a pathetic girl with no beauty, no emotions. The short blonde hair covered her eyes but she didn't really care. Finally finished with packing, she sat on her bed, looking around the room. She didn't know why she wanted to remember this place when she knew she had to leave.

What if he loves you back?

'That, is certainly impossible.'

Why will that be?

'He deserves someone better, someone who can make him smile, as always, not a bitch who only brings him pain and suffering.'

Anna couldn't help but smile sincerely when an image of Yoh grinning at her popped into her mind.

See? You miss him girl.

Shaking her head furiously, Anna stood.

'What is decided is decided.'

'CHEERS!' Loud yells could be heard in the living room. Everyone was having a good time. After all, Yoh had defeated Hao, and was crowned as Shaman King. Even though he needed to start to fulfill his duty when he turned 18 (which will only be a year later), Yoh couldn't help but grinned. He had succeeded. He had achieved his and Anna's dream. He had fulfilled the family's expectations. Now he could live a normal life with no more nonsensical fighting. He could hang out with friends as he always wished.

His friends decided to throw a party at the Inn. Surprisingly, Anna agreed. He looked around the room. Ren was having an argument with HoroHoro again after Pirika kissed Ren on the cheek. Faust was cuddling with Eliza, as usual. Ryu was busy flirting with girls that he didn't recognize. Lyserg and the rest of X-Laws were also enjoying their time, busy talking and drinking. Chocolove tried to make a joke but got pinned on a tree immediately. Tamao was trying to comfort him. Everything seemed fine.

Then he noticed someone missing in the room. 'Where is Anna?' He asked his short friend, Manta. 'No idea, probably in her own room. You know Anna-san doesn't like noises.' 'Sou ka…maybe I should check on her.' Yoh responded and left the noisy room to see his fiancée.

He smirked at his thought. So finally Anna and I are going to get married soon…if I hadn't survived through her tense training programmes I probably won't even capture the title of Shaman King. Yoh started to think hard, shifting his attention to another person, holding his necklace. Matamune…I'll see you soon. If it ain't for you I wouldn't have understood Anna and probably wouldn't…love her.

Love is the meeting and separation, right? You and I separate so that I meet Anna. Was this fate? I have no idea.

'Anna, can I come in?' Yoh knocked on her door.

No response.

'Anna?' Yoh knocked for a few more times. Still no response. 'Maybe she's fallen asleep…' He quietly opened the door to have a peek at the room. He suddenly had a strange feeling. How come I cannot sense her presence… 'Anna?' He called again, only to find that the room was empty. The bed was empty. The wardrobe was empty. The floor was empty.

Yoh's eyes widened in shock. Has Anna left? He noticed a piece of paper on her desk and, without hesitation, grabbed the paper and start to read.

The gang was startled when they heard a loud scream of 'ANNA!' followed by rushing sounds of footsteps from stairs to corridor, passing the living room without a stare, banging of closed doors. They were then greeted by silence

What the hell was going on?

'Yoh!' HoroHoro and Ryu were worried about their shaman friend and chased after him. Ren glanced at the people in the room, studying their faces, noticing Yoh and Anna had been the only two absentees. Then he started to approach Anna's room, after hearing Manta said that Yoh had gone to check on her.

He was surprised to find nothing but a sheet of paper in the girl's room. He studied it carefully.

Dear Yoh,

Congratulations on being crowned as Shaman King. Surely you have not disappointed me, your friends and you family who have great expectations on you.

I'm writing this letter because…I'm leaving. Do you know Yoh? The engagement between you and me is just a fake. Kino-sensei wanted someone to discipline her lazy grandson, so I was given the task to train you. I have, always, been just your trainer. Proclaiming to be your fiancée was just to force you to get along with me, especially we all know you won't disobey your grandmother's order.

It's always Asakura Yoh and Kyoyama Anna, two separate people. They are never engaged couples. They are not going to get married some days from now. There are absolutely no relationships between these two people. My task here is accomplished. You don't need me anymore. As the Shaman King, you are already strong enough to withstand any other obstacles in life.

I bet you are overjoyed now. The cold-hearted emotionless bitch who doesn't give a damn about anyone is finally out of your life forever. Your friends should be congratulating you by the moment. Who wants to marry Ice Queen Anna anyway? She cares about no one. She hides herself. She treats you like crap. Kyoyama Anna is just a curse to you, and now the curse is removed.

It's really been a long time since we've met, ne? I won't forget the night you saved me from oh-oni and the sacrifice of Matamune. I, sincerely, thank you for bringing my suffering to an end. I'm also glad you have fulfilled your promise to become Shaman King. I know you will not take back you words.

I should stop now. Good night, Shaman King. Enjoy your life.

Love,

Anna

Ah, he sighed, quite understanding his friend's reaction now. He handed the letter to Pirika and Tamao, who were standing outside Anna's room while Ren read the letter. He told everyone about what happened in the living room, and many had decided it's the time to leave. Only some of their close friends stayed.

Jeanne sighed and prayed. She really hoped Yoh could find Anna.

The young itako looked at the clock. 9 pm. Her train would arrive in half an hour. Her last thirty minute in this city. She sighed, sitting on a bench.

She slowly took out a picture from her pocket. It was taken after Yoh defeated Hao.

/Flashback/

Everyone was gathering outside Patch café.

'Come on Anna, just one picture.' Yoh grinned widely, as usual.

'No.' Stern reply, as always.

'Please? Anna, just one picture will be fine.' Yoh was begging her with a really cute face.

'…fine, but just this one.' Anna then proceeded to stand beside him. Yoh just grinned and put an arm around her shoulder. She blushed at the sudden physical contact, and noticed Yoh was blushing too. They looked into each other's eyes, trying to decipher other's thoughts. As if time has stopped…

FLASH

The camera captured the scene, and everybody was stunned to see that in the picture Yoh was not grinning and Anna was not staring.

Instead, they found them looking at each other with crimson cheeks. It could be photo of the year.

/End of flashback/

It was the only proper picture that had both her and Yoh in it.

Aw darling, you are missing him already.

'Shut up.'

Admit it girl, you can't live without him.

'I…really can't.'

Then why give up?

'He deserves someone better.'

He put an arm around you! Doesn't that mean anything?

'It was just heat of the moment.'

Stubborn girl.

Anna glared at the clock. When would the damn train arrive?

Yoh was panting hard.

He kept on running and running. Never had he realized the train station was that far away. Yeah, the train station. That's the only place Anna could be now if she ran away. She could only go back to Aomori, where his grandparents live. 'Why did Anna want to leave?' This unspoken question was haunting him throughout his way to the station.

He noticed the posters and lights. He had arrived at his destination.

Without a glimpse at other people, he purchased a ticket as quickly as possible and entered. He basically jumped through the stairs, ignoring stares he got from other people.

He found a blonde figure sitting on the bench, holding and staring at a photo with a suitcase by her side.

There she was.

'ANNA!'

Still five minutes to go.

Anna sighed.

She just realized she had spent the last twenty-five minutes looking at Yoh's face in the picture. He had matured a bit over the years but the childish grin and behavior hadn't changed at all. That carefree grin which melted her heart…Anna blushed furiously. I am being stupid again. She mentally cursed herself.

'ANNA!'

She blinked.

She knew that voice too well.

Could it be…

'Yoh?' She was dumbfounded to find her ex-fiancee standing metres away from her, his palms grabbing his knees, panting hard. The blonde beheld that his body was all wet. Did he just run from the Inn to here? Her eyes widened.

Yoh walked towards her, who had stood up now. 'What are you doing in here?' She tried to sound stern and cold.

'Nah…the question is, Anna, what are YOU doing in here?'

'Did you read my letter?' She kept a poker face.

'I did.'

'Then I think I have given you a pretty reasonable explanation already. There is no relationship between us, so why are YOU here?' She demanded, yet quite overjoyed due to his presence.

'Are you running away, Anna?'

'What?'

'Are you running away from me?' His trademark grin was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he wore a grave expression, looking at her sternly.

'What…what are you talking about?' She turned her back to him. Damn right I am, how she wanted to yell.

'Anna…'

'What are you doing in here? You should be enjoying your party. Your friends held it just for you.'

'Have you planned on leaving today before? Is that why you don't mind lending the Inn to them? You would have objected to that idea normally.'

She sighed hard. This was going to be a long night.

'As I have stated, I am not your fiancée, which means the Inn does not belong to me. Is it that hard to understand such simple words?'

He did not mutter a word after she finished. Just when Anna was going to turn and face him again, to slap him, scold him for being stupid and send him back to his friends…

'Do you love me Anna?'

'WHAT?' Wow, that was unexpected. She could feel the heat rising from her cheeks.

'Do you have any feelings for me?'

'I…' she could not find a word to express herself. Heck, she had decided to leave! What was she doing, arguing with somebody who had just become anonymous in her life?

'You should go home.' She replied as calmly as she could. 'A Shaman King should not stand in the middle of train station talking nonsense. Go home Yoh.'

'Come with me.' His voice filled with hope.

Damn, she mentally cursed. But now she was mad. Damn mad.

'WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?' She yelled at him, turning to face him directly. He was taken aback and stepped back a step. 'WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE TRYING TO DO, ASAKURA YOH?

'WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO COME? WHY DO YOU WANT SOME BITCH WHO DOES NOTHING BUT TO SLAP AND YELL AT YOU, TREATING YOU LIKE CRAP? WHY DO YOU CARE FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU AT ALL?'

She breathed hard, disregarding the attention drawn. Many people were looking at them in awe.

Asakura Yoh, however, just looked at the floor the whole time. He suddenly lifted his head.

With a smile.

'Liar.'

She was dumbfounded. Liar, he called me?

'Don't say,' he started to approach her, 'that you don't care about me, Anna.'

'If you don't care, why did you scream my name when I was attacked by an oni, back at Aomori, when we were ten?'

One point to Yoh.

'If you don't care, why did you cry when I was nearly killed by Hao?'

He was now standing in front of him. She dared not to look into his eyes. She all of a sudden found his scandals quite an interesting thing to look at.

'If you don't care…' his hand reached for her cheek, caressing it gently.

'Why did you sleep beside me the night before I left for America?'

Anna was speechless.

The train had just arrived at the station. Doors were opening for people to enter.

'Anna…' now it was Yoh's turn to blush, 'you may not realize this, but I…I do love you, and if the engagement does not exist at all, I would be more than happy to make one.'

How she hoped time could freeze at that moment. She now completely forgot about boarding the train. All her brain could generate was Yoh's confession.

'I bought this one yesterday, and I planned to give you as an engagement gift, as we never really had one.' He smirked, holding a silver locket.

'See it here?' He pointed at the locket. She could clearly see the word 'Yoh & Anna' carved on it.

Her eyes widened in shock.

'Em…shall I?' Nodding timidly, she allowed Yoh to put the necklace around her neck. 'You look…great on that.' Yoh flushed. Anna lowered her head.

'Why Yoh…why are you doing this…

'Why do you love me, out of all people? Why do you love me, who brings nothing but pain and suffering to you?'

Yoh looked startled, then smiled, decided to surprise Anna.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his body. Anna could feel her cheeks boiling. Her eyes softened, her heart melting at the warmth.

'I love you Anna. If you haven't slapped or trained me that hard, would I still be crowned as the Shaman King?

'And I know of your past, that's why you remain strong in front of others.

'And you remember the night I asked you out to go to temple with me…when we were separated by the thin door?'

Of course she remembered. The door became a perfect barrier to separate them after she heard his thought of…

'I think you're cute and… maybe it's love at first sight…'

'My feeling has not changed a bit since then. She looked up, facing him. He smiled warmly.

Anna couldn't stay calm anymore. For once, she let her façade broke down completely in front of him. She rested her head on his shoulder, sobbing silently.

'I…I thought you don't need me after the tournament. It will break…my heart to see you…enjoying yourself while hanging with other girls…so I decided to leave…before that happens.'

Yoh was combing her short hair gently with his fingers. He tightened the embrace, feeling her body touching his.

'I do need you Anna. I need you…'

The train was leaving the station.

Ryu and HoroHoro, finally after being led by Amidamaru, arrived at the station. There weren't much people left, so they spotted Yoh easily. He was sitting on the bench, with eyes closed.

'Hey Yoh, where's…' He paused after seeing Yoh signaled him to be quiet. Then the ainu found Anna's head was leaning on Yoh's shoulder, sleeping peacefully.

'I thought she left,' he hissed.

Yoh just grinned.

'HoroHoro, do you mind taking Anna's suitcase for me?' he pointed at the blue object next to him. 'I need to carry Anna home, and I don't want to wake her up.' The shaman then slowly stood up, carrying the blonde in his arms, like a bridegroom carrying his bride.

Ryu and HoroHoro blinked when they saw Yoh placed a small kiss on his fiancée's forehead and left.

'Wow, I never thought they went that far already. Yoh should be grateful Anna was asleep, or else…' They didn't dare to imagine what would have happened.

Yoh just smiled.

-The End-

I know it may sound more optimistic than the song itself, but mostly it's because I want a happy ending for my favourite pairing. Cheers XD.

I'll try to write more about their lives after the tournament, which mean…school life! Yeah, sounds boring I know…just give me a chance.

Remember, reviews are always welcome, at any time. =D