Disclaimers: Its Clover, and they're Clamp's. Not mine. What more is there to say? *sighs dejectedly*

Author's notes: Wrote this when I suddenly had an idea for the story, and felt an overwhelming urge to write it. Hmmm…..what can I say? This fic is….weird. I don't blame you if it makes no sense to you. I was planning on writing sequels for this, and treating this as a prologue for more things to come. But if that doesn't happen, I guess it can be taken as a one shot ^___^;;

Standard disclaimers apply, reviews and criticisms welcome, yada yada yada, on to the story~

Vintage Doll

Cursing softly, Kazuhiko strained as he struggled for balance while he was setting it on the floor of his apartment, trying to be careful with the heavy object at the same time.

He let out a heave of breath as it was finally done, and he stepped back to observe his new acquisition. He drew a hand to his face to carelessly wipe of the beads of perspiration that had begun to form on his forehead.

"Well." He paused. "Welcome to your new home."

Silence greeted his welcome.

Kazuhiko gave a wry grin as he reached forward to pat its head.

"Let's see……" a crease appeared between his eyebrows as he fumbled around it in concentration. He finally found what he was looking for, and started winding.

Soft clicks resonated throughout the silent apartment, and the late afternoon sun was stealing in from the windows, lighting the place a fiery orange.

As the internal wheels started to wind, the thin wires were pulled taut, preparing themselves for the eventual movements which would follow.

A final wind, and it was almost ready.

Almost.

"One last thing….."

Reaching over to the back of the object, Kazuhiko pulled out a thin cord, and plugged it into the wall socket. It would generate the internal central heating system, keeping the object running smoothly, and preventing the mechanical parts from rusting away.

And of course, provide the necessary form of energy, for it to operate.

All was ready.

A soft dull hum was heard as the mechanical wheels started turning, and the wires creaked a little before quieting down from the movement which have started.

The eyelids were the first to move. Slowly opening.

Static buzzed in those eyes before they gradually settled into the image of pupils.

Eyes.

Then, it was the hands.

The hands, with its palms facing upwards, were slowly raised, before one hand was placed hovering above its breast, the other outstretched slightly in an open gesture.

Lastly, it was the mouth.

The mouth opened slightly as a melodic voice flowed out of it in a song.

Kazuhiko stood unmoving as he watched the doll in front of him sing for him. Yes, he would like to think that the doll had acknowledged his presence, and was singing the song he was so familiar with just for

him.

The doll would tilt its head slightly, eyes sliding shut, then opening again, hands making gentle movements and gestures.

It all seemed very real. Expressions were coming alive on its face.

Eventually, the song came to an end, hands coming to rest beside it's body, and eyes sliding shut The click that signaled the end of all its movements told that more winding was needed again for it to move.

Kazuhiko stood and stared at the unmoving figure for a minute before stepping closer to the doll and sliding his fingertips slowly down its cheek.

It was warm.

From the internal heating system, somewhere at the back of Kazuhiko's mind noted.

Kazuhiko smiled and stepped away, a quiet "Thank you." was heard. He turned and grabbed his coat that was discarded on the floor carelessly when he returned with the doll on his way out.

The door closed behind him, and the apartment was silent again.