Author's Notes:

Hi, readers. This story has been thumping around in my brain for months, and it's finally set free.

As I continue to rewatch the series, my curiosity for Yukito/Yue has grown stronger, and I find myself wondering about their coexistence. It's probably not easy for either of them, and I wanted to take the time to explore that.

This takes place after 'To Myself, so I guess you can call it a sequel. I find it to be more of a companion, and you can certainly read it as a standalone. If you're as interested in these two as I am (even after all these years), you might find "To Myself" to be a nice read.

Without further ado, please enjoy. ~ Chella

"Reflections" by Viva Taquitos

The sunlight bounced off the damp, humid pavement. Signs of the summer storm had faded, leaving only a glossy sheen and a heavy, dewy smell of wet concrete.

Yukito closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Around him, little pieces of life were shaping before his eyes. The storm, although quick, had brought about dark clouds and a tremendous lightning show; now Tomeda was pulling itself back together. Here and there, couples were enjoying a cool stroll, birds were testing their wingéd reflexes, and residences were opening their windows.

Yukito was in no rush, and was rather enjoying this 'calm after the storm.'

He opened his eyes and continued to amble beneath the watercolored, summer sky. Soon he would reach the Kinomoto household, his destination, and his afternoon would change from calm to unexpected, much like the rains of a summer storm.

The young man reflected upon his life. Yukito realized – while his actual existence on earth had been short – these recent years were real. He experienced things in his own body and with his own eyes, rather than recall falsified stories made by some powerful sorcerer. True, the Kinomoto house was simple and unobtrusive, but it held so many real experiences and memories. Yukito knew that each shaped the flow of his life.

Ever since the revelation of Yue, Yukito's fabricated past and lonesome residence made him uneasy. He had come to accept that he shared a body with a mysterious, mystical being, but a lone lifestyle simply didn't suit the young man. He enjoyed spending time at the Kinomoto house, and Yukito felt grateful for the family's consistent invitations. Fujitaka didn't seem to mind Yukito's presence; in fact, the father had always enjoyed the young man's company. Sakura loved seeing her former crush, and she appreciated Yue's proximity.

As for Touya? Well…There were some perks to spending so much time with your most important person.

Heat crept into Yukito's cheeks as he thought of the lovely young man. Yukito's pursuit of happiness stemmed from many things, and his deep-rooted love for Touya was no exception. Yukito often felt that if he couldn't be a whole person, he may as well love another fully. He desired to live, thrive, and love. Yukito's passion for carving his own true path made this decision a little easier.

Finally, he was going to see Yue.

Ever since 'the revelation' (as Yukito called it in his mind), he often wondered about this new side to his reflection. Yukito's life was becoming more fulfilled, and that meant Yue deserved some recognition too. The first step to true love is self love, and acceptance of one's self. Yue was part of his self. They were two parts of the same coin, and Yukito knew he must accept both sides before he could truly love another.

"Helloooo, Yukito!"

Yukito's thoughts were interrupted, and he realized Sakura was calling him from up the block. Sakura flashed a tremendous smile and waved frantically at her older friend. She was perched on her colorful roller skates. While Sakura was blossoming into her teenage years, she still looked absolutely adorable while wearing her skating gear. Tomoyo Daidouji was alongside her, too, and Yukito noticed the oversized camera bag immediately.

Yukito picked up his pace to meet with the young ladies. "Good afternoon," he returned. "I'm glad you two survived the storm!"

Sakura's smile drooped a bit as she recalled her afternoon. "Well…actually, I was on my way to Tomoyo's when the storm came on – so suddenly, too!" She glanced at her companion. "Good thing Tomoyo gave me this PHS! I called to tell her I would be late..." The young girl frowned. "Next time, I should really check the weather…I was stuck under King Penguin until the storm was over…"

Tomoyo's eyes began shining. "Sakura, you sounded so perfectly frightened on the phone!" Her video camera appeared in her hand, as if it popped out of thin air. Glittering, Tomoyo went on,"Oh! I wish I could have been there to film you, even though you were upset! I've filmed almost all your emotions, and it's hard to catch you so scared!"

Sakura puffed a nervous giggle as her admiring friend trailed on. Just as Tomoyo was describing the perfect costume for the customary 're-enactment,' Yukito caught sound of a voice. "Kaiju, scared? I'd figured she'd be the one doing the scaring."

Yukito smiled at Sakura's older brother. Touya smirked as his sister went from embarrassed and flustered to angry and flustered, and immediately began her own series of insults to counter her brother's unexpected onslaught. Yukito knew her brother's jibes bugged Sakura to no end, but he also knew how dedicated Touya was to his sister, too. He couldn't help but get that warm, fuzzy feeling of affection when he thought of the two siblings.

You were correct in thinking this is your home, quipped a voice. This is truly your family.

A second sense, gentle and familiar, glided into Yukito's thoughts. Yue had awoked, and his presence was brimming at the front of Yukito's mind.

"I didn't realize you were listening…" Yukito responded. "Did I wake you?"

"No," responded the moon guardian. "I have been up for some time, in accordance with your plans for today."

"Ah," Yukito thought simply, and said nothing more. He nervously glanced at the camera bag and felt a twinge in his stomach. For the past few months, Yue and Yukito had become accustomed to one another's thoughts. An inward conversation was easier than expected, as both parties genuinely enjoyed one another's mental company. It was during one of their customary evening conversations that Yukito came to his decision about Yue's physical revalation.

"I want to see you," Yukito had thought at the time. "I want to know what I look like from the other side."

Now the moment approached with every drying raindrop. Yukito couldn't help but feel a clout of nervous anticipation. As Touya and Sakura bickered on, Yukito took the moment to steady his heartbeat. He inhaled the damp summer air, attempting to calm his thoughts.

"Whatever, just get inside, kaiju," sassed Touya, neatly finishing the conversation as Sakura paused to take a breath. "It looks like it might storm again. If you don't get in now, I'll leave ya out here."

"Ohhhhh!" growled Sakura, but a distant rumble of thunder silenced her. The sky, so inviting and clear a moment ago, once again became dotted with graying clouds. The wind picked up and brushed the group with the cool, dipping temperature. Not even bothering to undo her skates, Sakura stumbled up the steps, grumbling at her brother as she passed by. Tomoyo followed gracefully behind, filming the Cardcaptor's every misstep and stumble.

Yukito, too, ascended the porch, but was stopped by Touya just before entering the residence. "Hey," Touya spoke in a subtle, soft tone – the one he saved for Yukito. The dark-haired man grasped his friend's forearm, forcing Yukito to look him in the eye. Yukito felt that particular rush of warmth, and his nervousness eased just so. "You okay?"

Yukito wanly smiled. "I am now, To-ya," he lied.

Touya only stepped closer. Yukito's flush grew warmer as their noses almost touched. "You're not," he soothed, "but I promise everything's gonna work out."

A clatter from the house broke the couple's gaze, and the two young men followed the racket. In the living room, the entire Kinomoto household had gathered among the circle of couches. Kero was sitting on the coffee table, nibbling at what appeared to be a sugar cookie, and Fujitaka was serving Tomoyo some tea. Yukito smiled at the company, but then recalled that cottony puff of nervousness that continued to flourish in the pit of his stomach.

Sakura was playing hostess, too. "Oh, Yukito!" she gushed. "Please sit here! I baked these for you. Moon and stars are your favorite, right?"

Yukito, though tense with anticipation, couldn't help but offer a smile. "That's right."

Sakura continued, a glowing blush entering her cheeks. "Well, I'm sure they're not as good as yours…"

"They will be delicious, Sakura, because you made them."

Sakura was definitely blushing, now. As if on queue, Fujitaka took the moment to place an additional cup of tea on the table. "Good afternoon, Yukito. Please – make yourself at home."

The young man removed his shoes and settled himself on the couch. Touya neatly seated himself on one side while Sakura took the other. She offered up a plate of the sweet-smelling, buttery cookies. "Help yourself, Yukito," Sakura smiled kindly.

"Thank you," replied Yukito, gingerly taking a moon-shaped treat. For the first time in a very long while, he had little appetite. His mouth felt like sandpaper, but he still took a small bite of the cookie, not wanting to discourage the mannerly, young Card Mistress

Sakura turned to Tomoyo and chatted about something too frivolous to catch Yukito's ear. Turning to Touya, Yukito lowered his voice to ask a question. "To-ya, I don't wish to be rude, but I didn't know your father would be here…"

"I'm off!" came Fujitaka's polite voice. He poked his head out from around the doorframe. "Yukito. Tomoyo. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon. If you are here when I arrive home, you are both welcome to stay for dinner."

As Tomoyo and Kero bid their farewells, Yukito sighed, expelling a touch of the anxiety he was holding. "My father," he heard To-ya say, "He's curious to see Yue too, but he knows this is kind of a big deal. Don't worry about him."

Yukito couldn't find his voice, so he only nodded.

Fujitaka's exit only meant the moment was that much closer.

Yukito held the teacup to his lips, letting the warm liquid caress his tongue. It smelled wonderful, but as Yuikito sipped, the earthy taste fell way to bitterness. He felt Yue's presence, usually so stoic, churn underneath his consciousness. The moon guardian was rather keen on keeping his emotions private, yet Yukito's nerves seemed to be getting to him, too. Neither spoke of it, but Yue's unease added pressure to his bubbling anxiety. Yukito had to clutch his stomach to stop himself from hurling.

"…and I think we're ready. What do you think, Yukito?"

The question hung in the air as all eyes focused on him. Sakura seemed to notice the tension, and her eyes crinkled with sympathy. She took Yukito's cold hand and held it within her smaller palms. "Yukito," Sakura gently prodded, "It's okay if you're not up to this."

Yukito's gripped tightened on the young girl's dainty grasp. For a moment, Yukito thought of fleeing, but the thought was fleeting. He took a deep breath, shook his head, and whispered in small voice, "I'm ready."

Tomoyo had already begun sorting through her camera bag to find the coveted tape. She extruded it, examined it, and began the process of popping it in the VCR. She fumbled with the cassette. Click. Whir. Click. Click. Each moment deliberately struck Yukito's heartstrings. "Just play," he thought. "This is it. This is it."

He felt Yue's mind shift in the transitional moment – a chilling wave against his turbulent consciousness. Yue was silent as the static signaled the beginning of the film. His unease increased.

Yukito then felt a tug at his fingers, drawing his attention away from the screen. Touya had grasped his other hand without saying a word. Yukito timidly looked upon the young man, and tried to respond with a word of thanks…but found his tongue had cemented to his mouth. He felt his lips began quiver. Touya simply continued gazing, sharpening his focus. "You will get through this, Yuki."

The first few moments of black, static screen were agonizing, but a picture soon glowed to life on the TV set.

The film evidently took place in Penguin Park, and, in the evening, it appeared to be empty. Sakura offered a shy grin as the camera focused on her. Without delay, the Card Mistress gave a modest twirl, showcasing Tomoyo's lovely costume outfitted for the occasion.

"I want this to be the most exciting part," Tomoyo's voice distantly called from off screen. "Kero will chase after you, and his jaws will be open and his teeth will be clenched. You're really trying to get at her. Got that, Kero?"

Sakura nodded at her friend's command, and Tomoyo panned the camera to the right. Yukito expected to see the yellow plush-like guardian, but he was gazing upon something far more impressive. Next to Sakura was a larger-than-life beast – or was it a lion? – donned in traditional armor and exuding a wisdom beyond modern years. Yet the creature's eyes glinted in a manner so mischievous, Yukito could not make any mistake in identifying Kero. "You got it," the onscreen beast responded.

Back in reality, Kero offered up a "Told ya I was awesome!" but was simultaneously shushed by the Kinomoto siblings. Yukito, however, failed to hear the exchange. He knew who would be next.

Tomoyo's recorded voice continued to address the on-screen Sakura. "Then once it looks hopeless, and the audience thinks you're done for, that's when Yue will fly in. Yue will pick you up, sweep you off your feet, and carry you off to one of those branches."

The camera was still at Kero's eye level when it then panned to the left. Sakura was still there, listening to Tomoyo's every command. But where was Yue?

Before Yukito saw, he felt. Yue's anticipation burst into a crescendo, nearly causing Yukito to faint. Yukito tighted his grip on his friends' hands.

Landing softly next to Sakura was what appeared to be a man. Yukito's brain stopped for a second. He stupidly thought, "Who is this?" before registering who exactly this was.

"Are we clear, Yue?" Tomoyo's confident voice asked.

"Yes," responded the man, with the slightest nod.

Tomoyo took it upon herself to pause the video. For a few seconds, no one whispered, or talked, or even looked at each other. Distantly, thunder rolled outside, closer than it was before. A soft rain began to fall outside. It steadily tapped the windowpanes in a rhythm. Pit pit. Pit pit. The melodical pattern broke the still quiet of the house. Aiming to break the awkward silence, Sakura whispered "This is a really good shot of him, Yukito…"

Yukito's breath caught as he drank in this creature's appearance. In the darkness of the evening, Yue's moonlit aura glowed even through the TV screen. His silver hair matched his regal, gleaming outfit, and his eyes held the camera with a definite air of authority.

He was so foreign, and yet so familiar all at once.

"You're beautiful, Yue," Yukito thought to his other half. Grief soon replaced anxiety as Yukito stared at this creature of majestic magnificence. Pure emotion welled in Yukito's throat as hot tears filled his eyes. He hiccupped, letting the teardrops swell and drip onto his cheeks.

So this was his reflection: his better half. Yue was extraordinary. And Yukito, a 'false' form, as they called it…No wonder. He suddenly felt small.

Yukito let go of Sakura's hand to bring it to his lips. He pressed his closed fingers on his mouth to dispel the oncoming sob. "He's beautiful," Yukito murmured through clenched teeth. What did he expect, really? A moon guardian isn't plain, like him. A magicked protector isn't ordinary, like him. Yue represented everything he wasn't. "He's beautiful!" Yukito cried a little louder, and then surrendered into a cascade of tears.

There was a loud crack of thunder, and it shook the house beneath the sound of quiet sobs. Yukito continued to weep into his hands, hiding his reddened face from the room of spectators. His stomach twisted again, and Yue's chilled thoughts slipped in smoothly. "Yukito," this other man whispered in a small voice. "Yukito, please…" A trill of sorrow trickled from Yue.

Yukito only weeped harder.

Someone was pulling on his hands, he realized a bit too late. Looking down, Yukito glanced at Sakura's gentle face kneeling before him. She held both of Yukito's hands in her own, and in that moment, Yukito thought she never had looked so...so...mature.

"Yukito," she started gently. "Yukito, please…You are beautiful. You are." He felt Touya's arm creep around his shoulders. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Please don't forget."

Yukito shut his eyes against the wave of sorrow. Yet this time, it emanated not from his own half, but from his other soul. Yue's conscious seemed to swirl in a dejected cloud of sadness, and Yukito felt the moon guardian drift back into the depths of his mind.

Before Yukito could react, Touya squeezed himself closer and grasped his friend's arm, even as Sakura still held on tight. Tomoyo approached with eyes alight with kindness, and Kero floated up into his vision. To everyone's surprise, it was the Sun Guardian who spoke first.

"Yukito, you knew this wasn't gonna be easy," Kero said with crossed arms. His eyes leveled with the young man. "But this is who you are. This is who you both are. It's not an easy first, but it's a good step." Kero smiled as he continued. "All of us…wouldn't have you any other way."

Glancing at his company, Yukito felt a twinge of a smile grace his features. He did have a family, he recalled, and he was loved. Smiling even more, Yukito offered a wet laugh as he stated "I will be okay. Thank you, everybody."

Sakura and Touya descended upon Yukito in a hug, while Kero and Tomoyo watched from beyond (Tomoyo already filming the precious moment, of course). Sakura stood first, and led Yukito up and away from the couch. "You've had enough, Yukito," said Sakura. "Let's take the rest of our tea inside. We'll talk about this more." Yukito agreed, and allowed the young lady to lead him into the glow of the kitchen.

In the midst of big news, and comforting words, and questions, Yukito found himself wrapped in the moment of self-discovery. Adrenaline took over as he excitedly asked the questions he never felt comfortable enough to ask anyone. The others were happy to oblige to Yukito's new curiosity, and felt confident that it was, indeed, the right time to investigate truths.

I am loved. I am truly loved. This is my family, thought Yukito contently.

But something else was taking place inside of his other reflection. Amidst Yukito's own fulfillment, there was change that took place, a shift in mindset. As sadness was washed away by love, Yukito was too involved to notice the significant absence of his other half.

In the inner most depths of their minds, Yue stood from a distance and watched the heartfelt exchanges. He could see through the window of Yukito's eyes – the way Sakura gazed upon him with adoration, and how Kero could easily joke around the young man, and how Touya looked at him with – with -

There was nothing to be done. There was nothing he should do to interfere this wondrous exchange. Shutting down into the folds of darkness, Yue fought the feeling of dejection, and willed himself to sleep through the torrent of abandonment.

Inside, the family continued to bask in warmth, as the storm grew ever stronger outside.