Simple Wishes

Yuuko Ichihara smiled as Kimihiro Watanuki led a green-haired young woman into the receiving room. Her smile widened even further as Maru and Moro hurried forward to assist the young woman into a seat. "It's been a long time," she greeted easily.

"So it has been," her visitor said. "I can't believe your shop is still here."

"And you can still see it," said the Dimension Witch. She immediately noticed Watanuki's curious expression. Her laughter filled the room. "Please fetch some tea and cake, Watanuki."

The dark-haired boy left the room. The green-haired young woman's eyes followed him like a cat's would. "Is he the one?" she asked bluntly.

Her old friend stayed silent.

Maru and Moro giggled behind their hands. Mokona bounced on top of the low table to take a good look at her. His eyebrows were knitted together. "What's your name now?" it asked; it immediately implied that it knew her true name without asking. That was rather troublesome.

"C.C," the guest answered evenly. Her golden eyes softened as she reached out to touch the magical creature. "What's your name, kuro-manjuu?"

"Mokona!" it huffed before bouncing away to return to Yuuko's side. "I'm called Mokona!"

"That's what you made with him?" C.C asked with a raised eyebrow. She looked amused now. "I didn't take you for a maternal person, Yuuko-san."

Yuuko waved it away. Her voice was low and soft; blush colored her cheeks. "At least they're not wayward children unlike some people's."

The green-haired girl sighed. "Where is Clow Reed? Did he achieve immortality?"

"That four-eyed freak shouldn't have the right to live forever," Yuuko said, irritated. Her eyes burned with fire. "He'd hate it."

"Just like you do," C.C said, sighing "and I do."

The dark-haired woman reached forward and cupped her cheek. Her eyes were soft and regretful. "That is the only wish I cannot grant. It will require a heavy price. You won't be able to pay it... And it will be a direct affront to the rules. Violating your contract will put us all in danger."

Golden eyes blinked tears back furiously. Yuuko withdrew her hand. Her voice trembled. "I wish I didn't know the Code. I wish I could die. How much longer should I wait until I find that person?"

"You will have to wait a long time," the Dimension Witch answered quietly. "It will be a very, very long time before that. Trust your heart, C.C. It will tell you when you've found that person who has the potential to grant your wish. Trust your heart and him."

C.C smiled sadly. Centuries of living hadn't removed all trces of humanity from her. She could still talk to her heart. "Why does a simple wish need complicated price?"

Yuuko shrugged elegantly. "Don't ask me. I just grant them."

Watanuki entered the room with a tea tray. He smiled kindly as he set them down in front of his boss and C.C. She smiled back. "My, what a handsome boy you are. He was right, Yuuko-san. He does look a lot like him."

The dark-haired witch smiled with bare teeth. "You don't have to tell us that he resembles the four-eyes freak."

The servant-boy blinked.

"You're not in the least maternal, are you Yuuko-san?" C.C beamed innocently. She patted Watanuki's hand. "If you found each other, I'm certain I'll find him too."

"Oh, you most certainly will," the Dimension Witch retorted. "But that's after someone shoots you."

"Most informative," laughed the green-haired witch "I'll keep that in mind."

"Bring out the sake, Watanuki!" ordered his boss. "It's time to get drunk!"

C.C and Mokona cheered.

Watanuki's shoulder slumped. He got up and headed towards the kitchen to prepare. It was time to get to work.

oOoOoOo

A/N: For mikochan_noda. Love the idea, my dear!