A/N: I'm back after a very, very long absence, and with a CCS fic. Hopefully my writing has improved after so many years of practice. I've recently re-read the manga and rewatched the anime and oh, how I love these guys. There may be some fluff, some angst, some goodness –ifyouknowwhatImean. I don't own any of these characters; I just borrow them for a while ;-D. This fic is xposted at AO3 under my other pen name. Feedback is appreciated~

CHAPTER 1

'Kyoto?' Yukito said, and his face lit up so that he was practically glowing. He put his chopsticks down for a moment, which really was something because they were sitting at his favourite ramen joint. Touya was glad he'd waited for the right moment to tell him.

'I thought it would be okay as a graduation gift.'

'It's more than okay. I'm looking forward!' Yukito beamed at him. There was very little Touya would not do to ensure that lovely smile of his stayed right where it was.

It had been tricky to make the travel arrangements without having his friend suspect a thing, but it would be so worth it. Now that they had all but graduated and university wouldn't start for a few weeks yet, they could surely take a break. Save for that time in the rented summer house with his family, they had never gone on a trip before. It would be the two of them, or rather three, he supposed.

'The bullet train leaves at 1 p.m. on Friday. But-' he said when Yukito looked like he was going to ask something, 'that's all I'm telling you.'

'A mystery trip, then? I like surprises,' Yukito said, genuinely excited. A thought must have crossed his mind as he frowned just a little all of a sudden. 'But are you sure it's all right if- I mean, you work so hard all the time and I keep being the one who gets treated to things.'

Touya shrugged. 'I did say gift, didn't I?' he said with a lopsided smile.

'To-ya' Yukito whispered, more softly now.

There had been no grand confession, but Yukito seemed to have wrapped his mind about the reality of his double nature and Touya had made it abundantly clear that he would do the power transfer all over again and Yuki should not feel guilty. He thought Yukito had understood that he was Touya's favourite person –an expression Touya had somehow borrowed from his little sister. They may still be stopped tiptoeing around discussing their feelings openly but they were spending as much time as possible together. Touya could swear he was giving off sparks every time Yukito casually touched him or held his hand –which happened much more often now.

Still, it would be nice to get the words off his chest when the time and setting was right, Touya thought.

'We should tell Sakura,' Yukito said, pulling him out of his reverie. 'I'd feel a bit guilty if we-if I go away because she might need the other me.'

Touya had also contemplated the possibility, but things had been back to normal for some time now, since the whole card-changing business was over. Powerless as he was now he couldn't tell for sure, but it seemed that the only thing worrying Sakura was the brat's absence.

'Remember he's got wings,' Touya pointed out. 'Anyway I will. We've got to rethink the chores schedule.'

'And it's only a weekend.' Yukito relaxed visibly and dipped into his ramen bowl.

It must be difficult, Touya thought, having an entirely different personality you didn't know about. He was pretty sure Yue and Yukito were somehow in touch now, although it was difficult to tell whether they listened in on the other's conversations all the time or not. It was too soon to ask.

'At least tell me what I should bring with me,' Yukito said.

'I don't think it's going to be particularly cold. Maybe a pair of good shoes to walk around a lot,' he offered.

On his way back from work that evening, Touya went over the itinerary in his head again. They would stay at a cosy inn in Kyoto the first night so that they could go sightseeing the following day. But on Saturday evening they were to take a bus from the train station to a lovely hot springs town not far away, to spend the night at a ryokan that looked beautiful in the photos. He thought Yukito would welcome the relaxation as much as he would, after studying so hard for so long.

He closed his eyes for an instant, trying to fend off thoughts that were running in unwanted directions. The two of them in such a setting. He didn't allow himself to hope and there was no need to rush things but he longed to get closer to Yukito. There had been so many times when he'd thought he would lose it and kiss him on the school yard. Or in his room when they were doing homework together –it was a wonder his brain even functioned when he was that close. His body always demanded compensation afterwards, embarrassing as it was.

'Are you sure it's okay for me to leave?' Touya asked at dinner a bit later.

Sakura actually stood up and made a gesture of determination with her fists that was so typical of her. 'Yes! You should definitely go, oniichan!' she exclaimed. 'It's your graduation and you-you are going together!'

She had truly grown more perceptive of late. By the way she smiled as she said it, it might very well be a honeymoon trip they were discussing. He wouldn't show it but he was a bit touched.

'You've both studied hard for your university entrance exams,' his father said. 'And you've been working, too, Touya. A weekend away will do you good.'

'I know!' Sakura squeaked. 'I'll make some cookies using the recipe we learned at school yesterday for Yukito to eat on the trip!'

'Not sure we should be taking a monster's cookies...' Touya teased. He almost got the intended result. Sakura did her best to hide it but she had not been so cheerful since that day. Touya had worried this would happen.

'I'm not a monster! I'm taking dessert upstairs!' she grabbed a pudding and dashed. She was giving it to the yellow creature, no doubt.

'I'll help her bake them,' Fujitaka said when she'd left. 'You and Tsukishiro should enjoy your time together.' Touya almost choked on his food but there was nothing off about his father's voice. He was just unfailingly nice about it.

'You really don't mind,' Touya said, looking at him in the eye.

'He's family, isn't he.'

Touya could only nod at that. He was truly thankful to have such an understanding father. He simply had no explaining to do.

He climbed the stairs when he finished washing up and was surprised to find his sister standing at his door in her pyjamas, looking a bit confused. Except it wasn't Sakura.

'You' he whispered. 'Is everything okay?' Even without his powers, he could recognize his sister's double, who despite the resemblance had a personality of her own.

'Can we-?' she asked, blushing, pointing at his door.

He sighed. It wasn't the first time they had hung out. He opened the door and let her in, closing it behind them.

'Anou...We heard that you're going away with h-him,' she said, turning a shade redder. 'Dark suggested giving you some advice but don't tell him she-we did anything like that.'

The part of Touya that wasn't curious wished a Clow –or rather, Sakura– card was not standing before him ready to give him love advice. He simply stared blankly at her.

'Why do I have to say this...' she whined in a low voice, but then clenched her fists and looked determined in a trademark Sakura gesture. 'He's not really that cold. He keeps up his defences to protect himself, and–' she paused and breathed in, 'you should touch between his wings.' She said the last part so quickly that Touya wasn't sure he had heard correctly. She was talking about Yue, wasn't she. But why?

'I-I–' he stammered, his throat suddenly dry. 'I don't know what you are imagining will happen.' He wasn't upset, just incredibly surprised. Don't shoot the messenger, they said. If other Cards had put her up to this, he should let her finish. 'Is there anything else?'

The Mirror seemed to relax when she realized he was not going to yell at her or throw her out.

'Moonlit pools,' she said, more confidently.

Touya was not ready for the image of soaked long silver hair that crossed his mind. He still didn't know what to make of the fact that it was never he and Yukito alone. It was the three of them. His intention was to spend some quality time with his best friend and take it to the next level; but the Cards seemed to be throwing Yue right into the equation. To be honest, getting to know the guardian a little better could not hurt their predicament. But he had no intention of touching anything. He looked at the girl, realizing he was supposed to say something.

'He will like it then,' he replied. 'I know you mean well. I'm going to bed now.'

'Yes! Goodnight, Touya,' she bowed a little, blushing a bit more, and made her way out.

Touya was a pretty sound sleeper but the night before the trip he tossed and turned for what felt like hours. He ate a little more than usual for breakfast, in an odd imitation of what Yukito had done some time before to try to make up for his tiredness, and doubled his theine intake. He went about packing and repacking the few things he was bringing with him as if he had OCD. But he was excited, too. Thrilled. How could one be happy and worried to death at the same time? He double-checked the tickets, folded the map he had been given at the travel agent's, threw in his camera and a couple of other things at the last minute. Sakura had made them cookies indeed. He put those in a compartment where they wouldn't get squashed. There was no one to see him off, but he didn't mind. He was going to be in great company for three days straight.

It was a beautiful day, and he hoped the weather would be the same in Kyoto. Yukito was waiting for him at the bus stop, sporting a wide smile. He was dressed in casual clothes rather than their high school uniform –wouldn't he miss seeing him in that, though?– and looked radiant in the sunlight. And even better in the moonlight, I bet, a wicked voice in his mind added.

'To-ya! Morning!' his friend waved at him. 'I've checked the forecast. The cherry blossom trees are in bloom in Kyoto and they say the temples look beautiful.'

'Good thing we are not going to miss it,' Touya said, pleased. 'Oh, Sakura made cookies. I should have made her try one first to see if they are safe but-'

'Don't be mean; she must have been working hard to make them!' Yukito cut in, but the smile didn't fade from his lips. Touya would never admit it out loud, but he didn't mind being scolded like this by Yukito.

Touya struggled not to fall asleep on the train. It was silent and comfortable and they'd had lunch on the go, so it was hard to resist. Besides, he was sitting by the window and the landscape just flew by given the speed of the train. He rubbed at his forehead as if that could somehow help, and when he looked left he found Yukito's eyes trained on his face.

'It's okay to fall asleep. No chance we'll miss the station, and I'll let you know,' he offered.

But I shouldn't be missing this, Touya thought. He simply nodded.

'To-ya?' his voice was softer now. That was the voice that could easily bring Touya to his knees. Except Yukito didn't know that.

'Mmh?'

'I'm happy to be here.'

Touya said nothing but his lips curved into a smile.

When he woke up he felt disoriented. His neck hurt, as his head had tilted to the side when sleep overcame him. He was resting it on something. A folded jacket, and underneath the jacket was Yukito's shoulder.

'Did I wake you up?' Yukito asked gently. He was holding an open book.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to.' He had been sleeping with his head on Yukito's shoulder. And the man hadn't pushed him away at all.

'I don't mind. I just thought my shoulder may be too bony to be comfortable, so I cushioned it a bit.'

Touya rolled his shoulders and rubbed his neck a little. A sudden realization struck him. Yukito didn't mind if people saw them together. It had never been an issue for his friend, never prevented him from being his lovely, bright self. Touya had thought that at school everyone knew, sort of. They were model students and sportsmen and no one would comment on it. But even here on a train. He secretly thought that he wouldn't mind sleeping this close to Yukito every night. Maybe this trip was a test run in that sense.

'We're almost there?'

'Yep, twenty minutes or so. I'm surprised I can read on a train that moves so fast.'

Of all the discoveries Yukito had probably been making of late, that one struck Touya as particularly human. It made him smile.

Their hands suddenly touched as Touya leaned his elbow on the armrest. That was another thing Yukito had never done, not even before he learned about his own true nature; he'd never withdrawn from his touch. He was tactile. Touya's heart was beating faster in his chest but he did nothing. Just left his hand exactly where it was, partially covering Yuki's smaller, more slender one. Touya wanted to press his lips to it, or never to let go of it, or preferably both.

The rest of their time on the train went by exactly like that, their hands connected, Touya practically screaming his love in silence.

'It's so beautiful!' Yukito said, eyes wide open in genuine amazement.

They were standing in front of one of the temples nearest to the station, Nishin Hongan-ji. They city was packed with visitors but that couldn't be helped. Kyoto was popular and spring was a good moment to visit.

'It's the second time I've been here,' Touya said. 'But I was little so I don't remember much.' He and his mother had travelled with his father, who had some research to do. He was four, so he only remembered that his mother smiled all the time; she always did.

Yuki smiled but his expression was wistful. Touya hoped he hadn't spoken recklessly and upset him. 'Are you okay?'

'I just... saw a memory. Not mine, I think,' his friend said. His happier smile returned after a moment. 'But it's good to make some memories of our own.'

Touya wondered, not for the first time, how exactly Yukito and his sister's Guardian were connected on a deeper level.

'So let's get started, then,' he said instead.

They had already checked in and left their bags at the inn, so they spent a couple of hours walking around and exploring the temples, and found a little street market where they bought some snacks.

'Yuki. The sun is going down,' Touya observed. 'Wanna watch it after we eat?'

Yukito looked as if he'd been given a Christmas present. So sunset was a good plan for him, then. Touya took note of it.

They were not far from Kiyomizu Temple, which was the best sunset-watching spot, he'd read. So had hundreds of people. He found a corner where they were not at risk of being elbowed, and drank in the magnificent view before them, the different shades of the cherry blossom trees glowing in pinks and oranges. He glanced at Yukito, who seemed quite taken with it all.

Touya had confessed his love in a temple before. There was no doubt that he had cared for Kaho back then, but it had been a different type of love. They both had been powerful, too intuitive for their own good, cut off from most people. An attraction based on magic, on affinity. She vaguely reminded him of his mother, whom he and Sakura seemed to have taken after power-wise.

It was not the same with Yuki. True enough, it had been his peculiar aura that had sparked Touya's curiosity in the first place. He couldn't pinpoint it then, what exactly was special about this smiling bespectacled boy he found himself growing closer and closer to with every passing day. He had fallen hard for Yukito way before he started glowing, which probably happened when the other, his original self, woke up. Touya was as sure of his feelings as he would ever be of anything, considering how many things had happened –considering he had a powerful-magician-in-the-making sister who fed jelly to a living plush toy at home.

'Miss Mizuki is with Sakura's friend now, isn't she. Eriol-kun,' Yukito said, and that snapped Touya out of his daze. Had he been thinking aloud?

'I'm not sure. It wouldn't be very surprising,' he said, pushing aside the idea that there might be a mind connection between him and Yuki he wasn't aware of. He really wouldn't be surprised if Kaho had seen right through Eriol the first time they met and had been drawn to a centuries-old-reincarnated-mage like a moth to a flame. It was so very Kaho.

The choice of topic was entirely wrong, though, Touya thought. He was watching the sunset with Yukito, who was a little closer than usual because the wooden platform where they were standing had got pretty crowded.

'I love spring,' his friend said, not pushing the conversation in that direction any further. 'Everything is reborn and what was beautiful before is even more so.'

Touya's eyes widened a little at that. Beautiful things that become better. Like a friendship that turns into love. Despite the steady flow of amazed chatter around them, he could almost hear Yukito breathing. Touya's fingers twitched, practically digging into his own thigh; his arm was trapped between their bodies. Then he felt it. Yukito leaned ever so slightly towards him, delicate fingers brushing his own, searching, questioning. Touya had to make a conscious effort to breathe. His hand unclenched of its own accord, and inched slightly towards Yukito's. It shouldn't have been such a novel thing. Touya would often touch Yukito under one excuse or another. But this felt a bit different. Especially when his friend's hand slipped smoothly into his own, in a gesture that struck him as tender, encouraging. Touya didn't dare to look right, his natural shyness getting the best of him. While his eyes remained fixed on the trees, the roofs, the orange and red sun, he rubbed his thumb ever so gently across the back of Yukito's hand. He didn't want to let go of it.

The world looked stunning, alive, vibrant for the first time since he'd given up his power. Was that the reason why their connection seemed to run so deep, deeper than ever? A thousand Yukis ran rampant all at once through his memories; Touya had carefully kept and cherished every single one since the day they met.

'Yuki,' he said. It was barely more than a whisper.

'Yes?'

He could feel Yukito looking at his face, but he worried that he would give it all away if they locked eyes. He risked a quick glance, which was nevertheless enough to spot the slight blush that suffused his friend's naturally pale skin.

'I really like this.' He made it vague enough. He could hear the smile in Yukito's reply.

'Me too.'

They let go only when they had to start moving. The sun was gone. While they were walking down from the temple at a slower pace than most of the crowd, Touya almost did it. He almost said it, but the words caught in his throat. What if he'd misunderstood? Wouldn't it ruin their trip then? Yukito didn't deserve that.

His friend suddenly stopped, looking startled, eyes fixed on a grove near the temple that they'd left behind.

'What's the matter?'

'There is a woman there,' he replied in a low voice. Touya couldn't see her. Of course. It must be one of the perks of having his powers. 'She looks sad. Her kimono and her hair look... as if she were not from this time.'

'They sometimes have reasons to linger,' Touya said. 'You've never seen one of them before?'

'I'm not sure... Not so clearly, I think. What should I do? Do you think she needs help?' Yukito sounded genuinely concerned. He was too kind to have the ability to see ghosts. He would feel for each and every of them, Touya thought.

'They want different things. You may be able to help, or not. Most of them cling to a memory, something they lost.'

Yukito walked towards the apparition only he could see with a resolute expression on his face. Touya couldn't help him at all, but he remembered the times when their positions had been reversed. Yukito had been understanding and supportive, never doubting he was telling the truth. Now he was smiling at whoever it was, and offering his hand while he said something that Touya couldn't hear. After a while, he returned.

'Did she speak to you?'

Yukito nodded with a sad smile.

'This was a place where she used to meet the one she loved. It was the only spot where they could be together. She didn't say what happened to him, just that they were separated. I-I couldn't do much for her,' he said. 'But she smiled at me; I think she was happy someone would listen.'

'Star-crossed lovers,' Touya said after an instant. 'They do tend to stay behind.'

Yukito parted his lips as if he were about to say something, but apparently thought better of it. Eventually he said, 'I understand,' and left Touya wondering.

It was completely dark by then; there were some lanterns around the temple grounds but other than a thousand starts sparkled on the sky. The moon was also up, almost perfectly round minus a thin sliver. It would be full the following night.

'If you want to talk about any of it...' Touya said tentatively. It was true that he frequently thought about Yukito's potential feelings for him, but that was not the only thing he was concerned about. Yukito had stopped saying it aloud, but Touya knew he still felt a bit guilty, or at least sad, about having taken his powers. Touya had probably contributed to this worry, despite himself, since it was true that he'd been acting more... normal-human-like since. Meaning, not juggling part-time jobs (he'd stuck to just one), sleeping whenever he could, displaying less energy at sports in general. Good thing they had had to study for the last few months and not run a marathon.

'I'm okay, truly,' his friend said, back to his sweet smiley self. 'I haven't figured it all out yet but I'm learning more. About myself, and the other me. He didn't mention the ghost thing, but then, he wasn't sure about the full scope of your power; I mean, whether that would be transferable.' Yukito glanced at the moon for a moment; his light brown eyes turned amber with its light. Iridescent, as if there were another colour lurking just beneath the surface. 'I'm happy to be alive, To-ya.'

Yukito looked at him again. At this rate Touya was going to need oxygen before the end of the evening. His hand cupped Yuki's cheek before he knew what he was doing. Words wouldn't come. He felt nearly intoxicated with emotion and in the darkness he saw it mirrored on Yuki's eyes with more clarity than ever. This must be the point of no return, then, the cliff he'd been dancing around. So take the plunge. Touya bent down slightly and halted for a fraction of a second, waiting for Yukito to flinch. It didn't happen. Instead, soft lips met his on their own initiative, letting out the smallest of gasps. Yukito's flesh was warm, with a hint of vanilla. Real, so very real. Touya's fingers rested on the back of Yukito's head as they kissed, fingers threading through silky hair. He tried to rein in his elation and kept the kiss deliberately chaste. It was difficult to think of anything beyond yes, but Touya hoped that the implicit message was clear. I'm so in love with you. They parted and Touya felt younger than he was, awkward, as if he were fourteen all over again.

'To-ya?' Yuki said his name and there was a new quality to it.

'Not exactly the way it was supposed to go,' Touya said, feeling heat coursing through his body, as if it had broken loose now that his heart's lid had been opened and Yukito had peered inside. 'I mean… the order of events.'

'You are really, really shy.' The hint of genuine, tender amusement in Yuki's voice didn't escape Touya's notice.

Touya rubbed at his own cheek as if that could make his bout of embarrassment go away. 'Sh-shut up,' he said.

'Or else?' Now Yuki was teasing him. Very well.

'I've just found out how to shut you up.' Touya smiled, somehow getting over his bashfulness. His heart was pounding against his ribcage.

'It's not a punishment if I like it.' Yukito's expression had turned impish. Their eyes met, and Touya could swear they gave off a silvery glimmer. He blinked and it was gone, the irises their usual colour. I'm imagining things.

'That is something I really wanted to do,' Touya managed to say. Not exactly a romantic confession, but whoever had invented words could have done a better job because there weren't any that cut it.

Yukito's eyes widened a little. He understood. And if his smile was anything to go by, he had feelings for Touya as well. He wasn't going to be weirded out or walk away, and Touya felt immensely relieved.

TBC