Yue lay awake, listening to the weather change. Rain drummed against the roof tiles of his house. When a gust of wind billowed through the storm, the percussion abated for a breath. When the rain fell again, the sound was like the storm's exhalation. Yue imagined that he could hear the icy drops changing their nature, become light as they turned into the confetti of snowflakes. He felt Yukito's mind stirring.
Happy Birthday, Yue said, when he recognized that his other self had woken up.
Is it past midnight? Merry Christmas! Yukito answered with sleepy delight.
Yes. Christmas morning, but still early. Go back to sleep. Yukito's presence slipped into the background again.
Like a gift to himself, Yue unwrapped his memories and took them out of their boxes each at a time. Each of them was like a story. Yue, and Clow Reed. He listened to the changing storm and remembered.
Ch 1: End & Begin
If I pour your cup, that is friendship. If I add your milk, that is manners. If I stop there, claiming ignorance of taste, that is tea. But if I measure the sugar... "Cold Tea Blues" by Cowboy Junkies
(America; San Francisco; the late 19th century)
Yue and Cerberus had the house packed when Clow returned home. Yue had already paid and dismissed the servants and arranged for the sale of the remaining furnishings. He was still wearing the glamour that gave him short hair and tinted his eyes hazel when Clow walked through the door. The sorcerer paused to admire his handiwork. Yue could cast this spell himself. Unlike Cerberus, who had to hide in a smaller, "false" form, Yue could take the appearance of an ordinary man - a man extremely pleasant to look upon, certainly, but still seemingly human. He was wonderfully self-sufficient and yet completely loyal to his Master.
Yue's attention to him was immediate when he walked through the door. He stepped up to his Master and took Clow's coat. "Clow -" he started, a frown creasing his brow.
"What happened to you?" asked Cerberus bluntly, padding out from the parlor room. "Your face is all scratched."
"Thorns," Clow said by way of explanation. Rose's anger still mystified him. She was passionate; it was one of the things he had liked about her, but he never expected her fury over parting ways. He hadn't seen the point in telling her sooner. It would just have made their last days together strange and sad.
He hated making women cry, which was the reason that he had waited until today to say goodbye. But she had cried anyway.
"Maybe you should stay out of the bramble," advised Cerberus with false nonchalance.
Yue turned away to hang the coat in a closet, and the magician walked with Cerberus into the sitting room. All the furnishings were now covered with dust-covers; Clow sank into an armchair without removing the cloth. "It seems that you have everything in order," he said contentedly to Yue when Yue joined them.
"Everything that we are taking has been sent to the ship. We can follow this evening," Yue informed him. Yue went to the sideboard to pour a tumbler of scotch for the sorcerer.
"No thank you, Yue," Clow said, stopping him. "Just some black tea."
"The kettle is already heating," Yue said. He walked over to stand in front of his Master, then leaned in to inspect the facial cuts. Yue put a fingertip against a scratch and gently traced it, healing it as his finger passed. "I hope she was worth it," he murmured quietly when he finally lifted his touch completely, and then he walked out of the room.
Clow looked over to Cerberus questioningly. "He takes care of all the finances," the lion stated. "Of course he suspects."
"I wasn't hiding it," Clow said defensively.
"Yes you were. Just this time, you didn't do as good a job," argued Cerberus.
"Should I say something?"
"It wouldn't do any good," answered Cerberus. "If he's mad, he'll get over it. If you want to buy someone a house, that's your choice. As far as I can tell, we can spare it."
"I couldn't leave her without anything."
"Don't tell me about it." Cerberus made himself comfortable, draped across the covered couch. "So what do we do until it's time to leave?"
"Whatever you like. This may be our last time in America, possibly our last time in the Western Hemisphere. Once we arrive in Japan, I think I'm done with travel." He put his feet - still in their boots - up onto the low table. "I want to settle in with my garden and my books and go nowhere, and do absolutely nothing."
Cerberus laughed. "You're getting old, Clow."
"The centuries do wear," laughed the magician in reply. "It's a beautiful estate from its description. Acres of open land and low hills. Natural springs, plenty of trees. A forest of bamboo. We'll be nearly alone, just the three of us, but only a half-day's ride from the city of Tokyo." He stretched and exhaled contentedly. "I'm not looking forward to the sea voyage, though," he added.
"We could have traveled another way," said Cerberus.
"No," said Clow, "waste of magic." He knew a witch who could make such a journey with little effort, but for Clow, the dimensional tunnel that accessed other worlds was too dangerous for something as commonplace as a change of address. "And I only plan to do this once, so how could I miss the opportunity?"
"Well, I won't be sorry to miss it. Just make sure to wake me up when we get to Yokohama."
"The Atlantic crossing was rough," Clow reminisced unhappily. "All that rolling water… ."
"And don't forget to give me the language at some point. And find someone who knows some really good slang. I'm getting tired of Yue's little comments and not knowing what he's saying."
Yue re-entered the room at Cerberus' words; he carried a covered teapot, creamer and sugar bowl, and three cups on a maplewood tray. With his glamour dispersed his long hair now spilled between his full wings. It was a peculiar combination with his morning coat, vest, polished boots, and trousers. "You could have studied with me, Cerberus. I did offer," he said mildly. He set the tray down on the table near Clow's boots without comment, but the sorcerer could see Yue's restraint.
Cerberus grunted. "You may like the torture of learning languages the hard way," he countered, "but you are definitely in the minority on that." He exchanged a knowing look with his maker.
Yue hitched the legs of his trousers as he sat down next to Clow. "Patience is a virtue," he quoted with a smirk and started to serve the tea. "All things come to those who wait." Cerberus scoffed, but his sibling was unbothered by it. He simply set a full cup of tea in front of Cerberus, tea already heavily sweetened with sugar and quantities of cream. It was a ratio of less than half Assam black tea, actually. He handed a cup to Clow as well.
Clow tipped the cup back to drink, but made a face and set it back down on the saucer. "You never add my sugar, Yue," he said with a note of exasperation. He sat up straighter, removing his booted feet from the table. "Cream, always. Sugar, never." Cerberus laughed as he lapped his own. "You can't claim ignorance; you've watched me drink tea your whole life."
"You might change your tastes," Yue said elusively.
Reed shook his head, giving up, and measured sugar into his teacup. "Three spoonfuls," he said instructively.
"I know," Yue said. "Do you know how I take mine?"
Cerberus snickered. "Touché," he mumbled.
Clow smile wryly, not wanting to admit his lack of an answer. "But you always take care of everything," the magician attempted appeasement. "I'd be lost without you."
Yue made no reply to that. He alternated between drinking his tea and staring into the cup.
Cerberus came to Clow's rescue. "Yue, we were trying to decide what to do with the rest of today."
Yue mulled over possibilities. "Is there anyone we should bid goodbye to? Mr. Sutro has been very generous to me with his book collection, but I have already sent him the notice of our departure with my thanks."
"I think we've all tied up our loose ends," said Cerberus with heavy implication toward Clow. The winged lion was glad to be leaving another of his Master's love affairs behind them. Clow would try their patience for the next few days, but he would be back to being fun again in a week or so.
"I think that I would like to walk the park for one last time," Yue said softly, considering, "and perhaps visit Chinatown… and we never have explored the Latin Quarter…".
"Not the Latin Quarter," said Clow, too quickly. The Spanish neighborhood was where he had spent his morning. Yue measured him with a slow glance, but Clow just smiled again without answering.
"The park will be fun," interjected Cerberus. "I won't have to spend all my time in a satchel." He licked the last syrupy dregs from his teacup with a wide tongue. Without needing to be asked, Yue refilled it: sugar, then cream, then tea.
"Can you stand one last excursion in that familiar piece of luggage?" Clow asked his feline creation with amusement. "If you can, I propose that we all go out for dinner this evening, after I investigate our accommodations on the China. I know how well you sleep after a good meal, Cerberus."
"Will we visit Madam Chen?" asked Yue. "Dinner at the Empress Pavilion?"
Clow's manner was contemplative. "Today is possibly the last time we will be in America. I think that I would like to eat an American-style dinner."
Cerberus and Yue exchanged looks. It was just like their Master to choose something that they had never done while in San Francisco. "Do you have a place in mind?" asked Yue with interest.
"Carter's appeals to me," the magician said lightly. He was referring to a new and very upscale restaurant in the downtown corridor.
In Philadelphia and in Chicago, they had dined in similar places. That style of restaurant conveniently featured curtain-covered, private booths, so Cerberus could enjoy the meal openly. In San Francisco, however, the trio had restricted themselves to places frequented by the magic community, such as their favorite haunt in Chinatown. Madam Chen as she was called was from a family of sorcerers, although her abilities were limited to the overseeing of her cooks. Though Cerberus was still a marvel to her, she and her customers were no strangers to magic.
Carter's promised to be an adventure; they agreed on the location for their parting meal.
Everything was in order on the sea vessel. Clow checked the storage of their possessions in the ship's hold and surveyed his accommodations for the journey, while Yue waited on the dock with Cerberus hidden in his false form. The magician did not take long to return to his companions. They then took a hack to the edge of Golden Gate Park and wandered on foot through its acreage until twilight began to descend. They made their way to the western end, where the park opened out to the shore, and watched the sun set while sitting on the cold beach sand.
Because of the new country club conveniently nearby, it was easy to flag down a carriage that would take them back to Mission Street, even at the late time of day. It had been pleasant to sit in the darkness of the shore, with Glow making a reserved light for them, and listen to the ocean's waves. The Pacific was vast and black after sunset, seeming more immense and thrilling than by daylight.
The city's streets were nearly empty; at this time of night, most of the citizens were secured in their homes. A small crowd loitered outside a theatre, having an intermission from the play being performed within. The hotel to which Carter's belonged had an idle doorman waiting for the arrival or return of late guests. He appeared thankful to have something to do when Clow, Cerberus' transport bag in hand, and Yue stepped out of the carriage. As always when outside of the privacy of their house, Yue was ensorcelled in glamour. The sentry held the heavy glass door for the two gentlemen and welcomed them into the hotel's foyer.
From the foyer, the restaurant was a half-story lower. The companions paused at the top of the broad, semi-circular stairs that joined the levels and looked down into the luxurious room. Round tables dotted the main dining floor, each of them covered in starched white linens. The walls were painted in a royal blue. Gilded, carved screens separated the dining area from the entry. Clow touched Yue on the elbow and directed him to follow to the host at his podium.
The maître d'hôtel did not look up when they approached, though Clow had seen the man's quick assessment of them when they had first passed the doorway. Clow watched him quietly for several minute while the man fussed with menus and otherwise kept himself too occupied to acknowledge them. At last the man looked up and regarded Clow and Yue with a false smile. He raised his eye brows, as if to say, "Yes?".
Clow smiled in return, an easy smile. There was no need for him to speak first. He watched as the eyes of the maître d' flickered over his face. The sorcerer could not see Yue, who was standing a step behind him and to the side, but he could feel his companion's tension.
"I'm afraid that all our tables are taken," said the maître d' eventually. His manner was falsely obsequious, and his voice dripped with an ironic tint. Allowing another moment to pass, he added, "…gentlemen."
It was Clow's turn to lift an eyebrow. He looked pointedly beyond the restaurant employee at the open dining area; because of the late hour, few tables had occupants. The maître d', well aware of the expressive look, remained unaffected. Clow refused to take offense. "Very well, then," said Clow mildly. "We will go elsewhere." He paused for only a moment longer, and then began to walk toward the exit.
Yue stopped his Master as he passed, with a touch on Clow's arm. Clow was about to coax Yue away, to quietly tell him to ignore the slight, but Yue's eyes were both questioning and angry. Clow said nothing to his companion. Dropping his hand away from his Master's arm, Yue walked away from Clow and toward the podium.
The maître d' had returned to his tactic of ignoring them, but Yue cut through it with a voice like sharp steel. "Is there a problem?" he asked, very quietly.
With a superior lift of his nose, the maître d' answered, "I believe that I told you that we are out of tables."
Yue took a closer step, moving unsociably close to the man, although Yue's stance was relaxed and calm. "I believe that you will wish to re-assess that," Yue suggested. Although his tone was reasoning, the warning could not be missed.
The restaurant employee stepped away from his podium, and in a supercilious voice announced, "I am so sorry. But our kitchen has closed for the evening."
Yue's eyes narrowed and glinted with a blue like arctic ice. Yue felt a certain satisfaction when the man tried to cow him by meeting his eyes and then instead took a step back at what he saw there. When the maître d' spoke again, his voice contained a slight tremble.
"How… ever…" the man started, " I… believe that we can fit you in," he amended. The shaken man selected two menus, and began to lead Yue and Clow into the nearly empty dining room.
He started to direct them to an out-of-the-way table, but Yue stopped him. "A private booth, please," Yue indicated with sharp politeness. The host was quick to respond, leading the pair on to one of the curtained alcoves along the wall. He sat them at the table within, and handed a menu to each of them with care. Yue glanced over the page quickly. "Three of the main course, and one of everything else," he ordered curtly, daring the man to question him, "except for the aspic. We don't care for meat jellies. A bottle of—" he glance at Clow, "-Claret, and we will want to see the desserts afterward." Yue tossed his head slightly as he handed the menu back. "And privacy," he added.
The maître d' bowed and backed out, closing the curtains as he left. They could hear him berating the waiter who had followed too slowly. Yue leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs in front of him. He crossed his arms as well as he turned his attention to Clow.
"You should never allow that behavior, Master," Yue admonished quietly. From his expression, it was clear to the sorcerer that his companion was furious, though Yue could contain his emotions like a Wu Xing master could seal demons.
Clow shook his head. "Yue," he said with a smile, "it wasn't important."
Yue's expression softened to one of concern. "He was presuming to judge us," he said.
"No, he was being a bigot," said Clow. "Chinese are not universally well regarded in this territory," he explained. It was additionally possible, Clow suspected, that the man had judged them as having an illicit companionship. Love between men was as illegal here as it was back in England. It was some comfort to Clow to know that censure would one day change to celebration.
"I know," said Yue. His blue eyes held an expression of pain.
With a sigh, Clow unclasped the satchel in which Cerberus was hiding. "Do not be concerned for my pride, Yue," Clow said.
Yue's answer was argumentative. "And what of ours?" Yue asked.
Cerberus fluttered up from the bag and stepped onto the table. "What?" he asked, while he curiously inspected the small room. He twiddled with the key on the gaslight, adjusting the light levels up and down.
"His assessment was only of me," said Clow seriously. "I'm sure he didn't know what to make of you."
"You know that's not what I mean," Yue countered. "Cerberus, you might want to hide again. I hear a cart approaching."
There was a slight clearing of throat from the other side of the curtain, and then a waiter entered, pushing a wheeled cart. "First course, sirs," he said respectfully. He transferred the covered dishes and took the silver domes away with him when he exited. Once he was gone, Cerberus flew back out from beneath the table cloth to inspect the selection.
"He means that we won't put up with anyone acting above you, Clow," said Cerberus distractedly, lifting the heavily loaded shell of an oyster Rockefeller. "I think you handled it right, Yue," he added with a full mouth. "I would've waited until he left for home at closing time and then disemboweled him in the alley."
"And done so without my leave," said Clow with shadow of reprimand. He hoped that, in this case, Cerberus was exaggerating again. Not since his dueling days had Clow needed to keep his companion's impulses in check. They had both mellowed with time.
Yue selected a long, thin crab leg and carefully removed its shell. He placed the pieces of cleaned meat on a small plate and set the plate in front of his sibling. They exchanged a sly look of camaraderie. Clow missed the exchange; his thoughts swirled. The sorcerer was touched by their chivalry toward him, but concerned at its ferocity. Absentmindedly, the magician dipped a shelled prawn in butter and ate it without tasting it.
Cerberus was enjoying the starters enough for all of the companions. Yue had yet to eat anything himself, but unlike his sibling, who ate for his own pleasure, Yue partook of food only for Clow's pleasure. If the magician had been paying attention, he would have understood that Yue's anger was at least in a small part directed toward his maker. Clow caressed Cerberus behind the ears while the sorcerer's small companion ate. Yue also directed his attentions to the little creature, and Cerberus swished his tail with pleasure.
A while later, the waiter returned with more dishes on a large tray. A second waiter followed with the wine, opened it, and poured three glasses without question. The copious empty plates were removed without comment, but Clow was sure that there would be talk once those waiters reached the safety of the kitchen. He glanced at Yue and caught his eye with a twinkle; Yue smiled slowly in reply.