Deciding he couldn't wait much longer, Touya walked to the door and opened it before Yukito had a chance to knock. Yukito looked stunned and a bit flushed, which caused Touya to crack a smile.

"Yuki."

"T-Touya," Yukito laughed. "Saw me coming, did you?"

Touya nodded as he surveyed his best friend. Yukito had on one of those thick turtle-neck sweaters underneath his long raincoat. Touya briefly wondered if there were any pictures on it. Yuki's array of dorky sweaters always made him laugh.

"Sorry for coming by so late. Is it ok if I come in?"

Touya rolled his eyes as he took a step back and opened the door wider. "Get in here already, Yuki."

"Thanks," Yukito smiled as he stepped inside and proceeded to take off his shoes and raincoat. He then spotted the tiny cup in Touya's left hand. "Ah, made some tea?"

Touya brought the cup up to his lips and took a sip. The tea was no longer as warm as it had been earlier. He hoped Yukito wouldn't mind. Wait - what was he thinking? Yukito never minded.

"I poured you a cup," Touya said, moving it away from his lips. He looked at Yukito's white sweater, which was now in plain view. He had seen this one before. There were a few light green stripes on it and a small bear in the corner, "It's in the kitchen."

"W-What?" Yukito blinked a few times as he looked at Toya sideways, "Did you know I was coming over?"

Touya shrugged as he turned around and proceeded to walk into the kitchen. He wasn't sure if he should tell Yukito about the conversation with his mother, well – mother figure. They had talked about it before, but that had been pre-Yue. And well, ever since Yukito became aware of his other identity, Touya thought it best to keep the magical talk to a minimum. It had been so hard on him. He remembered Yukito questioning his existence and whether or not any of his life had been real. All Touya wanted to do was make him feel as normal as possible. But… Touya sighed. The only problem was that… their lives were far from normal.

Suddenly, the sounds of Yukito chuckling behind him snapped Touya out of his thoughts. Touya turned around. They were standing in the middle of the kitchen. Yukito had picked up the second cup of tea that Touya poured earlier and was sipping it carefully.

"You've gotten very perceptive, Touya."

Touya smirked as he watched Yukito eye him underneath the teacup, "I didn't think you noticed."

"I did…" Yukito paused as he brought the cup down, "…he has too. The other me, I mean."

"Oh," Touya stared for a few moments. Maybe they would have this conversation after all. "I thought you couldn't feel him… Yue, that is."

Yukito lowered his gaze to the floor as his smile slowly faded. "I can't… usually," he paused, "but, I'm beginning to pick up on a few things here and there."

Touya took another sip of his tea. He tried his best to hide the puzzled expression on his face. Truthfully, he had wondered how much Yue knew of his conversations with Yukito. He had suspected that Yue was always listening quietly in the background waiting for tidbits of information that could be important. But, Touya wasn't positive. If that was the case though, Touya thought, at least Yukito was now leveling the playing field. If Yukito could pick up on Yue's thoughts and desires then perhaps he'd come to live in harmony with his other self. Perhaps he'd be happier.

"Yuki…" Touya waited until his friend lifted his warm grey eyes from the floor and looked back at him. "I'm glad you're here."

Yukito smiled into Touya's eyes and he felt it. Touya suddenly had the urge to reach out and grab Yukito and pull him into his arms and hold him close. But, Touya resisted. That time would come, but for now, now he needed to know why Yukito was really here. He was sure, by the look on Yukito's face, that it was serious… and, probably not just a random visit considering who Touya had spoken to earlier. There were no coincidences in a magical world after all.

"Thanks, Touya. That means a lot,"

Touya watched Yukito take another sip of tea. Once the cup was back down, Touya decided to ask the question he was sure he already knew the answer to. In preparation, he took a deep breath in and let it out. Yukito looked on in anticipation.

"Does he…" Touya paused, "want to talk to me?"

Yukito sighed and nodded in a resigned fashion. He was clearly still getting over Touya's increased perception. "Yes," Yukito answered softly, "I believe he does."

"Interesting," Touya thought out loud, "he wants to talk to me, but you were at my door instead."

Yukito let out a small laugh, "Yeah well… you're my friend."

Touya just stared at him. Was Yukito jealous? No… Touya shook his head. Clearly, Yue couldn't just show up at his doorstep without raising suspicions. It had to be Yukito. Touya looked at him closer and raised an eyebrow at Yukito's smile… No, Touya stopped himself. He couldn't think about this now. These were thoughts for another time.

"Alright," Touya said, "Let's get this over with. And then…" he looked at Yukito, "we can hang out and do whatever you want."

Yukito nodded again but looked significantly happier. Touya caught himself smiling back. And then, right before his eyes, Yukito fell slightly back and was enveloped in a bright ball of light.

The sight that stood before him was brighter and taller. Yukito's whiteish hair was now longer and down his back. His warm grey eyes were now icy and blue and his dorky sweater was now a long white robe with purple accents. And those wings. Yue had wings that almost took up the entire kitchen. Touya stood in awe. No matter how many times he had seen the sight in front of him, he would forever be amazed at the power of magic… and the sheer beauty of it.

Touya blushed slightly as he realized he had been staring. Quickly, he shook his head to regain his normal composure.

"What is it, Yue?" Touya asked, a bit more forceful than expected.

Yue stood still. His icy blue eyes stared straight into Touya. When he spoke, he spoke calmly, "I wish to speak to you about this increased perception."

Touya nodded slowly, sternly.

"I know that your power is slowly returning to you," Yue continued. "What I don't know… is where it's coming from."

Touya looked confused. He took a step towards the stove and poured more tea from himself. "What do you mean?"

"My master…" Yue paused as he took his eyes off of Touya and looked towards the stairs. "There are times when I cannot sense her."

Touya brought the cup to his mouth and took another sip. He still felt confused. Yue's words were soft and calming like his mother's. But, also like his mother, the message was unclear. "What does this have to do with me?"

"I believe…" Yue paused as if he was unsure he wanted to continue, "that part of her magic… may be displaced."

Touya frowned, "And you want to know if I took it?"

"It would need to be someone close to her. Someone who also possesses magic."

Touya looked incredulous. There was no way Yue could be serious right now. "My magic is different than Sakura's."

"Well, I wouldn't know," Yue's expression hardened. "You haven't told me what kind of magic it is that you possess."

Ah, there it was. Yue was frustrated. Touya took another sip. "I'm still figuring things out," he looked directly into those icy blue eyes, "You'll know… when you need to."

Yue sighed, looking rather displeased. "If that's what you wish."

Touya nodded, still keeping his eyes on him. "I suppose this displacement couldn't happen by accident?"

Yue shook his head, "It would be intentional."

Touya thought on this for a moment. If Sakura's magic was really being displaced, then why could he sense her… and so strongly? Who were the magical beings close to Sakura that could even do something like that if not Yue or that damn plushy? Touya paused as an idea came to him. He suddenly felt angry. He slammed the teacup down on the table.

"The kid."

Yue looked taken back as he surveyed Touya. "Li Syaoran?"

Touya clenched his fists.

Yue sighed and simply shook his head once more, "he cares for her."

Touya's eyes widened. "What does that matter?"

"I don't believe he would hurt her. If it was him… he must have a reason."

The anger was rising within Touya. "A reason he wouldn't tell you?"

"I suppose…" Yue paused, "he'd have a reason for that too."

Touya wanted to say something else, but couldn't find the words. It had to be that little brat. Always hanging around Sakura and going on these late-night adventures with her… it just made too much sense. Unless… Touya paused as he remembered that weird transfer student who used to go to school with them. The kid who was like a small Clow Reed. Could he have come back or… could someone else have?

"And Touya…"

"What?" Touya answered annoyed.

"You should know… that she cares for him too."

Touya just looked at him. He was increasingly missing Yukito. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Yue took a step towards him and stared back with a certain intensity that made Toya gulp. "Everything, Touya."

Touya unclenched his fists and looked towards the floor. He knew Sakura liked that little brat. That was precisely why he was worried.

"I'd like to see Yukito now."

"As you wish Touya, but please… trust our master."

Touya shook his head as he recalled his mom saying the same thing to him earlier. "Do you trust her?"

Yue nodded. "With everything I have. I gave you my word once and nothing's changed."

Touya looked up as their eyes met again. He didn't forget. He could never forget.

"…I will always protect her."

With that, Yue closed his eyes and his great big wings circled around him. In a flashing burst of light, he was gone leaving Yukito standing before him.

Yukito looked around slightly confused. "Touya?" he asked. "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah," Touya answered, trying to offer him a slight smile, "Yue just gets on my nerves."

Yukito smiled and picked up his now cold tea. "He must've been talking about Sakura then."

Touya raised an eyebrow at him, "Well… look who's perceptive now."

Yukito laughed and Touya felt himself beginning to relax again.

"That's the only thing I notice that really gets under your skin. Doesn't take much to figure that out." Yukito laughed and drank his tea either unaware or uncaring that it was cold. Probably the later, Touya reasoned.

Touya recalled the conversation with Yue and thought of asking Yukito one more question before they'd change the subject and go about their night... hopefully as regularly as possible.

"What do you think of that kid who always hangs around her?"

Yukito looked a bit puzzled, "You aren't talking about Syaoran are you?"

Touya nodded and took another sip.

"Oh Touya," Yukito laughed, "I like him… and I think Sakura does too."

Touya could feel his face contorting. "That's what Yue said…"

Yukito laughed again and took another sip of his cold beverage.

"What's funny?" Toya asked.

"Nothing," Yukito smiled, "I just think it's cute when you get all protective."

Touya rolled his eyes and turned around to look out the kitchen window. He liked the compliment, but…. Sakura was still out there. It was hard to think of anything else.

"What if he's stealing her magic, Yuki? What if…" Touya lowered his voice, "what if he hurts her?"

Without missing a beat, Yukito answered. "Sakura is smart, Touya. You can trust her judgment."

Touya sighed as he continued looking out the window.

"Let me guess…" Yukito continued, "Yue said that too, didn't he?"

Touya nodded, though he wasn't sure Yukito could see it with his back turned towards him. Both his mom, Yue, and now Yukito had all told him the same thing. Sakura was smart and he could trust her.

"I guess we really are alike."

"I prefer you," Touya answered.

He turned around to see Yukito smiling at him. Touya took a deep breath in and let it out. He glanced out the window once more. There was still no sight of his little sister, but… there would be… eventually. And until then, the perfect distraction was standing right there in front of him.

Touya took a step towards Yukito. He had definitely worried enough for one night. It was about time he enjoyed himself.

"Ready to hang out?" he asked, a faint smile making its way across his mouth.

Yukito finished his tea and set the cup down on the counter. Smiling ear to ear he said, "I thought you'd never ask."