Hi. So it's been a while and I would like to apologise sincerely for that. I love the Tsubasa world very much and, although I'm obviously not the best writer or story teller, I just really enjoy this little vision I have of this world and these characters, and from the very kind reviews it's nice to see you enjoy them too. So I'm really so very sorry. I'll be genuinely surprised if anyone reads this. Life has relaxed from being complete chaos to just hectic now. I've started hospital placements so the days are long, and the evenings filled with lectures and work. I've managed to find a little down time to get some more of this story out and it was so relaxing! If you're still with this story, I'm so incredibly grateful. Like I said before, I'm not a great writer, I just hope you like story.

Chapter 7: Morning

Sakura groaned as the dress bunched up uncomfortably around her. Rolling onto her front she reached out for the clock that read seven thirty. After a few more moments of moaning pathetically, feeling fully sorry for herself, she slithered off the bed and stumbled half asleep into the bathroom. After pulling on the blue rope that signalled to the maids downstairs that she would run her own bath, she turned on the faucets and stripped off.

After bathing, Sakura wrapped her hair into a towel and dried off. Slipping on a loose silk chemise, she returned to her bedroom and settled at the vanity, recollecting yesterday evening's events as she moisturised her face.

Admittedly, the wine was not a good idea. However, she felt as though she'd slept very well.

Dreamless. Thank goodness.

She shook her head, not wanting to dwell on that dream again, yet there was something still niggling at her mind.

Despite her efforts to convince herself otherwise, things seemed strange with Syaoran. All through dinner last night, they could barley maintain eye contact. At first she put it down to the embarrassment of the shoe debacle. Both were perfectly at ease with everyone else; Syaoran seemed perfectly charming and sociable, just not with her.

Without letters and distance between them, it felt as though communication had become a complicated business. There were these moments where an underlying tension between their gazes and words made it difficult to look each other in the eye. And the expression on his face upon their reunion was something she would never forget.

Sakura had no idea how to handle it. The image she had held onto of him during his absence was no longer applicable. They were no longer those children and she felt foolish for having ever thought that their friendship could just pick up from where they left off. Her thoughts were frequently wandering down inappropriate avenues and she found she had to forcibly prevent herself from going the whole way.

Realising she had been chewing the inside of her cheek whilst mulling over the situation, she shook her head again and began browsing the vast collection of powders, creams and oils. Finally, she settled with her favourite violet and white wood scented butter and began to apply it liberally all over. As she massaged the cream into her legs, she recalled that she had already asked him why he had agreed, and whilst his reasons were admirable, was he really prepared to make such a life altering commitment to her? It had happened so quickly and all parties, herself included, had agreed without any contest.

Does he not feel the difference? I feel like we need to clear the airBut what if he doesn't think anything's wrong? I'll just look a fool! He says he's ready to do this, but he hasn't got a clue what he's taking on! Not really. It's already been announced, but it's not too late...

Exasperated, she slammed the pot down and rested her chin onto her folded arms. A large pair of eyes, as bold and brilliant as emeralds, stared sadly back at her.

Frustrated by her own thoughts, Sakura thrust her arms forward to stretch and knocked a perfume bottle that, before she had time to react, shattered on the floor. "Ahh! No!" She exclaimed, jumping from her seat and sending her stool tumbling backwards.

The sudden commotion caused Syaoran to jerk out of his sleep. Blinking rapidly, his eyes adjusted to the early morning light. He realised he was still in Sakura's room.

Damn! I fell asleep here…! Slowly and quietly he leaned forward to see an empty bed. Where is she?! Standing up, he looked around to see her across the room, stood at her vanity and examining the floor. Did she just let me sleep?!

Frowning and confused, he cleared his throat. "Ahem… Sakura-"

Syaoran winced as she screamed, tripped over her feet, fell into the vanity and sent more things clattering to the floor. Oh no…!

"Sya-Syaoran! You scared the life out of me! What are you doing here?!"

"I'm so sorry! I-" He jumped to his feet and realised that the photo frame was still in his hands. He looked at it helplessly, then toward her, then back to the frame. "I brought you up last night after you fell asleep and then-" He stopped and looked at her again, bewildered, "How could you not see I was right there when you got up? Are you that unobservant?" He was frustrated. Angry almost. How could she have possibly missed him sleeping there?

"No!" She cried and pointed defensively toward the bathroom entrance that was positioned on the side of the bed she had rolled off of, "I… I was groggy when I woke up! I just walked straight in there! I don't normally have people sleeping in my room, so I don't care to look for them as soon as I wake!" She finished, exasperated and her arms crossed.

Syaoran stopped staring incredulously and blushed. She was wearing next to nothing. Again! Just like their reunion. He had seen far too much of her the past two days " I… I'm so sorry. You're right of course. It's my fault. This is bad..."

He looked away. What is that even called! The material barely covered her thighs. He groaned internally.

"Syaroan, it's not just 'bad' it's scandalous!" He winced again as she emphasised that last word, "If anyone finds out you spent the night in my room, imagine what they might think! It's completely inappropriate! There are maids all over the wing at this hour. How am I supposed to get you out of here without anyone seeing you?" She bent down to pick up her stool and sat down, staring at him incredulously.

"I… Sakura, I'm so sorry." She noticed something in his hands. It was the picture of her parents. Sakura watched him lift the frame closer to his face, his other hand running through his hair. He sat in the chair, a sad smile on his face. "I saw this picture after I put you down. I couldn't stop staring at it. I'm sorry Hime, I didn't mean to fall asleep. I promise I'll find a way to get out of here unseen. Please don't be too mad. I understand that this was completely inappropriate, it'll never happen again." He hung his head.

Sakura relaxed and her shoulders sagged. "Syaoran, it's fine. I'm sorry for shouting, there was no need for that. You know," She walked over and settled on the edge of her bed in front of him, "It's not that you staying over bothers me, we used to do it all the time. It's just, you know, we're older now and appearances matter. If you wanted to stay, you could've slept on the couch over there and left early." She laughed, "I can't believe I didn't even notice you there. I guess I am that unobservant."

"My falling asleep was an accident, I never meant to stay. And I'm sorry, that was an unnecessary comment." He mumbled.

"Unnecessary, but clearly true." She sighed and looked at him as he rubbed his head and continued to hold the frame. "It's a beautiful picture isn't it?"

"It is." He lifted his head to smile at her but was startled at how close she leaned forward to see the frame. A familiar and subtly sweet scent surrounded him. She must have applied something.

Clearing his throat and concentrating on her eyes, he spoke hesitantly, "Uhh, Sakura, do you maybe want to finish …" His eyes dropped back to the frame. It took her a moment to realise he was referring to her state of undress. The blood rushed to her face,

"Ah! I'm so sorry!" She jumped up and ran behind her changing screen. What are you doing?! She hit her forehead repeatedly with her palm. Was she that dense that she didn't realise she was berating him for being scandalous, whilst sitting there basically naked? Why was she persistently making encounters with him so awkward? It was the second time he'd seen her so exposed, not to mention the incident with her shoes. No male had ever seen in such a way.

Trying to compose herself as she dressed, she called out, "Chii found it for me a few months ago when she was organising some old things."

"I thought I'd never seen this before. When was it taken?"

"A long time ago. Mother is actually pregnant with Oni-chan in that picture. But she didn't know it untill the day after it was taken."

"What, really?" She heard the smile in his voice and grinned as she pulled on her trousers.

"Yeah Chii-chan told me the story. My father took my mother for a picnic on the castle grounds and she suddenly had a craving for peaches. She was ravenous for them, which was strange because she didn't like them at all. She knew that there was one solitary peach tree on the grounds, but couldn't remember where. Chii-chan did, so my father summoned her and asked her to come along for a picnic and help them find it. Eventually, they found it in the very old part of the gardens, and there was one large peach on it, that one you can see her holding. They had taken a camera along on the picnic, so Chii-chan grabbed the camera ad took that photo as father helped her down from the wall. I love it because you can see how much he loves her. The way he's looking at her and holding her… Mother looks so happy too." Syaoran glanced to the dark wood changing screen. There was a longing in her voice. He stood up, shifting to the edge of her bed, and placed the photo back where he had found it. She continued, her voice brighter.

"Chii-chan said that after she took a bite of the peach, she couldn't stop laughing. Father asked her what was so funny but she said she would tell him tomorrow. Sure enough, the next day mother summoned the royal physician and he confirmed she was pregnant. Mother realised after biting into the peach that perhaps it was someone else who was craving it; that she may be with a child who had a taste for them. And that's how Oni-chan got his name." She zipped up her boots before stepping out from the screen. "It's a nice story right?"

"Yeah," He smiled at the photo and a found a sense of longing filling his own chest. A longing and a determination to make them proud. "You must miss them so much." She didn't respond and after making a quick and silent prayer he eventually pulled his eyes away from the frame. Tugging at the collar of his evening shirt, he unfastened his bow tie and began to undo his top buttons but stopped as his gaze fell on her.

"Wow! Sakura, you're not wearing a dress?" He couldn't help but stare wide-eyed. Her long slender thighs were accentuated by tight wine coloured trousers that were cut off by knee-high black riding boots. A fitted creamy satin blouse with a large bow at the collar was tucked into a black belt and her wet hair fell loose around her shoulders. He was impressed.

"You think I look strange?" She extended a leg and turned, examining herself consciously in the mirror.

"No, quite the opposite. You really suit it. You're practically all leg!" He laughed, shaking his head. He'd never noticed how long her legs were. Why would you? He berated the voice in his head briefly before smiling again, "Does your brother approve?"

"Of course not, but like that would stop me." She replied grinning, "I can hardly gallop in a dress."

"You're going horse riding?" Syaoran's eyes lit up, "May I join you, Taka could use the exercise. We should get Tomoyo-chan to join us. I can accompany you both to the waterfall. If you like we can take lunch with us? The three of us, just like old times!"

Sakura returned his grin, "That sounds lovely." Syaoran observed her expression change, " Oh but, Tomoyo-chan might not join us…"

"Why not?"

"Well she may not want to be up early today."

"Oh! Well, I suppose travelling would have worn her out."

"Syaoran, that's not why," Sakura laughed at him, "She's not that delicate!" He observed her face, confused. What's she blushing about?

"I'm just saying, she and Kurogane haven't seen each other in a long time."

Syaoran paused. "Oh, of course. I left the two of them last night just outside the wing, but it was so late they probably didn't have much time to catch up, so I expect they'll want to spend the morning together."

"Yes, I expect so too." Sakura smiled, suspecting that Kurogane and Tomoyo had already spent a great deal of time together. Syaoran didn't seem to be catching on, but she quickly realised it was better that way. The conversation might get awkward.

"Well, would you mind it just being us two? That is if no one else wishes to join us?" He suggested while removing his jacket.

"No," Sakura felt her heart quicken, "I don't mind if it's just us." The idea was making her too happy. "But of course, we'll ask around." He smiled a large and dazzling smile at her as he lay his dinner jacket on her bed.

"Great!" He was now undoing the buttons on his cuffs and rolling his sleeves up to his elbows. Sakura frowned.

"Syaoran, what are you doing?"

"Well," He dropped the loose bow tie on top of the jacket, "I need to get out of here without anyone seeing me." He began to make his way over to the doors of her balcony, " I guess there's only one way. Can I leave my jacket here? I don't want to risk damaging it. Chii-chan would hurt me. I'll go get washed up and meet you for breakfast?"

"Wha-no!" She bound after him shouting, "Don't be ridiculous! How do you expect to leave this way? You can't jump from here to your balcony" Laughing, he climbed on top of the stone wall surrounding her balcony.

"I want to, but I don't want to look like a show off" He grinned devilishly at the horror on her face. "Sakura, that's a forty meter gap, of course I'm not going to jump!" Standing up, he walked along the wall towards the door, "I'm just going to climb up onto the roof and walk over." He paused and observed the route along the roof towards his own room. "You know, you're room is quite exposed. I think the security needs to be reviewed."

"But then you'll lose your escape route." She teased.

" I didn't know I'd need it aside from this occasion." Sakura felt her face heat up, but he didn't seemed to notice, observing the roof instead. "Ok, looks fine. Well then, I guess I'll be off." He looked down at her. "Half an hour then? Does his Highness still have breakfast at nine?"

"On the dot." She nodded, leaning against the doorframe as she stared up at his tall figure towering over her.

"Ok, well I'll hurry and meet you at the main doors of the wing? I'll escort you down." She smiled, nodding again. He was about to pull himself up onto the roof, when he hesitated. "Ah, Sakura," He spoke her name carefully, "I am really sorry about falling asleep in your room. It was really irresponsible. I'm sorry for disrupting your morning and your privacy." He recalled her state of undress with a blush.

"Ahh… don't worry about it Syaoran. It was an honest mistake. In fact I've been rude. I haven't even thanked you for putting me to bed." She smiled warmly at him, "Thank you." He returned the smile, and without another word, hoisted himself onto the roof and disappeared.

Sakura waited till he reappeared, walking agilely across the roof, and as she stared after him replayed over and over again the way he spoke her name.

…

Touya eyed the young pair as they walked into the dining hall. "Good morning." He spoke as though it was a question. Sakura walked behind his chair to kiss him swiftly on the cheek,

"Good morning Oni-chan!" she settled beside him.

"Good morning your Highness." Touya nodded towards him as he sat opposite Sakura. Two maids appeared out of nowhere to pour them coffee. Touya's gaze switched between Sakura who was carefully selecting grapes and yoghurt, to Syaoran who was stirring sugar into the porridge he'd helped himself to.

"How did you sleep Sakura?" He asked, his eyes returning to the papers he was looking over; his ears pricked up.

"Very well thank you." She replied brightly, "But we seem to be the only three up at the moment. I suppose everyone else wants a lie in after last night. Tomoyo-chan and Ama-chan must be exhausted."

"Actually, Kurogane has taken Tomoyo-chan for a stroll around the grounds. They left ten minutes ago. Lady Chii and Fai are completing a task for me. As for the Empress," He dropped a lump of sugar into his tea, stirring absentmindedly, his eyes not leaving the paper "I think she is exhausted from last night's excitement, and is still in bed." Sakura rolled her eyes at her brother's disapproving tone,

"Oni-chan, lighten up. You should learn from Ama-chan. She's so fun!"

"Hmm… yeah. Fun." He gave his younger sister a sideways glance, but she was shaking her head and re-focusing on her food. "So, what are your plans today Syaoran?"

Syaoran gulped down the mouthful of porridge, "Ahem… well, Sakura-Hime mentioned she'd like to go horse-riding. We thought it might be nice to take lunch up to the waterfalls." Touya lowered the paper and looked directly at him, "That is, when I say we, we thought a lot of the others would be available, but your highness has mentioned that everyone is preoccupied so I guess we should probably just-"

"-no, no!" Sakura interrupted, "We're still going Syaoran-kun! Oni-chan, don't stress, it's perfectly safe, we'll take two guards with us so don't fuss." She turned to face Syaoran, beaming, "Oni-chan had an archery range set up there, so we can practice if you like? You surely can't object to that Oni-chan?" She looked at her brother again, pleading

"Fine, but you will take four guards and be back before three this afternoon."

"Your highness," Syaoran spoke up, "I know you'll probably be incredibly busy, but if by chance you're not, would you join us?"

" You know I wouldn't mind some archery, but you are correct. I am very busy this morning. First, an appointment with the Empress." He drained his tea cup and stood, gathering his papers. Syaoran stood and bowed, "So someone had better wake her up." He grumbled and made for the hallway, "Have a good morning both."

"Your highness."

"Bye Oni-chan." She ensured he'd left earshot before curling up in her chair with her tea. "Gosh he's so grumpy! You know, I really wish he'd make an effort with Ama-chan."

"Oh, do the two of them not get on?" Syaoran sat back down and resumed eating his porridge.

" Oni-chan has always had this animosity towards her. She's quite playful and teasing. He's just so serious, so he's easily annoyed by her. I just think he hates someone being in an equal position constantly teasing him. It's an ego thing."

"I'm sure his highness doesn't bare any ill-will towards her." Syaoran enquired as he stood, "Juice?"

"Ah, yes please." He walked around the table to her side and poured her a glass. After smiling a thank you, she continued, " All I'm saying is she is an ally to Clow, so it wouldn't hurt him to be a bit more friendly towards her."

…

Amaterasu stirred under the sheets. The sun was warm on her face and she rolled over to bury her face on the cold pillow next to her. Just as she was about drift back to sleep, the mattress dipped, the covers moved and a warm hand snaked its way underneath her shirt. She moaned and wriggled at the touch. She mumbled, her voice muffled and unintelligible.

Touya chuckled, "I'm sorry what was that? I couldn't hear you through all that pillow." she turned her head to the side, her beautifully sculpted face framed by messy morning-after hair. Her eyes were closed and the sunlight caught her lashes in an angelic fashion.

"I said, 'Are you coming back to bed?'"

"Why?" Touya replied amused, "Miss me?"

"Very much." she replied sleepily. It was so seductive, but Touya wanted to hold out longer.

"I wanted to wear this shirt today." he moved her hair away to see her face clearly. Her lips nipped at his fingers.

"It looks better on me." Turning over, she shuffled upwards to lean against the headboard. As she stretched the unbuttoned shirt fell open revealing her bare from neck to navel, the material leaving the alluring curves of her breasts visible.

" I can't argue with you there." Touya shuffled closer but made sure not to touch. She smiled. They both knew she was winning this tease.

"Would you like it back?" she asked with a sly smile. Touya laughed.

"What would I have to do to get it back?"

"You'd have to get under the covers and fight me for it of course. In an honourable way." She looked at him teasingly, biting her lip.

"Well that is my favourite shirt." he moved closer, slipping his shoes off, he peeled the covers away from her. Grabbing ahold of her bare legs, he dragged her close till he was between her thighs. She gasped with mock disapproval,

" I said honourably your highness! I'm exposed!" She proclaimed dramatically, holding a hand to her forehead in feigned distress. He laughed causing her to reach up and start to unbutton his shirt. Touya ran two fingers down her sternum towards her underwear, causing her body to arch upward and the shirt to fall away and reveal all of her bare breasts.

" I promise to be nothing but a perfect gentleman," she gasped again, as his fingers skimmed the edge of her underwear; the pressure of his touch was becoming unbearable already.

"After last night, a gentleman is the last thing I'd call you." The sound of her breathlessness at his touch sent a thrill though him. Wrapping her hands around his neck, she ran her fingers through his hair. " You've got a long day today, want me to make it more bearable?"

"I thought that's what last night was for." Touya leaned down closer, gently grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head. Slowly, he began to kiss her, first behind her ear, then down her long elegant neck.

" I like to do… a thorough job." she said, her voice breaking as Touya's lips trailed across her collarbone. She wriggled beneath him, but he was relentless with his slow, sensual assault of her neck.

"So do I," he murmured quickly, before his mouth claimed hers with fever.

…

Breathing roughly, he lifted his head from her neck and kissed her tenderly, their breath mingling, eyes closed and thier hearts pounding against the other. Shifting his weight, Touya fell away and dragged her overheated body close to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her and tucking her head beneath his chin. Amaterasu locked her leg around his hips and kissed his chest repeatedly, her index finger gently stoking the contour of his torso.

"Hey hey." Touya mumbled as he nuzzled her hair.

"Hey, hey." He could hear the smile in her sleepy voice. "I never want to leave this bed Touya." She wriggled around in an effort to place herself even closer to him and he responded by squeezing her tighter. "Please let's just stay in bed for a while, don't leave me. I want to talk to you."

"Yeah, we didn't really get to talk much last night." He was grinning like a fool and she hit his chest playfully. "Does this mean you've forgiven me?"

"No, I'm still mad that you haven't told Sakura-chan about us."

"Still mad?" He whined, "After that performance how can you still be mad at me. That was a ten!"

She snorted, "I think a seven. And that's me being generous."

He pulled away from her so that he could see her face, his expression offended, "I was there, I saw your face, and you looked like you were enjoying a solid ten."

"Are you really rating the sex?!"

"You can just applaud me if you don't think numbers do it justice." He dropped his head back to the pillow, grinning.

"Touya, stop changing the subject, I really am mad at you."

"Ok ok," Despite what she said, which he understood fully, he could hear the laughter in her voice and was thrilled that he still made her laugh. Pulling her close again, he wrapped the sheets around her silky skin and shuffled down so that they were at eye level. Stroking back strands of her dark hair, he gazed into her eyes. "I am truly sorry, I meant to tell her, but I just didn't know how. It's not that I'm embarrassed. Not in the slightest. It's just that…" she watched the struggle in his face and stroked his cheek. "She's my kid sister."

"My love, she is not a child. She'll be thrilled for us. Trust me." She pressed knowingly, prompting him to grow suspicious.

"What have you said?"

Amaterasu shrugged in his arms, "It wasn't me. It was what she said." She shifted lower than him and buried her face into his chest again, and again reflexively, he pulled her in tighter. She sighed as he ran his nails gently across the skin of her bare back and shoulders. "She loves you so much Touya. She's already got a little fantasy in her head of us being together and having 'beautiful babies'!" She giggled and he couldn't help but smile.

"Did she really say that?"

"Yes," He felt her kissing his chest and he flushed with desire again. "So let's just end the secrecy now. At least with family. They'll be so happy for us."

"Doesn't Tomoyo-chan know?"

"Of course she does, she's a dream-seer." Touya flushed again, but this time with embarrassment.

"Shit. Remind me, how much can she see again?" Amaterasu laughed loudly into his chest, peering up at him.

"She scored you a five." She said wickedly. He shook his head in distaste.

"She's like Sakura, practically my little sister! You're a disgrace!"

"We are sisters! There are no secrets between us." She laughed again, " Besides she can't exactly judge me for our relationship not being chaste now." She said it so absent-mindedly that it took a moment for what she said to register. Touya pulled away from her quickly.

"What?!" Amaterasu observed the shock on his face. It was amusing to her. "Are you saying Tomoyo-chan…?" He couldn't finish the sentence.

"Yes, my love. Of course, she thinks I don't know. But I know. I could tell when I saw her for the first time after. She couldn't look me in the eye after returning from her trip to go see him." He stared at her incredulously.

"I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to beat the life out of Kurogane." She thumped him playfully.

"Don't be ridiculous!" She berated him.

"She's twenty-one!"

"There's nothing wrong with that! If you recall, I was nineteen!" He rolled away from her lazily.

"Yeah well, you put it on a plate for me." Furious, she tried to jab him sharply in the side, but her caught her wrist and pushed her down, moving on top of her again. "I'm joking." He chuckled, his eyes now soft and, lips centimetres from hers and eyes locked onto hers. "That was the best night of my entire existence. You have the upper hand. Besides. You could deny me from now till I die, and while it would destroy me to never touch you this way again, I would never go against your wish. I am completely yours."

Amaterasu observed his ridiculously handsome face and felt as though her heart would burst with joy. No one, not a single other person knew this Touya. The man, not the King. Sweet and gentle and so full of love and desire. A man utterly devoted to her.

Lifting her chin, she briefly closed the gap between their lips. "I could never deny you. I need you too much. With you, I'm just a woman. I never want to loose that." She revelled in the brilliant smile he gave her before a smirk replaced it.

"So, 'beautiful babies' huh?" He murmured. She chuckled gently and he began to kiss her neck,

"Yes. Your sweet sister would like us to be parents. Let's hope they don't take after you." She tilted her head back as he continued to explore her collarbone.

"Well I'm not sure about any pretty babies right now. But it wouldn't hurt to practice." She was about to protest, but he had moved to far below her neck for her to be articulate.

…

Yukito walked briskly along the corridors of the castle. A meeting at the temple later to arrange the Nomination Ceremony would take up the rest of his day and he wanted to get some lunch before. As he reached the top of the grand staircase a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I am perfectly capable of carrying my own luggage thank you. Just point me in the direction of my room and I will see myself up there."

"But my Lady-"

"I'm not a Lady! And for the last time, just tell me where I need to go!"

Leaning over the banister, Yukito observed the commotion.

"It's for security reasons. I can't just let you into-"

"Takeo!" Yukito called out and the two faces snapped up towards him. Yukito proceeded to walk down the staircase, "It's ok, I can see Lady Soma to her rooms. We've all been expecting her". Upon reaching them, the red-faced Takeo, who was clearly intimidated by Empress Amaterasu's bodyguard, nodded and scuttled off. Waving after him with a chuckle, he turned his attentions to Soma who stood staring at him. She was annoyed.

"I am not a Lady. And I didn't need you to step in like that Yukito."

"Hello to you too. I'm very well thank you for asking."

He saw her defensive stance drop immediately. " I'm sorry. Hello, Yukito. It's been a long time."

"Only about a year and three months." She winced. He had kept a track of time since their last meeting. Noticing, he chuckled. "Hey, I'm sorry, I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. Come; let me take you up to your rooms. We can get some lunch too if you're hungry."

"I should check in with M'lday first."

"I believe her Highness is currently preoccupied." Yukito bent down to pick up her two suitcases.

"Where is she?"

"With His Highness, would be my best guess." Soma nodded and followed after him as he proceeded up the staircase.

"Where is everyone else? Princess Sakura, Lady Chii? "

"We had a rather exciting dinner party yesterday, spearheaded by Her Highness, so as you can imagine everyone's feeling a bit slow this morning. I'm sure you'll see everyone later at dinner."

"I see. I'm looking forward to meeting young Syaoran Li. I've heard a lot about him."

"Well, I can guarantee that he will live up to your expectations." Soma glanced sideways at him and couldn't help but admire his always-smiling face. He returned the glance. "How are you, Soma?"

"I'm well. Her Highness keeps me busy. I have a few young ones I'm training up, so that takes up my time." She saw him nod, knowing that answer wasn't enough for him, but he wasn't rude enough to point it out. " About your offer for lunch, I'd love to take you up on that. That is if you don't mind my accompanying you?" His smile grew wider.

"I always love your company, Soma."

Likey? No likey? Please review, it really is motivating :')