A/N- So yeah, I think I need to start wrapping this fic up. I have two ideas for other fics that are demanding to be let out. (Not in the XXXholic or even CLAMP universe, sadly.) That's not to say I'll rush this, by any means. After all, as my first multi-chapter fanfic it's important to me. But I thought I'd go ahead and announce the beginning of the end.

This chapter made me realize, once again, that I have no clue how to write Yuko.

Disclaimer/Pairing- Same as usual.

Warnings- We actually have one today. Some innuendo. Nothing horrible, but definitely noticeable.

Chapter 12- Of Sight, Not Of Mind

Watanuki awoke in the room he often stayed in when he slept over at the shop. The place was beginning to become a second home for the boy. He drifted in and out of sleep, lazily waking himself up to face the day. Then it hit him.

'I went out on a DATE! With Domeki of all people!', Watanuki panicked, 'He's my rival in love! My enemy! Well, enemy is a little harsh, but definitely rival! And what's worse I actually didn't mind it…"

Poor Watanuki was on the verge of having a meltdown processing his feelings. He got up and started pacing back and forth across the room. The repetitive movement did nothing to calm his frantic thoughts. Fortunately, Yuko arrived just as he was about to freak out. He sighed in relief, assuming she would provide a welcome distraction from his thoughts.

Yuko regarded him with a cool look, and then she suddenly burst out, "So, have you given any more consideration to Domeki and our discussion last night! I'm so excited to hear all about everything that has and will happen in your relationship!"

Watanuki groaned internally.

"Yuuuuuuuko!", He whined, "I don't really feel comfortable talking about it! It's all I can do to keep myself from screaming, it's so confusing."

"Aw, looks like someone doesn't know to express his feelings!", Yuko cooed, even as Watanuki turned to glare at her, "Well, no matter. It can wait awhile. We have training to do!"

"T-Training! What do you mean by that! You don't plan on trying to teach my how to fix up the roof of the shop or something, do you? Because there is no way in hell you're getting me to do something so dangerous!", Watanuki screamed, overreacting and jumping to illogical conclusions all at the same time.

Yuko sighed, "Watanuki, the roof is in perfect condition, not to mention the fact you aren't exactly graceful, PLUS you deal with potentially more dangerous situations on a daily basis! So take a moment and calm yourself."

Watanuki took a deep breath in and a deep breath out.

"There, feel better?", Yuko asked.

Watanuki nodded.

"Good. Now,", she started, "about the training I had ATTEMPTED to explain to you a moment ago. I am aware that you have quite a bit of downtime while on the job where you aren't fulfilling any particular duty. However, you are usually quite diligent about filling this time constructively, by gardening, planning meals in advance, or even doing homework. These activities are to be put on hold for the time being. From today onwards, you shall be honing your newly acquired gift instead. Mustn't fall behind Domeki, after all!"

Watanuki could only stare with his mouth open. It took a moment or two for the gears in his head to start turning after Yuko's rather long speech.

"Wait, what do you mean by 'fall behind Domeki'?", Watanuki questioned.

Yuko smirked down at him, "All in good time Watanuki, he's sure to tell you himself, eventually. Now let's begin!"

"Fiiiiine. One question first. Why exactly are we doing this? Wont the powers develop naturally on their own?", Watanuki mused.

"Well, yes, that's technically true. However, you only see the future. So if you were to see a dismal future for someone while Domeki was not around, things could turn… problematic for you. You need to develop an active power quickly so you can actually protect yourself.", Yuko explained, "Here, take this."

She handed him a large book. The words 'large book' didn't quite accurately describe it, though. It was clearly very old, though in pretty good condition. And if it were to be opened it would spread across someone's legs, even if they were sitting Indian style. So in Watanuki's mind the 'large book' was actually a 'lengthy tome'.

"Please tell me you don't want me to read this whole thing.", Watanuki begged.

"Of course not!", Yuko scoffed, "We have a few weeks not a few years! It's in another language anyway so I doubt you could read it. Anyway, let's just say that the book has a lot of… history attached to it. In more ways than one. Your job is to see it. The past, that is. What has already occurred. What the owners went through while they were in possession of it"

Watanuki blinked, "How is THAT an active power? Sure it's a bit of an extension of seeing into the future but-"

"And how do you expect to learn a new power when you don't fully understand the one you've already been given!", Yuko interrupted, "Just close your eyes and clear your mind. Imagine your mind as a clean slate, or blank page if you prefer, and allow the book's past to fill it. It may not come to you easily, but keep trying."

Watanuki swallowed his arguments and protests, sensing that an argument with Yuko over this would not be one he would win. He began by closing his eyes and breathing deeply. He then did as Yuko suggested and pictured a blank page in his mind. Grasping the book tightly, Watanuki tried and tried to get a picture for where the book had been, but he couldn't seem to come up with anything. After an hour his mind started to get bored and wander and he became unable to concentrate. Yuko's keen eye noticed these things and decided it was time for a break.

"I'm sorry Yuko, I tried really hard, but I just couldn't do it! I didn't feel anything at all…", Watanuki apologized, feeling guilty for failing.

"Don't worry! I said it might not come easy!", Yuko comforted, "You say you tried really hard, huh? That might actually be a problem. If you're trying to imagine what the country might be like, you're doing it wrong. You have to let the book flow into you. If you already have a preconception of where it's been, you won't be able to see into the book's past."

They moved away from that topic and began to discuss more mundane things like school and similar things. Watanuki prepared tea which they drank at a leisurely pace. After a good part of the morning passed by in this manner. Nothing particularly interesting happened, but it did give Watanuki a chance to relax some. It was getting close to lunch time, so they both decided to give the book another try and then have Watanuki make lunch.

He grabbed the book and resumed his earlier position on the floor. Yuko left in order to give him some peace and quiet. He did everything she had told him to do, except this time he made a greater effort to keep his mind blank.

Suddenly he could see them. Black and white flashes of images. A library in a snowy town. A group of travelers. A weary girl. A phantom princess. The glow of an object. A lying doctor. His hate filled eyes. A desperate chase. Collapsing castle. Final parting whispered on the wind. Magic circle and the departure of the travelers.

Watanuki's eye's flew open and he felt as if he had been running for a few miles. He was heaving, gasping, trying to gulp in as much air as possible and catch his breath. When he finally regained his composure he looked up to see Yuko standing at the door frame.

"What did you see?", She asked without fanfare.

Watanuki quickly outlined what he'd seen via the book's past. She nodded and hummed at certain parts of the explanation, but for the most part remained quiet and reflective. After he finished there were a few moments of silence where she gathered her thoughts.

"Well, you had the vision you were supposed to. Good job." She said, "Your powers have grown slightly. Now we just have to wait for your others to show up. Without knowing what they are it's pretty much impossible to train for them. Take a break then and make me some lunch!"

"Fine, fine. Geez you're so pushy.", Watanuki complained.

"I resent that!"

Watanuki rolled his eyes and headed for the kitchen. He instantly felt a bit calmer. Kitchens were good. Kitchens he understood. This power that was welling up inside him was unsettling to say the least. He resolved to put it out of his mind and instead concentrate on his day to day activities. Tired out from his training earlier, he decided to go the simple route for lunch, just sandwiches and fruit. Along with the appropriate alcoholic beverage, of course.

They ate in silence and Watanuki used the opportunity to think about Domeki. He found it surprising that his face didn't explode into red at the mere thought of him, but instead he almost slipped into a daydream where he recounted their date. He snapped himself out of it rather quickly, though.

'Domeki definitely likes me, and I DID say that he could consider us dating, so he'll probably ask me out again at some point. What will I say?', Wondered Watanuki, 'Ha, who am I kidding? I'll say yes even if I don't want to go. But… I think I do want to. And that worries me."

Despite new powers and practically living in a shop that grants wishes, this was his main concern. Watanuki is, if nothing else, a very honest and sometimes blunt person, so he wanted to be as straightforward with Domeki as he could. This constant debate over his feelings wasn't doing anyone any good at all. Perhaps he needed to ask someone for advice.

But who to ask was the big question. He didn't think he could bear to talk to Yuko about it, he'd be totally mortified. Especially with all the knowing looks she'd give him. She might even charge him for the 'service'! Akira was out for similar reasons. Mature as she may be, it was unlikely that Kohane would know how to handle a situation involving romance. He could never contact spirits without help so that left one person… Himawari.

It would be awkward. It would be weird. But it could work. Going to his crush's house and asking her for advice about his sort-of-boyfriend wasn't something he was relishing, but it was his best option. At the very least she wouldn't make fun of him. So he began to get ready to leave the store for a little while, planning to also pick up some ingredients for dinner. He started to tie his shoes, but before he finished he looked back and saw Yuko standing in the entryway behind him.

"It's inevitable but…", she started.

Watanuki gave her a questioning look as she trailed off.

"…It doesn't mean you don't have a choice.", she finished.

"That's the second time you've told me that Yuko. What do you mean?", Watanuki asked.

Yuko smiled back, "It's not time for you to know, but think about it all the same."

"…ok." agreed Watanuki.

Watanuki stood up from putting his shoes on and tried to leave again, however he had a thought that stopped him in his tracks.

"Hey Yuko, I just had a thought.", Watanuki began.

"How unusual!", she smirked mischievously.

"Hey!", Watanuki shouted, "That's not very nice! I have something important to say."

"Okay okay, I'm sorry! Please continue.", Yuko laughed.

"ANYWAY," Watanuki said with emphasis and a glare, " what you said about inevitability and choices made me think. Why was I able to affect the outcome of the premonition I saw earlier?"

"I don't know.", Yuko admitted, "It's the great mystery surrounding premonitions. It isn't known why some visions can be changed in outcomes while others happen no matter what you do to prevent them. It has been speculated that premonitions are not actually visions of the future, but actually a type of heightened awareness of the most likely outcome of current events. That explains why some are changed while others are not. Though as I said, it is only speculation and not a fact."

"Well, you've given me a lot to think about.", Watanuki said, nodding his head, "I have to get going, though. I need to pick up ingredients for dinner and… attend to a personal matter."

"I know. Be safe.", Yuko advised.

Watanuki simply nodded and took off. He exited through the parting in the fence and turned towards Himawari's house, intending to stop there first. On the walk over he attempted to rehearse how he hoped the conversation would go, but without knowing how she would respond he didn't get past the greetings and his question. He decided to "wing it" and hope for the best.

He arrived at her house and was about to ring the doorbell when he heard a sound coming from the side of the house. He immediately went to check it out. It was Himawari, and she appeared to be doing a little gardening. The fact that she was wearing thick gardening gloves, a sunhat, jeans, and a t-shirt were all the details he could take in before she noticed him and looked up from the bush of yellow roses she was tending. As always, the first thing she did upon seeing him was smile.

"Why, hello there Watanuki! How are you today?", She chirped.

"H-H-Hi.", he stammered, "I'm fine, thanks. You?"

"As you can see, I was just doing a bit of gardening. To what do I owe this pleasure?", she inquired.

"…I need some advice", He admitted.

This was hard for him to do. After all, he had quite a bit of natural pride, that whole incident with the feather had simply magnified it. Himawari was still smiling, but she seemed to take on a more serious demeanor. She put set her tools and gloves down in order to give Watanuki her full attention. She nodded and gestured towards Watanuki, giving him the hint that he should start to describe his problem.

"Y'see, there's this… person that likes me.", Watanuki explained, "That person and I went out on a date and I said we could go on another, but I'm not sure it's the best thing to do. My feelings towards… that person are conflicted. I don't know what to do."

"So, to sum up," Himawari concluded, "Domeki asked you out on a date and you said yes. You went out and had a better time than you expected. You then agreed to go out again. However, you're conflicted because your feelings aren't as strong as his and you don't want to lead him on."

Watanuki was shocked, to say the least. How did she know all of that!

"Wha-? How! How do you know all that!", Watanuki sputtered, limbs flailing every which way as if independent from his body.

"Ah ha ha, you're so funny Watanuki.", Himawari laughed easily, "It's easy. I just put two and two together. If it wasn't a boy you would've definitely said 'there's this GIRL that likes me' not 'person'. And if it was anyone but Domeki, you'd be going to him for advice. Not me."

Watanuki denied this vehemently, "HA! Like I'd ask that oaf for advice on anything! But that's neither here nor there."

"It isn't." She agreed.

"So do you have anything helpful to say that could solve my dilemma?", he asked.

"Hmm… well I'd say if you didn't dislike the first date, then there's really no reason to decline a second. Of course if you still feel nothing but friendship after a long time, it might be time to end the relationship." Himawari suggested.

Watanuki chewed on that for awhile. Himawari went back to gardening, content to wait for Watanuki's response. It was true, when he wasn't training or actively talking to someone, his thoughts had been a bit Domeki-centric. Watanuki was thinking about her advice of course, but he was also reevaluating his opinion of Himawari. He hadn't expected her to be so intuitive, nor this helpful in adding valuable input to his problem. It had made things much less painful than he'd expected them to be. He had a lot to think over and groceries to shop for, so he decided to quit intruding on Himawari.

"Thank you Himawari, I have to go now, but you've been very helpful.", Watanuki conceded as he began to leave.

"Of course, you mustn't keep Yuko or Domeki waiting. Please drop by anytime.", Himawari agreed, "Also one more thing…"

Watanuki stopped and half turned towards her, cocking his head to listen.

"In my experience, once someone's going round and around in your head, you've already half fallen in love with them."

Watanuki froze like a deer in the headlights. He gave a weak smile and went on his way towards the shopping district in as fast a walk as his legs would carry him.

'I couldn't possibly love that idiot, could I? Not so soon!', Watanuki lamented.

Ten minutes of this torturous internal back and forth turned out to be beneficial for Watanuki and possibly Domeki as well. He decided that love or not, going on another date was a definite must. If he ended things now, he knew he'd regret it later. These ten minutes of debate within himself also gave him enough time to get to the grocery store, where he was presented with an entirely different sort of problem. What to get for dinner.

Yuko was ALWAYS in the mood for something or other, usually something complicated. Watanuki would usually just ask her as he was going out or else she would tell him directly and demand he go shopping right that minute. Today, however, in all his mental drama he'd forgotten to ask and she hadn't told him. She was completely unpredictable and there was almost no way that something he randomly picked out would complement her taste for that night. He was on the verge of giving up in despair when his pocket vibrated rather forcefully.

It was a text from Akira of course.

'I'm thinking shrimp pilaf is a good choice.'

Watanuki rolled his eyes and quickly texted back:

'Are your feelings always about things that are this mundane?'

'No. Just for you, my dear Watanuki! Consider yourself special. What do you need shrimp pilaf for anyway?'

'Dinner for Yuko. As payment for helping me avert her wrath, you can join us if you want.'

'Really! Thanks! When should I be over?'

Watanuki checked the time on his phone. 5 o'clock. He quickly shot Akira another text:

'It'll be ready around 7 or 7:30. Why not show up a bit before 7?'

His only reply was a 'will do.' from Akira. He went about picking up the ingredients he'd need for the dinner. Rice, vegetables, and, of course, shrimp. He paid for the items at the register and began heading back to the shop. The sun had begun setting and he headed home faster than he thought might be necessary, not wanting Yuko to become upset at being too hungry.

"Watanuki! What's for dinner? I'm starving!", Yuko whined.

Obviously, fast wasn't fast enough. Watanuki sighed and answered her.

"Shrimp Pilaf."

Yuko cooed at that, "Oh Watanuki! How did you know just what I was craving today?"

"Trade secret.", Watanuki said dryly, "I invited Akira to join us."

Yuko smirked, "Oh? Not Domeki?"

Watanuki didn't have to see into the future to know where she was headed with that loaded question, "No. And I'd rather not discuss him if you don't mind."

Now that he thought about it, he hadn't been contacted by Domeki for about 24 hours. It was unusual when he went a full day without seeing Domeki when they WEREN'T dating, and although he didn't know much about relationships, he was pretty sure that couples were supposed to spend more time together, not less.

Watanuki was beginning to be able to admit more and more of his feeling towards Domeki, and he wasn't ashamed to admit (at least to himself) that he was disappointed that he hadn't been contacted yet by the taller teen. If nothing else they needed to plan a second date soon. He sighed in a somewhat melancholy manner as he entered the kitchen in order to prepare dinner. He began to make dinner on autopilot, lost in his thoughts. He perked up some when Akira arrived and poked his head in to say hi. Dinner was ready soon after that and the three sat down to eat.

When he came in with the food Yuko and Akira were laughing at something or other.

Figuring that it couldn't be a good thing he asked, "What are you two laughing at?"

"Oh we just think you and Domeki are so cute together!", Yuko explained, Akira nodding in complete agreement.

Watanuki nearly tripped and fell face first into the ground, food and all. Luckily Akira managed to grab and steady him.

"WHAT!", Watanuki screamed in outrage as soon as he regained his balance, "Why in the world would you think that! We are NOT cute at all! Least of all that oaf!"

"Oh, I agree with you there, Watanuki!", Akira offered, giving Watanuki hope of an ally before shattering it with his next statement, "Domeki isn't cute at all. It's you two together that's cute!."

Watanuki groaned and simply began to serve the food out to the three diners. He tried as best he could to stay out of the cross fire of the adult woman and teenage male who were acting like childish schoolgirls.

"Domeki certainly has his good points, though. Wouldn't you agree Akira?", Yuko asked conversationally.

Akira nodded, "Oh, to be sure. He has the whole stoic thing going for him. He's also completely devoted to the one he loves. Not to mention the fact that he's tall and has the body of someone who works out regularly! If I was a girl or Watanuki I'd be swooning!"

"Oh yeah, if I was just a few years younger… Hey, do you think his height and musculature is reflective in his… less visible areas?"

"Ah ha ha, we should ask our dear Watanuki the answer to that one!"

Both pairs of eyes turned towards the boy wearing glasses, who was beet red and trying not to be noticed. Yuko had the most lewd look on her face that Watanuki had ever seen, while Akira had his standard "I can smile through anything" smile that didn't seem to be wavering.

"Why are looking at me? I-It's not like I'd know. We've only been on one date so far…", Watanuki trailed.

"So you admit you want to go on more dates?", Yuko demanded with a smile.

Watanuki looked at the floor, "…Maybe."

He was sure that either her or Akira was going to say something completely mortifying, but a voice from a small ways off made itself heard.

"Oi, Watanuki!"

That could only be Domeki.

"Could you come to the front?"

"Sure thing! I'll be there in a minute!", Watanuki called back.

He stood up and began to make his way towards Domeki, looking back towards Yuko and Akira.

"Look,", he started, catching both of their interests, "I know that, despite your teasing you two are genuinely happy for me and sad that me and Domeki might not spend as much time with you when we get together, especially you Yuko, so I want to reassure you that I'll keep seeing you both, no matter what."

He left without waiting for their replies. They exchanged a glance filled with questions. Given their personalities, Watanuki probably could have made an educated guess about their being happy for him, but how did he know that they were also sad? Apparently, Watanuki was more in tune to other people's feeling than they originally thought.

Watanuki walked to the entryway, but didn't spy Domeki there so he assumed that he was waiting outside. His guess proved to be right when he opened the door and found Domeki standing to the right of it. Domeki was dressed in his temple robes and looked to be a bit tired.

"So,", Watanuki began, "Haven't seen you in awhile. What's up?"

"I'm sorry for not contacting you sooner.", Domeki said straight forwardly, with no emotion.

Watanuki stared at him and began to squint, feeling something welling up inside him. It was an indescribable feeling, but he felt that there was more to what Domeki said than what there seemed.

"Yes. You ARE sorry.", Watanuki agreed, "And also…Guilty? So you must have wanted to talk to me, but couldn't for whatever reason."

Domeki's eyes widened, wondering how Watanuki read him so accurately when he had never seemed to be able to before. He quickly recovered and responded.

"Yes. I was training. Trying to activate my power without someone being in danger.", He stated.

Watanuki supplied the answer to the underlying question, "You're disappointed, so you must not have gotten the results you wanted. But you are quite determined so I'm sure you'll get it to work eventually."

"Right again. I was able to activate it, but only once and I'm not even sure what power it was, all I know is that I was using some sort of energy. … On another note, you seem a bit strange tonight. You've been accurately guessing all of my feelings.", Domeki commented.

"Yeah, I guess I have, huh? I wonder what that's all about.", Watanuki agreed.

Domeki sighed and said, "Well, I have to go, so I'll leave you to puzzle it out. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning for our second date."

Domeki leaned in and before Watanuki could react to either his words or his movement, he was pecked on the cheek. Watanuki could feel the warmth on his cheek from where Domeki's lips had been. He would have brought his hand to his cheek and made some stupid comment, but suddenly his heart began to feel weird. He felt a deep sense of caring and a burning desire to protect. He doubled over from the overwhelming emotion.

"Aaaah! My heart! It feels so… strange!", Watanuki struggled to come up with the words.

"Good strange or bad strange?", Domeki asked with concern, placing his hand on Watanuki's shoulder.

As soon as he did so, Watanuki felt a huge surge of the emotion and he suddenly figured it out. It wasn't his own feelings. They were Domeki's! He could feel what Domeki was feeling! It was an incredible feeling and it made him feel much closer to the teen.

"This- This is how you feel for me…? I can feel what you feel. Caring, and a need to protect. That's you all the way, isn't it?", Watanuki inquired.

Domeki simply chose to nod.

"I think I've developed a new power. The power to feel what other people are feeling. Empathy, I guess it would be called.", Watanuki stated, mostly to himself.

There was a silence as Watanuki tried to deal with the roiling emotions inside him. If Domeki had to deal with this on a daily basis, then Watanuki had to give him credit for not pursuing him before the feather made him do so. He'd barely had the feeling for a minute and he still wasn't acting normally.

"Ok, so tomorrow morning. I'll see you then!", Watanuki said cheerily.

Domeki nodded and wrapped Watanuki in a tight hug. He let go sooner than the last one they shared. As they were parting, their hands brushed against one another.

Suddenly he could see them. Black and white flashes of images. Broken glass glinting in the sunlight. An evil laugh. His own self in an ambulance, on the way to the hospital and clearly in bad shape. A glimpse into a body bag before it was closed. Domeki's face. Tears. Lots of them.

Watanuki gasped and pulled back. Domeki looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

'If I tell him about the premonition then his choices will change and something may happen that I won't have seen coming. No. For now I'll keep it a secret and tell Yuko about it when I get a chance.' Watanuki thought to himself.

"No, it's nothing. Just a chill.", he assured Domeki, "Now go on home. I'll see you tomorrow."

Domeki left and as soon as he was gone, Watanuki's smile dropped and he began to head inside to inform Yuko of recent events. When he heard a sound carried on the wind. Sounding a long way off. It was a laugh. An evil laugh.

The same laughter as in his premonition!

Watanuki looked around, but there was nobody there.

A/N- I know, I know, it's been awhile. To make it up I made this one longer! It was difficult too! It's sooooo late where I am… but I didn't want you guys to think I'd abandoned this fic, so I beat my inner muse to a bloody pulp and finished this in one night.

And now the ever popular (not really) review replying time!

James Birdsong- Thanks James, glad you liked it!

George2Bob1- Not that cute this time (maybe a little), but definite moves forward in terms of plot. Both regular and romantic.

Chi Akai- I got your message. Thank you so much for the compliments! I gotta admit, writing comedy is much harder than drama, so I'm glad you like it. I agree with you in certain aspects of Watanuki's supposed OOCness. It's true that he's often out of character in this story, but a big part of that is his feather, which made him prideful. Prideful people tend to be colder in general, and less likely to show their emotions so freely. Also when Domeki asked him out, he makes a conscious effort not to snap at him as much (I think I mention it somewhere) and would therefore not be acting normally. But yeah there's like a… chapter/ chapter and a half where neither of these things is true and he's OOC. Oops, looks like a slipped up! =P Top two in this fandom and top ten of all time! Wow, seriously, thanks. I appreciate your thoughts!