Title: Let Us Begin Again (Chapter 3)
Genre: Card Captor Sakura fic
Notes: This is part of the No Name Face series… after long consideration; I felt this was a better idea, as well as the fact that finding a song forever chapter would prove hectic… Thus it will be a mere chapter fic from here on out.
Pairings: M+Syaoran, T+E… Eventual Yue+Sakura, Sidereal+Yukito, Crinis+Suppi/Kero (fluff), (and a dreaded evil pairing of) N+Touya bwah ha ha ha!!!!!
Rating: PG-13 I suppose… Maybe even PG…
Warning: Depressing Yue, Eriol bashing, and a desperate Sakura… Not to mention an opportunistic weasel for a bad guy with some crazy girl guardians…
Disclaimer: Where Even Starlet, Sidereal, and Crinis are mine… the other card captor characters are not… please don't sue… I have nothing! Nothing I tell you!
The boy with long raven hair walked into the room silently while thinking to himself. Finally he looked up at his apartment and let a small smile cross his lips. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big either. He had no use for grandeur; there were other more important things. Things such as revenge for starters. Looking to his side, a figure caught his vision but proved to be merely his reflection. Brilliant eyes of amethyst stared deeply at the plain of glass containing the reflecting silver. How he hated that reflection with all his strength.
Looking away from the flood of violet he began to walk over to the sofa in the living area near the small kitchen. Letting out a long breath he settled down into its cushions and closed his eyes while working his fingers deftly through his hair removing it from it's braided confines. How did he ever allow himself to be convinced of such a long length he would never know…
The door slid open slowly as a girl bounded into the room paying no attention the teen sitting upon the sofa. Instantly she hovered before the mirror he had previously shunned and began to take off her coat and mess with her waist length light sapphire hair. Golden eyes stared gleefully into her own reflection happy with what she saw before diverting her eyes to the boy in the room with her. "Konnichiwa, Even-san… Did you have a good day?"
Even smiled at the sound of her soft soprano voice and nodded slowly. "Sidereal-chan, I'm pleased to see you home so early. My day went rather nicely, and yours?" The girl smiled lightly as she spun about to look at him. Before she could answer a small head poked out of the school bag at her side.
Sidereal looked down and giggled as she lifted the tiny white cat with black tiger stripes tracing over its form. "Sidereal-chan! I hate to tell you but I can't bear to stay in that bag as long as you keep me there…" The periwinkle eyes of the cat stared at her in a sulking manner causing even Even to laugh softly.
Flexing the small fairy like iridescent wings, the tiny tiger lifted up into the air and fluttered over to the boy on the sofa. Hovering before him she smiled sweetly and spun in the air. "I missed you master! I'm glad you had a good day though! Can I go with you next time? Please?"
The boy with dark colored hair laughed lightly and extended a hand for her to land upon. As she did he winked at her expectant gaze. "Crinis-chan… I will allow it on one condition…"
The small feline danced upon his palm happily and nodded to him emphatically. "Hai! Anything! As long as I don't have to go with Sidereal-chan and listen to her fawn over the cute guys she sees. If she likes them she should just tell them! Right master Even?"
The boy laughed and nodded his head in approval. "You are correct, but Sidereal-chan is not like that and you know it. As confident as she appears to be, she is very shy."
"Master!" The girl with long sapphire hair stomped her foot angrily as she clenched her fists. "Stop talking like I'm not here! I'm not that bad!"
Even and Crinis laughed softly as they looked up at the girl that appeared a few years older than Even. "I suppose that is also true Sidereal-chan… Gomen ne…" Looking back at Crinis he smiled again. "Just promise me you'll be on best behavior or you'll have to stay home or with Sidereal-chan."
Giggling in delight, the cat jumped onto her master's shoulder and hugged his neck as best she could with her tiny arms. "Arigauto master! I'm so happy!"
Shaking his head slightly, he rose a hand to scratch lightly behind her ears eliciting a purr from her. "I'm glad it makes you so happy. Tell me Crinis-chan… why do you not call me by my name as Sidereal-chan does?"
Crinis looked up at her master's warm smile and began to blush. A sudden laughter erupted from the other present as she leaned toward Even and shook a finger in his face teasingly. "Even-san! Didn't you know that Crinis-chan has a crush on you?" Giggling she smiled at the little cat as she fluttered up into the view of the blue haired girl.
"Sidereal-chan!" Clenching her paw in anger she gave the girl a threatening look only causing Sidereal to laugh harder. Before she could say anything else, she felt Even's gentle hands wrapping about her and plucking her from the air.
"That will be quite enough you two. We have other things to worry about. Care to help me plan my first move? We have to be sure that the little Clow wannabe will never forget it." The three smiled at one another then nodded. It would be a long night.
~*~
Sakura stood in the store looking around with a lost look in her emerald eyes. Sighing softly she let out a sound of frustration. "Hoe! I didn't know this would be so hard!" Strands of honey brown fell into her eyes as she continued looking about frantically.
"Sakura-chan… What exactly are we looking for anyway?" Tomoyo peered at her with dark violet eyes wondering why Sakura had begged her to go along with her.
Groaning in frustration she laced her small slender hands into her hair and yanked softly. "I need to find something to give to Yue-san! He's so depressed all the time! I want him to be happy!" Tomoyo blinked in surprise and patted her best friend on the shoulder.
"I see… and you do not know what to get him I gather?" Sakura nodded in a defeated manner while staring at a box of her favorite chocolate candy. "Hm… I think you should just follow your heart. I mean, Yue-san will appreciate the gesture no matter what don't you think?"
These words caused Sakura to look up with a bright sparkle in her eyes. "Honto ni? Yoshi! I know just what I'll do then!"
Tomoyo giggled and tilted her head to the side slightly. "That's wonderful Sakura-chan! What did you…" Before she could finish a hand lighted her shoulder and caused her to look back. The smile on her face grew wider upon meeting the deep midnight eyes of Eriol. "Eriol-kun! Konnichiwa!"
Sighing softly, Sakura managed to smile at the boy with deep blue hair that seemed almost black. "Konnichiwa Eriol-kun!" The boy smiled at both of them then looked back at Tomoyo with a strong gentleness in his gaze.
"Tomoyo-chan, would you care to join me for lunch? Sakura-chan could come along as well…" Tomoyo seemed to be lost in his gaze and merely managed to nod in agreement.
Lowering her gaze she looked back to the shelf with the candy and instinctively picked up the box on the shelf while pretending not to be interested in the invitation. "No thank you Eriol-kun… I need to keep shopping, so you two go ahead with out me and have fun, ne?"
Eriol blinked in surprise then nodded. "If that is what you wish Sakura-chan…"
Suddenly a girl with light blue hair bumped into Eriol and sent both of them crashing to the floor. "Gomen ne! Gomen! I wasn't paying attention!" Hopping to her feet she smiled down at Eriol with bright golden eyes. Offering him a hand he cautiously accepted not expecting the sudden jolt of energy that instantly raced through his being. It almost reminded him of something, but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. "Are you all right?"
Eriol rose to his feet groggily and nodded to her in a dazed manner. "I'm fine, thank you." Looking back at Tomoyo he wanted only one thing. To get away from this girl as quickly as possible so he could think clearly. "If you don't mind, we were just leaving…"
"Leaving so soon Hiiragizawa-kun?" Even stepped forward to stand beside the girl with sapphire colored hair. "What about the sweet Sakura-chan you are leaving alone? How cold of you…" Gentle eyes of amaryllis met Sakura's jade eyes. He read the surprise and thankfulness in her eyes then looked back to Eriol. "Go ahead and go Hiiragizawa-kun… it's not like you have ever cared about hurting anyone before."
"Nani?" Anger began to seethe in him as he started to walk toward Even. "You have…" Suddenly the girl with blue hair stood between he and Even not allowing him to come any closer. A look of sheer ice began to creep into his being and he finally backed away. "Tomoyo-chan? Do you mind if we just leave now?"
Tomoyo nodded slowly eager to get Eriol away from the two causing him to lose his cool so easily. As they walked away, Sakura let out a long sigh and looked down at the box of candy again. "Arigauto Even-kun, demo, you shouldn't be so mean to Eriol-kun…"
"You think so?" Even smiled slightly and looked to the box in her hands. "Is that a gift for someone, or just a snack?" Sakura instantly turned a light shade of red in response.
Brushing the question aside she turned her attention to the girl standing beside him with her arms crossed elegantly over her chest. "Who's your friend Even-kun?"
Raising a brow slightly Even let out a soft chuckle. "This is Sidereal-chan. She's my older sister of sorts." Sidereal bowed respectfully and smiled down at the girl that stood at least a head shorter than her. Sakura giggled and bowed in return noting that the girl was nearly exactly the same height as Yukito.
"I am pleased to meet you Sidereal-san, I am Kinomoto Sakura, but please just call me Sakura."
"I am honored to meet you as well Sakura-san. Even-san has spoke of you before." Smiling brightly the girl instantly dropped her eyes to the box in her hands. "So, is it a gift?" Her gold eyes began to sparkle in excitement while awaiting the response.
"Ano… hai… though I'm not sure that he will like it…" Sakura felt her anxiety grow each moment as she stared down at the box. Would Yue like it?
Even smiled lightly and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Sakura-chan… any gift from you could brighten anyone's day. Please do not doubt yourself so much." The smile on her face returned and she impulsively threw her arms about the taller boy's neck.
"Thank you so much Even-kun! You always help me! You're so nice!" Even laughed softly and hugged her back before pulling away and smiling at Sidereal.
"Sakura-chan, I promised to take Sidereal-chan to lunch, would you care to join us? My treat." Sakura clapped her hands together and nodded happily. "Thank you for agreeing! Shall we go?"
Offering her his arm she began to blush deeply. "You are almost more of a gentleman that Eriol-kun!" The boy laughed softly and shook his head as she accepted the gesture.
Sidereal smiled lightly and leaned against her master gently while whispering into his ear. "Don't you think gestures such as this will cause a girl to think things that weren't originally intended? You shouldn't be so open in your gentile manner Even-san…" The boy just smiled and looked up at her revealing the dark colored eyes of violet.
"Sidereal-chan, I am fully aware of what I am doing… Just… remain patient please…" The girl shrugged and just smiled as she walked along side of the two teenage magicians. This was going very well for her master, and that pleased her to no end.
~*~
Keroberos soared through the cool veil of darkness, occasionally peering down at the blanket of clouds beneath him. The soft gold feathers of his wings made a soft rustling noise as they filtered through the breeze using it to carry his large feline form. Golden cat eyes peered at the distant pinnacle that would be his destination. A long sigh escaped him that spoke of the relief he felt at finally arriving. Landing gracefully on the clock tower, he looked around in an irritated manner before calling out his brother's name. "Yue! Onnichan!"
Suddenly a shadow stretched across the stone floor revealing two wings and a man with long hair. "What is it Keroberos?" The cold monotone brought the lion about to glare up at him in almost an exaggerated look of hurt.
"Is that how you greet your only brother?" The whine in the sun guardian grew slightly causing the other to roll his eyes in annoyance.
"Grow up Keroberos…" Turning away, Yue stood as a perfect silhouette against the full moon. Keroberos made a soft click in anger before plopping down next to his older brother. "So why are you here?" Pale blue eyes gazed up at the moon tiredly seeming not to notice anything else.
"Ingrate… Sakura-chan sent me to find you. But since her onnichan would throw a fit if she came looking for you, I was chosen to do all the work." Making a face, the lion like creature tugged at the small satchel hanging about his neck then dropped it at Yue's feet. "There… now I can go home and eat all that pudding she promised me!"
A slender white eyebrow arched elegantly at the sight of pure glee etching its way over his younger brother's face. Silently he wondered how anything like pudding could cause such a reaction. It seemed so… so stupid. Leaning down he picked up the bag and reached inside. "Why did she buy me candy?"
Keroberos looked up with wide eyes. "Honto ni!? That's a good question! She should have bought it for me!" Yue stared down at the box in his hands then at the envelope taped onto the bottom. Keroberos followed his gaze then whined in a loud voice. "But you don't eat! Give it to me and you can keep the card!"
At his words Yue found himself fighting the urge to grin in a sadistic manner. "I would sooner give it to Tsukishiro-san than give it to you." This remark brought about a long string of whimpers from the large cat. "Maybe I'll try one… but it's not likely…"
Groaning in defeat, Keroberos looked as if he had wilted. "You're so MEAN! Fine! I'm going home now…" Making a few more noises of frustration, the beast of the seal finally lifted off into the night air to start the journey home. "'Yasumi nesai onnichan…"
Yue smiled inwardly and ran a finger along the box he held before throwing the satchel at Keroberos' retreating form. "Oyasumi nesai, otootosan…"
Catching the bag at the last minute, Keroberos shook a paw at his brother angrily before growling to make his point. Turning about in mid air, the animal soon disappeared into the horizon once more leaving Yue alone with his thoughts. As much as he liked having Keroberos around, he liked being free to think allowed, as he was unable to any other time. "Keroberos… You will never change… but maybe… that's why I'm glad we're brothers."
With a very small smile, he looked down at the box in his hands. As cute as the gift was, he had no want or drive to try any type of food. Sighing softly, he removed the envelope from the box before setting the object down. Curious eyes of silver blue gazed at the envelope before graceful fingertips opened it and retrieved the small pink sheet of paper. "Pink… How Sakura…"
Unfolding the paper he saw her carefully written words that he figured she had taken her time to compose. Before reading, he observed the stationary sheet tracing with his eyes the lighter colored pink Sakura blossoms littered all over the page. It seemed so appropriate somehow to him. Finally he read the simple note she had sent slowly.
Yue-san,
I wanted to thank you for listening to me. I know I probably bored you to death. But! I realized something and I promise not to be such a bother anymore. Please try to smile someday… I don't know if you'll like the candy, but I had no idea what you would want. Gomen nesai… Ja!
Love,
Sakura
Refolding the paper he carefully shoved it back into the envelope. Shaking his head slowly he felt the urge to go see his mistress, but then he would have to explain to her why he really didn't want the candy. Frowning a bit more than usual he glared up at the night sky. "Why are things always so difficult?"
"Because it's you Yue!" Cringing, Yue turned about to see his greatest fear. Bright sparkling eyes of magenta sparkled as the woman with red and black butterfly wings catapulted her self at him. "You're so adorable when you're confused Yue!"
Inwardly he groaned, while outwardly all he did was stare at her icily. In a dead monotone he spoke trying his best not to lose his temper. "Get off of me Ruby Moon."
Instead of complying the girl merely clung to him even more tightly than before while shrieking in delight. "Yue! Sakura-chan gave you a present! That is so kawaii! Can I have some?"
Closing his eyes he tried to ignore his urge to yank away from her and then do something that Sakura would have to apologize to Eriol for later. "No…" Hell would freeze over before I allowed you to have anything from me… Especially something that Sakura-sama gave me…
"You're so mean…" Whimpering, the girl with dark pink hair withdrew and pouted. "And here I thought you would be happy to see me!"
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Still speaking in a monotone he thanked the heavens that she finally got off of him.
"She's just jealous that your other self has Touya's heart…" A soft laugh broke out beside them bringing both sets of eyes to rest upon the girl sitting upon the ledge. Bright gold eyes shimmered in the night seeming to glow while the rest of her form remained shadowed. Behind her the outline of iridescent fairy wings sparkled as they allowed the light of the stars to filter through them.
"You have no right to make any accusations pointed at me! And why do you keep following me?" Ruby began to shriek in a ballistic manner while stomping her feet.
Yue couldn't believe what he was seeing. One, this girl seemed to be like both he and Ruby Moon, and two, she had been following the other guardian. Who would actually want to follow that demented butterfly? "Who are you?"
"Me?" The girl giggled softly never once stepping out of the shadows. "It's funny that Ruby-chan never asked me that question. There is no need for you to know who I am Yue-san… You are not a part of my future… So do not worry." The fairy like being smiled brightly then stood to her feet. Surprisingly she was only a few inches shorter than Yue, and her long hair reached down to the back of her knees.
Ruby Moon growled at the girl before taking a few steps in her direction intending to inflict damage upon the elegant figure. "I'll show you something to worry about…" Suddenly she felt Yue's hand grasp her wrist and yank her backward. Looking up at the taller guardian she whimpered angrily to him. "Let me go Yue! I want to teach her a lesson!"
Casting a quick glance at Ruby, he then turned to the other present and arched an eyebrow. "Ruby Moon… You have no idea who she is or what she is capable of… Let it alone for now."
"Oh fine…" Huffing in a dramatic way, she crossed her arms over her chest only causing the other girl to laugh a bit harder.
"Yue-san truly proves himself to be the wiser Ruby-chan… But I have learned all I need to at this point. Forgive me for barging in on you. We will meet again. Mata ne!" With a light smile, the girl leapt into the air and almost instantly disappeared.
Ruby then slammed a balled fist into one of the pillars and let out an angry wail. "I hate her already! She's a pest and yet smart and polite!"
Yue hid the grin that started to etch itself onto his face. Who ever the stranger was, he liked her already. "Whatever Ruby Moon. I'm going home." Grabbing the box of candy and envelope into one hand, he didn't even bother to look at the other moon guardian before taking to the air.
"YUE! YOU'RE SO MEAN!" Had Yue the nerve to show his feelings he would have laughed right then and there, but the demeanor he projected provided even greater rewards. She deserves it…
~*~
Eriol sat on the balcony of his home gazing up at the stars above. Thoughts seemed to be racing through his mind making it impossible to focus. For the past week or so he'd had the same dream every night. The dreams entailed such old memories that he was sure had been plucked out of Clow Reed's past and not his own. Letting out a long sigh, he gently pulled off his glasses and rested them upon his lap.
As he rubbed the bridge of his nose he could feel his short midnight hair fly about with each gust of wind somewhat relaxing him. "Eriol-san? Did you have another dream?" Eriol turned his head slightly to see the blurred image of his sun guardian floating just above his shoulder.
"Hai… It seems I keep having the same dream…" Spinal Sun landed gently upon his shoulder and let out a sigh. "Do you mind hearing what it is about Spinal-san?"
With a nod, the black cat-like guardian faced his master completely a waiting to hear what had been plaguing him every night. "Hai, Eriol-san."
"I'm in London, but from long ago, back during Clow's life. Yue, Keroberos, and myself are sitting in a large meadow in the midst of the English countryside with a young magician. I can see his face so clearly, and yet I can't remember it. I see him talking to Yue, and for some reason, I feel angry. So angry that I start to argue with this person. And the funny thing is, I don't feel he is an enemy…" Eriol trailed off for a moment then closed his deep colored eyes. "Then, both Yue and Keroberos disappear and it is only I and this man in the midst of total darkness… That's when I feel this drain of power… I feel so helpless every time… Like I know that I am dying. The man just smiles at me and for the first time I am able to hear something within the dream… He says…"
"Let us begin again, Master Clow… For our quarrel does not end here." Eriol and Spinal Sun look up instantly to see a small creature perched upon the railing glaring at them with bright periwinkle eyes. Silvery white fur glistens in the pale moonlight revealing the shape of what seemed to be a small cat. Twitching its iridescent fairy wings lightly, the small creature let out a soft distinctly female giggle. "Is that not what he says Eriol-san?"
Jumping before his master, Spinal Sun outstretches his short limbs in an attempt to shield Eriol. "Who are you and what do you want with my master?" The small feline giggled again and closed her eyes in an amiable manner.
"Hai… That is what he said…" Eriol narrowed his eyes slightly in suspicion unable to figure out who or what the creature may be.
"My name? I am the magical creature Crinis. A pleasure to meet you both I'm sure. My master bids you greetings, though, I'm afraid he is not willing to reveal himself to you yet. But in time, he will be presented to you." Spinal jumped slightly at the gentle voice that held an eloquent manner of speech he had not expected. "Please Spinal-chan, do not be so incorrigible. I pose as no threat at this point in time. The day you see my true form, is the day I suggest you be on your guard." The female giggle once more filled the air sounding something like the soft ringing of tiny bells.
"Spinal Sun. back down, I sense no danger from her." Spinal reluctantly landed on Eriol's lap and crossed his arms defiantly. "I sense that your only purpose was to confirm the presence I have been feeling. But I want to know why your master would bother to warn me ahead of time..."
Crinis grinned broadly and flicked her pointed ears a few times in amusement. "Because my master, unlike you… cares about those that get hurt." Her expression became one of awe as she reflected on the one that she called her master. "You on the other hand were cruel and under handed during the changing of the Sakura Cards. He wishes to show you what a true gentleman is."
The mocking smile that was on her feline face caused Eriol to move uncomfortably while attempting to keep his cool over the harsh accusation. "You've given your reason… Now if you don't mind… It might be a good idea if you left now…"
The little white feline stood up on all fours then callously stretched her form while flexing her translucent fairy-like wings. "Aw… Eriol-san… You are quite inhospitable… Besides I had hoped to talk to Suppi for a while." Grinning madly she took to the air and stopped just as her nose nearly touched the black cat's nose. Peering into his bewildered turquoise eyes, she began to smile even more broadly. "I look forward to meeting you again in our true forms. Ja ne!"
With those words she zoomed backward and disappeared into the dead of night leaving no trace of her ever being there. Spinal felt his cheeks grow warm as he thought about the small cat that had just left their presence. Looking up at Eriol, he saw a dull sheen to his normally bright sea blue eyes. "Daijoubu Eriol-san?"
Eriol sighed softly then nodded his head. "Hai… Demo… I have no idea what is going on. I… I want to go to bed…" Rising quickly he didn't notice that he had dumped the small guardian out of his lap and onto the balcony floor. Turning quickly he disappeared through the double doors leaving Spinal twitching on the ground.
~*~
A small group of girls walked down the sidewalk giggling happily as they enjoyed the cool weather. Sakura listened with a smile as Tomoyo talked to Chiharu about her relationship with Yamazaki, as well as Rika and her relationship with Terada-sensei. The young card mistress knew very well why Tomoyo was showing the sudden interest and for the first time felt happy for her. After all, she should be happy that her two close friends were now together and happy.
Smiling lightly she turned her eyes upward to look at the perfectly clear blue sky. "Kirei! It's the perfect day to shop!" At her side Naoko nodded in agreement since they were the only two not involved in the other conversation. "Where do you want to go Naoko-chan? Maybe we should just go to the ice cream shop since they are having more fun talking than shopping." Both her and Naoko laughed softly at the others before telling them their idea.
About fifteen minutes later found the group of five sitting in the parlor enjoying various types of ice cream. Rika looked at Sakura and blinked when she found her slouched in her seat mumbling to herself. "Sakura-chan… Daijoubu?"
Letting out a heavy sigh, she nodded to her friend before replying. "I'm fine… It's just that… Onnichan works everywhere!" All eyes turned to see her older brother working the register while occasionally casting his little sister a glare that told her she'd better behave.
Tomoyo giggled softly and edged closer to the green-eyed girl beside her. "Touya-san just likes to keep a close eye on his imoutochan!" The others laughed only causing Sakura to blush an even deeper shade of red.
"I'd like to think he didn't pick part time jobs with me in mind…" Grumbling slightly she didn't hear the footsteps approaching her until the tall young man was already beside her smiling brightly.
"Konnichiwa Sakura-chan!" Looking up, Sakura met the pair of hazelnut eyes that she knew so well. Yukito continued to smile as he patted her head gently before whispering in her ear.
"I have a note from Yue-san for you… And that candy is really good too!" The smile broadened as he handed her the note and then nodded to the others present. "Konnichiwa, minna-san. Hope your day has been well so far."
All the girls beamed up at the silver haired boy while nodding their heads in response. As he moved to say something again, a person ran into him taking both he and the girl down to the tiled floor. The group of girls jumped to their feet in surprise trying to see if he was ok, but all they could see was a lanky brunette on top of him struggling to get up. "Gomen ne! Go—oh… it's you Tsukishiro-kun…"
"Konnichiwa Akizuki-san… Daijoubu?" The girl nodded vehemently while looking around cautiously as if expecting something to attack her. "Akizuki-san?"
The brown haired girl jumped to her feet and looked like a deer that had been caught in the headlights seconds too late. "Hai… You haven't seen a girl with long blue hair and gold eyes have you?" Looking around nervously she shakily offered Yukito a hand to help him up.
Sakura peered up at Nakuru and shook her head in reply. "Iya… demo… that sounds like Sidereal-san…" At the name, the false form of Ruby Moon visibly quivered.
"Konnichiwa! I couldn't help but hear someone say my name! Oh! Nakuru-san! I've been looking for you!" All eyes rose to see the girl leaning over the back of Sakura's chair. Long locks of light blue were tied up in a ponytail while vibrant gold eyes peered through a curtain of bangs.
The card mistress beamed up at the older girl as Nakuru hid behind Yukito cringing. "Konnichiwa Sidereal-san! How are you and Even-kun getting along here in Japan?" The blue haired girl smiled happily before pulling a chair up next to Sakura and sitting down.
"It's a lot warmer here, that's for sure! Eh? Why is Nakuru-san hiding behind that cute guy with silver hair? Oh! Forgive me for my ill manners!" Standing to her feet she bowed to all present before smiling at them all once more. "I am Starlet Sidereal! I'm sure most of you know Even-kun."
The girls at the table giggled softly before introducing themselves as well. Finally, Sidereal turned to the boy staring at her with wide eyes through wire frame glasses. Giving him a warm smile she waited for him to introduce himself. Yukito blinked a few times before nodding to her and stuttering out his greeting. "K-konnichi-wa… Ore wa Ts-tsukishiro Y-yuki-ito."
Sidereal gave him a warm look before walking over to him and grinning. "Nice to meet you Tsukishiro-san… Ano… May I call you Yukito?"
"H-hai…" Yukito moved nervously but continued to smile at the girl before him totally forgetting about Nakuru hiding behind him. Suddenly, Sidereal leaned against him slightly in order to peer at the brunette that continued to cringe.
Not noticing the new shade of red Yukito had acquired, Sidereal gave Nakuru a reproachful look. "Nakuru-san! Come out and talk! You shouldn't be so rude!"
At the counter, Touya was gazing at the trio with his mouth gaping. One, he'd never seen Yukito blush like that, and two Nakuru was scared to death of the elegant girl with long blue hair. He absolutely couldn't believe it.
Sakura began to giggle softly at the little confrontation thinking that for once, Nakuru was getting a taste of her own medicine. Shaking her head slowly, she suddenly remembered the folded piece of paper in her hand. Huffing slightly, she couldn't believe that Yukito had eaten the candy intended for Yue. Unfolding the paper she was surprised to see extremely elegant penmanship scrawled neatly on the solid white sheet of paper. It was just so Yue…
Sakura-sama,
I regret to inform you that I do not eat. The gesture is appreciated and I'm sure Tsukishiro-san will enjoy the gift even more than I. Thank you.
Yue
Caught between wanting to rip her hair out or cry Sakura settled for just folding the paper casually and jamming it into her bag. Looking up she noticed that Sidereal was still leaning over a very uncomfortable Yukito trying to aggravate the now shrieking Nakuru. As much as she liked Nakuru, she didn't like her tendency to get carried away with her reactions.
A hand landed on her shoulder bringing her attention upward to stare into the deep brown eyes of her onnichan. "Kaijuu… Who's the girl?" Waving a hand nonchalantly at the girl with blue hair, she could see the glint in his eyes grow.
"That's Sidereal-san… She's from Ukraine." Touya nodded slowly and walked over to the trio and just gazing at them before tapping Sidereal's shoulder lightly.
Turning about, the girl looked at him with a curious gaze. After a few moments she was smiling warmly while bowing to him in greeting. "Konnichiwa! Are we being too loud? I'm sure I could get Nakuru-san to go outside with me! I apologize for the disruption." Touya arched a brow at her slightly before allowing a grin to break over his face.
"I'm Kinomoto Touya, that kaijuu over there is my sister. And, I wasn't going to scold you." Sidereal grinned then noticed the scowl that firmly etched over Sakura's face. Letting out a soft giggle, she looked back at Touya and smiled eloquently.
"So the kawaii Sakura-chan is your imouto? It's a pleasure to meet you." Yukito finally came to his senses and looked up to see Sidereal and Touya talking. As he took a step in their direction he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder.
"DON'T LEAVE ME TSUKISHIRO-SAN!" Nakuru whimpered like an injured animal as she glared at the girl talking to 'her' Touya.
Blinking a few times in surprise, Yukito smiled politely and patted her on the shoulder gently. "It's ok Akizuki-san… Why are you so scared of Sidereal-san?"
"She won't leave me alone! She's killing me with kindness and good manners! Plus she won't stop following me around! Now she's flirting with MY Touya!" The brunette stomped her feet angrily before sending a glare at the girl in question. "That's just fine! I'll show Touya that I can be just as sweet and elegant as that brat can! Humph!"
Yukito laughed softly and nodded to her. "I'm sure you will Akizuki-san…" Turning about he looked at Sidereal with a small smile on his face. If Nakuru wanted to be like her, he wasn't going to stop her. Sidereal may have been extremely bubbly, but her movements and the way she spoke held an elegant grace that made her all the more beautiful to him. At that moment he actually envied Touya for being so good at keeping his emotions in check.
Inside, Yue sighed heavily. During all of the commotion, he had watched for Sakura's reaction and what he saw worried him. Or more exactly, what he didn't see. Gazing at her quickly he felt a pain run through his chest. Why should he care if he hurt her feelings? Well, it didn't matter anyway, because he knew he cared, and he cared a lot.
~*~
TBC…