Title: Invisible Walls (Chapter 4)

Genre: Card Captor Sakura fic

Rating: PG-13? Who knows with me anyway?

Notes: Screwy pairings, I admit… but I like them… So… if you don't, I suggest you not read this… O.o;;

Pairing: T+E, S+M, S+Y, (eventual) T+N, Suppi+Crinis and Y+Sidereal

Warnings: See pairings and notes… I have been wracking my brain to keep this IC… so I hope it is…

Disclaimer: CCS is not mine… Woe is me! But Even, Sidereal and Crinis are. ^_^

Cool eyes of amethyst stared down upon the school grounds. Students buzzed about like tiny bees in his mind, serving really no other purpose other than just living. Was that such a bad thing? Then again, what was so great about living? A pale slender hand reached up to push ebony bangs out of his eyes that persistently hindered his vision. As much as he loved his guardian and friend, Sidereal, it was her fault that his hair was such a nuisance. Though, as a gift to her, he'd kept it the way she thought fit him best.

After a moment he paused in his thoughts concerning his appearance. Diverting his eyes to the sky, he watched the early morning sun paint the town a tawny orange color. It was moments like these that he'd wanted to be alive again for. Back in his past life, he had been so lonely. His happy life now made it imperative that he had to thank Clow for one thing and one thing only. The idea of creating beings to be a companion to him full well knowing what he was.

Though, it wasn't Clow that gave him back his heart. It was the silent angel of the moon with silvery white hair and soft silver blue eyes. As cold as Yue was, he was able to get the feelings buried deep inside to resurface and prove him human once more. Wasn't that why he was here now when he could be at home with his adopted family? Even though he wasn't their true son, they loved him enough.

Yet, here he was in Japan, living in the Tomoeda district and going to school with the reincarnation of Clow and the current mistress of the cards. Narrowing the eyes of amaryllis, he finally looked away from the morning landscape in order to make his way to his first class. "Master? Is something the matter? You're normally not THIS quiet."

From his school bag, a silvery white head popped out with two wide periwinkle eyes peering up at him anxiously. Reaching down to scratch behind the cat-like ears he just smiled. "I really wish you would just call me Even. You know I don't like you to think of me as a master. I consider you and Sidereal as my family…" The cat sighed softly and began to purr from the gentle rubbing behind her ears.

"I know Even-sama… but I just want you to know how much I respect you…" Crinis purred a bit more loudly then rubbed her head against his hand.

"I know you do… but thank you… Shall we go now? Remember, you promised to be good." His thin lips curved into a warm smile as his guardian nodded happily. "Today is going to be a long day…"

~*~

Sakura walked slowly alongside Tomoyo heading for the spot beneath the trees that they always went to during lunch. Upon reaching their destination, they found that most of their other friends were already there. Looking up from her spot, Rika waved to the duo and smiled politely. "Hi Tomoyo-chan! Sakura-chan! Have a seat!" As they sat, Naoko leaned closer to the duo and giggled softly.

"Yamazaki-kun and Eriol-kun are telling another story!" Tomoyo began to giggle softly as Sakura went wide-eyed listening to the two boys animatedly tell their story.

"You see, at one time there were these no clocks, so people had to strap hour glasses onto their wrists in order to tell time…" Yamazaki held one finger up in the air smiling serenely as he told his story without breaking his calm disposition.

"It's true! They weighed so much, it took both of their hands to hold them up!" Eriol smiled broadly while adding onto the little tale delighting in the sight of Sakura nodding naively to his every word.

Tomoyo smiled softly not bothering to burst Sakura's bubble. Shaking her head she looked up just in time to see a lone figure walk by quietly while gazing down at a book in his hands. Suddenly she heard the whispering between Chiharu, Rika and Naoko and became interested immediately. "That's Starlet-san… Isn't he gorgeous?" Chiharu whispered to the others careful not to allow anyone else to hear.

"Hai he is! He so medieval with that long ebony hair! And so polite… Perfectly dreamy I think!" Naoko added while her eyes began to glitter.

"You're right, he is very polite. It's a shame that he's always alone. He'd make some girl very happy." Rika smiled serenely while allowing her eyes to follow the object of their discussion.

Tomoyo couldn't help but giggle as she made a quick decision. "Starlet-san! Come join us!" All three girls instantly turned their eyes to her with a look that spook of total embarrassment.

Even looked up slowly from his book then back over his shoulder to catch the smoky violet eyes of Tomoyo. "Konnichiwa, Daidouji-san. Thank you for offering, but I really should brush up more on my Japanese… It's totally different from English and Russian…"

Sakura looked up curiously after listening to the whole story about the hour glass watches in order to see Even. "Russian? And English? Wow Even-kun! That's amazing! What's it like in Ukraine?"

Even laughed softly and tugged on the end of his braid thoughtfully. "I would say… that it's very cold." With a sly grin he began to walk away once more calling softly over his shoulder. "Gomen ne, I really must go study." Waving over his shoulder, Sakura felt a warmth run through her.

"Well, not exactly the answer I'd expect, but cute nonetheless." Naoko laughed softly then turned to give Tomoyo a discerning look. "Daidouji-san! You were trying to embarrass us weren't you?"

Tomoyo began to giggle softly as she shook her head. "I had no such intention. I only thought he'd like to be with some one instead of always alone. I find that very sad." The other then nodded in agreement, save for Eriol. His deep blue eyes trailed after the boy steadily until Even turned about slowly and gave him a mocking smile.

Instantly he began to shiver as he finally began to realize who the boy was. Shaking his head he grabbed Sakura's wrist lightly and whispered into her ear. "Sakura-chan! Stay away from him! He is a magician…"

With wide eyes of jade, she gave him a look of disbelief. "You can't be serious Eriol-kun… Even if he were a magician, I don't see how he could be bad at all. He's so nice to me!" As she finished her statement she nodded her head. "You worry too much Eriol-kun… I'm going to go after him and ask him."

Instantly Eriol tightened his grip on her wrist hoping to with hold her from doing any such thing. "Sakura-chan! I forbid you to do that! You could get hurt!"

Blinking a few times, Sakura allowed the words to sink in to her heart causing a fire to suddenly rage in her eyes. "Eriol-kun… You're just as bad as Li-kun! He told me to stay away from you! Had I done that we wouldn't have been friends… You have no right to tell me what to do." Jumping to her feet she allowed a look of melancholy to sweep over her smooth countenance. Ripping her hand from his grasp she turned about and began to run in the direction of the school blindly.

Even stood up in a tree watching the whole ordeal with out a trace of emotion in his face or eyes. Crinis hummed softly into his ear then sighed as she shook her head. "Eriol-san is not very good with women is he? At least not in Sakura-chan's case. People treat her like a little child when she could beat the crud out of him!"

At this the boy smiled lightly and then spoke softly in response. "Do you think I should help her?"

The tiny cat fell into thought for a bit then she began to grin. "Yes… but, I think you should help her by drawing Yue-san to her." Stretching slightly she purposely rubbed her head against her master's neck. "Don't you think that's a good idea master? Err… Even-sama…"

Even laughed lightly then nodded his head. "You are right." Closing his eyes he slowly began to call up the warm rush from his inner being awakening the magic that lay deep within. In a few moments, the boy began to glow a soft yellow light as he reached out his mind to pin point the location of the winged guardian of the moon. To his dismay, he found his guardian already there. Taking a deep breath, he tried his best not to let Yue know who he was. "Yue-san… Your mistress… needs you…"

~*~

In the midst of the crowded super market, Yukito's head shot upward from his expedition to restock his cabinets and refrigerator. Deep within him, Yue had been stirring over some unknown reason, and he knew it had to deal with Sakura. Yue-san? What's wrong? At his side the girl with long blue hair sudden went completely still.

Turning away from the boy with silver colored hair, she closed her eyes and cursed her master's timing. Of all the times to call on Yue-san… You had to pick the moment I was enjoying Yukito-kun! Whimpering softly, she decided it best just to back away quietly into the shadows giving Yue a chance to leave without having Yukito worry about her.

As she slipped away she caught one last glimpse of the young man as his eyes closed in concentration. I hope there was a good reason for this Even-san…With a few frustrated sighs, she turned away with out looking back.

Tsukishiro-san… My mistress needs me… Yukito sighed then gave a nod of his head. Turning to say something to his companion, he found that she was already gone. "How strange…" Shaking his head, he put down the items he was holding and rushed out of the market in order to let Yue take over. Shrinking back into the shadows of a small alleyway, he looked about to make sure he was alone.

When Yue was sure no one was around, elegant blue white wings slipped out from Yukito's back and cocooned about him as the circle of Clow appeared beneath him. As the feathers parted the one that remained was the startling figure of the moon guardian. Taking a deep breath, he launched himself into the air and followed the aura he labeled as Sakura. I wonder what's wrong with Mistress… And… who called me…? Traveling as fast as he was able to in broad daylight, all Yue could think of was finding Sakura and helping her out of whatever distress she was in.

~*~

Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as she huddled beneath a cherry blossom tree near the outskirts of the campus. Sakura knew that at the rate she was going, she was going to miss her next class, but she didn't care. This week had been horrible and all she wanted to do was lock her self away and give up. Time found her curled into the fetal position sobbing uncontrollably as the stress that had been building up inside of her was finally being released.

"Why? Why do I have to be alone? First I lose Syaoran-kun… then Eriol-kun turns me down… and… and…" The sobs began to wrack her body making her tremble like a leaf in the midst of a violent storm. "I'll be alone for hundreds of years… and with everything that's gone wrong so far… I don't know how I'll make it! I can't even do anything right for Yue-san!"

The sobs slowly faded to soft whimpering as she began to think about the guardian of the moon. Why did he even bother to put up with her? Gasping for a breath she closed her eyes more tightly than before and tried to block out any more pain from entering her shivering form. Yue watched her for a moment sadly not knowing what to do or even say to his sweet little mistress. Moving closer he attempted to speak only to be halted by a choked whisper coming from her. "He probably hates me too…"

Jumping back in astonishment, the white haired angel searched his memory persistently trying to figure out when he'd given her that impression. He couldn't even conceive the idea of such a thing. Anyone that hated her had a serious mental problem, that he was sure of. Kneeling down beside her he reached out a slender hand that carefully caressed her cheek wiping away some of the tears there. "Sakura-sama… why do you think that?"

In a flash, Sakura sat up and violently attempted to wipe her tears away. Holding her breath she forced the whimpering and sobs to die away then looked at Yue with reddened eyes. The eyes always told the truth, and there was no way she could hide that from him. "Think what Yue-san? Ano… why are you here?" Desperately she attempted to change the subject feeling terrible that she had made him worry about her any at all.

Yue shook his head lightly and brushed her bangs from her eyes nonchalantly never once breaking his stoic expression. "Some one called me… I don't know who… but they were worried about you…" Closing his eyes a moment he replayed the words in his head and couldn't shake the feeling that he'd heard that voice before. "Sakura-sama… I don't hate you…"

Sakura blinked her large eyes of jade then collapsed against the white robed boy. She didn't know why, but all she wanted to do was stay right there in his arms and never move away. Trembling uncontrollably, Yue felt the worry inside growing quickly. Slipping a hand lightly through her hair, he marveled at how the strands slid through his fingers just as water would. Tilting her head upward, she caught his eyes and merely stared up at him for a moment. "Yue-san…"

Shaking his head slowly, he found that he had rose a hand gently to halt her words. He knew now why she was hurting, and he knew exactly how she felt. Living an eternity is like living in hell, unless you had someone to share it with. Truly, mortals didn't know just what they had. Hugging her tightly to him, he couldn't help but reflect on the pain he'd felt due to Clow. Now, she knew how he felt. That was something he never wanted her to experience. "Sakura-sama… Just rest… It will help to calm your thoughts…"

Nodding slowly, the small card mistress allowed her heavy eyelids to close and her body to fall limply against his. Readjusting himself so that he could lean against the tree, he gently pulled her into his lap and watched her sleep there peacefully. Sighing softly he allowed his own eyes to close before whispering very lightly words he hadn't meant her to hear. "You'll notice me someday… won't you Sakura?"

Sakura felt light all of a sudden as one eye opened tiredly to stare into the smooth face of porcelain that was far more relaxed than seemed possible. What do you mean Yue-san? You… called me… Sakura… Yue-san… As she slowly slipped away into the depths of sleep, she didn't realize three sets of eyes watching her intently.

Even let out a long sigh and nodded his head happily. "That was a wonderful idea Crinis-chan!" The cat beamed at him with equal happiness then stuck her tongue out at the girl beside them. Long strands of light blue hair trailed out in the breeze as she let out a frustrated sigh.

"Don't be so morose Sidereal-chan… You'll have other times to flirt with his false form… just as long as you leave Yue-san alone…" The girl nodded to Even slowly then looked at him with sad golden eyes. "Is something the matter Sidereal-chan?"

"Ano… I wasn't suppose to fall for a mortal Even-san… Nor for the false form of Yue-san… Why did this happen?" Even watched her with a sympathetic gaze then smiled lightly in an attempt to cheer her up.

"Do not worry my sweet Sidereal-chan… you are quite capable of love and emotions… Do not fear them… The problems you so fear will mean nothing soon enough. I promise." Sidereal blinked at the young man a few times then jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly.

Hugging her back gently, Even couldn't help but smile even more broadly than before. "Arigauto Even-san! You're the best!" Closing his eyes he continued to hug his friend and guardian feeling warmth run through him in waves. There was nothing he loved more than to see the smiles on Crinis and Sidereal's faces, nothing at all. Except maybe… someday seeing a smile on Yue's face as well.

~*~

Eriol walked home slowly scowling more with every step. Things were going wrong, so very wrong. The worst part was that he had someone intent on his ruin, and he had no idea whom. Though, no physical harm had occurred, the emotional torment was getting to him. Stopping in mid stride he started to figure things out. Like a flood of mist, his mind became clouded with visions of his dream, and just as he was about to see the face of his opponent a high pitched screech knocked him back into reality. "ERIOL-SAN!!! Help me!"

Spinning about he didn't have time to see what hit him. Toppling down to the ground he clenched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth. As they hit the ground with a thud, Eriol groaned in exasperation. "NAKURU! You better explain yourself and FAST!"

The false form of Ruby Moon clung to her master as if her world depended on it while she cautiously looked over her shoulder. "You have to save me Eriol-san! If I have to be around HER any longer I swear I'm going to kill myself!"

"Then why not do it?" The steady monotone of Spinel Sun's voice interrupted her in mid sentence causing Nakuru to glare at the cat with all her might. In return, the animal merely smirked, turning its predominantly green eyes toward the squashed master beneath his creation. "Daijoubu, Eriol-san?"

With the slight roll of his midnight blue eyes, Eriol pushed his glasses in a manner which straightened their position upon his nose. "Hai. Thanks for your concern Spinel-san." Turning his attention to Nakuru, he let out an angry sigh. "Nakuru… get off of me please."

Hesitantly the brunette hopped off of her master and looked around nervously trying to keep an eye out for the one person that scared her most. A voice suddenly broke the air causing Spinel to fall to the pavement acting as a toy and Eriol to slip in surprise. "NAKURU-SAN! There you are! Why'd you run off like that?" Smiling brightly, Sidereal hopped out into the clearing and waved at the suddenly wilted Nakuru. Blinking in surprise, she peered over Nakuru at Eriol who was struggling once more to get to his feet. The blue haired girl jumped past Nakuru happily and offered the boy with obsidian hair a hand all the while still smiling. "Konnichiwa! Can I help you up? Don't tell me Nakuru-san knocked you down and didn't apologize… Gomen ne!"

Eriol blinked in surprise before taking the girl's hand and rising to his feet. Half of her long sapphire hair was clamped up at the back of her head while the rest softly fell over her back and shoulders giving her an almost angelic look. He couldn't believe that Ruby Moon was running from such a polite girl. "It's all right. Nakuru and I are well acquainted and I am used to her rash ways."

The girl with long brown hair spun about to glare at her master as he talked happily with the smiling Sidereal. It wasn't fair. Everyone was drawn to the tall lithe like girl with flowing hair of sea blue. She hated it with all her heart. "Eriol-san…" In a meek voice, Nakuru brought her master's attention back to her. "Gomen nesai…"

In surprise, he stared at his creation wondering what had brought about such a cool composure. "It's ok Nakuru… Why don't you introduce me to your lovely friend."

Holding her breath a moment, she forced her temper to subside as she stepped up beside the other girl present while Eriol retrieved the frozen form of Spinel Sun. "Hai… Eriol-san, this is Starlet Sidereal-san. Sidereal-san… this is Hiiragizawa Eriol-san." Calmly she watched Sidereal shake Eriol's hand still forcing her self to stay calm the entire time.

Both Eriol and Sidereal watched Nakuru with wide eyes, not expecting such behavior out of the normally vibrant girl. Clenching her fists at her sides, she cast her dark colored eyes to the ground in order to keep the manner she was presenting. Sidereal smiled lightly and closed her eyes. I'm proud of you Ruby Moon… You're learning to control yourself… From behind them they heard a soft gasp bringing three sets of eyes to the source only to see the eldest Kinomoto and Tsukishiro standing about three yards away.

Touya was staring at Nakuru wide eyed with his mouth slightly gaping. Rushing forward he pressed a hand to her forehead while resting the other on his own. As the girl looked up at him in shock, she saw a look of bewilderment fill his features. "No, there's no fever…" He then took both of her shoulders into his hands then stared directly into her eyes with a serious expression. "Are you ill?"

Sidereal had to hold her breath in order to keep from giggling. Casting a glance over at Eriol, she saw his jaw gaping in even stronger disbelief than even Touya had displayed. With a warm smile, she gently pressed his chin upward in order to close his mouth. Turning the other way she placed her golden eyes on the person she had been waiting to see again all afternoon. "Konnichiwa, Yukito-san…"

Yukito blinked out of his spell of disbelief in order to look at Sidereal who was bowing to him in formal greeting. "K-konnichi-wa… Sidereal-san… Where did you go earlier today?"

Taking slow steps in his direction she heard Nakuru struggling to speak lowly and politely to Touya only causing him to narrow his eyes and accuse her of being on some sort of drug. Giggling under her breath, she stopped in front of the false form of Yue and smiled calmly. "I must have strayed away and gotten lost. I'm sorry. Forgive me?" Casting him a sulking look, she watched the soft red color flood into his cheeks unwarranted.

Eriol watched quietly a few yards back from the others while muttering quietly to Spinal whom was sitting in his hands with a rather amused look on his feline face. "This… is strange… Everything… is changing right beneath my eyes, and I don't even know how or why. I've never felt so… so…"

Spinel looked up into his master's troubled blue eyes and sighed. "Helpless? This is odd… Ruby Moon has never acted so… civil before. It's almost like she's trying to prove something…"

Nodding slowly, Eriol couldn't help but sigh sadly. "I'm losing my touch Spinel-san…"

"Iya, Eriol-san. Things will be revealed in due time. Don't lose hope." The young magician smiled and nodded to the small cat before looking up at the others. Whatever was going on, he'd find out eventually. But first things first, apologizing to Sakura.

~*~

Even stood just outside of Sakura's front door gazing at it contemplatively wondering whether or not he should knock. Eyes of amaryllis gazed about to make sure no one was home but her then he finally knocked softly. Pushing his braid of ebony over one shoulder he waited as he heard the thunder of footsteps running down the stairs inside. Suddenly the door flew open to reveal a disheveled Sakura with matted long honey brown hair and wrinkled jeans and T-shirt.

Blinking a few times, he finally met her deep green eyes and gave her a look of concern. "Are you all right Sakura-chan?" Sakura blinked and rose her gaze from looking at his pristine uniform and perfectly kept hair.

"Hai… I was just asleep that's all." Stepping aside she waved a hand inviting him in. "Please come in Even-kun. I'm sorry I'm such a mess."

Nodding politely, he stepped inside while removing his shoes. Turning back to face her, he indicated for her to walk ahead of him in a respectful manner. "You weren't present after lunch so I became worried. Your friends Chiharu and Yamazaki told me how to get here. They also asked me to tell you that they were worried as well. I heard that you and Eriol-san had a fight. Are you all right with it?"

Sakura felt a heavy shadow fall over her as she remembered the event in which her and Eriol had began to argue. She had never meant to hurt her close friend, but she was right in what she thought, wasn't she? Looking up at Even with wide eyes, she couldn't help but like the foreign exchange student. "It's all right. We'll make up eventually. We have never really fought before…"

"Sakura-chan… I'm sorry that I was the cause of it… I don't like to see you so hurt." Sakura looked up in surprise only to see a gentle smile on his pale ivory colored features. "Should I leave?"

Shaking her head emphatically, she automatically reached out and grabbed his hand tightly. "Please don't leave. Like I told Eriol-kun… I'm not going to stop being anyone's friends merely because he tells me not to. Would you like some tea?"

Watching her a moment intently, he finally gave a nod. "Would you like me to help?" The girl shook her head a few times before smiling softly and tugging on his hand in order to lead him up the stairs.

"You just make yourself comfortable in my room. Onnichan and Otousan will be home soon, so it'd be best if we go in there. It'll be quieter. That way we can talk!" Opening her door, she waved a hand inviting him in. Entering her room he nervously gazed about feeling as if eyes were staring at him coldly. "Make yourself at home Even-kun! I'll be right back!"

Hearing the door close, he looked about nervously until he found what he was looking for. On the desk near the window sat a small yellow plush doll with small bead eyes. With a small smile, he walked over to the desk and carefully lifted the doll into his hands. With sparkling eyes of violet he gazed into the eyes never once blinking. A feeling of worry seemed to ebb off the creature only making him smile more. Finally, Even sat the item down and sat upon the floor next to the bed. "It's all right Keroberos… I won't hurt you or your mistress."

The animal nearly collapsed onto the desktop breathing in gasps. "You're… you're!!!" Kero choked back his surprise while lifting himself into the air with his small wings. Flying over to Even, he hovered so that they were eye level. " I knew it! You're Orrin! Why are you here?"

Even blinked a few times then shook his head. "I only retain all of the memories of Orrin's lifetime… as well as his emotions and will…" Looking up, Kero flew back upon the sight of amethyst eyes turning nearly black. "I'm surprised you're the only one who realized it. Congratulations beast of the seal. You are truly smarter than you look."

Kero watched the smirk creep into his expression before he crossed his arms and frowned. "You know, you really hurt Yue by dying like you did."

"Keroberos… All people die. I never meant to hurt him." Even looked away to stare out of the window with saddened eyes.

"You died far too early. You were almost as powerful as Clow, yet much younger. So… what happened?" Even looked back at him with a cautionary glance.

"That is for only me to know. It doesn't concern you. But… could you do me a favor… If you must tell your mistress, don't tell her about my past. And whatever you do, don't tell Yue-san. I don't want to ever hurt him again. So it's better he not know I was reborn." Kero nodded slowly fully understanding what Even was talking about. "And so you know. My name is Even now. Starlet Even."

"Well… nice to meet you Even-san. Call me Kero… I like it better in a way." The small guardian did a loop in the air then grinned.

"Kero-chan…" Even smiled brightly then turned to his bag. "Why don't you meet my guardian. Crinis-chan… Come out and say hello."

"Your… guardian…?" Kero looked at the small white head that popped out of the school bag then turned to cast bright periwinkle eyes in his direction. Wiggling out of the bag, the small cat stretched gratefully and smiled at the other guardian.

"Konnichiwa!" The little girl voice chirped happily and waved a paw in his direction. Twitching her tiny fairy wings she hopped onto Even's shoulder and began to purr. "I'm Crinis! It's a pleasure to meet you Kero-san."

A non-existing eyebrow arched at the sight before him making him feel a little faint. "Eh heh… Ko-konnichi-wa… Crinis-san…" Just as the tiny white cat with black stripes began to giggle, the door opened and Sakura walked in. Setting down the tray in front of Even she nearly screamed as she saw her little yellow guardian hovering in Even's face.

"HOE!!!!" Turning her worried expression to Even, she was surprised to see a small kitten like plush toy. Blinking a few times she finally gave up and ran her fingers into her hair in frustration. "Please tell me what is going on!"

Even smiled warmly and rested a hand on her shoulder. "It's nothing Sakura-chan… I promise you I mean no harm to you, the cards… or your guardians. Quite the contrary, I want you all to be happy." Sakura's bright green eyes shimmered curiously before she gave a small nod of understanding.

"Sakura-chan… I told you that there were other magicians out there that were really strong. When Even-san walked in… I knew he was really strong, but I didn't think he'd recognize me. But don't worry… he's a good guy." Keroberos looped in the air still grinning before running over to the Playstation and turning it on. "Crinis-san! Wanna play with me?"

The little white cat blinked then looked up at her master with wide eyes begging for permission. Even smiled lightly and nodded sending her flying after Kero happily. "I'll beat you into the ground Kero-san! Be prepared!"

Kero began to laugh with an evil grin as the two sat before the console and launched themselves into a game of Dead or Alive 2. Sakura began to giggle before turning back to smile at Even lightly. "It seems your guardian gets along well with Kero-chan…" Pausing she fidgeted with her hands in her lap. "Wow… this… is so weird… I never suspected you of having magic powers."

The boy with ebony hair smiled lightly and nodded his head. "No one ever does. Sakura-chan… would you like me to brush your hair? You look really tired and tense. I know when Sidereal-chan does that for me… it relaxes me greatly. Even though I try desperately to get away from her when she gets that look in her eyes…" Even blinked a few times then shook away the thoughts.

Sakura began to blush lightly then nodded her head. "If you don't mind… having this long hair makes it rather difficult…" Even nodded in complete understanding as he rose to get the brush off of her desk. Kneeling behind her, he gently began to brush the tangles from her silken honey brown hair causing her to slowly close her eyes tiredly.

"Sakura-chan… can I ask where you went today? After you ran away from Eriol-san?" The girl before him shivered lightly as she began to reflect on what had happened earlier that day with Yue under the Sakura tree.

"A friend of mine found me… He… cheered me up…" Even began to smile warmly at the memories of seeing the two together while still brushing her hair lightly.

"Is he important to you?"

"V-very… He means… a lot to me…"

"Perhaps then… you may like him more than just as a friend?" Even smiled as she began to turn extremely red. Slipping his fingers through her hair, he tried to soothe out her sudden burst of embarrassment.

"Ano… I don't know…" Relaxing into his touch, she began to think about what had happened today with a new light on the matter. Did she perhaps feel something more toward him? "You know Even-kun… you may be right… I just might…"

This only made him smile more as he returned to brushing her hair. Moving to respond to her, the shrill cry of Crinis hindered his words. "Ha! I told you! Take that Keroberos!" Laughing for joy, the female cat turned to brag to her master only to find him brushing the mistress of the cards' hair. In anger she flew over to him and stomped her foot in the air. "MASTER! What are you doing?!?!?"

Sakura and Even looked at each other smiling nervously before launching into their excuse trying to explain just how innocent the situation was. As Sakura faced the wrath of Crinis, Even fell silent collapsing into his thoughts. It felt so good to have friends that understood him. But… It wouldn't last… because in the end, he'd always be enclosed within the invisible walls of his heart.

~*~

TBC…