Author's Note: I'm heading to the finish line at record pace! This story just flows! Wow! Thank you Six Underground for the wonderful review. I'll probably have this posted before anyone else can review since ff.net has gone wonky. ~sigh~ Heck, I might have the NEXT chapter done before ff.net is up. It's amazing how much writing I can do when I'm not reading. ~snickers~ Enjoy!
Solace--Final Interlude
Friendly Advice
"…kura-chan! This is a little awkward for me to--"
"Tsukishiro desu!"
"Um...this is Li Syaoran. Sakura-chan said I should call you."
"Oh! She's visiting you right now, isn't she? Tell her I said hi."
"Okay--"
"Syaoran-kun, you sound depressed. Is that why she wanted you to call?"
"It's more sinister than that--she called and handed off the phone to me."
"I can almost feel the glare you're giving her, but you'll only make her laugh that way."
"How did you know?"
"Don't sound so surprised! Magic, Syaoran-kun. Or did you forget?"
"You sound so happy that it's hard for me to remember. I was home when--"
"Relax. I'm not offended! What do you need?"
"Sakura-chan said I should ask your advice."
"Sakura-san seems to have been saying a lot today, but that's not what I asked. What do you need?"
"Relationship advice."
"Why do you think I--I mean, why does Sakura-chan think I can help?"
"Prior experience? Wisdom of the ages?"
"Isn't Eriol already over there? Why don't you two ask him?"
"Ha, ha. Very funny."
"I was serious actually."
"Because...he's half of the problem."
"..."
"Are you still there? Did we get disconnected?"
"I-I'm here. That just blindsided me. Sorry."
"Kisama--I knew this was a bad idea. I'm sorry I called, I'll--"
"No, it's okay. I think I might be able to help really."
"So it's true? You and--"
"That was a long time ago. Clow Reed is dead, why should it feel strange for Hiiragizawa Eriol and Tsukishiro Yukito be able to move on?"
"..."
"If Sakura-chan thinks I could help you, I want to help you. I have Touya now, so stop feeling guilty."
"...Okay. This is just getting more and more weird the more I keep talking though."
"Don't hang up, don't give up, let me see if I can make this easier. You're in love with Eriol-san. You are reasonably sure he returns your feelings. Somehow your family found out, and now you feel pressured to cut things off. Am I warm?"
"Dead on. I have a duty to the family to help strengthen the magic so we can maintain our responsibilities. I can't do that with another guy."
"Ah, you mean children. Touya and I have talked about adopting, but I don't think that's an option for your particular circumstance."
"Exactly. We need more magic in the family, and I need a child who will carry on my gift."
"I don't have a solution for you, Syaoran. I'm sorry."
"I don't know if there is a solution. I have to decide which choice I could live with myself after."
"I--I think you should follow your heart Syaoran. True love is rare and hard to find. The solution for your other problem will probably be a lot easier to find, and it's always easier to solve problems with help."
"You think there is a solution then?"
"I don't know, but as long as you're willing to try I don't think anyone in your family could fault you. I remember that your mother seemed very cold when we met her, but she loves you very much."
"She's the one who told me I have to make a choice."
"What if she didn't mean you have to choose between your duty or you love? What if the decision you have to make is between letting her run your life or deciding what is best for yourself."
"What?"
"She loves you and she's proud of you. She's been grooming you for this position your entire life. Let's just say I have a feeling that this could be one last test and one last lesson before she feels comfortable about letting you fulfill your destiny."
"I...I--wow. I have a feeling that you might be right. Even if it isn't, it's still my decision to make. I have to do what I think is best for everyone, including myself and Eriol. Thank you! I can't tell you how much this has helped me!"
"Good! Tell your mother and your sisters that Touya and I said hi, okay? Wait...To-ya, be nice...Tell your mother that Touya and I said hi. Tell your sisters that I said hi. Better?"
"I will!"
"By the way, Touya wants you to tell Sakura that she's an underhanded and devious monster for pulling this on you, but he applauds her this time."
"I'm not telling her that!"
"I only told you because he threatened to burn supper if I didn't."
"Okay, okay, I'll tell her you both said hi."
"I'll see you next time you visit! Bye!"
"Bye."
"Sakura-chan! Your brother wanted me to tell you that you're an underhanded and devious monster for doing this to me! I'm quoting, I swear! Wait! No! Stop tickling! Okay, okay, I left some of it off--"
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Final note: That is where I'll leave them...hehehe. I hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to drop me a line telling me what you thought. ~grins~
