Slim, pale fingers handled the contraption expertly and with great ease. Just a few more finishing touches and Sakura's project was as good as done.
Yukito saw a little movement from the corner of his eyes and turned just in time to see the little girl fumbling for words to say. "Um... thank you so much for your help!" A faint blush tinted Sakura's smooth cheeks as she bowed in gratitude. She was delighted that Yukito found it easy to make a bow and arrow; she wouldn't want to consume most of his time just for that.
Yukito eyed him with gentle, amber eyes and smiled. "It's no trouble, Sakura-chan. I'm very happy to do this for you."
Sakura beamed with happiness. She got over her crush on Yukito long ago but couldn't help feel ecstatic whenever the boy was near. Yukito's presence was very overwhelming in an enchanting way; the mere sight of the boy roused strong feelings she had hidden deep within her. Sakura knew past was past, but old habits die hard as well as feelings of attraction, regardless of time.
She still felt guilty though, lying to Yukito just so her brother can finally settle things between them. Perhaps she could make it up to him by using the handmade contraption in battle whenever she has the chance. But then Yue, the moon guardian and the other form of Yukito would be there too and she would be too embarrassed to use it in front of him. Sakura sulked and thought of other ways to make the bow and arrow of use to her. Oniichan better appreciate everything I've done for him, she thought wearily.
"...a-chan? Sakura-chan?" Yukito's gentle voice roused her from her contemplation and she smiled at him, her crimson-tinted face and uneasy laugh made it impossible for her to hide the embarrassment of having been caught spacing out. She gave a series of apologies before excusing herself to the kitchen. It was the perfect time to serve tea and snacks, she decided. Everything would be up to her 'niichan from this on.
Yukito blinked at Sakura's retreating form in confusion. He could have sworn something wasn't quite right with Touya's sister. She seemed awfully distracted and didn't even hear him calling her name. He would have given more thought to it when his best friend's voice came from behind him, startling him a little.
"Done with that yet?" Touya advanced in his direction and plopped himself on a nearby sofa. The bespectacled boy realized he was still holding the contraption and sent a gentle smile on his best friend's way.
"Un! It wasn't that hard for me really, and you know how much I love archery." His eyes were shining with genuine enthusiasm and happiness at the mention of the sport. Of all the sports he was amazingly good at, archery was still his specialty. The sport came so naturally to him; even he was surprised at how normal it was for him to execute it, like he had been doing it for decades. Of course, all of it had become clear to him the minute he discovered his other form. It had bothered him at first to realize that all of his abilities weren't really his own, that he shared it with some other being he wasn't even aware of until the time came when Touya offered that form all of his power. It wasn't only his abilities he had to share with Yue, his body was a big proof of how connected they were. He had to eat double or even triple of what a normal human being eats in order to sustain them both.
There had been a point in time where he couldn't embrace that fact entirely, how much he tried to surrender himself to the truth. The nagging feeling that somehow, everything he came to believe all his life, the memories he cherished, his very existence, was a mere distortion of the reality that he, Tsukishiro Yukito, was nothing but a false form, a convenience for Yue, something the moon guardian of the Clow Book can transform into whenever he felt the need to disguise himself, of his true nature. Yue 'was', and he 'was not'. Yue was the real one, the one truly existing and he was just a figment of Clow's imagination.
But then he realized that the very fact Yue, Keroberos and him were all created by Clow made him similar and equal to them. Sure, the magician had created them first, but they were all his creations nonetheless. If they were both real, then he was just as real as them. And the fact that he had made friends with Touya, made memories with him, memories of his 'own' and not Yue's was all he ever needed to finally accept the actuality of his existence and cease all thoughts of him merely cloaked in Yue's shadow.
Touya looked at his best friend in scrutiny. He had witnessed it all, from the way Yukito's eyes shone in delight of having mentioned archery, to the way it suddenly dimmed and he could see a dull trace of pain in those amber eyes, up to the point where he saw realization, understanding and satisfaction light up his best friend's face. He wondered what kept Yukito so engrossed in his own thoughts and was almost ready to scream murder when the beautiful, gentle and disgustingly sweet face of a certain girl named 'Mika-chan' entered and stained his poor mind.
He was growling so loudly that Yukito seemed to have snapped out of his trance and was now looking directly at him. "Is there something wrong, To-ya?"
Shit! He mentally kicked himself for lacking self-control. He could have given away his plans if he wasn't careful enough. He gave Yukito a somewhat strained smile and shook his head. "Ah, it's nothing Yuki. Just thought of the exams we need to study for."
"But, aren't they for a month or so To-ya?" Amber eyes blinked at him in confusion.
"Er," Touya began, fumbling for some sort of excuse. "I just thought I should give myself a head-start so I wouldn't be having any problems when the time comes." He finished rather lamely.
Yukito, fortunately for him, bought his excuse. "Sou desu ne." The pale boy agreed and smiled at him.
Whoa, down boy Touya felt himself warm up at the heart-stopping smile Yukito sent him. If he keeps this up, I may not be able to wait until later for my plan.
Luckily for him, Sakura entered just in time with tea and goodies in tow. "Eat first, Yukito-san, oniichan!" She beamed up at her former crush as she balanced the tray with her small hands. Yukito didn't wait for her to settle it on the table by herself and helped her carry the goodies-filled tray before any accidents occur.
"Ah.. arigatou Yukito-san! You helped me once again..." She smiled shyly at the pale boy, fingers playing with the hem of her skirt.
Touya rolled his eyes at the display. Can this scene scream any more sappiness? Sure, he loved his sister to death and as well as Yukito, but one can only take as much. One more sugary exchange and his whole body would rot.
"Hai.. hai.. arigatou kaijuu" He teased while escorting Sakura out of the living room. As much as he hated to shove his sister away, he desperately NEEDED some quality time with his Yuki. He decided now was the best time, or never. And 'never' was not particularly appealing to him anyway.
"Hey, no fair oniichan!" Sakura complained. Then she turned around, facing his brother as she spoke in a tone just loud enough for the both of them to hear. "Remember 'niichan, you owe me one for this." She finished with an adorable pout.
Touya rolled his eyes once more and ruffled his little sister's hair. "Yeah yeah, I get it already."
He could almost imagine what sort of "payment" his sister would require him for getting Yukito to stay the night. As adorable as Sakura was, she could be a real kaijuu at times. He just hoped the "payment" was in terms of household chores like washing dishes or cooking and not something else entirely.
Sighing in exasperation, he turned and marched towards his best friend who was currently gnawing at a luscious-looking cake their father made for them. Though for him, Yukito's lean form presented, by far a much, much prettier sight.
He felt himself growing awfully warm and awfully aroused at the thought. He winced inwardly as he mentally slapped his perverted self. Idiot! What the hell were you thinking? He's just inches away from you BAKA!
Touya smoothed his clothes and managed to restrain himself as he sat down next to Yukito. He 'harrumph-ed' and spoke. "Hey, you gonna chow all that?"
Yukito stopped abruptly and stared at him in horror. "Oh! I'm sorry To-ya! I was so hungry I didn't realize you haven't taken one yet! There's still some cookies left."
The tanned boy decided to go further with his teasing. "Oh.. so by some you mean those three little cookies over there..? How kind of you to think of me Yuki." Personally, Touya didn't care at all. He could watch the pale boy munch at any food and he'd be completely satisfied. Of course, anything beyond plain "watching" was much, much better for him
Yukito's reply cut off any perverted thoughts forming in his mind once more and he was relieved that he didn't have to do it by himself. "Geez, To-ya, I already said I'm sorry. If you want more, I could always make some for you at my place."
"Oh, no!" Touya cut him off abruptly. I couldn't have him leaving this house until I've completed my plan He frowned at the thought. Then he realized how sudden and suspicious his reply must have sounded when he saw Yukito's eyebrows drawing together in confusion. "Err, I mean, no need for that. I'm not really hungry anyways." He said with just a hint of nervousness.
"You finished with that yet? It's kinda getting late and I'm getting pretty sleepy too.." Or horny, he added in his mind.
For once, Touya was glad Yukito or his other self didn't have any telepathic abilities. He'd be in big trouble otherwise, what with his dirty mind broadcasting all sorts of perverted thoughts.
Yukito seemed oblivious to his best friend's musing though. He swallowed the last piece of the goodies Sakura prepared for them and gulped the rest of his tea. He beamed at Touya once more and replied. "Okay! Let's go, To-ya."
At that he stood up, carrying the tray with the empty plate of cookies and cake and less than half-filled kettle of tea.
Touya trailed behind him, grinning like a madman. Finally, I can start up with 'plan A' already He thought mischievously as he motioned the pale boy to go upstairs. It would prove to be an interesting night for him.
"Okay, calm down Touya you can do this" Touya whispered to himself in assurance as he faced his bathroom mirror. Yukito was at his bed already, waiting for him to come out so they could get the extra futon in his father's room. Little did he know that Touya wasn't planning on getting any extra futon and just share the single, 'king-sized' bed with him.
Touya knew staying at his bathroom for what seemed like an eternity isn't exactly the smartest thing to do at the moment. He was making Yukito suspicious, and not to mention wasting most of his precious time by lingering at the sink while debating on whether to pursue with his plan or not. He thought it would be as easy as a piece of cake for him to just go out there and seduce the hell out of his best friend, but once they entered his room, all feelings of confidence died in him. Left with paranoia, he excused himself to the bathroom and shut the door in a silly attempt to escape the current situation. He knew he couldn't stay there forever though.
The famous soccer player sighed for the nth time. It was kind of an irony for him really, that he, a famous soccer player, an A-student admired by tons and tons of girls and boys alike; he, who had faced almost all kinds of mishaps with pure confidence and determination, was currently locking himself up inside his bathroom in an attempt to avoid his best friend.
But this is different! He screamed in his mind.
He suddenly remembered the confrontation earlier with 'Mika-chan' and his features hardened. The smile on those seemingly angelic lips they were deceiving all right. Enough to deceive his gullible Yukito.
The thought had somehow helped him overcome his nervousness and fear. He had to try, didn't he? It was the only way to see if his best friend wanted him too. Mustering up enough guts, he finally placed one hand on the doorknob and turned it slowly.
Ready or not, here I come Yuki.
Yukito frowned. The pale boy hardly sported this kind of expression but right now he did. He was currently deep in thought, contemplating on Touya's longer-than-the-usual absence. I wonder what could be wrong
He shook his head and smiled at his silliness. There were a lot of reasons why Touya might be taking a long time in the bathroom. Simple reasons like uh, excreting waste and stuff. Or perhaps cleaning himself up. Whatever the reason is, Yukito decided it was just a normal thing.
Finally, after a few more minutes (though it seemed like forever for the tanned boy), Touya stepped out of the bathroom and closed the door. He walked towards the closet as the pale boy spoke.
"To-ya," Yukito started, "what took you so long?"
Touya froze on his tracks and nervously spoke. "Oh, heh. Sorry about that. Had to do some 'thing' you know."
"Oh.." The pale boy nodded in understanding.
Good, he bought it. Now, to work! Touya rummaged at his closet and found the red, silk boxers he had been hiding under the sweatshirts. Now, I'll just put this on and let my body do the talking
"Erm, To-ya?" The tanned boy was halfway from removing his shirt when Yukito called him. He turned to the pale boy, removing the last of his upper clothing and replied. "Yes, Yuki?"
Yukito tilted his head sidewards and asked. "What are you doing?"
Touya swallowed nervously as he draped his shirt on a nearby chair. "What does it look like I'm doing?" Shit! Has he found me out yet?
"Well.." The pale boy's voice trailed off for a second, then he continued, "we were supposed to get the extra futon in your father's room remember?"
Oh, so THAT is what he's talking about Touya almost cried in relief as he understood what Yukito was trying to say. "Oh, it's okay Yuki. We won't be needing that. We could just share my bed anyways." He tried to make his voice sound casual though in his mind he was screaming: Oh god.. oh god.. oh god! How's he gonna take that?
Luckily, the pale boy didn't seem to mind. "Okay."
Touya blinked in confusion. That's it? Boy, this'll be easier than I thought.
He turned around, facing his closet as he resumed his undressing. From behind him he could hear Yukito getting himself ready for bed too, but he pretended he didn't notice. He was undressing himself slowly, thoughts of seducing Yukito in mind. When he couldn't hear anything anymore, he decided Yukito must have finished fixing himself up already. Good! Then all of his attention would be directed solely to me!
Snickering inwardly, he continued unbuttoning his pants and removed them then slowly, he slid off his boxers Ooh! Yukito must be sporting a nosebleed by now, seeing my firm, tanned form devoid of any clothing. My entire, luscious body displayed solely for those innocent eyes of his...
Still ever-so-slowly, he reached out for his red, silk boxers and put them on in the most "seductive" way he could manage. Heh, let's see Yuki resist this one. Feast your eyes on this Yuki!
Giving himself one final snicker, he turned around and faced his best friend
And was faced in turn by no one but a sleeping Yukito.
It was all Touya could do not to claw his eyes out in frustation. He didn't know if he was going to be angry or just laugh at his pathetic predicament. After... after everything I've planned.. after I've carefully planned all these, after putting on a good show he just sleeps on me?
Touya groaned loud enough to wake the dead (unfortunately, not Yukito) as he sat on his bed. He shifted his eyes on his best friend's sleeping form and sighed. Touya got to admit though, even if his plan didn't go perfectly, watching an adorable Yukito sleeping peacefully on his bed was already very rewarding.
Sighing once more, he stood up and changed into his usual, boring night clothes and joined Yukito to bed. Before he fully tucked himself under the sheets, he reached for the drawer, took out a notebook and turned it on the last page. After doing some scribbling, he finally shut it and placed it back in the drawer. The notebook read:
Plan A: Seduction (FAILURE) X
Plan B: USE SOCCER - Fake an injury and play damsel.. er, guy in distress