A/N: Thanks for the reviews!! I'm really happy that you all are enjoying my ficcie. And sorry for the delay in updates, because sometimes I just can't get my chapters uploaded on fanfiction.net. Site overload or something.

This chapter is rather emotional, as I look into the feelings of each main character. And expect some fluff as well, but I'm not going to tell you now between who and whom. Heh heh heh.

I kind of feel sad for Touya, cuz it's pretty obvious now that Yukito only loves Sakura. But this story revolving mainly round Yue, Yukito and Sakura, I'm afraid Touya has to take a side seat. Don't worry! I'm sure Ruby Moon will be more than happy to join him in the side-seat. *Evil grin*

Touya: Nooooooooooooo, please don't leave me at the mercy of the lioness! And lunatic!

Ruby Moon: WHO are you calling a lioness and lunatic huh? I'll show you crazy……*mumbles and dragged Touya off somewhere by his collar*

Yukito: Gomen, To-ya………… *sobs and waves a white hanky in the air* Bye……..

Touya fading screams: You guys are heartless!!! arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Authoress: I regret to censor the following that happened to Touya as it's just too cruel for young innocent eyes……*shudders*

CHAPTER TEN: NEW EMOTIONS

"Master, you seem happy, something good happened?" Spinel asked curiously. Eriol gave his a mysterious smile. His thoughts were on a certain green-eyed girl, who had touched his heart with her kind words and hug just now.

Sakura, you are much more than I expect you to be. Strong-willed but gentle at heart, kind and understanding. You are my other reincarnated half's daughter, so I've always felt tenderness towards you. You are really one-of-a-kind, a precious gem that I wish to treasure and protect always. But I know I can't protect you as much as I wish, and I'm grateful that Yue's by your side.

Yue. From Clow's memories, you loved Clow with all your heart. But Clow couldn't return your feelings; he loves you like he love his own child. He had hoped that his plans would assure your happiness, and it seems all is going well. I truly hope you will find the happiness you deserve, and I'm confident Sakura will be the one to give you that peace and joy you seek.

But Clow couldn't predict everything. He didn't expect……………he didn't expect his reincarnated self to fall in love with Sakura. In fact, I didn't think I would too. I mean, how would an old soul trapped in a child's body ever find the right person to love?

Love is strange; it grabs hold of you at the oddest moments, catching you unaware, till you are helpless but to succumb to it. Yes, I think I'm falling for you, my dear, sweet Sakura-chan.

Eriol closed his cerulean eyes and laid back on his large red sofa-chair. Sighing, his last thought before he fell asleep was, fate likes to play cruel jokes.

And in the future, an older Eriol was dreaming of the past. He saw how Sakura comforted his younger self, her kind words and promise to be his confidante. And his feelings changed. The older Eriol was experiencing some mixed emotions from the dream. Understanding the dream showed scenes from the past, the past that Sakura is currently in, he shook his head. "Sakura-chan, you really changed the future, you know. What I felt for you before you returned to the past is so different now. I still feel the same tenderness and affection towards you that I felt before, but now, I also have a stronger emotion – LOVE. Not the friend-kind but the romantic-kind. Oh dear, this is such a tangled web……….." He looked down at Sakura's body, the fourteen year-old one that seems to be sleeping peacefully. "What do I do with this burning love I have for you now?" His whisper was tortured, his smile bittersweet.

Back in the past, Sakura, with her newfound understanding of Eriol and renewed promise of friendship, discovered a new bond she feels towards Eriol. The kind, responsible and caring boy who always understands and supports her no matter what happens. She too, feels something new stirring in her heart.

A brand new morning arrives, and since it's Saturday, Sakura had a longer sleep. She wasn't as exhausted as she felt when she first tried to raise her powers, but still a little tired. Especially since she arrived home late last night after talking to Eriol for a long time. Kero-chan was already sleeping like a pig and snoring soundly when she got back. Having a heavy load of her mind after confiding in Eriol, she hummed happily as she went downstairs to prepare breakfast. She hadn't had such a good appetite since she returned to the past. Even Touya didn't want to spoil her good mood by teasing her, glad that her spirits have picked up. He had been secretly worried about Sakura recently, and was glad she seems happier now.

Tomoyo had invited Sakura to her house for some costumes fitting, and she had accepted. Kero-chan wanted to join, of course, for Tomoyo always served good snacks when they visit. But surprisingly, Tomoyo had requested that Sakura come alone, giving the reason that she had some 'girl-talk' to do. Kero-chan pouted and nearly went into a tantrum until a large amount of sweets and desserts were promised.

Sakura got to Tomoyo's house in the afternoon, and she was ushered in quickly. "Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo greeted her happily, her lavender eyes glimmering with joy.

"Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura waved. They chattered and reached Tomoyo's room. She closed the door and waited for the snacks and drinks to arrive before getting to the topic she wanted to talk to Sakura about.

"Sakura-chan, we are good friends right?" Tomoyo looked at Sakura earnestly.

"Of course Tomoyo-chan! What's wrong? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Sakura asked in a worried tone.

"I'm happy you are concerned about me, but no, I'm not in any trouble." Tomoyo took a deep breath and launched her questions.

"But are you? Are you in any trouble, Sakura-chan? I feel that you have something weighing on your mind since the day before Yukito-san's archery match. If I can help you with anything, please don't hesitate to tell me!" Tomoyo took Sakura's hands in hers and stared deep into her bright green eyes.

"I……..I……Arigatou, Tomoyo-chan." Sakura was touched. She lowered her head as she felt guilty for not telling her best friend the truth. Tears fell as she warred internally, not knowing whether she should tell Tomoyo, yet wanting very much to tell her because of her kindness and caring offer to help.

Tomoyo was startled when Sakura cried, and she drew Sakura into a warm embrace. Her pale hands caressed Sakura's back in a comforting motion.

Oh, Sakura, I didn't mean to make you cry! Is it so hard for you to approach me, to confide in me? No matter what it is, I will always help you, support you, and love you. Yes, I love you, ever since you offered me your easer in fourth grade, and your kind gesture bound my heart to yours. What happened to you, Sakura? You were always so cheerful, but since that day, there's been a sadness lurking within the depths of your beautiful emerald-green eyes. Sadness that I wish to erase for you, to share with you if you allow me to. But you didn't. Your brave smiles, assuring replies didn't convince me that you are really all right. I know, I know you are suffering, why don't you let me help you? I will do anything for you, don't you know that? Even die for you, if I have to. As long as you are happy, I'll be happy and contented to just be by your side. Your happiness is mine, so is your sadness. My heart is breaking from the shadows that lie beneath your tired eyes, as you become thinner and more worn-out day by day. Please Sakura, please let me help you.

Tomoyo's hand crept up to Sakura's head as she patted her affectionately. She pressed her lips onto her luxurious honey-brown tresses, breathing in the cherry-blossom scent that never fails to give her delight. She longed to kiss away Sakura's tears, but since her tear-streaked face was still snuggled on her shoulder, Tomoyo can't see how she could manage to do that. Even if she could, she probably wouldn't, not wanting to alarm Sakura with her inappropriate actions between friends. Yes, friends, and that's all they are. That's all Tomoyo is contented to be, as long as Sakura's happy.

Sakura's cries faded into sniffs, and she made up her mind to tell Tomoyo what happened. It doesn't matter anyway, since Yue, Kero-chan and Eriol already know. And I won't tell her about HER future, just what brought me back and what I have to do before I return to my time.

Again, she related the events that led her back to the past, and the time warp that caused her to get stuck in her fifth-grade body and life. Sakura also confided in Tomoyo her real goal here, to grow in her magic till it's enough to sustain Yue and Yukito-san. So that Touya doesn't need to sacrifice his powers.

Tomoyo had listened quietly, but she brought up something that Sakura hadn't thought of. "When you return to your time, would your fifth-grade aura still be as strong as you have trained it to be? Or will it revert back to level before you came?

Sakura's eyes widened with horror. That's right! Why didn't I think of this? If it reverts back to how it was before I took over, then……..then Yue and Yukito-san will be in trouble! I can't risk that! That means………..that means I'm stuck here, to relive my life for another three years before I grow to my original age of fourteen! God! I must tell Eriol about this or he'll be worried!

"Tomoyo-chan, thank you for reminding me of such a crucial point! I better contact Eriol-kun my time to ask him about this."

Tomoyo was surprised at how familiar Sakura is with Eriol-kun, but decide that now's not the time to ask her about this, seeing how worried she is. Tomoyo kept the questions in her mind.

In the future…………are you a couple with Eriol-san? He seems fairly nice, gentle and mature, but I thought you love Yukito-san? Or, did something happen to change your mind? Hmm……….poor Li-kun, you've got serious competition now. I wonder how Li's relationship with Sakura is like in the future. Maybe even closer to her than Eriol-san huh? And how about myself? Am I still friends with Sakura, by her side? I couldn't bear it if I'm not. I think I would rather die than not be friends with Sakura.

Meanwhile, Sakura was oblivious to everything except for focusing on locating Eriol's aura in the future. It's probably futile, what with one younger Eriol here now in Japan, disrupting her search. Something clicked in Sakura's mind as she thought of an idea. "That's it! I'm sure the Eriol-kun of NOW will know what to do! Gomen, Tomoyo-chan, I've got to leave now, see you tomorrow at school! And thanks again for lending me your shoulder!"

Tomoyo saw Sakura out of her house with a sad expression on her face, as she whispered, "Sorry Sakura-chan, sorry that I can't be of much help, no matter how much I wish I could."

Sakura was half-way to Eriol's house when she remembered about Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun. Eriol-kun wouldn't want his guardians to know about this, I think. I'd better contact him before dashing to his house unannounced. Now, what's his phone number……..

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she bumped into someone and stumbled. A hand caught hers and steadied her. "Yukito-san!" Sakura was pleasantly surprised to see him.

"Sakura-chan, are you all right?" Yukito asked with concern reflecting in his amber eyes.

"Hai! Daijoubu! Arigatou, Yukito-san! Where are you going?"

He smiled cheerfully and replied, "I'm going for lunch! Are you free? Do you want to join me?"

Sakura made a quick decision, "Yes, of course!" and she thought, I'll call Eriol after lunch. I won't be going back to the future any time soon, anyway.

Yukito suggested getting some food and going to the park for a picnic, to which Sakura readily agreed. And she would have agreed to have lunch with Yukito in the flames of hell if he had asked her to.

They got some delicious gourmet pastries at a nearby deli before choosing a nice quiet spot to have their picnic at the park. It was a wonderful cloudless, sunny day, the perfect day for outdoor activities. Basking in the warm of the sun's rays, they enjoyed each other's company very much. Sakura suddenly thought of telling Yukito about Yue existence, thinking this would be a good time to prepare him for the truth. She pondered over her words, wondering how to break it to him. Should it be subtle hints or………..

Unknown to her, Yukito was also thinking about telling Sakura something. About his growing feelings for her. He didn't want to scare her by professing his love out of the blue, but this was such a good chance. Gathering his courage, Yukito placed his hand over Sakura's and stared deep into her eyes.

"Huh? Yukito-san?" She jerked a little when she felt his hand close over hers.

"Sakura-chan………I have something to tell you." He murmured amorously. She gulped, not knowing what Yukito wants to tell her, but heart thumping in anticipation.

"You are an extraordinary person, Sakura-chan. I like you very much, and I think I will like you even more in the future. You hold a very special and dear place in my heart, one that nobody can replace. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Yukito decided to go with the gentle approach, as Sakura is still very young. He doesn't mind waiting for her, no matter how many years it take. But he wants to know what she feels about him. His thumb rubbed over a spot on Sakura's smooth hand tenderly.

Sakura's heart soared at Yukito-san's confession. She was exhilarated that like Yue, Yukito-san returns her feelings. She had wondered about it, of course, and now that she got a confirmation, she felt happiness descending upon her and wrapping around her in a cloak of tender-loving warmth. She was so touched that tears were choking in her throat. Not trusting herself to speak, she embraced Yukito, arms tight around him, hoping her actions could reply his question.

She returns my feelings for her? Yes, I can feel love radiating from her hug, but dare I believe it's for me? Why do I get the feeling that this has happened before? That's strange………..

Sakura's next actions took Yukito's mind off his doubts. She lifted her head and placed her lips on his. He blinked, wishing it's real but thinking that it's a dream. Her hands snaked its way up to his silvery hair, and got tangled there as she drew him closer. He returned her kiss, but drew back when something nagged at him in the back of his mind.

Yue was furious. He still believes Yukito to be his false form, and was in a rage that Sakura, his Sakura, was kissing Yukito. And the nerve of Yukito to return her kiss! Glancing around through Yukito's eyes to make sure there's nobody near, he transformed.

"Huh?" Sakura eyes popped open when Yukito stepped away from her and a bright light enveloped his entire form. White wings sprang from his back and closed around him. Then, Yue appeared, with a barely suppressed angry expression on his face.

"Yue?" Sakura was bewildered.

"Why are you kissing Yukito?" Yue demanded before he could stop himself. He knew he had no right to question his mistress in any way, especially not in this rough tone, but he just couldn't help it. His anger was clouding his judgment and getting the better of him.

"Because I love him, of course." Sakura replied simply, not understanding that Yue believed himself to be separate from Yukito.

He drew in a sharp breath, and he gave Sakura a hurt look. Understanding finally dawned on her, and just in time, for Yue spread his wings and was going to change back into Yukito to fulfill his mistress wishes.

"Wait, Yue! I love Yuki like I love you! To me, you are both the same, two minds sharing the same body and born of the same heart. To love Yuki is to love you, and to love you is to love Yuki, because both of you are one in my heart." Sakura proclaimed sincerely, grabbing on to Yue's hands in case he escapes.

Yue was stunned. He struggled within, with the fact that Sakura has presented in the few simple words she said. Simple words, but words that hold the wealth of truth that resonate in his mind. And finally, he accepted it. Because he knew Sakura wouldn't lie to him, and because deep inside, he had always known this truth, but had simply rejected it. He sighed in acceptance and held Sakura's hands to his lips, kissing them in apology.

"I'm so sorry, Sakura."

"No, Yue, you don't have to apologize. As long as you understand now, it's okay." Sakura cuddled up to Yue, glad that he's finally seen the light. She frowned as Yukito broke into her thoughts.

"What about Yuki? He doesn't know about you yet, right?"

"No."

"You've got to let him know! Please, Yue, break the truth to him as gently as you can, onegai." Sakura pleaded.

"I'll try." Yue promised.

"Okay, and do let him know SOON. It's not fair to him otherwise………Remember to tell him that I love him, like I love you. I think it'll help." Sakura suggested and wondered how Yue is going to handle things. He nodded. Suddenly Sakura sensed some people coming in their direction, and she suggested that Yue transform back into Yukito. He complied, but not before placing a sweet, warm kiss on Sakura's lips. "Goodbye, my love." Sakura smiled, happiness shining in her eyes, as this is the first time Yue has called her so intimately.

Yukito appeared as Yue retreated into the back of his mind. "Huh? I thought I was sitting down on the grass?" He scratched his head in puzzlement. Sakura cracked a nervous smile. Yukito looked down at her and his eyes softened, recalling the kiss they had shared. Sakura flushed, and looked flustered. I'd forgotten I made the first move again! Argh! Would Yuki think that I'm too forward? He doesn't know I'm actually fourteen years old. Hoeeeeeee!

Sakura's thoughts were interrupted by a gentle caress on her cheek, and she looked up to see Yukito smiling at her. She swallowed her nervousness; she doesn't know why she always felt so shy in front of Yukito. Maybe she never fell out of the crush she had on him. But any how, she needs to make her feelings known to Yukito. Sakura spoke in a trembling voice, "I like you very much too, and I think…….NO, I KNOW I love you." There, she's managed to get the words out. She let out the breath she didn't know she's been holding. Yukito beamed, overjoyed. He was so happy that his arms lifted Sakura and began to swing her in the air, circling and laughing. Sakura squealed in surprise, then laughed too.

Sakura had forgotten about looking for Eriol till later that night, when she was preparing for bed. I'll look for him tomorrow, after I get something for Yuki. She had decided to get something for Yukito as an encouragement, knowing how much of a blow the truth will be when Yue reveals it all. The next morning, she went shopping, searching for the perfect gift to express her feelings. And in the display-window of a quaint little shop, she found it. It was a round-faced watch, with straps the color of Yukito's and Yue's hair. The style was exquisite, but it was the picture on the face of the watch that caught her attention. There was a snowy-white rabbit leaning against a crescent Moon, and cherry blossoms that form a heart framed the rabbit and the moon. She clapped her hand in gee and purchased it. To her relief, the watch wasn't too expensive, and her savings were more than enough. After the sales lady wrapped it, she ran happily to Yukito's house. Luck was on her side as Yukito was at home, sweeping his lawn.

"Ohayo!" Sakura called out cheerfully.

"Ohayo, Sakura-chan!" Yukito was glad to see her, though he had no idea why she's here on a Sunday.

"Yuki…….ah, I mean Yukito-san, I've got something for you." Sakura blushed as she had uttered his nickname without thinking.

"Sakura-chan, please call me Yuki. I like it better. Oh? What have you got for me? You should have gone to the expense, you know. I'm happy just to see you." Yukito smiled warmly at her.

"Ah, ok, Yuki. I got you a watch. I hope you like it." She thrust the box at him shyly.

"Arigatou!" He unwrapped it carefully and open the box. "Kawaii!!" He exclaimed happily. (A/N: I know it's strange to give a guy such a cute looking watch, but somehow it suits Yuki and can convey Sakura's encouragement for him. Besides, Yuki loves Sakura now, so even if Sakura gives him a tutu-skirt and asks him to wear it, dancing around the lawn, he probably would have done so happily. HAH HAH HAH)

Yukito took the watch and put it round his wrist, securing the velvety straps. He gave it another admiring look before thanking Sakura again.

She beamed, glad that he liked her gift. "Yukito-san, this watch is for you, to remind you that no matter what happens, I'll be by your side." Remembering she still got to look for Eriol, she hurriedly bid a goodbye to Yukito.

Yukito was having an afternoon nap and he was dreaming.

He found himself standing in front of a clear blue lake, green moss grass beneath his feet. A soft breeze ruffled his hair. The full moon was glowing brightly, so Yukito could make out his surroundings easily. The rays of the moon cast an ethereal glow on the lake, drawing his attention to its surface. A ripple appeared, and instead of his own reflection, he saw an angel. An otherworldly beautiful angel, with large white wings, long silky silver tresses and eyes the color of the moon, silvery with specks of violets.

"Who are you?" Yukito whispered, afraid that the angel will disappear. He spoke into Yukito's mind directly.

"I am Yue." And being not so adept with words, Yue decided to explain to Yukito through his memories of what he is when he was created by Clow, how Clow died and left him with the duty of choosing a new master for the cards. How he slept in the book for centuries before a candidate for the cardcaptor came along. For the first time in his long existence, Yue's heart opened like a book. Sakura has opened his heart, chase away his insecurities, and filled his entire being with love. And with love, comes the courage to face the truth, to reveal himself to his other half, Yukito.

Yue didn't want to scare Yukito, as Sakura has reminded him to be gentle with his revelations. So he stopped showing Yukito his memories when they reached the part of how Yukito was created. Instead, he spoke gently, with kindness. "And when the candidate for the cardcaptor of the Clow book arrived, I woke up. Though I have to be near the cardcaptor, I cannot reveal my real self till the cardcaptor has collected all the cards, thus I created another me, by splitting my soul into half."

"Since Clow died, I wanted to follow him in his death, but he forbids me. I felt betrayed, and so hurt that I shut my heart, not allowing anyone to get close to me. Filled with sorrowful memories, I decide that my other self doesn't need these pains, so I gave him beautiful, happy memories. And these memories helped to form his personality, a warm, kind and gentle person, someone I wanted to be, but I can't. I am too deep in pain to do so. My other self has no idea of my existence, and I liked it this way. Perhaps I wanted to look at the world through different eyes, or maybe I wanted to live a dream, a dream I know I can't possibly fulfill being what I am. I learned many valuable things through him. And I'm thankful, grateful that I created him, not regretting a moment that I have to share my body with him."

"I would never have the courage to face my other self, if not for my mistress, the cardcaptor who captured not only the Clow cards, but my heart. The one pure soul who saw through my other self, loving not only the warm and gentle personality of my other half, but me, the one inside, with hurt, insecurities and unapproachable demeanor. She saw me clearly for what I am, a soul and a mind split into two, but governed by the same heart."

Yue paused. He raised his hand and drew back the cloth that covered his wrist. And Yukito saw the watch; the same watch that Sakura has given him, on Yue's pale wrist. He gasped, and the truth hit him like a ton of bricks. Yue nodded, he finally got his point across. The horror on Yukito's face made his heart clenched, and wanting to encourage him, to share with him, Yue showed him the memories of Sakura.

Yue showed Yukito the first kiss that he had with Sakura in the cave, the time they were together, dealing with the strange events and changing the Clow cards into Sakura cards. And finally, he showed Yukito the scene where Sakura has declared the love for both of them, when Yue had demanded why she had kissed Yukito. Her explanation rang crystal clear in Yukito's mind.

"Yue! I love Yuki like I love you! To me, you are both the same, two minds sharing the same body and born of the same heart. To love Yuki is to love you, and to love you is to love Yuki, because both of you are one in my heart."

And Yukito gave up his struggle, as tears fell from his amber eyes. He had been horrified when he realized that Yue's other self is he, that all memories of his past, his grandparents, his childhood, were false. Yukito had nearly broken down; he didn't want to believe that he was living a lie, living someone else's dreams. His heart grew cold, and he wanted to hide, retreat to the back of his mind and shut out this terrifying truth. But memories of Sakura flooded into his mind, and he was washed over with warm, almost hearing her cheerful encouragement.

Now he understood why she said those words to him when she gave him the watch earlier on in the morning. "Yukito-san, this watch is for you, to remind you that no matter what happens, I'll be by your side."  He looked down at the round surface of his watch, at the picture of the rabbit leaning against a crescent moon, both surrounded by cherry blossoms that formed a heart around them. Then the next words of Sakura, her declaration of love for both him and Yue confirmed his thoughts. That Sakura doesn't seem them as separate entities; to her, Yukito is as real as Yue, and she loves them both equally for they essentially are one and the same.

Yukito sighed in acceptance. "Yue, could you solidify and appear before me, instead of being a reflection in the lake?"

Yue was taken aback, but did as Yukito requested. There was a ripple in the water before he disappeared. The sound of something rustling made Yukito turn around. He thought that Yue was more beautiful in the flesh than ever. An angel. My angel. Yukito smiled wistfully. Yue had his arms folded across his chest, a seemingly cool expression on his face. But Yukito could see the doubts lurking in his eyes, as if he is preparing himself for rejection.

He walked towards Yue and hugged him tightly, showing his acceptance of the truth, and of him. Yue stiffened in shock. He had been mentally prepared for the worst. Then he relaxed as he felt Yukito's acceptance and love flowing into his mind with warmth. The two handsome figures stood locked in embrace for a few moments, before the one wearing glasses stepped back and smiled with tenderness.

"Thank you for creating me, for without you, there wouldn't be a me. And I won't be able to live such a wonderful life, surrounded by a wonderful friend To-ya, and our love, Sakura-chan."

Yue nodded, pleasure evident in his eyes, and he smiled shyly, tentatively.

"Yue, can you do me a favor please?"

"What is it?"

"I don't want to be tucked away in a corner of your mind whenever you transform into yourself. I want to be aware of what's going on, as I want to spend every waking moment of my life with clarity, and with the one we love. Please."

There were a few moments of silence. For the first time, Yue empathized; he could understand why Yukito wanted to be awake in his mind, so that he could spend more time with Sakura. Yes, the one we both love. Yue thought.

So he nodded, his promise to Yukito that would form the beginning of the melding of both minds.

Yukito beamed with delight. And then yawned. He smiled sheepishly. "I didn't know I could get sleepy in a dream."

Yue felt the corners of his lips curve. "I didn't know that either, but with us, anything is possible."

They shared a laugh, Yukito's loud and carefree, Yue's a short snort.

While Yukito was dreaming of Yue, Sakura had left Yukito's house and took out the mobile that Tomoyo had given her. Her face scrunched in concentration as she tried to remember Eriol's number. Clapping her hands when she finally got it, she jabbed the numbers quickly. To her relief, Eriol answered the phone instead of his guardians. "Konichiwa, Eriol-kun! This is Sakura, are you busy now?"

"Konichiwa, Sakura-chan. No, I'm not busy, is there something wrong?" Eriol's heart beat thumped faster at the sound of Sakura's sweet voice.

"I have something to tell you, and I need your help. Well, is it convenient to visit you now or do you want to meet somewhere?"

"No problem, come over to my house, Ruby Moon and Spinel is not at home." Eriol smiled slyly as he thought, that is, they won't be at home soon. I sense Sakura wants to talk to me in private, so I better get the two out of the house, and stay out till late at night………

 "Great! I'm just a few streets away, so I should be there soon. See you!"

Eriol put down the receiver of his house phone, and summoned his two guardians. After giving them strict instructions to leave the house and not return till late at night, he prepared some food for Sakura and waited for her arrival.

Sakura knocked at the massive oak doors of Eriol's house, panting a little as she had been running. The doors swung open after her first knock, almost like Eriol has been waiting behind them earlier. "Eriol-kun!" He stared at her silky wind-blown dark honeyed hair, shimmering bright green eyes and rosy cheeks, small sweet mouth parting slightly from taking quick breaths after her run. He was mesmerized, and stood like a statue till Sakura waved a slender smooth hand in front of his eyes. "Eriol-kun?" 

He snapped out of his trance and ushered her in warmly, inviting her into his living room. Tea and some snacks were already on the table in the middle of the room, flanked by comfortable-looking sofas.

"Arigatou Eriol-kun! I'm sorry to disturb you, but I really need your help." Sakura explained the reason for her visit, and the points that Tomoyo had told her.

Why am I behaving like a lovesick fool? Get these stupid thoughts out of my head and focused on what Sakura is saying! Eriol reprimanded himself silently.

After Sakura finished talking, Eriol said thoughtfully. "Yes, Tomoyo is right, it's possible that once you leave to return to your present, your fifth-grade mind will not be able to catch up so quickly. So there will be a drastic drop in powers which may be trouble to Yue and Yukito."

"Oh no! Then I'll have to stay and relive the past three years of my life. Well, I suppose it's not too bad, as long as I can be with those I love. But I've got to inform the Eriol-kun of my time, or he'll be worried!"

To her surprise, Eriol smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, the future is tied to the past, and all you have just told me, will reach the future me in dreams. The Eriol of your time will know, eventually."

Sakura heaved a sound of relief. "Great! I didn't want him, I mean you, I mean the Eriol-kun of my time to be worried."

"Arigatou, Sakura-chan."

"No no, I should thank you! You are always so helpful and supportive to me." Sakura gave Eriol a quick hug to express her gratitude. Eriol smiled again, but this time, it was tinged with sadness. If as sensing his mood change, Sakura gave him a concern look. "Eriol-kun, are you all right? Is there anything I can help you with? Please don't hesitate to ask me for anything ok?"

Eriol looked thoughtful for a second, then he asked, "Anything?"

Sakura nodded vigorously. Eriol bend forward and brushed Sakura's cheeks with a gentle kiss. His lips lingered on her soft cheeks for a few seconds, before he drew back reluctantly. Sakura flushed red.

"I'm going to bring some more tea." Eriol took the teapot and retreated to his kitchen. His heart was thumping. Why did I do that? Stupid stupid stupid! But I just can't resist it, this longing I feel, this urge to kiss her, even if it's just on her cheeks. I hope she doesn't know my true feelings for her, for I know, she doesn't return my feelings. But for now, I'm contented to just be with her like this, as a confidante. Yes, for now.

Meanwhile, Sakura was still rooted to the spot, her head whirling from Eriol's kiss. Eriol? Why did he kiss me? I'm so confused. Is it just to express his friendship for me? But I feel something………..special. When his face was close to mine, I could smell his unique scent, a mixture of the sea breeze and summer rays. An aroma that curls round my heart, comforting, warm and gentle. But one that is tinged with a lingering sense of sadness and loneliness. And for a moment, I wanted to return his kiss, to erase away the shadows from his heart. I had the sudden urge to throw my arms around him tightly, crying with him, sharing his burdens, and just to be with him. And to keep all pain and hurt away from him, to protect and cherish him. Is this just sympathy I feel for him? Or is it something else?

When Eriol returned to the living room with a fresh pot of tea, both of them had managed to calm considerably. They engaged in some small talk, mostly about school. Then Sakura seemed to remember something she wanted to clarify with Eriol. "Eriol-kun, I have the feeling that Ruby Moon doesn't really like Yukito-san……….do you know why?"

Eriol was surprised at her question but hurriedly masked it behind a smooth smile. "Is that so?"

Sakura displayed her growing maturity and perceptiveness. "Eriol-kun, please don't hide this from me. Especially if this concerns Yukito-san."

He sighed. "She has nothing against Yukito, it's Yue that she doesn't like. I believe it's because of Touya."

"Onni-chan? What's it got to do with him?"

Eriol hesitated. He didn't really tell Sakura about Ruby Moon's secret, but Sakura was looking at her with those large beseeching eyes that there's no way he can deny her anything.

"She wanted Touya, more specifically, she wanted his powers. And she knows that Yue needs those powers. Since Touya is close to Yukito, she knows that he would rather give Yue his powers than her. That's why she dislikes Yue. But she doesn't mean any harm, really."

The silence that stretched after Eriol's reply was a calm before storm. Sakura has never felt anger, no, rage, towards anyone before. Now she's so furious, she wanted to break something. Her face grew grim, and she lowered her head, not wanting Eriol to see her like this. Inside her head, she was screeching.

DOESN'T MEAN ANY HARM??? SHE WANTS MY ONNI-CHAN'S POWERS, BUT DOESN'T MEAN ANY HARM? What the hell does this mean? I remember how tired Onni-chan looked when he had transferred his powers to Yue, and how much he was suffering. I didn't want him to sacrifice his powers, and that's why I stayed back in the past, resigned to live through the last three years of my life again! And now, a new threat? From a person I thought is a friend? Ruby Moon, the always cheerful and happy-go-lucky girl I THOUGHT she was. I had no idea she had a hidden motive for getting close to us, to Onni-chan. Why? Why do you do this? Are powers all you can think of? Or did I misunderstand you? I trusted you and I thought we are friends. Why…………………

Large drops of tears fell from her eyes, and shadows grew in her innocent and her trusting nature. Eriol saw this and was alarmed.

"Sakura-chan! Ruby Moon is always more talk than action anyway, I bet she doesn't really want Touya's powers, just his attention. Please don't cry, I didn't mean to make you cry……….." Eriol realized his mistake in telling Sakura the truth. But it was too late.

Sakura didn't seem to hear him as she raised her tear-rimmed eyes to Eriol, and they were filled with anger and mistrust. "When did you intend to tell me about Ruby Moon's motives? Or were you NEVER going to tell me? I thought you are my friend, that's why I confided in you, about my aim to prevent Touya from giving up his powers. That's why I ignored my fatigue, pushing myself to increase my magic to sustain Yue so that Onni-chan doesn't need to suffer. Have I done all these for naught, for Ruby Moon to harvest his powers instead? Are you going to sit by and watch her do that?"

"I thought I could trust you, I even thought that I………" Sakura stood up and prepared to leave. Eriol's heart shattered, as her angry words filled his mind. "Sakura-chan, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to" His words were cut off abruptly by Sakura running out of the house. He sank to the floor and stare into the air with a guilt-stricken and pained look on his pale face.

And Sakura ran. She dashed blindly, tears clouding her vision. Her heart felt like it's been torn by a pack of wolves, ripped into a million shreds. Her mind was numbed with agony, with the intense hurt that could only come with the betrayal of someone you trust deeply. She was devastated. She wasn't sure about anything anymore. Eriol, the one friend she could always depend on, the one who understands what she's going through as a cardcaptor, the one whom had always helped her, had lied to her. Had kept the truth about his guardian, Ruby Moon. Sakura last thought before she fainted on the sidewalk was, Why Eriol, why?

TBC

A/N: A long chapter completed! Eriol's friendship with Sakura is threatened! Poor Sakura. Sorry, no new characters in the story yet……………..no idea how to blend that into the plot…….sigh. Expect some more fluff in the next chapter, some angst, some changes and surprises. Heh heh heh.

Review! Yeah! Need my fuel! Thanks!