Memories by Orenji Yume

An Umi/Clef fic

A/N: Alternate Universe, OOC, only Umi and Clef are present in this fic, and there'll be numerous flashbacks.

STORY: A short, simple Umi/Clef fic (Clef's POV). Umi and Clef have known each other since young, and now Umi's 17 and Clef's 18. But Umi met with an accident and suffered from amnesia. Now, taking this chance during the Winter holidays, they're recreating their memories of each other...I'm sorry if I didn't write well. Enjoy!

(Note about chapter 4: Here's the fourth chapter! Finally! Thanks for waiting! (response to reviewers below))

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth, CLAMP does.

How beautiful memories can be...if only everyone could learn to cherish them without having to face any trouble...

The moment we reached the cottage, it was late in the afternoon. Once Umi put her things down, she started examining the place, every corner in the house. Nonplussed, I stood there watching here every move. Was she searching for anything? It's not possible...she hasn't been inside here before. If not...then what is she doing?

"Umi...what are you doing?" I bent down over her.

"Clef..." Her voice was rather melancholic, quite different from before when she was so bright. "Now that we're here...I can't help but feel a bit afraid...of losing my memory once more..."

Her sudden switch in tone struck me, "Umi...don't think like that. Just..." What else could I say to comfort her? To be more careful? But that would have been more appropriate for me. "Just don't think too much about that. Try and concentrate on enjoying yourself." Placing my hands on her shoulder, I smiled at her. "Yes?"

Though I might have seemed relaxed enough, but inside the pressure was too much for my heart. It was hard for one to comfort another, when that one was the cause of all problems. I wanted to let out all my frustration, but I couldn't. I don't dare to. I mustn't. I'm supposed to be helping her relieve her troubles, not my own. If only she could once be not so clouded with her own thoughts...does she know how I feel...?

"If you have the fear of losing everything dear to you in one second, and at the same time trying to enjoy yourself...would it be the same as throwing that fearful thought away forever as you're enjoying yourself?" Standing up, she took my hands. "Clef...?"

Why? Why is she forcing the anger out of me? She knows that I don't wish to yet she still does it. As I found myself looking away, breathing heavily, my thoughts clashed and became more absurd. Sometimes I wonder...does she ever consider my feelings? Why did we come here for? Can she keep that in mind? If so, then all her questions would be answered. Feeling my chest rising up and down, the simmering anger got stronger, washing away all of my reasoning. I just couldn't take it...yes, this time I couldn't take it.

"Umi, I beg of you, please don't ask anymore!" Jerking my hands away from hers, I took a few steps back, staring at her in the eye. "You know how much it pains me every time that incident is being brought up. I don't wish to sound unreasonable, but this time, I cannot stay my usual calm self." Raising my voice, I clenched my fists. "So please, just this time, spare me those questions! Just for today, leave me alone!"

Umi was just...standing there. Why wasn't she screaming back at me? Why wasn't she arguing with me till the end? Why wasn't she making her stand and determined to knock me over? Why wasn't she storming out of the room, and later waiting for me to come over to admit defeat? At that time, I couldn't be bothered when those questions swarmed me.

After a long silence, she finally said, "Clef, actually I-"

I shook my head, too angered to hear from her, and walked out of the cottage, slamming the door hard behind me. Looking around me, I saw nowhere near where I could sit and brood over past events. So I merely huffed and sat down on the front porch.

Dozens of thoughts surrounded me like a throng of fans might have to a pop star. It was causing my head to spin, aching like mad at first, but soon it was replaced with a soft throbbing. What was she thinking when she asked me that? Why did she have to deliberately ask me that? What is her purpose in doing so? I don't see her gaining much from it. Argh! I cannot think properly! Just leave me alone with silent thoughts and nature's songs...leave me to sort out my thoughts if I ever can settle down...

Staring into space, I saw that a flower had sprung from the depths of the snow in the garden. It was rather miraculous...though I reckoned that sooner or later, it would give in to the harsh winter and wither away. A pessimistic thought, but I guess it's just my mood.

Throughout the whole afternoon till early evening, I did not see her. I was outside the whole time while she was inside. Now, my suspicion has been confirmed. She's a totally different person now, and I do not know her. A new Umi...it was hard to believe that. But then again...she has lost her memory... Do I prefer the old or new her? But who am I to judge her? I haven't really gotten to known the new one... Thinking back, I guess I kind of blew my 'first' impression in a way...she was still getting to know me and vice versa.

I guess in the end...I'm still the one to make the first move and apologise. Though this time I was in the wrong. Getting up, I was about to go back inside when I heard the door open. Umi was standing there, with a small smile on her face. I wasn't used to that.

"Are you alright now?" She walked up to me, with her hands in her pockets.

Nodding, with a blank expression on my face, I turned the question on her, "Umi...are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine," Sitting me down, she sat down beside me. "About just now...I'm sorry."

Arching an eyebrow, I stared at her, puzzled. Leaning back on my two hands, I started to wonder. She usually doesn't say the word 'sorry' very easily. As she grew older, the harder it was to squeeze that word out of her. Quickly, I reassured her, "It's okay. I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have lost my temper. I was just moody, that's all."

Shaking her head, she began, "Clef...it's not your fault. Stop hiding your true feelings. I know that it wasn't just because you were moody. You know that too." Seeing the way I stared at her, she continued. "You were actually angry, weren't you? I'm sorry for trying to force that out of you, especially when you don't flare up easily. But..." With sympathetic eyes, she explained. "I just didn't wish to see you suffer in silence...I can take it. You can tell me everything, vent your anger on me, and pour your soul onto me, I don't mind at all." Smiling, she laid a hand on my arm. "Don't worry about me..."

Saying nothing in response, I merely took her hand. I see...how the tables have turned. Now she was the one comforting me. I guess...sometimes things have to change, roles have to be switched. Though I did feel a bit awkward with this new change, but listening to her voice more than mine gave me a warm feeling. The way she spoke...so soft and tender. Hearing her say such soothing words, it did calm me down.

"Thanks for understanding, Clef," Umi remarked. "Let's go inside now. It's chilly and we're not wearing much. And besides, dinner's ready as well. Better hurry before it gets cold."

"Dinner...?"

As she got up, she nodded, "Yes, the owner didn't leave us with nothing after all." Smiling, she added. "Why?"

"Nothing..." Standing up, I followed her inside. Taking off our coats, gloves and boots, we went to the kitchen. Does she mean that...she prepared dinner? If that is so, then at least she still remembers how to cook. Or...does she mean that the owner left us some food and she just heated it up for dinner?

"Umi-"

But she cut my words, "Here, look! I did all this by myself. It makes me wonder too, but I guess I can cook after all." Giggling, she pulled me to the table and sat me down. "Care to try a few bites? I can't guarantee anything though." And then she handed me a spoon.

……Flashback……

Autumn, the season where scrumptious food is the most abundant. We were around the age of 15, and Umi was in the kitchen, preparing some pastry. She had pulled me inside and insisted that I be the one to try her food and be the critic of her food. I wasn't too sure about it, the last time I tried, which was when we were about the age of 5, left me sick for a few days. Ever since then, Umi had been trying to improve on her cooking. Now, she said that she was definitely better than before. I guess I'll have to taste it to believe it.

Soon, she came up with a tray of pastries, fresh from the oven. Setting them down on the table, she first cut a slice of apple pie and handed it over to me on a plate with a fork at the side. Taking a few wisps at the aroma and studying the looks of it, I had a slightly better mindset now. With a fork in my hand, I cut a bit off the slice of apple pie and took a bite. Surprisingly, it tasted delicious. The pastry wasn't too thick and the pieces of apples went well with the tasty sauce. But just seeing the eager expression on her face, I just couldn't resist the urge of teasing her about her pastry.

So I merely said, "What else is left?"

"Um..." She stared at the tray of pastries. "Fruitcake, apple strudel and berry tarts..."

Nodding, I asked her, "So...what's next for me to try?"

"Aren't you going to comment on my apple pie first?!" She demanded. "If not I won't let you eat anymore!"

I replied, "I want to leave all the comment till the last moment." Smiling, I got up. "But if I can skip this, I guess I'll just leave." Turning around as if to go, she quickly pulled my back.

"Who says you're going anywhere?!" With a hard firm expression, she pushed me back onto the chair.

Amused by her reaction, I did as she bid me to try her other pastries as well. Taking a bite each, I savoured the creamy texture and refreshing fruits of the fruitcake, had a taste of sweet heaven from the apple strudel, and countless bounds of relish from one of her berry tart. Even if they may taste just alright to a professional food critic, but believe me, after encountering the previous round, this could not get any better.

Hiding my satisfied smile, I cleared my throat and requested for a glass of water, immediately getting one in my hand in return. Pushing the pastries aside, I sat down with my hands folded. Umi was sitting next to me, eyes hungry for an answer, preferably a compliment.

"So...?"

Eyeing her, I remarked, "Better than the last time, definitely, but there's room for improvement."

"Oh..." Disappointment flashed in her aquamarine eyes. "I see...I guess I'll just clear them up then." Standing up, she dragged the plates of pastries across the table and set them on the tray. "I'm sorry for making such a big fuss out of it, Clef..."

I suggested, "Why not take a bite? If not you wouldn't know how to improve them, right?"

"Oh...yes..." Rather listless, she took another fork from the drawer, sinking it into the slice of already-eaten apple pie, she took a bite. Blinking, she stared at me, and then back at the apple pie. "It's good! Much better than last time!!! What were you talking about?!?!"

Chuckling, I nodded, "Yeah, they're good, really good."

"Then why did you-" And then realisation dawned on her, and she pointed accusingly at me. "Clef!!!"

……End of flashback……

"Clef...?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and blinked, "W-wha-yes?" I stared at her. "What is it?"

"You were in a daze just now...what were you thinking about?" She leaned forward. "Care to tell?"

Thinking what I was doing before, I looked down at the food on the table and recalled, "Wait..." Taking a bite of the sliced lamb chop, the sweetness flowed through my mouth. "It's still good..." I smiled at her. "It looks like you didn't forget about your cooking."

"It's...still good...?" She repeated. "What do you mean? Was that why you were in a daze just now? Tell me about it."

Placing the fork down, I told her, "The first time you cooked for me, it was...quite unpleasant. But the second time around, it was much better. And now...it's even better..."

……Flashback……

The first time around, we were about 5 years of age, and it was the season of summer. We were running around the garden, and halfway, I complained that it was hot. That was when Umi got that idea of cooking. Recently, she had been asked to help out during mealtimes by setting the table, and sometimes I helped as well. And that was when the idea of cooking appealed to her. And she got easily excited about it.

"I'll make you a salad!"

I laughed, "What are you talking about?"

"It's easy!" She frowned. "I can do it!"

"Is it for me...?"

Nodding, she pulled me to the front door, "Of course! You wanted it in the first place!"

Before I could protest any further, Umi dragged me to the kitchen and made me sit on a stool. While she got another stool and stood on it so that she could see the kitchen counter clearly. Getting out a mixing bowl, spoon, some fresh lettuce, tomatoes and carrots, she started getting busy. After washing the vegetables, she threw in the lettuce, tomatoes and carrots all at once, she started mixing. Soon after, she went got down and went to the fridge to get the salad cream. Unsure, she got out all the bottles which she thought were salad cream. Squeezing each of the 'salad cream' into the bowl, she started mixing again. Seeing the weird coloured mixture, I turned my back towards her. I couldn't bear to see anymore of it...

When she was done, she set the bowl on my lap and gestured towards it, "I'm done! Now, I'll go clean up while you try it!" Handing me a spoon, she walked off to clean up after herself.

As she went off, I stared down at her creation, "What..." Is the lettuce supposed to be all stuck together? And the tomatoes...a whole? And the carrot...am I supposed to eat everything like that? And the 'salad cream'...why is it orangey-white, reddish-yellow and...a tinge of brown? Turning away, I attempted to stop myself from throwing up.

The smell didn't help either. It was weird. Sour, sweet all at once, and not to mention overpowering. I got off the stool and quickly place it on the kitchen counter, as Umi was busying herself at the kitchen sink. I ran out of the kitchen and outside, inhaling the fresh air deeply. Breathing out, I coughed and rubbed my chest. It was good to be out here.

Just then, I heard knocking and turned around. She was knocking on the kitchen window. And then she disappeared with the salad bowl and spoon in her hand. Oh no... She appeared as the front door opened, and she walked down the steps and went towards me.

"Did you try it?" Looking down at the bowl, she shook her head and commented. "Doesn't look like it..." Handing the bowl and spoon to me she smiled. "Try it now then."

I backed away, waving my hands, "N-no thanks...why not let your parents try it? They should be the ones the try it first."

"But I made it for you!" She stamped her foot against the ground. "So you should try it first! No...in fact you should finish the whole thing! I can always make another one specially for my parents."

I winced as she dumped the bowl and spoon in my hands, the smell drifted around me, "But-"

"Clef!!!" She cried out. "Don't be so mean!" She sniffed. "If not I'll tell my parents about you!"

Blinking, I gave in and sighed, "Alright, alright...I'll try it, don't cry, Umi." I sat down on the ground in defeat.

Smiling, she recovered immediately and sat down beside me, "Go on then. Try it! And then tell me how it is."

I took a deep breath and lifted the spoon. Scraping a piece of lettuce away from the whole bunch, I took a bite. The crunching sound may have sounded nice, but the taste and smell was different, and not forgetting the sight. I forced it down my throat, coughing, trying to resist myself from throwing up. It tasted awful. Sweet, sour and slightly bitter. My nose wrinkled at the smell and I looked at Umi. Doesn't she see or smell anything wrong with the salad she made? I wonder how she can take it...

"Is it nice?"

"N-"

She glared, "What was that?"

"It's nice, it's nice," I smiled, hoping that I would finally be let off. "Why not you try it?"

Shaking her head, she replied, "No, this is for you! So you have to finish everything!"

I widened my eyes, "W-what...?"

"Yeah...what's wrong?" She blinked, and then she giggled. "Let me feed you then!" Taking the bowl and spoon from my hand, she started scraping the lettuce away from each other.

Staring at her in disbelief, I knew that letting her feed me was even worse. Before I knew it, she had stuck a piece of lettuce in my mouth. I was forced to chew on it and gulped it down. This was torturous...I wanted to run away but feared what she might do in return.

At the end, I finally swallowed the last of the carrot painfully. Dropping onto the ground, my stomach began churning and making noises. I felt queasy. Rubbing my head, my vision got blurry.

"Clef...? Clef? What's wrong?"

And then the image of Umi vanished as I fainted.

……End of flashback……

Umi's laughter rang in my ears, "I...I did that to you?"

Nodding, I admitted, "Yes..."

"I'm so sorry," But her laughter begged to differ.

……At night……

After dinner, we went outside and sat down on the front porch, with our coats wrapped around us and as we admired the night sky. Stars started to appear, scintillating brightly as they hung themselves against velvet sky. We kept silent as more stars began to appear, until Umi pointed out to me.

"Look there...what's that?" There were five stars clustered together, and another star stuck out.

"I don't know..."

Beaming, she spoke, "Let's make that our stars, shall we?"

"Um...okay..." I gazed at her.

"What shall we call it...?" She wondered to herself. "How about...I don't know...you think of something."

With my brows knitted, I stared up at the stars, "Let's just make that our stars...they don't need a name."

"Alright..." She leaned her head against my shoulder. "Then they're just our stars...we only know that..."

I looked down at her. It's been some weeks already since we had a moment together like this, ever since the accident. Now that she fully trusts me...I can't let that slip away easily. Feeling an urge to hug her, I slipped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to me. I guess now I'm starting to scare myself at the thought of losing her again.

"Clef..." Studying me, it was as if she read my mind. "I said that you could tell me everything, didn't I?"

Closing my eyes, I told her, "But you know everything already..."

For the rest of the night, we sat there in each other arms. We could do it without much worry, because hardly anyone passed by here. The music of the night filled my ears as I drifted off to sleep, with the knowledge that she was safe in my arms.

……The next morning……

As I opened my eyes, the morning sun greeted me. Squinting at the sunlight, I stood up and rubbed my eyes. I saw that Umi was not by my side, but I could smell breakfast cooking inside. I went inside the house to wash myself and get a change of clothes.

Soon, I came out with a towel hung around my neck. With the towel in my hand, I started rubbing my hair. Going inside the kitchen, I saw that Umi had laid down breakfast on the table.

"After breakfast I'm thinking of going to town to buy some stuff," Sitting down, she glanced over at me. "Is that okay with you?"

I let out a laugh, "Of course. You don't really need to ask me that."

"Oh...okay..." And then she asked me. "You will be coming with me, right? I still don't know my way around."

"Yes,"

……Flashback……

It was the season of spring, and we were around the age of 9. At that time, Umi had been missing for a while already and I was still looking for her. Her parents didn't know anything about it. We were making our way home when she got lost in the crowd. Anxious, I searched around that area where she had gone missing, but to no avail.

Tired, I went back to that spot and sat down on a nearby bench. Closing my weary eyes, I leaned back and took a short rest. When I opened my eyes, I realised that an hour had just passed. Jumping up, I went around the area once more calling out her name. No one responded, they only gave me a curious stare and that was it. Once again, I was back at that same spot and at that same bench. Sitting down, I caught my breath.

"Clef?" A familiar voice called me.

Turning to look who was beside me, I saw Umi sitting there, waving at me, "Umi?! W-were...were you here the whole time?"

"Yeah..." She smiled. "Didn't you all always tell me to stay put at the same spot all the time until someone found me?"

Sighing, I rested against the bench and closed my eyes, "Why didn't you say anything to me?! You could've saved me the time and energy I wasted on finding you..."

"But...I didn't want to disturb you just now, you were sleeping so peacefully," Giving a frown, she continued. "Also, I wanted to call you when you woke up, but you ran off so fast."

"Okay...okay..." I was too tired to listen. "At least you're safe..."

And then, she said, "And I know that you care a lot for me."

I opened my eyes and stared at her, only managing to say, "What...?"

"Yeah. You didn't want to tell my parents because you didn't want them to worry. And you were searching for me the whole time only taking a few short breaks," Nodding, she smiled.

I scratched my head, "How did you know that I didn't tell your parents anything?"

"You were talking in your sleep..."

"What?!?!"

Giggling, she told me, "Yeah. You were funny, you know."

Reddening, I ventured, "W-what did I say...?"

"I'm not telling!"

"Never mind..." Frowning, I looked away. I was too tired to carry on. "What matters is that you're safe now, that's all. You know, if I really couldn't find you, I wouldn't know what to do...how to tell your parents...what I'll do if I still cannot find you..." Gazing at her, I said. "Would you?"

And then, one of those rare moments happened. A blush crept up to her cheeks as she received my gaze. Turning her back towards me, she muttered some inaudible words. But I guess that she didn't know the answer either. Smiling, I stood up.

"Let's go now, or else your parents will be worried," Taking her hand, I led her through the crowd. I tightened my grip over her hand, determined not to lose her in the crowd again.

……End of flashback……

"Um...you don't have to hold my hand so tightly..." Umi looked down. "We're just sitting down on the train..."

I glanced over at her, and flushed, quickly releasing my grip over her hand, "Sorry..."

She shook her head and rubbed her hand tenderly, looking away, "It's okay..."

Once we got off the train, she followed closely behind me, hanging onto the sleeve of my shirt. Throughout the whole journey, from the market to the countless stores, she made me tag along with her, not letting go of me. It was only when we stopped for lunch, did she let go of my sleeve. We ordered our food and found a seat. We fell silent then. In fact, we had no said much to each other during the whole trip.

……Flashback……

It was winter, and we were about 13 years old. During that whole day, I had not seen any sight of Umi at all the usual places we would visit. I recalled that yesterday, she had been quiet and did not say a single word. She complained that she had been feeling unwell. I had thought about visiting her at home, but apparently I didn't think it would be good to disturb her. When I went over for dinner, she wasn't present at the table. I asked whether I could see her, and to my surprise her parents agreed readily.

Starting up the stairs, I went to her room and opened the door. Immediately, she asked for me to close the door and go over to her side. I did as she had asked me to and closed the door, before going over to her. Helping her sit up, I asked her what was wrong with her.

"Stomach upset..."

I teased her, "Doing too much of your cooking?"

"No!" She glared at me and said. "I don't know..."

Smiling, I told her, "Do you want me to accompany you?"

At first, she eyed my suspiciously, and then she finally answered, "Yes...would you?"

"Of course," I went to get a chair and sat down, holding her hand in mine. "Go to sleep then..." I helped her lie down.

Nodding, she closed her eyes, "Thank you...Clef..."

……End of flashback……

"Are you feeling unwell?"

She looked at me, "Huh? Oh...no...I'm fine."

"You don't have to lie,"

"I..." Sighing, she gave in. "I'm feeling a bit hot..."

Stretching out a hand, I felt her forehead, "You've gotten a fever..." I looked at her. "What else did you do this morning?"

"Nothing..." She rested her head in her hands.

I did not pursue the matter anymore. I lifted her up and brought her back to the cottage. I did not know what else she had done this morning, but it probably strained her body. I guess she was still weak; it has only been some days since she has been discharged. And whatsmore, she spent last night outside. She shouldn't have... I laid her down on the bed, and then went to get some ice.

As I went out, I thought I heard her call my name...

And together we see the brightest of our days...

END

(Response to reviewers)

Shy-Lil-Dreamer: Oops. I forgot to name the girl. Ahaha.hm.do you like her? How about this.you come up with a name for her. Thanks for the review!

Kaoru27Umi: Thank you for the comment! I really appreciate it! Thanks! I'll do my best to get the next chapter up soon!

hyperitaliangurl: Thanks! You always say such nice things. I really appreciate that! Thank you!

Yume no Kokoro: Yeah, poor Clef. But hopefully things will look up. Thanks for the comment! I appreciate that a lot!