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 5: Chapter 5 done! There'll be more flashbacks in this chapter. It's the last chapter! (response to reviewers below))
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth, CLAMP does.
Memories...whether they are too brilliant to embrace in your arms or whether they are too painful to watch with your own eyes...they are still memories...and they make up part of who you are...
……Flashback……
The next morning when I woke up, I found that I had fallen asleep by her side, and that she was studying my features. Sitting up, I saw her pull back and look away from my gaze.
"How long have you been awake?"
"About an hour ago..." Glancing over at me, she told me once again. "You look really peaceful when you're sleeping..."
I shook my head, and a lock of my hair fell over my eyes, "I should be the one saying that now..."
Facing me, she leaned forward and with her hand, she drew my hair away from my eyes, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes..." I took her hand and place it upon my cheek. "It seems as though you're all well now."
Umi said nothing, only advancing towards me, sliding her hand away from my cheek, leaving behind a tingling feeling. She sat at the edge of the bed, with her legs hanging at the side. No words were being exchanged, and we stared at each other in the eye. And then our lips met, but only for some seconds. Because then, a knock was sounded. Immediately, we pulled away from each other as the door opened.
Our eyes met with those of Umi's parents'. They thanked me for keeping Umi company, and reckoned that I should go back to have some rest. Getting up, I muttered a 'goodbye' at Umi before taking my leave. As I closed the door behind me, I saw that Umi's gaze never left me. I let out a small smile, and then the door closed.
Heading downstairs, my hand went up to my lips. At that time, I was secretly wishing for another such moment like this...so that...maybe we would be able to finish the kiss without being interrupted. Just once will do...
……End of flashback……
"Clef..."
I looked down at her, "You're awake."
With some help from me, I helped her up as she asked, "How long have I been sleeping?"
"You were asleep since yesterday...until today in the late afternoon," Smiling to myself at what I had just recalled, I was deciding whether or not to mention it to Umi first.
"What's with the smug grin?" Umi giggled. "What's on your mind?" Leaning forward, she waited for my reply.
Feeling her forehead, I felt that her fever had gone down. That brought a heavy burden down from my shoulders. My hand ran from her forehead behind to stroke her hair. And then I drew my lips to hers, kissing her gently. I could feel her surprise as she jumped slightly, but she did not attempt to struggle. Instead, she kissed back as she wrapped her arms around my neck. As we deepened the kiss, I could feel my heart overwhelmed with joy. Nobody could disturb us now...for we were alone.
Soon, we pulled away from each other. I could tell that she was waiting for an answer from me, wanting me to explain my actions. And so I told her. Of that incident so similar to our situation right now, except for that little twist at the end. I could see something flickering in her eyes. No...not anger or anything negative like that. But...I thought that it might be amusement...or even...mischief. Whatever it was, she was smiling to herself the whole time. And that set my heart at ease.
"I didn't know that you had such a wish..." She laughed.
I knew that my cheeks was glowing a soft red, but I ignored that fact, "You must have had the same wish too then."
"Oh?" Umi considered this point and smiled. "I guess so...thinking back...I guess I'd probably thought that too."
Standing up, I spoke, "I'm going to get dinner prepared. You have some rest until I call you."
"Can you manage?"
I looked at her, "Of course...though I may not be able to cook as well as you now. But I was able to before." And with that, I closed the door behind me. I definitely could cook better than her before.
……Flashback……
It was a few days after I had tried the salad that Umi had made. I was feeling much better, but just the thought of her creation would make me feel uncomfortable. We were at the park, and I was resting on the bench after playing the whole afternoon. And that moment, Umi approached me and sat down next to me. She kept quiet at first, but I knew that inside, she had an urge to tell me something.
"Clef...why not you make something for me instead?" She challenged. "I want to see how well you can cook."
Blinking at her, I asked, "Why did you suddenly ask me this?" But she did not answer and merely stared at me hard, so in the end I gave in. "Okay...but I will not make salad."
Clapping her hands together in glee, she told me, "Okay! How about now? I can't wait!"
"Now...?" But I did not dare protest further as she scrunched her face up in discontent. "Okay...now."
And then we jumped off the bench and headed towards my house. Inside my mind, I was running through the list of dishes which I could prepare so far. By the time we reached my house, I had already decided on a dish. But I did not plan to tell her till I was done.
In the kitchen, Umi sat down on a chair, observing me closely. Meanwhile, I got out all the necessary things to prepare the dish. Soon after, I got busy. I started by getting the filling ready. After pouring the sauce in with the slices of peaches, I washed my hands and did the dough. I had seen my mother preparing this when I was very young. And that was my birthday. And also, that was the day before she had passed away along with my father. So ever since then, the procedure and everything was etched deeply in my mind. Placing everything together, I put it in the oven and kept the time in mind. It was two small tarts, but by then my hands were tired already.
I began clearing up after myself. When I saw that it was time, according to the wall clock hanging in a distance, I put on the mittens and pulled the tray out. Switching off the oven, I then proceeded to get the two of us a fork each. Umi immediately drew her chair nearer and we sat down opposite each other. She took a sniff and blinked, but said nothing.
Nodding at her, I beckoned her to try it first. After she did so, I tried my own creation as well. I guess it was a lot better than Umi's salad, but I felt that it wasn't as tasty as my mother's back then.
"It's nice!" She declared, and then took another bite. "This is one of auntie's recipes, isn't it?"
I stared at Umi. She...recognised it? It's been a long time since we had last tasted it being made from my mother's own hands. But yet she still recognises it, though mine was not an exact replica.
And then Umi admitted, "Yours is much better than mine!"
"But...you didn't try yours," My brows were knitted. How could she say such a thing? She didn't give in that easily.
"Your reaction was enough to tell everything," She giggled to herself.
I widened my eyes, "You mean you forced me to eat your salad just for the fun of it?"
A burst of laughter erupted from her. I frowned deeply and rubbed my stomach. Now my stomach was making noises. And in an attempt to ease my stomach, I ate the tart I made while Umi continued laughing to herself. I only glanced over at her from time to time.
……End of flashback……
"Do you need help?"
Turning around, I saw Umi standing there. I shook my head, "No. I'm nearly done in here already."
But she went towards me, "I'll help with the washing of dishes. So that afterwards you need not trouble yourself."
I did not say anything in return, as she immediately went to the sink and began running the water. Smiling to myself, I did the finishing touches and soon it was ready. And then I helped her with the rest of the dishes, and after that dinner was served.
Taking a bite, Umi nodded, "You can cook."
"But not as well as you," I added.
"That doesn't matter," She said. "It's not really about the quality of the food. But it's the thought that counts."
I teased her, "You're starting to say a lot of such things recently."
"But Clef..." She looked at me. "You...you were the one who started saying such things first." I did not reply, and she continued. "You were always saying such meaningful stuff and I...I was always asking questions that I had plucked out from the air here and there."
Those words sounded familiar enough to me to cause me to say, "Where did you get that from?"
"I...I don't know," She forced a laugh. "They just...came to me, that's all. Why...?"
"You remember that...?" I sank into my seat, and gazed at her. "It was a few days before the accident...we were talking and at the end...we came to that conclusion..."
……Flashback……
We were walking along the street, and Umi was gazing up at the sky one minute, and watching the area around us the next minute. She told me before, that she was observing winter. At that moment, she stopped me and faced me as she asked.
"Which season do you like best?"
Mulling over this, I replied, "I don't know. Each season has their own special sights and all. It's hard to come to a decision."
"Especially when you're such a neutral person," Umi agreed with me. Before I could argue with her, she smiled and gave her own opinion. "Actually, I can't decide between spring or winter."
"Why?"
Wagging her finger at me, she told me, "That's for me to know and for you to find out."
"Okay..." I did not pursue the matter, but deep down inside I wanted to know the reason.
Frowning, she remarked, "You're not much fun when it comes to this, are you? Fine! I'll tell you one of the two reasons." Looking at me, she smiled. "I like spring...because that's the time of my birthday!"
"And winter?"
She shook her head, "You have to figure that out yourself!"
I sighed, "That's alright with me." And then I stretched my hand out and a few snowflakes landed on my hand. Drawing my hand towards me, I studied them. "Though I may not be able to see them clearly, but I'm sure each of them have their own special pattern." Smiling at her, I commented. "Like both of us have our own special points."
Bending over my hand, she blew at the snowflakes and let them float to the ground, "Do you know what one of my special point is?" Pointing at herself, she thought over the question as well.
"You're who you are and you're not afraid to show what's on your mind," I answered without hesitation.
Umi's eyes travelled towards me, "And you...? Does that mean that you don't always show what you're thinking?" I blinked at her words, but she covered her previous question up. "I know what one of your special point is! You're so kind and gentle all the time! That's one of the reasons I like you." She nodded and waited for my response.
I smiled at her words. Maybe I was too kind and gentle...that sometimes I look over and sometimes ignore my actual feelings. Or maybe I was just kind and gentle for the sake of getting people to like me...I'm not sure. But sometimes I suspect myself. Gazing up at her, I thought to myself. I suppose that's why I love her honest nature.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing," I lied. "Let's continue walking."
Nodding her head, she tugged at my hand, "Let's go then!" After some thought, Umi smiled. "Oh! Do you know something else?"
"What?"
She remarked, "You're always saying such meaningful stuff...and I...I'm always asking questions that I pluck out from the air here and there. Do you agree with me?"
"Yes..." I merely nodded at her.
Yes...or maybe I was too kind and gentle that I don't dare to tell the truth in fear of hurting someone. And another thing I loved about Umi...she took me for who I am. But as to whether she suspected me of being kind and gentle for other reasons, like I sometimes do to myself, I did not know.
……End of flashback……
"Oh..." And then Umi revealed a grin. "So do you know the answer yet?"
"Huh? To what?"
Leaning back, she folded her arms, "As to why I can't decide between spring and winter...?"
I merely shook my head, "No..." But I was lying through my words. I did suspect the reason as to why. But I just thought that I would pretend not to know anything just for the fun of it.
"Okay..." And then Umi changed the topic. "Let's eat before dinner gets cold!"
Nodding in agreement, I began eating. I suspect the reason is because... Stealing a glance at Umi, I smiled to myself. I could see her thinking thoughtfully to herself with that playful grin of hers on her face. My suspicion have been confirmed, but then...at that moment I didn't know that another door of surprises had opened inside Umi's mind...
……Flashback……
It was spring, and we were around the age of 7. At that time, I was busy preparing a surprise for Umi to go and visit her during the last few days. Upset, she kept on pestering me throughout that day, not willing to release me from her clutches. No matter how hard I try to persuade her or how much I beg her, she wouldn't give in.
She only let me go when her parents called her back, and it was already late in the evening. Calling back to her parents, she waved at them and turned to face me, with a smile on her face.
"I'll come again tomorrow!"
And with that she ran off towards her parents. Tired, I shuffled my feet back to my house and closed the door behind me. Leaning against the door, I knew that tonight, I had to stay up deep into the midst of the night and was going to sleep late after that. Just thinking of that made me sleepier. I quickly went to wash my face and then headed to my room.
The next day, it was late in the morning, but I was still sleeping due to lack of sleep. Too bad for me, Umi was up and awake, and not to mention cheerful and jumpy. She kept on knocking loudly on the door and ringing the doorbell madly. They resounded throughout the house; it was no wonder that I was soon up but still groggy. I went to wash up and get changed, and then answered the door. By then Umi was wandering in circles around the garden. When she saw me, she ran up to me and grabbed me by my hands.
"Clef!" And then she studied me closely. "Did you just wake up...? So late?? What happened to you?"
Rubbing my weary eyes, I did not make any attempt to answer; I merely asked her, "Why are you here?"
"Why can't I be?" She pouted. " Don't you welcome me? We're friends, right? Especially today!!"
"What's today...?" I was still half asleep, and could make no sense of what she was going on about.
Suddenly, she threw down my hands and cried out, "Clef! How could you? Today's my birthday!!!"
And with that, she ran off. When she cried those words out, it was as if I just had a wake-up call. That's right! Today is her birthday! What did I just do...? I was supposed to give her a surprise, not make her upset. Now I have to get her back here to show her the surprise...or should I bring it to her? But the problem is, I don't know where she would be. Since it's her birthday, her parents would definitely bring her somewhere to celebrate. Sighing, I went back inside the house. I guess I have to wait till tonight...
Through the whole day, I was making sure that my surprise was still one, and that it was perfect. When night drew near, I stood by the window, watching to see any signs of Umi. When I spotted the car driving in and parking by the side of the house, I quickly opened the door to meet Umi. Apparently, when I went over to her to greet her, she didn't respond. That was the trouble when you made her angry, it was so hard to pacify her.
It was only when her parents urged her to go with me to see the surprise, did she agree. But she still had a black face. I led her inside my house, and to my room. I went to get out the surprise. It was a package wrapped in sliver paper and tied with a blue ribbon. When I placed it in her hands, she merely looked at me, but said nothing. Though I could see eagerness in her sea blue eyes. We sat down on the bed, and she slowly unwrapped the present. After she had unwrapped it, there lay a box.
She removed the cover, and her eyes widened at the sight. Taking out the present, she placed it against herself and stared at me in wonder. It was a blue kimono with floral patterns that dappled softly again the blue material. In an instance, she threw her arms around me, causing me to nearly lose balance and fall over.
"Did you buy this? How much was it?"
I pulled her away from me and muttered, reddening slightly, "I didn't buy it...I made it..."
She gasped and studied the kimono, "Are you sure???"
"Yes!" I frowned and then teased her. "Or would you have preferred me to get you a cook book?" She merely stared hard at me as I laughed quietly to myself. I asked her. "Don't you believe me?"
She gazed at me, "Well..." Just then, she spotted something white on my fingers and grabbed both of my hands. "What happened to your fingers...?" They were bandaged, all ten fingers. Looking up at me, she waited for my answer. "So...? What happened?"
"Nothing...I just...had difficulty with sewing, that's all..." I blushed even deeper and told her. "You said you wanted a kimono specially made for you for the upcoming festival...so..."
She finished the rest of my statement for me, "Is that why you asked me how I would like it to look like?" Seeing me nod, she hugged me once more. "Thank you, Clef!"
"Happy Birthday Umi..." I whispered into her ear, still not yet recovered from the embarrassment.
……End of flashback……
"Oh...?" Umi said. "So...what do you desire right now?"
I gazed at her curiously, "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said," She smiled.
Flushed in the face, I replied, "Nothing much..."
"Yes?" I could tell that she was enjoying this.
Clearing my throat, I answered, "Just that you recover as much of your memory as possible. And that you'll enjoy life to the fullest..." I turned the question onto her. "And you?"
"Um..." She considered the question for a while before saying. "For you to be happy. I won't be happy if you aren't, right?" With her two index fingers, she joined them together side by side. "They say that happiness comes in pairs, right? So mine is with you."
A smile spreaded across my face and I agreed with her, "Yes...and mine is with you as well..."
Taking my hand, she pulled me outside and into the open. On the way out, I quickly took our coats along with us. And then I closed the door behind us and locked the door, dropping the key in my pocket. As we put them on, we started down the quiet road covered with snow.
"Where do you want to go?" I asked Umi. "You've just recovered today, I don't want you to-"
She pointed further down the road, "There...I want to see what's down there." She gestured towards the glowing spark there. "I want to see what exactly is that..."
"Just as long as we get back before dark," I replied. "We don't really know the way around here..."
"Alright..." She tugged at my hand and started walking with short, quick footsteps. "Let's hurry then..."
I sighed, but let out a small smile. Her request triggered a chain of memories inside my mind. She always wanted the impossible...and she always asked them from me. I couldn't fulfill them...but I could try to...and I'll always remember her smile when I did so...
……Flashback……
It was the season of winter, and we were around the age of 11. Out in the open, early in the night, Umi had dragged me outside in the cold to lie down next to her and stare at the night sky above us. I asked her what did she want me to do, she just kept quiet.
After a few minutes, she told me, "I want a star from there..." She raised a finger. "Any star..."
"I can't do that," I frowned, wondering what she was trying to imply. "You know that, are you trying to pull a fast one on me?" Sitting up, I brushed the snow away from me.
"I'm not!" She insisted, sitting up as well, staring at me. "I would really like a star..." She gazed up once more.
I looked at her, arching my eyebrow, "I can only make a similar one...but I can't create or take an actual one..."
"Then could you do it for me?" She pleaded, with wide marine eyes and a small pout upon her face.
I blinked. Why does she always have to put on that look when she wants something from me? I don't know why she has to request such strange things...but yet I always agree. Somehow I couldn't resist it...and she knew that. She can be so persistent sometimes... I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, Standing up, I agreed to her request and headed inside my house. She followed closely behind me, but once I reached my room, I asked her to stay outside. And then I closed the door behind me.
I began getting myself working. From cutting out the stars of different sizes to dipping them in luminous paint, it took me some time before I was done. Once I was finished, I called her in and switched off the lights. Staring above her, she marvelled at the sight. The stars I had made glowed in the dark, and they were stuck all over the ceiling of my room. With a wide smile on her face, she thanked me and gave me a hug.
Smiling at her reaction, my heart beamed with a sense of satisfaction. At least whenever I do something for her, it doesn't go to waste...and not without any thanks. Gazing above me, I noted in my mind. I guess when everything blooms, it does seem meaningful...
……End of flashback……
It was nearly half an hour, and that spark still seemed to be the same distance away from us as before. I don't have any clue as to why, but I do know that I was tired. I was going to urge Umi to give it a rest and that maybe we could continue tomorrow, but seeing her face, I couldn't bring myself to. That look of determination, it stopped me. She was even more worn out than me, I know it. She had only just recovered! But sometimes...it could cause her condition to only worsen, I didn't want to see that.
"Umi-"
"I know," She interrupted. "I know what you're going to say. But no..." She shook her head. "Not now..."
My heart tugged slightly, "But Umi, you're tired, we both are. And it's getting late already."
But she had to disagree with me, "No, Clef. I know that we're near it. I can feel it..."
She and her instincts. I sighed. I don't think I can outtalk her... I gave in, once again. I wonder how many times I've done that. Probably over a hundred times...if this keep up, more than a thousand times. Walking down the road, we continued to trudge through the snow, heading towards that distant spark standing there...beckoning us somehow...
……Flashback……
Autumn...the leaves had all fallen and the trees were bare. We were about the age of 14. We were walking through the trees in the park, our feet crunching on the dry leaves. Halfway, Umi halted me and made me go to her side as she requested something.
"I want snow..."
Raising an eyebrow at her, I shook my head, "No way...I don't control the seasons! How do you expect me to do that? You think that I can do it? That's impossible!"
She smiled, "But you always seem to come up with such clever ideas whenever I ask silly things." She added. "I thought that maybe you would have an answer to this as well."
That smile...yet another one of her ways to make my heart melt. I sighed, nodding my head before walking off. She knew that it was consent to her request and she smiled widely. I told her not to follow me and stay here, and that I wouldn't be long. Running off, the wheels of my mind were turning. What could I do to create snow...?
Just then, an idea hit me and I quickened my speed. Reaching my house, I started taking out pieces of paper, the cleaner the better. And then I started getting to work. It wasn't before I was back at Umi's side with my hands filled with small pieces of paper. Looking at me, she waited for me to show her what I had come up with. Lifting my hands, I blew at the pieces of paper. Very soon, the autumn wind caught them and took them away with its currents. The pieces of paper started flying around us. Umi gazed around her in awe, turning in a circle as she admired the sight.
Fascinated, she grabbed at my hand as she asked me, "How did you come up with this?"
I grinned, "That's for me to know and for you to find out."
"Hm...fine..." She frowned slightly, but it was soon covered up with a smile, as she continued staring around her in amazement. "But it's beautiful anyway...thank you, Clef." She went up to me and wrapped her arms around me neck. "I don't think I shall ever know how you do it..."
My cheeks were glowing already, "What do you mean?"
Pulling away, she replied, "Why you always agree to what I ask you...and why you always manage to do it..."
"Maybe you will someday..." I smiled. "Or maybe I'll tell you someday..."
Nodding in return, Umi spoke, "Maybe..."
We continued staring around us. Yes...indeed the things she asked for always ended up to be meaningful, no matter how silly they may sound. Though it was not winter yet, and only autumn, but around us, it was winter created by us. And somehow we have made it possible...
……End of flashback……
"There it is!" Umi pointed out to me and started running towards it, pulling me along with her.
We slowed our pace down as we reached the edge of a cliff, but ahead of us, we could see small, glowing sparks floating around us. We fell silent, watching the glowing sparks circle us, and then they left us but still continued to fly around in a distance.
"This is..." Umi began.
I answered, "Fireflies..."
"Are you sure?"
I replied, "Maybe they're saying their last goodbyes..."
"Clef..." She stared hard at me, but later her expression softened. "Maybe...they don't live for very long, do they?"
I shook my head, "No..."
And then Umi asked, "Can we stay the night here?"
"What?!" I exclaimed. "Umi, are you crazy? We can't sleep anywhere here. And you promised that we would head back before it gets dark." Lifting my head, I saw the darkening sky. "And I think it's time we headed back now...look at the sky!" I pointed above us.
All she said was, "Yes, I'm crazy. But Clef...I want to spend the night with them around us..."
Running my fingers through my hair, purple locks fell against my face, "I don't think so...It's not a good idea."
"But didn't you say that however silly my ideas may seem, they always end up to be meaningful?" Taking my hands in hers, she smiled. "So why don't you trust me this once?"
Frowning deeply, I eyed her, "Umi...I..." I took in her words, before replying. "Alright...but not the whole night..." Checking my watch, I told her. "It's closing in to midnight...one more hour."
"Three," She argued.
I smiled at her, "Two." Upon her agreement, I set the alarm for two hours later. "Two then..."
Umi made me sit down next to her, and we sat there, our fingers tracing the tracks of the fireflies. We sat there for quite some time, before the fireflies faded away into the night. I gazed at my watch. It was nearly two hours. Standing up, I helped her up as well. Just then, she leaned towards me and kissed me lightly on the lips. It only lasted for some seconds, before she drew away and took my hand, making her way back.
"Let's go then,"
Rubbing my cheeks, I could feel them burning slightly, "Okay...so you're leading the way?"
"No...we both are," She corrected.
I nodded as I repeated her words to myself, "We both are..." I ran up to her side, still holding her hand. "Fine..."
As to how long it took us to get back, I have no clue. But I did know that once we reached the cottage, I fell asleep immediately. As for Umi...I'm not sure. But I remember seeing her looking at my sleeping figure for a minute or two, before closing the door.
The next morning, I got up and stretched my arms. Rubbing my eyes, I got out of bed and went outside to wash myself and change my clothes. I guess one can say that I didn't notice Umi in a distance doing something. After that, I came out, much more awake than before. My purple orbs caught Umi in a distance, and I went towards her.
"Umi, what-"
"Wait, Clef!" She pointed at me sternly. "Stay there!"
I froze, blinking at her, "Yes...?"
She replied, "Please...stay away from the kitchen till I call you."
"And breakfast...?"
"Yeah, I'll get to it," And she disappeared inside the kitchen. "Don't worry! I won't starve you!"
I backed away a few steps, before going inside my room and closing the door. I had no idea what she was up to, but her reaction just now...it must be something big. Thinking back, I tried to recall any similar incident. I don't know why, but I had this feeling... It was almost as if I was still dreaming even though I know that this was reality. I was dreaming of the past...somehow. I forced myself to think even harder, until I finally recalled something...
……Flashback……
It was wintertime, and we were about 16 years of age. It was early in the morning, but I was still asleep due to the fact that last night, Umi had made me stay up with her to watch the moon. When I got up, I went to wash up and get changed. After doing so, I headed towards Umi's house to find her. But the minute I stepped inside the house, she appeared in front of me, shooing me away. I blinked at her.
"Why...?"
Looking around her, she answered, "You can wait in the living-room then, I won't be long!" And then she disappeared inside the kitchen, when I tried to peek inside, she chased me away.
Staring behind me, I walked to the living room and sat down. With my arms crossed behind my head, I leaned back. It was not long before Umi came out, with something balanced on both of her hands, but I could not see anything because it was covered with a piece of cloth.
……End of flashback……
Just then, I heard Umi calling for me. Getting up, I opened the door and went to see her. What I saw caused me to jump slightly. She came out with something balanced on her hands, and it was also covered with a piece of cloth. My heart leapt. Could this be...?
……Flashback……
She placed it on the table, and sat down opposite me. Leaning forward, she smiled secretly to herself. I stared at her in curiousity. It was circular...or so it looked like. But then again, I couldn't figure what she might have been doing in the kitchen so that it ended up in a circular shape. I reached out my hand to remove the cloth, but she pushed my hand away. Standing up, she told me to wait a while longer.
Heading up the stairs, she vanished. I sighed. What was she up to now? I don't know her...I don't know her... My eyes shifted to the table. What was it...? I had the biggest urge to remove that cloth immediately and set my eyes upon her surprise for me.
……End of flashback……
"Clef...is your hair still wet?"
I felt my hair, "Yeah...so?"
She giggled, "Nothing..."
I blushed slightly. Umi set it on the table in the living room, and made me sit down. I suspected what was inside, and wanted to push the cloth away to confirm my thoughts. But the look that Umi gave me pulled me away from doing so. I suppressed the urge and leaned back, looking away. I heard her laugh quietly to herself before she said.
"I'll be back in a moment," And then she warned me. "Don't touch it! I won't take very long."
And then she disappeared inside her room. I touched my hair again. What was so funny...? I shifted my attention to what was sitting on the table. It was too real...a bit scary, in fact.
……Flashback……
Soon, Umi came back down, placing something on my lap before sitting down opposite me. It was a small package, wrapped with shiny, purple paper and tied with a golden ribbon.
"Go, on, open it!"
Carefully, I untied the ribbon and unwrapped the present. There lay a box. Removing the cover, I saw what was inside. Taking it out I observed it closely. It was a scarf, and if I wasn't wrong, she made it. It was dark purple in colour, and there were patterns of blue, red, green, yellow and white around it. Looking up at her, I saw her smile. Smiling back, I fitted it around my neck, before removing it and placing it down beside me.
"You did it?"
Nodding, she answered, "How is it? I know that it isn't very well done as the kimono you did for me before..."
"No...it's nice," I commented.
She shook her head, "You don't have to lie, and I know it myself." And then she changed the topic. "Go on! You can see the other one!"
……End of flashback……
"Here I am!" Umi appeared, with a small package in her hand, and she placed it on my lap.
Sitting opposite me, she beckoned me to open it. I nodded, and unwrapped the present. It may not be wrapped in the same manner, but the wrapper was still purple, and the ribbon golden. Just as I had expected, there was a box. Opening it, I saw a scarf. Quickly, I took it and wrapped it around my neck, before removing it. It was as if I was going through a certain procedure or something. I studied it. Purple, with patterns of blue, red, green, yellow and white. But they were slightly different from that of before.
"How is it?"
"Lovely..."
She smiled, and pointed at the table, "You can see what it is now!"
Cautiously, I placed the scarf aside and took away the cloth. I caught my breath. It was what I had in mind. I removed the glass cover. There was sitting a sponge cake. My heart skipped a beat or two. I knew what it symbolised. It was exactly the same as before.
"Clef...?"
I looked at her, "Thank you, Umi..."
She smiled, "You said before that you would like the moon, didn't you?"
"How did you know...?"
"I asked you that last night," She laughed. "But you were probably too sleepy to remember that..."
I smiled, "Thank you, Umi..."
Leaning forward, she brushed my hair away, "You look a bit funny when your hair's wet. But still..." She giggled to herself and went to sit down beside me. "I'm glad you like it, Clef..."
……Flashback……
I took away the cloth, and sitting there was a sponge cake with a glass cover on it. I took away the glass cover and observed the sponge cake. Looking up at her, I expected her to say something.
"Well...you said you wanted the moon, didn't you?"
I shot up, "How did you know?"
"I asked you that last night," She shrugged. "But I guess you were too tired then to remember that." And then she asked. "How is it?"
Smiling, I replied, "Thank you, Umi..."
"Happy Birthday, Clef..."
……End of flashback……
Umi's lips and mine met, and it deepened into a passionate kiss. Soon, we drew away from each other. She ran her fingers through my wet hair, smiling at me as she spoke.
"Happy Birthday, Clef..."
What did I see? I just saw you smiling at me, that's all...
END
A/N: Concerning Clef's birthday...CLAMP didn't really say anything about it. So...I just made it during the season of winter. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope I'm not too late... Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! You all always encourage me!
(Response to reviewers)
Shy-Lil-Dreamer: Oh...that's okay then! Haha... Thanks for the review! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter as well.
toysrusgirl: Oh...I see. I'm so sorry that you got the ban! Sometimes my parents do that to me too...Thanks for the review! Hope you like the last chapter! Hopefully it isn't too sad.
Metajoker: Thank you! I really appreciate that comment! Thanks! Hope you like this chapter as well.
Kaoru27Umi: Thanks for the review! I really appreciate it! I'm glad you like it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
hyperitaliangurl: Haha, thanks! I'm glad that you love my story. Hope you like this chapter as well.
