Chapter Two:
Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. After four months at CLAMP Campus nothing had changed between Nokoru and Sakuya. They would meet at least once a day to talk or work together on History or English. With finals looming around the corner and Christmas a little after that, people were nervous. Yet Suoh could tell Nokoru was far sadder than worried.
After the last day of finals Suoh finally gave in to his curiosity and worry and confronted Nokoru. Nokoru was finishing up paperwork for the entertainment for the annual Christmas Ball the High School Division held ever year. Arraignments were being made to house their entertainment on campus. One of the acts was to be the famous violinist Kaiou Michiru. Nokoru had signed her because Sakuya had always wished to see her in action. All in all, the High School Division was going all out.
"Kaichou. . .May I speak with you a moment?" Nokoru signed his last paper and looked up at Suoh.
"Hai. I was just finishing up any way," Nokoru said in reply. Suoh pulled up a chair and sat down.
"I wish to know why you seem to stay away from Sakuya on anything higher than a friendship level? I've seen the way the two of you act together. You like her." Nokoru looked away.
"I just can't bring myself to ask her out. It seems like she's fine being friends. Not to mention I don't want her in danger because of me. I just don't want to push my luck." Suoh smiled softly.
"I can understand that Nokoru. I'd be around to help keep an eye on her. Yet I must say you will never find out how she feels about you if you don't make any moves." Suoh thought back to Nagisa. She had been such a sweet girl. He had met her in the same cherry tree grove that Nokoru had fallen in love with Sakuya in. Yet as the years went by, Nagisa and himself had grown apart. Then Nagisa had left CLAMP Campus. It had been heartbreaking, but with Nokoru and Akira with him he had pulled through. Now he seemed to enjoy talking to Sakuya's friend, Tomoyo. Tomoyo was like Nagisa had been, sweet, caring, and knowledgeable. Although Tomoyo seemed to be able to see the real person behind any act. When they had first met she had been bright and warm. Her voice had been soft and sweet and she had told him not to try so hard. That people would like him for who he was without having to try at all. It was then that he had kind of started a slight crush on the young woman. "There is one positive thing to have come from you knowing her. She's got you taking care of business." Nokoru laughed.
"It was the only way I could get to work on, making it a white Christmas here. Yue had once told me about Sakuya making a machine that could make it snow. Of course it never lasted long because it would be warm, but it would never stop spitting it out. So I asked if she would make it snow here. She had said she would, but first she said I had to get my work done. I think it was because she was tired of Yue complaining about doing all the paperwork. So we made a fair trade, work for work. I just hope she can make enough of those machines for this campus." Suoh smiled.
"I'm sure she can do it. She seems to be one that will do whatever she sets herself to do, no matter how hard." As he spoke as light snowfall began outside. Suoh and Nokoru grinned and went to the window. Nokoru's bright blue eyes found his hearts desire without trying, his heart doing a little jump at the sight of her. Sakuya was up on a ladder, a huge grin splitting her face. Below her was Yue and Tomoyo. Tomoyo had a camcorder in her hands and was video taping all that was going on around her. Yue's face suddenly went white as Sakuya jumped off the top of the ladder and landed a few paces from them, twirling and laughing as the snow fell around them.
"She's beautiful," Nokoru said softly. Suoh nodded, his eyes watching Tomoyo.
"Very much so. Kaichou, why don't you and I go join them?"
"Why not. I still have to figure out what would be a good Christmas gift for her."
"Just don't think too long." The two men laughed and headed out of the office.
Sakuya was happy. When Nokoru had asked if she would make it snow she had nearly passed out. Then he had explained that her cousin had told him about an experiment of hers. She then knew why Yue had said what he said and had agreed to do it as long as he did his paper work. She had then called upon The Snow and The Illusion. While Illusion took care of making it look like there were machines making the snow, Snow would create it and help aid her in making a white Christmas for everyone on the campus.
"Did you have to jump off the ladder?! You could of hurt yourself!" Yue remarked, worry in his voice. Sakuya twirled in the falling snow a little more.
"You worry to much cousin. I'm very skilled. A little drop like that was nothing like the ones I do off the Sakura Trees." Yue glared a moment then took off. Tomoyo brought to camera down and turned it off as she watched Yue leave. She then turned to Sakuya.
"Sakuya-san, it's really not nice to do that to him. Yue-san was worried about you." Sakuya stopped and looked at Tomoyo, her expression serious.
"I know. He can tell I'm hurting inside and it bothers him. Because of Clow Reed's gift to me we are connected inside. Thus he can tell when I'm upset." Tomoyo's face became serious as well.
"You are beginning to care about Nokoru-sempai aren't you?"
"Not beginning. Far past start and into it head long." Tomoyo smiled her soft smile.
"Why don't you ask him to the Christmas Ball?" Sakuya sighed, the snow feeling cool against her suddenly warm cheeks.
"Because it's not proper for a girl to ask the guy. Besides, recently it seems like he only sees me as a friend. I don't want to scare him off." Tomoyo laughed softly.
"Now YOU worry too much."
"I know, but I can't help it. It's just that Yue's words are haunting me." Tomoyo nodded softly.
"I know. . .I'm sorry he had to remind you of that again." Sakuya shook her head.
"It's O.K.. Really. Besides. . .what's going on between you and Suoh-san?" Tomoyo blushed softly and looked away.
"Nothing. We just seem to have a common worry. He worries about Nokoru-sempai and I worry about you. We both think you two should at least give it a try together." Sakuya looked a Tomoyo, knowing there was more behind her words but not pushing her friend.
"I'll think about it. Will that work for now Tomoyo-chan?" Tomoyo nodded then brought up her camera and aimed it at the two boys coming their way. She grinned and filmed them as the walked up, a blush rested on Nokoru's cheeks. Suoh waved to Tomoyo, used to that camera. She waved back.
"Hiyo Tomoyo-chan, Sakuya-san. How are you two ladies today?" Suoh asked. Sakuya offered Suoh a smile as she walked over to Nokoru. Tomoyo smiled at Suoh and brought down her camera. She then walked over to Suoh and offered him one of her soft smiles.
"I'm doing well, Suoh-san. I've been making a miracle and making it snow."
"I can see that Sakuya-san."
"I see you've been busy, Suoh-san," Tomoyo said in her soft voice. Suoh looked at her. Yet again he was amazed at how Tomoyo seemed to be able to read anything from just an expression. He wondered how much more she knew about him. "I'm doing well as well," Tomoyo said a little louder for the other two to hear.
"I've done my work Nokoru. How's yours coming along?" Sakuya asked him, bumping up against him with her shoulder.
"Mine is done as well," Nokoru answered, bumping her back. Tomoyo smiled and started filming the couple. Suoh smiled at the closeness of the two. "We've been busy figuring out what groups will be here for entertainment for the Christmas Ball. We've finally assured well known violinist, Kaiou Michiru." Sakuya stopped in the bumping and blinked in surprise. Her eyes grew wide and she turned to be face to face with Nokoru. Tomoyo continued filming.
"Really?! You were able to get Kaiou-san to come here to perform for the ball?" Tears built in her eyes as one of her greatest dreams was close to coming true. Nokoru blinked in surprise to her expression and nodded.
"Yes, she'll be here a day before the ball and stay till a day after. What's wrong? I thought you would be happy." Sakuya nodded and jumped into his arms, hugging him. Nokoru wrapped his arms around her and hugged her in return. Nokoru felt his heart race as he held her and wished that she could remain there forever. A sudden warm and wet feeling touched his cheek and he brought her back a bit so he could see her face. He was surprised when he saw tears falling from her eyes. He gently wiped her cheeks free of her tears.
"I am happy. Very happy. Thank you for making a dream of mine come true." Nokoru smiled at her words. If only he was brave enough to risk a relationship with this woman. He cared so much for her that he didn't want to see her hurt.
"I'm glad. It was very hard getting her to say yes. We had to do a lot to get her to agree. Of course we also have some other groups and entertainers coming but she was the hardest to get to agree." Sakuya smiled softly. If only she could will herself to risk a relationship without the whole truth being told. Yet she was afraid of things changing once her secret was known. It was something she wasn't willing to risk. "Sakuya-chan, I have to tell you. . ." Nokoru thought about what Suoh had said and figured he should tell her some of the truth. "I booked Kaiou Michiru-san because of you. I knew you like her and I wanted you to be able to see her. It was all done. . .for you. It didn't matter what it took. . .I wanted it to be a special time for you. I. . .I wanted you to enjoy Christmas." Sakuya gasped in surprise and more tears began falling from her eyes. Nokoru blinked and held her tight as she cried. "I thought this would make you happy. I didn't want to upset you."
"You didn't. I just can't seem to stop crying. Yet these aren't tears of sadness, they are tears of happiness," Sakuya said softly. Tomoyo brought down her camera and motioned to Suoh to come with her. Suoh nodded and without another word the two left Nokoru and Sakuya alone. Nokoru looked at her face and again wiped the tears away. A lone tear escaped out of the corner of her left eye. Nokoru bent down and kissed it away. Sakuya was surprised by the action. He cared. He really cared for her. Yet she couldn't start something with so much hidden about herself. She couldn't bring herself to do that to him. A tiny voice in her head told her to let things go at their own pace. Eventually secrets would have to be told but until then she could at least give being with him a small try. Sakuya smiled softly and mentally thanked The Hope card for those words. She then took a deep breath.
"Would you honor me by going to the Christmas Ball with me?" Sakuya and Nokoru asked at the same time. They looked at each other and then laughed. Nokoru then placed a gentle finger over her lips and spoke softly.
"Will you go to the ball with me?" Sakuya smiled and kissed his finger. Nokoru blinked at the action and removed his finger almost as if it had been burned by her touch.
"I'd be honored to go with you, Nokoru-san." He smiled back at her.
"Good. . .but would you please just call me Nokoru?" She tilted her head to the side, her hair falling over his arms.
"Only if you call me Sakuya. No more honorifics." Nokoru looked at her, knowing his heart was hers, and nodded.
"It's a deal. . .Sakuya." Her heart skipped a beat as he spoke her name. He was a very sweet person. Perhaps he would take her secret well. . .without harsh words. She only hoped it could remain a secret forever. . .that no danger would happen toward any of them. They hugged once more before letting each other go. They agreed to meet the next day and talk about plans for the ball and then parted ways.
Suoh glanced behind him as Tomoyo and he walked away. Things looked good, but then again, Sakuya was a very physical person. He had come to expect a hug when they met every morning in the council office. Sakuya had become a welcome edition to the student council. She made snacks and lunches with Akira. She would help him with the balancing of council schedules. She'd help Yue with his paperwork and jump down Nokoru's back when he sat around doing nothing but stare at her. Akira had once said she had a lot of great ideas for the campus and a lot of new cooking tips for him to have fun with. Suoh had noticed Yue would frown when she'd hug everyone hello or goodbye. There was something he was hiding from everyone about Sakuya and himself. What it was Suoh didn't know. . .but he had a feeling Tomoyo knew. He watched as Tomoyo filmed some students relaxing at certain spots on the campus. Most of them laughing and playing in the gentle snowfall that seemed to reach everywhere. The campus was cool enough that the snow seemed to remain on the ground.
"Tomoyo-chan, what is it about Sakuya that Yue seems to find fault with?" Tomoyo stopped her filming and looked at Suoh.
"It's not that he finds fault with her. Far from it. He's just worried she spreads her heart too far and that eventually she'll be hurt."
"Is that why Yue refrains from making friends?" Tomoyo nodded slightly.
"It's part of it. He's got a lot of secrets that one would find offensive, perhaps vulgar. It's apart of all our lives. Everyone has something they don't like to admit to for fear it will make others look at you funny or differently." Suoh nodded. He could understand that one. Yet what could this gray haired beauty before him have as a secret that would make others look at her oddly? Not one for being silent, Suoh spoke his curiosity.
"What are you hiding?" Tomoyo appeared thoughtful a moment.
"Some things I can't tell you because they are about others as well. Yet one thing I can tell you is that at one point I used to be in love with my best friend."
"That's nothing to think differently about you about," Suoh replied. Tomoyo shook her head.
"You don't understand. My best friend is a girl, just like me. I. . .I never told her, at least not in the way she would believe me in. When ever I had tried telling her she thought of it as a friendship kind of love. I didn't mind. I knew I was a little odd in my feelings, yet I couldn't help it. My mother was in love with her best friend. . .who became Sakura's mother. I suppose it was in the blood to fall in love with my best friend. Yet I was happy for her when she met Syaoran-san. He's been good for her." Suoh blinked, suddenly realizing that it was Kinomoto-san that Tomoyo had been in love with. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's all right Tomoyo-chan. Everyone goes thought certain phases in life. Yours was falling in love with Sakura-san." Tomoyo smiled sweetly.
"Thank you for understanding, Suoh-san." He nodded.
"What made you stop loving Sakura-san?" Suoh then kicked himself. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't ask that. I'm getting way too nosy. Just tell me to mind my own business." Tomoyo laughed and lightly bumped him with the camera.
"It's all right. I don't mind. I suppose I just grew out of it. I don't really know. Although I seem to have a crush on a certain person at the moment. Who's male I may add. He's also a very sweet person. He always looks after his best friend." Suoh nodded, feeling slightly sad that she was already seeing someone as possible date material. "Now. . .fair trade. Time for you to tell me what you hide from everyone." He smiled.
"When I was younger my mother used to always tell me that someday I would take over being a bodyguard. It would be just anyone though. It would be someone I chose. Someone I would be with forever, willing to risk my life over. I used to say that I would never put any ones life over my own. Yet I find that after meeting Nokoru. . .I can't help but look after him. He's a special person, and I'd die if anything happened to him." Tomoyo smiled softly and kissed Suoh's cheek, which was slightly damp from a few tears. He blinked at her actions, surprised. He then let what she had said sink into his mind. Someone who always looked after his best friend. Nokoru was his best friend. . .and he always looked out for him. She had been talking about him and he had acted jealous of himself. He felt a little silly.
"He's your best friend. You feel the same about Nokoru as I do about Sakura."
"Sakura's less likely to run into danger than Nokoru is. With his family being as wealthy as they are, he's the object of many kidnappings." Tomoyo nodded, not willing to tell him that Sakura faced danger a lot worse than being kidnapped.
"I know about Nokoru-san. I used to see him sometimes when his mother and mine would meet for tea back when I was around five or so." Suoh blinked at her words.
"The Chairwoman would meet your mother for tea?" Tomoyo nodded and Suoh swallowed. "Then that means you're just as well off as Nokoru!" Tomoyo laughed at Suoh's expression.
"I suppose so, although not quite as well as one might think." Tomoyo laughed, as Suoh's face still seemed to hold his surprise and shock. "Oh come on Suoh-san. Don't tell me that my wealth is going to be a problem for you. After all, it's my parents money, not my own." Suoh shook his head to clear his mind. So what if she was as wealthy and powerful as Nokoru. She was still human, just like anyone else.
"I'm sorry. You're right. I guess I just got a little carried away with the idea, that's all." Tomoyo laughed and he laughed with her. "Tomoyo-chan, do you have a date to the Christmas Ball yet?" Tomoyo looked at him with her soft blue eyes.
"Not yet. Are you asking me to the ball Suoh-san?" Suoh was amazed at her way of knowing what others wanted.
"Yes. Does that bother you?" Tomoyo shook her head.
"Not at all. I'd be honored to go to the ball with you." Suoh grinned.
"Good, then I shall be the happiest man there," Suoh told her.
"Would you like me to make a suit for the evening to match my dress?" Suoh looked at her a little worriedly. He knew how wild she was with most of her fashions. She laughed at his expression.
"You worry too much Suoh-san. I have no plans for anything too crazy for myself. I was saving the crazy ones for Sakura-chan and Syaoran-san." Suoh laughed. He'd heard from Syaoran about some of the crazy outfits she had made for Sakura. Although he had to admit he did like the one Syaoran had shown him she had made for him. Sakura's had been a matching outfit, yet hers was pink where Syaoran's had been green. They were nice.
"All right. I leave our costumes to your capable hands." Tomoyo cheered softly.
"Arigato, you won't regret it." He knew he wouldn't. She was great at knowing what people liked. "I've got work to begin if I must have all the costumes I'm making done by the ball." Suoh blinked.
"Whom else are you making them for?"
"Sakuya-chan, Nokoru-san, Akira-san, Yue-san, Sakura-chan, Syaoran-san, and us."
"You're right, you do have your hands full. I shall let you get going so that way you can get started. Take care Tomoyo-chan."
"Take care as well. I'll see you when you come for your costume an hour or so before the ball, if not sooner."
"Hai. Jaa." With that said they parted ways, both a little happier.
The day of the ball had arrived with Tomoyo in a flurry of activity. She was placing the finishing touches on hers when Sakura, Syaoran, Yue, and Sakuya came in. All of them looked a little upset.
"What's wrong minna-san?" Tomoyo asked.
"It seems our time of peace is over. Someone's been using magic the last couple days on some of the students. There have been three attempts on Nokoru's life and several tries to capture Sakuya. Whoever it is wants Nokoru away from Sakuya and Sakuya for themselves," Yue said, dropping all need for honorifics. Sakuya frowned and Tomoyo hugged her.
"Don't worry Sakuya-chan. Tonight will be perfect. We'll have several cards be on the look out," Tomoyo said, tossing a pleading look toward Sakura. Sakura nodded.
"Of course we will Sakuya. The Dark, The Fight, The Shield, The Snow, and The Illusion are already out and keeping an eye out at the same time. I've also asked Windy and Firey to keep an eye out as well. Windy's always watching out for you anyway and Firey wanted to see the ball so I let her free when they let the campfire out in the courtyard. Also, Watery is in the air with Snow and Wood and Earthy are around as well. Nothing can possibly get though the strongest cards. Well. . .strongest with the exception of Yue and yourself, Sakuya," Sakura said. Sakuya smiled, feeling a little better.
"Arigato Sakura. I'm certain after the last failure we shall have the rest of the night off."
"I agree with you Sakuya-chan. They took a pretty hard beating, whomever they are," Syaoran said. "We should get dressed. Some people have dates that will be showing up soon." Sakuya and Tomoyo nodded as they dragged Sakura upstairs with them. Yue looked at Syaoran.
"Are you certain we should go through with this?" He asked. Syaoran nodded.
"Sakuya's been looking foreword to this for a long time. I don't want her to feel as if it's a lost cause." Yue nodded. For once he knew he had to be positive for Sakuya. Around then Suoh, Akira, and Nokoru showed up. Yue had disappeared into his room to dress, his costume being his true form with a slight costume change for appearance sake. Akira was dressed as a Dutch baker while Suoh was dressed as a middle century bodyguard. Syaoran was placed into a kind of futuristic costume with Sakura's to match. Tomoyo was dressed as a middle century lady, with a hoop dress and everything. Nokoru was dressed up as a Greek lord with Sakuya dressed as his Greek goddess. Sakuya had refused to allow her costume to be her true form, seeing as Nokoru had seen her like that once before, at a slight glance. The men gathered at the foot of the stairs to see their ladies. They came downstairs one at a time. Suoh and Akira both gaped at Tomoyo's costume, thinking she looked very pretty. Syaoran smiled and kissed Sakura's cheek as she made a cute woman from the future. When Sakuya made her way downstairs every man's breath caught. She made a very stunning goddess. Nokoru couldn't find the words to tell her she was beautiful, but his expression told her all she needed to know. Finally Yue came out of his room, controlling his wings so that they appeared as fake as possible. Everyone who wasn't used to Yue's true form stared. Yue glared back at them.
"What? Tomoyo made me wear this. I sear I wouldn't of chosen this of my own free will." Tomoyo, Sakura, and Sakuya laughed at that, know he would willingly be himself any day.
"Shall we get going?" Sakuya asked. Everyone nodded. Together they all left, several of them hoping nothing bad happened.
The ball was going along well without any hassles. Kaiou Michiru had played to an enthusiastic crowd. Sakuya had hung on her every note, clinging to Nokoru's arm as they listened. Nokoru enjoyed every minute of it; just knowing he was there with the woman he loved. They had then danced to several of the other bands and laughed as Suoh danced with Tomoyo and her camera. They both laughed, as Tomoyo would take it from all her friends to Suoh and herself. At one point she kissed his cheek and Suoh blushed several colors of pink. All in all things were going well.
Eventually the ball hit a slow spot, where most couples would take a break and simply talk with friends and their dates. Several women sighed over the two dateless High School Division Council members and some even sighed at the ones that were taken. Nokoru placed his hand in his pocket and felt the Christmas gift for Sakuya in his pocket. He didn't think he could give it to her with everyone watching him so he calmly stood and held out his hand to Sakuya.
"Care to take a walk with me?" He asked her. She nodded and placed her hand in his. Together they walked off. He led her away from the party grounds to the cherry tree grove. Once there he went to one of the benches there and bade her sit down. Once she was seated he took a seat next to her. "Sakuya, I know we've known each other for a while now and we've been good friends since we first met. I. . .I'd like to know if you'll be with me? If you would be my girlfriend?" Sakuya sat there, stunned. She had figured out he cared about her, but she never knew it was this much. She had known he was reluctant about getting into any relationship due to how much he ran into trouble. Yet here he was asking her to take the risk, all because he cared. She swallowed deeply before opening her mouth to answer.
Before she could say anything something came crashing through the Sakura trees. Sakuya stood quickly and without thinking went into action. "Shield!" She shouted into the night. The Shield card went into action and blocked whatever was coming toward them. Sakuya then blinked as her eyes landed on a water creature. She quickly called forth another of Sakura's cards. "Freeze!" She watched as the watery creature turned to ice and smirked slightly. She then stood and prayed her next call would be answered. "Sword!" To her surprise, sword appeared in her hand. She thanked it for coming and it's reply was that if the creature wasn't killed then it could go after Sakura-sama next. Sakuya agreed with it and with a few quick movements shattered the creature, killing it. A cry sounded out in the distance and Sakuya knew it was the spells master. For once a spell that was cast by a human was broken, the pain of the destroyed spell was reflected back on the caster. She knew that for tonight nothing else would happen. A light hand on her shoulder brought her fully aware that she had just used magic, or what appeared to be magic, in front of Nokoru. He must think she was a freak. Slowly she turned to face him to see his questioning gaze.
"Sakuya-san, what was that? What just happened?" Sakuya's heart sank as she heard him use san at the end of her name. Already his feelings were fading, possibly to be replaced by hate. Tears stunk the back of her eyes. She knew now she was not meant for love. Not now and not ever.
"Please, forget what you saw. It. . .it was nothing to worry about. I'm. . .I'm sorry about endangering you. Go. . .gomen nasai, Nokoru-sama. I. . .I shall trouble you no further." With those words out Sakuya turned and ran away. Her tears falling as she took off. Nokoru stood there stunned. He was the one in danger? She had revealed a part of herself to protect him. Yet for some reason she thought he was upset about it, possibly ready to hate her for something she had no control over. He frowned and looked at what he held in his hands. The jewelry box stood out against the paleness of his hands. He sighed and placed it back in his pocket. He'd have to get to the bottom of this and win her back. He wasn't going to let a little thing like magic keep him from being with the woman he now admitted he was in love with. He wanted her in his life, and he would have her, if it meant trying till he was old and gray.