08.30 Magic

"Welcome back!" Sakura called out happily as Kurogane and Syaoran appeared in the doorway of the Cat's Eye Café.

"I'm home," Syaoran smiled gently at her, reassuring her that he was okay despite his multiple new visible bruises and his shaking limbs, although he didn't complain when she went to fetch the first aid kit.

"I hope Kuro-sama wasn't too mean to you!" Fai teased lightly, prancing over to poke Kurogane on the cheek, causing the ninja's eye to twitch. "Hyuu! Kuro-puu's getting grumpy~!"

"Go away," Kurogane swatted at Fai half-heartedly. The blond merely laughed and flounced out of the way.

"Big Doggy's not being very nice to Big Kitty!" Fai exclaimed, provoking Kurogane further. "Big Doggy should love Big Kitty with all his heart, not try to chase him away!"

"It's hard when you always push people away!" Kurogane glared at the mage, who only smiled enigmatically and slapped Kurogane playfully on the arm.

"Kuro-chan is much too perceptive for his own good!" Fai cried cheerfully as Kurogane's glare intensified. "He should concentrate more on how to be a good puppy!"

"Why, you …" Kurogane growled, causing Fai to giggle and run off, leaving the ninja to give chase.

The sound of the children's laughter drew the attention of both adults. They were sitting at the bar, Syaoran still dirty from the day's lesson, Sakura blushing as she tried – and failed – to show Syaoran a magic trick she had learned from one of the customers.

"Why don't you stop running away," Kurogane hissed. "And show them some real magic?"

"I can't do that, Kuro-rin," Fai whispered back from his perch on top of one of the tables. "I said I wouldn't use magic!"

Kurogane snorted. "Coward."

He barely had any time to react as the mage leapt down and landed in front of him, cupping his face in his hands and briefly pressing his lips to his before pulling away.

As Kurogane sputtered incomprehensibly in shock, Fai just smiled at him again.

"You … that … what …" Kurogane was a bit annoyed at his own inability to speak. "What was that!?"

"Now that's real magic, Kuro-mu." Fai poked him on the cheek again before winking and sashaying his way upstairs.

Kurogane could only stare in shock.

Although he had to admit, if that what Fai had to offer, he wouldn't mind getting another taste.

Written April 4, 2010

A/N - I think Fai was feeling spontaneous. XD