Author's Notes: Possibly my last chapter for quite a while, that's why I tried to make it a bit longer. Uni starts tomorrow so I wouldn't have much time. I'll try my best to update regularly though. The prompt title and subtitles are all taken from the song, Favorite Things, from the Sound Of Music. Obviously, I don't own it. Have fun. This chapter's for all of you.
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Prompt Number Eight: (Least?) Favorite Things
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I. Brown Paper Packages
People are drawn to Sakura. It's a natural fact of life.
Syaoran dislikes crowds, and people in general. It's one of Eriol's observations.
Sakura has a naturally cheerful disposition. She smiles readily for anyone. Constantly being watched by the public , as the Crown Princess, has nothing to do with it. She's just really happy.
Syaoran is reserved to a fault. He is courteous to a cold degree, as demanded by his employment in a hospitality business.
Sakura takes her time in exploring the market. Sneaking out of the castle is a well-loved tradition of hers. This time she won't forget to bring Tomoyo something back, so she purchases hair clips with butterfly details.
Syaoran hurries as he totes cream puffs (for Eriol), tea leaves (for Suppi) and assorted candies (for Nakuru). Shopping is his duty, and he takes pride in being efficient. (Suppi believes it is below him, Eriol tends to wander, and Nakuru is helpless).
Sakura wears a white dress, fashioned by Tomoyo. It is stylish and simple, and falls to her knees.
Syaoran cannot be bothered to describe his wardrobe.
Once upon a time they (Syaoran and Sakura, of course) meet in a market enfolded by the sweltering heat, and noisy crowds.
She stops him to ask for directions.
He frowns to answer her questions.
She smiles in gratitude.
He nods in reply.
Without looking back, they part ways.
Temporarily, that is.
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II. Blue Satin Sashes
"Suppi-chan, come on!"
"…" Cold, blue eyes glared at her dangerously.
Nakuru, however, was unfazed. "It's part of our new costume. Eriol-chan's efforts will be in vain, if everyone doesn't participate. Besides, it matches your eyes. Isn't it pretty?s"
Eriol and Syaoran looked on. Both were wary to approach. Nakuru in a sugar high and short tempered Suppi was the worst combination possible.
"I refuse to present myself in public in such an undignified manner."
"You're just going to wear a ribbon. How is that undignified. In fact, I think it's cute and adorable."
"More reason to not do it then."
They go on and on.
Nakuru is persistent.
Suppi is immovable.
Eriol is amused.
Syaoran is simply relieved he doesn't have to wear a pink apron anymore (it's still frilly, but at least it was blue).
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III. Dog Bites
Sakura-hime has a habit of sneaking off to go to the market, or some other public place that wasn't the palace.
Tomoyo knows, Nadeshiko knows, Sonomi knows, even Fujitaka knows. Only Touya doesn't.
The one who knows best, however, is Yue.
As her fairy godparent and guardian it is his obligation to watch over her. If it were completely up to him, he wouldn't let Sakura-hime cavort about outside the castle. But it wasn't completely up to him. There was Kero-chan.
He was also her fairy godparent. He was also her guardian. It was also his obligation to watch over. It was also he, Kero, who helped Sakura-hime do the impossible task of going unnoticed.
Troublesome. It was all so troublesome.
Sakura-hime, such a sweet child, really, was bothered by his unhappiness.
Yue, however, failed to understand how accompanying her to her trips would make him happy.
If possible, it only made his headache worse.
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IV. Bee Stings
He was not going to snap.
"We have to visit this place!"
Yue was finding it very hard to keep up his smiling façade as Yukito Tsukishiro. But he would not snap. They were in public, after all.
"WOW! Sakura we simply have to try this new dessert I've heard of!"
He was not going to snap. He was NOT going to snap. He was not—
"THERE it is! FASTER, Sakura! I can smell it—"
"—It's Sakura-hime," Kero's excited chattering stop, opting to arch an eyebrow his way. Sakura stared at him in worry. He rarely lost his cool, and the words he uttered were in a tone harsher than he intended.
Taking a deep breath, he added calmly, "Keep your voice down, Keroberus."
Ignoring him, the stuffed animal simply continued to poke his head out of Sakura's tote bag, and excitedly pointed to the shop across from the street, albeit a bit quieter .
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V. Crisp Apple Strudels
To say that Nakuru was surprised would be an understatement.
What was he doing here?
"Good afternoon," chirped the cute auburn-haired teen sitting from across him.
Straightening her smile, Nakuru listed off the menu to the couple (Is he on a date?). She did it on autopilot though. After working in Cat's Eye for less than a week she had became familiar with its workings.
Her eyes were trained on him: Yue.
Or rather, Yukito Tsukishiro, who was seemingly absorbed with the stuffed kitten (Suppi's idea, he was quite egoistic really) which served as a table centerpiece.
After mentioning their house specialties, Nakuru turned to the girl and asked for her order. She smiled when the girl asked for cream puffs, and apple strudels, one of the newer additions to the menu.
She then turned stupidly to girl'ss companion.
Nakuru was unprepared when his eyes met hers.
Her first thought was: brown. His eyes were now brown contrary to the usual ice blue.
Her second thought was more urgent. It primarily consisted of the word: shit.
Her third though followed the second one: Will he recognize me?
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To be continued...?
