Author's Notes:
Two more drabbles today! The first one made me cry. But that might be because I recently read a really heartbreaking oneshot about Sakura and Syaoran's future. It's called "Fleeting Eternity." I highly recommend reading it, as it inspired these next few drabbles.
73. Daughter (150)
Syaoran took the tiny hand between his fingertips. She gazed at him, waiting for him to make the connection. A smile split her face, as carefree and exuberant as the princess's.
With a jolt, he realized there was a new princess now.
Behind him, Fai and Kurogane stopped moving. They said nothing as he knelt.
Syaoran wasn't sure what to do. Apologize? Smile? Introduce himself?
The child—Can she really be my daughter?—grinned wider and said, "Aren't you going to say anything, Dad?"
He took a shaky breath at the title. She knows me, he thought, unable to look away. The green eyes were undoubtedly Sakura's, but the girl's hair and the cheekbones . . . She was his daughter, too.
"What's your name?" They hadn't settled on one while Sakura had been pregnant. I've missed so much.
"Rue."
Like the flower . . . A tear rolled down his cheek.
74. Pity
Kurogane seldom felt pity, and empathy even less, but seeing the boy's slumped shoulders stung. Though he's not a kid anymore . . .
The ninja remembered how Syaoran had reacted to meeting his daughter. Kurogane had never had children, but he could guess the problem.
Reality had hit Syaoran hard. Becoming a father was challenge enough. Leaving your child behind had to hurt even worse.
Kurogane rested a hand on the kid's shoulder. "It'll be okay."
Syaoran glanced up, then back down. Kurogane caught the trail of saltwater on his face. "Thanks."
Just this once, Kurogane let him cry.
75. School
Sakura pulled the backpack over Rue's shoulders. "Be good and listen to your teachers."
Rue rolled her eyes. "I will, Mom."
Sakura ruffled her hair. "Good. And don't forget, your lunch is—"
"In my backpack. I know, Mom."
Sakura nodded. "That's right." She leaned forward and planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead, trying to hide the nascent tears in her eyes. Her arms wrapped around Rue's shoulders, and she felt an answering squeeze. "I love you."
"Love you, too, Mom." Rue slipped out of her embrace and walked over to the doors. She turned back, just once, to wave.