Okay this new chapter is going to be the last for the month, until Winter Holiday's is over.
I like to thank readers and reviewers out there who took the time to read our story, it makes us feel happy that we are able to entertain you all with our story. So far we are done with the planning stages of most of our characters Arcs.
Ryou and Kappei are one of them, and I'm sure some of the readers out there are looking forward to these two kids coming together.
I must warn anyone who is keeping track with Youhei's Arc in our story, who's arc is intertwine with the other characters Arc, its slowly going to turning into a drama. Chapter 6(not to be confused with the Heart Chapter) only slows a small glimpse of his over all sanity and his depression.
I also like to thank my number 1 fan, who I take pride and forming her into a Youhei fangirl.
Also I been getting some PMs asking me who Youhei is going to end up with... our answer is we don't know it yet.
Enjoy the chapter and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Clannad
In Our Early Days
Chapter 7
An Emptiness Yet To Be Filled
The three women in the Reference Room stood silent; it was obvious that Yukine had strong feelings towards Youhei. Tomoyo knew exactly how Yukine felt about having feelings for someone, but didn't have the courage to tell him. She felt the same toward Tomoya; however she didn't win the battle, Nagisa won in the end. Of course she felt happy for Nagisa, but she always had an empty spot, never to be filled again.
She lost her happiness with him.
She lost the battle to win his heart and his love.
However the most painful of all, history is going to repeating itself.
She couldn't even hear the women talking to each other, when she started to think back what happen to her two years ago and how the man she used to hate, is now a man she loves.
The chapters hidden in Tomoyo and Youhei's hearts opened.
Incomplete Heart
Tomoyo smiled to herself while she stood inside the evaluator waiting for it to reach the floor. She could hear of distinct music growling louder as the evaluator reaches higher in the building, a giggle escape her lips; she knew where it was coming from. With her, standing by her idling away, her brother Takafumi.
"At least his taste in music is getting mediocre now," Takafumi sighed, resting his back on the back of the evaluator.
Tomoyo turned to her younger brother and lightly punch him on the shoulder.
"Damn, that hurts Tomoyo!" he whined.
"You should be polite to our host, after all he went through the trouble to invite us," she stared at him hard.
"Actually, he invited you Tomoyo, I just came along for the ride," he beamed. "Plus I was being polite, I said his taste in music is getting mediocre, it's praising. Besides being honest is who I am," he winked.
"There's a difference between honest and brutally honest, Takafumi," she cross her arms. "No wonder Kanoko-chan doesn't want to talk to you," she scold.
Kanoko happens to be on again off again girlfriend of Takafumi, they met when he enter the same high school of her sister during her senior year. Unfortunately because of Takafumi inconsiderate attitude towards her, Kanoko broke up with him many times.
"Hey hey, she told me to be honest how she looks like in her dress, and I said she looked ugly," he answered.
"You should be considerate with a women's heart," she frowned.
Takafumi shrugged his shoulders.
"If that's the case, then I might as well lie to her all the time."
The only deliverance for him not to be punch even harder by the now irritated older sister is the doors of the evaluator opening. Takafumi quickly evaded the punch and jumped through the doors.
"You're getting slow Tomoyo! Looks like old age is getting to you!" he mocked her as he started to run.
"I'm not that old! I'm still in my early twenties!" she chased after him down the hall way of the apartment building eventually tackling him down and pinning him into a Delfin Clutch.
The result... the man crying in pain.
"Take it back, say 'I'm young and beautiful!'" she ordered, her cold glare at him.
"But you're not! I can't lie, it goes against my principles!"
"Say it!" she pulled tighter on him.
"Fine," he shouted. "I'm young and beautiful!" he yelled.
"No! I mean 'You're young and beautiful!" she corrected.
"Thank you!" her brother express gratitude while trying to pull his body out of the pin.
"This brings back memories..." a male voice announced in front of them.
Both the Sakagami siblings stopped what they were doing and slowly looked up to see Youhei standing in front of them in the door way to his apartment. He leaned over the door frame with one arm and started down on them with a grin.
"Sunohara! Help me, onee-chan is hurting me," he begged.
"You deserve it," both Tomoyo and Youhei said at the same time.
"So what did he do this time?" Youhei asked turning to her.
"He said I'm old and ugly," she answered pulling her grip on her brother even tighter.
"He couldn't be more wrong. You ready to come in, some of our fellow university graduates are already here," he offered pointing in his apartment with his thumb.
Tomoyo smiled as she got up from her feet pulling Takafumi to his feet.
"But first!" Takafumi smiled as he pulled an apple from his pants pocket and handed it to him. "A little cerebration gift for being an official teacher," he smiled.
"Thanks," Youhei gave out a fake smile accepting the apple. "This is why I choice my path as a teacher, to get apples from dead beat students," he pointed at the apple. "And that's guidance teacher by the way, try to pay more attention," he bonked Takafumi's head.
"Fine, so where are your drinks?" he walked in taking off his shoes.
Youhei pointed where the drinks were.
"Don't mind if I do," Takafumi grinned as he saw a young women helping her to a drink.
"Sorry Youhei, I told him it wasn't funny," Tomoyo apologized taking off her shoes and placing them neatly on the shoe stand.
"Nah, its okay, don't worry yourself over it, I needed the vitamins anyway," he smiled. "I happy you're able to make it Tomoyo," he hugged her.
"It's nothing," she hugged him back.
"Is Mei-chan here?" she asked closing the apartment door.
"No...neither Mei or my mother couldn't make it. But I'm having dinner with them next week, would you like to come?" he offered as he help her take off her coat.
"I love to, but what of your father?" she asked.
"Well, the fact of the matter is," he paused as he took a hanger from the closet and hanged Tomyo's coat. "I made it this far, without his blessings or his money and his love. So it's only right to cerebrate without him, so long story short, he can screw himself," he winked at her.
Tomoyo smiled.
"You really have changed... I always knew you could."
"I could say the same thing about you Tomoyo, you seem more open and less serious at times, playful maybe the best word to say."
"Well...maybe you're right, but I change over time, you just needed a push to change."
"Thanks for pushing me around then. Come on, most of the people here can't wait to meet you, 'Future Attorney Sakagami' "he winked again at her.
The party grew on during the night, Tomoyo smiled to herself when she met some of her 'friends' she made during her studies in university. They were good 'friends', but she didn't have the same emotional attachment as the friends she made in high school. She still kept in good contact with some of them, such as Nagisa, Yukine and Kyou, but over time, she slowly started to drift off into her own life.
Despite her current success, she still wasn't really happy, not to say she not happy with her life as of now. Tomoyo couldn't help but to think if there was a world out there that she would find true happiness, maybe happiness with Tomoya. She swiftly took that thought out of her mind, it was the past, and she needed to think of the future.
She sat there, in the corner of the living room to herself, chatting with her friends who pass by her. Many of it was small talk, nothing really that meaning full, because when the night was over, they would forget each other, and she accepted it.
"I have to admit Sunohara, you do make a pretty decent celebration party," Takafumi said as he offered him a drink, sitting on a chair in front of him.
"Thanks," he replied sitting back on his chair. "I'm glad a free loader like you took the time to enjoy my party by picking up women," he added.
The two sat on the balcony of the apartment enjoy some of the little fresh air that Japan had to offer. It was a long night and most of the guest already took off, the ones that stick behind were the ones finishing off the last of the food and wine.
"No problem, thanks to your party I mange to score a chick's number," he waved a piece of paper in front of him.
"Really, may I see?" Youhei asked.
"Sure!" Takafumi smiled as he handed him the number, his smile change to a frown when Youhei crumble the piece of paper and threw it the balcony falling into the depts. of the street.
"Hey, what the hell is that for?" he asked.
"It's for your own good Sakagami-kun, besides you're with Kanoko-chan," Youhei kicked him in the shin. "Just apologize to her already you idiot,"
"Why should I? She is the one that over reacted, she so indecisive with her emotions," he groaned leading back on his chair.
"She's a woman; she has every right to be indecisive with their emotions. Your problem is your pride and massive ego," he pointed at him. "Just let go of them, and you be less of an ass."
Takafumi started to get annoyed at the older man.
"Even if I can, she always wants me to stupid stuff that I don't feel like doing..." he sighed deeply feeling a headache coming soon.
"50% of a relationship is being passionate about doing stuff you don't feel like doing for your lover and the other 50% is just being passionate about her or him."
Takafumi scratch the back of his head.
"You know Sunohara," he cross his legs and arms. "What makes you an expert on this, you're single and you have been for the longest time. Tell me why should I listen to you, what experience do you have?"
"You learn much about many things, are you need to do is take a step back and see the picture from the sidelines, because trust me I have many years of experience with that. As for experience with a man and women relationships... let's just say I'm over fairy tale love stories," he explained.
Takafumi sighed again and got to his feet.
"You're not using your guidance teacher tactics are you?"
Youhei didn't give an answer.
Takafumi looked at him blankly waiting for an answer.
Youhei just smiled.
"Argh whatever!" he walked back into the apartment. "Hey Tomoyo," he addressed walking past her.
Tomoyo looked at her bother puzzled then turned back to a smiling Youhei.
"Let me guess, you gave him advice?" she asked.
He nodded motion over to an empty chair in front of him.
"So what have you been up to Tomoyo?" he asked.
"Well I manage to get myself hired as a legal assistance, a good start when I do become an attorney. That and I need to clean up the streets again, it seems like the gangs is being active now, especially with a new one called Void," she answered.
"Void? Yeah I remember reading something on it in the newspaper, they sound dangerous Tomoyo," he said having a look of concern.
"Don't worry Youhei, with Yukine's help, I'm sure her and I can take them down before they do any real damage," she smiled.
"You're including Yukine in this as well?" his face even more concern.
"Don't worry Youhei, Yukine can take care of herself. Who do you think trained her to defend herself to begin with, in my senior year?" she asked.
"That depends; you're not putting her into a situation where she force to defend herself? You may think that she has the talent to be a better fighter then her brohter, you have to remember she's not a fighter. Why is she doing this anyway? I thought she hates fighting," he asked.
"Of course she's not a fighter and she has her reasons to decide to start fighting, Youhei, she keeps asking about you. Why not talk to her?"
Youhei stare at the woman for a few moments.
"I don't think its best idea," he replied.
"Why? You haven't talk to Tomoya or the others since you left Nagisa graduation, and you haven't even came to visit them during Christmas, not even once. You should at least talk to Yukine."
"I'm just afraid what she might not like of what become."
"Youhei, you became into a wonderful man, so devoted into helping others, and loving them unconditionally. People find comfort in you, Yukine finds comfort in you," she explained.
"Yes," he nodded. "That's the point. Yukine found comfort in me because I resemble her brother, the same with Okazaki. So if..."
"Stop," Tomoyo interrupted. "Yukine finds comfort in you because of you, not because of her brother, see deeply cares about you, and if you don't talk to her, then I'm going to let her come to you."
"But you promise not to talk to the others about me,"
"I made no such promise... but I did keep my word. But the way things are turning now, and then I have no choice but to intervene," she cross her arms scolding him. "In speaking of which did you tell them?" she asked.
"Huh?"
"Have you told Tomoya and the others about your success over the phone?" Tomoyo asked sitting down in the chair in front of them."
"No, not yet, I rather tell them in person, to see their surprise look on their face," he chuckled.
"Ah I see, also I heard from Tomoya that Ushio-chan is entering kindergarten next year, and I hear from Kyou she will be teaching her."
"Good for Ushio-chan," he smiled. "Good for Kyou," he said rather coldly.
Tomoyo notice the man being tense.
"Where are you going to teach Youhei?" she said trying to change the mood.
"I'm going to be with Yamaku Academy, a school that teaches students that have special needs," he asked.(1)
"My brother went there for one year after his accident, but why are you going to teach there?"
"Because... an old friend of mine had a sickness that took his life, I couldn't help him or save him from it. So I decided to help kids like him, who is sick, or physically disable or is emotionally scared. I just want to give them hope that their lives have meaning...I guess I'm not making a sense am I?"
"No, it makes sense. I completely understand what you mean," she nodded.
"Thanks, so are you enjoying the night so far Tomoyo?" he asked.
"Yes, I do admit that being around my friends is definitely refreshing, it seems that their living their lives to the fullest, and I'm happy for them," she smiled.
"I see... "He paused. "But are you happy for youself Tomoyo?" he asked.
"Not yet, I'm working on it," she gave a half smile. "I'm not saying that I'm not happy with my current right now, but..."
"You feel incomplete," Youhei finished her sentence for her.
Tomoyo eyes widen when he said that, he understood her.
"I feel the same way, but I right now, I just want to help people. Maybe someday along the way, I might even find a way to complete myself. But right now, I just have to settle with being incomplete," he nodded. "What about you Tomoyo? Do you know of a way to complete yourself?" he asked.
Tomoyo thought for one long moment the shook her head.
"That's the problem, I don't know how," she answered giving a weak smile to her friend.
"You don't?"
"Yes," she nodded then putting her head down not even looking at him. "I thought I would be complete when I fulfilled my promise to myself to save the cherry blossom trees for my family. With the help of you and Tomoya, I was able to do so, and I finally have a family again." She paused. "Then I thought I would complete when I started to protect people in the streets for being victims," she shook her head. "I should just be happy for all the accomplishment I've done..." she paused again. "Maybe I'm being selfish,"
"Sometimes being selfish is requiring being happy Tomoyo," he replied.
"What do you mean Youhei?" she asked finally looking up to him.
Youhei pointed inside his apartment, Tomoyo turned to see her brother dancing by himself to the music as few people who were still here join in.
"I don't understand..." Tomoyo looked on.
"Your brother, even though he struggling with a relationship with Kanoko-chan. He doesn't really care for that single moment he dancing, because he's taking a small break from it all. So when he comes back to it, he will approaches it with an open mind and an open heart. And having a strong mind and heart, you can fight for your dreams," he explained.
The woman nodded.
"Sometimes I feel envious; I wish I can do that, just dance for the rest of the night, without caring about my life right now."
"Okay then," Youhei stood up.
"My I have this dance?" he asked offering his hand with a bow when slow music started to play in the background.
"What on earth are you doing Youhei?" she asked slightly blushing.
"You wish to dance the night away without a care in the world. So as host of this arrange party I have to honour my guest wishes," he answered. "So my I please have this dance?" he asked again.
"But I'm a terrible dancer, I'm going to step all over your feet," her blush grew blighter.
Youhei then leaned over Tomoyo ear.
"Then I shall try my hardest to avoid milady's feet," he whispered to her.(2)
Tomoyo giggled then nodded taking his hand, he pulled her close to him and they started to slow dance. She rested her head on his shoulder and slowly relaxes when he guided her through the dance, her fear and her unhappiness of being incomplete started to fade. Then after a while, it all faded away and the only thing she could think of is her and Youhei dancing under the stars. She held him closer taking everything about him in.
She couldn't believe that they happen to go to the same university together, they happen to bump into each other one time when she happen to be running late for class. It was weird of first, to come across a man she hated in high school, turned into a complete different man all together.
It wasn't only is over all personality that change, it was that look he had in his eyes; she could still remember the conversation she had with him in high school. How he usually has a dumb annoying look in his eyes, but on rare times he also has eyes full of hope and devotion, a look that she knew that he would be a good man in the end.
A look that she eventually began to be fond of, and to be drawn into.
She was happy to be close friends with him, it made her feel special.
Youhei isn't the only person who changes completely, it was her as well.
During her time in high school she struggled to fight being typecast as a non-girl, always being violent and aggressive to others. She tried to become 'girlish' or ladylike to be more accepting to the general eye of the public, she also asks from some advice from Nagisa and Yukine on it during her senior year.
Then slowly, she became more lady like, something she wish to become, she still had her moments by defending the weak from bullies. She smiled to herself, she can always be both.
"Tomoyo?"
"Hmm?"
"I think the song is over..."
"Let's just stay like this, a little longer," she held him closer.
"Okay then..."
***
When Tomoyo woke up, she found herself in a bed that wasn't hers, she looked around, and her dress that she wore during the night was hanging off a hanger off the door. She looked under the covers and notice she was half naked.
Did we? She thought.
She blushed deeply; she didn't even remember sleeping with Youhei. Her eyes suddenly glazed down to the bed and saw a pair of clothes set out and a piece of paper on top of it, labelled Tomoyo. Curiosity got the better of her so she took the note and read it.
"Morning sleeping head, and don't worry despite what you must of thought right away when you woke up, we didn't have sex. You just fell asleep in my arms; it was late at night so I just carried you to my bed, as for you dress that hanging off the door. I know you don't want your dress to be wrinkled so I took it off for you... don't worry I didn't take advantage of you. Trust me I would ask you for your permission if I wanted to. So get changed and come on out breakfast is waiting for you," she read.
She smiled as she started to put on the clothes set out for her.
If it was a different man who would have done this, she would of beat him up into a coma, however she trusted Youhei, the new Youhei that is.
The smell of cooked food enters her nose as she opened the door; she smiled as she sees Youhei in the kitchen and her brother Takafumi setting up the table.
"Morning Tomoyo," Takafumi smiled.
"Morning Takafumi, morning Youhei,"
"Morning Tomoyo, grab a seat by the table, breakfast is almost done. After the many times you made and taught breakfast for me, it's my time now," Youhei nodded.
The woman smiled as she sat down by the kitchen table, treating others for breakfast is usually her thing, and it is unique experience to have.
"So Sunohara, perhaps maybe you can shed some light on me?" Takafumi asked when he wolfed down an entire egg.
"Oh? With what," Youhei asked.
"Well I suspect that Tomoyo might have a boyfriend, but she won't tell me," he sighed after gulping down some orange juice.
"It's none of your business Takafumi, besides we broke up a week ago," the sister answered quickly when she kicked him in the shin.
"Oh it didn't work out with Masao-san?" Youhei asked. "Never really like him that much..."
"Yes... He was good person at first, but he kept pressuring me into having sex with him," she shook her head. "You were right about him Youhei, I should have listened..."
"But you're a grown woman sis!" her brother grinned.
"That isn't the point Takafumi, I'm willing to proceed in that type of act of love and passion, but I need to be fully comfortable with the man I'm with," she explained.
"That's reasonable," Youhei nodded.
"Yeah it is, but don't you think your cutting yourself short? Other then Sunohara here, you're not comfortable with any man, you just beat them up!" Takafumi sighed. "I guess women are really indecisive..." he sighed again.
Tomoyo kicked him hard in the leg.
***
"Thank you for your hospitality," Tomoyo smiled.
"Yeah, thanks a bunch," Takafumi chuckled. "You maybe a weed some times, but you're cool when you need to be," he added then ducked under Tomoyo punch running towards the evaluator.
"I'll get him next time," she frowned.
"I'm sure you will," Youhei grinned. "Kick him extra hard for me."
"Oh I will, you can definitely count on that," she smiled back at him. "Oh yes," she paused noticing she still wearing his clothes. "I'll be sure to return the clothes tomorrow."
"Nah, you keep it. It actually looks better on you then me..."
"You really think so?"
"Yes... you look like a man!" he gave her a wink.
"Oh stop that," she slaps him on the shoulder. "You're being silly again," she blushed.
"Damn straight!" he nodded.
They both smiled at each other for a long time, the warm moment between the two was quickly ruined when her cellphone went off.
"It's a text message from Masao... he apologies and he wants to talk to tonight," she told Youhei after reading the text in her phone. "Maybe I should talk to him..."
"Really?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Everyone deserves a second chance."
"Second chance...I know what you mean, but Tomoyo..." Youhei face turned into concern.
"Yes?"
"How many second chances did you give him?"
"A handful, sorry Youhei I rather not talk about it right now. Besides I gave my brother a fair head start, have a good day today," she started to run but Youhei grabbed her arm.
"Tomoyo, you deserve someone better then that," he said softy to her.
"I know, there is someone else..." she face away.
"Who?"
"Sorry Youhei I need to go or I'm going to be late for work," she pulled her arm away and walked towards the end of the hall.
She didn't even face him.
***
After the physical lesson she taught her brother, and changing into her own clothes, Tomoyo proceeded to law office she been working for a few months. It was a small office that is currently belonging to a lawyer and mentor of Hanoko, a woman that Tomoyo highly respects and admires. However Hanoko tend to have a dirty mind most of the time.
Which working as her legal assistance quite an experience, but the pay is decent and she has eyes on experience on how the court works. A great stepping stone when she becomes an attorney herself.
"Ah. A good morning to you Tomoyo-chan," Hanoko cheered when she sees her entering the office. "How was the celebration party?" she asked putting her pen down taking a break from paper work.
"It was wonderful."
"Oh really? You must introduce him me Tomoyo-chan. It would be nice finally meeting your boyfriend," she smirked.
"Youhei isn't my boyfriend," she blushed. "Masao is."
"Oh is that so? I must of got them confuse, you always talk about Sunohara more than you do with Masao."
"... I do?"
"Yes, so you must understand why I thought he was your boyfriend and not Masao... but from what I heard from you, Sunohara seems like wonderful man. If I was only 10 years younger, then I would invite him to my bed any day!" she grinned.
"Hanoko-san! You shouldn't say embarrassing things in front of me like that!" Tomoyo blushed.
"Oh you object? Does that mean you want to invite him in your bed Tomoyo-chan?" Hanoko teased.
"He's a good friend and both know each other very well!" Tomoyo blushed harder.
"Know each other every well huh? Then that means that he would please you very well, I'm jealous!" she playfully sighed.
"Hanoko stop, besides I have no experience with it."
"Oh? Then I might have some good advice for you, both of you for that matter. Maybe I could teach you both, with a hot and heavy interactive physical lesson, just the three of us," Hanoko gave Tomoyo a seductive smile.
"No!"Tomoyo blushed even harder this time.
"Relax Tomoyo-chan, I'm only teasing you. You know, I was exactly like you when I was your age, a head strong devoted women who is a little dirty girl hiding away for a man to 'release her'," she joked.
Am I really going to turn up like that? She thought.
Believe it or not, this is the usual day, Hanoko teasing Tomoyo, paper work, lunch, Hanoko teasing Tomoyo, paper work.
After a long day of Hanoko dirty jokes and stories of her young experimental experiences, Tomoyo finally relax on her chair. She had a hard time believing that Hanoko used to be like her when she was her age.
She sighed to herself, the day wasn't over yet, she had to talk to Masao.
It was 7:00 in the evening.
After she says her goodbyes, she left to see him.
***
Youhei found himself struggling to broom the floors and talking in the phone at the same time. Normally he had no problem, but since her sister Mei, is on the other line, she can talk quite the handful. That and he couldn't get Tomoyo out of her mind.
I overstep the line when I said she deserve someone better, I didn't have the right to say that. But I should of stop her from seeing him again, I shouldn't of let her go, damn Youhei get it togethor. I should of just took her in my arms and kiss her, but no, she said that their was someone else, and that other person isn't me.
"Onii-chan are you even listening?" Mei screamed out over the phone.
"Mei, we been talking over 2 hours now," Youhei dropped the broom on the floor as he gave up the fight. He then looked at his watch. 11.30 In the evening. "And it's late," the man sighed sitting down on a chair.
"Come on onii-chan, I want to know more about your party, meet any cute girls?" she asked over the line.
"Yes several, but not really interested in them," he answered kicking off his slippers.
"What? You mean you're interested in cute girls anymore?" Mei said with a shock.
"No no, I just manage to settle down with a job, not really prepared for a girlfriend. Besides I'm going to be far too busy helping students," he sat back on the chair.
"Onii-chan, that's only an excuse, are you honesty telling me you're not going to get a girlfriend?" she asked a hint of worry in her tone.
"Just not this time," he paused as he heard knock on the door. "Listen Mei, I have to go, tell mother that I'm going to bring Tomoyo over for dinner next week," he asked.
"Okay..." Mei sighed. "I love you onii-chan."
"Ditto," he replied as he hung up.
The knocking on the door became louder and more rapidly.
"Hang on," he called out. "Who could it be at this hour," he said to himself.
When he opened the door his eyes widen to see Tomoyo there in tears. That wasn't the only thing upsetting about her, her blouse was ripped down the center, revealing parts of her bare chest and her skirt nearly tore off.
"Youhei..." she cried out when she hugged him.
"Tomoyo, what's wrong?" he asked holding her close to him.
"I been raped..." she sobbed.
To be continue
1) A reference to another VN game. Its about a young man who has a heart sickness and is force to go to school with speical needs. He comes across many beautiful women, but unlike many VN games, these women are unqiue, on has no arms, one has a half burned of face, and the other is deaf and many more. There is a special theme in this VN that says that beauty is within. I only tried the demo and it is indeed a heartful and meaningful experince, it really makes you think about how people go the distance despite there handicaps. I looking forward to the full game coming out, I just hope the game is not going have H scenes in it, because it will ruin it.
2) A homage to a scene in the second Card Captor Sakura Movie. Syaoran and Sakura both play as a princess and prince in a play, and during a dance scene in the play the prince(Syaoran) ask the princess(Sakura) to dance. Sakura refuses because she afraid of stepping over Syaorans feet. And Syaoran replies "Then I shall try my best to avoid milady feet". Even though we the writers of this Clannad Fic are male, we found this scene really cute.