storypaint | Phone a Friend (Syaoran and Tomoyo gen)

Title: Phone a Friend
Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura
Subject: Li Syaoran and Daidouji Tomoyo
Theme(s): 13. Long-distance
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to CLAMP.

Summary: A long-distance phone call. Tomoyo almost wants to end the awkward silence with a confession.

"Hi, Daidouji-san," he said awkwardly. He sounded strange on the phone, with a voice that had grown out of the pre-adolescent stage and had been further separated from my memories by the poor sound quality of the long-distance call.

"Hello, Li-kun," I said. I hadn't expected him to answer the phone: Sakura always did. Perhaps she was out this afternoon. Though usually when she was out, the phone just rang and rang until the answering machine kicked in and I could speak to Sakura's cheerful voice message.

He said nothing for a long moment, obviously expecting me to state my business, so finally I asked, "Is Sakura-chan there?"

"No, she went to the store. She should be back in a minute or so, if you want to wait," he replied.

"Okay," I said, somewhat hesitantly, but there was no reason to waste a phone call just because I felt uncomfortable.

"How are you doing, Daidouji-san?" he said suddenly.

"I'm doing okay," I replied. I would have been doing great if only I could see Sakura again. I knew that Li had responsibilities in Hong Kong; I just wanted to see her face again, or hear her voice.

"Really?" he asked, sounding concerned. Had I taken a depressed tone of voice?

"Yeah, I'm okay," I said. I could hear his breathing on the phone, the life of a boy thousands of miles away from me. The telephone really did bring people together, but sometimes it wasn't enough. I hoped that Sakura would visit again for Christmas.

"You know," he said, still awkward, "if you need to talk about anything, I'll listen. You... you really helped me out, Daidouji-san. I'd like to return the favor."

"Thank you, Li-kun," I said warmly. The silence fell again and it became unbearable. His offer had brought words to my lips that I had never shared with anyone, and they wanted to come out.

I love Sakura-chan like you love her, but I never told you. I gave her to you because I knew it would make her happy.

I'm starting to wonder if I can be content with my old adage that if Sakura is happy, I am.

I wish I could have what you have, Li Syaoran.

I opened my mouth, fearing what would come out, when there was a shuffle on the other line and Sakura said cheerfully, "Hi, Tomoyo-chan!"

"Hi, Sakura-chan!" I replied automatically, feeling warm. "Hey, tell Li-kun thanks for me."

"For holding the phone?"

"Yeah," I said.

He would understand what I meant.