storypaint | Forward (Tomoyo/Sakura)

Comm: cardcaptorgifts
Words: 636
Author: rhap_chan
Written for: claire_chan
Title: Forward
Prompt: Tomoyo is happy regarding her decision to watch Sakura date Syaoran. Seriously happy. Not sad.
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to CLAMP. This fanfic is a derivative of canon material that is not my property. I do not profit from these writings. The opinions and actions expressed in these stories are not necessarily the views and beliefs of the original author or me.
Rating: G

Excerpt: "You should ask for an extension!" Naoko suggested, eyes wide, when the scores were read and she heard Tomoyo's 0.

Tomoyo was an extraordinary student, getting wonderful grades all through high school. It was then to everyone's surprise when perfect Tomoyo failed her last writing assignment because she didn't turn it in.

"You should ask for an extension!" Naoko suggested, eyes wide, when the scores were read and she heard Tomoyo's 0. She clutched her own paper to her-- a 96, which was great, but Tomoyo regularly made 100's. Tomoyo shook her head and thanked her for the suggestion.

"Maybe you can make it up," Sakura said, worried for her friend. Sure, she'd never seen Tomoyo upset about schoolwork, but for her to be so calm about a 0? Tomoyo simply smiled and thanked her as well.

It was Syaoran who caught her out of class the next day. He showed up at her doorstep looking furitive, as if he expected her bodyguards to jump out of the bushes. And they might have done, except she recognized that shaggy head and told the guard to let him in.

"Daidouji," he said bluntly when he was finally seated at her table, a cup of tea set before him. He didn't touch his. Tomoyo sipped leisurely. Bewildered for a moment, he recovered and continued.

"Daidouji, if you had to, you could have lied."

"Not in my character," Tomoyo offered, stirring her cup absently. She was dressed impeccably, even on her day off, and the amount of ribbons and lace in the room was starting to disturb Syaoran.

"You could have changed names or something," he said. "You don't need to ruin your average over this. You don't want to lose your scholarship."

"It's been confirmed," Tomoyo said, smiling. "My space in university is assured. Even with a bad grade. It's just not in my character to lie, Li-kun. I have no regrets."

"You could even have changed her sex, if that matters," Syaoran continued his lecture without processing her last words. Then he stopped, struck. "What?"

"The assignment, Li-kun, was to write about your regrets. I have no regrets. I am perfectly happy."

"But Sakura--"

He turned his head, a bit embarrassed. That was quite a secret Tomoyo had entrusted to him their freshman year. "I have always loved Sakura," she said, no lead-up, and he'd known she wasn't lying. He gaped in amazement and they never mentioned it again, except for convoluted references and embarrassment on Syaoran's part. He'd almost felt like he ought to give up his place at Sakura's side, since Tomoyo had been there first, but Tomoyo absolutely refused. "She has chosen," Tomoyo said, and she had been wearing that same calm face.

"I do not regret falling in love with Sakura, loving Sakura, and losing Sakura," Tomoyo said, cocking her head to the side and giving Syaoran a look that was wise beyond her years. "Love is a gift and I give mine freely. If the recipient doesn't understand the nature of the gift, it is not the fault of the giver, is it? The gift is still a gift, whether its true nature is recognized or not."

"Daidouji..." Syaoran began, perplexed. She smiled.

"You give her a gift every day when you look on her and smile. She may never recognize that I wear the same smile, but that is fate. So be it. So you understand, Li-kun, that I couldn't complete my assignment? I live a life without regrets, whether they are... college application material or not."

The conversation shifted after that, and Syaoran left later that afternoon. He was still a bit confused, but his step was light, and he gave Sakura a kiss when they met, and she smiled.

Tomoyo finished her tea and rested in the late afternoon sunshine, content and ready for the next opportunity. She was, of course, ready to meet it, arms open and willing.