Hello! New story, I know. This is a four part Soulmate AU I'm working on. This is part one. I hope you enjoy!
The gentle summer breeze brushed against Sakura's soft auburn hair as she stood in her front garden, looking down into the sparkling water of the pond where two koi swam. The lawn was a lush green and beautiful blossoms of all species and colours grew around her. She inhaled the sweet scent of flowers and smiled blissfully.
Sakura loved her little home. It was comfortable, and the atmosphere was warm. She lived on her own, while her father travelled around for his archaeology work which he absolutely loved. Her brother, Touya, lived with his best friend, lover-his soul mate-in the village next to hers.
She missed him sometimes and was grateful when he'd visit on occasion, and it was the same for her father. However, that didn't stop her from feeling lonely.
After all, everyone she knew had found their soulmates. But she couldn't find him. The person meant just for her. She was envious of her friends. They were all very happy with their soulmates, while she was left with an empty hole in her heart, begging to be filled.
"Sakura!"
Sakura looked up and smiled as her best friend came walking up the foot path.
Tomoyo had long, dark hair that fell down over her back in soft waves and pale porcelain skin. Her almond shaped eyes were a stunning shade of violet and her body a gentle hourglass shape.
"Tomoyo! How are you?" Sakura beamed, her smile as radiant as the spring sunshine.
"I'm doing great! I thought I'd come and keep you company for a while, if you don't mind?" the woman asked as she opened Sakura's gate.
Sakura felt her smile broaden. She knew that Tomoyo knew she could feel lonely at times. "I don't mind at all. I baked some muffins, if you're interested?"
Tomoyo smiled, "I could never say no to your baking, Sakura."
Sakura blushed. "My baking isn't as good as Touya's..."
"You're always so hard on yourself." Tomoyo sighed, "Your baking is amazing!"
Sakura giggled. "If you say so. Come inside."
She turned and led her best friend inside her neatly kept home, and started brewing some nice lemon tea for the two of them while she organised the muffins onto a plate and set it down on the middle of the dining table.
Once the tea was done, Sakura placed a cup in front of Tomoyo and then sat down with her own beverage.
"How are Chiharu and Yamazaki?" Sakura asked, "I haven't seen them in a while."
Tomoyo giggled. "They're the same as they have been since we were little kids."
Sakura laughed.
Chiharu was another of her close friends, and Yamazaki was her soulmate. Sakura could still remember the combination of both delight and dread on Chiharu's face when she found out that her soulmate mark was that same as Yamazaki's-a small sun shaped mark.
"Of course, they are. I do envy them, though... I'd like to find my soulmate soon." Sakura sighed wistfully.
Tomoyo's smile was gentle, "I'm sure you will."
"That's easy for you to say-you have Eriol." She mumbled.
"True...but we aren't lovers. We're more like very close friends." Tomoyo replied, examining the crescent on her wrist. "He told me that his cousin, the prince, is looking for his soulmate. Apparently, his family wants him to marry soon."
Sakura blinked. "The prince is?"
"That's right."
Sakura hummed in thought. "I bet she's super smart and pretty."
"Eriol also told me that they're getting every single woman without a soulmate to the castle for an inspection of their mark." Tomoyo added as she lifted her teacup.
Sakura's jaw dropped. "Eh!?"
Getting all the women to the castle to check their marks!? That was insane! The country was HUGE!
"I know. Have you gotten notice yet?" Tomoyo asked curiously as she sipped her tea.
Sakura shook her head side to side, speechless.
Tomoyo looked thoughtful. "Your mark is on your thigh, right?"
She nodded, "Yeah, it's a cherry blossom, my namesake."
"How exciting would it be if you were his soulmate?" Tomoyo beamed.
Sakura blushed, "Tomoyo, don't tease me like that!"
"I wasn't trying to tease you." Tomoyo said.
Sakura gnawed her lip. "I'd be terrible cooped up in the palace. I love being allowed the freedom to move around and do as I please. Besides, my brother and my father especially, they need me."
Tomoyo watched her friend quietly, deciding not to push the topic any further.
Sakura stretched her arms above her head and leant back in her seat. A small part of her secretly hoped she was, but she didn't know anything about the prince. Was he nice?
She wondered what the prince was like. She had heard rumours that he was very handsome, and that he was a very skilled sword fighter.
"How is your tapestry going? I was thinking we could do some weaving together." Tomoyo suggested, changing topic and scattering Sakura's thoughts.
"I think it's going well-though it's not as good as what you can make." Sakura replied cheerfully, "I'd love it if we could work on it together."
"Then shall we get started?" Tomoyo beamed.
"Sure!"
Having finished their tea and a muffin each, the two young women set themselves up to work on weaving the tapestry.
Sakura loved it when Tomoyo would help her out with her tapestries. She often found that spending time with her best friend helped her to forget all her worries for a while.
As they worked, though, Sakura found her thoughts wandering back to what Tomoyo had mentioned about the prince. She couldn't help it, but she really did want to know what he was like. She wanted to know what their next ruler was like-if he was fair and kind, like all the rumours said.
She also knew from rumours that he was quite attractive, so she wondered if that was true as well. A lot of the village girls often swooned over him, dreaming of being able to marry into royalty. But that was just a silly fantasy-and Sakura had to admit, she fantasized about it sometimes herself.
What it would be like to live in the castle and have beautiful clothes every day, as well as incredible meals and sparkling jewellery...
But it was just that. A fantasy. Besides that, she loved her life, even if it was a bit lonely at times. Life in a castle wasn't for her.
"Do you hear that?" Tomoyo's voice snapped Sakura away from her daydream and she frowned.
"Hear what?" she asked.
"Listen."
Sakura strained her ears, listening for whatever had caught Tomoyo's attention. It took her a moment, but she heard it: the faint sound of cheers.
"What do you suppose it is?" Sakura asked.
"I'm not sure... should we go check it out?" Tomoyo suggested.
"Sure."
They stood and made their way to the front door, stepping outside to find people running towards the town centre.
"Wow." Tomoyo raised her brow.
"Let's follow them!" Sakura smiled and ran towards her gate.
"Sakura, wait-!"
But Sakura was already running off. Tomoyo sighed softly and chased after her friend, catching up to her when they neared the centre square.
"Sakura, you know I can't run long distances like you can." Tomoyo breathed.
"Tomoyo...is that...?" Sakura asked quietly.
Tomoyo looked at Sakura's stunned gaze and followed it up to the front. Standing on the stairs was the royal advisor, reading out an announcement. A lot of the village girls screamed from excitement.
"What? What's going on?" Sakura asked.
Tomoyo listened to some of the chatter around them. "It sounds like they're here in the village to look for the prince's soulmate, rather than summoning them to the castle. And apparently the Prince himself is here."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Why? It's so sudden."
Tomoyo shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe we'll find out later."
"Maybe..." Sakura murmured.
"Look! There he is, Sakura!" Tomoyo pointed to the front, startling Sakura.
Sakura followed her line of sight and spotted the prince. But because she was so far away, she couldn't make out his features very well.
"I can't see him very well from here..." Sakura sighed. "Oh well."
She watched as the prince waved to his subjects, smiling as he did so.
"Shall we head back then, Sakura?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura nodded, "Yeah. Better luck next time, I guess."
Tomoyo giggled. She could easily tell that Sakura was disappointed.
They headed back to Sakura's house and settled back down to continue working on weaving the tapestry together.
"Hey Tomoyo?" Sakura murmured.
"What's on your mind?" Tomoyo asked as they worked.
"Do you think he's a kind person?" she asked.
Tomoyo blinked. "He seems to care."
Sakura laughed, "That's not what I asked."
"I don't know him personally, but from what Eriol has told me, he's very sweet." Tomoyo replied with a soft smile.
Sakura hummed in thought.
"It's like you have a little crush on him." Tomoyo giggled.
Sakura's face turned bright red. "T-Tomoyo! I do not!"
"Are you sure?" Tomoyo teased.
Sakura shook her head in exasperation. "I'm just...I don't know, curious I guess."
"I'm sure he loves his subjects." Tomoyo smiled.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Sakura murmured. "I guess whoever his soulmate is, is really lucky."
Tomoyo watched as her friend weaved the threads together. "You will find them Sakura. I promise."
Sakura gave her a weak smile and continued to weave her tapestry quietly, with Tomoyo's help.
...
A loud banging on the front door startled Sakura awake the next morning. She sat bolt upright, heart thundering in her chest. The loud banging started again. She stood and walked out of her room still wearing her nightdress, and to the front door, opening it slightly and peering out. A tall man wearing a green cloak over his formal attire stood with a timid young woman.
"How can I help you?" she asked.
"We're looking for Sakura Kinomoto." The man's voice was deep.
"That's me." Sakura blinked.
"May we come in, miss?"
Sakura nibbled her lip as she opened the door to them. "I'm sorry, but who are you...?"
The man cleared his throat. "We are here on behalf of the royal family. We wish to see your soulmate mark to verify if you are the person we are looking for."
Sakura blinked. Did she just hear that right?
"This is one of the castle maids. She will identify the mark." He spoke.
Sakura was speechless as she processed the information. "O-okay..."
They stepped inside, and the maid bowed politely to Sakura. "Where would you like me to check your mark, miss? In your room, perhaps?" she asked kindly.
"Sure, that's fine..." Sakura replied awkwardly, turning and walking stiffly to her room with the maid following behind. She was a bit embarrassed that she was still wearing her sleep wear, but there was nothing she could do about it now.
Sakura turned to the maid once they were in her bedroom and stood awkwardly. She didn't know what to do. Her mind was totally blank, and she felt like the dumbest person on earth.
"Where is your mark, miss?" the maid asked.
"Oh, uh... on my right thigh." She murmured as she lifted her skirt to show her the cherry blossom that was there.
The maid knelt to get a better look, and from the amount of time she spent, Sakura guessed she was taking her time.
"Um-are you done...? I'm sure there are others you need to see today..." Sakura said awkwardly, positive that she was not the match.
The maid stood and excused herself, rushing back to the man in the kitchen. Sakura followed her out and spotted her whispering to him. Then, he looked up at her and bowed his head.
"Congratulations. You are the person whom we have been searching for." He announced.
"Eh?"
Sakura stood frozen to her spot, unable to move. What did they just say? That she was the one they'd been looking for? No, that couldn't be. There had to be some kind of mistake.
Yes, that was it. A mistake.
"Um, you must be wrong. Surely there's a mistake..."
"There is no questioning it. The mark is the same as the princes." The maid spoke.
Sakura's head span, the world becoming a blur. Then, she blacked out, hitting the ground with a loud THUD.
...
Sakura buried her face in her arms as she leant over Tomoyo's clean table. It had been a week since she'd been given the news that she was indeed the prince's soulmate, and still she could not believe it.
Tomoyo set a hot cup of tea down in front of her and sat down in her chair. "You're not going to go see him?" Tomoyo asked.
"I'm too scared, Tomoyo! Besides, I'm so embarrassed. I fainted!" Sakura wailed.
Tomoyo patted her head softly. "It's okay, sweetie."
"No, it's not, Tomoyo! He's going to think I'm a freak." Sakura contested.
"But they're waiting for you, right? You can't keep them forever." Tomoyo added.
Sakura sighed heavily. She was too much of a coward to go.
"If it helps, I can come with you."
Sakura looked up at Tomoyo. "You would?"
"Of course, honey." Tomoyo smiled.
Sakura clasped her hands, "Oh, thank you!" She said gratefully, but then sighed. "No... I better go on my own."
"Are you sure? I don't mind." Tomoyo said.
Sakura nodded. "I'm sure."
"For how much longer will you keep turning them away from your door?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura was silent. The whole reason why she was at Tomoyo's was so that she didn't have to answer the door back at home. "I'll...I'll go today..."
Tomoyo raised her brow. "Wow. That was a quick change of mind."
Sakura sat up straight. "I should apologise for my behaviour. I'm sure he's annoyed by now." She stood, "See you later Tomoyo."
Tomoyo watched her as she left, wondering what her best friend was thinking.
Sakura walked slowly to the inn where the prince was staying, stopping by random stores and looking in the windows to eye the goods on display. Truthfully, she was stalling for time. She was a commoner, and her soulmate a prince. Surely, he would look down on her?
She stared at the gentle Nadeshiko flowers, lost in thought. It was at times like this that she wished she'd had a mother to talk to about her dilemmas. With a soft sigh she turned to start walking but yelped as she hit someone and fell backwards onto her ass.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." Came a rough familiar voice.
Sakura looked up from where she sat on the ground to see the same man who had been at her house with the maid. He had dark, messy chocolate coloured hair and captivating amber eyes. He was lean and muscular, but not bulky. He held his hand out to her and it took Sakura a minute to register he was offering her help.
"Thank you," she blushed as she took his hand.
He helped her to her feet and she brushed herself off. "I'm sorry about that, I should have looked where I was going. I was a bit spaced out." She apologised.
He nodded to the flowers. "Were you thinking about buying those for someone?"
Sakura smiled. "Oh, no. I was thinking about my mother. She passed away when I was three."
He blinked with surprise. "Were you going to visit her?"
Sakura looked down at her feet and shook her head again. "Actually, I was headed to meet the prince..." she confessed sheepishly. "To apologise."
"Apologise?" he asked, his brow raised in confusion.
She nodded. "For keeping him waiting for so long. It was selfish of me."
"I'm sure he doesn't mind." He smiled kindly.
"I hope..."
"Would you like to sit down? Talking might help with your nerves." He offered. "My name is Syaoran, by the way."
She smiled, "Thank you, I'd like that."
They chose to sit beneath the shade of a tall oak tree in a park. Syaoran asked her about herself, and she happily told him all about herself-about her father and brother and her friends, and how she liked to be able to help others and make tapestries. He smiled as he listened to her.
"May I ask you a question?" he asked.
"Of course." She smiled brightly.
"What stopped you from coming to see the prince?" he asked.
Sakura blushed. "I was scared." She confessed. "I'm a commoner, after all."
Syaoran watched her softly. He wasn't sure what sort of rumours were going around about him, or if perhaps her preconceptions were the result of other nobles abusing their power, but he took no offence. "Were you worried I'd look down on you?"
Her cheeks turned a darker shade of red. "A little bit. Wait-you?" she blinked.
Syaoran smiled and pulled back the sleeve of his shirt, revealing the same mark on his wrist that adorned her thigh.
Her eyes widened, and she was speechless. He had been the prince the entire time!
"I'm sorry. I wanted to see what kind of person you were before I told you." He said.
She blinked. "Oh-that's fine, I can totally understand that!" Sakura smiled.
"You do?"
She nodded. "You'd want to know if they were genuine. Well, I would."
Syaoran smiled. "You got me."
"To be honest, I think I was scared you would be disappointed with me being your soulmate. I'm not as pretty as other girls, and I'm not super talented either."
"That's not true." He said with a frown. "I think you're pretty."
Sakura's face turned bright red and his cheeks warmed. Syaoran looked away, embarrassed.
"Thank you..." Sakura said quietly.
He cleared his throat and searched for something to say. "Uh, well... I'll be staying here for a while, so maybe we could get to know each other...?"
Sakura looked up with surprise, her eyes widening. "S-sure, I'd like that!" she smiled.
He relaxed. "Thank you."
Sakura shifted uncomfortably, and he could tell from her expression that something was on her mind.
"What's bothering you?" he asked softly.
She blushed again. "Well...is it true that you've been looking for your soulmate because you need to marry soon?"
Syaoran stiffened. Then, he released a heavy sigh. "Yes, it's true."
"Then...will I...?" She stumbled over her words, too afraid of the answer.
"No. Not if you don't want to." Syaoran replied. "I'll be staying here for six months, then I'll be returning to the palace."
"If I said no, what would happen?"
He shrugged. "Nothing."
Sakura fidgeted anxiously. She didn't know what to do. This was all so sudden, after all. They had just met!
Syaoran stood, "Listen, I don't expect you to just suddenly like me." He laughed, "That's a bit unrealistic. Let's just start with being friends-if anything develops from that, then that's fine. If it doesn't, then that's fine too. I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into something-that's unfair on both of us, don't you think?"
Sakura looked at him with surprise and she relaxed into a soft smile. "You're very kind. Thank you."
"What makes you say that?" he blushed, looking away.
"You're thinking about my wellbeing before your own. It's sweet." She said.
He was quiet for a long minute. "Sorry...I'm not used to talking like this in such a relaxed way."
Sakura giggled, her laugh like soft bells. "You don't need to apologise." She said warmly, "If you have some free time tomorrow, I can show you around the village?"
Syaoran relaxed again. "I'll make sure I'm free."
She jumped to her feet, "Perfect!" She beamed, "how about noon? I can make us lunch!"
Syaoran blinked with surprise. He'd hardly expected her to be so enthusiastic, and he was a bit surprised with how relaxed he felt around her.
Her smile faltered when he didn't answer. "Is that not good...?"
Syaoran snapped out of his reverie. "Forgive my rudeness-I look forward to it Miss err..."
Sakura's lips gently curved into another smile. "Please, just Sakura is okay."
He smiled. "I look forward to tomorrows lunch, then."
"I can't do fancy three course meals, but I hope it satisfies you." Sakura blushed as she sat back down. "May I ask a question?"
"Of course."
"Why did you choose to leave the castle and come here?" she asked curiously.
Syaoran leant back on his hands and looked up to the sky. "Well, because I felt suffocated in the castle. I needed some freedom to move around on my own and coming here allows me that freedom."
Sakura observed his peaceful posture for a moment and she smiled. "Do you get much time to yourself?"
He grimaced. "It depends on what work needs to be done. My father, the current king, takes care of most matters. I usually observe, or he gives me tasks to oversee."
"It must be so stressful for you."
Syaoran shrugged. "I'm used to it."
She smiled. "I know, but still."
He smiled. "It can be stressful at times, but I can deal with it."
"I can't deal with stress very well." She confessed.
He looked at her with his curious amber eyes. "What happens?"
"I just sort of become a mess." She replied, "That's the only way I can describe it."
"My cousin Meiling gets really agitated and an emotional wreck when she's stressed." Syaoran said.
"Oh dear. I hope that's not often."
He shook his head. "No, she's pretty good."
She sighed with relief.
"Forgive me, but I have to leave for now. I'm afraid I have to get back before my royal guard send out a search party." Syaoran apologised as he stood.
Sakura giggled. "Well, we don't want that to happen."
He rolled his eyes good naturedly. "No, not really. I don't fancy getting yelled at either."
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." Sakura said cheerfully.
"Shall we meet here?" Syaoran suggested.
Sakura nodded, "Sure!"
He broke out into a gentle warm smile. "See you tomorrow, then."
She nodded, "Stay safe." She replied, and then blushed.
"You as well, Sakura."
Then, he turned and headed off and Sakura watched him, mesmerised. Her cheeks were still very warm, and she felt happier than she had in months.
She felt excited. They were going to get to know each other! And she was going to make lunch for him! With that thought, she wondered what he would like to eat. She sat there for a moment, thinking, coming up with some ideas.
With her mind made up, she jumped to her feet and headed for the market to buy ingredients.
…
As she approached home, Sakura recognised a familiar chestnut coloured horse in the stables and excitement bubbled its way to the surface.
She ran to the door and opened it, hurrying inside and found her father standing in the kitchen preparing dinner.
"Dad, you're home!" she ran over to her father and hugged him tightly.
Fujitaka smiled, "Hello, honey."
Sakura pulled back and placed her basket on the bench. "I wasn't expecting you home so soon. Is everything alright?"
The man smiled. "Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to come home and see how you were doing-I know you don't like being alone."
"Oh, don't be silly dad, Tomoyo visits all the time." Sakura giggled.
"You know what I'm talking about." Fujitaka laughed. "Why don't you sit down and tell me what you've been up to lately while I cook?" he suggested.
"Are you sure? I don't mind helping." Sakura replied.
"I'm sure."
Sakura placed her ingredients away and then sat down at the table while her father prepared dinner for the two of them. Sakura chattered on about how she and Tomoyo were working on another tapestry together, and about how Touya and Yukito had visited a couple of times.
Fujitaka listened attentively to his daughter, smiling as she chatted happily away through dinner as well.
"I'm glad to hear you've been well while I was gone. I admit I was a bit worried." Fujitaka confessed. "You seem a lot brighter than usual-did something good happen?"
Sakura beamed, "Actually, I've finally met my soulmate."
His eyes lit up, "Oh? When will I get to meet this soulmate of yours?"
Sakura blushed, "I don't know. We only just met and spoke properly today. The first time I met him, I fainted."
Alarm showed in his honey brown eyes. "Oh goodness. Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, no! Um, the maid that was with him looked after me and made sure I was fine." Sakura replied.
He tilted his head to the side. "Maid?"
"Oh! I guess you don't know, since you just got home. The prince is here, and I'm his soulmate." Sakura replied, quickly explaining everything to her stunned father.
Then, he smiled. "I've met the Prince during my travels. He's a very kind person."
"I'm showing him around the village tomorrow and making him lunch. I'm a bit nervous, but excited too." Sakura smiled. "I was scared of him at first-I didn't know what to expect."
Fujitaka smiled knowingly. "I think every first encounter is like that. He was probably a little anxious himself."
Sakura nodded agreement. "You're probably right as always."
"Well, I'm glad you finally found him." He said, "But you said he was looking for his soulmate due to the pressure of needing to be married?"
Sakura nodded. "He said I don't have to!" she reassured her father, "We're just going to start off with getting to know each other. If anything develops then that's a bonus."
Fujitaka watched his daughter for a moment as she chatted happily about her meeting with him earlier that day. It had been a long time since she'd been so happy, so he hoped for the best.
"Well, just be careful, okay?"
"I will, you don't need to worry, dad." Sakura smiled. "I'm going to go wash up and then head to bed. When will you be leaving again? In a few days?"
He grimaced, "Actually... tomorrow morning."
Sakura's face fell for a moment. "Oh, that's too bad. I'll be sure to see you off, okay?"
This time he smiled. "Thank you honey. I'd like that."
With one last smile, Sakura turned and hurried off to the bathroom to bathe herself before heading to bed for the night.
...
Syaoran lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling in the dark. They were staying at the villa his family owned, and his room was huge. He was sleeping in a king-sized bed and the sheets were made of silk. His blankets were made of the finest quality wool and thus kept him very warm.
Despite the comfort, he still couldn't sleep.
He lifted his hand and stared at the cherry blossom mark on his wrist that had been there ever since he turned twelve.
The girl named Sakura was his soulmate. He wasn't sure how to feel or what to think.
All his life he had been surrounded by people pining for his attention, but they never got it. He had always been searching for his better half, and now that he had found her...
He was afraid.
What if she was like everyone else? What if she only wanted his attention for the fame that would inevitably come with it?
Sakura seemed genuine enough, he decided. She was a very bright spirited young woman, and he hadn't been lying when he said he thought she was pretty.
Her features were soft and kind, her bright emerald eyes radiating warmth and a love for life. Her hair was auburn and fell to just above her shoulders, framing her gentle oval shaped face. She was slim with gentle curves and carried herself in a carefree and innocent fashion.
Most other women he had met during various royal events were often cold and their features held no warmth to them. But Sakura...
She was as warm as the spring sunshine.
Syaoran rolled onto his side. He judged from how she had avoided him for a week that she likely didn't want the fame that came with being with him. Or she was just too embarrassed to show her face-he couldn't tell.
The day he had arrived on her doorstep, he had assumed would be the same as any other household. The woman desperately wanting her mark to be the same as his. But Sakura had been shy and timid all through it.
Then, when he had informed her that she was a match, she had completely fainted from shock.
Her fainting had really stunned him. He was expecting something like squealing or for her to be incredibly excited, but no.
He had made sure that the maid would look after her until she was feeling better, and when Sakura hadn't come to visit, he got worried. He had wondered if she was okay.
It was that thought that had inspired him to go see her, and it was on his way to her home that he had bumped into her while she was looking at the Nadeshiko blossoms at the flower shop.
He'd been shocked to hear her mother had passed away when she was little. He was lucky to have both parents.
Syaoran rolled onto his other side, feeling restless. He hoped the coming day would prove to him that he had nothing to worry about.
…
He woke the next morning to find his cousin sitting in the lounge. Tired, Syaoran sat down with a sigh.
Eriol raised his blue eyes from the page he was reading to eye his cousin curiously. "Did you not sleep well?" Eriol asked.
"Not really."
Eriol raised his brow.
"I've been a bit restless about today." Syaoran confessed.
"Is this about Sakura?" Eriol asked, returning his attention to the page in front of him.
"How do you know who Sakura is?" Syaoran frowned.
"She's Tomoyo's best friend." Eriol shrugged.
Syaoran sighed. "I'm supposed to be meeting Sakura at noon. She's going to show me around the town."
"Ahh." Eriol hummed in understanding. "From what I've heard, Sakura's a great cook."
"What's that got to do with anything?" Syaoran asked.
"Nothing. Just thought I'd mention it." Eriol shrugged. "Anyway, what are you so worried about?"
Syaoran sighed heavily. "I just don't want her to be like all of the other women."
Eriol glanced up at him over the rim of his glasses. "I'm sure she isn't. Just take your time with her and see how things go."
"I guess that's all I can do." Syaoran murmured, and then stood to go get ready.
He dressed in as normal clothes as possible that he owned, trying not to stick out too much, but that was wishful thinking. He attracted attention no matter where he went due to his good looks, much to his embarrassment.
It was a pleasant day, not much different from the previous day, and the gentle breeze was lulling him to sleep where he stood waiting patiently for Sakura. He forced himself awake several times during his time waiting.
She was running late.
He sighed. Maybe she was too scared...
"Sorry I'm late!"
He looked over to see Sakura running towards him carrying a basket, looking a little dishevelled. He relaxed and smiled upon seeing her.
"I was starting to think you wouldn't come. Is everything okay?" he greeted her.
She nodded, trying to catch her breath. "I was seeing my father off," she explained, "So I took a little longer making lunch. I'm sorry."
"Your father? But isn't he away?" he asked with a small frown.
"He surprised me with a visit last night. I hope you don't mind, but I told him all about you." Sakura smiled timidly as she straightened herself.
Syaoran shook his head, "I don't mind. He's your father, after all."
Sakura beamed. "Oh, that's a relief."
His eyes travelled down to the basket in her hand and she noticed. "Would you like to eat now?" she asked.
He smiled, "Sure."
They walked over to a bright patch of green grass in the park and Sakura placed down a picnic blanket before putting down her basket.
She uncovered some sandwiches and blushed. "I hope you don't mind that I made something simple. It's easier to carry around."
Syaoran just smiled. "I think it was kind enough of you to just make lunch. So, I'm not going to complain."
Sakura blushed and fidgeted. "I hope you like them."
"May I?"
"Of course! Go ahead." She smiled.
Syaoran reached over and picked up one of the sandwiches from the basket and bit into it, finding the flavour to be quite pleasant. He wondered what the sauce was.
"This tastes great!"
Sakura blushed. "Thank you. The sauce is my mum's recipe. My dad taught me how to make it when I was younger."
"It tastes like it has honey in it." Syaoran said.
Her eyes lit up. "It does! But I won't give away the family secret. Sorry." She grinned playfully.
Syaoran laughed, surprising Sakura. His laugh was warm and gentle. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
She giggled.
They spent at least an hour chatting away while they ate Sakura's homemade sandwiches for lunch, and then Sakura showed him around the different places in the village, saving the market for last.
Sakura pointed out the bakery and sweet store and the pub, telling him her favourite things about the places they passed. They took a break and Sakura offered him one of her home cooked muffins, which he accepted with a small smile.
"Did you make these today as well?" he asked curiously.
Sakura giggled, "No, I made them last night with my father before I went to bed."
"They're really nice. You're a great cook." Syaoran praised her.
She blushed. "Thank you. It makes me happy to hear that." She said, "My mum was a great cook too. I want to be as good as her."
Syaoran eyed her with curiosity for a moment, seeing only genuine emotion gracing her features. Having been brought up at the palace, he knew how to tell when people were faking emotion-even the best actress couldn't sway him.
Suddenly, Sakura gasped. "Stop!"
Sakura leapt forward, and he watched her jump in front of a couple of young teens that were being threatened by older adults. He frowned and hurried forwards.
"Move out of the way." One of the men growled at Sakura.
Sakura glared at them fiercely. "I won't. Not until you turn around and leave these children alone."
Syaoran's eyes widened at her bravery.
"What are you, stupid?" the man growled.
Sakura still refused to move.
Further aggravated, the man raised his hand to strike Sakura, but still, she did not move. She'd rather be hurt than watch an innocent child be hurt before her eyes.
He brought his hand down to strike her, but the blow never hit. Sakura looked over to see that Syaoran had caught the man's arm.
"Syaoran!"
"Step away, sir." Syaoran spoke with a warning tone.
The man saw red. "And who do you think you are, boy?"
Syaoran glanced over his shoulder at Sakura, and then sighed gently. He removed the ring with the royal crest on it from his pocket and held it up.
"I'm the Crown Prince. So, you might want to back off."
Whispers surrounded them, and he heard murmurs about him being with Sakura. Finally, they started saying that it was Sakura who was his soulmate. He sighed. He really needed to make it up to her somehow.
The man ripped his hand from Syaoran's grasp and stepped back, eyeing Syaoran irritably, and then turned and left. Syaoran relaxed and sighed.
Then...
"Oh my gosh! It's the prince!" someone squealed.
"Oh wow!"
"Your highness! Your highness, over here!" one girl cried out.
Sakura grabbed his hand and broke out into a run.
"Sakura-?"
"Think you can keep up?" she laughed as they ran through the streets.
Snapping out of his stupor, Syaoran laughed and overtook her.
"Take the next left!" she called out to him.
"Why?"
"Just trust me!" she laughed.
He turned down the left-hand road and Sakura told him to head for the top of the green hill. He followed her instructions and led them towards to hill, coming to a stop at the top.
Panting, Sakura lay back in the meadow that grew at the top and Syaoran did the same. They stayed that way for a while, catching their breath, and then Sakura started giggling. They both burst into laughter.
"That was fun," Sakura grinned.
"I haven't done anything spontaneous like that since I was a teen." He confessed with a laugh.
"Really?" she smiled, "I just hope your guards don't come hunting me down."
He laughed, "Don't worry. They know I'm with you."
Sakura looked over at him and then noticed they were still holding hands, and her face turned bright red. He noticed too and quickly released his grasp with an apology.
Then, they stayed in a short awkward silence.
"Um... thank you for what you did." He said.
"It's okay. You looked uncomfortable, so I just kind of grabbed your hand and ran." Sakura confessed.
"I'm sorry. If I hadn't revealed who I was, you wouldn't be the centre of attention. I'm afraid it might cause you a few problems in the future." He said apologetically.
Sakura shook her head, "Please don't worry. I'll figure something out."
"Still, I'll do what I can to keep you protected." He spoke earnestly, "At least let me do that for you."
She smiled, "All right. Umm..."
"What is it?" he asked with dread. He was worried she'd start asking for grand gifts in repayment for the problem.
A light blush dusted her cheeks. "Well, would you like to come over for dinner sometime? I wouldn't mind the company."
Syaoran looked at her with a hint of surprise, and then relaxed into a soft smile. "Sure. I'd love to."
I'm currently working on Part 2, but I don't know when it will be up. Let me know what you think of Part 1!
