No Need to Say Goodbye
Chapter 2: Turned into a hope

Li Syaoran felt a spark.

"Alright, try it now", he said as he leaned back from the engine and watched Takashi try to start the old car. After a couple seconds of sputtering, the engine caught. Smiling, Syaoran slammed down the hood as Takashi gave a big whoop and stuck his head out the window.

"Wanna go for a ride? After all, you are the reason this old thing started in the first place."

Syaoran looked at Takashi for a moment. Apparently he had been quite the nerd in elementary school, but looking at him now, one would never have been able to tell. He had gone through some sort of personal issue one summer after which he completely changed. Chiharu had told Syaoran the stories after Takashi had cornered him during a soccer try-out; introducing himself. It was a good thing Chiharu was around to calm Takashi down; a good thing for everyone.

Chiharu was one of the few girls who hadn't oozed over him when he first came to Tomoeda. It was a rough first month getting to know the school, the people, and the work with eyes constantly watching him. Luckily, Syaoran had quickly caught the gym coach's eye and was now on the soccer team which allowed him to fit in and make friends; like Takashi who was also on the team.

Syaoran smiled then quickly glanced around the garage, noticing the clutter from the hectic day of work. He should clean this up…but it was such a nice day and it wasn't very often that he didn't have any activities to do. "Alright, I need a break anyways."

- - - - - - -

Cruising up the side-streets nearby the school, Syaoran leaned back and sighed. Gods this was nice. He could rest his head back on the plush head rest, stretch his legs far under the dash, and still lean the seat back to gaze out the window.

"Takashi, how did you get this car? I thought you said your work wasn't giving you enough shifts?"

"Oh no, I didn't buy it. My aunt was moving and didn't need it anymore. Luckily, I had been doing summer work for her so she offered it to me as payment. Not bad eh?" he asked. Syaoran nodded but turned his attention to the street they had just turned onto. The one he had been almost afraid to come down.

Houses were lined up nicely beside each other, each separated by white fences and small, green bushes. The road was smooth and sidewalks lined each side as it gently sloped up. At the top of the hill, Syaoran caught his breath when he saw the familiar yellow house. The gate sat peacefully while the rather large house it guarded soaked in the sunlight. Windows were open with curtains blowing in the gentle breeze. The large tree beside their house covered one side with shade while gently caressing the house.

Syaoran could smell the scent of laundry being hung out to dry; it was one of his favourites smells; reminding him of summer. Takashi slowed his car, coming near to the top, and Syaoran could hear the faint sound of singing.

Sitting up, he looked more intensively at the yellow house. A movement at one of the upper windows caught his eye and he was able to get a quick gaze of an auburn haired teenager dancing across the window in her white tank-top and jeans.

Syaoran smiled, memorizing the scene quickly, before turning back and talking to Takashi.

The rest of the ride was enjoyable. While they were driving back to the garage, they noticed Chiharu and Rika walking. Pulling over, Takashi had managed to convince them to come for a ride, but, Syaoran, not wanting to crowd the car, got out and told them he had to get home soon anyways.

Some 'goodbyes' and promises to help clean the garage with Takashi tomorrow, Syaoran watched them drive off and began walking down his street, where he was dropped off. The memory of the auburn haired girl dancing across her window floated through his head.

She was Sakura Kinomoto; the nicest, prettiest, down-to-earth girl he had ever come across. Since his move to Tomoeda one month ago, she had been close to him; helping him fit in and learn the city. After the first week, he already had a good idea of the town, but, he liked her company.

She was popular, so any little time with her was a good time. If she wasn't doing her after school activities, she was with Tomoyo or the girls. Luckily, Syaoran had the being new advantage so she offered her time which he gladly took.

Still walking slowly, Syaoran lost himself in his thoughts; unable to hear the sounds of wheels spinning closer and closer to him. Turning the corner, Syaoran bumped into the speeder and both fell to the ground.

"AIEEE", a female screeched.

Syaoran looked up at the body sprawled over his. Auburn hair crowded his eyes and the scent of strawberry shampoo crowded his senses. Mumbling quickly, Syaoran slid bck to give the stranger some room. It was then he heard her voice.

"I am soooo sorry! I wasn't thinking and I turned the corner without looking and usually I make it but this time I guess my plan just didn't work out today and…" She looked up at her victim. "Syaoran?"

Syaoran sat there stunned as his down-to-earth girl smiled as she got to her feet and extended her hand to help him up.

Taking her hand, he couldn't help but notice the silkiness of her skin and the warmth of her hand. He felt himself blush slightly and took a few deep breaths as he rose to stand over her.

"I see there are no scratches on ya. That's at least a good point for me ne?" Sakura said as she looked his arms over and smiled. "But I know it was quite a bump, me being on my blades and all so how about I make it up? I know the nicest park and the grass there is really nice. How about a picnic?" Sakura hopefully suggested as she watched him continue to stare at her.

Syaoran just continued his deep breathing as he re-thought over what she had just proposed. A picnic? For only bumping into him?

"Well, that would be nice, but, it's alright. You only bumped me and it was an accident. You saw, I wasn't even scratched. So don't go through any trou-"

"It's no trouble at all Syaoran." Sakura cut in. "You are so modest, besides, I love cooking. Tomorrow after school sound good?"

Syaoran looked into her emerald eyes and nodded his head like a young kid.

"Great! Well I've gotta go. I was on my way to Tomoyo's to cheer her up. Her mom has a new guy that isn't exactly treating Tomoyo the best. Ja ne."

- - - - - -

The next day, Sakura floated down the stairs, her white, peasant skirt blowing behind her, and into the kitchen. On the counter were several plastic tuber wares with salads, sandwiches and fruit. She had decided at last minute that she needed dessert and had quickly made up a cake.

Taking it out of the oven, Sakura searched for the vanilla frosting while constantly looking at the clock.

"Oh he's going to be here any second and I haven't even finished this cake. Where is that frosting… oh, here." Sakura whipped around and quickly found a knife to spread it with.

Several minutes later, she stood back and admired her frosting skills when the door sounded. Tugging off her apron, Sakura pulled her light pink tank top down, smoothing the wrinkles, before she jogged to the door and saw the blushing boy behind it.

"Ohaiyo Syaoran. Come in, I'm just packing the last things then we can go."

She walked quickly back to the kitchen, making sure he could see where she went. Putting the cake into it's box, Sakura settled in nicely on top of the tuber ware containers before closing the cooler lid and watching Syaoran shyly step in.

"Can you help me with this? It's a bit heavier since I made dessert last minute."

- - - - - -

An hour later, Sakura and Syaoran climbed out of Takashi's car and went to the back to open the trunk. Grabbing their cooler, they stepped away and waved at Takashi.

"Arigatou! Sorry to call last minute. The cooler was just too heavy to carry by bus." Sakura said while waving happily.

"Anytime you guys need it, just let me know. Have a great lunch." Takashi grinned as he drove away.

Turning towards the busy park, the couple began searching for the perfect spot. Sakura pointed out a tree sitting alone in the back of a field and they headed over.

The park was active with many families taking walks and eating ice cream while dogs ran for Frisbees and tennis balls. Laughter and talking could be heard by Syaoran and Sakura as they sat underneath the plush tree eating their lunch while laughing at each others stories.

"So, Syaoran, all four of them are your sisters?" Sakura questioned as she sipped her iced tea and watched him stare at people walking through the park.

"Yepp. You can tell how hard that was growing up, but, I have to admit, living alone here makes me kinda miss them."

Sakura felt her smile fade as the cute boy's eyes faded; showing evidence of wistful memories. His half eaten sandwich lay on his plate while the gentle breeze tossed his straw around in his iced tea glass. After several minutes of gazing, she saw Syaoran shake his head and turn back towards her.

"But, than again, I couldn't be far enough from them" Syaoran laughed as looked at her. It was weird he was able to feel so comfortable around her. Weeks ago he would have been sweating and stuttering, but, she just made it so easy to talk.

A rumble in the distance caused the two to snap out of their stares and look up at the grey clouds quickly causing all the happy people to hurry to their cars before the skies ruptured. Sakura shuddered at the distant thunder and quickly began packing everything up.

"AIE! I hate thunderstorms! Oh, what am I going to do with this cooler?!" She hastily said amidst her rushing.

Syaoran looked from the clouds to Sakura and stood up to pack the cooler. Luckily, almost everything was eaten so it was no where near as heavy as it had been.

"I'll hold it. Don't worry it's not heavy."

Sakura smiled at him but quickly shuddered again as the rumbling became louder.

- - - - - -

The two had managed to get on the bus that would take both of them home. It was crowded and smelt of rain. Constantly bumping against each other, Sakura could feel Syaoran close over her as the thunder continued to erupt.

Sakura couldn't wait to get home and jump in bed. There she could sleep away the storm. Seeing her stop was just a few minutes away, Sakura looked up at Syaoran.

"Thank you for letting me make up my knocking you over. I'm just sorry it had to rain and ruin the rest. I'm always horrible at picking good dates." Sakura blushed as she rustled her hair, feeling drips of water slide off.

She felt Syaoran juggle the cooler in his hands before replying. "It's alright. The time we had was fun enough. I was…I was just…" There it was. The stuttering was back. Damn.

"It's okay."

Syaoran could feel"Thank-you. I tend to stutter. Bad habit I've been trying to get rid of." Another blush crept onto his already red face.

"That's alright. I thought it was a bit cute. So what were you going to say?"

Syaoran could see her street coming up. "Just that…well…it's kind of upsetting that the rain had to come and cut it short. I liked today."

Sakura looked into his chocolate eyes. He enjoyed spending time with her just having a picnic? Well, she had to admit, she had more fun than in a long time. Even the rain didn't seem so bad when he was around.

"Well, Syaoran. I think we're both on the same terms then. How about I make up the make-up outing and ask you to be my date to the Halloween Dance in two weeks?"

Syaoran looked down at the girl he had a crush on who had just basically asked him out. Was this happening? She was too good for him but who was he to give up an offer from such a girl?

"I-I'd like that a lot, but, I'm sure others would like to go with you. I don't want to be hog" Syaoran laughed, still stunned at the opportunity that had presented itself in the form of a date.

"Oh I know, but, it's my call and I am choosing to call on you." She beamed up on him.

The bus began to slow down as Sakura's stop came up. Sakura shuffled the cooler into her hands and she looked quickly up at Syaoran.

"Just for the record, I might have to say that the rain was a blessing in disguise ne? I'll talk to you tomorrow Syaoran!" she chirped as the bus opened its back doors and Sakura got off; the cooler leading the way.

Syaoran watched her stand still until the bus continued on. Sakura had asked him on a date and only him. Hopefully there would be no rain.


A/N: Hey, I'm having a big writing block with the next chapter so it's going to take another week or so. Sorry all :(