Authors words:

I'm a moron. I know. Totally pathetic and irresponsible in updating. Am sorry too. It's just that life has been busy lately. My last year at my university is sure sounding the most hectic too. and i was sorta at the crossroads when deciding the next arc for the story which was not easy to decide too. infact this chapter had so many modifications done and rewritten that i began to wonder halfway whether i was writing it the way i wanted it or have i spun another twist to myself. but all's well now.

From now on, their past will come to light more than just flashes here and there. I mean to conclude it before i can move to writing their Destiny.

Also, this chapter is a two part series. Sorry again for it being so small but i thought that it's not fair letting my readers out of the loop for so long. i promise the next part as well as the upcoming chapters will not be delayed anymore.

For all those who read all that ranting above, and will continue reading the story below despite the doubts you have about my sanity, arigatou ! :)


Disclaimer: Yeah, that's right. I am the top secret boss of CLAMP and Syaoran is oh-so-mine. muaaahhh !


"I'll make you banana pancakes; pretend like it's the week-end now and we could pretend it all the time," he crooned, twirling her around as she entered the kitchen.

Sakura laughed heartily. Syaoran dove in between her laugh suddenly and kissed her. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on the either side of his face, pulling him in deeper for the kiss. His hands were already tracing treacherously slow, sensual patterns on her lower back. She moaned, he had wasted no time in finding her weak spot.

As the couple pulled away for the air, Syaoran dragged his mouth from her chin to her neck, his deep laboured breathing on her delicate skin arousing her immediately. She tangled her fingers in the tousled mess of his hair, holding on to him as he nipped and sucked her neck.

"Syaoran." She whispered softly.

"I know. I missed you too." He said, caressing her face, looking deep into her eyes.

Sakura smiled and leaned into his embrace. Syaoran chuckled appreciatively and she took in the comforting sound of the deep rumble of his laughter. Her petite frame was completely cocooned by his strong hands as he held her tightly. She buried her head in his chest, digging in for warmth. Winter had it own perks after all.

"oye," he shook her. "You didn't fall asleep, did you?" he asked, shaking her even more.

"oof! Syaoran, stop that. You're ruining the mood." She berated and closed her eyes, nuzzling his chest slightly through the unbuttoned shirt.

He huffed, ruffling her hair and slightly pulling her up so he could hold her in his arms and let out a sigh.

"We should tell them." He said, locking his gaze with her again finally."I can't stand being away from you any longer. It's frustrating."

She let out a sigh, frown lines appearing over her forehead. Both sat motionlessly at the kitchen table and Syaoran dished out pancakes to both their plates, searching her face for an expression.

Sakura looked up with a worried expression. "Me too. I hope they will accept or-"

"Oh, they will. Mom loves you already."

She looked at him warily.

"Syaoran, she sees me as a childhood friend. I think the future wife of the Li empire heir would be scrutinised minutely before she is declared fit."

He looked at her, a spasm of annoyance crossing his face which he did not bother to hide.

"Kino." He started, not trying much to control his temper.

She immediately squeezed his hand and made small circles over his hand, looking at him.

"I know you really would not give a dime to what your family is, Syaoran. But-"she added when she saw him poised to interrupt.

"But the position it holds is important. Your family can't have you to marry just anyone out of the blue!"

He was gritting his teeth now. A frustrated expression crossed his face as he suddenly leaned forward over the tiny table and grabbed her face.

"YOU are the most important person for me. And I definitely don't think you are 'out of the blue'. "

"Syaoran" she said and his expression softened a bit. His hold loosened up a bit.

"You are my number one person too. Please, don't ever doubt that" she softly pleaded."But aunty Yelan has done so much for me since-"

She wiped a stray tear of her face hastily before continuing. She started talking rapidly now as the barrage of tears were ready to burst.

"-since dad passed away. She took care of me like her own daughter and for that, I'm indebted to her."

Syaoran cringed inwardly when he saw her crying. He pulled her gently into his lap, whispering comforting words and running soothing circles on her back, rocking her back and forth, slightly. He had promised himself that he would never let her cry again ever since the day he had seen Sakura broken and grieving for her father. He had vowed that he would do whatever it takes to pull her out of her misery and take away her grief.

"And being the insensitive jerk as usual, I make her cry myself." He cursed himself.

She was looking at him with a flushed face, the tears wiped away from her eyes which were bordering bloodshot now.

'Gomen, Syaoran. I didn't mean to-"

"Shh. If it is anyone who has to tell a sorry, it's me, Sakura. I am an insensitive moron."

Sakura shook her head and opened her mouth to protest.

"I know you will agree to that, baby. But what i said was harsh." He smiled and wiped the remnants of makeup on her tear stricken face slowly with his thumb and held one side of her face in his palm.

"Will you promise me one thing Sakura?" he said with a serious face.

She looked at him questioningly. He took a deep breath and continued.

"Promise that you'll never leave me."

"Never" She whispered leaning forward and touching his forehead with hers, in a gentle assuring way.

He jerked his head up suddenly and Sakura stared at him, confused.

"We forgot our breakfast!" He exclaimed.

"Err, I don't know if I am hungry anymore Syaoran. So why don't you-"

"Nonsense. I am not letting you go before i make sure you are properly fed." He stated triumphantly and proceeded to drag his plate towards him and cut a piece of the maple syrup doused pancake expertly with one hand.

Sakura made a movement of getting up, to resume sitting on her chair, when he dragged her down. She looked at him warily.

"What is-mmmphh!" She exclaimed, making gagged noises as he stuffed the piece in her mouth.

"Oh, please, don't exaggerate. It wasn't cut big enough to choke you" he said coolly, cutting another piece for himself.

"Oh yeah? And why I am being treated like a three year old by you? Sitting on your lap and getting spoon-fed is so-mmphh!"

"You talk way too much Kino, you know?" he said closing in and she momentarily forgot to chew, choosing to gulp nervously.

"And" he said, slowly, desire flickering in his amber eyes. He darted his tongue suddenly and licked the small drop of syrup at the edge of her bottom lip.

Sakura's heart fluttered and she was sure she had stopped breathing.

"You are too delicious to resist." He said, licking his lips.


Reviews and comments: For ALL those who read my story, thanks. It's like my existence as a writer depends on you people and thanks for appreciating the same. It lifts my heart everytime someone adds this story to their favourites list or puts an alert. It's amazing, believe me. thank you! So if you felt anything for this story at any point of time, please do review ??

And for my reviewers, The biggest, bone crushing hug ever. I write for you guys out there,honest. The zeal and the impetus to wirte is mostly because of the momentum your reviews give me, so thank you for that !

PinkHeartSakura Am so happy that you liked my story enough to review for it! I honestly dunno how i write bit reviews like yours makes me heady with pride. please do continue reading this. Thank you!

michiko14Anime aah, so that explains the sunrise mystery. (grins). hope you will like this chapter. it's great that you have been there for so long with my story here!

hitsugaya 07 yeah , The relationships are changed here. and for a reason, you see, I wanted Touya to be someone who's accesible to both, Sakura as well as Syaoran so i tried to make sure the relationships are equally fair for both of them. As Sakura's brother, Touya would be unrealistic to sit and negotiate with Syaoran. This way, he will have a role to play too, if my story plot goes as i plan.

I hope i didn't kill your curiosity with such a late and pathetic excuse of an update!

dark rain thank you for updating :)

hell cheery hehe... i am glad you like it. arigatou :D

ps: for curiosity sake, is it "hell cheery" or 'hell cherry" ?? ....