His Fallen Angel:
Chapter Six - Life


Sakura woke up the next morning disoriented. It took her a few minutes to actually remember where she was; Syaoran Li's bedroom.

She sat up and pulled her knees up to her chest. She then buried her head into her blanket-covered knees and began to cry.

She was so stupid! He didn't love her. He would only be there for a bit, until he thought she was okay, and then he'd leave her again. It was merely pity. Merely his guilt for what had happened to her. He couldn't love her. No one could love her. No one...No one...

She was broken. And dirty; forever unclean.

No one could love her. Ever.

There was a soft knock at her door. Before Sakura could even attempt to answer, the door slowly opened and in stepped Syaoran, holding a tray with food and tea. Sakura pulled her head up and quickly wiped away her tears, trying to hide any evidence of them. It was already too late though.

Syaoran rushed over to her side and dropped the tray onto the bedside table. He took a seat beside her and reached out to touch her hand, but quickly pulled back, remembering how she shied away from him the day before. "Sakura? Sakura?! What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

She shook her head and continued to wipe away her tears. "I'm f-fine. I...I just need to be alone."

"Fat chance on that, Sakura," Syaoran told her. "You need to talk about it. It's not...healthy to be keeping all of it in. Especially for this long."

"I c-can't..."

"I'll listen." His voice was barely a whisper; soft and quiet. Begging, almost.

"I..." Sakura snuck a glance over to Syaoran to see him watching her, concerned. She sighed, knowing he was right. But how? She had never spoken to anyone about her past after Syaoran had left. Not even Tomoyo.

She closed her eyes and leaned over, letting her head rest on Syaoran's shoulder. She felt him stiffen underneath her and frowned. Was he so repulsed by her? But when she felt him relax and wrap his arm around her, pulling her close to him, she let the thought leave her mind.

"It was horrible after you left," she admitted in a mumble. "I was...and then there was...and he..." she couldn't even let herself say his name. Her voice became even softer. "He was horrible, Syaoran."

"I know," Syaoran sighed sadly, pulling her closer. "Tomoyo and Eriol told me about Hamada. He's a lying bastard, Sakura. Don't believe anything he said. I can't even believe that you took his words to heart in the first place! Do you honesty think no one could love you?"

"But..."

"Sakura," he said sternly. He pulled away so they were facing each other. Hesitantly, he reached out and placed a gentle hand under her chin so he could meet her gaze properly. He searched her eyes for a moment so she knew his words were honest. "Sakura, how could one not love you? You're beautiful, and smart, and funny...He lied to you, Sakura. Please believe me. I...I know people love you."

Sakura felt her eyes become damp and quickly her vision became fuzzy. Once the hot tears began rolling down her cheeks, there was no way to stop them. Her hands flew up to her face so she could cry into them, but then Syaoran had both arms around her. He pulled her onto his lap and held her close as she buried her head into his chest and sobbed.

All he could do was hold her. He tucked her head under his chin and drew small circles on her back while speaking soft, comforting words into her hair. Soothing her. Comforting her. Simply being there for her.

And at that moment, both realized something; they hadn't felt more complete than at that moment for years.

b.K.d

Tomoyo arrived around noon, beaming. She literally hurdled herself to Sakura and held her tight for five minutes straight, crying.

"Do you believe me now?" She kept repeating. "Do you?"

Sakura simply stood there, and after a moment, she began patting Tomoyo's back. When they were done, Tomoyo dried her tears and turned to Syaoran. She mouthed a 'thank you', which he simply replied to with a nod. He didn't do it for her; he did it for Sakura, of course.

Tomoyo smiled to Syaoran. "So if you can help me get the stuff from the truck, Syaoran, then — "

"Truck?!" Syaoran choked. He rushed over to the sliding glass door in the living room and looked out to the parking lot. Surely enough, there it was; a small moving truck.

"Of course," Tomoyo said, as if Syaoran was the one who was crazy. "She doesn't have anything, Syaoran. She's going to need a bed, dresser, mirror, and clothes. Oh, lots of clothes, of course."

Syaoran sighed, but nodded understandingly. Okay, so it made sense.

It took them half an hour to actually empty the truck, and then another three hours to set up Sakura's bedroom. Tomoyo began complaining about the plain white walls, saying they needed colour, but Syaoran shook his head. Sakura needed her bedroom set up now, not tomorrow after the paint dried.

When they were done, all three stood back to admire it. Syaoran smiled; he had to admit, Tomoyo did good. The bed, dresser and beside table were a dark cherry wood. An oval mirror rested above the dresser and a lamp and clock was already set up on the bedside table. Her sheets were various shades of pink, ranging from a soft rose to magenta.

It was perfect. Basically screaming the past Sakura.

By dinner time, Tomoyo had to leave. She worked at home, designing clothes, and had a project due the next day. She turned to leave, but not before hugging Sakura for another few minutes. Then she turned to Syaoran and, shocking him, hugged him as well.

"Please take care of her," she whispered in his ear, too low for Sakura to hear. "And don't screw this up."

Syaoran chuckled. "Thanks."

"Eriol's happy, too," she continued. "Though he won't tell you. He's still too ticked about the past, but you should have seen him after you called this morning to phone in sick. He was obviously thrilled."

Syaoran sighed and nodded. She pulled away, smiling, and gave Sakura another quick hug before leaving.

Hopefully, it was the beginning of Sakura's recovery.

b.K.d

The next morning, Syaoran decided to take Sakura downtown. He took the day off again, staying with the story of coming down with the flu, but still needed to get some more supplies to work at home. He didn't want to leave her home alone, after all.

Sakura slipped on a light jean jacket over her white tee then pulled on her shoes. She looked over to Syaoran with concerning eyes; both for herself and him.

She didn't like him missing work on her account. She didn't like him lying to his boss on her account. She didn't like feeling useless and vulnerable anymore.

But she was also worried for herself, though it may have sounded vain or selfish. Although she hadn't wanted to take Syaoran's pity — even if he did deny any pity — in the first place, she suddenly felt herself doubting herself. She felt safe in Syaoran's apartment, surrounded by his four comforting walls. She didn't want to leave, even if for only an hour.

Syaoran slid on his own shoes and turned around to see Sakura lost in thought, chewing her bottom lip off. He sighed and walked closer to her. "You're going to be fine, Sakura. No one is going to touch you. Not while I'm there."

Sakura jumped slightly, too deep her in her thoughts. She looked up at him for a moment, then sighed softly and turned away. "I wasn't doubting that, Syaoran. Don't worry about that."

He frowned. "Then..."

Sakura shook her head. "Never mind. It's silly."

"No," hesitantly, though not as hesitantly as the previous day, he reached out and took her hand. He squeezed it reassuringly. "Nothing is silly if it's bothering you."

Sakura looked into his eyes for a moment more. His eyes shone with truth and sincerity. How could she not see it before? Even though, her voice was small and timid. "I feel safe here."

Syaoran squeezed her hand again, resisting the urge to pull her into a hug. "I'll be there. Don't worry."

Syaoran grabbed his pager and cell phone, then took Sakura's hand again and led her out of the apartment. He opened his car door for her and closed it when she stepped in, then got into his side and started the car. He pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street; after all, downtown was only a four or five minute drive, tops.

Though Syaoran hadn't been downtown during the early afternoon for years now and forgot how busy it was. The place was crowded with shoppers out for the sunny Saturday. It took him nearly five minutes alone just to find a place to park.

Syaoran sighed heavily as he shifted the car's gear into park and turned off the engine. "Stay close by, alright? I didn't realize how busy it would be, and the office supply store is on the other side downtown." Syaoran gave her a small sheepish smile, "Sorry I couldn't park closer."

Sakura gave him a weak smile. It wasn't a completely genuine smile, but it was definitely truer than her previous smiles. "Walking is...healthy."

Syaoran gave a small laugh then got out and opened her car door. He reached for her hand and held onto it tightly, worried about losing her.

It didn't take them terribly long to get to the office shop; or at least, not as long as Syaoran had thought it would take them. The shop itself was, thankfully, not extremely full. Syaoran was quickly able to get the things he needed. And after grabbing a to-go coffee from the cafe next door, the two decided to make their way back to the car.

Sakura used both hands to cup her coffee, enjoying it's warmth. It was sunny out, but not hot. There was a chilling breeze through the air. The coffee comforted that chill.

Syaoran's gaze kept grazing over to her, always anxious and afraid. He didn't like not holding her hand. He felt as though she could easily get lost without him guiding her. She was just so small, so fragile...He had to make sure she stayed close. Stayed by him.

Halfway back to the car, Sakura tripped. She easily caught herself but dropped her coffee in the process. When she looked down, she quickly found the problem; her shoe was untied. She gave a small sigh.

"Shoot..." she mumbled to herself. She stopped without thinking and kneeled down to tie her sneaker, getting angry comments from people; they were obviously angry with her for blocking their way on the sidewalk.

When she stood again, she felt her heart give out. Panic seized her body as her frantic eyes searched through the crowds.

Syaoran was no where in sight. He was gone.

She hadn't warned him that she had stopped.

He had been swallowed up by the heavy crowds.

Sakura's breathing became rough and uneven. Her body froze up; but he'd come back for her, right? He'd realize that she was missing, right? He had to. He had to...

"Miss? Oi, miss...are you alright?"

Sakura jumped at the concerned-seeming voice that spoke behind her. She spun around, her hand coming to rest above her racing heart, to see two young men standing behind her, both between the ages of twenty and twenty-five. They were both dressed in comfortable clothing, jeans and a tee. One had black hair and blue eyes while the other had mahogany coloured short hair and brown eyes.

When she turned to face them, the short-haired man's eyes widened. He elbowed his friend without taking his eyes off Sakura.

"Psst! Don't you recognize her?" He asked.

The second guy scrunched his eyebrows up together, confused. "Ahh...no?"

"Dude!" The first one said in frustration. "How can you not remember that face? Those eyes?!"

The friend squinted, making Sakura uncomfortable. She took a step back, but otherwise was frozen in her spot.

He'd come back for her...He'd come back...He'd realize...He'd come back...

The second man's eyes suddenly widened. He nodded vigourously. "Yes...Yes! How'd I not see that?"

The first one smiled, but the glaze in his eyes made Sakura shudder. She had seen that look only too many times not to see what it was.

The first man reached out his hand politely. "I'm Akira, and this is Hoshi. And you..." his smiled widened "are Blossom, aren't cha?"

Sakura's eyes widened, but she quickly tried to calm her expression. She tried to pull her hand back, but Akira quickly grabbed it and held tightly, making her wince. She shook her head, "I...I'm sorry. I have no idea what you're talking about. That's not my name."

Akira chuckled. "Aww, c'mon Blossom. You don't need to lie. We know who you are, but don't worry," he winked, "we won't tell a sole."

"B-But I'm n — !"

The man suddenly tugged on her arm and pulled her away from the crowd. He dragged her to the alleyway two stores down, his friend quickly in toll. Both had smug similes on their face, eyes clouded with lust. Once in the safety of the alleyway, Akira shoved Sakura up against the wall, his hands taking a tight grasp on her upper-arms. She winced.

"Don't try and play dumb," Akira said huskily. He leaned in and ran his nose down her neck and along her shoulder. Sakura shuddered; he chuckled. "You even smell like her. So sweet..."

When he bit down on her shoulder, Sakura let out a small whimper. Hoshi, who was standing behind Akira, suddenly looked worried. "Are you sure that's her? Blossom was more playful...Maybe we have, you know, the wrong girl..."

"No," Akira placed wet kissed up her neck toward her ear. "This is her. I'd recognize this lil' beauty anywhere."

Akira nibbled on her earlobe, ignoring her shaking, as his hand began to go to work on her shirt. He pushed his hand past the hem of her shirt and cupped her breast, making her whimper again.

"What's wrong? You liked it last time," he told her with a chuckle.

"Please..." she begged. "I'm not...not this g-girl..."

"Akira..." Hoshi said in a warning tone. "Maybe..."

"Shut up!" Akira growled. "You'll have your chance in a min — !"

Suddenly, a hard fist was thrown against his cheek. The action took him by surprise and threw him off the girl. Sakura sighed in relief as she felt the pressure of the man leave. Akira clutched his jaw, rubbing it while swearing both loudly.

Syaoran took a stance in front of Sakura, his fists up, his eyes narrowed and murderous while flickering between both men. A low growl escaped his throat. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! Bastard!"

Akira continually rubbed his jaw, his eyes also venomous. "Well, obviously nothing now..."

"Stay away from her, you hear me?" Syaoran yelled angrily. "You have no right to touch her!"

"All men have every damn reason to touch her!" Akira yelled back. "She's a fucking slut!"

Syaoran's venomous glare deepened, much farther than anger. "Don't you dare call her that!"

"What are you, her boyfriend?" Akira asked. Then a wide smirk spread across his face. "Ah, but maybe you don't know what the lovely Blossom does behind your back..."

"This girl has no name of that sorts," Syaoran growled. "Obviously, neither of us know what the hell you're talking about. So you stay the hell away from my fiancee."

Sakura and Akira's eyes widened. He all but choked out the word, "F-Fiancee..?"

"C'mon," Hoshi nudged to Akira, placing his hand on Akira's shoulder which he shook off. He sighed. "Let's just go before the guy kills us, alright?" He turned to Syaoran, though his eyes weren't completely sincere. "We apologize for the misunderstanding."

The two men left, leaving Sakura and Syaoran alone. Syaoran watched them with careful eyes as they rounded the corner and disappeared in the crowd again. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, before turning his softened, apologetic gaze to Sakura behind him.

Her eyes remained wide. "Fi...Fiancee?"

Syaoran blushed, though it went unnoticed within the dark of the alleyway. He cursed mentally; blushing? What was he, a school boy? No!

"Err, sorry...quick thinking. That was...That was over the line. I'm sorry."

Sakura felt her heart sink, disappointed, though she hardly knew why. Sure, she had dreamed of being engaged to Li Syaoran since they had began going out back before junior high, but now? No, he was the boy who had abandoned her. Broken her heart. She had loved him, but never again. Never again would he break her.

She turned away. "No, I understand. Thank you...f-for coming to my rescue."

Syaoran sighed loudly. "And I owe you another apology."

Sakura frowned and looked up at him. "Huh? Why?"

Syaoran held her gaze for a moment, then took both of her small hands into his own. He brought them together, then brought them up to his lips gently; not in a loving or lustful way, but simply in a caring way. As if they were friends.

He closed his eyes and whispered against her skin, "I broke my promise. I promised that, with me around, nothing would happen to you."

"Syaoran, it isn't you fault..." She began, blushing.

"But it is," he pulled her hands away and met her gaze. "I should have been keeping a closer eye on you. If I had...They wouldn't have taken advantage of you if I was there, Sakura. I am so sorry. So, so sorry..."

Sakura pulled her hands away from Syaoran, much to his disappointment. Had he offended her with the gentle kiss? But before he could ask and apologize again, she lifted her hands and placed one small hand on either side of his face. She held his face gently and forced him to meet her gaze.

"I'm fine, Syaoran," she whispered. She sighed when she saw the familiar glint in his eyes, indicating that he didn't believe her. She closed her eyes and dropped her hands, then leaned forward and let her head fall onto his chest. "Really, I'm alright. Thank you."

Syaoran sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her toward him. He cradled her head between his chin an chest, loving her nearness. "I'm glad."

And, although he couldn't see it, Sakura smiled, also loving their close embrace.

Her first, completely true and genuine smile. And Syaoran hadn't even seen it.


Author's Note: Thank you so much for your reviews, everyone!! They mean the world to me, especially right now. There's just a lot of crap going on in my life right now, and although it sounds lame and cliche or whatever, the reviews help. So thank you...I got my fifth review in today (YAAY! My Christmas present ^.^) and so I decided to return the present, as today in December 25th!!! So Merry Christmas, everyone, and happy fourth day of Chanukah!!

Oh, and I've decided to change something from Chapter Four, and I apologize for it. I've updated the chapter to go with these changes. Sakura will NOT have the card. This story is officially AU. Sorry and thanks.

PLEEEEASE review!! If I get MORE than five reviews, I'll update by the weekend!! So please please please put in these reviews!

Up Next...It's a month after Syaoran has taken in Sakura, and things finally seem to be going right. She smiles, she laughed...There's just one thing missing that she realizes she is actually missing when an unwelcomed guest points it out. Can this possibly be the final turning point for the struggling Sakura? READ SOON!!