"Can I?" Sakura asked timidly as she placed her hands onto Syaoran's. It
had been about forty-five minutes since they started off and they had
remained at the same pace.
Syaoran released his hold on the reins as she took them from him. He loosely wrapped his arms around her waist for support. Sakura loosely held onto the reins as if she wasn't quite sure of what to do next. Looking at the field in front of the three horses she could see no boundaries.
"Go ahead." Syaoran Prompted. "Take her for a ride." He smiled slightly to himself even though she couldn't see him.
"Okay." Sakura spoke aloud to herself for reassurance. 'Who knows when I will be given the chance to do this again' She sighed trying not to let emotion overwhelm her. With a brief moments hesitation, she finally flicked her wrists and gently kicked the horse. "Go!" She whispered out as the horse began to gallop.
They passed up Tomoyo, Eriol, and the guide before anyone knew what had happened. Syaoran tightened his grip around Sakura as he heard Tomoyo laugh and yell after them prompting her horse to move as well. The guide, not really having a choice, followed the couples out into the wide-open space.
They had been riding like that for an hour. Sakura enjoyed the wind pushing through her hair and the sense of nothingness that it brought to her. She could hear Tomoyo giggling and Eriol laughing along reminding herself that she wasn't alone. It was around that time that she vaguely became aware of the body behind her. His strong arms wrapped loosely around her as his warm breath hit her neck. She realized she couldn't escape reality, but it wasn't without a fight that she would give up the ideal. Pulling slightly back on the horse, she slowed it down.
"Feeling better?" Syaoran asked as the horse came to a halt. Sakura remained silent as she closed her eyes and leaned back into him giving him back the reigns. Syaoran understood and turned to look at the guide.
"That was a fun little excursion!" He smiled as he turned his horse around to where they came from. "Ready to head back?"
Syaoran didn't wait for anyone else to answer and told the guide "Yes"
Nodding as if he understood the situation, the guide started back towards the ranch with the others following close behind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nadeshiko had slid in and out of sleep all day as Fujitaka kept a close eye on her. She had woken up again to find laying quietly near her. Examining his chest, she saw it lift and fall in a calm motion. 'Good. He's finally sleeping. It's about time too.' She didn't want to do it, but she knew she needed his help. Slowly placing her hand on his cheek she whispered, "Honey? Can I ask you a favor?"
Fujitaka took in a deep breath and opened his eyes reaching up to touch her hand. "Anything." He said in the kindest tone possible.
"I'm sorry to wake you. . . " She hesitated before continuing. "Can you get me some water?"
Fujitaka smiled and nodded sitting up. "Sure. I'll be right back." He stood up and watched her eyes sadden. Walking around the bed to her side, he bent down and stroked her hair. "Do you want to come?"
Nadeshiko smiled. He knew her so well that it ached knowing what this had to be doing to him.
Sliding his strong arms underneath Nadeshiko's frail and light body he easily lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest. "Thank you." She whispered to him a few tears escaped her eyes and landed on his T-shirt.
Fujitaka shed a few tears of his own as he whispered back, "Anything for my angel."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was setting and the streets were getting darker signifying the end of the day. Clouds slowly moved through the sky as if they were taking over. The radio announced rain tomorrow asking drivers to be careful.
Touya drove the car to a steady halt next to the curb in front of his parent's house. 'This is it.' He thought to himself. 'There is no turning back now' He sighed turning off the car. Reaching over for the seatbelt buckle, he hesitated before actually undoing it. When he finally clicked the button to release his restraints, a hand was placed on his own. Looking over, his gaze fell upon the caring ones of Yukito. He was always concerned for Touya, and at times like these, Touya was grateful for it.
"You ready?" Yukito asked with caution.
Touya smiled and nodded, "Yes. Let's go."
Yukito released his hand and they both got out of the car bringing their bags out of the trunk and right to the front door. Touya had one more moment of preparation before he turned the knob and opened the front door cautiously stepping in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eriol shook the guide's hand. "Thanks again for all your help. We all had fun today." Tomoyo nodded her head excitedly standing next to Eriol. Sakura and Syaoran remained behind the two.
The guide smiled at the four. "Be sure to come back here again. It was great meeting you all." He bowed his head graciously as the four turned and walked back to their car.
Sakura hadn't really spoken since the beginning of the ride, and Syaoran was content to follow her lead. Unlocking the car, Eriol looked at Sakura over the top of the car. She was staring at the dark clouds. "Looks like rain, huh Sakura?"
Finally acknowledging his presence, she nodded her head gracefully and said, "It sure does Eriol." Looking to Syaoran who was standing next to Eriol waiting to get into the back seat she repeated, "It sure does." Pulling on the door she crawled inside behind the passenger seat.
Tomoyo turned around to Sakura who now sat behind her. "Did you have fun Sakura? I thought it was great! That was actually my first time on a horse. I can't believe how much fun it was"
Sakura smiled to the cheerful girl but said nothing in return. Tomoyo smiled and sighed turning around. 'She probably doesn't want me around.' Looking out the window she watched as the rain. "Maybe it's just the weather. . . " She spoke out loud unknowingly.
"What was that?" Eriol asked as he started the car and pulled it back onto the road.
Tomoyo turned to look at Eriol. "Nothing sweetheart. It's nothing." She tilted her head and reached over squeezing his hand. Eriol smiled but didn't take his eyes off the road.
Sakura watched quietly from the back seat with a smile. 'At least Eriol is happy, and Tomoyo seems like a great girl. Maybe after all of this is over- ' Sakura stopped her thoughts as tears threatened to fall.
Syaoran watched her helplessly and whispered, "Sakura"
Sakura snapped her head to look at Syaoran. "Sorry." She whispered rubbing her eyes. "I must be tired." She gave him an obviously fake smile as he sighed. Syaoran reached for her hand, but she pulled away and spoke quietly to him. "Not right now. Besides, I'm fine." She had to choke out her last statement while pulling a few strands of hair behind her ear and looking back out the window.
Eriol continued to drive cautiously as the rain began to fall harder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Touya and Yukito had been greeted with the sit of Nadeshiko and Fujitaka sitting on the sofa. There were empty cups and bowls on the coffee table in front of them. The remnants of their dinner.
Yukito approached Nadeshiko first and went right in for a tender hug. "Hello Mrs. Kinomoto. It's good to see you."
She returned the embrace and spoke softly to him, "It's good to see you too Yuki." As Yuki pulled away and kneeled in front of her she smiled weakly. "I was wondering when you would show up." She teased.
Yukito took her hand in his and gently kissed it before standing up and backing away so Touya could approach.
"Hey mom." He said walking closer with concern all over his face.
"Come here and lose that expression. It never suited you." She smiled as she extended her arms to him.
She didn't have to wait long before he filled the gap felling to his knees hugging her so tightly he thought he might be hurting her. Even still, he didn't want to let her go. He just couldn't. He couldn't stop the sobbing that overwhelmed him.
Fujitaka stood picking up the dishes in front of him and started for the kitchen. "Yuki, why don't you come and help me."
Yukito nodded and followed leaving Touya alone with his mother.
Nadeshiko lightly rubbed her son's back. "Please Touya, don't be sad. Everything will be alright. You'll see."
Touya pulled back and looked to his side at the floor. "How can you say that?" he asked in a quiet but hurt tone.
Nadeshiko grabbed his chin and brought his watery eyes to her gaze. "Because I know it will." She took her hand and gently wiped off his cheeks, rubbing away the water stains. "You are strong Touya. You will be alright. But I need you to watch over your sister and take care of your father. In each other you will find the support you need to live through this. Don't ever forget that." She smiled tenderly to him. "Make sure to tell those that are important around you how special they really are. Life is an experience we must all go through and the more support you have through it, the more fulfilling it will be."
Touya smiled and choked out, "I'm going to miss your wisdom most."
Nadeshiko smiled and placed her hand over her son's heart. "My wisdom is here. I will be here."
Touya placed both of his hands over hers and choked out a small sob before regaining his composure and smiling up at her gentle face. "I love you mom, so much."
She leaned her head onto Touya's and whispered, "I know Touya, and I love you too. Never forget that."
"I won't. I promise." He whispered back to her.
Fujitaka and Yukito came back into the room slowly and Nadeshiko lifted her head slowly looking over to her husband. "I think I need to lay down for a bit."
Yukito was by her side as soon as she was finished speaking. "Let me help."
She smiled to the sweet and caring boy and let him and Touya support her as they slowly walked back to the bedroom.
One they got her settled in bed and pulled the comforters over her, Fujitaka approached her side. "Everything okay?" He asked pulling some hair off her forehead.
She nodded her pale face and looked to the two boys standing at the door. They were still so young, she would miss watching them grow old. "I'm just tired."
Fujitaka leaned forward and kissed her softly. "Alright. I will be back shortly."
She smiled as Fujitaka walked to the door patting Touya's shoulder before leaving the room.
"Rest mom, we'll be right outside if you need us." Touya put on his best smile before walking past Yukito who turned to follow.
"Yuki, wait." Nadeshiko urged.
Touya had already made it out the door and didn't hear his mothers quiet plea, but Yukito did. It was loud and clear. "Something wrong?" he asked with concern as he turned to look at her.
"Come here please." She beaconed lifting her hand out to him.
Yukito walked briskly kneeling at her bed side and taking her delicate hand in his. "What is it?"
Nadeshiko focused as best she could on his eyes, her own filled with concern. "I need you to do something for me."
Yukito remained quiet as she held his gaze with so much intensity that he knew she was going to say something important.
"Touya isn't as strong as he may seem. He will need support through this. He will need you. Please be there for him, because I know you will do him good." She softened her eyes and continued quieter. "He may not say it enough, but he loves you with all his heart. Your presence here shows that simple fact."
Yuki blushed slightly but couldn't look away. "I know he does, just as I love him. I will protect him with all my strength."
"I know you will Yuki." Nadeshiko closed her eyes and sighed as her body grew weaker telling her she needed sleep. "I won't be here much longer Yuki. It's going to be hard to go. I will miss you all so much." She faltered slightly as she spoke to him.
Yuki raised her hand to his lips. "I know." He whispered to her as she cried silently.
Syaoran released his hold on the reins as she took them from him. He loosely wrapped his arms around her waist for support. Sakura loosely held onto the reins as if she wasn't quite sure of what to do next. Looking at the field in front of the three horses she could see no boundaries.
"Go ahead." Syaoran Prompted. "Take her for a ride." He smiled slightly to himself even though she couldn't see him.
"Okay." Sakura spoke aloud to herself for reassurance. 'Who knows when I will be given the chance to do this again' She sighed trying not to let emotion overwhelm her. With a brief moments hesitation, she finally flicked her wrists and gently kicked the horse. "Go!" She whispered out as the horse began to gallop.
They passed up Tomoyo, Eriol, and the guide before anyone knew what had happened. Syaoran tightened his grip around Sakura as he heard Tomoyo laugh and yell after them prompting her horse to move as well. The guide, not really having a choice, followed the couples out into the wide-open space.
They had been riding like that for an hour. Sakura enjoyed the wind pushing through her hair and the sense of nothingness that it brought to her. She could hear Tomoyo giggling and Eriol laughing along reminding herself that she wasn't alone. It was around that time that she vaguely became aware of the body behind her. His strong arms wrapped loosely around her as his warm breath hit her neck. She realized she couldn't escape reality, but it wasn't without a fight that she would give up the ideal. Pulling slightly back on the horse, she slowed it down.
"Feeling better?" Syaoran asked as the horse came to a halt. Sakura remained silent as she closed her eyes and leaned back into him giving him back the reigns. Syaoran understood and turned to look at the guide.
"That was a fun little excursion!" He smiled as he turned his horse around to where they came from. "Ready to head back?"
Syaoran didn't wait for anyone else to answer and told the guide "Yes"
Nodding as if he understood the situation, the guide started back towards the ranch with the others following close behind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nadeshiko had slid in and out of sleep all day as Fujitaka kept a close eye on her. She had woken up again to find laying quietly near her. Examining his chest, she saw it lift and fall in a calm motion. 'Good. He's finally sleeping. It's about time too.' She didn't want to do it, but she knew she needed his help. Slowly placing her hand on his cheek she whispered, "Honey? Can I ask you a favor?"
Fujitaka took in a deep breath and opened his eyes reaching up to touch her hand. "Anything." He said in the kindest tone possible.
"I'm sorry to wake you. . . " She hesitated before continuing. "Can you get me some water?"
Fujitaka smiled and nodded sitting up. "Sure. I'll be right back." He stood up and watched her eyes sadden. Walking around the bed to her side, he bent down and stroked her hair. "Do you want to come?"
Nadeshiko smiled. He knew her so well that it ached knowing what this had to be doing to him.
Sliding his strong arms underneath Nadeshiko's frail and light body he easily lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest. "Thank you." She whispered to him a few tears escaped her eyes and landed on his T-shirt.
Fujitaka shed a few tears of his own as he whispered back, "Anything for my angel."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was setting and the streets were getting darker signifying the end of the day. Clouds slowly moved through the sky as if they were taking over. The radio announced rain tomorrow asking drivers to be careful.
Touya drove the car to a steady halt next to the curb in front of his parent's house. 'This is it.' He thought to himself. 'There is no turning back now' He sighed turning off the car. Reaching over for the seatbelt buckle, he hesitated before actually undoing it. When he finally clicked the button to release his restraints, a hand was placed on his own. Looking over, his gaze fell upon the caring ones of Yukito. He was always concerned for Touya, and at times like these, Touya was grateful for it.
"You ready?" Yukito asked with caution.
Touya smiled and nodded, "Yes. Let's go."
Yukito released his hand and they both got out of the car bringing their bags out of the trunk and right to the front door. Touya had one more moment of preparation before he turned the knob and opened the front door cautiously stepping in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eriol shook the guide's hand. "Thanks again for all your help. We all had fun today." Tomoyo nodded her head excitedly standing next to Eriol. Sakura and Syaoran remained behind the two.
The guide smiled at the four. "Be sure to come back here again. It was great meeting you all." He bowed his head graciously as the four turned and walked back to their car.
Sakura hadn't really spoken since the beginning of the ride, and Syaoran was content to follow her lead. Unlocking the car, Eriol looked at Sakura over the top of the car. She was staring at the dark clouds. "Looks like rain, huh Sakura?"
Finally acknowledging his presence, she nodded her head gracefully and said, "It sure does Eriol." Looking to Syaoran who was standing next to Eriol waiting to get into the back seat she repeated, "It sure does." Pulling on the door she crawled inside behind the passenger seat.
Tomoyo turned around to Sakura who now sat behind her. "Did you have fun Sakura? I thought it was great! That was actually my first time on a horse. I can't believe how much fun it was"
Sakura smiled to the cheerful girl but said nothing in return. Tomoyo smiled and sighed turning around. 'She probably doesn't want me around.' Looking out the window she watched as the rain. "Maybe it's just the weather. . . " She spoke out loud unknowingly.
"What was that?" Eriol asked as he started the car and pulled it back onto the road.
Tomoyo turned to look at Eriol. "Nothing sweetheart. It's nothing." She tilted her head and reached over squeezing his hand. Eriol smiled but didn't take his eyes off the road.
Sakura watched quietly from the back seat with a smile. 'At least Eriol is happy, and Tomoyo seems like a great girl. Maybe after all of this is over- ' Sakura stopped her thoughts as tears threatened to fall.
Syaoran watched her helplessly and whispered, "Sakura"
Sakura snapped her head to look at Syaoran. "Sorry." She whispered rubbing her eyes. "I must be tired." She gave him an obviously fake smile as he sighed. Syaoran reached for her hand, but she pulled away and spoke quietly to him. "Not right now. Besides, I'm fine." She had to choke out her last statement while pulling a few strands of hair behind her ear and looking back out the window.
Eriol continued to drive cautiously as the rain began to fall harder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Touya and Yukito had been greeted with the sit of Nadeshiko and Fujitaka sitting on the sofa. There were empty cups and bowls on the coffee table in front of them. The remnants of their dinner.
Yukito approached Nadeshiko first and went right in for a tender hug. "Hello Mrs. Kinomoto. It's good to see you."
She returned the embrace and spoke softly to him, "It's good to see you too Yuki." As Yuki pulled away and kneeled in front of her she smiled weakly. "I was wondering when you would show up." She teased.
Yukito took her hand in his and gently kissed it before standing up and backing away so Touya could approach.
"Hey mom." He said walking closer with concern all over his face.
"Come here and lose that expression. It never suited you." She smiled as she extended her arms to him.
She didn't have to wait long before he filled the gap felling to his knees hugging her so tightly he thought he might be hurting her. Even still, he didn't want to let her go. He just couldn't. He couldn't stop the sobbing that overwhelmed him.
Fujitaka stood picking up the dishes in front of him and started for the kitchen. "Yuki, why don't you come and help me."
Yukito nodded and followed leaving Touya alone with his mother.
Nadeshiko lightly rubbed her son's back. "Please Touya, don't be sad. Everything will be alright. You'll see."
Touya pulled back and looked to his side at the floor. "How can you say that?" he asked in a quiet but hurt tone.
Nadeshiko grabbed his chin and brought his watery eyes to her gaze. "Because I know it will." She took her hand and gently wiped off his cheeks, rubbing away the water stains. "You are strong Touya. You will be alright. But I need you to watch over your sister and take care of your father. In each other you will find the support you need to live through this. Don't ever forget that." She smiled tenderly to him. "Make sure to tell those that are important around you how special they really are. Life is an experience we must all go through and the more support you have through it, the more fulfilling it will be."
Touya smiled and choked out, "I'm going to miss your wisdom most."
Nadeshiko smiled and placed her hand over her son's heart. "My wisdom is here. I will be here."
Touya placed both of his hands over hers and choked out a small sob before regaining his composure and smiling up at her gentle face. "I love you mom, so much."
She leaned her head onto Touya's and whispered, "I know Touya, and I love you too. Never forget that."
"I won't. I promise." He whispered back to her.
Fujitaka and Yukito came back into the room slowly and Nadeshiko lifted her head slowly looking over to her husband. "I think I need to lay down for a bit."
Yukito was by her side as soon as she was finished speaking. "Let me help."
She smiled to the sweet and caring boy and let him and Touya support her as they slowly walked back to the bedroom.
One they got her settled in bed and pulled the comforters over her, Fujitaka approached her side. "Everything okay?" He asked pulling some hair off her forehead.
She nodded her pale face and looked to the two boys standing at the door. They were still so young, she would miss watching them grow old. "I'm just tired."
Fujitaka leaned forward and kissed her softly. "Alright. I will be back shortly."
She smiled as Fujitaka walked to the door patting Touya's shoulder before leaving the room.
"Rest mom, we'll be right outside if you need us." Touya put on his best smile before walking past Yukito who turned to follow.
"Yuki, wait." Nadeshiko urged.
Touya had already made it out the door and didn't hear his mothers quiet plea, but Yukito did. It was loud and clear. "Something wrong?" he asked with concern as he turned to look at her.
"Come here please." She beaconed lifting her hand out to him.
Yukito walked briskly kneeling at her bed side and taking her delicate hand in his. "What is it?"
Nadeshiko focused as best she could on his eyes, her own filled with concern. "I need you to do something for me."
Yukito remained quiet as she held his gaze with so much intensity that he knew she was going to say something important.
"Touya isn't as strong as he may seem. He will need support through this. He will need you. Please be there for him, because I know you will do him good." She softened her eyes and continued quieter. "He may not say it enough, but he loves you with all his heart. Your presence here shows that simple fact."
Yuki blushed slightly but couldn't look away. "I know he does, just as I love him. I will protect him with all my strength."
"I know you will Yuki." Nadeshiko closed her eyes and sighed as her body grew weaker telling her she needed sleep. "I won't be here much longer Yuki. It's going to be hard to go. I will miss you all so much." She faltered slightly as she spoke to him.
Yuki raised her hand to his lips. "I know." He whispered to her as she cried silently.