Author's note:This story is a figment of my (er dark) imagination. Similarities to any situation is absolutely coincidental. Please Follow and Review! Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS, Clamp does. I do not own the song Ever After, Bonnie Bailey does. Oh, and if you noticed, I also borrowed some of my favorite characters from a few Chinese novels that I've fallen in love with. So yea, I own no characters here. Zilch.

Thank you everyone for the likes and follows!

Here's a third chapter release for this week to make up for my hiatus!

/(T o T)/ Ganbaremasu! (๑T o T๑)/ Fighting!

Chapter 36: The Walk With Dad

The Amamiya Manor

September 8, 2015

The car phone rang and Sakura turned the speaker on.

"Yes?"

"We've arrived at the manor, young madame."

Sakura pressed a button and the inner part of the window which blocks her view of the outside rolled down. Since it takes an hour of travel to the manor from downtown Tokyo, Sakura slept to pass her time.

"Alright, I'll get off now. Hey, Ni, are you there? There's no need to unload my purchases. Just bring them back at my place."

"Yes, young madame."

Before opening the door, Sakura remembered that she hasn't opened yet the package that the Old Madam Yue gave her.

"Hey Ni?"

"Yes, young madame. Do you have any order for me?"

"Do you have there with you the package I received from the old lady back then? I want to open it right now."

The sound-proof partition that provides privacy for the back seat rolled down and Ni handed to Sakura the small box.

"Here it is, young madame."

"Thank you! I'll open this up first then I'll go inside after. I suddenly feel very curious about this."

Ni nodded in understanding and he put up the partition again. He stepped out of the car and guarded Sakura's door from outside as to prevent anyone from disturbing her.

-Sakura's POV-

I wonder what's inside.. I remember that I dreamt of grandma just now but I can't remember what it was about.

I quickly loosened the bow and unwrapped the beautiful lace and japanese wrapper. Opening the box, I let out a low whistle when I saw what's inside.

It was an exquisite jadeite bracelet. With only about 4mm wide, in addition to it being luminous signifying the high quality of jade, it looked fragile that I am not even sure if I can wear it.

Very much impressed with the gift, I lifted it from the box and held it in front of my eyes. That's when I saw that engraved in the inner part of the bracelet is a Chinese character "YUE" in gold.

Did that grandma just gave me family heirloom? Wow, how extravagant! Oh, I really like this bracelet. Hopefully, I won't break it!

Since I'm not wearing any jewelries right now because I thought that the upper part of my dress stand out too much already, I decided to wear the jadeite bracelet since it actually looks just like a simple bracelet. Only those who can distinguish jade quality will know that the value of this single bracelet will not be lower than 6 million yen.

I lifted the box from my lap and was about to open the door of the car when I noticed that there is a familiar shiny gold card left inside the box. Picking it up, I saw that it was the same gold card that grandma handed over to me before as proof that I am one of her people. Smiling at the thought that I made a new friend today, I took the card and handed it over to Ni, reminding him to keep it in a safe place and just give it back to me when we get back at my place. I am a bit worried that I'll misplace it here in Jii-chan's house so it is best to leave it to Ni for safekeeping for now. I am pretty sure the Yue family not just as simple as they want me to perceive them to be.

Need to utilize my men tomorrow to dig some information for me.

After the family butler greeted me, he lead me towards the back garden as an order from Jii-chan. Although I find it a bit weird that the manor seem too quiet and dimly-lit compared to ordinary days, I did not think much about it. Instead, I tried to call Toru but I failed to connect the call. After trying for the 5th time and still failing to reach him, I am as annoyed as ever. That b*'s probably too busy with his real job now in his family that he's forgotten all about me!

Another mental note to self: Kick Toru's ass when I see him tomorrow at work.

I got too preoccupied with my thoughts about the Yues and Toru that I didn't notice that the closer we get to the multiple glass sliding door at the back of the manor which is the entryway for our family's most treasured garden (because it was my mom and grandmother who first took care of it and planted different flower beds each), the darker it got. When it suddenly hit me, I abruptly stopped walking and turned to

"Uncle Xi, why is it too dark here? And why aren't there any lights outside? Is Jii-chan playing a trick with me? I'd rather that you tell it to me now so I can change out of this shoes. I don't want to ruin them. Or what if I fall when Jii-chan suddenly chase me? I don't plan on getting injured tonight." threat is very much evident in my tone. I know my grandfather and his silly games.

"Oh, don't worry Ojou-sama, the General is just sitting at the gazebo by the lake. He said he wanted to have a quiet and solemn time for a few hours while waiting for you. He has placed some oil lamps on the ground that's why it seems dark from here."

"Oh I see. it must be one of these days huh?" I know my grandfather have moments like this when he will think of my late grandmother. I feel a dull pain in my chest as I quickened my steps towards the door.

"Mate (Wait), Ojou-sama!"

I heard Uncle Xi call me back the moment I pressed the button that will automatically open the doors. Shifting half of my body to face him, I saw two servants rushing towards me, carrying a medium-sized plain box.

"What's that?"

"We do not know, Ojou-sama. It's the General's direct order that we put it on you before you go out to meet him." the two servants bent from the waist to show me their sincerest apology for not giving me the answer that I want.

SIghing, I just told them to come over and do what my old grandfather said. When it's one of those days, I just can't help but humor him anyway. I'd rather get played by him and get teased by him if it means that his loneliness will be lessened.

(A/N: Right now, Sakura is called "Ojou-sama" by her side of the family and "Young Madame" by Syaoran's people since she's already recognized as their Master's wife. Syaoran is called "Master" instead of "Young Master" (based on his age) because he is currently the clan head. But since he and Sakura are not officially married yet, the title of "Madame" is still referred to Li Yelan, who is the female head of the Li clan. Don't worry, we will make this much clearer later on.)

A mobile phone rang and it was Uncle Xi's. He answered it and told me that Jii-chan is getting impatient already so I needed to hurry up.

"Ojou-sama, you can just change into that here at the hallway, I'll give an order for a total blackout so that no one can accidentally peek at you." Uncle Xi suggested in a helpless tone.

"Ah, that's okay. But is this difficult to wear?" I asked the two servants.

"No, Ojou-sama. Just leave it to us. We were told that it is just a skirt that the General wanted you need to wear."

"Oh, then that's easy. We don't need to shut off the lights~~~"

Blackout.

"Uncle Xi! I said there's no need to cut off the power!" I scolded him.

"I am sorry, Ojou-sama! I've already sent the message when you told me not to anymore." then turning to where he assumed the servants are standing "Just quickly put it on the young miss! The General might call any minute now and we'll all be yelled at, I tell you!"

Leaving them to do what they are to do, I just remained standing where I was. After a few seconds, I felt someone wrapping something around my waist and then right after that, I felt a soft, cool cloth brush lightly on the whole length of my legs. And as quickly as I felt is, it was gone again. Curious, I carefully touched the skirt and concluded that it was a very long skirt made of a stiffened cloth to keep its balloon shape yet it's outer cover felt like expensive silk.

Wow, what's Jii-chan up to? I can't wait to see what this skirt actually looks like!

A mobile phone rang and I heard Uncle Xi telling Jii-chan that we're on our way to the gazebo.

"How can we go there if it is this dark?" I questioned him as if I'm talking to a young child.

"Don't worry Ojou-sama, the lights will be back on after 5 minutes. I will guide you first while it is still dark."

"Uncle Xi? Is Sakura there or are you talking to her on the phone?" a man's voice came out of nowhere.

"Dad! I am here by the glass doors!" The moment I heard my Dad's voice, I got really excited. I missed him even if I've only seen him three days ago during the banquet.

Footsteps sounded against the marble floor and then I felt my dad's arm around me.

"I miss you my little Sakura. Have you been well?" he hugged me in his arms and I also hugged him back.

Standing on my tip toes, I kissed his chin (my Dad and brother are around 185 to 190 cm tall. I am the only one who got the short genes in the family.)

"Hey, I miss you so much too, Dad! And I have been excellent these past few days!"

"I am glad to hear that. Has Xiao Lang been treating you well?" I am not sure if it's my imagination but I felt like Dad's voice was a little melancholic.

Shrugging it off because I can't make sense out of it, I hugged his waist tighter and answered cheerfully, "He does, Dad! And you know what? The nicest thing is that I feel like he is doing his best to make up for all the years we've lost. Not just the recent three years, but also from when we were kids. Hey Dad, do you know that he really looks up to you and Mom? He told me stories of how you and Mom used to be nice to him and Xiao Shi that they always ask to come and visit us here."

"En. Yokatta (that's great)... Your mom would be happy to know that you and Xia Lang finally got back together. I am happy too that you found the man who will love you and take very good care of you in the place of Dad. It is a father's lifetime prayer, do you know? That his daughter will find and be married to the only man who the father can entrust his daughter to because the father can't live long enough to watch over his princess all her life. "

Now I am one hundred percent sure that my dad has gotten melancholic.

Wiping the corner of my eyes with the tips of my finger, I whispered, "I love you Dad. Please don't say any more sad things. I never once thought that my agreeing to marrying Xiao Lang means you are turning me over to him. I view my future marriage with him as having one more person to love me, to have that one person I will get to spend the rest of my life with, have children with, but he will never be somebody who can take over your place in my life and in my heart. Dad is Dad. Husband is husband. No one on earth can ever replace Dad, not even Xiao Lang."

I heard my Dad sniffle and I reached out and wiped the tears from his cheeks. "Dad! What came over you? Did you come from a counselling retreat instead of a business trip?"

Kinomoto Fujitaka chuckled and then he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face. "Thank goodness no one can see me right now."

"Hey, you're right Dad! Why did the power take too long to resume? You better call Uncle Xi back."

"It's okay. I know this place like the back of my hand. I'll hold your arm while we go see your grandfather. He's probably ready to throw the table at the lake by now."

Laughing at the image of my grandfather's tantrums, I gave Dad one last hug and then held on his left hand.

Feeling that something is amiss, I shifted to hugging his left arm instead and placing my head over his shoulder, perfecting a picture of a spoilt daughter.

It was such a lovely walk with the best Dad in the whole world. We stopped for a few times to admire some newly bloomed flowers that are created a little visible by the silvery light from the crescent moon above.

"Hey Dad! Don't you think there are quite a lot more stars out tonight?"

Dad looked up and I saw that his smile got deeper and the corner of his eyes wrinkled a bit, making him appear dashing and valiant as if he'a still at the peak of his youth.

"You know Dad, you are the most handsome man I know. But don't tell Jii-chan or else he'll kick us both out of the family."

Dad laughed out loud for a few seconds. With his deep brown eyes twinkling amidst the darkness of the night, he leaned down and tucked a strand of loose hair that fell from my top bun behind my ear.

"The stars and the moon came out tonight to see how beautiful my little flower has blossomed to be. I am truly blessed to have you as my daughter, Sakura."

I felt Dad's overflowing love for me at that moment that I held back a sob. I have no idea why Dad's been acting weird today but I am not complaining. After being away from him for three years and meeting up again just a month ago, I really miss him so much.

Leaning more heavily at him, I pressed my right cheek on his left upper arm, not caring if my makeup will smudge on his crisp dark gray suit.

Fujitaka looked down at his only daughter lovingly and placed a light kiss at the top of her head.

With unhurried steps, we walked in silence, contented with just the presence of each other. We were just a few meters from the huge archway leading to the gardens, when something amazing happened that made me freeze in place.

All of a sudden, tiny yellow lights lit up one by one, starting from the far ends and corners of the whole garden; making all the treetops, shrubs, and flowerbeds twinkle with hundreds of thousands of warm light.

In a span of two short minutes, I was completely surrounded with tiny beautiful yellow lights. Like a child, I turned around in a complete circle just fascinated with the seemingly enchanting beauty of my family's lavish garden.

And with the numerous twinkling stars and a romantic silver crescent moon overhead, I thought for a moment that this is most likely an extension of my dream from before and that I haven't really woken up from my nap in the car.

I did not know which should I feel first, should it be shock or amazement? I fell back beside my Dad, and the moment I saw what's behind the archway, I knew that I have never been this stunned in my whole life.

Because as soon as the whole 1 hectare of garden got flooded with the lights, rows and rows of people who are standing on their feet, facing me with huge smiles on their faces, became visible to my eyes.

And exactly right in front of me is an aisle, which I knew has never been there before, covered with a carpet of petals of what seems like taken from freshly picked red roses.

A long and tall canopy consisting of ivory chiffon and white tulle embedded with clear crystals that sparkled as it sways gently from the wind, covered the entire center aisle that leads to the altar directly opposite of me.

From the side, I saw my favorite local band whose band members family are friends of my family from way back when even Touya wasn't born. I knew how busy they are these past two years due to their rise in fame both in Japan and overseas and I felt so touched that they made it here tonight.

At the exact moment that the band started to play, the people seated near the aisle bent down and lit up the candles nearest to their feet, making the two rows of hundreds of candles emit a warm glow over the dreamy aisle.

The effect of the delicate swaying chiffon and tulle, the playfulness of the thousand sparkling crystals, the romance that the floor of red petals and warm candlelight brings, combined with the song that Syaoran used to sing to me three years ago while we lie in bed just hugging each other…

I couldn't stop my tears from falling.

"The day we met,

Frozen I held my breath

Right from the start

I knew that I'd found a home for my heart

Beats fast

Colors and promises"

I can't believe this is happening right now.

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

But watching you stand alone?

All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

With my heart beat getting faster by each second (I think!), I clutched Dad's arm.

At that moment, a white veil was placed over my head and then covered my face.

Then someone put on long white gloves on both my hands.

After putting on my gloves, Dad handed me a small and simple bouquet of roses, the one I like best because of a its strikingly beautiful deep red shade.

"Today's your day, my precious little princess. Dad prays for your and Xiao Lang's happiness together until eternity."

"Dad…"

Dad held me tightly in his arms for one final hug and when he released me, he gently placed my right hand on his left arm. He then covered it with his right hand and I felt his warmth seep through my gloves. Looking in my tear-filled eyes, he gave me an encouraging nod and we turned to face forward to look at the tall man wearing a custom-made gunmetal suit standing by the altar. His wide back is facing me but I know how absolutely stunning he must be right now. Much, much, more than how he is in normal days.

Dad took the first step and I took a deep breath before following him.

Then the music stopped and only Hiro's, the vocalist, deep emotional voice can be heard all over the place.

"I have died everyday waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

At the first word of the chorus, Syaoran slowly turned and finally looked at me.

He is too far away that I cannot clearly see his facial expression but I can vaguely see him smiling.

The piano, violin, and cello accompaniment resumed.

And right now, my whole focus is just at Syaoran's face as his expression gets clearer and clearer to me. As his beautiful amber eyes locked with mine, everything else around me became a blur in my mind.

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I will be brave

I will not let anything take away

What's standing in front of me

Every breath

Every hour has come to this"

Looking at the dazed expression on Syaoran's face when we have just a few yards separating, I tightened my hold on Dad's arm for a second and whispered,

"Dad… thank you. And you don't have to worry, I am very much happy with my choice."

[A/N: Thousand Years - Christina Perri]