Letting Go
CHAPTER 2
Author's note: Hey, I have decided to seperate the chapters as KAWAII Sakura had suggested. I hope that's ok. Well, anyway, here's the second part. Hope you guys like it. Thanks for the review. Please keep on posting your reviews and comments. They're all very helpful.
Letting Go
Chapter 2
Touya found Sakura standing by the doorway. Her dress, as usual was made by Tomoyo-chan. The white ensemble was simple enough. The frilly, lacy gown fitted her well. There were little sakura petals that swirled at the hem and the small wings that fluttered gracefully at her back were clearly the highlight of the gown. Tomoyo really did it this time. The dress revealed the woman-child in her. The blushing angel bride, Touya thought aptly. He tilted his head at the dress. It was, what did the girls call it? He raked his brains for the word.
As if sensing his stare, Sakura turned and smiled at him, reading his mind she said, "It's called an off-shoulder onii-chan." She said, her green eyes bright. She turned around and then took a step towards him. "So, how do I look?" She breathed her cheeks flushed.
"Like a Kaijuu in a wedding gown." He said trying to hide his smile.
Sakura turned to look at him sternly in the eye. "Don't call me that onii-chan!" she said. "I'm not a Kaijuu!" She said her raised fist shaking inches from Touya's face.
Touya raised his eyebrow. "C'mon Ka- Sakura. You don't want to be branded as the late bride." He said and he took his sister's hand and led her outside.
Sakura sighed and leaned her head on Touya's shoulder. She tilted her head and said, "I hope everything turns out perfectly."
He was tempted to tease her that sooner or later, the heaven would open up and let a huge storm blow in at Tomodea but everything looked perfect. Even the weather seemed to agree with them, the soft cool air brushed against Touya's cheeks, flowers bloomed from the neighborhood pots and gardens. It was as if this day was made for her. For them.
Yukito opened the car door and let them step in, he waited until they were seated comfortably then gently closed it shut. Yukito took the driver seat. Beside him, the blonde boy poked his head out. "Ne, Sakura-chan! You look like a hime!" He said obviously impressed.
"Arigatou Kero-chan!" Sakura said and then turned imploringly at her brother. "See, he didn't say I look like a Kaijuu. Why can't you be more like him?" Sakura teased him.
"Hey, lay off." He said and then he turned at Kero-chan, "you better not do anything stupid today, ok?" He said.
"Me? When did I ever…" Everyone inside the car turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. "Sheesh…" Ceruberus muttered. He changed the subject, "Too bad I can't let them see my really cool form! That would impress the guests ne?" Kero-chan said then laughed out loud. Yukito chuckled as he started the engine. "Sakura-chan, would there be lots and lots of food after the wedding?" He asked his eyes taking on a dreamy shiny state.
Sakura nodded.
"Yatttaaaa!" Kero-chan exclaimed pumping his fist in the air. "Would Eriol and Suppi be there too?"
Sakura nodded, "Eriol promised he'd be there."
"I can annoy Eriol better in this form!" Kero-chan exclaimed, delighted by this idea. "And as for Suppi…" Kero-chan gleefully muttered at himself, rubbing his hands together, evil smile playing on his lips.
"What was that Kero-chan?" Touya asked raising an eyebrow.
"Kero-chan!" Ceruberus exclaimed! "Don't you Kero-CHAN me you baka paranoid!" he said.
"Nani?"
Sakura quickly tried to calm things down. "Now, now you two, you promised you'd behave!" She said crossing her arms and looking at her onii-chan and then at her Kero-chan. The two grumbled quietly and slumped down on their seats looking defeated. Sakura caught Yukito smiling at her and she smiled back, at least Yukito-san is behaving properly.
Everyone occupied themselves with different thoughts and soon enough the car became so quiet; you can hear the soft hum of the engine as it sped away. Sakura was looking at the passing scenery before her, not really seeing them. Her mind wandered off, recalling so many different memories of her childhood at this small town. Over there in front of that little shop was where she bought the teddy bear for Yukito-san. Oh, to be young and clueless... on that very street was where she and Tomoyo always walked on their way home. They the passed little restaurant where she and Syaoran had their first date, Touya had been working there as a waiter that time. Memories filled her heart and she smiled often enough that all of her men inside the car couldn't help but smile too. All this time she kept clutching at her brother, who seemed to absorb all of the emotions over flowing from her.
She was too excited to sit still. When the car stopped at a red light, she turned nervously at Touya. "Are we there yet?" She asked.
"Nah. I told, Yukito not to drive us to the church." Touya teased her, "We're going to the zoo instead!"
"Oniichaaaaan!"
Syaoran nervously straightened his tie. He glanced outside. The white rented car still hasn't arrived. He spotted Meilin by the doorway with Daidouji-san and gestured for them to come forward. Meilin raised an eyebrow and then walked towards him, her long black hair swaying gently.
"Ne, Syaoran don't look so nervous!" She teased him. Syaoran scowled at her. She stood on her toes and giggled. "Are you worried that Kinomoto-san would back out on you the last minute?"
"Iya!" Syaoran said a little too loudly that some of the guests looked at him quizzically.
"Eh, daijoubu minna." Tomoyo said panning her hand held camera across the church then turning back at Syaoran. "Don't worry Li-kun, I'm sure Yukito-san and Touya-kun and Kero-chan would arrive here with Sakura-chan." She patted him gently at the arm and Syaoran relaxed a little.
"Besides, you know Kinomoto's always late, though I was expecting she won't be late on her own wedding day." Meilin said. "Maybe her baka brother drove her somewhere else, you know how strange he could be sometimes."
Syaoran could feel all his blood rushing up to his face. Could it be? Would Touya really go that far? He gulped down and tried to catch a glimpse at the doorway. Still no sign of Sakura. He turned towards Meilin and glared at her. He opened his mouth and was about to tell her to get lost when a hushed murmur swept around the church. Syaoran craned his neck for a better view of the outside. His instantly stopped breathing when he saw her - his Sakura standing by the door wearing her gown, clutching at her brother and smiling at him. He could see her heave a big sigh and blush; the words "gomen nasai" caught on her lips.
"Same as usual ne, Kinomoto." Meilin murmured quietly. She turned at Syaoran, straightened his tie and looked at him in the eyes. "This is it, Syaoran." She smiled at him tenderly and then leaned forward to kiss him on the cheeks. "Ne, I've always thought you'd make a handsome groom. I wish you all the happiness Syaoran."
"Arigatou Meilin." He said softly and then hugged her. "I hope you find your groom soon." He said when he released her.
Meilin laughed and then dragged Tomoyo off the red carpet before she started bawling like a baby. That would be too embarrassing. "Enough shots of the groom, it's time to film Kinomoto-san, again." She told Tomoyo excitedly. She knew Daidouji-san had been taping Sakura early on when she was getting her hair fixed and putting on the gown. She briefly wondered what convinced Daidouji-san not to ride with Sakura on her way to church. Her guess was Tomoyo wanted to give Sakura and her family a little privacy or it could be that Tomoyo just wanted to get shots of the groom waiting nervously for his bride. She turned at Daidouji who was still filming a red-faced Syaoran. It could definitely be that. "I want to have a copy of the part where Syaoran hugged me ok?" she told her.
"Of course Meilin-chan." Tomoyo said. She smiled dreamily and then waved at Sakura. "I can't believe I'm taping her wedding!" She exclaimed.
Meilin grabbed her camera. "Not today Daidoji-san. Today, you're the Maid of Honor and you promised Sakura no marching with a camera!"
Tomoyo sighed broken-heartedly. "Mou! Very well then," she snapped her fingers and Meilin almost jumped in surprise when several strategically placed dark suited men and women sprung into action, cameras and lights on hand. Meilin sighed, "Daidouji-san sometimes, you scare me."
Touya watched as Tomoyo and Meilin rushed up to hug Sakura. The three girls giggled and whispered with each other. For a brief moment, Touya found himself transported back to time. He smirked as Tomoyo leaned over to kiss Sakura on her cheeks, tears shimmering on her eyes. He had seen Tomoyo and Meilin all dressed up, but he hadn't seen them this pretty. He turned at his sister; of course there was no question who looked prettier.
Rica, the wedding coordinator, finally broke the hugging and congratulating and ordered the entourage to line up. Kero-chan was the designated ring bearer. Yukito and Tomoyo stood side by side and Meilin stood in front of them clutching a bouquet of freshly picked pink flowers. She turned at them and whispered somberly, "You're late Kinomoto-san"
"Gomen nasai!" Sakura apologized. Meilin nodded in understanding and then she turned to look at Touya. "Syaoran got real nervous that you drove Sakura into another church then say later on that it was an honest mistake."
"Nani? He said what?" Touya hissed at her. Meilin giggled and stepped forward as the music started. Sakura was also giggling. "What's so funny?" He asked her, trying to keep his head held high as he proudly walked with the bride.
"Nothing. Syaoran was just kidding." She explained, "he always joked about it you know, that you won't agree to all this." She whispered nodding politely at the guests that smiled at her.
"Well, I'm here aren't I?" He said defensively.
"Of course. I know deep down you also like Syaoran." Sakura informed him, as they got closer to the altar.
Touya smiled, she might be a little closer to the truth. "I'm here because I want you to be happy and he makes you happy, so..." he trailed off as they reached Syaoran. He held his body rigidly and paused for a few seconds to glare at the kid and held on to his sister.
Syaoran looked at him in the eye. Touya couldn't decide whether it was gratefulness or annoyance in Syaoran eyes, because the kid had turned to look at his sister. The kid's eyes softened as soon as he saw her. The smile had been in the kid's eyes even before it reached his lips and Touya could see how good Syaoran and Sakura looked together. There was something about them that radiated love and happiness.
Syaoran reached out his hand for Sakura to take.
This is it, Touya thought. I'm giving away my sister. I'm giving her away to this annoying kid who captured her heart. He watched as Sakura reached out and take Syaoran's hand. But she didn't move away. She turned to face him and for the first time, Touya saw the tears on her jade green eyes. "Sakura, don't cry. You should be happy." He told her, the ache on his throat back full force.
Sakura smiled up at him. "Ne, onii-chan, I am happy. You made me really happy today. You've always made me happy." She held unto his arms tighter and sniffed, "you're still my number one, okay? I'll always be your little Sakura ok, so don't cry..." She said softly.
"I'm not..." but before Touya could finish his sentence, he could feel the tears pricking his eyelids. He paused to swallow the burning lump in his throat. There was no way he was going to cry in front of everyone! He took a deep breath. "I know." he said instead.
Sakura nodded, she took her hands from him and lifted her veil and then stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheeks. "I love you, onii-chan." She told him and Touya nodded, his eyes saying what his mouth couldn't say. He wouldn't be able to put his feelings into words anyway, how could he tell her how happy and proud he was, but at the same time how sad he felt. It didn't matter, he knew Sakura understood. He let her go and watched as she stepped inside Syaoran's waiting arms. He began to walk away when he heard Syaoran thank him. He straightened his back and looked at his soon-to-be brother, "You better take good care of her. Always make her happy or else...." He left that as that and waited for Syaoran's most solemn nod. Touya nodded back and then stepped away from them. He found his seat beside Yukito.
Yukito leaned at him and said, "For a moment there, I thought you wouldn't let go of Sakura." He teased him.
Touya kept his eyes on Syaoran and Sakura but answered Yukito, "I haven't let her go Yuki. And I won't ever." He said.
"Glad to hear that Touya. You know that you'd always be Sakura's anchor. You're her brother, nothing's ever going to change that."
Sakura turned to look at him and smiled softly. Touya smiled back, "I know Yukito. I know."
End note: A big pile of mush wasn't it? Well, please feel free to tell me anything you want. I appreciate them all. Now, on to the last part!
CHAPTER 2
Author's note: Hey, I have decided to seperate the chapters as KAWAII Sakura had suggested. I hope that's ok. Well, anyway, here's the second part. Hope you guys like it. Thanks for the review. Please keep on posting your reviews and comments. They're all very helpful.
Letting Go
Chapter 2
Touya found Sakura standing by the doorway. Her dress, as usual was made by Tomoyo-chan. The white ensemble was simple enough. The frilly, lacy gown fitted her well. There were little sakura petals that swirled at the hem and the small wings that fluttered gracefully at her back were clearly the highlight of the gown. Tomoyo really did it this time. The dress revealed the woman-child in her. The blushing angel bride, Touya thought aptly. He tilted his head at the dress. It was, what did the girls call it? He raked his brains for the word.
As if sensing his stare, Sakura turned and smiled at him, reading his mind she said, "It's called an off-shoulder onii-chan." She said, her green eyes bright. She turned around and then took a step towards him. "So, how do I look?" She breathed her cheeks flushed.
"Like a Kaijuu in a wedding gown." He said trying to hide his smile.
Sakura turned to look at him sternly in the eye. "Don't call me that onii-chan!" she said. "I'm not a Kaijuu!" She said her raised fist shaking inches from Touya's face.
Touya raised his eyebrow. "C'mon Ka- Sakura. You don't want to be branded as the late bride." He said and he took his sister's hand and led her outside.
Sakura sighed and leaned her head on Touya's shoulder. She tilted her head and said, "I hope everything turns out perfectly."
He was tempted to tease her that sooner or later, the heaven would open up and let a huge storm blow in at Tomodea but everything looked perfect. Even the weather seemed to agree with them, the soft cool air brushed against Touya's cheeks, flowers bloomed from the neighborhood pots and gardens. It was as if this day was made for her. For them.
Yukito opened the car door and let them step in, he waited until they were seated comfortably then gently closed it shut. Yukito took the driver seat. Beside him, the blonde boy poked his head out. "Ne, Sakura-chan! You look like a hime!" He said obviously impressed.
"Arigatou Kero-chan!" Sakura said and then turned imploringly at her brother. "See, he didn't say I look like a Kaijuu. Why can't you be more like him?" Sakura teased him.
"Hey, lay off." He said and then he turned at Kero-chan, "you better not do anything stupid today, ok?" He said.
"Me? When did I ever…" Everyone inside the car turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. "Sheesh…" Ceruberus muttered. He changed the subject, "Too bad I can't let them see my really cool form! That would impress the guests ne?" Kero-chan said then laughed out loud. Yukito chuckled as he started the engine. "Sakura-chan, would there be lots and lots of food after the wedding?" He asked his eyes taking on a dreamy shiny state.
Sakura nodded.
"Yatttaaaa!" Kero-chan exclaimed pumping his fist in the air. "Would Eriol and Suppi be there too?"
Sakura nodded, "Eriol promised he'd be there."
"I can annoy Eriol better in this form!" Kero-chan exclaimed, delighted by this idea. "And as for Suppi…" Kero-chan gleefully muttered at himself, rubbing his hands together, evil smile playing on his lips.
"What was that Kero-chan?" Touya asked raising an eyebrow.
"Kero-chan!" Ceruberus exclaimed! "Don't you Kero-CHAN me you baka paranoid!" he said.
"Nani?"
Sakura quickly tried to calm things down. "Now, now you two, you promised you'd behave!" She said crossing her arms and looking at her onii-chan and then at her Kero-chan. The two grumbled quietly and slumped down on their seats looking defeated. Sakura caught Yukito smiling at her and she smiled back, at least Yukito-san is behaving properly.
Everyone occupied themselves with different thoughts and soon enough the car became so quiet; you can hear the soft hum of the engine as it sped away. Sakura was looking at the passing scenery before her, not really seeing them. Her mind wandered off, recalling so many different memories of her childhood at this small town. Over there in front of that little shop was where she bought the teddy bear for Yukito-san. Oh, to be young and clueless... on that very street was where she and Tomoyo always walked on their way home. They the passed little restaurant where she and Syaoran had their first date, Touya had been working there as a waiter that time. Memories filled her heart and she smiled often enough that all of her men inside the car couldn't help but smile too. All this time she kept clutching at her brother, who seemed to absorb all of the emotions over flowing from her.
She was too excited to sit still. When the car stopped at a red light, she turned nervously at Touya. "Are we there yet?" She asked.
"Nah. I told, Yukito not to drive us to the church." Touya teased her, "We're going to the zoo instead!"
"Oniichaaaaan!"
Syaoran nervously straightened his tie. He glanced outside. The white rented car still hasn't arrived. He spotted Meilin by the doorway with Daidouji-san and gestured for them to come forward. Meilin raised an eyebrow and then walked towards him, her long black hair swaying gently.
"Ne, Syaoran don't look so nervous!" She teased him. Syaoran scowled at her. She stood on her toes and giggled. "Are you worried that Kinomoto-san would back out on you the last minute?"
"Iya!" Syaoran said a little too loudly that some of the guests looked at him quizzically.
"Eh, daijoubu minna." Tomoyo said panning her hand held camera across the church then turning back at Syaoran. "Don't worry Li-kun, I'm sure Yukito-san and Touya-kun and Kero-chan would arrive here with Sakura-chan." She patted him gently at the arm and Syaoran relaxed a little.
"Besides, you know Kinomoto's always late, though I was expecting she won't be late on her own wedding day." Meilin said. "Maybe her baka brother drove her somewhere else, you know how strange he could be sometimes."
Syaoran could feel all his blood rushing up to his face. Could it be? Would Touya really go that far? He gulped down and tried to catch a glimpse at the doorway. Still no sign of Sakura. He turned towards Meilin and glared at her. He opened his mouth and was about to tell her to get lost when a hushed murmur swept around the church. Syaoran craned his neck for a better view of the outside. His instantly stopped breathing when he saw her - his Sakura standing by the door wearing her gown, clutching at her brother and smiling at him. He could see her heave a big sigh and blush; the words "gomen nasai" caught on her lips.
"Same as usual ne, Kinomoto." Meilin murmured quietly. She turned at Syaoran, straightened his tie and looked at him in the eyes. "This is it, Syaoran." She smiled at him tenderly and then leaned forward to kiss him on the cheeks. "Ne, I've always thought you'd make a handsome groom. I wish you all the happiness Syaoran."
"Arigatou Meilin." He said softly and then hugged her. "I hope you find your groom soon." He said when he released her.
Meilin laughed and then dragged Tomoyo off the red carpet before she started bawling like a baby. That would be too embarrassing. "Enough shots of the groom, it's time to film Kinomoto-san, again." She told Tomoyo excitedly. She knew Daidouji-san had been taping Sakura early on when she was getting her hair fixed and putting on the gown. She briefly wondered what convinced Daidouji-san not to ride with Sakura on her way to church. Her guess was Tomoyo wanted to give Sakura and her family a little privacy or it could be that Tomoyo just wanted to get shots of the groom waiting nervously for his bride. She turned at Daidouji who was still filming a red-faced Syaoran. It could definitely be that. "I want to have a copy of the part where Syaoran hugged me ok?" she told her.
"Of course Meilin-chan." Tomoyo said. She smiled dreamily and then waved at Sakura. "I can't believe I'm taping her wedding!" She exclaimed.
Meilin grabbed her camera. "Not today Daidoji-san. Today, you're the Maid of Honor and you promised Sakura no marching with a camera!"
Tomoyo sighed broken-heartedly. "Mou! Very well then," she snapped her fingers and Meilin almost jumped in surprise when several strategically placed dark suited men and women sprung into action, cameras and lights on hand. Meilin sighed, "Daidouji-san sometimes, you scare me."
Touya watched as Tomoyo and Meilin rushed up to hug Sakura. The three girls giggled and whispered with each other. For a brief moment, Touya found himself transported back to time. He smirked as Tomoyo leaned over to kiss Sakura on her cheeks, tears shimmering on her eyes. He had seen Tomoyo and Meilin all dressed up, but he hadn't seen them this pretty. He turned at his sister; of course there was no question who looked prettier.
Rica, the wedding coordinator, finally broke the hugging and congratulating and ordered the entourage to line up. Kero-chan was the designated ring bearer. Yukito and Tomoyo stood side by side and Meilin stood in front of them clutching a bouquet of freshly picked pink flowers. She turned at them and whispered somberly, "You're late Kinomoto-san"
"Gomen nasai!" Sakura apologized. Meilin nodded in understanding and then she turned to look at Touya. "Syaoran got real nervous that you drove Sakura into another church then say later on that it was an honest mistake."
"Nani? He said what?" Touya hissed at her. Meilin giggled and stepped forward as the music started. Sakura was also giggling. "What's so funny?" He asked her, trying to keep his head held high as he proudly walked with the bride.
"Nothing. Syaoran was just kidding." She explained, "he always joked about it you know, that you won't agree to all this." She whispered nodding politely at the guests that smiled at her.
"Well, I'm here aren't I?" He said defensively.
"Of course. I know deep down you also like Syaoran." Sakura informed him, as they got closer to the altar.
Touya smiled, she might be a little closer to the truth. "I'm here because I want you to be happy and he makes you happy, so..." he trailed off as they reached Syaoran. He held his body rigidly and paused for a few seconds to glare at the kid and held on to his sister.
Syaoran looked at him in the eye. Touya couldn't decide whether it was gratefulness or annoyance in Syaoran eyes, because the kid had turned to look at his sister. The kid's eyes softened as soon as he saw her. The smile had been in the kid's eyes even before it reached his lips and Touya could see how good Syaoran and Sakura looked together. There was something about them that radiated love and happiness.
Syaoran reached out his hand for Sakura to take.
This is it, Touya thought. I'm giving away my sister. I'm giving her away to this annoying kid who captured her heart. He watched as Sakura reached out and take Syaoran's hand. But she didn't move away. She turned to face him and for the first time, Touya saw the tears on her jade green eyes. "Sakura, don't cry. You should be happy." He told her, the ache on his throat back full force.
Sakura smiled up at him. "Ne, onii-chan, I am happy. You made me really happy today. You've always made me happy." She held unto his arms tighter and sniffed, "you're still my number one, okay? I'll always be your little Sakura ok, so don't cry..." She said softly.
"I'm not..." but before Touya could finish his sentence, he could feel the tears pricking his eyelids. He paused to swallow the burning lump in his throat. There was no way he was going to cry in front of everyone! He took a deep breath. "I know." he said instead.
Sakura nodded, she took her hands from him and lifted her veil and then stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheeks. "I love you, onii-chan." She told him and Touya nodded, his eyes saying what his mouth couldn't say. He wouldn't be able to put his feelings into words anyway, how could he tell her how happy and proud he was, but at the same time how sad he felt. It didn't matter, he knew Sakura understood. He let her go and watched as she stepped inside Syaoran's waiting arms. He began to walk away when he heard Syaoran thank him. He straightened his back and looked at his soon-to-be brother, "You better take good care of her. Always make her happy or else...." He left that as that and waited for Syaoran's most solemn nod. Touya nodded back and then stepped away from them. He found his seat beside Yukito.
Yukito leaned at him and said, "For a moment there, I thought you wouldn't let go of Sakura." He teased him.
Touya kept his eyes on Syaoran and Sakura but answered Yukito, "I haven't let her go Yuki. And I won't ever." He said.
"Glad to hear that Touya. You know that you'd always be Sakura's anchor. You're her brother, nothing's ever going to change that."
Sakura turned to look at him and smiled softly. Touya smiled back, "I know Yukito. I know."
End note: A big pile of mush wasn't it? Well, please feel free to tell me anything you want. I appreciate them all. Now, on to the last part!