Author's Notes: I know that a lot of reviewers wanted more S+S, but I couldn't put it in the last chapter because I'd already written it and was working on this one. But I went back and changed this chapt. for S+S purposes, which turned out better than the original. ANYWAY, this is THE chapter! Oh, yeah! Even I'VE been waiting for this for a long time. Syaoran makes his decision and Alan's wicked, EVIL, DIRTY plan is finally reveled! Okay, here we go! (Be prepared- this is looooong!)
*~*
Disclaimer: I'm too excited about this chapter! I own nothin!
*~*
*~* Chapter Thirteen *~*
And It All Comes Together
Sakura awoke the next morning, her heart already racing. Chill girl! It's tonight, not in the morning. You've got hours!
She slowly got out of bed, the adrenaline racing throughout her body. "Ohhhhh, I can't take this!" she moaned, almost banging her head on her bathroom door.
Kero awoke to her noise. "Hey, what's going on? Are you already that nervous?"
"OF COUSRE! How can I go down to breakfast, knowing that they know that I want to Syaoran's wife? I don't want to see all of them staring at me like I have a snowball's chance in HECK of being Syaoran's wife. I don't want to see those looks of pity!"
"Oh, come on! If you wanna be his wife, you're gonna need more back bone than that!" OH GEE, AM I ENCOURIGING HER? I DON'T WANT HER TO MARRY HIM! "Go in the dining room with your head held high and a confident smile on your face!" I'VE LOST IT!!!!!!!!!!
Sakura grinned, nodding. "You're right. I'm determined! I'll get what I want tonight!"
"Oh yeah! That's right! You gotta pump yourself up for tonight, Sakura," Kero wisely said. "Now get ready for breakfast and show those stuck up stiffs what you're made of!!"
Once Sakura was in the shower, he began to bang his head against the wall.
*~*
Sakura walked into the dining room that morning full of confidence, just as Kero had instructed. She took a seat next to Xiefa and smiled.
"Hey," she muttered.
"You must be nervous," commented Xiefa.
"A bit." She looked around the table. "Where's Syaoran?"
Xiefa smiled. "I talked to him earlier. He said that he had a lot to think about. What a huge step he's about to take . . ." she paused, noticing the worried look on her friend's face. "Don't worry. I'm looking forward to having you as a sister-in-law."
Sakura smiled back at her. "I hope I can have you as one!" So overcome with emotion, she reached over and hugged the older girl.
I hope you're right, Xiefa. I truly do.
*~*
Mei-lin glared at Xiefa and Sakura, who were wrapped in a tight embrace. If Kinomoto thinks that she'll ever be related to Xiefa, she's wrong! By tonight, I'll be engaged to Syaoran!
She turned to look at Alan, who was sitting across from her, looking very calm, yet wearing a weird, secretive grin on his face. Mei-lin leaned over the table. "How's your plan coming along?"
"Great. I promise you, Cousin, that tonight will be a blast."
Her eyes widened. "Ohhhhh, so it's happening TONIGHT?"
Alan nodded. "Be prepared for the night of your life!"
*~*
Upstairs, Sakura carefully took out her ball gown and laid it on the bed. It was a beautiful gold color, like the one on that Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. She'd been saving it just for that night, because it was such a special occasion.
My heart is racing . . . I won't be able to live without him . . . I think I'm gonna hurl . . . Maybe I need to get out. That's a good idea!
Sakura grabbed her purse and coat and left the house. She wandered in the direction of the park. Once she was there, she followed the old path to the iron gate. She shuffled through her purse and pulled out the key that Syaoran had made for her. She slipped it into the lock and went inside. Sakura walked along the next path and pushed back the bushes, stepping into the garden.
The old cottage . . . it'll be perfect.
Sakura stepped onto the porch and gently pushed open the door.
She was surprised to see a fire roaring in the fireplace. What?
Sakura cautiously stepped up to the couch and her eyes widened. Someone was lying there, their body covered in a blanket.
"Um, excuse me," she squeaked.
The person sat up. "Oh, Syaoran! It's you!"
Syaoran smiled at her. "I just came here to think."
"Well then . . . maybe I should leave. I understand . . ." She turned back.
"No! Wait. Come back."
Sakura walked up to him. "Hum?"
"Sit down."
She did just that. What does he want? He sounds so cool and clam, but my heart is racing . . .
"I know you know about my big decision," he muttered, placing his head in his hands.
"Yeah," she said slowly.
"It's driving me crazy. I didn't get any sleep last night. I'm a nervous wreck."
Sakura softly rubbed his back. "I bet you're second guessing yourself. Don't. If your heart leads you to someone, then you should choose her. You shouldn't ask yourself 'why'. You need to have faith in yourself."
Syaoran nodded. "I need more time. I might not be ready by tonight."
"Then that's fine. Your family really shouldn't rush you. After all, it's your happiness, Syaoran."
Syaoran laughed softly. "You sound like my mother."
Sakura smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment. She's really been nice to me. I think she's come around."
Syaoran sat up. "Well, you've heard me moan and groan. What did you come here for?"
"I-I guess I'm nervous too. About tonight," replied Sakura.
Does she know that I'm considering her for my wife?! Syaoran wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. "Everything will be fine."
Sakura sighed. "Maybe . . ." She yawned.
Syaoran lifted an eyebrow. "Looks like someone else didn't get enough sleep."
Sakura flushed. How could I?! I was too busy wondering if you'd chosen Mei-lin to be your wife! "I . . . uh, guess I didn't."
She gasped softly when Syaoran gently placed her head in his lap. Sakura curled her legs onto the couch, closing her eyes. I love you, Syaoran . . .
Syaoran looked down at her with loving eyes. He stroked her hair slowly. I've never felt this way before. My heart . . . it aches with love when I see her. He laid his head against the back of the couch, shutting his eyes. I want to be like this with her forever. Sakura . . . my only love . . .
*~*
Syaoran's eyes jerked open when he heard a phone ring. Wha . . . was I asleep? He looked down. Sakura was still asleep. Hmmm, wonderful . . .
Ring! Ring!
Where the hell is that phone? I'll kill whoever it is! They spoiled a perfect moment!
Syaoran knew the cottage had no phone, so where was the ringing coming from?
Ring! Ring!
Syaoran spotted Sakura's purse on the floor. Maybe she has a phone . . .
Syaoran dug through her purse. He muttered a curse when some pink book fell out. He spotted the phone, gripped it and barked, "Who the hell is this?"
"Syaoran . . ."
"Oh, God, Mother . . . I'm SO sorry!"
"I was hoping to talk to Sakura. We're worried about her. She's been gone for a long time."
"She's here with me."
"I figured that much. And where's here?"
Syaoran sighed. "The cottage."
She knew exactly what he was talking about. "I hope you two aren't, well . . . getting TOO intimate over there . . ."
Syaoran flushed. "NO! I mean, nothing's going on. Sakura was just tiered and went to sleep."
"Hmmm. Well, be back in time for the party, Syaoran. I trust that you've . . . made your decision?"
Syaoran glanced at Sakura. "I think so . . ."
"Well, that's good. You can go back to whatever you were doing."
"Okay. Bye."
Syaoran sighed anime style. "Uhhhh . . . I'm gonna be sick!" He began to put all of the stuff that had come out of Sakura's purse back. He paused at the little pink book.
Syaoran glanced at the sleeping Sakura, then opened it.
Poems About Him
He turned the page.
He is my all
My love
My only one
He is Syaoran
Syaoran blinked several times. "Whoa," he muttered. It wasn't a very good poem, but it was about him. About how she loved him.
She loves me . . .
Sakura began to shift on the couch.
Syaoran shoved the little book back into her bag and quickly stepped into the kitchen. He poured some orange juice into a glass and began to sip it.
Sakura sat up. "Uhhhh, I needed that!"
"Hey, sleepy head." I know your secret . . .
She turned to face him. "Oh, what about you?"
"Huh?"
"I woke up a couple of times and YOU were knocked out!" Sakura giggled. "I think you were drooling!"
Syaoran flushed. She loves me . . . I love her . . . there's no reason why we shouldn't marry . . .
"I'm hungry. Do you have any food in here?" She joined him in the kitchen.
Syaoran nodded. "Why don't you make me some of your famous pancakes?" I figure I'll be eating a lot of them over the years.
She nodded and began to work.
Syaoran carefully watched her. He was no longer dreading the ball; in fact, he was eager! He couldn't wait to propose to Sakura. She'll make me the happiest man alive . . .
*~*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note: Now you know! On with the story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Sakura flipped her pancakes, she felt Syaoran's eyes on her.
He's driving me crazy! What is he thinking?
Sakura pretended not to notice. She skillfully placed two pancakes on each plate. Sakura turned around and placed a plate, along with a fork and syrup in front of him. She almost let out a small groan when she saw the strange, secretive smile on his cute face. What's so amusing?!
"Why are you looking at me that way?" she demanded.
Syaoran shook his head innocently. "No reason. Can't I just look at you and like what I see?"
Sakura flushed. "Y-you shouldn't say things like that to me. Really." She sat and began to eat slowly. Why's he saying those me? He never really said anything like that before.
She cleared her throat. "I, uh, think we should get back to the mansion before Xiefa has a heart attack. She wants me to be in my room at least three hours before the ball."
"Okay," he simply said.
Sakura looked at him. He was grinning mysteriously again. She began to eat faster. Uhhhh! I wish he'd stop that!
Once they were done, they grabbed their things and left. They trekked back to the mansion.
Xiefa was pacing in the foyer. She looked up when they walked in. Her face was pale and her hands were shaking. "Oh, good, Sakura you're back."
Syaoran frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Come up to Sakura's room."
Sakura's heart began to race as they climbed the stairs. What's going on?
Xiefa hesitantly opened her door.
"Oh, no . . ."
Sakura's beautiful ball gown lay on her bed, shred to pieces. It was the only thing that had been touched.
"No!" she cried.
Syaoran stared at the dress as Sakura pulled it into her arms. Who would . . .Mei-lin? But I have no proof. I can't just go shouting out accusations.
"What are you going to do now?" asked Xiefa.
Sakura stood up. "I'll use the Create Card to make another one. Whoever did this isn't going to ruin the night for me."
Syaoran was impressed.
Sakura called out her wand.
"Ohhhh," murmured Xiefa.
She held out the Create Card. "Create Card, make another dress like this one. Create Card!"
They all sweat dropped when another torn yellow dress appeared on the bed. "OOOOOOkay! Well. Create Card, make another dress like this one before it was torn!"
A perfectly new dress materialized on the bed. "See, no problem!" Sakura put her wand away. "Everything's fine!"
*~*
Outside on Sakura's balcony stood a furious Mei-lin with scissors in her hand. She pressed her face against the door.
I DON'T BELIEVE IT! AFTER ALL OF THAT WORK BREAKING INTO HERE AND ALL!!!!!
She sighed. "Gee . . ."
Suddenly, the doors gave way under her weight. She screamed as she fell forward into the room.
Xiefa, Sakura and Syaoran looked at her.
Syaoran glared at the tale-tell scissors in her hand. "Mei-lin . . ."
Xiefa shook her head. "I don't believe you! You let your jealousy get the better of you and you destroyed her dress!"
She pulled herself off of the floor. "She fixed it anyway! Like Kinomoto said, everything's fine!"
Sakura stared at Mei-lin, not believing what she saw. "Do you really hate me that much? So much that you'd sneak into my room just to ruin my dress? What did I ever do to you?"
Mei-lin laughed bitterly. You tried to take my fiancé! You're buttering up to everyone so that you can get some Clan wealth! "You know exactly what you've done!" She stomped out of the room.
"Maybe I should talk to her . . ." suggested Sakura.
Syaoran shook his head. "Leave her alone. She'll be fine."
Xiefa nodded. "Anyway, you need to get ready, Sakura. And YOU," Xiefa turned to her brother, "Mother wants to see you in the library."
What did I do? Syaoran nervously went.
Sakura watched him leave. "I think he's made his decision, Xiefa."
"Did he tell you that?"
Sakura shook her head. "No. But he's a lot calmer than before. Syaoran was even smiling earlier. Something happened."
Xiefa squeezed her shoulders gently. "It'll be fine."
*~*
Syaoran hesitantly pushed open the door to the library. He took a deep breath and stepped in. His mother was sitting in a chair next to the window.
"Uh, Mom. You wanted to see me?"
"Oh, yes! Come over here."
Syaoran slowly approached the chair. "I wanted to give you the ring. The one worn by every Li Clan bride for at least six hundred years." She held out a velvet red box.
Syaoran took it. "Thank you."
"I know we talked on the phone. I hope you've made the right decision."
Syaoran's thoughts drifted back to Sakura sleeping in his lap. "I have, Mom."
Sanori smiled. "Good. Now go get some rest. Tonight's the big night."
*~*
Alan took out a black tux and placed it onto his dresser. My plan can finally go in effect. Tonight is MY night. I will finally be recognized!
He threw himself down onto his bed. It can't fail . . .
*~*
Xiefa forced Sakura into a long, hot bubble bath in her bathroom full of steam.
"It'll get you smelling really nice!" she stressed.
Sakura wrinkled her nose, slipping beneath the scorching water. "Are you trying to say that I usually stink?"
Xiefa laughed. "No! And when you're done, we'll wash your hair in some of this new shampoo I bought. It smells really good."
Sakura rolled her eyes. But she had to admit- the water felt good. She gently rubbed herself with a pink sponge and began to hum.
Sakura . . .
She paused. "Xiefa?"
There was no answer. I guess Xiefa left. So what was that noise? Sakura chose to ignore it and continued to wash.
Sakura . . .
Chills raced up and down Sakura's spine. "Oh, God, this is freaking me out!"
The steam in the room began become thicker. Sakura was feeling sleepy. "Ohhh! I've . . .gotta . . .fight . . .this . . ." Her eyelids shut.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note: Hey, this isn't Alan's evil plan! I bet you guys thought it was! No, his plan couldn't be something as stupid and simple as making her pass out and then kidnapping her! Continue reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You will be mine, Sakura . . ."
"What . . . where am I?"
"No place in particular. Just empty space. I wanted to see you before tonight. I know that you won't be pleased with what I'm going to do."
"Going to do? What are you talking about?"
"But you'll understand once I explain. Neither of us likes the Clan very much. They've been cruel to you. They will pay for that!"
"No! I don't hate them!"
"They've blinded you, deceived you! They've made you believe that they're nice people. But watch- when you last expect it, the Clan will stab you in the back! I know from personal experience."
"Please, who are you? Maybe I can help you . . ."
"I DON'T NEED HELP! Everything I've ever needed or wanted will be mine by Monday. I can promise you that."
"Don't . . ."
"I must say goodbye for now. You will know who I am later tonight."
"How?"
"Trust me, you will. People will be talking about me for a while . . ."
"Wait! Wait! Nooooooooo!"
Sakura sat up in the tub, choking on water. "Oh, oh, oh . . ."
Xiefa came in and gasped. "What happened?"
Sakura smiled weakly, not wanting to frighten her. "I guess I fell asleep in the tub! Nothing serious."
Xiefa eyed her suspiciously. "You need to be more careful. Now, lets get your hair washed."
*~*
Syaoran straightened his jacket and looked at himself in the mirror. Perfect. He picked up the velvet box and placed it into his pocket.
It's time, Syaoran.
Syaoran walked down to the ballroom with false confidence. As he entered, a roar of applause erupted.
Klein stepped up to him and roughly slapped him on the back. "I trust that you've made your choice."
Syaoran winced. The old man had quite an arm. "Uh, yeah."
"Good. Now go and have some fun!"
Syaoran went up to his mother who was standing with all of his sisters, Sakura, Mei-lin, her mother and a few Elders.
"Hello, everyone," he murmured, trying to keep his eyes off of Sakura. Her gold dress showed a lot of cleavage and hugged every curve on her body. Sakura's thick brown hair was curled into tiny ringlets. When she stood in a certain position, the glitter on her body began to shine. In other words, she was breathtaking.
Mei-lin's mother smiled. "Hello, Syaoran. You look handsome tonight."
"Thank you."
"You know," she continued. "It's a shame that you have to wait all the way until midnight to announce who your future wife will be. Could you give us a hint?"
Li Sunni (A/N: uh, remember him?) shook his head. "Now, now, now, Manoa. You know it's tradition that he cannot reveal his bride until midnight!"
Manoa frowned. It had better be my Mei-lin!
I'm so sorry Mei-lin . . .
Xiefa grabbed Syaoran's arm. "Why don't you dance with SAKURA?" She yanked on her hand and placed it in his, shoving them onto the dance floor. "Have fun!"
All of the other dancers began to watch as they waltz around the floor.
Sakura knew that her face was pink. "Man, all of these people are staring at us!"
"No doubt admiring your beauty. You look amazing, Sakura," he whispered into her ear.
Sakura flushed even more. "Stop it! You're too charming for your own good."
Syaoran chuckled deep in his throat. "But I'm just telling the truth. Would you rather have me lie?"
"Well . . ."
"It wouldn't be possible." He pulled her closer to him. "I could never tell you anything other than the truth."
Sakura just placed her head onto his chest. Is he being so nice to me because he fells bad because he's chosen Mei-lin over me?
*~*
Mei-lin turned to her mother. "He's only being so friendly to her because he has chosen me to be his bride and he feels sorry for her!"
Dio nodded. "Of course. How could he not chose you?"
(A/N: Very easily!)
Sunni raised an eyebrow. "It doesn't look that way to me. Those two are meant to be."
"Don't be foolish!" snapped Manoa. "I won't have it! He's marrying Mei-lin!"
Sanori stared at Manoa. "Really, let the boy make his own decisions! It's his life, not yours!"
"Oh, shut up! How dare you go back on our agreement! He is supposed to be with my daughter. The way I see it, I think you didn't do your job properly."
Sanori glared at her. "I did my job the way it should be done. I was wrong when I let you persuade me against Sakura. She did nothing wrong and I can tell that she loves him with all of her heart."
Manoa shook her head. "Let's go, Mei-lin."
*~*
Syaoran glanced at his pocket watch. It was eleven twenty. He had just forty minutes left before his big announcement. Then, after that, he would officially be named head of the clan.
He slumped into a chair, exhausted. After sensing the tension between Syaoran's mother and Mei-lin's mother, the parents of other girls from the Li Clan had shoved their daughters in his face in hopes of creating a match between them.
All he wanted to do was get it over with.
And so did everyone else.
Sakura was nervously staring at the floor. If he does not chose me, then I won't make a big fuss. If he chooses me, I'll be modest. She sighed. Oh, who am I kidding! If I don't get picked then I'll cry myself to death and if I do, I'll be shouting with joy!
She nervously looked at her watch. Ten more minutes.
*~*
The noise in the ballroom died down as Klein stopped the music. He grabbed Syaoran's arm and pulled him into the center of the room. The crowd backed away from them.
Whispers of excitement arose from the crowd. Sakura toyed with her hair, her heart pounding. Oh please, please, please let it be me . . .
Klein smiled at everyone. "I'm sure everyone knows why we've stopped the festivities. Well if you don't, then I'll tell you- our soon-to-be head of the Clan is about to announce his Margie to one lucky lady in the ballroom!"
Everyone began to clap.
"Now it's time to let Syaoran have the floor." He stepped aside, leaving Syaoran in the middle of the floor alone.
"I have one request. I would like for everyone to close their eyes."
A murmur of surprise arose from the guests.
"Klein, if would be so kind as to make sure no one peeks?"
Klein laughed and nodded. "Anyone who opens their eyes shall be cursed for all eternity!"
Sakura was about to giggle but didn't when she saw that everyone did as he said. I guess he wasn't kidding . . . She shut her eyes tight.
"I really haven't know this girl long," he began. "But she's probably effected my life more than any person I know. Uh, besides you, Mom."
Soft laughter bubbled up from the crowd.
Syaoran began to circle the room with his eyes on Sakura.
"If it weren't for her, then the man talking right now wouldn't be the same person. No, I'd probably be my former cold, mean grouchy self. I've never really thanked her for that, but now it's time I did. I really love this girl with all of my heart and I know that she feels the same- I did my homework. This is definitely the woman I want for my wife."
Sakura gasped as someone took her hands.
"Will you marry me?"
Everyone opened his or her eyes and was silent. They were all staring at Syaoran who was kneeling on the floor and Sakura.
"I . . . of course!"
Applause erupted from the room. The musicians began to play again.
Syaoran lifted his new fiancée into the air, spinning her around. He sat her back on the ground and took out the velvet box his mother had given him.
"What's this?" she asked.
Syaoran slowly opened the box and took out the ring. "It's your engagement ring. It has been passed down from Li wife to Li wife for hundreds of years. Now it's yours."
Sakura smiled as he slipped the ring onto her slim finger. "It's beautiful."
Syaoran wanted to kiss her. And he did just that. He swept her into his arms, finnaly getting the kiss he'd wanted.
Behind them, Sanori cleared her throat. "There will be plenty of kissing later, Syaoran-" Syaoran flushed-" but now, everyone wants to see you two dance before you get 'crowned' head of the Clan."
Syaoran happily took Sakura's hand and led her out onto the dance floor.
Sakura stared up at her fiancé suspiciously. "I have a question."
Syaoran looked down at her. "Hmm?"
"You said that you knew I loved you, that you'd done your homework. What did you mean?"
Syaoran blushed. "Ohhhhh, wellllllll . . .I, uh, read a poem in that little pink book you keep I your purse . . ."
Sakura paled. "Oh, no! Those were awful!"
"I know. But I knew how you felt about me when I read one and I made my decision then and there. Please don't be mad at me."
Sakura pretended to pout. "I don't know . . ."
"Wha . . ."
"Just kidding! How could I not forgive you? I love you!"
Syaoran placed her head against his chest. "I feels so good to hear you say that . . ."
Sakura smiled. Finally, we are together! I can be truly happy at last!
*~*
Alan stood amongst the crowd of guests, watching Sakura and Syaoran spin around the floor. An evil grin appeared on his face, unnoticed to the people.
My plan can now begin! Let pain and suffering consume this damned family for all eternity!
*~*
Once again, Klein silenced the Li family.
Sakura knew it was time for Syaoran to take over. She stood next to him, her hand intertwined in his.
"Now, this is the OTHER moment you all have been waiting for! Syaoran will now assume the role as head of the Li Clan."
Applause
"As most of you know," he began again, his voice serious, "it is customary that we give anyone a chance to challenge the appointment. Is there anyone . . ."
"I will challenge the appointment."
Syaoran, Sakura and everyone else turned to look at Alan who had spoken.
Sanori gasped. No . . .no . . . I know what he's up to! He's . . .
Alan stepped forward. "The title should be mine as everyone here knows. I just want to claim what's rightfully mine."
Syaoran glared at Alan. "You bastard . . .you had this planned, didn't you? If you wanted to challenge me, you could have done that before . . ."
Alan snickered. "You're finally figured it out, dear cousin!"
Sakura's eyes widened. What's going on?
"Wait a minute!" cried Klein. "To go along with the challenge, you must be able to use magic. Now, Alan-"
"Oh, but I can," he answered. He took a key from his pocket. It began to glow, then grew into a staff. "This was my father's and I can use it."
Sakura stared at the staff. It's familiar . . . "Ohhhh, Syaoran, it's him!"
Syaoran tuned to her, his face pale. "What?"
"Alan . . . he is the guy that . . ."
Syaoran caught on. He turned to his cousin. "Why don't we make a deal?"
Alan raised an eyebrow.
The whole ballroom was silent as Syaoran took in a deep breath.
"You take the house, the businesses, the money an-"
"No," he interrupted. "I want it ALL."
Enraged, Syaoran growled and leapt at Alan. Sakura stopped him, pulling him back by his arm.
"Don't!" she ordered. "Please, Syaoran, what's going on?"
Syaoran looked down at her and his face softened. "It'll be okay. I promise."
Sakura was still confused. "I won't take that as an answer! Tell me now!" I know that it has something to do with me . . .
"Alright," he sighed. He took Sakura's hand and led her out of the room.
They stood in the hallway.
"What is Alan talking about?"
Syaoran took in two deep breaths. "Well, when someone is about to be 'crowned' as the head, another male can contest the appointment as long as he knows magic. The two men have to fight for the title in a fierce battle. The battle is to the death. Whoever wins gets everything. That's what happened between his dad and mine. His father was supposed to be head guy, but my father challenged that and won the fight. Now, I wouldn't mind giving him the money, houses and junk, but that's not all he wants."
Sakura frowned. "What else does he want?"
"You, of course."
She shook her head. "I'm not following you."
"I guess you could really say that you didn't marry ME- you married whoever is the Head Li person. And if Alan wins the duel, then you have to marry him."
Sakura paled. "Oh, God! Can't I refuse?"
"If you want to die. My family's old-fashioned and back in the day, women had no say so in anything. So if you don't marry Alan, then they'll kill you," Syaoran replied, his voice hard. "Rough, isn't it."
Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes. "I love YOU, Syaoran. And that's who I want to marry."
"God, I wish I hadn't brought you into any of this, Sakura," whispered Syaoran, pulling her into his arms tightly.
"No. Don't say that. But you have beat him!"
Syaoran felt tears falling down his cheeks. Syaoran lowered his head and gently pressed his lips to Sakura's, wrapping his arms around her slim waist. I will- for you.
Author's Notes: So, do you get Alan's plan? If anyone's confused, put a question in your review and I'll answer it. There are more twists and turns ahead, so keep up w/ the story. Please R+R!
