Hey!! I'm back!!! I have returned from the grave! J/k. But seriously,
sorry for last chapter...I really was in a writer's block...
Some of you figured out how I gave the teacher her name...She's named after Mount Fuji in Japan. I felt it only fit that she should have the personality and name of a particularly violent volcano. I've had some horrible teachers that have inspired me to create this character.
Anywho, this chapter is better...Full of mush and fluff...Lots of explanation...Sorry about that...But the explanation is full of mush...^_^
Enjoy!!! BTW... I don't own Card Captor Sakura...
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Chapter 7...The day gets better...
Tomoyo watched as Syaoran escorted Sakura out of the room. They made the cutest couple!!!! She was hiding behind the door of another class room, following them with her eyes. When would they realize what she already knew? They were in love. Ok, ok, so maybe they would never admit it to each other, but she had seen the look in Syaoran's eyes that morning when Syaoran had demanded that Sakura eat something, and when he had worn his rumpled uniform, just for her. She had also watched as they had walked to school that morning how closely he walked to her, ready to catch her and save her as much pain as he could if she should trip on a crack in the sidewalk. Memories of the morning's events only painfully reminded her of how she missed her camera! She couldn't wait to dash home and search for her prized possession, but wanted to make sure her plan would be carried out.
Suddenly Tomoyo jumped about a foot in the air as a hand tapped her on the shoulder.
"Eriol, I could kill you!!"
"You can't do that! I'd be so alone this coming Friday," he said with a glint in his eye and a smirk on his face.
"Which reminds me, you had better hurry and catch up with your target before you aren't the only one staying home on Friday night."
Eriol grinned, and his eyes had this glint of pure glee in them. He soooo enjoyed what he was about to do. Tomoyo often wondered if red was his favorite color, since he made Syaoran wear it all the time (like blushing...work with me here people). Eriol wove his way through the crowd carefully, always a few yards, behind his "target", but always out of their sight. If they were aware of the things that were going on, Eriol might need to fear for his life from one of the "targets". (A.N. Syaoran)
By now, Syaoran had guided Sakura to the front of the school. He opened the door for her, and then turned slightly pink when she thanked him. He was too nervous to talk, not anxious to work himself into a hole he wouldn't be able to get out of. He was afraid to bring up the dance and the wondrous luck that had led them to be in charge of decorations. He didn't want Sakura to think he was trying to ask her out to the dance, because, well, he just couldn't take rejection. Under all of his macho outside, rejection from the girl he truly cared for would have destroyed him, ripping a hole in his heart large enough to drive a tractor through.
Sakura concentrated on taking one step at a time, putting one foot in front of the other. She was certain that if this was not her main goal, she would surely fall over from pure excitement of Syaoran acting like her knight in shining armor. She was glad he wasn't in the mood to talk, because doing too many things at once surely would have broken her intense concentration and caused her to stumble.
Syaoran suddenly stiffened. "Sakura, did you hear something? I think someone is following us."
"No, silly."
"I could have sworn I heard a twig crunch."
"Syaoran stop being so concerned and worried. I'm sure it was just the wind."
"If you say so..."
Sakura grinned. "I do. Now come on, silly."
They continued on, and Syaoran relaxed at Sakura's kind words of confidence and assurance.
The "wind", however, breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, well...It looks like your hearing has improved greatly. Perhaps because of the one you protect, sir knight? Your love? Your sweet cherry blossom? If only she knew...If only you could tell her...How long will 'if only' be the way you think about her? When will you reach out of your pride and tell her?" As if by magic (hint, hint), the "wind" conjured a swift breeze that blew his words into the "knight's" ear.
Syaoran perked up. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"I could have sworn I heard someone, as if they were right next to me...whispering in my ear..."
Sakura giggled, then gripped her stomach. It still hurt. Syaoran quickly forgot about the voice he had heard and immediately attended to Sakura. "Take it easy, ok? I don't want to have to explain to Tomoyo why I didn't bring home her best friend in one piece."
Sakura smiled broadly at his teasing, but restrained from laughing. This cheered up Syaoran, who gazed at Sakura. She really was beautiful, especially when she smiled. When Sakura's face lit up, Syaoran's world was bright. She was the sun that shone upon his otherwise dark existence. "Oh, it is the east and Sakura is the sun. Tell her this..." Syaoran stiffened and furrowed his brow. This did not go unnoticed by Sakura. She couldn't actually see his face-he was too tall and was too close-but she felt it.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I guess I need to get my hearing checked. Either that or my head. I think I'm hearing voices in the wind."
"Crazy. We need to get home and get you lying down. I think you are suffering from lack of sleep." Sakura briefly thought about possible reasons for his insomnia, possibly due to staying up watching her slumber, staying next to her, just in case she should need him at any moment. She knew this probably wasn't the case, but it was nice to dream...to hope...
"Oh, so now we have switched roles, have we? You are now the nurse and I'm the patient?" He really did enjoy the thought of her taking care of him...She did such a good job of things like that. However, he was more concerned about taking care of her and tending to her needs...He was just sleepy...She was injured. She required-no, deserved-the attention.
"Yes. If I see cause, you will be my patient." She realized that perhaps he would never allow her to wait on him...Men were stubborn that way. They always liked to be big and macho. Just for once, she wished that her knight would take off his armor and let her tend to the afflictions, some of which had been because of her, like him not getting enough sleep.
"Well, I guess we'll just see who needs to be taken care of more urgently," said Syaoran as he began to turn pink. Sakura was beginning to be somewhat protective of him...This was new...She had always cared for him to some degree, but this, this was different somehow...
The two walked on in awkward silence. Syaoran couldn't shake the weird feeling he had. The wind had whispered to him to tell her how he felt, to quote Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This day merely continued to get weirder.
When they arrived at the Kinomoto residence, Sakura ordered Syaoran to lie down either on the couch or her bed, just so long as he promised to get some sleep.
"Sakura, I'm really not sleepy..."
"Nonsense...You heard the wind talking to you."
"If you are trying to worm out of my taking care of you by telling me that I'm hallucinating, it's not working. You are the one who should be sitting on the couch, resting. I know you are worn out from walking all the way home."
"Fine...Let's just both sit down on the couch and maybe get a little shut- eye...Will that satisfy you, Mr. Macho?"
"Yes indeed." He was about to call her a name, but stopped himself just in time. He didn't know what she would think, say, or do, if he called her "angel", or "fragile". Again, perhaps his pride was just a little too strong...But could anyone blame him for being cautious? All of a sudden, he noticed Sakura trying to sit down into the couch. She had been able to handle all of the chairs today, but couches have a nasty tendency to swallow those who dare to sit. He immediately swept her off her feet and into his arms, then sat down on the couch and let her lay in his lap. She didn't protest, amazingly enough. She almost seemed to be smiling...He scooted over beneath her, until her head lay in his lap. Soon, he felt her deep even breathing, and allowed himself to fall into much needed slumber land. Staying up and sitting in her room watching her sleep all night had been tiring work, but it was worth it. He figured it was also practice on improving his stealth and hiding/keeping quiet and still techniques. It was peaceful to watch an angel slumber. Peaceful indeeeeed………..
About twenty minutes later, a shocked Tomoyo stood at the front door, her camera staring at the cute couple asleep on the couch. Syaoran had put his feet up on the other side of the couch, so it was like he was sleeping next to Sakura. Her head was still in his lap, and Syaoran's hand was buried in her hair.
Eriol stepped up behind Tomoyo, and his face contorted into one mixed with surprise and amusement. So, they had finally realized maybe they make a good couple after all? Well, whatever had transpired, he was pleased with the outcome. He could use this to his advantage, after all... "Shall we wake them up?"
"No, let them sleep. I'm gonna set up one of my cameras out here, hidden from their immediate view of course. I want to leave them alone, but I would like to see what happens when they wake up..."
"My guess is that Syaoran will turn beet red, and Sakura, well, my guess is that she will too...What are you going to do until then?"
"You and I are going shopping...I need material for a couple of dresses...And a couple of tuxedos too," she said, giving Eriol a sideways grin. She quickly scribbled a note, left it on the table in front of the couch, and pulled Eriol out the door.
Eriol rolled his eyes at having to go shopping, but complied. He hated to go shopping, but spending some time alone with Tomoyo would be nice...
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Syaoran woke up some hours later and saw that Sakura was still lying with her head in his lap. He had fallen asleep stroking her hair, running his fingers through it. It was so soft and beautiful, so full of life, just like her. He realized that if he were to get up, he'd have to wake her up as well. He looked around, analyzing his surroundings. It was dark, probably around seven or eight. Why had Tomoyo let them sleep? "Tomoyo?" He could hear his call echo throughout the empty house. Sakura began to stir in her sleep. Syaoran wanted her to sleep as long as she wished, but it appeared Tomoyo wasn't home and he was beginning to hear protests from his stomach. He gently removed his angel's head from his lap and carefully substituted a pillow underneath her. He turned on a light so he could see where he was going, and a piece of white paper caught his eye.
Sakura and Syaoran,
Eriol and I have gone shopping. Don't know when we will be back. Couldn't bear to wake you up from your peaceful (and kawaii-cute) slumber. If I'm not back by the time you get hungry, cook for yourselves, you big dependent babies. I actually may not be home until real late, so if that's the case, Syaoran, you'll have to help Sakura get to bed and you'll have to dress her wound. Hope to be back soon!!!!
-Tomoyo
Syaoran turned slightly pink at the thought of helping her get ready for bed. Knowing Tomoyo, he was certain she had done this on purpose. Her mind was twisted that way, and she loved to torment him, especially since she had found out about the dance. She was convinced that Sakura and he should go together, but he just didn't understand why he had to be the one to ask her. Why wasn't it sociably acceptable for a girl to ask a guy? Well, it was, but the guy was viewed as a wimp because he was too chicken to ask her out himself.
His silent reflection was broken by the rumbling of his stomach, reminding him that he was starving. After about a half an hour scrounging around in the kitchen looking through what seemed like every cabinet and drawer, he finally found the ingredients and utensils to make the perfect soup he had found in what looked like a family recipe book.
He heard a few groans come from the living room, and assumed that Sakura was waking up from her sleep. He walked over to where she was, abandoning the meal for the moment to check on her. She really looked beautiful, but somewhat troubled. He carefully and gently scooped her up from off the couch and into his arms. He was there to protect her and save her from all of her bad dreams.
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Sakura was lost. She had been on a jungle safari and gotten separated from her guide and group, and now she was lost. She had only stopped for a moment to look at a beautiful butterfly, and now she was utterly alone. The guide had said to stay with the group and not to get side tracked, but had she hadn't exactly listened. She remembered the guide telling them to not attract a lot of attention to themselves, because while the group wanted to find the missing person, so did many other wild animals, such as panthers and snakes. Suddenly a comforting smell came over Sakura's senses. It was the smell of the Zoni (A.N. I looked up a recipe for a Japanese soup, and this sounded the neatest...It's a rice cake soup...Sounds good...) her mother used to make...something her father later made to keep his wife's memory alive...something she hadn't had in so long because no one in the family had the heart to make because of the memories that flooded back...Sakura fell against a tree in exhaustion. The smell of the Zoni had overcome her nose and lulled her into a semi-calm state. All of a sudden, she felt strong arms lifting her up, rescuing her from her plight. She opened her eyes, and she found that she was not hopelessly lost in the African jungle, waiting for some monstrous cat to gobble her up. She was in Syaoran's arms, and he was looking down at her with a comforting, protective look on his face. His look made all of her fears melt away.
"What did you dream about that would trouble you so?"
"Oh, it was awful... I was in a jungle and I got lost and I was waiting for some animal to come along and eat me up...But then, oddly enough, I smelled my mother's Zoni...And that's when I knew it would be ok...I must still be dreaming...I can still smell it..."
Syaoran looked at her, not knowing whether to grin at her silliness, or apologize for evoking memories of her mother.
"I'm not dreaming, am I? Did Tomoyo fix it?"
"Tomoyo's not here..."
"Where is she?"
"She and Eriol went shopping for something...And Eriol has probably taken her out to dinner, because it's sooo late..."
"So you cooked?"
"Yeah, I had to...I was afraid my stomach rumbling would wake the dead."
"Thank you for cooking her Zoni."
"I didn't mean to cook something that would remind you of your mother..."
"It's ok...I needed the smell of her delicious rice cake soup to wake me up out of my dream...I also am glad, because my dad will never fix it, and it really is the best recipe for the soup that I've ever tasted, and it reminds me of my mother..."
"I didn't mean to remind you..."
"I'm glad you did...It's good to remember and not forget..."
Sakura smiled a broad grin and looked up at Syaoran with a deep sincerity and joy in her eyes. It was times like these she was glad to have him as one of her closest friends. He had almost a sixth sense, and even though he obviously hadn't realized it, he did a good job of doing the right thing, even if he had no idea why or how. He hadn't know that he was cooking her mother's best recipe. He had known that she was having a bad dream. Those kind of things were more than she could ask for. He responded perfectly to all he knew was going on, and even all he didn't know about.
"Ummm...Syaoran?"
"Yes, Sakura?" Her eyes really were beautiful...And her smile...He could hold her in his arms like this all night...Then it hit him...She was still in his embrace... "Oh, sorry...Right..." He gently lowered her into a standing position.
"Mmmmmmmmm... The Zoni is just about ready..."
Syaoran lit up as he realized that he had left the soup unattended, and rushed back to the kitchen to check and make sure everything was going smoothly. Luckily, the Zoni had the wonderful ability to cook for a while on its own without supervision.
A few minutes later, Sakura and Syaoran were seated eating some of the best Zoni in all of Japan.
"Syaoran, you can cook!"
"I think I knew that..."
"I meant you can cook very, very well! This Zoni is delicious! Almost as good as my mother made it..." Sakura grinned, but Syaoran could detect just a hint of sadness in her voice.
"You miss her, don't you?"
"Yeah...I do... I kinda wish she were here, I have so many questions, questions it doesn't do to ask a father...Questions about dating and guys..." Sakura trailed off, turning slightly pink. A single tear formed in her eye. Instantly Syaoran was sorry he had ever cooked the meal. He had not meant to hurt his precious angel, his sweet cherry blossom.
He reached out to her with open arms. She fell into his embrace and began crying on his shoulder. He tried to think of words that would soothe the pain, but could find none. The only thing he could give her was his shoulder to cry on.
Sakura was glad he was there. If he had tried to say anything to her, she felt that she would never have been able to stop sobbing. His embrace was all that was needed. She could feel his sympathy flow into her, calming her down. She really did miss her mother so much, but it was good to remember her. She never wanted to forget. She was glad she could have a friend like Syaoran to hold her and make the world better. He didn't laugh, didn't apologize, he just held her.
Syaoran truly was sorry for the pain he was causing her right now. Why had Tomoyo left him in charge of cooking? She should have known that he would try to cook from a recipe book that was just lying around, and he had found that book, and it had been opened to that recipe...Wait...She had said that they never fixed that recipe...Then why had the book been open to it? Syaoran got a whiff of something fishy, probably by Tomoyo's or Eriol's handiwork. He didn't ask too many questions...It was better not to.
When Sakura was done, she sat back and began to apologize profusely for crying over such a silly little thing.
Not much else was said for the rest of dinner. What else could be said?
Syaoran was getting ready to clear the table of all the dishes when he noticed that Sakura had a bit of the rice stuck on her chin. He carefully leaned over and picked it off, and popped it in his mouth.
"Eeeeewwwwwww...What if I have cooties or something?"
"Then I guess I have it too now..."
This sent Sakura into a fit of giggles, which quickly ceased as she clutched her stomach.
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"No, it's ok...It's hurting less each time..."
Syaoran kicked himself for being stupid and forgetting. He was such a thickheaded dork...He put her through so much pain...He tried to do what he thought was best, but somehow it seemed like it never turned out that way.
Before he could beat himself up anymore, Sakura looked up at a clock on the wall and noticed how late it was. "Syaoran, it's almost nine o'clock...Shouldn't Tomoyo be back by now?"
Syaoran began to get really worried, remembering what Tomoyo had said about having to help Sakura get ready for bed. "I wonder if I should call that crazy cousin of mine and tell him to get his girlfriend back before her curfew..."
Sakura giggled at the way he was acting. She knew he was just worried for their friend, and they were perfectly aware of what the wizard was capable of.
Luckily, before Syaoran went into full-blown father mode, the door opened and in walked Tomoyo, followed by Eriol. They were both laughing about some joke that had just passed between them. Syaoran gave his cousin a long lecture about bringing his dates home too late. Eriol brushed his cousin off (A.N. I'm not sure if they are cousins, and my "Card-Captor-Know- it-All" didn't know either, so if they're not, I'm sure you'll tell me...) and left, giving Tomoyo a sweet peck on the cheek as a goodbye. Tomoyo turned a bright shade of crimson. Sakura glanced at her with a look of "I'm-not-going-to-forget-this-and-hold-this-over-you-later-just-you-wait".
"I'm sleepy!!! Are you both ready for bed?" Tomoyo desperately attempted to divert the subject from all the questions and teasing she was sure to receive about her night with Eriol. She had really had a ball. She made a mental note to tell Sakura...some other time perhaps.
"Yes, we are ready for bed..." said Syaoran as he let out a huge yawn.
"Then we can go straight to bed, then. Syaoran, would you just come up and help her get into bed?"
"Tomoyo, you have to help me dress my stomach."
Tomoyo halted her accent up the stairs and turned to glare at Syaoran. "THESE ARE THE THINGS YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF WHILE I WAS GONE!!!! DIDN'T YOU READ THE NOTE I LEFT?"
Sakura looked up blankly. "Note? Was there a note?"
Tomoyo groaned and rolled her eyes. "Never mind. Come on, I'll take care of you since Syaoran obviously can't," she declared as she glared at Syaoran, who was dumbfounded. He felt that he had taken decent care of her...He just hadn't gotten that far along Tomoyo's little "checklist".
"He took very good care of me!!! He made me get some rest and he cooked my mom's recipe for Zoni..." Sakura interjected, coming to Syaoran's rescue from death by Tomoyo.
Tomoyo stood back, surprised, but pleased...She was looking for a reaction from Sakura, and she had gotten it...Her plan WAS coming along beautifully...
"Fine. Syaoran, since you have an eye witness, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But since I'm already here, I'll go ahead and help her. I'll call for you when we're ready."
"Ok, fine with me. But...I never did get to go over to my house to pack a bag so I would have clothes..."
Sakura and Tomoyo both realized that he had not left the house all day...Not that they were expecting him to, but…He really hadn't left Sakura's side...Tomoyo grinned at the thought...
Sakura sized up the situation perfectly. "You can borrow some of Touya's clothes. Come with me."
"Your brother won't kill me, will he? By the way, where has he been the past couple of days? I mean he wasn't here last night at all, and he hasn't been here today."
"How do you know he didn't come in late, like at midnight?"
"I think I would have heard him...I was up all night." Syaoran realized that he had just admitted to staying up all night, and he knew that Tomoyo would put the pieces together. Sakura probably wouldn't have noticed this, but Tomoyo would tear it apart and analyze it. He turned a slight shade of red at the thought of what Tomoyo would do with her newfound power through knowledge.
Sakura just kinda shrugged it off, making a mental note to fuss at him in private about not getting enough sleep and how it was bad for his health. "Follow me..."
Syaoran obediently obeyed, taking the stairs one at a time, watching where Sakura was stepping, careful to be ready in case she should fall. She led him to her brother's room and pulled some shorts and a shirt out of some drawers.
"I guess I'll have to do laundry tomorrow, huh?"
"Not if I can go home first thing and get clothes..."
Syaoran escorted her back to her own room, where Tomoyo was ready with gauze and medical tape to redress Sakura's wound.
A few minutes later, Syaoran reappeared in the borrowed attire, ready to help his cherry blossom into bed. He lifted her up, and grinned at her. This was the umpteenth time he had swept her into his arms that day, but he never tired of it. He had an excuse for holding her closely. He suddenly felt a hot gaze upon his neck and face, and realized that Tomoyo was staring at him. He quickly laid his angel into her bed, embarrassed at holding her just a little too long.
Syaoran left and as he made his way down to the couch, he could hear Tomoyo's loud squeals and giggles. He couldn't quite make out how Sakura was reacting. If she was laughing at him, he'd never forgive himself for being so careless.
Tomoyo appeared at the top of the stairs and called out to him. "Syaoran, I forgot to get something out of my car...Would you go get it for me?"
"Why can't you get it yourself?"
"Because I'm in pajamas, and it's cold outside..."
"And you think that for some reason I will be less cold than you?"
Tomoyo began to get a puppy look on her face. She lowered her voice and whispered, "It's something for Sakura. I don't want her to know...It's a surprise. Go out and get it...Please? You'll know it when you see it...I can't mention it because..." and she gestured to Sakura's room.
"Fine...For Sakura."
"Thank you!!! Here are the keys!" And with that, she tossed down her keys.
Syaoran grumbled as he headed out to her car. There was her car...at the very end of the driveway. It really was cold out, and he was just in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt and was barefoot. He ran out to the car, and fumbled around for the key that would fit. After about a minute of trying keys, he found the correct one. He then searched the entire car. The car was completely empty...It even appeared to have just been vacuumed. Thinking that he just wasn't looking in the right places, he searched in the glove box and under the seats and in the trunk. Every hidden place he searched. There wasn't anything out here.
His grumbling increased as he began to feel the cold seep into his bones as he gave up. He headed back to the house, somewhat dejected at not being able to complete the task he was given. As he entered the house, he looked around. The inside looked different, as if it was missing something...He couldn't put his finger on it though. He shouted up the stairs that he hadn't been able to find what she sent him out to get.
"Oh, it's alright...I realized that I left it at home. Sorry...Goodnight."
"Goodnight," he mumbled before settling down on his "bed" for the night.
Upstairs, Tomoyo's mind was jumpy and full of thoughts. She was going to find it extremely hard to sleep tonight!
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Sorry to keep leaving you in all these tight, cliff hanging endings, but come on! It leaves you dying to know what's gonna happen next...Which is good...
What is Tomoyo up to? What's going on? So many fishy things happening...
"Tune in next time!"
-Adrienne…
btw...Email me suggestions about fillers... I need them... murphypanther2003@yahoo.com
Some of you figured out how I gave the teacher her name...She's named after Mount Fuji in Japan. I felt it only fit that she should have the personality and name of a particularly violent volcano. I've had some horrible teachers that have inspired me to create this character.
Anywho, this chapter is better...Full of mush and fluff...Lots of explanation...Sorry about that...But the explanation is full of mush...^_^
Enjoy!!! BTW... I don't own Card Captor Sakura...
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Chapter 7...The day gets better...
Tomoyo watched as Syaoran escorted Sakura out of the room. They made the cutest couple!!!! She was hiding behind the door of another class room, following them with her eyes. When would they realize what she already knew? They were in love. Ok, ok, so maybe they would never admit it to each other, but she had seen the look in Syaoran's eyes that morning when Syaoran had demanded that Sakura eat something, and when he had worn his rumpled uniform, just for her. She had also watched as they had walked to school that morning how closely he walked to her, ready to catch her and save her as much pain as he could if she should trip on a crack in the sidewalk. Memories of the morning's events only painfully reminded her of how she missed her camera! She couldn't wait to dash home and search for her prized possession, but wanted to make sure her plan would be carried out.
Suddenly Tomoyo jumped about a foot in the air as a hand tapped her on the shoulder.
"Eriol, I could kill you!!"
"You can't do that! I'd be so alone this coming Friday," he said with a glint in his eye and a smirk on his face.
"Which reminds me, you had better hurry and catch up with your target before you aren't the only one staying home on Friday night."
Eriol grinned, and his eyes had this glint of pure glee in them. He soooo enjoyed what he was about to do. Tomoyo often wondered if red was his favorite color, since he made Syaoran wear it all the time (like blushing...work with me here people). Eriol wove his way through the crowd carefully, always a few yards, behind his "target", but always out of their sight. If they were aware of the things that were going on, Eriol might need to fear for his life from one of the "targets". (A.N. Syaoran)
By now, Syaoran had guided Sakura to the front of the school. He opened the door for her, and then turned slightly pink when she thanked him. He was too nervous to talk, not anxious to work himself into a hole he wouldn't be able to get out of. He was afraid to bring up the dance and the wondrous luck that had led them to be in charge of decorations. He didn't want Sakura to think he was trying to ask her out to the dance, because, well, he just couldn't take rejection. Under all of his macho outside, rejection from the girl he truly cared for would have destroyed him, ripping a hole in his heart large enough to drive a tractor through.
Sakura concentrated on taking one step at a time, putting one foot in front of the other. She was certain that if this was not her main goal, she would surely fall over from pure excitement of Syaoran acting like her knight in shining armor. She was glad he wasn't in the mood to talk, because doing too many things at once surely would have broken her intense concentration and caused her to stumble.
Syaoran suddenly stiffened. "Sakura, did you hear something? I think someone is following us."
"No, silly."
"I could have sworn I heard a twig crunch."
"Syaoran stop being so concerned and worried. I'm sure it was just the wind."
"If you say so..."
Sakura grinned. "I do. Now come on, silly."
They continued on, and Syaoran relaxed at Sakura's kind words of confidence and assurance.
The "wind", however, breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, well...It looks like your hearing has improved greatly. Perhaps because of the one you protect, sir knight? Your love? Your sweet cherry blossom? If only she knew...If only you could tell her...How long will 'if only' be the way you think about her? When will you reach out of your pride and tell her?" As if by magic (hint, hint), the "wind" conjured a swift breeze that blew his words into the "knight's" ear.
Syaoran perked up. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"I could have sworn I heard someone, as if they were right next to me...whispering in my ear..."
Sakura giggled, then gripped her stomach. It still hurt. Syaoran quickly forgot about the voice he had heard and immediately attended to Sakura. "Take it easy, ok? I don't want to have to explain to Tomoyo why I didn't bring home her best friend in one piece."
Sakura smiled broadly at his teasing, but restrained from laughing. This cheered up Syaoran, who gazed at Sakura. She really was beautiful, especially when she smiled. When Sakura's face lit up, Syaoran's world was bright. She was the sun that shone upon his otherwise dark existence. "Oh, it is the east and Sakura is the sun. Tell her this..." Syaoran stiffened and furrowed his brow. This did not go unnoticed by Sakura. She couldn't actually see his face-he was too tall and was too close-but she felt it.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I guess I need to get my hearing checked. Either that or my head. I think I'm hearing voices in the wind."
"Crazy. We need to get home and get you lying down. I think you are suffering from lack of sleep." Sakura briefly thought about possible reasons for his insomnia, possibly due to staying up watching her slumber, staying next to her, just in case she should need him at any moment. She knew this probably wasn't the case, but it was nice to dream...to hope...
"Oh, so now we have switched roles, have we? You are now the nurse and I'm the patient?" He really did enjoy the thought of her taking care of him...She did such a good job of things like that. However, he was more concerned about taking care of her and tending to her needs...He was just sleepy...She was injured. She required-no, deserved-the attention.
"Yes. If I see cause, you will be my patient." She realized that perhaps he would never allow her to wait on him...Men were stubborn that way. They always liked to be big and macho. Just for once, she wished that her knight would take off his armor and let her tend to the afflictions, some of which had been because of her, like him not getting enough sleep.
"Well, I guess we'll just see who needs to be taken care of more urgently," said Syaoran as he began to turn pink. Sakura was beginning to be somewhat protective of him...This was new...She had always cared for him to some degree, but this, this was different somehow...
The two walked on in awkward silence. Syaoran couldn't shake the weird feeling he had. The wind had whispered to him to tell her how he felt, to quote Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This day merely continued to get weirder.
When they arrived at the Kinomoto residence, Sakura ordered Syaoran to lie down either on the couch or her bed, just so long as he promised to get some sleep.
"Sakura, I'm really not sleepy..."
"Nonsense...You heard the wind talking to you."
"If you are trying to worm out of my taking care of you by telling me that I'm hallucinating, it's not working. You are the one who should be sitting on the couch, resting. I know you are worn out from walking all the way home."
"Fine...Let's just both sit down on the couch and maybe get a little shut- eye...Will that satisfy you, Mr. Macho?"
"Yes indeed." He was about to call her a name, but stopped himself just in time. He didn't know what she would think, say, or do, if he called her "angel", or "fragile". Again, perhaps his pride was just a little too strong...But could anyone blame him for being cautious? All of a sudden, he noticed Sakura trying to sit down into the couch. She had been able to handle all of the chairs today, but couches have a nasty tendency to swallow those who dare to sit. He immediately swept her off her feet and into his arms, then sat down on the couch and let her lay in his lap. She didn't protest, amazingly enough. She almost seemed to be smiling...He scooted over beneath her, until her head lay in his lap. Soon, he felt her deep even breathing, and allowed himself to fall into much needed slumber land. Staying up and sitting in her room watching her sleep all night had been tiring work, but it was worth it. He figured it was also practice on improving his stealth and hiding/keeping quiet and still techniques. It was peaceful to watch an angel slumber. Peaceful indeeeeed………..
About twenty minutes later, a shocked Tomoyo stood at the front door, her camera staring at the cute couple asleep on the couch. Syaoran had put his feet up on the other side of the couch, so it was like he was sleeping next to Sakura. Her head was still in his lap, and Syaoran's hand was buried in her hair.
Eriol stepped up behind Tomoyo, and his face contorted into one mixed with surprise and amusement. So, they had finally realized maybe they make a good couple after all? Well, whatever had transpired, he was pleased with the outcome. He could use this to his advantage, after all... "Shall we wake them up?"
"No, let them sleep. I'm gonna set up one of my cameras out here, hidden from their immediate view of course. I want to leave them alone, but I would like to see what happens when they wake up..."
"My guess is that Syaoran will turn beet red, and Sakura, well, my guess is that she will too...What are you going to do until then?"
"You and I are going shopping...I need material for a couple of dresses...And a couple of tuxedos too," she said, giving Eriol a sideways grin. She quickly scribbled a note, left it on the table in front of the couch, and pulled Eriol out the door.
Eriol rolled his eyes at having to go shopping, but complied. He hated to go shopping, but spending some time alone with Tomoyo would be nice...
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Syaoran woke up some hours later and saw that Sakura was still lying with her head in his lap. He had fallen asleep stroking her hair, running his fingers through it. It was so soft and beautiful, so full of life, just like her. He realized that if he were to get up, he'd have to wake her up as well. He looked around, analyzing his surroundings. It was dark, probably around seven or eight. Why had Tomoyo let them sleep? "Tomoyo?" He could hear his call echo throughout the empty house. Sakura began to stir in her sleep. Syaoran wanted her to sleep as long as she wished, but it appeared Tomoyo wasn't home and he was beginning to hear protests from his stomach. He gently removed his angel's head from his lap and carefully substituted a pillow underneath her. He turned on a light so he could see where he was going, and a piece of white paper caught his eye.
Sakura and Syaoran,
Eriol and I have gone shopping. Don't know when we will be back. Couldn't bear to wake you up from your peaceful (and kawaii-cute) slumber. If I'm not back by the time you get hungry, cook for yourselves, you big dependent babies. I actually may not be home until real late, so if that's the case, Syaoran, you'll have to help Sakura get to bed and you'll have to dress her wound. Hope to be back soon!!!!
-Tomoyo
Syaoran turned slightly pink at the thought of helping her get ready for bed. Knowing Tomoyo, he was certain she had done this on purpose. Her mind was twisted that way, and she loved to torment him, especially since she had found out about the dance. She was convinced that Sakura and he should go together, but he just didn't understand why he had to be the one to ask her. Why wasn't it sociably acceptable for a girl to ask a guy? Well, it was, but the guy was viewed as a wimp because he was too chicken to ask her out himself.
His silent reflection was broken by the rumbling of his stomach, reminding him that he was starving. After about a half an hour scrounging around in the kitchen looking through what seemed like every cabinet and drawer, he finally found the ingredients and utensils to make the perfect soup he had found in what looked like a family recipe book.
He heard a few groans come from the living room, and assumed that Sakura was waking up from her sleep. He walked over to where she was, abandoning the meal for the moment to check on her. She really looked beautiful, but somewhat troubled. He carefully and gently scooped her up from off the couch and into his arms. He was there to protect her and save her from all of her bad dreams.
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Sakura was lost. She had been on a jungle safari and gotten separated from her guide and group, and now she was lost. She had only stopped for a moment to look at a beautiful butterfly, and now she was utterly alone. The guide had said to stay with the group and not to get side tracked, but had she hadn't exactly listened. She remembered the guide telling them to not attract a lot of attention to themselves, because while the group wanted to find the missing person, so did many other wild animals, such as panthers and snakes. Suddenly a comforting smell came over Sakura's senses. It was the smell of the Zoni (A.N. I looked up a recipe for a Japanese soup, and this sounded the neatest...It's a rice cake soup...Sounds good...) her mother used to make...something her father later made to keep his wife's memory alive...something she hadn't had in so long because no one in the family had the heart to make because of the memories that flooded back...Sakura fell against a tree in exhaustion. The smell of the Zoni had overcome her nose and lulled her into a semi-calm state. All of a sudden, she felt strong arms lifting her up, rescuing her from her plight. She opened her eyes, and she found that she was not hopelessly lost in the African jungle, waiting for some monstrous cat to gobble her up. She was in Syaoran's arms, and he was looking down at her with a comforting, protective look on his face. His look made all of her fears melt away.
"What did you dream about that would trouble you so?"
"Oh, it was awful... I was in a jungle and I got lost and I was waiting for some animal to come along and eat me up...But then, oddly enough, I smelled my mother's Zoni...And that's when I knew it would be ok...I must still be dreaming...I can still smell it..."
Syaoran looked at her, not knowing whether to grin at her silliness, or apologize for evoking memories of her mother.
"I'm not dreaming, am I? Did Tomoyo fix it?"
"Tomoyo's not here..."
"Where is she?"
"She and Eriol went shopping for something...And Eriol has probably taken her out to dinner, because it's sooo late..."
"So you cooked?"
"Yeah, I had to...I was afraid my stomach rumbling would wake the dead."
"Thank you for cooking her Zoni."
"I didn't mean to cook something that would remind you of your mother..."
"It's ok...I needed the smell of her delicious rice cake soup to wake me up out of my dream...I also am glad, because my dad will never fix it, and it really is the best recipe for the soup that I've ever tasted, and it reminds me of my mother..."
"I didn't mean to remind you..."
"I'm glad you did...It's good to remember and not forget..."
Sakura smiled a broad grin and looked up at Syaoran with a deep sincerity and joy in her eyes. It was times like these she was glad to have him as one of her closest friends. He had almost a sixth sense, and even though he obviously hadn't realized it, he did a good job of doing the right thing, even if he had no idea why or how. He hadn't know that he was cooking her mother's best recipe. He had known that she was having a bad dream. Those kind of things were more than she could ask for. He responded perfectly to all he knew was going on, and even all he didn't know about.
"Ummm...Syaoran?"
"Yes, Sakura?" Her eyes really were beautiful...And her smile...He could hold her in his arms like this all night...Then it hit him...She was still in his embrace... "Oh, sorry...Right..." He gently lowered her into a standing position.
"Mmmmmmmmm... The Zoni is just about ready..."
Syaoran lit up as he realized that he had left the soup unattended, and rushed back to the kitchen to check and make sure everything was going smoothly. Luckily, the Zoni had the wonderful ability to cook for a while on its own without supervision.
A few minutes later, Sakura and Syaoran were seated eating some of the best Zoni in all of Japan.
"Syaoran, you can cook!"
"I think I knew that..."
"I meant you can cook very, very well! This Zoni is delicious! Almost as good as my mother made it..." Sakura grinned, but Syaoran could detect just a hint of sadness in her voice.
"You miss her, don't you?"
"Yeah...I do... I kinda wish she were here, I have so many questions, questions it doesn't do to ask a father...Questions about dating and guys..." Sakura trailed off, turning slightly pink. A single tear formed in her eye. Instantly Syaoran was sorry he had ever cooked the meal. He had not meant to hurt his precious angel, his sweet cherry blossom.
He reached out to her with open arms. She fell into his embrace and began crying on his shoulder. He tried to think of words that would soothe the pain, but could find none. The only thing he could give her was his shoulder to cry on.
Sakura was glad he was there. If he had tried to say anything to her, she felt that she would never have been able to stop sobbing. His embrace was all that was needed. She could feel his sympathy flow into her, calming her down. She really did miss her mother so much, but it was good to remember her. She never wanted to forget. She was glad she could have a friend like Syaoran to hold her and make the world better. He didn't laugh, didn't apologize, he just held her.
Syaoran truly was sorry for the pain he was causing her right now. Why had Tomoyo left him in charge of cooking? She should have known that he would try to cook from a recipe book that was just lying around, and he had found that book, and it had been opened to that recipe...Wait...She had said that they never fixed that recipe...Then why had the book been open to it? Syaoran got a whiff of something fishy, probably by Tomoyo's or Eriol's handiwork. He didn't ask too many questions...It was better not to.
When Sakura was done, she sat back and began to apologize profusely for crying over such a silly little thing.
Not much else was said for the rest of dinner. What else could be said?
Syaoran was getting ready to clear the table of all the dishes when he noticed that Sakura had a bit of the rice stuck on her chin. He carefully leaned over and picked it off, and popped it in his mouth.
"Eeeeewwwwwww...What if I have cooties or something?"
"Then I guess I have it too now..."
This sent Sakura into a fit of giggles, which quickly ceased as she clutched her stomach.
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"No, it's ok...It's hurting less each time..."
Syaoran kicked himself for being stupid and forgetting. He was such a thickheaded dork...He put her through so much pain...He tried to do what he thought was best, but somehow it seemed like it never turned out that way.
Before he could beat himself up anymore, Sakura looked up at a clock on the wall and noticed how late it was. "Syaoran, it's almost nine o'clock...Shouldn't Tomoyo be back by now?"
Syaoran began to get really worried, remembering what Tomoyo had said about having to help Sakura get ready for bed. "I wonder if I should call that crazy cousin of mine and tell him to get his girlfriend back before her curfew..."
Sakura giggled at the way he was acting. She knew he was just worried for their friend, and they were perfectly aware of what the wizard was capable of.
Luckily, before Syaoran went into full-blown father mode, the door opened and in walked Tomoyo, followed by Eriol. They were both laughing about some joke that had just passed between them. Syaoran gave his cousin a long lecture about bringing his dates home too late. Eriol brushed his cousin off (A.N. I'm not sure if they are cousins, and my "Card-Captor-Know- it-All" didn't know either, so if they're not, I'm sure you'll tell me...) and left, giving Tomoyo a sweet peck on the cheek as a goodbye. Tomoyo turned a bright shade of crimson. Sakura glanced at her with a look of "I'm-not-going-to-forget-this-and-hold-this-over-you-later-just-you-wait".
"I'm sleepy!!! Are you both ready for bed?" Tomoyo desperately attempted to divert the subject from all the questions and teasing she was sure to receive about her night with Eriol. She had really had a ball. She made a mental note to tell Sakura...some other time perhaps.
"Yes, we are ready for bed..." said Syaoran as he let out a huge yawn.
"Then we can go straight to bed, then. Syaoran, would you just come up and help her get into bed?"
"Tomoyo, you have to help me dress my stomach."
Tomoyo halted her accent up the stairs and turned to glare at Syaoran. "THESE ARE THE THINGS YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF WHILE I WAS GONE!!!! DIDN'T YOU READ THE NOTE I LEFT?"
Sakura looked up blankly. "Note? Was there a note?"
Tomoyo groaned and rolled her eyes. "Never mind. Come on, I'll take care of you since Syaoran obviously can't," she declared as she glared at Syaoran, who was dumbfounded. He felt that he had taken decent care of her...He just hadn't gotten that far along Tomoyo's little "checklist".
"He took very good care of me!!! He made me get some rest and he cooked my mom's recipe for Zoni..." Sakura interjected, coming to Syaoran's rescue from death by Tomoyo.
Tomoyo stood back, surprised, but pleased...She was looking for a reaction from Sakura, and she had gotten it...Her plan WAS coming along beautifully...
"Fine. Syaoran, since you have an eye witness, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But since I'm already here, I'll go ahead and help her. I'll call for you when we're ready."
"Ok, fine with me. But...I never did get to go over to my house to pack a bag so I would have clothes..."
Sakura and Tomoyo both realized that he had not left the house all day...Not that they were expecting him to, but…He really hadn't left Sakura's side...Tomoyo grinned at the thought...
Sakura sized up the situation perfectly. "You can borrow some of Touya's clothes. Come with me."
"Your brother won't kill me, will he? By the way, where has he been the past couple of days? I mean he wasn't here last night at all, and he hasn't been here today."
"How do you know he didn't come in late, like at midnight?"
"I think I would have heard him...I was up all night." Syaoran realized that he had just admitted to staying up all night, and he knew that Tomoyo would put the pieces together. Sakura probably wouldn't have noticed this, but Tomoyo would tear it apart and analyze it. He turned a slight shade of red at the thought of what Tomoyo would do with her newfound power through knowledge.
Sakura just kinda shrugged it off, making a mental note to fuss at him in private about not getting enough sleep and how it was bad for his health. "Follow me..."
Syaoran obediently obeyed, taking the stairs one at a time, watching where Sakura was stepping, careful to be ready in case she should fall. She led him to her brother's room and pulled some shorts and a shirt out of some drawers.
"I guess I'll have to do laundry tomorrow, huh?"
"Not if I can go home first thing and get clothes..."
Syaoran escorted her back to her own room, where Tomoyo was ready with gauze and medical tape to redress Sakura's wound.
A few minutes later, Syaoran reappeared in the borrowed attire, ready to help his cherry blossom into bed. He lifted her up, and grinned at her. This was the umpteenth time he had swept her into his arms that day, but he never tired of it. He had an excuse for holding her closely. He suddenly felt a hot gaze upon his neck and face, and realized that Tomoyo was staring at him. He quickly laid his angel into her bed, embarrassed at holding her just a little too long.
Syaoran left and as he made his way down to the couch, he could hear Tomoyo's loud squeals and giggles. He couldn't quite make out how Sakura was reacting. If she was laughing at him, he'd never forgive himself for being so careless.
Tomoyo appeared at the top of the stairs and called out to him. "Syaoran, I forgot to get something out of my car...Would you go get it for me?"
"Why can't you get it yourself?"
"Because I'm in pajamas, and it's cold outside..."
"And you think that for some reason I will be less cold than you?"
Tomoyo began to get a puppy look on her face. She lowered her voice and whispered, "It's something for Sakura. I don't want her to know...It's a surprise. Go out and get it...Please? You'll know it when you see it...I can't mention it because..." and she gestured to Sakura's room.
"Fine...For Sakura."
"Thank you!!! Here are the keys!" And with that, she tossed down her keys.
Syaoran grumbled as he headed out to her car. There was her car...at the very end of the driveway. It really was cold out, and he was just in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt and was barefoot. He ran out to the car, and fumbled around for the key that would fit. After about a minute of trying keys, he found the correct one. He then searched the entire car. The car was completely empty...It even appeared to have just been vacuumed. Thinking that he just wasn't looking in the right places, he searched in the glove box and under the seats and in the trunk. Every hidden place he searched. There wasn't anything out here.
His grumbling increased as he began to feel the cold seep into his bones as he gave up. He headed back to the house, somewhat dejected at not being able to complete the task he was given. As he entered the house, he looked around. The inside looked different, as if it was missing something...He couldn't put his finger on it though. He shouted up the stairs that he hadn't been able to find what she sent him out to get.
"Oh, it's alright...I realized that I left it at home. Sorry...Goodnight."
"Goodnight," he mumbled before settling down on his "bed" for the night.
Upstairs, Tomoyo's mind was jumpy and full of thoughts. She was going to find it extremely hard to sleep tonight!
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Sorry to keep leaving you in all these tight, cliff hanging endings, but come on! It leaves you dying to know what's gonna happen next...Which is good...
What is Tomoyo up to? What's going on? So many fishy things happening...
"Tune in next time!"
-Adrienne…
btw...Email me suggestions about fillers... I need them... murphypanther2003@yahoo.com