Author's Note: Hi, there! I'm Abisinia and this is my first Card Captor Sakura Fan fiction!!!!!!!!!!!! Just to make a few things clear: 1) Sakura and friends are about 17 years old in this fic 2) Since they are about 17, they don't think or act as the 10 year old children they were in the series, if you know what I mean 3) Eriol has gone back, just like in the series 4) Syaoran hasn't told Sakura about his feelings YET 5) Syaoran hasn't gone and won't go back to Hong Kong (yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!) 6) Since I'm not used to those "kun", "san" and "chan" stuff, I won't use them 7) Don't be too hard on my pitiful grammar skills, since English isn't my first language

Firstly, I want to thank Kyralea, Absolut Angel, Satashi and THE MOUSE, the four wonderful authors who inspired me to write this story (although they probably don't know me)! I'd also like the readers to know that this is MY story, so don't hate me if you don't like it, because I did my best. And please, I beg you, send me FEEDBACK (flames or whatever)!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Card Captor Sakura. Clamp does. Sue THEM if you want to…

Disclaimer 2: I DO own Lin Su Hin (the pronunciation is "Lin Su HAN" and "Lin" is the surname)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't forget:

"……….." = Thinking

- ………… = Speaking (duh!)

~*~*~*~*  = Change of scene or/and POV

(A.N.:……) = Author's note

There are also a few thick black lines in the middle of the text, I'm not sure where. Please ignore them: it was an error I wasn't able to do anything about! L

Love or Hatred?

By Abisinia

Final Chapter: Revelations

One thing still intrigued Syaoran. "Hatred" and "Love", as shown, didn't feel totally like Clow Cards, or even a Sakura Cards. And yet, the aura that formed them was strangely familiar! He turned the Cards, to see their back: the Hatred card was just like any other Clow Card, with the golden emblem of the Sun and the Moon on a crimson background; but, surprisingly, Love was dark green, and the emblem of Clow was slightly changed: a stylized golden sword was in the center of the golden magic symbol, and, seeing it, Li finally understood what had happened. That single card belonged to him… Not like the Clow Cards he had captured… Tomoyo would certainly call this one a "Syaoran Card"…

- You realized, then… - a soft voice seemed to flow from the Love Card.

- Why? – Was the only thing the sorcerer managed to say, for he was still taken aback by the realization that he had created his very own card.

- Because I wanted that way… - a playful tone, that suddenly became more serious, although it was still soft – Just have one thing in mind: Love and Hatred belong to you, although Love is much more connected to yourself. Use them wisely. Every time you feel tempted to use Hatred, remember you can use Love instead…  - and turning to playfulness again - I know you'll be able to judge correctly whether to use one or another…

Silence. But the warrior wasn't expecting any other words from his Card. He knew she wouldn't speak anymore, at least not until it was absolutely necessary… and he doubted that time would ever come.

Li turned around abruptly, with the sudden feeling of being intensely observed. A pair of the most stunning green-like orbs he had ever seen surprised him. If he hadn't been already kneeled down, he would have probably fallen.

Sakura had never been so indescribably beautiful as she was at that moment. She was sat on the ground, her legs half-covered by the thin, long nightdress made of pinkish silk, which clung to her body, following perfectly every curve of it and leaving her arms and shoulders uncovered. Her honey auburn bangs framed her angel-like face, and her eyes, which were far more wonderful than the most perfect and shining emeralds, were staring at him, her rosy lips parted, unconsciously inviting. Li used all his self-control to restrain himself from running towards her and taking her in his arms, like he wanted to. He wondered if she knew how tremendously sensual she could be sometimes… But then, those thoughts were interrupted… Something wasn't right. But what?

- Sakura?

The Card Mistress could feel her body tremble in response to his call. His eyes… she just couldn't look away from them. That perfect golden amber color, the intensity they were always so over-flowing with, when he looked at her, was one of the things that most fascinated her about her beloved sorcerer. His chestnut hair, messy and charming as always, gave that boyish look to the well-toned body, covered by his uniform, which was now torn all over, soaked in blood here and there, where his wounds and bruises were. He was exhausted. His chest was going up and down because of his heavy breathing, his arms fallen loosely at both sides, one of his hands holding two cards she had most certainly never seen before. A breathtaking vision… But she still couldn't believe… She didn't want to believe he had done that…

- Why? – She whispered, looking down at the ground. She felt her eyes filling with water, and despair was quickly gaining control over herself. It was something she had never felt… She wanted to scream, explode, punch him and slap him with all her strength, demanding him to give her reasons: WHY?

- Why what? – He asked, in puzzlement, feeling her aura expanding all of a sudden, as if it would explode. It almost scared her to feel her usually cheerful aura glow in such a strange way… it seemed to be a total chaos.

Sakura finally stood up, turning her back at him. He also made an effort to stand up, noticing his cuts and bruises didn't hurt anymore… but that was just not the time to think about that. The warrior was too amazed by her weird attitude… her aura's confusion seemed to increase and now he could almost feel she was about to have a breakdown.

- Sakura… What are you talking about? – he continued. Li started to walk towards her, but he stopped when she suddenly turned around to face him. Tears streamed down all over her face and her emerald eyes held such sadness he almost couldn't bear to look at them. He hated to see her cry.

- Tell me something, Syaoran. During all these years we've been card capturing together… why? – she asked, trying not to sob and avoiding looking in his eyes, in a tone that demanded him an answer.

- What do you mean, "why"? – he asked, frowning. What the heck was wrong with her?

- Why have YOU been sealing the cards with ME for so many years? – she asked, impatiently, her voice getting louder and strangely more nervous.

- I…It's my duty, Sakura… - he answered, looking down. "My duty towards you. My duty to protect you…" he thought.

- Your DUTY? SO I MEAN NOTHING MORE TO YOU THAN A GOD DAMN DUTY?

That shouted question surprised the young sorcerer. He had never, ever, in his whole life heard the Card Mistress curse. She had gotten everything wrong. She probably thought that he was referring to getting the Clow Cards. But why would she loose her temper like that because of it? Nothing, absolutely nothing had ever made her reach her top like that!

- That's not wh –

- Save it! – she interrupted, her face already soaked in tears. Then she paused, sobbing, and finally looked at him in the eyes. Li saw her clenching her fists and her lower lip was trembling, while she tried to grab a hold of herself. He was about to take a step forward when she started again.

- Please… don't tell me that all these years we've been fighting together, that you've protected me, that we've been friends, that I've trusted you-

- Sakura… - her tears started flowing once again, as she continued to talk and sob uncontrollably.

- … That all the times you've been there for me, comforted me, helped me…

- Sakura…

- … Please, don't say it was all because of your duty, because… Because I'd prefer being killed by that Clow Card than hearing that from you! – she could hear all the words coming out of her mouth and she couldn't stop them. If she kept up like that, he would know… she didn't want him to… but the words wouldn't stop!

- Sakura… - Syaoran had been walking toward her while she talked uncontrollably, shocked by her unstoppable words. Did those words mean what he thought they meant?

- Why didn't you let her kill me before kissing her like that? – then, she shouted - I'D HAVE PREFERRED TO DIE! – Sakura suddenly stopped, realizing, in complete amazement, that he warrior's arms had just encircled her by the shoulders.

Silence. Complete silence. Syaoran could feel the Card Mistress's body trembling against his. She wouldn't move. The sorcerer's mind was stunned by all the words she had just said. If he had understood everything, to sum up, she liked him… more than a friend… she loved him. The girl he adored, the perfect, sweet, beautiful and gentle goddess he had worshipped for so many years, the one he had been afraid that would reject him, the only person in the universe who could make him feel complete… had literally declared her love for him. He slid his hands slowly from her shoulders to her slim waist, sending shivers up and down her spine. She still wouldn't move.

"Why is he doing this?"

- Actually – he started, whispering in her ear, and Sakura thought his voice had never been so soft – It WAS all because of my duty…

He felt her body stiffen, all of a sudden. She was scared… she thought he was going to reject her. How could someone be so out of her mind like she was?! Did she really think someone would be crazy enough to reject her love?!

- Think about this – he continued, still whispering. But this time, his tone wasn't simply soft… the Card Mistress found out that it was far from that… it was seductive – Isn't a persons duty to protect the one he loves? To be a friend? To be trustworthy? To comfort? To help?

Sakura lifted her head to look at him, into his amber, hypnotic eyes; she wanted to grab the answer out of him. There was a smirk on his handsome face… and he was so close! Controlling himself and being careful not to drown into those bright, emerald and anxious pools that were the sorceress's eyes, Li stared at her, suddenly feeling their pleasant closeness with all the pores of his body. She hesitated, but she finally spoke, in a hesitant voice:

- Does this mean that… - she just couldn't say it. She was aware of the look in her eyes, begging for an answer, but that just didn't matter. She couldn't hide it anymore… all she needed was an answer…

- That I love you? – the warrior finished, surprised that he was able to say that just as naturally as if he was saying "Force know my plight". Sakura gasped at that, her eyes still anxious and begging him to finish that – You REALLY think so?

A sudden pain in the chest… The Card Mistress felt her heart shattering. How could he be so sweet and yet so cruel? For one moment, she thought that he felt for her the same she felt for him… nonsense. So many girls chasing after him, and why would he choose her? She lowered her eyes, feeling the urge to break down and cry.   

Li ran his calloused fingers gently down her cheek, stopping at her chin and lifting it slowly. Surprised, she looked up at him, with her green eyes shining because of the water in them. She watched in puzzlement as he smiled softly one of his rare smiles and finished:

- Because if you do think so… You're right. – and he tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her closer and resting his chin on her head. Finally… she knew.

Sakura was so stunned by those words the only thing she managed to do was smile. Smile and throw her arms around his neck, burying her head on his chest and tightening the embrace even more. She could hear his heart beating fast, and his scent of exotic, autumn leaves was filling her completely. Syaoran was also enjoying the sweet, cherry blossom scent of her hair.

Then she looked up at him, staring deeply into his bright sunset eyes. She lifted a hand and slid her fingers through his chestnut hair, holding it away from his forehead as she looked at him, seriously. Tears where still falling from her eyes, but they were tears of happiness…

- Syaoran? – she whispered, not able to take her eyes away from his. He held her gaze in response, arching his eyebrows in a "What is it?" silent question.

- That wasn't funny, you know.

The warrior couldn't help to smile at that. He just ran his fingers through a lock of her golden hair, placing it behind her ear, his eyes never leaving hers.

- Yes, it was.

Before she could protest once more, he lifted a finger and placed it on her lips, silencing her. With that, he leaned forward and fondly kissed away a tear on her cheek. His lips felt warm against the Card Mistress's silky skin, making her blush lightly and sending a pleasurable sensation all over her body, as she relaxed in his arms.

- Just what are you doing now? – she asked, while she played with the hair on his neck, with a satisfied grin on her face as she felt him shivering slightly at her touch. She was quite impressed by the sudden change on her behavior… after all, she was shouting and screaming desperately at the sorceress's face just a few minutes before… Oh, well… Who cared?

- Haven't I made you cry? Now I'll have to dry your tears… - he answered, seductively… He just loved to play with her.

- I don't think you'll manage to do that if you keep shivering like this… - she added, keeping his tone. She also loved playing with him…

- Care to make a bet? – he teased, slowly kissing away another tear, on her other cheek. Then, he placed a burning kiss on her chin, on the upper part of the neck-

- I don't think there are tears around there, Little Naughty Wolf… - she whispered, trying to keep her voice from failing.

- Do you mind? You were the one to defy me… And you THOUGHT there was no tear here because it's out of your sight, but I could see it perfectly – he said, in a playful tone.

Syaoran's kisses made their way down her neck. He felt that her fingers had stopped playing with his hair, and he smiled as he noticed that she was literally shivering now. He stopped, bringing his face back up to look at her.

- And WHO was just shivering?

Sakura just gave him an annoyed look.

- I'd love to play shivering games until tomorrow, Syaoran… but I guess we should go now – she said, sweetly, but he knew she was right.

- That's a point. Let's go, then.

They reluctantly loosed their embrace, feeling suddenly cold when their bodies moved away. The couple was still lost in each other's eyes, and they'd have stayed like that for an eternity if Sakura hadn't remembered something that brought her back to reality:

- Oh! What about the Clow Card?

- THEY're in my pocket… - he smirked, as he intertwined his fingers with hers, caressing her skin with his thumb. It was pleasant to feel her hand in his.

- Oh! You'll have to explain that better, later… I'm too tired even to think now!

- I'll think about that. What are you giving me in payment? – he smirked.

- I'm so not answering that…

And then, they walked away.

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            A bush in the park suddenly moved as the couple leaved the place. A few leaves flew all around as a dark-haired teen with sparkling amethyst eyes jumped off the bush, followed by a yellow winged stuffed animal. She pushed the ON/OFF button of her camera and took out a small tape, with such care you'd think it was a diamond ring or something.

- KAWAIIIIIIIII !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll call this one "Love Confession" !

The lion-bear-rat-like creature rolled his eyes at that predictable reaction. He was intrigued about others things:

- Geez! I can't believe that brat! Did you see that?

- Of course I did! And I'm paying you one moth of candies in return! If you hadn't gone to my house after talking to Yue, I'd have lost that precious moment and I'd never forgive myself for that…

- Yeah, yeah… tame the Guardian Beast with candies…

THE END         

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Author's Note: Hey, everybody! I hope you liked the story!

Well, before all of you, S&S fans, send me e-mails flaming me for NOT making our favorite couple kiss, let me tell you something: I'll be probably writing a sequel to this fiction, which will be basically S&S pure sweet, waffy, mushy story. But since I'm not having much time to write, I'm only doing it if you people REALLY want me to! So if you do, please let me know! And if you don't, I'm afraid here is where the story ends. I'll probably write other CCS fan fictions that will have nothing to do with this one, so if you liked it… stay tuned too!

Also, for all of you Evangelion and Shinji&Asuka fans out there, read my fan fiction "Do you love me?"

So, to finish this, because I'm already tired of writing, PLEASE, FOR GOD'S SAKE, SEND ME FEEDBACK AND REVIEW: R&R !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!          

Thank you all!

Abisinia ^^