Fruity: Sigh*

Suppi: What's wrong Fruity

Fruity: This chapter is so dreamy, that it sends tingles up my spine

Suppi: Slapping his head, Oh boy, it's going to be one of those days,

Fruity: and also, because

Suppi: Because?

Fruity: Because this is my second last chapter

Suppi: Don't worry Fruity there will be more stories to write.

Fruity: Yeah but I want CLAMP to make this into a movie, of course giving me credit for the plot and so on.

Suppi: Whatever.

Fruity: Oh yeah, fans if you happen to be reading this I want you to keep note, that you are welcome to e-mail me at hawaiigirl_jazz@hotmail.com any fanarts of my story or Sakura in general, I will gladly post them up and give you credit on my site. So don't forget I really need pictures especially for Hidden within Shadows, I am really tired of drawing.

~DISCLIAMER~

I don't, I repeat, I DON'T own Card Captor Sakura, and thereby take no credit for the characters of course with the exception of Akara Lendina. She is my creation and I gladly take credit for her. Hehehehehe.

Don't sue me, I am poor.

Chapter twenty-three

I just wanna be with you

Let me be your hero,

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?

Would you run and never look back

Would you cry if you saw me crying?

Would you save my soul tonight?

Would you tremble if I touched your lip?

Would you laugh?

Please tell me this

Now would die for the one you love

Hold me in your arms tonight,

(First two lyrics from Hero, Enrique Iglesias)

Hysterically, Sakura rushed back and forth, doing errands for her best friend Tomoyo, who was busily screaming her head off, at the moment. At first, Sakura couldn't believe the news, Eriol had long at last purposed to Tomoyo. Sakura still remembered the night; Tomoyo came home from finding out about the engagement. She was so silent that Sakura worried for her well being believing that Eriol had ended their relationship.

***FLASHBACK***

Sakura was deeply focussed on her piles of paperwork; it was the end of second term, of Sakura's second year in University. Ever since the death of Baron, Sakura had no use for the mask. She threw it into the river, and attempted to forget completely about the great trouble it caused. Her father and Touya had discovered the truth, of how she faked her personality and appearance, during her first year, and offered to help her regain back her true identity. Sakura was forever grateful for them and her friends. Second year she signed up as a new transfer student, Sakura Kinomoto, the real name she should've signed up with in the first place. Everything was the same in Kitasato University, except for the absence of a wonderful professor once called Akara Lendina. Every now and then, Sakura would pass by her empty old classroom, and a pain of guilt would surge all over her body. She knew that Akara was happy in heaven, but it still hurt knowing that she would never see her again, or be able to speak to her again. Akara's portrait was hung above the door to the classroom, which had been turned into a green house, a brilliant idea that was suggested by Sakura. Many of the students agreed that, that would have what Akara wanted.

But now she was here, studying until her mind couldn't take anymore information.

Up until now, she didn't understand why Touya was always so grouchy whenever he came home for the holidays. Sakura thought that, since he was no fun, it was pointless of him to even come home, all he did was sleep, eat, and sleep. Sakura now understood why. She barely could even keep her eyes open, her brain was so zonked out, that sometimes she just daze off in the middle of a conversation.

Grumbling, as she gripped tightly to her hair, to bring out her frustration, she didn't even notice Tomoyo sneak into the room. However the bumping into furniture would soon change that, Sakura jumped scared out of her seat. She twirled around to see Tomoyo smiling sheepishly.

"Tomoyo, you nearly gave me a heart attack," Sakura's breath was rapid, and short.

"Gomen, Sakura-chan. I have to go to sleep now." Tomoyo began to get undressed.

"So," Sakura grinned evilly, "How did it go with Eriol?"

"umm," Tomoyo who was now in her bra and panties, just shrugged. " I guess it went okay."

Sakura rolled her eyes in a sarcasm manner, "Tomoyo he said that it was important, come on it couldn't be nothing."

"Well…" Tomoyo eased away from Sakura slowly,

"Yeah," Sakura's eyes were wide with anxiety, her insides gave a lurch.

Tomoyo looked disapprovingly at Sakura, "Sakura, shouldn't you be studying." She advised in a motherly tone.

Sakura scowled, "Tomoyo, don't change the subject."

Tomoyo giggled, "I will tell you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!" Sakura protested immediately, "You are so cruel Tomoyo."

"Alright, alright." Tomoyo revealed her left hand, "Eriol asked me to marry him."

Sakura's green eyes widened in amazement, squealing, and jumping she went to embrace her best friend. Both of them laughed giddily something that they hadn't been able to do for the longest time. Tomoyo broke away from Sakura's hug, tears swelling in her eyes, "Sakura, I am so happy."

Sakura gave Tomoyo her biggest smile ever, "I am happy for you and Eriol too."

Blissful, Tomoyo covered her mouth and whimpered, "Thank so much Sakura."

***END OF FLASHBACK***

The ceremony had been planned to take place after the end of the school year, when summer holidays began, in the hometown of Tomoeda. In truth, the wedding was a blessing in disguise for Sakura. Without schoolwork, she found herself thinking about Shoaran, how he was doing, and how life was treating him. Things that would only make her cry alone on her bed, hugging her Shoaran bear, which she had dug up from long ago. When Tomoyo gave her the task of assisting her with the wedding plans, Sakura was far too busy to get distracted by the thoughts of Shoaran. She worked endlessly day and night on the ceremony. There was even a point when Touya blamed Tomoyo for working Sakura to death. Tomoyo decided that Sakura had done enough, and kindly asked her to take a break. Sakura, however, refused and begged to continue. Breaking down, Tomoyo just left her be, with her plans.

And now the day of waiting was finally here. Sakura couldn't help but think of what enormous summer project would she distract herself with. With a dozen bouquets in her arms, she entered the changing rooms, where Tomoyo's fashion designers were fusing with her wedding dress.

"Stop it." She barked, "I told you, the sash should be here,"

The fashion designer snapped, "Miss Tomoyo, I am the fashion designer not you, so leave it be. If you want to design your own dress, then do so."

"I would," informed Tomoyo, "but my mother insists that it's bad luck to design my own wedding dress."

A look of pure relief reached Tomoyo's face, when she Sakura, "Oh Sakura, thank god you're here."

"Stay STILL"

"Ouch*," Tomoyo glared at the fashion designer, "You did that on purpose."

Sakura shook her head in disbelief, "Some people don't know how to do anything right in their own profession. I told you the sash should be here,"

Walking out, Tomoyo hurriedly ran off the stool, to catch up to Sakura.

"Jones, retrieve that dress for me." The fashion designers face was flushed with anger.

"Sakura Wait!"

Twirling out Sakura saw Tomoyo rushing to her with her half-unfinished dress, "Tomoyo shouldn't be getting your dress done."

"Oh poo, that person doesn't even know the meaning of the word."

Sakura giggled, "Yes but Tomoyo you look beautiful. And besides your wedding is in a couple of days, you should really stop being stubborn."

"Who's being stubborn, I simply want the sash to be placed here"

"Tomoyo!" Sakura spoke sternly. Tomoyo's shoulders slumped in defeat, exasperating she replied, "Fine, fine, I'll get this bloody dress done. But when you get married I am designing and making your dress."

Tension grew in Sakura's shoulders, "I..I don't think, I'll be getting married anytime soon."

With that she stalked off.

"Miss Kinomoto," a voice called out to Sakura, eagerly she turned around to see another one of Tomoyo's servants running towards her.

Sakura put her hands on her hips, awaiting the next problem that had to be solved, "Yes."

"Miss Kinomoto," the servant stopped to gather his breath, "The courtyard doesn't have enough flowers, and I think we'll have to order at least five hundred more."

Glowering Sakura thought about it, "That does present a problem,"

The servant collapsed on the floor, in exhaustion, "Tell your men not to worry about. Empty the courtyard, and I'll fix the problem for you."

The servants eyes watered, "Will you really?"

"Yes,"

The servant started to kiss her small hand savagely, "Hey, hey, just do as I say."

The servant looked up, to see Sakura smiling, "Alright Miss Kinomoto."

Sakura walked around the what was empty courtyard, as true as the servant's word; there wasn't a single blossom amongst the trees. It would really be a shame for Tomoyo, she really liked flowers. Snapping her fingers, Sakura figured out what to do.

Excitedly she released, her star key, and then used the lock card, to lock all the doors, and entrances to the courtyard. She didn't want to be caught in the act. Once that was done, Sakura lifted a card from her pocket, and smiled at it. It was one of her favourite cards that always cheered her up, it was so kind and grateful, even let her capture it.

"With the power of my star, I call upon FLOWER, fill this courtyard with all the flowers that you can think of,"

A bright pink glow came to light, out of the card. Sakura looked at the sky longingly, as flower circled the courtyard, filling it with her wonderful flowers. Light flowered petals floated all around Sakura, sending thrilling warm bubbly feeling inside, like she was falling in love for the first time. The sight was so beautiful that she wanted to cry. She missed her cards, and missed feeling how welcoming they made her feel.

From a dark shadow, of the courtyard, a pair of eyes watches Sakura as she sent her magic. The figure gazes at her desirably, he wanted to hold her, but couldn't.

Sakura began spinning, in the raining flower petals, as flower danced around her. However the fun didn't last long, Sakura knew that she would have to return back to the decorators, to clear up any mess.

"Thank you," Sakura smiled at flower, who returned back to her card form.

Opening the doors, she called out to the servant who had reported the compliant.

"How's this," she led the servants outside. They all collapsed on the ground, in disbelief. Smiling Sakura skipped off, leaving the servants to touch the flower suspiciously and frightened.

The ceremony came with a force unlike any other, the announcement of Tomoyo Daidouji and Eriol Hiragawa, summoned crowds from all corners of the globe. After the ceremony, Sakura greeted her old friends, Rika, Naoko, Takashi, and Chiharu. Sakura was especially shocked to find out about the marriage of Takashi and Chiharu, in the upcoming fall. The happy pair even offered Sakura a job in decorating, since she did a great job, and she was more then joyful to accept.

Quietly she sneaked off leaving, the group including the married couple to listen to Takashi's stories. Sakura wasn't in the mood. Slowly she made her way to one of the balcony's that over looked the courtyard. She was happy to see, that the flowers were humming, as though greeting her. Yet a feeling of sorrow, enveloped her heart. Time just seemed to go by so slow, she knew that the sound of Shoaran's voice would save her soul. But he wasn't here, he was in China. She was all-alone. Dreamily she looked at the heavens, searching for an answer, but all she found was stars. Through her tears, she tried to smile.

"I am sure he's happy wherever he is," she whispered.

"Sakura-chan!!!!!!!!!" Gasping Sakura turned around, to meet the dark red eyes of Meiling. Meiling was wearing a Chinese red outfit, while behind her Yelan, Wei and all four of Shoaran's sisters stood. Wiping her tears, so that nobody would see, she rushed to embrace her old dear friend. Yelan forced a smile, seeing Sakura, who was like a daughter, crying made her heart break. Fuutie circled around Sakura, inspecting her green sparkling dress that showed Sakura's figure. While the other sisters, observed the way Sakura's hair was placed in an elegant bun.

"My… beautiful," Fuutie attempted to speak Chinese. Meiling just laughed.

"Let me guess, Tomoyo did your dress and your hair."

Sheepishly, Sakura nodded, "Yeah, since she couldn't design her own wedding dress, she made mine."

"I see some things haven't changed," Meiling eyed Chiharu, who was busily strangling Takashi to death.

Sakura giggled, "Yeah,"

Meiling hugged Sakura once more; "It was great seeing you after all these years. I am sorry that I didn't keep in contact, but with the council spying on our every move, I didn't want to take the risk."

"Thank you Meiling," Sakura watched as Meiling joined the old circle of friends who embraced her with arms wide open. Tomoyo was crying happily, at the chance that she had at last got to see her old friend once more. Shoaran's sisters stalked off to join the party, searching eagerly around for any bachelors who might be interesting.

Yelan stepped beside Sakura, "So how are you doing my child?"

Sakura gulped, "I am fine."

"Liar," Yelan whispered, causing Sakura to gap. "You miss my son terribly don't you?"

Sakura looked away, there was no denying it, Sakura was an open book, and silently she nodded her head, trying to fight away the tears.

"Oh Sakura it's alright," Yelan hugged her in a maternal way

"I miss him so much." Yelan nudged Wei to leave and join the rest of the company.

"I know…" she gently stroked Sakura's back.

"Why isn't he here?" Sakura suddenly asked

Yelan stared straight back into her eyes, "Oh he had some business to do in China."

Sakura drew in a breath, Yelan continued to speak, "I am so sorry about Akara,"

Sakura raised an eyebrow in surprise, " You knew Akara,"

"Why yes, I did, she was a dear friend of mine."

Looking down at the courtyard once more, Sakura's eyes pierced the middle of the courtyard, "She sacrificed herself for me."

"I know."

"Why would she do that?"

Yelan joined her, and glanced down the courtyard, "Cause she loved you as a daughter, it's what any mother would do for their daughter."

Sakura looked at Yelan, this was too much, "Gomen Mrs. Li, I have to go to the bathroom."

Yelan finally glanced down at the package that Wei left behind, as soon as Sakura had left for the bathroom. She still didn't know what it was, but she had an idea, that Akara had sent it for a reason, before her death.

"Farewell Sakura-chan." Yelan walked away from the balcony leaving the package behind.

The hours passed slowly, as though Eriol had used his magic to slow the event down, just by a bit. Every now and then, Sakura would catch Eriol rubbing his nose against Tomoyo, who would giggle with delight. The way they held their hands, the way that they looked deep into each other's eyes, into each other's souls, Sakura knew that this was true love. The kind of love, she once shared with Shoaran. Despite how much Naoko gasped at how open the two were with their love, they continued to show the world that they were serious and not kidding around. A slow song came on, especially recommended by Chiharu.

Monday night I feel so low,
Count the hours they go so slow
I know the sound of your voice
Can save my soul
City lights, streets of gold

Sakura looked around, moaning in dread; everybody she knew was dancing. Yelan, and Wei, Meiling and some guy, all the four sisters, and two pairs of twins, Chiharu, and Takashi, Naoko and a servant, Rika and Mr. Toroda , even her brother Touya danced with Nakuru, although he did look like, he'd seen better days, her father danced with Tomoyo's mom, everyone was on the dance floor. Sakura continued to listen.

Look out my window to the world below
Moves so fast and it feels so cold
And I'm all alone

It was funny how the song seemed to describe every emotion she was feeling, gradually the lights began to dim, and the disco ball sent flashing lights all over the dancing floor.


Don't let me die
I'm losing my mind
Baby just give me a sign

And now that you're gone
I just wanna be with you
And I can't go on
I wanna be with you
Wanna be with you

Her emerald green eyes was now welling up with tears, she couldn't take the pain, that her heart had enclosed from the world for such a long time now. Slowly she inched her way to balcony once more. Yet the lyrics of the song echoed in her mind.


I can't sleep and I'm up all night
Through these tears I try to smile
I know the touch of your hand
Can save my life

Don't let me down
Come to me now
I got to be with you some how

Closer and closer Sakura edged herself towards the balcony, and yet she still hadn't got the attention of any of the dancers.

And now that you're gone
I just wanna be with you
And I can't go on
I wanna be with you
Wanna be with you

Finally she had made it, she let herself breathe, and all she needed was some fresh air. The last verse of the song had at last finished.


And now that you're gone
Who am I without you now
I can't go on
I just wanna be with you

(Lyrics from be with you, Enrique Iglesias)

"No more, please no more," she pleaded to herself, as she heard the applause of all the guests.

Tomoyo's delighted voice spoke to the crowd, "My husband and I gratefully thank all of you for attending. I couldn't have picked any better people to share this fine moment in history,"

"Yaaaaaaa," the crowd cheered. "Kiss her, Kiss her, Kiss her"

Tomoyo flushed, as Eriol closed the gap between their lips and gave her a passionate kiss. The four sisters awed adorably, admiring the couple.

"Yes..yes.." Tomoyo tried to contain herself; "I would especially like to thank Sakura Kinomoto,"

Sakura's head perked up, at the mentioning of her name. "Without her, this event wouldn't be anything, and not to mention I wouldn't have a maid of honour. Every body Sakura."

Sakura quickly wiped her tears, as she made her way to the front of the room, where the microphone awaited her.

"Ah.. hello everybody." Sakura hands began trembling, she wondered if her mascara was running, she looked at her father, who like always gave her an encouraging smile. " I have known these two for a long time now, Tomoyo longer, ever since we were babies. I remember Tomoyo used to fuse over marriage, believing that it wasn't really an important thing in life. Well now here she is, happily married," Sakura glanced at Tomoyo, " And I…" tears trickled down her cheek, "couldn't have thought of any body better to marry my best friend then Eriol-kun. I wish you guys the best, and hope for many great things for the both of you."

Sakura moved away from the microphone, "good luck you guys," the tears were pouring now. Tomoyo moved in to hug her, as well as Eriol. The crowd was silent, not knowing how to react, to this emotional moment. But it was Touya who gave the first clap, and others followed.

The ceremony didn't last very long after that, Eriol and Tomoyo bid farewell to their close friends, as they happily walked hand in hand to a limo that awaited to bring them to their honey moon in a distant country. Sakura would always remember the words that Tomoyo spoke to her before she left

Maybe he said it was over but he will never let you go. It will be your turn soon Sakura, just wait.

Beaming, Sakura watched, as the just got married sign vanished in the dark. Not shortly after, the guest left including Touya and her father.

"So long squirt," Sakura fumed

"I am nineteen years old, you can't call me squirt anymore,"

"Why not squirt,"

"Arghhhhhhhh!"

"Now Touya leave your sister alone," Fujitaki looked at his daughter proud and dignified, "You did a great job Sakura."

"Thank you dad," Sakura embraced her father.

"Are you going home with us, or are you going to that beaten down apartment of yours?" Touya had a smug look, as Sakura shot him a glare.

"I am going to my apartment oni-chan." Touya rolled his eyes

"Fine fine, sleep in that drated old apartment of yours."

"I have you know it's new, and the only reason you don't like it, is because you don't have one of your own." Sakura argued

"Whatever," Touya's voice was toneless, as he nudged his father towards the car. "Dad I am going home, you coming."

Fujitaki sighed, "So I saw you dancing with Tomoyo's mom."

Sakura laughed at her dad's expression, he was red all over, "Yes, so,"

"You like her don't you?"

Fujitaki shook his head as he patted his daughter's head; "Don't you know that it's rude to get involved with people's personal lives."

"I'll take that as a yes."

Fujitaki smirked, "Bye my little Sakura-chan, take care of yourself."

Sakura waved at her only family, Touya and Fujitaki Kinomoto, as they drove off into the dark. Turning around she gazed at the Tomoeda hall, walking in she looked around to find servants cleaning up the mess that the guest left behind. Something on the balcony caught her eye, a large packaged awaited her. Curiously she approached it, and discovered that it was meant for her.

To Sakura-chan

Don't open until the news of wonder had come

From, an old friend

Looking around, she attempted to find the person who left it behind. Shrugging, she hauled it to her small car that she rented. However, being dressed elegantly made it quite difficult, but she still managed. Once more she gazed at the hall, the place where Eriol and Tomoyo had gotten married, she really wished them good luck, more luck then she had with Shoaran.

Exhausted and hungry, Sakura dragged the incredibly heavy package all the way to her apartment on the second top floor.

"Ahhhhh," Sakura struggled to fit the package through the door. It was already past midnight and she desired badly to sleep. Today was a long day, and the sooner she hopped to bed, the better tomorrow would be. She was so distracted that she didn't even notice a figure that lingered in the corner of her living room.

Shoaran's eyes traced the apartment thoroughly, so this was the place he thought to himself. With the leader gone, the council had accepted the fact that Shoaran was in love with Sakura. As it turned out, it was mainly because of the leader that they objected to him seeing her. However by the time he found out, it was already too late, Sakura was on her way to Tomoeda. When he heard of the news of Eriol and Tomoyo's wedding, he knew that he would find Sakura there. He remembered first seeing her in the courtyard using the flower card, to make the trees blossom and grow. He recalled how she laughed happily twirling around with the flower card. She reminded him of the time when they were kids and how she would always smile. He's family still had no idea that he was here, exception of Meiling, who swore she wouldn't tell. Leaping from the ground, he jumped from balcony to balcony, until he reached Sakura's apartment. Using a little bit of his own magic, he opened her door, and slicked in.

Sakura was busy hauling in a large package. He was surprised to discover how much Meiling had underestimated Sakura's appearance in the wedding. She was beautiful, more beautiful then the moon, or sun. Her dress, obviously made by Tomoyo, brought out her sparkling green eyes, eyes that he always found himself being drawn too.

He had been standing there for a minute now, and she still hadn't noticed him, it was clear that the wedding had drained all her energy.

"Ahhhhh," Sakura gave one final swift tug at the package, and soon it was inside. Tired and energy deprived she closed the door, only to turn around to find another surprise awaiting her. There standing in the shadows, was the person she least expect to see in the entire world.

"Shoaran," her voice was quiet. Shoaran stared at her longingly, the light from the moon, had reflected against her lovely face, making her look like a goddess. Her emerald eyes looked at him, in puzzlement, "What are you doing here? I thought you were in China."

Shoaran walked out of the shadows, Sakura could feel her heart beating hard against her chest. He had gotten much stronger, then when she last remembered seeing him. A slight breeze from the open door, caused his normal messy hair too rustle in the wind. Every step he took closer to her, set Sakura nerves ablaze. Tenderly he removed a piece of her auburn hair out of her face, revealing her eyes. He softly stroked her cheek; Sakura was paralysed, and motionless. She was so over come with shock. Heat rose to cheeks as Shoaran's lips approached closer to hers. Trembling at the thought of him touching her lips with his, sent trickling shivers up her spine.

Sakura was grateful that her brother had no idea, Shoaran was here, if he did, he would've murdered him.

"Shoaran I…" Sakura finally made her lips speak. Shoaran's hot breath was still against her silky face.

"Shhhhhhhhhh…" he put a finger to soft, honey tasting lips. Kami Sama, he wouldn't have traded a single thing in life, to be were he was right now. Her eyes took his breath away. "I am so sorry for leaving you again, I promise that I won't do that ever again."

Sakura gazed into his extreme chocolate eyes, they contained great truth. Smiling Sakura made the final move and closed the gap between their lips.

Shoaran kissed her cravenly, gathering in every adoration scent he could. His body thrilled with love. Sakura could feel her knees buckling beneath her. However she managed to regain control of her knees. Lifting her several inches from the ground, he moved up and down her neck, continuing to kiss her. His arms automatically tightened around her waist, as she pressed herself against him. His breaths became ragged, and short, unable to believe the intensity of their kisses. He met her back at her lips. Both of them broke away, attempting to catch their breath.

Sakura pulled herself an arm length away from him, gazing into his eyes, Shoaran was holding tightly to her waist,

"I wanna be with you Shoaran," her voice was barely above a whisper.

Shoaran's eyes widened, "A..Are you sure?" he stammered.

Sakura nodded her head, as she gently brushed his bangs away from his eyes. Her touch caused his heart to stop beating for a second. Confidence and strength was written all over her face. "Yes,"

Shoaran knew that he couldn't fight it anymore, this past year was worse then the two years he spent pretending to be married. He desired to be with Sakura, as she did with him. He couldn't suppress it anymore.

"Yes Sakura, I will."

Giving her a million long, sweet kisses, he lifted her off her feet. Both their breaths grew short and rapid. Carefully, Shoaran carried his beautiful Sakura to the welcoming bedroom, where they would fulfil a night of love that would remain forever engraved within their minds.

Fruity: How was that fans, sniff* Wasn't that beautiful Shoaran and Sakura finally got together. So K-A-W-A-I-I

Suppi: Women, Geez

Fruity: Shut up. It was beautiful and you know it.

Suppi: We'll just see what the fans say, k

Fruity: Don't leave quite yet, there is still one chapter. Please give me reviews, to tell me how I did. You can flame me, if you want, just don't get carried away.