Disclaimer: I don't own any of these CCS characters, even though it'd be
really fun if I did. And Christina Aguilera sings the song. OK, Sakura and
everyone else are around 17-18, seniors in high school. (OK, I know that
they start school a few years later in Japan, but just read it, will ya?)
R+R.
~Syaoran~
She asked me to help her with her homework, not Eriol-kun or anyone else, but me! I can't believe it, how could I not say yes? She's the perfect angel! Her great smile and personality, she's the only one that cheers me up. But how will I get through it without embarrassing myself?
~Sakura~
Wow! That kick was awesome! I always knew that he was good at soccer. He moves so quickly, he looks so handsome. I can't believe that he actually agreed to help ME with my math homework. I can't believe that I actually got the nerve to ask him. Tonight, two hours, just by ourselves at his house. I can't wait! Though I know that I might be a bit uncomfortable around him, I want to ask him about… I don't know, but I trust him…I hope he'll agree to it, or at least help me.
1 Lost in Dreams
By Ruby gurl
Sakura ahhed with the rest of the crowd and cheered as Syaoran shot yet another goal into the soccer net.
The game ended quickly, with Tomoeda High winning, 20-6.
"Great job. Syaoran-kun!" Sakura congratulated him as he wiped the sweat off his neck and forehead. He took a long gulp from his water bottle.
"Arigato Sakura-chan," he replied.
"Syaoran-kun!" a familiar voice called. He turned around to see Tomoyo waving at him. He slowed down to a walk, and let her catch up with him. Sakura went on ahead to his car and jumped in, waiting for him.
"Syaoran-kun, Sakura's birthday is coming up on Sunday." Tomoyo waited for Syaoran to say something.
He didn't.
"Sakura's birthday," she repeated.
"So?" he asked.
"Think, Sakura's birthday, you know. She's turning eighteen this year." Tomoyo tried to get the message across to Syaoran.
Syaoran thought about it. Sakura had hinted that it was coming up to him. But he still didn't know if she liked him yet. The seventeen-year old boy flipped his brown hair back.
"Oh! I know now. Yeah, her birthday? Wait…" Syaoran froze. "Sunday?"
"Yeah! Today's Friday, so that leaves you with a day to get Sakura something for it! You'd better move fast." Tomoyo shook her head at him disappointed.
"Oh no! I completely forgot! What am I going to do?" Syaoran was panicking.
"Hey, tough luck, I'm just the reminder person. I know that you'll come up with something," Tomoyo called back, her violet eyes sparkling, as she and Eriol headed home.
* * * * * * * * *
"So, Sakura, what are you having trouble with?" Syaoran asked her, as they entered his apartment. Sakura looked around his room shaking her head.
"Where's Wei? Your apartment looks awful! When was the last time you cleaned it?"
Syaoran blushed slightly. "Umm… when Meilin was here," he said with his eyes on the floor.
"Meilin left a year ago!" Sakura said in disbelief. Meilin had gone back home to get the engagement with Syaoran called off. She had decided not to mess around in the way of destiny.
"I'd better clean all this up before I drown myself in your mess. Go do something else, like cook a dinner, will you?"
"What if I don't want to?" Syaoran teased her as he sat up from his slouching position on the bed. "Won't your dad or Touya wonder where you are?" Syaoran asked Sakura.
"Well, I already told them that I'd be at Tomoyo-chan's house," Sakura replied as she picked up the piles of clothes strewn around Syaoran's room. She stuck them in the laundry and started up the machine.
Syaoran watched her move around as he started to boil some water. He frowned. Oh yeah, her birthday present. He'd better get something fast. What would Sakura want? Would she want something from him?
"Ahh…" Sakura suddenly screamed. She calmed down as she realized the moving shadow was only a little spider that was enlarged by the lights. Syaoran picked it up and opened the front door. He gently put the spider outside. Sakura breathed out a sigh, and returned to dusting the furniture.
Syaoran went back to cooking an herb-seasoned chicken that he was making. It was Sakura's favorite. As he waited for the chicken and rice to finish, he thought about what Tomoyo had pushed on him. Sakura's birthday… Now he had to go find a present for Sakura. What would she want?
Maybe I'm finally ready to tell her how I feel about her.
"Syaoran-kun, are you done with the food yet?" Sakura poked her head into the kitchen waking Syaoran up.
"Umm…yeah," He replied as he saw that he had just missed burning the rice.
As they sat down to eat, Syaoran noticed that Sakura was lost in thought. What was she thinking about? He wondered.
How am I going to fall asleep tonight? Sakura wondered. She had been having sleeping problems lately, and it didn't help that no one would be home tonight. Sakura wasn't afraid of being by herself; it was just the creepy feeling that there was someone else in her house. Kero had gone to visit Spinerl in Europe. Spinerl and Ruby Moon had stayed in England while Eriol had returned for a 'short' visit.
She noticed Syaoran studying her intently, and she blushed slightly under his gaze. She smiled at him sweetly. "That meal was delicious Syaoran-kun."
"Arigato Sakura-chan," He replied as he ducked his head. He felt his face flush and he knew that it was red. "Now, to start on homework."
"Uh-uh," Sakura replied. "First wash these dishes."
"Umm… But I…I don't know how to do that," Syaoran said slowly.
Sakura's eyes widened. She rolled her eyes. "How have you gotten on without Meilin?" she asked him as she started to let the water run.
"Paper plates?" he replied looking down at his feet.
Sakura sighed. "OK, this is really easy. Put some soap into the water. See bubbles come up." Syaoran scooped some up, and blew them into Sakura's face. She giggled.
"Now, take the sponge, and rub it around the plate, and get off all of the food off." Syaoran awkwardly scraped some food off. Sakura laughed at his clumsy attempts. She put her arms around his, guiding them and scraping more food off.
"Got it?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I think so," he replied. Syaoran suddenly noticed how close he was to Sakura. Sakura suddenly realized the same thing, for she abruptly backed away, blushing.
As he finished washing the dishes, Sakura headed back into his room.
* * * * * * * * * *
"So, now you convert the formula into the graphing equation y=mx+b. OK?"
"Umm, I think I actually got it. Is this right? Y=3/4x+5?"
"Yeah," Syaoran replied. "Now, the 5 is also the y intercept, so you've gotta graph it on here."
"OK, I think I got it now," Sakura said. "You can go do whatever now."
Syaoran shrugged. "OK." He decided to go take a shower while Sakura finished the rest of her homework.
He grabbed some clothes and started the water.
* * * * * * * * * *
As Syaoran finished putting on his clothes, he went to check on Sakura. Sighing, he spotted her on the bed, sprawled out and asleep. Her homework was completed on the desk. Smiling, he returned to the bathroom to finish brushing his teeth.
Suddenly, he heard a loud scream. Running quickly back to his room, he found Sakura tumbling on the bed, screaming her lungs out.
"Whoa! Sakura!" He shouted over her. He grabbed her and untangled her quickly, with her arms still flying around. Holding her close to him, he comforted her.
"Hey, it's ok. It's ok. It was only a dream. It was only a dream."
Gradually, Sakura's breathing calmed down. "Oh, Syaoran, it was totally awful! Onii-chan died in a plane crash before he reached the US, and then otou-san was killed by this weird creepy guy dressed all in black, and then it headed for me!"
"Hey, it's ok," Syaoran repeated.
"Oh, well, I'd better get on home," Sakura said as she noted the time. "It's twelve already. Thanks for your help with my homework."
"Hey, wait a minute, didn't you say that both your onii-chan and otou-san were out of town?" Syaoran asked.
Sakura looked down on the ground. "Umm…I guess I did," She admitted.
"So there's no one home right now." Sakura nodded. "OK, you are going to stay here with me tonight. I think that you are having trouble sleeping. I don't think that it would be the best of ideas to let you go home by yourself," Syaoran said firmly.
Sakura stared at him wide-eyed. "You want me to stay at your house until my family comes home?"
Syaoran shrugged. "I guess. It's not that big of a deal, I mean…" Sakura cut him off with a big bear hug.
"Thanks Syaoran! You're the best!"
Syaoran blushed. What am I thinking? Why did I just let her stay? I must be going crazy. He grinned to himself. Going crazy? I already am, over her.
Sakura gave him her best smile, and then returned to lying down on the bed. In a few minutes, she was asleep again. Syaoran stared quietly at her angelic face, and then tucked her into the bed. He decided to sleep on the couch.
* * * * * * * * * *
Towards midnight, he heard another scream, and he instinctively headed towards his room. Sakura reached out for him, and he once again comforted her.
"Syaoran, can you sleep with me tonight? It's so lonely, and I really can't fall asleep," Sakura said quietly after a few moments of silence. Syaoran gave Sakura a half-smile.
"If it helps you to sleep, I guess I can. Hey, Sakura, is there anything that's bothering you at all? I mean, people with insomnia usually have something really heavy on their minds."
"Oh, Umm…of course not. Well, maybe it's cuz onii-chan and otou-san are both gone," Sakura replied, trying to get Syaoran off her back. She couldn't let him know her true feelings, not yet. And why was she having trouble sleeping?
"You trust me, right?"
"Of course, Syaoran-kun. Why wouldn't I?" Sakura asked surprised.
"OK, well, you'd better get to bed then," Syaoran said with a firm voice.
When I'm lost, in the rain,
In your eyes I know
I'll find the light
To light my way.
When I'm scared,
Losing ground,
When my world is going crazy,
You can turn it all around, yes
And when I'm down
You're there pushing
Me to the top.
You're always there givin'
Me all you've got.
Sakura grinned. "Great." She snuggled down comfortably on Syaoran, and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She fell asleep quickly again. Syaoran tried to relax, but it's very difficult to do that when the love of your life since fourth grade is sleeping on you.
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend for a love
To keep me safe and warm,
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on,
For everything you do
For everything that's true
I turn to you, yes.
When I lose the will to win
I just reach for you and
I can reach the sky again.
I can do anything,
Cuz your love is so amazing,
Cuz your love inspires me.
And when I need a friend
You're always on my side,
Givin' me faith to get me
Through the night.
For a shield from the storm
For a friend, for a love
To keep me safe and warm.
I turn to you.
For the strength
To be strong for the will to carry on.
For everything you do I turn to you.
Finally, Syaoran gently put his arms around Sakura. Unconsciously, she snuggled closer to him and laid her head on his chest. This caused Syaoran to blush heavily and his breathing quickened. Finally, he fell asleep, looking right at her beautiful face.
For the arms to be my
Shelter through all the rain.
For truth that will never change.
For someone to lean on.
For a heart I can rely
On through anything.
For the one who I can
Run~ to ohhhhh yeah…
I turn to you
* * * * * * * * * *
It was around four in the morning when Syaoran woke up. Sakura was still sleeping peacefully, and he didn't want to wake her up. He gently pushed her arms off of him, and got up. After he changed his clothes, he started to make breakfast. He left a plate of pancakes out for Sakura, and then he left for sword practice.
At the woods where he practiced, it was peaceful and quiet. It was far away from the roads and people so that few noises ever disturbed the quiet atmosphere. Warming up, Syaoran started with thrusts.
What in the world am I going to buy Sakura? Will she totally blow me off though when I give a present to her? I still don't know if she likes me. She's only still at my house because Tomoyo's not home so she doesn't have anywhere to go. Plus, she was already at my house and she was way too lazy to go home. That's just her.
All I am is a last resort. She doesn't even want me. Syaoran lost his concentration and tripped over a rock.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! He told himself. If that had been a real enemy, you would've been dead by now. Don't think about her now. Focus here, Syaoran. If she really wanted you, she would've said something by now. You've already known her for about 10 years now.
* * * * * * * * * *
Sakura yawned, and opened her eyes. Not used to her surroundings, she stifled a scream just in time. She sat up in bed and glances at the clock.
Only 5, it's so early! Well, I probably can't get to bed again anyway. She got up and stretched.
Syaoran was gone, but he had left a note on the table with pancakes.
"Mmm…" Sakura mumbled to herself as she ate the pancakes rapidly. Then she read the note:
Sakura,
Ohayou. I bet you're wondering where I am. Well, I'm practicing my sword skills and keeping in shape. I'll be back soon, so don't worry. If you want to leave, you can. I hope you slept well. See you later.
Love,
Syaoran
Syaoran had debated on putting the love there at first, but he decided to do it. They were friends, as Sakura had said, so it wouldn't really matter. He would never know how much Sakura cherished that letter. She held it to her heart, and then gazed out the window.
Of course I slept well. You were with me. Oh Syaoran, will you ever know how I feel about you? Why haven't I told you before? I don't know. But we are about to separate forever after this year; it's now or never,
Now where would he go to practice? She thought to herself. Probably somewhere secluded. Hmm… Oh I know, probably in the woods. Hey, I'll go look for him.
As she walked to the woods, she thought about the fact that her birthday was coming up. Would Syaoran get her a present? He had sometimes before, of course she figured that Tomoyo had probably pushed him a bit, but still, it was the thought that counted. Why would he though? Sakura pushed the thought away.
He would definitely get her a present, that is unless he had forgotten what day it was, and he would never do that.
"Ohayou Syaoran!" she greeted him as she saw him through the bushes. Startled at the sudden interruption, Syaoran lost his concentration and fell.
"Oops." Sakura giggled. "Sorry."
"'S'ok." Syaoran replied. "What are you doing here anyway? I told you I'd be right back."
"Well, I was getting a bit bored." Now that Sakura thought about it, why hadn't she stayed back at his house and searched through all of his stuff? For something interesting, such as who he liked. Not that he kept a journal or anything, but something that might give proof to her of his love for someone.
Wait, what am I thinking? Why would I want to know about that kind of stuff? Am I going insane or what? I don't like him, do I?
"Well, I'm just about done, so let's head back to my place again." Syaoran said.
"No, it's ok, I want to see you practice." Sakura pleaded with him.
"Oh, I don't think you really want to. It's pretty boring, I just do the exercises." Syaoran said as he started to walk towards his apartment.
"Party pooper." Sakura retorted as she followed him back.
Syaoran hid a smile as he noticed how childish Sakura could still be. Sure, they were about to graduate from high school and she had matured, but he could still see the playful Sakura inside. The real Sakura though, had recently been hidden from him, deep inside her. He wondered what was bothering her so much.
Why isn't she talking to me as much now? Doesn't she trust me? Or is it because she loves someone else now, and all I am is Li Syaoran, the guy that she used to capture Clow Cards with. If I hadn't been in the Li clan, we wouldn't ever have met, and even if we had, I would just be another guy here. She wouldn't even have given me a second glance. All I am is a bother to her.
In frustration, Syaoran slammed his fist down, connecting it with a tree branch. //CRACK//
"Oops," Syaoran sighed as he saw how the tree had been split in half.
"Syaoran-kun, are you ok?" Sakura asked him concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" Syaoran snapped as he woke from his thoughts. Oops. He thought to himself as he realized who he had just said that to.
"OK." Sakura turned around, hurt.
Sighing, Syaoran walked behind her, following her to his house. Trying to think of a way to apologize, his thoughts went once again to her birthday present. He reminisced all of their old memories together, and how he felt when he was with her. Suddenly, as they passed the new department store, he glanced inside and saw something.
Without saying a word, he disappeared into the store.
Unable to keep the silence, Sakura turned around. "Syaoran-kun, I…" where'd he go? She sighed. I knew he was getting bored of me. I'd better go home now.
~*~An Hour Later~*~
Syaoran proudly exited SOGO with a huge blue and white bag of things that he had bought. Hurrying home, he remembered that he had deserted Sakura when he had gone into the store.
Groaning, he rushed home. Sakura was already gone, though she had left a note.
Konnichi wa Syaoran
I'm heading home since I guess I'm too much of a burden for ya. (Eh? No you aren't) Anyway, 'nii-chan is coming home tonight. (Yeah right, what a lie! Don't you think that I'd know you well enough by now Sakura) thanks for all of your help. (I helped you? You helped me. I had you near me) Sayonara
~Sakura
Sighing, Syaoran took his present for Sakura out. He ran his hand over the soft, velvet, and blue surface of the case. Slowly, he opened it again to make sure that it was there. Grinning, he flipped his cell open to call Tomoyo.
*~*~*~*
Sakura shivered slightly as she jumped into her bed. It was lonely and cold in her house with no one there. Kero was gone too, along with Yue. They had all headed to England.
Sighing, she thought about Syaoran. "I wonder what he was going into SOGO for." Sakura was curious and dying to know.
Well, at least my birthday is tomorrow. I'll finally be eighteen, but who will I celebrate with? Everyone's busy. I know Syaoran will forget too.
Sakura heard a creak by the door. She jumped up and grabbed her necklace. She felt the familiar presence of someone, but she ignored it.
As the door swung open, Sakura jumped on the person
"Hey!" She heard Syaoran's voice as he swung her off him, and then quickly controlled his swing and brought her down gently on the bed.
"What are you doing in my house?" Sakura demanded.
"Eh…" Syaoran sweat dropped and turned red thinking of a good excuse too.
"Well?" Sakura asked impatiently.
"Eh, eh, well, I thought that you might have trouble sleeping again, so I came over to see if I could help."
Sakura rolled her eyes, but she was touched. He cares about me.
"Like how?"
"Oh, I found an old recipe that should help to relieve your stress." Syaoran rummaged through some stuff in his backpack, and finally pulled out some herbs.
"Here," Syaoran said gruffly as he handed them to her, avoiding her eyes. "Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, and Sage. They're supposed to help you relax and lull you to sleep. I'll wake you up if you fall asleep in the tub."
"By what, coming into the bathroom?" Sakura asked slyly.
Syaoran blushed. "Na…ni? No! Eh…you know what I mean."
Sakura smiled at him sweetly. "I know exactly!"
Syaoran grinned. "Thanks."
"Yeah, I know exactly what goes on in those perverted minds of guys these days. Hoe, just waiting for an opportunity to see girls without their clothes on!" Giggling to herself, Sakura walked off to the bathroom leaving a very red and stuttering Syaoran in her room.
*~*~*~*
As Sakura relaxed in her tub, she thought about Syaoran. He had been very caring, coming over to help her with her problems. How did he really feel about her? How did she feel about him?
Do I love him? Do I? I've known him for such a long time…what are my true feelings about him? I used to think that I liked him, but now? But do I love him? After all that we've been through, after all that he's done for me. How can I not love him? How can I not trust him with everything? But how does he feel about me? Am I just another girl that he feels that he had a duty to protect? Am I just a person in his life who will pass out of it as soon as this year is over? I want to know, no. I need to know. I need to!
*~*~*~*
"You know what Syaoran-kun, it did help, a bit. I think that I feel a lot better now," Sakura said as she stepped out of the bathroom. Her auburn hair was still a bit damp, but she did feel a lot better.
Syaoran almost regretted that he had helped her. Now he wouldn't be able to sleep by her. Her warm body next to him, he liked having her near him.
"But…can you still stay with me?"
"Me?" Syaoran asked pointing to himself.
"NO! I meant Eriol-kun, he's right behind you!"
Syaoran whirled around and was met by emptiness. "Sakura!"
Giggling, Sakura ducked the pillow that Syaoran threw at her and quickly picked up another one. The pillow fight didn't last too long, and Syaoran quickly beat Sakura.
"OK, time for bed." Sakura said, panting, to Syaoran as she pointed at the clock. It showed 11:37.
Sighing, Syaoran nodded. He exited the room to shower, and he saw Sakura slump into her bed, exhausted.
He grinned. His angel…
"Syaoran-kun, hurry up. I'm waiting for you," he heard Sakura say in a soft voice.
He quickly took a shower since he didn't want to keep her delayed.
"Syaoran?" he heard Sakura's voice as he headed towards her room.
"Hai?"
"Please?" Sakura asked him, her eyes genuinely scared. As he entered the blankets, he felt her snuggle up to him.
"Sakura, why are you doing this?" Syaoran asked suddenly.
"Hoe? Doing what?"
"Trusting me, letting me be near you, being friendly to me."
"Syaoran, I trust you. I need to." Sakura laughed. "If I didn't, then I'd probably be dead by now. I need you Syaoran, and you're a close friend."
"Is that all?" Syaoran whispered quietly, "Just another guy in your life?"
Sakura was surprised at Syaoran's words, the same ones that she had been wondering.
"Am I just another girl in your life?" she whispered to Syaoran.
"Sakura…" she ignored him, and lay back, her head on his shoulder. His arm automatically came up to support her.
"Thanks Syaoran," Sakura mumbled as she fell asleep. Syaoran sighed. Tomorrow was her birthday, he had bought her a present, but what was she going to think? What had just gone on between them? Did Sakura feel the same way about him as he did about her?
My life is so complicated! Syaoran thought to himself right before he fell asleep.
*~*~*~*
Sakura woke up the next morning to the smell of pancakes frying in the kitchen downstairs. Quickly, she changed, and then headed downstairs to greet Syaoran.
"Ohayou!" she called to him.
"Hey birthday girl! Happy Birthday!" Syaoran told her.
"Hey, you remembered!" Sakura said happily.
"How could I not?" Syaoran asked her.
Sakura quickly dug into her pancakes, finishing them all rapidly.
Syaoran took her out that day, but didn't give her the present. They went to the park, went on a boat ride, rode the Ferris wheel, hung out at the skateboarding park, went shopping for a bit, and then ended back at Sakura's house. It was late again, and Syaoran still hadn't given Sakura her birthday present. They sprawled out on her couch.
"Sakura, I know that I haven't given you a present yet, but…" Sakura cut him off.
"Just spending the day with you was enough Syaoran. I had so much fun, I think that this might be one of the best birthdays that I have ever had!" she hugged Syaoran tightly.
"Well, Sakura, you haven't seen my present yet," Syaoran said.
"Syaoran?"
"Mm?" he asked.
"About your question last night, why'd you ask?"
"Well…" Syaoran stared deeply into Sakura's eyes.
"Sakura…" he hesitated. He decided to not explain, just do it. Suddenly, he brought his lips down on Sakura's. She was surprised, but returned it. It was gentle and relaxing to Sakura, touching to Syaoran. They broke away to get a breath.
"I love you." Syaoran whispered to Sakura.
"You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words from you," Sakura murmured to him. "I love you too Syaoran."
Not knowing what to do next, Syaoran glanced at Sakura. Knowingly, she pulled him to her and kissed him again.
As they broke away, Syaoran groped around in his pocket. He drew out the case and moved away from Sakura.
Bending down on his knees, he faced Sakura, his amber eyes serious.
"Kinomoto Sakura, will you…will you marry me?" he asked softly.
"Oh, Syaoran! I will!" Sakura replied, just as softly. Her emerald eyes danced with joy. Syaoran flipped open the case.
Inside was a delicate ring that fit perfectly on Sakura's ring finger as Syaoran gently slipped it on. It was inlaid with three diamonds and gorgeous.
"Syaoran…" Sakura didn't know what else to say, so she just leaned forward and caught Syaoran up in another kiss.
"I'll be with you always and forever," Syaoran whispered into Sakura's ear.
"I know," she replied. "I love you too Syaoran."
"Now the only hard thing is explaining to your dad and brother."
"Explain what?" Without turning around, they both knew exactly who had just spoken.
"Kinomoto-san?"
"Touya?"
Hey, I just was really bored, so I wrote a short fic since I've got writer's block right now on another one of my stories. It really gets me crazy when it happens. Anyway, yeah, of course Sakura and Syaoran end up together! Aww, and they got married, well, engaged. Anyone like it? please R+R
~Ruby
~Syaoran~
She asked me to help her with her homework, not Eriol-kun or anyone else, but me! I can't believe it, how could I not say yes? She's the perfect angel! Her great smile and personality, she's the only one that cheers me up. But how will I get through it without embarrassing myself?
~Sakura~
Wow! That kick was awesome! I always knew that he was good at soccer. He moves so quickly, he looks so handsome. I can't believe that he actually agreed to help ME with my math homework. I can't believe that I actually got the nerve to ask him. Tonight, two hours, just by ourselves at his house. I can't wait! Though I know that I might be a bit uncomfortable around him, I want to ask him about… I don't know, but I trust him…I hope he'll agree to it, or at least help me.
1 Lost in Dreams
By Ruby gurl
Sakura ahhed with the rest of the crowd and cheered as Syaoran shot yet another goal into the soccer net.
The game ended quickly, with Tomoeda High winning, 20-6.
"Great job. Syaoran-kun!" Sakura congratulated him as he wiped the sweat off his neck and forehead. He took a long gulp from his water bottle.
"Arigato Sakura-chan," he replied.
"Syaoran-kun!" a familiar voice called. He turned around to see Tomoyo waving at him. He slowed down to a walk, and let her catch up with him. Sakura went on ahead to his car and jumped in, waiting for him.
"Syaoran-kun, Sakura's birthday is coming up on Sunday." Tomoyo waited for Syaoran to say something.
He didn't.
"Sakura's birthday," she repeated.
"So?" he asked.
"Think, Sakura's birthday, you know. She's turning eighteen this year." Tomoyo tried to get the message across to Syaoran.
Syaoran thought about it. Sakura had hinted that it was coming up to him. But he still didn't know if she liked him yet. The seventeen-year old boy flipped his brown hair back.
"Oh! I know now. Yeah, her birthday? Wait…" Syaoran froze. "Sunday?"
"Yeah! Today's Friday, so that leaves you with a day to get Sakura something for it! You'd better move fast." Tomoyo shook her head at him disappointed.
"Oh no! I completely forgot! What am I going to do?" Syaoran was panicking.
"Hey, tough luck, I'm just the reminder person. I know that you'll come up with something," Tomoyo called back, her violet eyes sparkling, as she and Eriol headed home.
* * * * * * * * *
"So, Sakura, what are you having trouble with?" Syaoran asked her, as they entered his apartment. Sakura looked around his room shaking her head.
"Where's Wei? Your apartment looks awful! When was the last time you cleaned it?"
Syaoran blushed slightly. "Umm… when Meilin was here," he said with his eyes on the floor.
"Meilin left a year ago!" Sakura said in disbelief. Meilin had gone back home to get the engagement with Syaoran called off. She had decided not to mess around in the way of destiny.
"I'd better clean all this up before I drown myself in your mess. Go do something else, like cook a dinner, will you?"
"What if I don't want to?" Syaoran teased her as he sat up from his slouching position on the bed. "Won't your dad or Touya wonder where you are?" Syaoran asked Sakura.
"Well, I already told them that I'd be at Tomoyo-chan's house," Sakura replied as she picked up the piles of clothes strewn around Syaoran's room. She stuck them in the laundry and started up the machine.
Syaoran watched her move around as he started to boil some water. He frowned. Oh yeah, her birthday present. He'd better get something fast. What would Sakura want? Would she want something from him?
"Ahh…" Sakura suddenly screamed. She calmed down as she realized the moving shadow was only a little spider that was enlarged by the lights. Syaoran picked it up and opened the front door. He gently put the spider outside. Sakura breathed out a sigh, and returned to dusting the furniture.
Syaoran went back to cooking an herb-seasoned chicken that he was making. It was Sakura's favorite. As he waited for the chicken and rice to finish, he thought about what Tomoyo had pushed on him. Sakura's birthday… Now he had to go find a present for Sakura. What would she want?
Maybe I'm finally ready to tell her how I feel about her.
"Syaoran-kun, are you done with the food yet?" Sakura poked her head into the kitchen waking Syaoran up.
"Umm…yeah," He replied as he saw that he had just missed burning the rice.
As they sat down to eat, Syaoran noticed that Sakura was lost in thought. What was she thinking about? He wondered.
How am I going to fall asleep tonight? Sakura wondered. She had been having sleeping problems lately, and it didn't help that no one would be home tonight. Sakura wasn't afraid of being by herself; it was just the creepy feeling that there was someone else in her house. Kero had gone to visit Spinerl in Europe. Spinerl and Ruby Moon had stayed in England while Eriol had returned for a 'short' visit.
She noticed Syaoran studying her intently, and she blushed slightly under his gaze. She smiled at him sweetly. "That meal was delicious Syaoran-kun."
"Arigato Sakura-chan," He replied as he ducked his head. He felt his face flush and he knew that it was red. "Now, to start on homework."
"Uh-uh," Sakura replied. "First wash these dishes."
"Umm… But I…I don't know how to do that," Syaoran said slowly.
Sakura's eyes widened. She rolled her eyes. "How have you gotten on without Meilin?" she asked him as she started to let the water run.
"Paper plates?" he replied looking down at his feet.
Sakura sighed. "OK, this is really easy. Put some soap into the water. See bubbles come up." Syaoran scooped some up, and blew them into Sakura's face. She giggled.
"Now, take the sponge, and rub it around the plate, and get off all of the food off." Syaoran awkwardly scraped some food off. Sakura laughed at his clumsy attempts. She put her arms around his, guiding them and scraping more food off.
"Got it?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I think so," he replied. Syaoran suddenly noticed how close he was to Sakura. Sakura suddenly realized the same thing, for she abruptly backed away, blushing.
As he finished washing the dishes, Sakura headed back into his room.
* * * * * * * * * *
"So, now you convert the formula into the graphing equation y=mx+b. OK?"
"Umm, I think I actually got it. Is this right? Y=3/4x+5?"
"Yeah," Syaoran replied. "Now, the 5 is also the y intercept, so you've gotta graph it on here."
"OK, I think I got it now," Sakura said. "You can go do whatever now."
Syaoran shrugged. "OK." He decided to go take a shower while Sakura finished the rest of her homework.
He grabbed some clothes and started the water.
* * * * * * * * * *
As Syaoran finished putting on his clothes, he went to check on Sakura. Sighing, he spotted her on the bed, sprawled out and asleep. Her homework was completed on the desk. Smiling, he returned to the bathroom to finish brushing his teeth.
Suddenly, he heard a loud scream. Running quickly back to his room, he found Sakura tumbling on the bed, screaming her lungs out.
"Whoa! Sakura!" He shouted over her. He grabbed her and untangled her quickly, with her arms still flying around. Holding her close to him, he comforted her.
"Hey, it's ok. It's ok. It was only a dream. It was only a dream."
Gradually, Sakura's breathing calmed down. "Oh, Syaoran, it was totally awful! Onii-chan died in a plane crash before he reached the US, and then otou-san was killed by this weird creepy guy dressed all in black, and then it headed for me!"
"Hey, it's ok," Syaoran repeated.
"Oh, well, I'd better get on home," Sakura said as she noted the time. "It's twelve already. Thanks for your help with my homework."
"Hey, wait a minute, didn't you say that both your onii-chan and otou-san were out of town?" Syaoran asked.
Sakura looked down on the ground. "Umm…I guess I did," She admitted.
"So there's no one home right now." Sakura nodded. "OK, you are going to stay here with me tonight. I think that you are having trouble sleeping. I don't think that it would be the best of ideas to let you go home by yourself," Syaoran said firmly.
Sakura stared at him wide-eyed. "You want me to stay at your house until my family comes home?"
Syaoran shrugged. "I guess. It's not that big of a deal, I mean…" Sakura cut him off with a big bear hug.
"Thanks Syaoran! You're the best!"
Syaoran blushed. What am I thinking? Why did I just let her stay? I must be going crazy. He grinned to himself. Going crazy? I already am, over her.
Sakura gave him her best smile, and then returned to lying down on the bed. In a few minutes, she was asleep again. Syaoran stared quietly at her angelic face, and then tucked her into the bed. He decided to sleep on the couch.
* * * * * * * * * *
Towards midnight, he heard another scream, and he instinctively headed towards his room. Sakura reached out for him, and he once again comforted her.
"Syaoran, can you sleep with me tonight? It's so lonely, and I really can't fall asleep," Sakura said quietly after a few moments of silence. Syaoran gave Sakura a half-smile.
"If it helps you to sleep, I guess I can. Hey, Sakura, is there anything that's bothering you at all? I mean, people with insomnia usually have something really heavy on their minds."
"Oh, Umm…of course not. Well, maybe it's cuz onii-chan and otou-san are both gone," Sakura replied, trying to get Syaoran off her back. She couldn't let him know her true feelings, not yet. And why was she having trouble sleeping?
"You trust me, right?"
"Of course, Syaoran-kun. Why wouldn't I?" Sakura asked surprised.
"OK, well, you'd better get to bed then," Syaoran said with a firm voice.
When I'm lost, in the rain,
In your eyes I know
I'll find the light
To light my way.
When I'm scared,
Losing ground,
When my world is going crazy,
You can turn it all around, yes
And when I'm down
You're there pushing
Me to the top.
You're always there givin'
Me all you've got.
Sakura grinned. "Great." She snuggled down comfortably on Syaoran, and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She fell asleep quickly again. Syaoran tried to relax, but it's very difficult to do that when the love of your life since fourth grade is sleeping on you.
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend for a love
To keep me safe and warm,
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on,
For everything you do
For everything that's true
I turn to you, yes.
When I lose the will to win
I just reach for you and
I can reach the sky again.
I can do anything,
Cuz your love is so amazing,
Cuz your love inspires me.
And when I need a friend
You're always on my side,
Givin' me faith to get me
Through the night.
For a shield from the storm
For a friend, for a love
To keep me safe and warm.
I turn to you.
For the strength
To be strong for the will to carry on.
For everything you do I turn to you.
Finally, Syaoran gently put his arms around Sakura. Unconsciously, she snuggled closer to him and laid her head on his chest. This caused Syaoran to blush heavily and his breathing quickened. Finally, he fell asleep, looking right at her beautiful face.
For the arms to be my
Shelter through all the rain.
For truth that will never change.
For someone to lean on.
For a heart I can rely
On through anything.
For the one who I can
Run~ to ohhhhh yeah…
I turn to you
* * * * * * * * * *
It was around four in the morning when Syaoran woke up. Sakura was still sleeping peacefully, and he didn't want to wake her up. He gently pushed her arms off of him, and got up. After he changed his clothes, he started to make breakfast. He left a plate of pancakes out for Sakura, and then he left for sword practice.
At the woods where he practiced, it was peaceful and quiet. It was far away from the roads and people so that few noises ever disturbed the quiet atmosphere. Warming up, Syaoran started with thrusts.
What in the world am I going to buy Sakura? Will she totally blow me off though when I give a present to her? I still don't know if she likes me. She's only still at my house because Tomoyo's not home so she doesn't have anywhere to go. Plus, she was already at my house and she was way too lazy to go home. That's just her.
All I am is a last resort. She doesn't even want me. Syaoran lost his concentration and tripped over a rock.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! He told himself. If that had been a real enemy, you would've been dead by now. Don't think about her now. Focus here, Syaoran. If she really wanted you, she would've said something by now. You've already known her for about 10 years now.
* * * * * * * * * *
Sakura yawned, and opened her eyes. Not used to her surroundings, she stifled a scream just in time. She sat up in bed and glances at the clock.
Only 5, it's so early! Well, I probably can't get to bed again anyway. She got up and stretched.
Syaoran was gone, but he had left a note on the table with pancakes.
"Mmm…" Sakura mumbled to herself as she ate the pancakes rapidly. Then she read the note:
Sakura,
Ohayou. I bet you're wondering where I am. Well, I'm practicing my sword skills and keeping in shape. I'll be back soon, so don't worry. If you want to leave, you can. I hope you slept well. See you later.
Love,
Syaoran
Syaoran had debated on putting the love there at first, but he decided to do it. They were friends, as Sakura had said, so it wouldn't really matter. He would never know how much Sakura cherished that letter. She held it to her heart, and then gazed out the window.
Of course I slept well. You were with me. Oh Syaoran, will you ever know how I feel about you? Why haven't I told you before? I don't know. But we are about to separate forever after this year; it's now or never,
Now where would he go to practice? She thought to herself. Probably somewhere secluded. Hmm… Oh I know, probably in the woods. Hey, I'll go look for him.
As she walked to the woods, she thought about the fact that her birthday was coming up. Would Syaoran get her a present? He had sometimes before, of course she figured that Tomoyo had probably pushed him a bit, but still, it was the thought that counted. Why would he though? Sakura pushed the thought away.
He would definitely get her a present, that is unless he had forgotten what day it was, and he would never do that.
"Ohayou Syaoran!" she greeted him as she saw him through the bushes. Startled at the sudden interruption, Syaoran lost his concentration and fell.
"Oops." Sakura giggled. "Sorry."
"'S'ok." Syaoran replied. "What are you doing here anyway? I told you I'd be right back."
"Well, I was getting a bit bored." Now that Sakura thought about it, why hadn't she stayed back at his house and searched through all of his stuff? For something interesting, such as who he liked. Not that he kept a journal or anything, but something that might give proof to her of his love for someone.
Wait, what am I thinking? Why would I want to know about that kind of stuff? Am I going insane or what? I don't like him, do I?
"Well, I'm just about done, so let's head back to my place again." Syaoran said.
"No, it's ok, I want to see you practice." Sakura pleaded with him.
"Oh, I don't think you really want to. It's pretty boring, I just do the exercises." Syaoran said as he started to walk towards his apartment.
"Party pooper." Sakura retorted as she followed him back.
Syaoran hid a smile as he noticed how childish Sakura could still be. Sure, they were about to graduate from high school and she had matured, but he could still see the playful Sakura inside. The real Sakura though, had recently been hidden from him, deep inside her. He wondered what was bothering her so much.
Why isn't she talking to me as much now? Doesn't she trust me? Or is it because she loves someone else now, and all I am is Li Syaoran, the guy that she used to capture Clow Cards with. If I hadn't been in the Li clan, we wouldn't ever have met, and even if we had, I would just be another guy here. She wouldn't even have given me a second glance. All I am is a bother to her.
In frustration, Syaoran slammed his fist down, connecting it with a tree branch. //CRACK//
"Oops," Syaoran sighed as he saw how the tree had been split in half.
"Syaoran-kun, are you ok?" Sakura asked him concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" Syaoran snapped as he woke from his thoughts. Oops. He thought to himself as he realized who he had just said that to.
"OK." Sakura turned around, hurt.
Sighing, Syaoran walked behind her, following her to his house. Trying to think of a way to apologize, his thoughts went once again to her birthday present. He reminisced all of their old memories together, and how he felt when he was with her. Suddenly, as they passed the new department store, he glanced inside and saw something.
Without saying a word, he disappeared into the store.
Unable to keep the silence, Sakura turned around. "Syaoran-kun, I…" where'd he go? She sighed. I knew he was getting bored of me. I'd better go home now.
~*~An Hour Later~*~
Syaoran proudly exited SOGO with a huge blue and white bag of things that he had bought. Hurrying home, he remembered that he had deserted Sakura when he had gone into the store.
Groaning, he rushed home. Sakura was already gone, though she had left a note.
Konnichi wa Syaoran
I'm heading home since I guess I'm too much of a burden for ya. (Eh? No you aren't) Anyway, 'nii-chan is coming home tonight. (Yeah right, what a lie! Don't you think that I'd know you well enough by now Sakura) thanks for all of your help. (I helped you? You helped me. I had you near me) Sayonara
~Sakura
Sighing, Syaoran took his present for Sakura out. He ran his hand over the soft, velvet, and blue surface of the case. Slowly, he opened it again to make sure that it was there. Grinning, he flipped his cell open to call Tomoyo.
*~*~*~*
Sakura shivered slightly as she jumped into her bed. It was lonely and cold in her house with no one there. Kero was gone too, along with Yue. They had all headed to England.
Sighing, she thought about Syaoran. "I wonder what he was going into SOGO for." Sakura was curious and dying to know.
Well, at least my birthday is tomorrow. I'll finally be eighteen, but who will I celebrate with? Everyone's busy. I know Syaoran will forget too.
Sakura heard a creak by the door. She jumped up and grabbed her necklace. She felt the familiar presence of someone, but she ignored it.
As the door swung open, Sakura jumped on the person
"Hey!" She heard Syaoran's voice as he swung her off him, and then quickly controlled his swing and brought her down gently on the bed.
"What are you doing in my house?" Sakura demanded.
"Eh…" Syaoran sweat dropped and turned red thinking of a good excuse too.
"Well?" Sakura asked impatiently.
"Eh, eh, well, I thought that you might have trouble sleeping again, so I came over to see if I could help."
Sakura rolled her eyes, but she was touched. He cares about me.
"Like how?"
"Oh, I found an old recipe that should help to relieve your stress." Syaoran rummaged through some stuff in his backpack, and finally pulled out some herbs.
"Here," Syaoran said gruffly as he handed them to her, avoiding her eyes. "Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, and Sage. They're supposed to help you relax and lull you to sleep. I'll wake you up if you fall asleep in the tub."
"By what, coming into the bathroom?" Sakura asked slyly.
Syaoran blushed. "Na…ni? No! Eh…you know what I mean."
Sakura smiled at him sweetly. "I know exactly!"
Syaoran grinned. "Thanks."
"Yeah, I know exactly what goes on in those perverted minds of guys these days. Hoe, just waiting for an opportunity to see girls without their clothes on!" Giggling to herself, Sakura walked off to the bathroom leaving a very red and stuttering Syaoran in her room.
*~*~*~*
As Sakura relaxed in her tub, she thought about Syaoran. He had been very caring, coming over to help her with her problems. How did he really feel about her? How did she feel about him?
Do I love him? Do I? I've known him for such a long time…what are my true feelings about him? I used to think that I liked him, but now? But do I love him? After all that we've been through, after all that he's done for me. How can I not love him? How can I not trust him with everything? But how does he feel about me? Am I just another girl that he feels that he had a duty to protect? Am I just a person in his life who will pass out of it as soon as this year is over? I want to know, no. I need to know. I need to!
*~*~*~*
"You know what Syaoran-kun, it did help, a bit. I think that I feel a lot better now," Sakura said as she stepped out of the bathroom. Her auburn hair was still a bit damp, but she did feel a lot better.
Syaoran almost regretted that he had helped her. Now he wouldn't be able to sleep by her. Her warm body next to him, he liked having her near him.
"But…can you still stay with me?"
"Me?" Syaoran asked pointing to himself.
"NO! I meant Eriol-kun, he's right behind you!"
Syaoran whirled around and was met by emptiness. "Sakura!"
Giggling, Sakura ducked the pillow that Syaoran threw at her and quickly picked up another one. The pillow fight didn't last too long, and Syaoran quickly beat Sakura.
"OK, time for bed." Sakura said, panting, to Syaoran as she pointed at the clock. It showed 11:37.
Sighing, Syaoran nodded. He exited the room to shower, and he saw Sakura slump into her bed, exhausted.
He grinned. His angel…
"Syaoran-kun, hurry up. I'm waiting for you," he heard Sakura say in a soft voice.
He quickly took a shower since he didn't want to keep her delayed.
"Syaoran?" he heard Sakura's voice as he headed towards her room.
"Hai?"
"Please?" Sakura asked him, her eyes genuinely scared. As he entered the blankets, he felt her snuggle up to him.
"Sakura, why are you doing this?" Syaoran asked suddenly.
"Hoe? Doing what?"
"Trusting me, letting me be near you, being friendly to me."
"Syaoran, I trust you. I need to." Sakura laughed. "If I didn't, then I'd probably be dead by now. I need you Syaoran, and you're a close friend."
"Is that all?" Syaoran whispered quietly, "Just another guy in your life?"
Sakura was surprised at Syaoran's words, the same ones that she had been wondering.
"Am I just another girl in your life?" she whispered to Syaoran.
"Sakura…" she ignored him, and lay back, her head on his shoulder. His arm automatically came up to support her.
"Thanks Syaoran," Sakura mumbled as she fell asleep. Syaoran sighed. Tomorrow was her birthday, he had bought her a present, but what was she going to think? What had just gone on between them? Did Sakura feel the same way about him as he did about her?
My life is so complicated! Syaoran thought to himself right before he fell asleep.
*~*~*~*
Sakura woke up the next morning to the smell of pancakes frying in the kitchen downstairs. Quickly, she changed, and then headed downstairs to greet Syaoran.
"Ohayou!" she called to him.
"Hey birthday girl! Happy Birthday!" Syaoran told her.
"Hey, you remembered!" Sakura said happily.
"How could I not?" Syaoran asked her.
Sakura quickly dug into her pancakes, finishing them all rapidly.
Syaoran took her out that day, but didn't give her the present. They went to the park, went on a boat ride, rode the Ferris wheel, hung out at the skateboarding park, went shopping for a bit, and then ended back at Sakura's house. It was late again, and Syaoran still hadn't given Sakura her birthday present. They sprawled out on her couch.
"Sakura, I know that I haven't given you a present yet, but…" Sakura cut him off.
"Just spending the day with you was enough Syaoran. I had so much fun, I think that this might be one of the best birthdays that I have ever had!" she hugged Syaoran tightly.
"Well, Sakura, you haven't seen my present yet," Syaoran said.
"Syaoran?"
"Mm?" he asked.
"About your question last night, why'd you ask?"
"Well…" Syaoran stared deeply into Sakura's eyes.
"Sakura…" he hesitated. He decided to not explain, just do it. Suddenly, he brought his lips down on Sakura's. She was surprised, but returned it. It was gentle and relaxing to Sakura, touching to Syaoran. They broke away to get a breath.
"I love you." Syaoran whispered to Sakura.
"You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words from you," Sakura murmured to him. "I love you too Syaoran."
Not knowing what to do next, Syaoran glanced at Sakura. Knowingly, she pulled him to her and kissed him again.
As they broke away, Syaoran groped around in his pocket. He drew out the case and moved away from Sakura.
Bending down on his knees, he faced Sakura, his amber eyes serious.
"Kinomoto Sakura, will you…will you marry me?" he asked softly.
"Oh, Syaoran! I will!" Sakura replied, just as softly. Her emerald eyes danced with joy. Syaoran flipped open the case.
Inside was a delicate ring that fit perfectly on Sakura's ring finger as Syaoran gently slipped it on. It was inlaid with three diamonds and gorgeous.
"Syaoran…" Sakura didn't know what else to say, so she just leaned forward and caught Syaoran up in another kiss.
"I'll be with you always and forever," Syaoran whispered into Sakura's ear.
"I know," she replied. "I love you too Syaoran."
"Now the only hard thing is explaining to your dad and brother."
"Explain what?" Without turning around, they both knew exactly who had just spoken.
"Kinomoto-san?"
"Touya?"
Hey, I just was really bored, so I wrote a short fic since I've got writer's block right now on another one of my stories. It really gets me crazy when it happens. Anyway, yeah, of course Sakura and Syaoran end up together! Aww, and they got married, well, engaged. Anyone like it? please R+R
~Ruby
