To Jerad (ccdfanfics@yahoo.co.uk):
Whoops! Sorry! I didn't realize "ganbatte" was not in the translations. "Ganbatte" means try your best. Sorry about that.
Also, sorry for throwing Japanese words and phrases so often. I guess I take it for granted. In this chapter, I've stayed away from it—so it's 100% English. I hope this does not take away any of the Japanese charm but makes it a lot easier to follow and read. Since I kinda made you run the mill a bit last time (truly sorry about that!), I'll dedicate this chapter to you!
White Valentine
Sequel to Chocolates
Part 2 – The Mysterious Heart
Comments are always welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or the general Card Captor Sakura story. It's the property of Clamp. This story is written as a past time. No copyright infringement intended.
--------------------
Baby leaf buds had already emerged on the ends of the twigs on the rows of trees lining the sidewalks and pathways of Tomoeda Japan. Today was March 14, White Valentine's Day. Although spring was just weeks ahead, the ruminants of winter still lingered in the air. White Valentine's had fallen on a particularly clear-sky, sunny weekend although the brightness outside was deceiving.
Kinomoto Sakura hugged her jacket tightly around her body and tightened the scarf her father had given her around her neck. A chilly breeze blew by almost biting at her bones. Today was much colder than any other day in March. Despite the cold, Sakura marched on. She had two presents she must give, and after staying up until today's early morning hours finishing them, Sakura was not about to let a little wind and cold stop her. She put her heart into making these presents, and she was determined to deliver them.
She shut her dazzling green eyes tightly as she proceeded. The wind was painfully gnawing at her skin as her honey brown hair tossed in the air. Her slim legs were shivering on contact with the current despite the long stockings she wore. Just a few steps further, and Sakura would arrive at her first destination. Slowly, planting her feet firmly to the ground, Sakura opened her eyes slightly glancing at the mansion before her. The magnificent estate hosted a colourful grand front garden complete with flowers of exquisite. A stone circular stone fountain sat in the middle outlining the long deep driveway leading to the main house. Letting a smile cross her lips, Sakrua read the name plate at the huge black front gates.
Daidouji.
Taking a step forward, Sakura pressed the white intercom door bell. Within a second, a voice filtered through. It was somewhat high-pitched, soft and gentle, and belonged to none other than the young lady of the house, Daidouji Tomoyo. "Yes?" she called.
"Ummm…Tomoyo-chan! It's me, Sakura. May I come in?" she asked.
"Of course!" Sakura heard the girl squeal as the giant gates began to part leaving a gap for Sakura to walk into. Following the driveway, Sakura walked up to the house. No matter how many times Sakura had walked pass the front garden, she could never stop marvelling at its elegance and beauty. Sakura had not known Tomoyo to be the daughter of the single greatest power-entrepreneur, Sonomi Daidouji, when they had met. The realization was a crude shock the first time she visited the Daidouji residence. Even now, the fact Tomoyo was the very precious daughter of Japan's renounced corporate super-woman still amazed her.
Tomoyo had already opened the door waving Sakura towards her. Her long silky black hair was tied in two pig tails with bright red ribbons. Her creamy ivory skin seemed to flush just a bit as Sakura approached. The pale blue dress she wore today seemed to complement her mesmerizing violet eyes perfectly. When Sakura had stepped into the house, Tomoyo quickly closed and locked the door. A pair of guest pink slippers had already been set out for the young girl.
"It's nice of you to come here today, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo smiled. "How about we get some hot chocolate and strawberry moose cake before we get dressed? My mother bought the cake today from that new cake shop opened several blocks away. I am sure it is delicious," Tomoyo suggested.
"That's good," Sakura replied. "But…'dressed'? What do you mean by that?" she asked confused.
"Your battle costumes, of course!" Tomoyo cheered. "I just completed some new designs yesterday. After the fitting, I'll make the final adjustments,"
"Hoe…" Sakura moaned in exasperation. "But, Kero-chan might be mad if we have cake without him," Sakura pointed out.
"I'll pack him a slice," Tomoyo offered as she took both of Sakura's hands and led her upstairs. On her way, she had waved over a maid and had asked for two cups of hot chocolate and three slices of cake.
Just before the two entered Tomoyo's room, Sakura began "Wait, Tomoyo-chan! There is something I need to give you," Sakura reached into her bag and pulled out a package. "Here, for the chocolate you gave me on Valentine's" she said handing the gift to her friend.
Tomoyo stared at the gift as a slight blush crept onto her face. A present from Sakura was always special and rare. Gingerly, she wrapped her fingers around the ribbon on the package and untied them revealing a hand-crafted doll made of thick cotton. Black long yarn was used for the hair and two eyes were embroidered with light purple string while lips were in pink. The doll was wearing a burgundy red dress with black boarders and a white crest which Tomoyo recognized immediately as the winter Tomoeda Elementary school uniform. The doll was complete with matching white hat, black shoes, and even a grey box?
"That's your camera," Sakura said sheepishly pointing to the grey box.
"I know that," Tomoyo replied. "This doll is so beautiful!"
"Since you made all these wonderful costumes for me, I wanted to make a dress for you…except I didn't know your size," Sakura began, "…besides, I am not good at sewing, so I probably can't make nice dresses like yours. So I thought of designing one and I made the doll. But the doll wasn't very life-like and I didn't have any good ideas on a nice dress, so I just made the school uniform," she paused. "Then I wanted to make a tiny camera, but I didn't know how so I just left it like that," she concluded feeling completely silly now.
'No, it's all right, Sakura. The doll is perfect," Tomoyo smiled her eyes still fixed at the present Sakura made her. "This is the best present I have ever received. I will keep this by my bedside forever!" Tomoy announced excitedly as she raced to her bed and placed the doll next to her pillow. Her face was fully flushed in bright pink now. "A doll by Sakura-chan! This is so wonderful!" she said gleefully as she closed her eyes absorbing in the moment. Then snapping her eyes wide open she looked back at Sakura. "Let's get started on your fitting!"
***
Tomoyo finished the fitting just hours ago. She had bid Sakura farewell at her door, and watched as the brown-haired green-eyed girl disappeared into the horizon outside the main gates of her home. Now, Tomoyo sat face to face against her present still examining it in its infinite detail. Tomoyo would not let her eyes miss even one single stitch knot on the cloth of the doll.
'I will be happy, as long as you have a bright smile on your face, Sakura-chan,'
Those words echoed in her head as she continued to study the doll. Although she had once said that, she did not feel that particularly happy at the moment. Somehow, she felt empty. Sure, Sakura was smiling. In fact, today, she had the brightest smile of all. They had just finished their fitting session and the two friends were finally sitting down enjoying the hot chocolate and the cake when Tomoyo asked her about her day. At that, Sakura's face instantly lighted up as she described Kero-chan's card with the kiddy drawing. Although the picture looked strange, Sakura loved it nonetheless. It was the effort and the thought that the little yellow creature and put into the card that made it truly special. Sakura then continued describing her scrumptious breakfast with her brother, Touya, who had cooked her favourite, pancakes. Sakura even showed off her brand new scarf that her father had so thoughtfully knitted. Tomoyo actually felt a tint of jealousy seeing Sakura wear that scarf. After all, it turned out that Tomoyo did not have the exclusive right to design and create fashion for her dear cute Sakura.
Tomoyo asked if Sakura had gotten anything from her long-time crush Tsukishiro Yukito-san, and Sakura sadly shook her head. She honestly hoped Yukito would return her feelings, but Sakura had a nagging feeling that Yukito would not commit just yet. Sakura would have to wait for another opportunity to show Yukito just how much he means to her.
Then Tomoyo asked Sakura where she was heading off next.
And that was when Sakura's smile turned brightest.
She was heading off to see their classmate and friend, Li Syaoran. Li did give Sakura Valentine's Day chocolate. Although he did not include a card inside, somehow Sakura just knew those chocolates she found in the mail box were from Li. She was going to his apartment to deliver her present—a surprise that Sakura insisted on keeping secret.
'It's embarrassing!' Sakura protested her cheeks glowing red when Tomoyo problemd further.
Tomoyo even noticed a slight shade of pink on Sakura's cheeks when she talked about her visit to Li's place a month ago. Sakura was glad Li had gotten Valentine's chocolate from the person he loved most. Sakura reasoned that because Li was actually such a kind person, he only deserved the best.
'If the person Syaoran-kun loves most hurts him, I'll go and punish that person. Syaoran-kun had always helped me with whatever I did. If there is anything I could do to help him, I will definitely try my best,' Sakura elaborated as her hand bunched into a little fist showing her determination.
Sakura then told Tomoyo that she had made a promise with Li—that they would be friends forever.
"I'm so glad Syaoran-kun and I are good friends now. He's such a kind and wonderful person,' Sakura beamed.
Sakura wondered if he had prepared anything special for that girl he liked today in return for the chocolate he received. Either way, Sakura wished she could simply meet the girl of his dreams.
'She must be really happy because she has Syaoran-kun looking after her' Sakura reasoned. Her eyes dimmed in slight disappointment thinking Li had already found the person he loved most and she was probably not it.
Tomoyo agreed to that. The girl Li Syaoran loved most was very happy, because she was that very smiling person who was talking to Tomoyo.
'It's all right if the person I like most doesn't like me back. It will surely be nice if that person does love me, but it is more important that the person I like most is happiest…because my happiness is their happiness too.'
Tomoyo's own advice. Tomoyo's own philosophy. Tomoyo's only salvation.
Tomoyo let out a bright smile at that as she picked up the doll and held it to her chest.
"I'll be happy as long as you are with the person you love most, Sakura-chan,"
---------------------
To be continued
As usual, comments and criticism welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com
Whoops! Sorry! I didn't realize "ganbatte" was not in the translations. "Ganbatte" means try your best. Sorry about that.
Also, sorry for throwing Japanese words and phrases so often. I guess I take it for granted. In this chapter, I've stayed away from it—so it's 100% English. I hope this does not take away any of the Japanese charm but makes it a lot easier to follow and read. Since I kinda made you run the mill a bit last time (truly sorry about that!), I'll dedicate this chapter to you!
White Valentine
Sequel to Chocolates
Part 2 – The Mysterious Heart
Comments are always welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or the general Card Captor Sakura story. It's the property of Clamp. This story is written as a past time. No copyright infringement intended.
--------------------
Baby leaf buds had already emerged on the ends of the twigs on the rows of trees lining the sidewalks and pathways of Tomoeda Japan. Today was March 14, White Valentine's Day. Although spring was just weeks ahead, the ruminants of winter still lingered in the air. White Valentine's had fallen on a particularly clear-sky, sunny weekend although the brightness outside was deceiving.
Kinomoto Sakura hugged her jacket tightly around her body and tightened the scarf her father had given her around her neck. A chilly breeze blew by almost biting at her bones. Today was much colder than any other day in March. Despite the cold, Sakura marched on. She had two presents she must give, and after staying up until today's early morning hours finishing them, Sakura was not about to let a little wind and cold stop her. She put her heart into making these presents, and she was determined to deliver them.
She shut her dazzling green eyes tightly as she proceeded. The wind was painfully gnawing at her skin as her honey brown hair tossed in the air. Her slim legs were shivering on contact with the current despite the long stockings she wore. Just a few steps further, and Sakura would arrive at her first destination. Slowly, planting her feet firmly to the ground, Sakura opened her eyes slightly glancing at the mansion before her. The magnificent estate hosted a colourful grand front garden complete with flowers of exquisite. A stone circular stone fountain sat in the middle outlining the long deep driveway leading to the main house. Letting a smile cross her lips, Sakrua read the name plate at the huge black front gates.
Daidouji.
Taking a step forward, Sakura pressed the white intercom door bell. Within a second, a voice filtered through. It was somewhat high-pitched, soft and gentle, and belonged to none other than the young lady of the house, Daidouji Tomoyo. "Yes?" she called.
"Ummm…Tomoyo-chan! It's me, Sakura. May I come in?" she asked.
"Of course!" Sakura heard the girl squeal as the giant gates began to part leaving a gap for Sakura to walk into. Following the driveway, Sakura walked up to the house. No matter how many times Sakura had walked pass the front garden, she could never stop marvelling at its elegance and beauty. Sakura had not known Tomoyo to be the daughter of the single greatest power-entrepreneur, Sonomi Daidouji, when they had met. The realization was a crude shock the first time she visited the Daidouji residence. Even now, the fact Tomoyo was the very precious daughter of Japan's renounced corporate super-woman still amazed her.
Tomoyo had already opened the door waving Sakura towards her. Her long silky black hair was tied in two pig tails with bright red ribbons. Her creamy ivory skin seemed to flush just a bit as Sakura approached. The pale blue dress she wore today seemed to complement her mesmerizing violet eyes perfectly. When Sakura had stepped into the house, Tomoyo quickly closed and locked the door. A pair of guest pink slippers had already been set out for the young girl.
"It's nice of you to come here today, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo smiled. "How about we get some hot chocolate and strawberry moose cake before we get dressed? My mother bought the cake today from that new cake shop opened several blocks away. I am sure it is delicious," Tomoyo suggested.
"That's good," Sakura replied. "But…'dressed'? What do you mean by that?" she asked confused.
"Your battle costumes, of course!" Tomoyo cheered. "I just completed some new designs yesterday. After the fitting, I'll make the final adjustments,"
"Hoe…" Sakura moaned in exasperation. "But, Kero-chan might be mad if we have cake without him," Sakura pointed out.
"I'll pack him a slice," Tomoyo offered as she took both of Sakura's hands and led her upstairs. On her way, she had waved over a maid and had asked for two cups of hot chocolate and three slices of cake.
Just before the two entered Tomoyo's room, Sakura began "Wait, Tomoyo-chan! There is something I need to give you," Sakura reached into her bag and pulled out a package. "Here, for the chocolate you gave me on Valentine's" she said handing the gift to her friend.
Tomoyo stared at the gift as a slight blush crept onto her face. A present from Sakura was always special and rare. Gingerly, she wrapped her fingers around the ribbon on the package and untied them revealing a hand-crafted doll made of thick cotton. Black long yarn was used for the hair and two eyes were embroidered with light purple string while lips were in pink. The doll was wearing a burgundy red dress with black boarders and a white crest which Tomoyo recognized immediately as the winter Tomoeda Elementary school uniform. The doll was complete with matching white hat, black shoes, and even a grey box?
"That's your camera," Sakura said sheepishly pointing to the grey box.
"I know that," Tomoyo replied. "This doll is so beautiful!"
"Since you made all these wonderful costumes for me, I wanted to make a dress for you…except I didn't know your size," Sakura began, "…besides, I am not good at sewing, so I probably can't make nice dresses like yours. So I thought of designing one and I made the doll. But the doll wasn't very life-like and I didn't have any good ideas on a nice dress, so I just made the school uniform," she paused. "Then I wanted to make a tiny camera, but I didn't know how so I just left it like that," she concluded feeling completely silly now.
'No, it's all right, Sakura. The doll is perfect," Tomoyo smiled her eyes still fixed at the present Sakura made her. "This is the best present I have ever received. I will keep this by my bedside forever!" Tomoy announced excitedly as she raced to her bed and placed the doll next to her pillow. Her face was fully flushed in bright pink now. "A doll by Sakura-chan! This is so wonderful!" she said gleefully as she closed her eyes absorbing in the moment. Then snapping her eyes wide open she looked back at Sakura. "Let's get started on your fitting!"
***
Tomoyo finished the fitting just hours ago. She had bid Sakura farewell at her door, and watched as the brown-haired green-eyed girl disappeared into the horizon outside the main gates of her home. Now, Tomoyo sat face to face against her present still examining it in its infinite detail. Tomoyo would not let her eyes miss even one single stitch knot on the cloth of the doll.
'I will be happy, as long as you have a bright smile on your face, Sakura-chan,'
Those words echoed in her head as she continued to study the doll. Although she had once said that, she did not feel that particularly happy at the moment. Somehow, she felt empty. Sure, Sakura was smiling. In fact, today, she had the brightest smile of all. They had just finished their fitting session and the two friends were finally sitting down enjoying the hot chocolate and the cake when Tomoyo asked her about her day. At that, Sakura's face instantly lighted up as she described Kero-chan's card with the kiddy drawing. Although the picture looked strange, Sakura loved it nonetheless. It was the effort and the thought that the little yellow creature and put into the card that made it truly special. Sakura then continued describing her scrumptious breakfast with her brother, Touya, who had cooked her favourite, pancakes. Sakura even showed off her brand new scarf that her father had so thoughtfully knitted. Tomoyo actually felt a tint of jealousy seeing Sakura wear that scarf. After all, it turned out that Tomoyo did not have the exclusive right to design and create fashion for her dear cute Sakura.
Tomoyo asked if Sakura had gotten anything from her long-time crush Tsukishiro Yukito-san, and Sakura sadly shook her head. She honestly hoped Yukito would return her feelings, but Sakura had a nagging feeling that Yukito would not commit just yet. Sakura would have to wait for another opportunity to show Yukito just how much he means to her.
Then Tomoyo asked Sakura where she was heading off next.
And that was when Sakura's smile turned brightest.
She was heading off to see their classmate and friend, Li Syaoran. Li did give Sakura Valentine's Day chocolate. Although he did not include a card inside, somehow Sakura just knew those chocolates she found in the mail box were from Li. She was going to his apartment to deliver her present—a surprise that Sakura insisted on keeping secret.
'It's embarrassing!' Sakura protested her cheeks glowing red when Tomoyo problemd further.
Tomoyo even noticed a slight shade of pink on Sakura's cheeks when she talked about her visit to Li's place a month ago. Sakura was glad Li had gotten Valentine's chocolate from the person he loved most. Sakura reasoned that because Li was actually such a kind person, he only deserved the best.
'If the person Syaoran-kun loves most hurts him, I'll go and punish that person. Syaoran-kun had always helped me with whatever I did. If there is anything I could do to help him, I will definitely try my best,' Sakura elaborated as her hand bunched into a little fist showing her determination.
Sakura then told Tomoyo that she had made a promise with Li—that they would be friends forever.
"I'm so glad Syaoran-kun and I are good friends now. He's such a kind and wonderful person,' Sakura beamed.
Sakura wondered if he had prepared anything special for that girl he liked today in return for the chocolate he received. Either way, Sakura wished she could simply meet the girl of his dreams.
'She must be really happy because she has Syaoran-kun looking after her' Sakura reasoned. Her eyes dimmed in slight disappointment thinking Li had already found the person he loved most and she was probably not it.
Tomoyo agreed to that. The girl Li Syaoran loved most was very happy, because she was that very smiling person who was talking to Tomoyo.
'It's all right if the person I like most doesn't like me back. It will surely be nice if that person does love me, but it is more important that the person I like most is happiest…because my happiness is their happiness too.'
Tomoyo's own advice. Tomoyo's own philosophy. Tomoyo's only salvation.
Tomoyo let out a bright smile at that as she picked up the doll and held it to her chest.
"I'll be happy as long as you are with the person you love most, Sakura-chan,"
---------------------
To be continued
As usual, comments and criticism welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com