The very last instalment of White Valentine. I continue with my romantic mush…
I actually didn't know how to end this! I started writing, and I didn't know what to do. Ah well, I came up with something anyways.
I've kept you waiting, so might as well be it…Sakura & Syaoran
Very long chapter…
White Valentine
Sequel to Chocolates
Part 5 – The One Who Knows Me Best
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.
--------------------
Li Syaoran sat on the floor cross legged, his sword in front, his eyes fixed at the tiny object in front of him in deep concentration.
His apartment was sparsely decorated—a couch, a dining table, a coffee table, and a mantle where the telephone and intercom sat on. Despite the smallness of Japanese apartments, Li managed to squeeze out an open space where he placed the bamboo mat which he was currently sitting on. This was where he practiced and honed both his physical martial arts skills and his emerging magical talents. He had received proper training prior to arriving to Japan, but his training was not complete. He would have to return after this Clow and Sakura Card ordeal to further develop himself. His home in Hong Kong had open terraces for practicing, and rooms equipped with magic-enhancing fountains and ornaments. It was grand in comparison to what he had now. His home contained everything he would ever need to stretch his limits and bring out the best in him.
The best his skills could take him.
Li smirked. Even if he trained night and day, he would never be the best in the magical world. Kinomoto Sakura, the card mistress, already achieved that. She had magical talents beyond him. Even without training, she was stronger than he ever hoped to be. Surely, his physical endurance surpassed her, but Sakura was a natural athlete. It would not take much for her to catch up to his level. Li was useless.
'Don't say that! Syaoran-kun always tries his best at everything. Besides, I feel safe when Syaoran-kun is around,' her voice echoed in his head.
Her voice. Kinomoto Sakura's voice.
Li and Sakura were at the school yard discussing another strategy they had devised to pin down the mysterious magical forces that were causing Sakura to use the captured cards. He had assured Sakura that he would go with her, but he had also said if anything did happen, he would not be able to do anything. That was when Sakura retorted. She spurted it out in such speed and fluency as though she was trying to recover for him as his own comment was some horrid blasphemy. She genuinely believed in him. She wanted Li to be by her side. His support alone was all she needed to face any situation.
Li's expression softened as a smile slowly seeped past his brave and stoic front.
He never knew how much he meant to her. He never even conceived that she would notice him past their casual friendship and his occasional guidance in magic. He did not even think Sakura would need him by her side at all. She was always surrounded by people—whether it is that 'stuffed animal' guardian, that video-happy best friend, the over-protective brother, the ever serious Yue, or even 'that' person.
Yes…'That' person.
'That' person is Tsukishiro Yukito, or Yue. The one person that Sakura goes all 'hanyaan' over. Li never did understand this 'hanyaan', but he knew it had a powerful effect on her. It makes her all happy, giddy, and bright-eyed. Sakura had tried to explain that it was a warm wonderful feeling that makes her wants to be near that person. Li interpreted this as butterflies tickling in her stomach that enhances her secret crush on Yukito.
Friends will have to do.
Last month, Sakura had made a promise with him to be friends forever. He actually wanted a little more than just casual friendship, but with 'that' person around, he would have to settle for friends.
Oddly enough, he was not jealous. He had once had a crush on 'that' person too, but it was magical. The magic that flowed in his blood had naturally drawn him to Yue. Yet, it was during his little crush on one of the card guardians that he realized Sakura had every right to gush Yukito. He was tall, handsome, kind, and talented. With the added bonus that he is a card guardian, Yue could mentor her in magic. That made 'that' person an all-in-one package perfect to receive Sakura's love. That left Li to be the out of place Chinese boy who had meddled in affairs that did not concern him.
Friends.
Is that how she really thought of him?
'Let's make a promise. We will always stay together and be friends. No matter what,'
Her voice again called out to him. Her special smile appeared before his mind's eyes. She only had that smile when she was truly deeply happy. So she honestly did want him to be close to her. Li did not know what it was that made him so special to her, but he was glad Sakura at least wanted his company.
Had he been thinking about her all this time?
Li's mind suddenly snapped back into place. Maybe he needed to get away a while. He had been easily distracted lately with the thought of that young honey brown-haired, and jade green-eyed girl. Maybe more training would help. Perhaps going home to complete his training to better his concentration skills would make him stronger.
But the thought of going home ached his heart. He did not want to leave, partly because he now had his own sacred sanctuary away from his babbling sisters and strict mother.
But mostly, because here was where Sakura lived.
Li was in love with Sakura. He did not remember when he had grown to love her. He just knew, one day, that he wanted her to be close to him. He wanted her to see him as something more than just another hang-along. He wanted to stand by her side.
It sounded silly. It sounded corny. But this is love.
Li let out a sight smile at the thought. His deep golden brown eyes were fixed on the object, a small golden tablet, in front of him. His messy chocolate brown hair waved a bit at the magical current that surged from his body forcing into the tablet. The room was dim, Li had closed the blinds so that passer-bys would not see him practicing magic. He wore a white shirt over his black t-shirt tucked into black dress pants. As soon as he was done what he was doing, he would have to go out.
Right now, he was making a gift for Kinomoto Sakura. From what he heard about Japanese traditions, it was on White Valentine's Day that boys returned gifts to girls who have delivered chocolates. This was to return to love the girl had shown to the boy on Valentine's. Li was keen to make Sakura's gift special. With that determination, he poured every ounce of magic in his body into making it. Taking a deep breath, Li began his final stride. But before long, the intercom buzzed once again breaking his concentration.
With an annoyed grumble, Li stood up and punched the intercom key. "Hello!" he barked. Who could be so irritating as to drag him away from his very important project?
Startled by the tone of his voice, a timid one replied. "Ummm…Syaoran-kun….is this a bad time?" Kinomoto Sakura asked meekly.
Suddenly realizing the horror of his mistake, Li's face turned bright red. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I didn't know it was you," he apologized.
"No, I shouldn't have come without calling first. I'll come back later. Sorry to bother you," Sakura replied.
"No, wait! This isn't a bad time! Please come in!" Li offered as he pressed another key releasing the front gate lock, then padding to his front door, Li opened it anticipating for Sakura's arrival.
Within moments, Sakura was seated inside Li's apartment. Her magical sense tingled as she felt the ruminants of Li's own magic coursing in the room. Her eyes gazed nervously at her surroundings surprised that Li would keep the blinds closed on such a sunny day. "Ummm…were you doing something in here?" she asked.
"Uh…yes…I was just practicing magic," Li replied as he brought out a tray of cookies and tea for his guest.
"Wow! That's amazing! You work so hard practicing magic and all," Sakura commented.
"It's nothing," Li blushed as he turned his face away.
"But it's still amazing! I wouldn't know how to practice magic even if Kero-chan told me to," Sakura complemented.
"But even if you don't practice, you are still very strong," Li assured as he poured a cup of tea. "I need to do this because I am not good enough,"
"But you are! Syaoran-kun tries hard at everything, so that what makes you strong," Sakura answered. "It's because you are next to me that I try my best," Sakura added with a blush.
Li paused as he looked up to Sakura unsure of what to say.
"Anyways, I came here to give you this," Sakura said breaking the silence. She pulled out the present she had made and handed it to Li.
"What for?" Li asked confused.
"White Valentine's of course. You gave me chocolates for Valentine's Day so I have to give you something in return," Sakura replied.
"But I—" Li stuttered.
"You left a box of chocolate in my mailbox. I found it when I got home. Although there was no card, somehow I just knew they were from you. They were very delicious, by the way," Sakura smiled.
"But how—?" Li asked in astonishment.
"The chocolates were made with care…and I knew they were from a kind person…so they must have been you," Sakura's rosy blush becoming more evident.
"Well…I…" Li muttered. There was no use in denying it now. He had sent her the chocolates. He was too shy to give it to her in person, so he slipped it in her mailbox early in the morning hoping that she would find it. Li's face glowed in embarrassment as he turned away. "I'm glad you liked them," was all he could muster.
Sakura placed the present on the coffee table. "I made this for you…but I'm not very good at arts and crafts so I'd understand if you don't like it…"
Shyly, Li reached out for the package. Lightly, he untied the ribbon and unwrapped it revealing a picture frame. It was made of wood painted in light pale green. Yellow painted stars and moon decorated the boarder. Sakura had placed a picture in the frame. It was during the school's athletics' meet. Seeing how Li had no family to have a picnic lunch with, Sakura had invited him to join her family along with Yukito. They had been casually enjoying lunch with a little bug crawled onto Sakura's leg. Surprised, Sakura screamed tossing her bento box onto the grass. Although the Kinomotos packed extra, Yukto had finished all the other helpings. That was when Li turned to Sakura carefully dividing the portions he has ate and placed the untouched half onto a separate plate offering it to Sakura. Sakura was surprised at first, but eventually took the food. Sakura's father, Fujitaka, had taken a picture of the incident saying how he wanted Sakura to remember this act of kindness. The picture featured a confused Sakura and Li with kind eyes and a slight smile holding out a plate of food for her.
"This is wonderful…" Li said studying the picture with a smile. "I will always keep this close to me," then looking up. "Thank you,"
"Thank goodness, you liked the present," Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. "The picture means a lot to me. I don't have a lot of pictures with you in it, but this one always reminds me of how kind and wonderful you really are,"
To that, Li's smile grew brighter. A gift from Sakura. No matter what she gave me, he would treasure it nonetheless. But a picture? A picture of him and Sakura alone…a picture that was meant to remind Sakura his better side. Li's blush grew brighter. Now, wherever he went, he would have a picture of her wit him. This was truly a spectacular gift.
"Thank you," he muttered again as he put the picture aside.
"Syaoran-kun, did you answer that person yet?" Sakura asked.
"Huh?"
"You said the person you liked most gave you chocolates on Valentine's Day. Did you answer her yet?" Sakura asked curiously.
"Well…I…" Li began meekly. "Actually, I have a gift for you too,"
"Hoe?"
"Your White Valentine's gift," Li announced as he pulled out the gold tablet from his pocket. It was diamond shaped with a little hole at the top so it can be used as a pendent. The tablet was slightly larger than her Star Staff Key, four small kanji words carved onto the front and the back, and it glittered despite the darkness in the room. Li carefully dropped the tablet onto Sakura's open hand.
"What is it?" Sakura asked confused examining the gift. There was a strong familiar warm aura around it. Li had enchanted it with strong magic.
"It's a charm," he explained. "You are afraid of ghosts, right. You can't see them but you know they exist because your magical senses tell you that their spirits are around,"
Sakura nodded.
"This is a charm against ghosts. It emits a strong magical light that wards ghosts away. As long as you keep it near you, no ghosts or unearthly spirits will come wandering," Li said.
To that Sakura smiled. She felt a slight tingle of excitement knowing that she would be carrying something enchanted with Li's magic close to her. "Thank you," Sakura said.
"It's nothing," Li muttered.
Taking off the necklace holding the magical key, Sakura slipped her new golden tablet to the chain. "This is not nothing," she said firmly. "Syaoran-kun worked so hard on this,"
"But I—"
"You are such a wonderful person, Syaoran-kun, and you are the one who knows me best," Sakura smiled as she replaced her necklace on her neck. "You knew I was afraid of ghosts so you made this. That's what makes you so kind,"
Li blushed as he stuttered "Well I…"
Sakura gave out a small giggle "You always watch over me, that's how you know me so well,"
"You have the cards…" Li mumbled. It was a lame response. "And everything else is nothing…"
"You always say that, but it's not true," Sakura pressed. "I know you, Syaoran-kun. I know you are really kind,"
Li smiled. His world lightened just by her comment. It seemed as though she had been watching him too. Sakura had seen past his cold exterior to reveal his true personality. Nothing could brighten his day more than a complement by Kinomoto Sakura.
Li smiled back at Sakura. His eyes softened to meet hers in a gaze. The two had found themselves locked into a comfortable silence. No words needed to be exchange, they both knew exactly how the other was feeling.
'Because you are the one who knows me best, Sakura'
---------------------
End
That's it! That's the best I can come up with :)
As usual, comments and criticism welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com
I actually didn't know how to end this! I started writing, and I didn't know what to do. Ah well, I came up with something anyways.
I've kept you waiting, so might as well be it…Sakura & Syaoran
Very long chapter…
White Valentine
Sequel to Chocolates
Part 5 – The One Who Knows Me Best
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.
--------------------
Li Syaoran sat on the floor cross legged, his sword in front, his eyes fixed at the tiny object in front of him in deep concentration.
His apartment was sparsely decorated—a couch, a dining table, a coffee table, and a mantle where the telephone and intercom sat on. Despite the smallness of Japanese apartments, Li managed to squeeze out an open space where he placed the bamboo mat which he was currently sitting on. This was where he practiced and honed both his physical martial arts skills and his emerging magical talents. He had received proper training prior to arriving to Japan, but his training was not complete. He would have to return after this Clow and Sakura Card ordeal to further develop himself. His home in Hong Kong had open terraces for practicing, and rooms equipped with magic-enhancing fountains and ornaments. It was grand in comparison to what he had now. His home contained everything he would ever need to stretch his limits and bring out the best in him.
The best his skills could take him.
Li smirked. Even if he trained night and day, he would never be the best in the magical world. Kinomoto Sakura, the card mistress, already achieved that. She had magical talents beyond him. Even without training, she was stronger than he ever hoped to be. Surely, his physical endurance surpassed her, but Sakura was a natural athlete. It would not take much for her to catch up to his level. Li was useless.
'Don't say that! Syaoran-kun always tries his best at everything. Besides, I feel safe when Syaoran-kun is around,' her voice echoed in his head.
Her voice. Kinomoto Sakura's voice.
Li and Sakura were at the school yard discussing another strategy they had devised to pin down the mysterious magical forces that were causing Sakura to use the captured cards. He had assured Sakura that he would go with her, but he had also said if anything did happen, he would not be able to do anything. That was when Sakura retorted. She spurted it out in such speed and fluency as though she was trying to recover for him as his own comment was some horrid blasphemy. She genuinely believed in him. She wanted Li to be by her side. His support alone was all she needed to face any situation.
Li's expression softened as a smile slowly seeped past his brave and stoic front.
He never knew how much he meant to her. He never even conceived that she would notice him past their casual friendship and his occasional guidance in magic. He did not even think Sakura would need him by her side at all. She was always surrounded by people—whether it is that 'stuffed animal' guardian, that video-happy best friend, the over-protective brother, the ever serious Yue, or even 'that' person.
Yes…'That' person.
'That' person is Tsukishiro Yukito, or Yue. The one person that Sakura goes all 'hanyaan' over. Li never did understand this 'hanyaan', but he knew it had a powerful effect on her. It makes her all happy, giddy, and bright-eyed. Sakura had tried to explain that it was a warm wonderful feeling that makes her wants to be near that person. Li interpreted this as butterflies tickling in her stomach that enhances her secret crush on Yukito.
Friends will have to do.
Last month, Sakura had made a promise with him to be friends forever. He actually wanted a little more than just casual friendship, but with 'that' person around, he would have to settle for friends.
Oddly enough, he was not jealous. He had once had a crush on 'that' person too, but it was magical. The magic that flowed in his blood had naturally drawn him to Yue. Yet, it was during his little crush on one of the card guardians that he realized Sakura had every right to gush Yukito. He was tall, handsome, kind, and talented. With the added bonus that he is a card guardian, Yue could mentor her in magic. That made 'that' person an all-in-one package perfect to receive Sakura's love. That left Li to be the out of place Chinese boy who had meddled in affairs that did not concern him.
Friends.
Is that how she really thought of him?
'Let's make a promise. We will always stay together and be friends. No matter what,'
Her voice again called out to him. Her special smile appeared before his mind's eyes. She only had that smile when she was truly deeply happy. So she honestly did want him to be close to her. Li did not know what it was that made him so special to her, but he was glad Sakura at least wanted his company.
Had he been thinking about her all this time?
Li's mind suddenly snapped back into place. Maybe he needed to get away a while. He had been easily distracted lately with the thought of that young honey brown-haired, and jade green-eyed girl. Maybe more training would help. Perhaps going home to complete his training to better his concentration skills would make him stronger.
But the thought of going home ached his heart. He did not want to leave, partly because he now had his own sacred sanctuary away from his babbling sisters and strict mother.
But mostly, because here was where Sakura lived.
Li was in love with Sakura. He did not remember when he had grown to love her. He just knew, one day, that he wanted her to be close to him. He wanted her to see him as something more than just another hang-along. He wanted to stand by her side.
It sounded silly. It sounded corny. But this is love.
Li let out a sight smile at the thought. His deep golden brown eyes were fixed on the object, a small golden tablet, in front of him. His messy chocolate brown hair waved a bit at the magical current that surged from his body forcing into the tablet. The room was dim, Li had closed the blinds so that passer-bys would not see him practicing magic. He wore a white shirt over his black t-shirt tucked into black dress pants. As soon as he was done what he was doing, he would have to go out.
Right now, he was making a gift for Kinomoto Sakura. From what he heard about Japanese traditions, it was on White Valentine's Day that boys returned gifts to girls who have delivered chocolates. This was to return to love the girl had shown to the boy on Valentine's. Li was keen to make Sakura's gift special. With that determination, he poured every ounce of magic in his body into making it. Taking a deep breath, Li began his final stride. But before long, the intercom buzzed once again breaking his concentration.
With an annoyed grumble, Li stood up and punched the intercom key. "Hello!" he barked. Who could be so irritating as to drag him away from his very important project?
Startled by the tone of his voice, a timid one replied. "Ummm…Syaoran-kun….is this a bad time?" Kinomoto Sakura asked meekly.
Suddenly realizing the horror of his mistake, Li's face turned bright red. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I didn't know it was you," he apologized.
"No, I shouldn't have come without calling first. I'll come back later. Sorry to bother you," Sakura replied.
"No, wait! This isn't a bad time! Please come in!" Li offered as he pressed another key releasing the front gate lock, then padding to his front door, Li opened it anticipating for Sakura's arrival.
Within moments, Sakura was seated inside Li's apartment. Her magical sense tingled as she felt the ruminants of Li's own magic coursing in the room. Her eyes gazed nervously at her surroundings surprised that Li would keep the blinds closed on such a sunny day. "Ummm…were you doing something in here?" she asked.
"Uh…yes…I was just practicing magic," Li replied as he brought out a tray of cookies and tea for his guest.
"Wow! That's amazing! You work so hard practicing magic and all," Sakura commented.
"It's nothing," Li blushed as he turned his face away.
"But it's still amazing! I wouldn't know how to practice magic even if Kero-chan told me to," Sakura complemented.
"But even if you don't practice, you are still very strong," Li assured as he poured a cup of tea. "I need to do this because I am not good enough,"
"But you are! Syaoran-kun tries hard at everything, so that what makes you strong," Sakura answered. "It's because you are next to me that I try my best," Sakura added with a blush.
Li paused as he looked up to Sakura unsure of what to say.
"Anyways, I came here to give you this," Sakura said breaking the silence. She pulled out the present she had made and handed it to Li.
"What for?" Li asked confused.
"White Valentine's of course. You gave me chocolates for Valentine's Day so I have to give you something in return," Sakura replied.
"But I—" Li stuttered.
"You left a box of chocolate in my mailbox. I found it when I got home. Although there was no card, somehow I just knew they were from you. They were very delicious, by the way," Sakura smiled.
"But how—?" Li asked in astonishment.
"The chocolates were made with care…and I knew they were from a kind person…so they must have been you," Sakura's rosy blush becoming more evident.
"Well…I…" Li muttered. There was no use in denying it now. He had sent her the chocolates. He was too shy to give it to her in person, so he slipped it in her mailbox early in the morning hoping that she would find it. Li's face glowed in embarrassment as he turned away. "I'm glad you liked them," was all he could muster.
Sakura placed the present on the coffee table. "I made this for you…but I'm not very good at arts and crafts so I'd understand if you don't like it…"
Shyly, Li reached out for the package. Lightly, he untied the ribbon and unwrapped it revealing a picture frame. It was made of wood painted in light pale green. Yellow painted stars and moon decorated the boarder. Sakura had placed a picture in the frame. It was during the school's athletics' meet. Seeing how Li had no family to have a picnic lunch with, Sakura had invited him to join her family along with Yukito. They had been casually enjoying lunch with a little bug crawled onto Sakura's leg. Surprised, Sakura screamed tossing her bento box onto the grass. Although the Kinomotos packed extra, Yukto had finished all the other helpings. That was when Li turned to Sakura carefully dividing the portions he has ate and placed the untouched half onto a separate plate offering it to Sakura. Sakura was surprised at first, but eventually took the food. Sakura's father, Fujitaka, had taken a picture of the incident saying how he wanted Sakura to remember this act of kindness. The picture featured a confused Sakura and Li with kind eyes and a slight smile holding out a plate of food for her.
"This is wonderful…" Li said studying the picture with a smile. "I will always keep this close to me," then looking up. "Thank you,"
"Thank goodness, you liked the present," Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. "The picture means a lot to me. I don't have a lot of pictures with you in it, but this one always reminds me of how kind and wonderful you really are,"
To that, Li's smile grew brighter. A gift from Sakura. No matter what she gave me, he would treasure it nonetheless. But a picture? A picture of him and Sakura alone…a picture that was meant to remind Sakura his better side. Li's blush grew brighter. Now, wherever he went, he would have a picture of her wit him. This was truly a spectacular gift.
"Thank you," he muttered again as he put the picture aside.
"Syaoran-kun, did you answer that person yet?" Sakura asked.
"Huh?"
"You said the person you liked most gave you chocolates on Valentine's Day. Did you answer her yet?" Sakura asked curiously.
"Well…I…" Li began meekly. "Actually, I have a gift for you too,"
"Hoe?"
"Your White Valentine's gift," Li announced as he pulled out the gold tablet from his pocket. It was diamond shaped with a little hole at the top so it can be used as a pendent. The tablet was slightly larger than her Star Staff Key, four small kanji words carved onto the front and the back, and it glittered despite the darkness in the room. Li carefully dropped the tablet onto Sakura's open hand.
"What is it?" Sakura asked confused examining the gift. There was a strong familiar warm aura around it. Li had enchanted it with strong magic.
"It's a charm," he explained. "You are afraid of ghosts, right. You can't see them but you know they exist because your magical senses tell you that their spirits are around,"
Sakura nodded.
"This is a charm against ghosts. It emits a strong magical light that wards ghosts away. As long as you keep it near you, no ghosts or unearthly spirits will come wandering," Li said.
To that Sakura smiled. She felt a slight tingle of excitement knowing that she would be carrying something enchanted with Li's magic close to her. "Thank you," Sakura said.
"It's nothing," Li muttered.
Taking off the necklace holding the magical key, Sakura slipped her new golden tablet to the chain. "This is not nothing," she said firmly. "Syaoran-kun worked so hard on this,"
"But I—"
"You are such a wonderful person, Syaoran-kun, and you are the one who knows me best," Sakura smiled as she replaced her necklace on her neck. "You knew I was afraid of ghosts so you made this. That's what makes you so kind,"
Li blushed as he stuttered "Well I…"
Sakura gave out a small giggle "You always watch over me, that's how you know me so well,"
"You have the cards…" Li mumbled. It was a lame response. "And everything else is nothing…"
"You always say that, but it's not true," Sakura pressed. "I know you, Syaoran-kun. I know you are really kind,"
Li smiled. His world lightened just by her comment. It seemed as though she had been watching him too. Sakura had seen past his cold exterior to reveal his true personality. Nothing could brighten his day more than a complement by Kinomoto Sakura.
Li smiled back at Sakura. His eyes softened to meet hers in a gaze. The two had found themselves locked into a comfortable silence. No words needed to be exchange, they both knew exactly how the other was feeling.
'Because you are the one who knows me best, Sakura'
---------------------
End
That's it! That's the best I can come up with :)
As usual, comments and criticism welcomed at raincmkai@hotmail.com