Was my last chapter really that bad? Only four people reviewed…
well, thank-you to them and this speedy chapter (sorta) is for you. Can
you believe it? I was so hungry I ate four hot dogs, a hamburger, and a
whole thingy of potato salad. That's enough food to feed a small army!
Enough about my eating habits, ne?
Oh, one request before the chapter. If I'm horrible OCC with any character will someone please tell me? I've read a few fanfics that absolutely slaughtered Syaoran's personality… I just wanna make sure I don't do that- wouldn't wanna be a hypocrite. Can anyone tell me the names of Syaoran's sisters? (I know he has for, right?) And is his mother's name Yelan? Just wanna make sure I get my facts straight!
Okayies! Here it is. Chapter 12….
Baka! Baka! Baka! Syaoran scolded himself over and over, sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. I yelled at her, I can't believe I yelled at her! She should have agreed! What would it matter if I never came back! She would be happy, at least, and none of this would have happened!
He was so frustrated with himself at that moment. He recalled telling Sakura how lonely he had been in Hong Kong, without her. Was that what had made up her mind? Sakura, you're too kind for your own good…
"Syaoran-kun, I'm sorry."
Her voice, despite the softness, caused him to jump. She shouldn't be out of bed in her condition, and he wasn't just being overprotective. It was obvious that she had not regained all her strength; without the support of the door frame she wouldn't have been able to stand. Her eyes were vivid with pain although none of her other features showed that to be true.
"Sakura, what are you doing?!" He demanded, getting to his feet and walking quickly to her. Syaoran wrapped his arm around her back and tried to get her to walk back to the bedroom. Sakura, however, refused.
"I needed to talk to you." She explained, her voice soft and her eyes on the floor, "I wanted to tell you why I didn't accept that offer. I'm sorry I made you mad, but I just couldn't…"
As if he didn't feel bad enough already. Now she was going to tell him what she already knew; and he wasn't sure if he could stand anymore guilt. After all, this whole thing was basically his fault. "The past is past, Sakura. It doesn't matter."
She shook her head, still refusing to step forward, "No, you don't understand…"
With an exasperated sigh, he picked her up easily and began walking to the bedroom.
"Syaoran! What are you doing?!" She exclaimed.
"Taking you back to the bedroom, you shouldn't be up." He replied matter of factly. She was about to protest, but they were already there. Syaoran set her down on the bed and pulled the blankets over her. "Go. To. Sleep." He instructed, slowly annunciation every syllable.
Reluctantly she agreed and sunk down into the pillows.
He watched her for a few minutes, to make sure she wasn't going to get out of bed. She eventually fell asleep; then returned back to the couch. Just as he sat down, the doorbell rang.
Who could… then he remembered Tomoyo and felt a little guilty. She probably worried sick about Sakura…
Sure enough, when he opened the door he saw the dark haired girl standing outside.
"Li-kun! I'm so glad I finally found you! I thought something horrible happened. Did you find Sakura-chan? Is she all right?"
"Shut-up Dadjoji." He hissed, "Sakura's sleeping, or she was."
Tomoyo put a hand to her mouth, "Sorry. Is she all right?"
He hesitated, but replied, "I think she will be, if she stays in bed long enough for her wounds to heal."
Her eyes went wide, "Wounds? What happened? Does this have something to do with Li-san?"
"Hai." Syaoran replied, nodding.
Tomoyo's face grew more and more concerned. "Did she tell you what happened?"
"She said she felt the aura of a card and went after it, but it turned out to be Ping instead. He wanted to make a deal; if she gave him the cards and I went back to Hong Kong he would leave her alone. She refused and…" He shrugged again, sadly this time.
"Poor Sakura-chan."
Syaoran debated on telling her about Sakura's vision and the choice that had made him so angry. He decided on it, "Sakura did something really stupid." He commented and Tomoyo glanced to him, "Someone made her an offer and she refused it."
"I don't see how that makes her stupid."
"You haven't heard the offer. This person would reverse things so Ping never came to Japan- so none of this would have happened to Sakura."
"And she refused?" She demanded in shocked, "Wait, what were the conditions?"
He sighed, of course she would ask that, "It's not big deal really. I wouldn't have returned here."
Tomoyo shook her head sadly, "I don't think what she did was stupid."
"You can't tell me that…"
She raised her hand and cut him off, "We all know that Sakura-chan is a little dense, but right now you could rival her in that area, Li-kun. "
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"There's no need to swear." She replied calmly, raising and eye brow at him.
Sighing, he said, "You're right. I just can't believe Sakura would turn down an offer like that."
"I can."
"You must know something I don't, then. "
"Hai, I do. Think about it and maybe you're realize it too."
When a minute or so had passed and he still hadn't come up with an answer, Tomoyo sighed in exasperation, "Baka, she still loves you. Can't you see that?!"
Syaoran was in shock. "She… what?"
"Why is that so hard for you to understand? She, Kinimoto Sakura still loves you, Li Syaoran."
A gasp was heard from the back of the room and they both looked up. Tomoyo's face wen paler than normal. "Sakura-chan!"
Sakura had heard the voice of her best friend and got out of bed, wanting to go say hello. So she limped (dragged was more like it) herself down the hall and paused just outside the leaving room to catch her break. Tomoyo and Syaoran were still standing by the door and seemed to be having a very important conversation.
"She… what?" Syaoran stuttered, sound absolutely bewildered.
"Why is that so hard for you to understand?" Tomoyo demanded, sounding more sympathetic than impatient, "She, Kinimoto Sakura still loves you, Li Syaoran."
Sakura gasped before she could stop herself, betraying her position. Two unbelievable things had just happen. First, her best friend had just betrayed her trust by telling that to him, but that wasn't the worst part. Syaoran knew now. What would he think of her now? Would he laugh with her and call her stupid for holding onto something that had been dead for so long? He already thought she was dense, would this just further his speculation? What if he hated her for it? Recalling how cold he had been when he first returned, she shivered. She didn't know if she could take that type of treatment from him again. Or maybe… maybe he would return her feelings once again…
Seconds passed by, feeling like hours. Her hope was erased when Syaoran said and did nothing, nothing but stand there was a shocked look on his face.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo exclaimed, running over to her. "Sakura-chan, I didn't know you were standing there. I'm sorry I…"
"It's okay, I know you were just trying to help." But you ruined every thing.
She couldn't take the pain of knowing, beyond a doubt, that he didn't have those kind of feelings for her anymore. Sure, she was almost positive that that was the case, but if he actually said something… it would make it set in stone.
"Onii-chan's probably pretty worried, ne?" She wondered, not looking at Syaoran at all costs. "I should probably got tell him I'm alright."
"Sakura, wait." Syaoran exclaimed suddenly, "Can I talk to you."
"Syaoran-kun, what Tomoyo told you isn't true." She replied slowly, meeting his eyes. She knew she had to do this, he would know for sure she was lying if she looked away.
They stood with there eyes locked together, then he nodded, "Make sure you don't do anything too strenuous, and get lots of rest." He instructed, "I'm going to come by later and check on you, okay? But I have some business to take care of first."
Did he believe her? It looked like he did. "All right, bye Syaoran- kun. And thank-you again."
Tomoyo glanced at to Syaoran, then to Sakura, then back to Syaoran. Don't believe her, Li-kun. I don't know what she's doing, but you can bet I'll find out.
She's lying. Syaoran was still shocked by what he found out. Despite what Sakura had told him, he knew that what Tomoyo had told him was the truth. When he looked into her eyes he had seen it, there was no way he could not. She had lied and lied desperately, but still he had discovered the truth.
I can't believe it… she's still… after all that time… after everything I've done to her. She still loves me… He was overjoyed by the thought, but something puzzled him still. Why would she want to lie?
He could ask her about that later; for now, he really did have business to attend to.
Syaoran picked up the phone from the counter, a grim smile on his face. He pressed one of the buttons on the speed dial. "Li residence, how may I help you?"
He smirked again, How can you help me indeed. "This is Li Xiao Lang, I wish to speak with the elders. Please inform them this is very urgent."
It was barely five o'clock at night, far to early to go to sleep. Yet that seemed to be the only think Touya would allow her to do. So she sat in her room, starring at the wall and thinking about all that had happened, which of course led her to thinking of Syaoran. Her eyes strayed to the dresser and there fell upon a picture, framed in gold. Getting to her feet with much trouble, she walked over and picked up the picture to examine it, tears coming to her eyes. It was scene from years ago, when her and Syaoran were a couple.
The picture had been taken in late spring. Sakura was dressed in a pale pink sundress and Syaoran was wearing kaki shorts and a green tee- shirt. They were in each other's arms, blushing slightly and smiling. Sakura was looking up at him and he was looking down on her, oblivious to everything but each other. Tomoyo had taken the picture, Sakura recalled, because they hadn't allowed her to video tape them. It was a fair compromise, they had thought.
I miss those days so much. She thought sadly, stroking the picture longingly. If only… oh Syaoran…
"You kept that picture?" Wondered a voice right next to her ear.
In shock, she spun around, forgetting that it was impossible for her to move that fast. She would have fallen to the ground had Syaoran not caught her by the shoulders.
"S..Syaoran…?" She wondered shakily, "What are you…"
"I said I'd come check up on you, didn't I?" He wondered, "I still have my copy too."
She was too shocked to say or do anything. Why would he still…
Guiding her to the bed, he made her sit than sat down beside her. "Why did you lie to me earlier?" He wondered very suddenly.
Sakura knew exactly what he was talking about and fought down a rush of panic, "I didn't…"
"Yes you were, I could see it in your eyes." He cut her off, looking at her very intently. "I won't take no for an answer either."
She sighed and looked down, "Because I didn't want to hear it from you that you still don't feel that way about me. I don't think I could take that." Tears welled in her eyes, but she fought them back, "I'm sorry if this makes things awkward, but you asked."
"I did." He agreed, "And I have an answer for you. I've been thinking about this for a while, I've known how I felt towards you, but I didn't know if it was fair for you. I've caused you so much pain and I don't want to hurt you anymore. In the end, I decided to be selfish and go through with this."
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. Here it comes…
"I guess the old saying's right though, you always hurt the one you love."
"What?" She demanded, thinking her ears were playing tricks on her.
Syaoran tilted her chin back with a finger so he could look into her eyes. "I love you, Sakura. I always have and I always will. No matter what, now and forever."
"Syaoran.." Before she said another word, she kissed him and Syaoran realized how much he had missed her, missed everything about her. He held her tightly, never wanting to let her go.
"I love you Syaoran." She confessed, tears of happiness running down her cheeks. Sighing contently, she rested her head on his chest and said, "Now everything will be alright."
That reminded him of something… "Sakura, I need to ask you; will you come back to Hong Kong with me?"
**********
Look, there's the confession. How'd I do? Well, there it is so you know it's gonna be over soon. Maybe a few more chapters. Next one will be more exciting, I hope. Honestly, it will be. Please review though.. R+R!! pikogio@yahoo.com
Oh, one request before the chapter. If I'm horrible OCC with any character will someone please tell me? I've read a few fanfics that absolutely slaughtered Syaoran's personality… I just wanna make sure I don't do that- wouldn't wanna be a hypocrite. Can anyone tell me the names of Syaoran's sisters? (I know he has for, right?) And is his mother's name Yelan? Just wanna make sure I get my facts straight!
Okayies! Here it is. Chapter 12….
Baka! Baka! Baka! Syaoran scolded himself over and over, sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. I yelled at her, I can't believe I yelled at her! She should have agreed! What would it matter if I never came back! She would be happy, at least, and none of this would have happened!
He was so frustrated with himself at that moment. He recalled telling Sakura how lonely he had been in Hong Kong, without her. Was that what had made up her mind? Sakura, you're too kind for your own good…
"Syaoran-kun, I'm sorry."
Her voice, despite the softness, caused him to jump. She shouldn't be out of bed in her condition, and he wasn't just being overprotective. It was obvious that she had not regained all her strength; without the support of the door frame she wouldn't have been able to stand. Her eyes were vivid with pain although none of her other features showed that to be true.
"Sakura, what are you doing?!" He demanded, getting to his feet and walking quickly to her. Syaoran wrapped his arm around her back and tried to get her to walk back to the bedroom. Sakura, however, refused.
"I needed to talk to you." She explained, her voice soft and her eyes on the floor, "I wanted to tell you why I didn't accept that offer. I'm sorry I made you mad, but I just couldn't…"
As if he didn't feel bad enough already. Now she was going to tell him what she already knew; and he wasn't sure if he could stand anymore guilt. After all, this whole thing was basically his fault. "The past is past, Sakura. It doesn't matter."
She shook her head, still refusing to step forward, "No, you don't understand…"
With an exasperated sigh, he picked her up easily and began walking to the bedroom.
"Syaoran! What are you doing?!" She exclaimed.
"Taking you back to the bedroom, you shouldn't be up." He replied matter of factly. She was about to protest, but they were already there. Syaoran set her down on the bed and pulled the blankets over her. "Go. To. Sleep." He instructed, slowly annunciation every syllable.
Reluctantly she agreed and sunk down into the pillows.
He watched her for a few minutes, to make sure she wasn't going to get out of bed. She eventually fell asleep; then returned back to the couch. Just as he sat down, the doorbell rang.
Who could… then he remembered Tomoyo and felt a little guilty. She probably worried sick about Sakura…
Sure enough, when he opened the door he saw the dark haired girl standing outside.
"Li-kun! I'm so glad I finally found you! I thought something horrible happened. Did you find Sakura-chan? Is she all right?"
"Shut-up Dadjoji." He hissed, "Sakura's sleeping, or she was."
Tomoyo put a hand to her mouth, "Sorry. Is she all right?"
He hesitated, but replied, "I think she will be, if she stays in bed long enough for her wounds to heal."
Her eyes went wide, "Wounds? What happened? Does this have something to do with Li-san?"
"Hai." Syaoran replied, nodding.
Tomoyo's face grew more and more concerned. "Did she tell you what happened?"
"She said she felt the aura of a card and went after it, but it turned out to be Ping instead. He wanted to make a deal; if she gave him the cards and I went back to Hong Kong he would leave her alone. She refused and…" He shrugged again, sadly this time.
"Poor Sakura-chan."
Syaoran debated on telling her about Sakura's vision and the choice that had made him so angry. He decided on it, "Sakura did something really stupid." He commented and Tomoyo glanced to him, "Someone made her an offer and she refused it."
"I don't see how that makes her stupid."
"You haven't heard the offer. This person would reverse things so Ping never came to Japan- so none of this would have happened to Sakura."
"And she refused?" She demanded in shocked, "Wait, what were the conditions?"
He sighed, of course she would ask that, "It's not big deal really. I wouldn't have returned here."
Tomoyo shook her head sadly, "I don't think what she did was stupid."
"You can't tell me that…"
She raised her hand and cut him off, "We all know that Sakura-chan is a little dense, but right now you could rival her in that area, Li-kun. "
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"There's no need to swear." She replied calmly, raising and eye brow at him.
Sighing, he said, "You're right. I just can't believe Sakura would turn down an offer like that."
"I can."
"You must know something I don't, then. "
"Hai, I do. Think about it and maybe you're realize it too."
When a minute or so had passed and he still hadn't come up with an answer, Tomoyo sighed in exasperation, "Baka, she still loves you. Can't you see that?!"
Syaoran was in shock. "She… what?"
"Why is that so hard for you to understand? She, Kinimoto Sakura still loves you, Li Syaoran."
A gasp was heard from the back of the room and they both looked up. Tomoyo's face wen paler than normal. "Sakura-chan!"
Sakura had heard the voice of her best friend and got out of bed, wanting to go say hello. So she limped (dragged was more like it) herself down the hall and paused just outside the leaving room to catch her break. Tomoyo and Syaoran were still standing by the door and seemed to be having a very important conversation.
"She… what?" Syaoran stuttered, sound absolutely bewildered.
"Why is that so hard for you to understand?" Tomoyo demanded, sounding more sympathetic than impatient, "She, Kinimoto Sakura still loves you, Li Syaoran."
Sakura gasped before she could stop herself, betraying her position. Two unbelievable things had just happen. First, her best friend had just betrayed her trust by telling that to him, but that wasn't the worst part. Syaoran knew now. What would he think of her now? Would he laugh with her and call her stupid for holding onto something that had been dead for so long? He already thought she was dense, would this just further his speculation? What if he hated her for it? Recalling how cold he had been when he first returned, she shivered. She didn't know if she could take that type of treatment from him again. Or maybe… maybe he would return her feelings once again…
Seconds passed by, feeling like hours. Her hope was erased when Syaoran said and did nothing, nothing but stand there was a shocked look on his face.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo exclaimed, running over to her. "Sakura-chan, I didn't know you were standing there. I'm sorry I…"
"It's okay, I know you were just trying to help." But you ruined every thing.
She couldn't take the pain of knowing, beyond a doubt, that he didn't have those kind of feelings for her anymore. Sure, she was almost positive that that was the case, but if he actually said something… it would make it set in stone.
"Onii-chan's probably pretty worried, ne?" She wondered, not looking at Syaoran at all costs. "I should probably got tell him I'm alright."
"Sakura, wait." Syaoran exclaimed suddenly, "Can I talk to you."
"Syaoran-kun, what Tomoyo told you isn't true." She replied slowly, meeting his eyes. She knew she had to do this, he would know for sure she was lying if she looked away.
They stood with there eyes locked together, then he nodded, "Make sure you don't do anything too strenuous, and get lots of rest." He instructed, "I'm going to come by later and check on you, okay? But I have some business to take care of first."
Did he believe her? It looked like he did. "All right, bye Syaoran- kun. And thank-you again."
Tomoyo glanced at to Syaoran, then to Sakura, then back to Syaoran. Don't believe her, Li-kun. I don't know what she's doing, but you can bet I'll find out.
She's lying. Syaoran was still shocked by what he found out. Despite what Sakura had told him, he knew that what Tomoyo had told him was the truth. When he looked into her eyes he had seen it, there was no way he could not. She had lied and lied desperately, but still he had discovered the truth.
I can't believe it… she's still… after all that time… after everything I've done to her. She still loves me… He was overjoyed by the thought, but something puzzled him still. Why would she want to lie?
He could ask her about that later; for now, he really did have business to attend to.
Syaoran picked up the phone from the counter, a grim smile on his face. He pressed one of the buttons on the speed dial. "Li residence, how may I help you?"
He smirked again, How can you help me indeed. "This is Li Xiao Lang, I wish to speak with the elders. Please inform them this is very urgent."
It was barely five o'clock at night, far to early to go to sleep. Yet that seemed to be the only think Touya would allow her to do. So she sat in her room, starring at the wall and thinking about all that had happened, which of course led her to thinking of Syaoran. Her eyes strayed to the dresser and there fell upon a picture, framed in gold. Getting to her feet with much trouble, she walked over and picked up the picture to examine it, tears coming to her eyes. It was scene from years ago, when her and Syaoran were a couple.
The picture had been taken in late spring. Sakura was dressed in a pale pink sundress and Syaoran was wearing kaki shorts and a green tee- shirt. They were in each other's arms, blushing slightly and smiling. Sakura was looking up at him and he was looking down on her, oblivious to everything but each other. Tomoyo had taken the picture, Sakura recalled, because they hadn't allowed her to video tape them. It was a fair compromise, they had thought.
I miss those days so much. She thought sadly, stroking the picture longingly. If only… oh Syaoran…
"You kept that picture?" Wondered a voice right next to her ear.
In shock, she spun around, forgetting that it was impossible for her to move that fast. She would have fallen to the ground had Syaoran not caught her by the shoulders.
"S..Syaoran…?" She wondered shakily, "What are you…"
"I said I'd come check up on you, didn't I?" He wondered, "I still have my copy too."
She was too shocked to say or do anything. Why would he still…
Guiding her to the bed, he made her sit than sat down beside her. "Why did you lie to me earlier?" He wondered very suddenly.
Sakura knew exactly what he was talking about and fought down a rush of panic, "I didn't…"
"Yes you were, I could see it in your eyes." He cut her off, looking at her very intently. "I won't take no for an answer either."
She sighed and looked down, "Because I didn't want to hear it from you that you still don't feel that way about me. I don't think I could take that." Tears welled in her eyes, but she fought them back, "I'm sorry if this makes things awkward, but you asked."
"I did." He agreed, "And I have an answer for you. I've been thinking about this for a while, I've known how I felt towards you, but I didn't know if it was fair for you. I've caused you so much pain and I don't want to hurt you anymore. In the end, I decided to be selfish and go through with this."
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. Here it comes…
"I guess the old saying's right though, you always hurt the one you love."
"What?" She demanded, thinking her ears were playing tricks on her.
Syaoran tilted her chin back with a finger so he could look into her eyes. "I love you, Sakura. I always have and I always will. No matter what, now and forever."
"Syaoran.." Before she said another word, she kissed him and Syaoran realized how much he had missed her, missed everything about her. He held her tightly, never wanting to let her go.
"I love you Syaoran." She confessed, tears of happiness running down her cheeks. Sighing contently, she rested her head on his chest and said, "Now everything will be alright."
That reminded him of something… "Sakura, I need to ask you; will you come back to Hong Kong with me?"
**********
Look, there's the confession. How'd I do? Well, there it is so you know it's gonna be over soon. Maybe a few more chapters. Next one will be more exciting, I hope. Honestly, it will be. Please review though.. R+R!! pikogio@yahoo.com