Somewhere Over The Rainbow
by Zenin
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The next day left Sakura feeling a bit drained. Her magic had been greatly used up from capturing three cards at once, leaving her faint. The girls had decided to let Sakura rest for the remainder of the day while they participated in the day's activities.
But the guys had not agreed to any such deal.
"Did you know that 10% of all fatal accidents involve vending machines?"
"Yamazaki…" Chen began warningly.
"Did you know that more people are injured by flying corks than knives?"
"That's not true!" Hakaru argued. Chen smoothly stood to his feet and walked towards Yamazaki
"Did you know that--mmphh! Mghphgh!!!"
Akashi swept a dazzling bow to Sakura and proceeded to open the door, admitting a red Syaoran dressed up in teddy bear outfit. "Your entertainment, my lady."
Sakura laughed long and hard as Syaoran began to sing.
I'm a little teapot,
Short and stout.
Here is my handle, here is my spout.
When it comes to tea time,
Hear me shout:
'Tip me over and pour me out!'"
Waves of laughter bubbled from her throat as Syaoran proceeded to dance clumsily around the room, cursing whenever he bumped into furniture.
And then, she woke up.
Yes, it had all been a dream…
Sakura giggled to herself and sat up. It was already 12:00. Everyone would be having lunch at the Food Court by now. Kero and Hoshi were both gone, probably stuffed themselves into the pockets of the girls so they could sneak dessert.
She stood and glanced out the window. Capturing three cards had been a drain, but Sakura had always been able to recover quickly. She pulled out an outfit Tomoyo had made her, one she had never worn, and put it on. The outfit consisted of a three-quarter sleeve cream shirt with light blue jeans. She combed her hair and wound it into a messy bun, leaving strands to frame her face. Now, she was ready. Finally ready to face Syaoran.
Sakura walked over to the door and opened it, just a figure stepped in. They collided, sending Sakura crashing to the floor.
It was Yukio.
He groaned, rubbed his head, then saw Sakura. "OH! Gomen, Sakura!"
He swiftly pulled her to her feet and stepped back, blushing slightly. "I just came by to see how you were feeling. I'm sorry about…well, everything. Are you okay?"
She smiled and brushed herself off. "Hai, I'm alright."
He bowed politely. "I also wanted to know…would you join me for lunch today?" He glanced up, blue eyes hopeful.
Sakura's smile faded slightly. I just got up the courage to tell Syaoran...that...that...I was going to--
"If you had other plans, I understand." Yukio said quickly. He stepped out the door, a wry smile curving his lips. "Well, I hope all goes well for you."
Sakura stepped forward, holding up her hand. "No, wait. Yukio, I'd–I'd love to have lunch with you."
His smile broadened into a grin and he took her hand. "Where can I take you?"
+==+==+==+
Syaoran watched the two, jealousy welling up within him. Sure, he hadn't seen Sakura since the rather…interesting episode that had occurred the day before, but…it still kind of hurt him to see Sakura going to lunch with another guy.
Alone.
He straitened his shoulders. Had Yukio really changed? Or was this another ploy? Whichever way, he was going to follow them make sure.
No one will bother Sakura while I'm around.
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Meilin muttered to herself as she watched Syaoran follow Sakura and Yukio. "He's going to ruin everything is he keeps acting like Sakura's supposed to be under house arrest. Idiota…dammit, I still have the blasted Spanish stuck in my head!"
"Need an interpreter?"
She whirled around to confront the guy who had just whispered in her ear.
It was Akashi. He smiled disarmingly and took one step back to reassure Meilin. "What's up?"
Meilin turned away and gestured towards the direction in which the trio had disappeared. "Syaoran," she said, her voice raspy. She paused and cleared her throat. "He's going to ruin everything."
Akashi studied her curiously. "In what way?"
"He shouldn't follow them. He needs to give her time to work things out by herself. Either that or tell her."
"Tell her what?"
"That he loves her." she whispered.
Akashi nodded silently and leaned against the wall of Cabin Five, gazing into the forest surrounding them. "Well, this has been an interesting summer."
Meilin snorted. "Is that the best you can do? I can think of a few better adjectives than just interesting."
Akashi grinned. "Umm…exhilarating? Exciting, entertaining, engaging, fascinating…" He glanced at Meilin, smiling slyly. "Attractive…"
Meilin look at him sharply. She frowned slightly and looked away. Akashi sighed with exasperation and stood in front of her.
"Speaking of ruining things…I swear, Meilin, can't you get a clue?"
Meilin voice trembled as she quickly glanced up at him then away. "Stand back, please."
Akashi deliberately stepped forward. "You don't love Syaoran." he said, his voice low.
"Like hell I don't." Meilin muttered. "Will you keep your distance?"
Akashi shook his head. "No. I'd like to straiten out a few things." He jabbed a finger at her chest, actually, for once, losing the control on his temper. "Meilin, you are the most stubborn, haughty, prim, accusatory, prepossessing, captivating, engaging girl I have ever met and," he took a deep breath. "I love you."
Meilin's head snapped up. "WHAT??"
"What's the matter?" he asked, running a hand through his windblown hair, aggravated. "Need it in Spanish? Te amo. Backwards? You love I. Backwards in Spani--"
She interrupted him, jabbing her own finger into his chest and walking forward, backing him into Cabin Six's wall. "Akashi Saito, you are the most irritating, insulting, devious, grasping, charming, calm, and aggravating boy I have ever met and…I love you too."
Silence reigned in the secluded area between Cabins Five and Six for the next few minutes as two lost people finally found what they were looking for.
Amor.
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"So…"
"So…"
The two teenagers stared at each other, speechless. Sakura ducked her head shyly as Yukio clenched his fists tightly.
They both knew why they were there, at the small restaurant in Azul. It wasn't just for lunch. It was for something more.
Understanding.
Yukio's face heated up. He had begged for her forgiveness, and she had given it freely. Now, they were both clearly at a loss for words. What else could he say?
Um, Sakura, I love you...and even though I know you love Syaoran, consider me first, please?
Nah…
Sakura, I love you. Marry me?
Whoa! That'd be going a bit far, don't you think?
He sighed with exasperation. Sakura lifted her eyes to meet his and gave a small smile. "Yukio, relax…"
Yukio smiled back at her. "I'm sorry, I just am nervous about…well, to tell the truth, I've never asked a girl out before."
Sakura laughed. "Well, to tell you the truth, I've never been asked out before!"
He frowned slightly. "What about Syaoran?" he asked.
Sakura's eyes clouded. "Um, he…he hasn't really…I don't even think…I don't…" Her voice was beginning to tremble.
He quickly held up his hands to stop her from saying more. "Don't speak. I understand."
"You do?" she whispered, raising her eyes to meet his.
He smiled gently. "Yes, I understand completely, Sakura." He leaned forward and lightly touched her hand. "You've probably already guessed, but…I…I love you Sakura, and all I want is to see you happy, even if it means letting you go."
Sakura didn't know what to say, or even whether to smile or cry. She stood and scooted her chair around the table and next to Yukio's, sitting with a sigh and leaning against him. "Yukio, I'm sorry."
He touched her hair gently, then leaned down and kissed her briefly, sweetly, on the lips.
Let me say goodbye
As we close this door;
Just ignore the tears I cry,
I know,
Your heart is spoken for.
Though my love will flow
For all eternity,
Oh, my love, I know,
You and I weren't meant to be.
So let me say goodbye,
And leave you with this kiss.
I watch you soar into the sky,
I know,
Your heart is spoken for.
"Goodbye."
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Okay, I know I said S+S chapter, but can't you tell it's coming up? And besides, posting two chapters always makes my audience happy, right? Pleeeeaaase review both of them. I'd really, really appreciate it! *Mutters* And you ought to appreciate this. *Looks dissatisfied* I mean…look at this mush! Not even one card attacked! *Grumbles*
© 2002 Zenin Industries