With All My Heart
Chapter 2: A Change
Syaoran made his way slowly up the steps to his house, then suddenly changed his mind, making his way gracefully up to the roof. He lied down, his hands behind his head, and looked up at the clear night sky, the moon shining gently down above him. He sighed. He had left the house earlier that day and wandered around the city alone, trying to get the image of a sad girl out of his mind. But she was still there, at the foremost of his thoughts. Her voice…sounded so cheerful until I told her I couldn't come. I feel like such a jerk for disappointing her. I really wanted to see her…I don't even know what she looks like now. It's been so long since I've seen her.
His stomach growled quietly, but he ignored his hunger. He hadn't eaten at all that day, having lost his appetite the moment he woke up and found the clan leaders in his living room. Why now? Why do they have to meet so seriously with me this Christmas? I'm sure it wouldn't hurt them to wait… He sighed. He knew he couldn't oppose the will of the clan.
He watched as a lone bird made its way above him. I wish I could fly away from here for a while and be with her. I miss her so much… He blushed as he realized his own strong feelings. I can't believe I can feel this much for her… He smiled as he remembered the moment Sakura had told him she loved him. She was so scared that I wouldn't remember my feelings for her after she sealed that card. But it all turned out okay, just like it always does with Sakura. It made me so happy to hear her say she loved me. I certainly don't deserve a girl like her after the way I treated her when we first met. But she's so wonderful…she could forgive something like that…
He sighed, closing his eyes, remembering all that had happened between them in the past. I want to see her…
Yelan watched unnoticed from the ground as her son made his way up to the roof of their large home and laid there. She was relieved to see him finally return…she had been so worried when he had left without a word after the phone call to Sakura. Now it was just past midnight. I wonder if he has eaten anything…I doubt it. I can tell he is a little depressed that he can't go to Japan like he wanted. If only the clan had not decided to meet with him now. I know it would have made him so happy to go. And I want him to be happy. She sighed. He has worked so hard since he returned from Japan so many years ago. He hasn't complained…he has certainly learned some more responsibility. And I know the Clan has realized this. I wish I could find a way for him to be happy…he deserves it.
Yelan looked up once more at her son who was still lying on the roof. She sighed as she suddenly felt a few drops of snow land on her cheek. She sighed once more, decided to leave her young son alone. What can I do?
***
Sakura woke early the next morning, the memory of the disappointing phone call coming quickly back to her. She sighed. A soft falling noise directed her attention to her window. She slowly got up and moved the curtains to one side. It's snowing… She looked out at the white covered neighborhood. It's so pretty... She shivered. She turned away from her window and quickly got dressed and walked slowly down the stairs to find her father and brother watching tv together in the living room.
"Ohayou, Sakura-san," her father called out to her.
"Ohayou, Otousan," Sakura replied.
"So the kaijuu is awake…" Touya muttered, smirking. Sakura glared at him momentarily, but said nothing.
"Isn't your friend arriving today?" Fujitaka asked her.
Sakura looked down. "Umm…he can't come."
Fujitaka's eyes widened slightly. So that's why she was so down yesterday. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said softly.
Sakura looked up at him and smiled slightly. "It's okay." She walked over to the closet and got her jacket. "I'm going out for a while," she called, and then quickly left the house, walking into the cold morning air.
Fujitaka and Touya stared at each other as she left. Touya sighed. "I hate that guy even more now. I know she wanted him to come."
Fujitaka sighed. "I'm sure he had a good reason."
Touya groaned. "Yeah right." Fujitaka smiled momentarily at his son, but then looked down, his eyes worried. If only there was something I could do…
***
"Master Li," Wei called, quietly opening Syaoran's door and stepping in. Syaoran looked up at him from his comfortable position under the blankets.
"Yes?"
"Your mother would like to speak with you," he told him.
Syaoran sighed and looked at the clock. It was only seven o'clock. "Now?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, but yes. She asked that you would come as soon as possible."
Syaoran groaned inwardly. "Fine. Could you tell her I'll be there in a few minutes?"
"Yes I will," Wei replied and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Syaoran sighed as he moved the blankets off of himself. He looked out the window. It was still snowing. He quickly got dressed and made his way to find his mother. Why does she have to see me so early?
He finally found her sitting outside watching the snow fall softly to the ground. Syaoran found a seat next to her, saying nothing.
"I hear it's snowing in Japan too," Yelan told him. Syaoran looked up surprised at his mother.
Yelan looked over at her son's confused face. "You were disappointed when the clan leaders asked you to meet with them during the holiday," she said, more like a statement than a question.
Syaoran looked away from his mother's piercing gaze. What in the heck does she want?
"I called one of the leaders earlier this morning," she began. "I wanted to make sure if it was absolutely necessary that they meet with you at this specific time."
Syaoran's head snapped up. He stared at his mother, eager to hear more.
She looked right back at him. "I had to tell them why you wanted to go to Japan so badly for them to even consider changing their plans." Syaoran blushed, looking away once more.
Yelan smiled. "You really do love her, don't you?" she asked. He nodded slightly, his blush spreading.
"I told them that," Yelan said. Syaoran's eyes widened. "They know that she is the Card Mistress," she continued, "so they approve of her for you." Syaoran's blush grew brighter. Yelan's smile grew wider.
"I was able to convince them that being together this Christmas would help to strengthen your relationship."
Syaoran looked sharply up at his mother, his eyes hopeful. "We canceled your tickets for the noon flight when we heard that you would have to stay here yesterday. I sent Wei to get you a new ticket."
Syaoran was silent for a moment in shock. The clan had never changed their decisions before.
"Well, maybe you should go pack," his mother suggested.
Syaoran just continued to look at her. "Thank you mother," he said slowly, starting to get up.
Yelan pulled him gently against her as he tried to get up. Syaoran's eyes widened in shock. It had been years since his mother had hugged him.
"Sorry that I'm leaving you this Christmas," Syaoran told her quietly.
Yelan smiled. "It is okay. It has been a long time since I have seen you so happy. I am glad that you have found someone to share your heart with. And Sakura-san is a very beautiful and strong girl. I think she is perfect for you."
Syaoran blushed once more. "Thank you so much," he whispered as she released her hold. He stood up, offering a hand to help his mother up as well. She smiled at him. A multitude of excited squeals behind them suddenly caught their attention as Syaoran's sisters suddenly rushed upon them, hugging their younger brother happily, saying how sweet he was and how happy they were for him, teasing him for blushing so much every time Sakura was mentioned.
Syaoran eventually got away from their hold, leaving his sisters and his mother behind. They smiled at each other, happy that he would finally be able to be with the one he loved after so many years.
Yelan looked away as tears suddenly began to well up in her eyes. This is so truly wonderful…
***
End of Chapter 2