A new beginning - chapter 3
"Escaping into danger or safety?"
Coco cookie: hallooooo! O.k. . . so S+S finally meet up again. For those T+E fans, I'm sorrie but they're nothing except friends in this storie. I prefer to just focus on my fave couple S+S. They're just soooooooo perfect 4 each other (not to mention da fact that Syaoran is sooooo cute!)
Key: words in braces are thoughts. The starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
Folding out a map onto the table, Syaoran pointed out the many places they could try and escape by. [I can't believe I'm actually leaving my own home like some theft] he thought as he spread out the many folds and crinkles on the paper. [But I have to help them out - Eroil and I can easily leave while it's almost impossible for them.] The map was quite yellow from many years of use, and the details were growing dim.
Sakura rang one finger along the map. As old and worn out as it seemed, it was drawn in great detail and only something a rich person could afford to have made.
Syaoran as if understanding her awe, said quietly, "My dad had that made for him when he was really young. According to mother, he loved to pretend to be some kind of explorer - and I guess the house was perfect for that." His voice broke off suddenly, like as if it was too painful to talk.
Sakura glanced sadly at him - she knew how he felt. Opening her mouth to say something comforting, Syaoran cut her off abruptly. [I don't need your sympathy, it's not like you'll understand.]
"Our best chance of getting out without being spotted, is by going through the west wing where we can easily get onto the roofs. No one will suspect we're there because it's a rather hard climb to the top. No one ever goes there too- except for me." (Remember the scene in the prologue where he was on the roof? That's it)
As Syaoran pointed out their route to Tomoyo and Eroil, Sakura stopped listening to him. She felt rather confused at his actions a moment ago - the way he just cut her off so coldly like as if she wasn't to know. [Are you always like that?] Sakura pondered as she glanced at him. [But just a while ago when I was sick - and when that guy came near me, you were so caring. So much like someone who should be in love with me.] Sakura sighed. When she was feeling weird at dinner, he was immediately at her side. Though she was tired, she still noticed everything that was going on - she felt the way he had held her so gently, the way he had brushed the strand of hair off her cheek.
Laying a hand on the cheek he had touched, she thought silently [What are you really like Syaoran?]
* * * * *
Changing into a proper dress that Tomoyo had packed ("Isn't this one cute? I love those little bunnies!" Tomoyo had quoted), Sakura dawdled along beside them. Even faithful Kero was somewhere at the front. She now regretted the fact that she hadn't been listening - moving at such a fast rate in the dark was confusing. The only reason why she even went the right way, was because she could make out the outlines of the others.
"Weren't you even paying attention to anything I was saying?" Syaoran had scolded as he waited for her to catch up for the 5th time. Sakura reddened. "Sorry, " she mumbled.
He sighed. Then holding out his hand, he said casually "Here. Since you're so hopeless on your own, I'll guide you."
Sakura felt tingles vibrating in her body as their skins touched. "Thanks, " she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just move, " he replied.
They jogged down the hall after Eroil and Tomoyo who were ahead. Turn after turn they took, their footsteps light but eerie in the darkness. Sakura found herself less distracted as she ran and soon could speed up her pace. [I like this - I haven't had a proper jog for days.]
With a faster pace, they soon caught up with Eroil and Tomoyo. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief when he realised neither one of them could see he was holding Sakura's hand. [I don't want them getting the idea I like her - or something just as crazy.]
For a while, the four and Kero just made their way down the endless hall silently. Seeing that Sakura was finally moving, Syaoran let go of her. Once their hands parted, he felt a bit sad - as if he was losing something special.
But his attention was soon caught by their goal - they had finally reached the window that would lead them onto the roofs.
"Here, " Syaoran said as they all stopped after him, "Just jump across from here to there."
Sakura walked over to the front and peered at the distance between the window and the nearby roof. Immediately she felt her body weakening at the sight; they would have to jump over 2 metres just to get to the other end. Sakura was a pretty good long jumper, but ofcourse, that jump was made on the ground - not nearly 20metres in the sky.
"Hoeee! You're joking right? I can't do that!" she protested as she backed away.
"If you don't like this idea, then go ahead and take the easier way," Syaoran replied impatiently as he placed one leg on the windowsill.
"There's a easier way?" Tomoyo asked surprised. She too, wasn't too excited about his plan - especially since she wasn't as good in sport as Sakura.
"Yeah - you just go up the staircase and turn into the east wing, but "Eroil paused, "Since it's such a well known path, I bet you it'll be heavily guarded."
Sakura and Tomoyo glanced at each other nervously - they only had one choice, and it was just as bad as the other one.
"Look all right? I'll go first and if I die, then we'll know if this way is totally impossible to cross or not." Then in a simple leap off the window, he landed steadily on the roof. Turning back to them, he said, "Hurry up already."
"Can't I just use the fly?" Sakura asked as she took out the card from her deck. Then just as she was about to use her key, Eroil stopped her.
"Don't Sakura - you must avoid using magic until we catch that new card. The loop already has you drained, you can not put yourself in a worse position."
Sakura reluctantly put the card back in the deck. And hurriedly, she searched for another excuse. "Then can one of you guys use your magic to get Tomoyo and me across?"
Eroil shook his head as he smiled. "Nup - I bet you the clan put a magic finder around this whole place, they'll sense all magic that may be used."
Seeing that Sakura was still very nervous, Syaoran sighed. [I'll help you just this once]. Holding out his arms, he said, "I'll catch you if you fall. Happy now?"
His kind actions made her feel more confident - plus the fact that she was unable to think of any more excuses. With this, Sakura moved toward the windowsill. Resting her body against it, she was just about to raise herself on when Kero interrupted.
"No way am I ever gonna let him hold you - he's not trustworthy! He's a pervert!" Sakura sighed in relief. [At least now I won't have to risk my life trying to escape this place.]
"How are you going to get her across? You're not even strong enough to carry a book!" Syaoran challenged as he glared at him.
Kero smiled smugly. Suddenly, he began to glow and slowly, you could see he was transforming into Keroberus. [Oh yeah - the stuffed animal has that stupid transformation thing] Syaoran thought annoyed.
* * * * *
Once Kero reached the roof, Sakura and Tomoyo got off his back. Eroil too, jumped over the distance and landed beside them.
Seeing that his larger from was of no more use, Kero transformed back - suddenly he yawned. "I'm so tired now - what's the time?"
"Nearly ten I think, " Tomoyo answered.
Kero stretched. "Since you don't need me anymore, would you mind if I slept early?
[Poor Kero,] Sakura thought [he must be tired after such a day.]
Syaoran raised an eyebrow. "If you manage to die in your sleep, that'll be great."
Kero glared at him. Then flying over to Sakura's bag, he tucked himself under a magazine. Sakura smiled as she zipped up her bag, leaving just enough room for him to breathe properly.
"Finally, "Syaoran muttered as he began leading the way along the ever- going roof, "I thought he'd never shutup."
"I HEARD THAT!"
* * * * *
Walking along the roof was a lot harder then it seemed - it sloped a lot and the many linings of brick made it hard for them to balance. Even with her gymnastic skills, Sakura kept stumbling.
Once more Tomoyo stopped to massage the stitch that had formed on the side of her hip. [We just seem to walk on and on. And] she thought rather bored, [there's no romance happening between Li-kun and Sakura.] She gazed disappointed at the video camera in her bag.
Suddenly Syaoran halted them. He was the only one (including Eroil) who seemed utterly unaffected by their journey.
"Just a little bit a head and we'll be near the outside gates. Watch your footsteps - the roofs after this will not be joined." With just those words, he turned back and began walking without a care.
[Doesn't he know how tired we are?] Sakura thought as she groggily followed. It was quite a beautiful night - a full moon and breezy, comforting winds. [A type of night where I should be asleep]
For what seemed like ages, they moved on. They just as Syaoran had warned them, the roofs had become detached, and they would have to jump a few metres to reach the other end.
Sakura slumped immediately. Now that Kero was asleep, she and Tomoyo would have no way of getting across - unless they jumped themselves. [Or maybe,] Sakura thought hopefully as she glanced over at Syaoran, [Maybe he'll offer to help me like last time.]
Reading her thoughts, Syaoran replied coldly, "Forget it." With that, he easily leaped over and left her behind. He could just imagine her expression - one of hurt and disappointment - but he had to do it. He was to be independent and not affected by anyone.
"Oh is a that a stranded maiden I see?" Eroil asked as he walked toward her with a smile. He had just carried Tomoyo across and saw that Syaoran would not help Sakura.
"Oh Eroil! Are you going to help me? Thank you so much!" Sakura cried happily.
"Yes I'm very nice aren't I?" he replied as he glanced over at the fuming Syaoran. Unless his eyes were deceiving him, he could have sworn he saw steam coming out of Syaoran's ears.
Picking her up with ease, he clutched her body closer to him then he would really have needed.
[Bastard,] Syaoran thought as he clenched his teeth [How dare he hold her like as if he owns her.]
"Ready Sakura?" Eroil asked kindly as he walked back a few steps, preparing to jump. Immediately Sakura tensed up. [Hoee.]
But before she knew it, they had landed - without any injuries or any kind of alarming scare. She actually kind of enjoyed it; the feeling of leaping through the air with the breeze flapping against her. [I was so silly to make such a big fuss over nothing.]
About to get up, she was stopped by Eroil who still kept a tight grip on her. "We have another few jumps to make Sakura," he said evilly with a glance in Syaoran's direction.
Finally Syaoran couldn't stand it anymore. He charged over to them and hurriedly snatched Sakura away. "I'm taking her over for the next jumps - not you!" Ignoring Sakura's startled cry, he picked her up with even more ease then Eroil and headed in the direction of the next gap.
* * * * *
As Syaoran walked back a few steps preparing to jump, Sakura felt her head lighten. [Hoe, it's happening again,] she thought angrily as she tried to stay alert. But it just grew worse because of all the energy she had used a moment ago.
Suddenly they were in the air; Syaoran had made his jump. Beginning to also feel drowsy, Sakura couldn't resist the urge to sleep. She knew she should face the journey as well as Tomoyo had done, but she was extremely tired.
"Sakura," Syaoran saw how she was starting to fall asleep, "Are you all right?" But already slipping into slumber, Sakura didn't hear any of it.
A sudden gush of wind whipped at them - immediately Sakura shivered. Then snuggling closer to Syaoran's warm and strong body, she nestled her head on his chest.
Syaoran blushed at her affectionate ways. [Thank goodness she's asleep and she has no idea what she's doing.] He knew perfectly that he should start moving - he knew perfectly that Eroil and Tomoyo were watching him. ("Finally! Ooo this is just so sweet!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she set up her video camera) But for once, he didn't care.
There they were in the moonlight, Sakura in his arms, asleep with an innocent smile on her face. He knew as he watched her that this was probably the 3rd time he had begun staring at her. But she was so angelic and beautiful that he felt overjoyed just by being at her side. [Maybe this was the reason why I first thought I was in love with you. Silly weren't I?]
Syaoran glanced at her one more time before turning away. [But at least I can understand why I had that weird feeling.]
* * * * *
Jumping expertly from the edge of the roof to the nearby tree, Syaoran waited for Eroil to arrive. It was his job to carry Sakura while Eroil was to handle Tomoyo.
A tiny rustle from the tree beside him told him they had also safety escaped. [Good,] he thought relieved. This place was extremely risky as it was heavily guarded - Syaoran could easily spot 6 guards, patrolling and alert to every move made.
Then motioning to Eroil to move, he leaped to the next tree. By this way, they managed to get over a few metres and moved closer toward the gate. Finally seeing their goal infront of them, Syaoran checked once more that no one was looking in their direction. Then with that, both guys landed ontop of the steel gate and easily slipped over.
* * * * *
[So this is the country I left many years ago,] Syaoran thought as he glanced around the nearly empty airport. As far as he knew, it hadn't changed much and the place brought many memories back to him. The time they said farewell.
The battle against Yue.
Even all the time they spent together capturing a card.
Suddenly Eroil's voice interrupted his thoughts. "We should all get some sleep at some hotel for tonight." Glancing at Sakura who was still fast asleep, he said, "And we won't be able to send her home for now - Touya would be extremely suspicious over why she was brought home by strangers at 1 o'clock in the morning."
Syaoran's blood turned cold at the mention of Sakura's older brother. [Oh great - now I've got to live with him in my life again.]
* * * * *
Tomoyo chose the hotel for them to live in for the night - it was one of the best in Japan; unbelievably large with swimming pools, golf courses and a most romantic design.
"Hello, "Tomoyo greeted politely, "would you have four spare rooms? We'll be staying for just one night."
Immediately the girl started searching through the database in her computer. She couldn't help but feel slightly curious about the 4 strangers - especially Syaoran who was still carrying Sakura. Syaoran glared back at her, giving the 'mind your own business' look.
"I'm sorry but we have only 2 single bedrooms available. And beside that, " she replied, "there is just one king-size bedroom. We've been having a lot of visitors recently you see. "
Syaoran stared at Tomoyo - she kept glancing between him and Sakura with a funny look. [Since there's four of us, that means that two will have to sleep toge-]
"We'll take it!" Tomoyo and Eroil exclaimed in unison before he could continue his thoughts.
* * * * *
"O.k, " Eroil murmured, "The single rooms are 126 and 127." Together the four wandered down among the different rooms.
Syaoran furrowed his eyebrows as he looked on. [124 . . . 125-]
"Ah here it is! 126!" exclaimed Tomoyo from his left. In a flash, she stuck in one of the electronic cards and opened the door.
Finally Syaoran knew what they were up to - they were purposely trying to get him and Sakura stuck in the same room. With Sakura still in his arms, he hurriedly pounced onto her door. "Hey! Why am I going to be-"
SLAM!
Her door closed before he could get in. Fuming, he realised that he still had the chance to get the other room. But just as he turned around, Eroil had slipped in and also shut the door.
[Darn fricking people,] he thought angrily. Suddenly a note appeared from under Eroil's door. Picking it up, Syaoran read: Your (or shall I say Sakura's too) room is number 135. Sleep well!
* * * * *
Laying Sakura down carefully on the soft, satin quilts, he watched her for a moment. He wasn't really tired, as he was used to not getting much sleep, and found the night quite nice to piece out his thoughts.
She was still sound asleep, her breathing regular and slow. Making sure that she was in a comfortable position, he picked up the blanket and draped it over her. Then placing his hand on one of her cheeks, he made sure she was warm. But for some reason, he didn't want to let go, he wanted to continue holding her, assuring that she was safe and happy.
Glancing over to Sakura's bag, which he had thrown purposely to the floor, he was relieved Kero was still asleep. [I guess he can sleep through anything.]
Moonlight shone in from an opening in the curtains and placed itself contentedly on her face. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders and some uncontrollable wisps of hair stayed around her bangs.
Syaoran sat down beside her on the bed. He ran a finger along one of her soft hands, which she kept tucked underneath her head. [Everything about her is so hard to forget. Everything about her seems to be perfect.]
Finally getting up, he went to the right side of the bed and placed himself as comfortably as possible on the wooden floor. With that, he fell asleep.
* * * * *
Coco cookie: In one week from now, da holidays are gonna start - YES!!!!
I have this nasty habit of not continuing stories - if no new chapters arrive for a while, that must mean I'm getting lazy and I won't bother to finish it.
Then. . . email me at mmm_lotsa_chocolate@hotmail.com and swear your head off at me k? ^_^ Thanx!
Coco cookie: hallooooo! O.k. . . so S+S finally meet up again. For those T+E fans, I'm sorrie but they're nothing except friends in this storie. I prefer to just focus on my fave couple S+S. They're just soooooooo perfect 4 each other (not to mention da fact that Syaoran is sooooo cute!)
Key: words in braces are thoughts. The starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
Folding out a map onto the table, Syaoran pointed out the many places they could try and escape by. [I can't believe I'm actually leaving my own home like some theft] he thought as he spread out the many folds and crinkles on the paper. [But I have to help them out - Eroil and I can easily leave while it's almost impossible for them.] The map was quite yellow from many years of use, and the details were growing dim.
Sakura rang one finger along the map. As old and worn out as it seemed, it was drawn in great detail and only something a rich person could afford to have made.
Syaoran as if understanding her awe, said quietly, "My dad had that made for him when he was really young. According to mother, he loved to pretend to be some kind of explorer - and I guess the house was perfect for that." His voice broke off suddenly, like as if it was too painful to talk.
Sakura glanced sadly at him - she knew how he felt. Opening her mouth to say something comforting, Syaoran cut her off abruptly. [I don't need your sympathy, it's not like you'll understand.]
"Our best chance of getting out without being spotted, is by going through the west wing where we can easily get onto the roofs. No one will suspect we're there because it's a rather hard climb to the top. No one ever goes there too- except for me." (Remember the scene in the prologue where he was on the roof? That's it)
As Syaoran pointed out their route to Tomoyo and Eroil, Sakura stopped listening to him. She felt rather confused at his actions a moment ago - the way he just cut her off so coldly like as if she wasn't to know. [Are you always like that?] Sakura pondered as she glanced at him. [But just a while ago when I was sick - and when that guy came near me, you were so caring. So much like someone who should be in love with me.] Sakura sighed. When she was feeling weird at dinner, he was immediately at her side. Though she was tired, she still noticed everything that was going on - she felt the way he had held her so gently, the way he had brushed the strand of hair off her cheek.
Laying a hand on the cheek he had touched, she thought silently [What are you really like Syaoran?]
* * * * *
Changing into a proper dress that Tomoyo had packed ("Isn't this one cute? I love those little bunnies!" Tomoyo had quoted), Sakura dawdled along beside them. Even faithful Kero was somewhere at the front. She now regretted the fact that she hadn't been listening - moving at such a fast rate in the dark was confusing. The only reason why she even went the right way, was because she could make out the outlines of the others.
"Weren't you even paying attention to anything I was saying?" Syaoran had scolded as he waited for her to catch up for the 5th time. Sakura reddened. "Sorry, " she mumbled.
He sighed. Then holding out his hand, he said casually "Here. Since you're so hopeless on your own, I'll guide you."
Sakura felt tingles vibrating in her body as their skins touched. "Thanks, " she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just move, " he replied.
They jogged down the hall after Eroil and Tomoyo who were ahead. Turn after turn they took, their footsteps light but eerie in the darkness. Sakura found herself less distracted as she ran and soon could speed up her pace. [I like this - I haven't had a proper jog for days.]
With a faster pace, they soon caught up with Eroil and Tomoyo. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief when he realised neither one of them could see he was holding Sakura's hand. [I don't want them getting the idea I like her - or something just as crazy.]
For a while, the four and Kero just made their way down the endless hall silently. Seeing that Sakura was finally moving, Syaoran let go of her. Once their hands parted, he felt a bit sad - as if he was losing something special.
But his attention was soon caught by their goal - they had finally reached the window that would lead them onto the roofs.
"Here, " Syaoran said as they all stopped after him, "Just jump across from here to there."
Sakura walked over to the front and peered at the distance between the window and the nearby roof. Immediately she felt her body weakening at the sight; they would have to jump over 2 metres just to get to the other end. Sakura was a pretty good long jumper, but ofcourse, that jump was made on the ground - not nearly 20metres in the sky.
"Hoeee! You're joking right? I can't do that!" she protested as she backed away.
"If you don't like this idea, then go ahead and take the easier way," Syaoran replied impatiently as he placed one leg on the windowsill.
"There's a easier way?" Tomoyo asked surprised. She too, wasn't too excited about his plan - especially since she wasn't as good in sport as Sakura.
"Yeah - you just go up the staircase and turn into the east wing, but "Eroil paused, "Since it's such a well known path, I bet you it'll be heavily guarded."
Sakura and Tomoyo glanced at each other nervously - they only had one choice, and it was just as bad as the other one.
"Look all right? I'll go first and if I die, then we'll know if this way is totally impossible to cross or not." Then in a simple leap off the window, he landed steadily on the roof. Turning back to them, he said, "Hurry up already."
"Can't I just use the fly?" Sakura asked as she took out the card from her deck. Then just as she was about to use her key, Eroil stopped her.
"Don't Sakura - you must avoid using magic until we catch that new card. The loop already has you drained, you can not put yourself in a worse position."
Sakura reluctantly put the card back in the deck. And hurriedly, she searched for another excuse. "Then can one of you guys use your magic to get Tomoyo and me across?"
Eroil shook his head as he smiled. "Nup - I bet you the clan put a magic finder around this whole place, they'll sense all magic that may be used."
Seeing that Sakura was still very nervous, Syaoran sighed. [I'll help you just this once]. Holding out his arms, he said, "I'll catch you if you fall. Happy now?"
His kind actions made her feel more confident - plus the fact that she was unable to think of any more excuses. With this, Sakura moved toward the windowsill. Resting her body against it, she was just about to raise herself on when Kero interrupted.
"No way am I ever gonna let him hold you - he's not trustworthy! He's a pervert!" Sakura sighed in relief. [At least now I won't have to risk my life trying to escape this place.]
"How are you going to get her across? You're not even strong enough to carry a book!" Syaoran challenged as he glared at him.
Kero smiled smugly. Suddenly, he began to glow and slowly, you could see he was transforming into Keroberus. [Oh yeah - the stuffed animal has that stupid transformation thing] Syaoran thought annoyed.
* * * * *
Once Kero reached the roof, Sakura and Tomoyo got off his back. Eroil too, jumped over the distance and landed beside them.
Seeing that his larger from was of no more use, Kero transformed back - suddenly he yawned. "I'm so tired now - what's the time?"
"Nearly ten I think, " Tomoyo answered.
Kero stretched. "Since you don't need me anymore, would you mind if I slept early?
[Poor Kero,] Sakura thought [he must be tired after such a day.]
Syaoran raised an eyebrow. "If you manage to die in your sleep, that'll be great."
Kero glared at him. Then flying over to Sakura's bag, he tucked himself under a magazine. Sakura smiled as she zipped up her bag, leaving just enough room for him to breathe properly.
"Finally, "Syaoran muttered as he began leading the way along the ever- going roof, "I thought he'd never shutup."
"I HEARD THAT!"
* * * * *
Walking along the roof was a lot harder then it seemed - it sloped a lot and the many linings of brick made it hard for them to balance. Even with her gymnastic skills, Sakura kept stumbling.
Once more Tomoyo stopped to massage the stitch that had formed on the side of her hip. [We just seem to walk on and on. And] she thought rather bored, [there's no romance happening between Li-kun and Sakura.] She gazed disappointed at the video camera in her bag.
Suddenly Syaoran halted them. He was the only one (including Eroil) who seemed utterly unaffected by their journey.
"Just a little bit a head and we'll be near the outside gates. Watch your footsteps - the roofs after this will not be joined." With just those words, he turned back and began walking without a care.
[Doesn't he know how tired we are?] Sakura thought as she groggily followed. It was quite a beautiful night - a full moon and breezy, comforting winds. [A type of night where I should be asleep]
For what seemed like ages, they moved on. They just as Syaoran had warned them, the roofs had become detached, and they would have to jump a few metres to reach the other end.
Sakura slumped immediately. Now that Kero was asleep, she and Tomoyo would have no way of getting across - unless they jumped themselves. [Or maybe,] Sakura thought hopefully as she glanced over at Syaoran, [Maybe he'll offer to help me like last time.]
Reading her thoughts, Syaoran replied coldly, "Forget it." With that, he easily leaped over and left her behind. He could just imagine her expression - one of hurt and disappointment - but he had to do it. He was to be independent and not affected by anyone.
"Oh is a that a stranded maiden I see?" Eroil asked as he walked toward her with a smile. He had just carried Tomoyo across and saw that Syaoran would not help Sakura.
"Oh Eroil! Are you going to help me? Thank you so much!" Sakura cried happily.
"Yes I'm very nice aren't I?" he replied as he glanced over at the fuming Syaoran. Unless his eyes were deceiving him, he could have sworn he saw steam coming out of Syaoran's ears.
Picking her up with ease, he clutched her body closer to him then he would really have needed.
[Bastard,] Syaoran thought as he clenched his teeth [How dare he hold her like as if he owns her.]
"Ready Sakura?" Eroil asked kindly as he walked back a few steps, preparing to jump. Immediately Sakura tensed up. [Hoee.]
But before she knew it, they had landed - without any injuries or any kind of alarming scare. She actually kind of enjoyed it; the feeling of leaping through the air with the breeze flapping against her. [I was so silly to make such a big fuss over nothing.]
About to get up, she was stopped by Eroil who still kept a tight grip on her. "We have another few jumps to make Sakura," he said evilly with a glance in Syaoran's direction.
Finally Syaoran couldn't stand it anymore. He charged over to them and hurriedly snatched Sakura away. "I'm taking her over for the next jumps - not you!" Ignoring Sakura's startled cry, he picked her up with even more ease then Eroil and headed in the direction of the next gap.
* * * * *
As Syaoran walked back a few steps preparing to jump, Sakura felt her head lighten. [Hoe, it's happening again,] she thought angrily as she tried to stay alert. But it just grew worse because of all the energy she had used a moment ago.
Suddenly they were in the air; Syaoran had made his jump. Beginning to also feel drowsy, Sakura couldn't resist the urge to sleep. She knew she should face the journey as well as Tomoyo had done, but she was extremely tired.
"Sakura," Syaoran saw how she was starting to fall asleep, "Are you all right?" But already slipping into slumber, Sakura didn't hear any of it.
A sudden gush of wind whipped at them - immediately Sakura shivered. Then snuggling closer to Syaoran's warm and strong body, she nestled her head on his chest.
Syaoran blushed at her affectionate ways. [Thank goodness she's asleep and she has no idea what she's doing.] He knew perfectly that he should start moving - he knew perfectly that Eroil and Tomoyo were watching him. ("Finally! Ooo this is just so sweet!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she set up her video camera) But for once, he didn't care.
There they were in the moonlight, Sakura in his arms, asleep with an innocent smile on her face. He knew as he watched her that this was probably the 3rd time he had begun staring at her. But she was so angelic and beautiful that he felt overjoyed just by being at her side. [Maybe this was the reason why I first thought I was in love with you. Silly weren't I?]
Syaoran glanced at her one more time before turning away. [But at least I can understand why I had that weird feeling.]
* * * * *
Jumping expertly from the edge of the roof to the nearby tree, Syaoran waited for Eroil to arrive. It was his job to carry Sakura while Eroil was to handle Tomoyo.
A tiny rustle from the tree beside him told him they had also safety escaped. [Good,] he thought relieved. This place was extremely risky as it was heavily guarded - Syaoran could easily spot 6 guards, patrolling and alert to every move made.
Then motioning to Eroil to move, he leaped to the next tree. By this way, they managed to get over a few metres and moved closer toward the gate. Finally seeing their goal infront of them, Syaoran checked once more that no one was looking in their direction. Then with that, both guys landed ontop of the steel gate and easily slipped over.
* * * * *
[So this is the country I left many years ago,] Syaoran thought as he glanced around the nearly empty airport. As far as he knew, it hadn't changed much and the place brought many memories back to him. The time they said farewell.
The battle against Yue.
Even all the time they spent together capturing a card.
Suddenly Eroil's voice interrupted his thoughts. "We should all get some sleep at some hotel for tonight." Glancing at Sakura who was still fast asleep, he said, "And we won't be able to send her home for now - Touya would be extremely suspicious over why she was brought home by strangers at 1 o'clock in the morning."
Syaoran's blood turned cold at the mention of Sakura's older brother. [Oh great - now I've got to live with him in my life again.]
* * * * *
Tomoyo chose the hotel for them to live in for the night - it was one of the best in Japan; unbelievably large with swimming pools, golf courses and a most romantic design.
"Hello, "Tomoyo greeted politely, "would you have four spare rooms? We'll be staying for just one night."
Immediately the girl started searching through the database in her computer. She couldn't help but feel slightly curious about the 4 strangers - especially Syaoran who was still carrying Sakura. Syaoran glared back at her, giving the 'mind your own business' look.
"I'm sorry but we have only 2 single bedrooms available. And beside that, " she replied, "there is just one king-size bedroom. We've been having a lot of visitors recently you see. "
Syaoran stared at Tomoyo - she kept glancing between him and Sakura with a funny look. [Since there's four of us, that means that two will have to sleep toge-]
"We'll take it!" Tomoyo and Eroil exclaimed in unison before he could continue his thoughts.
* * * * *
"O.k, " Eroil murmured, "The single rooms are 126 and 127." Together the four wandered down among the different rooms.
Syaoran furrowed his eyebrows as he looked on. [124 . . . 125-]
"Ah here it is! 126!" exclaimed Tomoyo from his left. In a flash, she stuck in one of the electronic cards and opened the door.
Finally Syaoran knew what they were up to - they were purposely trying to get him and Sakura stuck in the same room. With Sakura still in his arms, he hurriedly pounced onto her door. "Hey! Why am I going to be-"
SLAM!
Her door closed before he could get in. Fuming, he realised that he still had the chance to get the other room. But just as he turned around, Eroil had slipped in and also shut the door.
[Darn fricking people,] he thought angrily. Suddenly a note appeared from under Eroil's door. Picking it up, Syaoran read: Your (or shall I say Sakura's too) room is number 135. Sleep well!
* * * * *
Laying Sakura down carefully on the soft, satin quilts, he watched her for a moment. He wasn't really tired, as he was used to not getting much sleep, and found the night quite nice to piece out his thoughts.
She was still sound asleep, her breathing regular and slow. Making sure that she was in a comfortable position, he picked up the blanket and draped it over her. Then placing his hand on one of her cheeks, he made sure she was warm. But for some reason, he didn't want to let go, he wanted to continue holding her, assuring that she was safe and happy.
Glancing over to Sakura's bag, which he had thrown purposely to the floor, he was relieved Kero was still asleep. [I guess he can sleep through anything.]
Moonlight shone in from an opening in the curtains and placed itself contentedly on her face. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders and some uncontrollable wisps of hair stayed around her bangs.
Syaoran sat down beside her on the bed. He ran a finger along one of her soft hands, which she kept tucked underneath her head. [Everything about her is so hard to forget. Everything about her seems to be perfect.]
Finally getting up, he went to the right side of the bed and placed himself as comfortably as possible on the wooden floor. With that, he fell asleep.
* * * * *
Coco cookie: In one week from now, da holidays are gonna start - YES!!!!
I have this nasty habit of not continuing stories - if no new chapters arrive for a while, that must mean I'm getting lazy and I won't bother to finish it.
Then. . . email me at mmm_lotsa_chocolate@hotmail.com and swear your head off at me k? ^_^ Thanx!