A new beginning - chapter 7, part B
"A little bit more about you"
Coco cookie: YESSS! New readers - I'm so happy ^_^ Now . . . if ya wanna see wat da colour card or Sakura in her uniform looks like, just visit my site and you can see da fanart I drew.
I apologise if da last chapter was a bit boring - but everything that happens is there for a reason. These will lead onto other events that I have already planned out.
I am in the most crappiest mood right now - why? Cause I have this stupid music performance thingy at skool which I will get marked on. And da piece I'm playing sounds like total shit. Which is y right now, I am like swearing my head off - !@%#$&%@^~$%!%%@!^$^!!^$@&!^!@^$*&^(#Q^!%!
Key: The brackets are thoughts and the starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
"Sakura! Use the firey or something!" Kero exclaimed.
"Hoe! But I'll damage all the work we did - not to mention I'll destroy my home!"
"Well you got to do something!" Kero cried.
Gribbing onto her staff tightly, Sakura frowned. Which card could she use? Watching the Slip bounce around the room giggling and smiling happily, she realised that it wasn't very fast. [At least that'll make it easier to catch then the Colour.]
Suddenly her mind decided on the right card to use - just in time too, as Slip focused it's attention on her. It placed both hands above its forehead and soon began to glow a luminous blue. At the same time, Sakura took out one of her cards. "Sword! Grant me your power!" As her staff struck the card, it immediately took the shape of the sword.
"I thought you said not to harm the room," Tomoyo exclaimed as she videotaped from the corner.
"I can control how much power I use with the sword," Sakura replied confidently.
Suddenly the Slip launched its attack; its glow expanded until it hit the walls of the room. As if someone had done a polishing job, everything turned out shiny and looked rather jelly-like.
Sakura's eyes widened - exactly what did it just do? As if reading her thoughts, the Slip began to smile devilishly, its large bluish eyes disappearing into the slits once more.
"I don't know what you find so funny," Sakura exclaimed impatiently, "But you're about to get what you deserve!" Quickly she launched forward at it - but once her feet left it's original spot on the ground and touched somewhere else, she immediately tripped. "HOE!"
"Well, at least we know what it just did," Kero sweatdropped.
"You could help, you know," Sakura cried irritated. Firmly she placed a hand onto the ground, and was getting ready to lift herself up - when the slippery floor caused her to just collapse again.
This time planning to backflip into a standing position, Sakura raised her legs to get ready. In a flash she moved her legs behind her head and was just about to stand up - when she lost her footing and fell. Finding this very funny, the Slip began to laugh loudly. It, Sakura realised enviously, was easily walking around on the slippery floor it had created.
Trying once more to get up - but with no prevail - Sakura cried, "Kero! Help me!"
Suddenly the sound of jiggling keys were heard - someone was about to open the door. As if understanding the danger of being seen, the Slip stopped laughing. Then raising its arms once more, this time the power it had placed upon the room went back to its awaiting hands. Then suddenly, it just disappeared.
At the same time, Touya opened the door and came in. "You were so loud Kaijiu that I could hear you outside." He grinned, then seeing her sprawled on the floor, his expression soon changed.
"Hoe - I was looking for the earring I lost," Sakura babbled as she hurriedly got to her feet.
"You don't wear earrings."
Sakura reddened. [Out of all the excuses, I just had to come up with that one. Not only that, but that's the second time today I came up with stupid lies.]
Not bothered to question her any more, Touya just walked in the direction of the kitchen. But . . . he didn't notice the lights that were hung up on the ceiling . . .
BAM!
"@#%@!"
"Touya!"
Rubbing his sore head, Touya yelled, "Who the hell put those up there?!"
"Well it's not my fault you have to be so tall," Sakura retorted. "Anyway, if you weren't such an idiot and noticed that they were there, then you would never have fallen into them."
"Thanks for the sympathy," Touya muttered. Then heading into the kitchen, he said, "Well I'm getting a drink - it might cure my headache as well."
Tomoyo poked Sakura. In a rather worried voice, she whispered, "We did clean up all the yolk didn't we-"
SLIIIIIDDDDD! BAAAMMMMM!
"No, I don't think so . . . " Sakura replied as she sweatdropped. Hurriedly they ran into the kitchen to see what happened.
Groaning and now rubbing his sore head and butt, Touya stumbled as he tried to get up.
Worriedly, Sakura went to help position him. "Are you all right-"
"Me all right!? You think falling into the fridge and having my back collide with the stove is all right?!"
"Hoe! I didn't mean-"
"What have you done to the place while I was gone?! It's like a mine field!" There was a moment of silence as he tried to calm down a bit. "Oh well," he sighed, "I'll just get myself a drink and I'll forget all about this."
Stumbling toward the fridge, he pulled it wide open. "Now, I'll get myself - HOLY COW! Who crammed in this cake?!"
* * * * *
"You can't have that next to that - you can't!"
Eroil stopped pining up the green streamers. "What?" He wasn't the only one that was surprised; everyone else stopped working and also watched what was going on. No one ever saw Tomoyo angry - this was just totally strange.
Stomping her foot hard on the ground, Tomoyo cried furiously, "You can't have the green with the yellow - it's a disgrace to fashion! No one puts green with yellow - it's totally not in!"
Sakura sweatdropped - so that was it. Trust Tomoyo to worry over something like that. Turning back to her part of the job, Sakura continued to separate the peonies into nice glass pots and then pop in an assortment of other flowers. Lavenders . . . Cherry blossoms . . . Sakura breathed in their nice aroma. Every smell, every sight just made her think about tonight. [Maybe tonight he'll finally admit that he loves me - maybe all this time he was just waiting for the right time.] Sakura giggled. [What better night to tell me then this one? There'll be music to dance to, candle-lit meals . . . ]
Suddenly the clock struck - it was noon already! Which meant that . . .
"Here Sakura," Naoko said as she handed over three beautifully decorated invitations, "Go and give them out now."
* * * * *
Skating happily down the sidewalks, Sakura paused just outside the flats. She had delivered the invitations to both Asumi and Mirano - now leaving only Syaoran.
[It's good that he's out for soccer practice] Sakura thought as she popped the invitation into his mailbox. Then turning around, she prepared to skate back home.
"What's with the letter?"
"HOE?!" In her surprise, Sakura practically fell off her roller skates - she managed to just stay on with a few wild hand movements.
With his eyes still on the envelope, he said, "What's this about?" He was still in his soccer uniform and his sport bag hung over his shoulder.
Sakura remained speechless. "W-when you'd get there?"
"Soccer practice ended early. I was walking home when I saw you just outside my apartment." Then continuing to flick the envelope around in his hand, he said, "Now answer my question."
Sakura glanced at her watch. It was only 12:45! He wasn't supposed to open the letter until like 4:00!
"Well?" he repeated impatiently. "Are you ev - Hey! Give that back!"
Holding the letter protectively behind her back, Sakura shook her head firmly. "You're not supposed to know about this until later!"
He folded his arms as an amused expression arose on his face. "Then why'd you hand it out so early?"
"Hoe! Because I didn't think you would be back all ready!"
Syaoran sighed. "You want to give me something but now you won't let me read it-"
"You can read it," Sakura interrupted, "But just not now." Seeing that Syaoran was about to say something, she added as she narrowed her eyes, "And you were going to open it ahead of time weren't you?"
Stammering, Syaoran replied, "Well . . . um . . . no way . . . I would never think of doing that!"
With the envelope still behind her back, Sakura giggled. "You're a horrible liar Syaoran!" she teased.
"Well you should see yourself," Syaoran retorted. Then putting on a girlish voice, he said, "Egg yolk is good for your skin, and it gets rid of stains -"
Sakura flushed a bright red. "Syaoran! Shut up!" As she yelled, her arm moved slightly and Syaoran immediately reached out to grab the envelope off her. With a satisfied grin on his face, he began to wave it in front of her. "Do you want this?" he said tauntingly as his eyes twinkled.
"Syaoran!" Sakura cried as she hurriedly reached out to grab it - but he instantly raised his arm and there was no way that she could get to it. It wasn't that she was short - but he was extremely tall for his age.
"That's not fair!" Sakura complained as she looked helplessly at the envelope. Folding her arms and pouting, Sakura glared at him. "Just because you're tall -"
"Doesn't mean I can't be trusted?" Letting his arm fall back beside him, Syaoran looked squarely at her. "I promise I won't open this until . . .when do you want?"
"Four."
Syaoran sighed as he ran a hand through his messy hair. "Fine, fine. I won't open it till then - happy now?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes as she examined him. Could he be trusted? Then sticking out her right pinky, Sakura smiled. "Swear it upon a pinky promise?"
Looking at her, Syaoran blinked twice. [She still does that? It's so childish - but then again . . . she looks cute.]
"Very well," Syaoran sighed as he locked his pinky with hers, "It's a promise. A pinky promise."
* * * * *
"What's with the draggy clothes Sakura?" Mirano taunted. "I thought you said this was a formal party?"
Sakura flushed. Since the morning, she just wore an oversized - but comfy - sweater over a blue skirt. In comparison, Mirano had on a beautiful red dress. It hung from one shoulder with ease and swept to her other arm in a most sophisticated way. Keeping most of her hair in place, was a pretty rose clip that matched her dress perfectly. Twiddling her thumbs in embarrassment, Sakura replied, "I'll be changing soon - this is only for now."
Seating herself comfortably on the couch, Mirano yawned. "Yes, yes, like I really care." Then glancing at the clock, she asked, "And when exactly are we going to surprise hunky Syaoran?"
Sakura's mouth hung open in shock. [After all the work WE did, she just takes advantage of this whole thing.] Clenching her fist, Sakura felt like killing herself. [Exactly why did I want to invite her again?] "At seven when the party starts," Sakura muttered through clenched teeth.
"Why, won't Syaoran be disappointed when he realises that no one is interested in welcoming him then me?" Mirano smiled as she puffed up her hair. "We're just so close now Sakura - we are such good friends."
Sakura immediately began shooting daggers in Mirano's direction; actually, she would have strangled her if Tomoyo and Asumi had not held her back.
"So for the next three hours, we're doing nothing?" Mirano continued as she began checking out her nails.
"You could just glance around at the decorations - they're very entertaining," Asumi said hurriedly as he pretended to be absorbed in it. 'You did a great job Sakura," he added to make sure she was still sane.
Mirano smirked. "Oh don't try to impress her Asumi - it's obvious this is the work of amateurs. Why, I could have done a better job with my eyes closed."
* * * * *
Glancing at the windows, he realised they were all dark. There was no sound either - the atmosphere was totally silent. Digging his hands into his pockets, he frowned. Were they trying to trick him? Or did he just read the letter wrong?
Flipping open the now-wrinkled envelope, he looked inside. His eyes skimmed the text until they found useful information: Be at my house at 7:00 tonight. Don't be early - don't be late!
He could almost see her happy face smiling and giggling if she was to say this. [So . . . I didn't read it wrong. They must be in there.] Walking up the door slowly, he reached out a hand to knock. But as his hands touched the door, it swung open by itself; it was not locked. Syaoran moved his arms in front of him, just in case of any danger. Then suddenly . . .
"WELCOME BACK TO JAPAN SYAORAN!"
Some cries of Li-kun replaced the Syaoran, but overall it was a mass of noise and caught him by total surprise. Lights suddenly switched on; the stunning disco ball moving around in the center and other colourful lights dancing around the room.
"Oh Syaoran darling!" Mirano called out sweetly as she got to the door first and stood blocking the others from view. "I -"
"AHEM!"
"We," Mirano sighed - then back to her sing-song voice, she said, "organised this party just for you!" With a giant smile, she grabbed him by the arm and led him in. "Aren't you just so surprised?" she purred.
He nodded dumbfounded. [Everything . . . they did this for me?] The lights were spectacular - but the decorations were even more stunning. There was a huge sign hanged up on the wall with 'Welcome back' on it. It had carefully painted peonies and streaks of green that he loved. Gold and silver balloons hung around the ceiling and streamers of many colours - especially green - were hung up everywhere. The smell of peonies and other flowers tickled his nose and with the dreamy music that Takashi had put on, the place was just wonderful.
"Syaoran!"
He glanced to his left where the sound came from - and immediately he could feel himself gaping. He had always seen her in a ponytail these days - but today she left it out again. The light reflected its glossiness and the way it fell gracefully onto her back. Then there was her dress - completely white and it hung from around her neck. It was simple, with only the material around her chest more detailed. It had sequins sewed on, which held the silky material in place - but still, it was designed to hang over in silky layers and reveal some cleavage.
Sakura smiled. "Although we held this party a week after you came back . . . I know it's rather silly. But, we all just want to show you that we are truly happy you're back . . . and that we've missed you over the years." Sakura paused as she stared down at her feet. [What would he say? Did I embarrass him too much? Maybe I went overboard . . .]
Suddenly applause filled the room. "Sakura," Tomoyo exclaimed as she dabbed her eyes, "That was just so sweet! You always come up the nicest things."
Then everyone became silent as they waited for Syaoran's reply. "I agree," he said quietly. Focused his gaze straight at her, his brown eyes boring into her green ones. Then . . . he smiled.
Seeing this, Mirano hurriedly grabbed onto his arm. "Come on Syaoran! I'm bored - dance with me!" Without waiting for a reply, she pulled him away from Sakura.
Watching the two of them go, Sakura didn't care. She felt like she was walking on air and that she only knew of happiness in her world. [He had smiled - genuinely - and he had smiled at me.] Resting a hand on her pounding heart, Sakura smiled. [And who cares if Mirano got to him first and took all the credit? A smile is all I need to know we're now equal.]
* * * * *
Again, Mirano snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his chest. She then closed her eyes and whispered a few words that only he could hear.
Grumbling, Sakura glared at them. They had at least four dances now and for everyone, Mirano would keep him to herself. Even Syaoran, she noticed, was getting sick of being forced to dance. Suddenly, she felt someone's arms wrap around her waist. Immediately she yelped - but he placed a finger on her lips to silence her.
"You're never going to enjoy this party if you spend your time watching them," Asumi said. As always, he looked slick and cool in his clothes; a white shirt that opened slightly in the front to reveal his muscular chest, and some baggy but more formal black pants. Resting his head on her shoulder and with the irresistible smile planted on his face, he said huskily, "This is your favourite song right?"
Sakura nodded as she looked down at him. She could feel herself blushing with him so close to her as they both sat on the couch. The lights in this area was also dimmed, with only the disco ones turned on - their colours decorating and dancing around the room.
"Then why not catch some of it before it ends?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Hoe?! You mean . . . "
"Yes I do." Placing his drink on the table, he looked at her. His black hair was tied up loosely in a ponytail and it's darkness set off his eyes perfectly. "Think of it Sakura - we're both doing nothing and I've always dreamed of dancing with you." Taking one of her hands in his, he smiled. "Care to dance beautiful girl?"
Glancing between him and the many people on the dance floor, Sakura made her decision. She saw how happily Tomoyo and Eroil were dancing together - and Rika and Naoko too. By the look of all the hints Chiharu was giving, she was trying to get Takashi to stop his job as DJ and take her for a dance. [So why am I missing out on such a chance?]
Smiling, Sakura said, "Hai Asumi - I'd love to." With that, she let him lead her into the spotlight. Without hesitation, Asumi immediately took her into his arms, holding onto her by her tiny waist. Together the two of them danced in with the music and curved in and out of the other people there.
"We really should do this more often," Asumi whispered in her ear. He tightened his grip on her, "I love the feeling of you in my arms."
Sakura blushed. Pounding him gently on the chest, she exclaimed, "I don't know how you always manage to do that Asumi - but I wish you'd stop it."
He laughed. "I won't stop playing romeo till you turn to total mush in my arms."
Watching from the side, Syaoran swore under his breath. How dare he! Making sure that none of them could see him, he danced closer to them - now being only a few metres apart.
"Syaoran! Stop it!"
"What?" he roared instantly. When he looked up, he realised that Sakura and Asumi were now staring at him. [Shit - so close.]
"You're digging your hand into my hair - and you don't have to be so touchy over it!" Mirano huffed. Raising one hand to her head, she whined, "Why are you totally dragging me over the place? I can't even touch the floor with you holding me like this!"
"Opps!' Syaoran hurriedly let go of her.
Taking out a mini mirror, Mirano began smoothing out her hair. "I think I'll go fix this up," she said as she walked toward the bathroom. Then giving Sakura a meaningful glance, she added, "Don't even think about it."
Sighing in relief, Syaoran sat down in one of the chairs. [About time she left me alone.] Then turning his full attention onto Sakura and Asumi, he watched them for a while. Realising with clenched fists, Asumi always whispered some sort of comment that made Sakura blush and go weak in the knees. In his annoyance, he had not noticed he had crushed the can of soda to bits - until the drink spilled over his pants. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. At the same time, he heard Asumi say something.
"Sakura! Where are you going?"
Rushing up the stairs, Sakura called behind her back, "Um . . . I got to check on my . . . um . . . stuff!"
Getting up from his seat, Syaoran narrowed his eyes. She had sensed something - actually, he had too.
* * * * *
"Sakura! It's there!" Kero pointed to the balcony - on it sat the spirit Slip. Just like before, it was dressed in it's clown-like clothes and when smiling, its eyes disappeared into slits.
She nodded in reply - she had sensed it herself. Taking out the key from her neck, she chanted, "The key that hides the forces of stars, show your true shape to me! I, Sakura, command you under the contract! Release!"
Once the staff settled into her palm, the Slip laughed and immediately jumped out of sight.
"It went onto the roof," Sakura exclaimed. Together, she and Kero ran to the balcony. Instantly he zipped to the top. "Do you need a lift?"
Sakura smiled. "Iie! I can manage this one." Drawing out a card from her deck, she threw it up into the air. "Jump! Lend me your powers! Release!" Quickly she leaped onto the roof, joining Kero and facing the Slip. But she realised, that with her dress, it was harder to move around properly.
Suddenly like before, the Slip raised its hands above its head and soon, a glow hit the roof. Prepared for this, Sakura brought out the fly just in time.
"Great Sakura! Now just weaken it!" Kero shouted. But while Sakura had turned around to listen to him, the Slip launched its second attack. This time it was different; it raised its hands like before but when the blast came out, it was a giant glowing ball.
Turning around just then, the ball hit her full blast. It was like a huge shock at first - like someone had just whacked her with a bat. But then she felt weird - she was slowly being pushed inside! Sakura had to let Fly return to its card form, as the ball was too small to let her fly around - but she soon regretted her move.
Falling to the bottom of the ball, she tried to get up - but with no luck. It was dead slippery and there was no way she could get up without toppling over. She could breathe - but the way the ball kept turning and moving made her sick. [This card is totally unpredictable] Sakura thought annoyed [No wonder it dresses like a clown.] As if she had spoken too soon, the ball suddenly vanished. For a moment she just felt relieved to be out and her head stopped being dizzy - but then she felt it, she was falling! The ball had carried her off the roof and had decided to drop her there.
Frozen with fright, Sakura screamed. "Kero!!!! Help!!!!" In her shock, she had dropped the staff onto the roof.
As she fell, she could feel her hair whipping at her face and her heart beating uncontrollably. Looking up, she saw Keroberus frantically trying to reach her - but it was far too late. [I can't do anything without my staff - there's no way I can live through this.] Expecting the last painful drop, it never came. Then suddenly she felt herself moving up with someone warm holding her.
"You can open your eyes," Syaoran said simply as he jumped from one tree branch to the other.
"I'm afraid to be dead," Sakura replied as she still kept her eyes firmly shut. "But . . . since you came -"
"You would have been dead if I hadn't come," he cut in icily as they stopped on the highest branch nearest to the roof. Forcing her to look at him, he shook her. "What did you think you were doing?" he shouted. "Don't you know by now that you can't handle these cards on your own?"
Sakura stared at him, shocked. She opened her mouth to say something but he ignored her. Taking out his sword and one of the cards, he yelled, "Thunder! Come to my aid!" (As you can see, this is nothing like the English or Japanese incantation - but I reckon the English one sux and the Japanese one I don't noe very well. So I just made up my own - sorry about this)
The immense power struck the Slip and it became unconscious. Immediately the roof went back to its normal state and Syaoran leaped onto it. For a moment Sakura waited to see if he would come back to pick her up, but he didn't. Gathering up her dress, she made the way to the roof by herself.
"Seal it," he instructed immediately.
"Hey! Why are you the boss all of a sudden?!" Kero yelled angrily. "No one talks to my mistress like that!"
"No its all right," Sakura interrupted. But secretly, she found his behaviour very annoying too. Then as she raised her staff, she realised something - she had forgotten the gem!
"What's wrong with you? Can't you seal it all ready?" Syaoran cried impatiently.
"Hoe!" Sakura twiddled her thumbs nervously. "I forgot to bring the gem -"
"You forgot?!" Syaoran yelled. Throwing his arms in the air, he cried, "I can't believe this! 6 years have passed between us but you're still the same idiot, weakling and total crybaby. Does that head of yours contain anything? Or are you such a stupid dimwit that you can't even remember something like that?!"
Sakura's eyes widened in total shock. He never spoke like that to her - how could he be so mean? Her lips trembled and before she could hold it back, tears began falling down her cheek. Hurriedly she looked away in hope that he would not see. Then in utter silence, she brought out the jump once more and used it to bring her down to her room.
* * * * *
Her vision was blurred by all her tears that just kept falling. Blindly she stumbled around her room looking for the amtheyst stone. Reaching out to her drawer, she opened it weakly and wrapped her fingers around the gem. For a moment, she just cupped it to her chest as she continued to sob. [Stop crying! He was right - I'm nothing but a crybaby. I'm nothing but weak - I'm nothing but stupid. But all the same . . . I wished it didn't have to come from him. And why did it have to happen today? After all those days that I have worked so hard to organise this party and make him feel wanted, he just blows up at me like that.]
Then reluctantly, she walked toward the door and headed down the hall till she reached the other room. All the way she could hear the fighting that was going on between Kero and Syaoran, but for once, she didn't care about helping Syaoran out.
* * * * *
Slowly he opened the door, and winced as it screeched. [So much for surprising her] he thought disappointed. But she just stood there on the balcony staring at the night sky, pretending he wasn't there. [After what I said, I don't deserve to ever have her speak to me again] he thought bitterly. [What a fool I was - espacilly after all she did for me.]
Timidly, he walked into the dark room - the only light that shone in were the rays of the moon. He looked at her for a moment, trying to read her expression.
Knowing what he was trying to do, Sakura averted her gaze to the floor avoiding all eye contact. Her eyes were still red and puffy from crying, and she was still very upset over what he had said.
Taking a deep breath, Syaoran said in an over emphasised voice, "Wow! This chocolate cake is just delicious! Everyone just loves it - they're all eating platefuls of it downstairs." [In other words, would you please come down? You've been up here for over an hour - and you haven't eaten anything.]
Sakura made no reply as she continued to stare down at the floor.
Holding out another piece of cake he had brought along, he said rather embarrassed, "Um - would you like to try some? I brought you a piece." He could feel himself reddening - he never bothered to do this stuff for anyone.
Sakura shook her head slightly. "No thanks. I'm not hungry."
Syaoran frowned. [Just tell me you hate me Sakura - shout at me, scream at me - I don't care. I just hate it when you hide your feelings from me - when you try to be strong and keep down a deep pain that you need to share.]
"Well . . . like I said before, I love this cake you made!" he said again.
"Chiharu helped as well."
"Eh yeah . . . well I love the way you used white chocolate to make the little rocks."
"They're flowers Syaoran," Sakura said quietly.
"Oh yes!" he stammered, "Of course! Did I say rocks? I meant . . . um . . . " He stopped, frantically mumbling to himself to try and think of something.
Finally turning around to look at him, Sakura smiled slightly. "Like I said in the morning, you're a horrible liar." For a moment, they just stared at each other, then she motioned to the spot beside her. "Come and watch the stars with me Syaoran."
"Yeah, okay," he replied. [She's talking to me again!] Rather nervously, he stood beside her on the balcony. The sky was really beautiful - stars dominated every corner and with the full moon right in the center, it was even more stunning.
After an awkward period of silence, Sakura spoke. "Tonight is very beautiful isn't it?"
Syaoran leaned carelessly on the rail. Turning to look at her, he asked, "Which star do you like best?"
Sakura smiled. She pointed up a small star somewhere in the background. "That one. It isn't as large or sparkling as the others, but every few seconds, it will suddenly light up and outshine all the others." Rubbing her bare arms, Sakura said softly, "I bet that star has a soul more unique and beautiful then all the others - and at certain times, it will reveal its true self."
There was a silence again - but this time it was a time of thought and understanding. [A soul more unique and beautiful then all the others . . .] her words still seemed to repeat in his mind - like the wind was carrying it around in the breeze. Studying Sakura as she still gazed up at the sky, he thought about what she had just said. [I guess those words are perfect for describing you . . .]
Her eyes were still red - but she still looked as breathtaking as she did before. There was just something about her that no one could ever match - her purity, her kindness, her elegance - they were all something only she possessed.
"Sakura?"
"Hm?"
"I really want to say that I didn't mean what I said a moment ago - I was just being really stupid. It was just some stress I was facing that made me loose my self-control." [Yeah - the stress of losing you and seeing you die. That's all - nothing too painful for me. All I felt was as if my heart was being ripped out of my chest and someone was stabbing me in the guts.]
"It's all right," Sakura replied with a smile, "You were right about some things. I always cry for no reason don't I? I'm just a weakling and I don't face t-things -" She broke off as her voice began wavering again. Hurriedly she wiped away the tears and looked away. "See?" she said in a choked voice, "I'm always crying."
Placing his hands gently on her bare shoulders, Syaoran turned her around. Staring right into her tear-filled eyes, he said softly, "You make crying seem like a bad thing."
"It is," Sakura replied as her voice shook.
"All normal people cry - crying is a way of expressing your feelings. It is as right as smiling or talking. Crying is not a symbol of being weak."
"But you never cry," Sakura said quietly.
Syaoran chuckled. "I guess you could say I'm abnormal then."
Sakura smiled slightly as she wiped the last of her tears away. "Arigato Syaoran."
He shrugged. "As long as you stop crying then I'll be happy." Just then he realised that he was still holding onto her - immediately he blushed. Should he still hold onto her? She didn't seem to mind - and he didn't either.
"Syaoran?" Sakura suddenly asked.
"What?"
"Why did you decide to stay here in Japan (or Nihon) with us? I mean . . . I know you had to come out with us to help us out of the country, but after that, you could have just gone home. So . . . why?"
Why? Syaoran let go of her shoulders as he thought. [I never really thought of that. Well maybe I came to capture the cards and to prove myself . . . not really. I gave all the cards we captured to Sakura - and I don't mind at all. So maybe it was because I wanted to get away from home? No. As much as they are strict, I do care for them and they do care for me. So what is it?]
"Syaoran?"
Suddenly he looked at her; the way her hair seemed silvery in the moonlight and how the breeze seemed to play around in it. How her eyes seemed like precious emeralds that shone through all darkness. How her face was so pale and captured all the qualities of a fairytale beauty. How her smile was so radiant and her lips so full and pink . . .
[Or maybe I just came here to be with you.]
* * * * *
Coco cookie: A nice dramatic & romantic ending to another chapter - did you like it?
NOTICE: No new chapters will arrive until 16th (or later) November. I've got my yearlies to study for and lotsa assignments to finish. For other people who also have to suffer, I wish you the best of luck!
Work on my site is now also seized and I've banned myself from the internet, gameboy, computer games and TV. Life can be so harsh (
And about the drama theatresports competition - let me put it this way: We didn't come first but we didn't come last. Now since that is over and we've won second at another compettion where we were against other skools, we're starting on our characters for the character dinner. Can u believe drama costs $75 per term?!
Coco cookie: YESSS! New readers - I'm so happy ^_^ Now . . . if ya wanna see wat da colour card or Sakura in her uniform looks like, just visit my site and you can see da fanart I drew.
I apologise if da last chapter was a bit boring - but everything that happens is there for a reason. These will lead onto other events that I have already planned out.
I am in the most crappiest mood right now - why? Cause I have this stupid music performance thingy at skool which I will get marked on. And da piece I'm playing sounds like total shit. Which is y right now, I am like swearing my head off - !@%#$&%@^~$%!%%@!^$^!!^$@&!^!@^$*&^(#Q^!%!
Key: The brackets are thoughts and the starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
"Sakura! Use the firey or something!" Kero exclaimed.
"Hoe! But I'll damage all the work we did - not to mention I'll destroy my home!"
"Well you got to do something!" Kero cried.
Gribbing onto her staff tightly, Sakura frowned. Which card could she use? Watching the Slip bounce around the room giggling and smiling happily, she realised that it wasn't very fast. [At least that'll make it easier to catch then the Colour.]
Suddenly her mind decided on the right card to use - just in time too, as Slip focused it's attention on her. It placed both hands above its forehead and soon began to glow a luminous blue. At the same time, Sakura took out one of her cards. "Sword! Grant me your power!" As her staff struck the card, it immediately took the shape of the sword.
"I thought you said not to harm the room," Tomoyo exclaimed as she videotaped from the corner.
"I can control how much power I use with the sword," Sakura replied confidently.
Suddenly the Slip launched its attack; its glow expanded until it hit the walls of the room. As if someone had done a polishing job, everything turned out shiny and looked rather jelly-like.
Sakura's eyes widened - exactly what did it just do? As if reading her thoughts, the Slip began to smile devilishly, its large bluish eyes disappearing into the slits once more.
"I don't know what you find so funny," Sakura exclaimed impatiently, "But you're about to get what you deserve!" Quickly she launched forward at it - but once her feet left it's original spot on the ground and touched somewhere else, she immediately tripped. "HOE!"
"Well, at least we know what it just did," Kero sweatdropped.
"You could help, you know," Sakura cried irritated. Firmly she placed a hand onto the ground, and was getting ready to lift herself up - when the slippery floor caused her to just collapse again.
This time planning to backflip into a standing position, Sakura raised her legs to get ready. In a flash she moved her legs behind her head and was just about to stand up - when she lost her footing and fell. Finding this very funny, the Slip began to laugh loudly. It, Sakura realised enviously, was easily walking around on the slippery floor it had created.
Trying once more to get up - but with no prevail - Sakura cried, "Kero! Help me!"
Suddenly the sound of jiggling keys were heard - someone was about to open the door. As if understanding the danger of being seen, the Slip stopped laughing. Then raising its arms once more, this time the power it had placed upon the room went back to its awaiting hands. Then suddenly, it just disappeared.
At the same time, Touya opened the door and came in. "You were so loud Kaijiu that I could hear you outside." He grinned, then seeing her sprawled on the floor, his expression soon changed.
"Hoe - I was looking for the earring I lost," Sakura babbled as she hurriedly got to her feet.
"You don't wear earrings."
Sakura reddened. [Out of all the excuses, I just had to come up with that one. Not only that, but that's the second time today I came up with stupid lies.]
Not bothered to question her any more, Touya just walked in the direction of the kitchen. But . . . he didn't notice the lights that were hung up on the ceiling . . .
BAM!
"@#%@!"
"Touya!"
Rubbing his sore head, Touya yelled, "Who the hell put those up there?!"
"Well it's not my fault you have to be so tall," Sakura retorted. "Anyway, if you weren't such an idiot and noticed that they were there, then you would never have fallen into them."
"Thanks for the sympathy," Touya muttered. Then heading into the kitchen, he said, "Well I'm getting a drink - it might cure my headache as well."
Tomoyo poked Sakura. In a rather worried voice, she whispered, "We did clean up all the yolk didn't we-"
SLIIIIIDDDDD! BAAAMMMMM!
"No, I don't think so . . . " Sakura replied as she sweatdropped. Hurriedly they ran into the kitchen to see what happened.
Groaning and now rubbing his sore head and butt, Touya stumbled as he tried to get up.
Worriedly, Sakura went to help position him. "Are you all right-"
"Me all right!? You think falling into the fridge and having my back collide with the stove is all right?!"
"Hoe! I didn't mean-"
"What have you done to the place while I was gone?! It's like a mine field!" There was a moment of silence as he tried to calm down a bit. "Oh well," he sighed, "I'll just get myself a drink and I'll forget all about this."
Stumbling toward the fridge, he pulled it wide open. "Now, I'll get myself - HOLY COW! Who crammed in this cake?!"
* * * * *
"You can't have that next to that - you can't!"
Eroil stopped pining up the green streamers. "What?" He wasn't the only one that was surprised; everyone else stopped working and also watched what was going on. No one ever saw Tomoyo angry - this was just totally strange.
Stomping her foot hard on the ground, Tomoyo cried furiously, "You can't have the green with the yellow - it's a disgrace to fashion! No one puts green with yellow - it's totally not in!"
Sakura sweatdropped - so that was it. Trust Tomoyo to worry over something like that. Turning back to her part of the job, Sakura continued to separate the peonies into nice glass pots and then pop in an assortment of other flowers. Lavenders . . . Cherry blossoms . . . Sakura breathed in their nice aroma. Every smell, every sight just made her think about tonight. [Maybe tonight he'll finally admit that he loves me - maybe all this time he was just waiting for the right time.] Sakura giggled. [What better night to tell me then this one? There'll be music to dance to, candle-lit meals . . . ]
Suddenly the clock struck - it was noon already! Which meant that . . .
"Here Sakura," Naoko said as she handed over three beautifully decorated invitations, "Go and give them out now."
* * * * *
Skating happily down the sidewalks, Sakura paused just outside the flats. She had delivered the invitations to both Asumi and Mirano - now leaving only Syaoran.
[It's good that he's out for soccer practice] Sakura thought as she popped the invitation into his mailbox. Then turning around, she prepared to skate back home.
"What's with the letter?"
"HOE?!" In her surprise, Sakura practically fell off her roller skates - she managed to just stay on with a few wild hand movements.
With his eyes still on the envelope, he said, "What's this about?" He was still in his soccer uniform and his sport bag hung over his shoulder.
Sakura remained speechless. "W-when you'd get there?"
"Soccer practice ended early. I was walking home when I saw you just outside my apartment." Then continuing to flick the envelope around in his hand, he said, "Now answer my question."
Sakura glanced at her watch. It was only 12:45! He wasn't supposed to open the letter until like 4:00!
"Well?" he repeated impatiently. "Are you ev - Hey! Give that back!"
Holding the letter protectively behind her back, Sakura shook her head firmly. "You're not supposed to know about this until later!"
He folded his arms as an amused expression arose on his face. "Then why'd you hand it out so early?"
"Hoe! Because I didn't think you would be back all ready!"
Syaoran sighed. "You want to give me something but now you won't let me read it-"
"You can read it," Sakura interrupted, "But just not now." Seeing that Syaoran was about to say something, she added as she narrowed her eyes, "And you were going to open it ahead of time weren't you?"
Stammering, Syaoran replied, "Well . . . um . . . no way . . . I would never think of doing that!"
With the envelope still behind her back, Sakura giggled. "You're a horrible liar Syaoran!" she teased.
"Well you should see yourself," Syaoran retorted. Then putting on a girlish voice, he said, "Egg yolk is good for your skin, and it gets rid of stains -"
Sakura flushed a bright red. "Syaoran! Shut up!" As she yelled, her arm moved slightly and Syaoran immediately reached out to grab the envelope off her. With a satisfied grin on his face, he began to wave it in front of her. "Do you want this?" he said tauntingly as his eyes twinkled.
"Syaoran!" Sakura cried as she hurriedly reached out to grab it - but he instantly raised his arm and there was no way that she could get to it. It wasn't that she was short - but he was extremely tall for his age.
"That's not fair!" Sakura complained as she looked helplessly at the envelope. Folding her arms and pouting, Sakura glared at him. "Just because you're tall -"
"Doesn't mean I can't be trusted?" Letting his arm fall back beside him, Syaoran looked squarely at her. "I promise I won't open this until . . .when do you want?"
"Four."
Syaoran sighed as he ran a hand through his messy hair. "Fine, fine. I won't open it till then - happy now?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes as she examined him. Could he be trusted? Then sticking out her right pinky, Sakura smiled. "Swear it upon a pinky promise?"
Looking at her, Syaoran blinked twice. [She still does that? It's so childish - but then again . . . she looks cute.]
"Very well," Syaoran sighed as he locked his pinky with hers, "It's a promise. A pinky promise."
* * * * *
"What's with the draggy clothes Sakura?" Mirano taunted. "I thought you said this was a formal party?"
Sakura flushed. Since the morning, she just wore an oversized - but comfy - sweater over a blue skirt. In comparison, Mirano had on a beautiful red dress. It hung from one shoulder with ease and swept to her other arm in a most sophisticated way. Keeping most of her hair in place, was a pretty rose clip that matched her dress perfectly. Twiddling her thumbs in embarrassment, Sakura replied, "I'll be changing soon - this is only for now."
Seating herself comfortably on the couch, Mirano yawned. "Yes, yes, like I really care." Then glancing at the clock, she asked, "And when exactly are we going to surprise hunky Syaoran?"
Sakura's mouth hung open in shock. [After all the work WE did, she just takes advantage of this whole thing.] Clenching her fist, Sakura felt like killing herself. [Exactly why did I want to invite her again?] "At seven when the party starts," Sakura muttered through clenched teeth.
"Why, won't Syaoran be disappointed when he realises that no one is interested in welcoming him then me?" Mirano smiled as she puffed up her hair. "We're just so close now Sakura - we are such good friends."
Sakura immediately began shooting daggers in Mirano's direction; actually, she would have strangled her if Tomoyo and Asumi had not held her back.
"So for the next three hours, we're doing nothing?" Mirano continued as she began checking out her nails.
"You could just glance around at the decorations - they're very entertaining," Asumi said hurriedly as he pretended to be absorbed in it. 'You did a great job Sakura," he added to make sure she was still sane.
Mirano smirked. "Oh don't try to impress her Asumi - it's obvious this is the work of amateurs. Why, I could have done a better job with my eyes closed."
* * * * *
Glancing at the windows, he realised they were all dark. There was no sound either - the atmosphere was totally silent. Digging his hands into his pockets, he frowned. Were they trying to trick him? Or did he just read the letter wrong?
Flipping open the now-wrinkled envelope, he looked inside. His eyes skimmed the text until they found useful information: Be at my house at 7:00 tonight. Don't be early - don't be late!
He could almost see her happy face smiling and giggling if she was to say this. [So . . . I didn't read it wrong. They must be in there.] Walking up the door slowly, he reached out a hand to knock. But as his hands touched the door, it swung open by itself; it was not locked. Syaoran moved his arms in front of him, just in case of any danger. Then suddenly . . .
"WELCOME BACK TO JAPAN SYAORAN!"
Some cries of Li-kun replaced the Syaoran, but overall it was a mass of noise and caught him by total surprise. Lights suddenly switched on; the stunning disco ball moving around in the center and other colourful lights dancing around the room.
"Oh Syaoran darling!" Mirano called out sweetly as she got to the door first and stood blocking the others from view. "I -"
"AHEM!"
"We," Mirano sighed - then back to her sing-song voice, she said, "organised this party just for you!" With a giant smile, she grabbed him by the arm and led him in. "Aren't you just so surprised?" she purred.
He nodded dumbfounded. [Everything . . . they did this for me?] The lights were spectacular - but the decorations were even more stunning. There was a huge sign hanged up on the wall with 'Welcome back' on it. It had carefully painted peonies and streaks of green that he loved. Gold and silver balloons hung around the ceiling and streamers of many colours - especially green - were hung up everywhere. The smell of peonies and other flowers tickled his nose and with the dreamy music that Takashi had put on, the place was just wonderful.
"Syaoran!"
He glanced to his left where the sound came from - and immediately he could feel himself gaping. He had always seen her in a ponytail these days - but today she left it out again. The light reflected its glossiness and the way it fell gracefully onto her back. Then there was her dress - completely white and it hung from around her neck. It was simple, with only the material around her chest more detailed. It had sequins sewed on, which held the silky material in place - but still, it was designed to hang over in silky layers and reveal some cleavage.
Sakura smiled. "Although we held this party a week after you came back . . . I know it's rather silly. But, we all just want to show you that we are truly happy you're back . . . and that we've missed you over the years." Sakura paused as she stared down at her feet. [What would he say? Did I embarrass him too much? Maybe I went overboard . . .]
Suddenly applause filled the room. "Sakura," Tomoyo exclaimed as she dabbed her eyes, "That was just so sweet! You always come up the nicest things."
Then everyone became silent as they waited for Syaoran's reply. "I agree," he said quietly. Focused his gaze straight at her, his brown eyes boring into her green ones. Then . . . he smiled.
Seeing this, Mirano hurriedly grabbed onto his arm. "Come on Syaoran! I'm bored - dance with me!" Without waiting for a reply, she pulled him away from Sakura.
Watching the two of them go, Sakura didn't care. She felt like she was walking on air and that she only knew of happiness in her world. [He had smiled - genuinely - and he had smiled at me.] Resting a hand on her pounding heart, Sakura smiled. [And who cares if Mirano got to him first and took all the credit? A smile is all I need to know we're now equal.]
* * * * *
Again, Mirano snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his chest. She then closed her eyes and whispered a few words that only he could hear.
Grumbling, Sakura glared at them. They had at least four dances now and for everyone, Mirano would keep him to herself. Even Syaoran, she noticed, was getting sick of being forced to dance. Suddenly, she felt someone's arms wrap around her waist. Immediately she yelped - but he placed a finger on her lips to silence her.
"You're never going to enjoy this party if you spend your time watching them," Asumi said. As always, he looked slick and cool in his clothes; a white shirt that opened slightly in the front to reveal his muscular chest, and some baggy but more formal black pants. Resting his head on her shoulder and with the irresistible smile planted on his face, he said huskily, "This is your favourite song right?"
Sakura nodded as she looked down at him. She could feel herself blushing with him so close to her as they both sat on the couch. The lights in this area was also dimmed, with only the disco ones turned on - their colours decorating and dancing around the room.
"Then why not catch some of it before it ends?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Hoe?! You mean . . . "
"Yes I do." Placing his drink on the table, he looked at her. His black hair was tied up loosely in a ponytail and it's darkness set off his eyes perfectly. "Think of it Sakura - we're both doing nothing and I've always dreamed of dancing with you." Taking one of her hands in his, he smiled. "Care to dance beautiful girl?"
Glancing between him and the many people on the dance floor, Sakura made her decision. She saw how happily Tomoyo and Eroil were dancing together - and Rika and Naoko too. By the look of all the hints Chiharu was giving, she was trying to get Takashi to stop his job as DJ and take her for a dance. [So why am I missing out on such a chance?]
Smiling, Sakura said, "Hai Asumi - I'd love to." With that, she let him lead her into the spotlight. Without hesitation, Asumi immediately took her into his arms, holding onto her by her tiny waist. Together the two of them danced in with the music and curved in and out of the other people there.
"We really should do this more often," Asumi whispered in her ear. He tightened his grip on her, "I love the feeling of you in my arms."
Sakura blushed. Pounding him gently on the chest, she exclaimed, "I don't know how you always manage to do that Asumi - but I wish you'd stop it."
He laughed. "I won't stop playing romeo till you turn to total mush in my arms."
Watching from the side, Syaoran swore under his breath. How dare he! Making sure that none of them could see him, he danced closer to them - now being only a few metres apart.
"Syaoran! Stop it!"
"What?" he roared instantly. When he looked up, he realised that Sakura and Asumi were now staring at him. [Shit - so close.]
"You're digging your hand into my hair - and you don't have to be so touchy over it!" Mirano huffed. Raising one hand to her head, she whined, "Why are you totally dragging me over the place? I can't even touch the floor with you holding me like this!"
"Opps!' Syaoran hurriedly let go of her.
Taking out a mini mirror, Mirano began smoothing out her hair. "I think I'll go fix this up," she said as she walked toward the bathroom. Then giving Sakura a meaningful glance, she added, "Don't even think about it."
Sighing in relief, Syaoran sat down in one of the chairs. [About time she left me alone.] Then turning his full attention onto Sakura and Asumi, he watched them for a while. Realising with clenched fists, Asumi always whispered some sort of comment that made Sakura blush and go weak in the knees. In his annoyance, he had not noticed he had crushed the can of soda to bits - until the drink spilled over his pants. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. At the same time, he heard Asumi say something.
"Sakura! Where are you going?"
Rushing up the stairs, Sakura called behind her back, "Um . . . I got to check on my . . . um . . . stuff!"
Getting up from his seat, Syaoran narrowed his eyes. She had sensed something - actually, he had too.
* * * * *
"Sakura! It's there!" Kero pointed to the balcony - on it sat the spirit Slip. Just like before, it was dressed in it's clown-like clothes and when smiling, its eyes disappeared into slits.
She nodded in reply - she had sensed it herself. Taking out the key from her neck, she chanted, "The key that hides the forces of stars, show your true shape to me! I, Sakura, command you under the contract! Release!"
Once the staff settled into her palm, the Slip laughed and immediately jumped out of sight.
"It went onto the roof," Sakura exclaimed. Together, she and Kero ran to the balcony. Instantly he zipped to the top. "Do you need a lift?"
Sakura smiled. "Iie! I can manage this one." Drawing out a card from her deck, she threw it up into the air. "Jump! Lend me your powers! Release!" Quickly she leaped onto the roof, joining Kero and facing the Slip. But she realised, that with her dress, it was harder to move around properly.
Suddenly like before, the Slip raised its hands above its head and soon, a glow hit the roof. Prepared for this, Sakura brought out the fly just in time.
"Great Sakura! Now just weaken it!" Kero shouted. But while Sakura had turned around to listen to him, the Slip launched its second attack. This time it was different; it raised its hands like before but when the blast came out, it was a giant glowing ball.
Turning around just then, the ball hit her full blast. It was like a huge shock at first - like someone had just whacked her with a bat. But then she felt weird - she was slowly being pushed inside! Sakura had to let Fly return to its card form, as the ball was too small to let her fly around - but she soon regretted her move.
Falling to the bottom of the ball, she tried to get up - but with no luck. It was dead slippery and there was no way she could get up without toppling over. She could breathe - but the way the ball kept turning and moving made her sick. [This card is totally unpredictable] Sakura thought annoyed [No wonder it dresses like a clown.] As if she had spoken too soon, the ball suddenly vanished. For a moment she just felt relieved to be out and her head stopped being dizzy - but then she felt it, she was falling! The ball had carried her off the roof and had decided to drop her there.
Frozen with fright, Sakura screamed. "Kero!!!! Help!!!!" In her shock, she had dropped the staff onto the roof.
As she fell, she could feel her hair whipping at her face and her heart beating uncontrollably. Looking up, she saw Keroberus frantically trying to reach her - but it was far too late. [I can't do anything without my staff - there's no way I can live through this.] Expecting the last painful drop, it never came. Then suddenly she felt herself moving up with someone warm holding her.
"You can open your eyes," Syaoran said simply as he jumped from one tree branch to the other.
"I'm afraid to be dead," Sakura replied as she still kept her eyes firmly shut. "But . . . since you came -"
"You would have been dead if I hadn't come," he cut in icily as they stopped on the highest branch nearest to the roof. Forcing her to look at him, he shook her. "What did you think you were doing?" he shouted. "Don't you know by now that you can't handle these cards on your own?"
Sakura stared at him, shocked. She opened her mouth to say something but he ignored her. Taking out his sword and one of the cards, he yelled, "Thunder! Come to my aid!" (As you can see, this is nothing like the English or Japanese incantation - but I reckon the English one sux and the Japanese one I don't noe very well. So I just made up my own - sorry about this)
The immense power struck the Slip and it became unconscious. Immediately the roof went back to its normal state and Syaoran leaped onto it. For a moment Sakura waited to see if he would come back to pick her up, but he didn't. Gathering up her dress, she made the way to the roof by herself.
"Seal it," he instructed immediately.
"Hey! Why are you the boss all of a sudden?!" Kero yelled angrily. "No one talks to my mistress like that!"
"No its all right," Sakura interrupted. But secretly, she found his behaviour very annoying too. Then as she raised her staff, she realised something - she had forgotten the gem!
"What's wrong with you? Can't you seal it all ready?" Syaoran cried impatiently.
"Hoe!" Sakura twiddled her thumbs nervously. "I forgot to bring the gem -"
"You forgot?!" Syaoran yelled. Throwing his arms in the air, he cried, "I can't believe this! 6 years have passed between us but you're still the same idiot, weakling and total crybaby. Does that head of yours contain anything? Or are you such a stupid dimwit that you can't even remember something like that?!"
Sakura's eyes widened in total shock. He never spoke like that to her - how could he be so mean? Her lips trembled and before she could hold it back, tears began falling down her cheek. Hurriedly she looked away in hope that he would not see. Then in utter silence, she brought out the jump once more and used it to bring her down to her room.
* * * * *
Her vision was blurred by all her tears that just kept falling. Blindly she stumbled around her room looking for the amtheyst stone. Reaching out to her drawer, she opened it weakly and wrapped her fingers around the gem. For a moment, she just cupped it to her chest as she continued to sob. [Stop crying! He was right - I'm nothing but a crybaby. I'm nothing but weak - I'm nothing but stupid. But all the same . . . I wished it didn't have to come from him. And why did it have to happen today? After all those days that I have worked so hard to organise this party and make him feel wanted, he just blows up at me like that.]
Then reluctantly, she walked toward the door and headed down the hall till she reached the other room. All the way she could hear the fighting that was going on between Kero and Syaoran, but for once, she didn't care about helping Syaoran out.
* * * * *
Slowly he opened the door, and winced as it screeched. [So much for surprising her] he thought disappointed. But she just stood there on the balcony staring at the night sky, pretending he wasn't there. [After what I said, I don't deserve to ever have her speak to me again] he thought bitterly. [What a fool I was - espacilly after all she did for me.]
Timidly, he walked into the dark room - the only light that shone in were the rays of the moon. He looked at her for a moment, trying to read her expression.
Knowing what he was trying to do, Sakura averted her gaze to the floor avoiding all eye contact. Her eyes were still red and puffy from crying, and she was still very upset over what he had said.
Taking a deep breath, Syaoran said in an over emphasised voice, "Wow! This chocolate cake is just delicious! Everyone just loves it - they're all eating platefuls of it downstairs." [In other words, would you please come down? You've been up here for over an hour - and you haven't eaten anything.]
Sakura made no reply as she continued to stare down at the floor.
Holding out another piece of cake he had brought along, he said rather embarrassed, "Um - would you like to try some? I brought you a piece." He could feel himself reddening - he never bothered to do this stuff for anyone.
Sakura shook her head slightly. "No thanks. I'm not hungry."
Syaoran frowned. [Just tell me you hate me Sakura - shout at me, scream at me - I don't care. I just hate it when you hide your feelings from me - when you try to be strong and keep down a deep pain that you need to share.]
"Well . . . like I said before, I love this cake you made!" he said again.
"Chiharu helped as well."
"Eh yeah . . . well I love the way you used white chocolate to make the little rocks."
"They're flowers Syaoran," Sakura said quietly.
"Oh yes!" he stammered, "Of course! Did I say rocks? I meant . . . um . . . " He stopped, frantically mumbling to himself to try and think of something.
Finally turning around to look at him, Sakura smiled slightly. "Like I said in the morning, you're a horrible liar." For a moment, they just stared at each other, then she motioned to the spot beside her. "Come and watch the stars with me Syaoran."
"Yeah, okay," he replied. [She's talking to me again!] Rather nervously, he stood beside her on the balcony. The sky was really beautiful - stars dominated every corner and with the full moon right in the center, it was even more stunning.
After an awkward period of silence, Sakura spoke. "Tonight is very beautiful isn't it?"
Syaoran leaned carelessly on the rail. Turning to look at her, he asked, "Which star do you like best?"
Sakura smiled. She pointed up a small star somewhere in the background. "That one. It isn't as large or sparkling as the others, but every few seconds, it will suddenly light up and outshine all the others." Rubbing her bare arms, Sakura said softly, "I bet that star has a soul more unique and beautiful then all the others - and at certain times, it will reveal its true self."
There was a silence again - but this time it was a time of thought and understanding. [A soul more unique and beautiful then all the others . . .] her words still seemed to repeat in his mind - like the wind was carrying it around in the breeze. Studying Sakura as she still gazed up at the sky, he thought about what she had just said. [I guess those words are perfect for describing you . . .]
Her eyes were still red - but she still looked as breathtaking as she did before. There was just something about her that no one could ever match - her purity, her kindness, her elegance - they were all something only she possessed.
"Sakura?"
"Hm?"
"I really want to say that I didn't mean what I said a moment ago - I was just being really stupid. It was just some stress I was facing that made me loose my self-control." [Yeah - the stress of losing you and seeing you die. That's all - nothing too painful for me. All I felt was as if my heart was being ripped out of my chest and someone was stabbing me in the guts.]
"It's all right," Sakura replied with a smile, "You were right about some things. I always cry for no reason don't I? I'm just a weakling and I don't face t-things -" She broke off as her voice began wavering again. Hurriedly she wiped away the tears and looked away. "See?" she said in a choked voice, "I'm always crying."
Placing his hands gently on her bare shoulders, Syaoran turned her around. Staring right into her tear-filled eyes, he said softly, "You make crying seem like a bad thing."
"It is," Sakura replied as her voice shook.
"All normal people cry - crying is a way of expressing your feelings. It is as right as smiling or talking. Crying is not a symbol of being weak."
"But you never cry," Sakura said quietly.
Syaoran chuckled. "I guess you could say I'm abnormal then."
Sakura smiled slightly as she wiped the last of her tears away. "Arigato Syaoran."
He shrugged. "As long as you stop crying then I'll be happy." Just then he realised that he was still holding onto her - immediately he blushed. Should he still hold onto her? She didn't seem to mind - and he didn't either.
"Syaoran?" Sakura suddenly asked.
"What?"
"Why did you decide to stay here in Japan (or Nihon) with us? I mean . . . I know you had to come out with us to help us out of the country, but after that, you could have just gone home. So . . . why?"
Why? Syaoran let go of her shoulders as he thought. [I never really thought of that. Well maybe I came to capture the cards and to prove myself . . . not really. I gave all the cards we captured to Sakura - and I don't mind at all. So maybe it was because I wanted to get away from home? No. As much as they are strict, I do care for them and they do care for me. So what is it?]
"Syaoran?"
Suddenly he looked at her; the way her hair seemed silvery in the moonlight and how the breeze seemed to play around in it. How her eyes seemed like precious emeralds that shone through all darkness. How her face was so pale and captured all the qualities of a fairytale beauty. How her smile was so radiant and her lips so full and pink . . .
[Or maybe I just came here to be with you.]
* * * * *
Coco cookie: A nice dramatic & romantic ending to another chapter - did you like it?
NOTICE: No new chapters will arrive until 16th (or later) November. I've got my yearlies to study for and lotsa assignments to finish. For other people who also have to suffer, I wish you the best of luck!
Work on my site is now also seized and I've banned myself from the internet, gameboy, computer games and TV. Life can be so harsh (
And about the drama theatresports competition - let me put it this way: We didn't come first but we didn't come last. Now since that is over and we've won second at another compettion where we were against other skools, we're starting on our characters for the character dinner. Can u believe drama costs $75 per term?!