Konnichiwa minna-san! Thank you for the reviews! Please don't forget to R+R my other story, The Year the Prince Found Himself. If you like historical fiction, I wrote one called Love and Rebellion in the Good Land...sorry--I feel like solicitating my fanfics-LOL. Anyway, glad that you like my story so far although I'm not getting encourage very much...anyway, after the 5th chapter, the longest chapter is coming up! So, if you read and review this chapter, I'll get to work on the 6th one ASAP. Hope you have fun!
Hi everyone! I have finally taken the little time it took to get rid of all the ing hua's and stuff and the places where I talk about ing hua instead of ying fa. So chill out! Oh, and it didn't really matter to me if you spelled it "ing hua" or "ing hwa." You got the idea of how to pronounce it!
Thanks to the following people:
CCchick: Thanks for telling me about the sensei thing!
chibicherry: Thanks for telling me about the cantonese/mandarin + ying fa/ying hua thing so nicely!
And to all the loyal reviewers: THANK YOU!
Keep in mind:
"bla" = talk
~bla~ = thoughts
~~~*** = scene or POV changes
~~~bla*** = time passes
POV = Point Of View
A/N = author's note
^bla^ = actions in the middle of reading a letter
Sakura in Syaoran in New England?
Chapter 5-Letters
"Sakura! You have mail!" Amelia called from the door. She walked over to Sakura who was sitting at the computer, typing up her paper. "Are you too busy? Should I leave these on the counter?"
"Let me take a look," Sakura said. She glanced at the addresses. "Oh! Tomoyo, Eriol, and Touya! No, I'm not too busy. My paper can wait, I just need to type it up, and I still have two days." Sakura took the letters while Amelia went to her room to read her mail.
Sakura placed Eriol and Touya's letters on the desk and opened Tomoyo's letter first.
Dear Sakura-chan,
It's seems a bit odd, writing to you half a world away from you. But I say that in every letter, don't I? I hope you're having a marvelous time at the university--hope you're getting the education that you want!
Everyone misses you so much, but then they remember the things that you're studying and the experiences that you're experiencing and then they're quiet...for a couple of minutes. : )
In a couple of weeks, the sakura trees will bloom. Meilin called and said that she wanted to come visit Japan in order to see the ying fa. It took me a couple of minutes before I understood what she was trying to say--it's just that I haven't been speaking in Chinese for a while. It's a good thing that Meiling and Syaoran taught us a little, right?
Speaking of Syaoran, how is he? Is he watching over you like Touya told him to? Are the boys swarming over you? Now tell me if the American boys are kawaii (cute) or not because I'm debating on whether or not to go to the US or not. I would first like to finish what I need to in college.
Don't worry, I will tape AND photograph the sakura. I'll get someone to sketch them for you - you deserve to see your namesake in all the different ways of art.
Amelia and Craig sound like good people, and I'm glad that about everyone is studying Japanese. That way, I can someday speak with them the way I usually speak with you! Ask Jennifer, "Watashi wa anata no tomodachi desu ka?" I would like to be her friend.
(A/N: That means, "Am I your friend?")
Eriol asked me out on a date yesterday! I was so happy! Remember when I told you that I had a crush on him? I still do, you know that. And he asked me out yesterday! It was so sweet. We went to the movies, then we went out to eat, and then we took a walk in the park. It was so sweet and kawaii! He was so kawaii too! He said that he liked me too, and now we're boyfriend and girlfriend! I'm so happy!!!!!!
You and Syaoran should get together. Then, when you two come back to Japan, all four of us can hang out! Of course, if you don't have a crush on him, then don't force yourself.
Write back quickly! I know that I didn't put a lot of "news" in my letter...I'm just so exited about Eriol! After I mail this letter, I'm going to have lunch with him. Later, we'll meet up with the gang, but we want to spend time together. I feel so lucky!
Your tomodachi forever,
Tomoyo Daidouji
(A/N: Tomodachi means friend. I forget what Tomoyo's last name is so I just did the best I could.)
Sakura looked at the letter and smiled a sad smile. ~It would be nice if Syaoran and I were a couple~ Sakura thought. Sakura opened a drawer, took out some paper (it was pink with sakura). Grabbing a pen, she started to write back.
Dear Tomoyo-chan,
I'm so happy that you and Eriol are together now!! You two make such a kawaii couple! Yes, there are kawaii boys, but I think you were joking when you asked me that because now you have Eriol! Also, they're not anyone's type!! Hoe!
Thanks in advance for getting the sakura. We can see them here too but we would need to go to Washington D.C.
Tell everyone that I miss them too! Tell Touya I love him even though he still calls me 'kaijuu,' which you know that I am not. Yes, Syaoran is watching over me although I don't really need it now. Except for this hentai professor (I'm exaggerating) who asked me out on a date. He's starting to bother me, but Syaoran is always there when I need him.
(a/n: Hentai means pervert)
And guess what! I have a crush on Syaoran now - you probably saw this coming. But I'm not going to tell him because if he doesn't like me back, I don't know how our friendship will be! Then that would be too sad. But it would be nice if we were a couple, I wouldn't mind that at all!
Just to let you know, tae kwon do is great. I've recently learned everything that I need to test for a yellow 2nd. That's when they put a stripe on your belt, and you get new things to learn. But I still need 2 more weeks of lessons. Then I have filled all the requirements.
Like you, I don't have a lot of news either. Not a lot has been happening! The university has been great, all my friends are great, as you know.
Yesterday, we had a test, a quiz, and review. Nothing much, it was pretty easy. All the snow finally melted! We have our grassy hills and flowers again. The trees will start blooming in a couple of weeks. Now I wish I could go see the sakura. But, there really isn't a way for us to drive to Washington DC!!
I'm so sorry for this short letter! Next time, I'll try to be more newsy! Stay kawaii!
Your tomodachi for life,
Sakura Kinomoto
Sakura placed the short aside and opened up another letter. It was from Touya.
"Onii-chan!"
(a/n: I'm not sure it that's right! If it is right, then that means brother)
Dear Sakura,
Konnichiwa, kaijuu! Yes, I know what you're going to say...
^ "I'm not a kaijuu!" Sakura exclaimed.^
You're going to say, "I'm not a kaijuu!" Or something like that. Well, you're always be my little kaijuu. You should be used to it by now! How is the university? Yes, I ask you this about a million times, but I have to keep up with my kaijuu! The work isn't too hard, too easy? The professors are treating you right? Teaching useful things?
Is that gaki treating you all right? Again, I know what you're going to say...
^ "Syaoran is not a gaki!" Sakura exclaimed.^
You're going to say, "Syaoran is not a gaki!" or "Li-kun is not a gaki!" I don't know which you use nowadays. Anyways, is he treating you all right? I still don't feel that easy about letting you go to another country with him...but if you're all right, I guess things are going okay.
How are your friends? You told me about Amelia, Craig, and Jennifer. By the way, what is Jennifer like?
^ Sakura laughed. She never thought her brother would be interested in one of her friends.^
Is she nice? What does she look like? By the way, you aren't sensing anything...different...are you? You know what I mean. I don't want to write it out because I still don't completely trust airmail. Maybe you should carry your...playing cards around with you? Just in case?
Nakuru is jumping on me again although I don't know why. I know who she is, I know that she knows that Yuki knows who he is! (Can you make that sentence out?) So I don't understand why she's following me around now! She's starting to ask about where my "kawaii little sister" is, to quote her. I don't know, maybe she still thinks of you as the 11-year-old that she knew.
You are coming to visit during your break, right? I need my kaijuu to be home so you can stomp around like the kaijuu you are! I mean, it's starting to get boring going to work, coming home, cooking food, sleeping, then going to work, etc. Father is still up and about, still as nice as possible, and he misses you a lot. Call him sometime. You told me once that you missed me when I was away in college. Heh, now I know how you felt!!
^ Sakura smiled. That was about as close as Touya was going to get to saying that he missed her. ^
Okay, I need to end soon. Tons of errends, work, chores, etc. to do! I'll just end by saying this: If that gaki or anyone else hurts you, you know who to call.
Your onii-chan,
Touya Kinomoto
Sakura smiled. Touya's letters always made her laugh or made her happy if she was sad. Grabbing a piece of paper, she started to reply.
Dear Touya,
Thanks for the letter. It made me laugh and smile, like usual. I'm not a kaijuu and Syaoran isn't a gaki! *laughing* Yes, I just had to say that! The university is still as beautiful as ever, the work is fine, and the professors are good teachers except for the Japanese one. But, of course we're comparing him to ourselves. The only thing I don't understand is why did he get chosen to be the professor when Amelia's cousin also applied, and Amelia's cousin is a much better teacher? That just boggles me. Needless to say, we have to help Professor Allamoy a lot!
Yes, Syaoran is treating me fine. We're getting closer everyday but we're still friends, don't worry.
^ ~Although I wouldn't mind if it was more~ Sakura thought. ^
I never thought that you would be interested in one of my friends! Don't try to deny it! Jennifer is very kind, careful, and she can be - what some people say around here - very "random." She's very smart, and if you remember Mizuki-san, Jennifer's hair is as long as hers. Jennifer has beautiful gray eyes that are always warm, unless you get on her bad side, and she's constantly smiling. You'll like her, although if you two become more than friends, that would just be very weird!!
My playing cards? I don't know if I'll need them now. Syaoran is always around me, and if something is up, our auras can pretty much fight it off. Nothing too overwhelming that I need to carry the playing cards everywhere I go.
Nakuru? I haven't seen her in a bit so I guess she does think of me as the 11-year-old I was. But there's sort of a difference between 18 and 11! Anyway, I think Nakuru likes you! But if you're totally into meeting Jennifer then you shouldn't lead Nakuru on.
Yes, yes, I'm going during break. Syaoran is coming with me and if Amelia, Craig, and Jennifer want to come too, then they'll probably come. Although how they're going to pay for their tickets, I don't know. Jennifer says that she's always wanted to come to Japan, Amelia is my American best friend, and Craig is Syaoran's American best friend. So it's sort of hard to leave people out. I guess they'll find something out.
Aishiteru, onii-chan!
(a/n: aishiteru means I love you, right?)
Hope that your errands and chores aren't too much!
Love always,
Sakura Kinomoto
She opened the next letter. It was from...Eriol.
Dear Sakura,
I hope everything is suiting you well at the university. Studying is good? Work is good? Friends are good?
I'm sure Tomoyo has already told you about her and me, whether it be through letters, the phone, or whatever. Yes, I care about her very much, and I guess you already saw this coming, didn't you? I bet you did. I can't believe I didn't see it though! It's a bit odd to think that something so complicated to you is so obvious to someone else.
So, how's my cute little descendent? You know who I'm talking about! How do you feel about him? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
You know that I usually don't write often. Well, I've been sensing a strong aura...it's faint but something tells me that that's because it's far away. Lately, I've been seeing that I don't sense far-away auras unless they have something to do with the Card Mistress or my little descendent. So, be on your guard! Something could happen if you're not. Remember, you became Card Mistress because of your friendship and love. That's how you will defeat your enemies! You must never forget that. You don't need to tell Syaoran because I'm sending him a letter.
I really don't have much else to say except be careful, and have a good time at the university!
Sincerely,
Eriol Hiiragizawa
Sakura puzzled over Eriol's short letter for a couple of minutes and then started to reply to it.
Dear Eriol,
Thanks for the letter. The university is nice, the studying is fair, the work is fine, and the friends are terrific.
Yes, I did see that you and Tomoyo would someday get together. You guys make such a, if I may borrow Tomoyo's word, kawaii couple! Yes, it's very weird to think that something so simple to someone else is so complicated to you!
Syaoran is doing nicely in school. He's being a great friend. I think he's being very supportive of everything that I do and he's always there when I need him to be around.
^ ~I'm not ready to tell Eriol about my feelings for Syaoran~ Sakura realized. ^
Thank you for the warning and the tip. I'll try to be careful! Have a good time in Japan! Say hi to Suppi and Nakuru for me!
Sincerely,
Sakura Kinomoto.
Before Sakura signed the letter, she was thinking about adding more to her letter. "Well, he wrote a short letter so I don't think he'll expect a long one from me," Sakura reasoned, and she signed the letter. "Well, that's everyone. Back to my paper!" Sakura said.
~~~***
Craig entered the dormroom.
"Syaoran! You have mail!" Craig called. "Are you too busy?" Craig asked when he saw Syaoran.
Syaoran was practicing some martial arts, whether it be tae kwon do or what he learned back in Hong Kong.
"No, I can stop," Syaoran said and he took the letters from Craig. There were three of them, all of them had the Airmail envelopes. Syaoran opened the first letter. It was from Yelan Li, his mother.
Dear Xiao-Lang,
(a/n: xiao-lang is Syaoran's Chinese name. It means Little Wolf.)
I hope the university is nice over there. Your sisters and I are traveling to Japan to look at the ying fa trees. Too bad you couldn't come with us. Speaking of ying fa, how is Kinomoto Sakura?
(a/n: ying fa means cherry blossoms in Cantonese)
I'm sensing an aura over in Massachusetts. It's very faint but it's very close to yours and the Card Mistress's. I suspect that Hiiragizawa Eriol is sensing it too. Please be on your guard and suggest to Sakura that she should carry around the Sakura cards with her. That way, you two are not caught off guard.
Your sisters miss you, and they want to meet your new MALE friends. You can guess what they're up to. I don't think it would be wise to oblige to them although I hear that you are going to be leaving for Japan during your break. If a friend or two is coming, please let us know because we will probably be visiting Japan at that time and...I want to...prepare your sisters.
Study hard! I hope that this envelope reaches you safely. I have sent you another envelope inside this one. I hope it has reached you safely because if it has not, I shall never trust the mail service again. It contains enough money for you to buy an engagement ring for Sakura.
^ Syaoran gaped at what his mother had written. Engagement ring?? ^
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Engagement ring??" I wouldn't be your mother if I couldn't tell what you were thinking. Anyway, I have seen the way you look and talk about Sakura, and I think that I have made a good decision. Although, if my judgement is wrong and there is nothing between the two of you, then you shall send the money back until you show me another wonderful young lady.
I wish the best of luck in your studies and in your life. Stay cautious because I don't know what this aura means. Stay on your guard!
Your loving mother,
Yelan Li
(a/n: I don't know Yelan's Chinese name so I just put down the Japanese version of her name.)
Syaoran grabbed some paper. ~That was an interesting letter~ Syaoran thought.
Dear Mother,
The university is great, the studying isn't too hard but isn't too easy and all my friends are great. Please try to save some ying fa for me when I go to Japan for the break. I'm not sure if some of my male friends will be coming with me but I'll let you know if they are. Sakura is doing fine. Yes, we're sensing the aura too. I have a hunch on who it's coming from, but I want to wait until my suspicions are confirmed. I will try to find some time to ask Sakura to carry around the cards with her. I'll start carrying my...things along as well.
Tell my sisters I miss them too although I'm not sure why (I'm just kidding.) .
The envelope came safely and...
^Syaoran wasn't sure what to write next. Should he keep the money for the engagement ring or should he send it back?^
...I'll keep it here unless something...goes wrong.
Thank you for the warning...we'll try to stay on our guard.
Your loving son,
Syaoran Li
(a/n: If Syaoran's name was Xiao-Lang, then what would his last name be?)
The next letter was from....Eriol.
My cute little descendant,
^Syaoran laughed at the nickname.^
Are you laughing? Or are you mad? Anyway, I don't send letters often so I'll get to the point.
Tomoyo and I are a couple!! Now you and Sakura need to get together so we can double date and everything. Don't deny it! I know how you feel about the little cherry blossom. I think she feels the same way about you too. You just need to step up to her.
Anyway, I'm sure you'll probably hear this from your mother, but I sense an aura over there. It's not as strong as it would be if it were here in Japan but it's still strong. Please be on your guard because when I sense an aura this strong, it usually involves you and Sakura.
Everyone misses you. Touya is starting to think that you're not that bad although he won't admit it. Everything is doing fine. The sakura are going to bloom in a couple of weeks. We're very happy. I hear they have sakura trees in the US, but it's all the way in Washington D.C. Oh well, you have your own little cherry blossom right on campus with you!
Yes, it's a short letter but that's because I'm terrible at writing letters...also, things are going smoothly, and there's no evil sources or anything...I guess they all followed the two of you!!! *laughing*
Tomodachis forever,
Eriol Hiiragizawa
Dear Eriol,
Thanks for the letter. You're right. We usually don't get letters from you. I'm glad to hear from you! I was laughing when I saw the nickname, just to let you know.
Congratulations on you and Tomoyo. Tomoyo is probably gushing to Sakura right now about how 'kawaii' you look. Then Sakura would say how 'kawaii' you two look together. I must say, Eriol, that you and Tomoyo make a great couple.
Sakura and I? I'm not sure. Yes, you've nailed the feeling but I'm not sure if I'll..."step up" to her as you so boldly describe it.
Hai (yes), we're feeling the aura too. I have a hunch about who it's from but I'm not going to say anything until I'm very very sure. My mother senses it too, but she probably can't sense it as well as you can.
I'm going to ask Sakura to carry the cards around with her from now on. I'm going to start carrying my things around too. Just in case.
It's true, we have to go to Washington D.C. to see some sakura. But, hai, we also have our own Sakura. So I guess that's also very good.
As for evil sources, I would think that my not-so-cute ancestor (hehe, like the nickname? *laughing*) wouldn't get that cozy. Nevertheless, don't get to comfortable because in this world, we don't know what will happen.
Gomen (sorry), for the equally short letter. I really don't have that much to say because there isn't a lot of things going on that would need more than a sheet of paper to tell you.
Sincerely,
Syaoran Li
Syaoran lifted up the last letter. He laughed. Tomoyo. The envelope had 'kawaii' written all over it. ~You definitely wouldn't be able to get this letter mixed up with someone else's~ Syaoran thought.
Dear Syaoran,
How's it going over there on Alanafield University? Studying hard? How is Sakura? Everyone here misses you too and they miss being able to say how kawaii you two look together.
Speaking of which, when are the two of you going to become a couple? Hai, it sounds impatient but we are! You've had "the hots" for Sakura since 5th grade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^ ~Wow, I've never seen Tomoyo use so many exclamation points~ Syaoran thought. ^
I'm very sure that Sakura feels the same way, you just need to push her forward, do you know what I mean? Eriol and I are now a couple! I'm so happy!
The cherry blossoms are coming although I think everyone else has told you that. You have Sakura so I don't know if you really, really miss it over here in Japan.
I guess I'm repeating everyting that everyone else has said, but there really isn't much going on here. People miss you, and Touya is starting to whistle happily every now and then. Yukito sure has noticed the change in him. I don't know why though. I think it's because he's finally realized that you aren't going to harm Sakura in any way.
I promised Sakura that I would capture the sakura blooming for her. It would be nice for the two of you to watch the video tape together. I'm also sending sketches and one of my mother's friends might make a painting or two just for you guys! Hope you like them.
Anything going on over there? Craig and Amelia sound like nice people. Sakura has also told me about Jennifer. It's great that people are learning Japanese. It's not as popular as Chinese, English, or Spanish but it's an interesting language. Of course, I think so since I speak it!! When they learn enough, they could have conversations with everyone here in Japanese without someone having to translate. Hai, people here have also taken English courses from Eriol and Kaho Mizuki (a/n: for those who are Cardcaptor fans, Kaho is Ms. Mackenzie) but they are still rusty.
Okay, I need to end now because I still have to send off a design for my clothes line. It's called, "Tomoyo's." What do you think? It's a men's and women's thing. I'm thinking I might start something for kids too. What do you think? I haven't told Sakura yet because I'm working on a design that's espeically for her. It's going to be a surprise!
Your tomodachi,
Tomoyo Daidouji
Syaoran finally finished reading Tomoyo's letter and took out another piece of stationary. It always felt good to get a long letter.
Dear Tomoyo,
Thanks for the letter. Alanafield Univeristy is going very nicely, and the studying isn't killing me or anything. Sakura is doing fine although I think you already know that. I miss everyone too although I'm not sure if I miss the "they look so kawaii together" part.
Becoming a couple? I don't know. I took her on one date, but I told you about that already. That one didn't go very well at all. Sakura and I have gotten our yellow belts in tae kwon do.
Hai, we have Sakura here, but I'm still going to miss seeing the sakura trees bloom. Arigato (thanks) in advance for sending over the video, sketches and paintings.
Everyone here is very nice and kind. I'm glad that people are learning Japanese too although if we don't get a new professor someday, they're not going to learn very much.
Say thank you to Eriol for me for teaching us English. Of course, it's helping us tremendously.
I know, I know, one of my shortest letters in exchange for one my longest letters received. I'm sorry. Oh, nothing much is happening. We're sensing something but we're on our guard. Don't worry. I think the name for your clothes line and your ideas are terrific. I can't wait to see it!
Your tomodachi,
Syaoran Li
Syaoran put the letters that he had written into envelopes and wrote the addresses on them. After he sealed them, he put away his pen and stood up.
"Okay, back to practicing martial arts!" Syaoran said.
A/N: Well, how did you like it? Yes, it was all letters but I thought that maybe I could show Sakura and Syaoran when they have leisure time. Also, it seemed a little odd that they hadn't been getting letters so I decided to show the letters that they got and what they did to answer them. How did you like it? Review please! I love reviews! LOL.
Hi everyone! I have finally taken the little time it took to get rid of all the ing hua's and stuff and the places where I talk about ing hua instead of ying fa. So chill out! Oh, and it didn't really matter to me if you spelled it "ing hua" or "ing hwa." You got the idea of how to pronounce it!
Thanks to the following people:
CCchick: Thanks for telling me about the sensei thing!
chibicherry: Thanks for telling me about the cantonese/mandarin + ying fa/ying hua thing so nicely!
And to all the loyal reviewers: THANK YOU!
Keep in mind:
"bla" = talk
~bla~ = thoughts
~~~*** = scene or POV changes
~~~bla*** = time passes
POV = Point Of View
A/N = author's note
^bla^ = actions in the middle of reading a letter
Sakura in Syaoran in New England?
Chapter 5-Letters
"Sakura! You have mail!" Amelia called from the door. She walked over to Sakura who was sitting at the computer, typing up her paper. "Are you too busy? Should I leave these on the counter?"
"Let me take a look," Sakura said. She glanced at the addresses. "Oh! Tomoyo, Eriol, and Touya! No, I'm not too busy. My paper can wait, I just need to type it up, and I still have two days." Sakura took the letters while Amelia went to her room to read her mail.
Sakura placed Eriol and Touya's letters on the desk and opened Tomoyo's letter first.
Dear Sakura-chan,
It's seems a bit odd, writing to you half a world away from you. But I say that in every letter, don't I? I hope you're having a marvelous time at the university--hope you're getting the education that you want!
Everyone misses you so much, but then they remember the things that you're studying and the experiences that you're experiencing and then they're quiet...for a couple of minutes. : )
In a couple of weeks, the sakura trees will bloom. Meilin called and said that she wanted to come visit Japan in order to see the ying fa. It took me a couple of minutes before I understood what she was trying to say--it's just that I haven't been speaking in Chinese for a while. It's a good thing that Meiling and Syaoran taught us a little, right?
Speaking of Syaoran, how is he? Is he watching over you like Touya told him to? Are the boys swarming over you? Now tell me if the American boys are kawaii (cute) or not because I'm debating on whether or not to go to the US or not. I would first like to finish what I need to in college.
Don't worry, I will tape AND photograph the sakura. I'll get someone to sketch them for you - you deserve to see your namesake in all the different ways of art.
Amelia and Craig sound like good people, and I'm glad that about everyone is studying Japanese. That way, I can someday speak with them the way I usually speak with you! Ask Jennifer, "Watashi wa anata no tomodachi desu ka?" I would like to be her friend.
(A/N: That means, "Am I your friend?")
Eriol asked me out on a date yesterday! I was so happy! Remember when I told you that I had a crush on him? I still do, you know that. And he asked me out yesterday! It was so sweet. We went to the movies, then we went out to eat, and then we took a walk in the park. It was so sweet and kawaii! He was so kawaii too! He said that he liked me too, and now we're boyfriend and girlfriend! I'm so happy!!!!!!
You and Syaoran should get together. Then, when you two come back to Japan, all four of us can hang out! Of course, if you don't have a crush on him, then don't force yourself.
Write back quickly! I know that I didn't put a lot of "news" in my letter...I'm just so exited about Eriol! After I mail this letter, I'm going to have lunch with him. Later, we'll meet up with the gang, but we want to spend time together. I feel so lucky!
Your tomodachi forever,
Tomoyo Daidouji
(A/N: Tomodachi means friend. I forget what Tomoyo's last name is so I just did the best I could.)
Sakura looked at the letter and smiled a sad smile. ~It would be nice if Syaoran and I were a couple~ Sakura thought. Sakura opened a drawer, took out some paper (it was pink with sakura). Grabbing a pen, she started to write back.
Dear Tomoyo-chan,
I'm so happy that you and Eriol are together now!! You two make such a kawaii couple! Yes, there are kawaii boys, but I think you were joking when you asked me that because now you have Eriol! Also, they're not anyone's type!! Hoe!
Thanks in advance for getting the sakura. We can see them here too but we would need to go to Washington D.C.
Tell everyone that I miss them too! Tell Touya I love him even though he still calls me 'kaijuu,' which you know that I am not. Yes, Syaoran is watching over me although I don't really need it now. Except for this hentai professor (I'm exaggerating) who asked me out on a date. He's starting to bother me, but Syaoran is always there when I need him.
(a/n: Hentai means pervert)
And guess what! I have a crush on Syaoran now - you probably saw this coming. But I'm not going to tell him because if he doesn't like me back, I don't know how our friendship will be! Then that would be too sad. But it would be nice if we were a couple, I wouldn't mind that at all!
Just to let you know, tae kwon do is great. I've recently learned everything that I need to test for a yellow 2nd. That's when they put a stripe on your belt, and you get new things to learn. But I still need 2 more weeks of lessons. Then I have filled all the requirements.
Like you, I don't have a lot of news either. Not a lot has been happening! The university has been great, all my friends are great, as you know.
Yesterday, we had a test, a quiz, and review. Nothing much, it was pretty easy. All the snow finally melted! We have our grassy hills and flowers again. The trees will start blooming in a couple of weeks. Now I wish I could go see the sakura. But, there really isn't a way for us to drive to Washington DC!!
I'm so sorry for this short letter! Next time, I'll try to be more newsy! Stay kawaii!
Your tomodachi for life,
Sakura Kinomoto
Sakura placed the short aside and opened up another letter. It was from Touya.
"Onii-chan!"
(a/n: I'm not sure it that's right! If it is right, then that means brother)
Dear Sakura,
Konnichiwa, kaijuu! Yes, I know what you're going to say...
^ "I'm not a kaijuu!" Sakura exclaimed.^
You're going to say, "I'm not a kaijuu!" Or something like that. Well, you're always be my little kaijuu. You should be used to it by now! How is the university? Yes, I ask you this about a million times, but I have to keep up with my kaijuu! The work isn't too hard, too easy? The professors are treating you right? Teaching useful things?
Is that gaki treating you all right? Again, I know what you're going to say...
^ "Syaoran is not a gaki!" Sakura exclaimed.^
You're going to say, "Syaoran is not a gaki!" or "Li-kun is not a gaki!" I don't know which you use nowadays. Anyways, is he treating you all right? I still don't feel that easy about letting you go to another country with him...but if you're all right, I guess things are going okay.
How are your friends? You told me about Amelia, Craig, and Jennifer. By the way, what is Jennifer like?
^ Sakura laughed. She never thought her brother would be interested in one of her friends.^
Is she nice? What does she look like? By the way, you aren't sensing anything...different...are you? You know what I mean. I don't want to write it out because I still don't completely trust airmail. Maybe you should carry your...playing cards around with you? Just in case?
Nakuru is jumping on me again although I don't know why. I know who she is, I know that she knows that Yuki knows who he is! (Can you make that sentence out?) So I don't understand why she's following me around now! She's starting to ask about where my "kawaii little sister" is, to quote her. I don't know, maybe she still thinks of you as the 11-year-old that she knew.
You are coming to visit during your break, right? I need my kaijuu to be home so you can stomp around like the kaijuu you are! I mean, it's starting to get boring going to work, coming home, cooking food, sleeping, then going to work, etc. Father is still up and about, still as nice as possible, and he misses you a lot. Call him sometime. You told me once that you missed me when I was away in college. Heh, now I know how you felt!!
^ Sakura smiled. That was about as close as Touya was going to get to saying that he missed her. ^
Okay, I need to end soon. Tons of errends, work, chores, etc. to do! I'll just end by saying this: If that gaki or anyone else hurts you, you know who to call.
Your onii-chan,
Touya Kinomoto
Sakura smiled. Touya's letters always made her laugh or made her happy if she was sad. Grabbing a piece of paper, she started to reply.
Dear Touya,
Thanks for the letter. It made me laugh and smile, like usual. I'm not a kaijuu and Syaoran isn't a gaki! *laughing* Yes, I just had to say that! The university is still as beautiful as ever, the work is fine, and the professors are good teachers except for the Japanese one. But, of course we're comparing him to ourselves. The only thing I don't understand is why did he get chosen to be the professor when Amelia's cousin also applied, and Amelia's cousin is a much better teacher? That just boggles me. Needless to say, we have to help Professor Allamoy a lot!
Yes, Syaoran is treating me fine. We're getting closer everyday but we're still friends, don't worry.
^ ~Although I wouldn't mind if it was more~ Sakura thought. ^
I never thought that you would be interested in one of my friends! Don't try to deny it! Jennifer is very kind, careful, and she can be - what some people say around here - very "random." She's very smart, and if you remember Mizuki-san, Jennifer's hair is as long as hers. Jennifer has beautiful gray eyes that are always warm, unless you get on her bad side, and she's constantly smiling. You'll like her, although if you two become more than friends, that would just be very weird!!
My playing cards? I don't know if I'll need them now. Syaoran is always around me, and if something is up, our auras can pretty much fight it off. Nothing too overwhelming that I need to carry the playing cards everywhere I go.
Nakuru? I haven't seen her in a bit so I guess she does think of me as the 11-year-old I was. But there's sort of a difference between 18 and 11! Anyway, I think Nakuru likes you! But if you're totally into meeting Jennifer then you shouldn't lead Nakuru on.
Yes, yes, I'm going during break. Syaoran is coming with me and if Amelia, Craig, and Jennifer want to come too, then they'll probably come. Although how they're going to pay for their tickets, I don't know. Jennifer says that she's always wanted to come to Japan, Amelia is my American best friend, and Craig is Syaoran's American best friend. So it's sort of hard to leave people out. I guess they'll find something out.
Aishiteru, onii-chan!
(a/n: aishiteru means I love you, right?)
Hope that your errands and chores aren't too much!
Love always,
Sakura Kinomoto
She opened the next letter. It was from...Eriol.
Dear Sakura,
I hope everything is suiting you well at the university. Studying is good? Work is good? Friends are good?
I'm sure Tomoyo has already told you about her and me, whether it be through letters, the phone, or whatever. Yes, I care about her very much, and I guess you already saw this coming, didn't you? I bet you did. I can't believe I didn't see it though! It's a bit odd to think that something so complicated to you is so obvious to someone else.
So, how's my cute little descendent? You know who I'm talking about! How do you feel about him? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
You know that I usually don't write often. Well, I've been sensing a strong aura...it's faint but something tells me that that's because it's far away. Lately, I've been seeing that I don't sense far-away auras unless they have something to do with the Card Mistress or my little descendent. So, be on your guard! Something could happen if you're not. Remember, you became Card Mistress because of your friendship and love. That's how you will defeat your enemies! You must never forget that. You don't need to tell Syaoran because I'm sending him a letter.
I really don't have much else to say except be careful, and have a good time at the university!
Sincerely,
Eriol Hiiragizawa
Sakura puzzled over Eriol's short letter for a couple of minutes and then started to reply to it.
Dear Eriol,
Thanks for the letter. The university is nice, the studying is fair, the work is fine, and the friends are terrific.
Yes, I did see that you and Tomoyo would someday get together. You guys make such a, if I may borrow Tomoyo's word, kawaii couple! Yes, it's very weird to think that something so simple to someone else is so complicated to you!
Syaoran is doing nicely in school. He's being a great friend. I think he's being very supportive of everything that I do and he's always there when I need him to be around.
^ ~I'm not ready to tell Eriol about my feelings for Syaoran~ Sakura realized. ^
Thank you for the warning and the tip. I'll try to be careful! Have a good time in Japan! Say hi to Suppi and Nakuru for me!
Sincerely,
Sakura Kinomoto.
Before Sakura signed the letter, she was thinking about adding more to her letter. "Well, he wrote a short letter so I don't think he'll expect a long one from me," Sakura reasoned, and she signed the letter. "Well, that's everyone. Back to my paper!" Sakura said.
~~~***
Craig entered the dormroom.
"Syaoran! You have mail!" Craig called. "Are you too busy?" Craig asked when he saw Syaoran.
Syaoran was practicing some martial arts, whether it be tae kwon do or what he learned back in Hong Kong.
"No, I can stop," Syaoran said and he took the letters from Craig. There were three of them, all of them had the Airmail envelopes. Syaoran opened the first letter. It was from Yelan Li, his mother.
Dear Xiao-Lang,
(a/n: xiao-lang is Syaoran's Chinese name. It means Little Wolf.)
I hope the university is nice over there. Your sisters and I are traveling to Japan to look at the ying fa trees. Too bad you couldn't come with us. Speaking of ying fa, how is Kinomoto Sakura?
(a/n: ying fa means cherry blossoms in Cantonese)
I'm sensing an aura over in Massachusetts. It's very faint but it's very close to yours and the Card Mistress's. I suspect that Hiiragizawa Eriol is sensing it too. Please be on your guard and suggest to Sakura that she should carry around the Sakura cards with her. That way, you two are not caught off guard.
Your sisters miss you, and they want to meet your new MALE friends. You can guess what they're up to. I don't think it would be wise to oblige to them although I hear that you are going to be leaving for Japan during your break. If a friend or two is coming, please let us know because we will probably be visiting Japan at that time and...I want to...prepare your sisters.
Study hard! I hope that this envelope reaches you safely. I have sent you another envelope inside this one. I hope it has reached you safely because if it has not, I shall never trust the mail service again. It contains enough money for you to buy an engagement ring for Sakura.
^ Syaoran gaped at what his mother had written. Engagement ring?? ^
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Engagement ring??" I wouldn't be your mother if I couldn't tell what you were thinking. Anyway, I have seen the way you look and talk about Sakura, and I think that I have made a good decision. Although, if my judgement is wrong and there is nothing between the two of you, then you shall send the money back until you show me another wonderful young lady.
I wish the best of luck in your studies and in your life. Stay cautious because I don't know what this aura means. Stay on your guard!
Your loving mother,
Yelan Li
(a/n: I don't know Yelan's Chinese name so I just put down the Japanese version of her name.)
Syaoran grabbed some paper. ~That was an interesting letter~ Syaoran thought.
Dear Mother,
The university is great, the studying isn't too hard but isn't too easy and all my friends are great. Please try to save some ying fa for me when I go to Japan for the break. I'm not sure if some of my male friends will be coming with me but I'll let you know if they are. Sakura is doing fine. Yes, we're sensing the aura too. I have a hunch on who it's coming from, but I want to wait until my suspicions are confirmed. I will try to find some time to ask Sakura to carry around the cards with her. I'll start carrying my...things along as well.
Tell my sisters I miss them too although I'm not sure why (I'm just kidding.) .
The envelope came safely and...
^Syaoran wasn't sure what to write next. Should he keep the money for the engagement ring or should he send it back?^
...I'll keep it here unless something...goes wrong.
Thank you for the warning...we'll try to stay on our guard.
Your loving son,
Syaoran Li
(a/n: If Syaoran's name was Xiao-Lang, then what would his last name be?)
The next letter was from....Eriol.
My cute little descendant,
^Syaoran laughed at the nickname.^
Are you laughing? Or are you mad? Anyway, I don't send letters often so I'll get to the point.
Tomoyo and I are a couple!! Now you and Sakura need to get together so we can double date and everything. Don't deny it! I know how you feel about the little cherry blossom. I think she feels the same way about you too. You just need to step up to her.
Anyway, I'm sure you'll probably hear this from your mother, but I sense an aura over there. It's not as strong as it would be if it were here in Japan but it's still strong. Please be on your guard because when I sense an aura this strong, it usually involves you and Sakura.
Everyone misses you. Touya is starting to think that you're not that bad although he won't admit it. Everything is doing fine. The sakura are going to bloom in a couple of weeks. We're very happy. I hear they have sakura trees in the US, but it's all the way in Washington D.C. Oh well, you have your own little cherry blossom right on campus with you!
Yes, it's a short letter but that's because I'm terrible at writing letters...also, things are going smoothly, and there's no evil sources or anything...I guess they all followed the two of you!!! *laughing*
Tomodachis forever,
Eriol Hiiragizawa
Dear Eriol,
Thanks for the letter. You're right. We usually don't get letters from you. I'm glad to hear from you! I was laughing when I saw the nickname, just to let you know.
Congratulations on you and Tomoyo. Tomoyo is probably gushing to Sakura right now about how 'kawaii' you look. Then Sakura would say how 'kawaii' you two look together. I must say, Eriol, that you and Tomoyo make a great couple.
Sakura and I? I'm not sure. Yes, you've nailed the feeling but I'm not sure if I'll..."step up" to her as you so boldly describe it.
Hai (yes), we're feeling the aura too. I have a hunch about who it's from but I'm not going to say anything until I'm very very sure. My mother senses it too, but she probably can't sense it as well as you can.
I'm going to ask Sakura to carry the cards around with her from now on. I'm going to start carrying my things around too. Just in case.
It's true, we have to go to Washington D.C. to see some sakura. But, hai, we also have our own Sakura. So I guess that's also very good.
As for evil sources, I would think that my not-so-cute ancestor (hehe, like the nickname? *laughing*) wouldn't get that cozy. Nevertheless, don't get to comfortable because in this world, we don't know what will happen.
Gomen (sorry), for the equally short letter. I really don't have that much to say because there isn't a lot of things going on that would need more than a sheet of paper to tell you.
Sincerely,
Syaoran Li
Syaoran lifted up the last letter. He laughed. Tomoyo. The envelope had 'kawaii' written all over it. ~You definitely wouldn't be able to get this letter mixed up with someone else's~ Syaoran thought.
Dear Syaoran,
How's it going over there on Alanafield University? Studying hard? How is Sakura? Everyone here misses you too and they miss being able to say how kawaii you two look together.
Speaking of which, when are the two of you going to become a couple? Hai, it sounds impatient but we are! You've had "the hots" for Sakura since 5th grade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^ ~Wow, I've never seen Tomoyo use so many exclamation points~ Syaoran thought. ^
I'm very sure that Sakura feels the same way, you just need to push her forward, do you know what I mean? Eriol and I are now a couple! I'm so happy!
The cherry blossoms are coming although I think everyone else has told you that. You have Sakura so I don't know if you really, really miss it over here in Japan.
I guess I'm repeating everyting that everyone else has said, but there really isn't much going on here. People miss you, and Touya is starting to whistle happily every now and then. Yukito sure has noticed the change in him. I don't know why though. I think it's because he's finally realized that you aren't going to harm Sakura in any way.
I promised Sakura that I would capture the sakura blooming for her. It would be nice for the two of you to watch the video tape together. I'm also sending sketches and one of my mother's friends might make a painting or two just for you guys! Hope you like them.
Anything going on over there? Craig and Amelia sound like nice people. Sakura has also told me about Jennifer. It's great that people are learning Japanese. It's not as popular as Chinese, English, or Spanish but it's an interesting language. Of course, I think so since I speak it!! When they learn enough, they could have conversations with everyone here in Japanese without someone having to translate. Hai, people here have also taken English courses from Eriol and Kaho Mizuki (a/n: for those who are Cardcaptor fans, Kaho is Ms. Mackenzie) but they are still rusty.
Okay, I need to end now because I still have to send off a design for my clothes line. It's called, "Tomoyo's." What do you think? It's a men's and women's thing. I'm thinking I might start something for kids too. What do you think? I haven't told Sakura yet because I'm working on a design that's espeically for her. It's going to be a surprise!
Your tomodachi,
Tomoyo Daidouji
Syaoran finally finished reading Tomoyo's letter and took out another piece of stationary. It always felt good to get a long letter.
Dear Tomoyo,
Thanks for the letter. Alanafield Univeristy is going very nicely, and the studying isn't killing me or anything. Sakura is doing fine although I think you already know that. I miss everyone too although I'm not sure if I miss the "they look so kawaii together" part.
Becoming a couple? I don't know. I took her on one date, but I told you about that already. That one didn't go very well at all. Sakura and I have gotten our yellow belts in tae kwon do.
Hai, we have Sakura here, but I'm still going to miss seeing the sakura trees bloom. Arigato (thanks) in advance for sending over the video, sketches and paintings.
Everyone here is very nice and kind. I'm glad that people are learning Japanese too although if we don't get a new professor someday, they're not going to learn very much.
Say thank you to Eriol for me for teaching us English. Of course, it's helping us tremendously.
I know, I know, one of my shortest letters in exchange for one my longest letters received. I'm sorry. Oh, nothing much is happening. We're sensing something but we're on our guard. Don't worry. I think the name for your clothes line and your ideas are terrific. I can't wait to see it!
Your tomodachi,
Syaoran Li
Syaoran put the letters that he had written into envelopes and wrote the addresses on them. After he sealed them, he put away his pen and stood up.
"Okay, back to practicing martial arts!" Syaoran said.
A/N: Well, how did you like it? Yes, it was all letters but I thought that maybe I could show Sakura and Syaoran when they have leisure time. Also, it seemed a little odd that they hadn't been getting letters so I decided to show the letters that they got and what they did to answer them. How did you like it? Review please! I love reviews! LOL.
