Falling Petals- Chapter 13

A/N- skipping this. You know the deal already, don't you?

Disclaimer- uh, read 1st chapter

*~*~*~*~*~*

Syaoran and Meilin stayed at the Kinomoto's for two weeks, and Valentine's Day was tomorrow. Sakura went up into the attic and through her mother's old stuff while Syaoran and Meilin were out. Coming across a picture of her mother, Sakura smiled.

"Ohayoo gozaimasu, Okaasan. How are you? I bet you know all about Syaoran and I. *sigh* I just don't know what to give him for V-day! "

As if Nadeshiko was in the room, a breeze blew the sheet off an old trunk. Sakura freaked momentarily, but went over to the chest. It had been hidden all the way in the back.

Sakura drew in a deep breath and opened the chest, expecting something to jump out at her. Inside lay many objects wrapped in cloth. She gently lifted the top parcel and unwrapped it. It was a diary.

"Wow.. It's beautiful." Sakura commented, running a hand down the cream velvet cover. Putting it aside, she picked up the next object. A satin dress lay in the wrappings. The dress was white with spaghetti straps and light pink blossoms across the bosom; complete with a high bow and a pink rose choker.

"I'll wear this to the dance. I'm sure Okaasan wouldn't mind." Sakura smiled.

The next package was heavy and oddly shaped.

In the cloth lay a large pinkish staff, topped with Clow's emblem, with two wings sprouting from the star.

"A Clow staff... belonged to my mother?"

There was one parcel left. It was rather small and box-shaped. Inside the box lay a pair of necklaces. One was a crystal wolf, the other a blossom. Inside the core of both was a flickering flame. Sakura was in awe. The diary flipped to a page and stopped. Sakura picked up the book and read aloud.

" March 1st. Today, Ryuuenn and I managed to seal away the cursed ones, but I fear they will not stay sealed for long. I fear for my future daughter. She must not succumb to their cruelty and fake friendship.

I only wish I had the time to give Ryuuenn back his necklace before he left to the Clan again. He has done so much for me, and I can't think of a way to repay him. But the only thing I do know is that I'll love him forever.

To my daughter, Sakura, if you ever, ever, read this, I want to let you know. If the cursed ones come after you, use this staff, and put all your trust into defeating them. Believe in yourself, like I believe in you. You will be able to defeat Yingsina and Yangusin. Good luck, my daughter.

Love,

Nadeshiko"

After Sakura closed the chest, she brought it to her room. Taking one last look around the attic, she smiled.

"Don't worry Okaasan, we'll defeat them. I promise."

When she closed the door, a light shimmered and a woman's kind voice replied.

"I know you will Sakura. I know you will."

* * *

Valentine's morning (which was a Thursday), Sakura awoke extremely early. Sneaking past Meilin's sleeping form, she hurried to the kitchen. In the kitchen, she put on an apron. Pretty soon, the smell of chocolate chip pancakes drifted through the halls. She placed 3 cups of orange juice and two mugs of coffee on the table next to the rightful place. On the plates were two heart shaped pancakes and a candy. Sakura smiled at her work.

"Oops! I forgot Kero!"

Hurrying back. Sakura whipped up a few more pancakes, for Kero, with a glass of milk.

"There... now it's time to get them all up."

She walked upstairs and opened Touya's bedroom door. It was a sight to behold. Touya lay on his bed, blanket twisted around his ankle, bed hair, and arms flung to both sides. Syaoran lay on the blow up bed, on his back, with one leg up and a hand behind his head. Leaning over him, Sakura gave him a butterfly kiss on the nose.

"Syao-chan."

He groaned and opened his eyes.

"Sakura?"

"Get up sleepy head, we still have to go to school."

"Ok ok I'm up." He shifted to the end of the bed and got up. Sakura headed out to wake Meilin.

"Breakfast is ready too.. And don't fall back asleep!"

"Ok.... I won't!"

Meilin was up all ready when Sakura walked in. She was pulling up her hair into her normal buns,

"Good morning."

"Morning Sakura."

"Meilin, could I do your hair?"

Meilin smiled. After all the things she had done in the past, the girl still wanted to be friends.

"Sure. Just watch out for knots."

"Ok!!"

Sakura took Meilin's glossy raven hair and twisted it into three braids, then one single braid, tying it with a red ribbon. Meilin thanked Sakura and she headed to the bathroom. Sakura dressed in her school uniform and went back downstairs. Shortly after, the rest came in. Fujitaka came in last.

"Why, who did all this?" He asked, smiling.

"Happy Valentine's Day Otousan." Sakura said, giving her father a hug.

"Good morning Otousan." Touya said, nodding.

"Good morning, Kinomoto-san." Syaoran and Meilin chorused.

"Enough greetings and let's eat!" Fujitaka proclaimed. Everyone agreed.

Kero came flying in at the speed of light and stopped short, eyes wide.

"PANCAKES!!!!!!!!"

Touya rolled his eyes and Syaoran muttered "stupid stuffed animal", earning a glare from the 'great keroberos'.

When everyone had eaten, Fujitaka asked Sakura to stay for a moment.

"What's wrong Otousan?"

Fujitaka looked at Sakura, smiling. "My little girl is all grown up. Sakura, I want you to have something that belonged to your mother. I'm sure she would be proud to see you wear it tonight"

He handed her a large box. Slowly Sakura lifted the lid. In the box was a beautiful silk kimono.

"Thank you Otousan!" Sakura hugged her father and looked up at the clock.

"HOE! I'm gonna be late!" She ran upstairs, grabbed her stuff and ran out. Fujitaka laughed. Good thing Syaoran set the clock ahead a half-hour!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura ran into the classroom, panting for breath. Tomoyo was sitting with Eriol, chatting. She held a deep blue rose and a blush on her cheeks.

"Ohayo Tomo-chan. Eriol-kun."

"Ohayo Sakura-Chan!"

Syaoran and Meilin where already at their desks, talking. The apartment would be back up in a few days. Sakura smiled and walked to her desk. Digging in her schoolbag, she found her cards. Humming, she dropped one on every desk. She put one in Tina's and one in Thomas's locker. Meilin watched, amused. Syaoran shook his head. The last one went to Miss Usagi, who now gave Sakura voice lessons for free.

"All right class, settle down! I know you're all excited about tonight, but we still have work to do!"

A chorus of "aw!"'s and "Oh man's!" echoed throughout the room. All throughout the day, nobody could pay attention, so the teachers gave up. The entire school hung out the entire day.

"Syaoran, tonight, we're going together, right?"

"Of course, if you want to."

"Good!" Sakura smiled brightly and hugged him.

Syaoran turned bright red in return.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tomoyo came over Sakura's house as soon as school let out. She was so enthusiastic about the festival that night, she didn't even bring her camcorder! Sakura and Meilin almost fell over in shock. Eriol chuckled and Syaoran just sighed with relief.

"Boys! Out! Go! Move it!" Tomoyo said, pushing Touya, Syaoran and Eriol all downstairs. Kaho laughed. For a girl so young, she sure had the authority of a big corporation boss!

After a half hours wait, Meilin appeared at the bottom of the stairwell in her kimono.

"Ok guys. Prepare yourselves for the fashion show!" She laughed and hurried back upstairs.

Someone turned on music as the girls paraded down the stairs. Kaho was in the lead, with her hair elegantly braided back and a white kimono with bamboo trees on it. Tomoyo came next, in a blue kimono with large white lilies. After Tomoyo was Meilin, who wore a green kimono with varieties of flowers on it. Last of all, was Sakura, in a black kimono, pink obi (the belt thingy?) and a cherry blossom in her hair. The kimono had little flowers in 3s with a bird. Touya gasped.

"Sakura... isn't that.. Okaasan's?" He questioned.

"Yes, Otousan said I could where it. He said she would be proud."

"Yea, kaiijuu, she would be."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sakura and Syaoran sat away from the others, under the cherry tree, watching the fire works and fireflies. Sakura leaned against his chest, content with being with him.

"Syao-chan?" She asked, in a quiet voice.

"Hmm?"

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I do Sakura." Came Syaoran's surprised answer.

"Do you really?"

"Will this prove it?" He asked, leaning in and kissing her softly. When they parted, Sakura nodded.

"I love you Syaoran."

"I love you too, Sakura."

Sakura took out the box she'd been carrying around all-day and opened it. Taking out the poem she wrote and the gift, she handing them to Syaoran.

"This is for you."

Syaoran stared at the necklace in awe. The fire inside was bright and comforting. He read the poem.

I could stay here forever

Just here, in your arms

Warm and comftable

Unaware

Of what goes on around us

As long as I have you

I know I'll be just fine

Your kiss is like wine

With a hint of honey

You touch is irristable

Hold me, hold me

Let me stay here

Never let me go

Just love me so

Just let me stay here forever more

Just let me stay here in your arms.

As Syaoran read the poem, Sakura took out the other necklace and put it on. Syaoran looked at her and smiled. It was a perfect night.

*~*~*~*~*~*

A little farther away, Eriol sat with Tomoyo, gazing at the night sky. Well. Tomoyo was gazing at the sky. Eriol was too busy watching Tomoyo.

"She looks like an angel sent from above." He mused "Just how ever did I get her?"

Tomoyo looked at him and smiled. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong at all, my dear. But, I do believe I have something for you."

Out of thin air, a black box fell into Eriol's hands.

"Ah, yes, here it is." Slowly, he opened the box and took an amethyst necklace out, and placed it around Tomoyo's frail neck.

"Oh my god! Eriol! This is beautiful! But wasn't it expensive?"

"Nothing's too expensive for my Tomoyo."

"Aww.. Thank you!" Tomoyo said, hugging him tightly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

THE VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE- FRIDAY

Sakura hummed as she put on her dress. To be precise, her mother's dress. Her auburn hair hung down, with little pink drops in it. The dress was a perfect fit, showing just enough and going down almost to her knee. She picked up the choker and put it around her neck.

"There. All done. I hope Okaasan is watching." Slowly, Sakura began her descent downstairs. Kaho and Touya were going as chaperones. Kaho was downstairs, waiting with Yukito for Touya.

"Wow.... Kaho looks beautiful." Sakura said to no one in particular.

"You're right kaiijuu." Came a deep voice from behind her.

Sakura shrieked. "Touya! Don't do that!"

Touya grinned. "Oh, but it was the perfect chance!"

"Err... let's get going you."

Kaho appeared at the end of the staircase. "To-ya, are you scaring your Sakura again? You know better!"

"Ah, I do..But still! She IS a little monster!"

"AH!" *POUND*

"HEEEEEEEY!" Touya was hopping around on his foot, holding the other one. Sakura smirked and walked downstairs to the door. Kaho laughed.

"Some things will never change."

*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*

Syaoran waited at the school's doorway for Sakura. Tomoyo and Eriol had already gone inside.

Sakura pranced up to him and hugged him tightly. "Hi Syaoran!"

He flashed a rare smile. "Hey"

Together, they walked inside.

*~*~*

"Miss Sakura, may I have the pleasure of this dance?" Eriol asked, bowing before her.

Sakura smiled. "Why of course, Sir Eriol."

After Sakura danced with Syaoran and Eriol, Thomas came over.

"Sakura, may I have this dance?"

Syaoran glared at Thomas. He still didn't trust the boy.

"Sure Thomas." She shot Syaoran an I'll-be-fine look. He sighed and nodded, going to dance with Meilin.

A slow song came on, and Thomas put his hand on Sakura's side, careful of his actions. Sakura smiled at him, and he felt a little more relaxed.

"It's a shame we have to destroy you....." He said, not realizing what he said.

Sakura stepped back. "What did you say?" She asked, in a frightened whisper.

Thomas realized what he just did and gasped. "Shit... I'm sorry Sakura.... Oh shit.. She's gonna be pist....." Just like that, he disappeared.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N- kk, that's the end of this chapter. I'm sorry for such late writing, but my computer had to be rebooted. Neway, the poem in this chapter is mine. I wrote it. If anyone wants to post my story on their sites, you're more then welcome to, just let me know. Ja!