Amber Eyes
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!
Authoress Ramble: Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews! I love the long ones! =3 YouÕre all very kind to review! IÕm really glad that youÕre all enjoying the story! I hope that I continue to do a good job for all of you. ^^ Also, I recently got a job, so I wonÕt be able to update so frequently anymore! Probably just once a week!
Note: If the Òs,Õs and ,s are not quotes and commas, go to View ------ Character Set in Internet Explorer and change it to Western (Mac)! Or change the character set some other way to fix it, itÕs possible!
Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, SweetCherryBlossom, diablo, Laura, Raymisha, Blozzomz, ZetaBee, Pink Sakura, Kinomoto, Shima And Tempis, HikariWolfSky, Riconne, Cherry Blossom, Kawaii-CherryWolf (cute name!), Rae-Rae (another cute name!), dangerous-beans, ZetaBee, Cute_Leen, Zara, Ebony Black, Shima And Tempis, Mini Sweety, Bloodlust Night, Meinien, :I, Lady Dez, Kat and finally, Kitty Neko (IÕm a big fan of yours! =3 I am honoured that you like my story!)! Thank you again for your support!
Also, it seems that Little Wolf LOVER is quite the authoress. ^_^ Mini Sweety reviewed and told me how successful you are, so IÕm quite honoured! Thank you for reading my humble story! =3
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ÒPlease,Ó Tomoyo began hesitantly, looking around at her three captors with fear still clouding her normally clear, beautiful amethyst eyes, ÒTell me whatÕs going on.Ó
Sakura felt her soul smile; Tomoyo would understand, and was finally willing to listen to them. She glanced at Meiling, who eagerly took her cue to explain everything.
ÒItÕs true that I wanted to discuss the possibility of a peace treaty with you, Princess Tomoyo,Ó Meiling began firmly, trying her best to show that she respected Tomoyo.
ÒI had no idea that we would be ambushed by my own men; I donÕt even have any idea how they found out where we were, or who you were. They might have overheard us . . . but, in any case, it was in no way something I had planned. We truly do wish for peace. All three of us.Ó
Syaoran nodded, affirming his second-cousinÕs words.
ÒItÕs true,Ó he said. ÒWe all want this damned War to end.Ó
At this, TomoyoÕs eyes flashed with curiosity.
ÒAnd who are you?,Ó she inquired, raising an eyebrow. Syaoran couldnÕt help but smirk a little at this.
ÒI am Syaoran,Ó he said, bowing to her, ÒThe sole Prince of the Li kingdom.Ó
TomoyoÕs eyes widened in shock. ÒA Prince?!,Ó she gasped, ÒFrom the Li kingdom? Here?Ó
Meiling nodded affirmingly. ÒHeÕs my second cousin,Ó she said. She was about to add the words Òand also, my fiancŽÓ to this, but as she felt a sharp pain stab her slowly healing heart at these words, she decided to say nothing about it. It was over.
Syaoran eyed Meiling, waiting for her to continue, as it seemed she was about to. When she said nothing, he paused and then spoke.
ÒYes,Ó he said in response to MeilingÕs introduction. ÒI came here with a group of soldiers to search for her. She had to come here in secret; to consort with oneÕs enemies is considered high treason in the Li kingdom, and if someone finds out about this, she will be killed.Ó
ÒKilled,Ó Tomoyo said solemnly, letting the word sink in deeply. She looked at Meiling, her eyes wide with compassion and respect.
ÒYou are willing to risk your life to bring about peace between our two kingdoms?,Ó she asked her. Meiling nodded, her ruby eyes darkening and changing, deepening in some way.
ÒYes,Ó Meiling said without hesitation, her expression firm and devoid of fear and doubt. She said nothing more, as did Tomoyo; nothing more had to be said.
ÒAfter you were both captured, Meiling escaped,Ó Syaoran interjected.
ÒThe Li soldiers who had ambushed you did not know who Meiling was, and would not listen to any of her commands or requests. After escaping she searched me out, and when she found me she asked me to help her rescue you. And, well, here we are.Ó
Tomoyo absorbed all of this, letting it all sink into her mind. She was shocked, to say the least, but also impressed. She was, in many ways, grateful.
ÒThank you,Ó Tomoyo said, looking around at all three. ÒI apologize for not listening to you before. I believe you now; your eyes tell me that your hearts are sincere.Ó
Sakura smiled at her, and she saw Meiling do the same out of the corner of her eye, though her smile was much more concealed than hers.
ÒThank you,Ó Tomoyo continued, ÓFor rescuing me.Ó
ÒNo need to thank us,Ó said Syaoran dispassionately. Tomoyo merely smiled a little at this.
ÒAnd thank you,Ó she finished, ÒFor so nobly seeking peace.Ó
ÒSpoken like a true Princess,Ó Meiling said with a smirk. Tomoyo glanced her irritatedly, but then smiled; her eyes spoke a silent, sincere ÒyouÕre welcomeÓ.
Sakura, on the other hand, blushed at TomoyoÕs words, then bowed deeply. ÒI am honoured by your thanks, my Lady,Ó she said respectively.
Tomoyo raised an eyebrow. ÒYouÕre awfully formal for a Wolf,Ó she said. Syaoran smirked, as did Meiling.
ÒI told you,Ó Sakura said calmly, ÒIÕm not a Wolf. IÕm a Kaeran.Ó
Tomoyo blinked, surprised. ÒTruly?,Ó she questioned.
Sakura nodded. ÒYes, truly,Ó she confirmed.
ÒWhat on Earth are you doing with these two, then?,Ó Tomoyo asked in shock, eying Syaoran and Meiling. ÒNo offense to either of you, of course.Ó
ÒIÕm . . . well . . . ,Ó Sakura began, blushing. Syaoran suddenly coughed.
ÒItÕs very late,Ó he said quickly, glancing at Meiling desperately. Meiling picked up on his desperation and nodded.
ÒYou must be exhausted from all that screaming,Ó she said with another smirk. Tomoyo raised an eyebrow, giving her a glance that was a very clear Òbe carefulÓ.
ÒHeh,Ó Syaoran said, ÒYes, well, I think weÕre all exhausted.Ó
ÒI agree,Ó said Sakura. Her legs were beginning to ache again, and she was trying to hold back a yawn. Syaoran saw this worriedly, and then continued.
ÒLetÕs all get some sleep,Ó he said firmly. Meiling nodded to him, then turned to Tomoyo.
ÒWe can discuss this further in the morning,Ó she said, her ruby eyes tired and sad. Tomoyo saw this and frowned.
ÒIÕm going to go get some wood for a fire,Ó Syaoran said. ÒIÕll be back soon.Ó
ÒAnd IÕll find some pine boughs to make beds,Ó Sakura said optimistically. Tomoyo looked around unsurely; she didnÕt want to be left with nothing to do. She would feel much too awkward in a situation like that.
ÒIÕll help you,Ó Tomoyo said hesitantly. Sakura smiled at her, and Tomoyo returned the smile a little, unable to help it. This girlÕs deep green eyes were strangely warm and kind, almost magnetic in their innocence and sincerity.
Meiling looked at the two, an annoyed frown on her face. It seemed that everyone was drawn to this peculiar Kaeran girl, even though there was nothing truly special about her. Nothing, that is, until you became lost in her eyes and caught a glimpse of her true soul . . . no doubt what had happened to her Syaoran . . . he was drowning in them, those eyes . . .
ÒMeiling?,Ó Sakura asked hesitantly. ÒWould you like to help us make beds? ItÕll be uncomfortable, sleeping on just the cold, hard ground . . .Ó
Meiling snapped out of her thoughts with a sad, false smile. ÒSure,Ó she said slowly, ÒWe have four to make, after all.Ó
The three young women quickly gathered pine boughs and made four beds out of them, placing them in a circle around the area where Meiling was sure Syaoran would choose to build the fire. They built them far apart from one another and somewhat far from where the fire would be, just in case.
Syaoran returned shortly with a bundle of thick branches, and in a short time they all had a blazing, albeit rather small, fire.
ÒThank you, Syaoran,Ó Sakura said with a smile, reaching out her hands so that they would be closer to and thus warmed by the fire. The four were all sitting around the fire, Tomoyo kneeling on the ground uncomfortably near Meiling, who was sitting across from Syaoran. The flames reflected in her deep ruby eyes, setting them afire and bringing them to life. Both jealousy and sadness filled them.
Sakura was sitting near Syaoran cheerfully, warming her hands, still wearing the cloak. Syaoran looked at her out of the corner of his eye several times, his amber eyes deep with love.
Meiling frowned. ÒIÕm tired,Ó she began quickly, standing.
ÒIÕm going to sleep,Ó she finished. Sakura smiled at her.
ÒGood night, Meiling,Ó she said kindly. ÒI hope you sleep well.Ó
ÒSame to you,Ó Meiling replied shortly. ÒAnd good night to you as well, Syaoran, Tomoyo.Ó
ÒGood night,Ó Syaoran replied without much enthusiasm. MeilingÕs frown deepened. TomoyoÕs eye caught this, and she too frowned.
ÒPleasant dreams, Meiling,Ó Tomoyo said worriedly.
ÒGood night,Ó she mumbled back weakly, turning and walking to her bed of pine boughs with TomoyoÕs worried eyes following her. Upon reaching it, she laid down and curled up in the darkness, her eyes wet as tears began to threaten them. She let them fall; sleep did not come to her.
Tomoyo looked from the darkness in which MeilingÕs bed had been set up over to Sakura and Syaoran, eying them suspiciously. There was something strange between them, some kind of bond or affection. A Lian Prince and a Kaeran peasant girl . . . no, Tomoyo thought, dismissing the thought. It couldnÕt be.
Just then, Sakura yawned, her eyelids slipping halfway closed. Syaoran saw this with concern, then put his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.
ÒYouÕre exhausted,Ó Syaoran said caringly. ÒYou need your rest. Why donÕt you go to sleep?Ó
Sakura nodded with a tired smile, her eyes grateful.
ÒYouÕre right,Ó she said. ÒIÕll see you in the morning.Ó
ÒSleep well, love,Ó Syaoran said quietly. Sakura smiled warmly at this, suddenly feeling full and weightless.
ÒYou too,Ó she said. With a final meaningful look, she stood.
ÒGood night,Ó she said warmly. Syaoran smiled back.
ÒGood night,Ó he replied firmly. Sakura broke her eyes from his, then turned away from the fire and walked to her bed of pine boughs, laying down and curling up on top of them. She closed her eyes with a smile.
Tomoyo bit her lip uncomfortably, eying Syaoran. He returned her look, but said nothing.
ÒWell,Ó Tomoyo said quickly, ÒIÕm tired as well. IÕm off to bed.Ó
ÒAs am I,Ó said Syaoran, standing as Tomoyo did so. Their eyes met, and Syaoran smiled a little, his voice kind.
ÒThank you for believing us,Ó he said gratefully. Tomoyo blinked, taken aback, but then returned his smile.
ÒOf course,Ó she said sincerely. ÒI should have from the beginning.Ó
Syaoran nodded. ÒWell,Ó he said, ÒGood night. Sleep well.Ó
ÒGood night to you as well, Prince Syaoran,Ó Tomoyo said. With a final look, she turned from him, and both of them walked to their respective beds of pine boughs, laying down silently.
Tomoyo shifted uncomfortably, used to sleeping on silk and not on pine boughs. Syaoran laid awake as well, thinking on a certain green-eyed angelic soldier who was fighting for peace.
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Sakura laid awake, unable to sleep. Though it seemed inappropriate, she was too happy to do so. She closed her eyes only to have an image of SyaoranÕs smiling, handsome face flood her mind. She shifted, trying to sleep, but couldnÕt. The feeling of his lips on hers was too fresh, and she could imagine it all too well. Her thoughts kept telling her that the day was not yet over.
Defeated, Sakura stood up quickly in the darkness, wrapping her cloak around her thin body. With a smile, she walked over to SyaoranÕs bed of pine boughs.
Syaoran heard someone walking toward him, and opened his eyes, startled. A moment later, he saw that the shadow approaching him was none other than Sakura. He smiled.
ÒArenÕt you supposed to be asleep?,Ó Syaoran said quietly. Sakura reached him and knelt down on his bed near his legs, smiling.
ÒMmm,Ó she said contentedly, pleased. ÒI thought you were supposed to be too, though I canÕt say IÕm sad that you arenÕt . . .Ó
ÒCanÕt you sleep?,Ó Syaoran asked. Sakura shook her head.
ÒI couldnÕt,Ó she said, ÒSo I thought I would come to see you. You used to come to me while I was sleeping; I thought I would do the same in return.Ó
Syaoran smiled.
ÒWell, thank you,Ó he said warmly, ÒYouÕre a pleasant surprise.Ó
Sakura blushed, then inched closer to him.
ÒI donÕt want to sleep,Ó she said playfully. Syaoran smirked.
ÒYou have to,Ó he said. ÒYou need your rest. Tomorrow could be another long day.Ó
Sakura frowned.
ÒEven if I need to sleep,Ó she said firmly, ÒThat doesnÕt mean I can.Ó
ÒIÕll help you sleep,Ó Syaoran replied. He moved to one side of his bed, then patted the space he had freed.
ÒComÕere,Ó he said playfully. Sakura smiled, crawling next to Syaoran and then laying down next to him. She laid her head on his chest, her soft red hair spilling onto his shoulder. She stretched an arm over his chest, resting her hand on it. Happily, she sighed.
ÒCan you sleep now?,Ó Syaoran said tenderly.
ÒMmmÕhm,Ó Sakura replied contentedly. Syaoran smiled.
ÒThatÕs good,Ó he said, then smirked. ÒThereÕs just one problem.Ó
ÒProblem?,Ó Sakura mumbled.
ÒMmÕhmm, problem,Ó Syaoran replied. ÒThis was a trap.Ó
SakuraÕs eyes shot open and widened in surprise as Syaoran rolled onto his side, pushing her over onto hers, then reached his hands down to her waist and began to tickle her sides playfully.
Sakura laughed helplessly, struggling to free herself from his grasp but failing miserably. Syaoran tickled her mercilessly, laughing.
ÒI knew it!,Ó he exclaimed quietly, ÒYouÕre ticklish!Ó
Sakura giggled endlessly. ÒStop it, stop it!,Ó she cried.
ÒVery, very ticklish,Ó Syaoran said. Sakura continued to laugh and struggled until she was finally to free herself from SyaoranÕs grasp, rolling on top of him with her legs straddling his waist. Syaoran stilled his hands, resting them on her hips with a smile.
Sakura bent her head down closer to his, her hair falling around his face. She smiled playfully.
ÒThat was cruel,Ó she whispered, lowering her face a half an inch more. ÒVery, very cruel.Ó
ÒIt was brilliant,Ó Syaoran whispered back. ÒYou didnÕt suspect a thing.Ó
ÒYouÕre right, I didnÕt,Ó Sakura said playfully. ÒIt was the perfect trap.Ó
ÒThatÕs right,Ó Syaoran said with a smirk. Sakura smirked back, raising an eyebrow.
ÒI bet youÕre very proud of yourself,Ó she said, her smirk deepening.
ÒI am,Ó Syaoran said. Sakura lowered her head once again, slowly getting closer to him.
ÒYou know,Ó she whispered, ÒYouÕre not the only one.Ó
ÒThe only one?,Ó Syaoran questioned. ÒWhat do you mean?Ó
ÒThe only one who can,Ó Sakura began quietly, ÒSet a trap.Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes widened. ÒWhat tra-Ó
Before he could continue, Sakura closed the distance between them, quickly yet gently pressing her lips onto SyaoranÕs. Within a moment, his eyelids slid closed, and he raised his head, deepening the kiss. He moved one of his hands from her waist, sliding it up her back and neck, resting it on the curve of her jaw, holding her lips to his as the kiss ended and began over and over again.
They did this for some time, until Sakura eventually pulled away with a smile, a smile that Syaoran fully returned. Returning slowly to her original position, Sakura rested her arm and head on SyaoranÕs chest, sliding her eyes closed with a content smile on her face.
Syaoran held her close to him firmly with one arm, stroking her soft hair slowly. After a few moments, he spoke.
ÒSakura,Ó he began slowly, ÒI . . .Ó
Just then, Syaoran noticed that SakuraÕs breathing was shallow and steady, her breasts heaving gently. He smiled; she had fallen asleep.
Raising his head and bending it down and forward, Syaoran gently kissed the top of SakuraÕs forehead. He smiled.
ÒGood night, love,Ó he said tenderly. With a smile, he closed his own eyes and was soon asleep.
Meanwhile, Meiling frowned in the darkness. She had heard cries and had come to see if something had gone wrong, only to find Syaoran tickling Sakura mercilessly. She had turned away from the scene with tears in her eyes, unable to bear it when they had began to kiss.
Tomoyo, who had also been unable to sleep, had seen Meiling leave her bed, and had followed her. She was now watching the ruby-eyed girl in the darkness, frowning at the tears that were sliding down her cheeks.
Tomoyo approached her hesitantly.
ÒAre you alright?,Ó she asked slowly. MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock, and she turned around to face Tomoyo, surprised.
ÒOf course,Ó she said, her voice sad and weak. She hurriedly brushed the tears from her face and eyes.
Tomoyo reached her side, deciding not to ask what was wrong. Her eyes fell on the sleeping couple, and she smiled.
ÒThereÕs something you donÕt see everyday,Ó she said warmly. ÒA Lian Prince and a Kaeran peasant girl, asleep in one anotherÕs embrace . . .Ó
ÒYes,Ó Meiling said numbly. ÒItÕs very rare indeed.Ó
ÒItÕs true, then,Ó Tomoyo continued quietly. ÒI thought it before, but I dismissed the idea as impossible. But itÕs true; thatÕs why Sakura is with you two. Syaoran has fallen in love with her, and she with him.Ó
ÒHm,Ó Meiling replied, trying to hold back her tears. Tomoyo frowned, then turned back to the sleeping lovers with warm, fond eyes.
ÒItÕs amazing,Ó she began quietly. ÒThat theyÕve managed to find love in the center of a War like ours. And with each other . . . amazing . . .Ó
ÒI suppose it is,Ó Meiling replied shortly. TomoyoÕs frown deepened.
ÒWe all need a love like that,Ó she said warmly. ÒTheyÕre lucky. They have what we havenÕt.Ó
Meiling turned to look at Tomoyo, suddenly feeling compassion for her. Her clear amethyst eyes were deep and sad, and she frowned. She had forgotten that others too could have a broken heart.
ÒYouÕre right,Ó Meiling said slowly. ÒWe all need love.Ó
Tomoyo nodded, then smiled at her.
ÒYou know,Ó Tomoyo purred with a smile, ÒYou have gorgeous eyes.Ó
MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock. She stared at Tomoyo, stunned, as a deep red blush stained her pale cheeks.
Tomoyo laughed quietly.
ÒI got you,Ó she said playfully. ÒYou always look so confident and fearless, so serious . . . I just had to scare you.Ó
Meiling growled, still blushing. ÒW-Why you, you . . .Ó
Tomoyo smiled warmly at her.
ÒGood night, Meiling,Ó she said kindly. Her amethyst eyes were clear and beautiful in the moonlight.
ÒGood night,Ó Meiling mumbled, glaring at her. Tomoyo smiled teasingly, then turned and walked back to her bed, leaving a blushing Meiling alone in the moonlight with new thoughts.
With a frown, she looked up into the treetops, finding the moon. Her ruby eyes reflected the moonlight beautifully, and as sad, fragile emotion flooded them, they became softer, no longer the intense eyes of a warrior.
Meiling bit her bottom lip gently, then lowered her head.
Her heart ached for Syaoran, and it seemed to break more and more each time she saw Syaoran and Sakura reveal their love for one another through affection. At the same time, however, it seemed to be becoming easier to watch.
In some way, she was healing.
ÒItÕs amazing,Ó Meiling whispered quietly to herself. She smiled weakly, her ruby eyes sad, yet hopeful.
With a final gaze at the moon, she walked back to her bed, laying down in the sweet-smelling pine boughs and slowly losing herself in a new amethyst dream.
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To be continued in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I was going for some Sakura and Syaoran fluff. =3 And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of romantic foreshadowing . . . tell me what you think!
If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.
Special thanks to Azi, who helped me with a new summary! =3
I hope you liked this chapter! ^_^
In the next chapter: Well, youÕll just have to wait and see! =3
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!
Authoress Ramble: Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews! I love the long ones! =3 YouÕre all very kind to review! IÕm really glad that youÕre all enjoying the story! I hope that I continue to do a good job for all of you. ^^ Also, I recently got a job, so I wonÕt be able to update so frequently anymore! Probably just once a week!
Note: If the Òs,Õs and ,s are not quotes and commas, go to View ------ Character Set in Internet Explorer and change it to Western (Mac)! Or change the character set some other way to fix it, itÕs possible!
Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, SweetCherryBlossom, diablo, Laura, Raymisha, Blozzomz, ZetaBee, Pink Sakura, Kinomoto, Shima And Tempis, HikariWolfSky, Riconne, Cherry Blossom, Kawaii-CherryWolf (cute name!), Rae-Rae (another cute name!), dangerous-beans, ZetaBee, Cute_Leen, Zara, Ebony Black, Shima And Tempis, Mini Sweety, Bloodlust Night, Meinien, :I, Lady Dez, Kat and finally, Kitty Neko (IÕm a big fan of yours! =3 I am honoured that you like my story!)! Thank you again for your support!
Also, it seems that Little Wolf LOVER is quite the authoress. ^_^ Mini Sweety reviewed and told me how successful you are, so IÕm quite honoured! Thank you for reading my humble story! =3
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ÒPlease,Ó Tomoyo began hesitantly, looking around at her three captors with fear still clouding her normally clear, beautiful amethyst eyes, ÒTell me whatÕs going on.Ó
Sakura felt her soul smile; Tomoyo would understand, and was finally willing to listen to them. She glanced at Meiling, who eagerly took her cue to explain everything.
ÒItÕs true that I wanted to discuss the possibility of a peace treaty with you, Princess Tomoyo,Ó Meiling began firmly, trying her best to show that she respected Tomoyo.
ÒI had no idea that we would be ambushed by my own men; I donÕt even have any idea how they found out where we were, or who you were. They might have overheard us . . . but, in any case, it was in no way something I had planned. We truly do wish for peace. All three of us.Ó
Syaoran nodded, affirming his second-cousinÕs words.
ÒItÕs true,Ó he said. ÒWe all want this damned War to end.Ó
At this, TomoyoÕs eyes flashed with curiosity.
ÒAnd who are you?,Ó she inquired, raising an eyebrow. Syaoran couldnÕt help but smirk a little at this.
ÒI am Syaoran,Ó he said, bowing to her, ÒThe sole Prince of the Li kingdom.Ó
TomoyoÕs eyes widened in shock. ÒA Prince?!,Ó she gasped, ÒFrom the Li kingdom? Here?Ó
Meiling nodded affirmingly. ÒHeÕs my second cousin,Ó she said. She was about to add the words Òand also, my fiancŽÓ to this, but as she felt a sharp pain stab her slowly healing heart at these words, she decided to say nothing about it. It was over.
Syaoran eyed Meiling, waiting for her to continue, as it seemed she was about to. When she said nothing, he paused and then spoke.
ÒYes,Ó he said in response to MeilingÕs introduction. ÒI came here with a group of soldiers to search for her. She had to come here in secret; to consort with oneÕs enemies is considered high treason in the Li kingdom, and if someone finds out about this, she will be killed.Ó
ÒKilled,Ó Tomoyo said solemnly, letting the word sink in deeply. She looked at Meiling, her eyes wide with compassion and respect.
ÒYou are willing to risk your life to bring about peace between our two kingdoms?,Ó she asked her. Meiling nodded, her ruby eyes darkening and changing, deepening in some way.
ÒYes,Ó Meiling said without hesitation, her expression firm and devoid of fear and doubt. She said nothing more, as did Tomoyo; nothing more had to be said.
ÒAfter you were both captured, Meiling escaped,Ó Syaoran interjected.
ÒThe Li soldiers who had ambushed you did not know who Meiling was, and would not listen to any of her commands or requests. After escaping she searched me out, and when she found me she asked me to help her rescue you. And, well, here we are.Ó
Tomoyo absorbed all of this, letting it all sink into her mind. She was shocked, to say the least, but also impressed. She was, in many ways, grateful.
ÒThank you,Ó Tomoyo said, looking around at all three. ÒI apologize for not listening to you before. I believe you now; your eyes tell me that your hearts are sincere.Ó
Sakura smiled at her, and she saw Meiling do the same out of the corner of her eye, though her smile was much more concealed than hers.
ÒThank you,Ó Tomoyo continued, ÓFor rescuing me.Ó
ÒNo need to thank us,Ó said Syaoran dispassionately. Tomoyo merely smiled a little at this.
ÒAnd thank you,Ó she finished, ÒFor so nobly seeking peace.Ó
ÒSpoken like a true Princess,Ó Meiling said with a smirk. Tomoyo glanced her irritatedly, but then smiled; her eyes spoke a silent, sincere ÒyouÕre welcomeÓ.
Sakura, on the other hand, blushed at TomoyoÕs words, then bowed deeply. ÒI am honoured by your thanks, my Lady,Ó she said respectively.
Tomoyo raised an eyebrow. ÒYouÕre awfully formal for a Wolf,Ó she said. Syaoran smirked, as did Meiling.
ÒI told you,Ó Sakura said calmly, ÒIÕm not a Wolf. IÕm a Kaeran.Ó
Tomoyo blinked, surprised. ÒTruly?,Ó she questioned.
Sakura nodded. ÒYes, truly,Ó she confirmed.
ÒWhat on Earth are you doing with these two, then?,Ó Tomoyo asked in shock, eying Syaoran and Meiling. ÒNo offense to either of you, of course.Ó
ÒIÕm . . . well . . . ,Ó Sakura began, blushing. Syaoran suddenly coughed.
ÒItÕs very late,Ó he said quickly, glancing at Meiling desperately. Meiling picked up on his desperation and nodded.
ÒYou must be exhausted from all that screaming,Ó she said with another smirk. Tomoyo raised an eyebrow, giving her a glance that was a very clear Òbe carefulÓ.
ÒHeh,Ó Syaoran said, ÒYes, well, I think weÕre all exhausted.Ó
ÒI agree,Ó said Sakura. Her legs were beginning to ache again, and she was trying to hold back a yawn. Syaoran saw this worriedly, and then continued.
ÒLetÕs all get some sleep,Ó he said firmly. Meiling nodded to him, then turned to Tomoyo.
ÒWe can discuss this further in the morning,Ó she said, her ruby eyes tired and sad. Tomoyo saw this and frowned.
ÒIÕm going to go get some wood for a fire,Ó Syaoran said. ÒIÕll be back soon.Ó
ÒAnd IÕll find some pine boughs to make beds,Ó Sakura said optimistically. Tomoyo looked around unsurely; she didnÕt want to be left with nothing to do. She would feel much too awkward in a situation like that.
ÒIÕll help you,Ó Tomoyo said hesitantly. Sakura smiled at her, and Tomoyo returned the smile a little, unable to help it. This girlÕs deep green eyes were strangely warm and kind, almost magnetic in their innocence and sincerity.
Meiling looked at the two, an annoyed frown on her face. It seemed that everyone was drawn to this peculiar Kaeran girl, even though there was nothing truly special about her. Nothing, that is, until you became lost in her eyes and caught a glimpse of her true soul . . . no doubt what had happened to her Syaoran . . . he was drowning in them, those eyes . . .
ÒMeiling?,Ó Sakura asked hesitantly. ÒWould you like to help us make beds? ItÕll be uncomfortable, sleeping on just the cold, hard ground . . .Ó
Meiling snapped out of her thoughts with a sad, false smile. ÒSure,Ó she said slowly, ÒWe have four to make, after all.Ó
The three young women quickly gathered pine boughs and made four beds out of them, placing them in a circle around the area where Meiling was sure Syaoran would choose to build the fire. They built them far apart from one another and somewhat far from where the fire would be, just in case.
Syaoran returned shortly with a bundle of thick branches, and in a short time they all had a blazing, albeit rather small, fire.
ÒThank you, Syaoran,Ó Sakura said with a smile, reaching out her hands so that they would be closer to and thus warmed by the fire. The four were all sitting around the fire, Tomoyo kneeling on the ground uncomfortably near Meiling, who was sitting across from Syaoran. The flames reflected in her deep ruby eyes, setting them afire and bringing them to life. Both jealousy and sadness filled them.
Sakura was sitting near Syaoran cheerfully, warming her hands, still wearing the cloak. Syaoran looked at her out of the corner of his eye several times, his amber eyes deep with love.
Meiling frowned. ÒIÕm tired,Ó she began quickly, standing.
ÒIÕm going to sleep,Ó she finished. Sakura smiled at her.
ÒGood night, Meiling,Ó she said kindly. ÒI hope you sleep well.Ó
ÒSame to you,Ó Meiling replied shortly. ÒAnd good night to you as well, Syaoran, Tomoyo.Ó
ÒGood night,Ó Syaoran replied without much enthusiasm. MeilingÕs frown deepened. TomoyoÕs eye caught this, and she too frowned.
ÒPleasant dreams, Meiling,Ó Tomoyo said worriedly.
ÒGood night,Ó she mumbled back weakly, turning and walking to her bed of pine boughs with TomoyoÕs worried eyes following her. Upon reaching it, she laid down and curled up in the darkness, her eyes wet as tears began to threaten them. She let them fall; sleep did not come to her.
Tomoyo looked from the darkness in which MeilingÕs bed had been set up over to Sakura and Syaoran, eying them suspiciously. There was something strange between them, some kind of bond or affection. A Lian Prince and a Kaeran peasant girl . . . no, Tomoyo thought, dismissing the thought. It couldnÕt be.
Just then, Sakura yawned, her eyelids slipping halfway closed. Syaoran saw this with concern, then put his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.
ÒYouÕre exhausted,Ó Syaoran said caringly. ÒYou need your rest. Why donÕt you go to sleep?Ó
Sakura nodded with a tired smile, her eyes grateful.
ÒYouÕre right,Ó she said. ÒIÕll see you in the morning.Ó
ÒSleep well, love,Ó Syaoran said quietly. Sakura smiled warmly at this, suddenly feeling full and weightless.
ÒYou too,Ó she said. With a final meaningful look, she stood.
ÒGood night,Ó she said warmly. Syaoran smiled back.
ÒGood night,Ó he replied firmly. Sakura broke her eyes from his, then turned away from the fire and walked to her bed of pine boughs, laying down and curling up on top of them. She closed her eyes with a smile.
Tomoyo bit her lip uncomfortably, eying Syaoran. He returned her look, but said nothing.
ÒWell,Ó Tomoyo said quickly, ÒIÕm tired as well. IÕm off to bed.Ó
ÒAs am I,Ó said Syaoran, standing as Tomoyo did so. Their eyes met, and Syaoran smiled a little, his voice kind.
ÒThank you for believing us,Ó he said gratefully. Tomoyo blinked, taken aback, but then returned his smile.
ÒOf course,Ó she said sincerely. ÒI should have from the beginning.Ó
Syaoran nodded. ÒWell,Ó he said, ÒGood night. Sleep well.Ó
ÒGood night to you as well, Prince Syaoran,Ó Tomoyo said. With a final look, she turned from him, and both of them walked to their respective beds of pine boughs, laying down silently.
Tomoyo shifted uncomfortably, used to sleeping on silk and not on pine boughs. Syaoran laid awake as well, thinking on a certain green-eyed angelic soldier who was fighting for peace.
_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._ . . .
Sakura laid awake, unable to sleep. Though it seemed inappropriate, she was too happy to do so. She closed her eyes only to have an image of SyaoranÕs smiling, handsome face flood her mind. She shifted, trying to sleep, but couldnÕt. The feeling of his lips on hers was too fresh, and she could imagine it all too well. Her thoughts kept telling her that the day was not yet over.
Defeated, Sakura stood up quickly in the darkness, wrapping her cloak around her thin body. With a smile, she walked over to SyaoranÕs bed of pine boughs.
Syaoran heard someone walking toward him, and opened his eyes, startled. A moment later, he saw that the shadow approaching him was none other than Sakura. He smiled.
ÒArenÕt you supposed to be asleep?,Ó Syaoran said quietly. Sakura reached him and knelt down on his bed near his legs, smiling.
ÒMmm,Ó she said contentedly, pleased. ÒI thought you were supposed to be too, though I canÕt say IÕm sad that you arenÕt . . .Ó
ÒCanÕt you sleep?,Ó Syaoran asked. Sakura shook her head.
ÒI couldnÕt,Ó she said, ÒSo I thought I would come to see you. You used to come to me while I was sleeping; I thought I would do the same in return.Ó
Syaoran smiled.
ÒWell, thank you,Ó he said warmly, ÒYouÕre a pleasant surprise.Ó
Sakura blushed, then inched closer to him.
ÒI donÕt want to sleep,Ó she said playfully. Syaoran smirked.
ÒYou have to,Ó he said. ÒYou need your rest. Tomorrow could be another long day.Ó
Sakura frowned.
ÒEven if I need to sleep,Ó she said firmly, ÒThat doesnÕt mean I can.Ó
ÒIÕll help you sleep,Ó Syaoran replied. He moved to one side of his bed, then patted the space he had freed.
ÒComÕere,Ó he said playfully. Sakura smiled, crawling next to Syaoran and then laying down next to him. She laid her head on his chest, her soft red hair spilling onto his shoulder. She stretched an arm over his chest, resting her hand on it. Happily, she sighed.
ÒCan you sleep now?,Ó Syaoran said tenderly.
ÒMmmÕhm,Ó Sakura replied contentedly. Syaoran smiled.
ÒThatÕs good,Ó he said, then smirked. ÒThereÕs just one problem.Ó
ÒProblem?,Ó Sakura mumbled.
ÒMmÕhmm, problem,Ó Syaoran replied. ÒThis was a trap.Ó
SakuraÕs eyes shot open and widened in surprise as Syaoran rolled onto his side, pushing her over onto hers, then reached his hands down to her waist and began to tickle her sides playfully.
Sakura laughed helplessly, struggling to free herself from his grasp but failing miserably. Syaoran tickled her mercilessly, laughing.
ÒI knew it!,Ó he exclaimed quietly, ÒYouÕre ticklish!Ó
Sakura giggled endlessly. ÒStop it, stop it!,Ó she cried.
ÒVery, very ticklish,Ó Syaoran said. Sakura continued to laugh and struggled until she was finally to free herself from SyaoranÕs grasp, rolling on top of him with her legs straddling his waist. Syaoran stilled his hands, resting them on her hips with a smile.
Sakura bent her head down closer to his, her hair falling around his face. She smiled playfully.
ÒThat was cruel,Ó she whispered, lowering her face a half an inch more. ÒVery, very cruel.Ó
ÒIt was brilliant,Ó Syaoran whispered back. ÒYou didnÕt suspect a thing.Ó
ÒYouÕre right, I didnÕt,Ó Sakura said playfully. ÒIt was the perfect trap.Ó
ÒThatÕs right,Ó Syaoran said with a smirk. Sakura smirked back, raising an eyebrow.
ÒI bet youÕre very proud of yourself,Ó she said, her smirk deepening.
ÒI am,Ó Syaoran said. Sakura lowered her head once again, slowly getting closer to him.
ÒYou know,Ó she whispered, ÒYouÕre not the only one.Ó
ÒThe only one?,Ó Syaoran questioned. ÒWhat do you mean?Ó
ÒThe only one who can,Ó Sakura began quietly, ÒSet a trap.Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes widened. ÒWhat tra-Ó
Before he could continue, Sakura closed the distance between them, quickly yet gently pressing her lips onto SyaoranÕs. Within a moment, his eyelids slid closed, and he raised his head, deepening the kiss. He moved one of his hands from her waist, sliding it up her back and neck, resting it on the curve of her jaw, holding her lips to his as the kiss ended and began over and over again.
They did this for some time, until Sakura eventually pulled away with a smile, a smile that Syaoran fully returned. Returning slowly to her original position, Sakura rested her arm and head on SyaoranÕs chest, sliding her eyes closed with a content smile on her face.
Syaoran held her close to him firmly with one arm, stroking her soft hair slowly. After a few moments, he spoke.
ÒSakura,Ó he began slowly, ÒI . . .Ó
Just then, Syaoran noticed that SakuraÕs breathing was shallow and steady, her breasts heaving gently. He smiled; she had fallen asleep.
Raising his head and bending it down and forward, Syaoran gently kissed the top of SakuraÕs forehead. He smiled.
ÒGood night, love,Ó he said tenderly. With a smile, he closed his own eyes and was soon asleep.
Meanwhile, Meiling frowned in the darkness. She had heard cries and had come to see if something had gone wrong, only to find Syaoran tickling Sakura mercilessly. She had turned away from the scene with tears in her eyes, unable to bear it when they had began to kiss.
Tomoyo, who had also been unable to sleep, had seen Meiling leave her bed, and had followed her. She was now watching the ruby-eyed girl in the darkness, frowning at the tears that were sliding down her cheeks.
Tomoyo approached her hesitantly.
ÒAre you alright?,Ó she asked slowly. MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock, and she turned around to face Tomoyo, surprised.
ÒOf course,Ó she said, her voice sad and weak. She hurriedly brushed the tears from her face and eyes.
Tomoyo reached her side, deciding not to ask what was wrong. Her eyes fell on the sleeping couple, and she smiled.
ÒThereÕs something you donÕt see everyday,Ó she said warmly. ÒA Lian Prince and a Kaeran peasant girl, asleep in one anotherÕs embrace . . .Ó
ÒYes,Ó Meiling said numbly. ÒItÕs very rare indeed.Ó
ÒItÕs true, then,Ó Tomoyo continued quietly. ÒI thought it before, but I dismissed the idea as impossible. But itÕs true; thatÕs why Sakura is with you two. Syaoran has fallen in love with her, and she with him.Ó
ÒHm,Ó Meiling replied, trying to hold back her tears. Tomoyo frowned, then turned back to the sleeping lovers with warm, fond eyes.
ÒItÕs amazing,Ó she began quietly. ÒThat theyÕve managed to find love in the center of a War like ours. And with each other . . . amazing . . .Ó
ÒI suppose it is,Ó Meiling replied shortly. TomoyoÕs frown deepened.
ÒWe all need a love like that,Ó she said warmly. ÒTheyÕre lucky. They have what we havenÕt.Ó
Meiling turned to look at Tomoyo, suddenly feeling compassion for her. Her clear amethyst eyes were deep and sad, and she frowned. She had forgotten that others too could have a broken heart.
ÒYouÕre right,Ó Meiling said slowly. ÒWe all need love.Ó
Tomoyo nodded, then smiled at her.
ÒYou know,Ó Tomoyo purred with a smile, ÒYou have gorgeous eyes.Ó
MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock. She stared at Tomoyo, stunned, as a deep red blush stained her pale cheeks.
Tomoyo laughed quietly.
ÒI got you,Ó she said playfully. ÒYou always look so confident and fearless, so serious . . . I just had to scare you.Ó
Meiling growled, still blushing. ÒW-Why you, you . . .Ó
Tomoyo smiled warmly at her.
ÒGood night, Meiling,Ó she said kindly. Her amethyst eyes were clear and beautiful in the moonlight.
ÒGood night,Ó Meiling mumbled, glaring at her. Tomoyo smiled teasingly, then turned and walked back to her bed, leaving a blushing Meiling alone in the moonlight with new thoughts.
With a frown, she looked up into the treetops, finding the moon. Her ruby eyes reflected the moonlight beautifully, and as sad, fragile emotion flooded them, they became softer, no longer the intense eyes of a warrior.
Meiling bit her bottom lip gently, then lowered her head.
Her heart ached for Syaoran, and it seemed to break more and more each time she saw Syaoran and Sakura reveal their love for one another through affection. At the same time, however, it seemed to be becoming easier to watch.
In some way, she was healing.
ÒItÕs amazing,Ó Meiling whispered quietly to herself. She smiled weakly, her ruby eyes sad, yet hopeful.
With a final gaze at the moon, she walked back to her bed, laying down in the sweet-smelling pine boughs and slowly losing herself in a new amethyst dream.
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To be continued in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I was going for some Sakura and Syaoran fluff. =3 And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of romantic foreshadowing . . . tell me what you think!
If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.
Special thanks to Azi, who helped me with a new summary! =3
I hope you liked this chapter! ^_^
In the next chapter: Well, youÕll just have to wait and see! =3
