Amber Eyes

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!

Authoress Ramble: Yay! Almost 150 reviews! ^_^ You are all too kind! IÕm really excited about this story. This chapter is really just for fun, but in the next chapter, the plot does indeed move on (IÕm hoping! Sometimes I think itÕll only take a few pages for me to make something happen and it takes twelve!). In any case, thank you darlings. =) I love you all.

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, *~*princess*~*, Jamie, silverymare, LilÕ Fairy, Feathers 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

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

Sakura moaned contentedly, slowly opening her eyes. She blinked at the warm sunlight, startled; for a moment, she could not remember where she was.

For a split-second, she had been home, wrapped in warm, homemade quilts that seemed to eternally smell of her motherÕs love. The sunlight was from her window, and she could smell the scent of cooking eggs and fresh fruit drifting in from the kitchen ...

She heard a bird chirp its morning song, and she remembered. She was not home, for she no longer had one . . .

Her lips curved downward unnaturally into a sad frown. The Forest around her was beautiful, but it was in no way as comforting as her own bed, her fatherÕs embrace, her little brotherÕs laughter . . .

Syaoran mumbled something incomprehensible, his eyelids fluttering for a second. Sakura looked down at him, and a gentle smile began to spread across her face. As she remembered last night, her heart began to warm and melt.

Just being near him seemed to comfort her.

Sakura laid her head back down on SyaoranÕs gently heaving chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. She closed her eyes slowly and listened to it, silently thankful for his life.

A few minutes later, she raised her head once again, looking back down at him. She reached her hand out and brushed a warm brown strand of hair away from his closed eyes.

ÒYouÕre the reason IÕm here, arenÕt you,Ó she whispered to the sleeping Syaoran tenderly. ÒYouÕre my family now . . .Ó

With a sad yet loving smile, she leaned down and kissed SyaoranÕs forehead softly. With a final gaze at him, Sakura stood. She brushed off the pine needles from her dress and dark green cloak, then walked toward the area where the fire was.

As Sakura neared the area where last nightÕs fire had been, she noticed that the fire was still burning, or perhaps had been re-lit. Its smoke floated upward into the bright morning sky. Meiling was sitting near the small flame, kindling it with small branches.

When she heard SakuraÕs footsteps, crunching sounds she stepped on the leaves, she looked up calmly and promptly frowned, her eyes sad.

ÒGood morning, Meiling,Ó Sakura said cheerfully. Meiling threw another small branch into the fire.

ÒGood morning,Ó she said simply. ÒI trust you slept well?Ó

This second question was laced with both sarcasm and sadness, and Sakura blinked, sensing something resentful in it. She choose to ignore it.

ÒI did,Ó Sakura replied with a hesitant smile.

ÒIÕm glad,Ó Meiling said, smiling falsely. She was trying her best to hold back her tears.

ÒYouÕre up early,Ó Sakura commented, feeling awkward. Meiling nodded numbly.

ÒI didnÕt sleep well at all last night,Ó she said quietly. Sakura frowned.

ÒIs something wrong, Meiling?,Ó she questioned worriedly. Meiling turned to look at her, her ruby eyes deep with sadness.

She smiled quickly.

ÒNo,Ó she said calmly, ÒWhy would you think that?Ó

ÒWell,Ó Sakura began hesitantly, ÒYou just seem to be sa-Ó

ÒWould you like some breakfast?,Ó Meiling interrupted. Sakura frowned, but understood; she must not have wished to speak of it. She would ask her later, however. Perhaps sheÕd want to discuss it later . . .

ÒI would love some,Ó Sakura said quietly. MeilingÕs false smile seemed to have cemented itself onto her lips.

ÒI picked some berries earlier,Ó she said. ÒYouÕre welcome to have some.Ó

Meiling gestured to a simple small bag near the fire. It had been spread across the ground, and a small pile of berries was on top of it.

ÒHow wonderful!,Ó Sakura exclaimed with a smile. Finally, something other than rocklike bread and water!

ÒThank you very much!,Ó she said warmly. Meiling nodded, her smile genuine for a moment.

Sakura knelt in front of the bag, taking a handful of the ripe berries. She smiled when she looked at them.

ÒThese are chicha berries,Ó she said fondly. ÒI used to pick these all the time. TheyÕre very good to eat, very sweet . . . and oh, these are perfect! TheyÕre full and ripe . . .Ó

Meiling smiled despite herself. What a strange girl she was, to get excited over something as simple as wild berries.

Sakura popped a juicy red berry into her mouth with a smile.

ÒThank you again,Ó she said gratefully. Meiling rolled her eyes, smirking.

ÒStop thanking me,Ó she said calmly.

ÒIÕm sorry,Ó Sakura said hesitantly. ÒWould you like one?Ó

She held out her hand, full of chicha berries. Meiling took one, popping it into her mouth quickly and without much emotion.

Silence fell between them. Sakura thought hurriedly for something to talk about, as she was becoming increasing uncomfortable sitting alone next to the brooding ruby-eyed warrior.

ÒI feel so dirty,Ó she said finally, eating another berry. MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock.

ÔJust what did they do last night?!,Õ her jealous mind gasped, spiraling into turmoil. ÔPlease donÕt tell me about it, please donÕt tell me about it . . .Õ

ÒI havenÕt bathed in I donÕt know how long,Ó Sakura continued. ÒMy clothes are all full of dirt, and IÕm sure I donÕt smell very nice . . .Ó

Meiling sighed with relief. ÔIdiot,Õ she said to herself, gritting her teeth. ÔNow you have a disturbing mental image tattooed in your mind for no good reason whatsoever . . . thatÕs your fault . . . if you wouldnÕt be so quick to assume things . . .Õ

ÒMeiling?,Ó Sakura questioned hesitantly. ÒAre you alright?Ó

Meiling snapped from her thoughts, blinking.

ÒOh, yes, being unclean,Ó she said awkwardly. ÒWell. I found a creek near here when I was out picking berries. A small river, really. Deep, but only up to the waist IÕd say, chest at the most . . .Ó

ÒReally?,Ó Sakura said eagerly. ÒDo you think I could bathe there?Ó

ÒOf course,Ó Meiling said calmly. ÒJust walk in that direction. ItÕs not far at all; youÕll find it.Ó

She pointed out to her side, into the Forest. Sakura smiled gratefully.

Quickly, she bowed to Meiling.

ÒThank you again!,Ó she said happily. ÒVery much! Now I can feel clean again!Ó

ÒOf course,Ó Meiling said, nodding.

ÒIÕll be on my way, then,Ó Sakura said. With a final smile for Meiling, she turned and walked into the Forest, going in the direction of MeilingÕs pointed finger.

When she was gone, Meiling sighed sadly. She seemed like a sweet enough girl, it was just that whenever she saw her, she was reminded how out of reach Syaoran had become . . .

Meiling struggled not to cry, holding back her burning tears. She was left alone with her thoughts for only a few minutes, because within that time she once again heard the crunching sound of heavy feet on brittle leaves.

She looked up to see SyaoranÕs form approaching her. Sadly, she smiled.

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._ . . . . .

Syaoran opened his eyes slowly, blinking at the bright sunlight. He sat up halfway, surveying his surroundings. Tall trees with sunlight streaming through them surrounded him, and lush, green plants and bushes were spread across the rich, moss-covered soil.

He frowned. His bed of pine boughs was empty, less his own body.

Sakura was nowhere to be found.

Worried, he stood and walked to the area where the fire had been. When he arrived there, he was greeted by MeilingÕs sad smile.

She had re-lit the fire, and was kindling it with small branches.

ÒGood morning, Syaoran,Ó she said gently. Syaoran frowned.

ÒGood morning,Ó he said hurriedly. ÒHave you seen Sakura?Ó

Meiling frowned, sighing internally. Regretfully, she put back on her false, sad smile.

ÒYes,Ó Meiling said calmly.

ÒWhere is she, then?,Ó Syaoran inquired, clearly worried.

Suddenly, an idea struck the ruby-eyed warrior. She smirked to herself.

ÒShe went to pick berries,Ó she said smoothly, smiling. Syaoran raised an eyebrow.

ÒOh?,Ó he said, unsure. Meiling nodded eagerly.

ÒYes, for our breakfast. See, sheÕs already picked some.Ó Meiling gestured to the small pile of chicha berries near the fire. ÒShe just went to get some more. DonÕt worry, sheÕll be back very soon.Ó

ÒAhh, well, alright,Ó Syaoran said. ÒThatÕs very kind of her.Ó

ÒIt is,Ó Meiling said quickly. Syaoran raised an eyebrow, eying her suspiciously.

ÒSyaoran,Ó Meiling said teasingly. ÒYou look positively filthy.Ó

Syaoran raised the other eyebrow in surprise, then growled to himself. He was clearly irritated. MeilingÕs smirk deepened.

ÒI really donÕt know how that girl can curl up to you at night. You probably smell . . . and taste . . . like dirt.Ó

Syaoran glared at her dangerously. ÒYouÕre one to talk, youÕre not exactly . . .Ó

Syaoran studied Meiling carefully. Her pale skin was clean, and her long ebony hair was slightly damp, as were her clothes. He blinked.

ÒYouÕre clean,Ó he said, dumbfounded. Meiling nodded eagerly.

ÒThereÕs a creek just down there,Ó she said, gesturing with her hand off to her side, to the Forest. ÒItÕs very near here. You should go bathe before Sakura returns. It would be a nice surprise for her, ne?Ó

Syaoran frowned, considering this. Finally, he nodded.

ÒYouÕre right,Ó he said. ÒI do feel pretty . . . unclean. I could use a good bath . . .Ó

ÒExactly,Ó Meiling said. ÒYouÕd best hurry. Sakura will be back soon.Ó

ÒThank you, Meiling,Ó Syaoran said, smirking at her. Meiling smirked back, though her smirk was deeper.

ÒOf course,Ó she said teasingly. ÒI think of this as a good deed, for Sakura at least. A bath might at least take care of the smell . . .Ó

Syaoran glared at her playfully, then laughed. ÒArenÕt we mature this morning,Ó he said good-naturedly.

ÒTerribly,Ó Meiling purred in response. Inside, however, she was frowning deeply.

ÔAt least I can still make him laugh,Õ she thought sullenly. ÔOr is that because Sakura has made him happy enough to do so again . . ?Õ

ÒWell, IÕm off then,Ó Syaoran said quickly. ÒThank you again.Ó

With a quick grin, he headed off into the Forest. As he left, MeilingÕs mischievous smirk deepened.

A moment later, she stood.

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._ . . . . .

Sakura sighed contentedly, opening her eyes as she emerged from the cool, refreshing water. It was clear, and the bottom of the creek with sandy, holding only a few rocks.

She stepped forward, going closer to the bank until the water was flowing just above her slender waist. She rubbed her arms, shivering but nevertheless delighted. It felt wonderful to feel clean again . . .

Meanwhile, Syaoran had spotted the creek. The bank stood above it, and standing on it, he could look down at the slowly flowing water. Grinning, Syaoran pulled his tunic over his head.

He looked up and down the creek, surveying it as he decided whether or not it was safe to jump into it, if he should jump or simply wade in. He did this rather calmly until suddenly, his eyes widened.

In the middle of the creek was Sakura.

Syaoran gulped, staring at her despite himself. The water only reached her waist, and the rest of her body was completely exposed. She was rubbing her thin, pale arms, a smile on her beautiful face. She seemed to be happy and completely uninhibited, unaware of the amber eyes that were hesitantly locked on her.

He continued to stare, taking in the way her long red hair, now dark and wet, clung to her back, the way her body seemed to be perfectly proportioned, flowing like water from one part into another, the gentle curve of her small breasts . . .

ÔWhat am I doing?!,Õ SyaoranÕs mind shouted. Quickly, he turned away, blushing deeply. He hurriedly pulled his tunic back on and turned to walk back to the fire.

When he turned, he was met by a smirking Meiling. He gasped in surprise.

ÒWhatÕs wrong?,Ó she inquired innocently, ÒHave you grown fond of being dirty?Ó

Syaoran blushed, adverting his eyes from her.

ÒSakura is down there,Ó he mumbled. ÒSheÕs, umm . . . and I, ahh . . . I saw her . . . so IÕm just going to take my bath later, when sheÕs not there and not, umm, not . . .Ó

Meilng couldnÕt help but grin at this display of cuteness. She smirked.

ÒDonÕt be so shy,Ó she purred mischievously. ÒGo see her!Ó

ÒI canÕt do that, Meiling!,Ó Syaoran said, irritated. He mentally wished away his deep red blush.

ÒYou can,Ó she said playfully, ÒAnd you will!Ó

Before Syaoran had any idea as to what was happening, Meiling had grabbed his arms and had quickly spun him around. With a strong shove, she pushed Syaoran toward the bank of the creek.

Taken completely off guard, he fell into the water with a loud splash.

Sakura gasped, turning toward the section of the creek into which Syaoran had fallen. She clasped her arms over her bare chest and screamed loudly.

ÒSyaoran!,Ó she cried out in fear, ÒSyaoran!!Ó

Syaoran emerged from beneath the water, gasping for air. He met SakuraÕs eyes immediately, eyes that widened in shock.

ÒAhh!,Ó she shouted, shocked. ÒSyaoran! I-ItÕs you, S-Syoaran! Why are you h-he-!Ó

ÒIÕm so sorry!,Ó Syaoran shouted, ÒI didnÕt mean to disturb you, err, I mean I . . .Ó

ÒYou were watching me!,Ó Sakura shouted accusingly, still desperately covering her breasts. Syaoran blushed deeply, helpless.

ÒN-No!,Ó he stuttered, ÒOf course I wasnÕt, err, w-watching you!Ó

Sakura gasped. ÒY-You,Ó she began shakily, ÒYou p-pervert!Ó

ÒNo, Sakura, I mean, I wasnÕt,Ó Syaoran began pleadingly. Sakura would hear none of it.

She got as close to the bank as she could, reaching out and grabbing her dress. Turning away from Syaoran so that her back was to him, she quickly pulled it over her head and waded out of the water. With a final glare at Syaoran, she stormed off into the Forest.

ÒSakura!,Ó Syaoran called after her pleadingly, but to no avail.

Meiling smirked to herself. Her plan had worked; Sakura was very angry.

Still, inside, Meiling was frowning. She knew that she had done little. They loved one another; Syaoran would explain what had happened to her, and she would forgive him, and the two would become even stronger lovers.

Her plan had failed, yes . . . but it had at least been interesting, amusing to say the least.

Syaoran waded out of the water and up onto the bank, running into the Forest after Sakura. He had to explain to her what had happened. He blushed deeply, chasing after her as he prayed that she would forgive him.

Meiling smiled to herself sadly, turning back toward the clearing where the fire still burned. LoversÕ quarrels were quite fun to instigate.

As she walked, she began to realize something.

If she could not have Syaoran, she could at least bring him closer to the woman he did love, even if she did it through the most unlikely of ways.

She would always do all that she could to bring him happiness, even if it meant tearing her own heart apart.

Meiling sighed sadly, tears threatening to fall. As she walked back to the fire, she suddenly realized that she was giving up on him. She still loved him deeply, and she was giving up on him.

Syaoran was meanwhile chasing after the first girl he had ever truly loved, flustered and embarrassed. He knew in his heart that SakuraÕs kind soul would forgive him, at least once he had explained what had happened.

As he ran, Syaoran smiled in spite of himself, his blush returning. He was remembering everything that he had seen.

ÔSheÕs the most beautiful creature IÕve ever laid eyes on,Õ he thought happily, biting his lip nervously. Gods willing, he would do everything he could to reconcile with her.

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

To be continued in the next chapter. Just a fun chapter. =3 I hope you enjoyed it!

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! ^_^

And finally, just a note to all those ÒTomoyo and Meiling? What the hell?!Ó reviewers. Please donÕt be scared. =3 I promise I wonÕt do anything to scare you off.

In the next chapter: Reconciling and plot-evolving . . .