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Author's Notes: I'm back with my last and final chapter, Chapter Ten. I'd just like to say: I am extremely, extremely sorry I didn't update sooner. I am such a horrible person, I know. Please forgive me? More S+S mushness here. ^^; MUCH more, I mean. I'll try to make it up with a new S+S fic in the future, I'm currently working on another S+S fanfic which is even MORE fluffy (if possible) and more humor/adventure. ^^
I know, it's turned drama-filled, no? Blame Syaoran. He's the cold, cruel one. *Syaoran: HEY! I GOT OVER THAT, REMEMBER?!* Oh yeah! Well . . . um . . . BLAME SAKURA! *Sakura: Hoe?*
I would just like to thank (once again) all my precious and wonderful reviewers. Your reviews really mean a lot to me . . . and I would like to thank you with this last chapter. I'm not doing a sequel to this fic (what else is there to tie up?) but I'm thinking of doing a epilogue, which will probably take place in Hong Kong, a few months later. Why? Read the chapter.
I know I haven't been exactly on time with this chapter *Syaoran: *snorts* More like a year late. Yukimi: HEY! Only half a year, okay?!*, but in my future stories (there will be many) and for the epilogue, you may feel free to contact me @ the following:
AIM – candiekittiecat (on a LOT)
@mail – strawberry@purachina.net
mSN – sakura_kinomo81@hotmail.com
Okay, now that we've got that out of the way—on with the fic!
Disclaimer: A short disclaimer this time, can't wait to get to the fic, I'm not making you guys suffer. Cardcaptor Sakura is (c) and owned by CLAMP and Kodansha, as well as many other lovely companies, so go thank them for making CCS. The story, 'A Week With You' belongs to only me, Yukimi, though. (Or Kinomoto Sakura—I'm using my old penname to finish off this story.)
So it's come to an end. It's been fun! Review for me?
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Chapter Ten Aishiteru
A soft but strong forest green aura surrounded her, refueling her energy. Green and pink intertwined, making one very powerful aura. The two strongest magic wielders (not counting Eriol, who has Clow Reed's powers) in the world were binding as one.
Sakura slowly lifted her eyes to the person behind her. The same fiery, burning amber-cinnamon eyes reflected the glowing staff in front of her, not looking at her, yet in an indirect sense, holding her up.
Sakura felt her energy and power flare up, and suddenly, the dimming card flashed with a new glow, a soft green, and slowly, the glow spreading towards the top.
Ruby Moon looked down, "She's doing it!" she said excitedly. Eriol nodded, "Yes, she is. With help of someone I never dreamed of. Who knew that my little descendent would be the one?"
For a split second, just before the cards fully transformed, a woman veiled in white, and another woman veiled in black appeared before Sakura. She gasped. "Light. Dark!"
Light nodded smiling, as Dark stared steadily at her. The woman sheathed in the pearly glowing light smiled at her. "We have accepted you as our mistress, Sakura." The soft ringing voice said. The one draped in dark shadows finally smiled. "Yes. You are worthy. Strong of heart, mind, and soul. You are the chosen Card Mistress."
Sakura blinked. Time seemed to be frozen. Eriol was standing motionless on the arch, Cerberus and Yue were in mid-air, unmoving, and Syaoran--oh, Syaoran was looking staring straight ahead, as if frozen.
Sakura nodded, and slapped the cards with her staff, unfreezing time, "Release!" The cards flashed bright pink and floated down to the ground.
"I-I think I need to . . ." Sakura fainted dead away.
"Sakura!" Syaoran ran towards her and caught her just as she collapsed.
+++
Eriol watched, a bit amused as his cute little descendent argued loudly with Kero, in his mortal form. They seemed to be both a bit upset, Syaoran, tired and weary, Kero, mad and worried.
"You gaki, don't get all happy just because you helped Sakura, she wouldn't have been sad if you hadn't said something to her! You did say something, didn't you?" The small yellow face stormed around in the air, flying in circles, finally landing beside the bed, next to the sleeping Sakura.
At the reaction on Syaoran's face, a pained and hurt expression, even though he usually didn't care what the stuffed animal said to him, he remembered what Sakura had said that night . . .
"Never speak to me again!!!"
Syaoran sighed, rubbing his temples. The things I do for love, he thought to himself.
Sakura slept fitfully, tossing and turning on the bed. They were at the Daidouji residence, and Syaoran had insisted on carrying the fainted girl all the way here. Tomoyo was gone at the moment, getting some soothing green tea for the exhausted-looking bunch.
Kero had was sedated now, sitting quietly on the bed next to Sakura, occasionally munching on a few breadsticks, deciding to taking a diet from all his sweets.
Nakuru had gone to school, and to tell Touya that Sakura was okay. Kero had always had the suspicion that Sakura's older brother had knew Sakura had some sort of magical abilities. Suppi was in the kitchen with Tomoyo, helping her prepare, and Tomoyo was also making sure he didn't go near the sugar bowl.
Eriol shook his head sadly. Murmuring, "Now Sakura will have to go though the last ordeal . . . whether she wants to shut herself away in the dream world . . . or come back and face the truth.
+++
Where . . . am I?Sakura was in a strange place, surrounded by huge, looming cherry blossom trees. It was somewhere around early April then, if there were cherry blossoms, the girl concluded.
Who . . . am I? The girl was confused, looking down at her strange attire. She was dressed in a long, sleeveless silk dress, made up of some sort of pure snow-white floaty fabric.
'Sakura . . . Sakura . .' Strange voices echoed eerily though the forest The girl looked confused, then turned to the direction of the voices. 'Sakura . . is that my name?'
Suddenly, she was tumbling, tumbling . . . down, down, down . . . into darkness . . so much darkness . . . a soft voice was singing. 'Here's my bunny eraser . . ."
The girl closed her eyes, flinging herself towards the music, brushing her short honey-auburn wisps of hair back. The face appeared. Long, silky raven-coloured tresses, a beautiful, sweet face . . . glowing amethyst eyes . . .
"Tomoyo-chan?" the green-eyed girl wondered. Where had that come from?
Remember us . . . Sakura. Remember . . . don't shut your deepest memories away . . .
"Don't shut my . . . what away?" the girl echoed.
Another voice started to sing with the sweet soprano that was this 'Tomoyo's' voice. It was deeper, yet kind, and seemed almost – fatherly.
That smirk . . . sapphire blue eyes . . . azure coloured hair . . . Eriol-kun?!.
More voices joined . . . the girl recognized her father's voice, her brothers . . her friends . . but something was missing . . one more person . .
All the voices fell silent as one more male voice started. It was soothing, boyish, yet not as deep as the first male voice. Warm greenness . . . that was the only word for it, 'greeness' caressed her, held her, and cherished her.
And then finally, the last face appeared. Tousled, cinnamon-brown hair, those fiery, warm amber brown eyes, flecked with pale dots of gold . . . that rare-yet-wonderful smile . . . all of these pieces fit together now . . .
Syaoran-kun. No feeling described how the girl felt when she saw his face . . . well, maybe one.
Love?
Do I really love this boy? Does he . . . love me back?
Then, with determined strength, she willed herself with all her heart to . . . to . . . to what?. "I will go back. I must."
But to do what? To get herself hurt again, a mocking voice echoed in her mind
NO. NO, she told herself strongly.
I will . . . tell him the truth this time.
The annoying voice in her mind snickered. Are you so sure that he will forgive you?
She blinked back tears. YES. If he truly loves me, he will.
The voice disappeared, as she felt herself floating back down . . .
+++
Sakura stirred, her misty jade-green eyes opening. Syaoran started, jumping up, but then stopped as Sakura started yawning and rubbing her eyes.
Eriol smiled. She did it. Her choice was to come back to us.
"W-What happened? All of the sudden I was in the strange place . . . and I saw . . . I saw . . you!" Sakura stopped, staring at Syaoran, who was frozen in his tracks.
Syaoran shook his head numbly. It couldn't be. Sakura didn't forget all that they had gone through together, the waterfall, the festival, and the picnic . . . nooo!
As if reading his thoughts, the girl smiled. "No, Syaoran-kun. I didn't forget you. I . . ."
A faint blush crept over the girl's cheeks as she looked down at her feet, Syaoran's eyes burning with an emotionless darkness.
Eriol quickly excused himself from the room, while Kero trailed after him, growling, "Don't think you're running away, little boy . . . you still have lots to answer . . . oh yes . . ."
As the door closed, Syaoran finally asked, " . . . Daijoubou?"
Scared of the impassive voice he asked this in, Sakura swallowed, and closed her eyes.
"Hai, Syaoran-kun . . . I . . . "
The boy looked up, his eyes bright. "You? No—Before you say anything . . . Sakura, . . . why did you run away? Were you just . . . do you dislike me?"
Sakura stepped back, confused. "N-Nani?" the soft whisper escaped her lips. Swallowing she asked softly, "Iie! You . . . I thought you . . . you were getting married."
Syaoran's eyes widened. "Nani?! I am certainly not getting married!"
Sakura's eyes grew hopeful. "T-Then, that phone call . . .?"
Syaoran's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I think I understand now . . . "
*Flashback*
Riiiiinnnng. Riiiiinggg!
The boy on the bed grumbled as he heaved himself up, dropping his sword, which he was polishing. As he neared the phone, Wei motioned him towards the phone; he was busy writing a letter back to his own family, who lived in Shanghai, China.
"Hai? Li Syaoran desu. Moshi-moshi?" the boy said coldly.
"Well, Xiao Lang. It has been a long time."
Syaoran's eyes widened. "M-Mother? W-W-What are you calling for?"
The female voice continued, with a hint of amusement. "Xiao Lang . . . the cards are almost all changed, hai? You will have to come back home soon."
Syaoran's eyes lowered, a look of sadness crossed his face for a split second. "Hai, mother."
" . . . You do not sound happy about this. But anyway—I managed to break your engagement to Meiling with the Elders. They approved, for they came to their senses and finally agreed as well, that you are not to marry a non magic-carrying person."
Syaoran sighed in relief, "Oh—xie xie! (Thank you!)"
The voice unrelentingly then said, "BUT. You are, as of now—engaged to someone else. Someone . . . you are quite familiar with." The end was said with a laugh.
Syaoran's eyes widened. "NANI? NANI? Mother, are you still there?"
But the line was dead.
*End Flashback*
Syaoran's eyes were cold, as he muttered darkly, "Mother's handiwork. Kami-sama . . . Sakura, I just want you to know, that I never agreed to marry anyone."
Sakura bit her lip, and suddenly, as if by magic, the slightly closed window shutters flew open, a gigantic gust of wind coming through.
"Hoooe . . . !" the auburn-haired girl tripped clumsily over a stool by the bed, as she fell forward, warm arms caught her.
Looking up, she stared into endless pools of intense, golden-flecked, beautiful amber eyes. "Syaoran-kun . . . ga daisuki . . . desu . . ."
The boy's eyes widened in shock. "Ni . . . sua muah?" [A/n: Rough chinese translation, it's supposed to mean, 'You, what?'—but I can't translate chinese to English spelling . . . -_-; Gomen!]
Sakura, who had looked away, smiled, her face a shade of rose, and said, ever so softly, although Syaoran could hear it clear as day.
"Aishiteru . . . Syaoran-kun."
The words sent Syaoran's heart ablaze, it kept echoing in his mind. "Wo ai ni, wo di xiao ying hua . . ." he whispered softly, his breath warm against her cheek. [A/n: Another translation, 'I love you, my little cherry blossom. I know I'm ruining the moment—so I'll stop now!]
Syaoran leaned down, and kissed her. Green and pink colliding, it felt that the universe was tilting . . . or maybe it was like the world finally felt right.
The deep, romantic, passionate emotions in the kiss finally transformed itself into a sweet, innocent one. Syaoran lifted his head, and smiled at her, a full, sweet smile.
Sakura's beautiful emerald eyes shone, like sunsets on a dark sky. "S-Syaoran-kun . . . your smile . . . it is so beautiful."
The boy's smile softened, as his sweet boyish scent surrounded her. "Sakura-chan, ga dasuki desu wa, always, for eternity. No matter where you are, I will always love you. Even if I have to marry someone else, I will run away. I will marry no one, but my sweet, sweet, Sakura-chan. Will you wait for me, until I come back?"
A soft, steady rain of tears ran down the girl's cheeks, as she smiled at him in love. "Of course I will! Oh, Syaoran-kun!" Throwing her arms around him, he smiled, as he ran a hand through her soft, silky hair, which faintly scented of roses and cherry blossoms.
"Sakura-chan . . ." [A/n: *sighs* Kawaii . . . ]
+++
"You have some big explaining to do, big guy!" Kero looked at Eriol, who was standing there, smiling into space, as if looking through some invisible window.
Suspiciously, Kero leaned over Eriol's shoulder, and gasped. There was a minute glowing circle in Eriol's hands, and the scene in the hospital room was taking place.
"W-Why that GAKI! How dare he be KISSING Sakura! Is he out of his mind? Is he completely nuts? I'll—I'll kill him with my bare hand—paws! That gaki! That baka! That, that, that—!"
Eriol looked over at Kero, silently laughing. "Kero, they're in love. There's nothing you can do to stop that. And . . . you know that . . . don't you?"
Kero was silent. Finally, he admitted it. "H-Hai . . . but still—"
Suddenly, a loud scream was heard upstairs, and a big crash. Suddenly, loud wails were heard, as Tomoyo's normally sweet voice carried out the open window.
"AHHHHHHHH!!! I can't believe I MISSED it! I missed the 'Sakura's first love confession'! WAAIIIII~! This is horrible! Oh no no! WAAAAAAAIIIIHHHHHH!!!!"
Eriol sweatdropped, as he hurried up the stairs, Kero sniggering from behind him.
"Tomoyo?" Eriol ran into the room, finding an extremely distressed raven-haired girl sitting on the bed, with Sakura and Syaoran each shaking with mirth.
"Eriol! Oh, Eriol! I didn't get to tape m-my darling Sakura's l-love . . ." She hiccupped, and stopped. Then, she beamed. "Oh yes! I forgot about this . . ."
She climbed up onto a chair, while Sakura and Syaoran dreaded what was going to happen next.
"Yes! I forgot about all my surveillance cameras! It's probably taped the WHOLE THING onto this! Ohohohohohoho! My collection will be complete!"
Syaoran groaned, as he said loudly, "That's the eye of SATAN, I tell you! Wait, no—he's the Devil himself!" Pointing at Eriol, he said furiously, "Why did you try to attack Sakura so many times! You could have hurt her! What's the matter with you?"
Eriol nodded calmly. He knew this was coming up. "I did not intend to harm her, no indeed! You see, this is going to be a shock to you, but I am the reincarnated form of Clow Reed."
Kero, who had been hovering above Sakura, occasionally shooting glares at Syaoran, fell out of the air.
~PLUNK!~
"Nani?!" four gasps were heard the in room. Sakura, Syaoran, Kero, and Tomoyo all looked at him in surprise. "R-Really?" Sakura asked.
The rest of the gang sweatdropped. "E-errrm . . ."
Eriol nodded, and continued. "I came here from England, that I did not lie. When Mizuki-san returned from Tomoeda, she informed me that the Final Judgement had passed, and it was my turn. (here Syaoran muttered something about 'knew something fishy about her') So, I came here, and played my part as a transfer student. I had to earn Sakura's trust, become one of her friends, so I did. I had no idea I would fall in love."
Tomoyo blushed deeply, as Eriol smiled at her. "I had to cause incidents, that would force Sakura to change the cards, only in such dire circumstances would the cards not become confused, and run away, like the Dash did. Yes, I know about that."
Sakura nodded, with Syaoran looked taken aback. "All those times—that was you trying to help her?" Eriol nodded, pleased with himself.
Syaoran rushed forward, a furious expression on his face. "You could've killed her before you saved her, idiot! Why did she have to change them so quickly anyways?"
Eriol restrained Syaoran, "There was a certain time limit." [A/n: I'm not to sure myself why this was—so I'm making up my own version as I go along. *sweatdrop* I didn't get a chance to watch the last episodes properly [A/n: I live in the US… Nevlana… urg…]
"If she didn't transform all of them by a certain time—the cards would have completely disobeyed her. They will not obey me anymore, seeing as that I'm not Clow Reed anymore. And the Clow Cards—are not mine. They rightfully all belong to Sakura now."
There was a moment of silence, when Syaoran returned to shooting daggers at Eriol, "Why couldn't you have made them more safe 'disturbances', not all this . . . this . . ."
Eriol simply sweatdropped again. Then, there was a slight commotion as Kinomoto Touya stormed in, followed by his best friend, Yukito. [A/n: I forget Yukito's last name . . . it was Tsu-something, eh?]
"You . . ." Touya stared at Syaoran, who surprisingly didn't glare. He simply stared back.
Touya then said softly, to Sakura, "So. You have these . . . these magical powers, eh?" Sakura nodded slowly, not knowing how to react. Then suddenly, she cried out, "My cards~! Where are they?"
By the bedside, Eriol tilted his head towards the pile of cards, neatly stacked, as well as the star key, which was back in its necklace-form. Sakura sighed in relief.
Touya slowly walked over to the cards. Picking one of the cards up, he whispered, "It wasn't Sakura after all then. I knew it."
It was the Mirror. Yukito glanced over at Eriol, and slowly changed into his true form, Yue, the second guardian of the seal.
Yue gazed his penetratingly ice-blue eyes at the smiling boy.
"Master . . . so it was you. Why . . .?"
+++
"Sakura, aren't you glad all of this is over?"
The three girls, Sakura, Tomoyo, and Meiling were getting ready for the end-of-project dance, which was to take place that night. Tomoyo had made gowns for the three of them.
Sakura had a strange, dreamy smile on her face. "Yeah."
Tomoyo giggled at Sakura's expression, and was equally amused at Meiling's blush when the voice of a certain someone passed them.
"And so—Li, it was amazing man, you should've seen it . . ." The three boys, Syaoran, Eriol, and Hinato walked past their door. The three girls blushed simultaneously.
"God, how pathetic am I . . ." Meiling muttered to herself.
Sakura heard this. Ever the oh-so-clueless-one, she blinked. "Nani?" Meiling shook her head, smiling slightly at Tomoyo, who was beaming.
Tomoyo proudly took out a few small bundles. "Here—are my finished works."
Slowly, out of the folds of the first bundle, a deep, titan-red gown spilled out, its lustrous satin fabric winking slightly underneath the lights of the room. The sleeves were elbow-length, and the top half was embroidered with elaborate designs. Rubies dotted the skirts. Tomoyo held the dress out to Meiling, who looked slightly dazed.
"D-Daidouji . . . y-you shouldn't have . . ." Tomoyo simply smiled at her friend. "You're one of my friends too Meiling, never forget that." Meiling nodded slowly, her eyes glistening.
Out of the second bundle, Tomoyo took out her own dress. It was a dark, dark violet shade; so dark it seemed like black velvet, soft and romantic-looking. The skirts were dappled with pale amethysts, and the movement of the gown rustled.
Sakura and Meiling beamed at the other girl. "Tomoyo—that's perfect for you," Sakura exclaimed, and Meiling nodded, smiling as well.
Tomoyo smiled at them, and then, slowly took out the third bundle.
Lifting the final gown out the last bundle, both Meiling and Sakura gasped in astonishment and utter amazement.
The silken skirts were a pale, raspberry-pink hue, which seemed to glow underneath the lighting, the top was sleeveless, but light see-through layers of pink silk fanned out at the shoulders. The bodice was embroidered with a deep rose; intricate cherry-blossom design, and from the waist, the airy silk skirts cascaded. Pale rose quartz and small diamonds were sprinkled over the skirts.
Tomoyo simply placed it by Sakura, who gazed at the other girl.
"T-Tomoyo-c-chan . . ." breathed Sakura, inhaling slightly.
Meiling looked nearly like Tomoyo, with stars in her eyes, "Tomoyo-chan, you are so talented! Oh, Sakura—that dress is going to knock Syaoran's eyes out . . ." she suddenly stopped.
Sakura smiled sadly, touching the dress lovingly. "Hai . . ." Even though I know he—he loves me, only me . . . why do I have this sad feeling when I think of him marrying someone else?
+++
The large ballroom was brightly lit, and many small crystal chandeliers adorned the ceilings, and the walls were a pale gold. Small circular tables, seating about ten people each, were scattered around the huge room, but a space was cleared out in the center; for dancing.
Meiling blinked nervously, looking self-conscious in her dress. I can't believe this . . .
Sakura and Tomoyo had gone to 'get drinks' they said, each with a small smirk in their faces. Meiling really didn't like that smirk. I mean, really, really, really DIDN'T like that smirk.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
A sudden voice startled the girl out of her reverie. Her long raven-black hair was up in two buns, as usual, but dark red ribbons were wound around her pigtails, which were loose today, in cascading curls. But a red satin mask covered this first half of her face, leaving only her brilliant ruby-red eyes and lips exposed.
A boy stood behind her, dark brown (almost black) hair slightly tousled, (although still technically neat) and smiling dark blue eyes through his black mask, bronze threads embroidered on the mask.
Meiling sighed. This couldn't be Hinato—he didn't look anything like this guy, except for maybe those endless blue eyes . . . [A/n: I just realized that I never explained much how Hinato looked like. *shrug* Well, just a hint. (as to who it is, but I'm sure you all already know.)]
"Do you want to dance?" the boy asked, looking hopeful.
Meiling stared at the boy, wanted to ask, 'Why did you ask me?' but the boy beat her to it.
He laughed, "You looked so lonely by yourself over here, and I decided to join you." He rolled his eyes, and Meiling smiled slightly.
"S-Sure." She said, even surprising herself.
The boy bowed, and took the taken aback girl onto the dance floor.
+++
Sakura giggled as Tomoyo remarked, "Look how much Meiling is enjoying herself. That dress really does suit her—"
Tomoyo then shot a look at Sakura, "But you look soooo KAWAII in that dress . . ."
The stars in the amethyst eyes nearly popped out, and Sakura laughed a little nervously. "H-Hooooee . . ." Tomoyo beamed, examining Sakura.
That dress is perfect for her, Tomoyo smirked. Li is SO going to faint . . he wouldn't even think twice about marrying someone else, upsetting poor Sakura . . .. Sakura's slender figure accentuated the fairy-like skirts, and her short honey-auburn locks weren't up in the usual pigtails, they were falling in soft locks around the girl's face, accenting her creamy complexion and emerald eyes. Two pale pink barrettes kept the bangs from falling into the girl's eyes, and Sakura's lips were curved in a sweet smile.
"Isn't it exciting, Tomoyo-chan?"
Tomoyo nodded, giggling. She had a video camera in one hand (of course), and her journal in the other. The journals for the 'week' project were finished, and ready to hand in.
Sakura was carrying hers too; Tomoyo could see a pencil sketch of a certain stuffed animal, and . . . a certain amber-eyed boy.
Tomoyo laughed, "Were you bored, Sakura?" The girl looked puzzled, then glanced down at her weekly journal. Her cheeks flamed red.
"H-H-Hooooee . . ." Luckily, Sakura didn't have to answer, for two handsome-looking boys were walking their way, two very familiar-looking boys, in fact.
Tomoyo watched Sakura fix her mask; it was a light cherry-pink shade, edged with little white pearls. Tomoyo slipped on her own—it was the same dark velvety violet shade as her dress, with silver threading at the sides.
"Hullo, would you care to dance, milady?" The first boy extended a gracious hand out to Tomoyo, making the girl flustered. He was dressed simply, though elegantly in a dark blue dress shirt, and black pants. A black cloak swung behind him; as part of the costume. Small silver stars and moons were embroidered on the cloak, in the discreet way—marking him 'The Magician'. The smiling sapphire blue eyes winked at her from behind the dark blue mask, edged with silvery-blue threading.
"A-Ano," Tomoyo glanced nervously at Sakura, who was watching her with a small smirk on her face. Tomoyo rolled her eyes, "Hai, I would love to." The girl replied with the same tone of flourish.
The boy nodded, and led the dark-haired girl onto the dance floor. The second boy dressed in a white dress shirt, a forest green cape swirling behind him like a prince, and black dress pants, smiled softly at the visibly blushing girl. A mock-sword, in its sheath was at his side, since he was posing as the 'Prince'.
The dark green mask framed those intense amber-brown eyes perfectly; pale golden threads accented the mask. Tomoyo's handiwork, Sakura suddenly thought.
Sakura hurriedly looked for a chance to escape, but the boy was directly in front of her by now. The boy said softly, "Would you care to dance, xiao ying hua?" [A/n: I've said it before, but it means 'little cherry blossom'. ^_^]
Sakura's cheeks flamed the same colour of her dress at the use of the pet name; which reminded her of that morning.
"O-Of course, S-Shaolan . . ."
+++
"S-so, are you enjoying yourself?"
"H-Hai."
Meiling blushed as she felt herself being lifted up—it was all part of the dance.
"You . . . you smell so familiar . . . like roses."
The girl's face matched her dress, "A-A-ano . . ."
How pathetic am I, falling for some boy I don't even know! And here I was, thinking I had actually felt something for Hinato . . . gomen ne . . .
"Y—You know, d'you—do you think you could help me with a small problem I have?"
Meiling blinked. "A—a problem? Sure."
The boy paused, his warm dark eyes smiling at her. "There's this—this girl, I like. Well—I don't know if I like her . . . maybe something more."
The ruby eyes saddened. "Oh." Why am I feeling this way?! Kami-sama!
"I—I . . ."
Suddenly, Meiling felt the oddest sensation. Her mask was being pulled off!
Her red satin mask tumbled down, red ribbons cascading down. The boy blinked quickly.
"M-M-M—eiling?!"
+++
The jaded-eyed girl stood on the moonlit balcony, sighing in pure bliss.
A soft, cool wind brushed past her tear-laden cheeks, the sweet tears steadily falling.
"You know, I feel just like a princess in a fairy tale sometimes. I just wish—I just wish you didn't have to go." Sakura whispered, as she turned around to meet those fierce beautiful golden-flecked amber brown eyes.
"Sakura . . . hime-sama. I will never leave you . . ." His soft voice sent a shiver down her spine. She turned to him, her eyes wide. They were only a breath apart, and his warm breath was getting closer . . . and closer . . .
Yoru no sora ga hoshi wo egaki dasu
Hitotsu zutsu
Hitomi wo tojite, kokoro no naka wo mitsumeteru
Dare wo matsu no . . .
Chiheisen no mukou kara
Kikoete kuru koe wo kiite iru
Koko ni kite
Kirameku kaze ga, toiki no you ni yabara kaku
Kata wo tsutsumu yo
Chiheisen no mukou kara
Aruite kuru hito wo mitsumeteru
Koko ni kite
Hikaru ishi wo hitotsu kette mita
Koko ni kite . . .
The hauntingly sweet melody whispered throughout the air as Sakura's breath was taken away by the earth-shattering kiss, she was glad Syaoran was holding onto her, she felt like she would fall . . . fall forever if he didn't hold her . . .
A few soft cherry blossom petals blew from the overhanging tree by the balcony, and fluttered around them. The melody played on, even though the kiss had stopped.
"S-Syaoran . . ." Sakura blushed.
A pale pink spread across the boy's cheeks as well, as a new sound interrupted their moment—Syaoran's cellphone, the melody it made was the tune to Purachina.
"Hai? Oh . . . hello, mother."
Sakura's hand tightened, her chest tight. Oh please, oh please, oh please, Clow-sama, please, please please . . . don't let Syaoran leave me . . . [A/n: I know I'm making Sakura sound—possessive? ^^; But its needed for the moment, don't you think?]
Syaoran's eyes were blank as he finished speaking with his mother, and handed the phone to Sakura.
"She—wants to talk to you." Syaoran said, his voice curiously flat.
"Hoe—hai? Kinomoto Sakura desu. Moshi . . . moshi?"
"Ni hao, Sakura-chan." Yelan's smooth, kind voice echoed through the phone.
"Kobanwa, Mrs. Li." Sakura replied politely, almost nervous.
The boy's mother continued, "I'm sure you have been mistaken. When Li Xiang spoke to you on the phone, he was supposed to inform you that—that Xiao Lang was indeed engaged again—"
Sakura's heart stopped, for that split second—
"—to the most powerful sorceress in all of the world. The current—Clow Mistress. That is, you, Kinomoto Sakura. Would you . . . ?"
Sakura burst into tears, the phone clattering to the ground. She threw her arms around the boy standing next to her with a small smile touching his lips, "I do—I can't wait! I love you too much! Daisuki desu!"
Syaoran smiled gently, a hand tangling in the auburn curls. Sakura stood up, blinking innocently at him, with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Syaoran-kun . . ." Syaoran looked nervously at her expression, which was not Sakura-like. "H-hai . . .?"
Sakura climbed on top of the rooftop (which was right above the balcony) and smiled brilliantly at him. "Catch me."
Syaoran blanched. "N-NANI?!"
Sakura threw herself off the rooftop, closing her eyes . . .
And landed into a pair of warm arms embracing her. Opening her eyes, emerald-green met amber. Syaoran growled, "Never. Do. That. Again! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Sakura giggled, and leaned up, meeting his lips.
.: THE END :.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Waa! My first fanfic is finally done! Arigatou, those, for sticking with the intolerable me, throughout the entire fic, and for me lamentable lateness. And for ruining those sweet mushy moments with my less-than-spectacular writing! *cries* But I've had fun writing this, and hope you enjoyed reading it.
The ending was sweet. I didn't want it all drama-ish, so it ended on a fluff/humor note. Hmm. Was that right for the story? I dunno. But the 'catch me' idea came from . . . you know it! I was listening to Catch You Catch Me and the idea jumped out right at me. O.O; Strange, how my mind works . . .
The Meiling/Hinato scene, I decided not to write, for I didn't want to go too in detail, for this is strictly a S+S fic, but too many other couples intruded. ^^; For the better? I don't know. Use your imagination.
Keep checking in my profile updates (I'll try to be more weekly now. Hopefully.) for more news of this story; such as a epilogue or such; but I doubt there will be a sequel. So please do not ask for one—arigatou nee!
Thank you,
Yukimi. (Or, as many of you still know me—as Kinomoto Sakura.)