A/N: Sorry that this chapter is late! It's twice as long as chapter one!
And to add to my troubles, I have two little brothers conspiring against me
so whenever I need to use the computer, they're always on. _
Foreword: To read this chapter, you must read Freesia and Manju Shage first, because the connections are important. And this wedding is going to be based on Western tradition since I'm not familiar with the eastern custom. If anyone is interested in reading about a Chinese wedding, read Dimensions by The MOUSE. It's a very good story.
~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to CLAMP
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks For The Memories
By Amethyst Beloved
Chapter 2: T&C
~*~*~*~*~
Chiharu couldn't contain her excitement as she peered through the window of one of the many privet Li jets overlooking the grade estate. At first she was worried that she couldn't make it to Sakura and Syaoran's wedding, but the Lis were gracious enough to provide transportation for the bride and groom's closest friends.
"Oh look! We can see the mansion from here!" she exclaimed as she bounced in her seat, forgetting that she was an adult.
"You know, about mansions, they were once museums, which displayed the family's treasure through out the generations. However, because of competition, prices began to rise and people stopped paying. According to the history books, the longest running-OUCH!"
The other passengers failed to stifle their giggles at the sight of Chiharu with her arms crossed, and foot precisely on her husband's toes.
"Takashi! We have been married for five years, and you are still lying! Do you know what I am going to do with you?"
The tall man with short black hair wiped the pained expression on his face and replaced it with a broad grin.
"You'll give me a kiss and tell me that you love me."
While their friends around them raised their eyebrows in disbelief, Chiharu began to giggle.
"How is it that you know me so well?" she asked as she made his prediction came true.
"That's easy. It's because I love you too," answered Takashi.
The three women watching them began to clap, and the couple remembered their surroundings.
"That was so sweet!" exclaimed Tomoyo with her balled hands resting under her chin. "After Sakura and Syaoran, you two are the cutest couple!"
"And knowing how much Tomoyo dotes on the bride and groom to be, that's a pretty high compliment," added Naoko with a grin.
Tomoyo let out of forced smile in response to her friend's remark. This was a bittersweet occasion for her, but she cannot let anyone know. After all, this was Sakura's special day, and Tomoyo had to keep a strong front since she was an important part of the bridal party as the maid of honour. "Well, it doesn't matter if we're cute or not because all I need to know is that Takashi loves me," Chiharu replied as she intertwined her fingers with his.
"And no matter what happens, I know that Chiharu will always be at my side," the man replied as he kissed his wife's hand.
"Wow, look at that," said Rika. "He even has that old fashion charm."
As Chiharu and Takashi watched their friends smile at the comment, they exchanged eye contact. All though now it was all laughter and smiles, five years ago their own wedding was close to never happening at all.
* Five Years Ago *
It was a month before the big day. Chiharu was at a café, flipping through a bridal magazine while waiting for her maid of honour to come and meet her. She smiled as she eyed her engagement ring that Takashi surprised her with on Valentine's Day when they were seventeen. Now after a long engagement due to the fact that they had to finish their education first, they were ready to take the next step together.
She was almost finished going through the whole magazine. The reason why Chiharu wanted to meet Naoko was because she wanted to discuss possible styles of dresses. There were only a few more details to take care of, and her choice of gown was one of them.
Suddenly Chiharu felt the presence of someone standing next to her
"Go ahead and take a seat," she said absentmindedly without looking up since it couldn't be anyone else besides Naoko. "I'm almost finished."
"I am happy to hear that you have welcomed me, daughter," a deep male voice answered in response.
Chiharu froze once her head jerked up in shock. Then ever so slowly she began to turn her head towards the man who had just labelled her as his offspring. When she finally faced the newcomer, her mouth dropped at the sight of the man that she hadn't seen in sixteen years. He was much older than she remembered. The wrinkles around his eyes and the salt and pepper hair were all signs of aging. But no matter how he changed, she would always be able to recognize him.
"Daddy?"
It was as if Mr. Mihara couldn't hold back any longer as he enveloped his daughter in a hug.
"Oh Chiharu, I know its been a long time, but I had my reasons," he rambled. "I promise to make it up to make it up to you. Just please tell me that you forgive me!"
The young woman was still shocked with the wave of events that just crashed upon her. Her father exploded back in her life, and now he wanted to be included. Could she forgive for the way he left herself and her mother on their own?
But then she started to open up and accept the situation. Her father was back, and he was even just in time for one of the most important times in her life. Why did she even feel resentment towards him in the first place? Because she couldn't remember, she decided to dismiss the whole idea.
'This is my father,' Chiharu thought to herself as she hesitantly hugged him back. 'If I can't remember the reason why he left, it shouldn't be that bad. Even though I missed out on having a father while I was growing up, at least I get to have one now.'
* End of flashback *
"Chiharu? Are you coming?" asked Takashi as he studied his wife's vacant expression. It was as if she was a million miles away.
"Huh?" she asked as she snapped out of her daydream. "Oh, we're already here? I haven't noticed."
Takashi chuckled as he held out his hand to help Chiharu down the stairs after coming down himself. She must have been really deep in thought to not realize when they landed.
"So what were you thinking of, my darling?" Takashi asked as his wife laced her arm through his.
Chiharu hesitated before speaking.
"I was thinking about what happened before we got married."
Takashi closed his eyes and unconsciously let out a sigh. Dropping a light kiss on Chiharu's temple before taking in her scent of the sweetest smelling Freesia flowers, he slipped into his memories himself.
* Five Years Ago *
All though Takashi knew that Naoko had to meet Chiharu at the café to talk about wedding details, he desperately needed a few minutes of her time to help him get his vows under control. For some reason, they were five times longer than the recommended length, and he honestly didn't know what was wrong. Nevertheless, it was Naoko to the rescue as she managed to omit all the lies out of his vows. Miraculously enough, once the stories weren't included, his vows met the required time limit.
So now that Naoko was on her way to meet Chiharu since it was better to be late that never, Takashi decided to take a walk in Penguin Park. The young man smiled at himself once he reached a certain spot. It was one of the places that changed his life forever. This is where he saw the love of his life for the first time. Her tears moved him to feel things he never felt before. After she fell when they crashed into each other at four-years-old, he was terrified that he was the cause of her tears and he set off to find her. But it was faith that brought them together in pre-school.
"Takashi?" asked a female voice that just appeared behind him.
The man twirled around to face the woman. He had no idea who she was, so he kept his guard up as he observed the lady. There was familiar about her, but he couldn't place his finger on it. Her hair. Her eyes. Where have he seen it all before?"
"Takashi Yamazaki? This may come as a shock to you, but I've come back to Tomoeda after seventeen long years, and it is time to tell you the truth," she explained slowly. "Takashi, I am your mother."
For the first time in his life, Takashi mouth opened but nothing came out. This was all too much to take in.
"I'm very sorry for leaving you and your father, but I had to leave," she continued. "You see-"
"No!" Takashi snapped frigidly as he started to back away. "You left us once. That doesn't mean you can waltz in our lives whenever you want. Just do us all a favour and go back where you came from. We don't need you anymore!"
With those words, Takashi turned around to sprint away from his mother... and to run away from his past.
The woman's eyes began to well up with tears as she saw her only child run away from her. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had to know the truth before it was too late.
* End of flashback *
"Tomoyo! Rika! Naoko! Chiharu! Takashi!" Sakura cried out as soon as she saw her four oldest friends. "It's so great that you were all able to make it!"
"There's no way we'd miss this day, right Takashi?" asked Chiharu as she tugged on her husband's hand to reel him away from his thoughts.
"Oh, of course not! Wild horses couldn't keep us away!" claimed Takashi. All though this was a great opportunity to tell story, Chiharu was able to foresee his plans and therefore she added enough pressure on his hand to make sure he noticed her warning. Not wanting to injure his toes any more, he decided to keep quiet... this time.
"So after dinner we'll have to talk about the wedding and reception," explained Syaoran. "Then we all have to go to bed because we have to get up early if we want to finish things in time."
"What? No time for sight seeing?" pouted Naoko playfully.
"Oh don't worry," Sakura said as she gave her friend a hug. "As soon as the honeymoon's over, all of will be back, and we'll be going on a post- marriage shopping spree!"
"No!" cried out Takashi in mocked horror. "Now I have to find yet another place to hide my credit cards!"
"Well you better think of a good spot," teased Chiharu as she poked his side. "Because when it comes to shopping, no credit cards are hidden for long!"
"Then let the games begin," he growled as he began to tickle his wife.
While Chiharu was trying to elude Takashi's dancing fingers, she couldn't help but add this moment to the already long list of memories.
Memories that was too close to never being made at all.
* Five Years Ago *
It was three weeks before the wedding and the husband and wife to be were walking down a path that actually was memory lane. Hearing the laughter of little children, they knew they were almost at their destination.
"Who would have known that after all these years this place would still be up and running?" Chiharu asked her fiancé as she rested her head on his shoulder as they faced the old building together.
"Tomoeda is a small town which is able to manage on its own as long as the right resources are established," Takashi explained.
The area of discussion was no other than their beloved pre-school. All though this wasn't the place where they had their first conversation, it was the place where they began a beautiful relationship.
"I remember the first ting you said to me in there," began Chiharu. "It was a story about princesses and ribbons."
"And I remember the first thing you told me in there," replied Takashi. "You told me that I was lying and that I'd get in a lot of trouble one day."
Chiharu laughed at his accurate memories. How long ago did it happen? Sixteen years ago?
"Chiharu, there's something that I need to ask," Takashi suddenly said with a frown. "Why were you so strongly against lying when you were only four?"
Chiharu knitted her eyebrows as she pondered over Takashi's question. The reason why she would throttle Takashi when his lies got out of hand was because she didn't want him to end up like someone. But who was it? Why couldn't she remember?
"Oh Takashi, that was so long ago," she said to cover up the fact that she wasn't able to give her fiancé a straight answer. "I'm getting tired. Can you take me home?"
"Sure thing, love. It's getting late anyway," he said as he noted the sun lowering in the west. "We'll pick things up again in the morning."
Chiharu felt guilty while she was walking along side Takashi. The reason why she wanted to get home so soon was because her father had made plans for the both of them that night. Chiharu was becoming closer with her father every time they got together, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy with the way he insisted that he should keep his presence a secret until the wedding when he will be able to give her away like any other proud father.
~*~(That night)~*~
After an evening with her father, Chiharu was ready to go to bed. She was too tired that she failed to notice the fact that she was being followed. Or maybe it was the fact the person following her knew what she was doing.
"Isn't it a bit too late to be out, Miss Mihara?"
Chiharu gasped as she left the key in her front door to see who was behind her. Neither woman said a word as they studied each other. With the help of the glowing light emitted from the full moon, Chiharu was able to make out the woman's dark hair and profound eyes. Still, there was something familiar about her eyes. Too familiar...
"Do I know you?" she asked slowly.
"Well, in any other situation, you should. I'm your mother-in-law to be."
Chiharu's jaw dropped. She was the only one who knew about Takashi's motherless situation. It was a topic he spoke seldom about, but whenever he needed to talk about it, she was always there to lend him an ear like any good friend would.
"Does Takashi know you're here?"
"Yes he does," the woman replied hesitantly. "But just because he pushed me away, that doesn't make what I have to tell you any less important."
The younger woman crossed her arms impatiently and tapped her foot against the pavement. It was the universal sign that she would listen as long as it was quick.
"Your father does not want you to marry my son."
"What?" Chiharu exploded. "What are you talking about? What do you know about my father? He's very supportive of my choices. In fact, he wants to walk me down the aisle.
"Your first decision was better."
Chiharu was so stunned that she couldn't fight back so suddenly. Before her father popped back in her life, she was considering of asking Mr. Yamazaki to walk her down the aisle. There was only one other person who knew this. And the woman in front of her wasn't her maid of honour.
"I don't know how you know so much about me, but I want you to stop," Chiharu said slowly as she backed up until she was against her front door. "You may be my husband's mother, but I don't want anything to do with you."
With those words, Chiharu twisted the knob in order to get in, and then she shut the door as fact as she could. She didn't know what was going on, but she didn't like it.
* End of flashback *
Dinner was over a while ago, and everyone was getting tired after they spent the time talking. Chiharu kept quiet all evening, and due to the festive atmosphere, nobody actually noticed except for one person.
"Are you still thinking about it?" asked Takashi, as he and his wife were ready to go to sleep in one of the Lis' many guest rooms.
"Yeah... all this wedding business is making me zone out all the time," Chiharu admitted as she got under the covers. "I feel so guilty because this is Sakura's special day, and I'm not giving her the attention she deserves."
"There, there. I wouldn't worry about that if I were you," Takashi soothed as he wrapped his arms snugly around her small figure to comfort her. "Syaoran's four sisters have enough energy and enthusiast that even if we don't say a word there will still be enough hyper-ness left over."
Chiharu smiled as she closed her eyes and breathed in her husband's permanent smell of Manju Shages that encircled her. She never felt happier.
~*~(The Next Day)~*~
Everyone woke up bright and early for the big day ahead of them. The final details were put into place and the whole estate was buzzing with excitement. However, the most interesting place to be at the time was in the bridal dressing room.
"Okay Sakura, the ceremony is about to begin," said Naoko. "Do you have everything on the list?"
"What list?" asked Sakura innocently with her head cocked to the side.
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!" chanted Rika as she was putting the finishing touches on Sakura's hair.
"Ah! Why didn't anybody remind me?" shrieked Sakura who was already beginning to panic.
"I've got it covered!" exclaimed her maid of honour. "Something old: Sakura is wearing her mother's jewellery. Something new: I just finished that dress two nights ago. Something blue: that's what the garter is for. Oh wait... am I missing something?"
"Sakura doesn't have anything borrowed," noted Chiharu as she rummaged through her purse to pull out a pale yellow ribbon that was somewhat old and frayed, yet kept in more or less good condition. "This is something very special to me. I'm trusting that you won't lose it."
"Don't worry, I'll guard it with my life," assured Sakura as she tucked it securely in a camouflaged pocket. "I'm sure it's important to you."
"Yes it is," replied Chiharu softly. "To both me and Takashi."
Without even realizing it, Chiharu thought back to the second time the ribbons played an important part of her life. It was something rather unexpected, but she was thankful everyday for the way things ended up.
* Five Years Ago *
It was a week before the wedding but of all places, Chiharu was at the airport. The trip wasn't planned, of course, but her father told her that as a wedding present, he bought a cottage in the Tokyo countryside. But he wanted her to see it first before he made the last payment.
Because she wanted to surprise Takashi, she made Naoko promise to cover up for her. Her father told her that the trip was only going to last for two days the most so she'll come back with ample amount of time before the big day.
There was still an hour before the flight took off, so the young woman decided to window-shop around the duty free stores. Passing by the accessory shop she softly smiled as herself when the spotted the display of ribbons. It was the yellow ribbons that grasped her attention first. She could still remember the happiness she felt when four-year-old Takashi pulled the ribbon out of his pocket. Later on as their friendship grew, he admitted that he found it where the Freesias and Manju Shages grew in the park. It was their favourite place even before they met.
Chiharu knew she could always count on that place. Even when she couldn't bear to face the park, she couldn't stay away from her favourite place.
Hold on a second- why did she want to stay away? Did something happen? Chiharu knitted her eyebrows to try to recollect the memories in her past. She was at the park with he baby-sitter because her parents were at work. She climbed on top of the Penguin Slide and looked around. She saw her father, but...
"He was having an affair," she murmured to herself as she watched her eyes grow wide in the window's reflection. "And he lied about it to Mom! That's why I was so against lying."
"Chiharu," a gentle voice said from behind her making her freeze. "We've got a plane to catch."
"No," she whispered as she began to back away. "Stay away from me. Don't come near me. You lied to Mom about that transferred worker, and now you're lying to me about this cottage. She's right. You don't want me to marry Takashi."
"What are you talking about, dear?" he asked in a rather bitter tone. "I don't know who this "she" is, but you're coming with me whether you like it or not."
"Hold it right there, Mihara!" a female voice came from the blue. "I have a gun, and I'm not afraid to use it. Turn away from the girl and put your hands where I can see them."
"Chiharu!" cried Takashi as he ran towards her. "Someone called me and told me that you were in danger!"
"Oh Takashi," murmured Chiharu as she wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling safe. "Thank you so much for coming."
"Who are you?" Mr. Mihara asked the woman with his hands in the air.
The woman was no other than Takashi's own mother.
"I am Federal Agent Yamazaki and I work undercover for the Japanese Federal Government," she began. "Yakato Mihara, you are under arrest for money laundering and racketeering. You must remain silent. Anything you say or do may and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney and if you are not able to get one, one will be appointed to you through the court of Japan. Do you understand these laws and rights that I've explained to you?"
"Lets just go already," he grumbled as her associate dragged him away. Only the engaged couple and the mother of the groom remained.
"I guess it's time to explain," sighed the agent. "Takashi. I will always love you and your father. But my heart lies with my job. That's why I ran out on the both of you twenty years ago. There are just too many people in danger out there, and I'm doing my part to help. I hope that now you understand, you could find it in your heart to forgive me."
Takashi didn't say a word. Instead he reached out to take her hand, and after giving it a comforting squeeze, he offered her a small smile.
"And Chiharu, I am so sorry about your father," the older woman said to the younger one. "I had my suspicions, but I couldn't arrest him until we had enough proof."
"Then why did he try to take me away?" Chiharu questioned.
"According to the evidence, we were on the lookout of a single man," she explained. "If he had a daughter who would vouch for him and his whereabouts, the evidence wouldn't stick and he'd he freed to go."
"Well, I'm glad all of this is over," said a relieved Takashi. "Would you like to be a guest at our wedding... mother?"
The older woman broke into a smile and beamed proudly."
"I would be delighted... son."
As the three of them walked out of the airport, and idea fluttered in Chiharu's mind.
"Takashi?" she asked. "Do you think your father would mind if I asked him to give me away at the wedding?"
"Why Chiharu," replied Takashi with a hint of flair in his voice. "I think he'll be honoured."
* End of flashback *
"A few more minutes to go," said Chiharu as she straightened her husband's bow tie. "You look rather handsome, Mr. Yamazaki. You make a dashing groomsman."
Takashi took Chiharu's hand and spun her around once to observe her dress in all the directions.
"I believe you look stunning yourself as a bridesmaid, Mrs. Yamazaki," he replied as he kissed her palm.
Side by side they stood together, ready to walk down the aisle for a second time. Behind them stood Naoko and Rika who were escorted by too of Syaoran's brother-in-laws. In front of them stood Tomoyo as the beautiful maid of honour. However, the best man had yet to make an appearance. Neither Takashi nor Chiharu knew who he was yet, but the wedding wasn't going to start until he arrived.
The bridal party watched Syaoran's mother walk up to them with an excited smile.
"Everyone is here. Now we can begin."
~*~*~*~*~
To be continued...
A/N: I really hope this chapter was worth the wait. It may not be my usual writing genre, but I wanted to try something different. So what did everybody think? Was it any good, or did I totally blow it? Please review!
I'd like to take this moment to thank my ten incredible reviewers!
KawaiinessPnay (nice to see you again!), tsubasa (thanks for reading my fics on KSS! I'd love to know what you think about my prequels! ^_~), Sally (HI!), silentlight (good luck with that novella of yours!), White Eternity (nice to meet you! Yes, every chapter is going to focus on a couple. Up next is my E&T sequel!), syunikiss (I see you've changed your name! Thank you so much for your kind words. I love your reviews!), EcuaGirl (hey there! I got your E-mail, and I'll check out your story soon, but I've been REALLY busy these days!), AnimeObsessionFantasy (thanks for checking it out!), SakuraandLiforever (it's nice to see you again too!) and of course, emerald wolf (I never expected this story to come either! And about your story, if you want, you can fit it in between both of mine. Or you can fly with your own wings and take it wherever you want! It's up to you in the end. Right now, I like where it's going.)
Because this chapter was so long, I haven't even started the wedding yet! But don't worry, the next chapter is going to start with the wedding, but I'm going to focus more on the reception. That's where most the sequel to Sapphire and Amethyst will take place. And the person who Tomoyo will end up with will be revealed! So until then, please review!!!!!
Foreword: To read this chapter, you must read Freesia and Manju Shage first, because the connections are important. And this wedding is going to be based on Western tradition since I'm not familiar with the eastern custom. If anyone is interested in reading about a Chinese wedding, read Dimensions by The MOUSE. It's a very good story.
~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to CLAMP
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks For The Memories
By Amethyst Beloved
Chapter 2: T&C
~*~*~*~*~
Chiharu couldn't contain her excitement as she peered through the window of one of the many privet Li jets overlooking the grade estate. At first she was worried that she couldn't make it to Sakura and Syaoran's wedding, but the Lis were gracious enough to provide transportation for the bride and groom's closest friends.
"Oh look! We can see the mansion from here!" she exclaimed as she bounced in her seat, forgetting that she was an adult.
"You know, about mansions, they were once museums, which displayed the family's treasure through out the generations. However, because of competition, prices began to rise and people stopped paying. According to the history books, the longest running-OUCH!"
The other passengers failed to stifle their giggles at the sight of Chiharu with her arms crossed, and foot precisely on her husband's toes.
"Takashi! We have been married for five years, and you are still lying! Do you know what I am going to do with you?"
The tall man with short black hair wiped the pained expression on his face and replaced it with a broad grin.
"You'll give me a kiss and tell me that you love me."
While their friends around them raised their eyebrows in disbelief, Chiharu began to giggle.
"How is it that you know me so well?" she asked as she made his prediction came true.
"That's easy. It's because I love you too," answered Takashi.
The three women watching them began to clap, and the couple remembered their surroundings.
"That was so sweet!" exclaimed Tomoyo with her balled hands resting under her chin. "After Sakura and Syaoran, you two are the cutest couple!"
"And knowing how much Tomoyo dotes on the bride and groom to be, that's a pretty high compliment," added Naoko with a grin.
Tomoyo let out of forced smile in response to her friend's remark. This was a bittersweet occasion for her, but she cannot let anyone know. After all, this was Sakura's special day, and Tomoyo had to keep a strong front since she was an important part of the bridal party as the maid of honour. "Well, it doesn't matter if we're cute or not because all I need to know is that Takashi loves me," Chiharu replied as she intertwined her fingers with his.
"And no matter what happens, I know that Chiharu will always be at my side," the man replied as he kissed his wife's hand.
"Wow, look at that," said Rika. "He even has that old fashion charm."
As Chiharu and Takashi watched their friends smile at the comment, they exchanged eye contact. All though now it was all laughter and smiles, five years ago their own wedding was close to never happening at all.
* Five Years Ago *
It was a month before the big day. Chiharu was at a café, flipping through a bridal magazine while waiting for her maid of honour to come and meet her. She smiled as she eyed her engagement ring that Takashi surprised her with on Valentine's Day when they were seventeen. Now after a long engagement due to the fact that they had to finish their education first, they were ready to take the next step together.
She was almost finished going through the whole magazine. The reason why Chiharu wanted to meet Naoko was because she wanted to discuss possible styles of dresses. There were only a few more details to take care of, and her choice of gown was one of them.
Suddenly Chiharu felt the presence of someone standing next to her
"Go ahead and take a seat," she said absentmindedly without looking up since it couldn't be anyone else besides Naoko. "I'm almost finished."
"I am happy to hear that you have welcomed me, daughter," a deep male voice answered in response.
Chiharu froze once her head jerked up in shock. Then ever so slowly she began to turn her head towards the man who had just labelled her as his offspring. When she finally faced the newcomer, her mouth dropped at the sight of the man that she hadn't seen in sixteen years. He was much older than she remembered. The wrinkles around his eyes and the salt and pepper hair were all signs of aging. But no matter how he changed, she would always be able to recognize him.
"Daddy?"
It was as if Mr. Mihara couldn't hold back any longer as he enveloped his daughter in a hug.
"Oh Chiharu, I know its been a long time, but I had my reasons," he rambled. "I promise to make it up to make it up to you. Just please tell me that you forgive me!"
The young woman was still shocked with the wave of events that just crashed upon her. Her father exploded back in her life, and now he wanted to be included. Could she forgive for the way he left herself and her mother on their own?
But then she started to open up and accept the situation. Her father was back, and he was even just in time for one of the most important times in her life. Why did she even feel resentment towards him in the first place? Because she couldn't remember, she decided to dismiss the whole idea.
'This is my father,' Chiharu thought to herself as she hesitantly hugged him back. 'If I can't remember the reason why he left, it shouldn't be that bad. Even though I missed out on having a father while I was growing up, at least I get to have one now.'
* End of flashback *
"Chiharu? Are you coming?" asked Takashi as he studied his wife's vacant expression. It was as if she was a million miles away.
"Huh?" she asked as she snapped out of her daydream. "Oh, we're already here? I haven't noticed."
Takashi chuckled as he held out his hand to help Chiharu down the stairs after coming down himself. She must have been really deep in thought to not realize when they landed.
"So what were you thinking of, my darling?" Takashi asked as his wife laced her arm through his.
Chiharu hesitated before speaking.
"I was thinking about what happened before we got married."
Takashi closed his eyes and unconsciously let out a sigh. Dropping a light kiss on Chiharu's temple before taking in her scent of the sweetest smelling Freesia flowers, he slipped into his memories himself.
* Five Years Ago *
All though Takashi knew that Naoko had to meet Chiharu at the café to talk about wedding details, he desperately needed a few minutes of her time to help him get his vows under control. For some reason, they were five times longer than the recommended length, and he honestly didn't know what was wrong. Nevertheless, it was Naoko to the rescue as she managed to omit all the lies out of his vows. Miraculously enough, once the stories weren't included, his vows met the required time limit.
So now that Naoko was on her way to meet Chiharu since it was better to be late that never, Takashi decided to take a walk in Penguin Park. The young man smiled at himself once he reached a certain spot. It was one of the places that changed his life forever. This is where he saw the love of his life for the first time. Her tears moved him to feel things he never felt before. After she fell when they crashed into each other at four-years-old, he was terrified that he was the cause of her tears and he set off to find her. But it was faith that brought them together in pre-school.
"Takashi?" asked a female voice that just appeared behind him.
The man twirled around to face the woman. He had no idea who she was, so he kept his guard up as he observed the lady. There was familiar about her, but he couldn't place his finger on it. Her hair. Her eyes. Where have he seen it all before?"
"Takashi Yamazaki? This may come as a shock to you, but I've come back to Tomoeda after seventeen long years, and it is time to tell you the truth," she explained slowly. "Takashi, I am your mother."
For the first time in his life, Takashi mouth opened but nothing came out. This was all too much to take in.
"I'm very sorry for leaving you and your father, but I had to leave," she continued. "You see-"
"No!" Takashi snapped frigidly as he started to back away. "You left us once. That doesn't mean you can waltz in our lives whenever you want. Just do us all a favour and go back where you came from. We don't need you anymore!"
With those words, Takashi turned around to sprint away from his mother... and to run away from his past.
The woman's eyes began to well up with tears as she saw her only child run away from her. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had to know the truth before it was too late.
* End of flashback *
"Tomoyo! Rika! Naoko! Chiharu! Takashi!" Sakura cried out as soon as she saw her four oldest friends. "It's so great that you were all able to make it!"
"There's no way we'd miss this day, right Takashi?" asked Chiharu as she tugged on her husband's hand to reel him away from his thoughts.
"Oh, of course not! Wild horses couldn't keep us away!" claimed Takashi. All though this was a great opportunity to tell story, Chiharu was able to foresee his plans and therefore she added enough pressure on his hand to make sure he noticed her warning. Not wanting to injure his toes any more, he decided to keep quiet... this time.
"So after dinner we'll have to talk about the wedding and reception," explained Syaoran. "Then we all have to go to bed because we have to get up early if we want to finish things in time."
"What? No time for sight seeing?" pouted Naoko playfully.
"Oh don't worry," Sakura said as she gave her friend a hug. "As soon as the honeymoon's over, all of will be back, and we'll be going on a post- marriage shopping spree!"
"No!" cried out Takashi in mocked horror. "Now I have to find yet another place to hide my credit cards!"
"Well you better think of a good spot," teased Chiharu as she poked his side. "Because when it comes to shopping, no credit cards are hidden for long!"
"Then let the games begin," he growled as he began to tickle his wife.
While Chiharu was trying to elude Takashi's dancing fingers, she couldn't help but add this moment to the already long list of memories.
Memories that was too close to never being made at all.
* Five Years Ago *
It was three weeks before the wedding and the husband and wife to be were walking down a path that actually was memory lane. Hearing the laughter of little children, they knew they were almost at their destination.
"Who would have known that after all these years this place would still be up and running?" Chiharu asked her fiancé as she rested her head on his shoulder as they faced the old building together.
"Tomoeda is a small town which is able to manage on its own as long as the right resources are established," Takashi explained.
The area of discussion was no other than their beloved pre-school. All though this wasn't the place where they had their first conversation, it was the place where they began a beautiful relationship.
"I remember the first ting you said to me in there," began Chiharu. "It was a story about princesses and ribbons."
"And I remember the first thing you told me in there," replied Takashi. "You told me that I was lying and that I'd get in a lot of trouble one day."
Chiharu laughed at his accurate memories. How long ago did it happen? Sixteen years ago?
"Chiharu, there's something that I need to ask," Takashi suddenly said with a frown. "Why were you so strongly against lying when you were only four?"
Chiharu knitted her eyebrows as she pondered over Takashi's question. The reason why she would throttle Takashi when his lies got out of hand was because she didn't want him to end up like someone. But who was it? Why couldn't she remember?
"Oh Takashi, that was so long ago," she said to cover up the fact that she wasn't able to give her fiancé a straight answer. "I'm getting tired. Can you take me home?"
"Sure thing, love. It's getting late anyway," he said as he noted the sun lowering in the west. "We'll pick things up again in the morning."
Chiharu felt guilty while she was walking along side Takashi. The reason why she wanted to get home so soon was because her father had made plans for the both of them that night. Chiharu was becoming closer with her father every time they got together, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy with the way he insisted that he should keep his presence a secret until the wedding when he will be able to give her away like any other proud father.
~*~(That night)~*~
After an evening with her father, Chiharu was ready to go to bed. She was too tired that she failed to notice the fact that she was being followed. Or maybe it was the fact the person following her knew what she was doing.
"Isn't it a bit too late to be out, Miss Mihara?"
Chiharu gasped as she left the key in her front door to see who was behind her. Neither woman said a word as they studied each other. With the help of the glowing light emitted from the full moon, Chiharu was able to make out the woman's dark hair and profound eyes. Still, there was something familiar about her eyes. Too familiar...
"Do I know you?" she asked slowly.
"Well, in any other situation, you should. I'm your mother-in-law to be."
Chiharu's jaw dropped. She was the only one who knew about Takashi's motherless situation. It was a topic he spoke seldom about, but whenever he needed to talk about it, she was always there to lend him an ear like any good friend would.
"Does Takashi know you're here?"
"Yes he does," the woman replied hesitantly. "But just because he pushed me away, that doesn't make what I have to tell you any less important."
The younger woman crossed her arms impatiently and tapped her foot against the pavement. It was the universal sign that she would listen as long as it was quick.
"Your father does not want you to marry my son."
"What?" Chiharu exploded. "What are you talking about? What do you know about my father? He's very supportive of my choices. In fact, he wants to walk me down the aisle.
"Your first decision was better."
Chiharu was so stunned that she couldn't fight back so suddenly. Before her father popped back in her life, she was considering of asking Mr. Yamazaki to walk her down the aisle. There was only one other person who knew this. And the woman in front of her wasn't her maid of honour.
"I don't know how you know so much about me, but I want you to stop," Chiharu said slowly as she backed up until she was against her front door. "You may be my husband's mother, but I don't want anything to do with you."
With those words, Chiharu twisted the knob in order to get in, and then she shut the door as fact as she could. She didn't know what was going on, but she didn't like it.
* End of flashback *
Dinner was over a while ago, and everyone was getting tired after they spent the time talking. Chiharu kept quiet all evening, and due to the festive atmosphere, nobody actually noticed except for one person.
"Are you still thinking about it?" asked Takashi, as he and his wife were ready to go to sleep in one of the Lis' many guest rooms.
"Yeah... all this wedding business is making me zone out all the time," Chiharu admitted as she got under the covers. "I feel so guilty because this is Sakura's special day, and I'm not giving her the attention she deserves."
"There, there. I wouldn't worry about that if I were you," Takashi soothed as he wrapped his arms snugly around her small figure to comfort her. "Syaoran's four sisters have enough energy and enthusiast that even if we don't say a word there will still be enough hyper-ness left over."
Chiharu smiled as she closed her eyes and breathed in her husband's permanent smell of Manju Shages that encircled her. She never felt happier.
~*~(The Next Day)~*~
Everyone woke up bright and early for the big day ahead of them. The final details were put into place and the whole estate was buzzing with excitement. However, the most interesting place to be at the time was in the bridal dressing room.
"Okay Sakura, the ceremony is about to begin," said Naoko. "Do you have everything on the list?"
"What list?" asked Sakura innocently with her head cocked to the side.
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!" chanted Rika as she was putting the finishing touches on Sakura's hair.
"Ah! Why didn't anybody remind me?" shrieked Sakura who was already beginning to panic.
"I've got it covered!" exclaimed her maid of honour. "Something old: Sakura is wearing her mother's jewellery. Something new: I just finished that dress two nights ago. Something blue: that's what the garter is for. Oh wait... am I missing something?"
"Sakura doesn't have anything borrowed," noted Chiharu as she rummaged through her purse to pull out a pale yellow ribbon that was somewhat old and frayed, yet kept in more or less good condition. "This is something very special to me. I'm trusting that you won't lose it."
"Don't worry, I'll guard it with my life," assured Sakura as she tucked it securely in a camouflaged pocket. "I'm sure it's important to you."
"Yes it is," replied Chiharu softly. "To both me and Takashi."
Without even realizing it, Chiharu thought back to the second time the ribbons played an important part of her life. It was something rather unexpected, but she was thankful everyday for the way things ended up.
* Five Years Ago *
It was a week before the wedding but of all places, Chiharu was at the airport. The trip wasn't planned, of course, but her father told her that as a wedding present, he bought a cottage in the Tokyo countryside. But he wanted her to see it first before he made the last payment.
Because she wanted to surprise Takashi, she made Naoko promise to cover up for her. Her father told her that the trip was only going to last for two days the most so she'll come back with ample amount of time before the big day.
There was still an hour before the flight took off, so the young woman decided to window-shop around the duty free stores. Passing by the accessory shop she softly smiled as herself when the spotted the display of ribbons. It was the yellow ribbons that grasped her attention first. She could still remember the happiness she felt when four-year-old Takashi pulled the ribbon out of his pocket. Later on as their friendship grew, he admitted that he found it where the Freesias and Manju Shages grew in the park. It was their favourite place even before they met.
Chiharu knew she could always count on that place. Even when she couldn't bear to face the park, she couldn't stay away from her favourite place.
Hold on a second- why did she want to stay away? Did something happen? Chiharu knitted her eyebrows to try to recollect the memories in her past. She was at the park with he baby-sitter because her parents were at work. She climbed on top of the Penguin Slide and looked around. She saw her father, but...
"He was having an affair," she murmured to herself as she watched her eyes grow wide in the window's reflection. "And he lied about it to Mom! That's why I was so against lying."
"Chiharu," a gentle voice said from behind her making her freeze. "We've got a plane to catch."
"No," she whispered as she began to back away. "Stay away from me. Don't come near me. You lied to Mom about that transferred worker, and now you're lying to me about this cottage. She's right. You don't want me to marry Takashi."
"What are you talking about, dear?" he asked in a rather bitter tone. "I don't know who this "she" is, but you're coming with me whether you like it or not."
"Hold it right there, Mihara!" a female voice came from the blue. "I have a gun, and I'm not afraid to use it. Turn away from the girl and put your hands where I can see them."
"Chiharu!" cried Takashi as he ran towards her. "Someone called me and told me that you were in danger!"
"Oh Takashi," murmured Chiharu as she wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling safe. "Thank you so much for coming."
"Who are you?" Mr. Mihara asked the woman with his hands in the air.
The woman was no other than Takashi's own mother.
"I am Federal Agent Yamazaki and I work undercover for the Japanese Federal Government," she began. "Yakato Mihara, you are under arrest for money laundering and racketeering. You must remain silent. Anything you say or do may and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney and if you are not able to get one, one will be appointed to you through the court of Japan. Do you understand these laws and rights that I've explained to you?"
"Lets just go already," he grumbled as her associate dragged him away. Only the engaged couple and the mother of the groom remained.
"I guess it's time to explain," sighed the agent. "Takashi. I will always love you and your father. But my heart lies with my job. That's why I ran out on the both of you twenty years ago. There are just too many people in danger out there, and I'm doing my part to help. I hope that now you understand, you could find it in your heart to forgive me."
Takashi didn't say a word. Instead he reached out to take her hand, and after giving it a comforting squeeze, he offered her a small smile.
"And Chiharu, I am so sorry about your father," the older woman said to the younger one. "I had my suspicions, but I couldn't arrest him until we had enough proof."
"Then why did he try to take me away?" Chiharu questioned.
"According to the evidence, we were on the lookout of a single man," she explained. "If he had a daughter who would vouch for him and his whereabouts, the evidence wouldn't stick and he'd he freed to go."
"Well, I'm glad all of this is over," said a relieved Takashi. "Would you like to be a guest at our wedding... mother?"
The older woman broke into a smile and beamed proudly."
"I would be delighted... son."
As the three of them walked out of the airport, and idea fluttered in Chiharu's mind.
"Takashi?" she asked. "Do you think your father would mind if I asked him to give me away at the wedding?"
"Why Chiharu," replied Takashi with a hint of flair in his voice. "I think he'll be honoured."
* End of flashback *
"A few more minutes to go," said Chiharu as she straightened her husband's bow tie. "You look rather handsome, Mr. Yamazaki. You make a dashing groomsman."
Takashi took Chiharu's hand and spun her around once to observe her dress in all the directions.
"I believe you look stunning yourself as a bridesmaid, Mrs. Yamazaki," he replied as he kissed her palm.
Side by side they stood together, ready to walk down the aisle for a second time. Behind them stood Naoko and Rika who were escorted by too of Syaoran's brother-in-laws. In front of them stood Tomoyo as the beautiful maid of honour. However, the best man had yet to make an appearance. Neither Takashi nor Chiharu knew who he was yet, but the wedding wasn't going to start until he arrived.
The bridal party watched Syaoran's mother walk up to them with an excited smile.
"Everyone is here. Now we can begin."
~*~*~*~*~
To be continued...
A/N: I really hope this chapter was worth the wait. It may not be my usual writing genre, but I wanted to try something different. So what did everybody think? Was it any good, or did I totally blow it? Please review!
I'd like to take this moment to thank my ten incredible reviewers!
KawaiinessPnay (nice to see you again!), tsubasa (thanks for reading my fics on KSS! I'd love to know what you think about my prequels! ^_~), Sally (HI!), silentlight (good luck with that novella of yours!), White Eternity (nice to meet you! Yes, every chapter is going to focus on a couple. Up next is my E&T sequel!), syunikiss (I see you've changed your name! Thank you so much for your kind words. I love your reviews!), EcuaGirl (hey there! I got your E-mail, and I'll check out your story soon, but I've been REALLY busy these days!), AnimeObsessionFantasy (thanks for checking it out!), SakuraandLiforever (it's nice to see you again too!) and of course, emerald wolf (I never expected this story to come either! And about your story, if you want, you can fit it in between both of mine. Or you can fly with your own wings and take it wherever you want! It's up to you in the end. Right now, I like where it's going.)
Because this chapter was so long, I haven't even started the wedding yet! But don't worry, the next chapter is going to start with the wedding, but I'm going to focus more on the reception. That's where most the sequel to Sapphire and Amethyst will take place. And the person who Tomoyo will end up with will be revealed! So until then, please review!!!!!