Dedicated AnimeObssessionFantasy

Before I start this chapter I must apologise for the cruel trick I played at the end of the last chapter, by putting 'The End'. I just couldn't resist seeing how people would react! BTW someone asked if Sakura really didn't love Syaoran or if she was just mad at him. She does love him.

Chapter 15: Naked

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I wake up in the morning

Put on my face

The one that's gonna get me

Through another day

Doesn't really matter

How I feel inside

This life is like a game sometimes

Then you came around me

The walls just disappeared

Nothing to surround me

Keep me from my fears

I'm unprotected

See how I've opened up

You made me trust

I never felt like this before

I'm naked around you

Does it show?

You see right through me

And I can't hide

I'm naked around you

And it feel so right

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Thursday afternoon Sakura was walking home with Tomoyo when she saw Syaoran across the street. He hadn't been in school that day, probably packing to go home. Meilin was with him as they left the shopping centre where they had gone shopping so long ago. Meilin was talking but Syaoran didn't appear to be listening. He looked up and caught sight of her across the street. Sakura maintained eye contact for just one moment, before turning away. Syaoran paused across the street and turned to Meilin.

"I forgot to buy something. You go ahead, I'll catch up." Meilin nodded and crossed the street. She saw Tomoyo and Sakura and waved. Tomoyo waved back and Sakura nodded to her. Meilin stopped in front of them.

"Can I walk with you?"

"Sure." Tomoyo said. Meilin linked arms with the pair of them and strolled along between them.

"No need to look scared Sakura, I won't bite."

"Sorry… I'm just a bit…"

"I understand. I've been trying to get Syaoran to tell you for ages. Well, since I found out."

"When did you find out?"

" Last Thursday. I would have told you but… I didn't think it was my place. If I had known that auntie Yelan was going to talk about it I would have stopped her."

"It's OK, Meilin. I'm going to miss you."

"You too. I'll write though. I just wish I could have spent longer in Japan. I'm in no hurry to go home."

"Why?"

"Well… I can't go back to that boarding school. They don't cover any of the things I'm interested in. And, my mother is away a lot. I don't see her much. I'm hoping that Auntie Yelan will let me stay with her and find a school near her."

"If you wanted to school in Japan I'm sure you could board with me." Tomoyo said. Meilin smiled sadly.

"We'll see." They paused at the crossroads where they went their separate ways. Usually Sakura would have gone left and Tomoyo right. But today Sakura and Tomoyo went the same path, leaving Meilin. Meilin hugged them both.

"I'll miss you."

"Bye Meilin. Have a safe flight home. What time is it?"

"10 tomorrow morning. So this is goodbye."

"Good luck Meilin. Write soon."

"Bye!" Meilin ran down the road, hair bobbing with the motion. Sakura and Tomoyo walked down the street in silence.

That night Sakura was on the Internet at Tomoyo's house when she received a message from Syaoran.

Little_Wolf: Sakura? Please talk to me.

Cherrybikerchick: Get lost.

Little_Wolf: I know why you're upset. But I'm leaving tomorrow.

Cherrybikerchick: Good.

Little_Wolf: Sakura, don't do this. You were the one who turned me down. How is this my fault?

Cherrybikerchick: It just is. Go away.

Little_Wolf: I'm not going until you talk to me.

Cherrybikerchick: Go away.

Little_Wolf: No.

Cherrybikerchick: ………………….

Little_Wolf: I tried my hardest with you, Sakura. You knew I was going to leave. Why are you taking this so hard?

Cherrybikerchick:……………..

Little_Wolf: Be like that then. I don't care anymore. I just hope that you have a nice life and do everything that you want to.

Cherrybikerchick: I will. Now go away.

Little_Wolf: I just hope that you know that I never felt the way I feel about you with anyone. You could see right through me from the very first day. And it felt right.

Cherrybikerchick: ……………

Little_Wolf: Goodbye Sakura.

(Little_Wolf has left the conversation.)

Sakura stared at the computer screen. Bastard. How dare he? She shut down the computer and threw herself onto the bed. Stupid idiot.

She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. She really should try to get some sleep, but she knew it would be no good to even try, she was feeling too wired. She sat on the windowsill, staring out at the star-studded night sky.

Sakura hated feeling like this. Like her heart had been ripped out of her body and replaced with a big ball of anger and hatred. She gritted her teeth as she stared out at the deserted street.

So he was leaving. Why she should care? She didn't. That was all. Ever since he'd come things had gotten steadily from bad to worse. He had drawn her out of her protective shell, pulled down all the walls she'd put up to protect herself, then left her in her ruins. This was why she had shut herself away in the first place. Because coming out meant you fell in love.

And falling love means you get hurt.

She sighed and climbed back into bed. She didn't think she was tired but was soon sleeping a dreamless sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Syaoran looked around his room at the Kinomoto house. It was empty of all his belongings. Except one. The small package he had carefully wrapped last night. He picked it up and stuffed it into his pocket. Picking up his suitcase he began to pull it down the stairs, landing with a bang at the bottom. Meilin was already waiting, hugging Fujitaka and Touya.

"Make sure Sakura calls me."

"You're welcome back anytime. Both of you." Fujitaka said, eyes settling on Syaoran who avoided his gaze. He bent to make sure his suitcase was properly shut. Yelan arrived at the door and smiled.

"Ready to go."

"Ready as I'll ever be." Syaoran muttered. As he took his suitcase down to the car he saw that Sakura's motorbike was gone. Touya saw his curious gaze and said,

"I dropped it off last night."

"Oh."

"Have you spoken to her?"

"No. I tried to on the Internet last night, but she wouldn't listen to me."

"She's stubborn. Like you."

"Syaoran, are you riding to the Airport?" Yelan called.

"Yes." Syaoran replied, mounting Yue. (A/n: Yue is the BIKE! Someone else mistook my meaning. It's the BIKE!!!!!!!)

Yelan nodded and Syaoran said,

"I just have to do something. I'll meet you at the airport." He pulled on his helmet and rode away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sakura arrived in the form room with Tomoyo the next morning. Eriol was already there, reading his book. He smiled at them both.

"Good morning."

"Hey. Did you read the paper?"

"Yeah! Great, wasn't it?" Sakura said. Tomoyo kissed him and he grinned. Sakura rolled her eyes and stood up as the teacher came in.

"Good morning class."

"Good morning sir." They replied, sitting down. The teacher opened the register and frowned.

"Sakura Kinomoto, there's a parcel for you." Sakura frowned and went to get the small box, wrapped in silver paper. The teacher continued talking.

"Syaoran Li and Meilin Li returned to China today. I'm sure we will all miss them."

"Some more than others." Noriko said in a loud whisper. Sniggers followed as people turned to look at Sakura. The teacher was about to speak again when a student came in.

"The headmaster wants to see you sir."

"I'll be right back. Try not to make too much noise." The teacher said, leaving. Tomoyo turned to Sakura.

"What is it?"

"I don't know." Sakura said, unfolding the paper slowly. Eventually a small dark box was revealed under the paper. Sakura opened it and gasped. Tomoyo squealed.

It was Sakura's necklace. The one that she had shown Syaoran in the shopping centre when they had gone shopping for Touya's birthday present. It was a small crystal with an image of a cherry blossom made up out of tiny gems. Sakura stared at it.

"Oh, Sakura! Who's it from?" Sakura read a card in the box.

It read simply,

To Sakura,

                  I'll miss you

                                    Love Syaoran.

"It's from Syaoran." She frowned. Tomoyo put the necklace around Sakura's neck. Sakura picked it up and stared at it.

"It's so beautiful!" Tomoyo sighed. Eriol nodded.

"And expensive. You saw the price on that thing."

Sakura continued to gape at the beautiful necklace. The entire class were watching her, waiting for her to react.

"Oh my god." Sakura whispered. Tomoyo stared.

"Sakura, what's wrong?"

"I've screwed up, haven't I?" she cried. Eriol nodded.

"Yup."

"Eriol!" Tomoyo said crossly. The blue-haired boy held up his hands.

"Well she has! She's let the love of her life leave to board a plane out of the country which is leaving in an hour!"

"Oh, god! What have I done?" Sakura groaned loudly. Tomoyo leant forward.

"Sakura."

"What?"

"Why are you still here? Go stop him already!"

"What? Yes! Yes, OK! Tell the teacher I'm not well." Sakura jumped to her feet and seized her schoolbag. But as she arrived at the door she found Noriko blocking it.

"Hey Sakura."

"Amano, you might want to move."

"Or what?"

Sakura stared at her. Then a wide smile split across her face. Noriko frowned, slightly confused.

"Why are you smiling, you freak?"

"You have absolutely no idea how much I have wanted to do this." Sakura said calmly. And before Noriko could say 'Do what?' she found out.

Sakura raised her fist, which then connected with Noriko's face. Normally Noriko would have turned to Leon, but Leon wasn't there. Sakura smiled.

"You don't read the newspaper, do you?" she said, shoving a cutting at her and running out of the room. Noriko smoothed the piece of paper and read,

Leon Motomiya arrested in Drugs raid and charged with earlier offences

The 21-year-old student teacher and Tomoeda High School was arrested early this morning after being found in possession of a large amount of illegal drugs. Sonomi Daidouji also put forward evidence that he has been recognised for several offences committed several years ago.

"I am disgusted that he has been allowed to get away with these things. I am hoping that anyone with evidence will come forward and put this man in prison, where he belongs." The recognised businesswoman told the press. She has been secretly monitoring Motomiya's movements for several years. Motomiya's trial will be held next week.

Noriko stared at the paper, then up at the class. Tomoyo waved at her and smiled. She screwed up the paper and left the room laughter ringing in her ears.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sakura jumped on her motorbike and zoomed out of the school gates. The airport was a half hour journey. She hoped she could make it in time. She knew that she was pushing the speed limit, but she didn't care. All she cared about was getting to that airport.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Syaoran and Meilin checked once more that they had their tickets and passports. Meilin smiled at him.

"It's not too late. You could still go back."

"No. Come on, we've only got ten minutes to board the plane." They moved towards the turnstile. Syaoran sighed as he went through. This was it. He was leaving.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sakura parked her bike in front of the airport doors and ran up the stairs, tripping up as she went. She scraped her face but ignored the blood that was trickling down her cheek. She had to get to the airport. She had to get to Syaoran. She barged through the doors and stared around desperately. It wasn't too crowded but she couldn't see him. There was only five minutes left. She ran through the crowd, calling frantically.

She stopped a passing guard.

"Excuse me, have you seen a Chinese boy about my age, and a girl. She's got long black hair, his is short and brown…"

"They're probably on flight 28. Turnstile 5. Are you OK? You're bleeding…"

"Thank you" Sakura called, setting off at a run. The guard stared after her, and then shook his head. He would never understand the youth of today.

Syaoran walked towards the door and waited for Meilin. He ticket was at the bottom of her bag and she had to dig it out. Eventually she found it.

"Syaoran!"

Syaoran heard someone call his name.

"What?" He asked Meilin.

"Huh?"

"Did you say my name?"

"No."

"Oh. I thought I heard someone call me."

"Don't think so."

"Never mind. Let's go." They headed towards the gate.

"Syaoran, wait!"

"There it is again!" Syaoran said, stopping. He turned and saw someone struggling through a crowd of tourists.

"Sakura…" He whispered. She called again.

"Syaoran please! Don't go! Don't leave me!"

Syaoran stood still, eyes fixed on her. Tears were mingling with the dark red blood on her face. Meilin was staring too. Sakura pushed through the crowd.

"Don't go back to China, Syaoran! Please, stay here. Don't leave me!"

"Sakura, you wanted me to go back to China." He shouted to her. She called back,

"No. I never wanted you to leave! I need you, Syaoran, don't go."

"I have to go. Things can never be right if I stay."

"But I love you! You brought me out of my shell, you changed me completely! You made me trust you. No one has ever been able to do that, Syaoran. If you go now I'll never be able to feel this way again."

Syaoran watched her carefully, amber eyes narrowed slightly. Meilin tapped him on the shoulder.

"Syaoran, the gates are about to close. It's up to you now." Syaoran looked from Sakura to the gate.

And made his choice. He dropped his bag, ran to the barrier, jumped over it and landed at Sakura's feet. The large group of tourists had stopped to watch, as had all the nearby staff.

Sakura stared at him. He handed her a tissue. She wiped her eyes with it.

"You came back…" Sakura whispered. He smiled.

"Yeah."

"You… you're not leaving?"

"No."

Sakura flung her arms around his neck. A cry of 'aaaaaaaaaaaah!' went up from the crowd. Sakura sobbed freely into his shoulder until he gently pushed her back. Meilin leant over the barrier, watching eagerly.

"Sakura, you're an absolute idiot. You know that?"

"Yes." she hiccupped. Syaoran smiled and cleared his throat.

"And that's why you're going to marry me."

"Yes." she said, making a noise halfway between a hiccup and laugh.

Meilin started to shriek with joy, clambering over the barrier to join them. Syaoran smiled at Sakura.

"Can I… kiss you now?"

"OK." Sakura whispered. Syaoran bent his head and kissed her on the mouth. Meilin pulled out her mobile phone and dialled Tomoyo's number.

"Tomoyo!"

"Meilin? Where are you?"

"At the airport."

"Did Sakura make it?"

"They're together! We're heading over now." Meilin closed the phone and laughed as Syaoran swung Sakura around in his arms.

"Come on. Let's go." She called.

Syaoran put Sakura down and smiled at her.

"I love you Sakura Kinomoto."

"Ditto." She whispered. The tourists started to applaud and the staff joined in. Sakura wiped away the blood from her eyes so she could see as Syaoran led her out of the airport with Meilin carrying their bags.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When they arrived at Tomoeda High school they found their class waiting in the form room. A large banner had been put up saying 'Congrats Saku 'n' Syao!"

Sakura stared at it and Naoko said,

"We ran out of room."

"It's fantastic! Thanks everybody!" Sakura said, hugging her friends. She looked around.

"Where's Noriko?"

"When she read the article she threw a tantrum and started to kick the lockers. Unfortunately she caught the principal with one of her killer heels. Cut his leg right open. She's having an interview with the Board of Governors now. She'll be suspended at the very least, not to mention having to pay for the damage done to the lockers!" Rika giggled. Tomoyo smiled,

"The Principal said our class could have the day off to celebrate your engagement."

Sakura and Syaoran smiled at each other. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the ring he had offered her before.

"I suppose you want this now."

"Only if you propose properly." She said firmly. Syaoran rolled his eyes and Sakura turned to Tomoyo.

"Get the camera ready!"

"It is! Go!" Tomoyo said, camera held up. Syaoran went onto one knee and took Sakura's hand in his.

"Sakura Kinomoto, will you marry me?"

"Obviously!" Sakura laughed. Syaoran looked over at Tomoyo.

"That OK?"

"That was perfect. Now kiss her." Syaoran nodded and stood. He looked down at Sakura and kissed her. Several people cheered and Sakura burst out laughing. Syaoran stepped away as she choked on her laughter and looked at Eriol. He smiled.

"Hey, get used to it. You're spending the rest of your lives together."

"Not yet. This is a long-term engagement. I want to finish school and go to college and get a career before I get married." Sakura said, calming herself. Syaoran nodded.

"Same here. I mean, we haven't even gone out on our first date yet."

Tomoyo sighed.

"Sakura, you HAVE to let me design your wedding dress."

"No one else could!" Sakura pointed out. Syaoran agreed,

"Will you make me a tuxedo?"

"Of course."

"But you've got a few years to prepare them." Syaoran said. Meilin tapped his shoulder,

"Don't you think you should ring your parents and explain why we're not halfway to China?"

Sakura and Syaoran stared at each other in horror.

"I completely forgot!"

"I'll call them. Don't worry." Meilin said. She and Tomoyo started to talk and Eriol put some music on. People from other classes stared into the classroom as they passed, curious to know why there was a party going on.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That night Sakura and Syaoran excused themselves from the family celebrations to go for a walk. Yelan and Fujitaka were calling all their relatives to let them know the good news.

As they walked through the cold night air, hand in hand, Syaoran stopped suddenly and turned to her.

"What made you come to the airport?"

"It was when I got the necklace. I suddenly realised that all this time I had been trying to build up walls around me and block you out. Because you got through them some how. I don't know how and I don't care why. I'm naked around you. You see right through me, now matter how hard I try. I can't fight that. I don't think I want to." She said, looking up at him.

He kissed her. For several minutes they stood, just kissing each other. As they started to walk again Syaoran suddenly grinned.

"Naked, huh?"

"Metaphorical naked. Don't get your hopes up."

"Damn."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

See? I said things would get better!

One more chapter after this and then it's over. Which is a pity because I love this story. It's one of the best I've ever written, I think.  I'm giving up fanfiction until next July. I've got seriously important exams coming up this year at school, and I can't afford to be doing my schoolwork and my fanfiction at the same time. And as much as it sucks exams take priority.

I hate school. If only there was an exam in fanfiction…

Lotsa luv 'n' huggles

Katie