-----Angels Dancing On Her Eyelids
---------Written by Rainbow Dreamer
-----Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. I hold no claims on this fanfiction in any way. The plot, however, is mine and I would like it to remain that way. In other words, no plagiarism you evil little men out there! Hehe.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey, sorry about not updating soon. Summer's here and I've been very busy. I have college writing courses every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while Tuesday and Thursday are for my analytic geometry courses. So, I've been trying to get used to the system.
Anyhow. If anyone of you guys read my update column in my info or my one shot I wrote recently, then you'd must know that I'm having a bit problem with writer's block. I just didn't want to make the ending sound so cliché so I've been rewriting and fixing this one at least three times. Whew! I hope, however, this chapter is good though.
About my new one-shot. It's also a card captor sakura fanfiction starring Sakura and Syaoran. Syaoran's never met anyone like Sakura. In fact, he never really talked more than necessary to anyone. How far would you go for the one who touched your heart like no other? It's a really sweet fic, I promise you that. And just because it's a one shot doesn't mean it's short. Ask those who has read it. It's 56 pages long in Word. Yep. Enjoy.
So, my deepest apologies for the long wait and happy reading.
Rainbow Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: Mini Sweety: Don't worry gal! This chapter is moving fast, and I mean F-A-S-T. Things are taking a big turn here, so maybe, just maybe, you'll wish will come true.
Azi: Thank you. But I have to make a comment on what you wrote. You said that my SATs must have been better than you flight. Hehe. You must be joking..... SATs are absolutely the worst thing in the world. Your flight could only be worse if it crashed. And of course it didn't. Don't worry; I'm not cursing you or anything. Just a bit hyper here. LoL. Sorry.
Dangerous-beans: Thank you. I'll make these last two chapters worthwhile!
D: sorry for the late update you wanted so much to be earlier. And hey, don't stress out on what's going to happen. Just read on. Lots ahead.
Elaine: Lei fake? Oh dear! You might hate him in this chapter... Or maybe not. Depends on how you want to see things.
Sakura Lova: Hehe. Lei evil? Oh no! Heheh.... Okay! Way to much sugar. Anyhow, just read on and you'll see if he is evil or not!
Sweet Baby Gurl: WOAH! 12 reviews from you! Thank you (times that by 12 since you deserve one for each review)! I'm just glad you found my story and I hope you like it!
Li's lil cherry blossom: Thanks, sorry I couldn't update earlier.
Cherri Ookami: Hm. I wonder what's that theory of yours. Well, let's put it to a test then! :) Hehe. I'm dying to know your reaction when you read this.
Iris: Arigato. Sorry for not updating earlier. Happy reading!
Cherry Princess: You just love those flower meanings don't you? There's another one in this chapter, a bit silly (I think). Anyhow, you should be not so confused after you read this. The story's about done.
Eclipse: Why, thank you!
Gohansfan: Hey! Hm.. I'm one tricky lady? I swapped them? (Blinks eyes innocently like how Tomoyo does in my fics. Hehe) Happy reading, for you'll get to know a LOT in this chapter. After all, I am ending it. (Sobs!) Anyhow, you're going to college? Lucky you! I still have those horrid college apps to do! (Wails) Oh, and if you don't mind telling, which college are you going to? Assuming you're going to college in the US.
Lauren: Hey girl. Sorry that I didn't email you, but I thought it would be more fun to figure out the story yourself. If you still are very so confused after this chapter, feel free to tell me and I'll email you!
Montserrat T: Hehe. Sorry about making you so confused. This chapter should solve a lot of confusion. Thanks for reviewing.
Katana-Chan: Sorry about the late update! And through your last line of Spanish (at least I _think_ it's Spanish) of "rapido por favor" I think you want me to hurry please. I think. Heheh.... Don't laugh. Never took Spanish nor have I had any friend who speaks Spanish.
AnimeObessionFantasy: Lei blown up? Well, that's a decision. Hehe. Thanks for the review!
Midnight Moon: Thank you!
Enchantress Azure: Wait a second! Did you change your alias from "Azure Roses" to "Enchantress Azure"? I was like, hey, I know this email address..... and then I saw your initials. Hehe. Anyhow, thank you.
Dancer: I like how you take your favorite line out of every chapter. It shows how much you enjoy my fic! Thanks!
Chibi Neko-Chan: Hehe. There's one line I added about Meiling and Tomoyo that Sakura says. I think it fits quite well. See if you agree.
Moshi Moshi Queen: I'm glad you liked Wei in my last chapter where he mused upon how old he was. Hehe. I like Wei. He reminds me of a kind, grandfatherly, understand old friend. Yep.
Hana Tenshi Himeko: Sorry for the late update! Enjoy this chapter.
Dazzle: Daz, it took you long enough to read this. But at least you think it's nice. And what you wrote on your bio - or should I say message board? -Was so you.
AznAngel: Hm. Thank you. Thank you. That's for the other review that was deleted! Yep! And thank you for that long review! I love reading long reviews and I often give long, long reviews. Hehe. Hm. A new story? Have you reviewed for my new one shot called "Through Your Eyes?" Look at my author's note for more details! Anyhow, once again, thanks.
Cheler: Pieces should be falling into place this chapter. Happy reading.
Kawaii-Cherry Wolf: Hm. Are you talking about that flower Agapanthus? It means "Secret Love." You might have confused what Sakura had said. She didn't know what it meant and said she would figure it out tomorrow. Hehe. Thanks for the review.
Drunken Little Monkey: Graduating is more sad than bad. I'll be graduating from high school next year and I surely don't look forward to it! I've been at my school since third grade!
Kazewolves: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you like this chapter!
White Blossoms: Thanks. I'm so glad you love reading this. (Wipes tear from eye)
Mesmer: Thank you for reviewing as well as encouraging me to take my time to write this chapter. And I must admit that I have. Hehe. Sorry!
Janny: Wow! I'm on your favorite list? Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy reading this! Happy reading.
SPECIAL THANKS ALSO TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS REVIEWIED OR HAS NOT. EITHER WAY, THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING!
~ Rainbow Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
-----"Give all to love; obey thy heart."
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
--- Mikomi Sono ---
"Damn it!" He cursed, fumbling to feel for the contact he dropped into the sink. Despite the fact that he had used contacts quite often, he couldn't get used to it. "Where is that damn thing?" He mumbled under his breath as he tried to search for that invisible thing with only one eye visible.
"Ah! There it is," Gently picking it up with the index finger of his right hand, he quickly put it in his left eye. It was about time to open the shop and there would be many people coming in today since summer break was beginning. This would increase the amount of time for friends, students, and lovers to go outside and have fun.
Summer was the time for romance.
"Welcome to Mikomi Sono! How may I help you?" Xiao Lang smiled pleasantly at the young man who had just entered the room.
"Hey. Is that Li dude here? I came by yesterday to ask him to write a poem for my girlfriend?" The young man asked.
"Hai. Excuse me." Xiao Lang walked back to find Takuro painting designs on a pot.
"Takuro, there's a guy at the counter looking for you."
"What about?" Takuro replied, scowling. He didn't like to be interrupted from his design of a white dove with a piece of grass in his mouth. Later he had planned to plant white daises inside the pot.
"Something about the poem you wrote for his girl."
The young man sighed, ran a hand through his dark brown hair that almost resembled black. "Oh, all right." Takuro reluctantly got up from his seat and went to the counter.
"Oh, hey man." The customer greeted.
Takuro nodded. "You wanted the poem with a bouquet of a dozen champagne roses with baby breath, is that correct?"
"Yeah. Did you make sure you added the what I wanted in the poem?"
Takuro was getting a bit annoyed, but he did the best to hide it. "Yes. You wanted to tell your two year long crush how much you love her, but don't know how to say it because the two of you don't even really know each other."
The man instantly blushed. "Hush!" He looked around frantically.
"Oh Xiao Lang? Don't worry. What is said here won't go out." Takuro gave him a smile that somehow seemed too pleasant and sweet to be comforting.
"Uh, yeah." The man chuckled, his blue eyes obviously still a bit uncertain.
"Well then, good luck." Takuro gave the young man what he paid for and made it back into the back room once more.
"Hey, you know, Tak, perhaps you should move out your painting stuff outside. It'll increase the customers to actually buy plants rather than bouquets of flowers." Xiao Lang suggested.
"And then what? I'd have to paint and write poetry to people who I don't even know? Heck, Xiao Lang, your poetry is much more romantic than mine."
"Why, thank you Takuro." Xiao Lang gave him a smile. "With that said, that guy who just came in doesn't have a girl, does he?"
His friend smirked. "Nah. He's been admiring her for two years now, but the two are in completely different social circles and they don't even talk to each other."
"Ah! Romeo and Juliet."
"Typical. Most people who come here are either engaged, in a relationship, or hope to be in one." Takuro replied, putting the white innocent daises into the fertile soil.
"So where do you belong?" Xiao Lang asked. But before his friend could reply, the light tinkle of the wind chimes on the door told that someone had entered the shop.
"Hello?" A girl's voice asked sweetly. "Is there anyone here?"
"Hey man, it's your shift right now," Takuro told Xiao Lang when he didn't move.
"It's that girl from a few days ago. She comes to our shop pretty often. I think her name's Kinomoto; she told me last time she came." He told his partner. "I wonder where her boyfriend is."
Xiao Lang didn't see, but Takuro's hand had accidentally bended the stem of the daisy, making it stand crookedly.
"Well, I must go see what she wants. Have fun painting, dear friend."
"Ah! Ohayo Kinomoto." Xiao Lang greeted with a bright smile. Sakura whirled around, her light yellow dress spinning elegantly.
"Oh! Ohayo, Hiiragizawa." She smiled. "I just thought I'd come by to see the flowers."
"You're always welcome." He replied gallantly. "Shall I show you around or are you fine?"
Sakura quickly shook her head. "Iie. Iie, I'm fine. Arigato."
Xiao Lang smiled. "All right then. If you need anything, just tell me." She nodded and he returned to his position behind the counter, tallying up the number of flowers sold the past night.
Sakura was practically floating through the rows of flowers. This was a different florist shop. It contained more than just the beauty of the flowers but live ones that breathed with new life. There were plants growing rather than being cut to be sold. She stopped her footsteps, tears rushing to her eyes as she blinked rapidly.
"Kinomoto?" Xiao Lang asked quietly.
Sakura turned around slightly and gave him a smile. "It's just that I wouldn't believe that you would have snowdrops here. I mean, they're a winter flower."
"Ah. That would be the work of my partner Takuro." He told her. "He has a wonderful green thumb for flowers."
She nodded, bending down to caress the soft white petals in her fingers. "They're really lovely." Sakura said softly, giving Xiao Lang a small smile as she stood up. "This partner of yours must be really good with flowers."
"Would you like to meet him? He's just in the back room right now."
"Could I?" Sakura asked, her green eyes sparkling. "Would it be a bother?"
Xiao Lang grinned. "Of course not. I'll just introduce the two of you and I'll come back to the counter."
"Well, then, arigato."
Xiao Lang nodded and led the girl to the back room where Takuro was gluing broken vase pieces to decorate the border of a plain pot. He looked up briefly through his dark brown bangs before setting down his work.
"What can I do for you?" He asked.
"She's the girl that I told you comes here often. Her name's Sakura Kinomoto." Xiao Lang introduced. "Kinomoto, this is Takuro Li."
Takuro nodded briefly at her and extended his hand. Sakura took it with a smile. However, she couldn't stop thinking how it was more than a coincidence that the Li she knew also worked with someone named Hiiragizawa.
"Kinomoto wanted to see who plants those snowdrops when it's summer outside." Xiao Lang continued. "She has some great interest in plants."
"The snowdrops are one of my favorite flowers." Takuro smiled as he told her. "They're quite significant in my life."
"Likewise." Sakura whispered.
Takuro looked over at Xiao Lang who just shrugged. "Well, then, Kinomoto. I'll have to get back to work." Xiao Lang said with a small apologetic smile.
Sakura broke away from her thoughts and gave him a wide grin. "Arigato for showing me around." She thanked. "It was really nice of you to do so."
The guy just grinned and sauntered out the room. Takuro sat down and continued his work on the pot. He saw her looking at him and motioned her to sit down.
Sakura grinned. "You really love flowers don't you?" She asked.
"It's the feeling that you can create life and bring people happiness." He replied. "It's a little something I can do for the world."
She nodded and smiled softly at him. "That's so generous of you. There are not many people out there who want to give something to the world. Rather they ask what the world can do for them."
"Where do you belong?" Takuro asked, placing the pot aside to dry.
His bright golden eyes met her emerald orbs. He held her gaze strongly, as if searching for the answer in her eyes. Sakura finally broke away from the gaze, walking to the windowsill where a pot of peonies were placed. She ran a finger lightly on the purple petal.
"It depends how you see things." Sakura turned around and gave him a smile. "Did you plant these peonies as well?"
Takuro looked at her again but didn't question further. "Yes. Xiao Lang planted the small roses next to them." He answered.
She smiled. "Well then. I really should be going. Arigato for spending time with me."
"It was nothing. Shall I lead you to the door?" He asked politely.
"Iie. You have work to do." Sakura told him. "Arigato Li." She gave him another smile before walking out the door to say goodbye to Xiao Lang at the counter. Soon the tinkle of the chimes announced that she had left the shop.
"I don't belong in the first category. You don't know me Sakura Kinomoto." Takuro sighed and walked briskly out the back door for a walk with his hands deep in his pockets. Xiao Lang heard and shook his head, his black hair falling in front of his eyes. He blamed himself too harshly.
--- Sakura ---
I said goodbye to Xiao Lang, who was very courteous and opened the door for me even though I said I could see the way out myself. There was something special to Mikomi Sono that kept calling me back. Maybe it was the flowers or the people who work there but there was I always had the urge to enter the shop. It held somehow, a part of me there.
I let my feet lead me along as I hummed happily. Summer had begun and it was so beautiful. The skies were of the bluest blue and clouds of purest white. It felt so good to see these things than just to imagine what they are. The trees and grass were lush and full of life. Bright colorful flowers showed off their beauty, fighting to be the prettiest flower.
Agapanthus. The blue flower suddenly came into my mind so brilliantly. My trip to Mikomi Sono was partly to see what the flower meant. It just made me more confused than I already was.
Secret Love. It could mean anything. But what had Xiao Lang meant when he gave me that flower a few days ago? Had he known what my doubts were and what I was thinking? That was impossible though. I had told no one that I was thinking twice over some things. And Xiao Lang didn't really even know me.
Unless someone had told Xiao Lang to give me the Agapanthus. But why and who?
The first people that came to mind were Tomoyo and Meiling. The two were twins at heart when it came to mischief. Had I been so obvious in what I was thinking and acting? Perhaps that was why I've been spending a bit of time for myself.
Eriol Hiiragizawa? I hardly even knew the guy. The last time I saw him was at the play at Tomoyo's school. Thus, it couldn't be him.
Syaoran Li. No, he couldn't have possibly had given me the flower. It's definitely not like him to give flowers, and to me! He was the last person on earth who'd strike me as a romantic person.
---
"But Tomoyo! Aren't you worried?" Meiling cried, unable to be calm and sit down patiently. Her friend just smiled softly at Meiling's personality.
"Of course I am, Meiling, but,"
"But what?" She cried, throwing her hands into the air exasperated. Tomoyo laughed. Meiling turned and gave her an accusing glare. "You and Sakura planned this together!"
Tomoyo smiled sweetly. "Of course not. If we would, I'm sure I could of thought of something more elaborate."
Meiling grinned wryly. "Thank you for reminding me." She told her sarcastically.
"You're welcome." Her friend shot her another look. "Mei, Sakura just needs time to think things over. It's only the beginning of summer. If this whole situation needs some serious match matching and plotting, I'm sure we can think of something. For now, let's just let Sakura deal with matters now."
Meiling sighed and flopped onto Tomoyo's bed. There was a moment's silence between the two before Meiling spoke up. "I hate it when you're right." She grumbled.
Tomoyo laughed and threw a pillow at her. "Stop wallowing on my bed. Come on, I'll teach you how to make the strawberry cake you've always wanted to learn from me." The pillow was quickly thrown back at Tomoyo and when she removed the pillow, Meiling was already at the downstairs, yelling at her to hurry.
-----
Sakura sighed. "I'm not going to think about it anymore." She said quietly to herself. There was no use troubling over something she didn't know the whole story of. She might as well enjoy the rest of the wonderful morning before she had to meet Tomoyo and Meiling for a swimming trip to the beach.
She hummed happily, anticipating the afternoon's events at the beach. Deciding to walk in the park and admire the scenery there, she crossed the road. Sakura smiled at the cherry blossom trees that were now covered in lush green leaves, longing for the white and pink fragrance petals floating in the air. It had been a while before she came here again; the last time had been her birthday. Thinking about her birthday made her think of Lei, who gave her the courage to see again.
She could just picture his grin on his face and how his red brown eyes shone when he did. And suddenly, she was seeing him. Lei Long, right in front of her. She would never mistaken that laugh of his and his tousled blond hair.
Sakura looked around to locate the source of laughter, her emerald eyes filled with excitement.
Blood drained from her face, turning it into an ashy pale white within seconds. Her hand trembled by her side involuntarily. She kept shaking her head, hoping to wipe what she saw away from her eyes. Lei had his arm around a black haired goddess, her head on his chest as he bent down and gave her a kiss on the lips.
"I don't want to see anymore!" Sakura screamed, shutting her eyes and covering her ears with her hands. "I don't want see these horrible things!"
She stood up and started to run, wildly, away from what she saw. It wasn't true. It wasn't true. But no matter how many times she repeated it to herself, the image just kept floating up in her mind over and over.
"No! I don't want to see these things!" Sakura repeated hoarsely as she came to a stop. A tear rolled down her cheek. Once the water droplet hit the concrete floor, rain started to pour, as if the whole world was crying.
A sound of loud screeching tires was heard and Sakura turned to face the bright light. It was the same image five years ago. Yet this day seemed so much sadder, gloomier. Sakura closed her eyes and welcomed the darkness that welcomed her so.
"Sakura!" Syaoran jumped over a bench and quickly rushed out to the middle of the road where she was beginning to sway and fall to the ground. He caught her and carried her gently towards a nearby bench in the park. The driver immediately came out to ask if she was okay, but Syaoran quickly cut him off, telling him to go.
"Is Sakura all right?" Another voice asked. Syaoran looked up with glaring eyes to the face of Lei Long who looked casually back while he had his arm snaked around his partner's slim waist.
"Damn you!" Syaoran cursed, punching the guy hard in the face that he fell over. The bright yellow umbrella fell the to ground as the girl screamed, calling for help.
Lei moaned on the ground, blood trickling from his mouth. Syaoran picked him up by his collar and continued to punch him over and over again.
It was Sakura's soft cry that brought him back to reality. He stared at his hands and then back at Lei who was crying from pain, begging to be forgiven. Syaoran threw the Lei back, his eyes never leaving his hands. He couldn't believe he had almost done the same thing he had done years ago.
Syaoran was thinking about running when he felt a warm hand wrap around his. Looking down, he saw Sakura's hand around his before falling limp by her side. No, he couldn't just leave her here. Cradling her in his arms, he ran for Tomoyo's house that was nearest and safest.
----- Sakura -----
There was a feeling of warmth, of great safety...... Like Heaven almost. This would be what Heaven would be like. There was also an inscribable amount of happiness and serenity here. But if this was Heaven, then surely I had died.
My mind flashed back to what had happened. I don't really remember much after I closed my eyes, but I did not feel any pain or discomfort. The last thing I recalled was feeling safe and loved.
I remembered a pair amber hue. Amber! Those were Syaoran's eyes. And suddenly I found myself wanting to see him again.
But I had told myself I didn't want to see anymore. I didn't want to see all those horrible images. Why must we see those things we don't want to see? It was better when I couldn't see anything and would feel no pain......
A warm hand covered my right hand reassuringly, giving me a tight squeeze.
"Syaoran." I whispered. When I said his name, I knew I had to see him once last time, to engrave his face into my mind so I could see it again and again whenever I wished.
He looked up, his face filling with happiness that wiped away the worry. "You're up!" Syaoran smiled at me, something rare I never saw much of. I stared at him for a long time, tears squeezing the corner of my eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked gently, holding my hand tighter.
Tears were making its way down my face.
"Don't cry." Syaoran reached over to wipe my tears. I bawled and threw myself into his arms. I closed my eyes against his chest, recalling the time where I had done the same thing. His scent, those strong arms, everything was the same as it was before. He held me close and rocked me gently.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded to his chest.
"Tell you what?" He asked me, stroking my long hair soothingly.
I pulled away from his touch, tears brimming over once again. "Why didn't you tell me it was you?"
Syaoran's eyes darkened and looked away. "You seemed so happy that I didn't want to take that away from you." He said, not facing her. "You've been through so much and it would hurt to lose another."
"You baka!" I yelled weakly at him. I fell into his wide chest once more and felt his arms go around me lightly. "You should have told me."
"Gomen." He whispered into my hair. Syaoran hugged me tighter, planting a kiss on my head before letting me go. "You should sleep. Questions later, okay?"
I frowned. "You'll be here when I wake up?"
Syaoran smiled lightly. "Just sleep Sakura. No matter where you are, I'll always watch over you. Now that's a promise." He pushed me gently back so I was lying down.
I smiled back at him. "I love," I started. Syaoran bent down and gave me a light kiss on the forehead.
"Talk later." He scolded lightly. I smiled, settling back in a wonderful glow that seemed so perfect, and closed my eyes, falling into a blissful sleep.
----- Syaoran -----
I closed the door gently behind me and a deep breath escaped my mouth. She couldn't fall in love with me. She just couldn't.
"What stupid thing are you planning to do now?" Meiling asked, yet it was more of a statement than a question.
I looked into her stubborn, defiant red eyes. "I have to leave."
"Why?" I turned to see Tomoyo who had come up the stairs holding a tray of water of a few edibles of crackers and small sandwiches.
I sighed. I locked eyes with Meiling before passing Tomoyo by the stairs. "Gomen, Daidouji." I said lightly. Then, I was gone, out the front door.
Now, it was only a matter of time before they found me. Time was now against me and I had to fight for it. Clenching my hand into a fist I ran quickly, my feet splashing against the wet concrete as the rain poured out its heart to the world to hear.
I skidded to a stop in front of a house. After looking around, I deftly climbed over the high fence and slipped into the house within a matter of a few minutes.
"Li Xiao Lang. I knew you were coming here." A voice said.
I turned around and looked into a pair of serious dark blue eyes. "Good then. It'll make things easier, Hiiragizawa."
-----
Tomoyo checked on the sleeping Sakura before walking to her room with Meiling waiting inside. The girl's face was serious and somber compared to the usual outgoing and loud her.
"It's raining, just like that night." She said quietly as she watched tears slid down the windowpane.
Tomoyo sat down and patiently waited Meiling to start. The Chinese girl finally sat down on another chair. "Syaoran isn't really what he seems. But first you have to know about the Li family and about the clan it upholds with dignity."
She paused and stared hard at Tomoyo. "Are you sure Tomoyo? As they say, ignorance is bliss."
"But I need to know. For Sakura's sake, Li's, and my own." Tomoyo cut in, her face pale yet determined.
Meiling nodded, her ruby eyes showing approval and warmth. "The Li family is the strongest and most power in China. Thus, they are the most influential. They hold the highest position in office and have the most money. The Li clan is even more well known, for only the best in the Li heritage are chosen to undergo serious training."
"Li Xiao Lang, his Chinese name, is far among one of the best in the Li clan. He was chosen at the small age of three and began intense training to be a martial artist as well as the future clan leader."
"I was also in the clan, but being a female, I was not pressured so hard. I had more freedom than my cousin had. His father, the leader of the Li clan, pushed him harder than any other his age."
"Yet Xiao Lang so wanted to be normal. He was isolated from everyone else and people feared being themselves around him. Who would know what would happen? Eriol Hiiragizawa and I were the first people to be his friends. We're also his cousins, though Eriol doesn't have such a close connection to Xiao Lang as I do. Thus, he has no connections in the clan."
Meiling sighed and ran a hand through her black hair. She opened her tired eyes and looked over at Tomoyo who was sitting quietly. "Yet there was this one girl, who actually talked to Xiao Lang besides us. Her name was Tao Lan Hua. Xiao Lang's father forbid the two from meeting because they wanted for Xiao Lang to have no distractions and confusion."
"It didn't work. Eriol and I would help the two meet occasionally, and the two became friends. But their friendship was unbalanced. Xiao Lang had finally found a friend, outside family and he so wanted to keep her close. Yet Lan Hua didn't think of it that way. She just wanted to be his friend." Meiling paused, looking Tomoyo in the eye. "She didn't love him,"
"The way he did." Tomoyo whispered, finishing the sentence.
Meiling just nodded sadly. "It was his first piece of real love I suppose. Years he had spent alone, longing for someone who he hoped would understand him. It broke his heart."
----- Syaoran -----
"Help me dye my hair while I place in the contacts." I told Eriol. He nodded and helped me color my hair.
"You know you just can't run around being Takuro." He said quietly as my hair color turned a bit darker than usual.
"I know." I said bitterly as I blinked, getting used the feeling of contacts in my eyes. Looking up into the mirror, I saw Takuro Li there with dark brown hair and golden eyes. Syaoran Li was gone.
"Lei Long must be in the hospital and that girl he was with must have called the police. They'll be looking for you." Eriol warned. "You've broken your probation. You're going to have to be in jail for up to three months perhaps."
"I know!" I said sharply. "Damn it."
Eriol sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Xiao Lang, I'll do whatever I can to help you. Running away is going to make the situation look bad. That girl's going to say her story and no one's going to get yours. You'll only be given more time."
I stood up, checking my reflection one more time. "Then so be it. At least Sakura won't be hurt anymore."
Eriol stayed silent as he watched me pack my belongings. I was angry, furious at myself. How could I have done such a stupid thing? But then Sakura was now safe. That was the only thing good that had happened. "Gomen, Sakura." I whispered. "I won't be there when you wake up."
"Syaoran, this isn't right. What about Kinomoto? That girl loves,"
I cut him off, glaring menacingly. "Don't say it Hiiragizawa." I warned quietly. "I don't want to hear any of it."
"Syaoran! We know, you know, that Kinomoto's different! Tao just wanted friendship, and there's nothing wrong with that. But Kinomoto loves you."
"Shut up! You don't know how I feel. No one does. I thought that Tao did, but she didn't. None of you really understand me." I said through burning tears. "Even Sakura doesn't know me."
"Maybe I don't." Eriol retorted. "But you should just open yourself up to us! I know it's hard to change, but why can't you give Kinomoto a chance? You knew that she was different from the moment you saw her under that cherry blossom tree!"
I pinned Eriol to the wall by his neck. "Don't say what you don't know Hiiragizawa." I hissed.
His dark blue eyes stared right back into mine. "What are you going to do? Kill me?"
I growled frustrated and released my hand away from Eriol roughly. I cursed and punched the wall, making the wall crack. Eriol stood up, straightening his collar.
"So, what are we going to do now?" He asked cheerfully.
I growled. "I have to go somewhere." I told him briefly before slipping out the door and into the dark storming night outside.
-----
Lei moaned as he tried to open his heavy eyelids that were swollen. His whole body ached, as if every single bone in his body was fractured. It hurt to breath properly and the only way was to take small breaths at a time.
"Hey, you're up." A light voice said.
Lei grunted as he moved his eyes to locate the sound. "Oh, it's you."
"What do you mean, 'oh, it's you'?" she demanded, her ebony hair messy and in knots. Under her soft concerned brown eyes were black bags from lack of sleep. "Is that what I get for watching you until you wake up?"
Lei grinned. "Something like that." He replied.
"I don't know why I put up with you Lei."
"You know what Amaryl?" Lei croaked. "I don't know why I even put up with myself."
Amaryllis sighed. "Well, all I can say is that perhaps you deserved to be beaten up by that guy." She told him honestly. "I thought you told Kinomoto."
"You should meet her one day Amaryl." He said quietly. "Once you see her, you'll understand why I couldn't break the news to her. Her eyes just lights up with delight and its something so pure and wonderful that you don't want to take it away."
"But Lei," She replied. "Why did you do it in the first place?"
Lei didn't reply for a long time. When he finally opened his eyes, they were covered in wetness. "I fell in love with her, the first day I saw her." He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "But somehow, I knew she didn't love me, not in that way. I don't think Sakura even knew herself." Lei paused again, looking Amaryllis in the eye. "I'm not the only one who makes her eyes light up like that."
"Who?" She whispered.
Lei grinned ruefully. "The guy who beat the crap out of me." Amaryllis sighed, shaking her head.
Suddenly a light knock was heard from the door and Amaryllis got up to answer the door. A nurse stood there with a small bouquet of flowers in his hands. "I was told to deliver this to Lei Long."
"Arigato." Amaryllis took over the flowers and gave them to Lei who was looking at them curiously. She sat down beside him and watched him open the card. In there was one line that read, "Purple Hyacinths mean 'please forgive me'. Gomenasai Long. Li Syaoran."
Lei laughed. "That bastard."
-----
"Wait! You're telling me that Li," Tomoyo started. "That he?" She broke off, not able to finish her sentence.
Meiling nodded, her eyes sad. "Yes. He was banned from the Li clan for doing something so 'disgraceful,' according to the Li clan elders. The police only gave him three years, but perhaps that's because Xiao Lang is, after all, a Li and the possibility of him doing it again isn't great."
"But isn't he still on probation?" Tomoyo asked. "Given that he came out two year ago? Isn't most cases like this given a long time of probation?"
Her friend sighed, stretching her arms as she stood up. "That's why I'm so afraid for him." She whispered, as the rain outside seemed to reflect her feelings. "Things aren't going to be pretty after this. I worry for him and Sakura."
Tomoyo looked at the room adjacent to theirs where Sakura was. "Can I ask you one thing?"
Meiling shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Why are you and Hiiragizawa here then? If you have relations to the Li clan?" Tomoyo asked quietly. "Were the two of you caught for helping Li-kun in seeing Tao?"
The Chinese girl snorted rudely. "The Li clan isn't as smart as people like to think it is."
"Eriol was away at England, studying literature. When I wrote to him about Syaoran, he and I immediately came up with a plan. Eriol was the one who thought Tomoeda, Japan might be a good place, and he was right. He's a loyal guy. Dependable." She said with a smile.
Tomoyo nodded, a faint blush crossing her cheeks. Meiling grinned evilly and bent closer to her friend. "Ooh. Is there something between one of my best friends and my cousin?"
"Of course not!" She denied hotly. "So, Meiling, what about you?" Tomoyo tried to change the topic.
"I gave up my position in the Li clan to help Xiao Lang." Meiling laughed dryly. "Call me loyal and brave, but I'm considered a disgrace myself."
Tomoyo shook her head with a small forgiving smile. "You're a hero, Mei." She corrected her friend, opening her arms. Meiling gave a choked sob and ran into Tomoyo's warm embrace.
----- Sakura -----
I was swimming, floating, singing with happiness. All along, it was Syaoran who helped me! Not Lei. It cleared up all my confusion. It was Syaoran Li who I loved and not Lei.
But thinking about Lei brought a stab of pain to my heart. I had trusted him, fell for his trap. And yet he found another person that he liked. I felt betrayal slash at my heart. It felt indeed, as if I had lost another important in my life.
Yet did I love Lei Long? Did I love him?
He was important in my life. He helped me from day one of school all the way to where I am now. Sometimes it was his laughter and jokes carried me throughout a bad day. I like to kid myself and say that I don't need him, but it's not true. Even though he fooled me completely and I don't even know why, those memories were good ones. Something I'd like to remember.
Did I love him? I think I loved him because I thought he was the one who encouraged me to take do the operation, but I don't think I would have fallen in love with him otherwise. I loved him for the idea that he was that mystery guy.
And all along, the mystery guy was Syaoran.
There can be so many good things in the world. Would I rather not see the evil or see the good? A smile tugs at my lips. I know I would rather want to see the good, even if I have to see the bad.
Syaoran Li. The name itself brings a smile and my heart fills with a great surge of warmth.
I opened my eyes, and looked to my left where Syaoran had been sitting before I slept. I wanted to see that smile of his and happiness dancing in those amber orbs.
"Syaoran." I whispered, a tear trailing down my cheek. Next to me was nothing but an empty space. He had promised me that he would always watch over me. Yet where had he gone now? A dull ache bit my heart and I gasped, clutching my chest. This pain was so many times more unbearable than when Lei left me. I could hear my heart ripping apart and blood dripping down like tears.
I heard footsteps and the door opened quickly. I raised my eyes, hoping to see Syaoran. He could have just been at the bathroom. Or eating. Or something.
My eyes focused on a worried Tomoyo who rushed over. Meiling had dropped the glass of water on the ground.
"Where's Syaoran?" I begged, my eyes searching Tomoyo's. Tomoyo looked back into them, her hands steadying my shoulders before I fell out of the bed.
"He's gone, isn't he?" I asked, looking over at Meiling when Tomoyo did not answer. I did not want to admit to the pain and sorrow I saw in the depth of Tomoyo's eyes. Yet, even Meiling did not answer, she, who was strong at all times.
I went limp against Tomoyo's arms and closed my eyes. There was nothing to see anymore.
I closed my eyes forever.
----- Waahhhh! I didn't expect to end this chapter so sad! Truthfully. Anyhow, how was it? It must have solved a lot about the questions dealing with who was who in the flower shop and all that. Now, you all must be thinking what Syaoran did in the past and why he's on probation and hoping he'll come back to Sakura. Yep yep.
Hm. I'll try to get the last chapter up as soon as possible. It'll be the final chapter and the epilogue together. Before I sign off to continue writing my next chapter, I just wanted to thank all of you who have read this and been with me every step along the way. And if you could continue reading my fics, that would be really, really awesome.
One more thing. Could you guys read my one shot, Through Your Eyes? Please?
Don't worry. I'll try to update soon!
Ja, rainbow dreamer.
---------Written by Rainbow Dreamer
-----Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. I hold no claims on this fanfiction in any way. The plot, however, is mine and I would like it to remain that way. In other words, no plagiarism you evil little men out there! Hehe.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey, sorry about not updating soon. Summer's here and I've been very busy. I have college writing courses every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while Tuesday and Thursday are for my analytic geometry courses. So, I've been trying to get used to the system.
Anyhow. If anyone of you guys read my update column in my info or my one shot I wrote recently, then you'd must know that I'm having a bit problem with writer's block. I just didn't want to make the ending sound so cliché so I've been rewriting and fixing this one at least three times. Whew! I hope, however, this chapter is good though.
About my new one-shot. It's also a card captor sakura fanfiction starring Sakura and Syaoran. Syaoran's never met anyone like Sakura. In fact, he never really talked more than necessary to anyone. How far would you go for the one who touched your heart like no other? It's a really sweet fic, I promise you that. And just because it's a one shot doesn't mean it's short. Ask those who has read it. It's 56 pages long in Word. Yep. Enjoy.
So, my deepest apologies for the long wait and happy reading.
Rainbow Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: Mini Sweety: Don't worry gal! This chapter is moving fast, and I mean F-A-S-T. Things are taking a big turn here, so maybe, just maybe, you'll wish will come true.
Azi: Thank you. But I have to make a comment on what you wrote. You said that my SATs must have been better than you flight. Hehe. You must be joking..... SATs are absolutely the worst thing in the world. Your flight could only be worse if it crashed. And of course it didn't. Don't worry; I'm not cursing you or anything. Just a bit hyper here. LoL. Sorry.
Dangerous-beans: Thank you. I'll make these last two chapters worthwhile!
D: sorry for the late update you wanted so much to be earlier. And hey, don't stress out on what's going to happen. Just read on. Lots ahead.
Elaine: Lei fake? Oh dear! You might hate him in this chapter... Or maybe not. Depends on how you want to see things.
Sakura Lova: Hehe. Lei evil? Oh no! Heheh.... Okay! Way to much sugar. Anyhow, just read on and you'll see if he is evil or not!
Sweet Baby Gurl: WOAH! 12 reviews from you! Thank you (times that by 12 since you deserve one for each review)! I'm just glad you found my story and I hope you like it!
Li's lil cherry blossom: Thanks, sorry I couldn't update earlier.
Cherri Ookami: Hm. I wonder what's that theory of yours. Well, let's put it to a test then! :) Hehe. I'm dying to know your reaction when you read this.
Iris: Arigato. Sorry for not updating earlier. Happy reading!
Cherry Princess: You just love those flower meanings don't you? There's another one in this chapter, a bit silly (I think). Anyhow, you should be not so confused after you read this. The story's about done.
Eclipse: Why, thank you!
Gohansfan: Hey! Hm.. I'm one tricky lady? I swapped them? (Blinks eyes innocently like how Tomoyo does in my fics. Hehe) Happy reading, for you'll get to know a LOT in this chapter. After all, I am ending it. (Sobs!) Anyhow, you're going to college? Lucky you! I still have those horrid college apps to do! (Wails) Oh, and if you don't mind telling, which college are you going to? Assuming you're going to college in the US.
Lauren: Hey girl. Sorry that I didn't email you, but I thought it would be more fun to figure out the story yourself. If you still are very so confused after this chapter, feel free to tell me and I'll email you!
Montserrat T: Hehe. Sorry about making you so confused. This chapter should solve a lot of confusion. Thanks for reviewing.
Katana-Chan: Sorry about the late update! And through your last line of Spanish (at least I _think_ it's Spanish) of "rapido por favor" I think you want me to hurry please. I think. Heheh.... Don't laugh. Never took Spanish nor have I had any friend who speaks Spanish.
AnimeObessionFantasy: Lei blown up? Well, that's a decision. Hehe. Thanks for the review!
Midnight Moon: Thank you!
Enchantress Azure: Wait a second! Did you change your alias from "Azure Roses" to "Enchantress Azure"? I was like, hey, I know this email address..... and then I saw your initials. Hehe. Anyhow, thank you.
Dancer: I like how you take your favorite line out of every chapter. It shows how much you enjoy my fic! Thanks!
Chibi Neko-Chan: Hehe. There's one line I added about Meiling and Tomoyo that Sakura says. I think it fits quite well. See if you agree.
Moshi Moshi Queen: I'm glad you liked Wei in my last chapter where he mused upon how old he was. Hehe. I like Wei. He reminds me of a kind, grandfatherly, understand old friend. Yep.
Hana Tenshi Himeko: Sorry for the late update! Enjoy this chapter.
Dazzle: Daz, it took you long enough to read this. But at least you think it's nice. And what you wrote on your bio - or should I say message board? -Was so you.
AznAngel: Hm. Thank you. Thank you. That's for the other review that was deleted! Yep! And thank you for that long review! I love reading long reviews and I often give long, long reviews. Hehe. Hm. A new story? Have you reviewed for my new one shot called "Through Your Eyes?" Look at my author's note for more details! Anyhow, once again, thanks.
Cheler: Pieces should be falling into place this chapter. Happy reading.
Kawaii-Cherry Wolf: Hm. Are you talking about that flower Agapanthus? It means "Secret Love." You might have confused what Sakura had said. She didn't know what it meant and said she would figure it out tomorrow. Hehe. Thanks for the review.
Drunken Little Monkey: Graduating is more sad than bad. I'll be graduating from high school next year and I surely don't look forward to it! I've been at my school since third grade!
Kazewolves: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you like this chapter!
White Blossoms: Thanks. I'm so glad you love reading this. (Wipes tear from eye)
Mesmer: Thank you for reviewing as well as encouraging me to take my time to write this chapter. And I must admit that I have. Hehe. Sorry!
Janny: Wow! I'm on your favorite list? Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy reading this! Happy reading.
SPECIAL THANKS ALSO TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS REVIEWIED OR HAS NOT. EITHER WAY, THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING!
~ Rainbow Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
-----"Give all to love; obey thy heart."
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
--- Mikomi Sono ---
"Damn it!" He cursed, fumbling to feel for the contact he dropped into the sink. Despite the fact that he had used contacts quite often, he couldn't get used to it. "Where is that damn thing?" He mumbled under his breath as he tried to search for that invisible thing with only one eye visible.
"Ah! There it is," Gently picking it up with the index finger of his right hand, he quickly put it in his left eye. It was about time to open the shop and there would be many people coming in today since summer break was beginning. This would increase the amount of time for friends, students, and lovers to go outside and have fun.
Summer was the time for romance.
"Welcome to Mikomi Sono! How may I help you?" Xiao Lang smiled pleasantly at the young man who had just entered the room.
"Hey. Is that Li dude here? I came by yesterday to ask him to write a poem for my girlfriend?" The young man asked.
"Hai. Excuse me." Xiao Lang walked back to find Takuro painting designs on a pot.
"Takuro, there's a guy at the counter looking for you."
"What about?" Takuro replied, scowling. He didn't like to be interrupted from his design of a white dove with a piece of grass in his mouth. Later he had planned to plant white daises inside the pot.
"Something about the poem you wrote for his girl."
The young man sighed, ran a hand through his dark brown hair that almost resembled black. "Oh, all right." Takuro reluctantly got up from his seat and went to the counter.
"Oh, hey man." The customer greeted.
Takuro nodded. "You wanted the poem with a bouquet of a dozen champagne roses with baby breath, is that correct?"
"Yeah. Did you make sure you added the what I wanted in the poem?"
Takuro was getting a bit annoyed, but he did the best to hide it. "Yes. You wanted to tell your two year long crush how much you love her, but don't know how to say it because the two of you don't even really know each other."
The man instantly blushed. "Hush!" He looked around frantically.
"Oh Xiao Lang? Don't worry. What is said here won't go out." Takuro gave him a smile that somehow seemed too pleasant and sweet to be comforting.
"Uh, yeah." The man chuckled, his blue eyes obviously still a bit uncertain.
"Well then, good luck." Takuro gave the young man what he paid for and made it back into the back room once more.
"Hey, you know, Tak, perhaps you should move out your painting stuff outside. It'll increase the customers to actually buy plants rather than bouquets of flowers." Xiao Lang suggested.
"And then what? I'd have to paint and write poetry to people who I don't even know? Heck, Xiao Lang, your poetry is much more romantic than mine."
"Why, thank you Takuro." Xiao Lang gave him a smile. "With that said, that guy who just came in doesn't have a girl, does he?"
His friend smirked. "Nah. He's been admiring her for two years now, but the two are in completely different social circles and they don't even talk to each other."
"Ah! Romeo and Juliet."
"Typical. Most people who come here are either engaged, in a relationship, or hope to be in one." Takuro replied, putting the white innocent daises into the fertile soil.
"So where do you belong?" Xiao Lang asked. But before his friend could reply, the light tinkle of the wind chimes on the door told that someone had entered the shop.
"Hello?" A girl's voice asked sweetly. "Is there anyone here?"
"Hey man, it's your shift right now," Takuro told Xiao Lang when he didn't move.
"It's that girl from a few days ago. She comes to our shop pretty often. I think her name's Kinomoto; she told me last time she came." He told his partner. "I wonder where her boyfriend is."
Xiao Lang didn't see, but Takuro's hand had accidentally bended the stem of the daisy, making it stand crookedly.
"Well, I must go see what she wants. Have fun painting, dear friend."
"Ah! Ohayo Kinomoto." Xiao Lang greeted with a bright smile. Sakura whirled around, her light yellow dress spinning elegantly.
"Oh! Ohayo, Hiiragizawa." She smiled. "I just thought I'd come by to see the flowers."
"You're always welcome." He replied gallantly. "Shall I show you around or are you fine?"
Sakura quickly shook her head. "Iie. Iie, I'm fine. Arigato."
Xiao Lang smiled. "All right then. If you need anything, just tell me." She nodded and he returned to his position behind the counter, tallying up the number of flowers sold the past night.
Sakura was practically floating through the rows of flowers. This was a different florist shop. It contained more than just the beauty of the flowers but live ones that breathed with new life. There were plants growing rather than being cut to be sold. She stopped her footsteps, tears rushing to her eyes as she blinked rapidly.
"Kinomoto?" Xiao Lang asked quietly.
Sakura turned around slightly and gave him a smile. "It's just that I wouldn't believe that you would have snowdrops here. I mean, they're a winter flower."
"Ah. That would be the work of my partner Takuro." He told her. "He has a wonderful green thumb for flowers."
She nodded, bending down to caress the soft white petals in her fingers. "They're really lovely." Sakura said softly, giving Xiao Lang a small smile as she stood up. "This partner of yours must be really good with flowers."
"Would you like to meet him? He's just in the back room right now."
"Could I?" Sakura asked, her green eyes sparkling. "Would it be a bother?"
Xiao Lang grinned. "Of course not. I'll just introduce the two of you and I'll come back to the counter."
"Well, then, arigato."
Xiao Lang nodded and led the girl to the back room where Takuro was gluing broken vase pieces to decorate the border of a plain pot. He looked up briefly through his dark brown bangs before setting down his work.
"What can I do for you?" He asked.
"She's the girl that I told you comes here often. Her name's Sakura Kinomoto." Xiao Lang introduced. "Kinomoto, this is Takuro Li."
Takuro nodded briefly at her and extended his hand. Sakura took it with a smile. However, she couldn't stop thinking how it was more than a coincidence that the Li she knew also worked with someone named Hiiragizawa.
"Kinomoto wanted to see who plants those snowdrops when it's summer outside." Xiao Lang continued. "She has some great interest in plants."
"The snowdrops are one of my favorite flowers." Takuro smiled as he told her. "They're quite significant in my life."
"Likewise." Sakura whispered.
Takuro looked over at Xiao Lang who just shrugged. "Well, then, Kinomoto. I'll have to get back to work." Xiao Lang said with a small apologetic smile.
Sakura broke away from her thoughts and gave him a wide grin. "Arigato for showing me around." She thanked. "It was really nice of you to do so."
The guy just grinned and sauntered out the room. Takuro sat down and continued his work on the pot. He saw her looking at him and motioned her to sit down.
Sakura grinned. "You really love flowers don't you?" She asked.
"It's the feeling that you can create life and bring people happiness." He replied. "It's a little something I can do for the world."
She nodded and smiled softly at him. "That's so generous of you. There are not many people out there who want to give something to the world. Rather they ask what the world can do for them."
"Where do you belong?" Takuro asked, placing the pot aside to dry.
His bright golden eyes met her emerald orbs. He held her gaze strongly, as if searching for the answer in her eyes. Sakura finally broke away from the gaze, walking to the windowsill where a pot of peonies were placed. She ran a finger lightly on the purple petal.
"It depends how you see things." Sakura turned around and gave him a smile. "Did you plant these peonies as well?"
Takuro looked at her again but didn't question further. "Yes. Xiao Lang planted the small roses next to them." He answered.
She smiled. "Well then. I really should be going. Arigato for spending time with me."
"It was nothing. Shall I lead you to the door?" He asked politely.
"Iie. You have work to do." Sakura told him. "Arigato Li." She gave him another smile before walking out the door to say goodbye to Xiao Lang at the counter. Soon the tinkle of the chimes announced that she had left the shop.
"I don't belong in the first category. You don't know me Sakura Kinomoto." Takuro sighed and walked briskly out the back door for a walk with his hands deep in his pockets. Xiao Lang heard and shook his head, his black hair falling in front of his eyes. He blamed himself too harshly.
--- Sakura ---
I said goodbye to Xiao Lang, who was very courteous and opened the door for me even though I said I could see the way out myself. There was something special to Mikomi Sono that kept calling me back. Maybe it was the flowers or the people who work there but there was I always had the urge to enter the shop. It held somehow, a part of me there.
I let my feet lead me along as I hummed happily. Summer had begun and it was so beautiful. The skies were of the bluest blue and clouds of purest white. It felt so good to see these things than just to imagine what they are. The trees and grass were lush and full of life. Bright colorful flowers showed off their beauty, fighting to be the prettiest flower.
Agapanthus. The blue flower suddenly came into my mind so brilliantly. My trip to Mikomi Sono was partly to see what the flower meant. It just made me more confused than I already was.
Secret Love. It could mean anything. But what had Xiao Lang meant when he gave me that flower a few days ago? Had he known what my doubts were and what I was thinking? That was impossible though. I had told no one that I was thinking twice over some things. And Xiao Lang didn't really even know me.
Unless someone had told Xiao Lang to give me the Agapanthus. But why and who?
The first people that came to mind were Tomoyo and Meiling. The two were twins at heart when it came to mischief. Had I been so obvious in what I was thinking and acting? Perhaps that was why I've been spending a bit of time for myself.
Eriol Hiiragizawa? I hardly even knew the guy. The last time I saw him was at the play at Tomoyo's school. Thus, it couldn't be him.
Syaoran Li. No, he couldn't have possibly had given me the flower. It's definitely not like him to give flowers, and to me! He was the last person on earth who'd strike me as a romantic person.
---
"But Tomoyo! Aren't you worried?" Meiling cried, unable to be calm and sit down patiently. Her friend just smiled softly at Meiling's personality.
"Of course I am, Meiling, but,"
"But what?" She cried, throwing her hands into the air exasperated. Tomoyo laughed. Meiling turned and gave her an accusing glare. "You and Sakura planned this together!"
Tomoyo smiled sweetly. "Of course not. If we would, I'm sure I could of thought of something more elaborate."
Meiling grinned wryly. "Thank you for reminding me." She told her sarcastically.
"You're welcome." Her friend shot her another look. "Mei, Sakura just needs time to think things over. It's only the beginning of summer. If this whole situation needs some serious match matching and plotting, I'm sure we can think of something. For now, let's just let Sakura deal with matters now."
Meiling sighed and flopped onto Tomoyo's bed. There was a moment's silence between the two before Meiling spoke up. "I hate it when you're right." She grumbled.
Tomoyo laughed and threw a pillow at her. "Stop wallowing on my bed. Come on, I'll teach you how to make the strawberry cake you've always wanted to learn from me." The pillow was quickly thrown back at Tomoyo and when she removed the pillow, Meiling was already at the downstairs, yelling at her to hurry.
-----
Sakura sighed. "I'm not going to think about it anymore." She said quietly to herself. There was no use troubling over something she didn't know the whole story of. She might as well enjoy the rest of the wonderful morning before she had to meet Tomoyo and Meiling for a swimming trip to the beach.
She hummed happily, anticipating the afternoon's events at the beach. Deciding to walk in the park and admire the scenery there, she crossed the road. Sakura smiled at the cherry blossom trees that were now covered in lush green leaves, longing for the white and pink fragrance petals floating in the air. It had been a while before she came here again; the last time had been her birthday. Thinking about her birthday made her think of Lei, who gave her the courage to see again.
She could just picture his grin on his face and how his red brown eyes shone when he did. And suddenly, she was seeing him. Lei Long, right in front of her. She would never mistaken that laugh of his and his tousled blond hair.
Sakura looked around to locate the source of laughter, her emerald eyes filled with excitement.
Blood drained from her face, turning it into an ashy pale white within seconds. Her hand trembled by her side involuntarily. She kept shaking her head, hoping to wipe what she saw away from her eyes. Lei had his arm around a black haired goddess, her head on his chest as he bent down and gave her a kiss on the lips.
"I don't want to see anymore!" Sakura screamed, shutting her eyes and covering her ears with her hands. "I don't want see these horrible things!"
She stood up and started to run, wildly, away from what she saw. It wasn't true. It wasn't true. But no matter how many times she repeated it to herself, the image just kept floating up in her mind over and over.
"No! I don't want to see these things!" Sakura repeated hoarsely as she came to a stop. A tear rolled down her cheek. Once the water droplet hit the concrete floor, rain started to pour, as if the whole world was crying.
A sound of loud screeching tires was heard and Sakura turned to face the bright light. It was the same image five years ago. Yet this day seemed so much sadder, gloomier. Sakura closed her eyes and welcomed the darkness that welcomed her so.
"Sakura!" Syaoran jumped over a bench and quickly rushed out to the middle of the road where she was beginning to sway and fall to the ground. He caught her and carried her gently towards a nearby bench in the park. The driver immediately came out to ask if she was okay, but Syaoran quickly cut him off, telling him to go.
"Is Sakura all right?" Another voice asked. Syaoran looked up with glaring eyes to the face of Lei Long who looked casually back while he had his arm snaked around his partner's slim waist.
"Damn you!" Syaoran cursed, punching the guy hard in the face that he fell over. The bright yellow umbrella fell the to ground as the girl screamed, calling for help.
Lei moaned on the ground, blood trickling from his mouth. Syaoran picked him up by his collar and continued to punch him over and over again.
It was Sakura's soft cry that brought him back to reality. He stared at his hands and then back at Lei who was crying from pain, begging to be forgiven. Syaoran threw the Lei back, his eyes never leaving his hands. He couldn't believe he had almost done the same thing he had done years ago.
Syaoran was thinking about running when he felt a warm hand wrap around his. Looking down, he saw Sakura's hand around his before falling limp by her side. No, he couldn't just leave her here. Cradling her in his arms, he ran for Tomoyo's house that was nearest and safest.
----- Sakura -----
There was a feeling of warmth, of great safety...... Like Heaven almost. This would be what Heaven would be like. There was also an inscribable amount of happiness and serenity here. But if this was Heaven, then surely I had died.
My mind flashed back to what had happened. I don't really remember much after I closed my eyes, but I did not feel any pain or discomfort. The last thing I recalled was feeling safe and loved.
I remembered a pair amber hue. Amber! Those were Syaoran's eyes. And suddenly I found myself wanting to see him again.
But I had told myself I didn't want to see anymore. I didn't want to see all those horrible images. Why must we see those things we don't want to see? It was better when I couldn't see anything and would feel no pain......
A warm hand covered my right hand reassuringly, giving me a tight squeeze.
"Syaoran." I whispered. When I said his name, I knew I had to see him once last time, to engrave his face into my mind so I could see it again and again whenever I wished.
He looked up, his face filling with happiness that wiped away the worry. "You're up!" Syaoran smiled at me, something rare I never saw much of. I stared at him for a long time, tears squeezing the corner of my eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked gently, holding my hand tighter.
Tears were making its way down my face.
"Don't cry." Syaoran reached over to wipe my tears. I bawled and threw myself into his arms. I closed my eyes against his chest, recalling the time where I had done the same thing. His scent, those strong arms, everything was the same as it was before. He held me close and rocked me gently.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded to his chest.
"Tell you what?" He asked me, stroking my long hair soothingly.
I pulled away from his touch, tears brimming over once again. "Why didn't you tell me it was you?"
Syaoran's eyes darkened and looked away. "You seemed so happy that I didn't want to take that away from you." He said, not facing her. "You've been through so much and it would hurt to lose another."
"You baka!" I yelled weakly at him. I fell into his wide chest once more and felt his arms go around me lightly. "You should have told me."
"Gomen." He whispered into my hair. Syaoran hugged me tighter, planting a kiss on my head before letting me go. "You should sleep. Questions later, okay?"
I frowned. "You'll be here when I wake up?"
Syaoran smiled lightly. "Just sleep Sakura. No matter where you are, I'll always watch over you. Now that's a promise." He pushed me gently back so I was lying down.
I smiled back at him. "I love," I started. Syaoran bent down and gave me a light kiss on the forehead.
"Talk later." He scolded lightly. I smiled, settling back in a wonderful glow that seemed so perfect, and closed my eyes, falling into a blissful sleep.
----- Syaoran -----
I closed the door gently behind me and a deep breath escaped my mouth. She couldn't fall in love with me. She just couldn't.
"What stupid thing are you planning to do now?" Meiling asked, yet it was more of a statement than a question.
I looked into her stubborn, defiant red eyes. "I have to leave."
"Why?" I turned to see Tomoyo who had come up the stairs holding a tray of water of a few edibles of crackers and small sandwiches.
I sighed. I locked eyes with Meiling before passing Tomoyo by the stairs. "Gomen, Daidouji." I said lightly. Then, I was gone, out the front door.
Now, it was only a matter of time before they found me. Time was now against me and I had to fight for it. Clenching my hand into a fist I ran quickly, my feet splashing against the wet concrete as the rain poured out its heart to the world to hear.
I skidded to a stop in front of a house. After looking around, I deftly climbed over the high fence and slipped into the house within a matter of a few minutes.
"Li Xiao Lang. I knew you were coming here." A voice said.
I turned around and looked into a pair of serious dark blue eyes. "Good then. It'll make things easier, Hiiragizawa."
-----
Tomoyo checked on the sleeping Sakura before walking to her room with Meiling waiting inside. The girl's face was serious and somber compared to the usual outgoing and loud her.
"It's raining, just like that night." She said quietly as she watched tears slid down the windowpane.
Tomoyo sat down and patiently waited Meiling to start. The Chinese girl finally sat down on another chair. "Syaoran isn't really what he seems. But first you have to know about the Li family and about the clan it upholds with dignity."
She paused and stared hard at Tomoyo. "Are you sure Tomoyo? As they say, ignorance is bliss."
"But I need to know. For Sakura's sake, Li's, and my own." Tomoyo cut in, her face pale yet determined.
Meiling nodded, her ruby eyes showing approval and warmth. "The Li family is the strongest and most power in China. Thus, they are the most influential. They hold the highest position in office and have the most money. The Li clan is even more well known, for only the best in the Li heritage are chosen to undergo serious training."
"Li Xiao Lang, his Chinese name, is far among one of the best in the Li clan. He was chosen at the small age of three and began intense training to be a martial artist as well as the future clan leader."
"I was also in the clan, but being a female, I was not pressured so hard. I had more freedom than my cousin had. His father, the leader of the Li clan, pushed him harder than any other his age."
"Yet Xiao Lang so wanted to be normal. He was isolated from everyone else and people feared being themselves around him. Who would know what would happen? Eriol Hiiragizawa and I were the first people to be his friends. We're also his cousins, though Eriol doesn't have such a close connection to Xiao Lang as I do. Thus, he has no connections in the clan."
Meiling sighed and ran a hand through her black hair. She opened her tired eyes and looked over at Tomoyo who was sitting quietly. "Yet there was this one girl, who actually talked to Xiao Lang besides us. Her name was Tao Lan Hua. Xiao Lang's father forbid the two from meeting because they wanted for Xiao Lang to have no distractions and confusion."
"It didn't work. Eriol and I would help the two meet occasionally, and the two became friends. But their friendship was unbalanced. Xiao Lang had finally found a friend, outside family and he so wanted to keep her close. Yet Lan Hua didn't think of it that way. She just wanted to be his friend." Meiling paused, looking Tomoyo in the eye. "She didn't love him,"
"The way he did." Tomoyo whispered, finishing the sentence.
Meiling just nodded sadly. "It was his first piece of real love I suppose. Years he had spent alone, longing for someone who he hoped would understand him. It broke his heart."
----- Syaoran -----
"Help me dye my hair while I place in the contacts." I told Eriol. He nodded and helped me color my hair.
"You know you just can't run around being Takuro." He said quietly as my hair color turned a bit darker than usual.
"I know." I said bitterly as I blinked, getting used the feeling of contacts in my eyes. Looking up into the mirror, I saw Takuro Li there with dark brown hair and golden eyes. Syaoran Li was gone.
"Lei Long must be in the hospital and that girl he was with must have called the police. They'll be looking for you." Eriol warned. "You've broken your probation. You're going to have to be in jail for up to three months perhaps."
"I know!" I said sharply. "Damn it."
Eriol sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Xiao Lang, I'll do whatever I can to help you. Running away is going to make the situation look bad. That girl's going to say her story and no one's going to get yours. You'll only be given more time."
I stood up, checking my reflection one more time. "Then so be it. At least Sakura won't be hurt anymore."
Eriol stayed silent as he watched me pack my belongings. I was angry, furious at myself. How could I have done such a stupid thing? But then Sakura was now safe. That was the only thing good that had happened. "Gomen, Sakura." I whispered. "I won't be there when you wake up."
"Syaoran, this isn't right. What about Kinomoto? That girl loves,"
I cut him off, glaring menacingly. "Don't say it Hiiragizawa." I warned quietly. "I don't want to hear any of it."
"Syaoran! We know, you know, that Kinomoto's different! Tao just wanted friendship, and there's nothing wrong with that. But Kinomoto loves you."
"Shut up! You don't know how I feel. No one does. I thought that Tao did, but she didn't. None of you really understand me." I said through burning tears. "Even Sakura doesn't know me."
"Maybe I don't." Eriol retorted. "But you should just open yourself up to us! I know it's hard to change, but why can't you give Kinomoto a chance? You knew that she was different from the moment you saw her under that cherry blossom tree!"
I pinned Eriol to the wall by his neck. "Don't say what you don't know Hiiragizawa." I hissed.
His dark blue eyes stared right back into mine. "What are you going to do? Kill me?"
I growled frustrated and released my hand away from Eriol roughly. I cursed and punched the wall, making the wall crack. Eriol stood up, straightening his collar.
"So, what are we going to do now?" He asked cheerfully.
I growled. "I have to go somewhere." I told him briefly before slipping out the door and into the dark storming night outside.
-----
Lei moaned as he tried to open his heavy eyelids that were swollen. His whole body ached, as if every single bone in his body was fractured. It hurt to breath properly and the only way was to take small breaths at a time.
"Hey, you're up." A light voice said.
Lei grunted as he moved his eyes to locate the sound. "Oh, it's you."
"What do you mean, 'oh, it's you'?" she demanded, her ebony hair messy and in knots. Under her soft concerned brown eyes were black bags from lack of sleep. "Is that what I get for watching you until you wake up?"
Lei grinned. "Something like that." He replied.
"I don't know why I put up with you Lei."
"You know what Amaryl?" Lei croaked. "I don't know why I even put up with myself."
Amaryllis sighed. "Well, all I can say is that perhaps you deserved to be beaten up by that guy." She told him honestly. "I thought you told Kinomoto."
"You should meet her one day Amaryl." He said quietly. "Once you see her, you'll understand why I couldn't break the news to her. Her eyes just lights up with delight and its something so pure and wonderful that you don't want to take it away."
"But Lei," She replied. "Why did you do it in the first place?"
Lei didn't reply for a long time. When he finally opened his eyes, they were covered in wetness. "I fell in love with her, the first day I saw her." He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "But somehow, I knew she didn't love me, not in that way. I don't think Sakura even knew herself." Lei paused again, looking Amaryllis in the eye. "I'm not the only one who makes her eyes light up like that."
"Who?" She whispered.
Lei grinned ruefully. "The guy who beat the crap out of me." Amaryllis sighed, shaking her head.
Suddenly a light knock was heard from the door and Amaryllis got up to answer the door. A nurse stood there with a small bouquet of flowers in his hands. "I was told to deliver this to Lei Long."
"Arigato." Amaryllis took over the flowers and gave them to Lei who was looking at them curiously. She sat down beside him and watched him open the card. In there was one line that read, "Purple Hyacinths mean 'please forgive me'. Gomenasai Long. Li Syaoran."
Lei laughed. "That bastard."
-----
"Wait! You're telling me that Li," Tomoyo started. "That he?" She broke off, not able to finish her sentence.
Meiling nodded, her eyes sad. "Yes. He was banned from the Li clan for doing something so 'disgraceful,' according to the Li clan elders. The police only gave him three years, but perhaps that's because Xiao Lang is, after all, a Li and the possibility of him doing it again isn't great."
"But isn't he still on probation?" Tomoyo asked. "Given that he came out two year ago? Isn't most cases like this given a long time of probation?"
Her friend sighed, stretching her arms as she stood up. "That's why I'm so afraid for him." She whispered, as the rain outside seemed to reflect her feelings. "Things aren't going to be pretty after this. I worry for him and Sakura."
Tomoyo looked at the room adjacent to theirs where Sakura was. "Can I ask you one thing?"
Meiling shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Why are you and Hiiragizawa here then? If you have relations to the Li clan?" Tomoyo asked quietly. "Were the two of you caught for helping Li-kun in seeing Tao?"
The Chinese girl snorted rudely. "The Li clan isn't as smart as people like to think it is."
"Eriol was away at England, studying literature. When I wrote to him about Syaoran, he and I immediately came up with a plan. Eriol was the one who thought Tomoeda, Japan might be a good place, and he was right. He's a loyal guy. Dependable." She said with a smile.
Tomoyo nodded, a faint blush crossing her cheeks. Meiling grinned evilly and bent closer to her friend. "Ooh. Is there something between one of my best friends and my cousin?"
"Of course not!" She denied hotly. "So, Meiling, what about you?" Tomoyo tried to change the topic.
"I gave up my position in the Li clan to help Xiao Lang." Meiling laughed dryly. "Call me loyal and brave, but I'm considered a disgrace myself."
Tomoyo shook her head with a small forgiving smile. "You're a hero, Mei." She corrected her friend, opening her arms. Meiling gave a choked sob and ran into Tomoyo's warm embrace.
----- Sakura -----
I was swimming, floating, singing with happiness. All along, it was Syaoran who helped me! Not Lei. It cleared up all my confusion. It was Syaoran Li who I loved and not Lei.
But thinking about Lei brought a stab of pain to my heart. I had trusted him, fell for his trap. And yet he found another person that he liked. I felt betrayal slash at my heart. It felt indeed, as if I had lost another important in my life.
Yet did I love Lei Long? Did I love him?
He was important in my life. He helped me from day one of school all the way to where I am now. Sometimes it was his laughter and jokes carried me throughout a bad day. I like to kid myself and say that I don't need him, but it's not true. Even though he fooled me completely and I don't even know why, those memories were good ones. Something I'd like to remember.
Did I love him? I think I loved him because I thought he was the one who encouraged me to take do the operation, but I don't think I would have fallen in love with him otherwise. I loved him for the idea that he was that mystery guy.
And all along, the mystery guy was Syaoran.
There can be so many good things in the world. Would I rather not see the evil or see the good? A smile tugs at my lips. I know I would rather want to see the good, even if I have to see the bad.
Syaoran Li. The name itself brings a smile and my heart fills with a great surge of warmth.
I opened my eyes, and looked to my left where Syaoran had been sitting before I slept. I wanted to see that smile of his and happiness dancing in those amber orbs.
"Syaoran." I whispered, a tear trailing down my cheek. Next to me was nothing but an empty space. He had promised me that he would always watch over me. Yet where had he gone now? A dull ache bit my heart and I gasped, clutching my chest. This pain was so many times more unbearable than when Lei left me. I could hear my heart ripping apart and blood dripping down like tears.
I heard footsteps and the door opened quickly. I raised my eyes, hoping to see Syaoran. He could have just been at the bathroom. Or eating. Or something.
My eyes focused on a worried Tomoyo who rushed over. Meiling had dropped the glass of water on the ground.
"Where's Syaoran?" I begged, my eyes searching Tomoyo's. Tomoyo looked back into them, her hands steadying my shoulders before I fell out of the bed.
"He's gone, isn't he?" I asked, looking over at Meiling when Tomoyo did not answer. I did not want to admit to the pain and sorrow I saw in the depth of Tomoyo's eyes. Yet, even Meiling did not answer, she, who was strong at all times.
I went limp against Tomoyo's arms and closed my eyes. There was nothing to see anymore.
I closed my eyes forever.
----- Waahhhh! I didn't expect to end this chapter so sad! Truthfully. Anyhow, how was it? It must have solved a lot about the questions dealing with who was who in the flower shop and all that. Now, you all must be thinking what Syaoran did in the past and why he's on probation and hoping he'll come back to Sakura. Yep yep.
Hm. I'll try to get the last chapter up as soon as possible. It'll be the final chapter and the epilogue together. Before I sign off to continue writing my next chapter, I just wanted to thank all of you who have read this and been with me every step along the way. And if you could continue reading my fics, that would be really, really awesome.
One more thing. Could you guys read my one shot, Through Your Eyes? Please?
Don't worry. I'll try to update soon!
Ja, rainbow dreamer.