Chapter Eighteen

Eyes of Mist

Card Captor Sakura

*starjade*

The Fight

Four Months Later...

Syaoran groaned.

" That shirt suits you , alright! Now stop worrying and get on with it!"

Eriol muttered, worriedly, " This makes my nose look small. But the blue shirt makes my nose look big. The white shirt makes me look pale. God , who knew this was so hard??"

Syaoran smirked. " She's your fiancee. She's not going to care what color your shirt is! Now look , they're already here! Let's go!"

Eriol turned white. " Oh no, they're already here! God, she's going to think I'm a fool...no, the blue shirt would be better than the green one, but the white one-"

Syaoran grabbed him and shoved him out the door.

" WAIT I HAVEN'T EVEN COMBED MY HAIR!"


" It looks fine!" Syaoran retorted.

" NO IT DOESN'T! LOOK! A SPLIT END! SHE'LL HATE ME!"


Syaoran burst out laughing. " Just go!"

Eriol looked thoroughly disgruntled. " Fine. But it'll be your fault if she doesn't want to marry me anymore!"

He turned away and walked down the stairs, not aware of how the expression on Syaoran's face turned serious.

Lets hope she never finds out, Syaoran thought as he went over to the window once more. He watched with pain filled eyes as Sakura climbed out of the car. She looked around a bit, with wide, innocent eyes and Syaoran felt his heart beat double. God...he never knew being in love felt this way. The longing that ripped at his heart..

Quickly, he checked his expression in the mirror, satisfied that it remained neutral and then bounded down the stairs.

*******

Sakura looked around herself, her mouth open in shock. Wow, she thought dimly. Eriol sure as hell lived a comfortable life. The mansion was huge, the driveway was long and swirling, and fountains and trees decorated the sides.

She felt quite small in her surroundings and was glad that her father was with her. And Tomoyo, she'd never forget Tomoyo. Tomoyo was the person that kept her through the months and they had a lot of fun, pushing away the fact that she was about to get married to a man she didn't even love.

Now that the day finally came, a deep flutter in her chest banged against her body and she wondered why her body felt more alive then it did in months! It was like she was waiting to see somebody, someone-

" Sakura?"

Sakura turned around quickly and met those twinkling navy eyes. Her eyes widened and she smiled.

" Hey, Eriol," Sakura said cheerfully. " Did you have fun while you were in Hong Kong?"

Eriol nodded, and turned his face shyly. " I missed you though..."

Sakura turned red. " Really?"

The awkward silence between them grew until Sakura heard a deep voice behind her. " How are you two getting along?"

Sakura felt a shiver go down her spine. and her smile grew and that flutter in her heart whispered, He's here...

She turned around quickly and her eyes brightened. Those amber eyes were looking straight at her and that face, with the mouth that tilted slightly directed towards her...

" H-Hey, Syaoran.." Sakura said, wincing at the fact that her voice sounded breathless.

It was just a kiss or two that occurred between them, a stupid attraction. She had no feelings for him and she would never consider him...that way. Just because her heart beat doubled around him and her body felt more alive whenever he was near didn't mean a thing.

Eriol grinned at his friend and his shoulders visibly relaxed. " Hey, buddy. I'm doin' good, but I'm not too sure about my lady over here."

Sakura smiled. " I'm okay! I was absolutely excited that I was coming to Hong Kong! I've only been here when I was a baby and I can't wait to see the sights.

Syaoran had an unreadable look in his eyes as he replied, " Your husband to be and me will show you and Tomoyo around. By the way, where is Tomoyo?"

Sakura turned to the car where Tomoyo was helping them unload the luggage. " She's back there helping my father and Sonomi."

Syaoran looked between Sakura and Eriol and raised his eyebrows. " I'll leave you two alone to get acquainted and I'll have a talk with Tomoyo. Alright?"

Sakura's face fell as he walked off to Tomoyo and she watched his receding back longingly. What she was feeling inside...she didn't even attempt to analyze. She turned back to Eriol, who was grinning at her happily.

" I'll show you around inside. Welcome to my home! It is quite fancy as you can see but not as fancy as it could've been for I have a habit of breaking things when I fight with Syaoran. Of course, I always win, compared to my strength and Syaoran's, mine exceeds his by a lot! Syaoran's just a little, little man, and me, wow, you should see me at the gym, I am out of this world-"

As Eriol talked on, Sakura thought about how much fun she would have with Syaoran. She had missed Syaoran a lot in the last few months...she didn't realize how close she had become with him. Eriol was a funny guy and he'd keep their spirits up. She hoped that he'd be able to do the same when they were married..

*****

Syaoran and Tomoyo waited outside the restaurant, rubbing their hands together as a velvety cape fell over the sky. Cars were driving in and out and Syaoran wondered what was taking them so long.

" Would they hurry up?" Tomoyo muttered. " I wonder what they're doing that's taking them this long."

Syaoran shrugged, his eyes distant. " I have no idea. All I know is that they better hurry up before my fingers fall off."

Tomoyo giggled and stopped bouncing on the balls of her feet as she looked up at him. " You like her."

Syaoran froze at the uncalled for statement. " Huh?"

Tomoyo smiled, slyly. " You like her. You like Sakura. Right?"

Syaoran responded, a bit faintly, " Of course not. Where did you get such a fanciful imagination..."

Tomoyo guffawed. " It is not my imagination, believe me!! You like her and if I didn't know any better, I'd say you love her."

Syaoran turned to Tomoyo and said grimly, " I don't love her. Alright?"

Tomoyo shrugged, innocently. " You kissed her. You watch her all the time. You blush when she talks to you. You turn into a tomato when she touches you. You turn green with jealousy when she talks to Eriol. You. Like. Sakura. Admit it!"

Syaoran groaned, trying not to turn red. Tomoyo sure was an observant one. " Tomoyo , please, stop alright? I don't harbor any feelings for Sakura...we're friends, that's it!"

Tomoyo shrugged. " Friends don't kiss each other like that, Syaoran. Friends don't watch the other with such a look of longing it's almost unbearable to see. Syaoran, you love her. Why are you denying it?"

Syaoran tried to appear shocked, but he knew that Tomoyo could see straight through him. " Look, I may have some feelings for her, but it's not going to go anywhere. Sakura's getting married to Eriol, that's that."

Tomoyo shook her head sadly. " Sakura doesn't love Eriol, Syaoran. She loves a man she has never seen before."

Syaoran flinched at Tomoyo's words. " What?"

Tomoyo huffed. " She's in love with a man she writes letters to...I don't know, some guy who she met on the radio and has never even seen his face. God, is she stupid! Don't mind me, it seemed like pure love to me right until that stupid idiotic mystery boy stood her up...again!"

Syaoran's face flushed hard at Tomoyo's words and his whole body tensed. Sakura...loved him? No, that couldn't be true! She was just probably in love with the romantic idea that there was some mystery man out there that could look like anyone she wanted. She probably wanted a guy who looked like Eriol..

Loves..

Does that mean...Sakura is still in love with the mystery man behind the letters?? That she hasn't forgotten and moved on?

" Look, they're here!" Tomoyo squealed, excitedly. A black limo pulled up and Eriol jumped out, his face shining with joy and excitement.

" I can't believe we're coming here! Sakura didn't want to, but she said yes when I told her that this restaurant is my absolute favorite!" Eriol exclaimed, nearly vibrating with excitement. " And you should see her...absolutely stunning!"

Syaoran rose one eyebrow as Sakura stepped out of the car. His eyes nearly popped as he saw how she looked. She was wearing a black dress, the skirt only reaching to her mid-thighs. It was tight and clinging and the spaghetti strapped. Sakura shifted her weight uncomfortably under Syaoran's gaze and he turned away quickly.

She didn't look right, Syaoran mused. He had only seen her in innocent dresses, so pure and...it was harder to believe that Sakura wasn't a city girl that clubbed every night and drank whisky with the boys.

Tomoyo gasped. " That is so sexy, Sakura! A bit revealing and if you asked me, Eriol, I could've made it look much better, but you do look stunning. What do you say, Syaoran? Isn't she beautiful!"

Syaoran muttered, " Yah, yah. Lets go in."

He could feel Sakura's eyes on him as they walked into the fancy restaurant. The dance floor was already crowded with dancers and the lights were dimmed for a romantic atmosphere. Candles were lit at each of the tables and the waiters threaded their way through the tables efficiently and carrying platters of delicious food.

Tomoyo clapped her hands together as they were led to a table of four. " This is amazing, Eriol! No wonder you like it so much!"

Eriol grinned. " It is a great place! I love the dancing the most!"

Sakura smiled. " The food must be great too! Let's order."

Eriol flagged down a waiter and they all ordered. After a lot of bounteous laughter and chatting, they finished the food as the dance floor became more crowded as the night neared midnight.

"I feel like dancing.." Tomoyo trailed off watching the dancers.

Eriol leapt up. " Let's dance then! Come on Sakura! Syaoran! You know you want to dance!!"

Syaoran looked down. " Nah...you guys go ahead."

Sakura peered at him. " Oh , come on Syaoran! Come dance! Please?"

Syaoran shook his head firmly. " You three go and have a good time. I'll see you in a bit, alright?"

Sakura nodded slowly, watching as he got up, carrying a glass of champagne as Eriol led her out to the dance floor. She felt herself get twirled into the center of the dance floor and she squealed with excitement and surprise as she was lifted into the dance. The music blared, higher and higher and Sakura spun around, feeling her problems melt away with the dance.

Syaoran walked along the rim of the dance floor, his face highlighted by the spotlights. A grim look was clear on his face as he sipped from the crystal glass, his bangs hiding his eyes as he watched Sakura fly around the dance floor, her eyes bright with happiness.

God, she was beautiful...Syaoran watched, his eyes filled with longing, as she danced in Eriol's arms. Why was it that the one he loved was lost to him? He'd never love again, he knew it.

He was probably destined to be the cold leader of the Li clan. Eriol had no responsibilities, no hard weight on his shoulders. He was as carefree as a bird and Sakura deserved someone who's attention would be solely based on her.

His burning amber eyes followed her as she twirled around, her eyes closed, swaying with the music. She looked happier now than she had looked in days. Ever since he came in her life, all she experienced was sadness and tears. Now, she was locked in a marriage with his best friend, while her heart was to the mystery Little Wolf.

What would she say if she knew...if she knew that he indeed was the mystery Little Wolf?


Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that Sakura wasn't in the throng of dancing bodies. As soon as he broke out of thought, his eyes searched the dance floor for Sakura and grew surprised. She wasn't there...she probably went to the washroom.

Sighing, he watched as Tomoyo and Eriol danced, their eyes twinkling as they talked, more like screamed at each other over the music. The music was loud and Syaoran felt it press at his mind and he needed to escape. He ran to the entrance and pushed open the doors, welcoming the fresh air.

That was when he heard a scream.

Syaoran's blood ran cold as he recognized the voice. His heart thumping in his chest and his body tensing with fear and worry, he raced to the direction of the voice.

" Sakura?? SAKURA??" Syaoran yelled as he turned a corner. He skidded to a stop as he saw Sakura. There were two guys, one holding her wrist and pressing up against her, his hand running down her arms. The other was looking in his direction and he quickly nudged the boy who was trying to make a move on Sakura.

"Some punk is coming!" Syaoran heard him hiss, but all he was aware of was the fact that Sakura was crying. She was scared. And these boys had frightened her.

They were going down.

With a yell, he ran towards them and punched the guy straight in the face. With a yelp of outrage, the other man came at him. Syaoran kneed him in the gut and punched him in the nose. With a yell, he kicked him straight in the stomach, sending him flying and hitting the wall with a sickening crunch.

The other guy staggered up, his nose running with blood. " Who the hell do you think you are, you son of a bitch?" The man swore and out of nowhere, a flash of silver swung through the air. Syaoran paid no attention to it as he proceeded to beat the living crap out of the boy.

He knocked him unconscious and yelled hoarsely, " Don't you ever touch her again!'

A whimper brought him out of his senses and he whipped around. Sakura was hunched in the corner, her arms wrapped around herself. Syaoran quickly walked towards her, his eyes wide with fear and concern. A strange feeling arose in his throat and he stopped in front of her.

" Are you...are you okay?" Syaoran asked, desperately. A sob answered his question and his face burned with anger as he asked gently, " Did they hurt you?"

Sakura just fell into his arms. No answer, no words. She wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders and cried into his chest. Syaoran wrapped his arms tightly, and buried his face in her hair. Never had he been more scared in his life. Never.

" Did they hurt you , Sakura? Did those bastards hurt you?" Syaoran asked, softly yet dangerously. " If they did..."

Sakura just shook her head. " Th-they tried...they-they were dancing n-near me and then one of them tried to dance with me and I p-pushed him away, then they t-tried to kiss me and I walked off the dance floor and outside. They followed me and they were swearing and saying....saying bad stuff and that's when you came.."

Syaoran hugged her tighter, his heart beating fast with anger and fury. " Those bastards...thank god they didn't hurt you..."

They stood like that for a few minutes, before Sakura mumbled, " Syaoran? Your bleeding."

Syaoran loosened his grip on her slightly. " What?"

Sakura let out a gasp and she pulled out of his grasp. He felt a pang of regret as her warmth left his body as she grabbed his arm, her eyes widening with fear. " They cut you, Syaoran! Look!"

Syaoran looked. On his right arm, a horizontal cut was fresh and bleeding fast. Syaoran looked at it warily, but just smiled at Sakura. " Don't worry about it. Right now, lets get you home, alright? I'll call Eriol on his cell and I'll take care of the cut later.."

Sakura nodded meekly as he led her to the car. She held his hand tightly and Syaoran could feel the rush of feelings sweep over him again. It was hard to forget how much...how much he needed her when things like this happened. All it did was remind him how he needed her, and how....how he just couldn't live without her.

It grew harder for him to diminish Sakura's memory...he loved the same woman his best friend was in love with. He needed her more than anything and yet he had to sacrifice his love...his love...

Syaoran looked at Sakura as he drove along the road and sighed, his amber eyes sad.

I love you , Sakura. More than anything....

a/n: Hello, all my cheerful readers! PLEEEASE REVIEW if ya lyke wats happenin wit da story, alrite? I'm tryin to make it more interestin without givin away too much of the ending and yes, the story mite end soon...*cries* yah, i want this story to go on forever! But a couple of more chapters are waitin so dun't cry! lol! REVIEW and tell me sum suggestions , arlite?

Luv ya!

*starjade*