*I don't own Card Captor Sakura

*AU

Beauty of the Heart

Chapter 3 - Unattainable

Amora

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As Syaoran trudged back to his apartment, he couldn't get the thought of the mysterious girl out of his head. Her luminous green eyes burned into his mind. Without watching where he was going, he bumped headfirst into a streetlight and fell. To make matters worse, as soon as he hit the ground, the world started spinning.

"Ugh..." Syaoran groaned as he realized what was happening. His hideous self was reappearing. The already snug fitting battle costume stretched to its limits. As Syaoran had difficulty getting up from his prone position, a hand suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Here, I'll help you up." Came a familiar accented voice. As Syaoran looked up at the source of help, he came face to face with Eriol. Smiling slightly, Syaoran took the offered hand and stood up with great effort.

"Arigatou Hiiagizawa-kun. But why are you out here so late?" Taking a look around, Syaoran noticed the streets were entirely deserted with the exception of the two of them.

"I could ask you the same question Li-kun. But as for me, I'm just heading over to my girlfriend's house. She said that she has some new outfits for me to try on." At Syaoran's inquiring eyebrow, he quickly added, "She's a fashion designer."

As Syaoran nodded in understanding, Eriol did a double take. "Why are you dressed like that? Are you running a marathon?"

Syaoran shook his head sheepishly. "I just needed some clothes for an emergency. Normally I wouldn't wear anything like this..." he trailed off. Eriol nodded in understanding.

"Why don't you accompany me to Tomoyo-chan's house? I'm sure she could come up with some clothes for you to wear if you need some." He offered. Noticing Syaoran's hesitation, he quickly added, "She would love to meet you Li-kun. It's one of her favorite hobbies to design clothes for others."

'What the hell. Why not?' Syaoran thought as he considered Eriol's offer. 'Eriol certainly seems friendly enough despite my appearance. And I really do need some new clothes.'

"Hai. I'll go with you. Arigatou for inviting me."

"Don't mention it Li-kun. Your company is most welcomed." As the two made their way to their destination, Syaoran became even more curious about the enigmatic stranger who he had so easily befriended. When they passed under a streetlight, he could see the serene look that was forever etched on the face of the young restaurant CEO. His outward expression was one of optimism but lacked the naivety that usually went with it.

"Li-kun. Is something wrong?" Eriol asked as he caught Syaoran staring at him.

"I was just wondering Hiiragizawa-kun..." Syaoran proceeded while carefully choosing his words. "Why did you associate yourself with me? I know it hurts your image as a businessman with your clients and customers."

Eriol chuckled lightly as he heard the question. "Don't worry about that Li-kun. The arrogance of these people will get them nowhere in life. Besides, if they ever saw your true self, their reactions would be in the exact opposite of what it is now." Eriol finished with his words laced in double meaning.

Once again Syaoran was forced to wonder exactly what Eriol Hiiragizawa knew about him. His close scrutiny revealed a pair of deep azure eyes that twinkled in mirth. Before Syaoran examine any further, Eriol's voice broke his train of thoughts.

"We're here." He announced simply. Syaoran looked up and gasped. They were standing in front of the most beautiful estate he had ever seen. A Garden of Eden greeted him beyond the huge iron gates. As the gate opened, Syaoran saw marble steps leading to a grand fountain. A gazebo was carefully nestled in the rosebushes that grew around the fountain. Cherry blossom trees in full bloom lined both sides of the driveway that led to the manor. Even in the darkness of night, this was a place that took his breath away. His own home in Hong Kong did not come close in natural beauty or architectural design.

As the duo approached the front door, Eriol knocked. As Syaoran waited from afar, he examined the massive columns that supported the house. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the door open. A girl of about his age with considerable beauty greeted Eriol with a huge smile.

"Eriol-kun! I'm so glad you're here!"

"Tadaima." Eriol replied jokingly. Tomoyo giggled and embraced him.

"So this is your home now?" She asked with a mischievous glint in her amethyst eyes. Eriol grinned and gave her a quick kiss.

"What? Is that all I get for waiting so long?" Tomoyo pouted playfully.

"Of course not. Anything for my Tomoyo-chan..." Eriol bent over and captured her soft lips with his. A fiery sensation and taste of sweet honey and spice invaded his senses. He would definitely have to ask her what type of lip-gloss she was wearing tonight. However, all conscious thoughts vanished as she slid her arms around his neck and pulled him impossibly closer. They continued, oblivious of the outside world until their lungs burned from the lack of oxygen. Tomoyo reluctantly broke the kiss and smiled lovingly up at him.

Syaoran stood a few meters away from the couple, his heart aching as he watched them. He knew that if he didn't capture the cards soon, he would be destined to be forever alone. No girl in her right mind would ever want him now. If he had trouble finding a girl before, it would be infinitely times more difficult if he failed in his mission.

More than anything, Syaoran wanted the feeling that Eriol and his girlfriend shared. As he stared at the couple, their obvious devotion and love towards each other was blatantly obvious. As he grew up, he knew he was missing something from his childhood. The love that a family shared with each other was absent from Syaoran's life. His father had long since passed away and his mother had long since shouldered the responsibility of leading their clan. She had no time for trivial matters such as love. His sisters were semi-affectionate, but when it came down to it, he was alone. Always alone. And now forever alone if he fails.

It is said that each and every individual is born with the same capacity for love. Relationships are based on how much of this love the two are willing to set aside for each other. In the case of an individual who has never loved before, the amount set aside can be so great that it blinds the receiver and has adverse side affects. Such is the case with Syaoran, the seemingly cold and stoic warrior who has an infinite capacity of devotion, affection, and unblemished love.

As Eriol and Tomoyo came back to their senses, Eriol suddenly remembered his companion for the trip. Looking over to where Syaoran was standing, he offered a sheepish grin.

"Gomen ne Li-kun." He apologized. Syaoran waived it off dismissively. With a wry grin, Eriol began the introductions. "Li-kun, this is my personal angel sent to me from above. My girlfriend and love, Tomoyo Daidouji."

Tomoyo blushed lightly before turning to the person standing by the pillar. Syaoran saw her turn towards him and began an introduction but stopped before she uttered a word. He winced as he saw the shocked look on her face.

'Not this again...' Syaoran thought miserably. To his surprise, however, she composed herself and offered him a timid smile.

"It's good to meet you Li-kun." She said softly as she held out her hand bravely. Syaoran looked at it uncertainly before lightly shaking it as if to not scare her. Her smile grew more confident as she realized the precautions he was taking.

"Li-kun just moved here from Hong Kong and I believe he is short of a wardrobe. Would you like to design something for him?" Eriol asked. Tomoyo's eyes lit up as she heard this.

"Hai! I love designing! It will help me prepare for my future career in fashion design!" she exclaimed with stars in her eyes. "Come inside and I'll measure you up Li-kun."

"Domo arigatou Daidouji-san." Syaoran said bowing. Tomoyo giggled as she saw him.

"Forget the formalities Li-kun! It would be my pleasure to come up with a new design made for you. Besides, any friend of Eriol-kun's is a friend of mine!"

For the first time today, Syaoran smiled. Her cheerful attitude was just too contagious. 'No wonder why Hiiragizawa-kun loves her so much.' He thought and smiled to himself. 'They are perfect for each other.'

As Syaoran was being measured for his size, he noticed how skilled and knowledgeable Tomoyo was at anything that dealt with fashion. Her skills surpassed even the professional designers and tailors that created his wardrobe in Hong Kong.

Taking a look around the room he was in, Syaoran noticed some pictures posted along two of the walls. They appeared to be a girl who posed in various costumes that were obviously created by Tomoyo. She looked familiar. Taking a closer look at the pictures, Syaoran gasped. It was her. The angel that he had met earlier.

"What's wrong Li-kun?" Tomoyo asked as she heard him gasp. She looked over and realized what he was looking at.

"Oh that's Sakura-chan. She's my favorite candidate for designing clothes for. She's so kawaii when wearing things I design!" Tomoyo exclaimed with stars in her eyes. When Syaoran didn't respond, she looked towards him. He was staring intently at the pictures.

"She's so beautiful..." he whispered softly but Tomoyo caught his words. She bit her lip as she thought of what Sakura's reaction would be. She would be flattered but nothing more.

"Um Li-kun..." Tomoyo began cautiously. "She already has a boyfriend." At those words, she saw Syaoran's shoulders visibly sag. She hated to do this to anyone but she knew that he would only get hurt if he pursued her. "Gomen Li-kun, but you stand no chance against Tsuyoshi Makoto."

Seeing that the last few words upset him, she quickly changed the subject. "I'm finished Li-kun. Why don't you try this on? I'm sure you'll like it."

"Arigatou Daidouji-san." Syaoran said half-heartedly as he went into the bathroom to change. Her eyes followed his retreating figure with sadness.

'Why does it hurt so much?' Syaoran silently berated himself while changing. 'I've only seen her once! She doesn't mean anything to me.'

Syaoran tried to convince himself otherwise but the nagging thought wouldn't disappear from his mind. 'Who the hell am I kidding. I'd do anything for her.' He admitted after a long mental battle. It was insane but he couldn't get his mind off of a girl that he had met only once. One that was already taken. 'You're such a baka Syaoran...'

As he reappeared from the bathroom, Tomoyo brightened considerably.

"Wow Li-kun! You look totally different! A little bit kawaii too!" she said enthusiastically. Syaoran offered her a small smile.

"Thanks again for everything Daidouji-san." Syaoran said bowing and ignoring the protests of Tomoyo. "It's getting late. I need to head back home."

"Anytime Li-kun. You are always welcomed here. Do you need Eriol- kun to show you the way?"

"Iie. Arigatou to you both for not judging me on my appearance." Offering Tomoyo a smile and Eriol a handshake, he walked out into the night. Tomoyo turned to her boyfriend who had an emphatic look on his face.

"I'm worried about him Eriol-kun. He seems so vulnerable. Seijou will not be an easy place for him to attend." Eriol smiled at her concern.

"Don't worry about it Tomoyo-chan. Everything will be fine. You will see Li-kun as his true self."

"How do you know that?" Tomoyo asked confused.

Eriol smiled and hugged her softly. "Call it Clow's intuition..."

********

Syaoran lay awake on his bed with thoughts running rampant through his head. 'I was in the presence of an angel. Why does it hurt so much to think that she is unattainable? What is this feeling? It's so strong. Well it doesn't matter if she doesn't feel the same way.'

The morning rays were starting to appear as Syaoran finally fell asleep. Even his dreams were invaded by thoughts of her.

"I'll always protect you Ying Hua. No matter what..."







A/N: My take on Syaoran's feelings. People with Syaoran's personalities are truly the ones who are capable of and vulnerable to deep and heartfelt emotions. Well tell me what you think. Thanks.