Story Title: Portrait of a Cherry Blossom

Author: CCSakura

Other: I can't help but thank all you wonderful people enough! Especially since there are a lot of other CCS fics out there! Thank you for using your time and reading this story! **Hugs everybody** and yes, I'll try to make my chapters longer, k?

Chapter Eight: Hidden Truths

"Tomoyo?" The blue eyes wavered in fear. Biting her lip, she turned. "Yes, Mistress?" She noticed with a shock the shivers that were vibrating from her leg. Oh no! She can't notice! I can't be the one to give Sakura away!

Suppressing the whimper that was about to emit, Tomoyo waited. "That maid, Sakura. I don't see her around too much." Meiling scrutinized Tomoyo's reaction. "It's like she's never where she's supposed to be." The sweat was pouring.

"I…Whenever I finish my duties, I see Sakura in the maids' quarters, Mistress." Her heart was thumping like crazy. Meiling paused and sniffed. "Well that's great for her. But keep an eye on her Tomoyo, will you?" Tomoyo nodded and watched the proud figure stomp off. How long can I keep this up?

Breathing deeply, she scurried off to find Sakura. Aren't these feelings always correct? I know Sakura is doing something that Mistress would not approve of. And I trust her enough to know that it is not bad…but it's only been a week since she came here!

"Sakura!" Tomoyo burst into the room. "Meiling definitely knows something's up! She won't stop snooping around until she finds out!" She caught her breath to find Sakura gazing at a picture of Syaoran that hung from the wall. "Sakura?"

Without blinking, Sakura slowly turned her head. "I heard, Tomoyo. Don't worry." Without hesitation, she turned back to the picture. "Amber eyes…" she murmured thoughtfully. Tomoyo watched her in shock. Sakura…she…she can't be in love? Not with Master Syaoran?

But Sakura's eyes did not waver, nor did any part of her body. So he feels something, too. How long can I hide my true feelings? And how does he keep his thoughts so secret? How does he cover them so well? She blinked. Twisted Fate…What do the Heavens have in store for me?

-- Later --

"I…I'm terribly sorry, Master." Feeling the heat starting to rise in her cheeks, she knelt down to pick up the towels. While the towels occupied one part of Sakura's mind, her eyes trailed to him. Hesitant at first, he slowly bent down to help her.

Standing, he blushed as well. "Syaoran." Sakura smiled gently. "Syaoran…it is." There was a silence as both of them fought their conscience. He was the first to try. "Sakura…I…you…well…"

Sakura watched him struggle. I'll wait. Until he finds the right time. It would hurt him so much if he knew…what I knew…

"There's something I need to tell you." He managed to choke out. Sakura bit her lip. "What is it?"

"I…" He gazed at her eyes. "Syaoran!" Meiling burst onto them. "I told you that I was waiting for you in my bedroom! It can't take you that long to walk there!"

Sakura watched in dismay as Meiling dragged him off. Poor Syaoran…That Meiling is poisonous. Sighing, she hurried off to the quarters.

-- Meiling's Bedroom --

"Syaoran, what the hell were you doing with that maid?" Syaoran didn't even blink. "She dropped some towels. I helped her pick them up." He looked at Meiling. "There's nothing wrong with that, is there?" Meiling silently fumed. "Syaoran, I'm warning you. If you do anything that hints at…something I would not agree with, I will break off this engagement!"

Syaoran sighed. "And…?" Meiling stared at him. "And what?" He rolled his eyes. "Meiling, stop acting like a child. You've got to face the fact that I am the one supporting you here. Not the other way around. It wouldn't hurt me if you went away. It would hurt you."

Meiling's eyes widened. "I…you…how dare you!" On the verge of tears, she ran out of the room. Expressionless, Syaoran stared after her. Note to self: That's one of the reasons why I doubt I love Meiling. She is still a child…

-- Outside --

Sakura began clipping the wet clothes to the rope. Some things are impossible to maintain. Like this...feeling. Do I dare call it love? Sighing, she picked up the basket and opened the door to the house.

She heard sobs from the quarters. Is it Tomoyo? What could have happened? Rushing down the hallway, she opened the door to find Meiling crying on her bed. "Mistress! What's the matter?" Oh no…did I do something? Could it be about Syaoran?

 Meiling refused to show her face. "Don't touch me, you harlot!" Sakura backed away in shock. "That's right! Can't you hear what you really are?" Sakura's eyes wavered in pain. "I have done nothing to be called that name, Mistress. Please stand up."

Meiling turned so Sakura could see her tear-stained face. "Syaoran loved me! And now that you've come here…his love has gone! How could you…you…monster!" Sakura sighed. "Don't do that Meiling."

Meiling paused. "Why are you acting like this? Why aren't you angry? Why don't you talk back? Answer me!" Sakura closed her eyes. "Because I understand your frustration. It is the same I felt when my mother died. I blamed everyone but myself. But that isn't the way to fix these problems!" Her eyes shot open.

"Be truthful to yourself. Did Syaoran ever love you?" Meiling blinked. "Of course he did! How dare you insult me like that!" She pushed past her and Sakura heard the slam of the front door. All she needs is time. I know she'll be all right. And Fate will do something. Isn't that what Mother always told me?

Smiling slightly, she began to straighten out her bed.