Story Title: Portrait of a Cherry Blossom
Author: DarkxDiamonds
Other: Wow! Arigatou again to all you people out there who reviewed! And for anyone interested, I'm looking for (, maybe a co-writer,) an editor to help me work out my story and check some grammar and spelling mistakes. (I waste a lot of time looking for typos… -.-'') If you're interested, please email me at: diamond_tear@msn.com and include info about you and why you think you'd be good for the job. I'd prefer if you have MSN Messenger; it's good to stay in touch.
Chapter Eleven: Love?
Syaoran made a fist. I have to do this… He banged on the door several times and swung it open. "Sakura…" He raised his head to face an empty room. I guess she went out… He reddened, his mistake obvious.
A gust of wind blew through the room and Syaoran glanced down at his feet to find a rather wrinkled piece of paper lying in front of him. Stooping, he brought it to his face and his eyes grew wide as he read the words. Did…Sakura…write this?
He sat on her bed. Okay, be logical. Meiling's handwriting does not look like this at all. Aya and Tomoyo…Aya doesn't know how to write…so two are out. He lay on his back. So that leaves Tomoyo and Sakura…
Struck by a sudden thought, he stood and glanced at a letter Sakura had begun writing to her father. He compared the round, loopy words. I think…they match up perfectly…
He looked out the window. Sakura? Do you love me? Or is this for another? He buried his face in his hands. Is this worth it? Marriage in name to Meiling to result in an unhappy love? But…I can't hurt her…
A cloud passed over the sun. Syaoran blinked. Why did life become so complicated? Sakura…Does your heart belong to another?
-- Later --
Sakura tumbled onto the pillar. Oh…my head…dizzy... She wobbled unsteadily. Everything's spinning…Moving… Giving up, she rested her head on the stair. How am I going to get back?
She breathed heavily. How could I have ignored the hints? I should have gone to bed a long time ago. Her hair lay sprawled across her arms. I have to get back…
"Sakura?" She heard footsteps and tried to raise her head. "Syaoran…?" He rounded the corner to find her in her helpless position. "Sakura!" She tried to smile. "Hey…I'm okay…"
He felt her forehead. "No you're not! I need to get you back to bed!" Sakura felt his hands slide under her. I know I should protest…but I don't want to…
She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his nearness. "Oh, Syaoran…" He looked sadly at her. Don't worry, you'll be fine." She nodded and felt herself slowly bounce along with his steps.
She drifted off to sleep. Syaoran watched her face and smiled slightly. Cherry blossom…what has happened ever since you've come here? He thought about Meiling. Such a mixed up plot life has become…what can I do but try to hide it all?
He kicked open the door. But the wedding draws closer as each day passes… He lowered Sakura gently onto her bed. Great…now what do I do? He stared at her. Oh no. This situation is too strange…I better get Tomoyo…
But he couldn't get himself to move. His eyes looked at her closed ones and he breathed heavily. I want to do things…I know can't be done… But he closed his eyes and turned around.
-- Later --
Sakura blinked. Strange…it must be night… She huffed as she tried to sit up on her bed. Oh…how long have I been asleep…? She stretched and yawned. Well, I feel better now…
Tomoyo entered from the door. "Sakura! You're awake!" She laid down the basket. "That's wonderful! Master Syaoran will be so relieved!" Sakura blinked. "Syaoran…?" Tomoyo nodded. "He carried you all the way to your bed. Oh…now I remember…
Tomoyo smiled. "He really does care for you, too, Sakura." She shook her head. "It would destroy his life if it was released that…he's fallen in love with his maid." Sakura shrugged. "I think it would have made a very good romance if our conditions had been different."
Tomoyo watched her get up. "Sakura, follow your heart! You are in love with him despite the conditions! And he loves you, too. Love is the only obstacle in love! The other things aren't important!"
Sakura shook her head. "Love is only one part of life. Syaoran has all the other parts to live. This love will only ruin it for him." She watched a bird sail across the azure sky. "Besides, some things have to be sacrificed."
Tomoyo stared at her. "I think I understand." Sakura remained expressionless. "Good. Now you know why I will do nothing."
Tomoyo sat on the bed beside her. "I'm going to try to not interfere with anything. But I'll tell you one thing. Just do what your heart tells you to." Tomoyo stood and picked up her basket. Sakura watched silently after her. That's the problem…I don't know if I can trust my heart…
Tomoyo re-entered. "And Master requested that you not help him tonight due to your condition." The door slammed and Sakura was left to herself.
[A/N]: Following all those requests, I did try to make the story a little longer. And wouldn't you agree that the love is moving along pretty fast? ^^ That's just the way I want it.
Anyway, when school starts, I doubt I will be able to update as much. I have a few expectations and my blog and website take a lot out of my time. So gomen! -- Lori