Hey everyone.  You guys have been so patient with me and I'm really grateful about that.  Well this is chapter twenty.  Enjoy.

***

"There's so many of them."  Sakura exclaimed as she looked out the window.  Today was the day they'd be released from the hospital and it seemed that everyone knew about it.

Syaoran moved beside her and smiled at her innocence. There were people flocked all over the entrance of the hospital. Security had to keep them in check so that patients could get through. Luckily no one knew what level they were on, or what room.

"How can they keep them out? I mean a hospital is a public place." Sakura asked looking over at her boyfriend. 

"I don't know. Just as long as we can get out I don't care."

Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck. Their friends would be there soon to pick them up and then they'd be taken back home.

"I'm going to miss you when you go back to Hong Kong." She whispered. Her eyes held sadness, and it made Syaoran's heart break.

"Hey, at least we got this time together." He whispered. He wasn't too happy about leaving her either. The past few days had been special, especially when they got some time alone.

"I know, but when will I get to be with you again?" Sakura's emerald eyes held tears and she tried desperately not to let them fall.

"I don't know but now we have our bond." He gently caressed the side of her face and kissed her forehead lovingly. "It's much stronger now."

"I know, but I don't want to be alone." She said as the tears fell down her face. The bond they shared let him feel her sadness and she felt his. They were scared to be apart, especially with this new evil around.

"It will be ok Sakura.  Nothing is going to happen to you I swear it.  I don't care what I have to do, I will protect you."

They stayed like that for a few minutes just happy to be in each others arms.  Sakura was terrified.  She'd been apart from him for so long and now she had to leave his side again.

"I don't want to loose you."  She whispered into his neck.  He rubbed her back gently. 

"I know, but you won't.  I won't be taken away from you."

He tilted her head slightly and kissed her slowly. As if he was sealing his promise to her.

Sakura responded to his kiss without hesitation. She wanted this to last. It wouldn't be their last kiss, but it might be the last moment alone they got until tomorrow when their flights were due.

Their lips meshed together as their embrace tightened. Syaoran parted her lips with his tongue and gently probed it in lightly touching hers. She caught on to the game and ran her tongue against his.  (Funny that. I don't get kissed that often and I know more about it than some people who do get a lot of make outs.) (M:*refrains from comment*)

The gentle caresses soon became more passionate as all the emotion they felt crashed down on them like a thunderstorm.

Neither wanted to let go of this. They didn't know what would happen in the future and all they had was here and now.  They'd silently agreed to make every moment count until they'd have to say goodbye.

"No Sakura it's not going to be goodbye."  He panted as they parted to breath.  He'd heard her thoughts and it scared him. Goodbye was such a strong word.

"Then what?" Her tears kept falling as she looked up into his amber eyes.

"I don't know.  It's just not goodbye." 

Sakura forced a smile. She would miss him when they parted.  She didn't know when they'd see each other again.  Or if they'd see each other again, and that was her greatest fear.

What if he was forced to marry someone else?  What if he stopped loving her?  She shook the thought from her mind.  He would always love her.

"That's right. I will always love you."  He said. She got a little playful and slapped his chest lightly.

"Eaves dropping." She accused. He gave her an impish grin and shrugged.

"Gomen my Ying Fa. I couldn't help it." He whispered as he took her lips in another breathtaking kiss. (M: Why is every kiss breath taking or heart stopping? A guy would die at this rate!)

'You're forgiven.' She said in her mind as they continued their passionate indulgence. 

"Is that all you two know how to do?" A high-pitched voice asked. The card captors parted and looked over to see Meilin, a human Kero, Yelen, Fujitaka and Eriol standing behind them.

"You have a problem with that?"  Syaoran asked his cousin in a cool voice.

Meilin put her finger on her chin and thought about it for a moment. Then in a giddy tone she quirked. "Nope."

Sakura grinned and then noticed that no one else was with them. Syaoran had a similar look on his face. Where were Tomoyo and the others?

"Meilin where is everyone?" Sakura asked walking over to the Chinese teen. Syaoran followed behind her and helped Eriol with the bags.

"They didn't come. Too many reporters. Eriol had to put a spell on Tomoyo though. She wanted to come but she would have brought her camera."

"Someone might have snatched it off her." Kero said stretching. 

"Oh." Syaoran chuckled and they started to walk towards the elevator. No one spoke for a few minutes. Eriol was smirking at Syaoran and he was scowling. Meilin was looking up at the numbers; Kero was playing his portable game set and Sakura looked down at the ground with a small frown on her face.

Yelen and Fujitaka observed their children carefully. They didn't look happy about tomorrow. They knew this as well but there was no need to tell them about their plans yet.

Everyone was so engrossed in their thoughts that they didn't realize the lift had stopped.  It opened and they saw a few security guards standing at the elevator doors.

"Mr. Li, Miss Kinomoto please follow me." The head security guard said sternly. They took the bag from the boys and led the group towards the doors.  The hospital was being very cautious with who they let in.  Anyone who entered the hospital was checked for microphones and cameras. The security was very high.

'I still don't get how they could keep all the reporters out.' Sakura said in her mind.  Syaoran chuckled as they reached the door where they were bombarded with question about the accident and so forth.

"Miss Kinomoto, can you tell us what your condition was?"  One reporter said.

"Mr. Li who caused the accident?"

"What relationship do you have with the future leader of the Li clan?"

"Are the rumors true that you're romantically involved?"

"Will you return to Hong Kong?"

"Will you continue to pursue your modeling career?"

"Is there a chance of a more serious commitment?"

They tried desperately to avoid the reporters but it was no use. They kept asking questions. 

They were almost at the limo when a little girl, no older than four went in front of the crowd. She looked lost and she was close to tears. Sakura looked at the little girl.

"Hi there. What's your name?"  She asked softly as the little girl bit her lip. She kneeled so she could look straight at the girl.

"Kahi." She said quietly. Her long black hair covered her eyes from Sakura. She gently lifted the little girl's bangs to look at her sparkling brown eyes.

"Are you lost?" Kahi nodded and Sakura smiled at her brightly. She stood up and took the little girl into her arms.

Syaoran walked up to her and smiled softly at the tender scene she made. The little girl clenched onto Sakura's blouse and nuzzled her head against her shoulder.

"What's wrong Ying Fa?" He asked as the reporters took snap shot after snap shot.

"Xiao Lang this is Kahi. She's lost." She said cooing to the little girl who was now very comfortable.

"Is your mother here?" He asked the girl softly.  She shook her head.

"My mommy took me to the shops and I got lost. I trying to find my way home." She said in her baby tone. Sakura looked up at Syaoran.

'Can we take her?'  She asked in his mind.

'No, what if her mother comes looking for her?'

'She doesn't know where her mother is. It could take forever to find her.'  She gave him a pout.

"Please Xiao Lang."

"Alright we'll take her with us. Maybe we can find out where she lives." He sighed in defeat.  He led his girlfriend to the limo with the little girl in her arms.  The reporters started to ask questions but no one answered them.

Everyone was now seated in the car and Kahi wouldn't leave Sakura's arms. She didn't complain. It was strangely comfortable to hold the little girl. Like a little light of hope for the future.

"Kahi where do you live?" Xiao Lang asked the frightened girl. Eriol had smiled and Meilin had muttered something about bring Tomoyo's camera along.

"I live in the little house next to the park." She said as Eriol made funny faces to sooth her. It made her giggle as he pretended to scowl like Syaoran.

"No Eriol, that's not how you do it. Show them Xiao Lang." Meilin said looking at her cousin. He did scowl at her, which made Kahi giggle harder.  It also made Sakura giggle.

"What are you two laughing at?" He asked both girls next to him. They continued to giggle as he made his scowl deeper.

"Funny." Kahi said as she reached out and touched Syaoran's nose. He had to smile at the girl's innocence.

"There is something I never thought I'd see. Xiao Lang, funny." Eriol teased as he looked outside their window. Kero had a hard time holding back his laughter, when he finally burst he had tears flowing down his face.

Yelen and Fujitaka were sitting in the front seats to give the teens some privacy. Also to discuss some private business. (As you can see it's a very big limo.) (M: I'll say. I want one of these… and I'll take one of those kids too :p)

"I'm not amused." He said sternly then looked over at his girlfriend who was giggling at Kahi's attempt to imitate Syaoran's scowl.

"She's almost got it." She said. He couldn't help but chuckle. Sakura was fond of children and he knew it. He smiled at the way the little girl just opened up to her. It was a quality Sakura possessed. She could make anyone smile.

"So we have to look for a park."  Meilin said looking at a street directory.  They'd told the driver to drive around while they figured out where Kahi lived.

"Kahi is there anything else close to your house that can help us?" Eriol asked her. She nodded and simply said 'shrine.'

Meilin searched through the area maps and finally found a park that had a shrine a block away from it. 

Using the limo's phone she told the driver what street to go to and quickly hung up the phone. The rest of the drive was spent trying to keep Kahi entertained.

"THERE." She cried out when she saw her house. There was a police car in the front with a lot of people looking very worried.

"That's your house?" Sakura cooed. Kahi nodded happily and the limo stopped.

Syaoran got out first and then walked over to Sakura's side and helped her out while he carried Kahi out of the car. When Sakura was out they walked up to the police and heard Kahi's mother cry out and run up to her daughter.

"Mommy." She cried and hugged her mother tightly. Sakura smiled and looked up at Syaoran with a twinkle in his eyes. He was about to say something when Kahi's mother grabbed both of them and hugged them tightly.

"Thank you." She cried over and over again. Both card captors were shocked at the reaction as were the others who were still in the car.

"Umm. You're welcome." Sakura said to the relieved mother. The police walked up to them and asked where they found the girl. After explaining who he was, Syaoran told them what happened. The police were happy with the answers and left soon after.

After the initial shock of the little girl being returned to her family her mother asked if they would join them for lunch as a thank you.

"We can't. We're leaving tomorrow and we need to get back to our hotel." Syaoran said.  He was getting hungry but they couldn't' stay.

"At least let me give you something as a sign of my gratitude." Kahi's mother insisted.  Sakura nodded and the couple walked behind her and followed her into the house.

"Hey Xiao Lang? Where are you going?" Meilin called out from the window.

"We'll be right back."

Kahi's mother gave them both a small gift as gratitude for brining back her daughter. It wasn't much. Just a small heart shaped broach for sakura and a silver chain for Syaoran.

"It will bring you good luck"

"We can't it's yours." Sakura protested. Cora(Kahi's mom.) shook her head and told them to have it. After much arguing Sakura and Syaoran accepted the gifts.

"Saki." Kahi said when they were leaving. Sakura turned around and smiled at the young girl. She couldn't say Sakura's name properly so she'd called her Saki instead. (M: I can't either. Can I call her Saki too?")(Yes you can call her Saki.)

"Hey Kahi. It was nice meeting you."  She said hugging the little girl tightly.

"Here." Kahi handed Sakura a little teddy bear. It was white with little pink spots.

"Kahi thank you, but won't you miss it?"  Kahi shook her head and insisted she take it to remember her by.

Sakura hugged the little girl again and they walked back to the limo. She was touched by the girl's gift and a few tears fell down her cheeks as they waved goodbye.

As the car drove off they didn't see the figure watching them from a distance. Nor did they notice the flashes from a camera as they sped off.

***

The day passed too quickly for Sakura and Syaoran. They'd spent the entire day yesterday and all of that morning together.  Alone and with their friends. 

No one wanted to bring up the subject of going home because Sakura would burst into tears at the mention of getting on a plane.

It was now five o'clock in the afternoon and everyone was very silent. Yelen had ordered the private jet to take them back to Hong Kong and after some insistence convinced Fujitaka to take one of the Li planes back to Japan. They were now waiting to be called.

Syaoran's sisters were busting into tears, sobbing and hugging everyone. Tomoyo was taping the entire ordeal as everyone looked at the two card captors at the window. 

The area had been sealed off from anyone else and reporters were desperately trying to get through. Security wouldn't allow it though. Police tape had been placed around the area to keep people from crossing over.

"Kinomoto-san I will keep in touch with you about our arrangements." Yelen said in a low voice. Fujitaka nodded and Touya raised an eyebrow. His father had been acting strangely and had been attending small meetings with the gaki's mother.

"Oh of course Li-sama." He smiled knowingly to her. That just confused Touya even more. They had been very secretive about whatever they were planning and he didn't like it one bit.

"Otou-san what are you planning?" He whispered when Yelen walked off to speak to one of the attendants.

"Don't worry Touya. It's just some business I was discussing with Li's mother." He said good-naturedly. 

They looked back towards the window where Sakura was speaking softly to Syaoran and holding his hand tightly.

"Wondering what they're talking about?" Eriol asked as he sat with them. He had a sad smile on his face. He knew what Yelen and Fujitaka were planning but he also knew his cute little descendent and his half daughter were suffering right now.

"Not particularly." Touya said casually. He'd been warned not to pull anything like in the hospital or Eriol was allowed to do one of his magic tricks.

"They're so kawaii." Rika said softly so only they could hear. "It's too bad they have to be separated."

"Yes, but fate will bring them back together."  Eriol said with his usual sneaky smile.

"Eriol, what are you hiding from us?"  Tomoyo said as she sat down next to her sneaky boyfriend.

"Nothing dear Tomoyo. Nothing at all."  He said innocently as if he knew nothing.  Tomoyo wasn't convinced.

"Eriol."  She said a little dominantly.  Eriol mock winced but did not say a word.

"You'll find out soon enough love." He whispered into her ear and gently kissed behind it.

A human Kero walked up to the group holding a lot of food. Yukito stood behind him with many bags also full of food.

"I hope we bought enough." Kero said as he sat on the floor. Yukito nodded in agreement as they both started to eat. Everyone sweatdroped and looked back up at Sakura and Li.

"Hey, waft wong wif them."  Kero asked as she chewed his food. The girls all giggled and the boys rolled their eyes.

"They're sad because they have to be apart." Fuutie said as she watched her little brother and the card mistress talk.

"Oh."  Was all he said.

"I wonder if you're right Eriol  Maybe fate will bring them back together."  Yamazaki said and was about to add one of his lies but thought against it when they saw Sakura jump into Syaoran's arms in tears. He held her tightly. After five minutes of this he made a signal over to where the others were sitting.

Eriol stood up suddenly and took out a radio he'd been hiding.  Fu, Jin, Kero and Yamazaki all smirked and Fu, Jin and Eriol all got up.

"Eriol what are you doing?" Tomoyo asked.

"Just a little favor for my little descendent." He explained and pressed the play button. 

"Tomoyo you might want to record all this."

***

"This is it isn't it?"  Sakura said quietly as they waited for the plane.  The others were sitting behind them but they took no notice.

"Yeah. Don't worry though. I'll see you again."  He said. They were both looking out the window watching the planes come and go.

"I'm glad we could have this time together." She whispered. He gave her a small smile and nodded in agreement. "Even if I almost lost you."

"You'll never loose me Sakura. You should know that by now."  His voice was a lot more serious now.

Sakura closed her eyes and gently reached for his hand. When she found it she entwined their fingers together and squeezed. She sighed in relief when he squeezed back.

"You could have died Xiao Lang." She said. Her voice was shaky from the memories of what had happened. "You could have died because of me."

"Sakura listen to me. It wasn't your fault. Never think that it's your fault because I won't let you."

She hung her head slightly and gave a small sniff. Syaoran looked at her for a moment and closed his eyes trying to hold back his own tears.

'Don't cry Ying Fa.' His mind whispered to hers. Their auras reached out for each other and for a moment they were comforted by the presence.

"I'm sorry. I'm trying so hard to be strong but I can't. I can't bare the thought of being without you."  She let a few teardrops sneak down her cheeks and he felt his heart slowly break when he heard her thoughts.

'I have to say goodbye.'

"No Sakura. I told you before this isn't goodbye. I won't let you say that."  He said turning to her. His eyes were fiery and his gaze pierced hers. 

With a loud sob she threw herself in his arms and cried. He held her just as tightly as she cried. She really didn't want to let go and he didn't either. This was the way things had to be. They'd be together in the end. They just needed time. He promised himself that he'd protect her and he wasn't going to go back on that.

It took a few more minutes to soothe her and he looked over directly at Eriol. He made a slight hand movement and watched as Eriol took out the radio.

"Xiao Lang?" Sakura questioned when she saw him fidgeting nervously as the music started. "What's going on?"

"I'm about to make a complete baka of myself, but it will be worth it." He said with a chuckle. He saw the guys take their paces and he gave a slight nod. He took a deep breath and started to sing.

I wanna know

Whoever told you I was letting go

Of the only joy that I have ever known

Girl they were lying

Sakura's eyes were wide open when she heard him sing.  Eriol had the radio on full blast with a recording of some music.

Just look around

At all of the people that we used to know

They've just given up, they wanna let it go

But we're still trying

A slight squeal was heard from the girls but Syaoran avoided it.  People who passed by stopped to watch this young man sing to the crying card mistress.  Tomoyo held her camera excitedly and captured every moment. 

So you should know this love we share was

Never made to die

I'm glad we're on this one way street,

Just you and I

Just you and I

The guys took a deep breath and started singing with Syaoran.  A crowd of people had gathered around watching them sing to this auburn haired girl.  Some recognized them from the papers and were trying to get a good look.

I'm never gonna say goodbye

'Cause I never wanna see you cry

I swore to you my love would remain

And I swear it all over again, and I

I'm never gonna treat you bad

'Cause I never wanna see you sad

I swore to share your joy and your pain

And I swear it all over again

All over again

Taking her hands in his Syaoran continued to sing.  He put all his love and passion into his words.

Some people say

That everything has got its place and time

Even the day must give way to the night

But I'm not buying

'Cause in your eyes

I see a love that burns eternally

And if you see how beautiful you are to me

You'll know I'm not lying

He looked deep into her eyes as he sang those notes and Sakura couldn't stop herself from crying at what he did for her.

Sure there'll be times we wanna say goodbye

But even if we tried

There are some things in this life won't be

Denied

Won't be denied

Pulling her close he ran his hands through her hair and swayed her very gently as she silently cried.

I'm never gonna say goodbye

'Cause I never wanna see you cry

I swore to you my love would remain

And I swear it all over again, and I

I'm never gonna treat you bad

'Cause I never wanna see you sad

I swore to share your joy and your pain

And I swear it all over again

Syaoran stopped singing and Eriol took over with Fu.  He gently kissed Sakura's forehead and swayed her to the music.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and inhaled his intoxicating scent.  He kissed her forehead, her cheeks and then her lips in a soft tender kiss.

The more I know of you is the more I know

I love you

And more that I'm sure I want you forever

And ever more

And the more that you love me, the more that I

Know

Oh that I'm never gonna let you go

Gotta let you know that I

Gently letting go of her Syaoran took a long breath and started to sing the chorus with the others again.  He never took his eyes off her as he got on his knees almost in reverence to her.

I'm never gonna say goodbye

'Cause I never wanna see you cry

I swore to you my love would remain

And I swear it all over again, and I

I'm never gonna treat you bad

'Cause I never wanna see you sad

I swore to share your joy and your pain

And I swear it all over again

The music finished and everyone that was there applauded the performance. Syaoran got off his knees and held Sakura in a tight embrace. She kept crying and he couldn't stop the tears winding down his own face. The attendant was there to inform them that their flights were ready and their baggage was already on the plane. 

"This isn't goodbye Sakura. Because goodbye is too strong a word. This is just until we meet again." He said as he took in the cherry blossom and honey aroma she had.

"Promise?"

"I swear by my love for you."  He whispered. 

Fujitaka walked up to the couple and placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder.  They looked up at him and he smiled sadly at them.

"It's time."

***

Listen to the song while you read it and I wouldn't be surprised if you started crying.  Well at least if you're an S&S fan. It's I swear it all over again by westlife and so no one sues I don't own the song. I've been in a sappy mood all week.  It's got me a little hyper.

Well anyway.  Remember to review.  I'll keep the chapters coming but you have to be patient with me.

Ja ne minna.

Kang.

(M: Gees. That's way too much like a Disney movie. Lol.)(That's not funny.)