THE CANVAS

Chapter 3: The Birthday Deed I find it rather amazing…

how we've come to know each other and eventually became friends,

Life has its miracles… and finding you, Sakura, is a reason enough to believe in one

- Li Syaoran                                

The warmth of the spring wind slowly moves stealthily through Syaoran's whole body, and making his hair even messier. Yet, somehow, the soft movements of the breeze… the exquisite setting of the sun… and the cheerful voices of the children in the park didn't reach the young wolf's senses. All he can think about is the situation at hand. Every step he takes make his heart cringe, knowing that there's someone, a special one that he have just hurt.

Don't I have the right to have one of my own? Can there be someone… someone who's willing enough to give up something, just for me?

Her eyes… I just can't ignore that. He thoughtfully whispered to himself, he would be a hypocrite if he said that he's not hurt in gazing at those emerald pools.

Don't leave me, please?

That look that Sakura wore yesterday is the same pleading and demanding look she had given him when her family died. He knows that she's afraid… afraid that someone is leaving her again. He also knows that she had given everything she have got since the beginning…

Maybe it's really time for us to stop this feat. She has sacrificed her happiness many times…and its now my turn to give her the happiness that she deserved. Heaving a sigh as he stands in front of their shared apartment.

After the plane crash, he decided to be near more to Sakura. He somewhat felt that he needed to protect her more. She may be a tomboy back then, but she's still a girl at heart. So he observed everything about her. At first, he seems that there's nothing wrong about Sakura, he thought that she had easily accept the reality.

But boy, He was wrong.

The young lady became worse, even though he's the only one who noticed it. That's why; he did the only thing he could think of.

***Flashback***

"What's happening here?!" a fifteen-year-old Sakura asks demandingly at the strangers that's moving inside and outside of her house with some items at their hands. "Where are you taking those things?" pointing at her father's belongings.

"Sorry ma'am, it's just an order." A man in his twenties stopped as he saw the fuming lady.

"Who told you?" collaring the older man, making the man shudders because of shocked. Somehow, he didn't expect that this lithe girl—though she's almost the same height with him—could be so rough.

"I did!" Syaoran said from behind, "…I've decided that you should live with me so that you can have someone to watch over you and so that you will not have any problems with the bills. Don't worry, I'm not selling your house…" then he take a breather, "… so now, can you put that man down or you'll be choking him to death." He added while crossing his arms in the process. 'She's really something!' smiling inwardly as he looked at the angry boyish angel brings down the man who scampered as fast as he could outside the house.

"And what's your right to do something as stupid as this?" the furious lady ask him venomously, "Who are you to decide?" slowly walking towards him, "Don't you think that you're going overboard this time?"

'Oh, boy! This will be a long talk.' He sighed as he signals the hired men to leave them and closed the door. "I don't think so." He said after sensing that the men are gone as he also returned the death glare of Sakura. "Look, you're not okay! You hardly eat and I bet that you don't sleep enough—"

"—I'm okay! Okay?!" she shouted crossly.

"Don't lie!" he interject, "…even though I told you that you should move on and give them up as your deed… I know that deep down in your heart, you're still lonely and depressed." grabbing the thin, pale hand of his best friend, "…look what you've got yourself into!" he shouted at her, wishing that he could knock some sense to this girl, "And here, I thought that you listened to me when we talk about your deed. I almost buy your fraud cheerfulness!"

"What are you talking about? I'm really okay… look! I even started to draw my entry!" showing her canvas to the young wolf. "…see, I even followed your idea!" pointing at the sketched faces of her family members.

Syaoran shakes his head in disapproval, "No you're not… Za—no, Sakura, don't put your mask on when you're with me, if our classmates buys your actions, then I'm not like them… I've known you for years! I'm your best friend!"

"Some best friend you are! There's nothing to talk about! I don't have any problem, ok? Why do you keep on demanding that I have one?"

Syaoran can't take it anymore, they both knew very well that she was lying, so he violently grab Sakura and hugged her, almost squeezing her. They stand like that for who knows how long? Until he felt her shaking, 'She's still a girl after all…' smiling at the sudden breakdown of his angel. '…When will I know what's in your heart, my Ying fa.'

"Listen to me, Sakura…" he softly said, "I know it's really hard for you… but whatever happens, know that I'm always by your side, whenever you need me, know that I'm just right here…" stroking her shoulder length hair as Sakura freed away another batch of tears, "… through all this I ask you only one thing..." he paused, 'God, I can't believe I almost lost you!' "…Never let anyone or anything hurt you... 'Coz as long as I'm here, I do get hurt too."

***End of Flashback***

And after that day, I'm really happy that she agreed with me. I think that she's really that lonely. Syaoran thought, still looking at the closed door.

But now everything is different.

"I'm the one who hurt her. And I don't know what to do to ease that pain." He somberly said while picturing the offended face of his beloved. Oh God! I really missed her smile!

It's a bit odd for him looking at the closed door because he's used to the welcoming arms of the seraph.  And until now, he didn't really understand how come Sakura knew when he's in the front door.

I wonder where she is… he silently thought as he fumbles for the key in his bag. It's been a while since he uses again his own key, but maybe it'll also be his last.

Maybe…

***

"He's here!" the emerald-eyed beauty whispered on impulse, "…but I can't face him now, I've just said some selfish things…" still touching the canvas.

"Maybe it's really time for me to let you go…" earnestly looking at the amber eyes of the guy in the portrait, "…your family needs you… you've done your job to your girl, you can leave now."

Tears continuously stream out of her puffy eyes. After all this time, she couldn't believe that Syaoran would be leaving her. True, that the young man talked to her about that…and she understood. But back then; she thought that it'd be easy, for he's just similar to her cousin Tomoyo; he was just a friend…back then.

Everything changes after the death of her family. At that time, she thought that she's all alone… no one to lean on. So she did nothing but make herself miserable. But what she didn't expect is that, there's this young wolf that watches her every move, keeping eyes on her with its amber orbs. Knocking on her lifeless heart, giving her all the support she needed.

Making her fall…

Fall into deep concern gazes…

To those soothing words from his mouth…

Making it hard for her to let him go now…

"I don't regret falling…" she thoughtfully said, It's just that I can't explain the degree of hurt I have now in my heart… and he doesn't even know a thing… because for him… I'm just his best friend. Walking on her bed and slumping motionlessly to it.

"I'll just again repay you with my smile… is that alright?"

Closing her eyes, as she tried to erase that moment. She somewhat felt that the young chestnut-haired guy is not taking it seriously. It's as if its no big deal. "If it's for your happiness, then I'll do it! Even though you may only think of me as your best friend." Gazing at her door as she heard the slow and ambivalent footsteps from behind.

I don't know what to do if I see you, I don't know what to say if the day comes when you had to really go away, tears may fall and my heart would break, but knowing you… Slowly closing her eyes, …would never be a mistake. Drifting off to sleep with a heartbreak.

***

Emerald orbs slowly opens as she thought of the things that happened, hoping that it was all just a dream. Turning her gaze at her bedside, "I never thought I could sleep that much… and now, it's only ten minutes to go before my birthday…" ten minutes before I let you go… before my never-ending journey with you stops…  setting her foot on the cold, marbled floor.

Then as if on cue, she heard soft music playing in a comforting manner…whose playing like this in the middle of the night? Frowning her brows whilst she stands and walks towards her door without even bothering to get her slippers and just follow the melody.

Spend all your time waiting

for that second chance

for a break that would make it okay

When she stepped out of her room, she noticed the scattered cherry blossoms in the floor and the music became louder than before… it's heading to the lounge…

there's always one reason

to feel not good enough

and it's hard at the end of the day

Sakura's heartbeat became faster and tears welled up in her emerald eyes, touched at what she's seeing. 

I need some distraction

oh beautiful release

memory seeps from my veins

Then she gasped, as she saw the most beautiful place she has ever seen in her entire life… the moonlight from the window lets cherry blossoms that was scattered everywhere be more noticeable, making the floor like a flowerbed. And at the center is a table for two with candlelight, making it more romantic.

let me be empty

and weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

As she slowly walks towards the table, she found a teddy bear with a red, long-stem rose and a pink envelope that's resting on its tummy. Shyly opening the enveloped, she tried to decipher what was written. Look back…

in the arms of an angel

fly away from here

from this dark cold hotel room

and the endlessness that you fear

Turning around… there stood… at the moonlighted area… the guy who caused all these. "May I have the honor to dance the most beautiful lady?" as the young wolf in all white  attire stretches out its hand to her.  

you are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reverie

"Syaoran…"

"Shhh… just let me…" seizing Sakura's fragile hands towards his shoulder, "…trust me." He added while looking at the stunned Sakura and placing his arms at her slim waist.

you're in the arms of the angel

may you find some comfort there

Kami-sama, if this a dream… make it not end… I don't want to wake up. The emerald-eyed beauty thought, resting her head on the shoulder of her best friend as they both sway slowly…

so tired of the straight line

and everywhere you turn

there's vultures and thieves at your back

Syaoran fixed his eyes down at the seraph in his arms, I've been waiting all these years to hold you like this… and now you're here… I think I've made the right choice…

and the storm keeps on twisting

you keep on building the lie

that you make up for all that you lack

The young lady buried her face deeper to the guy who possesses her heart, "Please don't leave…" she silently plead not knowing if the recipient heard it. I don't really want to loose you… "I love you very much!"  Tightening her hug to the young man.

it don't make no difference

escaping one last time

it's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh

this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

"Sakura… listen to me…" he said, "…it just so happened that I was there the same moment you came and we met..."

at that moment, Sakura can't help but feel that her heart was crushed, so… he doesn't love me after all… she forlornly thought. It's all over now… I did blew up

in the arms of an angel

fly away from here

"…sometimes, I ask myself what if you came a second after I left? Or  what if I didn't even really bother to go in the first place?"

from this dark cold hotel room

and the endlessness that you fear

Heaving a loud sigh as he continue, "When I first came here, the only feeling I know is hatred and loneliness… I didn't even bother to change it, for I was afraid… yes, I was afraid. So I build a wall around me, yet when I met you, everything changes…"

you are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reverie

"…you changed me, Sakura. You're my angel…and I thank you for that…" God! I can't believe I was saying this…

you're in the arms of the angel

may you find some comfort there

"… and guess the answer in all those questions would be," he halt briefly, "… I missed not half of my life... but my whole life. Sakura, the reason why I met you is because of destiny. But if destiny will suggest that I'll live without you, then, I'll lie not by destiny but by free will.…Sakura…I love you." making the ethereal flower looked up in the amber orbs of the wolf as they shared their first sweet and passionate kiss.

you're in the arms of the angel

may you find some comfort here

***

It's been a while since the song has ended; yet the two best friends still don't release their arms to each other. To them, this is the most perfect night of their lives. And to Sakura, this is the happiest birthday she ever had.

I will never exchange this night for anything. She silently thought while smiling wholeheartedly as she heard the grandfather clock's tolling.

"Sakura?"

"Hai?"

"Happy Birthday." The young wolf said happily as he take a look at the expression of his adored princess. After he saw the slight nod and the twinkling emerald cuts, he continued. "And since, it's your birthday… I think I should tell you your deed for the year…"

At that turn of phrase, the young lady become wide-eyed and tears found its way in her eyes. No… not now, don't leave me!  Slamming her eyes shut in the process as she felt her lover's arms leave her waist. And here I thought, he changed his mind.

"Sakura… look at me." A soothing voice spread through the young woman's senses, still keeping her eyes closed. "…Please, open you eyes."

"I don't want to…" she said coldly, lump forming at her throat. "For when I open it, you'll not stay, you'll be gone… you'll said that I should let you go for that's my deed for the year."

"…You can't run away from your life…from reality."

I can't take this anymore! Why do I always end up lonely? She screamed at herself while she open her eyes,  "Of course I ca—Wha!" shocked for she didn't find the source of the voice and the darkness of the room makes it more difficult for her to see.

"Sakura…" trembling voice was heard as Sakura looked down,  "… for the last time… for your last deed… I just wanted to ask you… could you give me your heart? For I need it most than you need it." 

There she saw, kneeling at the floor, a smiling Syaoran with a diamond ring in his hand, "…You said a smile from the person you helped is enough payment for your sacrifices, right?" the holder of the most captivating amber eyes said in such passion, "…Then I'll assure you that the receiver of that heart of yours will never fade its smile for he will not be lonely again, if you just say yes."

"Syao—I…"

"We both knew that I told you once that I'm going to marry you… Sakura, it's not for sympathy, I really love you. So, will you, Kinomoto Sakura, let me, Li Xiao Lang, be the happiest man alive and marry me? Will you?" he looked pleadingly like a little boy, "…I'm not rushing you into things but, for your last deed, can you really give me your heart?"

The young beauty struggle for breath as she takes in what this handsome guy was telling her, Am I really ready to give it up? No, she must tell him the truth, "I'm sorry, Syaoran-kun…" staring blankly at the beseeching wolf, "…but I already gave mine."

"I understand…" was I that too late? I thought she said she loves me? Was it just a friendly love? And what about the kiss? Is it also a friendly one? He questioned silently "… w-was it Taro-san?"  Giving his respect to the guy who has stolen his Ying Fa's heart.

"N-No…" shaking her head as the copper locks sway gently with the April wind.

"Then who?"

"I don't think you know him…"

"A guy can try." Swallowing his pride, "Sakura, it's okay now if you don't love me or even think of me, even though I ask you earlier to give me your heart… it's really okay now." Closing his eyes as a true smile find its way on his lips, "… because I've realized that, what I told you is, I Love You… not, Love me too…" shaking his head slowly, fingering the cold ring at his hand, "…so just tell me who he is, because I just want to know if he can really take good care of your heart."

"Okay, I'll tell you…" Sakura can't bear it anymore, she feels like her heart will burst if she'll not put it into words, "Do you have any idea who gave me this?" showing the green band at her pinky finger, "…because if you do… you know now that he's really taking care of my heart…" 

Amber meets Emerald.

"I already gave you mine, long before you ask." Causing Syaoran to stand up, place the jewel at Sakura's ring finger and embraces her affectionately.

"God! You almost gave me a heart attack!"  tightening his clasp to the lithe cheerleader, "… where did you learn that thing?"

Sakura smiled, "From my best friend, who else?! He's always teasing me so I just give him a taste of his own medicine."  

"That's why I love you, Sakura."

"And I love you too, Syaoran! But…"

"But what?"  He stopped hugging her, looking apprehensively in those emerald pools.

"Mou! You're so mean, proposing like this when I'm only wearing my pajamas!" crossing her arms at the same time. "Can you be more creative for once? You should've take me to a fine restaurant or to the Tokyo Tower!"  Tapping her index finger at her chin, "And now that I've think about it, I wonder where will Keichiro-kun bring me tonight, for I bet that he's more capable of being romantic than you."

Whew! I thought it was serious! Syaoran chuckled inwardly, "Well, Ms-I'm-innocent, do you think that I should be the one telling you that? Torturing me to death with your revelation? But anyways, I just find it cute when you're in pajamas! And who said that you're going with that walking ego? Besides, when I made my promise to you back then, you're also in your pajamas, so why not do it again? Ne?"

"That's different! I was sick at that ti—" finding her mouth in Syaoran's. Feeling the strong arms of her lover at her waist, she snaked her arms around his neck, playfully caressing its chestnut tresses. Wanting to deepen the kiss, she slightly parted her lips for more access, which the young man complied. And after sometime, they reluctantly pulled away from each other, gasping for some breaths to sooth their burning lungs.

"And I'm the only one who has the right to kiss that soft lips of yours." Syaoran said thumbing the swollen lips of his fiancé.

"So what do we do now?"  Sakura questioned after regaining hers.

"Let's eat! I think the food that I've cooked became slightly cold." Syaoran answered, pulling the auburn-haired lady at the table.

As Sakura gazed at the loving ambers of her lover, she can't help but beam, we walk through life, expecting things to be hard, confusing, often tiring, sometimes harsh…that's what we expect in life...

"Hey, Sakura! Why aren't you starting eating your midnight dinner?" Syaoran said as he took another batch of wine from the bucket. "Is my cooking not good?"

"Umm.. no!" grinning, "…not really, somehow I can tolerate the taste!"

"Why you!" he said, standing up and go behind Sakura as he start tickling her.

"S-Stop! Ha-ha! Stop it!" the laughing lady said between her laughs. "Okay, you win!"…Like a canvas, where our lives can be color or dark ones…

"Yay! I won!" the amber-eyed man yells while waving his hand! "I really won for the first time with you! I can't believe it!" laughing maniacally.

"And here, I thought you're more mature than me!"

"I love you!"

Sakura smiled.  But one thing that I didn't expect is you, Syaoran, walking… and painting with me 'till the end… "I love you too!"

~~~~~~~

Kaminari: Yay! Finished! My first finished fanfic! So what do you think? I would like to thank all those who read my story. Hope I get many feedbacks from you soon! No flames please!