Hey peoples!
Sorry but this is the same story. I just decided to split it up into two chapters because it was too long for one page—nearly ten thousand words!
Anyways, I've already written out an epilogue and if you guys want it, I'll update it.
Okay, I'm not going to name any names but one of my 'reviewers' has copied a large portion of my plot! I'm really, really pissed off at them! You know who you are and I know who you are so you better watch it!
Please read; it says COPYWRITE!
© 2 March 2004
Email: silver_pixiedust@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS. Clamp does.
~Mungbeans~
~***~
Previously: Sakura has just gone over to Syaoran's house to find that he's ditched her again for his 'friends'. Disheartened, she turns around and leaves, tears clinging onto her lashes. . .
~***~
(Three years later ~ age 18)
"But I thought we were going to see a movie tonight?" Sakura looked at her best friend in confusion.
"I'm sorry Sakura but I completely forgot." Syaoran reached out for his crisp white shirt.
"But we had this planned for ages." Sakura grumbled, sliding off the bed she walked over to his walk-in closet to retrieve the newly ironed shirt.
"Sakura, you know Asuka, I already promised her that I'd take her to that new Italian restaurant. I can't just ditch her at the last minute." Like you ditched me? Sakura thought cattily. "You know how it is." Sakura rolled her eyes as she flopped back onto Syaoran's king size bed. Asuka Ritsuko was the biggest bitch at school. She was beautiful and popular; everything every girl wished to be that is with the exception of herself.
"How about we go another day?" Syaoran turned towards her giving her his special smile. Damn him, he knew that he could get her to do whatever he wanted when he smiled at her that way.
But this time Sakura refused to be swayed. Like she would let anyone push her aside for Asuka, even Syaoran didn't have that pleasure.
"How bout we not." Sakura muttered angrily spinning around to face her astonished friend. "This is the third time you've blown me off. It's always either your new 'friends' or your new fuck bunnies. Who the hell do you think you are Syaoran?" Sakura crossed her arms across her chest and glowered at the bristling male before her.
"Wait one fucken minute here. What the hell's gotten into you." Syaoran growled.
"You wanna know what's gotten into me, well how's bout this. You've changed. Where the hell has my best friend gone? You're nothing but a selfish bastard." She spat.
"What stick do you have up your ass now? That's bull shit! Is it because I'm not giving you enough attention or something?" Syaoran rolled his eyes, exasperated.
"The one that said we used to be friends, that's what stick. And no, you've given me plenty of attention too bad I don't want it. Save it for your admirers. Fuck you Li, you're not worth my time." Shooting him a withering look, she spun on her heel and walked out.
It was only when she stepped out into the darkened street before she let the tears fall.
***
Syaoran let out a deep growl of frustration before flipping out his cell.
"Asuka? Yeah, it's Li here. Look I can't make it tonight. I've got something more important." Ignoring the blondes gasp of indignation, he threw the phone onto the bed and rushed out the door.
He had to find Sakura and apologize to her. She was right he had become a selfish bastard lately. His looks and money had gone to his head, for a moment they had been all that had mattered to him.
How could he have been so fucken stupid the only thing that was of real importance was the one person who had just left his life, he just hoped that it wouldn't be for good.
~***~
Li looked out through the heavy curtains to the large crowd. All of the senior students had come to the leaving ball. It was a major event and he knew he was lucky to be able to play at it but all of that didn't matter to him, not now.
Only Sakura mattered.
He didn't want to leave his friends without a guitarist and lead singer, but if he knew that if he didn't leave now he risked the chance of losing Sakura forever.
He couldn't let that happen, not now.
Not when he had finally realized that he was in love with her.
~***~
Sakura angrily dashed away the streams of tears as she blindly ran.
The moon hovered in the dark inky sky giving everything an eerie glow. The streets were deserted, she was alone. Like that was new.
She wasn't aware of how long she had run for or in which direction, it had just seemed important that she run.
She gave a hollow laugh, as if she could outrun what the scene she had started in Syaoran's bedroom.
When it seemed that her lungs would burst from exhaustion, Sakura finally stopped and looked around trying to get her bearings.
Everything looked unfamiliar, where was she?
"Well, well, well, what have we got here?" Sakura stifled a scream as a large silhouette appeared before her.
Seeing his prey get ready to flea, he sidestepped her lousy attempt at escape and grinned. "Oh no you don't. You're not going anywhere. We're going to have a little bit of fun first." Sakura trembled violently when the man clamped his large fist around her upper arm. She knew that one little squeeze would do for him to snap it in half.
"Let me go," She demanded, trying to sound brave but her voice came out as a mere whisper.
"I don't think so," the stench emitting from the man was unbearable. Sakura wanted to gag.
"Please," she begged unable to stop the tears from trailing down her pale cheeks. Some part of her knew what the perverted man wanted but she refused to listen to it. No! She wouldn't listen to it.
'I don't think so," Sakura froze in pure terror as the large man advanced towards her. Gabbing her arms he pinned her up against the fence and ripped open her blouse.
Sakura felt a red mist cloud her mind as the man started groping her, but she refused to give in.
She had to fight him off. She had to.
***
Syaoran felt his blood freeze in his veins as a bloodcurdling scream pierced the frigid night air.
"Sakura!"
~***~
Syaoran shuddered at the memory of that night.
~***~
"You fucken bastard, what the hell did you think you're doing!?" Syaoran blazed as he sank his fist into the older man's stomach. "I'm gonna kill you for touching her!"
Sakura watched on, trembling, as Syaoran continued to thrash the guy. She wanted to tell Syaoran to stop. She wanted to tell him to think about what would happen if the guy started to retaliate. But no matter how many times she begged, her body refused to move.
And then as soon as it had begun, it was over.
She watched numbly as Syaoran wiped a hand over his mouth; it came away covered in blood.
"Come on Sakura, I've got to get you to a hospital."
"No!" Sakura screamed wildly. Seeing the moaning lump on the alleyway floor, she shuddered and gagged.
Syaoran watched as Sakura backed into a puddle of moonlight. He tried not to gasp at the damage the son of a bitch had inflicted on her.
Her clothes were hanging off her in tattered shreds. Her lip and left cheek were swollen and bleeding. Dark bruises ran up her arms and spread all over her neck and chest.
Syaoran tried to remain calm but his icy control could only stretch so far. He could already feel his rage boil, it threatened to over spill any minute.
He sent a withering glance at the unconscious heap. If Sakura weren't here he would have finished the bastard off, but he had already decided that she had seen enough violence to last her a life time.
"Sakura, listen to me, you have to go see a doctor. He might have hurt you." Syaoran explained anxiously. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped her mouth and hugged her to him hoping to calm her fears.
He stumbled as she roughly pushed him from her. "Don't touch me!" She cried. He tried to not let the pain those words had caused him to show. But her cowering away from him was almost too much. "Please, don't," she begged.
Syaoran felt his heart shatter. He wanted to make her see that he wasn't like that bastard; he would never hurt her like that. But Sakura's health came first.
"Alright then, but let me get you to the hospital."
"No, I just want to go home." She whispered, pleadingly. He wanted to argue with her but seeing how worn out she was he relented. Calling a cab he escorted her home.
He didn't realize that by leaving her alone as she had requested he had already lost half of her.
~***~
"Sakura!" Tomoyo screamed, shaking her trembling friend.
Sakura bolted upright as she was pitched back to reality. She looked around wildly, trying to get her bearings. She looked like a startled deer caught in headlights.
Tomoyo watched as relief washed over her as she recognized the familiar surroundings, she was back in her room.
Her relief was short lived though, as all her painful emotions rushed back in full force.
"Sakura?" She knew that Tomoyo had nudged her gently, trying to get her attention. But she was unable to respond, every bit of her seemed to be numb.
Tomoyo would never forget the expression in Sakura's eyes as she turned towards her. The sight of the naked pain, terror and grief she had momentarily glimpsed in her friend's eyes would stay with her till the day she died. In the space of several seconds she had seen Sakura's life force drain out of her while her soul shattered.
Not wanting to frighten her best friend with her uncontrollable trembling, Tomoyo gathered Sakura to her wanting to shield her from everything she had just witnessed.
As hard as Sakura tried, she couldn't keep the damn of emotions from breaking. All it took was a single tear. Suddenly all the pain and heartache she had suffered washed over her like a tidal wave, flowing to every corner of her being.
Tomoyo rocked her friend gently as a mother would rock her distraught child. But try as she could, she couldn't stop the shattered sobs from falling from Sakura's broken soul.
"Oh, Sakura," Tomoyo cried helplessly. "I can't bare to see you like this."
~***~
*** Soon baby
I will cry my last tear
Soon yeah
I will be over you
Soon darlin
All these tears won't be here
Soon yeah
You know that I will be over you soon ***
"Li where're you going?!" Yamazaki yelled as Syaoran slammed down his guitar and started a frantic search for his keys.
"Dammit, where're my keys!" he growled in frustration. "I've got to find Sakura."
"Like hell you do. You can wait till after we're finished. They're hundreds of people out there expecting us to play!" Yamazaki snapped furiously.
"Look, I don't give a shit! I've got to get to her!"
*** One night baby
You won't be in my dreams
One night yeah
I'll finally make it through
One night darlin'
I won't call out your name
I won't be in this pain
I will be over you soon ***
"Hey hold up there Li," Eli stepped in front of his distraught friend, expertly blocking his exit. "We're due on in 10. You can't go anywhere yet."
"Look mate, you've gotta cover for me." Syaoran tried to side step him, but Eli was quick.
"I can't cover for you. You're the guitarist and lead singer."
"Fine then, get someone else to cover for me. I gotta get out of here. I'll explain later." He spotted his keys; they were hanging off his guitar stand.
"Does this have to do with Sakura?" Eli asked quietly.
"Don't make me force you outta my way, Eli." He ran a trembling hand through his unruly hair and tried to uncurl the fist at his side before he gave his friend a bruiser. "I can't let her leave, you know what I mean. Would you let her leave if she were Tomoyo?" He did something he Syaoran Li had never done before; he begged. "Please, Eli."
"You love her." Eli stated quietly.
*** Soon as the mountains turn to rivers
Soon as the sea turns into sand
Soon as the sun comes up at midnight
That's how soon that
All the hurt will end
But 'til then I'll just pretend
It will be over
Over
I keep tellin' myself
I'll forget you someday soon
Sooooon ***
"Yeah, after all this time, I've finally figured it out." Syaoran sighed. "How could I have been so stupid all these years. God, she was right in front of me and blind dick as I was I never really noticed her till now. "I don't know what I'll do without her man, she's everything to me." He tried to force the resisting lump down his throat but it refused to budge.
"Li, listen to me. Just hold up for a minute. I knew you'd finally come to your senses sooner or later -though I was betting on later- anyways, I arranged for Tomoyo to bring Sakura over here in about-" he glanced down at the thick watch strapped to his wrist. "-ten minutes, right about the same time we go on. "If you're really intent on getting through to her then listen, and you better be listening good. . ."
*** Soon as the mountains turn to rivers
Soon as the sea turns into sand
Soon as the sun comes up at midnight
That's how soon that
All the hurt will end
But 'til then I'll just pretend
It will be over (Over)
Over
I keep tellin myself (I keep telling myself)
I'll forget you
Someday soon baby (Soon)
I will cry my last tear (I'll cry my last tear) soon soon
Ya know that I will be over you (I'll be over you)
Soon darlin (Over you)
I won't call out your name (I won't call out your name)
I won't be in this pain
I will be over you soon (I will be over)
~***~
"Damn him, Tomoyo. Damn Syaoran! I love him. I've tried so hard not to, God I've tried so hard, but I do. I can't stop loving him. And I know I never will." Sakura clung to her friend and sobbed the words she knew were engraved on her broken heart.
*** I'll be over you soon baby (I will be over)
I'll be over ya soon
Sooooon
Ooh I'll be over you soon ***
~***~
"The taxi's waiting and my plane leaves in thirty minutes, Tomoyo." Sakura reminded her friend impatiently.
"We'll be real quick Sakura, I promise. Eli would never forgive you if you didn't say goodbye."
Sakura sighed knowing she couldn't argue. She'd be the same if she were in his shoes. They had all grown up together. Her, Tomoyo, Eli and . . . Syaoran. His name made the lump in her throat expand. Was there ever going to be a time when she could look back on him and not feel like she was going to crumble at any given moment?
She followed Tomoyo as she grabbed her limp hand and forced her way through the crowd.
The whole auditorium had undergone a total transformation. Balloons, streamers and glitter littered the floor and walls. There were decorations everywhere. It looked like a scene from a movie. Everyone was dressed in their finest and here she was in her rumpled jeans and old sweatshirt. She would have laughed if it weren't so depressing.
She jumped as the crowd started screaming and roaring and suddenly she found herself in front of the stage.
A gasp fell from her lips as the heavy curtains parted.
"One two three, one to three four. . ." Tomoyo caught Eli's eye and smiled as he grinned and gave a small nod. Glancing to her left she saw that Sakura's whole attention was focused on the stage, or rather at the lead singer.
Crossing her fingers she prayed that this would work. "Don't let her down, Li," she whispered softly.
~***~
Strumming his guitar, he joined his band members as the song begun. So far everything was going as planned. Sakura was here. He had to do this. It was either now or never. Licking his suddenly dry lips, he leaned towards the microphone and hoped that she would realize what he was doing.
*** Love, I see forever in your eyes
I can see heaven in your smile
And when I hold you close
I don't want to let go
Because deep in my soul I know, girl
That you are the only light I see
Your love means everything to me
I know that we will never part
'Cause you'll always be here, here in my heart ***
Syaoran felt the words flow from his soul through to the microphone. He held his eyes on Sakura, never for a moment breaking eye contact.
She had to know that this was all for her.
*** If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
The words curled around Sakura's heart, touching a place deep within her; a place she had given up hope on.
*** Girl, you're like an angel from above
Sent here to shower me with your love
Hold me beneath your wings
Tell me all of those things
All the hopes and the dreams we can share
'Cause I'll be your shelter from the storm
I'll be the fire that keeps you warm
I'll be your light in the dark
'Cause you'll always be here in my heart
Oh girl
If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
Tears shimmered from her eyes as she watched her bestfriend. "I hope he's worth it, Sakura," Tomoyo whispered before turning her eyes onto the love of her life. She felt her heart with pride as she watched Eli. He had done this for Sakura; for her.
*** If anything could last forever
It's what I feel for you
(That's what I feel for you)
Oh, baby, you've touched my heart in ways
That words could never say
That's why I'll always love you ***
Keeping his eyes trained of Sakura, Syaoran put down his guitar and gently dislodged his mike. Smiling tentatively he made his way down the stage steps and came face to face with the person he loved more then life.
Sakura.
*** If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
~***~
"Don't cry, Sakura," Syaoran begged. Lifting a hand to her face, he nestled her cheek within his hand, brushing away the tears with the pad of his thumb. "God, it breaks my heart to see you upset." He whispered softly as he gathered her trembling form against the warmth of his chest. His heart cracked when he heard her sob louder. "What have I done to you, Sakura? Please don't cry sweetheart. I'm so sorry." He let go of her and stepped back. Tipping her chin up, he brushed the strands of wayward hair behind her ear and smile down at her softly. "I love you."
Everything disappeared as he slowly lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss that touched him to his very soul.
Sakura captured Syaoran's hands within her own and responded with her whole soul.
The couple finally broke apart as the crowd went wild with cheering. But they didn't notice; they were lost in a world of their own. Looking into Syaoran's eyes Sakura found what she had been looking for for all her life; the other half of her heart and soul.
Bit by bit she felt her soul reconstruct itself into something stronger, something more. "Oh Syaoran," she whispered with a laugh, "I love you too." Then everything disappeared as she drowned once more in his arms, in his lips. . .
~***~
Hidden in the shadows, a couple watched on nestled within each others arms.
"Oh Eli, you did it." Tomoyo laughed, tears were snaking themselves down her flushed cheeks.
Eli lifted a hand to brush away the tears, though he knew that the tears were not of sorrow but of happiness. "No my love, we did it." And then, they too were lost to the world around them as they surrendered to the love they held for each other.
~***~
"That night Li asked me to marry him and we were wed two years later." Sakura looked up into her lovers eyes, surprised to find the glitter of tears in them.
"That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard," sobbed the green-eyed redhead.
"You went through so much. All that pain, how could you bear it, grandma?" asked the amber-eyed brunette as she swiped at the tears trailing down her cheeks.
Sakura surveyed the people she loved most, surprised to find them all in tears.
Dabbing at the tears escaping from her own eyes she turned around and took her lovers hand. Her heart lifted as he gave her hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. "I bore it because I loved your grandpa so much," she smiled up at the handsome face looking lovingly down at her, "and I still do." She turned back to her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of them all, of all they had accomplished and would still accomplish as they bloomed and flourished through life. They had all done her and Syaoran proud. Her heart expanded as she took in all their tear-stained faces. "And I never will stop loving him."
~***~
Later that night Sakura was sitting up in bed reading a book when her husband entered. Crossing the room he lifted up the blankets and slid into bed next to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he gathered his lovely wife to him and kissed her brow.
He didn't think that it was possible but his wife had grown more beautiful with each passing year. It wasn't just her outer beauty but something that blossomed from deep within her, something he had almost let die those some sixty years ago.
His heart always tightened whenever he thought back to that time over sixty years ago. He had come so close to losing everything he held dear. The realization brought a shudder down his back.
"Are you cold, sweetheart?" Sakura asked, a worried frown marred her brow.
"How can I be cold when I'm in bed with you?" Syaoran growled huskily, shooting a meaningful glance at his wife, he waggled his brows in suggestion.
"You are a dirty old man, Syaoran. I'm still wondering why I married you," Sakura clucked her tongue in mock annoyance.
"The answer's easy. You love me." Syaoran explained arrogantly.
"Actually I'm not so sure. . ." Sakura replied slowly, knowing her words would egg him on.
Syaoran gasped in mock surprise. Planting a hand to his heart he pretended to stagger, "How could you do this to me, and on our sixtieth anniversary?" The next thing she knew Sakura was pinned beneath the dirty old man, but he was her dirty old man.
"I love you Mr. Li" Sakura sighed as Syaoran leaned down to kiss her.
"And I love you. Mrs. Li."
~***~
A.N
Please review! If anyone wants the epilogue, just ask.
Sorry but this is the same story. I just decided to split it up into two chapters because it was too long for one page—nearly ten thousand words!
Anyways, I've already written out an epilogue and if you guys want it, I'll update it.
Okay, I'm not going to name any names but one of my 'reviewers' has copied a large portion of my plot! I'm really, really pissed off at them! You know who you are and I know who you are so you better watch it!
Please read; it says COPYWRITE!
© 2 March 2004
Email: silver_pixiedust@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS. Clamp does.
~Mungbeans~
~***~
Previously: Sakura has just gone over to Syaoran's house to find that he's ditched her again for his 'friends'. Disheartened, she turns around and leaves, tears clinging onto her lashes. . .
~***~
(Three years later ~ age 18)
"But I thought we were going to see a movie tonight?" Sakura looked at her best friend in confusion.
"I'm sorry Sakura but I completely forgot." Syaoran reached out for his crisp white shirt.
"But we had this planned for ages." Sakura grumbled, sliding off the bed she walked over to his walk-in closet to retrieve the newly ironed shirt.
"Sakura, you know Asuka, I already promised her that I'd take her to that new Italian restaurant. I can't just ditch her at the last minute." Like you ditched me? Sakura thought cattily. "You know how it is." Sakura rolled her eyes as she flopped back onto Syaoran's king size bed. Asuka Ritsuko was the biggest bitch at school. She was beautiful and popular; everything every girl wished to be that is with the exception of herself.
"How about we go another day?" Syaoran turned towards her giving her his special smile. Damn him, he knew that he could get her to do whatever he wanted when he smiled at her that way.
But this time Sakura refused to be swayed. Like she would let anyone push her aside for Asuka, even Syaoran didn't have that pleasure.
"How bout we not." Sakura muttered angrily spinning around to face her astonished friend. "This is the third time you've blown me off. It's always either your new 'friends' or your new fuck bunnies. Who the hell do you think you are Syaoran?" Sakura crossed her arms across her chest and glowered at the bristling male before her.
"Wait one fucken minute here. What the hell's gotten into you." Syaoran growled.
"You wanna know what's gotten into me, well how's bout this. You've changed. Where the hell has my best friend gone? You're nothing but a selfish bastard." She spat.
"What stick do you have up your ass now? That's bull shit! Is it because I'm not giving you enough attention or something?" Syaoran rolled his eyes, exasperated.
"The one that said we used to be friends, that's what stick. And no, you've given me plenty of attention too bad I don't want it. Save it for your admirers. Fuck you Li, you're not worth my time." Shooting him a withering look, she spun on her heel and walked out.
It was only when she stepped out into the darkened street before she let the tears fall.
***
Syaoran let out a deep growl of frustration before flipping out his cell.
"Asuka? Yeah, it's Li here. Look I can't make it tonight. I've got something more important." Ignoring the blondes gasp of indignation, he threw the phone onto the bed and rushed out the door.
He had to find Sakura and apologize to her. She was right he had become a selfish bastard lately. His looks and money had gone to his head, for a moment they had been all that had mattered to him.
How could he have been so fucken stupid the only thing that was of real importance was the one person who had just left his life, he just hoped that it wouldn't be for good.
~***~
Li looked out through the heavy curtains to the large crowd. All of the senior students had come to the leaving ball. It was a major event and he knew he was lucky to be able to play at it but all of that didn't matter to him, not now.
Only Sakura mattered.
He didn't want to leave his friends without a guitarist and lead singer, but if he knew that if he didn't leave now he risked the chance of losing Sakura forever.
He couldn't let that happen, not now.
Not when he had finally realized that he was in love with her.
~***~
Sakura angrily dashed away the streams of tears as she blindly ran.
The moon hovered in the dark inky sky giving everything an eerie glow. The streets were deserted, she was alone. Like that was new.
She wasn't aware of how long she had run for or in which direction, it had just seemed important that she run.
She gave a hollow laugh, as if she could outrun what the scene she had started in Syaoran's bedroom.
When it seemed that her lungs would burst from exhaustion, Sakura finally stopped and looked around trying to get her bearings.
Everything looked unfamiliar, where was she?
"Well, well, well, what have we got here?" Sakura stifled a scream as a large silhouette appeared before her.
Seeing his prey get ready to flea, he sidestepped her lousy attempt at escape and grinned. "Oh no you don't. You're not going anywhere. We're going to have a little bit of fun first." Sakura trembled violently when the man clamped his large fist around her upper arm. She knew that one little squeeze would do for him to snap it in half.
"Let me go," She demanded, trying to sound brave but her voice came out as a mere whisper.
"I don't think so," the stench emitting from the man was unbearable. Sakura wanted to gag.
"Please," she begged unable to stop the tears from trailing down her pale cheeks. Some part of her knew what the perverted man wanted but she refused to listen to it. No! She wouldn't listen to it.
'I don't think so," Sakura froze in pure terror as the large man advanced towards her. Gabbing her arms he pinned her up against the fence and ripped open her blouse.
Sakura felt a red mist cloud her mind as the man started groping her, but she refused to give in.
She had to fight him off. She had to.
***
Syaoran felt his blood freeze in his veins as a bloodcurdling scream pierced the frigid night air.
"Sakura!"
~***~
Syaoran shuddered at the memory of that night.
~***~
"You fucken bastard, what the hell did you think you're doing!?" Syaoran blazed as he sank his fist into the older man's stomach. "I'm gonna kill you for touching her!"
Sakura watched on, trembling, as Syaoran continued to thrash the guy. She wanted to tell Syaoran to stop. She wanted to tell him to think about what would happen if the guy started to retaliate. But no matter how many times she begged, her body refused to move.
And then as soon as it had begun, it was over.
She watched numbly as Syaoran wiped a hand over his mouth; it came away covered in blood.
"Come on Sakura, I've got to get you to a hospital."
"No!" Sakura screamed wildly. Seeing the moaning lump on the alleyway floor, she shuddered and gagged.
Syaoran watched as Sakura backed into a puddle of moonlight. He tried not to gasp at the damage the son of a bitch had inflicted on her.
Her clothes were hanging off her in tattered shreds. Her lip and left cheek were swollen and bleeding. Dark bruises ran up her arms and spread all over her neck and chest.
Syaoran tried to remain calm but his icy control could only stretch so far. He could already feel his rage boil, it threatened to over spill any minute.
He sent a withering glance at the unconscious heap. If Sakura weren't here he would have finished the bastard off, but he had already decided that she had seen enough violence to last her a life time.
"Sakura, listen to me, you have to go see a doctor. He might have hurt you." Syaoran explained anxiously. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped her mouth and hugged her to him hoping to calm her fears.
He stumbled as she roughly pushed him from her. "Don't touch me!" She cried. He tried to not let the pain those words had caused him to show. But her cowering away from him was almost too much. "Please, don't," she begged.
Syaoran felt his heart shatter. He wanted to make her see that he wasn't like that bastard; he would never hurt her like that. But Sakura's health came first.
"Alright then, but let me get you to the hospital."
"No, I just want to go home." She whispered, pleadingly. He wanted to argue with her but seeing how worn out she was he relented. Calling a cab he escorted her home.
He didn't realize that by leaving her alone as she had requested he had already lost half of her.
~***~
"Sakura!" Tomoyo screamed, shaking her trembling friend.
Sakura bolted upright as she was pitched back to reality. She looked around wildly, trying to get her bearings. She looked like a startled deer caught in headlights.
Tomoyo watched as relief washed over her as she recognized the familiar surroundings, she was back in her room.
Her relief was short lived though, as all her painful emotions rushed back in full force.
"Sakura?" She knew that Tomoyo had nudged her gently, trying to get her attention. But she was unable to respond, every bit of her seemed to be numb.
Tomoyo would never forget the expression in Sakura's eyes as she turned towards her. The sight of the naked pain, terror and grief she had momentarily glimpsed in her friend's eyes would stay with her till the day she died. In the space of several seconds she had seen Sakura's life force drain out of her while her soul shattered.
Not wanting to frighten her best friend with her uncontrollable trembling, Tomoyo gathered Sakura to her wanting to shield her from everything she had just witnessed.
As hard as Sakura tried, she couldn't keep the damn of emotions from breaking. All it took was a single tear. Suddenly all the pain and heartache she had suffered washed over her like a tidal wave, flowing to every corner of her being.
Tomoyo rocked her friend gently as a mother would rock her distraught child. But try as she could, she couldn't stop the shattered sobs from falling from Sakura's broken soul.
"Oh, Sakura," Tomoyo cried helplessly. "I can't bare to see you like this."
~***~
*** Soon baby
I will cry my last tear
Soon yeah
I will be over you
Soon darlin
All these tears won't be here
Soon yeah
You know that I will be over you soon ***
"Li where're you going?!" Yamazaki yelled as Syaoran slammed down his guitar and started a frantic search for his keys.
"Dammit, where're my keys!" he growled in frustration. "I've got to find Sakura."
"Like hell you do. You can wait till after we're finished. They're hundreds of people out there expecting us to play!" Yamazaki snapped furiously.
"Look, I don't give a shit! I've got to get to her!"
*** One night baby
You won't be in my dreams
One night yeah
I'll finally make it through
One night darlin'
I won't call out your name
I won't be in this pain
I will be over you soon ***
"Hey hold up there Li," Eli stepped in front of his distraught friend, expertly blocking his exit. "We're due on in 10. You can't go anywhere yet."
"Look mate, you've gotta cover for me." Syaoran tried to side step him, but Eli was quick.
"I can't cover for you. You're the guitarist and lead singer."
"Fine then, get someone else to cover for me. I gotta get out of here. I'll explain later." He spotted his keys; they were hanging off his guitar stand.
"Does this have to do with Sakura?" Eli asked quietly.
"Don't make me force you outta my way, Eli." He ran a trembling hand through his unruly hair and tried to uncurl the fist at his side before he gave his friend a bruiser. "I can't let her leave, you know what I mean. Would you let her leave if she were Tomoyo?" He did something he Syaoran Li had never done before; he begged. "Please, Eli."
"You love her." Eli stated quietly.
*** Soon as the mountains turn to rivers
Soon as the sea turns into sand
Soon as the sun comes up at midnight
That's how soon that
All the hurt will end
But 'til then I'll just pretend
It will be over
Over
I keep tellin' myself
I'll forget you someday soon
Sooooon ***
"Yeah, after all this time, I've finally figured it out." Syaoran sighed. "How could I have been so stupid all these years. God, she was right in front of me and blind dick as I was I never really noticed her till now. "I don't know what I'll do without her man, she's everything to me." He tried to force the resisting lump down his throat but it refused to budge.
"Li, listen to me. Just hold up for a minute. I knew you'd finally come to your senses sooner or later -though I was betting on later- anyways, I arranged for Tomoyo to bring Sakura over here in about-" he glanced down at the thick watch strapped to his wrist. "-ten minutes, right about the same time we go on. "If you're really intent on getting through to her then listen, and you better be listening good. . ."
*** Soon as the mountains turn to rivers
Soon as the sea turns into sand
Soon as the sun comes up at midnight
That's how soon that
All the hurt will end
But 'til then I'll just pretend
It will be over (Over)
Over
I keep tellin myself (I keep telling myself)
I'll forget you
Someday soon baby (Soon)
I will cry my last tear (I'll cry my last tear) soon soon
Ya know that I will be over you (I'll be over you)
Soon darlin (Over you)
I won't call out your name (I won't call out your name)
I won't be in this pain
I will be over you soon (I will be over)
~***~
"Damn him, Tomoyo. Damn Syaoran! I love him. I've tried so hard not to, God I've tried so hard, but I do. I can't stop loving him. And I know I never will." Sakura clung to her friend and sobbed the words she knew were engraved on her broken heart.
*** I'll be over you soon baby (I will be over)
I'll be over ya soon
Sooooon
Ooh I'll be over you soon ***
~***~
"The taxi's waiting and my plane leaves in thirty minutes, Tomoyo." Sakura reminded her friend impatiently.
"We'll be real quick Sakura, I promise. Eli would never forgive you if you didn't say goodbye."
Sakura sighed knowing she couldn't argue. She'd be the same if she were in his shoes. They had all grown up together. Her, Tomoyo, Eli and . . . Syaoran. His name made the lump in her throat expand. Was there ever going to be a time when she could look back on him and not feel like she was going to crumble at any given moment?
She followed Tomoyo as she grabbed her limp hand and forced her way through the crowd.
The whole auditorium had undergone a total transformation. Balloons, streamers and glitter littered the floor and walls. There were decorations everywhere. It looked like a scene from a movie. Everyone was dressed in their finest and here she was in her rumpled jeans and old sweatshirt. She would have laughed if it weren't so depressing.
She jumped as the crowd started screaming and roaring and suddenly she found herself in front of the stage.
A gasp fell from her lips as the heavy curtains parted.
"One two three, one to three four. . ." Tomoyo caught Eli's eye and smiled as he grinned and gave a small nod. Glancing to her left she saw that Sakura's whole attention was focused on the stage, or rather at the lead singer.
Crossing her fingers she prayed that this would work. "Don't let her down, Li," she whispered softly.
~***~
Strumming his guitar, he joined his band members as the song begun. So far everything was going as planned. Sakura was here. He had to do this. It was either now or never. Licking his suddenly dry lips, he leaned towards the microphone and hoped that she would realize what he was doing.
*** Love, I see forever in your eyes
I can see heaven in your smile
And when I hold you close
I don't want to let go
Because deep in my soul I know, girl
That you are the only light I see
Your love means everything to me
I know that we will never part
'Cause you'll always be here, here in my heart ***
Syaoran felt the words flow from his soul through to the microphone. He held his eyes on Sakura, never for a moment breaking eye contact.
She had to know that this was all for her.
*** If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
The words curled around Sakura's heart, touching a place deep within her; a place she had given up hope on.
*** Girl, you're like an angel from above
Sent here to shower me with your love
Hold me beneath your wings
Tell me all of those things
All the hopes and the dreams we can share
'Cause I'll be your shelter from the storm
I'll be the fire that keeps you warm
I'll be your light in the dark
'Cause you'll always be here in my heart
Oh girl
If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
Tears shimmered from her eyes as she watched her bestfriend. "I hope he's worth it, Sakura," Tomoyo whispered before turning her eyes onto the love of her life. She felt her heart with pride as she watched Eli. He had done this for Sakura; for her.
*** If anything could last forever
It's what I feel for you
(That's what I feel for you)
Oh, baby, you've touched my heart in ways
That words could never say
That's why I'll always love you ***
Keeping his eyes trained of Sakura, Syaoran put down his guitar and gently dislodged his mike. Smiling tentatively he made his way down the stage steps and came face to face with the person he loved more then life.
Sakura.
*** If the sun should refuse to rise
And the moon doesn't hang in the night
The tides won't change, seasons rearrange
When the world is through
I will still love you ***
~***~
"Don't cry, Sakura," Syaoran begged. Lifting a hand to her face, he nestled her cheek within his hand, brushing away the tears with the pad of his thumb. "God, it breaks my heart to see you upset." He whispered softly as he gathered her trembling form against the warmth of his chest. His heart cracked when he heard her sob louder. "What have I done to you, Sakura? Please don't cry sweetheart. I'm so sorry." He let go of her and stepped back. Tipping her chin up, he brushed the strands of wayward hair behind her ear and smile down at her softly. "I love you."
Everything disappeared as he slowly lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss that touched him to his very soul.
Sakura captured Syaoran's hands within her own and responded with her whole soul.
The couple finally broke apart as the crowd went wild with cheering. But they didn't notice; they were lost in a world of their own. Looking into Syaoran's eyes Sakura found what she had been looking for for all her life; the other half of her heart and soul.
Bit by bit she felt her soul reconstruct itself into something stronger, something more. "Oh Syaoran," she whispered with a laugh, "I love you too." Then everything disappeared as she drowned once more in his arms, in his lips. . .
~***~
Hidden in the shadows, a couple watched on nestled within each others arms.
"Oh Eli, you did it." Tomoyo laughed, tears were snaking themselves down her flushed cheeks.
Eli lifted a hand to brush away the tears, though he knew that the tears were not of sorrow but of happiness. "No my love, we did it." And then, they too were lost to the world around them as they surrendered to the love they held for each other.
~***~
"That night Li asked me to marry him and we were wed two years later." Sakura looked up into her lovers eyes, surprised to find the glitter of tears in them.
"That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard," sobbed the green-eyed redhead.
"You went through so much. All that pain, how could you bear it, grandma?" asked the amber-eyed brunette as she swiped at the tears trailing down her cheeks.
Sakura surveyed the people she loved most, surprised to find them all in tears.
Dabbing at the tears escaping from her own eyes she turned around and took her lovers hand. Her heart lifted as he gave her hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. "I bore it because I loved your grandpa so much," she smiled up at the handsome face looking lovingly down at her, "and I still do." She turned back to her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of them all, of all they had accomplished and would still accomplish as they bloomed and flourished through life. They had all done her and Syaoran proud. Her heart expanded as she took in all their tear-stained faces. "And I never will stop loving him."
~***~
Later that night Sakura was sitting up in bed reading a book when her husband entered. Crossing the room he lifted up the blankets and slid into bed next to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he gathered his lovely wife to him and kissed her brow.
He didn't think that it was possible but his wife had grown more beautiful with each passing year. It wasn't just her outer beauty but something that blossomed from deep within her, something he had almost let die those some sixty years ago.
His heart always tightened whenever he thought back to that time over sixty years ago. He had come so close to losing everything he held dear. The realization brought a shudder down his back.
"Are you cold, sweetheart?" Sakura asked, a worried frown marred her brow.
"How can I be cold when I'm in bed with you?" Syaoran growled huskily, shooting a meaningful glance at his wife, he waggled his brows in suggestion.
"You are a dirty old man, Syaoran. I'm still wondering why I married you," Sakura clucked her tongue in mock annoyance.
"The answer's easy. You love me." Syaoran explained arrogantly.
"Actually I'm not so sure. . ." Sakura replied slowly, knowing her words would egg him on.
Syaoran gasped in mock surprise. Planting a hand to his heart he pretended to stagger, "How could you do this to me, and on our sixtieth anniversary?" The next thing she knew Sakura was pinned beneath the dirty old man, but he was her dirty old man.
"I love you Mr. Li" Sakura sighed as Syaoran leaned down to kiss her.
"And I love you. Mrs. Li."
~***~
A.N
Please review! If anyone wants the epilogue, just ask.