Disclaimers: Winged Guardian: Card Captor Sakura does not belong to me.
People: Yeah, we already know that. *in a bored tone*
Winged Guardian: *glares daggers* You think I like saying this?! *growls*
People: *wither under the intensity of glare* Uh, no...
Note:
"..." stands for speech
[...] stands for thoughts
{...} stands for author's comments
'...' stands for the chapter's title
= He is not using magic, then what is this complicated spell he is weaving me into...?=
Battle of the Two Arch-Rivals
By Winged Guardian
Chapter Eleven: 'Out In the Rain'
*Warning*: Fluff, extreme fluff. I'm drowning in sugar over here.
Sakura sighed as she looked out of the window at the raging storm outside. She hated to
do this, but her honor deemed it must. She was the one who landed him in this state, so
she was the one responsible for it.
[The faster I do it, the faster I'll get it over with. I'd best set out into action before I
hesitate and decide against it.] Sakura thought, a determined look crossing her eyes.
[Lord knows, when it comes to that Gaki, I want blood; but no matter how much I want
to make him pay for all that, I still don't want him dead.]
With these thoughts, Sakura strode out of the hall with her head held high, like a knight
going to slay a dragon.
Queen Yelan stared at her retreating figure with slight amusement, as a gentle smile
graced her regal features. [Sakura would not regret this. I would be honored and delighted
to have such a strong and courageous lady for my daughter-in-law; and I'm going to
make sure of that. I hope Xiao Lang recognizes her true worth. A woman like that rarely
appears every century. Sakura is very special.]
*^*^*^*^*
{ Winged Guardian: *evil grin* And let the fun begin! I hope no one dies from all this
sweetness and fluff...I almost died writing it. Think it's time I raised the rating? *raises
an eyebrow* }
Sakura stared at the sky balefully as she brushed aside her sodden fringe which fell
across her eyes for the 118907th time.
In her haste to get things done, she had totally neglected to bring along an umbrella, not
that the flimsy material would be much of a resistance against this violent storm, but it
still better than nothing.
[Rule number 1 of fighting, both magical and physical: Never let your emotions get the
better of you. Remain in a steady state of calm and wariness. Do not let your guard down
no matter what your opponent says. And I'd just forgotten that. Dang!] Sakura thought,
frustration filling her veins.
As Sakura walked, she suddenly felt her foot met with a solid resistance as she fell
forwards.
Due to her years of training and a lucky tree branch which snagged her clothes, she
managed to regain a semblance of her balance and not fall flat on her face clumsily.
When she regained her footing, Sakura glared daggers at the hidden tree root which had
blocked her way. Ironically, the root belonged to the same tree whose branch had caught
her and prevented her fall.
Sakura glared at the tree before muttering, "Fine, you were the one who tripped me but
since you caught me before I fell, I shall forgive you for that; though, I'm sorely tempted
to set you on fire; though I doubt father would be pleased to find that one of his trees had
been set on fire by his severely annoyed and dripping-wet daughter."
[Oh Kami-Sama, am I so far gone that I am reduced to talking to a tree?!] Sakura
thought sourly as she lifted a boot high from the mud before setting it down again.
"Li, you Gaki!!! Where on earth are you?!" Sakura yelled, her voice drowned out by the
howling wind and the roar of thunder.
Sakura swore uncharacteristically as she felt her foot sink into a burrow of some sort.
Glaring at the ground, she tried in vain to work her foot free. Using a great deal of force,
Sakura pulled with all her might. Suddenly her foot worked itself loose and her
momentum sent her flying backwards with a speed to rival Dash as Sakura let out a
vehement string of profanities she heard the palace guards and stablemen use.
Suddenly, Sakura's 'glorious' flight was halted abruptly as she felt her back slam hard
into something, something painfully solid.
Sakura groaned. "I swear, the Gods must have something against my going to find that
Gaki! I agree with them whole-heartedly but this is something I must do, against my
better judgment..." Sakura muttered darkly.
"Oh well, at least this tree is slightly warmer than the rest..." Sakura sighed as
instinctive arms wrapped around her frail frame and she snuggled closer to the 'tree'.
"Damn you Syaoran Li..." she muttered under her breath as shivers coursed through her
body.
"Same to you, Sakura Kinomoto" said a cool voice near her ear.
[Wait a minute...trees do not have arms, do they...??? And why does that voice seem
so...familiar...??...!!]
Sakura froze as all time seemed to come to a stop; paralysis filled her limbs. Filled with
dread, she turned her head slowly to look upwards at the 'tree'.
Her breath caught in her throat as brilliant green eyes met deep golden ocher ones.
"AHhhhhh!!!!" Sakura yelped as she jerked out of his arms, stumbling a few steps
backwards as her cheeks flamed crimson.
"You...you...I...y...you" Sakura stuttered as her mind processed the fact that Syaoran,
Syaoran Li had his arms around her and she had actually snuggled up to him and
enjoyed it.
She was dying from humiliation.
Syaoran was watching her flustered actions with ill-concealed amusement as a smirk
played on his lips.
"A tree, hmm?" Syaoran asked casually, raising an elegant eyebrow as he took a few
steps closer to Sakura.
They were scant inches apart.
Sakura swallowed with some difficulty and raised her head to gaze into those deep
amber pools.
There was a definite glint in Syaoran's eyes and he was gazing at her in a strange way
that made her feel thrilled and nervous at the same time.
Sakura wasn't sure that she liked it.
The brown hue in his ocher eyes darkened and Sakura felt the rate of her heartbeat
increase dramatically as she found her eyes locked on his, unable to look away.
Sakura found herself in a trance; she couldn't think clearly with Syaoran so close to her.
All that was in her mind was those mysterious amber eyes as she breathed in his clean
autumn scent. Sakura felt faint and slightly dizzy; She seemed to be nailed to that spot.
When Syaoran took another step, closing the distance between them, Sakura suddenly
regained her senses and instinctively backed away. Her foot slipped on the wet grass and
Sakura found herself falling...falling backwards.
Sakura reached out a hand instinctively to grab anything as Syaoran grabbed her
outstretched hand and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her protectively; all in
one swift gesture.
Sakura shivered and Syaoran tightened his hold on her impulsively as he gazed down
wonderingly at the innocent emerald-eyed girl who could seem so strong and yet so
vulnerable at the same time.
[What is it about her that attracts me to her...? Why do I feel so...different...around her?]
"Sakura..." Syaoran breathed. Little did he know that similar thoughts were running
through her head at the same time.
Sakura felt her skin tingle as she felt his warm breath on her bare neck.
[This feels so comfortable...so...right. Oh god...what is happening to me? What has he
done to me...? He is not using magic, then what is this complicated spell he is weaving me into...?]
Deciding that the best thing to do was to move away from him, Sakura lifted her head
from his shoulder and took a step back, as Syaoran loosened his grip, albeit reluctantly.
However, Sakura had misguided the distance of her step and found herself in a worse
position than before.
His face was only centimeters away from hers.
All it took was one small movement...
Sakura couldn't think of anything aside that she was trapped in Syaoran's arms and
couldn't move away. Not that she wanted to move away. Argh! What on earth was she
thinking of!?!?
All thoughts slipped out of her mind when Syaoran inched closer.
He was so close...so close...
Sakura felt her breath catch in her throat as the glint in Syaoran's amber eyes brightened
and she noticed that his bright amber eyes were trained on her lips. She gulped in a breath
of air, realizing that she had been unconsciously holding her breath all this while.
All time seemed to have come to a stop as the brown hue in his amber orbs darkened
even further as they seemed to reflect Sakura's face; and Syaoran leaned towards her,
painstakingly slow...
Sakura felt oddly detached, like she was watching the scene playing out like a movie
and she was no longer in control of her actions.
Sakura's eyelids fluttered close, long dark lashes resting on her cheeks; as she lifted her
face and Syaoran's lips found hers.
Syaoran's lips brushed hers gently, tenderly as Sakura felt an indescribable tingly
warmth fill her and she smiled against his lips. Suddenly, a loud crash interrupted them
and they jerked apart as a tree fell heavily to the ground, narrowly missing them by bare
inches.
When Syaoran looked up from the tree at Sakura, he saw that the princess had adverted
her eyes to the ground and an evident red hue rose in her cheeks.
Smirking, Syaoran observed that her breath was slightly irregular and her face was
flushed.
Swiftly, he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms securely around her waist,
drawing her closer to him.
"Gaki. Let. Go. Of. Me." Sakura growled, bracing herself against his chest as she tried
futilely to calm her racing heart.
"And if I don't?" Syaoran asked smoothly, as he rested his chin on her shoulder, taking
in her faint sweet scent of cherry blossoms, "What's to stop me from doing what I want
to do?"
Thousands of questions raced through her mind. What did he mean by that? One thing
was for sure – he wanted to get his way and she wasn't going to allow that.
Shoving her troubled thoughts to the back of her mind, Sakura raised her head and
flashed Syaoran a smile to dazzle even sunlight and to brighten the darkest of nights.
Syaoran was slightly taken aback. Of all the reactions, he certainly wasn't expecting that
from her.
Sakura heard his sharp intake of breath as he stared at her and grinned, showing more
perfect even white teeth when she noticed the slight blush that tinted his cheeks.
Syaoran felt his pulse increase as he stared at the girl in front of him. He wanted to rip
that predator grin off her face, though it was nice to see Sakura smile. It really was a
lovely smile.
Instead of asking him that one question she wanted so desperately to ask: 'What did he
want?', she smirked and answered him tartly, "Me."
And with that, she shot her foot up and out, sweeping his feet from under him neatly,
forcing him to break his grip on her.
His reflexes swept in and he leaped into the air, releasing Sakura involuntarily.
Something caught in his hand and he held it instinctively and Sakura felt something
snapping lightly.
Her head snapped up in a flash and spun around wildly, as she tried to locate what had
been lost.
Syaoran landed in a crouched position meters away from her. His curiosity got the better
of him and he opened his clenched fist to reveal a pretty pendant – in the shape of a pink
circle around a golden star. The small star seemed to shimmer in his grasp as it glowed
slightly, giving off faint rays of golden light. The little thing was radiating with power.
A boyish grin found its way onto his face as he examined his prize.
It was Sakura's Star Key.
Sakura watched his movements, a sick feeling of growing dread filling her.
Her worst fears were confirmed when the spawn of the devil himself, Syaoran, raised a
triumphant fist to reveal her Star Key.
Syaoran fought to keep back his laughter as he saw the expression on her face.
Her bright green eyes reflected only one thing.
Pure horror.
Sakura swallowed down a lump in her throat and growled, saying roughly, "Give that
back to me."
Syaoran smirked. He had the upper hand now. "No, why should I?"
Syaoran watched with interest and amusement as Sakura's emotions battled against one
another. Nervousness against anger. Desperation against pride. Horror against denial.
[No, this can't be happening. This is just a nightmare and I'll wake up from it when
Kero calls me.] Then, recalling the past events, a faint blush manifested in her cheeks.
[Then again, I doubt that I would have such dreams...] She groaned mentally. [Oh
great...just what I need. This isn't happening...]
She shook her head to clear these thoughts and said in what she hoped was a level and
reasonable tone, "Look here, it rightfully belongs to me and you don't need it. You don't
even know how to use it. And what use do you have for it?"
Syaoran's grin grew wider as he replied coolly, "Use? I can use it against you. I have
something you want, haven't I?"
Sakura gritted her teeth and resisted the overpowering temptation to grab a huge and
sturdy branch and hit him repeatedly over the head with.
"Return. My. Property. Back. To. Me." Sakura managed to grit out in a strangled voice.
"What? Return it to you and ruin my fun??" Syaoran asked in an innocent tone,
knowing full well that it would irk the Card Mistress.
"Please." Sakura said it as if her teeth hurt, giving him a withering glare.
Syaoran considered it for a moment.........before thrashing the idea of giving it to her just
like that and smirked, saying "No."
He had no intention of letting her off so easily.
Sakura looked torn between being nice to him in hopes of getting her Star Key back and
tearing him into shreds.
"How about a compromise?" Sakura asked, fuming silently.
"And what do I get if I return your Star Key to you??" Syaoran asked, a devilishr glint in
his bright amber eyes.
Sakura gulped nervously. She didn't like that glint in his eyes. It spelt trouble, loud and
clear.
"How about a handshake and a pat on the back? Surely that will suffice." Sakura asked
hopefully.
Her hopes went down the drain.
"How about a kiss?" Syaoran asked, grinning as he walked towards Sakura.
Her cheeks burning, Sakura took a few steps back from the advancing Syaoran and said
hastily, "No!"
Syaoran shrugged indifferently. He had expected that reply. Nevertheless, a sinking
feeling of disappointment made its way into his stomach.
Sakura felt a strange mix of emotions when Syaoran came to a halt, relief and what
seemed strangely like...disappointment. What was wrong with her???
She cleared her mind of those treacherous thoughts and used her most regal and
business-like tone. "Give it to me." Sakura commanded imperially.
"That doesn't work with me, your highness." Syaoran said, smirking.
"And what's to stop me from getting what I want??" Sakura asked him, cold jade eyes
flashing dangerously.
"Me." Syaoran replied, grinning. And with that, Syaoran pocketed the little item as
Sakura watched him in a mixture of amazement, disbelief, shock, horrified fascination and desperation.
Sakura wanted so badly to rip that cocky and confident grin off his face.
"If you want it, then come and get it." Syaoran dared her.
The expression on Sakura's face was priceless.
Syaoran fought back his laughter as he watched the torn girl with amused interest.
Sakura was panicking inwardly. [What am I gonna do!?!?!? I don't want to get that near
to him!!!! Kami-Sama, help me!!]
Sakura came to a decision.
She used the deadly weapon that had never failed her before - her infamous puppy eyes.
"Syaoran, please?? Onegai, return it to me? Onegai??" Sakura asked sweetly, while
giving him huge soulful pleading green orbs with an irresistible pleading expression on
her face.
Syaoran gulped and nearly choked at the sight of Sakura's adorable and irresistible
pleading green orbs.
He couldn't think straight with Sakura looking at him like that, let alone refuse her. In
fact, he had lost his voice and was incapable of a single action.
[I'm doomed. How can I not give in to those appealing pools of green...?] Syaoran
thought in a daze as he drowned in a sea of green. And willingly, he let himself drown.
Sakura let a small frown appear on her face. Her puppy eyes had worked alright; it was
just that it had worked far too well it seemed – Syaoran seemed to be in a daze as he
stared at her.
[Oh well...as long as he doesn't make a single movement...then, I'll just get the Star Key
out of his pocket without any complications...let's hope he stays in that state...] Sakura
thought, praying silently.
Slowly, she moved towards Syaoran as she gave him the sweetest and the most angelic
smile she could muster, the very image of pure innocence.
[Kami-Sama...] Li Syaoran, the future leader of the Li Kingdom thought, entranced.
Little did he know that beneath that mask of sweetness, Sakura was a nervous wreck.
[Oh Kami-Sama!!! What if he wakes up from his trance??? What if he does something???
What if he realizes what I'm doing??? Oh my god...I can't believe that I'm doing this...
Good lord...someone help me...How am I going to get out of this one...?] she thought
frantically, desperate.
The closer Sakura got to Syaoran, the more nervous she became. She felt like a taunt
and exposed wire, running with electricity and about to snap any minute.
When she reached Syaoran, she swallowed hard and gently touched his thigh, retrieving
the Star Key with bated breath.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when Syaoran slipped his arms around her waist as
she was searching his pocket for the Star Key.
Sakura's head jerked up and she found herself gazing into those intense and deep pools
of amber. She froze, momentarily forgetting her mission, the reason she was here and
doing this and everything else aside for Syaoran and that she was captured in his arms.
And Syaoran drew closer to her.
Closer...
And closer...
She dared not breathe.
Closer...
Closer...
Closer...
Closer...
Her eyelids fluttered shut.
Closer...
And closer...
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Oh man! It's so tempting to end the chapter now and here! You know
the saying – there is no other way to get rid of temptation but to give
in to it!
Winged Guardian: *sees mob of angry readers* Erm, maybe it's not such a good
idea...*gulps nervously*
People: Darn right it isn't! Now continue this chapter!!
Winged Guardian: Fine, fine. *sulks* I shall continue. You'd better review! *brandishes
Syaoran's ancient and lethal sword threateningly*
=====================================================================================
Closer...
And suddenly, her fingers brushed against a very familiar shape. It was the Star Key!
Snapping out of her trance, Sakura grabbed the Key and jumped up exultantly, crowing
triumphantly as she waved her prize in the air, "I got the Star Key!!!"
"Huh??" Syaoran said, looking lost and confused, just like a little kid who got separated
from his mother. { Winged Guardian: Kawaii... }
Then he realized what had just taken place and shouted, "No way!!"
"Way!" Sakura brandished it in front of his eyes and he quickly made a snap for it but
Sakura was too fast for him and stuffed it down her shirt, beaming at him jubilantly,
"There! You can't get it that way!"
Syaoran turned an interesting shade of beetroot red as less than pure thoughts flooded
his mind on what might happen if he did indeed attempt to retrieve the Star Key.
Blushing furiously, Syaoran shook his head vigorously to cleanse his head of such
unchaste thoughts.
He was brought back down to earth when a face was placed dangerously close to his as
a sweet and innocent voice exclaimed worriedly, "Are you alright?? Your face is burning!
Did you catch a fever in this rain?! You're so red!! Are you sure you aren't sick?!"
Anxious emerald orbs peered at him with concern as Sakura placed her hand on his
forehead, causing him to blush an even deeper shade of red than considered possible.
"Are you sure you're alright??" a soft and lilting voice asked him, filled with concern
and worry.
It was music to his ears.
"Syaoran? Syaoran? Are you alright??" Sakura continued asking fearfully. Then,
suddenly realizing her nearness to Syaoran and the implications of her actions, Sakura
blushed a deep shade of cherry-red and hastily withdrew her hand.
A hand shot out and caught her wrist and Sakura looked up to gaze into dark and
alluring amber eyes. Her breath caught at the depth of emotions and the intensity those
ocher orbs held.
Swiftly, Syaoran leaned down and planted a soft and lingering kiss on her lips.
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Ahh!!! I need a wall to bash my head against!!! I can't believe I
actually wrote that!!!! This is too much sugar!!! Ahh!!!
Winged Guardian: I still need to quicken my pace. Oh well.
Winged Guardian: By the way, you may want to visit my site on CCS ^-^
=> www.geocities.com/sakura_guardian
Anyway
Please review!!! *grins*
Thanks for all the reviews and hope you enjoyed reading my fanfic!
~ Winged Guardian ~
Heart_given_Wings@hotmail.com
People: Yeah, we already know that. *in a bored tone*
Winged Guardian: *glares daggers* You think I like saying this?! *growls*
People: *wither under the intensity of glare* Uh, no...
Note:
"..." stands for speech
[...] stands for thoughts
{...} stands for author's comments
'...' stands for the chapter's title
= He is not using magic, then what is this complicated spell he is weaving me into...?=
Battle of the Two Arch-Rivals
By Winged Guardian
Chapter Eleven: 'Out In the Rain'
*Warning*: Fluff, extreme fluff. I'm drowning in sugar over here.
Sakura sighed as she looked out of the window at the raging storm outside. She hated to
do this, but her honor deemed it must. She was the one who landed him in this state, so
she was the one responsible for it.
[The faster I do it, the faster I'll get it over with. I'd best set out into action before I
hesitate and decide against it.] Sakura thought, a determined look crossing her eyes.
[Lord knows, when it comes to that Gaki, I want blood; but no matter how much I want
to make him pay for all that, I still don't want him dead.]
With these thoughts, Sakura strode out of the hall with her head held high, like a knight
going to slay a dragon.
Queen Yelan stared at her retreating figure with slight amusement, as a gentle smile
graced her regal features. [Sakura would not regret this. I would be honored and delighted
to have such a strong and courageous lady for my daughter-in-law; and I'm going to
make sure of that. I hope Xiao Lang recognizes her true worth. A woman like that rarely
appears every century. Sakura is very special.]
*^*^*^*^*
{ Winged Guardian: *evil grin* And let the fun begin! I hope no one dies from all this
sweetness and fluff...I almost died writing it. Think it's time I raised the rating? *raises
an eyebrow* }
Sakura stared at the sky balefully as she brushed aside her sodden fringe which fell
across her eyes for the 118907th time.
In her haste to get things done, she had totally neglected to bring along an umbrella, not
that the flimsy material would be much of a resistance against this violent storm, but it
still better than nothing.
[Rule number 1 of fighting, both magical and physical: Never let your emotions get the
better of you. Remain in a steady state of calm and wariness. Do not let your guard down
no matter what your opponent says. And I'd just forgotten that. Dang!] Sakura thought,
frustration filling her veins.
As Sakura walked, she suddenly felt her foot met with a solid resistance as she fell
forwards.
Due to her years of training and a lucky tree branch which snagged her clothes, she
managed to regain a semblance of her balance and not fall flat on her face clumsily.
When she regained her footing, Sakura glared daggers at the hidden tree root which had
blocked her way. Ironically, the root belonged to the same tree whose branch had caught
her and prevented her fall.
Sakura glared at the tree before muttering, "Fine, you were the one who tripped me but
since you caught me before I fell, I shall forgive you for that; though, I'm sorely tempted
to set you on fire; though I doubt father would be pleased to find that one of his trees had
been set on fire by his severely annoyed and dripping-wet daughter."
[Oh Kami-Sama, am I so far gone that I am reduced to talking to a tree?!] Sakura
thought sourly as she lifted a boot high from the mud before setting it down again.
"Li, you Gaki!!! Where on earth are you?!" Sakura yelled, her voice drowned out by the
howling wind and the roar of thunder.
Sakura swore uncharacteristically as she felt her foot sink into a burrow of some sort.
Glaring at the ground, she tried in vain to work her foot free. Using a great deal of force,
Sakura pulled with all her might. Suddenly her foot worked itself loose and her
momentum sent her flying backwards with a speed to rival Dash as Sakura let out a
vehement string of profanities she heard the palace guards and stablemen use.
Suddenly, Sakura's 'glorious' flight was halted abruptly as she felt her back slam hard
into something, something painfully solid.
Sakura groaned. "I swear, the Gods must have something against my going to find that
Gaki! I agree with them whole-heartedly but this is something I must do, against my
better judgment..." Sakura muttered darkly.
"Oh well, at least this tree is slightly warmer than the rest..." Sakura sighed as
instinctive arms wrapped around her frail frame and she snuggled closer to the 'tree'.
"Damn you Syaoran Li..." she muttered under her breath as shivers coursed through her
body.
"Same to you, Sakura Kinomoto" said a cool voice near her ear.
[Wait a minute...trees do not have arms, do they...??? And why does that voice seem
so...familiar...??...!!]
Sakura froze as all time seemed to come to a stop; paralysis filled her limbs. Filled with
dread, she turned her head slowly to look upwards at the 'tree'.
Her breath caught in her throat as brilliant green eyes met deep golden ocher ones.
"AHhhhhh!!!!" Sakura yelped as she jerked out of his arms, stumbling a few steps
backwards as her cheeks flamed crimson.
"You...you...I...y...you" Sakura stuttered as her mind processed the fact that Syaoran,
Syaoran Li had his arms around her and she had actually snuggled up to him and
enjoyed it.
She was dying from humiliation.
Syaoran was watching her flustered actions with ill-concealed amusement as a smirk
played on his lips.
"A tree, hmm?" Syaoran asked casually, raising an elegant eyebrow as he took a few
steps closer to Sakura.
They were scant inches apart.
Sakura swallowed with some difficulty and raised her head to gaze into those deep
amber pools.
There was a definite glint in Syaoran's eyes and he was gazing at her in a strange way
that made her feel thrilled and nervous at the same time.
Sakura wasn't sure that she liked it.
The brown hue in his ocher eyes darkened and Sakura felt the rate of her heartbeat
increase dramatically as she found her eyes locked on his, unable to look away.
Sakura found herself in a trance; she couldn't think clearly with Syaoran so close to her.
All that was in her mind was those mysterious amber eyes as she breathed in his clean
autumn scent. Sakura felt faint and slightly dizzy; She seemed to be nailed to that spot.
When Syaoran took another step, closing the distance between them, Sakura suddenly
regained her senses and instinctively backed away. Her foot slipped on the wet grass and
Sakura found herself falling...falling backwards.
Sakura reached out a hand instinctively to grab anything as Syaoran grabbed her
outstretched hand and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her protectively; all in
one swift gesture.
Sakura shivered and Syaoran tightened his hold on her impulsively as he gazed down
wonderingly at the innocent emerald-eyed girl who could seem so strong and yet so
vulnerable at the same time.
[What is it about her that attracts me to her...? Why do I feel so...different...around her?]
"Sakura..." Syaoran breathed. Little did he know that similar thoughts were running
through her head at the same time.
Sakura felt her skin tingle as she felt his warm breath on her bare neck.
[This feels so comfortable...so...right. Oh god...what is happening to me? What has he
done to me...? He is not using magic, then what is this complicated spell he is weaving me into...?]
Deciding that the best thing to do was to move away from him, Sakura lifted her head
from his shoulder and took a step back, as Syaoran loosened his grip, albeit reluctantly.
However, Sakura had misguided the distance of her step and found herself in a worse
position than before.
His face was only centimeters away from hers.
All it took was one small movement...
Sakura couldn't think of anything aside that she was trapped in Syaoran's arms and
couldn't move away. Not that she wanted to move away. Argh! What on earth was she
thinking of!?!?
All thoughts slipped out of her mind when Syaoran inched closer.
He was so close...so close...
Sakura felt her breath catch in her throat as the glint in Syaoran's amber eyes brightened
and she noticed that his bright amber eyes were trained on her lips. She gulped in a breath
of air, realizing that she had been unconsciously holding her breath all this while.
All time seemed to have come to a stop as the brown hue in his amber orbs darkened
even further as they seemed to reflect Sakura's face; and Syaoran leaned towards her,
painstakingly slow...
Sakura felt oddly detached, like she was watching the scene playing out like a movie
and she was no longer in control of her actions.
Sakura's eyelids fluttered close, long dark lashes resting on her cheeks; as she lifted her
face and Syaoran's lips found hers.
Syaoran's lips brushed hers gently, tenderly as Sakura felt an indescribable tingly
warmth fill her and she smiled against his lips. Suddenly, a loud crash interrupted them
and they jerked apart as a tree fell heavily to the ground, narrowly missing them by bare
inches.
When Syaoran looked up from the tree at Sakura, he saw that the princess had adverted
her eyes to the ground and an evident red hue rose in her cheeks.
Smirking, Syaoran observed that her breath was slightly irregular and her face was
flushed.
Swiftly, he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms securely around her waist,
drawing her closer to him.
"Gaki. Let. Go. Of. Me." Sakura growled, bracing herself against his chest as she tried
futilely to calm her racing heart.
"And if I don't?" Syaoran asked smoothly, as he rested his chin on her shoulder, taking
in her faint sweet scent of cherry blossoms, "What's to stop me from doing what I want
to do?"
Thousands of questions raced through her mind. What did he mean by that? One thing
was for sure – he wanted to get his way and she wasn't going to allow that.
Shoving her troubled thoughts to the back of her mind, Sakura raised her head and
flashed Syaoran a smile to dazzle even sunlight and to brighten the darkest of nights.
Syaoran was slightly taken aback. Of all the reactions, he certainly wasn't expecting that
from her.
Sakura heard his sharp intake of breath as he stared at her and grinned, showing more
perfect even white teeth when she noticed the slight blush that tinted his cheeks.
Syaoran felt his pulse increase as he stared at the girl in front of him. He wanted to rip
that predator grin off her face, though it was nice to see Sakura smile. It really was a
lovely smile.
Instead of asking him that one question she wanted so desperately to ask: 'What did he
want?', she smirked and answered him tartly, "Me."
And with that, she shot her foot up and out, sweeping his feet from under him neatly,
forcing him to break his grip on her.
His reflexes swept in and he leaped into the air, releasing Sakura involuntarily.
Something caught in his hand and he held it instinctively and Sakura felt something
snapping lightly.
Her head snapped up in a flash and spun around wildly, as she tried to locate what had
been lost.
Syaoran landed in a crouched position meters away from her. His curiosity got the better
of him and he opened his clenched fist to reveal a pretty pendant – in the shape of a pink
circle around a golden star. The small star seemed to shimmer in his grasp as it glowed
slightly, giving off faint rays of golden light. The little thing was radiating with power.
A boyish grin found its way onto his face as he examined his prize.
It was Sakura's Star Key.
Sakura watched his movements, a sick feeling of growing dread filling her.
Her worst fears were confirmed when the spawn of the devil himself, Syaoran, raised a
triumphant fist to reveal her Star Key.
Syaoran fought to keep back his laughter as he saw the expression on her face.
Her bright green eyes reflected only one thing.
Pure horror.
Sakura swallowed down a lump in her throat and growled, saying roughly, "Give that
back to me."
Syaoran smirked. He had the upper hand now. "No, why should I?"
Syaoran watched with interest and amusement as Sakura's emotions battled against one
another. Nervousness against anger. Desperation against pride. Horror against denial.
[No, this can't be happening. This is just a nightmare and I'll wake up from it when
Kero calls me.] Then, recalling the past events, a faint blush manifested in her cheeks.
[Then again, I doubt that I would have such dreams...] She groaned mentally. [Oh
great...just what I need. This isn't happening...]
She shook her head to clear these thoughts and said in what she hoped was a level and
reasonable tone, "Look here, it rightfully belongs to me and you don't need it. You don't
even know how to use it. And what use do you have for it?"
Syaoran's grin grew wider as he replied coolly, "Use? I can use it against you. I have
something you want, haven't I?"
Sakura gritted her teeth and resisted the overpowering temptation to grab a huge and
sturdy branch and hit him repeatedly over the head with.
"Return. My. Property. Back. To. Me." Sakura managed to grit out in a strangled voice.
"What? Return it to you and ruin my fun??" Syaoran asked in an innocent tone,
knowing full well that it would irk the Card Mistress.
"Please." Sakura said it as if her teeth hurt, giving him a withering glare.
Syaoran considered it for a moment.........before thrashing the idea of giving it to her just
like that and smirked, saying "No."
He had no intention of letting her off so easily.
Sakura looked torn between being nice to him in hopes of getting her Star Key back and
tearing him into shreds.
"How about a compromise?" Sakura asked, fuming silently.
"And what do I get if I return your Star Key to you??" Syaoran asked, a devilishr glint in
his bright amber eyes.
Sakura gulped nervously. She didn't like that glint in his eyes. It spelt trouble, loud and
clear.
"How about a handshake and a pat on the back? Surely that will suffice." Sakura asked
hopefully.
Her hopes went down the drain.
"How about a kiss?" Syaoran asked, grinning as he walked towards Sakura.
Her cheeks burning, Sakura took a few steps back from the advancing Syaoran and said
hastily, "No!"
Syaoran shrugged indifferently. He had expected that reply. Nevertheless, a sinking
feeling of disappointment made its way into his stomach.
Sakura felt a strange mix of emotions when Syaoran came to a halt, relief and what
seemed strangely like...disappointment. What was wrong with her???
She cleared her mind of those treacherous thoughts and used her most regal and
business-like tone. "Give it to me." Sakura commanded imperially.
"That doesn't work with me, your highness." Syaoran said, smirking.
"And what's to stop me from getting what I want??" Sakura asked him, cold jade eyes
flashing dangerously.
"Me." Syaoran replied, grinning. And with that, Syaoran pocketed the little item as
Sakura watched him in a mixture of amazement, disbelief, shock, horrified fascination and desperation.
Sakura wanted so badly to rip that cocky and confident grin off his face.
"If you want it, then come and get it." Syaoran dared her.
The expression on Sakura's face was priceless.
Syaoran fought back his laughter as he watched the torn girl with amused interest.
Sakura was panicking inwardly. [What am I gonna do!?!?!? I don't want to get that near
to him!!!! Kami-Sama, help me!!]
Sakura came to a decision.
She used the deadly weapon that had never failed her before - her infamous puppy eyes.
"Syaoran, please?? Onegai, return it to me? Onegai??" Sakura asked sweetly, while
giving him huge soulful pleading green orbs with an irresistible pleading expression on
her face.
Syaoran gulped and nearly choked at the sight of Sakura's adorable and irresistible
pleading green orbs.
He couldn't think straight with Sakura looking at him like that, let alone refuse her. In
fact, he had lost his voice and was incapable of a single action.
[I'm doomed. How can I not give in to those appealing pools of green...?] Syaoran
thought in a daze as he drowned in a sea of green. And willingly, he let himself drown.
Sakura let a small frown appear on her face. Her puppy eyes had worked alright; it was
just that it had worked far too well it seemed – Syaoran seemed to be in a daze as he
stared at her.
[Oh well...as long as he doesn't make a single movement...then, I'll just get the Star Key
out of his pocket without any complications...let's hope he stays in that state...] Sakura
thought, praying silently.
Slowly, she moved towards Syaoran as she gave him the sweetest and the most angelic
smile she could muster, the very image of pure innocence.
[Kami-Sama...] Li Syaoran, the future leader of the Li Kingdom thought, entranced.
Little did he know that beneath that mask of sweetness, Sakura was a nervous wreck.
[Oh Kami-Sama!!! What if he wakes up from his trance??? What if he does something???
What if he realizes what I'm doing??? Oh my god...I can't believe that I'm doing this...
Good lord...someone help me...How am I going to get out of this one...?] she thought
frantically, desperate.
The closer Sakura got to Syaoran, the more nervous she became. She felt like a taunt
and exposed wire, running with electricity and about to snap any minute.
When she reached Syaoran, she swallowed hard and gently touched his thigh, retrieving
the Star Key with bated breath.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when Syaoran slipped his arms around her waist as
she was searching his pocket for the Star Key.
Sakura's head jerked up and she found herself gazing into those intense and deep pools
of amber. She froze, momentarily forgetting her mission, the reason she was here and
doing this and everything else aside for Syaoran and that she was captured in his arms.
And Syaoran drew closer to her.
Closer...
And closer...
She dared not breathe.
Closer...
Closer...
Closer...
Closer...
Her eyelids fluttered shut.
Closer...
And closer...
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Oh man! It's so tempting to end the chapter now and here! You know
the saying – there is no other way to get rid of temptation but to give
in to it!
Winged Guardian: *sees mob of angry readers* Erm, maybe it's not such a good
idea...*gulps nervously*
People: Darn right it isn't! Now continue this chapter!!
Winged Guardian: Fine, fine. *sulks* I shall continue. You'd better review! *brandishes
Syaoran's ancient and lethal sword threateningly*
=====================================================================================
Closer...
And suddenly, her fingers brushed against a very familiar shape. It was the Star Key!
Snapping out of her trance, Sakura grabbed the Key and jumped up exultantly, crowing
triumphantly as she waved her prize in the air, "I got the Star Key!!!"
"Huh??" Syaoran said, looking lost and confused, just like a little kid who got separated
from his mother. { Winged Guardian: Kawaii... }
Then he realized what had just taken place and shouted, "No way!!"
"Way!" Sakura brandished it in front of his eyes and he quickly made a snap for it but
Sakura was too fast for him and stuffed it down her shirt, beaming at him jubilantly,
"There! You can't get it that way!"
Syaoran turned an interesting shade of beetroot red as less than pure thoughts flooded
his mind on what might happen if he did indeed attempt to retrieve the Star Key.
Blushing furiously, Syaoran shook his head vigorously to cleanse his head of such
unchaste thoughts.
He was brought back down to earth when a face was placed dangerously close to his as
a sweet and innocent voice exclaimed worriedly, "Are you alright?? Your face is burning!
Did you catch a fever in this rain?! You're so red!! Are you sure you aren't sick?!"
Anxious emerald orbs peered at him with concern as Sakura placed her hand on his
forehead, causing him to blush an even deeper shade of red than considered possible.
"Are you sure you're alright??" a soft and lilting voice asked him, filled with concern
and worry.
It was music to his ears.
"Syaoran? Syaoran? Are you alright??" Sakura continued asking fearfully. Then,
suddenly realizing her nearness to Syaoran and the implications of her actions, Sakura
blushed a deep shade of cherry-red and hastily withdrew her hand.
A hand shot out and caught her wrist and Sakura looked up to gaze into dark and
alluring amber eyes. Her breath caught at the depth of emotions and the intensity those
ocher orbs held.
Swiftly, Syaoran leaned down and planted a soft and lingering kiss on her lips.
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Ahh!!! I need a wall to bash my head against!!! I can't believe I
actually wrote that!!!! This is too much sugar!!! Ahh!!!
Winged Guardian: I still need to quicken my pace. Oh well.
Winged Guardian: By the way, you may want to visit my site on CCS ^-^
=> www.geocities.com/sakura_guardian
Anyway
Please review!!! *grins*
Thanks for all the reviews and hope you enjoyed reading my fanfic!
~ Winged Guardian ~
Heart_given_Wings@hotmail.com