Story Name: Portrait of a Little Wolf

Author: DarkxDiamonds

Comments: After a long, long absence, I'm finally back. Mainly, my obsession went to my two domains and web designing. However, I'm hopefully back and maybe these stories will progress? Who knows.

Thank you all for your continued support. This hasn't been an easy road, but hopefully, I can continue down it.

Chapter Eight

"Another funeral ... and it hasn't even been a week." Sakura glanced blankly at her hands. She could hardly believe the life that had been heartlessly ripped out only an hour ago. "Perhaps this one ... ought to be private, too. No one ... ever got to know Naozumi." She turned away, unable to look Syaoran in the face.

Syaoran nodded and felt a small pang of guilt in his chest. "Whatever you wish." He made a small bow and Sakura could not help by smile. "Don't worry. You'll feel better in the morning after you'd had a good night's rest." He gently planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Okay." She watched him stroll out the door. I love him so much ... yet ... Death always breaks the tie a little ... Sighing, she rubbed her temples. Gomen nasai Naozumi ...

[The Next Day]

Still lying in her bed, Sakura had time to contemplate the future. I'll have to move my home .. here. Yet, I feel like I don't really fit in here. It's almost impossible to think that soon .. it will be mine, too. "Is a life of this luxury ..." she murmured, "really for me?"

She threw her feet defiantly on the other side of her bed. No matter. As long as Syaoran is there and willing to accept me ... I will be by his side. Smiling, she prepared for the day.

[Later]

"Wai! These pancakes are delicious, Tomoyo!" Sakura smiled gratefully at her friend. "I could never cook like this!" Tomoyo laughed. "It's very easy, Sakura. I can teach you any day."

Sakura was about to make a reply until her face froze. She ran up the stairs, followed by Tomoyo's worried look. "Sakura-chan? Are you all right?" When there was no reply, Tomoyo followed her friend. "Sakura! Sakura, what's wrong?" She found Sakura crouching in a corner, holding herself and shivering.

She blinked. "I ... dunno ..." Her words started slurring. "I didn't feel so good ... and ... my head .." Her eyes dropped and Tomoyo froze in shock. She couldn't have ... gotten .. Wiping the thought from her mind, she tried to lay her friend in a comfortable position.

"Syaoran! Master!" She ran out. "Sakura's fainted!"

Syaoran jumped. The words finally registered in his mind and he pounded up the stars. "What?! Oh .. g-get Eriol!" Tomoyo rushed out the door, her heart beating frantically. She hoped it was just a small, temporary thing. Perhaps a small piece of food. Or something wrong. Something that could be changed easily. Fixed.

Back in his home, Syaoran knelt down and watched Sakura for any motion. He wasn't a doctor, what else could he do? Silently, he waited.

[Moments Later]

Footsteps were heard outside the house. Syaoran glanced up and looked toward the door. True to Syaoran's wishes, Eriol appeared holding his black bag. Syaoran nodded and left the room. It was only then that the worry struck him. What if .. something happens .. to her? This isn't normal! What's going on? His head grew wracked with thoughts. What am I going to do?

Tomoyo sat down next to him, a serene look on her face. "Syaoran .. Eriol is a dedicated and extremely good doctor. There's no need to worry. He'll do everything he can to help Sakura." He didn't react. Tomoyo sighed and clutched her wedding ring. Please let me be right ... Sitting on the ground next to him, she waited with him.