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Sakura whimpered and turned around to look at it. She blinked back tears as it took away its cold hand. Sakura shook uncontrollably, she didn't want to die but death was before her. It started to make signs with its hand, Sakura couldn't understand. It pointed its finger at her heart. Sakura touched the part where her heart resided and it nodded.

"Something about my heart? What about it?"

It made an X sign with its hands and pointed to her heart once again. It did it repeatedly and kept pointing to her heart after.

"Broken? Is my heart broken?"

It nodded.

"You're not death, but who? You're the one who made my heart like this; you're the one who took them all away."

It shook his head no and pointed to Sakura's head. Sakura looked down, she couldn't understand and all she knew was that she wanted to see Syaoran.

"You're not making sense. You're death and you took my family away, all of them. You took my mother, you took my father and you just took my brother too. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?! YOU'VE TAKEN EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING AND LEFT ME WITH NOTHING. WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

It didn't do anything; it waited for her to stop crying. It waited for her to look at the face of death. It took his hood down and waited for Sakura once again. Sakura put her head up and looked at the one she had named death all along.

"What about her brother?"

All eyes turned towards Heero who had just arrived.

"Well, what about him?"

Syaoran looked down, "He's dead. Overdose. How did you know she had a brother?"

Heero sighed and ran a hand through his dark chocolate coloured hair, "There's a history between our families. I remember seeing her when I was just a child."

Syaoran looked at her, she was looking back at him with a tilted head. Her eyes had regained her sparkle, the one that made him somewhat weak in the knees. He frowned and put his hand on her waist. She blushed again and smiled. Syaoran then brought his lips down to kiss her. Their lips made contact to form a sweet kiss. Sakura mentally sighed as Syaoran made the kiss more passionate. It seemed that everything disappeared and there was nothing in the world except Syaoran and herself. Sakura slightly parted her mouth and let Syaoran make the kiss more passionate.

After a moment they parted. Syaoran gulped, that had never happened to him. The feeling that suddenly took over while he was kissing Sakura was strong, so strong he didn't think that he could put a name to it. Sakura just watched him wide eyed. She slowly brought her hand to her mouth and lightly touched her lips with her fingers.

She looked back at him and frowned. "Ryuu-kun. Gomen demo, I don't like you that way. I already told you when you asked me out last time. I'm sorry. Onegai, forgive me?"

She tried to get hold of his hand but he pushed her away. She gasped.

"It's him isn't it?!"

He was shouting, Sakura looked at him with scared eyes, "Who?!? Please, don't scream."

"Is it fucking Syaoran?! What the fuck do you see in him?! I don't get it! Why does it have to be him?!"

Sakura cowered under his hard gaze. He cursed and left the room, banging the door on his way out. The rest of the gang came to see what was happening. Sakura sighed and looked down. She looked up t o see everyone else there, including Heero.

"Heero-kun?"

He nodded, "Hai, you ok?"

She nodded and looked at the door. Feeling pained at the fact that she had hurt one of her friends. She closed her eyes and let Heero embrace her.

"It's been long Sakura-san."

The Choir Girl

Chapter Six: Aftermath

By: EvilxDarkxSorceress

Like a shadow in the darkness she lingers, unseen and unknown. But always, behind her is a companion, holding her hand in compassion. Her eyes, dark and clouded, cries for acceptance, cries for caring. Her beauty, ethereal, her heart, broken too many times, her face scarred with the sorrow of all. She and I are one, for I am her companion and she is mine. She and I are one and in the darkness we will wait for light to come and claim us.

Sakura looked out the window of the Li house. She looked at Syaoran; he was shirtless and practising with a beautiful Chinese sword, his family's heirloom. Sakura admired his grace and force, she was thankful for him. He had been so kind to her and they had only met for about a week. It had been only three days since she had gotten out of the hospital. A lot of rest they said, that was her prescription. That meant no going to school for choir practice. That meant staying in a house, bored out of her mind. Oh well, it wasn't as if she wasn't used to it.

Sakura sighed and looked away from the window of the guest room. She and Syaoran hadn't talked lately, only when he had proposed her to stay in his house and then it was mostly good mornings, good nights or how are you? Ever since that kiss, Sakura had been confused. Syaoran was a great friend, generous, kind, strong and somewhat down to earth. That kiss had been… blissful, heavenly, there were no words that could express how she had felt when Syaoran kissed her. Her first kiss. She was glad it had been Syaoran taking it. She liked Syaoran… a lot. And then there was Ryuu.

Ryuu was nice, like she had said before, a good friend to have and be with but not a boyfriend. Not to her. Sakura just didn't feel that way about him. He was so nice and always laughing. Sakura was sorry; she hadn't meant to hurt his feelings, not at all. But she didn't know what to do, things were so complicated. Sakura decided to apologize to Ryuu on Monday. She just hoped he'd understand.

Sakura looked out the window and saw no one. Syaoran was out of the garden. She sighed once again and stood up from where she was sitting. She went out the room and quietly closed the door behind. Smiling to herself, she went down the stairs to the living room and saw Syaoran's mother, Yelan Li, sitting in her chair and reading a book.

Sakura admired Yelan so much; she was beautiful and elegant in her own way. Yelan always her hair up in her Chinese hairdress and letting it fall down her back, she was pale and beautiful with a red lipstick endorsing her lips. Her eyes were even more beautiful and her voice was classy yet welcoming. To Sakura, Yelan was almost like her mother for she wore the same smile her mother had.

"Are you alright Sakura-san?"

Sakura snapped away from her reverie and smiled at Yelan, "I'm fine. What are you reading?"

"Chinese Cinderella, It is a very touching book."

Sakura gave a small grin and sat down, "I've read that book. It's about the harsh childhood of Adeline Yen Mah, right?"

Yelan nodded, a bit surprised, "Yes. What did you think about it young flower."

Sakura liked the way Yelan would call her young flower, it made her feel loved. "It was very touching, I hoped I could get my hands on 'Falling Leaves', I really want to read it."

Yelan smiled once again and stood. She placed the book down on a nearby table and walked towards the bookcase. She took out a book and walked towards Sakura. With a smile, she placed the book in Sakura's hands. Falling Leaves. Sakura gasped and instantly had tears in her eyes. It was weird how a small gesture such as giving a book could mean so much to her. Sakura smiled back at Yelan and kissed her cheek. Yelan sat back down and continued reading her book.

Just as Sakura was about to ask where Syaoran was, he walked in. He looked at Sakura with an accusing stare.

"What are you doing out of your bed?"

Sakura stammered, "Well, I- what I mean is… Oh, it's just one day besides I'm going to school tomorrow so why should I stay scooped up in a bed. Oh pretty please, don't drag me back upstairs. Please!!"

Syaoran looked at her pleading look, she was right anyway. She was better now and there was no point in leaving her in her room all day.

"Fine, come on. We're going out."

Sakura looked at Yelan who shrugged back at her, "We are, where?"

Syaoran smiled, "To Eriol's. I'll tell you why when we're there."

Ryuu looked at his breakfast and poked at it. He sighed and thought about Sakura, he couldn't understand how she could fall for someone like Syaoran. Oh yes, right. It was the smile, the hair, the leader like attitude. Or maybe it was because of hid intelligence and the way he did things. It didn't matter, it still wasn't Ryuu. He seriously thought that Sakura could fall for him. He was, after all, the one to bring a smile to her face everyday while Syaoran brushed her away every time. Ryuu just didn't understand.

He stood and poured his breakfast down the sink, it already became soggy and uneatable. He went to their spacious living room to find his brother sprawled on the couch talking on the phone. He groaned and pushed Kitsune's legs away so he might sit down. Kitsune frowned at him and quickly said goodbye to Tima. He could see when something was wrong with Ryuu and something was wrong now.

"What's going on Ryuu?"

Ryuu glared at him and took the remote control. He changed the channel without bothering to answer Kitsune's question.

Kitsune sighed and took the remote control back; he glared back at Ryuu and turned off the TV.

"You gonna tell me what's wrong now?"

Ryuu looked away. He sighed himself and looked at his brother, "Why does Sakura-sama like Syaoran?"

Kitsune raised his eyebrows. This what was bothering him? He thought. "I guess it would have to do with all his qualities, I don't know. You'd have to ask her. Why? What's wrong with her liking Syaoran?"

Ryuu ran a quick hand through his hair, "It's just, he pushes her away every time she tries to get close to him and yet she manages to like him still. I just don't get it! I want her to- I- I want her to like me."

Kitsune's eyes widened in realisation, his brother actually liked a girl for real. It wasn't just flirting or a one night thing, it was for real. He groaned inside, it had to be someone out of reach to him; it just couldn't be someone else. Had to be Sakura.

"Look, just try to forget Sakura ok? There will be no you and Sakura. Now I'm being one of the most loving brothers in the world when I'm telling you that you will only get hurt! Hear me?"

Ryuu glared at his brother and abruptly stood up. He left his brother in the living room and went to get his jacket. There was no way he was staying in the same house as Kitsune or anyone else for that matter, he needed time to think. He just couldn't believe his brother had just said that, his own brother, his own flesh and blood. He just couldn't believe the world, it seemed they were all against him. He wanted to be with Sakura and if it was going to kill him he was going to be with Sakura. By any means possible.

Syaoran and Sakura were walking to Eriol's house together. They were both deep in thoughts. If asked to either of the two a penny for your thoughts, that person might become one of the richest people in the world. Sakura was thinking about herself, about her late family and a little about Syaoran. And Syaoran was thinking about Sakura on the whole, he wondered why he kissed her. It would seem quite obvious to some people but Syaoran was just clueless. She was invading his every thought, even when he looked at jewellery in the stores he wondered whether or not she would like. He'd look at the price and think about how he would bribe his mother into giving him money. Then again he didn't really need to do that since he was rich.

The two couple passed another jewellery store, this time it wasn't Syaoran who looked at the window it was Sakura. She'd stop dead in her tracks and had approached the window with awed eyes. Her lips were smiling blissfully and her eyes seemed to be longing for the necklace. It was truly a beauty, the chain was made of what seemed to be pure gold and pending on it was a crystallised flower. Inside the beautiful flower was a trapped piece of amber, gleaming like a small parcel of fire. Sakura touched the glass window as if she wanted to touch the necklace. Syaoran smiled and looked at what she was looking over her shoulder. He looked at Sakura's bright face and immediately understood what was going on. Syaoran grinned and touched her shoulders; she seemed to suddenly jerk back to life as she looked at him with surprised eyes.

"Hoe? Oh, right. To Eriol's."

Syaoran chuckled and pulled on her hand; she slowly separated herself from the window, still looking at the glamorous necklace. Syaoran tucked on her arm and lead her away. Sakura smiled at him and twirled a little when it began to snow. She gasped and silently whispered 'kirei', a piece of snow fell on her nose. Syaoran laughed and brushed it away making Sakura's cheek glow a faded pink. Sakura held her palms out and waited for a snowflake to fall into it. Syaoran looked at his watch, they'd probably be late, but Sakura hadn't been out for three days and she needed something to keep her mind off the current events of her life.

"Syaoran-kun, sudeki da ne?"

Syaoran watched Sakura as the snowflakes fell around and on her. Her face was slightly flushed with a tint of pink in her soft cheeks. Her hair was falling down to her waist, waving around the end. She was wearing a short forest green skirt with almost black but actually dark blue cotton wool tights. She was also wearing 2/4 boots. Her hands weren't hidden in gloves as one would have thought she would have done, they were pale and looked like she was cold. Underneath a warm coat, she was wearing cotton off shoulder long sleeved white patterned shirt and hiding her neck was a black scarf.

Syaoran shook his head and grinned knowingly, "Hai. Now come on, we've almost arrived."

Sakura nodded and skipped ahead of Syaoran. Syaoran chuckled and brought his coat closer to himself, he'd always hated winter but Sakura seemed to have brought it alive for him. She was really something, and maybe she could become something more. Syaoran found himself hoping just that, she'd become something more. Something he would cherish, something he would take care of like nothing before. Syaoran surprised himself; he shook his head and watched as Sakura waved at him. She was already at Eriol's doorsteps. Syaoran nodded back at her and smiled. This would be interesting.

Sakura rung the bell of the door, she hummed the tune that echoed through the deserted night. Soon enough, the door opened to reveal Nakuru, Eriol's older sister and career. It was a wonder the blue haired boy was still alive. As Syaoran arrived to the doorsteps, he laughed heartily as Nakuru pinched Sakura's cheek. Just like my sisters, the evil witches. Syaoran and shivered at the thought of his four sister. In a way he missed them and in an other he wished they stayed with their husband. Far away. Far, far away. Far, far, far, far away. Far, well you get the point.

"Nakuru, it's cold out here and you have a fire in there. Think of the precious time you're wasting when you could feed Spinel-Chan some sweets."

Nakuru's eyes brightened, "SUPPI-CHAN!!! WHERE ARE YOOOUUUU?!"

Sakura sighed with relief and gave Syaoran a quick hug, whispering thank you in his ears as Nakuru skidded away. Syaoran blushed and pushed her gently away. Sakura smiled and entered the large mansion. She was greeted by a puff of warm air, re-colouring her pale cheeks. Grinning softly, Sakura took off her coat and scarf. She looked around before spotting Eriol and Tomoyo on a couch in front of a fire, talking vigorously. Sakura grinned fully and grabbed Syaoran's hand. She dragged him to where the two other teens were plopped down on the floor, dragging him with her.

"Ohayo Tomoyo-Chan, Eriol-san. Daijobou?"

Tomoyo giggled and whipped her camera from behind her back, she quickly recorded Sakura's face while it was still flushed from the cold. Sakura blushed and silently hoed under her breath. Syaoran smiled at her, keeping his gleaming eyes on the girl. Eriol did not only laugh but he also noticed the look on Syaoran's face. He stood and bowed to the two young girls, one fussing over the other one's cuteness. He tapped Syaoran's shoulder and motioned him out of the room. Syaoran, though puzzled, accepted and went with him. They went to the kitchen where a lot of food was prepared. All for Sakura.

"What's wrong Eriol?"

Eriol grinned, "When are you gonna ask her out Syaoran-Chan."

Syaoran raised his eyebrows, "Don't call me that and what are you talking about?"

Eriol laughed, "Why my cute little descendent, about Sakura of course."

Syaoran growled, "Omae o korosu!"

Eriol turned his back on Syaoran and took out a bottle of soda, "No you won't." Once he had the bottle, he pointed some snacks to Syaoran. "Now grab those, the others will arrive shortly."

Syaoran nodded and took the snacks; they had planned a little party for Sakura, a get better quicker party. And also a celebration party. Of course Sakura didn't know about the party or about what they would be celebrating. It was all a secret and a particularly well kept one at that. As Syaoran and Eriol transported the drink and snacks, they heard a two voices and a piano playing. Sakura was on the piano while Tomoyo was sitting next to her, her hand as if in a prayer. They were singing Silent Night and Tomoyo decided to ditch Sakura and let her do the singing by herself.

Sakura: Silent Night, Holy Night

All is calm, All is Bright.

Round Yon Virgin, Mother and Child

Holy Infant so, Tender and Mild,

Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Sakura looked around and pouted, "Mou, why do you guys always do this to me?"

Syaoran stepped in and answered before the others could, "Have you ever thought that maybe it was because they thought your voice was better than theirs?"

Sakura blushed and looked down, she played another tune. A calming melody, not a Christmas one or any other than Syaoran had heard before. He listened and waited for her to finish. Not only was she good with her voice but her piano skills were perfect. It was as good as her voice, filling the room with purity and serenity. Syaoran put the snacks down and sat, keeping his eyes on the angels he had met, once upon a Christmas assembly. Sakura finished, leaving to a melody in a C chord. She smiled and looked at the snacks.

"Oh, Pocky Stick!!"

The others laughed and watched as Sakura went to get the current object of her desire. She sat down next to Syaoran and subconsciously rested her head on Syaoran's shoulders. She felt quite comfortable and Syaoran didn't seem to mind. But then again he might have been preoccupied with keeping the heat on his face down. Eriol joined Tomoyo on the piano seat and started playing a melody himself. Tomoyo joined him using her voice. The thing was that Eriol was only playing with one hand. The other had slipped to intertwine with Tomoyo's.

The groups stayed that way, happy with their conditions. Eriol and Tomoyo looked at each other and smiled. Eriol's own melody was over and now silence was all that could be heard. Until the bell rung. Sakura looked up, a bit surprised that their quietness was interrupted. Eriol went to open the door, he let an entire group of people in. Sakura's eyes widened as she saw Heero, Duo, Hilde, Kitsune, Tima, Yamazaki, Chiharu and many other kids from school. Tomoyo taped Sakura's shocked and then happy reactions. She grinned, glad with hers and Eriol's idea.

They all passed by Sakura, giving smiles and hugs. Sakura was teary eyed, happy and moved at the fact that everyone was there for help. She glared playfully at the trio who had smiles on their faces.

During this small 'party', there was dancing, singing and whole lot of playing. Sakura had a lot of fun, she kept glancing at Syaoran from afar as he laughed with the other guys. And every time he caught her gaze on him she blushed a pretty shade of rosy red. Syaoran too gave Sakura secret glances but he always made sure he was never caught. And that was how they spent the evening. Eventually, everyone had to go home. Sakura and Syaoran stayed at Eriol's house as did Tomoyo, apparently it was sleep over time.

--

Sakura and Tomoyo were in one room, talking and giggling with a little gossip added.

Tomoyo decided to get on the topic of boys, "So… Sakura-Chan. You and Li-san seem to be pretty close at the moment."

Sakura blushed and played with the chocolate she had in her hand. She remembered earlier that evening that Syaoran had almost a heart attack when he thought there were no more chocolates in his house. "Syaoran-kun is very kind. I'm glad I met him."

Tomoyo laughed a little, "You mean you're glad he set fireworks when you were singing?"

Sakura laughed a little along with Tomoyo before thinking of Syaoran. Yes, Syaoran is very kind and cute too. And… and he kissed me.

"Ne Sakura-Chan, what are you thinking about?"

Sakura breathed out, "Tomoyo, what do you do when you think you like someone. Especially when that someone kissed you?"

Tomoyo's eyes widened before settling down, "Sakura… this is so KAWAII!!"

Sakura cringed; she was sure everyone in the neighbourhood heard Tomoyo and doubted they weren't disrupted by it. "Tomoyo…"

Tomoyo stood up and took Sakura's hand with her. She twirled the both of them before letting go of the poor Sakura.

"Oh, this is great. Kawaii Sakura had her first kiss with Li-san. Soon enough you guys will get married and I'll be able to make your wedding dress and then make cloths for your kawaii children and your kawaii grandchildren and-"

Sakura hoed, Must think of ways to shut her up. "So we could have a double marriage, ne?"

Tomoyo stopped talking and looked at Sakura, "Nani?"

It took Sakura a whole load of courage for what she said next, "Well, you and Eriol seem pretty close too. So I thought that if I get married to Syaoran-kun then you should get married to Eriol-kun."

Tomoyo blushed and looked down, "I have no idea what you are talking about. As for your earlier question, I advise you to get your feelings straight first. Make sure you know how you feel about him, and then tell him. But don't take too long, who knows what might happen. Now, let's go to sleep."

Sakura smiled gratefully at the advice before letting her smile turn devilish, "You'd want to sleep wouldn't you? To dream of Eriol junior and of your kawaii other children ne?"

Tomoyo blushed and chose to ignore Sakura. But Sakura kept on saying things about Tomoyo and Eriol, so Tomoyo threw a pillow at her. Eventually, they were having a pillow fight.

--

The next day, Sakura woke up to see she was late. Tomoyo wasn't in her bed. Sakura got up and ran out, she went down the stairs of Eriol's house to find Syaoran, Tomoyo, Eriol and Nakuru having breakfast as if they weren't suppose to go to school yet.

Sakura puffed her cheeks and glared at them, "What are you guys doing?! We're supposed to be at school over two hours ago."

Tomoyo laughed and waved her hand in a dismissive matter, "Sakura, with all that's been going on you must have forgotten. Sakura today is Christmas eve. Everyone is at home."

Sakura gasped and rushed back up the stairs with the others staring at her retreating back with dotted eyes. She looked for a calendar and saw that they were right. It was indeed Christmas Eve. She slumped on the bed and thought about the fact that Tomoyo had right. She had completely that one of her favourite events of the year was just the day after. She let the calendar fall on the floor before going back to lie on the bed. Fresh tears fell from her eyes as she thought about her brother's present resting in her house and as she thought about what it would be like if her entire family was still alive.

"Sakura?"

Syaoran poked his head in the room, he sighed as he saw Sakura's current state. He went over to the sobbing Sakura and put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's ok, we'll be here. You're gonna spend Christmas with me and my mom. It's gonna be great. And my sisters are coming today so we'll pick them up. You'll love them, or maybe not. They're a bit like Nakuru except now they have children so… perhaps they'll be even more eccentric than before. Sakura? Please answer me."

At first it seemed that Sakura was ignoring him but after a while she sat up and hugged him tightly.

"Syaoran-kun, please don't leave me. Everyone I care about deeply has left me; you won't do that will you?"

Syaoran returned the hug and kissed Sakura's forehead. "I won't, I'll stay with you. It's a promise Sakura and I never break my promises. Now, dry those tears and let's go eh?"

Sakura nodded before shooing him away. She took a quick shower before dressing up in a Christmas red shirt showing a bit of her belly button with the hems of the sleeves being white fur like Santa's clothes. She was also wearing a forest green skirt and white cotton tights. Her outfit was completed by red ankle boots. Sakura put up her hair in a ponytail and left some strands to frame her face. She also put just a little bit of lipgloss. Sakura, content with her current look, went down the stairs to meet Syaoran.

"Oh Sakura-Chan! You look so Kawaii in that outfit!!"

Sakura blushed and descended the stairs slowly.

"Arigatou, let's go."

End of chapter. I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a happy new year. I wanted to post this during Christmas but I was in holyday and forgot. TBC

Sudeki da ne?: Isn't it wonderful?

Omae o korosu: I'll kill you.

Arigatou: Thank you