Agent08 Reporting for Duty!

"..." - talking
italic font - thoughts

Now...on with chapter eighteen!

The Beginning to an End

Syaoran grunted as he heaved the large box up and off of the table. He set it down on the floor, put his hands on his side, and looked at the sight before him. He smiled in satisfaction, proud of the work that he had managed to finish in just a few hours.

Today was the day that he and Sakura finally got to move out of the cottage that they were so close to calling home. If it hadn't been for Sakura's detour on the way back from the market the other day, they probably would've been at her castle by now, waiting to hear why they lived for each other for such a long period of time. But no, Sakura wanted to go and "celebrate" at the beach. Instead of celebrating, they kissed, on purpose this time, no accident, and anger, just them, wanting to be kissed.

Syaoran remembered the walk back home the other day. He and Sakura had pulled away from each other quite abruptly, and neither of them said a word. It was as if they could read each other's minds, beacuse they both knew that they shouldn't bring it up as a topic of conversation. Sakura soon changed that when they were half way to the cottage.

"So..." she began, her gaze cast down towards the ground, "What was that about back there?"

Syaoran was at a loss for words. He didn't expect for the subject to come up so quickly. Usually, when this kind of thing happened, neither him or Sakura would talk about it for the next few days, perhaps even months, and when they were prepared with an excuse, they would speak about it, and wanting the problem to go away, they'd believe it.

Oh no! Syaoran thought, as he racked his brain for a believable excuse. What should I say?

"Err..." Syaoran replied, his voice hesitant and nervous, "Well...When you were talking about your Mother, and the man she loved...I understood why you thought it was so romantic, and I...I..."

"You...?" Sakura insisted, wanting to get an answer.

"I..." Syaoran dragged.

"Got caught up in the moment?" Sakura finished for him.

Syaoran smiled and gestured to Sakura that she was right. "You're right, Sakura!" he had said, "That's exactly it! I got caught up in the moment, that's all!"

Phew...That was a close one, Syaoran thought once more, sighing in relief.

Sakura smiled a sympathetic smile at him. "I understand now," she said, walking ahead of him towards the cottage. "Being caught in the moment is something that happens a lot to me. Don't worry, Syaoran. A kiss is just a kiss. It didn't bother me,"

Didn't bother her?

He stood, dumbfounded by Sakura words, and watched her enter the cottage.

Didn't bother her? Who said I wanted the kiss to bother her? I wanted to do anything but bother her! I wanted to... To... Um... To...Oh, heck. Forget about what in bloody hell I wanted to do. What's done is done.

He followed behind her and sooner than either of them knew it, morning came, and it was time to pack what was left in the cottage so they could leave in a carriage, back towards Sakura's castle.

Sakura came bustling into the room with a rag over her left shoulder, and a large box, balancing in her right arm. She carefully set it on top of the box that Syaoran just recently placed down on the floor, and stood beside him, looking at the empty living room before themselves.

Slowly, as if not to alarm her, Syaoran snaked his arm around both her shoulders, and pulled her closer towards him. He didn't mean it in a loving way, but in a friendly way. Sakura understood this, and to show him that what he was doing didn't bother her, she leaned onto his shoulder, and put her arm around his stomach. They looked like the most beautiful couple to walk the earth, but neither of them held each other in that way.

Syaoran inspected what was before him. The furniture, getting dustier by the second caused by the sun's rays. The floor, which Sakura had scrubbed just a few days into the six months they were to live there, and the many boxes and baggages that he and Sakura had brought with them to the cottage, and were now taking back with them to the castle. To him it felt so weird leaving the place that he had grown so close to. He wondered if Sakura felt the same way...His question was answered when he heard a sudden whimper to his left.

What in bloody hell?

He looked over to his side, and saw Sakura, crying silently. Well, not so much silently since he did hear her whimper. Curious as to why she was crying, he took her by both shoulders, and looked into her beautiful emerald eyes which were gleaming with tears.

"Sakura?" he said, "What's the matter?"

Taking in a deep breathe, she looked at Syaoran, and began to fan her face, as if that would rid her of her tears. "Oh..." she said quite airily, the fanning increasing speed, "It's nothing...It's just that..." but she did not continue.

"Just that what, Sakura?" Syaoran asked.

"It's just that I'm going to miss this place so much..." she finished.

Knowing how Sakura felt, he hugged her, and patted her back like a baby. "It's okay, Sakura. We're both going to miss this place. Maybe when we're older, we can come visit it again. But don't worry. The cottage will always be here, to represent the toughest learning experience we've had yet," he joked, trying to humour Sakura. It worked slightly, because she did thank him with a giggle.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, and reluctantly, Syaoran left Sakura to answer it. He came back inside the living room with a solemn face, and behind him stood three men. The three men that would help them load whatever they had onto the second carriage that would follow the first one towards the castle.

"They're here," Syaoran stated, the solemn look still on his face, as if to never leave.

Her jaw dropped as she asked, "Already?" with a voice as shaky as an earthquake.

"Yes," Syaoran replied, "Already." and he outstretched an arm for Sakura to take his hand.

Unwillingly, Sakura took it, and followed as Syaoran lead the way out of the cottage. For the final time, they touched the old rocking chair and the swaying hammock. For the final time, they walked down the three wooden steps of the cottage. They took a moment to look at what was before them, and tried to sort out their feelings. Either they were happy to leave the cottage, or sad because they had to leave the place that felt more of a home to them than any other castle or palace they've ever lived in.

"Prince, Princess," someone said suddenly, making the both of them turn. Behind them stood a stout coachman, wearing a tail coat, a black tophat, and a very large moustache. "It's time to go," he said, gesturing towards the carriage.

"...Alright," Sakura agreed, getting onto the carriage. She took her place beside Syaoran, and just minutes after she sat down, the coachman got into the front of the carriage. He whipped the horses, and in a matter of minutes, they were off towards the castle. Sakura stuck her head out the window, and saw that the workmen were just getting inside the carriage. She thanked the Lord, because then that would give her a clear view of the cottage.

"Sakura?" she heard. "You'll be okay, right?" Syaoran asked.

Sakura nodded, and stuck her head out the window once more. She took one more longing glance towards the cottage, but her view was soon blocked by the second carriage, just trailing along behind them. Sticking her head back inside the cottage, she nodded once more. "Don't worry, Syaoran. I'll be okay,"

xxxxxx

After a forty-minute ride to the castle, Sakura was overwhelmed with her feelings. She passed by the shop where she was spying on Sophie and Syaoran. She passed by the candy shop that they went to on the night of the ball, and the beach where they kissed for a third time. That brought back lots of memories.

Caught up in all her thoughts, Sakura did not feel the carriage suddenly lurch to a stop. Syaoran had to tap her once or twice on the shoulder to tell her that it was time to get off. When she finally did so, she looked at the marble white castle and the gardens. Although she missed the cottage greatly, it was a great feeling to see her actual home once again.

With Sakura always at his side, Syaoran walked through the castle halls, towards the living room. He was told by the coachman that they were to meet his Mother and Sakura's Father so that they could be spoken to. Both of them obviously knew what they were going to be spoken to about. They would finally find out why they were told to live with each other for half a year.

As they roamed the almost empty halls, maids and butlers greeted them with happiness. Syaoran and Sakura very well loved in the castle, and lots of people, other than their parents of course, missed them greatly. All they heard while walking in the halls were, "We're so glad you're back" or "It's so nice to see you again!" There were many more. So much more that they couldn't even begin to count.

Finally, they reached the living room. They hesitated for a while, as if deciding who should open the door first. Syaoran insisted on Sakura doing so, but Sakura insisted for Syaoran. Taking the cue from each other, they reached for the door knob at the same time. Their hands brushed, and Sakura's hand automatically came back to her side. "Please," she insisted, "You do it,"

Syaoran did as he was told, and turned the door knob. To both their surprise, they were welcomed into the room with screams of joy and yelps of excitement. Fearful, Syaoran and Sakura eased themselves backwards, out of the room. Unfortunately, Syaoran's Mother took him by the hand, Sakura's Father following suit, and lead them into the middle of the room.

"Welcome back, children!" Fujitaka greeted, as he kissed his daughter lovingly on the cheek, and shaking Syaoran's hand. "It's so nice to see you again!"

"Father..." Sakura began, "Was all this necessary? You just saw us last month at the ball!"

"Of course it was necessary!" Fujitaka replied.

Sakura looked over at Syaoran, who was glaring at his Mother. His Mother had invited all four of his sisters to the "Welcome Back" party, and she wasn't even sorry about it. She knew how excited his sisters got when they saw their little brother with a girl. Escpecially with the girl that they thought was the most perfect and cutest match for him.

"Mother!" Syaoran said through gritted teeth, "Did you really find it necessary to bring those girls here?"

His Mother gave him a stern look. " 'Those girls' just so happen to be your sisters! Be a good boy and greet them like a loving brother!"

With one last glare, he left his Mother to greet all four of his sisters, Fuutie, Sheifa, Fanren, and Feimei.

"Hello, sisters..." he greeted, his voice dripping with fakeness. His sisters gathered around him, pulling and tuggins at his cheeks, hair, and clothes.

"Oh, little brother, what are you wearing?" Fuutie asked, pinching at his clothes.

"Eww, little brother! Why is your skin so dirty?" Fanren joined, flicking his skin.

He gave a pleading look towards Sakura, and she soon saved him from his sisters. "Um, hello!" She said, pulling at Syaoran's arm. "I was wondering if you could allow me to speak to your brother alone?" she asked politely.

His sisters squealed with excitement, maybe thinking that she had to express her "love for him" alone. Sakura laughed nervously, and eased him out of the group of girls carefully and cautiously. When finally out of the big crowd, Syaoran kissed Sakura's hand in thanks.

"Thank you so much!"

Sakura giggled, and nodded as her reply.

When everyone was seated, Fujitaka and Yelan stood infront of all their sons and daughters. "Well," Yelan began, "I am supposing that you are probably wanting to know the answer as to why we put you to in such a situation,"

Both Syaoran and Sakura nodded. Fujitaka looked form side to side, as if checking up on someone. Then, he spoke his peice. "Well, we were actually going to start when your brother arrived, Sakura, but...He's not here,"

The edges of Syaoran's mouth dipped downward into a frown. "Does that mean we can't know what that whole living situation was about until a few hours?"

"Well..." Fujitaka said, scratching the back of his head. "You two waited six months...I'm sure you can wait a few more hours..."

Great. Another thing ruined by Sakura's bloody big brother.

"Now, Fujitaka," Yelan chimed, stepping infront of him. "As you said, our children have waited six months already! They have waited long enough, don't you think?"

Fujitaka sighed. "Well...I guess they have..."

Sakura, hearing this, brightened up a lot. "Well then, Father, Queen Li...What is it?"

Getting back in step with Fujitaka, Yelan began to speak. "Well, as the both of you know, it was a learning experience, because the both of you were much too spoiled. Correct?"

Syaoran gestured with his hands to know more. "Yes, yes, Mother. We know all that already now go on and tell us why you made us live together!"

"Alright..." Fujitaka said, "The reason we told and forced you to live with each other was because - "

Suddenly, the living room door burst open, revealing a puffy and sweaty Touya. "- I'm so sorry I'm late, Father! The ship arrived later than we had expected from Villanda, and the carriage was extremely slow. We just - AH!"

Touya was interrupted with his sentence when Syaoran's sisters crowded around him, and began to poke at his cheeks and clothes. Syaoran smirked and was told by his Mother to make them stop. He snorted, and told his Mother that Touya could probably fend for himself. He probably could - just not with his sisters.

Syaoran snorted again.

After literally prying all the girls off of himself, Touya seated himself beside his sister, giving her a peck on the cheek, and then finally paid attention as to what his Father was saying.

"As I was saying," Fujitaka continued, "This may come as a shock to you, Syaoran and Sakura, but...the two of you are..."

Syaoran watched his lips move. It was kind of the same situation Sakura was in when she found out that she had to live with Syaoran for six months.

"The two of you are...engaged,"

...Silence.

One of Syaoran's sisters, though no one was sure about which one, had coughed during the disturbing silence.

Finally, Syaoran had found his voice and the courage to speak. Sticking a finger in his ear, he asked, "I'm sorry?" He looked to his mother and Fujitaka expectantly. "I thought I just heard you say that...Princess Sakura and I are...engaged?"

Both Yelan and Fujitaka stood. Yelan was smiling like an idiot, and wringing her hands together quite hard. Fujitaka had a nervous look on his face. He noticed that Sakura was about to say something, and before she could protest, he grabbed her elbow and took her to a corner of the living room.

"Sweetheart," Fujitaka began, rubbing tiny circles into the back of her hand comfortingly, "please let me explain."

Sakura kept on opening her mouth as if to say something, but she could never find the right words to say. She thought that if she said something, she'd only end up yelling at her Father, which was something she'd never done, and something she would never intend on doing. She also thought that if she spoke, she might actually agree to being engaged to...to...Syaoran!

"F - Father...I..."

"Sweetheart, as your mother was on her deathbed, she had said these exact words to me. She told me to congratulate Yelan, as you know, her very good friend at the time, for having given birth to the latest and last addition to her family. Prince Syaoran." Sakura waited for him to continue. "She told me how she thought he'd grow up into a handsome, charming, respectful young man and how she knew that when he was old enough, he'd make the woman he married the luckiest girl in the world."

Her jaw dropped.

"She wanted you to marry him, Sakura, my dear. Her dying wish was that you marry him."

xxxxxx

Sakura walked over to Syaoran, who was glaring daggers at his Mother. Yelan was too excited to actually notice him doing so. Too excited to see Sakura pull him away from her, and speak with him in another secluded area in the living room.

"Can you believe this?" Syaoran practically spat, "We're engaged! Since we were five-years-old, I've practically grown up with the woman my Mother wants me to marry! I will not give her the advantage of choosing the person that I will spend the rest of my life with! No sir, not a bloody chance in - ! "

"Syaoran, just - " Sakura said, trying to get a word in. But Syaoran would not let her.

"Look at your brother for God's sake! He looks angrier than the time he saw us in bed together! Have they no respect for their children? Goddamnit! I'm going to be murdered in my sleep by your brother, I know it. I can't believe they never even asked us our opinions about this matter!"

"Because they knew we'd turn them down flat!"

"Exactly! How could they ever engage us like this when they know the way we feel about each - "

"It was my mother's dying wish," Sakura interrupted quietly. This statement stopped Syaoran dead in his angry tracks.

"E - Excuse me?" Syaoran spluttered. "It was her...dying...wish?"

"Syaoran..." she whispered in a voice barely even audible, "my mother...she believed that you would make the most perfect husband when you were just born, a few days before me. Perfect enough for you to marry...well, me." she shrugged unsurely. Syaoran caught her taking a quick glance towards everyone in the room, as if considering their reactions.

It was obvious what their two parents' reactions were. They were happy, very happy indeed, as if they knew something that they didn't. Syaoran's sisters were jubilant, whispering excitedly to each other, probably about future wedding plans when they hadn't even agreed to the engagement! Touya was fuming in the corner, probably planning his murder.

"Syaoran," she said again, in that same, quivering, shy voice, "I know that this is too much to ask. But my mother...my mother wanted this for me. I'd do anything for my mom, you know I would. I can't believe I'm doing this, but...please, Syaoran! Will you..."

He then literally placed a hand in front of her mouth. "Wait, Sakura...you're not...proposing to me, are you?" Sakura let out a humiliated groan which would've made Syaoran smirk like the jerk that he is if he weren't in this situation. Instead, he sighed, everything in his mind screaming at him to not be selfish. To just do this for everybody that wanted this for him. For Sakura.

Removing his hand from her mouth, he brought Sakura to the center of the room, coughing a few times to get everybody's attention.

"Everyone..." he announced, holding Sakura by the hand, "with your blessing, King Fujitaka, and the blessing of your son, if I may have it, I'd like to marry your daughter." Fujitaka nodded, and Touya, though unsmiling, agreed promptly. "Well then...Sakura Kinomoto, will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Out of the corner of her mouth, only loud enough for Syaoran to hear, she said, "For my mother?" And then, in a louder voice, "Yes, I will be your wife."

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Woah, the tables turn. So, Read and Review, and I just might marry you :)

Signing Off,
Agent08 - My life as a secret agent xD