I've had questions asking when Eriol will appear. He was meant to be a very, very minor character, but people seem to want to read about him. I don't know if I can manage it because there is already Julian in the picture. Any ideas?

youkiagirl64 Me, a genius? Nah. Haha, if you were a genius, you would spell genius properly. l think you put "genious." It's okay, I'd spell it that way too if it wasn't for spell checking XP. I'll consider your idea, but then I'll probably get more complaints than praise for it. Sigh, I seem to be getting a lot of complaints lately…

sheman I guess you could call their kiss in their elevator a spur of the moment thing. Julian was first mentioned at the end of chapter six. I don't know Filipino. Sakura is only weak in certain moments. I mean, even if you've never been in her position, can't you understand where she's coming from? If you loved Syaoran, and you caught him kissing Tomoyo, or you knew he would never like you back, wouldn't you be emotional? I don't know you, so I can't judge, but I'm just saying. Syaoran got mad when Sakura was happy talking to Julian because of jealously. As for my "grammatical error" for saying "Me and Syaoran are engaged" instead of "Syaoran and I are engaged," it's just because I'm trying to be realistic. I understand that this is a community for writers, and therefore, I should use proper grammar, but another part of being an author is to make things seem real. I don't really know anyone who actually uses "Someone and I" in speech. As I said in the first chapter, I don't want this story to revolve around the set. I don't feel it is important, but if there is anyone out there who feels it is, tell me. By the way, you never know. SS might not end up together; not every story here has a happy ending. My last story didn't. Thank you for the long review and for giving constructive criticism.

Crystalz Tearz Gwen? Who's Gwen?

heheangel kisses I didn't want to make the Elders seem that horrible. Even though they are fictional, they are supposed to be respected characters. They didn't like Sakura because they are only trying to do what's right for their clan. It's tradition for them to have their leader marry someone from a good family. It doesn't matter if you say "great chapter" in every review; I still appreciate it :).

FlowerLover In my stories, "-" is speech and '-' is thoughts. So no, she didn't say it out loud. Next time, I'll try to put thoughts in italics too, to avoid confusion, and if I'm not too lazy, which I probably will be, I'll revise that part of chapter seven.

I apologize in advance for any mistakes I may have made typing this...

Chapter Nine

Sakura walked onto the set, puzzlement etched on her face. It was completely dark. She was sure they were shooting, yet not one person, not even an assistant was there.

Her heart leaped into her throat as the lights flipped on and confetti rained to the ground.

"SURPRISE!"

She took in the sight of a hundred people all wearing goofy party hats grinning at her. Then, Tomoyo stepped forward holding a huge cake decorated with colourful swirls. In the centre were the words, "Happy Birthday, Sakura!"

Her mouth dropped open as various people wished her a happy birthday and give her a big hug. In the midst of everything going on in her life, she had forgotten even her own birthday. She had never really had anyone to celebrate with, besides a few close friends, but now, looking at the sea of faces around her, Sakura had never felt more touched.

She endlessly thanks them, but they had more for her. Presents laid at her feet everywhere. She opened each and every one carefully, until a pile of presents laid before her. By this time, everyone had gone home. Since the filming was gradually coming to an end, it was hard work, and naturally people were tired. After all, they had been working sometimes more than sixteen hour shifts.

Sakura spotted a small box with plain wrapping paper that she had missed. She tore the paper off the box. It had been weirdly wrapped, as if the person had tried to do a good job, but didn't know how.

She opened the box to discover a simple white gold bracelet with small charms. Sakura ran her hand over the bracelet and felt small bumps on the inside. She peered closely to find tiny letters engraved.

Happy Birthday, Cherry Blossom! Friends always. Love, Syaoran.

Her heart thudded in her chest as she ran the words over and over again. Love, Syaoran. He loved her.

But it would never be more than the love of a friend.

Painfully, she set the bracelet back into its box and stared at the mess strewn in front of her. She was told to leave it for the janitors, but she didn't want to burden them with more work. She began to pick up the wrapping paper and her hand brushed against another's, sending a shock of surprise and something else through her arm.

The familiar scent of sandalwood wafted up her nose and she lost all conscious. When she regained the ability to speak, she decided to enjoy the silence and comfort of him beside her. Moments like this in the future were going to be rare…

"I was waiting for you to finish up, but you took so long. Liked my present?" Syaoran asked, his tone teasing. On the inside, he was going crazy. What if she hated it?

Sakura rolled her eyes at what she thought was his "arrogant" voice. She hated when he spoke like that. He made it sound like he knew she liked it and she should be thanking him until the end of the world.

"I can't accept it."

Syaoran reeled back in shock. "Why?" He had gone through so much trouble to pick out something special for her. It had to make a statement, yet not be something extravagant, because he knew Sakura hated that stuff.

'Maybe because every time I look at it, it'll remind me of what can never be. It already hurts enough, and I don't need it facing me each and every day…'

"It's expensive. We don't even know each other that well and you're spending so much money on me."

Sakura watched as Syaoran's face turned angry. "We don't know each other that well?"

"Um…what I meant was, we don't know each other well enough for you to be spending that kind of money on me."

"How much do I have to get to know you before I spend hours looking for a present? Money doesn't matter, as long as it actually means something. Which I thought it did. Obviously you don't feel the same way. Sorry I bothered."

Sakura had never heard him so angry. And it was her who had provoked him. She had no idea she meant that much to him…

She stared deep into his amber pools, which were filled with emotions. "Syaoran…you'll always be one of the best friends I ever had, and you'll always be someone special to me."

"Then why?" he asked angrily.

"I-I don't want us to get too close," she blurted out. "I mean, we already are close enough, but…yeah…"

"Why not?" he practically demanded.

"Because it's almost time for shooting to end…and we won't see each other…"

His face softened, but he gave her a look that indicated he thought she was crazy. "Of course we'll see each other. Why wouldn't we?"

"Because I don't want us to," she replied without thinking, but it was too late to change her mind or take back her words. Besides, that was what she really wanted and maybe it was better this way; having Syaoran know up front.

"After all that you've just told me, you say you don't want to see me?"

"Right," Sakura said coldly, surprising both herself and Syaoran at her tone of voice.

"Okay. Fine. If that's how you want it to be." He didn't even bother asking why. Her coldness was enough to convince him she wanted nothing to do with him after filming finished. He had probably been merely a tool, just someone who was there. But then why all that "you're so important to me" bull?

She turned away so he wouldn't see her hurt face. He didn't even care. He was probably already erasing his memories with her. If he even bothered to remember them. Judging from his reply, he probably didn't. She was just another co-star in his life…

Syaoran tapped his foot impatiently as Tomoyo finally opened the door, smiling warmly at him.

"Sorry, I saw your face at the door and I just had to check my make-up. And then I saw that a strand out of hair was out of place. So I straightened it. But then I realized now the rest of my hair looked puff-"

"What did you call me over here for?" Syaoran interrupted not so nicely. He was crabby this morning.

Tomoyo's smiled dimmed hearing him, but she ignored it. "Well, I was hoping to spend some time with you…"

"At seven in the morning?"

Tomoyo shrugged. "Why not?" She didn't bother mentioning she woke up early just to see him for a longer period of time.

"Because I wanted to sleep?"

Tomoyo pouted. "I am only just your future wife."

Syaoran forced a smile. It was thoughtful of Tomoyo to want to spend time with him, but he had only gotten five hours of sleep.

"Unless…you wanted to spend time with Sakura…"

The smile faded off Syaoran's face as soon as he heard those words. Last night's exchange came back into his mind. "Sakura? Why would I want to spend time with her?"

Tomoyo smirked. She didn't know what happened between those two, but she was sure it was nothing good. And she didn't even have anything to do with it, she thought gleefully. Fate was playing right into her hands.

"Oh. I thought you two were friends. But come to think of it, I did hear her complain about you all the time," she slipped in cautiously, for extra measure.

"Really…"

"Oh, just stuff about how you have the worse personality in the world and that she would kill herself if you two were stuck together forever. And something about how you're a terrible actor. Of course, I told her to shut up, but she just kept whining and whining. It was quite annoying."

"I see." So, that's what she really thought of him. He couldn't believe that girl…so full of lies. And what for? He wish he knew.

"You love him."

Sakura looked into the leering face of Tomoyo Daidouji. "Excuse me?"

"You love Syaoran."

"I do not," she said, even as the rest of her told differently. Well it didn't matter what her body and heart said, as long as her voice said otherwise.

"Admit it. I know. And honestly, I think you're pathetic. The way you glance at him. Anyone with a fraction of a brain would know."

"Well then, I don't know how you would."

"Oh haha. You're funny, Kinomoto. I'll give you that. But you better watch it. You go after my Syaoran, and I'll personally make your life hell."

'Well, it can't get that much worse.'

As Tomoyo swished away, Syaoran stepped out from the corner, watching the two girls fade into the distance. He didn't know what to believe. Tomoyo, seemingly so good hearted… He had been about to go talk to her when he heard their voices and curiosity got the best of him. However, all he heard was Tomoyo's last line. Tomoyo was being stupid. No way Sakura would go after him. She couldn't stand him. But he couldn't help but wonder why Sakura had said what she did…

Sakura felt a powerful grip on her arm and immediately knew who it was, by the way her body reacted. "Ow, let go of me."

Syaoran loosened his hold, but didn't let go. "Why did you say what you did yesterday?"

"I can't answer that."

"Well, you better, because I'm not letting you go unless you answer me."

Sakura cast her eyes downward. "I can't stand being around you. That's all I can tell you. But I meant what I said. You'll always be important to me. Please, just let me go and leave me alone."

"That makes absolutely no sense."

Sakura lifted up her head. "Well, it makes no sense to me either! I wish I could just figure this out, but you're making it so complicated! Why can't you just LEAVE ME ALONE?"

"Is that what you truly want? For me to leave you alone?"

"Yes." 'Leave me alone, leave me thoughts, my heart, my life.'

Syaoran dropped her arm. "Fine," he spat out, like the words disgusted him. "Have it your way."

"Wait."

He turned around. Sakura held out her hand. Dangling between her fingers was a piece of jewelry. "Take it."

His hand clasped around the bracelet and Sakura walked away.

He uncovered his hands. …always. Love, Syaoran, were the words staring back at him.

Next chap. is the good stuff :)