Author: Sakuraloveu here! I can't believe that I'm doing an update of this story when my finals are like a week away...just not in the mood of studying or typing up reports, so I decided to make some magic out of Syaoran and Sakura, and what you are going to read underneath is the product of my random "magical" writing. ENJOY!
P.S. It's really not bad...and you should read it, it's probably the final chapter of this story… -cry-
Readers: As the story draws to an end, I would like to ask you guys if you want a wedding as a follow up. I know I've asked this before, but I just wanted to make sure that enough people wants the wedding, 'cause other wise I'd rather spend time typing up medical reports than writing something no one will read. Let me know your decision and any other possible thoughts about the wedding please!
Thanks to:
EVERYONE THAT REVIEWED!
I know I should probably name everyone here and thank you all personally, but I can't do that without missing one person or another...yes, aren't I detail-oriented... -smirk-
SO THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING!
And to the reviewer who so wonderfully used the term "F" in the review and took out a weapon at the end and started 'chasing' me around, I thank you for your time and effort. You were the sunshine of my day, because I was stuck in the middle of some stupid computer program when I read your review, and I laughed so hard that I entirely forgot about what I was supposed to do next. Of course, that cost me some marks, but the laughter was worth it. –Chuckle-
Disclaimer: Even though I've written eight chapters of this story, I still don't own CCS...but as those of you who actually reads my randomness above know, I'd personally like to own Kinomoto Touya...
Yes Yes...On with the story...
Chapter 16: Wishing upon a shooting star
(A/N: Well...this is going to be interesting enough...)
…
Retreating back away from the door, still bowing, Syaoran didn't dare to look up. What is he afraid of? Let's just say...the look on Touya's face is NOT one Syaoran would like, and the expression Sakura has on her face? Syaoran will probably slap himself a few thousand times if he looked.
Entering the door, Li Yelan didn't focus her eyes on any one in particular. Her stare going just a little over Sakura's head, and a little away from Touya. But if you think that she's not aware of the tense atmosphere inside the house, then you have very much mistaken and underestimated the power of which she possesses.
Once she had settled herself in the center of the living room, where her son had stood merely seconds ago, Li Yelan turned around and showed everyone in the room that they have her full attention. Catching Sakura's eyes, she nodded her head slightly down and said: "Good evening Card Mistress Kinomoto Sakura," in a calm yet powerful tone.
"Ho-e...good...good evening Li-san." Caught off guard by the nod and the tone of her voice, Sakura bowed extra low in a hurry and greeted back. What in the world is Syaoran's mother doing here?
Turning herself once again, Li Yelan looked Touya in the eyes and offered the same greeting: "Good evening, Kinomoto-san."
Stepping up a bit, Touya bowed much like his sister and replied in a serious and respectful tone: "Li-san, very nice to see you again."
After the awkward greetings were over, Yelan sat down in the sofa and mentioned for Sakura and Touya to do the same: "You may sit, please do not be troubled by my presence." Noticing that her son was still bowing by the door, Yelan calmly ordered Syaoran to come in as well.
"Um...I'll...just go make some tea for Li-san," getting up, Sakura awkwardly went into the kitchen to make the drink. Why is she here? Isn't Syaoran due backto Hong Kong in like a week? Putting the water to boil, Sakura looked in the cupboard to find the dried tealeaves. Ah whatever...can't be anything bad...maybe she just misses Syaoran...Carefully taking the tray of teapot and teacups into the living room, Sakura kneeled down infront of the table and started to serve.
Emptying the tray, Sakura sat down beside Touya. Noticing that Syaoran and Sakura are sitting at the opposite ends of the living room, Yelan tried once again: "As I have stated, please do not feel awkward because of me, and Syaoran, you may sit with the Card Mistress. I do not oppose to that, after all," smilling a tiny bit, Yelan looked at them both, "you are, as I presume, engaged."
…
Three VERY different facial expressions are seen in the room right now: Syaoran is rather embarrassed and looking down at the very interesting floor; Sakura, looking shocked and confused; Touya, alert and stiff. Being observant as she is, Yelan has immediately noticed the sudden change of expressions.
Looking at her son for an answer, Yelan calmly asked: "Have I presumed wrong, perhaps?"
"En...engaged? I'm...um...I'msorry Li-san, but really, have I just heard you say that my sister and…ga…and Li-kun here, are in an engagement?" Touya, eyes focused again, questioned with astonishment.
"Quite so. It is the purpose of Xiao Lang's trip to Japan, to claim the Card Mistress as his future partner in life. I am surprised that neither of them have informed you yet," pausing for a moment, Yelan continued, "It is the responsibility of Xiao Lang, as the next leader of the Li-Clan, to have a suitable wife, and therefore continue the line of magic in the Clan." Yelan replied the question smoothly, looking over to Syaoran once again, "and I trust that he had already fulfill his purpose here in Japan?"
Without giving Syaoran a chance to answer, Touya proceeded on asking another: "And what is the understanding of 'a suitable wife' for Li-kun?"
Looking at Touya as if he had just asked possibly the stupidest question she had ever heard, Yelan answered: "One with powerful magic of course, one such as Card Mistress Kinomoto Sakura here. The Elders and I were well satisfied by Xiao Lang's choice, which is why he was even allowed to come back here. You must know, there are many female magicians of Xiao Lang's age in our Clan, but none of them matches up even to the lowest point of Kinomono-san's power. Kinomoto-san is the perfect choice for Xiao Lang, and I believe that..."
"MOTHER, that is enough!" With a pounding heart, Syaoran found himself standing up, hands held in fists, and exploded with anger at his mother. How could she...I didn't want Sakura to find out this way...
Without waiting for the reaction of his mother, Syaoran continued while his courage lasted: "As the next leader of the Li Clan, who I choose for my wife is purely my business, and the only reason you and the Elders are even involved is because of the traditions of the clan! I am well aware of the qualifications Sakura owns, and to answer the engagement question, Sakura and I are n..."
"Engaged."
Three heads turned toward Sakura, who had been silent since the conversation started. Her head is bowed low, her bangs covering her eyes, making everyone unsure of her expression. Hands in her lap, Sakura tightened the hold of her dress and repeated what she said just now: "Syaoran-kun and I are engaged, Li-san."
"You are?" Touya looked at his sister, his eyes threatening to fall out.
"We are?" Syaoran questioned with great surprise, staring at Sakura in shock.
"Well," after a moment of silence, Yelan started: "I shall ignore your rudeness for now Xiao Lang, but why are you looking so surprised that Sakura had confirmed your engagement?" Yelan looked at her son, then back at Sakura, noticing something out of place, "and what became of the engagement ring? I do not see it on the hand of the Card Mistress. What is the meaning of this, Xiao Lang?"
"Well...um...that is..." Not quite sure how to answer the question, Syaoran looked back and forth between his mother and his 'fiancé', "you see mother..."
"I was afraid that I might lose it when I was out with my friend Tomoyo today, so I decided that the ring should stay home, where it's safe and untouched." Looking up for the first time in a while, Sakura smiled at Yelan and answered the question for Syaoran. "Please don't be offended by my decision Li-san, if you wish, I'm sure that Syaoran will be happy to bring the ring to me right now," turning her attention back to Syaoran, Sakura smiled brightly at him, "Syaoran?"
"Huh? Oh right," stunned for a moment by the tears he noticed in Sakura's eyes when she smiled, it took Syaoran a moment to answer the request and quickly walked up stairs to get the ring.
Of course, all that Sakura said was made up by her. The ring isn't in Sakura's possession, it's inside a soft little black box locked up in Syaoran's suitcase. It was bought long ago when Syaoran came across it back in Hong Kong, and anyone that have seen it will definitely agree with Syaoran that the ring was made for Sakura.
Made out of white gold, the delicate little engagement ring glows a beautiful shade of silver under the light, and the pink gemstone in the shape of a petiteSakura petal inlayed in the middle only added more grace into it. When Syaoran found it back then, his heart literally lost a beat at how much it reminded him of his cherry blossom.
I knew I should have proposed to her when I had the chance...what was I thinking? What was I waiting for? Sighing, Syaoran stared at the precious ring held in the middle of the ring box. Carefully taking it out, Syaoran sighed again and looked at the inside surface. 'To My Sakura' was carved onto the smooth interior of the ring, and Syaoran's heart ached upon seeing it.
This isn't how I imagined I would give it to her...
"It is not appropriate to keep others waiting for as long as you have taken Xiao Lang, you should have known better." As soon as Syaoran stepped into the living room again, Yelan remarked with no particular emotion.
"My apologies mother," Syaoran lowered his head in a respectful nod.
Noticing the black box in Syaoran's hand, Touya sensed, rather than felt his sister tense. So...this really is more than what it appears to be...thought Touya. What he didn't understand was that why did Syaoran not propose to Sakura all this time he has been here, knowing that he loved her...knowing that she loved him back?
"I um...got the ring..." Syaoran mumbled, standing infront of his mother and Sakura.
"You may put it on her Syaoran, this should not be the first time you have done this, there is no need to be shy." Yelan encouraged Syaoran, though not showing it on her face.
"Um..." Turning to Sakura, Syaoran hesitated before lowering himself to Sakura's sitting level, and took her hand into his. Slowing opening the box, Syaoran took the ring out and paused. This...this is so wrong...
Unknown to anyone, Sakura is focusing all her physical, emotional, and magical strength together to prevent herself from crying. Watching as Syaoran paused with the ring in his hand, Sakura can feel her heart bleed. How many times have I dreamed of this...how many times have I wished for this...why does it have to be like this? I'd trade all my powers for this to be a bad dream and I'd wake up from it...
Biting on her lower lip hard, Sakura shivered as the tears threatened to fall. Suddenly, a calming warm feeling surrounded her as a bigger hand covered her own, and Sakura recognized the magical aura that's trying to comfort her. Smiling a little, Sakura send back a little of her own magic aura, now feeling a little better. Thanks, onii-chan...
Taking a big breath, Sakura calmed herself before whispering to the pausing Syaoran: "Aren't you...going to put it on my hand Syaoran?"
Looking up, amber met a pair of emerald green filled with hurt. Trying to get a message through, Syaoran focused his eyes on Sakura's as he slide the ring on to Sakura's finger. I'm really, really sorry Sakura...
"Well then, Kinomoto-san, I ask you to please stand up." Seeing as the ring is settled onto Sakura's rather pale hand, Yelan stood up and more or less ordered Sakura to do the same.
Standing up, Sakura looked at the ring on her hand and wobbled for a second but stood firm infront of her future mother-in-law. Stepping up to Sakura, Yelan drew out a box from her waist-pocket, and held it out towards Sakura. Opening it up, the box revealed a golden pendant necklace with the Chinese character "Li" engraved on. Fastening it around Sakura's neck, Yelan stared at Sakura for another moment before stepping back and announcing:
"I, Li Yelan, here by representing the Li Clan, the direct descendants of Clow Reed, accept Card Mistress Kinomoto Sakura to be the wife of Li Xiao Lang, and to be the future Mistress Li of the Li Clan. Card Mistress, you may now bow."
Bowing down, two pairs of eyes that belonged to both Touya and Syaoran did not fail to catch the crystal tears that fell out of Sakura's eyes.
"Thank you Li-san...um...should I...should I call you..." Unsure if 'Li-san' is appropriate anymore, Sakura was at a loss of words.
"You may still call me Li-san until the wedding, but after that, I expect the proper title." Yelan said, showing a tiny little smile. This is her future daughter-in-law standing infront of her, it's only reasonably for the mighty Li Yelan to be a little emotional.
Reaching up to touch her necklace, Sakura stared at the engraved 'Li' on the pendant. So, this is it...all the dreams I had was just a waste of time...my power...and I thought...why had I been so stupid...Cannot take the pressure of the tears that are going to explode at any second, Sakura did a quick bow and said a fast "Please excuse me Li-san", and ran out of the door.
"Sakura! Wait!" Running out of the room to catch up to Sakura, Syaoran is yanked back by a powerful hand. Growling, Syaoran turned around and was about to yell when he realized that it was Touya that held him back.
"So, this is the real reason why you are here? Sakura is only good to you because of her powers? If there were some one else that's more powerful than her, you probably would never have bothered coming back for her then?" Pained by the extremely hurt magical aura Sakura sent back to him, even though she tried hard to make it seem happy, Touya wasn't mad, he was furious, "what you said to me the other day, and to Mirror, was all a lie?" His eyesight getting blurry, Touya contained the urge to punch Syaoran for hurting his little sister, "She loves you...and this is how you treat her back?"
Every word spoken by Touya was like a knife to Syaoran's heart, stabbing him again and again until it was too much to take. Finding it hard to speak, Syaoran lowered his head to the side and bangs covered his eyes: "I never meant for it to be this way…but you have to trust me that what I feel for Sakura is real, I would never hurt her. If you don't trust me, I can't do anything about it. But now, I have to find Sakura and explain to her before it's too late."
With that said, Syaoran walked out of the door in a flash, his heart pounding painfully inside his chest. Standing in the middle of the road, Syaoran couldn't see anything moving in the dark.
"Sakura!" He yelled, only to be greeted back with the silence of the night. Recalling something from his memory, Syaoran suddenly remembered the one place Sakura has to be at right now.
Please Sakura, give me one more chance…
The soft moonlight is pouring down on to the crown of the penguin slide, aside from the occasional chipping of the grasshoppers, everything is as quiet as it can be. But within the peaceful stillness, sobbing can be heard from the direction of the swings.
Sakura sat alone in one of the seats, her face buried in her hands, and tears are falling down her cheeks, dropping on to the front of her dress. Her hair a little messy and lose from the running she did, and her body is shaking from all the crying she's doing.
Silently, Sakura asked herself again and again in her mind why she had been so stupid. Why she was naïve enough to think that there might be a chance that Syaoran loved her, and wanted to be with her? Why had she thought that she was special enough to bring Syaoran, Li Xiao Lang, the future leader of the legendary Li Clan, back here to Japan, just so that they could be together?
I'm so stupid...why did I even think for a second that Syaoran loved me just because I love him with all my heart? Syaoran is a good guy, and he came from a family with such a big impact everywhere. Who am I to think that I'm special enough to capture his heart, and that we may have a future together? How could I've been so stupid?
"Sa...Sakura." An out of breathe voice called her name from behind.
Startled, Sakura gasped and stood up fast. Turning around, she found herself face to face with the one person that was, and still is, on her mind for the past eight years.
"Syaoran..." she whispered.
Looking at the angelic face that was born to be happy, Syaoran's heart pounded painfully once more, as new tears began to form in Sakura's eyes and quietly rolling down her cheeks.
"Sakura...I...I can explain..."
"Don't..." Cutting Syaoran off fast before he even got a sentence out, Sakura drew her hand up to her chest and looked at Syaoran tear-eyed, "I don't want to hear anything...at least not now..." Turning her back to Syaoran, Sakura closed her eyes and said more to herself than for Syaoran: "I listened to you for the past month...past eight years! ...and I believed every single word you said to me...and I regret that ..." fresh tears bursting out of Sakura's eyes once again, she sobbed and continued, "because all of them are laughing at me right now, telling me how stupid I've been...to even think that you could possibly love me just because I love you with all my soul..."
"But I do love you Sakura..."
"Please! Stop it! I don't want to hear it anymore..." Breaking down completely, Sakura sunk down to her knees and hid her face behind her hands once again, her heart shattering into a hundred pieces,"I don't want to believe it anymore..."
Wanting to kill himself for hurting the once happy Cherry Blossom, Syaoran stepped towards Sakura and pleaded: "Sakura please...please don't cry...I can explain..."
"No...it's okay..." wiping away the tears on her face, Sakura tried hard to compose herself, her heart aching. "Your mother made everything clear to me, and you don't have to explain. The only reason you came back was because you neededto get married, and you chose me because of my powers...and possibily of the relation I have to Clow Reed." Touching the ring on her finger, Sakura felt a new wave of pain hitting her hard in the chest, "I understand your situation Syaoran, and I'm willing to be married to you for the future of your Clan and...and yours as well. I'm...I'm proud that...that I can be a Li..." looking up to Syaoran, Sakura ended her words, "and I have only myself to blame for being so...naïve all this time..."
"SAKURA! STOP! GOD! WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME? IT'S NOT TRUE!"
Frustrated with Sakura's words, Syaoran kneeled down infront of her and shock her shoulders, forcing her to look at him in the eyes, "Sakura, please, it's not true! I do love you, and I don't know why you would believe my mother's words rather than my own!"
Seeing that Sakura isn't going to answer him, Syaoran carefully cupped his hand around Sakura's face, and was glad that she didn't pull away. Thinking back on all the happy times they shared together, Syaoran sighed deeply.
"Sakura, I won't lie to you, a small part of me did choose you for your powers," Sakura jumped at that, but Syaoran hurried to continue, "but there's so much more to you than what you can do with magical cards, and those are the things I truly love."
Taking a deep breath, Syaoran tried to catch Sakura's eyes again, "You are special, you are the most kind, caring, loving, and adoring person I know in my entire life. You are the one that changed me little by little from a cold hearted boy to the person I am today, and I need you to believe that."
Pausing for a moment, Syaoran tried again to find some kind of reaction from Sakura, but she still bowed her head low and avoided his eyes. "I have always wanted to be with you, to be together with you forever, and I need you to know that I'll do anything for you, even if that means my life! Sakura, I know that there's no amount of 'I'm sorry' can make up for what you experienced tonight, but please listen to me, I love you, and I say that with all my heart has to offer."
Still not getting any response out of Sakura, Syaoran shock Sakura gently again: "Sakura? Please say something?"
Finally turning her gaze to the pair of amber eyes she loves so much, Sakura merely stared at Syaoran, her eyes looking, seeking, the answer she wanted from Syaoran, the evidence she needs to believe Syaoran's words. I want to believe him...but...
After what seemed like forever, Sakura softened her gaze and spoke with a tender voice: "What do you want me to say Syaoran? That I found myself believing your words even though a part of me is telling me not to be so naïve again? That I found myself wanting to be in your arms, having you surrounding me and making me feel safe again? That even though you didn't tell me the truth about your return, and you hurt me a great deal tonight, but I still can't help but believe that you had your reasons and that I still love you to my very soul?"
"Is it possible for you to say those words to me, Sakura?" Afraid to hear the answer, Syaoran hanged his head low and prepared for Sakura's response...but it never came. Looking up, Syaoran found himself looking once again into the pair of soft emerald eyes he had came to adore, and the smile he had came to love. Not sure what changed Sakura's mind, Syaoran felt that a smile is growing on his own face as well.
Suddenly, the air supply was cut short for Syaoran as Sakura pulled him in for a tight hug. Burying her face in Syaoran's chest, Sakura pounded her hand on Syaoran's chest and sobbed: "Of...of course it's possible...you are so stupid Syaoran...both of us...both of us have been...been stupid..." Raising her head up to meet Syaoran's eyes, Sakura smiled and used her hand to wipe off the sweat on Syaoran's forehead.
Calming down, Sakura rested her head against Syaoran's chest, while he wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay Syaoran, I'm not mad at you...I was really hurt thatyou never told me the real reason for your return...but I guess...I don't know...I'm alsodisappointed that you don't trust me enough to let me know..."
"It's not that I don't trust you Sakura," stopping Sakura mid-sentence, Syaoran pulled both of them up and leaned his head on top of Sakura's. Breathing in Sakura's scent, Syaoran closed his eyes as he continued: "I didn't trust myself. I don't know what I would have done if you...if you refused..."
Blushing, Sakura separated herself away from Syaoran and looked aside: "If you...if you haven't...asked me...how do you know...how do you know..."
"How do I know...?" Confused, Syaoran encouraged Sakura to go on.
"How do you know...if...if I'd refuse?" Blushing harder, if that was possible, Sakura pushed away from Syaoran to hide her face.
Quite sure he had just heard her wrong, Syaoran widened his eyes and ran around Sakura to stand infront of her with his arms holding her shoulders, "Sakura, did you just say what I think you just said?" he asked with surprise.
Not trusting her mouth, Sakura nodded and let out a faint smile. This is so embarrassing...
Preventing himself hard from jumping up five miles off the ground in pure joy, Syaoran hugged Sakura and managed out two words: "Oh Sakura..."
Being squished between Syaoran, Sakura can't help but smile. Because just now, she had realized something: being with Syaoran for as long as time allows is what she has ever wanted.
"Syaoran..." she whispered in his ears, "well?"
"Well?" Confused for a minute, Syaoran suddenly understood what Sakura meant.
Taking Sakura's hand in his, Syaoran led them both near the swings again. "Wait here, I'll be right back." Resting Sakura on the swing, Syaoran ran off into the woods, only to return a few minutes later, hands behind his back.
"Syaoran?" Getting up to greet him, Sakura questioned with a smile on her face.
Stopping Sakura, Syaoran smiled and stared at Sakura again. Taking in the way her auburn hair looked under the moon, the sparkles of happiness in her emerald green eyes, the little smile she has on her face that he knew so well...everything's so perfect about Sakura...
"Sakura, I know I've told you so many times before, but I still want to tell you that I love you, that I love you more than anyone else in the world." Drowning with the loving feeling inside him right now, Syaoran moved closer to Sakura and went on, "You are the only person that accepts me for who I am, and loves me no matter what I do. I don't know any words that could possibly describe how special you are to me, thespecial affect you have on me when you are around...and you don't know how thankful I am that I was lucky enough to have met you and got to know you. God Sakura, I love you so much! I don't know what my life will be like without you, and I don't want to find out."
Getting down on his right knee, Syaoran held out a little bouquet of cheery blossoms he gathered in the woods and took Sakura's ring hand gently in his own, "I had you with me before, I have you with me right now, and I want you to be with me forever. I want us to have a future together," taking a deep breath, Syaoran looked Sakura in the eye and asked: "Kinomoto Sakura, will you marry me?"
…
…
"Yes Syaoran, of course I will…"
Tears falling out freely, Sakura took the bouquet of cheery blossoms in her hand and lowered herself to kiss Syaoran. The engagement ring twinkling underneath the moon, two hearts and two souls are finally combined together as it was meant to be. Tear and joy mixing together to form a beautiful glow around Syaoran and Sakura, a shooting star slides across the sky, blessing them with forever happiness.
Back at the Kinomoto house, the book of Sakura Cards glowed a charming shade of pink and gold as it removed itself from the drawer and opened up. Sakura Cards flew out of the book and formed a circle in the room, spinning and glowing until one particular card separated itself from the rest.
Shining in bright silver, the card slowly dissolved into countless sparkles. But before it was completely dissolved, the word "Hope" at the bottom of the card brightened a soft shade of green and disappeared into the card. Lining itself up, the sparkles flew out of the window and spread itself among the city of Tomoeda, wishing up on a shooting star that everyone else will find their true love one day, just as its Mistress has.
…
…
The End of 'Be My Wife'
Author: -cry- As you've probably read, 'Be My Wife' has come to an end…just as every other good thing in life… I know the proposal wasn't like the big, beautiful, fancy, cry-your-eyes-out one many of you had in mind, but I really tried my best to fit everything in and I really did try to make it as good of an ending as possible… I'm sorry if I had disappointed some of you… –Goes and bangs my head on the wall Shuichi style-
- Comes back with bleeding nose and cross band-aid head- Flame me if you want, but please, I need my brain cells for my finals, so no bio-bombs or poison okay?
Don't forget to answer the question I had for you on the top of the chapter about the wedding, and the final finale of 'Be My Wife' depends entirely on you guys!
P.S. Don't forget to review! I'll award you an extra big and sweet strawberry if you do!
P.P.S. And remember I'm open to any suggestions about the weddingand any other things as well!
Was born to make you happy……
Sakuraloveu