Hello, hello! how is everyone? Thank you for the comments! I'll just take this time to clear up my bad writing skills.

ummm, let's see, how to explain how come Sakura thinks Eriol is Syaoran...well he had the accident when they were around six...or was it seven (hehe, this is how well I know my own story...) BUT it was a young age and Syaoran rarely ever had brown hair, so Sakura doesn't connect the brown hair as something that significant in locating Syaoran. But about the eyes...uhhh maybe it's because they're both dark colours or maybe...(sigh) I'd like to say it's been WAY TOO long and she can't recall, but that would be far fetched wouldn't? Not remembering your best friends eye colour...then again, she is seventeen and that's a long time, right? You guys are going to have to take it easy on me for that one hahaha (moves away nervously) I'll try to think of a reason for you guys soon.

Anyways, please enjoy this next chapter and don't forget to leave a review for this little writer.

Stray Memories

Part II

As I held the buckets of water just outside my classroom, the soft snickers of students passing the hallway made me want to weep in pity. Pity for myself.

I was tricked!

I should have known…That bastard!

By the time class was let out, my arms felt like jelly. I had been put through humiliation because of Li.

Here's how it happened…

I was sitting in my regular seat, right in the back, beside the window. I wasn't that scared that he would call me. The sensei rarely did. However, I got uncomfortable around presenting in front of people.

Then, I was called.

I rose from my seat as I was asked to read out my response. I opened my book and read what was written on the paper.

"During the Heian period, much of the political influence was under the Fujiwara family who, over several years had intermarried with the imperial family. This strategy is truly quite ingenious because who wouldn't want to get rich fast? Pick up some woman from a wealthy family and get all the political offices in Kyoto. I'm surprised suitors weren't lining up by number. But karma…" I stopped at this point and scanned through the rest of the response. It seemed to follow a pattern. Looking uneasily up, I swallowed as the sensei snatched the book up from my hands.

He scanned the response over with distaste. Just when I thought he would begin yelling, he said "You took the time to write this garbage. Please don't stop now." his face radiated with anger as he allowed me to finish.

I nodded, reading the rest as he held out the book in front of me. "But…b-but karma is a funny thing. The ability o-of the Fujiwara leaders began to wane after 1016. The l…last uh, successful leader was Fujiwara Michinaga…who must have been watching even in the after life, at what a crappy job his successors were doing. At this point, he probably thought his entire life had been a waste. After all, no guy would want to get hitched with any girl. A man's got standards. Instead, he was probably forced by his parents to marry some broad that was completely revolting. Imagine their wedding night! You've got to pity a guy who went through all that, just to see some idiots unable to carry on the Fujiwara name. Anyways, land owners soon hired samurai…you know those ugly guys who hid under heavy armour so they could show off to all the women. Well, let me tell you something…" I hesitated. "Women in the past didn't swoon because they were all manly. Hardly, it was because of their stench. Think about it…It's not a very clean era…people didn't practice good hygiene and these guys were under thick armour…Geez I'd swoon." I bit my lip. "Thus, Eastern Japan's military class became more influential?"

The next thing I knew I was outside in the hall, holding two heavy water buckets.

"Li…you jerk."

After classes, I didn't think I could show my face to the public any longer. By now, almost half the school had heard about my creative writing skills. I wanted to wring Li's neck. He knew I had been so eager to get back my book that I wouldn't have thought twice about checking if it was the right book. I took one look at the title, Japanese History and thought it was mine. It didn't even cross my mind that he would give me a fake. Who had that much time to make up snide remarks like that?

I just wanted to go home and block this day from my memory. The only thing was that I still needed my book for tomorrow and where Li actually was currently was something I didn't know. Silently, I wondered if this gave me another reason to see Eriol.

This time, I would tell him who I was. I smiled at my new found courage and quickly ran up to catch him. I might not have known Li's classes, but I knew most of Eriol's. His classroom was almost completely empty when I got there.

"Excuse me, do you know if Eriol-kun has left?"

A young boy, wearing large spectacles looked up from his books. "He just left." a look suddenly came over his face. "Hey, aren't you the one everyone's been talk-"

I didn't let him finish. Just ran in the direction Eriol would be taking. I was the class fool. Now everyone knew it was me who was stupid enough to read such a response in class.

I guess I was stupid for trusting Li.

When I caught glimpse of Eriol, he was just outside the school, completely surrounded by a flock of girls. His thoughtful face was almost too much. It seemed like he was listening to every word the girls were saying simultaneously. When had Syaoran grown such an attentive expression? He had never been quite that social.

Finally, he looked up and pin pointed me with a steady gaze. His eyes were inviting, but I was intimidated by the crowd surrounding him. All I wanted was some time alone with him! It was then that I knew I should have told him everything that morning. Nevertheless, I watched as Eriol worked his magic and in just a few minutes, the people began to lessen. One by one, they said their goodbyes to Eriol. They didn't seem angry as they left and that made me wonder in awe at what he said to them to get them to leave so easily without trouble. It made me blush to think he could read past my insecurity.

While he was waving warm goodbyes to the last few individuals, I gathered my courage and made my way to him.

"Eriol-kun, I've been wanting to ask you something."

He cocked his head to me, as the last girls rounded the corner. "Hmm, you seemed scared of the crowd."

"That's not uncommon. Most people would be."

"Those girls weren't afraid to talk to me. I didn't think I was that scary." he straightened and looking up at him, I blushed. "So," he smiled. "What do you want to say? I got rid of them for you you know. Earlier today it seemed like you wanted to tell me something."

I swallowed. "It's just that I was wondering…I have some questions and I don't want to pry, so you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but please…" I fumbled frantically with my hands. "Could you tell me a little…really not a lot-" I took a deep breath. "What's the earliest memory you have of your childhood!" I just came out and asked. It had been too long and a part of me almost needed to know who he really was.

Eriol just looked at me through watchful eyes for a moment. "My earliest memory is it? And why is Sakura-chan so curious as to that?"

"Oh…it's because," I wondered if he was beginning to think that I was being too bold for my own good. I knew I was beginning to think it myself. "I want to know more about Eriol-kun… Because I'm searching for something and it's important. That's all I can really say now because I don't want to…it's important." I knew I sounded like an idiot.

He seemed to think for a while. "Well then, if it's going to help Sakura-chan's search, I suppose I have no choice." he placed a finger on his chin. "My earliest memory… would have to be moving from America to Japan."

I froze. A part of me waited for him to start laughing and say he was joking, but when he didn't my mind whirled. "America to Japan?" My mind screamed out that that was impossible. "But how old were you? You're not a foreigner, you can't be."

"Foreigner? Well not exactly. I'm Japanese only on my mother's side. I didn't know the language when I first arrived. But then I was young. Four or five at most."

"Four or five? That's impossible, you're father is an American?" I realized that I had never seen Syaoran's parents, just his guardians that would take care of him, while his parents were away. Even my earliest memory with Syaoran was when we were six.

Was it?

I couldn't remember… I had hidden all our memories in the back of my head. Never once did I take them out to review. It had always been too painful and I had recoiled every time I had tried. Now where had they all gone? I couldn't recall…

"Sakura-chan? Are you okay? You look sick."

"Eriol-kun!" I took a large step towards him and reached out for his uniform lapel. "It's me, Sak-" Before I could finish, an icy voice stopped me cold.

"Don't tell me here's another admirer."

I froze and spun my head around slowly, coming in contact with the darkest glare I had ever come across. My throat caught and I was unable to finish what I was going to say.

"This is too much. Way too fucking much."

"Li-kun." Eriol said curiously. "Your eye's are SO cold. And your hair is everywhere. Did you get in another fight?"

Li's fists shook beside him. I wanted to back away, but I couldn't move.

"Damn it. It's always like this. This look is the only one that'll keep all those annoying girls away."

Just when I thought he was going to turn his anger towards me, his mood changed drastically.

He threw himself on Eriol in a sudden flash. "Wahh…Eriol. They're all animals. I was so scared!"

Eriol rolled his eyes, patting his friend on the back. "It's okay, it's all over now." he consoled.

Li looked up over Eriol's shoulders and locked eyes with me. I still couldn't move. His eyes were unreadable.

What was wrong with this guy? A second ago, he looked like he was capable of murder. Now he was clinging to Eriol and being comforted. His unpredictable air made me uneasy.

His lips went grim. "Oh, it's just you." He smiled mischievously. "I guess you're alright. Eriol lovers don't bother me as much." he released Eriol's neck as I hid my blush. "I'm hungry, let's go get something to eat Eriol. I want ramen."

Eriol nodded and turned to me. "I'll talk to you later then."

I held out a hand in protest. "Hey, wait. I still need to ask-"

"Get lost, brat. The headache's starting to build up again."

I felt a growl at the back of my throat. "You have no right to call me a brat! You deserve a headache for the one you caused me today."

Li's face brightened. "Oh? And how did your history class go today? Well I take it?"

"That's right. Did you get your book back in time for class?" Eriol asked.

"Oh, I got a book back alright. The wrong one! Do you know what I had to go through during class?"

"No…" Li answered. "But I've heard rumours."

"You're the cause of them!" I pointed a shaking finger at him. "Apologize! Who has that much time to write all that stuff anyways? Apologize now!"

Eriol glanced suspiciously at Li. "What's she talking about?"

Li tugged at his friend's sleeve. "Eriol…I'm hungry. Let's leave the crazy person alone."

Eriol hesitated, but finally relented. "Did you want to join us?" he directed at me. "If he did anything wrong, I'll get him to apologize."

I blushed at his offer. "Actually, I don't think that would be a good idea, I have-"

"See, quit bothering her, let's go Eriol." he must have seen my irritation or maybe he saw my blush because in the next moment, he jumped onto Eriol's back. "If you insist on talking to her, you have to carry me. I'm tired." he watched my expression go from irritation to bewilderment and he immediately took it as envy. With heavy lidded eyes, he rested his head on Eriol's broad shoulders and snuggled in as if to sleep.

I didn't know why I was getting angrier, but the more he cuddled, the more I flushed and had to force myself to avert the direction of my gaze.

"Damn, you're heavy Li." Eriol sighed. "Let's go eat. Then we'll clear up any further problems." he smiled at me. "It'd be nice if you came."

"Hai." I answered, deciding the only way to get my chance to talk to Eriol alone would be to make Li get angry at me again. In reality, I wondered whether he had actually been angry at Eriol to begin with. Anytime now, I was hoping Eriol would let go of Li and just let his body drop to the ground.

As we walked, you would have had to be blind to not see the attention we were receiving. It could have been because Li had practically fallen asleep on Eriol's shoulder and was being piggy backed by him, but it could just have easily have been because I was standing by two extremely handsome boys. I believed it was the latter. The looks and whispers were almost making me apprehensive.

I didn't belong in this picture.

I didn't want to admit it, but Li was quite handsome. As he lay on Eriol's shoulder, I studied him quietly. His thick hair being blown with the wind, a few chestnut strands pressing against his flawless skin. It was quite a contrast to Eriol's own dark blue strands that brushed over his calm, steady cobalt eyes. There were times when I saw a pair of thin rimmed glasses frame his face, but for the most part, he left his eyes unadorned.

"Is there something the matter?"

I snapped myself out of my thoughts then. "No, I was just thinking that you're very handsome Eriol-kun." I blushed, surprised that I had let my thoughts out so easily. I smiled uneasily as he appeared slightly shocked by my declaration.

He chuckled. "Thank you. Is that why you were looking at me like I had something on my face?"

I nodded silently as from the corner of my eye, I noticed Li reposition his head uncomfortably, most likely uncomfortable for overhearing the conversation.

Liar, stop faking sleep.

"Before Li-kun arrived, were you about to say something?" he changed the direction of his gaze to me.

"I wanted to let you know something…that's all." I rubbed my right arm awkwardly, warming myself up from the spring breeze.

"Did you still want to tell me?"

"No, I'll tell you later. I guess it's not that important. I'm…"

Li let out a small mumble as if to warn me that he could overhear anything I was planning to say. His warning almost touched me. I didn't care though. This wasn't about him.

"I'm searching for someone. Someone…" I felt my heart constrict miserably. "who's special to me."

"Oh? Is he lost?" On Eriol's lips, a small smirk was playing on his lips.

I looked up at him. "No, no he probably isn't. I haven't seen him for a few years."

"Him? Do you know where he is?"

"I have an idea. He…" another constriction in my chest. "doesn't remember me."

Eriol's eyes glazed over with something I couldn't recognize. I wondered if he was recalling something from the past; if he suddenly remembered me.

Li was quiet on his back.

"And how," Eriol whispered. "does my past have anything to do with your search?"

That was the question, wasn't it? That was the moment everything was leading up to. I needed to tell him who he was.

"Eriol-kun, I'm Sak-"

Li interrupted then with a loud yawn right in Eriol's ear. "Are we there yet?…" he mumbled.

"You're interrupting dummy." Eriol seemed to forget about the conversation and instead, said to me, "Well, if you want to know anything more about me, feel free to ask. Anything to help you," he smiled that calm, knowing smile as we apparently arrived at a ramen stall. "Sakura-chan."

My urge to tell him who I was, was growing stronger by the minute and I felt like my heart had hit it's limit.

Even as you said my name, taking the words right out of my mouth…you didn't know who I was.

As he spoke my name, I thought I saw a small look of surprise on Li's expression, but it disappeared the moment Eriol dropped him to the cement.

It couldn't have been a coincidence. Twice Li had interrupted what I was about to say. Why couldn't he have just gone away and left me alone?

He rubbed his back in objection. "Watch it. Can't you be a little gentler?"

I bent down and offered my hand, though still angry at him. He looked up at me and this time I knew I saw surprise before it turned into suspicion.

"I didn't ask for your help stupid. I'll get up by myself thanks." he did as he said and brushed off his clothes, before taking the middle seat of the large ramen stall.

A small growl crawled it's way up my throat as I saw his attempt to separate me and Eriol. I sighed, thinking it better to leave it alone as I took the seat just right of him. As he ordered, my mind quickly streamed over the possibilities of revealing my secret to Eriol after eating.

I had already decided that it didn't matter if Li overheard. I was dead sure I recognized my best friend. I just wanted to tell him who I was. Then we could resume the life we had before his accident. We could be friends again.

At that moment, there was nothing I wanted more.

Li rested his head on the palm of his right hand. He had finished eating over ten minutes ago. I was still playing with my noodles.

"Hey…" he frowned when I didn't reply. "Are you listening? Dummy, stop playing around with your food. Precious money was used to buy that meal. Have the decency to eat it."

"Maybe if you leave me and Eriol alone, I'll finish it." I grumbled, soft enough so that only he could hear.

Eriol had just finished eating and was paying the bill.

Li looked up in disbelief. "What did you…" he sighed. "Screw it, you wouldn't know help if it hit you on the head."

"Help? What kind of help did you give me? Leave me alone."

"Fine." he stood up abruptly, causing the bowls to shake on the wooden table. "Have all the time you want with your boy toy. Clueless brat." he ran his long fingers through his hair. "Eriol, I'm leaving. Damn, my head hurts!"

I stuck my tongue out as he strolled off. "I know what help is and you weren't helping." I muttered, digging into my ramen, satisfied that he was gone. It actually hadn't taken much for him to leave.

Eriol also rose from his seat then. I looked at him with noodles hanging from my mouth. He was watching Li walk off.

Figuring it was too late to go after him, I stayed happily with Eriol, eating the rest of my ramen.

"Sakura-chan, Li-kun still has your book am I right?"

I almost choked. I let him get away again! "Ah! Wait!" but he was already cloaked by the darkness of night. I didn't want to imagine what the sensei would do to me tomorrow if I read another response like today.

"Li-kun…" Eriol began. "He used to go through many headaches."

In surprise, I glanced at Eriol. A look of worry was evident in his expression.

"Oh?" I asked, not entirely interested by Li.

"Hmm." Eriol answered. "He complains, but then he has the right I suppose. When I first met him as a child…"

I stopped eating for a moment.

"he had headaches that caused him so much pain, he was taken to the hospital where they treated him."

I looked down at my soup. "Did he? Why are you telling me this?" I stubbornly fought off the sympathy I was developing towards Li.

Eriol blinked. "He hasn't complained of any headaches for over seven years. Li doesn't know much of his past and many of our classmates used to spread rumours about him."

"What kind of rumours?" I asked.

"That he made his parents angry enough as to force them to erase his mind and start completely over with him. Almost like a new child to raise."

"But you're friends with him." I said quietly.

"I didn't believe in the rumours. I had just moved to Japan and he was the first real friend I had. No one gave him a chance, so I did." Eriol looked up at me, emotion showing in his eyes. "Li still doesn't know much of his past. When I became his friend, his headaches occurred less frequently."

"You make him sound like a monster. If he didn't let any of his classmates get near him, why did he let you?"

Eriol bent and leaned towards me slightly. "The sensei always tried to strike a conversation with him, but he never seemed interested in anything. During free time, he liked to sit by the school's garden." He was now just a few inches away from me. "One day," he smiled calmly. "I told him the cherry blossom tree he was sitting by was pretty."

I couldn't contain a blush as Eriol was so close, but his story kept me from moving away.

"Li told me that day…" he quoted, "My favourite flower is Sakura." he backed away. "Just like your name."

"You think…I'm causing him headaches?"

Eriol came over and ruffled my hair. "Just the opposite. Maybe you can stop them."

I stood up in surprise. "I-I can't help him. You heard him, I cause the headaches." I emphasized cause. How could I help Li?

Eriol smiled down at me, taking my hands in his. "I think you're searching for the wrong thing, Sakura-chan."

"The wrong thing?" I asked.

He nodded patiently. " Li is searching for something too. I see it in his eyes when we're alone or even when he thinks no one is looking."

"But, I know what I'm searching for. What are you saying?"

"Sakura-chan knows what it's like to be searching for something doesn't she? Sakura- chan knows what it's like." He continued to smile that heart-wrenching smile of his. "That means you can relate to him.

"Yes…" I felt his grip on my hands tighten in a comforting way. "But, what's he searching for? He has you as a friend."

"Sakura-chan? Why were you asking me those questions earlier?"

I didn't want to meet his eyes. I didn't understand Eriol. Why did he have to keep pushing me away like this? Even with my hands clasped in his, a coldness enveloped me. "Eriol-kun, do you remember an important person in your life. Someone special you spent your time with during your childhood?"

"No. Li was my first friend I spent time with. My only childhood friend I still have now."

"Well, do you remember if your parents ever spoke to you about an accident you were possibly in at the age of seven?"

There was a heavy in the silence in the air.

"An accident while you were in Japan?" I repeated.

Then, something like sadness appeared in Eriol's eyes. "Sakura-chan, I think you're confused. I'm not who you think-"

I yanked my hands away from him. I wanted to cover my ears. "It's okay if you don't remember." I looked up at him, trying to fight back the tears building at the back of my eyes and making them hot. "I don't blame you, but if you tried to…you might remember." I asked pitifully.

His image was growing blurry.

He tried to reach out to comfort me, but I recoiled, pulling my hands away from his reach "No. You are him. I know you are. We played together and-and you let me dye your hair. Sometimes, you liked to make it blue. Try, just try."

I watched as he stood there helpless to my throttle of accusations. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes at that point. He couldn't recall who I was. "If it hurts to remember, It's okay. You can stop. I don't want to hurt you."

I just wanted to be happy. I knew I was asking too much as I looked into his pained eyes. I tried to smile, but I didn't know if it worked. "I'll leave you alone."

I understood why Eriol wanted me around and had even invited me to eat with him and Li. He thought that I would be capable to fix Li.

But how could I mend his heart when mine probably felt worse than his?

Past

"Sakura-chan's no fun!" a pretty, blue haired girl screamed for the whole class to hear, just after school.

Sakura's back tensed as she clung onto her backpack straps tightly.

The girl that made the comment appeared in front of Sakura, her arms on her hips.

"Did you hear me Sakura-chan? You- are- no- fun." her superior tone gained the confidence of the other girls.

"That's right. You're so greedy Sakura-chan. I hate you!" another girl piped in.

"Why won't you leave Syaoran-kun alone?" a raven haired girl, with shiny ivory eyes said angrily.

The first girl nodded in compliance with her supporters. "You never play with us during free time and you never let us play with Syaoran-kun. You're so mean Sakura-chan."

Sakura took a step back from her accusers, intimidated by the large crowd. Even those that weren't joining the group and creating their own hurtful words were basking in her predicament.

"You can play with Syaoran too." Sakura entreated.

"Why? Because you'll let us?" a girl chimed.

Sakura shook her head, afraid of the allegation she was being put under. "I think Syaoran would like it if you asked to play with him."

"No way!" the blue haired girl drawled. "We always try to play with you and Syaoran-kun, but you just hog him to yourself. You're so mean and greedy. I hate you so much! Why do you always get to play with Syaoran-kun?"

Sakura hesitated. She wanted to comfort the girl, but she was sure it would make her angrier. "I'm sorry." was all she could think of. And she really meant it. Her classmates, particularly the girls, always treated her like this. She always tried to get Syaoran to play with the others, but he wouldn't go near them. That's why she stayed so close to him.

Because she thought he would be lonely if she left him alone.

"Maybe if you leave Syaoran-kun alone he would come play with us. Have you ever thought of that? All you think about is you."

"I'm sorry. I'll stop, I really will stop playing with him all the time if you don't like it." Sakura's bottom lip shook slightly. She just wanted to run home so she could see happy faces. Faces that didn't accuse her of just being herself. Even Touya's badgering never hurt her like her classmates words. But unlike with Touya, Sakura was incapable of defending herself. There was something about yelling at someone so unfamiliar that made Sakura cringe. How could anyone ever be rude to someone they didn't really know?

Sakura tried to walk away from the crowd, but once again the girls stopped her from her dash to freedom.

"You make me so mad Sakura-chan. I really like Syaoran-kun."

"I-I didn't know…" Sakura watched the girl's fists shake. "I'll leave him alone, I don't want to make you mad Tomoyo-chan."

Sakura saw a few boys from the other class come towards her. An evil glint shone in their eyes. She backed away in fear. Roughly, she was pushed on the shoulder. Fumbling, she managed to stay on her feet.

"Look, she doesn't even try to push back." the boy who did the pushing cried. "You were right Tomoyo-chan. She has no backbone."

"Hey, I didn't tell you to hit her." Tomoyo frowned.

In that very next moment, just as one boy began pulling at the lapel of her uniform, Sakura saw a blur of something dark. When she blinked, she was no longer being held. Instead, the boy handling her had been shoved to the ground. Sakura's eyes flew to the figure who had saved her.

"Syaoaran…"

He turned to give her a careful look, until the pretty girl who had been accusing Sakura, pushed herself in front of him.

"Syaoran! Do you think we could walk home together?" she smiled warmly. "I like you Syaoran."

Sakura held her breath at what Syaoran would do, a part of her mind hoping that he would return the girl's feelings. Maybe then she could walk home without being bothered.

"I don't like being called Syaoran. Don't call me that."

"What? But that's your name. Didn't you hear me? I like-"

"I heard you." Syaoran replied. "Don't bother Sakura anymore. I don't like girls like that."

As Syaoran tugged Sakura away from the scene and she couldn't help but feel sympathy for Tomoyo-chan.

When they were far enough, that the school was no longer in sight, Sakura asked "Syaoran?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you want me to call you?"

He looked at her and made a face. "Syaoran. What else would you call me?"

"Oh. But you told Tomoyo-chan-"

"Forget what I told Tomoyo-chan. I don't like girls like her." he shot her a glare. "And would you stop apologizing already? You apologize for things that aren't even your fault."

"But she said I take up your time and she isn't lying."

"So? That's a dumb excuse. Anyways, stop getting into trouble, I always have to bail you out." he sighed and placed his hands on the back of his head. "As long as you keep getting in trouble, I have to interfere. I have to protect you." his eyes turned to the ground. "It's because you never say anything back to them that they keep trying to pick on you."

"They aren't lying though Syaoran. You never play with anyone but me."

"Well then stop playing with me if you're scared." he sneered.

Sakura shook her head. "I don't want to! I like playing with Syaoran!"

Syaoran looked up at her sudden outburst. Her determined eyes made him uncomfortable. "Whatever…" he replied with an airy voice. "Do what you want."

"Hai!" Sakura smiled. "But maybe…you could be nice to Tomoyo-chan? She likes you." she said as a- matter-of-fact.

"She scares me. All those girls scare me."

"Is that why you always act so mean to them?"

"It's the only way to get rid of them…"

As they walked home, side by side, Sakura forgot all about wanting to hide in her room. Syaoran did that to her. She knew she was lucky to have someone like him.

In fact, I wanted to tell him that day that Tomoyo-chan wasn't the only one who liked him.

Present

"Stupid…stupid…stupid…" I repeated after myself. As I walked home, I was thankful that the night kept my face hidden from strangers. After announcing everything to Eriol and seeing his reaction, my tears hadn't been able to stop. He hadn't known who I was. He wasn't Syaoran. "Stupid…stupid…stupid." I hit my fist into my other hand, keeping in time with my words.

I was quite confused at this point. Syaoran had amnesia, meaning Eriol still had the possibility of being him. I just needed to give him the time to remember, right? Despite what happened, I still wanted to believe in this.

As I neared my house, I turned the other corner and arrived at the small garden court where I had spent many times just sitting on the swing, under the cherry blossom tree. I needed my tears to stop flowing before I went home or else Touya would've caused an uproar.

The garden square wasn't empty and I felt discouraged. In the middle of the court, a young man was sitting on the paved ground, lying against a large water fountain. I couldn't see his face in the darkness, but I was glad because that meant he wouldn't have been able to see mine. Quietly, I made my way to the swing and sat myself down.

The man by the fountain didn't stir, just remained in his position. One leg straight, one leg bent, with both hands propped on his knee. He cradled his face in his arms. I thought he was asleep.

He looked worn out. His shirt was white and everything else was dark. It comforted me to see that other people came here to think.

Sighing, I swung silently. I flinched when I saw that my movement stirred the man's attention. Slightly, showing almost no movement, his face tilted upwards, revealing a dark eye.

I stopped swinging, wondering if he could see me in the darkness. I went to wipe my tears just in case he could. I couldn't however, hold in a gasp as the figure pushed himself up. He was extremely tall, his shirt blew in the wind, revealing his messily done up buttons which were slightly unmatched to the holes.

Silently, he began to move. Move towards me. His movements were slow and almost wobbly. When he was just a few feet away, I tried looking up at him, but his face was completely hidden.

I wanted to run in fear and even started to get up.

"Here. Stop crying."

The raspy voice made me stop and I looked at what he offered. My heart hurt when I saw what it was.

A simple unadorned piece of cloth, neatly folded into a square. The back of my eyes were getting warm all over again.

Sniffling, I took it from the man's steady hand. "Thank you." I whispered.

I could see that he was looking down at me, almost as if he was trying to study my face. He remained silent for a moment and watched as I tried to stop more tears from coming out. His kindness made me wonder if he had been able to see my face from where he had been sitting. I didn't know any other reason to how he could have known I was crying.

I should have been scared of a complete stranger, but I couldn't imagine him doing anything to me now that we had shared such a brief exchange of words.

"I c-can't hic see your face…" I whispered. "I'm sorry for-sniff w-waking you."

"Do…" the voice hesitated, "you come here often?" his hoarse voice made me wonder if he too had been crying, but his words made it seem like he didn't know anyone else who did come here.

"Yes." I sniffed pathetically. "Because of t-the cherry blossom trees." I swallowed.

Stop being so nice even under these circumstances…you have no idea what a horrible person I am. Eriol isn't the one I've been searching for. He doesn't remember me. And I made Li angry, and all along he had just been trying to warn me of the outcome…his headaches are because of me. I think it's because I wanted to be with Eriol that I wanted to believe he was Syaoran.

Stop being so nice to a stranger. I don't deserve it.

I was beginning to think, at that point, that those girls had been right. I was just a greedy person. I had Syaoran then and without him, I wanted Eriol.

My mouth began to sputter nonsense. "Asking f-for e-even more happiness i-is wrong sniff Asking f-for so much…it's-"

"Is that…what you want? More happiness?" his quiet voice made me look to the ground in guilt.

I couldn't answer him. The answer would have been 'yes' of course it was. I wanted Syaoran back…I wanted him back so much.

"Sakura…"

My eyes widened as he said my name. He was referring to the flowers, but I still looked up. My heart stopped as for a moment the moon's rays framed the kind man's face.

The moonlight on Li's face.

He was gazing at the cherry blossoms, now almost in full bloom. A forlorn look played on his expressions. He was tall, but until now, I hadn't noticed that he had a habit of slouching slightly. Almost like he was carrying an invisible pain, unseen by those around him. Never had I seen him look so vulnerable. But the moment passed in a flash and his face was once again hidden by night.

My fingers tightened around the rope of the string. Was he here because of me? I clutched the cloth to my chest.

"A-are you…okay? You sniff s-sound sad."

"Yes." he answered almost immediately. "I'm like you. I want more."

My throat caught. "T…that isn't too much?"

"No." his husky voice said. "It's not too much."

"B-but why?" I raised my voice, slightly.

"Because it just isn't."

I didn't understand what he was saying.

He moved closer. "If you give up…that means you never wanted it in the first place. Wanting happiness, finding happiness. They're different."

I remained silent. The words that were coming from Li were oddly special. Words that I wanted to live by.

"You're crying." he stated. "Something must have happened to you…do you still think you deserve to be happier?"

"I-I don't know.'

"What do you want?" his voice was patient, but still strangled as if every word spoken hurt him. I wanted to know if he came here frequently. My opinion of him was starting to change.

I didn't answer for a moment, forcing my tears back down. Looking at the ground I answered truthfully. "I-I want Syoaran."

To be continued…
Okay, out of this whole story I just have to admit, I disliked writing part 2 the most. Sad scenes aren't really my thing and I didn't really like how Li just approached Sakura without knowing who he was comforting. It seemed out of character, but I didn't really know how else to get them to talk. Plus, the night hid their faces and I wanted to make sure they couldn't see each other for my own purposes...HUH...well leave a comment and tell me how you felt about it.

This is as sad and sappy as it's basically going to get because I gotta make Sakura realize who Li is sooner or later...(sigh) I like their arguments though. Who knows, maybe more obstacles will arise in their future...MUAHAHAHA. Thanks for the reviews!

Ps. I was thinking of setting up a system of updating every saturdays, but I realized that might not work with all the homework I have that piles up. Maybe every 3-4 days, how about that? That's about the time it took from the last update to this one.

-silent wanderer