Title: Somewhere, Somehow

Author: EviL PunK

Rating: PG-13 / T

Author's Notes: Oh yeah, evil cliffhanger there eh? Sorry, being evil is in my nature. Hehe. But don't worry all; I decided to be un-evil this time and not leave you all with a cliffhanger! Good, eh? Anyway, enjoy the chapter! Don't forget to review! And I apologize for my very late update!

Chapter Twenty Two

Reconciliation

-

Sakura was standing there, clutching the top of her dress; she stared at everyone. Touya stood up and was about to run over and hug his sister when Syaoran beat him to it. Syaoran engulfed Sakura to a tight hug and ran a hand down her auburn hair.

"Sakura…" he whispered in her ear.

Please tell me she didn't hear what I said!

Sakura was lost for words. Instead of looking for the right words to say, she wrapped her arms around Syaoran and wept on his shoulder. Tears spewed down Sakura's face, creating a big wet spot on Syaoran's clothes. She tightened her embrace, refusing to let go.

"I'm so sorry…" she managed to say between tears.

"Ssh," Syaoran said, wiping away the tears on her face with his finger, "don't cry."

"I was so scared…" Sakura clutched Syaoran's polo shirt tight, "I thought I was going to…" Sakura didn't dare to continue anymore; she didn't want to remember the horrible events that had happened.

"Ssh, don't talk like that. Everything's fine now. I'm here" he glanced at his back; at his friends, "We're all here to protect you, Sakura"

Sakura looked at Syaoran. Syaoran gave her a heartwarming smile.

"I'm so glad you're back" Syaoran said, lowering his head and planted a kiss on Sakura's cheek. This suddenly brought joy to Sakura's eyes. Syaoran stepped aside and let Sakura see the rest of her friends and her brother. Everyone suddenly rushed to her side and hugged her tight. Touya, being the strong man that he is, lifted Sakura off her feet and gave a little turn. Sakura giggled. She remembered the days where Touya did this to her as a child. Everyone soon had smiles and tears of joy in their eyes now that their best friend is alive and well.

Eriol walked over to Syaoran, stood beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Syaoran kept on smiling as he watched Sakura being happy again.

"Happy ending?" Eriol asked.

Syaoran looked at Eriol, sighed and shook his head.

"It doesn't end here, Eriol. There's still Amaya and our wedding."

---

"Goddamnnit! The veil is too big!" Amaya screamed at the dressmaker, "Are you trying to hide my face?"

"N-No, Madame…" the dressmaker stuttered in fear, "Perhaps we should wait for Orino-san to arrive; she is probably in traffic."

"No! I refuse to wait! Don't you know I'm the bride of THE Syaoran Li? My wedding is near and my goddamn dress is so…UGH!" she screamed in frustration, "Oh God, I need my fiancée…"

She took out her cell phone and speed dialed Syaoran.

---

"So, Syaoran…how will this "soap opera", otherwise known as your fucked up life, end?" Meiling asked.

Syaoran was about to answer back to his cousin when his cell phone rang. Everyone's attention went to Syaoran as he answered the phone. Before he could even say "hello", the caller from the other end screamed.

"SYAORAAAAN!"

Syaoran nearly jumped through the ceiling from the sudden scream.

That scream could only mean one thing.

"Yes, Amaya?"

"Syaoran! Can you come over to Satomi Orino's wedding dress shop downtown? I need help from my husband-to-be, THE Syaoran Li," she emphasized, making sure the dressmakers heard her.

Syaoran sighed, he wasn't in the mood to get angry, especially when Sakura's there, witnessing this. Unfortunately for him, he gave in to Amaya.

"Okay, Amaya. I'll be right there"

He hanged up and turned to the rest of the group.

"Who was that?" Eriol asked.

Syaoran gave him a look.

"Ooh, okay" Eriol nodded, understanding fully.

"Well," he sighed, "I better get going. I'll see you all later"

He turned around and began walking towards the main door. He was about to turn the door knob when he felt a hand touch his arm. He turned around and saw Sakura, her green eyes giving a warm vibe but her face had a sad expression.

"Syaoran,"

Oh God, just hearing her speak my name makes me go weak in the knees.

"Hmm?"

"Be careful…" Sakura softly said.

Syaoran knew she was talking about Aki and was scared that he might pop out of nowhere again. He gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll be back later, okay? Wait for me."

He hugged her and planted a small kiss on her forehead. Sakura smiled and turned pink. Syaoran didn't want to let go; he wanted to hold her like this and be with him. Soon, they pulled away from each other's grasp.

"I'll be back," he gave her one last smile before leaving.

---

"I change my mind, I want it to be strapless," Amaya said, looking at the supposed wedding dress (with straps), being held up by the dressmakers, "I'll try it on."

Amaya took the dress wither and stepped inside the dressing room. The dressmakers, plus Satomi, the owner, sighed. Amaya has been with them for 2-3 days already, and she still hasn't made up her mind yet about her dress and the shoes. She kept on making alterations.

Everyone looked up when they heard the door open when it hit the chimes attached on the door frame. Syaoran walked inside and smiled awkwardly at the ladies.

"Um…is Amaya Tsugushiro here?"

"Yes sir. She's in the dressing room, trying on her wedding dress," Satomi said, "Please, take a seat while waiting". She gestured to the lounge chair on one side. Syaoran nodded and sat down. Just before he could fully sit down, a loud high-pitch scream filled the room. Startled, Syaoran missed the chair and fell butt first on the floor. Suddenly, Amaya appeared, wearing her dress. Her lips were quivering and she looked like she was about to cry.

"I LOOK FAT IN THIS DRESS!"

"Of course not, Madame." Satomi reassured her.

"Oh God, do you have a weighing scale?"

Satomi nodded and ran off with the rest of the staff. Amaya suddenly fell on the floor and started bawling her eyes out. Syaoran stood up from his seat and crouched beside Amaya. Normally, Syaoran would roll his eyes at Amaya for complaining something so shallow, at least for him.

"Amaya…c'mon,"

Syaoran's couldn't believe he was going soft on Amaya, or maybe he's just not in the mood to argue or roll his eyes.

"You're not fat…"

Amaya looked up and wiped her tears away with her finger.

"Do you really think so?"

Syaoran sighed, "Yes. Now, c'mon get up. Orino-san is back with the weighing scale"

Syaoran helped Amaya stand up as Satomi placed the weighing scale on the floor. Amaya changed first back into her normal clothes and finally stood on the scale. Her eyes widened and she was ready to faint.

"I GAINED 3 POUNDS!"

---

"Amaya! Eat something!" Syaoran demanded.

"No! I refuse to eat!"

Syaoran sighed.

After Amaya found out she had gained 3 pounds out of thin air, Syaoran thought it would be a good idea for her to get some fresh air and eat lunch somewhere. When they got to the restaurant, Amaya just simply ordered for a glass of lukewarm water.

"Please, Amaya. If you don't eat, you're going to collapse! And I thought you hated warm water?" Syaoran said, looking at the glass Amaya's holding.

"I don't, but ice cold water makes you fat" Amaya said, sticking her nose up in the air.

Syaoran rolled his eyes, "Cold water doesn't make you fat! That's an old maid's tale! It's not true! Water doesn't even have carbohydrates!"

"Well, just to be safe; I'm sticking to this warm water"

Syaoran shook his head, "Please, Amaya. Eat something. A salad at least or just a thin slice of meat!" he pleaded.

Even though I loathe Amaya, I still hate her get sick.

"Fine."

Amaya signaled a waiter and ordered some salad.

"I'm going to the gym after this."

Syaoran sighed and continued to eat his soup.

---

Syaoran came home after spending at least half of the day with Amaya, during the late afternoon. He found Sakura, Meiling, Tomoyo and Eriol talking and watching some TV show. They stopped talking when they spotted Syaoran. A big grin appeared on Sakura's face. She jumped on her feet and ran over to Syaoran, giving him a hug.

"I'm so glad you're home! I was beginning to get worried."

Syaoran smiled, "You have nothing to worry about, Sakura. Where's Touya?"

"Oh, he left already. He had lunch with his wife, Kaho and their kids."

Syaoran nodded, "So what have you guys been up to?"

"Nothing much, we talked and watched TV," Sakura smiled and suddenly grabbed Syaoran by the wrist and pulled him away.

"Huh? Sakura, what are you doing?"

"Let's go to the patio, I have to tell you something," Sakura said

Syaoran raised an eyebrow at her and nodded.

They excused themselves from the others and went outside to the patio and sat down on the swinging bench.

"What is it?" Syaoran asked

"Well, you're getting married right?"

Syaoran looked down. He wanted to shake his head and say, 'no'.

"Yes," he replied, "in a few days actually. My fiancée and I are preparing for it. We're rather busy right now."

Sakura nodded, "Syaoran…"

Syaoran looked at her, "Hmm?"

"I'm aware that you're busy and all but, I'm also aware that once you're married, you won't have time for me now that you have a wife to take care of,"

"That's not true, Sakura," Syaoran said, taking Sakura by her hand and caressing it, "Yes, I may be married and have a wife but that doesn't mean I won't have time for you. You're my best friend, Sakura. Married or not, I'll take care of you,"

Sakura didn't say anything; she was too lost for words. She stared at him and wanted to burst out in tears. Syaoran continued caressing Sakura's hand and with his other hand, he caressed her cheek. While doing so, Sakura winced when Syaoran accidentally stroke a bruise on her hand. He looked down and saw the wound. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly, careful not to hurt her.

Sakura blushed at the small gesture. She knew deep inside that what he said will stay true. He'll take care of her whether he is married or not. She loved the man in front of her; if only he knew. Knowing he won't be able to return her feelings, tears streamed down her face.

"Why the tears?" he asked, noticing the tears on her face. He brushed it away using his finger.

"It's nothing," Sakura said, smiling at him for reassurance.

Syaoran looked at her with doubt.

"Well, can you just do me a small favor?" Sakura asked.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Um…can we spend more time together before you get married? I mean, like you know, go to the mall or something. That is, if it's okay with you,"

Syaoran smiled at her, "Of course."

Sakura's smile widened and suddenly, she flung her arms around Syaoran, throwing her entire body towards him. Syaoran lost his balance and fell on the ground with a loud thud. Syaoran blushed when Sakura was on top of him. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Sakura, closed his eyes and smelled the fragrant aroma coming from Sakura. Sakura blushed when she felt Syaoran's masculine arms around her.

Both of them wanted to stay like this without letting go.

---

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Sakura asked Meiling.

Meiling sighed, "Sakura, if you ask one more time I'm going to strangle Syaoran ("Hey!"). I'll be fine! Don't worry! You two need some time together and I don't want to ruin it by being there. I'll just call Tomoyo so I can have some company at home."

"Well, suit yourself. We'll be back later in the evening, okay?"

"Oh, please! Take your time! Go bonding for a long time! Have fun and go on without me!"

"Alright. See you later, Meiling!" Sakura said, going out the door and waved goodbye to Meiling. Syaoran waved goodbye as well and closed the door. The couple went inside the car and drove off to the mall.

"Maybe leaving Meiling alone in her house was a bad idea," Sakura told Syaoran.

"She'll be fine. Besides, she would just be a nuisance to the both us; dragging us along to her favorite stores." Syaoran joked, "Don't worry, Sakura. She told us to have fun and so we shall." Syaoran told her and she smiled back. Syaoran glanced at Sakura and smiled to himself.

A day alone with Sakura is such a rare occasion. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

What Syaoran didn't know was that Sakura is thinking of the same thing; a day alone with Syaoran.


Author's Notes: For some weird reason, I lost 13 reviews. O.O My reviews are supposed to be 586. But anyway, thank you all for your reviews and your support!

Questions regarding if Sakura heard Syaoran will be answered in the next chapter!

Armith Greenleaf: It's an English word. Ooh, I want to learn Spanish! Hehe. Thanks for the review and I'm fine with your, as you put it, "stupid" (but I really don't find them stupid), questions! Thanks again!

Sorry if I don't thank you all individually (hands cookies to everyone)!