Cry: For the First Time
Enter: Syaoran's Rival

Summary: A four year-old boy named Syaoran looks like he is emotionless but he really is not. He always hides whenever he feels like crying because he doesn't want others to see his softer side. One afternoon at Tomoeda, a girl saw him crying. For the first time, he let someone see him crying. For the first time, he felt so comfortable. For the first time, she sympathize someone she didn't know. And for the first time, the girl revealed the softer side of him. She is none other than Sakura Kinomoto.

"I'm fine, Tomoyo-chan. Umm… I forgot something," Sakura said, looking mentally absent. After receiving permitting nods, she went off as fast as she can to the opposite direction of Seijuu High School and the Kinomoto Residence.

Unfortunately, she did miss the look her friends gave at her retreating silhouette. They knew where she is headed to and the idea seem to shout the word 'matchmaking'. Well, I guess you could put away one who continued his storytelling.

"Hello, Wei-san. Is it alright for Syaoran to accept a visit right now?" Sakura politely asked when the butler opened the door.

"Actually, Sakura-san, it is just impossible for young master to not gladly accept your presence," Wei said, a knowing smile plastered on his face.

After hearing his words, naive little Sakura's mouth formed an 'o', but it doesn't mean that she truly did understand, ne? "Okay, arigatou gozaimasu," she bowed a little and then, headed for Syaoran's room. Syaoran gave her a tour once, so there was no need for directions.

Place: Syaoran's room; Li Mansion
Sakura's P.O.V.

"Hey," I softly greeted as I slowly closed the door. "Are you feeling better? Because if not…" I trailed off, "then, Nurse Sakura will be in charge!" she cheerfully exclaimed, right hand on her forehead and palm facing downwards, acting like a soldier of some sort.

Syaoran chuckled, "I would be honored".

"Honto ni? Shouldn't it be the other way around? With almost all of the female population drooling and staring at the patient, I suppose the nurse is the one lucky," she teased.

"Oh, no. You're greatly mistaken. The patient should be the one who's absolutely lucky. Imagine the kindest and most admired girl in the whole town taking care of you. I would be delighted to be in his place."

I felt myself slightly flush, but surely, it couldn't stop me from teasing him back. "Then, let the nurse take good care of you," I pinched his nose, as he made a funny face.

He attempted to sit up. Keyword: attempted. I shook my head. "Nuh-uh. You wouldn't use your energy, mister. You just lie down there and tell me what you need."

"Hai. Can you please get me a glass of water?" he asked, giving me those pleading puppy eyes.

"I would come back in a second. You would receive a spank, if ever I see your arm, body or even a finger an inch from where it is now. Believe me, I would know." At that, I heard a chuckle before I close the door.

I went down the stairs, humming. I turned left and found the refrigerator waiting for me to open it. Well, of course, it can't move now, can it? sweatdrop

"Hey, Sakura-chan. Is there something you would need?" Wei asked me, as soon as he heard my footsteps.

"Iie. I would be fine," I shook my head, a smile pasted on my lips. I went over to take a clean glass, while he continued to chop the vegetables.

"Okay, mistress. I would just be here, in case you need my help," he said, in between those chopping sounds.

I looked at him, inquisitively. "Hoe? Mistress?"

"Nandemonai, Sakura-chan. I was just talking to myself," he said, as if knowing something I don't. O-kay… And Wei-san? Talking to his self? Hoe? I thought I am the only one who talks to myself… At least, that's what onii-chan said. Grr…

Oh, well… "Okay. I'll be right upstairs."

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Normal P.O.V.

"Syaoran!" Sakura exclaimed through gritted teeth. "'Can you please turn on the television' then, the next second you asks for me to shut it off, saying that you'll just rather hear my voice. During the second song, you'll stop me and ask me to turn on the television again. That's the routine! What the heck! I. am. not. your. slave," she said, anger visible in her eyes and actions.

Syaoran just smirked, not at all fazed by her anger. "Sure you're not a slave, dear Sakura," he blinked innocently. "Why would you think that you are?"

"Argh! You are so full of it! I swear I would never want to take care of you again."

He rolled his eyes, ignoring the tugging feeling. "Yeah, yeah. You're just saying that. If you don't really want to take care of me, then go home," he changed his tone to a dramatic one, "Go and leave me alone in this world. I know no one cares for me."

She smiled, "Okay."

"What the-! Oi, I was only kidding. You stay back here, nurse Sakura. You're supposed to feed the patient first. Your shift is not yet over," he pouted, seeing that he was only speaking to the door.

His pout immediately turned into a grin, when the door was opened. "Gomen. Onii-chan and otou-san expects me to make the dinner. This is the latest I could stay today. Ja ne and don't stay too late or else nurse Sakura wouldn't take care of the patient anymore," she said.

"What a bummer," he grunted. "I'll send Wei to your house then, he'll be the one to cook their dinner, while nurse Sakura shall stay here and be the one to cook here. Onegai?" he pleaded, pouting and using his adorable puppy eyes.

"As much as I like the idea, that can't be possible. Would you want onii-chan to pound you?" she asked and received a hesitant 'no'.

"D-demo! I'm not afraid of him," he pouted and looked at him like he was a lost child.

"I'll just drop by first thing in the morning. If I'll be later than late at school then, I'll just blame it on you," she grinned and shut the door.

Syaoran's P.O.V.

Days passed since the day I feigned sickness. I was now leisurely walking through the streets of Tomoeda, sometimes savoring the scene made by the falling autumn leaves.

I closed my eyes, a contented smile lingering on my face. I could not help the thought of her angelic face. It was just too tempting and the scenery- my most favorite next to her radiant smile- didn't help that much.

As I turned a familiar corner, which leads to the Kinomoto Residence, voices reached my ears- one, I recognized, came from none other than Sakura Kinomoto.

"I just came from England. The group there really wanted to tag along, but they wouldn't be able to, so they just sent you a letter here," a guy with dark blue hair and slightly pale skin said. He was taller than Sakura, but probably a bit shorter than I am.

Then, my eyes focused on the girl I was always thinking about. She has a contented smile and her emerald eyes were shimmering with delight. Argh! Soon, I found myself, clearing my throat and trying to get their attention.

"Hey, Syaoran," Sakura cheerfully greeted me.

"Ohayou, Sakura," I greeted back, obviously trying to black out that guy. Inside, I nonchalantly shrugged. Whatever, just get that boy out of my and Sakura's face.

"Oh, Eriol this is Syaoran Li, my best friend. Syaoran this is Eriol Hiiragizawa, who I became friends with when I was in England," she introduced.

"Hey, Li-san. Like Sakura said, my name's Eriol Hiiragizawa, Sakura's ex-boyfriend." As soon as that was said, a shriek was heard from her. From the corner of my eye, I could see a tinge of pink covering her face. But that didn't stop us from having a glaring contest

"Hello, Hiiragizawa," I spat his name, as if it was the most disgusting thing in the whole universe. Well, isn't it? I, then, offered my hand, but do not be mistaken that I am being friendly. When he shook my hand, I immediately gave all the pressure I could give. Poor little hand of his deserved it…

"Hoe!" I heard her exclaim, looking at me, then to that fool, then to me again… in other words, she kept on looking at each of us, trying to know what's happening.

I retrieved my hand, after a last squeeze. I've got to admit that this fool seem unfazed by that pressure. And to think that a smile is still glued to his oh-so innocent face… I felt my anger rise, but I did not show it. I just plastered a fake smile, though still bothered by his Cheshire-looking smile.

"You know what?" he asked me.

"What?" I almost hissed, but managed to say it nonchalantly.

"You're timing is perfect! I was just looking for someone to be the witness." with that, he dropped down on one knee and kissed Sakura's hand. Argh! That son of a-! I'm sure he was doing this on purpose. I swear if I spot him alone, one of these days, next morning, he'll be spotted lying down, with his life taken away from him.

"Sakura, I know that the seas had separated us physically, but I know that our bond is still present. I know that, if not for us being at different places, our relationship would still work out fine. Now that I finally had the privilege to stay here in Tomoeda-" he was interrupted by Sakura.

"Sugoi! You're now staying here! How? When? And why? Don't get the wrong idea that I don't want you to stay. It's the perfect opposite of it. I just can't believe that you're staying. Where would you're house be? Is it near ours?" she babbled on and I felt the corners of my lips twitch. She is just too cute, but there's something tugging my heart… is it of jealousy that she seems so excited that her ex-boyfriend would stay in the same place as she is?

The fool then, laughed. "Sakura, Sakura," he shook his head, still kneeling. "The questions would be answered later. One at a time… Now, can I return to what I'm saying, without getting interrupted?" Why that fool! How dare he order her like that?

But what could I do, huh? She seems to be perfectly fine with. She just vigorously nodded her head.

"So, where was I?" he seem to ponder for a while. "Uh-huh!" he snapped his fingers, as if he just aced three tests without any mistakes. What a real fool he is… -Please excuse our little wolf for insulting Eriol. He's just too green-eyed, right?-

"Now that I finally had the privilege to stay here in Tomoeda, I would like to ask you out again. I swear that I never did have a single girlfriend when you left… it seemed like they were nothing like you. You know how much I feel about you, right?" he said. Sheesh, what a jerk… And he expects Sakura to say 'yes' to him. Nuh-uh. Sakura wouldn't ever choose a freak like you.

"Of course!"

What the-! I look at Sakura, who launched herself on her ex- err… I guess current boyfriend. "Wh-what!" I asked, not being able to hide the emotions present in my voice.

"I said yes," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing. Sigh… One thing I like about her is that she could be dense at times. At least, she did not sense what I felt.

I sighed and shook my head.

So, what now?

Did you guys like it? Hate it or just alright?.

a hopefull dream ;
sxsrulez ;
romancerox ;
Maixx ;
nadeshiko blossom

Thanks for the suggestions and the reviews! I'll try to fit the suggestions…

Just like the creature with pure wings
Standing up from all the difficult things
Soaring from the Bottom
Lies a Shattered Blossom…

ja ne!