Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura
.........
Sakura's gaze had been nowhere but the ground the past 5 minutes, wishing it would swallow her up. It had also been exactly 5 minutes since Syaoran kissed her. Correction, Syaoran 'believed' he kissed Aya... She didn't know what to say so she sat silently. The wind grew fiercer as every minute passed by. The only noises audible to the ear were their heavy breathing.
Syaoran stared up at the sky. Aya must've seen what had happened. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid...' Syaoran chanted to himself. All she would've probably seen was his kiss with another girl... at HER grave. How disappointed she must be in him now. Would crystal tears stream down her porcelain face? He sat there and begged that she would forgive him. But he couldn't stop that little voice in the back of his brain telling him that the kiss was...
More silence passed over the two motionless bodies. At the same time, they looked away from the spot they were gazing at and glanced at each other. Immediately they looked away. Finally, deciding the silence was too much for her, Sakura audaciously spoke up...
"Ano..."
"SAKURA-CHAN! SYAORAN! WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING YOU SO LONG!" ...but didn't get so far. The shouting was created by the fiery tempered woman who was climbing up the hill. Never had they been happier to see Meiling's face. For Syaoran, that was saying a lot...
"Meiling-chan!" Sakura exclaimed as her friend dragged herself up the hill. The look on Meiling's face wasn't a pleasant one.
"You two... are making me yell... in a sacred holy area... FULL OF DEAD PEOPLE! THEIR GHOSTS ARE PROBABLY READY TO KILL US NOW!" Meiling yelled. Sakura's ears perked at the sound of that one syllable word... 'ghosts.' The first words she heard haunting her ears Yamazaki's voice on her phone saying, "Did you know that in China they have lots of ghosts? I heard of this one ghost that resides only in Hong Kong-" Sakura paled and trembled. All other thoughts flew out of her minds, even the recent heart pounding accidental kiss. Taking a step backward, she dashed off... without knowing, of course... further into the graveyard. Meiling glanced earlier at Sakura's pale face and realized what she had done...
"BAKA! She hates ghosts! Dammit! Syaoran! Go search for her! NOW!" Meiling commanded while cursing at herself. Looking scary than that of a woman with PMS, Syaoran darted off into the graveyard, trying to find Sakura.
.........
"HOEEE!!!" Sakura shrieked as she sat onto the ground.
The sun was slowly setting, dimming the light more and more each second. She shivered and wrapped her coat around her tighter. The bright Hong Kong lights were conspicuous in the distance. Her coat felt uncomfortable around her. She quickly unzipped it and stuck her hand inside to see what it was. Grasping something with her fingers, Sakura slowly pulled out the object... the rose. The fragile flower lay in her hand. She stroked the soft petals and slowly calmed her down. Looking down on the rose, she remembered the note she had shoved into her pocket earlier. Tilting at a better angle, she slid her hand until it clutched the paper and pulled it out. On the front, it was written, 'To Sakura-san'. Unfolding it, Sakura noticed his neat handwriting and started to read.
'Sakura-san, It's nice to meet someone as kind as you. It's not often that I come across a person like you.' Sakura blushed. Toji seemed to have a way with words, in her opinion.
'I know that whoever the flowers are for will enjoy them, especially since they were bought from such a lovely lady as yourself. I can't write much because I know that you'll be coming to the register soon. I hope I see you again. Please drop by!'
She was touched by the note. He had barely known her but thought very highly of her. Sakura smiled and a part of her fear disappeared. The silence of the area intimidated her but she tried her best to ignore it. All of a sudden, her cell phone started to ring. The tune echoed throughout the graveyard. Her hand dived into her jacket, pulled out her phone and pushed a button.
"Hello?" She whispered.
"Sakura-chan? Where are you?" A frustrated voice replied.
"Meiling-chan?"
"Hai hai... it's me."
"I don't know where I am Meiling-chan! I'm afraid!" Meiling was having a panic attack.
"I PROMISE I'LL FIND YOU SAKURA-CHAN!!!! DON'T WORRY!!!!!! AND THERE ARE NO GHOSTS!!! NO MATTER WHAT SOMEONE SAYS, SAKURA-CHAN, THERE ARE NO GHOSTS!!!" Meiling shouted over the phone. Hearing that word, Sakura fell into another state of chaos.
"HOEEE!!!! THEY'RE COMING TO GET ME!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Sakura screamed.
Across the area, Syaoran's ears picked up the noise. It was Sakura. It had to be. Sprinting across the graves while silently praying for the spirits to forgive him for walking on their graves, Syaoran finally made it to the clearing where he saw Sakura rocking back and forth on the ground, chanting to herself. Suppressing a chuckle, Syaoran walked over to her.
"Sakura-san." Syaoran spoke as he placed his hand on her shoulder. As a reaction, her body shivered.
"HOEEE!!! HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME!!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO BE SO LOUD GHOST- SAN!!! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!!!" Sakura pleaded as she turned around. Her eyes were shut tight and started to tear. Syaoran slowly wrapped his arms around her. She was fairly cold. He held her in his arms and rocked her gently back and forth.
"Ghost-san... you're really warm." Sakura whispered. This time, Syaoran couldn't hold back. He laughed.
"I'm not a ghost, Sakura-san."
"Hoee?" Sakura looked up to see two amber orbs looking at her. Knowing who it was, she smiled and held onto him tighter.
"Because Syaoran-kun is here, all the ghosts went away." She exclaimed happily in a whisper.
"Let's get back to the house. Okay?" Syaoran held his hand out for her to reach.
"Okay..." Sakura replied as she grabbed Syaoran's hand. With his strength, he easily got her off the ground. She stood wobbly and started to walk. Suddenly, she fell back down. Syaoran looked down at her.
"Oww... I think my feet are asleep." She spoke. Syaoran looked down at her. Seeing no other option, he lifted her off the ground.
"Hoee!!! Syaoran-kun! You don't have to do this!!!" Sakura protested. Syaoran smiled. Aya would've protested just like her... As if it were second nature, Syaoran replied,
"But I want to."
"I... Okay Syaoran-kun." Sakura replied as she cuddled body against Syaoran's. Eventually, with the soothing sound of Syaoran's heartbeat, she fell asleep.
.........
A little tune floated through the air and into Sakura's ears. Recognizing it as her cell phone tone, Sakura woke up and picked it up.
"Hello?" Sakura spoke slowly. She still hadn't fully awakened.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL US YET!!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW WORRIED WE- I MEAN OTOU-SAN WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU???" Touya shouted. Sakura whined.
"Gomen nasai onii-chan. I forgot..."
"YOU FORGOT!!! HOW COULD YOU FORGET!!! YOU SHOULD BE GLAD THAT-" The shouting was getting faint over the phone. She heard a little rustle before she heard her father's voice.
"Do forgive your onii-chan. He was... worried." Fujitaka spoke. Sakura smiled. It was so good to hear his voice again.
"I guess I will."
"So how is Hong Kong so far? Are you enjoying yourself?"
"It's so pretty! Especially at night, otou-san! The city's lights are all shining as if they were the stars in the sky!" Sakura replied enthusiastically. Fujitaka chuckled.
"I'd assume so. So, have you been taking good care of yourself? Did you schedule an appointment with a doctor yet?" Fujitaka asked in a concerned tone.
"Hai! It's going to be tomorrow."
"That's good. Well, your brother is eager to speak with you. Hold on." Sakura heard some more rustling before hearing her onii-chan's voice.
"Kaijuu."
"I'm not a kaijuu, onii-chan!" Sakura protested.
"I'm kidding. I know you're not. So, where are you right now?"
"In bed."
"Where?"
"In Hong Kong." Sakura replied as if it were the most natural response. Touya was started to get agitated.
"Where in Hong Kong Sakura?"
"Oh, Syaoran-kun's house. It's really big and-" Sakura couldn't finish.
"WHAT!!! YOU'RE SLEEPING AT THAT GAKI'S HOUSE!!! WAIT TILL I SEE HIM!!! I'M GETTING ON THE NEXT PLANE TO HONG KONG!" Touya shouted.
"ONII-CHAN! Nothing has happened. He lives in a mansion! It's bigger than Tomoyo-chan's and it's really nice. He let us all stay here in the guest rooms. Besides, he's Meiling-chan's cousin. I feel very safe here onii-chan and you don't have to worry." Sakura replied. Touya growled but dropped the subject.
"Anyway, you do know what day today is, right?" Touya asked. Sakura shook her head.
"Sakura?" Sakura forgot that they were talking over the phone.
"No, I don't know onii-chan."
"It's December 14th." Touya replied. Sakura dropped the phone.
"Sakura? Sakura?" Touya called out for her. Sakura hesitantly kneeled down. Shakily, she brought the phone to her ears.
"I know what today is onii-chan." Sakura replied. Touya sadly smiled.
"You're strong Sakura. Don't forget, she's watching over you. She's our angel. Be strong Sakura." Touya replied.
"Thank you onii-chan. And I won't forget and I will be strong. I promise." Sakura replied. Touya grinned.
"I know you won't. See ya soon kaijuu and take care."
"Don't call me that!!!" Sakura whined but Touya had already handed it to Fujitaka.
"If at anytime you need us today, we're a phone call away. I love you."
"I love you too." Sakura replied as she hung up the phone. She had a long day ahead of her today...
.........
After an extravagant breakfast at the Li mansion, the three girls were ready to explore the city. Unknown to all of them, Syaoran and Eriol were watching over them.
"Is this really necessary? Why can't we just go up to the girls and say we're worried?" Eriol asked. The girls were going out to explore the city of Hong Kong but Syaoran couldn't help but be worried, especially since he knew of Sakura's heart problem and because... alone and unprotected was how Aya died. Her life was taken by a simple motion of pulling a trigger. He wouldn't let it happen to anyone else he cared about. Not Daidouji-san, not Meiling, not Sakura. Syaoran motioned Eriol to shut up as he watched the girls advance.
"Because, then it would be considered insulting Meiling's abilities as a martial artist... unless you would LOVE to go up to her and say this." Syaoran replied. Eriol gulped and shook his head. Meiling was a scary person to insult... even if it wasn't meant to be one. But if she thought you did... you did... and you had no say in it... whatsoever...
"Meiling-chan... can we go to the same flower boutique we went to yesterday?" Sakura asked. Meiling smirked and gazed at her friend's facial expression.
"Does this have anything to do with that guy you met there?" She teased. Sakura's face flustered.
"O-of course not M-Meiling-chan... where on earth would you get that i-idea?" Sakura stammered out while nervously laughing. In fact, he was only a part of the reason why she was going. Tomoyo looked back behind them to see locks of chocolate brown and navy blue hair. This would prove to be interesting. Smiling, she backed up Sakura while winking at Meiling.
"Why not. I think I have to buy some flowers there for someone as well." Tomoyo spoke up. Noting that she was beaten 2 to 1, she gave in.
"Fine. It's just down the block anyway." Meiling spoke.
Behind their hiding place, an open restaurant door, Syaoran growled.
"Why the hell is she going back to that flower boutique anyway?" Syaoran gritted his teeth and grabbed Eriol's arm. If there was one person he could name that he didn't trust right at that moment, it was Toji. He seemed to act way too nice to Sakura and he didn't like it at all.
"Come on, we're going to beat them." Syaoran spoke as he dragged Eriol across the street, down the block, and across the street again where they entered the boutique.
The little bell on the door went off to alert the employee that there were customers. Toji looked up from the magazine he was reading to notice them. He only recognized Syaoran and smiled. He got up from his seat and walked towards them.
"Hello! How nice it is to see you again!" Toji exclaimed as he stuck his hand out in front of him. Reluctantly, Syaoran shook his hand and forced a smile on his face. Eriol enjoyed Syaoran's agony and grinned at Toji.
"Hello! It's nice to meet you! My name is Eriol." He outstretched his hand and shook it with Toji. Just then, Sakura was pushed through the front door followed by Meiling and Tomoyo.
"Hoee? Eriol-kun? Syaoran-kun? What are you guys doing here?" Sakura asked as she looked suspiciously at both of them.
"Well, Syaoran decided to buy some flowers for Yelan-san." Eriol lied. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief. Meiling eyed Syaoran skeptically.
"Why didn't you order them like you usually do? Why did you decide to come out and buy your own bouquet for her?" Meiling asked. Syaoran glared at her when Sakura wasn't looking. Meiling took the hint and shut her mouth.
"I decided I needed a change."
"I'm sure your mother will appreciate it Syaoran-kun!" Sakura exclaimed happily, believing every word Syaoran spoke.
"I hope so." Syaoran replied. Sakura smiled at him and she turned to Toji.
"Ano... Toji-san. Thank you for the rose and the note." Sakura whispered.
"I can't hear you Sakura-san. What?" Toji sincerely asked. Sakura leaned closer to Toji and cupped his ear with her hand.
"Thank you for the rose and the note. It was very nice of you." Sakura whispered. This small act infuriated Syaoran. Tomoyo made a tiny feminine smirk appear across her face. Meiling and Eriol were both ready to roll on the ground and laugh but they controlled it to little chuckles here and there.
"You're quite welcome Sakura-san. Is that the only reason you came here today?" Toji asked. Sakura shook her head.
"Actually, I wanted a bouquet of flowers. Do you by any chance have any nadeshikos?" Sakura asked in a whisper.
"Of course. Right this way." Toji replied. Sakura followed Toji. When she disappeared to the back of the store, Meiling and Eriol finally let out some of their laughter.
"What's so funny?" Syaoran asked. Meiling and Eriol couldn't reply since they were laughing.
"You, Li-kun. You're so jealous of Toji-san." Tomoyo spoke.
"Am not." Syaoran denied in an annoyed tone.
"Y-you k-k-keep," Meiling laughed, "t-thinking that S-Syaoran!" She doubled over in laughter.
"I am not. I'm now going to look at some flowers." Syaoran replied as he headed towards the back of the store. Meiling watched Syaoran walking away.
"I think he's fallen for her. What do you guys think?" Meiling asked.
"I think he doesn't realize it." Eriol replied. Tomoyo nodded.
"Don't you think that we should make him realize it?" Tomoyo asked. She had wanted to find someone for Sakura for years and every time, Sakura had refused. A small smile formed on Meiling's lips.
"Well, Toji seems to be inadvertently helping us. But what we need to do, is devise a way to get them together... for good."
..........
"If you don't mind me asking, who are these for?" Toji asked Sakura. In her hands were delicate nakeshiko flowers.
"My okaa-san, Nadeshiko." Sakura replied as she caressed the petals as she did with the rose yesterday.
"I'm sure she'll like them. They do smell nice."
"Can one smell when they're up in the sky?" Sakura asked. Toji looked at her. Up in the sky? Did she mean... heaven?
"If one wants to, one could." Toji replied. Sakura burst into tears.
"She left us when I was 3. I didn't get to know her well. My onii-chan told me to be strong... but I can't be. It's so hard! I promised him. And even Syaoran was able to keep his promise to his fiancée. He promised her that he wouldn't cry and as hard as it is for him, he kept it. And I can't..." Sakura trailed off and couldn't express her words. Unsure of what to do, Toji wrapped his arms around her and tried his best to cease her tears.
"Crying when you need to cry is another way to show strength, Sakura-san. So cry." Toji replied. Sakura listened to his words and wept. Each of her tears fell onto the petals. From the petals, the tears made their way to the stems, moistening the flower. Minutes passed by and finally, Sakura's tears stopped flowing.
"Those words were very meaningful. Thank you... Toji-san."
"My mother always used to tell me that whenever I cried when I was little." A smile crossed Toji's face as if he was living his memory. "Now, don't you want to give your okaa-san her flowers?" Toji asked. Sakura let out a small smile.
"I guess I should. Arigatou Toji-san." Sakura wrapped her arms around Toji and gave him a hug. Just then, Meiling turned the corner.
"Am I... interrupting something here?" She asked. Toji and Sakura parted. Both blushed and shook their heads.
"N-nothing!"
"Of course not. Um... I'll be at the cashier. See you later." Toji replied nervously as he left.
"Okay then... Sakura-chan, you done yet?" Meiling asked.
"Sakura-chan!!! What's taking so long?" Tomoyo spoke as she entered the aisle. She gazed at the nadeshiko flowers in Sakura's hands. Her eyes widened knowing what today was.
"Oh... my... GOD!!! I'M SO SORRY SAKURA-CHAN!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT!!!" Tomoyo shouted as she kept on rambling on. Tears were ready to fall from her amethyst eyes. She ran up to Sakura and squeezed her tightly. Sakura smiled weakly and squeezed her eyelids tightly together to prevent any more tears from falling.
"It's not your fault Tomoyo-chan. You have nothing to be sorry for." She patted her friend's back in hopes of soothing her. Then, her tears started to flow from her eyes. The two emotional girls just cried.
"I'm definitely missing something here..." Meiling spoke to herself. Inside, she couldn't help but want to cry. Her best friends were crying and she had no clue why. Thinking back to the date, December 14th, it clicked. Nadeshiko passed away exactly 20 years ago... Meiling went over to her two best friends and cried as well. This had been the first time in 12 years that all three of them had cried together.
.........
Sticking to his bluff, Syaoran had finished picking out a bouquet and was wandering around the 'labyrinth' in search of Sakura. To him, the flower shop was 'unnavigable'. Rolling his eyes at his own poor language, Syaoran continued his path until he heard crying. Distinguishing one of the voices as Sakura's, he ran down the corridor, where he found the three crying.
"Meiling, what's wrong?" Syaoran asked as he approached his teary cousin. The only other time he had seen her in tears was when they were 5 and she lost her bird. After that incident, she never cried before him.
"Baka Syaoran! You can't see me cry!" Meiling turned around and protested. Her fist made contact with his chest. Placing his hand on her back, he gently massaged his cousin. She took her hands and wrapped them around her cousin and cried. Soon, her sobbing ceased to sniffles.
"Sorry Syaoran. Did that hurt?" Meiling apologized. Syaoran shrugged.
"Not really. Now, do you mind telling me what this is all about?" Syaoran asked, pointing to Tomoyo (who was only sniffling) and Sakura (who was still crying).
"Ask Sakura." Meiling replied. No matter how sad she was, she wasn't going to pass up a matchmaking opportunity.
"Okay. Go get Eriol." Syaoran whispered. Meiling nodded and went in search of her cousin. Syaoran placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder. When she turned, Syaoran saw her emerald eyes inundating with tears. Immediately, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to his body. Eriol appeared out of nowhere, dashing around the corner and running over to Tomoyo. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he embraced and soothed her. Eventually, the two girls calmed down.
"I'm sorry to bother you with my tears, Syaoran-kun." Sakura spoke. Syaoran shook his head.
"Not at all."
"I'd better go and buy this..." Sakura pointed to the bunch of nadeshikos in her hand.
"Same here." Syaoran replied. He pointed to the bouquet that he planned on giving his mother.
"Oh! Right. You're giving that to your okaa-san. We should go to the register then." Sakura responded as she walked over to the counter with Syaoran right behind her and Eriol, Tomoyo, and Meiling behind him.
"Toji-san, I have a question." Sakura spoke.
"I'm listening." Toji replied as he pushed several buttons on the cash register.
"Where's the bay?" Sakura asked.
"Out this store, down about... 4 blocks." Toji said. Sakura thanked him and received her flowers.
"I hope I see you again." Toji said.
"I'll see you soon." Sakura replied with a bright smile on her face. She walked over to the door and looked at Tomoyo and Meiling impatiently.
"I'm going somewhere, okay? Call me when you need to." She pushed the door and began to walk down the street. Recalling what happened to Aya when she went off alone in the streets of Hong Kong, a panicking Syaoran quickly bought his bouquet and followed after her.
.........
Sakura strolled down the street and neared the harbor. The sun was tilted in the sky, indicating that it was past noon. The rays of the sun bounced off the clear blue waters that splashed along the docks. As she arrived, she sat down on a dock and took off her shoe. With her bare foot, she skidded it across the surface, creating ripples. The edge of her dress stayed just above the water. Enjoying the feel, Sakura took off her other shoe and dipped it into the icy cool water.
"Sakura-san!" Sakura turned her head around, throwing off her balance. With a splash, Sakura fell into the bay. Syaoran's eyes widened as he watched her plunge into the water. Sprinting as fast as he could, he reached the edge of the dock. His eyes roamed the surface to see any sight of Sakura.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted.
"Syaoran-kun!" Syaoran looked around to see where the faint voice was coming from and saw Sakura floating away from the dock.
Sakura mentally cursed at herself. She wasn't allowed to swim since her heart couldn't handle strenuous activities. Trying her best to stay above water, Sakura kicked her legs and slowly started to swim towards the dock. To her, it was worth a shot to try and reach the dock since she had no clue of the endurance of her newly acquired heart. She heard another splash and saw Syaoran swimming towards her. Sakura tried to get closer to him but the material of her dress was allowing her to move only a quarter of the distance she would normally be able to swim.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted again. Sakura's mouth wasn't above the water so she was unable to reply back. Kicking a little harder, her head was above the surface. Right then, her foot slid across a sharp object and she screamed. She knew that if she tried kicking with that leg, the blood from her body would eventually all be drained. Doing her best with just her one foot, Sakura tried to swim. Realizing it wouldn't work, she knew now that she could only attempt to stay above the water. When she couldn't, the rest would be up to fate.
'Okaa-san... I might join you today...' Sakura thought. From above, a beautiful figure looked on sorrowfully hoping that the man would save her child.
Syaoran's heartbeat doubled its normal rate as he swam even quicker through the water. Hearing Sakura's high-pitched scream pierced his heart. She was in pain. Finally, Syaoran reached Sakura. He placed his arm around her waist and held onto her tightly.
"Syaoran-kun... you came..." Sakura whispered. The blood loss had drained Sakura of most of her energy. Syaoran started to swim as fast as he could towards the shore. Finally, when he grasped the dock, he lifted Sakura's body up and pulled himself up as well. Sakura was breathing heavily as she lay on the dock. Syaoran then noticed the large gash on her foot. Quickly, he pulled his shirt off and ripped it into strands to cover her injury. Looking for his cell phone to call the paramedics, he realized that he lost it when he went to rescue her. He cursed at himself over and over again in his mind. His gaze turned over to Sakura.
"Of course I came, Sakura-san." Syaoran spoke, responding to her last comment.
"If I die, will you tell my otou-san and my annoying onii-chan that I love them?" Sakura requested.
"YOU WON'T DIE! Don't ever think you'll die. You won't. I PROMISE!" Syaoran screamed in desperation. Aya's unpredictable death caused much heartache for Syaoran, including guilt. He couldn't let his friend die. He did his best to try and warm her up but he couldn't do much since he was as wet as her. Sakura forced a smile.
"I trust you Syaoran-kun. I believe you." Her voice was only a little above a whisper. Syaoran knelt down and lifted her up. He needed to find help.
"Wait! Syaoran-kun, the bouquet. Toss it into the bay." Sakura spoke. Syaoran slowly went down and grabbed the bouquet. Then, he tossed it into the harbor. The petals rained down upon the bay and washed away into the ocean.
"That's for you okaa-san." Sakura whispered. Syaoran didn't know what was going on and planned on asking Meiling later but right now, his only concern was to get Sakura to the hospital.
"SYAORAN!" Syaoran turned around and saw Meiling, Eriol and Tomoyo running towards him. They all noticed the drenched Sakura in his arms and acknowledged fact that he was shirtless in December.
"W-w-what happened?" Tomoyo asked looking at Sakura. The white cloth strips that Syaoran had covered her foot with were now red.
"Meiling, call the hospital and Wei! QUICKLY!" Syaoran demanded. Trembling, Meiling pulled out her cell phone and dialed the hospital. They waited several minutes that seemed like decades before they heard the sirens in the distance. A hand was placed on Syaoran's shoulder. He turned and saw Eriol's face.
"You do realize that they'll only allow family members to go with her in the ambulance." Eriol stated. Syaoran gritted his teeth together.
"I'll promise to send them a check." Syaoran replied. Being a Li had many benefits.
"That might not work." Eriol spoke. Syaoran glared at Eriol.
"Then I'll lie." Syaoran responded coldly. Eriol knew that Syaoran was once again encountering guilt just like when Aya died. He took off his sweater and gave it to Syaoran.
"You'll be cold." Syaoran protested.
"I still have the jacket."
"But you'll still be cold."
"And you won't be allowed to go with her on the ambulance no matter how much you lie. Do you really think they'll let you on? You don't have a shirt!" Eriol argued. Syaoran gave in and took the sweater into his hand. Gently placing Sakura temporarily in Eriol's hands, he put the sweater on himself. Eriol handed Sakura back to Syaoran when the ambulance approached. The paramedics pulled out a stretcher and Syaoran lay Sakura down.
"Are you her family member?" One of the paramedics asked. Syaoran nodded.
"I'm her husband." Syaoran fibbed.
"Okay, get on the ambulance. We'll ask you some of the questions there." She replied. Syaoran obliged and stepped into the back. Tomoyo, Eriol, and Meiling watched Syaoran and Sakura leave on the ambulance. As soon as they couldn't see the ambulance, Wei pulled up in the limo.
"Wei! Follow that ambulance! Syaoran and Sakura-chan are inside it!" Meiling spoke frantically as the three slid into the seats. Eriol slammed the door shut and held onto Tomoyo tightly. Tears were streaming down her face. It felt as if Sakura were back in the surgery room.
"Syaoran-sama is injured?" Wei asked worriedly as he pushed down on the accelerator and they trailed the ambulance.
"No, Sakura-chan is!" Meiling replied. Tears were falling down her face as well. She knew that if anything happened to Sakura, it was all her fault because after all, she was the one who asked her and Tomoyo to come. In one of her hands, she clutched Syaoran's bouquet tightly. Meiling wasn't very religious but she clasped her hands together and started to pray, after putting the flowers aside.
'Please God, let her live. She has done nothing wrong in her whole life. Don't take her from us. Please!'
.........
"What's your wife's name?" The paramedic asked. She eyed at Syaoran suspiciously. He looked very familiar. Syaoran was holding onto Sakura's hand tightly and watched her breathe.
"Sakura Li." Syaoran replied with a noticeable Japanese accent. He tried his best so she wouldn't notice him, considering he was a very noticeable figure in China.
"And yours?"
"Syaoran Li."
"What's her blood type?"
"I don't know."
"Aren't you married?"
"We're on the first day of our honeymoon." Syaoran responded as if it were second nature.
"I see. Well, don't worry. She'll be fine. We'll take good care of her." She replied hesitantly. It made sense. Most married couples didn't know of each other's blood type until after their first doctors' appointments. But it was possible to have come up in conversation.
"You'd better." Syaoran replied.
The rest of the ride was silent except for Sakura's heavy breathing. The ambulance stopped and the doors of the back opened. They pulled Sakura's stretcher out and started to wheel her into the hospital. Syaoran followed the stretcher as the limo pulled up from behind. Meiling, Tomoyo, and Eriol all dashed out of the car and into the hospital where they sat in the waiting room, doing what the name stated, waiting.
.........
Yay! Finished Did you like? So, what did you think? Bigger Cliffie than the last one or not? Plz respond... if not... it's okay... lol... I'll try my best to update soon! Arigatou to everyone who has reviewed me. You have given me inspiration! You guys are my muses! LoL...
cherrixwolf
.........
Sakura's gaze had been nowhere but the ground the past 5 minutes, wishing it would swallow her up. It had also been exactly 5 minutes since Syaoran kissed her. Correction, Syaoran 'believed' he kissed Aya... She didn't know what to say so she sat silently. The wind grew fiercer as every minute passed by. The only noises audible to the ear were their heavy breathing.
Syaoran stared up at the sky. Aya must've seen what had happened. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid...' Syaoran chanted to himself. All she would've probably seen was his kiss with another girl... at HER grave. How disappointed she must be in him now. Would crystal tears stream down her porcelain face? He sat there and begged that she would forgive him. But he couldn't stop that little voice in the back of his brain telling him that the kiss was...
More silence passed over the two motionless bodies. At the same time, they looked away from the spot they were gazing at and glanced at each other. Immediately they looked away. Finally, deciding the silence was too much for her, Sakura audaciously spoke up...
"Ano..."
"SAKURA-CHAN! SYAORAN! WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING YOU SO LONG!" ...but didn't get so far. The shouting was created by the fiery tempered woman who was climbing up the hill. Never had they been happier to see Meiling's face. For Syaoran, that was saying a lot...
"Meiling-chan!" Sakura exclaimed as her friend dragged herself up the hill. The look on Meiling's face wasn't a pleasant one.
"You two... are making me yell... in a sacred holy area... FULL OF DEAD PEOPLE! THEIR GHOSTS ARE PROBABLY READY TO KILL US NOW!" Meiling yelled. Sakura's ears perked at the sound of that one syllable word... 'ghosts.' The first words she heard haunting her ears Yamazaki's voice on her phone saying, "Did you know that in China they have lots of ghosts? I heard of this one ghost that resides only in Hong Kong-" Sakura paled and trembled. All other thoughts flew out of her minds, even the recent heart pounding accidental kiss. Taking a step backward, she dashed off... without knowing, of course... further into the graveyard. Meiling glanced earlier at Sakura's pale face and realized what she had done...
"BAKA! She hates ghosts! Dammit! Syaoran! Go search for her! NOW!" Meiling commanded while cursing at herself. Looking scary than that of a woman with PMS, Syaoran darted off into the graveyard, trying to find Sakura.
.........
"HOEEE!!!" Sakura shrieked as she sat onto the ground.
The sun was slowly setting, dimming the light more and more each second. She shivered and wrapped her coat around her tighter. The bright Hong Kong lights were conspicuous in the distance. Her coat felt uncomfortable around her. She quickly unzipped it and stuck her hand inside to see what it was. Grasping something with her fingers, Sakura slowly pulled out the object... the rose. The fragile flower lay in her hand. She stroked the soft petals and slowly calmed her down. Looking down on the rose, she remembered the note she had shoved into her pocket earlier. Tilting at a better angle, she slid her hand until it clutched the paper and pulled it out. On the front, it was written, 'To Sakura-san'. Unfolding it, Sakura noticed his neat handwriting and started to read.
'Sakura-san, It's nice to meet someone as kind as you. It's not often that I come across a person like you.' Sakura blushed. Toji seemed to have a way with words, in her opinion.
'I know that whoever the flowers are for will enjoy them, especially since they were bought from such a lovely lady as yourself. I can't write much because I know that you'll be coming to the register soon. I hope I see you again. Please drop by!'
She was touched by the note. He had barely known her but thought very highly of her. Sakura smiled and a part of her fear disappeared. The silence of the area intimidated her but she tried her best to ignore it. All of a sudden, her cell phone started to ring. The tune echoed throughout the graveyard. Her hand dived into her jacket, pulled out her phone and pushed a button.
"Hello?" She whispered.
"Sakura-chan? Where are you?" A frustrated voice replied.
"Meiling-chan?"
"Hai hai... it's me."
"I don't know where I am Meiling-chan! I'm afraid!" Meiling was having a panic attack.
"I PROMISE I'LL FIND YOU SAKURA-CHAN!!!! DON'T WORRY!!!!!! AND THERE ARE NO GHOSTS!!! NO MATTER WHAT SOMEONE SAYS, SAKURA-CHAN, THERE ARE NO GHOSTS!!!" Meiling shouted over the phone. Hearing that word, Sakura fell into another state of chaos.
"HOEEE!!!! THEY'RE COMING TO GET ME!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Sakura screamed.
Across the area, Syaoran's ears picked up the noise. It was Sakura. It had to be. Sprinting across the graves while silently praying for the spirits to forgive him for walking on their graves, Syaoran finally made it to the clearing where he saw Sakura rocking back and forth on the ground, chanting to herself. Suppressing a chuckle, Syaoran walked over to her.
"Sakura-san." Syaoran spoke as he placed his hand on her shoulder. As a reaction, her body shivered.
"HOEEE!!! HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME!!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO BE SO LOUD GHOST- SAN!!! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!!!" Sakura pleaded as she turned around. Her eyes were shut tight and started to tear. Syaoran slowly wrapped his arms around her. She was fairly cold. He held her in his arms and rocked her gently back and forth.
"Ghost-san... you're really warm." Sakura whispered. This time, Syaoran couldn't hold back. He laughed.
"I'm not a ghost, Sakura-san."
"Hoee?" Sakura looked up to see two amber orbs looking at her. Knowing who it was, she smiled and held onto him tighter.
"Because Syaoran-kun is here, all the ghosts went away." She exclaimed happily in a whisper.
"Let's get back to the house. Okay?" Syaoran held his hand out for her to reach.
"Okay..." Sakura replied as she grabbed Syaoran's hand. With his strength, he easily got her off the ground. She stood wobbly and started to walk. Suddenly, she fell back down. Syaoran looked down at her.
"Oww... I think my feet are asleep." She spoke. Syaoran looked down at her. Seeing no other option, he lifted her off the ground.
"Hoee!!! Syaoran-kun! You don't have to do this!!!" Sakura protested. Syaoran smiled. Aya would've protested just like her... As if it were second nature, Syaoran replied,
"But I want to."
"I... Okay Syaoran-kun." Sakura replied as she cuddled body against Syaoran's. Eventually, with the soothing sound of Syaoran's heartbeat, she fell asleep.
.........
A little tune floated through the air and into Sakura's ears. Recognizing it as her cell phone tone, Sakura woke up and picked it up.
"Hello?" Sakura spoke slowly. She still hadn't fully awakened.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL US YET!!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW WORRIED WE- I MEAN OTOU-SAN WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU???" Touya shouted. Sakura whined.
"Gomen nasai onii-chan. I forgot..."
"YOU FORGOT!!! HOW COULD YOU FORGET!!! YOU SHOULD BE GLAD THAT-" The shouting was getting faint over the phone. She heard a little rustle before she heard her father's voice.
"Do forgive your onii-chan. He was... worried." Fujitaka spoke. Sakura smiled. It was so good to hear his voice again.
"I guess I will."
"So how is Hong Kong so far? Are you enjoying yourself?"
"It's so pretty! Especially at night, otou-san! The city's lights are all shining as if they were the stars in the sky!" Sakura replied enthusiastically. Fujitaka chuckled.
"I'd assume so. So, have you been taking good care of yourself? Did you schedule an appointment with a doctor yet?" Fujitaka asked in a concerned tone.
"Hai! It's going to be tomorrow."
"That's good. Well, your brother is eager to speak with you. Hold on." Sakura heard some more rustling before hearing her onii-chan's voice.
"Kaijuu."
"I'm not a kaijuu, onii-chan!" Sakura protested.
"I'm kidding. I know you're not. So, where are you right now?"
"In bed."
"Where?"
"In Hong Kong." Sakura replied as if it were the most natural response. Touya was started to get agitated.
"Where in Hong Kong Sakura?"
"Oh, Syaoran-kun's house. It's really big and-" Sakura couldn't finish.
"WHAT!!! YOU'RE SLEEPING AT THAT GAKI'S HOUSE!!! WAIT TILL I SEE HIM!!! I'M GETTING ON THE NEXT PLANE TO HONG KONG!" Touya shouted.
"ONII-CHAN! Nothing has happened. He lives in a mansion! It's bigger than Tomoyo-chan's and it's really nice. He let us all stay here in the guest rooms. Besides, he's Meiling-chan's cousin. I feel very safe here onii-chan and you don't have to worry." Sakura replied. Touya growled but dropped the subject.
"Anyway, you do know what day today is, right?" Touya asked. Sakura shook her head.
"Sakura?" Sakura forgot that they were talking over the phone.
"No, I don't know onii-chan."
"It's December 14th." Touya replied. Sakura dropped the phone.
"Sakura? Sakura?" Touya called out for her. Sakura hesitantly kneeled down. Shakily, she brought the phone to her ears.
"I know what today is onii-chan." Sakura replied. Touya sadly smiled.
"You're strong Sakura. Don't forget, she's watching over you. She's our angel. Be strong Sakura." Touya replied.
"Thank you onii-chan. And I won't forget and I will be strong. I promise." Sakura replied. Touya grinned.
"I know you won't. See ya soon kaijuu and take care."
"Don't call me that!!!" Sakura whined but Touya had already handed it to Fujitaka.
"If at anytime you need us today, we're a phone call away. I love you."
"I love you too." Sakura replied as she hung up the phone. She had a long day ahead of her today...
.........
After an extravagant breakfast at the Li mansion, the three girls were ready to explore the city. Unknown to all of them, Syaoran and Eriol were watching over them.
"Is this really necessary? Why can't we just go up to the girls and say we're worried?" Eriol asked. The girls were going out to explore the city of Hong Kong but Syaoran couldn't help but be worried, especially since he knew of Sakura's heart problem and because... alone and unprotected was how Aya died. Her life was taken by a simple motion of pulling a trigger. He wouldn't let it happen to anyone else he cared about. Not Daidouji-san, not Meiling, not Sakura. Syaoran motioned Eriol to shut up as he watched the girls advance.
"Because, then it would be considered insulting Meiling's abilities as a martial artist... unless you would LOVE to go up to her and say this." Syaoran replied. Eriol gulped and shook his head. Meiling was a scary person to insult... even if it wasn't meant to be one. But if she thought you did... you did... and you had no say in it... whatsoever...
"Meiling-chan... can we go to the same flower boutique we went to yesterday?" Sakura asked. Meiling smirked and gazed at her friend's facial expression.
"Does this have anything to do with that guy you met there?" She teased. Sakura's face flustered.
"O-of course not M-Meiling-chan... where on earth would you get that i-idea?" Sakura stammered out while nervously laughing. In fact, he was only a part of the reason why she was going. Tomoyo looked back behind them to see locks of chocolate brown and navy blue hair. This would prove to be interesting. Smiling, she backed up Sakura while winking at Meiling.
"Why not. I think I have to buy some flowers there for someone as well." Tomoyo spoke up. Noting that she was beaten 2 to 1, she gave in.
"Fine. It's just down the block anyway." Meiling spoke.
Behind their hiding place, an open restaurant door, Syaoran growled.
"Why the hell is she going back to that flower boutique anyway?" Syaoran gritted his teeth and grabbed Eriol's arm. If there was one person he could name that he didn't trust right at that moment, it was Toji. He seemed to act way too nice to Sakura and he didn't like it at all.
"Come on, we're going to beat them." Syaoran spoke as he dragged Eriol across the street, down the block, and across the street again where they entered the boutique.
The little bell on the door went off to alert the employee that there were customers. Toji looked up from the magazine he was reading to notice them. He only recognized Syaoran and smiled. He got up from his seat and walked towards them.
"Hello! How nice it is to see you again!" Toji exclaimed as he stuck his hand out in front of him. Reluctantly, Syaoran shook his hand and forced a smile on his face. Eriol enjoyed Syaoran's agony and grinned at Toji.
"Hello! It's nice to meet you! My name is Eriol." He outstretched his hand and shook it with Toji. Just then, Sakura was pushed through the front door followed by Meiling and Tomoyo.
"Hoee? Eriol-kun? Syaoran-kun? What are you guys doing here?" Sakura asked as she looked suspiciously at both of them.
"Well, Syaoran decided to buy some flowers for Yelan-san." Eriol lied. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief. Meiling eyed Syaoran skeptically.
"Why didn't you order them like you usually do? Why did you decide to come out and buy your own bouquet for her?" Meiling asked. Syaoran glared at her when Sakura wasn't looking. Meiling took the hint and shut her mouth.
"I decided I needed a change."
"I'm sure your mother will appreciate it Syaoran-kun!" Sakura exclaimed happily, believing every word Syaoran spoke.
"I hope so." Syaoran replied. Sakura smiled at him and she turned to Toji.
"Ano... Toji-san. Thank you for the rose and the note." Sakura whispered.
"I can't hear you Sakura-san. What?" Toji sincerely asked. Sakura leaned closer to Toji and cupped his ear with her hand.
"Thank you for the rose and the note. It was very nice of you." Sakura whispered. This small act infuriated Syaoran. Tomoyo made a tiny feminine smirk appear across her face. Meiling and Eriol were both ready to roll on the ground and laugh but they controlled it to little chuckles here and there.
"You're quite welcome Sakura-san. Is that the only reason you came here today?" Toji asked. Sakura shook her head.
"Actually, I wanted a bouquet of flowers. Do you by any chance have any nadeshikos?" Sakura asked in a whisper.
"Of course. Right this way." Toji replied. Sakura followed Toji. When she disappeared to the back of the store, Meiling and Eriol finally let out some of their laughter.
"What's so funny?" Syaoran asked. Meiling and Eriol couldn't reply since they were laughing.
"You, Li-kun. You're so jealous of Toji-san." Tomoyo spoke.
"Am not." Syaoran denied in an annoyed tone.
"Y-you k-k-keep," Meiling laughed, "t-thinking that S-Syaoran!" She doubled over in laughter.
"I am not. I'm now going to look at some flowers." Syaoran replied as he headed towards the back of the store. Meiling watched Syaoran walking away.
"I think he's fallen for her. What do you guys think?" Meiling asked.
"I think he doesn't realize it." Eriol replied. Tomoyo nodded.
"Don't you think that we should make him realize it?" Tomoyo asked. She had wanted to find someone for Sakura for years and every time, Sakura had refused. A small smile formed on Meiling's lips.
"Well, Toji seems to be inadvertently helping us. But what we need to do, is devise a way to get them together... for good."
..........
"If you don't mind me asking, who are these for?" Toji asked Sakura. In her hands were delicate nakeshiko flowers.
"My okaa-san, Nadeshiko." Sakura replied as she caressed the petals as she did with the rose yesterday.
"I'm sure she'll like them. They do smell nice."
"Can one smell when they're up in the sky?" Sakura asked. Toji looked at her. Up in the sky? Did she mean... heaven?
"If one wants to, one could." Toji replied. Sakura burst into tears.
"She left us when I was 3. I didn't get to know her well. My onii-chan told me to be strong... but I can't be. It's so hard! I promised him. And even Syaoran was able to keep his promise to his fiancée. He promised her that he wouldn't cry and as hard as it is for him, he kept it. And I can't..." Sakura trailed off and couldn't express her words. Unsure of what to do, Toji wrapped his arms around her and tried his best to cease her tears.
"Crying when you need to cry is another way to show strength, Sakura-san. So cry." Toji replied. Sakura listened to his words and wept. Each of her tears fell onto the petals. From the petals, the tears made their way to the stems, moistening the flower. Minutes passed by and finally, Sakura's tears stopped flowing.
"Those words were very meaningful. Thank you... Toji-san."
"My mother always used to tell me that whenever I cried when I was little." A smile crossed Toji's face as if he was living his memory. "Now, don't you want to give your okaa-san her flowers?" Toji asked. Sakura let out a small smile.
"I guess I should. Arigatou Toji-san." Sakura wrapped her arms around Toji and gave him a hug. Just then, Meiling turned the corner.
"Am I... interrupting something here?" She asked. Toji and Sakura parted. Both blushed and shook their heads.
"N-nothing!"
"Of course not. Um... I'll be at the cashier. See you later." Toji replied nervously as he left.
"Okay then... Sakura-chan, you done yet?" Meiling asked.
"Sakura-chan!!! What's taking so long?" Tomoyo spoke as she entered the aisle. She gazed at the nadeshiko flowers in Sakura's hands. Her eyes widened knowing what today was.
"Oh... my... GOD!!! I'M SO SORRY SAKURA-CHAN!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT!!!" Tomoyo shouted as she kept on rambling on. Tears were ready to fall from her amethyst eyes. She ran up to Sakura and squeezed her tightly. Sakura smiled weakly and squeezed her eyelids tightly together to prevent any more tears from falling.
"It's not your fault Tomoyo-chan. You have nothing to be sorry for." She patted her friend's back in hopes of soothing her. Then, her tears started to flow from her eyes. The two emotional girls just cried.
"I'm definitely missing something here..." Meiling spoke to herself. Inside, she couldn't help but want to cry. Her best friends were crying and she had no clue why. Thinking back to the date, December 14th, it clicked. Nadeshiko passed away exactly 20 years ago... Meiling went over to her two best friends and cried as well. This had been the first time in 12 years that all three of them had cried together.
.........
Sticking to his bluff, Syaoran had finished picking out a bouquet and was wandering around the 'labyrinth' in search of Sakura. To him, the flower shop was 'unnavigable'. Rolling his eyes at his own poor language, Syaoran continued his path until he heard crying. Distinguishing one of the voices as Sakura's, he ran down the corridor, where he found the three crying.
"Meiling, what's wrong?" Syaoran asked as he approached his teary cousin. The only other time he had seen her in tears was when they were 5 and she lost her bird. After that incident, she never cried before him.
"Baka Syaoran! You can't see me cry!" Meiling turned around and protested. Her fist made contact with his chest. Placing his hand on her back, he gently massaged his cousin. She took her hands and wrapped them around her cousin and cried. Soon, her sobbing ceased to sniffles.
"Sorry Syaoran. Did that hurt?" Meiling apologized. Syaoran shrugged.
"Not really. Now, do you mind telling me what this is all about?" Syaoran asked, pointing to Tomoyo (who was only sniffling) and Sakura (who was still crying).
"Ask Sakura." Meiling replied. No matter how sad she was, she wasn't going to pass up a matchmaking opportunity.
"Okay. Go get Eriol." Syaoran whispered. Meiling nodded and went in search of her cousin. Syaoran placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder. When she turned, Syaoran saw her emerald eyes inundating with tears. Immediately, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to his body. Eriol appeared out of nowhere, dashing around the corner and running over to Tomoyo. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he embraced and soothed her. Eventually, the two girls calmed down.
"I'm sorry to bother you with my tears, Syaoran-kun." Sakura spoke. Syaoran shook his head.
"Not at all."
"I'd better go and buy this..." Sakura pointed to the bunch of nadeshikos in her hand.
"Same here." Syaoran replied. He pointed to the bouquet that he planned on giving his mother.
"Oh! Right. You're giving that to your okaa-san. We should go to the register then." Sakura responded as she walked over to the counter with Syaoran right behind her and Eriol, Tomoyo, and Meiling behind him.
"Toji-san, I have a question." Sakura spoke.
"I'm listening." Toji replied as he pushed several buttons on the cash register.
"Where's the bay?" Sakura asked.
"Out this store, down about... 4 blocks." Toji said. Sakura thanked him and received her flowers.
"I hope I see you again." Toji said.
"I'll see you soon." Sakura replied with a bright smile on her face. She walked over to the door and looked at Tomoyo and Meiling impatiently.
"I'm going somewhere, okay? Call me when you need to." She pushed the door and began to walk down the street. Recalling what happened to Aya when she went off alone in the streets of Hong Kong, a panicking Syaoran quickly bought his bouquet and followed after her.
.........
Sakura strolled down the street and neared the harbor. The sun was tilted in the sky, indicating that it was past noon. The rays of the sun bounced off the clear blue waters that splashed along the docks. As she arrived, she sat down on a dock and took off her shoe. With her bare foot, she skidded it across the surface, creating ripples. The edge of her dress stayed just above the water. Enjoying the feel, Sakura took off her other shoe and dipped it into the icy cool water.
"Sakura-san!" Sakura turned her head around, throwing off her balance. With a splash, Sakura fell into the bay. Syaoran's eyes widened as he watched her plunge into the water. Sprinting as fast as he could, he reached the edge of the dock. His eyes roamed the surface to see any sight of Sakura.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted.
"Syaoran-kun!" Syaoran looked around to see where the faint voice was coming from and saw Sakura floating away from the dock.
Sakura mentally cursed at herself. She wasn't allowed to swim since her heart couldn't handle strenuous activities. Trying her best to stay above water, Sakura kicked her legs and slowly started to swim towards the dock. To her, it was worth a shot to try and reach the dock since she had no clue of the endurance of her newly acquired heart. She heard another splash and saw Syaoran swimming towards her. Sakura tried to get closer to him but the material of her dress was allowing her to move only a quarter of the distance she would normally be able to swim.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted again. Sakura's mouth wasn't above the water so she was unable to reply back. Kicking a little harder, her head was above the surface. Right then, her foot slid across a sharp object and she screamed. She knew that if she tried kicking with that leg, the blood from her body would eventually all be drained. Doing her best with just her one foot, Sakura tried to swim. Realizing it wouldn't work, she knew now that she could only attempt to stay above the water. When she couldn't, the rest would be up to fate.
'Okaa-san... I might join you today...' Sakura thought. From above, a beautiful figure looked on sorrowfully hoping that the man would save her child.
Syaoran's heartbeat doubled its normal rate as he swam even quicker through the water. Hearing Sakura's high-pitched scream pierced his heart. She was in pain. Finally, Syaoran reached Sakura. He placed his arm around her waist and held onto her tightly.
"Syaoran-kun... you came..." Sakura whispered. The blood loss had drained Sakura of most of her energy. Syaoran started to swim as fast as he could towards the shore. Finally, when he grasped the dock, he lifted Sakura's body up and pulled himself up as well. Sakura was breathing heavily as she lay on the dock. Syaoran then noticed the large gash on her foot. Quickly, he pulled his shirt off and ripped it into strands to cover her injury. Looking for his cell phone to call the paramedics, he realized that he lost it when he went to rescue her. He cursed at himself over and over again in his mind. His gaze turned over to Sakura.
"Of course I came, Sakura-san." Syaoran spoke, responding to her last comment.
"If I die, will you tell my otou-san and my annoying onii-chan that I love them?" Sakura requested.
"YOU WON'T DIE! Don't ever think you'll die. You won't. I PROMISE!" Syaoran screamed in desperation. Aya's unpredictable death caused much heartache for Syaoran, including guilt. He couldn't let his friend die. He did his best to try and warm her up but he couldn't do much since he was as wet as her. Sakura forced a smile.
"I trust you Syaoran-kun. I believe you." Her voice was only a little above a whisper. Syaoran knelt down and lifted her up. He needed to find help.
"Wait! Syaoran-kun, the bouquet. Toss it into the bay." Sakura spoke. Syaoran slowly went down and grabbed the bouquet. Then, he tossed it into the harbor. The petals rained down upon the bay and washed away into the ocean.
"That's for you okaa-san." Sakura whispered. Syaoran didn't know what was going on and planned on asking Meiling later but right now, his only concern was to get Sakura to the hospital.
"SYAORAN!" Syaoran turned around and saw Meiling, Eriol and Tomoyo running towards him. They all noticed the drenched Sakura in his arms and acknowledged fact that he was shirtless in December.
"W-w-what happened?" Tomoyo asked looking at Sakura. The white cloth strips that Syaoran had covered her foot with were now red.
"Meiling, call the hospital and Wei! QUICKLY!" Syaoran demanded. Trembling, Meiling pulled out her cell phone and dialed the hospital. They waited several minutes that seemed like decades before they heard the sirens in the distance. A hand was placed on Syaoran's shoulder. He turned and saw Eriol's face.
"You do realize that they'll only allow family members to go with her in the ambulance." Eriol stated. Syaoran gritted his teeth together.
"I'll promise to send them a check." Syaoran replied. Being a Li had many benefits.
"That might not work." Eriol spoke. Syaoran glared at Eriol.
"Then I'll lie." Syaoran responded coldly. Eriol knew that Syaoran was once again encountering guilt just like when Aya died. He took off his sweater and gave it to Syaoran.
"You'll be cold." Syaoran protested.
"I still have the jacket."
"But you'll still be cold."
"And you won't be allowed to go with her on the ambulance no matter how much you lie. Do you really think they'll let you on? You don't have a shirt!" Eriol argued. Syaoran gave in and took the sweater into his hand. Gently placing Sakura temporarily in Eriol's hands, he put the sweater on himself. Eriol handed Sakura back to Syaoran when the ambulance approached. The paramedics pulled out a stretcher and Syaoran lay Sakura down.
"Are you her family member?" One of the paramedics asked. Syaoran nodded.
"I'm her husband." Syaoran fibbed.
"Okay, get on the ambulance. We'll ask you some of the questions there." She replied. Syaoran obliged and stepped into the back. Tomoyo, Eriol, and Meiling watched Syaoran and Sakura leave on the ambulance. As soon as they couldn't see the ambulance, Wei pulled up in the limo.
"Wei! Follow that ambulance! Syaoran and Sakura-chan are inside it!" Meiling spoke frantically as the three slid into the seats. Eriol slammed the door shut and held onto Tomoyo tightly. Tears were streaming down her face. It felt as if Sakura were back in the surgery room.
"Syaoran-sama is injured?" Wei asked worriedly as he pushed down on the accelerator and they trailed the ambulance.
"No, Sakura-chan is!" Meiling replied. Tears were falling down her face as well. She knew that if anything happened to Sakura, it was all her fault because after all, she was the one who asked her and Tomoyo to come. In one of her hands, she clutched Syaoran's bouquet tightly. Meiling wasn't very religious but she clasped her hands together and started to pray, after putting the flowers aside.
'Please God, let her live. She has done nothing wrong in her whole life. Don't take her from us. Please!'
.........
"What's your wife's name?" The paramedic asked. She eyed at Syaoran suspiciously. He looked very familiar. Syaoran was holding onto Sakura's hand tightly and watched her breathe.
"Sakura Li." Syaoran replied with a noticeable Japanese accent. He tried his best so she wouldn't notice him, considering he was a very noticeable figure in China.
"And yours?"
"Syaoran Li."
"What's her blood type?"
"I don't know."
"Aren't you married?"
"We're on the first day of our honeymoon." Syaoran responded as if it were second nature.
"I see. Well, don't worry. She'll be fine. We'll take good care of her." She replied hesitantly. It made sense. Most married couples didn't know of each other's blood type until after their first doctors' appointments. But it was possible to have come up in conversation.
"You'd better." Syaoran replied.
The rest of the ride was silent except for Sakura's heavy breathing. The ambulance stopped and the doors of the back opened. They pulled Sakura's stretcher out and started to wheel her into the hospital. Syaoran followed the stretcher as the limo pulled up from behind. Meiling, Tomoyo, and Eriol all dashed out of the car and into the hospital where they sat in the waiting room, doing what the name stated, waiting.
.........
Yay! Finished Did you like? So, what did you think? Bigger Cliffie than the last one or not? Plz respond... if not... it's okay... lol... I'll try my best to update soon! Arigatou to everyone who has reviewed me. You have given me inspiration! You guys are my muses! LoL...
cherrixwolf
