Sakura Kinomoto, 22, is lying bedridden in a hospital with a serious heart problem. When she needs a heart transplant, whose heart gets transplanted into her body? None other than Aya Okhawa, Syaoran Li's recently deceased fiancée. S&S E&T
………Chapter 8: Interaction .........
Syaoran sat patiently outside of emergency room. It seemed like ages since he had been waiting… for even a single word of her condition. What if… she were to join Aya? Syaoran quickly shook his head. No, that wasn't possible. She would come out of this without a scratch with a warm, bright smile crossing her face. And until then… he would wait even longer.
Syaoran stared at the door. Why wasn't it moving? Then another question popped into his mind. Why do I care?
In the serene setting, a fair petite woman sat across from Syaoran and picked up one of the magazines lying on the table next to her. Flipping through the pages, she landed on the page with China's top bachelors on it, with Li Xiao Lang at the top of the list. Gazing at his picture, she let out a dreamy sigh and held the magazine to her chest. When she did so, she finally realized Syaoran's presence. Immediately, she pulled the magazine away from herself and started looking away from him.
Something about him triggered her to catch another glimpse of him. Feeling that his face was renowned, she squinted her eyes together to get a better look. Her eyes widened with comprehension and her jaw detached from her skull. She placed her hand over her mouth and allowed a soft squeal to escape her lips. It was Li Xiao Lang! Oh how she had fantasized this moment from the day she laid her eyes on his picture! How tranquil he looked, sitting still from afar. Then… he moved. (A/N: couldn't help but comment… this is a true Syaoran fangirl… lol)
A nurse had exited the emergency room. She seemed to be informing him. She watched on and saw the look of sadness appear on his face. He looked so… helpless. She watched on and saw a body being pulled out of the room. Her eyes watched his hands grasp the body's hands tightly.
Syaoran looked down at her. Her system had been drained of a large portion of her blood. Her skin was ghostly pale reminding Syaoran of Aya's dead body. Instead of a bright cheery smile he had hoped to see, her face showed no expression. His heart ached to see her in this condition. And it was his entire fault. If he hadn't distracted her… she would be right next to him… spreading her contagious happiness. Gripping onto her hand tighter, Syaoran looked away from Sakura.
"Do your best to take care of her! I don't care how much it costs! Just make sure she gets through this!" Syaoran ordered. The hospital staff nodded and wheeled the stretcher away. Syaoran followed.
The woman, who was now sitting alone in the room, couldn't help but want to trail along but then realized that her sickly brother would not have appreciated it. So she stayed put and gazed at Syaoran until he made a turn. After he vanished from her sight, she glanced back at the magazine and squeezed it even tighter.
"Where is Syaoran? I thought he'd be here!" At the sound of this, the woman's ears perked and listened further. She also got a look at the speaker. Like Xiao Lang, she seemed very familiar. She was not alone. Along with her were two other people, a male and a female. The woman automatically knew who that sexy blue haired sapphire-eyed man was… Eriol Hiiragizawa, Xiao Lang's cousin.
"Calm down Meiling. He's bound to be around here somewhere." Eriol replied to try and comfort Meiling.
Her ears heard every single word. Meiling… as in Meiling Li, as in Xiao Lang's other cousin. The one who was recently engaged to that hunk of a doctor, Hiromi Hoshizawa. She silently squealed. To meet all these people from the prestigious family in one day!
"We have to find him quickly Eriol. He still doesn't know about the 'you-know-what.'" Tomoyo whispered to Eriol. He nodded. A puzzled look crossed Meiling's face. Her keen ears picked up on the secrecy of the sentence.
"You-know-what? Sounds like you guys are keeping something from me." Meiling stared at her friend and cousin. All three of them stood in place. Tomoyo chewed a little on her swollen lip before responding. Meiling did have every right to know…
"Sakura-chan-"
"What the hell are we doing standing here? We need to find Sakura, now!" Eriol cut in, saving Tomoyo from divulging anything. Meiling put her thoughts on hold. She agreed as they rushed through the halls. (A/N: should I let the lady reappear later?)
"Where could Sak-" Meiling's words were cut off as she crashed into someone and fell on her behind. Meiling winced as Eriol and Tomoyo both pulled her up.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." Meiling apologized as she helped the lady on her feet. The elderly nurse carefully observed Meiling. Once in a while she would take a glance at Eriol and Tomoyo.
"Are you visitors?" She spoke slowly to articulate each word. 'Can the woman speak any slower?' Meiling thought, obviously annoyed.
"Yes." Eriol answered. The lady shook her finger at them in a scolding like manner.
"Visiting hours are already over. You should come back here tomorrow. Shoo." With her hands, she made a swatting like motion.
"But-"
"No can do. Go home. Surely you have better things to do that wander around a hospital." Meiling couldn't believe the nerve of this nurse.
"I don't have anything better to do until I see how my friend is." Meiling retorted.
"I'm sorry but rules are rules. Please leave the building." Meiling was at her breaking point. If she wanted them out she could've at least asked nicely. But no, the lady had to be rude and inconsiderate.
"YOU-" Meiling shouted as she clenched her hand into a fist and started extending it forward. A youthful hand swiftly clutched it and held it in place. Realizing what Meiling was about to do, the terrified nurse dashed away as quickly as her aged body would allow. Meiling silently cursed the fact that the woman got away. What she would've done…
"Attacking elderly people is a bit harsh even for you." A male voice chuckled. Meiling looked up to see a handsome raven-haired man with beautiful aqua eyes in a doctor's suit. Still grasping her fist, he placed his lips on the back of her hand. A cute, playful grin was stuck to his face causing her to fluster.
"Hiromi?" Meiling blurted out, sounding very unsure of herself. She was more used to seeing him looking less… professional. Seeing him like this… left her completely speechless.
"Can't even recognize your own fiancée? I'm absolutely appalled!" Hiromi teased, feigning a hurt tone in his voice. With her other hand, Meiling hit him on the arm… hard. Hiromi faked his pain. After all, if he hadn't taken those classes of martial arts, he would have never been able to grasp Meiling's fist… or her heart.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"I can't believe I'm going to marry you. Of course I recognize you! I just never saw you in a suit before! It makes you look so… different." Meiling explained. Hiromi grinned.
"I know."
"You're so infuriating." Meiling mumbled. Pretending he didn't hear her last remark, Hiromi changed the topic.
"Well, you still haven't explained yourself. An elderly nurse has you all riled up. What's that all about?" Hiromi asked. His playful tone disappeared to change into a serious one.
"You wouldn't understand!" Meiling snapped. The harshness of her voice quickly indicated something was wrong… Something big. Hiromi walked up to her and gracefully pulled her close to him.
"What wouldn't I understand?" The volume of his voice dropped significantly and soothed Meiling's heart. If there was one thing he was good at when he was serious, it was listening attentively.
"Sakura… she's hurt… and this sorry excuse for a nurse won't let me see her! I know it's after visiting hours… but… I haven't heard anything. Not a single damn thing." Meiling pounded lightly on Hiromi's chest as he massaged her back. Tomoyo looked at the sight with awe. 'They're such a KAWAII couple!'
"Shhhh… Don't worry. I'll get some information on her. Now, what's her name?" Hiromi asked. Seeing his fiery fiancée looking fatigued and depressed made him feel like he's failed his job to keep her blissful for eternity.
"Kinomoto Sakura." She replied dully. Hearing her lively voice lose all its energy felt like a punch to his stomach. A punch that Meiling delivered. And those hurt… a lot.
"Go to the main lobby with Eriol and his friend. I promise I'll see you there soon." Hiromi placed a kiss on her forehead and released her. Meiling nodded and smiled as she grabbed Tomoyo's hand and headed to the lobby. Hiromi turned to Eriol and let out a gloomy grin.
"Go with Meiling now. I think you should be there to comfort both of them. They really look shook up about this." Hiromi requested.
"Give me a moment to tell you this. Sakura has a heart problem. She had a heart transplant 2 months ago. I don't know if that will change anything… just so you know." Eriol replied as he patted his pal's back.
"Is Xiao Lang here?" Hiromi asked.
"Oh, yeah. He came in with Sakura. See you later." With that, Eriol left. Rapidly, Hiromi hurried down the hospital corridor to the nearest desk.
"I would like some information on a patient, Kinomoto Sakura." The din of the typing echoed throughout the silent hallways.
"There is no patient here by the name of Kinomoto Sakura." The receptionist replied. Gritting his teeth, Hiromi thought of what names Sakura could've possibly been checked in as. Remembering Eriol's comment, Hiromi rephrased his statement.
"I would like information about Li Sakura." Hiromi asked. After more tapping, the nurse gave him the room number. Hiromi silently groaned. The room was located on the other side of the building.
………
Syaoran solemnly entered through the door to see Sakura lying down on the bed. Seeing her face reminded him of the time he had first seen her, resting in a hospital bed in Tomoeda with her joyful laughter. Of course, that memory also brought along the vivid scene of her older brother's wrath in the hallway. Syaoran shuddered and pushed that thought aside as he took a seat next to Sakura's bed and held her hand.
"Hoe… Where am I?" Sakura spoke groggily. It had been an hour since she had been admitted into the hospital… however, she didn't know. Her eyes fluttered open to see an unfamiliar atmosphere surrounding her. All… white. Wasn't her room at Syaoran's place yellow? Slowly she lifted her body into an upright position before wincing in pain. She looked down to see her foot with a patch on it. She turned to her left side and saw Syaoran's head lying on her bed with his hand intertwined in hers. A blush crossed her face as she tried to extricate her fingers from his. Her slight tugging only increased the pressure of his hand holding onto hers. Realizing she couldn't escape, she accepted it.
Moments later, Sakura heard a knock on the door.
"Ano… come in." The door slowly opened. A nurse scurried in and went to fluff her pillows. With a smile, she asked,
"How are you doing?" She ran around the room some more, doing other things such as opening the window to let in the fresh air… and the din of Hong Kong.
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"Splendid! Now, I want you to rest. It helps you heal quicker. After all, we wouldn't want -!" An ambulance was entering the hospital. The lights flashed and the horn blared. Therefore, Sakura could not hear a word the nurse said. She just nodded cluelessly and dismissed the nurse. Glancing around, Sakura shuddered. She just narrowly escaped the hospital in Tomoeda, only to be put in another one… in another country. She looked down at her injured foot.
"Well, I guess it can't be helped." Sakura mumbled to herself. Releasing all the tension in her body, she fell back onto the fluffy pillows. Turning to her side, Sakura smiled at Syaoran. With her other hand, she gently stroked Syaoran's hair.
"Aya… I miss you…" Syaoran whispered. Sakura's face paled. Aya… What would she have thought of that… incident that happened back at the cemetery? Sakura looked up at the heavens and apologized over and over again. 'Aya-san, Syaoran-kun misses you. Can you see that? So much that he would go and hallucinate about you… Please, don't be angry at him!' Sakura silently pleaded.
Syaoran groaned and opened his eyes to be greeted with bright emerald green eyes. He sat up straight but didn't release his grasp on her hand.
"How are you feeling? I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. I really am." Syaoran whispered. Sakura took her other hand and gently caressed Syaoran's cheek. She looked at him and smiled.
"You have nothing to be sorry about." Sakura reassured.
"But-"
"It's fine. I'm fine. Everything will be alright. I promise."
"Can you really promise me that?" Syaoran asked. Everything wasn't right. His fiancée was dead and the only person that opened his heart again was severely injured. How can things be alright?
"Can you trust me?" Sakura responded.
"Yes." Syaoran said without any hesitation.
"Then I'll do everything I can to make sure that everything in Syaoran's life will be alright!" Sakura replied cheerfully. Syaoran cracked a smile. Looking at Sakura's determination and sweet smile, it didn't matter how pessimistic he felt… in the end, everything would be alright. She gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze to his hand. Finally, he spoke.
"I believe you, Sakura-san."
"Arigatou Syaoran-kun!" An awkward silence fell over them soon after until Syaoran cleared his throat.
"How's your foot?"
"It doesn't hurt. I suppose I got stitches on it. Not like it's the first set of stitches I've gotten." Sakura answered. She fidgeted and squirmed to pull down one sleeve of her hospital gown on the side Syaoran was still holding onto.
"See." Sakura remarked, pointing to her elbow. Syaoran squinted his amber eyes to get a closer look and gazed at a faint line traveling down her arm.
"I was skating with my roller blades in the park. I almost ran into a stroller but I avoided it. In return, I had no control of my feet. So, I tripped. I wasn't wearing elbow pads then… when was that… I think it was 8th grade. It hurt though. I don't think I've ever seen onii-chan worry that much about me till then. Of course after I got to the hospital and everything was taken care of, he teased me about again and again." Sakura reminisced with a huge grin on her face.
"Your onii-chan really does seem to care for you a lot." Syaoran spoke as he remembered again of the time in the hospital. He cringed. He really should've have said some of those things.
"He's onii-chan. He's really overprotective though. He says a lot of mean things to me but it's all because he cares I guess. He has a weird way of showing his affections." Sakura replied intelligibly.
"He's probably worried about you right now Sakura-san." Syaoran stated. Sakura's emerald eyes widened with realization.
"HOE!!! Onii-chan's going to be so mad at me!!! He didn't want me to be here in the first place… and if he finds out that I'm injured! Onii-chan won't stop badgering me! He won't ever let me go anywhere, anymore! He might even come here and take me back home! I don't want to go back home! I still haven't gone to Meiling's engagement party… and even after that-"
"Here, why don't you call him? We have to go outside first though." Syaoran interjected as he handed Sakura her miniature pink flip phone.
"Arigatou! But… how am I going to get out of this room?"
"I could carry you." Syaoran suggested immediately. Sakura shook her head rapidly.
"I would burden you too much Syaoran-kun! Remember how heavy I am?" She protested, hoping that Syaoran would change his mind.
"Remember I told you I lied. Grab a blanket." Syaoran commanded. Sakura pulled a blanket over her body. Syaoran slid his hands under her petite frame and lifted her easily into his arms.
"Wouldn't getting a wheelchair be easier?" She asked as Syaoran maneuvered the door open and walked out.
"No. Too much of a hassle. Are you trying to tell me that you trust a wheelchair more than you trust me?" He teased. She shook her head.
"Nope. I trust Syaoran-kun more than I would trust any inanimate object!" Sakura exclaimed as she laid her head against his body.
"I'd hope so…" Syaoran replied. The elevator doors opened and Syaoran stepped inside holding onto her tightly.
"Syaoran-kun… you're so warm." Sakura sighed dreamily as she leaned closer onto his body. Syaoran felt a little flustered but ignored that feeling. After carrying her out of the elevator and through the hallways, Syaoran soon found himself surrounded by familiar concerned faces.
………
"Syaoran!" Meiling shouted. She quickly ran up to her cousin as Tomoyo and Eriol both turned around to face Syaoran with Sakura in his arms.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo shouted. She jumped out of her seat and rushed over to the growing crowd. Eriol did the same.
"Tomoyo-chan? Meiling-chan? Eriol-kun? What are all you three doing here at the hospital?" Sakura groggily asked, staring at the 3 colorful pairs of eyes. Rubies, Sapphires and Amethysts.
"You're stuck in the hospital and you got the feeling that we wouldn't panic, worry or even wait for you here! I, myself, haven't seen you in approximately 12 years and you somehow wind up getting in the hospital. How would that make anyone feel? I mean…" Meiling ranted. Sakura smiled. Only her friends would care about her this much. 'Even when I got surgery… everyone was there. Tomoyo-chan, Eriol-kun. Otou-san, onii-chan, Daidouji-san, even Yukito-san skipped a seminar to take care of me… There's no one luckier than me.' Sakura jumped out of her thought and interrupted Meiling's ramble.
"You didn't have to."
"Doesn't mean I wouldn't." Meiling snapped. Her body was weary from all the "excitement" that had happened earlier that day. Meiling gazed at Sakura's pained expression and watched it vanish to let a cheery one replace it. If there was one thing Sakura completely sucked at, it was hiding her emotions.
"I'm not mad at you Sakura-chan. I'm just frustrated. Gomen." Meiling quickly apologized, letting out a sigh.
"Gomen. It's my entire fault. I shouldn't have done something so stupid as fall into a bay." Sakura let out a nervous giggle with a most sincere attitude.
"No." All heads turned to look up at the speaker. "It's entirely my fault. I shouldn't have done something as stupid as distract you. Gomen nasai Sakura-san." Syaoran said. Sakura looked up at his guilty expression and frowned.
"Syaoran-kun. If anything wasn't the cause of my clumsiness… it's you. I've been like this ever since. So don't you dare blame yourself for things as stupid as that. Ok?" Sakura strained her neck to look up and talk to him. Her head was tilted in at a weird and painful looking angle but she looked amazingly comfortable in her position. Syaoran looked down at her. 'Must be the gymnastics. She looks so… cute like that.' He quickly shook that thought out of his mind and continued on.
"Fine." Sakura's face lit up. 'He won't feel guilty anymore!' She silently cheered in her head. Syaoran's commanding tone brought her back to reality…"But… I'm taking part of the blame." 'Spoke to soon…' Sakura pouted and puffed up her cheeks.
"I'll agree only if you put me down." Sakura retorted. Syaoran looked down at her as if she were insane… because personally… that's what he thought.
"You just had stitches on your foot! How can you walk? That is not a valid request!" Syaoran shouted at her as he discreetly held her closer to him. However, nothing went past Tomoyo's clear precision, Eriol's watchful orbs, or Meiling's sparkling eyes.
"Put me down Syaoran-kun! It wasn't a request! That was a demand!" Sakura remarked. She was tired of arguing with the person who was carrying her. It would comfort her just a little if she wasn't in his arms while she fought with him. Syaoran gave her a smirk and held onto her tightly.
"I don't take commands from you Sakura-san." Syaoran replied in a stern voice. Meiling and Eriol knew he was only teasing. Tomoyo could tell because after all… she was the Tomoyo Daidouji. Of course… Sakura being her usual gullible self…
"I don't care if you don't take commands from me! I want to be put down!" Sakura whined. She was tired of inconveniencing Syaoran. If she had to act like a whiny child to get her way… she'd let go of her pride.
"Fine." Syaoran dropped the one arm that held onto Sakura's upper back. She squeaked as she shut her eyes tightly while anticipated the cold hard ground slamming against her head. She didn't mean for him to put her down like this! 'I should've hit the ground by now…' Sakura thought as she slowly opened on of her eyes to see Syaoran smiling above her.
"I'm not that evil." Eriol rolled his eyes. 'Of course Syaoran isn't… yea right.' Sarcasm dripped off of each of Eriol's thoughts. Tomoyo looked like she was about to have a heart attack and Meiling?
"LI XIAO LANG! I WILL KILL YOU! HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT DOING THAT!" Meiling shouted as she approached her cousin with her fist high up in the air. Syaoran eyed at it uneasily. Sure… he was stronger than her… but the memories of the past still haunted any member of the Li family once Meiling got pissed at them… Eriol glanced at it once and looked like he was on the verge of passing out. Tomoyo let out a tiny smile. Luckily… she'd never faced the wrath of Meiling. She'd seen a sample of it way back when…
'One of her classmates had just insulted Sakura-chan and she was crying. Meiling-chan took one look at that scene before her… needless to say, that classmate wasn't seen for a full month.' Tomoyo looked at the expression on her boyfriend's face and stifled a giggle. It seemed that Meiling Li was quite an intimidating member of the Li clan.
Meiling's ruby eyes stared directly into Syaoran's amber ones. He took a tiny step backwards and held onto Sakura. "Meiling. Don't come closer. Don't forget, I'm still holding onto Sakura-san." Syaoran remarked causing Meiling to freeze on the spot. However, she looked even more infuriated than before. Meiling kept clenching and unclenching her hands into fists. 'That baka. Using Sakura-chan to protect himself. To think I wanted to get him together with Sakura-chan. WHY must he do STUPID THINGS to make me regret things?' She thought as she slowly advanced towards him.
"Coward. Hiding behind a girl. One would think you would have more power than Meiling-chan… but I guess you're weaker than Meiling-chan." Sakura spoke as she looked up at Syaoran. He pulled her up even higher and held onto her firmly. He placed his mouth by her ear and whispered huskily, "You've never had bad memories with Meiling. Trust me… it will scar anyone." Sakura felt a shiver travel through her spine. Of course, it might've been because she was extremely ticklish, especially when someone whispered in her ears but… this was… different. 'It wasn't like onii-chan's whispers that always results in a yell and-… onii-chan…'
"HOE! Onii-chan's going to kill me!" Sakura shouted as she tried to jump off. All thoughts of Meiling's rage disappeared as Syaoran secured his grasp onto her, immobilized and keeping her right next to him.
"Do you seriously not realize that you have stitches in your foot?" Syaoran asked, glowering his eyes. 'What would've happened if I didn't catch her?' He shook the thought out of his head and sternly looked at her. Sakura looked down at her foot and smiled sheepishly.
"Frankly, yes." Sakura mumbled. He groaned in response and started to carry her out. 'If Sakura-san didn't make this phone call soon, she'd end up having to go through surgery again… something I know that I- none of us could bear.' Syaoran mentally corrected himself.
"You can beat me up later Meiling. Sakura-san has an important phone call to make. Zài jiàn (bye)." He calmly walked through the entrance of the hospital and exited. Meiling had no clue where to begin. 'He told me that I could beat him up later… and had the audacity to walk out on me while I was contemplating what to do to him?' Her head swirled with two new concepts while Eriol slowly limped over to the hospital wall and leaned on it for support. 'Syaoran is so screwed.'
………
Syaoran came across a bench and sat himself down with Sakura still in his arms. She tried to sit next to him but he wouldn't allow her. He kept her in place, right on his lap. Sakura felt a little flustered. Though she had been physically close to Syaoran… this seemed to be on a different level. She hid her blush and pouted in annoyance. She squirmed and fidgeted on his lap.
"What?" Syaoran finally asked. Two emerald eyes stared back at him. Her bottom lip quivered as she silently pleaded. He had always thought that words were the most persuasive way to get someone to acquiesce. Obviously, this was before he met Sakura. He averted his eyes and repositioned her on his lap so that she was facing the same way he was.
"Hoe… I'm supposed to make a phone call to onii-chan sitting like this?" Sakura complained. 'This is so uncomfortable.'
"So you liked the other way better? Was that more to your comfort?" Syaoran asked. She swiftly rotated her head and watched Syaoran's eyes carefully. She took one of her hands and placed it in front of her mouth. 'I don't remember saying that.' Judging from the look on her face, Syaoran could tell what she was wondering.
"The body language gave it away. If you want to revert back to the other position, it's ok. Just make that phone call. I- we can't endure it if you do something spontaneous because you still haven't made a conversation to your brother. Go on. You have your phone." Syaoran said. Sakura slowly gave him a little bow as she dialed her brother's number. The phone hadn't even rang once when she heard her brother's voice booming on the cell.
"WHY HAVEN'T YOU CALLED YET? DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS ABOUT YOU? I MIGHT AS WELL GO TO CHINA AND BRING YOU BACK!" Touya ranted.
"Damn… you weren't kidding." Syaoran commented. He didn't think Sakura was serious. He was definitely wrong. Sakura rolled her eyes and nodded. That was her onii-chan.
"Sakura? Who was that? It was a GUY WASN'T IT?" Touya demanded over the phone. His sister was all alone in China. Tomoyo and Eriol didn't count. They were too busy looking after themselves. Who was there to look after his kaijuu? Certainly not that Chinese gaki. 'Wait a minute… the voice…'
"IT'S THAT GAKI! WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON HIM! HE'S DEAD, YOU HEAR ME!" Sakura safely kept her phone in a 50-centimeter radius in which she deemed 'the distance the phone should be when Touya starts his big brother routine.' Syaoran looked amazed at the phone. Even with this distance, he could listen to each word Touya said clearly. A malicious smile crossed Syaoran's face as he plucked the cell from Sakura's hand. Placing the microphone to his mouth, Syaoran spoke.
"Could you please stop yelling? We haven't even finished our date yet." Syaoran lied. Sakura's eyes doubled in size. 'Oh no… Syaoran-kun's not going to be allowed to set even a foot in Japan…'
"Syaoran-kun! Don't lie." Sakura pleaded… no one heard it over Touya's voice though.
"A DATE? YOU ARE DEAD GAKI! NO ONE DATES MY SISTER WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE INTERROGATION." Touya's voice rose to great extents. In Japan, all of Tomoeda shook with the force of his voice.
"Did you feel that Yamazaki-kun?" Chiharu asked as she lost her footing. His hand gracefully caught hers and grinned. They had been taking a stroll through their favorite park in Tomoeda. She was so happy that he hadn't even thought up of a single lie the whole day.
"Of course. That was the wrath of the infamous Kinomoto-san yelling at some poor guy who just wants a single date with Sakura-san." Yamazaki replied in his 'story mode.' Chiharu rolled her eyes and shoved him. Just when she thought he wasn't going to lie… (A/N: which he really wasn't...)
"When are you going to learn that lying isn't going to get you anywhere?" She remarked.
"But its true!" He retorted. And the once tranquil nighttime walk… turned into a quarrel. Back in China… Sakura couldn't believe what Touya said… 'The interrogation?'
"No one's passed it…" Sakura mumbled to the side. Syaoran was intrigued by his reaction and decided to take his little fib a step further. Even though he knew that Touya wasn't watching them, he held Sakura possessively. He twirled her bangs while he spoke up.
"Really? Well, Sakura-san, say your goodbyes to your brother. We need to finish our date up with some of your breathtaking kisses." Syaoran whispered seductively. Sakura blushed and shivered as she yanked her cell from Syaoran's hand. When she did, his hand grabbed hers and pulled her face right next to his. Syaoran could feel her breath as she panted. Then while nudging her ear, he whispered, "Aren't you going to give me one of your kisses about now?" His voice was loud enough to be heard by the cell, in which an enraged Touya stood. Sakura looked at him amused. If there was one side she had not planned on seeing ever… it was Li Syaoran's alluring side. Sakura thought about it, nodded and then placed a kiss on his cheek. She pulled back giggling. It was fun to tease her brother… especially with all those miles of ocean between them. However, getting him to realize later that it was all a joke… would be… impossible.
"SAKURA? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? THAT GAKI IS DEAD! YOU HEAR ME? DEAD!" Touya continued. Was his sister really flirting with that jerk? 'Stupid fate… sending my sister off so I can't "intervene" with her relationship. You're good. But I'm Touya Kinomoto and she's my imouto. Be warned. He will leave of his own volition.'
"Oyasumi onii-chan. You should go to sleep. Aishiteru onii-chan. Can you give the phone to otou-san now?" Sakura asked. She had gotten her cell phone back from Syaoran.
"Not until that GAKI lets go of you!" Touya shouted. She looked at her phone with an enigmatic expression. How did he know that Syaoran was holding her? 'Hoee… that's just creepy.' (A/N: and never had the thought cross through her head that he could've guessed… sigh… that's Sakura-chan for you…)
"I can't. Just give the phone to otou-san!" Sakura retorted. Syaoran held onto her even tighter while Touya fumed on the other end. That gaki was never going to see the sun rise again after he sees him.
"Sakura Kinomoto. You are not leaving the house when you get back." Touya growled. This gaki had no right to be near his sister.
"You're not otou-san. And even if you were, he wouldn't ever do that! Please give the phone to otou-san!" Sakura pleaded. Letting his soft side get to him, he gave in… reluctantly.
"Fine. But the next time I see that brat in a 50 kilometer radius of you, he's dead." Touya added as he found his father and handed him the phone.
"It's the kaijuu." Fujitaka gave Touya a frown for calling his own sister that name as he placed the phone to his ear.
"Sakura?"
"Otou-san!" Sakura's cheery voice exclaimed. Fujitaka chuckled. It had only been a day since his daughter had left, but she hadn't even called yesterday when she was supposed to reach her destination. To hear her ecstatic voice made him feel as if he was the luckiest father in the world. To him, he was. He had two beautiful children given to him by his lovely wife. 'If only she could see them now… but… somehow… I know she can.'
"How are you my Sakura?"
"I'm fine. A little sad but I know okaa-san's here with me! How are you otou-san? I'm so sorry that I'm not there with you right now, especially today!" Sakura expressed sadly. Fujitaka let out a small smile as he replied.
"I'm fine as well. How is Hong Kong?" He had already visited the vibrant city on archeological digs several times but sadly couldn't take his children with him.
"It's beautiful! Just like you said otou-san! The lights are so pretty at night! The city is alive 24/7! I've never seen anything like it!" She described as her face lit up. Syaoran looked at her with a look of longing. Aya used to do that all the time…
"That's wonderful. You're managing quite well? Nothing wrong with your health, I presume." Sakura pursed her lips together and bit down on her lower lip as she stared down at her foot. Should she tell him? 'Well… otou-san does have every right to… but what if he tells onii-chan? This would be the final straw on the big bad onii-chan's back…'
"Ano… otou-san. Please don't worry about me when I tell you this and please don't tell onii-chan! Onegai!" Sakura pleaded. Listening to the urgency of her voice, Fujitaka agreed.
"Ano… I kind of injured myself and I'm in the hospital right now." Sakura whispered softly. Fujitaka nearly had a heart attack once he heard those words. 'If she's in the hospital, it must be serious!'
"Are you okay? You're okay right? Do you want me to go there? I can probably take a few vacation days. Do you want me to do that Sakura? Honey, are you listening to me?" Fujitaka rambled in one breath. His daughter was injured and he wasn't there to comfort her. It felt like a knife stabbing his heart… over and over again…
"I'm fine otou-san. I just got stitches. Syaoran-kun's taking care of me." Sakura replied. She really hoped that her father wouldn't worry so much about it. After all, she was fine except for that throbbing on her foot.
"Syaoran-kun?" He questioned. He'd never heard that name before. 'Who is he? What is he to our Sakura?' Fujitaka asked himself and his wife.
"He's Eriol-kun's cousin from China. He's been helping me a lot otou-san. He's my newest friend!" Sakura chattered happily.
"Is he around? I'd like to have a word with him." Fujitaka replied.
"Hai! Otou-san wants to talk with you." Sakura whispered. Syaoran looked around him. Was she talking to someone else? Sakura playfully hit Syaoran's arm and pretended to glower at him.
"Baka, you." She spoke, pointing to him as he took the phone.
"Moshi moshi."
"Syaoran-san, I believe?" Fujitaka questioned in perfect Chinese. Noting this, Syaoran replied in his native language, upsetting Sakura, who knew as much Chinese… as she knew math… which wasn't saying very much.
"Yes, Kinomoto-san."
"Please, tell me how much this bill will cost. I'll send you the money." Fujitaka pleaded. He felt the need to help out in some way, no matter what.
"Keep your money Kinomoto-san. I will pay for this. Nothing will change my mind. I'm a very stubborn man Kinomoto-san. Whatever you say won't work." Syaoran stated clearly and courteously.
"Very well. Is there any other way I can repay you?" Fujitaka asked. He could tell by Syaoran's tone that he really wouldn't change his mind. Syaoran thought about it and came up with his answer.
"Keep your rabid son from killing me once I return to Japan." Syaoran requested. Fujitaka chuckled. 'Syaoran-san must've done something to piss Touya off… maybe… something with… Sakura?'
"Touya won't harm a hair on your head, isn't that right Touya?" Fujitaka confirmed.
"THAT GAKI CAN GO AND BURN IN HELL!" Touya shouted from his room. Fujitaka sighed. 'At least this shows how much Touya cares for Sakura. That's a good thing… I guess…'
"He'll behave once you return. Arigatou for taking care of my Sakura. Please watch her for me." Fujitaka thanked. 'Sakura is lucky to make such wonderful friends. It at least relieves my stress, knowing that someone's out there watching her. Besides you of course Nadeshiko.' Fujitaka added. Up above, his wife let out a full blown smile.
"Don't worry. I will. Ja ne." Syaoran replied as he hung up the phone. He handed the phone to Sakura, who simply sat there smiling. She accepted it appreciatively as she swiftly and secretively sent messages to Chiharu, Yamazaki, Naoko, and Rika. Syaoran cradled her in his arms while she finished up. The messages looked something like this…
To Chiharu: Chiharu-chan! I'm sorry for not texting you earlier! The plane ride was quicker than I'd imagine! I hope you didn't worry about me! So, how's your date with Yamazaki-kun going? Hope I don't interrupt it with this text! Tell me if there's anything you want from here! Love ya! Sakura-chan
To Yamazaki: Are there really ghosts over here? Hoee… I'd better watch out for them… thanks for the warning! I'll tell you if I do see one! Well… actually Syaoran-kun saw one… I didn't get a chance to see it… Well, tell me if you need anything from Hong Kong! See ya soon! Sakura-chan
To Naoko: Naoko-chan! How far are you in that novel you're writing? I'd bet it'll be so good that Meiling-chan and Hoshizawa-kun will pick up their own Chinese copy! Tell me if you want anything from Hong Kong! Love ya! Sakura-chan
To Rika: Rika-chan! Gomen nasai! I'm in a hospital again! No, it's not because of my heart. I fell into a bay… pretty stupid ne? Don't fuss over me! Concentrate on your studies! Did I ever tell you that you'd make a great mother someday? Cuz you will! Tell me if you need anything! Love ya! Sakura-chan
"Finished!" Sakura declared. Syaoran let out a deep sigh as he held her close to him. He inhaled her scent and felt at peace. 'Now, I don't have to worry about her doing anything incredibly stupid.' This time, he didn't deny the fact that it was he that was indeed deeply concerned for her. Or maybe… it's more than concern? Maybe it was her importance in his life… maybe… just maybe, enough to be one the that Aya's been hinting at this past month…
………
"Finished!" Declared cherrixwolf as she typed the last few sentences to her story.
LoL… j/k. But I DID IT! yay! …just took… looks at calendar a couple of months? Lol… needed some sort of inspiration… didn't get any till now… Arigatou to all who have taken time to read this story!!!
cherrixwolf
