Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura.
I'm actually going to do something new. I've been a lazy bum… like I am and I haven't been able to keep to what I've been telling myself to do, to list each of you reviewers (I should really do it cuz I love it when people acknowledge me… lol makes me feel special. So… here's the list! Arigatou!
LadyAkina : FlowerLover : lildevg : Avelyn Lauren : Sirenic Griffin : Iluvse7en09 : Rushi Star : Ngoc1231 : Kawaiitenshisakura : Frosted Shadowz : l x lmystikalxstarzl x l : Princess Cherry : AnimeObsessionFantasy : Pnaixrose : Mika : Ch1n3se-grl : Rose : CCSLover : Ms. Sakura Moon : Ori-chan : Gloria Lee : Like whoa : Simply-cherryblossom : Chocolatlvr16 : Tinaptran : Kimura : Shukido-chan : AfGhAnCuTiE :
In dedication of Syaoran Li's birthday, here's chapter 12 and a short one-shot story!
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"What's going on here?" The voice echoed through the room. Sakura and Meiling were on the floor, kneeling in an embrace. Tomoyo and Hiromi watched from the sides. And someone just walked in. Everyone held his or her breath, waiting to see who would make the first move. Of course… it would be Meiling.
"BAKA ERIOL!" Meiling screamed as she regretfully let go of Sakura to mangle poor Eriol. Her strong hands wrapped around Eriol's neck. Her intense glare intimidated Eriol… as much as the areas on his body that started to hurt. Sakura watched and was immediately reminded of her friends Chiharu-chan and Yamazaki-san. How she missed them and Rika-chan and Naoko-chan. No matter the tension and sadness that enveloped the room, she almost giggled.
"YOU KNEW AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!" Meiling was in a fit of hysterics. That time at the hospital… what Eriol refused to say… Tomoyo refused to say it too… but she wasn't family. Eriol endured his pain and pondered why Meiling decided to get so violent only with the males closest to her.
As much as he loved his wife-to-be, she equally scared the shit out of him sometimes. Knowing that Eriol would not survive much longer, he grasped onto his fiancée's shirt from behind.
"Calm down koishii. Strangling him won't change anything. Besides, Sakura-san is fine now. Nothing is going to hurt her, right Sakura-san?" Sakura nodded and smiled in response. Meiling's tears continued to fall down her face. She turned around to grip onto Hiromi's clothing and cry. How she hated to feel weak. She could not control her emotions once she broke down. Hopefully, this would pass soon. "Everything is going to be okay." Hiromi soothed.
Feeling uncomfortable on the ground, Sakura moved to the bed and sat on the cushiony mattress and down.
Meanwhile, Tomoyo was massaging Eriol's sore spots on his body. "Ow… I can't believe she actually did that. My poor sensitive skin!" Eriol carped. Tomoyo giggled and gently placed kisses on his neck.
"Feel better?"
"Actually, my lips are kind of starting to hurt as well…" Tomoyo giggled at the ailing Eriol, not giving in to his 'request' and Meiling finally was reduced to sniffles. Sakura finally exhaled. One milestone passed. She knew she had to tell Meiling-chan before she left, but she was planning on mentioning it a little later. Unfortunately, it seems that Meiling has complete power of Hiromi and a strong sixth sense. Well, at least she knew that now. But, she was still left in shock at the level of Meiling's reaction. Meiling was completely… shattered over this. She broke down in front of everybody, which she didn't do… at all. 'At least she's okay now,' Sakura thought glancing at Meiling and Hiromi.
"Sakura-chan. No more hiding. Please, tell me everything. Don't shut me out." Meiling spoke softly, taking a seat next to Sakura while directing a glare at Eriol and Tomoyo. It was amazing to think after all these years… her closest friends could still resurface the emotions she tried her best to repress. She placed her hand on top of Sakura's and squeezed gently. Sakura returned the gesture with her trademark smile.
"Meiling-chan… that's not why I didn't tell you… I just… didn't want you to get upset…" Sakura trailed off. It was true. If there was anything she hated more than being treated like an incompetent kid, it was upsetting her friends. The friends that stuck by her side through the good times and bad times… they shouldn't be upset or burdened by her ailment.
"Finding out from my fiancée wouldn't make me upset?"
"I was going to tell you eventually… after the engagement party…"
"Well, it is after the party." Meiling retorted jokingly.
"Not right after the party… just later. It's not something you want to tell people you know? I just… Meiling-chan, don't look so sad. I can't recognize you anymore." Sakura poked Meiling's arm and grinned. "Be Meiling-chan again." Sakura had changed the quote but it still had the same meaning. Meiling held back the waterworks. How could she not worry about her, especially when she wasn't able to?
"I'm sorry Sakura-chan." Meiling squeezed Sakura one last time. Her emotional state was over. Everything would be back to normal.
"What's the commotion?" Syaoran peeked into the room. Everyone froze. Hearing noise reverberating through the halls, Syaoran couldn't help but wonder what was occurring in Sakura's room. Especially because it was Sakura's room. So, he took a look. Everyone was gathered inside.
"Having an after party without me? I'm wounded." Syaoran faked a sad expression. Meiling grabbed a pillow and chucked it at her cousin's face. He caught it with great ease and threw it back, aiming for her head. Hiromi interfered and grabbed the projectile, placing it back on the bed. Honestly, something was wrong if he was the mature one in a situation.
"Who would want you at their party anyway?"
"Hey, you invited me to your engagement party."
"Only cuz I had to!"
"What?" Syaoran pretended to look astonished.
"You heard me!"
"Hoeeeee…" Sakura mumbled under her breath. She was tired… really tired. After the party, the small fight with Syaoran, and Meiling's outburst, it was definitely time to go to sleep. Noticing this, Tomoyo nudged her boyfriend to get him out of the room first.
"NE? Why do I go first? Why not the Lis?" He protested in response.
"Sakura-chan is tired; you're the closest person to me. Now be a dear and leave." She kissed him and gently pushed him out of the room. Only after returning Tomoyo's kiss did Eriol leave.
"Now, the rest of you, OUT!" Tomoyo screeched.
"Why?" Syaoran spoke up.
"Sakura-chan is sleepy. She needs her rest."
"Eh? No… it's okay…" Sakura trailed off and yawned. Like that was going to help her. In a heartbeat, Hiromi scurried out of the room, but Syaoran and Meiling remained.
"Gomen nasai, hime." Syaoran spoke… seriously and left the room.
"Mou…" She yawned again. "Oyasumi nasai… Tomoyo-chan, Meiling-chan." Sakura whispered. She curled up under her covers and closed her eyes. Tomoyo giggled and turned off the lights. Meiling followed close behind. Then the two left the room.
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Syaoran leaned against the wall. He was outside of Sakura's room. It was 8 AM and he just finished his morning training. He debated with himself whether to peer into the room, wake her up, or leave her alone. Giving into the former, he opened the door and looked in. She was still sleeping. Kami-sama… was she going to waste her vacation time sleeping? Being a good boy, he reluctantly shut her door to let her sleep some more. After all, she was going to need her rest in order to heal faster.
"Nani?" The small voice came from the inside of the room. Damn it. He closed the door too loudly. Opening the door again, he was greeted with Sakura's warm smile. She was still situated on her bed, sitting upright and looking right at him.
"Ohayou Syaoran-kun." She spoke slowly. She was still sleepy.
"Sakura-san." Syaoran stepped in closer to her.
"What time is it?" She rubbed her eyes with her hands in hopes of staying awake.
"It's noon." Syaoran fibbed. Sakura dropped her hands to her sides and her eyes widened.
"NE? I've been sleeping for that long?" She nearly jumped out of bed. Luckily, Syaoran stopped her. He ran over to her side and held onto her.
"Did you already forget about your injury?"
"HOE! That would've been bad!" Sakura replied. Syaoran chuckled.
"Very. I'll go call Tomoyo and you change for lunch." He let go of Sakura and patted her head.
"Tomoyo will be here soon Sakura hime." He took a deep bow and left the room to hear Sakura's screams of protests. She really hated that nickname… That was good. He was hoping that her acceptance of the name last night was due to her fatigue. He was right. Finding Tomoyo's door, he knocked. In moments, Tomoyo opened the door and smiled.
"Anything I can help you with Li-kun?"
"Well, Sakura-san is awake and is in need of assistance to change in order to eat lunch."
"Lunch? But it's 8. Wait… Sakura's up!"
"She thinks it's noon." Syaoran smirked and left a giggling Tomoyo. Tomoyo did as Syaoran had instructed and soon the two were downstairs ready to eat "lunch."
"Ohayou Sakura-chan! You're up early." Meiling said, eating her toast.
"Hoe? Why are you eating breakfast foods?" Meiling eyed Sakura strangely.
"Why wouldn't I be eating breakfast foods?"
"Because it's 12:30."
"Check your clock again Sakura-chan; it's 8:30." Meiling spoke nonchalantly, sipping her coffee. Sakura gaped. Tomoyo waved her hand in front of Sakura's face several times, not receiving any reaction. Sakura's face was stuck.
"Ohayou Daidouji-san, Sakura hime. Doesn't breakfast look great?" Sakura unfroze. She turned around, stared at the man behind her and …
"Syaoran-kun… is there a reason why you decided to wake me up at 12?" Sakura spoke sweetly… too sweetly. Syaoran gulped. Maybe this fibbing thing was a bad idea. Coughing several times, he thought up an excuse in that time.
"Why hime-sama, you need your food and you were awake. There's no reason for you to be angry is there? Besides, now you have more time to view Hong Kong." Luckily for Syaoran, Sakura was easily persuaded. Clasping her hands together, she smiled.
"That's right! We only have a couple more days here. Let's eat breakfast quickly so we can go exploring!" Sakura cheered as she sat down at the table and began to devour her food. Meiling sweatdropped, Syaoran exhaled comfortably and Tomoyo smiled knowingly. The foursome was eating their food until Sakura asked,
"Ne… who's going with me? Because I don't know where to go… and I need to get to the flower boutique." Upon hearing the last two words… Syaoran let out a soft growl. Why the hell was she going there again? Hasn't she gone there more than enough? An evil smirk crossed Meiling's face and a cute smile crossed Tomoyo's face. Syaoran seemed- no- was jealous…
"Why do you have to go there Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo spoke up.
"I owe Toji-san a favor." Syaoran grew red with rage. The two plotting girls were thrilled.
"What kind of favor Sakura-chan?" Meiling spoke up this time.
"I don't know. He's deciding." That was the last straw for Syaoran.
"YOU'RE NOT GOING THERE!" Syaoran stood up from his seat and stared at Sakura. She quickly placed a hand over her heart to check her beat. That was pretty frightening… and surprising. When she recovered quickly, she replied,
"Ne? Why not!"
"Because… Because-" Syaoran sputtered. Sakura continued to eat her meal. The two completely forgot about the two conniving females that were still present in the room.
"You don't even have a reason as to why I shouldn't."
"Because you won't be able to explore Hong Kong thoroughly." Sakura shrugged her shoulders.
"I'll come back sometime."
"…Hong Kong will be different then."
"I owe him a favor. I'm not going to take it back."
"Why not?"
"Because that's just rude Syaoran-kun."
"But-"
"Syaoran-kun… Toji-san's nice. Nothing bad is going to happen. What could be the worst thing that he'd ask?" The moment she asked, a million feasible favors popped into his mind… and they weren't appropriate.
"Look Sakura-san. You're injured." Syaoran gestured at her foot. He couldn't come up with anything on the spot.
"Syaoran-kun. I won't accept his idea if I don't like it or if it strains my foot." Sakura replied. Was that what they were fighting about? Mou, doesn't he trust her?
"But-"
"Don't worry! I'll be fine. Don't you trust me?" Syaoran was left speechless. What could he say now? Realizing that the conversation had finally come to a close, Sakura smiled sweetly at him and turned to her friends.
"I'm done! Meiling-chan can you take Tomoyo-chan and me around?" Sakura got up and held onto her crutches securely. Meiling and Tomoyo had finished their food earlier and witnessed the quarrel that Syaoran instigated. He looked at both of them as if trying to ask if they had been here this entire time.
"Hai! The flower shop first ne? The car is outside. I'll help you." Meiling stood up from her position and held onto Sakura on the left. Tomoyo, who also finished her breakfast, grabbed onto Sakura's right. Syaoran was left alone… and moody.
"Ohayou Syaoran! What's up?" A death glare was shot Eriol's way. He quickly averted his eyes from Syaoran and sat far from him. Obviously, the Li leader was not in a good mood and Eriol would not face his wrath. It was bad enough that he was Meiling's stress toy yesterday. Damn his cousins.
"Ohayou Syaoran, Eriol." Hiromi spoke cheerily. Just like Eriol, Hiromi received Syaoran's cold stare. His mouth shut and he sat next to Eriol. "What's up his ass?" He whispered.
"Like I want to know…" Eriol replied sardonically. The apprehensive two watched Syaoran devour his food quickly. He then got up and left the room. The two exhaled. Eriol looked at Hiromi.
"Do you think it's because he's going to work today despite that it's a holiday? He does have a lot of things to catch up on now." Hiromi suggested.
"He is. Do you know how many stacks of paper there were when I went there? It was like a mountain! He needs to finish all of that paperwork before he can come back with me."
"Back? Syaoran's going back to Japan?" Hiromi looked at Eriol with disbelief.
"He didn't tell you? Claims that the atmosphere calms his nerves better."
"I see… Anyway, where are the girls?" Hiromi asked. He had scanned the room earlier, in hopes of meeting up with his fiancée.
"I saw them on my way in. They're going to the flower boutique."
"Ah! Toji's shop?"
"Yea, the one Sakura-san ordered the flowers from."
"What a coincidence. I talked to Toji-san this morning. He even mentioned Sakura-san." Eriol was cautious. Was this a good or bad thing? Hiromi glanced down at his watch. "Shit. Work. I'm going to be late. Gotta go. Bye Eriol." Hiromi left in a millisecond. A million of thoughts zoomed through Eriol's head. But the one thing that stuck out the most was…
'Why is he going to work? Today's a holiday like he said earlier. He won't have any patients.'
00000
"Ah! That's it!" Sakura pointed at the little shop they just passed. They were on the opposite side of the road with Meiling driving and Sakura and Tomoyo in the back. Swiftly, Meiling made an illegal u-turn.
"AH! MEILING-CHAN!"
"MEILING-CHAN!" Meiling looked at her rear view mirror to see her two disheveled best friends. Behind them was a familiar forest green convertible. Meiling smirked. Someone was following them and she knew who it was. After seeing his performance earlier that day, she had hoped for something like this. Her wish was granted. She had to keep her excitement inside of her… or Sakura would know.
"Ah gomen!" She apologized and parked in front of the shop. The car behind hers kept its distance and parked further down the street. Meiling rejoiced. This was great. She couldn't wait to tell Tomoyo whose car was trailing them.
"Besides making an illegal u-turn, five sharp turns and passing through two red lights, thanks for getting us here." Tomoyo hit every point. Meiling turned around, laughed nervously and smiled. Tomoyo shook her head and got out of the car first.
"You're in one piece right?" Meiling looked at Sakura.
"I hope so." Sakura looked down at her foot and held onto her chest. Meiling's antics abruptly stopped. Her heart… was this car ride too much?
"Sakura-chan! Daijoubu?"
"Meiling-chan. It's fine. I'm fine." Sakura returned Meiling's concern with her trademark smile. "Just let me out of your car. That's when I'll definitely be sure of my well being." Sakura teased. Meiling pouted and stuck her tongue out. The two laughed.
Finally, Meiling and Sakura got out of the car. Tomoyo looked at them strangely. "What took you guys so long? Come on." Tomoyo followed behind Sakura as a safety measure. Before entering the store, Meiling searched for the owner of the trailing car with her eyes. She found her target easily. Catching his attention, she smirked and entered the store. He scowled back at her and headed towards his car. He would not let this get to him. Turning the ignition, he pressed the accelerator and went off to work. He still had mounds of paperwork waiting for him.
00000
"Toji-san?" Sakura glanced about the store.
"Sakura-san? Is that you?" A Japanese voice came from the back of the store. Footsteps got closer and closer.
"Ohayou Toji-san!" Sakura greeted when he appeared.
"What can I get for you today?"
"Ano… that favor I owe you."
"Favor?" A confused looked crossed his face. "Oh! That favor. I was just kidding Sakura-san."
"Demo-"
"I said it was-"
"I feel guilty. Please let me make it up to you somehow!" Sakura bowed down as far as she could with crutches. Toji ran his hand through his reddish brown hair in thought.
"Then, would you like to go out on a date with me?" He asked her. Sakura immediately flustered. She had been asked out before but she never accepted due to her personal reasons or Touya-nii. Gently nipping on her bottom lip in thought, she gazed at the floor. Noticing her nervousness, Toji chuckled.
"A friendly date Sakura-san."
"Demo… my foot." Sakura tried to make up an excuse. Frankly, she was a tad uncomfortable with the idea.
"If your foot gets to be too much I'll carry you."
"EH! I can't let you do that!"
"Why not? I won't mind."
"Demo-"
"You still owe me a favor though." Reluctantly, Sakura gave in. She had no other choice. To answer Toji, she nodded and kept her head down in a slight bow. Besides, he was trustworthy. She was sure of it. That's all that matters… right? Toji looked at Sakura unenthusiastic expression and stifled his laughter. Hearing a slight chuckle, she looked up confused. Why was he laughing?
"Sakura-san. I was just kidding. By the way, you looked really nervous. As for that favor, consider it repaid. Looking at your expression was worth it. You really are cute Sakura. I wish I had a sister like you." Toji said. Saying that, he remembered his phone call with Hiromi earlier that morning. He told Hiromi all about what he had felt for Sakura. At first it seemed like an attraction to her. Now, especially after he had heard Hiromi's impression of her, it was this want to watch over her so he could see her happy and smiling. She had this aura, a kind and gentle aura that could draw anyone near.
"Demo… I don't feel like I've repaid you…" Sakura replied shyly. 'She's so adorable,' Toji thought.
"Then can I tag along with you and your friends? Maybe we can meet up with Hiromi. And he and I show you Hong Kong the way we see it. How about that?" He suggested. Sakura's eyes widened with mirth.
"Honto ne? You wouldn't mind? Demo… it sounds like you're doing me another favor." Sakura chewed on her lower lip. She was feeling guilty.
"Well then it's a win-win favor isn't it? I agree and you agree as well."
"Demo… your shop!"
"Today's a holiday Sakura-san. I was just waiting for you to show up. Come on, let's go!"
00000
Hiromi perused through the paper. Nothing. He was annoyed. He had given up his holiday that could be well spent cuddling with his fiancée for this. Oh well, he owed it to one of his closest friends. Hiromi remembered two nights ago when Syaoran approached him with his question. It was a request that Syaoran wanted answered.
'Can you please tell me who has Aya's heart? I want to see… if that person is happy and well.' He couldn't forget the look on Syaoran's face. It was the closest to begging and pleading that Hiromi would ever see. How could he refuse it? With that image in mind, Hiromi continued to read the files on his desk. When he found an area that he thought to be promising, he reached his answer.
The heart of Ohkawa Aya transplanted into the body of Kinomoto Sakura.
Hiromi froze completely. His mouth gaped; he rubbed his eyes in disbelief. But no matter how many times he focused his eyes on the paper, it still said the same thing. It wasn't a bad thing… it was just… really really unexpected. Huh… how would Syaoran react to this? Hiromi was not blind to the compatibility between Sakura and Syaoran. Of course, Syaoran was completely oblivious to it. Personally, Hiromi supported the nonexistent couple. Could this change anything? If so… for better or worse? Hiromi sat there in contemplation when his phone rang. It was Toji.
"Hey Hiromi."
"Toji, what's up?"
"Well, wondering if you'd like to accompany me and three other lovely ladies around Hong Kong."
"Toji! You know I have a fiancée! I had my engagement party yesterday but you, being the lazy bum you are, didn't even show up at the party. But of course you have plenty of time to go and deliver flowers."
"I told you I was busy that day. I had just enough time to deliver it before I had to go out of the city. Besides, one of the girls wants to talk to you."
"No I refuse! I-"
"Hiromi. What's taking you so long to say yes?"
"M-Meiling?"
"Yes?"
"Oh… yea… where are you? I'll meet up with you guys."
"Outside your office."
"I'll be right out. I love you koishii." Hiromi spoke affectionately. Toji blanched.
"Hiromi… I thought you had a fiancée." The phone was back in Toji's possession… and he heard what Meiling was supposed to hear.
"That was meant for her you asshole!" Hiromi retorted and hung up the phone. Thinking about the newfound knowledge, Hiromi sighed. It would be best if he just pushed it to the back of his mind for now. He could always think about it later. Grabbing his jacket, he turned off the lights, locked the door and headed downstairs…
00000
Syaoran groaned. No matter how many times he finished a couple of piles, there were still more in their place. He glanced at the photo frame which he had turned down. It was a picture of Aya and him. Thinking about her wasn't as painful as it used to be, but there was still a sharp pang. Was he… moving on? Unlocking his top desk drawer, he pulled out Aya's first gift to him. A pair of binoculars.
"I think it gets bored and lonely all the way up there in your office. There's no civilization up here! So that's what the binoculars are for. Look down at the people through your shiny windows. Maybe you'll see me! But if you don't, you're still bound to have fun."
'Fun huh? That's something I need now.' Pulling out the binoculars, he focused it to the sky at first. He could see skyscrapers, billboards and the never-ending sky. 'Hm… guess what Aya? Now I can see you all the time here.' Turning his attention to the ground, he first saw a couple cuddling with each other. Squinting and focusing more, he realized the couple was Meiling and Hiromi. 'Eh? But Meiling was supposed to be with…' Sure enough, Sakura and Tomoyo came into view… as did Toji. Syaoran growled. What was he doing with Saku- all of them? Syaoran continued to watch the scene below him, slightly pissed that he didn't know what they were saying. He was tempted to just leave all of his things and go downstairs. But that was before he saw them enter the building. Were they here to visit him? Well… no one else was in the building… Quickly, Syaoran put his binoculars back into the drawer and went back to work. If they showed up… they showed up.
00000
"And this is the cafeteria. It can hold up to 5,000 people. I usually end up eating here for lunch." Meiling announced to the small private tour group consisting of her fiancée and friends. As an employee of Li corp., she knew her way around the building and insisted that Sakura and Tomoyo should not leave Hong Kong without at least one tour of the Li corp. building she had so much pride for now and when she had first met them.
"Wow… this place is at least 3 times bigger than our university's cafeteria." Sakura remarked, astounded by the size of the room. Tomoyo smiled and commented that this room could rival the cafeteria at the Daidouji Toy Factory.
"These are the elevators that take you do the different office floors." Meiling spoke as she pushed the up button. "Because I know the boss, we'll go and visit his office." The elevator door slid open. Toji held the door open to ensure that the elevator doors would not pulverize Sakura. She thanked him and entered the small space. They all crowded in and Meiling pushed the buttons. Their stomachs were lifted up inside their bodies until the doors opened again. Everyone filed out. Sakura inadvertently stepped on the ground with her injured foot. Letting out a yelp of pain, everyone immediately directed his or her attention to her. She fell to the ground and was wincing in pain, holding onto her foot.
"Daijoubu ka Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked, worried. Sakura weakly nodded and held onto her foot. Toji, who stood behind Tomoyo, stepped up and squatted with his back to Sakura.
"Climb on. You can't walk with pain, can you?" Toji offered. Soon, Toji and Sakura ended up in an argument… which Toji won. So, by the end of the situation, Toji was piggy backing Sakura. She held onto him tightly, afraid of falling. Hiromi picked up Sakura's crutches and walked alongside Meiling in the front. Tomoyo stood behind Toji and Sakura, to make sure nothing would happen.
"Are you sure this is alright? Toji holding Sakura that is. Could you do it instead?" Meiling whispered to her fiancée. If Tomoyo and her match making plans were to go through, there would be no obstacles between Sakura and Syaoran.
"Koishii, I'm all for Sakura and Syaoran. Don't worry. I talked with Toji this morning. He's like another Touya… without the overprotective personality." Hiromi reassured Meiling. When they were dating, Meiling would always refer to Touya-nii if she wanted to express the characteristic of being overprotective. So, Meiling explained who Touya-nii was.
"But then he can't be Touya-nii." Meiling remarked, giggling. By this time, she and Hiromi reached the doors of Syaoran's office. Realizing the door was ajar, she turned to her fiancée.
"Hiromi! The doors open… do you think someone broke…" Meiling was apprehensive. As great martial artists they were, Hiromi and she could not take on a gunman or endanger the lives of their friends.
"Syaoran's working in there." Hiromi stated calmly.
"Eh? But today's a holiday."
"He has a lot of work to catch up with if he wants to go back to Japan with Sakura-san." Hiromi whispered with a smirk on his face. Meiling's face lit up. Syaoran… was returning to Japan? With Sakura-chan? Hmmmm… Looking behind herself, Meiling noted the three quickly catching up. Syaoran was just beyond these doors… and Sakura was on some guy's back. Oh… could this have turned out any better? The door swung open with her influence. Towards the back of the room, in front of the windows, was Syaoran and his desk stacked with papers beyond imagination. He was going to get all of that done before he left?
Startled by the sudden noise, Syaoran looked up from his work to see his cousin and her fiancée. Where was Sakura?
"Nihao Syaoran! How's all the paperwork coming cousin?" Meiling asked cheerily, as if to rub it in his face… or just to rub it in his face. One stare from Meiling refrained her from speaking out any longer.
"So are Meiling-chan and Hiromi-kun in here?" Syaoran heard Sakura's voice from outside his office. Trying not to be content about it, Syaoran pretended to work. Then, Toji walked in with Sakura on his back and Tomoyo following close behind. Syaoran cracked.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Syaoran roared. In a millisecond, he got up from his sitting position at his desk to Sakura's side. Wincing at Syaoran's uproar, Sakura didn't know how to react. The situation was unfamiliar, which actually happened a lot recently.
"Ano… Syaoran-kun…" Sakura tried to explain… something… wait… what was she trying to explain?
"Toji-san was it?" Syaoran interrogated, changing his gaze from the emerald eyed beauty to the male holding her.
"Yes?" Toji replied.
"What happened to Sakura-san?"
"She stepped on the ground with her injured foot. I'm just helping her move." There was a silence. Syaoran was glaring, Toji was nonchalant, Sakura looked confused and apprehensive while the three onlookers were anticipating the conclusion. Syaoran broke the tranquility.
"There's a couch here that you could put her on."
"So there is." Toji hoisted Sakura up a little higher, closer to his body, moved to the said couch and slowly eased her onto it. No doubt that a couple of actions were frowned upon by Syaoran.
"Arigatou Toji-san." Then Sakura apologized for her klutziness that caused him to burden himself with her.
"No problem Sakura-san." Toji spoke, grinning again. That pissed off a certain person in the room. But like the last situation, his main focus was not the 'evil villain' but Sakura. Sitting beside her, he observed her foot.
"We're going to the hospital now to have that examined."
"Eh?"
"You could've made it worse. Now, hospital." Syaoran swiftly pulled her into his arms, holding her at her knees and back, and walked towards the door. Turning back to the astonished faces in the room, he simply said,
"We're going to the hospital. Ja." Silence filled the room of Syaoran's office. Two things could be concluded from this incident. One, Syaoran is indeed a very jealous man… though he's completely oblivious to it. Two…
"That worked out better than anticipated." Meiling spoke. The other three nodded in an accord.
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"Actually, your foot is healed. A lot quicker than the majority of patients. Let me just take out these stitches. You should keep off this foot for now or you will feel pain. Though it's healed, it doesn't mean that it won't hurt. Your foot is still sore from the cut." The doctor explained. He snipped the thread that kept her skin together and pulled it out. Sakura squeezed Syaoran's hand. It hurt. In response, he gently squeezed back.
"And… we're all done. Just keep off that foot for a tonight. It should completely heal by tomorrow night. If your husband won't mind, he can carry you around." The doctor spoke suggestively with a chuckle. Sakura was confused. She could only pick up a few words since, after all, she knew very little Chinese. Done, foot, carry? She turned to Syaoran for a translation to discover his face completely red.
"Syaoran-kun… what did the doctor say?" Sakura asked in Japanese. Nothing important. That would be his reply. Unfortunately… it came out as:
"N-not-nothing important!" Jittery and rapid. Two major clues to an embarrassing situation. Off to the side, the doctor chuckled again.
"Hoeee?"
"It wasn't anything important." This time, the words were firmer and unshaken. Sakura nodded. "Ah, just stay off of your foot until tomorrow night. He says it should heal completely by then." He added. She nodded again. Securely wrapping his arms around her, he picked her up again like he was cradling a newborn, regardless of Sakura's protests.
Sitting on a bench in a nearby park, Sakura leaned her head against Syaoran's shoulder. There was a nice gentle breeze blowing. She called everyone to meet up with her here. So they were waiting. She felt guilty because Syaoran had to carry her everywhere. Hiromi still had her crutches.
She looked up at him. His eyes were shut. She pondered. Should she tell him now? She has told everyone else so she might as well tell him… right? About her 'condition' anyway. Gently, she shook him.
"Ne… Syaoran-kun? I have something to tell you."
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Yes… that's the end of the chapter… don't kill me. Yes, it was shorter than most chapters I've updated… 13 pages… compared to the 14… :wince: but… I have a lovely 3 page one-shot written for you to hopefully alleviate your naggings!
Notice: This one-shot has nothing to do with the story Delicate Heart. Just a one-shot story about our favorite little wolf, who happens to be celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday Syaoran-kun!
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"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER!" Four females squealed in unison, jumping their only male brother in bed. He groggily opened his eyes and groaned. What a wake up call on his 18th birthday. Stuck in Hong Kong, with his four sisters screaming in his ear. Joy. But it was better than other wake up calls he had gotten. He shuddered remembering his little 4-year-old nephews sticking their fingers up his nostrils. That was a wake up.
"Happy birthday Xiao Lang." His mother said nonchalantly as she entered the room. Syaoran thanked her quietly. She was always the same.
"AH! Little brother is an adult now!"
"Oh my! It's true!"
"It doesn't matter! He'll always be little brother!"
"That's true Fanren!"
Syaoran groaned again. This was not how he envisioned this birthday. It was supposed to be a quiet celebration with his mother and Wei-san. There were no sisters in this scene. No doubt they arrived this morning. His brothers-in-laws, nephews and nieces must be downstairs. What happened to the one day of the year he was allowed to sleep in?
"We have a surprise for you little brother. So dress up."
"Do you remember when we used to try to coax Xiao Lang into dressing up in our frilly dresses?"
"AHHH! That's back when little brother's face looked like this!" Fuutie exclaimed, turning her cheery expression into one of stern coldness. The four sisters laughed and Syaoran sat embarrassed. He did remember when his face looked like that. That was all before he met… her. His annoyed look immediately changed into a smile thinking about her. Kinomoto Sakura.
She was the cardcaptor chosen by Keroberos, one of the two guardians of the Clow Cards, who turned out to be a lame plushie. After eyeing her suspiciously all day on his first day of school, he confronted her about the cards and attempted to forcefully take them from her. Granted that it wasn't the best moment of his life, it was still a memorable one. Following his attempt, her annoying overprotective older brother showed up to protect his little sister from him. Then came the false form of the other guardian Yue, who came calmly and presented everyone with a meat bun… even him. Then he fled from the scene due to the attraction of the false form's magical power.
Slowly, he grew more accustomed to her presence. The key word here was slowly. He still hadn't forgotten her clumsy and dense attitude towards the beginning of the cardcapturing scene. Not that her attitude changed. She was still clumsy and dense… but something about her was different. So different, that he began to admire her. Of course, admiration was not attraction, but it became an attraction that left him befuddled. This all happened after she became the mistress of the Clow Cards. That was also when he intended to return home. He still couldn't forget the look on her face when he told her he might not go back. Her face lit up. It didn't make sense. He always condescended her, insulted her and rivaled her in the cards and in love. Yes, love. At least that's what he interpreted his attraction to the happy snow rabbit otherwise known as Tsukishiro Yukito. Yet, she befriended him and was kind and considerate.
Enter Hiiragizawa Eriol from that point on. He was an interesting one. He never spoke bluntly. It was always riddles and circles. On top of that, she befriended him as well. She hung out with him a lot too. It was really irritating. From then on, his stay in Tomoeda was
due to the random magical events that occurred, making her change her cards with her own power… the power of her star. She could be left alone, but he couldn't let her be. He had to be there. From there, their relationship grew closer. She even promised him to call in case of emergency and she always kept her promises.
Then came the teddy bear phase. Everyone was making teddy bears as a sign of his or her love for one another. He always knew of her love for that snow rabbit and she knew of his. They had talked about it one day back on a beach. As romantic as it seems, it was a night on the school trip that he couldn't sleep and neither could she. Her reason was ghost stories. He just couldn't sleep that night due to the weird magical aura nearby. To finish up this anecdote, she caught the Erase card.
Back to the teddy bear phase, she went to the craft store with her best friend and him. Naturally, he had to tag along to make sure nothing would happen. She was buying her teddy bear kit for the snow rabbit, as was he. But when he finished his bear, he was confused. His admiration-to-attraction became something even more. Something that he couldn't sort for himself. He spoke with the cheery snow rabbit, who admired his teddy bear. When the snow rabbit asked to whom he was going to give the bear to… he hesitated to say anything because… she was there… in his mind. He ran off and accidentally saw her. His face flustered… really really flustered. He turned back and had a friendly chat with the silver haired Clow Card guardian. That's when he knew who was truly in his heart. Her. And from that moment on, he never forgot. He still hadn't.
"Xiao Lang!" Xiefa spoke in a singsong voice, waving her hand in front of her younger brother's face.
"Ah?"
"Finally. You've been spacing out for like ever!"
"What."
"Change! We have a surprise for you!"
"This better not be like the last surprise you got for me. Because I'll tell you know just like I told you back then… I was surprised and not happy, at all." He could remember it all to well. His sisters tried to cook for him. The disaster. The cake was horrendous. There was flour EVERYWHERE. In the kitchen, on the walls, in the dining hall… Then… the piñata. To make it more "fun" and eastern, they used a sword instead of a bat. A sword. A freakin' sword. In the end, the damages cost an immense amount of money because the dining hall had to be redone… completely. How did his mother allow this to happen? And where in hell do they get their energy? It wasn't from his mother or his father.
"It won't be! Promise! Now we'll leave, and you change. We'll send your surprise up soon!" Syaoran waved them a goodbye and entered his bathroom. Stripping himself of his nightclothes, he entered his shower. The glass fogged up by the time he was done. Hot steam poured out of the shower stall when he opened the glass door; he groped around for a spare clean towel and wrapped it around his waist. Grabbing another towel, he dried his hair. Walking out into his room, he headed towards his closet when his door opened.
"Onee-san! I'm changing!" Syaoran shouted, irritated.
"AH! HOEEE! GOMEN NASAI!" Syaoran immediately turned out, forgetting about his "attire." There she was. Her face was completely flustered. Her hair grew out to her shoulders; her eyes still remained glittering emeralds. Syaoran was left just as speechless as her. If this was his surprise, he was seriously thanking his sisters later.
"Syaoran-kun… gomen. They said it was okay so I-"
"They?"
"Your sisters. They told me to come up saying that you were all ready and-" Without knowing, Sakura was swept into a firm embrace.
"You don't know how much I missed you." He whispered, inhaling in all of her scent. It smelled like the flowers she was named after. At this point, Sakura was beyond flustered. Here she was in his arms… his bare arms… pressed against his naked torso. No matter how she tried, she couldn't ignore her predicament.
"Syaoran-kun… isn't this a little… inappropriate?" She spoke up timidly. Syaoran chuckled while placing kisses on her head.
"I don't care." Came his husky whisper. Sakura thought she would faint. Her knees were wobbly and she didn't think she could hold her own weight anymore. "Just a little longer Sakura. So I know this isn't a dream." At that moment, she kissed him. Blissfully, he returned her affection.
"I still love you Sakura."
"I still love you too Syaoran." There, she stayed in his bare arms, and it was the happiest moment of his life. But there would be many more moments to come…
…like watching her walk down the aisle towards him in a beautiful gown. Her arm would be attached to her father's and her brother would be cursing him under his breath. Her best friend would be holding a V8, regardless that she was the maid of honor. She would completely her walk to the alter where he would hold her hand. Then they would be ready to take one of the most important steps of their lives… He could barely wait. First, he'd have to change and propose to her, right? But he wanted this memory to last just a little longer. But without a doubt, this would definitely turn out to be the best birthday ever.
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Finished! You liked? Hopefully? As for the next update? Maybe August? Gomen!
cherrixwolf
