Kremlin Dusk

Chapter 10 – Kremlin Dusk

Sakura POV

"Sakura…I need to ask you something…" He looked at me and held my hand gingerly. Those amber eyes that I had fell in love with once. Once. From now on I'll only look at green ones. My heart beat faster creating the sound of galloping hooves.

"I want you to sing at my wedding." His voice came out so warm. He must really love Mei to ask me to sing.

"Am I that good? Couldn't you…"

"No. I would…Mei would really love it if you sang at our wedding…" Oh…Mei would love it. Sooner or later he was going to ask me anyways.

"Sure! … Hey what's that over there…" There wasn't really something there in the first place, but then I saw this black messy animal thing in the bushes.

"Isn't that someone's head?" Syaoran asked me staring at the black head slightly protruding from the bush next to us. It was really strange, I swear I heard cursing. As Syaoran and I approached the bush, a person (I assumed) clad in ninja like clothing jumped out of hiding and ran off.

"I think someone has a stalker…Sakura." He laughed. I laughed along with him until…

"Oh my god. I'm late! Syaoran, can you drive me to the hospital? Thomas is leaving today…" I ran around in circles and started pulling at my hair.

Syaoran stared at me in a helpless way. "AaaaahhH! My hair! It's falling out! Do you think it's the stress Syaoran? Hello? Syaoran!" I know I was being a bit dramatic, but I had to destroy the tense atmosphere between us. It looked almost like he was sad.

It's weird…but when I look at Syaoran now, I don't have that weird feeling in my heart. It's like now my heart listens to me and it works properly now. While Syaoran was driving the car, it was very silent.

"Mind, if I turn on the radio?" I asked meekly. He didn't reply. I'm getting kind of worried. He's been acting strange a lot lately. Avoiding me maybe? I didn't do anything…did I?

"Syaoran, I'm really sorry. I'm not sure exactly what I did to make you act this way, but I'm really sorry. If you're mad at me, please just tell me and I'll do whatever I can to make it better."

He just smiled at me. "You didn't do anything wrong. Don't be sorry. It's my fault anyways…"

What? I don't understand Syaoran…

"You know…Mei suggested we have a double wedding. What do you think of that?"

My eyes widened slightly and I just nodded dumbly. Actually I don't really want that.

Damn, why is my heart doing weird things again? Just when I thought it was over. It can only beat for one person now…Thomas. I sighed and I stared out the window.

The trees that passed by was like a film playing itself over and over again. It seems like my life is playing itself over and over. I keep on losing Syaoran, again and again.

I'm so sorry Thomas…I'll try my hardest to forget.

"Syaoran, I think that car is following us!." I made a shocked and afraid expression. Staring out the window helps sometimes.

"What the hell? I'm scared."

Yes, I'm scared too Syaoran, but it's not as if I'll lean on you for support. You're already someone else's. If I lean on you, who will others lean on?

We came to a roundabout and Syaoran did the strangest thing…

He went around the roundabout again and again. "Syaoran what are you doing?"

"If he keeps going around then that just proves that he's following us." He had this crazy look in his eyes, but sure enough the black car following us went round and round too.

"Syaoran, let's just go to the hospital." He grunted and drove out of the roundabout.

I rested my head upon the cold window pane as Syaoran let out a defeated sigh. Smiling lightly I opened my mouth to say something, but instead closing it. The words can't come out properly. They're trapped, wishing for freedom, but never receiving it. I should just be happy for Syaoran, right?

I should just be happy that he is my friend. As a friend I should be happy and joyous, not jealous right? Is it that I want him all to myself?

"Syaoran, what is a fairytale?" I asked knowing quite well what he would say.

"It's a make-believe story…" He replied with confidence. Leaning forward, I breathed on the surface of the windscreen glass, the warm contacting the cold. In the mist I wrote 'No' with a gloved finger. He quickly glanced at it and then abruptly pulled to the side of the road.

"What is it then?"

I stayed silent for a moment. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure of the answer myself, but the way he answered. It just seemed so cold and mature. As if fairytales would always stay just fairytales. Syaoran stared at me intently waiting for an answer. I sighed and brought a childish smile to my face.

"It's a tale told by fairies." I giggled. Syaoran gave me a brotherly type look and patted my head. I forced a smile, then pouted. So he started the car and we were on our merry way. It was silent like a movie with no words. He seemed to be in deep concentration. What could he be thinking about? He's probably thinking about Mei and the wedding.

As I dove deeper and deeper into my thoughts, I regretted giving my answer about fairytales. Really, what I wanted to say was that a fairytale was like fantasy, a form of escapism. It gave hope to people like me, a glimpse of what life could be like if Prince Charming swept you off your feet. But then again, how could I tell Syaoran something so absurd and childish?

We arrived at the hospital. I tried to forget all the thoughts burdening me. Syaoran hadn't said a word since our 'conversation' in the car. I waved my hand in Syaoran's face, but he didn't seem to have noticed.

"Are you okay Syaoran?" I asked worriedly. He's been acting stranger than usual. I frowned at him. He's eyes seemed to be transfixed on something, but he's large form blocked my view.

"Yeah, yeah. Just go to Thomas." He replied disinterested. What on earth was he staring at? I felt a bit hurt, the way he was just pushing me towards Thomas. Idiot Sakura. He's got Mei remember? Of course he would push you away.

I trudged to Thomas' room. Before opening the door I put on a happy face. I tiptoed silently in, just in case he was resting. When I went in he was fully dressed, lying comfortably on the bed. I don't think he heard me enter, because he didn't move a muscle.

"Sakura, when you tiptoe it's as loud as a hippo." Thomas spoke aloud. I pouted and whined.

"Yah, stop pouting, or I'll kiss you!" He threatened playfully, but I was afraid he would actually do it. As far as friendship goes, I was really comfortably around him. Speaking as a fiancée I was still uncomfortable around him. It's hard to forget years of love for someone.

"Why so quiet all of a sudden?" He asked concerned at my lack of a response. He stood up from his resting position and walked up to me. There was still that patch on his eye and I looked at him with sympathetic eyes. He looked away saying "it wasn't your fault". I looked at my shoes, guiltily.

He wrapped his arms around me at which I stiffened and forced me to look up.

"It's okay…I understand…" He whispered, sounding a bit defeated. He's bangs covered his eyes and he held me tighter. What did he mean? He understood what? I loosened a bit and absorbed his warmth. He would be my pillar now.

"I'll wait for you…to turn your head my way." He spoke softly and kissed me tenderly on the forehead. With that one sentence, everything was clarified. He knew that my love interest was Syaoran. And because of that one little sentence, he showed me that he understood me. He showed me that he was willing to be patient with me. He respected me and genuinely loved me.

And I grew just a little more attached to him and I threw away a bit of my love for Syaoran.

I smiled genuinely, I was really happy. I couldn't help but feel the warmth filling my heart. For the first time in such a long time, I was able to laugh with ease. I felt free and my thoughts no longer strayed to Syaoran in the presence of Thomas.

"Thank you so much Thomas…" Daringly I went on tippy toe and brushed my lips softly against his. He looked shocked at first, but then reassured me by hugging me together. He laughed with joy and amusement danced on his eyes.

"Sakura I have an early wedding gift for you." He exclaimed excitedly. I gave him a suspicious look which he returned with an innocent pout. I giggled. In all seriousness, I really wanted to know what it was. All my life I've loved surprises and presents.

"What is it? Tell me! Tell me! Well at least give me a clue!" I squealed in excitement desperate to know what my gift was. Then again, curiosity killed the cat. Hey, but I'm no kitty cat.

"It's one of a kind. Extremely difficulty to find and it bites when provoked." He chuckled and then added "But you'll never guess what it is." I looked at him confused. Something that is unique and extremely difficult to find…and bites?

I racked my brain for every possible solution.

"So what is your final answer?"

"A dodo."

"Why don't I just show you? It's probably outside waiting right now."

We walked out of the room, hands entwined. Ryu signed out of the hospital. As we stepped outside, the light shone brightly upon us as if signalling we'd have a bright future ahead of us.

I heard arguing, between Syaoran and a man. Syaoran was yelling things like "I'll kick you ass if you don't leave!" It seemed this man was what was bothering him earlier. Could it be the stalker man in the black car? So was he just trying to guard me? Is that why he brushed me off? It seems every time I take one step forward towards Thomas…I take two steps back to Syaoran. Damn, everything is so confusing. I must keep a strong heart! I won't be swayed any longer…I'm not weak anymore. All those years of suffering and trials…I was strong now.

"It looks like your gift is having a fight with Li." Thomas started and I raised a curious eyebrow at him. On closer inspection I realised that the man… was…

"Touya nii-sama…"

- - - - -

I shook my head, not believing he was actually there. I couldn't help it as a flood of emotions hit me like a tsunami. He was actually here in front of me. My eyes filled with tears, blinked furiously. The flood gates opened and soon years of grief were spilling from my eyes.

Syaoran and Touya's heated argument ended and they both stared at me. I almost fell but clutched onto Thomas for support.

"Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much." I repeatedly muttered in between gasps of air, to Thomas. He smiled at me gingerly.

Nii-sama was disowned when I was little. He just walked out the door and I never really saw him again. Although I was so young at that time, I still remember his face clearly. I don't know why tou-san and kaa-san did it though. So when they died, we couldn't find him. We had no idea where he was.

"Sakura." Syaoran and Touya spoke in unison, but Touya seemed a little breathless. He rushed to me and hugged me tightly, like he was protecting me. I stopped my pathetic crying and looked up at him brightly.

Syaoran looked between us confused.

"Syaoran, this is my brother Touya." I smiled brightly with a tear stained face. I was so grateful to Thomas for finding Touya. I'm so glad he did. Touya was like a fugitive that I couldn't find. Syaoran bowed to Touya in respect and as an apology.

"Sorry. You just seemed so suspicious and I was just trying to look out for Sakura."

Although Touya looked disgruntled he waved Syaoran off, accepting the apology. I grinned happy they were on good terms.

"So Thomas, you want to marry my little kaijuu and you didn't even ask for my permission?"

Thomas smiled in admiration. Then he got down on his knees and bowed asking for permission. I won't be the one on the sidelines any longer. I think now I can let go. Now I can forget my feelings for Syaoran more easily with him. He's brought me so much joy and comfort…I think I'm falling for him.

- - - -

"But I love her..." Syaoran whispered barely audible to anyone around him. He had been pushed to watch at the sidelines hopelessly. He had to endure the torment of watching his first love fall deeply for another.

- - - -

Yo this is White. I'm so truly sorry I haven't written in ages! I'm such a bad authoress. I'm a disappointment. So this chapter I tried to make it especially long. I think the next chapter will be the last and then a prologue. So yeah, hang on tight. Thank you to all my readers. I love you for standing by this fic.

Luv xoxox