I feel like this chapter is kind of boring. Booo.

Sakura looked out the carriage window and after watching some of the scenery pass by, sat back in her seat. She was dressed in her royal blue velvet skirt and crème top with her brown corset over the top, her locket hanging neatly around her neck. She turned her attention to Syaoran who was writing something in a diary for work.

"How do these children cope…?" she asked.

He stopped writing and smiled sadly. "I don't know." He replied.

Sakura sighed and allowed her mind to wander for the rest of the trip, and when they stopped she looked up. He stepped out and then helped her out, and as she looked up she noticed that the building was larger than she had expected.

He led her inside and past the empty front desk and down a hall; on either side were rows of doors with numbers on them. He turned down another hall with more doors and came to a flight of stairs. She followed him up the stairs and past a few more corridors of more rooms until they came to a slightly different area; it wasn't as eerie and felt a bit more comfortable to be in, and he came to a stop in front of a door and opened it.

She followed him inside and he walked over to the desk, placing his things on top. There was a bookcase by the window and a filing cabinet against the wall to the left.

"I'll walk you over in a moment." He said.

"That's ok."

He checked the time and placed a few files away first, and then walked her down to the small ward where they kept the terminally ill children.
He opened the door and she looked inside, seeing a lot of the children sitting at the small desks supplied drawing or reading. There was one child-a teenager- who was lying in bed looking really dull, and Sakura couldn't help but feel that she could connect somehow to the teenage girl.

She looked to Syaoran, "I'll be working for most of the day, but I'll come and see you during my breaks." He said. She nodded and he left her, and she walked over to the young teenager.

She smiled politely, "Hello; would you mind if I had a seat?"

The girl looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She shrugged her shoulders and looked away.

"Are you another one of those charity people?" she asked irritably.

Sakura felt a little confused but shook her head. "No, I'm not." She replied. "I'm married to one of the doctor's here."

"Oh." She replied dully.

"May I ask your name?"

"It's Sia." The girl replied.

Sakura smiled. "Why aren't you reading or doing other activities like the other children?" she asked.

Sia rolled her eyes. "What's the point? I'm going to die anyway so there's no point in doing anything. My parents refuse to let me be at rest because they think there's some sort of 'miracle' that can help me."

Sakura stayed silent. She knew that feeling all too well. "May I ask how long you've been in here for…?" Sakura asked.

Sia sighed. "It's almost been a year. I'm actually surprised I've survived this long considering all of the other doctor's said I wouldn't last past four months." She muttered.

Sakura began to feel even more confused. "All of the other doctors?"

"Yeah. He was the only one who said I had roughly two years at most." Sia said, nodding towards someone over Sakura's shoulder. She looked over her shoulder to see Syaoran tending to one of the younger patients who could have only been around six or seven. "Looks like he was right."

Sakura returned her attention to Sia and smiled again. "What's your favourite flower, Sia?" she asked.

"Lily's. What's that got to do with anything?" she muttered.

"You'll see." Sakura smiled.

Sia stared at her sceptically. "Who are you?" she asked.

"I told you. I'm a doctor's wife." Sakura shrugged.

"And I'm a doctor's patient." Sia replied with sarcasm.

Sakura smiled, "I think we'll get along just fine."

"You're planning on coming back? Ugh…" Sia groaned.

"That depends if my husband allows me to. So, do you really just sit around doing nothing all day?" Sakura asked.

Sia looked away and puffed out her cheeks. Sakura heard footsteps and looked up to see Syaoran standing at the foot of the bed. She stood, knowing that it wasn't her place to sit in on a patient's consultation, and smiled at Sia.

"I'll be back shortly."

She walked over and sat with one of the other children while Syaoran spoke with Sia.

Sia looked away feeling irritated and Syaoran sat in the chair beside the bed. "How are you feeling today, Sia?" he asked.

"What do you think?" she muttered.

"Are you still upset with your parents?" Syaoran asked.

Sia sighed. "I'm fifteen and dying. What the hell kind of parents allow their child to suffer?"

Syaoran stayed quiet for a moment and then sighed. "How's the pain?"

"Bearable." Sia mumbled.

"Would you like anything for it?" he then asked.

"No, I'm ok."

"If you start to feel any sudden aches or pains, I need to know straight away." He said as he took her blood pressure. She nodded, and he took down his notes before standing. "I'll leave you to yourself. Try and find something to occupy your time." Syaoran advised, and then walked out of the room.

Sakura said goodbye to the younger child and stood, walking back over to Sia. Sia looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Is he your husband?" she asked.

"Yes-how did you know…?" Sakura asked awkwardly.

"It was obvious with how you looked at each other. You totally want him."

Sakura turned bright red. "How can you say that in a children's ward!?" she hissed.

Sia snorted. "Chicken."

"Don't accuse me of being a chicken when I'm married…" Sakura muttered under her breath. Sia snorted with laughter and Sakura smiled, glad that she finally got Sia to smile.

Quite some time passed and even though it took a while, Sakura managed to get a little bit more information out of Sia. She was fifteen and had been diagnosed with an incurable heart condition at the start of the year. Many of the other practicing doctors had said that she had less than four months to live, but Syaoran, who was both practicing and researching, had said that she had up to two years. Many of the doctors were disgruntled that he was right and they weren't, so she was under Syaoran's care as he seemed to know a little bit more about her illness than the other doctors. Her parents were desperate to find a way to help cure her even though Syaoran had already said that there wasn't anything they could do.

As Sakura left with Syaoran late in the afternoon, he sighed heavily. She looked up at him, "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Sia's parents came in today to ask if there were any new developments. As expected, they didn't take it too well." He replied.

Sakura looked to her knees. "Oh…I see…"

"I noticed that you made her smile though-no one has been able to do that since she made it into the clinic."

Sakura was surprised. "Oh-really?" she asked.

"As you could expect, she was very depressed when she found out she didn't have long to live. She'd rather just be put at rest rather than have to live every day through the pain."

Sakura stayed silent. She could understand her parents' desperate want to find a way to save her life. Any parent would give up their life to save their child's, and she knew that better than anybody else.

"Well, I'm glad I was able to make her smile then." Sakura smiled. "And what did the other doctor's think of me being around?"

"Well no one said anything for the most part, so let's just leave it at that." He replied.

Sakura raised an eyebrow and then shrugged. "Ok."

…

After dinner that night, Sakura set herself to work on a picture as she sat in the lounge, leaning her head against Syaoran's shoulder as she drew. He looked up from his book and watched her for a moment, confused as to what she was drawing.

"What are you drawing?" he asked.

"It's something for Sia. Could you give it to her for me?" Sakura murmured as she quickly sketched out her imagery.

"Alright."

She sketched for about three hours straight without any breaks, and when she stopped she immediately felt the repercussions of her posture.

"Ow…"

Syaoran looked up and saw her clutching at her shoulders. "Have you been drawing for too long?" He laughed.

"I should have made sure my posture was better before continuing…" she muttered.

He smiled, "Turn around."

She shifted her position and turned her back to him, and he placed his hands on her shoulders and gently eased the tension from her muscles. She relaxed into his hands and sighed blissfully.

She leant back against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Sakura, we should really go to bed." He said.

"Mm…" she mumbled, already half asleep.

"Come on, otherwise I'll have no choice." Syaoran said softly.

"And what are you going to do?" She smiled.

He slipped his finger beneath the back of her corset and unlaced the first few strands. Surprised, Sakura jumped up and span around. "How rude!"

"I did warn you." He shrugged.

Her anger faded, and she rolled her eyes. "I'm awake now. Damn you."

He smiled and stood, taking her hand in his as they walked back to the bedroom.

…

When Syaoran was next in at work, Sakura sent her drawing with him. He entered the small room later in the afternoon after he had finished with consultations to see Sia doing something for once. She was sitting on her bed sewing a small blanket. He pulled a chair up beside her bed and sat down, and she continued with what she was doing as if he weren't there.

"I see you've started finding something to occupy your time with." He said.

Sia's movements slowed and came to a stop. She sighed and looked out the window for a moment and then back to the blanket. "Sakura told me something the other day that got me thinking…" she said.

"What was it?" Syaoran asked.

"She said that even if I pass away, what I leave behind won't be forgotten and will still be passed on and treasured. Is that true?" she asked.

He smiled, "Yes."

"I wanted to make something for my little brother. I don't want him to forget me when I go…" she whispered.

"I think that's a good idea; I think he'd like that."

Sia nodded and Syaoran held out the small envelope from Sakura to her. She looked at him with confusion.

"It's from Sakura-she sends her regards along with a small gift." He explained.
She took the envelope and opened it carefully; her eyes widened at what was inside, and a tear slid down her face.

Dear Sia,
Words alone cannot explain a parent's unconditional love for their child. The clock may be ticking but you're still alive-don't think about the dark and enjoy the time you have left with your family while you still can, even if it is only a short amount of time. Go outside and do the small things you have always wanted to do, enjoy the company of friends, eat your favourite food.

You might think that I'm just saying this because I can, but the truth is that I'm only alive by pure chance. When I was seven, I fell severely ill to an unknown virus and I was ill for over two months. I wasn't meant to survive, and when I found out the cause of my father's death, I was distraught. This might never make sense to you and I'm sorry I can't give you all of the details, but I want you to know that I do understand to a degree.

Good luck and I hope we meet again.
-Sakura.

Encased inside the envelope with the letter was the sketch that Sakura had been working on; it was an image of Sia holding lilies in her hands, with wings protruding from her back. Sia wiped her tears away and smiled.

"Thank you." She said.

Syaoran nodded and stood, leaving Sia to her sewing.

…

Sakura sat with Tomoyo drinking tea, one leg crossed over the other as she sat comfortably on the couch opposite her sister. Tomoyo was knitting a blanket with three different coloured wools while they chatted.

"So, you gave Syaoran father's old pendant?" Tomoyo asked.

"Yes, I thought it would suit him." Sakura replied.

"Wise choice." Tomoyo smiled. "So…how far have you two gone?"

Sakura choked on her tea.

"Hmm. No, I didn't think so." Tomoyo murmured.

"Are you insane!?" Sakura hissed.

"Goodness gracious no." Tomoyo scoffed. "Just curious."

Sakura groaned. "Oh my god…"

"So, what are your thoughts on the matter, Sakura? Do you or don't you? He knows everything now." She asked.

Sakura buried her face in her hands in embarrassment. "Well…it's not like I don't want to…" she mumbled.

"Well, given your past I doubt he'll do anything, so you're probably going to have to start it." Tomoyo said casually as she knitted.

"How can you be so casual about this!?" Sakura cried.

"Oh Sakura, calm down. But if you don't start anything, then nothing will happen. And look, here he comes." Tomoyo smiled as the door opened, and Eriol and Syaoran walked in.

Sakura looked away quickly, her face beet red. "What are you starting?" Syaoran asked.

"Nothing." Sakura mumbled.

He looked at her for a moment and then to Tomoyo, whose eyes flashed with mischief for a moment and had a slightly evil grin on her face. She smiled up at the two men cheerfully as if nothing had happened and Sakura shook her head.

"How was your day?" she asked.

"Busy," Syaoran replied, "Nothing out of the ordinary."

He acted as if he didn't notice Sakura's awkward posture and sat down beside her.

Sakura managed to regain herself and looked over, "Did you give Sia her envelope?" she asked.

"Yes. She said thank you." He replied. "You appeared to have a rather large impact on her; I'm impressed."

Sakura looked away, a small smile on her face. If she had been able to do something for Sia, even if it had only been small, then she was glad.

"And how was your day?" Tomoyo asked, turning her attention to Eriol.

"The same as usual, I suppose." He replied.

"How dull." Sakura said sarcastically. "I'm surprised no one has sued their next door neighbour for dancing in their underwear in the middle of the night in the middle of their lawn."

"That I would like to see."

"As in see or as in work…?" Syaoran questioned.

"Work, preferably."

Sakura burst into a fit of giggles accompanied by Tomoyo, and Syaoran and Eriol just laughed. When they all calmed, Tomoyo placed her things to the side and walked over to Sakura.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to borrow your wife for a few moments to have a little chat." She smiled cheerfully at Syaoran.

"Alright…" he said with some confusion.

Sakura walked out with Tomoyo feeling just as confused as Syaoran, and Tomoyo looked thoughtful for a moment. "Where would be a good place to talk in private…?" she wondered aloud. "I know-let's go to your room."

"What-why?" Sakura asked as Tomoyo pulled her down the hall as she already knew her way around the place.

"We're going to have a little chat about you and your husband of course." Her sister replied sweetly.

Sakura groaned.

Syaoran sat with Eriol in silence for a while, wondering what Tomoyo could possibly want to speak with Sakura about. Everything was going fine for the most part-at least that's what he thought…

"What do you think they're talking about?" he finally asked Eriol.

"I have no idea." Eriol replied. "If you're so curious, ask Sakura about it later."

"I doubt she'll tell me if it's a private conversation between herself and her sister." He muttered.

"Jealous?"

"What?" Syaoran asked, confused.

"Oh nothing, just curious."

"You realise I could poison you and get away with it, right?" Syaoran said.

"I'm perfectly aware." Eriol smiled.

Suddenly they heard a scream, followed by shouting. "Tomoyo, how could you!?" Sakura screamed.

Syaoran was about to get up but Eriol stopped him. "I think we should stay here-best not to embarrass her any further, don't you think?" he smiled.

Syaoran relented and relaxed back into his seat. A few more minutes later they heard a door slam open and Sakura ran down the hall and past the lounge. Tomoyo walked in, pausing at the door as she watched her sister with an amused smile on her face, and entered.

"What did you do to her?" Syaoran asked. "And where has she gone?"

"I believe she's gone to sit in the nearest tree. I didn't do much, honestly." She replied innocently.

"I wonder about that…" Syaoran murmured.

"I suppose we should be leaving; it's getting late." Eriol said as he stood.

"Alright. Let me know any more information regarding that case…" Syaoran said.

"I will. You should go find your wife and pry her out of the tree." Eriol joked.

Syaoran rolled his eyes and walked the two to the door, watching as they left, and then shut the door behind them. He then walked out to the gardens in search for Sakura; there were several trees in which she could be hiding, three of which were cherry blossom trees, and the others were all willow or oak trees. He spotted a shoe beneath one of the old oak trees and walked over, looking up to see her sitting high up in the branches.

"Sakura, what are you doing up there?" he asked.

"What does it look like?" she replied irritably.

"Why won't you come down here and tell me what's wrong?"

"Not happening!"

"Geez, you're like a stubborn child…" he muttered. He sat beneath the tree, deciding he'd wait till she was ready to come down to see him.

Sakura looked down after a few moments to see him sitting in wait and she continued sitting on her branch, refusing to move. She was far too embarrassed to face him just yet. Why did Tomoyo have to embarrass her so? It wasn't fair.

After a few more minutes of silence, she finally climbed down to one of the lower branches and kicked off her other shoe before jumping onto the ground.
Syaoran looked over as she sat down, and she avoided eye contact by looking at her hands.

"So, you have two habits when you get completely embarrassed, and they are locking yourself in a room, or climbing the nearest and tallest tree that you can possibly find. Interesting." Syaoran said.

"Oh, quiet you!" she snapped, her face bright red.

"Keep your shoes on-oh wait, you've already lost both." Syaoran said sarcastically.

Sakura puffed out her cheeks and looked away, unknowing of the small smile on his face.

"So, why trees, if I may ask?" he asked.

"You think I know!? It was the first thing that popped into my head when I was four!"

He laughed. "So you just kept doing it?"

"It's a tree or the bedroom…" she mumbled. He laughed again, and she blushed. "Stop laughing…" she mumbled.

"Sorry," he smiled. He set what he was doing to the side and sighed. "I'm glad you're different to the others, Sakura."

She looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, it's ok."

Sakura looked up at the clear sky and its darkening shades of orange and pink and sighed. "Is it really that late…?" she asked.

"It is. Shall we go inside?" Syaoran asked.

She stood with him and they walked inside together as Sakura's mind had been taken completely away from the earlier topics of conversation with Tomoyo. Instead, she spent her night the same way as usual with Syaoran; they spent their time together in the lounge either talking or they kept to themselves, and she did a little bit of sewing to pass some of her time, and when it got late they headed off to bed. It was just another day.