The reunion at school ended on a sombre note after Sakura and Tomoyo left. Syaoran had marched in, pointedly ignoring Eriol, who also had silently trudged after him. He left quickly without saying goodbye, leaving the crowd to Eriol, who went to him quickly for answers. Meilin, most of all needed information, for the days of crushing on Syaoran were long gone, and wanted to see the long overdue couple together. But Eriol had nothing but bad news, and could barely explain to his former classmates that Sakura had refused to forgive Syaoran. Though the group was shocked, they had long expected Sakura's breaking point. Still, as they each left to their respective places, they all could not hide the sorrow that a long awaited golden couple was now a passing dream.

Tomoyo and Sakura both sat silently on impossibly soft armchairs, cold hands clutched around warm cups of hot chocolate and wet clothes replaced by plush robes. Maids filled the otherwise awkward and empty silence, bustling to draw baths and prepare the long-unused guest room of Sakura's. Throughout it all, Tomoyo watched her favourite cousin and best friend with concerned amethyst eyes, knowing Sakura was shaking from something that she thought she would never have to experience again. She was glad that Sakura was here, for she had missed her cousin far more than she had let on. Six years was a long time, and Tomoyo knew that both of them had drifted apart. After graduation, Sakura had been taken by the fashion industry, travelling all over the world to model for brands such Armani, Hermes, and Prada. Tomoyo too, had also taken over her mother's toy company, and was also on the verge of introducing her new line of clothing, Sakura Blossoms. Believe it or not, the separation had taken its toll.

It was with this thought in mind that Tomoyo shifted through her mind for a decent bit of conversation before she hurt her fragile cousin even more. However she did not have to think long. It was then that Sakura started to speak. At first, Tomoyo almost didn't hear her start, for Sakura's voice was frail as the wind. Soon, however, her story tumbled out as fast and furious as her tears, and Tomoyo could not help but feel a certain sorrow that Sakura had to endure this inside for 6 years.

"I thought I had gotten over him, Tomoyo. I went to a different high school, travelled everywhere when I graduated, met hot guys, but never was able to forget. I left everything; my parents, you, all our friends, just so I can forget the past. Imagine. All this for a guy that never gave me a second thought, who took me for granted that I was always by his side. Who dropped me once I said I loved him. Do you know that's why we had a fall-out?"

Tomoyo tentatively shook her head. It was true. She just remembered two weeks before grade eight ended, Syaoran had given Sakura the ultimate cold shoulder the whole day. This had left Sakura confused, and after school had confronted him about it. Something major must had happened that rainy afternoon, because Sakura had shown up at Tomoyo's door reduced to tears and hiccups. She had never talked about it after that, and had continued her life as if nothing had happened, purposely ignoring Syaoran but cheerful to everyone else. Tomoyo had never even realized that Sakura had confessed.

Sakura took a deep breath before continuing.

"The day before, remember the date with Eriol that you were so excited about? I was with Syaoran watching the track team. It just seemed right, so I told him."

Sakura and Syaoran was sitting on top of the stadium, watching the sprinters race on the track. Sakura's emerald eyes turned to look at Syaoran.

"Syaoran, I have something to tell you."

"Hmm?" was the absent-minded answer.

"I love you."

"I know."

"There was no reaction, Tomoyo." Sakura half-sobbed at the memory. "The next morning, I saw him kissing Meilin by the lockers. That's when I realized that he was never going to be interested in me. To make matters worse, he didn't speak to me again. That rainy afternoon, that was a joke." She said bitterly. "He said that he would never go out for a girl like me, that I was ugly, fat, and no use for a guy like him. He told me to never show my face again. Years of childhood friendship gone to waste. Thata's why then, I decided I would forget, to become a stronger person without Syaoran. Now look what I am now, I've become a woman that doesn't even know what she wants but has all she needs, and falls in love with an elementary school crush over any other male. If this isn't weak, what is?"

And at that, she fell at Tomoyo's feet, crying for forgiveness, saying it was all her fault that they grew apart and also for not being any stronger. Tomoyo stroked Sakura's silky hair softly, murmuring that it was not her fault and saying sorry for not being there for her. Watching Sakura's pitiful sobs, Tomoyo silently made a pact that she would help make matters right, even if she had to go to the end of the world to do it.

Once Sakura calmed down, Tomoyo coaxed her to have a bit of dinner and sleep over for the night "for old time's sake". While Sakura went to phone her dad, Tomoyo mulled over an old idea in her mind, and believed that now would be a perfect time to introduce it. Looking at a considerably happier Sakura who was now nibbling on dessert treats, Tomoyo gathered her courage and hoped for the best.

"Sakura, I was wondering." Tomoyo started, taking a cue from Sakura's questioning eyes. "Are your modeling contracts finished? What are your plans?"

Sakura, innocent as ever, nodded slowly. "I'm finished my three-year contract with Armani in June, and Banana Republic and Club Monaco is proposing something for the next few years. I think they wanted me in New York by September." She paused, looking down sadly. "I was hoping to lie low for a while, maybe stay here in Tomoeda. Syaoran's company, The Li Corps, is gaining ground as corporate sponsors for various companies. I don't want to run into him again."

Tomoyo grinned. "Then, would you like to do me the honour of modeling for my brand, Sakura Blossoms? It's debuting this September, leaving us three months for the photo shoots. Its short notice, but I wanted to contact you anyway before this. Who better for my spokes model but you? I'm based in Tokyo, but you'll have most weekends off. So how about it?"

Sakura first looked at her in disbelief, and then slowly grinned. She flung herself at Tomoyo, hugging her tightly. The two cousins and best friends broke apart, smiling at the newly restored friendship. Together, they could once again conquer the world by storm, except this time, one piece of spectacular fashion at a time.

Hi guys! Yes, I know I took forever, and I know this is a really short chapter, but I really tried to be fast about it! Seriously! I just had a huge writer's block, and a lot of things have happened. I'm a freshie this year, and coming from a tiny private school to a huge public school, its a change. And my two friends who also transferred with me has their own group now, leaving me out. Sigh Its so clique! So forgive me, and I will try to write more. Ideas and comments welcome!

PS: Nope, I do not own CCS, or any of the brands mentioned in this story. Thank you.