Way to the Top Chapter 13: The Introduction, a card captor sakura fanfic

WAY TO THE TOP

By Freya-Wings

Chapter 13

Big hug to all of you and greetings from Freya. I loved your reviews as always and as the end of this story is nearing, I hope all of you had a great time reading this story. I also hope you haven't cried so much because some people don't like dramatic stories. I can't really reply to all your reviews. There are over 30 of them and if I did it would take up a lot of space, so I hope this update will brief my thanks for all of you.

Disclaimer:

CCS is owned by Clamp, is and always will be. Characters are not mine… except for Yuuki Edwards and his father as well as the plot.

Dedication:

Dedicated to those that have continued to read and review. You guys were a great lot. And for the new readers that have reviewed. Thank you. It's great to hear refreshing comments

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Chapter 13: The Introduction

Last Chapter:

As he made his way to the microphone, he searched for Sakura only to find her stepping further away from him. A sharp pain stung his chest and he could feel a beating of his heart in his ears.

Syaoran was aware of his decision and he sacrificed his happiness for hers. As he longed for her smile, Syaoran only wanted to see her live her life the way it should be. The way she should be happy after al her miss endeavors. At least he had the chance to free her from her cage. All he wanted was for her to fly and gain her happiness.

To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.

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Syaoran held his composure and adjusted the mike as he began his speech, 'many of you do not recognize me,' he spoke with a certain depth, hinting a few emotions which he privately directed it to Sakura, hoping she would hear him.

'But I am standing here today for a reason, a reason that I seized with conscientiousness,' Syaoran said and found himself unable to look away from Sakura's figure. Syaoran paused and continued, 'I respect the foundation that I was born to and the obligation that I must take. The system is clear and I do not prolong ignorance. It was time for me to take the challenge.'

'Among other reasons, the most important thing is that I have made my decision,' Syaoran began slowly. 'It was the hardest decision of my life. I knew in every aspect I was trapped. But I also understood that I had to make a sacrifice for the better of others.'

Syaoran deliberately gave a considerate look in Sakura's direction and she felt the electricity flowing through her body. She wanted to cry. Her eyes were burning and her chest was in so much pain, Sakura knew he was talking about her.

Sakura could no longer breathe. He tears were stinging her eyes and yet she stood still, waiting for him to finish his poignant words.

'And so, I choose a path that I know I must take… it was for the best…' Syaoran said and quietly skimmed in his head it was for you Sakura.

'I am ready to take my father's place and paint the future for the better of this company,' Syaoran settled and the crowd clapped and cheered.

Syaoran stood as he acknowledged the gesticulation of approval from the audience. It was no later than a few second that he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to find his father beaming at him. Li-sama did not speak a word but Syaoran comprehended his silent gesture.

The words rang in his head again. It was the same words his father had spoken to him the first time he saw him.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

Syaoran nodded but he quickly disentangled himself from the stage as he searched for Sakura. It took him more minutes to escape himself from the crowd who were trying to congratulate him. Many of the socialites were ogling his figure, aware of his strength and power.

When he reached the end of the room, he could not find her. She had disappeared. Syaoran cursed as he searched in panic for her.

Sakura was no where to be found.

'She ran trough the main hall,' a voice interrupted his agonized thoughts as he whirled around to find a smiling Yukito. Syaoran recognized him as Sakura's friend. He was holding a wine glass in one hand and as he smiled at Syaoran, he saw the enthralling charm and wisdom in him.

Syaoran nodded and thanked Yukito as he raced out into the main hall.

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The night was brilliant as Sakura walked in quick steps along the cement sidewalk. She wasn't sure of her direction but she was certain she had to get away from that place as far as possible.

Many strangers walking in the night was awed to find such glamorous woman walking aimlessly along the dark street. Sakura gripped on her long Vera Wang gown and heard the click of her heels against the cemented floor.

Why couldn't he just tell me?

Why didn't he even discuss it with me?

How could he make a decision so abrupt like this?

There were many questions filling her head as she struggled to walk nicely with her high heeled shoes. She was tempted to throw away her shoes and ran as fast as her legs could carry.

But in no moment longer she heard a voice behind her. She didn't turn around for she knew who it was. The voice was no stranger to her and it vividly repeated inside her head. But she didn't stop. She kept running until finally the grasp of a strong hand stopped her in her tracks.

She whirled around and found a breathless Syaoran, his face agonized.

'I said don't leave me. I wanted to talk to you,' Syaoran said with his effort to gain his breathing circulation.

Sakura could not adjust her mouth to talk. Her brain was numb from the shocking news and it hit her like a giant ice wall, so cold and unyielding. Sakura was suddenly aware of the eyes that were fixated on them and she blushed.

'Listen Syaoran,' Sakura started with a little anger in her tone, 'you left without saying anything, as if I am not good enough for you. What then you lied? You lied about not having a father. You lied about your past, your work I am not so sure now what else you lied about. And just when you think you can just waltz in there and make a choice that you think is better for both of us, then you might just reconsider it.'

'Listen,' Syaoran interjected, aware of her angriness but he never expected her to be this upset. But Sakura waved her hand and fixed her eyes upon his, 'no. no, you listen.'

Sakura paused and bit her lip as tears swelled up and spoke again with a broken voice, 'I thought that we were in a place where we both make decisions for us, for the both of us. And it doesn't get any better if you tried to act like a hero. No matter which way you choose you know someone is bound to get hurt… It's unfair'

Sakura could not say anymore. Her words were stuck in her throat and if she continued, she knew she could burst into tears. She had never felt so exposed in her life. There was never a feeling of uncertainty. In all her well being as an adult, this was the most frightening moment of her life. It felt like her heart was ripped to shreds.

Syaoran knew this was going to happen. But as he stared at the woman that he loved, straining to pull herself together when they both knew their world had torn apart, Syaoran felt more helpless than he had ever felt.

Syaoran felt his heart gripped, scorching the pain with raving madness. He sighed and looked down.

Then he whispered in a poignant way, 'why don't we take a walk?'

Sakura forced her tears in and knew they were in an inappropriate place. She fidgeted a little, trying to handle her emotions. Then she sighed deeply and nodded.

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The moon was full, dominating the black sky with its bright brilliance. It was a cool night, very young and peaceful. It gave the two individuals a distraction from their infamous battle. They both walked quietly, passed the night walkers as they stepped into Syaoran's apartment.

Sakura entered the familiar room and felt more relaxed. She walked in and paused as Syaoran shut the door. The room was dark until Syaoran switched them on. They were both alone in the empty room, and Sakura suddenly felt alone.

She walked in and took off her shoes away from her sore feet. Syaoran headed for the kitchen to grab some water for the both of them. Sakura gave thanks as she accepted the glass of water and took a huge gulp, releasing the huge knot in her throat.

Syaoran bit his lip and paused before he continued to speak in a weak tone, 'I'm sorry I lied to you.'

Sakura watched as his eyes traveled down to his glass and whispered, 'I spoke to your sister…'

Syaoran held his breath in a moment before he said, 'I tried not to look back at my past. My father had long been a distant person and he never accepted me for who I am.'

'Then why did you do this?' Sakura interjected, 'why did you make such proposition if you hated him so?'

'I didn't hate him…' Syaoran said, 'I just didn't recognize him as part of the family… He wasn't my father.' Those last words he spoke quietly, as if directing them to himself.

Sakura shook her head and gave him a disagreeing face, 'but he still is and he will always be. He took care of you. And more so that you have a family that loves you.'

'He didn't love me,' Syaoran intercepted and turned his head away. 'All he cared about was his stupid company, the all forsaken company.'

Sakura did not reply but paused as her mind started to pace forward, 'I know how you must feel… but then here's a question… why?'

Syaoran looked back into Sakura's eyes and saw her lips trembling. He wanted to kiss her so much. He wanted to take her in his arms again. But he gulped and said in a voice that sent jolts town her spine, 'I have never felt so much in love as I am with you now, no matter how corny that might sound. And I know that if I lose you, I would hate myself forever.'

Sakura felt her heart searing with pain, the pain struck her chest when he spoke those beloved words. She had dreaded this and felt her tears threaten to fall. She tried to swallow the knot that had grown in her throat only to feel breathless and speechless.

Syaoran placed his glass softly on the table and walked towards Sakura. He took her trembling hands in his and placed his forehead on hers, their nose touching each other and their lips inches apart.

Sakura felt her knees weakened and she felt his hot breath against her lips as he whispered, 'you have made me the happiest man in the world. I don't want to lose you.'

Sakura could not handle it anymore. Hot tears fell onto her rosy cheeks as she trembled. She sniffed and felt his body pressed lightly against hers. It felt so comfortable and fulfilling and she whispered to him, 'you know you can't lose me.'

Syaoran shivered and closed his eyes and smelled the sweet smell from Sakura's hair. His mind wandered to the closeness of their bodies and felt the heat rising from his body. He touched her cheek with his lips and felt the soft skin burning. Sakura felt her heart began to race as her chest pounded rapidly against its cage.

'Then… what's going to become of us?' Sakura whispered in his ear and she gripped his expensive jacket. Syaoran loved her grasp. It gave him a sense of reality but at the same time so surreal. He absorbed those words and spoke in a rough voice, 'I had always wished you happiness.'

Sakura shook her head and trembled, 'I am nothing but happy if the happiness I sought is lost.'

'I would rather do this than having you unhappy with another man,' Syaoran whispered back.

Syaoran could feel her body relaxed as he inched towards her lips. 'But I will be back,' he continued and placed his lips softly against hers. Sakura felt her world crumble beneath her. His gentle touch had made her weightless, as if floating from the ground.

Sakura parted from his breezy touch and bit her lip. She finally took the courage to look at him in the eye, tears glistening in her eyes.

'Then I will wait for you,' Sakura whispered those daring words.

Syaoran felt electricity running through his veins, an elaborate obsession that began to stir his heart. It was not only her words that made him searing with heat, but the passion he saw in her eyes made him quiver to make her his even more.

Syaoran made a small smile, so genuine that it made Sakura perplexed by his sincerity.

They both made no words but shared a silent gesture as Syaoran pressed his lips firmly against hers. His hands traveled from her waist to her hair, feeling the soft texture. She smelt so good and it made him intoxicated.

As they both shared a well painted passion, they sincerely united their equally shared feelings. It was an abstract impersonation of a detrimal relation.

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It was a few days later since the breaking news of Syaoran's new found position. It seemed like such a strenuous to deliver such decision but the couple managed to frame themselves in their new lives.

Sakura's brother was happily engaging himself with his new found respect for Li-sama and his company, all the while, trying to forget just how much Syaoran Li is involved in the company, while Sakura was managing her own responsibility in taking care of her company. Interestingly, the newly bonded couple Tomoyo and Eriol found themselves hard not to get all over each other. Much like Sakura, who resisted the word love, Eriol was madly in love with Tomoyo and he couldn't get his hands off her. Of course, Tomoyo didn't object to that.

Yukito often visited Sakura during his time off as he got a promotion in his company. They would have tea together and plan the future like an odd couple, Of course, not a real couple. Yukito was on a mission to make Sakura happy while Syaoran was away.

And as for Syaoran, he was ready to start his endeavor. Or so he thought.

Syaoran scanned his nearly empty apartment after he placed his last package near the door. He started to reminiscing his past as he glanced over the living room. It seemed a whole lot smaller than he imagined it was.

Eriol tapped him on the shoulder, stepping into his daydream.

'So you're definitely gonna miss this place huh?' Eriol said as he too stood beside him and examined the room, 'man it looks so small all of the sudden.'

Syaoran could only smile softly and said, 'yeah… yeah it did.'

Eriol patted his back and said, 'I'm gonna miss you too man.'

Syaoran chuckled weakly, 'yeah, same here. We were brothers.'

'We are brothers,' Eriol corrected and Syaoran laughed.

They both sighed.

They both knew just how close they were. They knew each other's personality by heart. With the ups and downs that they encountered, they still stood together amongst the difficult time.

'Well I think you're gonna forget about me since you'll be living with your… 'girlfriend,'' Syaoran joked and Eriol punched his shoulder.

'Yeah of course I will,' Eriol stated back, a silent humor they both were familiar with.

Syaoran was silent before he spoke, 'you know she is an amazing girl.'

Eriol chuckled softly, 'and so is yours.'

'I think we both met our perfect match, don't you think,' Syaoran wondered out loud,

'I hate to break it to you but we did,' Eriol agreed, 'and it wasn't easy. I mean, we ended up hurting someone.'

'Well, that's understatement,' Syaoran chuckled, 'unless if someone and persons means the same.'

'Yeah we all learn from our mistakes,' Eriol said, 'we're still young. We can still seize the day.'

'Don't sound so poetic.'

'I am and you know it.'

Syaoran chuckled. This was harder than he thought, He knew he had made the hardest decision of his life but it's done for. No turning back,

Eriol saw his rather wounded expression and walked over to touch his shoulder, 'you know man, I don't think I could ever do what you did. I mean, for the first time in my life I actually respect you.'

Syaoran raised his eyebrows and Eriol laughed. It was such a refreshing moment. 'It's been four years since your break up and you're already in love. I mean, I'm proud of you.'

'Don't get all sappy now,' Syaoran complained.

'What? So do it later?' Eriol shook his head, 'it's nothing like I would have imagined you know, with all the drama and tears. I thought your problem is so cliché.'

'Yeah and yet the rest of the world is enjoying it,' Syaoran said in a flat tone.

'It's all crap but it's true. And hey… you're living it,' Eriol said and raised his hand.

Syaoran smiled and sighed. It would always be Eriol who he could trust. They had always been brothers.

No sooner that their silent moment together, scanning their apartment, there was a loud noise behind them. The sounds of joyous laughter and giggles was heard when Rika, Chiharu, Yamazaki and Naoko entered the room.

'Hey you guys,'

'My god look at this apartment.'

'Hey is that my sandwich?'

'Yamazaki, you say it don't spray it.'

'I need a blow dry.'

It brought a huge smile to Syaoran's face as he watched his beloved friends enter his domain. They were always behind him no matter what happened.

As his friends hugged him and patted him on the shoulder, Syaoran couldn't help but think that life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.

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Sakura walked out of her bathroom, wrapped in a red towel, her wet hair pulled up, showing her slender neck. She took a pause as she stepped on her golden brown parquet and stared at herself in the mirror. Today was the day that Sakura would have to give him farewell.

She had recounted all the wonderful days she spent with him and how much they really mean to her. She looked into her somber eyes, dark circles around her green eyes. Sakura felt she had hit rock bottom.

Sakura held back her remaining tears as she dreaded this day would come. Sakura recalled her past night, when they both had shared a private intimacy, a wondrous journey which seemed to last forever. They would embrace each other, neither seeming to have the heart to let go and he would kiss her brow. It was such gentle tenderness which sent shivers running down her spine. Sakura kissed him back, slowly pressing her lips across his face. Then she would look into his eyes, as if trying to remember his every detail, every inch of him.

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The day had finally come for the newly couple to separate. Sakura was standing at the front gate of the airport, the sound of airplane taking off in the distance. She always hated being in an airplane. It would make her shiver and scared.

Sakura stood, trying to hold her pieces together, as she held on her small purse, the jingle of her keychain juxtaposed against the sound of the loud plane. The wind blew a silent whisper as tears escaped her eyes.

Syaoran is gone

There was nothing else in her mind of the absence of her love. Sakura could not gather up her courage to say goodbye. Even as she tried to push herself to see him, she could not. Every time she tried, she would feel a deep burning in her chest and sharp pain in her eyes.

All she could do was silently follow him, watching him leave his car. He gave more hugs and kisses to his friends as she watched through her car window. She noticed with her blurry vision as he scanned the crowded airport, looking right and left as if hoping for something to appear... But did not….

So as he finally made his way into the room, Sakura watched slowly, and got out of the car as the breeze swept her locks of golden brown hair. Then she made her way to where he last stood.

Syaoran is gone.

Sakura felt hot tears running down her rosy heated cheeks. He had been the one and she could feel a part of her was taken away. Sakura felt helpless. She understood why the word love existed. She thought she could never understand the word love. Love was like an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.

Sakura hated herself.

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Sakura's POV

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I was still standing. I was still standing like a hopeless lost puppy looking for its owner. I couldn't shake off the feeling of dejection. There was more sorrow in me than I have ever felt in my life.

I tried to look at all the positive ways I could think of. In any way, he would come back and I had promised to wait. And I will keep my promise.

I gazed down to the hard marble floor and stupidly enough was thinking that he would come back and search for me. After all he's done, he's done enough. Now it is my time to start living my own life, a life with the help from Syaoran.

I closed my eyes and turned around to walk out of the entrance. But I stopped in my tracks when I heard the sound of a familiar voice, calling out my name. I spun around, hoping with all my heart that I was not in delusion. But my heart had what it had desired as the voice belonged to a man I desperately needed.

Syaoran was running breathlessly with a pained look on his face that I couldn't help but think something bad had happened. But when he approached me, he smiled with rosy cheeks, his brilliant glare of chocolate brown colored eyes, staring deep into me.

'I knew you would come,' he said breathlessly.

I could only look down in embarrassment but to my sudden surprise, I was more than happy to see him one last time.

'I thought I couldn't help the thought of seeing you go away,' I said with difficulty, the pain stinging my eyes, 'but I have no idea why, my legs run to you.'

Syaoran watched me deeply and I longed for that look. I missed him already. How pathetic. 'Well, I'm just glad you came,' Syaoran whispered as busy people walked by. They seemed oblivious to us. All I could think of was remembering this day.

'I will come again and you know that,' Syaoran said with watery eyes. Stop it. You're making it worse.

I nodded, holding back the tears that was forcing its way out of me, 'yes, and I will wait.'

It seemed like one of those scenes taken from movies, where long lovers separate from each other. But this time, I knew I would miss him, but someday I will meet again. And that was all I could hope for. My man and my dreams, if he is my destiny, then destiny will set us back again.

When Syaoran departed after leaving me with one last warm kiss, I kept it in my heart. This obstacle is just a beginning to a happy ending, and I can't wait for that moment to come.

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EPILOGUE

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Normal POV

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1 year and 8 months later

It was starting to snow that night and Sakura was gazing out into her room window, to see the falling drops of white angels. She peered into the cold window and saw the glass fog from her breathing. She smiled reassuringly to herself and heard a knock at the door,

'Come in,' Sakura pointed out and rearranged her long satin gown.

Yukito peered through her door and smiled at her. As he walked in, Sakura couldn't help but gave him a big smile.

'I knew you were ready… knowing tonight will be another adventure,' Yukito said as he studied her.

Sakura blushed fiercely; knowing for a fact that tonight was her big night. Sakura was having a great life. Her company is blossoming like Sakura blossoms in the spring, awaiting the sun to arrive and give life.

Touya seemed to be in good hands as he enjoyed working in the company with the alliance with Li-sama, which at first he somewhat hated for the fact that Syaoran Li was in relation with him but he handled it through time. Yukito continued in with his business and he was enjoying working with stress and the bitter sweet memories with the Yue Company.

There was another knock on the door and Sakura knew who it was. Before Sakura could mutter a word of welcome, the door opened and in came Tomoyo with her dazzling smile and her pretty long black ebony hair, which she pulled back in a bun, emphasizing her beautiful face.

She beamed at Sakura and they both hugged each other.

'We haven't seen each other in a long time,' Tomoyo spurted out as she hugged her best friend.

'I am so happy you are here,' Sakura replied back, the same sweet smile that caressed her face glowed sweetly amongst the bedroom light, 'where is---?'

Before she could utter a word, Eriol came in with a big smile on his face. He had his black hair cut short and replaced his glasses with a pair of contacts. He beamed brightly at Sakura and gave her a huge hug.

'This is such a pleasant meeting,' Sakura said when Eriol let go of her.

'We were just on our way to dinner,' Eriol winked and smirked.

Tomoyo shoved him and said, 'I was planning on visiting you right after we landed here. But Eriol was so fussy. It was hard to get him out of the toilet.'

Eriol blushed and bowed his head, 'um, I don't really, um, like, airplanes.'

Sakura smirked back, 'well at least you are here. You've been away for a year and you have no idea how much I missed you. I need you here, you know. No more going back to Paris. It's enough for now. Do the fashion parade somewhere else.'

'Well, I do have a fashion show going on here this winter,' Tomoyo said happily, 'it's going to be a white Christmas theme. And I am planning to make it as huge as possible. Maybe even a semi-outdoor experience.'

'and if you ever need any help, you know where to go,' Sakura said and held Tomoyo's hand in hers,' it's great that now you run your own show. I'm so proud of you.'

'As a matter of fact, Sakura had been doing pretty well lately,' Yukito said.

Tomoyo and Eriol laughed. 'Well her day is just about to get better,' Eriol said with a twinkle in his eyes.

'Sakura, don't make us keep you waiting. I'm pretty sure you are anxious about this.' Tomoyo said.

'Well, not really Tomoyo,' Sakura replied, 'I have had enough practice for a year and a half.'

'Alright then, I suppose it's time for you to go,' Tomoyo smiled and gave Sakura a peck on the cheek,' we have to make it to our dinner reservations. We're already late.'

Tomoyo gave one last hug to Sakura and gave her a reassuring smile. Sakura waved goodbye, 'you can see me anytime you know. You're always welcome.'

'You know I would never miss that,' Tomoyo gave on last wave and a kiss-bye before closing the door.

A few seconds later, Yukito walked to the door, 'I guess it's also time for me to go.'

Sakura gave a frown, 'aw, you don't have to go too.'

Yukito only smiled pleasantly and bowed, 'if there is any consolation, I know there is someone you are dying to meet. And I am not going to stand in the way.'

After Yukito left, Sakura's heart beat twice as much and she shivered. Syaoran had come to visit her once a year but he was so busy that they didn't have much time to be together. She knew that he had sacrificed a whole lot for her and how unfair it was that neither choice seemed to do them right.

Sakura walked to her dresser and examined an already opened letter. She picked it up and reread it for like the thousandth time. It was a letter from Syaoran which had arrived yesterday. There was a picture in it. It was another picture of her, the one he had took a few years back. Sakura was in solitude. She looked so serene in that picture and she secretly smiled. Sakura put down the photograph and re-read the letter.

It was an invitation, to meet him at a fancy restaurant of the Four Season's hotel. Sakura was puzzled by that letter since it was so spontaneous. It would only mean that he will be arriving on that date: which was today.

Sakura frowned at his secrecy. But she ignored it because she couldn't wait to see him again. Grabbing her purse and glancing one last look into the mirror, she turned off the light and walked out the bedroom.

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It was seven pass 5 when Sakura entered the main entrance of the Japanese restaurant. The place looked so expensive and grand, scenery not too odd for her eyes. As she walked in, she noticed some eyes made her way; she cleared her throat and walked in.

A waiter came to welcome her. 'Yes, a reservation under the name Syaoran Li,' Sakura spoke to the waiter and he nodded and beckoned for her to follow him.

They passed the diners and many couples who were enjoying their meal. But they didn't stop until they reached a rather small wooden door and he opened it. It led to what made Sakura's breath stop. They were out on the ceiling of the 27th storey building. The wind was washing away Sakura's hair as she gazed surprisingly at the scenery. It was most beautiful and Sakura felt time stop as she watched with such extended view to the world down below.

The snow had stopped falling and Sakura could see the luminous colorful lights shining through the white plain. She found herself transfixed by the beauty that she did not see the waiter bow and gave her a small smile.

It was a small balcony with a canopy, catching the falling snow. There was an antique iron table with white silky smooth table cloth and two chairs with big white bow tied behind. It looked so classical, with white rose flowers decorated around the cream walls and dark stones. Sakura was breathless.

Sakura felt the soft wind blowing the silky drapery hung above her with gracefulness. She gazed out towards the city below her with a huge smile upon her face. But it soon disrupted because of the voice that interrupted her happy thoughts.

'At last…'

Sakura's heart stopped. She felt the air drew out from her lungs when she recognized that voice. She whirled around and found the handsome intruder, smiling down at her. Sakura could feel her eyes started to water and her throat tightened. He looked different.

Syaoran was standing, clad in a black suit, like a gentleman. He gazed at her and smiled so sweetly, his brown hair falling slightly in front of his amazing rich chocolate eyes. He had his hands inside his pocket as he walked slowly towards the gasping Sakura.

As he reached her, he drew his hands from his pocket and held it towards her, as if inviting her to his territory. Sakura shivered as she accepted his offer by giving him her hand. She walked towards him and felt suddenly shy. She looked down and she could feel tears starting to blur her vision.

Syaoran drew her to him and held his right hand against her cheek and his other to the small of her back. Sakura looked up at him and felt a small cold tear fall from her green orbs. Sakura bit her lip and felt heat spreading throughout her face. Syaoran could only smile from seeing her cheeks turning rosy, supposing it was not from the cold.

'Syaoran,' Sakura whispered as she gazed into those longing brown eyes.

'You have no idea how much I have missed you,' Syaoran whispered back. He held her cheeks with both hands and came closer. He touched her red lips softly at first, inviting the lingering feeling before he kissed her deeply. They were hungry for each other. They expected nothing more than this floating sensation, the satisfying feeling of being touched again.

They both pressed their lips against each other, and neither seemed wanted to let go. Until a few moments later, they parted, breathless and flushed.

Sakura smiled shyly at him and Syaoran gave a coughing laugh.

'Let's go eat and we'll talk,' Syaoran said and invited her over to sit.

Sakura was more than surprised at how different he acted. Syaoran was more like a gentleman and behaved with such manner, Sakura supposed came from his father.

As they ate, they discovered they did not need too much worrying of not being able to speak like they did. But they started the conversation smoothly and soon they laughed and giggled.

'I can't believe Eriol would be this way,' Syaoran laughed, his normal self beginning to filter as he glowed in the candlelight. He looked so perfect and yet so real.

'Well I always thought he would have the potential though,' Sakura said with a twinkle in her eyes as they both started to laugh. She had missed this so much. But now Sakura is happy that they had finally meet.

'But they do seem happy now,' Syaoran shrugged as he sipped from his wine glass.

Sakura nodded and allowed the waiter to take her plate. 'They do enjoy themselves rather happily. I wish them nothing but happiness. It's like that old saying I remember my mother once said to me: perhaps the feeling that we experience when we're in love represents a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be… it's like true love brings up everything—you're basically allowing a mirror to be held up to you everyday…'

There was a long pause as Sakura looked far out into the city, as if dreaming of something she secretly wished. She did wish them happiness, but there was something that felt like abandonment to her and sometimes found it very unsettling.

Syaoran gulped and held out his hand and reached hers. Sakura was startled and blushed. But he gazed worriedly at her, sadness greets her eyes.

'I know this has not been the best we ever had,' Syaoran whispered. Sakura shook her head and smiled, 'no silly… this is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life.'

Sakura was shaking a little. She found truth in what she said. She had never accomplished a happy life. But as long as Syaoran is still in her life, then she knew she had achieved a small aspect of the title happiness.

Syaoran sniffed, 'you seem to take this pretty well…' he gazed at her and focused into her eyes. She suddenly felt so exposed. 'Because I had such a hard time,' Syaoran continued, 'this distance thing… it's too much for me.'

Sakura frowned. It was hard for her too but she knew that as long as they preserve what they have then everything should be alright. 'I did… I did have a hard time,' Sakura responded with a small frown, 'It wasn't easy, knowing that you are somewhere far away. No, no, it wasn't easy. But I understood that and I took responsibility for waiting…'

Syaoran grew silent when Sakura drew her hands away. 'I thought that we understood each other so well. I mean look at all the traumatic experiences we both had, all those bittersweet memories. We learnt so much back then,' Sakura said in a louder voice.

Syaoran sniffed again, 'Sakura-san, I didn't mean that this is not a bottomless relationship.' He fidgeted a little, he seemed so nervous all of the sudden.

'And you're saying it wouldn't work out anyway,' Sakura said in a low voice, fearing what she was about to hear.

But Syaoran shook his head and gave a nervous laugh, 'No, Sakura that is not what I meant at all. It's' just that if we look back at our past, who would've thought this would work out.'

A spark of pain entered her lungs and heart when he spoke those words and Sakura grew a little impatient and nervous. She held up her hand to stop Syaoran from saying anything more. There was a sudden rush of cold air, filling her lungs.

'Stop,' Sakura said but she glanced away from Syaoran, 'don't, don't say anything more.'

'Sakura---'Syaoran interjected but Sakura stood up quickly with tears forming in her eyes. She didn't say another word but stomped away from the table. As soon as she was about to reach the door, a hand gripped hers and whirled her away.

Sakura was facing Syaoran's bewildered and yet handsome face. She suddenly felt so embarrassed and so exposed. She gritted her teeth and shook her hand away from his grasp. 'It took me at least two years to wait for you,' Sakura spoke with a hard and broken voice, 'if all that was, was just a scam then---.' She had tears in her eyes and her throat felt so dry. She had never felt so hurt in her entire life.

Sakura whirled around but Syaoran held on to her wrist and said quickly, 'Sakura you've misunderstood---'

But Syaoran's words were soon drowned by the sound of a huge slap across Syaoran's cheek. The movement was so fierce that something fell out of Syaoran's coat.

Sakura had tears formed in her eyes but she saw the object that flew from Syaoran's pocket. She gasped at her sudden reaction. She would never have expected things would end up this way.

But Syaoran, instead of getting angry, he stopped short and held his cheek with one hand while he walked to pick up the object. It was too blurry for Sakura to see but she suddenly stopped crying. A wave of heat spread throughout her face when he showed the object to Sakura. He looked down at it and closed his eyes, as if regretting a secret he tried to hide.

When he looked back into her eyes, there was pure serenity. Sakura was never in a state of such weakness. His eyes bore deep into her soul, as if sucking the life out of her and sent such vibes that made her shiver and weak in the knees.

In his possession was a small velvety box in which he held with care. When he opened it, Sakura felt her lungs breathing for air. Her heart rate started to pace a hundred knots and for a second Sakura couldn't believe her eyes. She was staring at a beautiful diamond ring. It was so elegant and feminine with small green rocks at the side. It dazzled brilliantly as it was washed by the shine of the candlelight.

New tears were formed in her eyes and Sakura couldn't help but put her hands to her mouth. Suddenly she realized how foolish she was and closed her eyes and said, 'oh my gosh.'

'I guess this wasn't how I expected that I would propose,' Syaoran said in a rather embarrassed tone and fidgeted a little.

Sakura slowly put her hands down and felt the air filling back her lungs. She licked her lips and bit her lower lip as she stared at him. 'I am so… so sorry,' Sakura whispered with an apologetic smile.

'You know what, that doesn't matter,' Syaoran responded and walked further towards her. When he was only inches apart, he held one of her hand and slowly kneeled down. Sakura felt her heart beat rapidly than ever. She could feel herself floating.

'My dear,' Syaoran said slowly with a husky voice and smiled crookedly, 'what I was trying to say… before you got all sensitive and misunderstood what I was going to say…' With that rather clumsy remark, Sakura giggled and nervously fidgeted.

Syaoran paused.

'I love you,' Syaoran continued and looked deeply into her colorful eyes, 'I would think that distance would be a problem. In all those years I have waited, I don't think I could live another second without you by my side.'

Sakura felt her knees weaken and slowly knelt down in front of him, still holding his hand, 'You have made me the happiest man in the world… and you let me… I promise I would spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way…'

Sakura sniffed and let out a small nose-plugged laugh, as she let tears streaming her cheeks.

She had finally found him. The man she felt destined to be with her. Sakura looked back at him as he spoke those beloved words, 'I stand before you as a man in love. And nothing will make me happier, Sakura, than for you to be my wife.'

Sakura closed her eyes and felt her troubles fall behind. She shook her head and started to laugh.

'Of course,' Sakura started with a happy laughter, 'yes, yes!'

Sakura felt like she was in a dream. All of this seemed so surreal, so cleverly inserted in her bizarre life. But when she felt his lips on hers, nothing else felt real to her. She was in heaven, enjoying every last bit of it. And they held on to each other tightly knowing they will start a new adventure. This is just the beginning to a happy end.

And so it seemed… that Sakura… had finally found her prince.

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

--Franklin P. Jones

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I am very sorry for this very long update… but I have finished it with an epilogue and this took me the longest because I also had some end of year exam and moving out thing to do. I'm in Canada now and I have settled down in a new house and rest for a bit before continuing before the next story.

Thank you for reading. It was really hard to get the ending going, not with all the writer's block, so I decided to do it this way. I hope you all like it even though it is a little cliché. It's hard work (not really).

Next plan of mine would be to finish Way to the Top, and then re-edit Controlling Emotions as well as finishing it off. Then I will continue writing Irreplaceable to the Heart, which then I will continue on with a story in the making.

My next story of course of Syaoran and Sakura will be a little more dark, angst and complicated but dramatic with hints of action and comedy. It is definitely a romantic story. Hint: it will be about the seven deadly sins.