Title: Her Prince, Her Knight

Pairing: Rika/Syaoran

Canon: manga

From the beginning, she found him interesting. Not that they ever really spoke, but there was something about him that caught her attention, Truthfully, he caught every girl's attention, even the ones who were involved, as she had been. Even at a young age, he had been extremely attractive on more than one level. Naoko had said it best perhaps when she commented that he was like a long lost prince, striving to protect the princess that he loved.

And of course, everyone knew that princess was Sakura.

Oh, after a fashion, he was kind and polite to all the girls in the class. He was almost friendly Tomoyo, even, but it was nothing compared to how he was with Sakura. Often, she'd seen the way they would be together, just talking, but in that simple action they managed to create an atmosphere that separated them from the rest of the world. One had only to look at him to see the adoration in his eyes.

Truthfully, that just made him more attractive. Chiharu, Naoko and she would often sigh whilst looking at the couple. He was so openly devoted to Sakura, so ready to do anything for her, to protect her. He was a prince, the kind girls dreamed about

Then, one day, he left and such fancies passed. She only thought of him in reference to poor Sakura. After all, she had her own love.

***

The first time he came to her rescue was in their second year of high school. When he came across her crying in the park at the end of the day, he hadn't had to ask her why. Everyone knew. A week from the horrible event and it was as fresh in her mind as it had been an hour after. At school, she was able to hold back the tears and at home she acted as if she was okay, but when she was alone, it was harder to keep up that wall. Silent tears streamed down her face as she tried, refusing to give in the grief, refusing to be foolish enough to let it hurt her.

She hadn't even noticed him until a square of fabric was thrust into her view. Gasping, she looked up to find him looking down at her, concern writ on his features.

"L-Li-kun!" she stuttered. He said nothing, instead putting his hand forward again, silently urging her to take the handkerchief. "T-thank you," she murmured, taking it from his hand. As she mopped up her tears, he watched her, silent, patient. When she finished, she held it up to him but he waved it away. She smiled at clutched it in her hand, unsure what to say.

"He's a fool, you know."

Her eyes widened in shock. Kind though he may be, he had never been the sort she pictured to say such things, nor had he ever been the first to speak in most cases. She couldn't think of anything to say and instead just stared up at him.

"I mean it. He's a fool for letting you go. But you…Sasaki-san, you aren't a fool for being hurt. Don't think you have to hide the fact that you hurt."

Tears welled in her eyes again and she nodded.

He hesitated, as if unsure of what he wanted to say. "And, uh, you know, you might feel better if you let yourself be upset. If you get it all out, you can start to let go."

She gave him a watery smile. "You are very wise, Li-kun."

He smiled ruefully. "I think it is more to do with being raised surrounded by women."

She giggled slightly. "I see."

His expression sobered. "I mean it though. He's the fool. Not you."

"Thank you, Li-kun."

He nodded, frowning a little in indecision. "I need to go but if you need…."

"Go. I…I think I need to be alone for a little while."

"Okay." He turned to leave before glancing over his shoulder at her. "And, you know, Sasaki-san, I'm sure you will find someone better soon. Someone who deserves you."

As she watched him go, tears filled her eyes. Instinctively, she knew that in moments her emotions would take control of her again, but for that moment she couldn't help but think about him. Naoko had been right. He really was like a prince, a somewhat awkward one perhaps, but a prince. And, for a moment, she wondered wistfully what it would be like to be held in his arms while she cried. What it would be like if he were her prince.

***

Five years later, he came to her rescue in an entirely different way. She had been on her way to her car after a night class, uncomfortable as always that she had to walk the long distance to her car in the darkened parking lot. More nervous than alert, she focused only on getting to her car as quickly as possible not noticing the figure lurking just out of the light.

She screamed when a hand reached out to grab her and might have screamed again but the sound died in her throat when she saw the gleam of light illuminating the blade in his hand. She stilled I her struggle, shock and terror stealing the fight from her as he put the knife to her neck.

He cut her slightly before withdrawing the blade to hold in front of her face as she stared, transfixed.

"Good," her attacker began. "Now, I am—"

He was cut off by a blur of motion that had him flying across the cement. Her eyes followed the motion, glued to the now seemingly unconscious figure before turning to look at her savior.

"Li-kun!"

He didn't look at her as he approached the still figure on the ground. Crouching over him, he looked to be checking for signs of consciousness, or life, before letting out a satisfied snort. Finally, he looked up at her.

"You okay, Sasaki-san?"

"Y-yes. Thank you!"

"Good." He turned back to her attacker, thoughtful, before stripping him of his belt and using it to tie him to the lamppost he'd landed by. "Scumbag." Sighing, he looked at her again and rose to his feet to looker her over himself. He frowned once he got closer. "He cut you."

"I'm okay."

"You're shaking," he pointed out in argument. Looking over to the figure, then back at her, he nodded slightly. "Come on, I'll drive you home. You can call the cops to come get him while I drive."

"What about my car?"

"I'll call that stupid boyfriend of yours and we'll get it to your house later. The really important thing is that you get home safe."

She nodded, blushing, and gathered her things before following him to his car. As she walked she knew that he might be Sakura's prince, but on that night, he was her knight.

***

"What was that for?" he asked, blushing as he put his fingers to the place on his cheek that she'd just kissed.

"It is my way of saying thanks for your help over the years and for taking care of Sakura. I've never seen a happier bride. Like a prince and his princess."

His blushed deepened and he nodded before excusing himself embarrassedly to attend to the other wedding guests. She laughed as she turned to find her date, her love. Li had been right. She'd found someone knew, better than sensei had ever been. Still, a part of her knew that Li would always be her knight in shining armor, her prince, even if she wasn't his princess.

A/N: Okay, so it didn't end up being funny. Couldn't get the funny to work right. And, honestly, I'm not particularly satisfied with this. I think it ended up dragging out too long. *shrug*

Reviews would be awesome and constructive criticsm rejoiced over. Thanks!