Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura isn't mine!

"We have to stop it…" a woman sitting on the bench, her presence unknown by Sakura and Syaoran.

"Before they fall in love…"

Over the Border: Chapter Seven

"What is this 'sun' that only comes out at night?" Sakura asked, curious to know what Syaoran had planned. So far, he had impressed her with his ideas, but she was far from falling in love with him. For that, Sakura was glad.

The prince was only a friend.

Just a friend, nothing more, right?

Syaoran put a finger to his lips, smiled mysteriously, and motioned for Sakura to cover her eyes with the blindfold as he slipped his hand into Sakura's, and led her further and further away from the sounds and light of the city. Sakura could hear the sounds of the citizen's slowly dimming away, and she tightened her grasp on Syaoran's hand.

"Where are we going?"

There was no reply.

"Syaoran? Syaoran!" Sakura whispered, worried.

"Shh…you'll disturb them. Now, you can look Sakura." Syaoran said softly, removing Sakura's blindfold.

She took it off, and she gasped at the sight.

Syaoran had truly, totally, gone beyond Sakura's expectations. Before her very eyes, were scenery filled with fireflies, flying hauntingly over the forestry. In one way, the dim glow of the fireflies were sinister; frightening, one could even call it…but on the other hand, it was hauntingly beautiful. The silent buzzing of the fireflies brought Sakura back to reality, and she turned to Syaoran, her eyes searching within his.

"Why did you do this?"

Syaoran didn't reply, and he closed his eyes, and murmured, "Marriage without love is nothing. I believe you said so, Princess Sakura."

Sakura felt a sudden sadness and deep disappointment anchoring itself within her heart. She clenched her fists, "Then I suppose, this is your so-called 'methods' to get me to fall in love with you!"

Syaoran looked up suddenly, and a certain panic crossed his face, "No! That's not what I meant!"

But from that second onwards, Sakura made it clear she was not going to hear any explanation of Syaoran's. Her eyes lingering upon Syaoran's, Sakura whispered, "Then what is it, that you really want…Syaoran."

Syaoran's eyes were suddenly filled with rage and a fierce desire, "…what if I said, I wanted you?"

…

Fujitaka slowly brought the cup to his lips, and opened them ever so slightly, every dip of the liquid running down his throat. He smiled strangely as he put the cup back down, and he murmured to the servant, "Please, prepare the hall. I believe there is someone awaiting me outside the castle. Please, I shall greet them myself."

The servant, Miyuki, was baffled. Who was important enough for the king to greet himself? Shaking, she made her way to the kitchen to prepare a meal. Having served the king and Princess Sakura for so many years, she had inkling to when disaster would fall upon the family.

Each footstep Fujitaka took echoed within the hallway. But soon, the echoes came to a halt as he paused in front of the grand hallway. He reached to open the doors, to meet the darkness of the night. Smiling at the figure in front of him, Fujitaka said softly, "Sashiburi desu ne…" It's been a while.

The figure held up a hand, motioning for Fujitaka to stop, "No politeness between us, Fujitaka-san."

Fujitaka's smile widened, and he beckoned for the woman to come in, "How long has it been? I distantly remember you disappearing from the royal courts a little over ten years ago. Has it really been that long now?"

"Fujitaka…" the woman warned.

"Yes…I know that my curiosity had once to many troubled you in the past…Yelan." Fujitaka murmured, "Saa, would you step into my humble home? All here will definitely welcome you."

His reply was a harsh glance at his tired, worn out face. Without saying another word, Yelan stepped through the castle gates, her long, silky black hair shining. Fujitaka smiled, "You haven't changed one bit, have you? Not since the day you disappeared."

Yelan, once again, made no reply, and instead, bit her lip.

"My son…" she croaked, "Where's my son?"

"Ah, you must be referring to the first son of Countess Sayuri and your past husband, King Li, am I right?" Fujitaka nodded, "But why do you refer to Syaoran as your own son?"

He frowned, "Could it be…"

Yelan looked up, her eyes brimming with unfallen tears, "He's my son…Sayuri merely forced the possession out of my hands. Syaoran knows it, and Li knows it too."

"And why…did they do so?"

Silence fell upon Yelan, as she slowly stood up, and with a sad smile, she reached for her bracelet, "Please, next time you see Syaoran, give this to him." And with one last lingering glance at Fujitaka, she forced the bracelet into his hand.

"Please don't let your hatred against Sayuri pit you against the royal family." Fujitaka said lightly, "I suppose you're leaving now, aren't you?"

Yelan nodded briefly, before abruptly standing up, "With my regards, Fujitaka."

"And mine, Yelan."

…

"I…I…" Sakura stammered, lost for words. She found her eyes, captivated within the amber orbs of Syaoran's.

"Never mind what I said, Kinomoto. I just wanted to get it out of my system," Syaoran muttered, "I've never expected you to return my feelings, I was only the annoying brat that happened to cross your path. We'll be returning to our own pathways shortly, after all this fuss about engagement and marrying is over."

His eyes flashed with silent rage, "And I shall never cross your pathway ever again. It's for the best, isn't it?"

"Li…I…"

But before she finished her sentence, Syaoran pulled her into a crushing embrace. She could feel his ragged breathing on her cheek; and to her horror, she found droplets of tears were landing upon her shoulder. She could feel him, hurting – everything he had suffered through for all the years he has been alive – seeping into her very soul. She closed her eyes.

She would never forget this moment, even if their pathways never crossed again.

"I…I don't want that…Syaoran…"

And darkness overwhelmed the forest as the fireflies' lights went out.

…

A/N: writer's block. Ended in a hurry due to SOMEONE rushing me XP Just kidding.

E/N: No Isabella. I have not been rushing you. You yourself have been taking forever to upload your stories. DO NOT BLAME ME! I AM INNOCENT! ahem Anyways, yeah, this is a pretty good story. Word has problems.