Author's note; Just want to say thanks to everyone who reviewed my chapters so far! This is my first ever fanfic so I really appreciate you telling me what you think! Here's another chapter to keep ye going ;) By the way I said in the first chapter Syaoran and Tomoyo were in Austria but I mean to say Paris so soooooory for that :)

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Syaoran's POV

Morning rays filtered through the curtains to settle on my eyes, thus awakening me.

Another morning.

For the past few months sleep would not befriend me. Once again I woke up to be curled up on the very edge of the bed away from my fiancée.

Looking over at Tomoyo I saw nothing but a mass of black hair engulf her face exposing her lips. She slept lightly and only then did I notice her hand outstretched onto my chest. I drew circles on her hand lightly as I didn't want her to wake up.

You don't deserve her. A voice said in my head. It was true though, I didn't. Tomoyo as long as I known her was a very sweet girl.

Impressionable, but sweet.

The fact was I doubted I could give her what she wants.

But do you want her?

Yes of course I do… I think- wait! Of course I do.. don't I? My minds all messed up at the moment.

I sighed. In attempt to direct my thoughts to something else I found myself pondering on the events of yesterday, of her. Only when I saw those green eyes did it all come flooding back to me. The reason I bury myself in work, the reason I can't look Tomoyo in the eye for more than a second, the reason I feel guilt. Guilt for something that happened five years ago.

But she said she was ok with it. So why should there be guilt?

"Syaoran, I've never been so sure about anything in my life. I want nothing more than for you and Tomoyo to be happy no matter what. You have all my blessings."

She said with such sincerity, such confidence yet…. There was a hint of… falsity?

I shook my head. No I know Sakura, she's my best friend, well was, I guess we might have drifted apart slightly over the years.

If she were lying I'd know right? Wouldn't I?

I should have called her that night like I planned. The night I proposed to Tomoyo. I wanted to see for myself if Sakura would be ok with it, but I didn't, because I was afraid of what the answer might be. I didn't know what to do if I heard hesitance in her voice. It didn't matter what I wanted to do. I did what I had to. It's not that I don't love Tomoyo, I do. Since I proposed I guess I'm just a little confused. It was best to just propose first, consult later.

Tomoyo was wrong though. Sakura wasn't lonely; she had what his face… Reggie? Yeah, that douche-bag pothead from high school. They had a thing. Thank God it ended. I don't know what she saw in him. I guess I didn't like to think about it either.

Do I still have strong feelings for Sakura?... Well I-

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone vibrating on my locker.

Swiping it of the locker I groaned when I read the caller ID.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" I whispered to myself.

Reluctantly I answered it.

"What?"

"Show some respect for your mother." She snapped down the phone.

"Sorry, what do you want mother?"

"It's an improvement." She said in a tight voice. "I'm flying in tomorrow I expect a driver to pick me up around three."

"What!" I said sitting upright. "You said you weren't coming to next week why suddenly now?" My voice rose which cause Tomoyo to turn on her back where she then opened one lazy eye at me. I smiled at her and mouthed "My mother" to her.

She nodded and closed her eyes but I knew she was groaning inside. She feared my mother. She'd host a dinner for the grim reaper over my mother.

"I know that Syaoran! But I want to get re-acquainted with Japan before your engagement party."

"What? We're barely three days engaged! Why now?"

"Don't think of it as an engagement party think of it as a reunion party with my future daughter in law. I'll be hosting the actual engagement party in March. Next weeks too soon for my liking. Honestly did Fanran not go through this with you?"

"No. She didn't." I said through my sawing teeth. I sat on the edge of the bed clutching my hand around the mattress, imagining it was Fanran's neck.

"Getting a little ahead of yourself aren't you mother?" I said bitterly.

"Oh don't get so worked up Syaoran. I haven't seen darling Tomoyo in ages. Your sisters want to meet her again too."

"Do not bring them mother." I warned. Tomoyo would freak. Fanran was all she could handle at the moment.

"You're being ridiculous Syaoran. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Isn't it enough you made me go to fucking Paris?" I hissed out of Tomoyo's hearing. "isn't it enough you bought the engagement ring for me without even asking me if I were planning on getting married?"

"No need to thank me, goodbye."

She hung up before I could react or object.

God I hate when she does this! Even now when I'm an adult she still feels the need to control everything. Even with her heart condition you'd think she'd ease off. She was a spiteful and manipulative woman who successfully moulded Fanran into a miniature clone of her.

Speaking of my eldest sister….

I paced silently out of the room as to not wake Tomoyo. I waited until I was on the other side of the house before roaring with fury.

"FANRAN!"

"There is no need to shout little brother." She said from the kitchen supping ice tea and intently reading a newspaper.

"What the hell do you think you're doing organising a reunion party with our mother without consulting me?"

She acted as if she didn't hear me for a while before slowly lifting her head. "Oh, did I not mention that? I must have forgotten. Sorry." She oozed sarcasm. "Technically, it was mothers idea I merely assisted her like a good daughter."

I clenched my fists into a ball and took a lot of self control not to put her into a coma.

"Why now? We're just engaged. It's bad enough with you here why does the whole Li family have to be here?"

"You know how much of a socialite our mother is chances are she has a meeting or potential clients. She'll use any excuse to make an occasion out of it." When she saw I was not impressed with her she rolled her sharp eyes and said. "I'll organise everything, my gift to you."

She smiled our mothers smile. Twisted. Even in this semi-kind gesture, she had intentions of her own. I however, had too much to think about to be concerned.

Fanran snapped the newspaper shut and adjusted her dark brown hair into a tight bun.

"I'm bored." She complained, always complaining.

"Then fuck off back to Hong Kong." I spat whilst making my way to the coffee machine.

"You know, I sometimes get the feeling you don't want me around."

"You know what they say, go with your instincts."

Aiming a cold glare at me she stood up to her almost six foot frame and sauntered over to me.

"I want the jeep, give me the keys." She held out her hand waiting.

"No way. Do you even know how to drive?"

"Of course I do!"

When she saw I wasn't going to budge or let her so much as touch my jeep she pushed by me and headed towards the door.

"Fine then, if I can't have the jeep, I guess I'll go give Sakura a little visit. She's a small walking distance from here right?"

My heart beat faster against my ribcage.

"Wait!" Knowing Fanran like I did, she wouldn't hesitate to call into Sakura. "Here." I said throwing her keys to my jeep, my baby. "But leave Sakura alone. If even hear you stopped outside her apartment I'll-"

"Yeah, yeah you'll do something that sounds threatening."

You think she would leave after that, but honestly, this was Fanran. "Still very close to Ms Kinomoto aren't we Syaoran? I'm surprised you even look at the poor girl after mother's warnings. You know how feels about all that. Tell me now, does she know you still keep in contact with that pathetic little-"

"Leave Fanran!" I knew what she was getting at. She was clawing her nails into a wound that was sensitive, and loving it.

Fanran had no real reason to hate Sakura.

It was pathetic really. But to be honest, Fanran was just a snob. She did not to associate herself with people who she considered were not upper class. She takes right after our mother.

So in theory, it didn't matter who it was. If you weren't coming into a large amount of fortune, or not already swimming in cash, you were a nobody to her.

But it was the fact that Sakura challenged her, embarrassed and exposed Fanran for what she was, that is what made her despise Sakura. Still to this day, she feels she has to take a stab at Sakura at any chance she gets.

Sakura always matched Fanran in the battle of wits however. Sakura was right yesterday, she didn't need my help with Fanran, but I helped her anyway. I couldn't help it; I was on the edge of my seat seeing Sakura upset like that, so I snapped.

"You know, for forty percent of the company you'd never see me again. I could have a pretty little office in Hong Kong. You wouldn't even have to call me, a nice e-mail every now and again would do."

This was a little game Fanran liked to play. She was a bit bitter that our father, on his death bed left me the soul owner of Li enterprise. It was his dying wish. Well technically it was my mother who owned it until I was married. Once I was, then it would be passed onto me.

This pissed Fanran off. I suppose it would if you were the first child and saw everything your parents did be given to the youngest of five.

Fanran turned to leave when she felt she ruined my morning enough.

"One more thing Fanran. I never want to hear you speak to Sakura like you did yesterday understand?"

She smiled wickedly, God I hate when she does that!

"It was innocent chatter Syaoran. Funny though, what concern you have for her when you barely even kiss you future bride. Kind of ironic you left Paris five days earlier for a business meeting that never went ahead to come back to this place where she lives. It almost makes me suspicious. Wouldn't you say Tomoyo?"

I paled while turning towards the door to see Tomoyo standing in her dressing gown looking wide eyed and confused as if being shaken out of a dream.

Shit. How long has she been standing there? Please God say she didn't hear all of that.

Fanran whizzed out the door fast as lightning knowing I would kill her.

I gulped not knowing what to say.

"Morning." She finally said and floated over to the table in a dream like state.

"Um… hi." I hid my embarrassment and flicked through the paper trying to resume normal behaviour. If she was trying to ignore what she heard, I appreciated it.

I didn't hear her approach me but jumped as her arms draped around my arm as she placed her head on my shoulder.

I tensed. I didn't want to, but I did. I couldn't help it, it was just some fucked up reflex I had any time she touched me unexpectedly. I not that I don't like her touching me, I just didn;t like to be touched unexpectedly by anyone.

"Syaoran." She whispered.

"…Yes?"

"I'm worried."

"About what?"

"Sakura."

Again I tensed. It was rare we talked about Sakura when she wasn't here. I could feel my palms getting sweaty. I feared she'd bring it up. The subject we tip toed around for years.

"Why?" I said sipping my coffee trying to hide any reaction.

She said nothing but pulled away from me. For the longest time we just stared at each other. Her small frame looked petite next to mine. Her bottom lip twitched as if her thoughts were desperately trying to speak independently. I was mentally on the edge.

I tried to will some sort of force to make her say what we were both thinking but too afraid to say for so long.

Please, just say it! Open Pandora's box, I dare you!

"I… she's distant." Her voice sounded as if it would break. She's obviously had this on her mind for a while. As did I.

"Why do you think that is?" It was a borderline question with an obvious answer.

Tomoyo put her hands to her cheeks and shook her head.

Just say it….just say it…

"I…I'm being stupid!" she laughed, thus breaking the intense atmosphere. Inside I fumed. But could I blame her? If I wasn't going to say anything, why should she?

"I'm going to see my mother. I'll be back around noon." She leaned up to kiss me quickly before turning to leave me.

Damn it! Would it always be like this? Would our marriage harbour that denial?

No, It wouldn't, I won't let it. Like a child I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand where Tomoyo kissed me.

I tried yesterday with Sakura, and failed. I can't leave it at that.

You owe her an explanation, my common sense spat in my head.

I do, and when I eventually man up and get the courage, I'll tell her.

Sakura's POV

Ok so… a lot has happened today.

The first, in the form of an e-mail,

Sakura,

Thanks for the feedback on my latest track, I appreciate it.

Don't worry about me being too lonely out here either; I assure you I'm fine!

I heard the news about Syaoran and Tomoyo's engagement, crazy isn't it?

I'm flying into Tokyo on Wednesday but unfortunatly won't make it to the party his mother is hosting.

I was wondering if you could put me up for a night of two? It'd just be temporary until I found a place of my own.

I guess I'll talk to you soon, sorry about the short notice!

Eriol.

"Eeeeeeeeeep!" I squealed for a solid two minutes after reading the e-mail.

Eriol was coming home! For the first time in what seemed like ages I laughed with the giddiness of a ten year old.

Through my mid-squealing, I suddenly froze. Swivelling around on the computer chair to face the screen, I re-opened the e-mail scanning through it quickly.

I heard the news about Syaoran and Tomoyo's engagement, crazy isn't it?

He knew. Oh God poor Eriol.

Let me explain, two years ago, Eriol was madly in love with Tomoyo. For while I though the feeling was mutual, obviously I was proven wrong. My instinct told me that Tomoyo definitely had a thing for Eriol. Maybe that was before Syaoran.

He was ok for a while when Syaoran and Tomoyo started dating. In fact, he was relatively normal and seemed fine throughout high school. The breaking point for him was when Tomoyo and Syaoran moved in together.

I found out then, Eriol was not ok with it… he never was.

He snapped.

"I can't do this! I- I just can't be here with them! Seeing them every day! Seeing her kiss him.. it's tearing me apart!" he said this over and over again.

I tried to calm him but it proved useless. He couldn't leave! We poured our emotions out to each other! If he left, hat would I do? He couldn't leave!

He did though.

He returned to London, his birthplace where he's now living as a successful musician.

Now he was returning. I wonder if he's changed. We've kept in contact over the past year and a half he's been gone. But there is so much one can hide behind an e-mail or phone call. He seemed a lot better now then he did when he left. He seems to have 'winged himself of the drug' as he says.

Is he over Tomoyo now? God I admired him. He had the courage to walk away for her to be happy. Instead of staying and silently wishing like a spy. I wish I had the courage to do that.

Re-reading the e-mail something finally clicked.

Wednesday? That's tomorrow! My head was still not properly screwed on, I was not with it.

As I said, a lot happened today.

The second thing came in the form of a phone call.

"Hello?" I said this morning at about six thirty as I was just about to leave for work. The plan was too work till half two that day and make it over to Tomoyo's for three for this party thing. Honestly I didn't want to go but Tomoyo was making me. She claimed meeting the whole Li family in one go was too nerve-wracking.

"Kinomoto-chan. It's Nakamura."

"Nakamura-san!" I said down the phone to my boss. "I'm not late am I? I'm just on my way-"

"No no. Um look Kinomoto-san I have to let you go."

"…What?" My voice dropped.

"Yeah, we're getting new more… how do I put it….more experienced people for the project in and there's simply no more room for you. But hey keep your head up kiddo. You're a damn good worker. You'll find work soon enough."

"Whoa wait I'm fired? Shouldn't I get some sort of notice?"

I found myself speaking into a dead phone line.

I'm jobless? Just like that?

… Fuck

So far the two events have cancelled each other out. Whether to feel ecstatic for Eriol returning or defeat for my now unemployment I don't know. I wasn't even fired for being shit at my job! It was the fact I was to inexperienced in comparison to these new people.

I flopped back onto my bed unable too process my events so far.

I guess its job hunting from tomorrow on…..

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It was four o'clock by the time I pulled up at Tomoyo's house.

I squeezed my Toyota (Graciously given to me second hand on my eighteenth birthday by Toya) in between what I recognised was Yelen Li's Black Mercedes and Fanran's. I might have purposely parked a little too close to Fanran thus blocking her exit but…. Ah well.

I could hear a good few voices mumbled from inside the house.

Stepping out of the car (which was a tight squeeze) I walked up to the door. I was too busy pondering in my own thoughts I didn't even notice Syaoran sitting by himself on the bench outside on the porch. He had his head buried in his hands with his fingers almost lost in his thick hair.

I thought of just ignoring him and going inside but he looked so down I had to say something.

"Hi." I said trying to catch his attention.

I startled him as he jumped and smiled meekly. He looked tired.

"Hey," The voices inside grew louder. Both Syaoran and I looked in the direction of the voices. They were all female, poor Syaoran.

"You're very brave to venture out here. Do you know who's here?" He smirked. I knew who he was referring to.

"Yeah," I sighed. "Tomoyo didn't want to re-face your sisters again… alone anyway."

He nodded understanding. God he looked so tired.

"What's wrong?" He asked sympathetically. Possibly picking up on my downer from earlier.

"Oh… nothing." I went to go inside but Fanran's nasally laugh stopped my feet from moving.

Maybe it was just my lack of determination to face them all, or my lack of sleep that possessed me to willingly sit beside him.

There was a serene atmosphere out here. A cool breeze lifted my fringe from my eyes.

"I got fired." I said relieved to spill it out.

"What?" Syaoran snapped out of his lazy posture and sat upright.

"Yeah, I'm not experienced enough for the project we were doing."

"That's bullshit. You're as good as anyone!" Syaoran seemed to generally be as annoyed as I was.

"Thanks Syaoran." I looked at him and only then realised we were sitting quite close. To be fair, it was a small bench.

Our shoulders brushed lightly which caused some goose bumps to appear on my arm. The view was quite amazing. Tall blossom trees stood tall with their branches intertwining into each other. Their pinkness glowed under the greyness of the never ending overcast.

"I should probably go in now." I commented getting too comfortable where I was.

"I should too. I left when the discussion of the floral detail for the wedding got too intense. Tomoyo's mom is no help either. If anything she's encouraging my mother's bossiness."

"You should stick by Tomoyo. How do you think she's coping with your family when your not."

I saw him chuckle silently not picking up on my serious tone. "I guess you're right."

Silence again.

He walked to the edge of the porch with his arms crossed. His tight t-shirt defined his muscled.

"You know Sakura… Tomoyo and I are building another wing to the house. I haven't hired anyone yet to design the west wing…. If you're unemployed at the moment… would you consider maybe..."

I gulped.

I knew what he was getting at. But could I do that? Could I really involve myself in what would be a huge part of their future?

Nervously I braved to look at him and as I feared he was looking down at me intently.

Our faces were inches apart and I caught my breath.

"Syaoran I… I don't know." It was so hard to break contact.

"Why not?" He questioned. His eyes seeming to burn into mine.

"B-because…" I didn't know how to reject him kindly. "I-I don't want to impose on something that's special to you and Tomoyo."

"You would be imposing on nothing. Besides I'd rather you than a stranger." He smiled revealing his pearly teeth.

God he was making this difficult. The better part of me wanted to say no and to keep my distance from him. Yet another part of me leaped to say yes.

It wasn't so bad was it? I mean, it's just like working….in the soon to be house of the man I might still have feelings for… Where's Eriol when you need him?

"Please say yes." He said after I hesitated. Worry almost creeping into his eyes.

"…Yes." It was barely a whisper.

The smile that came on his face was heart warming and I had to look away for fear he would see me blushing.

"Can I ask you one more thing? It's kind of important and…I could only ask it of you." This time he did not look at me but out to the garden. My pulse quickened. The softness of his voice worried me.

"What's wrong Syao-"

"Syaoran!" Tomoyo emerged out to the porch. She was frazzled and wide eyed and looked ready to cry.

"What's wrong Tomoyo?" Syaoran said standing up.

Tomoyo picked at the end of her hair. Something she did when she was nervous…..

"Um… they're talking about me wearing your grandmothers wedding dress… and they want fish for the wedding dinner and…. I'm allergic and all…And Fanran said you and I are moving to Shanghai…Are we? Cause I-I don't think I can get a job there an-" Her voice shook to the point I could barely make out what she said. She was getting over whelmed.

Syaoran sighed and whispered, "We'll talk later. Tomoyo, Fanran's just winding you up." He walked over to Tomoyo and put a protective arm around her and whispered something comforting into her ear which make her smile nervously and nod.

I clenched the end of my skirt and looked away. My teeth automatically grinded together. I side glanced at them seeing him kiss her forehead softly and stroke her arm with his hand. My stomach knotted slightly. A familiar emotion of jealousy took over me briefly.

"Sakura, I'm glad you came!" Tomoyo said suddenly noticing me.

"Well you did ask me." I said in a way that made her flinch. Even I didn't like how that came out.

"Oh… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made you come." She sounded hurt.

"Sorry Tomoyo. I got fired today… I guess I'm just pissy." I crossed my arms across my chest as if to conceal any upset vibes I could be sending.

"Oh Sakura I'm so sorry. You should have said so."

"It's ok, besides Syaoran offered me a job." I looked at Syaoran who perked up.

Tomoyo looked at him confused which made him explain.

"it makes sense don't you think?" He finished.

For a while Tomoyo said nothing but merely kept a slight frown on her face. I felt my palms go sweaty. I got the feeling she wasn't so keen on the idea.

"That's perfect! You can start Monday!" She gushed.

Our conversation was stopped when the familiar voice of Yelen Li summoned us inside.

"Kinomoto-san!" Yelen said as I walked in behind Tomoyo, who I noticed was clutching onto Syaoran's arm like a child facing a pack of wolves.

"Li-san." I bowed slightly at the beautiful woman sitting at the very top of the long table, asserting her dominance. Next to her was Sonomi Daidouji, Tomoyo's mother. As usual she was sucking up to Yelen. Nothing less from Sonomi, even if she was my aunt.

"How nice to see you again." I said trying to make it sound sincere.

"You too I suppose. Even though this was a family occasion only."

Ooooh straight to the insults are we Yelen? To her right Fanran snickered and then whispered something to Sheifa, (the second oldest sister) which made them both giggle. Feimei sat staring blankly at the opposite wall probably wishing she was at a nightclub considering she was the wild one of the sisters.

I said nothing reminding myself Yelen was not Fanran and also one of the most important women in China therefore I could not answer back. Besides, I was outnumbered.

She smiled a tight smile. As much as I dislike the women I had to admit she was stunning. Even her four daughters (Who were all staring at me by the way) were outshined by Yelen. She could have fooled anyone into thinking she was Syaoran's sister with her wrinkle-less complexion and grey-less mahogany hair.

"It's nice to see you've grown into those ears too." She commented to me before resuming her previous conversation with Sonomi.

Great… it's going to be a long day.

It was ten o'clock when I returned home.

I wanted to leave earlier but Tomoyo begged me with her eyes to stay. It wasn't just her, it was Syaoran too. Every now and again we'd make eye contact and I could tell it was not my time to leave. He sat across from me and even though I didn't speak directly to him, his presence was always there.

He never got to ask that favour. To be honest he never got a chance. The whole evening was consumed by Yelen's voice and the odd input of either the Li sisters or Sonomi. I made light conversation with Fuutie who was only three years older than me. She was an awfully shy and timid girl who seemed constantly uncomfortable around people so the fact she talked to me was nice. She hesitated and held back too much conversation due to the watchful eye of Yelen who made it quite obvious she didn't want me there.

Syaoran tried though only because of my hinting glares in his direction. He failed miserably against Yelen though. Not even Sonomi dared question Yelen with the involvement of Tomoyo's wedding. She just nodded with admiration for Yelen. Why she's always taking a liking to Yelen I'll never know.

Tomoyo made no effort to object to any of Yelen's plans for the wedding. She simply picked at the ends of her hair and twirled her wedding ring.

God did it have to be so fricking big? You could probably see that thing from outer space!

Anyway it wasn't all so bad, a few unnecessary insults casually aimed at me but nothing I couldn't handle. Tomoyo thanked me too many times for the moral support and Syaoran just nodded as I departed.

Wrapped up in my own thoughts I entered my apartment block and stopped at the twelfth floor.

As I entered the hallway I stopped in my tracks.

Two brown leather suitcases were stacked on top of each other outside my door, and on them sat a man with a pair of slim black glasses which matched his thick black hair. He sat hunched over with his hands cupping his face and stared at the floor possibly daydreaming.

"ERIOL!" I screamed loud enough to shake angels of clouds.

Sleepily looked in my direction and smiled a familiar wide smile.

Once again I reverted back to my child like form and ran into his now open arms.

"I can't believe you're here!" I shouted with excitement wrapping my small arms around his neck.

He laughed lightly.

"Well this is a nice welcome back." His voice was the same with a hint of his English accent coming through. He squeezed me tighter and buried his head into my hair.

He even smelled the same I noticed after inhaling his scent. I pulled away from him to look into his sapphire eyes which were never short of kindness.

"But I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow. Don't get me wrong I mean I'm so glad to see you." I couldn't stop the questions that rolled off my tongue but he just laughed and took it all in.

"I'll explain everything if you'd be so kind as to put me up for the night,"

"Of course!" I said with enthusiasm.

"I've missed you so much Sakura. It's been too long."

My eyes welled up and I hugged him again unable to hold back from crying. I couldn't explain it butjust knew, a ray of sunshine just broke through the thick clouds of my life.

Eriol, one of my best friends, my confidant…. And he was here.

Yaaaaaaay Eriol's back!

Again thanks everyone for the reviews I really appreciate them! I'm trying to update as many chapters as I can before September because I'll be entering my final exam year of Secondary school.

I feel bad getting Sakura fired from her dream job but just rememberrrr…..everything happens for a reason! :D

My next update will be soon :)