Konnichiwa!!!! haha got this out as soon as I could. ANDDD I got up
early just for you guys just to finish this next chapter for you guys....ya
ungrateful...*shakes fist* haha jk jk so anywho...you guys want me to
answer the all these questions that are flowing eh? well give the readers
what they want I say HAHA ^.^ oh yea and just as a side note, I think I'm
getting writer's block again so bare with me okay guys? haha don't worry
though, cause the bigger block I get, the more I'm just going to write
about S+S hehe *It's easier that way.* ;p plz enjoy this next chappie I
wrote just for all you people out there!
' A Love Before Time '
He hadn't said anything for quite some time now. Just kept her in his firm, warm embrace. By now Sakura didn't care for a thing in the world. She was with Li, and that was good enough for her. A satisfied smile crept on her face as she wrapped her own arms around his body. Her movement though caused him to press his body closer.
"Don't ever leave me again." his voice was rough with emotion. "Sakura..."
She stiffened, "Wait, how do you know its me?"
He looked down at her and smiled, telling her in his own way that she had just confirmed his accusation.
"When did you know?"
He reguarded her her for a moment. "Probably earlier but most likely when you began asking all your nosy questions." his right hand swept up to Sakura's face and pushed her bangs up slightly. "You have the most beautiful eyes, did anyone ever tell you that?"
Sakura shook her head. "I can't marry you, you know." she said, remembering when he had so bluntly told her she would.
He didn't say anything but found himself a chair and pulled Sakura down on his lap. Instinctively her arms went around his neck. She scowled at him. "I have to return back, it'll never work." she tried to make light of things, but she could see there was no amusement in Li's dark eyes.
"We had a big fight in the future too." she added quickly. "We don't get along, so the arrangement wouldn't work."
"I'll make it work."
The determined look his eyes displayed made Sakura smile. But nonetheless she shook her head.
"You don't understand, you want to marry Emike. You'll regret it in the future."
His hand brushed her cheek gently. "No, it's you who doesn't understand. Either I get you or no one. And trust me love I always get whet I want." he smirked arrogantly as he had done so often in the future.
Sakura glared directly at him. "Don't be stupid." she didn't want to have to tell him that her own life was on the line, because if she didn't do this Emike would definitely be back. But then if she did explain things, he probably would think she was just looking out for herself and she didn't want to sound so conceited.
Li sighed and Sakura couldn't help but think since she had known him, he had sighed so much he could've powered a small ship with all that energy.
Wearily he asked, "Can't you speak with me from where ever it is you're from? Tell him what's to be done." he eyed her suspiciously. "It is what you want isn't it?"
Sakura's voice caught in her throat. "What do you mean?"
"I mean what do you think of me?"
"Oh."
"Well..." he gave her the lightest of shakes.
"Uhh, that is...I am...what if? Do I have to?.....what do you want me to say?" she gave a nervous laugh as Li's eyes flashed a dangerous sign. Her feet tried to push her up but Li pulled her back down and replanted her on his lap.
"What?!" she said exclaimed.
He gave her a slanted curious look and gave a crooked smile. "What would you say?"
Sakura wetted her lips. "I would say," she hesitated, as his eyes grew narrower and narrower. "Let's not waste our time on these trivial things, I'm only here for a few moments longer." she gave her most cheerful grin.
Li looked as if he would fall over. "You're leaving again?" he asked exasperated.
"I can't control it." she said slightly irritated. "Now I...I'll talk with Li okay?" she averted her eyes so she wouldn't have to see the large grin appearing on Li's face. "But think about it before you decide Li. Emike really does love you."
"Love? The girl doesn't seem to comprehend what that word means."
"Why? Why are you angry with her? What has she done that is so terrible?"
"Simon." the name grounded out from his teeth. "He...he..." he turned to Sakura, the anger evident on his face. "That man-"
"Is boorish? Ungentle manly? Stupid? Unnecessarily rude? Conceited? An idiot?"
"Well yes all these, but I was going to say-never mind." he glanced suspiciously at Sakura. "How is it that you know him?" he played with a small lock of her auburn hair, taking it between two long fingers and twirling around with it, though seemingly unaware that he was doing so.
"Well there's a Simon in my time too." Sakura decided right then that she for sure did not want to get into the fact that she was once involved with the man. "What did he ever do to you?"
"He did something to Emike. She was always so light headed when she came back home." the grim look on his face told her he wasn't in the brightest of moods.
"How do you she was with Simon? Where would they meet?"
"She sneaked out whenever I was too busy to notice." his tone was smothered with...something. Sakura wanted to reach out and reconcile him with her touch but didn't want him to take it as something else.
"But you did." she said. "Do you know if they did do anything? I mean how would you know?"
Li looked at Sakura. "It's not the fact that she did anything with him, but why she had to lie to me. I take that very seriously Sakura, take note of that."
Sakura was suddenly puzzled. "But I know she still loves you. Can't you forgive her? Would you call a wedding off just for that? what if I did the same thing to you?"
He pierced Sakura with a look of scorn. "How can she still love me if she still stares at that man with glued eyes? She wants me for my money Sakura, not for love, obviously that's already been given to him." He kept his voice steady and calm, but the feelings he wasn't letting on could easily have been made out.
"I know what you mean Li but she made a mistake, you have to forgive her and get on with things. I know you still love her, and you're just making it worse by running her back into the arms of Simon. She'll need comfort and she won't find it with you Li. Do you really want that?" she gave a small pause. His eyes were plastered on hers so he was listening. She tried to make her voice level, and not sound like she was lecturing him. "Marry her before its too late. You know we can never be together. I don't want you to die a broken heart Li. You don't love me like you do Emike."
His hand brushed over Sakura's right arm and stopped at her face, cupping her cheek with his warm hand.
"Do you not love me Sakura? Am I not worthy of you? Why are you doing this?"
Sakura covered his hand with her own and with her other hand pressed on his chest. Frustrated she gave him a push. "Don't die on me Li. If you do and I see you back in the future, you'd think I'd be happy but I won't. Find your own happiness and I'll find mine soon enough. This is why I'm doing this. Not because you told me to in the future but because I know what's right. I wouldn't even be doing this if I didn't think Emike was a good person. In her heart I know she is. She's just more confused than ever. I know she regrets it in the future too." Sakura scanned him over, watching if her little speech had moved him in any way.
Li searched her eyes for but a moment and then pulled her into his embrace. Sakura frowned but complied easily enough, snuggling in to gather his warmth, his strength.
"What am I going to do with you?" he murmured into her hair.
That was the last thing she heard.
Sakura Awakes
Sakura tried to ignore the soft, persistent nagging that she was getting and pulled her sheets higher over her head.
"Wake up!" the voice practically screamed.
Sakura jumped, covering her ears as she did so. As soon as she figured where she was and who was here with her she gave a peaceful yawn. Slowly the distorted images from the sleepiness in her eyes grew much clearer. A quick smile acknowledged both people.
"Where were you last night dad?"
Fujitaka stopped scowling at his son and turned to his daughter. "I'm sorry Sakura, Touya and I had a lot to talk about."
"Oh" she gave a long stretch, "So we can talk now?"
"Of course."
"Then why's he here?" she shot a joking look of disgust to the young man sitting on a wooden chair on her right side, his arms crossed and lips pouty as if he didn't want to be here in the first place.
"You tell me." he grumbled.
"Well Sakura." Fujitaka cleared his throat. "We both have discussed this for a long time and since you're living in this house I" he corrected himself, "WE think it not very suitable for you to, I mean under the circumstances-"
"He doesn't want you in the same room as that Li guy." Touya rolled his eyes.
Sakura bit her bottom lip. "Well as you can now see, I've been moved to a different room."
"Newsflash Sakura, grandmother is going to send you back into the room. Then what are you going to do? I don't know if you've noticed much, but that guy isn't the kind of person who'll do anything anyone says let alone reason with them. Why aren't you in your own room?" he added.
Sakura stared at her brother. He was being very protective. "The window kept me up with its rattling." She lied flawlessly, feeling quite guilty. "Anyways, I can make him listen."
"Yeah that'll work," he began his grumbling again as soon as Fujitaka intervened.
"Sakura, these dreams you've been having aren't exactly normal."
"Wait, how do you know about them?" she was more puzzled then ever.
"Li was in here earlier." Touya sneered.
"Stop interrupting Touya." Sakura turned back to her father, who was patiently waiting. "Even so dad, I still have them wherever I sleep."
"Okay, well...What's the problem Sakura?" Fujitaka patted his daughter's hand softly. "Maybe I could help."
"How?"
"Well I'm not completely useless now that I'm dead Sakura. I've found that I have special abilities; at least I guess you could call them that. Sakura, I can enter people's thoughts quite easily."
"What?" her curiosity was getting the better of her. "You mean you can stand beside me while I'm in my dreams?" she knew ghosts had some power normal people didn't have but entering dreams? That was just a little bizarre.
She remembered the times that when Li would get mad at something and her drawers or mirrors would rattle but they would always stop when she asked him to. She shuddered wondering what other things her father and Li could do.
Fujitaka scratched his chin and frowned. "Well not exactly. I can see what's going on but only from the outside. I can't touch you while you're in your dreams but I can communicate to you."
Sakura tilted her head. "Can all dead- uhh ghosts do this?"
Fujitaka chuckled. "I haven't been dead that long cherry blossom, I 'm sorry I wouldn't know."
She felt stupid for asking such a question. "Sorry." she mumbled quietly, but as of now her hopes were soaring. This would definitely help things if what her dad was saying was true and just in time too. Three days before the wedding and if Li could do this ghostly act then it would help, help alot.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Quarter to eight." Touya replied, wondering what the girl was planning and not liking the way he was being ignored by both people in the room. She was still grounded so she probably couldn't leave her room and grandma Trinity said she shouldn't go to school until the next day. "What are you thinking about squirt?"
"I need to go and talk to Li." She rushed out of bed and stepped past Touya, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her to face him. He didn't say anything.
"Don't worry big brother. I'm developing a plan. First I need to talk to a couple of people." She tapped her head and smiled.
He looked at Sakura for a long time. "Be careful Sakura, things are getting dangerous. I lost dad already I don't want to lose my sister too." he released her arm.
Sakura blinked. Did he just say that? That was the nicest thing he had probably ever said to her in their whole life of knowing each other. "Thanks Touya, I'll keep that in mind. I gotta jet before grandmother realizes I'm not in my room." she gave a loving wave to both men in the room and ran out the room. "Come see me later!"
"Call me if you need help brat!" Touya shook his head. The girl was always on the run. Slowly he pushed the chair that he was occupying just a minute ago back into the nearby desk and walked out of the room, ignoring the look of approval his father was giving him.
*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
Sakura's grandmother sat in her own room, looking at her old album. They had been left behind from so long ago. She was happy her family had decided to keep them. Now they were hers.
No one had lived in this old mansion since she had moved in here with her family. Even as a little girl this house was what she called home. It was homely in its own way and she had lived here since she was six.
Her ancestors had lived here so long ago too, but really they were only half of her ancestors, as it had been only half the clan, the Donovan one. Though their name might have been lost, she had their blood. The other half was lost as soon as the Li clan's leader had died. Li Syaoran. Yes they were her ancestors too, for both clans had joined into one but no trace of their blood ran through her veins. The Li clan no longer functioned when Syaoran was gone, so over the years they slowly dissipated while the Donovan clan grew.
She was amazed at how well the pictures were kept, for though they were dusty and appeared as if they would fall apart at any given moment, you could still make out the pictures. And if her prediction was right, some of them may soon change, as the future will do some shifting on its own too.
*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
Sakura glanced around the hall making sure the coast was clear and in no way could she be caught. Then she charged into her room, checking every once in a while if anyone was behind her.
Without a sound she slipped into her room and pulled open the curtains. She never did like the use of artificial light; it was so dull compared to natural light.
"I was waiting."
Sakura didn't jump as she expected the voice. Stifling a sigh she turned to face the man in front of her. Thoughts of her last encounter with him flashed through her mind as she tried her best to ignore them.
As if on cue her mouth began sputtering words. "I did my best Li," she didn't know why she needed to explain to him but she did. She didn't realize how badly she wanted his approval. "I-"she stopped short.
"I know." he whispered. "I never doubted that you wouldn't."
Sakura nodded mindlessly and clasped her hands together. As if she was cold she began rubbing them until they felt like they were chaffing. She wasn't mad at him, just hoped the last time they spoke she wasn't too much of a drama queen. "What do you want me to do now?"
Li gave a nonchalant shrug, lifting just one shoulder. "There's nothing you can do now."
"What do you mean?" she moved the chair out of the way so she could stand in front of the window, the spot where Li often stood and looked out through. All week she had been forced to stay in bed and now just the sight of a bed or chair made her want to scream. "I can try harder if you like."
He took a small step towards her as if he didn't want to alarm her. "I won't budge. The way I see it, I'll probably just end up here again." she couldn't help but notice he said it as if he didn't care.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I'm going to die again."
Sakura shook her head violently. "That won't happen, I won't let it. You haven't lost Emike yet, don't give up yet Li, you'll come to your senses."
"Not very likely. I've lost Emike already and I don't think I want her back."
Sakura blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Then what have I been doing for the past couple of weeks?" she frowned, "What do you want?"
"You don't get it do you?" his eyes darkened. "I want you."
Sakura stood shocked for a minute before she seem to have come to her senses. Her brain processed the words he just said. Three measly little words. She could feel hot tears beginning to form behind her eyes. "I thought you hated me."
"I did." he replied quite easily. He didn't move from his position. The rising sun played shadows on his soft features as he stood unsmiling. "I know it's impossible for us to be together."
Sakura studied his emotionless face. He had been through so much. She wanted to comfort him a at that moment, maybe give him a hug, but if she did it looked as if she would have to pry open his arms. He didn't want her comfort yet he said he wanted her. She loved him, he wanted her. They were two different things. So why did he want them to be together? Did he not love and want Emike anymore?
Sakura looked at the ground. "Are you sure you don't want Emike? It can still work. She still loves you and-"
"I no longer love Emike, Sakura just forget it."
Sakura stood frozen. "You just called me by my name."
Li cocked an eyebrow. "So?"
"You've never called me by my first name before." her heart felt like expanding. It was foolish to feel this way but she couldn't help it. Why had he suddenly called her that? Why not Kinomoto?
"It's just a name Kinomoto." he quickly changed back but wasn't sure why he was going to call her by her last name again but saying her real name made him feel somewhat insecure. He didn't like that feeling. Why did he even say her first name? Why was she looking at him like that?!
He averted his eyes then.
Sakura gave a light shrug and remembered that she was getting side tracked. "Emike still loves you Li, doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Li immediately flashed a hand in the air in front of him. "Don't start with the sweet speeches Kinomoto, tell them to someone who cares. I've told you what I've decided."
Sakura stared at the hand that lashed out, beginning to feel her anger build deep in the core of her body. Her fists began unclenching and clenching. "And just what have you decided? To die?! I don't think that's something you're going to look forward to in the past. What do you want me to do? Go back and tell you that- oh the future Li doesn't want to live anymore so get ready to die. Maybe prepare yourself a good coffin and say your goodbyes because you're going to die-"
"Kinomoto."
"Oh yeah and just one more thing, get ready to give your clan over to the Donovan's because it's going to all belong to him once you desert your clan, give up your life just over something stupid."
"Kinomoto."
"No Li this time you're going to listen." she took a large step towards Li and stuck a finger out right in front of her face. "Why are you doing this? All this was for Emike and now you want to just end it all when we're so close? Admit it, it's her you want, her you love!" Li's hands clamped down on her shoulders just then.
"You know what Kinomoto? Go ahead and finish what you started if you want to so badly. Fulfill your damn quest if it'll make you satisfied. Somehow convince me that I want to marry Emike, because you know what? No matter how good a job you're doing I'm not going to see it in any other way. Back in the past, I want you and if I can't have you then I'm probably going to die, if I don't kill myself first." he spat his words out so harshly Sakura felt herself flinch.
She locked her eyes with his and shot daggers. "Fine don't worry I'll knock myself out."
"Fine." he answered without missing a beat. "Either way he'll want you."
Sakura glared back at the eyes that were doing the same to her. She didn't want to ask but she couldn't contain herself either. "Fine that's all dandy. I know what he wants but what do you want?"
"We're the same person Kinomoto." he sighed in regret, or maybe it was disbelief.
"Well you've proven that you both act very different from each other so how would I know?" she wanted to put her arms on her hips but his hands were making that impossible. "Do you want the same thing?"
"Yes." he leaned in and touched his forehead with Sakura's. "Yes I do."
Sakura drew back. Tentatively she asked, "You want to be with me?" her voice was nonetheless surprised.
He cocked an eyebrow, making it seem all too obvious.
Damn this man! One minute he's treating me like dirt and the next he has to say this. Sakura felt like ramming her fist into his face but couldn't get herself to do the act. It was going too perfect too! He was mad at her, she was mad at him. They would both be happy when it was time for one of them to leave, Stupid, insufferable man!
"When did you want this?" she asked suspiciously, though she was very much in awe at the moment, and her voice was hoarse. She didn't have to speak very loud since he was so close. His skin felt cool on hers.
He chuckled. "Trust me Kinomoto, before time."
She tried not to but smiled at that comment. "How was I to know whom you wanted?" she asked placidly. "You loved Emike. You love Emike." she corrected herself.
"Now just replace the name with yours Kinomoto."
Sakura saw Li smile and now she smiled back with all her heart. It was the most beautiful smile she ever saw and received from this emotionless man. His eyes shone like amber in the sun as he released her. Sakura liked this feeling of being together. For once she could look into his eyes and not be yelled at for staring, for she would always think she was ill, probably because she looked like an idiot.
Suddenly she was also quite aware at how his gaze no longer held hers but had dropped to her lips.
Eh? eh? Satisfied?! I put a lot of effort into this people haha and trust me this is still not the end....there's still the problem on how they'll be together!!! And what of Emike? Simon? Grandma Trinity's kinda scaring me.....man how old is she? she seems to know a lot too...0_0 (face not a bad thing...;p )hehe soon my loyal subjects.SOON... ^.^ jk jk
Well was this chapter long enough for some of you out there? *fingers so cramped....need help.* haha ; ) you know you guys are worth it! anyways I'll get the next chapter out as soon as I can, thx for the reviews @_@ but I'm sorry you guys I gotta jet as Sakura says .....got my violin lesson soon and can't be late for that! haha hope you guys like this chappie because I really tried to follow the guidelines you guys gave me...did I do good? *Gets chucked at by a bucket and falls* aahhh!! haha anyways my fingers right now feel like they're going to fall O_0...HOW AM I GOING TO VIBRATE ON MY VIOLIN STRINGS?!!! Oh well, C-YA GUYS!! I'll figure something out...ARIGATO!! you guys really are the best! ^.^ signing off *finally ahaha* -silent wanderer
' A Love Before Time '
He hadn't said anything for quite some time now. Just kept her in his firm, warm embrace. By now Sakura didn't care for a thing in the world. She was with Li, and that was good enough for her. A satisfied smile crept on her face as she wrapped her own arms around his body. Her movement though caused him to press his body closer.
"Don't ever leave me again." his voice was rough with emotion. "Sakura..."
She stiffened, "Wait, how do you know its me?"
He looked down at her and smiled, telling her in his own way that she had just confirmed his accusation.
"When did you know?"
He reguarded her her for a moment. "Probably earlier but most likely when you began asking all your nosy questions." his right hand swept up to Sakura's face and pushed her bangs up slightly. "You have the most beautiful eyes, did anyone ever tell you that?"
Sakura shook her head. "I can't marry you, you know." she said, remembering when he had so bluntly told her she would.
He didn't say anything but found himself a chair and pulled Sakura down on his lap. Instinctively her arms went around his neck. She scowled at him. "I have to return back, it'll never work." she tried to make light of things, but she could see there was no amusement in Li's dark eyes.
"We had a big fight in the future too." she added quickly. "We don't get along, so the arrangement wouldn't work."
"I'll make it work."
The determined look his eyes displayed made Sakura smile. But nonetheless she shook her head.
"You don't understand, you want to marry Emike. You'll regret it in the future."
His hand brushed her cheek gently. "No, it's you who doesn't understand. Either I get you or no one. And trust me love I always get whet I want." he smirked arrogantly as he had done so often in the future.
Sakura glared directly at him. "Don't be stupid." she didn't want to have to tell him that her own life was on the line, because if she didn't do this Emike would definitely be back. But then if she did explain things, he probably would think she was just looking out for herself and she didn't want to sound so conceited.
Li sighed and Sakura couldn't help but think since she had known him, he had sighed so much he could've powered a small ship with all that energy.
Wearily he asked, "Can't you speak with me from where ever it is you're from? Tell him what's to be done." he eyed her suspiciously. "It is what you want isn't it?"
Sakura's voice caught in her throat. "What do you mean?"
"I mean what do you think of me?"
"Oh."
"Well..." he gave her the lightest of shakes.
"Uhh, that is...I am...what if? Do I have to?.....what do you want me to say?" she gave a nervous laugh as Li's eyes flashed a dangerous sign. Her feet tried to push her up but Li pulled her back down and replanted her on his lap.
"What?!" she said exclaimed.
He gave her a slanted curious look and gave a crooked smile. "What would you say?"
Sakura wetted her lips. "I would say," she hesitated, as his eyes grew narrower and narrower. "Let's not waste our time on these trivial things, I'm only here for a few moments longer." she gave her most cheerful grin.
Li looked as if he would fall over. "You're leaving again?" he asked exasperated.
"I can't control it." she said slightly irritated. "Now I...I'll talk with Li okay?" she averted her eyes so she wouldn't have to see the large grin appearing on Li's face. "But think about it before you decide Li. Emike really does love you."
"Love? The girl doesn't seem to comprehend what that word means."
"Why? Why are you angry with her? What has she done that is so terrible?"
"Simon." the name grounded out from his teeth. "He...he..." he turned to Sakura, the anger evident on his face. "That man-"
"Is boorish? Ungentle manly? Stupid? Unnecessarily rude? Conceited? An idiot?"
"Well yes all these, but I was going to say-never mind." he glanced suspiciously at Sakura. "How is it that you know him?" he played with a small lock of her auburn hair, taking it between two long fingers and twirling around with it, though seemingly unaware that he was doing so.
"Well there's a Simon in my time too." Sakura decided right then that she for sure did not want to get into the fact that she was once involved with the man. "What did he ever do to you?"
"He did something to Emike. She was always so light headed when she came back home." the grim look on his face told her he wasn't in the brightest of moods.
"How do you she was with Simon? Where would they meet?"
"She sneaked out whenever I was too busy to notice." his tone was smothered with...something. Sakura wanted to reach out and reconcile him with her touch but didn't want him to take it as something else.
"But you did." she said. "Do you know if they did do anything? I mean how would you know?"
Li looked at Sakura. "It's not the fact that she did anything with him, but why she had to lie to me. I take that very seriously Sakura, take note of that."
Sakura was suddenly puzzled. "But I know she still loves you. Can't you forgive her? Would you call a wedding off just for that? what if I did the same thing to you?"
He pierced Sakura with a look of scorn. "How can she still love me if she still stares at that man with glued eyes? She wants me for my money Sakura, not for love, obviously that's already been given to him." He kept his voice steady and calm, but the feelings he wasn't letting on could easily have been made out.
"I know what you mean Li but she made a mistake, you have to forgive her and get on with things. I know you still love her, and you're just making it worse by running her back into the arms of Simon. She'll need comfort and she won't find it with you Li. Do you really want that?" she gave a small pause. His eyes were plastered on hers so he was listening. She tried to make her voice level, and not sound like she was lecturing him. "Marry her before its too late. You know we can never be together. I don't want you to die a broken heart Li. You don't love me like you do Emike."
His hand brushed over Sakura's right arm and stopped at her face, cupping her cheek with his warm hand.
"Do you not love me Sakura? Am I not worthy of you? Why are you doing this?"
Sakura covered his hand with her own and with her other hand pressed on his chest. Frustrated she gave him a push. "Don't die on me Li. If you do and I see you back in the future, you'd think I'd be happy but I won't. Find your own happiness and I'll find mine soon enough. This is why I'm doing this. Not because you told me to in the future but because I know what's right. I wouldn't even be doing this if I didn't think Emike was a good person. In her heart I know she is. She's just more confused than ever. I know she regrets it in the future too." Sakura scanned him over, watching if her little speech had moved him in any way.
Li searched her eyes for but a moment and then pulled her into his embrace. Sakura frowned but complied easily enough, snuggling in to gather his warmth, his strength.
"What am I going to do with you?" he murmured into her hair.
That was the last thing she heard.
Sakura Awakes
Sakura tried to ignore the soft, persistent nagging that she was getting and pulled her sheets higher over her head.
"Wake up!" the voice practically screamed.
Sakura jumped, covering her ears as she did so. As soon as she figured where she was and who was here with her she gave a peaceful yawn. Slowly the distorted images from the sleepiness in her eyes grew much clearer. A quick smile acknowledged both people.
"Where were you last night dad?"
Fujitaka stopped scowling at his son and turned to his daughter. "I'm sorry Sakura, Touya and I had a lot to talk about."
"Oh" she gave a long stretch, "So we can talk now?"
"Of course."
"Then why's he here?" she shot a joking look of disgust to the young man sitting on a wooden chair on her right side, his arms crossed and lips pouty as if he didn't want to be here in the first place.
"You tell me." he grumbled.
"Well Sakura." Fujitaka cleared his throat. "We both have discussed this for a long time and since you're living in this house I" he corrected himself, "WE think it not very suitable for you to, I mean under the circumstances-"
"He doesn't want you in the same room as that Li guy." Touya rolled his eyes.
Sakura bit her bottom lip. "Well as you can now see, I've been moved to a different room."
"Newsflash Sakura, grandmother is going to send you back into the room. Then what are you going to do? I don't know if you've noticed much, but that guy isn't the kind of person who'll do anything anyone says let alone reason with them. Why aren't you in your own room?" he added.
Sakura stared at her brother. He was being very protective. "The window kept me up with its rattling." She lied flawlessly, feeling quite guilty. "Anyways, I can make him listen."
"Yeah that'll work," he began his grumbling again as soon as Fujitaka intervened.
"Sakura, these dreams you've been having aren't exactly normal."
"Wait, how do you know about them?" she was more puzzled then ever.
"Li was in here earlier." Touya sneered.
"Stop interrupting Touya." Sakura turned back to her father, who was patiently waiting. "Even so dad, I still have them wherever I sleep."
"Okay, well...What's the problem Sakura?" Fujitaka patted his daughter's hand softly. "Maybe I could help."
"How?"
"Well I'm not completely useless now that I'm dead Sakura. I've found that I have special abilities; at least I guess you could call them that. Sakura, I can enter people's thoughts quite easily."
"What?" her curiosity was getting the better of her. "You mean you can stand beside me while I'm in my dreams?" she knew ghosts had some power normal people didn't have but entering dreams? That was just a little bizarre.
She remembered the times that when Li would get mad at something and her drawers or mirrors would rattle but they would always stop when she asked him to. She shuddered wondering what other things her father and Li could do.
Fujitaka scratched his chin and frowned. "Well not exactly. I can see what's going on but only from the outside. I can't touch you while you're in your dreams but I can communicate to you."
Sakura tilted her head. "Can all dead- uhh ghosts do this?"
Fujitaka chuckled. "I haven't been dead that long cherry blossom, I 'm sorry I wouldn't know."
She felt stupid for asking such a question. "Sorry." she mumbled quietly, but as of now her hopes were soaring. This would definitely help things if what her dad was saying was true and just in time too. Three days before the wedding and if Li could do this ghostly act then it would help, help alot.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Quarter to eight." Touya replied, wondering what the girl was planning and not liking the way he was being ignored by both people in the room. She was still grounded so she probably couldn't leave her room and grandma Trinity said she shouldn't go to school until the next day. "What are you thinking about squirt?"
"I need to go and talk to Li." She rushed out of bed and stepped past Touya, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her to face him. He didn't say anything.
"Don't worry big brother. I'm developing a plan. First I need to talk to a couple of people." She tapped her head and smiled.
He looked at Sakura for a long time. "Be careful Sakura, things are getting dangerous. I lost dad already I don't want to lose my sister too." he released her arm.
Sakura blinked. Did he just say that? That was the nicest thing he had probably ever said to her in their whole life of knowing each other. "Thanks Touya, I'll keep that in mind. I gotta jet before grandmother realizes I'm not in my room." she gave a loving wave to both men in the room and ran out the room. "Come see me later!"
"Call me if you need help brat!" Touya shook his head. The girl was always on the run. Slowly he pushed the chair that he was occupying just a minute ago back into the nearby desk and walked out of the room, ignoring the look of approval his father was giving him.
*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
Sakura's grandmother sat in her own room, looking at her old album. They had been left behind from so long ago. She was happy her family had decided to keep them. Now they were hers.
No one had lived in this old mansion since she had moved in here with her family. Even as a little girl this house was what she called home. It was homely in its own way and she had lived here since she was six.
Her ancestors had lived here so long ago too, but really they were only half of her ancestors, as it had been only half the clan, the Donovan one. Though their name might have been lost, she had their blood. The other half was lost as soon as the Li clan's leader had died. Li Syaoran. Yes they were her ancestors too, for both clans had joined into one but no trace of their blood ran through her veins. The Li clan no longer functioned when Syaoran was gone, so over the years they slowly dissipated while the Donovan clan grew.
She was amazed at how well the pictures were kept, for though they were dusty and appeared as if they would fall apart at any given moment, you could still make out the pictures. And if her prediction was right, some of them may soon change, as the future will do some shifting on its own too.
*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
Sakura glanced around the hall making sure the coast was clear and in no way could she be caught. Then she charged into her room, checking every once in a while if anyone was behind her.
Without a sound she slipped into her room and pulled open the curtains. She never did like the use of artificial light; it was so dull compared to natural light.
"I was waiting."
Sakura didn't jump as she expected the voice. Stifling a sigh she turned to face the man in front of her. Thoughts of her last encounter with him flashed through her mind as she tried her best to ignore them.
As if on cue her mouth began sputtering words. "I did my best Li," she didn't know why she needed to explain to him but she did. She didn't realize how badly she wanted his approval. "I-"she stopped short.
"I know." he whispered. "I never doubted that you wouldn't."
Sakura nodded mindlessly and clasped her hands together. As if she was cold she began rubbing them until they felt like they were chaffing. She wasn't mad at him, just hoped the last time they spoke she wasn't too much of a drama queen. "What do you want me to do now?"
Li gave a nonchalant shrug, lifting just one shoulder. "There's nothing you can do now."
"What do you mean?" she moved the chair out of the way so she could stand in front of the window, the spot where Li often stood and looked out through. All week she had been forced to stay in bed and now just the sight of a bed or chair made her want to scream. "I can try harder if you like."
He took a small step towards her as if he didn't want to alarm her. "I won't budge. The way I see it, I'll probably just end up here again." she couldn't help but notice he said it as if he didn't care.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I'm going to die again."
Sakura shook her head violently. "That won't happen, I won't let it. You haven't lost Emike yet, don't give up yet Li, you'll come to your senses."
"Not very likely. I've lost Emike already and I don't think I want her back."
Sakura blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Then what have I been doing for the past couple of weeks?" she frowned, "What do you want?"
"You don't get it do you?" his eyes darkened. "I want you."
Sakura stood shocked for a minute before she seem to have come to her senses. Her brain processed the words he just said. Three measly little words. She could feel hot tears beginning to form behind her eyes. "I thought you hated me."
"I did." he replied quite easily. He didn't move from his position. The rising sun played shadows on his soft features as he stood unsmiling. "I know it's impossible for us to be together."
Sakura studied his emotionless face. He had been through so much. She wanted to comfort him a at that moment, maybe give him a hug, but if she did it looked as if she would have to pry open his arms. He didn't want her comfort yet he said he wanted her. She loved him, he wanted her. They were two different things. So why did he want them to be together? Did he not love and want Emike anymore?
Sakura looked at the ground. "Are you sure you don't want Emike? It can still work. She still loves you and-"
"I no longer love Emike, Sakura just forget it."
Sakura stood frozen. "You just called me by my name."
Li cocked an eyebrow. "So?"
"You've never called me by my first name before." her heart felt like expanding. It was foolish to feel this way but she couldn't help it. Why had he suddenly called her that? Why not Kinomoto?
"It's just a name Kinomoto." he quickly changed back but wasn't sure why he was going to call her by her last name again but saying her real name made him feel somewhat insecure. He didn't like that feeling. Why did he even say her first name? Why was she looking at him like that?!
He averted his eyes then.
Sakura gave a light shrug and remembered that she was getting side tracked. "Emike still loves you Li, doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Li immediately flashed a hand in the air in front of him. "Don't start with the sweet speeches Kinomoto, tell them to someone who cares. I've told you what I've decided."
Sakura stared at the hand that lashed out, beginning to feel her anger build deep in the core of her body. Her fists began unclenching and clenching. "And just what have you decided? To die?! I don't think that's something you're going to look forward to in the past. What do you want me to do? Go back and tell you that- oh the future Li doesn't want to live anymore so get ready to die. Maybe prepare yourself a good coffin and say your goodbyes because you're going to die-"
"Kinomoto."
"Oh yeah and just one more thing, get ready to give your clan over to the Donovan's because it's going to all belong to him once you desert your clan, give up your life just over something stupid."
"Kinomoto."
"No Li this time you're going to listen." she took a large step towards Li and stuck a finger out right in front of her face. "Why are you doing this? All this was for Emike and now you want to just end it all when we're so close? Admit it, it's her you want, her you love!" Li's hands clamped down on her shoulders just then.
"You know what Kinomoto? Go ahead and finish what you started if you want to so badly. Fulfill your damn quest if it'll make you satisfied. Somehow convince me that I want to marry Emike, because you know what? No matter how good a job you're doing I'm not going to see it in any other way. Back in the past, I want you and if I can't have you then I'm probably going to die, if I don't kill myself first." he spat his words out so harshly Sakura felt herself flinch.
She locked her eyes with his and shot daggers. "Fine don't worry I'll knock myself out."
"Fine." he answered without missing a beat. "Either way he'll want you."
Sakura glared back at the eyes that were doing the same to her. She didn't want to ask but she couldn't contain herself either. "Fine that's all dandy. I know what he wants but what do you want?"
"We're the same person Kinomoto." he sighed in regret, or maybe it was disbelief.
"Well you've proven that you both act very different from each other so how would I know?" she wanted to put her arms on her hips but his hands were making that impossible. "Do you want the same thing?"
"Yes." he leaned in and touched his forehead with Sakura's. "Yes I do."
Sakura drew back. Tentatively she asked, "You want to be with me?" her voice was nonetheless surprised.
He cocked an eyebrow, making it seem all too obvious.
Damn this man! One minute he's treating me like dirt and the next he has to say this. Sakura felt like ramming her fist into his face but couldn't get herself to do the act. It was going too perfect too! He was mad at her, she was mad at him. They would both be happy when it was time for one of them to leave, Stupid, insufferable man!
"When did you want this?" she asked suspiciously, though she was very much in awe at the moment, and her voice was hoarse. She didn't have to speak very loud since he was so close. His skin felt cool on hers.
He chuckled. "Trust me Kinomoto, before time."
She tried not to but smiled at that comment. "How was I to know whom you wanted?" she asked placidly. "You loved Emike. You love Emike." she corrected herself.
"Now just replace the name with yours Kinomoto."
Sakura saw Li smile and now she smiled back with all her heart. It was the most beautiful smile she ever saw and received from this emotionless man. His eyes shone like amber in the sun as he released her. Sakura liked this feeling of being together. For once she could look into his eyes and not be yelled at for staring, for she would always think she was ill, probably because she looked like an idiot.
Suddenly she was also quite aware at how his gaze no longer held hers but had dropped to her lips.
Eh? eh? Satisfied?! I put a lot of effort into this people haha and trust me this is still not the end....there's still the problem on how they'll be together!!! And what of Emike? Simon? Grandma Trinity's kinda scaring me.....man how old is she? she seems to know a lot too...0_0 (face not a bad thing...;p )hehe soon my loyal subjects.SOON... ^.^ jk jk
Well was this chapter long enough for some of you out there? *fingers so cramped....need help.* haha ; ) you know you guys are worth it! anyways I'll get the next chapter out as soon as I can, thx for the reviews @_@ but I'm sorry you guys I gotta jet as Sakura says .....got my violin lesson soon and can't be late for that! haha hope you guys like this chappie because I really tried to follow the guidelines you guys gave me...did I do good? *Gets chucked at by a bucket and falls* aahhh!! haha anyways my fingers right now feel like they're going to fall O_0...HOW AM I GOING TO VIBRATE ON MY VIOLIN STRINGS?!!! Oh well, C-YA GUYS!! I'll figure something out...ARIGATO!! you guys really are the best! ^.^ signing off *finally ahaha* -silent wanderer