Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss nor do I own Card Captor Sakura.

Chapter 8: Sakura, and the Accidental Date

Sakura gaped at the banner hanging, and had to blink a few times to be sure she read it right. "Welcome back to our home Sakura-chan!" it proudly stated.

"EH?!" both exclaimed.

"You're moving back in Sakura-chan!" Yelan squealed.

"EH?!"

Sakura looked around for her father, and was surprised to see him there as well. "Oto-san?" she questioned.

"I'm sorry Sakura-chan," he apologized guiding her down beside him. "It would seem there was a mess up with our lease at the new apartment. Something went wrong, and we had to vacate today."

She slowly put the pieces together, and looked up at Yelan once more. Yelan could hardly contain her excitement as she bounced around. Syaoran crossed his arms and shook his head at his mother. He smelled something fishy here, but looking up at the banner he decided not to say anything.

Looking at her father she asked, "Are you sure it's okay we live here? After what you said?" she added on quietly.

Fujitaka smiled. "Don't worry. I talked to Yelan about it."

"Yes. We had a nice, long conversation this afternoon," Yelan said. Then she nudged Syaoran in the ribs, and added, "And to think I was about to give up on the two of you."

He blinked bored at his mother. "Get to your point."

"Oh don't act all innocent Xiao Lang I know you two kissed."

Sakura's mouth dropped open in shock as Syaoran shot her a side long glance. "I swear I didn't tell her!"

He then glanced towards Feimei, and saw her retreating up the stairs. "Feimei!" he growled chasing after her. She screamed and ran for it.

Sakura watched them in a stupor, but was pulled out of it when Yelan took her hands. "I'm so happy you're back Sakura-chan!"

Sakura sighed and looked imploringly into Yelan's eyes. "Please don't misunderstand the situation. It's not like what you think," seeing her dubious face she added, "We haven't even held hands or gone on a proper date!"

"It doesn't matter!" Yelan said squeezing her hands. "I know my son, and I know that you're the only one in his heart."

"But Meilin-"Sakura tried to say but was cut off when Yelan said, "I told you. Don't misunderstand that situation. Xiao Lang will explain it all to you in time."

Later that night Sakura found herself back in her old bedroom, and it was like she had never left. Her clothes were carefully rearranged again for her, and there was Kero waiting for her on the bed. She sat upon her bed and looked about the room. An overwhelming feeling of belonging enveloped her. This was her home. This was where she belonged.

A swift knock broke her reverie, and she was surprised to see Feimei standing at her door. The younger girl looked down bashful and said, "Do you want this back?" she asked holding out Suppi-chan.

Sakura smiled and shook her head. "Nope he's yours now."

Feimei nodded, and went to leave but stopped. Not looking at Sakura directly she asked, "Can you go back to teaching me to rollerblade?"

"Of course!" Sakura said happily, and she wasn't for sure later if she had imagined it but she swore she heard Feimei say "Glad you're back!" before she dashed off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As it does, life tends to move on. The cherry blossoms gave way into leaves, and the cool spring air turned into summer moisture. Before Sakura knew it the spring had flown by, and summer vacation was upon them.

She stared sadly at her report card for the semester. Not terrible, but definitely not good. Suddenly, it was snatched out of her hands. Spinning around she gasped seeing Syaoran reading over her grades. "Hey! Give that back!" she said reaching for it, but he held it out of her reach. Why did he have to be so tall?!

"What in the world happened Sakura? I thought you were getting better," he chided handing her back the slip of paper.

Quickly, she stuffed it into her bag. "Well what do you expect?! When I had to do nothing but train nonstop for a solid week because of someone," she said shooting him an accusatory glance.

"How many times do I have to tell you? Just ask for my help-"

Meilin watched them from afar with sad eyes. She had been noticing it for awhile now, but the two were definitely growing closer. Her fist clenched seeing him laugh at something she said. It was true she had grown to like Sakura over the past couple of months. How could she not? The girl was too nice for her own good, and she meant it when she said she admired Sakura's tenacity. However, Meilin was not a quitter. She did not give up so easily. She knew her feelings for Syaoran were futile. She had known that for years now, but it was not in her nature to give up.

I just need to show him that I am the right girl for him. She thought resolutely to herself. I just need a chance… she thought sadly.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She was early to tennis practice for once in her life. It was their last practice session of the semester before heading into summer break. She was surprised to see a lone figure already on the court.

Over the past couple of months of getting to know Kai Mizuki she had always thought him to be pretty outlandish. He had an over the top personality, that he complimented with a suave side. She had never known him to be serious. However, today he stood alone on the court with just his racquet.

Green balls littered the court, and sweat shined on his forehead. For once, his sunglasses were nowhere in sight, and Sakura caught a glimpse of his serious, stormy, grey eyes. Yelling he threw up another ball, and smashed it into the fence on the opposite side. He barely let a second go by before picking up another one and sending it flying again.

She frowned staring at him. What was he so upset about? She wondered. "Mizuki-kun?" she ventured. His back stiffened, and his racquet dropped. "Are you okay?"

He sighed and turned slowly towards her. Staring at her for a moment he seemed to be sizing her up before finally saying. "Kinomoto, I'm going to be frank with you because I believe we are in the same boat."

"Hoe?"

"We both love someone unattainable-"

"Ah you mean Meilin-san?" Sakura said smiling knowingly.

He blanched. "Y-You knew?"

Sakura laughed and walked over towards him. "I think the whole team knows… well expect for Meilin."

Kai's head drooped. "I don't know what the matter with me is. I'm usually so suave with the ladies, but for some reason around her I can't even form a sentence. Plus, I think she thinks I'm just some delinquent punk."

"Well why don't you tell her your feelings?"

"How?"

Sakura thought about it for a moment before an idea struck her. "This is what you do," she said dragging him over, and pushing him up against the fence.

"Wha-?" he started to ask.

"Corner her like this, and look deep into her eyes," Sakura demonstrated. "And say: Forget me? Try to forget me now, and then go in for the kiss!"

Kai blinked, but then nodded his head. "Yes! Here let me try!" he said positioning Sakura up against the fence now. Kai stared at her for a long moment before his shoulders slumped. "I can't do it! I can't think of you in that way Kinomoto!"

Sakura sighed. "Please, just call me Sakura. And just do it Kai-kun!" she said also using his first name.

Kai sighed, and then cornered her with his arm once more. He stared deep into her emerald pools with his stormy grey ones. He decided to add his own flare, by tilting Sakura's chin up and saying, "You're going to try and forget me? Try to forget me now," and with that he leaned in for his fake kiss.

"Sakura-chan?!" a voice said appalled.

The two pulled apart blushing furiously, and Sakura's blood drained at seeing Syaoran's expression. If expressions could kill, Kai would be a dead man standing.

"It's not what you think-"Sakura started to say.

Seizing her opportunity Meilin said, "So the rumors are true then."

"EH?" Both she and Kai said.

"That you two are involved," Meilin said pointing at them.

"EH?!" they said again.

Meilin tossed her hair and smirked. "C'mon Sakura. Everyone knows that you are trying to forget Syaoran. The rumor was that you decided to give up on Syaoran and go for Kai instead," Meilin sighed and put her hand to her cheek. "I guess it was true after all. I truly didn't believe that in you," she said smirking behind her hand.

"No! Please! Syaoran don't misunderstand!" Sakura said taking his arm.

He removed his arm out of her hands coldly. Sakura stared up at him hurt. Just like that his cold exterior was back. "Don't worry. I don't care about what you do," he said before walking off fast, but not before stopping and turning to Meilin. "Meilin, about what you asked me earlier…. I'm free on Sunday," he said before walking off.

Meilin smiled triumphantly, and then turned back to the two. "Well, I wish you two all the best. You really look great together!" she said before skipping off.

Kai and Sakura stared after her dumfounded. "What just happened?" Sakura asked still in a state of shock.

"I'll tell you what just happened," Kai said growling pointing in the direction of where Syaoran went. "That wolf is going on a date with my Mei-chan on Sunday!"

"EH?!" Sakura screamed again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sakura wasn't quite for sure how it happened, but come Sunday she found herself getting ready to go on a date with one Kai Mizuki.

She took her time picking out her outfit, and decided on a very pretty jade green sun dress. She liked how the color seemed to bring out the brightness in her eyes. Sitting in front of her mirror she regarded her reflection sadly.

Her eyes were done up in a simple, sweet way, and she wore just a hint of mascara and lip gloss. She decided to let her hair down for once instead of usual braids or pony tail. She tried to smile at herself, and seem excited but the smile quickly melted off.

She picked up her pretty jade comb and ran it through her hair. She couldn't help but to think that this was probably what Meilin was doing at this very moment; deciding what to wear, and doing her makeup. She would probably be dressed very fashionably, and she would exude confidence as she met Syaoran in front of the theater.

It had been Kai's idea that the two of them follow Meilin and Syaoran to the movies. He had took Sakura's hands and looked pleadingly into her eyes. "Sakura you like Syaoran right?" he had asked. She blushed but nodded her head. "And I like Meilin," he added. Sakura nodded along. "But Meilin likes Syaoran, and who knows what's going on that robot's head. We have to split them up or nobody will be happy!" she nodded but he wasn't for sure if she was following along. "Sakura we need to go on a date!"

"Eh?!" Sakura said again shocked.

"No! No! Not like that," Kai said waving frantically. "But we should follow them on Sunday and try to split them up."

"I don't know…." She had said. She had mixed feelings about the situation. Yes she didn't like the idea of Syaoran and Meilin on a date. Yes it broke her heart into a million pieces, but she had also made a promise to herself that she was going to stop chasing him.

"Think of it has helping a friend out then," Kai added seeing her doubtful face. "Would that make you feel better?"

She thought about it for a moment. Yes she would only be coming along Sunday to help out Kai. At least that was what she would tell herself anyway. "Okay! I'm in!" she said cheerfully.

Now sitting in front of the mirror all dolled up she had reservations. She didn't know how many times she had imagined this very scenario but instead she would be going on a date with Syaoran. They would go to movie where she would snuggle up next to him. They would go shopping followed by a romantic boat ride in the park. Last they would go to dinner somewhere fancy with a great view. Instead, Meilin was going to be the person that got to experience all that with him.

Shaking her head she tried to dispel all the negative thoughts. Looking at herself determined in the mirror she said, "Today you are helping a friend. You will be a good friend by being there for him," on a second thought she added. "No matter what the situation with Meilin and Syaoran today; just know that whatever happens will surely be okay."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sakura fidgeted standing behind a rather large plant. Everyone kept shooting the weird girl hiding behind the plant strange looks. Embarrassed she crept even more into the shadows. Peeking around a rather large leaf she finally spotted Meilin.

Meilin looked beautiful in a small, black, fanned skirt that she paired with a pretty lacy top. All eyes were on her as she waited for her date. Finally a huge smile broke out on her face, and she waved to handsome young man making his way towards her. He wore a white button down with the sleeves rolled up with light distressed jeans and brown shoes.

Everyone stopped to stare as the beautiful couple greeted each other warmly. Even Sakura had to admit to herself they did look wonderful together. If she hadn't known them she would think they were perfect for one another. Sakura expected Meilin to act like her usual hyper self, but instead today she radiated self confidence that made her seem so grown up. Even Syaoran didn't act like his usual standoffish self, and instead greeted her with an affectionate smile and guided her into the movies.

She was thinking about retreating and apologizing to Kai later when a rose came into her line of vision. Puzzled, she looked towards the source and smiled at seeing Kai. He gave her his handsome smirk, and bowed showily tipping his pretend hat to her. "M'lady as cute as you should not wear such a sad look." She smiled at him bashfully and took his rose. "Today think of me as your dark knight. Today we shall go on a quest if you choose to accept it to vanquish The Robot Syaoran's heart, and I shall win the heart of the most fairest maiden Meilin."

Sakura laughed, and took his out stretched arm. "I accept!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sneaking silently into the theater Kai and Sakura managed to get seats right behind Meilin and Syaoran. Meilin was jumping around excitedly in hear seat, and telling Syaoran all about the movie. Sakura blinked at her ticket stub. She hadn't really paid much attention to what kind of movie they were going to see. Her heart sped up at reading the title: The Tides of Love: A Promise Made that Day. Hoeeeeee it's a romantic movie! She said eyeing the couple warily.

Kai also fidgeted in his seat. "I was hoping it would be scary," he muttered.

The light dimmed and Sakura settled into her seat. The movie was about a young couple who loved each other despite being from different worlds. She tried to pay attention the movie, but her attention kept getting drawn to the couple in front of her.

Meilin sighed and rested her hand on her lap. Sakura's eyes narrowed. She knew what that meant. Glancing at Syaoran's hand she was glad to see his arms crossed, and not falling for her hand trick. Meilin seemed to sense this as well, and instead went for leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Kai-kun!" Sakura whispered alarmed.

In a panic Kai went to stick his pamphlet in between them, but at the last minute Syaoran shifted out of reach. Kai tried to pull his arm back but it was too late the pamphlet fell on Meilin. She looked around annoyed, but Kai and Sakura ducked just in time. Sighing in frustration she returned to the movie.

The movie came to the part where the couple makes a solemn vow on a deserted beach. The sunset washed the couple in warm gold and orange. The pretty actress stared up into her lovers face, and her long dark blew in the wind. The handsome man stared down at her full of love and devotion. He held up a ring to her and said, "Sorry to keep you waiting. This is a coral ring I bought from my last voyage. The ocean is our chapel," he ended bringing her in close for a kiss.

Sakura couldn't help but to sigh at the romance. How beautiful. The couple had decided to marry each other anyway even thought their families didn't approve.

Meilin must have thought it was romantic as well because she said, "It's wonderful to be with someone you like forever like that," she sighed dreamily. "Don't you think so too Xiao Lang?" she added looking over at her date.

She was so happy that he had agreed to go on a date with her. She had asked him many times, but finally this time he accepted. Truthfully she expected him to act aloof like always around her, but today he seemed rather relaxed. He had been nothing but the perfect gentleman. He had opened the door for her, and even bought her ticket. He also had paid for the snacks.

However, something just seemed off. She had dreamed of this moment ever since she was a little girl, but for some reason the whole day just felt off so far. She knew that dreams could not always match reality, but it almost seemed like he was detached and putting on a performance. She couldn't help but to think to herself: would he act different if I was Sakura?

Syaoran pretended not to hear her question and went back to watching the movie. Staring up into the screen he couldn't help but to consider what she asked. Spending the rest of your life with someone you like. It seemed like an odd concept to him. Could one person ever truly just love one person? He used to think love was all chemicals, and pheromones and how one human body reacted to another. For some reason though; he was starting to think that love couldn't just be all chemicals.

The screen seemed to shift and instead of the attractive acting couple there instead stood him and Sakura. His breath caught in his throat as she stood in front of him on the beach. Her long hair whipped in the wind as she stared up at him with those emerald eyes of hers.

She held out her hand and smiled at him, and it was like his whole world lit up. Even though the sun was going down he had his own sun standing right in front of him.

Shaking his head he dispelled the weird daydream, and quickly stood up making Meilin almost fall off her chair. She had been trying to rest her head on him again.

"I'll go get us some refreshments," was his excuse before he hurriedly left.

"Wait! Xiao Lang the movie is almost over!" Meilin whispered, but was shushed by fellow movie guests.

Sakura stared after him confused. Where was he going in such a hurry?

Once outside he leaned up against the wall and breathed hard. What the hell was that?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Meilin huffed walking down the street. "I said I was sorry!" he said walking after her.

"You disappeared to get refreshment for 30 minutes! You missed the finale!" she said turning on him with fire in her crimson eyes.

"Let me make it up to you. Let's go get tea," he said guiding her towards a café.

They settled themselves in a secluded corner that overlooked the city. They sat in a comfortable silence, and every now and then would comment about something to one another.

Sakura and Kai, at Kai's persistence, followed them inside and hid behind a rather large pillar sitting at a perfect distance to overhear their conversation.

Meilin watched Syaoran as he stared almost bored out the window, but when she would ask him a question he would politely engaged her for a moment, but then stare out the window again. She was overcome with just how bored she was. This was not at all like what she had been expecting. Staring sadly into her teacup she found herself asking, "What type of girls do you like Xiao Lang?"

He seemed to think about it for a moment, and then smirked. She frowned at seeing the smirk, but it quickly got replaced with a smile when he said, "Well… I like girls who are beautiful, smart, and most of all great at cooking."

Behind the pillar Sakura slid down further and further into her seat. Kai patted her hand reassuringly.

Meilin forced herself to smile and say, "So we really are perfect for one another ne?"

His amber eyes met her crimson ones. Almost too perfect…she found herself thinking.

He smiled at her and said, "Yeah I guess so."

Meilin couldn't help it. Her heart betrayed her and skipped a beat. How could she not love him when he smiled at her like that?

Afterwards, the two went shopping at a Chanel store.

Outside the store Sakura and Kai tried to blend into the background, but were failing terribly. Sakura hid behind huge sunglasses, and was pretending to read an upside down magazine. Kai wore a trench coat, and very fake goatee. A mother walking by steered her child far away.

Sakura watched through the window as Meilin tried on a beautiful designer dress that Syaoran helped zip up for her. They both laughed and smiled at one another. Laying her magazine down Sakura slowly started to walk away.

"Sakura!" she heard Kai call from a far off place, but she ignored him.

What was she doing? How could she be so selfish? It was obvious Meilin loved him, and they looked so good together. Even he had said they were a perfect match. She was everything he could possibly want. But most of all she was angry at herself. Sure she had lied and said she was just tagging along to help Kai, but she knew better. She too had wanted to follow around Syaoran on his date. Her pride was hurt, and angry tears pricked the corner of her eyes. Is this what I've come to? She asked herself. Stalking him on a date?

She was so angry at herself that she didn't watch where she was going. Before she knew it she bumped into a rather large man who spilled his soda all over his silk shirt. Eyes widening she bowed frantically. "I'm so sorry!"

The man glared down at the little girl. Kai rushed up and bowed as well. "My sincerest apologies sir. Please let me pay for your dry cleaning," he said reaching for his wallet.

The large man smirked, and then glared at the punk kid. "You'll do better than dry cleaning. There is no saving this shirt. Give me $250. That's what this shirt is worth."

Kai paled, and looked into his sparse wallet. "I'm sorry but… I only have $50…."

"Well that's not good enough," the large man said poking Kai in the chest.

Kai's eyes flashed behind his sunglasses. "Watch who you're touching man," he growled pushing the man's finger away.

This only enraged the guy more, and he pushed Kai who pushed back. "Wait! I'm sorry! Let me call my father!" Sakura tried to say holding onto the man's arm but he gruffly pushed her away making her fall to the ground.

Her eyes flashed in anger. How dare he?! She started to get up, and give the man a piece of her mind when a hand came and helped her up. She looked up and was shocked to see Syaoran. His amber eyes almost looked murderous as he stared at the large man. Meilin stood behind him with crossed arms.

Seeing Syaoran Kai glared in his general direction. "I don't need your help Wolf boy. I got this."

"Oh I know," Syaoran said nonchalantly "But can you take on them too?" he asked pointing to what seemed like the large man's cronies.

Kai sweat dropped. A hidden message seemed to pass between the two. Next thing Sakura knew Syaoran reached out, and grabbed her wrist taking off. Shouting over his shoulder he called to Kai, "Please get Meilin home safely!"

Sakura didn't get to see what happened next because Syaoran took off so fast. It was a good thing running was one of her strong suits so she had no trouble keeping up with him. Her wrist seemed to slip for a moment. Staring back at her he shifted his grip so he was holding her hand instead. Hanyaan! She thought to herself on a cloud as she ran along.

Quickly he pulled her into a side ally, and pushed her up against the wall covering her with his body. The men ran past oblivious. Her heart hammered in her chest at his close proximity. Seeming to realize he was so close he pulled back, and slumped against the wall next to her. She couldn't help it, and laughed out loud as they slumped up against a wall breathing hard. Syaoran laughed in earnest now, and grinned down at her wiping his sweaty bangs off his forehead. Again, she was struck with the urge to push them back for him. Looking down at their hands Sakura blushed, and Syaoran noticing that he was still holding hers dropped it like a hot iron.

Blushing furiously he looked anywhere but at her. "Seems like we lost them," he said after awhile. Looking at her grinning he added, "Something else to add to the list of things I thought I would never experience because of you."

Sakura laughed and shook her head. "I told you I would make life fun… How long did you know we were following you?" she asked shrewdly.

"Well you made it kind of obvious," he said walking away from her, and back onto the street. "I noticed you two right away in front of the theater."

She followed after him. "I'm sorry," she said looking down with guilt. "I only meant to help out Kai, but it kind of got out of hand. So you knew that Kai liked Meilin-chan?"

"Yeah… although until yesterday I really thought that you maybe liked him," he said averting his eyes. "That maybe you were in a relationship after all…" Sakura turned towards him alarmed. "But," he added looking over at her "When I saw you two there today in front of the theater I knew that wasn't the case," laughing in he said, "After that I just had fun with you guys. Your reactions were priceless."

Sakura bit her lip, and then bowed deeply taking Syaoran off guard. "I'm sorry! At first I thought it was to only help Kai out, but after coming here and watching you with Meilin I realized that I wanted to follow you too…. That I was jealous…." Syaoran looked like he wanted to say something, but she continued. "If you really do have feelings for Meilin I'll give up for good. I feel so bad that I ruined your date-"

"Want to go somewhere?" he asked her cutting her off.

"Hoe?" she asked blinking at him.

Clearing his throat he said again, "Do you want to go somewhere…with me?"

"Hai!" she said enthusiastically and then calmed down. "I mean sure."

"Where would you like to go?" he asked smiling at her.

Sakura's heart skipped a beat, and she thought about it. Well he had already been to the theater, and he had already been shopping. Suddenly a huge smile broke out on her face, "Yes I know somewhere."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Kawaii!" Sakura said pointing at the little white ducks that swam in the pond. She and Syaoran were seated on a little row boat in the middle of a small lake. All around them families rowed by with their children, and little picnics were sat up around on the banks.

Ever since she was little Sakura dreamed of coming here one day with her boyfriend. It was almost like she was in a dream as they rowed along. The sun washed them in its warm glow, and a nice light breeze lifted her long hair off her back. Stretching up her arms she welcomed the sun. Syaoran watched her and shook his head.

Coming out of her dream like state Sakura regarded all the families surrounding them. "It seems weird, but I only see families around here. I think we are the only… couple," she added with a blush.

Smirking Syaoran said, "Well of course. There is a rumor that if a couple comes here together that they will end up breaking up in 6 months," seeing Sakura's horrified look he added "What? You didn't know? But don't worry I don't think it applies to us since we aren't dating-"

"Let's get out of here!" Sakura said quickly. Forgetting where she was; she stood quickly making the small boat rock.

"Hey!" Syaoran yelled trying to help her catch her balance but it was too late. The boat toppled throwing both of them into the lake.

Sometime later Syaoran returned with a small bag. Handing it to her she opened to see a t-shirt. Frowning at him she took the shirt out. It was a very cute pink and white shirt with a small heart and wing symbol on it. Looking at Syaoran she stifled a giggle seeing him wearing the same shirt expect green and white. "People are really going to think we are a couple now," she said laughing.

"I can take it back," he said reaching for the bag, but she quickly held it away.

Once she was changed Syaoran regarded her and said, "Are you hungry?"

"Hai!"

Walking side by side Sakura was overcome with a sense of belonging. Peeking at him she couldn't help but to think just how good looking he was. Even in a ridiculous shirt he still managed to pull it off and look masculine. She couldn't help but to compare this walk with the one she took with Julian.

With Julian everything was so easy and so simple, but with Syaoran her whole body felt alive. Every single nerve was aware of this presence. Occasionally, when their hands would accidently brush, it would feel like a bolt of electricity jolting up her arm. Their bodies seemed to move together almost naturally like they were partners for a very long time.

"Wait here," he said when they reached a bridge overlooking an ocean. Sakura sat and waited for him enjoying the look of the sun setting over the ocean. What a wonderful day she thought. Even if things don't ever work out I'll cherish this day always. She was brought out of her reverie when a hamburger was placed in front of her face. Taking it gratefully she smiled at Syaoran.

"I'm sorry it's not Italian or something fancy," he said unwrapping his burger.

"No! It's perfect!" Sakura said opening it, and taking a small bite. It tasted wonderful. "We even got a romantic view!"

The two sat in a comfortable silence for awhile just enjoying the other's company, and a good tasting hamburger.

Syaoran looked over at the girl next to him, and watched as she ate happily. Even wearing a cheap shirt, and munching on a hamburger he couldn't help but to think how pretty she was. He had heard from his classmates that Sakura was the daughter of a famous model. He remembered after meeting her that he thought she looked nothing like her mother. She was very tiny, very skinny, and with large green eyes. But now looking at her he could see the resemblance to her mother. The pink in the shirt brought out the color in the skin. She was very tiny, but she made up for it in her fiery personality. And he no longer thought that she looked boyish, and he was starting to realize that he had been one that was the brat. How could someone so full of life like someone like me? He thought to himself.

"What?" Sakura asked blinking at him.

Swallowing, Syaoran decided it was time to be truthful not only with her but with himself. Looking out into the ocean he said, "My life used to be so mundane. Every day was the same, and I knew what to expect. My whole life was laid out for me in this perfect regiment. But then you gave me that letter," he said looking towards her "And my whole world got turned upside down. Every day something new and exciting would happen that would throw me off. "Sakura looked down guilty. "But," he said "For awhile you were like a math problem that I had no idea how to solve."

"Hoe?" Sakura asked.

"I was panicked. For the first time there was a problem that I couldn't solve or couldn't predict. I tried to run away from it," Facing her fully he said, "I've come to realize that life is more interesting when I'm facing something new each day. And I have you thank for it."

"Me?" she asked staring up at with those big jade eyes.

His amber eyes were warm for once as he stared down at her. "I'm going to face this problem head long. Surely there must be answer." Sakura blinked at him, and Syaoran looked away. "It's okay if you don't understand."

"No! I do! So you're saying that instead of pushing me away and running from me that you are instead going to face me, and…" she trailed off looking at him stunned.

"Yeah. I'm not going to run away. I like having a problem that I can't solve," he said grinning.

"So you don't hate me after all?" she found herself asking. Seeing his questioning face she explained. "All this time I really thought that you hated me… for causing you all this trouble."

"I never hated you," he said. "Annoyed yes. Frustrated yes. But never hate. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't hate you. Even though it's troublesome sometimes I don't dislike you." He really wished he was better with words.

Sakura's heart warmed, and before she knew it she threw her arms around him and gave him a big hug. He was stunned for a moment but relaxed. "Thank you Syaoran-kun!" she said genuinely. She couldn't help it she was so overcome that she started to cry.

He was alarmed when he felt wetness on his shirt. "Are you crying?" he asked pushing her back.

"No," she said sniffling.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She accepted it gratefully. "Come now. Nothing comes from crying," he said.

Sakura sniffled again, but gave him a big smile.

Walking next to him Sakura thought to herself. His words were as mischievous as always today, but his smile was different. I feel like today we really did become close even more than the day we kissed or the elevator. I feel like I really know him as a person now.

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Coming out of the shower Sakura was glad to get the gross lake smell out of her hair. Walking into her room she saw something sitting on her bed. "Hoe?" she asked walking over to it. Picking up the small object she smiled to herself. It was her Starkey necklace. So he had found it after all. Clasping it back around her neck she finally felt whole again.

Getting dressed she happily made her way downstairs. She was almost at the bottom to the stairs when she heard Yelan say, "No! I will not allow it!"

Sakura stopped listening.

"Well I agree with him," Leiyun said. "I think it would be good for him to live on his own for awhile."

"But we just got Sakura-chan back!" Yelan whined. "You can't move out now Xiao Lang!"

Sakura stiffened, and her blood ran cold. Leaving? Syaoran-kun was leaving?

"If that's what you want…" Yelan finally relented.

"Thank you very much," Syaoran said bowing to his parents.

Sakura slumped up against the wall, and her hand clasped her Starkey necklace. Why Syaoran-kun? I thought you weren't going to run away from me. What's going on? Is it because of me? She thought sadly.

Looking up across from the table he barely saw Sakura hurriedly leave the house. Looking down sadly he thought I'm sorry Sakura.

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Author's Note: Hello! So the Dream Card sequence is one of my favorite scenes in CCS. I loved how mad Syaoran is at first seeing himself hand over the cards to Sakura, and then how captivated he is by staring at her. My favorite parts of this story are when I get to include CCS scenes. I really try my best to do them often, but at times where they would make sense within this story line. So Syaoran is moving out just when Sakura got back. Poor Sakura-chan.

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