Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss or Card Captor Sakura
Chapter 14: Sakura, Hijinx, and Moving On?
Sakura made her way to the hospital in the slight drizzling of rain. It clung to her hair, and dampened her shoes as she walked along. Huddled underneath her umbrella she tried to keep her mind occupied as she made her way to her destination. Usually she was not a big believer in fate. To her, a person wrote their own story, and nothing was planned out. However, she did believe in signs, and she tried not to fret too much about her necklace. It's just a silly thing she thought trying to calm her nerves.
Squaring her shoulders she decided to not think about it anymore. Leiyun was very sick, Yelan was stressed, and Syaoran needed her. She needed to be strong, and put on a happy smiling face. In her hands she also held a green umbrella. Syaoran had forgotten his that morning, and after checking on Leiyun she would drop by his office.
Getting starry eyed, she allowed herself to day dream for a moment:
"Oh Sakura, my Sakura, you always think of everything," Syaoran said taking the umbrella from her hands.
Blushing prettily she went to tuck her hair behind her ear, but his hand stopped her. Looking up at him surprised she was shocked to see that his face had come so close. Emerald met amber as he slowly leaned down, and she slowly titled her chin up to meet him.
"HANYAAN!" She squealed turning red.
"May I help you ma'am?"
"Hoe?" Sakura asked looking around confused.
"May I help you?" the voice tried again.
Sakura was shocked to see that she already reached the hospital. Sweat dropping she quickly bowed and apologized. Scurrying to the elevator she quickly made her way upstairs to Leiyun's floor.
Yelan sat in stunned silence. Leiyun sat up in bed, and looked at his son in bewilderment. "What did you say son?" he tried again once he could find his voice.
"I'm having an arranged marriage meeting on Sunday with the chairman's daughter," he answered in a monotone voice staring at the floor.
Yelan watched her son in despair. "Xiao Lang… but why?"
When Syaoran didn't answer Leiyun demanded, "Is it because of the financial state of the company?!" when Syaoran didn't answer again Leiyun fumed. "No! I will not have you marrying someone you don't love just to save the company!"
"Please calm down honey," Yelan fretted. Leiyun tried to relax and do his breathing exercises.
Sakura skipped down the hall, and was about to open up the door to Leiyun's room when she heard voices inside. Her hand paused on the door, and her heart beat quickened hearing the word marriage. Swallowing she continued to listen through the door.
"I like her," Syaoran said staring at the floor. "I saw her picture and she's my type. I want to move forward with this meeting."
Her hand fell to her side. Syaoran was having an arranged marriage meeting? What was going on?
"No! I will not allow this," Yelan cried.
"I need you to come with me on Sunday mother," Syaoran said standing.
"I will not!" Yelan tried to say again, but suddenly the door opened and in walked a nurse.
"Please I need everyone to calm down. Most especially you Li-san," she scolded going to Leiyun's side and tucking him in.
It was at that moment that Syaoran turned around, and came face to face with Sakura standing in the door way. His heart stopped at seeing the look on her face as she stared at him in anguish.
Yelan gasped at seeing Sakura at the door. "Oh Sakura-chan!" she cried.
Trying to keep a calm demeanor Sakura asked, "You're having a marriage meeting?" Hoping her voice wouldn't crack she added on, "That's wonderful."
Not daring to meet her eyes Syaoran turned towards his mother. "I'll expect you there on Sunday," he said brushing past Sakura.
Putting on a bright smile she turned to Yelan. "I brought flowers. Here let me find a vase!"
"Sakura…"
Ignoring Yelan Sakura searched for a vase. Once she found one she arranged the flowers carefully, and said cheerfully, "Looks like the rain has finally stopped. Oh that's right I was bringing Syaoran his umbrella. Guess I forgot to give it to him haha," she laughed being careful to keep her back to Yelan.
"Oh Sakura…" Yelan said reaching for her shoulder.
Turning around she forced a smile. "Maybe I can still catch him. I'll come visit another time," and with that she bolted out of the room. It wasn't until she was in the safety of the elevator that she allowed herself to cry. Other passengers in the elevator looked at her in alarm, but all knew not to try and console her.
Later the nurse that had checked on Leiyun sighed to her co-workers, "I feel so bad for the girl. I really believed he loved her."
"Their son is so dreamy," her co-worker sighed.
Staring sadly up at the grey clouds the first nurse sighed, "I hope they work things out."
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Later that night Sakura tried to write in her journal but no words could come to her. She stared down at the broken chain on her necklace in despair. It was an old wives tale that said if the chain on necklace broke you would lose a bond. It must be a sign she was going to lose Syaoran forever.
She couldn't help but to get angry at him. Hadn't he said he was going to run away? Well this was running away Li Syaoran. He thought it was okay that he could just give up?
Suddenly his words echoed in her mind: "It was just a silly dream…"
She had really thought he wanted to be a doctor. She had already imagined working along beside him helping sick children. He even looked so sad when she asked if he was going to give up. Shaking her head she couldn't believe she allowed herself to feel sorry for him for a moment. The connection she thought she had felt was nonexistent. But… his eyes had looked so sad. And today… why wouldn't he look at her?
"He's lying," came a voice from her door scaring her for a moment. Her heart calmed down at the sight of Yelan. "He loves you."
Sakura sighed. "It's hopeless Yelan-"
"No it's not," she said drawing up a chair beside her. "I know my son, and he loves you. No one could ever be as perfect for him as Sakura-chan!"
"But he's meeting someone else. It's a game over. I need to just face the facts-"
"Please Sakura," Yelan pleaded taking her hands. Sakura blinked at her. "Don't give up on him. He needs you now more than ever."
Sakura's heart slowly broke in her chest. Deep within herself she knew it was no use, but Yelan had been like a mother figure to her for the past 2 years. She felt like she owed Yelan to at least try one more time. "W-What should I do?"
A wicked gleam came over Yelan's eyes making Sakura set back in alarm. Laughing evilly she said, "I have an idea."
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Tomoyo sat her camcorder down in shock. "Li-kun is having an arranged marriage meeting?"
"Who does that now days?!" Chiharu fumed.
Meilin wasn't quite for sure what she was doing there, but the news had been a shock to her as well. "I can't believe him!" she growled.
Tomoyo and Chiharu sweat dropped at their new friend. Sakura had insisted on Meilin coming, and they were both surprised to find they actually really liked Meilin. She was super funny, and was very spunky.
"Who's it with?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura sighed. "She's the granddaughter of Chairman Oizumi."
Both Tomoyo and Meilin gasped. Chiharu blinked at them in confusion. "You know her?"
Meilin let Tomoyo answer. "I don't know her personally but I know her grandfather through mother's company."
"He's the top businessman in all of Japan if not Asia," Meilin added. Crossing her arms she said, "Don't you two watch the news?"
Sakura interrupted before Chiharu would explode. "He said he fell for at first sight," sighing she rested her hand on her chin "She must be beautiful."
"No one could ever be as pretty as Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo cheered.
"Or Me!" Meilin said. Turning to Sakura a determined look came over her face. "Look. I gave up Syaoran back in December because I thought he loved you," Sakura blinked at her. "And I was fine with that, but now some puny little princess comes along and snatches him away?! I don't think so!" Bringing her fist on the table she stood up. "We have to do something about this!"
"Well… Yelan does have a plan…" Sakura gulped.
Tomoyo's eyes sparkled. "Do I sense hijinx brewing?"
Meilin sweat dropped. "Why do you look so excited?"
"This is what she lives for," Chiharu explained. Turning to Sakura she asked, "So what's Yelan's plan?"
Telling her friends the plan Meilin pumped her fist in the air. "Yes! It's perfect! When should I meet you on Sunday?"
"Hoe? What do you mean?"
"Well I'm coming with you of course," Meilin said smiling. "Can't let you have all the fun."
Clapping her hands Tomoyo said, "I have the perfect outfits for you!"
"O-Outfits?" Meilin asked looking at Sakura for help. Sakura just shook her head.
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"EHHHHH!" Meilin shrieked. "No way am I wearing this!"
Sakura sweat dropped as well, and turned to Tomoyo. "Are you sure Tomoyo-chan? Won't this make us stick out and not blend in?"
"OHOHOH you two look wonderful!" Tomoyo laughed recording away making sure she got all the perfect angles. She had insisted that she come along as well. Chiharu had regretfully had to take care of her younger sibling.
Sakura sweat dropped and twirled this way and that. Tomoyo had dressed the two up as garden fairies complete with sparkling wings. Sakura was a green fairy and Meilin was a red fairy. Each also had tiny little slippers on their feet with cherry blossoms on Sakura's and Chinese peonies on Meilin's.
"I look ridiculous," Meilin fumed.
"You look lovely," Tomoyo said videotaping her as well. "You really are beautiful Meilin," she said slyly. "You really have no bad angles on your face."
Tossing her hair Meilin smiled. "Naturally," sighing in defeat she turned to Sakura. "So now what do we do?"
"We wait for Yelan's signal."
Inside, Yelan followed Syaoran back into the meeting room. She had to admit the place Chairman Oizumi picked to meet at was beautiful. It was a very traditional Japanese garden, and they would be meeting in the indoor pavilion.
The chairman stood as they entered the rom. "Ah Syaoran and Yelan thank you for meeting today."
"Thank you very much," Syaoran and Yelan said bowing taking their seats.
"Again I apologize for doing this while Leiyun is the hospital. We'll have a more formal meeting when he's well. Then my granddaughter's parents will come as well," he said smiling.
"Oh I doubt that," Yelan said under her breath, but Syaoran caught it shooting a glare in his mother's direction.
"I'm sorry I'm late," came a voice from the door. Yelan turned around and almost fell out of her chair.
In walked a girl in a traditional Japanese kimono. She was very beautiful with pale skin, dark hair, and a heart shaped face. The girl bowed politely, as the girl stood her eyes locked on Syaoran's and she gasped. "You…"
Syaoran nodded smiling. It was the girl from the elevator the other day whom he had caught. "I was hoping we'd meet again," he said making her heart skip a beat.
Yelan eyes darted back and fourth between them frantically they had met before?! Where?!
"Allow me to introduce you to my granddaughter Sahoko," the chairman said with pride pulling out a seat for her. Once she was seated the chairman smirked "Glad to see that you two have met before."
Looking into Sahoko's almond shaped brown eyes Syaoran said, "I never forget a beautiful girl." Sahoko blushed prettily.
Yelan fumed, and pulled out her fan. Looking towards the garden she fanned more than ever and said in an over dramatic voice. "Is it hot in here to anyone else?"
"Ah should we open a window-"the chairman barely got out before Yelan interrupted.
"Yes! Please," looking over his shoulder as he opened the window she smirked behind her fan.
Seeing the signal Sakura and Meilin crouched down a little ways off from the open window. Tomoyo pulled out binoculars and handed them to Sakura. Gazing through them Sakura's mouth dropped open. Seeing Sakura's expression, Meilin grabbed the binoculars, "What is she that ugly?" taking a look at Sahoko through the lenses Meilin's mouth also fell open. "Well I'm sure she's not smart."
Sakura nodded mutely, but she wasn't so sure. She did seem to be everything that Syaoran had wanted in a girl. Sahoko was beautiful and elegant, and she could tell she had curves even through her kimono.
Sipping his tea Syaoran looked at Sahoko politely. "So what are your hobbies?"
She blushed and looked down. "I'm afraid I'm very boring. I just enjoy cooking and crafting mostly."
Yelan nodded her head. "Yes indeed. Very boring," Syaoran shot his mother a look. Yelan just blinked innocently.
Sakura and Meilin giggled from outside.
"If I may so, my Sahoko is just like the old traditional Japanese women but in a modern way. She's very quiet and quite elegant," the chairman said in a honeyed voice. Sahoko blushed.
Syaoran grinned. "Ah is that so? I love quiet women."
Sakura's mouth fell open from outside. Meilin fumed.
Sitting up straighter Yelan regarded Sahoko with cool amber eyes. "Old traditional ne?" Yelan laughed "So that's why it seems like your youth is missing."
"Mother," Syaoran growled.
"So what do you like to do Li-kun?" Sahoko asked politely.
"Please call me Syaoran. Let's see I enjoy reading and I also am an avid athlete. I enjoy karate, soccer, and I play some tennis."
"Wow! So talented" Sahoko breathed.
The chairman laughed. "Some tennis? I've heard you've won many competitions."
Syaoran nodded embarrassed. Looking at Sahoko he said, "Perhaps I could teach you sometime?"
Sahoko laughed prettily. It sounded like twinkling wind chimes. "I'm afraid I'm terrible. You'd get fed up with me fast."
"Don't worry. I've taught the worse player in Japan how to play, and she was awful. So I'm sure I could teach you no problem."
Sakura fumed from outside. Was he talking about her?! Meilin guffawed next to her. Sakura elbowed her. "Who's side are you on?!"
"I'm sure he would get fed up," Yelan said shooting Syaoran a look. "You see my son is really quite awful." Everyone sweat dropped including Sakura and Meilin. "You see he is very mean," she said talking to Sahoko. "He looks down on people who don't learn things the first time. Plus he does it in such an obvious hurtful way. Even though that person only tries their best no matter what, and still looks at him with a smile on their face the whole time."
Syaoran sweated. Yelan went back to fanning herself innocently. Sahoko blinked bewildered.
"Being so handsome, smart, and athletic I'm sure you have many admires," the chairman laughed.
Syaoran bowed. "Not much."
"Oh please he's very popular," Yelan twittered. "But he hasn't had any relationships at all."
"Ah you must be very shy," the chairman said, but Yelan laughed loudly.
"Oh yes! So very shy. He even went as far as to reject someone's love letter to him in front of the whole school. He even graded it like the cold, heartless person he is." Syaoran glowered at his mother. Again she sipped innocently on her tea.
Speaking up Sahoko said, "Well I appreciate a man who is honest." Syaoran blinked at her surprised. "I'd rather someone be honest with me than pretend to be nice to me."
Seeing Syaoran and Sahoko stare at each other Yelan quickly added, "But! There has been one girl around him. In fact, he's been living with this girl for a couple of years now. Plus they are the same age."
Syaoran rounded on his mother. "What do you mean living together?! Sharing a house is different!" Looking beseechingly at the chairman he said, "I can explain."
The chairman blinked in surprise. With gleaming eyes Yelan said, "Just being honest."
Standing up furiously Syaoran looked to Sahoko. "Would you like to walk around the garden?"
"That sounds splendid!" Yelan said going to stand but Syaoran stopped her. "Just us!"
"They're coming!" Meilin whispered tugging on Sakura's fairy wing.
"Hoe! Let's get out of here!" Sakura whispered crawling away with Tomoyo tailing her.
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Once outside Syaoran walked along beside Sahoko. Putting his hands in his pockets uncomfortably he said, "I apologize that my mother was rude to you."
"Oh not at all," Sahoko laughed, but she added quietly. "I can tell that she likes the girl you live with…"
Syaoran sighed. "She's the daughter of my father's best friend. Our families are close friends," swallowing he added, "It's my mother that likes her. I don't. In that way anyway…"
"Well I hope your mother could grow to like me, and that you could like me too," she whispered.
Syaoran smiled at her. "So you like me?"
Sahoko blushed sweetly. "Yes… ever since you saved me in front of the elevator," looking up into his warm amber eyes with her dark ones she said, "I had hoped we'd meet again."
"Me too," he said. Facing away from her so that she couldn't see his face he said, "That's when I started to like you as well."
"Ah really!" she laughed.
"They are getting much too close," Meilin fumed hiding behind a bush.
"I think it's time to move to phase 1 of the plan Sakura-chan," Tomoyo whispered. "Sakura-chan?" she asked again seeing the expression on her friend's face.
"It's my mother that likes her. I don't. In that way anyway," his words echoed in her head.
"Sakura!" Meilin said pounding her on the head.
"Hoe! Sorry! Yes phase 1 commence!"
Tomoyo recorded away as Sakura crouched in front of a lawn sprinkler. "Action Plan Phase 1," Sakura said into the camera. "We set the sprinklers to go off making her kimono get soaked."
In her imagination Sahoko and Syaoran walked along. Suddenly, the sprinklers came on soaking Sahoko's dress making her scream loudly. Sakura laughed.
Meilin grinned. "Then she'll have to go home."
Syaoran and Sahoko walked up the path talking quietly. Crouching a ways a way Sakura held a remote in her hand. Just as Sahoko passed Sakura pressed the button hard… but nothing happened. "Hoe?" she asked staring down at the remote.
"Did you do it right?!" Meilin hissed.
"Hoe! I think so," Sakura said pressing the button again and again.
But it was too late the couple had passed by. "Argh! Let me see it," Meilin said grabbing the remote.
Sakura went over to the sprinkler followed by Meiiln. "But why didn't it work?" Sakura asked staring down at the sprinkler.
"Stupid thing!" Meilin growled bringing her thumb down hard.
Suddenly the water sprayed up making the girls scream. Tomoyo recorded from afar. "Oh dear…"
"Turn it off!" Meilin screamed trying to shield her face.
"You have the remote!" Sakura coughed through water spurting in her face.
From down the trail Sahoko turned back concerned. "Oh my. Did something happen?"
Syaoran smirked in the general direction from where all the shrieks were coming from. "Ah must be a sprinkler malfunction. Let's go."
After the water finally turned off Sakura and Meilin sat back in a heap. Their wings were ruined much to Tomoyo's dismay. Sakura wringed out her slippers, and Meilin wringed out pig tails.
"Phase 2?" Tomoyo offered.
Sakura and Meilin groaned loudly.
This time Sakura held up a cage in front of the camera, and smiled proudly making a peace sign. "Action Plan Phase 2 we throw this centipede on her."
A very hairy, huge centipede crawled about in the cage. Meilin shuddered but then smiled. "Yes! She will be so scared she'll fall in the pond for sure."
The girls waited for the couple to come along, and sure enough there they came crossing the small bridge on the pond. Removing the centipede with a tiny net Sakura waited to throw it. Getting squeamish she said, "I don't think I can do this."
"Yes you can!" Meilin cheered. "Do it now!"
Flinging the net the poor centipede flew through the air, and landed right on Sahoko. Sakura and Meilin gasped. It had worked they couldn't believe it. "YATTA!" they cheered triumphantly.
Sahoko screamed, but Syaoran quickly reached out and took the centipede. Staring at it he shook his head for a moment, and then tossed it back the way it came. "Are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yes," Sahoko breathed.
Sakura watched the centipede in slow motion as Syaoran tossed it. Meilin gasped in horror as it landed right on Sakura's lap. Both girls screamed and thrashed wildly.
"Kill it!" Meilin screamed.
"I don't know where it's at!" Sakura cried losing her balance and following into the pond, but not before reaching out for Meilin.
"What are you-"Meilin screamed also falling into the pond.
"Oh dear…" Tomoyo said picking up the centipede, and putting it safely back in its cage.
From up the trail again Sahoko turned in alarm. "It sounds like someone fell in the pond."
Smirking Syaoran looked back at the pond. "I think they are costumed characters filming a scene," smiling at Sahoko she said, "I'm sure it was planned. Let's go."
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Later that night Sakura sneezed wrapping her blanket around her shoulders. Yelan fussed over her bringing her warm milk and honey. "Oh Sakura-chan. You fell in the pond?!"
Sakura nodded sipping on the milk and honey. "Yes, but I probably deserved it," looking down guilty she said, "I was so mean to that poor girl."
"Yes you were," came Syaoran's voice making both women turn. He glowered down at them. "Never pull anything like that again. You made it so obvious parading around in those ridiculous costumes," he scoffed. Sakura blushed, and looked down guilty. "And you," he said turning on his mother. "Please treat Sahoko with respect. It's a miracle that Chairman Oizumi wants to move forward at all," looking at Sakura he took a deep breath and said, "I like her. I want to move forward with this marriage."
Her heart plummeted, and fell in a bitter heap somewhere deep below. Standing she bowed to Yelan. "I'm going to bed first. Good night."
"Sakura…" Yelan said watching her go. Rounding on her son she demanded. "What do you see in this girl?! She's too perfect."
Sakura didn't stay to hear the argument that quickly changed to Chinese. Instead she made her way up to her room, and fell in a pathetic heap on her bed. She fingered the broken chain sadly.
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Its funny how time passes by so fast when you don't want it to. In the weeks that followed Sakura watched as Syaoran went on many dates with Sahoko. Every night he would get home late, and the two would greet each other awkwardly.
Sakura's friend's tried to cheer her up, but try as she might she couldn't get her smile to come back. Mostly she found herself just very confused.
She knew it was probably all in her imagination, but she swore that she and Syaoran were becoming closer. Even for a moment she thought he might like her too. Now every night he barely greeted her or even looked in her general direction.
Sakura knew in her heart of hearts that it was really time to give up for good. Syaoran and Sahoko were officially dating, and he seemed very happy. Plus the fact it was an arranged marriage meeting was no small feat either. Syaoran wouldn't be going into this meeting without really having feelings for this girl.
Sitting on the floor in her room Sakura slid a box out from under her bed. She decided that within this box she would store away Syaoran forever. In it she placed his high school name pin, the picture they took on graduation day, the musical tickets they saw together, her Starkey Necklace, tickets from the boat ride they shared, she also folded up the matching t-shirt he had got her, and finally the jade comb. Sealing it shut she slid it under her bed.
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Julian had tried to keep his distance, and let Sakura come to him but it was difficult. Tomoyo had been the one to call him, and tell him about Syaoran's marriage meeting.
He had gone to cheer Sakura up for the past 2 weeks by bringing her things she loved. She would of course smile at him, but the smile just wouldn't reach her eyes.
The truth was that he had loved Sakura for a long time. It hard started out as a protective brotherly love when they were little, but as Sakura grew older the brotherly love turned into real love. She just had this infectious personality that you couldn't help but to love. It was like an inner light just shone through her that attracted people to her. People couldn't help but to be drawn to her.
He wasn't for sure if Sakura ever liked him, but he decided he would finally confess to her. He had just summoned the courage when his parent's announced they would be moving to the states. He was heartbroken, and vowed that one day he would return to Japan.
Seeing that she loved someone else; Julian had been happy to give her space this past year. However, he was only happy as long as she was. He was content to just sit back, and watch as long as he knew he wouldn't be the better guy for her. Now he was more certain than ever that he was the one that could make Sakura happy. He just had to be sure.
Julian stood and waited for Syaoran to leave work. When he finally saw him emerge he walked up to him.
"Sakamoto?" Syaoran asked squinting through the dark at him.
"Do you have a moment?" Julian asked.
The two boys walked in silence for awhile both with their hands stuffed in their pockets. Finally Julian asked, "What are your feelings for Sakura?"
Syaoran stiffened and then looked away. "I don't know if that's your business."
Stopping Julian said, "Of course it's my business." Syaoran stopped too, and turned to him. "I've sat back and watched this past year because she seemed happy with you. But now…" his fist clenched. "Sakura… she's very precious to me. I love her. And I hate seeing you toy with the feelings of the person I love."
"Then what are you going to do?" Syaoran asked quietly.
Swallowing Julian squared his shoulders. "I'm going to take Sakura away from you. I'm going to take her far away from you so that you will never hurt her ever again."
Syaoran clenched his teeth. Inside he said Sakura loves me. But instead on the outside he said in a bored voice. "Do whatever you want with her."
Julian watched him walk away in anger. "I'm tired of seeing her suffer because of you," he called to Syaoran's retreating back. "She's won't suffer anymore."
With his back turned Syaoran allowed himself to close his eyes and breathe deeply. Sakura… Once he was for sure he was out sight he quickly ducked into an ally way and screamed loudly punching a brick wall. Sliding down the wall he held his hand but didn't feel the pain.
From behind a tree a young girl with a video recorder stepped out, and shut off her power button. Looking down at her camera she shook her head sadly.
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Feimei heard the door open later that night, and peeked out her bedroom door to see Syaoran walk into his. Slipping out, she knocked hesitantly on his door before entering.
She gasped at seeing his hand. "Gege! What happened?" she asked sitting down beside him.
"Accident," was all he muttered.
However, Feimei observed the scratches and bruises with keen eyes. Quickly she got out the first aid kit, and set about wrapping his hand. She also slathered on some Chinese herbs that were good for healing. Syaoran sat in a trance, and let her do what she wanted.
"Say… Gege," she began tentatively. "Are you really going to marry that girl?"
"Why ask all of sudden?" he sighed.
"Please tell me," Feimei pleaded looking up at her big brother.
"I suppose it's going to happen," he sighed again staring blankly ahead.
"But do you really love her?" Feimei asked finishing the wrapping. Looking up at her brother whom she idolized she saw many different emotions flit across his face. He almost seemed to be fighting with himself. "You don't really love her do you?" seeing that he wasn't going to give her an answer she said, "But Gege you love Sakura."
Syaoran went rigid and turned to his sister slowly. Feimei continued, "I saw you in the hospital room. You kissed Sakura."
Syaoran recalled sitting on the hospital bed and staring down at the sleeping Sakura. He also vividly remembered placing a soft kiss upon her lips. No… he had to forget. Taking all his power he smiled at Feimei and said, "You'll like Sahoko. She's beautiful, smart, and a great cook."
"She sounds boring," Feimei said sighing.
"She's a good match for me. I'm sure everything will work out," Syaoran said out loud almost as if to make himself believe it too.
Standing up and gathering the first aid things Feimei turned to her brother one last time. "I think you're making a mistake." Was all she said before leaving.
Long after she left, Syaoran stared at the door expressionless. Finally he lied down and faced the wall that led to Sakura's room.
Julian's words echoed in his head: "I'm going to take Sakura away from you. I'm going to take her far away from you so that you will never hurt her ever again."
Also Wei's words echoed in his head: "The chairman has promised us an enormous amount of money in support. Thank you! You've saved our company. Also, when your father get's out of the hospital next week the chairman wants to set up a time to speak with you and your parents about the future. Congratulations!"
He closed his eyes and sighed.
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Sakura was surprised to find Julian waiting for at the school gates. She smiled prettily and waved, and walked up to him happily. "Julian, what brings you here?"
Smiling the wind caught his blonde hair and blew it this way and that. Not for the first time she was struck with how handsome he was. "Sakura, I was wondering if you are free on Sunday." When she nodded he swallowed and asked, "Would you want to go on a date with me?"
His heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't have to wait long. Her face broke out in a beautiful smile and she said, "Yes. I would love to."
Once plans were all settled, Sakura made her way into school. Earlier that morning Tomoyo had called her over to show her a video tape. Sakura watched Julian and Syaoran's yelling match with a sinking heart. When Syaoran didn't say: She loves me. She knew it was finally over for good.
Julian had defended her so sweetly. He also had said he loved her. She was shocked because in her Sakura-like way she really had no idea he had special feelings for her. But now she could see that Julian was a good match for her. He was tall, good looking, sweet, and really truly cared for her.
Smiling up into the sun she sighed and let all her left over feelings for Syaoran fade out. It seems we are going in different directions she thought. I'm not for sure what the future holds, but from now on I'm going to be happy. Good bye… Syaoran-kun.
Author's Note:
Lots going on in this chapter. I'm really surprised it wasn't longer than what it was. So Syaoran is going to marry Sahoko and Sakura has a date with Julian. I hope you guys liked the scenes of "hijinx" as Tomoyo put it. Those were fun to write. I was going to have them dress up as gardeners to blend in, but then I thought: No way would Tomoyo just let Sakura dress up as a gardener! Sooo I had to have fun with it.
2 more to go. Are you ready?
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