Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura Na Kiss or Card Captor Sakura
Chapter 15: Sakura, and the River Flows in You
Syaoran ran until he thought his legs could run no more. He panted, and looked around desperately. Where was she? His eyes scanned frantically, and finally they found her. She was standing off at a distance, and was looking at him sadly.
"Sakura!" he screamed running towards her. Thank god! She hadn't left. He had almost reached her when a barrier stopped him. "No! Sakura!" He screamed pounding on the glass that separated them.
She seemed to tilt her head for a moment, and then gave him the smallest wistful smile. "I'm sorry Syaoran-kun," she said.
"No! Sakura please!" he screamed again, but stopped at seeing Julian come up behind her. He watched almost in slow motion as Sakura turned, and smiled up at Julian in a loving way. Julian also smiled down at her.
Putting his arm around Sakura Julian led her away from the boy stuck behind the glass. Turning, Julian looked right into Syaoran's eyes and said, "I told you I would take her away." With that the two left Syaoran stuck behind the glass.
"No! Don't take her away!" he screamed pounding on the glass but it was no use. Sakura had gone, and he would never see her again.
Covered in sweat and panting Syaoran flew up from his bed, and looked around him frenzied. He tried to calm his hammering heart as he slowly came to the realization it was all just a dream.
Dressing, he made his way downstairs and tried to act normally. He never dreamed, but when he did they were always nightmares and very realistic. He used to have them a little more frequently, but lately for the past 2 years they had decreased drastically. This was the first dream he had in 2 years. What a strange one to have, and about her of all people.
"Good morning," he said walking into the kitchen.
"Morning," Feimei and his mother greeted coldly.
Syaoran frowned at them. What was with the cold shoulder so early in the morning?
Yelan sat down pancakes in front him, and Syaoran had to smirk. They must be a Sakura creation. It was a pancake but shaped to look like a bear. Bananas were used for ears and the snout. He looked up to tease her about it, but blinked searching around for her.
Yelan saw this and sighed dramatically. "Wasn't it so nice of Sakura to make breakfast for us before she left on her… date?"
His ears perked up at the sound of date. "Date?" he asked finally trying to keep a straight face on the outside.
"To be a monster she sure looked very pretty this morning," Feimei said slyly. Monster was her nickname for Sakura since she stomped around so much in the morning. Turning to her mother she asked innocently, "Isn't she meeting that American fellow Julian?"
Syaoran's blood ran cold. "Ah yes she was," Yelan said peeking at Syaoran out of the corner of her eye. "I must say they make a great match."
Syaoran choked on his coffee. Seeing this Yelan stifled a giggle. "I mean he really is well suited for her. Such a gentleman, good looking, comes from a great family, and plus he treats her very well."
"It was so nice of him to bring us coffee this morning when he picked her up," Feimei said mischievously seeing Syaoran suddenly sit down his coffee like it was hot coal.
"Such good manners," Yelan sighed. "Unlike someone," she added icily whacking Syaoran on the head with the newspaper as she passed by him.
Once she left he looked at Feimei, and tried to ask nonchalantly. "Why is mom suddenly rooting for this guy? I thought she liked me with….Sakura…." he said almost whispering her name at the end.
Feimei shrugged innocently. "I think she finally gave up on you two getting together. So she told Sakura this morning that she was behind her and Julian now."
"What?" Syaoran gasped.
Feimei nodded, and tried to hide her smirk. "Yup, Sakura was so glad to hear that Yelan approved."
Syaoran looked down at his pancakes, but the bear almost seemed to be giving him a disapproving look. They really resembled that stuffed bear of hers she called Kero. He could almost hear the bear call him brat as he stood up hurriedly.
"Well I'll leave first. I need to read up on some papers for the meeting on Monday," he mumbled taking his leave glancing at the glaring bear one last time.
Speaking loudly Feimei said, "I hope she has fun at the Teddy Bear exhibit today. I was the one to tell her about it after all." She smirked watching her brother hurry upstairs.
She remembered their conversation from last night, and she shook her head sadly. She knew her brother loved Sakura. No matter how much he tried to deny it. Why was he acting like this?
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Sakura laughed joyous as she walked down the street with Julian. The two really had a fantastic day so far. First he took her to the arcade where they had a heated match of air hockey. Then he took her to aquarium where she laughed at seeing the Penguins play happily.
Then they had lunch at the aquarium, and Sakura stared in wonder as you could watch the fish while you ate.
She had forgotten what a big appetite that Julian had. He ate at least 4 burgers, and two things of fries. The server would sweat drop at watching him eat with relish and happiness. Sakura decided he must have a great metabolism because his physique was so muscular. He wasn't broad and sculpted like how Syaoran was. Julian was leaner.
Lastly they went to the Teddy Bear Exhibit that Feimei and told her about. "Sugoi!" Sakura laughed running up to all the different teddy bears.
She was having so much fun that for a moment she forgot all about Syaoran.
Tomoyo dressed in yellow with dark sunglasses paid her ticket fee entrance. Smirking she readied her video camera. No way would she miss a chance to film Sakura's date! She was about to follow after them when she collided with someone. "Sorry!" she quickly apologized but stopped at seeing Syaoran. "Li-kun!" she gasped.
Syaoran rounded on her in shock. How could she have noticed him? He was in jeans, t-shirt, a ball cap over his hair, and fake glasses. "Shh!" he shushed her seeing Sakura stop for a moment. Quickly he pulled her behind a large stuffed bear.
"Ah," she said slyly smiling up at him. "Following Sakura's date ne?"
"N-No," he quickly said adjusting his glasses. "I was supposed to meet Sahoko here but she had to cancel."
"Then why the disguise?" Tomoyo asked innocently laughing at seeing Syaoran squirm.
"Think what you want to," he growled adjusting his hat and glasses.
"Well let's hurry they are heading off that direction!" Tomoyo said boldly grabbing his arm, and dragging the protesting boy after the golden haired girl.
"Kawaii!" Sakura said looking at an exhibit of Teddy Bears dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters.
"You like Alice in Wonderland?" Julian asked smiling down at this date. He really thought Sakura looked beautiful. She had on a very simple white skirt with a flowy green top that brought out her bright eyes.
"Hai," she said smiling. "We read it in grade school, and I've loved it ever since."
Staring down at her with loving eyes he found himself saying, "I'll take you there; to Alice's' Kingdom."
"Hoe?" she asked blinking up at him. To England? Why was he asking her to go to England?
Smiling down at her he quickly changed the subject. "Let's go over here. You can build your own bear. Would you like to build one?"
"Yes!" Sakura clapped happily.
From a ways Tomoyo laughed videotaping the boy beside her. He was almost as much fun to video tape as Sakura was. If he was a tea pot he would have steam coming out of his ears right now.
"What does he mean by taking her to Alice's Kingdom?!" he snarled.
"OHOHOHO," Tomoyo laughed.
At the build a bear station a nice lady helped Sakura pick out a bear. She picked out a pretty white bear with pink wings. Staring at the couple before her the lady smiled coyly. "They say if you give the bear to the person you love, and they name it after you that you'll be together forever."
Blushing Sakura looked down bashful. Once the bear was stuffed, and the little plastic heart was put inside Sakura hugged it to herself. She got the insane idea of giving it to Syaoran for a moment which she quickly erased from her mind.
"Here," Julian said suddenly handing her a gift.
"For me?" Sakura breathed opening it. "Julian this is too much. You already got me this bear," she tried to protest.
"Nonsense," he said watching her open the small gift.
Opening it Sakura's eyes lit up at the teddy bear cookie cutter. "Thank you!" she said throwing her arms around him in a hug.
Julian blushed for a moment, but then he hugged her tight and spun her around making her laugh. People watched them and laughed at the cute couple. All expect for a boy with chestnut hair that was being restrained by a girl in yellow.
Tomoyo watched as Sakura and Julian exited the exhibit. It really had been a fun day. Turning to Syaoran to tell him she was leaving she was surprised when she couldn't find him for a moment. Shrugging Tomoyo left all starry eyed at all the great footage she had got.
Syaoran stood in front of the bear building station, and pointed to different things. He picked out a dark and simple bear. The same sales lady that had helped Sakura smiled down at the young man before her. "Going to give this to a special lady?" she asked.
"No," he said furiously grabbing the stuffed animal and stalking away. The lady sweat dropped.
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Over the next week, both Sakura and Syaoran stayed out late both going on their respective dates. Julian would take Sakura to the park, the zoo, or just a simple walk.
Syaoran found himself also scheduling to see Sahoko almost every night as well. He and Sahoko would go to art museums, operas, plays, and concerts.
At the moment he found himself sitting watching the talented Yiruma play the piano. Sahoko sighed listening to the music with her eyes closed. She was very cultured and enjoyed classical music. "Isn't he wonderful?" she breathed to Syaoran.
Syaoran nodded, and watched as Yiruma played his favorite song "River Flows in You". It was actually one of his favorite songs. Yiruma wasn't singing tonight, but Syaoran knew the lyrics.
Holding you, holding you, it´s in you, river flows in you
Slowly more slowly
There is a river flowing inside me
Holding you, holding you, it´s in you, river flows in you
Waiting the waiting
Will I be there then?
Suddenly Syaoran was overcome with the thought of if Sakura had been the one to come with him. He imagined her sitting in rapture with her green eyes sparkling. She would say "Sugoi!" loudly and all the people around him should shush her only making her go "HOEEEEE sorry!" only causing them to shush her more.
Syaoran laughed to himself at the thought. Sahoko looked at him confused. While leaving Sahoko asked, "Syaoran, what were you laughing about in there? Did you not like the song?"
"Oh nothing," he said putting his hands in his pockets. "I just had a funny thought. I love that song actually. It's one of my favorite."
Sahoko smiled. "Me as well."
Waiting and waiting… Will I be there then?
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"I'm home," Syaoran called removing his shoes the by door.
"Welcome home," Yelan called. She watched as his eyes scanned about before saying, "Sakura-chan went on a date with Julian. She said she'd be back late."
"Ah," he said trying to act uninterested.
"Xiao Lang, what is this?" she asked holding up a dark bear by its ear. "I thought you were too old for stuffed toys? Is it Feimei's?"
Blushing furiously he grabbed the bear just as the door opened, and Sakura called, "I'm home!" He quickly stuffed the bear inside his blazer.
"Welcome home Sakura-chan!" Yelan said rushing up to her. "So where did Julian take you tonight?"
Sakura blushed prettily. "We went to see the new movie that's playing."
"Ah," glancing at Syaoran she added, "Xiao Lang just got home as well."
Sakura met Syaoran's amber eyes. They hadn't talked to each other really at all since Syaoran reprimanded her about interrupting his marriage meeting. Smiling she put on a happy face. "Hi Li-kun how was your date?"
Syaoran blanched for a moment at 'Li-kun' hadn't they moved past that? "It was nice. It's nice to date someone as cultured as Sahoko."
Sakura nodded. "You suit each other very well," turning to Yelan she bowed politely. "I'm going to bed. I have an early class tomorrow."
Quickly before she would walk away Syaoran said, "I guess you and Julian wouldn't know about being cultured. Seeing silly movies, and eating hamburgers." Forgetting that he too had given Sakura a hamburger in the past.
Sakura stopped and stared at him in anger. "You apologize!"
Crossing his arms, and being careful to still hide the bear, he sneered, "Actually you know what I don't care about what you and him do because I have zero interest in your love life."
"Oh stop it you two," Yelan interjected coming between the fuming boy and girl. But suddenly her eyes got all starry. Giggling she said, "You two sound like a bickering married couple."
"We do not!" both said at the same time sticking their tongues out at each other once they realized they said it together.
"I'll be going first," they said again at the same time. Both glared at the other before they left to their respective rooms.
Yelan sighed.
The next day she sat in front of Leiyun and sighed loudly, "It's no use. I try to act like I support Sakura and Julian in hopes it would make Xiao Lang jealous but it doesn't seem to be working. In the mean time he continues to see Sahoko, and Sakura continues to date Julian."
Leiyun shifted uncomfortably before he said, "Wei called earlier." Yelan blinked at him. "It would seem Chairman Oizumi wants to set a date for the engagement ceremony when I'm out of the hospital."
Yelan sat back in defeat. So this was it. It really seemed like that her OTP Sakura and Syaoran were moving on from each other. In her mind she watched as her ship sank.
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Syaoran walked into the hospital, and nodded politely at the staff. He was almost to his father's room when a boy yelled, "Syaoran!"
Frowning Syaoran turned and smiled at seeing Tenshi run up to him. "Tenshi? What are you doing here?" He had last seen the little boy at the children's hospital.
The little boy smiled up at him with missing front teeth. "I got all better for the time being. I'm here to see my great aunt. She's not feeling too well." Syaoran nodded as Tenshi looked around him. "Where is Sakura?"
Syaoran tried to smile. "She's not here."
Tenshi nodded sadly. "Tell her I say hi!"
Syaoran nodded, "I will."
Smiling up at him one last time Tenshi said, "I agree with Sakura. I think you'll make a great doctor. She told me how in the future you'll be able to find a cure for my heart." Syaoran paled and nodded slowly. Waving one last time Tenshi ran off to be with his mother.
Syaoran watched him go sadly. Syaoran had been in the hospital numerous times, but today he was hyper aware of all the doctors that walked by. Finally he shook his head and knocked on his father's door.
Leiyun smiled at his son as he walked in. Xiao Lang looked so grown up in his suit and tie. "Thank you for coming son. So as you know I need an operation," he began. Syaoran nodded as he stood by his father's bed. "However, I'm going to put it off." Syaoran looked up in shock. "I'm going to go back to work and fix all my messes."
"No father. You'll get stressed again," Syaoran quickly interjected.
Leiyun shook his head. "I can't stand seeing you like this. Marrying someone you don't love-"
"I make my own choices!" Syaoran said trying not to shout. Calming down he said, "Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself. I've made the choice to marry Sahoko."
Leiyun sighed and nodded. He would have to tell Yelan he tried. "Well in the case when I leave the hospital they want to set up the official engagement ceremony."
Syaoran was careful to keep a blank face as he nodded. "Looking forward to it father. Don't worry about the company either. I got it under control."
Later that night Syaoran entered his room, and looked at the dark bear sitting on his desk. He really didn't know why he had it made. What was he going to do with a stuffed toy? Walking up to his book shelves he took in all his medical books. Books on physiology, biology, chemistry, and his beat up human anatomy book that he dug out of the trash can. Grinding his teeth he collected them all, and shoved them into a box. Looking at them one last time Syaoran placed the lid over them, and shoved them deeply underneath his bed.
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"I'm home!" Leiyun shouted happily entering the house. It was really great to be back.
"Congratulations!" Everyone shouted happily.
They sat down to the celebratory meal for Leiyun. Sakura clapped in rapture staring at all the delicious food. Leiyun dug in heartily. "You should slow down father," Syaoran chided. "You also need to stay away from alcohol, greasy, and sweet foods."
Leiyun waved him off. Yelan sighed and stared about happily. "It's so nice to have the whole family back together."
Family? Sakura thought happily munching on a shrimp. She met Syaoran's eyes for the first time but quickly looked away.
Suddenly, a door bell rang making everyone look up from their plates. "Who could that be?" Yelan questioned. "I didn't invite anyone over-"
"Because I did," Syaoran said standing and moving towards the door.
Leiyun about choked at seeing Chairman Oizumi walk in. "C-Chairman!" he said going to stand.
"Please don't bother," Chaiman Oizumi laughed.
"Thank you for inviting us," a pleasant voice said. Sakura blanched at seeing Sahoko walk in. She was dressed in a very modest dress with a cardigan over it.
"Father, please meet Sahoko," Syaoran said almost proudly introducing his fiancée.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," both said bowing deeply.
"Please do sit!" Fujitaka said remembering his manners taking Sakura by the arm, and giving the chairman and Sahoko a place to sit. She stood awkwardly and watched as they sat down. Soon everyone was talking happily as Sakura stood off to the side awkwardly. She was overcome with just how much she didn't fit in anymore. Fujitaka fetched his daughter a chair, and quickly took his own seat.
"Congratulations for leaving the hospital," Sahoko said smiling politely and handing a Leiyun a large bento box. "I took the liberty of making food for you."
Yelan opened the bento, and was fully prepared to chide it but stopped at seeing the intricately made food. It looked like a piece of art. Sakura's eyes widened.
"I made it with no oil, salt, and sugar for you since I heard you have a heart condition," Sahoko said smiling.
Yelan took a bite expecting it to be gross, but her eyes widened in rapture. It tasted amazing. Leiyun took a bite as well and his eyes filled with happy tears. "This is delicious! Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"Thank you," Sahoko said bowing politely. "I learned from my mother."
Syaoran peeked at Sakura out of the corner of his eye, and didn't miss her crestfallen expression. Perhaps if she had a mother maybe she could have learned to cook just as well.
"Oh forgive my manners," Fujitaka said. "I'm Fujitaka Kinomoto, and this my daughter Sakura."
The chairman nodded and said, "So you are the friend that's been living with Leiyun's family?"
Fujitaka nodded. The chairman then looked over at Fujitaka's daughter. He had noticed the girl right away and at first thought she wasn't that striking. However, now at seeing her smile at her father he was struck with how much she reminded him of someone.
"It's rude to stare at people grandfather," Sahoko chided embarrassed.
"Oh forgive me," Chairman Oizumi laughed. "It's just that you remind me of a famous model."
Sakura blushed and smiled happily. "Could it be Kinomoto Nadeshiko?"
"Ah yes! That's it! I didn't see it at first, but you have her eyes and smile," the chairman said.
"She's my mother," Sakura said proudly.
The chairman almost choked on his tea. Dabbing his napkin on his chin he said, "Ah I see."
He stared at Syaoran out of the corner of his eye, and watched as he would sneak glances at Sakura. No matter, he thought, she's not nearly as striking as Sahoko.
"Sakura-san," Sahoko said suddenly making everyone stop. "Would you meet me outside for a moment? I've wanted to talk with you."
Sakura gulped but nodded following Sahoko outside. Syaoran watched them go frowning.
"I hope it's okay if I call you Sakura," Sahoko said sitting at an outside table.
"Oh no problem," Sakura said taking a seat across from her.
Both girls sat in awkward silence before Sahoko said, "I'm sorry if we have acted unkind to you. It's just that we are jealous of your relationship with Syaoran."
Sakura almost choked on her tea. Coughing she waved her off. "Jealous of me? And….Li-kun?" she asked not able to bring herself to call him Syaoran-kun.
Sahoko nodded. "You've lived with him for 2 years now, and his mother adores you. I'm so envious of you."
Sakura blushed. How could this perfect girl be jealous of her? Clearing her throat she asked nervously, "Ne, Sahoko-san, what do you like about…Li-kun?"
Sahoko smiled prettily. "It was love at first sight," she explained. "I was so surprised when my grandfather called me to the company suddenly that day. I was getting off of an elevator, and Syaoran stopped my fall. He was such a gentleman and so kind," she sighed. Sakura nodded. She too had fell for Syaoran at first sight. She had also ran into him that day years ago. "I think it was fate," Sahoko said laughing.
Sakura nodded again. Fate? She had always believed that you shaped your own destiny, but a small voice inside her head couldn't help but to ask was it fate that brought her and Syaoran under the same roof? What were the chances of an earthquake just destroying her house and no one else's? But perhaps, Sahoko was right, that Syaoran had just happened to be there.
"I was so surprised when grandfather asked me to do a marriage meeting," Sahoko continued. "I almost didn't go but he talked me into it. I was shocked when it was Syaoran that met me." Sahoko sighed. "He's been so nice and good to me, but I worry if he's truly happy. I have a feeling that he hides his true self from me."
"That's because you love him," Sakura said making Sahoko stare at her. "When you truly love someone you worry about them. Plus you lose confidence in yourself. One moment he will act kind to you, and the next he can be so cold. You worry which is really him."
Staring at her Sahoko said, "You've been in love before." Sahoko realized that Sakura loved Syaoran. It was plain all over face as she talked with such a heart broken voice.
"But he really loves you," Sakura said trying to put on a bright smile. "I know him well. And if he acts this way towards you it means… it means that he really loves you."
Sahoko smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear. "Thank you Sakura-san."
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Later that night after the chairman and Sahoko had left Sakura washed the dishes humming. Syaoran had decided to walk Sahoko home.
Yelan came up to her and sighed tiredly. "Oh Sakura, you don't need to do that now."
Sakura shook her head happily. "It's okay. I'm not tired at all, but you must be. Why don't you go to bed and I'll finish this?"
Yelan nodded as she stared at the young girl before her. She could see Sakura was trying to put on a brave face, but on the inside she was hurting. What had Sahoko and she talked about earlier? Finally she couldn't stand it anymore and gave Sakura big hug making her stop washing dishes shocked.
"Yelan?" she asked drying her hands, and turning towards her. "What's wrong?"
"Oh Sakura-chan," Yelan sniffed. "I'm so sorry." Sakura blinked at her confused. "All this time I've given you false hope about marrying into our family. I really did root for you all this while. I feel guilty that I've done nothing but make you sad."
Sakura shook her head. "It warms my heart to hear you say how highly you think of me. Yelan… I've always thought of you as my mother," Yelan looked up with tear stained cheeks. "If it's okay… I would like to still think of you as my mother even after Li-kun get's married."
Yelan cried and engulfed Sakura in a tight hug again. "Of course my Sakura-chan. I'll always be your mother."
Later that night, Sakura was heading up to bed herself when Syaoran finally got home. The two stared at each other for a moment before Sakura put on a brave smile. "Ah so you're home. Did you enjoy your walk?"
Syaoran nodded removing his shoes. He couldn't bring himself to look at her in the eyes anymore. "I'm going to bed," he said before making his way upstairs.
"Wait… Li-kun," Sakura said making him stop. He turned to her slowly, and regarded her with his amber eyes. Sakura swallowed and said, "I'm really happy for you. When I talked to Sahoko she seemed like she really loves you."
Syaoran tried to smile. "Ah yes. She's pretty great; beautiful and a great cook." The two stood awkwardly again for a moment before Syaoran mustered the words to say, "I hope you find someone great as well."
Sakura tried to do a bright smile. She quickly turned her back to him so we wouldn't see the tears welling up in her eyes. Looking at the back of her head he was almost tempted to ask her if she had found happiness with Sakamoto Julian. But he couldn't bring himself to ask it.
Both entered their bedrooms, and both slumped up against the door. Sakura holding back tears, and Syaoran with a clenched fist Julian's words echoing in his head: "I'll take her away from you. Somewhere far away."
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Sakura was more than surprised the next day when her father called her out for lunch. Fujitaka watched his daughter as she ate happily, and chatted away about different things. Finally he said, "Sakura we should move out." She stopped eating for a moment. "Now that Syaoran is officially engaged, and wants to marry Sahoko I feel it's inappropriate for us to live with them."
Sakura sat her chopsticks down sadly.
"It was different with Meilin. Yelan had explained to me that Syaoran didn't feel the same way for her so I allowed us to move back in, but this time I feel he is serious about his feelings for Sahoko."
Sakura nodded slowly.
Watching the conflicting emotions on his daughter's face Fujitaka said, "Sakura. I know we've talked about this before, but I feel like it's time you officially move on. You need to forget Li Syaoran. He seems happy, and you should be happy for him."
"I am happy for him," Sakura whispered. Finally putting on a bright smile she said, "Yes let's move out for good. I would hate to make Chairman Oizumi and Sahoko feel uncomfortable."
Patting her head Fujitaka said, "That's my Sakura-chan."
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The day of Syaoran's Yuino or Engagement ceremony dawned on a bright, clear Sunday. Both he and his father were dressed in black suits, and his mother was in her traditional kimono.
Sakura came down the stars right when they were leaving. She was dressed in a mint green dress with cherry blossoms all over it. Her golden hair was pinned back with a pretty clip. The green and pink brought out her rosy complexion, and her green eyes sparkled from the mint color of the dress.
Syaoran almost missed the doorknob staring at her.
"Sakura-chan, where are you off to so early?" Yelan asked.
"You look beautiful," Leiyun said smiling at her. He peeked at his son out of the corner of his eyes. Even though he had been a lot more subtle then his wife; he too had been rooting for Sakura and Syaoran to be together.
"Thank you," Sakura said smiling. "And you look very handsome in your suit." Leiyun blushed at the complement. Turning to Yelan she said, "Your kimono is lovely." Yelan laughed in thanks as well. Finally turning to Syaoran she gave a small wistful smile.
Syaoran's heart almost stopped beating. It was the same smile she had given in that dream he had. With sweaty palms he quickly averted his eyes and said, "Well let's go."
Yelan watched as her son left the house quickly. Turning to smile at Sakura one last time the family made their way outside. Sakura watched them go sadly.
Julian met her in front of the shrine gate, and the two walked into the summer ceremony together. Every year during the summer they would light lanterns, and celebrate the fireflies.
It was evening by now, and Sakura had enjoyed a fantastic day with Julian. Watching him as he carefully lit his lantern she couldn't help but to smile. When she was with him she was able to forget about Syaoran. He had a way of making each day fun for her. He also had a way of making her feel at ease.
It was so easy and so simple with him. She didn't have to think she just had to feel. And what she felt was happiness and contentment.
Watching the fireflies glow around them Sakura said, "Aren't they beautiful Julian?"
He wasn't looking at the fireflies but he said, "Yes."
She turned to smile at him, and was struck that he was staring at her. Looking down at his hands nervously he said, "Sakura, I have to go back to the states soon."
She stared at him in shock. "When?"
Sighing he said, "Next week."
Her shoulders slumped. "So soon?"
Turning to her he gulped and said, "I'm sure you know but I have to say it anyway. I'm in love with you Sakura." She blinked at him, and her heart hammered. "I've loved you for a long time."
"Julian," she whispered.
Gathering his courage he said, "I know you still have feelings for Li-kun, but I hope that in time you can love me as well." When she didn't say anything he continued. "I've received a chance to go live in England for a bit to study the catacombs."
"Wow England?" Sakura breathed.
Turning to her he took her hands, and looked deep into her green eyes. "Sakura, will you go with me?" she blinked at him in shock. Smiling he said, "I promised to take you to Alice's Kingdom didn't I?"
Her heart hammered. Leave? Go to England?
"It might do you well to put distance between you and Li-kun," he said watching the emotions flit through her eyes.
Suddenly they were interrupted by people shouting congratulations! They looked up in time to see a bride and groom walk past smiling hugely.
Sakura stared at them with a sinking heart. Syaoran would be ending his Yuino right about now. No she must forget him. Smiling beautifully at him she said, "Yes. I'll go with you."
His heart skipped a beat. "Really?!" when she nodded he whooped loudly and drew her into a hug. Sakura laughed and hugged him back. Getting serious Julian pulled away, and looked deep into her eyes. "Sakura, will you marry me?"
She stared at him in shock her mouth falling open.
Getting one knee Julian reached into his blazer and pulled out a ring box. Opening it he showed Sakura the pretty diamond ring inside. "Kinomto Sakura, will you marry me?"
She stared at the ring, and swallowed a few times.
Back at Syaoran's engagement ceremony he was suddenly struck with a sense of foreboding. He looked around in alarm and Sahoko stared at him confused. "Are you okay?"
Getting over it quickly Syaoran shook his head, "I'm fine."
He stared out into the night, and watched as the fireflies danced. "Oh your shoelace has broken," Sahoko said pointing down at his shoe.
Syaoran stared down at his shoe lace, and the feeling of foreboding was back. Why did he have such a bad feeling?
The lanterns glowed, and the fireflies danced. Back at the shrine Sakura stared down at the beautiful ring and opened her mouth to give Julian her answer.
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Author's Note:
So Sakura is leaving. I don't know if anyone caught my CCS nudge. I love the episode that is Alice in Wonderland based, and Eriol telling Sakura he'll take her to Alice's Kingdom. I also included a Tsubasa reference as the beginning with Syaoran being behind glass. I've actually never seen Tsubasa, but I've watched that scene and seen pictures of it. So beautiful. Also, a shoelace breaking is symbolizing bad luck. Also, please check out the song "River Flows in You" by Yiruma. It's one of my favorites. Please youtube Yiruma River Flows in You with official lyrics. A lot of the lyrics that are out there are not correct.
Alright, next chapter is the very last one. I can't believe it's finally time. I've really enjoyed writing this fanfiction, and I hope that you all have enjoyed reading it up to this point.
Please review!