A/N: I never really expected that this fic / storyline would be accepted the way it did. Honestly, I had a hangover with 'Taboo' and I thought that I might not be able to pour my heart into this like I did with that and I was just thinking that maybe the reason why I'm writing this is to let that hangover pass. But then as the story progressed, I was surprised that I got attached just as much, or even more, to the characters in this fic. I get really emotional and attached when I write a story so it's always hard for me to wrap up a fic as much as it feels like an accomplishment. I know that my writing skills are still mediocre and there is still a lot of room for improvement but this time, before this fic truly ends, I want to thank everyone for the support…for reading and especially for reviewing. If I wasn't able to put your name up there, well thanks anyway. I know that I'll continue writing until I find the style I'm comfortable with but anyway, I won't keep this long. Let me now present that last chapter of 'Oyasuminasai Tomadachi-kun'. ^_^
Michiko
Oyasuminasai Tomadachi-kun
Chapter 38 What Awaits
September, everyone was back at school. Summer vacation was over and yet no one was really complaining. So much has happened that it seemed that so much time had passed than it really did. With the new flow of things, Sakura was a little anxious starting school again but Shaoran held her hand tight as they walked to school that morning. Just by standing next to him gave her enough encouragement to believe that yes, everything was going to be fine. He even teased her that she had been through worst.
Lunch that day, Sakura stayed with Tomoyo and their other friends at their classroom. She knew that Shaoran had some debate stuff to deal with and Tomoyo said that she wanted to show her something.
"Well ladies, I'll be taking my leave. Utaro asked me and the guys to help him set something up for Megumi. Don't tell ok? Cover for us. See you guys later." Eriol said as he stood.
"Sure. No problem. That will be easy." Naoko said.
"Good luck you guys." Chiharu then said as he left. He smiled back at them.
"So? What is it that you wanted to show me?" Sakura then said when she and the other girls were left.
Tomoyo smiled and took out the magazine that they worked on that summer. It wasn't in the stores yet. Tomoyo got the first copy and she wanted Sakura to see it first. She held it up and Sakura was stunned that her picture was picked for the cover page.
"Oh my God…" Sakura exclaimed as she took the magazine from Tomoyo. Her hands were shaking. Naoko and Chiharu stood next to her to have a better look.
"I have another copy." Tomoyo said as she took out another one and handed it over to Naoko and Chiharu while she placed her attention to Sakura. Tomoyo couldn't help but smile. She knew that Sakura hadn't expected that her picture would be picked for the cover of the maiden issue. She rested head on her hand as she leaned on her elbow on Sakura's desk. Sakura had started shifting through the pages.
"I can't believe you are a model now, Sakura, and you a fashion designer, Tomoyo." Chiharu commented.
"I guess this is enough of a reason why you quit the squad." Naoko then said.
Sakura looked up at Tomoyo. Tomoyo looked back at her. "You didn't tell them?" She mouthed. Sakura shook her head. Chiharu and Naoko didn't seem to notice the exchange between Tomoyo and Sakura. Tomoyo smiled at Sakura.
"So how come you didn't tell me that I'd be on the cover page?" Sakura then asked.
"Well honestly, even I didn't know. I was just as surprised as you when I saw it. The center fold has our pictures together. Since it's both our debut, they thought it better that our section be placed there." Tomoyo explained as she saw Sakura flip to the centerfold. Tomoyo saw her smile.
Sakura then commented, "We did a pretty good job. Your career is going to take off from this Tomoyo."
"Yours will too." Sakura heard someone whisper to her ear. She knew that voice. She didn't need to turn to look. Shaoran leaned at her, arms either side of her, resting on her table. He then kissed her on the cheek as she turned to him.
"I thought you had debate?" She asked.
He looked at her and smiled. "I did. We finished early. Come on. Let's go." He said as he straightened out and took her hand.
"Wait! Where are we going?" Sakura said.
"Ryu asked me and Kenishiro to get you and Shiho and bring you guys to the student council office."
"Why? What's up?"
Shaoran shrugged and said, "He was vague on details. He's at the Principal's office right now. He'll meet us there." Sakura nodded as she allowed herself to be led.
He then turned at Tomoyo and said, "Excuse us. And great job, Tomoyo. I agree with Sakura. Your career is going to take off after this."
Tomoyo smiled as she watched them go. Chiharu and Naoko then approached her and said, "Those two look so good together."
"Yeah. They do." Tomoyo replied dreamily. She still could remember the moment Shaoran had actually confessed his feelings for Sakura. She had always known him as someone stoic but would let his guard down with Sakura. Having been able to witness it all, it was such a romantic thing that it felt like she was watching it off from a movie, only better. Tomoyo couldn't help but smile.
XxXxXx
"So? Vague on the details…well, what were the details he did say?" Sakura asked as they walked down the corridor towards the student council office.
Not once did Shaoran let go of her hand. Shaoran grinned and replied, "Well when I said that he was vague on the details, I really meant vague. All he said was to find you and Shiho and bring you to the office. That's basically it." Sakura shook her head.
Pretty soon, Sakura and Shaoran had met up with Shiho and Kenishiro. They entered the office and settled down. "So what's up?" Shiho then asked.
"I was wondering that myself. Shaoran here was really a big help in illuminating the topic." Sakura commented.
"Yeah well Kenishiro-sempai wasn't much help either." Shiho said. The two guys smirked.
As if on cue, Ryu entered with a piece of paper in his hand. All waited for him to say something. He sat and grinned. He then went on to say, "Well don't jump on me all at the same time." They shook their heads. "Alright, alright." Ryu said as he handed the paper over to Sakura. She looked at him questioningly. He smirked and motioned her to read the paper. Sakura shook her head and started reading.
As she read and realization dawned on her, Sakura couldn't help but say, "Oh my God…you're not serious…I mean…Shiho read it." She quickly handed the paper over to Shiho. She then looked back at Ryu and he grinned at her. Shiho took the paper and read it. Pretty soon, she had the same reaction as with Sakura.
"Ryu-san, I appreciate the nomination but I can't do it. I don't plan on running for office next year. You know why." Sakura said.
"Sorry, Ryu-sempai. I've also been thinking lately and I'm more geared towards not running next year. But I also appreciate the nomination." Shiho also said.
Ryu grinned and glanced at both Shaoran and Kenishiro. "Uh-oh. How come I'm not liking that look?" Sakura commented, noticing the glances the guys were sharing. They grinned at her.
"Ryu had a feeling you were going to say that. Well, all of us were talking and after awhile, Kenishiro and I figured that he's right that you two would just say that. So, we put our heads together to come up with something that you two wouldn't be able to say no to." Shaoran explained.
Sakura was about to argue but then again, kept her mouth shut. Shiho too wanted to argue but then was silenced when she saw Kenishiro produce another set of papers. It caught Sakura's eye as well.
"Well ladies, we all know you two so we, I mean us, initiated a signature campaign. We are all seniors and obviously we won't be here next year and we would want to leave knowing that the student body would be left in the hands of people who we know will do a good job. So, as seniors and won't really have a say on the matter come elections, we had all the senior class and club officers sign these papers saying and recommending Sakura as the next president and Shiho as the next vice president." Kenishiro said.
Sakura stood from where she was sitting next to Shaoran and walked to where Shiho and Kenishiro were sitting. She took one of the papers and saw for herself that they weren't kidding. Shiho looked up at her. Sakura looked back.
"Can we ignore this, Sakura-sempai?" Shiho asked. Sakura looked at her and didn't answer right away.
"Ryu-san, you know that I am going to the Olympics next summer and I'll be training a lot and I have a contract with Tomoyo…I don't want to commit myself into running for something I'm not sure I will be able to perform good at. But I think, Shiho, that you should go for it. I trust that you will be able to nail it." Sakura said.
"If I'm going to go through with this, Sakura-sempai, I really would like you to take the chance with me. I mean, isn't it what we do? Look out for each other when the going gets tough? If we are going to be re-elected, the new student council will be as solid as this one." Shiho said.
Sakura took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Alright. I accept. I will let the student body decide but I accept the nomination."
After talking awhile, Shaoran accompanied Sakura back to her class room. "I only know vague details…yeah right." Sakura commented making Shaoran smirk.
"After all this time, I should have known that you guys planned something like this." She added making him laugh a little bit.
He placed his arm around her and bid her closer to him a little. "C'est la vie. You'll do fine. I know you will. Besides, Shiho is going to be there with you through it. Elected or not, it's going to be fine. Take it at a stride. Even if we won't be here next year, we will still be here by your side, yours and Shiho's. So don't fret." He said as he planted a kiss on her forehead.
XxXxXx
Spring. Graduation rites.
With the seat of power already been passed from Ryu to Sakura and from Sakura to Shiho, the new set of student council members, it was time for the seniors to receive the fruits of their labor. Sakura and Shiho were there to assist as head of the new student council.
"Sakura-sempai, want to come with us after the ceremony? This is the last day of school and well Saito and I have set up this date for Kenishiro-sempai. Kenishisho-sempai doesn't know and well I was wondering if you can come to make it less obvious before Kenishiro-sempai breaks down all bashful and stuff. He really likes this girl and just his luck, she's Saito's older cousin." Shiho said.
Sakura started laughing. She knew that even if Kenishiro was had this all-macho, strong, intellectual, fun image, he still scares easily when it came to girls. It was one of the reasons why he still didn't have a girl friend. He just needed that push.
"Sorry, Shiho. Shaoran and I already have plans. He asked me to come with him somewhere after the ceremony. But please do tell what happens. I would really like to know how Kenishiro turns out." Sakura replied.
Shiho then gave Sakura a knowing grin. Sakura looked at her a little suspiciously. She raised an eyebrow at her. Shiho then intertwined her arm on Sakura's and asked, "So, is Li-sempai proposing or something?"
"What? Don't be ridiculous." Sakura replied, blushing.
Shiho grinned and said, "I won't be surprised if you two end up together forever, Sakura-sempai. Tomoyo-sempai is right. You two belong together and it's about time that you two are together." Sakura smiled back at her.
XxXxXx
After the ceremony…
Shaoran was at the driver's seat and Sakura next to him. "So where exactly are we going?" Sakura asked. Shaoran never did tell her where he planned on taking her. All she knew was that it was an overnight thing and that it was out of town. When she had told her father, he didn't seem to mind. He was ok with the idea. Sakura felt it weird but then told herself that it was nothing really.
Shaoran smiled and glanced at her for a second before turning his attention back on the road. "You'll see." Was all he answered her.
She glanced at him and shook her head before smiling and looking out the car window again. "Shizuoka…" She whispered.
Shaoran grinned, pretending that he hadn't heard her. He trusted her capabilities. It had always been like that. He knew that she would figure it out.
"What did you say?" Shaoran decided to ask.
"Huh? I didn't say anything?"
"Yeah right."
Sakura smiled and shook her head. "Fine. I said Shizuoka. That's where we are going right?"
"Sometimes I can't help but wonder how you know."
"Hmm let's think…I guess reading the road signs doesn't help…oh and let's not forget you mentioning before that when you graduate, you'd want to take a road trip to Shizuoka and visit the temple your dad visited before he headed back to Hong Kong and married your mother."
Shaoran laughed. "Good. It saves me the trouble of having to explain to you why we are heading there." He said, taking a glance at her. She smiled at him.
"This trip really means a lot for you, doesn't it?"
"Yeah it does. I went through his stuff the last time I was in Hong Kong. I found out that he got the dragon here. It was given to him by this monk at the temple in Shizuoka, a good luck charm for his up-coming marriage. He was a free-spirited man. He loved my mother. It was a dilemma. He wanted to be with my mother but he also wanted his freedom. He journeyed and somehow found his way to Shizuoka. He said that his life started there. Now that all of us, his children have finished high school and have come of age, I wanted to give something back to him."
"Coming full circle."
"Exactly." Shaoran answered, smiling at her. "And it means so much to me that you are here to share this." He added.
Sakura smiled and placed a hand over his on the gear. She felt his thumb brush lightly on the back of her hand. She kept her hand there as they continued on to Shizuoka. It was a little hard finding the temple but still they managed to. After saying a prayer, they headed to an inn to spend the night in.
Later into the night, Sakura walked out into the quaint balcony which over looked the sea and the rural part of Shizuoka. She could see the prominent features of the temple nearby. She smiled at the sight. The sky was clear and all the stars could be seen above. It was so peaceful that it made her heart settle as well. With the gentle breeze blowing her hair a little, she watched the silent dance the night had over the land. The laid back part of town was simply a wonderful change in atmosphere.
Soon, she felt Shaoran's arms wrap around her waist. She allowed him to pull her into a warm embrace and rested her head on the crook of his neck. She loved the feel of his protectiveness around her. She had never felt so safe than when she would find herself in his arms.
"Sakura?" He whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Come to Hong Kong with me over spring break."
"Sure. I'd like that. It would be nice to get to see everyone again."
Shaoran grinned. He had never wanted anything like this so badly in his life before. She occupied his every thought and dream. This was it. "You better brush up with your Mandarin, Sakura." He commented.
He heard her laugh and reply, "Hey! I never stopped understanding Chinese. I just can't articulate."
"I can help you there." Shaoran said as he turned her to face him.
Sakura gazed up into his loving eyes and smiled. She rested her hands on his chest. "Our dreams started in Hong Kong. Our lives started there. It would be like running full circle of our own."
Shaoran looked at her tenderly and ran his hand on her hair. He loved running his hand on her hair. He loved every part of her. "Yeah. I guess you can put it that way. Hearing stories of the world back when we were kids is what made you want to aspire to serve the world…to travel it…to be part of it. It started my dream too."
"Which dream is that?"
He smiled at her again and replied, "To be the one to bring you around the world."
Sakura felt herself blush. Shaoran grinned. "Hey! Stop making me blush will ya?" She commented.
He laughed and said, "I can't do that. I can't hide the truth from you anymore." Sakura shook her head and blushed a little more.
"Sakura…" He then said gently to make her look at him again.
"I want to ask you something…" He continued. He blushed. Sakura's heart started to beat a little faster. She waited patiently for him to continue. "I love you. I love you so much and…I know we are both not ready…but…I want nothing more than for you to be with me…I was wondering…God! Why is this so hard?" Shaoran said. He blushed. He knew it was what he wanted but he never felt so lost for words in his entire life.
Sakura smiled at him and waited patiently. He took a deep breath and took her hands in his. He looked straight into her eyes and said, "Sakura, I was wondering if you would come back to Hong Kong with me, not as my best friend or just my girl friend, but as my fiancée?" Sakura was taken aback. Shaoran held her hands tighter and kept her in his gaze. He made his gentle plea. "I love you and I understand that we both still have things to fulfill before we are ready for marriage. But I doubt that I will ever find another to love more than I do with you. I just love you too much and I don't ever want to lose you again. During my formal ascension as head of the family, I would like to introduce you as my future wife…that is if will accept me…will you marry me, Sakura?"
XxXxXx
The alarm went off and Sakura started to break away from the clutches of sleep. She stirred and groggily shut off her alarm. She blinked a couple of times, blinded slightly by the light that had entered her window. As her vision cleared, Sakura started to see the figure she had always known was by her side. His outline was unmistakable. He was always there to greet her every morning when she woke up, watching over her when she slept and exchanged candid talks before she slept at night. He had always been her guardian, her dear friend. He helped her understand things that she otherwise would never understand. His gentle face. His long hair. His wings. Everything about him was familiar as he had always been her guardian angel, even before she knew the full extent of her gift.
"Good morning, Yue. But really…could you have just let me at least stay longer…it was the best part." Sakura said as she remained lying down. She glanced back at her clock above her head. It registered 6:30.
"Good morning to you too, Sakura. Sorry but I had to cut it there. You can't dream of an entire life time in one night." Yue answered as he smiled at her. "But I can let you dream for at least the happenings of the next couple of months." He added.
Sakura brought her hand on her forehead. She was a little bothered yet content with her latest dream. She didn't know if she should let herself blush or truly be bothered. She let herself do both. It was an eye-opener. It wasn't a new experience. She had learned to live with that gift a long time ago. It had been a part of her. A part of her still gets bothered with the dreams but she knew that she couldn't stop them from happening. It was like telling herself not to live, telling her heart to stop beating. She was really glad though that she had Yue as her guide through it all.
"Yue…I still don't get it…what's the point of having those dreams if I'll be forgetting most of it…99% of it? Can you just tell me that ok it will be a good decision or that would be a bad decision or it will work out eventually or something?" Sakura commented.
Yue started laughing. Sakura loved his laugh. It had always calmed her and told her that it was part of it. It reminded her that her gift was really a unique one. He stood and sat next to her in bed. He looked down at her and smiled. He then said, "Basically, Sakura, you are a very stubborn person. I can't just say that because knowing you, you would want to find out the real reason behind it and will do everything you can to figure out the details. Your gift allows you to get a peak into the future through your dreams to convince your mind what your heart already knows to be right. Take for example, what you did yesterday. You walked up to Rika and asked her to tell you the truth. You called Shaoran to meet you today at noon. You did that because your heart knows it's right. With the dreams, well, now your mind knows it too."
Sakura looked at him, thoughtful. She knew that he was speaking of the truth. But then she said, "But knowing what I do now doesn't make saying goodbye to my best friend any easier. I know with this, he will have Rika-san back and he will be happy again. I know that this must happen. But it just doesn't make things easier."
Yue smiled at her again. He understood her apprehension. He understood how she felt. He took a deep breath and said, "Doing the right thing isn't always easy, Sakura. I know you know that. I've always told you to follow your heart. Right now, I know it's hard but you are strong. When the time comes that you can't find your strength, there will be others around you who will lend you their strength and get you through. You've seen it already. You know. I will always be here to guide you. Believe me when I say that it gets better and it gets easier. The first step is always the hardest."
Sakura shifted a little in bed and popped herself up and rested her head on her elbow. She looked up at him and said, "Yeah. I believe you, Yue. I've seen that and felt that. I've felt it all. My mind will slowly forget and it will pop up when the time comes. Right now, it sort of feels weird you know? I know I'm doing this for Shaoran but in the end, it will turn out that I will be doing this for myself as well. Everyone will turn out happy…all except one."
"Who would that be, Sakura?"
Sakura smiled at him and answered, "You."
Yue looked at her stunned.
She smiled again and said, "By next fall, everyone would be so happy and things will be as it should be. But what about you, Yue? You have also been by my side and have been my guardian angel forever and I still don't know how to make sure that you are happy as well."
Yue smiled. When he first became in charge of her, being her mentor and guide through her gift, he thought that it would be pretty much just like any other charge. But she had accepted him whole and treated him more as a friend than a guardian, a servant. To him, Sakura deserved her gift. She deserved it all.
"Don't worry about me, Sakura. I'm happy. So, your brother isn't around and so is your dad, do you want to sleep in a little? You still have five hours and a half before your meeting with Shaoran at Central. I can allow you to sleep in." Yue answered.
"Really? I'd really like that. I don't want to have to wait for the next five hours agitated for what I know would be the hardest thing I'll ever do in my life."
Yue smirked and pulled the covers over her as she laid back down. "You'll wake me up right?" Sakura asked.
He smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Don't worry. I'll wake you up. I'll send you some scary dreams where you're chased by a buffalo or something. I'm sure you'll wake up from that."
Sakura laughed a little and smiled at him. "Thanks, Yue. Just not to scary please or I'll never talk to you again. Good night, Yue…" She said as Yue just smirked. He then passed his hand over her eyes and sleep took hold of her.
Yue smiled. Yue whispered as he continued to watch over her, keeping her safe and guiding her through her dreams. No one else could see him aside from her but it didn't matter. He already was given the most precious thing that he never thought he would be able to have…a true friend.
"You wanted to know what happens after Shaoran proposes…you will find out soon enough. You two will have a long, wonderful life together. A few humps on the road but you two will be able to handle it together. You both will live out your dreams. Your friends and family will also find their dreams. Your gift will always be faithful to you as I am. I will guide you forever and guard you from harm. You ask how you can make me happy…just smile, Sakura. Seeing your smile is enough to make me feel light. Since I am connected to you, my existence is connected to you, I feel what you feel. So as long as you are happy, I am also happy, my dear Mistress. You treat me more than a servant. You treat me as a confidant, a valued friend. For that I am truly grateful. Sleep now, Sakura. Oyasuminasai tomadachi-kun…"
THE END
I can't believe that I've finally written the last chapter. Ok I'm getting emotional again…it was real guys. Thank you so much. I don't know if you guys knew that that was coming but anyway, thanks a lot! It was a meaningful three months of writing this fic and I learned a lot in terms of who I am as a writer. I couldn't have figured that one out without you so I'm truly grateful. There is still a lot of room for improvement for an average writer like me so having read your reviews and seeing the hits, favs, alerts, c2s, is truly an honor. Special thanks to those who offered to edit my French. I really appreciate it. I still have a lot to learn writing in French. Also, I'll be editing this fic when I find the time and when I find the encouragement and energy to do so. Well anyway, so much for that. Thanks so much! For the last time, please do send in your reviews for the closing chapter of Oyasuminasai Tomadachi-kun. Thanks!
Michiko