Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura.

… … …

Her choked sobs were reduced to tiny sniffles and hiccups. She sat on the ground, hugging her legs close to her body. Meiling embraced her from the side, slowly rocking from left to right as if she were soothing a crying child. Tomoyo moved her hand up and down her back in smooth and comforting motions. Every so often, someone walked into the lavatory but then turned right around to give them privacy. No one said anything; they all understood each other.

"G-go back an-and s-skate." Sakura managed to get out between her sobs. She couldn't regain control of her respiratory system. It wouldn't let her breathe when she wanted to. It was on automatic, just like her tears.

Neither of the two girls budged.

… … …

A frustrated sigh escaped his lips. Why couldn't he do anything right? They were talking and everything was fine until Eriol showed up. That's right… this was all his fault somehow. He stood outside of the bathroom, leaning against the wall. He didn't follow her. Well… not all the way. He could hear her cries echoing in the tiny space and he wanted to be there to comfort her. Women headed towards the toilet sent him funny looks. Whenever the door opened, her wails were even louder and it took all his willpower to stop himself from rushing in there.

Amidst the sound of her sorrow, he could hear footsteps coming closer and closer. "Oi, Syaoran. What are you doing standing awkwardly in front of the restroom?" The voice paused. "The ladies' restroom." The person amended. When Syaoran made no reply, the person continued, "Unless you know… there's something you've been hiding from me all these years. I mean you'd be the last person I'd ever-"

"She's crying." Knowing immediately who she was, Hiromi abruptly stopped his teasing. He joined Syaoran on the wall and neither of them said anything for a while. They both listened to the diminishing whimpering.

"So… that's where Meiling's been this entire time," Hiromi spoke up. Earlier, she had left him on the rink for a break as she had called it. She never was accustomed to the cold very well. Then she didn't come back and he started to think that she left completely. Syaoran remained silent.

"I'm sure she's fine. Some girl thing I'll bet. Don't beat yourself over it. Let's go back to the table. I'll buy you something to eat."

"Not hungry." Syaoran replied curtly.

"Syaoran…"

"You can go and eat. I… I'm going to stay here." Knowing that his efforts to coax Syaoran to follow him were futile, he pushed off the wall and went in the direction of the cafeteria.

"Wait! Hiromi…" Hiromi turned around and looked back at the forlorn man. Standing up straight, Syaoran followed him.

"So you'll buy me anything I want?"

"Yea."

… … …

"You know, that was probably the last thing I'd ever guess you wanted to get." Hiromi looked at the dessert in Syaoran's hand. After ordering and picking up their food, they found an empty table closest to the hallway leading to the restroom. Taking a lick of his chocolate ice cream, Syaoran asked,

"Why?"

"Well… it's ice cream!"

"…I'm aware of that."

"Ice cream is associated with children. It's something they want all the time. It's not something that stoic Li Syaoran, who prefers tea over water, would have."

"Hey! Tea is good."

"Normal people don't substitute tea for water. All that caffeine is bad for you."

"Define normal people."

"Not you."

"…" Syaoran's mind was not focused on beating Hiromi in a verbal spar or defending his "normality." The image of her, crying in the bathroom was haunting him. How long could a woman cry anyway?

Hiromi looked at his companion and affirmed that he was definitely thinking about her again. Was this perhaps a sign? Had his friend finally moved on from Aya? He vividly remembered all those days of happiness followed by a period of grief. And in that subsequent somber season, someone walked in and changed everything without ever meaning to and still didn't realize it.

… … …

The room was taciturn. All of a sudden, the doorknob turned and a stream of light entered the dim room; the man walked in slightly puzzled at the tranquility and the darkness.

"Happy birthday Syaoran!" The dimness disappeared with the illumination of lights. Balloons, streamers and more party favors were scattered throughout the room. At first, Syaoran could only be described as baffled, especially with the confetti unceremoniously sprinkled atop his messy head. Then a serene smile appeared on his face. It was a small gathering, but the right people attended. Syaoran didn't make it three steps into the room before his fiancée jumped him. Her arms circled around his neck as she kissed him.

"Happy birthday Syaoran!" He held her close to him and returned her gesture of affection.

"So this is what all of you were up to today." He spoke in an accusing manner, but everyone knew he was just teasing and laughed. It took the entire day to set up the preparations for the surprise. He had called several of them throughout the course of the day; they just ignored it without feeling the slightest ounce of guilt. But every time he called Aya, it took all her willpower to ignore his call. Everyone teased her endlessly about it. They all knew that the two were helplessly in love.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Syaoran happy birthday to you!" At the end of the song, Syaoran paused, made a wish, and then blew out his candles.

"Happy 22nd birthday Syaoran!"

"Happy birthday!"

"So what did you wish for?" Hiromi snuck up from behind Syaoran and draped his arm over his shoulder.

"Why should I tell you?" Syaoran replied as he pushed Hiromi's arm off his body.

"Because I want to know."

"Hiromi, leave him alone."

"Anything you say darling" Hiromi flounced over to his girlfriend who was standing in the corner, giving him a look. As he cuddled Meiling (partially in order to make the look disappear), Hiromi observed the smile on his friend's face. He knew that type of smile very well; it was the same smile he had whenever he was near the woman in his arms. Syaoran was truly in love; it was made more evident that night when he proposed to Aya.

"Wow look at all the stars in the sky!" Aya twirled around on the grass square in front of Syaoran's apartment complex with a bright smile. "It's rare to see so many stars in Hong Kong like this… Even the stars know it's your birthday Syaoran!"

"You're certainly creative." Syaoran replied teasingly. Aya was so cute… and stunning, and positively vivacious.

"But think about it. Of all nights, why your birthday? I think they're honoring you!" Her smile caused his heart to beat harder in his chest. How could a simple expression make him so happy?

"Well, Aya. Maybe they're here for another reason."

"Really? Do tell."

"I think… they're here to shine for both of us."

"How can it be for both of us when it's your birthday?"

"Well… maybe they know what I was going to- no they do know what I've been plotting today." He stood behind her and rested his head on hers and brought her close to his body.

"Now Li Syaoran, what have you been plotting that involves me?" She giggled.

"Aya. You know how much I love you right?" The scent of her strawberry shampoo was pleasant to his senses. He gently stroked her hair and started to plant gentle kisses on her head.

"Just like you know how much I love you." She spun around and placed her head on his shoulder; she could feel his heartbeat, gradually increasing in tempo.

"Would you marry someone like me?" She was frozen to the patch of grass she stood upon. They had mentioned marriage before and each time, they joked about the subject, tiptoeing around the idea of a union between them. Not because they didn't want it, but maybe the timing was a little off.

"Someone like you? I'd have to think about th-" Syaoran cut her off with a passionate kiss.

"Would you still have to think about it?" She couldn't possibly say no now.

"Hmmm. Do you want the truth Syaoran?"

"I would prefer it."

"Yes. I'd still have to think about it." Her voice didn't waver, indicating her confidence in her words.

"Could I… have a reason for this?" This certainly was not going to plan at all. Apprehensively, he grasped the small velvety box inside his pocket.

"Well someone like you and you are different right? I'd have to think a little first about marrying someone like you but if it's about marrying you then…"

"Then…" What was she going to say next?

"I'd need a proposal first." So he got down on one knee, pulled the ring out from his pocket, and proposed. After the shock of reality wore off, she gave him the answer he wished for. The two were officially engaged and the stars twinkled brighter in the sky. Meanwhile in Syaoran's apartment where the party gathers were congregated, the proposal was quite visible.

"LITTLE BROTHER JUST BENT DOWN ON ONE KNEE!"

"WHERE?"

"AHHH! THIS IS IT!"

"WHY ISN'T SHE DOING ANYTHING?" Syaoran's sisters were pressed up against the window, vying for the best spot to see this momentous event. Others guilty of this act included Syaoran's mother, Meiling and Hiromi. The rest of the group just wasn't quick enough. The apartment was silent during the few seconds Aya froze; then shrills and shrieks of joy (mainly Syaoran's sisters but there was one out of his mother as well, but she wouldn't admit it) filled the apartment. Li Syaoran was betrothed.

… … …

"Hey." Hiromi greeted the lone figure in the corner of the room as he flicked the light switch on. The pale person sat up on his bed, knees to his chest with his head on his knees. The curtains were drawn, letting no light enter. From top to bottom, he was wearing black; it looked like he hadn't seen the sun for weeks. His clothes were crumpled and appeared that he had worn them for a month. This was what Syaoran had become…

"…"

"How are you?"

"…" Still no response. After Aya's death, Syaoran became a complete recluse: bitter, angry, and heartbroken. It was impossible to talk to him. He was lost - locked up in his own room, mourning. A plate full of food was set beside the grieving man; he didn't eat his breakfast. Hiromi and Meiling resolved to take turns, talking to Syaoran (no matter how unresponsive) and making sure he ate. As life changing as his fiancée dying was, it didn't change the fact that Syaoran was still very much alive. Sort of. He was acting more like a dying corpse.

"I see you didn't eat your lunch."

"…gry." Syaoran mumbled back.

"What was that Syaoran?" Syaoran picked his head up and enunciated his words syllable by syllable.

"I-am-not-hun-gry. Just-leave-me-a-lone." For a powerful CEO, sometimes Syaoran acted like a stubborn 5 year old who refused to leave the toy store.

"Just eat this and I'll leave."

"What part of I'm not hungry is incomprehensible?" So the reasoning idea wasn't working.

"I'm SICK of this Li Syaoran!" Hiromi yelled. "This isn't you! Look, she's dead! You can't do anything about it. That's reality. But if she were alive, she definitely wouldn't marry some pathetic wallowing boy. Do you realize what you've done to yourself?"

"SHUT UP! Just SHUT UP! You don't understand! Can you IMAGINE what you would do if Meiling died? Just think about it. What if you were in my shoes? Are you a hypocrite yet?"

"But I'm not in your shoes! Even if I were, I would've eventually realized that self-pitying would make her lose whatever respect she has for me. I love her, and she wouldn't want me to waste my life mourning over her. I'm sure that Aya feels the same way. Think about that." Hiromi left the room and shut the door behind him, the entrance to a dark world. The wind outdoor blew in a breeze that opened the dark drab curtains and let in a stream of light. Picking up his chopsticks, Syaoran started to chew slowly on his cold noodles and thought deeply. 'He was right. This isn't what she would want… But how do I surmount all the pain and anguish?'

… … …

"So… who was that girl I saw on television the other day?" It had been a day after the group arrived in the airport filled with paparazzi. Hiromi happened to catch the news on his way over to work. Syaoran returned from Japan and was already causing uproar in the media especially when the cameras caught the image of a pretty woman who appeared close to one of China's most famous idols. It was such a shame that the reporters were hounding the poor girl with captivating emerald eyes. Watching Syaoran fume on the TV, Hiromi had to wonder – why was he mad? Was it that they were insulting Aya? Or… perhaps that they were scaring his delicate guest?

"I'm sure you've seen plenty of girls on the TV the other day. Be a little more specific." Syaoran and Hiromi were sitting down at breakfast in the Li estate far before anyone else had even thought about waking. Since their births, they had always been early risers, either to train or to study.

"The one I saw with you." Of course, Hiromi knew who this particular girl was. When he looked for Kinomoto Sakura and Daidouji Tomoyo, photos accompanied his findings. He wouldn't forget the particular unique deep jade colored eyes that belonged to only Kinomoto Sakura.

"Oh, Sakura?"

"So you two are on a first name basis eh Syaoran?" Hiromi quickly replied leaving Syaoran with no words to retort quickly. Considering the unstable and volatile emotions that Syaoran had left China in after the passing of his fiancée, it was a drastic change for the paparazzi to see him in a calm mood with a new girl that they had never laid eyes upon. Her existence was like the fresh meat to a pack of hungry carnivores.

"W-well… yea. It just sort of happened and um…" A slight tint of rouge crossed the Chinese man who was being questioned. He wasn't quite sure why, but he felt that he had to explain himself for his actions.

"You're close to each other I guess?" Their cheery conversation swerved in a new direction, as Syaoran turned cold and took more offense than needed by Hiromi's simple question.

"If you're trying to imply that we're in a relationship, no." The harsh and coarse Syaoran returned once again.

"Syaoran you idiot!" Frustration was clearly evident in Hiromi's words. "When have I alluded to a relationship between you and Kinomoto-san? Besides, why would I of all people support such a false statement?" Hearing the tone and sincerity of Hiromi's voice, Syaoran reached his senses and apologized for his accusation.

"I- I'm still not myself after all that time away from this… place." Amber eyes focused briefly at random spots in the room. The door to the ballroom was in clear view. He could remember when he had taught Aya how to waltz in that large ballroom. Just her, him and the music along with the shimmering crystal chandeliers and the dim lights.

"It's okay. No one expected you to miraculously be happy and overcome everything that happened two months ago. It doesn't work like that. No one is going to rush you either."

"Says you." Syaoran interjected. "Who was the one who wanted me up on my feet a week after her death?" Death… he could actually say the word now. During the past two-month span, Syaoran had only alluded to the passing of his fiancée but never straight out said it. Whether he would accept it or deny it, he was progressing; and that was good.

Hiromi chuckled. "I guess I was a little forceful then."

"You guess? No way, you just had to have your way. I would move on when you said I could and it was right then and there."

"Well… I wasn't thinking like that. I just wanted you to… live again, you know?"

"Yea… I know. I knew it then too, but I couldn't help but want to just stop functioning and wait until my death. It was so much easier than coping with her loss and I didn't want to believe you."

"Looking back on it, I really don't blame you."

"Yea… I don't blame me either."

…

"Hiromi!" A very familiar voice drew him out of his memories of the past as he looked up to ruby eyes. His fiancée smiled quirkily as she chastely captured his lips. "What have you been doing all this time?"

While those two were flirting with each other, as they tended to do, Syaoran looked for a sign of Sakura. When his eyes locked with her glossy ones, he immediately knew that he made her cry, a lot. Yet, she smiled cheerily as if nothing had happened. Tomoyo was close by her side, smiling with the same fervor.

"I see you guys couldn't even wait for us girls to return for lunch eh?" Meiling remarked as she gestured the empty plates in front of Hiromi and Syaoran. Her fiancé returned her a sheepish grin.

"You were all taking a pretty long time so we couldn't help it. We're growing boys you know." A playful smack hit his shoulder. However, since it was Meiling that hit him, playfulness hurt… a bit more than it should. Hiromi winced and smiled back.

"I should take responsibilities for our actions… so my treat?"

"Damn right it's your treat." While those two continued on with their playful bantering, Tomoyo seized the chance that lay in front of her. Before Sakura confronted Syaoran about her feelings, she needed to have a talk with him. There was no way Sakura would leave Hong Kong with a broken heart. Her heart had gone through enough pain and suffering.

"Sakura-chan, can you order for me? I'm not feeling too well." After convincing a concerned Sakura, the group had left to order food. In the meantime, Tomoyo sat face to face with Syaoran – who was far sharper than Sakura. He took a sip from his drink and put the cup down on the table.

"So Daidouji-san, is there a reason you had to pretend you weren't feeling well?" She smiled back at him in an all-knowing way. With a rapid unnoticeable glance in either direction, she noted that no one she recognized was nearby. Perfect.

"Do you like Sakura-chan, Li-kun?"

"E-excuse me?" His face grew hot as he tried to cover his embarrassment. He had expected that Daidouji-san would ask him this question, since she was such a dutiful friend to Sakura. However, he had anticipated some lead up to the question or something… just not so straightforward.

"I think you heard me correctly." A cool smile crossed her lips. Her calculating eyes in combination with her smirk-like grin were certainly intimidating. Tomoyo hated to jump around a question, especially one as important as this. So what better way was there to get an answer than asking the question? It appeared that Syaoran wasn't going to reply immediately, so she continued.

"First off, I won't apologize for the death of your fiancée because I didn't murder her, and I'm sure you're sick of hearing it. But I'm sure you've come to grips with the fact that she's not coming back and that she would hate to see a pitiful you all alone. However, I am sorry if you are affected deeply by what I'm telling you because obviously then you haven't realized that she's unfortunately deceased and that she loved you. And-"

"What are you talking about?" His question came out as an angry growl. What was wrong with her? She was bringing up things that he had hoped to avoid for an eternity.

"Well then, I think I know everything that I needed to know about you Li-kun. And for your information, I will not standby and let anyone hurt Sakura-chan. So if you're going to avert your attention on anything or anyone…"

"Hold on a second. How are you sure that I'll hurt Sakura-san? I lo- care for her too much to see it happen."

"Because of your tone, your words and your actions Li-kun." Tomoyo replied swiftly without a second thought. "It's that simple. Your obvious dislike on my view of your deceased fiancée makes you a weak person who can't deal with his own problems. I didn't even bother mentioning how clear your attraction to Sakura is because it's not worth talking to you about. You aren't a stable strong person on your own.

"Sakura is a very important person and fragile like glass when it comes to her emotions. If anyone loves – not cares – enough about Sakura as I do, it becomes visible how unsuitable you are for her. So how could I possibly entrust you with Sakura's happiness when it's clear that you cannot stand on your own and create your own happiness?"

He had to say something. Anything. Something that she said had to be false.

"I-I…" He was stumped. She was right, about everything she said. Her analysis of him, someone she has known for a mere two months, was completely accurate. It was true. He was a weak person running from his problems because he couldn't face reality. What was his reality? Well, point one, which everyone seemed to comment on, was that his fiancée was dead. And point two, which everyone also seemed to add, was that he couldn't let go. All this time, he was under the impression that it was okay to mope around but just a few criticisms from Tomoyo proved otherwise.

"You're a good person Li-kun… but I don't think you're the right one for Sakura-chan."

Hearing those words hurt even more than all those truths she had attacked him with earlier. Why?

"I'm leaving now. Tell everyone that I'll meet them back at the house. If they ask why, tell them something came up." Syaoran told Tomoyo and walked away. Tomoyo could tell, he needed time to himself to sort things out. She had to admit, what she said was pretty harsh, but someone needed to say it. Perhaps she could've told him in a nicer way, but seeing Sakura crying before left Syaoran with no mercy. If her guess were right, which it probably was, Syaoran would be going to visit Aya's grave and finally dispel all the cluttered emotions he had inside.

At the same time, Sakura was eagerly walking as fast as she could to give Tomoyo her food. They hadn't eaten since eight in the morning that day, and it was already approaching two.

"Tomoyo-chan, I got you tonkatsu! Can you believe they have Japanese food here?"

"Thank you Sakura-chan. That's pretty neat."

"Ne, are you feeling well now?"

"All better."

"Eh? Where's Syaoran-kun…"

"Ah, he left. Something came up." When the words hit Sakura, she turned around and looked for his retreating figure. He couldn't have been gone for too long. There! She spotted his jacket and the gelled hair. It was him!

"I'll be back Tomoyo-chan!"

"Sakura-chan! Aren't you hungry?"

"I'll be back!" With that, Sakura followed after him. He was walking away at a slow and steady pace. If she could just move faster… He was approaching the door out and she was still a good 5 meters away. She could tell that if she didn't run, he'd leave. She pushed herself to run as fast as she could to him.

"Syaoran-kun, where are you going?" Sakura's hand grasped his jacket, stalling him in his place. Just like that, the impending awkwardness of talking to him disappeared because she wanted to know where he was going. Her time with him was short and she didn't want to ruin it because of her one-sided feelings.

"Sakura-san? What are you doing here?" His shocked expression rapidly altered into a grave one as he noted her shallow breaths and a sheen layer of sweat. "You ran here didn't you?" The guilty look stood plainly on her face.

"You're not supposed to push yourself! What if you injured yourself again?" He knew that with this chance he had, he was supposed to make amends with Sakura so they'd get along again rather than chastise her. Her earlier tears had affected in him a way he couldn't put into words, at least not the proper ones. But he couldn't help but get angry seeing Sakura endanger herself again.

"But I didn't!"

"But you could've!"

"You don't have to worry about me! I'm fine on my own!"

"If you keep acting like this, how can I not worry about you?"

"Well when I go away you'll forget about me! Then you can stop worrying!" Her sudden outburst caught the attention of surrounding civilians either leaving or entering the skating rink. That attention also carried over to her companion who, despite his gelled hair and heavy coat, was easily recognizable. As the looks became stares and whispers evolved into chatter, the atmosphere grew tense.

"Sakura. Let's talk somewhere else ne?" The drop of the honorific confused Sakura until she fully observed her surroundings. Syaoran walked over to her, and held onto her arm tightly.

"Don't look at them. Avoid eye contact at all times. Your eyes stand out, you know." He whispered as they slowly walked away from the growing throng in the direction of his car. Sakura dumbly nodded and followed his lead. When they reached the car, Syaoran saw the approaching news vehicle.

"Sakura! Get in!" Fortunately, when he entered the parking lot that day, he had reversed his car into the parking lot; his much needed speedy getaway was far easier. After hearing Sakura's seatbelt buckle click, he started his car and went straight into drive. Exiting the lot, Syaoran made several complex turns in hopes of throwing off the news van. In the meantime, Sakura was holding onto her seatbelt for dear life. When he deemed it safe, his driving reverted to normal and he apologized for his reckless driving.

"It's okay. It's understandable." Sakura replied. Both occupants remained silent for the following minutes of the car ride.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

"…Okay."

"Sakura-san, I won't stop worrying about you, so I'll never forget you." Driving with only his left hand, he placed his free right hand on top of her left hand and squeezed gently. God help her, she was hopelessly in love with a man who would never return her feelings.

… … …

The car doors both slammed shut and the resulting noise resounded throughout the cemetery. Pushing the gate open, he guided Sakura in while noticing how slender her arms were. Slowly together, they walked silently in the direction of Aya's grave.

During this stroll, Syaoran took advantage of the tranquility of the burial ground and fully focused on trying to sort everything in his life and determine what his reality was. Ohkawa Aya, his fiancée, was dead as of two months ago. Therefore he was no longer engaged to the woman who captivated his heart. The emotional pain affected him mentally and physically when he tried to cope with the grave loss. The first month after her death, he was a wreck. Barely ate, rarely socialized, and eventually appeared as if he would end up joining his fiancée in the afterlife. Then an opportunity to escape the city, which he now could not even look at without being inundated with painful memories that reopened his scars. Upon reaching Japan, he met Sakura and everything… changed.

His thoughts and his feet both stopped together. Sakura, who had stuck to his pace, halted as well and turned to him. Why did he stop? Then with no word of explanation, Syaoran suddenly continued to walk faster catching her by surprise. At that moment, he was caught up in his thoughts and his reality; it was starting to come together.

Why did Sakura affect him so much that he was able to laugh and open up again? What was it about her that made him do so? He finally knew the answer. It wasn't her. It was him. Without knowing it, he fell in love all over again; this time, with Sakura. That's why every tear she shed injured him and every smile made his heart beat just a little faster. Whenever she was defenseless, it became his duty to protect her from all harm. He was in love with Kinomoto Sakura.

Daidouji was right. He was incapable of creating his own happiness. But at the same time she was wrong. In order to be happy, he needed Sakura. The only thing that was keeping them apart was one question: did she have feelings for him? But it was weird… and awkward. His epiphany came to him in one unlikely place: the final resting place of his beloved fiancée. His eyes, which had been trailing the dirt covered road, focused on her vase before lifting up to gaze at the cold marble tombstone. At his side, Sakura brought her knees to the ground and bowed her head down to pay her respects. Syaoran on the other hand, walked up to the headstone and brushed his lips against the cool surface.

"I'll never forget you either, but this is goodbye for now." He whispered softly as he drew away from the marble. This wasn't going to be his final visit to this burial site, but it would be the last time he would address her as his fiancée. Turning around, his eyes met with Sakura's eyes. Her unique emerald eyes held promise of a happy future that he would be allowed to bask in if he could captivate Sakura's heart.

Her eyes never left his figure when he approached Aya's grave. Soft reassuring murmurs were all she could make out as he whispered as well as kissed the gravestone. Emptiness was all Sakura felt, watching this scene play out before her. Her heart wretched and sent a sharp emotional and physical pain through her body. It hurt to watch him still so attached to his fiancée. They were meant to be and she had no right to come between them. Vowing not to shed any tears, she rubbed her eye to erase her stubborn tear. Then, his eyes locked with hers.

He walked over to her and took one of her bare chilled hands into his palm. Bringing it closer to his lips, he blew a breath of warm air over it and added as much friction as he could. Without warning, he kissed the back of her hand and stared intensely into her eyes. What was he doing?

"You know, I never thought that Aya would die. She was only 21… and the love of my life. She could always put a smile on my face and cheer me up when I was stressed out because of work. But to no one's fault, she's dead."

She stared at him, confused and perplexed. Where was he trying to go with this? What was the point of telling her?

"I never thought I'd fall in love again Sakura-san. But you helped me accomplish the improbable."

Was he…?

"I love you."

… … …

And that's a wrap! Sorry for the really long update. I'm sure you all hate me by now and you have all reason to. But if I didn't take this long, this chapter probably wouldn't have turned out as great as I had originally planned. Inspiration comes and goes and life interferes along the way. But it's done! I hope you enjoyed this chapter:D

Note: Yes, I'm well aware that Hong Kong does not get cold, or chilly. However, I started this fiction when I was younger and stupider. I don't want to go back and alter it to fit perfectly. But I figure, it's fanfiction. So hopefully, you can all forgive me.

cherrixwolf

And once again, another short one-shot from me that has nothing to do with the story Delicate Heart itself.

… … …

The tiny infant gurgled and struggled to make little noises. His mother, lying down next to him on her side, laughed with mirth as she played with his stomach. A burst of giggles escaped the baby's mouth, causing her to smile. She shook the rattle over his head, making him clap his hands and reach for the object. Bringing it closer to him, she placed it on his nose and he promptly sneezed. She brought him a blanket and tucked him underneath it, to keep him away from the cold.

The door of the room swung open as his father hurriedly ran into the room. He collected the child in his hand and directed his mother to pack. He started to cry, startled by all the sudden rapid movements.

"How much time do we have?"

"Not much! Hurry!"

Everything was a blur. He heard a faint bang and cried even harder. What was going on?

"Give him to me. I'll hold onto him."

"Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes," She replied as she received the tiny bundle in her arms. "Shhh… everything will be okay. Mommy promises." While coaxing the baby to quiet down, they ran downstairs, out of their house, and into the town. The only sounds they could hear were their feet hitting the road in a consistent rapid rhythm. All of his cries were muffled by his mother's clothing. The train station was two blocks away. They could make it – no, they would make it.

Their pace didn't falter in the least and possibly increased as they made it into the station. They showed their tickets to the man who was their only obstacle to escape. They passed through and a wave of relief rushed through both of them. Simultaneously, they sighed and laughed. They did it. Abruptly, his father stood up and said he had to do something. His mother looked at him questionably and made him promise to come back in the next 5 minutes. He smiled and agreed to her terms before leaving the train compartment.

Ten minutes later, the train departed and he wasn't on the train. His mother cried the entire way until they reached their destination. His sisters and relatives were there to greet him and his mother. His relatives soon realized that they were without his father and put the pieces together. They yelled at his mother, reprimanding her. His mother bore the endless slurs and stood tall. From then, her emotions were put aside as she became the next leader of the Li clan. But time and time again -when she thought no one was looking – he watched her, crying and calling for his father to come back. He never saw his father again.

… … …

Just my take on things :D