Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss or Card Captor Sakura

Chapter 16: Sakura, and Revelations

"JULIAN PROPOSED?!" her friend's shrieked loudly causing some ducks on the lake to take off quaking in protest. Sakura sweat dropped, and tried to hush her friends.

"And I wasn't there to video tape!" Tomoyo gasped her bottom lip quivering. How could she miss such an opportunity?!

"What did you say?!" Chiharu demanded.

It had been two days since Julian's proposal, and Sakura decided it was time to tell her friends. For the past two days she had been doing some soul searching. She remembered looking down at Julian as he held up his ring box. He looked so handsome, and so very sincere. She wanted to give him her answer then, but instead she had told him she needed to think about it. Since then, she had been thinking over it very carefully.

"I told him I needed to think about it," she answered truthfully.

"What is there to think about?" Chiharu asked sitting back, and crossing her arms. "He's obviously perfect for you."

"I don't think that's completely true," Tomoyo defended. "I think Sakura and Syaoran are much better suited."

"No one can be as perfect as Xiao Lang," Meilin agreed. By now she had fully been adopted into Sakura's friends. She was just as shocked as everyone to hear that Julian had proposed. Inside she seethed to herself. What was Xiao Lang doing? At this rate he really was going to lose her for good.

"I'm not making my decision based on whose perfect for me," Sakura said seriously making all her friends quiet down. "I'm going to make my decision on what makes me happy. I'm so tired of basing all my decisions in life off of men. For the past two days I've been really thinking about what will make me happy and what is best for me," taking a deep breath she said, "I'm going to tell Julian that for right now I just need to focus on myself. It wouldn't be nice of me to give him false hope by just saying yes. I want to say yes when I feel like it's a healthy decision for myself, and that I truly want to be with him forever."

Tomoyo looked at her friend proudly. Sakura had really come a long way. Her friend was really growing up.

Meilin looked at Sakura full of respect. It was time that she did the same thing. For all her life she had chased Syaoran endlessly, and had only done things that she thought would make him like her. It was time that she did things for herself.

"Julian did ask me one more thing though," Sakura said looking down at her lap nervously. Taking another deep breath she said, "Julian is going back to the states at the end of the week. He's going to see his family for a little bit, and then he's going to live a year in England… he asked me to go with him."

Her friend's stared at her with open mouths. "I told him I would go with him."

"Oh Sakura-chan," Tomoyo gasped.

"Are you sure?" Chiharu breathed.

Sakura nodded. "It will do me some good to get away for awhile," smiling she added "I'll be able to focus on myself, and become a better and stronger person."

"When do you leave?" Tomoyo asked her heart sinking. A whole year without videoing her Sakura-chan.

"Sunday," Sakura replied smiling.

"So soon?" Chiharu asked sitting back in defeat. Staring at her friend she really did believe that Sakura needed and wanted to do this. When had they all grown up so much?

"You don't feel like this is you running away?" Meilin asked finally. Sakura stared at her with sad green eyes. "To me it sounds like you are running away from your problems."

Tomoyo was ready to defend her, but Sakura just shook her head at her. "No she's right. I'm running away," her friend's stared at her sadly. Looking at Meilin imploringly Sakura said, "Mei-chan you know better than anyone why I need to do this though."

Meilin faulted at 'Mei-chan', but it was true. Out of anyone she alone understood why Sakura needed to do this. "I just wish you wouldn't," Meilin whispered. "I feel like you're making a big mistake."

"Maybe I am, but it's a mistake that I need to make. You don't learn from life unless you make mistakes and take risks," staring up at the deep blue sky Sakura found herself thinking: What would Syaoran say if he found out I was leaving? Would he care? Casting her eyes down she thought well it doesn't matter. This time I'm really going to forget you, and when I do come back to Japan I want to be able to face you confidently and say: Li Syaoran, I used to love you once.

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Leiyun walked home from work with his son. Staring at the tall young man beside him he couldn't help but to remember when Syaoran was a little boy. He would run along beside him and squeal: "Carry me papa!"

He would laugh, and place the laughing brown haired boy on his shoulders. When did his son become so serious? Syaoran used to be so full of life, and happiness. When did he become so cut off and solemn?

For the past two years Leiyun was finally starting to see Syaoran come back to life once more. However, with recent events, he was starting to see him regress once more. Was this how it was going to be forever? Is this the type of person my son will be without Sakura in his life?

"Thank you for pressing the wedding date back," he said.

The two had just come from a meeting with Chairman Oizumi. Syaoran had asked that the wedding be pushed back a year for his operation. The chairman had agreed heartily, and papers were signed for financial support. The Li Group was saved.

"I was happy to do so father," Syaoran said not looking at this father.

"Are you really sure son?" Leiyun asked one final time.

Stopping, Syaoran turned, "Yes. You've met Sahoko. Why would I not want to marry her? She's… perfect."

Leiyun was half tempted to tell him that Sakura was leaving. Yelan had called him at lunch crying telling him the news. However, something held him back. "As long as you're sure," he said instead.

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Fujitaka sat in stunned silence. "Are you sure Sakura-san?" His daughter had revealed to him that she was leaving with Julian on Sunday.

Sakura nodded with tears in her eyes. It broke her heart to tell her father the news, but Fujitaka took the news with stride. Smiling at her he said, "I'm happy for you."

Sakura blinked back the tears. "Really?"

"Yes," drawing her into a hug he patted her golden hair like he used to when she was little. "I think this will be a great experience for you."

"Thank you for understanding Oto-san," she cried burying her face deep into his shoulder.

"Nadeshiko would be proud too," he said pushing Sakura back. She blinked up at him with eyes like his beloved late wife. "I just want you to be happy."

"Would you be happy if I married Julian?" she found herself asking.

Fujitaka faltered. "A-Are you?"

She shook her head. "Not right now anyway," she answered honestly. "He did ask me though."

Fujitaka nodded. He had a feeling that Julian was going to ask her. He had been carrying around a small box for some time now, and was always constantly checking his pocket. "I just want you happy Sakura. Your happiness is all that matters to me. Even if you want to be an old spinster with thirty cats," he joked pinching her nose.

Sakura laughed. "More like an old spinster with my creepy glass teddy bear collection."

Fujitaka laughed and hugged his daughter close once more. Sakura wrapped her arms around her father, and buried her face deep within his shoulder. They sat like that for awhile, and Sakura enjoyed his familiar dad smell. Would he be okay without her? Okaa-san, she prayed, please watch over him.

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Sakura walked down the street with Julian and smiled up at the beautiful day. It was the first time she had agreed to meet with him since he had proposed.

Julian swallowed and would shoot her occasional glances. He really was not a guy to get nervous, but his palms were sweating like crazy. Plus, she really looked beautiful today in her sky blue dress.

"So where are we going?" she asked smiling up at him.

"You'll see," he said mysteriously boldly taking her hand.

Walking hand in hand Sakura's heart thumped. She really did enjoy Julian's company. When she was 10 years old she would have killed for this moment. However, things had changed, she had changed.

"You don't need to give me an answer," he said suddenly breaking Sakura from her thoughts. The two stopped and he looked down at her seriously. "I was so caught up in the moment I couldn't help myself. I understand if you want to say no-"

"I'm not saying no," she said causing him to stop. "But I'm not saying yes," looking down she said, "I really like you Julian. I like you enough to want to be honest with you." Staring up at him with shining green eyes she said, "I can't say yes now, but when I do say yes I want it to be because I want to be with you and that I really mean it."

"Sakura…" he whispered. He looked down at her neck, and noticed she was no longer wearing that pretty Starkey necklace anymore.

"I'm looking forward to Alice's Kingdom though," she said winking.

Laughing, they continued to walk. "We could visit the palace and see the royal guard."

"I would like to see Big Ben," Sakura added smiling.

"The catacombs will be so interesting. I could take you down there-"

"HOEEEEE no way!" Sakura squealed making him laugh. However, she stopped laughing coming to halt. Julian looked at her questionably. Sakura stared, and the feeling she had been trying to forget came rushing back to her. It was the bridge that she and Syaoran went to on their date. Her heart squeezed in her chest painfully.

Mistaking her facial expression Julian said, "Isn't it beautiful? I thought you would like it."

All the memories came rushing back to her.

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

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

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

She tried to fight back the tears. Now she was the one running away. All those time she had chided Syaoran for running away and now here she was doing the same.

"Sakura?" Julian asked concerned.

Putting on a bright smile she squealed. "Sugoi!" rushing forward she leaned over the railing, and took in the beautiful view. "Julian come look!" she called waving him over.

He stared at her a moment before walking over. He could tell she was hiding something from him, but he wouldn't press her. She would tell him in her own time.

In her sky blue dress she really did resemble Alice. She also had that same innocent and naïve look in her eyes. He vowed he would do everything in his power in order to keep that look in her eyes. She was the type of person that deserved to always be happy and child like.

Sakura was still laughing when she heard a voice say, "Syaoran it's beautiful!"

Blood draining from her face she spun around, and took in Syaoran walking their way with Sahoko. How could he bring her here? Sahoko spotted her first, and waved. "Sakura-san! What a surprise to meet you here."

Sakura tried to put on a brave smile and smiled back. "Ah Sahoko-san, what a coincidence to meet you here."

Sahoko smiled, and then her eyes rested on the very good looking, tall boy beside her. "Are you on a date as well?" she asked tearing her eyes away.

Sakura gulped, but Julian said first, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Sakamoto Julian," he said bowing respectfully.

"This is my fiancée Oizumi Sahoko," Syaoran introduced.

Sahoko bowed her head as well. "How do you know Sakura-san?"

"I've known Sakura since we were little. Currently I'm studying archeology under her father," Julian answered.

"Oh! An archeologist? How interesting. Then you would probably love the exhibit Syaoran and I are going to see today. Would you like to come with us-"

"No," Syaoran said suddenly making Sahoko stop, and stare at him shocked. Looking at Sakura she said, "She would probably fall asleep and complain the whole time. We should let her stay at her level."

Sakura green eyes flared. "At my level? What's that supposed to mean?!"

Syaoran stared at her with cold amber eyes. How could she be here with Julian? Plus he had seen them holding hands. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but for some reason seeing them hold hands made him very angry. "I just know that someone at your intelligence level wouldn't be able to understand the exhibit."

"Syaoran!" Sahoko gasped. She had never seen him act like this before.

Sakura glared at him, and balled up her fist. However, she calmed herself just in time. Taking a calming deep breath she turned to Julian, and took his hand once more. Syaoran narrowed his amber eyes at their hands. "Come Julian. Let's go do something on my level."

Julian took it one step further by putting his arm around Sakura's shoulders. Looking over his shoulder his blue eyes met Syaoran's amber ones. Again, Syaoran was reminded of his dream. Watching them walk away he found himself shouting, "You two are really suited for each other!"

He expected for Sakura to turn around, and say something back but instead the couple continued to walk off. Syaoran watched them go with a clenched fist. Sahoko stared at Syaoran appalled. "I've never seen you act like this. How could you say such mean things to Sakura-san? It's not like you…."

"Not like me?" Syaoran laughed but then seemed to remember who he was talking to. Laughing it off like a joke he said, "I would never speak to you like that."

Sahoko stared at the boy before her with sad eyes. She knew from speaking with Sakura that Sakura loved Syaoran, and today confirmed her worse fears. Syaoran was in love with her too.

"Sahoko-san?" Syaoran questioned.

"You know Syaoran. To be such a good businessman, and a genius you don't even know your own heart," taking a deep breath and fighting back tears she said, "I'll be leaving first today. I'm going home."

And with that she walked off before she could hear his answer. Syaoran watched her go sadly. He knew he should probably stop her, and explain himself but he couldn't.

Sitting down on the same bench he did with Sakura on their date he stared out into the ocean. Suddenly a little kid cried to their parent making him look up.

"Okaa-san," they hiccupped. "My balloon flew away," she cried.

Syaoran looked up in time to see a pretty pink balloon fly away. Without realizing what he was doing he quickly shot up, and grabbed for the balloon. People around him gasped in alarm as he leaned way over the railing dangerously. However, the pink balloon was securely in his hand.

Crouching down to the child he held out the balloon. "You almost lost your pretty balloon," he said tying it firmly around her wrist. "Be careful not to lose it again okay?"

The child smiled up at him, and the mother thanked him endlessly. Watching the child walk off with the pink balloon Syaoran couldn't help but to stare. Sahoko's words echoed in his head: "To be such a good businessman, and a genius you don't even know your own heart."

My heart? Watching the balloon he whispered, "Be careful not to lose it again…"

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"Are you sure Fujitaka-san? You could stay here?" Yelan asked with a sinking heart.

"Yes. With Sakura leaving, and Syaoran getting married I don't feel like it proper for me to stay here. With Sakura being gone I could afford a small room to just myself."

"I can't believe she's leaving," Yelan sniffed into a handkerchief. "Are you really okay with her leaving?"

Fujitaka nodded. "I feel like it will do her good to have some space away from Syaoran."

Yelan sighed. "I feel like it's all really coming to an end."

"Let me know if you need anything," Leiyun said clasping his friend's hand.

Later that night Yelan walked up to Sakura's room and sat sadly on the bed. Sakura had already started to pack the essentials. They would be mailing everything else to her once she was settled. The house was going to be so empty without her.

Sniffing, Yelan left her room just in time to see Syaoran walk up the stairs. Regarding his mother he said, "I'm home."

Yelan nodded. "Welcome home," she said in a monotone voice.

Syaoran cleared his throat. "Were you talking to Sakura?"

Yelan sighed. "No. She's not home yet."

"Oh," Syaoran said trying to hide his disappointment. Staring at his watch discreetly he couldn't help but to wonder what she would be doing this late at night.

Seeing his stare at his watch Yelan said wickedly, "Who knows maybe she's staying over at Julian's. I mean… they will be living with each other soon."

"What do you mean?" Syaoran asked rounding on his mother.

"She's leaving Xiao Lang… Fujitaka and she are moving out."

Syaoran tried to keep his facial expression even. They were leaving? For some reason he had a feeling his mother was hiding something from him.

Yelan couldn't bring herself to tell him that Sakura was moving to England. It would make it too real, and for once she was tired of pressing her son. If fate really didn't want the two together; Syaoran would find out on his own.

"Are you really okay with her leaving?" she put emphasis on the leaving part.

Syaoran averted his eyes.

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Sunday morning dawned over cast. The weather forecast called for rain. Syaoran had already left for work earlier that morning.

Hugging Yelan good bye she couldn't help but to feel anxious. Julian would be waiting for her at the airport. She couldn't believe that by tomorrow she would be starting over her new life. First her and Julian would spend a couple of weeks with his family in California.

They had already made plans to visit many of the attractions there such as Disney Land, Santa Monica Pier, and The Hollywood Walk of Fame. After a couple of weeks the two would make their way to England. Sakura would be taking classes online, and Julian would begin his work with the catacombs. They would be living in a small, two bedroom flat in London proper. Sakura's English wasn't very good so in her spare time she would be studying with a tutor. Plus Julian was fluent so she had a good coach as well.

Her father, Julian, and she had gone out to dinner the night before, and he gave his blessing of them living together. Fujitaka said he trusted Julian, and knew it was convenient for them to live together while over there.

"Oh Sakura-chan," Yelan sniffed. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too," she said hugging Yelan back.

"Please Skype me when you can," Yelan said.

Sakura nodded and then stared down at Feimei. Feimei stared up at the girl before her. She really had disliked Sakura a lot when she first moved in. She was loud, annoying, and stomped around in the mornings. She had this annoying habit of being super cheerful in the mornings, and laughed at the silliest things. However, Feimei had really started to look up to her as her older sister. Sakura had taken to the time to teach her to rollerblade, and much to Yelan's joy she even let Sakura do up her hair pretty. Little my little her tom boy phase was giving away and she was starting to brace being a girl.

"Goodbye Feimei," Sakura said smiling down at her.

"Good bye Sakura," Feimei said throwing her arms around her. Sakura was shocked at first, and then hugged the young girl back. Drawing back Feimei sniffed, "I'll take good care of Suppi-chan."

Sakura smiled. "Please do. Also, I want you to have this one," she said drawing out the pretty white bear with pink wings she had made.

Feimei stared down at the bear questionably. "For me?"

Sakura smiled. "Yes. Give it to a boy you like in the future. If he names the bear after you… you'll be together forever."

Once Sakura had left; Feimei made her way upstairs. Opening up her brother's room she took notice of the black bear sitting on his desk. Gently, she placed the white bear next to the dark one. Taking out a piece of paper Feimei quickly scribbled: Sakura left this for you.

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All day long, Syaoran had a feeling that something just wasn't right. Ever since their fight at the pier; Syaoran hadn't really seen much of Sakura over the past couple of days. He would work late into the night, and he would get home he would notice a small light on in Sakura's room.

Cracking the door he would peek in on her, and frown at seeing all the boxes scattered around the room. From what his mother said, Fujitaka and she were not supposed to get their new place for another couple of weeks. So why was she already packing? Was she in that much of a hurry to leave?

Syaoran was surprised when Meilin showed up around lunch time. The two sat together and enjoyed her bento.

"I hear you've set a wedding date," Meilin said taking a bite of shrimp.

Syaoran nodded chewing slowly.

"You know I don't like her," Meilin said straightforward as ever. "She's too perfect. At least with Sakura she had some life to her."

Syaoran stopped chewing at hearing her name.

Finally Meilin couldn't hold it in anymore. "Xiao Lang you really are stupid."

"What?" he asked surprised.

"Why are you doing this? You're going to lose her for good!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled staring down at his plate.

"Syaoran," she said using his Japanese name. "Julian proposed to Sakura."

His head shot up. "Proposal?"

"Yes you baka. He proposed to her a week ago," getting an idea she added, "Syaoran she said yes. She was tired of waiting on you, and she realized that she loved Julian all along and not you."

"She…what?" he asked blood draining from his face.

"Haven't you noticed her acting strangely? Don't you know what today is?" when he shook his head she scoffed, "To be such a genius you can be so dense," looking at him she said, "Syaoran she's leaving today with him."

"L-Leaving? What do you mean?" his dream came flooding back to him.

"Julian has to leave to go back home. He received an opportunity to study in England and Sakura's going with him." With each word Syaoran felt his heart plummet. "She leaves today."

Bolting up from his chair he demanded, "When?!"

Meilin smiled. This was her Xiao Lang. "This afternoon. Their plane got delayed, thank god, because of the rain. If you hurry you can probably reach her in time!"

Without wasting time, Syaoran bolted from the room, but not before running back and placing a kiss on Meilin's cheek. Meilin watched him go with shining eyes, and softly fingered her tingling cheek. She really did hope that everything worked out for them. She could now say with confidence that she no longer loved Li Xiao Lang.

"Please wait for him Sakura," she whispered.

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Running, Syaoran ignored the rain as it fell on him. People stared at the running boy in shock, and quickly got out of way.

Ignoring his dripping hair falling into his face Syaoran ran with all he had. Please Sakura he whispered to himself. Please wait on me.

He realized now and if he was being truthful to himself he had realized it long ago but he was in love with her. He loved everything about her. She was his detour, and it was because of her that his life had meaning to it. Without her his life would no longer have twist and turns.

He had been trying his best to make it work with Sahoko, but he realized that no one would ever be as perfect for him as Sakura. He needed her. She didn't need him, but he desperately needed her.

Yelan was shocked when Syaoran came crashing into the house dripping wet. "Xiao Lang-"she gasped.

Quickly he ran up to his mother, and gave her a wet hug. Yelan laughed and hugged him back. "What in the world-"

"What's her flight mother?" he asked breathless.

Yelan eyes shined. "Oh Xiao Lang… you've figured it out."

Syaoran just smiled and said, "What's her flight information? Hurry I need to get there!"

Yelan quickly ran off in search of pen and paper with a bounce in her step. Suddenly, an idea occurred to him and he ran up to his room. He was surprised to see the white bear that Sakura had made sitting on his desk. Carefully he picked up the bear and smiled. From his doorway Feimei said, "I think Sakura would be a great name."

Syaoran smiled. "I think that's an excellent idea." Smiling at his sister he took the dark bear, and ran past ruffling her hair. Feimei just shook her head.

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At the airport, Sakura stood with Julian and watched as the rain fell in heavy sheets from the window. She placed her hand on the glass, and watched as her breath would slowly fog it up.

Nervous butterflies flew around her stomach. Watching the rain she couldn't help but to let herself think of Syaoran. It was really the first time since she had made her mind to go with Julian that she allowed herself to think about him.

All day she had been trying to imagine her new life with Julian, but something about it just felt empty. She knew she would have lots of fun with Julian, and she also knew that she would probably eventually end up marrying him. Any girl would kill to be in her shoes. Julian was good looking, tall, and treated her so well. He really did love her. On paper they together made sense, but for some reason in real life something just felt off.

With Syaoran everything was different. He challenged her, and she challenged him. When they got together it was like shock waves. They had a way of bringing out the best in each other and when she tried to imagine her future without him in it, it felt empty.

He had once promised her that he wasn't going to run away from her. How could she run away from him? For the first time all week a true smile broke out on her face, and tears stun her eyes. No, she couldn't run away from him.

Seeing her smile Julian whispered, "You're not coming are you?"

Turning to him with shining eyes she said, "I'm sorry Julian."

Tucking a stray hair behind her ear he said, "I love you Sakura, and loving someone means seeing that person be happy. I realize now that you wouldn't be happy with me."

Her emerald eyes watered again, and she threw her arms around him. Sniffing she said, "You're going to make some woman very lucky."

Nodding he hugged her back. He allowed himself to hold onto her for an extra moment before he painfully drew himself away. Mustering up all his energy he said, "Good bye… my Sakura."

"Goodbye Julian," standing on tip toes she kissed him lightly on the cheek before she hurriedly ran away. Julian watched her go, and lightly touched his cheek.

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Syaoran panted running through the airport. Everyone looked at him in alarm. Finally he ran up to the gate he needed, and slammed his hand on the counter making the person behind the desk jump in alarm.

"Has the flight from Japan to California left yet?" he panted. With shaking fingers the person typed a few things on the keyboard. "Hurry!"

"She left," a voice came behind him making Syaoran turn. He was surprised to see Julian. "She left awhile ago."

"She's gone?" Syaoran asked his voice cracking.

Pointing out to the pouring rain Julian said, "She ran out that way." Syaoran nodded, and went to run off in the direction, but Julian stopped him by saying, "So you finally realized who's in your heart."

Syaoran stopped and nodded clutching the bear.

"Don't lose her a second time," Julian chided.

Syaoran smiled. "I won't."

Sometime later Syaoran ran down the wet streets, and in a panic his eyes darted around. Where could she be? Finally, it dawned on him. She was at the park.

Sakura sat on the swing set sadly, and let the rain drench her hair. She stared down at the ground, and let her tears fall freely. How could she be so mean to Julian? She had been giving him false hope all week, and his parents were looking forward to seeing her again. How could she so selfish?

She knew it was no use now. She loved Syaoran, and he was the only person she would ever love. She honestly didn't know what she was going to do now.

Suddenly, a green umbrella came over her causing her to stop crying. Through wet eyelashes she was shocked to see, "Syaoran-kun?" His heart warmed at hearing her call him his proper name again. "Why are you here?"

"Hey," was all he said sitting down next to her ignoring the wet swing.

Both sat in awkward silence for a moment before Syaoran asked, "I heard Julian proposed to you."

Sakura nodded. "Yes… he did."

"What did you tell him?"

Staring at him for a moment Sakura said, "What does it matter what I told him? You're getting married to Sahoko-san." Syaoran couldn't meet her eyes. Sighing Sakura started to swing. "You know Syaoran-kun, I almost left with him today." Looking up into the rainy sunset she smiled. "I almost got on that plane this afternoon."

"Why didn't you?" he whispered.

"Something held me back," she answered truthfully. "Maybe I was stupid not to go with him," she sighed remorsefully. "Sitting here now in the rain I can't help but to think that I should marry him-"

"Do you love him?" Syaoran asked suddenly causing her stop swinging.

Meilin's words echoed in his head: "Syaoran she said yes. She was tired of waiting on you, and she realized that she loved Julian all along and not you."

"Well he's loved me for a long time, and he treats me very well-"

"So you only love someone when they tell you?" he asked heart pounding.

Standing furiously, Sakura rounded on him. With flashing green eyes she demanded, "What is there a problem?!" Syaoran stood up as well and faced her. Seeing him stand before her, her heart betrayed her. Biting back angry tears she said, "I had a one way love for so long. I got tired of loving someone that didn't love me back," staring up at him through soaked bangs she said, "You should just think of Sahoko-san and leave me alone-"

Suddenly, the green umbrella fell to the ground, and Syaoran pulled her close. Staring deep into her emerald eyes he said, "But you love me Sakura." She stared up at him shocked. "You love me," he whispered his voice breaking.

Sakura laughed, and her shoulders slumped. "Yes I do love you Syaoran-kun. I always have and I always will," sniffing she added. "I realized today at the airport that I was running away from you. But I couldn't," with tears falling freely now she said, "I can't help but to love you. Even though you don't love me back-"She was cut off by him pulling her to him. She barely had time to gasp before his lips were on hers.

He couldn't stand it anymore. Pulling her close he deepened the kiss, and tried to put all the emotion he had ever felt for her into one kiss. Sakura's eyes widened for a moment, but then she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

The rain fell around them, and the umbrella that had fallen had started to gather a puddle by the time they pulled apart. Panting he said, "Don't ever say you love another man besides me."

Sakura blinked up at him, and then giggled poking his chest. "What's in your jacket?"

"Oh yeah," Syaoran said reaching into his jacket and drawing out the dark bear. Her eyes sparkled at seeing the bear. Holding it out to her he said, "I was hoping you would name it Syaoran."

She laughed and threw her arms around him again. He laughed too, and spun her around. Cupping his cheek she whispered, "Our second kiss."

Sitting her down he grinned. "Actually it's the third."

"Hoe?" she questioned blinking at him.

Syaoran just smiled and pulled her closer to him. Wrapping his arms around her he said whispered into her ear, "It's okay. You don't have to count anymore."

Sakura smiled and buried her head into his shoulder. The Syaoran-Bear clutched in her hands.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You mean he went after her?" Fujitaka asked shocked.

"Yes it was so romantic," Yelan squealed.

"But we don't know if he made it in time," Feimei said nervously glancing towards the door every 5 minutes.

Bolting up Leiyun shouted, "Here he comes, and… SAKURA IS WITH HIM!"

Everyone stood, and eagerly waited for Syaoran and Sakura to enter. Taking them all standing before him, Syaoran, holding Sakura's hand, went up to Fujitaka. "Kinomoto Fujitaka-san I love your daughter," he announced. Letting go of Sakura he bowed deeply before him. "Please allow me to marry your daughter."

Sakura stared at him in shock. Yelan squealed, and jumped around excitedly with Feimei. Leiyun nodded proudly at his son.

"Not right away though. I need to talk to Chairman Oizumi first. I need to make sure he understands," looking towards his father he promised. "I will get the company on solid ground again even if we lose the chairman but," turning towards Sakura he held out his hand which she gladly took. "I can't imagine myself with anyone but her."

Sakura smiled at him proudly with shining emerald eyes. Turning back to Fujitaka he asked, "Can I marry your daughter?"

Fujitaka regarded the boy before him. "She's all I've ever had since her mother passed away. She has been the light that has kept me going," looking seriously at Syaoran he said, "But I can see that you need her. You need her light."

Syaoran smiled. "She's my detour."

"Hoe?" Sakura asked tilting her head. Detour? What?

Fujitaka nodded understanding. Bowing deeply he said, "Please take care of my daughter."

Turning to Sakura, Syaoran stared deep into those emerald eyes that he had fallen in love with. Getting down on knee he asked, "Will you marry me Sakura?"

Sakura smiled and nodded. "Yes."

"SAKURA-CHAN!" Yelan squealed running up and throwing her arms around her. "I've waited for this day for so long!"

"Sakura-chan's proposal," Tomoyo said coming out from the kitchen with stars in her eyes.

"T-Tomoyo-chan?!" Sakura gasped.

Yelan crossed her arms. "You obviously didn't think I could let my partner in crime miss this?!"

"Congratulations!" Chiharu and Meilin squealed rushing out from the kitchen as well.

Walking up to Syaoran, Meilin smiled, "I knew you would get there on time." An understanding passed between the two, and Syaoran ruffled her hair.

"There is one more matter to discuss," Leiyun said seriously. Everyone turned to him. Looking at his son he said, "Xiao Lang you must quit the Li Group." Syaoran stared at his father. "As soon as everything is worked out with the chairman I want you to leave the company… and go back to school to become a doctor."

"Father…" Syaoran breathed.

"You honestly thought you could hide it from your father?" Leiyun laughed. "I knew all along. You'll make a great doctor son."

"But the company-"Syaoran started to say.

"We Li's are resourceful. I'll think of something-"

"I'll do it," Feimei said suddenly speaking up. Looking to her father she said, "I know that I'm a girl, but I'm just as smart as Gege. Allow me to become your successor."

"I don't care that you're a girl," Leiyun laughed drawing his daughter into a hug.

Smiling up at her father she said, "It might take awhile so work hard until then."

"I'll work hard too," Yelan said. Everyone looked at her surprised. "I'm a Li woman aren't I? Before I become a mother I studied business. Allow me to help you as well… Leiyun," she said smiling.

With both parents smiling at him Syaoran bowed his head deeply. "Thank you very much!" Turning to Sakura he smiled, and she smiled back.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They were all pretty surprised that following Sunday when Yelan asked them all out to meet her.

"Where do you think we're going?" Sakura asked following their parents.

Syaoran sighed, and took a hold of her hand. "Well if it's my mother you know it's a scheme of some sort."

Sakura's heart fluttered at his hand. She still couldn't believe that she didn't dream up everything. As if reading her mind Syaoran bent down, and kissed the top of her head.

Suddenly, the came to a halt and Yelan giggled excitedly. "We're here!" she announced.

"Where are we?" Feimei asked cranky. They had been walking for quite awhile.

"At Xiao Lang and Sakura's wedding of course," she said eyes gleaming.

"EH?!" Everyone gasped.

Syaoran rounded on his mother. "What do you mean my wedding? I've never heard about this."

"That's because it was a surprise," Yelan laughed.

Pushing open the doors to the church they were all shocked to see all their friend's standing there. "CONGRATULATIONS!" everyone shouted excitedly.

Later, Sakura found herself sitting nervously in the back waiting for the wedding to start. She had imagined this day so many times, and in any of her wildest dreams she had never dreamt of this.

Yelan had somehow managed to score the beautiful church in town. Tomoyo had worked tiredly all week on the wedding dress, tuxes, and bridesmaid dresses. All of their friends were here as well as some of Syaoran's family from Hong Kong.

"You look beautiful," Feimei said coming into the room.

Sakura smiled at her flower girl. "Thank you. You look quite pretty yourself."

Feimei blushed and tugged at her simple white dress. Her hair was curled in pretty ringlets. "I guess dressing up and being a girl can be fun after all."

Sakura laughed. "Your mother will be glad to hear that."

Getting serious Feimei said, "I'm glad it's you Sakura. I've known all along that Gege really loved you." Sakura blinked at her. "Here, I'll tell you a secret for your wedding gift."

Syaoran stood up at the pew, and tried not to shoot glares at his mother. It would be just like her to plan his entire wedding for him, and not give him or Sakura a say.

He watched as Meilin, Chiharu, and Tomoyo walked down the aisle first each looking quite lovely in soft, flowy, lavender dresses. Meilin winked boldly at Kai making him almost fall of his chair. Eriol smiled at Tomoyo proudly.

Earlier Chiharu had stood before Yamazaki, and for once words had left him. "What?" she chided. "Do you have some story about how bridesmaid dresses came about-"

"You look beautiful," he said causing her stop short.

"Wha-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because he bent down, and gave her a sweet kiss.

Syaoran shook his head at all his friends. He was just about to call this whole charade off when the doors opened and in walked Sakura on Fujitaka's arm. His breath hitched in his throat, and all the words he was about to say died down.

She glided down the aisle in Tomoyo's best design yet. The top was a sheer laced bodice that hugged her lithe figure perfectly. The skirt was long and flowy and the whole affect was angelic. Her hair was pulled up delicately with a single cherry blossom clip. All in all she was breath taking.

Finally when she was before him Syaoran took her arm. Whispering he said, "I was about to call off this whole thing." Sakura looked at him in alarm. "But… you look so beautiful that I don't care mother planned it all. Seeing you walk down the aisle to me made it all worth it."

Sakura's eyes got misty as they took their place in front of the preacher. Once words were said the couple turned to each other to give their first kiss as a married couple.

"So you loved me all along didn't you?" Sakura teased.

"Wha-"

"Feimei told me about the second kiss," Sakura said giggling.

"Feimei," he growled under his breath, but then turning to her he said, "Yes even though I didn't know it I've loved you for a long time. My Sakura," he whispered bending down and capturing her lips.

The crowd hollered, but it fell on deaf ears to Syaoran and Sakura. Pulling apart Sakura smiled up at him. "My Syao-chan."

"Syao-chan!" he gasped, but stopped when she kissed him again wrapping her arms around his neck. Pulling back she smiled up at him mischievously. "She also told me that you never let anyone call you by your name unless it was Meilin, or family… and that happened back in high school."

He blanched but then smiled in defeat.

Walking out of the church to a shower of peddles Sakura smiled up at Syaoran. Both climbed into their waiting white limo, and let them take them to the airport.

Suddenly the driver stopped and said, "Sorry we have to take a detour. This road is blocked."

Shaking his head and smiling Syaoran said, "That's okay," smiling down at Sakura he said, "Detours are good." Leaning down the two kissed once more as the limo made the detour.

Author's Note:

WAI I'm in tears at my own story. I really enjoyed writing this. I needed this story. I really hope all of you enjoyed it as well. You don't know how much I enjoyed reading all the reviews. Especially those of you that were with me from the beginning. So it was very important to me that I included the teddy bear exchange somehow. Also I wanted to include the iconic swing set scene as well. I tried to foreshadow it by mentioning the swing set a few times.

If any of you would be interested this is the "Soundtrack" I made to this fanfiction. Mostly they were just songs I listened to get inspired:

I Know You – Skyler Grey

River Flows in You – Yiruma

I Know You Care – Ellie Goulding

Listen to Your Heart – DHT

Say Something I'm Giving Up On You- A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera

We Found Love – Rihanna (Acoustic)

Also for your enjoyment here is a "deleted scene":

Sakura ran until she thought her legs would give out. She wasn't for sure where she was running all she knew was that she had to get away. She didn't even notice when the rain started or when she was completely drenched through.

Finally she came to a swing set at an abandoned park. Gasping for air she dropped onto one of the wet seats and let her heart beat quiet. Somewhere along the way her pony tail had came undone so her hair hung like a wet curtain around her face.

She wasn't for sure how long she sat there in the summer rain. Hadn't he just said he wasn't going to run away from me? Well you are running Li Syaoran she thought angrily kicking at the ground. You are running away from me you coward.

She was so lost in her anger that she didn't notice when a green umbrella came over her head. Looking up through her wet lashes she took in the boy standing before her. Seeing his amber eyes her anger renewed. Standing she punched him in the arm, and he let her. Seeing him just standing there taking her punch only succeeded in making her madder. She screamed in frustration and pushed him this time. Again he just stood there.

"Why are you just standing there?!" she yelled. She went to punch him again, but this time he caught her punch and drew her into a hug. She tried to pull away, but after awhile slumped into his embrace.

"I'm sorry," he whispered making her stiffen. "I just need to be on my own for awhile," pushing her back he looked into her eyes. "It's not because of you so don't blame yourself."

Shaking her head at him she walked away from the park. He watched her go sadly before following after her.

XXXXXXXX

So I decided to take it out. Although I really liked it a lot.

Anyways! Please let me know you enjoyed the story by reviewing! For those of you are going to ask I'm thinking about doing the sequel. I'm not for sure yet. Let me know if you think I should continue it.

Thank you again!

-Kittyangel (a.k.a Melanie)