Chapter 22: Reality's Dream

Syaoran waited in the car, staring through the windshield at the steel gray sky. Wind tugged at the leaves that clung to branches as the rest tussled along the parking lot pavement. The threat of a storm loomed, in the air, the sharp ozone smell preluding rain. Thoughts raced through his mind like the leaves in his vision, pulled by an unseen force. He could back out now. Just start the car and head back home. No one would even know. It was a tempting offer, the easy way out.

Syaoran jumped out of the car, shutting the door behind him with a click echoing through the parking lot. The brisk air nipped at his skin reminding him that he had forgotten a jacket. Syaoran pulled back the glass door to the dojo to find the afternoon class ending, the last few students putting their shoes back on and grabbing gym bags. By a row of trophies along the wall stood one of the younger instructors Daniel.

"Hey Syaoran," He called the boy over a look of relief and recognition on his face. "Sakura's still in the back room training and I got plans tonight and because Sensei is sick the night class is canceled. So do you think you two could lock up for me when you are finished?"

"Sure. No problem." Syaoran agreed as Daniel dropped the two keys into his open palm and with a quick thank you dashed out to the blustry parking lot.

Somehow the few feet between him and the back door seemed to take minutes rather than seconds. He could hear his heart beating in his ears, the blood tingling in his fingers.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Syaoran slowly pushed open the door and slipped inside, taking a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting of the room. In the corner he sees her; her back is to him as she vigorously fights an invisible opponent. He stands unsure, not knowing how to announce his presence.

Sakura suddenly stops her attack, her whole boding tensed and alert as if she subconsciously sensed a threat. She whipped around eyes searching the room until settling upon the only other person present.

"What are you doing here?" Sakura spat out, her voice venomous and fists clenched at her sides.

A little shocked at the force of her tone Syaoran took a step back. Thoughts of retreat filled his head fearing that she really did despise him. But then he saw it, in her eyes, the expression like that of a wounded animal, hurt and scared, just wanting to get away from danger. At that moment he knew for certain that Sakura was not truly angry, but afraid and was pushing him away. How much he wished he could pull her into his arms and comfort her. But he knew that she wouldn't allow it.

Like anyone trying to calm a panicked creature, Syaoran adopted an unassuming posture, hands held open in front, saying gently, "We need to talk."

"There is nothing to say" she responded flatly. Dropping her gaze, she brushed past him toward the door.

"I'm not going to let you run." Syaoran called out in a rush in a hope to stop her.

At these words Sakura became rooted to the ground, as if by his wish she could not move. She did not turn towards him and her eyes were rooted to the ground. For all the thoughts that were compelling her to leave, to escape before he could say anything more, there was a tiny part of her that would not let go. It was that part of her that always hoped for the best. And it was hoping passionately that Syaoran had found some way to fix the mess of a relationship they were in now.

Sensing the moment had arrived, Syaoran took a deep breath and steadied himself before baring all that had been engulfing his thoughts and feelings. "If you don't want me that's fine, just walk out that door and forget I ever said anything. But..but if there's any small chance you have feelings for me I beg you to trust me, to trust in our friendship." He paused. "And know that I love you."

He paused again, this time reflecting. "I think I always have, but I was too scared of even thinking about it. I couldn't lose you. Do you know how important you are? Whenever I think of you being gone, there's this gnawing in my chest. It feels like I can't breathe. You are the most amazing person I have ever known, so kind and understanding. And beautiful. I remember when I first realized it. It was at the party and you were dressed as an angel. You entered the room and everything seemed to light up. You were glowing and bright." Sakura's head had risen as she listened to his words.

Syaoran continued, " And beyond that, you are so selfless that you put the feelings of others above your own. The other night you said that you had loved me for years yet you helped me with Tomoyo, so that I would be happy, even though it must have been killing you. And I was unbelievably stupid and I didn't see that I was the reason for your suffering." Syaoran shook his head at his behavior. " I am so sorry for putting you through hell these past months. For being mean or jealous. And for not realizing sooner that I was in love with you." Syoaron's tone changed as he struggled to make sure she understood, "I don't want to own you. If it's Eriol or some other guy who will make you happy then I will be happy for you. You're free to do as you will. Always have. I just don't want you to give up on us, on me, because you think I don't care for you."

Syaoran stopped for a moment. He was shaking from adrenaline. And he could see she was too, her shoulders were rising and falling heavily from her shaky breathing. She was still facing away from him, but he noted that she hadn't run from him either.

"And I'm scared too," he admitted. "I know that's its terrifying but well then it wouldn't be real. It wouldn't be love. But if you can just trust that no matter what happens we can get through it as long as we're together, then I know it will all be okay. We've made it through so much together already."

The only sound in the room was the howling of the wind against the building and their heavy breathing. Slowly Sakura turned and faced the one who had been the cause of such pain and such joy in her life. Her green eyes wavered, full with unshed tears. There was fear in her expression, but also acceptance. She'd been caught. She had been hiding trying not to face up to the reality that she still loved him and in all likelihood always would. Love is not something that appears out of thin air, it would not be so quick to disappear either. Sakura could feel her heart beat strong and heavy, yearning to explode with the joy that Syaoran loved her, truly and deeply loved her. But these past months, actually the past years had given her so much grief. She was so scared that this was some kind of trick her mind had made up. And she would wake up heartbroken all over again. The debate was evident on her face, wondering if she could open up to Syaoran again, wondering if it would it be worth the risk.

Timidly she walked up to Syaoran, a little wobble in her step as her body gently trembled. When then distance was closed between them she raised her right hand tracing it along his face in an innocent almost childlike gesture as her eyes searched his face. Syaoran held firm, staring directly into her questioning eyes willing her to see that what he said was real, willing her to see his love. Both bodies were shaking with the rush of emotions, the strain of unanswered feelings.

Shifting her weight to her toes Sakura placed a gossamer kiss on his mouth. Then she slid her hand down his arm until she reached his hand, resting the inside of her fingertips on the inside of his. "You know I could never give up on you. Ever."

Syaoran was in a daze trying to figure out what was going on, but gradually a smile spread across his face as it dawned on him. The infectious smile appeared on Sakura's face as well. She gave a squeal of surprise as he scooped her up into his arms and waltzed her around the room all laughter and smiles.

Joy radiated off the couple, they were giddy with happiness like children at their first carnival. Finally Sakura and Syaoran were complete; no longer was either of them being only partly honest.

Out of breath they stopped. Faces flushed and eyes dancing they remained in each other's arms.

"I love you." Syaoran whispered, his voice soft.

Sakura felt her heart skip as she whispered back, "And I love you."

Syaoran lowered his head as Sakura lifted hers to meet him. And that is how the two best friends shared their first true kiss, a kiss born from freedom of choice unbound by confusion or ties to others. Sakura felt herself grow lightheaded from the gentle movements of Syaoran's lips on hers as waves of warmth coursed through her veins, giving her delicious shivers.

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Sakura and Syaoran found themselves in his car holding hands, waiting at that eternal stoplight for it to finally permit them to pass. They share a glance and smiles creep onto their faces as they bask in the peaceful calm after the storm. All the confusion, all the pain, had left them stronger and ready to face the hardships of love, confident in the knowledge that love would not be so wondrous if it was so easy to find and hold. And now whatever happened would happen to both of them, together. They would be there for one another through thick and thin.

Sakura gave an inward sigh. Not all was perfect. She knew that there were amends to be made to Eriol, to Tomoyo. She and Syaoran had messes to clean up that their blindness and mistakes had led to, other lives that they had affected on their path to finding each other. But eventually it would turn out alright. It always does. There would always be storms. She knew that the key was to simply ride them out and wait for a better day. And what better way to pass that time than side by side with the one you love like they had for years as friends.

Sakura peered up at the blue street sign that waved back and forth in the gusts of wind.

"Dream" she murmured and looked at the one she had loved for so long. How many times they had sat together in this car side by side. But never had it felt like this. 'My dream,' She thought. 'This is definitely not how I imagined it could have happened, but it did happened. My dream became real...'

Reality's Dream

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a/n: So here it is the final chapter. Not perfect but I felt it more important to finally conclude this story somewhat. Hopefully I will get the chance to add more depth later.

And now the story is at an end. It's been a wonderful ride and an honor to write for those that have enjoyed it as well. I hope every reader has been able to a see a piece of themselves or their lives in at least a part of this story. Thank you thank you thank you to all the readers and reviewers. You have made it an interesting experience. Much love to you all.

Let me know what you think. Did this story affect you, what parts did you like, etc...