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     1.2 +++ b/old/stories/greatestgift.txt	Fri Feb 19 20:53:12 2010 -0500
     1.3 @@ -0,0 +1,347 @@
     1.4 +As most of us know, the official manga ending is that Sakura confessed her love for Syaoran before he went back
     1.5 + to Hong Kong. Then at around junior high age, Syaoran came back to Japan and they met again and lived happily
     1.6 +                    ever after. MU-HAHAHA~ not according to the unofficial yuri fans!
     1.7 +
     1.8 +                                    " " quotations mean dialogue
     1.9 +                                     {thoughts of the individual}
    1.10 +                   [translation of japanese vocabulary/ expressions or author's comments] 
    1.11 +
    1.12 +                                THE GREATEST GIFT by K BARON
    1.13 +                                        htmkmugen@hotmail.com
    1.14 +
    1.15 +Several months passed after Syaoran and Sakura have been a couple. It's after school. Tomoyo and Sakura are walking home
    1.16 +together. 
    1.17 +
    1.18 +Tomoyo casually asks, "Sakura chan, you have something planned for this weekend with Syaoran san?" 
    1.19 +
    1.20 +Sakura's head is down, contemplating. 
    1.21 +
    1.22 +Tomoyo gently shakes her friend's arm:"Sakura chan." 
    1.23 +
    1.24 +Sakura's head picks up, "Huh? Oh, he has soccer practice this Saturday so..." A soft sigh follows. 
    1.25 +
    1.26 +Tomoyo, alarmed, comforts Sakura:"Syaoran san is trying to socialize more with others in his class. That's why he joined team
    1.27 +sports. He's more out going now. Isn't he? He's been changing a lot FOR YOU, ne." 
    1.28 +
    1.29 +Sakura murmurs, "yeah...but he shouldn't have to. I mean, aren't couples just "meant to be soul mates"? Look at Onii san and
    1.30 +Yukito san, they just, they just match. They don't have to change their personalities, and so on. But we, I almost start every
    1.31 +conversation. And the places he takes me to, I like the things he plans, but when I tell him 'let's try this!' he agrees, yes, he
    1.32 +ALWAYS agree with me. He never upsets me. But sometimes I feel that he doesn't like my 'wild side'. But he says he likes me
    1.33 +because I'm different." Sakura slows down her steps, turns to her best friend for advice. 
    1.34 +
    1.35 +Tomoyo's eyes are full of concern but her voice is calm," Sakura chan, boys and girls are supposed to like different things.
    1.36 +When you go out, you two have to compromise. That's how a relationship lasts. He may be a bit more reserved and cautious,
    1.37 +but Syaoran san is right. You are different. You can learn from each other, ne. After all, what really matters is, that he cares
    1.38 +about you; you can trust him; and you can count on him to protect you regardless of what danger lies ahead." Tomoyo finishes
    1.39 +her speech with a reassuring smile, but WHO is she trying to convince? {i care about Sakura too; she can trust me too. Why
    1.40 +can't I---BUT I CAN'T PROTECT HER. LOOK WHAT I WAS DOING WHEN THE CLOW CARDS ATTACKED
    1.41 +HER. SYAORAN SAN BATTLED WITH HER. I JUST VIDEOTAPED! And, I can never provide Sakura a family...} 
    1.42 +
    1.43 +Sakura is still absorbing the complex advice Tomoyo has given her when she suddenly catches sight of Tomoyo's sad
    1.44 +expression: "What's wrong? Tomoyo chan? You're worrying about me and Syaoran san? Oh, Tomoyo chan..." Sakura is
    1.45 +deeply touched. She naturally reaches out and holds her friend's hand gently, but firmly. Unfortunately, her act of gratitude and
    1.46 +friendship only causes Tomoyo's heart to twitch. 
    1.47 +
    1.48 +Tomoyo turns her eyes away, fearing any further revelation of her emotions. But her voice betrays her anyway when she says,
    1.49 +"Sakura chan, don't worry about me. It's YOU TWO I'm worrying about. Syaoran san is a quiet person. If there's a problem,
    1.50 +you got to call him up first. He may seem tough, but he's soft inside. Remember be tactful when you bring up any suggestions." 
    1.51 +
    1.52 +Sakura:"Tactful? Hoe? Such as...?" Tomoyo has a sweat drop now ^_^ "Sakura chan, if you don't mind, really, it's between the
    1.53 +two of you, but I can be the messenger for you two if you can't figure out what to say to him..." Tomoyo's heart races when she
    1.54 +offers her help. All these months Sakura and Syaoran have been going out, Tomoyo has almost been like a "movie extra" who
    1.55 +had no schedule as to when or where to meet with Sakura. If she can participate somehow in the relationship, doing something
    1.56 +special for Sakura, she would DIE FOR IT. After all, she chose Syaoran for her. If it turns out to be a wrong match and
    1.57 +Sakura's heart breaks, Tomoyo cannot possibly forgive herself. 
    1.58 +
    1.59 +"Ok, I guess..." Sakura accepted her friend's help. {Well, relationships are private matters and telephone 3-way conference is
    1.60 +DEFINITELY not the thing, but I guess Tomoyo is a better speaker than I. Maybe I'll just ask her what to say and then tell
    1.61 +Syaoran san myself.} 
    1.62 +
    1.63 +It's a sunny Saturday. The soccer field is empty now that the players have finished their practice. Sakura fiddles with her purse,
    1.64 +waiting at the school gate for Syaoran to have their discussion, as per Tomoyo's cleverly drafted instructions. Syaoran quickly
    1.65 +spotted the brown haired girl and walked towards her. 
    1.66 +
    1.67 +The couple is facing each other. Sakura stumbles with words: "Hi, Syaoran san, can we---do you have time? How about we go
    1.68 +to the park? I---" 
    1.69 +
    1.70 +Syaoran:"Sure, I have something to talk to you too." Then the silent couple walks to the park. 
    1.71 +
    1.72 +Today is different. Syaoran speaks first:"Sakura san...if I...if I haven't come back from Hong Kong, would you, would you have
    1.73 +met someone else?...Maybe you would have met someone else wonderful?" 
    1.74 +
    1.75 +Sakura is totally thrown out of rhythm. Forget about the lines Tomoyo has given her. This is too much of a blow. Syaoran
    1.76 +hardly ever asks things, especially personal things, so directly. The tone is not accusing, rather doubtful of himself. 
    1.77 +
    1.78 +Sakura:"What? Where does that come from?? Someone else? Who? Wonderful? You're not wonderful? Syaoran san, I only
    1.79 +want to go out with you---is it Yamamura senpai? [senpai is an honourific suffix for schoolmates or colleagues senior to you]
    1.80 +He's just been showing me how to skate board and his sports collections. Those weren't dates! You trust me don't you?" 
    1.81 +
    1.82 +Syaoran:" Of course I trust you, Sakura san. It's not that. I'm just saying, I'm just proposing, if I was never there to meet you
    1.83 +again, wouldn't you have found someone else who would make you happier? I've changed a lot. And I'm willing to do it for
    1.84 +you. But it's still the same me. It always will. Maybe, maybe..." 
    1.85 +
    1.86 +Sakura, frustrated, not understanding where all these ideas have come from, finishes the sentence for Syaoran:" we don't
    1.87 +match? Is that what you're trying to say? Who matches then? Like onii san {brother} and Yukito san? Tomoyo chan says,
    1.88 +doesn't really matter we're different, as long as we care about each other, and trust each other and, and---" In the midst of
    1.89 +panic, Sakura searches for exactly what Tomoyo's advice was. However, Syaoran has a mind of his own:" What else did
    1.90 +Tomoyo san say? You listen to everything Tomoyo san tell you?" 
    1.91 +
    1.92 +Sakura can't deal with so many questions shooting at her all at once, especially most of them are so pointed. Sakura loses her
    1.93 +calm: "Syaoran san, stop. I don't know. What're you trying to say?? I can't talk to Tomoyo chan when I have problems? Who
    1.94 +else will I talk to? Sometimes when we're together, I feel like I'm talking to a stone wall. You're so wrapped up. Our
    1.95 +relationship is private, I know, but I have no one except her. Besides, she always understands." 
    1.96 +
    1.97 +Syaoran flatly asks,"and I don't?" Silence fills the air afterwards. 
    1.98 +
    1.99 +Syaoran knows he talks too much today. He's not good at speech in the first place, let alone deep thoughts and emotional
   1.100 +topics, with the one he cares so much about. He probably has confused her, maybe even hurt her. He'd better stop talking
   1.101 +now. He intently looks at Sakura, and told her that he is sorry, he probably said too much, and he'd need some time to think
   1.102 +over this entire situation. He'll call her soon. Out of genuine concern, he reaches out his hand and offers to walk her home.
   1.103 +However, Sakura was already deep into the pit of confused anger, and she flatly refuses his offer, saying that she will be fine,
   1.104 +and starts to skate away, in the direction of Tomoyo's mansion. 
   1.105 +
   1.106 +Tomoyo is stunned when the servant leads the completely drenched Sakura into the guestroom. Sakura is not only shaking with
   1.107 +coldness, but her left knee is bleeding. She must have slipped while she was skating to the mansion. Being overwhelmed by the
   1.108 +pain Sakura must be suffering, Tomoyo embraces her dear friend for almost an eternity. Slowly she releases her arms, and
   1.109 +reassures Sakura that no matter what happened, she will make it better for her. After being carefully (and lovingly) bandaged
   1.110 +by Tomoyo, Sakura is led to the bathroom to take a shower. 
   1.111 +
   1.112 +"Kiya~" Screams of pain from the bathroom send Tomoyo rushing to the door, knocking the door violently:"Sakura chan! Are
   1.113 +you alright?" 
   1.114 +
   1.115 +"Oh, Tomoyo chan, I'm fine. It's just that the warm water sprinkles on my bandage but the wound still hurts~" 
   1.116 +
   1.117 +"Oh, Sakura chan, gomen ne [sorry], you do need to wash your wound. But try cover it with a cloth so the water won't come
   1.118 +in direct contact with your knee." 
   1.119 +
   1.120 +"Ok, I'll try that. Hm...It's better now. Oh, Tomoyo chan, thanks. I don't know what to do without you. I'm sorry I ran into
   1.121 +your home like this. I, I..." {words can't express how I feel...Tomoyo chan. Can't you read my thoughts? my pain? I hope you
   1.122 +understand, 'cuz seems like no one else does} 
   1.123 +
   1.124 +"Sakura chan, I'm glad you made it here. It's pouring outside. You should have called me and I could have picked you up
   1.125 +wherever. You still have my cell phone right? Don't worry. When you come out, we'll talk things out, what ever it is." {You see,
   1.126 +there're so many things I still have to help you with, like picking the wedding dress, choosing baby clothes, etc. When one day
   1.127 +you finally grow up and don't need me anymore, you can forget me. You can lose touch with me. I'll let go. I promise. Our
   1.128 +memories will be enough. I'll always be there...} Tomoyo collapses by the door, but quickly comes back to her senses and
   1.129 +stands up again. 
   1.130 +
   1.131 +After the shower, Sakura's cheeks return to their usual rosy colour, but still lost their shine. Her eyes are drooping too. Tomoyo
   1.132 +carefully analyses the conversation between Sakura and Syaoran at the park:" I think he's critical of himself, not you. He
   1.133 +expects a lot from himself, believing that you deserve more happiness than he's giving you right now. I guess he's a believer of
   1.134 +"soul mate" theory too? I don't think he minds that you share your problems with me. After all, I'm the matchmaker and I hold
   1.135 +some responsibility for the outcome of your relationship. Maybe he wishes that you can turn to him for answers, instead of
   1.136 +turning to me." 
   1.137 +
   1.138 +Sakura's eyes are wide open:" He's jealous? Of you, not Yamamura senpai? You're the best companion to talk to, that's what
   1.139 +best friends are for. I can't turn to him for a lot of things, girl stuff for example. No, he got it wrong. I can and I should still talk
   1.140 +to you. But he's gotta change---" Sakura realizes her own hypocrisy. She's just told Syaoran moments ago that being different
   1.141 +is actually good, that they can learn from each other. Then she wishes him to be more open like she. {WE DON'T
   1.142 +MATCH??} "Maybe we don't match. Syaoran san says so too." 
   1.143 +
   1.144 +Tomoyo's heart twitches. {No, that can't be. I didn't? Did I? With my own hands, I push my only love into failure? A first love
   1.145 +that ends with a sour note?} Tomoyo holds up Sakura's head, and promises to call Syaoran and straighten things out. 
   1.146 +
   1.147 +Ring---ring. Syaoran drags himself out of the bed for the phone. But the answering machine is activated when Syaoran
   1.148 +hesitantly reaches out for the receiver. {What if it's Sakura san? what should I say or ask?} It's Tomoyo's voice, a bit shaken,
   1.149 +which is unusual:" Hello, this is Daidouji Tomoyo. Syaoran san, if you're in please pick it up. It's important. Sakura is at my
   1.150 +house. She's hurt---" Syaoran's voice interrupts the recording, just as Tomoyo expected:" What? Tomoyo san? Sakura what?
   1.151 +Is she alright?" 
   1.152 +
   1.153 +Tomoyo, still nervous about if she can fix the problem, keeps Syaoran in suspense:" Syaoran san, it's good that I can get a hold
   1.154 +of you. She's fine, but she's bleeding. She says you want her to try going out with some one else." She twists the story enough
   1.155 +to make sure she can get a response from the reserved Syaoran, who, usually doesn't clear things right out. Surprisingly, this
   1.156 +time the strategy backfires. 
   1.157 +
   1.158 +The tactic goes smoothly at first. Syaoran does deny that he wants to break up with Sakura, and confirms that he loves her.
   1.159 +Tomoyo can't believe what she hears next though: "I just feel that maybe I'm not the one for her. I mean, just because, we, went
   1.160 +through a lot of troubles and dangers together and...but on a normal day, would she pick me to hang out with? Like, I came
   1.161 +back for her because my life is boring without her. I need her smile. I need her. But when we're together, it's like, we don't---" 
   1.162 +
   1.163 +"Stop. Syaoran kun." Syaoran is shocked by Tomoyo's bluntness. She's never like that. Tomoyo goes on, without any
   1.164 +apology:" Sakura chan is still young. When she matures, the distance betweeen you two---no, the distance between a man and
   1.165 +a woman will lessen, I believe, because the older you get, the more experience you have with how to get along with others, and
   1.166 +understanding WILL grow. You got to be patient. It's a long term relationship remember? When you weren't sure about how
   1.167 +you felt at first, remember I encourage you on to 'try it'? I don't mean by 'just try it once'. Love takes a long time to nurture. It's
   1.168 +the hardest plant to grow---" 
   1.169 +
   1.170 +This time it's Syaoran interrupting:" Tomoyo san please. I know you were the matchmaker and you probably felt responsible for
   1.171 +whatever happens between the two of us, but, this is between me and Sakura san. I'm just thinking, if we need so much help
   1.172 +from you and others, that Sakura san and I have to involve so much and so many people to keep it all together, is it worth it? Is
   1.173 +it fair to her? And how come you've chosen me to match with Sakura san? What makes you think that I'm the one?" 
   1.174 +
   1.175 +"Because you care about her. You protected her. I can see how much you'll cherish her if she belongs to you. I entrusted her,
   1.176 +my dear friend, to you." {oh~what is this feeling? It's panic. No way, I never panic. But he's losing her. I'm losing Sakura's
   1.177 +happiness. I have to keep trying.} 
   1.178 +
   1.179 +"Urh~Tomoyo san, thanks for calling, and helping us out. I'll come to look after her wound, but is she in the mood to see me?" 
   1.180 +
   1.181 +"OF COURSE SHE IS! That's great news! I'll send a car to pick you up then." Tomoyo hangs up before Syaoran has the
   1.182 +chance to speak further, fearing that he may change his mind. Tomoyo's voice is a bit too excited, Syaoran thinks to himself. 
   1.183 +
   1.184 +While Syaoran is getting himself ready, many thoughts run through his mind. {Thanks to Tomoyo, what a great mediator. What
   1.185 +would we do without her? Come to think of it, she's a bit possessive of Sakura's problems. Oh well, they're best friends since
   1.186 +childhood. But isn't it odd she's acting like it's her own relationship as if she's got so much free time---no, she has private tutor
   1.187 +lessons for music and other subjects, plus choir practice, and going out---with Sakura and other friends. No boyfriend yet for
   1.188 +her, hm...she does get a lot of chocolate on Valentine's Day from boys of different classes and grades, though it's not really the
   1.189 +right day for boys to give out chocolate. Boys give out chocolate on March 14 the "white day". Hm, she does give out
   1.190 +chocolate to---to Sakura?! Ah...and she...videotapes Sakura. Uh~this is, this is THAT?!} Syaoran's thoughts are interrupted
   1.191 +by the door bell. Tomoyo's guards have come to pick him up. 
   1.192 +
   1.193 +On his way to Tomoyo's mansion, Syaoran has made a painful decision. {How could she have lived like that? How has she
   1.194 +managed to restrain herself from embracing the one she loves so dearly? To hide her tears, her emptiness and all. How brave
   1.195 +for a girl to endure such pain. If that's the case, I can't take advantage of Sakura san's ignorance of the situation and keep our
   1.196 +relationship. I want to be a real winner, with Sakura san choosing me after she makes an informed decision. She deserves a
   1.197 +choice and Tomoyo san deserves a chance. She cares about Sakura san just as much---or maybe even more than I do...} 
   1.198 +
   1.199 +When Syaoran arrives, Tomoyo allows some privacy for the couple in the guest bedroom. Syaoran tenderly attends to
   1.200 +Sakura's wounds so Sakura keeps quiet to enjoy the sweet moment. Then Syaoran's face darkens. He frankly tells Sakura that
   1.201 +there's another person who is in love with Sakura. Therefore, they should be apart for a week as a test to see whom Sakura
   1.202 +misses the most. Whoever that is would be the one she should love. Sakura is completely disturbed by the proposition and
   1.203 +bombards Syaoran with one single question, "why?" Syaoran realizes that Sakura can be quite dense sometimes when it comes
   1.204 +to delicate matters. Then again he does not want to expose Tomoyo's true feelings without consent. So he insists on protecting
   1.205 +the identity of the secret admirer, only stressing that Sakura deserves a choice and that admirer, who "has always been there for
   1.206 +you in both rain and shine" should have a chance. That said, Syaoran quickly leaves the distraught Sakura, lest himself will
   1.207 +break down in tears and revert his proposal. 
   1.208 +
   1.209 +That night, Syaoran goes home very late and even turns off his phone to avoid Sakura. Meanwhile, Sakura tosses and turns on
   1.210 +her bed, wondering who can be as worthy as Syoaran to win her love. {If I can't find anyone else who's just as wonderful, I
   1.211 +guess I have proved that Syaoran is the only one and we should be together. But I got to stay strong. I can't make everyone
   1.212 +worry about me. But I can't do this myself. I need someone to talk to.} Out of reflex, Sakura dials up Tomoyo's phone
   1.213 +number. Tomoyo can't sleep either. Her heart is filled with guilt. {Sakura is old enough now. She'll probably understands my
   1.214 +feelings. She didn't react negatively to Touya san and Yukito san. Maybe it's ok to tell her.} 
   1.215 +
   1.216 +Ring---ring "Hello? Sakura chan?" Tomoyo answers the call right away, since the cell phone is by her bed. [How obsessive.] 
   1.217 +
   1.218 +"Tomoyo chan~what should I do? What if I can't find that person? Syaoran kun is all I have~" 
   1.219 +
   1.220 +"Sakura, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I thought you'd be happy with him but it turns out like this. You want to know who else
   1.221 +admires you? I'll tell you. Wanna come over to my house?" 
   1.222 +
   1.223 +"Tomoyo chan, You found out? OH~you're the best! I'll come right now!" click. Sakura can't even wait for Tomoyo's ride. She
   1.224 +just skates right over to the mansion. 
   1.225 +
   1.226 +"So, who is it?" Sakura shoots out the question as soon as she arrives. Tomoyo's eyes are fixed upon Sakura, with a strange
   1.227 +sense of determination. "Sakura chan, come." She leads her clueless friend into the bedroom, and shows her the box once
   1.228 +again. "Remember this eraser you've given me? Everything you gave me: notes, UFO catcher dolls, stickers, I keep them. I
   1.229 +videotaped you, because I don't want to lose any memory of you. Sakura, you're the most important person to me. I never try
   1.230 +to hide it from you. You're just too young to understand. I don't blame you. You're so innocent. That's what I like about you. I
   1.231 +like everything about you." Sakura's eyes widen. 
   1.232 +
   1.233 +Tomoyo takes a deep breath and continues, "Sakura, there're not many girls like me. So I sort of assume that you'll need a
   1.234 +boyfriend someday. I look around, and found Syaoran san. He's a wonderful boy. I know I find happiness when my love finds
   1.235 +happiness. Sakura, are you angry at me? I cause so much confusion between you and Syaoran san. I'll be there for you,
   1.236 +whenever and wherever, as long as you need me." Tomoyo finishes her confession, closes her eyes, and waits for the verdict
   1.237 +from Sakura. Tomoyo has really spelt it out this time. She even dropped the "chan" suffix, which is used commonly among
   1.238 +childhood friends. To call someone with first name only means either rudeness or intimacy. 
   1.239 +
   1.240 +Neither one speaks. There are no signs of disgust, anger, or even discomfort from Sakura's face. Instead she leans forward to
   1.241 +Tomoyo, looking intently at her friend with awe, gratefulness and guilt. Someone has always been there for Sakura, through rain
   1.242 +and shine. Someone is hopelessly in love with Sakura, yet joyfully accepts the destiny. She embraces loneliness, regardless of
   1.243 +her complete devotion of time and energy. That someone, is Tomoyo. Sakura breaks into tears, and then a smile. She strokes
   1.244 +Tomoyo's face gently: "Tomoyo, you're the greatest gift I have. When I was little, I wanted a sister, and there you were. I
   1.245 +needed a best friend. There you were. When I look back, the happiest days of my life is childhood, when there's nothing I have
   1.246 +to worry. Otou san [dad] and onii san [brother] sheltered me. So did you. You always came up with a way to help me, cheer
   1.247 +me in one way or another. When we entered junior high, there're so many changes I had to face, but not alone, because of you.
   1.248 +Tomoyo, you're perfect. Sometimes I think I should be more like you, smart, elegant, mature. But you always have a way of
   1.249 +making me feel special, that I am just perfect being the way I am. Before I met Syaoran, my life was happy. Why do I keep
   1.250 +thinking I have to have him? Because I'm older? Because I need a boyfriend? I need romance?" 
   1.251 +
   1.252 +Tomoyo puts a finger on Sakura's lips: "Sakura, you need a family. You need someone to protect you too. Syaoran san can
   1.253 +provide that for you. I can't. I was all you need when you were young. But as time goes by, needs change. Sakura, I'm grateful
   1.254 +you accepts what I am, but please don't push yourself for me." 
   1.255 +
   1.256 +*****************EDITED ENDING************************
   1.257 +*****************EDITED ENDING************************
   1.258 +*****************EDITED ENDING************************
   1.259 +*****************EDITED ENDING************************ 
   1.260 +
   1.261 +"When Syaoran told me he noticed another admirer deserves my love, I had no idea what he meant. And I was hoping that
   1.262 +person would turn out to be someone not so dear to me, so that the choice would be easier. But it turned out to be you..."
   1.263 +Sakura's eyes looked around the room, which is walls of videotape collections and hanged group photos of her, tomoyo,
   1.264 +naoko, rika and chiharu. Indeed, childhood is a beautiful place to stay. One must grow away from it though. 
   1.265 +
   1.266 +Tomoyo squeezes out a smile, and pulls herself away, "Sakura chan, gomen ne, I'm making this difficult for you to choose. I've
   1.267 +always promised myself not to be a burden to you. Don't worry. We can stay as friends ^_^ You go ahead and let Syaoran
   1.268 +know that he has nothing to worry about, ok? If you want, we can all meet together and straighten things out, whatever
   1.269 +misunderstanding is going on between the two of you. Ii de shou [alright]?" 
   1.270 +
   1.271 +Sakura stares at her friend, unsure of how much pain her friend is hiding. The meeting is going nowhere to any solid resolution,
   1.272 +so Tomoyo urges Sakura to go home by her car and leave the decision to tomorrow. 
   1.273 +
   1.274 +The next evening, Sakura leaves a message on Syaoran's phone, letting him know the progress: she knows the admirer is
   1.275 +Tomoyo but she needs some time before she makes the decision. 
   1.276 +
   1.277 +{Who can I talk to? When I was rejected by Yukito, Syaoran lent me his shoulders. When I have fights with Syaoran, I turn to
   1.278 +Tomoyo chan. Now both of them're competing. I need advice from, from Onii san! He can help. He teases me, but he always
   1.279 +protects me.} The thought of Touya's often stern but concerned face gives Sakura a momentary relief. 
   1.280 +
   1.281 +[In Sakura's room] Sakura: "Onii san, either one of them would be heart broken. I know how it feels, being rejected..."
   1.282 +{flashbacks of Yukito confessing to Sakura that he's really in love with someone else} "Even someone as gentle as Yukito san
   1.283 +didn't make the rejection sound any softer. I can't forgive myself hurting the ones I care so much for. I wish I knew the right one
   1.284 +from the start. That way, I wouldn't involve so many people, crying for me." Sakura holds her head tight, weeping. 
   1.285 +
   1.286 +Touya frowns even deeper, pads her little beloved sister's head and soothes her, "Sakura, I'm sorry I've broken your heart.
   1.287 +Neither of us meant to lead you on. I didn't notice I loved Yuki until later, and Yuki couldn't see it in your eyes. Strange isn't it?
   1.288 +Love, so strong; it runs deep inside you like blood flowing in your body. You feel the pulse, but you don't always stop and think
   1.289 +about it. It takes time to sit down and think hard to realize what others have been doing for you, especially when you're busy
   1.290 +thinking about someone, first Yuki, then Syaoran. I'm sure Tomoyo forgives you for missing her out." 
   1.291 +
   1.292 +Sakura: "Onii san, about the 'love is like blood running deep inside', that's deep thoughts, you came up with that?" 
   1.293 +
   1.294 +Touya, startled, coughs, "Ah, Hm---you caught me ^_< Kaho told me that when I was reconciling with her about who we
   1.295 +really love. By the way, I don't regret the time I spent with her. She was loving, and I've learned much about life from her.
   1.296 +Through love one grows, no matter how painful it is. You learn to be self-less, different, open and trust others, and brave too.
   1.297 +So whoever you choose, fear no pain or guilt, because the day you open your heart to someone, you should have the courage
   1.298 +to face anything. It's not your fault that you didn't pick the right one, or you didn't notice who loves you. Most people make
   1.299 +wrong choices before they find the right one, and it takes two to make a relationship go down. And don't think that you'll lose
   1.300 +one of them forever, because I believe both of them will stay as your friends anyway." 
   1.301 +
   1.302 +Sakura, amazed by her brother's sudden profound wisdom {guess I haven't ever had a heart-to-heart talk with Onii
   1.303 +san---didn't know he's THAT smart; always thought Yukito san was smarter ^_< } asks her brother further: "So should I stay
   1.304 +with Syaoran san, or leave and try a new life with Tomoyo chan? What makes you realize that you got to be with Yukito san?" 
   1.305 +
   1.306 +Touya thinks for a moment, then replies firmly, "When you can't think of living another day not seeing that person---that is,
   1.307 +everyday wherever you go, whatever you do and think, that person is PART OF YOU, like the blood flows in you. It's there,
   1.308 +but you don't see it, but you feel the pulse. If it goes away, you REALLY feel empty and can't move on. It's scary at first, when
   1.309 +I noticed that how much I have been depending on Yuki. But then I was glad, I found someone special. I'm not living on the
   1.310 +earth alone. Someone is with me. When Otou san [father] dies, and you get married off, I'll still have someone, Yuki, by my
   1.311 +side. Sakura, you've got to have the guts to try. Doesn't matter if it turns out the wrong one, find you soul mate. It's worth all the
   1.312 +journey." 
   1.313 +
   1.314 +"Arigatou, Onii san. I kinda understand what you mean by 'soul mate' now." {I feel the inertia to change, but it has to be that
   1.315 +way I guess.} 
   1.316 +
   1.317 +"Gomen ne, Syaoran san, made you waited these few days." 
   1.318 +
   1.319 +It is a sunny afternoon, but Syaoran can feel the clouds around him. Before him stands Sakura, the soon-to-be ex-girlfriend.
   1.320 +She chose her. He can tell. Sakura is a passionate person. If she has chosen him, she would have already moved closer, why
   1.321 +the guilty distance? Syaoran, a gentleman from start to finish, breaks the silence. 
   1.322 +
   1.323 +"Sakura san, it's...okay. I am prepared for either way. Your happiness is the most important. That's why I insisted you look into
   1.324 +the alternate admirer. You deserve the best. If anything goes wrong in the future, please tell me, I'll do my best being your
   1.325 +confidente." Tears betray Syaoran's smile. He wipes them away, and gives the hesitant Sakura a strong, last hug. Sakura cries
   1.326 +on Syaoran's shoulders, but this time, it's departure. 
   1.327 +
   1.328 +"Syaoran san~ gomen ne, Tomoyo chan---Tomoyo needs me. I need her too. Please don't wait for me. That would be too
   1.329 +much to ask. Syaoran san, I'll take my chance. Please don't wait for me like Tomoyo did. It's too awful." Syaoran hesitates to
   1.330 +promise this request. It's impossible to forget Sakura, at least for now. Syaoran whispers into her ear softly, "Sakura, I can't
   1.331 +forget you. But I promise that if someone wonderful loves me, I'll give her a chance, ok?" Sakura closes her eyes with tears of
   1.332 +relief and gratitude, "Thank you, Syaoran san." 
   1.333 +
   1.334 +Looking from a distance, Tomoyo can't make out what words have been exchanged between the couple. She only sees the
   1.335 +tight embrace, then the parting of the two, with Syaoran's head down, a clear sign of defeat. Tomoyo's heart is now divided
   1.336 +between guilt and excitement. {I'm sorry Syaoran kun. I was the matchmaker and look what I've done to you. But, what can
   1.337 +make Sakura possibly choose me? I'm a great friend, but can I be all that to her? Oh~ I just hope she didn't choose on
   1.338 +impulse.} 
   1.339 +
   1.340 +Sakura quickly spotted Tomoyo and skips over to her side. {Hoe, what should I say?} "...Tomoyo chan---hn, To-mo-yo,
   1.341 +gomen ne, I made you wait. I hurt Syaoran. I was dumb. This time, I hope...I won't hurt you!" Sakura swiftly takes Tomoyo's
   1.342 +hand by surprise, and blurts out, "Ikimasu! [let's go]" 
   1.343 +
   1.344 +Tomoyo: "Sakura! It's broad day light!" 
   1.345 +
   1.346 +Sakura: "Hoe~oh well, sooner or later...Tomoyo, hanasa nai de [please don't leave me/ don't let go]." 
   1.347 +
   1.348 +Tomoyo laughs: "I never have," then she draws closer to Sakura's side, whispers, "and I never will." 
   1.349 +
   1.350 +Owari~ ^_^