Dear Sakura

 by Amazoness Duo and G.P.

 amazonessduo@hotmail.com

 pearsong1954@yahoo.com

 	 

 “It’s beautiful, Sakura-chan!” Tomoyo’s melodious voice said as they

 both paused in front of the Jumbo restaurant. Her words were an

 understatement to the surreal view of the floating restaurant ahead

 of the two women. Water splashed around it as the many lights played

 across Tomoyo’s pale skin. 

 	“Hoe...” The sight before them was a pleasant surprise to Sakura as

 well. She had been to a number of restaurants with Syaoran when they

 had first come to Hong Kong, but this hadn’t been one of them. Which

 was part of her decision to take Tomoyo to it now that it was her

 last night in Hong Kong. That thought lay over her soul like a heavy

 cloak, it’s weight almost unbearable. But she tried to force it off,

 wanting to enjoy what little time they had left. She had wanted to

 take Tomoyo out for dinner, just the two of them. A chance to be

 alone together one last time. Now she was glad for her decision. The

 restaurant looked majestic with the waves crashing around it. 

 	Watching her spirited friend, Tomoyo smiled happily to herself. For

 all of it’s splendor, the restaurant ahead of them was nothing in

 comparison to Sakura. She was simply gorgeous in the beautiful blue

 Chinese dress she was wearing. Her soft brunette hair framed her

 pretty face perfectly, her expression still one of surprise.

 Squeezing Sakura’s hand lightly, her eyes sparkled when she saw

 Sakura turn to her. This was wonderful, standing with Sakura together

 while they waited to be seated at a restaurant as if they were on

 some sort of magical date. Only being able to have the whole thing on

 videotape could make it any better. Or perhaps if it were a real

 date... But Tomoyo was pleasantly thrilled just to be there with

 Sakura on something that came close enough to a date for her liking. 

 	Sakura found herself blushing slightly at the way Tomoyo was

 looking at her. It was the same warm and loving expression that

 Tomoyo had always given her when she had the dark haired woman’s full

 attention. Which was more often than not. She averted her gaze after

 a few seconds, once again busying herself with the beautiful

 establishment in front of them. She wasn’t sure what she’d say if she

 kept looking into those stormy blue eyes. They were almost hypnotic.

 “Well, we better get going before they decide to give away our

 seats.” Tomoyo agreed enthusiastically and the two finally entered

 the restaurant. 

 	

 	True to its gorgeous exterior, the inside was just as exquisite.

 And completely packed. For a while, Sakura worried that even with her

 reservations she wouldn’t be able to get a table. But the Li family

 was very important in Hong Kong, and Sakura Li was treated no

 differently. Before too long, she and her dark haired best friend had

 been seated and their orders taken. “Are you sure that’s all you

 want, Tomoyo-chan? You can get more if you want,” Sakura said upon

 realizing how little the pale woman had ordered. Then again, Tomoyo

 had never eaten a considerable amount, her slim figure almost seeming

 frail. 

 	Tomoyo smiled politely and shook her head, her beautiful lavender

 tresses swaying behind her. “No, I’m fine, Sakura-chan. I think I’m

 still full from the banquet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much

 food in one place before. Poor Kero-chan must have been very

 disappointed not to be invited.” Both women giggled softly, the

 tension fading away somewhat. This was Tomoyo’s last night in Hong

 Kong and though neither woman had spoken it directly, it was

 lingering unsaid between the two of them. This was their last chance

 together, and Tomoyo still hadn’t decided how she should react to it.

 Her initial decision about the whole trip had been to hide her

 feelings for Sakura, to tone down her endless affection for the

 brunette in fear that it would be unwelcome with her marriage. 

 But Sakura had baffled her upon her arrival. It was like returning

 to a loved one after years of absence. She could imagine it was

 similar to when Syaoran had returned to Sakura. She had greeted

 Tomoyo with such warmth and affection, staying nearby during the

 trip, her love almost seeming to echo Tomoyo’s own. It was eerie and

 not at all what she had expected, but it had grasped onto her heart

 quickly and wouldn’t let go. Sakura had always been very loving with

 her, but this went beyond all of her own expectations. It was almost

 as if Sakura’s love mirrored her own. It rattled the locked cage of

 her heart, drawing her love and adoration out from behind the masks

 she had erected. Hiding her love from Sakura was impossible, she knew

 that now. It was all she could do to keep from blatantly telling

 Sakura of her feelings, something she knew would certainly be

 disastrous. If Sakura knew how she felt, it would cause endless

 turmoil for her marriage and their friendship. She simply couldn’t

 allow that. Sakura’s happiness meant everything to her. But still, it

 was almost impossible to deny the feelings she was getting from the

 brunette, the way she had kissed back, the way she was acting. When

 was the last time she had seen Sakura acting like this? With Yukito?

 No, this didn’t have the same trappings of a crush that her behavior

 with Yukito had indicated to Tomoyo early on. Which led up to some

 very confusing conclusions for the dark haired designer. She was

 having a much harder time telling herself that there was nothing

 there. Looking into Sakura’s eyes, seeing those bright emerald orbs

 looking back into hers, she could see something that both thrilled

 and frightened her. 

 There was something there that was growing inside Sakura. Just what

 it was, Tomoyo was still left a little unsure. Her mind kept

 returning to the kiss and moments before when Sakura had been holding

 her. The one thing Tomoyo could be sure of was that she would soon

 begin to disrupt Sakura’s life if she allowed these feelings of the

 Cardmistress’s to continue. Sakura had a husband, a new life in Hong

 Kong. Tomoyo was an anchor tying her down to the past. Perhaps now

 more than ever. She had wanted to come to Hong Kong as a way to help

 Sakura let go of the past, but it seemed that she was making it

 worse. It was painful being so near Sakura, loving her so completely

 while knowing that she was still married to her true love. So close,

 yet so far. Look, but don’t touch. It felt as if she were an infinite

 distance away from Sakura at times when they were only feet apart.

 But her love could travel that distance. Even if Sakura couldn’t see

 it. Was Syaoran really Sakura’s true love? The dark haired woman had

 been so intent on finding the person that could make Sakura happy

 that she had truly believed it was Syaoran. Now she wasn’t so sure.

 After Ieran’s words and her time spent with Sakura, she couldn’t be

 so certain that he was anymore. But it was too late for any of that.

 He had to be the one for Sakura. He had to. And Tomoyo could do

 nothing but disrupt that, tearing apart Sakura’s happiness by staying

 with her. 

 That was why she had decided late the night before, through many

 tears and much heartache, that this was goodbye. Not that she could

 come out and tell Sakura that, of course. Or that she would even act

 on it all at once. No, this was their last time together. She would

 never return to Hong Kong after this trip. She was now more sure than

 ever that the only way to keep Sakura truly happy was to fade out of

 her life. Staying would be too painful for the brunette as her

 feelings became more confusing and as Tomoyo remained an ever present

 reminder of her past. She had to admit that part of her reasoning was

 that she couldn’t handle it herself. After being so close to Sakura,

 feeling her heart in a new way and sharing her first kiss with her

 best friend, it was too painful to remain in her life knowing that

 she was no longer necessary to it. So she would fade away. Slowly at

 first, until she could slip out of Sakura’s life. By then she would

 be nothing more than a memory in Sakura’s happy life. A memory that

 would not be missed. 

 Smiling her sweet, happy smile that she always managed to keep up

 for Sakura's sake, she managed to smile a little brighter at the

 brunette. She wanted to leave on a happy note. A glorious note. One

 that would leave Sakura with good memories of her friend’s visit. So

 she would not let her pained feelings inside get a foothold again

 like she had the night of the kiss. No, this time she would be all

 smiles for Sakura. She would be everything for Sakura. Because she

 loved her. 

 Returning Tomoyo’s smile, Sakura brushed back a lock of hair from

 her eyes. The restaurant was gorgeous. She must have done more

 sightseeing in her time during Tomoyo’s visit than she had during her

 entire time prior in Hong Kong. Oh, the wonderful things she had

 seen! It was truly a beautiful city. But the best part had been that

 she had been able to see it with her best friend. Such things were

 always infinitely more amazing when you could experience them with

 someone important to you. “It was a lot of fun, Tomoyo-chan. Thank

 you for everything." The light on Tomoyo almost made her look like a

 part of the surreal design of the restaurant, adding to its beauty. 

 Tomoyo looked a little surprised, something she rarely was. Shaking

 her head, she quickly came back to the present, tilting her head to

 the side. “You don’t have to thank me for anything, Sakura-chan. I

 had a lovely time. I always have fun when I’m with Sakura-chan. And

 anything is a great excuse to spend more time with you. I just like

 to be around you.” 

 They were words that Sakura had heard thousands of times before by

 this very same woman, but all the same they brought an embarrassed

 blush to the brunette’s cheeks. Most likely, she thought, because she

 knew they were absolutely true on Tomoyo’s behalf. The tone in her

 soft, gentle voice sent a trill through Sakura’s mind. There was so

 much underlying it, so much that she never truly understood yet

 always made her happy to hear. But what caught her attention was

 something else entirely. Tomoyo’s stormy blue eyes once again looked

 frozen, out of place with the beautiful smile on her face. It was as

 if those shining windows had been boarded up to hide something deep

 inside. Sakura shook her head. It must be her mind playing tricks on

 her. Now that Tomoyo was leaving, she felt a deep well of sadness

 inside. She didn’t want Tomoyo to leave. Her presence had made the

 past few days some of the happiest in Sakura’s life. But knowing that

 it was all coming to an end made it almost impossible to enjoy what

 little time they had left together. She didn’t know what to do. The

 Cardmistress felt so lost and alone now that Tomoyo would be going

 back to Tomoeda. She needed Tomoyo. She needed to see her smiling

 face, to hear her loving voice, to feel her gentle embrace, to feel

 those soft lips... Sakura shook her head, trying to concentrate. She

 wanted Tomoyo to stay, to know that her best friend would always be

 there. But she had her own life back home. Like she had said, they

 had gone down different roads now. This was merely a brief detour. 

 The waitress finally arrived with their food, interrupting both

 women from their thoughts. “It looks delicious, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo

 took a small bite of her meal before looking back to Sakura. “Oishi,”

 she said, smiling at the brunette. Despite all of Hong Kong’s

 elegance and beauty, Sakura still stood out amongst all of it for

 Tomoyo. It all paled in comparison to the young Japanese bride that

 Tomoyo was lucky enough to have the pleasure of calling her best

 friend. Even sitting across from her with a slightly quizzical look

 as she tasted a certain cuisine for the first time, she was utterly

 gorgeous. Tomoyo smiled brighter as she watched Sakura take a sip of

 her meal. “You can have some of mine if you’d like, Sakura-chan,” the

 dark haired girl offered. 

 Sakura smiled happily at the offer. “Arigato, Tomoyo-chan! Next time

 I’ll be a little more careful about what I order. It sounded like a

 good thing.” Her smile turned sheepish as she looked back at her own

 meal before meeting gazes with Tomoyo again. To her surprise, Tomoyo

 brought her own chopsticks up to Sakura’s mouth. The brunette blinked

 for a second before opening her mouth. With delicate precision,

 Tomoyo fed her the bite of food. 

 “Sakura-chan looks so cute when she’s being fed,” Tomoyo said simply

 as she took another bite up to Sakura’s mouth. Her eyes seemed to

 sparkle as she watched the Cardmistress intently, earlier thoughts

 lost in her current state of bliss that being near Sakura always

 managed to affect her with. Sakura’s blush faded slowly as she

 continued to eat from Tomoyo’s chopsticks. The two sat in relative

 silence, but there wasn’t anything awkward about it. It was pleasant

 and warm, drowning out the noise that all the other patrons were

 making. Before long, Tomoyo had fed Sakura all of her plate. 

 Sitting back, Sakura finally realized that she had been leaning

 forward the entire time. No doubt for Tomoyo to feed her. She felt

 giddy and bubbly, excited and content all at once. This was

 wonderful, being here with Tomoyo, spending their time together this

 way. It felt like they had never been apart. Like it had always been

 this way, the two of them. Tomoyo had always been there for her, but

 it felt nice to be alone with her, to be able to concentrate solely

 on the toy designer for once. On the cute little things she did and

 said. On the feelings that coursed through her at just being there

 with her. It was nice to be going out to dinner with her. It was

 almost like her dates with Syaoran. But it was so different in many

 aspects. There wasn’t that embarrassing uneasiness that usually went

 along with her dates or the unsteady silence as she tried to come up

 with what to say. It just didn’t matter. She didn’t have to say

 anything at all and it was perfectly all right. Tomoyo’s eyes seemed

 to be able to read her perfectly. It was a wonderful sensation. And

 after all of Tomoyo’s trip, it was difficult to think of anything to

 say that didn’t have to do with their parting soon. So it was a

 blessing to be able to just cherish their time together. The two

 women chatted pleasantly about certain things, none of any great

 significance. It was enough to know that the other was there.

 After a brief silence, Sakura looked down, struggling to put her

 feelings into words. Being with Tomoyo had such a tremendous affect

 on her, as she had recently been aware of, but the flurry of emotions

 was difficult to pin down. She knew they were of love. A strong and

 powerful love that swept her off her feet and nearly pulled her along

 in the cyclone of her feelings. But such a love for her best friend

 seemed so strange, that it would be so much more encompassing than

 even her love for her husband. It left her dizzy in its wake, unsure

 of what to say to the beautiful lavender haired woman. The love that

 she experienced from Tomoyo felt equally as powerful, though it

 seemed to have much more direction than Sakura’s own confused

 feelings. It was all encompassing yet direct at the same time, never

 leaving her whenever Tomoyo was present. In all that the pale woman

 did, Sakura could feel that same love that Tomoyo so delicately took

 care of. Her body shuddered lightly at even the feel of Tomoyo’s hand

 encompassing her own on the table, the fingers slowly entwining with

 her own. “Tomoyo-chan,” she began, nervously. “When I’m with you,

 I... Sometimes I feel like my heart’s pounding in my chest and I feel

 breathless like I’ve been running for miles even though I’ve been

 standing still. I feel like... Like there’s magic in the air, like

 it’s in everything that you touch. I feel so happy when we’re

 together. Sometimes I feel dizzy, like it’s too much. But then I know

 that you’ll catch me if I fall. So I’m never afraid. Even when it

 feels like my heart will burst from too much inside, it just seems to

 grow and grow. I don’t know how to talk to Syaoran-chan about any of

 this. But I guess that’s okay. I’ve heard you say things like this

 before and I think I’m starting to understand them. Not all of it,

 but some. I just... I’m really glad you’re here.” 

 Tomoyo watched Sakura for a long moment, playing her words over and

 over again in her head. Sakura almost looked like a scared puppy,

 unsure of how Tomoyo would react. Tomoyo was still a little surprised

 herself. The brunette’s words were so earnest, so heartfelt, that

 Tomoyo was having difficulty writing off the feelings Sakura had

 expressed. A soft smile crossed her lips. Bringing Sakura’s hand up,

 she kissed it softly, delicately. “Sakura-chan, you always make me

 feel very special. You really don’t know how much happiness you have

 given me over the years. Hearing you say that makes me very glad for

 the time we’ve been able to spend together. You’re very important to

 me, Sakura-chan. Hearing what’s in your precious heart is a thrill to

 me because I’ve always wanted to know that it was beating happily. It

 sounds like Sakura-chan’s heart is very much like mine.”

 “But, Tomoyo-chan, I don’t want your heart to burst from all of that

 love locked up inside of you. Please tell me who has the key. I know

 that your love for your special someone must be very strong. I don’t

 know how you can handle it,” Sakura shook her head sadly, her hand

 still holding onto Tomoyo’s as their eyes met from across the table.

 Tomoyo just smiled, perhaps a little sadly. Slowly standing up, she

 brought Sakura up with her. Dinner was done and there was no reason

 to stay. “Sometimes I wonder if the key is still out there, Sakura-

 chan. Or maybe it’s already been lost. But it doesn’t matter. The

 feelings inside of you are happy, aren’t they, Sakura-chan? So are

 mine. Because when I close my eyes, my special someone is smiling.

 And it is the most beautiful, shining smile that I have ever seen.”

 Her eyes never left Sakura as she stood close to the Cardmistress,

 their hands held. Yes, Sakura’s smile was like the gentle touch of

 angels. It would forever soothe her aching heart as long as she knew

 it was there. 

 Sakura sighed, but she quickly brightened visibly. “Would you like

 to dance, Tomoyo-chan? I think Fanren-chan mentioned a place nearby

 before we left. I remember you said that you liked to dance, even if

 you haven’t in a long time. And I know you can’t with your special

 person, but I’d still be happy to dance with you.”

 A soft giggle came from Tomoyo as she nodded. “I would love to dance

 with you, Sakura-chan. More than anything. I can’t think of a better

 way to end the night.” With that, the two made their way quickly out

 of the restaurant towards a night of dancing. 

 

 The two woman glided across the slightly crowded floor to

 romantically slow music playing all around them. Tomoyo was currently

 leading the pair as they began a new dance. Her long, lavender hair

 swayed around her, moving along with Tomoyo’s own elegant movements.

 The rest of the dancers hardly seemed to exist for the two friends.

 How long they had been there remained a mystery, but it didn’t

 matter. Acknowledging the time would be a step closer to ending the

 night, and neither was in any hurry for that. So instead they

 continued to dance, entangled in the almost hypnotic quality the

 music had as it kept them dancing together. 

 Sakura was not an accomplished dancer by any means, but she had

 certainly enjoyed whatever chances she had to do so, whether that be

 with Flower or with her husband. But never had she caught herself

 enjoying it as much as she did now, Tomoyo’s fluid grace seeming to

 pull her in further and further. Sakura was much more athletic, but

 Tomoyo still had a certain elegance to her that always seemed to

 shine through in such things, whether it be art or singing or even

 editing videotape. And like everything else, Sakura found herself

 being dragged along by Tomoyo’s sweet albeit persistent nature. She

 gave herself up to it, letting it lead where it would. She followed

 along as Tomoyo continued to slow dance with her, wishing that the

 song would continue on for just one more minute. That was all she

 wanted. Just another minute.

 Once again Tomoyo found herself wishing she had brought her

 camcorder along for the night’s activities. This was perfect, dancing

 along with Sakura as the night marched inexorably forward. She had

 ignored any semblance of a clock, much happier with the seemingly

 eternal moment they seemed trapped in together. The feel of Sakura

 near her would linger in her mind long after it was gone, she knew.

 Sakura’s sweet scent, the way she felt through the soft fabric of her

 dress, the way her eyes sparkled in the dim light while they danced,

 it would all remain with her. But if only she could have it on

 videotape! Even asking a complete stranger to videotape the two of

 them sounded perfectly reasonable at the moment. Then she could watch

 this tape of their date over and over again when she returned home.

 Well, their almost date, anyway. But it was close enough. It

 certainly felt more than romantic enough to the lavender haired girl

 at any rate, who shifted to let Sakura lead as the next song began.

 If she could have one wish, it would be to stop time here, to let

 this moment stretch out for an eternity. She could think of no better

 way to spend it than in Sakura’s arms, dancing happily with her.

 Well, perhaps she could think of several others, but they would

 require far more than a simple wish. For the time being, Tomoyo would

 be quite content if the music would just roll on forever, allowing

 her all of that time to be with her beloved. She enjoyed the dancing

 immensely. It afforded her the chance to not think about anything.

 Her thoughts were far from the forefront of her mind, leaving only

 her feelings and Sakura to take up her full attention. There were no

 words or questions spinning through her mind now. It was only love

 and joy and the rhythmic moves of dancing as she and Sakura carried

 on.

 How long had they been dancing? Sakura had no idea anymore. Nor did

 she care. The night had been wonderful. Dancing had been a sweet

 icing on the cake. The Cardmistress smiled to herself as Tomoyo

 rested her head on her shoulder, their bodies swaying lightly

 together to the music. Bringing her hand up, Sakura’s fingers lightly

 brushed through the silken strands, feeling them slip between her

 fingers. Tomoyo sighed softly against her. It was a happy, contented

 sound. Sakura’s heart swelled to hear it and she held on tighter to

 Tomoyo, still moving lightly as the music continued playing. After a

 brief moment’s hesitation, Sakura brushed some of the dark hair away

 from one of Tomoyo’s ears. “Tomoyo-chan, I don’t want you to be

 lonely. You’re so pretty, and kind, and gentle, and loving. You just

 can’t be alone. I love you too much to see you alone.”

 “I’m not lonely when I’m with you,” Tomoyo replied softly, snuggling

 closer against Sakura, her head shifting on the brunette’s shoulder.

 “When I’m with you, nothing else seems to matter. I’m just so happy

 that I can be with Sakura-chan that everything else fades into the

 background. I’m very pleased that you think of me so highly. Hearing

 you say things like that makes my heart beat faster. I love you,

 Sakura-chan,” she whispered at last, closing her eyes. Today had been

 an emotional rollercoaster. No, the entire trip had been. But little

 moments like this revitalized her, reminding her in a gentle voice

 that this was exactly why she loved Sakura. 

 	“I love you, too, Tomoyo-chan,” Sakura whispered in return, holding

 onto Tomoyo tightly. She didn’t want to let her go. She never wanted

 to let her go. Never again. It didn’t feel right to be without her.

 She needed Tomoyo. This feeling, this peaceful feeling that

 encompassed her body and soul was missing whenever Tomoyo was gone.

 Her heart begged for the toy designer to stay, but she dared not ask

 that of her. She couldn’t.

 	Tomoyo giggled again, her voice softly muffled against Sakura’s

 shoulder. Her dark hair was spilt over Sakura and herself now, her

 body leaning against Sakura’s. ‘Oh, how I wish that were true. I

 would give anything to know that with all certainty. I would live my

 entire life to make you happy, Sakura-chan. I love you so much,’ she

 thought to herself. Aloud, she said, “I still think my love and your

 love are different things, Sakura-chan.” This time she left off the

 offer to explain when she was older. No, there would be no

 explanation, she had decided. It would only make things more

 difficult for Sakura. And for herself. Her love was best kept hidden.

 Even if it did hurt terribly sometimes. But that’s why she would

 always treasure moments like these.

 	“How can you be sure?” Sakura asked, her voice questioning. She

 could remember Tomoyo saying that before, but for some reason it was

 troubling her. Why would their love be any different? Why wouldn’t it

 be the same? She almost felt surrounded by the feelings in her heart,

 all of them attached like strings to the woman in her arms.

 	“I’m not so sure sometimes,” Tomoyo whispered back quietly. Her

 head slowly pulled off of Sakura’s shoulder, her stormy blue eyes

 shimmering as they met Sakura’s jade orbs. Her fingers gently cupped

 Sakura’s chin as a phantom of a smile played across her lips. Her

 whole body ached for the feel of those lips just one more time. For

 that passionate embrace, for the flood of emotions she had received

 from Sakura. But her fingers slowly slipped away, falling back to her

 side. Her head rested once again on Sakura’s shoulder. No, if she was

 going to fade away, then that memory would be what would burn in her

 heart forevermore. She would savor that one kiss always. She closed

 her eyes once more and lost herself in Sakura’s warm embrace.

 	Sakura held her gently, lovingly. She still didn’t understand what

 the dark haired woman had meant by all that, but right now she didn’t

 feel like asking her. She just wanted to hold her until the morning

 came. Maybe it never would. Maybe if she held on tight enough, Tomoyo

 would never have to leave her side again. After Tomoyo’s visit,

 returning to life without the gentle presence of the toy designer was

 utterly inconceivable. Sakura couldn’t imagine life without her, not

 knowing she was right there, not being able to be with her. Now that

 she had seen Tomoyo again, she knew what it was that had been missing

 since she had moved to Hong Kong. Not her family or friends, although

 she missed them dearly. But Tomoyo herself. The feelings inside her

 that expanded in joy when they were together, that felt so cold and

 alone when they were apart, told her this much. Even if she couldn’t

 quite name it, she knew it to be true. 

 	A feeling welled up in Sakura’s anxious heart that she could only

 vaguely remember feeling quite some time ago. It was a devastating

 mix of pain, fear, abandonment, and loss all bundled up inside of

 her. These weren’t the feelings she’d had when Syaoran had left,

 though she had missed him terribly. These were the feelings she could

 only remember as if from a dream when her mother had been taken away

 from her. She had only been three years old at the time, still a

 young child. But the feelings were as potent as the day she had found

 out what had happened to her mother. It tore at her heart with a

 vicious ferocity, like some caged beast that had finally escaped.

 Sharp claws raked at her soul as tears begin to drip down her cheeks.

 She held onto Tomoyo tighter, her body shaking ever so slightly. Why

 was she feeling this way? It wasn’t like Tomoyo was going away for

 good. She would see her again. They would still write letters and

 talk on the phone. They would still be best friends forever. But some

 of what Tomoyo said had been haunting her, refusing to completely

 leave. Thoughts of an aching void in her life where Tomoyo had once

 been were teasing her mind. She didn’t want the morning to come. It

 would come and snatch Tomoyo away from her like the talons of some

 ancient dragon. And she would be left alone. Yes, she would have her

 prince. But was that enough? She felt like her heart was being torn

 asunder in her chest. Choked sobs escaped her lips as she grasped

 desperately onto her pale friend. 

 	A warm tear dropped down onto Tomoyo’s neck, startling her out of

 the daze she had fallen into. Holding onto Sakura, swaying in the

 music had brought time to a standstill. There was no tomorrow. There

 was no yesterday. There was only now. A bright spot in her life that

 she would forever hold dear the same as she held onto Sakura at that

 very moment. But Sakura’s shaky sobs quickly brought her back to the

 slightly crowded dance floor. She was instantly concerned, but part

 of her knew the problem already. This was it. This was their

 farewell. Sakura didn’t know it, but this was the last time they

 would ever see each other. Sakura was a very emotional woman. Parting

 must be hell for her. Tomoyo knew how painful it was. She couldn’t

 bear the thought of being away from Sakura anymore than she could

 quit breathing. She needed Sakura. All of her. She was the lifeblood

 of Tomoyo’s life. But at the same time, she knew that she had to go.

 Oh, she could always pack up and move to Hong Kong. Her mother

 wouldn’t be happy about it, but it would be easy enough. She could

 stay nearby and visit Sakura every day. But then she would be

 dangerously close to throwing away all that she had worked for to

 make Sakura happy. That would risk damaging her marriage to Syaoran

 if Tomoyo got too involved and also could ruin their friendship if

 things progressed any further than they already had. She couldn’t

 risk Sakura’s happiness for her own selfishness. And she also knew

 that being so close to Sakura, watching her from such a short

 distance, her heart pounding every second for her, it would kill her.

 Just as surely as any knife’s blade. That pain would be even worse

 than never seeing Sakura again. At least if she left, she knew that

 Sakura’s happiness would be safe and that she would always have her

 memories. She could live with that. She had to. But staying would be

 a form of exquisite torture, slowly tugging and battering the cage in

 her heart. “Sakura-chan...” Tomoyo whispered softly, her lithe

 fingers stroking the other woman’s back through the thin fabric of

 her dress. Her head lifted off of Sakura’s shoulder, her eyes meeting

 Sakura’s as she stood pressed against the Cardmistress. Gentle

 fingers went up over Sakura’s shoulders, up her neck, and along her

 cheeks, wiping away Sakura’s warm tears. Tomoyo’s kind, loving gaze

 penetrated Sakura’s emerald green eyes as she continued to wipe her

 tears away. “Please don’t cry, Sakura-chan. No matter how far apart

 we are, I’ll always be with you. My heart will always be tied to

 yours.”

  The last of her strength crumbling away from her, Sakura clutched

 onto Tomoyo, sobbing quietly against her. Her heart cried out to her,

 those feelings returning stronger, more urgent, but she couldn’t make

 them out. She didn’t understand. It was like her heart was speaking

 another language. All she knew was that she didn’t want Tomoyo to go

 away. The world would be too dark a place. Too bland. Too real.

 Tomoyo added a dreamlike quality to life, one that always enveloped

 Sakura. Her days would be too normal without Tomoyo’s eccentric

 activities and her embarrassing remarks. She would be too weak

 without Tomoyo’s constant affection and support. She had Syaoran to

 lean on, but Tomoyo made that unnecessary. She brought up a strength

 and courage inside Sakura that wasn’t there without her. The thought

 of never seeing Tomoyo again, disappearing from her life as her

 mother had so long ago again pierced the chaos inside of her. “Please

 don’t ever leave me, Tomoyo-chan...” Sakura sobbed. 

 Tomoyo froze at Sakura’s words, unable to do much more than hold

 onto the grief-stricken Cardmistress. It was as if Sakura had heard

 her thoughts from earlier that night. Words escaped Tomoyo, eluding

 her tongue as she tried desperately to think. She had never been able

 to lie to Sakura. It was nearly impossible to her. She could omit

 details or hide the truth if she thought it would hurt Sakura, but

 she could never bring herself to lie to the brunette. ‘Sakura-chan,

 it’s for the best. I have to leave. I have to fade out of your life,’

 she thought to herself, not daring to speak the words lest they cause

 even more pain for either of them. Her fingers brushed away still

 more tears that fell past Sakura’s emerald eyes before pushing away

 some of Sakura’s hair. The lavender haired woman’s voice was soft and

 comforting as she gazed deeply into Sakura’s tear stained eyes.

 “Sakura-chan, please don’t cry. It makes me feel bad to see you so

 sad. I promise that I’ll always hold you close to my heart. Wherever

 I am and wherever you are, I’ll always see Sakura-chan when I close

 my eyes.” Her voice dropped to a low whisper as she continued, her

 fingers gently stroking through Sakura’s hair. Her heart ached at the

 sight of Sakura’s tear streaked face. She wanted to take all of that

 pain in Sakura’s eyes and take it for herself. Seeing Sakura in pain

 hurt her infinitely worse than her own suffering. “Sakura-chan, I had

 a wonderful time with you. Thank you so much for these golden

 memories. I will treasure them always, even when I’m looking down on

 the earth from above. Because nothing could be more beautiful than

 the moments I’ve spent with you, Sakura-chan. They will always fill

 my heart with joy when I look back on them. It’s exactly why I always

 videotaped you. So I could always watch those captured moments of

 you, so I could hold those little pieces close to my heart. I could

 never leave you, Sakura-chan. Not completely. I may go back home and

 things might get busy in your life. But my heart will always be

 singing to you. Because I’m wrapped up in the ribbons that trail from

 Sakura-chan’s heart.” A small smile blossomed on her lips as her

 hands slowly stroked Sakura’s cheeks. 

 Looking back into Tomoyo’s stormy blue eyes, Sakura could feel the

 lightening behind them. It was warm, encompassing, and made her whole

 being tingle. Her fear and panic began to dissipate. She was still

 worried about Tomoyo’s trip home, but it felt so far away now. So

 very far away. “I just want to be with you,” Sakura whispered softly,

 hugging the nearly frail woman in her arms. 

 “That’s all I want, too, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo replied, her fingers

 trailing past Sakura’s ear. She continued to gaze into Sakura’s eyes

 lovingly, her free hand going back to rubbing the brunette’s back.

 “You’ve given me the most wonderful moments in my life. I don’t think

 I can ever repay you. Sakura-chan, you the most beautiful, genki,

 sweet, and amazing person that I have ever met. I don’t think I’ll

 ever know how I was lucky enough to meet you. It’s always been easy

 for me to see how you could capture hearts with more ease than you

 can capture Cards.” Her smile grew softly, her dark hair teasing

 Sakura’s own. “You mean the world to me, Sakura-chan. No matter what

 happens, just please be happy. Wherever life takes you, I want it to

 be a spectacular trip for you, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo barely managed to

 hold up her mask as her mind retread over Sakura’s words, over how

 scared and worried she had looked. Could she leave Sakura? Could she

 fade out of her life? She knew she had to, for both of their sakes,

 but could she really bring herself to? Especially when she could see

 so clearly into those beautiful emerald jewels? A part of her told

 her that she had been wrong, that she had been blinded by her belief

 that she couldn’t make Sakura happy, that Sakura needed her every bit

 as much as she needed Sakura. That thought frightened her deeply.

 Because if it was right, then what had she done by helping to get

 Sakura with Syaoran?

 “But I want you to be happy, Tomoyo-chan. Why can’t we both be

 happy?” Sakura asked, genuinely curious. She sounded much calmer now,

 almost relaxed in their shared embrace. This whole thing was like a

 riddle. It was stuck in her brain but she couldn’t quite make sense

 of it. Though the answer was on the tip of her tongue. Tomoyo’s

 special person was so lucky to have the love in Tomoyo’s bound heart.

 But why couldn’t he just wake up and notice how much she needed him?

 How hurt her love was making her? Sakura couldn’t understand how

 anyone could not return Tomoyo’s love with the same impassioned

 fervor that the dark haired woman herself was capable of. It bathed

 Sakura in its gentle glow, sheltering her from the cold and

 loneliness. Again the urgent howl of feelings inside her almost made

 her jump. It was as if they were struggling to break free. But still,

 Sakura couldn’t understand. They grew fiercer in her heart, trying

 desperately to bubble out of the Cardmistress. Tomoyo was the focus

 of them, she new that. Strong, heated, deep feelings that ran

 throughout her were boiling in her heart. They were nearly screaming

 at her. She felt like she only had one chance. But one chance for

 what? 

 Tomoyo smiled softly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She held onto

 Sakura warmly, her hand still moving from the small of Sakura’s back

 up to her shoulder blades. “I’m happy as long as Saku...” Sakura cute

 her off, her lips meeting Tomoyo’s in a delightful peck that took

 Tomoyo by complete surprise. She had certainly not been expecting

 that from the brunette. Her own feelings had become such a mystery to

 her as of late and Sakura’s increased affection ever since her

 arrival had made things even more difficult for her to decipher. Her

 pale cheeks darkened as she felt the lips against her own again, this

 time kissing longer. The young woman pulled her magical best friend

 into a closer embrace, returning the kiss herself. It tasted sweeter

 than anything the banquet or the restaurant had to offer. The silky

 touch of Sakura’s lips was softer than any fabric she had ever

 handled. It was magical, a brief moment where she got more than just

 images or momentos of Sakura. She had a piece of her soul. 

 Thinking back on it, Sakura couldn’t say exactly why she had kissed

 Tomoyo. Only that she had to. That every ounce of her being had been

 wholeheartedly for the idea and that she had merely carried through

 with it. The single kiss she and Tomoyo had shared several nights

 before had been the most powerful kiss Sakura had ever felt in her

 life. Not for the way Tomoyo kissed, no. Tomoyo’s kisses were

 delicate, like sweet butterflies, gentle and slow. But it was the way

 it grasped onto her heart and soul and burned through her with a

 strength that made her feel truly alive. More alive than she had ever

 felt in her life. Right there. With Tomoyo. The kiss lengthened,

 Tomoyo’s petal soft lips parting her own ever so slightly as it

 continued. Sakura could do nothing but hold tightly onto the dark

 haired woman, hoping once more that the morning would never come. Her

 fingers found themselves at home in Tomoyo’s luxurious lavender hair,

 brushing through the soft curls. “Tomoyo-chan...” she whispered as

 she finally gasped for breath. Her body was nearly shuddering but not

 from lack of air. Tomoyo’s pale cheeks had reached a beautiful

 crimson hue that she was sure her own were probably matching at the

 moment. “Hanyaa...”

 A musical giggle escaped Tomoyo at that. She was still a little

 surprised by Sakura’s sudden action, but she was glad for it. If only

 she could save kisses in her scrapbook as easily as she could store

 photos. But this was something she was sure her memory would never

 forget, even if it would be nice to have videotaped the event. It got

 rid of any doubts she may have had about Sakura’s involvement in the

 previous kiss. This time there had been no prompting. Sakura was the

 one who had kissed her. She felt delightedly thrilled at that. Sakura

 had kissed her. What a wonderful way to bring her last night in Hong

 Kong to a close. With a kiss from Sakura. Time may not be able to

 stop on a single moment, but those moments were forever carried

 forward as long as they were held onto by a loving heart. “Thank you

 again for everything, Sakura-chan. I’ll never forget any of this.

 You’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could possibly be.”

 Smiling sweetly, she kissed Sakura’s cheek. A dreamy sigh escaped her

 lips as she tilted her head to the side. “Sakura-chan is a such a

 fantastic kisser. So genki.”

 Sakura felt herself blushing at Tomoyo’s words. But it hardly seemed

 to matter. She hugged her best friend tightly, feeling fuzzy and

 peaceful and content again, though her frazzled thoughts still longed

 for more, to feel those creamy lips again. She shook her head,

 blushing darker. She had no idea why kissing Tomoyo affected her so

 deeply, but she loved the way it felt, both during the kiss and in

 her arms afterwards. If only... Her eyes widened after they finally

 fell upon her watch. Just how long had they been dancing? “Tomoyo-

 chan, we need to get home if we’re going to get you packed in time

 for your flight and if you’re going to get any sleep.”

 “I can always sleep on the plane, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo said sweetly,

 stroking Sakura’s cheek with gentle fingers. “I want to spend the

 last of my time with you.” This was it. Her last few hours with

 Sakura. She wanted to do anything but sleep at the moment, her heart

 racing as she enjoyed the close proximity to her friend. All she

 wanted was to be with Sakura for as long as she could. To be with her

 Cardmistress until she was finally pulled away. Her eyes sparkled as

 she watched Sakura, each gentle caress whispering her love to the

 brunette. 

 Sakura hugged Tomoyo tightly and nodded. Sleep seemed to be the

 furthest thing from her mind as well. She had finally gotten Tomoyo

 up to Hong Kong and she wanted to hold onto her forever. “Would you

 like to dance again?” Sakura asked curiously.

 “With all my heart, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo whispered in reply, her

 eyes never leaving Sakura’s. There was only now. And in this now,

 there was only herself and Sakura. Tomorrow could wait.