rlm@0: Dear Sakura
rlm@0: by Amazoness Duo and G.P.
rlm@0: amazonessduo@hotmail.com
rlm@0: pearsong1954@yahoo.com
rlm@0: 	 
rlm@0: “It’s beautiful, Sakura-chan!” Tomoyo’s melodious voice said as they
rlm@0: both paused in front of the Jumbo restaurant. Her words were an
rlm@0: understatement to the surreal view of the floating restaurant ahead
rlm@0: of the two women. Water splashed around it as the many lights played
rlm@0: across Tomoyo’s pale skin. 
rlm@0: 	“Hoe...” The sight before them was a pleasant surprise to Sakura as
rlm@0: well. She had been to a number of restaurants with Syaoran when they
rlm@0: had first come to Hong Kong, but this hadn’t been one of them. Which
rlm@0: was part of her decision to take Tomoyo to it now that it was her
rlm@0: last night in Hong Kong. That thought lay over her soul like a heavy
rlm@0: cloak, it’s weight almost unbearable. But she tried to force it off,
rlm@0: wanting to enjoy what little time they had left. She had wanted to
rlm@0: take Tomoyo out for dinner, just the two of them. A chance to be
rlm@0: alone together one last time. Now she was glad for her decision. The
rlm@0: restaurant looked majestic with the waves crashing around it. 
rlm@0: 	Watching her spirited friend, Tomoyo smiled happily to herself. For
rlm@0: all of it’s splendor, the restaurant ahead of them was nothing in
rlm@0: comparison to Sakura. She was simply gorgeous in the beautiful blue
rlm@0: Chinese dress she was wearing. Her soft brunette hair framed her
rlm@0: pretty face perfectly, her expression still one of surprise.
rlm@0: Squeezing Sakura’s hand lightly, her eyes sparkled when she saw
rlm@0: Sakura turn to her. This was wonderful, standing with Sakura together
rlm@0: while they waited to be seated at a restaurant as if they were on
rlm@0: some sort of magical date. Only being able to have the whole thing on
rlm@0: videotape could make it any better. Or perhaps if it were a real
rlm@0: date... But Tomoyo was pleasantly thrilled just to be there with
rlm@0: Sakura on something that came close enough to a date for her liking. 
rlm@0: 	Sakura found herself blushing slightly at the way Tomoyo was
rlm@0: looking at her. It was the same warm and loving expression that
rlm@0: Tomoyo had always given her when she had the dark haired woman’s full
rlm@0: attention. Which was more often than not. She averted her gaze after
rlm@0: a few seconds, once again busying herself with the beautiful
rlm@0: establishment in front of them. She wasn’t sure what she’d say if she
rlm@0: kept looking into those stormy blue eyes. They were almost hypnotic.
rlm@0: “Well, we better get going before they decide to give away our
rlm@0: seats.” Tomoyo agreed enthusiastically and the two finally entered
rlm@0: the restaurant. 
rlm@0: 	
rlm@0: 	True to its gorgeous exterior, the inside was just as exquisite.
rlm@0: And completely packed. For a while, Sakura worried that even with her
rlm@0: reservations she wouldn’t be able to get a table. But the Li family
rlm@0: was very important in Hong Kong, and Sakura Li was treated no
rlm@0: differently. Before too long, she and her dark haired best friend had
rlm@0: been seated and their orders taken. “Are you sure that’s all you
rlm@0: want, Tomoyo-chan? You can get more if you want,” Sakura said upon
rlm@0: realizing how little the pale woman had ordered. Then again, Tomoyo
rlm@0: had never eaten a considerable amount, her slim figure almost seeming
rlm@0: frail. 
rlm@0: 	Tomoyo smiled politely and shook her head, her beautiful lavender
rlm@0: tresses swaying behind her. “No, I’m fine, Sakura-chan. I think I’m
rlm@0: still full from the banquet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much
rlm@0: food in one place before. Poor Kero-chan must have been very
rlm@0: disappointed not to be invited.” Both women giggled softly, the
rlm@0: tension fading away somewhat. This was Tomoyo’s last night in Hong
rlm@0: Kong and though neither woman had spoken it directly, it was
rlm@0: lingering unsaid between the two of them. This was their last chance
rlm@0: together, and Tomoyo still hadn’t decided how she should react to it.
rlm@0: Her initial decision about the whole trip had been to hide her
rlm@0: feelings for Sakura, to tone down her endless affection for the
rlm@0: brunette in fear that it would be unwelcome with her marriage. 
rlm@0: But Sakura had baffled her upon her arrival. It was like returning
rlm@0: to a loved one after years of absence. She could imagine it was
rlm@0: similar to when Syaoran had returned to Sakura. She had greeted
rlm@0: Tomoyo with such warmth and affection, staying nearby during the
rlm@0: trip, her love almost seeming to echo Tomoyo’s own. It was eerie and
rlm@0: not at all what she had expected, but it had grasped onto her heart
rlm@0: quickly and wouldn’t let go. Sakura had always been very loving with
rlm@0: her, but this went beyond all of her own expectations. It was almost
rlm@0: as if Sakura’s love mirrored her own. It rattled the locked cage of
rlm@0: her heart, drawing her love and adoration out from behind the masks
rlm@0: she had erected. Hiding her love from Sakura was impossible, she knew
rlm@0: that now. It was all she could do to keep from blatantly telling
rlm@0: Sakura of her feelings, something she knew would certainly be
rlm@0: disastrous. If Sakura knew how she felt, it would cause endless
rlm@0: turmoil for her marriage and their friendship. She simply couldn’t
rlm@0: allow that. Sakura’s happiness meant everything to her. But still, it
rlm@0: was almost impossible to deny the feelings she was getting from the
rlm@0: brunette, the way she had kissed back, the way she was acting. When
rlm@0: was the last time she had seen Sakura acting like this? With Yukito?
rlm@0: No, this didn’t have the same trappings of a crush that her behavior
rlm@0: with Yukito had indicated to Tomoyo early on. Which led up to some
rlm@0: very confusing conclusions for the dark haired designer. She was
rlm@0: having a much harder time telling herself that there was nothing
rlm@0: there. Looking into Sakura’s eyes, seeing those bright emerald orbs
rlm@0: looking back into hers, she could see something that both thrilled
rlm@0: and frightened her. 
rlm@0: There was something there that was growing inside Sakura. Just what
rlm@0: it was, Tomoyo was still left a little unsure. Her mind kept
rlm@0: returning to the kiss and moments before when Sakura had been holding
rlm@0: her. The one thing Tomoyo could be sure of was that she would soon
rlm@0: begin to disrupt Sakura’s life if she allowed these feelings of the
rlm@0: Cardmistress’s to continue. Sakura had a husband, a new life in Hong
rlm@0: Kong. Tomoyo was an anchor tying her down to the past. Perhaps now
rlm@0: more than ever. She had wanted to come to Hong Kong as a way to help
rlm@0: Sakura let go of the past, but it seemed that she was making it
rlm@0: worse. It was painful being so near Sakura, loving her so completely
rlm@0: while knowing that she was still married to her true love. So close,
rlm@0: yet so far. Look, but don’t touch. It felt as if she were an infinite
rlm@0: distance away from Sakura at times when they were only feet apart.
rlm@0: But her love could travel that distance. Even if Sakura couldn’t see
rlm@0: it. Was Syaoran really Sakura’s true love? The dark haired woman had
rlm@0: been so intent on finding the person that could make Sakura happy
rlm@0: that she had truly believed it was Syaoran. Now she wasn’t so sure.
rlm@0: After Ieran’s words and her time spent with Sakura, she couldn’t be
rlm@0: so certain that he was anymore. But it was too late for any of that.
rlm@0: He had to be the one for Sakura. He had to. And Tomoyo could do
rlm@0: nothing but disrupt that, tearing apart Sakura’s happiness by staying
rlm@0: with her. 
rlm@0: That was why she had decided late the night before, through many
rlm@0: tears and much heartache, that this was goodbye. Not that she could
rlm@0: come out and tell Sakura that, of course. Or that she would even act
rlm@0: on it all at once. No, this was their last time together. She would
rlm@0: never return to Hong Kong after this trip. She was now more sure than
rlm@0: ever that the only way to keep Sakura truly happy was to fade out of
rlm@0: her life. Staying would be too painful for the brunette as her
rlm@0: feelings became more confusing and as Tomoyo remained an ever present
rlm@0: reminder of her past. She had to admit that part of her reasoning was
rlm@0: that she couldn’t handle it herself. After being so close to Sakura,
rlm@0: feeling her heart in a new way and sharing her first kiss with her
rlm@0: best friend, it was too painful to remain in her life knowing that
rlm@0: she was no longer necessary to it. So she would fade away. Slowly at
rlm@0: first, until she could slip out of Sakura’s life. By then she would
rlm@0: be nothing more than a memory in Sakura’s happy life. A memory that
rlm@0: would not be missed. 
rlm@0: Smiling her sweet, happy smile that she always managed to keep up
rlm@0: for Sakura's sake, she managed to smile a little brighter at the
rlm@0: brunette. She wanted to leave on a happy note. A glorious note. One
rlm@0: that would leave Sakura with good memories of her friend’s visit. So
rlm@0: she would not let her pained feelings inside get a foothold again
rlm@0: like she had the night of the kiss. No, this time she would be all
rlm@0: smiles for Sakura. She would be everything for Sakura. Because she
rlm@0: loved her. 
rlm@0: Returning Tomoyo’s smile, Sakura brushed back a lock of hair from
rlm@0: her eyes. The restaurant was gorgeous. She must have done more
rlm@0: sightseeing in her time during Tomoyo’s visit than she had during her
rlm@0: entire time prior in Hong Kong. Oh, the wonderful things she had
rlm@0: seen! It was truly a beautiful city. But the best part had been that
rlm@0: she had been able to see it with her best friend. Such things were
rlm@0: always infinitely more amazing when you could experience them with
rlm@0: someone important to you. “It was a lot of fun, Tomoyo-chan. Thank
rlm@0: you for everything." The light on Tomoyo almost made her look like a
rlm@0: part of the surreal design of the restaurant, adding to its beauty. 
rlm@0: Tomoyo looked a little surprised, something she rarely was. Shaking
rlm@0: her head, she quickly came back to the present, tilting her head to
rlm@0: the side. “You don’t have to thank me for anything, Sakura-chan. I
rlm@0: had a lovely time. I always have fun when I’m with Sakura-chan. And
rlm@0: anything is a great excuse to spend more time with you. I just like
rlm@0: to be around you.” 
rlm@0: They were words that Sakura had heard thousands of times before by
rlm@0: this very same woman, but all the same they brought an embarrassed
rlm@0: blush to the brunette’s cheeks. Most likely, she thought, because she
rlm@0: knew they were absolutely true on Tomoyo’s behalf. The tone in her
rlm@0: soft, gentle voice sent a trill through Sakura’s mind. There was so
rlm@0: much underlying it, so much that she never truly understood yet
rlm@0: always made her happy to hear. But what caught her attention was
rlm@0: something else entirely. Tomoyo’s stormy blue eyes once again looked
rlm@0: frozen, out of place with the beautiful smile on her face. It was as
rlm@0: if those shining windows had been boarded up to hide something deep
rlm@0: inside. Sakura shook her head. It must be her mind playing tricks on
rlm@0: her. Now that Tomoyo was leaving, she felt a deep well of sadness
rlm@0: inside. She didn’t want Tomoyo to leave. Her presence had made the
rlm@0: past few days some of the happiest in Sakura’s life. But knowing that
rlm@0: it was all coming to an end made it almost impossible to enjoy what
rlm@0: little time they had left together. She didn’t know what to do. The
rlm@0: Cardmistress felt so lost and alone now that Tomoyo would be going
rlm@0: back to Tomoeda. She needed Tomoyo. She needed to see her smiling
rlm@0: face, to hear her loving voice, to feel her gentle embrace, to feel
rlm@0: those soft lips... Sakura shook her head, trying to concentrate. She
rlm@0: wanted Tomoyo to stay, to know that her best friend would always be
rlm@0: there. But she had her own life back home. Like she had said, they
rlm@0: had gone down different roads now. This was merely a brief detour. 
rlm@0: The waitress finally arrived with their food, interrupting both
rlm@0: women from their thoughts. “It looks delicious, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo
rlm@0: took a small bite of her meal before looking back to Sakura. “Oishi,”
rlm@0: she said, smiling at the brunette. Despite all of Hong Kong’s
rlm@0: elegance and beauty, Sakura still stood out amongst all of it for
rlm@0: Tomoyo. It all paled in comparison to the young Japanese bride that
rlm@0: Tomoyo was lucky enough to have the pleasure of calling her best
rlm@0: friend. Even sitting across from her with a slightly quizzical look
rlm@0: as she tasted a certain cuisine for the first time, she was utterly
rlm@0: gorgeous. Tomoyo smiled brighter as she watched Sakura take a sip of
rlm@0: her meal. “You can have some of mine if you’d like, Sakura-chan,” the
rlm@0: dark haired girl offered. 
rlm@0: Sakura smiled happily at the offer. “Arigato, Tomoyo-chan! Next time
rlm@0: I’ll be a little more careful about what I order. It sounded like a
rlm@0: good thing.” Her smile turned sheepish as she looked back at her own
rlm@0: meal before meeting gazes with Tomoyo again. To her surprise, Tomoyo
rlm@0: brought her own chopsticks up to Sakura’s mouth. The brunette blinked
rlm@0: for a second before opening her mouth. With delicate precision,
rlm@0: Tomoyo fed her the bite of food. 
rlm@0: “Sakura-chan looks so cute when she’s being fed,” Tomoyo said simply
rlm@0: as she took another bite up to Sakura’s mouth. Her eyes seemed to
rlm@0: sparkle as she watched the Cardmistress intently, earlier thoughts
rlm@0: lost in her current state of bliss that being near Sakura always
rlm@0: managed to affect her with. Sakura’s blush faded slowly as she
rlm@0: continued to eat from Tomoyo’s chopsticks. The two sat in relative
rlm@0: silence, but there wasn’t anything awkward about it. It was pleasant
rlm@0: and warm, drowning out the noise that all the other patrons were
rlm@0: making. Before long, Tomoyo had fed Sakura all of her plate. 
rlm@0: Sitting back, Sakura finally realized that she had been leaning
rlm@0: forward the entire time. No doubt for Tomoyo to feed her. She felt
rlm@0: giddy and bubbly, excited and content all at once. This was
rlm@0: wonderful, being here with Tomoyo, spending their time together this
rlm@0: way. It felt like they had never been apart. Like it had always been
rlm@0: this way, the two of them. Tomoyo had always been there for her, but
rlm@0: it felt nice to be alone with her, to be able to concentrate solely
rlm@0: on the toy designer for once. On the cute little things she did and
rlm@0: said. On the feelings that coursed through her at just being there
rlm@0: with her. It was nice to be going out to dinner with her. It was
rlm@0: almost like her dates with Syaoran. But it was so different in many
rlm@0: aspects. There wasn’t that embarrassing uneasiness that usually went
rlm@0: along with her dates or the unsteady silence as she tried to come up
rlm@0: with what to say. It just didn’t matter. She didn’t have to say
rlm@0: anything at all and it was perfectly all right. Tomoyo’s eyes seemed
rlm@0: to be able to read her perfectly. It was a wonderful sensation. And
rlm@0: after all of Tomoyo’s trip, it was difficult to think of anything to
rlm@0: say that didn’t have to do with their parting soon. So it was a
rlm@0: blessing to be able to just cherish their time together. The two
rlm@0: women chatted pleasantly about certain things, none of any great
rlm@0: significance. It was enough to know that the other was there.
rlm@0: After a brief silence, Sakura looked down, struggling to put her
rlm@0: feelings into words. Being with Tomoyo had such a tremendous affect
rlm@0: on her, as she had recently been aware of, but the flurry of emotions
rlm@0: was difficult to pin down. She knew they were of love. A strong and
rlm@0: powerful love that swept her off her feet and nearly pulled her along
rlm@0: in the cyclone of her feelings. But such a love for her best friend
rlm@0: seemed so strange, that it would be so much more encompassing than
rlm@0: even her love for her husband. It left her dizzy in its wake, unsure
rlm@0: of what to say to the beautiful lavender haired woman. The love that
rlm@0: she experienced from Tomoyo felt equally as powerful, though it
rlm@0: seemed to have much more direction than Sakura’s own confused
rlm@0: feelings. It was all encompassing yet direct at the same time, never
rlm@0: leaving her whenever Tomoyo was present. In all that the pale woman
rlm@0: did, Sakura could feel that same love that Tomoyo so delicately took
rlm@0: care of. Her body shuddered lightly at even the feel of Tomoyo’s hand
rlm@0: encompassing her own on the table, the fingers slowly entwining with
rlm@0: her own. “Tomoyo-chan,” she began, nervously. “When I’m with you,
rlm@0: I... Sometimes I feel like my heart’s pounding in my chest and I feel
rlm@0: breathless like I’ve been running for miles even though I’ve been
rlm@0: standing still. I feel like... Like there’s magic in the air, like
rlm@0: it’s in everything that you touch. I feel so happy when we’re
rlm@0: together. Sometimes I feel dizzy, like it’s too much. But then I know
rlm@0: that you’ll catch me if I fall. So I’m never afraid. Even when it
rlm@0: feels like my heart will burst from too much inside, it just seems to
rlm@0: grow and grow. I don’t know how to talk to Syaoran-chan about any of
rlm@0: this. But I guess that’s okay. I’ve heard you say things like this
rlm@0: before and I think I’m starting to understand them. Not all of it,
rlm@0: but some. I just... I’m really glad you’re here.” 
rlm@0: Tomoyo watched Sakura for a long moment, playing her words over and
rlm@0: over again in her head. Sakura almost looked like a scared puppy,
rlm@0: unsure of how Tomoyo would react. Tomoyo was still a little surprised
rlm@0: herself. The brunette’s words were so earnest, so heartfelt, that
rlm@0: Tomoyo was having difficulty writing off the feelings Sakura had
rlm@0: expressed. A soft smile crossed her lips. Bringing Sakura’s hand up,
rlm@0: she kissed it softly, delicately. “Sakura-chan, you always make me
rlm@0: feel very special. You really don’t know how much happiness you have
rlm@0: given me over the years. Hearing you say that makes me very glad for
rlm@0: the time we’ve been able to spend together. You’re very important to
rlm@0: me, Sakura-chan. Hearing what’s in your precious heart is a thrill to
rlm@0: me because I’ve always wanted to know that it was beating happily. It
rlm@0: sounds like Sakura-chan’s heart is very much like mine.”
rlm@0: “But, Tomoyo-chan, I don’t want your heart to burst from all of that
rlm@0: love locked up inside of you. Please tell me who has the key. I know
rlm@0: that your love for your special someone must be very strong. I don’t
rlm@0: know how you can handle it,” Sakura shook her head sadly, her hand
rlm@0: still holding onto Tomoyo’s as their eyes met from across the table.
rlm@0: Tomoyo just smiled, perhaps a little sadly. Slowly standing up, she
rlm@0: brought Sakura up with her. Dinner was done and there was no reason
rlm@0: to stay. “Sometimes I wonder if the key is still out there, Sakura-
rlm@0: chan. Or maybe it’s already been lost. But it doesn’t matter. The
rlm@0: feelings inside of you are happy, aren’t they, Sakura-chan? So are
rlm@0: mine. Because when I close my eyes, my special someone is smiling.
rlm@0: And it is the most beautiful, shining smile that I have ever seen.”
rlm@0: Her eyes never left Sakura as she stood close to the Cardmistress,
rlm@0: their hands held. Yes, Sakura’s smile was like the gentle touch of
rlm@0: angels. It would forever soothe her aching heart as long as she knew
rlm@0: it was there. 
rlm@0: Sakura sighed, but she quickly brightened visibly. “Would you like
rlm@0: to dance, Tomoyo-chan? I think Fanren-chan mentioned a place nearby
rlm@0: before we left. I remember you said that you liked to dance, even if
rlm@0: you haven’t in a long time. And I know you can’t with your special
rlm@0: person, but I’d still be happy to dance with you.”
rlm@0: A soft giggle came from Tomoyo as she nodded. “I would love to dance
rlm@0: with you, Sakura-chan. More than anything. I can’t think of a better
rlm@0: way to end the night.” With that, the two made their way quickly out
rlm@0: of the restaurant towards a night of dancing. 
rlm@0: 
rlm@0: The two woman glided across the slightly crowded floor to
rlm@0: romantically slow music playing all around them. Tomoyo was currently
rlm@0: leading the pair as they began a new dance. Her long, lavender hair
rlm@0: swayed around her, moving along with Tomoyo’s own elegant movements.
rlm@0: The rest of the dancers hardly seemed to exist for the two friends.
rlm@0: How long they had been there remained a mystery, but it didn’t
rlm@0: matter. Acknowledging the time would be a step closer to ending the
rlm@0: night, and neither was in any hurry for that. So instead they
rlm@0: continued to dance, entangled in the almost hypnotic quality the
rlm@0: music had as it kept them dancing together. 
rlm@0: Sakura was not an accomplished dancer by any means, but she had
rlm@0: certainly enjoyed whatever chances she had to do so, whether that be
rlm@0: with Flower or with her husband. But never had she caught herself
rlm@0: enjoying it as much as she did now, Tomoyo’s fluid grace seeming to
rlm@0: pull her in further and further. Sakura was much more athletic, but
rlm@0: Tomoyo still had a certain elegance to her that always seemed to
rlm@0: shine through in such things, whether it be art or singing or even
rlm@0: editing videotape. And like everything else, Sakura found herself
rlm@0: being dragged along by Tomoyo’s sweet albeit persistent nature. She
rlm@0: gave herself up to it, letting it lead where it would. She followed
rlm@0: along as Tomoyo continued to slow dance with her, wishing that the
rlm@0: song would continue on for just one more minute. That was all she
rlm@0: wanted. Just another minute.
rlm@0: Once again Tomoyo found herself wishing she had brought her
rlm@0: camcorder along for the night’s activities. This was perfect, dancing
rlm@0: along with Sakura as the night marched inexorably forward. She had
rlm@0: ignored any semblance of a clock, much happier with the seemingly
rlm@0: eternal moment they seemed trapped in together. The feel of Sakura
rlm@0: near her would linger in her mind long after it was gone, she knew.
rlm@0: Sakura’s sweet scent, the way she felt through the soft fabric of her
rlm@0: dress, the way her eyes sparkled in the dim light while they danced,
rlm@0: it would all remain with her. But if only she could have it on
rlm@0: videotape! Even asking a complete stranger to videotape the two of
rlm@0: them sounded perfectly reasonable at the moment. Then she could watch
rlm@0: this tape of their date over and over again when she returned home.
rlm@0: Well, their almost date, anyway. But it was close enough. It
rlm@0: certainly felt more than romantic enough to the lavender haired girl
rlm@0: at any rate, who shifted to let Sakura lead as the next song began.
rlm@0: If she could have one wish, it would be to stop time here, to let
rlm@0: this moment stretch out for an eternity. She could think of no better
rlm@0: way to spend it than in Sakura’s arms, dancing happily with her.
rlm@0: Well, perhaps she could think of several others, but they would
rlm@0: require far more than a simple wish. For the time being, Tomoyo would
rlm@0: be quite content if the music would just roll on forever, allowing
rlm@0: her all of that time to be with her beloved. She enjoyed the dancing
rlm@0: immensely. It afforded her the chance to not think about anything.
rlm@0: Her thoughts were far from the forefront of her mind, leaving only
rlm@0: her feelings and Sakura to take up her full attention. There were no
rlm@0: words or questions spinning through her mind now. It was only love
rlm@0: and joy and the rhythmic moves of dancing as she and Sakura carried
rlm@0: on.
rlm@0: How long had they been dancing? Sakura had no idea anymore. Nor did
rlm@0: she care. The night had been wonderful. Dancing had been a sweet
rlm@0: icing on the cake. The Cardmistress smiled to herself as Tomoyo
rlm@0: rested her head on her shoulder, their bodies swaying lightly
rlm@0: together to the music. Bringing her hand up, Sakura’s fingers lightly
rlm@0: brushed through the silken strands, feeling them slip between her
rlm@0: fingers. Tomoyo sighed softly against her. It was a happy, contented
rlm@0: sound. Sakura’s heart swelled to hear it and she held on tighter to
rlm@0: Tomoyo, still moving lightly as the music continued playing. After a
rlm@0: brief moment’s hesitation, Sakura brushed some of the dark hair away
rlm@0: from one of Tomoyo’s ears. “Tomoyo-chan, I don’t want you to be
rlm@0: lonely. You’re so pretty, and kind, and gentle, and loving. You just
rlm@0: can’t be alone. I love you too much to see you alone.”
rlm@0: “I’m not lonely when I’m with you,” Tomoyo replied softly, snuggling
rlm@0: closer against Sakura, her head shifting on the brunette’s shoulder.
rlm@0: “When I’m with you, nothing else seems to matter. I’m just so happy
rlm@0: that I can be with Sakura-chan that everything else fades into the
rlm@0: background. I’m very pleased that you think of me so highly. Hearing
rlm@0: you say things like that makes my heart beat faster. I love you,
rlm@0: Sakura-chan,” she whispered at last, closing her eyes. Today had been
rlm@0: an emotional rollercoaster. No, the entire trip had been. But little
rlm@0: moments like this revitalized her, reminding her in a gentle voice
rlm@0: that this was exactly why she loved Sakura. 
rlm@0: 	“I love you, too, Tomoyo-chan,” Sakura whispered in return, holding
rlm@0: onto Tomoyo tightly. She didn’t want to let her go. She never wanted
rlm@0: to let her go. Never again. It didn’t feel right to be without her.
rlm@0: She needed Tomoyo. This feeling, this peaceful feeling that
rlm@0: encompassed her body and soul was missing whenever Tomoyo was gone.
rlm@0: Her heart begged for the toy designer to stay, but she dared not ask
rlm@0: that of her. She couldn’t.
rlm@0: 	Tomoyo giggled again, her voice softly muffled against Sakura’s
rlm@0: shoulder. Her dark hair was spilt over Sakura and herself now, her
rlm@0: body leaning against Sakura’s. ‘Oh, how I wish that were true. I
rlm@0: would give anything to know that with all certainty. I would live my
rlm@0: entire life to make you happy, Sakura-chan. I love you so much,’ she
rlm@0: thought to herself. Aloud, she said, “I still think my love and your
rlm@0: love are different things, Sakura-chan.” This time she left off the
rlm@0: offer to explain when she was older. No, there would be no
rlm@0: explanation, she had decided. It would only make things more
rlm@0: difficult for Sakura. And for herself. Her love was best kept hidden.
rlm@0: Even if it did hurt terribly sometimes. But that’s why she would
rlm@0: always treasure moments like these.
rlm@0: 	“How can you be sure?” Sakura asked, her voice questioning. She
rlm@0: could remember Tomoyo saying that before, but for some reason it was
rlm@0: troubling her. Why would their love be any different? Why wouldn’t it
rlm@0: be the same? She almost felt surrounded by the feelings in her heart,
rlm@0: all of them attached like strings to the woman in her arms.
rlm@0: 	“I’m not so sure sometimes,” Tomoyo whispered back quietly. Her
rlm@0: head slowly pulled off of Sakura’s shoulder, her stormy blue eyes
rlm@0: shimmering as they met Sakura’s jade orbs. Her fingers gently cupped
rlm@0: Sakura’s chin as a phantom of a smile played across her lips. Her
rlm@0: whole body ached for the feel of those lips just one more time. For
rlm@0: that passionate embrace, for the flood of emotions she had received
rlm@0: from Sakura. But her fingers slowly slipped away, falling back to her
rlm@0: side. Her head rested once again on Sakura’s shoulder. No, if she was
rlm@0: going to fade away, then that memory would be what would burn in her
rlm@0: heart forevermore. She would savor that one kiss always. She closed
rlm@0: her eyes once more and lost herself in Sakura’s warm embrace.
rlm@0: 	Sakura held her gently, lovingly. She still didn’t understand what
rlm@0: the dark haired woman had meant by all that, but right now she didn’t
rlm@0: feel like asking her. She just wanted to hold her until the morning
rlm@0: came. Maybe it never would. Maybe if she held on tight enough, Tomoyo
rlm@0: would never have to leave her side again. After Tomoyo’s visit,
rlm@0: returning to life without the gentle presence of the toy designer was
rlm@0: utterly inconceivable. Sakura couldn’t imagine life without her, not
rlm@0: knowing she was right there, not being able to be with her. Now that
rlm@0: she had seen Tomoyo again, she knew what it was that had been missing
rlm@0: since she had moved to Hong Kong. Not her family or friends, although
rlm@0: she missed them dearly. But Tomoyo herself. The feelings inside her
rlm@0: that expanded in joy when they were together, that felt so cold and
rlm@0: alone when they were apart, told her this much. Even if she couldn’t
rlm@0: quite name it, she knew it to be true. 
rlm@0: 	A feeling welled up in Sakura’s anxious heart that she could only
rlm@0: vaguely remember feeling quite some time ago. It was a devastating
rlm@0: mix of pain, fear, abandonment, and loss all bundled up inside of
rlm@0: her. These weren’t the feelings she’d had when Syaoran had left,
rlm@0: though she had missed him terribly. These were the feelings she could
rlm@0: only remember as if from a dream when her mother had been taken away
rlm@0: from her. She had only been three years old at the time, still a
rlm@0: young child. But the feelings were as potent as the day she had found
rlm@0: out what had happened to her mother. It tore at her heart with a
rlm@0: vicious ferocity, like some caged beast that had finally escaped.
rlm@0: Sharp claws raked at her soul as tears begin to drip down her cheeks.
rlm@0: She held onto Tomoyo tighter, her body shaking ever so slightly. Why
rlm@0: was she feeling this way? It wasn’t like Tomoyo was going away for
rlm@0: good. She would see her again. They would still write letters and
rlm@0: talk on the phone. They would still be best friends forever. But some
rlm@0: of what Tomoyo said had been haunting her, refusing to completely
rlm@0: leave. Thoughts of an aching void in her life where Tomoyo had once
rlm@0: been were teasing her mind. She didn’t want the morning to come. It
rlm@0: would come and snatch Tomoyo away from her like the talons of some
rlm@0: ancient dragon. And she would be left alone. Yes, she would have her
rlm@0: prince. But was that enough? She felt like her heart was being torn
rlm@0: asunder in her chest. Choked sobs escaped her lips as she grasped
rlm@0: desperately onto her pale friend. 
rlm@0: 	A warm tear dropped down onto Tomoyo’s neck, startling her out of
rlm@0: the daze she had fallen into. Holding onto Sakura, swaying in the
rlm@0: music had brought time to a standstill. There was no tomorrow. There
rlm@0: was no yesterday. There was only now. A bright spot in her life that
rlm@0: she would forever hold dear the same as she held onto Sakura at that
rlm@0: very moment. But Sakura’s shaky sobs quickly brought her back to the
rlm@0: slightly crowded dance floor. She was instantly concerned, but part
rlm@0: of her knew the problem already. This was it. This was their
rlm@0: farewell. Sakura didn’t know it, but this was the last time they
rlm@0: would ever see each other. Sakura was a very emotional woman. Parting
rlm@0: must be hell for her. Tomoyo knew how painful it was. She couldn’t
rlm@0: bear the thought of being away from Sakura anymore than she could
rlm@0: quit breathing. She needed Sakura. All of her. She was the lifeblood
rlm@0: of Tomoyo’s life. But at the same time, she knew that she had to go.
rlm@0: Oh, she could always pack up and move to Hong Kong. Her mother
rlm@0: wouldn’t be happy about it, but it would be easy enough. She could
rlm@0: stay nearby and visit Sakura every day. But then she would be
rlm@0: dangerously close to throwing away all that she had worked for to
rlm@0: make Sakura happy. That would risk damaging her marriage to Syaoran
rlm@0: if Tomoyo got too involved and also could ruin their friendship if
rlm@0: things progressed any further than they already had. She couldn’t
rlm@0: risk Sakura’s happiness for her own selfishness. And she also knew
rlm@0: that being so close to Sakura, watching her from such a short
rlm@0: distance, her heart pounding every second for her, it would kill her.
rlm@0: Just as surely as any knife’s blade. That pain would be even worse
rlm@0: than never seeing Sakura again. At least if she left, she knew that
rlm@0: Sakura’s happiness would be safe and that she would always have her
rlm@0: memories. She could live with that. She had to. But staying would be
rlm@0: a form of exquisite torture, slowly tugging and battering the cage in
rlm@0: her heart. “Sakura-chan...” Tomoyo whispered softly, her lithe
rlm@0: fingers stroking the other woman’s back through the thin fabric of
rlm@0: her dress. Her head lifted off of Sakura’s shoulder, her eyes meeting
rlm@0: Sakura’s as she stood pressed against the Cardmistress. Gentle
rlm@0: fingers went up over Sakura’s shoulders, up her neck, and along her
rlm@0: cheeks, wiping away Sakura’s warm tears. Tomoyo’s kind, loving gaze
rlm@0: penetrated Sakura’s emerald green eyes as she continued to wipe her
rlm@0: tears away. “Please don’t cry, Sakura-chan. No matter how far apart
rlm@0: we are, I’ll always be with you. My heart will always be tied to
rlm@0: yours.”
rlm@0:  The last of her strength crumbling away from her, Sakura clutched
rlm@0: onto Tomoyo, sobbing quietly against her. Her heart cried out to her,
rlm@0: those feelings returning stronger, more urgent, but she couldn’t make
rlm@0: them out. She didn’t understand. It was like her heart was speaking
rlm@0: another language. All she knew was that she didn’t want Tomoyo to go
rlm@0: away. The world would be too dark a place. Too bland. Too real.
rlm@0: Tomoyo added a dreamlike quality to life, one that always enveloped
rlm@0: Sakura. Her days would be too normal without Tomoyo’s eccentric
rlm@0: activities and her embarrassing remarks. She would be too weak
rlm@0: without Tomoyo’s constant affection and support. She had Syaoran to
rlm@0: lean on, but Tomoyo made that unnecessary. She brought up a strength
rlm@0: and courage inside Sakura that wasn’t there without her. The thought
rlm@0: of never seeing Tomoyo again, disappearing from her life as her
rlm@0: mother had so long ago again pierced the chaos inside of her. “Please
rlm@0: don’t ever leave me, Tomoyo-chan...” Sakura sobbed. 
rlm@0: Tomoyo froze at Sakura’s words, unable to do much more than hold
rlm@0: onto the grief-stricken Cardmistress. It was as if Sakura had heard
rlm@0: her thoughts from earlier that night. Words escaped Tomoyo, eluding
rlm@0: her tongue as she tried desperately to think. She had never been able
rlm@0: to lie to Sakura. It was nearly impossible to her. She could omit
rlm@0: details or hide the truth if she thought it would hurt Sakura, but
rlm@0: she could never bring herself to lie to the brunette. ‘Sakura-chan,
rlm@0: it’s for the best. I have to leave. I have to fade out of your life,’
rlm@0: she thought to herself, not daring to speak the words lest they cause
rlm@0: even more pain for either of them. Her fingers brushed away still
rlm@0: more tears that fell past Sakura’s emerald eyes before pushing away
rlm@0: some of Sakura’s hair. The lavender haired woman’s voice was soft and
rlm@0: comforting as she gazed deeply into Sakura’s tear stained eyes.
rlm@0: “Sakura-chan, please don’t cry. It makes me feel bad to see you so
rlm@0: sad. I promise that I’ll always hold you close to my heart. Wherever
rlm@0: I am and wherever you are, I’ll always see Sakura-chan when I close
rlm@0: my eyes.” Her voice dropped to a low whisper as she continued, her
rlm@0: fingers gently stroking through Sakura’s hair. Her heart ached at the
rlm@0: sight of Sakura’s tear streaked face. She wanted to take all of that
rlm@0: pain in Sakura’s eyes and take it for herself. Seeing Sakura in pain
rlm@0: hurt her infinitely worse than her own suffering. “Sakura-chan, I had
rlm@0: a wonderful time with you. Thank you so much for these golden
rlm@0: memories. I will treasure them always, even when I’m looking down on
rlm@0: the earth from above. Because nothing could be more beautiful than
rlm@0: the moments I’ve spent with you, Sakura-chan. They will always fill
rlm@0: my heart with joy when I look back on them. It’s exactly why I always
rlm@0: videotaped you. So I could always watch those captured moments of
rlm@0: you, so I could hold those little pieces close to my heart. I could
rlm@0: never leave you, Sakura-chan. Not completely. I may go back home and
rlm@0: things might get busy in your life. But my heart will always be
rlm@0: singing to you. Because I’m wrapped up in the ribbons that trail from
rlm@0: Sakura-chan’s heart.” A small smile blossomed on her lips as her
rlm@0: hands slowly stroked Sakura’s cheeks. 
rlm@0: Looking back into Tomoyo’s stormy blue eyes, Sakura could feel the
rlm@0: lightening behind them. It was warm, encompassing, and made her whole
rlm@0: being tingle. Her fear and panic began to dissipate. She was still
rlm@0: worried about Tomoyo’s trip home, but it felt so far away now. So
rlm@0: very far away. “I just want to be with you,” Sakura whispered softly,
rlm@0: hugging the nearly frail woman in her arms. 
rlm@0: “That’s all I want, too, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo replied, her fingers
rlm@0: trailing past Sakura’s ear. She continued to gaze into Sakura’s eyes
rlm@0: lovingly, her free hand going back to rubbing the brunette’s back.
rlm@0: “You’ve given me the most wonderful moments in my life. I don’t think
rlm@0: I can ever repay you. Sakura-chan, you the most beautiful, genki,
rlm@0: sweet, and amazing person that I have ever met. I don’t think I’ll
rlm@0: ever know how I was lucky enough to meet you. It’s always been easy
rlm@0: for me to see how you could capture hearts with more ease than you
rlm@0: can capture Cards.” Her smile grew softly, her dark hair teasing
rlm@0: Sakura’s own. “You mean the world to me, Sakura-chan. No matter what
rlm@0: happens, just please be happy. Wherever life takes you, I want it to
rlm@0: be a spectacular trip for you, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo barely managed to
rlm@0: hold up her mask as her mind retread over Sakura’s words, over how
rlm@0: scared and worried she had looked. Could she leave Sakura? Could she
rlm@0: fade out of her life? She knew she had to, for both of their sakes,
rlm@0: but could she really bring herself to? Especially when she could see
rlm@0: so clearly into those beautiful emerald jewels? A part of her told
rlm@0: her that she had been wrong, that she had been blinded by her belief
rlm@0: that she couldn’t make Sakura happy, that Sakura needed her every bit
rlm@0: as much as she needed Sakura. That thought frightened her deeply.
rlm@0: Because if it was right, then what had she done by helping to get
rlm@0: Sakura with Syaoran?
rlm@0: “But I want you to be happy, Tomoyo-chan. Why can’t we both be
rlm@0: happy?” Sakura asked, genuinely curious. She sounded much calmer now,
rlm@0: almost relaxed in their shared embrace. This whole thing was like a
rlm@0: riddle. It was stuck in her brain but she couldn’t quite make sense
rlm@0: of it. Though the answer was on the tip of her tongue. Tomoyo’s
rlm@0: special person was so lucky to have the love in Tomoyo’s bound heart.
rlm@0: But why couldn’t he just wake up and notice how much she needed him?
rlm@0: How hurt her love was making her? Sakura couldn’t understand how
rlm@0: anyone could not return Tomoyo’s love with the same impassioned
rlm@0: fervor that the dark haired woman herself was capable of. It bathed
rlm@0: Sakura in its gentle glow, sheltering her from the cold and
rlm@0: loneliness. Again the urgent howl of feelings inside her almost made
rlm@0: her jump. It was as if they were struggling to break free. But still,
rlm@0: Sakura couldn’t understand. They grew fiercer in her heart, trying
rlm@0: desperately to bubble out of the Cardmistress. Tomoyo was the focus
rlm@0: of them, she new that. Strong, heated, deep feelings that ran
rlm@0: throughout her were boiling in her heart. They were nearly screaming
rlm@0: at her. She felt like she only had one chance. But one chance for
rlm@0: what? 
rlm@0: Tomoyo smiled softly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She held onto
rlm@0: Sakura warmly, her hand still moving from the small of Sakura’s back
rlm@0: up to her shoulder blades. “I’m happy as long as Saku...” Sakura cute
rlm@0: her off, her lips meeting Tomoyo’s in a delightful peck that took
rlm@0: Tomoyo by complete surprise. She had certainly not been expecting
rlm@0: that from the brunette. Her own feelings had become such a mystery to
rlm@0: her as of late and Sakura’s increased affection ever since her
rlm@0: arrival had made things even more difficult for her to decipher. Her
rlm@0: pale cheeks darkened as she felt the lips against her own again, this
rlm@0: time kissing longer. The young woman pulled her magical best friend
rlm@0: into a closer embrace, returning the kiss herself. It tasted sweeter
rlm@0: than anything the banquet or the restaurant had to offer. The silky
rlm@0: touch of Sakura’s lips was softer than any fabric she had ever
rlm@0: handled. It was magical, a brief moment where she got more than just
rlm@0: images or momentos of Sakura. She had a piece of her soul. 
rlm@0: Thinking back on it, Sakura couldn’t say exactly why she had kissed
rlm@0: Tomoyo. Only that she had to. That every ounce of her being had been
rlm@0: wholeheartedly for the idea and that she had merely carried through
rlm@0: with it. The single kiss she and Tomoyo had shared several nights
rlm@0: before had been the most powerful kiss Sakura had ever felt in her
rlm@0: life. Not for the way Tomoyo kissed, no. Tomoyo’s kisses were
rlm@0: delicate, like sweet butterflies, gentle and slow. But it was the way
rlm@0: it grasped onto her heart and soul and burned through her with a
rlm@0: strength that made her feel truly alive. More alive than she had ever
rlm@0: felt in her life. Right there. With Tomoyo. The kiss lengthened,
rlm@0: Tomoyo’s petal soft lips parting her own ever so slightly as it
rlm@0: continued. Sakura could do nothing but hold tightly onto the dark
rlm@0: haired woman, hoping once more that the morning would never come. Her
rlm@0: fingers found themselves at home in Tomoyo’s luxurious lavender hair,
rlm@0: brushing through the soft curls. “Tomoyo-chan...” she whispered as
rlm@0: she finally gasped for breath. Her body was nearly shuddering but not
rlm@0: from lack of air. Tomoyo’s pale cheeks had reached a beautiful
rlm@0: crimson hue that she was sure her own were probably matching at the
rlm@0: moment. “Hanyaa...”
rlm@0: A musical giggle escaped Tomoyo at that. She was still a little
rlm@0: surprised by Sakura’s sudden action, but she was glad for it. If only
rlm@0: she could save kisses in her scrapbook as easily as she could store
rlm@0: photos. But this was something she was sure her memory would never
rlm@0: forget, even if it would be nice to have videotaped the event. It got
rlm@0: rid of any doubts she may have had about Sakura’s involvement in the
rlm@0: previous kiss. This time there had been no prompting. Sakura was the
rlm@0: one who had kissed her. She felt delightedly thrilled at that. Sakura
rlm@0: had kissed her. What a wonderful way to bring her last night in Hong
rlm@0: Kong to a close. With a kiss from Sakura. Time may not be able to
rlm@0: stop on a single moment, but those moments were forever carried
rlm@0: forward as long as they were held onto by a loving heart. “Thank you
rlm@0: again for everything, Sakura-chan. I’ll never forget any of this.
rlm@0: You’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could possibly be.”
rlm@0: Smiling sweetly, she kissed Sakura’s cheek. A dreamy sigh escaped her
rlm@0: lips as she tilted her head to the side. “Sakura-chan is a such a
rlm@0: fantastic kisser. So genki.”
rlm@0: Sakura felt herself blushing at Tomoyo’s words. But it hardly seemed
rlm@0: to matter. She hugged her best friend tightly, feeling fuzzy and
rlm@0: peaceful and content again, though her frazzled thoughts still longed
rlm@0: for more, to feel those creamy lips again. She shook her head,
rlm@0: blushing darker. She had no idea why kissing Tomoyo affected her so
rlm@0: deeply, but she loved the way it felt, both during the kiss and in
rlm@0: her arms afterwards. If only... Her eyes widened after they finally
rlm@0: fell upon her watch. Just how long had they been dancing? “Tomoyo-
rlm@0: chan, we need to get home if we’re going to get you packed in time
rlm@0: for your flight and if you’re going to get any sleep.”
rlm@0: “I can always sleep on the plane, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo said sweetly,
rlm@0: stroking Sakura’s cheek with gentle fingers. “I want to spend the
rlm@0: last of my time with you.” This was it. Her last few hours with
rlm@0: Sakura. She wanted to do anything but sleep at the moment, her heart
rlm@0: racing as she enjoyed the close proximity to her friend. All she
rlm@0: wanted was to be with Sakura for as long as she could. To be with her
rlm@0: Cardmistress until she was finally pulled away. Her eyes sparkled as
rlm@0: she watched Sakura, each gentle caress whispering her love to the
rlm@0: brunette. 
rlm@0: Sakura hugged Tomoyo tightly and nodded. Sleep seemed to be the
rlm@0: furthest thing from her mind as well. She had finally gotten Tomoyo
rlm@0: up to Hong Kong and she wanted to hold onto her forever. “Would you
rlm@0: like to dance again?” Sakura asked curiously.
rlm@0: “With all my heart, Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo whispered in reply, her
rlm@0: eyes never leaving Sakura’s. There was only now. And in this now,
rlm@0: there was only herself and Sakura. Tomorrow could wait.
rlm@0: