Crazy Mixed Up Love Square

by

Sakura-chan Master of the Clow

Chapter 23: Answer

Summary: Syaoran and Sakura are happily together. But Tomoyo has always had a thing for Syaoran. Eriol comes back to confess to Tomoyo and asks for Sakura's help. She gladly agrees but has promised not to tell anyone. What if Syaoran gets the wrong idea? SS & ET

Disclaimer: I do not own any original characters from CardCaptor Sakura. All belong to the wonderful members of CLAMP. The storyline for this fanfiction, however, is all mine, so please no copyright.

Announcement: Here is the last chapter! Thank you so much for going on this journey with me. It certainly took a LOT longer than I would have never imagined, but thank you for sticking with me and this story, whether you're a new reader or an old one. I hope the finale is up to your liking ^-^

XxXxXx§xXxXxX

"So, how's everything with Eriol-kun going?" Sakura asked Tomoyo.

Currently, the girls were at Tomoyo's house; Sakura initially came over for Tomoyo to take new measurements, something Tomoyo insists on regularly doing "just in case." Now, the girls were just chilling, Sakura absentmindedly coloring some of Tomoyo's 'scrapped' designs as snacks spread out on the table in front of the couch.

"Everything is wonderful," Tomoyo replied, hiding a light blush behind her sketchpad. "He's treating me well. I almost feel like I don't deserve it after all that's happened."

Sakura looked up at her and smiled. "You shouldn't feel bad. I'm sure all Eriol-kun wants is to make you happy. He was patiently waiting for you, so now that his feelings are returned I think he's treasuring every moment you two spend together more than anything."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Tomoyo said with a light laugh. "I'm finding myself loving something new about him each day. I'm honestly a little scared. Can I love someone this much?"

Sakura laughed. "I know what you mean. You know, it would make Eriol-kun happy if you told him this."

"Oh no, I'd be too embarrassed to. I get shy just when he looks at me."

Sakura smiled. "That just means you like him a lot. I'm honestly so happy for you both."

Tomoyo hummed but didn't want to say anything else, worried she'd say something that even sweet Sakura would tease her about. Sakura, seeing how shy Tomoyo got on the subject, decided to spare her for now, and they fell into a comfortable silence.

"Eh, Tomoyo-chan," Sakura asked, somewhat nervously, "did Syaoran-kun talk to you recently?"

Tomoyo looked up from her sketchpad.

"We still talk frequently since we're all still friends," Tomoyo answered. "But, I'm guessing you're asking about something more specific."

"I don't know. It's just…" Sakura stopped coloring her eyes were still trained on the page in front of her. Tomoyo put down her pencil and brought the sketchpad close to her chest, indicating all her attention to whatever Sakura wanted to say next. "After we got back from winter break, I overheard him apologizing to Rika-chan, Naoko-chan, Chiharu-chan, and Yamazaki-kun after school one day."

"Apologize for what?" Tomoyo asked. She hadn't heard about this.

"For causing tension within the group." Sakura started coloring again, though more of a way to give herself something to do. "Though they said it was more awkward than anything, there was no need to apologize. They support us in getting back together."

"That's good, isn't it?" Tomoyo gave an encouraging smile. "At least that means that if you decide you want to get back together, there won't be anymore awkwardness between everyone."

"Yeah." Sakura nodded. After a brief pause, she spoke again. "That same day, I saw him coming down from my house when I was coming back from buying groceries. I asked if he was waiting for me and wanted to come inside, but he said he already finished what business he had. I think...he went to apologize to my family and Kero-chan too, for causing me hardship."

"Syaoran-kun is someone who is very good and honorable. He cares for you a lot. He wouldn't have gone to your family like that if that weren't the case," Tomoyo said. "Eriol-kun told me how upset Kero-chan was about your break-up, he swore to scorch Syaoran-kun alive he came running back to you. If he was that angry, imagine Touya-kun's reaction. Still, he faced both of them and your father head-on by his own accord, knowing full well they could very well tell him to never come near you again, and he would very much oblige."

Sakura's eyes widened; she hadn't thought of that at all. Though Touya had never been fond of Syaoran, he had reluctantly accepted their relationship. He didn't give any indication that he had heard about their break-up. When she asked what Syaoran had come for since it was apparent he wasn't waiting for her, Touya only scuffed but refused to say anything. Even Sakura could tell he was holding in his temper. It was Yukito who calmed her brother and told her Syaoran had come to tell them something and left it at that. Now that she thought about it if Syaoran had gone to apologize, what was their response?

"It seems Syaoran-kun was busy that day," Tomoyo said, snapping Sakura away from her thoughts. "I believe that same day, he might have visited Eriol-kun and me for the same reason."

"To apologize?"

Tomoyo nodded. "He apologized for using my feelings for him to get back at you—and Eriol-kun to some extent. But I already knew that when I agreed to go out with him. While we're on the subject, Sakura-chan, I haven't properly apologized to you about everything that's happened."

"Tomoyo-chan, there's no need—"

Tomoyo raised a hand, stopping Sakura mid-sentence. "Yes, there is. I'm thankful that you forgave me so easily, but Syaoran-kun wasn't the only one who betrayed you. Knowing full well your feelings for him and what you two mean to each other, I also took advantage of Syaoran-kun when he was feeling the most vulnerable. I put my feelings first by agreeing to be with him and, in turn, hurting you as well."

"Tomoyo-chan," was all Sakura could say.

"I know you already forgave me the second you protected and supported the relationship between Syaoran-kun and me. But I still had to tell you. I wasn't fair to you either, and the last thing I wanted was to hurt you. Yet I did, and for that, I'm so sorry, Sakura-chan."

Sakura pulled Tomoyo into a hug, tears silently rolling down her cheek. "It's okay, Tomoyo-chan. When I realized how much you loved him, how could I not support you? You've always been there for me. I just wanted to see you happy too. Even if it meant that you—with Syaoran-kun..."

Tomoyo rubbed Sakura's back in small circles. "You still love him." Sakura nodded and hugged her best friend tighter. "It's been a little bit more than a month since the trip to the mountains. Have you been thinking about what you want?"

"It's all I've been thinking about, but I still don't know what's right. I still love Syaoran-kun, but every time I see him, I can't help but think: what if he hurts me again? I shouldn't think such things about him, it just happens. And he's been avoiding me as much as he can, I can't help but worry that maybe he's already found someone else as easily as it was with you."

"Syaoran-kun isn't one to make the same mistake twice." Tomoyo pushed Sakura back a bit and wiped her cheek with the sleeve of her sweater. "I'm sure he's patiently waiting for your answer. Do you remember how we looked like around you when we were together?"

Sakura thought about the guilty and pained expression they both had before she lost her memories of Syaoran and nodded.

"That's how you look like now whenever you're around him, and it's the same for him. He realizes it's hard for you to be around him right now, so I think, more than anything, he's giving you the space you need until you're ready to give him your answer."

"Really?" Sakura asked with a slight sniffle.

Tomoyo nodded. "Right now, it's understandable to depict Syaoran-kun as the bad guy, but it's not that simple. Like I told you before, I'm at fault too. We both hurt you, yet he believes he's solely the one to blame. He's scared of losing you more than he already has, which is why he's very cautious around you right now."

Seeing Sakura carefully take in what was being said, Tomoyo smiled. Gently she took one of Sakura's hands in hers. "You may not be aware of it, but Syaoran-kun is very insecure when it comes to you, Sakura-chan."

"Hoe?"

"He loves you very much. He's also very much aware of how lovable you are. Even in all the years you two have been together, secretly, he's scared that one day someone will snatch you away from him. Eriol-kun actually helped fuel that back in grade school, but that was just his way of teasing and testing Syaoran-kun, who was unsure of his feelings for you back then. Still, when Eriol-kun came back, those past feelings crept into Syaoran-kun's heart. And the more time you spent with Eriol-kun—"

"The more those feelings grew," Sakura finished. At that moment, the flashback of when they were helping Eriol moving in played in her mind:

"Did, uh, Eriol-kun do anything to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you were both here, and he's a guy, and well, I think he's had a thing for you when we were younger—" Sakura giggled at his awkwardness.

"Don't worry, Syaoran. Eriol-kun is as well behaved as he was back then. And I don't think he ever had a thing for me. He was just helping me out on transforming the Cards. We just ended up good friends along the way."

"So, you don't love him?"

"Of course I love him," Sakura said, smiling at him. Syaoran tensed up. "As a very good friend," Sakura finished, and Syaoran relaxed a little. Sakura, who now finished the books, walked over to Syaoran and encircled her arms around his waist and pulled him into a hug. "But no matter what, I'll always love you the most," Sakura said sweetly and rested her head on his chest with her eyes closed. Syaoran hugged her back, ignoring the fake gagging noises coming from Kero.

"I'm glad. I don't ever want to lose you to anyone, Sakura."

Sakura couldn't fathom where Syaoran's jealousy for Eriol was coming from, but if it had been since that first day, it wasn't something sudden. He had been fighting it this whole time. He wanted to believe her, but every time she canceled their time together for Eriol, those feelings dug deeper into his heart until eventually, it consumed him.

Tomoyo smiled at her. "You know, Syaoran-kun confessed to me that he thought you were cheating on him with Eriol-kun."

Sakura snapped back to reality. "Hoe? I would never—"

"I know," Tomoyo assured. "I'm just saying that's what he seriously thought. That day, he said he found you two in the gym storage room in a position that left little to the imagination. Syaoran-kun isn't someone to have his feelings out on display. When he told me all this, I could see how much agony and torment he had been putting himself through for all the times he doubted you. He did want to believe you when you said nothing was going on. I think that incident is what pulled him over the edge."

"I see."

Sakura's nose scrunched up, contemplating everything she had just heard. For once, she hadn't thought of how Syaoran must have felt, herself too preoccupied, and then hurt to allow herself to do so. Syaoran had never done anything to hurt her, or doubt his love for her until recently. The more she thought about it, the more it became clear that he must have felt severely hurt by her dropping him to comfort Eriol to take the measures he did. If only she had told him earlier what was going on, there wouldn't be misunderstandings between them, and she was sure he would've supported and helped her instead. All he asked from her was the truth, but she couldn't even give him that until it was too late.

"I...hurt him too." Sakura placed a hand over her heart. "No, I hurt him first." She turned to Tomoyo. "What should I do, Tomoyo-chan?"

"Well, before anything, I think you should talk to him. Tell him your side of the story and listen to his. Clear up the misunderstandings between you two."

"Do you think...I should get back together with him?"

Tomoyo smiled sadly. She wanted to say yes, but she knew Sakura had to find the answer for herself. Otherwise, it would be pointless. "I can't make that decision for you, Sakura-chan. Listen to what your heart tells you. Whether it's being with Syaoran-kun again or not, do whatever you think will make you happiest."

"I guess I have some more to think about, then." Sakura let out a sigh.

Tomoyo's hand gave Sakura's hand an encouraging squeeze. "Whatever your decision is, I know Syaoran-kun will accept it wholeheartedly. We all will."

Sakura smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Tomoyo-chan. This helped me a lot."

XxXxXx§xXxXxX

Sakura walked absentmindedly, opening a door leading to an outside part of the school. At the start of the break, Sakura made an excuse to get something to drink. In reality, she needed to have a moment to herself. She hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, still thinking about everything Tomoyo had told her. She said to follow her heart, but her mind was so jumbled up with all the new information. Her mind told her to forgive Syaoran already, but there was a nagging piece of her heart that was scared of getting hurt again, no matter how much more significant the other part of her heart argued her love for Syaoran. She had yet to talk to him. She was scared but also knew her answer would become more apparent if she did.

Up ahead, she caught a glimpse of familiar brown hair turning the corner. Subconsciously her feet followed to meet up with Syaoran. She was about to call out to him when she noticed he wasn't alone; there was a girl with him. Quickly she hid behind the corner yet keeping enough of her head out to have a clear view of the two. The girl had a tall, slender build, her bouncy brown hair tied into a ponytail held up by a cute yellow ribbon. Still, Syaoran was a head taller than her. Instantly she thought the girl with him was extremely cute by her profile, though she had no idea who she was.

"Thank you for meeting me so suddenly, Li-san," the girl said. "I promise I won't take up too much of your time."

Ho-e, even her voice sounds very cute. Sakura looked worriedly at Syaoran. He seemed unfazed and only nodded in response, allowing the girl to continue.

"I realize this might be unexpected. I just really had to tell you, no matter what, before I graduate." Sakura could see the deep blush form on the girls' cheek form on her face. She couldn't help but notice how nervous the girl sounded. "You see, ever since last year I was drawn to you, but there was no way I could bring myself to come between you and Kinomoto-san, you both looked perfect together, no one dared touch you two. But then you two suddenly broke up, and you were Daidouji-san. I was shocked. Still, I couldn't help but think that there was hope for me too. And now that she's with Hiiragizawa-san..."

Wait, Sakura thought, a blush creeping on her face. Could this be…? Am I watching a confession?!

The girl took a deep breath, gathering courage. "Li-san, I really like you! If you're not seeing anyone, please won't you go out with me?"

"I'm sorry I can't return your feelings. I'll have to decline," Syaoran answered with a ninety-degree bow.

So fast! Sakura held in a giggle. At least think about it for a little bit, you dummy.

The girl blinked in surprise, taking a minute to take in his response. Then with a sigh, she gave a disheartened laugh. "The reason you can't return my feelings, could it be…? Are you still in love with Kinomoto-san?"

"Yes," Syaoran said in earnest and straightened back up to face the girl, a serious expression on his features. "She asked me to give her some time, and so I'm willing to wait for her answer, even if her answer ends in heartbreak, my love for her won't waver. Actually," Syaoran added, a warm smile forming on his lips, "I never stopped loving her. The one I'll ever love is only Sakura."

Sakura could feel her heart begin to speed up as well as her blush grow a deeper shade of red. How can you say something like that with that kind of expression, Syaoran-kun?

"If that's true, then why did you break up with her and go out with Daidouji-san?" the girl asked.

"Ah," Syaoran said with a bitter laugh, a hand running through his brown locks. "I guess to make a long story short; I was an idiot. I doubted her when I shouldn't have."

"Do you have hope that Kinomoto-san will take you back? Is that why you're willing to wait for her?"

Syaoran smiled at the girl, yet even from where she was, Sakura could tell the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Honestly, no."

Sakura's eyes widened.

"I hurt her more than I would like to admit, and I've regretted it every day since. No matter how much I love her, she's probably better off finding someone who will treasure her. I don't have it in me to hope that she'll take me back." His smile faded only to be replaced by determination flaming in his eyes. "Still, I'm willing to wait for her no matter how long it takes."

"You're really serious about her, aren't you? But I guess that's what I like about you." The girl gave a free-spirited laugh. "When you say it like that, I have no choice but to yield."

Syaoran blinked in surprise then smiled.

"I may not know all the details, but I can see how much you love and care for Kinomoto-san. Thank you for hearing me out at least, I feel better after telling you. And Li-san?" Syaoran slightly tensed up. "You're kind and honorable. I'm sure Kinomoto-san knows that better than anyone. I'll be cheering you on."

Syaoran gave a weak laugh. "Yeah. Thank you."

The girl started walking away, yet Syaoran remained at the spot. He leaned backward, so his back hit the wall and tilted his head to look at the sky. With his guard down, Sakura could see how tired and crestfallen he was, how could she not notice that before? He had seemed perfectly normal during lunch and when they were all hanging out together. Yet, he never forced himself onto Sakura, cautiously keeping his distance from her. Syaoran-kun, just what are you thinking about right now?

Just then, Sakura felt something cover her mouth and pull her back around the corner. She was about to scream when she heard a familiar voice in her ear. "Ah-ah-ah, it's not polite to listen in on such a private conversation, Sakura-chan."

Sakura freed his hand from her mouth. "Eriol-kun," she hissed. "Was that necessary?"

He gave a knowing smile, turned, and started walking. Sakura knew he was leading her back to their classroom and followed.

"That's the fifth one this week," he said casually.

"Eh?"

"It's the fifth confession Syaoran-kun has gotten this week," he clarified.

"This week?!" Sakura quickly recalled it was only Wednesday. If it was only for this week, surely that meant… "Then since we got back from winter break—"

"He's been confessed to practically every day, yes. Ever since the school got wind of Tomoyo-chan and me, he's been getting a surplus of confessions nearly daily. Of course, girls are more subtle with confessing their love than boys are, huh?"

Sakura blushed, knowing precisely what Eriol was referring to. By the third day back from break, the school was aware of Eriol and Tomoyo's relationship, which was much better received. Yet, questions and rumors of why she and Syaoran hadn't gotten back together had been circulating the days prior. That morning, just as Sakura had finished putting on her school shoes, a boy had approached her and declared his love for her. He asked her to go out with him, loud enough for the surrounding area to hush to see what the commotion was.

Sakura flattered yet a bit embarrassed to have so many eyes on her so suddenly, recovered from the shock, thanked the boy, and kindly turned him down. Just as he was about to protest, she told him that a lot had happened between her and Syaoran. She wasn't looking to start a new relationship so soon. The boy nodded, accepting her answer and retreated somewhat disheartened. No one had confessed to her since. Perhaps because the confession she got was a lot more...public, word got around that she wasn't willing to start something new with anyone.

And yet, Syaoran has been getting confessed to practically every day. It shouldn't have surprised her as much as it did. She was aware Syaoran was popular and handsome, but to think this many girls have been holding back before because he was already in a relationship with her, oddly made her feel touched. Despite their feelings, they accepted her and Syaoran as a couple and believed in it as well. Now that they weren't together, he was available and free to date.

The girl from earlier flashed across her mind, and Sakura placed a hand over her heart, which had started aching. How many more cute girls like her would confess their love for Syaoran? How many more until he gave in and agreed?

"He's been turning them all down like that?" Sakura asked before she could stop herself.

Eriol looked at her and smiled. "Every single one. Though that one was a bit pushier than the others. Usually, they're so surprised by his quick rejection they retreat just like that."

"I see."

"Does it upset you? That he's been confessed to, I mean?"

"I wasn't sure what to think at first," Sakura answered honestly. "I was shocked when he turned her down so quickly, though. More than upset, I was scared that he would say yes, that he would leave me for someone else again."

"That wasn't the case back there," Eriol said, his tone gentle and encouraging. "That boy discernibly proclaimed his love for you to that girl. There was no room for doubt."

"Yeah, you're right." There was a pause; then, "Eriol-kun, have you been watching Syaoran-kun this whole time?"

"To a certain extent, yes," Eriol answered. "He did hurt you, after all. I just want to make sure he doesn't do anything to make you cry again."

Sakura gave a small smile. "Tomoyo-chan believes he won't hurt me a second time."

"And you? Do you believe that as well?"

"Hoe?" Sakura blinked. She stopped and thought of the image of Syaoran they had left just minutes before. She's never seen him look so...so broken. He hadn't looked like that since she told him she needed time to think things through back at the mountains. There was only a fleeting moment of happiness when he realized she had remembered him, but that was quickly replaced with guilt and sorrow that mirrored hers. She must have replayed that conversation in her head countless times since then. He had promised her never to hurt her again, he apologized to her so much, apologized to their friends and her family, to Tomoyo and Eriol even when it was because of her that he had been hurt in the first place. He's lost complete confidence in himself, yet he is still willing to wait for her.

"No, I don't think he will hurt me again," Sakura finally said and began walking with him again.

"I don't think he will either," Eriol said. "He's painstakingly aware of how much he's hurt you. To hurt someone he loves so much twice, he would really be a fool." Eriol turned to face her. "Although Cerberus and your brother may think otherwise right now, I don't think Syaoran-kun is that big of a fool."

"But you still think he's a fool," Sakura said, not sure whether it was meant to be a statement or a question.

"Well, he's certainly a fool for you," Eriol said with a smile.

Sakura blushed.

"He's adamant about waiting for you. Though there's no rush, have you decided what you wanted?"

"I know I need to talk to him and clear up everything between us. I've come to realize I was the one who hurt him first. If I had told him everything sooner, I wouldn't have hurt him and caused him to become so insecure."

"It's my fault, Sakura-chan. If I hadn't made you promise not to tell anyone or if I was quicker in confessing to Tomoyo-chan, it wouldn't have dragged out as much as it did."

Sakura shook her head. "I was the one who canceled so much on Syaoran-kun, you didn't make me do anything."

"You're too much of a good person Sakura-chan, and I took for granted your kindness. I should have allowed you to tell him everything after Tomoyo-chan's birthday, or at the very least, I should have cleared things with Syaoran-kun myself. I apologized to him already, yet I feel like I haven't apologized to you as much as I should have. I've caused unnecessary harm to you both."

"I think by now, we're all sorry to each other," Sakura said. "But there is no one person to blame so, please, don't feel too bad about what's happened."

"That goes for you as well, Sakura-chan."

Sakura laughed. "Yeah, you're right, as always."

The first warning bell rang. They weren't too far away from their classroom, so they kept walking at the same pace as before.

"You know Eriol-kun, I've decided to talk to Syaoran-kun today."

Eriol looked at Sakura in curious wonder. "It seems like you've found your answer, then?"

Sakura clenched the hand over her heart. "Yeah."

"Do you think you'll regret it?"

Sakura looked at him and smiled. "No. This is the answer I've come to. Surely, everything will be alright."

XxXxXx§xXxXxX

"That's it for today. Class dismissed." The students stood and bowed. The teacher left the room just as the dismissal bell rang.

Sakura turned around in her seat, holding on to the back of her chair. "Hey, Syaoran-kun! Can we walk home together?"

Surprised she had addressed him in the first place, it took him a second to register her question. "Uh, s-sure."

Sakura's bright smile sent him into another wave of shock and confusion. Which was utterly unseen by her as she turned around to gather her materials. He glanced at Tomoyo and Eriol seated next to him in confusion. He was met with bright smiles and a thumbs up from the two causing him to sweatdrop. Further ahead he saw their other group of friends send him encouraging smiles, it seems they also heard Sakura's invitation. Syaoran sighed and finished getting his materials to take home. He promised himself not to get his hopes up, yet his heart sped up in anticipation of what was to come.

The friends walked together up until the gate of the school, where they bid each other farewell. Sakura turned to Syaoran once their friends were some distance away. "Shall we?"

Syaoran nodded, not trusting his voice at the moment.

Sakura happily chatted away as they walked side by side, about anything and everything that popped into her head. The lessons they just had, a new ice cream parlor she and Tomoyo recently found, their upcoming English test, the latest story Yamazaki had told her. Syaoran smiled as he listened to her, content in just being in her presence. He couldn't help but wonder how long it's been since he had seen her smile so brightly.

"Hey, Syaoran-kun, do you mind if we stop by the park on the way home?"

Syaoran couldn't help but smile. He'd go anywhere she'd ask him too. "Not at all."

He could feel his heartbeat drum faster as he realized she was leading him to the swings. She took a seat nearest to her and Syaoran briefly contemplated remaining standing but decided to take the one next to her. Her answer. He was now sure that's what this was about, and he would rather remain seated for the worst possible outcome.

"So, Syaoran-kun," Sakura started after a moment of silence. She was gently rocking back and forth the heels of her foot, her mood calm and thoughtful compared to earlier. "I already told you my side of the story, although that was after we broke up. Do you still believe that I love Eriol-kun as something more than a friend?"

"No," said Syaoran, carefully watching her. "I believe you. From now on, I'll believe anything you tell me, Sakura."

Sakura smiled softly. "I talked to Tomoyo-chan. She told me a bit about what you were feeling before our break-up, but I'd still like to hear your feelings from you. Is it true you thought I was cheating on you with Eriol-kun?"

"Yes," he said in earnest. In an attempt to lift the mood he added, "Kind of foolish, huh?"

Sakura finally lifted her head to face him. He was surprised to find sadness in her green eyes, sending a pang through his heart.

"I'm sorry, Sakura. I shouldn't have doubted you as I did. You told me there was nothing between you two but I...My own jealousy blinded me."

"At first, I couldn't understand why you were. Tomoyo-chan told me that Eriol-kun loved to push your buttons back in grade school, so those feelings from back then came back when he did, right?"

Syaoran nodded.

"But I don't think it's as simple as that. I know you Syaoran-kun, and you wouldn't have gone as far as you did just because you were jealous of Eriol-kun." Sakura stopped rocking and locked eyes with him. "I'm sorry, too, Syaoran-kun. I hurt you first. I broke your heart first by putting Eriol-kun's feelings before yours. He needed me to be there for him at that time, I was the only one who knew what was going on. But even so, I should have asked if I could tell you the truth sooner instead of putting you to the side."

Syaoran reached over to wipe a tear that had escaped. He could tell she was trying to hold herself back from crying, but it was getting too much for her to bear.

"Don't blame yourself, Sakura. It's not your fault; I'm the one who broke it off between us, I'm the one who hurt you."

"Only because I hurt you first," Sakura countered. "My actions caused you to doubt me."

"Sakura…"

"You know, I wasn't planning on letting you know my memories of you returned. Or Tomoyo-chan, but she found out on her own."

"You weren't?"

He hoped his tone didn't sound as hurt as it did in his ears. The last thing he wanted was to make her feel guilty.

"If Tomoyo-chan hadn't encouraged me to, I might have never told you. I convinced myself that it would be better that I continued as if I didn't remember you, didn't remember my love for you. That was your wish, after all." Sakura began to rock back and forth once more, her eyes finding her shoes. "Also, if I did that, it would be easier for you to date freely again. I thought it would be better for when you find someone else you like more than me."

Syaoran stood up and grabbed the chain of her swing, stopping its movements. Sakura looked up in surprise. His eyes once bright as ember were now somber as they bore into hers.

"Sakura," he said, his voice reflective to his eyes. "I won't ever find anyone I like more."

"Who's to say you wouldn't have?"

"I am."

Sakura's breath caught.

"I didn't know your memories of me returned until you told me. When Tomoyo-chan and I had already separated, I was determined to do anything to get them back. And if I couldn't do that, I was willing to do everything I can to get you to fall in love with me again. I was not about to let you go a second time, not if I saw there was still a chance for us. I would have fought for us. I would've done anything to return your smile."

Sakura's eyes watered. She blinked, meaning to stop them, but it had the opposite effect. Syaoran's free hand reached to caress her cheek, his gentle thumb stroking her tears away.

"Yet lately, it seems all I'm capable of is making you cry." His eyes softened. "I can't help but think you're the one who's better off finding someone else to love."

Sakura had become paralyzed.

"All you have to do is say the word, and I'll disappear. You deserve all the happiness this world has to offer."

"You say that like you can't offer me that anymore," she said.

"I would offer my soul if you asked, Sakura," he answered. "But to have you unhappy by my side would be unfair to you. I don't want that for you."

"And if I were the happiest at your side?" she asked, standing up to meet him.

Syaoran stared at her, his mouth parting soundlessly. He did not know how to respond to this, he was not sure what she meant, so he remained quiet.

"Do you remember...when we talked here?" she said. "Back in grade school? After the school festival?"

Syaoran nodded, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks.

"I stood under the stars with Yukito-san. And he told me my number one person in the world was still out there...And that, when I found him, I'd be his number one person in the world, too."

She let a small smile form, recalling the memory.

"At that time...I didn't really understand what he meant. But then you said—"

"Don't worry, I know you'll find him someday," he finished.

"And I did." Sakura smiled and took his hand in hers. "That person is you, Syaoran-kun. It'll always be you. I want you to stay by my side."

He was stunned. After all he's put her through, he was sure she would choose to leave him.

"I hurt you," was all he said.

"So did I." At his conflicted expression, she added. "Are you not happy?"

"N-no, I am! I just...It's not the outcome I expected, that's all."

His eyes became serious once more.

"I swear to you I won't, but...if I do anything to hurt you or anything is bothering you at all no matter how small, just tell me right away without hiding anything."

"You too, Syaoran-kun."

"Eh?"

"I wish that you, too, would talk to me without hiding anything, Syaoran-kun."

He smiled softly.

"I will, I promise."

"You really had no hope that I would choose to be with you?"

Syaoran's gaze fell to their hands. He intertwined their fingers together, and he couldn't help but sigh in relief. How he missed her gentle touch.

"I couldn't allow myself hope," he answered. "I was afraid if I did, and you decided your life was better off without me...I didn't think I could handle going through that pain again. So I mentally prepared myself for the worst instead."

"I was afraid you would leave me for someone else again, too," she said.

Syaoran looked up in time to be met with a light peck on the lips.

"But now I know I won't lose you."

Syaoran stared at her smiling face, taking in everything. Finally, his lips pulled up into a loving smile, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, one hand caressing the back of her head.

"You won't. I absolutely will not let you become unhappy. Absolutely not."

"Syaoran-kun." Sakura buried her face into his chest. "I love you, Syaoran-kun."

"I love you, too, Sakura."

They stayed there in each other's embrace, neither wanting to be the one to let go first. Syaoran's eyes opened when he heard something like a high-frequency whistle. He tightened his hold on Sakura as if to protect her from whatever was coming. Confused, Sakura turned her head to look at him.

"I don't think we're alone," he said.

Her face became hot as she looked around, she caught a flicker of light from behind a bush some distance away.

"There," she said, pointing in the direction of the light.

Syaoran moved to stand in front of Sakura, ready to protect her from whatever was there.

"Looks like we've been found," came a voice from the tree next to the bush.

Eriol stepped out from behind the tree just as Tomoyo stood from behind the bush, her trusty camcorder in hand.

"Tomoyo-chan!? Eriol-kun!?" Sakura exclaimed in surprise.

Syaoran brought a hand to his head. He should've known.

Tomoyo laughed. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan, but I wasn't able to record either of you confessing to each other the first time. There's no way I was going to miss this opportunity!"

The two blushed.

"Besides, we're not the only ones who were expecting a happy ending. Isn't that right, everyone?"

On the other side, Yamazaki, Chiharu, Naoko, and Rika emerged from under the King Penguin slide and other playground equipment.

"There's no reason to have outed us like that, Eriol-kun," Chiharu retorted.

Eriol only smiled.

"Everyone," Sakura said, not sure if she should feel touched or embarrassed. "You were all here this whole time?"

"Like Tomoyo-chan and Eriol-kun, we wanted to witness the happy moment when you two get together," Naoko said.

Rika nodded. "Li-kun may have been skeptical, but we had enough hope for him."

Syaoran's blush deepened. Sakura noticed and took his hand in hers in encouragement. But that only caused him to become redder.

"We couldn't hear everything said between you two, Eriol-kun and Tomoyo-chan's hiding place seems a lot better," Yamazaki said. "But when we saw you two hug, we knew you had made up."

"Oh, it was wonderful to witness! Especially Sakura-chan's kiss to Li-kun!" Naoko said, stars in her eyes.

This time it was Sakura's blush that increased. Syaoran pulled her head close to her chest as if shielding her from any further embarrassment, but that only caused their group of friends to coo at the gesture, making him the one embarrassed.

Chiharu nodded. "But in all honesty, we're happy for you both. Congrats on getting back together!"

Syaoran looked at everyone's smiling faces and smiled. "Thank you for believing in me when I didn't."

"Well, if it's Sakura-chan we're talking about…" Tomoyo said and looked at Eriol.

Eriol nodded in silent agreement. "There's no doubt you are her number one. There's no way she wouldn't have chosen you, isn't that right, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura hugged Syaoran, hiding her face into his chest once more and nodded. Syaoran, overcome with love, returned her embrace.

There were misunderstandings, and a lot had happened, but everything was cleared up now. Eriol had been able to confess and have Tomoyo fall in love with him. And he and Sakura were able to get back together. He couldn't believe he could be this happy again.

From now on, everything would surely be alright.

Anonymous Reviews from Chapter 21

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Well, that's it! I hope the ending was satisfying enough. At first, I was struggling with it, which is why it took so long. The latest CCS Clear Card chapter (43) helped spark how I wanted to end it, and with what I wrote in the last chapter, it seemed fitting. I'm personally satisfied with it, so I hope you can like it as well. I know it was a crazy ride with a lot of waiting, but thank you for reading. Those you supported me through your reviews and encouraging me to continue writing in PMs thank you so much. Just knowing there was still someone out there waiting on this story motivated me to continue. Again, so sorry for making you all wait, I hope the ending was okay ^-^

As I stated before, my other on-going fanfic Middle of Nowhere is put on indefinite hiatus. Even though this one finished, I am still going through and kind of rewriting the whole thing for Middle of Nowhere. That story kind of took on a life of its own and swayed away from what I had planned initially, characters I wanted to be introduced earlier just… never happened, I was disappointed in myself with how much it changed. So I am now taking my time with it and carefully making sure I am satisfied with each chapter and what I originally wanted to happen in each one to move the story along better. Of course, a few songs have changed as well. There are already two completely new chapters written, and I am so happy with how it's turning out so far. So once I have enough written where I can upload them at a frequent enough time frame, I will begin to repost that story. I am always thinking of how to improve myself and my stories so as not to disappoint those who come across them and take their time to read them.

Thank you for continuing to stick by me. I love you all!

Sakura-chan Master of the Clow