Seven
"Syaoran-kun… Syaoran-kun, please wake up!" someone's voice said somewhere far off. "Please, Syao-kun!"
Then the someone was shaking me by the shoulders. I sat up and opened my eyes and mouth to tell them to lay off, but I suddenly couldn't breathe— the somebody was hugging me very tightly, and if the wet feeling of my ruined jacket wasn't blood, they were crying too.
"Syaoran-kun!"
It was Sakura holding me so tightly.
"I thought you were dead 'cause there's blood all over your shirt and I got rid of the thing but I'm so sorry!" she said into my shirt.
"I'm still alive," I winced. "What are you sorry for?"
"Because that thing hurt you and I almost couldn't stop it!"
"It wasn’t your fault. And I
think you're going to ruin your beautiful dress if you don't let go of me."
Inside I was wishing she'd hold me forever, but it wasn't practical.
"It doesn't matter I've got a change Syaoran-kun are you okay?" she said, running her sentences together.
She pulled back, frowning, and looked me over.
"Where did that beast get you?"
"I'm okay," I said automatically. "See, you did ruin your dress. I'd give you my jacket except it's in the same shape."
"Forget the dress!!! No, you're not okay," she said stubbornly. "Give me your jacket."
I pulled it off and handed it to her.
"What for?"
"Bandages."
"I said I'm okay!" I insisted.
Solemnly she reached out and poked me where the monster had attacked me that last time.
It felt like my side was on fire. When the pain subsided, she gave me a meaningful look.
"You're not okay," she said with some finality, "but you'll live, thank Kami-sama."
I sighed and agreed meekly, "I'm not okay," because she seemed to expect it.
So she bandaged my side and my arm. Then she sat back on her heels and regarded me with a serious look in her eyes.
"Syaoran-kun, why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you do that? Save me?"
"It's my job."
"That's not it."
I could feel my resistances weakening and when she smiled the battle was lost.
"Please, Syaoran-kun, tell me."
My insides churned. I decided to tell her.
"Because I… Because I…"
"Sakura-chan!" another voice said cheerfully and Daidouji walked out of the darkness.
"Tomoyo-chan?"
"What's going on? Never mind, tell me later… They're announcing the winners."
She hauled Sakura to her feet and I rose as well.
"Winners?"
"The cutest couples contest! Come on!"
She had a strong grip for someone like her and pulled us back into the school quickly. The DJ was just beginning.
"For the fourth grade, our winners are… Kei Hanmyo and Hawking Jim!"
They applauded the couple, a boy who really needed a haircut and his blushing black—haired girl. ƒ♪This isn't really a crossover; I just needed some couples… Jim and Hanmyo are one of my best friend's fave couples. ^_^ƒ♪
"For sixth grade, we've got Usagi and Manmoru!" ƒ♪See above…ƒ♪
"And for the fifth grade our winners are… Oh dear, we've got a tie! Please applaud Mihara Chiharu and her boyfriend Takashi Yamazaki! And also…"
Dear gods, I don't believe this.
"Li Syaoran and Kinomoto Sakura!"
A spotlight picked us out of the crowd. I winced at the attention, knowing my face was the brightest red possible.
I almost couldn't look at Sakura but was somewhat placated by the fact that her face was as red as mine.
♪Somewhere down along the line
I guess that love became a crime
This is punishment
I feel like this is Judgment Day
I'll raise my hand stand up and say
"This is punishment
This is—punishment."♪
I stood there lost in thought until Sakura poked me in my uninjured side.
"Syaoran-kun!" she hissed. "I think we're 'sposed to dance."
"What? Oh…"
A slow song was playing through the speakers.
Oh.
So she put her arms on my shoulders and I my hands upon her slender waist, and we moved together. I figured that Daidouji and Hiiragizawa were watching somewhere, snickering, but for once I didn't care. I was lost in the moment.
Her body fit against mine perfect, and she laid her head upon my shoulder with a happy sigh.
"Even thought we're just friends, Syaoran-kun, I'd rather be here with you that with anyone else. Thanks for coming. I thought you might not want to…"
"Anything for you," I whispered, almost drunk on happiness.
Punishment? Well, yes… but as I stood there I decided that it was the best punishment in the world.
ƒ♪As originally sung…ƒ♪
♪I thought that this was 'sposed to
Feel good
And if you were really mine I
Guess it would
I didn't fall in love
'Cause it's the right thing to do
I just went ahead and
Fell for you
(Chorus)
Somewhere down along the line
I guess that love became a crime
This contradiction makes no sense
This is punishment
I feel like this is Judgment Day
I'll raise my hand stand up and say
"I don't believe I'm innocent
This is— punishment."
Truth is your heat was never
Mine to take
Stuck in a feeling that I'll
Never shake
I pray for it to go
God knows I want it to stay
But here I am loving you
Either way
(Chorus)
You'll never feel
All the things I can't say
And I'll never know if it's
Better this way
Somewhere down along the line
I guess that love became a crime
This contradiction makes no sense
This is punishment
I feel like this is Judgment Day
I'll raise my hand stand up and say
"I don't believe I'm innocent—"
Somewhere down along the line
I guess that love became a crime
This is punishment
I feel like this is Judgment Day
I'll raise my hand stand up and say
"This is punishment
This is— punishment."♪
ƒ♪Rhapsody: My first songfic! You absolutely must hear this song: it totally rocks! It's on the CD "The Whole Shebang." Shedaisy is awesome! Visit shedaisy.com for more info.
Starsong: Review at
Drummergirl7@msn.com.
Rhapsody: If you've got any songfic ideas and you don't want to write 'em, I'm interested! This was a blast! Bye y'all, now!
Starsong: **to self** I'm hiding all the sugar. **sweatdrop** Good night, folks.ƒ♪