storypaint | Don't Cry (Syaoran/Sakura)

Comm: 30_tears, 20loves
Words: 200
Title: Don't Cry
Author: rhap_chan
Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura
Pairing: Li Syaoran/Kinomoto Sakura
Challenge #: 9 for 20loves(1st table)
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to CLAMP.

I hated to see her cry. I couldn't stand it! When we were catching cards and she became upset I always attempted to dry her tears.

There is no need to cry. I'm here, I wanted to say. I'll keep you safe.

Now that all was said and done, and nothing could be changed, I had to leave. My family waited for me, a family with a mother who discourages tears and four sisters who never cry.

She was the first I knew to cry so openly, and to find it healing. She never tried to oppress her unhappiness.

She gave me courage: I couldn't bear to write and say I would never return, for I knew her next letter would be tearstained, and she shouldn't have to cry about me. When I spoke with my mother and she didn't scold me for losing the cards, I knew that she understood. She didn't make it easy, but she finally let me go.

Her face when she finally glimpsed me and heard my words-- I'm staying-- was the best gift she had ever given me. I tucked her into my arms and kissed the top of her head and thought:

If I had known that simply loving you was enough to keep you from crying, I would have done that long ago.