Hey guys! Been meaning to write stuff up for a while, but you know how life loves to get in the way :) Anyway here's something new I've been thinking about for a while. Review and tell me what you think :) btw... Characters are a little OOC in this fic to fit the extremeness of it. Syaoran is meaner (but only for a little :)), Meiling is nice and bouncy (something I would imagine Tomoyo being instead, but she's a vital part so she can't come in just yet), Yelan is also nice and more laid back and very maternal...think that's it! On with the story...

Beauty and the Beast

Chapter 1

The slap sent a sharp pain through her cheek and threw her upon the floor. Disbelieving, emerald eyes stared wide in shock as the girl stared up at her attacker. Her stepmother breathed heavily above her, eyes red with hate. At the tender age of 11, Sakura had never seen such hatred. She felt her first real taste of fear and suddenly the sting on her cheek didn't seem to matter anymore. The woman advanced on her and she instinctively started backing up until she reached the wall. Her stepmother's finger was suddenly in her face, shaking madly.

"Why you ungrateful child!" Sakura was hauled up by her shirt until she could barely touch the floor. A small cry escaped her lips and she felt the sting of a slap once more. Tears fell from her eyes and the woman threw her up against the window. Dots of black played in her vision and she felt her feet leave the floor. "I'll show you how to be grateful!" Sakura felt the woman drag her to one of the back bedrooms and the door slammed shut with finality. Sakura cried out once more as another slap stung her face. And another. And another... until darkness became her refuge.

5 years later

Sakura stirred to the loud blaring of cars and trucks outside her bedroom window. The sun was barely above the horizon and the morning air was cool, making her shiver. She heard a crash from downstairs and immediately jumped up, throwing clothes on, quickly washing her face, and running her fingers through her hair. The faster she completed her morning ritual, the faster she was out of the evil house, where she was unfortunately an inhabitant for the next two years. She grabbed her book bag and made a mad dash for the window as angry footsteps were heard coming up the creaky attic stairs. She descended the tree that was a heaven sent to be placed right underneath the attic window, and took off running down the street as she heard her name screamed from her bedroom window.

The voice belonged to her stepmother, Lalan, the woman her father had married about a year before his accident at a dig site. A slip and fall of nearly fifty feet cause such severe internal bleeding that she couldn't even say goodbye to his smiling face, instead she was allowed a couple minutes at his wake alongside the evil stepmother's atrocious wailing. The woman turned ugly after that. Sakura's father didn't change the will so Lalan's name appeared no where on it. The only thing that was asked of her was that she take care of Sakura until either she turned 18 or until her cousin's moved back into town. The woman could only stare at the 10-year-old with disgust as this was being asked of her. Her father had granted her guardianship, but barely left any money to sustain her current living let alone take care of another individual. They were forced to move closer to town and into a small, more rundown house in order to continue living. And Lalan blamed Sakura. For everything.

The first time she hit her, Sakura was still getting used to her dad not being around. It was a scant couple of days after the funeral and the house was all ready up for sale. They were seated down at the table eating a meager meal and Sakura had asked for seconds on food. Lalan told her no even though there was enough for seconds. But Sakura persisted, and when Lalan couldn't take it anymore, she dragged her into the hallway and struck her until she passed out. When Sakura woke up the next day, her face was so bruised that she couldn't attend school without many questions and stares, so she stayed home, and it made it easier that Lalan had decided to vacate. She didn't come home for days.

And when she did, nothing was the same. Lalan quit her job and took up drinking. Anything set her off into a fit of kicks and punches, and she hit whatever was within her reach. Sakura tried her best to figure out what would make her happy, but it angered Lalan even more. Sakura then learned if she were to survive, she would have to take care of herself. When she was younger, it was hard for her to escape Lalan's grasp, but now she was sixteen and kept herself busy in high school, only to come home for sleep, showers, and clothing. It was an unfortunate event for her if she came home for anything other than that. Sakura shuddered at the thought, since she felt the repercussions days earlier. Lalan had remarried when she was 14 and the man she chose was a sick, sadistic man, who loved to beat up on her, but at least he hadn't over stepped his boundary. This mere thought forced Sakura to stop and visibly shake. She wouldn't put it past the fucker.

She stopped into a small corner store and used the bathroom to freshen up. She noted that she needed a shower and to wash her clothes, but she would have to scope out the house before she set foot back in it. Lalan would pass out sometime during the afternoon and if she timed it properly, she could easily get in without getting caught. She pondered the thought for a couple more minutes before walking the rest of the way to school.

School.

She hated it and the people who went there, but she only had two years left until she graduated and could leave Lalan's care forever. To this she smiled. She would deal with the crap at school until she graduated, and in the end, it would pay off.

She reached the gates of the Tomoeda High School and prayed that no one mess with her today. It was definitely a normal occurrence since people weren't happy just being nice. They had to fuck with someone to make the day better, and that someone was her. She wasn't the prettiest and really didn't care what she wore since it was more for survival and not to please anyone, and she definitely filled the role of nerd well by getting the best scores in every subject. She didn't care because all of it went towards a bigger purpose. To get out of Lalan's house.

She trudged up the steps and continued on to her homeroom. Pushing the door open, she realized she was the first one there, which was grateful since she needed to finish homework to which she started on as soon as she got to her desk in the back corner of the room near the window.

No one paid attention to her as they filed into class. Sakura had just finished the last piece of her homework and was staring outside. The teacher came in and silenced everyone, droning on with announcements. A loud banging jarred Sakura from her reverie, but she groaned when she realized what had caused the commotion.

There standing in the doorway was the tormentor of her everyday life. The biggest player and so called hotshot rich guy that had graced Tomoeda with his godlike presence. Syaoran Li. She turned back to the teacher, who was fuming.

"And to what do we owe your late presence, Mr. Li?" the teacher ground out. Syaoran laughed cockily and started to his seat.

"Aw, Teach, I'm just late. Continue on without me," he laughed, slumping into his seat. The one right behind hers. Sakura heard his mean chuckle and felt the back of her seat press into her back harshly. She sat forward and continued to stare at the teacher, albeit a bit more perturbed since the devil behind her decided to continue fucking with her. She tried to drown out the chuckles from him and the crowd that had turned to watch them. She groaned. And let the day begin.

Lunch didn't come fast enough. When the bell rang from fourth period, Sakura was the first to bolt from her seat. She grabbed her free lunch from the cafeteria and walked to the farthest corner of the school where she could eat in peace. The only people that came out that far were the druggies, who just wanted to get high, but she didn't bother them and they didn't bother her. She climbed into her favorite cherry tree and made work of her free peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It wasn't much and she didn't care for peanut butter, but it was probably the only meal she would have today, so she ate it quickly and left the apple and banana for last to hopefully get rid of the nutty aftertaste. She washed it all down with the small 8 oz water they provided and sighed in contentment at the slight fullness of her stomach.

In fact, she should be used to not eating since Lalan never bought food to put in the refrigerator. The only thing she ever saw was alcohol and some juices that Lalan used for cocktails. It disgusted her and just made her hate Lalan even more. She sold her dad's possessions to pay for her and her new husband's habit, and none of that money went to her or her well being. The clothes she wore were stolen from a donation crate. Thank god that they were from a woman about her size. She was lucky. The clothes were stashed underneath her bed in an unmarked tote so as not to raise suspicion from Lalan and entice a slew of beatings from her. Food was harder to come by, especially on the weekends. She had no friends and no one knew of Lalan's ultimate betrayal to her. They didn't know she was a drunkard and barely ate herself. Sakura sighed leaning against the branches of the tree. She started to steal when she was about 12. That was about when Lalan was fully engrossed into her drinks and never realized anything other than that. Sakura would hop from store to store and only take small things. Enough to not draw suspicion to her. It's been working ever since. And for that she was grateful.

She jumped from the tree and after grabbing her bag, darted towards her next classroom. She was almost there when a hand shot out and grabbed her on her shoulder. She flew backwards and fell harshly on the ground. She tried to get up, but the person kept pushing her down. She heard the snickers and giggles and just sighed at their hate for her.

"Ugh! She's so nasty! Why does she even go to school? She should be working to pay for better clothing or hell even a shower!" one of the girls yelled. If Sakura had to guess as to who it was, it'd be Yumiko, Syaoran's current conquest. She was bratty and bitchy and disgustingly fake. Her friends sniggered. "God, you stink!"

Sakura looked up and smiled. "I do? And here I thought it was just your perfume wafting back in your face." One of the guys kicked her in the ribs and she coughed, keeping the sarcastic smile on her face.

"Ugh, you're disgusting!" one of Yumiko's friends said, standing behind her.

"And I'm surprised you even know what that means." Sakura stood up in the second they tried to retaliate and tried to push her way through them. "Would you move your ass? Some of us actually want to be here." Sakura looked up and saw Syaoran smirking at her. "Just move, seriously. I don't care for your crap, I just want to get to class."

"Well I'm not moving for you, so why don't you move!" He shoved her hard and felt someone's foot trip her. She fell onto the hard pavement and felt the pain explode on her head where she hit it on the ground and her back where Lalan's previous beating hadn't fully healed. She laid there for a second to catch her breath before rolling to the side, coughing, and standing up shakily. She wouldn't let them get to her. She only had two years. Two years and she'd be gone from this awful place.

They took one last look at her and mumbled some retorts before walking into their classroom, and Sakura trudging slowly behind them.

Her back was still sore when the final bell rung. She had cheerleading practice and hoped that it wouldn't bother her too much. She made it to the locker rooms only to hear the high pitches of the squealing girls from inside. They were talking animatedly about something and for a second, Sakura cared as to what it was. She missed having friends to talk and chat with and most of all, their shoulders to cry on when she needed to cry or vent. She escaped to the bathroom where she changed into her gear, which was her freshman sweats and t-shirt. It wasn't hard for her to fit in them since she hadn't gained much weight since her 11th birthday. She heard the door slam. She made sure the stall door was locked and tried to stay as quiet as she could.

"Ugh. I watched Sakura walk in looking as disgusting as ever."

"I think she got her outfit from a dumpster! Did you see how dirty it was!" A chorus of girls responded.

"Why do you think she changes in the bathroom?" A snigger. "You think she's got something? An STD!" Squeals and gasps echoed through the small room. Sakura covered her mouth to keep from gasping herself.

"Ew! No wonder she's so gross! I heard that someone saw lice...you know..." It got quiet. "Down there..." A whisper. The girls screamed.

"I heard warts since she never bathes. Too much time dumpster diving!" The girls laughed and exited the bathroom, their laughs leaving an eerie echo. Sakura choked out a sob and tried to keep her tears at bay. It was hard enough at home with the beatings, she had hoped school would be her refuge, but here was just as worse. Two years...two years. She wiped her tears and changed quickly, washing up in the sink. She threw her book bag into a locker and walked out onto the field where she knew no one would care.

Sakura warmed up quickly and ran her half mile, completing it faster than anyone. She grabbed the lukewarm water from the fountain while the other girls finished and she could have sworn she heard them calling her names behind her back. They probably were.

The coach told the girls that they were practicing their flips today, which made Sakura groan. Those days, since she couldn't afford cold bottles of water, were the toughest. The workout was strenuous and always made her dizzy afterward. But she manned up and got into position, executing the flips perfectly. It went on for another hour and a half and by then, Sakura's vision was swimming. She took large breaths and wiped her brow. Pull through it, she told herself.

Back in the bathroom, she washed her face and gulped the lukewarm water, but that made her vision swim a little more. She grasped the sink to keep herself steady. She decided she needed to get home before she passed out and someone really fucked with her. Grabbing her book bag, she darted out of the locker room.

Walking was a feat. Her body was exhausted. Left foot. Right foot. Left... she stumbled into the concrete wall blocking the street from the nearest housing complex. Breathe. Breathe. She was almost there. Another block. She could make it... She pushed herself off the wall and started walking again. She started crossing the street taking one step at a time. The flashing hand on the other side started flashing and multiplying. She sucked in a breath and watched slowly and painfully as her vision swam and darkened. She felt the cool rush of a shiver right before her body fell in a crumpled mess in the middle of the crosswalk.

Sakura felt the cold water pouring down the side of her face and slop across her forehead. The feeling was odd, but refreshing. The water was wiped from her face. Softly, her eyes fluttered open. Immediately she thought she was dead because standing in front of her was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen besides her late mother who died when she was three. She closed her eyes again and reopened them. The woman was still there.

"Oh crap. I died, didn't I?" The woman smiled, laughing. Even her laugh was beautiful!

"No, honey, you didn't. My driver found you unconscious in the middle of the road and since we have our personal doctor, I brought you here instead of the hospital. I hope that was all right." She laughed lightly again.

Sakura looked at her and nodded. "Yeah that's fine. Thank you." She tried to sit up, but her injury on her back suddenly spiked pain and she fell back onto the mattress. Her face contorted in pain.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?!" Before she could rush out and grab the doctor, Sakura grabbed her arm.

"It's okay," she said, smiling through the pain. "I fell earlier today. I'm just feeling the repercussions of it now." She laughed and the woman look reassured.

"Okay...if you say so." The woman helped Sakura sit up and sat at the end of the bed. "By the way, my name's Yelan. If you need anything, just call me or my niece, Meiling, who's in the next room. I took the liberty of changing your clothes and washing them and the other ones I found in your book bag. I hope you don't mind."

Sakura actually was really happy and the largest smile graced her face. "Oh, thank you. You really didn't have to, but thanks a lot." Yelan chuckled.

"I gave you some of Meiling's old clothes to wear, but...I'm sorry! I didn't even ask what your name was! How rude of me!"

Suddenly Sakura gasped. "Oh no! I'm sorry! That was rude of me! My name's Sakura Kinomoto and thank you so much for your hospitality!"

"You're most welcome, but..." Yelan inched closer to her, making Sakura feel a little uncomfortable. "I don't mean to ask or pry, but I couldn't help but notice the amount of bruises on your body. And you're a little thin... Is everything okay? Do you need someone to talk to?" Sakura immediately felt a little angered at her questions. Yes, things were going on and yes, she had lots of bruises. Yes, she wanted to say something, but she wouldn't. Couldn't. What would they do? Take her away from Lalan and her crazy husband and then what? Foster care? It would be worse. She knew the stories.

She also felt happiness that someone actually cared enough to ask. It was a nice thing that Sakura wasn't used to and the thought almost made her cry.

She looked up at Yelan and smiled. "I fall a lot cause I'm rather clumsy. But thank you for your concern, I really appreciate it. The look that graced Yelan's face told her that she didn't believe her but she didn't press on the matter. Instead, she smiled.

Before she could speak there was a loud knock at the door. The door opened quickly and a black haired teen bounced into the room. "Auntie! Is she awake! You didn't tell me!" The girl was near the bed in a second. Sakura admired her enthusiasm and smiled. The girl took Sakura's hand in hers and beamed at her. "My name is Meiling and I'm so glad you're okay! Auntie and I were in the car when our driver saw you! It's a relief nothing was wrong!"

"Thank you for helping me out and letting me borrow your clothes. I can give them back as soon as my clothes are done and I'll be out of your hair." Yelan and Meiling looked appalled.

"No way! You totally have to stay for dinner! And the clothes, keep them! I was getting rid of them anyway! Oh! I have a better idea! I'll keep them here for when you visit next!" Meiling hugged her tightly and Sakura winced, which Yelan noticed.

"Visit again?" Sakura asked amused.

"Meiling's here for a little while, mostly to keep her cousin company. She'll be attending Tomoeda High School as well, but we're not sure for how long. Maybe until she graduates?" Yelan trailed off.

Meiling bounced. "Is that where you go?!" Sakura nodded.

"I'm a junior this year."

"Sweet! That's what I'm into! Hopefully we're in the same classes! How old are you?"

"16."

Meiling beamed. "Me too! Oh my god! We're gonna be best friends!" Sakura smiled one of the largest smiles since she was 11. This was her first friend since everything fell apart and it made her feel warm inside.

And then her stomach growled. She smiled sheepishly and both Yelan and Meiling laughed. She mumbled an apology, willing her face to not redden. This made them laugh more.

"I set out a towel and fresh clothes in the adjoining bathroom if you wanted to shower or freshen up. When you're finished we can get started on dinner," Yelan said, patting her knee. It was the most maternal gesture that Sakura had experienced since her father died. She felt her cheeks redden and her eyes water a little.

"Thank you both so much for everything. I'll never forget this." The three women stood up and parted ways.

When Yelan closed the door behind her, Sakura entered the bathroom and nearly started to cry at how beautiful it was. She would never find something as accommodating as this and her heart hurt to fully realize that fact.

She gazed at her disheveled appearance in the mirror and was almost appalled at the unsightly face gazing back at her. No wonder people chose to pick on her! She turned away and immediately started the shower, stripping, and stepping into scalding hot water. She adjusted the temperature and relished in the hot water. Her shower at home was set to lukewarm only and it lasted about five minutes before the cold took over. Even though she wanted to just stand there enjoying the hot water, she started washing. She scrubbed her hair and conditioned it, watching as dirt clouded the water. She gasped. She hadn't realized she was really that dirty. She felt her throat close up as an onslaught of new tears threatened to fall. Stop it, she scolded herself. She grabbed the sponge and thoroughly washed her body. Again grime clouded the water, but she didn't pay attention. She shaved her legs with the spare razor and right as the water started to turn cold, she turned the water off, grabbing the plush towel on the door. Even the towels felt beautiful.

The clothes that were left for her was something like the clothes she had worn when she was a child. It was the cutest dress she had ever seen! None of her clothes were considered cute, hell not even considered trendy. She took the dress from the hanger and hugged it to her chest so that she could somehow put into perspective just how hospitable Yelan and Meiling were. She hoped that when she graduated she could repay them with every kindness.

Sakura dressed in her undergarments and pulled the dress over her head, tying the large bow at her back. She patted her hair dry and wiped the mirror. The girl standing there was a complete opposite of the girl who entered. Her hair was brighter and more lively and her skin shined with a brightness she never knew was there. And her eyes. She never knew them to be so bright...

Or that could have been the green fabric of the dress playing off them, but she was amazed at how different she looked. She ran the brush through her long hair and blow dried it with the small drier that was on the counter. Her hair fell in soft waves against her back and it felt like she was really in heaven. She hadn't felt this beautiful since her father died. Sakura hugged herself.

There was a loud rap at the door and it opened to reveal Meiling. Sakura laughed to herself. Did this girl know to wait before opening doors? Meiling gaped at her and Sakura wondered for a sec as to why she was so startled.

"Oh my god," she breathed. "You are so beautiful! You look so different that when you came in!"

"Er...thanks? I think?" Sakura laughed. She followed Meiling back into the bedroom where Meiling pushed her to the vanity.

"Can I put some make up on you? I mean you're beautiful without it, but I bet it'll make your eyes stand out with just a little makeup... I won't put on a lot, I promise!" Sakura didn't even answer as brushes were being swept across her face. This was the first time she had ever worn makeup and the end result, after just eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, and lip gloss, did indeed make her look even more beautiful. She gasped at her reflection and jumped up, grabbing Meiling into the biggest hug.

"Thank you so much, Meiling," she whispered. Meiling smiled and hugged her tightly.

"I told you. We're gonna be best friends, I can tell. I can tell you are a genuine person and I knew from the moment I saw you that we would be close. And you're welcome, but you don't have to keep thanking me!" she laughed. Sakura pulled out of the hug and started laughing.

"You have no idea..." she laughed.

"Okay come on! Help me make dinner!" Meiling yanked her by her wrist out the door.

"How about I make dinner? To thank you and your aunt?" Sakura offered. Meiling shook her head.

"I'm still gonna help!" Sakura laughed.

"Of course."

Sakura decided on making an Italian style dinner of spaghetti, homemade sauce, homemade garlic bread, and a salad. Meiling helped prepare the salad while Sakura boiled the water for the pasta and started on her sauce.

This was the one thing she loved doing with her father. He knew how to cook very well and taught Sakura many recipes. The sauce happened to be one of them, and as she prepared it, she hugged the ladle to her chest, smiling at her memories of him. She almost couldn't believe that her father had fallen in love with someone like Lalan, but love has its mysterious ways. Lalan probably used to be a very nice person, but the alcohol and her lover's death probably hurt her to the point of no return. But that wasn't an excuse, Sakura reminded herself determinedly.

There was a sudden loud pop from the sauce and Sakura smiled, embarrassed. She also needed to stop thinking while cooking. She inwardly laughed. Meiling came up behind her, telling her the salad and garlic bread were finished and that the noodles were almost done cooking. She smiled thanking her and added the last ingredients to the sauce, paying more attention this time.

Yelan came in, noting how wonderful it smelled and set the table for five. As Sakura set the sauce aside, she wondered who the other two people were. Meiling noticed and told her that her cousin and their guardian would soon be joining them. She also told her that her guardian was the driver who noticed her in the street. Sakura made a mental note of this and reminded herself to thank him for his kindness. And as if right on cue, the front door shut heavily and the sound of soft conversation and footsteps were heard from the front hallway.

Meiling bounced off to greet them and Sakura turned her attention to washing up the pans she had used to cook with. She tried not to listen in on the family as she washed, but she did hear lots of groaning and high pitched squeals. Meiling must have hugged her cousin like she had done earlier with her. Sakura laughed a little. She started washing the last dish as the voices got louder.

"It smells great in here!" A new voice yelled. Sakura stiffened. She knew that voice...very, very well, in fact. "Meiling! Please tell me you didn't cook! You nearly killed me last time!" A punch was heard and the group finally made it to the kitchen.

"You are so mean! My new friend made it, thank you very much! But, I helped, so you better be grateful!"

"You're new friend? You haven't even been here a day!" Sakura braced herself. There was no getting out of this now. She slowed started to turn around.

Meiling ran to her and strung her arm around her shoulders. "Syaoran, meet Sakura, my new best friend!"

Realization hit both of them when their eyes met. Syaoran stood rooted to the spot and the only thing he could say was...

"What the fuck are you doing in my house!"