Damaged Goods

Chapter Three

Sakura

Moving day is here, and despite my earlier insistence that I didn't need help I was beginning to wish I had taken Syapran up on his offer. After much huffing and puffing up and down stairs, I had the last box loaded and had just started to do the final sweep. Standing in the doorway I cast my eyes over my now empty bedroom, sad to be leaving what had been my refuge for the last 12 months..

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about my new living arrangement, sure on paper there was no reason that it wouldn't work out. But reality is always something completely different and I wasn't so sure that me and Syaoran would be able to handle each others obvious emotional issues.

I'd been to Syaorans apartment to pick him up a couple of times, but I'd never been past the front door so I wasn't too sure what state the remainder of the apartment would be in. I pictured a typical bachelor pad, street signs and naked girls on the walls, beer cans spilling out of the trash can and probably that typical sweaty boy smell. What I didn't expect was to walk into a clean, semi-stylish living room with no naked women on the walls, only black and white shots of some local landscapes and architecture.

Syaoran came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dishtowel and snorted at my amazed expression. "Not what you were expecting for a 25 year olds apartment?"

I nodded in awe, "this place is something. How the hell do you afford to live here and only charge me $450 a month, you could well let the room out for more than that!"

"The apartment belonged to dad; it was his city apartment for when he had big trials in the city. It was easier for him that making the 3 hour commute back home. After they died, it was in the care of the lawyers and they rented it out until I was old enough to move in myself. Now I rent out the second room because it makes paying the bills easier, and in all honesty I don't like living by myself in this place – it's too big for one person."

"You're insane; I would kill to live in a place like this on my own!" I argue

"That's because your need for socialisation is low on your list of priorities." He quips back, smiling. "But don't worry I'm not going to drag you out to socialise, you can be the apartment hermit if you want."

"As long as being the hermit doesn't entail either cooking or cleaning then I think we can make this work. Now stop standing there gabbing and come give me a hand."

"Thought you didn't need any help," he teased.

"Well I changed my mind."

"Typical woman!"

With Syaorans help, I managed to get everything out of the car and in the apartment within an hour. Unpacking was going to take considerably longer, but that was something I was putting for the foreseeable future. It was something that would keep me occupied when I couldn't face sleep, and being in a strange place was going to knock my sleeping pattern more off kilter than normal.

I padded through to the living room, marvelling at the large open space. It was clean and minimalist but managed to avoid being clinical or cold. The front room had large windows that made the room light and airy, the hardwood floors had rugs scattered across, almost so I could hop from one rug to the other without my feet touching the floor, like little stepping-stones. But the thing that drew my attention the most, mainly because it looked so damn comfortable, was the huge leather recliner that was situated next to a large leather corner suit. I could see myself spending hours relaxing in either chair when ignoring my basic need to sleep in the darkest months. I settled myself down in the recliner, the leather swallowing me and hugging my body. I let out a sigh of contentment as I stretched out and reclined the seat all the way back. This was bliss in its most basic form.

"Why does something tell me I've lost my seat?" Syaoran piped up from the large open kitchen that was behind me.

"Because there is no way anyone is coming between me and this chair without a fight. And don't think you can take me on just because I'm a girl. I would so kick your ass."

Syaoran snorted as walked over, hopping over the back of the sofa and landing with a thump among the cushions. "Once again I would like to point out that I'm not a complete moron."

"Debatable, you've just let a crazy person move in with you. How do you know I'm not going to tie you to the bed and rob you of all your belongings?" I teased.

"Cause you're too lazy to bother doing something that would take that much effort. I'm relaying on your lack of energy in the morning and a good cup of coffee to save me and my stuff from your wrath."

I laugh as I enjoy the simple pleasure that comes from being in someone else's company.

"So have you finished unpacking?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you kidding me – I've barely started unpacking. I'll worry about it later; to be honest it's not going to take long. It is not as if I own a mountain of stuff that needs to be perfectly arranged. Think I would rather spend my time living out of all the boxes than actually face the horrors of unpacking."

"So if you're not unpacking right now then that means we can go out drinking instead?" He questioned. "Not rat arsed drunk obviously because you've got work tomorrow. But a little celebratory drink wouldn't go amiss."

I pull a face, even though going out would be preferable to unpacking, being crammed in an enclosed space with a bunch of drunken people is not. I make a point of avoiding busy places, and a Saturday night in any of the local watering holes is a recipe for disaster.

"I don't know," I say hesitantly, "I think I'd just rather stay in and have a few beers – I'm beat after carrying all those boxes."

Syaoran looks straight through my excuse, raising an eyebrow at me. " Come on, just one drink in a quiet establishment then? I know a place that won't be crammed to the rafters; we can meet up with Eriol and Tomoyo if they're free."

Knowing that I've got to start living again and stop hiding behind my insecurities I agree to go out for 'one' drink as long as I'm given enough time to jump in the shower and change out of my dirty moving clothes. That of course involves finding clean clothes in amongst the packed boxes and finally, after rummaging around I manage to find a clean long sleeved black jumper dress that doesn't have any holes and a pair of black leggings that I can team up with my doc martins. Ok so I'll end up looking some kind of grunge emo kid, but that's about as going-out as my wardrobe selection gets.

After a long hot shower in a shower that actually has water-pressure and I'm regretting my decision to go out, it would be much easier just to curl up on the sofa and veg out with crap TV in the background and a couple of beers. But I've have said yes my pride won't let me back down so I wrap my hair in a towel and pulling my clothes on, checking out my reflection in the mirror. Ok so I look about 15 with my hair wrapped up and no make-up. I'm m not into wearing lots of make-up, never have been, with the exception of a few special occasions. But after looking at my pale skin, the dark shadows under my eyes and the lack of colour in my cheeks I figure that a little make-up will go a long way. That's presuming I don't poke my eye out in the process of applying mascara. Conscious of the fact that I seem to be taking forever in the bathroom and that Syaoran might want to shower I leave to go finish getting ready in my room.

Leaving the bathroom, I chuck my dirty clothes in the washer, making a mental note to unearth my laundry hamper. Syaoran mutters something unintelligible on his way into the bathroom, but I miss what he says because of the water still in my ears. Quickly towel drying my hair I tease apart the knots with my fingers, wishing for the umpteenth time that I hadn't inherited my mother's slightly wavy, unruly, heavy hair. Wandering through to my room, still trying to untangle my hair I eventually locate a hairbrush and attack my hair with vicious strokes, determined that it will untangle itself and behave. I am muttering several choice curses due to its lack of co-operation when Syaoran walks past.

"Don't think I've ever seen you with your hair down." He comments from the doorway.

I spin round, only to be confronted with his half-naked form leaning against the doorframe, towel slung low on his hips. I swallow, willing my jaw to stay where it is and not hit the floor in a drooling mess. I knew he had a nice body from the form fitting t-shirts he wore, but seeing it in the flesh took my appreciation for the male form to a completely new level. He has a perfectly sculpted six pack and that sexy pronounced 'v' shape that outlined his hips. But it was his tattoos that really grabbed my attention, I'd seen the them peeking out from under his shirt, but I had had no idea just how intricate they where, how far they spread or how beautiful they were. The sight in front of me was enough to turn me into a simpering idiot and had to kick myself to stop staring at him. I averted my eyes, forcing myself to look at an invisible marker above his shoulder.

"I don't wear it down that often because it annoys the hell out of me." I managed to force out, my voice sounding breathy and hoarse – great now I sound like some kind of phone girl. I cleared my throat. "That and the ability to do anything with it is lost on me."


Syaoran

I was trying not to stare at Sakura, but it was the first time I'd seen her with her hair down and wearing something other than a baggy sweater. Her hair is so much longer than I'd though, half way down her back and wavy, the deep auburn colour looking darker than normal due to still being wet.

She turns so her back is to me, still wrestling with her hair. "You almost ready?" I ask trying to break the tension that's build up.

"Yea, I just need to blast my hair with a hair dryer and then I'm ready to go." She teases, glancing over her shoulder, "I think at this rate I'm going to be ready before you."

I smile and head down to my room, determined to finish getting ready before Sakura. It was weird having her living here, but not uncomfortable, just different I guess. I'm used to living with other guys, and having a girl in the house, one that I don't plan on dragging into bed is taking a bit more getting used to than I thought.

Dressed and ready to go I wander into the living room. Sakura is slouched on the recliner, her hair still down and curling around her. She seems different and it's not just because she's wearing a dress or has her hair down. She seems softer, less sharp around the edges. I don't know if I'm just imagining it or if it's because our friendship is evolving, but there's something different about both of us.

"Ok, so apparently unlike every other girl on the planet you've managed to get ready before me." I joke, her head snapping up like she was deep in thought. "So what do you say we get this show on the road. I've spoken to Eriol and Tomoyo and they're going to meet us down there."

She smiles at me, her green eyes sparking but nervous and I feel bad for dragging her out. Eriol has mentioned previously how she hates social situations and that was the reason for her behaviour towards me the first time we met. But by the time I consider this we're already out the door and heading down to the small local bar at the bottom of the street.


Sakura

Syaoran was right when he said he knew a place that wouldn't be crowded, and after a couple of beers, I find that I'm actually enjoying myself. Tomoyo and Eriol where provided just enough distraction to my random thoughts and I felt like I was could breathe properly for the first time in weeks.

I was on my third beer, starting to feel a little tipsy when I felt a chill drift over me, almost like someone had walked over my grave. I stood up to look around, my eyes landing on someone I went to high school with. I could feel the blood drain from my face as I sat down with a thud. This was not good. The last thing I needed was for my new housemate to meet one of the viscous rumour spreaders that had made the last couple of years of high school hell on earth. I prayed that I wouldn't be noticed, and shrunk myself down behind Syaorans large frame.

Of course wanting someone not to see you when you were purposefully avoiding them is a bit like asking the pope to agree to same sex marriage. A ludicrous request and damned unlikely to happen.

"Well well, look who we have here." A voice boomed across the room, making me visibly shirk. "If it isn't litte Sakura Kinomoto, long time no see."

I force myself to smile nicely; he's drunk so if I'm lucky maybe he'll play nice. "Hi Tomasu," I manage sweetly. "Nice to see you too."

"Never said it was nice to see you," he snorts, destroying any notion I had that this was going to be a pleasant conversation. "Honestly thought you'd have landed yourself in the loony-bin by now."

I feel Eriol tense next to me and I lay a hand on his arm, a bar fight is the last thing any of us needs to happen. I look at him beseechingly, praying that he'll keep his hot headed temper under control. Of course I was so busy keeping an eye on Eriol that I didn't see Syaoran jump to my defence. Though when I say jump I really mean stand up slow and stand towering over Tomasu looking like he might rip his head off.

Unfortunately, Tomasu is already too drunk to realise that he's managed to piss of someone that could take him down with both hands behind his back and continues to spout abuse at me. "I mean, seriously, the only thing anyone thought you were any good for was a quick screw. You remember those days don't you Sakura?"

Syaoran starts to moving toward Tomasu, his intent clear. Eriol jumps up to restrain him, but what none of them see, or expect, is my fist flying towards Tomasu's ugly face. I feel his nose crumple as it connects with my knuckles, as satisfying pop as blood starts pouring out of his nose. I hate punching people because it makes my fairly small hands swell to the size of a tennis ball, but this time I'm more than happy to make an exception.

"You stupid bitch!" Tomasu roars, advancing towards me, his white t-shirt now stained with blood. "You punched me!"

I smirk, no longer afraid of him or what he represents, the adrenaline pushing back any fears or doubts I may have had. "Yes I punched you, I should have punched you years ago, but I figured being a shit lay was probably enough of a blow to your ego."

Tomasu lunges at me, but before I can step aside and kick his drunken ass to the kerb, Syaoran steps in. I can see a look of horror spread across his face as her realises I'm no longer the one he's lunging at, but he's mid lunge and unable to stop, especially given his intoxicated condition. He ploughs into Syaoran who sends him sprawling, arms and legs flailing wildly on the way down. Syaoran towers over Tomasu's now prone form that is visibly cowering on the floor in front of him.

"You don't ever speak to a lady that way!" He spits out, neck muscles corded in anger. "I don't care if she's a no good, two bit prostitute trying to turn a trick. You keep those thoughts to yourself."

Tomasu sneers at Syaoran and shoots me a dirty look. "Alright mate, I got it. I won't mention anything about the lazy, no good, two bit prostitute that you call a girlfriend."

Stupid boy never knew when to keep his mouth shut.

Syaoran goes for him, the anger and disgust evident on his face, but has to struggle against Eriol is now restraining him and preventing all hell from breaking loose. I'll admit, in some respects I want to Eriol to let him go so I can watch Tomasu get beaten to a pulp. But the sensible part of my brain reminds me that landing my new housemate in jail the same day I move in may make living together more awkward. I step over Tomasu's cowering form until I'm right up in Syaorans face. My arms are crossed in front of my chest and although I'm not showing it I'm fricking terrified that I won't be able to calm him down.

"It's not worth it. He's not worth it. Let's just get our things and go. I'd rather not be breathing the same air as the pond scum that's lying on the floor behind me." I look straight into his fiery amber eyes, praying that my words will get through and that he'll listen to me. I've seen people blow up like this before; it's not always easy to make them see sense, especially when said pond scum is still breathing.

I take a deep breath and place my hands on his chest, pushing against him, trying to get him away from the potential carnage. It's the first time I've ever actually really touched and I'm surprised at the sparks that seem to be flying between us. It seems to clear some of the anger and he looks down at my hands, tiny in comparison to his large muscular build. He shoots one last angry pointed look at Tomasu before grabbing my right hand and dragging me along behind him out of the building onto the sidewalk.


Syaoran

The cold air hits me like a brick wall, and I let it cool my hot temper. That jackass in there has made my blood boil, I can't remember the last time I actually wanted to beat someone to a bloody pulp. And the way he spoke to Sakura, Christ, if people spoke to me like that every time I went out I would have issues with socialising with anyone.

"What the hell!" She shouts, her anger getting the better of her. "I had it under control, you didn't need to step in and rescue me. I'm not some damsel in distress that needs to be saved." She is now full out screaming at me and I'm fighting to keep my temper under control.

"I know you had it under control, so forgive me for jumping in like I did. I just don't like anyone talking to any of my friends like that, male or female. I would have done the same thing for Eriol." My words come out calm and measured as I fight to keep a lid on my temper.

"You just need to let me fight my own battles." She replied same calm, measured tone. "But I appreciate you sticking up for me, even though you didn't have too."

I nod knowing that it's a good as apology as I'm going to get. It's only now I realise that I'm still holding her hand, we were both so riled up that neither of us had noticed. She drops it like a hot coal, making a show of rubbing her hands together like they're cold. I can still feel the warmth of her touch like she's still holding my hand and it makes me feel uneasy. She seems to be working her way into my head and I'm not sure how comfortable I am with it.

Eriol and Tomoyo come and join us a couple of moments later, Eriol shooting me a grateful look for intervening earlier before pulling Sakura to one side and talking to her.

"I know she would never say it but thank you for sticking up for her, she's not used to people sticking up for her so she doesn't know how to react." Tomoyo says quietly, her amethyst eyes seeing straight past any bullshit .

"Thanks Tomoyo, and I know her type, hell I'm one of them – I'll never back down from a fight even when I end up getting the snot beaten out of me."

Sakura and Eriol come back over, Sakura looks drained and tired, as if shouting at me has taken it out of her. I know it's just the adrenaline wearing off, but I feel bad nonetheless.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm just going to head home. I'm tired from shifting boxes round and I just want to crash out for a few hours." She states, leaving no room for argument.

Eriol and Tomoyo say their goodbyes, their evening now soured by the earlier altercation and rest of the walk home with Sakura is quiet and slightly awkward. I was sort of hoping that this stage in our friendship would not happen quite as quickly as it did, but then again put two hot tempered, stubborn individuals in a confined situation and one of us was going to end up blowing up eventually.

Getting inside she flops down on the recliner, twirling a strand of hair between my fingers something I've noticed she only does when she's upset or worried. The silence in the house is almost oppressive, neither of us willing to back down. I slump on the sofa, turning the TV on to fill the void. We both sit like that for what seems like forever, but in reality is only a couple of minutes.

"I know you can take care of yourself," I eventually say, desperate to break the silence and diffuse some of the tension. "I've just spent so many years watching people have the shit kicked out of them because they dared to stand up to the bullies and I forgot that you're one of the people that doesn't need any help to stand on her own two feet."

"Thank you," She forces out. "And I'm sorry I blew up at you after. I'm just not used to people jumping in to fight my battles for me."

"I know. Like I said, I didn't mean to imply that you can't take care of yourself. I'm just not a fan of people shooting their mouths off at my friends for no reason. Who was that guy anyway?"

She rolls her eyes, "his name is Tomasu Hiroki; he was in the year above me and captain of the football team."

"So what did you do to make him hate you as much as he does?"

"I like how you automatically assume that I did something to make him hate me." She says jokingly and I raise an eyebrow. "Fine, I kicked him in the balls when he tried to shove his tongue down my throat after a football game."

I burst out laughing and the tension in the room dissolved completely. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"Some people just drive me to violence. And men that think they can get away with taking whatever they want when they want are fall into that category," she mutters wryly. "Plus he was an over-confident jock that needed taking down a peg or two; personally I think I was doing all women everywhere a service."

"Well if you hadn't have taken him down a peg or two I can guarantee someone would have done so eventually."

"I just never understood why intelligent girls always threw themselves at men like him." Sakura muses. "It's certainly not their mental capacity. Three years later and he's still thick as pig shit, picking fights he doesn't have a hope in hell of wining. I don't see the link between catching a football and being a good boyfriend." I snort at my response, making her smirk. "You where a high school footballer weren't you?" She asks, her expression making me chuckle.

"Yes I was, I was even captain of the football team." I tease as she buries her face in her hands in shame.

We lapse back into silence, the TV blaring in the background. Sakura falls asleep after a while with CSI playing in the background. I leave her where she is, I don't want to freak her out by waking her, so I make my way to my own room, my bed calling me.


AN: as always R&R

I love reviews - they make me happy

dk xx