My Paper Heart
Epilogue
The Madam and I

Asuna leaned her head on the table. She shifted position placing her hand underneath her chin. Sheepishly smiling she said to her father "Papa, can I go now?"

His eyebrows descended "Come on, I thought you like parties."

"I do…it's just…this is boring." She whined.

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. Syaoran woke Asuna from her nap. He needed help planning her mothers' birthday party. She had been in a coma for two months and he was more than willing to make it special for her. He never considered himself to be the type of man who thinks he understands women. He was clueless on the subject.

"So what do you think, should we have a theme?" he asked the confused little girl whose idea of a great party was balloons and magicians.

She shrugged "It depends on how much you are willing to spend." She said suddenly pretending to know what he expecting of her.

He watched her then smirk "Fine, go back to bed…I'll figure it out. Just remember it's a surprise. Don't tell your mama."

She nodded hard and smiled when she heard the sound of the front door open "That's her!" she yelled elated bouncing off the chair.

She ran to the door and was embraced my two gentle arms "Papa is making you a birthday party. He asked me for help!" she said without any hesitation.

One of Sakura's eyebrows rose as she scrutinised Syaoran who was now standing before them. He slipped his hands into his pocket. He had a firm smirk on his face that always reminded people of how drop dead gorgeous he was "Oh Asuna, you can't keep a secret."

"You never said it was a secret, you said it's a surprise." She said in a charade mellow tone.

Sakura kept her eyes fixed on Syaoran. She released Asuna "I thought we talked about this, no party. Sometimes I think you don't listen to me when I speak."

He ran his hands through his hair "Well Babe, I want this to be special for you."

"You two are special to me. Nothing can be better." She finally smiled. "Asuna, why don't you go to your room and get ready for dinner."

Asuna frowned "But it's not time for dinner yet."

"Well…go play with your toys. We would like to have a grown up talk." Sakura looked at Syaoran for a second then back at Asuna.

"Okay…fine…." She said unwillingly.

They watched her go upstairs and waited for the sound of her door slamming. The second they did, Sakura walked into Syaoran's arms. She snaked her hands around his neck and without him realising it, she forced him against the wall.

"I missed you." She whispered "All I could think of all day was you and the feeling of your body against mine." Sakura had defiantly surprised him the past few weeks. She told him that she was making up for all those times they could have been making love. She might have been such a lady in public but in bed, she was something else. Syaoran could not complain, she was everything he wanted.

Syaoran leaned closer to her face "I missed you too." He gently kissed her rosy lips.

A lot had changed since Sakura came out from the hospital. She was happier that she had ever been. Tomoyo lived a few miles from her, she was working on her first Manga, was co-owner of Tomoyo's company and she had all the love in the world from her boyfriend and daughter. She was able to break away from that coy girl she used to be.

As their tongues clashed in a passionate kiss, she gently pressed her body against his wanting him to feel her breasts on his chest knowing the reaction she would earn from it. He moaned into the kiss then reluctantly they both pulled away.

"I need to go change. These shoes are killing me; you won't believe what Tomoyo wanted to make me do today. "

He chuckled expecting the worst. "Is she still making you take pictures in her latest designs?"

"She made me wear this dress made out of plastic and she hired a photographer to come take pictures outside."

"It's like nothing ever changed. Sometimes this doesn't feel real."

She smiled at him; her hands were still around his neck "Yeah." She said in a half whisper. She hugged him "I love you so much."

He held her in his arms closing his eyes "and I you."

After dinner, while Asuna coloured in her colouring book, the couple could not help but reminisce about the past. Syaoran sat across her with a glass of wine in his hands. He laughed heartily as Sakura explained to him her attempts to get him to see her as more than a friend.

"Remember that day I wore make up to school and heels." She told him.

He nodded immediately breaking into laughter, he remembered it clearly. She wore so much make up, she looked like a hooker. "Yeah, how can I possibly forget that?"

"It was for you." She said dryly hitting his shoulder. "I wanted to show you that I was not just your friend, I wanted you to see me for me. Instead you said I looked horrible." She pouted.

"Well, you kinda did." He said trying not to laugh. "But…it was cute." He added…"now that I think of it."

Sakura took a sip of her wine "Guys can be so insensitive." She commented feeling irritated "And you wonder why women act the way they do."

"I was young, if I'd realised it earlier…" he's words were cut off.

"Let's just say my father would have killed you."

He paused and his face turning bright red. She poked his cheek with her finger and giggled "Uh, how cute, you're blushing."

Asuna ambled into the room. She yawned and climbed on to the chair leaning her head on her mother's lap. "I'm so sleepy." She said.

"It's past your bedtime." Sakura stroked Asuna's long chestnut hair.

"Do I still have to go to Aunt Tomoyo's house after school?"

Syaoran nodded "Yeah, why, I thought you liked her."

"I do." She said softly "But whenever Eriol comes she stops paying attention to me. She only talks to him.

Syaoran chuckled then looked at Sakura who had a similar expression on her face. Slowly she fell asleep. Syoaran carried her upstairs and put her to bed. When he walked into their bedroom, he found Sakura sitting at the edge of the bed. She stared at him anxiously "Is she asleep."

He nodded "Dead asleep."

With those words she quickly started to undress "I can't wait any longer." He locked the door and before he knew it, she was in his arms kissing him like her life depended on it. They moved to bed and Sakura was in full control. She helped him take his clothes off. While she nibbled unto his ear he suddenly said to her "Are you sure you don't want a party…." Then he groaned "Oh, that feels good."

"Yap." She said quickly grabbing his lips with hers. When she left his mouth, he asked "But I already got caterers and I've told a few people."

Slightly frustrated she muttered "Call it off."

Suddenly her face disappeared under the sheets. He could feel her lips on his chest and she moved down to his torso. He could not help but moan after each kiss "But…" he paused "Oh yes…" he took a deep breath trying to enjoy what she was doing and convince her to let him throw a party for her at the same time "Honey, I just can't do that."

She stopped kissing him and said "You know I'm not into that stuff, you know big parties and besides it's the first time I'm meeting your family since before Asuna was born. Your mother is nice but she scares me sometimes. Like that one time she said that I bring out the worst in you."

"She wasn't serious and besides, she wants to see Asuna."

"Fine with me, she can see Asuna but we don't need to have a party." Sakura progressed. He face came out from underneath the sheets. She kissed his lips then said "What if they hate me for marrying Ian?" Her features softened and for the first time he understood why she was not so keen on meeting his family.

"I'll disappoint your mother. She was always so particular on the kind of girl she wanted you to marry. You remember, she went around telling people that her son would marry a pretty virgin from a rich family.

Syaoran chuckled then stroked her hair "I can't believe you remember that."

She nodded kissing his rugged chin. She leaned her head on his chest "She's not as forgiving as you are. She's going to hate me for not telling you about Asuna earlier and…"

"Shh…" he interrupted then kissed her bare shoulder "It doesn't matter. What if we get this thing over with and I invite her for lunch tomorrow?"

Sakura looked at him uncertain.

He caressed her chin "I promise, it won't be bad."

"Alright." She said closing her eyes.

"So, are we going to make love or what?" Syaoran gently shook her but she did not move. She had already fallen asleep. He sighed in disappointment.

Next morning at Tomoyo's apartment

"So he wants me to meet his mother. Oh just the thought of her makes me want to crawl under a table. I'm going to have to talk about Ian and you know how much I hate telling that story."

Tomoyo placed her arms on her waist then giggled "Oh , I remember Syaoran's mother very well. Part perfectionist, part bitch…."

"Tomoyo…" Sakura cut her off "That's my future mother in law you're talking about."

"Tomoyo croaked her head, you know it's true. Though she was kind, she was still bithcy. Don't you remember, she would go…Sakura sweet heart don't put elbows on the table, please tie your hair up…have you ever considered getting a real job, you were fifteen for crying out loud. So what you used to wear a chicken suit and hand out pamphlets."

Sakura laughed nervously.

"And when will Syaoran propose, we all know it's going to happen, why is he hesitating?"

Sakura flushed coyly "Um…It's only like a month ago since I woke up from a coma. We never dated Tomoyo. We can't rush into marriage without knowing if we can make it work."
Tomoyo rolled her eyes "What do you mean by 'if' of course you two are going to be together. You can't even stand an hour without bringing up his name. Though you haven't dated, you are still living together."

Sakura nodded agreeably. "So I hear you are hanging out with Eriol. I thought you two don't talk to each other anymore."

"Who told you that." Tomoyo made a face as though she was suddenly disgusted.

"Asuna." Sakura said with a glint.

"Your daughter has a big mouth. He visited me a few times, that's all." She said pretending not to care.

"I thought you said you two couldn't make it work. You said you broke up so many times and you could not see the possibility of any kind of relationship with him."

Tomoyo nodded agreeably "Relax, it was just a visit."

What Tomoyo was not telling Sakura was that it was more than one visit. She was ashamed of all the things she allowed him to do to her. They met for the first time after six months and instead of having a decent conversation, he was in her bed. He hurt her countless times. When they lived together, he always put his job and his studies before her and still she always took him back. She promised herself it would be the last time but every time he was around, she would lose her ability to think.

"I hope you're not sleeping with him." Sakura said.

Tomoyo's eyes nearly popped out as her heart raced in panic. She immediately remembered the last words he told her. "I know we shouldn't have but. I….I miss you."

Tomoyo faked a laugh "Of course not, are you kidding me. Eriol is one of those men who never grow up. He and I do not see eye to eye."

"Whatever you say, last time I checked Eriol was a mature, sophisticated man with a sexy English accent."

Tomoyo gulped "That was years ago." Tomoyo blushed.

Tomoyo held her hand to her heart "Fine, I am but it won't happen again. What Eriol and I had is nothing like what you and Syaoran have. It was just about lust and desire and nothing else."

Sakura wanted to give her some sort of comfort but she could not find the right words.

Lunch time

Sakura stared at her wrist watch nervously. Why did Yelan suggest such a fancy restaurant? Maybe she's afraid of my cooking? And why did I choose this dress, what was I thinking. It's so damn short! Maybe she won't notice. Sakura thought nervously. Syaoran's hand closed over her "Don't be nervous. You are acting like you are meeting them for the first time."

Sakura sheepishly smiled "I'm not nervous."

He kissed her cheek "Relax."

Asuna swung her legs and played with the cutlery. She wore a floral summer dress. She looked around scrutinising every person that caught her eye.

They saw Syaoran's mother walk in. Yelan was wearing a white and as usual, she was not with Syaoran's father.

"Hello Sakura, you look lovely." Yelan said taking Sakura by surprise "Thank you."

"And as for you Syaoran, maybe you should consider shaving. You don't look presentable." She looked like she was itching to pull his ear.

"And you must be Asuna."

Asuna looked up; her big emerald eyes staring back at Yelan. "How come you know me?"

"I am your grandmother." She said joyfully.

"I didn't know I had another grandmother." She said coyly. The only grandmother she knew was Ian's mother.

Yelan looked at Syaoran and shook her head "You didn't tell her I exist!? Why do you act like you were raised as an orphan?"

Syaoran sighed.

Yelan sat down "She is definitely a Li, no doubt about it. Only our genes can produce such a beautiful little girl."

Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other surprised. "Is she high?" Sakura asked herself.

"You should have more; you know how much I love kids. I hope you two are having a lot of sex."

Sakura's eyebrows rose, she wanted to block Asuna's ears but it was too late. Sakura and Syaoran's faces were bright red. They both looked Asuna who did not seem to be paying attention.

"Mother…are you drunk?" Syaoran asked not really expecting an answer.

"I don't drink, you know that."

Syaoran shook his head "She's drunk. We better get her out of here before she humiliate herself.
"But how?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Syaoran practically forced her out of the restaurant and the four of them drove back home.

Next morning (Sakura's birthday)

Yelan woke up to find a pair of forest green eyes staring directly at her. Asuna leaned in closer not realising that Yelan could see her.

"Where am I?" Yelan asked.

Asuna immediately jumped off the bed "Um…at my house." She said fearfully.

"Oh, Asuna, it's you. You don't have to be shy around me you know. I'm your papa's mother."

Asuna recoiled "If you are my grandmother, how come you don't wear classes, you are not fat and you don't have wrinkles….and, you don't have a lot of nose hair."

She chuckled "Not all grandmothers look like that."

"Come in." She said softly.

Syaoran opened the door and peeped in. He looked at Asuna who was sitting on the bed next to Yelan.

"Good morning." He said judging her with his eyes. He still could not believe the events of the previous day. She was always so quick to judge everyone else and had strict rules in their home when it came to alcohol, now here she was, trying to live through the hangover.

"Where is Sakura?" she asked aware that he was disappointed in her.

"She went to visit her father." He said "Mom, it's her birthday tomorrow and we're planning a party for her."

"So you weren't planning to invite me?" she said suddenly.

Syaoran inwardly sighed, why was she suddenly interested in their lives anyway?

"Don't look at me like that, that's how your father looks at me when he thinks I've lost my mind. I like it here, I don't think I want to go back to that lonely hotel room."

"Are you serious?" he arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah, well this house is big and they are only the three of you. I'd like to know my lovely granddaughter. She has so much to learn, playing the piano, ballet..."

Syaoran chuckled "Mother, you insisted I have a proper upbringing, I want that for Asuna as well."

"That doesn't mean I won't try."

Syaoran sighed walking away "Do what you must."

…………

That night before bed, as Sakura cleared her books from the bed. She looked at Syaoran from the corner of her eye. He was acting nonchalant in his disposition as he took off his shirt. She placed the books on the bedside table.

"Syao…" she started in a sweet voice "Why didn't you tell me that your dearest mother would be staying with us."

"I didn't know she would, she invited herself. I mean I love my mother, it's just strange having her here."

"Maybe it's for the best. It would be great to have her around." Sakura said surprising Syaoran.

"I thought you were scared of her?" he asked now pulling down his trousers.

She shook her head hard "Me, afraid of her? Maybe a little intimidated but now that I know she drinks and gets drunk, she's less intimidating."

Sakura ambled to Syaoran. She put her arms around his neck. "You don't look convinced." She said her gaze lingering on his lips.

"You two should go shopping together." He wrapped his hands around her waist.

Sakura chortled at the thought of the possibility. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips against hers. His arms gently caressed her back as she responded eagerly. He reached for her hand and clasped his fingers between hers. Sakura moaned into the kiss. His kisses matured, they became greedy and rough. He held her closer. He reached for the zipper of her dress which he gladly pulled down. Her dress automatically fell to the floor.

They moved to the king sized bed where he lay comfortably on top of her threatening to rip off her black lacy bra. Suddenly the door swung open. The couple immediately stopped and saw that Syaoran's mother was standing in the middle of the door.

"Syaoran, my television doesn't seem to be working." She said as though she did not notice that the couple were getting into the act. Sakura pulled up her bra but Syaoran remained still. He was like a criminal caught red handed.

"Mother…" he finally spoke "We're….um…"

"Busy." Sakura added irritated and embarrassed.

Yelan shook her head knowingly "I can see that, I just need Syaoran to fix something for me. It won't be long, I'm sure you can wait."

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"She kept him up all night, she kept asking for things." Sakura told Tomoyo the next day at work. "She's so annoying, I liked her better when she was mean."

"I always thought she liked you."

Sakura pondered "She does like me; I think…, I don't know Tomoyo. Every time we are alone or want to make love she suddenly appears. I feel sex deprived."

Tomoyo sighed "Sakura, you're being dramatic, it's only been one day."

"Two days, I fell asleep the day before cause Syaoran kept on talking."

Tomoyo laughed to herself.

"She went on to say, you two should close the door, what if Asuna walks in." Sakura swallowed a look of distaste. "And to make things worse she's advising me on how to 'satisfy' Syaoran. I've never felt so shy in my life. Is that normal behaviour."

"She just wants more grandchildren." Tomoyo was laughing.

Sakura took out a folder "Here is the new design for your website. Now all we need to do is advertise it."

"Our website Sakura, we're partners now." Tomoyo pointed out "Are you going somewhere?" Tomoyo asked noticing Sakura heading for the door. "I have lunch with my future mother in law; hopefully she's not drunk this time."

TO BE CONTINUED

A/N: Hi everyone, I decided to put up this chapter for all of you who were interested on what would happen next. This was quiet hard cause I never go back on a story but I felt I had to. Hope it's satisfying, I tried. This is a little similar to something else I've written. I hope you like it.