Chap. 9: "Breakups and makeup's…"

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Hope you enjoy…sorry in advance for any mistakes missed.

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Laughing at the kids, Syaoran ran after the ball, kicking it back to them. Since Sakura was busy at school, he was spending his time here, because he knew she had a shift later for cheerleading.

Blowing his whistle, he waved everyone in. "You guys are getting better," he told them, when everyone huddled around. "I think if we keep this up, things should go great for the first match if Kumiko agrees."

As he was speaking to them, he viewed Sakura heading for the main building. "All right, go pack up. Your parents should be arriving soon!" Disengaging himself from them, he ran across the field, "Sakura!" he called, waving to her.

He saw her look in his direction, but she didn't stop. Slowing down, he frowned wondering why she would ignore him. This irked him even more, when she paused to speak with Touji at the entrance. "Then it's a date?" He heard Touji ask when he was close enough.

"Yeah," she nodded, walking away. Syaoran ignored Wong's gloating smile, and followed closely on Sakura's trail.

"Hey," he called, catching up to her. "What's wrong? What happened last night?" he questioned, speaking of the date she skipped out on.

"Things came up," she told him, evading eye contact.

"And now?" he went on, knowing she would understand. "A date with him?" he said, when she failed to answer.

"Why not broaden my horizon," she shrugged, entering the hall that led to the changing rooms. Syaoran stared at her back a little surprised, but frowned knowing something was wrong.

"Sakura?"

"Listen, Li," she said, turning to look at him. "It was interesting while it lasted, but I don't want to play anymore. Okay?" It hurt her to lie to him, but she didn't want him crossing paths with her brother after what happened to Naoko's friend.

"So let me clarify—you're dumping me for him?" He held a black face, not wanting to show his amusement. His pride was telling him there was more to this little stunt than she was letting on. He didn't want to believe she would drop him so easily.

"Yeah—pretty much." Her tear ducts ached, because she had finally found a guy she really liked, and she had to let him go—it wasn't fair. They stared at each other in silence for a couple of minutes, Sakura praying for him to fight her decision so she could find the courage to continue with the relationship. She wanted him.

"Fine…" Hearing his word, made her heart sink, taking all her hopes with it. It was at that moment Kimi walked out of the changing room, looking beautiful as usual. "If it's what makes you happy, right?"

"Hey Syaoran, Sakura," Kimi greeted, her voice bouncing with happiness.

"Hey, about tonight," Syaoran started, getting both girls attention.

"Hm?"

"I'll take you up on it." Kimi glanced surprised at Sakura, before returning her eyes to Syaoran, her head slowly nodding.

"Okay, it's going to be fun, trust me," Kimi smiled, winsomely.

"Yeah—I have break now, do you want to explain more, we could get some coffee or something," he offered, glancing at his watch as he turned away from Sakura, who felt nauseas.

"Sure!" talk about a rebound.

"Ja Kinomoto," he called over his shoulder, walking away with Kimi. Sakura watched him, before turning quickly away, disappearing into the locker room. Falling against the door, she stared straight ahead, ignoring the tears streaming down her cheeks.

Obviously deciding to go on a date with Toujiprobably hurt his pride, but he didn't have to ask Kimi out right in front of her! She hadn't known him long, but his actions just now cut deeply into her.

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Mika…

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Driving pass Naoko's store, he saw that it wasn't open, and frowned. He was about to turn the corner, when he saw her in the window of her apartment. Circling around, he parked out front, then slowly got off.

Dialing her number, he waited, but frowned when the answering machine picked up. He sighed, "I know you're home Naoko, answer the phone!" He stated, knowing her brother had gotten to her. it was the only reason she wasn't already in his arms. "Naoko…" He looked at the phone hearing a beep.

Dialing again, he waited, "At least tell me what's wrong? Was it your brother or something?" Once again, it ran out, and he dialed for a third time, "If you don't answer, I'm coming up there!" he warned, with little patience.

He looked up when her window finally opened, but did not expect her to dump a bucket of water directly onto him. He stood there stunned, ignoring the snickers of passersby. "This has to be a first," he whispered, sourly.

"You cheater!" she screamed, before her window slammed shut. Trying not to get upset, he found himself laughing at the irony of the situation—the first time he wasn't cheating and he was being accused!

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Pleased with her work, Naoko walked towards her bathroom to place the bucket down. She glanced at herself in the mirror, and sighed wearily turning away. She should have known it was too good to be true. Someone like him would never really be interested in her!

Exiting the bathroom, she yelped watching him slip into her room through her previously locked window. "What are you doing?" she shouted, angrily.

"Naoko, what would make you think I'm cheating on you?" he asked, softly. She glanced over his handsome face, seeing a bruise from no doubt her brother.

"There's a woman living with you!" she answered, straightforwardly. She stared coldly at him, when he started to laugh. "What's so funny?" she hissed, with narrowed eyes, and he had to admit it was the first time she resembled anything like her brother.

"She's my crazy cousin Nakuru," he informed, getting her instant attention. "Your nut of a brother did surveillance did he?" he murmured, deciding to throw this little mistake in his face with a lesson on intelligence at work tomorrow.

"Why should I believe that?" she humph, folding her arms over her chest.

"Because it's the truth, and I don't have a problem with you meeting her. I did have plenty of women, but not since I started seeing you," he explained, calmly. "Anything you ask I will answer truthfully."

"Why didn't you tell me you weren't Japanese?" she questioned, standing in the middle of her room, "That this wouldn't go anywhere?"

"Can't you tell?" he asked, with perfect pronunciation. Seeing her eye twitch, he smiled sobering. "I was going to tell you, I just didn't want to cast a cloud of what we had going. It was a change of pace for me, and I was liking it," he admitted, desiring to tell her about Eriol's request, but afraid to lose her. it had been so long since he felt a real emotion for a woman that he was afraid it would slip through his fingers before he fully grasp it.

Staring into his large blue eyes, Naoko felt her insides turning to mush and stole her eyes away knowing she had to be strong. "Nao—nao," he murmured, seductively. "I want to enjoy my time with you—your brute of a brother will be done with my task in a couple hours. Do you forgive me?"

"Task?" her interest piqued, "What task?"

"Let's just say I won't be his favorite person for a very long time," he grinned, walking towards her as her shoulders slowly relaxed. "Forgiven?"

"I want to meet your cousin," she stated, firmly, only to have him grimace.

"It's your funeral," he nodded, making her wonder what that was supposed to mean, however all thought was lost when his lips found hers in a sweet little kiss. Sighing happily, she wound her arms around his neck, "I missed you."

"Mhmm," she murmured in response, drawing closer to him when his hands slipped beneath her shirt, "What do you do for a living?" she inquired, when he lifted her into his arms, turning for the bed.

"I'm a spy," he answered, without pause, but his tone made her laugh looking dubiously at him. "It was worth a shot," he shrugged, crawling onto the bed with her.

"Seriously," she whined, staring into his eyes.

"I'm anything you want me to be," he whispered, before his tongue brushes her neck, causing a shiver to ripple through her body. Forgetting questions, Naoko focused on the emotions he was awakening in her body…

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Tomoyo…

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Entering Eriol's studio, she glanced around walking slowly towards his piano. She knew he was busy with a client and would be with her soon, but the wait was making her antsy. Last night's episode with her brother placed her on edge for his safety.

Walking towards a shelf of pictures, she examined them wondering if she would ever have the pleasure of meeting his family and close friends. Her eyes paused catching sight of a picture of him—it appeared to be a college picture with a group of guys.

As she leaned closer for a better look, the door opened, "Tomoyo?" Hearing his voice made her jump, turning to look at him. "Were you waiting long?" he asked, concerned.

"No," she told him, softly, hands clasping her purse in front of her.

"Your brother?" he stated, feeling the tension. "I'm not leaving you—nothing you say will change my mind. Do you understand?"

"Eri," she whispered, her beautiful amethyst eyes pleading. He looked away, instead focusing on the picturesque appearance she held dressed in a curve fitting black skirt and white silk blouse with black and white pumps. Her long black hair pulled gently off her face into a French braid.

"Every time I lay eyes on you—I remember just how beautiful you are," he voiced, entranced. Tomoyo felt a blush washing across her cheeks, "I would do anything for Tomoyo—anything," he told her, firmly, walking forward. "I'm not leaving you."

His hand came to rest on her cheek, "So don't ask anymore."

"I can't help but worry about you," she breathed, falling into his arms. "I don't know what I would if you were hurt." He pressed a kiss to her temple, his arms wrapping tenderly about her body.

"You know our love was meant—the kind of love that lasts forever…" She smiled into his chest, loving the vibrations of his voice. It never ceased to make her melt with need.

"And I want you here with me—from tonight until the end of time. You should know, everywhere I go—you're always on mind in my heart in my soul—baby you're the meaning in my life, you're the inspiration." Unknowingly both started to sway to his slow singing.

"So in love when we're together, now I know that I need you here—from tonight until the end of time. You should know, everywhere I go. You're always on my mind too," she finished, moving back to give him a kiss on the chin. Tip toeing she met his lips in a tender lip lock, their tongues slowly engaging.

"Eriol!" Both jumped apart, when an irritated Syaoran walked through, pausing instantly when he noticed them, "Oh—," he murmured, doing a u-turn before Tomoyo could get a good look at him. "I'll be back later…" they heard, before the door closed.

"Who was that?" she asked, curiously, having seen a picture of he and Eriol on the shelf. Eriol sighed, wishing Syaoran and Tomoyo hadn't crossed paths at his office. Absently he wondered what had upset his cousin so he would barge in without bothering to knock.

"My cousin, he's visiting from Hong Kong," he answered, softly.

"Oh—he seemed upset, do you think it was important?" she asked, concerned.

"He'll be fine, it's better he cools off before we talk anyway. He has a temper on him," he replied, hoping this had nothing to do with Tomoyo's little sister.

"Okay," she gave a coy little smile. "So where were we?" He stumbled, when she pulled him down by the collars to meet her lips…

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Rika…

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Laughing at her teammates, Rika stretched going onto her tippy toes. "Okay, again!" Running unto the stage, she flew into the air, doing a slip, her hands spreading apart. Landing, she moved seductively with her partners, getting lost in the movements.

They spun around in perfect sync, then rose on their toes, stretching their bodies like elegant swans, then in a fluid motion fell from the move to the ground.

Standing quietly in the last row of the practice hall, Alex watched her movements. From where he stood, he could see the control she held over her body and it was entrancing. His eyes watched her male partner pull her into his arms, whipping her side to side, before she fell, arching her back as he held onto her waist.

He slid her across the floor, before pulling her swiftly to his body. As amazing as she was, it was unusual watching her dance so intimately with another man. "It's not like you're dating," he whispered, with a frown.

When she was thrown into the air, he watched as she fluttered to the ground, "Wonderful, wonderful!" the instructor called out, clapping his hands together. "Rika, I knew it was the best choice in choosing you!"

He knew she blushed, and sighing he turned to exit so he could think of something to say when she saw him outside. Standing in the cool breeze, he lifted his eyes to the clear blue sky, knowing he had to tell her the truth. He didn't know how he was supposed to go about it, and he certainly didn't want to ruin the other relationships.

The door opened behind him, and the chatter of dancers filled the night sky. "Hey, Rika wanna grab a drink with us?" he heard a guy call out, a guy who was probably closer to her age than him.

"No thanks!" her voice was close to him, then suddenly her arm looped with his as she appeared at his side, "Hello," she greeted, bubbly. He glanced down, and found a smile touching his lips at her infectious little smile, noticing a slight dimple on her cheek.

"Hello," he replied, starting down the steps with her.

"Did you see me?"

"You were beautiful," he nodded, "As graceful as a swan."

"Charmer," she giggled, though enjoying his words tremendously. "Do we have something planned for tonight?" she asked, shyly, wanting to spend as much time with him as possible before her brother chased him away.

"I just wanted to see you, I didn't plan anything," he admitted, when they reached his car.

"Oh that's perfect, I can make you dinner," she told him, excitedly. "Mei Mei should be at work, we can go there…"

"Okay, will it be all right with her?" he asked, getting into the car.

"Yep, she won't mind," she nodded, then sighed when he drove off, "Alex?"

"Yes?"

"When my brother brought you out to that place—you know to ah," she didn't know how to continue, feeling greatly embarrassed.

"It's okay, Rika, what is it?" he glanced at her, stopping at a red light.

"If this is too much for you, I mean," she whispered, wishing she had said this before getting into his car. " I don't want you…" her words trailed off, when his hand came to rest on top of hers.

"Can I confess something to you?" He parked off to the side, making her heart start to beat a little faster. Turning so he could stare into her eyes, he prayed this wouldn't blow up in his face, but he had to say something.

He thought of a way to keep Eriol and the others safe, but clear his conscience a little, "It wasn't an accident that we crossed paths," he started, slowly, gaining her attention.

"I don't understand," she replied, softly.

"Well Eriol is dating your sister, and he and I are very good friends," he explained, watching her nod, but knew she still didn't understand. "He had pictures of you guys, and well—." her mind instantly went to the worse possible outcome.

"Is this some kind of bet?" she questioned, sounding hurt.

"No bet," he answered, quickly, shaking his head.

"Then what is it, Alex?" He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

"He thought maybe if you and the others were dating maybe your brother would lesson his assault on them," he slowly explained, staring into her eyes. "He really loves your sister—to the point where he would do just about anything for her," he stressed, but knew he had lost her when her eyes started to grow misty.

"So all of this?" she whispered, brokenly, moving towards the door.

"No!" he cried, reaching out for her hand. "I am telling you this now, because I want you to know that I am a hundred percent committed to knowing you. This now has nothing to do with Eriol or anyone, but the two of us if you wish for it to be so," he trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Silence engulfed the car, and he hoped it was a good sign that she hadn't attempted to exit the vehicle as yet. "I don't know the story with your sister, but I guess she gets spooked quickly—he's worried she won't give it a real try out of fear."

Rika clenched her hands tightly, knowing the history with Tomoyo, and thinking about her beloved sister made her resolve weaken. She glanced at Alex to find he was waiting earnestly for her to say something. Tomoyo had been hurt the worst by their brother's overbearing attitude, and she could feel the attraction between she and Eriol, who was the first guy to enter her life in a very long time. "This—us—has nothing to do with anyone else but us?" she finally whispered, lifting her eyes to his.

"Only us," he agreed, relieved.

"And my brother won't chase you away?"

"The only way I'll leave is if you want me to," he responded, bringing a tiny smile to her lips. He reached out to cup her cheek, "I really enjoy my time with you Rika, you're special and I don't want to lose my chance with you."

She knew him telling her the truth had to mean he cared about her, and she was going to take that as a signal to move forward. "Thank you for being honest with me." Leaning forward, they shared a small peck…

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Chiharu…

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Waving to a neighbor, she smiled, heading for the entrance of her apartment building. She lifted her eyes to the top, and sighed wearily, knowing she was going to miss this convenient spot when they moved.

Living in a suburb was not appealing when it came to commuting, but she wanted the safest environment for her arriving baby. Bypassing the elevator, she headed quickly up the stairs, enjoying the response of her hearts quickened pace.

She walked blindly down the hall searching for her keys, and looking up she paused noticing her sister seated outside, "Sakura?" she called, with worry, unable to see her face due to her hood, but knowing it was she due to size and posture. Rika would never assume such a posture being the primed ballerina she was.

Emerald eyes met concerned light browns, "Are you okay?" she asked, with worry, reaching the door when Sakura stood.

"I'm fine," Sakura sighed, when Chiharu opened the door. "I just wanted to see how you were doing," she explained, following her sister into the cozy apartment.

"Oh boy—what happened?" the elder sister questioned, closing the door, "Out with it!" She was taken aback, when Sakura fell into her arms in tears. "What happened?" she cried, in alarm.

"That stupid Li!" Ushering her sister into the kitchen, Chiharu wondered who this stupid Li was and what she had done to upset her beloved sister.

"Li who?" she inquired, seating them on a sofa.

"Li baka Xiao Lang—syaoran, ugh whatever his stupid name is!" she got out, trying to control her emotions. Chiharu sat there a little stunned, but found herself thinking that maybe this young man was bullying her.

"Is he mean to you? What happened?" she questioned, moving back to look at her sister's face.

"He—he asked out Kimi! That jerk acted like he didn't care at all!" she huffed, not seeing the widening surprise of Chiharu's eyes. She must be out of the loop, because she was still under the impression that Sakura was still on her chastity priestess hood train.

She watched Sakura walked over to the balcony doors to stare outside. She tried to think of something intelligent to say, "W—why would he do that?" She didn't want to think what her brother would do if he ever found out Sakura was secretly dating! She flinched slightly.

She heard Sakura groan, before she turned, resting gently against the closed door. "I was afraid for him if Touya found out," she whispered, glancing down. "Ugh—I just realized that I didn't tell any of you guys either—I'm hurt and upset that he wouldn't attempt to change my mind."

"I don't understand Sakura, explain thoroughly," Chiharu voiced, wanting to help.

"I got scared after what happened last night—to make him go away, I agreed to go on a date with a very good friend of mine in front of him—only I didn't expect him to rebound that instant with Kimi," she spoke, softly, but Chiharu could hear the pain in her voice. "I—I thought he liked me…"

Silence drifted between them as Chiharu wondered what about this young man had drawn Sakura's attention, while so many others failed. "Maybe he was merely trying to salvage his pride, Sakura," she suggested, understandingly. "Men can be fickle when it comes to things like that—it must have been embarrassing."

Sakura cringed, not wanting to think about that, "You two were dating?"

"Yeah, we went on a couple dates," she sighed, pushing off the door to walk to Chiharu.

"Does he seem like a playboy?" Sakura wanted to say yes, but she knew he wasn't.

"No—I don't even know why I'm so upset, because this is what I wanted, right?" she looked imploringly at Chiharu, who could only nod. "So this feeling will go away?"

"Sure—but it all depends on much you liked him," she answered, knowing it must be a lot since as she was just crying over him.

"I don't like him all that much right now for what he did," she grumbled, with jealously.

"Do you happen to have a picture of this guy that you don't like very much right now?" she asked, raising her brows. With reluctance, Sakura pulled out her cell. Chiharu reached for the phone, and whistled at the picture of Li something another. "Wow, he's a looker."

"Yeah, and he knows it," she remarked, dryly. Seated there, Sakura found herself missing his annoying company, and felt completely helpless.

"Sometimes you have to give a guy the benefit of the doubt—no one ever thought Takashi would be able to stand up to Touya to date me," Chiharu informed, standing slowly. "My puny Tak, and look now we're about to be a family."

Sakura's eyes followed her sister's form, "Nii-chan is scary, but you don't want to end up miserable and alone from fear of his actions…." Left alone, Sakura's eyes dropped to the picture a frown forming…

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Touya…

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After receiving a heads up about the whereabouts of Naoko and that stupid baka, he found himself heading to the same spot. He didn't know what it was going to take for him to keep them away from each other, but if that meant embarrassing Naoko then so be it.

His rusty truck, roared to a halt outside the restaurant, and he grinned seeing all the stares he received from people dining on the patio. Slamming the door shut, he glanced at the valet, who was running towards him, "Sir—you—," A glare from Touya effectively shut him up.

"Thanks much," Touya stated, handing his keys over. "Don't move I will be right back." The poor man could only nod watching the stranger disappear through the doors. Entering the restaurant, he did a quick sweep, spotting his sister seated off to the side.

As he was about to take a step, he watched her laugh at something the jerk said. He could feel her happiness, and felt himself waiver. Remembering that Lake was a cheater, he pushed down his reaction and stalked through the restaurant, silence following his deliberate movements.

When his presence was noticed by the lovers, he saw horror in his sister's eyes, but Mika held amusement. "Ni—nii-chan," Naoko gasped, hand tightening onto her chair arm.

"Naoko," He forced a grin, but it was terribly frightening. "Laaakke!" Touya growled, stretching out the sound, "You're going to be sorry when I'm through with you!" he threatened, seeing when Mika glanced behind him, and gave a slight nod.

Everyone heard a high pitched cry, and turning, Touya's eyes widened seeing a flash of pink, before he crashed to the ground with something landing on him. Trying to focus his thoughts, he gasped, choking when an arm locked around his neck. "Oh my god!" he heard Naoko cry out.

His head pressed into something soft and a sweet scent stole into his nose as he struggled with his oppressor. Getting a grip, he growled using all his force to pull the person off, but a very feminine scream followed the body that landed roughly in front of him.

Struggling to catch his breath, he stared into unfamiliar bright brown eyes, "Oohhh—I likey likey," she voiced, seductively. When she rolled her tongue, Touya felt a tremor travel through his large frame.

"Kinomoto meet my cousin Nakuru," Mika introduced as Touya watched a malicious little grin touch Nakuru's lips—his body's warning bells going off. The predatory look in this woman's eyes made Touya very weary.

"What is the meaning of this?" the manager called, running up.

"We're going to have a serious talk when you get home," Touya told his sister firmly, getting quickly off the ground. Noako opened her mouth, but was speechless at the speed with which her brother vacated the restaurant.

Turning, she focused on Nakuru in stunned fascination. "Is he single?" her sort of boyfriend's cousin questioned, and slowly Naoko nodded, unable to say anything. She gasped when she found herself in a tight hug, the air being squeezed from her tiny frame. "I've found my husband!" Nakuru cackled, thinking of all the wonderful games she could play what she hoped would be her new toy.

In the pit of her stomach, Naoko suddenly felt very afraid for her beloved Nii-chan…

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Syaoran…

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Walking out onto the patio, Syaoran looked at his phone and sighed, answering it. "Hello?" he was currently at the get together Kimi had invited him, but he was ready to leave. He hoped this had been enough to make Sakura jealous so she would change her mind.

Glancing behind him, he saw the bright smile Kimi gave, and returned it, not minding that she was also using him to get Touji's attention. "You're needed home you know," Hearing his sister's voice, he sighed wearily, returning his eyes to the back yard. "You need to make an appearance lover boy—you're girlfriend misses you!"

Hearing the mention of a girlfriend made him flinch, "I know—when do I have to leave?" he questioned, hoping this wouldn't drag out, because he had a relationship to save here.

"In two days—it's an important show and party…"

"I know," he responded, softly. "Tell Kris I'll be there—have Wei prepare something for me to wear," he instructed, when an image of a beautiful blonde hair, blue eyed woman entered his mind.

"You can tell her yourself, she's right here hold on," his sister chirped, and Syaoran opened his mouth to say otherwise, but it was too late.

"Xiao Lang!" her familiar voice appeared, before a tiny laugh. "What is taking you so long in Tokyo? I miss you!"

"Just helping my cousin out…" he sighed, leaning forward to rest his hand on the railing. If Sakura ever found out about this, he was going to be dead…

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Author's note: Oh no…Syaoran, what are you thinking?