AN: I am starting this chapter actually before I posted the last actually, so I really don't have much to add. I hope you guys have been enjoying the story as much as I am now enjoying writing it. Like I always say, your reviews really mean a lot to me.

Tomoyo was up bright and early, quickly dressing and heading downstairs.

Eriol was already downstairs, "I was just about to order breakfast, let me grab some for you as well."

He came back with large plates of eggs and ham with pieces of toast on the side.

She smiled and thanked him just as Meilin came down the stairs and plopped herself down at the table. She looked over at Tomoyo, "You wanted to go shopping today, right?"

Tomoyo nodded.

"Wonderful, I have been wanting to go shopping lately."

She paused for a moment and flipped her hair in a superior manner.

"I know what you two are doing by the way."

Eriol looked mildly amused, "and exactly what are we doing?"

"You are up to something with Syaoran and Sakura. I could tell you too were plotting something last night."

"Well we've been caught Tomoyo," he said with a wide smile. "Let me catch you up, Sakura and Syaoran are now staying in adjoined rooms."

"I don't really know Sakura that well, so I don't know how I feel about trying to get them together yet."

Tomoyo smiled kindly, "We completely understand, ff you feel differently later on let us know and we will be happy to include you.

Meilin nodded, "So what is the next step in your plans anyway?"

"A makeover for Sakura, she has been in mens pants and shirts our entire time on the ship. It's about time she finds something fun to wear… or at least something that fits a little better."

Meilin smiled, "Well regardless of this being part of a larger plan, I can't resist a makeover. Not to mention that we all have to go shopping anyways because the midsummer festival starts Friday."

The front door opened and slammed shut. A very agitated Syaoran started walking over to the table and sat down.

Meilin looked over completely unfazed, "Bad night sleep?"

Syaoran growled, "You have no idea"

"Well I figured while you are working on your inventory and repairs, I want to borrow Tomoyo and Sakura to show them around Carouse"

"and?"

"and maybe get a bit of shopping done too. So I will need some shopping money…"

Syaoran just tossed her a bag of gold without even looking at her, "This should last you for the day."

Meilin took the money ignoring Syaoran's tone, "for someone so rich you sure are protective of your money. I am just trying to welcome the two newest members of the crew in, and get to know them a little bit."

She paused for a moment then continued, "That reminds me, we need to have our talk today about your stupid women aboard the ship rule."

He nodded solemnly, "tonight when you get back from your shopping trip."

She smiled triumphantly.

Tomoyo then noticed that Sakura was up and headed their way.

Sakura still looked tired but smiled at everyone as she sat down, and then paused when she noticed Syaoran and blushed.

For some reason the thought hadn't crossed her mind that Syaoran would already be downstairs. She was embarrassed about her behavior last night and mortified that she threw herself at him.

She looked over at Syaoran who was staring back and looked as if he was trying to read a book. She quickly looked at the table and decided she would do everything in her power to avoid his gaze today.

Tomoyo smiled at her, "Meilin and the girls are going to take us shopping in Carouse today! Won't it be nice to have some fun clothes that we get to pick out."

"I suppose it will be nice… my aunt used to always pick out my clothes. I have been getting used to the shirts and pants though."

Meilin laughed, "Oh Sakura, Pants and shirts are great for fighting but you should have some fun outfits too. After all, the midsummer festival begins this Friday and lasts the week so you will need to have some outfits for that and the big kick off party is at the Stolen Ruby on Thursday so we only have two days to prepare."

Suddenly she stopped and whipped her head to glare at Syaoran, "You are staying for the festival right?" she asked accusingly.

Syaoran opened his mouth to speak.

"Lets make this perfectly clear, you are going to be staying," she snarled. "Syaoran you have missed the midsummer festival for the past two years! The crew and our family needs to be represented. Crews from all over show up for this and as captain you should be in attendance"

Eriol smiled evilly, "We have seemed to miss lately… in fact we would have missed the festival this year too if it weren't for that storm. One would almost think…."

Syaoran stood up and growled.

"…you were trying to avoid someone."

Syaoran swiped his hand across the table knocking over two glasses.

Meilin pursed her lips but remained silent. Sakura normally would have asked what was going on but thought the better of it.

Tomoyo smiled kindly, "this festival sounds very fun, think of all the outfits and parties…" she got a dazed look in her eyes.

All eyes were fixed on Tomoyo.

Sakura decided to help her friend out by encouraging the conversation. "I suppose it will be nice to shop for some outfits even if we don't get a chance to wear them here…"

There was another moment of silence, "We'll all be staying for the festival", he said in a gruff voice. Then sat down and scowled at the table.

Meilin beamed, "Wonderful, once the other girls get up we can start shopping. We have all sorts of things to take care of, dresses, stockings, jewelry, perfume, accessories…. It will be so much fun!"

Sakura sat looking at the table blushing slightly, wondering if she should have called attention to herself. Did Syaoran remember last night? She wasn't going to say anything about last night if he didn't.

She tried to listen to the conversation and only vaguely noticed that Rika and Tai were now sitting at the table.

She couldn't help wondering what Syaoran was thinking right now. She looked up to see if she could find any hidden meanings etched on his face, only to see those amber eyes staring right back at her with that same searching expression.

She quickly looked back down at the table, once again trying to pay attention to what everyone was saying but failing.

"Sakura what is your opinion?" asked Chiharu.

Sakura looked up shocked not, even realizing that Chiharu had come down. "I'm sorry, about what?"

Meilin was fixing her gaze completely on Sakura and then smiled, "We are trying to figure out what colors we should focus on for our outfits. Of course no one is limited to one color but we try and pick two main colors for our festival outfits. Midsummer usually features bright colors in decoration and costume, so to avoid wearing the same colors we try and pick out our colors beforehand."

"Oh, I guess I like the color pink," said a distracted Sakura.

Chiharu nodded, "Well I suppose that takes care of one of the colors. That still leaves one more..."

"Green," said Syaoran abruptly. "Her other color is green."

Rika and Chiharu looked surprised and then fixed their eyes on Meilin who raised her eyebrows and with an amused smile said, "I think green will be a wonderful color on you, it will match your eyes."

The girls continued to talk about their shopping plans and the cuts and styles they wanted their dresses to be while the men slowly drifted to another table.

The next thing she knew there was a hand waving in front of her face, and realized that Tomoyo had been trying to get her attention.

"Oh sorry Tomoyo, I am a little out of it today."

"That's okay, I was just asking you if I could design some of your outfits."

Sakura opened her mouth to speak but was cut off, "Of course I will use your input but it would make me so happy if I could put together a few of your outfits. I'm sure we can get some of your stuff premade in the market though so you wouldn't have to wait for me to finish."

Sakura smiled warmly, "Of course you can Tomoyo, I trust you completely."

Meilin stood up and announced, "Well now that we are all here lets go shopping, rather than just sitting around talking about it."

"What will the guys be doing?" Sakura whispered to Naoko.

"Most of the crew will just relax or go shopping. Syaoran and Eriol will probably spend the day going over paper work to figure out restocking and supplies though."

The town looked completely different in the light of day. It was bright and sunny outside with only a few remnants of the different place she had seen the night before. There was a man passed out on the street about five buildings down and a broken mug, which had been thrown up against the wall of a building and had glass shards below.

Naoko smiled, "It cleans up a bit once we get away from all of the pubs and head further in towards the market."

Sakura nodded.

Tomoyo piped in, "Can you tell us more about the festival?"

"It is so much fun," said Rika, "They have performers and competitions, then the last night is a dance. But that isn't for everyone it is only for men who rank as an officer or higher in their crew and their dates."

"Who does that include?" Tomoyo prompted.

Chiharu looked thoughtful, "Its difficult to say for our crew because Syaoran does not go by the traditional labels. Generally it is the members of the crew who have the most responsibility and are closest to the Captain."

Meilin groaned, "I keep telling him that Aunt Yelan will throw a fit when she finds out that the crew isn't even labeled accordingly, but he is too stubborn to change."

"Why is labeling so important anyways?" asked Sakura.

"It isn't as important on board because the crew all knows their rankings within, however when they port it lets other crews know who they are messing with. For example if a crew goes after someone of a certain ranking it is almost certain that his crew will retaliate," said Chiharu.

Sakura was surprised when she looked around and suddenly realized they had arrived at the market. There were rows of stalls and small shops stretched as far as the eye could see.

She was a little overwhelmed having never actually been in a market before.

"Lets stop at the fabric store first," said Tomoyo. "Sakura you can shop around some of these stalls if you want to. I'll just be picking out the fabric for the dresses I am making for you. "

Sakura was eager to check out some of the stalls and agreed immediately.

The girls walked into the nearest door and she began to look at the carts of merchandise.

She looked at a stall that sold compasses and navigation equipment. She hadn't had much contact with any of these items but enjoyed looking at them. The man at the stall kept trying to sell her anything he could so finally Sakura left the stall to look elsewhere.

Another stall nearby sold glassware of all shapes and sizes with various emblems on it.

A young woman was working there; she smiled pleasantly, "Are you buying a present."

"No I am just looking around. What do all of these markings mean?"

"These are crests that represent the different captains and crews. All important crews and captains have one of these that they use to identify themselves with others. It is a way of marking their property and prestige."

Sakura smiled kindly but did not have any interest in purchasing and moved on instead wandering from stall to stall.

She finally stopped again at a stall run by an elderly woman selling ribbons.

The woman smiled up at her, "Picking up your ribbons for the festival? Did you lose yours from last year?"

Sakura replied, "This is my first time at the festival."

"Do you know of the ribbon tradition?" the woman asked.

Sakura politely shook her head.

"Every woman wears ribbons throughout the festival and then before the last night she gives a ribbon to the one she loves. If he loves her back he will have it with him that night."

Sakura smiled, she did not think she would be giving away but it was still a fun tradition.

The girls came out of the fabric store with large wrapped packages of fabric. Tomoyo waltzed up to her and said, "Oh good Sakura, I was just saying that I needed some ribbons for your dress!"

She looked over all of them thoughtfully. "I think these satin ribbons would probably look best. How do you feel about these two ribbon," she asked holding up a roll of pale pink ribbon and another bright green roll. Sakura smiled and took the two rolls, handing the woman the cost from her change purse.

"Lets look at some of the clothing stores nearby. I want some new training clothes and I never get excited about making my own," said Meilin.

"Absolutely," Chiharu said. "I want some new clothes anyways that I don't have to make."

Naoko looked over at Sakura, "You should probably buy some dresses too so that you have some to wear before the festival."

The clothing store was farther down the street and Sakura was disappointed that they had no time to look at the dozens of stalls they were passing on the way.

The big windows at the front of the store displayed intricate dresses.

They walked inside and were greeted by a friendly woman who had her hair pulled back tightly and seemed very frazzled.

"Come in dears, come in. What are you looking for today?"

"Some everyday dresses and a couple of fighting outfits," said Meilin flipping her hair haughtily.

"Wonderful you guys will be easy. The dresses are up at the front and we keep the pants and shirts over in the far back corner."

Sakura was unsure where to go as the group immediately parted. Meilin doubled back and grabbed Sakura by the arm, "Its not often I find a girl interested in fighting and if we are going to fight this afternoon I intend on looking cute while doing it."

Sakura opened her mouth in shock "We're fighting later?"

Meilin rolled her eyes impatiently, "Of course we are, I've already challenged all the men and no one gives me much trouble. It's not often I get someone new to fight with."

She walked over and grabbed a pair of loose pants hemmed at mid calf. The pants were a deep crimson with an embroidered tiger on the lower corner of her left pant leg.

"I have had my eyes on this for the past two weeks," Meilin said tossing her hair back and holding the pants up into the light.

Sakura smiled, "Those are pretty. The only pants I have worn are for young boys and are just plain brown linen. I didn't even know there was another kind."

"Well there isn't in most places, women aren't supposed to wear pants, but this isn't just any city. Women fight all the time here, and we look amazing while we do it," she smiled mischievously.

She rifled through the rack and started tossing various items at Sakura as she struggled to catch them

Once Sakura's hands were full Meilin led her to a backroom where everyone was waiting with their hands full of dresses and stockings.

Tomoyo ran up throwing four more dresses onto the pile, "I picked these out for you since you were looking at fighting outfits in the back."

Curtains were set up separating the room into sections and she walked into one of them and placed all of her clothes down.

She proceeded to try on each outfit, which were all met with praise and adoration when she presented them to the group.

It was not long before everyone was leaving the store with their purchases.

Sakura pouted, "I've spent almost all of my share."

Meilin smiled merrily, "Oh just ask Syaoran for more if you need it, he is a complete pushover."

"Oh no, I shouldn't need more, I will just be careful with my spending from now on, " said Sakura with a fierce determination. She could not imagine asking Syaoran for money, she would never be able to look him in the eye again.

Chiharu smiled brightly, "Well I am changing into my new dress right when we get back. I haven't gone shopping in ages and I want Takashi to see me look spectacular.

Rika nodded emphatically.

"I plan on changing after Sakura and I fight for a bit, but at least I can try out my new fighting clothes."

Sakura smiled nervously, "I am probably not very good, Jin gives me things to correct all the time."

Meilin rolled her eyes impatiently, "Jin corrects everyone all the time. He goes on and on about what I do wrong even though I always beat him."

Naoko sighed, "Its only because he likes you Meilin."

Meilin glared at Naoko fiercely.

"You should cut him some slack Meilin, He is a really nice guy," Chiharu chimed in.

The only indication that Meilin had heard this was by her increased pace and irritability the rest of the way back.

The inn was still quiet when they arrived back. Only a few tables were occupied, one of those belonged to Eriol, Syaoran and the hundreds of papers they were pouring over.

Meilin still upset from the conversation on the way home bounded up to Syaoran, "Its time for our discussion now."

Syaoran looked up slowly trying to gather as much patience as he could, "Meilin I am in the middle of crew related business, we can discuss this later."

"This is crew related business too," snarled Meilin.

Whatever patience he had attempted at before dissipated immediately as he shot her a cold look, "We will discuss this at dinner."

Meilin knew that Syaoran could not be crossed at the moment, "fine," she sighed. "Sakura, our fight is in twenty minutes. Go get changed and I will meet you out back."

Sakura grew two shades paler and slowly walked away as Tomoyo followed after giving her assessment on which would be the best outfit to wear for the match.

Meilin walked away with her head held high looking the part of a queen as Rika, Chiharu and Naoko moved to a separate table to chat.

"Meilin challenged Sakura," said Syaoran breaking the silence.

"So it seems," replied a distracted Eriol.

"Why?" he scowled.

Eriol merely shrugged as Syaoran continued to dwell on the upcoming fight.

"Meilin was trained by the Li clan, Sakura doesn't stand a chance."

Eriol nodded not taking his eyes off the paper, "it does seem unlikely."

After another moment Syaoran growled, "What is Meilin trying to prove?"

Slowly Eriol set his pen down on the table peeling his eyes away from the paper, "Really this should come as no surprise to you Syaoran. Meilin challenges everyone in the crew, why would Sakura be any different."

Syaoran leaned back frowning, "she isn't properly trained."

Eriol gave an exasperated sigh, "She hasn't been properly trained by the Li clans standards, but she bested a good number of your crew and that should count for something."

Syaoran continued to scowl at the floor.

"I have every intention of watching this fight and the only thing preventing that right now is this pile of papers and your current disposition. So how about we finish up this last pile so that we can watch the fight rather than spending the rest of the night thinking about it."

****

Sakura had just changed into her silvery pants, which fell down to mid calf with shimmering beads sown in all along the hem. Her blouse was loose fitting and pale pink.

Tomoyo walked up from behind, "I saved a piece of ribbon to tie your hair back so it won't fall into your eyes."

"Well at least I will look good," said Sakura as she took the matching pink ribbon and used it to tie her hair into a pony tail.

"Don't be intimidated Sakura, you have a natural ability, I am sure you will do well even if you lose."

Sakura smiled kindly, she could always count on Tomoyo to be supportive.

They walked down together in silence as Sakura could not handle conversation and instead just kept repeating the drills Jin had made her learn over and over in her head.

Neither of them had exited through the back before and were surprised to see a large grassy area fenced in specifically for training.

"There you are,' said Meilin, looking completely comfortable.

She was wearing the crimson pants from the store and a well fitting black linen top.

"Feel free to warm up beforehand, no need to jump right into it."

Sakura nodded distractedly as she noticed others had already started gathering to watch them fight.

Chiharu walked over smiling, "Don't worry Sakura, you will be great."

Sakura's eyes remained fixed on the people who were gathering.

"Oh don't mind them, people always show up to watch a fight. Its some of the only entertainment there is around here," she laughed encouragingly.

Sakura slowly began to stretch trying to take her mind off things but still scanning the people who had shown up to watch.

Rika came up smiling, "You look fantastic Sakura! I told you that blouse would look great."

She managed a half smile although judging from Rika's concerned wave as she ran back to Naoko it may have looked a bit pained.

She looked down trying to focus as she stretched her arms across her body. Tomoyo could sense Sakura's unease and waved Jin over when she saw him come outside.

"Okay Sakura you have to focus. Meilin is an excellent fighter but she has her flaws too. Just remember what I have taught you, remember your strengths and use them to your advantage."

Sakura gave Jin a helpless expression, "But Meilin is a girl too, so why would she underestimate me."

Jin smiled patiently, "Sakura that is not what I meant. Meilin grew up with a strict training regimen from her family and would not allow her judgment to be clouded by something like that. I was talking about your agility. Meilin is stronger than you, there is no question about that, but you are quicker than her. Use your speed to your advantage."

With that he walked off into the crowd.

Sakura thought about it but didn't understand how that could help very much.

Meilin walked over smiling, "Its about time. Look at the turn out, most of the crew has shown up as well as a few locals."

She nodded.

"Even Syaoran showed up, he rarely attends this sort of thing."

Sakura looked up and saw those deep amber eyes staring right at her.

She was immediately overcome with a desire to prove herself. There was no way she would let Syaoran Li see her weak or defeated. She thought back to the night before and then tried to push away the image. There was only a trace blush left on her cheek as she and Meilin walked over to the center of the yard.

"My forte is really hand to hand combat, but I want to see how you handle a sword," she said picking up a sword from the ground and tossing it to Sakura. "First to draw blood or disarm their opponent wins."

Sakura nodded, lifting her sword to get used to its weight.

Meilin got into a fighting stance, which Sakura immediately replicated.

They exchanged a quick nod to signal the beginning of the fight.

Meilin made the first move lunging forward with lighting speed, which Sakura barely missed by jumping away at just the right time.

Meilin remained focus on Sakura and slashed forward which she once again was able to dodge.

Sakura mad a quick feint right and went to slash left, but Meilin's sword was already blocking the hit. She broke contact with the sword immediately, knowing that Meilin would have the advantage whenever their swords were in contact. Meilin jabbed the moment the swords separated catching a little piece of Sakura's shirt as she tried to dodge the attack.

Meilin continued the assault by thrusting her sword forward, Sakura brought hers up to block just in time and quickly disengaged spinning to the side.

Meilin adjusted to the new direction seamlessly and slashed. Sakura once again blocked with her sword truly exerting herself to stop the blade and immediately broke contact once again leaping to the side to change direction and this time lunging in an attempt to catch Meilin off guard.

However Meilin's sword met hers and she had to once again disengage the sword as Meilin's strength was already beginning to overpower her. This time Meilin was ready and made a quick slash for her legs, which Sakura dodged by jumping out of the way and immediately delivered three quick jabs at Meilin. The first of which seemed to catch her off guard but she blocked just in time.

Sakura decided from there on out she would not stop moving and not allow Meilin to control the direction of the fight any longer.

Sakura lunged forward but then immediately swiped at the legs and twisted around to be on Meilin's right. Meilin managed to block the attacks but was once again met with Sakura's sword slashing down from above which she blocked in time to see Sakura hop over again this time at her back. Meilin pivoted and blocked the forward jab and left swipe that immediately followed, again Sakura hopped away and continued her attack.

Sakura did not put too much strength behind these attacks and was careful to maintain her balance and control by not throwing herself into the moves she performed.

Meilin continued to block all of Sakura's attacks and doled out a few of her own only to be met with Sakura dodging out of the way and attacking from a different direction.

Syaoran was surprised to see Meilin getting flustered and truly exerting herself to keep up with Sakura's speed. Pieces of auburn hair began escaping the pale pin ribbon which contained them as Sakura remained completely focused on the task at hand.

Meilin began struggling to keep up with Sakura's onslaught of attacks. As soon as she blocked a move Sakura was already striking again.

Frustrated she saw the forward slash Sakura was delivering and blocked the sword full force actually doling out enough pressure to throw Sakura backwards onto her back.

Meilin triumphantly ran over to end the match, swiping across in an attempt to disarm but Sakura had rolled out of the way and hopped back onto her feet.

Sakura feinted right but Meilin began swiping at her left which she was barely able to block.

Meilin was clearly tiring, she was now delivering less shots but the few she managed showed the full extent of her strength.

Sakura was now being jerked around with each block and hit. She hopped around and tried to attack from all angles but now Meilin was much more forceful with her blocks and Sakura was beginning to tire as well.

Sakura swiped at Meilin, but she blocked hard making Sakura stumble backward.

Meilin had a determined look in her eye as she thrusted forward, ready to end the fight.

Sakura threw all her strength into the block and quickly wrapped her sword around the blade and quickly pulled her sword back in, sending the other sword flying through the air.

She watched in amazement as the sword flew in the air and several feet away. She could faintly hear cheering but was more focused as Meilin bowed in defeat.

She smiled with good humor, "They were right, you are good. Just don't cross me in hand to hand combat because I guarantee there would be no competition."

Sakura nodded emphatically, "to be honest I'm amazed I lasted a minute against you today let alone…"

But she was cut off as Tomoyo ran up to her and swept her into a big hug, "Oh Sakura, I knew you could do it. It was such a good fight! Don't worry, I will stitch up that little tear in your shirt tonight."

Syaoran was amazed that the little scrap of a girl he had only met a few weeks before could actually defeat a member of the Li clan. She never ceased to amaze him. He smiled slightly as he watched her dazed expression as person after person went to congratulate her.

Meilin was handling the loss well but Syaoran could tell she was disappointed. She walked over to him.

"I'm surprised you came. You never come to these fights, and you seemed so focused on your work earlier," she said accusingly.

"Eriol and I finished," he said calmly.

"Well we still-"

"We will talk about it at dinner Meilin, so why don't you get ready."

"Fine," said Meilin flipping her hair and defiantly walking away.

The crowd around Sakura was beginning to die down as people were getting ready for dinner.

"I think the black and green dress is the way to go tonight," said Tomoyo thoughtfully, "It will remind everyone what a fierce competitor you are, the other ones make you look too innocent."

She walked back inside saying something about letting the dress air out.

Sakura turned around finally alone when she came face to face with a pair of amber eyes.

"You did well."

Sakura blushed fiercely now confronted with the very person she had been trying to avoid all day.

"Thanks, I didn't think I stood a chance," said Sakura timidly.

"You have been full of surprises lately," said Syaoran leaning in to tuck a few loose strands of hair behind her ear.

Sakura's heart was practically beating out of her chest.

"I'm going to go get ready for dinner, I think Tomoyo is already upstairs waiting for me," she said, desperate to escape the situation.

Without waiting for a response she turned around and ran to the door.

Tomoyo was waiting for her upstairs and Sakura promptly changed into her dress.

She looked in the mirror as Tomoyo helped her tighten the corset top. The top of the dress was black and embroidered with bright green and the skirt was a matching green embroidered with black. The skirt was bunched up over her left knee and tied up with a green ribbon.

She took down her hair and lightly ran the brush through a few times allowing loose curls to fall past her shoulder.

Tomoyo was dressed in a violet and white dress of similar style that made her look angelic.

The two of them walked down the stairs together where everyone else was sitting.

"You two look wonderful," said Rika enthusiastically passing a plate of food over.

"Syaoran this rule is ridiculous," cried Meilin. "We are perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves. It is silly having us wait in Carouse for extended amounts of time just for you all to occasionally return for a visit."

Syaoran continued to wait patiently.

"I know you don't believe that nonsense about bad luck, lots of crews have women aboard now," she continued.

"While you are able to fight, none of you have any substantial knowledge on sailing or working aboard a ship," he responded.

"We could learn," Chiharu responded with fierce determination.

Naoko piped in, "We've never had a problem making ourselves useful."

Syaoran looked over at Eriol who shrugged, "It would require a few changes in our supply levels and room arrangements aboard but otherwise I have no further objections."

Mika nodded, "Naoko could really help me with the inventory, it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes."

Syaoran sighed heavily, "Fine, but I am only making this exception for you. You will be invited aboard but it is only because of your fighting ability and your loyalty to the crew."

The girls exchanged victorious glances.

"It will be so nice having other women aboard," beamed Tomoyo.

Sakura nodded in agreement.

"Lets have a round of drinks," cried Meilin enthusiastically.

Sakura was eager to get away for a few minutes and volunteered to go get them.

Syaoran was entranced the moment Sakura came down the stairs, looking sultry in her green and black dress which flashed a bit of leg. He quickly volunteered to help her after she left the table eager to get her alone.

"Eleven glasses of the spiced rum please," she called to the bartender.

"That will be five gold pieces," he responded.

Sakura went into her change purse to dig out the change.

"Don't bother," said Syaoran who stood directly behind her, tossing five gold coins onto the bar.

The bartender took the coins and hurried off to prepare the drinks.

Sakura turned around, "Thanks," she paused for a moment, "It was really nice of you to allow the other girls on board."

"It was overdue," said Syaoran, "Why only eleven drinks?"

"I figured I would hold off. I think I may have… overindulged last night," she said blushing furiously.

Syaoran nodded thoughtfully and then got a mischievous look on his face, "You know, there is a better way you could thank me."

Sakura cocked her head to the side in confusion.

Syaoran smiled devishly lifting up Sakura's chin with his fingers and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "with a kiss."

"Order up," called the bartender.

"I-I," Sakura stammered.

Syaoran continued to tease her, leaning against the bar he huskily replied, "You did just fine last night Sakura, there is no reason to be nervous."

Sakura was absolutely mortified, her cheeks were the color of a tomato as Syaoran continued to lean into her.

Sakura flipped around to the bar, promptly filling her hands with drinks, "The order is ready."

She turned to hurry back to the table but was stopped by Syaoran's arm.

"This is the second time today, you have tried to escape me Sakura. Do I make you nervous."

At this Sakura grew irritated, there was no way she would let Syaoran know he had this much control of her. She slammed down the drinks in annoyance.

"You don't have much affect on me at all, I assure you," she replied defiantly.

"Well then a little kiss shouldn't hurt," he goaded.

"Fine," she huffed.

Syaoran leaned in capturing his mouth with hers. Sakura was overcome with desire and couldn't help as she passionately responded.

He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist as she moved her hands into his hair.

Then just as suddenly they broke apart.

Sakura caught her breath.

"Are you still unaffected," he asked softly.

"I didn't feel a thing," replied Sakura breathlessly wearing a dazed expression on her face.

Syaoran smiled warmly as they grabbed the glasses at the bar and took them over to the table.

AN: I thought about continuing the chapter for a bit but couldn't think of a better ending for it, and didn't want to make my fans wait any longer. I hoped to have this up before Christmas but the holidays struck full force and the only reason I was able to finish when I did was because I had the stomach flu all last night :(

Anyways I had fun writing this chapter but am eager to get to the next few, which will be pretty exciting and contain a bit more intrigue. I loved how playboy Syaoran came out a bit in this chapter.

Stars 'n Moon: Never fear, there will be plenty of opportunities for Syaoran to be jealous in future chapters. I have been trying to make the chapters longer, the current one is 17 pages and I was ideally aiming for 20 but I didn't want to sacrifice a good ending just to get three more pages in. I am definitely attempting to make them longer though as that was one of the things that bothers me about the earlier chapters.

Nikky- The last one was a favorite of mine as well, however I think my favorite will be either the next chapter or the one after depending on what makes it into each one.

Kare4aKiss- I hadn't even thought of that, but I agree it would be pretty amusing. Thanks for the tip and I hope this will tide you over until next chapter.

Cariux5- Haha Sakura is a walking contradiction in this fanfic. Sometimes she is extremely confident and other times very timid but I think it fits.

ChaoticPhoenix27- Yeah I enjoyed writing the kiss scene, especially Syaoran's frustration immediately after :P

Brightestoflights- Hopefully the heat should continue through the next few chapters and should definitely get pretty spicy later on.

White wolfox – sorry to keep you waiting so long, hopefully the next one will be out sooner.

Humbleblossom-paulina – I think it is safe to say that Syaoran is now officially pursuing Sakura

Yingfa07- Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews, they are VERY much appreciated. Yeah we will be seeing the aunt again soon.

Anonymous angel – I'm glad you like it, as long as people keep reading I will keep writing.

Forgottenforever13- They were indeed, I was actually disappointed when they didn't make it back into this chapter, but soon enough.

AngelEmCuti- yes more matchmaking in this chapter, although after this chapter Syaoran seems pretty set on Sakura :D