One Year Ago
"Ya know, I think that's the first time I've seen you really smile."
Fai folded the faded picture into fourths, tucked it back into his pocket and grinned at Sakura.
"I always smile," he said.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm looking at that silly grin you always paste on your face right now," snapped Sakura, picking up his empty mug and slamming down a new one. "I mean really smile."
Fai was taken aback, but then he laughed.
"Can't get much by you, can I?" he asked softly.
"Got that right, hon," she said, disappearing into the back briefly to hand Syaoran the dirty dishes. They exchanged a few quick words and then she reappeared, wiping her hands off on her apron. "We're closing up in ten minutes," she told him. Fai was the only one left in the shop. He stood up.
"Alright," he said. "I really should be going anyways."
"Actually, Syaoran and I are going out for dinner tonight. I know it's late, but we were wondering if you'd like to come."
Fai paused.
"Oh," he said. It had been a long time since anyone had invited him anywhere. "I- I'd hate to impose."
"You're not imposing if someone invites you, Fai-san," Sakura told him. "We're going to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. D'you want to come or not?"
"I-" Fai hesitated. He could tell from the ever-so-slightly-annoyed way Syaoran was stacking the chairs that this was supposed to be a date. But he could also tell that Sakura really wanted him to come, and all he had waiting for him at home was a bowl of ramen. "I suppose it couldn't hurt."
"Great!" Sakura beamed, and even Syaoran smiled. "We'll be ready in twenty minutes, 'kay?"
"That sounds great," said Fai, smiling. "I'll help you clean up."
~ Back to short (not to mention less depressing) chapters, it seems. MUCH more managable :)
Last chapter I just thanked Flowing Breeze; this chapter is dedicated to her. Six reviews and counting. I can't begin to thank you enough :)
Reviews will be loved, polished, and displayed on my newly-fixed shelf. Reviewers will be given cookies and a free kitten. ~