Yelan wept with joy. The contract seemed harsh, but Sakura would not use the power to her advantage. Sakura felt that this did not right the wrongs committed against Syaoran, but at the time it was the best solution she could come up with. God help her if he should find out.
…
Syaoran came back with groceries that he was putting away in the kitchen. Sakura hadn't returned yet. He had no idea where she was and didn't want to speculate for his own peace of mind. Syaoran was cooking something on the stove and looked up as she entered. She looked like she had been crying when she returned. His eyes darkened as he took in her tear stained face. He left the stir fry simmering and approached her.
"What happened?" he demanded rather heatedly.
"Nothing why do you think there is something going on," she replied innocently. Yelan had been so grateful with what she had done, but she felt nothing but guilt.
"Did you happen to see Ling?" Syaoran demanded low and the fire in his eyes said murder for a certain boy.
She laughed and wiped her eyes, "No Syaoran, I haven't seen him since we had school last." Her words did not help his wandering imagination. The idea of Ryu's hands on her body made his blood boil.
His jealousy made him propel her forward against his body and seal his mouth over hers. What had started out as a harsh blending of lips became softer. She slid her arms onto his shoulders to anchor herself in place. He kissed her bottom lip, gently kneading it. She opened her mouth in reflex and he took full advantage. He tongue coiled with hers, slowly savoring her taste. Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly trying to get as close as possible to his form. His hands molded themselves over her small hips and waist. His hands rubbed her sides as his kiss became hungrier. Her phone shrilled and jolted them apart.
Sakura groaned as he let go of her. "Shit!" He ran over to the stove as his stir fry was trying to burn. He just managed to save his almost over-crisp vegetables. He was so unsettled; she took the breath right out of him and made him unsure whether he would have surfaced long enough to think of the consequences of what might have happened. She made him feel so alive with a small touch that he did not want to let her go once he had a hold on her. He spent the next few minutes in his head trying to think about how this progression had happened so suddenly. He had kissed her on the roof and now things were much further along. He remembered his training. "Weakness is emotion. Strength is found when one is devoid in emotion." He stirred and felt his own irritation grow. He needed to learn to distance himself from her nearness. He was there but not being driven by his passions.
She picked up. "Yes, Meiling?" Sakura was much sharper than she had meant to be. Sakura was trying to conceal her irritation at her own lack of control and shortness of breath.
"Sakura are you ok? Should I call back later?" Meiling seemed worried.
"No I'm fine; you…ehh caught me off guard that's all." Syaoran scoffed at her explanation from the background. She made a face. He scowled at himself, he was not present in this banter. He was attempting to remove himself from the conversation by reciting equations in his head. She had already turned around and was talking animatedly into her phone.
"Yeah, yeah I will ask him…what do you mean he won't go? Of course.. Why not? You want Ling to go? I'm not sure….. He already told you he would? I don't see how that is…" Syaoran grabbed the phone out of her hand.
"This is Li, what time are we going? Ok we will meet there. What is on 13 Kennedy Street? Yeah, yeah here she is." Sakura got her phone back but was flabbergasted that he had stolen it. She hung up after discussing outfits. Syaoran was making gestures towards the stove indicating that it was time for food. They sat down to eat. The new furniture in the apartment was a nice addition and made it seem not so empty. However, they still sat on the floor to eat.
He broke the silence, "So, where are we going?"
She laughed at him. "You really don't know?"
"Would I ask otherwise?"
"Out."
"Out what?"
"We are going out to a club."
He groaned at his own stupidity. He wanted no part of the drink induced wild dancing. He had already said he would go. Damn! The mention of Ryu's name caused him to automatically make sure he was there to keep the other man at bay.
She came out of the bedroom looking completely scandalous. She wore tight jeans that hugged her legs before disappearing into a pair of riding boots. Her legs looked great, but her top drove him crazy. She was wearing a white eyelet cami top that brushed over her breasts; covered them adequately enough to be acceptable anywhere but with enough cleavage showing that he wanted to 'distract' her into not going tonight. He let the outfit pass, it shouldn't matter what she wore. He preferred she wore a paper bag, but he doubted it would matter. He couldn't help but think he wanted to leave his stamp on her somewhere, because most men with a glimpse of her, would sell their soul to have her. It gave him a distinct satisfaction that no matter what happened on the dance floor she was coming home with him tonight.
Sakura had released the chain on her necklace. She left the orb hanging above her belly button but below the shirt line so that no one would see it. She hadn't looked into it since arriving fearing that the spark had distinguished and she was just fooling herself. She approached him rather cautiously.
He was wearing tight wide leg jeans with a graphic polo shirt with Chinese characters on it. His well toned shape was easily visible with his clothes on. Any woman would be a fool to miss the underlying strength present in his arms, and his shape noted the firm abs he had under the shirt. Women would drool, but she was confident she could hold onto him. He had never been one for superficial beauty, and she knew she had a ring on her finger that meant he wasn't going anywhere. Syaoran was too honorable then to mess with another woman when he was engaged to someone else. She was technically proof of that. Although they were kids when he and Meiling had been engaged.
"Syaoran?" She brought him back from his own thoughts timidly.
"hmmn?" he had an odd look in his eyes.
"Will you hold these for me?" She held out her key necklace, ID, and money. He took them and put them in his pockets. He wanted nothing more than to touch her in that moment. She waited nervously looking excited by the prospect of dancing with Meiling at a club. He turned away and headed towards the door.
"We better get going," He called over his shoulder. She noticed the awkwardness between them.
They had arrived at 13 Kennedy Street where the music was pumping and the vibrations could be felt a block down from the entrance. There were people in line but the Li's went straight to the bouncer and said something. Syaoran took her arm as they were motioned through. People complained in the background but Sakura smiled, somebody could get use to the doors that opened to the Li Clan. Syaoran stationed himself at the bar as Ryu, Meiling, and Sakura were on the dance floor. Syaoran ordered a beer as he watched the others. Anytime Ling came within 5 feet of her he took a hearty sip. He realized he was on his third beer in 30 minutes when a couple of women approached him. He set his glass down feeling a bit heady. They were inquiring all about him, but he wasn't fooled by their 'friendly' chat; their eyes held promises he wouldn't even imagine fulfilling. Women always had an agenda with him, but he was trying to be watchful of the dance floor while being mildly entertained by their desperation. They had been chatting him up for about 15 minutes before he felt Sakura tug on his sleeve.
She had wandered over after seeing the flock of women gathered around her fiancé. She wouldn't even deny she was jealous. She broke away from the group as they danced on. Ryu and Meiling kept moving as the crowd jostled people across the floor. She thought it would be nice for them to spend some time together either way but she did not like these women and their obvious demeanor. She came up to his side at the bar and tugged on his sleeve to get his attention. "Syaoran?"
He turned to her gaze and felt himself smiling. "Hullo Sakuuura."
Her eyes sharpened as she took in his slightly buzzed state. Goodness they had only been here 45 minutes at the most and he was nearly drunk already. He pulled her into his body. He pulled a little harder than necessary to separate the women in front of him so that she would be against him. She found herself cuddled against his side her nose pressing into his shirt. She inhaled his scent and poked him. He stopped chatting with the girls, who were staring hungrily at him.
He said something so unexpected that she nearly fell over anime style. "Sorry Ladies my fiancée demands my attention." He turned away from them to look down at her as she smiled up at him. The girls sighed and shuffled off to find a more willing and available target.
"You are really beautiful tonight Sakuuuura did I tell you that? Anyways where is that punk? Do I need to beat him up? Hmmn?" She reassessed her opinion he was more than well on his way to drunk.
"No Syaoran, I wondered if you would buy me a drink."
"Oh yes a drink! Barkeep can I get a dry martini and another beer please?" He tried to find his wallet but was having difficulty. "A little help Sakuuuura?" She rolled her eyes and fished around in his pockets. He was more than gone by now. His watching her made her feel tense as she searched in his pockets. She finally found the torturous object.
She handed the bartender the right amount of change and leaned across the bar so that Syaoran wouldn't get another beer anytime soon. He pulled her back hastily and she saw anger flashed across his eyes. "Don't lean on things Sakuuura those assets are for my eyes only." She wanted to laugh at him. He wasn't mad about his loss of beer after this drink; he didn't want anyone else appreciating her attributes. She just shook her head and being the vixen she was snuggled up against Syaoran.
All the other men at the bar were watching her. They were annoyed by how taken she was with him. They hadn't guessed their close relationship just assumed that she was trying to take him home for the night. Syaoran was leaning on the counter with his elbow on the bar. He was turned towards the dance floor his arm wrapped arm her waist. His fingers were making patterns under her shirt around her belly button. She inhaled sharply. As much as she liked this amorous side of him, she wished he would save it for when they were alone. She was embarrassed that the people at the bar were watching their every move. She set her glass down and whispered to him, "Syaoran do you want to dance?"
He looked away from the dance floor and down at her. "Sakuuuura I don't dance."
"That's not true, I know for a fact 5 years ago we danced in unison in front of lots of people." She reminded him of the play.
"Ballroom dancing is a bit different than fast dancing." She sighed at this statement.
"Alright well I'm going back out there; don't get into any trouble while I am gone."
She disappeared through the crowd when he heard someone next to him say, "What an idiot." The bleached blonde next to him followed closely behind her. She was searching for Meiling, when she felt someone catch her hand. Assuming Syaoran had changed his mind she flashed a beaming smile at the person. When she turned fully around she knew that a man had decided she was in need of company. She gulped. Who was this guy? Alright how was she going to handle this one? He tugged her body into more intimate contact with him so that they could dance closely. Sakura felt herself moving to the music in spite of being uncomfortable. She tried to edge back a little at a time.
Syaoran's eyes sharpened as he saw the man touching her closely in a pretense of dancing. Syaoran, mixed with alcohol, did not comprehend rationality at this point. He was thoroughly pissed off. He saw her gesture further into the crowd.
"Err I am going to look for my friends, thanks for the dance," hoping he would get the message she tried to move away. Syaoran saw the man grabbed her hand and pull her further away from his sight. Syaoran saw her look over his shoulder in worry, a look passed between them that could only be labeled 'help'.
As Sakura was pushed further away into the crowd. Syaoran set his glass down hard on the bar. He pushed his way through the crowd. He kept her head in sight and didn't go through the pleasantries of trying to avoid dancers. He shoved his way through to where the man was trying to draw them close to a corner. Sakura was slightly frightened but there were enough people around that he couldn't get away with much. She didn't feel safe because she didn't have her key or cards on her they were in Syaoran's pocket.
The annoying man was trying to whisper into her ear as he backed her up into the wall. Over the noise she couldn't hear him; his hand was on her hip looking much to cozy to be casual. Syaoran came upon them as she was trying to remove his hand without much success.
Syaoran came between him and her in an instant. She stood behind him thankful for the protection he offered. His whole body radiated anger, and any man with sense would have backed away. Unfortunately, this man didn't know the extent of martial arts training that Syaoran had or the way he was trying to avoid kicking his ass. The man decided he could take the younger man, and proceeded to tell him, "This isn't your affair."
Syaoran seemed to get more angered by the man's stupidity. Sakura had her body squeezed up against him in hopes that he would not do anything stupid. "My fiancée doesn't like you touching her so I think it would be best if you cleared off." It was in fact, what anyone would have considered a last warning. "I think that's her decision," The man in his idiocy reached for Sakura's hand to pull her away from him. Syaoran had had enough and let his fist fly. The man toppled over a table that had drinks on it. The smash made people in the general vicinity move out of the way in haste. Syaoran would have launched himself on the other male if Sakura hadn't held him back. The man was out cold anyway. A bouncer started in their direction.
"I think we should go home." Sakura stammered at him. Holding him back was proving to be a hard task. He fiancée weighed quite a bit more than her and was deathly determined to beat up the man that dared to touch her. Sakura pulled Syaoran through the crowd and somehow managed to get him outside. She handed the bouncer a business card and said that the damages would be paid for by the clan if the whole incident was kept under wraps. He nodded as she tried to get Syaoran home. He was determined to go back in.
"Syaoran its time to go home!' She was pulling at him.
"We can't leave Meiling."
"Don't worry, I'll text her. I'm sure she noticed you taking out that guy."
She rummaged through his pockets and pulled out her cellphone and key. She summoned illusion and teleport. No one would see her use magic it would just look like they went down an alley and disappeared. She managed to hug him to her so she could transport him. He of course changed his mood from pissed to passionate and held on tight. He was trying to kiss her neck which almost caused her to lose complete concentration and have them end up stuck in between portals. She still needed to get a message to Meiling.
They managed to both remain upright as they slipped out of the portal. She set him in her old room in the Li mansion. She tried to placate him, "Now Syaoran, it's time for bed." She hadn't thought about what this might indicate in his inebriated mind.
"Oh yes darling, it most certainly is." He sealed his mouth over hers and walked her backwards. She fell on the bed with him following downwards. They bounced a bit from the impact but he was not fazed whatsoever. His kisses were carnal and who was she to complain about her situation? His tongue was searching hers as his hand was rubbing her stomach. Her knees were braced on either side of his hips and were starting to rub his hips in encouragement. He shifted his hips against hers distractingly and her top seemed to be moving upwards at an alarming rate. She disengaged her mouth from his and tilted her head back to get some air. She wasn't sure about the actions that were happening but when his lips found her neck any coherent thoughts about Meiling left her head. "mmm, Syaoran!"
He managed to get her shirt over her head without her helping. He was kissing her collarbone when he felt the chain of her necklace. Distracted he picked it up. He looked into the small dancing fire and dropped the pendent liked it had burned him. She saw the inferno reflected in his eyes and tried to touch his cheek. He knew exactly what this was and quickly disentangled himself from her. He lit out of the room as if his pants were on fire.
She was faced with the horrible truth that he didn't want to be in love with her, now, tomorrow, ever. She pulled on her shirt through the tears escaping her eyes and tried to rethink the decisions she had made upon arriving. It wasn't fair to trap him into something he obviously didn't want. Pasion was something that could extinguish at a rapid rate. Yelan's words flooded her mind as she teleported herself to the apartment. "If you love my son Sakura, you will be selfish this once and know how happy you can make him. Stay calm… I believe you just being here is helping him little by little, that is why I want you to be selfish by making him marry you, because you are good for him. You work a magic of the heart that this family can not seem to replicate please do all that you can to help him." She took a steady breath; there was a lot to weigh in her mind. She absentmindedly texted Meiling.
"SAKURA, WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU"
"Had to Leave, some guy got fresh with me and drunk Syaoran levelled him"
"WISH I HAD SEEN IT!"
"We would probably have been kicked out if we stayed much longer, I took drunky home…" She didn't add anything else.
"Ehh too bad. We were having fun…Syaoran is never any fun anyways"
"Yeah I would caution you to haul ass out of there. You really shouldn't be there without somebody you know other than Ling. Who knows if he will make sure you get home ok."
"I haven't been able to find him…. : ( "
"Best leave."
"Will do. I have enough training to take care of myself in case you wanted to know!"
Sakura sent her a goofy picture of her rolling her eyes. Sakura closed the phone and decided to walk back to the apartment. The night air might clear her head. As much as she wanted to make things work with Syaoran, he had made promises to her when he was 12 years old. How can you decide something so important at 12?
