Chap. 12: "Loneliness…

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Filler chapter…I apologize for mistakenly calling 'Touji' Wong in the last chapters…I got some of my characters mixed up.

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Standing in his kitchen, Touya placed his hand on his coffee, but paused in lifting the cup as he listened to the quiet of the house. Though Rika and Sakura lived in the house, lately they were rarely home, and he knew they were keeping their distance.

Tuesday night family dinner cancelled, Chiharu was packing to leave, Mei Lin was married, Naoko was once again buried in her bookstore, Sakura was hiding in her charity work, and Rika was enjoying her new relationship and dance company. Tomoyo—he hadn't spoken to her in over a week since Mei Lin's wedding—the wedding that happened to save him from going to jail for the rest of his life.

Frowning he leaned forward, and closed his eyes knowing this had definitely gone out of control, yet as he stood there he didn't know how he was supposed to salvage the situation to regain the relationships he had with his sisters.

He missed them—the large house was dull, lifeless without their bickering and laughter…

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Syaoran…

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Hanging up his phone, he leaned against the wall staring at the view of Hong Kong harbor. A frown rested on his features as he thought about the Japanese girl who was making his life very miserabe. "Sakura," he whispered, wondering why she had to be so thick headed.

He knew this whole process would go easier if he was able to talk to her in person, but his work was keeping him locked in place. "Damn it," he hissed, when the door opened. Focusing on the beautiful woman entering the room, he sighed, "More work?" he questioned, making her gentle brown eyes find his.

"Nope, I'm actually here to inquire if you've heard from Eri," she answered, sounding concerned for his cousin who was about to be labeled M.I.A. He shook his head slowly, "I haven't been able to get a hold of him either. Do you think you can have one of his friends pay a personal visit to make sure he isn't terribly ill?" When he grinned, she rolled her eyes, "My English accent will go away soon enough."

"Sure," he laughed, walking to his desk.

"You've seem awfully bothered Xiao Lang, woman trouble?" she teased, placing a stack of papers down. He knew which woman she meant, but Kris was hardly a concern for him.

"I'm not discussing my personal life with you Kaho," he informed, "It'll only end up back to my mother and sisters," he grimaced, making her laugh.

"I do not partake in gossip. She still won't answer your calls?" he sighed, wondering if there was anything about his life that wasn't known by his family and close friends. Kaho was the yougest daughter of Wei-san, who was his personal bodyguard, secretary and everything in one.

"No," he told her in resignation. "She won't until I can speak to her in person. I don't know what I'm supposed to do while stuck here with all of this," he gestured to the work in front of him in annoyance. He heard her sigh heavily, "What are you sighing so deeply about?"

"Well I just happened to overhear Yelen-san speaking about sending Xiefia to Tokyo for a press conference involving our acquisition of JP Music Productions," she doodled on the file in front of her.

"Really?" he murmured, with interest. "And what do you get out of this?"

"Well you most certainly have to take me along!" she humph, placing her hands on her hips. "For all the work I do here, I think I deserve a little vacation slash networking weekend." She stuck her tiny, pointed nose in the air. When there was a knock on the door, both paused looking at Wei.

Syaoran noticed the instant transformation in Kaho, when her father appeared. She inclined her head politely to him, "Li-sama wishes for these to be handled before you leave," she gestured towards the files resting on the table. "Also, she would like to see you at four sharp."

"Anything else?" he asked, straightening his posture to play office. She glared quickly at him for mocking her, and he merely smiled.

"No, sir." With poise and sophistication she exited the room, her pale gray suit displaying her attractive figure and long legs.

"Master Li."

"There's one thing I need for you to do for me Wei, then you are free to go home," he stated, cutting off the man, but in a polite way. "Have this sent out for me promptly. I'm off to see my sister, could you also have Marena tell my mother that I will be home for diner so we can speak."

Yes, sir," Wei answered, watching him disappear through the door. Looking at the note in his hand, he sighed walking to his desk. He knew without a doubt both of them had been plotting before his entrance into the office…

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Tokyo

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Getting off the bus, Sakura walked slowly towards the recreation center. Feeling her phone vibrate, she ignored it, since as Li Syaoran definitely had nothing better to do in Hong Kong than text her, yet he was too busy to come back.

Blowing a strand of hair off her face, she waved to the children playing on the field as she headed for the main building. Looking forward, she sighed staring at Kimi, who gave her the mean eye as she had been doing for the past week. "It's getting old," Kimi muttered, heading for the field.

Rumpling her hair, Sakura went straight for the office and paused at the door staring at the flowers resting on the counter. She had no idea how he had figured out that pink and white orchids were her favorite.

There was something frighteningly scary about him. "These are so beautiful, can I take them home too?" Kumiko asked, with a gay little smile.

"Sure. Cheerleading today, and I have to leave after, okay?" she said, taking her eyes off the beautiful arrangement of flowers. She walked forward to retrieve the card. Flipping it open she read the contents slowly, 'I'm coming back to Tokyo—be precpared…'

The note almost dropped from her hands as a nervous feeling of anticipation rippled through her body. She didn't not want to believe hope was attempting to blossom in her chest—that was until Kumiko gasped staring behind her.

Turning slowly, Sakura stared at Wong, her eyes focusing on his hair that was no longer black but brown—an almost identical unruly brown like Syaoran's. "Hey," he smiled at Sakura, walking slowly forward.

"H—hey," she greeted, getting over her shock. He pushed his hands into his washed out jeans, and despite herself she had to admit that he was very attractive.

"Sakura the girls are waiting for you outside!"

"Okay, I'm coming—I'm sorry I have to go," she told him, holding tightly onto Syaoran's note. Touji glanced at the flowers resting on the counter and almost frowned, but he turned when Sakura exited the room.

Running he caught up to her, "Sakura," he called, when she reached the door. "I would very much like to take you out sometime," he said, reaching up to run his hand through his hair. "It doesn't have to be anything serious—you know to hang out or something."

She reached up to put her hair into a ponytail, "Honestly Touji, I'm kind of in something right now. I should know if it's going to work out by the end of this week, I'll let you know," she told him as best she could, not wanting to hurt his feelings. "Okay?"

"Yeah, just let me know," he nodded, still smiling. She gave him a bright one, before she turned to run for the field. Standing there, he watched her knowing it was only a matter of time before she saw that he was the better candidate.

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Driving slowly pass the recreation center, Jun stared at the young man speaking to Sakura, but found his eyes focusing on the striking brown hair. He slowed a little knowing without a doubt he was the one he had been looking for…

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Mei Lin…

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She stared at herself in the mirror, taking slow breaths. She could feel the weight of her wedding ring on her finger, but refrained from looking at it. It was still unusual to consider herself married, especially when she and Jamie hadn't known each other for very long.

With a sigh, she washed her hands and exited the bathroom. Glancing around the restaurant, she spotted him at the table, but her eyes instantly narrowed on the beautiful blonde-haired woman who was speaking to him.

Jealously ignited in her when the woman had the nerves to reach for his braid! As she was about to walk off, she saw him show his ring, but the woman obviously wasn't convinced, because she merely laughed folding her arms over her chest.

She walked up slowly, "Sure Jamie—I'm not believing that one. you wouldn't consider marrying me after years of dating, and just weeks after breaking up you've married?" Mei Lin overheard her saying, with resentment. "I didn't even hear anything about it."

"Simple Sasha, a small private ceremony," he responded, his silver eyes looking pass her to focus on Mei Lin. He knew without a doubt his new wife was not pleased by the look in those fiery eyes of hers. "Darling," he smiled, charmingly, making the blonde turn very slowly.

Mei Lin stood still at the woman's icy blue eyes gave her a once over, before staring her in the eyes. With narrowed eyes, Mei Lin's brow slowly raised, her arms folding over her chest. She felt an inward victory when the woman saw her glistening ring and grimaced. "Whatever Chan," Sasha humph, turning instantly on her heels.

Mei Lin sat down in silence, staring at Jamie, who was still smiling. "Were you a whore or something?" she inquired, making him laugh, shaking his head.

"No," he answered, reaching out to place his hand on hers. "I love it when you're jealous," he whispered, caressing her hand with tender strokes.

"Did you think about what you were doing before you came up with this crazy idea?" she questioned, softly, not someone to take marriage lightly.

"Crazy idea?" he frowned, not liking her phrase. "There's nothing crazy about this Mei Lin. This is the only way I knew I could get you focus on us. You wouldn't have considered giving me a chance the way we were before."

"It was a game, why should I have?" she inquired, propping her chin up with her palm, her eyes turning outside.

"Because I really started caring about you, but it was only sex for you. I thought maybe this way you would see how good we would be together," he stated, surprising Mei Lin, who turned her eyes directly to him. She had no idea why it had taken a week for them to hold this conversation.

"And what if you're wrong?" she asked, not understanding why he smiled again.

"I'm a lawyer I don't play with chance unless I know I will win," he answered, sure of himself. Mei Lin rolled her eyes, "We will work if both of us commit to this," he reassured, firmly. "Now I have the rest of the day off, what would you like to do, sweat heart?" he wiggled his brows suggestively.

"Don't you know the stats on sex after marriage?" she asked, trying to force back all her perverted thoughts. She had more important things to dwell on, but whipping him.

"That's after having a baby—are you pregnant dearest?"

"No!" she cried, standing from her chair.

"Then let's go home and find something to keep us occupied, shall we?" Without a word, Mei Lin turned on her heels. Placing money down, he walked slowly behind her. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask, how is your family doing?"

"Fine I guess—I haven't really spoken to my brother. My sisters will be fine," she told him, softly, but he could feel the sad undertones. He placed his arm around her shoulders and drew her into his side. Feeling her gear up, he sighed, "I'm only trying to comfort you, do not elbow me if you know what's good for you Mei Lin," he warned her, smiling when her shoulders deflated. "Things will get better."

"What are you, a therapist now?"

"I'm whatever you need me to be—," Mei Lin didn't respond, instead she stared ahead unconsciously enjoying the warmth his body provided…

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Next Day…

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Becoming buried in work was the only way Tomoyo was able to keep her mind from Eriol. True to his word, he had left her alone, but her mind was unable to decide if it was hurt that he had given up so quickly without trying. Because they ran in completely different circles, she had not the chance of crossing paths with him.

She didn't know what he was doing—if he was okay. Shaking her head to clear those thoughts away, she focused on the list of outfits to be used in the fashion show she was heading for the company designer. "Yes, good, good," she told the second in charge. "Did you receive the list for the models?"

"Yes I did, it's exactly what we asked for. Don't worry, Tomoyo, there won't be any surprises for this show. It is going to be amazing!"

"It needs to be, my career rests on it," she told him, glancing at her watch. "Oh shoot, I am supposed meet Isabella for lunch," she breathed, just remembering. "I have to go, but I will be back later to see the finished results. If there is a problem don't hesitate to call me, understand?"

"Yep, I got it!"

She waved, hurrying out of the room, being mindful of her heels. Exiting the room, she gasped almost colliding with Jun. "Hey," she greeted, a little surprised to see him lingering around her work place.

"Hey," he smiled, dressed casually. "You busy?"

"I was just on my way out the door actually," she answered, starting down the hall with him at her side. She glanced at him, "Is something wrong?" He laughed at her assumption, shaking his head.

"No, can't I visit you without there being something wrong?" he asked, opening the door for her to step out, before he followed.

"I guess," she answered, unsure of why he would want to visit her. For the many years she had known him, he had never shown an interest in her. She prayed he wasn't interested, because she was simply not ready for such a move, especially when she was not over Eriol, and didn't know when that would happen.

"Do you want to have lunch?" Tomoyo held back a frown when they exited the building, standing in the walkway. She didn't want to hurt his feelings since as he was a close friend of her brothers, but she couldn't lead him on as well.

"I already have lunch planned with a client," she told him, slowly, with a look of regret. "Besides, you've seen what has happened. I don't think I can go anywhere with any guy unless my brother approves. I can't go through that again," she went on with a grimace. She was glad when he nodded, obviously agreeing to the second part of her phrase.

"You're right, I should ask his permission first. I'm sure it'll be fine, he knows I'm a good guy," Jun voiced, with confidence. Tomoyo wanted to remind him that she was not very for any form of a relationship, but held herself back, not wanting to hurt his feelings. "Can I walk you to the restaurant?" he offered, friendly.

"Sure," she smiled, starting in the direction with him. They headed through the crowd of people, Jun trying to figure out something to talk about, while Tomoyo was hoping for little conversation. Reaching a stoplight, they paused waiting to cross, when television screens in a store window caught her attention.

'There has been a split with Pop star Celeste and her new producer Hirragizawa Eriol of Shoran Music over disagreements." A picture of Eriol and the singer appeared on the screen, "According to close sources, there was a dispute over songs promised to the singer that Hirragizawa has refused to deliver. Attempts to reach Hirragizawa has not been returned, but in a statement released from Shoran Music, public relations executive Mizuki Kaho assures the situation will be handled to ensure the happiness of both parties.'

Unconsciously she frowned, starting to wonder if everything was okay with Eriol, because it was not like him to—she paused realizing she knew little about him after the lie he committed. Pushing her worry down, she turned to cross the street…

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Syaoran…

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The rich vibrations of the piano filled the large music hall, sending chills and feelings of elation through the onlookers. The pianist expert fingers moved delicately across the keys, changing the mood to a light, soothing tune, before it broke off into a strong, deep tempo darkening the feeling.

Syaoran was seated in a booth, his eyes focused on the tiny screen as he wrote Sakura another text. He wasn't sure how many he had sent her, but it was probably enough to place him on the stalker list. Sending it, he frowned wishing he wasn't wasting hours of his life for this show—which was very good—but he rather be making up with her. "Put that away!" his older sister hissed, in a low voice, her face calm, and eyes focused on the stage. "What would the tabs say if a picture was taken of you?"

"That her dotting boyfriend had his eyes closed to enjoy the tranquility of his girlfriend's angelic playing?" he responded, tiredly. He sighed, when his mother's gloved hand reached across to rest on the screen of his phone.

"There is a time and place for everything…" her gentle voice reached him. Frowning, he placed his phone away. He sat up tiredly, when the final key rang through the hall. The crowd stood and burst into applause, making his frame slowly rise as well to partake in what was required of him.

Like an obedient son, he followed at his mother's side, smiling and speaking when appropriate to those required of him. Entering the hall where a reception was taking place, Syaoran felt like tearing out his hair at having to waste his time on stupid things such as this.

Getting a chance to slip through an open door, he found a chair to sit, pulling out his phone. Dialing Sakura's number, he waited, listening to it ring. Once again it went to voicemail, and he sighed, "I am sorry. Please allow me to explain," he pleaded, lifting his eyes when the door squeaked.

Finding the beautiful form of Kris standing in front of him, he stood when she walked happily over to him. "Xiao Lang!" she cried, with arms outstretched, her gold Versace gown fluttering about her body. Her beautiful blue eyes glowed and her smile was enchanting, "What did you think of my playing?"

"It was beautiful as always," he answered, simply, only to have her laugh at his bored tone.

"You haven't changed," she flirted, leaning towards him. Syaoran deftly moved his face, making her lips press to his cheek instead, "You're no fun," she pouted, moving back.

"You know the rules," he replied, growing a slight frown. She humph moving out of his arms, her hand reaching up to smooth back her already sleek blonde hair that was pulled into a glamorous bun, tangled with jewels.

"I don't see the point of those rules," she complained, glancing at his frame to find his eyes once again focused on his phone. "We're both single—."

"I'm not," he informed, not seeing the frown she grew.

"Is she so spectacular?" Syaoran lifted his eyes to her face, but didn't get a chance to respond, because his sister appeared in the door.

"Time for press," she sang happily, raising her brows suggestively. Suppressing a sigh, Syaoran walked toward Kris and offered in silence his arm. The things he did for his family was grating on his nerves, especially since as this was another secret he was keeping from Sakura, 'She's going to hate me' he thought, wearily.

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Mei Lin…

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Opening her apartment door, she smiled at her sisters, allowing them to enter. "I brought the finest!" Tomoyo grinned, showing two bottle of red wine.

"Great," Mei Lin laughed, closing the door after Rika wandered in, "Though I don't know if Rika should be here," she griped, jokingly, making the others laugh.

"Hey!" she humph, then stuck out her tongue. "If that is so then you shouldn't be as well—miss I'm married," she replied, when there was a knock on the door. Mei Lin opened it, and laughed at the glare Chiharu gave her.

"I felt the tingle," she informed, entering the apartment. "You can't keep anything from me."

"I told Sakura to call you," Mei Lin told her twin, who ignored her. Closing her door, she followed them into the hall, watching her sisters examine her living room, all eyes focusing on the boxes lining the wall. Tomoyo turned, raising her brow in question, "We're looking for a bigger place," she sighed, walking towards her.

Taking a bottle of wine, she headed for the kitchen for an opener. "You guys are moving in so quickly?" Sakura asked, in surprise. "I mean I thought he you know forced you." All stood in the door, watching Mei Lin focus on opening the bottle.

"Oh my god, Mei Lin has found herself a man," Naoko chorused, appearing so out of character that her sisters burst into laughter.

"I didn't invite you over to make fun of me!" Mei Lin snapped, pouring the rich red liquid into all the glasses in front of her.

"Never," Tomoyo agreed, starting to open the second bottle. "We're very happy for you," she assured, not seeing the others nod. Mei Lin sighed, lifting concerned eyes to her sister's amethyst ones, "How are you guys?" she questioned, filling the room with a somber feeling. "Moyo?"

"I'm fine," she smiled, but knew Mei Lin didn't believe it.

"I think you should talk to him," Mei Lin voiced, with concern. "But not until you've calmed down. I don't know what Sakura and Naoko have to say—but I think Rika and I—at the moment—would agree that he did place suitable men in our path," she reasoned, wanting her sister to be happy. "They held no malice."

"She's right Tomoyo," Rika agreed, with a nod. "If it's making you this miserable, you should make up with him."

"I can't do that right now," Tomoyo sighed, placing the bottle down to reach for her glass. She took a drink, and walked to a corner, "I just need some time to—,"

"Bury yourself deeper in work," Sakura muttered, giving her brief cheeky smile.

"You aren't getting any younger," Chiharu sang, reaching for a glass, but pouted when Naoko slid it out of reach. "I can have one glass a month!"

"And we don't know if you've had that glass already," Naoko replied, though her brown eyes were dancing behind her glasses. "At the rate we're going, we're all going to have kids at the same time—well except for you," she poked Chiharu in the belly.

"the family line can't rely on Mei Lin and Tomoyo," Chiharu stated, snatching up her glass. When her phone beeped, Sakura pulled it out. "Annoying," she laughed, knowing it was Li. Sakura ignored her and opened the picture message.

Despite the anger she felt towards him, she couldn't hold back a smile seeing his sad expression and the sign he held up with the words 'I'm Sorry'. "Awww…" Rika laughed, snatching the phone from Sakura's hand. "Look."

"I hate you," Sakura told her twin, who giggled in response. She reached for her glass, willing to admit that she missed him. In all honesty, she didn't know if she would be able to continue being upset with him.

"Have you two done it?" Naoko asked, cackling when Sakura choked on her wine. Sakura could have died feeling a deep blush start from her hairline all the way down her chest when memories of that night flooded her mind.

"You have?" Tomoyo gasped, in astonishment.

"No!" she sputtered, holding up her hands. "We—we haven't!"

"Then why do you look so guilty?" Mei Lin asked, raising her brows.

"Well yo—you know," she whispered, embarrassedly. "We—ah did other stuff," she continued, staring intently at the countertop.

"Was it good?" Chiharu cooed, making Sakura look up.

"It was great," she confirmed, making them laugh, "I didn't even have to return the favor," she told them proudly, only to have the room erupt in laughter. "Ugh don't laugh at me. I know I'm a late bloomer!"

"Oh Eriol was great in bed," Tomoyo reluctantly admitted, thinking about him. "His fingers are amazing even off the piano." Absently, she wondered what he was doing at this very moment, and if he even missed her as much as she missed him.

"Ewww!"

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Outside the apartment, a rusty old truck pulled up, the lights turning off. Switching on the radio, Touya glanced at the building when their laughter filled his car. A wave of loneliness overcame him hearing them, and knowing there was a chance he wouldn't be a part of that again.

This was undoubtedly the longest time he had ever been given the silent treatment by his sisters, and he didn't like it at all. He frowned knowing if he hadn't been sloppy with Chan this wouldn't be happening to him. "Damn it," he hissed, clenching his fist.

"Do you love him?" He heard Naoko asked, getting his attention.

"I don't know," Mei Lin answered, softly. "He makes me happy—happier I guess than I have been in a very long time, but who knows if it will wear off," she answered, a tone to her voice he had never heard before.

"I hope it doesn't—I want you to be happy," Sakura inputted, and Touya could picture the smile on her lips as she said those words. "I want all of you to be happy—just like Chiharu."

"That's won't happen with our bro—Touya," Tomoyo started, making him grimace at the sadness in her voice. "He tramples things carelessly."

"If you love him you shouldn't allow brother to take him away from you Tomoyo. It's not fair for you," Rika reasoned, compassionately.

"I don't know," she sighed, wearily, "If being miserable for the rest of my life ensures he doesn't get hurt then maybe it's worth it. Maybe I'm cursed to lose everyone I love."

"Tomoyo…" Hearing a sob escape her lips, Touya found he couldn't listen any longer, and his hand lifted slowly to turn off the radio.

"I don't want him disappearing like the first—being angry with him is the only way to keep him out of Touya's path. Jamie was lucky—my relationships have never been."

"Moyo," He heard Chiharu start, then sigh, "Maybe we should all consider leaving him. I love him dearly, but I don't believe we should sacrifice our given right to happiness due to his insensitivities…" His heart felt heavy in his chest, hearing murmurs of what sounded like agreements. Switching off the radio, he started his truck, staring blankly ahead, not wanting to be alone, but not having anyone to go to.

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Standing by the window, Sakura watched the familiar truck drive away. She flattened her palm against the window knowing her brother just needed someone to love him, but he would never find such a person unless he was willing to let go of them…

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Author's note: On to the second bonus chap!