AU PAIR
*RATED M FOR MATURITY*
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Card Captor Sakura. However, this story is all mines down to its very last idea.
Chapter Twenty One: Thanksgiving Gathering
(4 DAYS LATER)
She stared at the wall, arms crossed over her chest in contemplation. The Lumineers "Ho Hey" played full blast through the entire apartment, echoing off the walls. Slowly her fingers began to drum against her bare stomach, hitting her hip bone with a kind of thump sound. Pinned to the wall were four sets of colored strips, separated by a gap between them all. Head tilted, she blinked in an intense daze, trying to take in one of the colors and absorb it into her mind. Sakura had this strange, impatient urge to change the entire apartment from room to room. Everything around her was making it so she couldn't concentrate, hurting her head to the point where in the middle of the night, she had taken down framed pictures and hid them from sight. Having taken a psychology class, she knew it was a mood issue. Why she was in a mood, was beyond her though. All Sakura knew, was that the white paint needed to be livelier and she needed new artwork to decorate her apartment. Suddenly frustrated that the color she'd been staring at for the past ten minutes wasn't the right color, she unraveled her arms and walked the couple steps to the kitchen. Checking her phone, the clock blinking back 10:30, she passed by for her opened beer. She wanted something to work. The four colors she'd picked out where supposed to be calming, relaxing colors according to the worker at the hardware store. So far, spending too much time staring at the colors, she couldn't see it. Hoping up on her cold counter, she stared flustered at the wall across the room, the four colors a huge contrast against the white-washed walls.
She felt like something was missing from those colors. They weren't speaking to her like she'd wanted. In truth, nothing about her apartment was speaking to her. Having not been in her apartment over night in two weeks give or take, she felt like a stranger to her own home. Legs crossed, beer sitting against her knee, she continued to stare at the wall. Sakura didn't know what it was, something dug deep into her mind, bothering her. One color, a strange purple-lavender dye, reminded her too much of Easter eggs. Though, the color could have worked through her entire apartment, she had a nagging feeling she would only paint over it in less than a week. She even went so far as getting a "look at me" dark red shade, but even that made her disappointed. Against her purple plush couch, nothing seemed to match. Hoping off the counter so her feet slapped the ground into shocking her senses from the cold tile, she slowly made her way around the island counter. Leaving the untouched beer on the counter, she walked slowly towards the wall and stopped. Face contorted in a weird expression, she tried again, moving to the side and walking forward. Nothing helped, it was still the same. Someone knocked at her door, the sound almost inaudible over the music blaring. Taking slow steps backwards, her eyes still trained intently on the colors, Sakura tried with all her might to figure it out. Still not looking at the door, she unlocked and opened it with a clumsy hand. Haku blinked at the entrance, eyes dilated as he took in her half-naked form and concentrated girl.
"Why are you always naked when I come over?" he asked slowly. Ignoring him, Sakura latched onto his arm and pulling him forward, letting the door shut with a louder snap then the music.
"Choose a color," she demanded eagerly.
"Sakura, what—?" Haku arched a brow, now noticing the empty walls. "You're painting," he glanced around the apartment, confused. It took him a split second to realize there wasn't anything hanging anymore as well.
"Choose a color," Sakura said again, reaching for her remote to the stereo.
"I don't know…the red one." Haku watched as she fumbled with the remote before the music finally turned down some. Out of all the times he'd seen her half dressed or in bathing suits, this was the first time she wasn't reacting. Sakura took to heart his words, arms crossing over her bare stomach as she stared at the red piece of paper. Anna Nalick began playing softly through her speakers, her fingers drumming against her rib cage to the beat. Haku frowned, noticing the light purple and black coloring of a fresh bruise under her fingers as they moved. "Everything alright?" he found himself asking, looking away from her body as she began making a face unrelated to his question.
"That doesn't work either," she grumbled, moving away from her living room. Haku watched her, wondering if she was even listening to herself. "I need different colors,"
"Sakura, why are you painting your apartment?" at that, she whirled around. Short strands of hair brushed her face as she stared at him in disbelief. Haku briefly wondered if she was on something, the look in her eyes confused and daring, but then squished it since it was Sakura. The only thing Sakura ever outdid her self with, was drinking alcohol. "This may not be my place to say, but…does whatever this is…have to do with Li?"
"Don't be silly," Sakura turned back around, snatching her beer and moving to find something in her cabinets. Haku couldn't help but think of his theory again, watching her disappear behind the island counter. A moment later she came back up a large yellow book in hand. "We have another warehouse around here, don't we?"
"What time did you go to Howards Warehouse?" Haku asked, giving up on figuring this girl out. Moving closer to the counter he watched her carefully. Dressed as she was anyone that didn't know Sakura Kinomoto would peg her as a crazy person. Ignoring him, she placed her untouched beer beside the book and moved around the counter for her cell phone. In seconds she was dialing a number, moving across the apartment to fling herself onto her plush couch. Haku frowned, digging out his own cell phone. Something was wrong and the only person he knew that could actually speak her language, needed to come join them. Freezing on his unlock pad, Haku thought better of it and walked across the room to Sakura. She was speaking to someone about paint and location, her long legs pressed against her stomach like a child.
Sitting on her coffee table, Haku studied her intently before glancing at the wall behind her head. The strips of paint samples were just hanging there, telling a story. Trying to decipher that story, he glanced back down at her with sharp blue eyes that could pierce any soldier. Unfortunately for him, she wasn't a soldier and most days that look didn't work on her. Sakura barely even noticed his presence as she spoke to whoever it was on the phone, her words soft. Glancing at his phone again for the time, he lifted his gaze back to Sakura. They were supposed to be heading to Meilin's to meet everyone. He knew if they didn't head out now, Rika would call and ask more questions then either one could handle. If Sakura was going through a phase, he knew her enough that the others didn't need to know right away. Remembering Halloween, Haku glanced at her beer sitting nonchalantly on her counter. From the shadow of the liquid, it was still full which gave him the pretext that she was having mental issues. The morning of Chiharu's art show, Sakura had been drinking until she took Syaoran home and then some there. Hadn't something been wrong that day too, her mind overloading with something she couldn't talk to her friends about? The moment Sakura was off the phone, her eyes lit up at the sight of him sitting before her. Sensing the mood, she stood up only to be trapped by his legs and pushed back onto the couch. Glowering, she arched a brow at his serious expression.
"We're going to talk," Haku told her slowly, eyes dilating as she laughed. "I'm being serious, unless you want me to call Rika and explain to her why there's an untouched beer on your counter at ten am and you're not even dressed."
"Nothing's wrong," Sakura told him sharply. Haku only narrowed his eyes at her, keeping his leg firmly in place against the couch. "We're really going to play that game?"
"What game, I'm simply trying to figure out if I need to call Rika."
"And tell her what…?" Sakura arched a brow, arms crossing as she got comfortable. "Nothing's wrong, I haven't been drinking that beers been opened since five."
"Five, really? Did you even sleep last night?" his face paled. "You didn't…Sakura if you're having trouble…"
"My god, are you listening to yourself? I'm fine, Tsukino! I haven't been drinking but if you think you can crack a case that doesn't need to be cracked, then I will!" nails piercing his leg through his jeans, Sakura shoved his leg aside and stood. "Are we done?"
"How'd you get the bruise?" he stood as well, sizing her up as his tall frame towered over her. Sakura grimaced; arms crossing as she unconsciously hid her ribs. "Sit. Talk. Now," obediently she sat, wincing as the impact shook up her bruised side. Crossing her legs beneath her body, she gave Haku her best scowl. "Let's hear it,"
"You're wasting your time."
"It's time as well," he stated, glancing around her apartment. "You know if you wanted to change the apartment you could ask the girls for help. That's what they're for, friends help out. I can even get you cheap paint from the base." Haku continued to look around the apartment, taking in her bare walls and shelves with a new eye. "Why are you changing your place? I thought the lease was up at the end of this year."
"It was," Haku returned his gaze to her. Face flushed, she avoided that gaze as Sakura glanced around her own apartment. "I fixed that problem yesterday with the manager, I have four more years."
"Four…" Haku's eyes widened. "He…Syaoran paid you?" even though it was directed as a question, Haku knew it was true. Her face seemed to pale at the words and suddenly he knew. Hand out, he rested it against her knee softly as he leaned forward. "When was the last time you saw Li?"
"Last night, I skyped Lyrianna," Sakura eyed the beer across the room longingly, her gut wrenching as the truth began to bubble around her. "I haven't…since he got back." She whispered a moment later, knowing Haku would only press for it. The silence that fell around sent chills down Haku's spine as he let her words sink in. he couldn't help it, the look she had in her eyes alone gave him a sort of, sorrow feeling. Christina Perri played calmly, the piano instrument overriding her voice as it sank around the otherwise, silent room.
"Come on," Haku finally said, smacking her knee in empathy. "Get dressed, I'll take you to the warehouse on the way to Meilin's, we'll pick out a few more colors then head over. If we're any later then now, Rika might get suspicious and send the platoon." Without warning she leaped from the couch, hugging him tightly so they fell backwards onto her coffee table. Haku hesitated, his arms wrapping around her. He couldn't help it; she was lighter then usual to him, her body frail and half-naked. A moment later Sakura crawled to her feet letting him breathe as she walked towards her room. "Sakura…" Haku stood, "Whatever's going on in that head of yours, I'm sure Li's going through the same thing. Just –be true to yourself."
"Thanks," she smiled. The first smile he'd seen since he entered her apartment.
"And stop being practically naked every time I come over!" he shouted a second later when she disappeared behind a door. His only answer was a laugh.
…
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…
The ocean glistened with the bright, hot sun. For once, Middleton had a cloudless day with only the sun to occupy the sky. The large fire star wasn't warm, but it was intense. With fall ending and winter coming around the corner, the entire valley was taking in their last chance to revel in the day. Syaoran knew he was. His emotions were running on high, escalading and evaporating like the waves below. With Lyri taking her afternoon nap, he was reveling in the day before it was sucked away. Leaning on his good arm against the wooden balcony, Syaoran stared out at the vast scenery surrounding Meilin's beach house. The property by itself wasn't large, but because she lived against a hill by the beach, it seemed like it was larger then life. The private beach was shared by a few other houses, separated by large enough gaps to fit in three semi-trucks. A dock bounced against the waves of the ocean, inviting someone to fish or lay out in the sun. As someone jogged their way by the house, body heavily muscled and glistening with sweat and sand, they raised a hand in passing. Syaoran raised his good one, recognizing Meilin's right neighbor and flinched. His body was still stiff from head to toe. Most days he felt like a sick patient the way he was forced to remain passive, taking the many different pills for pain and recovery, not able to drive his own car and wait on his cousin for a lot of help. It was becoming old. He was envious of the jogger below. He was envious of his unit, able to go to base for PT and drills, awaiting their Sergeant to return. Pushing away from the balcony's edge, Syaoran slowly limped towards the stairwell leading to the beach and sat uncomfortably.
Recovery time was a slow process; his body itched from healing skin and bruised muscles. The bandages that used to wrap around his head and arms were finally gone, but what remained were scars that were going to take a long time to pass over. The pink skin left after being scorched by the blast, was too sensitive that everything he touched hurt. Even his clothing hurt to brush against it. It was becoming difficult on his daughter. Unable to hold her and play games that involved vigorous activity, she didn't understand very well that he wasn't just injured, he was frail too. It happened once before –his life becoming completed, because he needed to heal from wounds more severe then what he bore now. Lyri had been too little to concept words except the ones she'd learned and Jaenelle taking a business trip for a runway. At that time, he had broken ribs and a sprained leg. He remembered it all too well, the anger he felt when he returned from the hospital to find that Janelle had left their daughter with Meilin for her trip, not telling her when she'd return. It was also the year Meilin just got promoted to be Sergeant of her air brigade; a chance she almost lost because she'd been unable to find a babysitter for Lyri. Playing with the hem of the sling propping up his right arm, Syaoran briefly wondered if that time was when Jaenelle had made her decision to leave. It still puzzled him, her sudden desire to leave them; leave him. The salty air clouded his judgment, reminding him that he wasn't supposed to be thinking of such stressful events. Even his doctor told him not too, it wasn't good for his brain, which was still healing from his surgery in Germany.
Unconsciously, Syaoran let his fingers find the spot where the incision was against the base of his skull. It was a thin line, too small to notice if one wasn't looking. At least they didn't have to shave his head till it was balding. Letting his hand drop, Syaoran blinked back the shock of the sun as he squinted towards the ocean. Two sea-dews gazed by, hoping against the low tide of the waves, their engines loud against the calm afternoon. His face suddenly contorted with a different kind of emotion, his mind playing tricks on him. The sea-dews sounded too similar to the drones, he didn't know why. As one of them got air, his vision blurred to a dark array of smoke. The pat-pat-pat of guns sounds the only thing he could hear now as his body remembered most of the impact. It was the blast that sent his body into a rigid impulse, wincing as healing bruises took on the stress. Shaking out of his reverie, Syaoran stood too fast. As vertical hit he gripped the sides of the stairwell and closed his eyes. One of the side affects of his medication was dizziness, amongst other symptoms he hadn't been able to surpass. The moment it passed, he climbed back towards Meilin's house. No one knew what he was going through, even if he told them. He was sure sharing the same battle as Haku and the rest of his unit, they were going through similar anxieties, but the impact he felt was far different. Syaoran had been hospitalized, had been given a second chance along with Cadet Kars, who he hadn't heard news on. Voices drifted back to him as he slowly moved away from the stairs, mixing in with his subconscious mind. It took a second to replace his memory with the voices inside the house, his mind finally registering that someone's finally arrived.
As he entered the house, slightly forcefully, he could make out a sweet musical voice. Meilin's could soon be heard, laughing. Taking a moment, Syaoran finally made up his mind and entered the front room where Tomoyo and Eriol stood greeting Meilin. That warm, bright smile Tomoyo always had on her angelic face greeted him. Her long black hair wavy as it cascaded against her arms and back, held back by only a clip that blended in with her shade of locks. Syaoran was still adjusting to seeing the news reporter outside of the television, the woman who took on more stories then the world held. Wearing a dark colored dress that reached the tops of her knees, her boots covering the rest of her slender legs, Tomoyo was far more beautiful then she would be if the cameras were on her, heightening that beauty with makeup and spotlights. Standing directly behind her, towering over both Meilin and Tomoyo both, was Eriol. Syaoran was still adjusting to seeing him too, considering he was Meilin's squad leader and Tomoyo's beau.
"Haku and Sakura are going to take a minute to get here." Tomoyo spoke, breaking Syaoran from his thoughts.
"What happened?" he didn't know why, but he was almost relieved Sakura wasn't going to be here just yet.
"They stopped at a store, and then Haku got on the wrong highway since Rika gave him the wrong directions." Meilin answered, scowling at the thought.
"They aren't driving together?" Tomoyo only shook her head, letting her boots hit the tiled flooring softly as she walked into the main room.
"Rika went to drop off her sketches at the warehouse." Her voice was like sultry as she sat down on the leather couch directly in front of the large window. Meilin joined her in an instant, her face bright as they suddenly launched into a conversation that hurt Syaoran's head. Feeling the same way, Eriol beckoned, hinting towards the other end of the large house.
"How's it going?" Eriol asked when they were in the kitchen. Syaoran went to the fridge, pulling out two beers and waving one of them in question. "Yeah, thanks."
"It's going," Syaoran answered, using the edge of the table to pop open the top. "Definitely tired of being one handed,"
"I can imagine," taking his beer gratefully, Eriol eyed the soldier with an arched brow. "You don't seem to be suffering though, learning tricks around the sling."
"Seems that way, but I still can't hold Lyri or drive my mustang." Taking a long swig of his beer, Syaoran let it chill his insides before giving Eriol a long look. "What are they getting at the store?" Eriol couldn't help but laugh, head shaking as he thought a moment.
"I didn't talk to them, Tomoyo did, but I don't think they mentioned it. Haku seemed skeptical to actually answer the question and Sakura hung up the phone after a very loud goodbye." He consciously winced at the memory of the phone conversation in the car, Tomoyo using the surround sound Bluetooth they placed in his vehicle. A loud crash echoed to them, making Syaoran jump out of pure instinct and Eriol to frown as he turned towards the front room. It was when the second crash sounded, did the two leave the kitchen in a rush. The two people of topic were by the front door, Haku lying haphazardly on the floor tangled up in Sakura's limbs as she swore deeply.
"What happened?" Eriol asked incredulously, moving to help up Haku and stopped. Glass littered the entry way, spread out in clumps. Tomoyo sat on the couch, trying to hide her laughter while Meilin leaped over the glass for a broom.
"Sakura dropped her bottle; I didn't see her stop and crashed into her." Haku grumbled, his face flushed as he moved an inch away from her and stopped. Syaoran couldn't help but arch a brow, their position was perfectly ironic. "Why would you have a vase sitting behind the door like that?' he asked in a whine.
"Takes talent though," Haku glared at Eriol as he laughed wiggling out from under Sakura a second time. She gasped, gripping his arm behind her as she stopped him.
"Something's stabbing me, stop moving!" she growled, struggling to stand instead of him wiggling. Syaoran only watched as one, the two got to their feet in a struggle of stability. It was hard to tell what caused it, the glass on the floor or the liquid substance from the vase, but Sakura went back down in a slip. Haku swore as she gripped him a minute too late and both went down in another tumble of arms and legs. Tomoyo laughed all the harder on the couch, trying hard not to fall over as she gripped her stomach in hysteria. "Will one of you help at least?" Sakura snapped.
"What is wrong with you today? That's five times…I might have to charge you, Kinomoto." Haku growled, getting a slap from her as she placed a hand on the floor and pushed up.
"Five times…"
"She fell at the store, took out an employee and myself." Haku explained. Sakura socked him this time, her knuckles missing his arm and grazing past his clothing to land against his chest. "Ow,"
"Sit still," she grumbled, using him to stand up. Haku held her hand tightly as she pushed off him and stood. Eriol laughed, stretching his arm out as she carefully walked away from the spilled disaster before helping Haku in the same situation. "I'm sorry Meilin," Sakura said as the raven-haired woman came back with a rag and broom.
"No worries," kneeling, she picked up a large chunk of glass. "What was that anyway?"
"Mineral water," Sakura glanced around the room, taking in Meilin's house as well as who was there. "Where's everyone else?"
"Still on their way," Tomoyo answered when she finally controlled her laughter. Getting up she walked over to give Sakura a hug, as she smiled mischievously. "Come my little vegetarian, I have a dress for you to wear today."
"Dress…wait, what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Sakura asked, eyes widening as Tomoyo led her passed the boys and down the long hallway. No one heard the explanation as Tomoyo's voice immediately became muffled by a door shutting. Syaoran left as well, head beginning to spin as the smell of Sakura's perfume overcame his senses. Slipping away before one of the others noticed, he made his way to the balcony again, seeking out the comfort of the fresh ocean air.
Syaoran couldn't help but think of the awkward moment of neither one looking at each other. It was almost like they didn't exist for one another, but he knew otherwise. Just last night he saw her over the computer, allowing Lyri to have a video-chat moment with Sakura. They spent over an hour on it, after the initial chat time of Lyri falling asleep during her story time. He didn't think they were avoiding each other, but it almost felt like it. Their conversation had been simply civil and random, leading towards things about themselves to what happened during the weeks that he was out. Neither one mentioned their hospital visit or the mission. Syaoran had been too afraid it would make her upset and he was sure Sakura just didn't want to talk about it. He knew she'd been in the hospital as well, Haku giving him the heads up that she got sick from not recouping fully after the hangover nightmare. At that time, Syaoran wanted her to tell him about it, but he had a nagging feeling she was going to keep it a secret. Finding sanction on the lounge chairs spread out in a half circle, Syaoran's body practically collapsed on its own as he got comfortable. The stiff muscles had gradually become a bother as he spent the day, pill free. It was Thanksgiving, a time to spend with family and since his family was miles over the ocean in another country he was going to spend it with a different kind of family. The dull throbbing in his head subsided as he got comfortable, the ocean completely in his view through the wide openings of the mesh net around the balcony.
He couldn't help but remember the feel of Sakura's lips against his own. Just now, the smell of her delicate flower perfume brought back his senses to what she smelled like, hovering beneath him. They hadn't shared that kind of passion a second time. The last time was during Halloween, their only time together. That conversation too, was a delicate topic and neither wanted to bring it up. Syaoran figured it was because he was injured, having been sent right away with a hangover from hell. His relief from before, not wanting Sakura to be at the house just yet, had suddenly changed to longing. Now that she was at the house, in the room with Tomoyo, he wanted her to be in his sights. It was a platonic kind of feeling, one that was driving him nuts. Sitting alone on the balcony, kept his thoughts and emotions at bay. They hadn't seen each other since the night he returned from Germany, her surprise kiss still implanted to his memory. The way her lips were sweet from lip gloss, the way her slight body molded against his own, the tears that slipped down her face disappearing against his own skin. A question that arises now couldn't be answered. He didn't know how to answer it. Sakura was someone he truly believed could change his life in the worst way possible, however good that may be. As Janelle's words echoed his mind, he couldn't help but feel his anger escalade and override his senses. It was like she wanted the court to take away Lyri, giving her the benefit of seeing both him and Sakura depressed in the anguish of losing such a cute and fun child; his daughter. Taking another long swig of his beer, Syaoran listened to the house as conversations began to get louder as everyone finally made it to Thanksgiving at Meilin's.
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…
"There," Tomoyo smiled brightly, her reflection in the mirror the opposite of Sakura's. Taking a step back, she let the mirror occupy only the girl before her and went in search for her camera. "How come you're all clumsy today?" she asked her friend calmly. It was no big surprise though; if Sakura wasn't clumsy then something was obviously wrong.
"No reason," Sakura answered. She itched to touch her now pinned up short hair, tiny braids holding back her bangs. Tomoyo loved to give Sakura the benefit of the doubt, dressing her up during times like holidays and festivities. In turn, Sakura loved the attention but today felt different. She couldn't place it. "Off day, I guess." She said as an afterthought.
"Well, then I'm officially banning you from the kitchen." Tomoyo laughed as Sakura stuck her tongue out just in time for the camera to flash. "You look beautiful," she complimented. Sakura rolled her eyes, getting to her feet in a wave of silk.
"There was still nothing wrong with my outfit."
"No, but jeans weren't on the list tonight. Rika's orders," black hair twirled with Tomoyo's movements as she dug through her large purse for something else. Sakura watched her friend through the large wall mirror, letting her slender hands trail down her body. She loved the dress, the light-weight silk felt cool against her fair skin. The white color went perfect with her complexion as well, giving her the sense that Tomoyo put a lot of thought into it. She knew if Tomoyo wasn't a news caster and loving it, she would join Rika in the fashion industry. As it were, the girl loved her limelight. "Hmm, I thought I brought the butterfly clip, guess not."
"I don't need it," Sakura told her. "I already feel like were having a double-date thing going on." At that Tomoyo raised her brows, eyes glinting with the usual mischief. Sakura glared, head shaking vigorously. "No,"
"Oh come on, you guys had this amazing kiss when he came back. Don't deny the attraction, Sakura." Tomoyo told her simply, snapping another picture of her before putting the camera away and looping arms. Sakura only scowled all the more. "You two are the only ones not dating, at least savor in it. He's handsome and caring…he's obviously weak right now and needs his Sakura to take care of him tonight."
"You got into Chiharu's Cosmo again, didn't you?"
"Sakura, I'm being serious. How long are you going to deny your heart the truth? Everyone sees it; Meilin's even commented on how much you two have grown together. Lyri loves you like a mother; didn't you tell me last week she drew a picture of you as 'her mother'?" tugging on Sakura's bare arm, fingernails barely grazing her skin, she added, "The divorce went through, Jaenelle's out of the picture, so go make a move. It's not going to hurt either one of you and if you count Halloween, the harm is already done. Besides, he's much better then your last boyfriend."
"Tomoyo…!" Sakura laughed. She knew the girl was right though and as they walked down the hall, hearing the sound of everyone else, she couldn't help but look for Syaoran's presence. The disappointment that followed went unnoticed by her friends as she plastered on a smile, greeting them warmly. Her eyes trailed over Rika, taking in her dark purple dress and train before she let her eyes narrow in on Haku. He gave her one quick glance in return, understanding that her glare meant. She didn't want him saying anything about this morning, knowing perfectly well it would probably ruin Thanksgiving for her close friends. Being worried about someone on a day like this was something Sakura didn't want.
Sakura let the conversations wrap around her, the smell of food wafting up her nose as Meilin excused herself with Tomoyo to finish up the turkey. It was a group effort to cook, everyone taking their part to make something. She wasn't at all worried about the dinner, but the smell wasn't making her hungry either. Not sure if she should be surprised or not, Sakura let her body melt away with the others as they all talked over one another about different topics. Naoko, dressed in a similar gown that was more modest then Rika's, launched into detail about her new horror novel. The girl's love for scary aspects was evident on her face, light brown eyes twinkling as she spoke with Rika. Sakura listened as well, her attention beginning to waver as she let her eyes glance around the living room. She was feeling small, the feeling of claustrophobia beginning to inch its way around her minds eye. Her friend's voices could easily be picked apart by tones, Haku's laughter as he and Eriol went into a pow-wow of recent war events. Takashi's voice even, made its way and stuck to her. Sakura glanced towards the other end of the room, watching as Takashi and Chiharu conversed with Meilin's boyfriend, Kyle. She hadn't even noticed the soldier before now, his shocking red hair a huge dissimilarity to his black suit. Feeling unease all of a sudden, Sakura quietly excused herself. She didn't think anyone was paying attention and as she walked down the hallway, fingers lightly brushing against the red wall paint, she thought of her own apartment.
The need to change her life, her apartment's look, to get that missing piece settled was strong. Looking at Meilin's place, she didn't have any of it. The air force soldier had hanging photos of her family, some of Lyri and Syaoran together, and some of Kyle. It was obvious the two lived together; his masculine touch was on most of the design to the room's décor and living spaces. The room she occupied earlier with Tomoyo, held only paintings. One of them she remembered had been from Chiharu's art show. Meilin or Kyle must have bought one. Sakura vaguely remembered that night, the drinking over exceeding her limit as a human. It was like the colors blended in together, forming one haze of fog. Sakura stopped at one large photograph of family members, too large to be just one family. Recognizing who belongs to whom, she noticed one female that looked out of place. Wondering if that was Jaenelle, Sakura couldn't help but think she was way not in Syaoran's league then. The woman in the photograph looked like an older version of Lyri, with a lighter shade of eyes. Her slime physique was perfectly proportioned as she stood behind Syaoran, a smile that looked force keeping her bones sharp. Everyone else in the photograph looked happy and in love. Meilin and Kyle the one two that looked far happier then the rest, Lyri sitting with a group of other children on the grass, her face smaller. A door opened and closed, jolting Sakura out of her trance. Turning she caught sight of Lyri herself and smiled.
"Hey beautiful, are you just waking up from a nap?" Sakura knelt to her level, her weight on the soles of her bare feet. Lyri nodded tiredly, hands wrapped around her stuffed princess doll tightly.
"Where's daddy?" she asked in a tiny voice.
"That's a good question, let's go find him." Lyri nodded, taking Sakura's outstretched hand. The coldness shocked her but Sakura quickly covered it with her larger hand. She didn't even know where to begin looking for Syaoran. Since she'd arrived, she hadn't seen him then again she hadn't looked for him either. The fall with Haku had preoccupied her mind, reminding her about the bruise she bore against her ribs. By now, the mark was probably larger. Leading Lyri back down the hall and towards the kitchen, she sought out for the soldier.
"Sakura," Kyle smiled, dark blue orbs twinkling in that grin. "Did you want wine or champagne, the girls are requesting it." he glanced at Lyri and winked. "Of course, we have special grape juice for Lyrianna." Sakura smiled, head tilted slightly as she read the label on the wine bottle in Kyle's grasp.
"I'll have some wine, not a lot please. Have you seen, Syaoran?" she asked. Turning back to the cabinets above the counters, Kyle took a minute to think. When he turned back with a large crystal glass, he shook his head.
"Sorry, he was missing when I came out. You can try the balcony outside, that's usually where he disappears to nowadays." Sakura made a face, watching the dark liquid fall from bottle to glass. Kyle looked up and blinked at her confusion. "He…didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"Since his accident, he's been staying here. I guess Jaenelle pulled a move while he was out overseas and now custody might go the opposite direction. He went yesterday to court for it, but they think he's…a liability because of recent events." He worded the statement carefully, eyes full of regret as he glanced at Lyri. Sakura slowly shook her head, grasping the situation instantly. "Here,"
"Thanks," Sakura smiled briefly, taking the glass. Kyle walked around them, excusing himself as he brought some glasses and the bottle of wine towards the living room. Sakura glanced down at Lyri, the toddler rubbing her eyes as little by little she woke from her stupor. When she'd spoken to Syaoran yesterday, he mentioned he'd gone to court but not about what. Everything was suddenly clear though, his tired attitude, why he looked pale and older then he was. She felt bad. If Syaoran lost custody of Lyri, it would tear him apart far more then the blast that took him out on his mission. Wondering why he didn't mention it to her, Sakura led Lyri through the back door and outside.
The sun enveloped the two girls warmly, the chill of the dying afternoon sending goose bumps down Sakura's arms as she let the sliding glass door shut softly. The balcony wrapped around most of the house, with two glass doors leading out. Lounge chairs and tables invited whoever it was to be comfortable as they took in the vast ocean view. Sakura was in awe at the scenery, her eyes large as she blinked back the shock of the bright sun. A wind chime chirped as a soft breeze hit it, sending the hummingbird design to spin in a half circle. Sakura felt more at ease with the sound and smell of the salty ocean then she did inside the house full of bizarre smells from cooking dinner. Lyri let go of her hand, laughing as she began running across the balcony's wooden flooring towards a figure at the far end. Syaoran glanced at her, smiling as he opened up his only good arm for her. Sakura watched, letting her worry about what Kyle said disappear. She had confidence in them that they would win whatever battle his ex-wife was going to put him through. Heart warming, she walked the distance, her bare feet hitting the planks with a new kind of feeling. The wood felt weird and warm, like the sun was absorbing the paint with its life. Glancing at again, Syaoran watched Sakura with care before sitting up fully in a stiff movement that sent Lyri to crawl to the end of his chair.
"Hey," Sakura's grinned wickedly, trying to hide the feeling she felt before. Gripping her wine, she remained standing before them. "I found her in the hall."
"So Lyri says," Syaoran gave her a smile, pulling up again in a straighter position that hurt his ribs. "You look amazing," he added a second later. Sakura blushed, fidgeting under his observing gaze.
"Really…? I feel like Marilyn Monroe in this dress." She laughed, twirling slightly in emphasis. "So, how come you're out here?" he shrugged, the movement cut short as his face contorted with the pain. Biting her lower lip, she remained silent as she watched him. It was all Sakura could do, Syaoran was in more pain then she would ever know. If he was anything like her, he didn't want the sympathy for those injuries. Syaoran glanced up at her, his pupils getting smaller as the sun hit him directly.
"You know,"
"What…?" she was shocked.
"Lyri go see if auntie Meilin will let you use chalk on her porch." He told his daughter, his gaze going to her as he avoided Sakura's shocked expression. She didn't know what to make of it. Sitting down in the lounge chair next to Syaoran's, wine glass resting against her bare knees with support, Sakura watched as Lyri gave Syaoran a quick kiss and went bouncing off. "You know about the custody battle, I can see it on your face." he said when Lyri was long inside the house.
"Uh—"Sakura was speechless, her face flushing in embarrassment. She for sure thought she'd erased that sympathetic look; apparently Syaoran was a better reader at expressions. "Sorry, Kyle just told me. Is that why you're out here?"
"No," Syaoran turned his head, staring at the ocean with a new kind of expression Sakura wasn't sure about. "I skipped the meds today so I can keep up with everyone, but turns out the excitement is just irritating my senses." The silence that fell felt awkward. Twirling the glass of wine, Sakura watched as the dark liquid bounced from one end of the deep crater to the other. She didn't know what to say, he looked fine to her. Opening her mouth to ask about it, she decided against it and made a face as some of the wine splashed out and landed on her knee.
"Damn," she grumbled, wiping the drop off with her hand. "Least it didn't get the dress. Tomoyo would probably kill me, if not worse." Syaoran gave her a slight grin, watching as she licked her thumb pad and began rubbing the wine stain from her knee. The jerk moves splashed more of the wine, getting her to grumble and attempt to set her glass down.
"Watch—"Syaoran leaned to the side and stopped as his muscles protested against the quick movement, the glass shattering against the wooden balcony. "—out," he added a minute later.
"There goes the wishful thinking," she cried before laughing, tears springing to her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'll clean this up before Lyri comes back." Syaoran carefully swung his legs over, letting them land on either side of the shattered glass. "The wines not going to stain the porch is it?" she asked incredulously, eyes wide as she stared at the dark liquid. She could just picture the horror on Meilin's face, especially after her incident not to long ago. Except that was mostly Haku's fault.
"It shouldn't, here let me help you." Syaoran started, leaning forward to pick up some of the pieces of glass.
"I got—"Sakura swore, blood welling at the tip of her finger as she snatched a shard. In seconds her finger was in her mouth, stopping the blood flow as the metallic taste lingered on her tongue. "Such a horrible day," she mumbled, finger still in her mouth. Syaoran sat back, hiding back a laugh. "Not funny,"
"Yeah, actually it is."
"Be nice, I'm having an off day."
"When aren't you having an off day?" Syaoran countered, one brow raised. Sakura narrowed her eyes, arms crossing over her chest.
"Are you trying to set me off?" she said slowly. "Remember you're injured, I have the advantage."
"Says who…?" he asked, leaning forward a bit. Sakura squeaked in surprise as his good arm came out and lifted up the chair she sat on. Holding on tight to the end of the chair, she glared as he laughed, letting it fall back down with a pang. "Who has the advantage clumsy?" Sakura attacked, not giving him any warning as she sprung forward in a leap. Syaoran swore, avoiding getting hit on his bad side as he blocked her launching body. In a tangle of chair and legs, they went down on the opposite side of his lounge chair.
Professionally, Syaoran blocked her arms from locking around him, turning them so he could knock her under him. Muscles protesting, he switched positions, his wrapped up ribs making it impossible to move like he wanted to. Managing, he caught both her arms and held on tight so she couldn't move. "That's cheating," she breathed out, taking in the sweet smell of his aftershave. Bringing her leg up, Sakura began wiggling out from under him. Syaoran swore as he caught on, evading her legs as she brought them up and around to lock his body to her. Dress or not, her modesty was bare minimum as she tumbled backwards in a somersault. Lingerie flashed; her fair skin almost a complete resemblance to her white silk dress.
"Who's cheating? I only have one arm here," he growled, getting up by his knees. Sakura laughed. The sound of her laughter sent chills down his spine. It was a sound he missed and one that he liked to hear without the interruptions from computers. They were nearing the end of the balcony, the mesh lining waving with the coming ocean breeze. Syaoran suddenly got an idea to either trap her or spook her and as he moved forward in a crouch, his arm out for balance, Sakura's face suddenly dropped. She saw it coming before he attacked, her legs tripping underneath her own weight. Squeaking, she went backwards hitting the side of the balcony with a painful smack. Wincing, she tried to move and failed, getting trapped by Syaoran's leg and good arm. Her body froze, heart pounding as she tried to calculate the best move. They both knew she couldn't do anything, not without accidently bumping him and all of his injuries. With that in mind, she all but gave up. "That's what I thought,"
"You still cheated," she breathed out. Her body was beginning to shake, the adrenaline needing to be fueled. With a smile, she dropped, looping out from under his arm. Syaoran grabbed her before she hopped away, spinning them both around. No one knew who lost their footing, Sakura's light-weighted body suddenly losing vertical, taking him down with her. The crash that sounded echoed off the balcony's hollow wood, rattling the lounge chairs and end tables both. Syaoran suddenly swore as every inch of his body screamed of the mistake, a weird tingling sensation escalading down his spine to wrap around his ankle. Wincing from her pain, Sakura let out a gasping breath of apology and struggled to sit up. "Li are you okay?" she asked a moment later. Syaoran barely nodded, keeping her still as he calculated just what was hurting. Blinking back a blurry vision, she searched his gaze, only now realizing the proximity and smell of him. Hesitating, the sound of her heart entering her mind, she kissed him lightly. Syaoran's body reacted, his own heartbeat racing from the adrenaline and feel of her soft lips.
Tomoyo's words echoed through Sakura's mind, invading it before she deepened the longing sensation of his lips against her own. Body propped up, she felt Syaoran's arm go up and around, fingers trailing over her dress as they sought out all of her. Shivering, she held back a laugh, letting herself lower down considerably. "Really guys…" both froze, a skipping beat jolting Sakura to lift her head up a second later in surprise. Standing above them by the fallen lounge chair, stood Meilin and Lyri. "Chalk, Syaoran?" Meilin continued, her voice hitting a note of amusement. Her hands were over Lyri's eyes as she grinned mischievously at the two on the ground.
"She's got some in her bag, Mei." Syaoran grumbled, not moving. Sakura glanced down at him, seeing the intent in his gaze, pupils dilating considerably.
"Dinners done, try not to collapse my balcony." Meilin laughed, turning Lyri around and sending her off. Glancing back, she added with a second laugh, "No wet tee contest, but there's a hose on the other side for the wine spill."
Continuing to level her gaze, Sakura gave him a sly smile that added on to his rising feelings. "Shall we?" she asked, wondering if she could even face everyone else now. As she thought about the questions and gazes of her friends, her face flushed crimson. Immediately she groaned, burying her face into his shoulder lightly.
"In a minute," he spoke. Hand rising, he delicately brushed her hair. Closing his eyes, Syaoran let out a deep shuddering breath, his chest tightening as the slight pain from their recent activity finally met over the adrenaline. "I might actually take those damn pills," he grumbled a minute later. Sakura lifted her head with a worried expression. Shaking his head, his kissed her before she could even voice that concern.
…
…
…
Syaoran leaned his head against the bed post, breathing rough as a sharp spike of tense muscles messed with his senses. He hadn't gotten used to not taking his pain meds, making the exception for today only so he could function, but now that the day was over he was beginning to think that was a bad choice. Remaining still, he let his eyes roam over the dark room slowly. For the past few days Lyri and he have been sharing the guest room, mostly Lyri while he took over Meilin's couch. Since he lost the use of his arm until the bone was fully healed, he couldn't share a bed. The pain that rages against his muscles was something he couldn't bare with a large open bed. At least, with the confinements of the couch, he was still and motionless throughout the night; except, he hadn't been sleeping either. He was tired now, the day's excitement creeping up on him and rendering him completely exhausted. It took all the effort not to crawl under the blankets with Lyri now and let sleep take over. With a groan and a seething breath, he was on his feet and walking across the room before he fell into an upright slumbering position. Making sure Lyri was indeed, fast asleep, he left the room as quietly as possible. The entire house was silent, except for the soft hum of the television in the living room. Passing by, he caught sight of Meilin and Kyle snuggled up on the floor, Naoko and Nathan sitting behind them with a bowl of popcorn. Not wanting to interrupt their double-dated movie, Syaoran turned the corner and went for the kitchen. He remembered his beer he opened earlier before Lyri announced in a yawn that she wanted to go to bed now.
Seeking out the bottle, he passed and stared at the mess. It reminded him of his own house, all the dishes still lingering on the sink and counter. He hadn't returned to his place since the night he returned, having gotten a weird vibe of loneliness emitting off the building. Coming to stay at his cousin's was both an impulse move and a helpless one. Even if Lyri was on vacation from school, it wasn't a move he usually would have done, injured or not. He had a nagging feeling he was running from something –or hiding. Snatching his beer, he went towards the balcony and stopped. Tomoyo and Eriol stood against the railing, talking in hushed tones as they snuggled up together. Hand on the sliding glass door; he listened without a sound, hearing Haku's voice as well. No names were being said, by way they spoke about "her" needing someone to lean on for support, Syaoran only figured it was about Sakura. Haku, his voice calm but concerned, told them about how Sakura had an untouched beer at her apartment this morning and how even though she held onto it, he never once saw her drink it. Syaoran thought a moment, agreeing that even during dinner ad dessert everyone was drinking except Sakura. Her wine went untouched, the first glass having been dropped. "Not drinking isn't a need for concern, she did go to the hospital because of alcohol poisoning after Halloween." Rika's voice echoed off the balcony, entering the night. Syaoran frowned, listening to them chatter about that incident at Chiharu's art show. "She didn't go for that, she went because Yukito called about Li." Not sure who said that, Syaoran stepped back away from the glass. He could still make out their words as they talked. How could he not, they weren't exactly keeping their voices down now. Not using Sakura's name only made it worse, for everything they worded out screamed it.
Waiting for the right moment, Syaoran opened the door and walked out, face expressionless. "Is Sakura out here?" he asked, keeping his voice level. Eriol began to shake his head, turning around just as Tomoyo elbowed him. Her smile met her eyes; giving Syaoran a weird sense that maybe she knew he'd been listening in on them.
"She's been down there for some time now." Tomoyo told him, pointing out at the dark ocean. He nodded, not giving them another chance to speak as he walked quickly down the descending stairwell. He could hear them speaking, but didn't want to wait and see if they would launch into another bat of concern.
He hadn't realized how dark it had gotten, the moon a thin sliver of light. It was barely enough to light the pathway. Once at the bottom, Syaoran struggled to remove his shoes, the cold dirt quickly turned to even colder sand as he walked up the sand dunes towards a dark shadow. Green lights, embedded into the darkest part of the shore helped his eyes adjust to Sakura's sitting form. Even though she was still a good distance away, he could make out her movements. The dark ocean barely became visible, the off-white color of the waves sending him into a calmer state then he'd felt in the guest room. The closer he got to her, the more her movements made sense. She was brushing a hand lightly against the wet sand, playing with the green glowing objects. He had no idea what they were; the glowing marks. It stretched across the shoreline in abundance and little dots like someone broke open a glow stick and used the ink inside. The marks reminded Syaoran of Chiharu's art show on Halloween. It was the same kind of glow, yet not. Sakura's bare feet were outstretched, letting the waves hit them gently as the tide threatened to get closer and closer to her. The whites of her legs almost matched the color of the oceans rising swell, glowing faintly against the night. Hearing him, Sakura glanced up in surprise. Her eyes were large, emerald hues bright from the glow marking her cheeks. Syaoran arched a brow as he came to a stand still before her. Silent, he pointed a finger at his own face, indicating her glowing marks.
"What is it?" he asked her.
"Luciferase," she laughed as Syaoran made a face, planting himself down onto the dry part of the sand. "They're enzymes produced by organisms in the ocean." She added. Syaoran watched as she dragged a hand under the wet sand, bits of glowing light falling between her fingers. "They're even brighter on a new moon."
"I was here last night and these…things weren't here." Syaoran itched to wipe her face, holding himself against it as she began to shake her head. "What…?"
"In reality, you're not supposed to see luciferase in this area of Middleton." That surprised him and as she buried her feet into the sand, using her hands to add more of the sand to mix in with the water hitting her toes, he couldn't help but wonder about her feelings towards that information.
"Why not…?" Sakura could only stare, making him give her a look in anticipation. "Come on, humor this soldier. We may have our differences, Kinomoto, but I do live on this planet with you."
"It's because you're a soldier that I don't think you'll understand." The look he gave her then made her laugh out right, short, straight and musical. "Fine," Sakura glanced out at the dark ocean, taking in the rising swells. "Think of it this way, this is bacteria from deep-sea fish, like scales that come off on snakes and crabs…fish that live deep in the ocean have the ability to produce light in order to protect themselves from predators. Meilin lives on the brink of Lake Middleton and the Atlantic, so you only see jelly-fish or at most one of the bony fishes." She paused, letting the chills that ran down her spine as she thought of her own words finished descending. "Middleton's top CEO is doing something he shouldn't be to harm the Lake, making a man-made quake for the ocean by Fort Middleton. These bacterial lights should be on the shoreline of Sudder or downtown, not here."
"Didn't you get arrested for meddling in the CEO's lake business?" her attention came in a quick jerk of her shoulders.
"How…when…?"
"Haku,"
"That rat bastard," she laughed her body collapsing backwards. Staring up at the stars, Sakura made a weird motion with her head as she groaned. "What else did he let you know?" her voice was soft as she asked him. Syaoran adjusted himself in the sand, lying down beside her so their heads touched.
"Plenty," she scoffed as he laughed. "You should tell me about it." I don't want to hear things from your friends, he added to himself, thinking about what he heard just moments before coming to the ocean. He felt her shake her head, making him sigh. "Is this why you became an environmentalist?"
"Ha! No." Syaoran's brows rose as he shifted to look at her. "I love animals, marine life, the stars, the earth…I became an environmentalist to piss off my family, only to fall much more in love with the world." she was so close to him, his heart racing as the smell of her perfume lingered with the salty air. "And that's all I'm telling you," she added.
"Thanks," the two laughed, returning theirs looks to the stars in perfect timing to see a shoot star pass over in a white flashing line.
To be continued…
I will not lie; I had this chapter sitting on my flash-drive since that last time I updated. Two days to write it out…who's amazing now!?
Anyway we've been moving on with their relationship and the outcome of Jaenelle's decision to be a bad mother, well…till next chapter.
Thank you for the amazing reviews.