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-Five: Battles within Oneself
Rise Against seemed to get louder and louder throughout the apartment as the morning broke through. Sakura grumbled, stuffing her head back under the borrowed couch pillow. For the briefest of moments she thought it was time for work, her alarm ringing off its position on her dresser. It wasn't until she heard a squeak that wasn't her voice, did she crash down to the present. She was sleeping on Rika's couch and she was inevitably job-less—sort of. Raising her head, the dark throw pillow falling to the floor, she gazed around the brightly lit apartment. The music was coming from the bedroom and Rika's voice was coming from within that. Arching a brow, she scooted into an upright position and blinked back sleep. Her friend had bizarre ways to initiate wake-up calls. This, she was hoping, was one of them. Still half asleep, Sakura took a minute to adjust to the bright apartment before getting to her feet. Her body protested at the new position, every bone ached in contrast to her head, making her wish she was in her own bed and her own apartment. As it were, she had strict orders from doctor and friends to leave her apartment alone until the paint was aired out. Making a face at the thought, she lurched forward in a stretch. Her wrist reminded her in a pulse of pain that it was bandaged, knuckles broken. Wincing, she brought her arms back down and headed for Rika's bedroom.
A black and white cat took off at a run, sliding across the kitchen's floor before dashing back the way she came. Sakura smiled. The cat had been an "I'm sorry I keep leaving," gift from Haku years ago, when he announced that he would be joining the SRT unit. Rika hadn't been thrilled at the idea of him going off at odd hours of the night. It had taken her friend at least a year to get used to him being in the army, let alone joining the special response team. When he'd been promoted to be second-in-command of his unit, he returned with a kitten the size of his palm. Rika was ecstatic and immediately in love with the new feline. How could she not? The kitten had been all white when Haku saved him from the animal shelter, with a tiny green bow wrapped around the middle. Rika knew better though and when she asked Haku what important news he had for her, Sakura had been forced to take care of the kitten for nearly a week while the two battled it out. Sakura could still remember the damage, the yelling through the ceiling, and the silent treatment after that. When Haku left for his first mission as a second-officer, Rika was devastated until he returned unscathed. Sakura watched now, as the cat made a nose dive for a speck on the floor, spinning around with a bend of limbs that shouldn't go in that direction. The cat was now a teenager, with black paws and one black ear.
Rika's bedroom was littered with clothes and accessories, hand bags shoved in one corner and shoes in the other. Sakura stared wide-eyed at the disaster of her best friend's room. The bed had more clothes then her closest presently, the quilt shoved to the opposite side of the large bed. Staring at the floor, Sakura tried to rack her brain about whether Rika mentioned she was in a mood. Last night had been a basic hang-out time where they talked and watched a movie. Nothing nerve wrecking had come up in their gossip. Rika hadn't even mentioned anything about how she felt about Haku returning sooner than expected. Sakura had a feeling this episode of emptying out her entire contents of clothes had nothing to do with Haku's return. Sakura gazed around the room, looking for her auburn-haired friend. Rika left the bathroom a second later, wearing black leggings and no shirt. Her bra was twisted and knotted up in a weird fashion and Sakura had a strange sense she'd done it on purpose.
"Hey you, what's…up?" Sakura said slowly the moment they locked eyes.
"I have nothing to wear," Rika stated like it was the worst thing to have happened in the last month. Rika moved carefully around piles of jeans and turned the music down.
"I can imagine how empty your closest is right now." Sakura held back a laugh, watching her friend's face gave her a blank look. She blinked slowly, digesting Sakura's words before finally understanding the sarcasm dripping in the statement.
"Funny," Rika glanced about her room, making a face. The cat chose that moment to run in and disappear into a pile of clothes. "I have a meeting with the board of directors and I have absolutely nothing. Zip," Rika's thin arms went up in defeat.
Sakura picked up a silver shirt that shimmered with the lights. She arched a brow, trying to figure out which way the shirt was supposed to go. "When did you get this?"
"Umm…that trip I took with Haku to Morocco," Rika batted the cat away as she went through the pile of clothes, pulling shirts and dresses out of the mass. "Oh, I know…how about this one?" Rika held up a low-neck white shirt, the hem designed to hug her frame just around the thighs.
"What kind of meeting is it?" Sakura asked as she tilted her head one way then the other, trying to envision Rika wearing it to a meeting. It was obvious she wanted to wear her leggings. "Spin for me darling,"
"Sakura…!" Rika's voice dripped with humor and fury, wanting her to pay attention and help her out. Sakura nodded her head then, eyes rolling. "We're supposed to talk about the show, but I have a feeling they want to discuss the reporters that were there and the incident with you taking out Jasper." Rika turned to her large diamond shaped mirror, slipping into her shirt easily. "You know, if he decides to sue us the industry won't play nice with the environmental committee anymore."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sakura made faces through the mirror, trying to lighten up her friend's mood.
"Means legal issues will ensue, the board will get furious, fur lines might come back out of spite to the environmental committee, and what-not." Rika turned as Sakura's face changed expressions. "However," she took the few strides to her side, bringing up her hands. "You aren't a real model under contract with us, you were a volunteer to stand in for someone who was sick, and Jasper's an ass." Rika held up her injured wrist. "Come on, even Madame Zeva complimented on your 'vey good job,'" she mimicked, trying to hit the eccentric woman's accent. "How is your wrist doing?"
"I think my calves hate me more than my knuckles." Rika laughed, stepping away. Sakura examined her wrist better. The doctor had wrapped a second bandage to help her keep her wrist from moving, but she was supposed to come in and get a cast fitting. Her thumb was the only limb that could move and as she did so, a wave of nausea hit her like a slap in the face. Something popped on the side of her band, making her sick to her stomach. Swallowing, she shook her head suddenly as it all spun around. Making a dash for Rika's bathroom, she tripped over the cat as he too wanted to make a dash for the same room.
"Zero!" Rika yelled, as if the cat could respond. He made a yelp and dashed back out of the bedroom in flurry of white. Sakura tumbled and slid to the toilet, frozen in time. Her stomach hurt worse than her wrist, but nothing came out. Sitting there on her knees silently, she closed her eyes and let the nausea wrap around and disappear. She felt like she was on a rollercoaster as it looped in circles and landed back on the upright position. "Hey, you okay?' Rika asked softly, not sure if she should use her normal voice in fear the sound might hurt her.
It's not a hang-over, Sakura wanted to say. Keeping her mouth closed in case something did come out she nodded briskly. The move made things worse and as her stomach lurched, she groaned. "I'm going to kill him," she mumbled.
"Kill who?" Rika asked head tilted in curiosity. Sakura glanced at her, eyes wide. They were most likely thinking of two different people at the moment. The prospect made her laugh, the sound echoing in the white bathroom. "Do you need a pain-killer? I'm pretty sure Haku has some left over from his last incident." Rika continued like it was nothing.
"No," Sakura said quickly, refraining from moving her head.
"O-kay," she drawled, checking her clock. "I need to get going, are you going to be okay by yourself?" Rika asked her tone of voice changing as she knelt to scratch her cat's ear. He meowed, purring loudly before moving over to Sakura.
"Yeah, I'm going to head to the doctors and get a cast before I make another mistake, I'll probably head to the committee…"
"The committee…for what?"
"A job," Rika's face went blank. "I don't have medical insurance, remember? After this last visit and the cast…I'll be drowning." Sakura averted her gaze, petting the cat gently.
"Kay, well be careful." Sakura arched a brow. "Jasper," Rika laughed at Sakura's expression. "You have the spare key; do not go to your apartment. You're welcome to my clothes and I'll see you later." She waved and blew a kiss, leaving Sakura on the bathroom floor with the cat. Sighing, Sakura struggled to her feet and stopped, feeling another wave hit her. The feeling was becoming familiar and it scared her.
"It's just you and me, Zero." In answer, he meowed, getting comfortable on her lap as she sat back against the wall. "Just…us…"
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….
AWOL, the man went AWOL. Syaoran still couldn't believe it. Somehow, Private Farce had slipped away unnoticed off base and disappeared into the city. That's assuming he went to the city and not some remote place away from Middleton. It was not only his responsibility to protect his team, but to make sure none of the SRT members made rational movements. It was his responsibility to make sure that his teammates weren't disappeared in any way, to give them help, to seek out the help from their commander. Syaoran started wondering if it had been because he wasn't part of the mission. Commander in charge of their team and approved of the deployment, minus Syaoran, the first officer in charge. Haku was well capable of taking care of the team without him there. So why had Private Farce disappeared on them in the middle of deployment, in the middle of war? The only casualties of their last mission had been Cadet Kars, a civilian, two unknown soldiers, and him self. However, they were all alive and well with injuries that would heal. Syaoran was beginning to wonder if that was just the tip of the scale for Private Farce.
The only thing that got to him was how no one noticed his disappearing act before the plane took off. They were all accounted for heading out of the large hanger, yet they weren't. Syaoran shook his head visibly, guilt playing at his consciousness. If only he wasn't injured then he would be on that mission with everyone and Private Farce would not have gone AWOL. He blamed himself, his injuries, and his incompetence of not realizing the man was depressed. That was the only thing he could come up with. Usually soldiers go AWOL because of family crisis or depression and the fear of the war. War was playing a big role in everyone's life and it was going to continue playing a role until the war ended. Lyri made a sudden noise, bringing Syaoran back to the real-world with a jolt. Glancing at his daughter he smiled weakly as she showed him her game. The large iPad was sticky with finger prints and marks from her sliding her finger across the screen. Large teal-colored eyes laughed as she brought the device back to her face and began playing another game. He never did like the idea of children her age playing such trivial electronics, but he needed her occupied and occupied she was. At least all the games and story books on it had some kind of learning theme attached to it. Since his concentration had broken, Syaoran couldn't help but glance around the bright floor they remained on since early that morning.
The family court house was buzzing with noise. Numerous families talked and called out to the children playing loudly throughout the large opened-face floor. The grey bleak walls held only a handful of rules and regulations, of pictures with smiling families that probably really weren't happy. How could they? Court houses usually tore apart families, taking away their children or handing them to the wrong parent. No one's usually happy to be in court. A circle of television hung from the ceiling in the middle of the whole floor, playing the same cartoon for the audience. Miniaturized chairs and tables occupied that same center, with only three children. Syaoran shifted against the awful black chairs, uncomfortable and noisy. The fake leather was worn out and cracking, some of the chairs interior coming off in chunks. Glancing at the faces of almost every person in the court house, he could make out the ones that were forced to come to court and the ones that hoped they weren't going to be side-swiped and get the worst deal with their children. Only a handful of soldiers occupied the seats, some wearing uniforms to prove that they were important and they could handle anything that came their way. Syaoran knew personally most soldiers can't handle; Private Farce was evidence of that.
"Mister Li," Syaoran turned at the voice calling him just in time to see Jaenelle enter with her attorney. Her black hair was pinned up in an elegant bun, thick sunglasses hiding her face. Either she had a hang-over or she was pulling the, 'I'm too good for this', look. Thin legs wrapped over each other as she sat calmly in the gray chairs, but after wiping it with what he believed was a Lysol wipe. Syaoran couldn't stop staring, anger rose in his stomach at the thought that this was her fault. Shai Michelson snapped his fingers then, getting his attention. "Mister Li, this kind of…"
Chocolate brown eyes turned to black as his pupils dilated sharply with anger. "It's eight o'clock in the morning, I have an AWOL private to deal with, snap in my face again and I'll personally see to it that you're discharged from your job." Syaoran growled, breathing out. He wasn't in the best of moods and taking it out on someone was just what he needed. His tone of voice spooked the attorney, his eyes growing wide in shock. Quickly recovering, he coughed nervously to clear his voice.
"Yes, well…" he looked up then with a curiosity of a cat, "Did you say AWOL?" the look on the older man made Syaoran narrow his gaze tiredly.
"How long is this case going to take?" Syaoran asked, ignoring the surprise on his attorney's dark face. He's eyes went back to Jaenelle, seeing her talk with a slender gentlemen he didn't think was her attorney. The man was the legit definition of tall, dark, and handsome. His slicked black hair reminded him of a Disney character from Lyri's junior cartoons.
"According to the bailiff, Miss Marswick and you are fifth in line to see the judge. Before hand, we need to discuss…" he stopped, catching sight of Lyri as she sauntered away from her window seat. "You brought your daughter,"
Syaoran gave him a weird look. "Yes," he helped her on his lap, giving his attorney a look that said 'try me.' "Mister Michelson, how long have you been working for the court?"
"Eight years of course," Syaoran nodded, face blank. "It's just you seem distracted and if the judge sees that, the plaintiff will…" the attorney babbled, fixing the envelope in his hands before placing it neatly in front of him.
"I'm distracted because I have an attorney that keeps going off course and who decided to show up on my doorstep yesterday, unannounced with information I should have known about weeks before hand." He adjusted his position on the uncomfortable chair. Lyri turned her mini-computer back on, bringing up a read-along book that began speaking fast and loud. Both males looked at the screen for a minute as she turned the page, Princess Jasmine and Prince Aladdin smiling bright on the next page.
"Yes, well…" he cleared his throat again. Syaoran had a feeling the case was far more difficult than the man led on. "Usually in cases like these, the parents leave the child with a sitter. Mostly for clarity reasons, other times it's to ensure that you have the judge's full attention. Lyrianna is fully capable of speaking in front of the judge and if she says one thing that gives Miss Marswick leeway…" he trailed off, giving Syaoran something to think about.
"So what...you want me to pretend I didn't bring in my daughter with me and call her babysitter?" Shai only raised his brows, the thickness of them making Syaoran cringe slightly. "We're in Sudder city-limits, not Middleton."
"You don't have family members or friends…"
"No, my cousin and her boyfriend were both deployed yesterday." Syaoran was in thought, gently massaging Lyri's arm as she listened intently to her story. He couldn't think of anyone. Sakura was in Middleton, with a broken hand and Tomoyo had dropped Lyri off early so she could go to work. In all honesty, he had wanted Lyri with him for strength. He had full confidence he would win this case, but having Lyri there gave him more reason to fight for his right as a parent, especially since Jaenelle wanted nothing to do with them. Then it donned on him. They were in Sudder city.
"If you can't that's perfectly…"
"I have someone, just give me a minute." Syaoran got up, holding Lyri awkwardly in his arm as he walked across the lobby. Jaenelle glanced up then, brow arched as she watched them pass and head for the elevator. He didn't meet her gaze, didn't want to. If he saw her, he was sure he would explode. It was her fault they were in this predicament. Lyri must have sensed something, her head rested against his shoulder as they entered the elevator. He felt bad for her, but it was about to be over soon. Give or take a few hours. He was just hoping Sakura's friends were up for babysitting.
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Sakura stared at her new white on white cast hugging her wrist, allowing her thumb and index finger freedom to wave and move, while the rest of her wrist and fingers were tied and held together to keep from moving. It was a nuisance. Wrapping Rika's baby-blue jacket closer to her awkwardly, she blinked back the shock of the suns rays and stared at the parking lot of the hospital. She had asked the taxi driver to stay and wait, knowing she would need him again. Gazing around the parking lot, taking in each and every car she made note that she couldn't find the bizarre yellow color of a taxi cab. Scowling, she dug acrobatically into her back packet of the side her wrist was broken and pulled her cell phone out. We have Lyri, just thought you should know; Sakura stared at the message and found a laugh escaping her throat. She'd almost forgotten that Syaoran had court today, but she'd automatically assumed he would bring his daughter with him; apparently not. Sending her smiley face reply, she couldn't think of words to express the let down that Naoko and Nathan had the most amazing child with them and not her. Then again, the throb in her wrist reminded her why Syaoran had most likely asked someone else. Calling another taxi cab, Sakura sat down on the bench and waited.
Her thoughts threatened to take a dive and she quickly squished the feeling of lost and confusion. She didn't need it, especially since it wasn't healthy. Taking a deep shuddering breath, she stared at the little court yard the hospital thought would be "inspirational and calming" for the guests and residence. The fountain was empty, spewing water that barely made it to the circular bowl as the water slipped down the body of an angel. The gray and black harp of the marble statue was meshed against the body, almost like the creation had melted from the heat of the atmosphere during their recent heat wave in the summer. Sakura stared at it for some time, to the point where the statue had begun to move. Shaking her head she checked the parking lot for the taxi, wanting to leave. Hospitals made her depressed, in more ways than just financially. Not only did she not have insurance, but her debts were beginning to gather up again making her wish she still had a job at the café. It barely been three months since she lost the one job that called to her, the one job that she was willing to work over time for near nothing. The café's coffee had been imported, their cups recycled, their food organically made, and she knew almost everyone that entered the shop. Being the only female barista most customers came to see the high-spirited, emerald-eyed girl that worked long hours and helped keep them in check.
The hourly wage was paying her bills, paying off her debts with the college, and her debts for the foolish mistakes she created in her life. Her stomach churned at the memory of losing her job only to gain two tickets and a bail amount she still needed to pay Rika back for. Getting arrested had been the high-light of her week, adding to the stress and weakness before she met Syaoran. Getting to her feet at the sight of the familiar yellow vehicle, Sakura held herself as she let her mind wander over Syaoran. There was something about him that became addicting. He was charming, ridiculous, smart, goofy, serious and everything about him that wasn't in her usual criteria of men. Sakura knew she fell in love with Lyri first before she fell for him, but now it didn't matter. Her crush turned into something much more than that and it scared her relentlessly. Giving the driver the address she was headed, Sakura crawled in and sat in an awkward silence of thoughts, sounds, and feelings. The cab smelled of a too-strong perfume from the previous occupant, mixing with the strong stench of cologne the driver wore. It reminded her of a bad date. It also reminded her that she was suddenly sensitive to smells and it wasn't making the trip to the committee office all that great.
The hour passed and she was far more grateful to stumble out of the cab than she should have been. The driver gave her an odd look accepted her cash, driving away in a squeal of tires. The cold wind dropped down, bringing in a haze of clouds that threatened rain. Sakura blink as she felt the first drizzle of wetness, staring up at the graying clouds scornfully. Taking slow, deep breaths to clear the awful stench of mixed fumes from the taxi cab, she took her time to enter the building behind her. The open air felt better than a cramped building. The hospital had been clear with that. She'd been stuck in a white room full of instruments and contraptions for over an hour just to fit on a cast. Going inside another building was suddenly looking bleak. Using her good hand to fix the zip-up, Sakura gave up trying to procrastinate and walked forward. With each step she felt nervous, unsure whether coming to the Environmental Committee was a good idea after all. She'd attacked one of the members, breaking her knuckle in the process. She'd been scarce since becoming Syaoran's babysitter and so far, she hadn't done her part in the field work since the arrest made back in September.
Walking into the warm building, she half expected the usual to happen—smiles and greetings or complete silence. The moment the elevator opened and the heat of the rooms blasted against her skin, she caught every head that turned to her. Someone whispered her name and more heads popped up over the desks and chairs, wanting a look. Confused, she kept a straight face and walked towards the main office room. Boots hit the carpet with a soft squishing noise, audible to her ears, making it awkward with every step she took. Emerald orbs trained on the doors of her superior, refusing to look at the others as she walked past. She felt their gazes on her though, felt the burn of strangers and familiar eyes alike as they watched her stride down the narrow passage between desks and chairs. A whisper of a caress tingled down her back, making her broken wrist ache as she reached the president of the committee office door. Lifting her injured arm she frowned, quickly switching and rapping on the plastic mahogany door. The moment the familiar female voice echoed back, she let her gaze travel over the faces of the watchful eyes. The moment her own landed on anyone's face they ducked back and shrank away. Swallowing bile as her stomach churned, she entered the office and shut the door too quickly. It snapped with a clack and she winced, eyes going to the surprised president.
"Kinomoto…" Sakura met the woman's ice blue orbs and felt the ease of her muscles at her gentle expression. "I wasn't expecting you in today." Those soft eyes dropped back down to the paper work set before her, slender arm covered with bracelets, waved at the empty chair before the desk. Sakura took the offer immediately, knees weak.
"I, uh, came to ask if there was a job." Sakura stated, thankful her voice wasn't giving away the weakness she felt. The woman's gaze shot up quicker than normal and Sakura had the sense that something was going on; first the staring and now this. There was an immediate pause as bracelets danced with the arm that rose, fingers tucking away brown-streaked, blond hair behind an ear.
"Weren't you on one yesterday?" it was a simple enough question, but the accusation and the curiosity had been mixed in with her voice. Sakura let her heart drop as she placed her injured wrist comfortably on her lap.
"I wasn't,"
"Well the reports I received from Jasper and Yuri had you in them, of course, Jasper's report was a little more…" she trailed, eyes finally going to the cast. "Ah, that would explain it." Sakura knew from the way the woman's face contorted in humor and obvious facts of knowledge, that it wasn't a secret what went on yesterday.
"What did he say?" Sakura asked, trying to keep the ice from her throat. That only brought a wicked smile from the older woman as she sat back, arms crossing over her flowery blouse. "Look, Chandise…"
"Kinomoto there was probably a solid explanation as to why you broke a colleague's nose, just like there's probably an explanation to why your wrist is harboring a cast." Her ice blue orbs danced with amusement, smiling as she watched Sakura fidget. "Mister Fox came in this morning wanting the committee to reimburse him for the cost of his medical bill, claiming you did it deliberately because you wanted the job and wasn't appreciative that he and Miss Kaziku were there." leaning forward, she pulled out a white-washed folder.
"I did do it deliberately, but not because I wanted a job. I didn't even know they were…" Sakura stopped, staring wide-eyed at the photographs. They were all of her, from the moment she was out of the dressing room, to slamming her fist into Jasper's nose, to the end of the show. She recognized the frame work as Yuri's and wondered when the girl had time to follow her around. She hadn't even seen someone taking photos of her, especially over the flashing lights of the walkway.
"I believe you, that's why I didn't give in to his wish or pay him for this investigation." She smiled kindly as Sakura stared at the photographs some more. "Miss Sasaki is a huge help with the environmental committee and keeping the fashion industry in line, I appreciate her going against her own career and talking their honored guest, Madame Zeva, one of the most bizarre and highly respected women of Paris Fashion Industry, into not allowing her usual line of fur into last nights show. I had asked Yuri to make sure of that, thinking because Miss Sasaki was one of your good friends that you wouldn't have wanted to do the field work." Chandise sat back in her chair, watchful eyes on Sakura. "Rumors are floating around the office about a possible affair between Jasper and yourself." Sakura's throat closed up and she chocked.
Coughing and holding the stitch in her side, she all but rasped, "Not true." One perfect brow went up in amusement. Sakura fidgeted cast feeling heavy against her bones. "We went on one date, which my friend set up before I could stop her."
"I respect both of you," Chandise's words suddenly confused Sakura, making her frown as she watched her slender hands put away the pictures and documents. "You both have excellent talents when it comes to the committee and I know how hard it is when we can't always pay you for that. Being with someone in the workforce never works out, you know that right?"
"We're not…" Sakura stopped feeling sick.
"Middleton is unique, there's always something going on that needs our attention. Middleton's CEO is still trying their damndest to build next to the lake, taking out city parks as their own, and the military personnel only add to that. It's hard to come by talents that the two of you possess and it would hurt the committee if I'd have to let one of you go, if not both." Chandise blew out a huff of air, eyeing Sakura with concern. She was pale, trying to grasp what her superior was saying. Chandise sighed a moment later, nails lightly tapping the table. "Jasper brought to my attention that the Army is working with CEO, Aido Harleton, regarding Lake Middleton. He has evidence and proof, but since the storm and the oil spill in the ocean I haven't heard much about it after that. The jobs yours,"
"Army…" Sakura's eyes rounded as she instinctively thought of Syaoran, her hand on her stomach. "I can't, I'm sorry." She said after a minute pause. Chandise nodded, understanding. Sakura felt weak then, disagreeing to a job she normally would have jumped to her feet to. Something inside of Sakura changed drastically, clouding her vision. Getting to her feet when neither said anything she smiled weakly and headed for the door.
"Oh, Kinomoto…" Sakura turned slowly, watching Chandise as her blue eyes filled with concern smiled. "Congrats." A jab in her heart made her eyes widen. Chandise laughed, "For the fashion show yesterday. You looked amazing in the photos and I heard it went smoothly."
"T-thanks,"
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The whole thing was a blur, going by like an Amtrak racing to reach its destination. Colors meshed together, blending and shaping a scene of brown wood and black clothing. Not one person had been wearing color, almost like someone died and they were forced to attend the funeral. The cold air circulating through the room reminded him of a restaurants freezer broken down. He felt clammy in a cold room. He felt like a piece of meat just dangling there for predators to feast upon, but no one made a move to take the first bite. The dark pupils of every bystander just stared, circling and blending in as they listened to one voice. With his stone front, placid expression, and clear head, he was nervous and screaming to be let go. Years of military training to remain expressionless and rock-solid was nothing, compared to the woman sitting on her throne. One could place a crown upon her head and she would still look fierce dressed in a black gown and probably nothing else. The voices continued as he sat there staring, yet not staring. One voice that echoed followed by another that asked questions, filled his mind.
The cold air made him choke back snide remarks that were obviously wrong as the speaker continued. They were not permitted to speak unless spoken too. It was boot camp all over again. The untrained soldiers giving punishments as hard as no food for a week, carrying buckets and buckets of water up a hill the size of Mount Rushmore. Twice he bit his tongue and twice he felt like a shrimp in a sea of whales. It wasn't like him to feel intimidated, it wasn't even like him to think himself worthless as he listened and wished he was somewhere else; anywhere else. Jaenelle had stood when spoken to, using her French etiquette to please the judge and the police guards standing around the room. It was when he stood and spoke when spoken to, did the eyes seem to give him this judgmental stare. Why would we hand a three-year-old to a soldier in the military? Why would we allow a child to suffer as her father constantly left in the middle of the night on a single call? What made him so special? None of those questions were asked, but Syaoran could see it on the judge's face as Jaenelle tried her hand at diverting the attention from her, while both their attorneys tried to give Syaoran the benefit of the doubt. Cases like this were rare, where the mother didn't want custody, but was now suddenly recommended by law to take their child.
The scene was constantly swimming around him. Someone spoke about his injuries, yet the only injuries he thought about where Sakura's. A scar she'd received from running into his kitchen table, a bruise from falling against a chair, her broken wrist from smashing knuckles into Jasper's face. His adverted thoughts must have shown on his usually placid expression, the judge's cold glare had him back to his feet as the world swam in circles. Why does he think he's more fit to be the sole guardian and not the mother? Where do Lyri's goals sit while the military throws him to the enemy for the country? While he spoke, making sure to be as polite as possible and to not lose his temper as the judge continued to circle him like prey without really circling him, he realized then why Shai Michelson didn't want Lyri in court with them. His daughter was a liability and could easily be taken from both parents with the wrong word spoken, can easily be given to the wrong parent if he slipped up. His practiced speech was almost forgotten as he let Sakura come to mind. She was his and his alone, she would be around to help love and care for a child that wasn't her own. Somehow Sakura Kinomoto had been the opposing party's topic when he sat down. Somehow Sakura Kinomoto had been investigated as Jaenelle tried to persuade the judge that Syaoran had everything under control. It was weird having the other parent fight for the opposing side. Syaoran was pretty sure the judge and the court never witnessed such a case.
The brown walls of the court room seemed disappear as his vision blurred, listening to the final verdict. The judge dragged it on as she sat on her throne, giving both parents her opinion to the bizarre case, reading off the paperwork from the attorneys. The parents needed to agree on this before it was final, to make sure they weren't back in court because suddenly Jaenelle changed her mind. Lyrianna Li would be taken from Jaenelle Marswick and if ever the mother of the child wanted to speak or see Lyrianna, then she needed to speak with the father of the child. Syaoran's vision threaten to black out as his head pounded with voice after voice, as his heart clenched at the prospect that victory was made. He never really had doubt, but when allegations like being in the military might obstruct his parental rights, he felt belittled. They all left the room silently, making his ears ring with the anticipation of celebrating. The difference in court room and the grey boring waiting room changed his vision drastically and as Jaenelle posed, slim body cocked seductively, arms over her hips as she watched with him a raised brow, Syaoran had a sudden change of heart about the raven-haired woman.
"Congratulations is in order, however I have a meeting to attend to." Jaenelle placed her expensive Gucci sunglasses on, lips quirked up in a half smile. "You didn't think you'd fail did you Xiao Lang?" the tone in her voice raised hair on Syaoran's arms.
"Of course not, I know you. You would have found a way around it." he stated bluntly, brown eyes narrowing as she casually searched through her purse.
"Don't be so sure of yourself, taking Lyrianna to Paris with me was on my list if I won and you of course wouldn't have liked that or your cute little girlfriend." finding what she wanted, Syaoran watched as she applied lip-gloss with a swipe of her fingers. It was one of her tells that she wasn't happy. Since he'd known her she would always apply something to her face to avoid the contact of feelings and this time, he wasn't mildly surprised she wasn't upset.
"Why did you have to bring Sakura into this?" he asked suddenly, surprising Jaenelle.
"Don't you know how to play the court system, Xiao Lang?" she asked with a laugh, head shaking. "You're an SRT Sergeant in the military, top priority is your duty to the country. They never would have allowed Lyrianna to remain with you unless they knew you had an ulterior way to taking care of her and frankly, Miss Kinomoto being your girlfriend is better than simply stating that you have a babysitter. Especially since Miss Kinomoto's line of work is cherished in Middleton."
"Jaenelle…"
"Looks like the cavalry has arrived, au revoir mon amour," Jaenelle wiggled her fingers in the air as she took the arm of the gentlemen Syaoran noticed earlier in the day. He watched her elegant figure disappear into the golden elevator and let out a huff. Two soldiers stood against the wall, one of them familiar as he caught sight of Syaoran. Yukito locked eyes with him, soft gaze making Syaoran remember the stressful day was only beginning.
"I need to pick up Lyri from this address before we go back to Middleton." Syaoran told him as they entered the elevator as well. Fixing his suit, he let his gaze drop.
"It went well, then?" Yukito asked. Syaoran nodded, pulling his cell phone out and turning it on. "That's great, we also have good news about Private Farce." Brown eyes met with gray and he couldn't help but let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Smiling, he went through his messages and easily sent Sakura a text and paused, reading one she sent him. Being in the court room, he had turned his phone off and slowly, one by one message's came piling in.
"Lieutenant…do we have the whereabouts of Private Farce?" Syaoran asked slowly, letting his flat tone creep up the officer's spine. The second soldier whipped his head and stopped, remembering his place at the last minute. "Lieutenant Tsukishiro, he is my responsibility as well." He reminded Yukito when he didn't answer. Blowing out air, the older male gave him a look that told him the answer immediately. Before he could answer Syaoran held up his hand. "Please contact the commander in charge of the arrest and tell them caution is better than force, a civilian is with him."
"Who…?" the second soldier asked, and quickly apologized. The elevator dinged and Syaoran took longer to step out, his gaze on Yukito as he debated whether or not to tell him.
"Sakura,"
…
…
…
She decided to walk, her mind spinning with one too many thoughts. She was confused about her refusal for the CEO story. She had known exactly what Chandise had been talking about too and it brought about feelings for Syaoran all the more. Not to long ago she had been a cat, curious about something hidden inside a building of Middleton's top businesses. If it wasn't for the stoic figure standing in front of the glass doors, she wouldn't have gotten so curious and the world knows: curiosity killed the cat. Except the cat didn't die, she got arrested and steered away from the CEO business, landing her a pricy ticket she couldn't pay. White cast against her chest, Sakura stuck her uninjured arm into the pocket of Rika's jacket and continued her walk home. She felt small as people began to watch her, making her insecure. Her mind was screaming that they all knew what happened, that they all knew she had turned down the offer to take down the military's involvement with Middleton's top CEO. The rational thought would be people were seeing some crazy woman walking in the cold, wearing nothing but a thin jacket and jeans to keep her warm. Her nose was the first part of her body to get cold, her cheeks next, but she ignored it all.
The sky was slowly turning a grey and dark as rain clouds began to form in large clumps, threatening to down pour. The sun was peeking through the thick of it all, making buildings orange in comparison. Sakura stopped just outside the National Park and stared at the colors, sneezing once as the cold bit at her senses. It had been awhile since she took the time to admire the world around her, taking in the beauty earth possessed. The National Park of Middleton was one of the most known historic places that not even Middleton's richest CEO's could touch. A stone pathway led into the depths of the park, surrounded by trees as tall as the sky. Couples walked hand-in-hand as they took in the scenery, a few dogs were running as they played, their owners sitting on a blanket as they conversed. The sun disappearing from view wasn't stopping anyone from their outings. Swallowing a lump that suddenly formed in her throat, Sakura entered the park and added to the population. The park was one of her favorite places to be, it helped clear her mind, more so than if she was at the beach. She ignored the couples that walked by in passing, kissing as they laughed and enjoyed one another's company. Walking into the depths of the park, using the stone trail that had been placed there for joggers and bikers use, she slowly began to remember why she loved the national park. Besides it being a short cut back to her apartment complex. The winding trail cut off to a slope that went down to a little duck pond, trees and benches occupying the end of the road. Everything was green and brown, the grass muddy from sprinklers and rain that must have poured unknowingly. Everything was just so magnificent to her.
Finally reaching the duck pond, she stopped and stared out at the glistening dark water. The sun still reached just above the hills, lighting up the sky with its orange glow. The clouds hadn't formed yet over the pond, giving the sun a chance to bath in it winter warmth. Few ducks sat on the water, gliding with the movements of their feet. The pond was calm, the park was silent, and the only thing that was out of balance was her. Running fingers through her hair, tugging on a knot that formed, Sakura began to walk away from the pond. She stopped a moment later, blinking at the mound hidden under a tree, almost buried into the tall grass. She hadn't seen him there when she showed up, but her mind had been wandering so much that she hadn't seen anything in general. It took a minute before she realized it was a man laying there. The rise and fall of his chest was barely visible in the shadows. The halogen lights began to blaze to life from the sudden change in solar power, barely lighting up the park up the slope. It still did nothing to reveal the man. He was just laying there, arms and legs out like a rugged out animal. The camouflage uniform stood out compared to the dark muddy earth he lay upon. It took Sakura a second to confirm his hollow breathing. At times it didn't look like he was breathing at all.
Her stomach churned at the thought that a soldier was dead in the park and for the third time that day she felt sick. She had a nagging feeling it was because he was a soldier and not some homeless character gone from the world or merely a bug that was creeping up on her. She continued to stare at the fallen man, thoughts and feelings radiating off in waves. She hadn't realized she'd been staring for that long until the rustle of leaves from the chilly wind brought her back. Turning on a booted heel, she whirled and took a few strides back towards the pond. She could easily just walk the edge of the water until she met with the second trail leading to her apartment complex. The thought came and went and she still stood there, staring at the darkening water and the shadows that were ducks gliding across to find a place to sleep. The place was so large that the environment usually calmed her nerves, yet there was a soldier dressed down in protocol lying in the middle of the entire park, almost like he had more issues than an old woman with no kin to take care of her. Sakura remained frozen from taking another step and slowly turned around. Her kind nature screamed at her inner walls to find out what was wrong, to console the stranger and possibly get him going again.
Making up her mind completely, she walked forward and squeaked in surprise. A graying squirrel caught her eye, hands to his nose as he bit into something and releasing it. Keeping an eye on Sakura, he crawled to sniff the stranger underneath his tree, making up his own mind and making a dash back up to safety. That should have been a sign to stay clear, but squirrels were always skittish around humans even when they smelled food. The soldier barely moved a fraction of an inch, grass billowing around him as his heavy chest gave another heave. Sakura crept closer cautiously, wondering why he hadn't taken notice of her. His military training should have alerted him that someone was near, especially since she squeaked as loud as she did. He sat up then, bringing out another strangled squeak of surprise from her throat. Cast to her heart, she breathed out when a passing couple gave her an odd look.
"I apologize; I didn't know someone was standing there." the soldier said eyes not on her as he gazed around the park, the rain clouds making everything dark and the lights up the slope. Sakura tiled her head, chills running down her spine.
"Are you alright?" she found herself asking when he made no move to get up. Mud caked his legs and boots, his laces were undone; he was the picture of an unprofessional soldier. It took her a minute to spot his badge of rank, the only actual indication that he was in fact a soldier and not some homeless guy wearing a uniform. He said nothing, bringing his dark gaze to her for the first time. Unblinking, she gave him a solid look back. "You know it's illegal to sleep at the park,"
"I apologize, ma'am. I was…" he swallowed his words. Sighing, Sakura took the few strides and sat down next to him. "Umm…"
"Sakura Kinomoto," she held out her good hand, brows up as she waited patiently. He stared at her hand, the sleeves of her jacket almost reaching her knuckles. Finally reaching to exchange greetings, she smiled. "I'm assuming your have an off day too. I sure have been in my head all day." She babbled.
"Private Farce," he told her lightly, taking his hand back. Sakura nodded, eyes going to the now dark pond. "Do I know…?" Sakura shushed him, finger up as she pointed at the pond. A mallard began usher a line of ducklings to the bushes, each one brighter than the last and squawking. They sat in silence for awhile, watching the night come to life. The halogen lights behind them made more shadows across the park, beetles began to make noises as they woke up thinking that it was night time and laughter could be heard as a group of teenagers skated by. "Ma'am, it's kind of you to sit with me, but it's not needed. You should probably head home."
"You make me feel old when you call me that. It's just Sakura, please." She laughed as he contorted his expression. Years of telling a soldier off always made her feel better. Their protocol was so maddening, she didn't see how they could constantly speak the way they do. "I'm not sitting with you, I'm letting my mind rest." She stated stubbornly. Pulling her phone out, she awkwardly sent a message to Rika that she'll be late coming back to the apartment, as well as one to Syaoran. The soldier got tense as he watched her text one-handed, making her brow rise.
"How'd you hurt your hand?" he asked as he fidgeted. Putting her phone on her lap, she held up the white cast.
"Broke a knuckle or two punching so asshole yesterday."
"Definitely can take care of your self," he commented with a hint of amusement.
"I was born into a military family, even if I don't speak with them any longer, I will always remember to defend myself and honor first." She stated with a laugh, head turned as her phone buzzed. What she read made her heart give a second beat and her eyes to widen. Farce must have sensed something change in her, his body tensing as if he was ready to bolt. Placing a hand on his arm to keep him still, Sakura smiled sweetly. "Don't go,"
"Did they send you here?" he got out harshly. When Sakura shook her head he let out a snort, disbelieving. "You just finish saying you grew up in a military family."
"Your right, but I can give a rat's ass about the military." She snapped, anger rising. "Look, whatever it is you did or didn't do is your business. I don't care, I don't even know you. I decided to take a stroll through the park because I've had one chaotic week. My knuckles broken, that bastard Jasper says it's my fault that he lost his pay for last nights job, and I can't do what I love best because I'm dating a damn Sergeant whose barely divorced with a super model! Did you know you military tarts are in cahoots with the worst man in Middleton, destroying the environment for some stupid buildings that don't need to be built? We have enough buildings polluting our air, we don't need more, but no…we need just one more building right where the lake is. So if you think you're having a bad day, Private Farce, think again."
He could only stare at her, eyes searching her face as she flushed crimson. He began to laugh, the sound strange like it was forced. Sakura blinked, shutting her mouth. "I'm sorry," he swallowed, head shaking as he continued to laugh. "I've never heard a woman rant like that before,"
"Thanks, I think." Her head swam with thoughts as they fell silent again, bringing her hand back to rest in her lap. Phone buzzing with more text, she decided to flip it over and ignore them. She knew Syaoran was concerned, especially since the man sitting next to her was the reason why Haku was coming back. It was pretty obvious. Not wanting to get into it, the best thing to do was to ignore it just like someone would ignore life.
"Is the Sergeant…?" Farce began and stopped, thinking about his words. Sakura glanced at him, watching as he battled within himself. "Do I know the Sergeant you're dating or your family?" she arched a brow at his personal question, deciding he was only trying to spark up conversation. A shrug was more suffice then actually telling him and he nodded, accepting the nonverbal answer. Again, silence fell over them. Sakura watched as birds took flight from a tree, gliding through the air in a circle before going back to the same tree. They began chattering loudly, having a conversation all to themselves. She briefly wondered if they were chirping about them, two human sitting beneath an oak tree or if they were chirping about the birds next door invading their territory. "She's in the hospital,"
"What—?" Sakura was thrown off.
"My girlfriend…fiancée," Sakura studied him as he stared up the chirping birds hidden in the tree. "I tried to go see her, but they wouldn't let me. They said I wasn't on the list of emergency contact or family. I had to…I had to find out from her ex-husband that she was I surgery."
"Is that why…?" she stopped, wondering if she was out of line for asking if he was AWOL. Farce knew though and he nodded.
"Its protocol to turn and surrender your belongs to the commander before mission, which I did, but I had this feeling that something was wrong. She wasn't home when I got the page, so I sent her a message and when it was time for our briefing…" he gave Sakura a once over, eyes bright with tears that didn't fall. "Is it hard to date one of us?" she was taken aback at the question, her face like an open book as she showed her surprise.
"I'm one of those environmentalist nut cases." She said. He only frowned, trying to wrap his mind around that. Sakura laughed, laying down on the grass and staring up at the darkening sky. The rain clouds had rolled in, but so far no rain. She wondered if they were going to get rain at all or if the weather was going to tease them with the dropping temperature. "If it helps, I think we're harder to date than any military personnel. Syaoran has learned that the world will always come first before him and my opinions will definitely kick-ass. Would you believe me if I told you that I told Sergeant Syaoran Li off, in his own home, in front of his cousin who's First Officer in the Air force? He was surprised I knew what First Officer meant and I shoved it in his face."
"I believe it," he laughed, lying back with her. She smiled, letting his body warm her. She hadn't realized how much the temperature dropped until now, the thin jacket doing nothing to help her stay warm. "I know they're looking for me,"
"That they are," she turned her head to him, watching his chest rise and fall. "Why did you leave like that, Private Farce?" he only shook his head. Sakura knew there was something going on in his head as he stayed silent. Deciding it was best not to pry, she sat up. A noise came from behind her and she turned, heart sinking. Large black SUV's were driving forward, one of them stopping at the picnic tables, the other moving to block an exit. Farce heard it too and flinched. Placing a hand on his arm reassuringly, she stared back at the pond. "I'm sure she'll be okay."
"I'm praying,"
"You will too," she added as an afterthought. He only shook his head, eyes closed. "Syaoran...First Officer Li will probably forgive you for messing up, with time. I'll…talk to him and tell him about our conversation." She knew the men behind them were getting closer, the pad of footsteps echoing off the hollow ground. A shadow passed to her right, then her left. They were circling from a distance.
'Thank you, Miss Kinomoto." He opened his eyes and weakly smiled, sitting up. Turning to face the soldiers coming down the trail way, armed and ready, he sighed. "You've got a good heart. I've never met anyone that hates the military so much, but understands us soldiers so well. It's good for the soul, some soldiers…" he stopped.
"Private Farce, you're under arrest for the treason—"a booming voice echoed down to them. Sakura's hard clenched as emotions ran high. Tears threatening to fall, she watched Farce's face as he let his own expression turn lax.
"I apologize for our crimes, Kinomoto." Sakura's eyes widened, which only got wider at the familiar voice booming.
"You can't apologize for this crime Private Farce. Remain silent, that's an order." Sakura caught sight of Private Farce's confusion and she quickly shook her head, remaining still as her back remained to the men now surrounding them. The look on the soldiers face made her choke back regret as he recognized the familiarization of last name. "Ma'am did he harm you in anyway?" Sakura took a deep breath, giving the soldier aiming his weapon at Private Farce her cold expression instead of answering the one in charge behind her.
"No, sir," getting to her feet awkwardly, refusing the sudden help from the soldier, she held her cast against her stomach and turned. It took a second for recognition to hit and she ignored it like they weren't there, it was only herself and Farce standing in the park. "Crimes will be forgiven Private Farce. Take care," Emerald orbs turned and met with a shocked brown for the briefest moment. Memories flooded her mind as her heart leaped, stomach churned, and the hand that clenched tight onto her jeans began to sweat. Saying nothing else, she walked past the soldiers.
"Sakura…" she heard it, his voice as it whispered on the stream of wind that blew past her, chilling her bones. A voice she hadn't heard in so long yelled after her a second later and she ignored it, knowing they were going to meet again sometime in the future. Still he called and still she walked away, tears streaming down her face as every emotion hidden within her heart from eight years ago came to life.
To be continued…
Vacations over and Au Pair is updated finally. I tallied it up and whether I actually go through with my notes, this story should be ending soon…ish. With way things are and my busy schedule, not as soon as you think.
Anyway, hope you like, I tried. Thank you for the amazing reviews, I'm still here! Also, if anyone uses spotify, I have made a playlist for both Sakura and Syaoran. I use those when I write their separate scenes, it's what keeps me focused on their battles.