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 Six: Just One More Apple
—ONE WEEK LATER—
The muffled sound of rattling beans drafted through the ear pieces he wore. The black string swayed with his body's movements as he bounced around on the balls of his feet. His body, slick with sweat, glistened as the sunlight peeked through dark green curtains. A white band wrapped around his knuckles threatened to come undone as he pounded against a black pad, sweaty knuckles protesting against every hit and movement. He moved in a circular motion as he attacked full force, taking out the enemy in his minds eye. His lungs were beginning to burn, indicating the lack of shape his body was in, heart pounding in his ears even as Seether growled over it. It was coming to the point where if he didn't continuously move around, hitting every angle of the pad in front of him, then he would have to quite. It wasn't quitting time, not now and not later on. Still unable to get the full confirmation whether he may return to combat or not, he at least got the confirmation about getting back into shape. Right arm protested clearly from the lack of use, collar bone screaming at the intensity of the impact. His bones were still weak, but healed and that's all the mattered. He wanted to keep moving, keeping conjuring up a faceless enemy in his minds up, pounding them into oblivion as his protected knuckles sweaty and sore met with the pad over and over again.
A few times he started thinking about his comrade's betrayal, making them miss a chance to serve their country. His mistake had been reflected on them all and a trial was to be placed soon. He pounded the padding of the punching bag in a move that sent his mind reeling, the impact shocking his elbow and collar bone. Pushing through the shock, he changed tactics and continued to attack the bag. Private Farce had extended his training to be bomb-tactical for the military, had extended his training to be first class in almost everything when it came down to pressure. Private Farce had ruined his chance for a new rank the moment he stepped off the carrier plane and disappeared. He'd been mildly surprised when a team had found Private Farce the next day, like the man wanted to be found but given time to think over life. He also knew if it weren't for Sakura telling him which park and what part of the park; the search team would have taken out the entire place until they found him. According Yukito, they had witnesses' placing the man, just not where and how long ago. It still bugged him that Sakura had been there, had talked to Private Farce, and been near the soldier like it was nothing. He attacked the bag with all his might, collar bone beginning to rattle like a loose bone. The pain and pressure of his movements were making him weaker and weaker as the time went by. Yet still, he kept the memory in his minds eye that Sakura had almost been in danger by speaking with an AWOL soldier.
Body radiating heat, he continued to circle and jab at the punching bag. Left, right, left, left, move the angles echoing in his mind as his music changed and his state of mind went with it. He couldn't tell whether his exhausted body was pushed to the limit yet as he pushed forward, feeling the burn of his stomach and arms. Sweat trickled down his face, down his jawbone and disappeared into the carpet of his bedroom. Egypt Central "Ghost Town," began to rumble through his ears and he stepped up the game; promising to himself that this was going to be the last round about as he attacked the bag full-force. Thinking of Sakura and how she talked to Private Farce for quite awhile at the park made his blood boil. He knew she didn't see the potential danger of a soldier going AWOL; her kind heart was the only thing she trusted. It was one of the many things he loved about her. Ever since that day, however, she'd been acting weird and he wondered absently what exactly had they spoke about or whether Farce had told her something. She was tip-toeing around him and her friends, Haku even said she hadn't talked much about her environmental theories with Rika. She'd been spacing out during movies with the girls and she'd been avoiding almost everyone. A shadow passed in the corner of his eye just as the song stopped. Breathing roughly, he stopped and looked up towards the door.
Sakura leaned against the door frame, one brow arched as she watched him. It almost felt like he'd conjured her up from thinking about the woman. Dressed in a pink sweater that reached well past her hips and leggings, Sakura had a little girl in an adult body image pat down. It was one of the many things she'd been doing lately too, wearing large shirts and leggings. Pulling his ear phones out, lips quirked up in a half smile; he shot her an amused look. "What?"
"You're showing off,"
"How so?" moving across the room, he grabbed his towel and began attacking his neck and face, eyes on Sakura as she approached him.
"You get one paper and already you're bouncing around like a tiger. Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy with the work-outs still?" she stated, one finger poking his sweaty arm as Syaoran slipped out of his sweat-soaked shirt. a strange pattern had been splattered across the front and back of his shirt, showing him just how much he was sweating.
"Do I hear jealousy in that tone?" Syaoran asked with a laugh, ignoring the wet shirt and letting it fall to the floor.
"No, it's not jealousy." She glanced down at her white on white cast, lifting it slightly. "I can do pretty hard damage with this thing, so beware." With a hard enough tap against his chest she winced. Syaoran arched a brow as she struggled to hide her mistake and brush it off with a step back from him. "Just don't hurt yourself before you've finally healed."
"I'm not going to hurt myself, Sakura, I'm not…" he stopped talking as she folded her arms, brow arched. He was just about to say something that would have gotten him in trouble and from the way her emerald orbs shrank in size, she knew.
"You're not me,"
"I didn't say that," he defended, pulling his iPod out of its carrier and tossing it onto the bed. "What's Lyri doing?" he asked quickly, changing the subject.
Sakura shook her head in amusement at his tactics. "She fell asleep on the couch." He nodded, snatching his water bottle as he headed towards the adjourning bathroom. Sakura followed, watching him as he removed the knuckle bandages slowly, chest heaving from his workout. She just stood by the doorframe, watching him like a dictator. Through the mirror he could see her eyes staring at his back, at the burn marks that were now freshly pink and healed over. Her brows were knitted together in concentration, her mind most likely somewhere else as she stared at him.
"What's up?" Syaoran asked when her expressions contorted slightly, her arms perfectly wrapped around her middle as she leaned against the doorframe. At the sound of his voice, she looked up, meeting his gaze through the large mirror. Her emerald eyes were lost, round and concerned even though her face said otherwise.
"Some guy called earlier, Lieutenant Chang?"
"Did he say what he wanted?" Syaoran watched her carefully, knowing in her mind she was battling words not to say even though her gaze was soft as she stared back at him.
"No, just to call him back." He arched a brow, waiting for more. His arms felt like jelly as he finished un-wrapping his knuckles, checking to make sure they weren't raw and bruised. "They aren't going to send you out already, right?" Syaoran hid a smile; he knew she had something else to say.
"I don't know, I still need a second confirmation and go through PT with flying colors." Turning, he gave her a genuine smile, taking the gap in an easy stride. "Don't worry about it, I'm not going anywhere." He kissed the top of her head, sweat and heat radiating off of him. "We have the ball tonight, are you feeling okay?" he asked, getting a jolt from her body.
"Yeeeah, about that…" she stood on the tips of her toes, kissing his sweaty face. "I'm fine, I'm ready, Tomoyo made my dress I think I'm dreading that more than going."
"I heard you throw up this morning, you sure you're not getting sick."
"Ah," her gaze changed drastically, her body tensing as she averted looking at him. "I'm fine, just nerves." Syaoran caught a change in her that made his heart leap, wondering again why she was acting weird. Saying nothing, he kissed her and stepped back. If something was going on she would tell him, he had to remind himself.
"I'm going to hop in the shower, care to join?" he wiggled his brows making her laugh as she stepped back further from the bathroom.
"There's a pie in the oven," she stated sheepishly face flushing as she took another step back away from his sweaty body.
"A pie," his brow arched in admiration and horror.
"Lyri made a pie, I was just finishing it for her." the look Syaoran gave her made Sakura meet it dead on, daring him to say something about her cooking. "You'll eat it; you'll like it, period."
"It will be edible…right?"
"Syaoran Li, are you indicating that between your daughter and me, we can't make a decent dessert?"
"I'm taking a shower," she stuck her tongue out, head shaking as she turned and left. Syaoran watched her, shaking his own head as he stripped down and entered his cold shower.
Syaoran found her half an hour later, sitting on a stool texting. The pie she claimed they'd made was sitting on top of the counter, normal looking and golden brown. He eyed it from his position by the hall, staring at it in fear. It wasn't that the girls couldn't cook; it was usually that food always ended up burnt to a crisp, under cooked, or turned to mush. He was the cook of the house, unless they went to a restaurant. Turning away from the pie, Syaoran eyed Sakura sitting on the stool, legs wrapped around the chair's legs oddly, her injured arm resting against her stomach as she zoned out on her phone. It was one habit he'd seen her do lately, sitting and texting one-handed. Aside from her change in fashion, her sense of comfort had changed drastically and Sakura had become more absorbed in electronics; like a teenager that never been out in the real world. Remaining silent, he watched as she placed her phone down and reached for a plate that had been set out in front of her. A huge mass of peanut butter and nutella towered over the slices of apple. Head shaking at her choice of snack, he entered the kitchen and startled her. The dipped piece of apple tumbled with a thump against the counter and she winced, licking the chocolate that managed to get on her phone.
"That wasn't funny," she said through a mouthful a moment later.
"I didn't do anything," he laughed, moving around the counter, avoiding the pie, and grabbing a cup for coffee. The silence that filled the kitchen was interrupted by her phones chirp. Syaoran almost asked who she was talking to and thought better of it. The look on her face said she was in the middle of an important conversation, her body language saying she was ready to pounce, yet her silence was one of pure awkwardness. Racking his brain, he realized the last time it was awkward between them it had been the in October when he'd returned from his mission.
Something had happened between them and he wanted to know what. The smell of coffee made his insides grumble, wanting food as well. Turning, hand wrapped around his cup he thought about her apples and turned to get his own. He felt her gaze on his back as he pulled out food from the fridge, laying his coffee on the counter. It was when he turned back at her, did he see the strange expression like she wanted to say something. He saw the same look when she was at the hospital, getting the diagnostic of her broken wrist. She always has that look on her face, but she has yet to say what's on her mind. Taking a bite out of his food, Syaoran rested against the kitchen's counter and settled with watching her attack the peanut butter. He couldn't help but think she was amusing, especially with the amount of food she eats. Making sure his broad shoulders kept the pie hidden, he watched her every move and every bite before she stood and cleaned up her mess. The phone rang then, breaking his concentration. Quickly grabbing it off the wall before the ringing woke up Lyri, he answered and walked away. His heart sank at the possibility that they might have to go into a war zone, making Sakura's concerns come true.
Sakura arched a brow, knowing it was military business when the sliding glass door shut behind Syaoran. Watching his body language through the glass, she ignored her phone vibrating as a new message came through. Syaoran's fist, now able to move without a sling keeping it in place, was clenching and unclenching as his anger shown through. Whoever was on the phone didn't have good news for him. Her heart sank at the possibility that he might be going over seas early and quickly squished the feelings when her stomach sank as well. Getting sick now would only raise suspicion and questions from Syaoran and questions she wasn't willing to answer. He'd been watching her for the past week, making it ten times harder for her to speak and be around him. She didn't know how to lie and when someone that asked questions after questions continued to hound her, she was obligated to let the truth out. Avoiding, on the other hand, was easier said. Turning away as Syaoran entered back into the house, she glanced at her text from Naoko, avoiding Syaoran's gaze. Her mind screamed to ask him what it was about, ask him if he was going back into war, and ask him if the ball was off.
It was obvious he wasn't happy and before she knew it she asked the one thing they both promised to not talk about. "It's about Private Farce, right?"
"Sakura you know I can't answer that." He easily intercepted, leaning back against the counter hiding the pie from view once again.
Her emerald orbs were on her phone as she one-handedly sent a quick answer, "I know, it's just…his fiancée was in the hospital. Wouldn't you do the same thing if we were in that position?" she asked him distractedly, ignoring the fact that he didn't want to talk about it. She knew deep down he couldn't resist, that he would have done the same thing. The look in Syaoran's eyes, however, made her think twice of her own thoughts.
"We wouldn't be in that position, Sakura. What Farce did was against the law." She stared dumbfounded at him, slightly irritated that was his way of thinking. The cold stoic look on his face was changing drastically as he tried his hardest to maintain a professional soldier attitude.
A sudden ringing echoed in her ears and she consciously wrapped her thin arms over her stomach, giving him the opportunity to rethink his last statement. "Hypothetical thinking, you wouldn't just leave like he did because I was in the hospital, not answering your call and let's say Jasper was the one that told you that's where I was." that got a jerk out of his reaction, which quickly disappeared as he stared at her.
"You can't do that," he rasped, unfolding his own arms and letting them hang against his side uselessly.
"Just answer the question Li," emerald orbs bore into his dark brown eyes sharply, holding them there until he broke it with a shake of his head.
"I can't, for whatever reason I already know we wouldn't be in a situation like that. You don't have an ex-husband that has access to your medical papers and if you were in danger and hospitalized, all of your friends would be there. It wouldn't matter if I was or not."
"That's not what I was asking you. Would you or would you not put a dire situation first before the military?" Sakura reworded her last statement, knowing the answer even before she asked it. Since knowing Syaoran, she'd learned that avoiding situations about his military life kept them both happy; it was a lot harder than it sounded.
"I'm not answer that, you'll just take it out of proportion." Syaoran pushed away from the counter and stopped at her cold stare.
"Private Farce chose his fiancée over going across seas, probably going to get blown up. He may or may not have been able to come back. At least he has humanity in him." she whispered and got up from her stool, fixing her sweater to fit her body properly.
"We're not discussing this, Sakura." Syaoran's blood boiled at the idea that she wanted to fight, teeth grinding to avoid such confrontation, he watched as she absently played with her sweaters hem.
"If it wasn't for me telling you where I was, he wouldn't be in jail right now." She stated after a minute, arms back around her middle and cocking her hip, giving him the attitude he knew all to well.
Ignoring her stubborn side, he bit out, "You shouldn't have stayed there, the man was AWOL and for all you know he could have harmed you and himself. Men that leave in the middle of a mission are usually mentally damaged."
"Well he wasn't mentally damaged, he was devastated. Devastated that the woman he loves is in the hospital and he couldn't see her because he wasn't family. You wouldn't know what that feels like knowing that you are helpless, you can't do anything to protect them."
"And you do," Sakura's body tensed, eyes bright with tears that wouldn't fall. Her breathing was shallow, like she was trying to hard to maintain a freak-out. Syaoran watched as she folded and unfolded her arms, fingers twitching in an angry tic to snap. Finally, she looked at him squarely, pupils slightly dilated as she gave him an expressionless look.
"Yes, actually…I do. I was the one Yukito called when you got blown up. I felt like my whole world went with it in that one statement, watching over the news a scene from the war like I was apart of it when I was safe in a building miles away from you. I know exactly what Farce was feeling and at least he was in the same country as his fiancée, able to drive a few miles to reach her. At least he knows she'll survive instead of waiting weeks for her to return." She turned before he could see the tears that did fall, her heart pounding as she remembered every detail of her hyperventilation incident. She still had to pay the hospital for her visit, as well as the one for her cast.
"Sakura…" Syaoran's voice was soft and apologetic. Turning back around, eyes bright and fresh, she snatched her cell phone and moved quickly towards the hall for her boots.
"I'm going to Tomoyo's," she said too low. Footsteps sounded behind her, following her as she slipped awkwardly into her boots before opening the front door. The locks were louder than they should have been, making her flinch and glance at the family room where Lyri snoozed. She could smell Syaoran's body wash radiating off him, could smell his shampoo and the weird scent of the detergent he used. He said nothing as she turned, door half opened and letting in the cold winter air. "I'll see you tonight at the ball." And she shut the door behind her.
…
…
…
The moment the door clicked shut behind her Sakura pressed her back against it. Her heart pounded in her chest, in her ears, and she stifled a groan. Her hormones were everywhere and she tried harder to sustain her composure and balance. His words still echoed in her mind, words he should have said but didn't. He could easily have apologized, stopped her from leaving, but he didn't. He never did when they argued. Chills ran down her spine at the cold wind. Her nose turned ice as it bit at her from every angle. Legs wobbling at the pressure of her weight against the door, she pushed off and walked down the trail away from his house. Her boots made squishing sounds as she stepped over wet leaves, trying hard not to slip and fall on her behind. It was raining more and more now that the seasons were changing, the ocean breeze making things ten times colder and the atmosphere threatening to snow. Her mind began to run a mile a minute as she avoided spilling on her bottom. The only thing she could think of at the moment was the number of times she stormed out of his house; the day they met, last night's argument, a few weeks ago, and a number of times in the middle. Tears threatened to fall, numbing her already cold face, only to stifle a laugh at the prospect. She was stubborn and her stubborn nature was something she was devoutly proud of. Her habit of running from arguments was going to end a friendship, but she wasn't running this time; even if Syaoran didn't know that.
A familiar silver Toyota came to a stop just outside the house, lights dim to see through the thick haze of winter. Taking the rest of the way in a single hop, Sakura opened the door and jumped in before she froze to death. The heat of the car tickled her nose, making her sneeze head bobbling as she tried to hold in the third one. Naoko waved with her fingers before speaking through an earpiece to someone else, not pulling away from the house yet. Sakura listened absently as Naoko argued with her manager for her next novel. Smiling and slightly jealous of her best friend's success, she stared at the house. Lyri would be upset that she'd left without a word, but they were going to see each other later in the night. It was one of the many reasons Sakura agreed to going to the military ball, being able to spend most of the night with the three-year-old and avoiding all the stares from old men and women—mostly familiar ones. Her eyes glistened with tears as another sneeze threatened her senses and she quickly angled the vent away from her face. As Naoko finished up with her conversation, she pulled away from the house slowly. Sakura waited a moment before sitting forward and fiddling with her radio. Naoko had never been one to play music in her car, but she allowed her friends to use it.
Rise Against "Entertainment" played through the unused speakers and Sakura put it as low as she could. It was obvious by way of Naoko's flashing blue light that she was in the middle of working. Apologizing, her friend turned it on and began talking a mile a minute to someone Sakura couldn't hear. Feeling left out, Sakura glanced at her own phone. The screen held Lyri's picture, wearing a goofy they found in Chiharu's closest a while back, playdoh used as eyebrows and wearing a bright pink wig. Sakura had to admit the day Syaoran went to court she was scared that she would never see the smiling teal-eyed face again. She was more than ecstatic to learn that he won and that Lyri was officially his. Fingers brushed along her stomach, the lack of use she had in her injured hand making it slightly strange as she played with the seatbelts strap. A strong stench filled her nose and she turned, watching as Naoko rolled the window down a crack, fingers wiggling in the gap before rolling back up. it was a strange move but the conversation she was having with the invisible person had turned to the weather. Sakura took in the brief moment of ice and rain, smelling the pine trees as they passed the Christmas lot. Just the moment of cracking the window had allowed her to take in so many different smells, she chocked with hysteria. She was tired of having a super smelling nose, everything was enhanced at the weirdest of times, making her sick, giving her headaches, making her hungry. Now she took in the strong stench of the heater as he warmed the car. The heater had a hint of rose in it, oil Naoko always used to freshen up her car.
Breathing in and out to control the urge to throw up, Sakura stared at the window as the songs changed. Few houses and begun to decorate for the holidays, others not bothering to give in to the cheer. As they drove on, Sakura stared at the different decorations made to bring the spirit. One house had green and red lights, lanterns littering their grass and walkway. Another house as they passed by was completely bare except for a tree that sat in their yard. Sakura wondered if they did that to keep desperate haters away. Middleton was all about spirit of the nation and holidays, the city's square always held festivities in November and December with the biggest fake Christmas tree that towered over the tallest building. Every date a new decoration was placed on the tree and everyday new festivities would begin to help celebrate the numerous holidays that people celebrate. Sakura hadn't been to one since she was a child and wondered if Lyri ever had. The closer they got to Tomoyo's the more houses were into the spirit, colors and decorations covering the condos and large homes. The streets were covered in green tinsel and red banners, getting ready for a parade she hoped to avoid. Tomoyo's condo was covered in blue and green lights, the windows splattered with fake snow and a few animals statues frozen in her bushes. Smiling at her friends' choice in decorations, she got out of the warm car and all but squeaked at the cold.
"Chiharu says there are cookies," Naoko said as she wrapped her white shawl around her arms tightly. A fog of breath escaped her mouth as she spoke and both girls stared at it before making a dash for the house. The door opened before they made it to the steps and Eriol moved aside quickly, not wanting to get dumped.
"I'm guessing its cold," he said with a laugh as their teeth clattered.
"What gave you that idea?" Naoko asked with a laugh, finger up as she pressed the little blue light on her ear. "Hello…Naoko Yanagisawa speaking." Sakura arched a brow as her friend bee-lined for the living room speaking quickly.
"Tomoyo says to go upstairs, you're late." Sakura arched a brow, hands rubbing together to create friction. Slipping out of her boots, she let them rest against the wall with the rest of the pile of shoes.
"How are we late when the ball isn't till eight?" she asked simply to his amusement. Hands still clasped together as she fixed her shirt. Eriol was mildly surprised she'd wear something so loose considering who half her friends were, but said nothing as he watched her. "
Shaking his head he answered after a minute, "You really want me to answer that?"
"No I suppose not," a strong stench hit her senses and she turned around, eyes on the open kitchen. Her body automatically headed for it, mind set on food and the delicious smell of whatever was on the burning stove. Eriol stepped into her view, pointing at the stairs. She suddenly felt like a stoner denied her munchies. "What are you making?" her stomach growled loudly, the strong smell of herbs and broth wafting towards her even more.
"Nothing for your vegetarianism," he said carefully, one finger fixing her glasses easily. Making a face, Sakura snatched a green apple from the fruit bowl and marched up stairs. Eriol shook his head, wondering how the girl could stomach so much fruit and not be sick. Chiharu and Rika met her at the top, both wearing under garments and their brown hair set up on top of their heads. Sakura hid a smile at her two friends' identicalness, the pink rollers in Rika's hair matching her lipstick and underwear while Chiharu's blue matched her underwear and nails.
"Where's Syaoran?" Rika asked, looking down the flight of white stairs to the empty foyer. Sakura looked behind her as well, taking a bite out of her apple. She'd almost forgotten that they were supposed to come together. If it weren't for the awkward argument they had she would have told him they were to leave together, as it were she turned back to Rika's intense stare and swallowed the chunk of apple. Rika caught the silent message and groaned. "Again, you guys are like the worst couple ever." To Sakura's surprise she pulled out her thin phone, disappearing behind the door to talk with Haku.
"What was it this time?" Chiharu asked, expression grim. Sakura shook her head, weaving around her friend towards Tomoyo's room. "You know Rika's just going to get it out you eventually." Chiharu said, following after her.
"Nothing happened; it was just a little disagreement." Sakura said, apple bits flying from her mouth. Sakura glanced around the white and beige room, not seeing Tomoyo. The large queen size bed was covered with clothing and fabric, shoes littering the foot of the bed. None of Eriol's stuff was in view and Sakura wondered if he had to hide them in order to make room for Tomoyo's desire to design their dresses for tonight.
"You're lucky Sakura! Haku and Takashi are heading to Li's now instead of coming here, according to Haku, Li already called and told him what happened, which you need to." Rika said quickly as she entered the room, arms crossed over her bare stomach. Sakura shook her head just as Tomoyo came out of a door. Her black hair was braided and draped over her shoulder, along with some fabric and ribbons. Giving them one look, her eyes narrowed and she huffed out breath of air that reminded Sakura of an elephant.
"Why aren't you in your dresses? Out. Sakura strip," she ordered instantly, pointing at each of them.
"Yes ma'am," the girls chorused with a laugh. Rika eyed Sakura with a smirk, two fingers going from eye to eye making Sakura stick her apple covered tongue out.
"Tomoyo we have like five hours," Sakura tried to say the moment Rika left and stopped as Tomoyo gave her the 'try me' look. Her amethyst orbs turned to ice as she placed both fists on her hips. "Can I see my dress?" Sakura asked cautiously, wondering if Tomoyo was on a fashion power trip. It usually happened when it came down to events like this. Sakura could still remember prom and how psycho Tomoyo turned when Rika accidently spilled wine on her gown.
"Yes you can," Tomoyo disappeared into her closet, coming out a minute later to show Sakura her dress. The black tarp slowly came off, revealing the material underneath and all Sakura could do was stare. Emerald orbs were glossy with unshed tears as she reached for it, her only good hand curled around her apple as she let the cast stick out like a sore thumb. Tomoyo smiled, waiting fro her to strip quickly out of her clothing. "I had to change the design to match your cast, but I'm positive it came out perfect." Tomoyo said, moving to help Sakura slip into the gown.
"It's too much," Sakura whispered, ignoring the chills running down her spine from the chill of the room. Even with the heater on, she could feel the outside winter. The white material was soft against her skin, sending ripples of even more chills down her spine. A light pink ribbon dangled on either side of her gown, the holes indicating that once it was on her body it would look like a corset design. Running her wrapped fingers gingerly over the front of the material, she almost cried out at the feel of the diamonds hidden in it. Quickly placing the apple into her mouth to hold, she ran her able hand down it again to take in the full extent of her dress. Tomoyo laughed, batting her hand away from where the zipper was on the side and began fixing it to fit Sakura's body perfectly. Out of habit and nervousness, Sakura grabbed her food, taking a bite out of it and looking up at the ceiling. Her stomach was threatening to become nauseas, her excitement bubbling in around her. The zipper was cold against her hip, colder than the material used for her gown as it began to ascend. When the familiar sound didn't echo, she looked down just as Tomoyo looked up in surprise.
"Sakura…" Tomoyo stared awkwardly at her, legs crossing suddenly underneath her bottom as she looked up then down. "I don't want to be a bitch, but you gained weight."
"What…?" she stared down at her stomach where the zipper had stopped and wouldn't budge, the string used to hide the zipper from view dangling down in tendrils, then back at Tomoyo like she was crazy; Sakura knew the reason, she just didn't want them knowing. Her heart hammered in her chest and it took everything in her to keep from freaking out.
"Either that or whatever you're eating now…what is that?" Tomoyo got to her feet, eyeing the yellowish, green fruit in Sakura's grasp.
"Eriol told me to stay out of the kitchen." Sakura smiled brightly at her quick answer, eyes glinting with something else entirely. Tomoyo eyed the green fruit before shaking her head. "It's only an apple," with a shrug of her shoulder she took another bite of it.
"Well stop eating, that dress needs to be zipped up before you walk out of here." Tomoyo ordered, sounding a lot like a mother. Sakura swallowed and suddenly felt ill.
"Can't you just loosen it a tad?" Sakura asked and immediately regretted it. Tomoyo's large eyes narrowed, giving Sakura a mental death sentence. "Or not…"
"Oh get out of the dress, I'll fix it." Sakura laughed, placing her fruit into her mouth and slipping out of material easily, having a semi-orgasm at the feel of her gown. "Go ask Chiharu if she needs me to do anything with her dress too while I'm at it." Sakura nodded, giving Tomoyo a sloppy kiss on her cheek before disappearing out of the bedroom.
Walking down the short hallway of Tomoyo's condo, Sakura glanced at the photos arranged neatly on the wall. It was mostly of them all together, some of them of Sakura and Tomoyo together as kids. They'd been together for a long time and not just because they were distant cousins, but because they grew up and remained the best of friends. Sakura smiled at the photo of Tomoyo and Eriol together, Eriol's air force uniform was a dark contrast to Tomoyo's light brown gown she chose to wear for the photo. It was still a shock to know that every one of her close friends was dating someone in the military, including Meilin. Naoko was the exception since Nathan was a mechanic, yet she could just see him joining. It was almost like they were destined to be in the military life; a life Sakura had tried to run away from. It was inevitable that she found Syaoran and even though she loved him to the ends of the world and back, she still had that nagging feeling deep in her gut. Now it was something else deep in her gut. Her stomach growled as she finished her fruit. Relaying the message to Chiharu, she went back down the stairs. She felt bad for having to lie to her friends, avoiding situations that might make her spill the beans. She just wasn't ready for the attention, she still hadn't figured out if she was ready; a term that meant losing a life she hadn't yet fulfilled.
"You're back," Eriol said with a laugh, breaking her thoughts as he watched Sakura search the pantry. Her small body disappeared and reappeared, holding a few crackers in her only hand. Bumping the cabinet with her hipbone, she ignored his blush as he realized she was wearing near nothing and walked towards the stove.
"What are you making?" Sakura asked easily, ignoring his judgmental stare as she took a bite of a cracker.
"I'm not telling, you get all environmental on me every time." He defended, adding something that sprinkled in dark clumps. Sakura arched a brow, her cast moving as she took another bite of her cracker.
"So there's an innocent cow being cooked in there basic—"Sakura stopped mid sentence, feeling sick as the smell of hamburger meat wafted around her. Eriol moved quickly as she ran passed, hitting the counter and stumbling towards the bathroom. Naoko glanced up from her spot at the table, brow arched. It was when they both heard the chocking and gagging, did she get up and rush to the bathroom after Sakura. Tomoyo called out to Sakura a minute later, talking like she was there before stopping in her tracks and stared at Eriol, confusion on her face when she didn't see Sakura's form.
"I believe our crackers went bad," Eriol commented, pointing in the direction Sakura and Naoko went. Tomoyo sighed, handing him the dress. He protested as the white material threatened to get splattered with the stirring spoon in his hand and moved to place it on the clean table. His body tensed at the horrific sound of Sakura dying in the bathroom.
Tomoyo pushed through the half-closed bathroom door, getting ready to have an outburst. "Sakura what the hell…" she stopped and stared wide-eyed at her friend slumped over the toilet seat, hand on her chest as she heaved once again. Naoko flinched, holding her strands of hair back. "I was only joking about the weight thing. You're beautiful and perfect," Tomoyo slowly said, her amethyst eyes round.
"I'm not…" Sakura stopped as she chocked, nothing coming up.
"Again Sakura…?" Rika said joining the party, peeking around the Tomoyo's head.
"What do you mean again?" Tomoyo asked easily confused now.
"Sakura threw up last week at my apartment and Syaoran gave Haku a heads up this morning. Are you coming down with something?" Naoko touched Sakura's head in question since she was closest, feeling her temperature as Sakura sat back against the sinks cabinet. Batting her friend's hand away from her face she stopped from shaking her head. Her half-naked body shivered and she took quick even breaths to control the need to vomit again.
"I'm fine, I promise." Sakura breathed out embarrassed a moment later. All three pair of eyes didn't look convinced as they mad-dogged her.
"She's nervous!" Eriol called from the kitchen.
"I'm not—" her face went forward as she heaved, her cast hitting the floor in support as her only good one went to her stomach at the pain of heaving contents that was no longer in her stomach. Sitting back up, she gave them an apologetic look. Dark pair of eyes from Rika and Naoko was round with concern, Tomoyo's own blue orbs suddenly changed drastically with her expression. Sakura knew then that she figured it out and before she could stop her friend from saying something she heaved again.
"Oh my god," Tomoyo covered her mouth, staring wide eyed and surprised at her friend on the floor. Sakura's own eyes went round, struggling to stop her from saying it. "You're pregnant," Tomoyo's words echoed in the bathroom, over powering even the shock of Naoko's surprise.
"What!?" Rika and Naoko chorused, staring at Sakura.
"You're pregnant!" Chiharu popped her head in then, having been listening in on everything. Something shattered in the kitchen, getting a jolt and a squeak from Tomoyo as she whirled around. Eriol was coughing as if he'd chocked on what he was cooking, apologizing about the broken plate. Sakura flinched, knowing he heard it all too.
"How far along…?" Naoko got out first, staring at her with round brown eyes. She'd taken her glasses off, blinking uncontrollably as she stared. The little blue light on her earpiece continued to blink and she ignored it, making Sakura wish that she would stop staring at her.
"Oh my god, that's…oh my god," Chiharu was babbling.
"You have been acting weird lately; I just assumed it was part of some transition into dating a sergeant." Rika was saying over Chiharu's babbling, her thin arms folded over her red gown.
"Does Syaoran know?" Chiharu finally got out in a squeak, getting the attention of all three friends as they realized now whose baby it would be. Sakura's heart raced as she listened to them all, trying hard not to faint from their excitement and shock. A blue head popped in then, just as blue eyes staring at her from behind Tomoyo's dark hair.
"Eriol you are to say nothing…that goes for all of you too." Sakura finally said, shutting them all up.
"Why are you keeping it a secret?" Tomoyo asked softly.
"I'm not, I just don't think…" Sakura paused, staring at the faces staring back at her. Syaoran's words rang through her mind and she knew he was right. Everyone would be there for her if she had even gotten into an accident, a support system that not a lot of people had. "I'm scared is all," she finally admitted.
"I need to tell Haku, I'm sorry Sakura but its one of those things that I just have to tell someone."
"Rika…girl code!" Sakura struggled to get up, wanting to grab her friend's phone. Tomoyo did it for her, eyes sharp as she gave Rika a silent plea.
"We have a ball to get ready for. Haku and Takashi are with Syaoran now, I think its best we let Sakura tell them herself, for now…I need to get her in a dress and you guys in a photo…" Tomoyo ushered them all out to Sakura's relief as she finally got to her feet.
"Thank you," she whispered, hugging Tomoyo tightly.
"I'm taking a million photos of this opportunity, just…be careful Sakura. I know you love Syaoran, but don't do something you're not ready for." Tomoyo told her so only she could hear. Nodding, Sakura bit her bottom lip to keep from crying and ruining the makeup her friend's worked so hard to put on her. They had a ball to get ready for.
…
…
…
He felt like it was high school prom all over again. This time, however, the weather was ten times colder than summer and the location was far more mystique than the gymnasium of a high school. The temperature had dropped considerably the moment the sun went behind the hills. White lights came to life, twinkling like snowflakes as they led the way into the large building where the ball was being held. Syaoran watched as couple after couple entered the building, greeting the doors man as he saluted and opened the large double doors for them. His breath came out in clouds of white, body shivering as he adjusted his suits jacket once more. Somehow the girls' were in Sakura's favor and decided to come much later, having the limo driver make two trips. According to Eriol when she spoke with him, Sakura didn't mention anything about an argument only that she wanted it this way. Of course, her friend's would oblige. He was just surprised she didn't mention their argument.
Cold, Haku elbowed Syaoran in the shoulder as a white limo pulled up into the round about drive. Hands clasped together, Haku blew into his hands and turned just as the limo's doors opened and Yukito stepped out. His light blue suit looked interesting like a prom suit, reminding Syaoran again that the ball was near close to being déjà vu. A long, thin brown leg stepped out after Yukito. No one's ever seen Lieutenant Yukito's significant other, most of the department claimed he didn't have one, but he wore a gold band around his finger. Haku turned back around, ice cold breath slipping out of his mouth as the two walked up the walkway towards them. The woman on Yukito's arm looked vaguely familiar, yet Syaoran couldn't place her light brown face with recognition. Golden brown eyes were rounded with light makeup, her black gown bringing out the intensity of her eyes.
Haku and Syaoran saluted, both shivering from the cold. Takashi and Lyri were a distance away, loud and cheering as Lyri played with some of the lights. Syaoran grimaced at his daughters high pitch scream of delight, the sound echoing through the cold. "Lieutenant, Ma'am," Syaoran greeted easily to Yukito's amusement, bringing both their attention away from Lyri. Removing his hat, Yukito returned the salute to Syaoran and glanced around in confusion.
"Why are you outside? It's below zero out here."
"We're waiting on the girls'; they should be here any minute now." Haku spoke with a little more disdain than needed. Yukito raised a brow as he glanced at them all, head shaking.
"They'd be here now if Li hadn't made Sakura upset earlier." Takashi added, helping Lyri fix her jacket.
"Sakura's coming?" Yukito was mildly surprised, glancing at his date before returning that look to Syaoran. Again Syaoran tried to place where he'd seen the woman before, coming up dry as she hid a mild smirk. Clearing his throat, Yukito hid a smile. "I take back what I said about these boring old balls, tonight might be interesting indeed."
"What do you mean?"
"Well the brigade had an emergency fall back, they returned last night. I suppose it was for the best, the compromised mission last week would have ended horribly if you're team had succeeded in fulfilling it. We lost a dozen men in one hour, not including the two birds that fell carrying half a dozen others in place of the SRT." Syaoran's eyes were large, listening. Yukito shook his head at the loss, hand on Syaoran's arm as he began to move towards the doors. "You're team has one helluva angel watching you, even if it means a bad trial for a poor Private."
"Yuki—"the tall brunette said as warning, wanting to go inside. Yukito glanced at his date and nodded, turning back to Syaoran and Haku.
"I suspect Miss Kinomoto and Miss Sasaki will be two peas in a pod tonight, just like old times. Or was it Miss Miharu…?" Haku grinned, Syaoran frowned in pure confusion.
"I think you mean Tomoyo Daidouji," Takashi said with a laugh. Syaoran glanced at the tech expert and wondered just how much he understood Yukito's high amusement.
"Ah yes, Miss Daidouji. The two of them were like spitfires on wheels back in the day. Now those days were peaceful," he began to walk towards the door and stopped once again, looking over his shoulder at Syaoran. "Sakura must love you to be coming to a military ball, just keep that in mind tonight when it gets a little radical."
"Why does he think tonight's gong to get radical?" Syaoran found himself asking when the two disappeared behind the large double doors. another couple passed and went, leaving them once again outside in the cold alone.
"It's Sakura, Li…Sakura Kinomoto." Haku emphasized.
"Still don't get it,"
"He will later if the brigades returned." Takashi called as he escorted Lyri to the waterfall, the lights glittering with the still water. Haku's head went one way as he watched the two play with the water, Takashi's obvious freezing hand echoing with his tone of voice.
"What's with her, she's been ignoring you since we showed up at the house?"
"She's mad at me for driving Sakura out earlier today." Syaoran answered, turning away from the water fall and hoping the next car that showed up was the girls.
"That same argument…?" Haku guessed with a laugh. "What did you do this time?"
Syaoran glared at him, head shaking as he answered. "Nothing, she asked me about Farce and I told her I couldn't answer. Sakura thinks that just because she spoke with the man she has every right to know the outcome of his trial."
"And…" Haku persisted.
"There's no 'and', Tsukino." Haku gave him a strange look that said he was lying. Clearing his throat he averted his gaze, staring up at the bright lights of the building. The cheer and spirit was there, but not at the same time. Military loved holidays, but they loved the service more and sometimes the service required its men to ignore holiday joys. Syaoran turned just as Haku continued to stare at him expectantly. Sighing, he cleared his throat and added, "She asked me this ridiculous question placing me in Farce's feet and I refused to answer." That did it, Haku's laugh was loud as he clapped his cold hands together.
"You guys got in an argument last night too didn't you?" Haku finally stated when he sobered. Syaoran just stared making Haku takes a step back and laugh even more "The girls tell each other everything, remember?"
"How can I forget?" Syaoran let out a frustrated sigh, watching Lyri as she and Takashi played a hand game. Her blue dress was bright under the lamps, her shiny black shoes moving back and forth as she giggled and enjoyed herself with the equally hysteric Takashi. "Some woman at the store asked me if we adopted Lyri and when I told her that she was my daughter the woman just stared at Sakura, stared at me, and actually had the nerve to ask how that was possible when she looks like neither one of us."
"Ouch,"
"I mentioned to Sakura that I was going to get a paternity test to find out if Lyri was mine." Haku blanched, staring at him like he just grew two heads. "The woman had a point Haku, Lyri looks like her mother and…at the court there was this guy with Jaenelle…"
"Don't…you didn't get a paternity test did you?"
"I called my lawyer this morning; he said I should be able to get the results in a few weeks." Syaoran folded his arms as a cold breeze picked up around them; almost making it seem like the universe was listening in on their conversation as well.
"Li…!" Takashi and Lyri glanced up and Syaoran quickly shot Haku a look. Lyri knew nothing about what was going on, only knew that he made Sakura upset over something that happened at the store. "No wonder she didn't tell Rika. Rika would be all over you in a blink of an eye with fury." Haku shook his head, hands clasped together to create warm friction.
"You would do the same thing Tsukino," Syaoran said pointedly.
"No, actually I wouldn't. Rika would kill me to the point where it wouldn't matter if the kid was mine or not 'cuz I wouldn't see the sun anymore." He shook his head, checking his phone as it rang. "Uh-oh,"
"What?"
"Hey Takashi heads up, its girl code." As Takashi silent swore under his breath, getting a glare from Syaoran and a wise comment from Lyri, Syaoran looked at Haku confused. It was just a night of confusion, one he was getting sick of. "Girl code is a word the girl's use when they have something they need to say but can't." Haku told him, texting Rika back. "Oops, that message came earlier."
"I still don't get it," Syaoran admitted with scorn.
"It means we need to step around them like they're made of crystal, don't ask questions and don't hint that they're acting weird otherwise they'll spill the beans. We all will be in trouble if one of the girl's spills the beans and trust me you don't want them ganging up over something as trivial as a furtive." Takashi answered.
"So they're keeping a secret."
"Pretty much, the last time Rika used girl code, Tomoyo had just met Eriol and they wanted to keep it from Sakura since he was in the air force. It's one thing for me and Takashi to be in the army, but for another best friend to start dating one…" Haku shivered at the memory.
"Is that why Eriol kept it from Sakura for so long?" Syaoran asked staring at the road as a pair of headlights appeared from around the corner.
"Yeah," Haku turned too just as a black limo pulled up. Recognizing the driver as he moved around the car, Haku intercepted and opened the door first. Takashi and Lyri came up as well, Lyri immediately running for the limo as Chiharu stepped out.
"I'm touched you guys stayed outside all this time." Rika commented as she stepped outside, giving Haku a quick kiss. Syaoran waited as Lyri stuck her head out and closed the door on command by a voice within.
"She's eating an apple," Rika said at his questioning gaze.
"An apple," Syaoran repeated feeling like Sakura had been filling up on Apples like it was the end of the world. "There's food here…" Rika opened her mouth to say something, a weird glint in her eyes, face flushing; Haku covered her mouth with his hand, sharp blue eyes giving Syaoran a warning he couldn't understand.
"Rika love you're amazing tonight." Syaoran watched as she let out a breath of relief, wondering just exactly what secret the girls' had that they couldn't speak of. It was obvious she was about to let it out. Syaoran's mind stopped mid-thought as Lyri stepped out followed by Sakura. Everything the group was saying was drowned out as he stared, eyes traveling over her body in awe.
"Oh just say it Romeo," Chiharu said, body wrapped by Takashi as she tried to hide from the cold.
"Beautiful," Syaoran barely said, making Sakura flush as she fixed her gown.
"Let's get this over with…yes?" Sakura asked with a hint of nervousness, free hand taking Lyri's as she stepped away from the limo. Syaoran couldn't take his eyes off her as she stepped up next to him, her heels giving her at least a few inches towards his height. "You're drooling," Sakura whispered into his ear, just as the others walked towards the door.
"Let's do this," he told her, taking her injured arm and holding it loosely in his own.
To be continued…
I promise the next chapter is the one you all have been waiting for; the ball. Secrets out and those of you who caught the hidden messages, as bad as they were, were obviously right. Now I must make the suffering begin as I move on to updating the other stories.