The Bet: Deflowering of the Flower

Chapter: 29

By: Saori

Current Date: February 8th, Day 26 (Friday)

Days Left: 5

"Why didn't you tell me it was all Meiling's fault?" Syaoran grumbled as he slouched into his desk, throwing his bag on the floor. Sakura looked back at him curiously after sending Tomoyo a confused glace. Tomoyo giggled, knowing exactly what Syaoran was grumbling about. "She's the one that got Arata to kiss you."

"Yeah, but we're over that, right- so who cares?" Sakura asked cautiously, trying to gage Syaoran's current mood after his fight with Meiling. Syaoran sent Sakura an annoyed look. "Okay, you obviously care. Look, Meiling knows she made a mistake, can't you just forgive her? I did."

"Well, little Miss Know-It-All, lucky for her, I already did forgive her." Syaoran gave her a smirk, as Sakura playfully stuck out her tongue. Tomoyo secretly watched their small display of outright flirting and felt like laughing. To think, just twenty-four hours ago they were about to claw each other's eyes out. These two sure were a handful.

The bell ran signaling the end of Home Room just as Sakura opened her mouth to retort back to Syaoran's jibe. Sakura, being the flexible type, changed her comment at least minute, but transferred all the bite to the new one. "Oh, are you actually planning to attend school today?"

"Ouch." Syaoran said sarcastically. Suddenly a wolfish grin cut across his face, and Sakura knew she was in for trouble. "Hey, you know what? It's close to our one-month anniversary, Sakura. Why don't we talk a stroll down memory lane?" With that he grabbed and pulled them both into the very-same janitor's closet where the bet first started.

"By stroll did you mean rough grab?" Sakura asked grumpily, straightening her clothes.

"Ah, ah, Sakura." Syaoran chided, stopping her hand from pulling out her skirt. "Why don't you continue that after we're finished- that's when you'll need to." With that, he pushed against a wall and kissed her hungrily on her mouth. Hey, it has been almost two whole days without her sweet-tasting lips.

Sakura was feeling a bit mischievous. At least, that's all she had to explain her sudden thought of introducing Syaoran to her new bra. Resisting giggles, and pushing away her goody-two-shoes conscience, Sakura gently grabbed Syaoran's hand and led it halfway up her shirt, making sure to keep his mouth busy so no questions could escape.

Syaoran didn't need to much of a hint, so he took it from there, raising his hand up to reach for her bra's clasp. Only, when he reached up, all he could find was cotton straps- no metal hook. He chuckled against Sakura's mouth, knowing she was trying to upset him. She really didn't give him enough credit.

Before she could question his chuckling, he had reached in the front, unhooked the clasp, and placed his hand gently over her left breast. Her breathing stopped for a minute, and she looked up at Syaoran's intense amber eyes, looking at her, almost spelling out a request for permission to continue.

Sakura didn't think about it long; maybe that was because her conscience was a bit miffed at her for ignoring her earlier. Sakura placed her mouth softly on Syaoran's, kissing him for all that she was worth. Syaoran proceeded, gently cupping Sakura's mound and rubbing his thumb across the nipple tenderly.

Sakura felt all the blood in her body rush to her face, and couldn't help but moan when her mouth was slightly released from Syaoran's. Syaoran pushed himself closer to Sakura, being sure to take his new freedom very slowly.

Trying to get her breathing under control, Sakura couldn't decide if things were going too fast or too slow. She wanted more, desperately so; but she knew this was a move that blatantly crossed the line that she had drawn for Syaoran before. She let herself fall to the moment, and kissed him again, this time making her way toward the tender spot behind his ear.

He couldn't explain how after all this time she still did this to him. How was it possible to make the Syaoran Li weak in the knees?

The moment only went on for a little while longer; Syaoran knowing not to push his new freedom any further, and Sakura's defect conscience finally wandering back to her. Not a moment too soon? Sakura took one last long kiss, while fumbling her bra clasp closed (Syaoran's hand made a quick get-away). "See you sixth period!" Sakura winked, and made a get-away of her own.

Syaoran stood there a moment later, contemplating the very familiar scene. She had left exactly the same way she left last time they were in this closet. Well, at least he wasn't moaning in pain from an expertly-aimed kick. Although, he was a bit uncomfortable in that region for an altogether different reason.

"MWAHAHA!" Meiling cheered to herself, throwing her hands up in excitement. She almost felt like dancing- wait, no she did feel like dancing.

She jumped to her feet and shimmied happily around the lunch table currently occupied by Arata and her. Arata grinned up at her, and got up, following smoothly in front of her, doing a shimmy of his own. No one else in the rather freaked out cafeteria said a word about the two teenagers.

The fun stopped instantaneously for Meiling, and her grin fell into a placid blank look. "Get away from me, gay-boy." Then she took a sit in her chair with a 'humph' and crossed her arms as she looked like the cafeteria menu was the most exciting thing in the world.

Arata sighed. "Come on," he whined more childishly. "I said I might be gay- I was gay- I like girls now… maybe." How was he supposed to explain it to somebody else, when he couldn't even figure it out himself? "Look, why are you so upset anyway?" He got an immediate icy glare from Meiling. Whoa, that Li glare sure was something.

Because she liked him! AGH! There, are you happy now, you stupid… stupid… GAY-BOY! "You know what if… what if I had been trying to set you up with someone? I would have never known I should've been looking for guys!"

Arata rolled his eyes- Meiling was so stubborn. "It's okay that you like me, you know. I feel a little something in this merry ol' soul for you too, sweet cheeks." Meiling didn't uncross her arms, but did turn her face a little toward him, trying to subtly look at his expression so she could try to read it. He seemed serious… she really wish he could stop grinning at her for two seconds. Really.

She leaned across the table suddenly – okay, fine, more like lunged, and pressed her lips roughly against his. It was almost as if Arata was expecting it, because he caught her shoulders right as their lips crashed against each other's. It was a quick, bruising kiss, and she retreated just as suddenly, opening her eyes slowly to stare back into his own lazy orbs.

"Hmm," She said to herself, and then was on her way, not even finishing her thought, saying goodbye, or cleaning up her trash. Arata frowned, unknowingly licking his lips slightly. Arata was a smart guy, and he had a knack for reading people like open books, but sometimes Meiling put a pretty tough lock on herself. He wondered why, and if he would ever figure it out.

"Well, that was gross." Syaoran commented dryly, coming from the opposite direction Meiling had left. Arata glanced up, startled by the surprise visit from the man who seemed to hate him. "Now, before you get to apologizing or making your excuses, I didn't come here to talk."

Arata grinned- but let it be known that is was an uneasy grin- and gave Syaoran a nod to continue.

"I have something I need to do, and I don't have time to give this to Sakura." Syaoran explained gruffly, producing a folded note to Arata's eyes. "I was going to give it to Meiling, but who knows where she just floated off to. Anyway, if you could get this to Sakura, I guess we could call it a step to even."

Arata studied Syaoran for a minute. "Still mad about that kiss?" Even though Arata looked curiously into the silence, he knew Syaoran wasn't going to answer. "You're really in love with little Sakura Kinomoto, aren't you?" Arata gave an amused look as he thought about his childhood friend growing up and finding the man currently standing in front of him.

"Look, if you're not going to give it to her, I'll just get someone else to do it." Syaoran snapped, but before he could slip the note back into his pocket, Arata snatched it cheekily out of his hand. Syaoran glared as Arata looked at the note curiously, as if he was trying to see if he suddenly had X-Ray vision.

"No problem, my friend." Arata answered to the unspoken 'thanks' from Syaoran.

….

Sakura unlocked the door of her car, taking her time unconsciously to see if Syaoran would pop up like he usually did. She found herself disappointed that after their heated session in the closet he had disappeared to who knows where. And god, speaking of… what was up with her today?

It's not that she regretted it, because she didn't. Who could come out of a steamy make out session like that with a guy who made her weak at the knees and feel anything but exhilarated? There lies the problem. If she had let this happen in the school janitor's closet, what could he get her to do behind closed doors?

"Troubled about something Sakura?" Arata snapped her out of her thoughts as she noticed him leaning in through her window to look at her. She couldn't help but smile at his familiar grin.

"No," Sakura answered, and since she was the worst liar in the world Arata could tell immediately, but he didn't press the issue. "So, what's up, Soda?" Sakura asked curiously and took the folded up note from Arata's waving hand. "From Syaoran?" She questioned even though she knew the answer; what she didn't know was why the little thing made her so happy.

"Syaoran gave it to me at the end of lunch, I forgot to give it to you earlier." Arata explained, a secret smile playing across his face. "And let me just mention- that you have got it so bad Sakura." Sakura gave him a look, and Arata laughed. "Don't give me that, you know exactly what I'm talking about."

Sakura pouted, but decided not to argue knowing it was completely true. "Yeah, yeah. Well, thanks Soda Pop, I'll talk to you later." Arata grinned, and was off with a friendly wave.

Sakura raised an eyebrow at the note, and decided to open it before she got to girly about it and jumped to conclusions about the meaning, what was in it, and why he gave it to Soda (when the last person Syaoran was talking to was Arata).

Sakura,

Gone to be the 'responsible adult' and went to PlanParenthood. Don't give me that look. I know what you're saying in your head right now. Don't worry; I'll pick up some fun condoms also. I was thinking flavored… Sound good? Haha.

Okay, before you go ahead and crumple this up in a cute little tiff, I wanted to tell you I'll be at your house around 7 tonight. Don't think I forgot about that date you promised me a couple days ago.

And just in case you're afraid I'll mention the… event in the closet today, my lips are sealed. Unless, of course, you want a repeat, in which case they're ready for whatever.

Syaoran

Sakura sighed and did in fact crumple up the note and throw it behind her to roll around in her car for a few weeks until she found it again and finally would destroy it. She was really starting to think that he could read minds… but reading minds through paper? That was a little scary.

As she finally started on her way home she thought about the date that had already been postponed before. She hoped she didn't have a curse thing going on; she hoped nothing bad happened again. This would be her first date with Syaoran in Japan. She was exited, and rushed upstairs, until she heard the sink water going in the kitchen.

"How was your day, Sakura?" Her father asked generously, with his ridiculous apron on that was pink and ruffled. She grinned at him, and went to go hug him. He looked down surprised at her. "You okay, honey?"

"I just forgot to tell you, Dad," Sakura started slowly, her arms still hugging him to her. "I'm glad you're back." She left it at that, not wanting to worry her father any more, and make him feel bad for leaving when it was so hard for him to stay during that certain time. She released him, and left hurriedly leaving him a bit confused but grinning back at her own cute smile.

She speed-dialed Tomoyo as she headed quickly to her room. "Hey Tomoyo, I got a surprise for you!" Sakura told her cheerfully as her friend answered. "I've decided to let you dress you tonight for my date with Syaoran." All Sakura heard after that was a squeal and a dial- tone. "Umm, Tomoyo?"

Ding-dong. Her doorbell went off, and a few seconds later her father was calling up the stairs telling her Tomoyo was coming up. Sakura opened her door just as Tomoyo barged in, huffing and puffing. "I- huff- ran- puff- all the- huff- way- puff- here." Tomoyo explained as she bent over and rested her hands on her knees.

Sakura sighed, but smiled at her long-time best friend. "You know we have plenty of time. I can't believe you ran a whole block." Sakura eyes Tomoyo's feet where a pair of fashionable heels were being worn. Sakura laughed, as Tomoyo kicked the said shoes off. "Well, thanks I guess. I just figured you would kill me if I went out without letting you at lease help a little."

"A little help?" Tomoyo questioned, with a quirked eyebrow. "Plenty of time?" She questioned, and her eyebrow went up even further, as if that was possible. "Sakura, there isn't enough time! This is your first date with your one true love!" Sakura didn't butt in to let her friend know that her first date was actually in Hong Kong and she had gone looking terrible to one of the most fashionable restaurants ever.

As Tomoyo started pulling out dozens of clothes from her very heavy looking clothes bags, and threw open Sakura's closet doors, Sakura noticed her father at the door. She smiled at him. "What's up, dad?"

"I have a, um, business meeting I must be getting to, but, um, I'll be back by eleven at the latest." Her father's tone of voice was slightly weird, but she took that at his glances to Tomoyo as she started to go into hyper-drive rushing around Sakura's room, throwing clothes, makeup, shoes, and accessories every which way.

"No problem," As Sakura herself glanced warily at Tomoyo. "I have a date tonight, but I should be back by eight."

"Well, don't wait up." Fujitaka said rater awkwardly, and before he turned to leave, he seemed to remember something. "Oh, yeah, a date with your boyfriend? I hope Syaoran and you have gone to PlanParenthood like I suggested, right?" Sakura blushed, but shook her head yes. "Make good choices." Fujitaka kissed Sakura on the forehead, and then left. Wait a minute; Sakura sniffed the air, why was her dad wearing cologne?

…..

"Tomoyo, I don't know…" Sakura said uneasily, eyeing the outfit Tomoyo had given her, according to Sakura's requirements. She had said nothing low-cut, so Tomoyo had given her a slinky green top that went casually off one shoulder, but still completely covered her breasts. She had said enough fabric to cover her but, and granted there was, but just enough. It was still cute though, and pleated, which Sakura favored. She had also said no heels, and Tomoyo had granted her final wish by giving her a pair of nice flats that had silk laces that wrapped up her ankle.

"No way Sakura," Tomoyo said from her resting place on Sakura's bed. "I followed all of your rules, you have to wear that." Tomoyo flopped on her stomach, and started going through a pile of purses; she eventually found the one she was rummaging for and tossed a simple green clutch to Sakura, who caught it with a frown.

"Well, I get to do my own hair," Sakura said stubbornly, and put her auburn locks in a simple bun, missing a few wavy tendrils that framed her face. Just as Tomoyo opened her mouth to protest, the door bell rang signaling Syaoran was at the door. Sakura looked panicked at Tomoyo.

"Aren't you going to go get it, Sakura?" Tomoyo asked, trying to keep her giggles in.

"I'm supposed to make him wait though, right?" Sakura asked, as she peeked out her window and saw (to her surprise) a nice black sports car instead of his motorcycle. "Can't you go get it? I mean, I know I'm ready and all, but don't all girls make their date wait?"

"Just go on your date already, you weirdo." Tomoyo laughed, shoving Sakura out her bedroom door. "Besides you are not the normal make-her-date-wait girl anyways." Tomoyo commented as she lightly flicked Sakura's choice of hairstyle. Sakura glared, but continued to go down the stairs as the doorbell rang once more. "Oh, yeah, don't forget to call – remember everything!"

Tomoyo hid as Sakura finally reached the door and opened it, just as Syaoran decided to try his luck at knocking… and rested his knuckles on Sakura's right breast. Sakura jumped back as they both blushed furiously. It was quiet for a minute, until Syaoran set his eyes on Sakura. "You look amazing."

That comment, and the dumbstruck look in his amber eyes, did nothing to help the blood rushing to Sakura's face. "Thanks, you look good too." And boy did he ever. Syaoran managed to get a hold of himself, and offered his arm out to her. She took it with a smile, as he led her to his car.

They arrived at a nice restaurant soon, with comfortable small talk in the car. Things were going very well in fact; they only had a small argument when Syaoran asked her why she didn't wear clothes like the ones she was wearing currently. But Syaoran had quickly ended it with a peck of Sakura's lips, and a charming grin.

"Li, please," Syaoran told the hostess, and they were seated at a nice table for two in a quiet corner. Syaoran even pulled out Sakura's chair for her, and Sakura was almost reeling with uncontainable joy.

"This is nice," Sakura commented with a small smile, after the waiter who requested their drink order left. "You know, Syaoran, I forgot to mention the other day – holy crap!" And before Syaoran could figure out what had happened, and before Sakura could stop and remember they were in a very respectable restaurant, she was down under the table.

"Um, Sakura?" Syaoran questioned, as he leaned down, trying to stop the quirk of his lips. But just as his gaze met hers, she forcefully pulled him into the cramped space with her. "Even though this is exciting and all, would you mind feeling me in on why are hiding under our table?"

From under the long white table cloth, Sakura could see the waiter's shoes pass by, and then she lifted it up slightly to stare confused out it. "Syaoran!" She whisper-shouted as she glanced at him. "My dad is out there!" Syaoran's eyebrows furrowed in an even deeper confusion. "He's with a woman!" Oh.

This time Syaoran's head joined Sakura's as they peered at her father chatting pleasantly with a brunette about his age. "That's good, right?" Syaoran asked slowly as they both pulled away and let the tablecloth fall back to the floor. Sakura looked up at him, her hurt expression only an inch or two away from his face. "So it isn't?"

"He didn't even tell me," Sakura explained. "I mean, it is good; but why didn't he just tell me? He said he was going on a business meeting." Syaoran hugged, at a loss for an explanation. "Well, if he didn't want me to know, there must be something going on." Sakura pulled away to take another peek under the tablecloth. "Syaoran would you mind if we…"

Syaoran sighed, but this time couldn't keep the smile off his face. "The things you get me into Sakura Kinomoto… Well, come on, let's go spy." They both came up slowly to sit back on their chairs, forgetting to watch the waiter. He saw them rise from under the table, and his eyes almost bugged out. "Just having a little fun, sorry." Syaoran said jokingly, with a wink, as he noticed the waiter staring at them with his jaw hanging down.

Sakura kicked him under the table with a frown, but it was replaced with a grin when the waiter hurriedly left their drinks on the table and rushed away. "See that mini-garden and fountain that they're table is next to?" Sakura questioned, and when Syaoran spotted it with a nod, she nodded back with a big grin. "Ready?"

Syaoran rolled his eyes, and stood up casually. Sakura on the other hand, shoot up in the blink of an eye, and started sneaking near the spot she had indicated. It was a series of crouching here and then ducking there for her, as Syaoran calmly walked, while keeping an amused eye on his 'sneaky' date. They reached their destination – a small fake palm tree – without any looks from her father and his date (that didn't include the rest of the dining customers in the cozy-lit room).

"She's pretty," Sakura noted, spying on her dad's date between the branches of the tree, as Syaoran listened, but was more interested in reaching out and feeling Sakura's hair. "What are you- oh, wow, her dress is so cute… I think dad has good taste. He did pick my mother after all." She gave a quick glance to Syaoran, who was still enjoying tangling his fingers in her silky auburn locks.

"Can you tell if she's nice?" Syaoran asked distractedly, trying to show how he could be a good boy and listen.

"Good question," Sakura appraised, and Syaoran internally patted himself on the back. "She just laughed at something my dad said! Wow, she must be nice, nobody ever laughs at his corny jokes." Syaoran caught sight of Sakura's silky shoulder, as he moved her hair to one side, and instantly all his extra attention was gone. "How cute, she just blushed! I wonder what my dad said…"

Syaoran gently placed his lips on Sakura's soft shoulder, and now it was Sakura whose attention was taken. "Sakura," Syaoran whispered, as his kisses took their leisurely time up to her collar bone. "It's well-secluded back here; want to leave your dad's date alone for a minute, and get back ours?"

"Syaoran…" Escaped Sakura's lips, as he licked agonizingly slow up her neck. "Fine, but only a minute or two, they just ordered dessert, so we don't have much time left…" Sakura let herself relax backward, just as Syaoran eagerly grabbed her face, and brought his lips to hers. They must've misjudged pressure or distance though, because they both felt them tumbling in a new direction. And when Sakura's blinking eyes readjusted to the lights clearly in her vision, and Syaoran rolled himself off Sakura, they both realized they had landed right in front of her shocked father's eyes.

Sakura blushed, Syaoran coughed, mystery woman stared, and Fujitaka blanched.

"Well, at least he's already given us the sex talk…" Syaoran mumbled under his breath, as he dragged himself and Sakura to their feet. He hoped Sakura's dad would still let the two out of the house after being caught on top of her in a public restaurant. "How are you, Mr. Kinomoto?" Syaoran broke the awkward silence, reaching out his hand.

"Fine, and you?" Fujitaka quickly regained his composure as well, and his usual smile came to his face. "Oh… this is Yumi Nanako, this is my daughter Sakura, and her boyfriend Syaoran Li." Syaoran smiled, and lightly elbowed Sakura's side as she just stared at the two.

"We were spying!" Sakura blurted out, her uncontrollable mouth doing its own work. Syaoran bit his lip in an attempt to keep his smile from growing, and he reached down to grab her nervously clenching and unclenching hand. "Um, I mean, hello Miss Nanako."

"Call me Yumi," The woman smiled pleasantly, and glanced at Fujitaka, probably wondering if this was planned or something. "There's enough room, would you like to join us?" Yumi asked, unsure if the offer would have been the best idea at their first meeting.

"Oh, no," Sakura instantly declined, all of a sudden wanting to leave her dad's (first?) date alone, and get back to her own one. "I mean, we have our own table right over there, and we're about to order, and you guys are finishing up." Sakura rambled a bit, till Syaoran gently squeezed her hand signaling her to keep that mouth quiet.

"Yes, but that would be nice, for us all to have dinner some time soon." Fujitaka took over, standing up. "Sakura, can I talk to you for a minute?" Sakura nodded, and they went a distance far enough away so that there words couldn't be heard.

"Um, so what did you have for dinner?" Syaoran asked a tad awkwardly…

"Dad, why didn't you tell me you were going on a date?" Sakura asked, as soon as they were alone. "Don't you know I wouldn't have minded? I'm really happy for you in fact!" Sakura started, frowning at her dad's silence over the whole thing. "Yumi seems really nice, you could've told me."

"I'm sorry, Sakura." Fujitaka said, genuinely sounding upset at his daughter's hurt feelings. "Tonight was only the second date, and I wanted to be sure we were really going to try the whole dating thing, before I upset you. I wasn't sure how you would react since I haven't dated since your mother."

"Dad, mom passed away almost eleven years ago." Sakura said slowly and deliberately, so that her father would understand her completely. She could tell he looked for her approval above all. "Mom would be really pleased to see that she hasn't stopped us from living. The last thing she would want is for any of us to be unhappy."

"I guess your right, Sakura." Fujitaka smiled softly. "I will always love your mother, but something told me Yumi might just help with some of the heartbreak. What do you think? Does she seem alright to you?"

"Her dress certainly is cute, and she even laughed at your jokes!" The two laughed at that, and Sakura hugged her father again for the day. "You know, I think we should do this a lot more."

"What?" Fujitaka asked, with a twinkle in his eye. "Find my daughter rolling around from behind a tree with her boyfriend?" Sakura blushed bright red. "But I think you're right, Sakura, spending more time at home would be good for us."

"…and then the duck paddled away." Yumi said, her face red from trying to keep her laughter in. Syaoran politely laughed, and then that was it for Yumi, she burst out laughing at her own joke. "Oh, hello," Yumi said when she gained control of herself, and noticed the fact that Fujitaka and his daughter had rejoined the group. "Very nice meeting you, Sakura, and you too, of course, Syaoran."

"We're going to the movies, but I still expect you back home by nine." Fujitaka said cheerfully. "I expect you to take care of her, Syaoran, and have a lovely dinner." With that, the goodbyes finished, and the two teens headed back to their table.

"I still can't believe your dad doesn't get angry, even when I come rolling out from behind a tree on top of you." Syaoran commented in wonderment, Sakura smiled herself. "Yumi is okay – tells awful jokes though. Kind of reminds me of you…" Sakura shoved him playfully, before taking a seat at their earlier table.

"There you are!" Their exasperated waiter came to them, looking slightly blue in the face. "I thought you just left! You haven't even ordered dinner!"

Before the waiter could go any more insane, Sakura giggled, and Syaoran smirked. "Well, we're ready now, whenever you are, my friend. I'll take a steak, medium."

….

"I had a really great time tonight, Syaoran." Sakura said shyly, as she fumbled for the keys in her purse. "I mean, it was nice, I had fun." Sakura cleared her throat, wondering if she sounded girly, or is she sounded stupid. "We should, um, do it again or whatever. But, maybe minus my dad and his date… and I guess the whole spying probably went a bit overboard."

Syaoran kissed her to quiet her mouth. It worked. He put one arm on her door, and leaned closer. "You know what I've been thinking?" Syaoran asked silently, placing a kiss on her jaw. Sakura just stared up at him through heavy-lidded eyes. "I've been thinking we should pick up where we were before your father caught us. What do you say I escort you inside?"

"Um, well… NO!" Sakura said, pulling safely away from him with a grin. He might've preferred it if she was mad. Anything was better than her laughing at him. "If you're lucky though, and behave, I'll give you a goodnight kiss." Syaoran shrugged, and smiled. Sakura leaned in, on her tip-toes, meeting his lips softer this time. "See, Syaoran, you can be a good boy."

Yes, Sakura thought smugly, last word- go me! Syaoran's word stopped her, just before she could close the door completely. "You make it hard to be a good boy, Sakura." And then the door was closed, and her face was flushing, maybe even harder than when her father had caught her rolling around. Syaoran sure knew how to make a girl weak in the knees.

…..

Syaoran still couldn't wipe the smirk off his face, even as he threw his keys on the table of his apartment, and pushed the buttons to play his phone messages.

"Hey, Syaoran, this is your mother…" Yelan's voice could be clearly, even though he was now in the kitchen, grabbing himself a water bottle. "Sakura's father called today, and told me he found some of your clothes at his house. He sounded fine with it, I, however, am not. Please tell me you haven't broken Sakura's poor heart yet. She's really good for you, trust me, a mother knows these things. Call me back as son as you get this message. This is your mother." Syaoran laughed as it beeped, and pushed the delete message button.

"Hi!" Meiling's loud voice sounded from over the machine. "I'm working on a project at Naoko's house. I'm sorry I won't be there to keep you company, but I'm sure you'll find other ways to entertain yourself. Just go to your room, imagine Sakura, and-" Beep.Syaoran deleted it hurriedly, before Meiling could go on with her disgusting message.

"Hey, Syaoran, it's your mother again…" Yelan's voice sounded again, "I think I forgot to mention something. Did I ask you to go to PlanParenthood? I remembered Fujitaka – that's Sakura's father – saying that he suggested it, but I think it is a very good idea. Anyways, go! This is your mother." Syaoran laughed a little quieter this time, becoming annoyed.

"Hello, Mr. Li, we've received your payment for the cleaning of your car, and just wanted to thank you personally for-" Beep.

"Um, hello?" An adult's voice questioned awkwardly on the phone. "I don't know why I'm calling… It's just… I'm in Japan, I found out that's where you were. Your mother doesn't know, please, don't tell her. Can I meet you, Syaoran?"

Syaoran's face turned blank immediately, ignoring the 'Do you wish to delete this message?' that repeated its phrase. The water bottle dropped soundlessly from his hand, and he stared at the message machine. He didn't know what to do, and found himself shaking.

…..

Sakura had just settled peacefully down into her bed, when her cell phone on her nightstand began to ring. She opened her eyes curiously, knowing she had already called Tomoyo, and her hand slowly reached out for her phone. "Hello?" She answered, without looking to see who was calling.

"Sakura," Syaoran sounded ragged. Sakura jolted up, her eyebrows furrowing in deep concern. "Sakura… can I come over?"

"Of course," Sakura answered immediately, not even questioning him or his terrible tone. She was so worried, what had happened? "Come right over; I can let you in the front door, but you'll need to park your car somewhere not in the front, so when my dad comes home, so he won't be suspicious." She hated sounding so… casual? She didn't know; she just wanted to hold the young man who currently sounded like a lost little boy.

They hang up, and it was only a few short minutes later when she opened the door to his knocking. She instantly let him, and led him by the hand to her room. She wanted to ask a million questions, but knew for once, to just keep her mouth shut until he was ready, and eventually he was.

His pained amber eyes met her concerned emerald ones. "Sakura… my father called."

Author's Note- Oh my god. No, not the twist at the end (though, oh my god- didn't see that coming), I'm talking about my long absence! Go ahead, kill me now. I deserve whatever painful deaths you are wishing upon me currently. Agh! It's been almost a whole freaking year! Who did this happen, you guys? Sigh…

Anyways, now I'm back, and determined to finish it soon. So be grateful for that… right? Heh. Lots and lots has been going on in my life, but I can't put it all down (no matter how much I would like to ramble about myself).

First, I wanted to say thank you so very much to all the reviewers who stuck by me, questioned relentlessly where the hell the next chapter was (I needed it- believe me) and all the people who just got acquainted with this story and fell in love, and shared it with their friends. I've only recently been answering e-mails, and though I read the many you guys have left me, I can't answer them all. This chapter would never had been written if I had tried. So sorry for that. But if you send me an e-mail now to chat, I will gladly respond. If not, you can give a really mean flame. Haha.

Gosh, I missed you guys! Well, it's a lucky day (07/07/07) so keep your fingers crossed (just don't hold your breath!) for the next chapter.