Chapter Thirty-Four

The Status Quo

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.

As Syaoran pulled up to Sakura's house in his Ferrari, he felt like he was coming home after a long, arduous business trip. In actuality, he had been at a fundraising event and this was not his home, but still, winds of excitement enveloped him. He had called her earlier to let her know what time he was coming, so he expected a warm welcome. He shivered with elation as he closed his car door and darted up the front steps. He could see her smiling face and pretty green eyes in his mind already.

"Welcome back Master Xiao Lang," said Wei, opening the door before he could do it himself.

"Wei," greeted Syaoran. He walked past the man and craned his neck, peeking into the rooms he could see from the foyer. Sakura had greeted him there the other day. "Where is she?"

"I think the young Miss said she was going to shower," said Wei. "She was helping me make dinner a few minutes ago."

Syaoran barely waited for Wei to finish his sentence before he was bounding up the stairs. He went into the bedroom and could hear the en suite shower running. Quietly, he pushed in the door. His blood raced southward in an instant. Sakura's naked back was to him as she rinsed soap from her body. For a minute, he just watched her through the transparent glass fogged up with steam, enjoying watching her touch herself.

Then he shook his jacket off, pulled his tie loose and tore his shirt from his chest. He slid the glass shower door open. Sakura spun around, eyes wide and wild, bangs plastered on her forehead.

"Syaoran-kun!"

She sounded relieved that it was him, but she bent over slightly, hiding her private parts with her hands.

"Hey you," he said, smiling wide.

He walked into the falling water and pulled at her right hand that covered her breast, but she stepped back and slipped around him and out of the shower. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it securely around her frame. He tilted his head, not sure what was happening.

"Let me put on some clothes," she said, heading for the door.

After what had happened between them earlier that week, putting on clothes was not exactly what Syaoran had in mind. He thought she might have been joking but then he heard the sound of drawers opening and closing. He stared at the tent in his pants. He made a sound of incredulity in his throat and turned the cold water on full blast. He might as well cool off.

Minutes later, he walked into the bedroom, towel around his waist to find her changing into a sleek dress. The long zipper on the back was open. He went up to her and held her waist. She gasped softly.

"I'll help you," he said, pulling the zip up.

She turned around, smiling.

"I wanted to get dressed up," she said. "But you're here early."

"There wasn't a lot of traffic," Syaoran said. He kissed the side of her chin. "I'll get dressed up too."

He went into the closet and took out a nice pants and shirt. Black, of course. He went back into the room to find Sakura putting in the earrings he had given her.

"Guess what," he told her. "I'm staying the entire weekend."

She turned sharply.

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Sakura threw her arms around his neck, tip-toeing to do so. He held her to his waist, her feet dangling inches from the floor.

"I hope you slept well last night," he murmured into her ear. "Because you won't be getting any rest later."

She gasped.

"You're terrible!"

Syaoran did not know how, but she brought out a monster in him. One that constantly needed to ravage her. But the more he got his fill, the more he wanted. He glanced at the bed, then at her. He really wanted to climb onto it with her, right then. But she pushed against his chest, making him set her down.

"Wei-san, Jie-san and I spent a lot of time on dinner," she told him. "We should eat it. While it's hot."

Syaoran ran a hand through his hair, sighing. Nothing in that house was hotter than he was at the moment. The need was there and it felt so potent. Normally, he could turn it off but when he gazed at her, all he wanted was for their bodies to be flush against each other.

His silence must have made her uncomfortable because she bowed her head.

"It's only polite," she said. "I'll do whatever you want later."

Her words fuelled the fire that was ablaze inside him, but the promise of an incredible night, sated him for now. He breathed out.

"If you insist. But remember, you get on top after."

Flushed, Sakura took him by the hand and led him downstairs. He was content letting her pull him which way she wanted. He found it was fun relinquishing some control. When they got to the dining room, Jie had just set the last dish on the table and Wei was standing at the side of one of the chairs. Jie took off her apron and came back to the table as they sat down. He thought that perhaps she was going to pour their water or something of the sort, but she pulled out the last available chair.

Bowing to him, she said, "I apologize Li-san. But Kinomoto-san said I should join you all this evening. Would that be all right with you? Or perhaps it is best – as I told her – that I should eat in my quarters. "

Syaoran stared at her. Eating with the help was not exactly something he did every day. Any day. Except with Wei. His mother would balk at the idea. Sakura was smiling brightly next to him, staring at him pointedly. He felt her hand on his knee and knowing her, she did not mean it to be suggestive, but it sent a pleasant shock to his crotch. His body stiffened.

"It's perfectly acceptable," he bit out tightly. "Join us."

Apprehensively, the housekeeper sat down. Sakura took up one of the bowls on the table.

"Isn't this nice?" she asked them, merry like it was her birthday.

She shared out some rice for Syaoran, all smiles. He started eating and Wei and Jie followed. He could not help but see Wei struggling to hold in a laugh. The man knew it was strange for Syaoran to be dining with Jie. To the average person it may not seem like a big deal but Li Yelan was a woman who followed strict etiquette and decorum. This would never happen in her house. But this house was Sakura's, and whatever she wanted to do in it, Syaoran would acquiescence.

He took a sip of wine, staring intently at Sakura who was doing her very best at entertaining them all. Syaoran felt a slight inkling of jealousy as she conversed deeply with Wei. It was silly but that was what he felt. Especially since the man had cautioned him about the amount of money he allowed her every day. It was too much, he had said, a house and a 60 000 HKD allowance – it was spoiling without merit at its finest. Now he was all chummy with her, cooking dinner with her and sharing secret jokes?

Syaoran shook his head. Hypocrite. He expected it though. You really could not dislike Sakura once you got to know her.

"It feels like I'm home again," Sakura said. "It really does. Look."

She gestured at Wei.

"This is Otou-san."

She gestured at Syaoran.

"This is onii-chan!"

And finally, she gestured to Jie.

"And this is Yukito-kun." Leaning forward, she said, "I'm sorry you have to be a man Jie-san but if it makes you feel any better, Yukito-kun is very good-looking. No he's actually pretty. All the girls love him."

Syaoran's wine glass paused on the way to his lips. Jie laughed good-naturedly but he stared at Sakura who had gone on to list Yukito's seemingly endless list of qualities. She thought so highly of Mr. Perfect First Love, it was annoying. And that picture he had seen of them at her house, hugging and smiling was so irritating. If he did not love her, did he have to be so damned present in her life? The man could get a new best friend. Move out the neighbourhood. The country even.

He glanced up to find Wei staring at him. He instantly made his face blank as he caught sight of the man's watchful gaze.

"You said your father teaches archaeology Miss Sakura?" he asked.

"Yes, he does."

She went on to praise her father's accomplishments and Syaoran silently thanked Wei. He was not sure how many more "Yukito-kun is so amazing!" he could endure.

At the end of dinner, Jie had to leave and Sakura jumped up and ran to the kitchen. She put three cupcakes in a small container and handed it to Jie. The woman thanked her and left.

"I made cupcakes for dessert," she told Syaoran. "But I'm too full to eat any right now. How about you?"

"Stuffed."

She giggled.

"That's what happens when the best cooks cook for you."

Syaoran smiled. He went into the living room and sat down. There was a karaoke game box on the table and he picked it up and turned it over, reading the back. There were a mix of Japanese, Cantonese and English songs.

"Oh I bought that for Jie's grandchildren but she forgot it," said Sakura, walking up to him with a full glass of wine. "Do you want to play? Wei-san! Come join us. We're going to do karaoke!"

Wei came over with a bottle of sparkling water and handed Syaoran a glass to drink it.

Sakura opened the box, saying, "I'll get another one for the kids."

She sang a few tunes, the pop music going well with her energetic disposition and high-pitched voice. Syaoran still found pop music irritating but he would be lying if he said he was not enjoying the show. She dragged Wei up eventually, and he sang an old Chinese tune, most people in Hong Kong probably knew. Sakura clapped enthusiastically and Syaoran followed. Who knew Wei could sing! Sure he sang the occasional Happy Birthday song and March of the Volunteers, but he never hinted at having one of those sentimental, folk voices.

"Yay, Wei-san!" She emptied her glass of wine and stood up, taking the mic. She pointed it at Syaoran. "Your turn now!"

"No," he told her.

She pouted.

"You have to." Grabbing a hold of his arm, she pulled him to his feet. "Pretty please."

Syaoran looked back at Wei who was watching in amusement. If Wei could do it, so could he. Besides, he knew he could carry a melody at least. He took the mic and selected a song. Glad that Yamazaki was obsessed with car movies, particularly the one the song came from, Syaoran put the mic to his lips.

"I'll help you," said Sakura and he nodded because there were girl parts.

The music started and he pointed the mic to her mouth.

"I wonder if you know, how they live in Tokyo-!"

He grinned.

"…many, many diamonds dangling. Bag full of money we strangling. Hate me, fry me, bake me, try me…"

What the fuck was he "rapping?" But he laughed in between, and she laughed, and Wei laughed, and it was the most fun he had had all week. Together they finished the song - she singing, and him rapping. He particularly liked the part where she swayed her hips and knocked into him lightly while saying, "You see him come and go out of the black Benz SLR. You wonder where he get that kind of money?" Then she winked, "Don't worry about it. Let's go!"

When the song ended, she fell against him in fits of laughter.

"You have a good rapping voice. It's so deep. Deep and sexy."

Her cheeks were pink, and he wondered if she had too much to drink. Brushing her face with his knuckles he gazed down at her lips. He felt his earlier arousal swiftly returning. From the corner of his eye, he saw Wei slink away, quietly. Happy with the sudden privacy he kissed her intensely, tasting the wine on her tongue. She rubbed against him, moaning.

He draped her arms around his neck and picked her up, hugging her thighs securely around his waist.

"How drunk are you?" he asked, the next karaoke song playing in the background.

"I'm not drunk," she told him, pecking him on the lips.

He figured she was a bit tipsy but still clear-headed enough. Or so he hoped. She tried to get down saying she wanted another glass of wine, but he held her tight to him.

She frowned.

"You've had enough," he told her.

"But it's so good. It's the one from France…"

Taking her upstairs, he really would have put her to bed but something about the alcohol must have gotten to her because she started kissing him feverishly. He tried to put her down for the third time, but she kept pulling him back to her. Unable to resist, or rather, not wanting to, he gave her what she was clawing for.

He was in awe as she transformed that night. She was vocal when she drank. Normally, she would moan and cry out but that night she had him on edge the entire time with her, "Right there's" and "Don't stop's." He put her on top of him and she did not disappoint. No longer shy, he was able to lie back and watch her lithe body rocking on top of him. The way she looked at him, had his cheeks burning and his lower half hot like a bomb ready to explode.

When they tired after a long second session, he drew her tight against him, whispering the greatest compliments he could think to give a woman, and he meant every one of them. He felt so protective of her, he wrapped her securely in his embrace like they were stranded in cold weather.

That night, he stayed awake, watching her sleep, noticing things about her that he had never noticed before. Thinking for yet another time, that she was beautiful, inside and outside. How could she be here with him right now? Why had no other man taken her for himself years ago?

He brushed her bangs back and smiled. Her brother must be a terror. But even so, Syaoran would have faced him head on to get closer to her. He had lived his entire life without Sakura yet now it seemed like he could not imagine life without her. Like he had told her, he cared about her. He found he cared more and more each day.

He planted a chaste kiss on her lips, then her forehead. Right then, he was living in the moment and he felt that it was an undeniable truth - that he could always keep her happy and that she would never want something more.

Sakura awoke to the steady rise and fall of Syaoran's chest. She ran a hand over it, delighting in his body heat and the sensation of his arm around her. She intertwined her fingers with his. Last evening had been so enjoyable! She could not believe she had gotten Syaoran to do karaoke with her.

Then he had brought her upstairs. She buried her face in his chest as she remembered how she had behaved. The things she had said and the way she had acted were filthy. Did he think badly of her now? She hoped he would not bring it up and that she could let it fade away in the back of her mind.

She peeked up at his relaxed face, glad that she had a chance to see it; that he had spent the entire night with her. She sat up so that she could get a better look. This beautiful morning was all she could hope for, but she could not shake the fact that this was all an illusion that would only last until Sunday. Then he would go home. To her.

He did not want her, Sakura reminded herself.

He wants me. He'll choose me.

She bent down and put his hand to her mouth, kissing it. This was all just part of the process of them spending more time together to get to know each other. She could do this. She could be with him in any capacity because she loved him. She knew what she had signed up for, so she should stop brooding and accept it. Like Wei had said - men had mistresses.

She just had to hope and trust that things would not always be this way between them.

She slipped from the bed and got clean in the shower. Syaoran was still sleeping when she came out. She went downstairs and ate the breakfast Jie had prepared.

"Sakura-san," said Wei. "You forgot to eat the cupcakes you baked yesterday. I must confess I ate two earlier. It was quite good. It tasted like ones you would find in a patisserie downtown."

"You really think it's that good?" asked Sakura.

"Yes," said Wei. "Be sure and have Master Xiao Lang try it. Perhaps next time you can fill some with cream."

Sakura nodded.

"I will! Thank you!"

Wei smiled.

"Where is Master Xiao Lang?" he asked. "Usually, he's up by now. Exercising."

"He's asleep." Sakura's face lit up. "I'll take breakfast up to him. Can you help me carry a tray upstairs? I'm a little clumsy."

"Of course."

When Wei picked up the large tray Sakura felt sorry for asking the old man to hold the heavy item. But honestly, Wei looked and moved well for his age. He had told her just that day they had gone to Shenzhen that his 'secret' was drinking a lot of tea, meditating and practicing wushu every day.

Sakura followed him up to her room and held the door open for him. He paused before he entered. She reddened as she saw the room through his eyes. Pillows were strewn all over the floor and half of the bed sheets were hanging off the bed. Then there was Syaoran, covered but clearly naked beneath the sheets.

Sakura shifted nervously, regretting that she had not tidied up the room. It was so obvious what they had been doing the night before.

Wordlessly, Wei rest the tray on the empty side of the bed.

"Thank you," she said, as he left.

Getting over her embarrassment, she wondered if she should wake Syaoran, when he started to twist among the sheets. He turned on his side and felt around. He froze. Then his eyes flew open and he bolted upright. He saw her and sighed.

"Why did you leave?" he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I was hungry silly," she said, crawling onto the bed. "Look I got you breakfast."

He touched her chin endearingly and leaned back against the headboard. She handed him a bowl of soup and he drank heartily. To her horror, he asked, "Do you remember last night?"

Averting her eyes, she said, "Yes."

"Good," said Syaoran. "You were a bit drunk. I wasn't sure if I was taking advantage of the situation. But if you remember everything, then I suppose you weren't too intoxicated?"

"Ano..." she murmured. "I didn't mean to behave so wanton."

"Too bad."

Her eyes widened.

"You're not disgusted?"

Syaoran shook his head.

"Why would I be? I liked last night. It's always nice to get feedback on how I'm performing." He smiled. "Helps me improve."

Sakura flushed and laughed into her palms. After he finished his soup, she handed him another bowl and they went like that until he had eaten everything. She held up a cupcake.

"This is one of my cupcakes," she said. "Wei-san thinks it's really good."

He bit into the cake and licked his lips. He swallowed and took another bit.

"Wei was right," he said. "It's delicious. How come you never made this for me before?"

"I don't know. I didn't know I was that good. Otou-san always calls them my World Famous Cupcakes but… I thought he was being extra kind."

"See?" he said. "You are talented. I remember you saying you weren't. That's why you worked for Matsushita."

She gave a slow nod. It was like Sakura was being introduced to herself for the first time.

"I guess so!" Then an idea popped into her head and she voiced it without reservation. "If I practice some more, you think that could be my new job? Part-time? Or like, shift work? I can work in a bakery… or patisserie - when I get really good of course - and... "

She faltered. Syaoran was staring at her, and something about his expression made her feel stupid. She mentally withdrew into a dark corner in her mind.

"You don't need a job," said Syaoran.

"But you said I could get a new one," she said to him. "Back in Japan. That's what you said."

"No," said Syaoran. "I said you could find something to occupy your time. Like shopping and going to nice places. I give you money. Why would I say you could get a job?"

He got to his feet and went into the bathroom, effectively ending the conversation before it even began. When she heard the shower running, she took up the tray and went downstairs. It was disheartening that Syaoran was so dismissive of her desire to work. Did he think shopping would never got boring? Plus, Wei would tag along, and how could she ask the man, fit or not, to walk around with her old day. Though admittedly, going out with him was more pleasant than she had expected.

When Syaoran came downstairs, he sat next to her on the couch. He pulled her to him like he had not just crushed her aspirations, small as they might seem to him.

"What should we do today?" he asked her.

"I don't know," she said, not bothering to think of an answer.

He knocked his head against hers, softly.

"I can't wait to hear what you think up."

They watched the television in silence. Occasionally, he would give her a tender squeeze and kiss her on the cheek. It felt nice, but she was still feeling miserable about earlier. He probably had already put it out of his mind. But she needed to end the conversation better than him dismissing her like a lowly peasant who did not know any better.

"Can we talk about something?" she asked.

He looked at her, his expression this time around, open and inviting. She muted the television and drew in a deep breath.

"I… I want you to know that you hurt my feelings," she said in one breath.

Syaoran sat up straight, his brown eyes crinkling at the edges.

"What did I do?" he asked, in alarm.

He really did not know?

The longer she stared at him, the more convinced she became that, yes, he really did not know.

"When we were talking," she said, her gaze now trained to the coffee table. "And I told you that I wanted to work, you made it seem like I was stupid for even suggesting it."

"But it's a bad idea," said Syaoran. "And it's unnecessary."

Sakura wanted to believe that Syaoran did not mean to sound cold, so she tried to get more words out of him, to better understand.

"Why?" she asked.

"As I said before, I give you money. A sufficient amount too," he told her. "For a lot of people in Hong Kong, 60 000 HKD is a great monthly salary. You get it every day."

That put things into perspective for Sakura and she suddenly felt worse for doing nothing much, and being compensated by him.

"But if you think you need more," continued Syaoran. "You can always ask."

Sakura shook her head. He cupped her cheek.

"Come now. Tell me how much you want."

"I don't want more money," she said. "I want to work because it would make me feel like I am doing something. Accomplishing something. Every day you know that what you're doing at work matters. How can I say the same, shopping all the time?"

"You're putting money back into the economy," said Syaoran, all logic but amusement in his eyes. "I won't call that nothing."

She brushed his hand from her cheek.

"You know what I mean."

Syaoran folded his arms, head cocked to the side.

"What if I want you and you're working?" he asked, making her face and neck warm. "You would have to drop everything. You can't keep a job and leave unexpectedly. It just wouldn't work. My schedule is hectic enough as it is. To factor in your schedule and align it with mine will be too much. We would see each other less. Is that what you want? For us to spend less time together? How can we get to know each other then?"

"I..."

"You working was never part of our arrangement," he said. "This is supposed to be as it was in Tokyo. You remember how great that was?"

"But you were my job then."

"Just pretend I'm your job again," he said. "Except that I gave you money now out of appreciation, instead of for your time or salacious activities."

Sakura's shoulders drooped slightly.

"So… even if I work part-time-?"

"Why do you persist?" said Syaoran, his tone changing to one of aggravation. "What woman would want to work when she doesn't have to?"

How could she explain to him that she was lonely in the house without sounding pathetic and ungrateful? He cupped her cheeks and planted a kiss on her lips.

"I don't want you to work, and I explained why," said Syaoran. "I'll be your job. All right?"

"I'm an employee to you?"

"Sakura," he said, gripping her shoulders. "I explained that our schedules will not coincide. Okay?"

"Okay," she said, monotonously.

"Why don't you go put on something pretty," he said. "We're going to be out for most of the day."

She got up and he reached for her hand. Looking up at her, he said, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Forgive me?"

She nodded.

He smiled and unmuted the television. She looked back at him as she went. It was not what he said but how he said it - arrogant and confident like he knew best. Maybe he did, but he could try to not make her feel dumb and unreasonable. When she got to the walk-in wardrobe, she spent some time browsing through her gorgeous dresses that were hanging from the racks.

In truth, she did not feel like hurrying back to Syaoran anytime soon. Everything was going well until he decided that she should not get out the house. Except to shop. She did remember Tokyo. She remembered him always being around. She remembered having every meal of the day with him.

She was giving in to all that he wanted, but he had shut her down so quickly. And she was sure that he would lose no sleep over it.

Pulling open a drawer, she chose a pair of jeans.

A/N:

Hey Tomodachi,

Ten Points of Awesomeness to anyone who knows the Movie S+S's karaoke song came from. I'm a HUGE fan of it.

Until Next Time,

Ja ne. ^_^