Daphne: "All right, this will be another mushy chapter.eventually. It is
also almost all Tarren+Alongue. So beware!
~*~*~*~
Forced to Love by: Daphne Li Chapter 13.
"Ah! It's good to be home!" Eriol crowed, as he gazed around the large front hall of Syaoran's palace. It was the next day, and the six young people had decided to return home.
"I couldn't agree more." Sakura said reverently, slipping her arm around Syaoran's waist. Tomoyo remembered to stay away from Eriol, and near to her friend, so no one else would figure out their secret.
"I like it! It is different than my home, but it is just as nice!" Alongue stated, her ice-blue eyes roving around the room excitedly. That morning, when she had joined them at breakfast, Alongue had been as cheerful and genki as ever. It had come as a surprise to some people, but not to Tomoyo and Eriol. Tarren kept flashing her worried looks, but no one else noticed.
"We will have to write to your father, brother, and Meiling to tell them that you are all right." Syaoran began to tell his wife, but he was interrupted by a door slamming open and Matty running into the room.
"Oh Sakura! You are all right! Dear, we were so worried about you!" The nurse cried, hugging Sakura fiercely. Sakura smiled and hugged back.
"I am just fine. Where is Cookie?" She asked. Just then, the cook came bustling into the room, his eyes lit with excitement.
"Princess! Both princesses are home safe! Saints be praised!" He boomed, sweeping both girls into a bone-crushing hug. Alongue laughed at their predicament, but stopped when the cook moved on to her.
"The friends of the Princesses are always welcome here." He said, finally releasing her. She gasped for breath, but couldn't help but smile at the over-enthusiastic cook.
"I will have the rooms next to Tomoyo's readied for you, and for the young man, he will have the rooms next to Eriol."
"Um, Matty, I am afraid that we will have to talk to you about that." Syaoran said. She looked at him strangely, and then looked at Eriol. When the young man was sure that no one was watching, he mouthed,
"Me too." to her. She looked even more confused, but hustled up to prepare the rooms.
"I have to write to mother." Alongue said, as the group walked to one of the sitting rooms. They all settled themselves down at tables there and began to write their letters. Sakura wrote to her father, brother, and Meiling, while Syaoran did the same, as well as writing to his own family. Eriol wrote to Nakuru and Spinnel to announce his marriage, and then even wrote to Tomoyo's mother, Queen Sonomi, to assure her that her daughter was safe, and also to make a good impression on his new mother-in-law. Tomoyo wrote to her mother, but both Tomoyo and Eriol failed to mention their marriage. Alongue wrote to her parents to tell them that she was safe and sound, and also to describe Syaoran and Sakura's home to them. Tarren wrote to the captain of his personal army, and warned them to keep a lookout for his father and Randor. He also assured them that he was safe and well hidden.
"Goodness gracious, children! Do you have any idea what time it is? You haven't even eaten supper!" Matty exclaimed, coming into the room several hours later, when they were just finishing up with their letters.
"All right Matty. The rest of you should go to the dinning hall. I have to speak to Matty." Syaoran said and led the confused nurse outside. The rest made their way to the dinning hall and began to eat. When Syaoran came down, it was him that looked confused.
"Matilda said that she wishes to speak with you, Eriol." He said, sitting down and gazing at his cousin like a hawk. Eriol simply smiled and left the room for a few moments, coming back in with a smile on his face.
"What was that all about?" Syaoran asked nonchalantly, spearing a small carrot with his fork. Eriol simply smirked and rolled his eyes.
"Wouldn't you love to know!" He answered. A snort and then violent coughing followed, as Alongue seemingly choked on a bite of her food. She was holding her napkin tightly to her face, but Tarren, who was next to her, saw the immense grin on her lips, and wondered about it. When Gue finally calmed down, she quickly finished eating and excused herself from the table. Again, Tarren felt suspicious and followed her as quickly and politely as he could.
He found Matty and asked her where he could find Alongue. She shot him a sly smile and pointed to the large ballroom that Syaoran had shown them earlier. He quickly walked toward it, and heard hysterical giggles issuing from inside the room. Cautiously opening the door and looking in, he caught sight of her, sitting on a reclining couch and looking out at the sky through the huge glass-window wall, laughing all the while. It was all dark in the room except for where the moonlight hit. Quietly, he shut the door and stepped into the light.
"May I ask what you found so funny?" He spoke up. With a squeak she stood up, turned around and looked at him with wide eyes. Giggles were still escaping from her lips, and her eyes sparkled merrily.
"No.nothing. Nothing at all." She choked, turning her face away. He glared at her accusingly.
"Yes there is! Tell me." He commanded. She stopped laughing and glared at him.
"I won't! You have no right to know." She snapped, turning away and gazing out the window. He growled and stepped forward, capturing her shoulders with his hands. He spun her around and then pushed her down onto the reclining couch, and then sat next to her.
"Why have I no right to know? Don't I warrant your trust?" He asked, causing a streak of guilt to fill her. She looked into his eyes, which were filled with worry.
"Don't worry over me. I just promised someone that I would keep a secret, and I almost spilled the beans. That is what was so funny. If I had done it, I probably would have been dog-meat by now." She said, amusement lacing her words. He frowned.
"When have you ever kept a secret from me? I was the first to know that you were going to help Sakura.in fact, I was the only person to know, for that matter." He added, his sea-blue eyes sparkling. She nodded.
"But that was different. That was my secret, and not someone else's. And I don't tell you *all* of my secrets." She replied, blushing a bit and looking at her hands. Now his face turned hurt.
"Why not? I share all my secrets with you. You are the only person who knows that I even have my own army, and that they have been fighting under the guise of some of the Li kingdom's warriors." He reminded her.
"Perhaps." She said slowly, ".perhaps so, but there are some secrets that I wouldn't dare tell you." She said. His smile turned smug and naughty.
"Then I will just have to force them out of you!" He stated, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was trying to do.
"Seducing me into telling you will not work either." She breathed, making him smirk.
"We'll just see about that." He chuckled. With stealthy deftness, his fingers began to massage her back and neck, while his other hand tickled around her waist. She bit her lip to keep from gasping and turned her face away in haughty indifference, while inside, her whole body was screaming in both delight and horror of what was happening.
"Tell me." He murmured. She glared at him and stuck her pert little nose in the air. His smirk widened, and without warning, his lips dipped and covered hers. She went rigid and a squeak emitted from her throat.
"What do you know?" He asked again, releasing her but keeping up the stroking of her back. She shuddered and looked away again, her mind whirling. She could barely register what he was saying. She turned bewildered eyes to him and caught her breath. The moonlight was behind him, giving almost a glow to his countenance. His long black hair, that was held back by a leather thong, showed blue highlights in it, and his sea-blue eyes were laced with something other than amusement, now.
"I shall not tell you. I mustn't." She whispered, breaking away from him and fleeing the room. She quickly reached her own room, only to have herself shoved in and the door slammed shut and locked. With a cry, she felt arms encircle her waist and soft, breathtaking lips kissing her cheek. He had followed her!
"Shhh. Why mustn't you?" Tarren asked silkily. She turned and tried her best to glare at him.
"You have no right to be in my room, Prince Tarren." She reminded him stiffly. He simply smirked and held her tighter.
"I haven't, but I won't leave until you tell me." He said. She gave an indignant cry and struggled with him violently. With one swift movement, he caught the skin at the base of her neck with his lips. She gasped and stopped moving, her eyes closing in ecstasy and her body wilting in his arms. Her hands fluttered to his arms and weakly tried to push them off. He chuckled; the sound was terribly seductive.
"Trey, please." She whimpered, using his nickname. He smiled into her neck.
"It is only me, Lina. You can trust me. If.whoever it is finds out that I know, I will just tell them that I had a feeling before, and I confronted you about it. It would be true, wouldn't it?" He asked, his words broken as he occasionally kissed her neck. She melted into his arms as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He laid her down, and then lay down next to her, his arms still around her waist, and his face still buried in her neck.
"You promise you won't tell?" She asked hesitantly and breathlessly. He smiled into her neck again, knowing he had won.
"I promise. But first, tell me something. Is this why you acted to strange yesterday?" He asked gently. Now it was her turn to smile weakly.
"Partly. You see, when I went on my walk, I stopped in at the cathedral to talk with abbot Motler. When I was about to leave, I heard voices in the sanctuary, and I decided to peek in to see what was happening. I just happened to be lucky enough to witness the marriage of Prince Hiiragizawa Eriol to Princess Daidouji Tomoyo." She finished, a rush of guilt filling her as she realized that she had broken her promise; so his horrible, wretched, wonderful-feeling plan had worked! He, however, was too astounded to notice this. His wide eyes met hers, and his mouth hung open.
"WHAT?! You mean that they.the whole time.acting.oh, brother!" He finished, making her laugh. She couldn't help it.
"Well, I sort of figured that it would happen sooner or later. Just not so soon. It was all to obvious that they were in love, but surely, they could have told us! I mean, Sakura is her best friend!" He protested. Alongue shook her head thoughtfully.
"I think she wanted her mother to know first. Unfortunately I don't think it will work out like that. I snuck a peek over at her letter, and she didn't say a word about it to her mother." Alongue said. He sighed, and then his face turned sly and naughty again.
"Now that that is settled, you still have one more secret to reveal." He said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. Her eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" She asked. He smirked.
"You." He emphasized the word with a kiss on her cheek, "Said that that was only partly the reason. What was the other?" He demanded. She glared up at him.
"As if I would *ever* tell you that!" She snapped, turning her face away. He got what Syaoran would call an 'Eriol look', on his face and he tickled her stomach gently, emitting a squeal from her.
"Tell me." He insisted, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. It was they that she realized where the were, and in what position they were in!
"Tarren! Really, I would have thought better of you!" She cried, pulling away and stumbling away from the bed. He smirked, seeing her dark blush.
"You didn't seem to mind *before* I asked you the second question." He pointed out. Her face reddened even more and she stalked over to the door turning the knob, but it didn't open, and the key was gone! With an angry groan she rolled her eyes and turned to look at him; he looked quite pleased with himself.
"Never, in my whole life, did I ever think you would stoop this low." She hissed, narrowing her eyes at him He grinned, hardly able to contain his laughter.
"What, my hime? (a/n: princess) Locking the door is a crime?" He simpered, his eyes sparkling. She frowned and held out her hand.
"The key, please." She demanded. He got up and sauntered over to her, making her move back against the door. He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out the key, dangling it in front of her temptingly. She reached for it, but before she could grasp it, it was flying across the room and clanged down behind one of the dressers.
"How dare you!" She shrilled, her eyes flashing. She was no longer in the mood to play games. She just wanted to get away from this man who was creating so many confusing and wonderful emotions in her. He however, had different ideas. He put his arms up on either side of her head so she couldn't move away, then he leaned forward, bringing his mouth enticingly close to hers, before he changed its route and moved close to her right ear.
"I dare, Lina, because I care. I want to know what was bothering you, and I want to make it better." He murmured, his breath warm on her cheek. Tears of anguish filled her eyes and she tried to move away, but found no escape. If only he knew that he was the one doing this. That *he* could make it better.
"No you don't. You can't. No one can." She whimpered, her words meaning several different things. He gazed at her for a moment, seeing her tears, as a rush of sorrow filled his eyes. He hated to see her like this. He had to make it better somehow! He had to! Gently, he took her arm and led her back to the bed, his face impassive. He sat her down, and then looked into her eyes.
"What is it, my tenshi?" He asked. Her sobs worsened.
"Don't you dare tease me, Prince Tarren." She choked out harshly. Her words cut into him like a knife. He pulled her close and buried his face in her neck.
"I was not teasing you, Alongue. I was being completely serious. You are a tenshi ('Angel')." He whispered, reluctantly moving away. With a soft cry she pulled him back, and her eyes wide.
"Why? Why would you say that?" She demanded, her tears forgotten. His face was grave and serious, as he reached out and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
"Because I believe it, Alongue. I love you, but I have no right to say it. You are too innocent and pure for me." He said sadly. Her eyes widened even more, and her delicate red lips fell open in a gasp.
"You love me? Why didn't you tell me?!" She exclaimed, her tiny hands capturing his face and forcing him to look at her. His eyes became tortured and upset.
"Just what I said. You are too pure. I am the son of a monster, and I don't deserve you or your thoughts. I am sorry that I bothered you." He said softly, pushing her away and walking to where he had tossed the key. He found it and was about to unlock the door when it was snatched out of his hand and thrown across the room again.
"How dare you say that! How do you know if that is the truth?! And just because of the fact that your father is a monster, does not make you one!" She snapped, her eyes flashing angrily, startling him. His eyes widened and he gazed at her in confusion.
"You don't make any sense when you try to contradict all my words at once." He informed her, regaining his grave look, though a flicker of hope dawned in the depths of his eyes. She cocked her head to the side, scrutinizing him, and then she smiled.
"First of all, how do you know that I am pure? I assure you that some of the thoughts running through my head right now are far from it." She admitted. A smile hovered over his lips.
"Second, you may be the son of a monster, but that doesn't make *you* one. You are far from it, I would add, but tonight has raised some doubts." She giggled, making his smile widen into a genuine gleam.
"Third, what gives you the right to say that I shouldn't have you in my thoughts? That is for me to decide, not you, and you have my permission to enter my thoughts anytime!" She announced. Now a grin crossed his face; An evil grin.
"If I remember correctly, I said 'you and your thoughts'. Not just the thoughts part." He reminded her, raising an eyebrow and moving closer. Blushed at her mistake, and moved backwards, her eyes gleaming with suppressed laughter. He followed her until her had her backed up against a pole of her four-poster bed.
"And fourth.I love you too. I think I always have." She finished. His eyes widened in shock, and then a smile appeared on his face, lighting it up like a little boy's. Without warning, he pushed her onto the bed and began to kiss her, making her laugh and return his kisses contentedly.
"Your parents are not going to be happy." He murmured, running his lips down her neck and causing her breath to go ragged.
"Nonsense! They like you." She managed to breath out of her delight. He stopped and nuzzled her neck.
"Really?" He murmured, now playing with a strand of her long hair. She nodded.
"In fact, they both threatened me before I left. They said that if I didn't tell you before I went back home, they would disown me." She laughed. He chuckled.
"Well, we won't disappoint them then." He whispered silkily, caressing her neck and then moving back up to her lips eagerly. She sighed.
"Who knew that something so wonderful, could come out of something so bad?" She asked. He smiled.
"Obviously your parents!" He teased, his laughter ebbing as she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands across his bare chest.
"Perhaps they did." Was all she was able to say, before his lips clamed hers in a never-ending dance.
~*~*~*~
"Everyone! I just got a letter from Papa!" Sakura cried, running into the library a week after they had arrived. 'Everyone', being namely Syaoran, Tomoyo, Eriol, Alongue, and Tarren.
"Good! Open it!" Tomoyo said eagerly. She had not yet received any word from her mother. Sakura quickly ripped open the letter and read it silently, her face going from happy, to confused, to sad. Slowly, her arms lowered to her sides and the letter dropped from her fingers. Syaoran quickly rushed over and put his arms around her, making her turn wide, unseeing eyes towards him.
"Daddy wants us to go back. He said that it is not safe here for me. He wrote to your parents and they agree. He said not to come back until he writes to say that it is safe." Sakura finished in a melancholy voice. Tomoyo turned wide, tear-filled eyes on Eriol.
"But we were going to tell.I mean." Tomoyo stopped, unable to go on. Alongue sighed.
"I think you should tell them. They need to know." Alongue said softly. Tomoyo lowered her head and nodded, not making eye contact with Eriol, who was smiling.
"Well, during our trip to Alongue's world, Tomoyo and I came to an understanding.we were married." He said proudly, drawing Tomoyo's arm within his own. Sakura looked as if she was about to faint, and Syaoran looked no better.
"WHAT?" They chorused, making Alongue laugh out loud.
"Why didn't you tell us?!"
"I am going to kill you, Hiiragizawa!"
Tarren stayed silent and smiled at Alongue, who was giggling helplessly. Sakura looked at her in confusion, and suddenly put two and two together.
"You knew! And you didn't tell me! How could you?!" She shrieked, running over and hugging Tomoyo, while she yelled at Alongue. The other girl laughed helplessly and leaned against Tarren, who simply grinned at Syaoran's angry face.
"But.what are we going to do about the letter?" Sakura asked. Everyone looked thoughtful, but drew blanks.
"We could go back to my world. My parents would be thrilled to have you." Alongue said slowly. Everyone looked at each other and then agreed. Really, it was their only choice if they wanted to stay safe.
"We have to tell Matty and Cookie. And we will have to send a spy from your world here, so they can inform us when it is safe to return." Eriol commented.
"We should leave as soon as possible. And take as little as possible. It would seem suspicious if we took a lot." Syaoran said. The others nodded and then rushed to their own rooms to write their letters. Sakura wrote her father, assuring him that they would obey, and Tomoyo wrote to her mother to tell her they were going to a safe place.
As soon as the girls were done, they joined the rest of the group and prepared to leave for their new, temporary home.
~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~
Forced to Love by: Daphne Li Chapter 13.
"Ah! It's good to be home!" Eriol crowed, as he gazed around the large front hall of Syaoran's palace. It was the next day, and the six young people had decided to return home.
"I couldn't agree more." Sakura said reverently, slipping her arm around Syaoran's waist. Tomoyo remembered to stay away from Eriol, and near to her friend, so no one else would figure out their secret.
"I like it! It is different than my home, but it is just as nice!" Alongue stated, her ice-blue eyes roving around the room excitedly. That morning, when she had joined them at breakfast, Alongue had been as cheerful and genki as ever. It had come as a surprise to some people, but not to Tomoyo and Eriol. Tarren kept flashing her worried looks, but no one else noticed.
"We will have to write to your father, brother, and Meiling to tell them that you are all right." Syaoran began to tell his wife, but he was interrupted by a door slamming open and Matty running into the room.
"Oh Sakura! You are all right! Dear, we were so worried about you!" The nurse cried, hugging Sakura fiercely. Sakura smiled and hugged back.
"I am just fine. Where is Cookie?" She asked. Just then, the cook came bustling into the room, his eyes lit with excitement.
"Princess! Both princesses are home safe! Saints be praised!" He boomed, sweeping both girls into a bone-crushing hug. Alongue laughed at their predicament, but stopped when the cook moved on to her.
"The friends of the Princesses are always welcome here." He said, finally releasing her. She gasped for breath, but couldn't help but smile at the over-enthusiastic cook.
"I will have the rooms next to Tomoyo's readied for you, and for the young man, he will have the rooms next to Eriol."
"Um, Matty, I am afraid that we will have to talk to you about that." Syaoran said. She looked at him strangely, and then looked at Eriol. When the young man was sure that no one was watching, he mouthed,
"Me too." to her. She looked even more confused, but hustled up to prepare the rooms.
"I have to write to mother." Alongue said, as the group walked to one of the sitting rooms. They all settled themselves down at tables there and began to write their letters. Sakura wrote to her father, brother, and Meiling, while Syaoran did the same, as well as writing to his own family. Eriol wrote to Nakuru and Spinnel to announce his marriage, and then even wrote to Tomoyo's mother, Queen Sonomi, to assure her that her daughter was safe, and also to make a good impression on his new mother-in-law. Tomoyo wrote to her mother, but both Tomoyo and Eriol failed to mention their marriage. Alongue wrote to her parents to tell them that she was safe and sound, and also to describe Syaoran and Sakura's home to them. Tarren wrote to the captain of his personal army, and warned them to keep a lookout for his father and Randor. He also assured them that he was safe and well hidden.
"Goodness gracious, children! Do you have any idea what time it is? You haven't even eaten supper!" Matty exclaimed, coming into the room several hours later, when they were just finishing up with their letters.
"All right Matty. The rest of you should go to the dinning hall. I have to speak to Matty." Syaoran said and led the confused nurse outside. The rest made their way to the dinning hall and began to eat. When Syaoran came down, it was him that looked confused.
"Matilda said that she wishes to speak with you, Eriol." He said, sitting down and gazing at his cousin like a hawk. Eriol simply smiled and left the room for a few moments, coming back in with a smile on his face.
"What was that all about?" Syaoran asked nonchalantly, spearing a small carrot with his fork. Eriol simply smirked and rolled his eyes.
"Wouldn't you love to know!" He answered. A snort and then violent coughing followed, as Alongue seemingly choked on a bite of her food. She was holding her napkin tightly to her face, but Tarren, who was next to her, saw the immense grin on her lips, and wondered about it. When Gue finally calmed down, she quickly finished eating and excused herself from the table. Again, Tarren felt suspicious and followed her as quickly and politely as he could.
He found Matty and asked her where he could find Alongue. She shot him a sly smile and pointed to the large ballroom that Syaoran had shown them earlier. He quickly walked toward it, and heard hysterical giggles issuing from inside the room. Cautiously opening the door and looking in, he caught sight of her, sitting on a reclining couch and looking out at the sky through the huge glass-window wall, laughing all the while. It was all dark in the room except for where the moonlight hit. Quietly, he shut the door and stepped into the light.
"May I ask what you found so funny?" He spoke up. With a squeak she stood up, turned around and looked at him with wide eyes. Giggles were still escaping from her lips, and her eyes sparkled merrily.
"No.nothing. Nothing at all." She choked, turning her face away. He glared at her accusingly.
"Yes there is! Tell me." He commanded. She stopped laughing and glared at him.
"I won't! You have no right to know." She snapped, turning away and gazing out the window. He growled and stepped forward, capturing her shoulders with his hands. He spun her around and then pushed her down onto the reclining couch, and then sat next to her.
"Why have I no right to know? Don't I warrant your trust?" He asked, causing a streak of guilt to fill her. She looked into his eyes, which were filled with worry.
"Don't worry over me. I just promised someone that I would keep a secret, and I almost spilled the beans. That is what was so funny. If I had done it, I probably would have been dog-meat by now." She said, amusement lacing her words. He frowned.
"When have you ever kept a secret from me? I was the first to know that you were going to help Sakura.in fact, I was the only person to know, for that matter." He added, his sea-blue eyes sparkling. She nodded.
"But that was different. That was my secret, and not someone else's. And I don't tell you *all* of my secrets." She replied, blushing a bit and looking at her hands. Now his face turned hurt.
"Why not? I share all my secrets with you. You are the only person who knows that I even have my own army, and that they have been fighting under the guise of some of the Li kingdom's warriors." He reminded her.
"Perhaps." She said slowly, ".perhaps so, but there are some secrets that I wouldn't dare tell you." She said. His smile turned smug and naughty.
"Then I will just have to force them out of you!" He stated, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was trying to do.
"Seducing me into telling you will not work either." She breathed, making him smirk.
"We'll just see about that." He chuckled. With stealthy deftness, his fingers began to massage her back and neck, while his other hand tickled around her waist. She bit her lip to keep from gasping and turned her face away in haughty indifference, while inside, her whole body was screaming in both delight and horror of what was happening.
"Tell me." He murmured. She glared at him and stuck her pert little nose in the air. His smirk widened, and without warning, his lips dipped and covered hers. She went rigid and a squeak emitted from her throat.
"What do you know?" He asked again, releasing her but keeping up the stroking of her back. She shuddered and looked away again, her mind whirling. She could barely register what he was saying. She turned bewildered eyes to him and caught her breath. The moonlight was behind him, giving almost a glow to his countenance. His long black hair, that was held back by a leather thong, showed blue highlights in it, and his sea-blue eyes were laced with something other than amusement, now.
"I shall not tell you. I mustn't." She whispered, breaking away from him and fleeing the room. She quickly reached her own room, only to have herself shoved in and the door slammed shut and locked. With a cry, she felt arms encircle her waist and soft, breathtaking lips kissing her cheek. He had followed her!
"Shhh. Why mustn't you?" Tarren asked silkily. She turned and tried her best to glare at him.
"You have no right to be in my room, Prince Tarren." She reminded him stiffly. He simply smirked and held her tighter.
"I haven't, but I won't leave until you tell me." He said. She gave an indignant cry and struggled with him violently. With one swift movement, he caught the skin at the base of her neck with his lips. She gasped and stopped moving, her eyes closing in ecstasy and her body wilting in his arms. Her hands fluttered to his arms and weakly tried to push them off. He chuckled; the sound was terribly seductive.
"Trey, please." She whimpered, using his nickname. He smiled into her neck.
"It is only me, Lina. You can trust me. If.whoever it is finds out that I know, I will just tell them that I had a feeling before, and I confronted you about it. It would be true, wouldn't it?" He asked, his words broken as he occasionally kissed her neck. She melted into his arms as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He laid her down, and then lay down next to her, his arms still around her waist, and his face still buried in her neck.
"You promise you won't tell?" She asked hesitantly and breathlessly. He smiled into her neck again, knowing he had won.
"I promise. But first, tell me something. Is this why you acted to strange yesterday?" He asked gently. Now it was her turn to smile weakly.
"Partly. You see, when I went on my walk, I stopped in at the cathedral to talk with abbot Motler. When I was about to leave, I heard voices in the sanctuary, and I decided to peek in to see what was happening. I just happened to be lucky enough to witness the marriage of Prince Hiiragizawa Eriol to Princess Daidouji Tomoyo." She finished, a rush of guilt filling her as she realized that she had broken her promise; so his horrible, wretched, wonderful-feeling plan had worked! He, however, was too astounded to notice this. His wide eyes met hers, and his mouth hung open.
"WHAT?! You mean that they.the whole time.acting.oh, brother!" He finished, making her laugh. She couldn't help it.
"Well, I sort of figured that it would happen sooner or later. Just not so soon. It was all to obvious that they were in love, but surely, they could have told us! I mean, Sakura is her best friend!" He protested. Alongue shook her head thoughtfully.
"I think she wanted her mother to know first. Unfortunately I don't think it will work out like that. I snuck a peek over at her letter, and she didn't say a word about it to her mother." Alongue said. He sighed, and then his face turned sly and naughty again.
"Now that that is settled, you still have one more secret to reveal." He said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. Her eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" She asked. He smirked.
"You." He emphasized the word with a kiss on her cheek, "Said that that was only partly the reason. What was the other?" He demanded. She glared up at him.
"As if I would *ever* tell you that!" She snapped, turning her face away. He got what Syaoran would call an 'Eriol look', on his face and he tickled her stomach gently, emitting a squeal from her.
"Tell me." He insisted, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. It was they that she realized where the were, and in what position they were in!
"Tarren! Really, I would have thought better of you!" She cried, pulling away and stumbling away from the bed. He smirked, seeing her dark blush.
"You didn't seem to mind *before* I asked you the second question." He pointed out. Her face reddened even more and she stalked over to the door turning the knob, but it didn't open, and the key was gone! With an angry groan she rolled her eyes and turned to look at him; he looked quite pleased with himself.
"Never, in my whole life, did I ever think you would stoop this low." She hissed, narrowing her eyes at him He grinned, hardly able to contain his laughter.
"What, my hime? (a/n: princess) Locking the door is a crime?" He simpered, his eyes sparkling. She frowned and held out her hand.
"The key, please." She demanded. He got up and sauntered over to her, making her move back against the door. He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out the key, dangling it in front of her temptingly. She reached for it, but before she could grasp it, it was flying across the room and clanged down behind one of the dressers.
"How dare you!" She shrilled, her eyes flashing. She was no longer in the mood to play games. She just wanted to get away from this man who was creating so many confusing and wonderful emotions in her. He however, had different ideas. He put his arms up on either side of her head so she couldn't move away, then he leaned forward, bringing his mouth enticingly close to hers, before he changed its route and moved close to her right ear.
"I dare, Lina, because I care. I want to know what was bothering you, and I want to make it better." He murmured, his breath warm on her cheek. Tears of anguish filled her eyes and she tried to move away, but found no escape. If only he knew that he was the one doing this. That *he* could make it better.
"No you don't. You can't. No one can." She whimpered, her words meaning several different things. He gazed at her for a moment, seeing her tears, as a rush of sorrow filled his eyes. He hated to see her like this. He had to make it better somehow! He had to! Gently, he took her arm and led her back to the bed, his face impassive. He sat her down, and then looked into her eyes.
"What is it, my tenshi?" He asked. Her sobs worsened.
"Don't you dare tease me, Prince Tarren." She choked out harshly. Her words cut into him like a knife. He pulled her close and buried his face in her neck.
"I was not teasing you, Alongue. I was being completely serious. You are a tenshi ('Angel')." He whispered, reluctantly moving away. With a soft cry she pulled him back, and her eyes wide.
"Why? Why would you say that?" She demanded, her tears forgotten. His face was grave and serious, as he reached out and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
"Because I believe it, Alongue. I love you, but I have no right to say it. You are too innocent and pure for me." He said sadly. Her eyes widened even more, and her delicate red lips fell open in a gasp.
"You love me? Why didn't you tell me?!" She exclaimed, her tiny hands capturing his face and forcing him to look at her. His eyes became tortured and upset.
"Just what I said. You are too pure. I am the son of a monster, and I don't deserve you or your thoughts. I am sorry that I bothered you." He said softly, pushing her away and walking to where he had tossed the key. He found it and was about to unlock the door when it was snatched out of his hand and thrown across the room again.
"How dare you say that! How do you know if that is the truth?! And just because of the fact that your father is a monster, does not make you one!" She snapped, her eyes flashing angrily, startling him. His eyes widened and he gazed at her in confusion.
"You don't make any sense when you try to contradict all my words at once." He informed her, regaining his grave look, though a flicker of hope dawned in the depths of his eyes. She cocked her head to the side, scrutinizing him, and then she smiled.
"First of all, how do you know that I am pure? I assure you that some of the thoughts running through my head right now are far from it." She admitted. A smile hovered over his lips.
"Second, you may be the son of a monster, but that doesn't make *you* one. You are far from it, I would add, but tonight has raised some doubts." She giggled, making his smile widen into a genuine gleam.
"Third, what gives you the right to say that I shouldn't have you in my thoughts? That is for me to decide, not you, and you have my permission to enter my thoughts anytime!" She announced. Now a grin crossed his face; An evil grin.
"If I remember correctly, I said 'you and your thoughts'. Not just the thoughts part." He reminded her, raising an eyebrow and moving closer. Blushed at her mistake, and moved backwards, her eyes gleaming with suppressed laughter. He followed her until her had her backed up against a pole of her four-poster bed.
"And fourth.I love you too. I think I always have." She finished. His eyes widened in shock, and then a smile appeared on his face, lighting it up like a little boy's. Without warning, he pushed her onto the bed and began to kiss her, making her laugh and return his kisses contentedly.
"Your parents are not going to be happy." He murmured, running his lips down her neck and causing her breath to go ragged.
"Nonsense! They like you." She managed to breath out of her delight. He stopped and nuzzled her neck.
"Really?" He murmured, now playing with a strand of her long hair. She nodded.
"In fact, they both threatened me before I left. They said that if I didn't tell you before I went back home, they would disown me." She laughed. He chuckled.
"Well, we won't disappoint them then." He whispered silkily, caressing her neck and then moving back up to her lips eagerly. She sighed.
"Who knew that something so wonderful, could come out of something so bad?" She asked. He smiled.
"Obviously your parents!" He teased, his laughter ebbing as she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands across his bare chest.
"Perhaps they did." Was all she was able to say, before his lips clamed hers in a never-ending dance.
~*~*~*~
"Everyone! I just got a letter from Papa!" Sakura cried, running into the library a week after they had arrived. 'Everyone', being namely Syaoran, Tomoyo, Eriol, Alongue, and Tarren.
"Good! Open it!" Tomoyo said eagerly. She had not yet received any word from her mother. Sakura quickly ripped open the letter and read it silently, her face going from happy, to confused, to sad. Slowly, her arms lowered to her sides and the letter dropped from her fingers. Syaoran quickly rushed over and put his arms around her, making her turn wide, unseeing eyes towards him.
"Daddy wants us to go back. He said that it is not safe here for me. He wrote to your parents and they agree. He said not to come back until he writes to say that it is safe." Sakura finished in a melancholy voice. Tomoyo turned wide, tear-filled eyes on Eriol.
"But we were going to tell.I mean." Tomoyo stopped, unable to go on. Alongue sighed.
"I think you should tell them. They need to know." Alongue said softly. Tomoyo lowered her head and nodded, not making eye contact with Eriol, who was smiling.
"Well, during our trip to Alongue's world, Tomoyo and I came to an understanding.we were married." He said proudly, drawing Tomoyo's arm within his own. Sakura looked as if she was about to faint, and Syaoran looked no better.
"WHAT?" They chorused, making Alongue laugh out loud.
"Why didn't you tell us?!"
"I am going to kill you, Hiiragizawa!"
Tarren stayed silent and smiled at Alongue, who was giggling helplessly. Sakura looked at her in confusion, and suddenly put two and two together.
"You knew! And you didn't tell me! How could you?!" She shrieked, running over and hugging Tomoyo, while she yelled at Alongue. The other girl laughed helplessly and leaned against Tarren, who simply grinned at Syaoran's angry face.
"But.what are we going to do about the letter?" Sakura asked. Everyone looked thoughtful, but drew blanks.
"We could go back to my world. My parents would be thrilled to have you." Alongue said slowly. Everyone looked at each other and then agreed. Really, it was their only choice if they wanted to stay safe.
"We have to tell Matty and Cookie. And we will have to send a spy from your world here, so they can inform us when it is safe to return." Eriol commented.
"We should leave as soon as possible. And take as little as possible. It would seem suspicious if we took a lot." Syaoran said. The others nodded and then rushed to their own rooms to write their letters. Sakura wrote her father, assuring him that they would obey, and Tomoyo wrote to her mother to tell her they were going to a safe place.
As soon as the girls were done, they joined the rest of the group and prepared to leave for their new, temporary home.
~*~*~*~