Heyla Minna-san! I'm finally back with "The Forbidden Clow"! I don't know how good this idea is going to be, but it's just something I came up with a short while ago. It doesn't have a Clow Card this time *dodges tomatoes*. Gomen nasai! I wanted write an interlude to the story. I'll have another Black Clow Card next time! Even though there isn't a card, I feel that this chapter has some parts that are extremely important to the development of the story. Please review and tell me what you think! Arigato, and enjoy the very first interlude to "The Forbidden Clow"!! ^.^ ~Manda-chan
Arigatos: E.B, angelwings2001, LeeLee, ashley-chan, lightschild, ~*Just a Memory*~, ~*kokimiyoi*~, Jurei, Ruku-chan, Yoo Doo HEY!!!, cherry blossoms little wolf2, Mayhem's BrainChylde, Syaoran Kinomoto, Kitty, Syoaranluvzsakura, and Melfina Lockheart. ARIGATO!! You guyz keep me going on this fic!
Dedication: I dedicate this chapter to Ashley-chan, who's been reminding me not to forget about this story, and giving me a little more self-esteem! Thank you for reviewing so many of my stories! Your encouragement is deeply appreciated! ARIGATO GOZAIMASU!! (and this chapter is hearby dedicated to you ^^)
Disclaimer: CCS doesn't belong to me, so trying to sue me would be pointless.
The Forbidden Clow First Interlude: A Favor for a Favor
After the mishap of Saturday night, Sakura went straight home. She couldn't very well stay the night after what had happened. It would have been pure torture for the both of them. Neither of them would have survived the night.
Sakura sighed and gazed out her bedroom window at the radiance of the full moon. 'Did we really kiss?' she wondered, propping her head up with her hand for a better view.
Still staring up into the star-studded sky, she placed her index finger on her lips and unconsciously closed her eyes. She could still feel the warmth upon them, and it was heart aching. Kami, how she wished he would kiss her again...
"Syaoran......." she whispered, letting her voice die into the darkness.~
*****************************************
They would never let him sleep. Those haunting images of the emerald-eyed cherry blossom were forever branded to the depths of his mind, continually vying for his attention and preventing the drowsiness from taking over.
Tonight was even worse. He could sense her presence all over his room, especially in the bed where he now lay. It hung like a sweet perfume in the air, clouding and befuddling his mind. And then the feeling of her soft, pink lips against his own, almost tangible, even though she had gone back home long ago.
How he longed to kiss her again..........
What exactly happened? He was still unsure, but he was certain they had kissed. It was engraved into his memory. The feeling, the pleasant chill, the sweet, tangy taste, the warmth...it was all so clear to him.
And now.......
He could feel her everywhere! In the sheets his body was wrapped in, on the pillow where his head was emersed, her scent wafting gently through the air....it was impossible to get away from her.
And it was driving him to the point of insanity! He wanted to see her ever-green eyes again, feel the smoothness of her skin, run his hands through her soft, auburn locks, clutch her tightly in his arms and never let go, and most of all, savor the sweetness of her lips once again.
He looked to the ceiling above, amber eyes half-closed, and mumbled, "Sakura...." before finally drifting into dormancy.~
*****************************************
"KAIJUU!!!!!!!! YOU'D BETTER GET UP BEFORE YOU'RE LATE!!!"
Sakura's heavy eyelids slowly opened into the real world, revealing the green that was held inside. She blinked a few times and glanced at her calendar, then her clock. 'Nani? It's Sunday today! What do I need to get up so early for?'
She squinted at some scribbled writing on the calendar. "Dentist...appointment...10:30..." she read sleepily.
Almost returning to slumber, her eyes suddenly widened into the size of saucers. "HOE!!!! I forgot!" she exclaimed in a panic, jumping out of bed.
She hurriedly showered and dressed, racing down the stairs at the speed of light.
"Want a little something to eat before you go?" Fujitaka asked, holding out a plate of steaming pancakes.
"Iie." Sakura replied, rushing into the bathroom, "Thanks anyway, otousan, but I'm already running late."
Sakura quickly scrubbed her teeth with the bristles of the toothbrush, making sure to get every nook and cranny as spotless as she could. 'I really hate going to the dentist.' Sakura thought, poking through her teeth with minty-green floss, 'All those sharp tools they use...'
She involuntarily shuddered at the thought. Sakura fear wasn't of cavities or gum disease or anything like that, it was of the instruments the dentists would use, scraping over her teeth and gumlines, and picking and pulling all over the place. As a matter of fact, this would be the very first time she was going to the dentist on her own. Usually she would have Tomoyo or her otousan or someone accompany her, but she didn't want to bug them now.
Issuing a quick goodbye to her family, Sakura headed out the door and to the dentist's office.
****************************************
*BRRIIIINNNNGGGG....BRRRRIIIINNNNGGGGG....BRRRIIIIINNNNGGGGGGG*
"Yeah, yeah." Syaoran mumbled, stomping to the phone, "Keep your pants on, I'm coming."
Letting the current ring die away, he snatched the receiver and pressed it to his ear.
"Moshi moshi. This is Li Syaoran speaking. What do you want?"
"Sorry to disturb you, Li-sama, but I've been ordered to contact you."
Syaoran felt a knot tie in his gut. 'They aren't sending me back to Hong Kong, are they?'
"A-About what?" Syaoran stammered.
"Do you not remember your appointment with him today?"
"Nani? Appointment with who?"
"With the elder! He's should have arrived late last night, and you're supposed to meet him for lunch at one o'clock this afternoon to discuss the future of the Li Clan!"
Syaoran slapped his free hand to his forehead. 'I completely forgot!'
Not letting on that it had slipped his mind, he replied, "Oh yes, that. Where do I meet him at?"
"You'll find him at 'Fing Yan's'."
"Oh right. Uh, arigato."
"Return to us soon, Li-sama."
*Click*
"Damn!" Syaoran cursed, "I hate going to these things on my own, those damn elders are so intimidating!"
Grumbling a few more curses under his breath, he trudged back to the forgotten TV to resume watching his program.
**************************************
Halfway to the dentist's office, Sakura began to slow down, taking her sweet time. She was getting more and more nervous by second. 'Try not to think about it, try not to think about it.' she chanted mentally, doing her best to dismiss the images of the sharp utensils the dentist was sure to use.
It didn't help. She was almost terrified by now. 'I really wish I'd asked either otousan or Tomoyo-chan to come with me,' she thought regretfully, 'but it's too late to go back now.'
Looking ahead, something caught her eye. 'Syaoran's apartment?'
She halted mid-step, still gazing in the direction of the old, weathered building. 'Maybe I could...ask Syaoran to come with me.' she thought, beginning to walk in that direction.
Suddenly, images of the kiss began to float through her mind, causing her to stop once again. Shaking away the mental imprints, she walked up to his door.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
The young Clow Mistress could almost feel the ground rumble as someone approached the door. Just as she took a step forward, the door swung open, revealing an obviously agitated and disgruntled Syaoran.
"What the hell do you want?!" he yelled.
Sakura's green orbs were as wide as they could get.
'EEP!' Syaoran thought, just now realizing that SAKURA was at his front door.
"I-I-If this is a bad time, I understand." Sakura stuttered, turning to leave.
"N-No!" Syaoran assured, grabbing a hold of her shoulder before she reeled around, "Gomen, I had a long night, and I guess I'm kind of cranky. I didn't mean to blow up at you like that."
Sakura gave him a bright smile, making his face turn red.
However, her smile faltered perceptibly as she remembered her primal intention. "Ano...I have a favor to ask you, Syaoran."
"H-Hai?"
Sakura's smile faded and gave way to the fear that was resurfacing inside her. "I...I have a dentist appointment in a few minutes and I'm kinda scared....and....well..."
Noting where she trailed off, Syaoran offered her a soft smile. "And you would feel better if I came with you?"
Her face lit up again and she nodded. "HAI!"
Syaoran stopped momentarily as an idea hit him. "Sakura, if I go along with you to the dentist, could you do a favor for me?"
She blinked and nodded. "Sure."
"Would you accompany me to a luncheon I must attend to this afternoon?" he asked, mentally crossing his fingers.
Sakura was slightly confused. "Luncheon with who?"
Syaoran sighed. "One of the Li elders."
"Un!" she agreed, "A favor for a favor!"
"Arigato."
"Then let's get going!" Sakura urged.
Syaoran faltered a little, his cheeks receiving the familiar reddish hue. "Can I change first?"
Sakura's face went aflame when she realized that he was standing outside of his apartment in nothing but a pair of green silk boxers.
"H-hai..." she choked out, trying to avoid the sight of his well-muscled body.
"Come on in." Syaoran hailed, going back inside, "I won't be long."
As Syaoran retreated to his room to change apparel, Sakura walked in and shut the door behind her.
It still amazed her how clean his apartment was always kept. 'Syaoran's quite a neat freak.' she thought with a smirk.
Just as quickly as he had disappeared, Syaoran came racing back down the steps, dressed in khakis and a green t-shirt.
"Got all dressed up for your luncheon?" Sakura asked.
"Sort of." Syaoran replied with a light blush, "Let's go."
****************************************
"C'mon Sakura!!!!"
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I DON'T WANNA!!!!"
The Li Clan's soon-to-be leader was relentlessly tugging Card Mistress Kinomoto Sakura's arm in an attempt to drag her into the small white building.
"Don't you just want to get it over with?!"
"NOOOOO!!!!" Sakura whined, "I don't want to go in there, they're going to-"
"Kami, Sakura!" Syaoran interrupted, "For the last time, they're NOT going to kill you! They're only trying to help!"
"That's just what they want you to think!" Sakura retorted.
Syaoran rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration. "If you're going to be difficult about this Sakura, I'll have no choice but to resort to force."
"I'm NOT going in there!" Sakura insisted.
Catching her offguard, Syaoran pulled her toward himself and heaved her over his shoulder (caveman style). "We'll just see about that."
He successfully managed to carry Sakura into the building, even though she kicked and screamed the whole way. As they entered, they were met by the weird looks and raised eyebrows of employees and other patients. Realizing that everyone was staring at them, Sakura promptly shut her mouth and ceased fighting against Syaoran.
Coming to a pair of vacant waiting chairs, Syaoran let Sakura off of him and they both sat down.
Just a few minutes later, a young blonde-haired man in a white lab coat appeared in the doorway of the waiting room, holding a clipboard.
"I'm looking for Kinomoto Sakura."
Sakura shakily stood up, followed shortly by Syaoran.
"He doesn't need to come." the man stated, making a gesture toward the dark-haired teen.
Sakura turned to the warrior with pleading eyes, silently begging him to argue her point.
"Demo...she's a little scared of going to the dentist, so she asked me to come in with her." Syaoran explained.
The blonde man narrowed his eyes at Syaoran before replying, "Very well."
He led them to the last room on the left and instructed Sakura to lay in the chair that was in the center of the room. "Now Miss Kinomoto, I will begin by checking for cavities and then removing any excess plaque from the surface of you teeth." He tilted his head up to glare at Syaoran. "Your boyfriend will have to stand."
"I'm not her boyfriend." Syaoran corrected, glaring right back at the dentist.
"Oh, are you her brother then?"
"No, I'm not her brother." Syaoran replied coldly, "Just a friend."
The dentist faked a smile in his direction, then turned his attention back to Sakura. "Okay, I'm going to turn this light on." he explained, resting his hand on a strange-looking light above her head, "Just relax and close your eyes."
Sakura obliged, promptly shutting her eyelids.
"Now say, 'Ahh'"
"Aaaaaaaaaaa."
The dentist carefully adjusted the light to shine down on her face. "Hold still, please." he requested, placing a hand between her neck and shoulder to keep her in place, "The light may seem kind of intense."
"Hands OFF." Syaoran ordered, wrathful fire clouding the clear amber of his eyes.
The blonde dentist glowered back at Syaoran, retracting his hand from Sakura. Then he began to search her teeth for any signs of cavities.
Sakura struggled to keep her eyes shut from the blinding light, while at the same time having the young dentist poking around inside of her mouth. His finger brushed against the roof of her mouth, making her squirm and giggle.
"Phat thickles!" she laughed, trying to talk with his hand in her mouth.
He smiled and repeated the gesture, making her laugh harder.
Syaoran wasn't at all pleased. He was just barely holding back from strangling the man. 'Damn you! Stop flirting with Sakura!'
Instead of giving in to his rising anger, he cleared his throat loudly. The dentist looked up.
"Is there a problem, sir?" he asked, sporting an almost evil-looking smile.
'This guy is like a grown up version of Hiiragizawa.' Syaoran thought, looking at the fair-haired man in disgust.
The young warrior crossed his arms, giving the dentist his best glare. "Stick to your job."
"Of course." he replied, pulling out a tray of metallic utensils.
Sakura tensed in the chair and looked up at Syaoran, pleading with him to do SOMETHING. Syaoran, realizing that his cherry blossom was beyond frightened, kneeled alongside her reclining chair and took her small hand in his.
"I'll be right here with you." he promised, giving her a reassuring smile.
She managed a small smile in return. "Arigato."
The dentist fixed his glasses, (yup, he has glasses that even look a lot like Eriol's) tapping his foot in growing annoyance. "May I continue? That is, if you two are finished?"
Sakura laid back again, looking up at him. "H-H-Hai Dentist-san."
He flashed her a dazzling smile of perfect white teeth. "Please call me Aric, Miss Kinomoto."
"Sure, Aric-san."
"First name basis so soon?" Syaoran questioned, glaring daggers at the smiling dentist.
"I like to get to know my patients." Aric defended.
Syaoran only grunted. Then Aric reached for his first tool, issuing an immediate gasp from Sakura.
"Don't worry, Miss Kinomoto. I'll be extra careful, just for you. Please open up now."
Sakura tried to sink into the chair as the gleaming silver object approached her face, but she didn't get too far. Giving in, she opened her mouth and let the dentist scrape around her teeth.
'This isn't so bad so far.' Sakura thought, relaxing a little.
Just then, Aric's hand slipped, and the metallic pick hit her delicate gum line. "ITAIIIIII!!" Sakura screeched.
Syaoran tried to keep and eye on Sakura to make sure she was alright, but it was hard to keep his eyes focused when she was squeezing his hand for dear life. The more she tightened her grip around his fingers, the more his face would twist in pain. 'She's got one hell of a grip!' he thought.
***************************************
"What kind would you like, Miss Kinomoto?"
"What flavors do you have?"
"Well, there's tropical fruit mix, mint, grape, cherry-"
"I'll have cherry please!" Sakura interrupted.
"Cherry for the cherry blossom? Sounds good to me." he replied with a grin.
Syaoran frowned. 'Only I can call her 'cherry blossom' you freak.'
The dentist caught the frown on Syaoran's face and gave him a smile back that seemed to say, 'And just what are you going to do about it wolf boy?'".
'Pound your face into the wall.' Syaoran thought.
Aric filled a small paper cup with a clear colored liquid and handed it to Sakura. "Listen carefully, Miss Kinomoto. When I give you the signal, take the cherry-flavored liquid, but DON'T swallow it." he explained, making the actions with his hands as he spoke, "Then hold it in your mouth until I say it's okay to spit it back in the cup. Understood?"
Sakura nodded confidently.
"Okay, ready and ......go."
Sakura took the funny tasting liquid in her mouth and sloshed it back and forth between her balloon-like cheeks, trying to ignore the tingling feeling it administered. She looked up and noticed that both Syaoran and Aric were watching her very closely, almost staring. 'Do I look that funny?' Sakura thought.
She started to feel uneasy from the attention and spit the liquid back into the cup.
"Wait, Kinomoto-san!" Aric exclaimed, "Time wasn't up yet!"
Sakura flushed in embarrassment. "I-I know, but you and Syaoran were looking at me, and....I don't know, I just couldn't hold it in any longer."
Aric sighed and offered her one of his charming smiles. "Want to give it another try?"
"Un. Gomen, I'll get it right this time." she assured.
"Alright.........................go!"
Sakura replaced the liquid inside her mouth and began swishing it back and forth the same as before.
One minute passed...then two...then three...
"Good job, Miss Kinomoto! You may remove the liquid now."
Sakura happily spit the cherry stuff out and made a face. "That tasted yucky! It didn't taste much like cherries to me."
"Well, that's it!" Aric announced, removing his glasses, "Thank you for being an excellent patient Miss Kinomoto. You're welcome to drop by anytime!"
Syaoran growled something under his breath, sounding suspiciously like, "Why would she want to see you again?"
"Arigato, Aric-san!"
"Oh, one more thing. Do you want a new toothbrush?" he asked.
Sakura smiled childishly. "Do you have a pink one?"
Aric began digging through his cupboards and pulled out bubble-gum pink toothbrush, still in a plastic case. "As a matter of fact, I do! And the last one too! Aren't you lucky?"
He handed it to her and she smiled sweetly, accepting the gift.
"Arigato, Aric-san! Ja ne!"
"Ja, Miss Kinomoto Sakura! Have a nice day!"
"You too!" Sakura replied, literally being PUSHED out of the room by a seriously annoyed Syaoran.
****************************************
"Syaoran, you and Aric-san didn't seem to get along too well."
*grunt*
"I think he was pretty nice, and very kind too."
*growl* *grumble*
"Mou, Syaoran, you can stop making those noises now."
*grunt*
"Well, arigato for coming with me. I do appreciate it, despite how rude you were to Aric-san."
"I don't like him." Syaoran stated.
Sakura sweat-dropped, deciding that it would be best to change the subject. "Anyways, what time is your luncheon, Syaoran?"
He took a glance at his watch. "In about half an hour."
"Ano, Syaoran?"
"Hai?"
"Do you think I would have time to switch these jeans for something nicer?"
"Depends how quickly you can change."
"I'll be fast, I promise!"
Syaoran sighed. "Alright, let's go." He pulled out the unmistakable form of the Dash Card. "This might help."
Calling forth his trusty Chinese sword, he released the power of the Dash Card, grabbed Sakura's hand, and sped full speed towards her house.
Syaoran came to a full halt on her walkway, Sakura swinging around behind him, unable to stop her momentum immediately.
He made a hand gesture toward the bright yellow house. "Here you go. Please hurry, I'll be waiting out here."
Sakura, needing no further persuasion, rushed into her house.
Syaoran was astonished when she reappeared but minutes later, wearing a stunning emerald-green dress that matched his shirt perfectly. "V-Very nice." he commented, feeling his face morph into a ripe tomato.
"Arigato." she blushed, "But we'd better go. You don't want to be late for your meeting."
"Right." he mumbled, regaining his composure.~
When 'Fing Yan's' was in sight, Sakura looked to Syaoran as a question formed on her lips. "Syaoran...it IS okay if I come with you to this, ne?"
'Damn!' Syaoran cursed mentally, 'I hadn't thought of that.'
"It should be." he replied simply, holding the door of the restaurant open for her.
Sakura halted, her green eyes meeting his chocolate-amber ones. "You mean you don't even know?!"
"I didn't have time to find out!" Syaoran affirmed, "If he makes a big deal out of it, we'll leave."
"If you say so." Sakura shrugged, finally going through the door he still had opened.
Coming to a large lobby-like room, they were met by a comely, well-dressed man holding a large black book.
"Do you have a reservation?" the dark-haired gentleman asked.
"Hai. Reservations for Li Syaoran."
The thick pages of the dark book flipped as the man searched for the name.
"Ah! Here you are sir!" he announced, "Demo...only a single reservation has been made. I'm afraid I can't let your beautiful lady friend enter. Gomen."
"Syaoran, you said-"
"Let her pass." Syaoran commanded, narrowing his eyes at the taller man, "It's taken care of."
"But sir-"
"I SAID it's taken care of."
The waiter cringed and managed a shaky smile. "O-Of course, sir. Right this way then."
The receptionist/waiter led the Cardcapting couple to a scarlet room streamed with gold imprints of Chinese dragons. Off in the corner was an aged man, well into his seventies, dressed in fine green robes embroidered in gold and silver, with fine gold lining. He was sitting at a small table, an empty chair waiting across from him.
Sakura leaned her head to Syaoran's and whispered into his ear. "Is that the elder?"
Syaoran didn't answer, but nodded. He then faced the receptionist, gesturing at another open table. "It seems we're missing a seat. Would you kindly move our group to this table for three?"
"May I ask why, sir?"
Syaoran smirked. "The old guy is with us."
The man in the dashing tuxedo nodded, going to fix up the table Syaoran had requested. In the mean time, the future head of the Li Clan approached the graying, but stern looking old Chinese man.
"Fuan-sama?"
At this, the elder's head shot up. "Ah, if it isn't Li Xiao Lang. Please take a seat."
Syaoran held his ground and motioned to the newly intended seating arrangement. "I've requested that we're to be seated here."
The elder gave him a funny look, but obliged, vacating his chair and relocating at the new table. Syaoran followed after him, taking a moment to urge forward his female companion. Sakura reluctantly walked a few paces behind him, still unnoticed by the royal-looking old man.
It wasn't until she seated herself beside Syaoran that the elder finally took notice of her. His eyes widened at the emerald-eyed stranger, then switched to give a piercing glare to the straight-faced Syaoran.
"Li Xiao Lang, WHAT is the meaning of this!?"
Sakura backed up in her chair and prepared to leave, but Syaoran swiftly grabbed hold of her fragile hand to keep her in place.
"Fuan-sama, I would like you to meet Kinomoto Sakura, Mistress of the Clow Cards."
The elder was in shock. "MISTRESS OF THE CLOW CARDS!?!?"
Sakura winced at the anger in his voice.
"Yes, MISTRESS of the Clow Cards." Syaoran confirmed, still showing no change in his expression.
"YOU were supposed to have retrieved the Clow Cards for the Clan, Xiao Lang! Did you forget that?!"
"No, I didn't forget." Syaoran answered calmly, "But she was chosen by the Guardian Beast of the Seal himself."
The blue-eyed elder blinked and turned his glare to the jittery Sakura. "Is this true?"
She swallowed and nodded. "Hai."
He switched his gaze back to Syaoran. "And WHY was the Li Clan not informed of this?" he demanded impatiently.
"We've been too busy collecting the Clow Cards." Syaoran stated.
The elder was astonished. "WE?! What do you mean 'we'?! You HELP her?!"
Syaoran gave a tender smile to Sakura, before turning back to the angered elder. "That's correct."
"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!" the gray-haired man exploded, throwing his robed arms into the air, "How could you disgrace your family, your whole CLAN like this, Xiao Lang!?"
Syaoran finally lost his patience. "Disgrace!? Just because I didn't collect the Clow Cards?! What was I supposed to do?!"
"Take them from her!!" the elder exclaimed.
"I DID try that." Syaoran fended, "But being the chosen one, she proved to be more worthy than I was. You can't cheat destiny."
"Destiny!? You're now proposing that DESTINY is at work here?!"
Syaoran shrugged. "I see no other explanation. She was chosen by Kerberus to be the rightful Cardcaptor. This must be how Clow Reed intended it."
The elder sighed, regaining his composure, and changed topics. "And what about you, Li Xiao Lang? When are you going to fulfill your destiny?"
"My destiny?"
"Leading the Clan." the elder stated, locking his cold eyes with Syaoran's.
Syaoran wished the topic hadn't come up, especially in front of Sakura, but it reared its ugly head anyway. That's what this meeting had originally been arranged for, to discuss the future of their Clan. 'But I don't want to leave Japan.' Syaoran thought, 'More importantly, I don't want to leave Sakura.'
Then again, who said 'leading the Clan' was destiny? It was just something the family had put him up for, not something he was called to.
Perhaps his true destiny was yet to be found.
"How is that destiny?" Syaoran queried, breaking from his thoughts.
The elder seemed flustered by the young warrior's question. "It's.....It's.....*cough* You don't question higher powers!"
"It's not my destiny."
"WHAT!? And just what makes you think-"
"Destiny is something you're called to, something you find for yourself." Syaoran stated defiantly, crossing his arms.
"Then what is your destiny, Li Xiao Lang?"
"That's for ME to determine, not the Clan."
"And who will lead the Clan? Are you denying your heritage?"
Syaoran maintained his stoic expression. "Who even said that I WANTED to lead the Clan?"
"But your family would be honored throughout the ages!"
"What good does that do?"
Seeing the elder shocked out of his years, Syaoran couldn't help as an amused smile worked its way across his face.
The elder was appalled. "Wipe that smile off your face, boy!! Li Clan men DON'T smile!! What have these years in Japan DONE to you, Xiao Lang!?!? You were such a tough, skilled warrior, the perfect leader for our Clan, and now you've...YOU'VE..."
"I've?"
"You've changed completely!!" He blinked suddenly as a thought hit him like a hammer. He aimed an accusing wrinkled finger at the startled young Card Mistress. "YOU did this to him, didn't you!? YOU convinced Xiao Lang to denounce the Clan!!!"
Sakura cowered under the splendidly-robed form's incriminating glare. "Gomen, sir, I-I-"
"Don't blame her!" Syaoran yelled, standing up to protect his partner, "This was MY choice!"
"You're denouncing your Clan, Xiao Lang? You're going to dishonor your ENTIRE family!?"
"There are still more Cards to capture! Maybe my destiny is HERE, in Japan!"
Sakura couldn't believe her ears. 'Syaoran is disobeying his family, his Clan, just to stay in Japan?'
"THAT'S INSUBOARDINATION!!!" the elder raged.
"The Clan has no right to make such decisions about my life!"
The old man calmed down and stood up, pushing his chair in. "The Clan will be informed of your decision, Li Xiao Lang."
He limped his old body toward the exit and turned around only once more to give a final glare to young Chinese warrior. "I hope you're proud of yourself, Xiao Lang." he spat, "Dishonoring and denouncing your Clan, just to remain here with this feeble little girl."
"Her name is SAKURA." Syaoran corrected.
The elder raised his thinning gray eyebrows. 'So it IS the young girl that's keeping him here." he realized, 'But by his OWN will, not hers.'
He turned back toward the door and headed out, shaking his head slightly. 'I thought you were a strong one, Xiao Lang, a true Li Clan man. But you've fallen victim to the biggest weakness of all...'~
*****************************************
"Sakura?"
She turned her green eyes to meet his dark amber ones. "Hai, Syaoran-kun?"
"I'm really sorry about all that...gomen nasai. I really didn't want to drag you into it."
"Don't be sorry, Syaoran. I'm the one who should be sorry." she corrected.
Syaoran's eyes broadened. "You? Doushite?"
She lowered her head in shame. "None of this would have happened if I had just given you the Clow Cards."
Syaoran lifted up her chin, giving her a soft smile. "Don't be sorry about it, Sakura. That's YOUR destiny, not mine."
The young Mistress's face crimsoned and Syaoran chuckled.
"Besides," he continued, "They had to find out SOME time. Those people are like Gestapos or something, it's impossible to hide anything from them, and they try to control and dictate your entire life for their ideals."
"But they're your family, Syaoran!" Sakura protested.
"I know that. I just don't want them using me like a puppet. I want space of my own, to be my own person."
"But why, Syaoran? Why did you turn down all that honor, respect, and power?"
Syaoran turned his head away rebuffly, a pale blush coloring his cheeks. "Power isn't everything, Sakura. And though I may have lost their respect, I still have my sense of honor."
"Syaoran, you may be free here, but-"
"We form a TEAM, Sakura." he interrupted, "Now to break THAT, would be truly dishonorable."
Sakura's face regained the red tints once again. "I just don't want to cause you trouble, Syaoran. I feel like this whole mess is my fault."
"It's never your fault, Sakura. Ever." he assured.
She smiled at his kind words.
"Now, do you still want to have lunch?" he questioned, "I wasn't sure if you liked Chinese food."
"I think it's worth a try." Sakura decided, picking up her menu, "What do you recommend?"
Syaoran stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I heard the Chow Mien here is pretty good."
Sakura smiled her gratitude. "I'll take your word for it." she agreed, closing her menu.
A waiter popped up a few moments later, but was glancing from place to place along the table, as if searching for something.
"Wasn't there an elderly man with you?" he asked.
"His dentures busted." Syaoran lied.
Sakura punched his shoulder. "Syaoran!"
"Anyway, what will you two have?" the waiter continued, ignoring the last comment.
"Two orders of Chow Mien please." Syaoran requested, "And two cups of tea, one herbal one...."
"Make that two herbal." Sakura broke in.
"Will that be all?"
"Hai." they replied in unison, both blushing at their timing.
******************************************
"This Chinese food is SUGOI Syaoran-kun!!" Sakura praised, taking in another mouthful of her Chow Mien.
He nodded, sipping from his tea. "I'm glad you like it."
She rested her elbows on the table, placing one slender hand against the side of her face, and the other busily twisting a stray strand of her honey-colored hair.
One of her kawaii habits that Syaoran loved.
She smiled up at him cutely. "Syaoran, you know what?"
"Nani?"
"I'm really glad you decided to stay here in Toemeda."
"And I won't be leaving." he assured.
'I WON'T be leaving.' he thought, as if the Clan could hear him.
******************************************
The elder with the chilling blue eyes looked back at the restaurant, gazing sadly through the glass at the Cardcapting duo as conversed and laughed.
"I never thought you, of all people, would have fallen in love, Li Xiao Lang" he spoke, barely above a whisper, "Meiling-san will not be pleased..."
*WHEW* I finally finished my first interlude! Yay! Gomen nasai Minna-san, I would have had it out sooner, but my sister and her husband came up to visit last week, AND I had exams the same week, so I didn't get to write AT ALL. Gomen again. I hope you enjoyed it though. I tried to make it pretty long to make up for the wait. Oh! And I officially quit that "most incitful review" thing. You ALL deserve the big thanks and Arigato's EQUALLY, not just a special choice one! Hope that's okay!! ^.^
So was this interlude okay? I try to make the story enjoyable, I really do! Sometimes it doesn't come out as good as I hoped though... Ah well! I should be back next week with another chapter (unless driver's ed gets in the way a lot). Arigato for reading the chapter, and PLEASE spare a review, it really doesn't take long! Arigato again, and may everyone have a delightful June day!!! ^^ ~Manda-chan