Disclaimer: "Cardcaptor Sakura" and all related characters belong to Clamp. I do not own the characters.
Author's Notes: Gomen nasai. I took a little longer than expected. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Syaoran lay down with his back facing his bed. His eyes strayed onto the plain white ceiling and for a while, he stared blankly at the whitewashed walls.
"It's none of your business. Go away."
Syaoran closed his eyes as he tried to brush the image away.
"Abunai!"
Syaoran jumped out of his bed and made a grab for his orb. He concentrated his mind and the black orb turn into his precious sword.
I got to stop thinking. He brandished his sword around, exacting force into his every move.
"I don't care if you like it or not, but you are seriously injured and you need to see a doctor. You can carry on with your protests as long as you like, but I'm going to carry you to a nearby clinic."
"Now, you better obey, or I…, or I will manhandle you."
"Ahhh!" His sword fell onto the marbled floor with a clank. "Why? Why can't I stop thinking about the incident? Why did I carry her in my arms? Even when Meiling gets injured, I only lend her my shoulders as support. Why?"
He fell back onto his bed. This is going to be a long night.
* * *
Sakura sat up as her eyes started to readjust to the dim light in her room. Hmmm, what time is it? Her eyes drifted to her alarm clock and she realised that it was six in the morning.
Sakura grabbed her clutches and struggled into her washroom. Oto-san has a real packed schedule for today. I better make his lunch.
After a swift wash-up, Sakura struggled out of her room to the kitchen. "I think I will make…" when the sound of an alarm clock started ringing.
Oto-san stepped out of his room and entered the small kitchen.
"Ohayo, Oto-san."
"Ohayo, Sakura-chan. Why are you up so early? You are injured. You should be in bed. Let me do the cooking."
"Iie. Oto-san should go and change. I will be ready in a short while. Besides," she pointed towards the small whiteboard at the corner of the kitchen, "It's my turn to do the cooking."
"Sakura-chan…"
"Oto-san, it's ok. You are going to have a long day for today. You should reserve some strength for later."
"Arigato, Sakura-chan. I'm proud to have you as my daughter."
Sakura just smiled.
* * *
Meiling was worried. Ever since he came back home last night, he seems to be lost in his own thoughts. What could have happened?
"Syaoran?"
"Huh?" Syaoran looked at her, the dazed expression flying away from his face.
"Is there something bothering you?"
"No. Nothing at all." He answered as he moved into the tutorial room and settled into his seat.
Meiling frowned. "Don't lie to me, Syaoran. Tell me."
Syaoran looked at her, "I…"
"The tutor is coming." Weijie shouted as he stomped back to his seat.
"I will talk to you later." Meiling whispered into his ear. "You are not going to run away from this."
Syaoran sighed.
* * *
"I got two announcements to make. Firstly, Ms. Kinomoto is not going to be here for 2 weeks. She has injured herself and has applied for a medical leave."
Syaoran looked over to her seat and sighed.
"What does she think she is? Taking two weeks' leave after the first day of school!" Tianxin whispered to Meiling.
Syaoran turned to face her and glared into her eyes. Watch what you are saying.
"Syaoran?" Meiling looked at him quizzically.
He turned away from them.
* * *
"I'm so excited. The International Understanding Night! The night where all students get to dress in any particular country's outfit. And it is a month from now. I'm so excited! Syaoran, which country's outfit shall we wear? The Spanish?" Meiling's vibrant voice shook.
"Meiling, I'm sorry. I got something now. Talk to you later."
"Syaoran, but you don't have…" But Syaoran had dashed away and far from sight. "… any lessons after this. Well," Meiling turned to Tianxin, "that leaves only you and me. What shall we do?"
"Let's go to the café."
"Café? For what?"
"I want… to pass this to Mr. Kinomoto." Tianxin blushed as she tightened her grip on the box in her hands.
"Oh, I see. Then the more I should not disturb you. Bye."
"Meiling!"
* * *
Fujitaka sat alone, eating the lunch prepared by his daughter. Each bite was full of happiness for his daughter.
I hope she will also find her own happiness. He smiled as he placed an egg roll into his mouth. That young gentleman seems nice to offer to carry her up the steps. I must be lucky to come home just a little while after them, to witness this. Sakura-chan is finally opening up.
"Excuse me, Mr. Kinomoto." A young girl spoke from behind. He turned around to see a familiar looking Chinese girl.
"Mr. Kinomoto, I'm Tianxin, studying History. I… think Mr. Kinomoto is a nice lecturer, so I…" She pushed the box in front.
"You want to give me that?"
"Tianxin nodded.
Fujitaka hesitated for a while, "What is it?"
"My own-made lunch."
Fujitaka hesitated again. "I think I can't accept it."
"Huh? Why?" Tianxin retorted.
"I just had lunch and it's made by someone that cared for me and whom I cared for as well. Now, I'm so full, I can't eat another morsel."
"Just a small bite." Tianxin pleaded.
"I'm sorry. I can't accept you gift. But I appreciate it."
"Never mind." Tianxin turned and ran away. He rejects my gift because of her gift. I hate her!
Fujitaka stared at the diminishing figure. Foolish child, you are looking at the wrong person to place your affections.
Author's Notes (yet again): I know Tianxin isn't the main character here but she has an important role in this fanfic. Don't be disappointed at the small amount of S+S interaction in this chapter because in the next chapter, there will be a significant number of it. Also, thank you for the reviews.