Chapter 13! I just realized that my formatting wasn't working in previous
chapters. For example, when I tried to type . . . it was showing up as
only one dot, so I apologize! I've tried to fix the problem, so hopefully
it worked! Thank you so much for all the reviews! I can't thank you all
enough! Hope ya enjoy, and I'll try to get the next chapter out in 2 - 3
days!
" " Talking ' ' Thoughts *~*New scene
On with the story. . .
Syaoran smirked as he watched tiny droplets off blood drip off his gloves. "That shall give them something to think about," he mumbled. Standing up, he gave Eriol the thumbs up, before heading over to his motorcycle. Another day's work was finally complete.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Give me a second!" Sakura cried as she piled more books into her locker. Mei Lin stood by, tapping her foot and yelling impatiently. Their were only two days left until the break and to Mei Lin this meant the faster they got out of the building each day, the faster the end would come. "Make yourself useful then!" Sakura laughed, "Here! Throw this out!" Mei Lin reached up and caught the bag Sakura had thrown to her, "er. . . what is it?" "An old science project," Sakura said with a shrug.
Once Mei Lin had tottered off down the hall a little ways, Sakura turned her attention to the reason she was stalling. A small note had been tucked into her locker. Glancing around to make sure Mei Lin wasn't watching, she quickly grabbed it, and flipped it open. 'Tomorrow. Same place, same time.' Sakura let a small smile grace her lips, and felt immediate relief. She still had questions to ask him, and she had been afraid she wouldn't be able to see Chad before the break.
"Are you done yet?" Mei Lin cried as she walked back up. Sakura quickly crumpled the note, and stuffed it in her bag, "Almost!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran smiled to himself hearing Sakura and Mei Lin burst through the front door. Their laughter was carried throughout the hallway as they made their way into the house. Pushing himself off the couch, Syaoran made his way over to them. "Hey," he said gently, staring straight into Sakura's eyes. Sakura smiled, returning his gaze, ". . . hey." Mei Lin stared back and forth between the two impatiently, finally sighing and leaving them in their own world. "How was school?" Syaoran asked, taking Sakura's bag and walking over to the couch. Sakura immediately felt a pang of guilt. She eyed the bag, praying to God he wouldn't open it and discover Chad's note. "Fine," She said with a shrug, still looking at her bag. Chad's words echoed in her head, ' Does he know you're meeting me?' Syaoran gave her a weird look but Sakura flashed him a bright smile and sunk down on the couch. "How was yours?" she asked, twisting a strand of hair. "Lonely," Syaoran said sitting down beside her. "Oh I bet," Sakura said, moving a little closer.
Syaoran grinned at her, and Sakura couldn't help but feel a swirl of emotions rush through her. "I missed you," Syaoran went on. "Hmmm, is that so?" Sakura mumbled. Her gaze was attentively fixed on her slim finger, which was tracing small circles over his broad chest. "I missed your cheeks," Syaoran soothed, running a finger up the side of her face. Sakura shivered moving a little closer. "I missed your hair," he continued brushing a strand out of her face. Sakura's eyes met his, "but most of all. . . I missed your lips," Syaoran finished, swooping down to capture her lips. Sakura once again felt the rush of unstoppable emotions.
Her lips responded automatically, blending into his as he slid her slowly down onto her back. Sakura obliged with a small moan as Syaoran softly sucked on her bottom lip before plunging his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues wrestled in an endless battle as Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his body closer to her own. Smiling, she broke the kiss and took in a much-needed breath of air. "And how did you survive with out me?" she mused, panting underneath him. Syaoran shrugged, "I got a hooker."
Sakura's mouth widened in shock, and she shoved him off her as she noticed his playful grin. "Way to ruin the moment!" She said, sitting back up and fixing him with a glare. Syaoran shrugged and flashed her another grin, which in turn made her smile and shake her head. Syaoran pulled her back to him and Sakura snuggled into him, burying her head in the crook of his neck. She felt complete and utter happiness, but it slowly began to fade as nagging thoughts began to arise in her head. She wasn't being honest with him. She was associating with his enemy behind his back.
"Sakura what's wrong?" "Huh?" Sakura said sitting up. Syaoran was looking down as her with worried eyes, "Are you ok? Did something happen?" Sakura gave him a puzzled look, "No . . . what are you talking about?" She said slowly. Syaoran shook his head, "You all of a sudden just tensed." Sakura's mind was racing. She should tell him. He's giving her the perfect opportunity, "Syaoran I. . ." she began, looking down and biting her lip. Fear loomed over Sakura. He would hate her. He would go back to being cold towards her.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. She wasn't ready to give him up. Opening her eyes, she looked up at Syaoran and smiled, "It's nothing!" she said, and leaned in for another kiss.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tomoyo smiled watching the happy couple and bounced off to find Mei Lin. She walked past Rita and Todd's room, doubling back as she heard Eriol's voice. "They haven't found the bodies yet," Kado was saying, and Tomoyo rested her head near the crack in the door. "No," Eriol said, "But it won't be long. The bodies will surface in no time." She heard Todd sigh, "You know they're gonna want revenge for this right?" "Yea bu . . ." Tomoyo stepped back from the door having no interest in the conversation. Shuddering at the thought of the bodies she continued her task down the hallway.
Rounding a corner, she immediately heard shouting, and rushed up to find Chiharu, Rita and Naoko, hovering around Mei Lin's bedroom door, trying to conceal their laughter. "They're. . . They're at it. . . again!" Naoko half whispered, half giggled, and Tomoyo's eyes lit up in delight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"YOU WENT WITH OUT ME?!?!" Mei Lin shrieked. Jess cowered back from her a bit, and nodded his head meekly, "Come on Mei! You knew what kind of work we were doing?" "I said I could handle it!" Mei Lin spat. Jess just crossed his arms and shook his head, "You shouldn't HAVE to handle that crap!" "Don't tell me what I can and can't handle!" Mei Lin stated in a deadly voice. "I didn't say. . . oh what the hell!" Jess yelled, throwing his hands up, "I just didn't want you to get hurt alright?"
"GET HURT MY ASS!" she screamed, "YOU FLAT OUT LIED TO ME!" "Did not!" Jess yelled back.
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"DID TOO!"
"DID NOT!"
"Jess. . . "Mei Lin started, in a now calm voice, "you didn't tell me you were going out to do this." "I said I was going out!" Jess yelled back. Mei Lin forced her mouth into a tight smile. She spoke in a calm voice, although it was evident she was struggling to keep it that way, "Hunny. . . you told me you were GOING OUT FOR A FRICKEN PIZZA!" Mei Lin ended screaming, throwing her hands up in the air.
Jess laughed nervously, and backed up a bit, "Yea. . . you see. . . when I said that. . . I really meant. . . " The rest of his sentence was blocked out by a high pitched scream erupting from Mei Lin's lips.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The girls doubled up in laughter and pulled back from the door. "Poor Jess!" Rita laughed, holding her aching sides. "He never does win does he?" Chiharu added with a grin. The girls erupted into another round of laughter as more high pitch screams could be heard from Mei Lin's room. "Ahhh. . . the beauty of true love!" Tomoyo laughed with a wink.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
(Later that evening)
Sakura laughed and snuggled deeper into Syaoran's arms. "Go get some popcorn!" "Get it yourself," he instantly replied. Sakura sat up and looked him determinedly in the eyes. "Go get some popcorn," she said again. Syaoran stared back at her unblinkingly, "Get-it-yourself." Sakura narrowed her eyes, but soon blinked and sighed in defeat. "Syoa-ran!" she wined, "I got it last time!"
Syaoran sighed, and stood up, "Fine. But it better be worth my while!" Sakura smiled triumphantly, "I'll make sure of that!" she said with a wink. Syaoran shook his head and headed to the kitchen. Sakura sank down into the couch and began flipping through the channels. It was a commercial, and she wasn't really following the movie anyways. How could she when Syaoran was right beside her? She kept finding her mind slipping out of focus as she listened to the gentle beat of his heart against his chest.
Sakura blushed, and shook her thoughts from her head. Turning her attention back to the TV, something immediately caught her eye. Switching back to the channel Sakura's eye's widened.
'. . . In later news, 3 male bodies were found today in the Tokyo Bay. The bodies suffered numerous slashes and deep wounds to the flesh, leaving them with no identification so far. Two of the bodies were decapitated and the missing heads have yet to be found. There have been reports that strange markings were carved into the victim's chests, and police are saying it may be gang related. Autopsies will be preformed later this week. Now reporting from the site. . .'
Syaoran walked into the room and stopped dead. Dashing across the threshold, he dove over the couch, sending popcorn flying everywhere, as he reached the TV, and quickly hit the off button. Turning around her stared at the horror stricken Sakura.
Sakura stared back at him. Her mind was blank. Closing her eyes, she bit down hard on her bottom lip until a trickle of blood ran into her mouth. Her whole body was quivering as she stood in front of him, not quite knowing what to do. "Sakura. . ." Syaoran started as her approached her, but she quickly took a step back and fell down on to the couch. Gripping the cushions for support, Sakura steadied herself and stood back up.
Without glancing at Syaoran she slowly walked across the room and started up the stairs. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She didn't know what to feel. She didn't know what to think. He had warned her. He told her this was coming. They were getting justice weren't they? Sakura stifled a cry and stopped in the middle of the stairs. Turning around slowly, she looked Syaoran right in the eyes, "You have no right to play God." She said through clenched teeth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran stared back at her wide-eyed. He didn't know what to do. His feet were glued to the floor as he helplessly watched Sakura walk away from him. He felt his heart shattered as she turned around and looked him frostily in the eyes. "You have no right to play God!" No sooner had the words escaped her lips then Sakura collapsed, crying on the staircase. Syaoran rushed to her immediately, bounding up the stairs, and sitting down beside her.
"Sakura." He said gently, wrapping his arms around her. "No. . . Let me go," Sakura sobbed as she quivered in his arms, though made no move to pull back. "You know I can't do that," Syaoran said, pulling her closer to him. "Why. . . not?" Sakura sniffled as she buried her head in his shirt. "Because I. . ." Syaoran froze, "I mean I. . ." his heart was racing but no words seemed to form at his lips. "I just can't," he finally said with a sigh.
Sakura just clung to him tighter, crying her eyes out. How many times had she cried in front of Li Syaoran? How many times had she exposed how weak she was to him? Sakura squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She had to be stronger. It was her own fault she had gotten involved in all of this. "I. . .didn't even know them. . ." Sakura whispered into Syaoran's shirt before drifting off to sleep.
Syaoran heaved a sigh and gently picked Sakura up. She had been through a lot in the past couple of days. He wasn't sure if her delicate body could take anymore. Making his way down the hall, he opened her door, and carefully placed Sakura in bed. With one last glance at her sleeping figure, Syaoran shut the door and made his way to his own room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she stumbled towards the bathroom. After letting the warm luscious water soak her body, she immerged and headed to her closet to grab her uniform. Sitting on her bed, to pull on her socks, Sakura glanced over at her clock, then back to her feet. Suddenly she froze. Slowly turning her head back to face her clock, Sakura opened her eyes wide in shock. She blinked and looked again just to make sure.
Within an instant, she was up and bounding down the main stairway. Without even stopping to pick up her shoes, Sakura dashed to the front door, flinging it open, and almost running over a startled Jess. "Whoa! Slow down there!" he said, stumbling backwards, but keeping his balance. "Sorry. . . LATE!" was all Sakura managed before sprinting past him and across the driveway.
It wasn't until she reached the cars, that Sakura stopped, turned around and scurried back to the house, realizing she had forgotten keys. When she reached the front door, Syaoran was standing there with an amused look on his face. "And where are you going?" "School!" Sakura shouted, pushing her way past him, and grabbing a set of keys. Turning around, she came to a dead halt, as Syaoran blocked the doorway.
"First of all, you don't have any shoes on," Syaoran began, and Sakura flushed as she looked down at her sock-clothed feet. "Second, you're not supposed to leave the house without an escort." Sakura was about to argue this, when she quickly decided she had no time. She had to get to school and fast! "Oh come one!" Sakura yelled, trying to push him out of the way, "It's 10:30! School started over 2 hours ago!" "Exactly," Syaoran said, "placing his hands on Sakura's shoulders. There's only half an hour left in class."
"Well, why didn't you wake me up?" Sakura said frantically. "Because you're too tired. You need to take a day off and rest." Syaoran said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Sakura's mind raced. She needed to go to school. She should be meeting Chad right now. 'Come on, come on. . . I need an excuse!' "Iwantogo!" Sakura quickly mumbled out, and once again tried to push her way past him. Syaoran gripped her shoulders tighter and gave her a confused look.
"Fine," he finally said, and let go of her. "Put on some shoes, and get something to eat. I'll get the car." Sakura sighed in relief and dashed to the kitchen. Maybe she wouldn't miss Chad after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran watched Sakura rush up to the building and his eyes narrowed suspiciously. She had acted like nothing had happened last night, and he was sure she didn't actually want to go to school this badly. Something must be happening. There was something Sakura was keeping from him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sakura rushed through the hallways, running as fast as she could. She didn't want to miss him. She had so many questions she wanted answers to. She sighed in relief as she approached the lockers and saw him patiently waiting. "Chad! I'm so sorry! I slept in late!" She called as she rushed towards him. Chad flashed her a smile and nodded. "We don't have much time." He said, glancing over his shoulder. "I'm sure they're getting pretty suspicious by now." Sakura gave him a puzzled look, but shook off what he just said.
"I have some questions," she started trying to catch her breath, but Chad quickly shook his head. "Now's not the time. Here," he thrust a piece of paper into her hands and smiled at her confused look. "It's an address, date and time. If you trust me, you will meet me here." Sakura looked at him in shock, "What? No way! I'm risking a lot talking to you here, I can't just. . ." But Chad put a finger to her lips to silence her. "Do what you know is right. . .Now that I finally found you, I can't afford to loose you."
Sakura furrowed her brow. Not this stupid drivel again. Chad gave her once last smile before turning to leave, but Sakura quickly grabbed his arm. "Wait! The men. . ." Anger instantly flashed through Chad's eyes at the mention of his deceased men, but Sakura pressed onward, "Please. I'm begging you! No more revenge!" Chad looked at her intently for a moment before sighing and nodding his head. "Fine. If this is the way to gain your trust, then I promise you no more deaths will come from this."
Sakura gave him a smile of appreciation and watched as he left her standing there. "Right." She muttered to herself, gripping the paper tightly and turning to make her way to the office.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Hey!" Sakura chirped cheerfully as she climbed into the car beside Syaoran. He nodded, but didn't look at her. Sakura instantly felt fear flood over her. Something was wrong. Did he know about Chad? Smiling nervously, she strapped on her seatbelt, and turned around to talk to Mei Lin.
The car ride home was extremely quiet. Sakura and Mei Lin's conversation died out rather quickly, and they sunk into an uneasy silence. Syaoran starred straight ahead at the road, not bothering to say a word to either of them. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, turning his knuckles white form the pressure, but seemed to dive on unheedingly.
Sakura was almost relieved when he finally pulled into the driveway, but not quite. She could still sense the tension coming from him, and cautiously kept her distance. Syaoran walked into the house, without so much as glancing at either of the girls, but stopped with his back to them once they were inside. "Mei Lin. Go to my office now. Sakura. Wait in my room." Sakura gulped and sent an uneasy glance at Mei Lin who shrugged and silently followed Syaoran.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran sat down at his desk and starred lifelessly at the table. Mei Lin sat down across from him a little uneasily, and stared at him intently. She had never seen him this upset about something. 'Something must really be eating him.' After minutes of silence she took to closely examining her nails while Syaoran continued to stare into space. "Has she been doing anything suspicious lately?"
Mei Lin jumped as Syaoran's voice echoed through out the room. "Who?" she asked, looking up to meet his trouble filled eyes. Syaoran sighed, "Sakura." At once Mei Lin seemed to understand. Biting her lip, she looked down at the floor debating whether or not to voice her concerns. "Well. . ." she paused, unsure of what to say. She could sense Syaoran was angry, but at the same time she felt she was betraying Sakura.
Sensing his impatience, Mei Lin sighed, and closed her eyes. "She left class twice, at the exact same time. It's nothing big, but she would be gone for ten to twenty minutes, and when she came back, just smile and pretend nothing happened." Opening her eyes, Mei Lin starred him straight in the eyes, "I went after her the second time, and I found her standing in the middle of the hall, and starring down it. When I approached her, she seemed to snap awake and said she must have just fazed out."
Syaoran stared at Mei Lin intently, but didn't say a word. "She's been through a lot lately Syaoran! She may just be overwhelmed. I think maybe she just wanted time to herself." Syaoran nodded, but his face remained emotionless. A sudden thought seemed to occur to him, and he quickly glanced at Mei Lin, "What time did she leave?" Mei Lin shrugged her shoulders, trying to figure out why it mattered, "Around 10:30 both times."
Syaoran felt dread flow through him. That morning she had been so anxious to get to school when she realized she was late. So anxious infact, she had ran to the building without so much as a glance back at him. He felt shaky on the inside, but kept a calm and in control exterior. Had Sakura been meeting someone? Why was she in such a rush to get there? Turning his attention back to Mei Lin, he asked his final question, "What time did she arrive to class today?"
Mei Lin frowned in thought, "I dunno, like eleven?" Syaoran felt dismay shoot through him. He had dropped her off no later than ten forty. "Alright. You can go." Syaoran said, standing up and heading to the door. Now he had to do what he was dreading the most. Confront Sakura.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura flipped slowly through a magazine as she sat on Syaoran's bed, but her thoughts were elsewhere. 'He knows. He knows. He knows.' The same thought continued to filter through her head, as Sakura slowly slipped into more and more of a nervous wreck. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what she could do. Syaoran was going to hate her.
Her head shot up as he entered the room. Looking at her with an emotionless face, he slowly made his way over to her, and sat down next to her. Sakura tensed, and couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes. Syaoran sighed turned to look away from her, "Why have you been leaving class?" Sakura froze. Did he really know? Was he just pretending he didn't to trick her? Sakura struggled with her mind. She was afraid to tell him the truth. What if he hated her? No. She couldn't deal with that! Sakura tried to stall for time, "What do you mean?"
Syaoran was silent for a few minutes, seemingly trying to plan out his next words. "You've been leaving you're 3rd period class for 10 minutes at a time. I would like to know why." Sakura caught her breath. She had to tell him the truth. She couldn't go on lying to him. "Syaoran I. . .I just needed time to myself!" Sakura was more surprised than Syaoran at her words. She had meant to tell him the truth. Syaoran still did not face her, but lapsed into silence once again. Finally he spoke, shattering her thoughts. "Then why were you in such a hurry to get to school today?"
Sakura flinched. "I wanted to go to school. I can't stand being in this house! It has. . . too many bad memories." Sakura felt as though she was going to burst out screaming. Why did she keep lying to him? Why couldn't she just face the truth? Squeezing her hands into fists, Sakura glanced at Syaoran and made a promise to herself. She would go and see Chad this one last time and that would be it. She would never meet him again, and Syaoran would never have to know.
Syaoran sighed, and finally turned to face her. He searched Sakura's eyes but couldn't seem to find what he was looking for. "Sakura. . . don't lie to me," he said barley above a whisper. Sakura furrowed her brow, "What?" "I said don't lie to me!" Syaoran yelled, shocking Sakura and causing anger to rise up in her. "I'm not!" she yelled back, her eyes burning, "Stop accusing me of always lying to you!" Sakura seethed and dropped her gaze to the bed. She wasn't angry with him. She was angry with herself. She just couldn't tell him the truth, and it pained her to lie to her. 'God Sakura just tell him!' but no matter who hard she fought against her mind, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't risk losing him.
Syaoran turned his back on her and clenched his jaw. Maybe he was over reacting. She had been through a lot. This was just her way of dealing with it. She needed time alone, away from this life style. Syaoran sighed and clenched his hand into a fist. He was paranoid. She wasn't lying to him. She wouldn't betray him. He had to stop accusing her of everything. Turning to face, her, Syaoran stretched out a hand and gingerly placed his fingers under her chin. Lifting her eyes to his, Syaoran stared deeply into them. He searched her eyes, seeing a mixture of fear and confusion, but it didn't seem she was trying to hide something.
"I'm sorry," he said softy, "I know you've been through a lot." Sakura looked back at him but didn't speak. She couldn't. It was hurting her so much to know she wasn't being honest with him. Cursing herself in her head, Sakura blinked away her tears and leaned forward, resting her head on his chest. She had to set everything right. She would tell Chad she couldn't meet him anymore. She had to stop hurting him.
Syaoran wrapped his arms around Sakura and held her protectively. He felt so relieved to know she was being honest with him. He sat there holding her in his arms for God knows how long, just listening to her soft breathing. He couldn't deny it anymore. He knew it was true, and without her his world would fall apart.
Pulling her back gently, Syaoran cradled her cheek in his hand and Sakura snuggled into it smiling up at him. "Sakura. . ." Syaoran started but then paused. He turned his head slightly to the side, closing his eyes in concentration. After a moment, he looked back up at her and spoke, "Sakura. . . I love you."
Author's note: Ok, I know I said I would make this longer, and I did. . . but it's only like 2 pages longer so I apologize! I'm sorry but it's so hard to make it longer! I get major writers block and freeze, because I know where each of my chapters end, and I have to try and find stuff to fill the time in-between. I'm going to continue writing my normal length, and that way I will be able to update a lot faster as well. However, if I can, I'll try to make them longer! Anyways, I hope ya enjoyed! Please review!
Ja ne ~Fallen Angel
" " Talking ' ' Thoughts *~*New scene
On with the story. . .
Syaoran smirked as he watched tiny droplets off blood drip off his gloves. "That shall give them something to think about," he mumbled. Standing up, he gave Eriol the thumbs up, before heading over to his motorcycle. Another day's work was finally complete.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Give me a second!" Sakura cried as she piled more books into her locker. Mei Lin stood by, tapping her foot and yelling impatiently. Their were only two days left until the break and to Mei Lin this meant the faster they got out of the building each day, the faster the end would come. "Make yourself useful then!" Sakura laughed, "Here! Throw this out!" Mei Lin reached up and caught the bag Sakura had thrown to her, "er. . . what is it?" "An old science project," Sakura said with a shrug.
Once Mei Lin had tottered off down the hall a little ways, Sakura turned her attention to the reason she was stalling. A small note had been tucked into her locker. Glancing around to make sure Mei Lin wasn't watching, she quickly grabbed it, and flipped it open. 'Tomorrow. Same place, same time.' Sakura let a small smile grace her lips, and felt immediate relief. She still had questions to ask him, and she had been afraid she wouldn't be able to see Chad before the break.
"Are you done yet?" Mei Lin cried as she walked back up. Sakura quickly crumpled the note, and stuffed it in her bag, "Almost!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran smiled to himself hearing Sakura and Mei Lin burst through the front door. Their laughter was carried throughout the hallway as they made their way into the house. Pushing himself off the couch, Syaoran made his way over to them. "Hey," he said gently, staring straight into Sakura's eyes. Sakura smiled, returning his gaze, ". . . hey." Mei Lin stared back and forth between the two impatiently, finally sighing and leaving them in their own world. "How was school?" Syaoran asked, taking Sakura's bag and walking over to the couch. Sakura immediately felt a pang of guilt. She eyed the bag, praying to God he wouldn't open it and discover Chad's note. "Fine," She said with a shrug, still looking at her bag. Chad's words echoed in her head, ' Does he know you're meeting me?' Syaoran gave her a weird look but Sakura flashed him a bright smile and sunk down on the couch. "How was yours?" she asked, twisting a strand of hair. "Lonely," Syaoran said sitting down beside her. "Oh I bet," Sakura said, moving a little closer.
Syaoran grinned at her, and Sakura couldn't help but feel a swirl of emotions rush through her. "I missed you," Syaoran went on. "Hmmm, is that so?" Sakura mumbled. Her gaze was attentively fixed on her slim finger, which was tracing small circles over his broad chest. "I missed your cheeks," Syaoran soothed, running a finger up the side of her face. Sakura shivered moving a little closer. "I missed your hair," he continued brushing a strand out of her face. Sakura's eyes met his, "but most of all. . . I missed your lips," Syaoran finished, swooping down to capture her lips. Sakura once again felt the rush of unstoppable emotions.
Her lips responded automatically, blending into his as he slid her slowly down onto her back. Sakura obliged with a small moan as Syaoran softly sucked on her bottom lip before plunging his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues wrestled in an endless battle as Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his body closer to her own. Smiling, she broke the kiss and took in a much-needed breath of air. "And how did you survive with out me?" she mused, panting underneath him. Syaoran shrugged, "I got a hooker."
Sakura's mouth widened in shock, and she shoved him off her as she noticed his playful grin. "Way to ruin the moment!" She said, sitting back up and fixing him with a glare. Syaoran shrugged and flashed her another grin, which in turn made her smile and shake her head. Syaoran pulled her back to him and Sakura snuggled into him, burying her head in the crook of his neck. She felt complete and utter happiness, but it slowly began to fade as nagging thoughts began to arise in her head. She wasn't being honest with him. She was associating with his enemy behind his back.
"Sakura what's wrong?" "Huh?" Sakura said sitting up. Syaoran was looking down as her with worried eyes, "Are you ok? Did something happen?" Sakura gave him a puzzled look, "No . . . what are you talking about?" She said slowly. Syaoran shook his head, "You all of a sudden just tensed." Sakura's mind was racing. She should tell him. He's giving her the perfect opportunity, "Syaoran I. . ." she began, looking down and biting her lip. Fear loomed over Sakura. He would hate her. He would go back to being cold towards her.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. She wasn't ready to give him up. Opening her eyes, she looked up at Syaoran and smiled, "It's nothing!" she said, and leaned in for another kiss.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tomoyo smiled watching the happy couple and bounced off to find Mei Lin. She walked past Rita and Todd's room, doubling back as she heard Eriol's voice. "They haven't found the bodies yet," Kado was saying, and Tomoyo rested her head near the crack in the door. "No," Eriol said, "But it won't be long. The bodies will surface in no time." She heard Todd sigh, "You know they're gonna want revenge for this right?" "Yea bu . . ." Tomoyo stepped back from the door having no interest in the conversation. Shuddering at the thought of the bodies she continued her task down the hallway.
Rounding a corner, she immediately heard shouting, and rushed up to find Chiharu, Rita and Naoko, hovering around Mei Lin's bedroom door, trying to conceal their laughter. "They're. . . They're at it. . . again!" Naoko half whispered, half giggled, and Tomoyo's eyes lit up in delight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"YOU WENT WITH OUT ME?!?!" Mei Lin shrieked. Jess cowered back from her a bit, and nodded his head meekly, "Come on Mei! You knew what kind of work we were doing?" "I said I could handle it!" Mei Lin spat. Jess just crossed his arms and shook his head, "You shouldn't HAVE to handle that crap!" "Don't tell me what I can and can't handle!" Mei Lin stated in a deadly voice. "I didn't say. . . oh what the hell!" Jess yelled, throwing his hands up, "I just didn't want you to get hurt alright?"
"GET HURT MY ASS!" she screamed, "YOU FLAT OUT LIED TO ME!" "Did not!" Jess yelled back.
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"DID TOO!"
"DID NOT!"
"Jess. . . "Mei Lin started, in a now calm voice, "you didn't tell me you were going out to do this." "I said I was going out!" Jess yelled back. Mei Lin forced her mouth into a tight smile. She spoke in a calm voice, although it was evident she was struggling to keep it that way, "Hunny. . . you told me you were GOING OUT FOR A FRICKEN PIZZA!" Mei Lin ended screaming, throwing her hands up in the air.
Jess laughed nervously, and backed up a bit, "Yea. . . you see. . . when I said that. . . I really meant. . . " The rest of his sentence was blocked out by a high pitched scream erupting from Mei Lin's lips.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The girls doubled up in laughter and pulled back from the door. "Poor Jess!" Rita laughed, holding her aching sides. "He never does win does he?" Chiharu added with a grin. The girls erupted into another round of laughter as more high pitch screams could be heard from Mei Lin's room. "Ahhh. . . the beauty of true love!" Tomoyo laughed with a wink.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
(Later that evening)
Sakura laughed and snuggled deeper into Syaoran's arms. "Go get some popcorn!" "Get it yourself," he instantly replied. Sakura sat up and looked him determinedly in the eyes. "Go get some popcorn," she said again. Syaoran stared back at her unblinkingly, "Get-it-yourself." Sakura narrowed her eyes, but soon blinked and sighed in defeat. "Syoa-ran!" she wined, "I got it last time!"
Syaoran sighed, and stood up, "Fine. But it better be worth my while!" Sakura smiled triumphantly, "I'll make sure of that!" she said with a wink. Syaoran shook his head and headed to the kitchen. Sakura sank down into the couch and began flipping through the channels. It was a commercial, and she wasn't really following the movie anyways. How could she when Syaoran was right beside her? She kept finding her mind slipping out of focus as she listened to the gentle beat of his heart against his chest.
Sakura blushed, and shook her thoughts from her head. Turning her attention back to the TV, something immediately caught her eye. Switching back to the channel Sakura's eye's widened.
'. . . In later news, 3 male bodies were found today in the Tokyo Bay. The bodies suffered numerous slashes and deep wounds to the flesh, leaving them with no identification so far. Two of the bodies were decapitated and the missing heads have yet to be found. There have been reports that strange markings were carved into the victim's chests, and police are saying it may be gang related. Autopsies will be preformed later this week. Now reporting from the site. . .'
Syaoran walked into the room and stopped dead. Dashing across the threshold, he dove over the couch, sending popcorn flying everywhere, as he reached the TV, and quickly hit the off button. Turning around her stared at the horror stricken Sakura.
Sakura stared back at him. Her mind was blank. Closing her eyes, she bit down hard on her bottom lip until a trickle of blood ran into her mouth. Her whole body was quivering as she stood in front of him, not quite knowing what to do. "Sakura. . ." Syaoran started as her approached her, but she quickly took a step back and fell down on to the couch. Gripping the cushions for support, Sakura steadied herself and stood back up.
Without glancing at Syaoran she slowly walked across the room and started up the stairs. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She didn't know what to feel. She didn't know what to think. He had warned her. He told her this was coming. They were getting justice weren't they? Sakura stifled a cry and stopped in the middle of the stairs. Turning around slowly, she looked Syaoran right in the eyes, "You have no right to play God." She said through clenched teeth.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran stared back at her wide-eyed. He didn't know what to do. His feet were glued to the floor as he helplessly watched Sakura walk away from him. He felt his heart shattered as she turned around and looked him frostily in the eyes. "You have no right to play God!" No sooner had the words escaped her lips then Sakura collapsed, crying on the staircase. Syaoran rushed to her immediately, bounding up the stairs, and sitting down beside her.
"Sakura." He said gently, wrapping his arms around her. "No. . . Let me go," Sakura sobbed as she quivered in his arms, though made no move to pull back. "You know I can't do that," Syaoran said, pulling her closer to him. "Why. . . not?" Sakura sniffled as she buried her head in his shirt. "Because I. . ." Syaoran froze, "I mean I. . ." his heart was racing but no words seemed to form at his lips. "I just can't," he finally said with a sigh.
Sakura just clung to him tighter, crying her eyes out. How many times had she cried in front of Li Syaoran? How many times had she exposed how weak she was to him? Sakura squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She had to be stronger. It was her own fault she had gotten involved in all of this. "I. . .didn't even know them. . ." Sakura whispered into Syaoran's shirt before drifting off to sleep.
Syaoran heaved a sigh and gently picked Sakura up. She had been through a lot in the past couple of days. He wasn't sure if her delicate body could take anymore. Making his way down the hall, he opened her door, and carefully placed Sakura in bed. With one last glance at her sleeping figure, Syaoran shut the door and made his way to his own room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she stumbled towards the bathroom. After letting the warm luscious water soak her body, she immerged and headed to her closet to grab her uniform. Sitting on her bed, to pull on her socks, Sakura glanced over at her clock, then back to her feet. Suddenly she froze. Slowly turning her head back to face her clock, Sakura opened her eyes wide in shock. She blinked and looked again just to make sure.
Within an instant, she was up and bounding down the main stairway. Without even stopping to pick up her shoes, Sakura dashed to the front door, flinging it open, and almost running over a startled Jess. "Whoa! Slow down there!" he said, stumbling backwards, but keeping his balance. "Sorry. . . LATE!" was all Sakura managed before sprinting past him and across the driveway.
It wasn't until she reached the cars, that Sakura stopped, turned around and scurried back to the house, realizing she had forgotten keys. When she reached the front door, Syaoran was standing there with an amused look on his face. "And where are you going?" "School!" Sakura shouted, pushing her way past him, and grabbing a set of keys. Turning around, she came to a dead halt, as Syaoran blocked the doorway.
"First of all, you don't have any shoes on," Syaoran began, and Sakura flushed as she looked down at her sock-clothed feet. "Second, you're not supposed to leave the house without an escort." Sakura was about to argue this, when she quickly decided she had no time. She had to get to school and fast! "Oh come one!" Sakura yelled, trying to push him out of the way, "It's 10:30! School started over 2 hours ago!" "Exactly," Syaoran said, "placing his hands on Sakura's shoulders. There's only half an hour left in class."
"Well, why didn't you wake me up?" Sakura said frantically. "Because you're too tired. You need to take a day off and rest." Syaoran said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Sakura's mind raced. She needed to go to school. She should be meeting Chad right now. 'Come on, come on. . . I need an excuse!' "Iwantogo!" Sakura quickly mumbled out, and once again tried to push her way past him. Syaoran gripped her shoulders tighter and gave her a confused look.
"Fine," he finally said, and let go of her. "Put on some shoes, and get something to eat. I'll get the car." Sakura sighed in relief and dashed to the kitchen. Maybe she wouldn't miss Chad after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran watched Sakura rush up to the building and his eyes narrowed suspiciously. She had acted like nothing had happened last night, and he was sure she didn't actually want to go to school this badly. Something must be happening. There was something Sakura was keeping from him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sakura rushed through the hallways, running as fast as she could. She didn't want to miss him. She had so many questions she wanted answers to. She sighed in relief as she approached the lockers and saw him patiently waiting. "Chad! I'm so sorry! I slept in late!" She called as she rushed towards him. Chad flashed her a smile and nodded. "We don't have much time." He said, glancing over his shoulder. "I'm sure they're getting pretty suspicious by now." Sakura gave him a puzzled look, but shook off what he just said.
"I have some questions," she started trying to catch her breath, but Chad quickly shook his head. "Now's not the time. Here," he thrust a piece of paper into her hands and smiled at her confused look. "It's an address, date and time. If you trust me, you will meet me here." Sakura looked at him in shock, "What? No way! I'm risking a lot talking to you here, I can't just. . ." But Chad put a finger to her lips to silence her. "Do what you know is right. . .Now that I finally found you, I can't afford to loose you."
Sakura furrowed her brow. Not this stupid drivel again. Chad gave her once last smile before turning to leave, but Sakura quickly grabbed his arm. "Wait! The men. . ." Anger instantly flashed through Chad's eyes at the mention of his deceased men, but Sakura pressed onward, "Please. I'm begging you! No more revenge!" Chad looked at her intently for a moment before sighing and nodding his head. "Fine. If this is the way to gain your trust, then I promise you no more deaths will come from this."
Sakura gave him a smile of appreciation and watched as he left her standing there. "Right." She muttered to herself, gripping the paper tightly and turning to make her way to the office.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Hey!" Sakura chirped cheerfully as she climbed into the car beside Syaoran. He nodded, but didn't look at her. Sakura instantly felt fear flood over her. Something was wrong. Did he know about Chad? Smiling nervously, she strapped on her seatbelt, and turned around to talk to Mei Lin.
The car ride home was extremely quiet. Sakura and Mei Lin's conversation died out rather quickly, and they sunk into an uneasy silence. Syaoran starred straight ahead at the road, not bothering to say a word to either of them. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, turning his knuckles white form the pressure, but seemed to dive on unheedingly.
Sakura was almost relieved when he finally pulled into the driveway, but not quite. She could still sense the tension coming from him, and cautiously kept her distance. Syaoran walked into the house, without so much as glancing at either of the girls, but stopped with his back to them once they were inside. "Mei Lin. Go to my office now. Sakura. Wait in my room." Sakura gulped and sent an uneasy glance at Mei Lin who shrugged and silently followed Syaoran.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran sat down at his desk and starred lifelessly at the table. Mei Lin sat down across from him a little uneasily, and stared at him intently. She had never seen him this upset about something. 'Something must really be eating him.' After minutes of silence she took to closely examining her nails while Syaoran continued to stare into space. "Has she been doing anything suspicious lately?"
Mei Lin jumped as Syaoran's voice echoed through out the room. "Who?" she asked, looking up to meet his trouble filled eyes. Syaoran sighed, "Sakura." At once Mei Lin seemed to understand. Biting her lip, she looked down at the floor debating whether or not to voice her concerns. "Well. . ." she paused, unsure of what to say. She could sense Syaoran was angry, but at the same time she felt she was betraying Sakura.
Sensing his impatience, Mei Lin sighed, and closed her eyes. "She left class twice, at the exact same time. It's nothing big, but she would be gone for ten to twenty minutes, and when she came back, just smile and pretend nothing happened." Opening her eyes, Mei Lin starred him straight in the eyes, "I went after her the second time, and I found her standing in the middle of the hall, and starring down it. When I approached her, she seemed to snap awake and said she must have just fazed out."
Syaoran stared at Mei Lin intently, but didn't say a word. "She's been through a lot lately Syaoran! She may just be overwhelmed. I think maybe she just wanted time to herself." Syaoran nodded, but his face remained emotionless. A sudden thought seemed to occur to him, and he quickly glanced at Mei Lin, "What time did she leave?" Mei Lin shrugged her shoulders, trying to figure out why it mattered, "Around 10:30 both times."
Syaoran felt dread flow through him. That morning she had been so anxious to get to school when she realized she was late. So anxious infact, she had ran to the building without so much as a glance back at him. He felt shaky on the inside, but kept a calm and in control exterior. Had Sakura been meeting someone? Why was she in such a rush to get there? Turning his attention back to Mei Lin, he asked his final question, "What time did she arrive to class today?"
Mei Lin frowned in thought, "I dunno, like eleven?" Syaoran felt dismay shoot through him. He had dropped her off no later than ten forty. "Alright. You can go." Syaoran said, standing up and heading to the door. Now he had to do what he was dreading the most. Confront Sakura.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sakura flipped slowly through a magazine as she sat on Syaoran's bed, but her thoughts were elsewhere. 'He knows. He knows. He knows.' The same thought continued to filter through her head, as Sakura slowly slipped into more and more of a nervous wreck. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what she could do. Syaoran was going to hate her.
Her head shot up as he entered the room. Looking at her with an emotionless face, he slowly made his way over to her, and sat down next to her. Sakura tensed, and couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes. Syaoran sighed turned to look away from her, "Why have you been leaving class?" Sakura froze. Did he really know? Was he just pretending he didn't to trick her? Sakura struggled with her mind. She was afraid to tell him the truth. What if he hated her? No. She couldn't deal with that! Sakura tried to stall for time, "What do you mean?"
Syaoran was silent for a few minutes, seemingly trying to plan out his next words. "You've been leaving you're 3rd period class for 10 minutes at a time. I would like to know why." Sakura caught her breath. She had to tell him the truth. She couldn't go on lying to him. "Syaoran I. . .I just needed time to myself!" Sakura was more surprised than Syaoran at her words. She had meant to tell him the truth. Syaoran still did not face her, but lapsed into silence once again. Finally he spoke, shattering her thoughts. "Then why were you in such a hurry to get to school today?"
Sakura flinched. "I wanted to go to school. I can't stand being in this house! It has. . . too many bad memories." Sakura felt as though she was going to burst out screaming. Why did she keep lying to him? Why couldn't she just face the truth? Squeezing her hands into fists, Sakura glanced at Syaoran and made a promise to herself. She would go and see Chad this one last time and that would be it. She would never meet him again, and Syaoran would never have to know.
Syaoran sighed, and finally turned to face her. He searched Sakura's eyes but couldn't seem to find what he was looking for. "Sakura. . . don't lie to me," he said barley above a whisper. Sakura furrowed her brow, "What?" "I said don't lie to me!" Syaoran yelled, shocking Sakura and causing anger to rise up in her. "I'm not!" she yelled back, her eyes burning, "Stop accusing me of always lying to you!" Sakura seethed and dropped her gaze to the bed. She wasn't angry with him. She was angry with herself. She just couldn't tell him the truth, and it pained her to lie to her. 'God Sakura just tell him!' but no matter who hard she fought against her mind, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't risk losing him.
Syaoran turned his back on her and clenched his jaw. Maybe he was over reacting. She had been through a lot. This was just her way of dealing with it. She needed time alone, away from this life style. Syaoran sighed and clenched his hand into a fist. He was paranoid. She wasn't lying to him. She wouldn't betray him. He had to stop accusing her of everything. Turning to face, her, Syaoran stretched out a hand and gingerly placed his fingers under her chin. Lifting her eyes to his, Syaoran stared deeply into them. He searched her eyes, seeing a mixture of fear and confusion, but it didn't seem she was trying to hide something.
"I'm sorry," he said softy, "I know you've been through a lot." Sakura looked back at him but didn't speak. She couldn't. It was hurting her so much to know she wasn't being honest with him. Cursing herself in her head, Sakura blinked away her tears and leaned forward, resting her head on his chest. She had to set everything right. She would tell Chad she couldn't meet him anymore. She had to stop hurting him.
Syaoran wrapped his arms around Sakura and held her protectively. He felt so relieved to know she was being honest with him. He sat there holding her in his arms for God knows how long, just listening to her soft breathing. He couldn't deny it anymore. He knew it was true, and without her his world would fall apart.
Pulling her back gently, Syaoran cradled her cheek in his hand and Sakura snuggled into it smiling up at him. "Sakura. . ." Syaoran started but then paused. He turned his head slightly to the side, closing his eyes in concentration. After a moment, he looked back up at her and spoke, "Sakura. . . I love you."
Author's note: Ok, I know I said I would make this longer, and I did. . . but it's only like 2 pages longer so I apologize! I'm sorry but it's so hard to make it longer! I get major writers block and freeze, because I know where each of my chapters end, and I have to try and find stuff to fill the time in-between. I'm going to continue writing my normal length, and that way I will be able to update a lot faster as well. However, if I can, I'll try to make them longer! Anyways, I hope ya enjoyed! Please review!
Ja ne ~Fallen Angel
