As you wish, Syaoran whispered back. He lifted a hand to her cheek and caressed it gently, slowly closing his amber eyes as he leaned forward and tilted his lips toward hers.

Sakura felt her breath catch in her throat as her eyes widened and then immediately relaxed, instinctively closing as his fingertips tilted her face up toward his own. She made a barely audible whimpering noise as she surrendered, parting her soft lips willingly.

Syaoran's lips enveloped hers, pressing gently and sweetly to her own. The kiss was chaste and slow; she could just barely taste him, just barely feel his eager shyness. It was a true first kiss for him, the spark of warm lips upon warm lips kindling a flame of tenderness that he had never known waited within him.

He drew back hesitantly, looking down at her as she opened her eyes, her emerald orbs immediately focusing on him. They were deep and lost, and they sparkled with both fragile joy and melancholy. He saw her swallow and returned her stare, waiting.

She said nothing. Internally he winced, worry creeping up on him.

Oh fuck, he thought, I just kissed her and now she's about to slap me. Or maybe cry ... oh gods, please don't cry. I think I'd shoot myself if she cried ..

Sakura stared into him, stunned at the kiss and at the fact that she had allowed it to happen in the first place. Some distant part of her mind echoed Kenji's name, but that part was hushed and far away as she began to blush, blood flooding her cheeks as she continued to feel a pair of warm phantom lips on her own.

She looked into his eyes and read his fear, and knew that she had to say something, but her mind was swimming .. he was her assignment .. could she kiss her assignment? Could she love him? What of Kenji and her former life? Wait, she wasn't alive .. ahh, the kiss was so .. his first, it was his first .. was that why it felt so pure and sweet? He was anything but that, but his kiss had been so .. amazing .. and he tasted like ..

she whispered, brushing the tip of her tongue against her lower lip. Vanilla and .. cinnamon ..

Syaoran asked, his voice filled with worry although he had intended to mask it. What was she thinking? Not being able to know frustrated him to the point that it saddened him.

That's what you taste like, Sakura said, lifting her eyes back to his. She smiled then, a coy and angelic smile.

I, ahh, Syaoran stuttered, cursing mentally as his tongue tied and a blush flooded his pale cheeks. Shimatta, not now!

Eloquent as hell today aren't we, Syaoran? Sweet gods, I kissed her ..

Sakura said. She let the worrisome thoughts of Kenji and her assignment and the fact that she was dead slip away, because she wanted to be lost again, to not be able to think again .. was he blushing?

She leaned into his chest, resting her head against his shoulder. Syaoran froze, blinking and looking down at her as his entire body stiffened in surprise. His blush deepened and, hesitantly, he wrapped his strong arms gently around her, squeezing her softly.

he said, gathering his thoughts. His mind was racing; how had they managed to kiss? It felt too sudden now, too ... unplanned. One moment they had been talking about pointless crap, and the next he was giving her his first kiss ... at what point had they crossed that dangerous line, and why, and why then? He sighed, pulling her a bit closer.

Sakura said, marveling at how warm his t-shirt was when it was pressed up against his chest.

I have to know, Syaoran asked shakily, Why you kissed me. I wasn't expecting, ehrm .. t-this .. and .. do you lo-

she muttered. Love, she knew, was on the tip of his tongue, and she didn't want to hear it. Not now, not when everything felt so simple and nice .. not when one little word could complicate everything. She needed to sort a thousand things through before she could comfort that word, and now was not the time. Just enjoy it ..

Ehrm, I, Syaoran said, wanting to go on. He felt like shaking the answers of her, asking and asking her until he understood, because surely she had the answers for the muddled, doubtful contentedness he was feeling now, surely she understood why he needed so badly to understand. But he heard the tone in her voice, the warning: Say the wrong thing and this will all disappear and leave you a lone, lonely wolf once again.

So instead he nodded and pulled her closer, breathing in the scent of her warm red hair. He stroked her back slowly, coaxing a relaxed sigh out of her. He felt himself relaxing also, and he even felt like smiling. He hasn't felt like smiling, truly smiling, in such a long while ..

Want to go swimming?

stuttered Syaoran, peeking down at the sweet-smelling bundle of red hair and soft skin in his arms. Sakura smiled sweetly, blinking her warm emerald eyes.

Let's go swimming, she repeated, this time more firmly. She smiled happily up at him. It'll be fun. We're at the beach, after all; we may as well take advantage of it!

Syaoran sighed internally. She had a point, naturally- people did fun things while at the beach, and swimming was certainly considered a fun thing to do- but he found that he hated the idea just the same. How could he tell her that he'd rather not move an inch, and just hold her like this until he died?

He couldn't, he admitted with a soft murmur that was something between a whimper and growl. And what was he thinking, in any case? Holding her until he died? Repeating it in his head, that sounded just a bit extreme ... although it was faintly true ...

Syaoran found himself saying, though not happily. Sakura failed to notice, grinning playfully.

It was a false smile, however. She didn't want to move any more than he did, but that fact scared her, and so she did. Her mind was whispering fear into her heart, filling her slowly with faint, distant memories ... ones of the last person who had held her like this ...

Let's go, then, Sakura said, pulling away from him hesitantly. She clutched her hand into a fist, thus grabbing a handful of his t-shirt. She took a step back, pulling him toward her and the water.

Syaoran stumbled forward clumsily, raising an eyebrow at her playful grin. As she pulled him toward the gentle waves, he found himself smiling once again, though shallowly. He felt himself beginning to have fun.

Come on, now, Sakura purred, still tugging him along like a stubborn puppy on a leash. Her troubling emotions were fading, replaced unconsciously by good-natured flirting. She had always been a slightly flirtatious person, no matter where her heart truly lied.

Syaoran muttered, though he was smiling back. He was sick of being pulled along like a child, and so, in one swift, strong movement, he reached his hands out and grasped Sakura's waist.

She yelped in surprise as he lifted her easily off the sandy ground. He swung her up and to the side, and she landed with a cheerful shriek in his arms, throwing her arms around his neck out of fear.

Think you can drag me into the water, ha, Syaoran said haughtily, holding his squirming prisoner tightly so that she could not escape.

Let me go!, Sakura said, struggling. I have legs, you know! I can walk!

Don't care, Syaoran said, ignoring her protests. He waded into the cool water, waves crashing against his strong, toned calves. He continued to walk into the water with Sakura yelping and protesting the entire way, until it lapped at his waist, his shorts completely submerged. Sakura arched her back when she felt water touch her bottom.

Don't want your cute little ass to get wet, ehh?, Syaoran smirked evilly. He dropped her for a half a second playfully, and Sakura shrieked, her fingernails digging into his back as water splashed against her thighs.

It's cold, she muttered resentfully,

Oh, don't worry, he said, raising a dark eyebrow. You'll get used to it.

And with that, he lifted his arms and threw Sakura, arms flailing, into the water. She landed with a loud splash, kicking and thrashing until she had successfully righted herself, at which point she turned and gave Syaoran a cold, murderous glare. A thick strand of hair was flung over her forehead, dripping wet.

I hate you, she said icily, putting her hands on her submerged hips. The water was up to just under her breasts, whereas it came only up to Syaoran's waist. He smirked, walking toward her into the deeper water.

Oh, and I you, he growled sarcastically, approaching her. Sakura narrowed her eyes, staring him down.

she whispered, and then, with a pathetic yelp for a battle cry, jumped Syaoran in a furious attempt to dunk him into the water, his hair still annoying dry.

As she jumped into him, however, he barely swayed an inch. Instead of laughing above a soaking, pissed-off brunette, she found herself eye-to-eye with a dry, calm and smirking one. He leaned forward half an inch and pressed the tip of his nose to hers.

Nice try, he whispered. Sakura narrowed her eyes, her arms now swung around his neck. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you to throw yourself at me so soon ...

Don't be so damn arrogant, she warned, though she smirked as well. This was a game, and the two of them both knew it. How dangerous it was, however, eluded them.

Don't be so hard to get, he whispered back, tilting his head to the side and moving it swiftly, his warm lips brushing against her cheek. He stopped at her ear, smirking as he brought his hands to her waist once again.

Just don't pretend anymore, he murmured in response to her stunned silence, his breath warm in her ear. Sakura nearly died when the tip of his hot, moist tongue licked her earlobe playfully, earning a sharp gasp.

Then, as quickly as it had happened, she snapped out of it. She jerked her head back, looking into Syaoran's eyes with a frown.

His face fell when he looked into those emerald orbs. They were filled with fear and worry, and instantly Syaoran was overcome with guilt and regret. He'd gone too far, he realized, cursing mentally. He just had to push his fucking luck, didn't he?

he muttered in shame, turning his eyes from hers, unable to bear looking into them. Sakura whimpered, hating his reaction. She hadn't meant to hurt him, she just .. wasn't ready for that kind of intensity.

She sighed, leaning forward and giving Syaoran a quick yet firm kiss on the cheek. She then leaned into his chest once again, though this time it was apologetically.

Syaoran fought back the urge to smile at this gesture. He wasn't really cheered by it that much, though it did help. He was moreso disappointed, and angry .. with himself. He shouldn't have done that. He had pushed her too far.

Don't worry about it, said Sakura softly, as she felt Syaoran's arms slowly and cautiously encircle her. I'm not ... I ... I got scared.

I know what you mean, Syaoran whispered back. An awkward sort of silence fell between the two.

A few moment later, Syaoran began to laugh, first quietly and sarcastically, then louder and louder. Sakura raised an eyebrow, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable.

What's so funny?, she asked, drawing back to look him in the eye.

Syaoran ceased his laughter, looking down into her confused emerald eyes. His lips slowly faded into a thin line, and his tightened his hold on her, hugging her as he brought her back to his chest.

Sakura could feel his chest heave as he steadied his breaths.

It's just that, Syaoran said, chuckling sadly for a moment, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing.

said Sakura, burying her face into his warm, wet neck. She tightened her hold around his neck, hugging him back gently. I know exactly how you feel.

===================================

Meiling raised a dark eyebrow in annoyance, eying the embracing couple. She pursed her lips into a tight frown, sighing. The foolish children ... they had no idea how much they were about to hurt themselves, did they?

Ahh, love, she pondered, the curse of humanity. It was pity she had to separate them so soon ... she would have loved to watch all of this fall apart on its own.

Her long, straight black locks billowed elegantly in the wind like a sable silk flag. Her long, pale fingers held it back from her face as she sighed. When it came to love, causing havoc was all too easy.

She focused her scarlet eyes on the couple, narrowing them at the speck of bright, shimmering red hair.

Parched be thy throat, thy voice hoarse, she whispered in a low, deep voice. Enemies of nature, obey my bitter discourse.

Nothing happened. The sea remained calm and flat, the sun still shown just as bright, though a certain invisible darkness had fallen over the stretch of beach upon which Meiling stood.

She licked her lips idly, waiting.

===================================

A moment later, in the water, Sakura opened her lips to speak. She about to explain to Syaoran her reasons for pulling away from him when suddenly, what felt like dusty fire spread up her throat. She coughed, her eyes widening.

Syaoran questioned, looking at her in concern. She lifted her hand and grasped her neck, coughing hoarsely once again.

I .., she began, but interrupted herself with a throaty cough. She felt as though she had swallowed a handful of cotton, cotton drenched in tabasco sauce. She gasped for breath, tears burning in her eyes.

Are you alright? Syaoran asked urgently, now worried. Sakura nodded her head clumsily, forcing her hand to her side.

I'm fine, she whispered, her voice raspy and faint. I just need a drink of water.

There's water all around her, Syaoran said, dipping his hand into the gently flowing ocean.

Salt water, Sakura gasped, trying to swallow despite finding it horribly painful, is bad .. for .. you ..

I'll come with you, then, Syaoran insisted, moving a few inches toward shore. He stopped when he saw Sakura shaking her head wildly.

No, no, she pleaded hoarsely, You'll be cold .. in the .. wind .. stay ..

I don't care, he stated simply, drawing nearer to her. I'm coming with you ..

Sakura repeated, Stay. I'll be right back, I .. swear.

She smiled forcefully at Syaoran, placing her palm down on his chest in a gesture that was also strangely calming. Syaoran felt his stomach twist, feeling unsure, but he nodded, not wanting to push things again.

he said hesitantly. I'll wait here.

Sakura nodded and dove into the water, swimming steadily toward store. Syaoran watched her go with a sad, suspicious smile.

Had she maybe just wanted to get away from him .. ?

==================================

Stupid girl, Meiling whispered to the wind, smirking. Courtesy will be your downfall. Mmm .. you should not have left him alone.

She shook her head in bitter amusement as Sakura swam toward shore, reaching it and walking hurriedly to a refreshment stand in the distance, clutching her surely burning throat.

And now for you, Meiling continued, turning her crimson gaze on Syaoran, who was standing awkwardly in the water, a melancholy frown staining his otherwise attractive features.

Ahh, what a pity, she mused to herself sarcastically. Did your precious lover abandon you to be alone once again .. ?

Her smirk deepened as she glared at Syaoran, her eyes cold and conniving.

So sorry, she whispered bitterly, but I cannot risk being .. punished ..

She shuttered at the mere thought, and then, her red eyes glowing faintly, she muttered her dark spell.

Creature of the sea, hear your master's plea ..

===================================

Syaoran paced hesitantly in the water, half-walking and half-swimming, not sure what to do as he waited. His mind felt like a sadness-filled sponge being wrong over and over again; had she left because of him, needing an excuse to be rid of him for a few minutes?

He couldn't convince himself that she hadn't, he realized with a deep frown. Needing a drink so suddenly and violently ... she had to have been pretending ...

He sighed deeply, cursing himself. He had pushed her too far ... he had pushed everything too far. It had started with the kiss ... yes, it had ... that kiss .. had come too quickly .. and pushing for more afterward was just begging to be hurt. His heart tightened ... he had earned rejected once again .. why couldn't he have just been patient, and waited?

She had, however, kissed him back .. and the way she had held him afterwards had seemed so genuine .. he pursed his lips in a half-smile, remembering how warm and fragile she had felt in his strong arms. He prayed that he had only pushed her after the kiss, he hoped with everything he was that the kiss had been meant to be ...

He looked toward shore, wondering where Sakura was when, in an instant, he felt something large brush against his leg. He gasped, choking as white-hot pain suddenly shot up it, causing him to jolt and spasm in the water. He screamed silently, scrambling away from the spot.

J-Jellyf-fish .. ,' he realized, his mind a blur of pain. He swam limply toward shore, his right leg only dead weight clumsily holding him back.

He finally reached the shore, pulling himself up onto the dry sand slowly, heaving long, pain-filled gasps. His leg ached and burned, even the slightest of jarrings sending spams of pain up into his thigh.

He laid down on the sand weakly, closing his eyes as he panted. Damn j-jellyfish, his mind muttered numbly ..

He laid there for what seemed like an eternity until, finally, he felt a warm hand touch his shoulder.

His eyes fluttered openly hesitantly, and he groaned, pain still coursing through his leg.

he mumbled as his blurred vision came into focus. They suddenly widened in surprise; instead of wide, concerned emerald eyes surrounded by waves of red hair, he found himself looking up into scarlet orbs made brighter by their contrast with long, silky curtains of black hair that surrounded a pale, delicate face. The girl, who looked strangely familiar, was wearing a deep frown.

Oh, Syaoran, she said gently, her voice dripping with concern and worry, What's happened to you?

================================================================

Oi, one step forward, three steps back, ne? I can't tell you what's going to happen, obviously, but I can tell you that this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as Meiling's plans to keep Sakura and Syaoran apart.

And obviously, Sakura will counter her actions .. how, you wonder? You must continue to read to find out! =D I have even more tricky plot twists to put into action, though, so don't think that's all ... ahh ... this story is so much fun for me.

Survey question! Does anyone have sympathy for Meiling? I'm not sure if I should condemn her to a depressing end or not ...

Also ... if you want me to email you when I update, then please leave your email now. I'm going to make a mailing-list type thingy, because I know that five or maybe even ten people have requested that, and I want to get organized.

I think that's all! Once again, thank you for reading! You are loved! Also, extra special thank yous to everyone who reviewed, because you rock my world! I love you all! So keep it up with the wonderful reviews and I'll keep doing my best to update and continue this. Hurray-hurrah. =D