Chap. 6: "The Adventure Begins" *

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* Author's note: I want to thank everyone for reviewing. I really, really appreciate it tons, because I know that my stories are still enjoyed.

Sakura can wield fire but she's not the fire wielder. What she really is will be told in the up coming chapter. I know it might seem a bit confusing but I can't give all my cards away at once. I have to feed it to ya'll in sections.

Again I want to thank my editor Eva-Chan, she helps in taking away all my Errors. You're the best, thank you Granny *Hugs n' Giggles*

*WARNING LEMON AHEAD!!!!!!

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* "I want you to stay here until you're better. Sakura won't come after you, just stay out of her way" Syaoran explained looking at Rae who was in bed looking pale. Since Sakura had left he hadn't spoken to the man, but now that she was back he knew he had to. "She's lost interest in you for now"

"She should be put to death for what she's done. She's an evil woman, no respectable man would ever want her" Rae spat filled with self-pity. If anyone where to find out what happened to him, he would be a laughing stock among them.

"If any harm comes to her I will make sure that you are put to death for what you did. I doubt the emperor will miss you; he surely didn't miss the others, for he has already replaced them. Mei Lin, you are also to keep your mouth shut. You might end up saying the wrong thing to Sakura and she'll forget the pity she took on your father" Syaoran finished looking at her, Rae grew pale hearing what Syaoran said.

"You're protecting her because you love her" Mei Lin sneered standing up, with wrath in her crimson eyes. She didn't know what she felt, if it was jealously or longing for someone to love her in the same way. She had never felt love of any kind in her life, the only love her father had was that for women, money and power. Her mother didn't stick around long enough for her to know if she loved her, but she doubted that since as she ran off without even bothering to take her along.

"What I do is none of your concern, mind your own business. Remember you're guests here and I'm the master" Syaoran spoke calmly before leaving the room making no attempt to say otherwise about her accusation.

"I hate her, this is all your fault. I'm ashamed of you, no wonder mother left you" Mei Lin yelled looking at her father in disgust. "I could care less if she kills you. In fact she should have that night" she added storming out of the room. She wanted to get away from her life. She had nothing. No one loved her, what was wrong with her? *

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Syaoran walked down the muddy hill towards the river where his men said they saw Sakura head. This little path was surrounded by bamboo, the leaves blocking out most of the sun giving it a cool feeling. He slowly walked down the path until he saw her take off the outer layers of her clothing and get in the river. Sakura looked at her face in the clear water before she dived under. She loved the feeling of the cool water brushing against her skin as she sliced through the water.

"You know we do have baths available in the house. And it's free of charge" Syaoran spoke after she surfaced making her jump; he smiled seeing that he had surprised her.

"Must you always sneak up on me?" Sakura asked turning to face him with a smile on her face. It was her second day here and she loved it, for when they left all would change.

"I enjoy doing so immensely" Syaoran shrugged walking to the water edge. He had to control himself from looking at the way her under garment stuck to her body, outlining her full bosom. Sakura felt a little uneasy seeing the way in which he was looking at her. She was still not used to men, and he wasn't regular; at least from what she had been told.

"Will you not swim with me?" Sakura asked seeing him dressed in all the layers of fine fabric. He looked like a true noble. "It's hot out and god knows how many layers you have on," she teased, a smiled tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Mother insists I dress properly," Syaoran stated taking off the top of his clothing only leaving his pants. Sakura gaped at his tanned finely chiseled chest, 'god he's amazing,' she thought when he dived in, surfacing right in front of her. "Come this river has a small under ground cave, like the one were you bathed" he spoke taking her hand leading her towards the waterfall. They dove under, swimming under the rock and through the passage that led to the cave.

"Wow look! It looks like gold." Sakura said, while her gaze was glued at the glittering walls. She had never seen anything like it before; it was truly amazing.

"More like fools gold, I don't think anyone knows it's here except for me, Eriol, Takashi and now you" Syaoran said sitting in the smooth rock. He watched her look over the place. She seemed so much calmer around him, maybe for the first time since they met.

"I'll be sad when I leave here it's so very beautiful" Sakura stated sitting beside him on the smooth rock. The water was only an inch high but dropped off into deep water, where her feet were swinging back and forth.

"Why would you want to leave?" Syaoran asked looking at her. "This is where you belong, your sisters could belong as well" he spoke as if she was born in his town. She liked the way he spoke about her, she knew it was wrong to want him but she couldn't hide her feelings. Was this what her sisters warned her about? The charm men had in seducing women?

"We have to find somewhere to belong," Sakura answered looking at him. She tried to smile but couldn't when she saw the look on his handsome face.

"You can belong here with me, all of you can" Syaoran stated looking at her as he took her hand. Sakura was shocked; she couldn't believe what he said, he wanted her.

"You want me?" she whispered searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. This feeling was new, she didn't know if she was just naïve to the ways of men. He made her feel special, made her body tingle with the simplest touch.

"I want you," he whispered back caressing her face as he drew her towards him. "And your clan of female warriors too," he added smiling, before he captured her lips in a soft kiss. Sakura moved her hands up his wet chest wrapping them around his neck; she fitted herself to him as the kiss deepened. Sakura was shocked when his tongue slipped into her mouth, gasping she closed her eyes and followed slowly only to receive a groan from him.

Syaoran kissed her slowly, and deeply as his hands caressed her arms, pulling her even closer to his body. She felt liquid heat run through her as his kisses trailed down her neck. Sakura yelped when he pulled her over unto his lap. Breathing in, she allowed him to pull her soaked chemise down her shoulders letting it fall to her hips. Syaoran looked down at the fullness of her breasts as they rose and fell with every breath that she took. He ignored the throbbing of his loins as he ran his hand up her flat stomach; feeling her silky soft skin against his hand. Sakura moaned softly when his thump played with her taut nipple as he captured her lips in a teasing kiss. She experimentally touched her tongue against his tasting him getting an instant reaction from him as he groaned pressing her breasts hard against his chest.

Syaoran tore his mouth from hers; lifting her by the hips he raised her up as his kisses seared her flesh. His warm lips softly touched her hardened bud making Sakura shudder. She gasped in pleasure when he kissed it, nuzzled it finally surrounding it in the warmth of his mouth. Sakura pressed his head to her breast as he suckled, while still playing with her other nipple. She threw her head back letting the cool dripping water splash onto her face, new sensations coursed through her being. She couldn't take anymore of his sweet torture, she knew she wanted something, but didn't really know what that was.

Never in her life had she imagined she would be doing something like this. How could she be enjoying the tender caresses of a man? How could his simple touch awaken a hidden hunger inside her soul? "Xiao Lang," she whispered in a voice that could seduce a saint, Sakura moved her face to his ear. "Please" she moaned nibbling on his ear, that was all he needed. As he lowered her Sakura kissed him with the newfound passion he had ignited in her body. He laid her back on the smooth stone (I wonder if that's comfortable). He slowly rid her of her clothing then himself of his pants, tossing them aside a he slowly moved above her.

"Ohhhh," Sakura moaned feeling his rigid manhood against her thigh as he kissed her with sweet fierceness; Syaoran pressed his fingers in her warmth almost losing his control hearing the startled cry from Sakura. She moved her hips against his hand, her fingernails pressing into his skin. "I'll surely die from passion," she whispered hoarsely. "Don't let me beg you" the words left her mouth without thought, she still didn't know what it was she wanted, she only knew that he was the only one who could quench her hunger.

"Shhh," Syaoran whispered lowering himself; his legs wedged between hers. Sakura gazed at him with soft pleading eyes. He smiled at her 'if she only knew that this is my first time' he thought holding back a chuckle. "I'm sorry, this is going to hurt," he whispered softly against her ear.

"I trust you" was her honest response. He positioned himself over her, and before he broke through her barrier he captured her lips in a fierce kiss. Sakura's eyes snapped shut, her cry of pain muffled by his mouth. Opening her eyes slowly, she looked him in the eyes only to see worry, "It's okay" she assured finding her voice.

"I'm sorry, I'll make it better" he replied kissing her tenderly, her pain from his intrusion instantly vanished when he moved in her only to be replaced with unspeakable pleasure. Syaoran eased into her warm wetness retreating then plunging into her as Sakura arched her hips to meet his thrusting. He moved slowly into her; wanting to give her rapture. Moving in ways he was told would give a woman maximum pleasure. He held her around the shoulders and tightly around her hips holding her securely to him as he moved in her. Sakura moaned in bliss as she was filled with him over and over, deeper and deeper; bringing her closer to sweet oblivion. He felt her body convulse repeatedly beneath him, as a scream tore from her throat Syaoran plunged into her again releasing.

"You might not believe me but I love you. I've loved you from the first night I met you. You're so unique, head strong and extremely beautiful" Syaoran whispered kissing her softly on the lips as he gazed lovingly into her emerald poles.

"Why wouldn't I believe you? You're the most impossible, stubborn, sophisticated, and loving man I've ever met, you're the only man I've ever come so close to and I don't regret it. Any woman would be a fool not to love you and that's one thing that I'm not," Sakura stated passionately as she caressed his cheek. "I love you in short," she concluded moving in for a kiss. *

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* "Look at them" Mei Lin said in haughty tone as she watched Syaoran and Sakura walk through the garden hand in hand. Her voice was coated with anger but inside she felt lonely and used by her father as if she was a piece of meat.

"Forget about him. I've already found a new match for you and the family is considerably wealthy" he father spoke from the bed. "It should be good for the both of us" Mei Lin turned from the window looking at the room that was done in fine blues and reds.

"I envy them; why can't I get married to someone who truly loves me?" Mei Lin stated looking at her father. 'Why can't I have someone to love and who loves me in return?' she thought angrily. She was a human being and deserved it; she knew she could find someone to love her.

"Love means nothing child, it's the match the counts" he commanded in a cold tone.

"I don't want to marry anyone who doesn't love me. If I can't marry for love then I don't want to marry at all. I've already asked Yelen if I can be of help to them and she said yes. I leave with them to the capital" Mei Lin declared with her hands at her side, before he could say anything she added. "I've been here amongst them and I've seen what a real family is, she said I can live here if I want. All I have to do is apologize to Sakura and Syaoran for my behavior, I don't want to have enemies I want friends. The best thing is that I don't need your permission in this cause you're technically dead" Rae looked at his daughter not believing what he was hearing, what had the Li's done to her over these past few days.

"Where are you going?" he asked when she headed to the door.

"To talk to Master Li and the others, they're going over everything tonight" Mei Lin answered going through the doors. He cursed and wished he could get out of bed so he could give her a good beating, he was about to but then remembered that Sakura and Tomoyo were still present. Gulping he decided against it, it was better to live than die. *

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* "You're kidding right?" Tomoyo asked looking at Eriol like Sakura and Syaoran currently was.

"No it's was mother's idea" Eriol answered smiling. Since Sakura and Syaoran had come around, it had given him a good chance to be with Tomoyo. He was glad that Sakura had taken to his half brother, it meant a lot to him because now Tomoyo wouldn't feel out of place.

"Why would she want to help?" Sakura asked sitting across from Tomoyo.

"Because I want to help and say I'm sorry for the way I acted," Mei Lin answered standing at the door. This time she wasn't dressed in all the clothing; she had on a simple red gown. She was nervous but hid it as best she could.

"You'll just get in our way" Syaoran said distastefully.

"I won't get in your way, my nanny was a great fighter and she taught me well" Mei Lin objected in a calm tone. She was not going to lose her anger in front of them, she knew that was what he was trying to do.

"Apology accepted. I truly wasn't expecting you to apologize" Sakura broke in smiling. "Come and sit," she added patting a place next to her.

"Well mother must know what she's doing, so lets not waste anymore time," Syaoran said dryly with a bored expression on his face. They all nodded and the next two hours were spent going over everything they would need to know. *

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* Capital. *

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* "Emperor you have received a letter from the Li Clan. The deliverer said it was vital that you see it" a man spoke bowing at the middle age man.

"Very well I know Li-san, so it must be important" he spoke holding out his hand for the note as he dismissed his wife and young daughter. The man scrambled to his feet and gave the note to his master before returning to his bowing position. He read the note over, his face growing stern when he finished 'So my suspicions were right' he thought sighing as he looked it over. 'Don't make it look obvious that you are aware, continue with the celebration. My son and his men will assist you' he read to himself before folding the note.

Little did he know that the note was sent before they knew that Asai and his army had doubled in size and wouldn't stop until they had the capital. *

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* Next day. *

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It was barely dawn but the Li house was alive with servants rushing to get everything ready for their masters and hopefully soon to be Mistresses departure. Outside Syaoran and the others were on the last steps waiting for their horses, they were all dressed in commoners' clothes with their swords hidden under their cloaks.

"I pray that everything goes according to plan and that you return safely." Yelen spoke looking them all over, three males and females.

"While we are gone don't accept any visitors, keep everyone close to the house and in Wei's or your sight" Syaoran explained. He had men here to protect his family and they could protect themselves but he didn't want to take any chances.

"We'll be fine just take care" Yelen assured smiling at him when the horses were brought around.

"We'll be fine, we won't take any unnecessary chances" Sakura stated when Mei Lin mounted; Tomoyo gave Yelen a hug before mounting while Takashi said goodbye to Sonya and Teko. Sakura gave Yelen a hug and mounted like Syaoran.

"Bye father" Teko shouted waving goodbye to his father. They watched their figures disappear down the hill 'safe journey' Yelen thought praying to the heavens to watch over them..

"What would you like to do today?" Yelen asked as they made their way up the steps. Teko smiled at her not knowing what he wanted to do. Sonya looked down the road having the strangest feeling that she was never going to see Takashi again. *

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*Later. *

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* It was mid day as they rode across the valley in complete silence. It was a really hot day and they had long ago removed their capes but that didn't help cool them off at all. "Uh why couldn't he have the celebration at a cooler time?" Mei Lin whined trying to fan herself, since there was almost no wind. "I don't know who is going to pass out first me or my horse"

"Is complaining all you can do? The rest of us are hot too" Takashi spoke in an annoyed tone.

"Oh please be quiet, don't tell me you're still upset about when we first met?" Mei Lin asked in an angry voice glaring at Takashi who glared back. Above them Syaoran looked at the large afternoon sun, becoming more irritated as the seconds went by.

"Will you two shut up," Syaoran snapped glaring at the both of them. "Lets pick up pace so we can make it to the next town at sun down or before" he ordered, everyone nodded not bothering to say anything to object. Only a trail of dust was left behind when their horses picked up speed, not noticing the small group of men on the ridge looking at them from a distance, a man gave a signal before they all disappeared.

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* "You know that we're being followed right?" Syaoran whispered all but Mei Lin nodded she was't paying attention.

"We are?" Mei Lin asked getting nervous she didn't want a fight to come this early.

"Don't look back or look like you're aware," Syaoran spoke through clenched teeth. Mei Lin nodded dumbly not knowing what to do, she felt like she was the odd one out of all the rest. She didn't want to remember all her sensei had taught her.

"How many?" Takashi asked acting normal. He hadn't gotten far yet, and here they were already getting into trouble.

"About ten, eleven the most" Sakura answered making sure her sword was within her hands' reach.

"We won't do anything until they attack, we'll just wait and see" Syaoran explained, they all nodded in agreement. "You girls put your hoods on," he added. "I believe that there is more of them"

"What?" Tomoyo asked feeling for her sword. She wouldn't be able to make use of her arrows because her cape was hiding them. She looked at the dry, creaked ground hoping that they wouldn't have to fight.

"Yeah if anything comes to, lets stay in pairs" Eriol stated them nodding in agreement.

"Hey why do I have to be with her?" Takashi asked getting a glare from Mei Lin, which he just merely brushed off. *

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* "Men get whatever valuables they have and if they put up a fight kill them" a man stated smiling.

"Yeah" they all answered, raising their swords in the air before they all mounted their horses and rode off down the hill.

"Do you think you should have sent so many men?" a man asked looking down at the clouds of dust.

"Yeah they all need something to do," he answered before going back to his tent. *

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* "Um-Syaoran I think it's more than ten" Sakura spoke looking at all the horses before them.

"I know, just don't do anything until it's absolutely necessary. We don't have anything expensive with us" Syaoran replied looking at them, it was about twenty or twenty-five in total.

"Except for money" Eriol confirmed counting them like Syaoran.

"Yeah just hide your faces, if they see your faces they might take you guys instead" Syaoran spoke looking at Sakura. He would fight an army just to protect her, even though she was the last person on earth who probably needed his protection.

"Which in some cases isn't a bad thing?" Takashi stated looking at Mei Lin.

"OH shut up" Mei Lin shot back, smiling however at his hidden compliment. *

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* "Okay people stop and give us everything you have that is valuable. Make this easy on the both of us" the man shouted making them come to a stop. Her cloak hid Sakura's face but she could see how yellow his teeth were when he smiled.

"We don't have anything valuable and would like to be on our way. We're heading to a family gathering in the next town," Eriol answered smiling at them. He adjusted his glasses making them gleam in the sun, a devilish look in his eyes.

"We don't believe that. You must have something, don't make us have to come and find it ourselves" the man retorted. "My name is Dragon and I don't play" he snared making sure they could see the length of his sword, as if it really mattered.

"Hey what's wrong with those three, why do they have their heads covered? I bet they'z women, we haven't seen some of those in a while," a man yelled drawing attention to the girls.

"Yeah take ya'll capes off" a man shouted making the others start to agree.

"No keep it on" Syaoran spoke when they started to take it off.

"What are ya'll husbands and wives?" Dragon asked eyeing Sakura who was close to Syaoran.

"Yes she's my wife" Eriol answered pulling Tomoyo close, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze that told him she was ready to fight.

"It is not your concern just let us be on our way. We don't want to cause any trouble," Syaoran spoke losing his patience.

"I take it he's their leader" Dragon said to his men. "He's nothing but a mere boy, in his early twenties," he added looking at all the guys. "Since as you don't have any money we'll just fight for the three ladies"

"Eriol this is a waste of time. You know we're going to have to fight just let me take off this cape it's hot" Tomoyo spoke looking up at him; Eriol looked at her and nodded sighing.

"Please just let us pass, we have a very tight schedule" Tomoyo spoke pulling her hood back like Mei Lin.

"Well, well no wonder you had them hiding, what beauties" Dragon spoke looking them over.

"Well I'm sorry for you, see the one with the crimson eyes, well she's a whiner; all she ever does is complain. And the blackish silver haired one, well lets say you don't want to hear her squeal" Takashi stated getting glares from the two girls.

"Don't believe him, do we look like any of those things?" Tomoyo asked smiling as she took off the rest of her cape and stretched her arms.

"You don't seem dangerous" Dragon spoke smiling at her body and how her breasts pushed against her clothing when she stretched.

"He," Mei Lin spoke pointing at Takashi. "Doesn't know how to treat a woman, that's why I need a REAL man," she added licking her lips, winking at a guy behind Dragon who grinned stupidly.

"SO how about you let us go and we won't hurt you," Tomoyo asked cutely.

"The only thing you've done is want us to take you even more" Dragon replied. "Come like good girls"

"Well isn't that just too bad" Sakura spoke slowly reaching for her sword like the others. "Please Dragon tell your boss that I meant what I said all those months ago" she added pulling back her cape revealing her face to them as she pulled out her sword. "Has he already forgotten?" Sakura asked raising a brow at him.

"YOU.NO he hasn't forgotten we didn't know it was you" Dragon stammered looking at Sakura wide-eyed, the others were completely lost. He glanced around nervously as if expecting another to pop up, which would be Nades.

"Good, now let us be on our way I'm not in the mood to kill him or anyone today. And your making me angry" Sakura spat distastefully glowering at him. "Do I have to go to him my self to ask for his permission?"

"NO you can go, we don't want any trouble. WE'RE sorry and we'll be on our way now, have a safe trip" Dragon stated signaling his men to leave. Syaoran and the others watched in amazement as they rode off not even looking back.

"Well?" Syaoran asked looking at her as she put her sword back.

"His leader crossed my and Nades' path when we were having a bad day, he thought we were a regular women. Well he thought wrong" Sakura answered smiling sweetly.

"I don't even want to know what you did to him" Eriol said smiling as they rode off.

"Deadly," Takashi muttered thinking about Teko and Sonya. He wanted to get this done as fast as possible so he could go home to them. *

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* It was late in the night when they arrived in a town, most of its inhabitants were asleep or most men were drinking with friends. The way they were dressed didn't at all draw any attention to them as they searched for an inn. Circling the town they asked a man for directions and came upon a moderate inn; at least it was well kept for a town like this. And that's where the argument between Mei Lin and Takashi ensued.

"You've got to be kidding," Mei Lin hissed softly glowering at Takashi who gave her the same look.

"I'm not kidding, you knew that you would have to play the role of wife. They only have three available rooms and wouldn't it look suspicious if his wife didn't want to sleep in the same room as him?" Eriol asked smiling, it was obvious to everyone that he didn't at all mind sleeping in the same bed with Tomoyo.

"I have no intention of sharing a bed with her anyways," Takashi retorted folding his arms over his broad chest. The idea of sleeping in the same room or even bed with Takashi made Mei Lin feel nervous, and a strange feeling stir in her stomach, one she didn't comprehend.

"Well if you don't mind me saying it, seems that you two had an arranged marriage. I don't understand why you're letting your wife boss you around like this" the manager spoke having over heard Mei Lin. "I have the rooms ready and a table for your dinner" he added looking at Mei Lin with lust full eyes which made her unconsciously move closer to Takashi.

"Thank you, the keys," Syaoran spoke holding his and Sakura's small bags. He had had enough of Mei Lin and Takashi's rambling, it had been a long day and in truth he wanted to sleep. The man handed Syaoran the keys, seeing the look Syaoran gave him he left without another word.

"I don't think he'll be giving any more suggestions," Eriol commented as they headed up the stairs. The rooms they were given were beside each other.

"We'll meet downstairs in an hour that should give us enough time to relax. I asked the manager to send three baths up" Sakura stated, trying to hold back laughter at the look on Mei Lin and Takashi's face before she closed the door behind her. Before she could move there was a knock on the door, she let the maids in with the bath and what ever else they would need, she smiled at them when they left and latched the door. "I know that your torturing Mei Lin and Takashi" she spoke looking at Syaoran who was looking out the window in deep thought, he looked at her and smiled knowingly.

"I'll go downstairs so you can bath, no doubt Eriol and Takashi most of all will be down there" Syaoran said moving towards the door.

"You don't-have to go" Sakura spoke shyly already striping down her clothes; she longed to feel the warm water around her.

"If I don't go then you'll-definitely not have a warm bath to bathe," Syaoran replied. Sakura knew exactly what he meant and felt a light blush creeping up her cheek. "I see you catch my meaning, I'll be downstairs," he added before leaving her. Sakura laughed softly, as she lowered herself into the tub sighing in content. *

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* "You will not leave me, I didn't like the look that man was giving me at all" Mei Lin snapped looking at Takashi who was at the door.

"I really don't care, and I'm not staying in here with you while you bathe. It's out of the question" Takashi growled looking at Mei Lin.

"You don't have to stay in here you, can stay at the door or right there with your back turned to me. I won't stay long," Mei Lin spoke in an almost pleading tone.

"I don't see why you're afraid, when you weren't at Li's or with HIS men" Takashi stated matter-of-factly moving his head quickly to avoid her bag hitting him, before he could say anything else Mei Lin spoke up.

"I care not what you or anyone thinks but I'm still innocent. I would never give my body to someone that I didn't love" Mei Lin stated trying to hide the hurt in her voice that he would think such a thing. Her eyes betrayed her though. "All I'm asking is for you not to leave me. Don't make me beg" Takashi looked at her and felt somewhat guilty for accusing her when it was none of his business in the first place.

"Fine but don't take long," Takashi ordered drawing up a chair; he turned his back to her missing the look of relief that spread across her features as she stripped down and got in the tub 'I must be out of my mind' Takashi thought looking at the door.

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* Author's note: Whelp I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Um I don't really have much to say other than I hope ya'll keep on reviewing. Tell me if anything is still confusing. The action really hasn't started yet but it will happen in the next chapter.