C-Mage: Whee!~ So, after slacking for two weeks after being back, I
finish chapter ten. Go me! I hope you all like this chapter! We're
slowly but steadily getting somewhere, you know. o.O Sorry if it's kind
of short.
T.Anjel: o.O~
Disclaimers: We don't own CCS. We don't own CLAMP. I don't even know the new manga Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, much as I'd like to. T-T
Summary: Syaoran goes on a date with Meiling that's more of a surprise than intended....
Learn to Love Me - Chapter 10 - Syaoran's Surprise Date
I opened the door to my apartment and slipped out of my shoes, dropping my duffel bag. The session hadn't been too bad today. Some of the students were overeager and wanted to get to the interesting stuff now, but they'd learn eventually or leave.
Kinomoto had an aptitude for teaching. She'd do well on Monday.
I smiled. The thought of not actively having to teach a class that wasn't exactly interested was inviting. I needed a break. Even if I didn't verbally admit it, it was lurking around the back corners of my brain. I still needed to evaluate Kinomoto and help her, though. So much for my break
I started towards the bathroom and the promise of a shower when something crunched under my foot. I looked down an envelope. Frowning, I leaned down to pick it up. Tenants normally got their mail in little locked mailboxes, not under their doors. Turning it over, I groaned. 'Li Xiao Lang' was written in Chinese characters on a scented pink envelope. Yuck.
Sighing, I moved to my recliner. Might as well read it now and get it over with. I tore open the envelope (I've never been good at opening the infernal things) and pulled out a matching piece of stationery. Lovely White, eh? My eyes flicked to the bottom, and the corners of my mouth twitched up. The Korean makers of it had misspelled 'always'. Alwasys. A small snort escaped me.
Leaving my amusement, I turned my eyes to the letter. It was written in Chinese. I guess Meiling had it easier in her native tongue.
Dearest Xiao Lang,
Oh, how I have missed you these past two weeks! I cannot wait to see you again. My heart aches for you every moment of every day! I have arranged dinner for us at a nice Italian restaurant. Be sure to dress sharply! I'll be over at six-thirty. Wo ai ni.
Mei Ling
A flick of my wrist and a glance at my watch told me the time. Five- thirty. Now, where was that shower I'd been looking forward to....
Six o'clock saw me in sleek black pants and a silky red shirt. Red was Meiling's favorite color, after all. Red for luck, and to match her eyes. If I had to court her, I could at least act the part of a caring boyfriend.
I winced at the thought.
I settled down to grade tests to while away the time until six- thirty. Multiple choice answers definitely made them easier to grade, but essay questions showed the level of comprehension. Luckily, the textbook I was teaching from had a nice mix of both, along with true or false. It just meant that it took some time to grade.
A few tests and twenty-five minutes later, a knock sounded on the door. "Syaoran," a shrill voice called. "It's me!"
I put aside the tests and opened the door, wary of a glomping. Thankfully, though, Meiling seemed mindful of her skin tight Chinese style dress and settled for a kiss. I dodged in time for it to miss and hit my cheek.
"Syaoran, why won't you kiss me?" she pouted, walking over to sit on my couch with a plop. Immediately she ruffled through the tests and looked at the answer book. "This is what you're teaching? That's so boring! I don't see why you don't return to China and teach for the clan.
"Because the clan's too controlling, that's why," I grumbled to myself. Raising my voice, I said, "Did you come here to gripe, or are we going?"
"Going," she stated, standing up and walking to the door. She'd forgotten to take off her shoes, and the heels clipped smartly on the floor.
"Okay, then." I shrugged into a black coat, slipped on some nice shoes I'd dug out from my closet, and grabbed my keys.
Once we'd reached the car, I opened her door like a gentleman should. You could practically feel her urge to squeal childishly, but she managed to repress it. I got in my side and started the ignition.
"Where to?" I asked as we hit the road towards downtown, obviously needing directions.
"Oh!" she started. She named a relatively expense Italian restaurant I knew of. "My friend's the manager, so we can get a discount price." I winced. As a gentleman, I should pay. At least it was cheaper than it would have been otherwise. "Our reservation's at 7:30."
"Then why'd you go to my place to early?" I asked, irritated. I did not want to sit around for half an hour before I could eat.
She shuffled and blushed. "Well, I thought that maybe we could, um, you know...."
Disgusted, I turned to stare at her, then reverted to the safety of my mask. "Let's wait on that, okay?"
She grinned. "So long as you're all mine, Syaoran."
We arrived at the restaurant a full half-hour early, just as I'd predicted. We sat in the car, Meiling chattering on about her friend who owned the restaurant. I stared resolutely at my watch until it was almost time for our reservation, when I got out, interrupting Meiling mid- sentence. The frown on her face from my ignorance was replaced by a grin when I offered my arm - gentlemanly.
"Reservation under Li," Meiling told the host. He scanned a list as the door opened behind us.
"We just made it!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "I'm so sorry for taking so long! I forgot what time it was...."
Another familiar, less pleasant, voice answered. "No need to apologize, Sakura." Hearing the foreign name, I turned around to see none other than Kinomoto and Kaplan standing behind us. His green eyes lit on me and he grinned. "Mr. Li, are you dining here, too?" he asked.
Kinomoto's eyes flew to me. "Oh, Mr. Li! What a surprise!"
Meiling cleared her throat and I turned around. She and the host were looking at my expectantly.
"Do you want to be seated together?" the host asked, picking up that we knew each other. I opened my mouth to protest, but Kaplan got there first, a grin spreading over his handsome features.
"Could you? That'd be great! I know it's a hassle and all...."
"No, no trouble at all! What is your party's name?" he asked, hand poised over the book.
"Kaplan." I could have sworn that the little bastard smirked at me.
"Thank you, Mr. Kaplan." He pulled out two more menus. "Right this way, sirs, madams."
As we wound through various tables, I appraised Kinomoto and Kaplan. Kinomoto was wearing a pale green dress that set off her eyes, her long hair in an elegant bun, no doubt styled by Daidouji. Kaplan was wearing khakis and a navy shirt, the top few buttons left undone, no doubt to make him look sexy. I snorted.
"Something wrong, Mr. Li?" asked Kinomoto, emerald eyes apprehensive.
"Nothing," I hurried reassured. Meiling huffed and grabbed onto my arm; I sighed.
"A waiter will be with you shortly," informed the host as we sat down. "Until then, feel free to look at over your menus. Enjoy your evening." We murmured our thanks, and then he left.
All it took was a second for Meiling to jump on Kinomoto.
"What are you doing here?" she hissed over the table, eyes narrowed.
Kinomoto smiled nervously. "Um...well, I'm on a date with David. Isn't it a strange coincidence that we're here at the same time?" She tried a little laugh.
"Some coincidence," Meiling grumbled. "In any case, Syaoran's mine, so don't even think about taking him." She grabbed my arm possessively again as Kinomoto turned pink.
"Don't worry about things like that," slipped in Kaplan, amused. "She has me here. She doesn't need Mr. Li." His comment served in disgruntling me, flustering Kinomoto, and soothing Meiling.
We sat in uncomfortable silence until our waiter came. "May I take your orders, please?" he asked monotonously. We ordered, then settled back to wait again. At least we had water and breadsticks now.
Meiling was making her way through her third breadstick when Kinomoto decided to start conversation.
"So, Mr. Li, I heard that you and David used to spar. Is that right?"
I grunted. David said, "Yes, in college. He always was a tough fight. I really had to work to beat him."
"As I remember," I growled, "you never beat me. Either I won or it was a draw."
"No, no, you must be remembering wrong. I know I won most of the time."
Meiling jumped in to defend my honor. "Syaoran's a great fighter. I'm sure he beat you easily! We're the two best fighters the clan has!" She swelled with pride.
"You can fight, too?" asked Kinomoto, interested despite the nasty vibes Meiling was emitting.
Meiling frowned. "Of course I can. I'm part of the Li clan, after all. Everyone's taught martial arts at an early age. Syaoran was always the best." She leaned over to kiss me, and I moved away. She frowned. "Xiao Lang...," she murmured in Chinese.
"Cheek only," I responded in the same tongue.
"Fine," she stated and kissed my cheek. Kinomoto and Kaplan were looking at us oddly.
"So, your girlfriend can't even kiss you, huh?" asked Kaplan.
"Urusei," I said, and Kinomoto gasped. I glared at her. Kaplan, of course, had no clue what I'd just said. I almost smiled at his ignorance.
"Mr. Li, you can speak Chinese, too?" asked Kinomoto, curious.
Meiling scoffed. "He's Chinese, after all. Do you expect them to speak English over there?" Kinomoto turned a furious red.
She opened her mouth to apologize, but I interrupted. "I was taught English as part of the clan's training, and Japanese as a special interest." I smiled, and she smiled back.
"What's this clan you two talk about?"
"We both come from a spread out family with a long history. My last name is Li, my family's name is Li. We're from the Li clan. Part of being in such a clan is that you're taught certain things as you grow up. Our particular clan's training includes learning English and extensive martial arts."
"Oh. That explains how you got so good!" Kinomoto exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
Kaplan spoke up. "So...you're related?" He eyed the two of us.
"We're cousins."
"And fiancés!" cried Meiling, splashing water as she set down her glass. Kinomoto looked at me, a question in her eyes, and I shook my head. She shrugged neutrally.
The food was brought and we spent a few minutes eating, Meiling demanding that she cut up my lasagne so I wouldn't burn my tongue. Kaplan eventually asked the question he was bound to ask.
"Let me get this straight. You're cousins, but you're engaged?" He looked incredulous.
"Yes," said Meiling, primly cutting her noodles.
"Won't your children be deformed or something?" he asked, the gleam in his eyes a sign of taunting.
Meiling took great offense. "Of course not! Our children will be little angels, won't they Syaoran?" I winced. "Syaoran's perfect, so why would they be anything but?"
Kinomoto scolded lightly, "David, that's not very nice."
"Sorry," he said and leaned to quickly peck her cheek. "I'll try not to do it again."
She blushed, but Meiling found it something to nitpick on. "You aren't kissing your girlfriend, either," she noted, touchy from the earlier barb.
Kaplan grinned and pulled Kinomoto to him, bringing her lips to his. Inside, I fumed with jealousy as the kiss drew on. Kinomoto wasn't supposed to kiss that prick. She was supposed to kiss m -
My train of thought stopped abruptly. What? I didn't like Kinomoto, did I? As I watched Kaplan try to deepen it, I surged with jealous hatred again. How long was she going to let him do that to her? Finally, she pulled away, slightly disheveled.
"David, not now," she murmured quietly. Another flash of hatred. She wanted to continue it, did she? I could feel my eyes harden. Not over my dead body....
Meiling tugged on my arm, puckering her lips. Part of me wanted to kiss her, just to make Kinomoto feel jealous, but the rational part smacked the other. Baka! She probably doesn't even like you! You've been scaring her away all year....
I leaned over and lightly kissed Meiling's cheek. She pouted, but I wouldn't do any more willingly, and she knew it. Short of immobilizing me, there was nothing she could do to make me kiss her. She sighed, then spotted the neatly cut food on my plate. Her eyes lit up, and she reached out to spear some with her fork.
"Say 'ah'...." She moved it towards me threateningly. Obediently, I opened my mouth. I was going to eat it anyway, right? She practically shoved it in, choking me. I gasped and reached forward for my water, drinking desperately. Kinomoto rushed over to kneel by me.
"Daijoubu?" she asked, reverting to Japanese in her panic and hovering, arm on my shoulder.
I smiled. "Hai."
"Yokata...." She smiled, and I noticed how close her face was to mine. What I wouldn't give to lean over and kiss those inviting lips....
She must have noticed, too, because suddenly she sat back down, blushing the shade of a ripe tomato. "Gomen nasai," she murmured, staring at her food.
Kaplan smiled. "Why don't we show 'em how it's done, Sakura." He scooped up a meatball from her plate with his fork and moved it towards her slightly open mouth. Just before it reached, it fell from it's precarious position into Kinomoto's lap.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Kaplan exclaimed, leaning in towards her skirt with napkins, ready to clean up the mess before it got too bad. I got there first and was rubbing at the spot when Kaplan coughed. I froze, then jolted back as Kinomoto started laughing. Guiltily I handed her my napkin, giving in to Meiling restraining arms and scooted backwards. I mumbled a barely audible "sorry".
"That's okay!" Kinomoto smiled brightly. "Just, next time hand me a napkin, please." If she was pink, I was definitely fuchsia.
Somehow we reached dessert without further incident and little conversation. I managed to eat with one arm held captive by Meiling, and Kinomoto kept blushing whenever she looked at me. Kaplan was looking aggravated, which I considered a good thing. However, he also looked rather bored - never a good sign.
Just as I was digging into my chocolate silk pie (I've always had a weakness for chocolate), Kaplan said, "I heard that you were teaching a club for self-defense."
Kinomoto looked relieved at something to talk about that seemed safe. "Yes. Mr. Li and I are teaching it together every Friday after school. The kids are doing pretty well." She gave me a teasing look. "I even got Mr. Li to hit me."
Meiling's mouth dropped. "What?! You actually got him to fight you? But you're a girl! He won't even spar with me, and I'm the best female the clan has!"
"Only in a teaching capacity, I assure you," I mumbled. Nevertheless, Meiling still looked put out.
"It was pretty hard, as you can imagine," Kinomoto explained, rolling her eyes at Kaplan. "Finally I had to point out that it was for teaching, so it was even." She winked. "He still thinks that it's dishonorable to hit a girl."
"I wish I could have seen that," Kaplan murmured appreciatively. "Are you good?" he asked Kinomoto.
"Well, I haven't actively trained in years, but you could say I'm pretty decent in the art."
Kaplan thought about something for a second before speaking. "You know, I actually wouldn't mind helping you teach." Kinomoto's eyes lit up, and he grinned. "I'd enjoy sparring with Mr. Li again, and I'm not afraid of hitting a girl." He raised his eyebrows at Kinomoto suggestively, who blushed. I could feel myself glaring daggers at him, but he took no notice. "Of course, that's if it's okay with Mr. Li," he stated, remembering me suddenly.
"I don't mind, but I didn't know elementary school teachers were able to assist in high school clubs," I growled out, keeping myself from killing him on the spot.
"It's actually no problem with the board of education," Kaplan replied with a smirk.
"Great!" exclaimed Kinomoto, unawares that I was irritated. "Can you meet us in the high school gym on Friday? Right after classes get out?"
Kaplan smiled indulgently. "Anything for you." Yet another blush crossed Kinomoto's features.
"That's it!" cried Meiling, standing up. "I came here for a nice date with Syaoran, not to watch the two of you flirt endlessly!" She grabbed her purse and hurried from the building.
"Shit," I said, raising my hand at a passing waiter. "Check, please." He nodded and hurried off to get it. "I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but I need to catch up to Meiling." I pulled out my checkbook as the waiter brought the check. "Thanks." I wrote a check quickly, not even noticing that I was paying for Kaplan and Kinomoto's meals as well. Leaving a large tip, I left.
"See you Monday!" called Kinomoto, waving. I threw a small wave over my shoulder in response before grabbing my coat and Meiling's and exiting.
Meiling was over by my car, yanking at the door handle hoplelessly, pretty make-up smeared from tears. "Syaoran, can't I go on one nice date with you, without it being messed up by that stupid girl?" she sobbed out when she heard me approach. My softer side took over as I draped her coat over her shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Meiling. It's not like I wanted them to show up or anything." I smiled slightly at her, reassuringly. "I'll promise you one date without her, okay? I promise." Grasping bitch or no, she was my cousin, and I did care for her, deep down. Way deep down.
Sniffling, she snuggled into my shirt. "Thanks, Syaoran. You're always so nice." She cried for a few more minutes before something clicked in her head. Abruptly she pulled away from me and opened her mouth to yell. "And what exactly were you doing fawning over that woman the entire time, anyway?! You're dating me, so you might as well act like it! You haven't even kissed me, yet you get jealous over her! You've some nerve, you know?!"
I sighed. Meiling was Meiling, after all. I opened her door. "Get in, Meiling. We can continue this at home, and you'll catch a cold out here." Sulkily she entered, griping all the way back to my apartment and even once we reached it. Finally I had to mention the tests I was grading and how long it took before she left with a comment about my unwavering dedication to my work.
I tried to grade the tests, I really did. However, my traitor mind kept wandering to a certain auburn-haired woman. How could I be so stupid as to like her, when she so obviously loathed my guts? Not to mention the fact that she was my student. Wasn't that illegal or something? Sighing, I leaned back to meditate to clear my mind, eventually falling into a restless sleep.
~~~~
C-Mage: Erm, yeah. It's short again. -.-' I'm sorry. I couldn't squeeze much more out of it. Thanks for reading! I love you guys! *huggles readers*
T.Anjel: I think.it's getting interesting.
T.Anjel: o.O~
Disclaimers: We don't own CCS. We don't own CLAMP. I don't even know the new manga Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, much as I'd like to. T-T
Summary: Syaoran goes on a date with Meiling that's more of a surprise than intended....
Learn to Love Me - Chapter 10 - Syaoran's Surprise Date
I opened the door to my apartment and slipped out of my shoes, dropping my duffel bag. The session hadn't been too bad today. Some of the students were overeager and wanted to get to the interesting stuff now, but they'd learn eventually or leave.
Kinomoto had an aptitude for teaching. She'd do well on Monday.
I smiled. The thought of not actively having to teach a class that wasn't exactly interested was inviting. I needed a break. Even if I didn't verbally admit it, it was lurking around the back corners of my brain. I still needed to evaluate Kinomoto and help her, though. So much for my break
I started towards the bathroom and the promise of a shower when something crunched under my foot. I looked down an envelope. Frowning, I leaned down to pick it up. Tenants normally got their mail in little locked mailboxes, not under their doors. Turning it over, I groaned. 'Li Xiao Lang' was written in Chinese characters on a scented pink envelope. Yuck.
Sighing, I moved to my recliner. Might as well read it now and get it over with. I tore open the envelope (I've never been good at opening the infernal things) and pulled out a matching piece of stationery. Lovely White, eh? My eyes flicked to the bottom, and the corners of my mouth twitched up. The Korean makers of it had misspelled 'always'. Alwasys. A small snort escaped me.
Leaving my amusement, I turned my eyes to the letter. It was written in Chinese. I guess Meiling had it easier in her native tongue.
Dearest Xiao Lang,
Oh, how I have missed you these past two weeks! I cannot wait to see you again. My heart aches for you every moment of every day! I have arranged dinner for us at a nice Italian restaurant. Be sure to dress sharply! I'll be over at six-thirty. Wo ai ni.
Mei Ling
A flick of my wrist and a glance at my watch told me the time. Five- thirty. Now, where was that shower I'd been looking forward to....
Six o'clock saw me in sleek black pants and a silky red shirt. Red was Meiling's favorite color, after all. Red for luck, and to match her eyes. If I had to court her, I could at least act the part of a caring boyfriend.
I winced at the thought.
I settled down to grade tests to while away the time until six- thirty. Multiple choice answers definitely made them easier to grade, but essay questions showed the level of comprehension. Luckily, the textbook I was teaching from had a nice mix of both, along with true or false. It just meant that it took some time to grade.
A few tests and twenty-five minutes later, a knock sounded on the door. "Syaoran," a shrill voice called. "It's me!"
I put aside the tests and opened the door, wary of a glomping. Thankfully, though, Meiling seemed mindful of her skin tight Chinese style dress and settled for a kiss. I dodged in time for it to miss and hit my cheek.
"Syaoran, why won't you kiss me?" she pouted, walking over to sit on my couch with a plop. Immediately she ruffled through the tests and looked at the answer book. "This is what you're teaching? That's so boring! I don't see why you don't return to China and teach for the clan.
"Because the clan's too controlling, that's why," I grumbled to myself. Raising my voice, I said, "Did you come here to gripe, or are we going?"
"Going," she stated, standing up and walking to the door. She'd forgotten to take off her shoes, and the heels clipped smartly on the floor.
"Okay, then." I shrugged into a black coat, slipped on some nice shoes I'd dug out from my closet, and grabbed my keys.
Once we'd reached the car, I opened her door like a gentleman should. You could practically feel her urge to squeal childishly, but she managed to repress it. I got in my side and started the ignition.
"Where to?" I asked as we hit the road towards downtown, obviously needing directions.
"Oh!" she started. She named a relatively expense Italian restaurant I knew of. "My friend's the manager, so we can get a discount price." I winced. As a gentleman, I should pay. At least it was cheaper than it would have been otherwise. "Our reservation's at 7:30."
"Then why'd you go to my place to early?" I asked, irritated. I did not want to sit around for half an hour before I could eat.
She shuffled and blushed. "Well, I thought that maybe we could, um, you know...."
Disgusted, I turned to stare at her, then reverted to the safety of my mask. "Let's wait on that, okay?"
She grinned. "So long as you're all mine, Syaoran."
We arrived at the restaurant a full half-hour early, just as I'd predicted. We sat in the car, Meiling chattering on about her friend who owned the restaurant. I stared resolutely at my watch until it was almost time for our reservation, when I got out, interrupting Meiling mid- sentence. The frown on her face from my ignorance was replaced by a grin when I offered my arm - gentlemanly.
"Reservation under Li," Meiling told the host. He scanned a list as the door opened behind us.
"We just made it!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "I'm so sorry for taking so long! I forgot what time it was...."
Another familiar, less pleasant, voice answered. "No need to apologize, Sakura." Hearing the foreign name, I turned around to see none other than Kinomoto and Kaplan standing behind us. His green eyes lit on me and he grinned. "Mr. Li, are you dining here, too?" he asked.
Kinomoto's eyes flew to me. "Oh, Mr. Li! What a surprise!"
Meiling cleared her throat and I turned around. She and the host were looking at my expectantly.
"Do you want to be seated together?" the host asked, picking up that we knew each other. I opened my mouth to protest, but Kaplan got there first, a grin spreading over his handsome features.
"Could you? That'd be great! I know it's a hassle and all...."
"No, no trouble at all! What is your party's name?" he asked, hand poised over the book.
"Kaplan." I could have sworn that the little bastard smirked at me.
"Thank you, Mr. Kaplan." He pulled out two more menus. "Right this way, sirs, madams."
As we wound through various tables, I appraised Kinomoto and Kaplan. Kinomoto was wearing a pale green dress that set off her eyes, her long hair in an elegant bun, no doubt styled by Daidouji. Kaplan was wearing khakis and a navy shirt, the top few buttons left undone, no doubt to make him look sexy. I snorted.
"Something wrong, Mr. Li?" asked Kinomoto, emerald eyes apprehensive.
"Nothing," I hurried reassured. Meiling huffed and grabbed onto my arm; I sighed.
"A waiter will be with you shortly," informed the host as we sat down. "Until then, feel free to look at over your menus. Enjoy your evening." We murmured our thanks, and then he left.
All it took was a second for Meiling to jump on Kinomoto.
"What are you doing here?" she hissed over the table, eyes narrowed.
Kinomoto smiled nervously. "Um...well, I'm on a date with David. Isn't it a strange coincidence that we're here at the same time?" She tried a little laugh.
"Some coincidence," Meiling grumbled. "In any case, Syaoran's mine, so don't even think about taking him." She grabbed my arm possessively again as Kinomoto turned pink.
"Don't worry about things like that," slipped in Kaplan, amused. "She has me here. She doesn't need Mr. Li." His comment served in disgruntling me, flustering Kinomoto, and soothing Meiling.
We sat in uncomfortable silence until our waiter came. "May I take your orders, please?" he asked monotonously. We ordered, then settled back to wait again. At least we had water and breadsticks now.
Meiling was making her way through her third breadstick when Kinomoto decided to start conversation.
"So, Mr. Li, I heard that you and David used to spar. Is that right?"
I grunted. David said, "Yes, in college. He always was a tough fight. I really had to work to beat him."
"As I remember," I growled, "you never beat me. Either I won or it was a draw."
"No, no, you must be remembering wrong. I know I won most of the time."
Meiling jumped in to defend my honor. "Syaoran's a great fighter. I'm sure he beat you easily! We're the two best fighters the clan has!" She swelled with pride.
"You can fight, too?" asked Kinomoto, interested despite the nasty vibes Meiling was emitting.
Meiling frowned. "Of course I can. I'm part of the Li clan, after all. Everyone's taught martial arts at an early age. Syaoran was always the best." She leaned over to kiss me, and I moved away. She frowned. "Xiao Lang...," she murmured in Chinese.
"Cheek only," I responded in the same tongue.
"Fine," she stated and kissed my cheek. Kinomoto and Kaplan were looking at us oddly.
"So, your girlfriend can't even kiss you, huh?" asked Kaplan.
"Urusei," I said, and Kinomoto gasped. I glared at her. Kaplan, of course, had no clue what I'd just said. I almost smiled at his ignorance.
"Mr. Li, you can speak Chinese, too?" asked Kinomoto, curious.
Meiling scoffed. "He's Chinese, after all. Do you expect them to speak English over there?" Kinomoto turned a furious red.
She opened her mouth to apologize, but I interrupted. "I was taught English as part of the clan's training, and Japanese as a special interest." I smiled, and she smiled back.
"What's this clan you two talk about?"
"We both come from a spread out family with a long history. My last name is Li, my family's name is Li. We're from the Li clan. Part of being in such a clan is that you're taught certain things as you grow up. Our particular clan's training includes learning English and extensive martial arts."
"Oh. That explains how you got so good!" Kinomoto exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
Kaplan spoke up. "So...you're related?" He eyed the two of us.
"We're cousins."
"And fiancés!" cried Meiling, splashing water as she set down her glass. Kinomoto looked at me, a question in her eyes, and I shook my head. She shrugged neutrally.
The food was brought and we spent a few minutes eating, Meiling demanding that she cut up my lasagne so I wouldn't burn my tongue. Kaplan eventually asked the question he was bound to ask.
"Let me get this straight. You're cousins, but you're engaged?" He looked incredulous.
"Yes," said Meiling, primly cutting her noodles.
"Won't your children be deformed or something?" he asked, the gleam in his eyes a sign of taunting.
Meiling took great offense. "Of course not! Our children will be little angels, won't they Syaoran?" I winced. "Syaoran's perfect, so why would they be anything but?"
Kinomoto scolded lightly, "David, that's not very nice."
"Sorry," he said and leaned to quickly peck her cheek. "I'll try not to do it again."
She blushed, but Meiling found it something to nitpick on. "You aren't kissing your girlfriend, either," she noted, touchy from the earlier barb.
Kaplan grinned and pulled Kinomoto to him, bringing her lips to his. Inside, I fumed with jealousy as the kiss drew on. Kinomoto wasn't supposed to kiss that prick. She was supposed to kiss m -
My train of thought stopped abruptly. What? I didn't like Kinomoto, did I? As I watched Kaplan try to deepen it, I surged with jealous hatred again. How long was she going to let him do that to her? Finally, she pulled away, slightly disheveled.
"David, not now," she murmured quietly. Another flash of hatred. She wanted to continue it, did she? I could feel my eyes harden. Not over my dead body....
Meiling tugged on my arm, puckering her lips. Part of me wanted to kiss her, just to make Kinomoto feel jealous, but the rational part smacked the other. Baka! She probably doesn't even like you! You've been scaring her away all year....
I leaned over and lightly kissed Meiling's cheek. She pouted, but I wouldn't do any more willingly, and she knew it. Short of immobilizing me, there was nothing she could do to make me kiss her. She sighed, then spotted the neatly cut food on my plate. Her eyes lit up, and she reached out to spear some with her fork.
"Say 'ah'...." She moved it towards me threateningly. Obediently, I opened my mouth. I was going to eat it anyway, right? She practically shoved it in, choking me. I gasped and reached forward for my water, drinking desperately. Kinomoto rushed over to kneel by me.
"Daijoubu?" she asked, reverting to Japanese in her panic and hovering, arm on my shoulder.
I smiled. "Hai."
"Yokata...." She smiled, and I noticed how close her face was to mine. What I wouldn't give to lean over and kiss those inviting lips....
She must have noticed, too, because suddenly she sat back down, blushing the shade of a ripe tomato. "Gomen nasai," she murmured, staring at her food.
Kaplan smiled. "Why don't we show 'em how it's done, Sakura." He scooped up a meatball from her plate with his fork and moved it towards her slightly open mouth. Just before it reached, it fell from it's precarious position into Kinomoto's lap.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Kaplan exclaimed, leaning in towards her skirt with napkins, ready to clean up the mess before it got too bad. I got there first and was rubbing at the spot when Kaplan coughed. I froze, then jolted back as Kinomoto started laughing. Guiltily I handed her my napkin, giving in to Meiling restraining arms and scooted backwards. I mumbled a barely audible "sorry".
"That's okay!" Kinomoto smiled brightly. "Just, next time hand me a napkin, please." If she was pink, I was definitely fuchsia.
Somehow we reached dessert without further incident and little conversation. I managed to eat with one arm held captive by Meiling, and Kinomoto kept blushing whenever she looked at me. Kaplan was looking aggravated, which I considered a good thing. However, he also looked rather bored - never a good sign.
Just as I was digging into my chocolate silk pie (I've always had a weakness for chocolate), Kaplan said, "I heard that you were teaching a club for self-defense."
Kinomoto looked relieved at something to talk about that seemed safe. "Yes. Mr. Li and I are teaching it together every Friday after school. The kids are doing pretty well." She gave me a teasing look. "I even got Mr. Li to hit me."
Meiling's mouth dropped. "What?! You actually got him to fight you? But you're a girl! He won't even spar with me, and I'm the best female the clan has!"
"Only in a teaching capacity, I assure you," I mumbled. Nevertheless, Meiling still looked put out.
"It was pretty hard, as you can imagine," Kinomoto explained, rolling her eyes at Kaplan. "Finally I had to point out that it was for teaching, so it was even." She winked. "He still thinks that it's dishonorable to hit a girl."
"I wish I could have seen that," Kaplan murmured appreciatively. "Are you good?" he asked Kinomoto.
"Well, I haven't actively trained in years, but you could say I'm pretty decent in the art."
Kaplan thought about something for a second before speaking. "You know, I actually wouldn't mind helping you teach." Kinomoto's eyes lit up, and he grinned. "I'd enjoy sparring with Mr. Li again, and I'm not afraid of hitting a girl." He raised his eyebrows at Kinomoto suggestively, who blushed. I could feel myself glaring daggers at him, but he took no notice. "Of course, that's if it's okay with Mr. Li," he stated, remembering me suddenly.
"I don't mind, but I didn't know elementary school teachers were able to assist in high school clubs," I growled out, keeping myself from killing him on the spot.
"It's actually no problem with the board of education," Kaplan replied with a smirk.
"Great!" exclaimed Kinomoto, unawares that I was irritated. "Can you meet us in the high school gym on Friday? Right after classes get out?"
Kaplan smiled indulgently. "Anything for you." Yet another blush crossed Kinomoto's features.
"That's it!" cried Meiling, standing up. "I came here for a nice date with Syaoran, not to watch the two of you flirt endlessly!" She grabbed her purse and hurried from the building.
"Shit," I said, raising my hand at a passing waiter. "Check, please." He nodded and hurried off to get it. "I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but I need to catch up to Meiling." I pulled out my checkbook as the waiter brought the check. "Thanks." I wrote a check quickly, not even noticing that I was paying for Kaplan and Kinomoto's meals as well. Leaving a large tip, I left.
"See you Monday!" called Kinomoto, waving. I threw a small wave over my shoulder in response before grabbing my coat and Meiling's and exiting.
Meiling was over by my car, yanking at the door handle hoplelessly, pretty make-up smeared from tears. "Syaoran, can't I go on one nice date with you, without it being messed up by that stupid girl?" she sobbed out when she heard me approach. My softer side took over as I draped her coat over her shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Meiling. It's not like I wanted them to show up or anything." I smiled slightly at her, reassuringly. "I'll promise you one date without her, okay? I promise." Grasping bitch or no, she was my cousin, and I did care for her, deep down. Way deep down.
Sniffling, she snuggled into my shirt. "Thanks, Syaoran. You're always so nice." She cried for a few more minutes before something clicked in her head. Abruptly she pulled away from me and opened her mouth to yell. "And what exactly were you doing fawning over that woman the entire time, anyway?! You're dating me, so you might as well act like it! You haven't even kissed me, yet you get jealous over her! You've some nerve, you know?!"
I sighed. Meiling was Meiling, after all. I opened her door. "Get in, Meiling. We can continue this at home, and you'll catch a cold out here." Sulkily she entered, griping all the way back to my apartment and even once we reached it. Finally I had to mention the tests I was grading and how long it took before she left with a comment about my unwavering dedication to my work.
I tried to grade the tests, I really did. However, my traitor mind kept wandering to a certain auburn-haired woman. How could I be so stupid as to like her, when she so obviously loathed my guts? Not to mention the fact that she was my student. Wasn't that illegal or something? Sighing, I leaned back to meditate to clear my mind, eventually falling into a restless sleep.
~~~~
C-Mage: Erm, yeah. It's short again. -.-' I'm sorry. I couldn't squeeze much more out of it. Thanks for reading! I love you guys! *huggles readers*
T.Anjel: I think.it's getting interesting.