----- Sort of a Fairytale
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura solely belongs to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Arigato.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my new fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
Oh! And I finally did well on my SATs! Whoo hoo! After many pitiful chances, my score actually improved by 180 points in my October SAT I! Can you believe that? Now I have a grand total of 1420. Good and bad; that just meant I have to change my college list and start filling out some new applications. Anyhow, super happy now! Hehe.
And tremendous apologies for not being able to update frequently. Senior year is hectic and suicidal. That's all I have to say.
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: To all those who have stuck with me since step one and everyone else who has joined me along the way.
Sapphire Melody: Thanks!
Cherry Princess Sakura: Thanks for all those wonderful compliments! Surely I don't deserve all of them though!
Horselover Girl: Coming from you, that was really nice: spending the time and effort to write a review for me. Thank you.
Kura-Chan: Arigato.
Daz: Hey you! Glad you like this even if I'm having a bit low of inspiration lately. Thanks for making me laugh endlessly.
Avelyn Lauren: Thanks! And while we're all hooting for Syaoran, let's give a cheer for Sakura as well. As for swimming? Well, we don't have a swim team at my school. Instead, there is a badminton team, so I guess that's next best. Oh, and soccer is totally awesome. Even though I suck, I love watching it!
Moon Guardian 41: Hell yeah! Thanks girl! I should be the one thanking you though for being such a great person and reader!
Enchantress Azure: Hehe, I have so much suspense in me that it's going to blow. I so much want to blurt out everything but I can't. Instead, I'll just have to torture you guys the slow way. Heh that sounded so evil! Anyhow, thanks for reading and understanding how busy I am!
Hana Tenshi Himkeo: Hey, Sakura's the strong feminist girl here! Martial arts expert and all that. Besides, the guy deserved it. Let's give a hand to girl power! Okay... I'm getting a bit too hyper or maybe its because I'm writing this so late at night.
Cyan Moon: Yeah, it's a bit of a twist, having Sakura be all angles. However, she wasn't always like that so keep that in mind. It's still inside her!
Sweet Baby Gurl: Another romanticist like me. Hehe. Things are going to be progressing slower, at least with Sakura and Syaoran. She's been hurt so many times. However, with Eriol and Tomoyo, who knows? Read on!
Dragon Star 03: Despite the fact that Sakura's different, her side of placing her friends before herself is still there. I'm glad you noticed. Happy reading and many thanks.
Lone WOLF: Hehe, I love reading your reviews. They seem every.... You. Hehe. Not much of a compliment, but hey, it's one! And whoever said of putting Sakura and Syaoran together? Hehe, just kidding. Just read on and I won't spoil the story for you. And I'm glad you liked the part where Syaoran tripped while going out to buy coffee. After all, I had to place some comic relief someplace. Many thanks!
Dancer5: Thanks! Yeah, it's a bit harder to write in a male perspective but I hope it makes some sense! All males out there, what do you think?
Time Warp: No worries. I'm just glad you're reading this!
Dee: Thank you!
Illusioner 1412: Thank you times three for all three reviews you've given me.
CCS Reader: Sorry for not updating soon! I hope you like this chapter!
Red-Emerald: Thank you. Done well in SATs as you might know if you read my author's note, but not so well on midterms. Sigh. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now but work harder. Once again, thanks!
Lauren: Thank you!
And to all those who did not review or I have missed, special thanks to you too! Go out and conquer the world!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER FOUR: Torn Vulnerability
----- Syaoran -----
Sakura had slipped away, silently in early dawn, while everyone was sleeping. All of her belongings were moved away; even the bed sheets were gone, giving an eerie feeling in the room that used to have a warm feeling of friendship inside. Now, all that was left was the tattered remains. Tomoyo had immediately gone to their resident counselor, but the older woman didn't have much information. All she had was a brief letter from Sakura that she had decided to find an apartment for herself and that all the needed process and the administration office already passed paper work.
She had planned to do it for a long time already, apparently from the time around her first letter actually. I had learned that from Ms. Ivy when I went to talk to her privately and Eriol had confirmed it was around that time period. It would tear Tomoyo too much, for the whole thing was a shock to her; her best friend had left without a word of goodbye. All that was left for her was a brief letter, telling Tomoyo not to worry and that she was sorry.
But of course she worried. Eriol moved into Sakura's former place in Tomoyo's room, which was probably a good thing. She would be protected and at the same time have a close friend whom she could confide in.
Now all that was left was for me to seek Sakura out. Ms. Ivy wasn't sure of the location of where Sakura had moved into, but it was vaguely in some apartment building on some apart of Tokyo that was relatively safe. Yet, Tomoyo was deeply worried and Eriol had decided that it would be better that I went alone.
I sighed to myself, running a hand through my unruly hair. Funny how I'm acting doing this actually. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have even bothered. I would have ditched everything and went back to my work. Yet, I was part of this and I couldn't let go even if I wanted to. Something bound me to her.
After a fair amount of questioning and driving around in my black jeep, I finally came upon a normal apartment building where a nice lady in a nearby supermarket told me she had seen a girl with the looks of Sakura enter earlier that morning. The moment I walked in, a lady around sixty looked up and smiled warmly at me.
"Ohayo, young man. Looking or renting?" She asked.
"Ohayo," I greeted back, giving her a polite smile. "I'm looking for someone actually. Does a Sakura Kinomoto live here?"
A sparkle lighted up in the woman's eyes. "She's a poor duckling," The landowner clucked sympathetically. "Came in early this morning looking like a lost puppy. She's been hurt and frightened in the past, hasn't she? Her eyes were cloudily and you could see all her sorrow buried inside of her. One day it's going to kill her if she can't let it all out in some form." She stopped, eyeing me up and down. "You her boyfriend?"
"No," I replied as calmly as I could. Even though what the lady said was correct, I couldn't help thinking that it was none of her business. "May I ask which room she's in? Her friends are quite worried."
"Oh, dear my, gomen." The lady quickly apologized. "I've rented her room 205 on the second floor but she was so tired yesterday that I told her to sleep in one of my guest rooms. She's still sleeping right now, I'm afraid."
Okay, so the woman wasn't that bad. "Arigato," I bowed slightly to her. "That was very generous of you to do so."
She flapped her hand at me, telling me that the thanks weren't necessary. "Well, come in then, young man. I was just about to prepare breakfast and you can help me. After that, you can fill me on some holes and help me move her belongings upstairs."
-----
"So Li, how did you end up here?" She passed Syaoran a hot cup of coffee after all the dirty dishes were piled in the sink. "Or rather," The lady looked over her steaming mug, "how did Kinomoto end up here?"
"I don't think I should tell, considering that it is her private situation. Although she's been having some troubles lately and she decided that living in the university campus wasn't that great of an idea."
"I see." Gran, which was what everyone in the building called the landlady, didn't question any further. She looked the clock hanging on the wall. "Kinomoto should be up soon and I'm going to make something hot for her. Would you mind moving her stuff for her? Here's the key."
Syaoran took the key and proceeded to carry the many bags up the stairs. When he was done, Sakura was already at the table, looking drawn and vulnerable, her hands wrapped tightly against the hot mug as if it were her lifeline. Her eyes flickered up when she heard him enter. He was surprised when she saw them soften a bit.
"Better?" Syaoran asked, not meaning his voice to come out so gruff.
Sakura nodded her head and then quickly turned her attention back to the kind lady. "Arigato."
"Don't thank me child, but you should know better than to come by yourself so early in the morning! And with so many bags." Gran replied in a motherly fashion. "But that's all the past. Drink up; you'll feel better afterwards."
Sakura obeyed, looking like a broken doll in her large t-shirt and sweat pants.
"Mm. Doesn't that feel better? Now Li has moved all your belongings upstairs, in room 205. Yes, sweet, that's the room I'm renting you. But you have to promise me to take better care for yourself. If you need some motherly fussing over yourself, you come on down here, you understand?" The way Gran said it; there was no room for Sakura to protest.
"Arigato. This means a lot to me."
"Nothing dearie. This young gentleman came early to look for you."
Sakura looked up, her bright eyes with surprise met his calm, imperturbable face. She stood up from her seat, bowed to Gran and left the room with Syaoran behind her. He opened the door and she saw that most of her stuff had been placed and organized. Her bed sheets were on her bed as well as her blanket and pillow. Her books were neatly stacked on a simple desk in the corner while it faced a window. A few other necessities were placed and she was touched that he honored her privacy and did not look through her clothes and other stuff.
"Arigato, Li." Sakura whispered, looking at everything. "Even though I've yelled at you endlessly and dragged you down into this crap I'm in, you still treat me like a human being."
"You got Daidouji really worked up that morning. Eriol has moved in with Tomoyo since she can't really get over the shock. I'll call them later to tell you that you're okay." Syaoran replied calmly.
"I don't get it." Sakura cried frustrated. "Why? Why are you doing this? You're supposed to walk away from this, before you can't, like Tomoyo. I should have left earlier, but I was being stupid and naïve." She locked her fiery green eyes at him. "Why are you even bothering?"
Syaoran thought it over. "I'm a cop." He said finally. "I have a duty to fulfill and I'm not one of those who leave it undone without accepting responsibility."
"You're not obligated to be my bodyguard." She replied. "Leave."
He locked gazes with her, his amber eyes piercing. "I ditch my friends either." He said in a quiet tone. Then he looked away, heading for the door. "There's a pay phone down the hall. I'll go call Eriol to tell him that you're okay." He walked away briskly, without another word and before she could even say something.
Sakura came out from the shower, her hair damp and a towel around her shoulders when Syaoran came back from a long phone call.
"What are we going to do about this?" He asked, sitting a chair.
"We?" She echoed, her eyes flashing. "You helping me out earlier does not mean there is a we." Sakura told him. "I'm grateful and that's it. You can return to the university."
Syaoran actually liked her temper more than her vulnerable side. At least he knew she was gaining more control over herself and the situation around her. She would be all right now. "Girl, you're just going to have to accept it. I've moved in next door, after talking to Eriol for an hour. We've decided that if we split, things might be a little better. Eriol can protect Daidouji."
"And you'll protect me?" Sakura filled in. "Why does it seem that every girl needs protecting? Why can't it be the other way around?" She asked, her feminine side kicking in.
"Stick with it girl." Syaoran smirked. "It's not going to change anytime soon."
Sakura cursed loudly. It was a while before she stopped. "How's Tomoyo?"
"In tears." He replied. "Shocked is putting it lightly. You damn scared her out of her guts Kinomoto. She's lucky she had Eriol as a friend there."
The girl sighed. "Tomoyo was always more emotional, and more observant as well. She's extremely perceptive, and she empathizes more than she should sometimes." Sakura said quietly. "I had been thinking of moving quiet a while."
"And perhaps that's better."
Her laugh was harsh as a crow's and overwhelmed with bitterness. "I hope. I damn know well that this fucking pervert wants to break the trust between Tomoyo and me. I'm very aware of that, and so has Tomoyo. Perhaps being away where I can't hurt her more than I have already is better."
Syaoran didn't know what to say. It was clear that she was worried, more than she was willing to show. Instead he changed the topic.
"Well, it's the weekends and I have to head back to the university to get all my stuff and file out that paper work." He said casually. But Sakura knew what he was asking, and it made her frightened.
"They do have the address and phone number here." Syaoran pointed out lightly. "Might as well explain it to their faces and face the music."
Sakura sighed and reached over to grab her bag. "I'm letting you win only because I'm too tired to fight against you."
"Sore loser," He shot back with a cocky grin. Syaoran had forgotten how hard her punches were, and they hurt. Grumbling, he followed her to his car.
-----
Tomoyo flung herself at her best friend, wrapping her arms tight around the rigid shoulders. "Never, ever do that again. Promise me Saku." She blabbered through her tears. "Did you know how frightened I was? It felt like you really had left me, all alone in this forsaken universe. It ripped me into pieces, Saku."
Sakura eyes softened, a light glow in her eyes that was very rare as she wrapped her arms around the shorter girl. "Gomenasai, Tomoyo." She whispered. "Gomenasai."
The girl finally pulled away, her eyelashes wet. "Good. Now that you're back, I can find a way to reason with you. You don't have to leave do you?"
Sakura smiled sadly. "That's already decided, Tomoyo. I should have done it a long time ago, that way you wouldn't have been hurt. You're my best friend and seeing you involved in this crap is more than I can stand."
Eriol swiftly intervened. "Sakura has a point Tomoyo. It's a tactic police use all the time. Dividing the target is a good idea and there is more protection both ways. Besides, Syaoran will be staying with Sakura. Things will be fine." He reassured.
Tomoyo quickly looked over to the young man who was arguing with their resident counselor. Obviously, the woman was not happy with him moving so suddenly. It was amusing to watch Syaoran when he towered over the short lady who only reached his chest.
"Tomoyo, look at it this way." Sakura suddenly said. "You were always complaining how about I never let a guy come near me within a foot without chopping their heads off." She smirked. "With Li, he'll just probably get some serious damage, but nothing hugely critical."
Eriol laughed when Syaoran, who apparently heard what she had said, gave Sakura a sweet smile before sticking his middle finger to her.
"You should count yourself lucky, Tomoyo. I mean, you get to be with Eriol who's a sweet, understanding, and handsome man while I get to be with some immature, conceited loser. Who's benefiting here?" Sakura continued with a cocky grin on her face.
"Obviously you." Syaoran said sweetly. "I have so many women on my list, you should be thankful. They would all die of jealousy if they heard I was living next to you."
Sakura opened her eyes wide and looked around in the empty hallway that only contained the four of them. "Where? I don't see long lines of women. You should get your eyes checked, Li. And while you're doing that, check you head as well. I think there's a bit too much arrogance and hot air inside."
Tomoyo couldn't help but crack a smile behind her hand and Eriol was grinning in the open. Sakura was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed in front of her chest with a lofty grin on her face.
"Paybacks are hell," Syaoran whispered as he passed her to get into his room.
"Well, I have to go find some people. Someone call me when Li's done packing." Sakura said, pushing herself from the wall and sauntering down the hallway with her hands in her pockets.
Tomoyo looked at each other, processing what had just happened. Yet all that they could come up with was a smile and a shrug. "Huh. So, Tomoyo, how about we go grab some coffee? Syaoran will call me or Saku when he's done anyways."
The girl nodded, feeling much better. She sniffled for the last time, grabbed her purse and headed out the door after Eriol.
-----
"What the hell?" Sakura yelled, as she opened the door of her closet. This was supposed to be her closet, not some door connected to Syaoran's room!
He gave her his infamous smirk. "Now I know why women have closets." He said. "If you wanted to see me that much, you could of told me. No need to hide in the dark, Kinomoto."
"Damn you."
"Such harsh words for a lady." He clucked.
"Moron." Sakura yelled once more before grabbing her clothes and slamming the door shut with a loud bang that echoed. She could hear his obnoxious laughter across the thing walls. Damn him.
She walked out of her room with her bags and keys a few minutes afterwards. Sakura quickly slid past Syaoran's door and dashed for the stairs. To her dismay, Syaoran was at the bottom of the stairs, his arms folded behind his head. He turned around as he heard her muttering a string of curses words under her breath.
"Where are you going? You're always gone on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday afternoons." He asked directly. She cursed under her breath. After two weeks of living so close to each other, Sakura knew he'd find out sooner or later. It was just the matter of time.
"None of your business. I never recalled that I hired some babysitter where I ask permission where I go first. Should I ask you if I can breath now?" Sakura retorted sarcastically. "Now if you please, get out of my way."
"Where are you going?" Syaoran repeated passively, as if Sakura had never spoke.
"Practice." She quickly replied.
He rolled his eyes. "Just how stupid do you think I am?" He demanded. "Cough it up Kinomoto."
She sighed loudly. "I just have to go somewhere alright?" She squeezed pass him and out the apartment's heavy blue door. Sakura was already walking down the street when Syaoran caught up to her.
"At least I could give you a ride to where ever you're going?" He asked. Usually he knew Sakura would have driven, but her car had been sent to fix a day ago.
"Just how stupid do you think I am?" Sakura mocked, repeating his words. "I'm not going to get into your car and lead you where I'm going!"
"Sensei!" A little voice piped up. Syaoran's head snapped up in the direction of the little girl's voice. In front of them was a little girl around seven with her ebony hair tied into a ponytail. Beside her was an older girl, around fourteen.
Syaoran's eyes darted over to Sakura's questionably. Yet before she could reply, the little girl had already thrown herself around Sakura's waist, looking up with her big adorable eyes.
Sakura's eyes immediately softened as she patted the girl's head. "Hi Ayumi. What are you doing here?"
Ayumi smiled brightly and let go of Sakura. She ran back to where the older girl was and pulled her over. "This is my older sister, Sakura Sensei! Her name's Miki!"
Sakura nodded to the older girl who bowed slightly back.
"I live around here." The girl continued with a happy grin. She suddenly looked at her sister. "Please, can I please go to school with Sensei today? Please?"
Her sister laughed. "Is that alright with you?"
Sakura shrugged. "Well,"
"Of course it's alright. I was just about get my car and give Kinomoto a lift." Syaoran filled in, giving Sakura a bright smile.
Miki nodded. "Arigato."
"It's no problem." Syaoran smiled gallantly. Immediately, Ayumi launched herself towards him.
She peered up at him with wide innocent eyes. "You're handsome." She declared. "Are you Sensei's boyfriend?"
"Ayumi!" Miki scolded, rescuing Sakura who knew what not to say. "I want you to be on your best behavior today okay? No bothering Kinomoto or her friend okay?"
The little girl nodded obediently.
Soon the three of them were in Syaoran's black jeep with Sakura sitting in the passenger seat and Ayumi in the back. However, she slid off her seat and positioned herself between the two front seats, peering at the two older adults curiously who were not talking.
"Sensei, who's the really handsome man?" Ayumi asked.
"Ayumi, I wouldn't describe him as that handsome." Sakura told her lightly.
"But I think he is," The girl replied stubbornly. "I really like his eyes. They light up every time he laughs. And he's very tall, taller than you sensei. And," The girl paused, studying Syaoran who was trying hard not to laugh. "And his hair is messy!" She finally pronounced, not knowing what to say.
Sakura smiled and patted the girl on the head. "Hair messy, yes. Handsome, no."
Ayumi peered at her teacher curiously. "Well I think he is!" she turned her attention to Syaoran. "You're the most handsome man in the world." She told him.
He chuckled. "Why, thank you Ayumi! I think you're the sweetest, most kawaii little girl I've ever known."
Her eyes widened from the unexpected compliment. "More than Sakura Sensei?"
Syaoran paused, looking over at Sakura who had the weirdest expression on her face. "Hm. What do you think?" He asked slyly.
"I think Sakura Sensei is the most beautiful girl I've ever known. She's really good at marital arts too! And she's really kind and she makes me laugh. And," the energetic voice faded off.
"What?" Syaoran asked curiously, turning around to face the girl as he slowed down to a stop in front of the red light.
Ayumi leaned over and placed her mouth near his ear and whispered, "She's single." The girl then pulled away, giggling. "My sister told me that." She cocked her head cutely. "What does that mean?"
"What does what mean?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
"Nothing!" Ayumi sang cheerfully. Smartly, she sat back down into her seat. They quickly came in front of a gym and Ayumi slid out from the car quickly, dashing towards her friends who were waiting by the door.
Sakura eased herself from her seat and headed out the car when Syaoran's hand on her wrist pulled her back gently. She scowled at him. "Hands off."
"Call me when you're done. I'll pick you up, sensei." He teased. "Have fun teaching marital arts to those little adorable midgets."
She yanked her hand away and slammed the door shut after her. Damn him. Now he knew everything. Walking between the crowd of little kids, she opened the glass doors and ushered them all in.
-----
Syaoran was still amused when he arrived at the gym early. After a bit of asking, he learned from a helpful mother who had dropped her child off at the gym the time when class ended. So, he was here a whole forty minutes early to watch Sakura teach. That surprised him, but then in a sense it did not. It was obvious Sakura had a soft heart and she only trusted those innocent children who wouldn't betray that trust. Her eyes had a glow and her cheeks were flushed. The light the shone from the upper windows gave her a halo effect on her auburn hair.
She really was quite pretty, just like Ayumi had said.
Then Syaoran frowned and shook his head. Where the hell had that come from? All right, admittedly Sakura was pretty and even above average. But falling for her? No. Things like that just didn't happened. Besides, after this whole thing was over, he'd leave and everything would fall back to normal.
Syaoran turned away from his thoughts to watching Sakura teach with utmost patience with the little kids and correcting their punches and kicks. Most of them were adequate, but there were a few of them who were really quite skilled, like Ayumi. Then another lady, older than Sakura by a new years, with raven black hair tied into two pigtails in a blue shirt and black shorts came through the door.
Sakura stopped her movements and smiled, a small one that showed that she was just being polite. Though Syaoran couldn't see what they were talking about from his point of view, he could tell that Sakura wasn't really comfortable around her. It seemed that the older girl was doing most of the talking.
He was surprised to see that both girls got into a fighting stance. Sakura, slowing down her moves as a demonstration, attacked the black haired girl who blocked easily. Yet he could still tell that Sakura was much better.
Suddenly the black haired girl whispered something in her ear and Sakura's head snapped up. Her green eyes bored into Syaoran's unmercifully. Turning and directing something to the other girl and her students, she strode over, full of dignity and grace.
"Li, why are you here?" She demanded in an angry whisper.
"Well, I was just around here so I decided to come here earlier." Syaoran cocked his head and looked at the little kids behind her who was now listening to the other girl. "You're a good teacher."
"How long have you been here?"
"Oh, only around thirty minutes." He replied casually. "Who is the other girl who just came in?"
"Someone." Sakura responded shortly.
"What's her name?"
"None of your business." The girl told him bluntly, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Now that you're done, you may leave."
"But I."
Sakura cut him off with a glare.
"Look! It's the really handsome man I told you about!" Ayumi was thrilled. She dragged her best friend over and pointed at Syaoran. "See?"
The girl beside her nodded shyly, while observing him through the corners of her dark blue eyes.
Syaoran chuckled. "Hello again Ayumi. Maybe I'll see you talk to you some other time? I have to talk to," His eyes darted to Sakura, "your sensei right now. Okay?"
Ayumi nodded obediently and the two girls ran off, but they could still hear the girl's whispers, "I bet he's sensei's boyfriend!"
Sakura's scowl was deepening and a low growl was in her throat. She looked like she was about to punch him any moment from her movements of clenching her right hand over and over again. Finally, when all the students had left, Sakura rounded on him.
"What are you doing here? Leave." She demanded. Syaoran eyed her, wondering why she was acting so weird. Normally, she didn't care one way or the less. Yet before he could ask what was wrong, the black haired girl walked up to them.
"Hey, Saku, whose this?" The girl smiled.
"Just some acquaintance of mine." Sakura said shortly.
"Oh? Then I assume this hottie is single?"
"Mira, I'm in a conversation right now." Sakura bristled. "I'll clean up and lock up today."
"Yeah, sure." Mira eyed Syaoran with her light brown eyes. "And, arigato Kinomoto."
"Hm."
Only when the sound of the door slammed shut did Sakura speak again. "Seriously, Li. I told you not to come, and yet you still come, and early if I might add."
"Look, Kinomoto, I was just around here and I decided to come here to watch you teach. Is there anything wrong with that? Why are you so secretive about this whole thing?" Syaoran shot back.
"Because it's my own damn business. I don't need some stranger to come into my life and be a part of it." She hissed angrily, her eyes wild with anger.
"Don't give me this shit Kinomoto. We've been through fucking conversation before. I'm going to be here for a while and stick with that." Syaoran let out his breath loudly. "I don't like this situation any better than you do. Hell, I have my own life too. I don't need this, just like you don't."
"So we might as well cope with it?" Sakura asked sarcastically.
"Yes." His eyes dark and grave and never wavered from the girl's sight.
It was now her turn to sigh. "Alright. Truce." Sakura gave in wearily.
"Good." His shoulders relaxed and his posture seemed to spread out like water instead of being solid. "Now let's just get home."
"Fine." It was the first time actually she had actually agreed to him.
-----
Truce does not mean friends. Hell, the two were constantly in fights with Sakura winning most of them. She had, the moment they got back, gone to Gran about the door problem. When the old landlady failed to find the key that locked the door between the two rooms, Sakura immediately had gone to a nearby store to buy thick roles of duck tape.
Syaoran didn't tell her, but he could break through the door if he really wanted to since only Sakura's side was lathered with brown tape. He respected her privacy by all means. If he even dared to think of it, he'd been unconscious at the nearest hospital with at least five major injuries.
He could tape up his side, but he just had that feeling. And by experience, his sixth sense was usually true.
Kami save us.
-----
How was it? I know I took a long time to update, but I've been really busy lately! Forgive me, but as you guys all know, I'm in my senior year. Adding to the fact that I've been slacking off on college applications, my GPA has gone down. I might as well say goodbye to by 3.8 GPA average I've worked so hard on. Darn those schools that need midyear reports!
Anyhow, please don't keep your hopes high as in when I'll be updating soon. I write bits and parts when inspiration comes, but usually I'm brooding over my college essays!
Thanks so much for your ultimate patience and greatness! You guys all rock!
Iris Dreamer (Rainbow Dreamer)
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura solely belongs to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Arigato.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my new fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
Oh! And I finally did well on my SATs! Whoo hoo! After many pitiful chances, my score actually improved by 180 points in my October SAT I! Can you believe that? Now I have a grand total of 1420. Good and bad; that just meant I have to change my college list and start filling out some new applications. Anyhow, super happy now! Hehe.
And tremendous apologies for not being able to update frequently. Senior year is hectic and suicidal. That's all I have to say.
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: To all those who have stuck with me since step one and everyone else who has joined me along the way.
Sapphire Melody: Thanks!
Cherry Princess Sakura: Thanks for all those wonderful compliments! Surely I don't deserve all of them though!
Horselover Girl: Coming from you, that was really nice: spending the time and effort to write a review for me. Thank you.
Kura-Chan: Arigato.
Daz: Hey you! Glad you like this even if I'm having a bit low of inspiration lately. Thanks for making me laugh endlessly.
Avelyn Lauren: Thanks! And while we're all hooting for Syaoran, let's give a cheer for Sakura as well. As for swimming? Well, we don't have a swim team at my school. Instead, there is a badminton team, so I guess that's next best. Oh, and soccer is totally awesome. Even though I suck, I love watching it!
Moon Guardian 41: Hell yeah! Thanks girl! I should be the one thanking you though for being such a great person and reader!
Enchantress Azure: Hehe, I have so much suspense in me that it's going to blow. I so much want to blurt out everything but I can't. Instead, I'll just have to torture you guys the slow way. Heh that sounded so evil! Anyhow, thanks for reading and understanding how busy I am!
Hana Tenshi Himkeo: Hey, Sakura's the strong feminist girl here! Martial arts expert and all that. Besides, the guy deserved it. Let's give a hand to girl power! Okay... I'm getting a bit too hyper or maybe its because I'm writing this so late at night.
Cyan Moon: Yeah, it's a bit of a twist, having Sakura be all angles. However, she wasn't always like that so keep that in mind. It's still inside her!
Sweet Baby Gurl: Another romanticist like me. Hehe. Things are going to be progressing slower, at least with Sakura and Syaoran. She's been hurt so many times. However, with Eriol and Tomoyo, who knows? Read on!
Dragon Star 03: Despite the fact that Sakura's different, her side of placing her friends before herself is still there. I'm glad you noticed. Happy reading and many thanks.
Lone WOLF: Hehe, I love reading your reviews. They seem every.... You. Hehe. Not much of a compliment, but hey, it's one! And whoever said of putting Sakura and Syaoran together? Hehe, just kidding. Just read on and I won't spoil the story for you. And I'm glad you liked the part where Syaoran tripped while going out to buy coffee. After all, I had to place some comic relief someplace. Many thanks!
Dancer5: Thanks! Yeah, it's a bit harder to write in a male perspective but I hope it makes some sense! All males out there, what do you think?
Time Warp: No worries. I'm just glad you're reading this!
Dee: Thank you!
Illusioner 1412: Thank you times three for all three reviews you've given me.
CCS Reader: Sorry for not updating soon! I hope you like this chapter!
Red-Emerald: Thank you. Done well in SATs as you might know if you read my author's note, but not so well on midterms. Sigh. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now but work harder. Once again, thanks!
Lauren: Thank you!
And to all those who did not review or I have missed, special thanks to you too! Go out and conquer the world!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER FOUR: Torn Vulnerability
----- Syaoran -----
Sakura had slipped away, silently in early dawn, while everyone was sleeping. All of her belongings were moved away; even the bed sheets were gone, giving an eerie feeling in the room that used to have a warm feeling of friendship inside. Now, all that was left was the tattered remains. Tomoyo had immediately gone to their resident counselor, but the older woman didn't have much information. All she had was a brief letter from Sakura that she had decided to find an apartment for herself and that all the needed process and the administration office already passed paper work.
She had planned to do it for a long time already, apparently from the time around her first letter actually. I had learned that from Ms. Ivy when I went to talk to her privately and Eriol had confirmed it was around that time period. It would tear Tomoyo too much, for the whole thing was a shock to her; her best friend had left without a word of goodbye. All that was left for her was a brief letter, telling Tomoyo not to worry and that she was sorry.
But of course she worried. Eriol moved into Sakura's former place in Tomoyo's room, which was probably a good thing. She would be protected and at the same time have a close friend whom she could confide in.
Now all that was left was for me to seek Sakura out. Ms. Ivy wasn't sure of the location of where Sakura had moved into, but it was vaguely in some apartment building on some apart of Tokyo that was relatively safe. Yet, Tomoyo was deeply worried and Eriol had decided that it would be better that I went alone.
I sighed to myself, running a hand through my unruly hair. Funny how I'm acting doing this actually. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have even bothered. I would have ditched everything and went back to my work. Yet, I was part of this and I couldn't let go even if I wanted to. Something bound me to her.
After a fair amount of questioning and driving around in my black jeep, I finally came upon a normal apartment building where a nice lady in a nearby supermarket told me she had seen a girl with the looks of Sakura enter earlier that morning. The moment I walked in, a lady around sixty looked up and smiled warmly at me.
"Ohayo, young man. Looking or renting?" She asked.
"Ohayo," I greeted back, giving her a polite smile. "I'm looking for someone actually. Does a Sakura Kinomoto live here?"
A sparkle lighted up in the woman's eyes. "She's a poor duckling," The landowner clucked sympathetically. "Came in early this morning looking like a lost puppy. She's been hurt and frightened in the past, hasn't she? Her eyes were cloudily and you could see all her sorrow buried inside of her. One day it's going to kill her if she can't let it all out in some form." She stopped, eyeing me up and down. "You her boyfriend?"
"No," I replied as calmly as I could. Even though what the lady said was correct, I couldn't help thinking that it was none of her business. "May I ask which room she's in? Her friends are quite worried."
"Oh, dear my, gomen." The lady quickly apologized. "I've rented her room 205 on the second floor but she was so tired yesterday that I told her to sleep in one of my guest rooms. She's still sleeping right now, I'm afraid."
Okay, so the woman wasn't that bad. "Arigato," I bowed slightly to her. "That was very generous of you to do so."
She flapped her hand at me, telling me that the thanks weren't necessary. "Well, come in then, young man. I was just about to prepare breakfast and you can help me. After that, you can fill me on some holes and help me move her belongings upstairs."
-----
"So Li, how did you end up here?" She passed Syaoran a hot cup of coffee after all the dirty dishes were piled in the sink. "Or rather," The lady looked over her steaming mug, "how did Kinomoto end up here?"
"I don't think I should tell, considering that it is her private situation. Although she's been having some troubles lately and she decided that living in the university campus wasn't that great of an idea."
"I see." Gran, which was what everyone in the building called the landlady, didn't question any further. She looked the clock hanging on the wall. "Kinomoto should be up soon and I'm going to make something hot for her. Would you mind moving her stuff for her? Here's the key."
Syaoran took the key and proceeded to carry the many bags up the stairs. When he was done, Sakura was already at the table, looking drawn and vulnerable, her hands wrapped tightly against the hot mug as if it were her lifeline. Her eyes flickered up when she heard him enter. He was surprised when she saw them soften a bit.
"Better?" Syaoran asked, not meaning his voice to come out so gruff.
Sakura nodded her head and then quickly turned her attention back to the kind lady. "Arigato."
"Don't thank me child, but you should know better than to come by yourself so early in the morning! And with so many bags." Gran replied in a motherly fashion. "But that's all the past. Drink up; you'll feel better afterwards."
Sakura obeyed, looking like a broken doll in her large t-shirt and sweat pants.
"Mm. Doesn't that feel better? Now Li has moved all your belongings upstairs, in room 205. Yes, sweet, that's the room I'm renting you. But you have to promise me to take better care for yourself. If you need some motherly fussing over yourself, you come on down here, you understand?" The way Gran said it; there was no room for Sakura to protest.
"Arigato. This means a lot to me."
"Nothing dearie. This young gentleman came early to look for you."
Sakura looked up, her bright eyes with surprise met his calm, imperturbable face. She stood up from her seat, bowed to Gran and left the room with Syaoran behind her. He opened the door and she saw that most of her stuff had been placed and organized. Her bed sheets were on her bed as well as her blanket and pillow. Her books were neatly stacked on a simple desk in the corner while it faced a window. A few other necessities were placed and she was touched that he honored her privacy and did not look through her clothes and other stuff.
"Arigato, Li." Sakura whispered, looking at everything. "Even though I've yelled at you endlessly and dragged you down into this crap I'm in, you still treat me like a human being."
"You got Daidouji really worked up that morning. Eriol has moved in with Tomoyo since she can't really get over the shock. I'll call them later to tell you that you're okay." Syaoran replied calmly.
"I don't get it." Sakura cried frustrated. "Why? Why are you doing this? You're supposed to walk away from this, before you can't, like Tomoyo. I should have left earlier, but I was being stupid and naïve." She locked her fiery green eyes at him. "Why are you even bothering?"
Syaoran thought it over. "I'm a cop." He said finally. "I have a duty to fulfill and I'm not one of those who leave it undone without accepting responsibility."
"You're not obligated to be my bodyguard." She replied. "Leave."
He locked gazes with her, his amber eyes piercing. "I ditch my friends either." He said in a quiet tone. Then he looked away, heading for the door. "There's a pay phone down the hall. I'll go call Eriol to tell him that you're okay." He walked away briskly, without another word and before she could even say something.
Sakura came out from the shower, her hair damp and a towel around her shoulders when Syaoran came back from a long phone call.
"What are we going to do about this?" He asked, sitting a chair.
"We?" She echoed, her eyes flashing. "You helping me out earlier does not mean there is a we." Sakura told him. "I'm grateful and that's it. You can return to the university."
Syaoran actually liked her temper more than her vulnerable side. At least he knew she was gaining more control over herself and the situation around her. She would be all right now. "Girl, you're just going to have to accept it. I've moved in next door, after talking to Eriol for an hour. We've decided that if we split, things might be a little better. Eriol can protect Daidouji."
"And you'll protect me?" Sakura filled in. "Why does it seem that every girl needs protecting? Why can't it be the other way around?" She asked, her feminine side kicking in.
"Stick with it girl." Syaoran smirked. "It's not going to change anytime soon."
Sakura cursed loudly. It was a while before she stopped. "How's Tomoyo?"
"In tears." He replied. "Shocked is putting it lightly. You damn scared her out of her guts Kinomoto. She's lucky she had Eriol as a friend there."
The girl sighed. "Tomoyo was always more emotional, and more observant as well. She's extremely perceptive, and she empathizes more than she should sometimes." Sakura said quietly. "I had been thinking of moving quiet a while."
"And perhaps that's better."
Her laugh was harsh as a crow's and overwhelmed with bitterness. "I hope. I damn know well that this fucking pervert wants to break the trust between Tomoyo and me. I'm very aware of that, and so has Tomoyo. Perhaps being away where I can't hurt her more than I have already is better."
Syaoran didn't know what to say. It was clear that she was worried, more than she was willing to show. Instead he changed the topic.
"Well, it's the weekends and I have to head back to the university to get all my stuff and file out that paper work." He said casually. But Sakura knew what he was asking, and it made her frightened.
"They do have the address and phone number here." Syaoran pointed out lightly. "Might as well explain it to their faces and face the music."
Sakura sighed and reached over to grab her bag. "I'm letting you win only because I'm too tired to fight against you."
"Sore loser," He shot back with a cocky grin. Syaoran had forgotten how hard her punches were, and they hurt. Grumbling, he followed her to his car.
-----
Tomoyo flung herself at her best friend, wrapping her arms tight around the rigid shoulders. "Never, ever do that again. Promise me Saku." She blabbered through her tears. "Did you know how frightened I was? It felt like you really had left me, all alone in this forsaken universe. It ripped me into pieces, Saku."
Sakura eyes softened, a light glow in her eyes that was very rare as she wrapped her arms around the shorter girl. "Gomenasai, Tomoyo." She whispered. "Gomenasai."
The girl finally pulled away, her eyelashes wet. "Good. Now that you're back, I can find a way to reason with you. You don't have to leave do you?"
Sakura smiled sadly. "That's already decided, Tomoyo. I should have done it a long time ago, that way you wouldn't have been hurt. You're my best friend and seeing you involved in this crap is more than I can stand."
Eriol swiftly intervened. "Sakura has a point Tomoyo. It's a tactic police use all the time. Dividing the target is a good idea and there is more protection both ways. Besides, Syaoran will be staying with Sakura. Things will be fine." He reassured.
Tomoyo quickly looked over to the young man who was arguing with their resident counselor. Obviously, the woman was not happy with him moving so suddenly. It was amusing to watch Syaoran when he towered over the short lady who only reached his chest.
"Tomoyo, look at it this way." Sakura suddenly said. "You were always complaining how about I never let a guy come near me within a foot without chopping their heads off." She smirked. "With Li, he'll just probably get some serious damage, but nothing hugely critical."
Eriol laughed when Syaoran, who apparently heard what she had said, gave Sakura a sweet smile before sticking his middle finger to her.
"You should count yourself lucky, Tomoyo. I mean, you get to be with Eriol who's a sweet, understanding, and handsome man while I get to be with some immature, conceited loser. Who's benefiting here?" Sakura continued with a cocky grin on her face.
"Obviously you." Syaoran said sweetly. "I have so many women on my list, you should be thankful. They would all die of jealousy if they heard I was living next to you."
Sakura opened her eyes wide and looked around in the empty hallway that only contained the four of them. "Where? I don't see long lines of women. You should get your eyes checked, Li. And while you're doing that, check you head as well. I think there's a bit too much arrogance and hot air inside."
Tomoyo couldn't help but crack a smile behind her hand and Eriol was grinning in the open. Sakura was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed in front of her chest with a lofty grin on her face.
"Paybacks are hell," Syaoran whispered as he passed her to get into his room.
"Well, I have to go find some people. Someone call me when Li's done packing." Sakura said, pushing herself from the wall and sauntering down the hallway with her hands in her pockets.
Tomoyo looked at each other, processing what had just happened. Yet all that they could come up with was a smile and a shrug. "Huh. So, Tomoyo, how about we go grab some coffee? Syaoran will call me or Saku when he's done anyways."
The girl nodded, feeling much better. She sniffled for the last time, grabbed her purse and headed out the door after Eriol.
-----
"What the hell?" Sakura yelled, as she opened the door of her closet. This was supposed to be her closet, not some door connected to Syaoran's room!
He gave her his infamous smirk. "Now I know why women have closets." He said. "If you wanted to see me that much, you could of told me. No need to hide in the dark, Kinomoto."
"Damn you."
"Such harsh words for a lady." He clucked.
"Moron." Sakura yelled once more before grabbing her clothes and slamming the door shut with a loud bang that echoed. She could hear his obnoxious laughter across the thing walls. Damn him.
She walked out of her room with her bags and keys a few minutes afterwards. Sakura quickly slid past Syaoran's door and dashed for the stairs. To her dismay, Syaoran was at the bottom of the stairs, his arms folded behind his head. He turned around as he heard her muttering a string of curses words under her breath.
"Where are you going? You're always gone on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday afternoons." He asked directly. She cursed under her breath. After two weeks of living so close to each other, Sakura knew he'd find out sooner or later. It was just the matter of time.
"None of your business. I never recalled that I hired some babysitter where I ask permission where I go first. Should I ask you if I can breath now?" Sakura retorted sarcastically. "Now if you please, get out of my way."
"Where are you going?" Syaoran repeated passively, as if Sakura had never spoke.
"Practice." She quickly replied.
He rolled his eyes. "Just how stupid do you think I am?" He demanded. "Cough it up Kinomoto."
She sighed loudly. "I just have to go somewhere alright?" She squeezed pass him and out the apartment's heavy blue door. Sakura was already walking down the street when Syaoran caught up to her.
"At least I could give you a ride to where ever you're going?" He asked. Usually he knew Sakura would have driven, but her car had been sent to fix a day ago.
"Just how stupid do you think I am?" Sakura mocked, repeating his words. "I'm not going to get into your car and lead you where I'm going!"
"Sensei!" A little voice piped up. Syaoran's head snapped up in the direction of the little girl's voice. In front of them was a little girl around seven with her ebony hair tied into a ponytail. Beside her was an older girl, around fourteen.
Syaoran's eyes darted over to Sakura's questionably. Yet before she could reply, the little girl had already thrown herself around Sakura's waist, looking up with her big adorable eyes.
Sakura's eyes immediately softened as she patted the girl's head. "Hi Ayumi. What are you doing here?"
Ayumi smiled brightly and let go of Sakura. She ran back to where the older girl was and pulled her over. "This is my older sister, Sakura Sensei! Her name's Miki!"
Sakura nodded to the older girl who bowed slightly back.
"I live around here." The girl continued with a happy grin. She suddenly looked at her sister. "Please, can I please go to school with Sensei today? Please?"
Her sister laughed. "Is that alright with you?"
Sakura shrugged. "Well,"
"Of course it's alright. I was just about get my car and give Kinomoto a lift." Syaoran filled in, giving Sakura a bright smile.
Miki nodded. "Arigato."
"It's no problem." Syaoran smiled gallantly. Immediately, Ayumi launched herself towards him.
She peered up at him with wide innocent eyes. "You're handsome." She declared. "Are you Sensei's boyfriend?"
"Ayumi!" Miki scolded, rescuing Sakura who knew what not to say. "I want you to be on your best behavior today okay? No bothering Kinomoto or her friend okay?"
The little girl nodded obediently.
Soon the three of them were in Syaoran's black jeep with Sakura sitting in the passenger seat and Ayumi in the back. However, she slid off her seat and positioned herself between the two front seats, peering at the two older adults curiously who were not talking.
"Sensei, who's the really handsome man?" Ayumi asked.
"Ayumi, I wouldn't describe him as that handsome." Sakura told her lightly.
"But I think he is," The girl replied stubbornly. "I really like his eyes. They light up every time he laughs. And he's very tall, taller than you sensei. And," The girl paused, studying Syaoran who was trying hard not to laugh. "And his hair is messy!" She finally pronounced, not knowing what to say.
Sakura smiled and patted the girl on the head. "Hair messy, yes. Handsome, no."
Ayumi peered at her teacher curiously. "Well I think he is!" she turned her attention to Syaoran. "You're the most handsome man in the world." She told him.
He chuckled. "Why, thank you Ayumi! I think you're the sweetest, most kawaii little girl I've ever known."
Her eyes widened from the unexpected compliment. "More than Sakura Sensei?"
Syaoran paused, looking over at Sakura who had the weirdest expression on her face. "Hm. What do you think?" He asked slyly.
"I think Sakura Sensei is the most beautiful girl I've ever known. She's really good at marital arts too! And she's really kind and she makes me laugh. And," the energetic voice faded off.
"What?" Syaoran asked curiously, turning around to face the girl as he slowed down to a stop in front of the red light.
Ayumi leaned over and placed her mouth near his ear and whispered, "She's single." The girl then pulled away, giggling. "My sister told me that." She cocked her head cutely. "What does that mean?"
"What does what mean?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
"Nothing!" Ayumi sang cheerfully. Smartly, she sat back down into her seat. They quickly came in front of a gym and Ayumi slid out from the car quickly, dashing towards her friends who were waiting by the door.
Sakura eased herself from her seat and headed out the car when Syaoran's hand on her wrist pulled her back gently. She scowled at him. "Hands off."
"Call me when you're done. I'll pick you up, sensei." He teased. "Have fun teaching marital arts to those little adorable midgets."
She yanked her hand away and slammed the door shut after her. Damn him. Now he knew everything. Walking between the crowd of little kids, she opened the glass doors and ushered them all in.
-----
Syaoran was still amused when he arrived at the gym early. After a bit of asking, he learned from a helpful mother who had dropped her child off at the gym the time when class ended. So, he was here a whole forty minutes early to watch Sakura teach. That surprised him, but then in a sense it did not. It was obvious Sakura had a soft heart and she only trusted those innocent children who wouldn't betray that trust. Her eyes had a glow and her cheeks were flushed. The light the shone from the upper windows gave her a halo effect on her auburn hair.
She really was quite pretty, just like Ayumi had said.
Then Syaoran frowned and shook his head. Where the hell had that come from? All right, admittedly Sakura was pretty and even above average. But falling for her? No. Things like that just didn't happened. Besides, after this whole thing was over, he'd leave and everything would fall back to normal.
Syaoran turned away from his thoughts to watching Sakura teach with utmost patience with the little kids and correcting their punches and kicks. Most of them were adequate, but there were a few of them who were really quite skilled, like Ayumi. Then another lady, older than Sakura by a new years, with raven black hair tied into two pigtails in a blue shirt and black shorts came through the door.
Sakura stopped her movements and smiled, a small one that showed that she was just being polite. Though Syaoran couldn't see what they were talking about from his point of view, he could tell that Sakura wasn't really comfortable around her. It seemed that the older girl was doing most of the talking.
He was surprised to see that both girls got into a fighting stance. Sakura, slowing down her moves as a demonstration, attacked the black haired girl who blocked easily. Yet he could still tell that Sakura was much better.
Suddenly the black haired girl whispered something in her ear and Sakura's head snapped up. Her green eyes bored into Syaoran's unmercifully. Turning and directing something to the other girl and her students, she strode over, full of dignity and grace.
"Li, why are you here?" She demanded in an angry whisper.
"Well, I was just around here so I decided to come here earlier." Syaoran cocked his head and looked at the little kids behind her who was now listening to the other girl. "You're a good teacher."
"How long have you been here?"
"Oh, only around thirty minutes." He replied casually. "Who is the other girl who just came in?"
"Someone." Sakura responded shortly.
"What's her name?"
"None of your business." The girl told him bluntly, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Now that you're done, you may leave."
"But I."
Sakura cut him off with a glare.
"Look! It's the really handsome man I told you about!" Ayumi was thrilled. She dragged her best friend over and pointed at Syaoran. "See?"
The girl beside her nodded shyly, while observing him through the corners of her dark blue eyes.
Syaoran chuckled. "Hello again Ayumi. Maybe I'll see you talk to you some other time? I have to talk to," His eyes darted to Sakura, "your sensei right now. Okay?"
Ayumi nodded obediently and the two girls ran off, but they could still hear the girl's whispers, "I bet he's sensei's boyfriend!"
Sakura's scowl was deepening and a low growl was in her throat. She looked like she was about to punch him any moment from her movements of clenching her right hand over and over again. Finally, when all the students had left, Sakura rounded on him.
"What are you doing here? Leave." She demanded. Syaoran eyed her, wondering why she was acting so weird. Normally, she didn't care one way or the less. Yet before he could ask what was wrong, the black haired girl walked up to them.
"Hey, Saku, whose this?" The girl smiled.
"Just some acquaintance of mine." Sakura said shortly.
"Oh? Then I assume this hottie is single?"
"Mira, I'm in a conversation right now." Sakura bristled. "I'll clean up and lock up today."
"Yeah, sure." Mira eyed Syaoran with her light brown eyes. "And, arigato Kinomoto."
"Hm."
Only when the sound of the door slammed shut did Sakura speak again. "Seriously, Li. I told you not to come, and yet you still come, and early if I might add."
"Look, Kinomoto, I was just around here and I decided to come here to watch you teach. Is there anything wrong with that? Why are you so secretive about this whole thing?" Syaoran shot back.
"Because it's my own damn business. I don't need some stranger to come into my life and be a part of it." She hissed angrily, her eyes wild with anger.
"Don't give me this shit Kinomoto. We've been through fucking conversation before. I'm going to be here for a while and stick with that." Syaoran let out his breath loudly. "I don't like this situation any better than you do. Hell, I have my own life too. I don't need this, just like you don't."
"So we might as well cope with it?" Sakura asked sarcastically.
"Yes." His eyes dark and grave and never wavered from the girl's sight.
It was now her turn to sigh. "Alright. Truce." Sakura gave in wearily.
"Good." His shoulders relaxed and his posture seemed to spread out like water instead of being solid. "Now let's just get home."
"Fine." It was the first time actually she had actually agreed to him.
-----
Truce does not mean friends. Hell, the two were constantly in fights with Sakura winning most of them. She had, the moment they got back, gone to Gran about the door problem. When the old landlady failed to find the key that locked the door between the two rooms, Sakura immediately had gone to a nearby store to buy thick roles of duck tape.
Syaoran didn't tell her, but he could break through the door if he really wanted to since only Sakura's side was lathered with brown tape. He respected her privacy by all means. If he even dared to think of it, he'd been unconscious at the nearest hospital with at least five major injuries.
He could tape up his side, but he just had that feeling. And by experience, his sixth sense was usually true.
Kami save us.
-----
How was it? I know I took a long time to update, but I've been really busy lately! Forgive me, but as you guys all know, I'm in my senior year. Adding to the fact that I've been slacking off on college applications, my GPA has gone down. I might as well say goodbye to by 3.8 GPA average I've worked so hard on. Darn those schools that need midyear reports!
Anyhow, please don't keep your hopes high as in when I'll be updating soon. I write bits and parts when inspiration comes, but usually I'm brooding over my college essays!
Thanks so much for your ultimate patience and greatness! You guys all rock!
Iris Dreamer (Rainbow Dreamer)