6 Reviews!?!? Dies of a heart attack Whoopee! That means I don't suck as bad as I thought. Anyway, I kinda had brain freeze writing this next chapter. Oh, and thanks so much for telling me I didn't take anonymous reviews Guan. I had no idea. PEOPLE, I TAKE ANONYMOUS REVIEWS NOW!!!!!! By the way, this next chapter towards the end might have you people cringing and saying ewwwww, but this is a drama right? Enough of my spastastic ranting...onward with the story! does the onward with the story dance Oh one more note...this is a Zhou Yu Xiao Qiao fic. I wouldn't have it be any other way. sniffle Just not yet, It takes time. Yessir I know Zhou Tai is also an ex-pirate. This is just...another one. Hee hee hee.

Lord Zhou Mao smiled at the approaching Sun Jian and began to speak.

"Lord Sun Jian," he began vigorously "I welcome you and your family with open arms!" To prove his point, Zhou Mao spread his heavily robed arms in a friendly gesture. Sun Jian approached Zhou Mao and tilted his head in an introductory bow.

"Aye, and I accept this hospitable welcoming with great and never ending thanks. Might you introduce to me your family which is much more satisfactory than my own humble one?" Of course Jian only spoke in this manner because it was how to formally introduce oneself. Zhou Mao opened his mouth in exaggerated surprise, also being as formal as possible.

"Oh surely you don't mean my family. My own meek and dreary children could not even begin to compare with your blessings sent from the good Gods above. And your fair lady wife is a precious stone among dull and lifeless rocks, my own wife being the most dull and most lifeless of them all! Yet, I shall introduce them to you if you can assure me you will introduce yours afterwards. Sun Jian smiled respectfully. He was very pleased with Mao's formality.

"I would not have it be any other way." Jian said.

With that Mao touched his wife's tender shoulder. She was quite offended by the fact that her husband had insulted her, even if it was for the sake of formality. Yet she hid this upset like an experienced actor. Then Zhou Mao spoke.

"This is my stone of a wife Lady Mei Ling Ping." Mei Ling gave the most feminine of smiles, and took a deep and respectful bow. Jian bowed back and said,

"To meet such a lovely woman is quite an honor." Mei Ling feigned bashfulness.

Then Mao put a hand on Zhou Gin's shoulder, which was bigger and harder than that of his wife's.

"This is my eldest son Zhou Gin." Gin gave a quick and boyish like bow. Next was Yu.

"This is my youngest son Zhou Yu." Jian and his wife were struck by the boy's immediate charm. His lips almost looked like they had been painted with rouge and his skin was paler than the moon. Yu's eyelashes fluttered and he took an even deeper bow than his mother had.

"What a handsome child!" Jian said, although it was very formal, he meant it.

Mao sighed. "Compared to your strong boy mine is a dirt clod." Then An felt her father's touch upon her shoulder.

"This is me eldest daughter Zhou An." An had observed how Yu bowed and she tried to imitate it. Yet, she received no praise like her brother. She was disappointed. Tai knew she was next.

"This is my second eldest girl, Zhou Tai." Tai was so distraught and upset she completely forgot to bow. Mei Ling was mortified and so was Zhao Mao. Sun Jian didn't think it mattered so very much. He could tell right away something was troubling her. Tai felt a firm smack to her head. Then she bowed down all the way to the ground, her head flushing the color of a beet.

"Excuse my child." Mao said, in a tone of extreme apology.

"'tis nothing." Jian answered.

Although Zhou Yu had not been looking, he heard the sound of a hand fall upon soft flesh, and knowing Tai was so upset made his heart hang heavier with sorrow.

Mao then touched the heads of Mee and Hua who still sat in the arms of a hand maid. "These are my two youngest daughters, Zhou Mee and Zhou Hua. They smiled sweetly.

"Now that I have introduced to you my lowly family it is time for you to keep your end of the bargain." The introduction process lasted another 15 minutes or so. Tai's legs began to cramp up and she desperately wished to sit down. She had zoned out for a good portion of those 15 minutes and finally her mother tapped her shoulder discreetly.

"Dinner is about to be served Tai. We're taking our seats now. Don't embarrass our family name again unless you wanted to be whipped until welts form on your behind." Mei Ling whispered angrily. Tai nodded her head swiftly and took her seat along the long banquet table. Yu sat 3 seats down from hers. She took a quick glance at him. His eyes were downcast and he was biting his lower lip. She burned that picture into her mind. She kept her eyes focused on her food, listening to her father and Sun Jian talk and laugh, pausing only between mouthfuls of food. Only occasionally would she avert her gaze from her food to look at her Zhou Yu. Sitting directly across from her brother sat Sun Ce. The stupid, little imp was actually smiling at Yu, and what she couldn't believe was that Yu was smiling back. Her world was being ripped to shreds. She despised Sun Ce. About halfway through the first course while Tai was about to go back to observing her food (which seemed quite unappetizing at the moment) she noticed her mother glaring at her with icy eyes that made her shiver. After that Tai was too frightened to shift her gaze away from the food, and she ate even though her stomach felt horrible.

Before the Sun Family had arrived Mei Ling asked Zhou Mao if he would discuss the possibility of Zhou Yu and Sun Ce spending some time together to get to know each other. They both agreed it was a very good idea. Their son needed to spend some time with children his own age that were male and not female. Zhou Yu had always been Mei Ling's favorite child. She wanted him to have a normal 6 year old boy lifestyle, she also wanted him to be happy. She figured he would forget his friendship with his sister if he only had another friend. So far it looked like the boys already liked each other. She also thought it would be good for Mee and Hua to have someone their own age as a play mate. Sun Shang Xiang was the perfect candidate. Things were looking up for Mei Ling Ping.

By the time dessert had been brought out Zhou Mao still hadn't discussed a play date for the boys. Mei Ling was getting edgy.

"So," Zhou Mao began once dessert had been consumed, "One day soon in the near future I think it would be a good idea for our boys to get together for a play date. What say you?" Sun Ce and Zhou Yu mechanically looked up at Sun Jian hopefully.

"I believe that's a very fine idea. I'm sure Sun Ce would love that, wouldn't you my boy?"

"That would be alotta fun, I bet!" Sun Ce said enthusiastically. It was the first time he had talked all night. His voice was very high and loud. Zhou Mao looked at Yu.

"What do you think, son?" Zhou Yu was very embarrassed because he was suddenly the center of attention.

"I...I think it would be quite enjoyable." Unlike Ce's voice Yu's was very breathy and soft, almost inaudible. Mei Ling's heart fluttered in contentment. Thank you, Lord! Mei Ling thought to herself. Tai inhaled deeply. I hate Ce, I hate Ce, I hate Ce. I hope he dies, I hope he dies, I hope he dies! Jian spoke merrily.

"Well then it is settled! How about tomorrow Lord Zhou Mao?" Mao nodded his head in agreement.

"Yes tomorrow is ideal. Your son is welcome here at any time. Also, I'm sure your new home will be very hectic with all of that moving of furniture and what not. Sun Ce can come here, and while we're at it, why not your lovely daughter come too! Mee and Hua would be delighted to have a new play mate!"

"Oh yes, that's a wonderful idea!" With that last thought, all of the plans were arranged. Sun Ce and Sun Shang would be escorted by their hand maids at noon to The Zhou household to play with their (hopefully) new friends. Most of the hearts at the table were full of happiness and anxiousness, some were indifferent to the arrangement, and only one heart was completely and utterly broken. Tai's eyes stung with jealousy and resentment but she kept quiet.

When it came time for Tai to do her performance pieces she made quite a few mistakes, and she made An look even better than she would have anyway. Mei Ling was outraged at her second daughter, and she was going to be dealt with at a later time. By the time the Sun family had thanked Zhou Mao extensively for the wonderful meal and warm welcoming and set out for their new home only about a mile away Tai was close to having a nervous breakdown. If she didn't talk to Yu soon she didn't know how she could possibly stay sane. He was only a few feet away from her when they were saying their fair wells to the Sun family, but how could she possibly get a word in edge wise to her brother with her mother watching her every move, and Yu being so preoccupied with listening to Sun Ce's lively tangent about what they would do the following day. She utterly and truly despised that boy.

Tai lay in her bedroom undoing the tight bun that had been piled up on top of her aching head. It had been about three hours since the Sun family had left, and all in all,the banquet had gone over smoothly. All was quiet within the estate, most were sleeping and by the position of the moon Tai could tell it was very late into the night. She had not been able to drift off to sleep no matter how hard she attempted to do so. And now she stood alone and cold in her dimly lit room staring at her reflection in her small looking mirror. She still continued to think of her brother, her best friend, her first love. What would become of her if she could never speak to him again, or if she never even saw him, or if she was replaced by that grimy looking Sun Ce child. That was too ghastly to even begin to imagine. She dreaded the thought of the sun arriving, for that meant the arrival of a much more unwelcome guest, she hoped Sun Ce and even his ruddy faced sister would crawl in a ditch and die. She contemplated her features in the mirror. Was she not pretty enough? Was that it? Was that why Zhou Yu seemed to not care less about their separation? They were like one, partners in crime...at least that's what Tai thought. Maybe she had been wrong all along. Maybe he couldn't stand the mere sight of her. She had to know if that was true, if he secretly was glad they were divided. But how? Then, a strange thought suddenly merged itself into her mind. A strange and daring, maybe even brilliant idea. The mansion was as quiet as a mouse, and Tai knew the halls were completely empty, unlike the mornings and afternoons when the halls were as busy as the village market place. This was her only chance to talk to her brother, or at least the only chance between now and when the Sun children arrived. Before she could lose heart, she boldly open her large oak door and observed her surroundings. The large halls she was so very familiar with had a strange eerie quality about them so late in the night. She shook in a mixture of fright and eagerness. Along the walls candles were burning brightly, they had been lit three long hours ago before everyone returned to their quarters for bed. The light was better than Tai expected it to be, she had never crept out of her room at such a dark and lonely hour such as this. Still to be safe, she held a candle tightly in her right palm then began her way down the dismal halls. She was careful not to make any noise and her feet glided quietly, yet cautiously along the marble slated floors. Now more than ever she wished Zhou Yu's chambers weren't two flights above her own. She tiptoed up the first flight of stairs as fast as she could manage without making any sounds. Now she was almost half way there. Her bare feet were very cold, but she continued down the dangerous path. She knew the way to Yu's quarters very well and her eyes were adjusting to the candle light, for these reasons, Tai felt a bit more courageous and she quickened her pace. Now she was to the next flight off stairs. She took a deep breath and walked on up. Once she reached the top of the stairs she exhaled in relief and smiled to herself. Zhou Yu's door was now in sight. With all the courage she could muster she ran with the speed and efficiency of a ninja, opening Zhou Yu's door and practically diving in. She shivered in terror and foreboding, but regained her breath as quickly as possible and closed the door silently. When she turned around her young brother was already sitting up as stick straight as possible in his bed. His candle was already lit, and his eyes were large and confused, Zhou Tai could see they were also slightly tinged with panic. She thanked the Gods he didn't scream. Her happiness to see him alone with out any boundaries or restrictions was so great that her unbelieving eyes filled up with tears.

"Oh, Yu!" She whispered excitedly rushing to his bedside. She grasped his hand that was as cold as ice. It was so soft and small. She inhaled deeply, taking in his lavender scent. She was at a loss for words. So was he. H just stared at her in fearful puzzlement. Finally he choked out.

"You scared me."

"I'm so sorry young brother. I didn't mean it, but I...I just had to talk with you."

He turned his eyes away from her, his heart began to hurt again.

"Tai, you know it is now forbidden. Mother specifically said-"

Tai cut him off short.

"Who cares what mother thinks." Yu's eyebrows contorted in frustration.

"I do." He whispered. Tai suddenly looked hurt. "sister, if mother finds you here we will both be punished horribly! You must leave soon. No, you must leave now!" Yu removed his delicate, little body from under his bed covers and grabbed Tai's arm, he tried to pull her towards the door but she was stronger. She slapped his hand away assertively.

"You don't want to talk to me Yu?" She said trying not to sound upset.

"Of course I do." Yu said with earnest emotion. "I love you, but I don't want mother to hurt you, or even worse...father." Tai closed her eyes in misery. He was right and she knew it. But when and how could she ever speak to him again.

"When will I see you again?" She asked tearfully.

"Tomorrow during our morning and evening meals." He answered.

"What about the noon meal?"

"I will be will young master, Sun Ce." Tai's heart tied itself into an angry knot.

"When will I talk to you again, brother?" Yu's mouth opened then closed.

"I know not..." He said sounded disappointed. There was an uncomfortable and gloomy pause. Then finally he smiled as a sudden thought struck him on the head.

"I have an idea. Every morning right before breakfast when no one is watching, leave a note in the knot hole of the large Ginko tree we read poems by out in the garden."

Tai knew this tree well. They played by that old ginko tree for many years. Zhou Yu spoke again.

"Right before dinner I will go out to the tree and get your letter. Then I will leave one for you and the next morning you will come out with a new note and you will collect my letter. And we will continue to do this day after day." Tai smiled. Her brother really was brilliant.

Alright, alright." She started, "So, in the morning I leave you a note. At dinner you will take my note and leave me a new one for the next morning. Then we will continue to do this day after day?" Zhou Yu shook his head gracefully. Tai wrapped her arms around her slender brother and kissed his soft and smooth cheek. "Oh, I love you forever!" Then she ran to the door in happiness, before turning around one last time. "By the way, don't have too much fun with that thing tomorrow. There's something not right about that boy, I don't like him." Yu was aware of how jealous Tai was, but he nodded his head to make her happy. Then she shut the door and quietly ran back to her own room. When she fell into her bed once again she felt almost like a new person. It had not only been a successful mission, but now she had a new way to communicate with him every day. Things were looking up on the brighter side. Then, she suddenly blushed and felt very warm. Her brother's words came back to her so clearly she might have confused him to be in the room with her that very moment. He had said, 'I love you.'

Zhou Yu sat in his room feeling unusually confused. How come when he had told his sister he wanted to talk to her and that he loved her the words rang false in his head. Although he could almost not admit it, he knew he was beginning to flourish, and his feeling towards Tai had ultimately changed. Oh God, what would he do?