*Hey everyone! I'm glad everyone's beginning to read this (or at least I
think people are reading it, because they send reviews). I've gotten a
couple talking about me finishing quickly and I kind of giggle because I
know something they don't: there are twenty six chapters coming after this
one! I told ya'll it was going to be a huge fic! I'm not picking on anyone,
I just smiled. Anyway, on with my fic!*
Reviewers: angel-wings-131, Marisa, sarah, amber-eyez, *~*NeCi*~*, Kura- chan, alex, Kikakai, Cherry Jade (Happy Belated Birthday!), anjuliet, & sweet-captor
With You
Light from the morning streamed in from a crack in the curtain, settling on Sakura's peaceful face as she slept. Shifting in an attempt to move out of the light, Sakura found it was no use and slowly sat up. Slipping out of Syaoran's bed, Sakura walked out into the living room where the world had not yet awoken.
Tomoyo and Eriol's door was still closed, indicating that they were still asleep inside. Sakura's emerald eyes moved from the door to the couch where Syaoran lay sprawled. The blanket covering him was half off, his leg poking out from under. Messier than usual chestnut hair crowned his head, accenting his dark eyelashes as he slept quietly.
Syaoran looked so tranquil at the moment, Sakura almost lost herself watching him. It had been a long time since she could honestly say she wasn't frightened by the presence of a man. Syaoran, awake or sleeping, posed no threat to her; in fact he was quite the opposite. Sighing, Sakura made her way into the kitchen, where she searched the cupboards for ingredients.
'What sounds good?' Sakura asked herself as she rummaged. She came across a box of pancake mix and smiled. This would do the trick.
Syaoran's eyes opened and he sat up, sniffing the air as he did so. He could smell something, but in his sleepiness couldn't put his finger on it. His eyes snapped open wide as he realized that smoke was billowing out of his kitchen.
"Sakura!" Syaoran cried as Sakura stumbled out of the kitchen, her hand over her mouth as she waved her free hand wildly.
"Syaoran!" Sakura screeched, her eyes wide with fear. Tomoyo and Eriol came barreling out of the bedroom, their hands over their mouths as well. Syaoran bounded into the kitchen and saw the stovetop was on fire, orange flames licking up to the vent.
"Syaoran, get away from there!" Tomoyo called, but it was no use. Syaoran wasn't about to let his apartment burn down in front of his eyes. He grabbed a bowl from the sink and filled it with water, shielding his face from the heat.
"Syaoran!" Tomoyo and Sakura screamed. Syaoran threw the water over the fire, quenching some of the flames. Eriol ran in with Syaoran, grabbing another bowl and throwing the water over the fire. Soon all that was left of the fire was a steaming stove top and blackened walls.
"What in the world happened?" Eriol asked, opening a window and waving some of the smoke out into the air. Sakura looked guiltily at the floor, turning away from the other three. Syaoran approached Sakura and put his hand on her shoulder, but she recoiled and dodged him in terror.
"No Jacob! I didn't mean it!" Sakura screamed. Syaoran grabbed Sakura and shook her gently, forcing her to look him in the eye as Tomoyo and Eriol watched quietly.
"I'm not Jacob." Syaoran whispered simply. Sakura stared for a moment, and then began to sob softly, burying her head in Syaoran's shoulder. Syaoran brought Sakura close to him, cradling her like a small child.
"I was just trying to make you all some breakfast, and when I turned my back for just a second, the stove just . . . caught fire." Sakura explained. Syaoran slowly nodded and leaned Sakura's face so he could see her.
"I wish you would have woken me up. Sakura, the stove has only one unit that works properly. The other three have too much gas pressure, and they are a little unstable." Syaoran replied. Tomoyo nodded in agreement, drawing Sakura's attention.
"It's true. When we first moved in three months ago, Eriol and I were cooking and nearly burned the place down then. It's okay, Sakura." Tomoyo added. Eriol put his arm around and nodded, a look of agreement on his sleepy face.
"I'm sorry. I'll fix it, I swear." Sakura murmured. All three roommates started talking, telling Sakura it was okay, and that they would all go get new wallpaper for the wall.
"First let's get you cleaned up though." Syaoran said, helping Sakura to her feet.
"Did you inhale a lot of smoke?" Tomoyo asked as Syaoran walked with Sakura. Both of them shook their heads and continued.
"Here's a towel, and there's a lot of stuff in the shower, take your pick on what shampoo you want." Syaoran said, stopping at the door to the bathroom. Sakura looked down at the floor, then back at Syaoran.
"I'm sorry about the kitchen. My first day here, and I already try and burn it down." Sakura murmured. Syaoran smiled and shook his head.
"I told you it's okay. Now go take a shower while I clean up the stove." Syaoran replied. Sakura smiled weakly and retreated to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Syaoran walked back out to the kitchen where Eriol was putting a fan in the window and Tomoyo was mopping the water off the floor.
"So I take it we're heading to Home Depot today, Syao?" Tomoyo giggled. Syaoran sighed and nodded, a smile creeping over his face as he started moving burned pots off the stove.
In the shower, Sakura stood with her hand resting against the wall. The hot water pelted her weary body as she let the morning's dilemma roll off her like the water. After her shower, Sakura wrapped the towel around her body and walked into Syaoran's room. She was surprised to find Syaoran in there as well.
"S-Sakura! I'm sorry . . . "Syaoran blushed as he grabbed some clothes and his towel and stumbled out of his room. Sakura smiled and closed the door behind him.
"Well that was amusing." Sakura whispered to herself as she began to change.
After four showers, Tomoyo, Eriol, Syaoran and Sakura were all ready to go. They piled into Eriol's blue Explorer and headed off down the road toward town.
"So do you know what you're having yet?" Tomoyo asked during the car ride. Sakura shook her head and absently set her hand on her swollen stomach.
"I've never been to a doctor. Jacob said it wasn't right, going and seeing a male doctor. Even when I told him we could find a woman, he said he'd have none of it." Sakura replied, looking out the window as she spoke.
"Well that's not okay with me. You're going to a doctor tomorrow morning, and I will take you." Syaoran interjected. Sakura looked at Syaoran and smiled softly.
"Okay." Sakura replied.
"We're here, let's get started." Eriol said, swinging the Explorer into a parking place. Sakura walked with Syaoran as the four young people started into the Home Depot.
"Sakura and I will go pick out new wallpaper if you and Tomoyo will find a new stove." Syaoran stated, earning a nod of approval from Eriol. The couple started off in one direction, leaving Sakura and Syaoran to go the other way.
"So how did you end up with a guy like Jacob anyway, if you don't mind my asking." Syaoran asked. Sakura picked through some patterns and sighed heavily.
"I met him at my freshman orientation. I thought he was a good guy until after I got pregnant. After that, something just . . . changed. He started being abusive, verbally and physically." Sakura explained, looking into Syaoran's amber eyes with sad emerald ones.
"I see. Well, you don't have to worry about seeing him ever again, and if you do, you tell me and I'll-"Syaoran started. He was interrupted by a male voice from behind.
"You'll what? Beat my ass? I'd like to see you try." Jacob sneered. Sakura whipped around, terror in her pretty face. Syaoran stepped in front of Sakura protectively, earning a cruel laugh from Jacob.
"That's exactly what I'll do you sorry piece of worthless garbage." Syaoran replied, his voice taking on a deadly seriousness.
"Don't waste your time on that whore. Besides, you can't take me. I know it." Jacob retorted, snatching up a couple rolls of wallpaper before stalking out of the aisle. Syaoran watched him go, then turned around to Sakura, who had her hand to her mouth.
"You're no whore. He's a loser for letting you go. He just didn't know how great you really are, and he's mad because he screwed up and lost you." Syaoran murmured, trying to make Sakura feel better.
"It's okay, Syaoran. I'm not going to let him get to me anymore." Sakura replied, a determined look forming on her face. She ran a hand through her short hair and turned back to picking out a pattern.
"Now that's the Sakura I know." Syaoran added, helping sort through the piles of paper.
Tomoyo and Eriol walked slowly through the stove section, looking for a stove that would fit in the small nook the old stove occupied.
"This one looks like a good one. It's electric, so we won't have to worry about another fire." Eriol pointed out. Tomoyo laughed and agreed.
"You know, I'm glad Sakura's here. It's nice to have another girl in the apartment." Tomoyo mused as they waited for an associate to bring their order to the front. Eriol nodded, sliding his arm around Tomoyo's waist.
"I agree. You needed someone to confide in." Eriol replied. Tomoyo's eyes suddenly lit up and she motioned for Eriol to look at what she was seeing. Walking toward them was Syaoran and Sakura. Syaoran's arms were full of wallpaper, and Sakura's face was a little brighter. Eriol looked down at Tomoyo, and could tell the wheels were already turning.
"Tomoyo . . . I know what you're thinking, and don't you even think it!" Eriol scolded. He watched as Syaoran looked down at Sakura. Sakura returned Syaoran's gaze with a small smile.
"But don't you think it would be perfect? You and me, Syaoran and Sakura. It'll be a perfect scenario!" Tomoyo squealed. Eriol was about to reply, but Syaoran and Sakura walked up to them, wallpaper in hand.
"We decided on yellow." Syaoran stated, showing Tomoyo and Eriol the sunshine colored paper.
"I thought it would be cheerful." Sakura piped, a smile lighting her face.
"I love yellow! It'll be perfect for our kitchen." Tomoyo replied. Sakura and Tomoyo started chattering about repainting the living room as Eriol and Syaoran stood by silently.
"Tomoyo thinks you and Sakura should get together." Eriol whispered to Syaoran. He smiled with amusement as Syaoran blushed heavily and looked at him with a scowl.
"I think it would be a little complicated to start something with Sakura. I mean let's analyze this. Sakura has just gotten out of a really bad relationship, and she's pregnant. I think I would just make things harder for her, especially if we don't work out." Syaoran answered. Eriol smirked.
"Uh huh. Well you heard it here first, so don't be surprised if Tomoyo tries some hair brained scheme to get you two together." Eriol whispered. Their turn came up in the line, and Syaoran walked past Eriol and put the paper on the conveyor as Eriol grinned.
'This is going to be good.' Eriol thought as he moved the new stove along with him.
*And . . . the end for now. Tomoyo's got something up her sleeve, I'm sure you all know that. Is Jacob following Sakura, or was that a one time thing? And will Syaoran ever consider Sakura as something more than a friend? Read and review to find out. Thanks! ::does a rain dance:: Maybe this will work on reviewers too. . . ::looks up:: perhaps not.*
Reviewers: angel-wings-131, Marisa, sarah, amber-eyez, *~*NeCi*~*, Kura- chan, alex, Kikakai, Cherry Jade (Happy Belated Birthday!), anjuliet, & sweet-captor
With You
Light from the morning streamed in from a crack in the curtain, settling on Sakura's peaceful face as she slept. Shifting in an attempt to move out of the light, Sakura found it was no use and slowly sat up. Slipping out of Syaoran's bed, Sakura walked out into the living room where the world had not yet awoken.
Tomoyo and Eriol's door was still closed, indicating that they were still asleep inside. Sakura's emerald eyes moved from the door to the couch where Syaoran lay sprawled. The blanket covering him was half off, his leg poking out from under. Messier than usual chestnut hair crowned his head, accenting his dark eyelashes as he slept quietly.
Syaoran looked so tranquil at the moment, Sakura almost lost herself watching him. It had been a long time since she could honestly say she wasn't frightened by the presence of a man. Syaoran, awake or sleeping, posed no threat to her; in fact he was quite the opposite. Sighing, Sakura made her way into the kitchen, where she searched the cupboards for ingredients.
'What sounds good?' Sakura asked herself as she rummaged. She came across a box of pancake mix and smiled. This would do the trick.
Syaoran's eyes opened and he sat up, sniffing the air as he did so. He could smell something, but in his sleepiness couldn't put his finger on it. His eyes snapped open wide as he realized that smoke was billowing out of his kitchen.
"Sakura!" Syaoran cried as Sakura stumbled out of the kitchen, her hand over her mouth as she waved her free hand wildly.
"Syaoran!" Sakura screeched, her eyes wide with fear. Tomoyo and Eriol came barreling out of the bedroom, their hands over their mouths as well. Syaoran bounded into the kitchen and saw the stovetop was on fire, orange flames licking up to the vent.
"Syaoran, get away from there!" Tomoyo called, but it was no use. Syaoran wasn't about to let his apartment burn down in front of his eyes. He grabbed a bowl from the sink and filled it with water, shielding his face from the heat.
"Syaoran!" Tomoyo and Sakura screamed. Syaoran threw the water over the fire, quenching some of the flames. Eriol ran in with Syaoran, grabbing another bowl and throwing the water over the fire. Soon all that was left of the fire was a steaming stove top and blackened walls.
"What in the world happened?" Eriol asked, opening a window and waving some of the smoke out into the air. Sakura looked guiltily at the floor, turning away from the other three. Syaoran approached Sakura and put his hand on her shoulder, but she recoiled and dodged him in terror.
"No Jacob! I didn't mean it!" Sakura screamed. Syaoran grabbed Sakura and shook her gently, forcing her to look him in the eye as Tomoyo and Eriol watched quietly.
"I'm not Jacob." Syaoran whispered simply. Sakura stared for a moment, and then began to sob softly, burying her head in Syaoran's shoulder. Syaoran brought Sakura close to him, cradling her like a small child.
"I was just trying to make you all some breakfast, and when I turned my back for just a second, the stove just . . . caught fire." Sakura explained. Syaoran slowly nodded and leaned Sakura's face so he could see her.
"I wish you would have woken me up. Sakura, the stove has only one unit that works properly. The other three have too much gas pressure, and they are a little unstable." Syaoran replied. Tomoyo nodded in agreement, drawing Sakura's attention.
"It's true. When we first moved in three months ago, Eriol and I were cooking and nearly burned the place down then. It's okay, Sakura." Tomoyo added. Eriol put his arm around and nodded, a look of agreement on his sleepy face.
"I'm sorry. I'll fix it, I swear." Sakura murmured. All three roommates started talking, telling Sakura it was okay, and that they would all go get new wallpaper for the wall.
"First let's get you cleaned up though." Syaoran said, helping Sakura to her feet.
"Did you inhale a lot of smoke?" Tomoyo asked as Syaoran walked with Sakura. Both of them shook their heads and continued.
"Here's a towel, and there's a lot of stuff in the shower, take your pick on what shampoo you want." Syaoran said, stopping at the door to the bathroom. Sakura looked down at the floor, then back at Syaoran.
"I'm sorry about the kitchen. My first day here, and I already try and burn it down." Sakura murmured. Syaoran smiled and shook his head.
"I told you it's okay. Now go take a shower while I clean up the stove." Syaoran replied. Sakura smiled weakly and retreated to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Syaoran walked back out to the kitchen where Eriol was putting a fan in the window and Tomoyo was mopping the water off the floor.
"So I take it we're heading to Home Depot today, Syao?" Tomoyo giggled. Syaoran sighed and nodded, a smile creeping over his face as he started moving burned pots off the stove.
In the shower, Sakura stood with her hand resting against the wall. The hot water pelted her weary body as she let the morning's dilemma roll off her like the water. After her shower, Sakura wrapped the towel around her body and walked into Syaoran's room. She was surprised to find Syaoran in there as well.
"S-Sakura! I'm sorry . . . "Syaoran blushed as he grabbed some clothes and his towel and stumbled out of his room. Sakura smiled and closed the door behind him.
"Well that was amusing." Sakura whispered to herself as she began to change.
After four showers, Tomoyo, Eriol, Syaoran and Sakura were all ready to go. They piled into Eriol's blue Explorer and headed off down the road toward town.
"So do you know what you're having yet?" Tomoyo asked during the car ride. Sakura shook her head and absently set her hand on her swollen stomach.
"I've never been to a doctor. Jacob said it wasn't right, going and seeing a male doctor. Even when I told him we could find a woman, he said he'd have none of it." Sakura replied, looking out the window as she spoke.
"Well that's not okay with me. You're going to a doctor tomorrow morning, and I will take you." Syaoran interjected. Sakura looked at Syaoran and smiled softly.
"Okay." Sakura replied.
"We're here, let's get started." Eriol said, swinging the Explorer into a parking place. Sakura walked with Syaoran as the four young people started into the Home Depot.
"Sakura and I will go pick out new wallpaper if you and Tomoyo will find a new stove." Syaoran stated, earning a nod of approval from Eriol. The couple started off in one direction, leaving Sakura and Syaoran to go the other way.
"So how did you end up with a guy like Jacob anyway, if you don't mind my asking." Syaoran asked. Sakura picked through some patterns and sighed heavily.
"I met him at my freshman orientation. I thought he was a good guy until after I got pregnant. After that, something just . . . changed. He started being abusive, verbally and physically." Sakura explained, looking into Syaoran's amber eyes with sad emerald ones.
"I see. Well, you don't have to worry about seeing him ever again, and if you do, you tell me and I'll-"Syaoran started. He was interrupted by a male voice from behind.
"You'll what? Beat my ass? I'd like to see you try." Jacob sneered. Sakura whipped around, terror in her pretty face. Syaoran stepped in front of Sakura protectively, earning a cruel laugh from Jacob.
"That's exactly what I'll do you sorry piece of worthless garbage." Syaoran replied, his voice taking on a deadly seriousness.
"Don't waste your time on that whore. Besides, you can't take me. I know it." Jacob retorted, snatching up a couple rolls of wallpaper before stalking out of the aisle. Syaoran watched him go, then turned around to Sakura, who had her hand to her mouth.
"You're no whore. He's a loser for letting you go. He just didn't know how great you really are, and he's mad because he screwed up and lost you." Syaoran murmured, trying to make Sakura feel better.
"It's okay, Syaoran. I'm not going to let him get to me anymore." Sakura replied, a determined look forming on her face. She ran a hand through her short hair and turned back to picking out a pattern.
"Now that's the Sakura I know." Syaoran added, helping sort through the piles of paper.
Tomoyo and Eriol walked slowly through the stove section, looking for a stove that would fit in the small nook the old stove occupied.
"This one looks like a good one. It's electric, so we won't have to worry about another fire." Eriol pointed out. Tomoyo laughed and agreed.
"You know, I'm glad Sakura's here. It's nice to have another girl in the apartment." Tomoyo mused as they waited for an associate to bring their order to the front. Eriol nodded, sliding his arm around Tomoyo's waist.
"I agree. You needed someone to confide in." Eriol replied. Tomoyo's eyes suddenly lit up and she motioned for Eriol to look at what she was seeing. Walking toward them was Syaoran and Sakura. Syaoran's arms were full of wallpaper, and Sakura's face was a little brighter. Eriol looked down at Tomoyo, and could tell the wheels were already turning.
"Tomoyo . . . I know what you're thinking, and don't you even think it!" Eriol scolded. He watched as Syaoran looked down at Sakura. Sakura returned Syaoran's gaze with a small smile.
"But don't you think it would be perfect? You and me, Syaoran and Sakura. It'll be a perfect scenario!" Tomoyo squealed. Eriol was about to reply, but Syaoran and Sakura walked up to them, wallpaper in hand.
"We decided on yellow." Syaoran stated, showing Tomoyo and Eriol the sunshine colored paper.
"I thought it would be cheerful." Sakura piped, a smile lighting her face.
"I love yellow! It'll be perfect for our kitchen." Tomoyo replied. Sakura and Tomoyo started chattering about repainting the living room as Eriol and Syaoran stood by silently.
"Tomoyo thinks you and Sakura should get together." Eriol whispered to Syaoran. He smiled with amusement as Syaoran blushed heavily and looked at him with a scowl.
"I think it would be a little complicated to start something with Sakura. I mean let's analyze this. Sakura has just gotten out of a really bad relationship, and she's pregnant. I think I would just make things harder for her, especially if we don't work out." Syaoran answered. Eriol smirked.
"Uh huh. Well you heard it here first, so don't be surprised if Tomoyo tries some hair brained scheme to get you two together." Eriol whispered. Their turn came up in the line, and Syaoran walked past Eriol and put the paper on the conveyor as Eriol grinned.
'This is going to be good.' Eriol thought as he moved the new stove along with him.
*And . . . the end for now. Tomoyo's got something up her sleeve, I'm sure you all know that. Is Jacob following Sakura, or was that a one time thing? And will Syaoran ever consider Sakura as something more than a friend? Read and review to find out. Thanks! ::does a rain dance:: Maybe this will work on reviewers too. . . ::looks up:: perhaps not.*