Disclaimie:

Sup? Guess what... I don't own CCS nor any other related crap. Any who, I'm not going to let that bring down my summer vacation (yes I will ::starts crying::), mostly b/c I got a book that I couldn't find at the library, at the bookstore in the mall, making me muy contento.

Anywho, I should be cleaning my room right now, but I'll start that later, so here's the next chapter...

Dodging the Raindrops
Chapter 9: Cold
Plot By: The Can-Can group

!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#! !#$%&()&&%$#!!#$%&(

Sakura has never felt this scared before in her whole entire life. Well, except for that one time when she was ten and playing in the mud, the dress she was wearing was expensive and she thought her dad was going to kill her. That's when she decided to runaway, however, she only got as far as Tomoyo's house, where her father found her crying over the dress because it was all muddy. That wasn't as scary as what just happened though. Her ex had called again, asking for a date, and being the person that she is, Sakura agreed. Syaoran was furious when he found out; he had long since cooled down and now he has his wits back.

"Tell me, again, why the hell did you say okay?" His scowl grew even fiercer, wondering at what type of logic did the woman standing in front of him had.

Sakura gave a sheepish look as she replied, "well, I want to find out why he is after me, and maybe get him apprehended, since I don't trust the police to do this."

"You are a real idiot, aren't you? I thought you were more sensible then this," his eyes soften at this, but then harden before Sakura could distinguish the emotion, "could you at least get some police back up?" He gave her a look that said that she was going to be backed up by the police no matter what.

She gave a heavy sigh, and mumbled, "okay."

Syaoran looked pleased with himself as he sat down at the table and began to drink his tea, as if nothing had just happened. Sufficient to say, this has been one weird very late Sunday morning (she slept in late, again). First the call from Renjiro, then the argument over if she was allowed to go or not. The arguing had lasted for over an hour, leaving her very exhausted.

Sakura grabbed her own cup of tea and went to the living room to see what was on the TV. She could hear her roommate talking on the phone to the police about the "date" and asking for assistance.

Kero came bounding in, in his usual way, with his tail wagging behind him happily. He placed a paw onto her knee, as if giving his support (or at least telling her that he was hungry, she couldn't tell which). Smiling, Sakura gave him a quick pat on the head. He took that as an invitation for him to join her on the couch and hopped on. Once he got himself situated, he farted and began to lick himself. Shaking her head in disgust, she went back to watching the TV.

After the golden retriever got onto the couch, Suzo came in (in the same manner as Kero) and gave a happy smile. "I had a fun tea party with Miss Raggedy Ann and Miss Bunny," she indicated the two stuffed toys in her hands. Miss Raggedy Ann is a stuffed doll that has red yarn hair, white material, a face that looked like a clown's and a flowery dress that ended above her knees. Miss Bunny is a bunny doll that was sown by Tomoyo (as was Raggedy Ann). She has pink and white ribbons tied to her long, floppy ears and a light brown and thin material dress. Both of the two dolls looked real loved (with the several rips and drool stains).

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "oh? Did anything interesting happen?"

Suzo nodded eagerly, "uh huh. Miss Raggedy Ann says that Miss Bunny is too much of a gossiper and Miss Bunny thinks that Miss Raggedy Ann is busy body and she should mind her own business before she gets a restrininging-... restruanting... no, that's not right either... hmm."

"Restraining order?" Sakura offered.

Suzo nodded, her red curls bouncing, "yes, and then they got into a huge fight and the tea ended up spilling all over the place, I had to send them to different corners." She gave a small laugh.

"Sounds like it was interesting, I remember when I was little, me and Tomoyo would have tea parties at her house, except we used real tea and the servants would play with us on their breaks," Sakura gave her own rich laugh as she looked upon her childhood. Suzo looked up at her mother and asked a question, while batting her eyelashes and giving a pleading look, "does mommy want to play with me?"

Sakura's laughter died down as she gave a small gulp. She began to sweat and look around for an excuse. However, before she could tell her brain not too, Sakura's emerald eyes landed onto her own daughter's eyes. That's when she realized that she wouldn't be able to get out of it. Giving a sigh filled with despair, she replied, "okay."

Suzo gave a happy look as she transferred one of the dolls to the other hand and grabbed her mother's. She began to lead her to her room. Sakura ignored Syaoran's inquiring look as they went through the kitchen and entered into the four-year-old's room.

Syaoran was almost laughing at the look on her face as she went by. It was like she was walking to her doom and was rather reluctant to go. As the door was closed, he sobered up quickly and continued to think about what was the plan of action going to be. The most that the police are going to do is put a wire on her so that they can hear what is being said. They are also going to surround the place and have some "plain clothed police men" stationed through out the establishment. He himself is going to be hiding in some corner, so that he could help in case there is a need. He slowly went over some of the fighting stances in his mind and trying to remember some of his training from back when he was a child preparing to become the clan leader.

Something wasn't right. Why would Renjiro want to set up a date with his ex- wife? Did he want some more money? Or is it something else? Whatever the reason, they need to proceed with extreme caution. Syaoran has a feeling that the ex is not exactly right in the head and can be very dangerous.

He took a sip of tea and took a peek at the microwave clock. It was close to twelve. The date was set for nine in the evening at a bar called "A Bar". A Bar is a bar that is very crowded and loud, making secret conversations kept secret (making this work in favor for Renjiro). Right now, the police are getting all the necessary things they need for this evening. Hopefully, by the end of tonight, everything will be better for Sakura.

-----------------------------------------------

(5 o'clock...)

"How about this one?" Sakura asked holding up a dress from the rack.

Tomoyo shook her head. "That one makes you look like a slut," she said.

Sakura had called her friend up at about two p.m. asking for help in finding an outfit for her date. Tomoyo took her to her store and began to show some possible ideas. The outfit Sakura is looking for (as she described it over the phone) should say I don't need you and am wearing this outfit to show you what you're missing. So far there has been nothing like that.

Tomoyo started to look through the selections. "Where is the date at?"

"Oh, well... it's at A Bar," replied Sakura.

"Why didn't you say that in the first place? I know the perfect outfit for that!" Tomoyo exclaimed. She started to slide hangers around and spread them apart. Finally she came to a stop and pulled out a black halter-top, a jean shirt and tight fitting jeans. Sakura started in agape at the choice. "I'm prude, remember? I don't wear that kind of stuff."

Tomoyo smiled (the evil smile, like she's planning something...), "oh, I know that. But you're going to met your ex, you said that you need an outfit that shows him what he's missing."

Sakura sighed, her friend is right. Despite that fact, she still didn't want to wear it. "Fine, I'll take it." Tomoyo gave a huge smile as she took Sakura to the conveniently placed dressing rooms and handed the garments to her. Sakura stepped into the small compartment and began to undress.

"The detective I hired," Tomoyo began, in a hushed tone, causing Sakura to pause to hear, "was found dead last night. Wouldn't say how though, too gruesome."

Sakura pulled the halter down and pondered on the newest news. "That means that he doesn't want to be found."

"Bingo." Tomoyo said. "Are you sure its okay for you to be having a date with him, he might pull something."

Sakura pulled the pants up and pulled the zipper up and looked herself in the mirror. "I know. That's way I'm doing this, so that he can't do anything else." She exited out of the room and pose for her dark haired friend. Tomoyo nodded and Sakura went back in.

"I know what the risks are," Sakura's voice came over the edge of the door, "but I'm tired of having to look over my shoulder. This guy is stalking me for cripes sake."

"I know." Tomoyo's voice was soft and full of concern.

Sakura reemerged from the small dressing room, the outfit in tow. They went to the register were Tomoyo took off the price tags and placed the outfit in a paper bag painted purples and whites. "Its on me," Tomoyo explained, seeing the confused look on her friend's face. The two exited from the ironically large boutique and headed out onto the busy streets.

"Can you watch Suzo for me?" Sakura asked.

"Sure, that works out for me anyway. I promised her that I would teach her how to make a simple skirt (Sakura raised an eyebrow at this) and some other stuff."

The walked into a fast food joint and ordered some food. While waiting, Sakura's cell phone ranged. She stepped away for a moment and answered it. "Yes?"

"Its me." Replied Syaoran.

"Oh, hello me, it's so nice to hear from you. How are you doing me?" Sakura asked, playfully.

"Stop playing around. Are you done yet? Where are you? How much longer are you going to be?"

"First off, I wasn't playing around, you started it. Secondly what's with all the questions? Yes. Fast food joint. We just got here and are now waiting for our food." Sakura replied, slightly peeved.

Syaoran gave something short of a growl as he said, "well, hurry it up. We need to get you wired and prepared for tonight."

"For what? To try and take over the world?"

"What?"

Sakura gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Pinky and the Brain reference."

Syaoran hung up after that. Sakura stared at her silver cell phone, wondering why he hung up. Must have been about comment for the cartoon about the two lab mice.

Tomoyo stood in front of her, tray filled with food in tow. "You should have let me get that." Sakura said, as they sat down at a booth. Tomoyo just smiled as they began to eat the fat inducing meal.

"Any how, we need to hurry up, Syaoran said that I need to get prepared for tonight." Sakura said, eating a French fry. Tomoyo nodded as they eat in silence. A few moments passes. They finish; throw away their stuff and head out (once again) onto the busy streets.

After about ten minutes of walking, they make it too Sakura's apartment and head inside. Sakura gave a quick "I'm home" and Suzo came running in. "There's some police men in the kitchen." She said and then ran to her room.

Sure enough, there were two police officers in the kitchen. However, instead of the uniform, they wore plain, street clothes. The two men introduced themselves as officer Rachi Mot and Tsu Tenakashi. Syaoran was leaning against the counter, giving her a nonplussed look.

"Miss Kinomoto," began Mot, "the basic plan is you go in, talk to him, make him feel safe, try to not give him any hints that the whole police department is listening in on your conversation. Then as you are about to leave, we nab him. Then you go out on a date with me." He looked pleased with himself.

"Not a chance, not even in Hades." Sakura replied, thinking about how arrogant the younger officers are. Mot shrugged as if saying it was worth a try.

The other officer gave a small cough. "We're going to start getting ready at seven thirty, that should give us plenty of time to get stuff set up. You will then arrive at nine fifty so that we can get you wired. You will then talk to him have a few beers and leave."

Sakura nodded at the plan. Sounded simple enough. She began to wonder, what could go wrong?

--------------------------------------------------------

(Nine fifty...)

Sakura stood in front of the officer as he handed her the wire. She walked to a secluded spot and tapped it onto her skin in a spot where the lumps would be covered up by the jean jacket. She gave an involuntary shiver and rubbed her arms up and down for warmth. She felt someone behind her and turned.

"Cold?" Syaoran asked.

"A little."

"Don't worry, just stick to the plan and you won't die."

"Thanks for the reassurance." Sakura did an eye roll.

He grinned. "You're welcome."

"I just hope that we get him."

"We will." Syaoran said.

"Such optimism."

Syaoran shrugged and began to walk away. Then, thinking better of it, he turned around and stopped in front of her. He started for a moment, causing Sakura to think that something is wrong with him. Then without warning, he grabbed the sides of her face and brought it close to his. He gave her another heart stopping kiss. Sakura instinctively deepened it. The kiss seemed to get her adrenaline running and seemed to make everything less scary then it actually is. He pulled back (all warmth going with him) and gave a grin. "Good luck." Syaoran said as he walked away and head into A Bar to his hiding place.

Sakura gave a short blink, wondering what is wrong with her roommate. Then giving a shrug, she went into the bar (after doing some audio tests with the small wire to see if its working). Noise is what greeted her. Men were watching the soccer game on the many large screens, hooting and hollering for their team. Woman, wearing tight shirts and short shorts, slapped away pinching hands as they severed the drinks.

Sakura looked around, looking for the familiar curly red head. She spotted it in a far, secluded corner were it seems to be darker then the rest of the bar (and that says a lot, especially since the rest of the bar has very dim lighting). Sakura made her way over to him and sat down. After ordering a beer, they began to talk.

"Hello my sweet." Renjiro started looking at the choice of her outfit.

Sakura gave him a glare. "I'm not your 'sweet'. What do you want from me?" she asked.

Her ex gave something short of a cruel smile, one that says that he has something up his sleeve, all planned and ready. "Who says that I'm after you? Maybe I just want to see you again. Or maybe I want to marry you," he smirked at her horror stricken face, "or maybe I'm after another prospect, seeing that you are all dried up from that one time. You remember that don't you? Of course you do, you told Mr. Li everything. I heard you say it."

Her glare deepened.

He just smirked even more at the death glare. "I see that you don't have that pretty necklace that I gave you. Although, its prettiness doesn't compares to yours. I know that you threw it. I know everything my sweet dear."

"You know nothing. You are a sick and demented person. You need to see a psychiatrist and try to regain your mental health."

He laughed. His laugh sounded like it was a growl. "You are way too funny. I don't need to see a shrink. I'm fine. I don't need any help at all."

The beers arrived. They took off the caps and took a swing or two. Sakura stared ahead, trying to ignore the stare of her ex. "You know, you have changed since we last met," Renjiro started, Sakura looked at him as he continued, "you are more solemn and more quiet. You lost that air of innocence; some is still there, but not a lot. Plus you seem more thoughtful and take a while on life changing decisions."

Sakura stared at her bottle of beer. "Well, you have changed also. Of course, that could have just been a front in order for me to trust you."

He grinned. "You want to know why I'm after you again? Well, there is a huge prospect that I can get by using you. But if I told you, then it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it?"

She shivered at the idea of being a tool to get more money. But how was he going to do it? And where is he going to get the money? She didn't' have all that much, aside from her savings and whatever she got from her jobs. Between those, she only had about 2,ooo dollars. Which brought up the question, again, where is the money going to come from?

Behind them, men gave one large hoot as one of the soccer players on the large plasma screen got a goal. Feet stomping followed closely behind. Then came the booing from the other team's fans. Renjiro looked around the place, giving a quick scan. Seeing that nothing is out of the ordinary (aside from a few people in drag) he returned to the conversation at hand.

"I don't appreciate my old boss, Miss Daidoji, sending detectives after me. If she doesn't want another one of her lackeys to die a slow and horrible death, I'd suggest that she stop."

Sakura's face contorted a little bit. He admitted that he killed the person and that he will do it again if he had the chance. That thought made her a little queasy, or maybe it was the beer... "Sicko."

He grinned like he knew he was a sick person all along.

Sakura stood up and slapped some money on the bar, enough to pay for the beer. "Stay away from me and my family, I'm going to get a restraining order if you don't." As she walked away, Sakura could hear him reply: "Like a piece of paper is actually going to stop me."

Sakura walked out of the bar. That's when all hell released. Men who were hollering at the TV drew out guns. Woman who slapped away wondering hands and served drinks took out their guns from unknown places. Syaoran jumped from his spot in a dark corner. Uniformed officers flooded through the front and back doors. Renjiro grinned and laughed evilly in the swarm of officers and as they handcuffed him and took him outside and into a squad car.

Sakura gave a breath of relief as the blinking lights vanished into the night. It is finally over...

...Or so she thought...

---------------------------------------------------------

(Morning...)

Sakura stood in the living room changing channels, looking for something to listen to. Finally she landed on the news. As she stood there she remembered that she needed a shower. Sakura entered the bathroom and turned the flowing water on.

If only she stayed for another five minutes. She would have heard the news reporter say: "Last night, a squadron of police officers were found dead. They were transporting a man named Hitachi Renjiro to jail." A picture flashed of Renjiro flashed across the screen. The news reporter continued, "If you have any info about this man and his location please call this number immediately. He is considered armed and potentially dangerous. A reward for info is..."

If only she stayed...

!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()&%$#! !#$%&()&%$#!!#$%&()

Authoress's Notie:

Hi guys! Just incase you all are wondering, I have decided to go back to saving messa's documents as word document instead of a web page. Mostly b/c the stupid piece of crap doesn't' save 'special characters' that's why there's missed placed U's and other crap (I was furious when I found out) so that means no more italics and bold (don't need them anywho)

Sorry for the late update. Aside from the usual excuse of me being muy lazy, I had volleyball camp last week from 9-4 for 4 days straight. My wrists hurt when I put pressure on them (like if I were to push down rrrrreeeeeaaaallllly hard down on them).

I'm so happy, there's new episodes of 'Monk' again! ::tears of joy:: its one of my favorite shows, the dude is so hilarious and crap...

I'm going to go to bed now, and then in the morning I'm going to answer reviews and put this up...

Answers to Reviewses:

chikichiki: what do detectives know? I have major plans in store... are you sure it wasn't a poor excuse? The chap. seemed rather short, oh well, I'll try to not put myself down. Thank you for the review!

Lilsweetgirl: I'm glad that you like the plot and story! Muchas Gracias for the review

Twilight-star1: Domo arigato

momocolady: thank you!

shaman7: I'm glad you like it, here's an update for you and the other's who asked

Cheerful-Cherry: Ah, the pains of being an author, you mess up one of your characters lives and everyone hates you. Don't worry, the romance is coming (though at a very slow pace (mostly b/c I don't have any experience in that area since I have never went out w/ a boy much less date and loved one (which is sad since I'm 15 and most of my friends has dated or kissed someone all ready))) I guess this could be made into a move, but they'd probably cut out all the humor... stupid movie directors... I hope you got over your boredom, zank you for the review...

lil sakura: I'm happy that you thought it was a great chapter, here's an update and muchas thank you for the review

IMUniquelyStupid: Which Jlo movie? Hm... I don't really watch her movies, so if it is at all similair, its purely a coincidence... Thanks for the review

ElectraBlack: wow, I'm really your 1st? I'm surprised that I didn't scare you away, my story isn't all that good (especially in the beginning (I went over it, it was crappy)) thank you for the review it made me muy alegre (very happy)

JediBubbles: Yes! Beg to me! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAAHAHAHH::cough:: I hope you're not dead yet, b/c here's the next chappie... Domo arigato for the review

Okay that's it for now, Review messa's story so that I can procrastinate on writing so that you guys die w/out me updating for a while... (like drugs...)

Pinky: What are going to do tonight?

Brain: The same thing we do every night. Try to take over !

The Pinky, the pinky and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain... Narf!

(teehee =D)