Chapter 5- The Day Off
Tomoyo and Eriol woke up first. They decided on waking the others up. They started with Mei Ling. She woke up right away. Tomoyo went to wake up Sakura and Eriol went to wake up Syaoran. Unfortunately for the couple the two sleeping wouldn't wake up. Mei Ling had already finished using the bathroom and the two were still sleeping. 'That's weird… Syaoran is usually a light sleeper and wakes up really early to do his morning martial arts practice. Plus he looks restless in his sleep. Usually he has no expression.' Mei Ling thought.
The three that were awake decided to make breakfast and try to wake Sakura and Syaoran up later when they were done cooking. Once the three of them reached the kitchen Syaoran woke up. He looked at the time 'Oh crap! I didn't wake up on time for my martial arts work out. Oh well, one day without it isn't gonna kill me.' Syaoran thought. 'I wonder if Sakura's awake yet. I really want to talk to her about mother.'
Syaoran used the bathroom and went into Sakura's room. She looked so peaceful sleeping, she was smiling. 'Wow she looks really nice sleeping, so peaceful, so undisturbed. I wonder what she's dreaming about.' Syaoran thought. He walked over to Sakura and moved a strand of hair from her face and smiled. He was about to leave from the spot where he sat next to Sakura but he felt something hold him. He turned and saw that Sakura had a grip of his arm. Syaoran could've easily broken away but he didn't really want to.
Sakura was half awake and she knew Syaoran was there. She smiled to herself and tiredly whispered "Good morning Syaoran." That made Syaoran jump. He hadn't known Sakura was awake. "Good morning Sakura, I think you better hurry and get ready. I think Eriol, Tomoyo and Mei Ling are waiting for us." Syaoran whispered back. Just like that Sakura jumped out of the bed and went straight to the bathroom. Syaoran knew that Eriol, Tomoyo and Mei Ling were outside the door. Eriol, Tomoyo, and Mei Ling knew that Syaoran was in Sakura's room so they didn't walk in. They just waited there till someone opened the door.
Syaoran opened the door and let them in. Sakura came out from the bathroom and saw the four of them waiting for her. "I'm so sorry for making all of you wait." Sakura said apologetically. "It's okay Sakura." the four that were waiting said in unison. The five of them left Sakura's room and headed to the dining room for breakfast.
After Breakfast
The five of them didn't know what to do it was they're day off. They didn't have to go to school or rehearse for the wedding that was the next day. Syaoran's mother was coming to Japan today so they decided to go to Syaoran's house and fix it up a bit. They didn't know when Yelan would be coming. They walked into Syaoran's house. It was bigger than both Tomoyo's and Eriol's house. Sakura had the smallest house because she wasn't exactly rich. "Wow! It's so big…" both Sakura and Tomoyo said. Syaoran and Mei Ling smiled at their expressions.
"We have a bigger mansion than this in Hong Kong." Mei Ling said.
"You must be really rich then." Sakura said still looking at her surroundings.
"Yeah we are." Syaoran said with a bored tone. He didn't like being rich because he couldn't live a normal life.
"Have you ever gotten lost in your own house?" Sakura ask curiously. She knew there was a huge possibility that she would get lost.
"Yeah, I still do." Syaoran said.
"I have too… except the servants are everywhere to help me out." Mei Ling chimed not wanting to be left out.
"You know Syaoran this house is bigger than mine but mine is worth more." Eriol whispered.
"Well, if you're richer good for you… I don't like being a big company owner Eriol. You know that." Syaoran whispered back. He knew Eriol before he moved here but he didn't want the girls to know. Mei Ling didn't even know.
"I don't like being a big company owner either. But at least I don't act like it's such a boring job."
"Eriol, I have to take over the company in three years!" Syaoran exclaimed but still whispering.
"I have to take over my company in three months." Eriol said calmly. "Plus we're business partners you know."
"Eriol, we're cousins!" Syaoran exclaimed, this time it was not a whisper anymore.
"You two are cousins?" Sakura, Tomoyo and Mei Ling asked shocked.
"How come I didn't know?" Mei Ling pouted.
"Yeah, we're cousins and business partners." Eriol said merrily. Syaoran was glaring at Eriol. He hadn't wanted anyone else to know.
"Mei Ling, he's from my mom's side of the family. So he's not exactly related to you."
"Oh…" Mei Ling said.
"Wait business partners? What companies do you two own?" Tomoyo asked interestedly. She was going to inherit her mother's business in a month.
"I own H-cell. It's a cell phone company." Eriol said.(I made up the company… couldn't think of anything.)
"What about you Syaoran?" Tomoyo asked.
"I own Li Corp." Syaoran replied.
"That's so great! We're all business partners." Tomoyo shrieked. Everyone looked at Tomoyo.
"Since when do you have a company?" Eriol asked. Sakura knew that Tomoyo would be inheriting her mother's company.
"I'm taking it over in a month. It's a fashion company actually." Tomoyo said.
"It's SNT Fashions isn't it?" Syaoran asked.
"Yeah, how did you know?" Tomoyo asked.
"My mother knows the two previous owners. She said one of the owners died and the second owner was letting her daughter and niece run the company." Syaoran said.
"Wait my mom didn't say anything about letting Sakura take it over." Tomoyo said. "I guess it was supposed to be a surprise."
"What do you mean I'm going to be working with you?" Sakura asked puzzled.
"Your mom and my mom were the original owners. SNT stands for Sonomi, Nadeshiko and Tomoyo. I guess the S can also stand for Sakura so the didn't add another one." Tomoyo said.
"I didn't my mother used to own a company." Sakura said.
"Of course you didn't know. My mom told me last year. I guess that's when you mom planned to tell you too but she died before she had the chance. If you want I could ask my mom." Tomoyo replied.
"Okay, Tomoyo." Sakura said. Eriol, Syaoran and Mei Ling just stood there listening to the conversation.
"Wait, are you saying that you two are cousins?" Mei Ling and Syaoran asked after taking in the information.
"Yeah, I thought you knew Syaoran." Tomoyo said.
"How would I know if no one told me?" Syaoran asked. Tomoyo looked at Sakura who just shrugged.
"Well now you know." Tomoyo said. "Plus now we're even since Sakura and I didn't know you and Eriol were related." Syaoran nodded in agreement.
"Okay time to get the servants to prepare lunch." Syaoran said. He took his cell phone and speed dialed Wei. "Wei, I'm home. Get the cooks to prepare lunch enough for six. You're eating with us." Syaoran said and hung up.
"Who's Wei?" Sakura asked.
"He's a butler that's been with our family for about two generations." Mei Ling said.
"Oh" Sakura said.
"Okay time to decorate the living room." Mei Ling said.
The group went into the living room. It was clean but it looked really plain. Mei Ling though they should put a banner on the door way that said 'Welcome!' They used that idea and put the banner up. Next they put helium filled balloons everywhere. They set up a table and put some pictures of them. Syaoran decided to put his grades up for display as well. Mei Ling and Tomoyo went and got a bouquet of flowers. They were an assortment of roses, tulips, cherry blossoms and lilies.
When they were done with decorating an old man entered. "Lunch is ready Master Syaoran." he said. "Thank you, Wei." Syaoran replied. They all walked into the dining room. The chandeliers were not too high and not to low. It was at the right level. The chandeliers glistened; there were five of them in total. Syaoran sat across from Mei Ling and next to Sakura and Eriol. Eriol sat across from Tomoyo. Wei sat to the left of Mei Ling and in front of Sakura who smiled.
They had rice, chicken, beef, broccoli and soup. Everyone had their own plate. Syaoran, Eriol and Wei finished before the girls. Sakura finished right after them. Tomoyo finished last because she and Mei Ling talked nonstop during the meal. They decided to watch TV after they were done. Mei Ling flipped to a music video channel. BoA was performing live in the video. Just as BoA's performance finished the door bell rang. Mei Ling shut the TV off. Wei answered the door. In came a lady with long black hair and pale skin. Syaoran stood up and became stiff when she entered.
"Xiao Lang, how have you been?" the woman asked sternly.
"I've been fine mother. I'm glad that you made it." Syaoran said. 'So that's his mother. She's gorgeous, and elegant.' Sakura thought.
"I'm not so sure Xiao Lang; after all you didn't invite me nor suggest inviting me. It shocks me that you wouldn't invite me to Nadeshiko's son's wedding in which you are to be in." Yelan said in the same tone of voice.
"I didn't think you would be available to attend." Syaoran said.
"I don't even think you remembered me. You've probably been distracted Xiao Lang." Yelan said. She turned to look at Mei Ling, Eriol, Tomoyo and Sakura.
"Eriol, Mei Ling I hope the two of you have been well." Yelan said.
"We've been extremely well." Eriol and Mei Ling replied.
"Why you didn't invite me Eriol is what I'm wondering." Yelan said.
"Well Aunt Yelan, I thought you'd be far too busy and I had no idea that you knew the Kinomotos." Eriol said.
"I see Eriol. Mei Ling thank you for inviting me." Yelan said.
"It's my pleasure Aunt Yelan." Mei Ling said sweetly. Yelan nodded.
"Who are these two young ladies Xiao Lang?" Yelan asked.
"The one with longer hair is Tomoyo Daidouji and the one with shorter hair is Sakura Kinomoto." Syaoran replied.
"Tomoyo Daidouji, are you Sonomi's daughter?" Yelan asked Tomoyo.
"Hai, Mrs. Li. I've heard that you are good friends with my mother." Tomoyo said.
"Yes, I've known your mother since we were extremely young when she went to school in Hong Kong with Nadeshiko. Speaking of Nadeshiko you must be her daughter Sakura." Yelan said.
"Hai, Mrs. Li. I don't know much about you nor my mother." Sakura said.
"Oh yes, Nadeshiko did pass away when you were pretty young to remember much about her." Yelan said softly. "You know we worked together, she said that you were extremely beautiful and well mannered."
"Mrs. Li, you are so kind. I know why my mother was such good friends with you." Sakura said while smiling sweetly.
"You know Sakura you are very cute and if my daughters were here they'd be all over you." Yelan said smiling back. Eriol, Mei Ling and Syaoran all had shocked faces, they had never seen Yelan smile before.
"I would love to meet your daughters." Sakura said.
"What a wonderful idea Sakura!" Yelan said excitedly. "You should visit us during your break, with Xiao Lang and Eriol. I also believe that Tomoyo will also be coming for the meeting of the businesses with her mother. You are to attend that meeting as well Sakura since you are the other owner of the company."
"That's wonderful! I'll finally meet the rest of your family." Sakura said cheerfully. She meant what she had said.
Yelan went straight to the room provided for her. Tomoyo and Mei Ling were talking about the visit to Hong Kong. Eriol had to run an errand for his sister because she was busy studying for her chemistry exam. Syaoran and Sakura were outside in the flower garden. There were a lot of different flowers. There was also a cherry blossom tree in the middle. The two sat under the tree.
"Your mom seems extremely nice." Sakura said.
"She is but she's also very strict." Syaoran said.
"Is it true what she said about your sisters?"
"Yeah, they're really hyper all the time. They're even more hyper when they see something or someone that they like."
"So you think they'll like me?"
"Of course they will, I mean both me and my mother like you."
"Thanks Syaoran, you're really nice." Sakura said leaning on him.
"It's the truth though." Syaoran said smiling down at her. Yelan was looking out her window smiling at the two of them. 'I guess they've fallen for each other. This makes the arranged marriage between them to be accomplished easier. I do miss Nadeshiko. Sakura is so much like her. Although we never made the arranged marriage official because of the elders, they look wonderful together. Thank goodness that the elders agreed to let the arranged marriage between Xiao Lang and Mei Ling break. They knew all too well that the two wouldn't be right for each other.' Yelan thought.
"Wei, will you please summon Sakura and Xiao Lang to me." Yelan ordered.
"As you wish madam, Yelan" Wei said and went to get Syaoran and Sakura. "Syaoran-sama, your mother would like to see you and Sakura."
"Okay, Wei." Syaoran said. Both Sakura and Syaoran got up from under the tree and went up to Yelan's room.
"Hello Sakura, Xiao Lang." Yelan greeted them.
"Hello Mrs. Li" Sakura said while Syaoran said "Hello mother."
"Please sit down." Yelan said to them pointing to the couch in the room. Sakura and Syaoran obeyed and sat down. "I see that you two are becoming close." With that comment Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other and blushed.
"Mother, do you have a point with this." Syaoran asked not wanting to be anymore embarrassed.
"Syaoran don't be rude." Sakura whispered sharply. Yelan had heard Sakura but didn't show it.
"Of course I have a point Xiao Lang." Yelan said. "I thought that maybe you could pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend when in Hong Kong to fool the elders."
"But why mother?" Syaoran asked.
"The elders at least want to know there is a possibility that you would be married before they find a girl for you. Plus I think you and Sakura would make a good and believable couple." Yelan said. Making both of them turn pink yet again.
"Why does it matter to them? Also why can't you just use Eriol and Tomoyo? They're actually together." Syaoran said.
"Do you not like the idea of you and Sakura being boyfriend and girlfriend?" Yelan asked. She knew that he wanted to be Sakura's boyfriend and vice versa.
"Mother, that's beside the point." Syaoran said sternly.
"Not really, it's a good question actually. Then again you really have no choice in this so might as well accept it." Yelan said glaring at her son.
"Mrs. Li, don't I have a say in this?" Sakura asked shyly and politely at the same time.
"Of course Sakura, your opinion is the only on that matters." Yelan said, glaring at Syaoran again.
"I think that it would be a good idea so Syaoran doesn't need to be bothered by the elders. Since it isn't real then this really doesn't have an affect on us. Plus Tomoyo and Eriol couldn't do anything because according to you Mrs. Li they're interested in Syaoran's love life not Eriol's." Sakura said bravely.
"See Syaoran, Sakura has no problem with it. What do you think?" Yelan said to her son.
"Well, I guess since it is for me and Sakura's agreeing to this." Syaoran said turning pink.
"Okay then it's settled. You two may leave now." Yelan said. After they left Yelan smiled. 'Nadeshiko maybe they can be together after all. I gave the little push; it's your turn to lead the way.' Yelan thought. She knew Nadeshiko was lingering around because she could feel the aura.
------------Syaoran and Sakura----------------
"Sakura, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Syaoran asked softly. He didn't want Sakura to do anything that she didn't want to.
"Of course Syaoran, it'll be helping you out and it might be fun." Sakura said cheerfully. 'Too bad this isn't for real.' Sakura thought. They decided to practice the songs for Kaho and Touya's wedding which was tomorrow. They couldn't wait… especially Sakura. It wasn't everyday that she got to see her brother marry the person he loved.
'So much for a day off' Syaoran thought. He was exhausted after the piano and singing practice as well as the whole talk with his mother.
How'd you like this chapter? Please R&R thanks