August 16, 2006

Chapter Three

Picturesque Deception

When you're in black slacks with accentuating, off-white pinstripes
Whoa, everything goes according to plan.
I'm the new cancer, never looked better, you can't stand it.
-Panic at the Disco

-

I stretched lazily, a contented noise escaping my mouth as soothing night air curled around me. I settled down more firmly against the hard tiles of my roof, contemplating and staring at the twinkling stars. I felt like I could do anything at this moment. My eyes closing, I moved my pj clad arms behind my head.

Three days. Three days since our first date.

I saw him again just yesterday and just thinking about it made me blush.

Willingly I let the memory wash over me like an exotic drink, tangy and wild and sweet.

-

Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present, a picturesque score of passing fantasy.

-Introduction, Panic at the Disco

-

"Why do we have to go to this opening again?" I grumbled, pulling on the hem of my navy dress.

"Because we're celebrating the new museum and I have to give the speech to introduce it," Fujitaka eyed me with a disgruntled gaze.

"Take mom!"

He balked.

"There is no way I'm taking your mother! The last time I did we had to leave halfway."

"Oh, yeah," I snickered, "She reallydoesn't like those things does she,"

He made a faint strangled noise at the back of his throat, hopping on one foot. I handed him his other shoe.

"But that doesn't take away the fact I don't like these things anymore than she does!" I tried again. He ignored me and grabbed the keys off the table by the door (which still held Syaoran's rose), pulling me by my arm out of the house and slamming the door behind us.

Sealing my fate along the way.

Sulky and resigned, I stared out the window as my dad drove the car, watching with boredom as trees and buildings raced by.

I blinked out of my stupor when I realized they weren't moving anymore.

"That was quick," I muttered in confusion. Opening the door, I stepped out and went around the car to join my dad.

Lights illuminated an old Victorian-style house–it was pure white, with a few delicate shadings of blue here and there, and its roof sloped down pleasantly over a wooden porch. A red ribbon crossed the yard just in front of it. I took it all in with saucer eyes.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Fujitaka chuckled, before walking through the ivory gates. I followed him, speechless, as he greeted several people milling around the yard.

"Fujitaka, my man!" a loud, boisterous voice exclaimed, a large hand coming to clap him on the back. I walked up from behind to see a man with an unhealthy pot belly and pasted a polite smile on.

"Hello Yamato," her father greeted.

That name sounded awfully familiar.

I squinted at the man, noticing he had unusual dark blue, almost velvet-like colored eyes. Where had I seen those eyes before? Suddenly, a flash of a masculine face and dark hair bombarded my memory.

Syaoran's cousin Mei Lin's date was related to that beast of a man!

I quickly realized I was gaping and shut my mouth with an audible snap. Thankfully nobody seemed to notice.

"Come on, Fujitaka, no need for calling me by my last name. We're all friends here, eh? Call me Hiko and I won't have to call you Kinomoto," he chuckled, but then peered at me. "Is this your daughter?"

"Yes. Sakura, this is a colleague of mine. Hiko, my daughter Sakura."

I nodded at him. The man seemed to gaze at me skeptically for a moment before commenting,

"Seems rather delicate doesn't she?"

My temper immediately flared.

"Surfaces can be deceiving," Fujitaka frowned, and then drew me away, muttering in my ear, "Don't say anything Sakura. That's just how he is, he doesn't mean it offensively,"

"And I'm sure Hitler didn't mean anything offensively either," I whispered back, trying to twist around to glare at the man, but dad kept a firm grip on me.

"Don't, Sakura. He works with me and I can't afford to have a bad name,"

I finally relented, albeit grudgingly.

"Fine. I can't get you fired can I?"

He laughed.

"So do you want to meet more people I work with?"

I was out of there faster than he could say 'whoops'.

Heading to the backyard, to my pleasant surprise there was a swing, the kind that was a furniture piece. I sank into it and grinned to myself at escaping him. The view wasn't so impressive, just a mermaid fountain and a few trees, but it was one thing that made up for it all: peace and quiet.

I was almost sleeping, the swing having stopped moving a long time ago, when someone sat down beside me with a loud jerk. Eyes flying open I snapped up.

"What–?"

"Hey princess," Syaoran's face smirked back at me. I stared.

"You–how..." I floundered, confused.

"That's right, I go everywhere you go," he nodded. Then he noticed what I was wearing. His eyes darkened, moving over me slowly–taking in the way my dress hugged me and the flaring skirt that exposed my legs. "I like your dress, Sakura," he almost purred.

I swallowed and met his hot gaze. My mind was suspiciously emptied of thought, save for how that dress shirt looked delicious on him, all silky white and then that red tie...

What was I doing? There was no time for this!

I pulled away from his gaze, realizing with dismay that I was breathing hard. Syaoran continued to watch me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Same as you are. For the opening of the museum," he drawled. "Your dad's digs have contributed to the pieces haven't they?"

I frowned.

"That's not an answer. How did you get here? I know that even you aren't that stalker-y,"

"Stalker-y?" he smiled in surprise, "No, I guess not," he scooted closer to me, our legs so close that I could feel the heat from them. I fidgeted uncomfortably, trying to move back only to encounter the other side of the swing. He leaned even closer.

"What are you doing?" I said uneasily.

"Nothing." he answered in an innocent tone, "I'm not making you uncomfortable am I?"

I eyed him angrily and nervously–he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Yes you are. Move back." He didn't budge. "Please?" I lamented, almost desperately. He didn't budge. I made to stand when his arm shot up and pulled me down, sending me sprawling half on his lap and the swing swaying furiously.

"More comfortable," he murmured, almost to himself. My face turned red and I struggled, trying to squirm the half of my body off of him.

"S-syaoran! Let me go! What are you doing?"

His mouth lifted in a half smile at the question, but he didn't answer, his eyes a rich honey color as he looked into my eyes. My mouth parted in shock and his gaze quickly darted to it.

"Sakura, I think you should stop wiggling like that because it definitely won't help your situation any," he commented mildly, eyes still riveted to my mouth.

He was acting like he was...horny–what was wrong with him? But I didn't want him to do anything so I stilled, settling for giving him a stern, unwavering stare. To my surprise he didn't attempt to do anything else to me, simply raising his eyes to meet mine. They were still dark with unspeakable things, but there was a softness to them now.

"...Do you think time would pass me by? Cause I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you tonight," he was singing softly. I would have fallen in shock if I hadn't been sitting on him. I wanted to laugh at him. Say he was a horrible singer. But I couldn't, and despite myself I was melting.

"Don't you know that's a chic song?" I asked jokingly, shaken. He shrugged.

"Well, I heard that girls liked it. It was in that movie White Chicks,"

"You're getting this from a movie?" my eyebrows shot up incredulously. "Never mind," I sighed.

Boys were hopeless, but it was still sweet of him.

"Shh, I'm serenading you,"

"It's not nighttime,"

"Doesn't matter," he shook his head and wrapped his other arm around me. "It's always times like these when I think of you, and I wonder if you ever think of me," he continued singing quietly, right by my ear. And then he turned me around to face him, tilting my head up with a finger. He smiled slightly at me.

Disturbed and not knowing what he wanted of me, I told him,

"Uhh...yeah, I think of you,"

Surprise crossed his face, but then suddenly I was tight in his arms and he was hugging me close, his face buried in my shoulder. Flushing, I could only hold him, the swing still moving ever so slightly.

Then he kissed the bottom of my neck, softly. I gasped and fisted my hands in his hair. I could feel the curve of his mouth as he smiled and a shiver ran through me at the sensation.

"You like that?" he whispered.

"Y-yeah," I stuttered, much to my chagrin. He gathered me closer until I was straddling him in his lap, and lifted his head to look at me once, burning. Then his lips were there, nibbling my collarbone, and something flared inside me. I needed to get closer. Not enough. I pressed tighter against him, warmth seeping through and enveloping me in its fire.

But he continued to nibble lightly, teasing me, and I squirmed in his lap, small embarrassing noises coming out of my throat.

"If you want it Sakura...tell me," he said in a low voice, and it sounded like he had swallowed gravel. Impatiently, I pressed his face to my neck and he chuckled hoarsely, but didn't do anything.

"Tell me," he repeated. "This is my permission,"

"Yes," I almost moaned. "Please, Syaoran,"

He didn't need reminding. Groaning, his lips came down, hot and open on my neck. He kissed it once, twice. Sighing, I let my head fall back. Then his tongue darted out, his teeth grazing and sucking, and I whimpered, closing my eyes. My fingers tightened and raked down his head, making him hiss and kiss the bottom of my neck harder.

"You taste so good," he growled.

I couldn't take it anymore.

Hauling his head up I pressed my mouth against his, biting his lower lip and flicking my tongue out to trace it. He made a noise and coaxed my mouth open, tongue diving in. Sandalwood, ginger and something else spicy and completely Syaoran flooded my senses. My eyes fluttered shut again and all I could do was feel him, him and his hand tracing my bare arm. His other hand came up and he pushed my leg up to wrap around his waist, trailing fingers up the outside of my thigh. I arched and a moan escaped my mouth.

Or was it his? I was too far gone to know.

After an eternity, we separated, panting and with my skirt hiked halfway up my thighs. His shirt was rumpled and hair messed, but as he surveyed me and my dazed eyes, swollen lips and thoroughly ravished look, he couldn't bring himself to care.

"You look beautiful," he breathed, a hand reaching out to caress my face.

"I'm not," I shook my head. His hand stopped.

"Someday, I'm going to make you accept a compliment properly," then his mouth curled into a smile that should have warned me what was going to happen. His face was so close to me now...

"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice boomed. Syaoran stiffened and stopped, trying to catch his breath.

"I guess it's time to go," I said with difficulty, and he grinned at me with a slightly possessive look. 'I did this to her' practically swam in his eyes.

"Another time then, Sakura," his voice caressed my name, lifting me and set me gently on the ground.

I leaned against the swing as he got up as well.

"I can't believe I just did that," I moaned, the realization descending on me and making my face burn.

"Sakura, I asked for your permission," Syaoran reminded quietly.

"No," I shook my head frantically, "I'm not blaming you,"

"Then you don't regret it?" he asked. I laughed a bit.

"No, I guess not," then to myself, "Just warn me next time when you get a random horny, controlling bout,"

"What?" he tilted his head forward.

"Uh...nothing,"

"Okay. Let's go listen to your dad's opening speech then." and gave me a rakish smile.

-

From that moment you'll be out of place and underdressed.
I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it.
-There's a Good Reason These Tables are Numbered Honey. You Just Haven't Thought of it Yet, Panic at the Disco

-

Now that I thought about it, and my head wasn't muddled with thoughts of Syaoran, he never told me how he was at the museum. Not everyone was allowed to attend the opening, but he did.

Well, it could've been a rich thing.

Nah. Then all of Westfield could've been there and I didn't see any.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. He just distracted me with that whole...thing, and I was too stupid to notice. Granted, it wasn't a bad distraction but it was a distraction nonetheless! Groaning, I sank deeper into the roof.

The boy didn't tell me anything and changed moods more than a girl.

I glared at the moon as if it were the bane of all my problems. Well that was going to change, and soon. The next time I saw him I was going to ask the question and I would not be distracted this time.

But, as I lay on my roof that night and the soft wind carried the soothing sounds of crickets and rustling trees, another thought occurred to me.

How did Syaoran know my dad was giving the opening speech?

-

Am I more than you bargained for yet
I've been dying to tell you anything you want to hear
Cause that's just who I am this week.

-Sugar We're Going Down, Fall Out Boy

-

A/N: Author is now cowering under a table in embarrassment. Please do not disturb.

God, I'm so embarrassed. I've never written anything so racy before. But, I had fun looking for interesting quotes and stuff so I guess it balances out...sort of. As you can see, I am fond of Panic at the Disco, they're a great band. Unlike anything I've ever heard before, they're amazing...I especially loved that quote at the beginning, the picturesque thing...see I even named part of my chapter after it!

This chapter took so long because I had to edit chapter one and two and we all know how long they are. Yeesh. This would've been out a lot sooner otherwise. And I haven't even edited this chapter yet...I will get around to that next chapter.

Question: Is Luke ever going to SHOW UP!

Answer: -snicker- Of course he is, idiots! Who would want a character that cute and useable to go to waste? Well, er, when this was still a one-shot, yes, but not anymore! So, watch out for him, Syaoran's so cute jealous. ...Oops, might've given out too much info.

Question: There was no mention of Touya...how come? Is he even in the story?

Answer: Well, since Touya is Sakura's brother I have no choice but to put him in the story. XD But, you see, seeing as Sakura is sixteen in the story and Touya's like ten years older than her, I would think Touya's in some kind of University, or married somewhere with his wife and kids. He wouldn't live at home anyway. But, he's going to show up sometime of course.

Question: What does Sakura's dad do?

Answer: Right now he's an archeologist, like in the story, I think you can tell in this chapter. But as for what he used to do, well, that I don't know, hm?

: Well, interesting name. Anyway, yes, Luke will show up soon enough I didn't put him in there for nothing (although at first I did, but I can't let a character like that go to waste). So, uh, even though you're an anonymous reader, hope you keep reading and reviewing!

Musette Fujiwara: I'm curious about your review...what do you mean, I'll be fair about your story? I can't help but think that's a bad thing. Oh well. I could use constructive criticism once in a while, and I know my story's far from perfect, seeing as how I haven't even edited it yet. Well, thanks for your comments I always love an honest reviewer who gives more than the 'I love your story' and 'please update soon'. Keep reviewing!

Rukz: Thanks so much for the review! Yes, yes, I'm a sucker for people telling me I rock, and your question's answered above (good point, though...I would've expected Touya to come out at the mention of a date for Sakura and scare Syaoran away hehe).

The rest of you, I am too lazy. BUT, thank you so much! I read all of them!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEW IDEA I HAVE FOR A STORY? It's a spinoff of 'Played', but I don't want to rewrite it all over again so I made another, newer player story. It'll be my most mature story yet. Won't be posted up for a long time though. Here it is:

Senseless

His beauty is his blessing–and his curse. He spends his free time messing around with women, but one night he meets a woman he's not sure about...at all. The tables have turned, buddy.

NO copying or I will get your ass booted out of this website faster than you can plead for forgiveness. Please R&R. No flames