Ying Fa smirked at the girl with flashing ruby eyes that was glarring coldly at her from across the dining table. Xiao Lang was sitting next to Meilin and Ying Fa was across from them and loving every bit of it. When Li wasn't looking, she pulled a face at Meilin and pulled her feet from out of harms way under the table. If looks could kill, Ying Fa would be six feet under by now and pushing up dead daisies. She smiled charmingly at Li, who groaned and turned away from the spectacle. He knew what they both were doing and he didn't want any part of it. Meilin was a grown woman for heaven's sake and she was fighting with an adolescent.
" Exactly how old are you? " Li demanded of Meilin softly when Meilin continued to glare at his young charge.
" Yeah Meilin? " Ying Fa piped up having heard them. " How old are you? "
Meilin clenched her fork and Li shot Ying Fa a look.
" You have an excuse young lady. " he bit out. " You're expected to act immaturely, not Meilin. "
She flashed her dimples at him.
" Ah, the pleasures that only youth offer. " she shot Meilin a meaningful look and Meilin snarled.
" You're just lucky there is a table in front of me right now Xiao Lang. " Meilin ground out, not looking at him.
Li shook his head and begged Kami that they both would cut it out.
Yelan and his sisters arrived shortly afterwards and Meilin continued to seeth in silence while Ying Fa talked animatedly and made Yelan and the four sisters laugh. Meilin watched her opponent and studyied her carefully. She didn't like this little chit one bit. When Ying Fa wasn't looking, her back slightly to her as she talked with Wei, Meilin grabbed her drink and secretly poured the contents of the salt shaker into it and slid it back as silently as she had stolen it. She caught Li frowning at her disapprovingly and she glarred at him and hissed:
" This is war. Stay out of it. "
Meilin turned back and watched as Ying Fa still talked with Wei and took her glass and took a sip. The others started when Meilin choked and spat the salty contents out of her mouth in disgust. After wiping her mouth, ruby eyes looked up and met the sparkling tint of emerald. There was triumph in those flashing emeralds. Meilin stared wondering how the hell she had managed it. A small contented smirk played on Ying Fa's mouth as she starred at Meilin. Her emerald eyes flashed with a deadly glint that Li didn't miss, and she turned back and started the conversation up with Wei once again.
" Meilin stop this before it gets out of hand. " Li said a while later when dinner was finsished and he had managed to steer Meilin out of the room.
" How can you ask that of me when the little chit was baiting me all through dinner! " she demanded eyes flashing dangerously.
" Because I know that you will come out worse off than in the begining. " he sighed rubbing his temples.
" You just don't want her hurt! " she accused heatedly. " Since when did you stop caring about me? "
" I'm not going through that again Meilin. " Li said tiredly. " Just give it up ok? Please? "
" No! " she spat. " She started it and I'll finish it. She is not Aunty Yelan's favourite. I am! "
Li rolled his eyes and shook his head sorrowfully.
" Fine. But don't run to me when everything turns against you. " he walked out leaving her to seethe by herself.
Stalking back into the solar Li looked around the room until he spotted the little imp. She was standing at one of the many windows that made up the room. She was watching the twilight come. He took Ying Fa's arm and steered her out into the hallway away from prying ears. His amber eyes bored into her as he stood close enough for her to have to look up at him. He looked tired and a little fed up.
" You've made an enemy of Meilin Ying Fa. I ask you to stop this right now. "
" Stop what? " she asked innocently. She blinked her huge emerald eyes and Li sighed in frustration.
" The both of you are as bad as each other! I say this again like I just did to Meilin; stop this right now while it's still harmless. Don't take it any further. This house does not need two bickering females. "
She paused for amoment thinking, her finger against her chin. Then she caught his look and smiled.
" Don't worry Xiao Lang, I'll be on my best behaviour. "
Li sighed in relief.
" Thank you Ying Fa. I appreciate it. " then he walked off, missing her smirk.
" Oh no, " she murmured. " the pleasure is all mine. . . "
They were sitting down later after dinner enjoying the comforts of the roaring fire in the grate, Yelan going over some business details with someone on the phone, when Ying Fa decided to stir the pot again.
" You know Xiao Lang, " she murmured to try and keep the peace and quiet. " It's such a change to come from your place and stay here. It makes such a difference not having all that garbage and junk lying around everywhere. Sure enough our rooms are clean, but everywhere else - yuk! " she pulled a face. " You really should do something about it before we go back. "
Meilin shot forward her face one of total shock.
" You're living with him! " she choked.
Ying Fa plastered an innocent look on her face when Li groaned.
" You mean you didn't know? " she asked in disbelief. " I thought that he would have told you. "
" You're living with it? " she demanded outraged turning her burning gaze unto Li. " You let her stay with you and you won't invite me to stay with you at all! "
Oh dear, Ying Fa smirked. It looked like she'd opened a big bag a worms on this one. So, Xiao Lang hadn't let anyone stay with him. Interesting. She could use this to advantage if needed. She walked out of the room listening to the bickering and arguing going on as she walked up the stairs to her room. She might as well leave them to sort it before they both turned on her. It was time for a temporary retreat from the battle field.
It was dark when she woke. A warm breeze blew in through her balcony doors and she rolled over uncomforatbly. It was hot! It had been cooler earlier when they had been in front of the fire, but now it was hot again. She sat up and pushed her blankets off her and put her feet softly on the floor. Looking at the clock beside her, she saw that it was early morning. She crept to the door and walked down the hallway towards the kitchen to get a glass of water.
Her feet whispered on the carpet on the stairs as she made her way down. She saw that the kitchen light was on and she frowned wondering who would be up at this time of the night. She made her way to the door and stood starring at the tall, dark stranger as he reached into the fridge and pulled something out.
A food thief?
" Who the hell are you? " she demanded and mentally cringed when she was reminded of Meilin earlier.
A pair of startled green eyes flew to her form in the doorway and met her own. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the guilty look of his face.
" Sorry, " his voice sounded a little sheepish but there was a hint of an accent. " I didn't think anyone was up. "
" Hmm . . I can quite clearly see that. " she replied and crossed her arms over her chest in the shadows.
" Do you always raid the fridge in the middle of the night? "
" Who am I confessing to? " he asked squinting against the shadows that hid her. " I'd like to see the one who's going to lock me up and probably throw away the key for my crimes - oh my god. " the milk carton slipped and fell to the floor to spill in a puddle as he took in the woman standing before him as she stepped into the light.
Her hair was blood red, cascading down her back in messy waves. Her eyes a deep emerald that held a hint of distrust as she watched him. She was wearing a white slip of cloth that barely covered her long legs and showed off an incredible figure. She shifted when he gaped at her a moment longer than he should have, but who could function with her standing in front of him like that in the middle of the night?
" I think you have some explaining to do - and some milk to mop up. " she said indicating the mess on the floor.
" Yes ma'am. " he said and bent to mop the milk up.
She walked over to sink and got herself a glass of water and sipped at it studying him carefully.
" Your accent, " she asked finally. " Why does it sound so funny?"
" You making fun of me now? " he asked smiling trying to lighten the mood.
" It wouldn't take much to make fun of you. " she return coolly. " First time you've seen the oppposite sex? " she arched her brow sarcastically, looking to the spilt milk on hjte floor proving her point.
Ooh she was cynical this one. But kami help him, he liked her already.
" I don't think that was meant as an compliement. " he replied smiling as he sat down on the stool near the bench. She smirked and leant against the sink facing him.
" I'm American. "
" I take it you're more family then? "
He blinked in confusion.
" A newphew of Aunty Yelan? An uncle, cousin - something? " she asked.
" I sure am. " he replied smiling. " I'm Takashii Renaulds. Please to meet you -? "
" Ying Fa. " she replied sitting the glass on the bench.
" No last name? "
" I don't do formality. Don't mind if I call you Takashii? "
" Not at all. " he purred.
" Well I wouldn't go getting any ideas Takashii Renaulds. I'm probably related to you. I'm Aunty Yelan's niece. "
" Well that puts a damper on things a little. I guess I'd be your cousin. "
She walked over and hopped up on the stool beside him and he tried not to see how the slip of material barred a lot of flesh.
" So what are you doing arriving at this time of night. Meilin arrived yesterday, is a family revival going on or something? "
" Why would you ask that?" he asked smiling.
" Well it's strange. First Xiao Lang and I arrived, then Meilin, then you - do you see a pattern here? "
" Xiao Lang is here? " he asked his eyes losing their mirth.
" Yes, " she replied slowly. " Why do I detect that something is wrong there? "
He put the smile back on his face but she could see that it didn't reach his eyes.
" We don't exactly get along. " he said. He shrugged. " It's no big deal. "
She arched her brow and wondered what exactly was going on here.
" Did the others know that you are coming? " she asked.
" No, just blew in. " he replied.
" Well then we better get you a room made up. " she jumped off the stool and brushed past him.
" There's no need to do that. " he replied following her. " I'll just call Wei. "
She whipped around, hair flowing around her as she looked up at him.
" Why get others to do what you can achieve yourself. " she shot back. " That poor man works hard enough as it is. Let him sleep and I will help you. " she shot him a look meant to quell and walked back up the stairs and found the empty room near hers and Li's.
When they had made the bed and got everything ready she stepped back and looked up at him.
" Thank you. " he said as he looked down at her. He was taller than Xiao Lang as she had to looked up a little higher than usual. His black hair glinted in the light.
" You are most welcome. " she replied and smiled at him. " I'd better go and get some sleep. Good night. "
" Goodnight. " he whispered softly. " It was nice meeting you. " (AN/ It's early morning, hence it's still dark.)
Her cheeks burning pink, she pulled back and ducked out of the room.
The next morning, Li walked down the stairs and stopped when he noticed their newest house guest talking with Ying Fa in the kitchen. Li frowned wondering when the two of them could have become so formal around each other in such a short time - it was only seven in the morning afterall, so that meant that Takashii had arrived sometime last night. His usual pattern. He watched them both smile and then he shook his head. Who was he kidding? This was Ying Fa and Takashii he was talking about. It was self explanitory. Like drew like.
They looked up when he entered and Ying Fa smiled briefly before she went back to her conversation with Takashii. Li sat down and listened in, sippping his coffee. He pulled the paper towards him and flicked through a few pages.
" Forcasting rain today Xiao Lang. " Ying Fa suddenly said sipping her tea.
" Doubt it. Too sunny. " he replied not looking up from the paper.
" Don't doubt it. " she shot back.
" Ying Fa unless you are a weather forcastor, refrain from trying to predict the weather. "
" You don't think I can tell? " she asked.
" No, I'm just saying that it's too sunny today. "
" How can anything be 'too sunny'? " she asked shooting Takashii a look. He smirked watching Li.
Li groaned in annoyance and then folded the paper and pierced her with a look.
" I am not going to do it. " he said.
" And what is that dear Xiao Lang? " she asked innocently.
" Get into an arguement with you. " he replied.
" I wasn't aiming for a arguement Xiao Lang. Merely a topic of converstaion that we could talk about in the morning like two civilised people. "
" Civilised. " he snorted and sipped from his coffee.
" Well don't say I didn't try. " she replied turning to look at Takashii. " He's so grumpy. It's a wonder I don't go mad you know. All that solitude - Pah! A girl needs to be get out and enjoy the good things in life, not sitting around some poor excuse of a apartment, twiddling my thumbs until Mr Bigshot here gets home so he can acknowledge the fact that I do actually live - "
" I doubt the fact that you twiddle your thumbs. " Li replied. " You're either too busy running amuck or climbing down that bloddy drain pipe. "
" Well, what else do you expect me to do? " she shot back.
" Climb the great wall of China. " he said and arched his brow at the double meaning.
" I am not staying in my room all day! "
" I don't expect you to. " Li replied getting up and re-filling his cup. " But there's always reading - "
" Well maybe I wouldn't have to if you pointed out a few things for me to do during the day - "
" Nothing has stopped you before. No doubt that you have found all the fun things to do by now. "
" Of course Xiao Lang, standing on a street corner waiting to get picked up by a guy is very time consuming. "
Li choked on his drink and stared at her aghast. She smirked and sipped at her drink.
" Do not tell me that you have done that. Please, God in Heaven, please tell me that she hasn't done it. "
" Cool your jets, I haven't reached that level of desperate yet. But I might if you don't start taking care of me. "
" I do take care of you! "
" Do not. "
" DO too! "
" Do not. "
" I damn well do! "
" Watch your language. You do not. "
" If anyone needs to watch their language little miss - "
" Now he reverts to name calling. "
" Name calling! Pah! I beg to differ - You haven't heard anything yet - "
" See how he treats me! "
" Don't go crying to him for sympathy! "
" Well I don't get any from you! "
" Well I wonder why! "
" Barbarian! "
" Shrew! "
" Heartless, insensetive - "
" Conniving little - "
" Uncharacteristic - "
" Domineering - "
" One-brained, jack-assed - "
" Petty - "
" Hah! Petty? I think you mean 'pity'. That's what comes to mind when I think of your little apartment! "
" Leave my home out of this! "
" Ooh, so the living status is a raw nerve - "
" Hit below the belt once more and I'll - "
" Lay one finger on me and I'll have Mika haul your butt into an over night cell! "
" Hah I'd like to see you try! "
" Who was it that got herself out of jail the last time! Huh? "
" You think that was your own effort? Pah-lease. Mika is a sucker for any female charm. "
" You must be going senile. I distinctly remember it being the threat of telling Aunty Yelan about how you were treating me that set me free - actually I should tell her about how you still treat me! "
" Manipulative - "
" So we're back to name calling are we "
" Little - "
" I'd choke on that last bit if I were you. You can't take it back once you've said it. "
" You can't tell me what to do! "
" No, but I'm certainly smarter than you are. "
" Like hell. I'm older and wiser than you! "
" Is that so? " she asked smirking with pure female delight.
" It's a fact. "
" Really? Then kindly explain how I can manipulate you right where I want you. "
" You can't manipulate me. I'm two steps ahead of - huh? " Li braked and blinked in confusion.
Ying Fa linked her fingers and stretched her arms high above her.
" Arigato Xiao Lang. " she purred. " That was a great work out. Now I'm ready to test my wits against Meilin when she appears. "
" Huuuh? " Li flicked his gaze back to Takashii who was trying to stiffle his growing laughter back to her.
" And who said he was smart? " she chided. " You walked straight into that one Xiao Lang. "
Realising that he had walked straight into her trap he yelled in frustration and glarred at her hoping the little mix would magically disappear and give him five minutes of peace. Seeing his look, Ying Fa pouted.
" Now, now Xiao Lang. It was all just all harmless fun. Don't take it seriously. " she pushed back her chair and headed for the teapot on the bench.
" You deliberately baited me. " he hissed when she stood next to him. " I can't believe you'd bait me so you can get to Meilin - "
" Shhh. " she brushed his cheek with his hand and smiled comfortingly. " You're too serious sometimes Xiao Lang. It's good to see you let go and vent once and a while. To see those gorgeous amber eyes of yours turn darker, it's gives me shiveres down my back. You'd could really kill with those looks. I bet you could have been the bad boy at school if you'd set your heart to it. Just thinking about it - " she sighed dreamily.
Her smile widened at his stunned look.
" Better watch out Xiao Lang. School girls like me go for those bad boy looks. If word gets out that your a cop to boot, you'll have every potential girlfriend on your doorstep, and then I'll have the sick pleasure of beating them away from the door so I can come and go as I please. In fact, " she smiled again. " I think I might just send word around just for the sake of hours of entertainment of watching Xiao Lang try and dodge the entire school girl population. "
" Ying Fa give the poor man a break. " Takashii cut in smirking. " Believe me, your energy is outstanding. You can just keep going even at this time of the morning. Let the poor man live. "
" The 'poor man' as you so nicely put it can handle his own battles. " Li snapped.
" Boys, boys, " Ying Fa coaxed. " I'm flattered that you'd start fighting over me, but please, I like you both. Can't we all just get along? "
Li pinned her with a glare before he grabbed his coffee and sat down at the table in a black mood. Ying Fa sighed as she observed his expression.
" You can't hate me forever you know. I'm too loveable. " she said softly looking at him out from under her lashes.
Li snorted and turned his head away.
" You know you can't resist me. I'm too cute and I'm also family. " she said getting out of her chair before sitting down on his lap.
" Go away. I am not talking to you. "
" Oh but you can't ignore me. I'll die if you don't feed me your attention! " she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled his cheek with her own.
" Oi! Cut that out! " he grated.
" You have to love me Li! I'll start crying if you don't tell me you forgive me! "
" I do not forgive you - oh please - that is not going to work. "
" But - " she sniffed and huge tears appeared in her eyes.
" You cannot be serious? " he asked. She sniffed again and those tears came close to falling.
" Oh for the love of - " he muttered and looked away. " I forgive you. Now go away. "
" Yay! " the tears disappeared and she hugged him tight. " Now tell me that you love me. "
" I - "
" That you adore me and that you can't live without me cos you'll drown in that mess you call home without me to save you. "
" Ok, ok. You have my undying affection. Now please let me go. "
" Nope. I'm comfy here. You make a good chair Li. I might have to do this everyday. "
He sighed deeeply as she giggled.
It wasn't much later when Meilin stumbled into the kitchen seeking the coffee pot. She poured it for herself and sat down with a sigh.
Ying Fa's eyes brightened and she blew her long bangs out of her eyes while she waited. When Meilin reached for her cup of coffee - Ying Fa reached for her tea. When Meilin ran her hand through her long black hair - Ying Fa ran her hands through her long red hair. Takashii sat back in his chair crossing his arms over his chest watching them both, trying not to laugh. He hadn't seen this kind of childish display since they had all been kids. His green eyes watched as Ying Fa continued her game.
It didn't take Li much longer to see it as well and he too, sat back, and watched them. After baring the brunt of her earlier attack. He waited to see how Meilin would take it now that the tables were on her. When Meilin realised that conversation was minimal, she looked up from reading the paper that had been in front of her and looked around.
" What? " she asked confused and still half asleep. She looked at Ying Fa, whom she had swarn she had seen her mouth move in time with her out of the corner of her eye.
Ying Fa watched her eagerly awaiting the next instructions. When Meilin reached for her cup, so did she with hers. It was suttle, but yet annoying. She only had to wait for Meilin to pick up on it as well.
She didn't have to wait long. . .
Meilin frowned and then looked up and met Ying Fa's gaze.
" Are you copying me? " she demanded.
Ying Fa smirked.
" What ever gave you that idea? "
Meilin slammed her cup down and glarred at her when she did the same thing almost in sync. She snarled.
" Stop it right now you little brat. I refuse to fall to such stupid, unmature mind games of an twisted, cynical and warped individual. "
Ying Fa turned to Li and gave him an awed look.
" Did you hear that? " she whispered as if something magical had been revealed to her. " I'm warped and twisted. "
Li grunted.
" Tell me something I don't know. " he replied into his coffee cup as he drank from it.
Meilin continued to snarl and her hand clenched around her coffee.
" This is not a game. " she bit out.
Ying Fa pushed back her chair and smiled. she walked around the table and patted Meilin on the head.
" How can I belive that when you play along so well? " she chided and waltzed out of the room giggling.
" Hey wait for me. " Takashii got out of his chair and took off after her, ignoring Meilin's cursing.
Li watched the two leave and his frown deepened.
Later on . . .
In a large study filled with a strong oak desk and leather chair surrounded by bookshelves filled with novels and a small table setting for others to attend and serve tea if need be, Yelan watched as her son went through the ledgers. She enjoyed seeing her son thinking of the family and the business. He frowned as his fingers traced the figures written. They had been in here for a few hours and she thanked Kami that Xiao Lang had agreed to come home. She had missed him greatly as only a mother could.
They had left the balcony doors open and the curtains moved in the breeze and Yelan relaxed back in her chair and closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. When she opened them again she found that Li was no longer frowning over the ledgers, but watching her. She smiled and her dark eyes filled with pride and love for him.
" Mother is something bothering you? "
Her smile was warm and carefree.
" Nothing is troubling me Xiao Lang. You are home and I am happy. "
He grunted and she laughed.
They looked towards the balcony doors when they heard laughing and shrieking, followed by a mighty boom like something exloding and then more giggles.Yelan rose out her chair frowning.
" What on earth? "
" Where did it come from? " Li too had risen out of his seat looking concerned.
Yelan looked back at him.
" It sounded like it came from directly below us from the kitchen. "
Li nodded and came from behind the desk.
" Then lets go. "
Ying Fa stood on shaky legs and grabbed the bench for balance. Her foot slipped in the goo and she shrieked before landing with a thudd on her butt back on the kitchen floor. She looked up and met Takashii's eyes and then fell back giggling once again. They were both covered in goo along with most of the expensive kitchen - a guilty blender sitting on the bench behind them it's top long gone somewhere in the mess.
Takashii tried to wipe his face but ended up smearing it more, much to Ying Fa's amusement.
" I thought you said you know how to make Double Thick Smoothies? " Takashii asked arching a gooey brow.
" Well, " she tried to stand again and her legs slid out to the sides and she grabbed the bench and steady herself.
" I didn't exactly say I knew everything. " she said and looked up when Meilin, Li, Yelan followed by Wei stopped in the door way.
" Oh! " she held out her hand. " D-d-don't come in. " she warned and then cried out when she promptly landed back on her butt. " It's slippery. " she finished cringing.
" What on earth happened? " Yelen's eyes were wide in shock looking from the goo-covered benches to the messy ceiling.
" Well . . umm . . " Ying Fa look over at Takashii as he tried to stand and had more luck than she.
" We just forgot to put the lid back on the blender properly. That's all. " he said.
" And exactly what were you trying to make? " Meilin asked crossing her arms.
" Double Thick Smoothies. " he replied as Ying Fa got up and and made her way shakily to the sink and washed her hands.
" I see. "
Li looked around the room and sighed.
" I leave you alone for five minutes. " he muttered and stepped inside.
" I wouldn't do that if I were you. " Ying Fa warned just as his feet slid out from underneath him and he skidded to halt at her feet.
She smiled down at him as he looked up and her and she sighed whistfully.
" I always wanted a man to land at my feet. " she fluttered her eyes at him.
" Yeah well don't go getting any ideas. " Li shot back and sat up and looked up at her annoyed. Ying Fa threw goo at him.
" As if! "
His hand shot out and grabbed her ankle. Emerald clashed with amber and she narrowed her eyes at him.
" Don't even think about - ahhh! " she screamed as she flatened Li in her fall. " Ooof! "
Meilin gasped as Li went down and got flattened.
" Syaoran! " she leapt forward and went down shrieking.
Giggling, not caring of the spectacle they were making, Ying Fa climbed off a winded Li and accepted Takashii's offered hands to help her up.
" Oh dear Xiao Lang. " she giggled, bending down to help him as Takashii helped Meilin. " You're covered in it
too. "
" Well I wonder whose fault that is? " he glarred.
" Not mine. You were given sufficient warning. "
" Oooh! " Meilin glarred angrily. " Now I'm as filthy as you! "
" Well you're the one who did the graceful leap to save Xiao Lang's life here. Speaking of which, I give you a 9.5 for that nose dive you did. " she flashed her dimples merrily.
Meilin snarled but before she could retort, Yelan stepped in.
" Why don't you four go get cleaned up? Wei and I will take care of this. "
They all turned to look at her in surprise.
" But Aunty Yelan. " Ying Fa protested. " We made it. "
" Yeah, " Takashii said. " we'll clean it. "
" Go get clean before that stuff sets whatever's in it. " she wrinkled her nose playfully.
Ying Fa and Takashii sharred looks.
" Good idea. " they agreed quickly.
Meilin stepped toward Yelan going to head upstairs, but Yelan stepped in front of her pointing to the door that lead out to the backyard.
" You will hose up outside. You won't be walking that mess through the house. "
" What! " Meilin gaped in shock. " You want me to wash outside like an animal! " Yelan's gaze brooked no arguement.
" Outside, now. "
Ying Fa giggled and enraged, ruby eyes pinned her with a quelling death sentence.
" Anyone would think that you were expected to roll around in the mud Meilin. " Ying Fa said and made her way carefully outside, crying out when she went down for a fourth time.
" Hey Xiao Lang! Head's up! "
Li turned around and copped a bucketful of water in the face.
" That got the last of it! " Ying Fa called.
" Minx. " he muttered and sprayed her with the hose making her shriek and burst out laughing as she ran away from him.
" Hmph. " a now clean Meilin huffed and watched them out of the corner of her eye. " Acting like a child. "
" I take it you mean Xiao Lang? " Takashii asked wiping his clean face on a towel to dry it.
" Who else. " she snapped. " Since when did Xiao Lang become that little chit's guardian anyway? "
" Xiao Lang is looking after Ying Fa? " Takashii shot the two still playing a look.
" You didn't know either? " Meilin asked frowning.
He shook his head.
" No, I had no idea. " he chucked the towel on the bench.
Ying Fa ducked and threw another bucket of water at Li drenching him.
Inside
An elegant hand pushed the gauze of the curtain away so dark eyes could look out the window.
Yelan smiled.
" I haven't seen him like this in years. " she turned her head and looked at Wei as he put away the mop.
" Nor have I. " he replied as he looked over her shoulder.
Yelan sighed and let the curtain fall.
" I know it is a risk that she be here. But it would be the last place for them to think she'd be. Would a rabbit hide in a wolves den when they are out hunting for it? "
" It would be an unusual mark in nature if it did. " Wei replied smiling.
" Yes. " she returned. " I just hope we can continue to help. "
" Xiao Lang will take care of her. You know this. "
" But at what cost? " she asked looking at him, her dark eyes hiding concern. " How can he protect something that we have not told him about? "
" Master Li is fast on his feet and smart. I have yet to see a time when that boy hasn't come through. "
She pushed the curtain away again and watched as Li surrended.
They were just sitting down to dinner when a familar voice asked:
" I hope there's plenty left over for a starving pilgrim? "
Ying Fa bolted out of her chair, eyes alight.
" Mika! " she cried and smiled warmly at the newest arrival.
" What are you doing here? " Li asked shocked. " Who's taking care of all the files and the cases? "
" Relax, " Mika smiled and sat down greatfully into a chair and smiled at Ying Fa. " Jiang said he'd take care of it. "
" Mika! " Meilin's face lit up when she walked in and saw him.
" Hey there. " he smiled and hugged her. " What are you doing here? I didn't think you were coming back from england for weeks. "
" I missed home so much I came back early. Miss me? " she asked resting her cheek against his neck and smiling.
" Nope. Didn't miss you at all - Ouch! - Ok, I missed you heaps. Happy? "
" Now I am. " she purred and sat down next to him smiling brightly.
" Mika, " Yelan greeted him with a warm hug, followed by the four sisters. " so you have decided to join us as well it seems. " Mika smiled.
" Yeah, I didn't know everyone was coming. I just thought it would be good to have a few days off. " he smiled at Takashii who returned it.
" Who else is coming? " he asked curiously.
" I'm at a loss like you I'm afraid. " Yelan replied, sitting down. " Apart from Xiao Lang, I had no idea the rest of you were coming. "
" Bet you're glad to have the young one back in the nest hey Aunt Yelan? " he smirked at Xiao Lang's glare.
Yelan smiled.
" Which answer won't get me into trouble Xiao Lang? " she asked smiling as she poured herself some tea.
" I refuse to answer. " he glarred at Mika. " I won't give anyone the satisfaction of an answer. "
" It must be so hard to be the only boy and the youngest. "
" Ying Fa. " came the warning without hesitation.
Ying Fa pouted and Takashii gave her a smile which made her smile in return. Dinner was served and they ate contentedly for a while. They caught up on the latest gossip and Mika filled Li in with the recent advents he'd missed at the station. Ying Fa chatted with Mika and made him laugh. Meilin glarred heatedly the whole time until Mika caught her doing it and asked her quietly what was wrong. When she snapped at him he backed away surprised.
" Don't worry Mika. " Ying Fa piped up smiling asssuringly at him. " It's got nothing to do with you. "
" Ying Fa. " Li warned quietly.
" Oh? " Mika asked confused.
" No. " Ying Fa placed her chopsticks down and clapsed her hands together and bowed her head over her empty plate.
" Meilin and I don't get along too well you see. She hates me and I enjoy teasing her. So naturally when I talk to you she gets angry though I don't know why. " she got up and took her plates toward the kitchen. " I haven't the slightest interest in you. You're not my type in any way. Though you are good for a laugh now and then. "
Mika blinked.
" Thanks - I think. " he said bewilded.
Meilin growled and glarred at her as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Yelan waited until Ying Fa was out of earshot before she looked at her niece disapprovingly.
" Honestly Meilin. " Yelan said quietly. " Why do you get so agitated with Ying Fa? You know that she's only doing it for fun. "
" Fun! " she snapped angrily. " She's deliberately baiting me. You should tell her to back off. "
Yelan looked exasperated at her niece.
" How old are you? " she asked softly.
" That's beside the point. I - " Meilin defended.
" It's exactly the point. She only does it because you react. I think, perhaps, you should try to see it from her point of view. A young woman acting childishly at something a teenager does. That is why she does it. "
Li coughed politely.
" Not to ruin your arguement, " he said. " but how can you explain why she drives me insane? I don't react although I admit with the soy sauce I let go - "
" You never did get around to telling me that. " Mika piped in.
Li shot him an irratated glance.
" What?" he asked.
" Xiao Lang, " Yelan placed her finger thoughtfully against her forehead, closing her eyes tiredly. " Why Ying Fa does anything to you is your problem to solve. "
" But - " he looked at Meilin meaningfully,
" I am not living under your roof. " she replied in her deep cultured voice. " What goes on under it is between you and your guest which is Ying Fa. You'll have to deal with it. "
" Talk about never helping the youngest. " he muttered looking away angrily.
" Heads up everybody! " came Ying Fa's voice as she walked out of the kitchen with dessert balanced precariously on her arms and her head.
" Good heavens Ying Fa! " Yelan jumped up surprised. " Let me help you with that. "
With two sets of plates balanced on her arms and the one of her head, she smiled and walked on towards the table, Wei coming out behind her along with another maid with the remaining dishes.
" Don't be silly. I've done this heaps of times. " she beamed and placed the plates down on the table in front of the four sisters.
" And this one is for Meilin. "
AN: Now I could have been mean here and made her drop it on Meilin, but I think it is time for a truce don't you? Besides it's more fun when she picks on Li, don't you think? And also Ying Fa teasing Meilin isn't really part of the story line. Sorry peoples.
Meilin looked at her distrustfully.
" If you've tampered with it - " she looked at the carefully decorated dessert that she placed in front of her.
" I put the finishing touches on this one while I was in the kitchen. " Ying Fa smiled and sat down and thanked Wei for hers.
" My pleasure Miss. " Wei replied smiling and walked back into the kitchen.
Meilin blinked down at the beautiful lotus flower design on her dessert.
" You did this? " she asked looking across the table at Ying Fa.
" Sure. " she replied scooping up some ice-cream. " Hey this reminds me of Mr. Whippee. " she said to Li and looked back at Meilin missing Li's suddenly bright face. " It's no big deal. I wanted to make up for being a total brat to you. "
The others sharred looks. Had she heard them they all seemed to communicate.
" Why would you want to do that? " Meilin asked slowly. She was still stunned.
Ying Fa started talking with her spoon in her mouth and all they heard was a muffled response. She glarred down at it and then popped it out of her mouth enjoying the taste of the dessert.
" Well after weeks of having to put up with this one, " she indicated Li beside her with a swish of her spoon. " It was no wonder that I needed to vent my creativity on someone. And after having that run in with you on the stairs, you seemed the perfect one for it. But I should let you know, I'm not going to apologise for what I've been doing. You've been enjoying it as much as me. "
" Hmmm. " Meilin scopped up some of her dessert and ate it. " I could debate that, but don't get your hopes up. " she shot back.
" Hmph. " Ying Fa smirked and continued eating.
A peaceful silence fell over the table as they ate.
After the remaining dishes were cleaned away, Li looked for Ying Fa but she was no where to be seen. Mika told him that she was out in the garden with Takashii. Li frowned.
" Is it just me or have those two become inseparable? " Mika asked quietly.
Li looked troubled as he replied:
" It would seem so. "
" Well it gets her off your back doesn't it? " Mika smiled.
" Takashii is too old for her. " Li shot back, surprising Mika.
" Well, I hadn't thought it like that. " Mika replied.
" Plus I don't trust him. "
" Li we all know how you feel, " Mika said quietly. " but I'm sure Ying Fa is safe with him. He's her cousin for heaven's sake. She's his family. "
" But Ying Fa doesn't know any better. " Li replied. " She would encourage it. "
" Well what can you do? " Mika asked shrugging. " She is her own after all and it's not like she listens to you anyway so . . . " he shot Li a meaningful look and Li growled in annoyance.
Meilin walked in and dropped into Mika's lap.
" What's with the sour look Syaoran? "
" He's worried about the influence that Takashii may have on Ying Fa. " Mika smiled.
" Oh like the little episode I just saw from the kitchen garden? " Meilin asked innocently. " Quite a lip-lock they have going out there. "
" What! " Li jumped up starring at her.
Meilin nodded and drank from Mika's beer. She pulled a face at it's taste and put it back in Mika's hand.
" Doesn't look like it's the first time he's kissed her either. " Meilin met Li's stunned gaze.
" You're really cut up about this aren't you? "
Li ran his hand through his hair and looked at Meilin again.
" Where were they? "
" Now don't go rushing out there like a overprotective cow over it's calf. " Meilin warned. " You'll get all rialled up and then stumble over everything and cause a fuss. "
" Meilin! " Li cried. " She's out there making out with a guy nearly twice her age! "
" He's only one year older than you Xiao Lang. " Mika cut in dryly.
" Besides, " Meilin leant back against Mika. " here they come now. "
Ying Fa walked in, Takashii behind her. They took in the three that were watching them and she blushed.
" What? "
" Ying Fa. " Li began.
" Xiao Lang. " Mika warned under his breath just loud enough for him to hear.
" Yeah? " Ying Fa asked looking at him.
" I want your help with something. " Li said and walked out of the room waiting for her to join him.
Ying Fa looked at Takashii and shrugged.
A few hours later
Ying Fa stiffled a huge yawn and then looked around the library that had books scattered everywhere. She'd been up here helping him sort them out.
" Xiao Lang may I go now? "
" Not yet. I still need your help. "
" But you've managed to rip apart the room and I have no idea why. "
He muttered something and she sighed, continuing with her sorting.
She rubbed her eyes a few minutes later.
" May I go now? " she pleaded.
" Are you going to keep asking that every minute? " he asked not looking at her.
" Well you may be an old fossil and can sit up at all hours of the night and do this - whatever you're trying to do here - but I need my beauty sleep. " she yawned again.
He finally turned and looked at her. His hair was messier than usual and he looked tired. His amber eyes searched her emerald eyes and she wondered what he was after. Finally he sighed and he put down the book and ran his hand through his hair.
" Fine. I'm sorry. You can go to bed now. "
She looked at him concerned and then placed the book down gently and walked out of the room.
He heard the door open ten minutes later and turned around and watched as she walked back in carrying two cups in her hand.
" Here, " she handed over the hot chocolate and knelt back down beside him. " drink it. "
He sipped it and watched her over the rim of the cup. She sat her cup down and started sorting all over again. Li placed his hand over hers and she looked up at him.
" Go to bed Ying Fa. I was stupid and this is my mess to clean up. "
" Well I agree on the stupid part. " she agreed and pulled her hand from out from under his. " But you're such a simplicit male Xiao Lang. There's way you can managed this without the help of a talented, wonderful, highly reguarded - " she paused for thought.
" Realistic. " Li supplied smiling.
She nodded.
" Realistic, creative and imaginative creature such as myself. "
" Such as yourself. " Li agreed nodding, still smiling.
She beamed at him.
" I love it when you're agreeable to anything I say Xiao Lang. I might get use to it. "
Li chuckled.
" Don't get too use to it. I'm a grumpy bear from four to six. "
She laughed and smiled.
" Oh dear it must be late. " she lifted a huge book. " I can't believe I'm laughing with my guardian. "
" Oh major crisis. " Li mocked and stacked books back on the shelves.
Ying Fa finshed up on her area and asked him where she should start next. He pointed a small area in the corner and she went to work. It was quiet for a few minutes and Li looked up wondering what she was doing.
She was standing, holding a book in her hands starring at it like something was about to leap out and get her. He stood up and took a step forward.
" Ying Fa? "
" Xiao Lang, " she said softly. " Where did you get this? " she was still looking down at the book in her hands.
" Get what? " he walked over and looked over her shoulder.
" Oh that. " he said. " There's more over there. " he pointed to some more on the floor. " They were what I read when I was studying Ancient History back in college. "
Momentarily distracted from her plight, she looked at him.
" But you're too young to have been in college. " she sounded so sad.
Li rubbed the back of his head.
" Well, you know how you see movies and read stories about the character that's smart and kinda flies through school and attends college before anyone is thinking about it? Well I was one of those. "
" No wonder Aunty Yelan is so proud of you. " she said and turned back to the book.
" Did you ever get to study under him? "
" Huh? "
" Professor Avalon. " she looked at the book in her hand. " Did you ever get to study under him? "
Li looked sheepish.
" No. But I have all his books as you can see. " he pointed to the book she held. " It was kind of a secret dream of mine though. Stupid huh? "
" No. Never. From what I hear he's a wonderful man. Very rememberable. "
He wondered what was wrong. She ran her hand over the front cover and quoted:
The Great Pyramid was originally about 147 m (482 ft) high while the base covers around 5 hectares (12 acres) of land. Each of its sides extends to about 230 m (755 ft) in length. Built from almost 2.5 million blocks of stone, each weighing over 2 tonnes, it was constructed over a period of up to 20 years for King Khufu.
Li balked and looked at her.
" You've read these? " he asked surprised.
She smiled sadly at him.
" Every single one. " she replied. " It was one of my dreams too to study under Professor Avalon. But things change and I missed my chance. "
" Why? What happened? "
" Lets just say that something unexpected happened. " she placed the book on the shelf and reached for the others.
" Ying Fa - " Li wanted to say something, but what?
" What are you doing standing around? " she asked her old self again. " These books won't march up onto the bookshelves by themselves you know. "
Li sighed and went back to sorting the books. It was just after ten so they could go for a little longer.
Ying Fa made sure he wasn't looking when she placed her hand over the cover and whispered:
" Daddy . . . "
The sunlight was slanting through the numerous windows throughout the mansion lighting up the hallways. A new breeze blew in and swirled around the place.
Ying Fa was walking down the hall humming to herself when Takashii stepped out in front of her startling her. He smiled at her and she smiled back after her heart had settled.
" Morning Takashii. Isn't it a wonderful day? "
He turned his head to look out into the nice day and seemed to go into a trance.
" It will rain later. Rain's on its way. "
" Now that is freaky. " Ying Fa quirked her nose and looked outside. " It's sunny. How can it be going to rain. "
He smiled at her.
" Easy. " he tapped her on the nose and smiled. He'd been doing a lot of that and being nice and friendly and she was starting to think that he was wanting more than friendship. He pulled back and watched her. A shadow past his shoulder made her eyes dart to it and she forgot how to breath when she saw Li step down from the stairs watching them silently.
" Morning Xiao Lang. " Takashii turned and greeted him. " Nice day. "
" It's going to rain. " Ying Fa put in lamely.
Takashii smiled at her and them asked Li if he would help him look over the ledgers in the study. He had thought he had found an error and wanted Li's oppinion. They walked off leaving her alone.
In the Study
Li looked over the error that Takashhi had thought he'd found. He comparred it to the other ledgers and then looked up at Takashii. He was very serious.
" I want you to mind yourself around Ying Fa. "
Takashii looked back at him calmly.
" I know you're looking out for her Li, but - "
" But nothing. You keep it to yourself and that's the end of it. " Li said firmly.
" What about Ying Fa? "
" What about Ying Fa? " he asked calmly.
" Doesn't she have a say in this? " Takashii demanded.
" Not when I am her guardian, no she doesn't. "
" Well that's inhumane. "
Li placed the ledger on the table and glarred at his cousin.
" She is sixteen years old. " he said firmly and watched Takashii's eyes widen. " You will mind yourself around her and that's that understood? " he pointed to the ledger on the desk. " Congratulations Takashii, you found a mistake. I'll leave you to correct it. "
He walked out of the room and headed for his room to look over some files that Mika had brought.
The lightning flashed and Ying Fa smirked. Takashii had been right. She watched as the droplets started first and then grew and turned into raindrops splaterring against the pane of the window. Lightning streaked against the darkness of the sky and she shivered. It was very much like the storm she had run in that night. She focussed on the waves of water running down the glass and listened as tiny chimes, that Yelan had placed outside, jingled in the wind.
She heard movement behind her and looked over her shoulder as Takashii walked in through from the other room and she smiled.
" Hey it looks like you were right. " she frowned at the funny look he was giving her before he carried on his way.
She wondered what that was about as lightning flashed illuminating the loungeroom.
Meilin joined her a little while later. She sat on the window seat beside and sighed.
" I love storms. "
" Hmmm. So do I. " Ying Fa replied, then frowned. " Has Takashii been slaving away at those ledgers all day. He looked strange. " Meilin shot her a look.
" You didn't know? "
" Know what? " Ying Fa asked.
Meilin looked wary. Ying Fa leant forward and met her eyes.
" Tell me. " she said firmly. " Or I'll make you're life a living hell. A bucket of water instead of an alarm clock, soapy water in shoes so when you walk you'll blow bubbles, wires in your car disconnected and hidden, shall I continue? "
Meilin sighed.
" Xiao Lang warned Takashii off you. "
" What? " Ying Fa demanded.
" Well come on Ying Fa. " Meilin rolled her eyes. " He's older than you. No offense, but you're still only a kid. He's twenty one and you're sixteen. I dont think Takashii realised you were so young. " she replied gently.
" I see. " Ying Fa's eyes were aluminated when the lightning lit up the sky once again.
" Excuse me. " she said coldly as they were plunged into darkness again as the lightning dimmed and got up and walked out of the room.
Ying Fa walked up the stairs as lightning flashed and saw Li coming towards her. She glarred at him frostily and waited for him to come closer. Li took one look at her and knew he was in for it. He sighed.
" What have I done to piss you off this time? " he placed his hands in his pockets and watched her eyes glaze over like ice. " I have one thing to say to you. " she spat softly as thunder boomed.
Her booted foot swung back and connected with his shin and Li cursed as she stormed past him and slammed her door to her bedroom.
Clutching his shin and turning the air blue with his language, he turned and glarred at her door. It took him a few minutes to get over the pain that she had inflicted. When he was able, he limped toward her door and pushed it open and slammed it behind him glarring at her sprawled out on her bed.
" Alright Little Miss what the hell was that for? You can't just go around assaulting people. " he snapped.
" I can do whatever the hell I want. " she shot back ignoring him. " You do it often enough. "
" Look at me when I argue with you. " he bit out and limped towards her.
She rolled over and looked at him with contempt.
" That looks like it hurts. Good. " she spat.
He swore and she raised her eyebrow mockingly. He caught her doing it and his temper kicked up another notch.
" What the hell is wrong with you! " he demanded. " Are you a ama because you choose to be or does it just come naturally? "
Her eyes widened and she sat up and looked at him in disbelief.
" Did you just say that I - I'm - "
" You damn well heard me and I'm not taking it back. I'll rest my hand on the bloody bible and swear an oath that I won't take it back. " he shot back angrily. " I deal with difficult people all the time, but I swear that you are the first person that I'd kick out into the street and ban for life. "
" Well that's exactly what I'd expect of you! " she shot back angrily. " But the feeling's mutual. I'd put a warrant on you! "
He stepped closer and leaned over her pointing his finger angrily.
" I'm fed up with your little tantrums and your spitful nature. And while we're on it, you deliberately baited Meilin and didn't stop until you were satisfied. You do the same thing with me and I've had jack of it. I should have let Meilin kill you when she had the chance. I for one would cover her ass in court. "
" Hello, news flash kusoyaro, " she bit out. " are you blind? Or haven't you seen that I'm getting along with Meilin? But, oh yeah, that's right, " she glarred coldly. " you love pinning anything on me. "
" No. " Li said glarring back. " I've been meaning to talk to you about it for a while because it's the same thing you do with me and I don't see any truce's, temporaily or otherwise, forth-coming. "
She brushed her hair over her shoulder.
" You think you deserve any! Ha! That's cheap! " she rose up on her knees to met his gaze. " I was the one that got dumped with an arrogant, rude, conceited male that can't see past his own work and his own well-being! I know the feeling's mutual on that one! You didn't want me and I certainly don't want you! If Aunty Yelan would let me go my own way, I could never be happier! I'd rather live on the streets than put up with you! You don't care one way or another about me! "
" Ha! Now that's hypocritical! " Li shot back. " I'm not the only arrogant, rude, conceited and vain one here! Have you looked at yourself lately? It's all about you! You think as long as the sun and moon revolve around Ying Fa Central, that everything's happy and running smoothly. Well welcome to the real world sweetheart! "
Her hand arched up, but he caught it in a painful grip preventing the slap.
" You will not raise your hand against me again - ever. " he said coldly - firmly.
Her eyes were wide and angry. She jerked her hand from his grasp and got up off the bed and stalked towards the door. She turned to look at him a good few feet from the door.
" At least I'm not a slob. At least I can take care of myself! "
" Wonderful job you do of that too. " Li said walking towards her angrily. " Jumping out windows, dressing up,pretending to be older than you are, getting pulled up by the cops and being placed in an overnight cell - does paint a nice picture doesn't it? "
" You base that on one night. I should have added judgemental to that growing list. " she spat glarring.
" You can add whatever you like to that list! Mine is growing in comparison as well don't you worry. "
" Why would I worry? I don't care about you! You were just told to let me stay with you. I never asked you to talk to me, to protect me, look at me! That you did all on your own. "
" World doesn't work like that Ying Fa. " Li replied.
" Screw your world Syaoran. " she threw back and missed his brief startled look. She had never called him that before.
" You live in a world of good guys and bad guys and you think that you can solve everyone's problem. " she turned and met his gaze full on, raising her chin to look at him.
" The world doesn't work like that. " she shot his own remark back at him. " There are still bad people out there at the end of the day no matter what. And no matter how hard you try, there will always be that one you can't save. "
His eyes widened slightly and she glarred harder tears coming to the surface.
" Getting back to the point, " she pointed her finger at him angrily. " you have no right to interfere in my life. You stepped in and warned Takashii away from me. He's my family! "
Li balked and then glarred.
" You broke my shin over that! " he asked furious.
" I'm glad you think it's such a trivial matter Xiao Lang. " she replied sarcastically.
" You got that pissed over my protecting you from him? "
" Protecting! " she snapped. " There's that word again! " she bit out. " I never asked for your bloody
protection! You stay out of my personal life. "
" You and Takashii are my family though god help me on both accounts. " Li snapped back. " You're supposed to look out for each other. And that makes it personal. "
Ying Fa grabbed the door handle and yanked the door open and glarred at him.
" The day I pay for your services DETECTIVE, " she ground out. " that is the day you can make it personal. " and with that she slammed the door behind her.
Li blinked and realising he had been completely defeated, stormed out of the room after her. She was not going to get away with busting his shin like that, and then cutting him down to size.
" Now you just wait a minute! " he grabbed her arm to stop her flight down the corridor.
" Let me go! " she yelled as lightning flashed and thunder boomed. Rain streaked the windows high in the wall.
" We are not finsihed here Ying Fa! " Li bit out from behind her.
Acting on instinct she swung her free arm around and Li ducked as it skimmed his head still holding her. He brought her against his chest and tried to clamp his arms around hers to stop her from lashing out. She lifted her foot and slammed it into his foot and brought her elbows back as he cried out in pain and the grunted as he copped the blows in his chest. She broke out of his grasp and hit the floor, swinging her foot around tripping him and bolted as he landed firmly on his behind.
From below, Meilin, Mika and the four sisters had heard the faded voices of the two and had listened to the arguement as it had raged. Fanren and the others looked up worriedly as they watched Ying Fa run down the stairs, Li limping after her. She vaulted the railing half way down and landed heavily before she sprang up and ran for the front door. She threw open the door, ignoring the lightning and rain, and ran blindly out into it - refusing to be yelled at or man handled any more.
She hoped it would cool her temper and her fear.
Li limped down the last stair and met their worried gazes. He rubbed his chest and knew he was going to be sore in the morning. He shot the front door that was standing slightly ajar a look and glarred.
" I am not running out there after her. " he said firmly. " She put herself out in it, she can just as well come back inside. Might do her some good. Might cool that temper of hers. " he limped away muttering under his breath.
Takashii shook his head angrily and stalked over to the front door throwing it open, ignoring the look Li shot him over his shoulder, and went out and closed the door firmly behind him. He held his hand up against the rain and waited for the lightning to illuminate the sky. He dashed across the yard and followed the dark figure as the lightning lit up the sky once again.
Ying Fa let the rain wash over her and try and cool her temper. She kicked angrily at the wall. It was so complicated!
" Men! " she screamed in frustration. She continued to mouth off in Japanese. She was so intent on her fouling the world of men that she whipped around when she heard footsteps and starred as Takashii walked up to her. The thunder boomed, and the wind picked up scattering waterdroplets in a shower as the pine trees bent and swayed.
" I hate to stop you cursing, " he said and stepped closer so she could hear him, " but don't you think you should come inside now? Xiao Lang has retreated to his corner and I don't think he'll cause any more grief tonight. "
She mouthed off in Japanese again and he smiled briefly.
" Come on Ying Fa. " he said and coaxed her with him.
They stopped on the door step and Takashii turned to look at her.
" Look Ying Fa, " he started not looking at her. " you're still my family reguardless, but if you ever need a place to stay, you're more than welcome to stay with me. I have a small apartment here in China and it's big enough for two. If you ever want to escape, well - ahh - you know where to come. "
Ying Fa touched his arm and he looked down at her. Her eyes still held glints of fury but it wasn't aimed at him.
" I'm through with family at the moment, but I could do with a friend. " Takashii nodded and opened the door.
" Well, that's that then. "
Midnight . . .
The computers glare reflected off a figure huddle in the darkness as fingers typed furiously back and forth. The lightning lit up the room and briefly reflected off a small piece of a paper sitting beside the computer with writing on it. The rain beat against the windows, but was ignored as Ying Fa reached for the piece of paper and typed in the details and clicked on send.
" This is war . . "
BW2 Wow that was a long chapter to get out. . . Ok - maybe not that long. I was working on it, but I am tired now and I'm getting bored. That generally signals that it's time to go find something else to do for a while.
Well it looks like Li has put his foot into it big time. If you are curious as to what is on the little scrap of paper, then I refer you to chapter 4 where they are at the outside restuarant after shopping and it says there what is on that piece of paper. Hee Hee . . .
Please review and thank you for reading this. Oh and if you have any questions, please ask.
