Chapter 6

Sakura didn't talk to him for the remaining days that were left at his home. She'd laugh and had fun with the others, but she wouldn't talk to him. He was fine with it. He didn't want to talk to the brat anyway. He spent his time talking to Mika and Meilin and occasionally talking to his sisters. He helped out whenever he could and put his wayward charge out of his mind.

She talked with his mother while he and Mika packed the car. They were all sad when it came time to leave, but Ying Fa seemed to perk up a little when they hit the highway heading towards Shanghai. He occasionally shot her a sideways glance, but she was contentedly looking out the window. Ignoring him it would seem. They stopped for coffee and lunch and then travelled the rest of the way home. It was late in the afternoon when they got back. Li put the car away and they dragged their luggage up to the apartment. Li opened the door and they walked inside and put their stuff down. Li took his shoes off and slid into his slippers and walked into the loungeroom and stopped dead.

The place was spotless. Li had never seen a place so clean - his apartment sparkled! The pizza boxes were gone, along with the stale and old take out. He could see his floor and his furniture! It smelt nice and clean and there was not one thing out of place.

" Hey, move your butt! You're blocking the road back here! " Ying Fa said annoyed.
" Ying Fa, " Li choked on his surprise. " I think I've been robbed. "
" Nani! " she pushed him aside expecting the worst and starred in awe at the cleanliness of it all.
She turned to Li with her hands on her hips and shot him a look.
" Xiao Lang, you are a dork. " and she picked up her bags and walked into her room with as much dignity as she could muster.
" How can you be so calm! " he called out at her retreating back.
" I'm sure it was just the health inspector. " she called back. " They probably slapped a defective notice on the front door and that wonderful land owner of yours must have payed for them to come and clean it. No doubt you're rent is going to be double this year. "

Li looked around the apartment once more and shook his head.

A Few Hours Later . . .

Mika whistled and looked around impressed. He'd arrived a few seconds ago after Li had called him requesting his assistance. He'd left shortly after Li and Ying Fa had left from Yelan's.

On the couch, that had been steam-cleaned, Ying Fa rolled her eyes for the hundredth time and went back to reading a magazine that she had 'borrowed' from Meilin earlier. It still amazed her cousin that his house had been cleaned. Sad wasn't it? She was seriously debating the extent of male cerebellum.

Mika scratched his head thoughfully.
" So you just come home and this is how you found it? "
" Uh-huh. " Li replied.
" Miricle isn't it? " Ying Fa piped up from her place on the couch. Mika smiled at her before turning back to Li.
" Got any ideas bro? "
" Not a one. Who could do this " he asked still sounding stunned. Ying Fa rolled her eyes and flipped a page.
" Why don't we settle on the fact that a man with a fetish for old pizza boxes and old take out, busted in here took the hoard and then as payment for your generous donation, cleaned up everything for you? Makes it so much more simpler don't you think? " She was ignored.

They continued to talk for a while and then they turned back to the state of the apartment. Ying Fa usually prided herself on her patience, but this was too much. She slammed the magazine shut and they both looked at her from the dinning table. She rolled over and sat up on the lounge. The fact that she was about to give up her trump card didn't sit too well with her wither and made her madder.

" For heaven's sake! " she snapped. " Look I did it ok. I called the damn agency and had them sneak over here while we were at Aunty Yelan's and had them clean the place. Are you satisfied! Can we stop talking about the damn apartmnent. Anyone would think that it had grown legs and walked." Li looked shocked.
" You mean you did this? "
" Not me personally. I was with you the whole time baka. But yes it was me. Goodnight. " she got up and walked towards her room.

" Ying Fa. " Li's voice had that tone and she sighed.
" What? "
" Who's going to be paying for all this? " He was suspicious. Good.
" Don't worry Xiao Lang. I payed for it. " Well it was sort of the truth.
" What? " she could hear the incredulousness in his voice. " Goodnight you two. " she replied and closed her door and smiled evilly.

They waited until she closed her door before Li sighed.
" Why do I have a really bad feeling about this? " Mika laughed softly and patted him on the back.
" Well, we'll just have to wait and see won't we? " Mika smirked and then stood and stretched. " I'm gonna head home and get some z's since the case has been solved. I still have a few days left before I'm due back in and I intend to use them wisely. "

Li nodded shooting her door one more look.
" Yeah, I don't go in for a couple more days. But maybe I should. " he looked warily at the her door again.
" Man, you're paranoid. I love it. "
" Get home Mika and call Meilin. Get her over and stop bugging me and laughing at my expense. "
" She's really got you riled hasn't she? Man, she's just our cousin. "
" I've been wondering about that. " Li replied calmly and Mika stopped smiling and just looked at him.
" Say what? "
" Never mind. " Li sighed and stood up. " Li - " Mika began but Li shook his head. " Forget it. Thanks for coming Mika. Night. "
Mika looked unsure.
" Sure, anytime. See you later. "
" Bye. "

Sakura sighed and put her book mark in and sat her book aside. She felt bereft and cold. Somehow, now that her little revenge was over and done with, she didn't feel any better. She should be feeling great. The main part of her revenge for his treatment of her was still yet to come in the form of a little invoice, but she just couldn't get the feeling of eleation up there on the happy level.

Seeing her father appear in her thoughts saying that two wrongs didn't make a right didn't help either. Maybe she should just let go for a while and try to be nice. She was a friendly person and prided herself on the fact of making friends so easily. But here she had to be someone she wasn't. So sighing, she reached over and turned her light off and went to sleep thinking of her family.

She would be nice for her tou-san's sake. . .

He woke later in the night and wondered what had woke him. He stayed still and listened and then it came again. It was like a soft, tortured moan. There was pain in that simple sound and he threw back the covers and placed his feet on the floor, wondering where it was coming from.

He walked out into the hall and then he heard it again. It was coming from Ying Fa's room. He crept quietly to her door and slid it open and walked into her room. She was crying and moaning, clutching her pillow to her as she cried in her sleep.
" Noo . . no. . " she cried.

He'd never seen her cry. He knew she was an emotional person, especially where her temper was concerned, but he had never seen anyone this miserable. He felt sorry for her. It must be something painful if she was this upset. He tried to shake her, but she cried even harder, turning her face into the pillow. Fearing she would sufficate herself, he turned her and tried to get her to wake up.
" Ying Fa. " he coaxed. " It's only a dream. Come on and wake up now. "
" Noo . . no . . " she moaned and tried to turn from him.
" Ying Fa wake up! " he ordered firmly.

She snapped awake startling him and she starred up at him through her tears and only saw her nightmare and screamed.

Li slapped his hands to his ears and cringed, but he tried to calm her when she went to bolt from him.
" Ying Fa calm down! It's me! Li! " She shivered and shook as he held onto her and she let her tears fall.
" It's so dark . . " she whispered sounding scarred and lost.
Li got up slowly and slid the curtains back so the light could come through.
" Is that better? "
She nodded miserably and sniffed loudly.

There was a knock on the front door and Li swore realising she must have woken one of the neighbours. He shooshed her and calmed her a little as he went to the front hall and opened the door. The owner, Mr Downry didn't looked too happy standing out in the cold hallway in his nightgown and slippers.

" Mr Li. " he said and Li cringed.
" I'm sorry if we woke you Mr. Downry. It would seem my cousin was having a terrible nightmare. I'm trying to calm her down now. She's a littel shaken up. I apologise for the disturbance. We weren't expecting it I assure you. "
The old man's gaze softened a little as he too, could hear her sobbing quietly inside.
" Well, I'll let the others know. Nearly gave me a heart attack. I never knew a young woman could scream like that. Sent shivers up my spine. Good night Mr. Li. "
" Good night. " Li closed the door and sighed.
" Just what I need, " he muttered. " another frantic female to put up with. " he thought he'd passed that stage with women after his sisters had stopped having nightmares.

He hit the loungeroom and realised it was quiet. Frowning her walked into her room and stopped.

She was gone - And the window was wide open. . . .

Ying Fa ran and ran until her lungs burnt and she was gasping for breath. She had no idea where she was, but she didn't care. She just had to escape that horrible nightmare. She had been hunted and they had found her too. The horrible things they had done to her made her stiffle a sob and she ran faster pushing the images away. They would not catch her! They wouldn't!

When she had seen Li leaning over her like that she had freaked. She thought that all her careful planning and hard work had been for nothing, that they had found her anyway. Dressed in her track suit pants and her jumper which she had hastily donned when Li had gone to the door kept the chill seeping into her bones.

She back-tracked and made sure that no one was following her. When she sure that she was safe and that she wasn't being pursued, she allowed herself to walk around and think. She had been seriously scared tonight. For the last two months with Li, it had made her forget how desperate her situation really was. She was too wrapped up in a fantasy.

She was walking back to what she hoped was the area near the apartment. She didn't know how long she had been gone, but surely it would be safe to go back now? A car drove past and she let her hair hang down and cover her face as she starred at the sidewalk.

" Ying Fa! " a voice called out and she turned ready to run.

Li recognised a runner when he saw one. " Li? " she stepped catiously towards him.
" God, where have you been? " he demanded and swept her up into a tight hug. Hell she might resent it, but he needed to know she was safe. " Where have you been? I was about to call Mika and get the scanner out to call around. "

She tensed and pulled back. She looked small and her sixteen years when she looked up at him sad and fearful.
" Don't call on the scanner Li. " she said softly. " I'm fine. "
" Yes, but I didn't know that! " he said leading her towards his car. " God I have to let mother know you're safe. "
She clearly balked. " You called Anuty Yelan! " she cried.
" I was desperate. I didn't know what to do. " Li said back keeping her close. " I was worried. God, Ying Fa. You scream the apartment down and cry in your sleep. I've seen distressed females before Ying Fa. I grew up with four remember. "
She pulled back and aimed a glare at him.
" You males are pathetic! You fall to pieces every damn time a female sheds a tear! "
" Where do you think you're going? " Li asked when she turned away and started walking briskly away.
" I don't need a male tripping over me when I cry. Go away. "
" Ungrateful - " Li stopped and sighed. She was vunerable and they both knew it and trust her to get her hackles up beacause he knew it.
" Ying Fa - come on wait. " he stepped in front of her and stopped her. She looked up at him angrily.
" Look, I'm trying to help you, not patronise you. " he said when she scoffed and tried to move away.
" Let me help. " he said softly and made her look at him.

Distrust.

He saw it the moment her eyes met his. He wondered why she wouldn't trust him. But then again it was 4am in the morning and his brains were a little scrambled and it was hard for him to comprehend anything.
" Come on lets get you home, settled and we'll leave it at that. "

She followed slowly behind him and got into the car and they drove back in silence. Li shot her the occassional look and then when he pulled up at a stop sign she gasped and he looked at her. She was starring at him wide eyed.
" What? "
" Xiao Lang, did you really chase me all over town in your pyjamas? " Li looked down and saw that he was indeed still in his pj's.
" Yeah well, you did kinda scare me. I mean I didn't expect to find you gone after that terrorfying nightmare now did I? "

She looked away miserably and when they got back to the apartment, Li called Mika and Yelan and said the emergency was off. After few explainations, he hung up and went about fixing hot chocolate. She excepted hers and starred down at it for a while before she looked up at him and said softly:

" I'm sorry. "

A Few Days Later . . .

Li walked into the office and met Mika. He handed Li a coffee and Li smiled gratefully.

" So how is she? " Mika sat down and pushed files away with distaste.
" Ok I think. " Li replied and sat back with a sigh. " She's subdued and doesn't seem to want to talk to much. What ever that dream she had, it frightened her. "
Mika sighed.
" Females eh? " he smirked and sat back and swung around in his chair until he faced the window.
" Females. " Li replied smiling.
" Has Mrs Ju-fei come back since her last visit? " Li asked looking at his partner.
" She's actually coming in this morning. " Li cringed making Mika laugh.
" Did you find any incriminating evidence against her husband? "

Li sighed and swung around in is chair.
" Yeah. He's been having fun down on paradise with his new mistress and using up the bank cards. "
" Banging the cocnuts eh? At least he knows what he wants. " and then under his breath - " I don't blame him. "
Li shot is cousin a disgruntled look and shook his head.
" Shall I allow you to inform Mrs Ju-Fei in your tactless manner that her husband is 'banging the coconuts'? "
Mika cringed.
" Nah, you can do it. Maybe you should throw in that he's doing the pina-colada's (sp?) while you're at it. " " Mika will you be serious! " Li demanded.

" Whose banging the fruit? " they looked up as Ying Fa strolled into the office her eyebrow arched curiously.
Li shot Mika a murderous glare and Mika tugged at his collar uncomforatbly.
" Hey there Ying Fa. What's up? " Mika asked swallowing.
" Not much. Came to see if I could torture you guys for a while. And by the guilty look on your face Mika and the murderous one of Li's, I'd say I walked in at the right time. "

" I thought you were staying home today? " Li asked changing the subject. She shrugged and he knew there was more behind that simple gesture.
" I got bored. So what are the two of you up to today? "
" Meetings. " Li replied. " Sorry, but you won't be able to stick around here long. "
" K. " she said and then looked up when their secretary walked in and informed them that Mrs Ju-Fei was there to see them.
" Looks like I gotta check you guys later. " she said and waved goodbye.
" Seems like someone's on their best behaviour. " Mika muttered loud enough for Li to hear.

As Ying Fa was walking out the door a tall lady walked towards her. She had ice-blonde hair and her features were cool and Ying Fa imediately thought of ice.
" Hey, " she said making the lady look at her. Mika and Li held their breath. Ying Fa winked and smirked. " Good luck with those coconuts. Looks like you need some. "
Li groaned and banged his head against the desk embarrassed.

Ying Fa walked the streets thinking. She hadn't expected to stay as long as she had with Li. The two months were nearly up and it looked like she was going to be staying longer than they had anticipated. Her cell rang and she answered it seeing that it was Leiko.

Hello. came her voice.
" Hello. " she replied.
I see you're back. Ying Fa frowned.
I've got you confused I see. Turn around.

Ying Fa turned and saw Jamie first and then the smirk on Leiko's face. She smiled shyly and then hung up the phone and walked over to join them.
" So when were you gonna let me know that you were getting back huh? " Leiko asked arching her brow.
" I - ahh - kinda forgot. " she said blushing slightly.
Jamie smiled and they started walking together.
" Looks like you enjoyed your holiday. "
Ying Fa looked up at him.
" It wasn't really a holiday. " she replied. " It was kinda a family emergency and then somehow it turned out to be a holiday. " Jamie laughed.

" Don't you love how it always happens like that? "
" Yeah. " Ying Fa replied and smiled. " I'm sorry I left you guys like that. I didn't expect it to happen. "
" Get over it girl. " Leiko replied smiling. " I told you it was cool. "
" So when can I work again? " " Today if you want. We're doing a trial day opening. Want to see if we can bring in more people. "
" I don't have time to change. " Ying Fa replied disappointed.
" I'll let you off this one time. " Leiko replied and winked. " Just don't tell this one ok?" she indicated Jamie.
She smiled and nodded.
" K. "

" So you doing anything important today or do you want to tag along? " Jamie asked.
Ying Fa blinked and looked at Leiko to Jamie again.
" You want me to be a third wheel? "
Jamie laughed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. " Not when we invite you. So what do you say? "
" Well . . . " she trailed off. They waited for her answer.
" I do have that appointment with the president that I'd hate to miss. " she looked guilty and Leiko and Jamie cracked up laughing.

" Break it. " Jamie chuckled leading them down the street.
" But I have that date with the millionaire with the cute butt. "
" Admire it later and break that too. "
" And what about my appointment with a Playboy who promised to get me laid? " " Break it. "

Ying Fa tilted her head to the side cutely ignoring Leiko's giggles.
" So, " she said thinking. " not only do you want me to miss my fifteen minutes of fame with the president, you want me hold any dirty thoughts about cute butts and commit to celibacy. Hmmmm . . . well I guess that only leaves me one choice. " she looked coyly at Jamie sideways.
"And that would be? "
She sighed dramatically.
" Spend the day with you since fame, fortune and making love is out of the equation. "

They walked down the street laughing.

Ying Fa plastered her face against the glass.
" What on earth are you doing? " Leiko asked.
" It's so cute! " she replied.
" What is cute? "
Ying Fa pulled her face away from the glass and her eyes sparkled.
" That kitten! She's so gorgeous! "
" Oh dear. " Leiko rolled her eyes and Ying Fa glarred.
" Well I'm going in for a minute. You can wait out here if you want. "
Leiko looked at Jamie and they followed her in.

Five minutes later . . .

" And how much do you want for her? " Ying Fa asked.
The old man smiled and scratched the kitten's head.
" She's the last one of the litter. She was a little skinnier than the others but she has had all her shots and is healthy. She just needs someone to love her. If you're interested, I'd say Fourty One Yuan. "

( AN: That roughly means $5 in US I think. I suck at Math so don't yell at me if I'm wrong!)

" Sold! " Ying Fa smiled and Jamie and Leiko groaned.
" How can you look after a kitten when you work at the club and everything else? "
Ying Fa smiled.
" Oh she's not for me. She's a present for somebody else. " she held the kitten up and looked sternly at her.
" I hope you're a good mouser. Otherwise you're gonna have to learn. "

They placed the kitten in the storeroom of the club while Ying Fa worked. It was late afternoon by the time she finished and Alex offered to take her home.

They pulled up and Ying Fa, helped by Alex, walked up the stairs towards her apartment. They juggled the kitten and the rest of the stuff that she had bought while she stood outside the door and reached for the hairpin in her hair. She ignored Alex's look and opened the door and took the stuff from his hands and asked him if he would like to come in.

" Nah, it's ok. I gotta get home anyway. Thanks anyway. "
" Ok. See you later. " He went to walk away and then stopped.
" Do you always use a hairpin to open the apartment? "
She laughed sheepishly.
" Yeah. I kinda forgot my key. "
He looked sceptical and she waved goodbye before closing the door and sighing. She looked down at the kitten and smiled.
" Come on Dessie. We gotta get you cleaned up so I can present you to your new owner. "

It was late when Li got home. Thankfully things in the office hadn't been so busy and he was able to catch up on work. He walked in and looked to the sleeping girl on the lounge to the pre-made dinner on the bench waiting for him. He shook his head and walked over to her.

She shifted and woke with a start and looked up to see him standing beside her. She blinked away sleep and looked over at the clock and read 11.00 pm.

" Li. " she said sleepily.
" Hey. " he said bending down. " What are you doing up this late? "
She stretched and then yawned sleepily.
" I have a surprise for you. I wanted you to meet Dessie. "
" Dessie? " he asked sounding surprised. " You didn't bring a cow home did you? "
" Very funny. " she shot him an iratated look and got up from the couch.
She walked into her room and came out holding something in her arms.

" Xiao Lang. I want you to meet your new mouser - Desdemona. " she held up the little white cat with green eyes.
Oh no.
" You bought a kitten? " Li eyes were wide.
" Yep. But she's not my kitten, " Ying Fa replied smiling. " she's yours. "
Definitely oh no.
" Ying Fa. "
" Ok, ok. Ours then. " she pushed the little creature into his surprised arms.
" Oh Kami, " Li said looking down at the little cat. " why did you buy me a cat? "
" You don't like her? " she sounded upset.

" Ying Fa you know I can't take care of her. Look how good a job I'm doing with taking care of you. I can't look after a goldfish let alone a cat. "
" You can't send her back. " she replied looking up at him sadly. " She was the only one left and she was all alone. She just needs somebody to love her and take care of her. "
" Please don't get upset with me. " Li begged still holding the cat. " Please. "
Tears started and she pushed passed him and went into the kitchen and Li cursed looking up at the ceiling for guidence.

It was then that the little kitten mewed and he looked down and met beautiful green eyes and he was taken back. Oh kami, it even reminded him of his little hellion. Des rubbed against him and he knew he was lost. He sighed and walked to the edge of the kitchen and rested back against the wall with the kitten in his arms.

" What did you say her name was? Des - "
" Desdemona. " came the tearful reply.
Li cringed. What kind of name was that?
" Ying Fa? "
" What? "
" What made you think up that name? Is it a kind of disease or something? "
He heard her rattle off in Japanese and he sighed.
" You know she's going to get picked on at kitty colledge for that hideous name. "
" Hence Dessie. " came the reply. " Does that mean she has a home? "
" You make her sound like a Heffer Cow. " he said ignoring her her jibe about a home.

She came out and looked at him.
" One more quip about the name buddy and I'll teach her how to scratch on demand. " she glarred.
A small rueful smile appeared in the corner of his mouth.
" Why did you buy her Ying Fa? " he asked solemn now.
She reached over and took the kitten from him and shrugged.
" I figured you could teach her how to be a good mouser. " she shot him a meaningful look and he cringed.
" And also so you won't be alone anymore. " she said that bit softer than before and he glanced up quickly.
" Why would I be alone? " he asked.
She placed the kitten down and started playing with her.
" Ying Fa? "
" I won't live with mice. " she said and then got up. " I'm tired now. You're dinner is on the bench. Good night. "
she kissed his cheek and made her escape to her room and Li quizzled over what she had said.

" Why would I be alone when I have you here? " he asked to the empty room.

Two Weeks later . . .

Both Ying Fa and Li looked out the windows; he from his office, her from the club. Time had seemed to have sped up and they both wondered where it had flown to. Dessie had steadily grown and was no longer the small, kitten that Ying Fa had taken home. She had permanetly made camp on Li's bed and that's where she stayed.

Ying Fa had steadily been working at the club earning her money and Li was still unwise to it. He thought she occupied her time by going shopping, doing her schoolwork or visiting sites around Shanghai. Seeing that she could take care of herself and not ending up in a cell had allowed him to relax a little and trust her.

Ying Fa sighed. Autumn wad upon them and then soon would be winter. The air was getting colder and the leaves were starting to fall. She had started dancing occassionally alongside Alexis and together, they made a tidy sum. Leiko was ecstactic and everyone got raises.

Li couldn't believe how far they had come. Ying Fa seemed to be behaving and they seemed to be getting along just fine. He was happy that it was no longer glares and death threats. Yelan was delighted to hear that they were getting along so fine. Work was going well, his paper work was nearly completed and he hadn't had a hysterical wife or girfriend demand retribution in about a week. It seemed that things were starting to fall into place.

He was about to leave work when he caught sight of Mika coming back from Jiang's office. He caught up with him and asked him whether he would like to have dinner with them.
" Is this a formal presentation to your newest family member? " Mika asked smirking.
" Damn right. Tuck in that shirt young man, Desdemona won't take to sloppiness. "
Mika laughed as they headed down in the elevator.
" What in Kami's respectful name did she think she was doing naming a cat that? "
" Damned if I know. " Li muttered and walked out into the foyer.

" Ying Fa! I'm home. " Li called out as he closed the door behind Mika.
" I'm here too Ying Fa. " Mika called out putting on his slippers.
They walked into the kitchen where they could smell food cooking and froze.

Ying Fa sat on the bench looking at the magazine - twisting and turning it under the light to suit her advantage. She acknowledged Li's horrorfied gaze.

" I can't understand how you guys jerk off to this stuff. " she said indicating the naked female in the book.
" Maybe you do have imaginations after all. " she said sounding intrigued by her discovery.
" Ying Fa. " Li's voice came out in a horrorfied squeak.
" Oh don't get me wrong. " she said sliding a video along the bench towards them. " I can understand how you can do it when you're watching 'Amazonion Warrioress'. Now THAT was interesting. "
" Hey! " Mika suddenly piped up as Ying Fa placed her reading material down on the bench and walked over to the stove top and stirred the contents. " That looks like mine! I'd wondered where it had gone. "

Li took his eyes away from his ward who just succeeded in giving him his third corronary in two months and met Mika's accussing gaze.

" On come on. " Li replied. " I stole that from you back in the seventh grade. "
" Yeah? I've been looking for it. " Mika accused.
" I can understand why. " Ying Fa replied jumping back up on the bench. " But I warn you. The coconuts on the busty red head are so fake. "
Mika looked crestfallen.
" No way! "
" Oh way. " she nodded. " Simple job of adding some stuffin'. " she pushed her own up to enphasize her point.

" Ok! Ok! Ok! " Li said wanting to put a stop to this discussion. " We get the point. What were you doing under my bed anyway? " he demanded blushing.
" Dessie found them actually. She needed some kitty litter so I sacrificed a few and decided to read the others. "
" What! " this from both men.
" Then I found the movie. Now THAT was a learning experience let me assure you. My P.E teacher will be delighted. "

Li looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die and Mika was peeved that he had finally found his copy of 'Amazon Warrioress' and finally knew who the culprit was.
" Who'd have thought my best friend would steal my most treasured item? "
" Get over it Osakii. " Li grumbled. " Meilin would have killed you if she had found it anyway. "
" So tell me, " Ying Fa piped up when Li opened a beer and drank from it. " is sex always so hard and rough? " she got the reaction that she was hoping for.

Li choked and Mika turned an uncomfortable shade of red. Just then Dessie walked in and Li swooped down and claimed her and until dinner was served, they played and talked about the cat completely ignoring her.

They watched tv after dinner, Ying Fa sitting on the floor playing with the kitten. Mika and Li watched her smilling at the expression of delight on her face. They both sharred a look and smiled; Li reaching for his beer. It was a while when Dessie started getting tired and Ying Fa picked her up and took her to Li's room to sleep.

It was getting late when Mika decided to call it quits. He looked for Ying Fa to say goodnight and they both wondered why she hadn't come back out. They went to Li's room in search of her. Li leant against the door smiling, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her sleeping near the kitten on his bed.
" She's such a sweet kid. " Mika said softly.
" Yeah really hard to see that she's such a terror when she's awake. " Li retorted softly.
He shifted from the door and asked Mika to hang on for a second as he scooped her up.

Her arms came up to wrap around his neck as she stirred.
" Dessie? " she asked disorientated.
" Shh. " Li whispered. " She's fine. Time for bed young lady. "
" Night Mika. " she waved sleepily at him over Li's shoulder.
" Night princess. " Mika smiled back.

Li closed the door after Mika had left and stiffled a yawn. He had a shower and slipped into bed reasurred by Dessie's soft purring. . . .

The day couldn't have been better. Ying Fa hummed as she danced along the walkway waiting for Li to catch up to her. She was following him to work to hang around for a bit. Li watched her play and had to smile. It seemed that they were really getting along finally.

Her cheeks were flushed from the cold air and the warmth of exercise. Her eyes danced with mirth as she turned to wait for him.
" Hayaku! Hayaku! " she called waving to him. " You'll be late! " she warned and danced off again.
He watched as the sun danced off her red tresses and quickened his step to match hers.

She was so happy. It was good to dance along and sing. Something she hadn't done in a long time. She danced along quickly and then did a perfect kartwheel. She couldn't help herself! She was just too happy. Li shook his head as he watched her fool about.

They arrived shortly afterwards and Mika greeted them warmly. They laughed and fooled about and other people looked in occassionally to wonder what had them in such high spirits. After lunch it was time for Ying Fa to go, so she said goodbye and even hugged both Mika and Li in her happiness. It was like a realy family again.

" Sayonara! " she waved as she walked out of the room.
They watched her go their smiles fading.
" And so the sun left leaving thou cold and bereft. " Mika said softly. Li nodded. Her prescence had been that of the sun.

Little did he realise his world was about to topple and fall . . .

In a tourist centre situated near the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains well known for its Native American and Spanish-style handicrafts stood two people - a tall man with dark, messy hair who stood beside a exceptionally tall young woman with long, light icey-blue hair that fell in silky tresses down her back.

They stood as others did around them, admiring the scenery and listening in to the tour guide as he rattled off a few facts here and there meant to satisfy the tourists. They walked away from the crowd when they moved off and found their own way to a small cafe where they stood near a gift shop and appeared to be admiring the items on display.

" I don't think they tracked us this far. " vivid, dark, purple eyes turned to met the dark ones of her companion.
" I won't take any chances. " his deep voice replied quietly.
" Well at least let us sit down and eat something like the others. I can't go much farther. I need to rest. "
" We can't rest. Not here. " he replied.
" Well go on alone then. They way you're going, you might as well. " she snapped quietly.

Her companion took her hand and led her to a table in the shade and they sat down appearing to be a couple that were exhausted due to the heat.

" Luna - " her companion began but she cut him off angrily.
" No Tori. " she snapped controlling her anger. " Will you stop and think for a minute? We're in Sante Fe. It's a tourist attraction not a snake pit! We came here to hide and damn it we will. I'm not running until we've both rested. You're exhausted and so am I. We've covered enough distance and enough tracks so they won't know where we are. " He looked hard at her and she shook her head slightly. They ordered when a waitress asked them what they wanted.

" You take too many risks. " he finally said sitting back watching her. Her purple eyes flicked up at him annoyed.
" And you fear making them. " His eyes hardened, but before he could say anything she sighed regretably.
" I know. " she muttered loud enough for him to hear. " You have a reason. I'm sorry. "
Tori sat back and ran a hand through his dark locks. He needed it cut.
" I never asked for this. " She touched his hand gently.
" Neither did I . .and I know your sister never asked for it either. We're all in this together Tori. "

Music played around them loudly along with the chatter of the tourists and the locals at the cafe. People took photos, admired the gift shops and had fun.

" Damn it Luna, " Tori said helplessly. "She doesn't deserve to be put through this. I have to find her. "
" There's no point stewing about it now. Now eat and then later we'll rest up in the hotel. Don't look at me like that. " she shot back without looking at him. " You'll thank me when you can think clearer. "
Tori sighed not entirely agreeing with this, but she was right as usual. He was starving and making himself sick wouldn't help their situation at all.

He started to eat and tried to ignore the heat. He was used to it now. It had been hard at first, but he'd hardened himself against the burden and through determination, he had conquerred the setback. He had a nice tan and he wondered dully if Sakura would recognise him after all this time. He looked over at his companion and knew he should go easier on her. Luna had a core of mettle when she needed it and how often she had drawn on her hidden reserves of strength over the last few weeks he didn't know.

They were both exhausted. Weeks of being on the run and hiding their own fears had taken it's toll.

" I'm sorry Luna. " he said quietly meeting her gaze.
Her eyes hardened, hiding her feelings. She was getting good at that.
" Apology not needed. I promised to help you and I'll deal with it. " she replied.
" Luna - "
" Eat up. You need your strength. " she said and went back to eating quietly.

They entered a small room made for one and put their minimal stuff on the table. Luna closed the blinds on the window, shutting out the light.

" You take the bed first. " she said softly. " I'm too wired to stay awake anyway. "
" Luna, " Tori said somewhere behind her. " this was your idea, you take the bed first. "
" I'm not getting into this with you. " she said turning to look at him. " Take the bed Tori. "
He growled in the back of his throat and she sighed going into the small bathroom, closing the door.
" Two can play this game. " he muttered and layed out on the bed, resting up against the wall waiting.

She came out a little while later freshly dressed and clean from the dust of travelling. She saw him watching her and sighed.
" Fine. Take the shower and change. I've got my things hanging up to drying in there. " she indicated the bathroom.
A pure, satisfied male smirk appeared on his face as he rose and went passed her to the bathroom.
" Jerk. " she muttered and sat at the window and pulled the blind back a little to see if anyone had followed them.

Tori came out of the bathroom shortly after and stopped when he saw her at the window.
" I thought we agreed you'd take the bed and I would watch? "
" Well that was before you decided to play macho male and get smug on me. Lay down Tori. Don't make me hurt you. "
" I'm twice as big as you small stuff. " he said laying down on the bed giving in. " I bet you wouldn't get me down in a fight. " She muttered something in Spanish and he laughed closing his eyes.

She watched him sleep for a while glancing back and forth to the window. She felt herself floating and she snapped back to attention. She couldn't fall asleep on the job. She twisted her hair up and pinned it back sighing. She got up and switched the fan on allowing it to circulate the hot, stuffy air.

She left her post for a moment and opened the door quietly. She walked down the stairs softly and went to the front counter of the small, dark room. It was a small place where they wouldn't be noticed easily as they would have been in a big fancy hotel.
" Como Estas? "

A dark man came out of the room at the back and eyed her while she stood there.
" Do you have anythng cold to serve? " she asked in Spanish.
" Si. " he returned and brought forth some food served on a platter.
" Muchas Gracias. " she nodded and took the plate from him, paying for it.

She opened the door quietly and slipped inside. She layed the platter down and poured herself a drink. Tori rolled over and she looked up and found his eyes on her. She poured him a drink and held it out to him. He took it and drank it gratefully.
" I still can't understand how these people can sleep in this heat. "

She smiled and ate some fruit. She offered him some of it and they ate in silence together. She yawned widely and Tori shot her a meaningful look.
" Don't start with me. " she said. " I'm just as tired as you. "
" Come here Luna. " he commanded quietly.
She got up and went over to him when he drew her onto the bed beside him. It was a small bed, but they were both thin enough to fit on it.
" We'll share. " he said holding her close.
" But you said - "
" I'm going to take a risk. " he replied. " Now shut up and sleep. "
" Insufferable male. " she muttered and succumbed to sleep.

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

In a room that was half filled with shadow a man leant back in his chair and blew the excess smoke from his cigar into the air.

" Have you got something of use to me? "
" Yes sir. We have the number. I have one of the men ringing it as we speak. "
" Good. I want tape. "
" Yes sir. "

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Bw2 I hope you like that chapter. With the help of my friends, I think I have some idea as to where I'm going to be taking this story. If there are spelling or any other grammical errors in here that I have overlooked, please don't yell at me. Mistakes happen.

Please review and be kind to this humble writer. She may be the next one to review one of your stories!

Ja!

p.s Info came from Encarta.