Author's note:This story is a figment of my (er dark) imagination. Similarities to any situation is absolutely coincidental. Please Follow and Review! Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS, Clamp does. I do not own the song Ever After, Bonnie Bailey does.
Thank you for the likes and follows. (_~)_v
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!
Chapter 42: The Morning After (Part 1)
It was still dark out when Syaoran opened his eyes and checked the time on the bedside clock.
5:12 in the morning.
His sight fell back to the sleeping figure beside him.
Syaoran's naturally cold expression softened as he reached out a hand and tucked a loose strand of auburn hair behind the woman's ear. He leaned down and planted a light kiss on Sakura's forehead before slowly and carefully removing his arm under her head.
After freeing himself from her embrace, Syaoran pulled his night robe over his body and went over to a nearby chair and took Sakura's forgotten silk pajamas from last night.
He took his time as he dressed Sakura up as he tried his utmost best to be as gentle as he can to keep her from waking up. After a full ten minutes, Syaoran pulled the quilt up to Sakura's chin and tucked her to sleep.
Over the nightstand, he left a written note saying he'll just bring the little guy out for a morning walk since they both woke up a little bit early today. They'll meet up with her for the family's breakfast around 9 am.
After making sure his note won't raise any suspicions, Syaoran went out of their 'wedding night bedchamber' and headed towards the main master's bedroom right next door.
Upon entering the dimly lit room, he saw that the little bun was still sleeping comfortably right at the middle of the huge and soft bed.
If one can witness the scene, one will see the normally unfeeling man has such a tender gaze in his eyes with the corners of the his mouth turned up.
In Syaoran's heart, he very well knew his plan would work perfectly.
All three of them will win last night - he and Sakura will get to have their wedding night and their little boy would have a good night rest which is very important right now.
Because now that both families knew of Xiao Bao's existence, the Amamiyas and Lis will surely fawn over him and the little guy will need the energy to cope up with the overwhelming attention.
Anyway, it's still a little half past five, the little bun still has time to rest.
Syaoran quietly took out some of his clothes from the closet which Ichi has brought over last night before entering the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Twenty minutes later, series of brisk footsteps sounded along the main hallway of the manor. Following Syaoran was Ichi, Nii, and Uncle Xi who is also currently carrying Xiao Bao's baby bag while reporting to him the planned big family breakfast at 9:30 later.
"Young master Li, would you like this servant to carry Little Treasure for you?"
Syaoran took a peek at the still sleeping little guy in his arms. Xiao Bao's face was buried at the nook of his neck as if seeking more warmth despite of already wearing a down jacket with hood that covers his tiny head.
Seems like his child has a low tolerance to the morning chills, eh?
A vision of Sakura in sneezing fits during their martial arts class at 4 in the morning in Hong Kong appeared in his mind.
Pulling the hood lower on Xiao Bao's face, Syaoran shook his head at Uncle Xi's offer.
"Don't worry about it. Anyway, do not forget to call me once Sakura wakes up. Tell her we'll be home soon."
Uncle Xi bowed respectfully as he handed the baby bag to Nii as soon as they reached the awaiting black Maybach at the driveway.
As Syaoran started to unlatch Xiao Bao's short arms from his neck, he felt the little guy tighten his hold more.
"No~~~~" Xiao Bao whined, his peaceful face contorting as he started to cry.
Whispering softly to the kid's ears, Syaoran tried to comfort him.
"Baobei, you need to sit at the child seat in the car. It is much safer than Papa's arms."
"No~~~~ Baobao want Papa and Mama. No let go~~~~"
He stubbornly held on Syaoran's neck and started crying.
Syaoran's heart broke as he felt warm tears on his neck.
'Oh this child will be the end of me.'
Sighing, Syaoran carefully entered the car while holding Xiao Bao in his arms. As he patted the kid's back comfortingly, with utmost gentleness, he removed his arms from his neck and placed him at the child's car seat.
Defeated, Xiao Bao cried his heart out, his large amber eyes staring at Syaoran with a betrayed expression.
He cannot believe his father has abandoned him just like that.
"Mama~~~~~" he whimpered softly as he watch Syaoran buckle him down tightly.
Where is mama when I need her the most?
Xiao Bao shut his eyes tightly, wishing with all his might that his mama will appear in front of him the moment he opened his eyes.
"Mama~~~~" he whispered, his pained voice piercing the silence in the car.
When he opened his eyes, he saw that the perfectly handsome face of the man he acknowledges is his papa, facing him.
Amber gazing into amber.
One pair looking apologetically at the other as it gazed down on it.
Xiao Bao reached out a finger and pressed the tip of the older man's tall nose. He laughed when Syaoran pretended to sneeze after being teased by Xiao Bao.
A few seconds later, Nii's voice was heard inside the car as he confirmed with his Boss if they are set to go.
"Go."
As the car moved forward, Syaoran remained in the same position as the tiny child inside the car seat stared at the huge adult whose head was placed on the front edge of his car seat, and whose one long arm was above his head, playing with his soft silken locks with his fingers.
Baobei momentarily forgot about his father's betrayal as he squinted at him, as if wanting to ask what he is doing.
Syaoran pressed a lock of Xiao Bao's hair in between his fingers as he gaze at his beautiful innocent eyes.
"Papa is sorry for not doing what Baobei wants. This is safer for you, sweetie. Believe in papa okay? Papa is doing it for your own good."
His voice was so nice to listen to.
Xiao Bao thought as he nodded his small head.
Anyway, what Papa says is right.
A wide smile appeared in the man's face as he pinched one of Xiao Bao's pink cheeks.
"My son is such an obedient boy! I can't believe how lucky your mama and I are to have such a son!"
Xiao Bao let out a giggle as he watch his father wipe his tears with his own handkerchief.
"From now on, everytime Baobei will ride a car, a van, or any other vehicle, you have to promise papa that you will sit on your own car seat okay?"
Xiao Bao's eyes dimmed a bit.
Cannot even stay at mama's arms?
"Not even mama's arms."
Syaoran perfectly read his son's mind.
Xiao Bao frowned.
He wants to stay in mama's arms!
"Only during the ride, please?" Xiao Bao felt his papa's warm large hands patting his head lovingly. He closed his eyes as he felt drowsy as his father rhythmically ran his hand along his hair, up and down, up and down…
"Then afterwards, mama and papa will carry Baobei again. We promise Baobei."
Xiao Bao yawned.
He tried to fight the sleep from his eyes as he look at his papa's face.
Papa is so handsome.
I want to be like papa when I grow up.
Papa loves Baobao, right?
Then what papa says is always right.
"Alright, Baobei? Papa loves Baobei and mama very much and that is why Papa wants the two of you safe always."
See, I know it.
What Papa says is right.
It's for me and mama.
"Ow—tei Papa. Baobao obey."
Syaoran watched the sleepy guy finally close his eyes before straightening up.
He placed one arm on top of Xiao Bao's lap as he took his mobile phone and contacted the hospital to ensure that everything is already set up as soon as they arrive.
After 15 minutes, three black Maybachs stopped right in front of the Tokyo Central Hospital.
A row of white cladded nurses and doctors stood at the entranceway to welcome the VIP guests.
The driver of the middle sedan got out and opened the door of the rear side.
A tall and lofty man dressed in a black cashmere sweater, black sweatpants, and black running shoes stepped out of the car.
Although he was wearing a black cap pulled low on his forehead and a pair of gunmetal aviator Ray Bans, people still knew who he was.
Female nurses couldn't help but blush as they try to sneak a peek at the stunning man in front of them.
"Master Li, welcome to the Tokyo Central Hospital. We have everything prepared and we can proceed right away."
The chief doctor stepped forward to give a formal salute to Syaoran.
"En." Syaoran gave an affirmative nod to the chief before leaning inside the car.
A few seconds later, he was holding what appeared to be just a bunch of thick fleece blanket in his arms.
As the onlookers try to figure out what he's holding, six towering male bodyguards surrounded Syaoran and they all marched quickly inside the hospital.
After the group left, security personnel of the TCH reminded everyone in the lobby to not speak of anyone regarding what they've witnessed or else the hospital will be shut down from business the same day the news has leaked.
"Such a huge secret, don't you think?" A nurse whispered to her friend as they return to the help desk.
"Sure is! But I'd rather keep quiet than risk not having a workplace to go to!"
"You're right. Anyway, it's not that I'll be gaining anything by telling the media of it."
"But I still wanna know what's Mr. Li is up to."
The two nurses giggled as they gossiped between themselves.
Disturbed by the chattering females, one young male doctor who's been sleeping on a chair at the corner of the office rubbed his eyes as he looked at the two.
"Hey, you two. What are you talking about?"
"Oh, didn't you see?"
"See what?"
"Mr. Li of the Li Corps was just here."
A glint flashed in the male's eyes. Fortunately, the two didn't notice it as they relayed the previous event to their comrade.
"Don't tell anyone outside the hospital about this or else we won't have anywhere else to go!"
He stood up slowly and winked at the two females, making them blush a little. After all, this new friend of theirs just joined their graveyard shift for a week and he's definitely the most handsome
"Thanks. " the young doctor raised a hand and waved it to the two before closing the door behind him.
He then reached inside his pocket and took out his mobile phone and pressed a stored number.
"Muye?" a female voice answered on its fourth ring.
Jiang Muye removed his surgical mask off his face as he opened the fire exit door at the end of the hallway.
"Hey, Ziyao Jie, what's up!"
"Do you freaking brat know it's only six in the morning?" Su Ziyao growled at the other end of the line.
"Is it?" Jiang Muye let out a chuckle as he leaned back on the wall and massaged his aching neck.
It seemed like years since he last heard her voice.
Still had the same effect though.
He tried to calm his heart as he prepared himself to ask her a question.
"Hey Ziyao Jie" he cut off through her cursing and grumbling. "What was the name of the guy you like? Li what not?"
Silence.
"Why do you ask? And at this time?"
"No reason. Suddenly just thought of it."
"I don't believe you. Why would you call me at this ungodly hour just to ask about him? Is he at the hospital you're working in? Did anything happen to him?"
Panic was eminent in her voice.
And it made Muye's chest hurt, as if some herd of horses were trampling on them.
"No, he is not. Dumb dumb. If he is in any accident, don't you think the media will report it or something? I just suddenly thought of it. And I seriously didn't know it's this early, you know how I work on weird hours."
As if I'll tell you where he is.
"Good. Anyway, yeah, he's the Eldest young master of the Li Corporation, Li Syaoran."
"The one who's recently gotten engaged to the Amamiya heiress?"
"F* Muye, why would you rub it in at this hour? Yes it is them! Ugh. I hate you!"
With a final shriek of irritation, Su Ziyao ended the call and left the poor Jiang Muye staring at the blank space of wall in front of him.
"Ah~~~~~ so it was the same Li. I wonder why he's here the morning after."
He then placed the mask back on his face and stepped outside the now busy main hallway.
"The boss is here? Where?" a technician asked his superior who's jogging towards the stairwell.
"He's at the VIP ward. Go and prepare the things I ask you to. Quick!"
Jiang Muye watched them as they ran up the stairs.
"Eeeeh."
He then followed the two upstairs.
—xoxoXoxo—-
Meanwhile, it was the busiest at the Imperial General Hospital's Presidential wing.
Firstly, all entryway are blocked by both the Li and the hospital's security. All medical staffs even doctors are thoroughly checked. Jewelries of any kind were not allowed to be worn, even wristwatches. Mobile phones, usb, and any other recording or data saving devices are confiscated at the entry point. All medical equipment needed were already placed inside the secluded wing that no other device even a single needle is needed to be brought inside.
Hence, people that are allowed to enter should have nothing else on their body except for their hospital uniforms.
They were even made to change into a different footwear once they pass through the checkpoint.
"Is the Prime Minister of Japan inside?" one patient asked his nurse when they passed through and saw the activities at the other side of the hospital.
"Silly. That's the private wing of the family who owns this hospital. It's probably one of them who's being treated inside. You know how the powerful ones work."
"Ah, makes sense though."
"Move along, don't dally in the corridor." a security personnel whose task is to make sure that no one suspicious is around the area reminded them.
Yue Xu saw this as he went straight towards the entry point. He gave a curt nod to the guards securing the area and made his way to the end of the hallway where two large metal doors can only be opened using biometric code.
After placing his thumb and forefinger at the scanner, the doors opened and he saw Syaoran lying comfortably on a high hospital bed. Although it was similar to the ordinary metal hospital bed, it was covered with a thick mattress and has a duvet and comforter with childish animal prints on them.
As Yue Xu came closer to the bed, he saw his cute little nephew looking adorable as he listened patiently to whatever Syaoran was telling him.
Little Treasure was lying at the center of the bed right beside Syaoran. It would have been a pretty nice sight if not for the medical staff on Xiao Bao's other side who were busy performing different tests on the little guy's left chubby arm.
Although the little guy says he is not scared of needles, Syaoran is still very much apprehensive about it and he tries to assure his son that there is no need to be scared because Papa is right beside him.
"See, whatever they're doing to you, they're also doing to papa over here."
Xiao Bao leaned over and saw his papa's right arm also has a needle and some tube inserted in it.
Giggling, Xiao Bao snuggled closer to his father.
"Baobao likes Papa."
Baobao loves papa.
Papa is so strong!
Papa is the bravest!
Papa is so handsome!
Everyone looks at papa and smiles.
"My baobei is so brave! How lucky are your mama and I that our baby is not afraid of the hospital!"
Syaoran pinched his son's fat stomach making him giggle in delight.
"Cough. Yo, Xiao Lang! I thought you're just going for that particular test?"
Yue Xu glanced around the room and noticed it has some equipments he is not so familiar with.
"Ah. Well, these are the state of the art technology they've just released which can check the results in less than 8 hours instead of 24 to 48."
He pointed to a particular machine at the end.
"That one can check if someone has any sort of slow poison kept in their body."
Yue Xu glanced at Syaoran and then back at the machine.
"Only need blood?"
"I plan to let it check even the hair, saliva, and fingernails. Everything will be checked today."
"You thought these things through just last night?"
"This is difficult?"
Yue Xu scoffed. His friend is truly an arrogant prick.
He definitely didn't think of testing Xiao Bao of slow poison.
"Not me, but Ze ge probably thought of this before."
"I know your family had him tested before, but I want to do the same thing now to make my mind at ease. That's why Ze helped me to set things up today."
Syaoran explained patiently to his friend. After all, he really didn't expect this young Yue to have the same brain cells as his older brother.
"Ah, I see." Yue Xu bent over and ruffled Xiao Bao's hair fondly. "Uncle Xu misses you baby! I'll wait for you outside okay?"
Syaoran sent him an inquiring look.
"I want to personally check the staff handling the tests. Eight hours is it? I'll see to it that nothing will be amiss not will it be leaked outside. I feel uneasy about something but I can't pinpoint what is it or why is it so."
Yue Xu purposefully lowered his voice as to make sure no one else heard him.
He knew that his brother handpicked these medical staff but he just couldn't help but stay on his guard.
"En. I trust you. You do what you think is right."
Yue Xu gave Syaoran a playful salute and waved goodbye to the little bun on the bed.
Before leaving though, he took his mobile and personally photographed everyone inside the room and also took all their printed personal data with him.
Nothing escapes this young master's eye.
—-xoXoxo——
Jiang Muye wiped a sweat from his temple when his friend told him what happened inside the Presidential wing.
"Then the young master made us save our thumbprints on his mobile, saying that it is for his future reference that if something goes wrong with the tests or if it gets leaked out somehow, he'll know immediately who were involved in this session. I mean, the system already has our prints! Why save it on his mobile, right? Such a psycho! Damn, I wanted to kill my chief for involving me in such a predicament! The compensation doesn't even justify the stress that comes with it!"
Annie grumbled as she took a huge bite of her subway sandwich.
It was almost 10:00 and she is only having her first meal of the day. She's been working her ass off since 5 in the morning and so far, it hasn't really been an amazing morning for her.
"So what else happened?"
"What else? Nothing! I mean I was just tasked to extract blood from both the child and the father."
"So they were father and son?"
Annie glanced at Muye. "Seriously, how dumb are you? Have you seen them? They are like two peas in a pod. They are definitely father and son."
Jiang Muye took bite of his sandwich too as Annie did with hers. Munching thoughtfully, he asked, "what kind of tests do you think they wanted to do?"
"Well, the equipments are all new to me. And after the blood letting, I was immediately ushered out of the room. And I had to sign a secrecy waiver too!" Annie wailed in frustration.
"Do you know how much that was? It was like all my lifetime savings…"
Muye rolled his eyes. "That's not much."
"... multiplied by a thousand!"
"Oh. Then you better keep your mouth shut eh?"
Whack!*
"Then you better stop asking me questions, you stupid, stupid, stupid man!"
Annie stood up after hitting Muye with her folder file on the head. She left in a huff, emitting angry sparks that scared people around her.
Muye rubbed his head as he took out his mobile.
Should he call sister Ziyao and tell her that her prince charming already has a child?
Should he?
Or should he not?
Suddenly, his mobile vibrated and a name flashed on the screen.
Excitedly, Muye quickly pressed the answer button and happily greeted his caller. If he had a tail, it was probably wagging like a fan propeller right now.
"Good morning, Jie jie! (A/N: "older sister in Chinese)!"
——xoxoXoXo——
After undergoing a few tests, the little guy was exhausted that he fell into a deep slumber the moment he felt his Papa carry him in his arms after picking him up from the hospital bed.
He didn't even flinch when Syaoran placed him in his car seat and secured him tightly. But he did try to reach out for something unconsciously that Syaoran held out his hand and the little bun closed his two tiny fists around his few fingers which melted the icy man's heart.
The moment they arrived at the Amamiya Manor, it was almost 10 in the morning and Uncle Xu has reported to him that Sakura is already having breakfast outside at the garden together with the rest of the family and guests.
Syaoran carried the still sleeping Little Treasure in his arms as he walked towards where the rest are.
"Oi, lad! Where have you been with the boy?" The Old General's voice boomed as soon as Syaoran emerged from behind the high wall plants.
Syaoran shot him a piercing look as he gestured with his head at the sleeping bundle of blanket in his arms.
Amazingly, Xiao Bao remained unperturbed and is still peacefully sucking his left thumb while embracing his papa's neck with his right arm.
"Oh, is the little prince asleep?" Li Yelan pushed her chair backward and quickly stood up, not wanting to delay the time to see her first grandson.
"Mother!" Xiao Shi wanted to restrain his unruly mother, afraid that Sakura will find something wrong with his mother's antics.
Sakura laughed as she watch the very demure and respectable Madam rush towards Xiao Bao.
How cute is her child that he can make such person run to meet him!
Er, wait.
Sakura hit her head with her palm.
What 'her child'?! Xiao Bao's not hers!
Her mind has been messed up by that sweet, charming boy that she totally forgot that she's not his real mother.
When Li Yelan reached Syaoran's side, she almost cried at seeing the two up close together.
"Mother.." Syaoran whispered.
Mother, look, this is my son.
"Let me see."
I know. I am so happy, I want to see him.
Syaoran bent down a little so that she can take a small peek at the sleeping guy's face. He also moved the hoodie covering half his face and Yelan let out a inaudible gasp.
This kid looks so much like the young Sakura who would kiss her a hundred times every time they come to visit them in Hong Kong.
She felt warm tears welling up in her eyes that she shifted her position to make sure Sakura won't see her wiping her eyes.
"Wait until you see him awake, mother." Syaoran whispered. He then planted a kiss on the little guy's nose and cheek.
Oh his son is just so adorable, he can't wait to show him off to the rest of the world.
"Where have you guys been?" Sakura asked Syaoran the moment he reached his seat beside her.
Sakura stretched out her hands towards Syaoran, wanting to carry the little bun in her arms.
"Oh I miss this little bun! I immediately went over to my room to see how he is and oh my heart, I was very much shocked when I didn't see him in bed!"
Syaoran narrowed his eyes at the woman in front of him who was busy helping the child find a comfortable position in her arms.
"Honey, I left you a note."
"Oh, right." Sakura replied nonchalantly. She gave him a quick glance before staring back at the sleeping child in her arms. "I only found out about it after Uncle Xi mentioned it when I rang him because I was panicking as to where Xiao Bao might be."
Syaoran gritted his teeth.
"You mean to say you didn't even thought that I may have left you a note stating where I, your husband, may have gone at that early time of day?"
"Didn't really think much of it. When I woke up, I suddenly remembered how we left the poor kid alone so I jumped out of bed and ran to my room to check on him."
Fuming, Syaoran reached out and took a sip of coffee to calm his nerves.
Yes, he is probably just tired from sleeping just two hours and then getting some tests done while taking care of his kid.
What he is feeling right now isn't 'anger' towards his insensitive beautiful wife.
Who already prioritizes their child before him even without her knowing it is their child.
Syaoran took another big gulp of coffee, tasting and appreciating the full flavor and bitterness of its freshly ground beans. Clearing his mind and brushing off his annoyance towards his wife.
He'll just have to punish her later.
"Oh, I forgot! I received a message from Blondie last night. He was apologizing for not coming to our wedding because he had hospital duty. Maybe he can come today and have lunch with us later. He's probably feeling lonely now after being left out last night."
Syaoran nodded. "It'll be a good chance for us to meet."
Sakura nodded excitedly. "Yeah! I really wanted you to meet him! I only found out that we were cousins last year and we immediately clicked!"
"Good."
Sakura took her phone out and searched for the name 'Blondie' and dialed it.
After just one and a half rings, a young male voice happily answered her call.
"Good morning, Jie jie!"