Sounds like everyone wants to strangle Syaoran at the moment. Can't really blame you hahaha. I promise, things do get better between them.

Sakura returned later than she had expected. She'd slept a little longer than she had originally planned at Tomoyo's, so she hoped that Syaoran wouldn't notice her little disappearance act. But perhaps that was too much to ask.

She led the horse back to the stables and quickly ran across the courtyard, silently slipping through the front door. She quietly let it slip shut behind herself, and heard footsteps stop behind her.
She turned and saw Syaoran who looked furious with her.

"Where the fuck have you been!?" he demanded.

She looked away, "That's none of your business."

He slapped her hard across the face. "I'm asking you a question-answer me!"

She cradled her cheek with her hand and glared at him as a tear of pain rolled down her face. Her cheek stung terribly.

"Piss off!" she snapped angrily as tears rolled down her face.

His eyes turned cold and he stepped towards her. "You dare speak to me like that again, I'll do a lot more than slap you across the face, you hear me?" he threatened her.

"Go ahead, I dare you." She hissed. "I'll just lock myself up again."

Further angered he pushed her against the wall, trapping her. "When I am gone, you will stay in the house and you will not leave-do you understand?" he snarled.

"Oh sure, I understand-"

Her sarcasm was cut short as he pushed his knee up between her legs as a warning, and pure fear crept into her eyes. He had her wrists pinned to the wall so there was no escape. His face was so close to hers and she was so frightened of what he would do to her.

"Understand?" he repeated.

Reluctantly, she nodded. He released her and stepped back. "If you ever leave the house without my permission again, you know what will happen." He warned, and then turned and headed for the stairs.

Sakura stood there frozen with fear. Did he just threaten her with rape? She stormed back to the bedroom and slammed the door shut, and tried not to cry her heart out.

…

Despite his threat, her disappearing acts still continued over the course of the next week. Their fights got worse, but he didn't harm her despite what he had said. Syaoran sat in the lounge on the phone to Eriol complaining about it, and Eriol laughed.

"What the hell are you laughing at? I have absolutely no idea where she goes. She could be seeing another man for all I know." Syaoran snapped.

"Sorry, so she really never tells you anything?" Eriol asked.

"No, she doesn't. The only thing I know about her is that she likes embroidery and that she's a pain in the neck." Syaoran muttered.

"Well my good friend, you can be at ease. She's just running to Tomoyo's arms for comfort." Eriol said.

"Comfort? Why?"

"Because you're being a complete dick?" his friend replied.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm just saying you're usually a lot nicer than this. I mean, threatening her? That's going a bit too far-especially with how you did it." Eriol said lowly. "I think you may have actually pissed off Tomoyo."

"She's my wife. She's meant to be home when I'm not-not out and about doing whatever the hell she feels like." Syaoran said.

"Just give her some space or something. Anyway, I better go. See you at the ball next Saturday." Eriol said.

"Yeah, bye." Syaoran hung up and sighed. He didn't know what to do with Sakura anymore. Each day was getting worse and there was no way she was going to consent to intercourse with him at this rate.

…

Sakura sat in the bedroom looking at her old family photo with her father in it. She remembered some of the things that she had left back at home, and she desperately wanted to see those items again-the only things she had left from her father.

She smiled and looked over the photo; she was only about seven in the photo as she sat on her father's lap. The photo had been taken in the living room, and Tomoyo was standing beside their mother. She had hoped that one day, she might fall in love with and marry someone as kind as her father was. Unfortunately, that dream had been shattered.

"I miss you…Father…"

Syaoran looked up as Sakura entered the room and sat down with her tea. She stared into the fire and he continued to read his book that he'd been reading from before his phone call. Sakura felt awkward, and she hated having to ask him of all people for favours, but she had no choice. She placed her teacup down on the coffee table in front of her and took in a deep breath.

"Syaoran?"

He looked up at her from his book, and noticed she looked anxious. "What is it?" he asked.

"I was wondering if you'd allow me to visit my mother tomorrow…?" she asked.

He leant back in his chair. "No."

He denied her wishes and she looked at him with shock. He was actually surprised to see that there was no anger in her eyes.

"Please, I'm begging you-"

"Why should I?" he asked, folding his hands in his lap.

A tear crept down Sakura's cheek, "Please. I'm begging you. I'll do whatever you want…"

Even if it meant giving herself up to him.

He thought for a moment. He could use this to his advantage. He thought it over for a minute-she seemed sincere. "If I allow you to go see your mother tomorrow, you won't go back on your word?"

"I promise-please. This is important to me." She whispered.

"Alright. We'll go." He relented.

Her eyes slid closed with relief, "Thank you…" Sakura whispered, "You don't know how much this means to me."

He watched as she then stood and left the room. As Sakura walked back to the bedroom, all she could think about were the items she needed to get back from her old house-for now that was all that mattered.

…

The next day they headed out early in their carriage, and as always they sat in silence. Syaoran watched Sakura, and he found it to be a little strange with how she was acting. Why was she so desperate to see her mother again? Or was it to get something from her old house? He didn't know, but in the whole month and a half that they'd been married he'd never once seen her act this way.

"Why do you want to see your mother?" he finally asked.

After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. "There's something I left behind…" she replied quietly. "Something precious…"

They fell back into silence until they reached Sakura's mothers.

Sakura's mother greeted them with gentle hugs, "It's so good to see you again Sakura. Hello Syaoran, how are you doing?"

Syaoran smiled, "I'm well, thank you. I trust that you're doing well, My Lady?" he replied.

Sakura's mother continued to smile, "I'm very well, thank you. Though, sometimes it does get lonely without having my daughters around. Thank you for visiting-when I got your phone call last night you sounded rather distressed Sakura. Is everything alright?" her mother asked with worry as they walked down to the lounge.

Sakura and Syaoran took a seat beside each other and her mother sat across from them. One of the maids brought tea in for them, along with some biscuits.

"No, Mother, I just really missed you. Since I've never really been separated from you or Tomoyo for long periods of time-I'm still adjusting, I guess. I'm sorry to have worried you." Sakura replied.

"I understand. When I married your father I had a hard time adjusting too. But it gets easier, sweetie."

"I know it will… Hey, Father's old photos are still around, right? Where were they again?" Sakura asked.

Syaoran looked at her out the corner of his eyes. Now that he'd thought of it, he'd never met her father. He decided not to ask about it, and Sakura's mother smiled. "They're in the study." She replied.

"Do you mind if I go have a look at them? I don't have many photos of the family, and I was wondering if I could have a few." Sakura asked softly.

"Of course-why don't you go have a look?" her mother smiled. "Syaoran and I can have a nice chat while you're looking through the photos."

"Thank you, Mother." Sakura smiled, and stood and left the room.

"Forgive me for having you stay behind while she goes and looks through our old photos, but I've been worried about her. How is your marriage going?" Sakura's mother asked Syaoran with a polite smile.

Syaoran looked at her with surprise. He wasn't sure if he should lie or tell the truth about their marriage.

"Sakura's having a little bit of difficulty adjusting, but it will take time. For now things are going alright." He lied.

"I see. I know that she can be a little difficult to handle sometimes, but Sakura's really a very lovely girl. I trust you with my daughter Syaoran." She said gently. She noticed the surprised look on his face and she smiled, "Your father spoke highly of you before he passed away a year ago. Yes, parents are meant to brag about their children, but what he said wasn't bragging."

Syaoran looked down at the cup in his hand. "I see…" he murmured.

…

Sakura sat on the floor in the study and went through the box of old photos of her family and father, and she picked out her favourites and carried them to her old room after packing up the rest of the photos. In her old room, she found an old journal and unclipped it, slipping the photos inside and then re-clipped it again.

Afterwards, she headed towards the gardens; she headed towards the old oak tree and dug up the ground carefully. She found the old antique box that she and her father had buried years ago, and she picked it up and filled in the hole. She opened it, finding an old locket, a ring, a pendant, and another photo inside. She smiled and placed the journal inside the box, closing it and heading back inside.

Before heading back into the lounge, she checked to make sure her dress wasn't covered in dirt, and then entered. Her mother looked up and smiled.

"Did you find what you were looking for, sweetheart?" she asked.

"Yes, I did." Sakura replied. Syaoran held his hand out to Sakura, and she took it as she sat down.

"So, I trust that I'll be having grandchildren soon?" Sakura's mother smiled.

Sakura smiled tightly, "Of course…"

Syaoran could hear how uncomfortable she was about the topic, but he was planning on bringing it up later at home anyway.

"How wonderful." She smiled.

Sakura placed the box down and walked around to her mother, and then gave her one last hug. "Thank you for everything, Mother." She said softly.

Sakura's mother kissed her forehead gently, "Anytime sweetie. You can come back whenever you like."

"Thank you." Sakura whispered.

Her mother saw them off and as they sat silently in the carriage, Sakura felt her father's presence with her. Having the possessions her father had given her and a few photos she remembered her childhood when he was still with them, and she smiled softly.

Syaoran had never seen such a gentle smile on Sakura's face before, but he left her to her thoughts and didn't disturb her. He'd much rather see her smile than scowl for once.

After getting back from her mothers, it was already late afternoon. Sakura placed her antique box on her bedside cabinet, a gentle smile written across her face. The box was brown with ornate patterns of flowers hand carved into its surface. It was particularly special to her because it had been made by her father and it had been a gift to her. Syaoran walked over and looked at the box, examining the detail.

"That's a beautiful box." He said.

"Thank you." She replied quietly. She swallowed hard and turned to him, "I assume you want to talk to me about returning the favour?"

"Yes."

She had a dreadful feeling she already knew what he was going to ask of her. As they were married, he had a right to her, and she hated that. "Well…what can I do?"

He took a step forward and held firm eye contact with her. "Sakura, I need a son. You know what needs to be done for that to happen." He told her.

Sakura shut her eyes against the tears. She couldn't go back on her word-that would be dishonourable and he'd never allow her any favours again. "I understand." She whispered.

He nodded and then stepped away, leaving her alone in the room for a while.
Sakura sat on the bed and took in a few deep breaths. She didn't know what to do with herself and she was frightened, but there was certainly no way she could back out or run away from what was to come.

There was a knock at the door and she jumped and released a shaky sigh. "Come in…" she answered.

Mira walked in with a tray of tea and biscuits and smiled. "Are you alright, My Lady? Lord Syaoran asked for me to bring this up for you to help you relax. You do look a little stressed." She asked softly.

"Oh…thank you Mira." Sakura replied quietly.

"Anytime. May I ask what's on your mind?" Mira asked after setting the tray down and bringing the cup over to Sakura. Sakura felt pathetic.

"I don't mind if you talk to me-I won't tell anyone. I am your personal maid after all." Mira smiled comfortingly.

Sakura smiled, and a tear rolled down her cheek. "To be honest, this is going to sound completely insane, but I've never had sex before and I'm completely freaked out about it." She blurted out, and then covered her mouth with her hand.

Mira looked at her with surprise. Her surprise then changed to a gentle smile. "Are you afraid of the pain?" she asked.

Sakura nodded. Mira smiled, "I won't lie and say that it doesn't hurt, but you should also know that it will get better. I'm sure he won't hurt you."

"But he gets all of the control." Sakura muttered.

Mira giggled at her comment. "Listen darling, you've got to tell him when to stop so that you can relax. Drink your tea; you'll feel better-I'll be back for the tray in half an hour."

Sakura watched as Mira stood and headed towards the door. "Mira." She called out.

Mira stopped and turned to Sakura who smiled timidly. "Thank you for your advice and helping me to calm down."

Mira smiled back and curtsied before leaving the room, leaving Sakura with her thoughts once again.

…

Before bed, Sakura had a bath to try and calm her nerves. She was scared of the pain and since she was a virgin, she had no idea what it would be like. Her mother only told her about how it worked, and that was when she'd bled for the first time in her very early teen years and she'd had a panic attack because she'd thought there was something wrong with her.

Deciding that she couldn't wait it out any longer, she stepped out of the bath and dried herself off with a towel. Then, she pulled on a very lightweight silk robe and tied the belt around her waist before walking out. She felt embarrassed that Syaoran was going to be seeing her naked, and she didn't like the thought of it either, but that was her price for going to retrieve her precious items.

Syaoran was sitting on the bed shirtless, and she couldn't deny that he was very attractive. She felt her cheeks flush and she looked to the floor, avoiding his gaze. He stood and walked over to her, placing his hand on her hip and pulling her close. He looked her over, taking in her features as his eyes slowly ran over her curvy figure. She had sharp but wide hips, and without anything to lift or show off the bust, her small breasts were hidden beneath the thin layer of fabric.

Reluctantly, she closed her eyes and tilted her neck back to allow him access as he leant in and brushed his lips against her soft skin. She placed her arms around his neck and he untied the belt at her waist, parting the robe and slipped his hands in to feel her smooth skin, running his hands up her sides. He came to the fabric at her shoulders and was going to push it away, but he stopped as he felt her trembling and he looked to her face; a single tear rolled down her cheek and he remembered her smile from earlier in the day.

He sighed and pulled her gown back into place, retying her belt and she looked to him with complete shock. "Go to bed." He told her.

Without arguing with him she walked over to the bed and climbed in, while Syaoran turned out the lights and slipped in beside her. After a few minutes in the dark she spoke to him.

"Thank you."

Did I scare you for a moment there? Do we all want to dunk Syaoran in a mud bath (with leeches)? I'm sure Tomoyo would love to chase him around with a flame thrower at the moment.