Syaoran sighed heavily as he read through the report Eriol had just handed to him regarding the investigation into what Akio Nakamura was trying to do. It didn't make much sense to Syaoran, but he seemed to be trying to break the seal on Sakura's magic and somehow transfer some of the power to a different vessel. He wanted to prove that it was possible to achieve without either person dying.
But, it wasn't.
Sakura nearly died from having the seal weakened so much and Tomoyo was lucky she didn't have her body contaminated with magical power prematurely. They were both lucky to still be alive.
"And what will happen to him now?" Syaoran asked, referring to Akio Nakamura.
"He's going to be locked up for quite a while-The MCF found evidence that he had been experimenting on numerous people, all of whom turned up dead." Eriol explained.
Syaoran nodded. "Good. That's one problem off my mind."
Eriol raised his brow. "Having trouble with Sakura?"
"One of the doctors who works at the hospital has taken an interest in her. She's even told him she's happily married." Syaoran replied, tossing the file on his desk.
Eriol smiled, "What are you going to do?"
"Sakura wants me to leave it to her."
"And you're just going to let her?"
"I trust her not to do anything stupid. So, yes."
Eriol looked concerned. "Take my advice. Don't."
"Sakura would kill me."
"If you don't step in soon, she's going to get hurt." Eriol said.
Syaoran sighed heavily. "Are you saying Sakura is incapable of handling the situation herself?"
"That's not what I mean. She's just fragile at the moment."
"I know she is. You don't have to remind me." Syaoran murmured.
Eriol sighed. "I need to get home to Tomoyo-neither of us are running on much sleep at the moment, with the twins and all."
Syaoran smiled, "I imagine so."
"See you later." Eriol said as he stood, and Syaoran nodded.
After seeing him out of his office, Syaoran walked back over to his chair and sat down. Eriol's words played over in his head, like an annoying noise that couldn't be turned off. Syaoran knew better than anyone else just how fragile Sakura was. It was because he knew, that he had agreed to let Sakura handle it herself. That way, she'd have a degree of some control back on her life.
"Shit..."
"Am I interrupting you?"
Syaoran looked over to see Sid standing at his door. He frowned, "You should knock."
Sid looked apologetic, "I did. Twice. I don't think you heard me."
"Sorry. I was just thinking about something." Syaoran murmured.
"Is everything okay with you and your wife?" Sid asked hesitantly.
"Hm? Yes. Sakura's just having a rough time at the moment. Now, what did you need?"
Sid smiled, "A err, odd little case has come up. The information is in this file."
He handed Syaoran the file, who opened it and scanned through the contents.
"Alright, thank you." Syaoran murmured.
He looked up when Sid didn't catch his note of dismissal. "Is there something else you need?"
Sid smiled. "Oh, no. Sorry to have bothered you."
Syaoran watched as Sid left the office, and he frowned, wondering what he was up to.
Once he had finished work for the day, Syaoran headed home but couldn't find Sakura in any of her usual spots. He wondered if Ami might know where she was, and so he headed back downstairs to the kitchen.
He got his answer when he walked in, Finding Sakura covered in flour and what he assumed to be egg. She didn't seem to care, though, as she kneaded out the dough, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"Sakura?"
She looked up, surprised. "Syaoran-you're home!"
"What's with the mess?" he asked, covering his smile with his hand.
Sakura's face turned red. "Umm...my first few attempts didn't go too well." She confessed.
"Where's Ami?"
"She's just gone to get some groceries." Sakura replied.
"Okay," he said, struggling not to laugh, "Make sure you have a bath before dinner."
"Oh hush, you." She mumbled.
He left before she could hurl something towards him and headed up to the lounge to relax for a while.
…
Syaoran snapped awake when the phone rang. He rubbed his eyes as he reached over to pick up the phone. It was a colleague reminding him of the upcoming conference, something he'd nearly forgotten about. He was going to be away for a week at most. As he hung up, he looked over at Sakura, who appeared surprised.
"You're going away again?" she asked.
He nodded. "Sorry, I was going to tell you, but I got side-tracked."
She walked in and sat down. Syaoran could tell that she had been in the bath, and she had changed into her sleepwear.
"How long will you be gone for?" she asked.
"About a week."
She lowered her eyes. "Okay."
He smiled apologetically.
"Syao? Can I..."
He looked at her curiously, waiting patiently for her to continue.
"It's nothing. Sorry to have bothered you." She mumbled.
"You're not bothering me." He reassured her.
She smiled.
"Come here." He spoke softly.
She blushed and walked over to where he was sitting, lowering herself down to sit on him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her body a gentle squeeze.
"You seem troubled."
Sakura bit her lip. "Well...it's about that man who kidnapped me and Tomoyo." She confessed. "What did he want?"
Syaoran sighed. "He was experimenting with finding a way to transfer magic from one person to another." He explained. "It's impossible to do, and because of the dangers and threats it poses, it's been named as forbidden."
Sakura sat there numbly. Both she and Tomoyo had nearly died.
"Why don't you go and see Tomoyo tomorrow?" Syaoran suggested.
Sakura nodded. "I think I will..."
He tucked some hair behind her ear, "Sakura, you're safe now. He can't hurt you or Tomoyo anymore."
Sakura smiled a little, "I know."
Syaoran still looked concerned and unsure. "There's something else on your mind. What's wrong?"
This time she blushed and fidgeted anxiously. She opened her mouth to speak several times, but nothing came out.
"Sakura?"
"...children..."
"Hm?"
This time, she composed herself. "I've been thinking about children," she said softly.
"Are you worried about the kids at the orphanage?" Syaoran asked.
She shook her head, "That's not what I meant. I mean, children of our own."
He watched her silently for a minute as he processed her words.
"I've been thinking about it for a while," she admitted, "I wanted to talk to you about it earlier, but then Tomoyo and I got abducted..."
"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yes, though I am a bit scared."
"What about?" Syaoran asked.
Sakura smiled. "All of it, really. The change, whether or not I'll be a good mother, what could go wrong in childbirth." She confessed, "It's just scary."
Syaoran smiled back. "You've been thinking about this a lot?"
She nodded. "I'm scared, but I still want to try."
"Well, we don't need to right away. Don't feel pressured."
Sakura smiled gratefully, "Thank you."
"For now, if it happens then it happens. I just don't want you to feel like it must be done now. You've been through a lot."
Sakura continued to smile. She was grateful that he was thinking about her first, that he wanted the best for her wellbeing as well. She had been scared to ask about it, scared that he might add extra pressure to her, but he didn't.
Sakura leant in and kissed his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too." Syaoran replied softly as she rested her head against his.
Sakura felt herself relax in his arms, the tension in her body disappearing completely.
...
Tomoyo had just finished putting her twin boys to sleep when Sakura arrived, so it was just the two of them.
Sakura had been watching her sister for a while. She had seen how Tomoyo loved and cared for her twins and how happy she was despite their ordeal with Akio Nakamura. She was a little jealous, to be honest.
"You seem really happy, Tomoyo. I'm glad for you." Sakura smiled.
Tomoyo returned her smile. "It's exhausting, but it's worth it. I could never regret having those two boys."
"How are you feeling though? You were discharged just a few days ago, right?" Sakura said.
Tomoyo grimaced. "I'm still recovering, to be honest. But I can recover here at home. There are others who need that hospital bed more than I."
"Try not to overdo it, okay? I'm happy to come around and help you when you need it." Sakura smiled.
"Thank you, Sakura, I do appreciate your offer. But don't you have some things you need to sort out yourself?"
Sakura smiled awkwardly, "Well, you see..."
Sakura explained about her conversation with Syaoran, surprising Tomoyo. Tomoyo thought over the information, and then smiled softly. "You two have really come a long way. I'm glad."
Sakura blushed. It was true-a year ago, she never would have thought that she'd be thinking about having children, let alone with Syaoran. A lot has changed since then.
"Well, there's no rush, really. And Syaoran seems quite content for now. But what about you?" Tomoyo said.
Sakura fidgeted with her teacup. "I'm happy, but sometimes I do feel like something is missing in my life." Sakura confessed, "Just one thing..."
Tomoyo smiled with a look of understanding. "I understand."
"Now, if I could just get Sid to back off... I asked Syaoran to let me deal with him, but I don't know what I should do. I think Syaoran's getting really worried."
"And so he should be! Sid is still pursuing you despite your obvious rejections." Tomoyo frowned.
Sakura bit her cheek anxiously. She needed to think of something, and soon.
...
The morning Syaoran had to leave for his conference crept up rather quickly on the young couple. Sakura leant up on her toes and kissed his cheek before he left.
"Stay safe, okay?" he pressed with extra concern.
"I will, I promise. You stay safe too." Sakura smiled.
He could easily tell she was still exhausted and tired from their rather active night before. "You should go back to bed and get some extra rest."
She raised her brow, "And whose fault is it that I'm tired?"
Syaoran smiled. "You're partly to blame."
She rolled her eyes. "Get going-or you'll be late."
He chuckled, "Alright. See you in a week, love."
She watched with a smile as he left the house, and once he was out of her sight, she decided to take his advice and get some rest.
Sakura spent most of her day cleaning, once she was well rested, and it was the same for the next two days as well. She knew that the maids were there to do the cleaning jobs, but Sakura didn't feel like going out and she didn't want to be sitting down all day either. So, she had decided to clean. The house was going to sparkle by the time Syaoran got home, she decided.
But, the cleaning was just a convenient excuse for her to avoid Sid... Who happened to show up uninvited on the fourth day.
Sakura stared at him with disinterest. "Syaoran is away on a conference right now. I'm afraid work matters will have to wait until he returns." She said and went to close the door.
Sid stopped her, "Wait-I just want to talk with you. Please?"
Sakura gnawed her inner cheek. she decided she could use the chance to tell him to stop with his advances.
"I'm listening." She said.
"Er, can't I come in?"
She narrowed her eyes. "I distinctly remember telling you to stay away."
Sid sighed. "Listen, I never intended to make you uncomfortable. But...can't we at least, I don't know, try something? Your husband doesn't have to know-"
"Stop right there." She snarled. "I love Syaoran. I would never, ever do anything to hurt him. So, you can forget it-"
She was cut off as he pushed through the door and pinned her against the wall.
"Sid, let me go!" she snarled.
"There's no one here to help you." He said, "What does he have that makes him so special? Just what is it about him?" he asked desperately.
Sakura sighed. "Let me go, right now."
"Answer my question." He replied coldly, slipping his leg between hers.
Sakura felt her blood drain from her face. "Sid, get off me!" she shouted.
"Not until you give me what I want."
"That will never happen." She spat.
He narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure about that?"
Despite the terror crawling up her spine and her trembling body, Sakura glared at him. She didn't let Syaoran have his way with her, and she wouldn't let this creep do as he pleased with her either.
"Compared to Syaoran, you're nothing." She hissed.
"Excuse me?" Sid narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"You could never hope to live up to him-"
He cut her sentence off with a rough kiss. Sakura struggled against him, but he had both her hands pinned above her head with one of his. He used his other hand to loosen the front of her dress and he slid his hand in, cupping one of her breasts.
Sakura froze. She felt bile crawling up the back of her throat. She had to do something.
He bit her lip and she whimpered, scared. She felt tears burn her eyes. Was she really going to be raped in her own home?
He removed his hand in favour of lifting her dress above her knees. She felt his fingers graze her thigh for a moment, and she completely froze when she felt his fingers probing at her core. She struggled beneath him, petrified, but he was stronger than her and had all the power.
There was nothing she could do. She was powerless...
"Get the hell away from my sister-in-law!"
Sid was yanked away from Sakura's body. Sakura's eyes flew open.
"Sakura, honey, are you okay?" Tomoyo rushed to her, in her arms her twin boys.
Sakura fell against the wall and to the floor.
Eriol glared at Sid with complete disgust. "You'll force yourself on someone who made it clear she had no interest? You're disgusting."
Sid grinned, "She was asking for it."
Tomoyo looked at him with hate. "She wasn't asking for anything!"
"Tomoyo, take Sakura to the lounge and call the police department." Eriol said, "I'll keep an eye on him."
Tomoyo nodded, "Come on Sakura, let's go sit down in the lounge."
Slowly, Sakura found her way to her feet and mindlessly followed her sister to the lounge. Her mind was spinning. At some point she sat down in her usual chair while Tomoyo sat across from her.
"Sakura?"
Sakura looked up, "Sorry, did you say something?"
Tomoyo looked at her with concern. "I just finished calling the police. Do you want me to call Syaoran?"
"No! Don't...he's at an important conference. I don't want to be a distraction."
"Honey, this is hardly a distraction."
"Please-don't." Sakura pressed. "Please."
Tomoyo sighed softly. "Alright. Is there anything I can get for you? A hot cup of tea, perhaps?"
Sakura smiled, "That would be lovely."
"Okay, well, I'll leave the boys with you until I get back, okay?" Tomoyo stood and placed one of the twins on the couch and handed the other to Sakura.
Sakura took the baby boy into her arms and smiled. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully, which was a relief. Tomoyo left the room, leaving Sakura to enjoy the company of her two nephews.
It didn't take long for Tomoyo to return carrying Sakura a hot cup of chamomile tea. She set it down on the coffee table and then smiled, "How is he?"
Sakura smiled softly. "As peaceful as can be."
"Aki is definitely the more peaceful of the two. Ame is quite restless most of the time." Tomoyo sighed.
As if on cue, the infant started to wail. Tomoyo reached over and picked him up, trying her best to calm him.
Sakura watched her sister with a sympathetic smile. "I hope I don't have twins. You're amazing, being able to look after these two."
Tomoyo laughed. "Trust me, I barely know what I'm doing half the time. I'm always second guessing myself."
"You're a wonderful mother." Eriol said as he walked in.
Tomoyo blushed. "You always say that."
"But it's true." Sakura smiled.
Tomoyo looked at Eriol expectantly, "The police?"
He nodded, "They just took Sid away."
Tomoyo nodded and then looked to Sakura, who seemed to have zoned out, too busy watching her nephew. Eriol looked at Tomoyo, the two of them sharing a look of worry for Sakura.
"Sakura, did you want me to stay the night?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura smiled, "Thank you for worrying, both of you, but I'm fine."
"But-"
"I can look after myself." She snapped.
Silence fell.
"Sorry, we didn't mean..."
Sakura took a deep breath and shook her head. "Don't apologise. I'm sorry for snapping at you." She smiled. "Thank you for caring."
"Of course. We're family." Tomoyo smiled. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
"I know, thank you." Sakura said softly.
It was late by the time Sakura had managed to convince the two to go home. She neglected her food, mostly picking and poking at it, until she decided to go and sit in the lounge. She sat hugging her legs up to her chest, watching the flames flicker back and forth. She could still feel Sid's hands on her skin, making her feel sick to the stomach.
She looked over at the phone next to her. She didn't want to be a disturbance, but surely it was okay just to hear his voice...
Sakura picked it up and dialled the number Syaoran had given her before he'd left, and she waited patiently as it rang.
"Hello?" Syaoran answered, but he sounded tired.
"Sorry, if you're tired I can call at a different time...?" Sakura mumbled.
"Sakura? No-it's fine." He answered immediately.
She smiled as she twisted the cord around her finger. "How has the conference been?"
He groaned.
"That great, huh?"
Syaoran chuckled. "Well, it's not terrible. But it is very tiring."
Sakura smiled. "What are you doing now?"
"Nothing, actually." He replied. "I was reading, but now I'm talking to you."
She giggled.
"How are things with you?" he then asked.
Sakura hesitated for a split second. "Everything is fine. Eriol and Tomoyo visited this afternoon with their boys." She replied, "They're very cute. Not so much when they're screaming though."
Syaoran laughed.
"It's late, and I'm sure you're exhausted. So, I should let you rest." She said.
"Not so fast." He stopped her, "Is everything really alright?"
"Syaoran, I'm fine. I promise." She pressed.
He was quiet for a moment, and then sighed softly. "Alright. I'll see you in a few days."
"I love you." Sakura replied softly.
"I love you too."
She hung up the phone and then buried her face in her knees. Selfishly, she wished he was home now.
...
Syaoran sat in thought as he stared at the phone. Something wasn't right with Sakura, and he was worried something had happened. He could sense it through her voice. So, he decided to call the one person who might know.
He tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Eriol to answer and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally did.
"Eriol, it's me."
"Syaoran? What's so urgent? Aren't you at a conference?" Eriol answered with surprise.
"Sorry to bother you. Sakura just called me, but something seemed off about her. Do you or Tomoyo know if anything happened?" Syaoran replied.
Eriol sighed heavily. "She didn't tell you herself?"
"Tell me what, exactly?"
"I don't know if this is my place to say, but I'll tell you anyway. I doubt Sakura will tell you..." Eriol murmured hesitantly. "Sid was at your house today."
"And?"
"He tried to rape Sakura."
Syaoran felt his face turn white.
"Luckily Tomoyo and I caught him before it got...but I doubt Sakura sees it that way." Eriol murmured. "She didn't want us to call you because she didn't want to be a distraction to you."
"A distraction? This is hardly a distraction!" Syaoran shouted.
"I know, trust me, I do. Sid is currently being held by law enforcement until you return."
"If I could have it my way, I'd kill him." Syaoran snarled.
"We'd both like that."
Syaoran took in a deep breath and released it slowly. "I have three days left. I can't leave..."
"Tomoyo and I will make sure she's okay. We'll check in on her again tomorrow-I think Tomoyo wants to take her shopping." Eriol reassured him.
"Thanks. I'll try and get home as early as I can."
After saying goodbye to Eriol, Syaoran hung up the phone and buried his face in his hands. He couldn't even begin to imagine what Sakura must have been feeling. She kept herself closed off from others, and she never allowed anyone to treat her as an object. Hell, it had taken him months before she would allow him to touch her. So, having her barriers suddenly broken to pieces the way Sid had...
"Sakura..." he whispered her name with anguish. He regretted not stepping in to make sure Sid knew his place. "...I'm sorry."
...
Sakura was exhausted. She knew that Tomoyo and Eriol were just trying to help her, but as much as she hated to admit it, it was only making things feel worse. Thankfully Syaoran was due home in the morning and she would finally get some relief from Tomoyo and Eriol's constant badgering. She loved them-she really did-but even she had her limits. With a soft sigh, she rolled over and turned off the lamp to go to sleep.
The carriage pulled up outside the manor as dawn broke. Syaoran was eager to get inside and see his wife, hoping she was okay. Leaving the maids and houseworkers to take care of his luggage, Syaoran headed inside and straight upstairs to the bedroom.
Sleeping peacefully in the bed and hugging his pillow to her chest was Sakura. Syaoran smiled softly as he walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
Sakura roused, and she furrowed her brow. "Syaoran...?"
"Hey, I'm home."
She smiled and rolled over, "It's early. Come to bed." She pulled him in by his tie and kissed him; he returned her passionate kiss and followed her lead as she removed his clothes and he removed hers.
They lay in each other's arms, enjoying one another's presence. They kissed often and caressed each other, until finally they fell asleep.
…
Syaoran woke later that morning to Sakura's warmth beside him, comforting him as he lay there. She looked so happy as she slept peacefully in his arms, totally undisturbed. He kissed her temple softly and tucked some stray hair behind her ear.
His smile faded as he remembered the grim news Eriol had told him. If he ever saw Sid near Sakura again, he would make sure his career would fall flat on its face and give him several reasons not to hurt or be near Sakura ever again.
"Mm..." Sakura groaned in her sleep, her brow furrowing.
Syaoran gently cupped her cheek and her face eased into a much gentler expression.
He stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying laying there with her snuggled close, and he smiled when she woke.
"Morning sleepyhead." He greeted.
"Mm...you're warm..."
Syaoran chuckled.
She opened her green eyes and she smiled tiredly. "Can't we just stay like this all day?"
"What? Naked in bed together?" he laughed.
A soft blush dusted her cheeks. "We can't?"
He gently shifted his weight, so he was on top of her. "Are you sure?" he asked teasingly.
Her eyes were glazed with love and lust. "You know I hate it when you tease me-what are you-?"
Syaoran cut her off with a kiss as he continued his ministrations to her body. Her toes curled into the sheets as he brought her to another climax and she moaned softly. He smiled, pleased.
"Sakura..." he whispered her name as he nuzzled her neck affectionately.
She threaded her fingers through his hair, holding him closer to her body.
He pulled away after a moment and she whimpered at the loss of contact. She watched as he stood and walked into the bathroom; he returned a few moments later with a bottle of moisturising cream.
"Lie on your stomach," he said.
Sakura looked at him sceptically and he laughed. "I'm not going to do anything weird."
She sighed softly and did as he asked. She yelped when she felt something cold drip onto her back.
Syaoran spread the cream across her back and started kneading out the tension in her muscles, making her sigh in bliss.
"We should probably get up soon." He said, "Otherwise you'll starve."
Sakura blushed. "Oh, hush you."
He worked through the knots in her shoulders and then started on her mid back.
"What did you get up to while I was away?" he asked curiously.
"Cleaning." She replied.
"The whole house?" he asked incredulously.
"Except for your study." She said, "I didn't want to cause you any trouble."
"Thank you." He smiled.
"Syaoran? I..." she spoke hesitantly, catching his immediate attention. "While you were away, Sid came here."
He sighed softly. "Eriol told me what happened."
Sakura froze. "O-oh."
"I was worried the night you called me, so I asked him if something had happened." Syaoran confessed. "Are you angry?"
"I'm not angry." She said. "I'm sorry. I said I could handle it, but I just ended up causing you more trouble."
"Don't apologise. He'll pay for what he did."
"What will happen to him?" She asked quietly.
"I don't know yet. But I'll let you know."
"Okay..."
She was quiet for a minute and Syaoran brushed his lips against her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly.
"I'm still struggling to process what happened, to be honest...I'm not sure how to feel."
"That's understandable." He said softly. "Just know that you're not alone. Don't go through this alone-I'm here by your side, always."
It suddenly felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her chest, making Sakura feel relieved. She smiled softly.
"Thank you, Syaoran."
...
Syaoran stood waiting for the police chief to take him through to the interview room where Sid was waiting. Honestly, Syaoran wasn't happy with the punishment Sid was given, but it wasn't surprising. There weren't any laws in regard to rape or sexual harassment against women, so he was being let go with a slap on the wrist. So, Syaoran had to remind him of his place and who he was messing with.
The police chief appeared and nodded to Syaoran. "I wish we were meeting under better terms, My Lord."
Syaoran smiled stiffly. "Yes, I too."
"Please, come through." The police chief gestured for Syaoran to follow him. "His butler arrived with the money to bail him out, but I told him that since you have higher authority, he couldn't be released."
"Good."
They came to a stop at a door and the police chief opened it, allowing Syaoran to go inside. Sitting handcuffed to the table was Sid. He looked up and met Syaoran's cold expression with a lazy smile.
"To what do I owe you the pleasure?" Sid asked.
"I think you know why I'm here, Sid." Syaoran replied.
"She was asking for it."
Syaoran sighed heavily as he sat down. "I once thought the same way as you, until I met Sakura and got to know her."
Sid just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Sakura would never even think of acting promiscuously, or even flirt, in public. She's too modest." Syaoran explained.
"She didn't have to. It was all in her body language."
Syaoran narrowed his eyes dangerously. "Here's the deal-you will stay far away from Sakura. You will not speak with her or stand in the same room as her."
"And what will happen if I do?" Sid laughed. "There's no laws in regard to touching women."
"I will make sure your status, money, and job are completely stripped away from you and your family." Syaoran replied flatly, holding eye contact with the man. "You do realise that being part of one of the three governing clans, I can make that happen quite quickly?"
Sid suddenly paled.
Syaoran smirked. "Don't tell me you didn't make the connection?"
Sid said nothing.
"So, you'll never go near her again. Understand?"
Sid nodded.
Syaoran stood, "You picked the wrong family to mess with, Sid."
Hello! I'm glad to see that you all enjoyed last chapter, lmao. So I'm not sure how many more chapters there will be, but it might take me a while to get the next chapter up-sorry! I think at most there will be five chapters left? Maybe? We'll see.