The Li Family Affairs

Chapter 3: Friday Night

By Joocie Fruit

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Welcome back! I apologize for the long delaY! school and homework have been keeping my hands full and on top of that, life's a bitch. Please read and review. Enjoy .

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End of Chapter 2

"I don't know what to do. If those guys come back…Syaoran might not be there next time." she started slowly, "and with my magic gone, I could be done for."

"Listen I think it's just a mental thing. You haven't used your powers in five years- they might just come back tomorrow. And plus Li said he would take care of it. So you should be ok." Kero stated pointedly. He began to help himself to a serving of noodles. Sakura watched as he took 10 long strips of noodle into the blue bowl, leaving her with a little over half. Sighing, she dumped the remains into an identical bowl and took it to the table. Kero wolfed down his meal while Sakura did so little as prodding it with her chopstick.

"Hey you gonna eat that?" Kero asked between mouthfuls.

"Duh. I will I'm just thinking." she replied, a little disturbed at Kero's pig-like behavior.

"Okay what-ev. Ima go play some more video games. Just rest and I'm pretty sure your magic will return. By the way, update me on that dream." and with that, he left the kitchen, leaving Sakura alone with a bowl of ramen and dirty dishes in the sink.

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"Okay I need flour, eggs, milk, and oranges." said Sakura loud. It was early morning on Friday, and the thought of an empty kitchen was disappointing so Sakura made sure to get up bright and early to shop. Food shopping wasn't knew to her: she always did it. But in the past year, her father was sure to handle the food so that Sakura could find the time to work and study for school. He had always supported her dream of becoming a successful business woman.

Deciding to save the milk for last, Sakura pushed the rickety old cart into the fresh produce section and spied the display of bright oranges a few stands away. Maneuvering it through the walkway, she reached the stand and began to handpick each orange and placing them inside the clear plastic bag.

She came out of Hal's Grocery Market a little over twenty minutes later with four grocery bags in hand, each filled to the brim. God I need a car, she though desperately, trying someway to shift the weight. Staggering along, she laughed at the thought of how ludicrous she must've looked with two fat shopping bags in each hand stuffed with food. After a while, the weight only seemed to increase.

Meilin Li can be described in three words: playful, serious, and deadly. She happened to be Syaoran's closest cousin and the one that he turned to for help. The only setback was the fact that she thought he was…dead.

"So let me get this straight. I don't see or hear from you in five years, I'm under the impression your dead and you come running to me one morning asking for help? Does that sound right to you?" she asked, taking a sip of coffee. Syaoran did so little as watch the dregs sit in his tea cup. They were currently on the second level of Mae's Coffee House, a pleasant red building across from Cherry Blossom Park. Syaoran had personally called Meilin, and to his advantage, she was in town.

He sighed irritated with Meilin's teen attitude.

"Cut the crap. This is serious." Syaoran said. Meilin suppressed a laugh.

"Alright gosh you make everything seem like life and death." she said. She loved teasing her cousin. No matter how hard he tried to be the "I don't need help" type of guy or Mr. Serious, she always managed to get under his skin. This wasn't a surprise- she had known him for too long. Syaoran just couldn't hide his true self from her. A teddy bear surrounded by barbed wire… she thought laughingly.

"Because it is!" cried Syaoran, the heat rising in his blood.

"Okay chill. I just can't believe you're still alive. After all those rumors." Meilin said, with a tsk-ing sound at the end. She set her coffee mug back down. "My dad thought they had finished you off. I didn't believe at first but then I just gave in. it seemed likely. We use to see each other every season for training." She stared at him longingly. Syaoran ignored the look.

"It's not like Uncle Hiro would've cared." Syaoran said pointedly. Meilin nodded but then added,

"It was a stupid reason to divide our families. It just proves that power is the only thing keeping our clan alive. The whole problem really began when your father died. He was the oldest son and well, highly regarded."

"But the elders didn't care about my mother and sisters. It was only my father; nothing else mattered." Syaoran shot at her.

"The elders were always against his marriage to Yelan…" her voice trailed off.

"So they didn't care that my family was slaughtered?" Syaoran cried.

"Syaoran. They hated your mother. The elders always live by one rule - the weaker ones will always be triumphed by the stronger." Meilin declared.

"But why are these ninja's coming after me? Your 'side' of the family hasn't really been under constant paranoia. What's so important about my side?"

"Simple. You're direct descendents of Clow, thanks to your mother. By killing off your clan, they can be sure that the magic will not be passed on."

"That's the reason? To ensure that Clow's power doesn't continue on?"

"I'm pretty sure. We've always been on the good side of things. There are clans out there who thrive on darkness. It's a simple battle between good and evil that's been going on for millenniums. Since the beginning of time. This feud between our families has done nothing but leave us even more vulnerable to these attacks."

There was a slight pause. Syaoran leaned back in his chair, glancing out the window down onto the sea of people and cars.

"Well," continued Meilin, "Is that all you need?" Syaoran nodded. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Because you're my favorite cousin, I'll do it. Just don't leave me out on any action."

Syaoran forced a smile. Meilin was the best. She reached into her purse and pulled out a single key attached to a red ribbon. She slid it to Syaoran.

"That's the key to my baby. You'll need it more than I do and besides I've got more. Unlike your family, my family actually live in 2005."

At that comment, Syaoran chuckled a little. It was true: Meilin's side owned a home not too far from the city whereas his was deep in the secluded mountainside.

"Wow Meilin. I owe you." Syaoran said, "Thanks." he added.

"Your welcome. Damn right you owe me," she said jokingly. Then her tone softened, "but the bottom line is, I'm just glad your alive."

Another pause

"So have you met up with anyone?" asked Meilin, refilling her mug. Syaoran took the first sip of his tea.

"Like?"

"Hmm… Sakura?" she said mischievously.

"Not really. They used her as bait to get to me. Didn't work. I got there in time." Syaoran stated simply, trying to brush off the feeling in his chest.

"Ahh so anything happen?" Meilin asked, hoping for some juicy gossip.

"No. I vowed not to let emotions interfere. My family was killed because of these emotions. I can't let that happen again."

"Oh please cut the Mr. Superman crap. You love her." Meilin stated pointedly.

"It wasn't love. It was just the hormones of an eleven-year old boy." scoffed Syaoran.

Meilin snorted into her coffee mug.

"Haha nice. But you do love her. Or else you wouldn't be putting up with this 'no emotions' thing. You have her interests at heart."

"Whatever." Syaoran said rolling his eyes. Meilin knew this move too well. He's trying to hide his true feelings…

"Honestly Syaoran. I know you too well." Meilin said, "You could never hide anything from me. Don't deny it. You love her."

"No I don't." Syaoran lied. Meilin kept pushing.

"Yes you do."

"No. I. Don't."

"Yes. You. Do." Meilin stared intently at him. She knew it; he was about to open up.

Growling, Syaoran stopped the childish argument.

"I can't. I can't love her. It would be too risky. She's the one thing- the one thing left that I feel like I can protect. I won't fail, even if that means never seeing her again." he said to her slowly.

"You think of love like it's a bad thing. It's okay to have weaknesses. We're all human. We all have them. You know she waited for you." Meilin said, taking another sip of tea.

"What?"

"I've kept in touch with her. She never dated anyone else. She vowed to wait for you to come back."

"You mean she hasn't moved on?" he said, shocked at Sakura's commitment.

"Apparently not. She still thinks you're her number one." Meilin paused slightly, "You're just afraid. Even with all your training Syaoran Li there's one thing you can never conquer. The power of Love." The 17 year-old almost cracked up at the thought of what she sounded like. The whole situation was turning into a soap.

"I'm afraid they'll hurt her." Syaoran said his voice trailing.

"No. I think you're more afraid of love itself."

"That's bull." he retorted.

"Not really. I've seen how you are. Around me, you can talk and be yourself. When it comes to other people, you build up walls." She hit the spot. He sighed.

"But if I confess my feelings she'll be at risk. I can't allow that.

"Hah you admitted your love," Syaoran shot her the look.

"Okay okay, but think about this. The pain in your heart will never go away. You two are meant for each other. Trust me."

Meilin's cousin sighed.

"You don't know how it feels…to see your family's bodies. Their blood splattered all over the walls. If that ever happened to Sakura…" he began, "I would never forgive myself."

"And if you keep shutting her out, she'll live with a broken heart for the rest of her life. As I always say, its better to be loved and have lost it then to never love at all."

Silence was Syaoran's reply.

The anxiety of a first date was the type that made butterflies in your stomach. And that was exactly how Sakura felt at 5:45 PM on Friday night. She had lain out five outfits, unsure of which to wear. I do have to dress formal…she thought, eyeing her "little black dress- it was a halter that hugged her figure and cascaded down to her knees. But the silk green one DID bring out the color in her eyes, she said to herself as she recalled Andrew's compliment. In the end, the black won over for one reason: black makes you appear skinnier. Not as though she needed to be skinnier- it was always a plus to be one size smaller than you actually are.

An hour later, Sakura slowly descended the staircase, clinging onto the rail.

"Whoa whoa whoa. What's the big occasion?" Kero asked, eyeing her appearance.

"Oh just a date with some guy."

"Date? I thought you said you were gonna wait for-"

"I changed my mind." she said, cutting him off. Kero shrugged.

"Suit yourself. Nice dress."

"Thanks."

Using the last 15 minutes, to check her hair, which she had decided to leave down in long wavy locks similar to Tomoyo's. She decided to go for the natural look tonight as far as make-up was concerned so that she wouldn't end up looking like some monster al Halloween. Sakura's only problem were her shoes. Although they were only 3 inches high, they were very uncomfortable, almost choking her feet. But she would grin and bear it- she didn't have any other shoes to match.

At sharply 7:00 Pm, Andrew showed up at her door clad in dress pants and a blue collared shirt.

"Wow." was all he could manage when she opened the door. Sakura giggled slightly as her cheeks turned pink.

"Shall I take that as a compliment?" she implied, giving him her sweet innocent smile.

"Why shouldn't you?" was his answer as they both shared a childish moment. That's when Sakura realized her purse was missing.

"Hey Andrew…" she began nervously, looking around to see if she had tossed it on the couch; it wasn't there. " I think I might've forgotten something why don't you come in for a bit while I go get it." she finished, positive that the black handbag was lying upstairs upon her bed.

"I can wait out here if you-" began Andrew but Sakura cut him off.

"Oh that would be mean. Come in. I'll be fast." she said, leaving the door opened. Then Sakura turned and rushed up the stairs.

Twenty minutes later, Sakura and Andrew stood outside the Le Paris Grill, an exquisite French restaurant that perched upon the 7th story of a building in the center of a beautiful shopping plaza- in fact, the very plaza that Sakura had visited with Tomoyo a few days prior to. They had reached this location viz Andrew's car, a sleek silver 2005 Acura TL, which was a fabulous ride considering Andrew worked at Burger World.

They were seated at an elegant dining table for two. It was next to a 10 foot window which gave way to a breathtaking view of Tokyo at night. Just a few building tops away stood the Tokyo Tower, broad and beaming with all its glory. The whole restaurant was cast in a dim shade of maroon as its walls were this color and the only lighting was that of a single candle upon each table. An orchestra sat in the far right corner, serenading ballads that only increased the romance within the air.

The menu of Le Paris Grill consisted of foods that Sakura had not even heard of let alone pronounced. Contrary, Andrew had no problems and read each word with an impeccable accent, which Sakura couldn't help but laugh upon hearing. He ordered them both something called le fillet au poivre which their waiter translated into filet mignon with black peppercorn and brandy sauce. As soon as their waiter left, Andrew raised his glass, proposing a toast. Sakura mimicked his action.

"To…" he searched for the words, "Friday Night with the most beautiful girl in the city." Sakura giggled and modestly replied.

"Cheers to a long week gone by." she said. And so with the clunking of glasses- water of course- they drank.

Syaoran wearily tossed the red duffel onto the floor and then himself onto the full-sized bed. It had been a long and somewhat mind-opening day. And he had spent it all with Meilin who had been something along the lines of a fifth sister. Sister- the word wrung his heart as he tried to erase the images of the past that were still very much alive in his mind. Upon Meilin's advice, he had rented a room for the night in the Hilton Hotel, where he could stay until he figured out what to do. It was apparent that the enemy would follow wherever he went so perhaps where he stayed didn't matter- they would be there. Meilin assured him that she would look into his assailants after he described the black snake-like tattoo which Meilin recalled as "familiar". He even drew her a sketch as she promised to call when she received any new information. Until then, Syaoran's cousin hooked him up with a few items that he could "borrow". A cell phone, some cash and her "baby"- a enigmatic black Mercedes Benz. The 2006 CLK500 Cabriolet and a death threat if a scratch was present at the time of return. Sweet.

But the best thing she offered him was advice. Advice that you usually couldn't find in a book. Matters of the heart. In fact, as they spent the whole day together in the city, Syaoran's memories came rushing back- and he knew that Meilin knew that. The penguin slide, Tomoeda Elementary, his old apartment. She was everywhere. Everywhere he looked he saw her smile, heard her voice, haunted by memories of the past. That's when he realized something. That he longed for her. That he wanted her back. That no matter how much he tried to suppress it, tried to avoid it, deny it, he was sinking into an ocean full of her. And Meilin had known that

Syaoran bolted upright and smacked a fist to his forehead. No. I can't. No matter what Meilin says…I can't love her. It would be to dangerous… Panting, he walked into the restroom and peered into the mirror. God I look like hell, he thought and made up his mind to take a nice long shower. Tomorrow morning he would go see Sakura. They needed to talk.

" So then he says no and I just crack up." Andrew said as both he and Sakura burst into laughter. Dinner had been wonderful and the ride home was made of jokes and good pastimes. Now both Andrew and Sakura stood in front of her blue door, fully aware of what time it was. It seemed like a movie, two innocents, a romantic dinner, and then the best part of the night- the kiss. Andrew cleared his throat and spoke slowly.

"Sakura- I want you to know I had a good time tonight." He stepped closer to her and Sakura could feel her heart beat a little faster. His charm and brown eyes enchanted her even more in the dimness of her porch light.

"I had a good time too…thank you." Sakura said, still lost in his eyes. Those eyes…something about them. Andrew leaned in closer. Brown, honey like orbs. She knew them from somewhere. He was so close she could see the freckles on his face. Then, before his lips kissed hers, she impulsive pulled away. Andrew was taken aback and a little hurt by this gesture.

"I-I'm sorry." she stuttered in response, feeling the blood rush through her veins.

"No I'm sorry I totally understand-" He said, panicking a bit. He withdrew. Sakura bit her bottom lip.

"Uhm. Thank you so much. I-I'll see you on Monday." She fumbled with her keys and opened the door.

"Mo-Monday sounds good." Andrew stammered, his cheeks a pale pink.

Giving him a little wave as he walked off, a little rejected, she force opened her door and shut it fast. Falling against the wooden structure, she buried her fingers in her hair and slid down to the mat. Sakura had officially screwed up her first date. Groaning, she thumped her head against the wall. Andrew's eyes…she knew the real reason they had captivated her so much. They were a honey brown. Just like a person from her past. A person she had loved, and she realized, still loved to this very moment. Honey brown- just like Syaoran Li.

End of Chapter 3

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So what do you think? Let me know! Please review and thank you to all my reviewers so far! Please check out my other fanfics too! Love and Peace- JooCie Fruit