AN: In the previous chapter when Sakura fainted, it wasn't meant to be a sign of weakness. She was just overwhelmed with everything that was going on that day. And with that, here is chapter 5 of Sinful Temptations.

Disclaimer: I write for the sole purpose of entertainment and reviews. CCS belongs to Clamp. Enjoy!

First Edit - August 2, 2006

Complete edit - August 5, 2006

This chapter has finally been completed. I marked the spot where many of you may have read up to in the last three days. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I did writing!

A great big thanks to Temptress Kitten. This chapter is dedicated to you!

It was silent for a moment. Crickets chirped gaily – oh, what the hell? This was Tokyo. The motorcycles rumbled lowly, followed by a massive blow of a car horn. That of course led a chain of cars - their pissed off owners beeping their asses off at the group of punkass teenagers holding up traffic – especially through rush hour. The crowds that had formed hoping to watch the notorious gang mutilate a poor teenager chattered amidst themselves, quickly spreading the current gossip of what had happened like wildfire. This was until Syaoran took the liberty of stripping his white wife-beater, drawing the gasps of many in both terror and amazement under the hot sun. It wasn't that he had a wonderfully sculpted body that was perfectly toned, though that was definitely a plus. Rather it was the bold head of a wolf that donned the lower half of his back. It was then the crowd had suddenly shut up, staring – no, gaping at the godlike human before them. Even the honking cars had stopped, the nearest one had a driver whose eyes were bulging in fear that he'd done something to piss off the most dangerous person he'd ever meet in life. Taking advantage of the moment – even though it was clear tension was high, Syaoran spoke.

"Yeah, that's her, guys. She's our leading lady of the moment. Kinomoto, Sakura - born April 1st, currently 16 years old. Her mother is deceased – due to unknown causes, her father is an archaeologist and she has a brother, Kinomoto Touya." He said all this without skipping a beat.

Sakura knew she shouldn't have, but she gaped at him. Could someone say all that without breathing? But more importantly, how did he know all this? "Are you a stalker or something?"

The group laughed, not with her, but clearly mocking her. A guy with jet black hair stepped out from the dozen and Sakura took the second to note that he actually looked pretty good. "Was she the one that fucked you up Meiling? Don't worry; she's gonna get her ass kicked." Oh-kay, Sakura took that back. He was an asshole.

Suddenly her arm felt light – she immediately turned her head to the right. Tomoyo had released her grip on her arm. Sakura opened her mouth to speak, but clamped it shut the moment Tomoyo took a step forward. Then she took another – and another, until she was standing by Eriol. So he was the boyfriend she was always talking about? Wow, Tomoyo had managed to tell her everything about him, except the fact that he was a gang member. Nice going 'best friend'. Sakura couldn't help but feel the tiny tinge of pain that stabbed at her heart, nor the feeling of betrayal. Tomoyo had always been her closest friend, how could she do that to her? But it was definitely not the time to talk about friendship, because when Sakura brought herself back to reality, she saw they had her surrounded.

"So, nice weather huh?" She knew that was the stupidest thing she could possibly say, but as Touya had taught her – Rule number 1: When in trouble; avoid the topic. Sakura swore they shot her a what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you look. Hmm, let's see. She was about to be hacked into hundreds of miniscule pieces and die a horrible death. Other than that, nothing was wrong.

Syaoran sighed, holding the bridge of his nose. "You're coming with me."

Sakura laughed nervously, "How about we stay here?" She had no intention of being brought to some deserted warehouse and being forced to snort drugs; eventually leading to her seemingly innocent death; dying of an overdose. Perhaps someone had been watching a little too much of the Lifetime channel.

He shot her a sharp look. "What did I say about repeating myself?"

Since her life was to be over anyway, Sakura decided to take the challenge. "And if I don't?"

"Then you'll get a nice whooping here before we continue with the original plan."

Ah, that made the situation better. Sakura could either get a whooping if she went with him, or get a double whooping if she didn't want to, but ultimately end up going with him anyway. And why was everybody still staring? The least they could do was call the police, and oh yeah, the ambulance too!

Syaoran began his stride to her, managing to look graceful, deadly and still totally hot in his half-nude state. Sakura wasn't sure if she was staring at the way his muscles twitched as he walked, or the unlit cigarette safely tucked behind his left ear. But what she did know was that the nerve-racking silence was terrifying her. She desperately hoped someone would sneeze or drop their textbook. Just something, anything would do. It seemed luck was on her side, because just as he crossed her five-foot barrier, a shrill ringing tore through the silence.

Suddenly, everyone looked alert. Many were already reaching into their pockets and jackets, but for what? Weapons, Sakura decided wryly. First it was keys, now it must have been weaponry. Were they really going to kill her right in public? These guys were very; very dangerous men and Sakura had only begun to realize that. She wouldn't even to begin to understand the power they held. After all, they were a gang created solely for the protection of the Li Clan and its loyal members. Okay, but perhaps Sakura was wrong about the weaponry, because instead all they had pulled out were their cell phones. The ringing continued and continued. And then it rang some more. Why won't someone pick up their goddamned phone already?

Syaoran cleared his throat, grabbing her attention before pointing out. "It's coming from your bag."

Right, that explained it. Sakura rubbed the side of her neck awkwardly, a habit she'd grown used to when she was embarrassed. She had forgotten that she had actually remembered to bring it today. With a rather forced laugh, she unzipped her bag harshly and dug through it for her phone that was still ringing. When she felt it, she immediately flipped it open.

"Hello?" But there was no reply. So she tried again. "Um, hello?"

Sakura narrowed her eyes, who had the nerve to call her and not speak? She glared at the small screen, her eyes widening when she read '1 Text Message from AOPTouya'. Crap. Hopefully nobody would realize she had just made a complete fool out of herself. But hey! Don't you readers pretend as if you haven't done the same thing before!

"AOP?" A voice distantly called out, or so she'd though.

"Annoying, over-protective Touya." A rather nice laugh sounded through the still air. Sakura briefly scanned the message.

'I can't pick you up today, Kaijuu. Don't get lost on the way home. I don't want to have to drive to Tomoeda because you took the wrong train again. P.S. Don't talk to boys.'

Sakura looked up and found that the distant voice was actually not so distant. It was actually Syaoran, who was now in front of her and reading her message.

"Hey! That's crossing the privacy line!"

He looked at her, his eyes twinkling with laughter. Obviously, he'd read it already. And for her defense, she'd only gotten lost once or twice, okay?

"It's probably daddy checking up on his little girl!" came the smart remark from the same black-haired boy. Laughter broke out once more. Even Meiling was laughing. Sakura bristled. They didn't even know her, yet they were mocking her! Oh what the hell, if she was going to die, she was going to die with her pride intact. But before she could speak, Syaoran cut in.

"You need to make a call?" He reached for his unlit cigarette.

What the hell was wrong with the guy? Was he dropped on his head as a child or something? She was about to get her butt kicked and he was suddenly concerned about a freaking text message? Sakura gave him a stupefied expression. "Why would I need to make a call for?"

Syaoran shrugged. "Call Touya and tell him not to worry."

Sakura burst out laughing. She laughed so hard, she thought her sides would split. She reached to wipe a tear that had leaked from her eye. Hah! "Not – to worry? My corpse might be floating down the river or I might end up being hacked up in ten thousands pieces by tomorrow and you're telling me that I should tell him not to worry?"

The ringing began again. It was another text message. Sakura swore she saw a few of them jump. Talk about tense.

'I'm gonna be home late and dad is out on another study. Buy yourself something to eat. And no, marshmallows aren't considered food.'

Damnit, Touya knew just how to embarrass her. Forcing a small grin, Sakura shut off her phone and stuffed it back into her bag. Now she needed something to help her stall. She didn't want to die yet, she was too young!

"Sakura!" came an eager voice behind her. Perfect.

Sakura spun around and saw Chiharu. Chiharu had always been a dense one; she usually never realized what was going on. Thank god for her though; at least Sakura still had one true friend.

"Hey Chiharu!" Chiharu seemed to finally notice the seventeen people behind her.

"Who are these people Sakura, and why are they all crowding here?"

"They're –." Sakura started. She never got to finish the sentence though.

"Her friends." came the reply from Syaoran who flashed her a cute smile. How come he wasn't this nice around her? "It's nice to meet you. Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Syaoran; I'm a friend of Sakura. I just started school here today."

Chiharu smiled brightly and extended her arm. Of course there was nothing wrong seventeen dangerous looking people on motorbikes. Of course they were dressed in dark, deadly colors because they were nice people. At this moment Sakura was glad sarcasm existed. "Hi! It's so nice to meet you! I'm sure we'll all be close friends by the end of the year! Sakura, why didn't you tell me you knew these people?"

"That's cause –."

Stupid Syaoran interrupted her, again. "Sakura and I go way back. I've recently just decided to attend school here."

Sakura glanced over at Meiling. She was clenching her fists and biting her tongue to prevent from bursting. Sakura swore Bun-head was beginning to turn purple; it would have been an interesting sight. She interjected as soon as she had the chance. Chiharu was her only hope of survival. "Well you see, Chiharu, I kinda have a problem–."

Hah, did she think Syaoran was dumb? Because no – he was not. He cut her off curtly, curling his arm against her shoulder, holding her tightly against him. "C'mon Sakura, it's time to go."

Chiharu smiled. "Well, have fun. Try not to get into trouble Sakura." With a giggle, she added, "Wouldn't want to receive a call from Touya telling me his precious baby sister was lost again! I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

Too late for that…

Syaoran was holding her so tightly against him that Sakura felt her circulation was being cut off. And why did he have to smell so good? Like sandalwood and spices. Would he notice if she sniffed him? Hmm, he probably would. She momentarily took note that her hands were on his abs, and Kami, it was a touch to behold. If he wasn't the guy that was going to kill her, Sakura was positive she would have jumped his bones the moment they were alone. She peered over at Bun-Head, Meiling or whatever. The black-haired guy was doing a nice job of restraining her. Sakura stuck her tongue out, though she admitted, it wasn't the perfect time to do that sort of thing, she just couldn't help it. Childish, but it still stirred the desired effect.

"Let me go Jin Su! Let go! I'm gonna make her regret it!" she yelled.

Jin Su clamped a hand over her mouth, which Meiling bit. He winced painfully and Sakura almost pitied him. Almost. Chiharu who hadn't seemed to notice any of this spoke, "Okay Sakura! I'm going to the library to do some research! Bye!"

"Bye Chiharu." Sakura muttered through clenched teeth. With a rather forced smile, she waved a small goodbye. This could have been the last time she'd ever see her friend.

When Chiharu was out of sight, Sakura shrugged his arm off her shoulder. "Don't touch me, ever."

Leaning towards her ear, his voice suddenly dropped a few tones as he whispered huskily, "You weren't saying that yesterday." He smirked; she knew he did because she felt it. Yes, it was impossible to feel a facial expression, but somehow Sakura knew it. Oh how Sakura wished nobody had heard his words.

At this point, Meiling had had enough. She broke out of Jin Su's grip and charged towards Sakura like a raging bull. Lesson 32: How to dodge an oncoming enemy – Just as Meiling had leap towards her; Sakura stepped to the left, sending her stumbling into the spot she'd been in just moments ago. Sakura turned around, dramatically crying out, "Oh Kami! Are you okay? I didn't see you coming!" Thank you Touya, for your wonderful lessons. See, older brothers do come in handy sometimes.

Meiling growled, narrowing her eyes before preparing a second attack. But just as she was about to make her move, Syaoran gave the tiniest nod and she stopped. Woah, Syaoran had this kind of power? He must have been an important gang member then. Meiling looked like she was about to protest, but when she saw the ain't-gonna-take-no-more-shit look on Syaoran's face, she decided against it.

"It seems our leading lady has finally had enough. Go home guys. Tomoyo take the bike." He threw his keys to her, which she caught gracefully. Eriol called out to him, though keeping his voice low, "About that thing tonight, it's still happening later?" Syaoran nodded; then Eriol nodded. Minutes later, all seventeen bikes disappeared from site, leaving them alone. The traffic they'd caused slowly began moving again. Of course, there was no one complaining. That or because the moment they did, they'd find themselves dead.

But what thing? Sakura wondered, even though it was clearly none of her business. And was it over? Just like that? Sakura was confused to say the least. She was surprised at the power Syaoran held over those people. His air of superiority was clear. It kind of, well, made her respect him. Not that she'd admit that fact if her life depended on it. She didn't know whether she should give herself a proud pat on the back for handling herself so well. The fact that she was still alive proved something, right? But she had a feeling it wasn't the last time she was going to see them. It was all because of that bitch, Meiling. Oh-ho, how right Sakura was.

She looked over at Syaoran who had put on his wife-beater once again (much to her disappointment). And again, she'd die before she admitted it. He reached out for her arm, his firm grip pulling her in his direction. "Let's go."

AN: This is the continuation of the chapter. Enjoy!
"Go where?" Her big mouth (which constantly got her in trouble) struck once again.

"Does it matter?" He hadn't even bothered looking at her. What was wrong with him anyway? Wasn't it a world-known fact that you had to look at the person you were speaking to?

"Yes it does matter. I have to decide whether I want to go with you or not." This time, he turned. In fact, he turned just so he could roll his eyes at her; clearly showing her what she had just asked was beyond stupid.

"Do you actually think you have a choice?"

Sakura glared at him. Now that they were alone, he didn't seem so terrifying anymore. And since he wasn't, Sakura was definitely going to give him a piece of her mind. "Yes, and I do. Last time I checked, freedom of choice was still intact."

He actually scoffed at her statement. Syaoran turned around once more, muttering something about having the law changed, but Sakura couldn't hear him too clearly. Instead he reached out for her arm, nearly dragging her down the street. Sakura gritted her teeth. Who did he think he was, pulling her along like a dog? She counted to ten in her mind, slowly mustering her strength and when she hit ten, she yanked her arm out of his reach as hard as she could and swore she heard a pop. Damn, she must have underestimated his strength. Sakura shrugged her shoulder a few times, just to make sure nothing was broken. Thank god. Here came the next part.

"Didn't you hear what I said? I'm not going anywhere with you until you tell me where –." He cut her off abruptly with a chaste kiss. Sakura's jaw dropped.

"You're hotter when you don't talk. Now for the last time, you're going where I'm bringing you." With that, he took her hand in his and walked. This time, Sakura wasn't objecting. Syaoran took one look at her dazed expression and smirked his infamous smirk. He always did know how to make girls swoon.

It was about half an hour later, twenty-seven minutes and fifty-four seconds to be exact when Sakura finally snapped back to reality. She had spent the last twenty-seven minutes and fifty-four seconds wondering why Syaoran had kissed her (though it probably hadn't meant a thing to him). In the last seventy-two hours, she had managed to steal his wallet, nearly prostitute herself for her dearest possession and had yanked the hair out of one of his closest (or so she assumed) friends. Yet he did it. He kissed her. And he was holding her hand. But why, she wanted to know. Why? She spent minutes watching him, studying his expressions, then another few minutes staring at the ground. Many thoughts flitted through her brain, and mind her, not all the thoughts were exactly PG-13. And before she knew it, twenty-seven minutes and fifty-four, wait, twenty-eight minutes and thirty-one seconds had gone by. Then he stopped.

Sakura looked up. Her jaw dropped for the second time that day. But there was a perfectly good explanation for this, because in front of her was none other than – the Rainbow Bridge. Sakura looked down at her feet, at where she stood. She was on the walkway. Now let's turn back for a moment, how did a person not notice themselves walking toward a bridge with a span of five-hundred and seventy meters? That my dear, we shall never know.

"What – How – W-when did we get here?" Sakura was obviously too stunned at the moment.

"Just now."

"How?"

Syaoran gave her a strange look, yet he answered her dumb questions nonetheless. "We walked."

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, Syaoran began walking again. "Where are we going?" Sakura asked him. She had no choice anyway, seeing as he was still holding her hand.

"Through the bridge."

Sakura rolled her eyes this time. "No, I already know that, but where –." He interrupted her.

"Then you know enough." Then again, silence enveloped them, for about fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds anyway.

It was then Syaoran stopped dead in his tracks. Sakura looked around, noting they were on the center of the bridge. The Tokyo harbor gleamed before her, shining beautifully under the setting sun. She glanced over at Syaoran, and allowed a small smile to cross her face. He looked more gorgeous than ever with the deep blue water behind him. But a small scowl was etched onto his features. Sakura looked in his direction; she didn't see anything worth paying attention to. She heard it though, a soft rumble. It grew louder and louder, coming in their direction. She finally spotted four figures in the distance, on four large motorcycles, driving toward them at ninety miles per hour. Wait, motorcycles weren't allowed on the walkway. It was illegal. She turned to say something to him but instead she saw him tense. Were they his friends or something?

He turned to her, and she swore a flicker of fear passed through his eyes. "Run."

"What?" The rumbling grew, until Sakura could both see and hear they were almost there.

"If you want to live, run, now." What the hell was he talking about? Syaoran shoved her, causing her to stumble back a few steps. But she couldn't find it in her to run away. Hadn't he brought her here after all? Now he was getting rid of her?

The motorcycles stopped a few feet before them. The four men hopped off with ease and then Sakura realized what he was talking about. Two men were carrying metal batons. One twirled it in his hand, the other tapping it against his shoulder threateningly. Their helmets were still on, so Sakura couldn't see their faces. The other two looked harmless enough, until they both pulled out a set of guns, immediately cocking it and pointing it at them (or Syaoran). One finally took his helmet off, his face twisted into a cruel sneer. His spiky hair was dyed blond and there was a long scar on his cheek. She hadn't seen him earlier, so they couldn't have been friends. Her heartbeat sped up, she was nervous. What were they going to do?

"Uh, they aren't your friends, are they?" She whispered to him, hoping the others wouldn't hear.

"Last time I checked, no. See that scar on his face? I gave it to him just last week." Sakura glared at him when she heard his voice laced with pride. Finally they spoke up.

"What are you doing without your gang, Li Syaoran?" said Scarface.

"Don't you know it's dangerous being alone?" His voice was muffled though, seeing as his helmet was still on. But the metal baton in his hands seemed menacing enough.

"Who's the little girl behind you? Your newest whore?" Sakura wanted to tell him off, but decided against it when he pointed one of his guns at her.

"Run." Syaoran told her for the third time.

"What about yo–." There was no time to complete her question, because one of the men released a stray bullet. The others began their approach and Syaoran urged her.

"Run." This time, Sakura listened. She turned and ran as fast as her not-as-long-as-she-would've-liked legs could carry her. She heard another gunshot go off, the bullet hitting the bridge rail just inches away from her. Sakura closed her eyes, running faster. She sure as hell didn't need anymore encouragements. She heard a groan, but she couldn't decipher whose it was. But it couldn't be Syaoran right? Her heart thumped against her chest, so loudly that Sakura heard it ringing through her ears. What should she do? Should she call the police? Would it be too late? She reached for her bag, only that there was no bag. She vaguely remembered throwing it down before she ran. Damn.

Sakura stopped when she was far enough so they couldn't reach her. Yet she was close enough to hear the effects of the fight. She crouched down, shutting her eyes upon hearing yells and painful groans. Her feet felt like jelly. She was panting for breath. But she had no time to notice any of this. Would Syaoran die? He couldn't, right? He wouldn't, she decided, reassuring herself. Then Sakura heard a third gunshot pierce the air. She let out a sigh of relief. It probably hadn't hit anyone. But then followed a strangled yell that she was sure came from Syaoran. Her heart pounded loudly, she almost thought she couldn't breath. The most unbearable part came next, dead silence.

He was dead.

AN: The end … of the chapter, anyway. No seriously.

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Alright, alright. I'm just kidding. Keep scrolling down.

He was dead. The three words rang continuously in her head. It was all because of her, starting everything, that Syaoran Li was dead. Sakura raised her arm, clutching her heart. It was beating painfully. What was going to happen now? Would they come after her? She waited, for seconds or minutes she didn't know. Then she heard laughter. It was sick and twisted, maniacal laughter ringing the air. She snapped.

It hadn't been fair, four against one. Of course Syaoran would have lost. If Sakura hadn't run, perhaps he wouldn't have died. Anger coursed her entire body, sorrow and vengeance forming inside of her. She couldn't let someone die for her, not again. Her nails dug into her palm, forming deep crescents. Her knuckles were turning white rapidly from clenching her fist. She wouldn't let him die for no reason. She stood up, feeling power sift through her. What was the seven letter word for vengeance? Revenge.

She ran, faster then she ever thought she could. She ran and ran until she spotted them. Syaoran's body lay motionless, bloodied and battered. Yet they were still kicking him mercilessly. "Hey fucktards! Over here!" She yelled out before she even knew what she was doing. But it was beyond that now. They turned to her, obviously surprised at her actions and she charged. She picked up the metal baton that sat innocently on the ground, tearing at them at full speed. They, who were too shocked to defend themselves, found it too late as the baton came at them forcefully. They raised their arms to dodge her blows, but damn that girl was stronger than they'd expected.

Sakura's mind was filled with nothing but thirst for payback. They would regret the moment they drove by. She didn't know what she was doing nor the danger she was getting herself into, but it sure as hell didn't stop her from attacking them. She dealt blows, pounding them senselessly. She briefly thought of Syaoran, and the image of him with his eyes closed and unmoving was enough to fuel her anger. All rational thought fled. For a moment she thought she heard protests from the four, but she didn't care. She was relentless in her pursuit. Sakura lifted the baton again and again, hitting the men before her and dodging their attacks. Once again, Touya's lessons had paid off. Then, one of the men dropped a gun. She dashed for it, picking it up and pointing it at them. They held up their hands in surrender, but hey, a life for a life, right?

She dropped the baton, using that hand to support her other that was shaking. Sakura had never used a gun before, but today was going to be her first. Her hand was unstable and shaky, her finger rested on the trigger, lightly, but she was afraid to click it. She took a deep breath, it was for Syaoran, and she chanted the mantra quietly to herself. Sakura closed her eyes, feeling a dash of bravery ignite. She stabled herself, ready to pull the trigger. "Sakura, stop."

It was the same deep voice she recognized to be Syaoran's. What the fuck? She shook her head, she was imagining things now? But then the voice came again. "Sakura! Sakura, snap out of it!" She raised one hand to her head, what the hell was wrong with her? Had she finally gone insane? Her hand began to tremble again. "Sakura! Calm down!" She felt someone shaking her, and whipped her head around. Syaoran! Her heart leapt with joy. But wait, there was something wrong here, wasn't he suppose to be dead? Wasn't he supposed to be in pain? Because somehow; his posture didn't match someone who was on the brink of death.

"Damn Li. Where the hell did you find her? She's fucking crazy. You owe us for this." The man held his cradled his arm gently; not at all soothing the immense pain he was feeling.

Sakura stared stupidly, looking at Syaoran then the four men. Then something in her mind clicked. Syaoran, the fucking asshole, had set her up! She watched dumbly as the four men picked up their dropped weapons. They returned to their motorcycles, starting the engines before driving off as if nothing had happened. Sakura turned to Syaoran, whose arms were still on her shoulders. She bit her lip, and then slammed her fists against his chest. "What the fuck is your problem Li!" That conniving son of a bitch had convinced her they were actually in danger!

A small grin graced his features, his eyes full of pride. How the hell was he still smiling? Sakura suddenly hated him, hated him for stirring up so many emotions within her. She hated him for using her, toying with her. She hated him for looking so smug after doing something so despicable. And she hated him even more for having that affect on her. Suddenly her eyes brimmed with fresh tears. "Was that your idea of a fucking joke? Did you enjoy seeing me go fucking crazy because I thought something fucking happened to you?" The small grin fell off is face.

"Look, before you start going out of control –."

Sakura laughed harshly. "Going out of control? Going out of fucking control?" The first tear leaked, and she scoffed. "Have a nice life, Li." She picked up her bag that lay a few feet beside her, swung it over her shoulder and began her journey home.

"Sakura!" He jogged, catching up to her easily. "Let me have my say first."

She snapped her head in his direction. "Say? There's nothing to fucking say. You had your little piece of fucking fun with me and now it's fucking over. Now leave me the fuck alone." He nearly winced at her words. Hell hath no fury a woman scorned.

"Sakura," He began again, "I know you hate me but –."

"Hate you?" Sakura cut him off. "I fucking despise you, you fucking retard." Syaoran sighed, running a hand through his messy amber hair. Ugh, he needed to get rid of the red paint in his hair as soon as possible. He cut in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. He placed his arms on her shoulders, willing her to look at him, but she merely shrugged him off. She looked tired and exhausted, as if she had suddenly aged twenty years. "What?" She spat out. "What else do you fucking want?" Her voice was softer now, her tears evidently spilling. Had he made a mistake? Was she not as capable as he had estimated her to be? It was too late anyway. What's done is done.

"Say two words." She looked at him, took a deep choked breath, and willed him to continue. "I accept." I accept? I accept? What the hell was he playing at now?

"Accept what?" Her voice was laced with pain. "Accept the fact that you made a complete fool of me? Accept the fact that I'm the biggest dumbass in this fucked up world?" She croaked her next words. "Or do you want me to accept the fact that you made me feel as if I was watching my mother's death again?" Syaoran wanted to ask her what had happened to her mother, but decided against it. "Whatever it is," she continued, "I accept. Alright? Now please, just let me go."

She pushed past him, continuing down her path. Syaoran stood there, a bit shocked at her semi-confession. What had happened? When he had Rika search up her information, he'd known her mother was deceased, but the reasons were unknown. No, he decided. He wasn't going to push for information about someone else's mother. He turned around, watching Sakura disappear into the sunset. When she was almost out of sight, she paused. He stiffened, just in case she turned around.

Sakura closed her eyes, forcing herself to rid of the memories of her mother. 'Never let them see you cry.' had been her last words. She bit her lip, carefully wiping at her tears so Syaoran wouldn't see. She clenched and unclenched her fist, pushing the pain down and storing it into the deepest part of her heart, just as she always had. She flashed a smile to nobody in particular, then turn around she did.

"Um, what exactly did I agree to?"

Syaoran cleared his throat. Well, now that she was asking, this was a different story. "You're officially a member of The Wolves." He replied with a smirk.

Sakura wiped the tears away from her eyes and gaped at him. "What the fuck? I did no such thing and I sure as hell didn't agree –." Boy, he loved interrupting her.

"You participated in the whole ordeal back there and you're telling me you didn't agree to it?" Now this was the Sakura he had expected to see; fiery and obstinate.

"But you fucking tricked me into it!" She argued.

"Did I? You agreed to it the moment you left with me." "It wasn't as if you gave me a choice." He heard her say. But he continued. "During the whole test, you could have run away easily like I told you to, and I would've let you go. You proved your bravery when you stepped up to Meiling. Those who know of The Wolves know never to challenge us, but you did. That only means you've agreed to join us. Not only that, but you proved your loyalty when you came back for me. If you hadn't, it would have meant you weren't worth it."

Sakura stood, absorbing the new information. 'But I didn't know about the Wolves' she wanted to say. But she didn't. In fact, she regretted not running away. She regretted letting her feelings get in the way. She should have ran and never looked back. But no, her heart had suddenly decided to play little-miss-caring, forcing her to be concerned over a guy who wasn't worth her worry. Damn him. "You're the biggest asshole I've ever met." was her comeback she could think of.

He crossed his arms, smiling smugly. "Tell me something I don't know."

"You're a prick."

His smug smile grew into a smirk. "If I had a dollar for every time someone called me that, I'd have ten dollars."

"Only ten?" Sakura challenged. It was hard to keep the smile off her face, even though her heart was still faintly throbbing. She had learned to control her emotions, or hide them, many years ago.

"It would have been twenty, but some haven't survived after calling me that." If only Sakura knew how true those words were.

Sakura shook her head with a playful smile, as if she were looking at a child who was found stealing cookies from the cookie jar. She turned, and began walking home once more. Giving her own infamous backhanded wave, she nearly paused when he spoke again.

"One last thing, remember what you were wearing yesterday?"

Sakura didn't turn around but she answered anyway. "No."

"The jacket I had my hands under when we –." She immediately stopped him before he could speak any further. Sakura hoped she wasn't blushing.

"Oh yeah, I remember now."

"I thought so." He said with a deep chuckle. "Check the pockets." Sakura swore he was smiling, but she willed herself not to look back. 'Look forward and never look back.' But who knew? He really was.

AN: Sorry for my sudden disappearance (as some of you may have noticed). I lost my muse for awhile, but I'm back! For awhile anyway. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and waited patiently for an update. Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon! Remember to review, review and review.

Until next time,

Descension.