Way to the Top

by FoxxFeather

[SxS] It was a lesson learnt in Syaoran's life not to judge a book by its cover. He enters the world of fashion and drama, a place where a man shouldn't be. He knew that when he sees his boss, a complete turn of events. Just read the reviews. [R]

11. The Idiosyncrasy

WAY TO THE TOP

By Freya-Wings

Chapter 11

Gratitude aside, I look forward to hear from all readers about this chapter. It's been a great pleasure writing this and I am sorry for not answering your reviews this time around. I am currently on status waiting for my student permit. I'm going to CANADA!!!!

Disclaimer:

CCS is owned by Clamp, is and always will be. Characters are not mine… except for Yuuki Edwards and his father as well as the plot. So if I have to say that again I'll cry.

Dedication:

Dedicated to those that have passionately stayed put in my stories and continue to read and review. I love you so much. And for the new readers that have reviews. Thank you.

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Chapter 11: The Idiosyncrasy

Last Chapter:

'Because I also love you too,' Sakura whispered loudly enough for him to hear. Syaoran knew he was dreaming. It was too real to be true.

'So how could you affect me so much?' Sakura said in a broken voice as more tears fell down her cold cheeks.

Syaoran swiftly put aside his troubled thoughts and his astonishment and grasped Sakura's hands. He brought his lips to hers and hungrily kissed her dear cold lips. It never felt more right to have Sakura in his arms as she kissed him back. They held each other, grasping their soaked garments as they poured each others feeling into a wordless poem.

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The only witness to last night's unpredictable turn of events was the drops of rain. It was a momentum for Syaoran as he awoke from his slumber, slowly tagging his surroundings with his sleepy eyes. He felt warmth on his chest and saw with immense pleasure, a sleeping Sakura.

Syaoran fidgeted as he tried to get out of his bed without waking Sakura. He shifted slightly and let her soft hair spread on his pillow. He sat silently and smiled. But a sudden mental kick hit him and realized there were more important things he needed to do.

Climbing out of his bed he felt his nose plugged. Yesterdays encounter in the rain made his body worse. His head spun and felt the virus spreading all over his body. Taking careful steps out of his bedroom, he quietly closed the door and stepped into the kitchen to make him some coffee.

'Quite a moment you had yesterday,' a sweet voice interrupted the silence.

Syaoran nearly banged his head against the cupboard as he glanced at the intruder. Mei Lin was standing behind him with her white night clothes as she yawned and sat on the kitchen counter. 'Can you make some for me too?'

Syaoran nodded, 'thank god you found me before I collapsed. Yesterday I nearly scattered my vomit across the kitchen floor.'

'Please don't talk about vomit at this time of day,' Mei Lin groaned, 'I know how sensitive you are with flu.'

Syaoran chuckled, 'I remember that night I got the most outrageous flu. It was like, my nose had swollen up to a size of an apple.'

Mei Lin giggled, 'you were the red nose raindeer.'

Mei Lin sighed as she remembered her childhood. Syaoran came into her family when he was 5 years old. She was always timid and shy but when Syaoran greeted her with his adorable smile, Mei Lin understood she shouldn't be afraid of him. He was so friendly and kind and soon they became the close of friends

Many years had passed since Syaoran and her father disputed a few weeks after Syaoran's mother's death. Yells of anger could be heard in his office room as Mei Lin struggled to sleep in her bed.

Not long after the long conflict, Syaoran disappeared from the house. He kissed me goodbye in my sleep. I was very lonely later on, the smile and laughter that Syaoran had brought to her house had vanished into thin air. He was 15 years old when he ran away. Five years later, here he was, living together with his best friend, pursuing his career and falling in love with his boss.

'Syaoran,' Mei Lin whispered, 'so what are you going to do.'

Syaoran paused before he turned to look at her. His eyes administered his wavering confusion. It was a contest for him now. Of the entire burden he established in his life, he was about to make the hardest decision of all.

'I love her so much Mei Lin,' Syaoran spoke with a husky tone, 'and I have been thinking about this for a long time.'

Mei Lin struggled to keep her eyes from watering. It had been forever to see Syaoran land on two feet. He looked so frail and subdued, a submissive composure.

'Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure…' Syaoran whispered as he stared at his coffee, 'life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

Mei Lin bit he lower lip as Syaoran spoke those words. 'Mother said that,' Mei Lin barely whispered. Syaoran made a small smile.

'Yeah,' Syaoran sighed and closed his eyes, 'worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow…'

'It only saps today of its strength,' Mei Lin continued for him. They both looked into each other's eyes. It had been a long time Mei Lin hadn't seen those electrifying eyes. He was determined.

'I'm going to see him Mei Lin,' Syaoran stated as he took a sip of his coffee, 'I'm leaving today before Sakura wakes up. I'd rather not make it questionable.'

Mei Lin bit her lips again. She wasn't sure if Syaoran's decision was the best, but so far nothing was reasonable. But she respected Syaoran's decision. It would take him great courage to do what he was going to do. Finally sighing, Mei Lin nodded in approval.

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Sakura found herself on a familiar bed. She glanced around and recognized the smell of this room. She made a small smile and picked herself up from the bed, putting back her clothes on she threw away that night.

Grinning sheepishly, she came out of his bedroom looking very excited. But all she saw was Mei Lin, sitting on the kitchen counter. 'Good morning Sakura-san. Here have some breakfast.'

Sakura listened to her humming as she took a step forward, 'where's Syaoran?' Sakura asked in curiosity.

'Oh, I think he's running some errands. You know how hectic Thursdays can be. It's his struggle at the gallery,' Mei Lin said with a cheerful and almost fake voice.

'Hm,' was all Sakura could say, 'and what about Eriol and the others?'

Mei Lin giggled, 'well he's gone to his adorable girl friend's apartment and it seems like he won't be coming back anytime soon.'

Sakura paused and bit her lip. When she woke up that morning, she wanted to touch Syaoran for the last time. She wanted to talk about everything. It hurt her to think she would have to stop seeing Syaoran. No matter what, sacrifices should be made and this time, it was her turn to press on her life. She had to stop loving him. As much as it would hurt her, she had to stop loving him.

Sakura sighed as she took a cup of coffee offered from Mei Lin. Sakura managed to give her a small smile, but she couldn't hide her disappointment.

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Syaoran felt his heart struggling to keep still. It was 12 in the afternoon. He had taken a train ride to his hometown. He could see many people getting in and out of the speed train. The afternoon was damp and cloudy. He stood in the middle of the train station, aware of his purpose.

He slipped on his hat and walked into the cold weather, searching for a cab. He witnessed the sun behind the grey clouds and watched as it disappeared slowly. As Syaoran fortunately got a cab, he went inside and stated his directions.

All he could do now was pray and gather his courage. He was about to meet his past and ask for help. Syaoran knew it was inappropriate. But he had to do what he had to do. It was now or never.

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Sakura was disappointed. There was no sign of Syaoran anywhere. Mei Lin didn't seem to worry much about Syaoran's whereabouts but Sakura knew she was hiding something. She sighed as she entered her apartment. Despite all her misfortunes, there was still work to be done. Sakura felt anger in her heart as she struggled to open the locks of her bedroom.

The room was neat and tidy as she remembered before. She pressed on the button to the receiver and asked for tea. 'Can you please bring a cup of tea in please and don't forget biscuits,' she spoke to the receiver with a tired voice.

Sakura walked into her office room and saw a pile of work papers that needed to be done. Great, Sakura thought to herself, and all I needed was all the support I can get but I don't see any of you Syaoran.

Sakura mentally kicked herself and sat down on her office chair, the familiar feeling of higher power absorbed in her body. Her mind worked to switch her emotions. She breathed in the smell of new paper and closed her eyes. She will think about this later on, first was her job and she had to finish it by the end of the day.

Kicking away her troubles behind, she started to go through her paperwork, deliberately pushing away the thoughts that would lead her to her problems.

She could picture her brother's terrorizing voice and Yuuki's fiery eyes, but she ignored them.

Sakura will find a way out. She will.

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Syaoran felt his body plummet to the concrete ground, his brain smattered across the floor when he entered a large and elegant building. It was like a huge tidal wave blew Syaoran off his feet. The front of the mansion was made of pure marble. The ceilings painted by famous artists. Syaoran remembered the time he visited the new mansion, Salvator Musili was painting his ceiling with warm and yet bold colors, the painting of angels.

The door opened and a rather arrogant looking butler, in which he didn't recognize, clad in his black suit greeted him with an elegant bow.

Syaoran gulped and nodded in approval.

'You may enter,' the butler said in a rich British accent and opened the tall and large white door to allow Syaoran to enter the most luxurious lobby he memorized when he was a small child.

The floor was of magnificent reddish color, stream of light entered from the skylight, revealing the grayish sky. Along the walls hung famous paintings of artists from the days before he was born, some was worth more than millions of dollars.

The butler disappeared into another room as Syaoran glanced around at this familiar building. He walked past the grand staircase and into a living room. He remembered the smell of tobacco as it drifted to his nose.

Smiling to himself, Syaoran entered another room, this time another living room but with a more casual feel. There were large TV sets, a set of play station and his favorite games. He glanced around and saw the pool table, still brand new, polished at the end of the room. There was a large bean bag chair next to a pinball game.

Syaoran glanced around, remembering his solemn childhood. He darted to the wide round window and saw the peculiar grand swimming pool, the dark sky turning the color of the pool greenish blue.

Syaoran woke up from his trance and bit his lip. He ran back to where he came from. He passed the door leading to the living room and paused to catch a glimpse of the dining room, where it stood unchanged since the last time he saw them. He then sprinted into another living room and into the lobby.

The butler was waiting for him with a masked sour face. Syaoran felt a little sheepish, letting his childish behavior take over.

'The master will see you now,' the butler said again with his accent as he turned and walked slowly up the grand staircase.

It took Syaoran some very heavy steps as he walked up the staircase. Every step felt like he was taking a leap closer to death. No matter how many times he tried to calm himself, he had never felt more shaken in his entire life.

A sudden flash of Sakura's sad eyes and face interrupted Syaoran's thoughts and he paused.

I am doing this for you. I promise I will fix everything

With a new strength in his heart, Syaoran walked with more confidence and determination.

The butler finally stopped him in front of a giant oak door, old and yet grandeur looking. He knocked on the door. When he heard an answer from behind the door, the butler glanced at Syaoran and nodded.

Syaoran smiled, as if reassuring himself of all his actions. He remembered those oak doors. It was a way to tell strangers who enter this domain that the person behind this door was powerful and relentless. But Syaoran was no stranger. He took a step closer and entered the room.

To his own humor, the room never had changed. It was the same as ever, since the last time he set foot in this room.

It was a small room and had a tall ceiling, emphasizing dominance. The carpet flooded the floor, a signal of silence. The curtains still hung majestically over the wide and large windows, impeding the sunrays from intruding.

Syaoran felt small amongst all its luxury and power and yet he stood bravely in front of a large desk, with a black leather chair facing the wide window.

There was silence.

Syaoran wouldn't breathe a word. He did not want to sound desperate and deprived.

'What brings you here?' a strong and deep throaty voice interrupted the silence. There was a slight British accent to his tone of voice.

Syaoran remembered that tone, brave, strong and intimidating. It was the voice of a powerful business man. 'I am here to seek your help,' Syaoran spoke with a willful tone.

The man behind the chair did not speak a word. Syaoran knew it was his turn to speak.

'I know perfectly well that I have no authority to stand before you, or even step foot in your territory. I had doubted you and challenged you with my childish behavior,' Syaoran continued with a brave voice, a voice in which no longer sounded youthful to the man's ears.

The man behind the chair turned around. Syaoran remembered exactly those piercing eyes behind those small rimmed glasses. His face was neither young nor old but the wrinkle in his eyes confessed his lack of youth. There was white hair mediated amongst his long black hair. He wore a long cloak, dark and intimidating.

He stared boldly at Syaoran, striking him with a piercing gaze, 'you are stating the obvious.'

'I know very well that it is not my place to ask of your favor,' Syaoran continued without letting down his gaze at the man before him, 'but you are the only person left in my life that could help me.'

There was a pause before Syaoran continued, 'I will do anything in return for this favor. The only thing I ask of you is this, no more.'

The man sat still, then he bent forward, placed his hands together while letting his elbow on the grand teak desk.

'You have facilitated yourself to a high price,' the man spoke with a low dangerous tone.

'And you are a businessman,' Syaoran answered without flinching.

The man chuckled slightly, creating a tremor in such a small room. 'Indeed I am,' he said boldly, 'and you are?'

Syaoran paused before he answered, 'I am a young man, who has stood upon his principles.'

'Did your principles assist you in giving yourself up to a higher power?'

Syaoran gave a hard stare, 'yes it was. I trust this is the price that I will have to pay.'

The man gave a rather evil smile before saying, 'what is your matter?'

Syaoran gave a small sigh. It was neither relief nor pressure. All he needed to do was to be convincing.

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Sakura knocked rapidly on Syaoran's apartment door, a worried feeling coming over her.

The door opened to find a startling Eriol. Sakura sighed desperately and said, 'where is he?' before walking into the apartment.

'Okay, I am tearing myself apart here. Am I the only one who is worried?,' Sakura walked into the room and slammed her pretty Hermes bag disgustingly on the kitchen counter before turning to face a startled Eriol, 'I mean, hello, I'm not stupid. You know something that I don't know. Tell me or I'll---'

'What's going on?' Mei Lin walked out of the room with a worried expression.

'There's a raging Sakura I think,' Eriol gave a look at Mei Lin.

'Mei Lin,' Sakura gripped onto Mei Lin's shoulder's tightly, 'you know where he is right. Please tell me. It's already 8 at night. He couldn't have possibly not told us anything if he is leaving us for this long hour. I mean, we have to search for---'

'Enough,' Mei Lin yelled, 'snap out of it. He is not in any kind of danger.'

Sakura stared hard at Mei Lin. 'I knew there was something you were hiding from me. What is it? Tell me.'

Mei Lin sighed and glanced at Eriol who bit his lip. She then looked back at Sakura, 'okay, why don't we sit down for this.'

'What? Why?' Sakura demanded. Mei Lin placed her hands on her hips, 'because you are being hyper. There is nothing to be so hyper about. Syaoran is just going away to meet his father… well… our father.'

Sakura was silent. She couldn't say a word. Her eyes then popped open,' wait, you've mislead me here. Syaoran's parents died in a car crash.'

Mei Lin rolled her eyes, 'yes and that's what he tells everyone because he doesn't acknowledge my father.'

Sakura stared at Mei Lin in confusion, 'you lost me there. Why would he say that?'

Mei Lin sighed, 'it's a long story but basically it all happened a few years ago, when Syaoran was 15 years of age. That was when his mother died, well, our mother. Syaoran's mother was married to my father. We had been brothers and sisters since we were 5. My father was not around much and Syaoran soon forgotten he ever had a father.'

Sakura sat still as she listened to Mei Lin's story, 'but that night when we heard the bad news. Syaoran suddenly changed. He was no longer happy and cheerful. He and his mother were very close, until my father interrupted his life. It was like a surprise really, an intervention you might say. He was suddenly in his life, proclaiming he was Syaoran's father and that he should obey all his rules.'

Sakura felt strangely hypnotized by her story as Eriol stood quietly behind the kitchen counter, obviously knowing the story.

''it was like hell really. Every night these two individuals would fight. Syaoran wanted to lead his own life while my father had already created a future for him. It was an understatement, it was an obligation for Syaoran to lead the life my father has created for him. It was torture. Syaoran's passion was photography.'

Sakura chuckled. 'It sounded like a complete opposite of what I had in mind.'

'He's just there to give his father an apology. That he had chosen a path he wanted to take,' Mei Lin said reassuringly, unknown by Sakura that there was something else behind the purpose of coming there in the first place.

Eriol sighed, 'there's nothing to worry he's coming back soon. What's more complicated now is your situation.'

Sakura gulped and whispered, 'I do have a situation but it is best to let it go.'

'What do you mean Sakura-san,' Mei Lin said as she grasped Sakura's hands slowly.

Sakura sighed, 'I don't think there is ever going to be another chance with the marriage between me and Yuuki Edwards. I have humiliated him by storming out.'

Eriol gazed down to the floor with a pang of guilt, 'I wish I could do something. It was my fault in the first place. Such a scandal I have made.'

Sakura glanced at Eriol and realized there were more people involved in this that she had ever imagined.

'Well I haven't completely forgiven you yet,' Sakura said with a small smile. Eriol chuckled slightly.

Mei Lin held on to Sakura's hand tighter and spoke with a reassuring tone, 'why don't you go home and have some rest. You look like you've put your mind into a lot of stress. It's not healthy. Tomorrow, we'll figure something out. In the mean time you need some rest.'

Sakura sighed and realized Mei Lin was right. It was a long day for her and she needed a rest. As long as the others knew that he was safe, Sakura was slightly relieved.

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The next morning Sakura awoke from her slumber was because of a loud ring of the telephone. Sakura groaned and shifted in her bed. She glanced sleepily at her watch. It was nearly time to get up.

Sakura picked up the phone and spoke as politely as she could, 'Kinomoto speaking.'

'Sakura,' a rather annoying voice spoke at the end of the receiver, 'I hope you have counted your blessings.'

Sakura closed her eyes and felt like groaning, 'yes Touya. What could you possibly want at this time of hour?'

'Have you not woken up yet?' Touya sounded annoyed, 'there are no other possible modifications that you have the effort to do in order to diminish your guilt?'

'I have, it's called working for you,' Sakura said, trying not to sound angry.

Touya paused before continuing, 'I want you to come to my office today. There is something special I want to talk to you about.'

Sakura frowned. Her brother sounded a bit 'happy.' Before Sakura could utter a reply Touya spoke rapidly, 'I will see you at 10,' and hung up the phone.

Sakura glanced back at her watch and decided a few more minutes of sleep won't hurt…

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Later on in the morning, Sakura had finished beautifying herself in front of the mirror and had chosen the perfect outfit for Touya's raging day. It was not a routine for Sakura to re-enter Touya's office and been told off for her lack of hardship. This time, Sakura knew there was something else behind Touya's invitation.

Sakura glanced at her watch and grabbed her purse before walking out of the room.

As soon as she neared the street corner of his office Sakura wanted to make sure she was ready mentally. Sakura felt that something bad was about to happen.

As she entered the lobby, people greeted her with a fake smile as she pretended to smile back.

'Good morning Kinomoto-san,'

'Good morning'

'How do you do?'

'It's a pleasure to see you.'

Clumsy statements became inaudible as she entered the lift. Sakura sighed as she straightened her white shirt.

Touya's assistant greeted Sakura as she exited the lift. Sakura nodded and followed him. She neared a large oak door as the assistant knocked and motioned for Sakura to enter.

As soon as she was in the large cold room, she saw Touya who was sitting at the end of the table. He motioned for Sakura to sit in front of him.

'What is it that you want Touya,' Sakura said as she sat down.

Touya chuckled, 'you have to cease your temper sister. There are games afoot.'

Sakura gave a frown and heard a knock on the door. Touya looked at Sakura and warned her, 'you are about to meet a powerful man. He had come to ask for this personally so please act your very best.'

Sakura frowned in confusion as the door opened and a middle-aged man entered. He looked old fashioned but with a certain youthful dignity. Behind those small rimmed glasses Sakura could see a pair of intelligent and intimidating eyes. Sakura could sense he was powerful just as he walked through the door.

Sakura had to hold her breathe as the man entered as walked towards their direction. Touya walked to him, signaling an invitation gesture, 'thank you for coming Li-sama.'

Sakura's heart gave a wild thump. Did he just say Li-sama?

Touya shook the man's hand and politely gave him a place to sit. Sakura was a little confused and startled that she didn't notice a certain glance taking her over.

The man sat himself in his seat as an assistant bravely served him some tea. Sakura didn't dare to look at him in the eye. There was something strangely overpowering. Touya gave a large smile, 'it is indeed rare to have you here. May I ask what is the matter of this invitation?'

The man gave a chuckle and spoke with a low and domineering voice, 'I have come a long way. I am here to ask for a single favor of opportunity. That is, if you still have it.'

Neither Touya nor Sakura said a word. The man continued, 'I have an interest in your company.' The man spoke slowly and captivatingly, making sure everyone heard his voice.

Sakura suddenly looked up and was greeted by a pair of piercing eyes. She was shocked to find such depth in his eyes. It was a whirl pool, sucking the very soul of Sakura. He was a man of power and it scared her to see a man with such gaze.

'You do realize what I am offering,' Li-sama spoke again as his assistant handed Sakura and Touya a binder.

When Sakura opened the leather binder, she couldn't believe her eyes. There it was, her opportunity. As if God had accepted her prayer. It was written in bold. The sum of money larger than what the Edwards had offered.

Sakura wanted to cry. She glanced back at the paper, not trusting her eyes. there was a surge of life that she had not felt in years.

But when she stared back at the man's eyes, he was gazing back at her, as if silently understanding the situation.

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Phew... That was as fast as I could. I haven't checked it. All I wanted was to have it finish by tonight. So here it is. I hope you like it. yes it is short and boring but the end is yet to come so hold on... LOL

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I LOOK FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU

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With love,

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FreyA-wings

BIG HUG

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xXx oOo