Are You Gonna Let Her Get Away?
Chapter 9: Stormy Weather
Acknowledgements are due to infiniteternity and Nightmares of Love for two lines borrowed for this story :)
Double Trouble: Don't Run Again, Mei Ling Li!
There is a term Army men use when things go completely wrong: FUBAR. It means, "fucked up beyond recall". Mei Ling Li didn't know that word, but before the Picayune ball was over, she would wish she did.
Mei Ling made her way through the crowd, pushing people in her eagerness to get away from Fai. Who is he? Why did he say those things? How does he know me?
If she had cared to think things over, she would have realized that she was afraid of losing control, of not calling the shots and dictating the pace of the relationship.
She had never been a good loser, though. Mei Ling looked over her shoulder. Fai was standing where she'd left him, and he was calmly watching her, not making a move to follow. He smiled when he saw her gaze on him, and Mei Ling was seized with the urge to go back to him.
And she did.
Fai smiled as Mei Ling came back. It was a calm, peaceful smile, without gloating or satisfaction; he looked as though Mei Ling had done him a favor by coming back, and he bowed to her.
"Thank you for coming back," and he took her hand in his. His hands were so warm, so firm, she thought.
"You have to tell me who you are," she demanded, hands on her hips.
Fai smiled again, realizing Mei Ling was using her temper as a shield from him.
"Please, Mei Ling, don't you remember a boy named Yuui whom you turned down in high school?"
Mei Ling had to rack her brains for this, and failed to find an answer. Fai sighed.
"I really failed to make an impression, huh?"
"Well, you sure made one now," Mei Ling retorted.
Instead of responding, Fai gently reached out and stroked her hair. He closed his eyes then raised one raven lock to his lips, and Mei Ling nearly laughed. "God, you are so corny! I've seen that in animes since I was ten!"
"But you like it, yes?" Mei Ling raised her glaring eyes to him, and found Fai looking quietly at her.
"I'm sorry if I scared you back there. You scare nice, though," he grinned, and Mei Ling found herself wanting to kiss that grin off his face. I'll give you the kiss that will make you want more and leave you here waiting for me to return…
Fai leaned in to whisper in her ear. "But Mei Ling," he said softly, "if you kiss me now, everyone will see."
Her eyes opened wide, and she took a step backwards. How can he read me so easily? In response to her expression, Fai laughed. "It's not dark magic, Mei Ling. It's your lovely expressions that tell me what I need to know. Right now you can't decide whether to slap me or to kiss me, although since the former looks like it would hurt, I'd really prefer the latter…after dinner this weekend?"
"You're not going to get away with taunting me that easily," Mei Ling snapped. "I never back down. I'm not afraid of you."
Fai's eyes were gentle. "I don't want you to be."
"Is that so? Then…" and Mei Ling raised her chin haughtily, "you will wait for me. I just have to take care of some business then we will settle this. And I will see you this weekend."
"Have a good time then," Fai smiled pleasantly. "I'll be here."
"Don't you dare move from this spot," she added. She intended to make him wait until the ball was over. Let's see how strong his resolve is, she smirked.
"I wouldn't dream of it; besides you cornered me near the buffet table so it's a good thing," he responded cheerfully. "Oh, and Mei Ling?"
"Yes, Fai?" She shaped her words around his name sarcastically. He simply moved his eyes up and down, watching her.
"I love your dress." He bowed, and turned to help himself at the buffet table.
Mei Ling snorted and turned to leave. As she walked away, Mei Ling clenched her fists. Just you wait, Fai Flourite. No one puts me off balance and gets away with it.
And yet she wanted to drag him to a dark corner and kiss that smile off his face, teach him what it meant to mess with Mei Ling Li, find out how he tasted...
Get a hold of yourself! her mind screamed at her. She refused to turn around to look at Fai again, and then bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry," and gasped as that person reached out to steady her. Something about his hold on her...
"Mei Ling." Eyes as black as night, hair as raven as her own, skin tanned to the color of mocha.
Florian.
"Impossible," she whispered, and tried to wrench her arms from his grasp. He refused to let go.
"I came here for you," he said in the husky voice that had always made her melt. But this time, Mei Ling was angry, and she pulled her arms away from him roughly.
"It's over, Florian, remember? You," and she almost spat the word out, "practically told me to go to hell."
"I'm sorry," he said, capturing her gaze in his. "I made a mistake."
"Damned right you did!" she huffed.
"I need to talk to you," he said urgently.
"Too late," Mei Ling said angrily, and tried to turn her back on Florian, who caught her left hand gently. Mei Ling growled, and tried to pull her hand away.
"Is there a problem?" Mei Ling almost sighed with relief. It was Fai, and he was smiling at Florian.
The two men sized each other up, dark gaze challenging brilliant blue. It was as if they instinctively knew, and sized each other up as rivals. The contrast between them was striking: Florian was almost six feet tall, very well built, dark, with a chiseled chin and cheekbones that made him look arrogantly handsome. Fai, on the other hand, was six feet tall, slender, blond, and rather pale; his brilliant blue eyes and languid lips gave him an open, friendly expression.
"I think you should let the lady go," Fai stepped between Mei Ling and Florian, smiling affably, though Florian tensed.
"I already let her go once," Florian said, and Mei Ling gasped. "Never again."
"I think," Fai repeated, "you should ask her what she wants. It's not like she's a piece of meat to be fought over, amigo. Besides," and he lazily indicated the crowd, "it would be bad form to embarrass her here."
Florian glared at Fai. "I love her. Can you say the same thing?"
Fai placed his hands behind his head and grinned. "Actually, yes. And probably longer than you."
Mei Ling stepped between them. "Enough! I have had enough of testosterone...and MEN...for one day! You two...just shut it and leave me alone!"
"But Mei Ling," Florian began, and Fai interrupted.
"Come on, let's go," and he smiled at Florian.
He reeled backwards when Florian threw a punch that caught Fai on the chin. "You bastard!"
"I could say the same about you," came Mei Ling's cold voice. She bent down to check on Fai, who was gingerly rubbing his chin. "Get out," she snarled at Florian.
"Mei Ling, I..."
"Stow it. You've embarrassed me in front of our guests, and you've treated a friend badly."
"He doesn't deserve you!" Florian bent forward to whisper in Mei Ling's ear, but was met with a slap that nearly spun his head around. Mei Ling was breathing hard, the rest of the ballroom had gone silent, and was watching them.
"Get. Out. NOW." Mei Ling snarled.
"I'll be back. I promise," Florian said, and he turned on his heel and left.
Mei Ling pulled Fai up. "Are you all right?"
"Remind me never to get into a fight with you," he said cheerfully. She reached up to touch his chin, and he winced. "Such predictable results when fist meets face. Not going to be pretty in the morning," he grinned.
"Oh for God's sake," Mei Ling rolled her eyes. "Come with me. Let's get you cleaned up; there's blood on your lip." She led him outside, towards the elevators, and pressed "P" for the penthouse suite.
"Why," Fai teased, "are you going to kiss it away and make it all better?"
"Why, do you want me to?" Mei Ling's eyes flashed, and she made to move closer to him. Fai laughed. Mei Ling was a kaleidoscope of emotion, brilliant emotion, and he was loving every flash of her eyes, every word, every gesture. She makes me feel alive!
"Only if you promise not to hurt me," Fai said, and smiled when she stuck her tongue out at him. He took the opportunity to slide his hand into hers.
Mei Ling guided her into the suite, and was surprised to see Tomoyo's mask still on the bar counter where she'd left it earlier. She decided to ignore it, and dragged Fai into her room, urging him to sit on the messy bed. She pulled out some cotton and poured some antiseptic on it then swiped it over Fai's swollen lip.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her touch. Mei Ling felt an unexpected tenderness towards him, and she stopped dabbing antiseptic on his bruise. She touched his tousled blond hair; it was so different from hers, even in texture. And his skin was pale, like hers, but in a different way.
"What is it?" Fai opened his sky-blue eyes to find Mei Ling looking at him with a gentle expression. She's changed again, he thought, and he smiled.
"I swear, you're impossible," she said softly.
"I know. Everyone tells me that."
"And who is everyone?" Mei Ling surprised even herself with her vehemence. Am I jealous? God no!
Fai closed his eyes and lay back on her bed. "Friends. No one special. It's always been you. I never lied about that."
"Have you lied to me about anything?"
"Yes."
"And what was that?" Her eyes blazed, and Fai laughed.
"Why don't you find out?" he said softly.
Mei Ling plunged down and kissed him; Fai gasped, and returned the kiss. Then she pulled away.
"Tell me!" she commanded.
"I lied about how much I love you."
Mei Ling sniffed. "You sound like a damned stalker!"
"You know I'm not, otherwise you wouldn't have brought me here."
"Whatever." Mei Ling pulled up her knees. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you wait so long if it was a high school thing?"
"I had to become someone you wanted," Fai said, never opening his eyes. Mei Ling sat quietly, weighing his words, and wondering if she would ever understand him.
For Fai, it was simple. He didn't care whether he understood her or not, so long as she was there. With him.
Sweet Interlude
They had been lying there, staring at the stars, quietly enjoying themselves as the night air cooled. Eriol was grateful that it had not snowed; otherwise, he would not have found a way to console Tomoyo.
Their silence was companionable; it was as if some barrier had been broken between them. Certainly it was unusual; they had known each other too long, had been together too long without any moves made towards a deeper relationship. Now that it was here, neither of them cared to question where they were really going.
But Eriol knew that after tonight, things would change, at least for him. He was beginning to understand why Syaoran had concealed his relationship with Sakura; he certainly didn't want Mei Ling meddling as he courted Tomoyo.
Guess I owe Syaoran an apology. It's the least I can do for him listening to me a while ago.
He preferred not to think of what this would mean for him and Tomoyo; he'd never been good at long range planning in his life. There was always someone like Syaoran to take care of things like that. Eriol preferred to enjoy the moment, and he was doing so, right now.
But he knew that Tomoyo was not the kind of woman who lived only for the moment. Eriol realized he would have to change if he was serious about her, and wondered if he would be up to the challenge. But this meant so much to him, and he wanted to prove himself to her.
Eriol looked over at Tomoyo. She had her eyes closed, but she was smiling. One hand was over her forehead; the other was in his. With his eyes he traced the outline of her face: forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, neck. And with a start Eriol realized that he wanted to wake up and see her sleeping beside him every morning. I actually want to commit to her, he realized, and his heart leapt at the thought.
You don't love me yet, he thought, as he moved closer, pulling the hand he held over his chest.I'm just a little more than a good friend and a lot less than a lover, for now. He nudged Tomoyo's cheek with his nose, and she giggled. It will take time for someone like you, especially with someone like me. But this time, I can wait.
Neither had let go of the other's hand, not until Eriol stretched out one muscled arm, and moved Tomoyo gently to rest on his chest, breathing in her scent, not knowing that Tomoyo was doing the same thing.
Tomoyo wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing. She knew about Eriol's insane record with women; not that he'd told her, but Mei Ling certainly made sure she knew the gory details. But she wanted to feel, to know what it was like to be with someone, and Eriol certainly had the credentials. Even if it's just for a while, Tomoyo thought. Even if it's just another fling to him. At least I can say I've tried being in some kind of a relationship. Besides, Eriol isn't the type to be hurt by something casual; if I use him, he probably won't mind.
Then Tomoyo spoke.
"Eriol?" He loved the way his name rolled off her tongue.
"Yeah?"
"Do you dance?"
Eriol winced as he thought of the 'gentlemen's classes' he'd suffered through along with Syaoran. Syaoran had managed to get the hang of ballroom dancing, but Eriol had preferred to stay on the sidelines to mock everyone else.
Should've paid attention, he thought ruefully.
"No, but I can try if you want me to," he said. "Do you want to go down now?"
"I don't know," Tomoyo said. "Part of me is worried about Yelan, but the other part wants to stay here." She turned her big violet eyes to him. "With you."
"How strange," he smiled. "Me too. Like this."
"Aren't you curious as to how Sakura and Syaoran are getting along? You saw what I saw, after all."
Eriol had to laugh. "She looks gorgeous in your gown. Trust me. And so does Syaoran in your outfit, although him I wouldn't enter in a beauty contest." Tomoyo laughed.
"But I'm more curious as to how we'll get along," Eriol said, shifting so that he and Tomoyo were face to face. "I don't want tonight to be just the night when Eriol was convenient for you. Hell, if you want me to be convenient for you, fine by me. But Tomoyo," and he touched her cheek, "I want to be with you."
"Why didn't you do this long ago, then?" Tomoyo's brow creased. Was he serious?
How should I explain it to her? Eriol wondered. Should I tell her exactly what I told Syaoran? Or should I save it for later, when I've earned her trust?
"How about," and he moved his face closer to hers, "we discuss that over dinner?"
"Depends on who's paying," she grinned.
"I am," he said. "When are you free?"
"How about Friday night?" she said.
Eriol gasped. "You want to spend New Year's Eve with me?"
"Why not?"
"It's a date," Eriol smiled, and, unable to resist, he drew Tomoyo closer and kissed her again, taking his time, relishing the way she tasted. He realized he would have to be very careful, to take his time and to go slow, because he knew Tomoyo had no experience in matters of love, and he refused to treat her like the other women he'd dated and dumped.
Just then his cell phone rang; with a curse, he lifted himself off Tomoyo, said, "Sorry, snow girl," and answered it. "She's with me. We'll be there," was all he said.
When he ended the call, Tomoyo had two questions.
"One: snow girl? And two, what's with the 'she's with me, we'll be there'?"
"Wei says Yelan wants us to take over the reception line in the ballroom. Wonder why."
"Snow girl?"
"Your skin," Eriol said simply, as he lifted a finger to touch her cheek. He stood up, and offered his hand to Tomoyo so that she could stand.
"Eriol?"
"Yeah?"
"I just want to know what it's like to be with somone," Tomoyo said.
"And I just want to know what it's like to be with someone special," Eriol replied lightly. He knew where Tomoyo was going, but he wanted to head her off at the pass. I want to commit to you; no more flings or affairs. It's you I've wanted all along, after all.
He was hoping he would have a lifetime to show her how he felt.
The Yelan Test
Yelan Li sat at the head of the table in the private room reserved for the Lis, her expressionless mask in place. Syaoran sat nervously next to her, holding Sakura's hand.
"Syaoran. Explain yourself."
In a firm voice, Syaoran said, "This is Sakura Kinomoto, Mother. I am in love with her."
"Was that public display necessary?"
"Probably not," Syaoran said. "But since she just told me she loved me," and Sakura blushed, "in response to my declaration of love, I felt…"
"You felt," Yelan said. "Did you think, my son?"
"If you're wondering if I fell blindly in love, no."
"Then you won't mind if I ask Miss Kinomoto to leave the room for a while."
Sakura stood up, and bowed to Yelan. Syaoran gripped her hand tight, then without looking at his mother, he escorted Sakura to the door and gave her a gentle kiss. "Just wait for me in the next room, all right?"
"You seem determined to show me that you love her," Yelan's voice cut across the room.
"Can't you see who she is, Mother? Can you see how happy she makes me? It's like for me, she is love; she makes me feel loved even when she is not around. She makes me remember that my heart actually beats; she reminds me that there's more to life than work and more work."
"Charming, your attempt at poetry," Yelan said dryly. "Good thing you brought work up; seems you aren't doing much of it lately. How well do you know her? How long have you been together?"
"Just about a month, Mother."
"Aren't you moving too fast?"
"Aren't you the one who told me to find a bride?"
Yelan concealed a smile. He had said it, not her.
"What makes you think she is fit to be your wife?"
"Sakura is a very desirable woman, and I think she will be a perfect mate. By my standards, Mother. Not yours. And I hope I measure up to her idea of a perfect mate as well; it would be a farce if she married me if only my standards mattered."
Yelan simply looked straight into her son's copper eyes, knowing he had more to say. Syaoran drew a deep breath, and continued.
"I know that I owe you respect for being my mother, and for being the head of our clan. But I would like to point out that after all, it is I who will be spending my life with her, if she chooses to have me as her husband. Marriage is a commitment, Mother, and I refuse to make a serious commitment to someone I don't love. I know this seems so fast, but I haven't known anyone like her. I never want to let her get away from me. Mind, though, that I will never rush her into anything she is not ready for."
"She is not Chinese," Yelan baited. Syaoran was doing well so far, and she was proud of him.
Unexpectedly, Syaoran laughed.
"Yes, she's not, and that's a good thing," Syaoran chuckled. "Because if she agrees to marry me someday, then we'll have fresh blood in this family."
"I'll judge what's best for you," Yelan threw out her second challenge. Syaoran stiffened, then replied, "No, Mother. I decide what's best for me, because in the end, I have to live with my decisions."
I've taught him well, Yelan thought proudly, while keeping her face expressionless.
"And what if you must choose between Sakura and us? What if I refuse to accept your marriage to her?"
Syaoran smiled. "I won't have to make that choice because we're not yet married. She is my priority now, true, but if she does me the honor of marrying me, then she becomes part of our family. And as you always tell me, Mother, family comes first."
"Call Sakura in," Yelan commanded. Syaoran stood up, but as soon as Sakura came in, he led her to a seat then went back to his own. When Yelan raised an eyebrow, he said, "I can hear whatever you tell her."
"No, you may not," Yelan said. "Out," she said in a tone that brooked no objections.
Syaoran bent down, and, ignoring his mother, he kissed Sakura gently. "It will be all right," he said softly, and squeezed her hand before leaving the room.
When the door closed behind him, Sakura turned to the older woman nervously. She was tall like her son, with a haughty and regal demeanor, like a queen. She cleared her throat then plunged into the speech she had hastily composed.
"Madam Li, please forgive my speaking openly, but I love your son. I know you might want someone else, someone better, but I would like for us to at least have a cordial relationship for Syaoran's sake. Please, Madam Li, I will do anything to spare Syaoran from having to choose between me and your family. I am very sorry about this."
Sakura shrank into herself as Yelan's eyes passed over her assessingly.
"He told me you just told him you love him. And yet he also told me you've known each other for only a short time. How do you account for this?"
"Er…" Sakura stammered nervously. "I don't know why, but I just do. He's the most wonderful person I've ever met, and even if I never knew he was Syaoran Li, it wouldn't matter, because I would still want him to be with me," she said quickly.
"If you were unsuitable to be his wife by our clan standards, would you agree to be his mistress?"
"Mist…mistress?" Sakura felt her eyes filling with tears. "I…if he wanted me to be…but it would hurt…I don't know…" She lifted her eyes to Yelan's. "Does this mean I can't be with him?"
"And if I told you that you couldn't?"
Sakura began to cry in earnest, and Yelan felt a twinge of guilt for testing this girl so harshly. Syaoran had held up magnificently, but from the looks of it, Sakura loved Syaoran so dearly, he was all she could see. Show me some backbone, child! No marriage to Syaoran can last if you can't stand up to me, let alone to other things that can tear you apart!
"Madam Li," Sakura had raised her chin, almost defiantly. "I think the choice should be Syaoran's, be…because h…he may be your clan's heir but he is also still human, and that human part of him is the one I cannot live without. If he does not want me anymore, then I will leave, but if I know that he still loves me, I cannot leave, because there is no one else in the world I could love, I know it. Please forgive me but so long as there is love in him for me I will fight to keep that flame alive."
Yelan smiled, to Sakura's surprise, and handed her a handkerchief. "You truly are a beautiful girl," and Yelan touched Sakura's cheek gently. "I can see why he loves you so. But I will take you up on your offer, child."
"I'll do anything!" Sakura said. "Madam, I mean…"
"Oh, soon it should be 'Mother', and that will be very soon, I hope," Yelan favored Sakura with a gracious smile. "You see, earlier, I was testing how much he loves you. And from how he answered, you should know, my dear," and she held Sakura's hand in her own, "he has never loved anyone the way he loves you."
"Hoee?" Sakura clapped a hand over her mouth when she realized what she'd said.
Yelan lost the struggle to keep her composure, and laughed quietly.
"What I ask is that you will come to the Li Manor for a formal dinner on New Year's Day. I want you to meet the rest of the Clan. And, if I may, in return, be as forward," and she leaned over and whispered into Sakura's ear.
Sakura blushed violently. "I don't think he will ask me that yet, Madam Li."
"My dear girl, just do think about it, will you? Time waits for no one."
"I…I will."
"Remember that it is not the journey but the destination. You will have the rest of your lives, if you choose. Just...don't tell him what I told you. Promise me that. You can tell him about what I asked you earlier, but not my advice. All right?"
Sakura blushed, and nodded.
"Never hesitate to talk to me if you have any doubts. I'll see you on New Year's Day then, child." Yelan watched as Sakura left the room, and smiled. It is rare to find someone so beautiful both inside and out. She came out, and was not surprised to find Sakura being embraced tightly by a relieved Syaoran. No doubt about it; the way Syaoran held Sakura, Yelan wouldn't be surprised if he upped the pace and asked Sakura to marry him soon. Now that would be nice, she reflected.
She was surprised, however, when she saw Eriol and Tomoyo walk into the ballroom holding hands. And when she saw the ruckus on the dance floor and realized that Mei Ling and two devastatingly handsome men were in the middle of it...and Mei Ling slapped one of them, hard...
Yelan rolled her eyes. When it rains, it pours, she thought.
0-0-0
Finishing story with S E&T and Mei Ling/whichofthem comes out in "The Getaway Girls" which will be the sequel XD Am amazed that I didn't get flamed for pairing Mei Ling with Fai (checks to see if I'm on fire...no, good.) Which means you might like the other fic I'm starting soon, but this will involve a sad Mei Ling trying to erase her memories of Syaoran and being comforted by another delicious blond manga/anime boy (evil grin).
Random rant: TRC chapter 179 just blew one of my fics out of the water, dammit. Now I may have to rewrite the whole "Intersections" story. ARGH. (cries)
Hugs and thanks to:
Nightmares of Love (aha! Struck a nerve, eh:D borrowed your line, as you can see!); Lolalaie89 (haha, see?); Hououza (Torment is the way to go! But as for the ending for S&S, I'm still resolving it; sigh); Pipi-chan(Did I miss an email from you? You are tempting me to put Kuro-rin in a cameo as a cranky priest, haha!); x-Melodyz-x(Story will continue with them in focus!); parma-violets(Because it's so much harder for Eriol to hold himself in, and I'm throwing him a curve ball in the sequel!); Akane-Naomi(Don't damage Eriol! I need him for the sequel! XD); SakuraLover (Mei Ling Fai Florian was planning to put Sakura in a love triangle originally but Mei Ling is much more fun!); Ngoc123 (I've actually known nice guys like that, but weird thing is, they're all dating mean girls. WHYOWHY? Life is unfair, bleh); Esa MaRie (Because Syaoran will do anything to piss Mom off! Anyway there's enough problems in E&T and Mei Ling whoever that Sakura and Syaoran can be the happy couple who watches over them XD); Teruna Hime (By using the Yelan test, haha!); infiniternity (used your line! Whee, thanks!); tennislover431 (watch out for the sequel!); munchkins604 (Yes, Florian is the guy from college, and he has a rival now!);AngelEmCuti (And here's another moment; poor Eriol, is he gonna get his heart broken for once?); Sakura to Hoshi (Now Fai has a rival, haha!); Adelaide MacGregor (welcome back! You're teaching? Absolutely cool!); lhaine07 (aw, cheer up. Things do get better, you know, even if they really stink for a while); hearts-stars(here it is!);principita17 (FFN removed your links, so could you e-mail them to me? Thanks, it's on my profile!); winterkaguya (boys ARE baka! Haha); Riley S (Gad, if Syaoran gave classes then dammit I am enrolling then kidnapping him! Kidding aside I wish guys were more like him. Sigh. If guys could just read these things...); jeong (more fluff next chap!); euphoria.bebe (can't draw worth a damn but if you've ever seen the CLAMP art of TRC in which Syaoran is in a green tunic with a dragon on it--Fai is in blue, Kurogane in red, Sakura is on the moon, literally--that's what I based Syaoran's outfit on (swoon). Imagine a grown up CCS Syaoran in that!); iNuQTpIe (here it is!); rosedreamer101 (Hey, it's not a problem. Welcome back!); y-chan (now you know who Fai is, yeah!); Blatant Subtleties (Nope, but they get to face off, and thanks for the review, aww); andKibumiWong (Still worried? XD).