I'd like to thank the people who have reviewd so far. Here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 4
Dark glasses reflected the brewing storm clouds that were heading in from way out on the horizon. A big gust of wind blew honey-brown bangs back from a tanned face. The sleeping figure that was laying on her back on a towel listening to heavy bass music, twitched and sat up with a start. Sakura pushed her glasses down her nose and frowned at the nasty looking wheather that seemed to be heading their way.
" Hmmm . . . " she growled in disappointment. Already the wind was pushing her lose strands of hair back and she could see the lightning in the clouds.
The computer screen jumped and Li looked up and out the balcony doors at the brewing storm. He looked down at the screen as it balked again and then he looked at his watch. It was only five o'clock. He saved his work and the shut down the computer and stood, cringing at the cricks in his back and neck. He walked to the balcony and let the wind brush against his face. He let the freshness wipe away the tiredness from a hard day's work.
He watched as people, mainly tourists, scrambled back up the beach and back into the hotel. Some, who were locals he guessed, took their time getting to shelter. He looked at his watch again and decided he might as well go and get an afternoon snack. Sakura would burst back in any moment now full of energy and already to tell him about the day that she had had. So he had better have something to distract her enthusiastic garble and give her time to catch her breath.
Smiling he grabbed his wallet and his jacket and walked out of the room making sure to lock it behind him.
Sakura packed up her things when she felt a cold shiver go up her back and she became aware that she was no longer alone. She looked up startled and met Torin's gaze. She let out the breath she had been holding and the smiled warily.
" Lovely wheather isn't it? " she asked.
" Definitely lovely. " he replied and bent down and helped her pick up her stuff. " You heading in? "
" Umm - yeah. " she said throwing her head back and looking at the dark clouds. " It would be wise. "
" Couldn't agree more. " he said and smiled. " Come on. We better run for it. "
Sakura heard a gushing noise that sounded like wind coming at them at a fast speed and them blinked when rain suddenly started pelting down on them. Sakura shrieked and raised her arms above her head and bolted after Torin. They skidded to a halt in the foyer of the hotel and turned to watch a spectacular show of lightning as it danced across the sky.
Sakura met Torin's gaze and smiled woefully.
" Guess that ruins my plans for the afternoon. What a bummer. " she sighed.
" You could come join me and my friends for a drink. " Torin said. " You're always welcome to join us. "
" Thanks, but I think I need to go dry off. " Sakura replied and took her stuff from him. " Maybe some other time."
" Sake wait. " he said and she turned to look at him. " About before. I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn I - "
" Forget it Torin. " she said and smiled faintly. " I'll talk to you later. " she said as she walked off.
Sakura walked down the corridor brushing the rain droplets off her arms. She was slightly soaked and her hair was starting to curl. Thunder boomed and she cringed as she started for the elevator. She was approaching it when she heard it ping and dove for the opening door.
" . . . anyway I personally believe no one could be any better than the three of them put together. . . "
Sakura didn't have time to step out of the way as the people in the elevator stepped out. They crashed into one another and sakura stmbled back. She looked up and met a pair of familar eyes and corridor seemed far to quiet. The man ran his gaze over her and then recognition filled his eyes and then he cried out and jumped back at the same time that sakura herself did.
" Jamie! "
" Ying Fa! I mean Sak - emurguff! " Sakura's hand clamped over his mouth as she pushed him into the elevator.
" What are you doing here! " she hissed as the doors closed. She hit the emergency stop button and looked at him.
" What do you mean 'what am I doing here?' What are you doing here! " he demanded.
Sakura realised that someone was watching her and her gaze shot to the other person in the elevator. Her eyes widened.
" Alex! "
" Heya babe. Miss me? "
" Oh my God! Are you all here? " she asked looking from one to the other.
" It's funny that you should ask that. " Alex said smiling. " Jamie was just telling me that he would give anything to see you and the other girsl dance like you did at the club once more. We've missed you. "
Sakura laughed nervously and shook her head.
" Are Lexi and the others here too? "
" You betcha. " Jamie smiled. " What are you doing here? What? What's wrong. " he asked when her smile faded.
" You can't be here. " she said sadly. " You can't be here around me. You could get hurt if I'm discovered here."
" Sakura are you in some kind of trouble again? " Jamie asked seriously. Sakura looked away from them sadly.
" You can tell us about it you know. " Alex said softly.
" I can't. Li would kill me if I involved other people. " she replied.
" Li? Isn't that the cop guy that helped you before? " Jamie asked frowning as the name rang a bell.
" Yeah, you were staying with him." Alex said watching her.
She nodded.
" It's a long story. But I think you should stay away from me in case you get seen with me and - " she stopped when Jamie took her hand and Alex took the other. She looked back and forth between them.
" Ying Fa - " Jamie smiled at the remembered name. " We are your friends. You can trust us. "
Her emerald eyes watched them and then a light lit them from within and she cried out in happiness as she hugged them both. Suddenly, a beeping sound started and then a man's voice came over a speaker.
Is anyone in there? Sakura jumped back startled and looked around her. Jamie smiled and then pushed the button and spoke into the speaker.
" Yeah there are three of us in here. " he replied.
Ok don't worry. We'll be getting the lift up and running in no time. It's not the first time that it's blacked out during a storm -
" Actually it's not due to the storm. " Jamie winked at Sakura and she frowned puzzled. " Sorry buddy but my friend and I got a little carried away with our female friend here. " he hit the resume button and the elevator lift started once again. " There we go. All fixed. "
Sakura went bright red and then covered her mouth as the guy on the other end started to yell at them. The door pinged open and they walked out onto the floor, the doors closing on the guy's angry voice.
" You guys are incorrigible! " she laughed. " It's nice to see that some things never change! "
" True! Good to hear that laugh again hey Alex? " Jamie said smiling.
" Tell me about it. " he smiled in turn. " How about we go and get a drink eh? "
Sakura looked down at her wet bikini and curling hair and shot them a look that clearly said 'I don't think so'. Jamie and Alex shared a smile and then dragged her off with them to go find the others.
-------
Alexis, Astalte and Leiko sat at a nearby table that looked out at the storm. They watched the waves crash against the shore and listened as the thunder drowned out the music playing in the bar. The wondered where the boys had gotten to. They had gone off over an hour ago and they hadn't seen or heard from them since.
" They're probably drooling over the swim wear again. " Astalte said dryly as she sat back and sipped from her drink.
" Honestly. " Leiko sighed. " You'd think that they'd find something interestng to do. "
" What I find funny is the many males that think swim wear is a sport. " Lexi snorted.
" Of course it's sport. " Jamie said. " How could it not be? "
" Oh please, spare me. " Leiko said dryly. She caught his grin and sat up straighter. " What have you done now? "
" If it's another fan crowd of drooling females, " Astalte shot them a look. " Count me out of helping you get free of them. I got my share last time. "
" No. It's an even better surprise! " Alex said and motioned for them to get up and follow.
" There better not be men in uniforms waiting out here to cart you guys away again for perving. " Leiko said.
" Nope. It's even better than that. " Jamie grinned crazily as he lead them outisde.
" I'm not paying any more fines. " Leiko said shrewedly. " I mean it. "
" It's nothing like that I swear. " he said and motioned for them to look.
They were standing outside where the mist from the rain clung to their skin. It poured down the gutters of the roof where it hit the pavement and ran down the stairs to the hotel. The three girls looked up and saw familar emerald eyes, a cheeky grin and the short curly hair just as a loud crash of thunder rumbled across the sky. They sucked in their breath and huge grins spread across their faces as they realised who the surprise was.
" SAK - EGARUFF! " They shot the boys furious glares as they covered their mouths hastily at Sakura's shocked look.
" Shhhh! " the three of them (Sakura included) said desperately. " Don't say the 'S' word! "
" What 'S' word? " Leiko demanded as she struggled free of Jamie's grip.
" Saku - egaruff! " Alexi shot the girl in question a filthy look as her mouth was once again restrained.
" That 'S' word! " Alex said with a meaningful look.
Realisation dawned as the girl's shot each other looks as they were released. Their gazes landed on Sakura with curiousity blazing in them. Sakura raised her hand in a 'keep quiet' gesture and looked around them quickly.
" You guys have no idea how much I've missed you! " she said when the coast was clear. " I was only thinking of you the other day! I can't believe we're all here in one place. " she smiled brightly.
" We're glad to see you, disregarding the anit-social behaviour towards us at our arrival. " Astalte shot Jamie a dirty look.
" Gomen. " Sakura said regretfully. " I can't explain it but you can't call me that here. You just can't. "
" She's with the law again. " Alex said making sure no one could hear them over the rain.
" With the law - ?" Lexi said confused. " What is he on about? "
" I can't - " Sakura began.
" Quiet. " Astalte spoke up making everyone look at her surprised.
Her gaze pegged Sakura in her place. She was leaning against the wall with her leg resting against the wall, her arms across her body. The wind blew her hair about as the others watched her curiously. It was silent for a moment of uncomfortable silence before her eyes blinked and she looked away from Sakura.
" She's in trouble again. Aren't you?" she said quietly meeting Sakura's stunned gaze.
A chorus of whispered 'Nani!' and 'What!' hissed from the two girls as they stared at Sakura.
" Please stop staring at me like that. " Sakura said going slightly red from all the attention. " Anyone sees us standing here like this they'll think something is up. "
" You're in trouble again and you didn't tell us! " Leiko demanded angrilly, glarring at her. " You should have come to us if you were in trouble. We said we would help you. "
" I know but- "
" We sheltered you before, we could have done it again. " she continued.
" Babe - " Jamie draped his arm around her to try and calm her. " Don't go getting all fired up. There's a reason that she didn't come to us. We have to accept that ok? "
" Hey - " Alexi wrapped her arms around a startled Sakura. " It's cool. We've missed you and don't take notice of Leiko, we just hate the thought of you being trouble again. So instead of sitting around here and acting like fools, we should be inside shouting our girl drinks. Right guys? " she shot them all a look.
A chorus of "Hai's" and " Definitely" came from the group as they smiled at Sakura.
" Then that's settled. " Lexi said smiling brightly. " Let's go party! " Sakura laughed with them as they walked inside.
" Oh, and what name you going by nowadays? " Jamie whispered as they made their way to a table big enough for all of them.
" Sake. " she whispered back loud enough for the others to hear.
" Good name. " Jamie smiled as he sat down. " I like it. "
" Well at least I remember to answer to it. " Sakura replied laughing bashfully as everyone sweat-dropped.
--------------------
Li arrived back at the suite and frowned when he realised that Sakura wasn't back yet. Where on earth had the girl gotten to this time? He put his things down and the headed for the balcony. It was really coming down at there now as he stood and let the rain fall peacefully around him. Knowing that Sakura was around somewhere, he turned and headed for the door once more.
Laughter came from the dining area as people enjoyed the atmosphere around them ignoring the weather outside. Glasses clinked as tourists and locals toasted each other. The kitchen was just heating up for the dinner specials when Li entered. He resting against one of the pillars at the back of the room where he knew he wouldn't be spotted. He let his eyes roam over the faces in the crowd and waited patiently for her to appear.
He heard laughter coming from one of the tables up near the bar and let his gaze casually glance over towards them. What he saw made him tense and straighten from the pillar. Sakura was surrounded by the group of people laughing. Her hair was left in lose curls, (so she had gotten caught in the storm after all) one side swept up by a red hibiscus flower. She clinked her glass with the tall girl beside her and laughed at something the guy to her right had said.
He watched as the three girls got up from the table and beckoned for her to join them. Sakura shook her head furiously, waving her hands as they tried to convince her to join them. Finally, Sakura relented and let them haul her up from her seat. Li was already half way across the room before he realised what he was doing.
The tallest of the girls talked with the guy behind the bar while Sakura tried not to look a little out of place in her bikini and wrap. The guy nodded and motioned for them towards the stage area. The girl smirked and dragged Sakura behind her. The guy behind the bar flicked a few switches behind the bar and watched as the lights dimmed a little on the dance area.
People instantly turned to see what was happening.
The lights returned revealing the four girls in turn. Leiko, Alexis and Astalte started moving in perfect rhythm to the beat that started on the dance floor. Some people cheered, raising their glasses in salute and others, (mainly the tourists) snapped away with their cameras. They watched as the girls moved in pefect sync. They twisted, bent and swayed to the music, flipping their hair and shooting seductive looks that they knew drew people in.
Sakura stood back from the three wondering if she should do this. If Li was here then she'd be toast! Not to mention that he would have a lot of questions and she would be forced to answer them. But then she caught Astalte's eye and she relaxed smiling softly.
A huge flash of lightning lit up the room as the fouth member of the small dance group stepped forward and joined the quartet. She closed her eyes and let herself remember the steps that she had worked hours on to perfect as thunder crashed throughout the sky. She remembered the memories that had brought her to the club so long ago. So much had happened since then. She stepped forward letting her emerald eyes flash open capturing the crowd as she did her own choreographed steps.
She was unaware of a pair of familar amber eyes watching her intensely as she pulled off her moves. The four ended the performance with a series of quick steps that had the audiance clapping and cheering as they posed. The two boys met up with them on the floor and laughed and smiled with excitement.
" I haven't seen that kind of performance in a long, long time. " Jamie smiled.
" Oh? " Leiko said shooting him a look. " Aren't we any good for you now? " they all laughed at the look on his face.
" Jamie's right. " Alex said wrapping Sakura in a hug. " You girls have something special. "
" So we have something going? " Sakura said smiling " Then let's dance. C'mon Jamie. " she drew him to her and started to move when more music came on.
" She hasn't even been at it for two seconds and she thinks she's a natual. " Leiko stated.
" Typical ." Lexi said rolling her eyes.
" Show off. " Astalte muttered. Her grey eyes softened and she allowed a small smile to adorn her mouth.
Jamie spun her around and then planted his hands on her hips and moved her to the rhythm. She laughed and flung her head back and rose her arms up into the air as she danced. She hadn't felt this free in a long time. She moved and for once didn't care if she were noticed. She had missed this part of the life she had lead whilst living with Li all that time ago. This was her secret. Something that she had loved doing. Something that Moto or Li or any other person couldn't take away from her.
She felt Jamie let go of her and she shot him a look with her passion-glazed eyes. He smiled before wrapping Leiko in his embrace and dancing with her more intimately. Alexis came to stand next to her and without speaking or signalling, the two immediately went into their more seductive dance steps. With soft swaying and flowing movements they stood back-to-back and let the music take them away.
When the music came to an end it took a few moments for the group to gather their senses and let go of the mood. Thunder rumbled across the sky once more, the rain still pouring down around them. Sakura sighed as she relaxed her stance and opened her emerald eyes. She looked up and stared at the person standing less than two feet away from her with glazed eyes.
Amber eyes tore through her and she slammed back to reality with a thudd at the look of controlled anger burning in Li's eyes. She took a small step back as the waitresses started bringing out people's orders from the kitchen. Due to the storm it was dark outside, so under the protection of the roof, small torces burnt, flickering in the wind.
Sensing that they were going to start drawing people's attention, Alex took the situation into his own hands and approached Li. He held out his hand and met his angry look head on. He smiled and greeted him telling him with his eyes that he had no choice but to play this out. Alex watched Li's eyes flash before his hand was taken in a death grip and a smile appeared on his face. The greeting was curt and short. Alex stepped back and smiled. This guy was way in over his head already. He shot Sakura a look over his shoulder and smirked.
" Why don't we go and find a quiet spot and catch up eh? " he watched Sakura nod, but she was staring at Li.
" Sounds like a good idea. " Li ground out pinning Sakura with his gaze. She gulped and looked down at the ground.
" Then allow me to lead the way. " Alex said.
They left the dining room with people's gazes watching them go. Some smiling, others waving goodbye. They all piled into the elevator. The doors had shut firmly before Li turned to Sakura his eyes glarring at her with fury. She flinched when she met his gaze. He was about to speak when he was interrupted.
" You must be Li. " Alstalte spoke up meeting Li's blank look.
" What makes you think my name is Li? " he asked slowly. He watched her smirk, her eyes were closed as she leant against the wall.
" Because you're the cop that's been looking after her. " Dead silence greeted her statement.
Her smokey grey eyes opened and pinned Li, a small smirk appearing in the corner of her mouth as she noted the stunned look on his face.
" We know all about you. You're the one that was working on the Moto case. "
" . . . "
" And I also know that you are once more looking after Ying Fa a.k.a Sakura Kinomoto. " she smiled a deadly smile.
" Astalte, stop making things worse for Sakura. " Jamie sighed clasping the bridge of his nose. " She's already in enough trouble as it is with him. You don't need to add to it. "
" I'm not adding to anything. " she replied shooting him a look. " I'm merely looking out for the kid that's all. She's helpless and small enough as it is without having to put up with this bully. Look at the murderous glint in his eye. I for one and not going to leave her alone with him for one minute. Cop or no cop, I don't trust him with that look in his eyes. "
The door pinged opened but no one moved. Li shifted slightly putting himself in front of Sakura protectively. How could these people have blown their cover? Why were they standing around so calmly! No one moved in the elevator as the doors closed again.
" Mina-san. " Sakura spoke up looking at her friends. " Please - "
" Let me handle this. " Li said getting ready to fight. " When that door opens again, I want you to run. "
" But - " Sakura protested.
" I mean it! " Li snapped making her jump.
" Listen Li, " Astalte spoke up calmly. " Do we look like we're after her? " she asked raising her brow.
" . . . "
" For someone that has a degree for being a detective you're not very bright are you? "
" Astal, " Lexi chided softly.
Leiko reached over and hit the emergency button. They all ignored the warning bells as they all continued to stare at each other.
" For someone so intelligent, you're missing the most important pieces of information Li. " Astal continued.
" Such as? " he demanded stepping back closer to Sakura.
" Such as familarity? " she said her eyes flashing. " Haven't you wondered why we all seem to know each other? Have you known Sakura to act that way around people she doesn't know? "
" Is that meant to be a trick question? " Li asked sarcastically. " You don't know her like I do. "
He didn't have to look to see the slightly guilty look on Sakura's face to know that he had hit home with that point. She was as trusting of people as a puppy. Devotedly loyal and trusting as long as there was a smile on their face.
The group seeing the look on Sakura's face followed by the blush that dusted her cheeks made them sweat drop. Astal shook her head sadly at the innocence of the girl. One minute totally mature and the next - well - that was Sakura after all.
" Point taken. " Leiko said speaking up. " But to get precisely to the point, we have known Sakura since you were working on the Moto case. "
" That's not possible. " Li replied his eyes narrowing. " Sakura was always under my care. She - '
" Ah Syaoran - " came a tentative voice from behind him. He turned and met her guilty look.
" What they say is true. I've known them since I was living with you pretending to be a part of your family. "
" What? " he asked straightening up and watching her. " How is that possible - ? "
" Well - " she glanced away and then looked at the ground. " You did always want to know what I did when I snuck out and you had no idea where I was... " she trailed off, her gaze flicking up to see his reaction.
A piece of the puzzle slipped into place and her glared at her angrily.
" You mean to tell me that you were with them when you disappeared! You went to stranges when you were meant to be in MY care! "
" She worked for us in our club. " Alexis spoke up capturing Li's attention.
" What! " he turned to look at Sakura again.
" She danced and did waitressing with us. " Astal put in. " We employed her and we paid her. How else did you figure we learnt all those dance moves out there? It wasn't coincidence that we work together so well. "
Li choked trying not to yell at her for her stupidity.
" Li it was all right at the time. " Sakura said. " I wasn't in any danger. "
" How could you know that! " he burst out angrily. " To think that I thought you were ok. If I had know that you were working behind a bar -! " he clenched his fists and glared at her.
" Surely you must have had some inclination that she was working? " Jamie began. " I mean with all the early morning shifts we gave her - "
" What early morning shifts? " Li asked quietly. Sakura groaned and burried her face behind her hands.
" Ah - " seeing her reaction, Jamie tried to play it down. " Never mind. "
" What early morning shifts? " Li asked again watching Sakura.
The group looked around the elevator and whistled, pretending they didn't know anything. Li had never been so angry in all his life. The fact that she had done this in his care only made it all the more worse. He was disappointed in himself for not watching her as diligently as he should have, but the fact that she had been so reckless with her situation made him see red.
" I hated it when you worked so late. " she whispered. Everyone stopped whistling and looked at her sadly.
" I was alone and scared. " she continued softly. " I hated being alone. The whole thing seemed impossible. There was nothing I could do at the time. I couldn't contact my tou-san and I had no money. I knew that if push came to shove and I had to flee, there was no where I could go. "
" We had seen her a few times around, " Lexi said. " We were only just starting out and we needed someone to work for us but we didn't just want to hire some hack off the street you know? We saw this girl with cherry-red hair and a sassy attitude and we knew that we wanted her to work for us. We had no idea what she going through at the time. We asked her to drop by the club and we'd see how she went. We clicked and we haven't looked back since. "
" Yeah, we had no idea that she was really preteding to be a sixteen year old. " Alex said. " I thought it was odd that here was this intelligent girl using her hair pin to unlock the front door of relatives apartment at the time, maybe I should have questioned it more but we were so busy with trying to get our club up and running that there wasn't time for it. " he smiled charmingly when he saw Sakura's blush at the memory.
" So you worked at this club while I was at work? " Li was trying to calm his anger and take all of this in.
" Hai. " she nodded. " I was sure that you would discover me. There were more times I arrived home moments before you did. " she watched his fist clench and then unclench.
The elevator was quiet for a few minutes. Sakura gathered her courage and raised her eyes to meet his. They burned with barely-controlled fury and she bit her lip before looking away. Li stepped closed to her and lowered his voice so the others couldn't hear them.
" Is there anything else that I should know? Anything that is relevant to this case? Any more people that we may come across that can blow our cover? You realise that they have blown our cover don't you? "
" I - "
" I can't believe you could be so reckless. Do you realise what will have to happen now? We can't stay here with these 'friends' of yours knowing who we are. It means that we'll have to get a new location, new names - everything all over again. " he sighed at the thought of all the paperwork he would have to do.
" Sorry to interrupt you over there, but I'm getting sick of listening to these alarm bells. " Leiko spoke up.
" Yes, I'm sure someone will be coming along soon. " Jamie said hitting the button and making the elevator lurch.
The elevator reached their floor and the doors pinged and slid open to an empty floor. Once more the group made no move to get out of the elevator. Finally Leiko stepped forward and met Li's gaze.
" We want to invite Sakura to join us in our suite to catch up on old times. You are more than welcome to join us as well. "
" Sorry but we have things to discuss. " Li said taking hold of Sakura's hand and leading her out of the elevator.
" But - "
" Leave it Leiko. " Jamie said. " We can catch up with Miyabi later. " he said as a man walked around the corner.
Li paused down the walkway with Sakura beside him.
" Miyabi? " he repeated. His hand tightened on Sakura's before he turned to her in outrage. " You TOLD them! "
" Li I - "
" Good one. " Leiko muttered to Jamie.
" Well what else was I suppose to do? " he whispered flinching at the look on Li's face. " There was someone walking past! "
" I can't believe you!" Li said glarring. " Does your life mean nothing to you? Or mine? " he hissed.
" No Li - I mean yes it does but they are my friends. I trust them. " Sakura replied fearfully.
" Friendship won't protect you if someone links them to you. Why won't you listen to me? " Li demanded.
" Takeshii and Seth know about all this! " Sakura shot back keeping in mind to keep her voice down. " You didn't mind about them knowing! "
" That's because I arranged for them to be protected! Why do you think you were placed into my care? It's because I have already saved you once and I volunteered to look after you again. More fool me! You're even more difficult to look after this time 'round."
Sakura pulled her hand out of his grip and met his gaze glare for glare. Minutes ticked by as they continued to glare neither giving up, both willful and determined that the other was wrong. Eventually Li stepped back and turned away and started walking down the hallway.
" Where are you going? " Sakura asked.
" I'm going back to the room - alone. Stay away from me Sakura. "
" But - " she said stunned that he was turning his back on her.
" Just leave me alone. "
" Hey don't worry about him Sakura. " Lexi said placing her hand on her shoulder. " Just give him some time. "
" I think I messed up big time guys. " she replied softly, her voice quivering with unshed tears.
" It's ok. Don't forget you have us too. We can look out for you. "
" Thanks guys. " she managed a small smile, but her gaze drifted back to where Li had disappeared.
" C'mon. Lets go catch up on what we've missed eh? " Jamie asked leading the way.
" Ok. " she managed weakly.
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Li was sitting at the table the next morning sipping from his coffee when the door opened softly. Sakura stuck her head through and then walked further into the room seeing that he as up. She shut the door softly and turned around to face him. He shot her a sideways glance before returning to his work.
" I didn't think you'd be up yet. " she said quietly. " I just came to have a shower and get changed. "
Li continued to type away at the laptop ignoring her. She stood uncertainly in the foyer and wondered if she try to talk to him, but seeing the rigid line of his back she knew that he was beyond angry with her, he was livid. She walked to the dresser and pulled out some clothes and turned to walk to the bathroom but she stopped halfway there.
" Damn it Li! I'm not some little kid that you can boss around. I told my friends some of the information that I thought was necessary. I couldn't have them calling me by my real name could I? Surely you can understand that? "
" . . . . "
" You can't condemn me for that Li. It's imature and unprofessional. "
" No but I can condemn you for withholding information from me that was important to your case. When I asked you to tell me of all the people you knew you neglected to tell me anything about a Jamie O'Callaghan, an Alex Trenor, one Leiko Mitsu, a Astalte Tsuiki and an Alexis Fardell. "
" You had them checked out! " she demanded shocked.
" Of course I did. I had to add their records to the file. They may present a link to something. "
" You think that they could be up to something? " she demanded. " That's the most stupidest thing I have ever heard you say Xiao Lang Li. "
" Right now I don't care what you may think of me Miss Avalon. " he shot back still not looking at her.
" So this is it? " she demanded. " You chuck a temper tantrum because I made your job difficult? I'm sure you've delt with harder cases then me Li and if you haven't them maybe you should grow up and learn from the experience! "
" Don't tell me how to run my job Avalon. " Li turned and glared at her. " I have stretched my neck out for you on several occassions and not for the thanks that I get. I value human life and I am finding it hard to accept that you are so willing to throw yours away. "
" I am not throwing my life away! " she yelled angrily. " I am trying to do the best I can but I refuse to accept that my life is to be spent sitting within four walls and starring at a wall for the rest of my life. "
" No where did it say that you are expected to sit and stare at four walls. " he replied. " You were told by Jiang what your responsibilities were. He told you to follow my orders for a reason - '
" You keep me locked in here like prisoner! " she shot back.
" I am trying to keep up a pretense. All you had to do was wait until a few days had passed until I had everything scoped out, to make sure that it was safe for you. I wasn't the one who ruined everything. "
" Pretenses! " she spat. " I am sick of pretending to be something I'm not. I'm not your wife, I'm not your lover,I don't want to hidden away anymore and most of all I'm sick of running! "
" Well there is nothing for you but to hide and stay alive! That is your only purpose at this point in time. "
" Well maybe it's about time all that changed. I will go and pay Morimoto a personal visit and tell him to back off! I - "she stopped as Li pushed back his chair and pinned her with a glare that could melt ice.
" This is no joke Sakura! You'd throw your life away just like that! You'd go into the tiger's den and place your head in its mouth? Because if you go and face Moto, that is exactly what you'll be doing. You'll go first and then it'll be your father and then your brother. Have you thought about that? No I didn't think so. You forget what your actions will trigger.
" Where has the smart girl gone that did the right thing by staying by my side and playing it low? Why is she replaced with a irresponsible chit who won't listen to reason and have the common sense to see what's two feet in front of her! Tell me where she has gone Sakura? "
Sakura stood rooted to the floor. She had never been verbally attacked like this before. She tried to speak but found her mouth couldn't, wouldn't work. His amber eyes bored into her with such emotion that she trembled.
" Unless that smart girl returns and starts using her head, I don't want to see you Avalon. Keep out of my sight unless it is absolutely necessary. As soon as I have finished this report we'll be leaving. We'll return to headquarters and then I'll be passing up this case to someone else. Let them handle your stupidity because I'm through. "
" But you can't! " Sakura protested. " I mean - I - You can't just drop me and the case. You just can't. "
" Well I don't care what you want Avalon. I've been jerked around enough by you and I've had enough. "
" But it isn't for my sake that I can't let your quit. What about my family? If you won't do it for me then please do it for them. Please don't punish them because you hate me. "
" Stop being a martyr Avalon. I don't hate you, I'd have to be close to you to have that emotion. "
Sakura jerked back like she had been slapped. How could he say that after everything that they had gone through? She stared at him as he saved his work and the started packing the laptop up and putting the stuff in the carrier bag he used. She had never known him to be this cold. She choked on a sob knowing that her family was doomed and dropped the clothes that she had been holding and bolted out the door.
Li stood rigid as the door banged shut. He could her her running down the hallway and he clenched his fist tightly. He turned and stared at the door until he swore he could bore a hole through the wood. Why had he said all that? He had let his anger speak for him and now he had hurt her. But dammit why did she had to be so careless? He couldn't save her if she didn't give him the chance. He knew she was strong, stronger than what anyone could give her credit for, but sometimes it wouldn't hurt for her to lean on someone else for a change.
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Sakura stood on top of the cliff and cried her heart out. She was all alone on this hill like she was alone in life. Her family was cut off from her. She had no way off getting her old life back so she might as well play this new one as far as she could. Being reckless was the only thing she could rely on nowadays. At least it got her places. If she hadn't been reckless she would never have met Leiko and the others and earned friends that would help her. If she hadn't been reckless she wouldn't have landed Moto behind bars where he belonged.
She couldn't believe how happy she had been yesterday. How rapidly things had declined since then. She looked down at the ring Li had given her to keep their cover up. Well that was down the drain because of her! She ripped the ring off and threw it as far as she could into the ocean disgusted with the feelings that she was feeling.
She had people to save and she wasn't going to stand around waiting for the worst to happen. So what if Li didn't want to talk to her any more. She could live without him. It would hurt for a while losing someone she thought she could rely on, but if she had to work with someone else then she could live with that too. Tori had taught her to be adaptable and so she would be.
She wiped her tears away and headed back to the hotel.
Li was packing his suitcase when the door opened. He turned and watched as she came back into the room. He noticed her red eyes and the determined look on her face and waited. She grabbed her clothes Li had placed on the chair and looked at him.
" I understand the grief I have put you through and I apologise, but I can't apologise for doing something that I considered right and whether or not you can accept it, I trust Jamie, Leiko and the others. I appriciate everythingthat you have achieved for me not only because you have helped me, but because you have helped my family which is all I care about. I have been reckless, you were right about that so I respect your decision to turn my case over to someone else.
" I thank you for all your help and I can only hope that the next detective works just as good as yourself. I am not trying to win you back over with compliments and pleasantries, I am merely stating a fact. I will be making sure to put in a good report with Jiang. No doubt he will want to know why you are transferring me, but don't worry about that I will handle it. Our differences will not come tnto it. " she bowed and met his gaze briefly before she walked into the bathroom and shut the door on their relationship once and for all.
Li stood still looking at the door that she had disappeared behind. Where had all that come from? Cursing himself and everything that had happened he threw his shirt into the suitcase and stalked off. Sometimes he really hated his job.
Especially when it got in the way.
TBC
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So what did you think of that chapter? I know a lot of drama was in there in that last part. It sort of just happened. I wanted to bring all the stuff with Leiko and the others out into the open and that's the only way I could think of to throw everything up into the air. Besides I needed to bring the story back on track. Sakura and Li are not on the island for a vacation and I think that they were forgetting that.
I also wanted to show that Li and Sakura's feelings are starting to change. I mean why would Li get so heated up over something that had happened over a year ago when it no longer mattered? It's because he cares for her and the thought of something that could have put her in danger effects him. Can't you see it ?
It's so hard to figure out how much to reveal and how much to add when you sit here and type it all down (as most of you will already know). But I am trying. So please review and let me know what you think; if I need to add anything and the like.
So what will happen in the next chapter? It looks like Li will be handing Sakura over for more paperwork. And then what is happening with Madison and Eriol? Not to forget Tori and Luna? And is it really Morimoto that is after the Avalon family?
Tune in next time and see what the next chapter has install.
Ja
Black Wolf Chic 2