Her Rising Saviour:

Chapter Twelve – Strength

Four days after the newly wed couple had arrived to the beautiful cottage getaway, they were on a plane back home to Tokyo in the late evening. Sakura slept most of the way, even though the flight was short, and she screamed when Syaoran tried to carry her out of the plane.

At home, he carried her through the threshold again.

"It's different," he explained in the hall. "That time was for the cottage, for the sake of the honeymoon, but this is home. I have to carry you."

Sakura giggled at his logic, but dropped her bags and let him carry her bridal-style once more. Without waiting to unpacked or truly settled in, Sakura collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the mattress. Syaoran attempted to wake her, and failed, so he gingerly undressed her and tucked her in. He made himself something to eat quickly, then joined her in bed, holding her close for the remaining of the night.

Neither wanted to get out of bed the next morning. They both groaned as the alarm clock went off, and it was Syaoran for once who dragged them out of bed eventually. He threatened to carry Sakura to the shower, which made her jump out of the bed. They showered together – a first since Syaoran's proposal to hold out on sex, since they both knew it would have been far too tempting – and left the bathroom with large grins on their faces. Yep, morning-shower-sex was definitely a good way to start off the day, especially before work after a relaxing honeymoon.

They rushed to get ready – getting out of bed late and their shower was running them late – and got to the office with seconds to spare. They laughed nervously together as they got off the elevator to their floor and realized the time.

Syaoran grinned as they approached her desk. He took her hand and pointed to the gleaming gold coloured nameplate that usually sat on her desk. "Look, sweetheart."

Sakura followed his finger and gasped, a large smiling coming across her lips. Where once sat the nameplate "Sakura Kinomoto" now was a new nameplate, saying "Sakura Li". Somehow, the simple gesture made things that all much more real. She was married...She was Mrs. Sakura Li. Her insides were warm and fuzzy, no matter how cliché that sounded.

She sat at her desk, still grinning. Syaoran followed her behind her desk, waited until she sat, then leaned down and kissed her, deeply and thoroughly. They broke away slightly breathless, both grinning.

"You should probably go..." Sakura offered, her cheeks flushed from their kiss.

Syaoran raised an eyebrow, "And if I don't want to?"

Sakura opened her mouth to respond when a small, quiet cough alerted them to their surrounded. Syaoran groaned and Sakura giggled, both turning to see Eriol leaning against the desk, a cross between amusement and seriousness on his face.

"Have a good honeymoon, Sakura?" He asked warmly.

Sakura nodded, smiling and bushing down the childish blush wanting to emit across her face as she remembered all the times and places she and Syaoran had had sex. She mentally scolded herself; You're a married woman and fully grown adult! He knows you have sex, idiot!

"It was great, thank you," Sakura smiled.

Eriol nodded, then turned to Syaoran. His face suddenly turned serious. "Syaoran, I need to speak to you, please. I know Nakamura wants to see you, but I'd like to talk to you first."

Syaoran frowned, seeing his friend's tense face. He nodded and gave Sakura one last chaste kiss, then followed Eriol into his office. Eriol immediately began to pace.

"We have a bit of a...a, ah, problem," Eriol ran an angry hand through his hair.

Syaoran frowned, "You are taking on Rika's case, right?"

"Of course!" Eriol said quickly. "Her, her boyfriend – Mr. Terada? – and I met two days after the wedding. And that's the problem I needed to discuss with you."

His pacing picked up, "Syaoran, do you know who her boyfriend was? The guy who fathers her baby?"

"No," Syaoran said warily. "We never discussed that. She didn't go into deep details with me."

"Of course not," Eriol let out a long, frustrated breath. "And that's what we need to talk about. We have a serious problem on our hands, and I'm worried that Nakamura is going to place you on the ca – "

"Li!"

Both of their heads whipped toward the doorway.

b.K.d

Sakura was working at her desk, the vibrant smile still on her face, despite the large amount of work she had to do. The woman who took her place hadn't known what to do and basically did nothing, leaving Sakura behind in work. She had tons of papers to put into the computer. And yet, she couldn't help but keep grinning. She began working right away, turning her computer on as soon as Syaoran left.

Not long after Syaoran had left, Sakura heard someone clear their throat. She smiled up to the person standing at her desk. "Good afternoon, how may I assist..."

She stopped as all the air from her lungs disappeared and her eyes widened on the man standing before her. He was tall, perhaps a head taller than her with messy dark hair and bright dark eyes. Though he had aged only slightly, with an absence of about five years, it was hard not to recognize him. His image was forever sketched into her mind.

She literally flung herself out of her chair, her eyes wide and crazed as she backed up, her body trembling.

"St-Stay away from me," her voice shook.

The man gave her a confused look, then suddenly his eyes widened with recognition and his eyes glanced to the gold-coloured name plate that sat on top of her desk. His eyes shot back to the scared girl cowering a few feet away from behind the desk, close to the wall.

"Sakura? Sakura Kinomoto?" He asked. When he saw her obvious tremble again, a wicked grin crossed his face. "I haven't seen you in years!"

He took a step toward the side of her desk to get behind the wooden obstacle when Sakura whimpered and pressed herself to the wall. "Stay away from me," her voice still shook. When he took another step, she began to scream, "Stay away from me!"

b.K.d

"Li!"

Both of their heads whipped toward the doorway, earning a groan from Eriol. Standing in the doorway was their boss, Kenji Nakamura. He looked at Syaoran with a smile, "May I speak to you? I have a client I wish for you to meet along with his current case. Walk with me?"

Syaoran looked back at Eriol who seemed to be gritting his teeth. Syaoran sighed and nodded, then left to join their boss. He shot Eriol a glance that said 'we'll talk later' and closed the door behind him.

"I know how you and Hirragizawa like to have these competitions with cases," Kenji smirked knowingly at Syaoran. Syaoran chuckled; it was true. Eriol and him usually worked on cases against one another, and it never did anything to ruin their friendship. Kenji continued, "And every one else is full, so seeing as you have only two minor current cases, I figured you could work on the one Hirragizawa is on."

Syaoran stopped and frowned, "The one with Miss Sasaki?"

Kenji smiled, "Ahh, so you know of the case?"

"I directed Miss Sasaki to Eriol, sir," Syaoran explained. "I'm involved. I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to go against her, especially when I don't agree with what the man did to he – "

"Nonsense," Kenji waved his hand in dismiss. "I know you, Li, and you don't let emotions get in the way of a case. You're good at what you do. Just forget any connection with Miss Sasaki and listen to what this man has to say. He's been a loyal client to our company for years – a rich kid though and through – and I expect you to try your damn best."

Syaoran wanted to protest, but didn't. Kenji was right. Syaoran's schedule had been basically cleared for his short honeymoon, left with two small cases. While every one else had their hands tied in cases. Even with Rika and Syaoran's connection, he was the only one available enough to take on a new case.

Still, he brought up one more point. "What about his regular lawyer? If he's a loyal client, didn't he already have an appointed lawyer?"

"Yes, well, Mr. Tanaka retired a few months back," Kenji explained.

Syaoran nodded and sighed heavily as he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Though he knew he couldn't exactly say no to his boss, he most certainly wanted to. He hated what Rika's old boyfriend did and couldn't defend his actions. But, his tongue spoke other words. "When do I meet him then?"

Kenji beamed and checked his watch, "Actually, he should be here now – "

"Stay away from me!" Sakura's voice screamed.

Syaoran felt his heart stop and panic seize his body. Her voice sounded absolutely frightened and panicked and sickened.

Syaoran left Kenji's side and tore down the hall to the entrance. He skidded to a stop, seeing Sakura backed up against the wall behind her desk. He didn't take in anything else and ran over to her. His arms were thrown around her as he pulled her to his chest, gently shaking her. He could feel her trembling against him, her wide frantic eyes locked on something in front of her desk.

"Sakura? Sakura, sweetie, Sakura, please? What's wrong?" He begged. Her breathing was ragged and panicked, scaring the shit out of Syaoran. He shook her a bit harder, "Sakura?! Answer me, sweetheart, please!"

She trembled harder, "Sy-Sy-Syaoran..."

"What's wrong?" He begged softly in her ear.

"It's...It's him..." her voice shook violently, wavering uncontrollably. She was almost too quiet to hear. She suddenly jumped back a little and Syaoran tightened his grasp on her, holding her closer as she whimpered. "Oh, God, he's back..."

Syaoran frowned and rubbed her back soothingly. He glanced over to see a tall man standing near the space where her desk opened for one to step behind it. He was wearing a business suit, his eyes dancing and locked on Sakura. Syaoran felt his arms tighten protectively around her.

"Ahh," the man chuckled as he glanced to her nameplate again and smirked at Sakura. "I see you're married now, Blossom?"

Syaoran felt a growl rock through his chest, "How do you know Sakura?"

The man ignored her, "And this must be the happy hubby? You sure he loves you? Remember what I told you..."

"How do you know – ?!"

"Ah, Li!" Kenji's voice struck through the air. Syaoran's head spun to him as he made his way over to him. He stood by the mysterious man and clapped him on the back. The man chuckled. "I see you've met your new client. Meet Mr. Natsuo Hamada."

Syaoran felt himself pale, "Hamada..? As in...?" He looked down to Sakura who was sobbing into his chest. His heart broke, "God, no..."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Li," Natsuo smiled sickly. "I'm sure it'll be a pleasure working with you. Please bring Sakura along to take notes." He paused and looked to Kenji with wide, innocent-looking eyes, "Oh, if it's alright with you, of course, Mr. Nakamura. The woman is this floor's secretary, after all."

Kenji smiled and clapped him on the back twice more, "Not at all, Mr. Hamada. I understand."

"I won't," Sakura sobbed. "I can't, I won't...please, Syaoran, don't make me go into an office with him..."

"Hush, sweetheart," Syaoran smoothed. "I'm not going to make them do anything."

Natsuo chuckled, "Aw, how sweet...Taking care of your slut, I see."

Syaoran saw red and would have gone after the guy if not for the tight hold Sakura had on his shirt, holding him in place. He growled, "Shut the hell up, Hamada, and stay the fuck away from her. Don't you dare call her a slut, you fucking asshole."

"Li!" Kenji scolded angrily. "Hold your tongue." He turned to Natsuo. "I am terribly sorry for Mr. Li's rudeness, sir. He won't do it again, I promise."

"No sorry necessary," Natsuo smirked. "It's quite...entertaining."

Syaoran growled again as Sakura sobbed harder and clung to him tighter. He went straight back to comforting her, rubbing soothing circles on her back and whispering soothing words into her ear.

"Li, get that woman under control!" Kenji barked. "Mr. Hamada is a very important client and I am not willing to waste any time on Mrs. Li here."

Syaoran's eyes narrowed angrily on Kenji, but he turned his attention back to Sakura anyway. He bent his neck down to her ear, "Sakura, sweetie, how about I call Tomoyo to take you home? Or at least away from here. The stress can't be good for the baby."

"B-B-But..."

"I'm not taking the chance of yours or the baby's health," he said a bit louder, his voice final. "And I'm not taking this case. I'll explain to Nakamura that I can't take this case."

Sakura nodded against his chest, still crying softly. Syaoran kissed her head gently and reached for her cell that he saw on her desk. He pressed Tomoyo's speed-dial number and put the phone to his ear, still holding Sakura close. He could hear Kenji apologizing for 'Mr. Li's rudeness' once more.

"Hello?" Tomoyo picked up on the third ring. "Sakura?"

Syaoran sighed loudly, "No, it's me. Listen, are you busy?"

"Noo..." Tomoyo's voice sounded apprehensive. "Why? What's wrong?"

"I need you to come and pick Sakura up," Syaoran told her. "I'll explain later but there's been some...unexpected events at the office, and I'm worried about her stress levels right now."

"I'll be there in five." And she hung up.

Syaoran closed the phone and gently tossed it back onto the desk. He kissed the grown of Sakura's head again, "Okay sweetie, Tomoyo's going to be up her in a few minutes. Can you let me go so I can help you get ready?"

Sakura hesitantly let go and cowered back to the wall, her eyes flickering between Syaoran and Natsuo. Syaoran grabbed her purse from under her desk and quickly packed Sakura's phone in it. He lifted her blazer off the back of her chair and helped slip her arms through it.

No sooner than her blazer was on, Tomoyo came bursting through the elevator doors, out of breath. She rushed over to Sakura, ignoring the two men on the opposite side of the desk. She grabbed Sakura's shoulders, "Sakura? Sakura, what's wrong?"

"Just get her out, please," Syaoran begged. "I don't want her being alone. Are you working?"

Tomoyo nodded as she wrapped an arm around Sakura, feeling her small body shake and frowned. "Yes, but don't worry about that. I wouldn't dream of leaving her alone."

"Thank you," Syaoran whispered sincerely as he handed Tomoyo Sakura's purse. He leaned forward and brushed his lips across his wife's forehead, lingering, "I'll deal with this. Don't stress. Nothing is ever, ever going to happen to you. Not with me around."

Sakura whimpered and nodded as Tomoyo's arm tightened on her. Syaoran looked up to Tomoyo to see her face ashen, her amethyst eyes wide and glued on Natsuo. He could see the anger and recognition flame up in her eyes as she shot him a look, as if asking 'That can't be who I think it is?'.

Syaoran sighed and nodded once, making Tomoyo inhale sharply. She rubbed her hand firmly up along Sakura's arm and turned her full attention back on her friend once more. "Come on, hun, let's get you out of here."

As they walked away, Syaoran saw Natsuo's eyes follow them, his eyes glued to Sakura's bottom. A low growl escaped Syaoran's throat as his hands tightened on the back of Sakura's chair. When the girls were in the elevator, Natsuo's eyes snapped back to Syaoran with a smug look.

"Maybe I went after the wrong girl," he smirked with a shrug. "Daidouji has gotten quite hot. Nice full rack on that one, along with that firm, tight ass."

Syaoran saw red.

b.K.d

Sakura poked at her soft ice-cream with the small pink plastic spoon, not in the mood for eating. Even if it was her favourite flavour. Her stomach churned at the thought of consuming anything.

Tomoyo hadn't touched her frozen yogurt, either. Her eyes were locked on Sakura, watching her through pained and sorrowful eyes. She had brought Sakura to the mall, not wanting to bring her home. She figured Sakura needed to be in a place without isolation.

Finally, Tomoyo sighed and shuffled her chair over to be right beside Sakura. She wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder and hugged her close. She sighed again, softer, and leaned her head on Sakura's as she began running her fingers through Sakura's silky hair.

"I'm sorry," was all Tomoyo could say.

"Why is he back?" Sakura's small, strained voice asked in almost a whimper. "I thought he moved to America when he graduated! What is he doing here? When did he come back?"

"I don't know," Tomoyo answered honestly. "But we're not going to let him hurt you. Never again."

Sakura closed her eyes to stop herself from crying. "Damn it...Damn it! Syaoran and I promised each other a new beginning! Forgetting our past and all that crap! And then...And then he show back up...! DAMN. IT!"

"I know, hun," Tomoyo whispered comfortingly. "We won't let him do anything. All of us – Syaoran, Eriol and myself – are going to make sure that he stays far away from yo – "

"No."

Tomoyo was taken back by Sakura's sudden strong, firm tone. She felt Sakura pull away slightly and let her arm drop from around her. Sakura looked her square in the eye, her eyes red and watery from trying to retrain her tears.

"No," Sakura repeated. "I won't let him rule over my life. I won't let him control my life. This is going to change nothing."

"Sakura," Tomoyo shook her head. "You already shut down just seeing him. You can't simply forget what he's done to you. It's not that simple."

"Then I'll make it that simple!" Sakura spat angrily. "I've spent too many years remembering what the asshole did to me! Too many years locked away, believing the crap he told me! Now...when everything is so perfect in my life...I won't let him take that away form me, Tomoyo. I can't!"

"But, Sakura," Tomoyo looked down sadly. "All you had to do was...see him...and you broke down. You flipped out. Maybe you should just go on early maternity leave? That way you can just avoid him."

Sakura shook her head, "It won't happen again. He has to know that I've changed since then. I'm not the same girl. I'm not going to hide. I...I just wasn't ready to see him. His name wasn't in my appointment book, so I presume he had a personal appointment. Next time, I'll be ready."

Tomoyo looked up to her, her eyes watering. Before either could say anything else, she pulled Sakura into a firm, loving embrace. They held each other closely, reaching to each other for support.

"You are strong, Sakura," Tomoyo whispered, biting her lip to stop her lip from trembling in tears. "But please don't do this alone."

Sakura shook her head, "Don't worry. I know I can't."

Tomoyo let out a shaky breath, nodded, and pulled away. She put on a warm smile. "Now, I know something that'll cheer us both up...Shopping!"

Sakura forced out a small smile and followed Tomoyo out of the food court.

b.K.d

Syaoran sat in Kenji Nakamura's office, his eyes cold as stone. Beside him, sat Natsuo Hamada, wearing a large stupid grin on his face.

Syaoran was in for a long day as Kenji cleared his throat and began the meeting, filling Syaoran in on the case that Syaoran had no choice on taking – take it, or leave the office.

Author's Note: YAAY! Good news!!! I DIDN'T lose the internet -happy dance-!! My sister ended up needing the internet for homework...and even though I did, I knew I could find a way around it but she couldn't. So I helped pay for the bill ^.^ So I'll be able to keep up with updates now ^.- yaay!

And on top of that...FAST UPDATE! ^.^ Honestly, this chapter is what started the sequel, where I got the idea for a sequel at all. Sorry to those that hopped their lives would be easier now that the wedding was over.

Please review!!!! ^.^ I love all them! Reviews are the best thing a writer can receive ^.-

XOX, Riva

Next Chapter... How did Syaoran's meeting go with his boss and Natsuo? What happens when he corners the bastard? How will Syaoran handle Sakura's determination when he gets home? Will he try and change her mind??