Clamp owns CCS, I don't. Just borrowing some characters.

Genre: Romance / Drama / Angst / Humor / Mature

A.N.: I was caught up with some job that needs to be done ASAP. So there was a bit of delay on the update. Hopefully more readers will come visit this story. I'm so looking forward to more feedback from you guys.

Enjoy reading! R and R!

Meeting Syaoran, Loosing Sakura

Chapter 3 – The Beginning

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It was a blissful morning but Syaoran felt exactly the opposite. The supposedly boring strip show had become a significant event. He had seen shows like that before and everything was the same, strippers' tease men then get laid for a price afterwards.

But the stripper last night was different. Instead of arousal, he felt adoration. She was seductive but not sinful. She was like a virgin dancing to please her soon to be lover. She wasn't timid but it wasn't all out. And it would make any man want her. The show was decent enough for him to consider coming back. Weird.

Sakura had just finished her 30 minute jog at the Cherry Park. She took off her top and walked around the living room with only her grey sports bra and a matching short. Sweat still kept coming out. While wiping the sweat off her arms the security lock beeped and the door slowly opened.

She stood up with a smile expecting Meilin. But her jaw dropped when a cautious looking Syaoran came in with a grocery bag. 'Fuck!' She had forgotten that Meilin shared their security code with him.

He had the same reaction on his face. Realizing this, she pulled herself together and spoke before he could say anything. "Don't you know how to knock? You really are a pervert, aren't you?" She faked her anger to hide the sudden spark in her body when his eyes trailed it.

"I… Well, I thought Meilin wass here. She said she will be." He averted his eyes from the temptation. What's with him and hot sinful bodies nowadays?

"As you can see she's not here." She raised her brow.

Syaoran regained his composure and calmed himself. No need to get worked up over something trivial. Then he spoke, smiling at her. "If it won't be a bother, can I wait for her here? I got these." He slightly waved the grocery bag.

"Fine. Suit yourself Li. But don't try anything perverted." She gracefully turned and went in her room. After nearly half an hour, she came out already showered and wearing a floral dres. She frowned.

"Hey. I'm cooking lunch, its Meilin's favorite. You don't mind me using your kitchen do you?" he said in a friendly voice. He didn't want to further aggravate her.

She didn't answer. She just stared at him trying to find a flaw in his actions. He shrugged his shoulders, smiled sweetly and returned to what he was doing. She just stood there watching him like a failing chef in a cooking show, disapproval on her face.

What seems like an eternity ended when she spoke. This time her voice was soft. "Why are you doing this?"

He turned his head to face her. "What do you mean?"

"Why are trying to act nice and sweet? You're really not here to cook for Meilin. What do you want?"

"I have no other intention. I just came here to spend time with her." He paused then he coughed a little. "Also, I was hoping to be in good terms with you."

"Why so?" she looked skeptical this time.

He stopped whatever he was doing and faced her. "Meilin loves her life her because she have you. I want to know, well not really. Rather, I want to understand what she really wants to do with her life. I may need your help with that."

She raised her brow but didn't say anything. "I know it's too much to ask. But the life she has here is far too different from the life that awaits her at home. She's my sister and I don't want to regret dragging her back to Hong Kong. The idea isn't very appealing."

They kept silent for a moment. "How do you think I can help you?" She looked straight in his eyes.

"For a start we can be friends." Seeing her frown again, he hurriedly explained. "I was planning to stay here more often. The life that she wanted, hearing it from her and actually seeing it for my self are two different things. I need justification. And to do that, I can't waste more energy than needed having to deal with you too."

"Why is that?" amusement shadowed her voice.

"Seriously it wouldn't help at all if you keep accusing me of being a pervert. Not that it bothers me. It aint true anyway. But wouldn't it be better if we are at least civil towards each other?"

"You're making it sound like I'm the bad guy here Li." For the first time, she smiled genuinely at him.

He was awed by it but hid it well. "I guess we are on a truce then?"

"Nope. More like ceasefire. I won't mind you spending your time here. But I won't shut up if you slip." She had that challenging look on her face.

"It's a deal then."

The door opened and Meilin came in. Similar to their reactions earlier, she looked surprised too but for a different reason. Syaoran was cooking while Sakura stood behind the counter, watching him intently. The most surprising fact, Sakura wasn't glaring at him.

"Hey Meilin. How did it go?" The sweetness of Sakura's voice returned and she kept the smile on her face while disregarding the stare that Syaoran gave her.

"It went well, better than I expected. Are you cooking my favorite Xiao Lang?" she beamed.

"Yep."

"This is great! Sakura you will definitely love it. He is an amazing cook!" Syaoran looked at his sister meaningfully.

"Did you just call her Sakura?" his curiosity building up. 'So Miss Righteous had a secret.' "I thought your name was Aya." It was more of a question.

Meilin laughed nervously. "You're… you're becoming deaf Xiao Lang. She's…"

"It's okay Meilin. Don't worry." She gave her an understanding look. Then she faced him with pride and confidence. "My real name is Sakura. That's all I can tell you and that's all you need to know. Just make sure to call me Aya when someone else is around. You got that Li?"

"Seriously, as I have said before I mean you no harm." He swallowed first before continuing. "Besides knowing who you are or where you came from never crossed my mind. No offense meant."

Sakura's cheeks burned. His words sounded like an indirect insult to her and she won't back down. Not to a perverted man. "You better keep your eyes to yourself Li. They might get infected if they keep roaming around someone else's body." With that, she turned her back and settled on the couch.

Meilin could only gasp in disbelief while Syaoran felt his blood boil. 'She had just to slap it to his face huh?' He thought Sakura had not notice the secret glances he shot her. She was just so damn hot.

It's been days since they agreed on a truce or more like a ceasefire as she termed it. So far Li had been staying in there apartment like he lives their. But for some reason his so called manners and etiquette obligated him to leave late in the evening and sleep at his hotel which is not too far away.

His presence is now tolerable and she's doing her best not to over analyze his actions. Somehow he had proven that he isn't a pervert. But she's not letting her guard down. It was too early for that.

Now she's got a new problem with him. As soon as the pervert image had ceased, she learned something else about him, much more disturbing. He was now an asshole. He made it a habit to tease her every chance he gets. And today was not an exception.

"I'm going to kill you for this Li!" She had just woken up and was heading to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee when she stepped on a cold slimy liquid just outside her door. The hair on her skin rose as Goosebumps traveled her system. "Fuck!"

She heard him chuckle at seeing how pale she had become. She has a phobia with cold and slimy things. How he found out about it was beyond her but she he hated the fact that he did. He burst out into laughter a few seconds later.

"You think this is funny? Do you think you are funny Li?" she glared hard at him, her nostrils almost flaring.

"I'm not trying to be funny. I'm trying to have fun. And seeing the look on your face, I sure am." He quickly changed back into his calm façade when Meilin's door opened.

"What's going on Sakura?" her voice was hoarse and her eyes are barely open. "Xiao Lang what did you do?" her attention now focused on her supposedly refined brother.

"Sorry to wake you up Mei-chan. I was just greeting Sakura." Ppfftt. His eyes twinkled in amusement.

'You're not winning this round Li.' She smiled sweetly at Meilin. "We're just having some bonding time. No worries."

"You sure? If he is bothering you in any way just tell me."

"Everything's fine. Go back to sleep. You need it later."

"Yeah. Xiao Lang better keep that naughty self or I'm calling mother." With that she went back to her room.

The two started a glaring contest. Whoever breaks first is the looser. Sakura's eyes started to hurt. Fuck! Syaoran was just too determined to win this. Then an idea popped in her head. Discreetly, she slowly arched her body to closed door behind her projecting her breasts without breaking eye contact. The slow movement caught Syaoran's attention and without knowing it his gazed shifted. Upon realizing what he did, his eyes widened like saucers because one: he lost the glaring battle, two: his male instincts betrayed him and three: Sakura was just too cunning.

She plastered a triumphant smile on her face. "That's what you get for messing with a person who just woke up Li. You really are a pervert."

"Your method of winning a simple was plain sick." He retorted.

"Is that so? Oh wait! Did I just hear bitterness?" she smirked as she walked towards the kitchen not minding the cold substance now pressed in between her toes.

He followed her and purposely stood a few inches behind her back without saying anything. Sakura felt his presence and immediately turned around only to be trapped by the sink. He leaned closer while she leaned back.

"I've never been bitter my entire life Sakura. I always get what I want." His gaze is now soft and warm, his facial expression inviting and persuading. His breaths hitting her face making her blush.

But she won't back down even if her heart was pounding erratically. "Get off me Li." She focused on her anger and disregarded the familiar spark inside her.

"Make me." He whispered huskily, he parted his lips slightly. He made sure she would wobble in her feet this time.

Sakura went speechless. He was so gorgeous she can't help but glance at his slightly parted lips. 'Fuck!' The defenselessness that she is showing right now was the chance he had been waiting. His left arm trailed around her waist and pulled her to him. At the swift action Sakura was startled causing her lips to part.

Syaoran's only intention was to tease her. But looking at how pink her lips are, the urge hit him hard and his logic disappeared. Much to his surprise she lifted her hand and caressed his cheek. He leaned closer, slowly closing his eyes, anxious to taste her lips.

This was the moment Sakura was waiting for. She clenched her hand that was caressing his face and hit him hard in the forehead. Twice!

"Oww!" He winced in pain and immediately released her.

"Nice try Li. You may think you're hot but sorry buddy. You don't turn me on. Remember that before you try something perverted again." She smiled cockily at him. 'Two points! Hell yeah!'

She proceeded with preparing her coffee nonchalant about what just happened, the evil smile is still on her face. Syaoran just stood there completely frustrated. 'Why is she so immune to my charms?'

"Here." She placed another cup of coffee on the table. "Regardless of what you did, we are still on the ceasefire mode. Drink it before it gets cold." She walked out of the kitchen with the coffee mug on her hand and settled in the sofa.

He got more frustrated with her sudden kindness. She sure knows how to turn the table upside down and use his tricks against him. Embarrassed by his traitor male genes and angered by her cleverness, he took his leather jacket and left without saying anything.

Sakura's heart started to ache as she slowly approached the Cherry Park. When she got in, she took a deep breath, surveyed the place and proceeded to the far end. There she saw the familiar place that reminded her of her home, her old life and her brother. Today was Touya's death anniversary. It was the same day that she ran away from home.

When she found the place three years ago, she was glued to this side of the park. Planted there were two parallel lines of Sakura trees. Probably ten trees on each side, she's not sure though because she did not bother counting. At the center are iron two-seater benches.

She would always sit at the farthest bench from the park entrance glancing at the river across. It would always calm her. The river had been part of her escape and became a support during those hard times.

She silently prayed for Touya and their parents while tears slowly drip down to her chin. The memories, both sad and happy, come rushing in. She swallowed the lump on her throat.

"Touya. I miss you. How would I ever repay you for sacrificing your life so I can live? Please forgive me for being weak and a burden." She swallowed another lump before continuing. "You know, I met this guy. He is totally different from you, yet he reminds me of you. And I hate him for that."

Her tears are now uncontrollable as she continued to talk to herself. "I hate him because he is living the kind of life that you should be having if it wasn't cut short by those monsters. He's your age and probably as tall as you. He is trying to be nice but I couldn't gather the guts to return the favor."

She buried her face in her hands as she poured out her pain. After a while she placed her hands on her lap and spaced out. She kept silent for a long time. Then she whispered, "Touya, will you ever forgive me?"

Syaoran was walking around when he saw a beautiful park nearby. After yesterday's walk out drama, it only proved one thing. He is a looser. He decided to go back to the apartment to apologize. He was taking the teasing too seriously he had forgotten that he barely know her.

It was stupid of him to get frustrated. She was just trying to fight back but loosing the battle to her was a slap he couldn't handle. Of all people, why her? Now he just wants to clear out the negative aura in him before taking again to her. Another argument, though 90% possible, is something he wants to avoid. For now.

Then in the most unexpected place and time he saw her sitting on one of the benches, the farthest. He frowned. This is the first time he had seen her so vulnerable. No, it's not even close to that. She looks so… broken. 'Who would have the guts to break her in an awkward place like this?'

He argued with himself for minutes before finally deciding to approach her. He stood a meter away from her and tucked his hands on his pocket. "Sakura?"

She was too absorbed in her own thoughts that the voice she heard sounded like a slight brush of air on her ears. She looked up, emptiness mirrored her eyes.

'Crap!' Syaoran cursed inwardly. He wasn't ready for that look. "Hey." He called again.

Snapping out from her trance, Sakura really looked at him this time. She saw the concern in his eyes. 'Great! Just the man I want to see right now.' She tried to sound annoyed. "What do you want Li?"

He was taken aback by her mood change. The usual glaring and cunning Sakura is back. He was both relieved and pissed. His plans earlier vanished. "I want nothing Sakura." He said in gritted teeth.

"Then?"

"Look. I'm not here to start another round with you. I was just walking around when I saw you crying. I know it's not my business but…" Does he really have to tell her? Whatever! "…you don't look like yourself." He averted his eyes readying his ears if she decides to lash out.

Sakura wanted to insult him but she couldn't find the words. Her throat dry from crying and her emotions haven't settled in yet. Then he continued hearing silence.

"Whatever is making you upset right now will pass. Don't force yourself, you'll get by. And though it doesn't look like it but I do care. I mean our relationship is not like the normal friendship but somehow I consider you a friend. So if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'd be glad to lend mine." 'Whoa. That wasn't so bad Li.' He scratched his head when she didn't say anything.

Moments pass, people came and went. The river kept flowing while the wind slowly rocked the trees. The flowers and leaves of the Sakura tree, one by one, glided down the grassy pavement beneath their feet. It looked like a shower of large pinkish teardrops from afar.

This continued for a good few minutes. The last petal landed on Sakura's lap. She looked at it while water started filling her eyes. She cradled the petal and surrendered; her tears falling rapidly, allowing Syaoran to see her vulnerability. She's letting her guards down. His presence and his silence had touched the depths of her heart. It was enough.

Maybe she can let him in. Maybe she can open herself and let another person in aside from Meilin. Maybe, just maybe. While sobbing she whispered in her sincerest words. "Thanks Li."