Clamp owns CCS, I don't. Just borrowing some characters.
Genre: Romance / Drama / Angst / Humor / Mature
Enjoy reading! ReadandReview!
Meeting Syaoran, Loosing Sakura
Chapter 5 – The Friendship
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"What?!"
"Ssssshhh. Keep it down Meilin." Sakura rolled her eyes. After the talk with her boss she went home. Her mood was too sour for her to excite guests. She found Meilin watching TV. She sure was glad the pervert already left.
"I can't believe you turned down an offer like that. You're crazy!"
"What?!"
"Keep it down Sakura." Meilin rolled her eyes, copying her action earlier.
"Are you fucking serious? You're more concerned with me turning down her offer than her insulting me? And you call yourself my friend?"
"You know exactly what I mean. And I'm serious. Why did you turn down the offer?"
"I can't believe you are asking me that question." She lightly slapped her forehead in disbelief.
Meilin brushed it aside and asked her again. "Why did you?"
"Meilin if you must know, I declined the offer because I was scared. Happy?"
"Oh my, Sakura I'm sorry." She hugged her friend to comfort her. Sakura don't easily show her emotions but when she does it's a big leap for her. Her fear truly reflected on her eyes. "Tell me why you are scared." she asked after they parted.
"I'm so used to stripping in the club. The thought of leaving it, exposing myself more and working with unknown people gives me the creeps. It's outside my comfort zone and I'm too scared to step out Meilin."
"I know it's hard, especially since she knows you're identity. I can understand that, I really do. But think about your future Sakura. Stripping is not fit for a long time career. I'm sure you are aware of that."
Meilin shot her a comforting look. "And besides that, I'm leaving soon. I've got barely two weeks here. My conscience will eat me alive leaving you like this." She took a deep breath. "I haven't met this Daidouji but I have a feeling that you're in good hands. You will have a better and brighter future in modeling with that ass and those B cups and… ow! Hey!"
Sakura flicked her forehead and smiled. "You just have to ruin the mood don't you?" She attempted to flick it again but Meilin slapped her hand. "Are you sure about what you just said?"
Meilin playfully pinched her cheeks before answering. "Yes Sakura. And you should start toning these cheeks. I'm sure they don't want bun-faced models flaunting their clothes."
"You did not just say that!" Sakura saw the half eaten apple pie on the living room table. She immediately grabbed it and plastered it on Meilin's face.
"Eww!" Meilin sprang, grabbing the glass filled with orange juice. Trailing after Sakura, she cornered her near the door. She poured it unto her head making Sakura scream as the cold liquid touched her body.
After recovering from shock, Sakura picked up the abandoned slipper on the floor throwing it to Meilin's face Frisbee style. Meilin curved her body to avoid contact. Then she picked up the throw pillow on the sofa and it flew towards Sakura's direction. She ducked and crawled her way at the back of the sofa.
Meilin jumped out and ran towards the door. She pulled it open and hurriedly closed it. Instead of following her out, Sakura ran to the kitchen and clutched the remaining unsliced pie. She then tiptoed to the side of the door and patiently waited for the door to open.
After a few minutes it slowly swung open. Without checking she jumped out of her hiding place and slapped it on her face. Err, his face rather. 'What?' Her eyes bulged open as her face lifted a little higher. She couldn't see his face well but she knows who it was. Then she heard Meilin burst out of laughter.
To her horror, Syaoran peeled the pie off his face. He wiped the fillings using his hand and without warning he held Sakura's face with the same hand. As if not contented, he cupped a handful and wiped it on her neck. With another handful, he turned around and gently slapped it on Meilin's face. In a gleeful voice he said, "Now we're even."
Sakura stood there bewildered at the events. Her vision went back to Syaoran's face then to Meilin's. Both were grinning widely at her super shocked face. The two burst out in laughter leaving Sakura with no choice but to do the same.
Laughter can still be heard even outside of the apartment. After the eventful scene with the apple pie, all three were inseparable. Meilin volunteered to cook dinner, Sakura took care of the dessert and Syaoran bought the refreshments. Sakura had already called the supervisor telling her she won't be working tonight. She was still pissed at the new owner.
While waiting for Meilin to finish both Sakura and Syoaran settled in the dinning table sitting across each other. Sakura was humming while her fingers tapped on the table.
"Do you like singing?" Syaoran shot her a random question.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Good. How about we do something fun. One sings and stops at a certain word, and then the other will sing another song starting with the last word."
"Game!" Sakura beamed. She loved this game. "I'll start."
"Whoa! That's not fair. Rock-Paper-Scissors will decide. Are you joining Mei?"
"Nah. I'll watch. And whoever losses will do the cleaning later."
And so Sakura and Syaoran did the rock-paper-scissors. Sakura lost as expected but her enthusiasm did not falter. Syaoran cleared his throat before starting.
SyaoraN
If there were no words
No way to speak
I would still hear you
(He stood up and slowly walked towards Sakura while keeping eye contact. He stood a foot away from her.)
If there were no tears
No way to feel inside
I'd still feel for you…
SakurA
You are the song
playing so softly in my arms
I reach for you
you seem so near yet so far
(She slowly ascended her right hand above her chest while dreamily watching his eyes glow.)
I hope and I pray
you'd be with me some day
I know down inside you are mine
and I, your true love
or am I dreamin…
Meilin
…dreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
(She turned off the stove and glided towards the other end of the table. She posed and dramatically flicking her fingers slightly swaying to a silent beat.)
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
(Then she sat on the table, one foot dangling while the other rooted on a chair.)
Look at my love blowing away
He's the kind of guy that would say
"Hey, baby let's get away
Let's go some place, huh"
Where, I don't care…
(She blew a kiss. Surprise where the only emotion shown in Sakura and Syaoran's face. Who knew they can all sing.)
SyaoraN
Carefree
Why can we not be?
Forever you and me
Forever me and you
(He smiled at his sister before shifting his glance at Sakura.)
Carefree
I know it's not my fault
I long to be forgiven
For whatever it is I've done
Tonight the oceans at my feet
The stars glitter just like diamonds…
(He grinned. The last word of his phrase was quite challenging. Wondering how she will pull it off, his eyes didn't leave hers.)
SakurA
(She returned the same grin. Challenge accepted.)
Diamonds are forever,
(After the high note, she pulled out the chair she was seated on earlier, a good distance away from the table. She gently pushed him to the chair. Then she stepped on the space between his legs leaning closer.)
They won't leave in the night,
Have no fear that they might…desert me
(A few seconds pause, she dropped her feet. She stood with her feet apart, her head bowed. The made a popping move with her chest slowly stepping backwards. She pushed herself up and sat on the table. She crossed her legs and started rapping.)
Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe,
(Second Voice - Meilin: Diamonds are forever)
The Roc is still alive every time I rhyme
For ever ever, for ever ever, ever ever, ever ever, ever ever, ever ever, ever ever
(She jumped out of the table, ran towards him, her right hand lifted in the air moving in one with the beat while her left thumb is inserted in her left pocket.)
Close your eyes and imagine
Feel the magic, Vegas on acid
Seen through Yves Saint Laurent glasses,
And I've realize that I've arrived
Cuz it take more than a magazine to kill my vibe
Does he write his own rhymes, just sort of
I think 'em, that mean I forgot better shit than you ever thought of.
(She ended it by parting her legs and sliding into his lap. She gave him another chest pop before pushing herself up, butt first. Then she stood straight crossing her arms, awaiting his response.)
Syaoran just stared at her in amazement, unable to think of a rebuttal. Hip Hop was one thing and rapping was another. Sakura flicked his forehead to get his attention.
Meilin laughed at the background. She liked watching a mini-Broadway. And clearly her brother's reaction shows how he admires her best friend.
Sakura was about to hit him again when he caught a glimpse of her hand. On reflex, he slapped it. "I don't approve violence."
Sakura chuckled. "Whatever you say, Loser." Her smile was contagious. And on that same day, all three of them gleefully shared the same hilarious laugh.
Syaoran was wide awake on his hotel bed. Today was one of the happiest days he had while in Japan. No more bickering with Sakura. She's opening up to him in her own phase. They started sharing jokes without hurting or insulting each other.
He was now seeing her differently. Her physical being doesn't bother him much anymore. Her body was just so perfect and she isn't aware of it which makes it more seductive. The good thing is he doesn't get as distracted as he was before whenever she moves around.
He was almost completely off that now. He was seeing more of the real Sakura; the friendly, loving and gleeful Sakura who's carefree and playful at the same time. And he liked it. He adored this side of her. Whoa! Hold it right there. Did he just say he err… adored her?
His phone started ringing so he picked it up. "Hello?" It was Yelan. "Mother! I'm sorry I haven't called… No that's not it… Yes I've already talked to Meilin… We can't, I mean she can't leave yet. I gave her a month. We'll be home in less than two weeks… Yes, we will. See you soon."
The line went dead. He sighed. He was enjoying his stay here that he nearly forgot what he really came here for. Surely his sister won't be happy about this. And it feels like he was feeling the same way. Double sigh.
"Looks like someone needs a diet." He joked as he saw Sakura pushing an almost full cart near the fruits area. He intended to buy some fruits at the nearby grocery store before going to the apartment.
"Hey!" Sakura greeted Syaoran. She was at the nearest grocery store to buy their groceries. It was a weekend. Meilin decided to stay and do the laundry. "What are you doing here?"
"Buying groceries?"
"Funny Li. You live in a hotel. You don't need groceries." She continued on to the next stall. "And besides you are practically living in our apartment minus the fees."
"It's always good to share your blessings." He wiggled his brows.
"And it's abusive to overuse our kindness."
He chuckled. She would never back down to an argument and he liked teasing her more . Aw! Stop this weird thinking.
"Am I amusing you that much Li?" She had the usual glare on her face.
"Oh I'm sorry. It's fun watching you glaring like a mad woman."
"I'm glad I made your day." She said sarcastically. "Now go scam and leave me alone." She picked up some apples and a pineapple before making her way to the counter.
"Sakura wait." He held her arm to stop her.
"What now Li?" This time she was really getting pissed off.
"Let me help you with that." Without waiting for her response, he slightly pushed her to the side and held unto the cart.
"What are you doing?! I told you to leave me alone, didn't I?" She was now frowning.
"I'm helping you. I'll pay for these, a payback for your hospitality." He explained.
"That's not necessary. You don't owe me anything." She tried taking the cart handle from him but he did not budge. "Why are you being so stubborn?" She tried again but still failed.
"Because, you're being stubborn as well." He stopped at the end of the line. They reached the counter without her realizing it. "Don't think of it as a payback then. Just think of it as me regularly buying the supplies we need at home."
"What?! Have you gone mad? Surely, your words are not making sense. Not to me."
"You are right. I'm practically living at your apartment. Both you and my sister refused any financial assistance. So I have decided to buy food and we can all have it." He sighed. "You don't have to make an issue out of this. It's just a simple gesture."
"Fine." She crossed her arms and stood beside him. Her lips tightly closed clearly showing she's no longer talking to him.
He kept his silence as well as they waited for their turn. After paying, Syaoran held three bags but Sakura insisted on carrying one. He gave in and they silently went out.
"My car is right here. You don't have to walk." He opened the trunk and placed the bags. He grabbed the other bag from her hands and laid it in before closing it. "No excuses. I know you walked your way here."
Sakura rolled her eyes. Yes, she did walk. It was just three blocks away from their apartment. Besides it was a good form of exercise. And she planned on taking a cab on her way back. She obligingly went in the passenger seat and secured her seatbelt.
Syaoran went in and started the engine. After an awkward silence he spoke. "You know, I thought we are already good." Sakura did not respond so he continued. "Why are you back to your grouchy mode?"
"Excuse me! I am no way near grouchy. Where the hell did you get the idea?"
"You are glaring again, at me. I thought we already settled our differences and now on the friendship level."
"Somehow, we did." She answered without looking at him.
"Then why are you acting up again?" his frustration was bubbling up. He was so looking forward to another laugh trip session with them, especially with her.
"Fuck! We are not talking about this. Pull over."
"I'm not pulling over. And yes we are talking about this right now." He purposely missed turning to the parking lot entrance of their apartment and sped up.
Sakura punched his arm. "Are you fucking retarded? Pull over!"
He abruptly hit the brakes; Sakura nearly flew out of the windshield. Then he clicked the automatic lock for the doors, rendering Sakura no escape. "Now let's talk." He calmly said.
"Fuck you Li! Don't use that tone on me!" She desperately banged the door to open. Hopelessness sinking in, she turned to his direction and attempted to slap him. He stopped her.
"We have to settle this now. And you will listen to me Sakura." His voice was now low and dangerous.
Sakura nearly shivered at the change of his tone. She crossed her arms for the 'nth' time and glowered at him.
"I despise women who are violent and cuss like it's a natural thing to do. You're exactly that, no doubt. But that's only a façade you put up when men are around." He breathed hard and his tone changed softer this time. "Why are doing it?"
"Why do you care?" Her voice was surprisingly soft as well.
"I care because you are a friend and my sister's best friend. Or am I just another stranger?" He patiently waited for her answer.
"Do you really want to know Li?"
"Yes." He answered sincerely.
"Well, I don't consider you a friend. You are more like someone closer." She saw the confusion in his eyes. "You see, friends for me are like people I know, acquaintances of some sort. They come and go. An important person is someone I treasure, someone like Meilin."
"Wha…" He was stopped short when Sakura waved her hand.
"And that's what pisses me the most. I've known you for barely a month and you were able to break into my world. I hate intruders because I value my space." She looked away to hide her fragility.
"Sakura if I am important to you, why are you shutting me down?"
She looked at him with sad eyes. "I am not ready for it yet. I am not ready for you. If you stick around, maybe then you can break in freely. I'm sorry I'm not ready for this."
"Then I'll stick around. I'll stay until you are ready."
"No don't do that. You're efforts are enough." She sighed. "This is about me. No one should be dragged into my messed up life."
They looked at each other, calculating the emotion within.
"Alright. But can we at least enjoy our time together. I really hate arguing you know." His composure was back and was now trying to calm her.
"My first impression about you was totally wrong. I always thought you were some perverted guy who acts cool all the time. I'm admitting it, I was wrong. You're a nice guy, minus the calm and composed façade."
"Were you complimenting me or insulting me?" he smiled.
"No way near that. I was telling you how I see you. I like the teaser act. It isn't awkward and forced. It suits you naturally."
"Wow! Now too much honesty is flowing out of that cursing mouth."
"And too much girly pep talk is coming out from yours." She chuckled. "Now drive us back before Meilin calls the police."