Clamp owns CCS, I don't. Just borrowing some characters and adding new ones.

Meeting Syaoran, Loosing Sakura

Chapter 7 – The Rush

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The office hours had just started yet Syaoran felt exhausted. He had spent most of his time in Japan at Meilin's apartment bugging the hell out of Sakura. Speaking of which, the dinner two nights ago did not end well. After finishing her dessert, Sakura went inside her room saying she's not feeling well.

These days he had been feeling the spark whenever she was around. He could not pinpoint what it was but he was feeling it. Whenever she gets upset, especially when she bits her lower lip to stop cursing, it felt warm. She's adorable in her own way.

His daydreaming was cut off when his phone vibrated. He saw Yelan's number when he checked it. "Mother! How have you been?"

"I'm doing perfectly well Xiao Lang." Yelan's motherly tone delighted him. "Have you checked the Tomoeda office?"

"Yes. I'm actually here right now. So far the only problem I've seen was some questionable funds transfer. The account department is at it right now."

"Good, good, good. Now, when are you coming back?"

He dreaded that question. If she had asked him during his first few weeks stay he would immediately give her an answer. But right now, "Uh Mother, Meilin wants to stay for another week here. There was an accident and we… I mean she couldn't leave Sakura yet."

"Sakura?"

"Yes Sakura, Meilin's friend and housemate." He had completely forgotten the number one rule, Sakura isn't Sakura. Her name was Aya and it would stay that way until she's freed from her past.

A small laugh came from Yelan's end. "Do you think that matters more than bringing Meilin home? Where is the sense in that?"

"We can't leave her yet Mother. She's very delicate right now. She needs us."

"Are you hearing yourself son? I can't believe you would get attached to a woman who dragged your sister to filth and disgrace." He tried to protest but she did not let him. "You will fly with Meilin this week or I will make sure that woman gets trashed out. Head my warning son."

Syaoran's knuckles cracked as he tightly gripped his phone.

A Bon Jovi song could be heard even at the door of the apartment as well as two women singing, almost shouting, with the music. Inside, every piece of furniture and decoration were huddled to one side as Sakura vacuumed all the dust in the living room. Meilin was at the kitchen scrubbing the tiles and disinfecting the kitchenware. They called it full house pimping.

Not one of them heard the knocking on the door, even when it slowly opened. Sakura had her back on the door as she continued what she was doing. She was too eager as she continued to sing her heart out. Childish.

"What the hell!" she immediately turned around when the music stopped, her brows furrowed. "Oh! Li!"

"Looks like I'm gate crashing a party." He sounded amused.

"That was weird. Let's rewind." Sakura answered humoring.

"Good mood eh?" Syaoran chuckled.

"Never been better." She flashed him a genuine smile.

"Hey Brother!" Meilin popped out from the kitchen. She had a black apron with rubber gloves on her hands. "Is that food?" She pouted her lips to point out the plastic bag Syaoran was carrying.

"No. I brought some beer. Anyone thirsty?" He shyly laughed after seeing both women raise their eyebrows. "I was thinking of drinking them tonight after a loaded home cooked dinner."

"Seriously? Don't you have anything better as a peace offering?"

Syaoran alerted himself. It seemed that Sakura-sarcastic-mode was turned on. "Well, I can buy the ingredients and do the cooking later while you ladies take a break from cleaning."

"Are you sure?" Meilin beamed.

"Positive." He gave her his sweetest brotherly smile.

"Oh Xiao Lang. This calls for a celebration."

"Wait a minute. Am I missing something here?" Sakura interrupted their conversation.

"Oh Sakura. This is the best offer of my life. Xiao Lang is the best cook in all of Hong Kong. He can cook any cuisine. He even won this… epp…" Meilin's words were cut off when Syaoran covered her mouth.

Sakura smirked at his action. "Show off." With that she continued cleaning.

Syaoran, on the other hand, dragged Meilin to the kitchen and whispered, "We need to talk."

Meilin whispered back, "What's going on?"

"Let's go buy the ingredients. Come with me and we'll talk."

"Okay. But why are we whispering?"

"Because…" Syaoran cleared his throat before calling out to Sakura. "Hey Missy. I'll take Meilin out to grab some things. Will you be fine on your own?"

Sakura abruptly turned towards their direction. "What?"

"I said I'm taking Meilin…"

"What did you just call me? Missy? Do you seriously want to engage in an argument Li?"

"No. Okay, Blossom then. I said I'll take Meilin out for a… Ow!" Sakura's slipper made contact with his forehead. "What did you do that for?"

"Quit naming me. I have a proper name. Use it or don't ever speak to me again you fucking piece of an idiot."

"Look who's picking an argument here. I told you to quit cursing. It's improper for a lady like you." He retorted in a calm voice.

"We're leaving Sakura. See you later." Meilin jumped in the conversation and dragged her brother out of the apartment. She saw Sakura smiling before closing the door. What that smile meant? She doesn't know. But surely it wasn't for her. Seessh! Weird.

The siblings were now at the nearest mall strolling aimlessly. Syaoran was holding Meilin's hand as he searched for a quiet place to talk to her. Meilin tagged along with an annoyed expression.

Once seated, "Okay. Stop this nonsense. Spill it."

"I think Mother is flying here if we won't book a flight back to Hong Kong before the week ends."

"Oh my God! Why?" Meilin was shocked.

"She got impatient. She gave me a month to bring you back without forcing you. But I'm sure you know she expects shorter time than that. I bought as time by telling her I promised you a month of preparation before finally coming home."

"It's past the one month timeframe. Do you really think she's coming?" Worry was eating her.

"I think she is, I can feel it." He sighed.

"But we can't leave Sakura yet. She may look fine but trust me she isn't. The moment we're gone depression will hit her like a tidal wave."

"You think so too?" He tried his best to hide how concerned and worried he was for Sakura.

"I just know it Brother." She placed both hands on her face and sighed.

Sakura had just finished cleaning the apartment. She now lay on the newly bought carpet, her skimpy shorts and purple strapless top were still drenched with her sweat. "Those two sure are taking their time."

The doorbell chimed and Sakura was forced to roll to her side and stood up. If it were the Lis they would have barged in. She peeked on the peep whole and saw a finely dressed woman in her fifties. She opened the door with great caution.

"Can I help you?"

Yelan felt insulted by her actions. Not only was she rude for only opening the door halfway, she also looked indecent. "Who are you? Where's Meilin?"

"I'm Aya. Are you Mrs Li, Meilin's mother?" She asked politely.

"Yes. Where is my daughter?" Yelan became impatient.

"She's out to buy groceries. Please do come in." Sakura opened the door and gestured her, er them to sit on the sofa. Apparently Yelan was with a man the same age as her. "Would you like something to drink Mrs. Li?"

Instead of answering, Yelan rose from her seat and walked around inspecting every corner of the apartment. Her eyes were like x-ray vision that could see even the tiniest nail within their furniture.

"I can see my daughter is not living so comfortably." She remarked eyeing the man who stood near the door. "Wei you said she was leaving with a girl named Sakura."

"Yes Madame." The man called Wei answered.

"I see." She then faced Sakura who stood by the kitchen. She eyed her from head to toe, her gazed stopped for a moment on her breast area before showing her a poker face. "So Aya, why are you here in those indecent garments and where is this Sakura girl?"

Sakura didn't like her tone but she kept her cool. She respected her because she was the siblings' mother. "I live here. That's all I can tell you. You can ask the rest when Meilin and Syaoran return."

"You've met my son?"

"Yes Mrs. Li. He is with Meilin right now. They will be back soon."

Yelan gave her a disgusted look. "So you are a new housemate then. Are you one of those club girls where Meilin used to work?"

"We used to work there together." Sakura answered with a blank face.

"That explains it. Well Miss, I want you out of this apartment right now. Pack your things and leave immediately." She then turned to Wei to give him instructions. "Make sure to take her bank account before she leaves and deposit the amount she wants."

"Yes Madame."

Yelan sat back on the sofa and made no gesture to speak again. Sakura stood their crimson red, from embarrassment and from the insult. She clenched her hands as she breathed heavily. Her anger was boiling up and it was taking much of her will power to control it.

She regretted letting her in the apartment. She should have waited for the siblings to return and left so they could talk. She did not deserve every fucking piece of insult coming from her. Meilin's mother doesn't even know her.

Outburst was about to come out when laughter was suddenly heard from the outside. The door swung open, Meilin first followed by Syaoran. Both froze upon seeing their mother seated uncomfortably on the sofa.

Syaoran stepped in. "Mother! When did you get here?" He kissed her cheeks before settling in beside her. Yelan gave him a soft smile.

"How… How do you do Mother?" Meilin timidly greeted her.

"Ah Meilin. I had to trouble myself to come see you. Xiao Lang didn't want to leave without you. You should have listened to him when he first told you."

Meilin just bowed her head not knowing how to answer. "Mother it was I who gave her some more time to be with her friends before returning home."

"You don't have to cover for your sister son. You should have dragged her to your condo as soon as you contacted her. This place is a complete disgrace. What would the elders say if they found out about this?" She was now facing Meilin. "You even let some club slut live in this apartment. Couldn't you have been a little respectful and decent?"

Both Meilin's and Syaoran's eyes flew towards Sakura. They had forgotten she was there until their mother insulted her.

"Forgive me Mother." Syaoran stood up and walked towards Sakura. "This is Sakura, Meilin's best friend and housemate. She's my friend too." He added hoping this would stop Yelan from insulting her more.

To everyone's surprise Yelan sneered. She turned to their direction and the words that came out from her mouth had forever scarred Sakura. "You lying piece of trash. Not only did you lie to me, you have also clamped your claws at my son. Did you openly offered your body to him? Or do you usually seduce men with your filth?"

"Mother!" Syaoran shouted at the remark. Did those really came out from his mother's refined mouth? "She's a friend. There is no need for insults."

Yelan's lips thinned at Syaoran's reaction. "We are leaving tonight. There is no need to pack up your things Meilin. Leave everything you have here. None of this will be known when we get back." With that Yelan left the apartment followed by Wei.

Meilin threw herself on the floor as she cried buckets of tears. She knew this day will come but she didn't want it this way. Yelan clearly showed her how unwanted she was and insulted Sakura along the way. She can't forgive her mother.

Syaoran held her sister as she cried. He patted her back. Meilin instantly grabbed him and soaked his shirt. "I don't want to go back Xiao Lang. Not now, not ever."

"Shhhh. Everything is going to be okay Mei-chan. Brother is here for you." He would always call her Mei-chan to calm her down since they were kids. It would always work somehow.

The door opened again and Wei came in. "Master Li, Mistress Li, Madame will be waiting for the both of you at the airport at 6pm. The charter plane will leave as soon as you arrive." Wei bowed before he left.

As Meilin howled in desperation and while Syaoran silently cursed his faulty judgment; Sakura stood there with unshed tears, torn heart and suffocating agony. The scene that unfolded before her made her realize one thing and one thing only; she would never ever have a family again. She thought she did when she met Meilin. She was so wrong. When sorrow and depression kicked in, she ran towards her room slamming the door shut.

Syaoran was in the kitchen preparing tea. This day started cloudy, then turned into a storm and ended in a catastrophe. His mother, of all people, had hurt the other two most important women in his life. He sighed. Yes Sakura was that important to him now.

He had seen that family loving, supportive friend in her. Also, he had known the real Sakura Kinomoto, not the fucking stripper who knows nothing but to hate men, but the Sakura that loves attention and a sense of belongingness.

He finally was able to break through her outer layer. Now he could freely enter the world she was living in. But why did it have to be now? Why did his mother have to enter their solace at a time when everything started to fit together?

He poured tea to three cups, placed them on a tray and carried it to table near the sofa where Meilin lay asleep. He ran a thumb on her cheeks before waking her up. It was already past four, less than two hours before the flight.

Meilin slowly opened her eyes and it immediately focused on his. "Drink some tea. It will make you feel better. We are leaving soon."

"Where is Sakura?" she asked in a hoarse voice.

"She hasn't come out since this morning. I knocked on her door a couple of times but she didn't answer." He sighed at the thought that he doesn't have a way to comfort her. "She needs you now Mei. Be strong for her."

Meilin nod in agreement and stood up. She knocked on Sakura's firmly closed room door. "Baby sis, it's me. Can I come in?" The door clicked open after a few minutes. Meilin looked back before entering the room.

Sakura lay curled on her bed, her eyes closed. "Sakura, I'm sorry about my mother. She could be really mean and rude. But the words she spoke today were beyond that. And I'm really sorry." Meilin's eyes started to water again.

"It's not your fault Meilin. You have nothing to be sorry about." She assured her without looking.

"Don't hate me or Xiao Lang, okay? We love you."

At that Sakura rose from her position silently embracing Meilin. Without words she told her she loves her too. Breaking apart, she looked at her eyes, "You will always be the sister I never had. I will miss you. And take my wish for a happy family with you. Even without her support, you have Syaoran's. He will always be there."

"Thank you Sakura." They hugged again before both walked out of the room.

"Hey Li." Sakura half-smiled at the man standing before them. "You take good care of this punk and make sure she doesn't run off somewhere again. I won't be there to keep her intact."

Syaoran just smiled at her words. He had so much to say to her but her eyes were so distant that his tail turned white. She sure was tough in holding up. "We should leave Meilin. Wei is parked outside."

Meilin just nodded. She took her orange backpack. With fresh tears streaming off her face, she hugged Sakura tightly before breaking off and walked out without looking back.

Syaoran shook his head. "This is breaking her heart."

"So is mine Li." She looked straight into his eyes. "This is goodbye then. It was nice knowing you. I'll see you when I see you." She offered her hand and he took it. They shook hands and then Syaoran started walking towards the door.

He turned around before he completely stepped out. "You know, this may haunt me but I won't regret doing… this…" He snaked one arm around Sakura's waist while the other cupped her face. He pressed his lips on hers.

Sakura gasp in surprise giving him the opportunity to taste her sweetness as his tongue entered her mouth. Sakura tried to push him but his hold tightened. He pulled away for a second before kissing her again. This time Sakura was ready to kiss him back. Just as she did, he completely pulled away and walked out of the apartment. The last thing she heard was an engine coming to life and then slowly disappearing from her hearing range.

At that Sakura melted to the floor totally pulling the plug that held her tears. She mourned. It felt like dying again. It felt like loosing Touya all over again. "Touya… take me with you." she whispered. "Please, please, please… I can't go through this again…"

She thought of stabbing herself just to end all her suffering. When Meilin came, she felt better. When Syaoran followed, she felt peace. And when they left together she felt shattered, stabbed countless times by the shadows. And inside the apartment that became her new home was her grave.

"Sakura?" A small voice called out to her.

Sakura raised her head to see who called her name. Regardless of whom it was, "Please… don't leave me… alone… I'm scared…"

Tomoyo sympathetically stood beside the door. Her features were soft, concern covering her face. She immediately approached her with arms ready to hold her. Sakura reached for it and found relief in her arms. Relieved to find someone who can stay with her at a time she needed comfort the most.