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

Meeting Syaoran, Loosing Sakura

Chapter 7 – The Strike

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Knock. Knock. Knock. Syaoran glanced at the door as Meilin came in.

"I heard from Secretary Kim that you're bound for Japan next month. Is it true?"

She was unable to hide her excitement. He smiled back.

"There is no fix date yet, but yes it is true."

"Ermahgerd! Can I come with you? Please brother?"

She gave him the cutest puppy eyes she could make. He laughed hard at her.

"Seriously Meilin. Will you ever grow up?"

"Oh come on Xiao Lang. I'm trying to be cute here. Can't you just pretend that you actually think that I'm cute? I bet if it was Sakura, you would have died from heart attack."

Instantly the happy face was drained from him. Sakura Kinomoto was a topic he badly wanted to talk about with Meilin. However, just merely saying her name sent daggers to his heart. Yes he liked Sakura, probably loves her. Who knows? He never got the chance to figure out his feelings.

"Sorry. I just miss the good old days you know. I never stopped thinking about her. She's my best friend and will always be."

She looked away. The pain was transparent on her and she didn't dare to hide it from him.

"I know you miss her too. If only Mother had not forced us to…"

"Mei… Let us not talk about it while we are in the office. Okay?"

He calmly begged her despite the tension building up. Yes. He misses her too. If not for their mother's strong will and authority over him, he was near the point of abandoning his duties for once and fly back to Japan.

"Come over here Princess. Big Brother got something really nice for you."

A fifteen year old Touya was calling a ten year old Sakura while playing with her dolls. Sakura beamed upon seeing something glitter behind her brother's back.

"That? Mine Touya-nee?"

He nodded and handed her a small box. Sakura excitedly opened the box, tearing the wrapper in a hurry. He chuckled at her cuteness and he smiled widely as her eyes grew super wide. It was a box. She opened it and saw a gold chained necklace with a pear-shaped locket. She opened the locket and saw Touya's picture on the right and her parents' on the left. She jumped up and hugged him dearly.

"Oh thank you Brother. This is the best birthday gift ever. I wonder what Mom and Dad prepared."

"I'm sure it is something extraordinary." He mused.

"Happy Birthday Princess! It seemed Touya has done it again."

Fujitaka shook his head in dismay.

"And I thought I'd be the first to give you your present."

"It means you are getting old Dad."

"I may be old but I am as healthy as a horse."

He then mimicked a horse ready for a race. The siblings laughed at their father.

"Darling, you are scaring the servants."

Nadeshiko came out of the garden as well.

"They have known you for being a kind and warm landlord. Not an aging father who had gone mental."

"Oh dear." was all Fujitaka could say.

It was a happy morning. Despite everyone being busy with the preparations for her birthday party, her family still had time to spend together. She loved it dearly.

As the night came Fujitaka received an emergency call. A fire had started on one of their fabric factory. Unfortunately, one of the machines overheated and exploded. Nadeshiko insisted on coming so they left together and promised to come back just in time for her first dance.

On that fateful night, she lost her parents. Their car collided with a van at an intersection on their way home as her father tried to reach home as fast as he could. Both did not survive the accident. And a few days later Kyoko, her mother's half sister came over with her lover Fuji, claiming to be the temporary guardian while their grandparents were still away.

Unfortunately, due to the manipulative nature of Kyoko, their grandparents decided to leave them in her care until they died due to old age. The siblings did not have other close relative so the sole guardianship was granted to Kyoko along with a good sum of money.

Sakura sighed as she remembered how she lost her parents, of how her peaceful and lovely life turned sour and then completely loosing it. When she left the island she promised herself that she would come back to claim what they took from her. But as months passed by, she realized it was close to impossible to get the life she once had. Especially since Touya was no longer with her.

So she started living a new life. She shut people out to prevent them from hurting her. She hated men so much that she started cursing whenever she sees one outside of her work. Eventually it became habitual and never left her system.

Loosing her dear friend Meilin was hard but it wasn't as tough. She knew this time would come. And she would no longer cry over loosing someone important. She would start living for herself and herself alone.

She was brought back to reality from her own world by a tap in shoulder. It was Tomoyo. She had visited her again in the apartment. She felt a little at ease now around her. Her former lady-boss offered her the condo again a few days ago and a new job. She's thinking of taking it. There was nothing to loose. Her life would continue to flourish if she willed it. And she already made her decision.

A good two years had passed with no communication still from the Li siblings. Sakura, not missing a single day, missed them and hoped they would come back. She hid it well from others but Tomoyo can see through her.

That fateful day Tomoyo never left her. She comforted her like a big sister would do. She stayed at the apartment for a week, making her presence known and giving Sakura the family that she hoped for. Pathetic it may seem but she hang unto Tomoyo like there was no tomorrow. She kept loosing her family. Loosing another one in just a short period of time and she'd gladly take her life.

"Hey Sakura. What do you want for breakfast?"

Tomoyo called out from the kitchen.

"I'll have the usual." She went in and found her lady-boss turned instant mother/sister in her grey apron. "Is Eriol picking us up?"

"No. You go ahead and take my car. Eriol is taking me somewhere else. I'll see you after lunch."

Tomoyo served the food. Sakura happily gobbled every piece of the omelet and bacon before drinking her milk. She brushed her teeth, drank water, and kissed Tomoyo on the cheeks before leaving the condo.

It was a one hour drive to where the burned down club was. A new 5-storey building was now built on that same spot. It's nearly ready for the grand opening. Workers are now finishing the interiors. She parked her car a few meters away from the Daidouji Glass House parking lot.

She went inside and found her old friends at the club already there working on their assigned areas.

"Hello girls."

"Hi! Where is Miss Tomoyo?" Chiharu asked.

"She's out for some business. She'll be here after lunch."

She went further inside.

"Good morning Sakura."

"Good morning Rika. Are those for the display room?" She asked pointing at the bare mannequins at the corner of the hall.

"Yep. They arrived early today."

"Great!"

She proceeded to the back of the display room where the offices were located. There she saw Takashi piling up boxes.

"Hey Tak!"

"Hey Sakura. I saw Eriol earlier today. He said something about dropping some things in your office.

"Okay."

With that she went in her office located at the right side. The room was still bare except for a black leather sofa on one corner. She sat there and took a deep breath and started thinking again, unconsciously.

After the week-long breakdown Tomoyo kept her busy. The modeling offer still stands but Sakura preferred working for Glass House than modeling for it. She would soon be the General Manager. She asked Tomoyo to hire some of her good friends from the club. Soon after, the lady boss called for a meeting and introduced her as Sakura Kinomoto, GM. No questions were further asked.

Sakura sighed then pulled out her organizer from her bag. She checked her schedule for today. Her eyes bulged at what she saw. Today at 2pm the yearly contract for her old apartment will expire. She needed to meet the owner to renew it. She dialed Tomoyo's number but did not get an answer so she left a message on the answering machine.

"Hey Tomoyo, something came up. Can I take a leave this afternoon? Sorry, I know this is a short notice but it's really important. Call me, okay?"

She hurriedly grabbed her bag and left the building. In a matter of seconds she locked the car and started walking. She hasn't been in the neighborhood since she moved. Hell, she did not even bother to visit the apartment. She did not want to give in to the loneliness that creeps inside her.

After a few minutes the Cherry Blossom Park came into view. The trees were bare of flowers and leaves. She stopped right in front of the opened gate where she can clearly see the ever so familiar bench she usually sits on every year. She stared at the scenery for a while before she turned left.

Just a few blocks away from her apartment she saw Aunt Remy's shop. There were customers but it wasn't packed. She smiled at the thought that business was still doing well. She walked past the shop, her stride short and slow. Now the apartment came into view. It looked so ordinary but it was home to her, or at least the closest there could ever be.

At the doorstep she reached for her key and slowly opened the door. Dust instantly attacked her nostrils as she stepped in. She coughed at the intake and rushed to open some windows. She then moved the curtains to the side to allow sunlight in. Once the dust cleared it all suddenly felt nostalgic.

Years ago she had what she thought was a perfect life, a job, a home and a family. Then things got twisted and she ended up loosing everything. The good thing about it all was she found a new friend, another family who was willing to stick with her through thick and thin.

She checked her watch and saw that it was still early to meet the owner. She checked the drawers and she found some packs of ramen. The expiration date was next year. She smiled at that and started preparing her food. Once cooked she dug in and filled her stomach. Good thing she brought water. After lunch she checked her watch again. It's still early so she decided to take a nap. Her room had less dust to her delight. After replacing the covers, she settled in. She set the alarm before closing her eyes.

"It's good to be home."

Sakura had started drifting away when she heard a click then the front door opened. Instantly, her eyes flew open.

"Could it be the owner? But it's one and a half hour early."

When she heard footsteps walking around the living room she went out of bed and fixed her hair before going out.

"Mrs. Shibata you're e… Oh my! Li!?"

"Sakura? Wow! It's really you!"

Syaoran hugged her tight, overjoyed at seeing her.

"Whoa!"

She laughed and loosely hugged him on the waist. They broke free from each other with a smile.

"Have you been well? Where is Meilin?" she excitedly asked.

"You look well yourself. She's still in Hong Kong. She'll catch up soon." Syaoran looked around. "Were you on vacation or something?"

She laughed at his question.

"No. Well, I… I haven't lived here since you guys left. It was too quiet. So I crashed at a friends place."

Syaoran looked at her intensely.

"About last time, I haven't really said anything. This is long overdue but I'm sorry for what happened. My Mother went overboard but I was too occupied to say anything. I'm really sorry"

"Nah!" Sakura turned her back on him. "Let's put it behind us. It was nothing, really."

"Still, I want to apologize."

"Yeah. It's okay." Sakura went into the kitchen to find something she can offer him. "Geez. I don't have anything edible here aside from noodles. I'm afraid I can't offer you anything."

"That's fine. You don't have to." Syaoran was now in the kitchen. "You know I haven't had lunch yet. Would you like to join me?"

She bit her lower lip. "I already ate." She pointed at the bowl on the sink.

"Oh!" He couldn't help hide the disappointment he felt.

"How about we order some food and have it delivered here? You can eat while we catch up on things."

He grinned widely at her suggestion and they proceeded with ordering his lunch. Sakura added some desserts. After nearly 30 minutes the food came. They settled in the dining table.

"You know, something is odd about you."

"What the fuck Li! Quit staring. Just eat the damn food."

To her surprise Syaoran burst into laughter. It roared inside the apartment. She raised a brow. One, because she didn't realize before that he had a very masculine voice. And second, he looked like an idiot, as usual. He continued to laugh while holding his stomach.

"Hooo! Sorry about that. You see. This is the first set of swearing you said since we met today. No wonder something felt odd."

"You think that's fucking hilarious?" she asked slightly aggravated by his amusement at her expense.

"With all honesty, yes it is. God I can't believe I actually missed that. Good Lord."

"What? Now you are going senile. Don't give me such bull. Being mushy saying you missed me is purely absurd."

"You just will not stop, would you?" he seriously asked her. "Why would it sound absurd to you? I did miss you. Meilin too. We missed you. Now does that still sound absurd?"

She was caught off guard. The man really knows what to say around her. She involuntarily bit her lower lip while thinking how to rebut. Shit. She couldn't think of any.

"You haven't answered me Sakura. Why do you think it's absurd?" he pushed his plate to his side and leaned back against his chair, his gaze hot on her.

"Don't… This isn't about me! Stop twisting my words." She glared at him.

"Those words came out from that mouth of yours. I'm merely asking you why?"

Sakura didn't like the Syaoran she was talking to. She'd be more comfortable with the calm and cool Syaoran. It was annoying her with no particular reason.

"I just find it absurd Li. We know each other but not to the level where we start missing each other."

"Do you really think our relationship is that simple?" He smirked. "How would you define the kiss then Sakura? Was it just a mere brushing of lips? You make me laugh."

Her eyes grew wide in horror. She abruptly stood up knocking down her chair. He did the same.

"Just shut up! Don't change the subject! You asshole!" She was now close to shouting.

"Now, now Sakura. It isn't very appealing for a lady to curse non-stop. And shouting is dead turn off. Why don't we talk in a more civilized manner?"

"Fuck you Li!" She gave him the sign. "Fuck you and that moronic thinking you have."

Her anger boiled up. His words sounded exactly like how his mother judged her. She pushed the bitterness aside.

"No wonder your mother favors you more than Meilin. You got her twisted mouth."

She huffed in pure anger. "Meilin was willing to go back. You just had to give her some more time to ready herself from leaving what she had here. Fuck! She worked hard for it."

"It has nothing to do with you Sakura. It was a family affair." He said dryly.

"With that fucked up thinking that you got from your mother, you will never understand. And your mother had no right to insult me or the life that Meilin and I had here. To hell with your fortune! So go shove that shitty face somewhere. And quit annoying me!"

It was too late now. She had said what she just said. She clearly saw the anger in his eyes and the movement of his jaw muscles.

"I suggest you leave now. This conversation is totally over."

She didn't see how his angered died down when she turned her back on him. Relief followed and he softly questioned.

"How did that feel?"

"What?"

"How did it feel to finally let out some of that suppressed anger in you? It feels good right?" he smiled.

"Is this some kind of joke to you? Stop fucking around and leave. Now!" Her head started to hurt.

"You probably cried for different reasons when we left. And I know one of those reasons was the words my Mother said. I told you I haven't properly apologized. There is no way of taking them back though I wish I could."

Syaoran walked towards her and stood a few inches from her. He reached for her hands and held them.

"I figured if you can throw a few insults at me, somehow I can suffer a little of the pain. I had to provoke you. I had to. And I'm sorry I had to do it this way."

It hit her like a typhoon. He had gone to such means just so she can vent out. A teardrop fell on her cheek. He wiped it with his thumb. She tightly closed her eyes. No it wasn't time yet to feel too comfortable with him. She opened them and looked straight into his.

"Why?"

He cupped her face and held it gently.

"Because…"

He slowly diminished the distance between their faces.

"I…"

His lips nearly touching hers.

"I think…"

Then he kissed her. It was a solemn contact. His hot, yearning lips met her warm, anticipating lips. The kiss was slow but detailed. She parted her lips so his tongue can explore hers. She moaned when his expert tongue intertwined with hers.

Everything around her went dead silent. She heard nothing except for her thumping heart and raging pulse. The kiss they were sharing now was far more nerve wrecking than before.

There was no anger, no hesitation, no reservation and nothing was holding her back. It was as though his lips were what she had been waiting for to cure her unknown sickness. And soon they parted for air.

"I'm falling…"

He kissed her again with the same intensity.

"For you…"

AN: Thank you everyone for the support!

Shout out to: aurora0914, FashionFairy26, PrincessSakura2456, zeKaien