Author's note: Late. Late. Late. Super Late. Super Duper Late. I have many excuses but I won't write them down since they'd fill up a few thousand words. Sorry for taking too long. I hope you like the chapter. It was made with all the love, wit, sarcasm and snark (and maybe also sleep deprivation) that I could spare. I'm rushing to finish this before my 3DS gets fully charged. One of the games I've been waiting for just got released so I'm a bit distracted. As such, errors may be rampant. I apologize in advance. I also edited out some of the typos from the older chapters. No new content added. I had to reread the older chapters before I could write this one.
Oh, and for any confusion, any biological terms I use will always refer to their biological meanings. I had someone messed up since I used the word "asexual" in a weird way. Anyway, I hope you like it. :D
Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura isn't mine and I don't get any richer with each chapter I somehow manage to gorge out. Hats off to CLAMP for creating such wonderful characters.
Chapter 4: A Surprise Plane Ride
Rating: a rather high T
-oOo-
The sight of the empty chair in front of him deepened the frown on Eriol's face. It had been well over two hours since he last saw Syaoran. It was fine since he didn't have any scenes but usually, when he had a break, Syaoran was in his designated spot studying the script. If ever he left, he'd be back in a few minutes -always plenty of time before his next scene. Well, his next scene was slowly drawing near and he was nowhere to be found. Eriol couldn't shake the feeling that something was up. He liked to think he had an extra sense for these things but today, he wished it was just his imagination. Maybe Syaoran wanted to walk around. It wasn't everyday they went to a textile factory. Maybe he was just exploring.
And maybe Eriol had also been imagining the whiff of male hormones he breathed in the last time he was beside Syaoran.
Maybe.
However much he overanalyzed it, Eriol wasn't buying any of the reasons he's been coming up with. And it may have been because he saw Sakura Kinomoto walk into set today. Such a darling little girl, truly. Call him superstitious but Eriol felt that those two would not be able to keep themselves away from each other for long. He had warned Syaoran before not to do anything to her so he trusted Syaoran to keep his word.
But then again, you never know with raging hormones.
Eriol looked up as he heard a loud rap at the door to their dressing room. He was a bit surprised, and yes - very worried, to see Touya Kinomoto standing there.
"Kinomoto-kun, always a pleasure. How can I help you today?"
Touya looked worried and Eriol didn't take that as a good sign. "Hiiragizawa-san, did you happen to see my sister?"
His danger meter shot up to critical levels. What was the chance of his worst fears coming true after all? Surely somewhere around 1 in 99, 637,832,902.982, right?
"Not since I said goodbye to her this morning. Is there something wrong?"
"It's just, I left her to shoot some scenes and she wasn't there when I got back. I've been waiting for an hour and still nothing. I figured she might be with you since you're the only other person she'd talk to on set."
Eriol was a pleased that this was the case. He stopped himself for a moment and tried to figure out where that came from. He laughed inwardly at the protectiveness he felt towards her. He was sure Touya felt the same way. There was just something in the way she gave you her look of absolute trust that made you want to protect her.
"Couldn't she have just gone exploring for a bit?"
Touya shook his head. "She wouldn't wander off without telling me."
He sounded so sure of it that Eriol didn't have time to doubt. "Do you figure she's lost then? It is a big place."
"I think she'd know enough to remember how to get back. I'm worried that something may have happened to her. I tried calling her but she left her phone with her other things."
That was the last thing Eriol wanted to hear. The stars must be aligned in some weird arrangement that things were going in the direction Eriol was most afraid of. Add to that the fact that Eriol himself felt a tiny bit of responsibility over her.
"I'll ask the staff for help and then I'll join the search as well." He left out the miniscule detail that Syaoran wasn't back yet either.
"Would that be all right? It's not that I'm ungrateful but don't you have to watch Li?"
"If you who knows her best is worried then I think I should be worried as well. And Syaoran can take care of himself for a few minutes."
Within a few minutes, Eriol was able to ask the help of almost all the staff members who were on break. As soon as they divided their search area, he joined the search team. He split up with Touya because he had another person to find. Eriol hoped that his bad luck had better be out. He just had to find Syaoran before Touya did. It wasn't actually because he worried about his charge, it was more because he would breathe a lot easier if he knew he wasn't with Sakura now.
They searched for a long time and they still found no sign of her. Eriol could see that Touya was slowly losing it. His cool facade was slipping and he was slowly becoming disagreeable to the people around him. He met up with him a few minutes ago and was now accompanying him in his search. Before Touya could shout at an innocent staff member, Eriol quickly grabbed his attention. Eriol saw that Touya had already realized what he was about to do. He looked back at Eriol and gave a bow as an apology. Eriol nodded back. As soon as the staff member left, he approached Touya.
"You should rest for a bit. Both you and your head need a small break."
"I didn't mean to snap -"
"You didn't, but you were about to."
Touya hung his head. "I'm sorry. I just can't keep calm when it's Sakura."
"I'm sure she's fine. It's Sakura, after all."
"No, she won't be," he answered obstinately.
"Aren't you underestimating her abilities?"
"She looks strong and independent but Sakura is surprisingly frail at times. That's why I always have to watch over her. Also, there are so many people out there who could hurt her. I won't allow her to be hurt in any way. Not on my watch."
He could see Touya's determination burning in his eyes.
"I found out something great about you." And a bit disconcerting as well, he thought to himself. "Isn't that nice?"
"Stop teasing, please."
"I command you to rest for a bit before joining in. If you aren't going to listen, I'll have to call your mother. "
His companion shook his head and sighed. "Does everyone think that if they threaten to tell on me to my Mom that I'll have to listen to their demands?"
"No, I only assumed."
"Despite its truth, I hope that this little fact won't reach any ears any time soon."
"You have a talent for words, young man."
"I have to, my mom tends to use semantics and metaphors to get her way."
"Somehow I don't doubt that."
"I'll rest and then rejoin you. Thank you, Hiiragizawa-san." He took a seat on a clear patch of grass.
Once of their aides came running to them and that halted any conversation between the two. Touya was looking at him expectantly.
"Sirs, one of the key grips mentioned that he heard some weird sounds by the engine room a few hours ago. He thought it was just the normal but I think we should check it out. We've searched the entire place and still haven't seen her. She might've been locked in."
"It's better than nothing," Touya said tiredly as he made an effort to stand up.
The aide seemed alarmed that Touya was standing up. "Sir, we can handle it."
"It's my sister." Touya said it in a voice that told anyone who dared go against him that there would be very dire consequences to their actions.
"Then it's this way, Sir."
They followed the aide as he led them to the room in question. As they were about to reach their destination, they saw the director walking towards them. Both Eriol and Touya stopped to give a low bow.
"Why are my crew running here and there? We have scenes to film. Touya, you're up next."
"I'm sorry, Director. There's just -"
"Touya, I'll let you explain, I'll go on ahead."
"Wait!"
Eriol pretended not to hear and dashed off to where the aide was pointing to. He knew Touya should be the one rushing off first but he just had to make sure that Syaoran was nowhere near that place. He saw people crowding in an area some 20 meters away. He doubled his speed and got there in a few seconds. He tried to muscle his way in through the wall of people. The door was just opened the moment he reached the front of the group. He took a deep breath to calm himself and found that everyone in front of the door was shocked speechless.
He walked towards the open door and his jaw fell as he soon as he saw the two people inside.
Eriol wished that the world would end right then.
As if finally realizing that they were discovered, Sakura shoved Syaoran off her. Syaoran fell to the floor with an audible 'thump'.
He figured Syaoran said something as he heard his voice but could not understand the words.
"This isn't what it looks like!" Sakura almost shouted as she buried her face in her hands.
Even from this far, Eriol knew she was shaking. It took him a few seconds to wrap his head around what just happened. He did not like what he came up with. As if conjured from thin air, Touya appeared beside him. He didn't know that Sakura was inside with Syaoran. The only good thing about what happened was that Touya had not been there to see what Eriol himself had seen.
"Is my sister here?"
The sound of her brother's voice grabbed Sakura's attention and she rushed out of the room.
"Niisan!" she cried out as he all but tackled him. Touya's arms went around her instantly. She buried her face in his chest and her voice was shaking when she spoke next. "Niisan... I was so scared. I... I kept calling. I kept calling for you but no one came. I'm was so scared. Why are you here only now? It was so dark and... I-I was so alone. I was waiting for so long!"
The moment she stopped speaking, Eriol knew that Sakura was crying.
He patted her head and whispered, "I'm sorry I'm late." That was all Touya said before he lifted her up and carried her away.
No one spoke as they watched him leave with his sister in his arms.
-xXx-
"Doesn't this feel like de ja vu?" Eriol asked him.
He didn't bother answering. Syaoran was still in the state they found him. Albeit in his own dressing room where being topless was tolerated to some degree. Eriol was seated directly in front of him. Words unnecessary to tell him exactly what he thought of Syaoran and his recent actions. Syaoran couldn't blame him. The kiss wasn't planned. His reaction to it wasn't either.
"So you intend to eat your worries away. Don't think complimenting the chef will be any help to you."
Syaoran only grunted. He scarfed down another bite of chicken drowning in soy sauce to overload his tastebuds. He didn't pig out on set but he had to pig out now else he cross that fine line to Loonyland.
Even after all this time (and some 4... maybe 5 chicken wings) he could still taste her.
It was a mix of xylitol and peppermint and strawberries and caramel and goodness knows what other cloyingly sweet cake they served at whatever store she just came out of.
The worst thing was that he wanted more of it. A lot more.
The moment they opened the door and her brother spirited her away to safety, Syaoran was forced to face the onlookers head on. He wasn't worried about how he looked. He knew he looked good. He invested a lot of time, effort and money to look absolutely flawless no matter where he was. And no matter his state of undress. He worried how this event would cause even more rumors to emerge. The rumors only went as far as them having a weird attraction. Having seen him practically try to eat her alive, who knows what else those gossipers would think of. His second thought was embarrassment. He valued commitment and dedication to work above all else. Funny how things made such shocking turns when he was near her.
These were all secondary though. The thing that occupied his mind the most during his shameful walk back to his dressing room was her. Of that sweetness that lingered on his tongue. And he didn't even really go all out. He was about to really deepen the kiss but he was left to fall on his ass. He thought of cursing the people who opened the door but they were his saviors. He knew he would have done so much more if things had continued. Still, he wondered what it would have been like if he had dared to explore.
He made a silent plea of thanks as he rolled the chicken he was chewing all over his tongue. He was desperate to remove that taste. If he couldn't taste it then he'd be in much better control of himself. The memories he would have to deal with later.
"Are you listening, Syaoran?" Eriol asked him.
He grunted another response.
Eriol shook his head. "It was only a few days ago that you and I were in this same predicament. Me sitting here, flushed with anger. And you – sitting right across me, dripping wet. And now, here I am, still flushed with anger and there you sit - drenched in sweat!" Eriol slammed his fist on the table.
Syaoran swallowed the chicken he was eating. He knew he had to have full use of his mouth to argue his case.
"While I am glad to see your renewed interest in the opposite sex, I have to comment on your methods. Honestly, Syaoran. Sexual assault? I thought you were better than that."
"Assault?!" he answered hotly.
"Yes, assault. I know Sakura would never consent to what happened so I'm laying all the blame on you. You opportunist."
The plate of chicken was forgotten. Syaoran couldn't accept the things Eriol were saying about him. "Opportunist? It was an accident that we got stuck in there! And then she was going hysterical on me. It was the only way I could think of to calm her down."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. She was crying and calling out for help. She was really out of it and then she went on raving like a lunatic."
"Oh, I see. I get it. Perfectly understandable. It's everyone's first reaction to kiss a lunatic when they're having an episode after all. " Sarcasm had always been one of Eriol's strong points.
"No! That wasn't what I was saying! I didn't mean to do it. It just happened!"
Eriol looked him squarely in the face. "I don't believe you."
"What? Come on!" Syaoran almost whined.
"Isn't that the case with most people? They see a white wall and they're tempted to dye it black purely out of spite. Naturally, seeing such an innocent and sweet young girl, your anger over your recent meetings have blinded you to her merits thus leading to this destructive downward cycle of you wanting to humiliate and discredit her."
"What is with that overly dramatic characterization? In any case, I don't fall under that category Eriol."
"Then why are you topless? How in the world does that play into your I-was-just-kissing-her-to-calm-her-down scenario?"
Syaoran was starting to see that things really were worse than he originally thought they were. "It was hot," he answered lamely.
"Oh, I'm sure as hell it was hot in there!"
"Not what I meant. I meant temperature hot not sexually connotative hot!"
"I somehow doubt that."
"Why not?"
"Because you didn't see what I saw Syaoran. You had better thank the stars Touya wasn't the one who found you. If he did I'm willing to bet I'd be scraping your lifeless corpse off the floor right now."
"It wasn't like that at all. I wasn't trying to do anything to her." At least not intentionally, he thought to himself. He didn't voice what he really wanted else the verbal mauling he's been receiving would get any worse. "What did it look like anyway? It was just a kiss."
His manager shook his head again. "Just a kiss? Syaoran, that scene was like the opening sequence to an adult movie."
"It wasn't!" he protested.
"Just a kiss, huh?"
"Yes, just a kiss."
"And you did it to calm her down."
"Yes."
"What a load of BS!"
"Argh. Why won't you believe me?" he asked, exasperated.
"Syaoran, while I was watching you I was mentally checking my list of contacts for anyone who happened to have a fig tree in their yard. I was thinking I might make use of some leaves. Do you get me at all?."
The thought horrified Syaoran. He wasn't aware of that at all. He was too lost in that kiss. "N-no! that's… you're lying. I didn't. It wasn't –"
"So it wasn't just a kiss. Everyone could see that, Syaoran! What with you shoving your tongue down her throat." Eriol concluded calmly.
"I didn't! I was about to but but then you guys -" he stopped as he realized what he was saying.
"Ahhhh, so you were about to."
"Argh. No comment." Syaoran took up the plate again and started tearing at a wing.
"So let me get this straight, Syoaran. You only really just kissed her to calm her down?"
Another grunt.
"So if I ask her to dress down to her undies right this instant -"
Syaoran blushed at the mental image.
"Oh, you like that, huh?"
"Shut up!" he almost shouted as bits of chicken escaped from his mouth. He didn't care about proper table manners anymore with Eriol riling him up like this.
"Again, if if I ask her to dress down to her underwear right this instant, I will not find a hickey the size and / or shape of any of our major continents?"
"I only kissed her lips, I didn't go higher or lower."
Eriol seemed surprised by his answer. Syaoran imagined Eriol should be happy that he didn't do anything. His look then turned suspicious. "Are you sure you're a man? I mean, if you were overcome with such emotion then you shouldn't be able to control yourself, right?"
Syaoran sighed. "Well now, someone's contradicting themselves. I thought you didn't want me to do anything to her?"
"Well, yes, but then I just assumed since you were doing something so crazy you may as well have made the most of it."
"I don't get you."
"If I got to kiss a girl as cute as Sakura then I'd completely lose control."
"Good thing you're exclusively dating that fashion designer, right?" Syaoran replied a little harshly. He didn't like the feelings that bubbled out his his body when he heard Eriol talk about her like that.
"Oh, I don't know. Sakura's more my type - cute and fragile. She'll need someone to protect her. I think I'm more than perfectfor the job, don't you?" Eriol grinned mischievously as he said this. "Did she make any sounds when you kissed her? Maybe gasps or little mewls? I know I wouldn't have stopped -"
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
Eriol's grin only grew bigger. "Jealousy is a bitch, isn't it?"
Syaoran's eyed narrowed and reached for anything he could chuck at his manager. The bastard had been baiting him! He saw a book a few feet away and he stood up to get it.
His manager, being the very intelligent person he was, knew immediately what Syaoran was planning. He quickly decided to make himself scarce. As he was about to close the door when he poked his head out and spoke to Syaoran with his most innocent smile.
"One more thing. I would suggest brushing your teeth. I know that a little mint will remove that little taste of her that's still on your tongue."
He ducked his head out just in time because a few seconds later, a book came crashing right where his head used to be.
-xXx-
The tea Sakura was sipping sent warm tingles down to her toes. It was slowly warming her up and erasing all the fear and anxiety that had built up in the short time she was enclosed in that space. Touya had put his coat around her shoulders to keep her warm. She was slowly returning to her normal self. She had to show Touya that she was all right else her brother accompany her the entire time eventually causing problems for the entire production team. No one really knew how stubborn her brother could be. It was her job to be useful today and so far, she had only caused everyone trouble. Bouncing back as soon as she could was the only thing she could do right now.
At the same time, her brother watched her every movement, worry etched in lines over his face. The ordeal had left him looking a few years older. This was nothing new when it came to him dealing with Sakura. Today alone must have removed a few days from his maximum lifespan. He didn't mind though. All that mattered was that Sakura was all right.
"I'll be fine now, Niisan. Please go back to the shoot. You've missed out on a lot already," Sakura pleaded in a weak voice.
Touya watched her for a few more seconds before answering. "I would rather take you home now. I can just make up for anything I've missed later."
She already knew he was going to answer like this. "But Niisan, I'm supposed to take Mom''s place today. I already -"
"I don't care about the production, Sakura. I would willingly pay any amount they'd sue me for for breaching my contract if it means I can keep you away from all these accidents. First there was the aquarium and now this. " Touya said it softly but she knew his rage was just boiling under the surface.
Suddenly, Sakura felt like crying. She hated making her brother mad. He never got mad at her outright but she instinctively knew that his silent anger was even worse. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Niisan."
As if anticipating her tears, Touya went to her side and put his arm around her. "I'm sorry I got angry. I'm not angry at you."
"But I'm such a burden to everyone here. All I wanted to do was help you, Niisan, but all I managed to do is the opposite. Why am I so useless?" she said this as she buried her face in Touya's chest once more.
He gave her head a few pats to calm her down. "You aren't useless. Dad and I consider you our pride and joy."
"I'm not a kid, Niisan. I won't fall for petty words like that," she answered in a muffled voice.
Touya gave a low chuckle. "But it's the truth."
Sakura pouted and she knew her brother already expected her to make a face.
A knock on the door pulled the siblings attention to the intruder.
Eriol stood at the door, looking embarrassed. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Touya didn't let go of Sakura. "It's okay, Hiiragizawa-san."
"I was just worried about Sakura." He gave her an appraising look. "You have more color to your cheeks now. I'm guessing that's a good sign."
Touya loosened his hold so Sakura could give a little bow. "I'm better now, thank you. I'm sorry to worry you, Hiiragizawa-san."
"It was nothing. Seeing you all right is more than enough compensation."
"You and my brother are too nice to me, Hiiragizawa-san," she complained.
Eriol and Touya both gave a little laugh. "Is that really something to complain about?" Eriol asked with a smile.
She put out her lower lip. Touya smiled and ruffled her hair.
It was at that moment that the director appeared behind Eriol. Eriol immediately moved back to give him room.
The director looked around first before speaking. "Everything all right now, young lady?"
Sakura blushed as she replied. "Yes, Sir. I'm so sorry for the commotion."
He smiled to reassure her. "Oh, things like that happen. It's okay to get a little excitement on set every now and then. Or in our case, every time you join us."
"I won't ever come to the shoot after today, Sir. I won't cause any more problems," she said this and hung head. Touya pulled her close.
"Don't mistake me, dear. They were all accidents. It's not like you planned everything to happen, right? Anyway, every hour wasted is money lost for our team so I would like it if we could get in even just a few minutes of good footage today. I'll be needing your brother though. Would you be okay on your own for a bit?"
Sakura spoke before her brother could say a word. She knew he would argue. "I'll be all right now, Director. Thank you for worrying about me. This will be the last time I promise."
The frown on Touya's face told both the director and Eriol exactly what he felt about the situation. Before it could escalate further, Eriol volunteered his services.
"It's all right, Kinomoto-kun. I'm here. I'll watch her until you get back."
Touya looked back at him and Eriol knew he was debating whether or not to entrust his sister to Eriol's care. Grudging respect for his duties won out in the end. "I understand. I'll finish as soon as I can. Sorry for this, Hiiragizawa-san. I'll make it up to you somehow."
"Being able to talk with Sakura is enough for me." As soon as he blurted it out, Eriol knew he had said the wrong thing. He didn't miss the fact that Touya's eyes narrowed by a few millimeters. Eriol's words made it seem like he wanted to get alone time with Sakura for reasons he knew Touya would disapprove of. Eriol immediately thought of a way to save himself from the glare he knew Touya was about to shoot out of his eyes. "I wanted to ask Sakura some advice regarding my love life, you see. I'm dating a beautiful young lady now. She's quite the character and I was hoping, seeing as Sakura's quite a character herself, that she could give me a few good tips."
The searching look Touya was giving him told Eriol that Touya was currently judging whether he was telling the truth. Eriol suddenly lost a bit of confidence, he had never been a good liar.
"Those tips I gave you before had no effect, Hiiragizawa-san?"
Everyone looked to Sakura.
"I'm afraid so." He imbued his smile with all the gratitude he could. Sakura must be a very perceptive person to have caught his predicament.
"You must not have done them right!" she said with a little laugh.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Touya's shoulder relax a bit. It seems Eriol was saved by the skin of his teeth.
"Well, as amusing as the conversation is..." the director trailed off.
"I'm sorry, Sir. I'm on my way," Touya answered in a rush. He placed a hand on top of Sakura's head. "I'll be back in a bit, okay? Drink all your tea. I'll make you hot chocolate when we get back home."
"Thank you! You don't have to rush back, Niisan. Please finish what you have to do first. I'll wait here. I'll take care of myself, I promise." Sakura gave her brother her best smile.
Touya managed to return the smile. "Then I'll do my best as well." He gave a bow to Eriol before finally heading out.
"You are a lifesaver, my dear," Eriol said as he took a seat beside her. "Thank you for the save."
"It was nothing, Hiiragizawa-san. I'm used to my brother," she answered with a smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"I thought you wanted tips on your love life? Just for the record though, I've never been in a a relationship myself so I might not be able to give you any good advice."
Eriol couldn't help but laugh. "It seems I can't lie my way through you."
"Were you lying then, Hiiragizawa-san?"
He answered her with a smile. "No, I wasn't. I'm currently seeing a gorgeous young fashion designer. She's quite accomplished for someone her age. She's the same age as you, Sakura-san."
Sakura listened intently. "She sounds amazing!"
"I think so. But the reason I came here was to check up on you. I only divulged that bit of information for fear of my life. Does your brother know how scary he looks when he glares at people like that?"
It was Sakura's turn to laugh. "Yes, I think he knows it very well."
"And you don't seem to be bothered by it at all. You must really like your brother."
"Yup! He and my dad are the best!"
Eriol gave her head a few pats. "Anyway, how is everything? You gave us quite a fright when you disappeared."
"I'm sorry," she replied as she bowed her head. Sakura was trying to find a way to explain what exactly happened. She knew that Eriol would be on Syaoran's side no matter what so she was thinking of the proper answer for him.
"I should be the one apologizing."
Sakura looked up and met Eriol's eyes. With an apologetic smile, Eriol spoke again. "It's Syaoran's fault, isn't it? He was the one who locked you in."
"No, that wasn't -"
"So it was an accident?"
"No, but -"
She stopped just as Eriol laid a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm on your side, Sakura-san. You can tell me what really happened. It isn't public information but Syaoran can be an idiot sometimes. I don't tolerate his bouts of idiocy though."
Sakura didn't know why she felt that she could trust Eriol. It may have been because he gave off the same aura as her father. She took a drink from the cup she was holding. "Getting locked in was an accident. He pulled me into that room so he could talk to me alone. When we tried to get out the door wouldn't budge."
"Oh, I see. He didn't do anything to you did he?"
The only thing she remembered from that time was that kiss and she blushed furiously. It was best if she pretended she forgot about that incident. "Uhm... I don't really remember. I was just so scared. I'm claustrophobic, you see." She gripped the cup she was holding tightly. "I wasn't really thinking straight when I got in there. I probably scared Li, too. I was in hysterics. I just – I don't like... I can't -"
Eriol put his arm around her shoulder. "You don't need to relive something that scares you so much. I apologize for being nosy."
Sakura gave him a tight smile. "Thank you. I'm really sorry I worried you."
"It's nothing. However, Syaoran would like to talk to you again." His words surprised her so much that she had to stare at his face to see if she really heard right. "He's kind of worried about you, too."
"Oh." she could feel her face getting redder.
Eriol thought it would be prudent not to tell her that he was one of the few people who glimpsed what happened inside the room. "After this afternoon, I highly doubt if your brother will allow anyone to come near you. Can you talk to him over the phone?"
Sakura only nodded, not trusting her voice to speak. Watched as Eriol took out his phone and move away to talk to his charge.
-oOo-
Syaoran was about to leave when he heard his phone ring. He usually didn't answer sms messages, emails or calls when he was at work but since he already broke most of his rules at work today, breaking another one didn't seem to matter much anymore.
He didn't bother reading the caller ID and just answered it. "Li Syaoran speaking."
"Syaoran? I'm glad you're still there."
His left eyebrow twitched. His anger at his manager had barely abated since he left. "Are you too chicken to come face me yourself? You must be so grateful to telecommunications companies right now."
"Oh, no. I'm the same as usual. I'm just trying to do you a favor."
"I don't need anything you're offering," he answered curtly.
"Oh? Even if its a chance to talk to Sakura?"
That made him stop. After brushing his teeth (and cursing Eriol for always being right), his thoughts all turned to worry. She had been so out if it when they were trapped. He wanted to go check on her but he knew the security, known by its more common name Touya Kinomoto, wouldn't even allow a fruitfly near her.
"Damn you, Eriol. Damn you." Syaoran hated how Eriol knew what he was thinking.
"Would you like to talk to her? She's in her brother's dressing room getting warmed up. She isn't as pale as before and she's smiling again. I think she's going to be okay."
"I thought you were offering me the chance to talk to her?"
He could hear the smile in his voice and he imagined planting his fist in his smug face. That made him feel marginally better. "I am. I'm describing how she looks right now. You can't see that if you just talk to her. Now that I think about it, I could've just mailed you a picture of her. Silly me."
"Are you going to give the phone to her or what?"
"Impatient, aren't we?"
"You either get her on the line or just end the call. I don't have the patience to deal with your foolishness."
"Tsk, tsk. And to think that I'm older than you. You're sister would be disappointed. She taught you to respect your elders. "
"I'm hanging up."
He was about to end the call but he heard Eriol cry out. "All right, all right. I'm walking to her now. I left the room so she wouldn't hear us talk. She'll be the next one you'll hear."
"Screw you, Eriol."
"Sorry?"
Syaoran wanted the ground to swallow Eriol and melt him into the mantle. The next voice he indeed heard was her. He was hoping she didn't understand had he just said. Despite his irritation, hearing her voice relieved him. She sounded scared though. He didn't like it but it was better than the hysteria he had heard in her voice before.
"No, it was nothing. I hit something," he babbled.
"Okay. Uhm... You wanted to talk to me?" Her voice was unsure and Syaoran was left to flounder for words to reassure her.
"You... you sound better."
"Ah, yeah. I'm feeling much better now. Uhm, thank you."
He was so used to hearing her either angry or indifferent so he was unprepared for the vulnerability he heard in her small voice. He found himself tongue-tied and at a loss for words. "That's...ah... all I wanted to know."
"Sorry for worrying you. And thank you."
She was too polite for her own good. "I propose a truce."
"A what?"
"A truce. We'll cause trouble if we keep on fighting and arguing. I apologize for today. I didn't know that would happen."
"That's uhm... Okay."
"Okay?" he asked. He wasn't really sure what she was saying okay to.
"The truce."
"Then, all right. I'll be hanging up. Uh... be well."
"Thank you."
He ended the call and shook his head. "Be well?" he asked out loud. "Why can't I think of good things to say when they matter?"
He dropped his phone back into the bag and forced himself to concentrate on his next scene. He had already caused a delay in production today and the he could make up for it was to get all his scenes right in the least amount of takes. He took a deep breath to calm himself before heading back out into the shoot.
-xXx-
The filming took at least another two hours so it took them almost four hours before they were back in their neighborhood. Sakura felt almost restored to her former cheer. She was a bit sad that her father had gone already gone to the airport for his dig in Mexico. Whenever he noticed that Sakura was having a bad day, he usually made her noodles to cheer her up. This little gesture always made her smile.
"I'll make you some yakisoba when we get home," her brother mentioned out of the blue.
"Really?" she asked, her eyes lighting up immediately. She almost forgot that her brother loved to indulge her as well.
"Yeah, it's no problem. If I let Mom cook I won't be able to go to the shoot because of food poisoning."
Sakura giggled. Cooking was not one of their mother's talents. "Then let me help you prepare it."
"Convalescents should be resting in bed."
"I'm not a convalescent," she said with a frown.
Touya gave her head a few pats. "No need to act tough when we're alone, Sakura."
"But I'm not," she argued.
"Hai, hai," her brother answered.
Silence filled the inside of the car for a few minutes. Sakura was actually thinking of a way to apologize to all the people in the production team.
"Maybe I should bake cookies or something to make it up to them?" she voiced her thought out loud.
Touya's big brother alarms went blazing. He knew all too well the presumptions some men took in the face of a girl's kindness. Sakura didn't help matters either. She was a bit dense when it came to those signals. She was just so kind to everyone that she unknowingly eggs her suitors on like there's no tomorrow. It was only Touya's vigilant crusade against them that kept his sister safe from their clutches. Touya didn't think any of them was worthy to even breathe the same air as her.
"I don't think that's necessary," he answered cooly, glad he was able to keep the scorn from his voice.
"But that's three times, Niisan! I made so much trouble for you and everyone else," she said dejectedly.
He hated when Sakura felt she had to answer for something she had no control over. "It wasn't your fault."
Sakura didn't seem convinced. "But I threw that coffee all over him!"
"That was the only time you did anything. Other times was just bad luck," he tried to reassure her. "And maybe Li Syaoran."
She didn't quite catch what his last words but chose to ignore it. Touya took to grumbling these past few weeks so she mostly ignored him when he did so. Sakura knew he would tell her directly if it was something she needed to know. "But still, I'd feel better if I apologized to everyone. I want to thank everyone who helped search for me today as well. I'd be so embarassed to face them again if I didn't do at least that much."
"You assume you'll be seeing them again."
If Touya had his way, he'd keep nothing less than an ocean from separating Sakura and Li Syaoran. He had the gut feeling that something happened between them that Sakura did not want him to know. Guys like Li were pegged as players in his eyes unless proven otherwise. He did not want people like that getting near Sakura. It wasn't enough that he had to throw her into a shark tank but now he even locked her up in some closet. He knew that Li was the perpetrator of today's incident. He didn't have any proof but the fact his Sakura sense told him so was enough for him. He had no intention of ever letting them meet again.
"Please, Niisan. I just want to apologize." Sakura pouted that pout of hers and Touya knew he had no escape. It was always hard to say no to her when she looked at him that way.
Touya remembered that there were a few scenes that didn't involve Li Syaoran. He smiled more to himself than to his sister. He could bring her during those days. "All right. You win."
"Thank you!" Sakura answered with her biggest smile. "You'll help me, won't you, Niisan?"
He couldn't stop himself from scowling. "Why? It's you who is insisting on doing it."
"But you can bake so much better than I can. I might screw it up so much that I have to redo it and then I'll take forever."
That would have been the perfect scenario for Touya but he knew that his sister would work herself ragged just to finish those damned cookies. As much as he would like those cookies to never to see the light of day, he didn't want Sakura over-exerting herself. "Ugh, fine. But you'll have to follow my schedule. I might be busy filming to help you." It was the perfect excuse to time her visit to the day when Syaoran would not be there.
"Thanks, Niisan! You're the best!"
it took them another few minutes before Touya parked their car in the driveway. As he and Sakura got out, their neighbor, Oshino Shinichi, came passing by.
"Touya, Sakura! Good afternoon to you both."
The siblings bowed and returned the greeting. "It's been so long since we last saw you, Oshino-san," Touya said with a smile.
Oshino laughed as he answered, "I've been in Kyushu helping out with my brother's work."
"Oh, I see. It's good to have you back then."
"I just got back today. I was going to ask your father for some help but I caught him at a bad time. He was putting all their luggage into a car. Said he was going to a dig for the next few weeks."
"Hai," Touya nodded. "They're headed to Mexico this time."
"I see. That must have been why your mother looked so excited. She couldn't wait to be off. Said that it was a long time since she and your father went on a trip."
Sakura and Touya stared at Oshino as if he sprouted tentacles out of his nostrils.
"Excuse me?" they both asked in unison.
"Huh? I said your mother looked excited for the trip. She was all smiles when they left."
"She left with my father?!" Touya asked incredulously.
"Yes, they left together. I think one of your father's students came to pick them up. Must have been the first time he saw your mother since he couldn't make a coherent sentence all the while."
Touya looked to Sakura and saw his confused look mirrored in her face. Just then, Sakura's phone rang. She took it out and stared at the number for a few seconds. Without word, she handed it to her brother. He stared at the screen for two seconds before picking up.
"Good afternoon, Mother." Touya kept his voice controlled.
"Touya? I was calling Sakura? Is she all right?"
"She handed the phone to me seeing as you have something important to tell me, yes?"
"Oh, bother. I wanted to ask her for a favor. Anyway, I don't have much time. The plane is boarding now so I can only give instructions."
"Boarding? Mother, what is-"
"Shush, I said I don't have time. One of the grad students backed out of the dig. I was feeling much better this morning and since they had an extra ticket I decided to invite myself. Exciting, right? Like a twenty-seventh honeymoon for me and Fujitaka-san."
"Exciting?! Why not a heads -"
"Anyway, I'll be gone for a few weeks. Take care of your sister. Since its break can you ask Sakura to take my place at the shoot? She doesn't really have to do anything. She already helped you out today, right? She'll know what she has to do then. Help her out, okay? She won't have a hard time later then. Tell her for me, okay?"
This was turning into the worst possible scenario for Touya. "Mother, you have no idea -"
"Oops. I have to go, Touya. I love you both. Kisses and hugs to both of you. See you!"
She ended the call before Touya could voice another protest. Touya exploded right then.
"What the hell, Nadeshiko?!"
-oOo-
Author's note: Kinda short for me. Read and review?