Authors Note: Ok…Sage is 19 and Kari is 18. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. Hope you like it. Also, Happy Christmas Eve!
Chapter Seventeen: Undercover Love (Part One)
BEEP BEEP BEEP was the sound coming from Kari's cell phone on the nightstand. She was still completely asleep, but the annoying sound woke Sage.
"Sage here…" He answered in a tired voice trying not to wake Kari.
"Where's Kari?" Came one of the Twins on the other line.
"She's asleep. What's wrong?"
"Sakura informed Rowe and me that she was to start hanging around Chaz more. I don't like the idea."
"I already know about it, and we've worked things out. She's right…you two worry way too much."
"How are you supposed to protect her if she's hanging around that Tiger kid?"
"She can handle herself, and I'm still going to be protecting her. Now I'll see you later today. I can still sleep for an hour before I take her to school." Sage finished before hanging up and pulling Kari back to him.
"Who was on the phone?" She asked putting her head on his shoulder with her eyes still closed.
"Your brother freaking out." He answered, kissing her hair. "Go back to sleep you still have an hour."
"Nope…I'm awake now." She said sitting up on his chest smiling at him.
"Then why don't you shower and get ready to go, and I'll let everyone know we'll be early to school. Give you more time with the mission." She had a feeling he was talking like this to keep eavesdroppers from understanding the conversation if Tatiana was listening.
"Ok…see you down stairs." She said kissing him. He held her to him, kissing her longer.
Tiger
"Oh what a glorious day!" Tatiana sang coming into the kitchen. Tiger was reading a newspaper, which he put aside to stare at the blonde.
"And why is the day so glorious my dear?" he asked as she sat across from him.
"I have a date with Sage tonight, and Chaz has one with Kari." She spoke smiling brighter.
"Congratulations. Kari says the mission is going well. Don't let this interfere with me getting the Cherry Blossom. And Chaz says the Twins are here." As he spoke the name Sage and Chaz entered the room.
"They are here. When I'm in the city today I'm going to talk to some of my underworld connections about a way to get rid of them." Sage said, leaning against the wall. Tiger eyed him carefully.
"Good to know you're making use of your day off. I hear you and Kari are split up." Tiger answered watching the boys face for change. He was actually agitated to find none.
"She wants to try seeing other people, and I'm fine with taking the lovely Tatiana out on a date." He said smiling at the annoying blonde.
"And where is my lovely date for the day?" Chaz asked not seeing Kari anywhere. It was a good thing Sage was trained in not showing emotion, but on the inside he was pissed.
"I think she's showering. I heard water running when I came down." Sage answered. Not even a minute later Kari pranced into the room wearing her sage-green skirt and a beige halter-top.
"Morning everyone!" She said sitting next to Tiger. "Chaz, are you ready to hang out with me today?"
"Absolutely! And we have our date tonight too! I'm going to take you to a club if that's alright." Chaz said.
"Sounds fun! And it is Friday!" She spoke wondering what club they were going to, and how she could get news to her brothers. She giggled softly remembering that Sage would most likely tell them for her. "Let's get to school. It'll give me extra time to get Sakura to trust me!"
"Yea let's go. Sage, you going to follow us there?" Chaz asked as Kari led the way out of the kitchen.
"Yea I guess. I'll see you later Tatiana." He spoke like a gentleman. "I'll call and let you know what I find out sir." He added to Tiger before they all left the house.
"I still don't trust that boy. No living family, and he looks very familiar." Tiger grumbled drinking his coffee.
"You're being silly. You don't trust him because he's quiet and mysterious just like you." Tatiana added. "I'm going to go find Tsarina. Have a fun day."
Sage and Kari Com-link
"I still don't like you spending the whole day with him, and going to a club." Sage spoke as he watched Kari on the back of Chaz's bike.
"It'll be fine. You'll let the Twins know, and then Wolf will send people to watch me, and you'll be busy cracking Tatiana." She said softly.
"If you kiss him…don't tell me. I don't want to think about my girlfriend kissing a scumbag all for a mission." He growled.
"Ew…I refuse to kiss him. And I don't care the reason; I don't like the idea of you kissing Tatiana." She spoke back.
"I'm not kissing her. I'd rather botch the mission then have to kiss that annoying piece of shit. Have fun at school Kari. Stay safe without me." He spoke as he watched her and Chaz pull into a parking spot. He watched them take off their helmets and wave at him before he waved back and left.
Wolf Mansion
The Twins were sitting in the living room with Syaoran and Jamie waiting for Sage to show up. They heard his bike pull in and watching the door open with Sage entering. He had a pissed off expression.
"You're letting her spend the day with him? I thought you were sent on this mission as a couple…" Ryo yelled getting off the couch and getting up in Sage's face. Sage just glared back.
"Sakura thought it was a good idea for us to flirt with Chaz and Tatiana to gain information. We already got the pass code for their communications room, and set up a scrambler. I don't like the situation any more than you do." Sage spoke back evenly.
"Xiao Lang?! I think this is bogus!" Ryo said turning to look at Syaoran before venting back at Sage. "You're supposed to protect her and watch her at all times!" That was the last straw for Sage as he released all his anger to the Lion in front of him.
"You listen here Ryo Torrent! I do NOT like the idea of her being with him. I wish I didn't have to do this, but we don't really have a choice. A Black Wolf gave us an order. I care about her more than you could possibly understand. Nothing is going to happen to her as long as I'm around, so get off my back!" He roared before storming out of the room and to his own bedroom.
"Ryo…I understand that you're worried about your sister, but I don't appreciate you taking your anger out on one of my members. Sage is doing his job, and you're just going to have to live with the fact that Kari is not a child. She can take care of herself." Syaoran spoke looking at the angered twin. "I'd appreciate you going and apologizing to Sage for being rude. And I will be telling Tobias about your actions." Ryo just nodded and left the room, as Tomicka entered.
"What's with him?" She asked sitting next to Syaoran.
"Angry about the altered mission. Do me a favor and go get Sage. He needs to fill us in on the current situation." Syaoran said. She agreed and left to get the boy.
"This is one stressful mission." Jamie spoke from the chair. "What's your opinion Rowe?"
"Ryo's really overprotective, as am I, but I know that Sage cares about Kari, and I know he'll protect her. Ryo's just frustrated and taking it out on anyone he can." Rowe answered as Sage and Tomicka came in along with Tobias and Mei Lin. "Sorry about my twin."
"I understand. It's ok." Sage amended as he took a seat. "So the idea is for us to be 'fighting' right now. We're staying in an adjoining room right now so it looks like we aren't together, but I still stay with her. And before you and your twin freak out, we are actually dating. And No, we aren't sleeping together." He said before Rowe could interrupt.
"And Tiger isn't wary of either of you? He completely trusts you?" Mei Lin asked a little skeptically.
"I noticed when I cleaned our room yesterday that it had been riffled through, so I don't think Tiger totally trusts us. Well I don't think he trusts me any ways." Sage answered. "But Tatiana and Chaz are defiantly convinced we're on their side. Also, Tiger now knows that the Twins are in town. He thinks I'm talking to my underworld connections about a way to get rid of you both."
"Obviously Chaz is the brains as Sakura stated." Tobias said trying to think. "I knew allowing you both to the school was risky. I didn't think you would be noticed. Guess I was wrong."
"Well on top of that, and fake dating Tatiana, Chaz is taking Kari to a club tonight for their date. I don't like that idea, but I can't go. It'll be too suspicious since we're supposed to be separated." Sage said crossing his arms over his chest. Everyone in the room looked angry.
"Any idea which club he's taking her to?" Tomicka asked getting serious.
"Not a clue. I expect her to txt or call me with the information, but I have a feeling he's going to wait and let it be some kind of surprise." Sage informed.
"We'll set up two guards at every bar in town. When they show up we'll be ready." Syaoran stated getting Okays from both Jamie and Tobias.
"Anything else you have for us?" Jamie asked looking at Sage.
"Not right now. What do you want me to tell Tiger about the Twins?" Sage asked not having any clue on how to get around it.
"I'll go talk to Wolf and see what he thinks. Why don't you go to your room and relax for a bit." Syaoran said seeing how worn out Sage looked. "I'll come up and talk with you in a while." Sage just nodded before taking his leave.
Kari
She had finally managed to ditch Chaz. He had basically been her shadow, breathing down her neck since they got to school. She had TJ take him on a perimeter check just so she could get away. It was getting close to lunch, and she was getting sick of Chaz's clinginess.
"You look upset." Sakura stated sitting next to her in History with Tomoyo on the other side of her.
"Chaz is soooo suffocating!" She whined taking out her notebook. "By the way, you owe me an 'I told you so'. Sage and I are dating…for real. But it's in secret." Kari whispered watching Tomoyo go starry eyed, and Sakura smile happily.
"I knew it! I did tell you so!" Sakura said clapping happily. "But wait…why is it a secret?"
"You told me to flirt with Chaz, so we're pretending to be separated, and we're both going on dates tonight. I'm being dragged to a club, and poor Sage has to go to a movie with Tatiana." Kari giggled.
"That is unfortunate. I give that boy mad props." Tomoyo stated. "His restraint in this mission is impressive." Kari just nodded, and Sakura looked confused.
"I don't understand. What am I missing out on?" Sakura asked looking between the two girls.
"Tiger killed his parents seven years ago, and he witnessed it. They've been searching for him ever since, but since his parents were Wolf's that made him one. Wolf himself took him in. At least that's what I read online." Kari spoke looking sad.
"That's why Wolf never had him get a tattoo. He was worried that he'd be found. As soon as Wolf took him in, he sent him to Hong Kong to train until right after Syaoran got rid of Tatiana. Around the time you and Syaoran started getting chummy." Tomoyo finished with a wink.
"That's so sad…" Sakura spoke looking down at her desk.
"I talked to him about it last night, and he's actually pretty content with the mission at hand. He said he wasn't even thinking about it because he was more worried about me." Kari spoke blushing.
"Hey since TJ is taking Chaz for a walk why don't you call Sage? It's obvious to anyone with a brain that you miss him. I mean…he is your boyfriend after all." Sakura said winking at the pink-haired girl.
"That's a fabulous idea. I'll be right back." Kari spoke walking to the back of the classroom.
Sage
He was lying on his bed in his room wondering what Kari was doing. It felt so nice to be in his clean room at Wolf Mansion. He had taken a shower in a real bathroom, and decided to sprawl out on his king-sized bed. He grabbed his cell phone when it went off.
"Sage here…" He spoke lying back onto the bed.
"You sound bored." Came Kari's voice.
"And you sound like you ditched Chaz."
"I made TJ take him on a walk."
"That makes him sound like a dog just so you know." Sage chuckled.
"He's nothing more than that in my opinion."
"So why'd you call?" He wondered aloud hoping he didn't offend her.
"I've missed you. I just wanted to hear your voice." He heard her sigh. He was sure she was blushing.
"I've missed you too Kari." He said in a soft voice feeling his heart tug as he thought about her. "Have you found out where you're going tonight? You're brothers are freaking out."
"No…Chaz won't tell me. I wish you could be there." She whispered.
"Me too. I'm sure your brothers wish they could be there as well, but I've seen you fight, and I have no doubt you can take care of yourself." He said with confidence. He listened to her giggle on the other end.
"I can take care of myself, but I like having you here. You make me feel safe Sage." She admitted. That made him smile.
"I'm glad you feel that way. Now I know you're in History, and I have a feeling class will start soon. You should go take your seat." He hated the idea of hanging up with her, but he didn't want her studies to fall.
"I'd rather talk to you…" She said barely audible. "What are you doing till I get to see you again?"
"Right now I'm lying on my bed at home thinking about you. I'm waiting for Syaoran to come talk to me about more mission plans, and then I'll probably just enjoy my time home with our friends."
"Lucky…a clean house and people we trust…must be nice. You get to relax while I'm stuck with the most suffocating person on the planet next to Tatiana." She sounded agitated. It made him chuckle.
"I'll see you soon I promise."
"I can't wait. Bye Sage." He smiled listening to the affection in her voice. That girl was certainly something special.
"Goodbye Kari…" He heard her phone click and knew that she had hung up. He turned to stare back at his ceiling missing her even more. "What's wrong with me…" he asked himself.
"Sounds like you're in love to me." Wolf answered from the door. Sage jumped slightly, and then hurried out of his bed to stand in front of his leader. "I'm sorry to scare you. I did knock, but you seemed quite infatuated with your conversation." He wasn't sure if Wolf was joking, but it sounded that way.
"Sorry Sir." He spoke seriously bowing his head. Wolf just smiled at the boy.
"Nephew…there is no need to apologize. Kari Torrent is a lovely young woman."
"Uncle…we've only started dating. It's a little soon to be falling in love with her." Sage spoke sitting down on the bed as Wolf came to sit next to him.
"Sage I've had you with me since you were 12. I know you… and weather you want to believe it or not, you are falling for her. And as you can obviously tell, relationships within Gangs do happen a little faster than normal."
"Whatever you say Uncle. I like her a lot, but I'm not in love with her." Sage spoke almost glaring at the man that was basically his father. "I thought Syaoran was coming to talk to me."
"I decided to come instead. You are just like your mother you know. I'm worried about how this mission is affecting you mentally. I promised your mother, my sister, that I would look out for you." Wolf said seriously.
"I know you did, but to be honest, I've been too busy watching Kari to even think of it. I mean, I would love to just pull out my gun and shoot Tiger, but you always taught me that revenge isn't the Wolf way." Sage said just as seriously.
"I'm very proud of you Sage. I know your parents would be just as proud." Wolf said in a caring manner.
"Thank you."
"Now as for what you're to tell Tiger about the Twins…" Wolf got up and started pacing the room. "We're going to set up a fake killing. Tell Tiger some of your underworld mob connections are going to snipe them out tonight. We'll be sure to get it in the papers, news channels, anything we can, with Tobias making an official announcement."
"I have a feeling you're going to be making the Twins lay low for a while." Sage spoke.
"Yes. We don't really have a choice. We don't want to do anything that will keep us from the current mission."
"They're not happy about that are they?" Sage asked having a feeling that the Twins were fuming somewhere in the mansion.
"No they aren't. Especially because it'll keep them from watching Kari for the remainder of the mission. Xiao Lang has already informed me of Ryo's rude attitude toward you this afternoon. Unfortunately I fear that they're going to become harder on you. They're relying solely on you to protect their sister." Sage sighed running a hand through his hair thinking of the Twins' attitude becoming worse. "If they go off on you again you let me know. They don't understand the stress you're already dealing with. It's not fair to you."
"Life is never fair Uncle. You should know that. As for their attitudes, I expect nothing less from devoted brothers. I would rather they vent at me, then take out their anger on Kari, or someone else in the Gang. I can handle this Uncle. You don't have to worry about me so much. I'm not 12 anymore." Sage said seriously, smirking at Wolf.
"Fine. I'll let you handle this for yourself. What are your plans until Kari's out from school?"
"Hanging out with everyone here. Being able to relax in my home is such a nice feeling. Maybe con Syaoran into a sparring match. We haven't fought since I was…what…15…I think?"
"Well, I'll be happy to watch that match. Enjoy your day, and stop worrying about Kari. TJ's at the school watching her." Wolf smirked before leaving the bedroom. Sage just shook his head before following Wolf out of the room, and looking for Syaoran.
Kari and Sakura
They had left History about twenty minutes ago. Chaz was walking next to Kari, and Sakura was on the other side of her.
"So Sakura, I'm taking Kari on a date tonight to a dance club. You and Tomoyo should grab some of your girlfriends and join us." Chaz suggested as the girls sat down for lunch.
"Awe that's really sweet of you to offer Chaz, but I'm going on a date tonight too. My boyfriend and me like to have us time once a week. And no offence, but I thought Kari was dating that Sage guy." Sakura played off. Kari snuck her a wink before answering her.
"We decided that we need a break. He's going on a date with another housemate, and I'm going out with Chaz. I'm excited to find out where we'll be going." She spoke smiling at Chaz as sweetly as she could muster. She was still pissed that he had basically been her shadow since he came back with TJ.
"I can't tell you. It ruins my surprise!" He spoke trying to put his hand on her shoulder. She quickly turned and waved behind her.
"I see Tomoyo coming!" She said waving again as Tomoyo looked in her direction and waved back. She inwardly sighed when Chaz put his arm down. She couldn't wait to see Sage. She was literally counting down the minutes.
"Hey everyone!" Tomoyo said sitting down next to Sakura.
"Are you busy tonight Tomoyo? Chaz wants you to join us tonight at a dance club." Kari spoke. Tomoyo smiled sadly at her.
"Sorry, but no. I have a huge test Monday that I need to study for, and I haven't spent time with my boyfriend at all this week. Maybe next time." Tomoyo answered before eating her lunch. Kari caught Chaz's face get slightly angry before he masked it.
"Well that's ok. Taking Kari alone will be just fine with me." He said putting his arm around her waist. She inwardly cringed feeling his arm there. She tried pretending it was Sage, but that didn't work. If anything it made her miss him more. She couldn't wait for school to be over.
"I love dancing! We are going to have so much fun." She said before eating as well.
Syaoran
He was in the living room with Tobias, Tomicka, Eriol, Mei Lin and Jamie watching TV when Sage walked into the room.
"Is this some kind of leader meeting I shouldn't be in on?" Sage asked, making everyone look at him.
"No, we're just waiting to here from Sakura." Mei Lin said raising a questioning brow at the curly-haired boy.
"So you're not busy?" He asked looking directly at Syaoran.
"Should I be?" Syaoran asked standing up.
"I was thinking that maybe we could have a sparring match like the old days." Sage said, running a hand though his hair.
"Oh! You two haven't sparred in ages!" Tomicka said jumping off Tobias's lap.
"I call winner!" Eriol said standing as well.
"Alright, but don't expect me to go easy on you. You're not 14 anymore." Syaoran said with a smirk. "I won't let you win either." Sage just growled in response.
"We'll see…" He said before they all headed toward the training room.
Training Room
Syaoran was in his forest green training outfit, and Sage was in his lime green outfit and they were both standing across from each other. Jamie had informed the mansion of the fight, and everyone was present. Wolf was going to referee the fight.
"I want you both to fight fair. I know it's been a while since you've fought each other, so enjoy the lessons I'm sure you're both about to learn." Wolf spoke before allowing the fight to begin.
"I want to fight Sage after this match." Ryo said to Wolf as they watched the two fight.
"And why's that?" Wolf asked as Syaoran landed a kick sending Sage a few feet across the room.
"I want to know for myself if he can really protect my sister." Ryo spoke coldly. He was still pissed about being out of the mission for the next week, along with his twin.
"Eriol has already called winner. Talk it over with him." Wolf said knowing that there was no way to argue with the enraged twin. Eriol was looking just as angry, but for another reason.
"Syaoran won't let me fight anyways. Wei hasn't cleared me for combat. Syaoran's worried I'll rip out my stitches again." Eriol spoke in a grave tone.
"How'd you rip them out already?" Mei Lin asked her cousin.
"Mika and I were battling the other night, and I over extended. Wei had to re-stitch me. Syaoran was pissed, and I still haven't heard the end of it from Tomo. Don't you have studies Mei?" Eriol answered. Ryo just smiled. He ignored her "bite me" as she sat to watch the fight.
"Well then I get my fight with the kid." Ryo spoke in a happier tone. They all cringed when Sage got in a good punch to Syaoran's face. Syaoran countered with a swift kick, that Sage blocked. He didn't however block the second kick, and landed hard on his knees. Pain was apparent on his face, but he just flipped up and attacked again.
"Syaoran's going easy on him." Tobias noted seeing Syaoran take a kick he could have easily blocked.
"That's because Sage is like a little brother to him." Tomicka retorted with scoff. They all cringed again when Syaoran blocked Sage's kick by grabbing his leg and swinging him into a nearby wall. Sage called it at that point, picking himself up from the floor. Him and Syaoran shaking hands.
"Don't leave the floor Sage." Jamie yelled making Sage stop in his tracks looking confused. "You have to fight Ryo." Jamie almost laughed seeing Sage's face harden as he looked at the long-haired twin.
"Fabulous…" Sage said under his breath as Ryo entered the room in a red outfit.
Kari
She was sitting in math, watching Chaz from the corner of her view. He was watching her from outside the classroom, and every wink he sent her made her cringe.
"Just think about Sage, and ignore Chaz." Sakura whispered without moving her lips. Kari just blushed and smiled. She noticed Chaz smile at her thinking she was blushing for him.
"Easier said than done I'm afraid. He gives me the creeps." She hissed.
"That's because he is a creep. Just think, in less than an hour you'll get to see Sage." Sakura smiled. Just as she said the words Kari's phone vibrated with a txt message. "What's wrong?" Sakura asked noticing Kari's face turn sad.
"Sage won't be coming to the school. Mei Lin just sent me a message saying Sage was going to see me when I get to Tiger's. That means I'll only get to see him for maybe an hour before he goes out with Tatiana." She spoke the name like it was poison. "I wonder what's going on that he can't come here…"
"I'm sure he's just caught up with Wolf stuff. You can ask him when you see him." Sakura whispered turning her attention back to the teacher.
Sage and Ryo
Sage was clutching his stomach and glaring at Ryo as he got up to his feet yet again. He knew Syaoran had taken it easy on him, but Ryo was doing no such thing.
"Had enough yet?' Ryo asked taking aim to punch him again. Sage blocked it and retaliated with a kicking and punching combination, finally landing a blow.
"Not a chance." He spoke. His training top had been ripped mostly off at this point, and his right eye was starting to swell.
"I don't think you're strong enough to date, let alone protect my sister. I thought you were some great fighter…" Ryo spoke angrily blocking Sage's kicks. He grunted in pain when Sage punched him hard in the stomach, then kicked him into the wall. Sage was pissed.
"I'm not weak. No Wolf is weak." Sage spoke attacking again. He yelled out when Ryo charged him back and sent him to the ground.
"You don't deserve her Aki." Ryo seethed, trying to kick Sage again. He wasn't able to because Sage grabbed his foot and twisted it also sending him to the ground. They wrestled on the floor, almost seeming to try and choke each other. Sage finally pinned Ryo to the floor. He didn't notice the tears leaking from his eyes. Ryo froze.
"You don't think I know that?!" Sage yelled back. "I know she's too good for me!" He punched Ryo in the face, and they wrestled some more. He was finally pinned to the floor because he couldn't see anything. He waited for Ryo to punch him, but nothing came.
"I know I don't deserve her, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop protecting her Ryo. I care about her." He whispered, trying to take deep breaths to calm himself down. He closed his eyes and pictured Kari's smiling face, and it helped. He felt Ryo get off him.
"Alright Sage…you win." Ryo spoke, making Sage's eyes snap open in shock. "I believe you can protect her." Ryo extended his hand to help Sage up. Sage just stood there confused as Ryo left the room, and everyone else slowly filed out. He looked to the clock and realized he would have to change and get back to Tiger's if he wanted to beat Kari back.
The Twins
"What did you say to him Ryo?" Rowe asked outside the room. "You let him win."
"No brother, he did win. I think he's in love with Kari." Ryo answered as they headed down the hall. Rowe stopped dead in his tracks and looked angry.
"He's not good enough for her." Rowe growled. Ryo glared back.
"Believe me brother…that boy will do anything for her."
"He's allowing her to go to some club unprotected with a Tiger."
"He doesn't have a choice and you know that. And from what I can tell…he's really hating the idea of being separated from her."
"Alright fine. So he cares enough to want to keep her safe. I don't think that constitutes him being in love with her, and it doesn't convince me that he's good enough to date her." Sure Rowe's conversation with Sage earlier was civil, but he agreed 100% with his twin about Sage and Kari dating…or at least he thought he did.
"Just trust me. You didn't see what I did when I was fighting him. He doesn't think he's good enough for her either. I don't even think he knows that he's in love with her yet. I think we need to put a little faith in him." Ryo said leaving his brother to stare at his back, as he entered his own room.
Tiger
"I'm guessing your underworld friends weren't so happy with you when you went to visit today." Tiger said looking at Sage's bruises, and black eye.
"They were little more than thrilled to see me, but they agreed to help us with the Twins." Sage said putting a piece of steak to his eye that Tatiana handed him. He knew Kari would be home in ten minutes, and wanted to be in his room by then.
"And how are they going to do that?" Tiger asked lighting a cigar.
"They have a spy in the Wolf house from what I hear. The Twins are going to be in the city tonight. My ex-mob boss has set up snipers in the area the Twins will be in. The job should be done before 11:00pm. It should be in the morning paper." Sage said smirking. At least he could use his pain to hide any lies that Tiger could possibly read from his face.
"Perfect!" Tiger said patting Sage's shoulder, making him cringe slightly. He had been thrown into one too many walls. "You're turning out to be very useful. Kari and Chaz should be back soon. I'll fill them in. You should go rest for a while."
"Yes Sir." Sage said getting up from the chair he was in. "Tatiana…I'll come get you for our date at 6:00pm." He said smiling at her.
"You sure you still want to go? I don't mind postponing it." She said following him to his room. He entered through his own door so she wouldn't know him and Kari were still sharing a room. He turned to her so she wouldn't walk into the room.
"No, I want to go. I'll be by your room on time." He smiled. "I'm just going to lie down until then. Maybe take a bath to soak my bruises."
"I still can't believe your ex-boss did that to you just because you left them for us."
"If you think Gangs are bad, the mob is much worse." He spoke gravely. He could hear Kari enter the house downstairs and wanted to get Tatiana to go away. "I'm really sore Tatiana. I promise I'll see you at 6:00pm."
"Alright! Bye!" She said happily before leaving to her room. He sighed and shut his door before going to lie on Kari's bed.
Kari
"I'll be ready to go dancing at 10:00pm. Don't be late Chaz…we do live in the same house. Don't make me come hunt you down." She spoke with a wink as she went to head up the stairs to her room. Tiger had informed her of Sage's mob connections plans to deal with the Twins, and she wanted to know what Wolf's plan really was. Chaz moved to kiss her, but she turned her head and received the kiss on her cheek instead. She quickly went up the stairs and into her room.
"You're home late." Sage spoke quietly. It still made her jump. She turned to yell at him, but her words caught in her throat seeing his bruises and black eye. She had to stop herself from screaming.
"What happened to you!?" She whispered in near hysterics as she rushed to his side. He smiled at her, reaching up to caress her cheek. His other hand took her hand and brought it to his lips where he placed a soft kiss.
"I did a little sparring today." He said smoothly.
"With what?! A bus?" She asked moving his shirt up to assess the damage. He had a few purple bruises forming on his abs. She had to hide her blush as she ran her hand smoothly over his 6-pack.
"Not quite." He chuckled softly enjoying the feel of her hand on his flesh. "First it was a match against Syaoran. He went semi-easy on me. Then your brother decided he wanted a chance at me. He didn't go easy on me."
"Ryo or Rowe?" She asked knowing their fighting styles were different. She would be sure to kick their asses for hurting Sage so much.
"Ryo…he wanted to make sure I was strong enough to protect you." He hissed lightly when she gently pressed on a bruise.
"He's an asshole." She grumbled before looking into his eyes. She smiled sweetly as his hand came back up to her face, then slipping to the back of her head pulling her to him.
"Maybe. But I don't blame him for doing it." He whispered against her lips. He just wanted to kiss her, but Ryo's words kept running through his head. Telling him he didn't deserve her. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers.
"Are you going to kiss me?" She whispered with her eyes closed as well. He seemed upset about something. Like he was trying to pull away from her, but couldn't.
"Ryo's right…" He whispered, ignoring her question. She barely heard him, but opened her eyes. She reached up and carefully brought his gaze to hers. She looked at him confused and almost hurt.
"Ryo's right about what?" She asked, upset. All day she had been stuck with the annoying Chaz, and all she wanted to do was have him kiss and hold her. Apparently her brother had said something to upset her boyfriend, thus preventing her from attaining her kiss.
"I don't deserve you…" He spoke looking sadly into her eyes. She only smiled back at him, moving her fingers through his hair.
"How about you let me decide who I deserve." She spoke with a wink. "Right now I just really want to kiss you." With that said she pulled his lips to hers and closed her eyes. She felt his arms move around her waist as she was pulled onto his body. She sighed in the kiss as he held her tighter. A light moan left her throat as she continued to kiss him, letting her hands roam.
All thoughts of earlier with her brother left Sage's mind as he got lost kissing her. His lips moved to her neck, and he smiled hearing her moan quietly. He gently rolled her to her back, kissing her collarbone. Her fingers lightly ran through his hair as he laid his head on her chest, holding her tightly to him.
"What time's your date?" She asked loving the feel of his soft curls.
"Not until 6:00pm…and yours?"
"Around 10:00pm. What are you two going to see?"
"What ever she decides." He gently shrugged, running his hands up and down her sides.
"That's very sweet of you." She smiled.
"And where are you going tonight?"
"He won't tell me. I'll txt my brothers and let them know when we get there. By the way…what's Wolf's real plan for them?" she inquired.
"Faking their deaths, and they're basically on house arrest until the mission gets basically finished." He chucked softly, nuzzling her chest. "Do you mind if I lay here just like this before I have to go? If I'm too heavy I'll move."
"I'm extremely comfortable. You're not heavy at all, and I wouldn't mind staying like this until you have to leave." She whispered. "You know I'll probably be at that club until early morning…" Sage growled slightly.
"Yes I've figured that. I'm not happy about it. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do about it." He said with a sigh. "I'll be in my room when you get back that way Chaz won't see me sleeping in your bed. Just come in and wake me. I'll see if I can't get us the day off tomorrow so we can go to Wolf Mansion."
"Sounds great. Now close your eyes and rest. I set my alarm for 5:45pm so you can get up if you fall asleep." She whispered kissing his head after setting her phone.
6:00pm
Sage had woken up from a great nap only fifteen minutes ago, and he was now standing outside Tatiana's door. He was in khaki pants and a blue polo with his hair semi-gelled to keep his curls from frizzing. He knocked quietly.
"Right on time!" Tatiana said opening the door. She was in a skimpy black dress and high heals. She came up to about his eye level, and Sage was afraid she was going to pop out of her dress at any wrong move. He hid his disgust with a smile.
"You ready to head out?" He asked holding out his hand for her. She took it happily as they walked out to a car Tiger had let them borrow for the evening. It only took them about ten minutes to get to the theater, but Sage could not wait to get out of the car. Tatiana had spent the whole car ride trying to kiss Sage, and he spent the whole time politely telling her to back the fuck off.
"What do you want to see?" She asked looking at all the choices.
"Whatever interests you." He smiled hoping she would pick something she would get bored with so he could grill her on Tiger information. She chose "Transformers 2", but it didn't start for another twenty minutes, so they decided to sit in the theater and watch the commercials.
"I see your eye isn't swollen any more." She spoke sipping her soda. They were whispering since there were a few other people in the theater, but mostly it was just them.
"Yea I'm a pretty fast healer. So how long have you been working for Tiger?" He asked trying to get some information out of her, knowing that once the movie started he wouldn't be able to talk easily.
"Oh gosh…two years now." She said trying to think. "Yea two years."
"I hope you don't mind, but I looked up your personal info earlier. I was intrigued to know about you. I'm also impressed that you kept that from your former boyfriend for so long. I can't believe you dated the leader of the Wolf Gang!" He smiled. She smiled back happily taking that as a compliment.
"If you wanted to know about me all you had to do was ask." She said wrapping her arms around his arm, and placing her head on his shoulder. He inwardly cringed wishing he could get her off him.
"Well I can only find out about small things, how bout you tell me more about yourself and about Tiger. If I'm going to be sticking around I'd like someone else's opinion of my boss." He spoke carefully. She smiled bigger.
"Well if you're going to stick around we'll have time to get to know each other." She said tracing her finger on her chest. He had to force himself not to smack her hand away.
"That is very true, but I would like to know more about the man I'm going to be working for, and why you trust him. Maybe it'll help me trust him more." This was working out better than Sage thought. In the fifteen minutes before the previews started he soon knew everything there was to know about Tiger. She gave him passwords, codes, even secret personal information that apparently only people that have slept with Tiger would know. Eww.
"The only thing I don't understand is why he wants the Cherry Blossom so much. I mean I know she can shoot, and fight, and she's pretty, but so are a lot of girls…" She finished.
"I agree. I think you're pretty, I don't understand why he would want someone else. I mean honestly Tatiana; I don't understand what he sees in her anyways. I think you're prettier." He said with a wink.
"Sage you are so sexy…" She whispered licking her lips. She moved to kiss him when the movie finally started.
"Hey the movie's starting. I heard if you miss the beginning, then you can't follow the plot." Sage interrupted, turning toward the screen. Tatiana giggled before turning her attention to the movie. 'Thank god! Saved by the movie…' Sage thought.
After the movie, they headed back toward the mansion. Sage drove as fast as possible so she wouldn't try anything again. He was pretty sure she was trying to grope him during the movie, but was glad that she was actually interested in the movie. He couldn't wait to see Kari before she left for her date with Chaz.
"You're a shy guy aren't you?" Tatiana asked as they stopped outside her door. Sage was doing the gentleman thing by walking her "home", but all he could think about was running away.
"Yea…hope that doesn't bother you." He said not looking at her, hoping she would maybe just leave him alone. She cocked her head to the side smiling sweetly…at least she was attempting to look sweet.
"No…I think you just need someone to wild you up." And as she finished her sentence she jumped on him and kissed him. He wanted to gag… When she finally released him, he wasn't smiling, and that made her smile falter.
"Please don't do that again…I'm not the kind of guy to kiss on a first date. I want to get to know you better first." He spoke before walking away as quickly as possible.
Kari
She was finishing up her makeup when she jumped slightly, hearing Sage's door slam shut. She finished her mascara and checked her reflection again before going to their adjoining door. She adjusted her tight black top and skirt before entering the room. She found Sage sitting on his bed with his head in his hands.
"What's the matter? The movie couldn't have been that bad." She joked standing in front of him.
"The movie was informative. Everything was actually going good up till about two minutes ago." Sage spoke angrily, and then looked up at her. "You look beautiful by the way." She smiled at him, moving to sit in his lap.
"What happened two minutes ago that was so bad you had to slam the door?" She asked playing with his curls. She looked at him confused when he didn't put his arms around her. "Sage what's wrong?"
"Tatiana kissed me…" He spoke through clenched teeth. Kari just smiled at him rolling her eyes.
"Well she is a slut…I expected nothing less. I'm amazed she only got to kiss you once." Kari giggled. Sage raised a confused eyebrow at her wrapping his arms around her waist at last.
"Believe me…she tried. I was able to stop her, but this last time she just jumped me. I'm sorry Kari…" He apologized. She giggled at how cute he was being.
"You are too cute…honestly. I'm not mad at you." She spoke. And to prove her point she brought his lips to meet hers in a complicated kiss, causing him to moan and hold her tighter. When she pulled away they were both breathing hard. "But after this mission is over I will kick her ass for kissing my man." He chuckled softly hugging her close.
"You have to go in an hour." He whispered.
"And how do I look for my night at the club?" She asked moving from his arms to stand and twirl around the room. She was wearing a black halter-top that tied up the front, and a short, leather mini-skort. Sage was glade there were shorts connected to the skirt. She struck a sexy pose, blowing him a kiss. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling his pants tighten.
'You've only been dating for a couple days…' Sage chided himself. '…but she's so sexy it should be illegal…' "I don't think I should allow you out of the room like that." He spoke as levelly as he could. He watched her frown slightly.
"I don't look good? I thought you would like it…" She said sadly trying to fix her perfect outfit.
"You look amazing and sexy. That's why I shouldn't let you leave. I'll be spending the whole night worrying about you getting jumped looking like that." He said, not taking his eyes off how wonderful she looked. She smiled again before strutting to him. All he could do was stare at her as she straddled him and moved to whisper in his ear.
"Now Sage…" Her breath tickled his ear, and sent a pleasant tremor through him. He gripped her waist tighter. "You are going to let me leave aren't you?" She licked his lobe making him shiver.
"Not if you keep this up. You'll miss your date for sure." He said breathlessly. She giggled softly tickling him again. He closed his eyes trying to think of anything other than the woman on his lap, who was turning him on, and making him dizzy.
"You know I can't do that. We need information." She whispered placing a kiss on his neck making him groan.
"I got information…" He whispered back trying not to moan out loud when she gently grinded against him. 'Do NOT move…the Twins will kill you…' He thought trying to keep his mind from going hazy.
"You got information from a slut that wanted to jump your bones." She whispered again. "I'll get everything from Chaz. Don't you agree?"
"In that outfit he'll tell you the pin to his bank account, give you his credit card, and not care if you run away with all his money." He spoke. He shivered again when her fingers started running through his hair. "Kari…"
"What do you want Sage?" She asked in a sexy voice.
"You…" He answered simply moving his hands slowly up and down her back.
"And what will you do to have me?" She asked smiling at his ear before kissing it.
"Anything…" He spoke in a partial moan as she grinded against him again.
"Will you let me go out tonight to get information from Chaz?" In part of his mind he knew this was a trick, but the other part of his mind was hazy with lust.
"You'll make him sing like a canary…" He admitted. "You're not going to do this to him are you?" She smirked knowing that the thought of her duplicating her current actions on Chaz was making him jealous. She giggled softly before looking him in the eyes. She smiled wider noticing his half open eyes.
"No this was just for you, and just so you'll let me leave the room." She smiled. She watched, as his eyes seemed to clear up after realizing he had been tricked.
"That was NOT nice Kari Torrent…" He spoke angrily. "You didn't ha…" She stopped him mid sentence by capturing his lips in another kiss. She broke the kiss before he got a chance to pin her to the bed. She got up from his lap and fixed her outfit.
"Now I have to go fix my makeup, and Chaz will be at my door in less than ten minutes." She spoke walking toward her room. He only glared at her. "I'll see you when I get back." She winked before going into her room, and leaning heavily against the door. She smiled, feeling her lips. They were tingling from her kiss with Sage, and her body was cooling off from its risen state.
"Kari? It's Chaz…ready to go?" She heard from the other side of the door. She rushed to her mirror and reapplied her lipstick, before checking her hair and outfit one last time. She opened the door with a fake smile on her face.
"All ready!" She spoke, but all she could think about was the man in the other room, and how all she wanted to do was continue what she started.
Wolf Mansion
"What's the plan for tonight Syao?" Sakura asked leaning on his chest. They were sitting in the living room with Tomoyo and Eriol.
"The Twins are getting 'murdered' in about an hour. We have to make a formal announcement about it. Then I figured we'd go to whichever club Kari is going to and see if we can't convince her date to let her come over here tomorrow. She needs a break." Syaoran spoke to her, smiling.
"Are we going to stay till she leaves?" Sakura asked hopefully.
"No, we can't." Eriol spoke from the couch. "That will give Chaz too much time to get backup, and out number us. We can't chance something like that."
"Damn…How long can we stay then?" Sakura asked.
"Depending on the club, no longer than twenty minutes." Tomoyo answered before getting up. "Let's go get ready Kura!" Sakura got up from Syaoran's side and headed up the stairs with her cousin.
"We might as well go get the announcement of the Twins 'death' done before we head out. Did you find out where she's going?" Syaoran asked as he and Eriol walked down the hall to the communications room.
"Some new club called Vinyl Underground. It's ten minutes from Tiger's mansion, and about twenty minutes from here. I sent TJ, Danny, Max, Alex, and Rika there already. We'll head out as soon as we're done here." Eriol spoke putting his phone away.
Tiger
"We have reports of shooting in the downtown west side area of Tokyo. Torrent Ryo and Rowe, known as the 'Twins', were brutally murdered after leaving a restaurant. It seems the Twins were being tracked since around 3:15pm, and were shot by snipers from an undisclosed location. Police are still searching buildings for any evidence to capture the murders. It is believed that the mob was involved in the hit. We have Makoto Mana on the scene…Mana?"
"Yes Shin. I am here with the Twin's leader, Liam Tobias, and his fiancée, Li Tomicka. Mr. Liam, as an undisclosed leader of the Lion Gang, what are your feelings on the murder of two of your most prestigious members?"
"We are saddened by the news of their untimely demise. We appreciate the help of Tokyo PD, but we also have men out looking for the killers. We won't rest until they are found and brought to justice."
"Back to you Shin…"
"If anyone has any information the police ask that you please call 355-9985. You can call anonymously. In other news…" Tiger turned off the TV with a smile on his face.
"So that Sage boy pulled through. Still having doubts about him?" Tsarina asked from behind him.
"Are we sure they're really dead?" Tiger asked turning to face her.
"Yes sir. Tao and Sho were at the scene and saw the bodies for themselves."
"I'll have to be sure to thank Sage in the morning. For now why don't you come join me in bed?" Tiger asked leading Tsarina to his bed.
Kari
She was actually having a lot of fun dancing at the club. Chaz was sitting at the bar, while she danced with some other girls. She danced her way over to him with a smile.
"Are you having fun?" She asked, well yelled over the music.
"Yea, are you?" He yelled back smiling at her. She gave him props. He wore a black polo and dark jeans, with his hair jelled in spikes. He wasn't horrible to look at, but he wasn't Sage either.
"Yea, can you get me a drink? Sprite if they have it?" She asked fanning her heated face. She watched Chaz whisper to the bar tender, and turned back to the dance floor when one of the girls pulled her back to dance. She spun around again when Chaz tapped her on the shoulder and handed her a drink. She thanked him and chugged it. His smile widened.
"Hey, there are Wolf's here…" He whispered to her before handing her another drink. She spun around pretending to dance as she spotted Syaoran, Sakura, Tomoyo and Eriol. She had already spotted Max and the others hiding out in the shadows earlier. She smiled at him feeling hotter.
"Just act natural. I'll wave them down." She winked at him. She waved at the girls, and received smiling faces and waves back. "Hey guys!" She yelled over the music once again.
"Hi Kari! Chaz!" Sakura played along. "This is my boyfriend, Syaoran, and Tomoyo's boyfriend, Eriol." Sakura introduced.
"Nice to meet you! I'm glad ya'll came!" Kari said moving slightly with the music.
"Come on girls, let's go dance!" Tomoyo hollered grabbing the girls' hands.
"Hey Chaz…I hate to bother you, but could you get me another drink…I am so thirsty!" Kari begged before being pulled onto the floor again. She knew her feet were going to hurt tomorrow.
"I'm Chaz. Syaoran and Eriol right?" Chaz asked playing dumb. Eriol and Syaoran both smirked. The boy knew how to act that was for sure.
"Yea. Nice to meet you. I hear you're Kari's bodyguard." Eriol spoke watching the girls.
"Yea, and she's kinda my girlfriend." Chaz said ordering Kari another drink. Syaoran rolled his eyes, making sure Chaz couldn't see him when he did it. The boys turned to the girls when they walked up.
"Syaoran, Sakura's feeling sick. I think we should take her home." Tomoyo said playing along. Kari frowned.
"You've just got here though!" She whined knowing the drill. She knew they were just checking on her.
"Sorry Kari…I think I ate some bad shrimp." Sakura said faking ill.
"Maybe next time ya'll can stay longer." Chaz said before watching them all leave. "Damn…I didn't get a chance to have Tiger send people. We could have gotten them all at once."
"Like you said…there's always next time!" She smiled, glad that they had left. She drank down the drink he handed her, wondering why she was so warm. She figured it was from the dancing. "They need bigger cups…" She whined before heading back to the dance floor. A few minutes later Chaz was dancing with her, handing her a larger cup of Sprite with no ice.
"You get more liquid without ice." He spoke to her. She smiled before drinking and dancing some more.
"So tell me about Tiger." She spoke. She hated the she had to get close to him in order to talk, but the music was so loud.
"He's a pretty cool guy. What do you want to know?" He asked pulling her closer to him. She hid her cringe.
"Anything…I want to trust him, but I don't know anything besides the current project." She took another sip. She was feeling giggly, and really warm.
By 1:00am Kari's world was spinning a little, but she was feeling wonderful. She really wanted to see Sage, and she was proud of herself. She had gotten a lot of information out of Chaz. She was ready to call it a night, and be out of his presence.
"Hey, can we head home? My feet hurt." She lied hoping he would agree to leave, which he did. After the ten-minute drive home she was feeling antsy about seeing Sage. That was directed, however, when Chaz tried to make her kiss him. She realized she had been so caught up in thinking about Sage that it took her a minute to figure out his hand was slowly climbing up her skirt. "What are you doing?!" She screeched moving away from him.
"Sorry Kari…I didn't mean to cross any lines." Chaz amended opening the door for her. She climbed out angry walking into the house. Chaz went to follow her to her room when she turned around, swaying slightly.
"I can find my own room thank you. Good night." She spoke before storming to her room. She just wanted to see Sage so bad.
Sage
He had fallen asleep around 11:00pm, after watching the news of the Twins' deaths, and a very cold shower. He was having a dream about killing Tiger and being with Kari, when he felt someone climb on him. His eyes shot opened and he flipped the person over, pinning them to his bed. That's when he realized the person was Kari.
"Kari…you scared me." He spoke, releasing her wrists and pulling her up. He didn't notice the look in her eyes, but was confused when she suddenly pushed him back on the bed, pinning him down instead.
"Sage…" She whispered in his ear, licking his lobe. "Did you miss me?" He had to pinch himself to make sure this wasn't a dream.
"I did. Did you have fun?" He asked trying to figure out what was happening. He stifled a moan when her pelvis grinded into him. He closed his eyes trying to calm his racing heart.
"It would have been more fun if you were there." She said in a sexy voice. She continued to place soft kisses on his neck as her hands started feeling his chest and abs.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there. How can I make it up to you?" He asked, running his hands over her back.
"I'm sure I'll think of something." She spoke before her hands found his waistband.
To Be Continued…
Authors Note: Hope you like it! Let me know!