Haha, Hello!

You all didn’t think I would go to Norway without updating at least one more time? I’m not that mean!

Teruna Hime: Aw- thank you! That’s really nice of you. And hey; great minds think alike. If anyone was hoping for any love confessions soon, I’m sorry to disappoint, nothing’s happening for a while.

Sakura Petal Wings: Please don’t let it be Eriol? Why would Syaoran be yelling at him if they’re friends? You must have forgotten- when Sakura goes to the school for the first time, Tomoyo introduces Sakura to her boyfriend, Eriol. He is therefore harmless.

Cherry Akira Li: Yay! You’ve fallen in love with it! That’s all I want. When I read really good stories, the feeling I get in the pit of my stomach is anxious because I need them to update ASAP and I want people to feel like that with my story. Yay!

Hana No Ai: (Gasp!) Hana- it’s rude to point! But I’m glad you’re into it.

MidniteDreamer: Do they have computers in Norway? Wow- that’s just like people thinking I live in an igloo. Of course there are computer’s there. Haha, you make me laugh. Yes, there is a computer there, but it’s slower than hell, and I wouldn’t like to save the file there- it’d be embarrassing if someone found it.

shortygirl333: For DAYS I was checking my reviews. I was at 199 and I was like “C’mon! Just one more and I break 200!” And I thank you so so so much for giving me the 200th review!

AfGhAnCuTiE: I'm so sorry! I was always nervous about taking things too quickly. I'm sorry! I hope you still enjoy it though.

Wow- okay. On with it.

Tentatively grabbing her shoulder, Syaoran placed Sakura behind him and stepped forward.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Sakura, dear. It is so nice to see you again. Hope your nose is better.” Her step-father peered over Syaoran’s shoulder. Syaoran stood in front, completely blocking the view from her wretched father. “Who’s your friend?”

“That’s not any of your concern.” Syaoran said, his fists balling up. “Now answer my question. What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Oh- so this is where you got your mouth from, Sakura.” Her step-father smiled politely. “I must admit, my boy, you are not that good of an influence for my Sakura.”

“She’s not your anything, and I’m not your boy. Now get out.” Syaoran stepped forward, every fibre of his being squirming with rage.

“Is that any way to treat a guest?”

“You are no guest here. Get out before I force you to, you son of a bitch.” He seethed, hate oozing from each word. Her father’s face twisted into a crooked grin, pleasantly ignoring his insult.

“What’s your name, boy?”

“My name doesn’t matter. What matters is that you get the hell out of here. Right. Now.” Her step-father rolled his eyes at his security over Sakura.

“Well, my name is Zenaku (A/N: That means evil, actually. If you don’t like the name or find it unsuitable, I’m sorry!). Pleased to meet you.” He stuck out his hand. Syaoran glared at it, then back at Zenaku, not even bothering to shake it. “Tsk, tsk. Manners will do you well, my boy.”

“Get out.” Syaoran repeated.

“I just want to speak to Sakura.”

“There’s not a chance in hell. Now leave.” Syaoran spat. Zenaku’s lip twitched with frustration.

“Listen to me, boy. You do not get to tell me what to do. You have to respect your elders.”

“You have to earn respect to get it. And you most certainly deserve no respect, among other things.” Syaoran retorted smoothly. He reached his hand down, and Sakura grasped it, whimpering slightly. He squeezed reassuringly. “Now get out.” Zenaku’s nostrils flared, his fists quivering.

“Among other things? Tell me, boy. What else do I not deserve?”

“The air circulating throughout your body... the light in your eyes: you deserve no part of it.” Zenaku chuckled.

“You sound like an intelligent man. But unfortunately, I have to be leaving. I can see that I am no longer welcome here.”

“You never were.” Syaoran form was shaking ever so slightly from fury. Her step-father disregarded Syaoran’s comment.

“I’ll take my leave.” He walked by Syaoran and turned to Sakura. He reached out his hand to stroke her hair, but Syaoran’s hand snatched his wrist in a bone breaking grip.

“Get. Out.” Syaoran whispered dangerously. His death glare was perfectly placed, and for a moment, Zenaku’s eyes flashed with surprise before he regained his composure. He ripped his hand out of Syaoran’s grasp.

“I’ll see you again, my dear Sakura.” He said as he walked away. “Hopefully next time we won’t have such a rude…” Zenaku stopped and looked Syaoran up and down. “…distraction.” And he strode out the mansion.

Syaoran felt Sakura relax behind him; her body was pressed so tightly against his back. Syaoran rushed to the door and peered out, making sure the bastard left properly. He watched him leave until the window had blocked off his view of anything else. Slowly, the boy turned and faced Sakura.

Her face was paler than usual, her eyes set downcast. Her hands were fidgeting with each other behind her back, clearly uncomfortable and scared. He thought he heard her sniffle a little but Syaoran chose not to acknowledge it, for fear of upsetting her further.

“He’s gone. For real.” Syaoran added. Was... he supposed to hug her? He wasn’t sure. It was slightly hard to... touch her after she had taken their kiss so badly. He was hoping she would run across the room and slam into his chest, sobbing and thanking him, complimenting him on his macho attitude.

Pfft. Yeah, right.

In fact, Sakura did the complete opposite. Like a dear in headlights, she paused to look at him, and then bolted up the stairs. As soon as he heard her door slam, he swivelled to face Wei who was looking at the couple intently.

“Wei, that man isn’t... a good friend of ours. Can we make sure he’s not welcome here?” Syaoran chose his words carefully; not wanting to give away Sakura’s deep secret. Wei gave him a quizzical look.

“Of course, Li-sama. I’m sorry. Your mother didn’t inform me of him-”

“It’s perfectly fine, Wei. No need to apologize. Just... for future reference.” Wei bowed and walked into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. (A/N: I don’t remember if Wei made the dinners, I’m sorry if he didn’t.) Of course she didn’t inform him...Syaoran thought bitterly. She never tells anyone anything. Come to think of it- Syaoran didn’t think that his mother knew that he knew.

Slowly, Syaoran climbed the stairs, wondering if he should go to Sakura, or to his room. He decided against both, so he grabbed his equipment and travelled to his training room, hoping to get some practicing done.

Syaoran punched, kicked, turned, flipped and pivoted. He had to get this completely right. His trainer would not be impressed from his lack of accuracy. Unfortunately, Syaoran hadn’t practiced for over a week because of damn Sakura.

What was wrong with her? Syaoran didn’t know. It was totally complicating. How was she feeling? Was she only this… hostile… because of her father? Or did she actually just think of him as a protector? He needed to find out because it was killing him.

She was the only one he couldn’t read, and this irked him to the fullest. If only he could break down the walls, he’d be able to tell what she was feeling. But he couldn’t… which peeved him off even more. He wanted to hate her. He wanted to not care about her issues. But he couldn’t. Like before… he felt literally drawn to Sakura. He was so attracted to her that it was impossible to ignore.

His combination grew faster and harder as his concentration on Sakura deepened. What was so special about her? Kick, punch, side kick, pivot, pause... turn, flip. Repeat. Faster. Stronger. Sakura.

Argh! What the hell is up with her? She wasn’t as pretty as some of the girls he’d dated before. She wasn’t as smart (especially in math). She didn’t have as big of a chest as the others. And she was most definitely the clumsiest of them all.

Maybe that’s why. A voice of reason spoke up, causing Syaoran to stop his combination. Maybe because since she’s not like the other girls, you’re more attracted to her. Syaoran chuckled and performed a back flip, starting another complex combination. No, there had to be another reason.

Maybe this was all just psychological? Perhaps he just thought he had to be attracted to her; she is a female, after all. Syaoran thought logically. Was it possible that he wasn’t really drawn to her, but just drawn to the fact she’s female?

No- that was the dumbest idea ever. Of course he was attracted to her. He had admitted to himself that he was... well... in love with her.

Bicycle kick, position, punch, turn, kick, pivot, flip-

“Syaoran?” Ah, speak of the devil. Sakura’s voice startled Syaoran, causing him to mess up his flip and land on his back. The air was knocked out of him as he tried to move up. “Oh! Sorry- I...” Sakura mumbled, running over to Syaoran to check on him. She knelt down beside him, placing her hand shyly on his chest.

“What-” Gasp. “-the hell!” Wheeze.

“Sorry- I just came to tell you that dinner is ready.” Syaoran finally coughed, his breath returning to his lungs.

“Damn girl.” He scorned, sitting up, Sakura’s hand still on his chest. It was small and warm, so Syaoran chose to pretend he didn’t notice.

“Sorry.” Sakura said forcefully, trying to not roll her eyes from his disdain. “If it makes you feel any better, that was a cool flip.”

“Yeah well,” Syaoran grumbled. “If you hadn’t opened your big mouth, it would’ve been cooler.” Sakura frowned and removed her hand from his chest. She sat down and crossed her legs, her body facing Syaoran’s. His legs were spread out in front of him.

“I’m in no rush- I’m not really hungry.” Sakura explained to Syaoran’s questioning look.

“You’re never hungry.” He muttered. Sakura shrugged one shoulder. “So are you okay from earlier?” Sakura bit her lip and nodded. Annoyance started to flicker inside Syaoran. She was lying. He could tell. “Are you sure?”

“I’m fine.” She stated. She wasn’t. She was most definitely not fine. “Your mother called a while ago.” Sakura said, trying to change the subject.

“That so.”

“Yeah- she was wondering how I was doing.”

“You don’t say.”

“I told her about my step-father coming to visit.”

“Really.”

“She said she’ll be back as soon as possible. So...”

“Congratulations.” Sakura scowled at him and made a sound of disgruntle. She got up, but was pulled down again from Syaoran grabbing her hand. “S-sorry. I’m just... out of it.”

“Want to talk about it?” Sakura offered. Syaoran quirked his eyebrow at her.

“Talk about it? I’m not a girl.” Sakura shrugged again.

“It helps.”

“It helps. Wow, thanks, Sakura. You have touched me deeply.” Syaoran snapped sarcastically.

“Well you don’t have to say it like that.”

“No, really. I’m...wow- astonished at your determination to help me so.” Sakura sighed, evidently aggravated.

“I’m just wondering if you want to talk about what’s bothering you-”

“Talk about what’s bothering me? Why should I?”

“Because venting helps people feel better?” Sakura said, as though it was obvious.

“Oh yeah? Well then try following your own advice.” Syaoran sneered.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sakura said, wrenching her hand away from his grasp. She pulled herself upright and glared down at Syaoran.

“What do you think it means, blossom?” He said. The venom in his voice was equal to Sakura’s. He stood up and towered over her.

“I think you’re just pissing me off so you can let out your frustrations.” Sakura growled.

“Don’t put this on me, Sakura.” Syaoran glowered.

“Put what on you? I have no idea what you’re talking about!” She heard him heave an angry sigh.

“Don’t give me this bullshit about talking about feelings. Don’t tell me to talk about whatever’s bothering me when you don’t either. And especially don’t lie to me.” Syaoran shook his head, his eyes narrowed into slits. “Don’t tell me that you’re okay when you’re clearly not.” Sakura jeered.

“Please- you’re being ridi-”

“Ridiculous? Hardly. You’re just saying that to block out the truth.”

“Fine- I’ll bite. What is the truth that I’m blocking out?” Sakura said, throwing her arms in the air.

“The truth is that you’re not as strong as you want to be. The truth is you lie through your teeth about everything. And you lie because you’re scared of facing conflict with anyone.” Obviously except for me, Syaoran thought indignantly. “I’ve been around long enough, and I’ve seen enough to know that you’re not fine. So don’t fuck with me, Sakura, because I’m tired of your useless shit. I know the truth, and it’s that you’re weak.” Sakura recoiled from him as though he had slapped her. But Syaoran couldn’t stop. He was just so angry at her. “So if you’re not going to be straight with me, get the fuck out of my face.”

Okay...so... he could have worded that differently. A heavy silence swathed the two of them. Sakura looked down and bit her lip hard, basically gnawing at it. A deep feeling in the pit of Syaoran’s stomach began to form and eat his insides. Why was he guilty? He was never guilty!

“Have it your way, then.” Sakura’s cold voice echoed in Syaoran’s brain, and before he could even process what she had said, she was gone.

There you go! I hope you all enjoyed it. I read it to myself once and read over it twice. I hope there aren't any mistakes. I'm sorry if there is!

I'm leaving this Thursday, so I probably won't be able to update soon. But I assure you, I will be writing down everything I want in the next chapter.

I tried not to leave it at a cliffie so that you wouldn't be anxious for 3 weeks. Consider that a favour. Haha, I'm just kidding.

Until next time, and BYEEE! I'LL MISS ALL OF YOU! WAHH!

Autumdragon