“You’re both going away?” Kinomoto Sakura asked, eyes widening. “But why?”
Kinomoto Touya arched an eyebrow at her, Kinomoto Fujitaka tilting his head behind him and smiling. “Because we don’t like being surrounded day in and day out by a kaijuu.” Her brother retorted.
“Oni-chan!”
Fujitaka came forth and patted his daughter on the head as if she were all of three years old. “It’s only for a week. Touya-kun will be helping me at the dig for a bit. My assistant had a bit of a family emergency and won’t be able to make it.”
Sakura’s eyes shifted toward Touya who was looking smug. “And you asked him? What about me?” she wanted to know and she stuck her tongue out at her brother.
“You’re in school the whole week, Sakura-chan.”
“So’s he!” Sakura gestured.
Touya held up a finger. “Actually, we have spring recess so I’m off. Your spring recess isn’t for at least another two weeks.”
Sakura practically growled at him.
“You’re old enough to take care of yourself, Sakura-chan. I already spoke with Sonomi-san and she’s willing to help you should you need anything. In fact,” Fujitaka turned away to a small side table and picked up a small sheet, studying it. “Here’s her cell number, her beeper number, her home number, her work number, her other cell number…her other home number…” he paused, frowning thoughtfully. “Quite a list…”
“A whole week?” Sakura asked quietly. “I’m going to be home alone for a whole week?” Her green eyes practically implored her father not to go and leave her alone but then she looked at his packed bag and rethought it. It was wrong of her to ask him not to go.
But oni-chan…
“Well, I’m off to pack.” Touya said and off he wandered, whistling loudly.
Sakura spared her father one last glance and accepted the list of numbers from him as he smiled. “You’ll be fine, Sakura-chan.” He said quietly and he ran his fingers through her hair lovingly. “It’s a short week and then we’ll be on our way back. Invite Tomoyo-chan to stay with you. Tsukishiro-san doesn’t live far away either.”
She nodded slowly. “I’ll probably invite Syaoran over. My math has been trailing and he’s really good at it…”
“There you go.” Her father nodded and smiled once more.
She smiled back after a moment, gazing at him. Her father had such a beautiful smile. “Ok. Well, let me call Tomoyo-chan and tell her I wouldn’t mind having a friend stay over tonight.”
“We’re leaving in a little less than an hour. Tell Touya-kun to hurry.” He said as she wound around and headed for the stairs leading to the second floor.
“Hai.”
Daidouji Tomoyo smiled reassuringly at Sakura as her father and brother pulled away from the curb, bags thrown into the trunk. “It’s only a week, Sakura-chan. You’ll barely notice it. You can have Li-kun over everyday and you know he takes your mind off everything.”
Sakura’s face burned crimson. “Tomoyo-chan.”
Tomoyo smiled innocently, long black hair glinting purple in the sun. She knew Sakura couldn’t stand being embarrassed over her relationship with Li Syaoran. After Li-kun had left and come back, it seemed they had been attached at the hip. Sakura had neglected her a bit but she didn’t blame her for it. Having the love of your life return to you was bound to make any girl the slightest bit thoughtless. Especially when the love of your life was a gorgeous, dark-haired, chocolate-eyed Clan Leader.
“So, is Li-kun coming over tonight?” Tomoyo asked her after the moment of silence dragged a bit.
Sakura looked at her quickly. “No, I thought you were staying over tonight. It was just going to be you and me.”
Tomoyo’s smile became the slightest bit mischievous. “I’m going out tonight to visit some of mom’s friends. She hasn’t seen them in a while and the last time they saw me I was seven years old.”
Sakura seemed to deflate.
“But you can come along, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo said quickly. “I’m sure my mother wouldn’t mind-“
Sakura was already shaking her head. “No, it’s ok. I would feel uncomfortable being around people I don’t know. And besides, they’re friends of your family. It’s not my place.” But she smiled nonetheless. “It’s fine, Tomoyo-chan.”
Tomoyo suddenly felt horrible. “Sakura-chan…”
“It’s fine.” Sakura reassured her once more, looking cheerful. “Perhaps I will be inviting Syaoran, then.” And she looked up at the blue sky, thoughtfully.
Tomoyo looked up also after a moment, staring at nothing. “What will you do together?” she asked quietly, the mischief tugging at the corners of her lips again.
"Study. My math is a mess.” Sakura murmured.
“Just study?” Tomoyo inquired, sounding a bit too innocent even to her own ears.
Sakura frowned, glancing at her. “Well, yeah. What else would we-“ And she broke off, cheeks flushing once more. “Ne, Tomoyo-chan, aren’t we the slightest bit curious today?” she asked, smiling nonetheless.
“Just today?” she echoed. “Sakura-chan, I’m always curious.” And she laughed musically, wrapping her arm through her friend’s, holding her loosely.
Sakura smiled, looking toward the sky once more. “Just math homework, Tomoyo-chan. My Friday night has turned into study night.”
Tomoyo nodded. “Mou. No date tonight. I was going to follow with my hidden camera…”
“Ah-hah!” Sakura cried, pointing at her before they both erupted in laughter, giggling in the sun. And they sat for a quiet moment, gazing with their own thoughts running through their heads. It was beautiful outside, not a good day to be cooped up inside.
“Sakura-chan.”
“Hmm?”
Tomoyo glanced at her before leaning toward her, dropping her head onto her friend’s shoulder and allowing her long, purple hair to slide down her chest. “If I lose you, to Li-kun…” she said slowly and she shook her head, a gentle smile lifting the corners of her mouth, “I wouldn’t mind…”
Sakura blinked at the sky, expression softening. She understood her friend. “You’re not going to lose me, Tomoyo-chan. You’re not losing anyone. If anything, you’re gaining another friend in Syaoran.”
Tomoyo exhaled gently. “Hai.”
Sakura smiled. “Now, if we could only get him to let you call him Syaoran…”
“At my place?” Li Syaoran asked into the receiver, glancing around his house. Mansion was more like it but he was humble. He motioned toward Wei-san as the attendant walked passed the doorway. “Sure, we can study here. I just have to pick up some things at the store.”
As Wei paused at the doorway, he mouthed, “Sakura’s coming over.”
Wei nodded and bowed, turning to go back the way he had come.
“We can meet up. I’ll help you carry home the stuff.” Sakura said from her end of the receiver. “And I don’t really have a curfew because otou-san and ‘ni-chan are gone for the week. We can get a lot of stuff done tonight.”
Syaoran nodded, dark hair falling into his eyes. He brushed it away and floated toward the doorway, glancing out. Down the hall Wei was jotting down a few things on a piece of paper and after a moment he came back, holding out the paper. Syaoran skimmed the list and murmured, “I’ll be taking the car so you don’t have to worry about carrying anything. Just bring your books.”
“And myself?” Sakura asked with a hint of mischievousness.
Syaoran smiled gently, attention shifting away from the list. “And you.” He said quietly. And then he caught sight of Wei turning away with a small smile on his wizened face and he chuckled. “I’ll meet you in a few.”
“Hai!”
Sakura whirled as a horn sounded and then a sleek Porsche slid to a stop before her. She cocked her head, peeking into the windows and from inside Syaoran smiled at her, motioning. With an identical smile she hopped in, flinging her backpack into the back seat. “Hi. How was your day?”
“You just saw me like three hours ago.” He murmured as she slid closer to him. “Remember? School? English? Last period?”
Sakura nodded once and leaned into him, pressing a gentle kiss to his mouth. “I remember.” She said softly and she kissed him again, inhaling his scent. Syaoran always smelled clean. And sometimes there was the faint scent of incense to him, in his clothes. But that was fine. It was his personal scent and she loved it and him.
He exhaled against her, arm winding around her waist and settling on her hip. “Sure, we can ride like this.” He quipped, gazing at her from up close. But he smiled gently as she slid back into her seat and reached for the seat belt.
“Let’s see the list.” She prompted as she had herself secured.
Syaoran pulled it from his jacket pocket, holding it out and then as she took it he pulled away from the curb with ease.
“Oh, Wei-san is so nice.” Sakura cooed from her side, looking over the list. “He always knows exactly what to make when I come over.” And she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “He doesn’t have to, though. I do eat at home.”
Syaoran nodded, a smile crossing his lips. “He dotes more on you than me.” He joked. And he suddenly glanced at her as she reached out and entwined her fingers through his.
“Nani?” he asked, seriously. “What’s wrong?”
She smiled at him reassuringly. “Betsu ni.” She murmured. And she looked out her window, content to hold his hand.
After a moment of silence he squeezed her hand and held on as he drove.
Sakura stared at her paper until the numbers swam. She couldn’t get math for the life of her. Never could. Beside her, Syaoran was doing his own task, slender fingers scribbling small notes as he finished yet another problem. She exhaled sadly and brought her eyes back to her own paper.
Multiply. Divide. Square root. Fractions. Quadratic equations. She felt as if heat were building up in her head, making her head swell to the size of an inflated balloon. In a moment she was going to pop. She glanced over Syaoran’s shoulder again, for she was stretched out on his couch, head resting on a cushion and Syaoran sat on the floor, back pressed to the couch under her.
“Syaoran.”
He finished scribbling and a moment later looked at her. “Hmm?” he asked her, light brown eyes widening the slightest bit.
She gazed at him. “I’m tired. I’m seeing numbers floating before my eyes.”
He smiled gently at her and lowered his paper. “Then maybe that’s enough for the day. Maybe we should try again tomorrow. Before we eat, because I know studying after eating makes you sleepy.” And he said it innocently, gazing at her with concern.
Sakura smiled at him. How well he knew her.
“Give me a sec to finish this and I’ll drive you home.” He said with a nod and as she smiled again he turned to face his paper again, fingers driving the pen around his sheet.
Sakura exhaled sleepily, closing her eyes to stop the phantom numbers from jumping excitedly before her. One second. That’s all it was. She could close her eyes for a moment to rest and then she would be on her way home.
Home to an empty house.
Syaoran finished up, pondering the last problem still. “Ok, come on, Saku-“ and he turned to catch her fast asleep, breathing rhythmic. His lips parted, as if in disbelief, and he leaned toward her, reaching out to nudge her. “Sakura.”
She barely shifted, chest lifting and dropping with her breath.
“Sakura.” He said again, voice softening and he brought his face close to hers, examining her. She was seriously out, mouth open the tiniest bit, her auburn hair falling against her soft cheek. He smiled at her faintly, hand lifting to her face. “Sakura. Come on. I’m taking you home.” He said quietly. And he couldn’t understand why she was so tired. It was only-
The large grandfather clock outside in the hallway read 1:34 am.
“I am home.” She murmured in her sleep and she turned her face into the couch cushion more, a lock of hair catching in the corner of her mouth.
He gazed at her, surprised at her answer. Then he glanced at the clock once more. Well, it wasn’t too late to drive her home, seeing as how no one was at her house, but she looked much too tired and so was he, now that he thought about it.
Had Wei-san turned in also?
He rose away from her and checked the hallway, glancing around. All the lights were off except for the second floor light and a small lamp he always left on in case he or Syaoran got hungry in the middle of the night. Wei-san had turned in also, it seemed.
He returned to her side and looked down at her. Looks like this was about to turn into a sleep over. It had happened before. She had slept over but they had known ahead of time it was going to happen and her father had been home in case something had gone wrong.
With a sigh he bent toward her, lifting the lock of hair from her mouth. He lifted one limp arm, setting it across her chest and then he turned her a bit to do the same with the other hand. She murmured something as he did it but he couldn’t make out what she said. Very gently, so as not to wake her he managed to slide one arm under her shoulders, the other underneath the bend of her knees. And then he lifted her, embracing her close to his chest.
Now, where to put her?
He paused, frowning. It would have been wise to have thought about it before picking her up. None of the bedrooms were set up, since they hadn’t planned on this being a stay.
He turned, berating himself even then. No problem. It would be him to sleep on the couch. He would set her down on his bed. She knew where to find his clothes in the night if she needed something. Hell, her own things were in a drawer in his room.
He wound up his stairs and floated over toward his room, turning the knob of his door slowly and carefully. Once that was done he kicked it open and stepped in, closing it behind himself with his rear. Of all days to make his bed, now he had to unmake it to slip her in.
Wonderful.
Sakura said something again as he set her down on his bed, her upper body still leaning on him. “Syaoran…”
I’m here.” He replied, dragging the covers down and under her legs to pull them free. After a moment he sat down beside her, holding her against him as he pulled the covers up, over her legs this time.
“Stay with me?”
He slowed in his efforts, blinking at the blanket in his hand.
“What?”
She sighed faintly and as he turned a bit to look at her leaning against his shoulder he realized her eyes were open a bit. He gazed at her, tilting his head.
“Stay with me?” she repeated, and her hand made a tiny fist, bunching up his shirt from where she held it. “I feel so…lonely.” Her green eyes left his brown ones to look at her hand and a small blush colored her cheeks. “I’m such a baby sometimes…”
He smiled at her reassuringly. “You won’t be alone, Sakura. I’m going to be downstairs on the couch. If you need anything you don’t have to worry about waking me up-“
Her fingers loosened from his shirt and all he could do was watch her as she released him altogether and then turned away, rolling off him to face his window. It wasn’t the way he had expected her to react, especially not when she rolled up into a little ball and hugged her knees.
“What is it?” he asked gently, reaching out to wind his hand around her bare arm. She had such smooth, pale skin and he rubbed his hand up and down the length of her arm as she answered.
“Nothing’s wrong. It just…feels like I’m alone. Otou-san and oni-chan left and even Tomoyo-chan had to go somewhere. And…” she shrugged, shaking her head before burying herself further into the bed, “All I wanted was to stay with someone.”
Syaoran smiled at her back sadly before leaning over and resting his head against hers. He dropped a kiss on her shoulder, hand still wrapped around her arm. “I would stay here with you, Sakura. I would give just about anything to stay here with you. But we both know it wouldn’t be right. Right now the couch is the safest place for the both of us-“
“But it’s not like anything is going to happen, right?” she asked and she turned her head a bit, seeing his face in her peripheral vision.
He hesitated, breathing in her scent as it drifted from her hair.
“Right…”
And as he said it she turned her body, looking at him from centimeters away with wide eyes. “So, stay!” she pleaded, hands once more bunching up his shirt as she grabbed handfuls of it. “Just for the night, stay with me. We’ll sleep and that’s it. In the morning we’ll study some more math and this time around we’ll go to my house and I’ll make breakfast. We’ll study before we eat, for at least an hour and once my stomach starts growling we’ll eat and if I start getting tired we’ll go for a walk and then come home and study more. Or maybe we’ll study outside so that the breeze will keep me awake. Please, Syaoran-“
He was gazing at her, a small smile on his lips.
She broke off, looking at him. “Just for tonight.” She whispered.
The small smile faded the tiniest bit and he inhaled, eyebrows turning in sadly. “Just for tonight?” he asked her.
“Just for tonight.” She nodded quickly, eyes shining in the moonlight.
After another hesitant pause he nodded. “Ok. Just for tonight.” And he instantly regretted it as she ducked her head and buried it into his neck, her breath warm across the flat plane of his chest.
If nothing else, she felt good in his arms. Warm, frail. Soft. All curves where he was hard angles. Or maybe that was just the problem. He wound one arm around her tighter, under her arm and up, fingers kneading the flesh at the nape of her neck. She was tense, he realized, but he knew it wasn’t from how he held her. She was much too comfortable with him.
“It’s so stupid.” She murmured and he felt her words more than heard them. He felt them as she said it, like a small purr running along his body.
“What’s so stupid?” he asked her quietly.
She inhaled deeply, shifting a bit but stretching as he continued to rub the back of her neck. “That I’m such a baby. That I’m making you stay here with me.”
He frowned and pulled his head back a bit to look at her. “You’re not making me stay here. I’m staying here because I want to. And it’s not stupid. I know what it’s like to feel alone. And a lot of people can’t handle it. They weren’t raised to.” He cocked his head at her, his other hand brushing back locks of fine hair. “You’re one of those people, Sakura. You should always be surrounded by people. By sunlight.”
You should never have to face a cloudy day or an empty house.
Sakura lifted her eyes to him, and for a second he thought he saw tears shimmering in her eyes. But then she was leaning upward, lips brushing his in a tender kiss. He closed his eyes, parting his lips to accept her kiss, fingers soft upon her cheek.
“You shouldn’t be alone either, Syaoran.” She whispered against his lips. And she ducked her head once more, leaning into his chest.
“I’m not alone.” He replied to that, cradling her head against his chest and he looked out over her shoulder toward his window. “Not anymore.”
The silence that followed was not awkward. He exhaled faintly, eyes narrowed against the moonlight, fingers caressing her face and neck as he gazed into the distance. It was a peaceful night, the breeze gentle and warm as it swept into his room. There were no sounds coming from outside, only the faint chirp of a bird and the scent of cherry blossoms.
No, that was Sakura in his arms.
He was content to stay as he was, wide awake yet languid. And then he felt her shift, felt her lips along his collarbone and he paused, eyes lowering ever so slowly.
Had that been an accident?
He felt it again a moment later, her mouth brush his collar and then another touch, this time further up along his neck. It sent the tiniest shiver racing down his spine, goose bumps lifting on his arms and on the back of his neck.
Because that last one had been more than a touch of her lips. It had been a kiss. He realized his breath had quickened and that, no doubt, so had his pulse. And his pulse was centimeters from her mouth so she was probably hearing it pound.
“Sakura…”
He was answered with another kiss, along the underside of his chin. He nearly closed his eyes, head tilting up to allow her access yet his mind fought for control.
No, no, no…
Her lips brushed another kiss, outlining his jaw as she moved toward his ear. He swallowed, ducking his head, wanting to shy away but bringing himself closer to her at the same time. “Sakura.” He breathed, trying to force a firm tone.
Her hands let go of his shirt and she lifted one, fingertips caressing the corner of his mouth. “What is it, Syaoran?” she whispered against him, gazing at him from up close. His eyes were closed, almost in a grimace, and his lips were parted, auburn hair falling across his forehead and temple. “You don’t have to look so afraid.”
He opened his eyes slowly, gazing at her tenderly. “I’m not afraid.”
She smiled, eyes shifting from his eyes to his mouth where she was letting her fingers play across the corners. Then, very slowly, she kissed those lips, once. A soft, lingering kiss. And then another, a bit stronger, with a taste of her love.
He let her, wishing to remain still, lips parted as she kissed him again and again. He was content with just the scent of her, realized he was dizzy with her. She assaulted every one of his senses. His sense of smell, long overwhelmed. His sight hampered. All he heard was the breeze and the bed as she shifted closer still. His touch. Her skin was smooth under his cramping fingers, soft. And his taste, he tasted her on his lips, on his tongue as she parted his lips further with her kiss.
“Kiss me, Syaoran. I’m not fragile.” She whispered.
Through his rapid breathing he could have sworn he heard his inner voice shrieking at him. This was wrong. This was wrong. This was-
This was the love of his life.
With a tightening of his muscles he did as she asked, returning her kiss, practically assaulting her. She gasped faintly as he bent her backward a bit, his hair falling forth and brushing her own skin. He was probably scaring her, he realized dimly. He didn’t mean to but he could taste her so well.
They had never gone very far, concerning make out sessions, he thought. Because she was virtuous. She was young, as was he.
Although she somehow didn’t seem it now as she tangled her fingers into his soft locks and held on for her life. She was responding to him, to his advances, both hands now in his hair.
He rolled her onto her back, releasing her neck to support himself above her on his elbows, hands winding under her shoulder blades and taking hold of her shoulders. Her mouth was so soft, yielding to anything he would have asked of her. Their kiss had turned into a frantic one, tongues meeting and teasing.
He wanted more of her. Wanted to somehow deepen a kiss that couldn’t deepen anymore. Wanted to somehow mold himself into her so that she never felt alone anymore.
"Syaoran…” she whimpered as he released her lips, trailing down her cheek. She turned her head from him, eyes shut in a grimace of sweet pain.
She was tiny in his arms. He realized it then as his mouth slid to her neck, to her racing pulse. She was easily folded in his arms, like a small doll. And just as breakable. He hesitated against her neck, breathing rapid, as it suddenly dawned on him.
Oh my God.
As if run through with a live wire he recoiled from her, releasing her harshly. And he stared at her for a moment, breath rising and falling as she turned to look at him in confusion, cheeks flushed.
“Syaoran?”
He backed away from her, seating himself on the edge of the bed and then finally inhaling, a hand running through his tousled hair. The first two buttons of his shirt had been undone and his chest felt the cool air of the breeze. It had been warm only a moment ago and now it froze his blood.
“Syaoran.” Sakura whispered again, sitting up on her knees and she inched closer to him as he swallowed, shoulders heaving. “My God, you’re trembling-“
“I’m cold.” He murmured, focused on his knees, hunching over a bit.
“You’re scared.” She corrected him. And she touched him, taking hold of his wrist. “So am I.”
He looked at her and understood that she didn’t know. He wasn’t scared of what had almost happened. Or he was but that wasn’t the most pressing matter. He was scared because he couldn’t control himself. He had wanted her, not for the first time in his life, but had wanted her so badly he felt as if he could have ripped her flesh from her body. It sickened him to know what little control he had.
“I have to go-“ he whispered and he turned, rising a bit.
Sakura yanked him back down and a small cry broke from his mouth as he marveled at her strength. A moment later however she had her arms wrapped around his neck from behind, was embracing him tightly. “You don’t have to go. And you don’t have to be scared. I won’t break.”
My control just might, though…
Her breath was warm against his ear as she placed a small kiss behind it. “I wanted it, also. And I was also scared. But then I remembered it was you, Syaoran. And I know you would never hurt me…”
He closed his eyes, bowing his head as she whispered in his ear.
She was continuing. “It was knowing that it was you that made it all right for me.” She murmured, arms loosening. She pressed another kiss against the side of his neck and her fingers trailed downward, catching on the buttons of his shirt. “I was ready for you. I still am.”
His slowing pulse was beginning to quicken again.
Her fingers began to undo the buttons, moving from one down to the next until his shirt lay open. Her hand lifted back up to rest against his chest, over his beating heart. And she kissed him yet again, his neck, breath lifting his hair a bit.
His hand rose to clutch at her wrist and just as she thought he was going to toss her off he lifted her wrist to his mouth and kissed her pulse tenderly.
“I love you so much.” He whispered sadly. And he allowed her to pull her hand back, allowed her to take hold of his shirt and slide it down off his shoulders to catch at his elbows. He exhaled, lips parting as she brushed her lips across his bare shoulder, rested her cheek against the nape of his neck.
"I love you, too.” She said faintly and she pulled back a bit as he turned to face her.
His expression was almost sorrowful as he gazed at her, eyebrows drawn in. Her arms lifted, hands coming to rest on his shoulders and he shrugged off the shirt, letting it fall to the floor before he lifted his own hands. They played across her arms, trailing upward and he watched himself do it, eyes focused on her as his hands floated up. He wanted to touch her everywhere, touch her arms, touch her shoulders. And he did, winding his arms up inside the circle of her arms, fingers tracing the line of her collarbone under her t-shirt.
Sakura closed her eyes, responding slightly.
He gazed at her, gauging her reaction as he ran one finger down the length of her long white neck and he saw her swallow, her throat moving. And then, very slowly, he leaned forward and nuzzled her neck, parted lips brushing her skin, trailing across. His mouth opened and he kissed the small dip of her collar, where the collarbones met. His tongue slipped in there, tasting her skin.
“Syaoran…”
He wanted her to say his name again. Say his name like that always. With that soft purr and the aching plea in the depths. He rose a bit against her, coming onto his knees and she arched backward as he loomed over her. Her eyes opened slowly to gaze up at him and he said her name softly, the sound reverberating in her very core as she felt him say it. Like a small rumble.
And then his lips caught hers, so very gently she thought she kissed the air. She arched into him even more, bending backward, needing him to feel all of her, needing to feel all of him. And she couldn’t, not being confined inside her clothes. They weren’t meant to be like that, closed off to each other, separated. It was almost cruel.
She released his shoulders, lips parting as he kissed the corners of her mouth, his hair tickling the gentle skin of her cheek, right below her eye. Hoping he didn’t notice she began to undo the buttons of her own shirt, turning her face into him.
It was for nothing for his hands caught hers, taking hold of them and setting them away. And his own hands took over, undoing every button slowly. So slowly it made her want to shriek. His lips however were distracting, playing across her cheek, nuzzling her skin, breath warming her. He trailed back downward, nudging her head aside to allow him to kiss the underside of her jaw.
She felt a cool breeze brush her ribs and stomach. She stiffened uncontrollably and he felt it, felt her hesitate.
“We’ll stop.” He whispered faintly, hands settling on her waist, inside her open shirt.
“No. No, we won’t. Not now. Not ever.” She shook her head and she was over him as he sat back on his knees. She gazed at him, fingers tracing his cheekbones lovingly. And she arched again, sliding the shirt off her frame, before touching his face once more.
Syaoran leaned forward, feeling the soft material of her bra against his chest. He took hold of her wrists and slowly lifted them, winding her arms around his neck and embracing her tightly. His eyes opened for a moment, looking passed her shoulder toward the moon outside, the stars that twinkled through the part of his curtains.
Sakura breathed into his flat chest, rubbing her cheek against the smooth skin. He was so warm, his heart pulsing in her ear. So gentle. Perfection. Along her back the breeze was cool now, not so cold. Never cold when he embraced her like this. She reached back with one hand, lifting his hand to the clasp of her bra and then settling him there, expectantly.
When he hesitated she wound her arm back around his neck, kissing his collarbone reassuringly. “It’s all right.”
He kept his eyes on the moon, the vision swimming and blurring. And he felt himself move, lifting his other hand to the clasp and slowly undoing it. Allowing it to hang free, supported only by her shoulders. His fingers played across the smoothness of her back, kneading the skin and the muscle underneath. She was soft, all of her, and he was touching more than he ever thought he would. It was almost strange to run his fingers across that part of her back, always used to feeling her shirt or at least a bra strap there.
Slowly, she lowered her arms to pull the straps from her shoulders, head bowing against his chest. He felt, more than saw, the blush that was coloring her cheeks and he lifted her face, a finger to the underside of her chin. She slowly raised her eyes and he kissed her, gently. Tenderly. To reassure her that to him, she was the most beautiful thing in the world, now and always.
She felt the bra slip from her fingers and she arched once more, pressing herself into him, feeling his bare skin under hers and feeling suddenly alive. Her mouth returned his kiss, hungry for more of him, and he obliged, hands sweeping inward toward her breast. It fit against the palm of his hand and he exhaled hoarsely, feeling its weight. She also exhaled against his mouth, for a moment seeming to forget everything except his hand on her, the way his fingers caressed her and played with her. His name came again, from her lips, in the middle of the kiss, making him stiffen in more ways than one. And he responded, murmuring her name as well.
“Sakura…”
He left her mouth, arching her backward over his arm wrapped around the small of her back. And he leaned down, lips trailing down toward her breast, tongue sweeping the soft skin, breath warm against her flushed skin.
Sakura grimaced, hair brushing her back as she swayed in his arms, feeling limp. His other hand hadn’t stopped moving and now she didn’t know what to focus on. In the end she didn’t focus on anything except him and his scent, reaching her through a dizzy haze of senselessness.
His mouth opened, lips brushing her nipple and his tongue flicked out, hot and wet.
Sakura inhaled, practically gasping, and she tangled her hands in his hair, pulling him closer, nearly crushing him to her.
Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…
And she suddenly realized he was leaning her back further, lowering her to the bed. The cool sheets felt heavenly under the bare skin of her back, her fingers curling in his hair, playing with the soft locks. His tongue worked her, fingers kneading her breasts, his chest rubbing against the skin of her stomach and ribs.
She couldn’t take it. She was going to explode, her frame stiff from such overpowering sensation. His hair in her hands was enough to drive her insane. So fine, so soft. His cheek as she slid her hands down a bit and placed her palms there. She felt his jaw move as he opened his mouth, felt the smooth skin of his cheekbone.
“Syaoran.” She whispered, fighting to stay in control. Then stronger, “Syaoran-“
He pulled away from her a bit, head still bowed against her breast.
She pulled him up toward her mouth, kissing him hungrily, wanting to return her fingers to his hair. But she fought, instead arching herself for him to embrace her. And she moved her hands to her skirt, undoing the button and then the small zipper. She just about kicked off the offending article of clothing, feeling how cool her flushed skin felt without it.
Syaoran had paused once more, his cheekbone pressed against hers, his breath rapid and hoarse in her ear. Then, as if afraid, he lowered one hand, coming in contact with the side of her thigh. She felt his heart pounding. It was thumping just as much as hers. And she lifted her thigh, curling it upward and around one of his legs, pressing closer.
“I’m still here.” She said to him softly, turning her face to whisper it into his ear. “You’re not alone.”
Syaoran lifted away from her a bit, enough to wind his other arm under her and to her neck, supporting her entire back on his forearm. His fingers wound around her neck, holding her against him and very slowly he ran his other hand up her thigh, toward the sharp bone of her pelvis.
For the first time she didn’t have the urge to giggle. Her stomach was one of her ticklish spots.
Syaoran fingered the band of her under wear, tips sliding across the silk of the fabric. Above, her flat abdomen and stomach were beginning to heave in anticipation. He traced a finger over the indented line in between muscles, down her stomach back to her abdomen and then he curled his finger inside the band, reaching for more skin, reaching lower.
Her fingers clawed into his shoulder, head bowing as he came closer.
He was having difficulty breathing, he realized through a haze. He wasn’t getting enough of her scent, was seeing strange colors before his closed eyes. But his fingers were hot, his frame trembling.
And gently, he pulled the material, trying to free her of it.
She lifted her hips, pressing closer to him, arms holding him tightly.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” He whispered in a low voice, lips brushing her cheek.
“I know.” She replied faintly. “You could never do anything to hurt me.”
He smiled at that, against her cheek and he kissed the soft skin before his lips, nuzzling her gently as he pulled the cloth from her.
Sakura shifted her leg, the clothing clinging to her knee and she tossed that off as well, returning to him. Fully nude, she buried herself into him, needing his warmth.
“I feel you.” He said softly. And his fingers finally dipped down, into her core.
Sakura didn’t hear him at all. Utter sensation swept through her and she arched backward, lifting her hips against his hand, head pressing into the mattress.
Syaoran lifted his head to watch her, lips parting at knowing that he could very well drive her insane with his touch. Her throat convulsed, mouth opening to say his name. Her fingers dug into his skin, to the point of being painful but all he could do was stare at her, at how beautiful she was in the moonlight, long pale limbs and shifting muscle.
His fingers worked, rubbing over her spot, again and again, and she became hoarse as she whispered his name, frame stiffening. A soft groan broke from his mouth as her throat moved again and he leaned toward her, mouth lowering to the soft skin and nibbling it.
“Syaoran-“
One finger broke through, reaching up inside her and she cried aloud, her voice echoing in the room. Syaoran quickly lifted himself above her, mouth silencing her cries. Swallowing them. She whimpered into him, tears almost rising into her eyes as his thumb played with her, teasing her.
It was too cruel.
“Syaoran.” She uttered, turning her head from him to free her mouth. He tried to capture it again but she shook her head, fingers against his mouth. “Syaoran, hurry.”
He swallowed painfully, claiming her mouth again. “We have to go slow…” he whispered, shoulders heaving.
“No. No.” she shook her head again, needing to make sense. “You. Now. Hurry.”
Yes, that made a lot of sense…
He still fought her, mouth assaulting her. And by God, it almost worked. She almost let him sweep her away into the darkness. But she thought then that it was wrong. All he did for her. She wanted to return everything she felt, everything he made her feel.
Finding strength in weak limbs she reached down toward his pants, her fingers brushing the soft material. They weren’t jeans, she thought dimly. She couldn’t even remember what he had been wearing. Corduroys? Brown ones? No…
He tried to stop her, she realized dimly. His hand left her, taking away his warmth and he met her halfway as she tried to undo the button of his pants.
“Wait-“
She shoved away his hand and undid the button, rolling him onto his back and surprising him.
“Sakura-“
Her mouth covered his, stifling his protests and, taking a note from him, she took hold of both his wrists, lifting them to rest on her hips. He settled reluctantly, fingers digging into her skin as she undid the zipper as well.
Her mouth left his, trailing down his chin and neck and he gazed at her as she paused at his collarbone. The moon shone on her hair, painting several streaks silver and he liked the way her hair fell on his chest. It was soft, silky. His hips lifted as she tugged at his pants, letting her pull them down a bit.
“Why do you have to wear so much clothing?” she grumbled as she came into contact with boxers.
He laughed, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth and she smiled also, a blush coloring her cheeks. She kissed him, then, a gentle, lingering kiss as she pulled down on his boxers as well.
The cool air kissed his bare skin, causing him to stiffen even more. He swallowed, throat working, as he dug his fingers into her hips, almost clawing.
“You don’t have to.” He murmured, feeling her fingers brush across his member. He felt the bed shift under him and he opened his eyes a bit, looking up at her as she straddled him.
“I know I don’t. But I want to. So much.” She said to him tenderly, fingers tracing the lines of his lips. She felt the tip of him against her and she fought off the fright that came with knowing what the next step was.
Give me strength.
She slowly sat back, piercing herself on him. And it hurt. Almost like having a spike driven through her into her core.
But underneath her Syaoran went stiff, head thrown back into the bed, hands clutching her hard enough to bruise. She gazed at him, at his beauty, every single line and angle of him. And she felt just as beautiful, exotic almost. To know that she could make him feel such sweetness, it was almost painful. She moved her hips a bit, adjusting herself to his length and a soft groan broke from his lips, chest rising with every rapid breath.
With a small breath she began to move, leaning forward and placing her hands on his ribs to support herself. Instantly his hands left her hips to cover hers, holding onto her for dear life.
“Sakura.”
She took it slow. She didn’t know why she did and she didn’t know if she was even doing it right but she slid up and down slowly, trying to understand if she was indeed doing it right.
Underneath her Syaoran’s breathing was quickening, being expelled through parted lips, skin pale in the moonlight. For a moment he let her move, hips lifting as she met him halfway. And then his hands gripped hers and he yanked, pulling her down onto him. She went with a small squeak.
“Syaoran!”
His arms wrapped around her tightly, mouth claiming hers in a desperate kiss. And he moved inside her, urging her to move, not to stop. She did so, rocking against him, returning kiss for kiss, pushing his hands down to her hips as she ran her fingers through his hair, tangling there.
“Oh, God…”
Her name was on his lips as he thrust into her, hands gripping her hips and showing her what to do and how to do it. Not that he had any past experience either but this was something almost primitive. Her body took over after a moment, bare skin brushing his as she slid along his member, lifting and falling. And once she had it he felt himself fall flat on the bed, holding her against him. She was warm around him, tight fitting. As if she had been made for only him, only to fit him.
“Kiss me.” She whispered against his cheek.
He gladly did so, thoughts reeling. Warm shivers raced down his shoulders, tingling as he kissed her frantically, tongue sweeping into her mouth. He groaned almost inaudibly, grimacing as she shifted over him again, driving herself down onto him forcefully, as if trying to impale herself through.
I can’t take this-
He rolled her over, mouth leaving her to drop wet kisses along her chin and the spot behind her ear, the one that drove her wild. He knew it well and she gasped at suddenly having his entire weight on her. But her protest was drowned out as he moved inside her, supporting himself on either side of her, muscles stiff.
“Sakura.”
His voice was hoarse, his breathing as quick as his pulse pounding audibly. She lifted her hips and he drove deeper, crying out into her neck. Her name came again and then again, senselessly, from his mouth.
Syaoran…
She ducked her head, almost afraid of what was coming. He felt so stiff against her, a fine sweat slowly breaking over his skin. She clutched at him, fingers slick along his shoulders and he murmured incoherently into her ear, almost gasping. Her thighs lifted and her legs wound around his back, allowing him to ride her, to thrust deep into her, straight to her core. His movements rocked her, wet skin sliding across hers, hips meeting hers over and over. She couldn’t tell exactly what he felt but he was panting against her, the tips of his hair wet through with sweat. She dug her fingers into his hair, from the nape of his neck towards his crown, holding him tightly.
The bed shifted under her, from his movements, but other than that there was silence. Save for his breathing, for hers as well. Her body rocked, breasts pushed against his chest as he made love to her, his mouth wet against neck. On either side of her his hands were clutched into fists, holding onto the sheets so tightly she feared he would rip them.
“Sakura-“
His voice was husky, her name coming out low. He couldn’t understand anything except what he felt and he felt her, inside and out. He drove into her, again and again, into her wetness, wanting God to strike him down where he lay. Because nothing could ever feel this good, nor feel this right. Sweet pain was rising inside him, forcing him to move faster.
“Syaoran.”
And her voice only pushed him further still. Her supple body arched under his, skin grazing skin, and he whispered her name again, whispered his love for her, over and over. He couldn’t breathe straight, couldn’t control anything but the way he moved and even that was slowly being taken from him, pure instinct moving him.
White light flashed behind his eyes, driving him toward a point that only moments ago had seemed so far off. He went for it with wild abandon, burning inside.
Sakura felt him as he moved and she closed her eyes, tightening around him. He cried out against her ear, hands releasing the sheets to clutch at her with the same strength and his thrusts became more powerful, drove deep into her as if aiming to rip through her. She also made a small noise, turning her face into his neck and pulling on his hair, kneading his skin.
I love you.
His cry rang through the room as release swept through him, as he came deep inside her. Sakura arched under him and he moved still, riding out the rest of his release, feeling her slick around him, still inviting. Then, after a moment, he slowed, shivering from the sudden coolness of the room around him.
Around his shoulders Sakura’s arms were fastened, holding him dearly. He lifted off her gently, turning his face to gaze at her. She gazed back, green eyes wide.
“I’m all right.” She said before he even asked the question.
He smiled at her tenderly, hand lifting to brush back soft hair and his mouth closed over hers, gently. He wanted to stay inside her still, forever if he could. But he needed to do something first.
Very slowly he reached down with his hand, fingers trailing across her stomach and then her abdomen.
“Syaoran?”
He shook his head at her, kissing her once more to silence her. No more words. All he wanted to hear was her voice crying out his name in ecstasy. Like he heard in his dreams. His fingers slipped further down and he also pulled away from her mouth, lips trailing downward toward her breasts.
She watched him, gazed at his hair as he hesitated before her breasts and then her eyes slid shut as he nuzzled one, tongue flicking out and catching its tip. His mouth was so warm, tongue soft against her bare skin. With a small whimper she lifted her hands back to his hair, holding him the way she liked. He allowed her, tilting his head and taking her into his mouth, teeth nipping, tongue grazing the mound and nipple.
His other hand slid down into her, the pad of his thumb rubbing her weak spot. She gasped, holding his head against her but lifting her hips into him, pressing into his hand. He was so beautiful, she realized as she managed to open her eyes into slits. Everything about him. His face, his hair, his lithe, slender frame.
Slowly, he eased out of her, feeling limp, languid. She purred deep in her throat as he withdrew fully but then he pressed himself along her outside, rubbing against her nub. His mouth pulled away from her breast and he held himself above her, once more moving his hips against hers.
But this time Sakura felt herself convulse from the sensation. This was different from having him inside. His hair fell around his eyes, jaw clenching as he moved against her and she lifted her hips, arching her back. He caught her around her waist with one hand, marveling at his control but not surprised that he was off balance.
“Sakura-“
She pulled him down effortlessly, molding herself against him, legs once more winding around his back. And this time he moved for her, sliding across her over and over, gauging her breath and reaction to see what she liked, what she responded to. His name was on her lips, coming out in the faintest of whispers as she bucked her hips, breasts arched into his chest. His hands lifted above her, releasing her to take hold of the sheets again in tight fists.
She couldn’t move even if she had wanted to. The sensation below was enough to root her to her spot, and she didn’t want to ruin any of it. Not the feeling, not Syaoran’s slender, muscled frame rocking her steadily. She just wanted to hold onto him and let him take her away.
He said her name softly, lovingly, and as she opened her eyes he was gazing at her as he moved, a small smile on his face as he looked at her in awe. As if she were truly the most beautiful thing in the world to him. She gazed back at him, lifting her head from the bed to kiss him and he met her halfway, stretching to return a kiss so gentle it made her want to cry. Breathing a bit more relaxed but still unsteadily he pressed a kiss to her forehead, body moving in the moonlight.
Sakura reached down with her hands, fingers clawing into his sides and she threw her head back, the air doing nothing to cool her flushed skin. Nor the small bud of warmth she felt in the pit of her stomach, and further down where Syaoran was thrusting against her. She felt wet and she knew it was that wetness that made his movements slick.
He moved faster then, sliding against her, breath softly gentle against her neck. She felt her body respond with a mind of its own, no longer connected. Which was good because she didn’t want to make sense of it. She just wanted to feel.
“Faster, Syaoran.” She whispered. “Please-“
He did as she asked, thrusting up and down, dropping kisses along her neck, tongue flicking out to trail a blaze of heat from her collarbone to her ear.
“Oh, please, God. Syaoran-“
She needed to move her own hips against his. Breathing erratically she held onto him as she bucked, meeting his thrusts with her own until she didn’t know where he ended and where she began. He led wordlessly, moving against her and feeling himself get hard again, knowing she was reaching her peak. The ecstasy flitting across her face drove him on, making him move faster, rubbing his entire self against her and wishing he could somehow move faster still.
“Syaoran.“
Yes.
“Syaoran…“
He inhaled her scent, pushing her on ahead of him, supporting her. Underneath him she was writhing, lips parting with her breath, throat convulsing. He stared at her, wetting his lips as she whimpered, shifting above her. His movements became rough, to the point of being violent and she voiced what she felt, breathlessly saying his name, pleading with him to finish it, to cease her sweet pain.
“Please, Syaoran.”
He moved one hand, brushing aside damp hair from her face, pulling loose one lock that had stuck close to her mouth. He kissed those parted lips hungrily, wanting her to taste him as he could taste her. He growled against her lips, tongue teasing hers, deepening the kiss.
Underneath him she suddenly bucked, stiffening in sheer ecstasy. And his name broke from her mouth, a loud cry going shrill. He hesitated for a moment as she arched, her breasts pushing into his chest, hips crushing his member between their bodies. And then he thrust again, ever so slowly, knowing that just like him she needed to ride out the release. She moaned his name softly, almost like a prayer, as he kissed the underside of her jaw, cheek grazing the hard bone under smooth skin. Finally, very tenderly, he slowed to a stop, hesitating as he inhaled her scent fully for the first time since they had begun. Under him she loosened her death grip on him, fingers rubbing the small moon crescents her nails had dug into his sides. She turned her face to look at him as he lifted himself up, frame trembling from near exhaustion.
“Are you all right?” she asked him, feeling the fine trembling transfer from him into her.
He nodded faintly, searching her face silently. Cautiously, he leaned down and kissed her, a soft lingering kiss she returned.
“Are things going to be different in the morning?” she asked him, unwinding her legs slowly from his waist.
He nodded again, solemnly.
She fought the tears that suddenly threatened to mist in her eyes. “Why?” she whispered as he bowed his head against the side of her face. “Why can’t it stay the same?”
He shook his head then, breathing finally calm. “Because I love you even more now.” He replied and he nuzzled the side of her face, lips caressing the skin.
She blinked at that, lips parting. And then, with a small smile crossing her lips, she tightened her hold on him, embracing him lovingly.
She suddenly sat up in bed, moonlight filtering through the window and she whirled to the side of the bed, reaching out to emptiness. “Syaoran?”
The bed was empty save for her and as she examined her surroundings a bit more she realized she was home, in her own bed. She frowned, lifting her hand to her chest, and practically died when she saw the glowing Card in her hand. It was the Dream Card, buzzing with light and faint magic.
It was a dream. All of it, just a dream…
She couldn’t believe it. How real it had felt. How perfect, to have crossed that boundary with him, at last.
With a sigh she slowly lowered herself back onto her bed only to start when someone knocked on her door. “Hai.” She called out, sitting back up and then quickly shoving the Dream Card under her pillow as the door opened.
Touya entered, a backpack in his hand. “Dad says to tell you that he’s going for the dig and that I’m going with him. It’s only for a week and since I have spring recess and his assistant called out I’ll be taking her place.”
Sakura stared at him in disbelief.
He arched an eyebrow at her, pausing to make sure she had heard him and understood. “Oi, kaijuu.” He said, waving at her.
“I’m going to be home alone?” she asked faintly, eyes wide.
He nodded. “For a week.” He checked his watch. “It’s 5:00 am right now so you have another hour to sleep. Don’t oversleep.”
“My math homework…” Sakura said dumbly, looking toward her book bag.
He nodded, looking apologetic for the first time in his life. “Yeah, I won’t be here to help. Maybe you can get the Brat to help you out.” And he shrugged. “We’ll be back in a week.”
Without another word he left, closing the door behind himself.
And Sakura was left alone, blinking. Behind her she felt the thrum of the Dream Card still, felt it flicker with power. And a small smile lit the corners of her lips. Bouncing back under her covers she went back to dreaming, this time without the help of the Dream Card.
What a beautiful day she was about to have.
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