Hiya readers, sorry for the delay. I was writing this and ended up changing it about five to six times finally settled on this idea. I may put up the meager tries that I have had so you can see how dark this was going to go...but I decided to make it a little more fun and truer to the story.

To all readers…From here on out, fluff, romance and maybe a bit more...

Disclaimer: I do not own CardCaptor Sakura...I only own Momoko... *quiet yay*

Chapter 16 Rumors….

School had started back up and I knew that the rumors were going to start back up. I walked with Tomoyo by side, in the simple winter uniform. I turned my head to her to see her smile, her hand grabbed mine gently. We both turned onto the campus, I could already feel the glares from the female students. I had no idea what was being said but from the looks it was definitely about me.

As we walked towards the middle of the campus, we both spotted a small crowd of mixed people near the main announcement board in front of the cafeteria. A huge part of me wanted to hightail my butt out of there, but another part was curious on what was going on. I wanted to know how bad the rumor was.

Tomoyo pulled my hand back to stop me, I looked up to see why. The crowd had doubled, I noticed why. The Li fan club, girls that were mostly from third years but I saw first and second years mixed in. Like I needed more trouble in my life right now. They crowded around me in a circle, I started to think I being sacrificed to their god… This was not normal behavior for girls my age, I instinctively pulled Tomoyo closer to me.

"We all saw the picture." One girl stated as she produced her phone. She turned it around to show us the picture. I reached out to grab the phone to get a better look it at. It was me sitting on the small loveseat in a cafe. Why would this picture cause a problem? I read the caption underneath. 'Sakura is trying to be normal to steal our Syao. We cannot let her. If she comes to school looking similar to this stop her by any means necessary.' I handed the phone back to the girl, by any means necessary seemed scary as shit to me.

I turned to Tomoyo and shrugged as I continued walking, gently squeezing her hand.

"We were told to stop you, but class is about to start. We all will be watching you, keep your distance from Syaoran." The girl who held her phone at me pointing. I watched her make a single with her hand and the crowd dispersed. I continued walking and stopped at my locker. I noticed all that it stuffed full. Again. I sighed as I grabbed the trash can and dumped every single in the trash. All hate mail because of that damn picture. Who took it? I seriously want to ring their necks. I peeked back into my locker, no shoes. Figured. Most likely in the incinerator. I closed the door and wandered over to Tomoyo's locker.

"Damage."

"No shoes." I simply stated as I leaned my back on the lockers.

"Good thing we figured something like this would happen." She reached into her bag and pulled out a spare pair with my name on it. I handed her my shoes and she placed them on top of hers in her locker.

I shrugged as I took off my scarf placing it in my bag with a smile. She grabbed my hand and we both headed up to the classroom on the third floor. I noticed as I walked up the stairs the stares that were on me were more hateful and sinister. I planned to ignore it all until I was at my desk happily.

I took a deep breath as I opened the door. My eyes scanned, noting all the eyes on me, I sighed loudly as I made a beeline for my chair. I stopped when a familiar figure was at Syaoran's desk, I maneuvered around him and sat at my desk.

"Sakura." I looked up to see Momoko's harsh smile. I wanted to acknowledge her but I seriously did not care about her.

"Maybe you have heard, but me and Syao-kun broke up." Momoko smiled as leaned close. "Apparently he has feelings for someone else." She glanced at her fingers, "I really can't see why he would leave me when I am one of the best student here…"

Did I just hear what she said? Really? She honestly thinks this… Okay well maybe it possible for her to think this. When they announce the exam results all they put is Kinomoto. So it is possible for her to think that she is the top student, even considering she cheats at every exam… oh well.

I watched as sauntered back to her seat with a slight sway in her hips. I shook my head as I heard the chair next to me pull out. I turned slightly to see Syaoran's profile as he let out a sigh.

"I was starting to wonder if she would ever leave the area." He stated softly. I hid my face, reaching for a book in my bag as smiled slightly because of that comment. I watched his subtle movements, wanting to reach over and sniff him… Oh lord there must be something seriously wrong with me. Maybe it's my brain trying to figure that one thing. Why did the smell that lingered around the guy who kissed me, smell so much like Syaoran?

Maybe my mind is telling me that they are the same, that would make sense in an odd way. That would mean that Syaoran would willing kissed me the first time, at the christmas party. Huh. Some present, in a way it kind of was what I asked for. I was about to disappear on that thought when a familiar voice called out my name.

"Sakura-Chan!"

I looked up at the front of class to a face I had come to know over the break. Copper eyes and black hair tied back into a low pollyanna, the uniform looking very cute on figured body. I watched as most of the class turned back to me with a questioned look, I must have missed the introduction. Whispers started going up, like I care. She marched down the aisle between me and Syaoran, she stopped at his desk.

"Move."

Syaoran did not move, I heard Tomoyo sigh as she moved to the seat in front of Syaoran. Mei Lin took hers. I watched as class started and most of the kids went to normal. I tore a piece of paper out of my notebook.

Sakura: Why did you single me out?

I folded it and passed it in front of me. Within a matter of moments I had the same piece of paper tossed back onto my desk. I opened it.

Mei: Afraid? I thought you were stronger.

Sakura: I am strong. What the hell did you tell the class?

Mei: You weren't paying attention?

A piece of paper that was not mine tossed back onto the desk.. I read it. 'There are some things you are better off not knowing right now.' I frowned as I crumbled it up, tossing it at the back of her head. Seriously, I am sorry I was thinking about your cousin and if it was him who kissed me on christmas I was not paying attention to the introduction you gave.

The lunch bell rang and Mei Lin immediately turned around with a magazine in hand. I was about to ask where she got when her response answered it for me. I spotted Syaoran sitting close to the door with Takero and Eriol talking about something.

"I bought this yesterday," she opened it up to a page. "What your new years kiss says about your relationship." She quickly turned to Tomoyo, "How was yours?"

Tomoyo giggled, I noticed her cheeks her only slightly pink. " sweet and innocent."

I smiled as Meilin read. "Your kiss shows that you are hesitant to start a relationship with him. It's okay to take your time but don't take too much time."

I felt a few shadows around me and heard chairs and tables move around. I watched as colored bento boxes opened on the table. I smiled as I pulled mine out.

"Reading the new years kiss article." Chiharu asked as she opened up her can of tea.

"Yeah Tomoyo's was lame."

"Mine was long and steamy." Chiharu smiled coyly at us, winked at Tomoyo.

"Your kiss shows that you are longing for his touch but still able to keep yourself under control." Meilin smiled. "Anyone else have a unique kiss?" I watched as the other two shook their heads as they stated it was just a peck. I soon felt all eyes on me.

"What?"

"What about you?" Meilin said with a unknown glint in her eye. "How was your new year kiss?"

I leaned back in my chair a bit, my eyes glancing to the side to see Syaoran with a rice ball in his hand, little bits of rice around his mouth. His fingers went up and gently wiped them with his sleeve. I smiled, okay he may just be the masked guy, I really should not doubt myself.

"Unforgettable."

"That's not a description."

"Fine, Passionate and Hot."

All the girls around me squealed loudly as Meilin read.

"Your kiss shows that there is animalistic nature about your relationship. Leave you two alone long enough and who knows what will happen. Let your relationship move as it is...hopefully to a bed."

The girls laughed at that, they knew that it was mask-kun, the mystery guy who kissed on christmas. Meilin's eyes watched me, like she knew something about that night... She smiled a sweet smile. I went back to eating. She silently watched me eat me food.

Nothing exciting happened for the rest of the day. I should be thankful. I was leaving the school when the Li fan club stopped me right outside the door. These girls have nothing better to do. A blonde girl with thick ringlets surrounding her face, a shirt that looked way too small for her, her skirt rolled up to be just slightly below her butt, I started to think why people called me slut?

"More pictures were sent to us." She stated as she stepped towards me. "Don't think that just because you can show off your body will mean that you get Syaoran." Wait...What? What the hell are they talking about? I walked passed them only to feel more eyes on me. I walked past the announcement board in front of the school that was when I saw it.

Pictures. Most of me or at least what looked like me and Syaoran throughout the past few months. Some were of me again of what looked like me in various states of undress, showing underwear, curves of my body, I frowned when I recognized one as being my room in that place. I felt Tomoyo's presence beside me.

I read the top of the board. "Sakura Kinomoto's Seducing of Li Syaoran" I turned to Tomoyo with a questioned look. Tomoyo turned back to me and mouthed 'I know most of those aren't you because of your ass.' I stifled a giggle. My mind went back to what she said, my ass. Yeah, I am not the sweet little girl most think of as, mainly because for a month last year me and Tomoyo disappeared to California. During that time I managed to get some tattoos on my butt. The first one was a beautiful flower that was the color of sunset. The second was of a small sakura flower with a black butterfly closer to my hip line My flower one was a little low on my ass so I had to watch how my panties sat on the butt a lot, yay for me.

'I can put a stop these to this BS.' I whispered to her. She mouthed 'I dare you.' I smiled. Did she really think that I would pass up this dare? I glanced around for something to stand on that would elevate me above the crowds eyes. I smiled as I grabbed her hand dragged her get a chair from the hallway in the school. I placed it in front of the announcement board. I stood by as Tomoyo jumped onto the chair.

"Before you all start harassing Sakura for something most of these pictures are not her." She pointed to one in white bra, with the hair in a towel. "That is Sakura but that was taken a year ago., before she even knew Li Syaoran." She smiled, "The other pictures of her various states of undress are not Sakura. Last summer she did something that not even Momoko knew about. Sakura care show them why most of these are not you."

Tomoyo stepped down. I stepped up onto the chair with a smile. I turned around so my back was facing the crowd. I thought I spotted Meilins black hair amongst the crowd, maybe not. I took a deep breath. I lifted up my the back of skirt. I heard the woahs from guys and gasps from the girls, I took a deep breath as I pulled over the right side of my white panties to show a beautiful sunset colored Lanai flower. I heard damn's and even more gasps come from crowd. I even thought I heard a photo click from a camera phone, was not quite sure where in the crowd. I turned around and proudly called out pointing to a pick of guys hands on lacy panty butt.

"That is not my ass." Not surprised by the look shock of me actually saying something to my defense.

I stepped down off of the chair, hooked arms with Tomoyo. Not as soon as we were close to the school gate I heard Momoko's voice yell out. "You are a slut Sakura, a no good damn slut. You will never get that happy ending."

I stopped. I half turned. "I am already on my way to my happy ending, this ass." I slapped my butt. "just made your life hell." I heard Tomoyo laugh as I continued walking. I heard my phone beep for a text message.

I looked at it. It was a picture of my flower on my butt, below it was a message from an unknown number.

Unknown

-Is there more?

I smiled as I glanced back to crowd to mess of chocolate locks within. Okay, this is one thing I am keeping this for myself. I caught his amber eyes glancing my way a slight smirk on his lips. I went to back to what that lady said, we are not bound by conventional rules.

-what are we?

Chocolate

-whatever we decide.

-what if I what I decide doesn't work?

He did not respond. I started to wonder why, maybe he didn't want that, maybe he did and was just as unsure as I was. I turned the corner and stopped in my tracks. Kai stood there with a slight grin on his face, I went to step around him, he moved. In an instant I felt a strong grip on my arm. My eyes went Tomoyo ahead of me, she was doing something on her phone.

"I heard you don't talk at school. Good for me."

He pushed me up against the stone wall that surrounded the school. I tried to move myself away. I hate getting myself into these situations, I tend to attract the wrong type of attention. What is wrong with me?

"Hey, she clearly doesn't want you near her." I heard a deep voice call out, both of our heads turned to see amber eyes, tall figure watching. I was slightly elated to see him, I could feel the smile growing on my face.

"Syaoran." I heard myself whisper. I felt his grip got tighter on my arm, I was pretty sure that there was going to be a bruise there. I soon felt a back of a hand hit my face. I glared back at Kai, daring him to try that again. "You think that hurt, I have had worse." I managed out with as much hatred for this man I muster up in a moments notice.

"Don't think just because your school mate is here means I'll back off." He let go and stormed off towards a motorcycle. He got on it and sped off around the corner, most likely to sulk to gamer geeks. I breathed a sigh of relief, I rubbed my arm where Kai's hand was, sore.

"Jerk." I stated as I started to catch up with Tomoyo. I felt a grip on my wrist, it was gentle but demanding. I turned back to see Syaoran.

"I am walking with you." He stepped up next to me.

"I am big girl I can walk on my own. I don't need you to walk with me."

"I'm not asking." He stood next me, his eyes boring into me as if stating something so simple. "I'm stating." Okay. My eyes turned to Tomoyo who just turned her back with a smile that I caught a glimpse of and lead the way back to her house. My mind went back to the walkway, the scent lingering around him. I could test this thought, just grab him and kiss him. I wanted to go back to that hallway, back to that kiss. I have to know.

Not here.

I already know another rumor will be starting. I turned back to most of the class watching wide eyed and unsure of what was going on, I heard mumbling. Inside me I smiled, I didn't care what others thought, I was going to spend my last few months enjoying the fact that I was hopelessly in love with the guy next me.

I should start to enjoy every moment with him.

The three of us arrived at Tomoyo's house, as we walked in Tomoyo quickly went off towards the kitchen, at least that is where I thought she was. The two of us placed our school bags next to the door for right now, I walked past the kitchen looking for Tomoyo's presence. Odd. I could have sworn that she headed this way. I continued walking up to my room, forgetting the fact he was right behind me.

I heard the door close behind me I turned around, finally remembered that this person stated that he follow me home. I went into the closet to change clothes, I managed to find some pants and a tank top I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, short strands falling forward to accent my face. I walked out of the closet to see his back looking at various pictures around my dresser.

"Some of these pictures are cute." He stated. He showed me one of me in a light pink sundress with a soft sunset in the background. Waves crashing onto the shore. I smiled as I remembered that picture.

"I clean up well." I stated as turned back to the task I was doing. I picked up a phone and pressed a number. "Could you bring up my late night snacks?" I hung up and sat down on a small loveseat next to a couple of bookcases. I watched as Syaoran was going to sit next to me when a small knock came to the door. The door opened and a cart was rolled in with chips, soda, cups, ice, candy and sandwiches.

I watched as Syaoran looked over the cart, I glanced at him catching a slight smirk on his lips as he went to grab for a bag of chips.

"Those are my favorite but I need to take care of this bruise first." I grabbed a napkin putting some ice cubes in it and placed it on my upper arm, where the muscles were it was still a bit sore. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He stated plainly, I turned to face him. I kept reminding myself to watch his eyes, watch his movements no matter how subtle it is. My eyes focused on him.

"Where do you see this going?" It was a simple question. He could say nowhere, would I be okay with that? No, not likely. I watched his eyes blink slowly, his hand went up to cover his mouth hiding whatever his mouth was doing, I arched my eyebrow when saw hints of smile under his hand.

"What do you mean by 'this'?" I watched him step back a bit, as if to let the gap between us go bigger.

I flicked my hand back and forth between us. "This. Us."

He turned around so his back was facing me. "I kind of like where we are right now." He placed his hands at his side. "Once we cross that line there is no going back, I don't want to ruin what going on now."

What's going on right now?! Is he serious? I started to think back to what to Tomoyo said back before the break

***Flashback****

I heard her sigh loudly, still not breaking me from watching him.

"You do realize that staring at him won't land you a kiss." She commented casually. I stopped, blushed at that comment and landed my head on my desk.

"Why don't you just go up to him, confess, kiss and bam done." She turned to face me. "What's stopping you?"

****Flashback****

I had told her that it was complicated and at that time it was. Right now...things were less complicated...No Momoko or Kaori, no problems with being at home. Right now nothing was stopping from doing but me. I went back to last night, Tomoyo and I were watching a show, the episode ended with a huge surprise we both ended up yelling out. "Go big or Go home!"

I thought about it. That saying was true, either I could go big and test all my thoughts about Syaoran or I could go home, get lost. I took a deep breath and exhaled out. "go big or go home" I whispered to myself I was not sure if he heard because he turned slightly.

"Syaoran." I called he fully turned. Within two steps I was close to him. I grabbed his collar, like it was a lifeline and pulled his lips to mine. I had to know if all my thoughts were crazy… apparently I wasn't. The feel of those lips I knew all too well, the softness, the subtle movements of his tongue as we maneuvered around the other like an odd ballet. I felt everything all the passion from the two kisses before this one.

I pulled back and took two steps back. I started to turn around and walk away, running my hands through my hair, I figured I was messing up my makeshift ponytail I could feel the hairs falling down my back. My mind going over that kiss. How long has he felt that way? Wait, Who else knew? That masquerade party was planned, the dress I wore, the mask all of it planned to detail. I started for the door to go and ask Tomoyo when I was held back. I half turned about to tell him to let go but his eyes stopped me. Why is it always his eyes that hold me back?

"You like where we are because according to you we have already crossed that line. So that's why you don't want things to change." I took a step towards him "That is why you want…" I lowered my voice to almost a whisper. I wanted to punch him, scream at him, all of my friends were in on it and I was the only one left out… "You want to stay the way we are. I don't even know what we are."

He didn't say anything, only letting of my hand and walking towards the door. I caught his scent as he walked passed me. "Do you regret any of it?" He asked softly as he marched right out my bedroom door to the stairwell towards the front door. I followed him, unknowingly, to the front door. I thought about that question. Do I regret any of it? No, but I saw more as an escape, a break from the harsh reality I had. I guess the second question to that would be if I could do it again would I? No. Because as of right now, I am still in love the guy walking out my door. I would rather it be him that I kissed than some stranger.

"Do you regret any of it?" He asked again.

"No." I stood there in front of the door with a smile growing on face. I looked deep into those amber eyes, before he could ask why I gave my answer. "Knowing what I know now. No. I don't regret a single action I did."

I saw a small smile as he grabbed his bag, hand on the door. "I didn't either." He opened the door half turned to me. "Everything changes if you give it enough time." He started heading out the door, instinct made me grab his jacket sleeve at his wrist.

"Can we do this? Can we become…" I was stopped when a sweet soft kiss touched my lips.

"Sakura..." I breathed out to see his fingers lightly touch my lips. How were things going to change tomorrow, I started to let my mind wandered as he walked back down to the street. I shut the door and leaned on it slightly I felt a smile grow, okay maybe it was about time I go back to reading my romance novels.

The next day at school I stood by my locker quietly getting my things together. I didn't care at this point if another rumor went rampaging through the school, my thoughts went back to Syaoran's leaving look, it looked as if he wanted to say more but stopped himself.

"Dammit!" I yelled as I slammed my head onto the closed door of my shoe locker. I had no idea of what was going to happen today, was it going to be good or horrible.

"No shoes?" Rika's calm voice asked. I shook my head and told her that my shoes were in Tomoyo's locker and she was getting them.

Tomoyo arrived as she handed me my shoes. I put them one placing my own shoes in my locker. I closed the door and leaned the back of my head on it.

"Then why the dammit?"

"It's Syaoran right?" I turned my head slightly to see ruby eyes and a beautiful braid off to the side of her head. "This morning he before he left he said that he willing called his mom and the elders of our clan...What happened?" She looked at me and I sighed. I was just as lost as she was, however all I could think about was Syaoran. I started to question how long he knew, how long he planned on continuing on like we had, did he ever plan on telling me or just stringing me along at his own fancy. Too lost in my thought I turned to reading a full harlequin romance book and started another until the sun came up, I couldn't sleep anyways.

I yawned loudly before responding.

"What happened...I don't even know I am just as lost about as you are."

"So that is why you were reading until the morning?" Tomoyo asked with a slight smile on her face. I could feel my cheeks getting hot.

"Reading what?" Meilin asked as we all heard the bell ring. " Come on, you can walk and talk."

We all started walking. "You know those books in the bookstore with the covers of the girl with a busty chest and her clothes falling off and a handsome, shirtless muscular guy holding her." I sighed as I continued walking with a small group of girls around me. "I couldn't sleep anyways so I ended up reading one of those books. I was starting another when I heard Tomoyo's alarm go off."

Meilin nodded. Then like a lightbulb was flicked on she stopped and turned to me.

"You read those, I get flushed just looking at some of the covers."

I giggled, "That is a normal reaction, not everybody can handle those books and trust me they are just as steamy on the inside." When we got to the third level we waved bye to the girls who were in a different class. "What girl wouldn't want to dream about a muscular hunky guy doing things to her." I concluded with a smile.

"Wait, Isn't that a little bit adult for you to be reading stuff like that?"

"Yeah," I opened the door to the classroom. "I know it's not like that, I happen to know the line between fantasy and reality. Those books it's fantasy. There is no way a guy whom you just met and sweet talk be able to get into your pants and magically you fall for in an instant. Unrealistic." I simply stated as I headed for my desk ignoring the looks I got from fellow students. Unrealistic was right, some of those were just funny to read because there was no way of it happening in real life.

I sat down at my desk, Tomoyo sat at the desk in front of Syaoran, I noticed that he was not in the classroom yet, while Meilin sat in front of me. Meilin turned to me. "Does it describe every detail of sex?" She asked a little too loudly, I noticed heads slightly turned to listen. I really hate every desk in this school, maybe there is secret vendetta against for something I did when I was younger.

"Uhhh… Yes Meilin, it describes every detail of sex." I sighed as I tried to keep my voice low. "From foreplay to three ways depending on the book it can go into graphic detail."

"Really now?" A strong low tone said. I glanced to the side to see Syaoran sitting at his desk with an eyebrow arched I sighed loudly as I dropped my head to my desk. I seriously hated this desk, I heard a low chuckle from the person beside me.

"Can you get those books…." Meilin started to ask

"They are in the library Meilin." I stated not moving my head for huge fear that it would show the flush redness on my cheeks. "I can show you during the break." I continued with a long sigh, keeping my arms on the desk to hid my face.

"Okay." She turned back to somewhat pay attention to the class I turned my head away from the class to try to calm myself down. Why did he have to walk in at that point.. I hate the situations I always seem to find myself in. I just wanted to relax. Apparently I was known for getting into odd situations like the one with Kai yesterday, god I hope I don't run into him again. I closed my eyes softly listening to the calming voice from the teacher rang through my head, I needed to stop staying up all night, it was killing my time in school...oh well.

I stretched, I must have fallen asleep during lessons. Well staying up late read doesn't help, I looked around the classroom for the black hair that had asked me about that book earlier. Not spotting her I started to wonder if she was serious.

"Where's…"

"She had to go to the office." I turned to my right to see amber eyes watching me quietly. "She told me to go in her place, to the library." He stated. "It's break period before lunch so you have tons of time...not like you cared since you slept through all the first round of classes." He smirked with that last comment, damn him.

I nodded as I grabbed my bag and scarf. He did the same. We walked out of our classroom down the hall and stairs to the first floor. I could hear the other students whisper, about us most likely and how odd we looked walking down the hallways together. I stopped at the back door that lead to the old building, sadly the only thing that the students mostly use was the library on the first floor. The second floor was mostly for clubrooms, it is also told among the students that there is room that students go to for sex, and only that purpose. Apparently I have been there multiple times with various guys throughout the years of me being at this school, a lie I know it because I always disappeared to the library.

I took a deep breath and headed out for the library. I walked in to see a common smile. A male underclassman in year 2 sat at the main desk reading a book. I smiled back at him before continuing on glancing back to make sure Syaoran close behind me. I walked to the far aisles, turned and walked another one farther back. I scanned the shelves with my eyes as I went out into the open to hear.

"Sakura-senpai do you need any help?"

I shook my head with a smile at the young man as I went back down another aisle to finally find what I was looking for. I peeked around looking for Syaoran, not spotting him I went back to looking for the right beginner book for Meilin. I picked one out and started skimming it, making sure that it would good for a newbie. I spotted a male hand come up and pick a random book out and flipped through it. I could hear stifled laughs as he read the page. I turned to him slightly as he continued quickly read going from scene to scene. His laughter then started to get a little louder. I dropped the book that I had onto the floor and turned to cover his mouth with my hands.

"This is a library, you're supposed to be quiet." I quietly whispered to him. He grinned behind my hands, placing the book he was reading on a nearby shelf. He grabbed my hands gently, pulling them away with smirk on his lips.

"I can't believe that you read this, you think this is what sex is like?" He stated somewhat loudly. I glared at him to not say anything.

"I know that is not what sex is like but that does not mean that the book is not enjoyable." I stated softly so as not grab much attention.

"Sakura-senpai, are you sure you are okay?" A meek young voice asked from the counter, he sounded a bit closer. I was unsure of what he was going to do.

"Are you going to answer your kouhai Sakura-senpai?" He whispered back as if he was attracting more attention than he wanted not letting go of her arms. I also noticed his tone changed, I stared into those amber eyes that never left my face. It sounded almost like a jealous question, he didn't move his body however, nothing about him stated that he even cared about the young underclassman. I stepped to answer the young man with a smile when an arm at waist prevented me from moving. He leaned in a bit and spoke softer and harsher. "I ask again, Are you going to answer your kouhai?"

He was pushing me, I glared at him when I heard the voice get closer continuously calling my name out. My eyes narrowed at the face in front of me, I cleared my throat and called out. "I'm fine. I dropped a book so I reach higher and get another one."

"I could come and…"

"No Yoshi-kun, I'm fine. I found a step stool for in another aisle." I lied as Syaoran's grip on my waist got tighter, pulling me closer to him.

"Alright, Sakura-senpai, if you need anything just ask." His meek voice called back as his voice sounded closer to the door.

"Will do." I called back and whispered back Syaoran. "Why do you plan on showing me difference between real sex and fantasy?" I smiled slyly at him, kind of curious of what he would do. I felt his grip pull me closer to him I felt his hot breath on my cheeks.

"Why? Are you offering some services?" He asked and he quietly removed his arm from around my waist, he stepped back a bit as if too look me over with hunger. I watched as he sat on the floor across from where I was standing, he closed his eyes and leaned back onto the bookshelves with a soft sigh. I sighed as I turned back to the shelves and continued to look for a book for Meilin. I ended up walking out of the aisle to get a chair to sit on.

"Sakura-senpai, class will starting again and I have to head back."

"That's fine, I am fine here." I went back dragging a chair and sat down on it, trying to ignore Syaoran's presence. I flipped through one book read various scenes and put it back on the shelf, I continued this cycle until I heard movement, I watched as he switched sides to face me. "You can go back to class. Nothing to do here." I casually stated as he looked up at me.

"If I go back without that book, I won't hear the end of it from Meilin. Plus I like the view." I was a little annoyed at that comment but then quietly remembered that I did state something just a lewd earlier. I looked up from the most recent book I look through to see him moving slightly to view the cover I moved my legs at an angle so my knees were closer together. "Damn, the guy is unrealistic."

"Of course you would think that, you probably gaze at yourself in the mirror after a shower." I responded sarcastically, not moving my eyes from the page I was reading. I stood up placed the book back and picked up another one not really caring what the guy on the floor.

"You know from this angle I get an even better view." I heard him say his eyes not moving a small smirk playing his lips. I glanced down at his eyes that were looking up at me, he turned away almost instantly I saw him bit his tongue. I shrugged and went back to the book in my hand. This one had promise, no odd cover, now all I had to do was make sure that there was not too many sex scenes. I sat back down in the chair and quietly read through various scenes in the book.

"Sakura." there was silence for a moment. "Do you like guys like the ones on those covers?" I looked over at him, his eyes were hidden by his bangs. I started reading a sex scene to make sure that it was not too over the top, it was starting to be the best option for Meilin.

I shrugged casually as I turned the page to continue reading. "It depends, if he plans on carrying me off into the wild sunset I will at least consider it if I had no one in my mind at the time" I arched an eyebrow as I spotted his hand clench and unclench. I smiled as I knelt down next to him, placing the book on the floor, poked his arm playfully. "Why do you ask? Are you jeal…?" I was stopped halfway when I found myself pinned on the floor, his body preventing me from moving or doing anything.

"Is that so wrong, to be jealous of a fictional character." He stated inching his face closer, I found myself staring at his eyes. Heated passion was expressed so simply in his amber eyes, maybe I missed something, but I just silently watched him, afraid to move. "You started this, I am just responding as any guy would." I heard a simple phone ring, I heard him sigh as he placed his head just under my chin, one of his hands reached into his pocket to pull out a green and black flip phone. I had never seen it before, he didn't answer but pushed himself off of me in smooth movement. He grabbed the book that was in my hand and stepped over me, he was heading for the main door. "Just trust me."

"Okay…" I stated as he left the library, I laid on the floor still slightly in confusion. I sighed starting to wonder, how far we would have gone if that phone call didn't happen. I laid there listening to his footsteps and the library door close behind him. "What's going on with us?" I asked the air around me.

I ended up walking home after putting all the books back. I ignored the looks from classmates, I was stopped outside the gates by the Li fan club. The spunky blonde from the day before was in the lead. I was starting to get annoyed by these girls, they all know nothing about what is going on between us.

"You and Syao-kun were missing for the last half of the day." She threw her hair back as the wind blew slightly to catch it.

"Are you asking if I was with him?" I questioned crossing my arms across my chest. The look of shock on her face was also on the other girls face, apparently they weren't expecting me to talk. I heard my name being called and turned back to the school to see Eriol running up to me, he stopped almost out of breath.

"I've been looking for you." He stood with his hand extended "Give me your phone." When I didn't move mainly because I was lost on what was going on. "Sakura, your phone." I sighed and pulled out a pink phone from coat pocket. He then took it turned around and started typing something.

"Why is that you are so close to all new hot guys?" One of the fan club girls asked.

"It's not my fault that he is dating my best friend so I end up spending time with Li-kun."

"What about Takero-kun?"

"He can die for all I care, My past connects to him and I will be damn sure my future won't." I stated proudly as dropped my arms from in front of my chest. I felt a tap on my arm as I was handed back my phone.

"See ya later." He stated to me as he ran off.

"What the hell? Is the whole world just trying to fuck with me?" I yelled at the space around still holding on tight to my phone. "I am going home." I pushed past the Li fan club not really caring about them and walked home, to Tomoyo's house. I was pissed so I decided to take a detour to Tomeda Park. I sat on the swing that faced king penguin and listened to the wind. It was still a little cold out but I needed the cool air, the outdoors to sort out my thoughts. My mind started to go over what had happened over the past month. I knew that I was in love with Syaoran in November, wait was it before that… Maybe that was why I didn't care what he saw me in for the sleepover, maybe that is why I wanted to tell him as I could. But how far back can my rational reasoning go, Did I always have feelings for him? No, but he was persistent. I found myself smiling at the memories of him bothering me in class. I didn't want to be bothered because of fear of what might happen at home not because I didn't like him. My dreams were no help either, each one became more and more contact with him, a touch, a whisper, things that seem so innocent. It must have been after that color one that I had only once, I realized I have fallen for him, his eyes, his smile, his voice, his very presence around me... since that was all knew about him. I got to know a little more after mid October but that stopped for a month and a half.

I missed him. Even though it texts and email and still missed his remarks, his conversations, his stupid sayings… I missed him being around me.

I had fallen for him deeply at that point. So when the Christmas party came around all I could think about was him. Yet I willingly kissed another guy, not knowing that it was him, maybe I did I just didn't want to admit to it. I wanted the idea that someone would kiss me with that much passion. When it happened again on New Year's Eve, I welcomed it, because it made me feel loved when I couldn't have it. It was Syaoran all along, that gentleness on Christmas, the passion on New Year's what were to happen if we tried something like that again….would it go further if given the chance like today?

I closed my eyes and listened to the wind blowing through the trees. I calmed my breathing. I asked myself one question. Am I ready for whatever happens next? I smiled as I stood up opening my eyes to see the sun setting behind the buildings. Yes. I am ready for whatever happens next, Syaoran is the only one I am willing to follow my heart with.

"I'm home." I called to the house, I heard a tv going in the other room. I peeled off my shoes, placed my slippers on before following the noise to the living room. I peeked in to see Tomoyo, Aunt Sonomi, and few friends from elementary school.

"Sakura-san" the girls chanted in almost unison. Tomoyo and Aunt Sonomi both turned, Tomoyo jumped up to greet me.

"Where have you been all this time?" Tomoyo hugged me tightly.

"I had to clear my head. I have had a lot on my mind for a…"

"We are back." A dark haired woman appeared on the tv, she wore an outfit that showed too much of her cleavage and slender legs.

"I thought you hated this show Tomoyo, we both stated that the people they interview are fakes…"

"Not tonight." Tomoyo turned back to the tv as the lady continued.

"...us, I am Mari and I am here tonight with Lady Yelan and her son. We were discussing your reasons for being in Tomeda and you stated that it had to do with your son, please explain that."

The camera panned to a tall regal woman with long black hair and black eyes. I could feel her calming aura through the screen...I knew this aura...it was that lady that listened to me on New Year's at the shrine. I watched the face soften to a small smile, listening to her regal knowing voice.

"Well, he started here to search for a potential bride, he stated to me and the elders in our clan that he would find someone that met all of their requirements, mine and his own."

"There are requirements?" Mari asked. Even I could see her curiosity peek when she stated that, I turned slightly to Tomoyo to see her texting someone on her phone as she slightly listened to what was going on. I quickly went back to the tv when I heard that regal calming voice again.

"Yes. To be a part of the Li Clan it can't just be any girl. We have an extensive list. The most important is that she is from an established family line."

I watched as Mari looked down slightly disappointed, I walked over to the sofa and sat down next to old friends. I sorta listened to the rest as she continued to answer questions the only thing going through my mind was I know her. What was going on...

I listened as the tv went to to commercials and some of my old classmates started talking.

"I heard that the son is really handsome."

"That would explain Mari-chan's look, she is probably hoping to be able to sleep with him."

"He also known as the Prince of China since he is the male heir of one of the oldest families in China."

Wait...what? Prince of China…? I turned back to the tv when I heard Mari's voice come back. I felt my phone ring, I picked it up . "Apparently Xiao Lang had a phone call to make…" I heard Mari's voice mix with the voice on the phone I knew all too well. "Sakura, I am glad your okay." I heard him sigh with slight relief as I questioned myself what was going on. I was about to say something when his voice came in at almost whisper, deep and surprisingly very sexy. "Please just listen. I want to tell you this before I go on TV. Sakura, you are a weird person but I still couldn't help thinking of you constantly. I have to tell a few things. One, I am rich, I have more money than I could spend in a lifetime. Two, Everything you hear tonight on the show is true. I did come here to look for a bride and I found you." I bit my lip I could feel the heat growing in my cheeks, my heart beat slowly but steadily getting faster. "Third," he paused and took a deep breath, "I like you, a lot." He said it so softly it I almost didn't hear it...but I did. I sat there shocked as I held the phone. "I will talk to you later and say it to you again in person." There was silence. "I have to go. Remember everything that has happened to this point." He hung up.

I held my phone next to my ear going over what he just said not even realizing that I have yet to close my phone. My eyes focused on the screen watching what was going on. I watched as Syaoran sat in a chair while people around him fixed his mic. He looked out of place sitting there in a suit, that didn't feel like him, but I still couldn't take my eyes off of him.

"He is cute." I heard a female voice answer.

Mari started asking him questions I did not really listen to what she was saying, my eyes focused on him, his movements as he tapped his finger on the chair impatiently. He kept answering with one word responses, like his mind was elsewhere I could tell by his actions. I narrowed my eyes at those amber ones as they looked at the camera briefly then back off screen. "Fuck it." I heard him say, I heard gasps from all around was not sure if they came from my friends or the tv. I watched as he stood up took off the mic and headed off camera. "Wait where are you going? We are not done yet." Mari yelled, losing her composure, lost at what was happening.

"To see the girl I love." He stated as he ran out the door. I sat there suddenly realizing what was happening, the camera panned to Eriol and Meilin, Meilin's hand was out as Eriol placed some money in her hands, I wanted to exclaim that they betted but my I didn't move. My body and my mind just was not comprehending what was happening…it felt like I watching this surreal story happen to someone else.

I listened to the other girls talk about how cute Syaoran was, who was this girl and what was so special about her. I was not sure how much time has passed but a door bell caught everyone off guard. I heard the girls continue to whisper when the topic of the night came into the room on his own free will. Everyone gasped, slightly shocked as to why he would be here. I turned to see those amber eyes, watching me gently, I placed my phone back into the pocket of my coat.

"Sakura, I think it is time we talked." His voice was low and husky just like on the phone.

I stared at him as I stood up, I turned to the other girls as their eyes went from him to me repeatedly. I looked away to only feel his eyes on me, I was pretty sure everyone could feel the tension between us. I did not say anything leaving the room knowing that he would be right behind me, I could feel his presence. At this point I didn't trust my voice, I was not sure of what would come out. I walked with him quietly and when we entered my room, I heard him close the door. I pulled off my coat placing it on the bed nearby hoping that maybe this small routine would calm me, I was so unsure of what would happen.

"Do you mind if I stayed over, we have a lot to talk about." He asked quietly.

"It should be fine." I stated as calm as I could. How could I be so nervous, he told me he liked me why I am this weird? I still had my back to him. "Syaoran, can we not be physical until Valentine's Day?"

"Yes" He stated. "Can I ask why?"

"We started strongly," I turned to face him, those amber eyes I had have grown to like. I found myself smiling remembering my decision from earlier. "I like you, Syaoran." He stepped closer, I placed my hand up to keep his distance from me. "But...Is it your kisses I like or you? That is what I don't know right now. I have to know if what I am feeling is real and how much of it is just a longing for your touch." I stood there, I had said what was on my mind, what had been plaguing my thoughts. He took a few steps closer, I gazed into those eyes a small smile growing on his features.

"One last time before I stop for six weeks. Can I kiss you, like before?" He asked quietly as he cupped my face gently, I closed my eyes feeling the roughness of his fingertips, the warmth of his palm before nodding. I soon felt his lips on mine, his tongue dancing around mine brought me back to that hallway, how wonderful that night was. After we were out breath he pulled back hands still on my cheeks he placed his forehead on mine his eyes partially closed, I felt like it was a dream and I was still half asleep.

"Sakura Kinomoto, I like you." His voice barely over a whisper as his thumb traced along both my cheeks, I feel the warmth of his hands and my own skin. "More than you could ever imagine."

And that my readers was Chapter 16. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as I enjoyed writing it. A special thanks to all my readers who read, favorited, and reviewed this story including: tennison, Prowess of the valiant (I hope you continue to read and enjoy) and guest (whoever you may be) Thanks again.