Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Roommates ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Kitty Neko: It only took me a little over a week! I'm on a role! And only two more weeks of school! Thank you for all of your reviews! Oh yea, and I forgot to answer someone's question about what region choir I was in. I made the Jr. High/middle school region for tx.

Disclaimer: I do not own CardCaptor Sakura

"I hate Christmas Shopping." Sakura nudged the shopping bags by her feet for emphasis.

"Me and you both." Tomoyo readily agreed. The mall was crowded but not unbearably so. Thank goodness. They had been there for a long time but they still didn't have much. Still, both of them had gotten a couple of sweaters and Sakura got a pair of overalls. Now, they were sitting on a bench in the middle of the mall drinking chocolate milkshakes.

Sakura sipped her shake slowly, trying to see if it would upset her stomach. She'd been having a rough week in the `morning sickness' department. A yawn escaped. She was kind of sleepy. "Can we go home after this?"

"Sure, whatever you want."

They were halfway through their drinks when Sakura caught sight of a familiar set of heads. She managed to make eye contact and they approached.

"Hi, Syaoran. Eriol. What are you guys doing here?" Tomoyo inquired.

"Christmas shopping, what else?" Eriol asked. Syaoran cringed. "Can we sit here?"

Before Sakura or Syaoran could say anything, Tomoyo answered, "Sure." Eriol plopped down next to Tomoyo and since it was the only place left, Syaoran sat next to Sakura.

"Let me have a sip." Sakura knew that Syaoran was talking about her shake and without complaining, she handed it to him. She was getting a little full anyways.

Syaoran lifted the lid instead of using the straw. When he was finished, he gave it back. "Meiling called today."

"How's the packing going?"

"She said it's going great, but, she wanted to know if you would help her decorate when she gets here next week," he rolled his eyes at this point, "While I stand around and do whatever you tell me to."

"Sounds good to me."

Up until then, Tomoyo and Eriol had been happily chatting. The roommates turned to their companions at the sudden silence. They were staring at the entrance to a department store. When Sakura followed their gazes, she realized why. Toji stood there with his arm draped over the shoulders of some woman.

"I'll kill him." She heard Syaoran say under his breath. Hastily, she put her hand on his shoulder to keep him from standing up. "Why not?" He wined.

"We're in a public place. You don't want to get thrown out, do you?"

"I don't care." He answered truthfully.

"There are small kids here." Her gaze bore into him and he gave up.

"Fine. But can we mess with him, without him knowing that it's us?"

Sakura couldn't keep the grin off her face. "That would be fun, but how?" Syaoran looked pointedly at Eriol. "Oh yea… he's never seen Eriol with us before. Eriol?"

"Way ahead of you."

Eriol rose to his feet and got close behind the couple. The rest of the group hung back so that Toji wouldn't see them. At the place where Eriol, Toji, and the girl were walking it was really crowded. Eriol waited until it was the right moment before he wrapped his foot around Toji's making him trip. It was close, but Toji managed to catch himself. By the time that he turned around, Eriol was gone. He had already joined his group of friends (who were hidden) and they were laughing hysterically.

*****

When she made it to the bottom of the stairs, Sakura noticed that her shoe was untied so she bent over to retie it. She was about to go for another run, even though she didn't really feel up to it. She had just straightened when she heard a very familiar voice.

"Syaoran, old buddy," There was no mistaking the sarcasm, "Where's Sakura?"

Slowly, Sakura moved so that she could peek around the corner. Syaoran and Toji stood in the parking lot facing each other with unfriendly glares. Syaoran still had his hand poised over the handle to his car. Not too long ago he had said he needed to go somewhere. Sakura looked left and right. They were the only people there. Luckily, she went unnoticed.

"Like I'm going to tell you. Leave."

"Not a chance. Just tell me where that sluty bitch is and I'll go away." Sakura winced.

"No."

"Is she in the apartment?" When Syaoran didn't answer he nodded in satisfaction. "She's in the apartment." He made a move for the staircase where she was hiding. In a flash, Syaoran had moved from his car and grabbed his wrist.

"I told you to leave." His voice was full of venom.

"And if I don't?" Syaoran was silent. "You're not going to do anything to me." He jerked his hand free and started walking again. Syaoran got in his way. "Would you get out of my way already?"

Syaoran just shook his head menacingly. Toji frowned and shoved him, hard. Syaoran was taken by surprise, but he didn't fall. Seeing this, Toji raised lifted his fist and swung. Sakura knew that Syaoran would be okay, he told her a long time ago that he knew martial arts. Syaoran was ready and blocked it. Again, Toji punched. Syaoran blocked. Toji tried again and again until finally his right hook made contact. He grinned triumphantly. Syaoran wiped the small trickle of blood off of his mouth and growled. Before Toji even had a clue what was happening, Syaoran had punched him in the eye. There was no doubt that it was going to be swollen shut for a while. However, the shock didn't last long and he began to attack again. Syaoran consistently blocked until he apparently got fed up with it and punched him in the gut. A moan of pain escaped the blonde mans lips.

"Get out of here." Syaoran spat. He was reluctant, but this time he did.

Syaoran never let his eyes off of him, lest he try something, until he was out of sight. Then he got in his car and drove off.

Sakura wanted to fall to her knees and cry, but instead, she got up and started running. The hot tears soon became cold because of the frigid air and she still continued to run. The only sound was the pounding of her feet on the asphalt. She had no idea how long it had been before she had to stop. Her stomach churned and she relieved herself right there on the street. The run had been a big mistake. She felt even worse now. She just sat there, until she heard a car pull over next to her.

"Sakura?"

She didn't look up. There was no need to. She knew it was Syaoran. "Sakura, are you ok?" She still didn't answer. He was out of the car and by her side now. "The sun's going down. Come on, I'll give you a ride home." Sakura stood up and made her way to the passenger side with his help wordlessly. She snuck a look at his face. His lip was split, but other than that, Toji hadn't done any damage.

Sakura sighed and leaned back. Her stomach was still bothering her a lot. After he parked his car, Syaoran got out to help her up the stairs. She was grateful. She wasn't sure that she would be able to do it by herself.

Sakura went into her room and pulled the covers over her face. She hadn't gotten much sleep that week and she was exhausted. Finally, her tired and stressed body allowed her to fall asleep.

*****

When Sakura woke again, it was past midnight. "Oh no." Her stomach churned. Quickly, she got up and went to the bathroom. She barely made it there when it happened. For a long time, she leaned over the toilet emptying her stomach of everything she had eaten, making a lot of noise.

The bathroom tile was making the whole experience worse. Not only was it hard, it was freezing cold. Her hair was falling in her face and she wanted to brush it away but her hands were supporting her and couldn't be spared. She barely noticed when Syaoran entered the bathroom. He opened up the cabinet and pulled out a towel. "Try to lift yourself up a little." When Sakura did, he slipped the towel under her. It was much better.

That accomplished, Syaoran sat down next to her and gathered her short hair in his hands, holding it back. The whole time she was heaving, he sat there. He didn't act disgusted and even started rubbing her back to comfort her. Finally, she stopped. That had been the longest fit of sickness she had ever had.

After Sakura vigorously scrubbed her mouth with a toothbrush she collapsed back onto the floor. Her hands went up to cover her eyes. Tears were coming down by the buckets. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably. "I saw what happened today." She chocked out between sobs. "I just can't take it! Everything is just getting harder! And Toji's not the only problem!" Her breathing was becoming ragged.

"What is it?"

"Everything! I'm so scared! This apartment is too small for a baby to live in, and I don't have enough money to live by myself! I can't sleep at night! I'm always feeling sick and I'm tired of having to wake up and run to the bathroom!" By this point, she was hysterical. "Just last week, I finally realized that this baby is going to change my life and I'm not even sure if it's for the best! I know it sounds stupid that it just hit me but…" She broke off here, wracked with sobs. By now, her face was puffy and really red. "And I'm so scared that everyone is going to abandon me, like Toji."

Syaoran stood and bent over. Easily, he picked her up and headed for his room. She was still crying when he set her down on the bed. "Sakura." She looked up at him to let him know she was listening though thoroughly confused. "You can sleep in here with me. I know how much it helps to have someone around who when you're sick. That way, when you wake up in the middle of the night you can have company." He explained.

She smiled a little and would have said thanks but she was still crying. "And you're right. This baby is going to change your life, in a way like no other. But, I know that it's going to be for the best." He put extra emphasis on `know.' "You're also right about this apartment being to small for a baby. In that case, after Christmas, we'll go apartment hunting. Yes `we'll'." Now her sobs were mixed in with wry laughter. "But you are definitely wrong about everyone deserting you. You have a lot of people who love you; you're dad, brother, Tomoyo, Meiling, Eriol…" Her crying started to fade, but it was still there. He hesitated before saying this last part. "And I'll never desert you either." Her tears stopped completely at that.

"Thank you."

Syaoran pulled the covers up to her chin and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight."

*****

Sakura was awake but had yet to open her eyes. She knew that she would have to get up and get ready for work soon but right now she just felt so warm and peaceful. She cracked one eye open only to come face to face with Syaoran. He was still asleep and breathing evenly with his arms draped around her. Carefully, she tugged it off and rolled out of bed. Not making any noise, she tiptoed out of the room.

"Ugh…" Feeling disgusting, she got a quick refreshing shower and changed into her clothes for the day. She had just put a couple pieces of bread in the toaster when she heard Syaoran's door open. He walked into view rubbing his eyes. "Morning."

"Morning. You have work today, right?"

"Yea." She made a disgusted look, making him laugh.

"Well, I'm glad I don't. But, I don't have anything to do."

"I'm sure you'll manage." The bitterness was obvious and it only made him laugh harder. She stuck her tongue out and started to scramble some eggs.

"Um, Syaoran, about last night. T-Thank you. And…" She looked at him, grinning madly, "And I decided that I'm not going to cry over Toji anymore."

"That's great."

Sakura quickly changed the topic so that it wouldn't get quiet. "So, what do you want for dinner tonight?"

"I don't know."

"Well, we have beans."

Syaoran looked horrified. "There's no way that you're sleeping in my room if you eat beans! The last thing I need is for the fart queen to toot the night away next to me!"

"Then what else do you want to eat?" His comment hadn't made her mad in the slightest, she knew he was just joking or… he had better have been. He shrugged. "Well, what's your favorite food?"

"Too many to choose from. What about you?"

"Me?" Sakura had to think about that one. "I guess that would have to be… chicken and dumplings. I haven't had it in forever though. It takes effort and I'm lazy."

"No kidding."

Sakura raised the frying pan menacingly. "Say that again, I dare you!"

"I think I'll take truth."

"I think I'll take truth." She mimicked, swinging her hips from side to side. "You're so stupid."

"Bah."

*****

Sakura dragged her tired carcass up the flight of stairs to her apartment. Work had been fairly easy but she was still wiped out. Must have been the run. That's right; blame everything on exercise.

The last thing that she expected when she unlocked the door of the apartment and walked in was the smell of boiling chicken. The sight that greeted her when she entered the kitchen was even more surprising. Syaoran was throwing away the bones of a chicken. "What ya cooking?"

He looked up at her, surprised. "Chicken and dumplings. I didn't hear the door open."

"Chicken and dumplings?!" He nodded slowly like it was too much information for her to handle. "YAY!" Quickly, she covered the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you!"

"Yea, yea." She just squeezed tighter. "You know, if you suffocate me, I can't finish up." That prompted Sakura to let go.

"Back to work!"

Not too much later they were sitting at the table with steaming bowls filled to the brim in front of them. "I've never actually made this before so don't get too excited."

Sakura didn't answer right away; she already had a mouthful. "Hot, but good."

"That's pleasant. Don't talk with your mouth full."

"Yes, mom."

"Don't call me that!"

"Then what do you want me to call you?" She inserted another spoonful.

"I prefer mother." Syaoran said proudly, puffing out his chest.

Rolling her eyes, she held out her hand "Ok, mommy, pass me the salt and pepper."

*****

"You ate chicken and dumplings without me!!!" Tomoyo brandished a pair of scissors in her face like a sword. Sakura just brushed it away. For the first time in a long time, they were at Tomoyo's apartment. The only reason being that they were wrapping presents and they didn't want Syaoran to see what they had gotten him.

"You know, you do have your own home and food." Sakura pointed out, cutting out the right amount of blue wrapping paper. As soon as she was through with it, Tomoyo snatched it up.

"So? It's more fun to get good free food from you guys! By the way, why did he all of a sudden decide to make it? It wasn't a special occasion or anything, was it?"

"No, I just told him that it was my favorite food and when I got home from work he was making it." A strange glint appeared in Tomoyo's eyes. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Puft." Sakura looked at the presents that she had already wrapped compared to Tomoyo's. While Tomoyo's were perfectly wrapped with nice looking bows on the top, hers were crude with some extra wrapping paper where the present had been visible. "Puft." She repeated.

At the moment, Tomoyo was folding a dark blue pair of mittens and a scarf. "Who are those for?" Sakura couldn't help but ask.

"This?" She brushed a long strand of raven hair back and pointed at the stuff in her lap.

"Yea."

"Eriol. I couldn't figure out what to get him… but I thought that this would match his eyes."

"Uh huh. So, you pay a lot of attention to his eyes or… his butt!"

Tomoyo's lip curled. "For your information, I am not a person who is attracted to butts. I think that it does the most disgraceful job of the body and doesn't require special attention."

"Stop denying, I've seen you look!"

Tomoyo face faulted "I might have glanced…"

"Ha!"

Tomoyo narrowed her eyes at her best friend. "And who are you to talk? I bet you've checked out Syaoran's before."

"W-What?" Sakura was flabbergasted.

"I know you. You like to point fingers but don't take any blame for yourself. You've been living with the guy for goodness sake! You had to have noticed that it's nice…"

"And of course you would know."

"I am human."

"Sometimes, I doubt that." Tomoyo stuck her tongue out. Sakura did the same and went back to work.

Tomoyo picked up another thing and began to wrap it. "Don't think I'm stupid. You never did answer." She said this with the air that she was asking what color the sky was.

"Yes, I know what it looks like." Sakura gave up. "I do live with him."

"Pervert!"

"You're one to talk."

The dark haired girl obviously took this as a compliment and smiled smugly. "I wonder what the guys would say if they knew that we were talking about them like they were pieces of meat."

"Really BIG pieces of meat."

It took Tomoyo a second to get the joke and was soon rolling on the floor (all over the wrapping paper) laughing. "You definitely got that right!" She wheezed.

"Heh Heh Heh."

Back at Sakura's apartment Syaoran sneezed.

Tomoyo, with a horrified expression, pointed at the mess on the floor. "Ack! Look what I did to all of the paper!" Now it was Sakura's turn to laugh.

"I guess that your presents are just going to have to look like mine. Don't worry; no one cares. They just rip it off."

"WAHHH!!" Suddenly, she stopped. "You know, we're making a lot of noise, I'm surprised there are no complaints!"

"They're probably all planning their revenge for the middle of the night. That's ok by me though, I'm up anyways."

Realization dawned on the dark haired girl's face. "That's right! I wanted to tell you that if you ever had trouble sleeping or needed company to call me!"

Sakura smiled more to herself than to Tomoyo. "No, but thanks anyways. I'll manage."

Kitty Neko: Well, I hope you liked chapter 7! Are you happy that Toji finally got beat up? He he… I am. Ja!