Flexible Thought of The Day: Our body is designed to react to two types of stress. Good stress helps keep us alert, motivates us to face challenges, and drives us to solve problems. These low levels of stress are manageable and can be thought of as necessary and normal stimulation. Distress results when our bodies overreact to events. It leads to what has been called a "fight or flight" reaction. It is how we perceive and interpret the events of life that dictates how our bodies react.

A/N: Yeah…surprise I actually updated something. You have Britney Spears to thank people. Her new CD, Femme Fatale, inspired me. My life is crazy right now…so who knows when I will update again, plus I have a lot of beta reading to do.

Flexible Strings Attached

By MoshiMoshiQueen

"Characters' Conversations"

(Author's Comments)

Previously on Flexible Strings Attached:

Sakura and Syaoran go out to eat at a fancy restaurant and set the rumors a fire. While our favorite couple was having a good ole time Syaoran's mother was tipped off and interrupt the tête-à-tête.

Now on Flexible Strings Attached:

He smirked, "But, of course, my dear. You should see my mother's face when she-"

"Yes, Syaoran. Do tell us how my face will look," Yelan commented as she strolled up to the table, dressed in a high-powered, red suit with killer high heels, and golden accessories.

"Mother," Syaoran stuttered as he stood up and pulled the napkin off of his lap, "What are you doing here?"

"I'd like to ask you the same thing. Were you are were you not just in the hospital?"

"Mother, I-"

"I asked you a question, young man," she said narrowing her eyes.

He suddenly felt just like a child. His mother could always get this reaction out of him. "Yes, ma'am I was."

"Then why are you not resting at home and in bed?"

"I-I'm just…" he couldn't seem to find the words. He really didn't know what to tell her.

"That's where I come in, ma'am. Eriol called me to help out your son with his stress problem," Sakura replied, trying not to show fear. Syaoran's mother was very intimating. She could actually feel herself shaking.

Yelan raised her left eyebrow and replied, "And how are you helping with the stress? Reporters are all over the street just waiting for a glimpse at you two. Gossip is being thrown everything and-"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt, but…"

Yelan sent her a deadly look and Sakura took the hint. Do not, under any circumstances, ever interrupt Yelan, "As I was saying. I do not understand why you are not resting."

Sakura bit her lip and put her hands together nervously. She tried to look everywhere, but at Yelan's fierce face.

"What Sakura was trying to explain is that she is my yoga instructor," Syaoran said, trying to smooth things over between the two women.

"Yoga instructor? You really think that I'd believe that? You know Syaoran I've gone along with your choice of lifestyle, but when you are risking your health I draw the line."

"Mother, I'm telling you the truth. Sakura is really my yoga instructor," he said trying to explain himself. He was still standing, but somehow he felt shorter, less intelligent. He knew his mother wouldn't listen to him, but yet he was still trying to prove himself to her.

"I didn't want to do this, but I am cutting you off until your health is better. I will not let up until a doctor that I've hired says that you are picture perfect."

"Mother, what are you saying?" he said, suddenly getting annoyed.

"You will not be able to go to work until you are well. That is what I am saying. No arguments. I am standing my ground. Now I am taking my leave."

Syaoran watched her walk away with shock written across his features. He didn't know what to feel. Should he be pissed? Outraged? Distressed?

He practically fell into his seat. Sakura didn't know what to say to him. Should she comfort him? She picked up her fork and played with her food a bit. All of the sudden she heard Syaoran start to laugh. She snapped her head up.

He was laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath. She watched him wipe his eyes because his laughter was causing moisture to build up.

"I don't understand… shouldn't you be upset?" she asked in disbelief.

"I'm… I'm actually happy. I'm extremely happy."

Confusion bloomed over her features, "Happy?"

He wiped the rest of his tears away, "Just don't let my mother know, okay?"

"Like I would ever search out your mother to talk to her," Sakura said shivering at the thought, "No offense, but your mother is scary."

He grinned boyishly and she flushed, "Yeah, she is."

"Now, why are you happy?"

"I've been needing a vacation."

She laughed, "Obviously."

"I'm going to enjoy this time off. I don't have to worry about work or my mother. I can just relax and do the things I've been missing out on all of these years."

"Like what?"

"Like seeing a Broadway play and taking a tour of New York. You know I've never really taking a tour around New York? I want to do these things," he said, excitement laced in his voice, "You know what? Let's go on a tour right now."

"Right now?" she said watching him jump up from his seat.

"Yes, right now," he said grabbing her hand. He waved down the headwaiter and paid for the meal in a quick fashion.

The gorgeous waitresses watched with envy, "What does she have that we don't?

They looked Sakura up and down and couldn't come up with an idea. They sighed once again as they watched the couple go through the kitchens to avoid the paparazzi.

Sakura laughed lightheartedly as Syaoran lead her through the kitchens. Never in a million years did she think that she would have to avoid the paparazzi. Sure, she had taught a lot of high-powered clients, but the cameras were never aimed at her. They were aimed past her to the celebrities.

They raced out the back and through some back alleyways towards the main street.

"We should take a bus," he commented, "A limo would just cause a lot of attention. I want to enjoy this night."

They were still holding hands and Sakura didn't mind one bit. She was truly enjoying this night. She would think about the rest of it later. Thinking about her past relationships and the heartbreak wouldn't only dim her mood. She didn't even know if Syaoran even really liked her. Attracted to her, yes, but as for the rest… She stopped herself. She wasn't going to think about it.

They arrived at one of the tour buses and the driver instantly stood straight, "Mr. Li. How may I be of service to you?"

"Is there anyone who doesn't know you?" she asked, grinning from ear to ear.

He smirked, "Apparently, you didn't."

He turned towards the bus driver and pulled out some bills, "Will you take us around New York? To all the hot spots? We want to see everything."

"Of course, sir. Hop right on."

Syaoran kept a hold of Sakura's hand as they entered the bus and took the stairs to the second level. There were only a few travelers on the bus. Luckily the tourists weren't too interested in the new comers and kept their eyes on the New York streets.

The air was a little cool, but it felt wonderful to Sakura. She closed her eyes for a few moments as Syaoran found them a seat. The breeze allowed her emotions to calm. It felt so nice out!

Syaoran took in all of the scenery. It was so different just to stop, look and feel. He was too busy to really appreciate the city he lived in. Had he ever really looked around? He shook his head.

Sakura opened her eyes and smiled at Syaoran. "This was a great idea. It feels so freeing, you know? Just to sit and enjoy the world around you. You know that's what yoga is all about. You just stop your mind from buzzing and worrying."

Syaoran grinned back at her. "It does feel great. I will…relaxed for once. Do you know even when I get off work I'm still worrying about work…still thinking about it. Still planning…even still working at my home, but with you…I just forget it all."

Sakura sent him a flirty smile, "Well, of course. That is my job after all."

"Ha, it's funny you say that because I actually haven't even started classes."

"I think you are going to enjoy them…you might feel nervous at first and I can't guarantee that my girls aren't going to attack you, but after a few classes I think you will really feel the difference."

"Yeah, I am a little bit worried about my classmates, but I am sure I can handle them…after all I have been dealing with it my entire life."

"No wonder you are so stressed."

"The press doesn't really stress me. I kind of locked myself in my work and I don't even notice the cameras…plus I've never been serious enough about someone to be angry about my privacy being invaded."

Sakura's gaze got caught by the colorful lights shining from the city and she chuckled a bit, "It's amazing how wonderful this place looks at night. You almost forget about everything else involved…the traffic, the pollution."

"I know what you mean."

They sat quietly for the next half an hour and really took in the city. They never noticed that their friendly tourists had finally caught on and recognized Syaoran. They were steadily taking pictures of the two…how exciting. They came to see the city and now they were in the midst of celebrities!

As the air cooled, Sakura slowly and without realizing, leaned into Syaoran. By the end of the tour they were practically wrapped into one another.

When the bus stopped they pulled away slowly. Nothing could ruin their peaceful mood…not even the intense emotions that were building between them.

Syaoran tipped the driver as they got off the bus and then raised his hand to call a taxi.

When the taxi pulled up, Syaoran handed the driver some money and opened the door for Sakura.

"I guess I will see you tomorrow."

She smiled, "Bright and early. 8am."

"I look forward to it." And truthfully, he really did…but little did he know what he really was in for.

He closed the door behind Sakura and watched the cab drive away. He took a deep breath and smiled. Yeah, tonight was a good night.

End Chapter

Enjoy it now Syaoran because tomorrow you are going to wish you had stayed asleep—Moshi-san