Summer Heat:

A Tale of Three Cousins

By MoshiMoshiQueen

"Characters' Conversations"

(Author's Comments)

The rolling hills were splattered with colors of greens, yellows, and browns while the mountains reflected the rich hues of blues, whites and purples. The contrast of the elements seemed to balance each other like a basic ying and yang. Fences and farm animals were dotted in the grassy fields. Bees and other critters buzzed and hummed wildly in the afternoon sun. The environment called to Sakura. She felt so relaxed that couldn't keep her emerald eyes away from the vast farmland and peaks that flew past the car she was in.

After two hours of driving from the airport, Sakura's taxi driver stopped in front of a massive mansion that stood out like a sore thumb amongst all the wild life. It was made out of gray colored stones, clear glass, and white paneling. It oozed of the rich and famous. Behind the home was a gigantic pool that came with a complementary slide, diving board and a near by Jacuzzi. A few miles away was a stall that held over one hundred of the best breed horses in the country.

Stepping out from the car, Sakura felt the smell of the rich earth hit her nose. The crisp, cool air and the essence of hay and crops filled her senses. It was just so wonderful here!

"Eek. I know it smells like horse manure, but you'll get use to it. I can't believe my father is making me stay here an entire summer, but at least you are here, Sakura," a raven-haired girl called as she reached her cousin's side, "He says I need some type of break from the fashion world. As if anyone ever needs a break from that! He's just unhappy that I'm actually making a living at something he finds repulsive."

"I think I might actually enjoy staying here, Meilin," Sakura commented back in a polite and tiny voice.

"You don't have to lie. Daddy's not going to punish you for calling this place a dump," Meilin retorted as she turned to the driver, "Aren't you going to take those bags in or just stand there all day?"

The driver turned white as he rushed to the trunk to remove Sakura's bags. He hurriedly ran them to the stop of the mansion's steps and was ushered inside.

"It is so hard to find good help nowadays."

Sakura squinted her eyes and looked at her cousin. She hadn't spent a lot of time with her since they were children and now they were both in the full bloom of their early adulthoods. At twenty-five Meilin was what you would call a bombshell beauty. Meilin's onyx colored locks was edged around her face in a Victoria Beckham (please tell me you know what I'm talking about people) type of style. Her figure was full and curvy, her skin was a milky white, and her eyes were a rich burgundy. She wore a black tube top that showed off her pierced navel and a black and white checkered skirt that stopped mere inches below her pelvic area. She wore heels that were extremely arched and tied half way up her legs. As Meilin turned Sakura could also see a tiny butterfly surrounded by vines tattooed at the bottom of her cousin's back. She also had a tattoo wrapped around her upper right arm in swirls.

Sakura was envious. She was neither curvy nor stylish. She suddenly felt out of place. She had never developed a voluptuous body and her skin was sprinkled with light freckles. Her breasts were moderate and her body was lanky. Her hair was held back with a black headband and was short and choppy. The only thing amazing about her was her bright, emerald orbs. As for her clothes, she had never been in the height of fashion. She wore a simple pair of jean shorts and a green v-neck tee shirt.

"Let's go inside. Tomoyo arrived shortly before you did."

Sakura slowly followed behind her cousin as she tried to take in more of the scenery that surrounded the great mansion. Knowing Meilin it would be hard to get time alone amongst the nature.

"Tomoyo! Sakura has arrived!" Meilin screamed as she entered. Her voice echoed so loud that Sakura had to cover her ears to stop them from ringing.

At the top of the stairs was a blur of movement. Tomoyo hurried down the stairs to reach Sakura. Her curling locks of light black (I'm trying to be more realistic in the colors. I mean red colored eyes for Meilin and gray locks for Tomoyo? I think not) locks flowed outward as she ran. Her blue eyes flickered with pure joy and her face was flushed. Her skin was also a milky white that Sakura envied. It was unmarred by sun kisses and blemishes. Her body wasn't curvy like Meilin's, but it wasn't boyish like Sakua's. She filled out her white blouse quite nicely while Sakura barely made a dent in her shirt. Tomoyo has long, smooth legs that seemed to never end. They were barely covered up by her black, silky skirt and onyx colored high heels.

It was hard to believe that the same blood flowed through all of their veins. They were all so different. Tomoyo was so graceful and perfect. She mastered in music and could play the piano and sing like an angel. Meilin was so hard-core and edgy. She ran her own clothing line and created masterpieces on a daily basis. As for Sakura, well…she was still trying to find herself. She dabbled in everything from retail to design. She just couldn't find her niche among the world. She was glad to be taking a break from a world of failed attempts at a career.

"Sakura, it has been so long!" Tomoyo squealed as she pulled her cousin into a tight embrace, "I haven't seen you for years! Isn't it so great that we get to spend the summer together?"

"It would be better if we were at a luxurious spa in the Bahamas," Meilin commented as she rolled her eyes and focused on her manicured nails.

Reaching over, Tomoyo wrapped her unoccupied arm around Meilin while still embracing Sakura. "This summer is supposed to be a relaxing event where we can escape from our busy lives."

"Who said I wanted to escape," Meilin retorted, but didn't shove her cousin's arm away.

Tomoyo ignored her cousin's comment and said, "Sakura, why don't you go upstairs and lie down for a while. Dinner will be held in an hour and I'm sure you want to rest a while. It was probably a long flight and an even longer drive here."

"Yes, you are right. I do feel a bit fatigued," Sakura managed a petite smile as she left the embrace of Tomoyo and headed up the stairs.

Sakura let her hand rest on the oak railing as she walked up the marble stairs. Her hand grazed the wood in small caresses. Would her cousins believe that she lived in an apartment that was probably smaller than the bathroom in this mansion? She shook her head. This summer was supposed to take away the nagging thoughts of failure, but just one look at her rich and famous cousins made the feelings of failure rise once again.

She entered a huge room that she assumed was hers because her bags were laid upon the gigantic bed. The walls were painted a rich blue, the woods were a dark mahogany, and the bed was covered in white silk. Connected her room was a bathroom that included a big tub with jets and a lot of counter space.

She ignored her body's plead for sleep and walked slowly towards the window of her room. Her hands slid the white curtains out of the way and looked at the vast land in front of her. Breathing deeply, she tried to let the stress she felt melt away. Opening her eyes once again, they locked upon a figure below. He was stripped from the waist up and his bronzed muscles were flexing as he lifted up a pile of heavy wood. Sweat was glistening upon his ripped chest. He rested for a moment to brush his thick, chocolate locks from his face. His eyes were a striking amber and Sakura had to will herself to start breathing again. She swallowed a huge lump and tried to make herself stop spying on the man below her, but she couldn't pull her eyes away. (Yeah, it was an awesome dream )

He wore jeans and boots that were spotted with dirt from the environment he worked among and there was a worn out cowboy hat upon his head. Despite the protection of his cap, his body was completely tanned by the rays of the harsh sun. Sakura felt herself lick her dry lips slowly.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," a voice called and shook Sakura violently out of her daydream.

Meilin leaned on the doorway of Sakura's room and she continued to say, "He's turned down every female I've brought to this place. Maybe he's gay."

It took a few minutes before Sakura's heartbeat started to beat at a normal rhythm. She felt her cheeks flush with color, and she tried to speak, but her lips just couldn't form the words.

Smirking, Meilin said, "Don't worry about it, honey. Every girl has drooled over Syoaran at least once in her life. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that hot body is going to get any where near yours. I've never once seen Syaoran take an interest in any girl, including me."

Meilin turned to leave the room, but left Sakura with one more comment, "I was just joking when I said he was gay. He's worse than that. He's just plain unapproachable."

After a few minutes past, Sakura tore her eyes away from the empty doorway and looked out the window once again. She started to look towards Syaoran, but was shocked to see him all ready piercing her with his own gaze.

She should have just ducked away, but she couldn't help but stare at him. She was surprised to see that he merely smiled at little and then looked away to start his work again. Sakura felt her cheeks flush once again as she turned away from the window.

Maybe some summer heat was all she needed to gain more confidence and get her life back on track… maybe this summer wasn't going to be so bad.

Q and A, of course

Q: What-

A: Jeez, before you even get started let me make an announcement. No, I am probably not going to update my other fanfics. Yeah, I know that sucks hard core, but I just don't have time or the energy to do that. The only reason I wrote this one was because I had an awesome dream about it last night. I just wanted to put it down on paper before I forgot it. Now continue.

Q: So, Meilin and Tomoyo are both Sakura's cousins?

A: Yes, but they are all from different mothers and fathers. I was really trying to stick with my dream, so I've rearranged most of the CCS characters. I did have to change some things around because lets face it I don't look like Sakura… well, you wouldn't know that because you've guys have never met me, but still. I don't.

Q: Are you actually going to finish this fanfic?

A: ;; I hope to, but I can't be definite.

Q: So, you basically still suck?

A: I guess so, punk.

Q: Anyways, so this is going to be another of your famous S&S fanfics?

A: Actually no. I've decided to not only focus on S&S, but also on T&E and M&T. Touya isn't going to be Sakura's older brother in this story. It's something I really haven't done before. Some chapters aren't even going to focus on S&S. This story is basically how three very different cousins become closer to each other as they struggle with their blooming love lives.

Q: Kawaii. So, do you hope to update this soon?

A: Again, I can't really say. Updating is something that is hard for me to do nowadays.

Q: We can tell.

A: Har har. I just really have to be in the mood and actually have time to do it, but just keeps your ears open. I could be updating again soon.

Q: We'll see. As Meilin said, don't get your hopes up.

A: You are just so full of laughs today.

Q: I know, what can I say? I'm amazing.

A: (gags)

This particular chapter was influenced by… (I don't own any of these things, of course)

The movie Friends with Money (don't see it, it's completely boring. It has Jennifer Aniston in it, but still it sucks)

Nora Robert's Montana Sky (Seriously read everything Nora writes, she's amazing!)

The show Wildfire (Awesome show. I recommend it if you are into teen primetimes)