Chapter 6 –Family Affairs

AN: You guys are way too gracious in your encouraging comments! Sorry for the slow update – I've actually had very little inspiration for the next bit but I have a general idea where it's going now so that's a good sign! This chapter's a little more passive but hopefully it's still good! Don't forget to review!

Sakura squinted her eyes as the sun shone in through her curtains. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and came face to face with the sleeping face of Syaoran. She blushed as she remembered the events of last night.

**Flashback**

A panicking Sakura was pacing around the room muttering incoherent phrases included words like "embarrassing" or "perfect timing." Meanwhile, an amused Syaoran was sitting on her bed, still shirtless. He had come in shortly after her and had handed her her forgotten bra causing her to groan in despair.

"Relax, Sakura. It's not like we're children," he assured her. "Adults do fool around you know."

Sakura threw up her hands in frustration. "I'll never be able to face those two again! So embarrassing!"

She had put her dress back on since entering her room but the fact that she wore no bra made Syaoran's little friend slightly excited. Syaoran stood up and grabbed her by the waist emitting a slight growl.

"So are you embarrassed of me?" he asked in a low voice.

Sakura sputtered, "N-n-n-o-o. But but –"

Syaoran captured her lips in a gentle kiss and responded, "It's fine. If Eriol says anything, I'll beat him to a pulp. And it's not like you wouldn't tell Tomoyo, right?"

Sakura sighed in defeat. "I guess so… but it's still embarrassing to get caught."

Syaoran chuckled. "Tell you what, next time we decide to have fun, we'll go into a secure location, ok?"

Sakura nodded meekly and leaned into his chest. She still felt a little rattled from being discovered but relaxed in his embrace. He had agreed to keep her company and they stayed up talking about random things.

**End of flashback**

She smiled. They had fallen asleep like that in each other's arms. She brushed away a strand of hair from his face, causing him to stir from his sleep.

"Wake up, sleepy head," she whispered. She giggled as his face scrunched up, clearly not pleased that he would need to wake from his sleep. She turned to get washed up but yelped as a pair of strong arms pulled her back down by the waist.

"5 more minutes," mumbled a groggy Syaoran. Sakura smiled as she felt his breath tickling the back of her neck. Soon enough, she was also drifting off into sleep again.

For the second time that morning, Sakura woke up to sun in her face. She turned to find an empty bed and frowned at the lack of a note or any sign of a goodbye. She got up and put on a large sweater that draped down to her knees and yawned as she opened her door. Her morning annoyance subsided when she found Syaoran dressed and cooking pancakes. He turned to her and smiled, seeing her dishevelled hair and dressed in the massive sweater.

"Come eat. It's almost done," he said. When he saw her looking around for something he chucked and assured her, "Tomoyo's gone. She left a while ago. You're lucky I was the one who got teased."

She let out a sigh of relief and shifted her gaze to the table. Her eyes widened at the table set with different types of pancakes, professionally cut fruit, homemade whipped cream and from the looks of it, freshly squeezed juice.

"You did all of this?" she exclaimed. This man was constantly full of surprises.

Syaoran chuckled at her cute response and ushered her to the table, placing the fork and knife in her hand as she was still unable to process everything. Her stomach soon woke her with a growl and she started to dig in. Seeing that his girlfriend wouldn't starve of shock, Syaoran also dug in, occasionally sneaking glances of Sakura who had started humming and bouncing in glee at the delicious food entering her stomach.

Their breakfast was interrupted by the shrill of Syaoran's phone. Before Sakura could peek at who it was, Syaoran quickly grabbed it, and headed for Sakura's room. She frowned as she heard a girl's giggle on the other end before Syaoran quickly closed the door. Her mind went into a flurry of questions. Who was it? Was it a girl? Why was he so eager that she wouldn't see? Maybe he's betrothed to some daughter of another famous CEO? Sakura shook her head and remembered Tomoyo's words. This was not some Asian drama. Things like that didn't happen in real life. Or did they?

Before she could question anymore, Syaoran returned to the table and waved a hand in front of her face.

"Sorry," he apologized. "That was… a friend." Sakura didn't miss the pause and decided to ask. "Which friend?"She could sense his uneasiness and didn't feel anymore assured when he responded, "If my mother has her way, she'll be a part of my family really soon." Sakura groaned inwardly but hid her disappointment with a smile and a mere "Oh, I see."

Syaoran gave her a questioning look but decided against it when she resumed eating.

"I have practice today so I'll be gone for most of the day but I made reservations tonight at Chez Pierre. Is that okay? I know you have class until 6 so I can come pick you up from school."

Sakura nodded before resuming eating.

Syaoran checked his watch before getting in his car. It was just before 6. Practice had ended late and he was rushing so that he wouldn't keep Sakura waiting. He was really nervous for tonight's dinner and didn't know how Sakura would react. To be honest, he had sensed some sort of easiness from her at breakfast but didn't want to pry. He partially thought his nerves were making him paranoid.

He pulled up to the university and was relieved to find that Sakura wasn't outside yet. He texted her to let her know where he was, and soon enough she was running to the car. She opened the door, and caught her breath as she sat in the passenger seat.

"I'm so sorry!" she apologized. "Class ended so late."

Syaoran chucked. "I just got here too so don't worry. Practice ended late and I was actually worried you'd be waiting for me." The rest of the car ride was silent allowing Syaoran's mind to shift back to the events he planned tonight and turned to a smiling Sakura. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"So… I invited some other people tonight," he started. Sakura's mind drifted to this morning's phone call and her face blanched.

"I hope you don't mind," he said as he pulled up to the restaurant. He pulled the key out of the ignition and reached for the door before Sakura burst out, "Are you betrothed?" She closed her eyes hoping that it would prevent an answer from coming.

Syaoran stared at her in shock which turned into a smile which turned into full out laughter with him gripping his sides to ease the cramping.

Sakura frowned at his response and crossed her arms.

"Where did you get that idea," asked Syaoran. "I may be pretty rich and powerful but no one tells me what to do, never mind who to marry."

Sakura sighed in relief. It was true. In the past month and a half that she had known the guy, he had displayed a stubbornness like no other. She should have known that she was overreacting.

"Then who was that girl this morning?" she asked shyly.

Syaoran got out of the car and came around to the passenger side squatting as he opened the door. "Sakura, I love you. And you only." He held her hand and pulled her out of the car. "Trust me," he whispered as he led her to the restaurant. After stating his name for their reservation, the starstruck hostess led them to a larger table in a secluded room. When they opened the door, all of Sakura's nerves and apprehensions about Syaoran's extra invites disappeared.

"Otou-san!" she exclaimed jumping into the arms of a greying man with glasses. She turned to the taller dark-haired man next to him and hugged him shouting, "onii-chan!" She then turned to his wife and held her hands before asking, "Was that you on the phone this morning, Nakuru-chan?"

Nakura gripped Sakura in a tight hug before exclaiming in a high excited voice, "Yes! I'm sorry we didn't tell you but Syao-kun wanted it to be a surprise!" Sakura turned, smirking at her boyfriend's annoyance at his new nickname. "When he first called me to ask to meet the family I was soooooo excited!" she said while jumping up and down.

Touya rubbed his temples and told Nakuru to sit down but she was too into telling her story. "I was actually kind of shocked because he called me late last night from your phone saying he'd rather call 'sister-in-law' than 'brother' or 'father' on your phone. Apparently you were sleeping. You two," she continued with a sly grin and wagging her finger. "Naughty, naughty."

"YOU WHAT?" shouted Touya. He had every intention to strangle the brown-haired boy in front of him.

"Oops!" said Nakuru. "I don't think I was supposed to say that part. Honey! It's okay! Nothing happened! I was kidding!" she cooed and calmed down her husband with her crazy antics.

Sakura stared on slightly embarrassed at being exposed by Nakuru. Syaoran on the other hand was utterly confused as to how a hyper person like Nakuru would be able to calm down someone at all. He cleared his throat and did a full out bow to the ground in front of Sakura's father, Fujitaka. When he rose, he bowed, standing up, and said, "Fujitaka-san, my name is Syaoran Li and I am currently dating your daughter." He didn't raise his head from the bow until Fujitaka put his hand on his shoulder.

"Sakura's already told me quite a bit about you," he responded. Syaoran looked at Sakura. "I'm thankful for you, my boy. You're the first person who's been able to break that thick skull of hers for a while."

"Otou-san" grumbled Sakura. She didn't think she was that stubborn. She turned to face her brother who was currently glaring at Syaoran.

"Onii-chan it's not nice to stare," she said with her hands on her hips.

"I don't know what you see in this gaki," he responded still not taking his eyes off of Syaoran. Sakura frowned, walked over to her brother, and stomped on his foot. He howled in pain and glared at Sakura.

"What was that for?" he said through his gritted teeth.

"For calling him a gaki," she answered. "Be lucky we're in public or I would step on your other foot!" She stuck out her tongue like a 4-year-old bringing a smile to Fujitaka and Syaoran's faces.

"Alright kids, let's break up the fight," said Fujitaka. They all sat down and ordered. Touya resumed his glaring at Syaoran causing Sakura to sigh.

"Syaoran saved me from Akihiko," she announced. Touya's head whipped to her and there was a fire of rage in his eyes. Technically Sakura was able to take care of herself but Syaoran chose not to bring up that tiny detail at this moment.

"That guy is back?" he asked.

Sakura nodded and looked at her father. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't want you to worry."

Fujitaka put a hand around her shoulder and looked at Syaoran. "Even more of a reason to trust Syaoran, ne?"

Sakura nodded and looked to her brother, expecting approval. Touya sighed and responded, "I guess a gaki is the best match for a kaijuu."

Sakura rolled her eyes and refused to retaliate. She was, after all, a classy lady. The rest of dinner went by smoothly. As much as they hated to admit it, Syaoran and Touya had a lot in common as national athletes. Nakuru was giggling with Sakura and asking her millions of questions on her and Syaoran's relationship while Fujitaka asked the occasional business question to Syaoran. By the end of the night, it was an unspoken consensus that the Kinomoto family was pretty much ready for Syaoran to be a part of the family.

******TWO WEEKS LATER**********

A pile of shredded napkins was starting to form in Sakura's lap as she waited for Tomoyo to do her hair. Today was the day where she'd meet Syaoran's family and to say she was nervous was a huge understatement. In the past couple of days, Sakura felt like she had been bombarded with new information about Syaoran's wealth. She had had no idea he was such an important person in Hong Kong. From the private jet that picked them up in Tomoeda to the limousine to the mansion they were currently staying in, Sakura had been surprised every step of the way. Sakura had thought the press in Japan was bad but Syaoran had to exit first in to literally a sea of reporters so that they wouldn't be found out yet.

Here, she sat, in the west wing of Syaoran's summer house while Tomoyo straightened her hair so that she could meet one of the most influential families in the world. She had a sudden urge to barf.

"Can you please relax?" asked a frustrated Tomoyo. "Your hair has been doing crazy things it's never done and I'm going to blame it on your nervousness. And stop ripping up that poor tissue – you're going to end up with a pile of dust in your hands!"

Sakura groaned. "I don't know what I'm doing Tomoyo. I love Syaoran and all, but this is ridiculous!" She attempted to move her head but Tomoyo had a firm grip on her hair and from past experience, Sakura learned one thing – never move when Tomoyo has a hot flat iron in her hand. "Who am I to date him? Doesn't someone more influential, classy, rich, powerful suit him? Heck, I'm not even a money-making individual yet!"

"Sakura you and I know both that Syaoran has never brought anyone home," responded Tomoyo. "Besides! I'll be there with you."

"But look at how successful you are," whispered Sakura.

Tomoyo stopped her ironing for a bit and turned Sakura's chair to face her. "Yes, but I pale in comparison to your personality, Sakura."

Sakura blushed at her friend's confession and responded, "That's not true."

Tomoyo turned her back around and resumed ironing her hair. "It is and you know it. I'm always too shy to go out and socialize. I think especially with Li's reputation, what he needs is exactly someone like you."

"Thanks Tomo," responded Sakura in a small voice. Tomoyo was right… again. She would just have to try her best. If they didn't like her, then they didn't like her. But if she was too scared to try, then it was a guaranteed fail.

Four hours later, Sakura stood in front of a full length mirror gaping at her appearance. Tomoyo had done it again with a pink evening gown that flowed to her feet. The top hugged her slim waist and silver gems studded the sweetheart neckline that accented her bosom. Her hair was pinstraight with one side pulled up and fastened with a cherry blossom hairpin. She didn't know how Tomoyo had managed to make her look good and look good herself as she studied her best friend. Tomoyo was wearing a similar dress but in violet and had her hair in a tight knot. The two giggled at each other in excitement before heading down to meet their partners.

Syaoran paced at the bottom of the stairs as he loosened his tie. He had never been so nervous for a family reunion and his previous phone call had not eased his nerves in any way. He had attempted to bribe his sisters and cousin into being civil and passive for when they met Sakura but was met with the innocent response of, "but baby brother, we're always passive and civil!" Right.

He inhaled deeply and planned to release it in a sigh but the breath got caught in his chest as he gaped at the beauty descending the stairs. She had her face focussed on the stairs in hopes of not falling and only lifted her head when she reached the bottom of the stairs. She flushed at the sight of Syaoran in a black suit with a skinny black tie but giggled at his face that was plastered in a big 'O'. Noticing his loosened tie, she reached out and tightened it, snapping him out of his trance.

"You look amazing," he beamed.

"You're not bad looking yourself," she smiled back. She took his arm as he led her to the limo waiting, outside. As soon as they, Tomoyo, and Eriol, had sat down and her hand left his arm, her nerves returned to her and she wrung her hands in anticipation. Syaoran looked over and took her hands in his, allowing her to breathe properly again.

"Sorry," she whispered. "It's just… I'm not used to this kind of thing. And your family's so important. And I'm not really someone who matches you. And-"

"If you weren't someone who didn't match me, would you be sitting here, Sakura?" questioned Syaoran with an amused look on his face. Sakura weakly smiled back as he repeated the same comforting words that Tomoyo had said just earlier. But hearing it directly from him made her feel much better.

"Don't worry," continued Syaoran. "I spoke with my sisters this morning and they love you already. Just.. be prepared… they're a little… crazy," he said cautiously. Eriol chuckled but didn't say anything as Tomoyo and Sakura gave him a questioning look.

Soon enough, they pulled up to what looked like a castle and were greeted by an elderly man with silver-rimmed glasses.

"Wei," smiled Syaoran. "It's been too long."

"It sure has, Master Li," replied the elderly gentleman as he bowed low. "And I'm assuming this is the lovely Miss Kinomoto?" Syaoran nodded and Wei turned to Sakura, giving her a gentle smile before bowing and introducing himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Kinomoto. I am Wei, the family butler. If you need anything during your stay, do not hesitate to ask me."

Sakura bowed low and responded, "Mr. Wei, you can just call me Sakura!"

Wei nodded and turned to Tomoyo. "And Miss Daidouji. It's an honour. I must say, you will have a hard time escaping the Master's sisters. They love your creations and if they could have their way, they would probably keep you locked up in the mansion."

Tomoyo giggled. "I'm sure they're not that crazy Mr. Wei. And feel free to call me Tomoyo!"

Syaoran and Eriol exchanged glances as they both thought the same thing. The Li women were definitely that crazy. Maybe even crazier.

As if on cue, shrieking came from upstairs as heels could be heard clattering down the stairs.

"Are they here?"

"Fuutie stop pushing!"

"Fanren! I want to see them too!"

"Meiling! You're going to make me fall down the stairs!"

Sakura and Tomoyo laughed nervously at each other, causing the girls to stop their bickering. Their faces went from awe of the two beauties before them to giggles to high pitched laughter as they surrounded the two girls in excitement.

"They're so cute!"

"This one has really unique eyes!"

"Daidouji-san we LOVE your creations!"

"You must be Sakura! How did you make our little brother fall in love with you?"

The two girls looked utterly frightened at the advances of the Li women and would have probably been traumatized for life if it weren't for a loud clearing of someone's throat. Everyone looked up and saw a middle-aged woman halfway down the stairs in a dark maroon dress. She had an air about her that commanded attention and the poise and grace that came with being wealthy. Sakura was at a loss for words and started to tremble in her place. Syaoran caught this out of the corner of his eyes and wrapped her arm around his, squeezing in her hand in assurance.

This did not go unnoticed by everyone else as the Li women started to giggle while Yelan Li chuckled at the nervousness of the young girl in front of her. "There's no need to be nervous my dear. If Syaoran has brought you to meet us, it means you're family now," she explained. "Now you must all be hungry," she said before ushering them into the dining hall.

Dinner went by pleasantly with Tomoyo telling the story of Syaoran and Sakura's first meeting and development of feelings. Meiling and the four sisters giggled and even Yelan let out the occasional chuckle. When Tomoyo got to the part about catching them in their apartment, she told the story that she had caught them kissing but the four sisters glanced at each other and grinned, knowing that it was probably more than kissing.

As they were getting ready for bed, a shriek was heard from Sakura's room. Syaoran who was in the process of getting dressed after his shower rushed to her room, alert for any intruders. He was met with fire sprinklers spouting water within the room. 'That's strange,' he thought. 'Why is it only in her room?' But before he could figure out the cause, his attention diverted to a Sakura who was drenched in her nightgown that was becoming slightly see through. He blushed furiously as he grabbed some of her essential belongings and pulled her out of her room and into his. On the other end of the hall, he missed a group of girls high-fiving each other.

As he picked up the phone to call Wei, Sakura noticed that she was drenched and quite… exposed. Looking up she also noticed that Syaoran had run to her in nothing but a pair of sweatpants and his toned chest was calling out her name. She looked away, face flushed, as he hung up the phone and turned to face her. He rummaged through his drawers and found a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, handing it to her.

"Change out of your clothes, before you get a cold," he said gently.

Sakura hesitated and looked at the clothes before asking, "Where am I going to stay?" She somehow knew the answer to the question but wanted to confirm.

"You could stay with Tomoyo," he said watching her face fall. "But I'd prefer if you'd stay with me." He chuckled as her face brightened significantly. "Are you not going to take these clothes? Because I could sleep with you the way you are now," he said seductively inching closer to her body.

Sakura didn't know if she was shivering because of the cold or because he was making her embarrassed. Either way, she grabbed his clothes and rushed into the bathroom. On the other side of the door, she could hear a faint chuckle. His t-shirt was way too big for her and she had to roll up the shorts a good 5 times before they would stay on her slim waist. As she emerged from the bathroom, she saw Syaoran, still shirtless, pulling back the covers and getting ready for bed.

"Aren't you going to put on a shirt?" she asked timidly. Secretly she didn't mind but was afraid that she wouldn't be able to sleep with that godly figure next to her.

"Well, I figure we've seen everything but if you want…" he reached to get a shirt before Sakura exclaimed, "No! It's okay!" She realized what she had said and clapped a hand over her mouth. Syaoran grinned and reaching over the bed, pulled her in as he lay down next to her. Grabbing her waist, he inhaled the scent of her hair and murmured something incoherent.

"What did you say?" Sakura asked, looking up at his face.

"I said I'm going public with you tomorrow," he replied. Seeing the shock on her face, he quickly backtracked. "But if you don't want to yet, we don't have to. Sorry, I shouldn't' have made that decision on my own." He babbled on for a while until he felt soft lips meeting his. He looked down into the loving eyes of his girlfriend.

"Why not," she smiled. "Now they'll be able to see how the monster Syaoran Li has a heart."

Syaoran faked a pout before tickling her sides, sending her into a fit of giggles. The giggles could be heard throughout the mansion. In a master bedroom in some other part of the castle, a Yelan Li stroked a photo of her husband, whispering, "You would love her, dear. She's exactly what Syaoran needs."