"How am I doing that?" Xing asked, still confused.

Sakura looked to him. "your reaction is all"

Xing sighed. "So I'm being a comedy act without even trying?" He asked. "Lovely."

Sakura smiled. "hey I haven't laughed for a while now, so it felt nice",she said smiling at Xing brightly.

Xing smiled back. "I know what that feels like," he said.

Sakura blinked."really?",she asked with a frown

Xing hesitated, then nodded.

Sakura was quite for a moment then looked back to him. "how come?"

"It's...a long story." Xing replied.

Sakura gave him a small smile. "I'm not going any where"

"Er...all right then..." Xing said, looking down at his feet. "I think you know about what happened between Tao Len and Yoh Asakura, right?"

Sakura blinked but nodded. "Yes, I've heard many stories of it"

"Well, much of what that friendship built was torn down in the subsequent generations." Xing replied. "The Tao family is as violent and bloodthirsty as ever, and I want no part of it. I ran away from home when my father decided to start 'training' me for the family business."

Sakura frowned. "I see, I'm sorry you have to go through all that,its a shame",she said softly but then smiled brightly. "Buts hey technicly were rebuilding that friendship",she said giveing him a wink.

Xing smiled weakly. "Yeah, I guess so." He said.

Sakura blinked then looked away. "Unless you wish not to be friends"

"I-it's nothing like that!" Xing said quickly. "It's just...I guess running from my dad has weighed on me for a while. Especially since the last time I tried running away didn't see me past the grounds."

Sakura looked at him, frowning some. "Well you made it out, so that's a start,and I'm going to help make sure you don't get taken back... Your fun to have around"

This time Xing's smile was geniuine...and big. "Thanks," He replied, smiling.

Sakure smiled seeing him smile. "Anytime"

Xing stretched. "Sooo...where you headed?"

Sakura stopped."Oh uh ... Not sure"

Xing laughed. "And you talk about me being funny?"

Sakura blushed some. "Sorry, I guess I was heading back to where I use to stay"

"Mind if I walk you home, then?" Xing asked.