Disclaimer : I don't own CCS. CCS is owned by CLAMP.

Notes : New fanfic! Much lighter than Mnemosyne's Labyrinth, so don't expect heavy plotline, because this is simply created for entertainment purpose only. I'm glad that I have the chance to write another light story, I hope you enjoy! Also, I am going to make some reference here and there towards Disney's Beauty and the Beast –although you will not face the same plot. I'm going to use them perhaps as Chapter titles or chapter's prologue text, et cetera. Oh, and this chapter may seem too long, because it's actually 2 chapters combined together. The next chapter will have the usual length though.

Summary : Once upon a time, with a Cursed Man and the soon-to-be Cursed Woman. Set 9 years post CCS series.

The Misfortunate Tale: Beauty and the Beast (Not)

Once upon a time, in the modern city of London

A young man lived in a luxurious manor

Although he had everything his heart desired

The man was insensitive, a true disguised jerk in all way

But he admitted, that his life would never be complete

Until he earned a woman's true love

But years passed, sometimes he fell into despair

And sometimes lost all hopes

For who could ever love a man with a Curse?

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His figure was often seen in the London General Hospital. Tall, and a little too thin, but he was surely someone who could manage to keep attracted eyes focused on him. That beautiful, aristocratic face of him had long been noticed and admired by the nurses and several patients. He was not the doctor, but he always walked in the equally confident and calm way.

"How's Sasha?" Nakuru asked as keeping pace with her master –Her Master's long legs always made it hard for her to keep up.

"Not bad. The nurse told me that she only has several bones fractures," Eriol explained cheekily before nodding in recognition to an old lady passing by.

The brown-haired woman laughed weakly. "And you're the only one who consider bones fractures under the 'not bad' category,"

"She could have been worse," he defended himself. "That motorcycle had hit her bad,"

"What did you do before that, again?"

The two figures stopped in front of a hospital room. And he paused first before opening the door. "I was just kissing her,"

"And that poor girl must have hoped a little too far," commented Nakuru sadly. "Hey, you think she would accept you back?"

Eriol laughed as opening the door. "We'll see…"

And just as soon as his darkish hair appeared on the patient's sight, a basket of fruits was thrown to the wall. Almost expectantly, he just moved a step casually to evade the fruit's basket attacks.

"Don't you dare to show up in front of me again, you Cursed Moron!" the pretty-looking young woman with brown, wavy hair screamed in anger. One of her leg was fully bandaged. Yes, that motorcycle did hit her hard. Oh, poor girl.

Calmly, the blue-eyed sorcerer looked at his loyal guardian and spoke, "Apparently not, Ruby,"

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Chapter 1

Once Upon a Fate

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"Tomoyo-chan… have you finished?" 21-year-old Kinomoto Sakura asked casually. She was in Tomoyo's bedroom, and had just finished working on her essay. Stretching her arms, her emerald eyes looked to the undisturbed woman who was currently sitting in front of her computer.

"Not yet, Sakura. Sorry," the already college-student Daidouji Tomoyo spoke as glancing at her cousin.

"What is your essay's topic? Do you want me to help you?"

"No, I've done the essay yesterday,"

Sakura shook her head in disbelief. Her cousin had always prepared everything before every one else did. "So, what are you doing now?"

"Selecting the guys," her hand clicked on the computer's mouse several times. "For my mother's next party tomorrow night,"

Ever since Tomoyo reached the age of 16, Daidouji Sonomi had pushed her daughter to join the parties –business parties. And in each of those parties, the CEO would expect her sole daughter to appear with 'a nice friend with equally nice future' –to say in Sonomi's term. Of course, what she truly meant was a date, a future suitor, a future son-in-law (always 'son-in-law'; 'husband' was a 2nd priority) with promising career, trusted background, great intellectual, and charming character.

Someone… with the quality matching (and expectantly, surpassing) Daidouji Tomoyo.

But then again, who could ever even match her undeniable gifts?

Beautiful –not only on the outside, but also inside. Smart –beyond words. Family background? Unquestionable.

And to find a man who surpassed her?

It would be such a rare occurrence.

Nonetheless, Tomoyo had always tried to present someone worthy to those parties her mother celebrated. The raven-haired had even had a database system of personal info of the guys she'd encountered since kindergarten until her current college. 'A Stalking-system' –according to Sakura. But this certain 'stalking system' had proven to be very helpful when she needed urgent information about 'the hired date'.

"It is not like you to be in hurry doing anything," Sakura inquired. Knowing Tomoyo, Sakura had come into belief of how planned-out, prepeared, calm, and collected her cousin was. "Haven't you got the date for tomorrow's ball since two weeks ago? You said that your ex-boyfriend from Junior High was willing to help you…and what's his name again?"

"Araide Kaze," she sighed in annoyance. "He has just called me an hour ago to inform me that he suddenly can't come to the party. That guy totally ruins my whole plans,"

Sakura nodded in sympathy. But on the other hand, she hadn't really approved her cousin's ideal into hiring dates. Being a hopeless romantic herself, Sakura thought that it would have been much better if any of those 'Hired Dates' could really be Tomoyo's real dates. But Daidouji was too… selective sometimes. Sakura couldn't exactly comprehend why Tomoyo always complained of Sonomi's selectiveness if she herself was not any different.

"I think that's why, Tomoyo-chan… that you need to find a permanent date instead of just randomly-picked guy every time your mother holds a party,"

Tiredly sighing, she replied, "It's not my fault that my mother never really likes any of them. In her eyes, they're never good enough,"

"No. I personally think, because your mother thought that in your eyes they were never good enough," Sakura debated. "Your mother is not a fool. She has always known that none of those guys are your serious date. And that's why, Tomoyo-chan… you'd better just found a real date. Someone long-lasting. Someone that you love. It will solve all problems: your dry love life and your Mother's demand. Because –"

"…You're right,"

"Eh?! Hoe?!!" Sakura immediately got up from her formerly lying down position and stared at Tomoyo. "You mean you agree to finally find a real date?!"

"No. I just agree to your argument that says my next date must be someone long-lasting. I have to find for the best candidate and then I'll ask him to be my date for… hmm… do you think 3 months enough? Or should it be 6 months?"

Sakura slump her body back to the comfortable bed. "Tomoyo-chan… you're not getting my point,"

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"I found him," Tomoyo spoke in satisfaction.

Driven by the curiosity, Sakura finally got off the bed and went to her best friend to gaze at the information displayed on the monitor. Among black and white lists of men's name, a blue box had appeared on the screen and effortlessly took Sakura's attention to it. She gazed at the picture and gasped at the immediate recognition.

"Eriol-kun?!"

"Perfect, isn't he? Young entrepreneur since the age of 19, a charming English gentleman, kind-hearted and polite, and looks gorgeous too. Hm, I wonder why I had never thought about him before," the violet-eyed woman replied as her fingers kept typing brief e-mail to the young Londoner. And few moments later (Sakura still hadn't overcome her shock), Tomoyo had done sending him the requesting e-mail.

"Tomoyo-chan..."

"Yes?"

"He's in London. It would be a great fuss to invite him for your mother's upcoming party tomorrow night," the Card Captor give further stressing at the time-span.

"I don't expect him to come to that party, Sakura-chan. As you said, this should be a long-term project. If he agrees, he can come to my mother's next party next month or the one after that. He'll be fully accommodated, surely,"

"But he's… Eriol-kun. He's our friend. Are you really sure you want to trick him into doing such thing?"

"Sakura… I've never tricked the previous guys to be my date, and I won't trick Hiiragizawa-san either. I just told him briefly my situation and problem, and that it will be a great aid if he can come and help me pose as my boyfriend for a while. I don't hide any facts,"

The Cherry Blossom still gazed in shock at the picture of her father's half. The picture was taken on his short visit to Tomoeda Spring 2 years before, and Tomoyo was right –that guy was gorgeous.

But that was not the point.

"He's got Mizuki-sensei, you know,"

And for the first time, Sakura's comment startled the Nightingale. "Oh My God, you're right," her confident expression faltered once knowing that her plan couldn't work this way. Considering it quickly, she typed another message for Eriol. "I'll cancel it now. Gorgeous or not, he's taken and I won't mess with –"

Her statement was cut when her computer beeped a while, indicating that she had new message on her inbox. Deciding that she'd better wrote a letter of apology to Hiiragizawa after she read the new message; Tomoyo saved the composed message in the draft and quickly clicked on the inbox button.

A new message from Hiiragizawa Eriol.

"Oh no, I haven't apologized to him and now he's already –" her forehead frowned as she read the message and stopped commenting to comprehend the message better. "Do you think he's joking, Sakura?"

Sakura peeked and tried to read the new message the incarnation had just sent.

Sure, Daidouji-san. I'll be glad to help.

Send me the details of the party, please? I'll be taking the flight back to Tomoeda tonight.

See you soon!

-Hiiragizawa Eriol.

"I… don't think he's joking, Tomoyo-chan…"

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Eriol smiled in satisfaction after sending the particular message to an old friend in Tomoeda.

Daidouji Tomoyo… When he visited Tomoeda 2 years prior, he only met that girl once –and she really wasn't a disappointment to any normal man's fantasy. That girl was very beautiful and charming too. Even he –who already chose Mizuki Kaho as a lover – would admit that.

"Ruby Moon, Spinel, pack your belongings. We're going back to Tomoeda now,"

"Really?! I've been waiting for years for you to say that!" exclaimed the hyper guardian as she ran upstairs to her room to pack. Along her way, she managed to grab the poor feline with her too.

Watching his guardians' antics in amusement, Eriol then turned his attentions to the graceful lady sitting on the sofa near him. "You're sure you don't want to come, Kaho?"

"I still have stuffs to do here. But I think I can go there next month or so," replied the red-haired teacher. "Anyway, what makes you suddenly want to go back to Tomoeda?"

He smiled as looking again to his computer's screen. "Business,"

"Another girl?"

"Ah, not just another girl. You know her too, actually,"

He felt Kaho's presence behind him as the older woman inquired behind his shoulder to see what had interested him. On the screen, there was a dialogue box stating that his message had been successfully sent to Daidouji Tomoyo.

"Daidouji-san?!" Kaho spoke in bewilderment. "Eriol, are you sure about this? She's your old friend, right? Are you that cruel enough to –"

"Don't worry, I have plans on my mind,"

"…You don't have to do this, you know. Besides, I –"

"But I want to," his tone was final. Looking up at her with his clear sapphire eyes, he suddenly felt the urge to touch her. "I love you,"

But he knew he couldn't.

Clenching his fist in suppressed anger, Eriol tried to mask his grim expression with another smiley façade. "I'll find the way. I'll find the way to break the Curse," he said as looking back to his computer's screen. There was another message in his inbox for him. Clicking the button, he read.

Thank you very much, Hiiragizawa-san. It means a lot.

We can talk about the detail once you're in Tomoeda.

Inform me what time your plane will arrive here, I'll pick you up.

Once again, thank you very much.

-Daidouji Tomoyo.

Smiling in hidden evilness, Eriol murmured, "You're welcome, Daidouji-san,"

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--- The Day After---

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To spot him was an easy task.

Even in the crowded area of the airport, Tomoyo could easily see that old friend of her –along with his two guardians (of course, one had disguised himself as a plush doll). Akizuki Nakuru herself was a very attractive young girl. With her long, chestnut hair and the cheery personality of her –she could bring smiles to the people who gazed at her. A natural charmer, Tomoyo decided. But when she saw Eriol, she widened her eyes in acknowledgment for someone who could perform better than a natural charmer. Standing tall (perhaps a head taller than her?), his posture really supported his already divine looks. Even when he was only casually-dressed in the dark trousers and gray sweater, his presence still brought the certain noble aura that made women (and some men) looked up in admiration.

"Tomoyo-chan!!!" squealed a happy voice, and before Tomoyo could realize it, Nakuru had jumped at her and embraced the girl tightly. "So glad to finally see you! You weren't around lot when we last visited Tomoeda 2 years ago! We met you only once!"

Smiling warmly, the Nightingale hugged the guardian back. "I'm sorry. I was in a short scholarship program back then. But now, you all are going to be my special guests!"

"Good evening, Daidouji-san," spoke the calm and friendly voice.

Looking pass Nakuru's shoulders, she could see that Eriol was coming up from them. Releasing her hug on Nakuru, Tomoyo then greeted the Londoner. "Good evening, Hiiragizawa-san! I still don't believe that you really make it here! I mean, I've just sent you that e-mail yesterday morning, and now you're really here. Wow,"

"Well, we've been missing Tomoeda," he nodded certainly. "And it'll be an honor if I can really help a dear friend like you are,"

She smiled honestly. "Thank you very much. And welcome back to Tomoeda!" Tomoyo said as extending her hand to have a handshake.

Eriol nodded as taking the hand to shake it. But the moment their skin touched, she felt minor sting of static electricity by the skin contact and she took back her hand in surprised reflex.

"Sorry. There was just a small –"

"Don't worry, Daidouji-san," he laughed.

Smiling apologetically, Tomoyo then looked at her watch. Her mother's party begun at 7 –she still had plenty of time. But learning by experience, she knew that the sooner she did her task, the better it would be. "Come on. We'd better go."

He nodded and followed her suit. Next to him, Nakuru tiptoed a bit and whispered to her master. "Static electricity? Isn't that a bad sign already?"

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The ball room inside the Daidouji manor was already full of people when Tomoyo got out of her room and walked down the grand stairs. She had just finished taking bath and grooming herself after taking Eriol, Nakuru, and Spinel back to their old mansion in Tomoeda just a few hours prior. That evening, the dark-haired lady had chosen a pale pink dress with simple pearl necklace to adorn her whole look. She was about to walk around to search for her dear cousin, when a voice greeted her.

"Evening, Daidouji-san. You look truly dashing, as always,"

Tomoyo turned around and found herself to be in front of the English gentleman. Seeing him tonight was never a part of her agenda, so she was surprised to have this sudden appearance. "Hiiragizawa-san? What are you –"

"I'm ready to help with your project,"

"But I told you that you didn't need to come tonight! Don't you have the jetlag or something? You should just rest in your house and –"

"Easy, Daidouji-san. Don't worry about me. My fatigue immediately disappears the moment I see you,"

Had he been another man, she would just crack a forced smile to reply at such cheesy flatter, but he had been her friend ever since the 5th grade plus she knew that gentleman-ly flattering had been his habit even since he was younger –thus she just nodded and smiled.

"So," Eriol spoke again. "Let me review, you want me to pose as your date since your mother always demands you to have a boyfriend?"

"Yes,"

"Then I'll try my best to be the expected date then,"

Tomoyo nodded. "But are you really sure it's okay? I mean, what about Mizuki-san? I really don't want to –"

"Don't worry about her, Daidouji-san,"

"But –"

His pale arm suddenly reached for her hand and grabbed it tenderly. "I said, don't worry,"

Tomoyo almost blushed at his sudden contact, but before she could come up with a retort, a cold liquid splashed on her front –apparently, a servant boy had accidentally spilled a drink to her dress.

"Oh my," she commented as looking at her now ruined pale pink dress.

The servant boy looked aghast at the mess he just did to his own employer. Shrieking, he muttered, "I-I'm sorry, Miss Daidouji! I wasn't looking! Oh My God, I-I'm sorry, I really –"

"It's okay, it's okay. You may go," Tomoyo said and the servant embarrassedly dashed out of her sight. "I'm sorry, Hiiragizawa-san, but please excuse myself for a while. I have to get changed,"

"Take your time,"

She nodded and walked in fast pace back to her room. Fortunately, she always had a habit to choose a backup dress for any parties. Usually, she never truly needed to wear those backup dresses, but this time, her habit proved to be an advantage. She grabbed the neatly-ironed dress in her walk-in-closet (it never hurt to have the whole designers' dresses there too…) and quickly changed her pink dress into a sleeveless indigo one. After quickly making sure that she was proper enough for the party, Tomoyo went down and greeted Eriol back –who was still in the same spot as when she left him earlier. "I'm sorry,"

"Don't be. Anyway, I saw your mother over there,"

"Good. Come, I'll go introduce you to her,"

And as expected, Sonomi Daidouji was thrilled once seeing her only daughter came with the fine-looking man.

"Mother, I want you to meet Hiiragizawa Eriol,"

Sonomi scrutinized the guy, and after few seconds, her eyes lit in acknowledgement. "Ah, aren't you Tomoyo's classmates in the Elementary School? You've grown into such a fine gentleman. Pleasure to meet you, Hiiragizawa,"

"The pleasure really is mine, Daidouji-sama," spoke the man as he gracefully took Sonomi's hand and kissed it.

Sonomi looked pleased at his antics. "Tomoyo, he's –Whoops!" The older woman gasped as she stumbled forward a little when someone behind unconsciously took the wrong step and hit the CEO.

"Oh, Sonomi! I'm sorry!" shouted a lady whom Tomoyo recognized as her mother's friend.

"It's alright, Ritsuko. Oh, and have you met Hiiragizawa Eriol? He's Tomoyo's date for tonight, isn't he, Tomoyo?"

It was the Hiiragizawa himself who replied to the inquiry, "Yes, Daidouji-sama. The honor is mine,"

"Ah, I know you!" exclaimed Ritsuko. "You're the young entrepreneur from London, who develops a homemade pastry industry, aren't you? I saw your profile on one of my husband's business magazine,"

"It's really just a small business, Madam. Nothing much to compare to your husband's construction company,"

"You know my husband?"

"He has been generous to sponsor my earlier business. Please tell him my best gratitude," bowed Eriol politely.

Both older ladies nodded in great appreciation. "You're just being too humble. I heard that your pastry shops have been opened in many countries and have a worldwide acclamation. And to think that you're only… 25? 22?"

"I'm 21, Ma'am,"

"Even better!" Ritsuko beamed. "Then it means you're still in college?"

"I've graduated last year," he said, and somehow without sounding cocky.

"Really?! What major did you take?"

"I studied Law,"

Ritsuko laughed in appreciation. "Wow, Tomoyo, you really have good eyes, don't you?"

"Well, she's my daughter," Sonomi claimed proudly.

Giving a smile, Tomoyo mentally congratulated herself. Hiiragizawa Eriol seemed to be the best pick after all. Her mother had never approved of any guy she had brought with her, but Eriol appeared to be an exception. Slowly, Tomoyo started to agree to Sakura's opinion when she said that the reason why her mother never liked those other guys was because Sonomi herself thought that Tomoyo never really acclaimed those guys for real. Admittedly, Hiiragizawa-san had every perfect gentleman criteria. She saw it in him, and thus that was why perhaps Sonomi appreciated the guy well too.

"And Dearie, why don't you and Hiiragizawa have a dance together?" Sonomi suggested once noticing the soft melody of the music played on the background.

Eriol nodded and turned to the amethyst-eyed woman. "Do I have this dance?" he said as bowing in the perfect mannerism.

Giving a playful curtsy, Tomoyo then took the extended hand. "Yes, you do,"

In a graceful tug, Eriol led the girl to the center of the ballroom. The coupling itself was a pair made in heaven, their steps matched in perfect harmony, and would remain so if –

"Ouch!" she yelped rather uncharacteristically.

–her foot hadn't been stomped by the heeled shoe of Kinomoto Sakura.

"Oh, Tomoyo-chan!! I'm sorry!!" gasped a surprised Sakura as she immediately ended her dance with Syaoran. "Are you hurt?! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I am very clumsy! I –"

Still trying to hold the pain, Tomoyo replied in the perfectly masked smile. "It's…okay, Sakura…chan. Really, it's –"

Her words were cut once she sensed Hiiragizawa bent down on his knees and used his magic to heal the pain on her foot. That action of him made her even more panicked. Surely magic was not something commonly-met in parties like this. With hushed voice she bent down and told the man,"Hiiragizawa-san! That's not necessary! It isn't a meaningful wound and what if somebody sees your magic and –"

"Relax, Daidouji-san. You worry too much," he grinned as finishing his healing and stood firm in front of her again. "Now, do you still want to do the dance or do you just want to sit?"

The mood to dance had actually disappeared from her self, but she didn't want to disappoint her old friend –foremost after he took the trouble of healing her foot. So, in a rather dumbfounded expression, she nodded. And after assuring Sakura for the umpteenth time that she was not hurt, Tomoyo then took the extended hand once again and did the waltz with the reincarnated magician.

"I think this is not my night. First my dress, then my foot. Really, I don't know what evil spirit possesses me tonight," she laughed as following his lead of the dance.

His smile, this time, was much more unreadable than the rests. "Don't say such thing, Daidouji-san,"

Dancing with Hiiragizawa Eriol had been one of the most graceful things she had ever experienced. That guy could dance much better than any guy she had seen –without draining the true masculinity he had in him. His movements had always been calculated and precise, and Tomoyo –having learned ballroom dance since she was 6 – couldn't be more satisfied to find such a compatible dance partner.

"You dance very well," he complimented.

"You too, Hiiragizawa-san,"

Perhaps he considered it as an encouragement, for the next moment the hand on her waist pulled her much closer and his fingers intertwined intimately with hers.

And she realized that his face was so achingly close…

Tomoyo had dealt with guys often enough to know very well their nature to be flirty. When guys did that to her, she would usually just say a 'politely' stabbing retort to warn the guys back. She didn't mind casual flirting, but sometimes men just walk a little bit too far on her comfort zone –and that was when her feminist side rose to protect her own dignity.

But strangely, with Hiiragizawa, it was a different case. That guy was touching her more intimately than any other man had ever done, and yet, she didn't feel it was insulting, even she…

…blushed.

"H-Hiiragizawa –"

Her series of misfortune apparently still continued.

Before she had chance to finish her words, she felt the heel of her shoes broke.

And she tripped backward.

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There was couple of seconds when she couldn't see and feel her surrounding.

But once the sight came back to her eyes again she could feel the pain on her head.

And… the deep embarrassment.

THE Daidouji Tomoyo had really just tripped in the middle of the ballroom with every guest as the witnesses.

She felt like she wanted to blur into oblivion.

"Here, let me help you, Daidouji-san,"

"I-it's okay, I-I can stand by my own, I just, oh. This is the first time that I ever, ever trip on –" Tomoyo mumbled incoherently –mortification filled her fully.

Sakura, Syaoran, and Sonomi quickly approached the girl. Although Tomoyo appreciated the concern, attention was something that she wanted to avoid currently. After managing to convince the three that she really, really, really was alright, they nodded in comprehension.

Eriol then spoke up, "Perhaps you'd better take a break now. Let me assist you,"

"Y-yes, I think you're right," Tomoyo agreed and followed him out of the crowd (and giving reassuring smile to the guests –after all, a Daidouji could never really lose poise). And after Eriol and Tomoyo sat on the couch at the corner, she muttered. "Thank you. I really don't know what's up with me today. Have I done anything bad? The evil spirit really seems to possess me after all,"

"I told you not to speak like that," he said as watching her change her shoes. A maid had carried the new pair once she saw her Mistress' broken heels. Good choice, for the maid had brought her flat shoes instead of other high heels.

"But I really don't get it," she calmly tried to analyze. "It's like I'm suddenly cursed or something –"

Beside her, she could hear him laugh.

And his laugh…

It wasn't his usual charming or polite laugh. It was his… mischievous laugh.

And his sapphire eyes… twinkled almost maniacally.

His next words strengthened her belief that… she really hadn't been cautious this time.

"Perhaps you already are, Daidouji-san,"

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To Be Continued

A/n : Thank you for your time to read it. ^-^. I am so excited about this project, ooh, EriolxTomoyo always has that kind of effect for me… I have written out the ending for this, so yes, unless something happened like when I abandoned Mnemosyne's Labyrinth for nearly a year, I will be posting the updates regularly. There won't be update for this story next week though. Next week, I am going to post the newest chapter of my current Mnemosyne's Labyrinth fic. The 2nd chapter of this story will come out the week after. I hope to see you there.

Meanwhile… would you like to review? It always warms my heart to receive reviews –be it a positive or negative review. I appreciate them all. I would also like to know what you think of this fiction so I can improve it….and maybe update faster. *wink