Love the Accidental Way
By Kukaburry
Card Captor Sakura Disclaimer
Chapter 1- Tension
"I can't believe we're seniors!" Sakura chirped, smiling widely like a little girl. Her short-cropped amber hair bounced against her cheek as she skipped. "We're going to have so much fun this year Tomoyo!"
Tomoyo rolled her eyes and laughed, "Sakura, it's only the first day of school. We still have," she looked down at her calendar, "175 days left; give it a break." She flicked a long, black tendril of hair over her shoulder.
Sakura stuck her tongue out at Tomoyo. "Well I'm not planning on doing anything this year. I'm coasting! Uh oh." She looked to the front of the room where a guy with thick, sun-streaked hair and flawless tan sauntered in, yawned, and took the first seat by the door without so much as acknowledging anyone. "Adam's in our class this year!" She hissed loudly to Tomoyo.
"Gee thanks, I didn't notice that," Tomoyo answered sarcastically as she stared at his muscles bulging through his too-tight school-issued coat. "Why is he taking AP chemistry? I thought he didn't take smart people classes?"
Sakura spun around in her seat and raised her eyebrows, anger etched in her eyes. "He's not stupid Tomoyo. He just doesn't care about his grades." She defended him, sniffing at Tomoyo's blatant discrimination of jocks.
"Of course he's not stupid. He did get an offer to play soccer at Stanford. I just remember him saying last year that he was refusing to use his brain this year... and this isn't really what we would call a slack class." Tomoyo explained patiently while allowing Sakura to absorb this information.
"Oh…. Well he's really, really hot. I don't care about his brains, just look at his body." Sakura and Tomoyo giggled and traced his muscles with their eyes. "I heard he broke up with his girlfriend this summer. He's all ours."
A slender blonde woman in her early thirties entered the room holding a pair of thick-framed glasses. Her salon tan made her skin seem to glow with an orange tint. The tan line around her eyes suggested that not all of her tan was fake. "Good morning class," she chimed sedately, taking in all of the fresh and not-so-eager faces, "I am Ms. Raeford. Some of you may know my brother, Adam Raeford." Adam looked up, flashed his sister a haughty glare, and then continued the survey of the desk. Sakura and Tomoyo passed each other an 'Ah-ha' look. That's why Adam was in this class.
"I just started here this year. I went to Yale for my undergrad, and finished at North Western two years ago, majoring in Chemistry and Bioengineering. I had the pleasure of meeting your old teacher, Mrs. Danskin, and learned that this was a top-rate high school. I hope you all take this class seriously because I'm not a fan of slackers," She shot her brother a meaningful, cock-eyed stare. "Now…"
"No way! His sister…a brain?" Sakura chided, giggling with Tomoyo. "Will wonders never cease?"
"Excuse me! Two girls in the back, stand up please and address your names." Ms. Raeford commanded, glowering at Tomoyo and Sakura.
"I am Sakura Kinomoto, Ms. Raeford," she bowed apologetically.
"I am Tomoyo Daijou. I'm sorry for talking Ms. Raeford."
"Sakura, I want you to sit up front next to Adam. Tomoyo, sit in the middle section over there. I do not tolerate nonsense in my class. Maybe being separated from your friend will teach you a lesson." Ms. Raeford watched them icily as they silently moved to their new desks. Hushed chuckles flowed through the room causing Ms. Raeford's eye to inadvertently twitch.
Tomoyo gave Sakura a sly smile, indicating that she was 'lucky' to sit next to Adam. Sakura slid elegantly into her new seat next to the divine Adam. She snuck a side glance at his chiseled features and discovered that he was staring at her. Not just casually glancing at her; actually noticeably checking her out.
Sakura blushed and smiled bashfully at him. His eyes crinkled to life as he returned the smile. His eyes swept from her face back to his sister's droning.
An hour later, they had four packets of homework due the next week and two labs to be completed individually online. Tomoyo and Sakura dragged their bags wearily out of class. "Does she think we actually have work ethics or something? We're not going to be able to go to the beach this weekend with all this work," Sakura ranted.
"Did I hear someone say 'beach'," a cool voice asked from behind her. Sakura spun around and came face-to-face with Adam.
"Oh.. erm.. hi". 'Way to go Sakura, impress him with stuttering.' "Yeah, we were just going to drive out to the beach with our friends for a couple of days. Tomoyo's dad owns a beach house."
"That sounds like a cool time. Maybe I'll see you guys out there. My dad rents a house out there too." He shotSakura a devastating smile and left Tomoyo and Sakura completely speechless.
"Oh my goodness. Adam Raeford actually noticed you! How do you feel?" Tomoyo held out an imaginary microphone.
"I feel nauseous. I have to get a cute bathing suit now! It's too much pressure." Sakura swallowed hard and thought of different stores she could visit.
"Sakura, we'll think about that after school today. Let's just try to accept the fact that Adam checked you out on the first day of school." Both girls grinned and shared a laugh. "Looking forward to history this year? I heard old Mullard gives out easy A's to anyone who admires his map of China."
Sakura turned a quizzical eye on Tomoyo. "Really? That sounds too easy. Maybe we should let Yukito try it since he's failed history twice now for two different teachers."
Tomoyo laughed and agreed. "You're right, let's tell him before class. I can't wait to see Mullard's reaction."
They entered their next class and took adjoining seats near the center of the room. Not a minute later Adam sauntered in and took a seat directly behind Sakura. Sakura suddenly found it very difficult to chat candidly with Tomoyo in such a close proximity to Adam.
Tomoyo gave Sakura the 'look' and cocked her eyebrows jokingly. 'He's totally into you'. When Tomoyo turned to look at Adam, it was all Sakura could do from slapping a hand over her friend's mouth.
"So Adam, how was your summer?" She asked, trying to avoid looking at Sakura's death glare. "We didn't know you had a super-brainiac for a sister."
Adam gave Tomoyo a strange look. "Yeah, she's a total geek." He turned his gaze to Sakura who tried not to faint on the spot. "I can't believe she's embarrassing me by teaching at my school."
Sakura nodded sagely. "I know, siblings can be such jerks. My older brother calls me 'little monster' in front of everyone. I hate it." Tomoyo suppressed a giggle at the ridiculousness of Sakura's confession. It took her a moment to realize what she had just said and once she did, her entire body turned the color of an apple. "Oh my god. Sorry, not that you needed to know that."
Adam coughed uncomfortably and tried to laugh it off. "Yeah, it's ok. It's kind of cute." He said lamely.
Tomoyo hopped out of her chair when Yukito entered and explained her theory to him. "It can't hurt right?" He grinned and agreed to test it out. "Maybe I'll actually pass this year." He looked over at Sakura and nodded. "Hey Saku, haven't seen you in a while. Tell your brother to stop being a hermit and come out into the sun more."
"I'm not sure that will do much good. You might have to drag him out," she replied. "We'll all be grateful if you do."
"That can be arranged," he chuckled and took his seat.
The tardy bell rang and Mr. Mullard entered the room very slowly. "Oh god, I see ancient dust coming off of him with every step he takes!" Sakura whispered to Tomoyo who sniggered.
"He might have gone digging in Egypt looking for some of his relatives." Tomoyo whispered back. "I'm surprised they didn't mistake him for a mummy." They barely contained their hysterical laughter as he stopped behind his chair and faced the class.
"I'm glad to see your radiant faces this year." He creaked. Sakura gave Tomoyo a 'I'll bet he's glad to be alive this year' glance. "Now class, we have a new student joining our school this year. His name is Li, Syaoran." Everyone perked up at this. They rarely got new students, especially since it was senior year.
A muscular boy a little over 6 feet tall entered the room. He had piercing amber eyes and caramel colored hair. "Syaoran hails from Tokyo. Try to make him feel welcome." Several girls began whispering excitedly. Even Tomoyo and Sakura couldn't help but eye him lustfully.
"Mr. Li, please take the open seat next to miss Kinomoto. Sakura, please raise your hand." Sakura timidly raised her hand and Syaoran watched her with a piercing stare. He strode forward and sat down while remaining completely silent.
"Welcome to Tomedo High!" Sakura chirped brightly, smiling openly at the new guy.
"Yeah whatever. Just leave me alone." He grumbled, refusing to look at Sakura.
Sakura turned to Tomoyo, shocked and angry at the new guy's reaction. "Hey guy, you don't have to be a dick to her. She's just trying to be nice." Adam spoke up from behind Sakura. She wanted to hug him right then for sticking up for her.
"It's none of your business," Syaoran growled back. "You don't know me so don't pretend to be nice to me."
Who did this kid think he was? "Let me guess," he continued snidely while looking at Adam, "You're the soccer captain? You think you're a gift to the Earth." He turned his gaze to Sakura. "And you're the cheerleading captain. You think everyone loves you."
Tomoyo now jumped in. "Well buddy, just so you know, everyone does love Sakura. She is the nicest person you'll meet at this school. And I'm her best friend. I hope you know you just crossed me by bad-mouthing Sakura. I'm not against beating the crap out of you for that."
Syaoran rolled his eyes in mock terror. "I look forward to seeing you try."
So much for first impressions.
I haven't written a CCS fanfic in about 8 years, so this is quite exciting for me! I'm glad to be back in the game! ~Kukaburry~ R&R if you have time :D