A/N: Nihao! Welcome to my new fanficcy! This chappy is actually the prologue so it might be shorter than the other chapters. (Not sure till I actually write it) Ne ways, I hope you enjoy it!
Finding You
By: AmpEar
Chapter 1: Runaway: A Lost and Found Situation
Icy cold rain hit the earth like countless paralyzing needles, inescapable, as loud crashes of thunder pounded through the atmosphere like symbols crashing together. Winds blew like powerful jabs to whatever they rammed into. During this time of the year China's comfortable weather was being conquered by the Typhoon season that hit every year during the same time of year. But thankfully the harsh season was nearly over, but still, anyone with enough sense would avoid stepping out of doors.
Messy chocolate brown hair whipped from side to side as cinnamon eyes peered out from behind squinting eye lids, face shielded by two finely tanned, muscle toned arms as two feet moved forward as if they had minds of their own.
Syaoran Li, age 17, heir to the wealthy and powerful, not to mention very strict, Li clan, trudged his way southward down a street, litered with flying debris from the storms strong winds. His destination: The nearest private port where most of the Li clan's private fishing boats, yachts, and other miscellaneous water crafts resided.
Slipping, Syaoran reached out and wrapped his arms around the nearest object within reach, which happened to be a light post, hoping to not get blow away by the fierce storm winds. What a bad time he had chose to runaway from home...
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Flashback
---------
"As we all know, full and well, the legendary Clow Cards have been missing from the Li Clan, their rightful owner, for well over a century. And every scout that we've sent out has either returned with parts of their memories missing, never returned, or have died in the line of duty."
A tall, proud, chinese woman with skin as fair as porcelain, long jet black hair in a partial bun behind her head, and blood red lips walked with slow steps in front of the 'Wise' old clan leaders. Her audience: them and a couple of dozens of other Li decendants. Her red and gold silky chinese cheongsam swishing back and forth as she walked steadily to and fro. Her face stern and etched with worry and stress.
"What are you proposing Li Yelan?" one of the elders broke in, wanting her to get on with her point.
"Im proposing that instead of sending out more unproductive men, we send my son. Li Syaoran."
Syaoran, who happened to be peering through a crack in the door that led to the conference room, growled slightly. Volenteering him without even asking him first. All he could do now was pray the elders would refuse her proposal. If they didn't, it was time to take matters into his own hands then.
Whispers and murmurs broke out amongst the gathered Li's. Even the council till the sound of a gavel slamming into a table echoed throughout the room, causing the people of the Li clan to calm and quiet down.
The oldest member of the council, a wrinkled and frail looking short pale man with the longest white beard in the room questioned Yelan.
"And what is your reasoning for proposing this.. uh, this unexpected and outrageous idea? You know as well as everyone else in this room that he is the only male suitable to become the next heir to our clan. What would we do if he had died during his mission? What would you propose then?"
Yelan's pacing had stopped as she turned to face the old man, her eyes staring directly into his, unblinking.
"But have you forgotten as well, elder? None of the other scouts sent out were as well trained as my son is. Both physically and magically."
The elders seemed to ponder this, which all of what Yelan had said was true, of course. And they knew it. Yelan watched as the elders began to discuss the matter between each other. If her son could be given the chance, and was successful, he would bring more honor than imaginable to her family, not to mention the entire Li family's respect.
It wasn't long till the elders had came to a decision.
"After considering your request, we, the elders of the Li Clan, are granting you our permission to send Li Syaoran, your son, to retrieve the missing Clow Cards --"
Without waiting to finish hearing what the old man was saying to his mother, Syaoran crept back before turning and running as fast as his legs could possibly carry him. He had to get away. Away from them, away from his mission, away from everything.
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End Flashback
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Syaoran wasn't sure why he had run. All he knew was that he didn't want to take on the mission his mother had gotten him into, though usually he would have agreed. But something deep within him told him to avoid this mission as much as he could. And usually his gut feelings were always right.
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One Week Later: Tomeda, Japan
-----------------------------
"But if you leave, what am I supposed to do? Sit and wait for your return?"
Two glassy green orbs gazed into midnight blue ones, watery as if tears were going to spill any minute from them, while the other set of eyes gazed deeply into the captivating forest green eyes in front of him, concern evident in them.
Sakura Kinomoto, age 17, fair skinned and rich auburn hair, stared deeply into Eriol's eyes, her arms wrapped around his neck, her face distressed. Her white with orange and red flowered print dress swaying with Eriols loose baggy black pants and plain black T-shirt slightly to an un-natural breeze.
"Please understand what im going through. I love you just as much as you love me but we can't keep hiding like this. People are going to start --"
"I don't care what people think! If we can't be together here, then take me with you. Just don't leave me here!" she pleaded, her face pouting.
"Sakura, it's not safe for a girl to follow a man to such a dangerous place. I care about you, I don't want to see you get hurt. I promise I'll return for you once it's safe."
Eriol's deep masculine voice rang through Sakura's ears as one crystaline tear ran down her face as she finally nodded in agreement with him.
"It's a promise." he added, earning him a shaky smile from Sakura.
"Then let's seal it with a good-bye kiss."
Slowly, both magicians leaned in, ready to give the other what may be the last kiss they would ever share together. Both were soon milimeters from touching the others lips when suddenly...
"OK! CUT! That's a wrap for today!" a very loud voice rang from the most unlikely person. Both actors sighed thankfully as other actors sitting in the first three rows of the auditorium seats and back stage crew began to move about, shuffling things and began to leave. Sakura quickly wiped away the fake tear that had slid down her face caused by using too many eye drops.
Ametyst eyes sparkled as a grin was plastered on her pale face. Her skin fairer than all of the people's in the room, making her almost a ghost white. Her black velvet dress bounced as she bounced up to the two main actors.
"Im so happy this play is getting along so well! And Sakura, the dress I made for you fits perfectly! Im so glad! I wasn't sure if they were going to fit since I took your measurements by eye. And Eriol, im almost done with your costume too, so it shouldn't be too long."
Sakura shivered before rubbing a hand quickly up and down her other arm.
"Brrr... it's freezing in here! This is why I hate dresses. Why couldn't you make something a little less revealing? Especially since im up in Eriol's face where he can have a good look down my cleavage." Sakura growled out, causing Eriol to unexpectedly blush. Hmm... good point. Maybe he could just...
"Well, I was going to have the play take place in the victorian times... care to wear a corset?" the cheery girl asked, smiling.
"Um, no thanks. I'll stick with the dress."
"That's what I thought. Oh, you both were so wonderful! I can't help but praise you both! Well, I AM praising myself as well, but without you both, my play wouldn't even have a chance to be seen!"
Eriol, silent until now, decided to speak. "Tomoyo... do we have to really kiss? I mean... you know... I just... don't feel comfortable with it."
"Same here, buddy. If I had known I was going to be weeping and bawling and kissing you in this play, I wouldn't have even tried out in the first place."
This little confession caused Tomoyo to pout.
"Aw, c'mon guys! What's a play without romance?"
Both began to mumble something but Tomoyo couldn't make it out.
"It feels weird kissing your best friend Tomo. How would you like to kiss your best friend? And in front of a shit-load of people no less?" Sakura asked, just slightly upset.
"I don't know... I think I might enjoy it actually!" she lied.
Both Eriol and Sakura made disgusted faces. That girl had some major issues...
"Can I go change now?" Sakura asked a little quickly, wanting to get home as fast as she could.
"Sure. But remember you two, in the play you're not known as Sakura and Eriol. You're (Points to Sakura) Ying Fa, a rich chinese girl who came from a strict family and you (Points to Eriol) are Keiichiro Kuda, a japanese criminal who escaped to China then both of you fall deeply in love and etc. You all know the plot."
"Ying Fa means the samething as Sakura so why can't I keep my name?"
"Because it's a play! And other people don't know that!"
Sakura sighed before nodding in defeat and began to head to the dressing room, Eriol following.
"Remember, the play is only a couple of weeks away! So keep practicing! Even at home!" she yelled after them, not recieving a reply before she sighed.
'I just hope this play goes well...'
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Dressing Room
-------------
"Hurry up Sakura, remember we're going to reherse at your house before your dad got back." Eriol yelled into the girls dressing room entrance.
Suddenly Sakura emerged, a complete 180 degrees in clothing style. Loose black pants decorated with pockets upon pockets with buttons, zippers, and chains adding to the collage while a tight pink short sleeved shirt covered her upper half of her body. A few bracelets made of leather, chains and spikes decorated her wrists.
"Taku (geez), you didn't have to yell so loud. I was right there..."
"Ah, sorry. Didn't see you there."
"It's fine, well, let's go and get this over with."
--------------------------------------
A Red Convertable cruising down a road
--------------------------------------
Wind whipped brown and black hair wildly as both teens sat in a red mustang converable, both lazily eyeing the road and scenery whipping past them.
"So..." Eriol finally decided to break the silence between the two.
"What do you think about this play we're workin on?"
"It's a piece of horse-shit." was her only reply. Eriol sighed. Not the answer he was expecting or looking for.
"Why do you think that?"
"Do I have to repeat myself? Throughout the whole play I feel like im either sniveling or bawling or kissing you. I feel a little disgusted. Not to mention my rights violated."
This caused Eriol to chuckle. How typical of her. She was never the type to enjoy romance. Or so he though. But he was never around her 24/7 to really know for sure.
"I think it's ok..."
"Yeah, I bet you do." she added sarcastically. "You, the first guy since I can remember, stealing my first kiss. Hmph. I bet you like it." This part was added a little teasingly, a small smirk on her face. Both knowing full well that kissing was off limits till the day of the actual play. Tomoyo also saying something about feeling a little jealous... or something like that.
Eriol just grinned. "You wish."
"What? You know it's true. You and a million other guys out there just want me. Cuz im just sooo sexy." she added as a joke. Of course she didn't realize how right she was.
"You? Sexy?" Eriol snorted. "Who'd want to kiss a tomboy like you? Heck, you're stronger than most of the guys at school, if not all of them."
"Shut up. You're just jealous because--" she cut off as she began to apply the break as she spotted a large lump in the road... roadkill possibly?
"I don't remember that being there...." she mumbled. But as they got closer, they noticed it wasn't JUST a lump or bump in the road but actually a body.
Sakura found herself suddenly slamming on her brake as realization hit her. She quickly put her car in 'P' before jumping out of the car with Eriol to investigate.
"Oh. My. God. What in the name of hell..." she trailed as she crept closer to the chestnut haired boy lying on the concrete road, unconcious.
"Hey, I think he's still breathing!" Eriol exclaimed as he noticed the slightest rise and fall of the boys back. Slowly and carefully Eriol began to scoop the mysterious guy up into his arms before heading to Sakura's car, knowing full well that Sakura had the same thing in mind as him.
"Just put him in the back seat... for now." Sakura said, answering Eriol's silent question.
Sakura watched as Eriol gently placed the stranger in the back of her car. She was just glad that this backroad wasn't used very often, otherwise he would be roadkill by now... luckily they came across him.
"Where are we gonna take him? The hospital you think?" Eriol suggested.
"No... there's a spare room in my house since Touya moved out to college so we can put him there. For the time being at least. And when he wakes up, we'll consider the hospital an option."
"Ok." Eriol agreed without complaint, knowing full well that if this guy was dangerous, Sakura could handle herself.
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Sakura's House
--------------
"On the bed is fine. Watch him till I return with a blanket and some water."
Eriol nodded before watching her form fade from the room. Well, there went rehersal for this afternoon...
Eriol's gaze drifted to the stranger, his eyes eyeing his face.
'Ah, no wonder why he seemed familiar. He's from the Li Clan. Explains the chinese look. But he looks a bit young to be another one of their scouts... im just surprised Sakura hasn't noticed his faint aura yet.'
It wasn't long till Sakura returned with a hand towel, bowl of water, and a blanket. In one swift motion she placed the bowl of water and hand towel on the nightstand and drapped the blanket over the unconcious stranger.
"Eriol, could you open the window?"
Without nodding or answering Eriol walked towards the window and opened it, a warm, refreshing breeze filtering into the room. The spring weather was so nice this year...
As Eriol was enjoying the feel of the wind on his skin, Sakura dipped the towel into the warm water and began to wipe the dirt and dried blood of the boys face.
'He's kinda cute without all of the dirt and grime on his face... hmm... hope those cuts on his face don't leave scars though.' she silently thought.
Slowly, the boys eyes began to open, wincing as the unexpected sunlight hit his eyes, causing them to adjust. But as soon as they adjusted, he croaked out, "Where am I?" before spotting Sakura to his left, his vision just a little hazy. His voice attracting Sakura's and Eriol's attention.
'Meiling? No... somebody else.'
Sakura looked at the boy quizically. "Look kid, you're not in China anymore, so speak Japanese here. I can't understand a word you're sayin." she said, a little afraid he was one of those chinese goons sent from the Li Clan. Because if he was, there was going to be hell.
Unknown to her, he understood her perfectly, very unlike the Li Clan's scouts that were sent to Japan. Thank god he had taken those Japanese classes back at home.
"Ah, gomen. Didn't realize I was in Japan..." was his only reply.
Sakura raised her eyebrow as she examined his face quizically.
"So uh... why were you laying out in the middle of the street, if I might ask?"
He looked at her in a funny way, almost as if he was confused and didn't know the answer himself.
"I don't... know. Don't remember how I got there..."
"Great. He has memory loss too." Eriol exclaimed, earning him a glare from the chinese boy, or what seemed to be a glare... hard to tell with that tired expression on his face.
"Im just glad im alive..." he mumbled.
"So, what's your name? We can't just keep calling you 'Hey' or 'You', now can we?" Sakura said as she smiled slightly, leaning forward in her chair, her elbows resting on her knees.
"Li. Li Syaoran."
Suddenly, Sakura found herself jumping back in a fighting position, ready to be attacked. So it was another Li scout.
Syaoran watched her suddenly jump back as if she had seen a ghost, ready to defend herself. What was her problem anyways? Was it something he had said? Did he look like he was going to eat her or something? Finally, too exhausted to care anymore, he found himself falling back onto the bed, eyes closing, which caused Sakura to loosen up slightly. What was going on? If he was sent here for her cards, shouldn't he be attacking her right now?
Suddenly a gentle hand landed on Sakura's shoulder in reassurance. It was Eriol.
"He's not a scout." he whispered in her ear, causing her to instantly relax.
"But... then... why is he here?" she whispered back. Eriol only shrugged, both of their eyes drifting back to Syaoran.
The silence was finally broken by the growling of Syaoran's stomach.
"I guess I should go fix something... boy is dad going to have a cow when he get's back." she said, mumbling the last part to herself, even though Eriol could hear her as clear as day.
-----------------
A few hours later
-----------------
"Ah, Sakura, I have to leave now. Work calls." Eriol announced as he re-entered Touya's old room.
"Oh, want me to drive you?" Sakura asked as she stood from her seat next to the bed where Syaoran was sitting as he was hungrily eating his 6th bowl of ramen.
"Nah. It's only about a mile from here. I can walk. Besides, you have to take care of your guest, ne?" he said, giving her one of his heart thumping smiles. Too bad it didn't work on Sakura.
"Ok... but if you need a ride home or anything, just call my cell."
"Yeah, I know. Ja."
"Ja ne."
Sakura watched as Eriol left the room before turning her attention to Syaoran. Man, he was a freakin' bottomless pit. If he kept this up, she was going to run out of noodles...
A few minutes later he handed the bowl to her before unexpectedly belching, not fazing Sakura one bit. (Afterall, it was something she did quite often at home.)
"More?" she asked in a bored tone.
"No." was his only reply. Amazing! So there WAS a bottom in that pit!
"Um... can I use your shower? I feel disgusting. Not to mention the smell." he mumbled out.
"Yeah, I noticed." she said, refering to his bad body odor that she happened to notice just an hour ago. "It's at the end of the hall to your right, can't miss it."
"Thanks." he quickly said as he began to get up, but before he could get away Sakura stopped him.
"You might want a change of clothes too." She said as she began to dig into a dresser filled with her brothers old clothes before tossing a midnight blue T-shirt, a pair of black sweatpants, and black boxers with flames rising from the bottom of the leg holes and up to him.
"Um.. thanks."
"No prob. My brother doesn't wear this stuff anymore since he moved away to college."
Syaoran only glanced at the boxers before heading out to shower.
Sakura sighed. Ever since she brought this Li Syaoran over to her house she hadn't gotten one thing finished. Not her homework, not the laundry, and she didn't even get to practice reciting her lines for the play yet. (She was a bit glad she didn't do that at least.) Heading out of Touya's old room she headed for her room, about to greet Kero.
But when she opened her door, the TV set was off and Kero was no where in sight. 'Where'd that little fluff ball go to? I thought I told him to stay put...' were her only thoughts. Till she remembered Eriol was in here playing video games with him earlier... maybe he went with him? Sakura shrugged. Oh well. At least he was out of sight and out of mind. 'No worries... I hope.'
Downstairs, Sakura began to flip through the channels, deciding to skip the homework and watch TV. She deserved some break time at least, after saving a persons life, she told herself mentally.
Since there was nothing on TV, she left the channel on the national weather channel before heading into the kitchen and returning with a bowl of vanilla pudding.
'Well, since Kero's not here, i'll just eat this for him...'
Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening startled Sakura. Was it her dad? No... couldn't be. Too early... but it was, surprising Sakura even more.
"Konnichiwa, Sakura." Her dad greeted, like always.
"Um... K-Konnichiwa... you're home awefully early..." she managed to mouth out.
"I didn't have any papers to grade at the college today so I came home early. For a change. Besides, I don't get to see you often. You're usually in bed by the time im done with my work. So I said, "Heck, it wouldn't hurt if we spent some bonding time together like how we used to do.", right, Sakura?" he said, giving her a happy smile. Too bad she couldn't do the same.
She had forgotten the cow her dad was going to have after finding out about their new and unexpected guest.
"... Ah... I need to go check on something reeeeaaaallly quick... be right back." she gasped as she began to get up but before she could make a move towards the stairs...
"Um... got any toothpaste and a spare toothbrush?" came Syaoran's voice as he began his decent down the stairs, stopping mid-way when making eye contact with Sakura's father.
Sakura slumped down on the couch as she slapped her forehead as two words ran through her head.
'Oh shit...'
To be continued...
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WAH! I FINISHED! Turned out to about the length of a normal chapter... hope you guys don't mind! (Im sure you don't!)
So, how was it? I frankly enjoyed writing it. Heh heh... I wasn't sure if China had a typhoon season and when it exactly hits (Im bad with weather so I just made it up. ^_^') Also I wasn't sure if they wore corsets during the Victorian times, forgive me if im wrong. But im just too damned tired to care.... it's 7:02 AM and I just now finished (After about 5 hours of non stop re-reading and typing. Probably missed a few messed up things still though...) well, i gots to get ready for school. Please review! Arigato!
Finding You
By: AmpEar
Chapter 1: Runaway: A Lost and Found Situation
Icy cold rain hit the earth like countless paralyzing needles, inescapable, as loud crashes of thunder pounded through the atmosphere like symbols crashing together. Winds blew like powerful jabs to whatever they rammed into. During this time of the year China's comfortable weather was being conquered by the Typhoon season that hit every year during the same time of year. But thankfully the harsh season was nearly over, but still, anyone with enough sense would avoid stepping out of doors.
Messy chocolate brown hair whipped from side to side as cinnamon eyes peered out from behind squinting eye lids, face shielded by two finely tanned, muscle toned arms as two feet moved forward as if they had minds of their own.
Syaoran Li, age 17, heir to the wealthy and powerful, not to mention very strict, Li clan, trudged his way southward down a street, litered with flying debris from the storms strong winds. His destination: The nearest private port where most of the Li clan's private fishing boats, yachts, and other miscellaneous water crafts resided.
Slipping, Syaoran reached out and wrapped his arms around the nearest object within reach, which happened to be a light post, hoping to not get blow away by the fierce storm winds. What a bad time he had chose to runaway from home...
---------
Flashback
---------
"As we all know, full and well, the legendary Clow Cards have been missing from the Li Clan, their rightful owner, for well over a century. And every scout that we've sent out has either returned with parts of their memories missing, never returned, or have died in the line of duty."
A tall, proud, chinese woman with skin as fair as porcelain, long jet black hair in a partial bun behind her head, and blood red lips walked with slow steps in front of the 'Wise' old clan leaders. Her audience: them and a couple of dozens of other Li decendants. Her red and gold silky chinese cheongsam swishing back and forth as she walked steadily to and fro. Her face stern and etched with worry and stress.
"What are you proposing Li Yelan?" one of the elders broke in, wanting her to get on with her point.
"Im proposing that instead of sending out more unproductive men, we send my son. Li Syaoran."
Syaoran, who happened to be peering through a crack in the door that led to the conference room, growled slightly. Volenteering him without even asking him first. All he could do now was pray the elders would refuse her proposal. If they didn't, it was time to take matters into his own hands then.
Whispers and murmurs broke out amongst the gathered Li's. Even the council till the sound of a gavel slamming into a table echoed throughout the room, causing the people of the Li clan to calm and quiet down.
The oldest member of the council, a wrinkled and frail looking short pale man with the longest white beard in the room questioned Yelan.
"And what is your reasoning for proposing this.. uh, this unexpected and outrageous idea? You know as well as everyone else in this room that he is the only male suitable to become the next heir to our clan. What would we do if he had died during his mission? What would you propose then?"
Yelan's pacing had stopped as she turned to face the old man, her eyes staring directly into his, unblinking.
"But have you forgotten as well, elder? None of the other scouts sent out were as well trained as my son is. Both physically and magically."
The elders seemed to ponder this, which all of what Yelan had said was true, of course. And they knew it. Yelan watched as the elders began to discuss the matter between each other. If her son could be given the chance, and was successful, he would bring more honor than imaginable to her family, not to mention the entire Li family's respect.
It wasn't long till the elders had came to a decision.
"After considering your request, we, the elders of the Li Clan, are granting you our permission to send Li Syaoran, your son, to retrieve the missing Clow Cards --"
Without waiting to finish hearing what the old man was saying to his mother, Syaoran crept back before turning and running as fast as his legs could possibly carry him. He had to get away. Away from them, away from his mission, away from everything.
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End Flashback
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Syaoran wasn't sure why he had run. All he knew was that he didn't want to take on the mission his mother had gotten him into, though usually he would have agreed. But something deep within him told him to avoid this mission as much as he could. And usually his gut feelings were always right.
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One Week Later: Tomeda, Japan
-----------------------------
"But if you leave, what am I supposed to do? Sit and wait for your return?"
Two glassy green orbs gazed into midnight blue ones, watery as if tears were going to spill any minute from them, while the other set of eyes gazed deeply into the captivating forest green eyes in front of him, concern evident in them.
Sakura Kinomoto, age 17, fair skinned and rich auburn hair, stared deeply into Eriol's eyes, her arms wrapped around his neck, her face distressed. Her white with orange and red flowered print dress swaying with Eriols loose baggy black pants and plain black T-shirt slightly to an un-natural breeze.
"Please understand what im going through. I love you just as much as you love me but we can't keep hiding like this. People are going to start --"
"I don't care what people think! If we can't be together here, then take me with you. Just don't leave me here!" she pleaded, her face pouting.
"Sakura, it's not safe for a girl to follow a man to such a dangerous place. I care about you, I don't want to see you get hurt. I promise I'll return for you once it's safe."
Eriol's deep masculine voice rang through Sakura's ears as one crystaline tear ran down her face as she finally nodded in agreement with him.
"It's a promise." he added, earning him a shaky smile from Sakura.
"Then let's seal it with a good-bye kiss."
Slowly, both magicians leaned in, ready to give the other what may be the last kiss they would ever share together. Both were soon milimeters from touching the others lips when suddenly...
"OK! CUT! That's a wrap for today!" a very loud voice rang from the most unlikely person. Both actors sighed thankfully as other actors sitting in the first three rows of the auditorium seats and back stage crew began to move about, shuffling things and began to leave. Sakura quickly wiped away the fake tear that had slid down her face caused by using too many eye drops.
Ametyst eyes sparkled as a grin was plastered on her pale face. Her skin fairer than all of the people's in the room, making her almost a ghost white. Her black velvet dress bounced as she bounced up to the two main actors.
"Im so happy this play is getting along so well! And Sakura, the dress I made for you fits perfectly! Im so glad! I wasn't sure if they were going to fit since I took your measurements by eye. And Eriol, im almost done with your costume too, so it shouldn't be too long."
Sakura shivered before rubbing a hand quickly up and down her other arm.
"Brrr... it's freezing in here! This is why I hate dresses. Why couldn't you make something a little less revealing? Especially since im up in Eriol's face where he can have a good look down my cleavage." Sakura growled out, causing Eriol to unexpectedly blush. Hmm... good point. Maybe he could just...
"Well, I was going to have the play take place in the victorian times... care to wear a corset?" the cheery girl asked, smiling.
"Um, no thanks. I'll stick with the dress."
"That's what I thought. Oh, you both were so wonderful! I can't help but praise you both! Well, I AM praising myself as well, but without you both, my play wouldn't even have a chance to be seen!"
Eriol, silent until now, decided to speak. "Tomoyo... do we have to really kiss? I mean... you know... I just... don't feel comfortable with it."
"Same here, buddy. If I had known I was going to be weeping and bawling and kissing you in this play, I wouldn't have even tried out in the first place."
This little confession caused Tomoyo to pout.
"Aw, c'mon guys! What's a play without romance?"
Both began to mumble something but Tomoyo couldn't make it out.
"It feels weird kissing your best friend Tomo. How would you like to kiss your best friend? And in front of a shit-load of people no less?" Sakura asked, just slightly upset.
"I don't know... I think I might enjoy it actually!" she lied.
Both Eriol and Sakura made disgusted faces. That girl had some major issues...
"Can I go change now?" Sakura asked a little quickly, wanting to get home as fast as she could.
"Sure. But remember you two, in the play you're not known as Sakura and Eriol. You're (Points to Sakura) Ying Fa, a rich chinese girl who came from a strict family and you (Points to Eriol) are Keiichiro Kuda, a japanese criminal who escaped to China then both of you fall deeply in love and etc. You all know the plot."
"Ying Fa means the samething as Sakura so why can't I keep my name?"
"Because it's a play! And other people don't know that!"
Sakura sighed before nodding in defeat and began to head to the dressing room, Eriol following.
"Remember, the play is only a couple of weeks away! So keep practicing! Even at home!" she yelled after them, not recieving a reply before she sighed.
'I just hope this play goes well...'
-------------
Dressing Room
-------------
"Hurry up Sakura, remember we're going to reherse at your house before your dad got back." Eriol yelled into the girls dressing room entrance.
Suddenly Sakura emerged, a complete 180 degrees in clothing style. Loose black pants decorated with pockets upon pockets with buttons, zippers, and chains adding to the collage while a tight pink short sleeved shirt covered her upper half of her body. A few bracelets made of leather, chains and spikes decorated her wrists.
"Taku (geez), you didn't have to yell so loud. I was right there..."
"Ah, sorry. Didn't see you there."
"It's fine, well, let's go and get this over with."
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A Red Convertable cruising down a road
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Wind whipped brown and black hair wildly as both teens sat in a red mustang converable, both lazily eyeing the road and scenery whipping past them.
"So..." Eriol finally decided to break the silence between the two.
"What do you think about this play we're workin on?"
"It's a piece of horse-shit." was her only reply. Eriol sighed. Not the answer he was expecting or looking for.
"Why do you think that?"
"Do I have to repeat myself? Throughout the whole play I feel like im either sniveling or bawling or kissing you. I feel a little disgusted. Not to mention my rights violated."
This caused Eriol to chuckle. How typical of her. She was never the type to enjoy romance. Or so he though. But he was never around her 24/7 to really know for sure.
"I think it's ok..."
"Yeah, I bet you do." she added sarcastically. "You, the first guy since I can remember, stealing my first kiss. Hmph. I bet you like it." This part was added a little teasingly, a small smirk on her face. Both knowing full well that kissing was off limits till the day of the actual play. Tomoyo also saying something about feeling a little jealous... or something like that.
Eriol just grinned. "You wish."
"What? You know it's true. You and a million other guys out there just want me. Cuz im just sooo sexy." she added as a joke. Of course she didn't realize how right she was.
"You? Sexy?" Eriol snorted. "Who'd want to kiss a tomboy like you? Heck, you're stronger than most of the guys at school, if not all of them."
"Shut up. You're just jealous because--" she cut off as she began to apply the break as she spotted a large lump in the road... roadkill possibly?
"I don't remember that being there...." she mumbled. But as they got closer, they noticed it wasn't JUST a lump or bump in the road but actually a body.
Sakura found herself suddenly slamming on her brake as realization hit her. She quickly put her car in 'P' before jumping out of the car with Eriol to investigate.
"Oh. My. God. What in the name of hell..." she trailed as she crept closer to the chestnut haired boy lying on the concrete road, unconcious.
"Hey, I think he's still breathing!" Eriol exclaimed as he noticed the slightest rise and fall of the boys back. Slowly and carefully Eriol began to scoop the mysterious guy up into his arms before heading to Sakura's car, knowing full well that Sakura had the same thing in mind as him.
"Just put him in the back seat... for now." Sakura said, answering Eriol's silent question.
Sakura watched as Eriol gently placed the stranger in the back of her car. She was just glad that this backroad wasn't used very often, otherwise he would be roadkill by now... luckily they came across him.
"Where are we gonna take him? The hospital you think?" Eriol suggested.
"No... there's a spare room in my house since Touya moved out to college so we can put him there. For the time being at least. And when he wakes up, we'll consider the hospital an option."
"Ok." Eriol agreed without complaint, knowing full well that if this guy was dangerous, Sakura could handle herself.
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Sakura's House
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"On the bed is fine. Watch him till I return with a blanket and some water."
Eriol nodded before watching her form fade from the room. Well, there went rehersal for this afternoon...
Eriol's gaze drifted to the stranger, his eyes eyeing his face.
'Ah, no wonder why he seemed familiar. He's from the Li Clan. Explains the chinese look. But he looks a bit young to be another one of their scouts... im just surprised Sakura hasn't noticed his faint aura yet.'
It wasn't long till Sakura returned with a hand towel, bowl of water, and a blanket. In one swift motion she placed the bowl of water and hand towel on the nightstand and drapped the blanket over the unconcious stranger.
"Eriol, could you open the window?"
Without nodding or answering Eriol walked towards the window and opened it, a warm, refreshing breeze filtering into the room. The spring weather was so nice this year...
As Eriol was enjoying the feel of the wind on his skin, Sakura dipped the towel into the warm water and began to wipe the dirt and dried blood of the boys face.
'He's kinda cute without all of the dirt and grime on his face... hmm... hope those cuts on his face don't leave scars though.' she silently thought.
Slowly, the boys eyes began to open, wincing as the unexpected sunlight hit his eyes, causing them to adjust. But as soon as they adjusted, he croaked out, "Where am I?" before spotting Sakura to his left, his vision just a little hazy. His voice attracting Sakura's and Eriol's attention.
'Meiling? No... somebody else.'
Sakura looked at the boy quizically. "Look kid, you're not in China anymore, so speak Japanese here. I can't understand a word you're sayin." she said, a little afraid he was one of those chinese goons sent from the Li Clan. Because if he was, there was going to be hell.
Unknown to her, he understood her perfectly, very unlike the Li Clan's scouts that were sent to Japan. Thank god he had taken those Japanese classes back at home.
"Ah, gomen. Didn't realize I was in Japan..." was his only reply.
Sakura raised her eyebrow as she examined his face quizically.
"So uh... why were you laying out in the middle of the street, if I might ask?"
He looked at her in a funny way, almost as if he was confused and didn't know the answer himself.
"I don't... know. Don't remember how I got there..."
"Great. He has memory loss too." Eriol exclaimed, earning him a glare from the chinese boy, or what seemed to be a glare... hard to tell with that tired expression on his face.
"Im just glad im alive..." he mumbled.
"So, what's your name? We can't just keep calling you 'Hey' or 'You', now can we?" Sakura said as she smiled slightly, leaning forward in her chair, her elbows resting on her knees.
"Li. Li Syaoran."
Suddenly, Sakura found herself jumping back in a fighting position, ready to be attacked. So it was another Li scout.
Syaoran watched her suddenly jump back as if she had seen a ghost, ready to defend herself. What was her problem anyways? Was it something he had said? Did he look like he was going to eat her or something? Finally, too exhausted to care anymore, he found himself falling back onto the bed, eyes closing, which caused Sakura to loosen up slightly. What was going on? If he was sent here for her cards, shouldn't he be attacking her right now?
Suddenly a gentle hand landed on Sakura's shoulder in reassurance. It was Eriol.
"He's not a scout." he whispered in her ear, causing her to instantly relax.
"But... then... why is he here?" she whispered back. Eriol only shrugged, both of their eyes drifting back to Syaoran.
The silence was finally broken by the growling of Syaoran's stomach.
"I guess I should go fix something... boy is dad going to have a cow when he get's back." she said, mumbling the last part to herself, even though Eriol could hear her as clear as day.
-----------------
A few hours later
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"Ah, Sakura, I have to leave now. Work calls." Eriol announced as he re-entered Touya's old room.
"Oh, want me to drive you?" Sakura asked as she stood from her seat next to the bed where Syaoran was sitting as he was hungrily eating his 6th bowl of ramen.
"Nah. It's only about a mile from here. I can walk. Besides, you have to take care of your guest, ne?" he said, giving her one of his heart thumping smiles. Too bad it didn't work on Sakura.
"Ok... but if you need a ride home or anything, just call my cell."
"Yeah, I know. Ja."
"Ja ne."
Sakura watched as Eriol left the room before turning her attention to Syaoran. Man, he was a freakin' bottomless pit. If he kept this up, she was going to run out of noodles...
A few minutes later he handed the bowl to her before unexpectedly belching, not fazing Sakura one bit. (Afterall, it was something she did quite often at home.)
"More?" she asked in a bored tone.
"No." was his only reply. Amazing! So there WAS a bottom in that pit!
"Um... can I use your shower? I feel disgusting. Not to mention the smell." he mumbled out.
"Yeah, I noticed." she said, refering to his bad body odor that she happened to notice just an hour ago. "It's at the end of the hall to your right, can't miss it."
"Thanks." he quickly said as he began to get up, but before he could get away Sakura stopped him.
"You might want a change of clothes too." She said as she began to dig into a dresser filled with her brothers old clothes before tossing a midnight blue T-shirt, a pair of black sweatpants, and black boxers with flames rising from the bottom of the leg holes and up to him.
"Um.. thanks."
"No prob. My brother doesn't wear this stuff anymore since he moved away to college."
Syaoran only glanced at the boxers before heading out to shower.
Sakura sighed. Ever since she brought this Li Syaoran over to her house she hadn't gotten one thing finished. Not her homework, not the laundry, and she didn't even get to practice reciting her lines for the play yet. (She was a bit glad she didn't do that at least.) Heading out of Touya's old room she headed for her room, about to greet Kero.
But when she opened her door, the TV set was off and Kero was no where in sight. 'Where'd that little fluff ball go to? I thought I told him to stay put...' were her only thoughts. Till she remembered Eriol was in here playing video games with him earlier... maybe he went with him? Sakura shrugged. Oh well. At least he was out of sight and out of mind. 'No worries... I hope.'
Downstairs, Sakura began to flip through the channels, deciding to skip the homework and watch TV. She deserved some break time at least, after saving a persons life, she told herself mentally.
Since there was nothing on TV, she left the channel on the national weather channel before heading into the kitchen and returning with a bowl of vanilla pudding.
'Well, since Kero's not here, i'll just eat this for him...'
Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening startled Sakura. Was it her dad? No... couldn't be. Too early... but it was, surprising Sakura even more.
"Konnichiwa, Sakura." Her dad greeted, like always.
"Um... K-Konnichiwa... you're home awefully early..." she managed to mouth out.
"I didn't have any papers to grade at the college today so I came home early. For a change. Besides, I don't get to see you often. You're usually in bed by the time im done with my work. So I said, "Heck, it wouldn't hurt if we spent some bonding time together like how we used to do.", right, Sakura?" he said, giving her a happy smile. Too bad she couldn't do the same.
She had forgotten the cow her dad was going to have after finding out about their new and unexpected guest.
"... Ah... I need to go check on something reeeeaaaallly quick... be right back." she gasped as she began to get up but before she could make a move towards the stairs...
"Um... got any toothpaste and a spare toothbrush?" came Syaoran's voice as he began his decent down the stairs, stopping mid-way when making eye contact with Sakura's father.
Sakura slumped down on the couch as she slapped her forehead as two words ran through her head.
'Oh shit...'
To be continued...
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WAH! I FINISHED! Turned out to about the length of a normal chapter... hope you guys don't mind! (Im sure you don't!)
So, how was it? I frankly enjoyed writing it. Heh heh... I wasn't sure if China had a typhoon season and when it exactly hits (Im bad with weather so I just made it up. ^_^') Also I wasn't sure if they wore corsets during the Victorian times, forgive me if im wrong. But im just too damned tired to care.... it's 7:02 AM and I just now finished (After about 5 hours of non stop re-reading and typing. Probably missed a few messed up things still though...) well, i gots to get ready for school. Please review! Arigato!