Middle of Nowhere

by

Sakura-chan Master of the Clow

Chapter 2: Boyfriend

Summary: Sakura is the loner, the nerd, the freak of her school. Syaoran, the popular heartthrob. She's been picked on ever since she could remember which has made her close off to everyone around her except those she feels truly comfortable and close with. One day, Syaoran's "buddies" make a bet: go out with Sakura for two months and have her fall in love with him before dumping her. But, he cannot fall in love with her. Can he get her to tell him she loves him? Or will he fall hard?

Disclaimer: I do not own any original characters from CardCaptor Sakura. All belongs to the wonderful members of CLAMP. I also don't own any songs or inspired quotes or excerpts that may appear in this fanfiction. All belongs to its corresponding owner. The story line for this fanfiction, however, is all mine so please no copyright.

Announcement: Oh my gosh! Thank you all so so sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for all the reviews, favs, and alerts. You have no idea how ecstatic I am right now thanks to you all. So much so that I decided to post the second chapter early! I hope you all enjoy it! I can't thank you enough.


Sakura returned to the classroom to find a notice on board written stating third period was to be used as a study hall period. Sighing, Sakura turned around and exited the classroom; she didn't want to be in a room full of people who despised her for forty-nine minutes. On her way out, she accidentally bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled. She knew better than to look at people in the eye in school which is why she always kept her head down.

The person scoffed rudely. "You best be watching where you're going, bitch," he spat.

Sakura nodded and continued walking to her destination. Syaoran, who was standing a few feet away, and had seen the encounter. He frowned at the sight. Is everyone always mean to her like that?

Dismissing the thought for the time being, he quickened his pace until he had fallen in step with her. "Hey," he greeted, swinging an arm over her shoulder.

Sakura jumped slightly at the sudden contact. She looked to see who it was and sighed, discreetly shrugging his arm off of her. "Hello," she answered timidly.

"Why aren't you in the classroom?" he asked, deciding it best to keep his hands to himself for the time being.

"We have study hall this period."

"Oh. So, where are you going?"

Sakura looked at her shoes as she walked. "The school library."

"What for?"

If Syaoran was getting on her nerves about then, she didn't show it. "To read."

"Why not read in the classroom instead of making two trips? I doubt that we'll have fourth period study hall as well."

"I'd . . . rather not," she mumbled.

They reached the library and Sakura found an empty seat on one of the couches near one of the ceiling-to-floor windows. Throwing herself down onto the seat, she opened her book and began to read, studiously ignoring Syaoran even as he moved to sit beside her. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her as she read.

"Why?" Syaoran asked after a while. "It beats being by yourself in the library."

Sakura shrugged. "I'd be alone anyway."

Syaoran frowned. "Don't you have at least one person to talk to in class?"

". . . No . . .," Sakura answered shyly, her eyes trained on the page.

"So no one at all talks to you? Ever?"

"They do . . ." Her answer hung in the air. She obviously didn't want to elaborate anymore on the matter but Syaoran was too oblivious to notice.

"Then why not talk to them for a change? You can't expect for people to always approach you first."

Sakura laughed a dry laugh.

"What?"

"You really don't know?" she asked, looking up to face him for the first time. Beyond his control, he felt his heart skip a beat as soon as their eyes met. The color of her eyes, he could tell, were a bit lighter than they actually were due to the refraction of her glasses lends. If he had to guess her eye color, it would be jade green. His favorite color. The color of the precious stone from his home country. "I thought you of all people would know; seeing as who you hang out with and what your status in this school is." Syaoran gave her a questioning look. Sakura sighed and turned her attention back to her book. "Look, it doesn't matter. I forgot that you transferred in late."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Sakura shook her head. "It's nothing."

Syaoran scooted closer to her. One hand rested on the back of the small, two-seated couch and the other cupped her chin. He turned her head to face his, his eyes boring into hers. "Come now, won't you tell me?" he asked huskily. His face was only inches from hers.

Sakura's breath hitched as she stared into his eyes—they were an amber color with a tint of gold. His normally cold eyes were burning with something Sakura couldn't decipher. Whatever it was, it had affected her; her body seemed to be turning to jelly. Her skin tingled where he touched her. At this distance, she could clearly see why so many girls loved him so. With his messy chestnut brown hair—she wondered if it was as soft as it looked, his absolutely flawless skin, his high cheeks bones and strong jaw line, his perfectly shaped nose, and his lips . . .

Got you, Syaoran thought as he caught her eyes lingering on his lips.

Just as he leaning over, Sakura snapped out of the reverie he put her in and went back to staring that the book on her lap. Once again, Syaoran felt the sting of rejection hit him. "I'm sorry," Sakura murmured.

"Don't be," he said softly, calling. Sakura felt herself turn her head to face him once more. As if his voice had the ability to put her in a trance-like state. "I know I'm irresistible," he finished, smirking.

That definitely snapped her out her it. She had almost forgotten how much of a playboy he was.

Almost.

Her eyebrows knit together to form a frown. She then proceeded to grab her bag and stood up. "Where are you going?" he asked casually, but remained seated.

"Somewhere free of egotistical heart-breakers."

"Hey, hey, hey," Syaoran said, "I have never broken anyone's heart."

"Oh really?" Sakura gave him an incredulous look. "What about all the girls you dated and then broke up with?"

Syaoran smirked. "Jealous?"

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "No."

"If you insist."

Not wanting to argue with him and put him on his bad side, Sakura spun her heel and began walking to another empty seat this time hopefully one that sat for only one. She stopped when she felt something pull her elbow back.

"Look, all those dates I went out on were just that: dates. Nothing more. I've never told anyone this but, I've never had a girlfriend," Syaoran said sheepishly.

Sakura turned back to face him, giving him a look saying— yeah, right. "Ever?"

"At least not one that has lasted over two weeks," he replied, smirking.

Sakura's lips pursed and she shook her head. "Good day, Li-san."

Syaoran swiftly moved to stand in front of her. "Hey, where are you going?"

Sakura looked down at her book to avoid eye contact, as she always did when it concerned someone showing they have power over her. At that moment, she felt something warm in her chest flare up; she looked up to face him, determination burning in her eyes, and said, "I'm sorry, Li-san. But if you plan to play with my heart to just toss it aside like all your other 'girlfriends', I'd rather this be the last time we see each other."

x~X~x

Sakura was able to make it through the rest of the day successfully ignoring Syaoran, much to his displeasure. Every time he tried to talk to her, she would down right ignore him or escape him. Where she went, he didn't know. And every time she did, he could see Kou casting a sly smirk his way. By the end of the day, he was frustrated and just stopped trying. Usually he just has to look at a girl and she's his. He's never had this much trouble getting a girl and it was infuriating .

He then spotted Sakura walking out of the school gate with her cell phone to her ear. "Hmm . . .," Syaoran hummed, a wicked grin spreading on his face as he whipped out his own phone.

x~X~x

"How are things at school, Sakura-chan?" Sakura heard her best friend, and second cousin, Daidouji Tomoyo ask over the phone. "Are they still picking on you?"

"No," Sakura lied. "I'm perfectly fine."

"Sakura-chan," Tomoyo said in a warning tone. The same one her older brother, Kinomoto Touya, used to use when he lived with her and their father. He had moved away when he went to study in Tokyo University and was now working as a policeman. He had first been placed in Tomoeda once he finished school, but was unfortunately soon transferred back to Tokyo so he wasn't able to visit them often. Sure, Tokyo is close enough to Tomoeda but he could barely get a break long enough to visit them when it wasn't the holiday season and then some.

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Tomoyo-chan," Sakura said, exasperatedly.

"I know." Sakura heard Tomoyo sigh. "But I can't help but worry about you, you know? I can't be there to protect you or anything from here. And you're too nice of a person to stand up to them."

Sakura smiled. "I'm really fine. I can deal with it for a few more months."

"But who knows what they can do to you in the meantime," Tomoyo exclaimed, worry evident in her tone.

"I can handle it, Tomoyo-chan. I'm a big, big girl."

Tomoyo couldn't help but giggled at her adorable friend. "In a big, big world. You need a boyfriend or something to protect you from those jerks when I can't."

Sakura rolled her eyes and laughed, though mentally thinking, Not this again. Just then, Sakura heard a beep coming from her end, she quickly checked it out and frowned. "Tomoyo-chan, I have another call but it's from an unknown number. Should I put you on hold?"

"Yes! It could be your future boyfriend!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "O-ho-ho-okay, Tomoyo-chan, whatever you say," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She pressed the call button to shift calls. "Hello?" she answered.

"So how about that date?" the caller asked in a confident, yet cocky, tone. Sakura frowned.

"Excuse me?"

"Come on; don't tell me you forgot about me already."

". . . Li-san?" she asked with uncertainty.

"Correct-o-mundo."

"How—how did you get my number?"

"I have my sources."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "And what part of this did you think would make me want to go out on a date with you?"

"I was hoping you'd hear my enthralling voice and agree." She could practically see him smirking.

"Don't keep your hopes up," she muttered, half hoping he hadn't heard that.

"Aw, and after I took the courtesy to walk you home?" she heard Syaoran say in a mock, hurt voice.

"What? You're not walking me—"

"Turn around, sweetheart."

Hesitantly, Sakura turned her head and her eyes widened. Syaoran was standing a few feet away from her, phone in hand and that annoying superior smirk on his face. He curtly waved at her and she almost dropped her phone. She swiftly turned around and quickened her pace. "Get lost," she muttered before hanging up on him and shifting the call back to Tomoyo. "You still there?" she asked her cousin.

"Still here," she responded. "Who was it?"

"No one. Just this stupid playboy at school who unfortunately decided I would be his next victim." She heard Tomoyo giggle. "Tomoyo-chan, it's not funny!"

"Just give him a chance, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo sad. "I doubt this will happen again. Not after you-know-what. Besides, maybe you can change his flirtatious ways."

Sakura pouted. "Please, Tomoyo-chan, he's nothing but an egotistical, heartbreaking, good-for-nothing jerk."

"I resent that."

Sakura jumped and gave a yelp at the sound of his voice whisper in her ear. So much so that she really did drop her phone this time. She could hear Tomoyo's voice calling out to her in concern. How did I not sense him right behind me? she thought as she picked up her phone. More importantly, how much did he hear? She quickly recomposed herself and picked up her phone. "Hey, Tomoyo-chan, I'm still here," she reassured her best friend.

"What happened? I heard you yell."

Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "It's nothing. The so-called jerk decided to stalk me home is all. I didn't sense him come up behind me."

"I told you I'm not a jerk and I'm not stalking you," he cut in. "I'm just merely making sure you get home safely."

"Was that him?" Tomoyo asked. "He sounds cute."

"Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura hissed. She cast a glance at Syaoran. His smirk told her he heard what her best friend said.

"I like her," he commented. "She has very good taste in men." He heard Tomoyo giggle on the other line.

Sakura put a hand over the speaker. "If you'd like her instead, good luck. She already has a boyfriend and she's currently in England."

"And when has a girl having a boyfriend ever stopped me?" Sakura scowled. "Besides, I'd much rather have the one standing before me."

Sakura sighed and put the phone back to her ear. "Tomoyo-chan, can you please stop encouraging him? It's bad enough that he wouldn't leave me alone all day. He's part of their group, you know."

"So what?" Tomoyo said curtly. "And are you ever going to tell me what this mystery person's name is, Sakura-chan?"

Before Sakura could answer, Syaoran took hold of her hand holding her cell and brought it up close enough to his mouth to speak. "Li Syaoran, at your service."

"Li? As in Li Yelan-sama's only son?"

Syaoran grinned. "The very same."

"Well, Li-san, my dear cousin seems to harbor some animosity towards you. If could tone it down a bit I would be much appreciative."

"You should know I don't do things halfway."

"If that's the case, I ask you take good care of her then. She doesn't need to be with someone who will not be willing to really love her and make her feel safe. She's been through a lot and if you're not truly serious about her I ask that you leave her alone."

Syaoran frowned. That's almost the exact same thing Sakura had said in the library. "I can assure you that I really am quite intrigued by your friend," he said, glancing at Sakura, whom was almost physically gagging at their overly polite way of talking.

"For your sake, and hers, I hope you're serious."

Syaoran felt Sakura tug her hand, obviously wanting her phone back. "I'm afraid our conversation has to be cut short. Sakura-chan seems to want her phone back."

Tomoyo giggled. "All right. Later then, Li-san."

"Don't call me 'Sakura-chan,'" Sakura hissed before resuming her conversation with Tomoyo. "Sorry about that, Tomoyo-chan."

"Don't be," she said. "I approve."

Sakura's jaw slightly dropped. "What?"

"I said, I approve. Jeez, Sakura-chan, you need to clean your ears." Tomoyo giggled.

Sakura was momentarily stunned. "I-I am not going to go out with him."

"Aw, come on," Tomoyo whined. "When was the last time you had a boyfriend?"

"Never. And you know perfectly well why."

"Then take this opportunity!"

"Yeah, Sa-ku-ra-chan," Syaoran whispered in her ear. Sakura backed away from him and shot him a glare.

"You, go home, and you," she said to Tomoyo, "stop trying to get me to go out with him!"

"Please? For me?"

Sakura could practically see Tomoyo's puppy dog face. "And how is me going out with him beneficial for you?"

"I get to see you happy for once, duh," Tomoyo said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"You can't even see me," Sakura retorted, laughing.

Syaoran felt a small tug on his lips as he watched Sakura. Her laugh was unique and different and . . . Cute, he thought. She looks better when she laughs. Instantly realizing what he said, or thought, Syaoran shook his head to get rid of it. What am I saying?

"Come on. Will one date kill you?" Tomoyo asked, still trying to persuade Sakura.

"If it's with him, yes," Sakura deadpanned.

She heard Tomoyo give a huff. "One date, Kinomoto Sakura. Just go on one date with the boy and then I'll let you decide what to do afterwards. If you feel something there, give him a chance. If not, I won't pressure you to do anything otherwise and you can do whatever until he leaves you alone."

"I'm pretty sure that he won't leave me alone."

"You don't know that."

"I got a glimpse of it, Tomoyo-chan." She eyed Syaoran suspiciously. "He's very persistent."

"Then just go out with him to put him out of his misery. He'll keep bugging you until you do anyway," Tomoyo reasoned.

Sakura cast a glance toward Syaoran. He was looked down at her; clearly enjoying their conversation. Seeing her consider Tomoyo's proposal in her eyes, he gave her his best innocent smile to seal the deal. She gave an audible sigh. "Okay, okay. I'll go on one date with him. But only one." She emphasized the last part directed towards Syaoran.

Syaoran smiled victoriously.

"You won't regret it, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo sang.

"For your sake, I hope not 'cuz I'm blaming whatever happens on you. Do you understand me, Daidouji Tomoyo?"

"Sure, sure, whatever. Hey, Eriol's calling now so I have to go. Enjoy your time together while you can and I'll text you later to help you choose your outfit. Ja."

"Ja ne, Tomoyo-chan." With that, both girls hung up. Sakura sighed as she put away her phone.

"You're different with her," Syaoran commented out of the blue.

"Hoe?" Sakura looked at him, her head tilted in confusion.

"You're different," he repeated. "At school, you're really quiet and reserved. You barely talk to people. But just now—" He smiled. "Just now you were outgoing and carefree. At school, you'd never have told me to go home much less glare at me." Sakura blushed. "I liked it," he stated. "Why not be like that more at school?"

At that her smile fell. "I can't let my guard down there," Sakura answered. "Only when I'm with someone I'm close to or feel comfortable with is when I can really relax."

"How come?"

Sakura cast a glance at him before returning to watch her feet move beneath her. "You wouldn't understand."

"I could if you'd tell me." His voice held no hostility whatsoever. As a matter of fact, his voice was soft and caring.

Sakura and Syaoran stopped at the foot of a small, waist high black gate. Having assumed it was hers, Syaoran looked up to find a two-story, yellow house. It had a warm, cozy, homey, full-of-life feel to it. Something delightfully different from his large, cold, many times empty mansion of a home.

"I'm sorry, Li-san. But I don't think I can trust you just yet. I still think you have a secret motif for asking me out," Sakura said honestly as she opened the gate. "I'm only doing this for Tomoyo-chan."

"You know, I wasn't lying when I said you were intriguing," he said placing his hands on either side of the gate before she could slip behind its safety, trapping her between him and the small black gate. "I really do like you," he said above a whisper, hoping to sway her.

It didn't work.

"You only like me because I'm not groveling at your feet like other girls in school." she stated—not at all intimidated by his close proximity.

Syaoran gave a soft (sexy) chuckle. "Partially," he said. Sakura's poker face remained strong. "Oh come on, you're prettier when you smile," he said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear to see her face better. "Won't you smile for me?"

"I'm sorry, Li-san," Sakura said, "I really must be getting home." She gave a push on his chest to try to free herself from his human cage.

"You are home," he said innocently.

"I mean physically get inside the house. It's really cold out here," she said, trying to push him slightly again so she could escape into the safety of her home.

"Don't you want to invite me in, then?" he asked, his fingers tracing down the side of her face until they cupped her cheek.

"N-not really," she said as nicely as possible. She still wasn't convinced that he asked her out because he simply wanted to and she wasn't about to melt to his every whim.

"Why not?" he asked, placing his free hand over one of hers which were still on his chest, trying to pry him off.

Sakura held back the urge to glare at him. "Please let me go. I really need to go and study. We have another big test tomorrow."

"Is that really all you do? Study?"

"So what if it is?" She sounded offended.

"Then you really need a date," Syaoran said. "Lucky for you, your first date will be with yours truly."

Not wanting to deny the truth about him being her first date, Sakura rolled her eyes. "You're full of yourself, you know that?" She gave another push at his chest but he made no move to budge. Stupid man-muscles.

Syaoran laughed whole-heartedly. "There's nothing wrong with being confident."

"No, but there is when you're arrogant and cocky. You do know the difference, don't you?"

"Of course, beautiful," he said.

Sakura stopped trying to pry him off and stared into his eyes, searching to some sort of truth behind his words. He had called her beautiful. But why? Giving him a final shove once she felt him relax, she quickly slipped behind her gate and shut it. "What did Tomoyo-chan say to you?" she asked, turning back to face him.

Syaoran looked at her, almost ashamed. "What do you mean?"

Sakura sighed a tired sigh. "I'm telling this once more, Li-san," she said rather peeved. "If you're not serious about me, give up now. I'm not worth your time, I promise you that."

"And why would you say that?" he asked, rather bemused. "I must have some interest in you if I ask you out, right?"

Sakura eyed him suspiciously. She was getting tired of all this nonsense. Slowly her head drifted towards the ground, a sad look in her eyes. "You'll just be disappointed," she said barely in a whisper. "There's nothing special about me."

"Wanna bet?"

Sakura's head snapped up to meet with his. "Hoe?"

"I bet you I can find at least one thing that's special about you in say, two months?"

Sakura looked back at her shoes. "I don't know . . ."

"You should know that I never lose a bet. Just open up, let me get to know you. It's not that hard."

"I—" Sakura's gaze met his, searching his eyes for any suspicious falsity. And there is was again; his amber brown eyes glistened with something she couldn't quite decipher. Sakura sighed. "When's the date?"

Syaoran grinned. "Friday at seven. I'll pick up, okay?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment. Then she said, "Okay. Deal."


Boyfriend

by

Big Time Rush

from

BTR album

Anonymous Reviews from Chapter 1

DetectiveKid95 I hope this chapter cleared that up for you about Tomoyo. I was about to tell you but remembered that it was in chapter two and apparently PMs are disabled in your account so I couldn't respond to you personally. But thanks for reading it. I'm so glad you like it so far. I'll try not to disappoint.

James Birdsong Maybe? You're hard to please, aren't ya? :D

SyaoSakuLovers Thank you so much! Your review was actually the deciding factor on whether I would update today or not. At first it was going to be 10 reviews but they just kept on coming in and I was so overwhelmed. I didn't even dream it would reach 20 but it did. So thank you. =^~^=

Chapter 2! I hoped you liked it and boy did I make it long for you guys. Thank you all so so sooooo much. I never expected it to get such an amazing response. I mean 20 reviews for chapter 1? That's a new record for me! I can't thank you enough, you have no idea. You guys have really made me so happy. Thank you for the reviews and favorites and alerts. Seriously, every time I checked my e-mail it was flooded with them and I was like, "Dang! They actually like it!" I'll try not to disappoint you guys, I really will. I owe you everything so I hope I meet to your expectations. Thanks once again. I love you all so much. Please continue to support me.

Sakura-chan Master of the Clow

Updated December 2, 2011