Author's note: Thank you to all the people who read this story. Thank you for the alerts, reviews and favorites (are you sure? It's just one chapter, you know). Due to insistent public demand (i.e. requests from friends and 2 reviews asking for it) I rushed to finish the second chapter. I have a lot of stuff going on so I haven't been able to concentrate on fanfiction much. Please forgive the long update time. Here's a (kind of) long chapter to maybe make up for it. Enjoy the next 13,000 words! :D Leave a review if you have the time. Also, because it's rushed, there are bound to be typos and errors. Sorry. Anyway, on to the chapter!

Disclaimer: Card Captor isn't mine and no money goes into my account (I was able to make one just recently) for any of my stories. I'm just a fan who can never get enough of their wonderful characters.

Chapter 2: A Day at the Aquarium

Rating: T

-oOo-

"Guess what I've learned today," a chipper voice announced from the other end of the line.

"I'm really in no mood for guessing games, Tomoyo," Sakura answered with a huff.

Tomoyo's tone didn't change. "Could this be about that little run-in you had with a certain award-winning young actor this afternoon?"

"How in the world do you know that?" she demanded.

Her cousin's reply was a hearty laugh. "Silly girl. I had dinner with Eriol today. You know, Eriol Hiiragizawa. The guy I'm dating. The guy who also happens to be that certain award-winning young actor's manager."

Sakura's head was reeling. She wasn't used to being talked about, rather, she wasn't used to knowing she was being talked about. "Are you guys keeping tabs on me or something?"

"No, no" Tomoyo answered. "You just happened to be one of our topics of conversation over dinner. Of course, I prudently left out the fact that we are related else he wouldn't have said a word."

"Is that so?" Sakura was not convinced.

"I couldn't help. It was one juicy piece of gossip. You know I wouldn't let something like that pass me by."

Sakura gave a loud sigh. Tomoyo continued after a few seconds.

"Well?" she asked expectantly. "I only have a few sketchy details so I've been dying to know the real score. I want to know your side of the story. Please tell me now. Leave no small detail unsaid."

Even if Tomoyo was eager to listen to the events of this afternoon, just remembering what happened never failed to put a scowl on her face.

"I'd rather not right now. I'm too angry. It would be best after I've calmed down and the desire to tack his face to a dartboard subsides. "

Tomoyo answered with another laugh. "That face would look better in a frame."

"Thus the hesitation," Sakura answered with a sigh.

He heard another giggle from the other line. "Sakura, there's a thin line between love and hate you know."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "What are you getting at, Tomoyo?"

"Nothing much," her friend answered. "It's just you know those rom-com things where a boy and a girl hate each other's guts but they end up so much in love with each other? I'm hoping things would develop somewhere along those lines. It would be so much more entertaining."

Her cousin's words stole the air from Sakura's lungs. "That is in no way funny, Tomoyo. Just thinking of that guys face..." Sakura envisioned the details of his face - his annoyingly perfect face with perfect symmetry, perfect teeth and eyes so brown and deep that you couldn't help but be lost in them. "Okay, scratch that."

"It's a very good face, isn't it?"

Tomoyo wasn't helping at all.

"I know!" Sakura answered in an exasperated voice. "I think I was star struck the first time I saw him. Was he always that tall? He looked so small on TV. I never understood that shoulder thing you keep talking about but when I was near him it was like… whoa!" Sakura caught herself as she realized the words she was saying. "What the hell are you making me say, Tomoyo?"

"Nothing. I'm just making you recall some of Li's finer details. He is a very attractive fellow after all."

"To what end, Tomoyo?" Sakura asked impatiently.

Sakura could feel the smile in Tomoyo's voice. "Let's just say an interesting thought just occurred to me lately. Four hours ago to be exact."

"Thought?" Sakura asked.

"It was Eriol who brought it up actually. Well, when he mentioned it I kind of got this mental picture of you together. Of course, the mental image I have of you is one where you trash the dreary Touya-approved apparel and don Tomoyo-approved apparel. I mean, you'd look so much more cute wearing the clothes I buy you rather than the rags Touya tells you to wear."

"And?" Sakura was impatient for Tomoyo to get to her point. She was also a bit raw from the numerous jabs at her fashion sense today.

"You'd make a cute couple. I mean, visually and in a lot of other aspects." Sakura could tell from Tomoyo's voice that she was gushing like a school girl.

Sakura decided the only reason Tomoyo was spouting such nonsense was that she was drunk. She could get a bit crazy when inebriated. "Tomoyo, how many times must I tell you that your limit is 3 shots of Jack Daniel's? You have poor tolerance for alcohol, you know. "

"Oh come on, Sakura. I'm perfectly sober. Besides, you know getting smashed is a total turn-off for guys. Anyway, back to the topic. I was serious. You'd make a visually striking couple, you know, brown hair and all that. You'd just have to dress properly. Like I said, ditch the guy clothes."

She actually cracked a smile. Weirdly enough, Tomoyo's quirky and inane thought processes always made her feel better. "You know… you…"

"Ready to tell me the details now?" asked a very excited Tomoyo.

Her reply was a laugh. "Just a little all right?"

Although Sakura had only planned to share a few details, Tomoyo managed to wring every bit of information from her. It took all of 30 minutes for her to complete her narrative. She couldn't stop voicing her comments here and there. After her story, Sakura waited patiently for Tomoyo's reply.

"That is so weird."

That was the last reaction Sakura expected. "Uhm, any other reactions?"

"Sorry if it wasn't what you expected," Tomoyo apologized. "I myself have never seen Li act like that. It's like you met a completely different Syaoran Li. Either Li's been putting an act in front of me all this time or you just met his doppelganger or evil twin or something."

"Oh really?" Sakura asked dubiously. "You aren't just defending him are you?"

"Of course not, you know I'm always on your side."

Sakura thanked her for the reassurance.

"I'll be investigating this though. It really is out of character for him."

"Why bother?" Sakura wanted to completely forget she even breathed the same air as that person. "I've no intention of ever running into him again."

"Okay."

The way Tomoyo answered made Sakura suspicious. "What're you plotting, Tomoyo?"

"Hmm? Nothing ." Tomoyo answered a bit too innocently and Sakura did not like it.

"I don't trust your tone, Tomoyo."

Tomoyo laughed. "You'll see."

Right then there was a knock on the door and Sakura heard her brother's voice.

"Sakura, can we talk for a bit?"

"Just a minute," she answered back.

"Tomoyo," she whispered hastily into her phone, "Sorry, but I have to cut our conversation short."

She heard Tomoyo heave a sigh."You're dumping me for Touya , aren't you?" Tomoyo accused.

"Wh-why do you say that?"

"Call it a hunch."

"Sorry," she apologized once more.

"Well, I did learn what I wanted so it's fine. This interrogation isn't over though. "

Sakura couldn't help but smile. "You still owe me that Eriol story, you know."

"Oh yeah, brunch on Saturday then?"

"The usual."

"Bye!"

She ended the call. She knew Tomoyo would be a bit pissed she ended the call just like that but she didn't want her brother to wait long. She checked to see that there was nothing incriminating lying out in her room before opening the door. Her brother had waited patiently for her. Being the gentleman he always was, he waited for her to invite him in before entering.

Sakura knew what he wanted to talk about so she was a bit nervous. Now that she was in front of him she felt extremely embarrassed at how she had acted. She could only imagine the trouble she got her mom and brother into. She sat on her bed as Touya seated himself in the chair by her table. He sat facing her and she waited for him to speak.

"Are you all right?" he asked her.

Touya smiled at the confused expression on her face. He guessed Sakura assumed he was going to give her a lecture. She was going to be disappointed though. Touya didn't really care what happened to Li. He was more worried about what upset his sister. Sakura got along with everybody so it was a surprise to see her treat Li that way. Something happened between them and he was determined to find out what. Also, he wanted to assure Sakura that no one was angry at her for what happened. Touya knew that Sakura would feel that she shamed the family and destroyed their names by acting so brazenly.

"Um… yeah?" Her answer sounded more like a question.

"That's good to hear. Mom and I were worried you locked yourself up here after what happened."

Sakura remained silent.

"You know I never force you to tell me anything so I won't pry into your affairs. However, if you feel like you need someone to talk to, we're always here, okay?" She knew her brother was simply suppressing his curiosity. Touya was a bit of a worrywart so he couldn't help but worry about every little thing. He continued after a pause. "You don't have to worry about causing trouble for mom or me. We apologized for you and the incident didn't cause any more delays in filming so everyone just shrugged it off."

"Even Li Syoaran?" she asked him dubiously.

The expression on Touya's face was a combination of indifference and contempt. "I don't really care what he thinks. He probably started it anyway, right?"

Hearing her brother say that made Sakura very happy. She could always count on him to be on her side. She had thought he would think badly of her after messing up his acting debut but it seemed like family was always more important to him. Especially being a surrogate dad to Sakura. She decided to tell him everything.

"Well, actually…"

Just as with Tomoyo, Sakura recounted what had happened. This time though, she left out the snarky and mean comments she had said to Tomoyo and just told the story as it was. She wanted her brother to look at it objectively. Having removed all the angry comments, she finished in half the time it took her to tell the story to Tomoyo. Touya listened attentively and without questions. After Sakura stopped talking, it was then that Touya finally spoke.

"So the dressing room mishap Hiiragizawa-san was talking about was you bathing him in coffee."

Sakura hung her head. "Yes, I'm sorry for acting like such a kid. Now that I think about it, my temper may have been a bit short."

Touya ruffled her hair playfully. "So long as you know, that's okay. Besides, I don't think it's completely your fault. I mean, you must have already been angry because of those security people, right? And here comes this hotshot actor who treats you like that. Even I would have snapped."

She smiled in response. Touya always knew how to make her feel better. "I guess. But I'll try to control my temper better next time."

Her brother nodded his head in approval. "That's the way."

"Thank you, Niisan."

"Anytime, little monster." Touya used the nickname he gave her when they were kids. Sakura always used to fume when he called her that but now she just laughed it off.

Touya was relieved to see his sister laughing again.

"Actually, I was really here to tell you dinner was about done. It's been a while so it should be ready now. Come on, let's go eat." As he said this he stood up and headed towards the door. Sakura followed him down the stairs and into the kitchen. They were greeted by the always enticing aroma of their father's cooking.

"Smells great!" she remarked as she took her place at the table.

Her father, Fujitaka, gave her a big smile. "I cooked noodles today."

"My favorite!" Sakura said with a huge smile.

Fujitaka noticed that his daughter was a bit down when she arrived home so he was doing his part to cheer her up. He was glad to see that she was back to normal now. His wife told him that something happened at the shoot but she didn't give any of the details. He wasn't keen on the details either way. He just decided to give Sakura time to sort everything out. He would be there when she needed him. Nadeshiko often told him that he and Touya spoiled Sakura rotten but he gave it no mind. Sakura was his only daughter after all.

Nadeshiko sat in her seat a few moments after the food was set on the table. As always, her smile was dazzling in their small kitchen. As soon as she was seated, Sakura piped up immediately.

"Mom, I'm sorry about this afternoon. Going on a rampage like that must have caused you a bit of trouble."

Her mother simply laughed at her apology. "Rampage is a bit of an exaggeration. It was nothing, dear. Truth be told, you broke the tedium of the day's activities. Also, thanks to that, I've thought of a new project in addition to the one that's already underway. "

She wondered at her mom's new activity but she decided to forget about it for the moment. "Well, I guess that's all right."

It was Touya who reassured her. "I told you that you didn't have to worry. Anyway, let's dig in. I'm starving." That said, everyone started to eat.

The Kinomoto family always made it a point to eat together even just once a day. Being continuously busy, they usually had to leave the house at different times. It was rare for them to eat together in the morning or at lunch so they always made it a point to come home early and eat dinner together. This was where they usually swapped stories on the things they did during the day.

They had been talking about Fujitaka's coming excavation trip abroad when Nadeshiko asked Sakura a question.

"Sakura dear, you won't be doing anything tomorrow, right?"

Sakura swallowed the bite of pudding she was eating before she answered. "Actually, I have to go to work tomorrow."

Fujitaka was a bit surprised. "Don't you get Sundays off?"

She nodded at her dad. "Normally, yes. But the Boss asked me for a favor tomorrow so I'll be at the aquarium all day. It seems he needs some extra hands. I don't know what we're doing exactly but I'm being paid extra so I'm not complaining." Sakura turned to her mother then. "Why do you ask, Mom? Do you need me for something?"

Nadeshiko smiled an angelic smile. Sakura could never trust her mother when she smiled like that. It only meant she had something in mind.

"Nothing, nothing," she answered with a shrug.

"Will you be busy tomorrow, Nadeshiko?" Fujitaka asked his wife.

His wife nodded. "We have a location shoot again tomorrow. Although we'll only be there until after lunch. Let's go out on a date after."

Fujitaka answered with a smile. "I always love spending time with you, my dear. Won't you be tired though? You'll be working the entire day. I'd rather you rest."

Sakura and Touya automatically blocked out their parent's conversation. It was such a common occurrence that they were able to do it at will now. Their parents were married for more than 26 years but they still flirted with each other like most newlywed couples. When they were a bit younger, Sakura and Touya were disgusted by this display but with this almost daily habit of theirs, they got used to it eventually. It was entertaining to watch but sometimes things got too embarrassing. They both found out that not listening in on them was the best course of action.

Ignoring their parents, Sakura asked Touya where they'd be filming tomorrow.

"I have no idea. Mom knows but she won't say a word about it. She wants to err… surprise me, apparently."

Sakura noticed her brother was a bit uneasy as he answered.

"Is there anything wrong, Niisan?"

"Oh no, nothing at all. Must be the nerves. I haven't really rested yet."

She really didn't buy his explanation but she let it stand. "All right then. Whatever you say, Niisan."

Touya gestured to her unfinished dessert. "Eat up already. You're all skin and bones."

Sakura sighed dramatically. She had wanted to clear up that anorexia idea her brother was sporting but she knew it was ultimately futile. She simply shook her head and continued eating her pudding.

-xXx-

Several miles away in a hotel in Tokyo, Syaoran Li was still not over the events of the afternoon. Although he had accepted the apologies of Nadeshiko and Touya Kinomoto, he could not help but fume whenever he thought of that girl who completely ruined his day.

His manager, Eriol, had been watching him pace the length of their suite for the 17th time before he finally spoke up. "Just what is your problem, Syaoran? You'll wear out your shoes pacing to and fro like that. They aren't exactly cheap. Some people work for an entire month just to earn the amount of money those shoes cost. Just sit down so you don't give me a headache."

"I can't let it go, Eriol," he answered a bit angrily. "Thinking about it gets my blood boiling."

Eriol did not look up from the magazine he was reading. He already knew what Syaoran was referring to. "Then don't think about it. Problem solved."

Syaoran rolled his eyes though he doubted his manager saw it. "I would if I could," he grumbled.

Eriol seemed unperturbed. "Then sleep on it. You'll forget it then. You'll also stop being a jerk after you've stocked up on sleep. I really don't like the sleep deprived you."

At Eriol's words, Syaoran could only frown. He had been trying to find his sleep but something kept getting in the way. "I can't sleep either. I see her face in my head. Hat and all."

A bark of laughter caused Syaoran to stop and stare at his manager. He waiting until his laughing fit was over before talking. "Just what is so funny?"

"You. You are so funny," Eriol answered with a laugh.

"I don't understand you, Eriol."

"Don't you think it's just love at first sight? All you've been talking about since this afternoon is her this, her that."

A look of disgust crossed Syaoran's face. "Me? Attracted to... to... that? Don't make me retch, Eriol. That woman's sex appeal is an imaginary number. Simply put, it doesn't exist."

Eriol managed another laugh. "That's cruel. I thought she was cute. Maybe you were too angry to actually pay attention."

"Let's drop this topic of conversation. Just so you know, I'd never be attracted to someone like her. The girls I find attractive are those that can enter a room and command all the eyes to turn to them. My type of girl should be able to take my breath away. She would be so beautiful that my eyes would follow her unconsciously. If you asked me the difference between that girl and a rock I wouldn't be able answer."

"A very colorful tirade you have there."

Syaoran continued. "Besides, don't you think it's weird? The lovely Nadeshiko-san actually spawned something like that? It's impossible! I'm assuming she was adopted, that has got to be it. I mean, blood always tells, right? Nadeshiko-san's daughter should be just as lovely as her. It's like Nadeshiko-san married a troll and that girl got everything from the troll side. It's like a swan giving birth to a pack mule."

Eriol only shook his head. "Interesting analogy. Exaggerated I'm sure but still interesting. "

"I don't understand. Her mother and brother are models for crying out loud. Fashion sense is diffusible, right? Why she dress like that? Don't they tell her the difference between girl and guy clothes? " Syaoran made gestures with his hands. He was out of words to describe what he thought.

"I thought you wanted to drop this topic of conversation?" Eriol replied in a teasing tone.

"Shut it."

Trying to rein in his mirth, Eriol threw a manila envelope at Syaoran. "Here's the script for tomorrow. Read it until you feel sleepy. Just make sure you don't overdo it, all right? I need you to get enough sleep tonight. I can only take so much of you being a diva.

Syaoran took a seat as he took the script out of the envelope. "Am I really that bad when I'm sleep deprived?"

His companion nodded. "The lowest of the low I'm afraid. We're lucky you're so good at your job. Also, I make sure not many people are subjected to the things I'm subjected to when you're in that mood. You should be thankful. Aren't I a great manager?"

"Yes, yes. My sister was right in passing the baton to you."

Despite the indifferent way he said it, Syapran was really glad that Eriol was his manager. His sister Shiefa used to be his old manager. Once his sister got married, she let him go in order to focus on her own family. She passed the job on to Eriol four years ago. Eriol was the son of another talent manager so he more or less knew what he was getting himself into. A plus of this was that Eriol already had the necessary connections. Eriol was one of the reasons Syaoran didn't go under the radar at any point in his career. He was six years older than Syaoran but Syaoran treated him like they were the same age. Even so, he still maintained a big amount of respect for him. Even all of his sisters treated him like a member of the family.

Trying to remove the memory of that girl from his head, Syaoran decided to read to the script as Eriol suggested. He already knew it by heart but he always had the tendency to over prepare for any role. He only had a small part in tomorrow's shoot but he still took it very seriously. A thought occurred to him and he decided to ask Eriol about it. "Where is tomorrow's shoot, Eriol?"

Eriol looked up before answering. "In Ikebukuro again. There's one near our location yesterday. The director says it's good enough. It will also be more convenient for the crew."

"I see."

"That reminds me what do you think of Touya Kinomoto?"

He thought about his new co-star. he only knew that Touya had been a model so he didn't have high expectations of him. He was surprised with him though. Even if it was his first time he handled himself like a veteran actor. He was comfortable and there was an air of confidence in his actions. What really impressed him was his professionalism. His work ethic was just as good as his own. Nadeshikp must have schooled in him in the proper etiquette particular in their industry.

"I can't say anything bad about the guy. He's a hundred times better than the newbie we had to deal with earlier." Inadvertently, Syaoran's thoughts returned to the girl once more. "How can someone as sensible as him be related to something like that? it's appalling."

"I thought you were trying to forget about her?" Eriol asked with a smirk. "If i didn't know any better I'd think - "

"Cut that train of thought Eriol," Syaoran cut him off immediately.

"Then let it go. Nadeshiko-san already apologized. Listen to people who are older than you for once. Just forget about today."

"You make it sound so easy."

A mischievous smile crawled up Eriol's lips. "You know, if that girl wore a dress, I'm sure she could be a show stopper herself."

Syaoran gave an audible sigh. "I thought you wanted me to forget about it? How can I do that when you keep dropping disparaging comments like that?"

"Just saying" Eriol said with a shrug.

With his brow furrowed in annoyance, Syaoran dropped the script in front of Eriol. "I'm going to bed," he announced and headed for his room.

Eriol laughed as he watched him leave. If his hunch was right, things were going to get very interesting in the next few days.

-xXx-

Sakura checked herself in the mirror to see if she was presentable. Satisfied that she was, she decided to go to her boss and greet him. She had just arrived at the aquarium a few minutes ago. As she was walking to his office, she noticed cameras and lights being hauled into the place. She had already seen the trucks as she arrived and she had wondered at what they contained. She was a bit curious as to what was going on in the aquarium today. She found the door to her boss's office open so she let herself in after knocking on the frame a few times. Her boss had just replaced the phone on the table when she entered the room.

Greeting her with a smile, Mr. Morino, her boss, bade her good morning. "I apologize for calling you in when you're supposed to be on break, Kinomoto. It's just I really need you here today."

She reassured her boss with a smile. "It's nothing, Boss. What do you want me to do today? Has it got something to do with all the cameras being wheeled in?"

"Sharp as always, Kinomoto. The truth is, the aquarium was reserved by a filming crew for the entire day. I need people to watch over them."

Sakura was a bit unsure of what to do. She wasn't used to playing babysitter to a film crew. "Watch them how exactly?"

"Just make sure they aren't lost and that they don't do anything stupid like mess with the tanks or feed the manta rays. Things like that."

Her boss never failed to make her smile. "All right, Boss. Where do you need me?"

He returned her smile before answering. "Exhibit 3 has been turned into a dressing room. I want you to be the personal assistant of the actor that's there right now. Is that all right?"

She gave her boss a mock salute. "Yes, sir."

Morino waved his hand in dismissal. "Go," he said with a laugh.

Following Morino's order, Sakura made her way to the room he specified. She wasn't sure if she was imagining it but almost everyone she passed seemed to stop what they were doing to take a glance at her. She was sure she didn't look weird or anything. She was using the standard uniform for the aquarium employees. It was a loose white collared shirt and blue shorts that reached past her knees. A blue sun visor completed her uniform. It was nothing you'd see on the runway and it was no compliment to her figure but it wasn't hideous enough to garner all the looks she was getting. Not used to the scrutiny, she quickened her pace and entered the room her boss indicated. Before the door closed completely behind her, she heard a few giggles from the people outside.

Giving herself a quick glance over to see if she looked all right -and she did - she looked around the room and sighted the person she was supposed to be accompanying for the day. He was hunched over in front of a mirror that was obviously placed there just for him. She couldn't see his face but she swore that the set of his shoulders was a bit familiar. She cleared her throat audibly before speaking.

"Excuse me, Sir, the Boss said I'll be helping you out today."

"Right. Thanks. What -"

The moment he turned his head and their eyes met, Sakura could feel her jaw drop. The person in front of her had the same exact expression. They were mirror images of each other. Sakura wondered briefly what sick parallel universe she had stumbled into that fate had to play such a nasty trick on her. Little did she know, the man in front of her was thinking things along that same line.

Syaoran stared at the intruder for 5 seconds before abruptly breaking eye contact and facing the mirror. Convinced his mind was playing tricks on him, he turned a round a second time. Seeing the same image, he turned his back on her for the third time, praying desperately in his head that he was just imagining everything that was going on right now.

"Third time's the charm, Syaoran. Third time's the charm." He said the words under his breath before turning to face her for the last time. In the split second before he faced her again, he wished his mind really had been playing tricks on him. As soon as their eyes met again, he saw her roll her eyes at him. Syaoran couldn't contain himself anymore.

"For the love of... Are you stalking me?"

Sakura felt offended at the thought. "Stalking? I've been working here for a while now so if anyone is stalking, it would be you."

"What man in his right mind would even think of following you around?" he answered hotly.

She could feel the hairs on her nape prickle. Syaoran Li really rubbed her the wrong way. She had managed to somehow forget about the things that happened yesterday but just seeing his face made the anger and irritation come back in full force.

"Right back at you. In case you weren't aware, there are hundreds of guys which are better than you out there. Why, I merely have to walk a few meters away and I'll see tons of them."

"Ha! You talk big! What must I do to keep you away from me? Do I need a temporary restraining order against you?"

"I was thinking the same thing. 200 meters away from you isn't enough though, in my opinion."

Syaoran shook his head angrily. "This is some sick joke, you know that? Get me your boss. He's going to get an earful from me. No way in hell am I spending the day with you. "

"The boss will answer you anytime."

Neither of them could figure out how they came to be just a foot away from each other. Both of them were glaring at each other so intensely. It was at this moment that Eriol entered the room. The sound of the door opening caused the room's occupants to look to the intruder. Because his arrival was so unexpected, neither of them were able to relax their features so Eriol was welcomed with the sight of their glares. Eriol was brave enough to meet them head-on.

Eriol tried to look apologetic. He didn't know what was going on exactly but he wanted to leave immediately else the guffaw he was holding in managed to escape. "I'm sorry to intrude," he told them hastily. He held up both his hands and smiled. He was sure his smile looked weird as he was trying hard not to laugh. He stepped back and reached for the door.

"Stop."

At the sound of Syaoran's voice, Eriol froze in place and tried to relax his facial features. Before he faced them again, Eriol's face was its usual stoic and serious set.

"How can I help you?" he asked.

"What the hell is this Eriol?" Syaoran gestured rudely towards Sakura, expecting him to be able to understand what was wrong.

Eriol himself had no idea what was going on as well. Sakura Kinomoto was the last person he had expected to see today. "I have nothing to do with this, I swear."

"I work here," Sakura cut in.

"You do?" Eriol asked, surprised.

Sakura could feel she could have a reasonable conversation with this person. When she heard his name, Sakura remembered that this was the guy Tomoyo was dating. He was sure to be a good guy if he passed Tomoyo's super stringent guy criteria. She also remembered her promise to Touya so she tried her best to behave. Completely ignoring Syaoran, she went up to him and greeted him.

"I apologize, Sir." She gave a low bow. "The boss, Morino-san, told me I was supposed to be your guide for the shoot. In addition to that, I am also supposed to be Li-san's personal assistant for today." Both men could her the contempt in her voice when she mentioned Syaoran's name.

"Don't you dare ignore me," Syaoran said angrily.

She gave him her coldest smile. "As you can see, Sir, I'm speaking with this gentleman here. It seems I can have a civilized conversation with him. As opposed to you who... well, let's leave things at that."

Syaoran was about to speak up when Eriol gave him a signal to keep quiet. "Miss Kinomoto Sakura, I presume?"

"Yeas, Sir," she answered with a nod.

Eriol held out his hand. "Eriol Hiiragizawa, Syaoran's manager," he introduced himself.

She took the offered hand and smiled. "It's a pleasure, Sir."

"Please, Eriol is fine."

"I couldn't do that! I mean, you're much older than I am. Also, you and Tomo -" Sakura closed her mouth audibly. She remembered that Eriol did not know of her relation to Tomoyo. A few seconds passed in silence before Eriol spoke.

"You were saying? Me and?"

Sakura racked her brains for a way out of this predicament. He was just so nice that she wasn't able to control her blabbing mouth until the last second. "Ah... uhm... Tomorrow! I remembered I had to do something tomorrow." She emphasized her last word and gave him the smile she used when she wanted to look innocent in front of Touya or her father. It always worked on them so she was hoping it would work on him.

He gave her an amused look before eventually smiling warmly."I see, how long have you been working here, Sakura-san?"

"A little over three months."

"Oh, that's interesting. What a coincidence that we meet each other so soon after yesterday. I didn't have the honor before."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Sir."

Eriol gave a little laugh. "The Sir is a bit overkill. If you're uncomfortable calling me by my first name then Hiiragizawa would be fine. Sir is just a bit much."

"Then, Hiiragizawa-san?" she asked hesitantly as she returned his smile.

"Much better," Eriol nodded in approval. "Although when you feel up to it, dropping the honorific would please me very much."

She couldn't help but laugh. Sakura made a mental note to interrogate Tomoyo about this man. He seemed like a genuinely good guy. Meeting him made her very curious about their budding relationship.

"Ehem..."

Sakura sighed and stopped herself from scowling as she turned to face Syaoran Li once more. Eriol faced him as well, his face full of patience and understanding. Sakura could only imagine how great a person Eriol was if he managed to stomach each day with this infuriating Syaoran Li.

"Do something about this, Eriol."

His manager's answer was to cock his head to the side. "About what?"

"I want a new PA is what."

"Come now, Syaoran. Surely you're professional enough to let go of that petty quarrel you had yesterday. Look at Sakura-san, I'm sure she'd rather be somewhere else but she's here doing her job. Which should be what you should be doing as well."

Sakura gave Eriol her biggest smile. Syaoran wanted to make a scene but he remembered that Eriol was already partial to this girl last night. It wouldn't get him anywhere to antagonize her. He could practically see her wrapping Eriol around her little finger.

"Fine, I'm professional. Watch me." With that he stormed out of the room.

Eriol turned to Sakura and gave her an embarrassed smile. He apologized for Syaoran's behavior.

"Please, it's nothing. Thank you for your concern though," Sakura replied with a bow.

"Let's follow him lest he gets lost," Eriol gestured towards the direction Syaoran had gone.

"Of course, Hiiragizawa-san."

As they were walking down the hall, Sakura was thinking of a good way to start a conversation with her companion when Eriol spoke up.

"I'm afraid I haven't apologized yet."

Sakura blinked twice in confusion. "Whatever for, Hiiragizawa-san?"

He gave a little smile. "I wanted to apologize for that incident yesterday. Syaoran's too prideful to apologize so I'm doing it for him. "

"Oh," was all Sakura could say.

"I don't know anything about your argument yesterday and I really don't think it matters. In his defense, he usually isn't like that. Lack of sleep and the stress from his work sometimes turn on his berserk mode. I do my best to make sure that that doesn't happen though. Yesterday was just one of those days. He's a decent guy really. It's just unfortunate that your first meeting had to be like that. "

Sakura only nodded. In her mind, she knew it was Eriol's job to make sure his talent didn't have a bad reputation. She was aware that he was trying to patch up her tattered opinion of Syaoran Li. Even if she knew Eriol had very good reason to be biased in his explanations, Sakura couldn't help but take to heart some of the things he had said. She also had to make good on her promise to her brother. As a sign of respect for Eriol, Sakura vowed to act better towards Syaoran Li. Even if he didn't deserve it.

"I see you're still a bit skeptical," Eriol commented.

Her answer was a sheepish smile. I guess."

"I can't blame you, tough. But I promise if you get to know him you'll change your opinion. He's a good guy."

"I'll take your word for it."

Syaoran watched with slitted eyes as Eriol was having a leisurely conversation with that person. He didn't know why seeing her give all those sweet smiles to Eriol and then only giving him her coldest smile irritated him. He assumed she was trying to charm her way to Eriol's heart so he could help her out with her career or something. She kept this sickly sweet facade in front of Eriol but she showed him her worst side. She gave Eriol another smile and Syaoran felt he had seen enough.

"Eriol," he shouted brusquely. Eriol turned to him and headed his way. He didn't miss the look of disgust that crossed that girl's face. "Let's go," he said as soon as Eriol stopped beside him.

Eriol answered him with a knowing smile. "Of course." Turning to Sakura, he gestured her to follow them. "Sakura-san, let's go."

Syaoran turned abruptly and said, "Exhibit room G."

Both Sakura and Eriol were confused at his words.

"The shoot is there. Lead the way, guide"

Sakura didn't miss the way he sneered at her. Giving him her coldest smile, she said, "This way." She then led them to a corridor on their right.

The exhibit was at the end of the spacious corridor they were in. As soon as she opened it, their group was greeted by the movie crew. Syaoran was immediately whisked away somewhere. Eriol told her he was going to greet the director so she was free to look around for a while. Sakura scanned the room for the person she wanted to see. Having seen her quarry, Sakura walked towards her. Her mother had a lot to answer for.

Nadeshiko had just finished talking with one of the producers of the movie when Sakura walked up to her.

"Mother." She kept her voice even but the emotion in it was unmistakable.

"Sakura dear, it's a pleasure to see you here." Nadeshiko was acting as if nothing was amiss. She ignored her daughter's glare and moved to give her a hug. After doing so, she smiled at her and said, "Your workplace really is something. I was worried you were working in some dreary place but this place really is very nice. Your father and I wanted to visit you several times already but we just didn't have the time -"

"Cut the crap, Mother."

"Why the angry face, dear?" she asked innocently.

Sakura forced herself to remain firm. Her mother could get away with just about anything. "Why didn't you tell me you were shooting here today? Do you know what I have to do? A little heads-up would have been appreciated."

Nadeshiko gave a little laugh. "It was supposed to be my little surprise. Anyway, what happened? Why are you so angry? I thought you'd be happy to see us. Tell Mommy about it and I'll see what I can do."

Touya appeared out of nowhere and put a hand on top of Sakura's head. "Morning," he greeted her.

"Niisan, you knew about this didn't you?" she asked him accusingly. "That's why you weren't able to give me a straight answer before."

For a few moments, Touya could not look at her in the eye. Sakura waited patiently for him to answer. He scratched the back of his head and sighed. "Sorry, Mom made me promise to keep quiet. I didn't want to keep it from you."

Sakura swiveled to face her mother who was slowly edging away. "Mother, an explanation please?" she demanded.

Her mother flashed her trademark smile. No person could resist that smile. It was good that Touya and Sakura were already immune to it. "I really just wanted to surprise you. What is wrong exactly?"

"I have to work as Syaoran Li's PA! I don't want to be his handler. This sucks, Mom. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have called in sick this morning."

"I'm sure it's not that bad, dear."

"Hey, PA!"

The three of them turned to where the voice came from. They all found themselves looking at an irate Syaoran Li.

"What the hell do you want, Li?" Sakura asked him in an annoyed voice.

"Your station is over where I'm supposed to be. How can you do your meager job if you're here chatting up other people?"

Nadeshiko noticed that Touya's eyes were narrowing dangerously. She placed a hand on his arm to prevent him from doing anything stupid. He never could stop himself from slugging anyone who picked on Sakura. Nadeshiko knew Touya was itching to plant a fist in Syaoran's face for talking to Sakura like that. She decided to dissipate the tension that was slowly building up.

"Sakura dear, it would be best if you go and finish your job first." She went closer and gave her another hug. "Bear with it for just today, dear," she whispered just as she kissed the top of her head.

"Right," Sakura grumbled.

"Touya, come one. Let's get ready, too," she said as she pulled her son away.

"All right," Touya answered. He reluctantly turned his back on Syaoran.

Sakura watched them go before turning back to Syaoran. "Where do you need me exactly?"

Syaoran only tilted his head towards a corner of the room. Sakura took a deep breath to calm herself. "Only for today, Sakura," she said under her breath.

She looked to where Syaoran had indicated and saw Eriol. As he met her eyes, he gave her a wide smile. Sakura smiled back. The only good thing about this arrangement was that she could get to know Eriol better. She had to see if he was worthy of her cousin. She wouldn't allow just any guy to get near her cousin. So far though, he's been slowly rising in her regard. He reminded her a bit of her brother and father. They had the same atmosphere about them.

As she reached him, he gave her a wry smile. "From the look on your face, I'm assuming Syaoran went Dr. Hyde on you again."

"Right. What's worse was he did it in front of my mom and brother. I really didn't want them to see me when I'm with him. I somehow find myself in my own Dr. Hyde mode when I'm around him. I'm pretty sure that isn't healthy."

"I apologize again," he said with a low bow. "I'll try to talk some sense into him, " he said with a smile. "Jealousy really is a bitch," he added in an undertone.

"Excuse me?" Sakura didn't hear Eriol's last words.

Eriol gave her his most charming smile. "Never you mind. It's just me thinking out loud."

"Oh, I see," she said. Even if she really didn't. "All right, then."

She looked around and watched the usual hustle and bustle on set. She still wasn't used to how busy these shoots were. She rarely went to her brother or her mother's shoots so some things here were new experiences for her.

Her companion noticed this. "You seem like you're not used to this," Eriol commented.

"No, I'm not. I don't go with my Mom or my brother. All this," she gestured around them, "isn't exactly what I want in life. I'm more a nerd like my Dad."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, I'm actually trying to het into Toudai. I'm confident I can make it, too."

"Your father is that famous archaeologist, am I right?"

"Yes he is," she answered with a smile.

"I'm really amazed. Your father must be one hell of a guy. I can only imagine the number of people who've probably tried to steal Nadeshiko-san away from him. No one has succeeded in all this time."

Sakura couldn't help but laugh out loud. "My parents are like a newlywed couple. They've been like that since I can remember. I'm pretty sure those guys are wasting their time."

"You're that confident, huh?"

"I am," she replied with a giggle.

"And I'm sure you yourself are already spoken for."

Her answer was swift and sure. "Nope. I'm not exactly looking either."

"That's surprising. A lovely girl like you should have acolades of guys following you around."

She continued to laugh. "No, no accolades, I'm afraid."

"I'm not really feeling that the academe is where you belong. Tell you what, I have this friend who's a fashion designer. I could introduce you to her. I'm thinking something like modeling is more up your alley. It's in your blood after all. Look at your brother and mother."

Sakura could only smile. Eriol had no idea she already knew this designer and that she was already a reluctant model for her designs. She already had more than seven closets full of Tomoyo's clothes.

"No, thank you. A model? I don't really think so."

"That's a real shame."

"Ehem."

Both of them turned to see an annoyed Syaoran. Sakura couldn't keep the scowl from her face. Eriol simply smiled. She was again amazed at how patient Eriol was. His smile wasn't wavering at all.

"Do you have a sore throat, Syaoran? Just tell me and I'll get something for that."

"Coffee. I assume you already know what kind" Syaoran said this as he took his seat.

"Yes, Li-san," Sakura answered as she left to do her job.

Eriol watched the exchange with disapproval. No matter what Syaoran said, his behaviour was unacceptable. He needed an attitude adjustment badly.

"What the hell is your problem, Syaoran? What beef do you have with her? She's a really nice girl. Forget about yesterday, all right? You're acting like a jerk."

Syaoran ignored Eriol's adminishments. "Can't you see how she's wrapped you around her finger? She gives me this cold, indifferent smile and she goes and flashes you five different ones."

His manager was so unprepared for that answer that all he could do was laugh.

"Not that I'm counting," he said in a rush.

"Really now. Five? I only counted three."

"Cut that train of thought, Eriol."

Eriol smiled and weirdly enough, he made a perfect impression of the Cheshire cat. "Ah, jealousy really is a bitch."

"What the hell are you on about now?"

"Uhm, the truth?" Eriol answered with a nonchalant shrug.

Syaoran was about to say his piece when Sakura returned with his coffee.

"Here, brewed from first-class coffee beans from Starbucks. Enjoy."

Syaoran took it and offered no words of thanks. It was Eriol's turn to clear his throat audibly. Syaoran looked at him in confusion and Eriol's gaze dropped to the cup in his hand. Understanding what Eriol wanted, Syaoran mumbled a thank you.

His manager nodded in approval. Syaoran busied himself with the script once more. A few minutes later, one of the crew called Syaoran over leaving Sakura and Eriol alone again.

Sakura was able to breathe a little easier. "Something struck me as odd, Hiiragizawa-san."

"What is it?"

"You're Syaoran's manager, right? Why don't you get someone else to be his PA or his handler? Manager's just get them signed contracts and things, right? They don't need to accompany them to shoots and tapings. You should just make a talent agency or something."

Eriol gave her a knowing smile. "I don't really need a talent agency. Syaoran gets me all the work I need to live off very comfortably. Besides, I'm quite new to this manager things so I want to be better before I take on other people. Someday, I might build my own agency but right now, I'm fine where I am. Why are you surprised though? Your mother does much the same."

"I guess. But my mom is kind of weird in her own right. She became Touya's manager because she wanted to take care of him. My Dad was all for her retiring for good but she insisted. Touya was originally supposed to sign up with my mom's old model agency. I don't know the details of their negotiations but the result is that my mom is partially his manager. She splits her commission with the agency. She says even if that was the case, Touya is still one of their biggest earners."

"That's great. We're a bit similar, your mother and I. But for me, I have my hadns full with just Syaoran alone so the other new talents would have to wait a little longer until I'm available."

"Oh." What Eriol said gave Sakura an idea of just how big Syaoran really was. She didn't understand it though. How could producers like someone with his attitude? She considered him doing under the table deals or pretending he was something else. The thought didn't stay in her head for long though. Her father taught her never to think badly of people. She was a bit ashamed at her lapse. You couldn't blame her though. Syaoran Li never did anything to merit her good opinion.

"Excuse me a moment," Eriol told her as he took out his phone and answered a call. Sakura watched him walk a little ways away. She couldn't hear anything they were talking about. He came back quickly enough though.

"I apologize. I have a little something I need to attend to right now. Would it be all right if I left you alone with Syaoran for a bit?" The look on Sakura's face answered his question. No, it definitely would not. "Listen, you tell me if he does anything to you when I come back and he'll get a scolding from me," he tried to reassure her.

Sakura gave him an uncertain smile. "I will hold you to that, Hiiragizawa-san."

Just at that moment, Syaoran returned to their corner. Sakura heaved another sigh and looked away while Eriol leaned in to whisper something to Syaoran.

"Syaoran, I'll be taking off for a bit but I'll be back as soon as I can. I want you on your best behaviour all right? Play nice or else you'll never hear the end of it from me."

Eriol let the threat hang for a second before straightening and walking away from the pair. Before he was out of sight, he turned around and flashed Sakura another reassuring smile. Sakura smiled in response. She felt better knowing she could tell on Syaoran if he acted a bit out of line. Not that she would, of course. She didn't want him to have the satisfaction of calling her a little kid. He already called her that yesyerday and once was more than enough for her.

They were then left in an uncomfortable silence. No one dared to go near them. They must have felt the tension in the air. Sakura had no intention of doing small talk. She wanted nothing more than to be a kilometer away from this person. It wouldn't do good for her to be around all the negative energy Syaoran Li was exuding.

Another crewman went beside Syaoran and announced that they were changing locations. He noodded in acknowledgement . Without a word, Sakura grabbed all of his things and gave a grunt as she headed to the next place. Syaoran could do nothing but follow. He watched her as she hunkered down the corridor in silence. He didn't understand why it annoyed him to see Eriol and that girl chat happily away. Just watching them angered him somehow. For one thing, he wasn't used to being ignored. He was used to being fawned over. All the PAs Eriol had gotten him in the past would have been willing to throw themselves out of a speeding car if he asked them to. They were so shallow that they would be ecstatic if they returned a page of the script he would accidentally drop. She was different though. It was as if she didn't care about him. It was like all the hard work and effort he had put into building up his name did not matter to her. He frowned at how her indifference got to him.

All the staff and the production crew were moving all the cameras and lights to their new location so they were causing quite the traffic jam in the corridors. He watched as Sakura got caught up in it. She was carrying all his bags as well as his chair so he was, weirdly enough, worried about her for a bit. He was about to go and help her when her brother stepped in.

Touya decided to look for Sakura in the brief that they had. He needed to apologize for lying to her. It took him a moment to spot her. What he saw did not please him at all. Sakura had been walking down the corridor holding a lot of bags and even a chair just as the crew was wheeling in all the lights. It looked as though she was carrying all of Li Syaoran's things. It infuriated him that Li allowed her to do it alone and without help. If something fell on her, she would definitely get hurt. Before that could happen, he walked up to her and carried all of the things that were slung over one of her shoulders. He would have taken all of it but he was already carrying all of his things. He never let his mother do jobs like this.

"You should have waited for me so I could have helped you," he reproached her gently.

"Sorry. But I'm still a little mad at you, Niisan. I didn't want to see you," she told him truthfully.

Her brother sighed. "I deserved that, I suppose."

"You do, but thanks anyway."

"I'm really sorry about last night. What can I do to make it up to you?"

Sakura cracked a smile. During moments like this, the sky was the limit for her brother. "I'll think about it. You still owe me for bringing your stuff yesterday," she reminded him.

"Oh yeah. I forgot. Good thing you mentioned it. When you've decided, just tell me. You can ask me anything you want."

Sakura couldn't help but laugh. "You're the best, Niisan!" She gave him an awkward hug because of all the things they were carrying. Touya chuckled and grabbed her sun visor.

"Hey!"

He placed it back on her head and Sakura pouted. As she righted it, her brother laughed at the look in her face.

"Come on, where do I put these things? Let's go to my spot first then I'll help you with everything else."

She asked him where he was supposed to go and led him there. It was in the exhibit below where she was supposed to be. As soon as they arrived, Touya dropped everything he was carrying and took the remaining things Sakura was holding. He followed her as they went up a flight of stairs. They found themselves in the area above one of the tanks. Sakura couldn't see the see the fish that were in it. No one else seemed to be behind them. Touya looked at the empty room and he couldn't help but purse his lips.

"Are you sure this is where you're supposed to be?" he asked her, worry obvious in his voice.

"This was what the crewman said. Although, now that you mention it, only the aquarium staff is allowed in here. That's weird."

"This place is a little too isolated. The tanks are just there. I don't remember a scene in todays script where we're supposed to be somewhere like this."

"Uhm, maybe there isn't any more space downstairs? It's okay, Niisan. I can take care of myself. This place isn't too foreign to me. I've been here a few times. "

Before Touya could answer, they heard Nadeshiko's voice. "Touya! Sakura! You know better than to just leave me behind. You even forgot about Li-kun. Sakura, you're supposed to watch over him today. You don't just leave him somewhere. It's a good thing I came just in time to help him out." Nadeshiko didn't usually scold her children. They usually did nothing wrong and conducted themselves perfectly. She understood them though. Sakura did tend to forget everything when she was with her brother. Touya, on the other hand, didn't care about anything else when Sakura was around. She ignored this most of the time but this time she didn't let it go. She didn't like that they had just left Syaoran Li unattended. Li didn't look very happy either.

"It's nothing, Nadeshiko-san," he replied in a neutral tone.

That was one of the things Nadeshiko hated about this industry. You never knew if the people you were talking to were sincere with their words. All of them were actors for crying out loud. Acting was their job.

She decided to drop her suspicions. There were more important things to deal with. "Touya, let's go. We need to talk to the producer about something."

"Mom-"

She ignored her son's protests and pulled him away. Sakura and Syaoran were left to themselves once more. Just as before, Sakura didn't bother to fill in the silence. One reason was that she had nothing to say. Another reason was that Syaoran looked a bit irate. He could blow up at any second if she uttered a wrong word. They'd end up arguing all over again. She hated what she was doing right now. She would rather be in a haunted house and everyone knew her almost nonexistent tolerance for the paranormal. She was only able to endure being around him because Eriol was there. Now, left alone, his presence was suffocating.

The sound of his voice caused her to jump. "Are you seriously just going to ignore me for the entire duration of this shoot?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow at his words. If he was in the mood for a fight then Sakura was willing to oblige. "Yes, that is indeed what I intend to do."

"You really are a character aren't you? You transform into this lost wet puppy thing in front of everyone else but the truth is that you're this ice queen who's just pretending."

She narrowed her eyes. "If you're going to be judgmental then I suggest you quit. You don't know me so you have no right to label however you want. "

"Judgmental? I'm just stating a fact."

"You're one to talk about pretending. Aren't you the actor here? Isn't that your talent?" Sakura was seething with anger.

"You'd win out over me when it comes to being pretentious."

Sakura gave an exhausted sigh. "I shouldn't have bothered talking to you. I've had better conversations with my friend's pet gerbil." Sakura crossed her hands across her chest and turned her back on him.

This was a clear dismissal. It was Syaoran's turn to narrow his eyes. He didn't understand why her indifference got to him. Normally he could just shrug off things like this but this girl drove him crazy. And that's crazy in a bad way. He watched her for a full minute before, without warning, he grabbed her by the waist and jumped into the tank beside them.

Sakura screamed at she hit the water. That terrified shriek somehow satisfied Syaoran. He watched with a smirk as she struggled in the water. At first he thought she was having a hard time because of the shock but he immediately realized that she was genuinely terrified. He swam to her but she kept flailing her arms making it hard for him to get close to her.

"You work in an aquarium and you can't even swim?" He asked her in a cocky voice. He was hoping her anger would win out over the panic. The moment she relaxed was the only moment he could help her.

She became somewhat controlled as she tried to reach the edge of the tank about three meters away.

"-tank!" she managed to say. Syaoran couldn't hear the first words she said but decided that it didn't matter. He swam to her and was finally able to get his arm around her. Her panic still puzzled him. Now that she had something to hold on to, she should already be calming down.

"Relax!" he tried to reassure her. She gave him an incredulous look and continued to struggle in his hold. "Stop struggling," he said with some effort.

"Shark tank!" she screamed in between gasps. Only then did Syaoran understand her reaction. Muttering a colorful stream of expletives, he swam to the edge of the tank as fast as he could while holding onto her. As soon as his hand touched the cold tiles, he used all his strength to push her out of the water. He was glad that she scrambled up herself or he would have needed to touch her inappropriately just to get her out fast enough. As soon as she was out, he hauled himself out as well.

Sakura was on all fours, gasping for breath. The sight of the tiled floor was a sanctuary for her. As soon as the panic disappeared and the epinephrine lost effect, she was able to think a little clearer. The only thing in her head was anger though. That stupid Syaoran Li had just officially hit rock bottom in her opinion. She took a deep breath before turning to him with the force of her coldest glare. She was a bit taken aback at what she saw. Despite being drenched from head to toe just like she was, he still managed to look like someone straight out of a commercial. Somehow, the water had loved him enough to ruffle his hair in just the right way. His clothes clung to him and made it very clear just how much effort he put into chiseling that body of his. Sakura hated it. She looked down at herself and found her the complete opposite. Her loose clothes bunched up in weird places giving her the appearance of a drowned ewe. He forced herself to put that thought aside and to concentrate on what was important. Ripping a open a new orifice in Syaoran Li's face.

"What the hell are you thinking?" she demanded.

He surprised her by laughing out loud. Her stomach did a little back flip without her consent. She had only ever seen him angry and disagreeable to she was unprepared for how striking an image he cut when he laughed. She finally understood how he could charm his way into anyone's heart. She was angry at herself for getting affected. She fought to keep a stern expression on her face.

"There is nothing remotely funny about this, Li Syaoran," she continued.

It was a few moment before he was able to contain himself. When he did, he still had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. This did nothing for Sakura's heart. She was well aware that she was on the verge of blushing. She was fighting to keep her composure.

"This is absurd," he said finally.

"Obviously! You don't just chuck a person into a fish tank! Especially one which houses a multitude of predatory fish, majority of which are of the Class Chondrichthyes!"

"My goodness, you're funny." He continued to laugh and Sakura narrowed her eyes further.

Totally ignoring the death glare Sakura was throwing him, Syaoran stood up and offered her his hand. When she refused to take it, he grabbed her hand and forced her to stand up. Her shoes made squeaking sounds as she stood up.

"Let's get you dried up before Eriol sees you like this. He'll bite my head off."

Sakura was so surprised at the change in his attitute that she eyed him suspiciously for a long time. After a while, he met her gaze. He then shook his head and sighed.

"You don't have to be so surprised. I'm not a monster, you know. Beside, this is partially -"

"This is all your fault." Sakura cut in. She tried to sound angry but it didn't register in her voice.

"All right, all right. I'll admit it. Just don't say anything to the director. Just say we slipped."

"Slip? Like someone could just slip into a shark tank! I'm not suicidal!"

In spite of her angry response, Syaoran could not find it in himself to respond in kind. He was chastised by the danger he had put them in because of his stupidity. But more that, he could not respond because of the way she looked right then. Her visor had floated away finally revealing her entire face. He had only seen it for a second yesterday but now he had a full unobstructed view of it. The hard glare she was giving him somehow made her green eyes much darker and more expressive. They looked almost like emeralds. Her face was flushed because of anger and it gave her cheeks a rosy glow. The wet strands of her hair framed her face perfectly. You'd think with all the struggling she had done, her hair would be a train wreck. On the contrary, it was so pleasantly disheveled that it would not look out of place in a swimsuit magazine. The fact that she was a gril finally hit home. Syaoran was commanding his brain not to register the fact that he found her cute. Kind of.

Syaoran was a gentleman after all and because of his upbringing, and after the realization that a girl was standing in front of him, Syaoran could not act like he usually did toward her. It was easy to forget her gender when she was dressed in clothes like the ones she wore yesterday and today. It was hard to remain angry though, when her face was the way it was and their little swim made him feel, in the most basic of male instincts, that she was a woman. Because she had been struggling so much before, he had to hold her tight against him just to keep her steady. It didn't appear to him at the time but now, he finally remembered how she had felt against him. He was, by some crazy twist of fate, reacting to that memory. He did not like that idea. He did not like it at all.

Her current state didn't make anything easier. Her squeaking shoes and her dripping clothes gave her a certain feel of vulnerability and fragility. He knew he'd feel like the worst monster on Earth, something like a cross between Hitler and Lord Voldemort, if he uttered a single mean thing against her. In addition to that, a weird protective impulse overcame him the longer he looked at her. He berated himself for being suckered into it. He had already known that she had this certain appeal. He saw it when she interacted with her brother and with Eriol. But despite this, despite knowing it beforehand, he still went and fell for it anyway.

He let out an exhausted sigh.

"I know you're angry but right now I'm now I'm more worried about the production." He was grasping at straws trying to hide what he was really thinking. "I could respond angrily but I choose not to. Instead of fighting it out, I suggest we get dry and try to salvage even a small bit of the time this incident is sure to waste. You and I don't need to be around each other any longer than we have to. If you want to stand there and lash out at me, we'll be forced to spend more time together and frankly, that isn't something I look forward to."

The longer they'd be around each other, the more Syaoran would consider her a girl. Because he was who he was, he didn't act rudely towards women. And he definitely did not want to be nice to this girl.

Sakura did not like how he made it seem like he was the bigger man and that she was the one in the wrong. It wasn't her fault they were in this predicament. Sure, she needed to make everything much easier for the crew but she had a right to be angry. It was not in her life plans to become a part of shark refuse. But even in her anger, she realized the wisdom in Syaoran's words. She felt nervous about explaining things to her mother and brother. She had already caused problems yesterday and now this. Shame made her see sense. She let out a long steadying breath. All the anger came out with it.

"Fine, let's go."

She dreaded having to face her brother but it was better that she face them now and apologize to everyone here. She led the way to where the filming crew was. She scanned the room for her brother. Before she could see them, someone had already noticed them.

"Li-kun! What the hell happened?"

"Accident, sorry. I need to get dry," Syaoran answered.

"Sakura!"

It was at this moment that Touya and Nadeshiko came into view. Touya immediately took off the coat he was wearing and put I over Sakura's shoulders. Nadeshiko rushed to get towels. Touya forced Sakura to face him.

"What the hell is this?"

Sakura realized that everyone was waiting for her explanation. She chanced a glance at Syaoran and saw the warning look he was giving her. She looked away from her and stared at her feet.

"Sorry. It was an accident. The tiles were wet. He tried to help me when I lost balance but we both fell in. I'm so sorry to be a bother, Niisan."

Nadeshiko returned and handed a towel to Syaoran and to Touya. Touya started to dry off Sakura's hair.

"You're never a bother," he told her gently. "I'm more worried about you. You should have been more careful. What if you hit your head when you fell?" Touya sounded like a dad reproaching his four-year old daughter.

"I'm sorry. Sorry for ruining production again," she whispered so only Touya could hear. She then leaned her head on his chest. Touya smiled and gave it a few pats.

"Forget that, all right? Let's go get you dry."

She followed her brother without word. Nadeshiko apologized to everyone there.

"I'm so sorry Director. I'll do what I can to make it up to you. Is there anything I could do to -"

The director raised a hand to quiet her. "It's unfortunate that this happened but it was an accident. I'm sure no one wanted this to happen. It's all right, Nadeshiko. You should attend to your daughter. She doesn't seem to be all right."

Nadeshiko bowed in gratitude and rushed after Touya.

The director then began to give out instructions. "Wardrobe, get Li-kun a new outfit. We'll have to re-film all of his scenes. Also, once Kinomoto-kun gets the girl settled, I want you to dry off his coat. It's so we don't have to do all his scenes over. Come on people, speed it up. We'll be extending today. Make every second count."

Before Syaoran could leave, the director called his attention.

"Li-kun, where in the world are your shoes?"

Only then did everyone notice that Syaoran's feet were bare.

He glanced a bit nervously from side to side thinking of a response. His shoes were discarded because of their little swim. He sighed in relief the moment he looked into the tank behind the director.

"Over there, Sir," he said as he pointed at the tank.

Everyone within earshot turned and saw Syaoran's shoes settled at the bottom of the tank beside them.

-oOo-

Author's note: The story really focuses on humor and the ridiculous so don't expect any drama anytime soon, haha. I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. Until the next one! Leave a review of you have the time. :D