One in a Million

By JoocieFruit

Chapter 7

The Annual Autumn Ball- Part 2

1/01/07


Yay! An update! omG! I've gotten over 100 reviews for this FF!!!! Thank you so much for those of you who have supported me throughout this so far and I apologize for the late updates. I hope you enjoy!
Extra stuff:

Yes yes. I've gotten a ton of complaints as to why Tomoyo has to be the bitch but do keep in mind that Sakura and Tomoyo were friends earlier in life but as we all know; one fight can ruin a relationship. Another reason for Tomoyo being a bitch is because I'm sick of her always being the goody good! Like in CCS the anime, she's always so gentle and kind and you just have to wonder how she can keep it all together. I mean seriously, NO ONE can be that good all the time unless they're on drugs or something. Then again, I'm just babbling. On with the fic


"…and so, all in all, have a wonderful time everybody!" said Eriol as he held his champagne glass high. The crowd before him erupted into cheers and a round of applause resounded in the ballroom.

"It's wonderful that he's doing this for charity," whispered Sakura to Syaoran, trying to ignore the fact that her archenemy was seated directly opposite of her. Syaoran nodded at her comment. Sakura took a sip of her champagne.

"I think we should do something like this. It's for a good cause. Maybe for Christmas?" Sakura suggested. Syaoran laughed.

"Okay but you'll have to plan it," he said, hoping that she wasn't serious. Truth be told, the company was keeping him on his toes enough already and an event such as this would be nothing more than extra stress.

"It doesn't seem too hard. I mean a few hundred guests- I can handle that." Sakura said jokingly. Syaoran slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.

"You're so cute," he said to her, as if she were a child. Sakura rolled her eyes and snuggled closer to him. She could smell the seductive aroma of his cologne. The crook of his neck served as a soothing pillow and his arm was a protective blanket. Sakura could almost feel Tomoyo seething with jealousy. It had been like that since high school. Tomoyo had always fallen for the guys that had already fallen for Sakura. Sakura couldn't help but smile.

Dinner had been quite the occasion. A full course meal had been prepared and the theme this year had been Sakura's favorite: Italian. Between all the platters, Sakura couldn't decide which had won her appetite and finally decided upon the five cheese lasagna. At least the food was satisfying, she had thought. Unfortunately, the sound of Tomoyo's voice made her want to choke. Fortunately, Tomoyo's conversation had been aimed at Syaoran or Eriol and not at her unless they wanted a high pitched girl fight to erupt. Sadly the peace ended as soon as Eriol returned to his table and asked the simple question of "So how did you guys meet?"

Sakura instinctively reached for her champagne glass as she eyed Syaoran waiting for him to answer.

"I hired her to be my secretary a couple of months ago." Replied Syaoran as he too, reached for his glass. Tomoyo saw this as a perfect opportunity to attack.

"Why," she began, "I saw Sakura working at a café downtown not too long ago. Quite a change isn't it?"

It was Sakura's turn now.

"Yeah. But for the better."

"Indeed. Look at you now. I assume the job has its perks considering you're together." remarked Tomoyo, implying something much more susceptible.

"Sakura is the best secretary I've ever had." said Syaoran coming to Sakura's defense. Deciding that a change of subject might be good, Syaoran continued with, "So how did you and Eriol meet?"

Tomoyo laughed and reached for Eriol's arm, signaling him to respond.

"Well actually, it was at one of my father's corporate parties eight months ago. I couldn't help but notice this stunning young woman across the ballroom," Eriol said smiling warmly. The idea that perhaps Eriol's eyes needed to be checked crossed Sakura's mind.

"And, Eriol was kind enough to lend me his support in order to start my own store at the mall," Tomoyo added.

"Yes. Tomoyo has always had a knack for fashion," Eriol stated proudly.

"Oh Sakura!" said Tomoyo suddenly, her eyes lighting up with recollection, "Remember those days when I used to dress you up in my designs? She was so adorable! Sakura was constantly begging me to supply her with more of my creations." Sakura nearly choked on her champagne. She instantly remembered the preposterous outfits that Tomoyo had put together. They were indeed unique but only if one thought that everyday was Halloween. Being a rather kind adolescent, Sakura had endured each creation so as to not offend her friend. Now, after the Fight, Sakura deeply regretted her benevolence.

"Oh really," began Sakura and Syaoran instantly knew it wasn't going to be pretty, "I recall enduring your eccentric designs so your feelings wouldn't be hurt. But I have happened to pass by your clothing store at the mall and must say that it's wonderful how time has instilled common sense into your mind." Sakura was about to add "I daresay it must have taken a while for someone like you to grasp the concept" but held her tongue. Syaoran and Eriol exchanged glances and a slow ballad began to play as they both jumped at the opportunity. Eriol quickly turned to Tomoyo before the girl pounced on his best friend's date.

"Tomoyo, would you like to dance?" Tomoyo continued to glare at Sakura even as Eriol took her hand and led her away from the table. As soon as her back was turned Syaoran burst into a fit of laughter. Sakura narrowed her eyes and reached for her champagne.

"What's up with you?" she asked a little perturbed by his take on the recent conversation. However, he looked so adorable when he laughed.

"Nothing," said Syaoran, pretending to cough as a way of stifling his laughter, "This is the most fun I've had at this ball since I started attending it." Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Just when I thought she couldn't get any bitchier…" remarked Sakura.

"I think someone's on their PMS," joked Syaoran.

Sakura hit him and then they both laughed. Syaoran stood up and offered her his hand. Clearing his throat and putting on his most gentlemanly voice he asked her, "Will you join me in this dance?" Sakura laughed at his effort but accepted. For whatever reason, her hand molded perfectly with his, as if they were two separate pieces that united at long last.


Kaho stepped out of her vehicle and checked to make sure that the gun was in its holster. Her face was calm although inside, she was riddled with apprehension. As soon as Ruby's tracking device had been disabled, Kaho knew that something had gone wrong. It dawned on her that Red Dragons needed this money sooner than later and that Sakura was in grave danger, although she was unsure why unless they needed Sakura for other purposes. The idea of blackmailing Fujitaka into meeting their demands crossed her mind. At any rate, Sakura needed to come with her immediately.
As the song enchanted the entire room, Sakura and Syaoran swayed gently to its rhythm, their hearts beating at an unusually rapid pace, yet their faces in total serenity. The atmosphere was romantic, the lights dim, save for the stage where the DJ and band were present.

Baby you don't know, what you do to me
Between me and you, I feel a chemistry
I won't let noone, come and take your place
'Cause the love you give, it can't be replaced

Sakura rested her head on his shoulder, her arms wrapped gracefully around his neck. Syaoran's arms in return were gathered at her waist. In this moment, Sakura thought of nothing in the world except how right it felt that she was here with him.

See noone else, can love me like you do
That's why I want, to spend my life with you
Wanna please you, in anyway I can
Wanna share my world, don't you understand...

It seemed strange to her that just a year ago, she had been struggling to get by and now her life was a fairytale. She had a steady job, a car, food in her fridge, and best of all, Japan's most eligible bachelor as a boyfriend. Sakura smiled at the thought and pulled him closer.

Your love is a one in a million, it goes on and on and on
You give me a really good feelin', all day long
Your love is a one in a million, it goes on and on and on
You give me a really good feelin', all day long.

Syaoran buried his head in her curls and loved the way she smelled of exotic flowers. At times, he questioned what he had done to be so lucky. Since the day she had walked into his office, he knew that there was something special about her. And it wasn't the fact that she had a pretty face. It was her determination and drive that had drawn him in and set her apart from a world of woman whose chief concern was whether or not their three hundred dollar blouse made them look fat. The way she walked, her voice, her laugh, her twisted face when he teased her, everything about her was just so…beautiful.

Turn me inside out, you make my heart speak
I don't need noone else, you are all I need
Personality(ty), and everything you do(do)
Makes me to love, everything 'bout you
Your smile, your style, is so fly, I can't deny
I got a crush on you, and that is true indeed
And i'm diggin' you, you're makin' me believe...

Your love is a one in a million, it goes on and on and on
You give me a really good feelin', all day long
Your love is a one in a million, it goes on and on and on
You give me a really good feelin', all day long.

Love it babe...

At long last the song concluded. Yet Sakura and Syaoran remained the way they were. Neither wanted the moment to end.


After an hour of dancing, the two were found at their table lost in each other's eyes. Syaoran's hand was on Sakura's, his thumb gently caressing hers as her head rested on chest. Each moment, Sakura realized, she was falling deeper for him.

A tap on her shoulder not only ruined the moment but ended her daydream. Annoyed, Sakura turned around to see a pimply waiter who offered her an envelope . She took it and muttered a thanks. By now, they had broken apart and Syaoran looked on curiously. Sakura tore open the envelope and slid out a message. It read :

Ladies Room Now. West Wing.

- KM

Sakura felt her heart quicken. How dare they bother her at a time like this! Where the hell is Ruby, thought Sakura as she hastily folded back the paper and stuck it in her purse. Putting on her most composed expression, Sakura turned to Syaoran.

"Could you," she paused, "excuse me for a moment?" Syaoran nodded.

"Is everything alright?" he inquired obviously aware that something was amiss. Sakura stood to leave.

"I'll be right back," she said evasively for she had no answer to his question.

Puzzled at the far distance of the restroom, Sakura concluded that the one nearest the ballroom would be too crowded and that it was best for a meeting of their nature to be located as far as possible. She passed through the hallway and down a lit hallway. Kaho stood at the end, right outside the ladies' room, clad in a black long sleeved shirt and skinny brown pants. She wore a brown newsboy cap and her red hair fell around her shoulders.

"What the hell is going on!? I thought you guys said you weren't going to disturb me!" Sakura lashed out as soon as she was near.

"Ruby's missing." Kaho said quietly. Sakura felt her jaw drop a little.

"What..she said-"

"We know that she infiltrated the building and made it to the ballroom but she disappeared in the restrooms," explained Kaho.

"Then let's search for her? Maybe she's still here?" suggested Sakura. Kaho shook her head.

"It's not that simple. I already checked the restrooms. The assailant did a good clean up. No trace whatsoever and Ruby would never just turn off her tracking device."

Sakura understood that the tracking device was so they could keep track of where an agent was at all times.

"So what now?"

"You have to leave with me. Immediately. You're in great danger."

"Whoa. Hold on a minute!" cried Sakura as she felt her blood rise. "I'm in the middle of a very important night. I can't just…leave" she finished pointedly.

"When I said you were in danger," Kaho began, "I meant those around you, those you care about, are in danger as well including Mr. Li. These men took down a trained agent and they won't hesitate to hurt others in order to get what they want."

It took a moment for Sakura to absorb what Kaho had just said. She glanced longingly at the hallway from which she came realizing that her fairytale had just taken a rather deadly twist. As much as she wanted the night to continue, she couldn't stand the thought of Syaoran being in danger. Sighing, she turned back to Kaho.

"Okay. So now what? We leave?"

Kaho nodded.

"At least let me tell him I have to go," said Sakura. Again Kaho nodded but said that she would be watching in case anything should happen.

Sakura felt her legs tremble as she walked slowly back to the table. Syaoran's back was turned to her but she could already imagine his expression once she told him. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled and reached out for his shoulder.

"Hey there," he said, smiling. Sakura forced herself to smile back and Syaoran instantly knew that something was wrong. He stood up.

"What's the matter?" he asked her. Sakura refused to look in his eyes and instead, rested her hands on his chest. She pretended to fumble with his tie.

"Something…" Sakura searched for the word, "came up. And I have to leave…immediately." Syaoran placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face up so that their eyes could meet. He saw, splashed across those magnificent emeralds, hints of fear, worry and concern.

"I-I just want to say thank you for tonight. And I'm really sorry about this," Sakura stammered, a sinking feeling lodging itself in her stomach.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Syaoran asked. Sakura wanted to scream for him to hold her there, for him to take away all her worries like he had done on the dance floor, to make the whole thing go away.

"No. But don't worry, I'll be alright," she assured him, wishing that she could be confident in her own words. Taking her hand from his chest, he planted a soft kiss and Sakura felt the heat rise to her cheeks. A few moments later, she joined Kaho. She looked longingly back at Syaoran, hoping that tonight wouldn't be the last time they saw each other.


"So where exactly are we going?" asked Sakura as they sped down the boulevard in Kaho's Acura sedan. Sakura sipped slowly on her champagne glass, hoping that a little liquor would wash away her concerns. Images of Syaoran kept appearing in her head. The thought that something dangerous was about to occur haunted her. Another sip. A moment of peace. And then it all came rushing back.

"To headquarters," replied the older woman without so much as a glance in Sakura's direction. "Have you made your decision yet? As to whether or not you will help us?"

"I'm not sure…" answered Sakura slowly.

"The sooner you comply, the sooner this whole ordeal will be over with and the sooner you can return to your life…and Mr. Li."

At the mention of his name, Sakura's eyes lit up. Kaho was counting on that.

"It's just. My life has been so hectic lately. Just when it was getting good, this happens," Sakura said.

"Shit happens," was Kaho's response.

"I know but sometimes I wonder why me? And why do I have to do this and not Touya? I mean what difference would it make?"

"They specifically wanted you. Although now we have reason to believe that the money is irrelevant."

Sakura cocked an eyebrow.

"It may be that they need you for something else."

"Like what?" Sakura asked. Kaho shrugged.

"I don't know. But whatever it is, it can't be good," she began, "But time is running out. We need your father back so that we can secure this technology although I'm sure it is too late."

"And save Ruby right?" added Sakura, her thoughts on the young girl. Sakura thought she saw a flicker of emotion in Kaho's eyes. Another sip. Sakura felt her head begin to spin a little.

"Yes," the woman replied.

"Don't you care about her? She's your sister for goodness sakes," Sakura said. She was stunned at how casual Kaho had been about the whole ordeal.

"In this job, emotions get in the way. Ruby and I agreed that if one of us failed, the remaining one would continue on and complete the mission."

"You act as if she's died," stated Sakura pointedly.

"I assume as much," Kaho said, "But then again, assumptions can be false."

"Why are you so serious?" Sakura asked, feeling a little woozier. Kaho seem taken aback by that question but figured that it must have been the champagne.

"What kind of question is that?" she asked. Sakura chuckled and thought of Ruby's comment earlier that night, trying to ignore the image of the young girl sprawled across the floor in a puddle of blood. She drained her glass.

"Well Ruby said that you were the one who parties all the time."

"That little-"

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Sakura interrupted, staring out the window as she waved her empty glass in the air. The city lights were abnormally bright and Sakura felt extremely lightheaded. At that question, Kaho smiled. The car slowed as she steered the it into a parking position along the curb. Sakura turned back to Kaho and gave her a curious look.

"Was it something I said?" Sakura asked. Kaho shook her head.

"I do have a boyfriend," Kaho said, "In fact, you might meet him soon."

"Okay…so why have we stopped," asked Sakura as she reasoned as to the significance of their location. Her migraine had grown now and she was unknowingly rubbing her temple with her fingers. They were parked in front of a pizza parlor and, as drunk as she was Sakura, doubted that such a place would be the entrance to an elaborate government branch. A soft ringing sound erupted in her ears.

"We're about to enter headquarters," Kaho explained, "And as part of protocol, outsiders aren't permitted to know the location of the entrance."

"What the…" Sakura's voice drifted off as she felt her vision blur. Kaho's voice seemed to be farther and farther away. Sakura struggled to grasp onto her consciousness.

"…in your drink….sleeping potion…it should work……few hours….right about now…"

And then, all was dark.


Kaho pulled the car into her designated parking spot. Sakura was beside her, sleeping soundly, the glass dangling in her hand. The faint sound of a motorcycle could be heard and a moment later, it whizzed into the spot next to Kaho. Kaho got out of the car as the rider turned off his engine and removed his helmet.

"Mission accomplished?" he asked her as they both took a step towards each other. Kaho stared into his warm brown eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He puller her closer to him, their faces inches away from each other.

"Not quite," Kaho responded, her eyes searching his face, "Ruby's missing but at least Sakura is safe now." She saw concern dawn upon his face.

"Don't worry. We'll figure this out…" he said kissing her forehead and enveloping her in a warm embrace. Kaho sighed. A few moments later, he decided that now would be a good time for a change.

"I've missed you y'know…" he started, smiling slyly.

"Oh have you really?" Kaho asked playfully not denying the fact that she missed him too, "perhaps we should get to catch up a little later tonight." He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. When they broke apart, he glanced at Sakura in the car. Kaho followed his glance.

"How do you think she'll react when she sees me?" he said, not taking his eyes off Sakura. Kaho shrugged.

"Well, she was eager to meet my boyfriend," she said.

"It's been so long…" he said, "I just don't know."

Kaho used her hand to maneuver his face back to hers.

"She'll understand…in time," Kaho said, staring deep into his eyes, "But for now we need to get her inside." He understood her implication and proceeded to remove the Sakura from the vehicle. Kaho opened the driver's door and retrieved her purse. She began to walk off when he called her back.

"Hey Kaho! I love you," he said in the most childish voice ever. Kaho laughed. She turned back and smiled as she watched him convey Sakura into his arms.

"I love you too, Touya," said Kaho, beaming.


How many of you saw that one coming? Hahah review please. Oh and the song earlier was "One in a Million" by Aaliyah. Does that sound familiar? Anyways, Happy New Year Everyone! Love always - joocieFruit