Breathe

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fanfic… but I do own the plot and the story.

Summary: A simple girl living a simple life meets the man who would complicate it in a lot of ways. "Working for the President of the billion-dollar empire wasn't a good idea, after all… especially if it's you, Li Syaoran. Everything's just a game for you."

Chapter 7: Preparations for the Ball

Previous Chapter:

"Does that mean… I can date you?" Syaoran asked, cuddling her.

Sakura smiled and nodded; too shy to answer.

"I love you," he whispered through his hair, his lips forming a smile.

"I love you too," she said, cuddling close to him, surrendering to sleep.

.-.-.-.

Morning came, and Mei Lin and Tomoyo were the first ones up. "Eh? Why is their tent empty?" Tomoyo asked her.

Mei Lin shrugged. "How should I know? I just woke up."

Just then, Sakura came out of the kitchen's back door, wearing a tank top and shorts. "Good morning!" she said, smiling.

Tomoyo and Mei Lin exchanged looks. "Someone seems to be in a good mood," Tomoyo whispered.

"Good morning!" Mei Lin greeted back. "Why are you up so early?"

"I made breakfast. Come on, let's eat," she said, grinning.

"What about the boys?" Tomoyo asked.

Sakura thought for a moment. "Oh, let them sleep. Syaoran will take care of them."

"Why Syaoran?" Both asked at the same time.

"There's something I need to tell you, so let's just go inside," Sakura said, pulling their hands. "Come on."

Tomoyo and Mei Lin followed her to the kitchen, draping towels around their waist. They both sat at each of the bar stools while Sakura gave them a plate of rice omelette and juice.

"So, what's this you're gonna tell us about?" Mei Lin asked, trying the omelette. "Mmm, these taste really good."

"Thank you. Anyway, I think this might be a wee bit of a shock but… Syaoran and I have officially gotten together."

Tomoyo tried to hold down her excitement and squeal. "Gotten together? I don't get it."

Mei Lin grabbed Tomoyo's hand and squeezed it hard, trying to contain herself from exploding and jumping for joy. "What do you mean?" she said with a serious look.

Sakura fidgeted a little, playing with her fingers. "Well… me and Syaoran… have agreed to date."

Mei Lin snorted. "Agreed? What, like, do you have a contract or something?"

"No!" Sakura exclaimed. "It's not like that."

"Then what exactly?" Tomoyo asked. 'Please…' she thought, 'Let her say she loves him and he loves her, too.'

"We… have mutual feelings for each other…" Sakura whispered, her face red.

"Tomoyo and I have mutual feelings for each other, too—but that doesn't seem enough to give us the idea of dating," Mei Lin said, trying to get Sakura to say it out loud.

"That's not it," Sakura exhaled, feeling pressured.

"Then what exac—?" Mei Lin and Tomoyo said at the same time.

Sakura cut them off. "We love each other!" she exclaimed, her face low, trying to hide her blush.

Mei Lin and Tomoyo had a fist in the air, both mouthing, "Yes!" but immediately turn to serious mode when Sakura turned to look at them. "At least say something?" she said.

Mei Lin giggled. "It did surprise me," she said, with a hint of sarcasm, "But I have nothing against it. I like you, Sakura, and we're friends."

"I am so happy for you," Tomoyo said, holding Sakura's hands. "Li is the perfect guy for you. I mean, you totally complement each other."

Mei Lin agreed. "Yeah. You both fill in each other's empty spaces."

Sakura bit her lower lip before exploding into a squeal. "Oh my, thank you, guys! You're the best!" she said, hugging her two girlfriends.

.-.-.-.

"I knew it," Eriol said. "It doesn't surprise me the least."

Ryu raised his feet on the table. "I saw it coming, too."

Syaoran laughed. "This isn't how it's supposed to turn out, but… I just can't stop myself falling for her."

Eriol thought that he saw a different look from Syaoran's eyes, but when he blinked, it was gone. He ignored his first comment. "She's really fine and adorable, so take care of her well. It's hard to find a girl like her." he said flatly.

Ryu drank some juice. "Yeah. Sakura's the only girl who didn't throw herself at you, right? She's really something—your face and status doesn't affect her at all. Ah, better be prepared, Syaoran."

"Don't let her waver for a bit—some other guy might snatch her away." Eriol added.

Syaoran nodded. "I appreciate your concerns, but I have no plans of letting her waver, nor giving her up to some other guy." He smirked, drinking his juice.

.-.-.-.

All six of them packed their things and prepared to go back to reality. Ryu will be staying over at the Li Mansion, along Tomoyo and Sakura. Sakura didn't like the idea at first, but Syaoran convinced her to stay with him.

The servants unloaded the cars and brought the luggage with them. Syaoran had his arm around Sakura's waist. "I'll show you your new room." He whispered to her ear.

Sakura followed him upstairs and beside his room, there were two oak doors with gold and metallic pink handles. She pushed them open, revealing the interior. Sakura stood there, frozen. The room looked exactly like the one she had in the villa. She was about to say something, when Syaoran wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder.

"You said you liked that room, so I had this made." He said, kissing her.

Sakura giggled. "I'm surprised that you didn't suggest we stay in one room."

Syaoran chuckled. "I know you would refuse, even if we had started dating already." He said, kissing her more on her neck, giving her a tingling feeling.

Sakura nodded. "It's a good thing we understand each other," she whispered, turning around to face him and give him a kiss.

Syaoran broke the kiss and touched her forehead with his. "I have something I need to take care of at work. I'll be back before dinner, so just rest for today, okay?" he said, giving her another kiss.

When he tore apart from her, she barely breathed, "Okay…" before he leaned down to kiss her some more.

"I hate to interrupt the moment, but… Syaoran, don't you need to be somewhere?"

Both turned to the door and saw Mei Lin leaning on the door frame, her arms crossed, smirking. Syaoran rolled his eyes. "Alright, I'm going." He turned to Sakura and said, "I'll see you later, babe." Before giving her one last kiss and leaving.

Sakura sat on her bed, smiling. "My heart triples its beat rhythm when I'm with him."

Mei Lin giggled. "My, my, my, you have got it bad with my cousin."

"Yeah, I'm afraid," she said.

"Oh, by the way—the Halloween Ball is only two weeks away, so I was thinking of going shopping with you guys for the costumes," Mei Lin said, sitting beside her. "And… I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but…"

"What?" Sakura asked.

"I signed you up for the Anonymous Event."

"What? Why?" Sakura asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

Mei Lin sighed. "I heard the situation about your father from Tomoyo, and I think this would be of great help. This year's reward is one hundred thousand dollars, if you win."

Sakura thought for a moment. 'One hundred thousand dollars. That would be enough to pay the remaining hospital bills and medication, plus a ticket to bring dad home.'

"Sakura?" Mei Lin waved a hand on her face, seeing her blank expression.

Sakura snapped out of her thoughts. "Y-yes?"

"What do you say?"

"I'm alright with it, but… I don't want others to know it's me."

Mei Lin placed a finger on her chin, thinking. "Syaoran would know it's you immediately, so we have to disguise you. After all, the main point is staying anonymous."

"Do you have anything in mind?"

"I'll take care of that, so let's just shop at the moment."

.-.-.-.

"Li-sama, CEO Kazuki is here to see you." Maria's voice rang through the entire room, distracting his thoughts.

"Send him in."

A few minutes later, a man about Syaoran's height walked in. He had striking gold eyes and chestnut brown hair. Syaoran grinned upon seeing him. "Sit." He said.

The man sat on the couch as Syaoran joined him with a bottle of alcohol. "What brings you here, Sato?"

Sato smirked. "I heard you beat up Lucas real good."

Syaoran laughed. "Ah, is he doing well? Please send him my apologies. I didn't intend to hit him that hard."

Sato smirked. "He's currently getting surgery for his broken nose and his fractured jaw. You did damage him pretty much." He said, drinking some alcohol.

Syaoran raised his glass. "Good. He can get his face repaired—if it can be."

Sato laughed. "How's the thing with the girl?"

Syaoran crossed his legs. "Ah, everything's going my way."

"She'll be in real shock when she finds out she's being played."

Syaoran's expression turned serious. "Not a word to anyone, Sato. That was the deal. You break it, I break off my investment."

Sato held his hands up. "Whoa, whoa. Calm down, Li. I have no intention to say anything to anyone. I'll continue to help you with your plans as long as you help me with mine."

Syaoran remained silent for a moment. "Let's change the topic. Is everything going fine for the next plan?"

Sato nodded. "Seeing as Lucas can't be of help, I'm doing this part and the succeeding ones as well, if the situation permits."

"Good. I wanna see what you have planned out for me." Syaoran said, grinning.

Sato smirked. "You know how I roll, Li. I'll be going," he said, standing up.

Syaoran nodded and said, "Tell Lucas he did a pretty good job acting as a rapist last time."

Sato raised his hand to say that he will before closing the door behind him. He smirked and whispered to himself, "That wasn't acting, Li."

Eriol peeked from under Sakura's table, watching Sato go out of the room. 'Sato? What is he doing here?' he thought, glancing over Syaoran's office. 'What could he possibly want with Syaoran?'

.-.-.-.

Mei Lin, Tomoyo and Sakura entered the mall, chatting with themselves. They have decided to look for a dress and a suitable disguise for Sakura, for the upcoming ball.

"Do you have anything in particular, Sakura?" Mei Lin asked, looking through the racks of clothes. "I mean, any design you have in mind?"

Sakura shrugged, looking through the other rack. "Not really. Tomoyo always makes my clothes for me, and she's also like my stylist. She even has that Sakura Collection in her building."

Mei Lin sighed. "You're so lucky to have her as a friend."

Tomoyo laughed. "I'll be making clothes for you, too, Mei Lin, so don't you worry."

"What's inside Sakura's Collection, anyway?" Mei Lin asked.

Tomoyo turned to her. "It's a special collection for her. It's like her personal closet, only bigger. I store all my creations for her there."

"You're really envious," Mei Lin nudged Sakura, giggling. "Do I get to see this room, too?"

Sakura nodded. "Of course! But you only get to see it once the Mei Lin Collection is done."

"Wh…at?" Mei Lin asked. "Mei Lin… Collection?"

Tomoyo laughed. "I'm currently working on the designs, and I need your help with it. Since I base my designs according to personalities, I need your ideas in it."

"Are you… serious about this?" Mei Lin asked again, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Tomoyo nodded, smiling.

"Oh my god I am so thankful for this!" Mei Lin exclaimed, jumping to Tomoyo for a hug. "Thank you, thank you!"

"It's nothing," Tomoyo said, glad that she could make her friends happy. "Let's look for something to wear, now."

Sakura sighed. "This store is hopeless. Let's go to another one."

The three girls went out and looked for another store. They repeated the process for about ten times, still finding nothing for themselves.

"This place has nothing," Mei Lin sighed, sitting beside Sakura. They have decided to stop by Dairy Queen for some Ice Cream.

"I totally agree," Sakura said, massaging her feet. "I'm tired of walking around."

Suddenly, Tomoyo perked up. "I know! Let's go visit London 1853."

"Huh? Where's that?" Mei Lin asked. "That's the first time I've heard that."

"It's a store not far away from here. They sell costumes of every kind and even party things," Tomoyo said, standing.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Sakura rolled her eyes. "Let's check it out."

.-.-.-.

Mei Lin parked by a three-storey building. It had an old but elegant feeling to it. "Hmm. The style of the house looks like it's from England."

"Exactly the point," Tomoyo said, getting out of the car. "The owner of this building is a classmate of mine when we were in college. She loves old England and their styles, but she loves modern and classical, too. So instead of making a business like mine, she decided to just make a costume shop."

"Great idea," Sakura mused. "Come, let's see what's inside."

Upon entering the store, they were greeted by handsome butlers. "Welcome, Mademoiselles."

"Whoa, even the employees are great." Mei Lin said, eyeing one handsome guy to the farthest right.

Inside the building was a hallway lit up by lamps. There were four doors and two elevators. "Where's the stuff?" Sakura asked.

"Inside those doors." She whispered.

A lady with golden hair and grey eyes approached them. "Tomoyo! It's so nice to see you," she said, giving her a cheek-to-cheek.

"Lola," Tomoyo said, returning the gesture. "You're as stunning as ever!"

"Ah, stop flattering me. Are they your friends?" Lola asked, looking behind Tomoyo.

"Ah, yes. This is Mei Lin," she introduced as Mei Lin gave courtesy, "And Sakura."

"Pretty pretty ladies!" Lola said with glee. "What brings you here?"

"We need to find a costume for the Halloween ball we need to attend to." Mei Lin said. "And also something to disguise her into."

Tomoy explained the basics to Lola, and Lola said, "I think I have something for you."

Lola led them through the hallway. Sakura and Mei Lin read the labels on the doors: there were Wigs, Masks, Eyes and Props. They boarded the elevator and went to the second floor. It looked like the previous floor, only with different labels.

"Here," Lola said, opening a door that read: Dresses and Gowns.

They entered the spacious room, with Mei Lin and Sakura marvelling at the collection. They placed their bags at the couch on the center of the room, as three handsome guys escorted them inside. "Feel free to look around."

"Sakura, don't look for your dress—I'll take care of that," Tomoyo said. "Let's look for dresses first, then shoes, then accessories, then the disguise."

Mei Lin held up a maroon floor-length dress. "I'll try this on." She disappeared behind the curtains.

Tomoyo tossed dresses and gowns here and there, separating which one's for Sakura and Mei Lin.

Once done, Sakura and Tomoyo sat on the couch, waiting for Mei Lin. She came out wearing the maroon dress. "How is it?"

Tomoyo wrinkled her nose. "Too long. Try this one." She gave Mei Lin another crimson dress.

A few minutes later, she came out again. "No," Sakura said. "It's making your eyes look scarier and your face older. Pick another one, Tomoyo."

Tomoyo gave another dress to Mei Lin. After a few minutes, she came out. She wore a red bubble tube dress with a huge ribbon at the chest area. It came up to her knees with just the right length.

Sakura grinned. "Perfect."

Tomoyo gave her two thumbs up. "Great."

Mei Lin grinned. "I think that, too."

"Now, Sakura, it's your turn," Tomoyo said, pushing her inside. "Wear this." She gave her an orange dress.

Sakura closed the curtains as Mei Lin and Tomoyo waited. The curtains opened, revealing Sakura. She wore an orange dress, with a square neckline and puffed sleeves, and with lots of lace. There were lots of layers for the skirt, making her look like a balloon. She pouted and scratched her arms. "It's itchy."

"You look like a friggin' pumpkin," Mei Lin said. "No offense, Lola."

Lola smiled. "I don't think it suits her, either. This dress is meant for old Ladies."

"Tomoyo, what the hell were you thinking, giver her that kind of dress?" Mei Lin exclaimed.

Tomoyo sweat-dropped. "Sorry. Let's try again," she said, giving Sakura a cream-colored dress.

She disappeared once again behind the curtains and revealed herself wearing the cream-colored dress.

"Sakura, why are you facing that way? Turn around," Tomoyo said, as her back was faced to them.

She turned around, slowly, her arms over her chest.

"Stand properly," Lola said.

She straightened her back and removed her arms. Mei Lin coughed violently, as Tomoyo smiled. She wore a turtle-necked cream dress that reached just above her knees. It fits her body well, but the problem is… the chest part barely covered her nipples. "This is really… awkward."

"What the hell are you doing, looking at her?" Mei Lin said out loud.

The handsome guys at the back immediately averted their eyes. One even whispered, "She didn't even look here. How did she know?"

"I can see your reflection on the frames, idiot," Mei Lin answered.

"It makes your skin look like jaundiced or something," Lola commented.

Tomoyo shook her head. "As much as I want you to wear that, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. Here, try another one."

Sakura sighed and closed the curtains again. Tomoyo tapped her fingers as Mei Lin sat comfortably beside her. Lola clasped her hands nervously.

The curtains opened, as Sakura stepped out wearing a two-toned emerald green tube dress. It was held together by two X's the back, thus making it fit for her curves, show a lot of back skin and though it was three inches above her knee, Sakura didn't mind; it was an okay length. "So, what do you guys think?"

"Perfect." Tomoyo, Mei Lin and Lola said in chorus.

Sakura smiled. "I like this one, too. Shall we proceed to the next one?"

"Shoes are this way. Those dresses come with shoes already," Lola said, leading them out the room. "What about Tomoyo?"

"I already have a dress," Tomoyo beamed.

They entered another room and tried on the shoes and found matching accessories. Sakura got three gem-studded bangles, Mei Lin got a red choker, and Tomoyo got earrings. For Sakura's disguise, they just picked out a Sapphire-blue halter dress that flattered her slim figure and emphasized her curves. They also got some props.

It was almost dinner time by the time they finished.

"I had a lot of fun!" Sakura said, getting in the car with dozens of bags.

Mei Lin started the car. "You're not the only one," she said before speeding off.

.-.-.-.

The girls entered the house and placed their shopping bags in their respective rooms. Tomoyo thought it would be better if she hid the other dress they bought for Sakura, so she brought it with her.

Sakura placed her shopping bags on the floor and turned the lights on. A hand covered her eyes and whispered, "I missed you, baby."

"Aww, I missed you too," She said, recognizing the voice. "How's work?"

"Just like always," Syaoran said, giving her a light kiss. "Only that I didn't get to eat your home baked muffins." He pouted.

Sakura laughed. "I'll make some for you tonight, so don't worry. I was out shopping with the girls."

"What for?"

"For the Halloween Ball," She said. "Gosh I'm so tired."

Syaoran scooped her in his arms and brought her to the bed. "Then you should rest."

"I'll rest after taking a shower," she said, pushing him. "Oh, Syaoran, I wanna go to work tomorrow."

"Why?" he asked. "It's better if you just spend the day resting."

"I can't anymore," she said, feeling uneasy. "I can't be idle, it makes me uneasy. Also, I told you before that I work for the company. If I'm here resting, I won't be useful, right? That would defy your purpose of hiring me, and I don't want that."

"But I'm telling you to rest."

"I've rested enough," she argued. "I'll work tomorrow. Please?" she looked at him with puppy eyes.

He sighed, surrendering himself. "I just can't say no when you look so cute like that."

"Thank you!" she exclaimed, hugging him. "Oh, have you eaten dinner yet?"

Syaoran shook his head. "Not yet. I was waiting for you."

"I'm starving, too. I'll just take a shower and join you downstairs."

.-.-.-.

Eriol knocked on Mei Lin's door. "Come in," she said.

He closed the door behind him and said, "Mei Lin, there's something I need to ask you."

"Why the serious face, Eriol?" she asked, sitting on her bed.

Eriol sat on one of her chairs. "You've stayed with Syaoran longer than I have, so I need to ask you."

"Ask me what?"

"Do you—by any chance—know Sato Kazuki?"

Mei Lin's expression turned serious. "Sato Kazuki is the CEO of Kazuki Telecommunications."

"Aside from that," Eriol said, rolling his eyes.

Mei Lin sighed. "Sato Kazuki is Lucas' friend and Syaoran's."

"But isn't Lucas Syaoran's rival?"

"He is, and at the same time, his friend." Mei Lin sighed. "It's a really difficult thing to explain, Eriol. They're sort of like frenemies."

"And Sato is what?"

"He's England."

"What?"

"He's neutral," she said. "He doesn't choose sides. Wait, why are we having this discussion?"

"I saw Sato Kazuki come out of Syaoran's office earlier," he said.

Mei Lin crossed her legs. "Probably to ask Syaoran for money. His business is on the brink of bankruptcy."

"I suppose," he whispered. "So, Lucas, Syaoran and Sato are all friends?"

"Yeah, they are."

"This is really twisted."

"Don't think about it too much," she said, laughing. "It'll only make your head ache. Come on, let's eat dinner."

'But it's really making me uneasy,' he said.

.-.-.-.

"Good work, Sato. Do you have his trust?" a woman asked, her back against him.

"Yes, Li-sama," he said, bowing before her. "He trusts me completely on my next move."

"That son of mine will never learn," Yelan said, turning her chair to face him, "And he'll never know what he's got till he loses her."

"Li-sama, is there really no other way? I feel sorry for the innocent girl," Sato said.

Yelan sighed. "If only there was, Sato. I don't want to hurt Sakura, either. But if we don't do this, Syaoran's bound to repeat this over and over again."

"What makes you so sure that this will work?"

"He's my son," Yelan said confidently. "I know every inch of him."

.-.-.-.

A/N: Oh my, oh my! This story is really getting twisted. HAHAHA :) I thought putting Yelan in action is a good idea :D

Anyway, next chapter is the Halloween Ball, so please watch out for that :) And which side is Sato on, anyway? Is it Yelan's or Syaoran's? Sneaky guy. HAHAHA he'll be playing a hateful character, yes, but he's doing it for the sake of humanity LOL :P

Thank you to those who reviewed! I appreciated it a lot :) Would you guys like more lemons in this story? LOL LOL :P:P

Reviews please! :) Thank you for supporting and reading this story :)