Disclaimer: I don't own CCS or its characters. This story is mine and a few other characters such as Jeff Conrad, Sam Conrad, Miyu, Miho and Yumi are all mine.

Summary:

What happens when you try to set your best friend up with the girl you are going to fall in love with? Well, what happens is this…(Lemon juice is provided later for refreshment! He he ) wink! There are some serious lemons in this fiction. You've been warned.

And, finally thanks for all the reviews!


CHAPTER 11

ARDUOUS DOCKET

Sakura drew in a deep breath, looking at the wall clock before letting her self lay back on to the softness of her sheets. Panting sulkily, she grabbed the nearest pillow and hid her face into it, feeling the soft coldness of it caressing her heated skin. Images of her dream rushed in front of her eyes. She moaned embarrassedly, tightening her legs together, as the throbbing inside her inner thighs sped up; the dull ace heightening more, her wetness even more evident. She crushed her face further into the pillow, shutting her eyes tight till she could see colorful textures forming in her vision. No use. The action didn't help her one bit.

She cursed softly, her voice coming out rather as a moan. She could still feel Syaoran's lips on her skin, his hands at her breast, his eyes full of desire, as he placed feather light kisses down the length of her neck to her breast. Sakura bit her lip clawing the pillow, pressed into her face, with her nails. Of course, she had writhed like she had been touched by fire. She had woken up still writhing, clawing the sheets around her wantonly before regaining her control. It was already three in the morning! If this continued, how was she going to wake up the following morning!?

Throwing the pillow aside, she clenched her night gown. Her fingers slowly loosened itself of its own accord and soon Sakura found herself caressing her arms, trying to satisfy the feeling desperately. Gulping, she realized that she had been grinding her hips continuously in thin air and wondered how long it would take before she did something embarrassing like bringing her hand down toBeep!! A loud ring stabbed the silence. Sakura jerked up startled. Gasping she looked around only to find her cell phone illuminated on the bed side table, washing the surrounding with a diminutive but bright light. With a sigh of relief, she regained her composure, reaching out to it. She had to blink a hundred times to finally be able to make out anything on the screen. Frowning against the blinding light she realized that the text message was from Syaoran. What could he want at a time like this?

Nervously she selected the "Read" option. By any chance r u awake? Frowning in confusion she sent back a "Ya". A minute later her cell phone vibrated again, diffusing a loud beep. Can I call u up?

Sakura stared at the screen for squarely a minute, reading the words again and again till it sunk in. She snapped out of it and messaged back quickly, her heart thumping. No jus msg na? its late n I don want my bro(brother) to hear my voice. Sakura sighed; the last thing she wanted right now was hear Syaoran's deep baritone. Oh no, she couldn't handle that after that dream.

Syaoran's message came soon. I 4got 2 ask, shud I pick u up tmrw?? Sakura's eyebrows rose. Of course! Syaoran was taking her to school this week due to her injury! She had forgotten to tell him about having to go sooner to school the next day! Her meeting with the principal was scheduled to be at 7:30 the following morning, half an hour before the school officially started. Having had a leg injury, she hadn't been able to go for her basket ball practices that whole week. And hence, she had taken to go a bit later than usual and Syaoran didn't seem to mind that. But, it would have been an understatement to say that her coach had been displeased. But finally, he had to excuse her from practices for rest of the week in the end.

She hurriedly sent back a message. 'Sorry 4 not telling u sooner. I 4got earlier. Yep I need to go by 6:45 tmrw. Pls com by 6:30 bud… btw wat r u doing up so early??

Syaoran's reply came after two minutes. Woke up from a stupid dream.. n suddenly remembered abt this.. Anyway cya tmrw.. bbye.

Sakura rolled her eyes, placing the phone back on the table before. Well atleast now, she had gained her composure back. It was a good thing he had woken up from his 'stupid dream' whatsoever and had decided to message her. Or she would have masturbated, which she didn't want to. She believed in having self control over herself. What would a person be if he or she didn't even have a control on their own body? An animal of course, Sakura answered nodding. And masturbating was just equivalent to loosing self control.

She dropped back on to her bed and closed her eyes, sighing deeply. But sleep just wouldn't come… instead images of her dream flew into her mind again.


Sakura glared, as she regarded the enormous room, from one of the chairs lined around the table. The white walls seemed to be glowing in the lights giving out the impression of a newly painted room. It closely resembled a conference room, yet it was anything but that. Beyond the huge table the seats were set in a raised plat form and they rose up to form a semi circular gallery. Fewer than fifteen people occupied the indoor theater, near the conference table. The principle and the teacher's committee were yet to come. The teacher's committee consisted of the various heads of the department; who had to help the head students in dire conditions and for organizing the event if needed. But their involvement was more important in cooperating to the student's conditions and needs. The next two months they were expected to succumb to the students for the smooth running of the event.

It was already 7 and the teachers were yet to come. Sakura's dull expression turned to a full fledged glare as she regarded Syaoran and Eriol, drowned in a busy conversation across the room; both their chests gleaming with the badges attached to their front pockets. Syaoran's badge was a plain white tablet with shining bold and black letters reading 'Yuuretsu House Captain' ( Yuuretsu in Japanese mean Valor, bravery and courage. It is usually depicted with Lion and hence the house symbol is a Shishi which translates to lion.). Of course, she had forgotten that Syaoran had been elected the House captain for his house. And as it turned out his house excelled all the other houses. Why!? She punched the table in question. Syaoran and Eriol looked up at her startled. But her hawk like gaze was fixed on Syaoran and her green eyes burned further more in anger, as she regarded his annoying smirk before he turned back to his conversation.

Sure she had woken up late that morning and sure did Syaoran wait for more than 15 minutes, honking continuously in irritation successfully waking up the neighbors. It was a wonder that Touya didn't kill him. Sakura sure did expect him to pound Syaoran, when he had stormed out of the house in frustration. But a few minutes later he had simply walked into the house, positively seething only to shout at her to get the 'bloody hell' out of the house soon. She had run out of the house, looking downright furious to be shouted at early in the morning, only to find the neighbor jabbering loudly to her father about the 'noise pollution' Syaoran was causing.

Hurriedly, she had jumped into the car, asked Syaoran to take off fast, but that only infuriated him more causing her to get yelled at again. And god, did he have a rather loud voice. Within two minutes he was driving down the road at top speed and they were screaming at each other at the top of their voices; only calming down when the school finally came into view. Sakura had gotten off at the gate and left him to park the car by himself; storming up the foot steps to the school at top speed (with her still wounded ankle).

Her frown turned into a scowl as her gaze swept to Eriol. He was smirking about something Syaoran was telling. Like Syaoran, Eriol's shirt was also pinned, but with two badges. The white tablet was similar to Syaoran's, except that it read 'Sports secretary'. The other badge was a gold plate in the shape of the school emblem, with the shining black words reading 'Student Council'. Sakura fingered her own similar badges, as she regarded Eriol with a disgusted look. That annoying ass! Why in the heavens name had they made him one of the heads!?

It seemed to Sakura, that people from her class seemed to have occupied most of the student head positions than those from the other classes. She herself, was the cultural secretary, elected unanimously by the council, teacher heads and the principal (She prided the fact that her superiors and fellow students recognized her creativity). Syaoran was one of the 'House Captains' who were elected by the students and the head of the houses. (No wonder he was elected, he was the most popular student and not to mention talented in sports!) Well damn him. Hiiragizawa was the sports secretary and hence he was a council member too (when a person is head of the main activities, they become council members naturally. But then, not all council members need to be a head.), Miyu was a council member as well.

Sakura gazed at the black haired girl trying to gain the attention of the red haired boy who was jabbering away grinning at the blonde guy seated next to him. Sakura frowned, trying to recall the red head's name. Of course! Wasn't he Taro Li!?… Sakura frowned thoughtfully. Taro Li was a mix of Japanese and Chinese, whose mother, a pure breed Japanese woman married her Chinese college sweetheart. Hmm… So he was the guy Miyu was pinning for now… The other blonde guy, whose name Sakura recalled as Haku Dai, looked rather uncomfortable since Miyu kept shooting angry glares at him. Her gaze was clearly indicating him to get the hell away, but Taro didn't seem to want to let him off so easily.

The door opened abruptly with a bang. Miho stood there breathless, her eyes apprehensive for a mere second before turning back to normal. All the guys stared enchanted, as she strolled in smiling smugly. Her very walk had an attitude to it. A slight wiggle here and there, the soft sound of her heals, her outfit perfect, yet sensuous and figure hugging, the modest flip of her glossy red hair, the perfect tan for centuries to come, the beautifully manicured nails that brushed the strap of her perfect bag which matched her dress, ever so lightly as she held it on her slender shoulders gracefully. Even the girls had to watch. Sakura wondered how she could achieve that flawless existence so naturally.

Miho's smooth full cherry lips curled into a grin, as her bright honey colored gaze swept over her close friend. "Hey Miyu!" she waved at her, before settling down in between Eriol and Miyu. Finally Miyu seemed to have snapped out of her effort to gain Taro's attention. Even Taro snapped out of his rants and was currently staring at Miho open mouthed.

"Hey, Miho! Hmm.. Looking as beautiful as always I see…" Eriol said, grinning as he put a hand around Miho's shoulder.

"Eriol… Eriol… Thank you, you look as devastatingly handsome as always baby." She flirted back, winking at him. Sakura rolled her eyes… Wasn't this a daily routine? She wondered unenthusiastically. Atleast, they could change lines.

" Hmm.. Miho, you are looking better than usual" Miyu noted curiously, before getting a mischievous glint in her eyes… "Are you hiding something babe? Oh come on! Out with it! You are looking all set for something special"

"That's because I am!" Miho squealed loudly, causing everyone to cringe. "I got in! I got in!"

"Got in what!?" Sakura asked loudly looking bewildered. Miho's bright gaze snapped to her face and her grin went wider. "Hey there Sakura chan! I got selected as a model for the 'Ecstacy!'".

"Really!?" All the girls in the vicinity screamed. "Wow that's awesome Miho!" Miyu had grabbed her friend into a tight hug. Before she knew it, Sakura found herself crushed into a group hug along with all the girls around. They released each other only when they were breathless. The boys around them were gaping at Miho.

"Wow! So soon we'll be seeing you in 'Fazion Week' magazines as well?" Taro asked, wide eyed. "Yes!" The girls squealed in unison. Miho was bright red and her eyes were even brighter. "You know what this means!?" Miyu said, looking at her friend in delight. "Party!" The girls squealed again and the boys all winced slightly.

But the laughter soon died down when Miho stopped smiling. "What is it Miho?"

"Sorry guys I can't have a party right now… Well mom and dad weren't exactly as enthusiastic about this. So I am planning to keep it low till they come into terms with it."

"Oh" Miyu groaned, looking disappointed as a few mournful grumbles followed the confession. They slowly settled back in their places.

"Anyway guys, I just dropped by to tell you this in case the teachers hadn't arrived yet. Well see you all in class!" Miho said, walking towards the door; the same graceful walk. "See ya!" They waved, staring after her.

"Hey Miho!" Sakura called out." Miho turned around swiftly, hair flying about her; before falling into place again. Sakura was positive the guys were all drooling. "Don't forget to train the cheer leading squad extra hard… we should win the cheering cup too this time!" She said aloud, grinning.

"Sure babe!" Miho winked before walking out. Sakura glanced at the clock over the door and scowled before turning away. It was already 7:15. It was just characteristic of the teachers to be so late. They would always insist on everyone to be early but they themselves were never ever on time. Yet! They had to arrive any time now! The principal would be arriving at half past seven irrespective of whether the teachers were here or not. And, it would indefinitely cost them suspension if they were late.

Sakura's gaze swept over the people across her, deep in her thoughts, but she snapped out of it instantly when she noticed the change in the way the boys were behaving. They were extraordinarily quiet and seemed to be still recovering from the effect Miho had on them. Miyu was frowning thoughtfully looking at Taro whose eyes were glazed. She is probably trying to work out a way to charm him; Sakura thought and gave a scowl when she noticed Eriol, Syaoran and the blonde with a similar expression. Guys were just plain disgusting.

"Snap out of it!" she hissed across to them. They jerked out of their reverie instantly, looking startled. Miyu grinned amusedly at her. "Chill Sakura… Boys are very vulnerable after all. Poor things can't help it." She said, laughing out loud. Sakura broke into laughter as well.

The boys looked at them indignantly, before Eriol spoke out. "Hey! The thought of having one of your friends on the 'Fazion Week' is a proud thing after all! We are just thinking about the prospect of being the popular woman's 'friend'!" He said, indignantly.

Sakura studied his face. Sure he was looking serious, but she could make out a hint of amusement in his voice. Miyu snorted. "Yeah, like right!"

"You guys are just plain disgusting." Sakura sneered across to Eriol. But her gaze snapped to Syaoran an instant later only to find him glaring at her, looking irritated. Her stomach knotted and her eyes went a brighter shade of green. They were sure flames would erupt any moment from the emerald pools.

"God! Why are so worked up!?" Eriol asked, laughing, as the other guys joined in. Sakura's eyes went an even brighter green. Her fists clenched in an effort to resist the urge to pound them all.

"It's nothing Eriol, Madame is being her usual self. She grabs every opportunity to scream her head off." Syaoran said, grinning across to her. "Do you know, I am actually supposed to be angry at her but I guess I can let go of my anger faster than her."

"Shut up asshole!" Sakura hollered, jumping to her feet. They were all grinning at her, even Miyu! Sakura gave the brunette a look of betrayal.

"Well, whatever happened, you need to repeat it more often Syaoran! She's magnificent when she is angry." Eriol said laughing.

Sakura went red, but she was saved another embarrassment when the door opened and the HODs( Head of the department) pilled in to the theater, calling urgently for everyone to settle down.

"Students get to your places fast!" The head mistress called out, as rest of the HOD's settled in seats in far corner of the table. "The council president to the right of the head seat! Cultural secretary to the left! Miyu, could you please go fast and get Tomoyo Daidouji!? We need her for the costumes."

She directed everyone to their seats in order and by the time she finished, Miyu was back with Tomoyo; both looking breathless, a thin sheet of sweat glistening on their foreheads. Miyu took her place among the council members next to Eriol. Sakura waved at her friend enthusiastically but her expression turned solemn, when Eriol and Tomoyo flashed each other a grin. Her glance fell on Syaoran, and an ugly feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. He was red in the face as he gave Tomoyo a rather huge smile.

The door opened, and all of them jumped to their feet at once. Their attentions snapped to the Bulky middle aged man standing at the door with his hands clasped behind his back. Sakura felt the same feeling she always got when she looked at the Principal; a feeling of looking at an ancient ruler. He was stubby, short with a think mustache that curled up in the corners and crinkly eyes. He walked with an unmistakable imitation of an army officer, before taking his seat. The students settled down with less noise, staring at him expectantly.

"Good morning everyone. Let's make this fast and to the point. First of all I'd like to make it clear that we are going to win this year Cultural Festival's and the Sports Festival's 'Overall leading cups'. Last year was a bitter defeat for all of us. Not only in one, but both the festivals. A true shame. It is the fact and I hope you have all come to terms with it already. But this year, we have to win the cup and establish ourselves again as the top school.

Of course, though we'd worked hard last year, we had not been good enough. Your seniors, last year put an enormous effort, but as it turned out they were not good enough. I hope that sows you that it was not because of the incompetence of the last year student heads, but because the competition now is tougher. A year back we were the winners who had been leading for four consecutive years. But last year unfortunately turned out to be a bad luck.

But remember that you were all chosen because we teachers consider you all to have a great potential. Prove us right and win this cup!"

"Yes sir!" They chorused, fiercely.

"Good. The theme they have given this time is 'Change'. Usually, normal schools would do something related to the subject 'Change'. But we must be different. Different in the sense, we must have creativity in our work. Instead of the usual monotonous way of presenting the programs, we have to present them with creativity.

Now I have a list of schedule for all of you. Make sure to have a copy of this." He said, waving a thick navy blue folder. The headmistress stood up immediately and scuffled around, passing the folders to all the students. Each of them glanced through their copies hurriedly. It was indeed a schedule for the following weeks. The principal spoke up again, "As you can see, the auditions will have happen for all the competitions, today at the various places indicated as per the schedule. The house captains," he glanced at the group opposite the council members. "You will all go to each of the classes and take down the names of the students from your house, interested in taking part in the cultural activities and make sure to get it across to them that they are expected to be in the provided places listed as per the schedule sheet.

You are all expected to conduct the auditions and select the talented people from your houses for the various competitions. You can assign assistants for the various auditions according to the categories, but make sure to supervise them. The auditions will start from today morning ten o'clock onwards. Conduct the auditions according to the schedule given in the provided files. You can look into the schedule for tomorrow and manage whatever work is mentioned."

Next he turned to Sakura. "Miss Kinomoto, you are responsible for the overall working of the cultural arrangements. Contact the hosting school and make the arrangements necessary. Make sure to be very friendly to them. I don't want a slightest misunderstanding, or that would make an impact on our participation. You are also expected to supervise all the programs taking place. Make lists and plans for the rehearsals. As it is indicated in the folder given to you, you are expected to conduct the rehearsals and make sure that all the programs are perfect before each of the rehearsals.

The first rehearsal will be judged by the Department Heads. The second rehearsal will be judged by the Head mistress. I will personally judge the third rehearsal for each of the programs. I want the programs to be clean and perfect, during each of the rehearsals. Make sure there are not the slightest mistakes in any of the programs that are performed. I want a report on all the activities by the end of each rehearsal from you. Nothing too elaborate, just a brief on the number of participants of each program, what role they are playing, the different activities, the music and instruments used. You also have the power to give ideas and points for the various activities to make them as creative and different as possible, like what song would be much suited for the occasion, what kind of additions would add mystery and difference to our programs. Can I get what I m trying to say Miss Kinomoto?"

Sakura smiled, nodding furiously. Her eyes were already gleaming, as ideas started to swirl in her mind. The Principal beamed and turned to the teachers.

"The head mistress and the department heads are expected to submit a report to me about the rehearsals, the day following when it is conducted. I also want you to mark the items. Miss Kinomoto, you can take the help of the council members for anything necessary. Now, the council members are expected to help Miss Kinomoto to organize the whole functioning, since she'll need all the help she can get."

The principal then turned to the student council president. "Now, Mr. Jino, you are expected to make all the arrangements for the traveling and booking of the hostel rooms for the participants and the food expenses too. Talk with the Host school's representatives and get the booking and arrangements done. You are also expected to help Miss. Kinomoto in supervising the events and rehearsals. Make it as luxurious to our students as possible.

You are also expected to collect the money for the cultural festival from all the students in the various classes. Allot representatives for it. This you can manage by collecting the names for voluntary helping purposes from the students. Ask for the voluntary helpers and drag a few out if they are not willing. Put conditions like reduction in the number of attendance if they don't volunteer. Make sure at least five people from each class are booked for voluntary work. You'll need them for a lot of work."

"Especially for you, Miss. Kinomoto." he added, nodding towards her. "And now, about the costumes; Miss Daidouji we found your designs exquisite! Congratulations, this time you are given the responsibility of designing all the costumes for the various events. We have a tailoring agency booked for our school. If you provide the designs with the specifications, they'll get the dresses ready for the cause. We can hold the costume rehearsals after the third rehearsal."

"So, I hope you have all been made clear of your work. Any question?" He asked, looking around at all of them. "None? Good."

"I'll leave you all now, so you can plan and start on your works. Avoid misunderstandings, fights and what not. We need full cooperation remember that! Not only do you get to win the trophy, but you'll also be known as the golden team which retrieved the lost trophy back. It will look very impressive on your resume, remember that!"

Everyone nodded looking solemn.

"All the best students! Blessings!" Then the principal stood up and the students and teachers instantly got to their feet. They watched him go, a hundred thoughts running through their minds. When the door closed, they settled down in a hushed silence. The head mistress stood up at the head seat on the other end of the table and addressed them, as they looked on for further instructions.

"I know this is a lot of work. For the next four weeks the work load will be very pressurizing. But, I hope you all understand that with great pressure and expectations, come great aspirations and responsibilities. You need to learn to work under pressure. You are all fresh and ready to use your minds and ideas. You are a bright set and I am sure you are fully capable of achieving this goal. You can depend on us teachers for any help you what. We are always here for you. All the best. ". She then, flashed them an encouraging smile. The other teachers followed suit and bid them good luck, before everyone walked out of the theater.

The students all let out a whoosh of breath, as they slumped into their seats. "We are expected to die before the end of this!" Eriol declared, looking demented.

The others gave a few awkward laughs before slumping down again. "I don't feel my brain!" The student council president, Matsuyama Jino moaned, before thumping his head on the table.

Tomoyo gave a small laugh before cutting through their frustrated thoughts. "Come on people, stop it. You are in a better position than Sakura! I can't hear her complaining! So what are you all doing here, sitting and complaining like this!? The arrangements haven't even started yet! You can't get depressed about it now!"

Their heads snapped up at Tomoyo's words and everyone stared down to the end to the table where Sakura was seated. Sure she looked a bit nervous but there was something in her eyes. They were shining whether from delight or anxiety, they didn't know.

"Sakura? What do you think?" Tomoyo asked, looking curiously at her friend. But Sakura's gaze was still unfocused and glazed.

Finally, after an eternity her head snapped to the others and a huge smile lit her face. "Come on people! We can do this!"

They could feel the tension dissipate from the table instantly. Sakura stood up. "Hey Miyu, could you please gather the entire junior heads and ask them to meet me here right now?"

Miyu smiled, nodding. She got up from her seat instantly and walked out.

With enthusiasm, they all set to work. The upcoming weeks were one of the most tedious days of all their lives. With basket ball practices early in the morning followed by the event organization, scheduling and practices including supervision, Sakura had a handful. The first day, Syaoran and the other house captains auditioned their house mates and by the evening Sakura had received the list of people from each house. She had to audition them all further with the help of the council members and short list the candidates to the acceptable number of people for each team. That took two days time and by the end of it Sakura had a report ready for her own reference. Next she had to organize the songs, drama and the dance themes with her input of creativity by having a discussion by the end of the day with all the house captains and council members.

Soon the songs, scripts and the dance music were all chosen and the practices started. They also needed to book one of the best dancers for training the dance troop. With in the week, the practices blew to a full extent and they were too busy with the schedule to think about anything else. Tomoyo attended each of the events to decide on the costume styling and the colors. During each student council meeting they had a thorough discussion on every aspect of the cultural events, making sure there were no loop holes.

Syaoran was even more helpful than the others. He even picked her up every morning and made sure to wait late in the evenings to drop her back home, though her ankle was long back to normal. When asked the reason, he firmly told her hat she was already under too much pressure and that this was the least he could do for his best friend. Sakura felt oddly flushed to see the depth of concern in his eyes. He gave a helping hand for all the supervisions. During the first rehearsal, he had personally supervised the practices when she was busy with a meeting with the HODs and the Principal.

That evening she had been so flushed and gratified by his help that before she could control herself, she had pulled him into a tight hug and kissed him on both the cheeks, before hurrying into the house, beet red.

Syaoran had stood there on her porch for what looked like an eternity, his eyes glazed in shock; a wild sensation coursing through his body, before he could gain the feeling on his legs again.

By two weeks the first rehearsal was over and they had gotten the stamp of approval from the HODs, who beaming with enthusiasm had declared that the team had done a very good job.

Happy and relieved, Sakura had even grinned at all the boys of the student council and had congratulated the teams and further encouraged them to keep up the good work.

By the end of the third week, the second rehearsal took place amid chaos and confusion, due to the irresponsibility of the voluntary helpers. They had not locked the store room properly the previous day and hence resulting in someone breaking the drums. Sakura had to endeavor an hour long lecture from the teachers and she in turn blasted the responsible people till some were reduced to tears. Later, when no one was around she had lamented into Syaoran's shirt for half an hour due to the mess. He had just awkwardly patted her on the head, very uncomfortable about the situation he had been put in because Tomoyo was still busy with the costume designing and that evening.

Yet, thankfully everything turned out to be fine on the day of second rehearsal except for a few mistakes here and there, which the headmistress was only too keen on pointing out. She had awarded them with such humiliating marks and had a personal discussion with Sakura, lecturing about the expectations everyone were having on them and about how they didn't seem to be working to their fullest for the cause. That evening Sakura ended up blasting the performers and the supervisors and made them practice continuously till they were all either too frustrated or on the verge of tears. The only event that seemed to be perfect in all their eyes was the western dance, which was trained and drilled by one of the top dance masters, booked mainly for the cause. Well, they hadn't paid him an expensive rate for nothing!

That evening Sakura was finally reduced to tears, frustrated and depressed. Syaoran had to calm her again. He had crooned soft and encouraging words in her ears, as he brushed his arm up and down her back with her flushed and tear stained face snuggled into his chest. Later, even as she thought back to the incident, chills ran down her spine and warmth pooled in her stomach, causing her grin in embarrassment.

Yet, what irked the most was when Syaoran brought up the 'Eriol topic'. He always kept repeating that Eriol had helped her with the supervision too, that Eriol had been concerned a lot about her and had asked if there was anything he could do. Syaoran had also questioned her on why she purposely kept evading Eriol's approaches, though she knew he was sincerely trying to help her. It was as if Syaoran wanted her and Eriol together and that only caused her further more depression. It didn't help her when she had complained to Tomoyo about Syaoran's insistence on Eriol's niceness since; she had also claimed that Eriol was a 'great guy'.

Within the end of the week, Tomoyo's designs were finalized and given for stitching. She had designed costumes for over twenty cultural events, never repeating a design more than once. Her talent didn't go unnoticed by anyone and she was greatly appreciated by all council members, student heads and the faculties. But she only modestly confessed that it was all due to 'Sakura chan' who had always modeled for her designs since childhood. Of course, Sakura denied any credit coming her way, since it was all Tomoyo's talent and nothing else.

The next week marked the start of the extravagant week of the 'cultural month'. It was the final week of preparations before the start of the 'Cultural Festival'. All students officially received an invitation from the host school- "Mogami educational Institution', decorated grandly in exotic designs enclosed with a list of events, the chief guest for the opening ceremony, the judges of various events and the schedule of the events conducted. The festival was for two days and the school with the maximum points won the 'Cultural Cup', given away by a celebrity. Apart from that, there were also the 'Runner up shield', 'The cheering cup' for the school for best cheering, 'Mr and Miss Mogami'- the celebrity sash given to the ones who have achieved the highest number of participation and wins, 'The Best Costumes', and also the individual cups, trophies and certificates for the winners of individual events. Apart from these main awards, there were also some fun awards, based on the votes of the student mass, like 'The Hot Boy and Hot Girl', 'Most Beautiful eyes', 'Hair' and 'The Best Dressing Sense'.

By Tuesday of the fourth week, they received the costumes and the whole day was spent for wearing the costumes and checking of tyhere were any errors or corrections needed. Sakura wrapped up the practices by Wednesday and conducted her own rehearsals with stage performances, to avoid any last minute mistakes. On Thursday, they had the third rehearsal, judged by the none other than the principal. All day long Sakura was pale, struck with nervous jitters and finally Syaoran and Tomoyo ended up buying her cool drinks, juices, ice water and what not. Thankfully everything went wonderfully well and the by the end of the day the principal was grinning and beaming like a child.

" Mr. Mujou!" He beamed at the dance master, who was the very reason for the perfection of the western dance. "I have no words of complement for you… you are absolutely mind blowing…." He went on like that for half an hour, not noticing the uncomfortable and irritated look on the dancer's flushed and embarrassed face. But when the principal turned to Sakura, he escaped away as quietly as possible, relieved.

"Oh and you Miss Kinomoto! Very good work indeed!" he bellowed, grinning proudly. "You have proved to be one of the best Cultural Secretaries ever. Now all we have to do is pray and hope that nothing goes wrong during the cultural festival. Of course nothing will. I am expecting us to win. Your concept and ideas are brilliant! I always knew we could count on you!"

Sakura, flushed with embarrassment, stuttered a small thank you, adding that it was nothing at all. "Oh don't be too modest Miss Kinomoto! You kids really are remarkable…" and the principal went on for another half an hour. Syaoran and the others, who all had a rough time controlling their laughter at her plight escaped, saying that they had to attend to the performers and announce some important pointers for the next day's grand rehearsal and watched her from afar commenting and laughing the whole time.

The grand rehearsal, on Friday took place at the open air theater (A raised stage outdoor), in which the performers had to participate in their stitched costumes and with the proper makeup, backgrounds and lightings. This time Sakura was not nervous. She had toiled with these people and brought them along to perfection. Yes, she could be confident. The whole rehearsal was a grand success, especially the western dance- a vision of gleaming colors, a fusion of grace and liquid movements that set fire to their pulse. And Tomoyo's exquisite designer costumes only increased its haunting effect.

That evening she dispersed everyone by three, as a compliment for all their hard work and relaxation. She gave them a few final words of encouragements and important pointers, before letting them off; but not before the process of careful cautioning of taking care of their dresses and in the case of the singers, their voices.

Only when everyone departed, did Sakura let herself fall on to the nearest chair and rest. Letting out a breath of exhaustion, she looked around at all the council members, relaxing after the tiresome long day.

"At last! Everything is over! Now I can think of relaxing…" Eriol said before grabbing the cold water bottle from the school helper and gobbling it down at top speed. Jino, the student council president, who was sweating from head to foot, had removed his shirt and glasses and was resting back in his cushioned chair, feet resting on the chair opposite, with his eyes closed.

He merely gave a grunt of approval, indicating that he had no energy to answer back. Sakura felt a surge of pity for the boys. Unlike her, who had stayed next to the principal all day long listening to his annoying talks, the boys had helped the voluntary helpers with physical work, like setting up the backdrop, the furniture, etc all day long.

Nina, one of the other House Captains; snorted, eying Jino. "You guys are so lucky. You can atleast take off your shirts. But we poor girls don't have the liberty to do so." She scoffed, before turning away. Miyu agreed skeptically and the boys burst into laughter. "Babes, you do have the liberty to take off your shirts. We really don't mind!" Eriol said, innocently. And they burst into laughter again. Sakura rolled her eyes, shooting disgusted looks towards Eriol. When he caught her look, he merely winked back. That guy can never be nice! She scoffed.

Soon Tomoyo and Syaoran joined her and the three spent the hour talking and joking about anything and everything. Not long after, Eriol bounced towards them, asking gleefully what in heavens were they discussing in secrecy. Soon, everyone else joined them and they were all chatting and joking away, prancing about aimlessly and plainly having fun, celebrating the end of their tiresome schedules.

After a couple of hours, they were too tired to continue anymore and finally they decided to depart. "Don't call me up tomorrow! Anyone! I am going on a health leave for a day. You are free to bother me on Sunday!" Taro, one of the other House Captains shouted, before rushing out. His friend Haku followed him.

"That asshole was meaning me when he said that!" Miyu shouted, gritting her teeth in rage. "No he was not" Eriol cut in quickly. Only seven of them were left now.

"What's his problem?" She continued, distressed. "And why doesn't he understand that I have liked him for the past four months! What's wrong in me? Doesn't he approve of my attitude or something!? Don't tell me it's my looks! I know I look good!"

Eriol hurried towards her and put a comforting arm around her shoulder. Sakura could see his lips moving and knew he was speaking to her in low voices. Miyu, who seemed to have been on the verge of tears a few minutes ago, was grinning weekly.

"I told you he is a nice guy." Syaoran said, as they walked a few paces back. "No he is not. He is flirting with her too." Sakura said, rolling her eyes.

"Sakura." Tomoyo and Syaoran groaned, together. Sakura gave them an appalled look. "What!? Cant you see-" Sakura stopped speaking abruptly, as loud music filled the air. Hurriedly taking out her cell she eyed the screen curiously. "Anita? Why is she…?" Sakura broke off her question taking the call hurriedly. The others stopped dead, and watched her as she pressed the phone to her ear. Why was one of the instrumentalists contacting them?

"Hi Anita, what is it." Sakura was asking, a frown marring her features. Others stared on, as her face turned white. "Oh my god!" she had enough time to whisper, before Syaoran grabbed the phone from her hand.

"Hello, Anita? Li here, what happened." Syaoran was asking, as everyone stared at him, anxiety building up. Tomoyo had gone to Sakura's aid, who had collapsed on the waiting bench in the corridor opposite the office, looking as though she was about to faint. Syaoran had turned pale too, and the others shouted out enquiring what was wrong.

"Alright, we'll all be there as soon as possible." He said, before looking up at them. "Li tell us what is wrong." Nina said, grounding her teeth in frustration.

"Guys, I think we need to visit the hospital." Syaoran said slowly, but continued quickly as everyone opened their mouths, a need for explanation on their frozen eyes. "No time to explain; just go to the Jinsei hospital as fast as you can. Have you all got a ride? Anyone without one can come in mine and Eriol's car." He said, before hurrying towards Sakura and taking her arm in a firm grip, pulling her to her feet.

" Sakura… Sakura…listen.." He shook her shoulder gently. She looked up at him with glazed eyes. "Don't worry. Anita told me that it wasn't a major accident, even so, June and Botan might still be able to sing and perform." He turned to Tomoyo. "Daiduji san?"

"I'll take care of her; she is my best friend Li." Tomoyo said, before turning to Sakura. "Come on Sakura, stop worrying." Syaoran nodded, before turning to everyone. Eriol who had hurried to Sakura and Tomoyo, was trying to calm her down too.

"Ok people lets leave as quickly as possible." He said, hurrying towards the door leading to the grounds.

They rushed to the hospital in a hurry, using the cars at hand. They had to wait for a few minutes in the lobby to find were the patients were and to convice them that this was too important, before being rushed off to the emergency ward. All along Sakura was praying for their health and for everything to become alright. They had arrived at the ward and Sakura stopped dead, containing her fear. She felt an unpleasant feeling settling in the pit of her stomach and her intuition was telling her something was not right.

She gulped, as the others hurried forward. Their gasps felt like stabs. She hurried through the door, pushing the others out of the way before coming to an abrupt halt.

Anita was standing next to one of the beds, staring at her in sadness. Sakura felt a wave of coldness wash over, as she regarded the room. It was filled with about eight people with various degrees of injuries; all bandaged and made to lie down; the screens were all open for tem to clearly see who were all lying in the ward. Not only was her lead singer and one of the instrumentalists were wounded, but so were all the main performers of the western dance.

Ami, one of dancers opened her eyes and burst into tears the moment she saw Sakura.

"We are so sorry Sakura chan… We..we thought we could celebrate our efforts before the festival and went for a drive in the highway next to the coast. Butan was driving. I don't know what happened but one of us went overboard and ended falling on him. You know it rained just an hour back, so I think he lost control and the car hit a hu..huge tree!" She was wailing now. A nurse hurried into the room and tried to get the girl to lie back, injecting a colorless liquid from a tiny bottle, muttering for them to leave.

But the girl continued. "Now all our efforts are gone down the drain!" She was wailing, as the nurse forced her to lie down. When she calmed down and closed her eyes again, the nurse hissed for them to get out, hurrying them all out.

Sakura watched in shocked silence, as her friends were all wheeled out of the emergency room one by one to a private room. She could hear the arrival of her injured friend's parents, distantly. She felt a firm grip on her shoulder through a hazy fog, but couldn't comprehend it. Nor did she look up to find out whom the hand belonged to. She was torn between pity, anger, fear, frustration and most of all a sense of desperation. Her nightmare had become real.


AN:

Phew! That was 16 pages and I wrote the last half of it at a stretch! Now I am bugged about telling sorry always and hence I made up with another long update!

Please review!! Very interesting things up ahead and I can guarantee that you are going to love the next chapter. Its going to be fast paced and filled with mush.. hehee.. but that will come to u only if u review!

And Sakura is horny TOO:P

So REVIEW!

MizEvilBlossoms: Its great that you are liking the chemistry! Thanks! Man your review always makes me so wild and happy! Yeah Eriol is a very interesting guy to know. And he will get even more interesting: D and the scene between the teachers, well I saw that a few people didn't like that but hey! It's great that you liked it!

Oh yeah… the dreams will give them a clue, but wait and see how :D. Thanks for the review! Do review again :)!!

SPAngelz: Sorry for embarrassing ya… but ya I am mean! I'll get meaner :P. Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

kenshinlover2002: Thanks! Thank you for the review. Do review again:)

kaipanther: Sorry, I didn't know it was very gross. Sorry for grossing you out but then t just had to be there. It did add more fun to the chapter. Thanks for the review! Do review again:)

friendlygurl: Wow! A new reviewer! Thanks! I hope it is good enough. Thanks for the review! Do review again:)

Cherry Blossom Klutz: Heehee, like I said, Syaoran is very horny. But now you know Sakura has horny dreams too hehey. :P Thanks for the review! Do review again:)

MizUnapprochable: Wow! Another one person who found that scene funny. Well that was what I was aiming at, but then I guess it was a bit gross too. Great that you liked it! Thank you for the review! Do review again:)

secret24: Ya I finally updated again. Sorry for the long wait. That's why I gave a long chapter. Thank you for the review! Do review again:)

Hiruto: Sorry, sorry sorry:(…. Thank you for the review. Do review again:)

Rebel Sk8er of CA: Thanks! Thank you for the review! Do review again:)

Yusari: Thanks! Please don't cry.. heyhey I updated finally. I had a lot of work load in college. What to do!? Anyways, thank you for the review! Do review again:)

whateverr: Thanks! I can guarantee very interesting stuff ahead! Thank you for the review! Do review again:)

NabiLa: Thanks! That's so sweet of you! It will get even more interesting! Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

Courtney: ThanksThere is more to come!!Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

Snowyjay-chan: Thanks! Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

champagne-x: OH! THANKS A LOT TO YOU! Man I loved it, the way you reviewed each chapter!! That was so sweet of you! I can guarantee interesting things ahead. And woah! You saw you teachers too!? Well well well.. now I have some real incident in my story heehee! Thanks! Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

Triple Amus: Thank you! Hope this chapter was good too! More action packed isn't it? Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

faytmariaxxx : Yaaaeee!! Another one who has put some thought into this fic!! Thanks a lot for the suggestion! But then my story goes a bit different, (with lot of mush in future.) I liked yours anyway, but I think it'll be nice to give you all something unknown to look forward to! About Eriol getting Sakura… hmm we'll just have to wait and see don't we:D Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

MysticSilverHawk: Yeah, as a matter of fact SOMETHING is going on between Syaoran & Sakura, Eriol & Tomoyo and I can assure you that it is what you are expecting. :P Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

Eslya: Thanks! Wow that's a great complement. Thanks a lot! Hope I live up to it! Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

-ur-hearts-desire- : Yep! Updated! Hey, are you an Indian, girl:D great!! Thanks a lot for the review! Do review again:)

Now I tried, and I just decided that personal replies are not for me. Sigh! I am such a lazy bum!