Author's note: 100+ reviews already?!? Wow...thanks guys! I'm very, very
happy because of your nice reviews. ^_^ You guys left me speechless...
Anyway, since I don't have something to say, I would be nice to you guys and let you read on with the story. But before that, I just want to remind you with my usual words: please, please, please, please, PLEASE REVIEW! So that I would know if I'll finish this one as soon as possible. Thanks!
DISCLAIMER: I'm actually getting tired of this but the heck...No, I don't own the CCS cast. Except for Anami. They belong to CLAMP.
Guide:
"----" Conversations
=----= Thoughts
(----) Author's notes
CHAPTER SEVEN
EXPLANATIONS
**SAKURA**
"So...what do you think about it?" Syaoran asked hopefully.
As the whole realization of it finally hit me, needless to say, I was surprised. No, make that...I was shocked. Shock would be a more appropriate word for it. Really, I never heard of such a ridiculous idea before! But suddenly, it dawned on my mind that maybe Syaoran is only joking about it.
= Yeah, that must be it! He's just kidding! = Now, that makes more sense.
I let out a laugh. "That...was...good." I gasped in between my laughter. "It's really funny! You can be such a good actor, Syaoran! You almost got me there for a minute!"
"No, I'm serious about it."
"Oh, come on! The whole idea of us going out?!? That is really funny, you know!" I exclaimed, still giggling.
"I mean what I've said before." Syaoran replied with conviction.
Now, what he said definitely made me shut up right away. I glanced at Syaoran to see him frowning at me. He does look like he means business and that he is NOT joking about anything.
"Hoeeeeee???" I said in surprise. "You and me? Dating? Am I hearing things right?!?"
"You don't have to sound so excited by it." Syaoran remarked sarcastically. "Yes Sakura, you heard me right. You're not going deaf."
I looked at him like he lost his mind or something. I almost wished right this instance that Hana never came here in Tomoeda because with the way that Syaoran is acting right now, he is definitely giving me the creeps. And this time, I'm not kidding about it.
"But...how is going out with me going to help you with Hana?"
"Good question." He smirked. "It's because I need some practice."
"Practice?"
I watched Syaoran slowly paced back and forth while assessing his explanations to me. Huh! He should explain everything to me clearly or else, even if I did promise before that I'd help him, I won't do it.
"Okay. This is kind of hard to explain but see, I want to ask Anami out for a date but I'm really afraid I'll mess things up. I never had a good idea how to act or deal with girls around more so in a date. You know me," He shrugged. " I never paid any attention to girls before."
"So in other words, I'll be acting out as a substitute for Hana in our 'dates'. Is that what you're implying?" I asked.
"Errrr...I wouldn't exactly call it like that. Let me put it this way. You would act as my 'date' and critic at the same time." He explained. "You would comment about our date whether you liked it or not. So feel free to say whatever you want. You could say you love it or hate it, I don't care. I just need your views about it. Hmmm...did you get it?"
I nodded. "I guess so." But somehow, the whole idea of it still doesn't make sense to me.
"But Syaoran, you're missing one important point here." I frowned. "Hana and I are two completely different people."
"I know that. I'm not really expecting you to act like her or anything." Syaoran sighed. "As I've said before, you're going to be my critic and that's it."
"Why of all people did you ask me to be your critic? I have no single clue about dating." I couldn't help but smile at the idea. Don't you think it's really weird that I will criticize about something that I have no idea about? It's kind of like going into a battle without you knowing whom you're going to fight off with.
"Because you said you'll help me. I know, I could ask for Tomoyo's help but that would be embarrassing."
"I don't see you getting embarrassed right now."
Syaoran chuckled. "That's because it's you. You're different. You're my bestfriend."
"Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes. "What made you say that I'll help you with your absurd idea?"
"Because you can't bear to see me so helpless," He said confidently.
"Helpless?!?" I snorted. "I never thought you knew such word."
"So everything's alright then?"
"I never said yes!"
Syaoran stared at me as hard as he could. Can staring too much can actually kill a person? Sheeeshhh...that must be the look that Syaoran is giving me right now.
"Okay! I'll help you." I said in mocked defeat. "Although I can't assure you that when it's time for you to ask Hana out, you could act the same way as you are with me. Besides, we're always together, I don't see any difference when we start to 'go out'."
"How many times do I have to explain to you that you'll be my---"
"Critic." I finished off. "I know already, okay? But don't expect me to act all girly-girly for you! I won't wear a dress just for you!"
"Okay, I won't force you." Syaoran grinned at me. "But maybe could you act a bit sweet and loving towards me? You know, just to make things a bit believable?"
I rolled my eyes again for the nth time. "Oh Syaoran, I need you, I want you, I adore you. You really swept me off my feet!" I said in disgust. "Is that loving enough for you?"
He laughed so hard at that. "You could be better, you know."
"Really??? Wellll...sorry! That's the best I can only do! Anyway, I suggest we seek the help of Tomoyo about these stuffs. She knows more about dating than we both do. Tomoyo's really into romance."
"So I've noticed."
"Who knows, maybe she could suggest further stuffs to do for your date." I continued.
"Do we have to?" Syaoran asked, grimacing at me. "Tomoyo can be weird sometimes, you know. I could picture her face right now when we tell her about it."
"As if you're not weird." I laughed. "So, what do you think?"
"Well, I guess I have no other choice."
"Okay. Let's talk to her after class." I stuck my tongue out at him. "You know, you owe me big time for this, Syaoran!" I teased.
"Fine. But I'm pretty sure you'll get your 'money's worth' when you enjoyed our 'date'." He teased back, now smiling at me.
"Huh! Don't get your hopes too high Li Syaoran!" I retorted with confidence, leaning closer to Syaoran and tiptoeing a bit so that we're almost standing face to face. "Don't blame me if you ended up liking me."
"That is, when you notice how cute I am first." He countered back.
"In your dreams!" I shouted and then we both burst out laughing at our outrageous ideas.
**TOMOYO**
"Reallly????" I shrieked.
Sakura, Syaoran and I are walking home together later that afternoon. I was surprised when Syaoran came up to me earlier and said that he needs to talk to me. Of course, I was definitely curious about what he wants to discuss with me about. In fact, I was intrigued already since recess ever since that time Syaoran talk to Sakura privately in the campus. I was actually glancing at them the whole time they were talking. Yeah, I saw it all. From the time Syaoran seems to look nervous and then Sakura got surprised up to when they both laughed like crazy. I swear, I can't bear any secrecy anymore seeing them like that. As what you could see, I am one big, nosy girl. But hey, I admit it!
"Sssssshhhhhhhhh!!!" Syaoran immediately hushed.
I glanced around us. "Nobody's around us, Syaoran. Besides, we're already far from school."
"I'm just making sure, okay?" He hissed. "Please, Tomoyo, keep your voice down."
"So what if somebody heard us?" I asked. I really don't see the point what's the big deal.
"We don't want anybody to know about it. As much as possible we don't want any intrigues." Sakura said. "You know how people could give meaning into things right away."
I sighed disappointedly. "I see. So it means to say that I can't tell the girls and Eriol about this?"
"Yeah. Especially Eriol." Syaoran answered.
"I'm sorry but I can't help it you know, if I squealed like that. What you guys just told me is really so kawaii!"
Who wouldn't be happy about hearing your two friends dating? Especially if these two particular friends are the ones you like to end up with each other! Although the date may just be a sort of 'make-believe' one, I don't care. As long as they actually started dating, that's all that matters. Obviously, as what you can tell, I'm a big fan of the two. You know, I almost thought before that there's no hope for the two of them but well...looks like things are a 'changin now! Ohohohohohohoho! Now, I could finally use my most prized possession...my video camera! Ohohohohohoho! (Wow...Tomoyo must have already flipped out... O.o)
"So what are you going to wear for your date, Sakura?"
Sakura's face showed pure horror. Just look at that! And I haven't even said the word 'skirt' yet!
"The usual of course! Why, do you think I'll be wearing a skirt?"
"Yeah. A skirt can get you in the mood for your role as Syaoran's date." I shrugged.
"No way! We had a deal about it already." Sakura answered haughtily.
"I suggest that you start your date right away. Because there's no more time left for Syaoran to ask Hana to the dance." I reminded. "I think tomorrow would be great since it's a weekend."
"Tomorrow already?" Sakura asked in surprise.
"You're right, Tomoyo." Syaoran agreed. "But I don't have any ideas yet."
My forehead wrinkled in thought. "Let's see...I think two or three dates would be fine already. You have less than two weeks to prepare including asking her out. Of course, for a date, you should choose the most convenient and enjoyable place wherein there's not that much pressure to talk to each other."
I winked at Syaoran. "First dates can be so nerve-wracking. For your second date, focus on stuffs where you'll take her out to eat. We're too young obviously so formal restaurants are out of the list. Therefore, you got to know your date's fave food and take her to that place where it is served. It would be even better if that is the place's specialty."
I paused to take a short breath before continuing.
"And lastly, I think it doesn't help to try practicing your dancing skills. That's one of the points here right? Syaoran's going to ask Hana for the Valentine's party and we all know that there'll going to be lots of dancing. Anyway, you don't have to worry about the place for your dance lessons. Both of you could go to our house to practice."
"Wow...where'd you learned all that?" Syaoran asked in amazement.
"Watching romance movies and novels." I said as a matter-of-fact.
"Dance??? Do we have to do that???" Sakura asked.
"Well, that could help you too Sakura. Especially for the upcoming dance." I replied.
"But I'm not going!"
"Who knows, you could change your mind? Besides, how about your mystery admirer? Don't you want to go with him? " I teased lightly. "Come on, all of us are going! We could all enjoy ourselves there!"
"I'm still not going." Sakura stomped. "Syaoran, if you're not only my best friend, I wouldn't do these things for you."
Syaoran smiled gratefully at her. "I know. That's why thank you very much Sakura. You are definitely the best. I promised someday I'm going to repay you for all these trouble you went to just for me."
I clapped my hands in delight. "So tomorrow it is then?"
"Yeah." Syaoran echoed out while Sakura nodded tentatively.
"Okay! Just tell me Syaoran and I'll see you guys tomorrow!"
Syaoran sweatdropped. "Don't tell me you'll accompany us in our 'date', Tomoyo?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" I grinned at them as they stare at me. "And what's neat is that I'll even bring my video camera with me!"
"Hoeeeeeeee...." Sakura whispered faintly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Yay! They're going to start 'dating' soon!!! Oooohh...I can't wait! Anyway, thanks for reading it. If you have any questions 'bout this chap just ask me. And yeah, sorry for some typos. Well, I hope you like this chapter. But please before you go, PLEASE REVIEW! Ok? Arigatou!
Anyway, since I don't have something to say, I would be nice to you guys and let you read on with the story. But before that, I just want to remind you with my usual words: please, please, please, please, PLEASE REVIEW! So that I would know if I'll finish this one as soon as possible. Thanks!
DISCLAIMER: I'm actually getting tired of this but the heck...No, I don't own the CCS cast. Except for Anami. They belong to CLAMP.
Guide:
"----" Conversations
=----= Thoughts
(----) Author's notes
CHAPTER SEVEN
EXPLANATIONS
**SAKURA**
"So...what do you think about it?" Syaoran asked hopefully.
As the whole realization of it finally hit me, needless to say, I was surprised. No, make that...I was shocked. Shock would be a more appropriate word for it. Really, I never heard of such a ridiculous idea before! But suddenly, it dawned on my mind that maybe Syaoran is only joking about it.
= Yeah, that must be it! He's just kidding! = Now, that makes more sense.
I let out a laugh. "That...was...good." I gasped in between my laughter. "It's really funny! You can be such a good actor, Syaoran! You almost got me there for a minute!"
"No, I'm serious about it."
"Oh, come on! The whole idea of us going out?!? That is really funny, you know!" I exclaimed, still giggling.
"I mean what I've said before." Syaoran replied with conviction.
Now, what he said definitely made me shut up right away. I glanced at Syaoran to see him frowning at me. He does look like he means business and that he is NOT joking about anything.
"Hoeeeeee???" I said in surprise. "You and me? Dating? Am I hearing things right?!?"
"You don't have to sound so excited by it." Syaoran remarked sarcastically. "Yes Sakura, you heard me right. You're not going deaf."
I looked at him like he lost his mind or something. I almost wished right this instance that Hana never came here in Tomoeda because with the way that Syaoran is acting right now, he is definitely giving me the creeps. And this time, I'm not kidding about it.
"But...how is going out with me going to help you with Hana?"
"Good question." He smirked. "It's because I need some practice."
"Practice?"
I watched Syaoran slowly paced back and forth while assessing his explanations to me. Huh! He should explain everything to me clearly or else, even if I did promise before that I'd help him, I won't do it.
"Okay. This is kind of hard to explain but see, I want to ask Anami out for a date but I'm really afraid I'll mess things up. I never had a good idea how to act or deal with girls around more so in a date. You know me," He shrugged. " I never paid any attention to girls before."
"So in other words, I'll be acting out as a substitute for Hana in our 'dates'. Is that what you're implying?" I asked.
"Errrr...I wouldn't exactly call it like that. Let me put it this way. You would act as my 'date' and critic at the same time." He explained. "You would comment about our date whether you liked it or not. So feel free to say whatever you want. You could say you love it or hate it, I don't care. I just need your views about it. Hmmm...did you get it?"
I nodded. "I guess so." But somehow, the whole idea of it still doesn't make sense to me.
"But Syaoran, you're missing one important point here." I frowned. "Hana and I are two completely different people."
"I know that. I'm not really expecting you to act like her or anything." Syaoran sighed. "As I've said before, you're going to be my critic and that's it."
"Why of all people did you ask me to be your critic? I have no single clue about dating." I couldn't help but smile at the idea. Don't you think it's really weird that I will criticize about something that I have no idea about? It's kind of like going into a battle without you knowing whom you're going to fight off with.
"Because you said you'll help me. I know, I could ask for Tomoyo's help but that would be embarrassing."
"I don't see you getting embarrassed right now."
Syaoran chuckled. "That's because it's you. You're different. You're my bestfriend."
"Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes. "What made you say that I'll help you with your absurd idea?"
"Because you can't bear to see me so helpless," He said confidently.
"Helpless?!?" I snorted. "I never thought you knew such word."
"So everything's alright then?"
"I never said yes!"
Syaoran stared at me as hard as he could. Can staring too much can actually kill a person? Sheeeshhh...that must be the look that Syaoran is giving me right now.
"Okay! I'll help you." I said in mocked defeat. "Although I can't assure you that when it's time for you to ask Hana out, you could act the same way as you are with me. Besides, we're always together, I don't see any difference when we start to 'go out'."
"How many times do I have to explain to you that you'll be my---"
"Critic." I finished off. "I know already, okay? But don't expect me to act all girly-girly for you! I won't wear a dress just for you!"
"Okay, I won't force you." Syaoran grinned at me. "But maybe could you act a bit sweet and loving towards me? You know, just to make things a bit believable?"
I rolled my eyes again for the nth time. "Oh Syaoran, I need you, I want you, I adore you. You really swept me off my feet!" I said in disgust. "Is that loving enough for you?"
He laughed so hard at that. "You could be better, you know."
"Really??? Wellll...sorry! That's the best I can only do! Anyway, I suggest we seek the help of Tomoyo about these stuffs. She knows more about dating than we both do. Tomoyo's really into romance."
"So I've noticed."
"Who knows, maybe she could suggest further stuffs to do for your date." I continued.
"Do we have to?" Syaoran asked, grimacing at me. "Tomoyo can be weird sometimes, you know. I could picture her face right now when we tell her about it."
"As if you're not weird." I laughed. "So, what do you think?"
"Well, I guess I have no other choice."
"Okay. Let's talk to her after class." I stuck my tongue out at him. "You know, you owe me big time for this, Syaoran!" I teased.
"Fine. But I'm pretty sure you'll get your 'money's worth' when you enjoyed our 'date'." He teased back, now smiling at me.
"Huh! Don't get your hopes too high Li Syaoran!" I retorted with confidence, leaning closer to Syaoran and tiptoeing a bit so that we're almost standing face to face. "Don't blame me if you ended up liking me."
"That is, when you notice how cute I am first." He countered back.
"In your dreams!" I shouted and then we both burst out laughing at our outrageous ideas.
**TOMOYO**
"Reallly????" I shrieked.
Sakura, Syaoran and I are walking home together later that afternoon. I was surprised when Syaoran came up to me earlier and said that he needs to talk to me. Of course, I was definitely curious about what he wants to discuss with me about. In fact, I was intrigued already since recess ever since that time Syaoran talk to Sakura privately in the campus. I was actually glancing at them the whole time they were talking. Yeah, I saw it all. From the time Syaoran seems to look nervous and then Sakura got surprised up to when they both laughed like crazy. I swear, I can't bear any secrecy anymore seeing them like that. As what you could see, I am one big, nosy girl. But hey, I admit it!
"Sssssshhhhhhhhh!!!" Syaoran immediately hushed.
I glanced around us. "Nobody's around us, Syaoran. Besides, we're already far from school."
"I'm just making sure, okay?" He hissed. "Please, Tomoyo, keep your voice down."
"So what if somebody heard us?" I asked. I really don't see the point what's the big deal.
"We don't want anybody to know about it. As much as possible we don't want any intrigues." Sakura said. "You know how people could give meaning into things right away."
I sighed disappointedly. "I see. So it means to say that I can't tell the girls and Eriol about this?"
"Yeah. Especially Eriol." Syaoran answered.
"I'm sorry but I can't help it you know, if I squealed like that. What you guys just told me is really so kawaii!"
Who wouldn't be happy about hearing your two friends dating? Especially if these two particular friends are the ones you like to end up with each other! Although the date may just be a sort of 'make-believe' one, I don't care. As long as they actually started dating, that's all that matters. Obviously, as what you can tell, I'm a big fan of the two. You know, I almost thought before that there's no hope for the two of them but well...looks like things are a 'changin now! Ohohohohohohoho! Now, I could finally use my most prized possession...my video camera! Ohohohohohoho! (Wow...Tomoyo must have already flipped out... O.o)
"So what are you going to wear for your date, Sakura?"
Sakura's face showed pure horror. Just look at that! And I haven't even said the word 'skirt' yet!
"The usual of course! Why, do you think I'll be wearing a skirt?"
"Yeah. A skirt can get you in the mood for your role as Syaoran's date." I shrugged.
"No way! We had a deal about it already." Sakura answered haughtily.
"I suggest that you start your date right away. Because there's no more time left for Syaoran to ask Hana to the dance." I reminded. "I think tomorrow would be great since it's a weekend."
"Tomorrow already?" Sakura asked in surprise.
"You're right, Tomoyo." Syaoran agreed. "But I don't have any ideas yet."
My forehead wrinkled in thought. "Let's see...I think two or three dates would be fine already. You have less than two weeks to prepare including asking her out. Of course, for a date, you should choose the most convenient and enjoyable place wherein there's not that much pressure to talk to each other."
I winked at Syaoran. "First dates can be so nerve-wracking. For your second date, focus on stuffs where you'll take her out to eat. We're too young obviously so formal restaurants are out of the list. Therefore, you got to know your date's fave food and take her to that place where it is served. It would be even better if that is the place's specialty."
I paused to take a short breath before continuing.
"And lastly, I think it doesn't help to try practicing your dancing skills. That's one of the points here right? Syaoran's going to ask Hana for the Valentine's party and we all know that there'll going to be lots of dancing. Anyway, you don't have to worry about the place for your dance lessons. Both of you could go to our house to practice."
"Wow...where'd you learned all that?" Syaoran asked in amazement.
"Watching romance movies and novels." I said as a matter-of-fact.
"Dance??? Do we have to do that???" Sakura asked.
"Well, that could help you too Sakura. Especially for the upcoming dance." I replied.
"But I'm not going!"
"Who knows, you could change your mind? Besides, how about your mystery admirer? Don't you want to go with him? " I teased lightly. "Come on, all of us are going! We could all enjoy ourselves there!"
"I'm still not going." Sakura stomped. "Syaoran, if you're not only my best friend, I wouldn't do these things for you."
Syaoran smiled gratefully at her. "I know. That's why thank you very much Sakura. You are definitely the best. I promised someday I'm going to repay you for all these trouble you went to just for me."
I clapped my hands in delight. "So tomorrow it is then?"
"Yeah." Syaoran echoed out while Sakura nodded tentatively.
"Okay! Just tell me Syaoran and I'll see you guys tomorrow!"
Syaoran sweatdropped. "Don't tell me you'll accompany us in our 'date', Tomoyo?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" I grinned at them as they stare at me. "And what's neat is that I'll even bring my video camera with me!"
"Hoeeeeeeee...." Sakura whispered faintly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Yay! They're going to start 'dating' soon!!! Oooohh...I can't wait! Anyway, thanks for reading it. If you have any questions 'bout this chap just ask me. And yeah, sorry for some typos. Well, I hope you like this chapter. But please before you go, PLEASE REVIEW! Ok? Arigatou!