Chapter Three
A spectrum of color dominated the dark night sky, far outshining any star within a mile's reach. Loud music blared into the silent streets with wild shouts echoing into the distance. Long stretch limos smoothly drove up to the crowded entrance as their owners glamorously got out adorned in many types of finery. A party for the rich was happening and none of the city socialites wanted to miss it.
Frantic shouts of anger were heard from the not so privileged class to be led into the magnificent dance club, but all in vain. The bulky guards had strict orders to only let in those on the VIP list, mainly the ones with large bank accounts who could afford to put themselves on it.
"So this is the Club De Rose?" Sakura pondered with a smile as she stepped out of the limousine. "Pretty impressive." The shinning lights and wild music within the expensive stone building sure made a spectacle. The constant activity of the many rich being submitted in right away with the presentation of a piece of cardboard daunted those in line even more.
"Are you kidding?" asked an incredulous Tomoyo stepping out of the same black limo. "It's the new hottest club in LA! It's incredible! And this is the opening night!"
"Now don't get over excited ladies." Warned lightheartedly the final member of the trio stepping out as well. The well-known Michael Stanley dressed in black designer pants and a dark blue shirt. Money reeked in his masculine features. "Or at least you Tomi. Wouldn't want guys to be thinking you're free and available. They'll be pouncing on you in a matter of seconds." He kidded with a grin.
"Oh stop it Mike. You practically announced to the whole world that I was with you." Tomoyo replied with the roll of her eyes. "Besides, I have my hands full with you.." With a seductive grin, she hooked her arm on the CEO's elbow, letting the world know she belonged there.
"I'm a lucky man" stated Michael with a smile as he kissed the black beauty on the lips. Public display was never a problem with the couple.
"Um guys.want to actually go in now?" interrupted Sakura with a hint of impatience. Someone had to stop the display of affection before they devoured each other.
"Oh yes." agreed Tomoyo as she quickly broke away with a blush.
"Yes, shall we ladies?" announced Michael with a grin as he extended his other arm for Sakura, who took hold without hesitation. With the degree of confidence that came natural to the trio, they marched in front of the line. After a delay of about three seconds for the tickets to be checked, they were submitted in, much to the rage of the awaiting line.
Sakura winced as the music threatened to shatter her eardrums upon the first step she took past the entrance.
"Oh great" she muttered to herself. "Just what I need. A headache in the morning and the dysfunctional hearing to go with it."
"Come on Sakura" Tomoyo yelled as she dragged the reluctant brunet to mingle with the wild dancers on the floor.
'This is going to be a long night' was Sakura's last thoughts before she let the music completely engulf her.
*~*
"So..?" Asked Tomoyo with a mischievous smile as she looked upon her friend through a half empty martini glass.
Sakura sighed as she finished her third glass. After two hours of dancing and three glasses of liquor, her ears still did nothing to adjust to the volume of the room.
"So what?"
"Found any guy you like yet?" Tomoyo replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Nope"
"None?"
"Zero." Assured Sakura with annoyance.
"Oh come on!" Cried Tomoyo melodramatically. "You're telling me that out of all these hot single and available, not to mention rich and successful, guys, you don't even somewhat like one?"
"That's what I'm telling you" muttered Sakura with a shrug as she signaled the waiter for another glass.
"You GOT to be kidding me!"
"Nope."
"Ugh! What am I going to do with you Sakura!" fretted Tomoyo. "I would like to see my best friend in at least an open relationship before I get married."
"Well hun, doesn't look like it's going to-shit!"
"What?" cried Tomoyo at her friend's sudden quietness. "See someone you like?"
"No it's worse" muttered Sakura with a deep frown. "It's my boss."
"Jason Tyler is here?" asked Tomoyo with a look of interest. "Where?"
"Don't look, but I think he's coming over. Oh shit." Moaned Sakura. Tomoyo spotted the well framed figure strolling towards them and a mischievous grin began to rapidly form on her lips once again.
"He looks good." She remarked with a nudge to Sakura. With his brown hair jelled back and wearing dark pants with a light shirt, he definitely looked good. Even Sakura had to admit that.
Tomoyo, always the socialite, never hesitated to welcome him.
"Good evening Mr. Tyler" she greeted with a warm smile. "I'm Tomoyo Daidouji. Sakura here was just telling me about you." Upon hearing her name used in such a manner, Sakura wasted no time in shooting Tomoyo a dirty look. But no matter how many glares the dark beauty received, she was determined to proceed with her plan.
"Oh really?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he comfortably seated himself beside Sakura, like he belonged there. "Hope it was nothing bad."
"On the contrary, it was all good." Tomoyo assured with a laugh. "Sakura seems to be getting along quite well with you. You two seem like quite a well-matched couple. Oh, I think I see Mike over there waving to me. Sorry to leave you guys so abruptly, but I have to go see what he's doing. You two should really talk and get to know each other." With a last warm yet victorious smile, Tomoyo gracefully slid off her stool. "Hope its nothing about work" she remarked before walking off.
'Can she make it any more obvious!' thought Sakura with a sigh. 'Dam conniving friend'
"So how's the case coming along Sakura?" Jason casually began the conversation.
"Good sir. I'm slowly progressing but I'm eventually getting there." Replied Sakura with an artificially warm smile. There was always something about Jason Tyler that intimidated her. And she didn't like to be intimidated.
"Well, since Miss Daidouji just warned us not to get into work, I wouldn't be a gentleman to go against a lady's wishes. So would you like to dance Sakura?" To say that the brunet was surprised would be an understatement.
'I think we just skipped to first name basis here' Sakura concluded with a smile. It just wouldn't be correct to refuse to an innocent dance with your boss.
"Sure" she replied with a smile as she took hold of his offered arm. "I would love to."
"I hope your having fun here tonight Sakura" he remarked as he led her to the dance floor. "I don't want to overstress you with this case."
"You're not" Sakura assured him with a shake of her head. "I'm doing nothing I don't want to do. Please don't feel like you forced me to work on this. I'm actually very glad for the opportunity you have given me."
"Good" Jason nodded with approval as he began to mold his body to the music beat, as if it was second nature to him. Sakura wasn't surprised by his talent. After all, he was good at almost anything he did. She began to move in time with him, brushing up against him once in a while. They made very casual conversation, making sure to keep out of each other's personal lives. After all, both were unattached and not ready for commitment. And to the eyes of most strangers, they did look like the perfect couple. Young, attractive, and successful; certainly the perfect couple in most opinions. And this did not go unnoticed in the eyes of Eriol Hiragiziwama as he watched his prey from a dark corned with a smirk upon his lips.
*~*
Who knew that you could have so much fun with your boss? Certainly not Sakura as she set out on the night expecting doom, but finding enjoyment instead.
"So I guess having an only child wasn't as easy as my parents expected." He concluded his humorous childhood story, sending Sakura in a fit of laughter once again. Sakura always knew that he could be charming, but she did not bother to include funny into the equation. But this certainly added numerous points to his charm.
"How did the poor maid recover?" she inquired wit a grin of concern.
"Well.the last time I heard, she was doing quite well in St. John's institute." Replied Jason with an easy smile, receiving another giggle of appreciation from his brown haired companion.
"Well Jason, I never knew you were so hard to handle as a child." Stated Sakura, the smile of amusement never leaving her face.
"Oh? How did you expect I was?" asked Jason with interest.
"Always proper I suppose. Like a perfect obedient gentleman."
"Well I hope I didn't lower you're opinion of me" remarked Jason with a grin.
"Not at all" assured Sakura. "If anything, this certainly made you way more interesting."
"Well I'm glad to hear. But I would-" Suddenly the clear ringing of a cell phone could be distinguished in the loud music.
"Must be mine." Jason murmured in apparent disappointment. "Excuse me Sakura while I take this call. Must important, seeing as how I told them only to call me if it's an emergency."
"No problem" replied Sakura with an easy smile. Jason nodded in thanks before rushing past the sea of bodies to get to the exit and out of the confines of the wild roars and music.
With a sigh of contempt, Sakura took the final sip of her martini glass before settling comfortably on the stool.
"What is a beauty like you doing here all by herself?" asked a deep seductive voice. Sakura whipped around to be greeted by the most incredible blue eyes she has ever seen. The degree of ice in them held her captivated as she stared into the oblivion of their depth.
At last she noticed the stranger smile. An inconspicuous blush crept on her cheeks as she realized she must have been starring.
"Hey" he greeted casually as he seated himself beside her.
"Hey," she replied with a smile "How's it going?"
"Very good. Just thought I come over here and keep a beautiful lady company." He replied with a seductive grin that had quite the intended effect on Sakura. His jet-black hair and incredible complexion did nothing to discourage female interest.
"Thanks. So what about your date?" inquired Sakura with a raised eyebrow as to not give away her ulterior motive. "I'm sure she must be looking for you now."
"Well, I'm a loner" he replied with a deep chuckle. "But I don't regret it now."
"Well, I'm sure you won't find it difficult to find company during lonely times" replied Sakura teasingly. Somehow, she felt as if she knew this stranger for a long time.
"Depends on what kind." Stated Eriol with a smirk. "Alas, I must leave now. Your date seems to be coming back and I don't want to get in the way." Casually he stood up and gave her quite a courteous bow. "I'll be seeing you later beautiful. " he remarked before strolling away and letting the sea of bodies engulf him.
But Sakura knew the mysterious stranger is going to be on her mind for the rest of the night.
*~*
"And..?" Tomoyo asked eagerly with anticipation. Sakura yawned. It was 8 o'clock on a Saturday morning. She liked to start as early as the next person, but keep in mind that this was the freaking Saturday morning after a Friday night of wild partying that ended at 4. Thus when her best friend called bright and early at 8 for a mindless interrogation, it just got a little on her nerves.
"And nothing. He drove me home and we parted our separate ways from there." Concluded Sakura with exasperation.
"No good night kiss or anything?" Tomoyo asked with disappointment.
"Tomoyo, keep in mind that not only is this guy my boss, but he's also one of the most infamous playboys. I CAN'T believe you tried to set me up with him!"
"You needed to see more guys Sakura and don't act like you don't know" countered Tomoyo. "So since you're so crabby about him and its really not THAT early in the morning, and you seem to be all defensive about going into detail about last night, it makes me come to one conclusion."
"And pray tell what it is" muttered Sakura with sarcasm.
"You met someone else didn't you Sakura?"
"What! No!"
"Yeah you did!"
"No I didn't!"
"Sakura, we've been best friends our entire lives. When something's up with you I would know! So quite denying it and tell me who it is!" cried Tomoyo.
"Fine.."sighed Sakura in defeat once again. She seemed to be loosing a lot to Tomoyo lately. "This guy came up to me when Jason was out taking a call. He was cute..actually pretty hot, but he just got up and left when Jason came back."
"What was his name?"
"Don't know."
"WHAT!" yelled Tomoyo with disbelief. "The first guy you actually seem to have somewhat of an interest in and you don't even know his name?! What is wrong with you girl! Did you at least give him your phone number?"
"No" muttered Sakura, ready for another outburst.
"WHAT! This guy didn't ask?"
"I told you Tomoyo, he left when Jason came back and we only exchanged a couple words."
"So is this guy scarred of Jason or something? Well.I wouldn't blame him. Jason Tyler could get a little intimidating at times." Remarked Tomoyo.
"He wasn't scarred of Jason" Stated Sakura, somehow feeling the need to defend him. "He didn't look like to be the type that was scarred of anything. He just seemed so...impersonal. But DAM sexy!"
"Wow Sakura!" cheered Tomoyo over the speaker. "You seem to be really into this guy. So you think you'll be able to find him again in a crowd?"
"What? Why?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
"Cuz we HAVE to throw you a party in order to find him!" answered Tomoyo as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"WHAT! HELL NO!" cried Sakura with definite disapproval. "We're not throwing a party on account of me finding a guy!"
"Well then, think of it as a celebration party of you FINALLY thinking about settling down with someone."
"I didn't say I wanted to settle down with this guy!" Sakura shot back. "Dam, I'm not even sure if I'm serious about this guy." The image of his icy blue eyes kept creeping into her mind, sending shivers down her spine. What those shivers represented, Sakura had yet to find out.
"So you have to find out if you are or not, and here is where the party comes in."
"We are NOT having a party!" yelled Sakura with annoyance. "NO WAY!"
"Oh come on Sakura, it'll be awesome!" pleaded Tomoyo. "We could call it yours and mine friendship renewal party!"
"NO TOMOYO! Absolutely not! This is the one time I'm not letting you win!" Cried Sakura. "Besides, that name just sounds down right cheesy and what makes you think this guy would even show up in the first place?"
"The name is not cheesy and if this guy really liked you, which lets face it, most of the guys you come in contact with do, including Jason Tyler, actually especially Jason Tyler from the way he acts around you, he would come!"
"Huh?"
"Trust me Sakura, this mystery guy of yours would come" assured Tomoyo with an all knowing grin. "So are you in?"
"No"
"Well too bad, cuz I'm having one anyway whether you like it or not!" And thus was the final stubborn decision of the famous Tomoyo Daidouji, designer extrodinaire. Can't live with her, can't live without her.
*~*
Eriol always prided himself in being able to not get personally involved with any of his targets. A goal he had always kept in mind and applied with perfect ease. However, at the moment, that goal seems to be harder and harder to reach.
Why? The answer was the beauty known as Sakura Kinomoto.
Although Eriol liked to observe his targets in their natural habitat before making the kill, he has never yet approached any of them for a personal introduction. After all, what was there to say? Hey, I'm Eriol and I'll be ending your life today?
However, upon his acquaintance with Sakura Kinomoto, something in him had changed. No, it wasn't something as pathetic as falling in love or wanting to change for the better, thank god. But something had changed, and it unnerved Eriol to no end not knowing what exactly it was.
He couldn't deny that he felt a sexual attraction towards her, but then again, he felt that for many beautiful women. He fucked them and moved on. So what's so different about Kinomoto? Mr. Eriol Hiragiziwama, always the man with a clear purpose and understanding of his life, was at a loss.
And he did not like it one bit. So thus, he found himself sitting on the rooftop of the famous beauty he only met in person two nights ago. When finally, the last of the lights were turned off in the spacious expensive apartment, Eriol found his opportunity to act.
"Finally" he sighed. "I thought that woman would never go to sleep." It seemed that the file had once again proven itself accurate without compare. She was definitely a workaholic. With his characteristic easy grace, Eriol leaped from the rooftop to the balcony. Pitch dark inside. Perfect. Just the disguising element he needed.
'Tonight would be the night' Eriol told himself. 'I would rid myself of the burden of my thoughts and finish my assignment at the same time.' Killing two birds with one stone, or rather killing one bird posing two problems. Silently, the glass doors of the balcony slid open as Eriol let himself in. Upon entering the dark bedroom with the only light illuminating from the full moon, Eriol found the bed to be empty.
"Where the hell is she!" whispered Eriol in frustration. Why does it have to be so dam hard to kill this woman? He's killed more important people before.
As he slowly began approaching her empty bed in hopes to finding some clue to her whereabouts, he suddenly felt a cold metal object pressed to the back of his head.
"Don't move a dam inch" commanded a stern cold voice. The familiar voice that had greeted him with warmth only two nights ago. Suddenly, the cold metal object pressed to his head felt awfully like a gun.
"Calm down" he replied with his hands slowly moving towards the air.
"Well, I'm not exactly the calm type of person when someone comes in to kill me" she stated with her cold demeanor, not even faltering one bit in her current predicament. Certainly a first for Eriol since most of his targets ran screaming out the door when the sudden realization of their death hit them.
"Put your hands on your head and-" but before she could finish the sentence, Eriol's foot met her trigger hand with full force. The gun went flying towards the balcony, the white light illuminating on the death weapon.
Immediately, a fist came flying only a few centimeters from his face as Eriol scarcely dodged the attack. The woman was fast. He had to give her that.
A series of kicks and punches followed, dazzling Eriol in their perfectly executed grace. She did not falter in movement as he attempted to trip her from underneath.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?" asked Eriol with great astonishment. Sakura Kinomoto had just become even more of an enigma to him. And that only intensified his unconscious interest in her.
"It pays when you've been taking martial arts for most of your life." Sakura answered with a grin. Although it was still close to pitch dark, she could not but feel a familiar sense in him.
"Well, great to know it has stalled your death in the end" agreed Eriol as he rushed towards her in lightning speed and immediately pinned her to the wall. Sakura could barely comprehend what had just happenned in the past four seconds. She couldn't budge as he forced all his body mass on her. Her hands were pressed to his chest, and Sakura could feel every well tones muscle beneath them.
"Get the fuck off me!" she yelled as she attempted to knee him in the groin, but to no avail. She had to face it. She was stuck.
A moment of silence followed as the stranger looked upon her intensely. But Sakura was not given the same privilege as his face was hidden within the shadows.
"Any last words Miss Kinomoto?" he asked as he prepared to pull out his gun while relaxing his grip. A quick painless death would be granted to her.
"Yeah" Sakura murmured with a smirk. "Over my dead body." With a speed not even she herself knew she possessed, she grabbed the silver knife on the nightstand beside her and plunged the weapon within her would be killer's chest. His movements faltered, giving Sakura enough time to escape and grab hold of the gun by the balcony.
And now once again, Eriol found himself at the wrong end of the death weapon. For the second time in only five minutes, he was definitely losing his touch. And not to mention the knife embedded in his chest.
"Who the hell are you and why do you want me dead?" demanded Sakura with full control.
"I'm afraid the answer to both questions are classified" he replied as he pulled out he knife without a wince. Sure it hurt, but he's endured worse, making this wound a lighthearted joke for him. But he had to admit that she was the first target that actually succeeded in wounding him. All hail to her.
"You know, it is usually courteous for a stranger to at least introduce himself when coming into someone's else's home before trying to kill them." Sakura reprimanded as she eyed the phone on the nightstand located on the other side of her bed. It's funny that when she was installing it there, she didn't think to put it near the balcony for easier reach during emergencies.
'And now would definitely be an emergency' she stated to herself as she noticed the assassin attempting to draw nearer. 'Oh hell with legalities, this is self-defense!'
And with these last thoughts, she pulled the trigger, sending the man spiraling back with a loud bang.
A spectrum of color dominated the dark night sky, far outshining any star within a mile's reach. Loud music blared into the silent streets with wild shouts echoing into the distance. Long stretch limos smoothly drove up to the crowded entrance as their owners glamorously got out adorned in many types of finery. A party for the rich was happening and none of the city socialites wanted to miss it.
Frantic shouts of anger were heard from the not so privileged class to be led into the magnificent dance club, but all in vain. The bulky guards had strict orders to only let in those on the VIP list, mainly the ones with large bank accounts who could afford to put themselves on it.
"So this is the Club De Rose?" Sakura pondered with a smile as she stepped out of the limousine. "Pretty impressive." The shinning lights and wild music within the expensive stone building sure made a spectacle. The constant activity of the many rich being submitted in right away with the presentation of a piece of cardboard daunted those in line even more.
"Are you kidding?" asked an incredulous Tomoyo stepping out of the same black limo. "It's the new hottest club in LA! It's incredible! And this is the opening night!"
"Now don't get over excited ladies." Warned lightheartedly the final member of the trio stepping out as well. The well-known Michael Stanley dressed in black designer pants and a dark blue shirt. Money reeked in his masculine features. "Or at least you Tomi. Wouldn't want guys to be thinking you're free and available. They'll be pouncing on you in a matter of seconds." He kidded with a grin.
"Oh stop it Mike. You practically announced to the whole world that I was with you." Tomoyo replied with the roll of her eyes. "Besides, I have my hands full with you.." With a seductive grin, she hooked her arm on the CEO's elbow, letting the world know she belonged there.
"I'm a lucky man" stated Michael with a smile as he kissed the black beauty on the lips. Public display was never a problem with the couple.
"Um guys.want to actually go in now?" interrupted Sakura with a hint of impatience. Someone had to stop the display of affection before they devoured each other.
"Oh yes." agreed Tomoyo as she quickly broke away with a blush.
"Yes, shall we ladies?" announced Michael with a grin as he extended his other arm for Sakura, who took hold without hesitation. With the degree of confidence that came natural to the trio, they marched in front of the line. After a delay of about three seconds for the tickets to be checked, they were submitted in, much to the rage of the awaiting line.
Sakura winced as the music threatened to shatter her eardrums upon the first step she took past the entrance.
"Oh great" she muttered to herself. "Just what I need. A headache in the morning and the dysfunctional hearing to go with it."
"Come on Sakura" Tomoyo yelled as she dragged the reluctant brunet to mingle with the wild dancers on the floor.
'This is going to be a long night' was Sakura's last thoughts before she let the music completely engulf her.
*~*
"So..?" Asked Tomoyo with a mischievous smile as she looked upon her friend through a half empty martini glass.
Sakura sighed as she finished her third glass. After two hours of dancing and three glasses of liquor, her ears still did nothing to adjust to the volume of the room.
"So what?"
"Found any guy you like yet?" Tomoyo replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Nope"
"None?"
"Zero." Assured Sakura with annoyance.
"Oh come on!" Cried Tomoyo melodramatically. "You're telling me that out of all these hot single and available, not to mention rich and successful, guys, you don't even somewhat like one?"
"That's what I'm telling you" muttered Sakura with a shrug as she signaled the waiter for another glass.
"You GOT to be kidding me!"
"Nope."
"Ugh! What am I going to do with you Sakura!" fretted Tomoyo. "I would like to see my best friend in at least an open relationship before I get married."
"Well hun, doesn't look like it's going to-shit!"
"What?" cried Tomoyo at her friend's sudden quietness. "See someone you like?"
"No it's worse" muttered Sakura with a deep frown. "It's my boss."
"Jason Tyler is here?" asked Tomoyo with a look of interest. "Where?"
"Don't look, but I think he's coming over. Oh shit." Moaned Sakura. Tomoyo spotted the well framed figure strolling towards them and a mischievous grin began to rapidly form on her lips once again.
"He looks good." She remarked with a nudge to Sakura. With his brown hair jelled back and wearing dark pants with a light shirt, he definitely looked good. Even Sakura had to admit that.
Tomoyo, always the socialite, never hesitated to welcome him.
"Good evening Mr. Tyler" she greeted with a warm smile. "I'm Tomoyo Daidouji. Sakura here was just telling me about you." Upon hearing her name used in such a manner, Sakura wasted no time in shooting Tomoyo a dirty look. But no matter how many glares the dark beauty received, she was determined to proceed with her plan.
"Oh really?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he comfortably seated himself beside Sakura, like he belonged there. "Hope it was nothing bad."
"On the contrary, it was all good." Tomoyo assured with a laugh. "Sakura seems to be getting along quite well with you. You two seem like quite a well-matched couple. Oh, I think I see Mike over there waving to me. Sorry to leave you guys so abruptly, but I have to go see what he's doing. You two should really talk and get to know each other." With a last warm yet victorious smile, Tomoyo gracefully slid off her stool. "Hope its nothing about work" she remarked before walking off.
'Can she make it any more obvious!' thought Sakura with a sigh. 'Dam conniving friend'
"So how's the case coming along Sakura?" Jason casually began the conversation.
"Good sir. I'm slowly progressing but I'm eventually getting there." Replied Sakura with an artificially warm smile. There was always something about Jason Tyler that intimidated her. And she didn't like to be intimidated.
"Well, since Miss Daidouji just warned us not to get into work, I wouldn't be a gentleman to go against a lady's wishes. So would you like to dance Sakura?" To say that the brunet was surprised would be an understatement.
'I think we just skipped to first name basis here' Sakura concluded with a smile. It just wouldn't be correct to refuse to an innocent dance with your boss.
"Sure" she replied with a smile as she took hold of his offered arm. "I would love to."
"I hope your having fun here tonight Sakura" he remarked as he led her to the dance floor. "I don't want to overstress you with this case."
"You're not" Sakura assured him with a shake of her head. "I'm doing nothing I don't want to do. Please don't feel like you forced me to work on this. I'm actually very glad for the opportunity you have given me."
"Good" Jason nodded with approval as he began to mold his body to the music beat, as if it was second nature to him. Sakura wasn't surprised by his talent. After all, he was good at almost anything he did. She began to move in time with him, brushing up against him once in a while. They made very casual conversation, making sure to keep out of each other's personal lives. After all, both were unattached and not ready for commitment. And to the eyes of most strangers, they did look like the perfect couple. Young, attractive, and successful; certainly the perfect couple in most opinions. And this did not go unnoticed in the eyes of Eriol Hiragiziwama as he watched his prey from a dark corned with a smirk upon his lips.
*~*
Who knew that you could have so much fun with your boss? Certainly not Sakura as she set out on the night expecting doom, but finding enjoyment instead.
"So I guess having an only child wasn't as easy as my parents expected." He concluded his humorous childhood story, sending Sakura in a fit of laughter once again. Sakura always knew that he could be charming, but she did not bother to include funny into the equation. But this certainly added numerous points to his charm.
"How did the poor maid recover?" she inquired wit a grin of concern.
"Well.the last time I heard, she was doing quite well in St. John's institute." Replied Jason with an easy smile, receiving another giggle of appreciation from his brown haired companion.
"Well Jason, I never knew you were so hard to handle as a child." Stated Sakura, the smile of amusement never leaving her face.
"Oh? How did you expect I was?" asked Jason with interest.
"Always proper I suppose. Like a perfect obedient gentleman."
"Well I hope I didn't lower you're opinion of me" remarked Jason with a grin.
"Not at all" assured Sakura. "If anything, this certainly made you way more interesting."
"Well I'm glad to hear. But I would-" Suddenly the clear ringing of a cell phone could be distinguished in the loud music.
"Must be mine." Jason murmured in apparent disappointment. "Excuse me Sakura while I take this call. Must important, seeing as how I told them only to call me if it's an emergency."
"No problem" replied Sakura with an easy smile. Jason nodded in thanks before rushing past the sea of bodies to get to the exit and out of the confines of the wild roars and music.
With a sigh of contempt, Sakura took the final sip of her martini glass before settling comfortably on the stool.
"What is a beauty like you doing here all by herself?" asked a deep seductive voice. Sakura whipped around to be greeted by the most incredible blue eyes she has ever seen. The degree of ice in them held her captivated as she stared into the oblivion of their depth.
At last she noticed the stranger smile. An inconspicuous blush crept on her cheeks as she realized she must have been starring.
"Hey" he greeted casually as he seated himself beside her.
"Hey," she replied with a smile "How's it going?"
"Very good. Just thought I come over here and keep a beautiful lady company." He replied with a seductive grin that had quite the intended effect on Sakura. His jet-black hair and incredible complexion did nothing to discourage female interest.
"Thanks. So what about your date?" inquired Sakura with a raised eyebrow as to not give away her ulterior motive. "I'm sure she must be looking for you now."
"Well, I'm a loner" he replied with a deep chuckle. "But I don't regret it now."
"Well, I'm sure you won't find it difficult to find company during lonely times" replied Sakura teasingly. Somehow, she felt as if she knew this stranger for a long time.
"Depends on what kind." Stated Eriol with a smirk. "Alas, I must leave now. Your date seems to be coming back and I don't want to get in the way." Casually he stood up and gave her quite a courteous bow. "I'll be seeing you later beautiful. " he remarked before strolling away and letting the sea of bodies engulf him.
But Sakura knew the mysterious stranger is going to be on her mind for the rest of the night.
*~*
"And..?" Tomoyo asked eagerly with anticipation. Sakura yawned. It was 8 o'clock on a Saturday morning. She liked to start as early as the next person, but keep in mind that this was the freaking Saturday morning after a Friday night of wild partying that ended at 4. Thus when her best friend called bright and early at 8 for a mindless interrogation, it just got a little on her nerves.
"And nothing. He drove me home and we parted our separate ways from there." Concluded Sakura with exasperation.
"No good night kiss or anything?" Tomoyo asked with disappointment.
"Tomoyo, keep in mind that not only is this guy my boss, but he's also one of the most infamous playboys. I CAN'T believe you tried to set me up with him!"
"You needed to see more guys Sakura and don't act like you don't know" countered Tomoyo. "So since you're so crabby about him and its really not THAT early in the morning, and you seem to be all defensive about going into detail about last night, it makes me come to one conclusion."
"And pray tell what it is" muttered Sakura with sarcasm.
"You met someone else didn't you Sakura?"
"What! No!"
"Yeah you did!"
"No I didn't!"
"Sakura, we've been best friends our entire lives. When something's up with you I would know! So quite denying it and tell me who it is!" cried Tomoyo.
"Fine.."sighed Sakura in defeat once again. She seemed to be loosing a lot to Tomoyo lately. "This guy came up to me when Jason was out taking a call. He was cute..actually pretty hot, but he just got up and left when Jason came back."
"What was his name?"
"Don't know."
"WHAT!" yelled Tomoyo with disbelief. "The first guy you actually seem to have somewhat of an interest in and you don't even know his name?! What is wrong with you girl! Did you at least give him your phone number?"
"No" muttered Sakura, ready for another outburst.
"WHAT! This guy didn't ask?"
"I told you Tomoyo, he left when Jason came back and we only exchanged a couple words."
"So is this guy scarred of Jason or something? Well.I wouldn't blame him. Jason Tyler could get a little intimidating at times." Remarked Tomoyo.
"He wasn't scarred of Jason" Stated Sakura, somehow feeling the need to defend him. "He didn't look like to be the type that was scarred of anything. He just seemed so...impersonal. But DAM sexy!"
"Wow Sakura!" cheered Tomoyo over the speaker. "You seem to be really into this guy. So you think you'll be able to find him again in a crowd?"
"What? Why?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
"Cuz we HAVE to throw you a party in order to find him!" answered Tomoyo as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"WHAT! HELL NO!" cried Sakura with definite disapproval. "We're not throwing a party on account of me finding a guy!"
"Well then, think of it as a celebration party of you FINALLY thinking about settling down with someone."
"I didn't say I wanted to settle down with this guy!" Sakura shot back. "Dam, I'm not even sure if I'm serious about this guy." The image of his icy blue eyes kept creeping into her mind, sending shivers down her spine. What those shivers represented, Sakura had yet to find out.
"So you have to find out if you are or not, and here is where the party comes in."
"We are NOT having a party!" yelled Sakura with annoyance. "NO WAY!"
"Oh come on Sakura, it'll be awesome!" pleaded Tomoyo. "We could call it yours and mine friendship renewal party!"
"NO TOMOYO! Absolutely not! This is the one time I'm not letting you win!" Cried Sakura. "Besides, that name just sounds down right cheesy and what makes you think this guy would even show up in the first place?"
"The name is not cheesy and if this guy really liked you, which lets face it, most of the guys you come in contact with do, including Jason Tyler, actually especially Jason Tyler from the way he acts around you, he would come!"
"Huh?"
"Trust me Sakura, this mystery guy of yours would come" assured Tomoyo with an all knowing grin. "So are you in?"
"No"
"Well too bad, cuz I'm having one anyway whether you like it or not!" And thus was the final stubborn decision of the famous Tomoyo Daidouji, designer extrodinaire. Can't live with her, can't live without her.
*~*
Eriol always prided himself in being able to not get personally involved with any of his targets. A goal he had always kept in mind and applied with perfect ease. However, at the moment, that goal seems to be harder and harder to reach.
Why? The answer was the beauty known as Sakura Kinomoto.
Although Eriol liked to observe his targets in their natural habitat before making the kill, he has never yet approached any of them for a personal introduction. After all, what was there to say? Hey, I'm Eriol and I'll be ending your life today?
However, upon his acquaintance with Sakura Kinomoto, something in him had changed. No, it wasn't something as pathetic as falling in love or wanting to change for the better, thank god. But something had changed, and it unnerved Eriol to no end not knowing what exactly it was.
He couldn't deny that he felt a sexual attraction towards her, but then again, he felt that for many beautiful women. He fucked them and moved on. So what's so different about Kinomoto? Mr. Eriol Hiragiziwama, always the man with a clear purpose and understanding of his life, was at a loss.
And he did not like it one bit. So thus, he found himself sitting on the rooftop of the famous beauty he only met in person two nights ago. When finally, the last of the lights were turned off in the spacious expensive apartment, Eriol found his opportunity to act.
"Finally" he sighed. "I thought that woman would never go to sleep." It seemed that the file had once again proven itself accurate without compare. She was definitely a workaholic. With his characteristic easy grace, Eriol leaped from the rooftop to the balcony. Pitch dark inside. Perfect. Just the disguising element he needed.
'Tonight would be the night' Eriol told himself. 'I would rid myself of the burden of my thoughts and finish my assignment at the same time.' Killing two birds with one stone, or rather killing one bird posing two problems. Silently, the glass doors of the balcony slid open as Eriol let himself in. Upon entering the dark bedroom with the only light illuminating from the full moon, Eriol found the bed to be empty.
"Where the hell is she!" whispered Eriol in frustration. Why does it have to be so dam hard to kill this woman? He's killed more important people before.
As he slowly began approaching her empty bed in hopes to finding some clue to her whereabouts, he suddenly felt a cold metal object pressed to the back of his head.
"Don't move a dam inch" commanded a stern cold voice. The familiar voice that had greeted him with warmth only two nights ago. Suddenly, the cold metal object pressed to his head felt awfully like a gun.
"Calm down" he replied with his hands slowly moving towards the air.
"Well, I'm not exactly the calm type of person when someone comes in to kill me" she stated with her cold demeanor, not even faltering one bit in her current predicament. Certainly a first for Eriol since most of his targets ran screaming out the door when the sudden realization of their death hit them.
"Put your hands on your head and-" but before she could finish the sentence, Eriol's foot met her trigger hand with full force. The gun went flying towards the balcony, the white light illuminating on the death weapon.
Immediately, a fist came flying only a few centimeters from his face as Eriol scarcely dodged the attack. The woman was fast. He had to give her that.
A series of kicks and punches followed, dazzling Eriol in their perfectly executed grace. She did not falter in movement as he attempted to trip her from underneath.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?" asked Eriol with great astonishment. Sakura Kinomoto had just become even more of an enigma to him. And that only intensified his unconscious interest in her.
"It pays when you've been taking martial arts for most of your life." Sakura answered with a grin. Although it was still close to pitch dark, she could not but feel a familiar sense in him.
"Well, great to know it has stalled your death in the end" agreed Eriol as he rushed towards her in lightning speed and immediately pinned her to the wall. Sakura could barely comprehend what had just happenned in the past four seconds. She couldn't budge as he forced all his body mass on her. Her hands were pressed to his chest, and Sakura could feel every well tones muscle beneath them.
"Get the fuck off me!" she yelled as she attempted to knee him in the groin, but to no avail. She had to face it. She was stuck.
A moment of silence followed as the stranger looked upon her intensely. But Sakura was not given the same privilege as his face was hidden within the shadows.
"Any last words Miss Kinomoto?" he asked as he prepared to pull out his gun while relaxing his grip. A quick painless death would be granted to her.
"Yeah" Sakura murmured with a smirk. "Over my dead body." With a speed not even she herself knew she possessed, she grabbed the silver knife on the nightstand beside her and plunged the weapon within her would be killer's chest. His movements faltered, giving Sakura enough time to escape and grab hold of the gun by the balcony.
And now once again, Eriol found himself at the wrong end of the death weapon. For the second time in only five minutes, he was definitely losing his touch. And not to mention the knife embedded in his chest.
"Who the hell are you and why do you want me dead?" demanded Sakura with full control.
"I'm afraid the answer to both questions are classified" he replied as he pulled out he knife without a wince. Sure it hurt, but he's endured worse, making this wound a lighthearted joke for him. But he had to admit that she was the first target that actually succeeded in wounding him. All hail to her.
"You know, it is usually courteous for a stranger to at least introduce himself when coming into someone's else's home before trying to kill them." Sakura reprimanded as she eyed the phone on the nightstand located on the other side of her bed. It's funny that when she was installing it there, she didn't think to put it near the balcony for easier reach during emergencies.
'And now would definitely be an emergency' she stated to herself as she noticed the assassin attempting to draw nearer. 'Oh hell with legalities, this is self-defense!'
And with these last thoughts, she pulled the trigger, sending the man spiraling back with a loud bang.