FALL PLAY
by Daidouji Tomoyo

DISCLAIMER: (gotta love these! = P) Card Captor Sakura/Cardcaptors © CLAMP/Kodansha. "Fall Play" is a fanfic written by----- ME! This story takes place sometime during the series (or maybe an alternate scene..?)--- Meiling and Eriol are present in this, both are students along with Sakura, Syaoran, Tomoyo, and others at Tomoeda Elementary School.

To the readers/reviewers: After "Fall Play" I may write a "musical parody" fic (you know, kinda like those Broadway musicals?), and this time, it takes place when Sakura, Syaoran, and others are at around the ages of 15-16... I'm not gonna tell you just yet what it's about, but... um.. you'll have to live with the '60s retro-thing (sorry, I'm a retro-girl ^^;) with the songs and a bit with the setting and stuff--- if you can't handle retro, then DON'T READ IT AND THEN FLAME ME for it. It's MY story, MY concept, PLEASE accept that. Thank you.

Also, I've gotten kinda lazy looking for people with good S + S fics so I can host 'em on my site.. if you have a really good S + S fic and would like it to be part of my little S + S fanfic archive, go visit my site Cherry Blossom, Little Wolf at http://kinomoto.nu/cblw. I know I plugged this already at the bottom but then again... please visit...? ^^; Thanks much!

Thanks for the reviews, minna-san! I really do appreciate it. ^_^
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CHAPTER 8: Aftermath of the Kiss

"KERO-CHAN! PUDDING!"

"OH BOY! THANKS, SAKURA-CHAN!!"

I just got home from school that day. It was still wet outside but that didn't scare me anymore. I was still thinking about the sweet kiss that Syaoran and I shared earlier today. I wanted to write a whole book about how wonderful and how heavenly the feeling was, plus another whole book describing how handsome, how dashing, how bold, how warm, and everything else Syaoran was to me. Though I was not ready to tell Tomoyo and the others about what just happened earlier, even if they were already bugging me about it right when I arrived at the auditorium after that magical moment with Syaoran happened.

I was just in a really good mood today that I made some Vanilla Tapioca Pudding for Kero-chan. When I went in my room to serve the pudding for Kero-chan I took out my Clow Book and asked Kero-chan to do today's fortune-telling for me. Kero-chan flew right over my bed and started helping himself with the pudding I made him. "Kero-chan... love fortunes... pleeeeeaaaase...?"

I handed him the Clow Book as Kero-chan looked up from his bowl. "That Chinese brat kissed you, didn't he??"

"LOVE FORTUNES, KERO-CHAN... ONEGAI SHIMASU...?" I begged with my palms closed, smiling at the little cute guardian at the same time.

"AHA! I KNEW IT! THAT LITTLE BRAT KISSED YOU!!!" Kero-chan exclaimed with a shock on his face.

"LOVE FORTUNES--- NOW!" I frowned at him and pointed towards the Clow Book.

"Okay, okay, hold your horses, kiddo!" I opened the Clow Book and all the Clow Cards floated out from the book, circling on the air around Kero-chan and me.

"Syaoran-kun..." I sighed deeply and dropped myself flat on my bed, holding my pillow so close and tight to myself.

"Okay, here we go... Clow Cards... randomly place yourselves on the bed and show me today's love fortune for the Card Mistress..." There were four cards that lined up flat, straight, and the other side of the card unconcealed. While I was busy daydreaming and swooning over Syaoran, Kero-chan already called out the four cards, flipped one by one. "Hmm... okay, here we go... The Sword came out first..."

"Must be Syaoran's sword..." I murmured while I listened and swooned at the same time.

"The Glow is next..."

"Hmm...? Why The Glow...?" I wondered.

"The Fly is the third card..."

"The Fly...? What's that got to do with love...? I mean, I don't understand..."

"Last, but not least... The Wood."

I got up and finally woke up to reality as I stared at the four cards flat on the bed. The rest of the floating cards went back inside the Clow Book. "Let's see... The Sword, The Glow, The Fly, and The Wood... doesn't make any sense..."

"Well... hmm..." Kero-chan concentrated on these four cards. "Well, there could be these few possibilities: The Clow Cards may be illustrating a scene or a location or something... The Sword would probably represent that brat, since he carries his sword around whenever he goes to battle... The Fly could be something that may be related to what's going to happen, but I'm not quite sure yet... The Glow could probably represent a starry night... or a scene where fireflies may be present, which is kinda stupid and redundant in a way if you ask me... The Wood is... well... I'm not sure yet... well, probably another Syaoran symbolism, since that kid's favorite color is green..."

"Ooooh!" I gasped, thinking of what all these four cards mean. "Maybe it's describing that Syaoran and I will finally confess our love for each other in a deep forest at a bright and starry night, soaring together in the sky, telling each other.... I love you with all my heart..." I giggled happily while Kero-chan crossed his arms at me.

"Sakura-chan, I'm warning you that not all fortunes may come true, you know..." Kero-chan warned me. "And not all fortunes are accurate. Now, if you're serious about this kid then you should keep these four cards in mind while you're at it. Maybe it may not be necessary but you know what I mean, right...?"

"Thanks, Kero-chan! You're the best!" The four cards floated back to the Clow Book once more as the book closed shut. I lied back flat on my bed again and cuddled myself with my pillow, going back to daydreaming about Syaoran again.

"So, I take that you already know that kid likes you too...?"

I frowned sadly after hearing that question and sighed. "Not really..."

"Did he kiss you earlier or not?"

"Yeah..."

"Yeah... what?"

"He kissed me... not once, not twice, but three times... well, the third time was on the forehead, but still... oh Kero-chan..." I sighed deeply, almost ready to cry. Sure, he may have kissed me, but then again, did he do that because he finally had the guts to finally learn and know how to kiss in the play? Or did he kiss me because he liked me...? "I don't know how he feels..."

"I don't get it, Sakura-chan..."

"Well, I don't know if the kiss was for real or if that was only because he finally found a way to practice how to kiss on stage and that kiss wasn't for real... you know, Kero-chan...?"

Kero-chan lied next to me, crossing his arms, thinking at the same time: "I gotcha, I gotcha, kiddo... hey, you're still young, you know...? And at this age, not all kids understand many concepts about life, you know? I learned a lot about humans during Clow Reed's time and you know what I noticed about kids your age? It's the premature peak to adolescence and at this point, girls seem to learn and understand more about the major concepts in life than boys do, so in other words, the kid may not know or understand what the meaning of romantic true love is. Just give the kid some time until he can finally learn and understand this concept about life, that's all."

"What about Meiling...?" I sighed. "I still think that Syaoran-kun still loves her..."

"Did he tell you that?"

I pouted and sighed: "Yeah... when I asked him if he loves Meiling..."

"He may have said that, kiddo, but did he say what kind of love that he has for her...?"

I shook my head: "Uh uh..."

"It may be true that he loves that other Chinese brat, but he never said that he loves her enough for him to marry her, Sakura-chan... maybe he loves her because they're cousins and they're practically best friends, you know? But maybe his love for her is not enough for him to marry her when they grow up."

"I wish I knew more of him... or even read his mind..."

"Well, my dear Card Mistress, the only way for you to find out the truth is when you hear it from the one who knows the truth himself..."

"I guess..." I got up from my bed and took out my fresh, home clothes. "I'm gonna go take a quick shower, then I'll go make dinner... 'kay, Kero-chan?"

"Awrighty, Sakura-chan," Kero-chan flew up from my bed and headed back to my videogame console, ready to play another videogame. "You know what, Sakura-chan.. you oughta buy more new games..."

"Sorry 'bout that, Kero-chan," I giggled lightly. "I'll ask my dad the next time we go shopping together."


Next day came and again, arrived in school early. I went straight to the auditorium to meet up with everyone. I already told Terada-sensei yesterday after school about the status between me and Syaoran yesterday and from there, everything was completely just right. I haven't told Tomoyo and the others about yesterday, which I would rather not talk about it, since this first yet special kiss that Syaoran and I shared was something that I would rather keep to myself. I told Yuki-san earlier about it before I entered the school gates when he and Touya passed by to check up on me, making sure I made it safely to school. Yuki-san said that it was bad luck talking and bragging about that kiss, even if it was for real or not. And since this kiss that Syaoran and I shared was very special to me, I decided to keep Yuki-san's word and keep quiet about it...

But then again... what about Syaoran...? Would he tell everyone including Meiling (I hope he doesn't or else I'm dead...) about how he kissed me and how I kissed him back and... everything? Yuki-san said that it's bad luck to talk and brag about it and I'm following his word. I'd better tell him before he does anything stupid...

I skipped my way to the auditorium, and to my surprise everyone was already present. I felt as if I was the last person to arrive, but then again my watch said that it was still thirty minutes before the first tardy bell rings. Maybe something big was going to happen today or something like that. The kids who were sitting around at the seats saw me and suddenly applauded happily right upon my arrival. "Um.... okay....?" I responded with another shy smile on my face and confusion at the same time.

"Hey everyone! It's Kinomoto Sakura-chan!" Someone from the crowd shouted throughout the whole auditorium. My first question that came up to mind at first was "What's going on here?"

One of the students went up to me and said: "Terada-sensei, Li-kun, and Meiling-chan were waiting for you."

"Eh? What for?" I chuckled shyly once more when the student pointed right towards the stage. I shrugged away, dropped my schoolbag, and headed right towards the stage. Right on stage I saw Terada-sensei talking to Syaoran and Meiling--- with Meiling sitting on Syaoran's lap?! Now I really DO want to know what in the world was going on in here. "Um..."

"... as for you, Li, remember you have to make the audience believe that Romeo truly is in love with Juliet, and therefore in this scene, you---" Before Terada-sensei can continue on with his coaching he finally saw a glimpse of me. "Ah, Kinomoto! Just in time! We've been waiting for you!"

"Uhh... sorry for being late...?" I scratched my head, still in complete confusion. I really do want to know what was going on with Syaoran and Meiling right now and why was Meiling sitting on Syaoran's lap without Syaoran freaking out.

Suddenly Meiling stood up from Syaoran's lap with a smile on her face and walked up to me. "Oh Kinomoto... how can I ever thank you...?"

An apology for being so mean to me would be nice... My conscience spoke within my mind. Again, I gave her another one of my one-million yen smiles and responded: "Eheheheh... f-for what, Meiling...?"

"For teaching my Xiao Lang how to kiss..."

"Hoe..." I gulped nervously. Does that mean that Syaoran started practicing his kisisng with Meiling since yesterday?! On one hand, that's good because it's needed in the play... on the other hand it's not good because of my poor, slim chances of telling Syaoran my feelings for him--- or rather my chance of being with him... ugh, this is so unfair... "Um... well... I... I... heheh..."

"No, I'm serious... Xiao Lang hasn't kissed me yet, but that's because he said that he couldn't do it without you around..." Wha--- what in the world?!

"Hooooooeeee..." Before anything else happens I covered my face immediately from embarrassment and from turning myself into a bright sun-riped tomato once more. Why?! Why me?! What have I've done to deserve this?! I shouldn't have kissed him back yesterday--- he shouldn't have kissed me--- I, I mean, I shouldn't have let him kiss me--- but then again that would be bad for me and for the play--- oh I don't know what to think anymore! What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?

"I'm gonna go to Xiao Lang now... and I'll be waiting for you, Kinomoto..." Yes, to be honest, it is very unlikely for Meiling to act so nice to me, but then again, what the heck...

"Um, yeah..." Meiling went back to Syaoran, whom I noticed, is staring at me senseless. I tried to avoid eye contact with him just to be sure that we're not being obvious (or me not being obvious at all) around Meiling or anyone else, but then again, who can ever ignore those warm, wonderful amber gems of his...? Ugh, I can't believe how smitten I am with him so much...

"Anyway, just to keep you up to date, Kinomoto, we're rehearsing the last scene of Act Two just to keep Li up to date, since you and he were out in the classroom--- doing what you were supposed to do---"

"Hoe..." Sakura, stop with the "hoe"-ing and keep quiet and still! "Y-y-yes, Terada-sensei..."

"I honestly tried Li to kiss Meiling again in this scene but he complained saying that the only one who can direct him to do so is you, Kinomoto... so basically we just went through the lines and how this was supposed to be acted--- without the kissing part. I leave that up to you, Kinomoto."

"H--- errr.... um...." Whew... if I let out another "hoe" again it would be too obvious how I feel about this--- especially with Meiling and Syaoran around. "I... I'll try... I mean, um... sure thing, Terada-sensei..."

"I knew you could do it, Kinomoto..." He patted me on the shoulder with a smile on his face and went to the seats to talk to the other actors. I turned my head towards Meiling and Syaoran, with Syaoran still staring at me and Meiling frowning at me impatiently.

"Uhh... you guys stay there... I'll be right back... really quick... heh..." I chuckled shyly and suddenly just dashed my way backstage.

Ugh, where is Tomoyo when you need her, I thought. She has to be somewhere in here and--- "Ah! Tomoyo-chan!"

I found Tomoyo measuring one of the actors with her measuring tape while trying to fit in one of the costumes that she just made for the play. Tomoyo saw me and waved happily: "Hey there, Sakura-chan!"

"Tomoyo-chan... I need your help..." I begged her, shaking her arm at the same time.

"Whoa, calm down, Sakura-chan..." Tomoyo giggled and told the student to hang on. She and I went to a secluded spot backstage so no one else would overhear us. "So Sakura-chan, did you have a wonderful moment with Li-kun?" She winked at me at the same time and covered my face from embarrassment.

"Hooooeee... don't mention his name around me ever, Tomoyo-chan..." I pouted sadly as Tomoyo patted me on the shoulder with her usual warm smiles.

"Oh my goodness... you are such a lucky girl! Let's just keep this a secret, okay? I don't want all the other girls especially Meiling who pine over Li-kun to get jealous of you now--- you're way too lovable to be hated, you know that!" She gave me a hug as I gulped nervously at the thought. "So tell me, how did his lips feel like? Was it warm? Wonderful? Sweet like honey?---"

"Agh, I don't wanna talk about it..." I shrieked in silence and gave her another pout.

"Aww... I'm just kidding, Sakura-chan! Everybody knows that it's bad luck to talk about your first kiss..." She patted me once more and continued: "But either way, I'm very proud of you, Sakura-chan! Not only that you and the one you love were able to share your first kiss; you also finally gave him the confidence to kiss Meiling in the play in front of everyone! Although he did say to everyone that he won't be able to kiss without you around..."

"Hoooooeeee..." I sighed deeply as Tomoyo nudged me gently.

"It's okay, Sakura-chan, there's no harm at all. If Li-kun says that he can't do it without you around, then this is what I have to say to you--- I don't know how you were able to get him to kiss, but everybody's rootin' for ya!"

"Great..." I sighed and lowered my head. I felt Tomoyo pulling me out from our little spot and gently pushed me back to the stage where Syaoran and Meiling were talking--- and waiting for me.

"Go get 'em, Sakura-chan! Oh, wait..." Tomoyo dashed back on stage and a few seconds later, she returned with her videocamera on her hand. I should've expected that... "NOW YOU GO GET 'EM, SAKURA-CHAN!" Tomoyo giggled and turned on her camera. "I've GOTTA tape you guys--- oh, this would be soooo cute!! Even if you're only the director, you're the star on this special video! I call it--- 'Sakura Makes Romeo and Juliet Kiss!' Now hurry up, your fans are waiting!"

"Oh boy..." I sighed deeply and slowly approached Syaoran and Meiling with my usual smile on my face. Not only that I was nervous at the fact that I was going to direct them on the kissing portion, but because of Tomoyo taping this whole scene as well. I finally reached them and Meiling became so excited to see me. "Um, sorry 'bout that!"

"Finally, Kinomoto!" Meiling got up again from Syaoran's lap and suddenly gave me a huge hug. "Oh, I feel like I owe you so much for doing this!"

"Eheh... no no... no need to owe me anything... I'm just doing my job... heheheheheheh..." Yeah, sure... I'd like to have muchos apologies from you for being such a snob to me, Li Meiling... I glanced right at Syaoran, who has been gazing at me at the same time. I swallowed nervously and smiled at him. "Good morning, Syaoran-kun!"

Syaoran stood up and turned to Meiling and said something to her in Chinese. One of these days I really DO need to look at a school somewhere nearby who teaches the Chinese language so I can secretly eavesdrop on them and finally get to understand what they were saying. While they were conversing I was about to turn away when all of a sudden: "Could we talk backstage, Sakura?"

Eeep! "Hoe...?" I turned my head and saw Syaoran's serious eyes right at me.

"Oh, I get it!" Meiling giggled happily. "You need to talk to Kinomoto about a few pointers in kissing, right? Oh, I don't mind, since Romeo does most of the kissing in the play, you know...? Um, I'll be waiting here... patiently!" She waved gently at us, making me feel really nervous than ever.

"Come on..." I felt Syaoran placing his hand on my arm and gently dragged me along with him backstage.

"Uhh... while you wait--- go and read and rehearse your lines and--- uhh... well... yeah, do that!" I called out right at Meiling as she just smiled happily right at me.

We found another secluded spot somewhere backstage, and just to be sure that no one else can spot us for sure Syaoran casted some invincibility spell that I've never heard of (or seen of, to be honest). It must be one of his few hidden powers that he stored within him and never used them at all. This must be really private, I thought. "S-Syaoran-kun...?"

"I'm sorry, Sakura..." Syaoran said this first and sighed deeply. "I... didn't mean... what happened yesterday--- not that I'm saying that I'm playing around or anything like---"

I hushed at him softly and sighed deeply. "I missed you, Syaoran-kun..."

I noticed Syaoran blushing and answered: "I missed you too, Sakura... I.. wanted to call you last night but I was nervous..."

"Heh..." I blushed even more than the way he did and chuckled softly. "I wanted to call you... but I don't know your phone number... and... and... I didn't want Meiling or something like---"

"You should have asked Yamazaki for my cell number, Sakura-chan..." Syaoran chuckled softly. "That way, you'll be able to hear my voice first thing..."

"Oh... of course!" I giggled along with him. "But... but I don't want Yamazaki-kun to know that-- I--- I mean, what I'm saying is... uhh..." Smooth, Sakura, really smooth... "... I don't wanna bug him and Chiharu-chan, you know? Heheh..."

"Oh yeah... forgot about Mihara too... sorry 'bout that... um, I'll give it to you later during breaktime or something..."

"Okay!" Then, silence fell between us and suddenly found ourselves lost in our eyes. Oh gosh, I wanted to kiss him right then and right there... but... I don't want to scare him again... God... Shakespeare-sama... Mom... anybody who's dead yet loving at the same time... what do I do now...? Quickly help me out before something weird happens between him and me...

"Uhh..." I heard Syaoran murmured with a trembling voice. Obviously he was also as nervous as I am. "... Listen, Sakura... um... don't get me wrong, but... I... seriously... can't practice kissing with Meiling by ourselves... um, what I mean to say was that... I... found my inspiration to kissing, so... um... that's why I told everyone that you have to be there..."

"Oh... oh my..." I smiled happily, blushing at the same time. "Syaoran-kun... m-me... inspiration... to... kissing...?"

"Well.. um... you're my first kiss, Sakura-chan... and..." He trailed off from his sentence and without expecting anything, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "... I thought..."

I felt my heart was about to soar like a butterfly right when he kissed me, even if it was on the cheek. I wished that he would kiss me the same way as he did yesterday, but even so, him kissing me anywhere is good enough for me. Now, that kiss on the cheek was for real... I think. "I understand completely, Syaoran-kun!" I embraced him quickly and drew back quickly. "I'll make you the best-kissing Romeo in the history of Shakespearean Theater, Li Syaoran-kun!"

"Um.... thanks... I think..." Syaoran chuckled a bit. "Well... shall we go?"

"Let's go!" I cheered happily as his "invincibility" spell was worn off just in time. Right before we were about to head out, we were caught by Yamazaki and Chiharu, who was just standing there right in front of us while they were talking. "Oops..."

"Hey... I didn't know you guys were here..." Yamazaki blinked with a confused look. Chiharu chuckled softly and spanked Yamazaki on the back. "OW!"

"Hi Sakura-chan! Hi Li-kun!" Chiharu smiled right at us.

"Uhh... hi Chiharu-chan..." I waved with a nervous giggle.

"Uhh... how's it going, Yamazaki...?" I heard Syaoran greet nervously right at Yamazaki. Welp.. time to rehearse... kissing scenes... good luck to that, Sakura-chan...


"Okay, everyone... places, everybody!" I called out to everyone around the stage and around the seats. "Act 2, Scene 2 - the balcony scene, is about to begin!"

I got nervous right away when I noticed that everyone including the backstage crew sat down on the front rows of the seats beneath the stage. It looked like they were about to watch an Oscar Award-winning movie or something, judging from all their anxious and enthusiastic expressions they were displaying right at Syaoran and Meiling. This was also the first time that I was going to direct again since yesterday, not just that but it was also the first scene where Syaoran and Meiling were going to kiss in rehearsals. I know that they kiss first in Act 1, Scene 5, but since we're in Act 2 now, we didn't want to go back again until it was dress rehearsal time. I sat at the far end, about upstage left, so I can get a good angle to look at Syaoran and Meiling's acts, just to be sure that they're doing the whole scene right. It was also the angle where I was able to see Syaoran's face to be sure that he doesn't mess up on his kissing part.

"Okay... here go... ready... and... ACTION!" I gave the signal to the actors as they do their parts. Syaoran started with his very memorable and dramatic version of the Romeo line. In the meantime, it was also the first time that we're rehearsing with the actual prop. Meiling was now standing on the balcony prop that the professional carpenters that Tomoyo's mom hired, just to be sure that the props are sturdy so they won't break down. So far, so good, I thought. In addition, Meiling's acting improved. I wonder what Terada-sensei do yesterday while Syaoran and I were alone in the classroom--- um--- doing our part. Tomoyo was also at the seats, videotaping this whole rehearsal. Luckily she wasn't always focused on me, which is her favorite subject of all her home videos, but her lens was right at Syaoran and Meiling. I also noticed Eriol sitting on his seat comfortably with his thumb and forefinger on his chin, grinning with a little smirk on his face (typical Eriol...). Chiharu and Rika were shedding tears of amazement, seeing how beautiful and wonderfully perfect Syaoran and Meiling performed this scene, while Naoko looked a little bored. She was probably waiting till it was her turn to play her part as Mercutio. Terada-sensei and Mizuki-sensei remained smiling, looking very proud at the perfection of this scene. Man... I must be REALLY good! The voice in my mind bragged.

Many minutes later it was the last few lines that would conclude the scene. While watching it, my mind started to reminisce about yesterday--- the part where Syaoran and I read those lines together that lead us to... you know...

Meiling/Juliet: (looking at Syaoran, who is now hanging on to the railing of the balcony) Romeo!

Syaoran/Romeo: (getting himself closer to Meiling) My dear?

Meiling/Juliet: (eye contact towards Syaoran) What o'clock tomorrow Shall I send to thee?

Syaoran/Romeo: (for some odd reason Syaoran's eyes were sorta shifting between Meiling and somewhere else...) By the hour of nine.

Meiling/Juliet: (looking a little confused, also noticing Syaoran's eyes seemingly staring at somewhere else...) I will not fail. 'Tis twenty year till then. (short pause) I... have forgot why I did call thee back.

Syaoran/Romeo: (are his eyes shifting towards... the director?!) Let me stand here till thou remember it.

Oh my gosh... is Syaoran looking directly at--- ME?!
"Hoe..." I whispered softly to myself, feeling a little nervous. Luckily I had my good angle on my spot. What was going on with Syaoran's eye contact...? He should be looking at Meiling, not at me... and yet he's doing his part so perfectly too--- but why are his deep, cocoa amber eyes looking straight right at me...? I found myself blushing at first, but then came to mind. Maybe Syaoran was nervous that he had to kiss Meiling not too soon in this scene that he wanted me to signal to him or something... or maybe he was thinking of something else.

Meiling/Juliet: (getting closer to Syaoran) I shall forget, to have thee still stand there, Remembering how I love thy company.

Syaoran/Romeo: (though the people on the seats can't tell at all, his eyes are looking directly towards the director...) And I'll still stay, to have thee still forget, Forgetting any other home but this.

Meiling/Juliet: (looking around, then back to Syaoran) 'Tis almost morning... I would have thee gone; And yet no farther than a wanton's bird, That lets it hop a little from her hand, Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves, And with a silk thread plucks it back again, So loving-jealous of his liberty.

Syaoran/Romeo: (getting closer to Meiling and his eyes are still towards the director) I wish... I were thy bird.

Oh gosh... this is it... they're going to kiss...
was all that was running through my mind right now. And until now, Syaoran's eyes were still looking right at me. Why, I thought to myself. I know that I should be here when he kisses Meiling, but this is getting ridiculous... or suspicious, on the other hand.

Meiling/Juliet: (very close to Syaoran) Sweet, so would I. Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.

Right then, both Syaoran and Meiling placed their palms together which transformed into a gentle cling on to each other's hands. It sure made the girls cry back at the seats (I don't know if they were crying because the scene was so beautiful of they were crying because Meiling was so lucky to have such a cutie hunk like Syaoran hold her hand that way and eventually going to kiss her too, but they were crying, yes...). I sure must be a really good director then, but the bad part is--- I'M NOT JULIET!!!

Meiling/Juliet: (just a few inches closer as she recites...) Goodnight, goodnight! Parting... is such sweet sorrow... (she and Syaoran get closer as Meiling closes her eyes while Syaoran slowly closes his--- and STILL looking at the director) That I shall say goodnight till it be morrow...

Right at that moment, they both kiss--- a semi-long kiss. Random cheers and gasps were heard from the people down the seats, cheering for Syaoran and Meiling kissing. The best part was that Syaoran did not feel nervous at all and just went through it and it did look like that there was meaning within that kiss. I smiled happily on the outside, but somewhat hurting on the inside. It looked like that kiss had more meaning than the kiss that he and I shared yesterday. Maybe he really just went ahead and kissed me because he had to... ah well... more importantly, he finally kissed Meiling for the first time during rehearsals. Ugh... I just couldn't stand looking at this anymore... why am I torturing myself watching them kiss? Why? Because I'm THE director... I HAVE to watch this... but... oh God, why am I feeling so angry at this moment... Syaoran-kun, please stop kissing her now... please, stop it, please... it hurts to see you kissing someone else when you just kissed me yesterday... it's not fair.... it's not fair... it's not fair...

"Alright everybody, quiet down, the scene's not over yet..." Terada-sensei called at the rest as everyone kept quiet. When Syaoran and Meiling parted and had their eyes opened, I noticed that Syaoran's eyes were STILL looking at me instead of looking right at Meiling's. I felt as if he was imagining or thinking or pretending that this time was yesterday when he first kissed me. Maybe he decided to use our special moment as his "tool" to get him to kiss Meiling in public in the play. In a way, it was good, but deep in my heart, I knew that special moment should not be used for other purposes or be taken for granted at all. In fact, I don't even think what happened yesterday doesn't mean to him anymore... his kiss on my forehead yesterday and on my cheek today--- they all have become meaningless!

Meiling let go of Syaoran's hand and leave the balcony. Syaoran jumped down from the balcony and landed safely on the ground, and stood. Again, his eyes are still at me as he recited the last line of the scene:

Syaoran/Romeo: (in a romantic voice and is still staring at the director, even if it looked like he was looking up at the balcony) Sleep well upon thine eyes, peace in thy breast! Would I were sleep and peace, so sweet to rest! Hence will I to my ghostly sire's close cell, His help to crave and my dear hap to tell. (Syaoran exits the stage)

"WAAAAAAIIII!!!! BRAVO!!!!" All the cheering and the happiness were expressed all over the auditorium along with the usual applauding. Terada-sensei climbed up the stage, called Meiling and Syaoran back to the stage to congratulate them.

"That was SPECTACULAR! YOU HAVE MADE ROMEO AND JULIET COME ALIVE!!" Terada-sensei complimented them while Meiling sighed deeply and Syaoran scratching his head shyly. "Li, Meiling, that was a wonderful, realistic kiss you've got there..." Right away he turned to me and called me out: "KINOMOTO, UP HERE NOW!"

"YES, SIR!" I replied and got up from my seat and ran to them. Terada-sensei patted me behind my back and smiled at me.

"Good job, Kinomoto. After for so long that we've been trying to make Syaoran kiss in public, you have finally accomplished that! Thank you!"

"Well, actually, um..."

"THANK YOU, KINOMOTO-SAN!!" The rest of the class cheered happily as I stood there looking like a naive moron once more.

"Umm... heheheheheh... um... thanks... I think..." I scratched my head shyly, sweatdrop falling on the side of my face again.

"I don't know how you did it, but wow, Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo gently nudged at me, winking at the same time.

"Eheh... um... I guess... uhh..." At the same time I glanced right at Syaoran, who was nervously staring at me at the same time. No, I can't tell them that we kissed yesterday--- okay, Sakura, make something up... "... I guess the stuffed animal kissing simulation and the videos helped!"

I noticed Syaoran sighed in relief silently as I gave everyone a grin. "Well, good job anyway, Kinomoto." Terada-sensei smiled. "Well then, looks like we may have a chance to win that England trip after all!"

"YAAAAAY!!" Everyone including myself cheered. Woohoo--- London, England, HERE WE COME!!

"Okay everyone," Mizuki-sensei interrupted from behind. "Now, just because Li and Meiling kissed on stage for the first time, doesn't mean that we're ready--- we still have the rest of the script to rehearse... now come on, let's all get back to work!"

"Haaaaiiii!" Everyone replied as we all split in to our own groups again.

Terada-sensei glanced at me and continued to say something: "Well then, Kinomoto, what can I say? You deserve extra credit for this, you know?"

"Can I have a 100 on Math?" I smiled happily at him when Mizuki-sensei had to ruin everything.

"Sorry, Sakura-chan, but stage acting is not part of Mathematics, you know?"

"Aw, nuts..." I frowned sadly and snapped my fingers at the same time. Come on, stage acting does deal with Math--- it had LOGIC in it! Bleah, oh well...

"But for your English class, you get 100 for being such a good, patient, and responsible stage director," Terada-sensei nodded with a smile on his face.

"WAI!!" I know it's not extra credit for Math, but English is good, even if I'm doing well in my English class anyway. Math still sucks.


Lunchtime came and as usual, Tomoyo and I are late on our usual spot. We were in the usual group again along with Syaoran, Meiling, and Eriol, and it looks like everyone was even making a huge fuss about their kissing on stage. Though I should be happy because we can finally master the Shakespeare challenge in this play, I can gradually feel that the meaning of our first kiss was fading right in every second. In the meantime, Tomoyo was still bugging me about the usual stuff, especially my "method" on how I taught Syaoran how to kiss. "I already told you... he kissed my stuffed bunny while we were watching the movie version of Romeo and Juliet, Tomoyo-chan!" I can't let Tomoyo know that I already had my first kiss with Syaoran yesterday and I can't let this word spread around and have me get killed by Meiling right after... and besides, I have kept my word to Yuki-san never to talk and brag about my first kiss to anyone or else it would be bad luck... that would mean losing my slim chance to be with Syaoran... oh sigh...

"For some reason I don't believe that, Sakura-chan." Tomoyo stuck her tongue right at me. "During the balcony scene earlier I noticed your facial expression watching them... you didn't look too pleased at all..."

"How so?" I glared at her suspiciously.

Tomoyo giggled, "You looked a little jealous, Kinomoto Sakura-chan!"

"NO I WASN'T!" I immediately yelled right at her, feeling a little sweaty at the lie of kissing bunnies and watching cheesy love videos...

"Come on, Sakura-chan, I thought best friends never keep secrets from each other...?"

"I already told you, Tomoyo-chan..." I can finally feel my teeth gritting at the same time, "I made him kiss my stuffed bunny while watching the Romeo and Juliet video..."

"Yeah... sure..." Tomoyo just smirked at me when we finally reached our group. We were greeted as usual by our friends and I guess because of the kissing that Meiling already dubbed me as her hero.

"I love you, Kinomoto Sakura-chan!" Meiling suddenly jumped herself on to me, hugging me tightly. "Oh, how can I EVER EVER EEEEVER THANK YOU!"

"Eeek..." Her grip was so tight, now I know how Syaoran felt everytime she clinged on to him. "Uhh... for starters, Meiling... can you let go of me...?"

"Oh! Oops... I forget... actors are NOT supposed to have special relationships with directors or else it would be bad luck on stage... soooorry!" Immediately, she let go of me and remained smiling at me. What...? Actors are not supposed to have special relationships with directors? I glanced right at Syaoran with a confused look while he shrugged at me with confusion on his face as well. Uh oh... too late for THAT, Meiling...

"Aaah!" Rika cheered happily at the couple. "You were right in the beginning, Meiling! You and Syaoran DO make a really kawaii Romeo and Juliet!"

"Yeah, totally!!" Chiharu cheered along with Rika.

"Oh my gosh," Meiling sighed even more in love. Syaoran just sat still and remained quiet as Meiling continued to brag along: "Hey Daidouji, you got everything on tape?"

"Yup!" Tomoyo winked at Meiling. "Everything's on tape including Sakura-chan's reactions towards your scene!"

"TOMOYO-CHAN?!" I gasped right away, looking very shocked at her. No, she did NOT just tape me and my reactions towards them or else that video will be gone. Just great... another Kinomoto Sakura embarrasing moment...

"Splendid indeed," Eriol smirked from behind again, "maybe later during our second rehearsal breaktime that we must watch that video that the lovely sapphire gems of Daidouji Tomoyo-chan of our wonderful star-crossed lovers showing their true love on stage... oh I would love to see that wonderful moment once more..." Oh no... I hope NOT...

Tomoyo blushed right at Eriol: "Oh stop that, Hiiragizawa-kun..."

"Oh, but it's true, my darling..." Eriol suddenly winked at Tomoyo and right away she quickly hid behind my back shyly. I sighed and shook my head at the reaction. "Oh dear... I did it again, haven't I...?" Everyone giggled while Syaoran rolled his eyes.

"Can't you do anything else better to do than make girls faint by your cheesy charms...?" Syaoran complained right at his half-reincarnated ancestor. "You're getting to be annoying already..."

"Oh really, my cute little descendant," Eriol continued to smirk at Syaoran, "I sure can say the same for you... you just made your darling fiancee over there faint in bliss..." We all turned to Meiling, who is now lying down on the picnic blanket, swooning and sighing on her own...

"Xiao Lang... wo ai ni, Xiao Lang ... (Xiao Lang... I love you, Xiao Lang)" Meiling murmured over and over again in bliss while some of us just giggled. I tried not to look jealous but instead, covered my face, pretending I was laughing along with everybody else.

Syaoran got up and looked at Meiling, looking a little angry: "Meiling, snap out of it... hello! That stupid kiss was not for real!!"

Meiling snapped out to reality, got up, and stuck her tongue at her love: "So what... it still counts as a kiss, Xiao Lang... and I'M going to count it as a real kiss!"

"Just because I kissed you on stage, doesn't mean that---" Before we all knew what was going to happen, Meiling suddenly forced herself on to Syaoran and kissed him lovingly and sweetly, forcing the both of them to lie down--- in front of EVERYONE!!

"AAAH!! KAWAII!!!" Both Chiharu and Rika cheered and sighed.

"ACK!!" Both Yamazaki and Naoko gasped in shock.

"OH MY GOODNESS!!!" Both Tomoyo and Eriol exclaimed in surprise.

And as for yours truly, I could not get a single word out of my mouth. It was shocking enough to see Meiling having the guts to go ahead and kiss him in front of everyone outside rehearsals, it was even more shocking when Syaoran just lying there doing nothing! Oh God... oh Dad... oh Touya-niichan... oh Kero-chan... oh Yuki-san... oh Yue... oh Mom... oh Shakespeare-sama... this has gotta be a nightmare... wake up, Sakura-chan, wake up...

Unfortunately, it was happening... I really couldn't take this anymore... I covered my eyes for a second, then decided to peek through my fingers--- they were STILL at it!! Why isn't Syaoran pushing her away like he always does when she gets too close to him?! Why was he... "Hoe?!!!" I noticed something else--- what's this....? Was Syaoran also placing his arms slowly around her?! This can't be happening, I thought... and yet it's STILL happening. I suddenly got up from my seat and cleaned up my lunch box. "I.... I.... I...."

"Sakura-chan?!" Tomoyo gasped, looking all worried at me. I had to leave. I couldn't survive watching this in front of my eyes. This Sakura is outta here!

"I forgot, I gotta talk to the teachers about something... I'll meet you all later in the auditorium... bye everyone!" I noticed that those two were still kissing and... they were STILL kissing... it was time for Kinomoto Sakura to bail out before she ends up strangling someone just so she can feel better.

I dashed away from the crowd as fast as I can, way even faster than Syaoran's usual blushing dash in the beginning. I just could not stand this whole scenario anymore. I just had to run away just so Syaoran and Meiling and all the others doesn't see a very shocked, angry, and not to mention a HURTING Kinomoto Sakura. I ran at the oak trees surrounding the auditorium and hid myself there. I closed my eyes to catch my breath and keep myself quiet so no one else would see me. Kinomoto Sakura never cries when she's emotionally hurt inside. No one has ever seen Kinomoto Sakura cry at anything else but being scared of spooks, thunder, and the dark. And for that, they can't see THIS Kinomoto Sakura shedding tears of sadness and shock.

I bit my bottom lip, trying not to let a single tear out from my eyes. Was Syaoran enjoying himself being kissed like that in front of everyone? Did he finally realize his true feelings for her? Did he really mean what he said yesterday when he said that he loves her? Did he just use me just so he can finally have the guts to kiss her in public? No... that wouldn't be the real Li Syaoran. He is proud, stiff like a stonewall, strict and serious that no one would want to mess with him, and not to mention very mature. Never have I've seen him use anyone just for his personal gain... he never did. I believe that he's not using my friendship just so he can get his hands on the cards--- the cards that were decided that I am the true owner. He never admits defeat yet he still accepts them with grace. He apologizes to me whenever he makes a mistake that hurt me... and if it was true that he never cared about me in the first place, then he wouldn't have sacrificed himself or his time just to rescue me or protect me from all the danger and troubles I get myself in to, even to the littlest of things such as me freaking out at the sound of thunder or the sight of the dark. I never asked anyone for help at all, last time I remember begging for help was simply advices from Kero-chan or Yue or sometimes Tomoyo, yet on the other hand he was still there to lend me a hand. To be honest, Syaoran would be the last person whom I would turn to when I truly need help.

Why does love have to be so complicated? I thought it would be a breeze and not too bad at all when you love someone. But why is it so difficult for me to deal with a person like Li Syaoran? He's so mysterious in some ways and the origin and place that he came from was still shrouded in a mystery to me. I know I can love him like the way I do but then again someday things will get in the way of my right to love him. For instance, he will be marrying Meiling when they get older, and second, very soon, I'm not sure when, but really soon, he and Meiling will return to China and seeing the fear of not seeing him ever again in my life may even come true. What about me...? I admit that I love my life but why does life decided to make my experiences in love so difficult and complicated like this?

Syaoran and I are two different people, I know that. Not because of where we came from, but because of our personalities and attitudes towards life. It's like we're the sun and the moon, the light and the shadow, day and night, you know what I mean. And yet it's so possible that opposites can be attracted to each other. Well... the sun is attracted to the moon, but it seems that the moon doesn't seem to want to interact with the sun. Maybe just a companion, I thought. I guess that's how Syaoran sees me overall... just a companion... a special companion, I guess.

I looked at the watch to see the time. I had better get inside the auditorium before Syaoran, Tomoyo, and all the others start to get suspicious of me. I need some excuse or a topic to talk to the teachers about. I know, I'll talk about my anxiousness towards that trip to England. That would get my mind off Syaoran for awhile.


It was the end of the school day. I did not feel well today and wasn't too enthusiastic to stay after school to do more rehearsing so I went home early. We started with Act Three today. We still got around three weeks left to rehearse the rest of the three remaining acts in the play. Syaoran and Meiling kissed again in Act Three at the church scene, but this time, Chiharu the Friar (Lawrence) was on the scene, and she had them married (as Romeo and Juliet, of course, but then again, I can imagine that this whole scene was for real, since they're both engaged in real life anyway...). Now I REALLY did regret not being Juliet in this play like Tomoyo wanted me to. I should have not agreed to become director, but then again I wouldn't have these chances with Syaoran and that first kiss would have never happened. Ugh, this is just so complicated... all I wanted now is to go to bed and cry my eyes out.

I stayed home at this very gloomy (luckily it wasn't raining like yesterday) day, all in my PJs and all, as if I caught the flu and such. Kero-chan was getting worried about me but I told him to just keep playing his videogames. It had nothing to do with the cards, I told him, just a personal phase that I was just going through. I know this is a little strange for a ten-year-old to act like this, but then again everyone is different. I kept my usual cheerful self in front of everyone today but at the same time everyone especially Tomoyo and surprisingly Syaoran, were worried about me. I was the only one who did not shout out any reactions when Meiling just jumped on to him and... you know. If I ever did have a reaction I would have had screamed but I didn't want everyone to know my true feelings for Syaoran (well, Tomoyo and obviously Eriol are the only ones who know about it though). I tried to avoid Syaoran on personal contact today but it was truly impossible. I felt as if he has me under control. We weren't able to talk in private about what just happened and I don't want to talk about it at all. I didn't want Syaoran to know that this whole kissing bit with Meiling really bothered me. Come on, I'm the director, I taught Syaoran how to kiss successfully in public, I should be happy and proud because I accomplished that mission.

Later that night Tomoyo called me again. She told me how much Syaoran was getting really sad and worried about me, and he really wanted to talk to me in private because he was concerned about what just happened. I told her to tell him not to worry, that I was not in my usual mood today, but she still insisted that I should call him or something. Shoot, I thought. I forgot to ask him for his cell number again. I pretended that this whole thing did not really bother me, I mean, those two needed to "practice" their kissing so it would be flawless on stage, I told her. I guess because she knows me too well that she doesn't really believe me and my excuses. All I did was sigh sadly and just thought of nothing else at the moment but Syaoran. Ugh, why is this happening to me?! The talk between me and Tomoyo did not really solve anything. Though we did not end up fighting or anything like that, nothing with my problem with Syaoran was resolved at all.


Many weeks have passed by and ever since that day, Syaoran and I haven't talked in private. I told myself, Stick to rehearsals and stick as director, don't let anything that happens during rehearsals become personal. It worked so far, ocassionally I get myself on my perky self at certain times but other than that, everything else was pretty much the same. Though I haven't spoken to Syaoran personally and in private about the kissing and such, he was still haunting my mind. That first kiss was still in my mind. Every little thing, every single thing about Syaoran--- was still stuck in my mind. But I tried avoiding asking myself about Syaoran's true feelings for me. All I know is that he and I are best friends. Now... if Tomoyo and I, being best friends that we are, never keep each other secrets, then why am I trying to hide myself away from Syaoran or pretend that nothing wrong was happening to me?

I still haven't gotten his cell number and I was actually afraid of asking him or Yamazaki for it. And at the same time he has not called me since the first time that he called me. I miss him so much, I thought. I really do miss him... our first meeting, our first rivalry, our first time we called each other by our first names, our first phone chat, our first kiss... especially that last part. But now Meiling pretty much got him under her control during rehearsals and it was absolutely driving me nuts. Come on, Sakura, you're the director--- you want nothing but perfection from these two in the play--- and yet at the same time you're going through this phase where you're unsure if all their actions were actually for real or not. I'm just like Syaoran now when he was freaking out on the kissing bit at first. But now that he's gotten used to it, I guess he didn't need me to be around anymore, which in play-wise, is good, but personal-wise, is bad.

Next day was opening night. Actually during daytime is dress rehearsal, meaning the actors get to act certain scenes from the play in front of an actual audience, starting with our school and even some classes chosen from Seijyou High School--- oh man, I hope I don't see Touya there, but I do hope I get to see Yuki-san though... (not gonna do the whole play in front of them, heck no--- they'll have to come to opening night if they want to see our play!). We have a meeting tonight--- our final meeting together before the big day. As director of the play it's obvious that I should be having my final day speech or something. I decided to get help from Tomoyo and Eriol, since they're the top students in our English class. I wanted to have this speech in English, just so I can get extra few more credits, with my usual Japanese right after. We even got the programs ready, with the whole script translations in Japanese that Mizuki-sensei worked so hard on. Luckily she didn't use the old-style Japanese on her translation or else it'd be confusing as heck too-- probably even way more confusing than Shakespearean English.

At home, I was fixing myself for tonight's meeting. Dad and Touya were also talking to me about the play, plus Kero-chan was also giving me advice on what to do for tomorrow. Kero-chan said that directors never leave the actors alone while they were acting the actual play. The director would always watch them with the script on her hand, reading every single line as the actors go through their lines, just to be sure that they don't mess up. The director guides the actor throughout the whole play and makes them feel comfortable when they're stuck. Again, more torture, I thought. I get to see Syaoran and Meiling kiss from the beginning till the scene where they kill themselves in the Capulet Crypt.

But remember who you are, Kinomoto Sakura. It doesn't matter if it makes you unhappy or not. You're the type of person who would make others happy, regardless. If I did love Syaoran with all my heart, then I should show him how much--- by making him happy with Meiling and his role as Romeo in this play. I would always give him smiles and give him praises and whenever he needs someone, I would always be there for him. Even if he didn't need me around though, I would still be there for him. I have to support him and Meiling together simply because it is the right thing to do and the real Kinomoto Sakura would do that.

Why am I doing all this? Because Li Syaoran is my friend.

And I love him with all my heart... always, forever, for eternity.

To be continued...

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Sorry, not much action on this one, but I'm kinda running out of ideas, so instead I'm having 10 chapters to "Fall Play". Besides, I can't wait to start on my next one. Gomen nasai, minna... I know it's not as good as the other chapters, but..... -_-;;;

Comments? Questions? Reviews? Email me--- lucca@rikku.nu--- or just visit my website--- http://kinomoto.nu! Want to have your Sakura & Syaoran fic hosted? Visit my S&S fanfic archive: Cherry Blossom, Little Wolf - http://kinomoto.nu/cblw