This one is long. R&R I really appreciate it when you do... Please?
The second scene is thanks to C-Chan, who gave me the wonderful idea. Thank you very much C-Chan, and thank you for reviewing too!
Elements
Chapter Six: A Contest and Two Dates.
- A fanfiction by Kyo
-*-*-*-*-*-
Sakura woke up with a stinging sensation on her side and all the way down to her right leg. For a moment she couldn't open her eyes, they felt like lead. Since she couldn't see, she tried using her other senses. Her sense of touch told her she was in a mattress with fresh sheets. Her sense of smell detected a smell of autumn and sandalwood. I must be in Syaoran's room. Sakura thought. She opened her eyes wide. Her emerald eyes trying to focus to the lack of light. Wait. What am I doing in Syaoran's room? Wasn't I in a Ball? She felt some movement at the foot of the bed. She stirred and tried to get up, it was all to no avail. Her leg and her side hurt. She couldn't even sit down, getting up was out of question.
The movement continued. Then she heard something in her mind that weren't her thoughts.
My back hurts. My limbs hurt. I'm thirsty. I'm hungry. I'm tired. There is nothing else that could happen to me. Syaoran thought bitterly. Just then, he remembered about Sakura, who probably was in so much more pain than he. Sakura? You awake? He asked uncertainly, getting near her face. When Sakura responded with something that seemed to be, argh! Are you okay? He tried again. How are you feeling? He asked with concern in his voice. He put his black, moist nose on hers.
Hi Syaoran! She said while looking directly into his bright amber eyes, and smiling a pained smile to him. I feel like hell. What happened last night? My leg hurts.
You mean you don't remember? He asked, somewhat alarmed. Sakura shook her head. It must have been the shock. He tried to find an explanation. She looked puzzled at him. What do you mean: shock?
Syaoran sighed, straightening up, a remorseful look on his canine face. Yesterday... He started slowly, choosing his words with care. The beast attacked us... Sakura frowned in concentration. Part to keep the pain away, part to remember yesterday's happenings. It shoved me out of the way, and it went straight for you. I... I couldn't stop it. He said, full of remorse. Then, I felt some strange presence. It wasn't a Clow Card. It was much powerful than one Card, but it was similar in someway. Sakura's frown deepened. It stopped the beast from killing you. He looked away.
Does it hurt? He asked.
A bit. But it's more like a dull pain. It's not that bad. When Sakura tried to stand up, she discovered she was still wearing the Ball dress.
Could I get some decent clothes? She asked the Little Wolf, while she sat up. holding in an Itaii!
Tomoyo hadn't been able to change her clothes last night out of fear of hurting her more, so she just covered her with a blanket and tried to make her as comfortable as possible.
Sure, I'll get them for you. He jumped from the bed and got to his drawer. He opened it with his teeth and returned with a white, loose T-shirt and a pair of dark forest green pants. His favorites.
Here you got. He said while he handed her the clothes, which he carried between his teeth. Sakura smiled at him. He wagged his tail. All pets are glad to be able to please and he was more than glad. She picked up the clothes and signaled him to turn around. He complied immediately, still waging his tail.
Sakura had a hard time taking off the dress, but she finally managed to do it. She put the shirt and the pants on happily. She was glad she could wear his clothes. It was like having him near all the time.
Tomoyo came in without knocking the door. All of them stopped in their tracks when they saw each other. Blank looks on their faces. Tomoyo was the first one to react.
"Sakura! You are awake! Daijoubu? Does it hurt somewhere?" Tomoyo asked her best friend while she inspected her. Sakura sweatdropped.
"I'm okay Tomoyo. It doesn't hurt that bad. Look! I can even stand up!" She said cheerfully.
"Really? It was a really bad cut you had there." Tomoyo eyed her suspiciously. Sakura caught her look and answered immediately. "No, really Tomoyo I'm okay. It's because of my magic that I heal so quick. Isn't that right, Syaoran?" Sakura beamed down at him. Syaoran nodded.
"Okay, I'll give you as much! Who wants some breakfast?" She asked cheerfully. An apron and a pan appearing from nowhere.
"Me!" Sakura said excitedly, like little kids do. Tomoyo and Sakura left the room, the Little Wolf in front of them.
-*-*-*-*-*-
"Domo arigato for the breakfast Tomoyo!" Sakura said cheerfully. "It was great!" Syaoran nodded from his spot at the floor, licking one paw. Sakura leaned to his direction and patted his head, which he enjoyed immensely. Then, something caught Sakura's sense of smell. It wasn't a very pleasant either. She noticed she only sensed it when she was near the Little Wolf. "Syaoran! You smell!" She near shouted. Syaoran stared at her with an indecipherable expression, then he added:
I do not smell. He said in his defense. "Yes, you do!" Sakura exclaimed, while she reached out for him. He dodged her quickly. "You need a bath!" Sakura said, with a mischievous grin. She would surely enjoy doing that to him. No! I don't! He shouted into her mind as he sprinted away from her reach.
Tomoyo looked at them with a grin plastered on her face. Maybe she couldn't hear their thoughts, but she could more or less make out what was happening. Or at least she could imagine it.
Come on, Syaoran! You need a bath! There is no way your are going outside with that smell. She tried to reason with him, while she ran behind him, being careful as not to bump any of the furniture.
Then I won't go anywhere! He said stubbornly. Sakura couldn't believe this was her Syaoran she was trying to reason with. The usually reserved, mature, neat and shy Syaoran she cherished so much.
You cannot run forever Syaoran, I'll catch you, you have shorter legs! She said while she gave a sharp turn around the living room table. Even if he knew she was right, he kept running. He wasn't going to give in just like that. He didn't want to take a bath. He didn't smell, he was sure of it. He crawled under the kitchen table, where all had started, panting.
Tomoyo was taping the whole scene. They had run at least five times the house, to end just where they had started, only more tired. Sakura was panting hard too, Tomoyo noticed. Sakura still had an almost evil grin playing in her lips.
Now I got you! Sakura said in her most triumphant tone of voice. Syaoran whined almost too low to be heard and frowned slightly. He was measuring the pros and cons of the situation. I don't want to get wet. I don't want to take a bath. Then he thought. I haven't bathed since last week! I have been a wolf for too long... Normal I wouldn't hesitate on taking a long warm bath... And I sort of feel dirty... After a few seconds of analyzing this he decided it wouldn't be that bad to take a bath.
Sakura, who had heard all this conversation with himself, chuckled at his thoughts. She neared him quietly and seized his front legs, an action that startled him slightly. I'm glad you see the things that way! She thought to him cheerfully.
The next few things that could be heard were a little whines and howls, with some shouts of: "It's not cold Syaoran!" "Don't be such a baby!" "Of course I have to rub your back!" "DON'T YOU DARE TO SHAKE THE WATER IN FRONT OF ME!!!" SPLASH!!! And things like that. The bathroom ended like a war zone... And Sakura was even more drenched than Syaoran... but Syaoran was clean, and he wasn't smelly anymore... so Sakura thought it was worth it.
-*-*-*-*-*-
Tomoyo shouldn't have sent us to get her stuff, after all you are still hurt. Syaoran thought in Sakura's mind. He said this only out of his concern for Sakura. She sent us so she could go to her house to get more tape, I'm sure of it. He thought angrily. Sakura looked down at him with some trouble due to the boxes she was carrying. I don't mind. And you shouldn't worry. It doesn't hurt anymore. Magic is so useful. She thought in a completely different tone of voice than Syaoran's.
WHAM!
"Ittai!" Sakura complained. She had bumped into someone. "I'm very sorry. I should have been more careful." She apologized and bowed, picking up her things. Syaoran looked at the stranger closely. Something in his smile...
"I'm sorry too." Said a voice with English accent. "I wasn't watching where I was going." The accent made Sakura look up. Tomoyo had told her something about an "English hunk" as she put it. It was a boy of her age, blue eyes, glasses, pale skin. Not her type.
"I'm very sorry. I am very careless sometimes." Sakura apologized. "My name is Kinomoto Sakura. Nice to meet you." She smiled and bowed.
"I'm Hiragisawa Eriol." He smiled a sweet smile that made Syaoran nervous. "Nice to meet you too. And who's the wolf there?" He asked casually.
"Huh? Ah! Umm..." She stuttered before remembering the false name they had named him. "His name is Kazu." She said, while she smiled down at the Little Wolf, like saying: "See? I remembered."
"He doesn't look like a Kazu." Eriol stated in a deep voice that wasn't his. Syaoran eyed him suspiciously. "Huh?" Sakura asked, clueless.
"He looks more like a Xiao Lang." He said cheerfully. Sakura gasped, as did Syaoran. How could this guy know?
Eriol's smile broadened even more seeing their reactions. "Xiao Lang means Little Wolf." He explained casually. "Ahh!" Sakura stuttered, she was about to add something but Eriol looked at his watch and said: "I'm very sorry, but I have to go now. It was very nice to meet you." He bowed. Sakura couldn't even say Bye!
Weird. Cherry Blossom and Little Wolf thought at the same time. They spotted Tomoyo around the corner.
"Oi! Tomoyo! Here!" Sakura yelled to call the attention of her best friend.
"Hi Sakura! Sorry for taking so long." Tomoyo apologized.
"Don't worry about it." Sakura smiled. "By any chance the English hunk you talked me about last night is named Hiragisawa Eriol?" Sakura asked her best friend.
Stars appeared in Tomoyo's eyes. "Yes! Is him! How did you know?" Tomoyo asked excitedly.
Sakura sweatdropped. "I just met him." Sakura said softly, quite surprised by her friend's actions, she only got star-eyed when she talked about her.
"What do you think about him? Isn't he a gentleman?" Tomoyo asked still star-eyed.
"Well... yeah. He is nice." Sakura decided not to talk about the strange incident about the name. It was better that way.
"Come on let's go to a café to drink something. I'm thirsty." Tomoyo said, while she grabbed Sakura's wrist and dragged her along. Syaoran looked at them and sweatdropped.
Hurry up Syaoran! I'll buy you a chocolate ice cream! Sakura told him through their bond while she smiled sweetly at him.
Really!? He said excitedly and caught up with them in a trot.
Sakura nodded. A double one if you behave.
Hey! I always behave! Sakura giggled.
The café was in the open. Small tables with chairs and a huge yellow and a blue parasol for each table. Sakura and Tomoyo picked one and sat. A waiter handed them their menus. Sakura chose a cappuccino and a, NOT single, NOT double... but triple chocolate ice cream for Syaoran. He practically did a somersault. Sakura giggled breathlessly while Tomoyo taped the whole scene.
Sakura only asked for one triple chocolate ice cream just for the satisfaction of seeing his reaction. And seeing him behave like a little child was priceless. His obsession for chocolate was a very good way to make him do whatever she wanted.
Tomoyo and Sakura talked about this and that, commenting the things that happened and remembering others. A normal lifetime friend to lifetime friend chat. Syaoran wasn't paying attention to them, all his concentration was submerged on his TRIPLE chocolate ice cream. Sakura could even taste the ice cream in her mouth due to all the concentration he was putting in it and thanks to their connection.
Sakura ignored the Little Wolf for a moment to talk to Tomoyo. A breeze picked up and blew their hair. Sakura felt something like annoyance from the Little Wolf. She returned her gaze to her feet where Syaoran was eating his ice cream and noted that he was being assaulted by a newspaper page. He struggled to get the page off while he snarled and tried to bite it. Sakura giggled and took the paper from his annoyed face.
Syaoran, you are fighting with a paper. She said in a teasing tone.
Yes, but that paper was trying to get my ice cream! He said, annoyed. Sakura rolled her eyes and returned to the newspaper. An advertisement caught her attention.
Do you think your pet is the best?
Then why you don't subscribe him or her
to our Canine Contest,
Where you can test the agility, obedience and appearance
of your dog.
1st prize: A dinner for two at the Dragon's Tooth!
"Look Tomoyo! Isn't that the expensive restaurant everybody talks about?" Sakura asked her best friend, pointing at the advertisement. "Yes, it is it."
"It would be great to go there." Sakura said dreamily. An idea popped in Tomoyo's mind.
"But you can Sakura!" She said happily. Sakura looked at her in puzzlement.
"What do you mean I can Tomoyo? The only money I have is the money I'm going to use to pay the cappuccino and the ice cream." Meanwhile, the Little Wolf was eating the last remains of his huge ice cream.
Tomoyo looked exasperated at her best friend. "You can win the contest!" Tomoyo near shouted. "But Tomoyo I have no dog!" Sakura said. Tomoyo looked at her in an even more exasperated way.
She signaled the Little Wolf that was licking his paws, and thinking Yummy! Yummy! Once and again.
This time Sakura caught up with her. "Of course! I can't loose!" She said cheerfully, Syaoran looked at her strangely.
"Syaoran do you want to enter a contest?" When she shook his head wildly, she added. "Come on! It's going to be fun!" Sakura pleaded and showed him the advertisement. "Besides the place is near here." Still, Syaoran shook his head and closed his eyes tight, so as not to see her puppy face. People started to look at her awkwardly. She is pleading his dog? Weird.
After a lot of this pleading, Syaoran made the worst mistake he could have done, the mistake that sent him directly to the contest. He opened his eyes and looked at her pleading face. He melted in her hands. He sighed, defeated, and nodded.
Sugoi!!! Thank you Syaoran! You are the greatest! Syaoran sighed again. You are such a baka! He chided himself. You are not. He heard Sakura's voice in his mind as she picked him up and hugged him tight.
-*-*-*-*-*-
Oh My God! I'm so nervous! Sakura thought. YOU are nervous? I'm the one going out there to make a fool of myself. Syaoran replied in her mind.
The contest was about to start. Sakura had chosen to sign him in the agility and obedience contest, since Syaoran had refused beyond stubbornness to enter the appearance part. Each part had a first prize, it meant that if they won in both parts of the contest then, they would have two dinners for two at the Dragon's Tooth.
The announcer then called: "And here comes Kinomoto Sakura and her dog.... Kazu!" Sakura and Syaoran came in from the stage door and to the carpeted stage. The first contest to be held was going to be the agility contest.
The obstacles were placed one after the other. There were obstacles to be jumped or evaded, other were stairs and worms to be gone through. The fastest animal was the winner.
One judge stood at Sakura's side and told her: "At the count of three tell your animal to start running, okay?" Sakura nodded. Syaoran frowned in concentration and studied the track carefully.
"One..." The judge said through a microphone. Syaoran positioned himself.
"Two..." Syaoran separated his legs and prepared to sprint. Sakura breathed deeply.
"Three!"
"Go!" Sakura shouted. Syaoran sprinted just after he heard Sakura's voice.
"Little Kazu starts very well, with a perfect sprint at the right moment." The commentator praised.
"Look how the little guy jumps! Not a moment of hesitation!" He went on. "And he arrives to the stairs! He's fast! And to think he has such short legs." He said, totally amused. "He introduces himself to the worm. Look him do those sharp turns! He is a treasure, his trainer has done a perfect job!"
Meanwhile, Sakura was telling the Little Wolf which obstacle followed so he could be prepared. Now you have to crawl below that thingy! Sakura hinted him.
"And he reaches the final obstacle! Yes! He does it! He goes through the ring and his time is.... three minutes, twelve seconds and ten! Wow! The fastest record we have ever had! Looks like this little boy will win the first prize!
Syaoran arrived panting to Sakura's side. She hugged him tight and congratulated him. He panted next to her ear and thought Thanks! To her.
A few other dogs ran, but it was clear that Syaoran was the champion. The other contestants didn't look very happy, though. Murmurs were heard among the other participants. "How could she win? With such a small dog!" One said. "And so young!" Said other. Most were males. "And she is a woman!" They all nodded.
Syaoran felt the tension when they entered the backstage again. Sakura was too happy to notice. "Are you thirsty?" Sakura asked to the Little Wolf. Syaoran was too busy glaring at the other males to respond her. He trotted behind her, glaring to all of them as they passed. He didn't stop glaring till they got to their assigned spot.
Hey! Syaoran! I have been talking to you and you don't answer me. She said, a little upset. Syaoran felt very bad when he saw she was upset. I'm sorry Sakura. He said as he licked her hand to call her attention. It's just that those guys out there are in for nothing good. He said with concern for her and anger for them. What guys? She asked, clueless as ever. Syaoran decided to slip that away.
Tomoyo came in with her camcorder in hand. "That was so kawaiii!" She shouted making everybody to look strangely at them. Sakura sweatdropped. "And I got it all on tape!!!" Tomoyo continued, oblivious to the strange looks she was receiving.
"What is so kawaii, Tomoyo?" Sakura asked her best friend. "You should have seen your face full of concern when he went upstairs! Or when he crawled under that thingy!" Tomoyo near-shouted. Sakura blushed and sweatdropped. She was about to open her mouth to say something when they heard "Please all the contestants get out to the stage."
Sakura and Syaoran got out to the stage while Tomoyo went to her seat laughing and practically shouting "Kawaii" all over the building.
On the stage, the winners for the agility contest were being announced.
"First of all I wanted to thank everybody in this contest that helped to make it possible. Thank you everybody that participated. I would like to give everybody a medal and a prize, but that cannot be possible so we are prizing only the three first places. And for the third prize we have... Imashirou and his dog Kano! Congratulations Imashirou! Come here to get your prize!" A young man with jet black hair and equally black eyes with a gray dog of unrecognizable breed took a step forward. He received a little diploma and he was dismissed.
"In second place we have... Norihiro and his dog Rafaeru!" The crowd clapped and a man with brown hair and chestnut eyes walked to get his prize, his Doberman walked at his heels.
"And now! The grand prize! You know the first prize is the most special of them all! A romantic dinner for two at the Dragon's Tooth for tomorrow night. And the lucky winner is... "The judge opened a white envelope and very slowly he took a paper out...
Sakura felt her heart pounding in her chest, while a huge quantity of adrenaline was pumped on her blood. "The winner is... Kinomoto Sakura and her pup, Kazu!!!"
-*-*-*-*-*-
If you already got the dinner for two, why are you making me go there again? Syaoran asked stubbornly. It was the fifteenth time he had told her the same excuse.
Come on Syaoran! We already signed you in, you will have to go there and follow orders! Sakura replied. He sighed. He couldn't believe she was doing this to him. Please? Sakura said uncertainly. She didn't want to see him upset, but they had already signed him in, there was no way to back down. Syaoran sighed again and looked up at her. He nodded. "Thank you so much!" She near-shouted and hugged him tight. Okay! But let me breath! He panted. "Sorry..."
"Please all obedience contest participants to the stage."
In the carpeted stage, they put everybody in a line. Each contestant with their dog. Sakura was between the third and second places of the agility contest. Imashirou and Norihiro.
"Okay, rules are simple. Each judge will say an order. Starting from the simplest ones, they will become more and more complicated with each round. Each time a dogs disobeys, it will be disqualified from the contest. You must say the order only once. If you tell it more than once, you are disqualified too. Understand?" Everybody nodded.
The first judge started. "Sit."
Sakura felt very awkward doing this, since Syaoran was probably smarter than her and she wasn't used to give orders, and she was sure Syaoran wasn't used to follow orders, either.
"Umm Sya— I mean, Kazu, sit." She said looking at Syaoran who sat immediately in front of her an looked into her eyes. Sakura felt like giggling endlessly but she wasn't sure if that would be allowed.
This went on for a couple of minutes till the only left were ten contestants. Sakura and the two guys included.
"That mutt of yours could never win." Imashirou teased Sakura. She looked sharply at him, but decided to ignore him.
"He is nothing but a stupid mutt." Norihiro pushed on. Syaoran felt the rage building inside of him.
"That you won in the agility contest was only luck." Imashirou said, without looking at her in the eye.
Sakura tried to calm Syaoran down. She could feel the rage inside of him. A rage that if it wasn't controlled he could be able to kill.
"How much did you pay the judge? Or you slept with him?" Norihiro asked cruelly.
That was it. That was more than what Syaoran could bare. Nobody insulted Sakura and went away with it.
Syaoran's mind was fogged with rage, and his animal instincts weren't helping. Not even Sakura was able to calm him down this time.
He let loose of Sakura's grip and ran for Norihiro. The crowd gasped as they saw blood drip from Norihiro's arm.
"Aaagh!" He shouted in pain as he felt Syaoran's fangs get inside his flesh. Syaoran let go and tried to jump again to bite him harder, but Sakura caught him before he could bite him again. Sakura could feel his anger and his rage, and all of it was directed sorely to Norihiro.
A doctor and a judge went to look what had happened. After evaluating the happenings the judge called: "Kinomoto Sakura and her dog Kazu are disqualified due to aggression and disobedience." He said, looking directly at Sakura who was restraining Syaoran. When the judge was finished the doctor said: "It is not deep, his teeth are sharp, but not long. It is a minor injury. Have you had him shot against the rabies?"
Sakura took this as a insult as she immediately responded: "He has no rabies!!!" The doctor took that as a yes...
"I'm sorry Kinomoto but you will have to leave now." The judge said. Sakura nodded and bowed. Syaoran gave Norihiro one last snarl before Sakura turned around with him in her arms.
She was glad when she stepped outside of the building. She put Syaoran downed and smiled down to him, but he refused to meet her gaze, he was also very quiet, his eyes never leaving the ground.
Sakura started walking to the park, Syaoran followed close behind, but not at her side.
Tomoyo followed her friend silently. She guessed Sakura wanted to be alone with the Little Wolf, so she decided it was better not to interrupt. Not in vain she was her best friend... I'll have to ask her about it later though...
Are you mad at me? Syaoran asked apologetically, still evading her eyes. They had arrived to the park, the place where, almost a week before, they were eating ice cream.
Of course I'm not mad at you! She assured, as she patted his head. Syaoran looked up at her slowly. It's just that you surprised me. She said as she stroked him behind his ear, where she had learned that he liked it. As a response she rubbed his head on her hand. Let's forget about it, okay? She asked of him. He nodded and sat on her lap, forgetting about everything else.
Tomorrow we have a date. She said in his mind. He looked up to see her face. Date? She smiled and nodded, and she took the prize out. At the Dragon's Tooth, at 7:30 She read. It's already booked. She added. He smirked shyly in his mind. A smirk Sakura could see as if he was really doing it. He nodded.
-*-*-*-*-*-
The Dragon's Tooth was a very nice restaurant in downtown Tokyo. It was ver elegant, with a Chinese style, the food too, was Chinese. Traditional Chinese Dragons decorated the walls of the place. This walls told of stories and legends that had been told for centuries in the neighbor country, China. Fish tanks added to the effect. Bright, clean water was the home of multicolored fishes. Different sizes and different breeds lived in complete harmony inside those tanks.
This was the place where Sakura and Syaoran were supposed to meet. But it wasn't time yet. It was still afternoon and it was two more hours before their date.
Sakura, Syaoran and Tomoyo were all at Sakura's room. Tomoyo was videotaping Sakura even if she was doing something.
"Ohohohoho! Two more hours for your date! Aren't you excited?" Tomoyo asked her. Sakura blushed a bright red and didn't answer. Tomoyo loved doing that to her. "You look so kawaii when you blush!" Her best friend said while she videotaped her face.
Syaoran was stretched out in a corner, making as if he was sleeping, but in reality he was thinking and he was getting more nervous by the moment. I won't be able to go. I'll still be a wolf by that hour. Damned Card. Sakura will be upset, she really wanted to go to that restaurant. Damn! Syoaran's nervousness blocked his thoughts from Sakura. She couldn't hear what was he thinking, but she could feel his nervousness.
Tomoyo stopped filming and went into her design mode. "What do you think Kero? This one or this one?" she asked to the stuffed animal, while she presented him two types of cloth. Kero's toy-like face frowned in concentration deciding which one was better. Sakura ignored them. She had more important things to do than choose which cloth to use.
She approached the Little Wolf, who was too concentrated in his dilemma to take notice that she had kneeled beside him. Daijoubu? Sakura asked in his mind. Syaoran snapped out of it instantly. He sat up and looked away. I'm fine. He lied. Sakura looked hurt. You are lying. She stated and she looked away too, to keep him from looking the hurt in her eyes. He could feel her hurt. He rather kill himself than make her feel bad. He sighed. I'm sorry. He apologized. Sakura looked sharply at him. Why? She asked, looking into his deep amber eyes. He looked away. I will still be a wolf at 7:30. He explained. I cannot go to the Dragon's Tooth with you. Sakura's expression softened. He looked so sad. Sakura couldn't restrain the urge to hug him, so she did. She hugged him close to her heart while she thought: You are sooo cute! Syaoran was quite surprised, but that didn't keep him from blushing like an apple.
Sakura finally released him. We don't have to go to that restaurant! We can go any other place. She winked at him. In the other side of the room, Kero and Tomoyo were still choosing which cloth to use.
But... But... You wanted to go to that restaurant so badly! He stuttered. I don't mind. I'll tell Tomoyo I won't need the dress anymore.
That's how instead of going in a date to an expensive restaurant they ended up going to the park. The prize didn't went unused, though.
"Come on Tomoyo, have it! I'm sure you'll find somebody to go out with."
"But Sakura is your prize! You and Li earned it!" Tomoyo insisted.
"Maybe, but we can't use it. So you use it. Besides I still have the fifty dollar check." She said with a wink. Tomoyo sighed and smiled at her. "Okay. I'll find someone to go with."
So that's how you convinced her... Syaoran said. Yes, that's how. She said as she rollerbalded at the sidewalk, without and specific direction to go. She was currently wearing a pair of jeans and pink tank top, her hair blew with the wind as Sakura petals fell once in a while. Syaoran trotted by her side.
So how much time do we have till you transform? Sakura asked, not paying attention to the road.
Like two hours. He responded.
"Perfect!" She suddenly stopped to a halt in front of a wall with some advertisement in it. Syaoran almost crashed with her feet. What is it? He asked, jumping to take a better look. They are having fireworks tonight at the park! She said as she jumped around excitedly. At what time? He asked, stepping on his hind legs to try and read what the paper said. Sakura turned around and read it for him. At ten. It's seven, we have three hours. She said, a little depressed, three hours was a lot of time.
Well what do you want to do? He asked her.
I don't know. What do you want to do? She asked in response.
He thought for a moment before telling her. Ice cream! Sakura giggled. Come on, you bottomless pit. You know you have eaten ice cream almost daily since you transformed into a wolf? He nodded.
Where to go? She asked the Little Wolf, since he was the expert. He thought for a moment. Remember the parlor we went last Monday? He asked. Yeah... Sakura responded after remembering the place. There! Sakura giggled again. Okay.
-*-*-*-*-*-
Sakura and the Little Wolf were sitting side to side leaning on the Big Sakura Tree, as they have already named it. The pink blossoms swayed in the breeze. The stars were now beginning to rise and the full Moon was making itself visible, while the Sun settled itself behind the horizon.
They were talking about their lives. Or more like it Sakura talked and Syaoran listened attentively, he was still very secretive about his family, and his past life.
"...that's how Dad met Mom." She finished telling her story.
Your Dad really loved your Mom, didn't he? He asked her, kind of sadly.
He still does... She replied. How about you? She asked. You never tell anyone about your life, or your past life, that is. He looked at her sadly. She caught up with his expression, after so many years of being partners she had become and expert in reading his eyes and his face.
I'd understand if you don't want to tell me... She replied quickly. To her surprise, he shook his head. No... I think it's better if I get it out of my system.
-*-*-*-*-*-
"Tomoyo! We meet again." Said a very masculine voice. Tomoyo turned around and met directly with a pair of blue handsome eyes.
"Eriol! What a surprise! Yes, we meet again." Said a kind of surprised Tomoyo.
"What is a lovely lady like you walking alone? A gentleman should accompany you always." Eriol said flirtatiously.
"How kind of you! Thank you!" She smiled at him. He took her arm. "And where were you going, fair lady?" he said making gala of his most pure English accent. Tomoyo giggled.
"I was going to dine at the Dragon's Tooth and some company would come very useful to me." Tomoyo said.
"And I would be more than glad to make company to a beautiful lady like you." Tomoyo smiled at him a sweet smile that he returned and they directed their steps to downtown Tokyo.
-*-*-*-*-*-
Your life was very harsh then... Sakura stated. He nodded. It was almost time for his transformation so they decided they would go to his apartment to get him some clothes. She concluded it wouldn't be very proper for him to walk through the park with only his training pants on.
Being the youngest and the only male wasn't very nice. When I arrived here, I felt like I had a whole new opportunity before me. It was like being finally free. And I felt my life would be much more better if I stayed here, and I was right. I wouldn't change my life for anything! He said, totally convinced.
I'm glad. Sakura said. Syaoran looked at her. Why? He asked.
Because I wouldn't change it for anything, either. She smiled down at him. they were now arriving to the apartment building...
-*-*-*-*-*-
"So Eriol... Why did you come to Japan?" Tomoyo asked her companion. They sat in front of each other in a closed part of the Dragon's Tooth, where they were having a very nice dinner.
He smiled that mysterious smile of his and replied. "I have some business to do here."
"Can you tell me what business or it is Top Secret?" Tomoyo asked playfully.
"I cannot tell you. But you will know in it's due time." He said, smiling a smile that assured her.
"And you will leave after it is done?" She asked uncertainly, averting her eyes.
"Probably..." He said, averting his eyes too.
-*-*-*-*-*-
You have the key don't you? Syaoran asked her, while looking away.
Sakura nodded with a smile and a blush. The cause of this was in the happenings of early Saturday...
Come on Syaoran! We have to hurry! Sakura said as she ran for the door. Syaoran's next thoughts stopped her.
Wait! You need a key! He shouted in her mind before she could cross the doorway.
You want me to have a key? She asked incredulously. Well yeah... He said. But I'll need to go for it. He replied. He disappeared behind his bedroom door to reappear almost instantly a second after. He looked at the floor all the time. What's the problem, Syaoran? Sakura asked with a concerned face, sensing his troubles.
Umm... I can't reach it. Sakura giggled. That's all!?
No... Come here. Sakura followed him to his room. What's so serious? Sakura asked. She could sense he was very troubled and that he was very, very embarrassed.
It is under all my boxers... Sakura took a second to get in that information. The instant she caught up with the problem, she blushed bright red.
Oh... Was everything she was capable of stuttering. She regained some of her courage and asked. Where is it? She asked not looking into his eyes. It's the top one in the right. He responded looking the other way.
Good thing you are a neat guy. She said while she began looking in the drawer. Syaoran blushed even more at this statement.
Sakura looked for some more time before some boxers caught her attention. They were white with red and pink hearts all over. Sakura took them out. Where did you get this, Syaoran? She asked while she stifled a giggle and showed him the boxers. Syaoran turned redder, even if his fur hid it well.
Meiling's present. I have never used them. Sakura stifled some more giggles while she put the boxers inside the drawer again. I found it! She near-shouted triumphantly as she waved the key in the air. I'll put it in my locker key ring!
-*-*-*-*-*- "I enjoyed myself very much tonight. Thank you for your company Eriol." Tomoyo told him, as they walked side by side in the direction of the park. They, too, have heard about the fireworks.
"It's my pleasure." And he smiled down at her.
"And who is your friend, Tomoyo?" He asked.
"You have already met her, haven't you?" She asked. He nodded and smiled.
"Kinomoto Sakura. She is my best friend. Thanks to her we ate at the Dragon's Tooth." Tomoyo explained.
"Aahh!" Eriol said, since he had nothing better to say. Instead, he admired her...
-*-*-*-*-*-
Sakura leaned on Syaoran's shoulder and sighed. The fireworks were awesome! Lights of infinite colors covered the night sky. Countless stars shone bright white light, and colorful others were added to this ones. They admired this scene from the place that was now their favorite spot. Only for the two of them... The Big Sakura Tree. It's pink Cherry Blossoms covered the tree as well as the floor. It got to the point where instead of the crispy, green grass you usually could see, you now saw a pink carpet instead, making it even more comfortable to sit.
The fireworks had just started. After spending more than an hour in his apartment they had come to the park. Time flies when you are having a good time. They spent the time talking. Only talking. They have come to know each other even better.
They laughed a lot.
Sakura had never seen Syaoran laugh that much, a full smile of complete happiness. Yes, happiness. Sakura could be dense at times, but she recognized that feeling perfectly well. The more Sakura knew about him, the more she loved him. The less mysterious he became, and she loved him even more. When she was by his side, she felt protected and secure, something not even his Dad or her onii-chan could give. She felt incomplete when he was not by her side, she needed him, he depended on him...
They have had a simple dinner at his apartment, and they have had eaten it in the living room with the TV on, but instead of watching it, they talked.
Syaoran had had a perfect day. Spending the day with Sakura was more than he could ask, besides it was the last time in his life, hopefully, that he had to transform into wolf ever again. And now, she was leaning on him. Before this day, he hadn't known how good it felt to laugh. Even if he tried, he could only laugh with her.
He could only smile with her.
He loved her, deeply. He loved her not only for what she was, for how she was. He loved her smile, her heart, everything, But he also loved her because of the way she made him feel. He felt like everything was alright, that nothing could go wrong. She was the only one that didn't ask him to be someone that he wasn't. And over the years, he had come to realize that without her, he felt miserable. She was his drug...
He heard her sigh.
"Why are you sighing?" He asked. She didn't look up. "It's just that... this is so perfect. Don't you think so?" She asked him, still watching the fireworks high above in the sky, as she snuggled closer to his heart.
"I agree." He breathed. He fought off the urge to kiss her hair. He could smell her Cherry Blossom scent, so sweet. It was even more difficult to fight it off when she snuggled closer. He was sure she could hear his heart beating faster and faster and faster...
Sakura certainly could hear a heart beating faster and faster, but she wasn't sure if it was her heart or his... Sakura snuggled closer, the fireworks weren't that important now... As long as she was with Syaoran, she could be in hell and still be happy.
-*-*-*-*-*-
What are you doing here Flood!? They are mine! Don't you dare to touch them! Said a very angry Flame to his brother, Flood. They were watching the two magical beings as they relaxed watching the fireworks
I don't see your name anywhere, do I?
Flame roared angrily, batting his wings with rage. I broke the seal first! It's my right!
Flood shook it's head in mock-disappointment. Tsk Tsk Little brother, you should have taken advantage of that opportunity.
Flame glared at the water being. I almost killed her, but Clow is protecting her. Flood looked sharply at his younger brother. He is WHAT? He asked in a burst of rage that almost uncloaked their presence.
As you heard it. I almost killed her. She was injured badly the day before yesterday. But she healed already. She is getting more powerful with each day that passes, and the Little Wolf won't be caught by surprise next time. And that they are under the protection of Clow isn't helping. He hissed viciously, with an almost uncontrolled rage.
Flood bared it's teeth and snarled at the two. Always concealing it's presence. This trick could only be done when at certain distance, it wasn't useful if they were too close.
Flood wasn't stupid, to attack while they were under the protection of Clow Reed would be a suicide. Okay, Little Brother. You will have your chance. You'll attack first, but you will have to make it quick. Flame took a step forward in almost unconfined satisfaction. Flood stopped him. But not today. Let them have this day. Identical slow evil smirks appeared on their feline faces, showing all their white teeth. Tomorrow.
-*-*-*-*-*-
Yatta!! It's ready. Finally. That took sooo long to write. Please R&R, without it, I find no inspiration... Without inspiration a I'll write no more...