Summary: Sakura and Syaoran are in a singing contest, which, if they win, get a recording contract plus a lot of fame. They're rivals, of course, but once they get closer, they start to fall in love. They work their way up to the top two, but who will win?
A/N: Chapter 11! Review! I've passed my goal for 100 reviews. Now, it's 150. As of Nov. 21th, it's 109 reviews! All I need are forty-one more! Review!!!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own CCS, plus I don't own the songs that are in here. Let me say that again, I DO NOT OWN THE SONGS THAT ARE IN HERE.
Road to Stardom
By SwEeT AnGeL 1004
Chapter 11: Say WHAT?!?!
Sakura looked him directly in the eye, and said, "I'm breaking up with you."
"Say WHAT?!?!" Syaoran shouted.
"I have to," Sakura said, looking down.
"What's wrong?" Tomoyo and Eriol came running, followed by Touya and Yukito.
"The squirt's breaking up with the brat!" Touya exclaimed gleefully.
"Why are you breaking up with me?" Syaoran demanded.
"I have to," Sakura said painfully, "It's the only right thing to do. Syaoran, family comes first before me or anything else. And your family needs you right now. So if we break up, Syaoran, then we have an equal chance of winning. I know that if we stay together, you're going to let me win, and that's not right."
"So? I don't care about my freaking family! Sakura, I love you! Can't you understand that?" Syaoran asked.
"I know," Sakura said, "But family comes first. You know that."
Syaoran blew at his tousled brown bangs, and said, "I know that. Sakura, but please! You're not making any sense!"
"No. Syaoran, after this contest thing blows over, if we're meant to be together, then we'll be together. That's all that I'm going to say."
Sakura turned around and left the back room, leaving a stunned group of five in silence.
"I can't believe she would do that," Tomoyo said quietly, voicing Syaoran's, Eriol's and Yukito's thoughts.
Touya was in deep thought, and said, "She did the right thing, though. Family DOES come first. I should know."
Syaoran nodded slowly, in pained shock.
"So it's just over like that? These past weeks, just gone?" he asked dully.
"They're not gone. They'll still be there. Syaoran, you need to go talk some sense into her. I mean, why can't Sakura win and just give the money to Syaoran?" Tomoyo asked.
"It doesn't work like that. There's laws and regulations against handling money," Eriol said, "Unless…"
"Unless what?" Yukito asked.
"Well. Unless…naw," Eriol said.
"Unless what?" Touya asked.
"Um…unless…unless…nope…" Eriol said.
"Unless what? If you don't tell us, I'm going to strangle you," Syaoran said.
"Unless…unless if you two banded together as a duet or something. I was reading the rule book on the whole contest, and there is no rule against that. And I'm sure that if they oppose, I could get some lawyers on the job to make it possible," Eriol said.
"That could work," Tomoyo said.
"I don't think Sakura'd want that," Syaoran said.
"Maybe. Possibly," Eriol said.
"Why don't we just wait until the results for this contest? If both of you don't make it, then the money wouldn't matter. Syaoran, you could just marry Sakura. She did say that if after the contest, they were meant to be together, they would be together," Tomoyo said.
"Say what?!?! Who marry who?" Touya demanded.
"Syaoran marry Sakura, idiot," Yukito said playfully.
"And who died and let you two marry each other?" Touya asked.
"Stop getting ahead of yourself. They're not even together; they might not even get married. Just wait until Wednesday," Tomoyo said.
And wait they did.
Actually, waiting until Wednesday was the longest waiting they had ever did.
During the four days, Sakura had been pointedly ignoring the whole group, staying in the bedroom for hours at a time, or going out somewhere.
So she was obviously ignorant of all the planning that was going on.
But Wednesday night came, and here Sakura and Syaoran were in the auditorium, a week after the other cut, when they had been nuzzling and holding hands and kissing.
The stage seemed rather quiet with tenseness, Syaoran and Sakura on the opposite sides of the stage.
There were only five people, which made the stage seem deserted compared to the fifty people it had held nearly a month ago.
Then Mr. Kenora came.
He was looking rather gleeful with the contest results.
"For three of you, this will be the last time I'm seeing you," Mr. Kenora stated.
"Two talented musicians have won the contest. And they are…"
The group of five held their breaths.
"Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li! They received EXACTLY 80 percent of the votes from the audience from the concert and national television. The rest of you, good day."
Three stunned people left the auditorium, with even two more stunned people left in it.
"Well, aren't you going to celebrate?" Mr. Kenora asked.
"Thank you," Sakura said quietly.
She held her head high up as she left the stage.
"What's up with you two? I thought you two were going out," Mr. Kenora said.
"Nothing," Syaoran said, and walked out of the building after Sakura.
"Sakura!" Syaoran called.
No answer.
Sakura just kept on walking towards the hotel.
"Listen! Congratulations! I'm glad you made it. And I love you," Syaoran said helplessly towards Sakura's back.
Sakura abruptly stopped and whirled around.
Her eyes were filled with tears, and she said, "See? I was right? Now we have an equal chance."
She turned back around and continued walking.
'A big improvement from the cold shoulder she's been giving me,' Syaoran thought.
Syaoran passed by a jewelry store.
He stopped, backtracked and went into the store.
Sakura looked behind her shoulder, but there was no sign of her ex-boyfriend.
"Hi, could I look at some engagement rings?" Syaoran asked.
"Of course. Aren't you Syaoran Li of Road to Stardom?" a woman asked, leading Syaoran deeper into the store towards a display of beautiful diamond rings.
Syaoran peered at the display case, grinned and said, "That one."
Syaoran painstaking reached into his wallet and took out his credit card.
"Charge it on here," Syaoran said, wincing at the thought the damage the ring would do to his bank account.
"All right. Actually, this card says you're ten dollars (a/n: in US currency) short. Do you have 10 dollars in cash?" the woman asked.
"Right here," Syaoran took out a handful of bills.
The woman pursed her lips distatefully, but took the money and counted it expertly.
"Here's the ring. Good luck," the woman called as Syaoran left the store.
'Thanks. I'll need it,' Syaoran thought.
Back at the hotel, Sakura was in her bed, burying her head under her pillow.
Tomoyo asked, "So, did you make it?"
From next door, Eriol called for Tomoyo.
"I'll be right back," Tomoyo said.
She padded over to Eriol and Syaoran's room, where Syaoran was standing with Eriol.
"They made it," Eriol said.
"What do you mean, they? Both of them? Syaoran and Sakura? Top two?" Tomoyo asked in disbelief.
"Yup," Syaoran confirmed, "And I bought Sakura's ring."
Syaoran took out a velvet box and opened it, the ring glittering in the silk-lined box.
"That's beautiful," Tomoyo breathed, "But it must've cost a lot."
Syaoran nodded grimly, "Yeah."
"She'll say yes," Eriol said.
"I hope so," Syaoran said.
"When are you going to do it, though?" Tomoyo asked.
"Whenever the moments right. At the moment, she's not quite speaking to me," Syaoran said.
"That's so sad," Tomoyo said sympathetically.
"Whatever. I think I need to go practice some more songs," Syaoran said.
"Bye," Eriol said lamely.
"God, I don't know what's Sakura's problem! No offense to her or anything," Tomoyo added.
"Neither do I. Once you said you'd date me, I never let go of you," Eriol said.
Sakura was lying on her bed, sighing.
"Sakura? Can I come in?" Yukito knocked.
"Sure," Sakura called.
Yukito came into the girls' room and sat down on the bed next to Sakura.
"What do you want?" Sakura asked moodily.
"The question actually is, what do YOU want?" Yukito asked.
Sakura rolled over and looked at him, eyes wide.
"I don't know," Sakura said truthfully.
"You know that song you sang in the beginning? What was it called, Boy that Skates?" Yukito asked.
"Sk8er Boi," Sakura said, and grinned when she saw Yukito's teasing face.
"Well, in the song you said that the girl let go of the guy. And another girl found him, and they lived happily ever after. Don't you want to be the happy girl?" Yukito asked.
"Of course," Sakura said.
"Then don't let go of him."
Sakura looked at Yukito again, eyes as big as saucer dishes, and said, "I won't."
"Good girl," Yukito got up and patted Sakura on the back.
Sakura laid on the bed, alone again, and reflected on what he had said.
Saturday night was an uproar.
It seemed busier than ever, but it was actually the calmest concert they had ever had backstage.
Sakura was sitting on her chair, reciting her lyrics to herself, whilst Syaoran was having makeup applied to his face by Tomoyo.
"I don't see why I need this junk," Syaoran complained.
"Stage lights are so harsh they'll make your face look dead," Tomoyo explained as she dusted a bit of blush on his cheeks.
"Right," Syaoran said disbelievingly.
He sneaked a look over to Sakura, where Touya and Yukito were wishing her luck.
"So you're going to try?" Tomoyo whispered to him.
"I'm going to try, even if I make a fool of myself," Syaoran replied.
He added, "Is my makeup done?"
"Yeah," Tomoyo said, and closed her makeup case.
Syaoran got up and stretched.
"The concert's started," Eriol whispered and pointed to the TV screen.
The MC was already onstage and talking, making jokes to the audience and generally taking up time.
"It's going to be complete pandemonium if all goes according to plan," Eriol said.
Sakura got up and walked over to Syaoran.
Syaoran's heart ached as he saw her looking so beautiful in a low-cut, long navy blue dress.
"I want to wish you the best of luck," Sakura said.
"Me too," Syaoran said.
He suddenly grabbed Sakura and said sincerely, "I've never said this so much in one week, but Sakura, just know this. I love you with all of my heart."
Sakura looked at him, and nodded, "I know. I do, too."
"You guys need to go out," Tomoyo interrupted.
"Right."
"AND NOW THE FINAL TWO CONTESTANTS--LET'S GIVE A HAND TO SAKURA KINOMOTO AND LI SYAORAN!!!!" the MC bellowed.
There was screaming and cheering as Sakura and Syaoran came out from backstage through the curtain.
"How does it feel to be one of the contest finalists? Did you expect it?" the MC asked Sakura.
"It's a wonderful feeling to know that I'm appreciated by the city of Tokyo. Singing is my passion, and I love being on this contest," Sakura said sincerely.
"And you, Mr. Li?" the MC asked.
"I entered this contest not expected much. I never expected to fall in love, to meet new people or to even make it this far. Thank you, Tokyo!" Syaoran said.
"Fall in love?" MC inquired.
"Yes," Syaoran said slowly and paused to look at Sakura.
"Let's start with this contest!" the MC exclaimed, and said, "First up, Syaoran!"
Sakura quickly walked back to the backstage, and watched.
Syaoran took up a mike, smiled handsomely at the audience, and started singing.
It was an old tune from America, about 5 years ago.
It was duet, but Syaoran began to sing alone.
"Well I bet you any amount of money
He'll be coming back to you
Ooh I know there ain't no doubt about it
Sometimes life is funny
You think you're in your darkest hour
When the lights are coming on in the house of love…"
It was a sad, sweet upbeat tune.
Syaoran paused for a moment, then continued on.
Sakura came out through the curtain, not helping herself.
She joined along in the second verse,
"You've been up all night
Thinking it was over
He's been out of sight
At least for the moment
But when something this strong
Gets a hold on you
The odds are ninety nine to one
It's got a hold on him, too."
Syaoran wasn't surprised to hear Sakura's sweet soprano voice join him, but the audience, including the judges and the MC, were confused.
Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other, when Sakura gave a timid smile.
They started on the next verse,
"Now when the house is dark
And you're all alone inside
You've got to listen to your heart
And put away your foolish prise
Though the storm is breaking
And thunder shakes the walls
Love with a firm foundation
Ain't never gonna fall."
The music rose dramatically, and Sakura and Syaoran sang with all their might,
"Though the storm is breaking
And thunder shakes the walls
Love with a firm foundation
Ain't never gonna fall…"
This time, Sakura and Syaoran both sang the first part together.
The song quietly ended, and there was a moment of silence.
Syaoran suddenly got down on his knees, and Sakura's eyes opened wide.
"Sakura. I love you with all of my heart, all my soul, all of my body. We're soul mates. So, Sakura Kinomoto. Will you marry me?"
A/N: Yes, yes, this is the chapter before the last one. The next chapter's going to be the last, more like an epilogue. What's going to happen to the contest? What about the money and Syaoran's family? Those are some questions that will be answered in the next chapter. Now that you're done reading, please review. GIVE ME 150 REVIEWS, EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 150!!!!!!!!!!!!
A/N: Chapter 11! Review! I've passed my goal for 100 reviews. Now, it's 150. As of Nov. 21th, it's 109 reviews! All I need are forty-one more! Review!!!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own CCS, plus I don't own the songs that are in here. Let me say that again, I DO NOT OWN THE SONGS THAT ARE IN HERE.
Road to Stardom
By SwEeT AnGeL 1004
Chapter 11: Say WHAT?!?!
Sakura looked him directly in the eye, and said, "I'm breaking up with you."
"Say WHAT?!?!" Syaoran shouted.
"I have to," Sakura said, looking down.
"What's wrong?" Tomoyo and Eriol came running, followed by Touya and Yukito.
"The squirt's breaking up with the brat!" Touya exclaimed gleefully.
"Why are you breaking up with me?" Syaoran demanded.
"I have to," Sakura said painfully, "It's the only right thing to do. Syaoran, family comes first before me or anything else. And your family needs you right now. So if we break up, Syaoran, then we have an equal chance of winning. I know that if we stay together, you're going to let me win, and that's not right."
"So? I don't care about my freaking family! Sakura, I love you! Can't you understand that?" Syaoran asked.
"I know," Sakura said, "But family comes first. You know that."
Syaoran blew at his tousled brown bangs, and said, "I know that. Sakura, but please! You're not making any sense!"
"No. Syaoran, after this contest thing blows over, if we're meant to be together, then we'll be together. That's all that I'm going to say."
Sakura turned around and left the back room, leaving a stunned group of five in silence.
"I can't believe she would do that," Tomoyo said quietly, voicing Syaoran's, Eriol's and Yukito's thoughts.
Touya was in deep thought, and said, "She did the right thing, though. Family DOES come first. I should know."
Syaoran nodded slowly, in pained shock.
"So it's just over like that? These past weeks, just gone?" he asked dully.
"They're not gone. They'll still be there. Syaoran, you need to go talk some sense into her. I mean, why can't Sakura win and just give the money to Syaoran?" Tomoyo asked.
"It doesn't work like that. There's laws and regulations against handling money," Eriol said, "Unless…"
"Unless what?" Yukito asked.
"Well. Unless…naw," Eriol said.
"Unless what?" Touya asked.
"Um…unless…unless…nope…" Eriol said.
"Unless what? If you don't tell us, I'm going to strangle you," Syaoran said.
"Unless…unless if you two banded together as a duet or something. I was reading the rule book on the whole contest, and there is no rule against that. And I'm sure that if they oppose, I could get some lawyers on the job to make it possible," Eriol said.
"That could work," Tomoyo said.
"I don't think Sakura'd want that," Syaoran said.
"Maybe. Possibly," Eriol said.
"Why don't we just wait until the results for this contest? If both of you don't make it, then the money wouldn't matter. Syaoran, you could just marry Sakura. She did say that if after the contest, they were meant to be together, they would be together," Tomoyo said.
"Say what?!?! Who marry who?" Touya demanded.
"Syaoran marry Sakura, idiot," Yukito said playfully.
"And who died and let you two marry each other?" Touya asked.
"Stop getting ahead of yourself. They're not even together; they might not even get married. Just wait until Wednesday," Tomoyo said.
And wait they did.
Actually, waiting until Wednesday was the longest waiting they had ever did.
During the four days, Sakura had been pointedly ignoring the whole group, staying in the bedroom for hours at a time, or going out somewhere.
So she was obviously ignorant of all the planning that was going on.
But Wednesday night came, and here Sakura and Syaoran were in the auditorium, a week after the other cut, when they had been nuzzling and holding hands and kissing.
The stage seemed rather quiet with tenseness, Syaoran and Sakura on the opposite sides of the stage.
There were only five people, which made the stage seem deserted compared to the fifty people it had held nearly a month ago.
Then Mr. Kenora came.
He was looking rather gleeful with the contest results.
"For three of you, this will be the last time I'm seeing you," Mr. Kenora stated.
"Two talented musicians have won the contest. And they are…"
The group of five held their breaths.
"Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li! They received EXACTLY 80 percent of the votes from the audience from the concert and national television. The rest of you, good day."
Three stunned people left the auditorium, with even two more stunned people left in it.
"Well, aren't you going to celebrate?" Mr. Kenora asked.
"Thank you," Sakura said quietly.
She held her head high up as she left the stage.
"What's up with you two? I thought you two were going out," Mr. Kenora said.
"Nothing," Syaoran said, and walked out of the building after Sakura.
"Sakura!" Syaoran called.
No answer.
Sakura just kept on walking towards the hotel.
"Listen! Congratulations! I'm glad you made it. And I love you," Syaoran said helplessly towards Sakura's back.
Sakura abruptly stopped and whirled around.
Her eyes were filled with tears, and she said, "See? I was right? Now we have an equal chance."
She turned back around and continued walking.
'A big improvement from the cold shoulder she's been giving me,' Syaoran thought.
Syaoran passed by a jewelry store.
He stopped, backtracked and went into the store.
Sakura looked behind her shoulder, but there was no sign of her ex-boyfriend.
"Hi, could I look at some engagement rings?" Syaoran asked.
"Of course. Aren't you Syaoran Li of Road to Stardom?" a woman asked, leading Syaoran deeper into the store towards a display of beautiful diamond rings.
Syaoran peered at the display case, grinned and said, "That one."
Syaoran painstaking reached into his wallet and took out his credit card.
"Charge it on here," Syaoran said, wincing at the thought the damage the ring would do to his bank account.
"All right. Actually, this card says you're ten dollars (a/n: in US currency) short. Do you have 10 dollars in cash?" the woman asked.
"Right here," Syaoran took out a handful of bills.
The woman pursed her lips distatefully, but took the money and counted it expertly.
"Here's the ring. Good luck," the woman called as Syaoran left the store.
'Thanks. I'll need it,' Syaoran thought.
Back at the hotel, Sakura was in her bed, burying her head under her pillow.
Tomoyo asked, "So, did you make it?"
From next door, Eriol called for Tomoyo.
"I'll be right back," Tomoyo said.
She padded over to Eriol and Syaoran's room, where Syaoran was standing with Eriol.
"They made it," Eriol said.
"What do you mean, they? Both of them? Syaoran and Sakura? Top two?" Tomoyo asked in disbelief.
"Yup," Syaoran confirmed, "And I bought Sakura's ring."
Syaoran took out a velvet box and opened it, the ring glittering in the silk-lined box.
"That's beautiful," Tomoyo breathed, "But it must've cost a lot."
Syaoran nodded grimly, "Yeah."
"She'll say yes," Eriol said.
"I hope so," Syaoran said.
"When are you going to do it, though?" Tomoyo asked.
"Whenever the moments right. At the moment, she's not quite speaking to me," Syaoran said.
"That's so sad," Tomoyo said sympathetically.
"Whatever. I think I need to go practice some more songs," Syaoran said.
"Bye," Eriol said lamely.
"God, I don't know what's Sakura's problem! No offense to her or anything," Tomoyo added.
"Neither do I. Once you said you'd date me, I never let go of you," Eriol said.
Sakura was lying on her bed, sighing.
"Sakura? Can I come in?" Yukito knocked.
"Sure," Sakura called.
Yukito came into the girls' room and sat down on the bed next to Sakura.
"What do you want?" Sakura asked moodily.
"The question actually is, what do YOU want?" Yukito asked.
Sakura rolled over and looked at him, eyes wide.
"I don't know," Sakura said truthfully.
"You know that song you sang in the beginning? What was it called, Boy that Skates?" Yukito asked.
"Sk8er Boi," Sakura said, and grinned when she saw Yukito's teasing face.
"Well, in the song you said that the girl let go of the guy. And another girl found him, and they lived happily ever after. Don't you want to be the happy girl?" Yukito asked.
"Of course," Sakura said.
"Then don't let go of him."
Sakura looked at Yukito again, eyes as big as saucer dishes, and said, "I won't."
"Good girl," Yukito got up and patted Sakura on the back.
Sakura laid on the bed, alone again, and reflected on what he had said.
Saturday night was an uproar.
It seemed busier than ever, but it was actually the calmest concert they had ever had backstage.
Sakura was sitting on her chair, reciting her lyrics to herself, whilst Syaoran was having makeup applied to his face by Tomoyo.
"I don't see why I need this junk," Syaoran complained.
"Stage lights are so harsh they'll make your face look dead," Tomoyo explained as she dusted a bit of blush on his cheeks.
"Right," Syaoran said disbelievingly.
He sneaked a look over to Sakura, where Touya and Yukito were wishing her luck.
"So you're going to try?" Tomoyo whispered to him.
"I'm going to try, even if I make a fool of myself," Syaoran replied.
He added, "Is my makeup done?"
"Yeah," Tomoyo said, and closed her makeup case.
Syaoran got up and stretched.
"The concert's started," Eriol whispered and pointed to the TV screen.
The MC was already onstage and talking, making jokes to the audience and generally taking up time.
"It's going to be complete pandemonium if all goes according to plan," Eriol said.
Sakura got up and walked over to Syaoran.
Syaoran's heart ached as he saw her looking so beautiful in a low-cut, long navy blue dress.
"I want to wish you the best of luck," Sakura said.
"Me too," Syaoran said.
He suddenly grabbed Sakura and said sincerely, "I've never said this so much in one week, but Sakura, just know this. I love you with all of my heart."
Sakura looked at him, and nodded, "I know. I do, too."
"You guys need to go out," Tomoyo interrupted.
"Right."
"AND NOW THE FINAL TWO CONTESTANTS--LET'S GIVE A HAND TO SAKURA KINOMOTO AND LI SYAORAN!!!!" the MC bellowed.
There was screaming and cheering as Sakura and Syaoran came out from backstage through the curtain.
"How does it feel to be one of the contest finalists? Did you expect it?" the MC asked Sakura.
"It's a wonderful feeling to know that I'm appreciated by the city of Tokyo. Singing is my passion, and I love being on this contest," Sakura said sincerely.
"And you, Mr. Li?" the MC asked.
"I entered this contest not expected much. I never expected to fall in love, to meet new people or to even make it this far. Thank you, Tokyo!" Syaoran said.
"Fall in love?" MC inquired.
"Yes," Syaoran said slowly and paused to look at Sakura.
"Let's start with this contest!" the MC exclaimed, and said, "First up, Syaoran!"
Sakura quickly walked back to the backstage, and watched.
Syaoran took up a mike, smiled handsomely at the audience, and started singing.
It was an old tune from America, about 5 years ago.
It was duet, but Syaoran began to sing alone.
"Well I bet you any amount of money
He'll be coming back to you
Ooh I know there ain't no doubt about it
Sometimes life is funny
You think you're in your darkest hour
When the lights are coming on in the house of love…"
It was a sad, sweet upbeat tune.
Syaoran paused for a moment, then continued on.
Sakura came out through the curtain, not helping herself.
She joined along in the second verse,
"You've been up all night
Thinking it was over
He's been out of sight
At least for the moment
But when something this strong
Gets a hold on you
The odds are ninety nine to one
It's got a hold on him, too."
Syaoran wasn't surprised to hear Sakura's sweet soprano voice join him, but the audience, including the judges and the MC, were confused.
Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other, when Sakura gave a timid smile.
They started on the next verse,
"Now when the house is dark
And you're all alone inside
You've got to listen to your heart
And put away your foolish prise
Though the storm is breaking
And thunder shakes the walls
Love with a firm foundation
Ain't never gonna fall."
The music rose dramatically, and Sakura and Syaoran sang with all their might,
"Though the storm is breaking
And thunder shakes the walls
Love with a firm foundation
Ain't never gonna fall…"
This time, Sakura and Syaoran both sang the first part together.
The song quietly ended, and there was a moment of silence.
Syaoran suddenly got down on his knees, and Sakura's eyes opened wide.
"Sakura. I love you with all of my heart, all my soul, all of my body. We're soul mates. So, Sakura Kinomoto. Will you marry me?"
A/N: Yes, yes, this is the chapter before the last one. The next chapter's going to be the last, more like an epilogue. What's going to happen to the contest? What about the money and Syaoran's family? Those are some questions that will be answered in the next chapter. Now that you're done reading, please review. GIVE ME 150 REVIEWS, EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 150!!!!!!!!!!!!