DISCLAIMER: DON'T OWN CCS. DO OWN SONGS AND STORYLINE.
TO REVIEWERS: Many heart-felt thanks minna! Keep it up and I will too!
Sing for Me: Chapter Five: Something about Hisui
Sakura sat with the two young men, hands in her lap, heart beating ten times faster than normal.
Syaoran was making small talk with Eriol about...well, about her.
"...but she was a complete child. I'm not even sure she knew what she was saying," here he paused and Sakura fumed internally.
Who was the child?
"When are you going to stop Syaoran? You can't toy with girls forever, ne Hisui-kun?" Eriol attempted to include his new friend in the otherwise Syaoran-predominant conversation.
"Er...right," was her less than articulate answer as she began to draw small, absent-minded doodles on the café napkin. Syaoran snorted sardonically.
"I do not 'toy' with them Hirigizawa. They 'toy' with me. Of course, who could blame them?" he grinned devilishly and Eriol sighed, exasperated. Sakura could not hold back a frown.
"You seem rather...sure of yourself," she said slowly, looking up at him thoughtfully, reminding herself that she wasn't supposed to know him at all.
"I'm only being truthful Kinomoto-san," Syaoran shrugged arrogantly as he motioned for a drink to be brought to him.
"If you say so," was her distinctly terse reply.
"Say Eriol, isn't it time we start to set up?" Syaoran asked, looking as people began filing in gradually, couples, groups, singles, all kinds of people.
"Yeah, I guess; hey Hisui, mind saving this table for us?" Eriol asked and of course, Sakura nodded.
"No problem at all." Smiling and backing off towards the backroom door, Eriol disappeared into the thick. Syaoran gave a fleeting smirk to her before slipping into a well-shadowed area of the room, where Sakura could infer, he ran the sound.
People were sprawled about the room, in chairs, on the couches, eating and drinking the coffee ambiance. The lights were dim and with the darkness outside laying over the city, it gave the room its lovely urban glow. Then the door creaked open and Eriol stepped out, this time in a collared long- sleeved navy shirt and white pants. Sakura could have sworn she heard a collective sigh from all the females who-she also supposed-were nearly drooling.
Not that she blamed them. As Eriol sat on the stool, he offered her a warm smile and she stifled what would have been a very un-boy-like blush. She did as she had done for the past two nights and lost herself in his voice.
"So the moon laughs at me
Her lady-stars shining down
Did I ever dream of you?
In this labyrinth of hearts
Mine is made of the hardest glass
Bold, garish, and fragile
*That's why, that's why I chose you
To come back and teach me how
Teach me how to let this heart go
Like fleeting sunshine
And be replaced by your love
Your face it's so clear in my mind
The heart is beating faster now
Life is moving quickly
Following the uncertain tomorrow
Will you still hold my hand?
Somehow I see it in your depthless eyes
*That's why, that's why I chose you
To come back and teach me how
Teach me how to let this heart go
Like fleeting sunshine
And be replaced by your love
So let me come to you
Strange though it may seem
Let me come to you
Embrace me in your lovely light
Re-make my unsteady heart
And let me stay with you
And let me stay with you."
Syaoran sat thoughtfully and silently, scanning the audience, mentally noting a new pretty face here and there, somehow meandering back to stare at Eriol's new companion. Hisui was his name, he remembered. From the shadows, Syaoran could get a clear glimpse of the 'boy' and go unnoticed and did so now as Eriol let the last words trail off into a distant melody, reminiscent of its loving undertone. Watching as Hisui clapped enthusiastically, Syaoran noted that he was a rather slight boy, making him look younger than he probably was...and his eyes were rather prominent, large and very green...had he seen those eyes before?
No, of course not, he had just met Hisui that evening.
So why did those eyes look so familiar?
He shook his head, amber eyes re-focusing on the room before him as Eriol was...politely attacked by all his old, new and unidentifiable fans. It was a useless attempt for all of them though, because Eriol dutifully made a straight course for the table he had shared earlier with Sakura-known to him as Hisui-and Syaoran.
"That was beautiful," Sakura whispered as he sat down.
"Thank you. I have been writing much more frequently now that this nightly performance thing is getting so popular. If I quit now, Syaoran would probably blow a fuse," Eriol commented wryly and Sakura chuckled.
"Oh, by the way, those Cherry tickets, here they are," she said, handing him two.
"Are you sure I don't need to pay you for these?" Eriol asked doubtfully and Sakura frowned fiercely.
"No, no, no! I didn't pay for them, and you most certainly do not have to. Don't even think it." To this, Eriol nodded and gratefully thanked her.
"Say Hisui, how do you know Cherry?" Sakura nearly fell out of her seat but regained her composure in a flash...think, think...sister...nah, too close...friend...nah, too suspicious...some kind of relative...
"Uh, I'm her...I'm a second cousin!" Sakura beamed and then mentally shook herself by the shoulders and asked herself if she was crazy: second cousin?!
"Oh I see, I think somehow you got her eyes," Eriol commented, and Sakura only barely stopped from blanching.
"Um...a lot of people say that, but how did you know? I thought you were not familiar with Cherry very much...?" Sakura ventured.
"Well, I'm not. I've only been to one concert...did I tell you already? Oh well. Anyway, I did and...well, you're her second cousin so you probably know, but she was beautiful. And it's her eyes that I remember most vividly. They were deep pools of kind emerald, like yours, even though you hide them rather well under that hat of yours," Eriol finished. Sakura was blushing uncontrollably and madly by this point but was saved-twisted as it sounds-by Syaoran walking up leisurely to their table, a beautiful blue- eyed blonde on his arm, tan and slender...model-material Sakura and Eriol both supposed with equal feelings of misgiving, though for different reasons.
"You don't mind if Kaiga sits with us, ne?" Syaoran asked as he pulled up another chair for the girl and she giggled. Eriol, always polite, nodded his head.
"It's not a trouble at all. My name is Eriol Hiri-" he was cut off by the girl waving her hands dramatically.
"Oh, everyone knows who you are Eriol-san. Your voice is so beautiful," she added shyly as Syaoran slipped an arm around her waist. Sakura felt suddenly flushed and knew it wasn't from a blush.
"And I am Hisui Kinomoto, it's a pleasure," Sakura stated plainly, inclining her head ever so slightly in respectful recognition. She remembered these people all thought she was male and as a consequence, had to fight down the roiling contradiction within her that was rather averted to having a new girl come sit with them while she wanted to discuss lyrics, personally with Eriol...maybe tell him, not Syaoran, but just Eriol, her secret.
It didn't look likely that night. Kaiga had seen the Cherry tickets in Eriol's hands supposedly for she suddenly let out a very feminine squeal.
"Oh! Cherry tickets! Oh my god, where did you get those?" she cried ecstatically. Syaoran raised an eyebrow.
"You know of this Cherry?" he asked. Kaiga nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, no kidding! Everyone knows about Cherry. She's been the number one musical artist for nearly a year," she stated as though everyone should know this already.
"I see," was Syaoran's brief answer. That was okay. Kaiga was still talking.
"So, where did you get the tickets? I heard it was going to be a big thing, rich people and all that for, for some kind of benefit or thing..." she trailed off, waiting for a response. Sakura tried to catch Eriol's gaze, pleading silently. He did not look her in the eyes and as he opened his mouth to answer Kaiga, she felt a lead weight in her stomach. This could be ugly...
"I got them from a friend; he knows Cherry," Eriol smiled politely and the girl nodded; this answer was sufficient. Sakura let out a sigh. Thank you Eriol, she thought. A gang of beautiful women and girls interrupted her thoughts however, all traipsing over to see Eriol and Syaoran.
When they began hanging off of the two men, Sakura waited as Syaoran basked in it-the player, she thought angrily-and Eriol tried to kindly, push them all away. After about ten minutes of this, she stood up, none too abruptly.
"I have to be going," she lied, standing and then adding, "I'll see you later Hirigizawa." Eriol frowned at the use of his last name and throwing politeness to the winds, got up and followed Sakura outside.
The bell on the door clanged as it shut.
"Why the last name Hisui-kun? Did we do something?" Eriol asked worriedly. He wasn't exactly sure why he was being affected so strongly by the unhappy vibes coming from this boy, but he couldn't let it go unnoticed, regardless.
"I'm sorry Eriol. It's nothing, I'm just...tired," she lied again.
"You're a terrible liar," he smiled kindly.
"I know," she gave a rueful look to him as she walked away from Destiny coffee shop and he followed, to her surprise.
"Why are you following me still?" she asked, curious.
"Is there something else bothering you?" Eriol asked, totally confounded by now at his actions. He was acting like...well, like he cared for this Hisui.
Maybe he was just intrigued.
"No Eriol-kun, don't worry. Just go back to your café and Syaoran and your fan club. I think they'll all be missing you," she joked.
"I don't miss them...the fan club I mean," Eriol scowled and Sakura laughed at him.
"Well, either way, I do, truly, have to go Eriol. I'm fine. Besides, just remember, Zettai daijoubu!"
"Wait!" he said, reaching out to her, fingers brushing her hand just slightly, and Sakura shivered, not from the cold, but from the tingling sensation it shot through her arm.
"H-hai?"
"I know Syaoran can be a bit self-absorbed at times, but I think once you get to know him, you'll see why we're best friends. So, would you like to join us tomorrow? We were gonna go skate at the park...unless you don't skate of course," he added sheepishly, obviously not having thought of that before the proposition.
"Hai, I'd like to. And I do blade," she said.
"Around three tomorrow then?" he suggested.
"Anything," she answered and he smiled. "Ja ne!" she called over her shoulder.
And with that, she took off at a sprint; fast enough to lose him slow enough that she didn't look like she was running away from him.
But she might have been.
Why hadn't she told him? It was the perfect moment...
Sakura was confused.
So was Eriol. Making his way back to Destiny, he opened the door, noting that regardless of his departure, most of the women were still in a mini- congregation around the table Syaoran sat at, Kaiga beside him, looking rather happy with herself.
"Did I miss anything?" Eriol asked as he sat down.
"Nope, just the usual," Syaoran replied, and Eriol didn't have to ask what the 'usual' was.
"I see. Syaoran, you interested in this Cherry's concert?" asked Eriol, aware of all the gasps of envy and longing.
"As a matter of fact I am," Syaoran surprised himself with that answer. Why would he be interested?
"Well, he gave me two tickets, so you wanna come?"
There was sudden silence.
"Yes, yes I would," and there was a collective sigh of resignation. Most of those present had hoped he might sell it to one of them, but Syaoran was going and even if he didn't know it yet...he was going to meet a certain Cherry Blossom, and not the one everyone else already knew.
"Sakura, what's up with all these disguised outings?" Tomoyo asked, sprawled on the bed, lazily watching Sakura choose, the next day, what to wear.
"I met a friend," Sakura responded.
"And they think you're a guy? Sakura do you realize how much trouble you could get into if they found out who you really are?" Tomoyo questioned, flipping onto her stomach and propping herself up on her elbows, still watching.
"You make it sound like I'm a convict Tomoyo-chan," she giggled and added, "I think it might be messy, but if they never find out, then that's okay, right?"
"If you want, but that could hurt someone you know?" Tomoyo pointed out truthfully.
"I guess so...but every time I try and tell him..." she was cut off by Tomoyo jumping off the bed and pointing at her accusingly.
"AHA! It's a boy!" she grinned triumphantly. Sakura groaned as Tomoyo rummaged through her bag for a familiar little camcorder and flipped it on, focusing in on her little Sakura.
"Yeah, he's a boy, so?" Sakura asked, hoping her oblivious act would work. Tomoyo knew her too well though.
"So this is my Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo insisted, zooming in on Sakura's flustered visage.
"But Tomoyo-chaaannnnn! We're not dating or anything. He thinks I'm a guy for crying out loud!" Sakura stated vehemently.
"Still...it's so KAWAII! Just like one of those movies you know?" Tomoyo said dreamily and Sakura had to remind herself that while this was the executive head of the biggest economically powerful company this side of the world, she was still Tomoyo-chan.
Sakura smiled lovingly at her best friend. She wouldn't have it any other way really...
"So, you're still dressing as a boy...wait Sakura-chan aren't your wrist guards and pink blades going to seem a bit conspicuous?" Tomoyo interjected pointedly.
"Nope, I bought some new ones this morning," Sakura grinned as she pulled a shopping bag out from under her bed; they were black, silver and blue, with black wrist guards.
"Ah, you're prepared I see," Tomoyo grinned, tapping her index finger to her chin thoughtfully.
"Hai Tomoyo," Sakura sighed.
"What are they calling you Sakura-chan?"
"Kinomoto Hisui, or just Hisui-kun actually."
There was a very brief silence.
"OHOHOHOHOHO, this is so..." she paused and Sakura provided the last part of her catch phrase.
"Kawaii?"
"Hai," Tomoyo nodded and shut off her camera as Sakura disappeared into the bathroom, coming out dressed in black skater pants, a deep blue, shirt one- size bigger than normal to conceal her feminine shape, and her hat.
"You look androgynous it's true," Tomoyo admitted and then had to add, "but still totally kawaii Sakura-chan. Have any girls asking you for a date yet?" she asked jokingly.
"Iie...and I don't want to!" Sakura frowned, remembering Syaoran and Eriol's fan clubs. "Besides you and some other people, girls are too scary!" To this, Tomoyo gave an inquisitive stare, but when Sakura merely made her way outside to strap on her blades, she followed silently.
"Sakura-chan, how are you gonna make sure your hat doesn't fall off while skating?" Tomoyo asked as Sakura stood, fully outfitted now.
"It's snug so it'll be fine," Sakura insisted, "Ja ne Tomoyo-chan!" she called as she bladed away.
Tomoyo grinned mischievously, maybe sooner than you think Sakura-chan!
As Eriol and Syaoran neared the skate park, they shared thoughts.
"Why'd you invite Kinomoto?"
"I don't really know myself, but I think I am just intrigued by his character. Every time I try to know him a little better though, it's like some force of nature is in our way..." heads were turning their way as the two entered.
Both dressed in cargo pants and Eriol wore a deep red shirt, while Syaoran sported a black one, their tall athletic and toned frames apparent, drawing attention as they walked further into the park.
"You like him?" Syaoran took a shot in the dark.
"I pondered that myself, but I don't think so, not in that way anyway, but still, he interests me in another way I cannot explain," Eriol thought aloud.
"Hm, say when is that Cherry concert again?" Syaoran asked, scanning the crowds for 'Hisui'.
"For tomorrow night actually," Eriol replied, waving at an oncoming figure which turned out to be 'Hisui'.
Grinning widely, Sakura, or rather, 'Hisui' came to a halt before them.
"You ready?" she asked, arms crossed.
"Always," Eriol smirked and bladed fast-paced towards the last empty ramp, whooshing by.
He's good, thought Sakura and watched Syaoran follow suit, equally as deft at the sport.
She followed, soon overtaking both of them to their surprise, boarding the ramp and segueing into a series of very impressive kicks and flips, stunts and speed.
Challenged, Eriol took to the ramp at the same time, regardless of the danger. Hisui knew what he was doing. So they could have some fun. Eriol did his own unique tricks, his style being equally as fluid but more speed than jump.
Syaoran entered as well, his thoughts very similar to Eriol's as he transitioned into his own routine.
The trio criss-crossed paths many times, gaining many gasps from their slowly accumulating audience. They jumped over one another, well, Sakura did, because she was so small, she was light enough to do so. Eriol and Syaoran left that business, wisely to her.
"SUGOI!" came a voice above the rest and the rollerblading trio halted where they were; Syaoran at the top of the ramp and Eriol and Sakura in the middle. They turned to face a very numerously numbered crowd and stared.
The crowd stared back.
And broke into whistles of admiration, cheers, encores, and clapping. Sakura blushed, to Eriol's amusement. He'd never seen a guy blush so easily. Eriol simply bowed and Syaoran grinned, overconfident as he was. Sakura stood there; looking at all the faces, when one caught her eye in particular. Except that it wasn't a face per say, it was the eye of a camcorder.
She didn't...? Sakura thought. She looked at the familiar porcelain complexion behind the camera and the raven dark hair. She did.
"Hisui-kun, where're you off to?" asked Eriol as Sakura began to move to exit the ramp.
"Um. I..." she was cut off by several girls walking up to her. She gulped. This could get messy.
"Hello there," one said, a vividly red dyed hair color and bright blue eyes making an exotic picture of a woman, probably Sakura's age, just more liberal with her actions.
"Hi." There, that was good, thought Sakura failingly.
"You're pretty amazing up there on that ramp. I've not seen you around these parts before sugar," she said, hand on hip. Sakura groaned inside; this was not good...
It didn't take long before Sakura realized, she had her own fan club, consisting of currently ten girls surrounding her. And she felt somewhat sick. She was about to say so, when a voice she had nearly forgotten was there, interrupted.
"Hisui-kun!" and there was Tomoyo, smiling beautifully, camcorder hooked around her right hand, shoulder bag over her left.
"Tomoyo!" she called gratefully and politely excused her way through the crowd to get to her best-friend.
"Looked like you needed another savior," Tomoyo whispered and then walked away, confusing Sakura until she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Syaoran and Eriol.
"Looks like you've gained some fame Kinomoto," Syaoran teased. Sakura flinched, but not noticeably.
"Hai," she said miserably.
"Don't you like it?" asked Syaoran speculatively.
"Not everyone does," Eriol commented, referring partially to himself as well.
"True," Syaoran admitted.
"So think we should leave? We've been here for a couple hours nearly and the shop's evening hours are busiest," Syaoran added.
"Yeah, are you coming Hisui?" Eriol asked hopefully.
"Iie, I can't but I'm sorry. I have to...get ready for something else tonight," Sakura's lame excuse did not seem to appease either Eriol or Syaoran, but they let it drop. Who were they to question?
"Hai, well, see you tomorrow then at Cherry's benefit," Eriol said, waving as he and Syaoran left, Sakura heading in the opposite direction.
It was partially true; she did have to prepare her songs for tomorrow...and she felt some new ones formulating in her heart.
Why was it that it seemed to beat faster whenever she saw Eriol and Syaoran?
Well, she reasoned that every time she saw Syaoran, she felt like flooring him.
But with Eriol, the feeling was definitely not the same, or was it?
She remembered the tingling feeling she had felt when his fingers brushed hers the night before, and then recalled the feeling of Syaoran's hand on her cheek, and then remembered that she had been two completely different people.
And she nearly fell over.
How was she going to pull off being Cherry and Hisui?
Oh hell...
Sakura felt like promptly running into something blunt to see if it would knock some sense into her, sense, which she obviously lacked for letting such a fatal flaw into her masquerade.
Cherry, Hisui, Sakura...all the same and all giving her simultaneous headaches...she wondered at the fact that she had not yet been committed to some insane asylum and frowned as she made it to her apartment, entering and shedding the roller blades in the foyer.
She would just have to hope her acting skills as the infamous Cherry held up tomorrow night.
She wondered if Syaoran would recognize "Cherry" as the Sakura he had met before. Surely he would. But then at least she was only playing two roles: Sakura and Hisui.
She groaned again, flopping unceremoniously onto her bed, dearly wishing Tomoyo would come back.
Maybe she could help me, Sakura thought as she sighed and took out her pencil and paper, began to write the words that flowed out of her natural reservoir of heart and soul, down on the plain white paper.
-------------------------------------
So, review please. I know, not a lot of chemistry in this one, but hey, we're gonna get to a LOT of fun next time: Syaoran and Eriol meet the infamous Cherry! Oh good fun. How's he going to react? What will Eriol say? And WHAT oh what is Sakura going to do about being Hisui at the same time? Guess you'll have to review if you ever want to find out. ^_~
Note: Lots of S&E AND S&S moments next time. I've decided, yes we're going to have a rivalry for Sakura's heart, but first, we're going to have some fun making S&S hate each other, and S&E get closer, and see just how well--- or not well!---the little wolf takes it.
Also next time, several new songs.
-Kaji
Sing for Me: Chapter Five: Something about Hisui
Sakura sat with the two young men, hands in her lap, heart beating ten times faster than normal.
Syaoran was making small talk with Eriol about...well, about her.
"...but she was a complete child. I'm not even sure she knew what she was saying," here he paused and Sakura fumed internally.
Who was the child?
"When are you going to stop Syaoran? You can't toy with girls forever, ne Hisui-kun?" Eriol attempted to include his new friend in the otherwise Syaoran-predominant conversation.
"Er...right," was her less than articulate answer as she began to draw small, absent-minded doodles on the café napkin. Syaoran snorted sardonically.
"I do not 'toy' with them Hirigizawa. They 'toy' with me. Of course, who could blame them?" he grinned devilishly and Eriol sighed, exasperated. Sakura could not hold back a frown.
"You seem rather...sure of yourself," she said slowly, looking up at him thoughtfully, reminding herself that she wasn't supposed to know him at all.
"I'm only being truthful Kinomoto-san," Syaoran shrugged arrogantly as he motioned for a drink to be brought to him.
"If you say so," was her distinctly terse reply.
"Say Eriol, isn't it time we start to set up?" Syaoran asked, looking as people began filing in gradually, couples, groups, singles, all kinds of people.
"Yeah, I guess; hey Hisui, mind saving this table for us?" Eriol asked and of course, Sakura nodded.
"No problem at all." Smiling and backing off towards the backroom door, Eriol disappeared into the thick. Syaoran gave a fleeting smirk to her before slipping into a well-shadowed area of the room, where Sakura could infer, he ran the sound.
People were sprawled about the room, in chairs, on the couches, eating and drinking the coffee ambiance. The lights were dim and with the darkness outside laying over the city, it gave the room its lovely urban glow. Then the door creaked open and Eriol stepped out, this time in a collared long- sleeved navy shirt and white pants. Sakura could have sworn she heard a collective sigh from all the females who-she also supposed-were nearly drooling.
Not that she blamed them. As Eriol sat on the stool, he offered her a warm smile and she stifled what would have been a very un-boy-like blush. She did as she had done for the past two nights and lost herself in his voice.
"So the moon laughs at me
Her lady-stars shining down
Did I ever dream of you?
In this labyrinth of hearts
Mine is made of the hardest glass
Bold, garish, and fragile
*That's why, that's why I chose you
To come back and teach me how
Teach me how to let this heart go
Like fleeting sunshine
And be replaced by your love
Your face it's so clear in my mind
The heart is beating faster now
Life is moving quickly
Following the uncertain tomorrow
Will you still hold my hand?
Somehow I see it in your depthless eyes
*That's why, that's why I chose you
To come back and teach me how
Teach me how to let this heart go
Like fleeting sunshine
And be replaced by your love
So let me come to you
Strange though it may seem
Let me come to you
Embrace me in your lovely light
Re-make my unsteady heart
And let me stay with you
And let me stay with you."
Syaoran sat thoughtfully and silently, scanning the audience, mentally noting a new pretty face here and there, somehow meandering back to stare at Eriol's new companion. Hisui was his name, he remembered. From the shadows, Syaoran could get a clear glimpse of the 'boy' and go unnoticed and did so now as Eriol let the last words trail off into a distant melody, reminiscent of its loving undertone. Watching as Hisui clapped enthusiastically, Syaoran noted that he was a rather slight boy, making him look younger than he probably was...and his eyes were rather prominent, large and very green...had he seen those eyes before?
No, of course not, he had just met Hisui that evening.
So why did those eyes look so familiar?
He shook his head, amber eyes re-focusing on the room before him as Eriol was...politely attacked by all his old, new and unidentifiable fans. It was a useless attempt for all of them though, because Eriol dutifully made a straight course for the table he had shared earlier with Sakura-known to him as Hisui-and Syaoran.
"That was beautiful," Sakura whispered as he sat down.
"Thank you. I have been writing much more frequently now that this nightly performance thing is getting so popular. If I quit now, Syaoran would probably blow a fuse," Eriol commented wryly and Sakura chuckled.
"Oh, by the way, those Cherry tickets, here they are," she said, handing him two.
"Are you sure I don't need to pay you for these?" Eriol asked doubtfully and Sakura frowned fiercely.
"No, no, no! I didn't pay for them, and you most certainly do not have to. Don't even think it." To this, Eriol nodded and gratefully thanked her.
"Say Hisui, how do you know Cherry?" Sakura nearly fell out of her seat but regained her composure in a flash...think, think...sister...nah, too close...friend...nah, too suspicious...some kind of relative...
"Uh, I'm her...I'm a second cousin!" Sakura beamed and then mentally shook herself by the shoulders and asked herself if she was crazy: second cousin?!
"Oh I see, I think somehow you got her eyes," Eriol commented, and Sakura only barely stopped from blanching.
"Um...a lot of people say that, but how did you know? I thought you were not familiar with Cherry very much...?" Sakura ventured.
"Well, I'm not. I've only been to one concert...did I tell you already? Oh well. Anyway, I did and...well, you're her second cousin so you probably know, but she was beautiful. And it's her eyes that I remember most vividly. They were deep pools of kind emerald, like yours, even though you hide them rather well under that hat of yours," Eriol finished. Sakura was blushing uncontrollably and madly by this point but was saved-twisted as it sounds-by Syaoran walking up leisurely to their table, a beautiful blue- eyed blonde on his arm, tan and slender...model-material Sakura and Eriol both supposed with equal feelings of misgiving, though for different reasons.
"You don't mind if Kaiga sits with us, ne?" Syaoran asked as he pulled up another chair for the girl and she giggled. Eriol, always polite, nodded his head.
"It's not a trouble at all. My name is Eriol Hiri-" he was cut off by the girl waving her hands dramatically.
"Oh, everyone knows who you are Eriol-san. Your voice is so beautiful," she added shyly as Syaoran slipped an arm around her waist. Sakura felt suddenly flushed and knew it wasn't from a blush.
"And I am Hisui Kinomoto, it's a pleasure," Sakura stated plainly, inclining her head ever so slightly in respectful recognition. She remembered these people all thought she was male and as a consequence, had to fight down the roiling contradiction within her that was rather averted to having a new girl come sit with them while she wanted to discuss lyrics, personally with Eriol...maybe tell him, not Syaoran, but just Eriol, her secret.
It didn't look likely that night. Kaiga had seen the Cherry tickets in Eriol's hands supposedly for she suddenly let out a very feminine squeal.
"Oh! Cherry tickets! Oh my god, where did you get those?" she cried ecstatically. Syaoran raised an eyebrow.
"You know of this Cherry?" he asked. Kaiga nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, no kidding! Everyone knows about Cherry. She's been the number one musical artist for nearly a year," she stated as though everyone should know this already.
"I see," was Syaoran's brief answer. That was okay. Kaiga was still talking.
"So, where did you get the tickets? I heard it was going to be a big thing, rich people and all that for, for some kind of benefit or thing..." she trailed off, waiting for a response. Sakura tried to catch Eriol's gaze, pleading silently. He did not look her in the eyes and as he opened his mouth to answer Kaiga, she felt a lead weight in her stomach. This could be ugly...
"I got them from a friend; he knows Cherry," Eriol smiled politely and the girl nodded; this answer was sufficient. Sakura let out a sigh. Thank you Eriol, she thought. A gang of beautiful women and girls interrupted her thoughts however, all traipsing over to see Eriol and Syaoran.
When they began hanging off of the two men, Sakura waited as Syaoran basked in it-the player, she thought angrily-and Eriol tried to kindly, push them all away. After about ten minutes of this, she stood up, none too abruptly.
"I have to be going," she lied, standing and then adding, "I'll see you later Hirigizawa." Eriol frowned at the use of his last name and throwing politeness to the winds, got up and followed Sakura outside.
The bell on the door clanged as it shut.
"Why the last name Hisui-kun? Did we do something?" Eriol asked worriedly. He wasn't exactly sure why he was being affected so strongly by the unhappy vibes coming from this boy, but he couldn't let it go unnoticed, regardless.
"I'm sorry Eriol. It's nothing, I'm just...tired," she lied again.
"You're a terrible liar," he smiled kindly.
"I know," she gave a rueful look to him as she walked away from Destiny coffee shop and he followed, to her surprise.
"Why are you following me still?" she asked, curious.
"Is there something else bothering you?" Eriol asked, totally confounded by now at his actions. He was acting like...well, like he cared for this Hisui.
Maybe he was just intrigued.
"No Eriol-kun, don't worry. Just go back to your café and Syaoran and your fan club. I think they'll all be missing you," she joked.
"I don't miss them...the fan club I mean," Eriol scowled and Sakura laughed at him.
"Well, either way, I do, truly, have to go Eriol. I'm fine. Besides, just remember, Zettai daijoubu!"
"Wait!" he said, reaching out to her, fingers brushing her hand just slightly, and Sakura shivered, not from the cold, but from the tingling sensation it shot through her arm.
"H-hai?"
"I know Syaoran can be a bit self-absorbed at times, but I think once you get to know him, you'll see why we're best friends. So, would you like to join us tomorrow? We were gonna go skate at the park...unless you don't skate of course," he added sheepishly, obviously not having thought of that before the proposition.
"Hai, I'd like to. And I do blade," she said.
"Around three tomorrow then?" he suggested.
"Anything," she answered and he smiled. "Ja ne!" she called over her shoulder.
And with that, she took off at a sprint; fast enough to lose him slow enough that she didn't look like she was running away from him.
But she might have been.
Why hadn't she told him? It was the perfect moment...
Sakura was confused.
So was Eriol. Making his way back to Destiny, he opened the door, noting that regardless of his departure, most of the women were still in a mini- congregation around the table Syaoran sat at, Kaiga beside him, looking rather happy with herself.
"Did I miss anything?" Eriol asked as he sat down.
"Nope, just the usual," Syaoran replied, and Eriol didn't have to ask what the 'usual' was.
"I see. Syaoran, you interested in this Cherry's concert?" asked Eriol, aware of all the gasps of envy and longing.
"As a matter of fact I am," Syaoran surprised himself with that answer. Why would he be interested?
"Well, he gave me two tickets, so you wanna come?"
There was sudden silence.
"Yes, yes I would," and there was a collective sigh of resignation. Most of those present had hoped he might sell it to one of them, but Syaoran was going and even if he didn't know it yet...he was going to meet a certain Cherry Blossom, and not the one everyone else already knew.
"Sakura, what's up with all these disguised outings?" Tomoyo asked, sprawled on the bed, lazily watching Sakura choose, the next day, what to wear.
"I met a friend," Sakura responded.
"And they think you're a guy? Sakura do you realize how much trouble you could get into if they found out who you really are?" Tomoyo questioned, flipping onto her stomach and propping herself up on her elbows, still watching.
"You make it sound like I'm a convict Tomoyo-chan," she giggled and added, "I think it might be messy, but if they never find out, then that's okay, right?"
"If you want, but that could hurt someone you know?" Tomoyo pointed out truthfully.
"I guess so...but every time I try and tell him..." she was cut off by Tomoyo jumping off the bed and pointing at her accusingly.
"AHA! It's a boy!" she grinned triumphantly. Sakura groaned as Tomoyo rummaged through her bag for a familiar little camcorder and flipped it on, focusing in on her little Sakura.
"Yeah, he's a boy, so?" Sakura asked, hoping her oblivious act would work. Tomoyo knew her too well though.
"So this is my Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo insisted, zooming in on Sakura's flustered visage.
"But Tomoyo-chaaannnnn! We're not dating or anything. He thinks I'm a guy for crying out loud!" Sakura stated vehemently.
"Still...it's so KAWAII! Just like one of those movies you know?" Tomoyo said dreamily and Sakura had to remind herself that while this was the executive head of the biggest economically powerful company this side of the world, she was still Tomoyo-chan.
Sakura smiled lovingly at her best friend. She wouldn't have it any other way really...
"So, you're still dressing as a boy...wait Sakura-chan aren't your wrist guards and pink blades going to seem a bit conspicuous?" Tomoyo interjected pointedly.
"Nope, I bought some new ones this morning," Sakura grinned as she pulled a shopping bag out from under her bed; they were black, silver and blue, with black wrist guards.
"Ah, you're prepared I see," Tomoyo grinned, tapping her index finger to her chin thoughtfully.
"Hai Tomoyo," Sakura sighed.
"What are they calling you Sakura-chan?"
"Kinomoto Hisui, or just Hisui-kun actually."
There was a very brief silence.
"OHOHOHOHOHO, this is so..." she paused and Sakura provided the last part of her catch phrase.
"Kawaii?"
"Hai," Tomoyo nodded and shut off her camera as Sakura disappeared into the bathroom, coming out dressed in black skater pants, a deep blue, shirt one- size bigger than normal to conceal her feminine shape, and her hat.
"You look androgynous it's true," Tomoyo admitted and then had to add, "but still totally kawaii Sakura-chan. Have any girls asking you for a date yet?" she asked jokingly.
"Iie...and I don't want to!" Sakura frowned, remembering Syaoran and Eriol's fan clubs. "Besides you and some other people, girls are too scary!" To this, Tomoyo gave an inquisitive stare, but when Sakura merely made her way outside to strap on her blades, she followed silently.
"Sakura-chan, how are you gonna make sure your hat doesn't fall off while skating?" Tomoyo asked as Sakura stood, fully outfitted now.
"It's snug so it'll be fine," Sakura insisted, "Ja ne Tomoyo-chan!" she called as she bladed away.
Tomoyo grinned mischievously, maybe sooner than you think Sakura-chan!
As Eriol and Syaoran neared the skate park, they shared thoughts.
"Why'd you invite Kinomoto?"
"I don't really know myself, but I think I am just intrigued by his character. Every time I try to know him a little better though, it's like some force of nature is in our way..." heads were turning their way as the two entered.
Both dressed in cargo pants and Eriol wore a deep red shirt, while Syaoran sported a black one, their tall athletic and toned frames apparent, drawing attention as they walked further into the park.
"You like him?" Syaoran took a shot in the dark.
"I pondered that myself, but I don't think so, not in that way anyway, but still, he interests me in another way I cannot explain," Eriol thought aloud.
"Hm, say when is that Cherry concert again?" Syaoran asked, scanning the crowds for 'Hisui'.
"For tomorrow night actually," Eriol replied, waving at an oncoming figure which turned out to be 'Hisui'.
Grinning widely, Sakura, or rather, 'Hisui' came to a halt before them.
"You ready?" she asked, arms crossed.
"Always," Eriol smirked and bladed fast-paced towards the last empty ramp, whooshing by.
He's good, thought Sakura and watched Syaoran follow suit, equally as deft at the sport.
She followed, soon overtaking both of them to their surprise, boarding the ramp and segueing into a series of very impressive kicks and flips, stunts and speed.
Challenged, Eriol took to the ramp at the same time, regardless of the danger. Hisui knew what he was doing. So they could have some fun. Eriol did his own unique tricks, his style being equally as fluid but more speed than jump.
Syaoran entered as well, his thoughts very similar to Eriol's as he transitioned into his own routine.
The trio criss-crossed paths many times, gaining many gasps from their slowly accumulating audience. They jumped over one another, well, Sakura did, because she was so small, she was light enough to do so. Eriol and Syaoran left that business, wisely to her.
"SUGOI!" came a voice above the rest and the rollerblading trio halted where they were; Syaoran at the top of the ramp and Eriol and Sakura in the middle. They turned to face a very numerously numbered crowd and stared.
The crowd stared back.
And broke into whistles of admiration, cheers, encores, and clapping. Sakura blushed, to Eriol's amusement. He'd never seen a guy blush so easily. Eriol simply bowed and Syaoran grinned, overconfident as he was. Sakura stood there; looking at all the faces, when one caught her eye in particular. Except that it wasn't a face per say, it was the eye of a camcorder.
She didn't...? Sakura thought. She looked at the familiar porcelain complexion behind the camera and the raven dark hair. She did.
"Hisui-kun, where're you off to?" asked Eriol as Sakura began to move to exit the ramp.
"Um. I..." she was cut off by several girls walking up to her. She gulped. This could get messy.
"Hello there," one said, a vividly red dyed hair color and bright blue eyes making an exotic picture of a woman, probably Sakura's age, just more liberal with her actions.
"Hi." There, that was good, thought Sakura failingly.
"You're pretty amazing up there on that ramp. I've not seen you around these parts before sugar," she said, hand on hip. Sakura groaned inside; this was not good...
It didn't take long before Sakura realized, she had her own fan club, consisting of currently ten girls surrounding her. And she felt somewhat sick. She was about to say so, when a voice she had nearly forgotten was there, interrupted.
"Hisui-kun!" and there was Tomoyo, smiling beautifully, camcorder hooked around her right hand, shoulder bag over her left.
"Tomoyo!" she called gratefully and politely excused her way through the crowd to get to her best-friend.
"Looked like you needed another savior," Tomoyo whispered and then walked away, confusing Sakura until she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Syaoran and Eriol.
"Looks like you've gained some fame Kinomoto," Syaoran teased. Sakura flinched, but not noticeably.
"Hai," she said miserably.
"Don't you like it?" asked Syaoran speculatively.
"Not everyone does," Eriol commented, referring partially to himself as well.
"True," Syaoran admitted.
"So think we should leave? We've been here for a couple hours nearly and the shop's evening hours are busiest," Syaoran added.
"Yeah, are you coming Hisui?" Eriol asked hopefully.
"Iie, I can't but I'm sorry. I have to...get ready for something else tonight," Sakura's lame excuse did not seem to appease either Eriol or Syaoran, but they let it drop. Who were they to question?
"Hai, well, see you tomorrow then at Cherry's benefit," Eriol said, waving as he and Syaoran left, Sakura heading in the opposite direction.
It was partially true; she did have to prepare her songs for tomorrow...and she felt some new ones formulating in her heart.
Why was it that it seemed to beat faster whenever she saw Eriol and Syaoran?
Well, she reasoned that every time she saw Syaoran, she felt like flooring him.
But with Eriol, the feeling was definitely not the same, or was it?
She remembered the tingling feeling she had felt when his fingers brushed hers the night before, and then recalled the feeling of Syaoran's hand on her cheek, and then remembered that she had been two completely different people.
And she nearly fell over.
How was she going to pull off being Cherry and Hisui?
Oh hell...
Sakura felt like promptly running into something blunt to see if it would knock some sense into her, sense, which she obviously lacked for letting such a fatal flaw into her masquerade.
Cherry, Hisui, Sakura...all the same and all giving her simultaneous headaches...she wondered at the fact that she had not yet been committed to some insane asylum and frowned as she made it to her apartment, entering and shedding the roller blades in the foyer.
She would just have to hope her acting skills as the infamous Cherry held up tomorrow night.
She wondered if Syaoran would recognize "Cherry" as the Sakura he had met before. Surely he would. But then at least she was only playing two roles: Sakura and Hisui.
She groaned again, flopping unceremoniously onto her bed, dearly wishing Tomoyo would come back.
Maybe she could help me, Sakura thought as she sighed and took out her pencil and paper, began to write the words that flowed out of her natural reservoir of heart and soul, down on the plain white paper.
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So, review please. I know, not a lot of chemistry in this one, but hey, we're gonna get to a LOT of fun next time: Syaoran and Eriol meet the infamous Cherry! Oh good fun. How's he going to react? What will Eriol say? And WHAT oh what is Sakura going to do about being Hisui at the same time? Guess you'll have to review if you ever want to find out. ^_~
Note: Lots of S&E AND S&S moments next time. I've decided, yes we're going to have a rivalry for Sakura's heart, but first, we're going to have some fun making S&S hate each other, and S&E get closer, and see just how well--- or not well!---the little wolf takes it.
Also next time, several new songs.
-Kaji