DISCLAIMER: Ahem, must I really do these? -_- CCS is not mine. The songs
are mine though and so is the plot.
Review please.
Sing for Me: Chapter Six: Mixing Feelings
Sakura was surprised to see that most of the people at the benefit were young, like her and even a good number of people that could not even be out of high school yet.
They must have had rich parents, because it was...unattractively priced to get into.
There were of course, the odd number of older people, CEOs and important community Presidents, et cetera upon et cetera. From behind the curtains on stage, Sakura could make out two figures coming in, both in the proper black tuxedos, white tie events. Eriol and Syaoran glided in on that air they always seemed to carry with them, one of faint superiority but lacking the condescension that-had it been anyone else-would have had people steering clear of them like the bubonic plague.
Instead they were attracting as many people to them as a bonfire does moths and Sakura could only smile at their entrance.
Tomoyo had devised a simple plan for her that in broken haste, Sakura had not thought of: Hisui could not make it unfortunately, for he was ill.
This way, Cherry was here and she could forget about her alter ego for a while and simply do what she loved best to do, sing and perform. Smiling a secret smile to herself, Sakura closed the her small rift in the curtains and went to her dressing room; Tomoyo would simply die if she didn't let her help her.
Meanwhile, Eriol and Syaoran had become quite the center of the gala, Syaoran animatedly recounting some of his more amusing anecdotes and Eriol unintentionally impressing them with his innately suave and sophisticated mannerisms that surfaced---as they always tended to do at these social gatherings---full force. Given a moment of peace as the two walked to their table, there were many around the dance floor in front of the stage, they didn't hear one particular group of females.
"He's rather attractive don't you think?" one asked, twirling a strand of fiery red hair around her tapered index finger, smiling thoughtfully.
"Oh yes, and his companion isn't such a bad sight either is he?" another added, her wine glass clasped delicately in a white-gloved hand, all her fingers bearing rings.
"Syaoran Li and Eriol Hirigizawa...ladies I think I've found my match in one of them," a new speaker stated mildly, giving off only half the interest she felt. Divinely dressed in a revealing crimson gown, dotted with sparkles of semi-precious stones at the bottom where it flared and swept the floor, she had all the poise of a long-trained model, which she was. Her eyes were bright blue and her tresses were a rich auburn, almost wine-colored.
"I thought you were only interested in people who were handsome and wealthy Koi," yet another of the ravishing women commented dryly.
"Oh you're very well informed darling. Didn't you know? Those two own a chain of very successful coffee shops, called Destiny I think or something else foolish...doesn't matter as long as they keep bringing in the riches though does it?" Koi laughed prettily, so deceptive that anyone who had heard her voice, so melodiously feminine, could never have thought her the gold-digger she was reputed among her closest associates to be.
And those two didn't even know she knew their business. The deception would be simple and as it looked, neither of them, which ever one she decided to snare, had any love interest as of present time.
Even better, she thought wickedly as she smiled cordially at some newcomers to the group, her crimson lips matching her dress in their vividness, wondering how well the two young men of Destiny kissed.
"Sakura-chan! You look so kawaii! Oh my god, just, just..." Tomoyo babbled on cheerfully, looking very fine herself in a deep blue gown of floor- length and modest but elegant cut. She had drawn more than her fair share of stares when entering the room, only to go back stage to the disappointment of many of the young men. But of course, she had had to! Who else would or could do Sakura's make-up [light as always] hair and costume as well? No one could and that's why Tomoyo was there now, squealing in pleasure at the results of her simple but diligent work.
Dressed in comparatively wild clothing for such a formal event, Sakura knew she'd shock more than a few people out there. She could have worn a gown too, but then she couldn't dance as well to the music, and dancing was half the fun in her opinion, mentally going over the many steps and routines for tonight's show. The hair that framed her face was tinged at the ends a vivid pink just slightly, contrasting wonderfully with her always-bright eyes and fair complexion. Around her neck was a choker, matching pink with a cherry blossom on its center, small and delicate. Her top was form fitting sleeveless and off-the shoulder, an ivory hue that made her otherwise light skin tone seem darker. It came down to a point where it hugged her hips. The pants were black velvet, form-fitting again and embroidered on the pant leg sides with delicate designs of cherry blossom petals. The shows were black, flat soled, easy to dance in, no heels. Adorning her wrists were multiple bangles, some shining silver, others a corresponding shade of rose or pink or fuchsia. The light pink eye shadow was becoming and gave her young beautiful face a sense of magic that was indescribably perfect for Sakura and Tomoyo knew it.
She wasn't her best friend for nothing.
"Sugoi Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura breathed, looking at her image fully for the first time since Tomoyo had begun to work on her.
"You always seem so surprised Sakura, like you think you're not that beautiful, even though you are," Tomoyo smiled and Sakura blushed. Tomoyo always knew what she was thinking; there were times she cursed and praised that fact.
"Arigato Tomoyo-chan..."Sakura paused as she heard the noise out in the room die down and saw the lights go out and the announcement:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for coming together to support this charity. Young people of the future who are also here, please take heed and do such things as this in the future when you are the CEOs and leaders. The children are more than grateful. Now, for the entertainment you've all been anticipating, Cherry will be performing. So without further ado, please show your appreciation for her performance, which she offered to do for free for this worthy cause. Ladies and gentlemen, young people, the one and only Cherry!"
Applause roared through the room and where Syaoran sat, he could tell that most were clapping out of more than politeness; they loved this 'Cherry'. He hadn't gotten a clear glimpse at her the first time, only heard her voice because their seats were less than good. Eriol had claimed she was a beauty, but as Syaoran was always more focused on instant gratification, he had always pinpointed the nearest attainable woman, rather than fantasize over such pop idols. Settling back in his seat, he didn't know what to expect.
Eriol also sat comfortably, waiting in the dark for Cherry to come out, as so many others waited too.
And then the music began, an upbeat starter for the show, 'Cherry' or rather, Sakura, moved out on stage in the dark, knowing her spot perfectly, positioning herself in the pose. And she sang the intro beats,
"Take me into your arms
And let me know that this is real
Don't let go
I'm so into this..."
And the lights shot up as the music did a rapid crescendo and transitioned into the beginning verse, Sakura pulling the moves for the routine like nothing, the natural ease that was hers on stage, taking over as she sang:
"Hit it up like this,
Hit it up like this oh baby,
Hit it up like this,
Hit it up like this oh baby..."
Syaoran choked on his decadent wine, the glass forgotten half way from his lips; Sakura, you idiot! He thought to himself. Sakura equals Cherry, and well, that would make sense all things considered, making him a complete fool not to even know...arghh...he felt a headache coming on and knew he had only the cherry blossom to thank for it.
Regardless of his personal grudge and sulky state, he had to admit: she could sing...and---geez look at her go---she could move too! Her hips moved fluidly as she sang, punctuating the song's words with perfectly done choreography, her dancers mirroring her moves simultaneously behind her, male and female.
"Keep me here in your arms
Letting go is only for those untrue
Don't you dare turn your eyes from me
When I say, baby it's you...
Moving shadows of the night
That's where we find ourselves
Take this light into you
Get the dusty memories off the shelves
We're more than that baby, love
So real you can touch it
Stop denying the truth my dear
It's so obvious you love it..."
Eriol watched Cherry, fascinated and awed; but it did not escape his notice: his friend's odd behavior. The moment the lights had flared up, Syaoran had done an apparent double take to which, Eriol made no comment but kept in interested eye on him.
What was up with the little wolf?
Well, the little wolf could tell anyone, but he wasn't about to do so of his own volition. Irritated as he was by the sudden stupefying revelation of Cherry = Sakura that he would have left...had he not been so entranced by that self-same Cherry.
This was a break in the song, and she was dancing as easily as it seemed she might fly, her body fully accentuated by the form-fitting outfit. Her eyes were bright with the stage lights...and something else, love? Yes, that would make sense, Syaoran thought; she would love this, wouldn't she? As she came again to the front, she gestured with her arms, motioning for people to get up, dance even; a headset microphone made this possible. People did get up to dance, Tomoyo among them, moving to the pop beat, swaying their hips, moving their arms.
Eriol stepped onto the dance floor, doing as many others were and finding a partner to dance with, regardless of whether or not he knew them personally. This dance was up beat and thus, involved body-movement, less thought. His style was subdued but rhythmic and almost urban, a downbeat that he accentuated with the slightest move of his arm, the faintest turn of his head.
Syaoran was even out there soon, led by the over-confident Koi who took all advantageous points to press her body against his. It mattered little though; at this point in his 'love life' Syaoran was desensitized by this kind of behavior when he felt like being so, and at that moment, he felt like being so, as he was distracted by Sakura's...well, Sakura's everything: her moves, her body, her voice, her passion. But she didn't know this. Simply as people did begin to dance, she smiled, moving along the stage liberally when there was no set choreography to follow. All the while, she segued into the next part of vocals:
"Hit it up like this
Hit it up like this oh baby
Hit it up like this
Hit it up like this oh baby
Dance with me, closer now honey
Take my hands and lead me true
Doesn't matter: the fame or the money
Just stay with me here, let me be with you
I'll think this was a dream
If you keep your lips sealed so
Open my eyes and show me it's real
Tell me you're not afraid to let the world know...
We're more than that baby, love
So real you can touch it
Stop denying the truth my dear
It's so obvious you love it...
I love it too darling so dance a little closer
Give it to me nice and easy now [easy now]
Let the love just plain overflow
Live it up nice and easy now [easy now]
And hit it up like this oh baby..."
She trailed off, and as the music came to its flourish at the end, executed the last dance steps with a light spin and ended on the last word of the last line, a repeat, as she went down in an impressive split, fully facing the audience:
"Hit it up like this oh baby!" And the music halted with the last
rhythm's escalation, reverberating throughout the room, Sakura's right hand up near her face, facing the audience. Those on the dance floor clapped, cheered, and some even jumped in admiration and excitement.
She rose from her spot on the floor, springing up enthusiastically, an adrenaline rush flushing her small cheeks.
"Thank you all! This is all for the children we are trying to give a better life to, please remember to donate to the fund, okay? Alright then, who's up tonight?" she called, raising her hand to her mouth, cupping it to give it a yelling effect. There was a loud response from the crowd.
"I SAID who's up TONIGHT?" she called again. The response was louder.
"Looks like I've gotta wake the rest of you up out there, okay then how 'bout this one? Hit it guys! One, two, one, two, three, and..." the music started, an electric guitar's intro with a jazzy piano added for contrasting effects in the otherwise pop-sound.
And the audience began dancing again, Syaoran unconsciously moving him and his dance partner---whoever it was---closer towards the stage as Sakura's voice rang out again. This dancing was not slow but more easy paced, more couple oriented as they held each other's hips, swaying to the pop-jazz tune.
"Take me up, ooh, take me up!
Never look back down
It'll only make you cry
It'll only make you frown.
Mistakes happen everyday
Are you saying you're superior?
To some extent we're all the same
Yet to you, I look inferior.
Take me up, ooh, take me up!
If you really think you know how
Show me that you've got the right stuff
Show me before it's too late, show me now.
Lovin' every minute darling
Keep this up, oh please
Cover me with your sweet charming
Be true, don't just tease..."
There was an amazing piano solo, the guitar taking secondary stereo to it, Sakura getting the audience, now all dancing, really into it, as she herself was. Smooth and sensual was the way she was moving, to coincide with the song's undertone of whimsical love, but fast paced to keep with the rapid beat. Her hair twisted with her as she twirled on stage, using all the moves she had practiced, using some she had just thought of too, and becoming engulfed in the light of her life, performing. The piano softened, but kept the beat as they came to a break in the normal verses:
"Superior, inferior, it's not all up to you
Didn't anyone teach you right?
For tango, it takes two
Together, we're outta sight!"
Her voice rang clear, volume, and beautifully pure, Syaoran wondering a very un-Syaoran like thought: amazing. Syaoran, the avid-believer that women, though entertaining in different ways, were not talented, only deceptive enough to get by, the believer that women held no power in the world, they just acted like it, thought Cherry was amazing. The amber eyed little wolf as he danced absently, and listened to it wholly.
Eriol too was astounded. He had been dancing with his partner while Syaoran was on the other side of the dance floor but now he paid little heed to the easy movement of his body to Cherry's music; he only saw Cherry. She moved like water, sang like the angels, and looked like a goddess thrown into the twentieth century. For she was too magical to be like any woman from this time era; whereas all of them---that is, most women he had encountered--- were rather jaded and too overtly sexual, Sakura/ Cherry was beautiful, and yes, sensual, but there was a distinctive glow of innocence about her emerald eyes that sparkled diligently through her performance as her second cong came to its end:
"Ooh baby, won't you take me up?
Just hold my hand oh baby
I'm sayin' yeah, that's enough
Just hold my hand and take me up,
If I'm with you, it ain't so tough...
I'm tellin' you baby, it ain't so tough!" The piano faded.
Sakura's voice trailed off, her sound carrying through the room with a maturity's depth that was something more than her eighteen years of age.
As she exited, the applause was deafening, cat calls, and whistles too. This was an intermission so people could sit and eat, and break from the dancing.
She ran to change into the gown she would wear while out amongst them, and momentarily forgot about her two acquaintances, both avidly looking for her to come out: the blue-eyed lyricist and the amber-eyed wolf.
One of which was looking for her and his new friend Hisui.
One who was looking for her and trying to keep a rather persistent Koi at arms length, flirting as was his normal way, but distracted in a very unusual way.
Both of which who were under her unknowingly cast spell.
"Sakura-chan, you were absolutely perfect! Let's go out and mingle now, ne?" an excited Tomoyo chorused. Sakura laughed and smiled. She always felt like...well, she wasn't sure, but she always felt almost divine after getting off stage, warm blood circulating through her body, voice warmed and tuned.
Having exchanged her stage outfit for a pale pinkish gown with flowing translucent sleeves that fell gracefully past her wrists in curved folds, the color transitioning from the pronounced pink-lavender at the shoulder and body of the dress, to nearly white at the end of the sleeves and bottom of the gown, which swept the floor. Her bangles were taken off and the choker too, leaving only her earrings, small dainty pearls, just right for Sakura.
"Shall we?" Sakura asked, jokingly offering her arm to Tomoyo who found the charade equally as amusing as they stepped out into the room together, two ravishing young women, one the leader of the biggest company in the world of money, the other with the most talented writing and voice Japan had seen in ages.
"Syaoran," Eriol approached him, and Syaoran gave a silent prayer and thanks to whatever gods might exist. This gave him a chance to escape from...
"Ooh, is this the infamous Hirigizawa-san?" Koi's voice cooed and Eriol suppressed a wince. Poor Li, he'd been stuck with her since Cherry's entrance. Ouch.
"Ahem, um, hai, but just Eriol-san is fine...Miss?" he let that waver off and she was more than willing to supply her name.
"Koi, Eriol-san," she smiled with false warmth.
"Ah, yes, well, if you'd excuse us Miss Koi, I've got some business to discuss with Li-san here," he gestured at Syaoran who raised an eyebrow at the use of his last name.
"Must I? I wouldn't be a bother," she pleaded, giving him one of her trademark pouting faces, full lips turned down.
"I'm afraid so Miss Koi. Gomen nasai, demo, it's rather important," Eriol shook his head and so Koi left, grudgingly, but not before slipping her hands playfully over Syaoran's shoulder and down his arm as she sauntered off.
"Geez, she's got hooks on you like a prized catch doesn't she?" Eriol remarked thoughtfully, settling into comfortable standing next to Syaoran who nodded.
"Hai, but what a woman to have her hooks in me, ne?" he grinned and Eriol was sincerely surprised.
"You're serious? You'd actually consider that...that woman?" he questioned.
"Well, look at her and you tell me Hirigizawa," Syaoran responded a bit sarcastically.
"There's something to be said for a heart you know," Eriol commented as a retort.
"Not when all you want is to bed her," was the frank reply. To this Eriol could only snort his half-derision and half-appalled feeling. There was such a thing as morality once in his friend, Eriol knew.
But he also knew he had had a very bad experience with women, very young. Now twenty, like himself, Syaoran had already been married once. Might have even loved his wife, certainly doted on her, but she was a gold-digger, and embezzled quite a bit from the Li family wealth. Not only shameful, but a blow to his emotions, that was an experience he had not forgotten. He had only been eighteen. The divorce had happened the same year he had married the witch. For a while he had brooded, then suddenly one day he was the normal, quick-witted Syaoran Li, but with a certain amount of a grudge against all females.
Eriol couldn't say he held it against him, considering his past.
So now he treated women as he had been treated; only things to be used to the fullest extent, charming them, leaving them when he was bored, because he could and because in some twisted way, he felt this was vengeance against the woman who had so few years ago shamed and emotionally maimed him.
"Thanks for getting her away for now though. She was being incredibly clingy for just meeting...Still," Syaoran's voice broke in on his thoughts, "you must admit she's a fine specimen." Eriol nodded dully; he wasn't paying much attention anymore, even to his friend. A vision in pale cherry- blossom colors had just come in with another vision in deep midnight blue, both entering at a graceful step.
Syaoran, realizing his friend was no longer listening, turned to see the same two beauties, though the cherry blossom dominated his attention. Sakura, Cherry, all the same, he remembered with sudden haste what had caused him earlier to nearly fall out of his seat...yep, one and the same. He felt like smirking and frowning all at once; the result was a look of expressionless value.
To both men's surprise, Cherry and the other girl went out to the dance floor; music was still playing, a cross-over beat of salsa and they began to dance fluidly, easily, as two pieces of a moving puzzle. As she spun her, Cherry laughed and smiled, Tomoyo also flashing a breath-taking smile, her bright indigo eyes brought out clearly by the hue of her dark dress.
As the song ended, both girls sat at a table set aside, obviously just for them. Then even more to the surprise, Tomoyo pointed out Syaoran and Eriol to Sakura---who like I said, had in her adrenaline rush from singing, forgotten momentarily as only Sakura can do---and Sakura held her smile admirably while inside her heart was cart wheeling like a circus person. She stood up from the table and made her way with practiced ease towards Syaoran and Eriol to, um, introduce herself...kind of.
"Good evening," Sakura greeted, offering her hand as greeting; she had come attached to the western style of saying hello, it was friendly. Bows seemed to her sometimes, too distancing and formal.
"Good evening to you as well," Eriol took the proffered hand and kissed it gently.
Syaoran flinched but then followed suit, ignoring the twinge in his chest at seeing the blush grace the cherry blossom's cheeks when Eriol did so.
"You are Sakura, but I already know that," Syaoran said before she could formally introduce her name. She gave him a sheepish smile.
"You remember that do you?"
"Hai."
"Eh?" Poor Eriol was lost. When had his best friend met Cherry? Why hadn't he said anything? Was he nuts?
"Oh, gomen um..." Sakura remembered she wasn't supposed to know his name yet.
"Hirigizawa, Eriol Hirigizawa," he smiled kindly.
"Ah, Hirigizawa-san, we met before under odd circumstances." Sakura's phrasing could have been better but at that moment, she didn't care.
"Odd? I'd say they were rather comfortable," Syaoran smiled in a way Sakura was sure wasn't quite kind, nor rude, but something else...and she wasn't sure why her pulse was beating in her ears.
"I wouldn't." She countered. He shrugged.
"Well, I'm not sure what those were, but it is a pleasure for me to meet you Sakura-san," Eriol said amiably.
"Just Sakura," she amended.
"Then just call me Eriol. My last name's a pain to say that much," he laughed and Sakura did too.
"Sakura-chan, I see you've met the owners of the Destiny Coffee Shop chain," an enchanting voice came and Tomoyo was there, beautiful as always, standing at her side.
"Hai Tomoyo-chan," Sakura nodded.
"Pardon me miss, but how do you know us?" Syaoran asked.
"I'm Tomoyo Daidouji. Pleased to meet you," she smiled, offering her hand too. Syaoran gave her one of his best smiles; rich and beautiful, nice too it seemed. He kissed her hand.
Sakura repressed a sad frown and wondered why she had one to suppress. She was quickly distracted by Eriol however, who broke into her thoughts with his voice, which she noticed still held in it some of the lyrical beauty it had when he sang:
"Dance with me?" he asked.
She paused.
"You'll only dance with friends, ne?" Eriol joked and then placed his hand under his chin, as if in deep contemplation.
"I've got it," he continued, as though hit by a spark of genius, "Be my friend?" he smiled.
"Hai, Eriol-kun, I'd like that," Sakura returned the gesture and then he asked again:
"Dance with me?" And she took his hand. Shrugging, Tomoyo didn't even ask Syaoran, more or less took his hand and led him out to the floor, following Eriol and Sakura, not that Syaoran minded.
With a beautiful, wealthy, intelligent woman dragging you out on the dance floor, would you complain? Syaoran certainly didn't.
It made him feel better to be out there, the lovely Tomoyo in his arms for the time being, instead of staying out and brooding over the cherry blossom who he had decided was nothing to him.
Absolutely nothing.
If his jaw clenched when he realized how close Eriol and Sakura were dancing, well, that was normal right? And if there was a small twinge, almost painful in his chest near his heart when Eriol made her laugh or smile, well, that was probably some medical problem he had to get checked out...right?
He was a very good liar, even to himself.
And so he contented himself with the gorgeous Tomoyo, making her smile and laugh and in this way, distracting himself from Cherry, instead flirting and charming her best friend. In the song as they danced, Tomoyo rested her head gently on Syaoran's chest and he didn't make any move to stop her. He was absently watching the couple a few feet away, one with honey colored hair and green eyes, hands placed comfortably on his best friend's shoulders, his hands placed around her waist. Tomoyo meanwhile was entranced with the amber-eyed prince. It must be his eyes, she thought absently, as she danced with him and wondered at her forward attitude.
The aforementioned couple of Sakura and Eriol were easily swaying to the music and Sakura was surprised to find herself comfortable in his arms, and looked up briefly to see his warm blue eyes smiling down at her. She saw in those eyes the heart of song he possessed, the one she too was blessed with and knew that must be one of the reasons the meshed so well.
Things could be worse.
Across the room...
"Who do those two think they are?" an irritated Koi questioned.
"Well, they are the most powerful women here," a voice pointed out tactfully.
"Hmm...we'll see how long that lasts," Koi spat and stalked off to the ladies room for a moment.
"Let's trade partners," Syaoran surprised himself by saying, loud enough for Eriol and Sakura to hear. Shrugging, they all nodded as the next song came on, this one faster, more up beat.
"So how's the little cherry blossom doing? Still falling from the sky?" he ventured as they began to dance, only slightly distracted by the way she managed to move even in her gown.
"As good as you I suspect little wolf," her answer was a challenge and he smirked. This was what he liked about her he guessed---liked? Too far, this is what he found interesting in her. That was better.
"Those were some dance steps up there," he commented, absently moving his hands to hers as they did a few turns and steps that seemed to work just fine, even with the pop music, because they did it so well together.
"Like what you saw?" she taunted.
"Maybe," he allowed.
As the song came to an end, they all four went to sit down, Tomoyo and Sakura to their table, the boys to theirs.
"He's breathtaking Sakura-chan," Tomoyo whispered.
"Who, Eriol?" she asked confusedly.
"Well, him too, but I meant Syaoran," Tomoyo admitted as they sat in their chairs. Sakura gave a short laugh.
"You can have him Tomoyo, but he's a strict player and I don't want you to get hurt. I don't think he's capable of love, not that little wolf," Sakura trailed off as she saw Koi strut up to Syaoran and Eriol's table, quite nearly leaning on both of them.
"Who invited her?" was Tomoyo's voiced thought.
"Not me," was the response.
"Her name is Koi Hitori. She's the daughter of some rich executive I think," Tomoyo frowned slightly, trying to remember.
"Hai, she must be. Look at all those jewels," Sakura commented.
"I bet she lights up the abyss with all those rocks around her throat," Tomoyo said dryly and Sakura giggled.
"That wasn't very nice Tomoyo-chan!"
"The truth isn't always nice is it Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo replied, smiling. She knew Koi and knew how her mind worked; in fact better than she would want anyone to ever know. She had once worked closely with Tomoyo before her mother had passed on. She had pretended to be a good friend; meanwhile stealing money out of the Daidouji personal account, nearly bankrupting the whole lot of them...Tomoyo could not forgive her for all the trouble Koi had caused. And now, Tomoyo grimaced, she was obviously onto new territory after her brief hiatus...her targets: Eriol Hirigizawa and Syaoran Li.
Tomoyo would have to tell Sakura and then both of them would tell the two young, handsome entrepreneurs, if they would believe them. Watching their expressions, Tomoyo gathered that it wouldn't be too hard to convince them.
They weren't stupid after all.
Sakura smiled absently as she sipped her water, unknowing of Tomoyo's thoughts, simply thinking alternately about how warm it had been in Eriol's arms...and then confusing herself by noting how easy she had felt with herself when dancing with Syaoran too...what was it with those two? Why couldn't she differentiate? Was there anything to differentiate about? Sighing, she sipped her water again.
Love was confusing.
H-h-hoeee!? Love? Wait a minute...
Hoeeeeeeeeeee...
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So THERE you have a long chapter six. I know, you'll have more S and S AND S and E and due to the plot's many twists we'll probably end up with something you might get angry at me for: Some Syaoran and Tomoyo. But forewarning, if there happen to be people who like that idea, I'm sorry, Gomen minna, but it won't last. Remember, Syaoran is a player. He likes Sakura but won't admit it to himself and so what does he do?
Well, Tomoyo is rich and beautiful, and smart to boot, what do you think he'll do?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
More importantly though, what's Sakura gonna do to get back at him?
Love triangles are fun, but squares are even more intricate, cuz they all come back to one another in the end...or do they?
Guess you'll have to review a lot to find out. ^_~ Remember, the standard remains: more reviews, more chapters.
-Kaji Hikage
Review please.
Sing for Me: Chapter Six: Mixing Feelings
Sakura was surprised to see that most of the people at the benefit were young, like her and even a good number of people that could not even be out of high school yet.
They must have had rich parents, because it was...unattractively priced to get into.
There were of course, the odd number of older people, CEOs and important community Presidents, et cetera upon et cetera. From behind the curtains on stage, Sakura could make out two figures coming in, both in the proper black tuxedos, white tie events. Eriol and Syaoran glided in on that air they always seemed to carry with them, one of faint superiority but lacking the condescension that-had it been anyone else-would have had people steering clear of them like the bubonic plague.
Instead they were attracting as many people to them as a bonfire does moths and Sakura could only smile at their entrance.
Tomoyo had devised a simple plan for her that in broken haste, Sakura had not thought of: Hisui could not make it unfortunately, for he was ill.
This way, Cherry was here and she could forget about her alter ego for a while and simply do what she loved best to do, sing and perform. Smiling a secret smile to herself, Sakura closed the her small rift in the curtains and went to her dressing room; Tomoyo would simply die if she didn't let her help her.
Meanwhile, Eriol and Syaoran had become quite the center of the gala, Syaoran animatedly recounting some of his more amusing anecdotes and Eriol unintentionally impressing them with his innately suave and sophisticated mannerisms that surfaced---as they always tended to do at these social gatherings---full force. Given a moment of peace as the two walked to their table, there were many around the dance floor in front of the stage, they didn't hear one particular group of females.
"He's rather attractive don't you think?" one asked, twirling a strand of fiery red hair around her tapered index finger, smiling thoughtfully.
"Oh yes, and his companion isn't such a bad sight either is he?" another added, her wine glass clasped delicately in a white-gloved hand, all her fingers bearing rings.
"Syaoran Li and Eriol Hirigizawa...ladies I think I've found my match in one of them," a new speaker stated mildly, giving off only half the interest she felt. Divinely dressed in a revealing crimson gown, dotted with sparkles of semi-precious stones at the bottom where it flared and swept the floor, she had all the poise of a long-trained model, which she was. Her eyes were bright blue and her tresses were a rich auburn, almost wine-colored.
"I thought you were only interested in people who were handsome and wealthy Koi," yet another of the ravishing women commented dryly.
"Oh you're very well informed darling. Didn't you know? Those two own a chain of very successful coffee shops, called Destiny I think or something else foolish...doesn't matter as long as they keep bringing in the riches though does it?" Koi laughed prettily, so deceptive that anyone who had heard her voice, so melodiously feminine, could never have thought her the gold-digger she was reputed among her closest associates to be.
And those two didn't even know she knew their business. The deception would be simple and as it looked, neither of them, which ever one she decided to snare, had any love interest as of present time.
Even better, she thought wickedly as she smiled cordially at some newcomers to the group, her crimson lips matching her dress in their vividness, wondering how well the two young men of Destiny kissed.
"Sakura-chan! You look so kawaii! Oh my god, just, just..." Tomoyo babbled on cheerfully, looking very fine herself in a deep blue gown of floor- length and modest but elegant cut. She had drawn more than her fair share of stares when entering the room, only to go back stage to the disappointment of many of the young men. But of course, she had had to! Who else would or could do Sakura's make-up [light as always] hair and costume as well? No one could and that's why Tomoyo was there now, squealing in pleasure at the results of her simple but diligent work.
Dressed in comparatively wild clothing for such a formal event, Sakura knew she'd shock more than a few people out there. She could have worn a gown too, but then she couldn't dance as well to the music, and dancing was half the fun in her opinion, mentally going over the many steps and routines for tonight's show. The hair that framed her face was tinged at the ends a vivid pink just slightly, contrasting wonderfully with her always-bright eyes and fair complexion. Around her neck was a choker, matching pink with a cherry blossom on its center, small and delicate. Her top was form fitting sleeveless and off-the shoulder, an ivory hue that made her otherwise light skin tone seem darker. It came down to a point where it hugged her hips. The pants were black velvet, form-fitting again and embroidered on the pant leg sides with delicate designs of cherry blossom petals. The shows were black, flat soled, easy to dance in, no heels. Adorning her wrists were multiple bangles, some shining silver, others a corresponding shade of rose or pink or fuchsia. The light pink eye shadow was becoming and gave her young beautiful face a sense of magic that was indescribably perfect for Sakura and Tomoyo knew it.
She wasn't her best friend for nothing.
"Sugoi Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura breathed, looking at her image fully for the first time since Tomoyo had begun to work on her.
"You always seem so surprised Sakura, like you think you're not that beautiful, even though you are," Tomoyo smiled and Sakura blushed. Tomoyo always knew what she was thinking; there were times she cursed and praised that fact.
"Arigato Tomoyo-chan..."Sakura paused as she heard the noise out in the room die down and saw the lights go out and the announcement:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for coming together to support this charity. Young people of the future who are also here, please take heed and do such things as this in the future when you are the CEOs and leaders. The children are more than grateful. Now, for the entertainment you've all been anticipating, Cherry will be performing. So without further ado, please show your appreciation for her performance, which she offered to do for free for this worthy cause. Ladies and gentlemen, young people, the one and only Cherry!"
Applause roared through the room and where Syaoran sat, he could tell that most were clapping out of more than politeness; they loved this 'Cherry'. He hadn't gotten a clear glimpse at her the first time, only heard her voice because their seats were less than good. Eriol had claimed she was a beauty, but as Syaoran was always more focused on instant gratification, he had always pinpointed the nearest attainable woman, rather than fantasize over such pop idols. Settling back in his seat, he didn't know what to expect.
Eriol also sat comfortably, waiting in the dark for Cherry to come out, as so many others waited too.
And then the music began, an upbeat starter for the show, 'Cherry' or rather, Sakura, moved out on stage in the dark, knowing her spot perfectly, positioning herself in the pose. And she sang the intro beats,
"Take me into your arms
And let me know that this is real
Don't let go
I'm so into this..."
And the lights shot up as the music did a rapid crescendo and transitioned into the beginning verse, Sakura pulling the moves for the routine like nothing, the natural ease that was hers on stage, taking over as she sang:
"Hit it up like this,
Hit it up like this oh baby,
Hit it up like this,
Hit it up like this oh baby..."
Syaoran choked on his decadent wine, the glass forgotten half way from his lips; Sakura, you idiot! He thought to himself. Sakura equals Cherry, and well, that would make sense all things considered, making him a complete fool not to even know...arghh...he felt a headache coming on and knew he had only the cherry blossom to thank for it.
Regardless of his personal grudge and sulky state, he had to admit: she could sing...and---geez look at her go---she could move too! Her hips moved fluidly as she sang, punctuating the song's words with perfectly done choreography, her dancers mirroring her moves simultaneously behind her, male and female.
"Keep me here in your arms
Letting go is only for those untrue
Don't you dare turn your eyes from me
When I say, baby it's you...
Moving shadows of the night
That's where we find ourselves
Take this light into you
Get the dusty memories off the shelves
We're more than that baby, love
So real you can touch it
Stop denying the truth my dear
It's so obvious you love it..."
Eriol watched Cherry, fascinated and awed; but it did not escape his notice: his friend's odd behavior. The moment the lights had flared up, Syaoran had done an apparent double take to which, Eriol made no comment but kept in interested eye on him.
What was up with the little wolf?
Well, the little wolf could tell anyone, but he wasn't about to do so of his own volition. Irritated as he was by the sudden stupefying revelation of Cherry = Sakura that he would have left...had he not been so entranced by that self-same Cherry.
This was a break in the song, and she was dancing as easily as it seemed she might fly, her body fully accentuated by the form-fitting outfit. Her eyes were bright with the stage lights...and something else, love? Yes, that would make sense, Syaoran thought; she would love this, wouldn't she? As she came again to the front, she gestured with her arms, motioning for people to get up, dance even; a headset microphone made this possible. People did get up to dance, Tomoyo among them, moving to the pop beat, swaying their hips, moving their arms.
Eriol stepped onto the dance floor, doing as many others were and finding a partner to dance with, regardless of whether or not he knew them personally. This dance was up beat and thus, involved body-movement, less thought. His style was subdued but rhythmic and almost urban, a downbeat that he accentuated with the slightest move of his arm, the faintest turn of his head.
Syaoran was even out there soon, led by the over-confident Koi who took all advantageous points to press her body against his. It mattered little though; at this point in his 'love life' Syaoran was desensitized by this kind of behavior when he felt like being so, and at that moment, he felt like being so, as he was distracted by Sakura's...well, Sakura's everything: her moves, her body, her voice, her passion. But she didn't know this. Simply as people did begin to dance, she smiled, moving along the stage liberally when there was no set choreography to follow. All the while, she segued into the next part of vocals:
"Hit it up like this
Hit it up like this oh baby
Hit it up like this
Hit it up like this oh baby
Dance with me, closer now honey
Take my hands and lead me true
Doesn't matter: the fame or the money
Just stay with me here, let me be with you
I'll think this was a dream
If you keep your lips sealed so
Open my eyes and show me it's real
Tell me you're not afraid to let the world know...
We're more than that baby, love
So real you can touch it
Stop denying the truth my dear
It's so obvious you love it...
I love it too darling so dance a little closer
Give it to me nice and easy now [easy now]
Let the love just plain overflow
Live it up nice and easy now [easy now]
And hit it up like this oh baby..."
She trailed off, and as the music came to its flourish at the end, executed the last dance steps with a light spin and ended on the last word of the last line, a repeat, as she went down in an impressive split, fully facing the audience:
"Hit it up like this oh baby!" And the music halted with the last
rhythm's escalation, reverberating throughout the room, Sakura's right hand up near her face, facing the audience. Those on the dance floor clapped, cheered, and some even jumped in admiration and excitement.
She rose from her spot on the floor, springing up enthusiastically, an adrenaline rush flushing her small cheeks.
"Thank you all! This is all for the children we are trying to give a better life to, please remember to donate to the fund, okay? Alright then, who's up tonight?" she called, raising her hand to her mouth, cupping it to give it a yelling effect. There was a loud response from the crowd.
"I SAID who's up TONIGHT?" she called again. The response was louder.
"Looks like I've gotta wake the rest of you up out there, okay then how 'bout this one? Hit it guys! One, two, one, two, three, and..." the music started, an electric guitar's intro with a jazzy piano added for contrasting effects in the otherwise pop-sound.
And the audience began dancing again, Syaoran unconsciously moving him and his dance partner---whoever it was---closer towards the stage as Sakura's voice rang out again. This dancing was not slow but more easy paced, more couple oriented as they held each other's hips, swaying to the pop-jazz tune.
"Take me up, ooh, take me up!
Never look back down
It'll only make you cry
It'll only make you frown.
Mistakes happen everyday
Are you saying you're superior?
To some extent we're all the same
Yet to you, I look inferior.
Take me up, ooh, take me up!
If you really think you know how
Show me that you've got the right stuff
Show me before it's too late, show me now.
Lovin' every minute darling
Keep this up, oh please
Cover me with your sweet charming
Be true, don't just tease..."
There was an amazing piano solo, the guitar taking secondary stereo to it, Sakura getting the audience, now all dancing, really into it, as she herself was. Smooth and sensual was the way she was moving, to coincide with the song's undertone of whimsical love, but fast paced to keep with the rapid beat. Her hair twisted with her as she twirled on stage, using all the moves she had practiced, using some she had just thought of too, and becoming engulfed in the light of her life, performing. The piano softened, but kept the beat as they came to a break in the normal verses:
"Superior, inferior, it's not all up to you
Didn't anyone teach you right?
For tango, it takes two
Together, we're outta sight!"
Her voice rang clear, volume, and beautifully pure, Syaoran wondering a very un-Syaoran like thought: amazing. Syaoran, the avid-believer that women, though entertaining in different ways, were not talented, only deceptive enough to get by, the believer that women held no power in the world, they just acted like it, thought Cherry was amazing. The amber eyed little wolf as he danced absently, and listened to it wholly.
Eriol too was astounded. He had been dancing with his partner while Syaoran was on the other side of the dance floor but now he paid little heed to the easy movement of his body to Cherry's music; he only saw Cherry. She moved like water, sang like the angels, and looked like a goddess thrown into the twentieth century. For she was too magical to be like any woman from this time era; whereas all of them---that is, most women he had encountered--- were rather jaded and too overtly sexual, Sakura/ Cherry was beautiful, and yes, sensual, but there was a distinctive glow of innocence about her emerald eyes that sparkled diligently through her performance as her second cong came to its end:
"Ooh baby, won't you take me up?
Just hold my hand oh baby
I'm sayin' yeah, that's enough
Just hold my hand and take me up,
If I'm with you, it ain't so tough...
I'm tellin' you baby, it ain't so tough!" The piano faded.
Sakura's voice trailed off, her sound carrying through the room with a maturity's depth that was something more than her eighteen years of age.
As she exited, the applause was deafening, cat calls, and whistles too. This was an intermission so people could sit and eat, and break from the dancing.
She ran to change into the gown she would wear while out amongst them, and momentarily forgot about her two acquaintances, both avidly looking for her to come out: the blue-eyed lyricist and the amber-eyed wolf.
One of which was looking for her and his new friend Hisui.
One who was looking for her and trying to keep a rather persistent Koi at arms length, flirting as was his normal way, but distracted in a very unusual way.
Both of which who were under her unknowingly cast spell.
"Sakura-chan, you were absolutely perfect! Let's go out and mingle now, ne?" an excited Tomoyo chorused. Sakura laughed and smiled. She always felt like...well, she wasn't sure, but she always felt almost divine after getting off stage, warm blood circulating through her body, voice warmed and tuned.
Having exchanged her stage outfit for a pale pinkish gown with flowing translucent sleeves that fell gracefully past her wrists in curved folds, the color transitioning from the pronounced pink-lavender at the shoulder and body of the dress, to nearly white at the end of the sleeves and bottom of the gown, which swept the floor. Her bangles were taken off and the choker too, leaving only her earrings, small dainty pearls, just right for Sakura.
"Shall we?" Sakura asked, jokingly offering her arm to Tomoyo who found the charade equally as amusing as they stepped out into the room together, two ravishing young women, one the leader of the biggest company in the world of money, the other with the most talented writing and voice Japan had seen in ages.
"Syaoran," Eriol approached him, and Syaoran gave a silent prayer and thanks to whatever gods might exist. This gave him a chance to escape from...
"Ooh, is this the infamous Hirigizawa-san?" Koi's voice cooed and Eriol suppressed a wince. Poor Li, he'd been stuck with her since Cherry's entrance. Ouch.
"Ahem, um, hai, but just Eriol-san is fine...Miss?" he let that waver off and she was more than willing to supply her name.
"Koi, Eriol-san," she smiled with false warmth.
"Ah, yes, well, if you'd excuse us Miss Koi, I've got some business to discuss with Li-san here," he gestured at Syaoran who raised an eyebrow at the use of his last name.
"Must I? I wouldn't be a bother," she pleaded, giving him one of her trademark pouting faces, full lips turned down.
"I'm afraid so Miss Koi. Gomen nasai, demo, it's rather important," Eriol shook his head and so Koi left, grudgingly, but not before slipping her hands playfully over Syaoran's shoulder and down his arm as she sauntered off.
"Geez, she's got hooks on you like a prized catch doesn't she?" Eriol remarked thoughtfully, settling into comfortable standing next to Syaoran who nodded.
"Hai, but what a woman to have her hooks in me, ne?" he grinned and Eriol was sincerely surprised.
"You're serious? You'd actually consider that...that woman?" he questioned.
"Well, look at her and you tell me Hirigizawa," Syaoran responded a bit sarcastically.
"There's something to be said for a heart you know," Eriol commented as a retort.
"Not when all you want is to bed her," was the frank reply. To this Eriol could only snort his half-derision and half-appalled feeling. There was such a thing as morality once in his friend, Eriol knew.
But he also knew he had had a very bad experience with women, very young. Now twenty, like himself, Syaoran had already been married once. Might have even loved his wife, certainly doted on her, but she was a gold-digger, and embezzled quite a bit from the Li family wealth. Not only shameful, but a blow to his emotions, that was an experience he had not forgotten. He had only been eighteen. The divorce had happened the same year he had married the witch. For a while he had brooded, then suddenly one day he was the normal, quick-witted Syaoran Li, but with a certain amount of a grudge against all females.
Eriol couldn't say he held it against him, considering his past.
So now he treated women as he had been treated; only things to be used to the fullest extent, charming them, leaving them when he was bored, because he could and because in some twisted way, he felt this was vengeance against the woman who had so few years ago shamed and emotionally maimed him.
"Thanks for getting her away for now though. She was being incredibly clingy for just meeting...Still," Syaoran's voice broke in on his thoughts, "you must admit she's a fine specimen." Eriol nodded dully; he wasn't paying much attention anymore, even to his friend. A vision in pale cherry- blossom colors had just come in with another vision in deep midnight blue, both entering at a graceful step.
Syaoran, realizing his friend was no longer listening, turned to see the same two beauties, though the cherry blossom dominated his attention. Sakura, Cherry, all the same, he remembered with sudden haste what had caused him earlier to nearly fall out of his seat...yep, one and the same. He felt like smirking and frowning all at once; the result was a look of expressionless value.
To both men's surprise, Cherry and the other girl went out to the dance floor; music was still playing, a cross-over beat of salsa and they began to dance fluidly, easily, as two pieces of a moving puzzle. As she spun her, Cherry laughed and smiled, Tomoyo also flashing a breath-taking smile, her bright indigo eyes brought out clearly by the hue of her dark dress.
As the song ended, both girls sat at a table set aside, obviously just for them. Then even more to the surprise, Tomoyo pointed out Syaoran and Eriol to Sakura---who like I said, had in her adrenaline rush from singing, forgotten momentarily as only Sakura can do---and Sakura held her smile admirably while inside her heart was cart wheeling like a circus person. She stood up from the table and made her way with practiced ease towards Syaoran and Eriol to, um, introduce herself...kind of.
"Good evening," Sakura greeted, offering her hand as greeting; she had come attached to the western style of saying hello, it was friendly. Bows seemed to her sometimes, too distancing and formal.
"Good evening to you as well," Eriol took the proffered hand and kissed it gently.
Syaoran flinched but then followed suit, ignoring the twinge in his chest at seeing the blush grace the cherry blossom's cheeks when Eriol did so.
"You are Sakura, but I already know that," Syaoran said before she could formally introduce her name. She gave him a sheepish smile.
"You remember that do you?"
"Hai."
"Eh?" Poor Eriol was lost. When had his best friend met Cherry? Why hadn't he said anything? Was he nuts?
"Oh, gomen um..." Sakura remembered she wasn't supposed to know his name yet.
"Hirigizawa, Eriol Hirigizawa," he smiled kindly.
"Ah, Hirigizawa-san, we met before under odd circumstances." Sakura's phrasing could have been better but at that moment, she didn't care.
"Odd? I'd say they were rather comfortable," Syaoran smiled in a way Sakura was sure wasn't quite kind, nor rude, but something else...and she wasn't sure why her pulse was beating in her ears.
"I wouldn't." She countered. He shrugged.
"Well, I'm not sure what those were, but it is a pleasure for me to meet you Sakura-san," Eriol said amiably.
"Just Sakura," she amended.
"Then just call me Eriol. My last name's a pain to say that much," he laughed and Sakura did too.
"Sakura-chan, I see you've met the owners of the Destiny Coffee Shop chain," an enchanting voice came and Tomoyo was there, beautiful as always, standing at her side.
"Hai Tomoyo-chan," Sakura nodded.
"Pardon me miss, but how do you know us?" Syaoran asked.
"I'm Tomoyo Daidouji. Pleased to meet you," she smiled, offering her hand too. Syaoran gave her one of his best smiles; rich and beautiful, nice too it seemed. He kissed her hand.
Sakura repressed a sad frown and wondered why she had one to suppress. She was quickly distracted by Eriol however, who broke into her thoughts with his voice, which she noticed still held in it some of the lyrical beauty it had when he sang:
"Dance with me?" he asked.
She paused.
"You'll only dance with friends, ne?" Eriol joked and then placed his hand under his chin, as if in deep contemplation.
"I've got it," he continued, as though hit by a spark of genius, "Be my friend?" he smiled.
"Hai, Eriol-kun, I'd like that," Sakura returned the gesture and then he asked again:
"Dance with me?" And she took his hand. Shrugging, Tomoyo didn't even ask Syaoran, more or less took his hand and led him out to the floor, following Eriol and Sakura, not that Syaoran minded.
With a beautiful, wealthy, intelligent woman dragging you out on the dance floor, would you complain? Syaoran certainly didn't.
It made him feel better to be out there, the lovely Tomoyo in his arms for the time being, instead of staying out and brooding over the cherry blossom who he had decided was nothing to him.
Absolutely nothing.
If his jaw clenched when he realized how close Eriol and Sakura were dancing, well, that was normal right? And if there was a small twinge, almost painful in his chest near his heart when Eriol made her laugh or smile, well, that was probably some medical problem he had to get checked out...right?
He was a very good liar, even to himself.
And so he contented himself with the gorgeous Tomoyo, making her smile and laugh and in this way, distracting himself from Cherry, instead flirting and charming her best friend. In the song as they danced, Tomoyo rested her head gently on Syaoran's chest and he didn't make any move to stop her. He was absently watching the couple a few feet away, one with honey colored hair and green eyes, hands placed comfortably on his best friend's shoulders, his hands placed around her waist. Tomoyo meanwhile was entranced with the amber-eyed prince. It must be his eyes, she thought absently, as she danced with him and wondered at her forward attitude.
The aforementioned couple of Sakura and Eriol were easily swaying to the music and Sakura was surprised to find herself comfortable in his arms, and looked up briefly to see his warm blue eyes smiling down at her. She saw in those eyes the heart of song he possessed, the one she too was blessed with and knew that must be one of the reasons the meshed so well.
Things could be worse.
Across the room...
"Who do those two think they are?" an irritated Koi questioned.
"Well, they are the most powerful women here," a voice pointed out tactfully.
"Hmm...we'll see how long that lasts," Koi spat and stalked off to the ladies room for a moment.
"Let's trade partners," Syaoran surprised himself by saying, loud enough for Eriol and Sakura to hear. Shrugging, they all nodded as the next song came on, this one faster, more up beat.
"So how's the little cherry blossom doing? Still falling from the sky?" he ventured as they began to dance, only slightly distracted by the way she managed to move even in her gown.
"As good as you I suspect little wolf," her answer was a challenge and he smirked. This was what he liked about her he guessed---liked? Too far, this is what he found interesting in her. That was better.
"Those were some dance steps up there," he commented, absently moving his hands to hers as they did a few turns and steps that seemed to work just fine, even with the pop music, because they did it so well together.
"Like what you saw?" she taunted.
"Maybe," he allowed.
As the song came to an end, they all four went to sit down, Tomoyo and Sakura to their table, the boys to theirs.
"He's breathtaking Sakura-chan," Tomoyo whispered.
"Who, Eriol?" she asked confusedly.
"Well, him too, but I meant Syaoran," Tomoyo admitted as they sat in their chairs. Sakura gave a short laugh.
"You can have him Tomoyo, but he's a strict player and I don't want you to get hurt. I don't think he's capable of love, not that little wolf," Sakura trailed off as she saw Koi strut up to Syaoran and Eriol's table, quite nearly leaning on both of them.
"Who invited her?" was Tomoyo's voiced thought.
"Not me," was the response.
"Her name is Koi Hitori. She's the daughter of some rich executive I think," Tomoyo frowned slightly, trying to remember.
"Hai, she must be. Look at all those jewels," Sakura commented.
"I bet she lights up the abyss with all those rocks around her throat," Tomoyo said dryly and Sakura giggled.
"That wasn't very nice Tomoyo-chan!"
"The truth isn't always nice is it Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo replied, smiling. She knew Koi and knew how her mind worked; in fact better than she would want anyone to ever know. She had once worked closely with Tomoyo before her mother had passed on. She had pretended to be a good friend; meanwhile stealing money out of the Daidouji personal account, nearly bankrupting the whole lot of them...Tomoyo could not forgive her for all the trouble Koi had caused. And now, Tomoyo grimaced, she was obviously onto new territory after her brief hiatus...her targets: Eriol Hirigizawa and Syaoran Li.
Tomoyo would have to tell Sakura and then both of them would tell the two young, handsome entrepreneurs, if they would believe them. Watching their expressions, Tomoyo gathered that it wouldn't be too hard to convince them.
They weren't stupid after all.
Sakura smiled absently as she sipped her water, unknowing of Tomoyo's thoughts, simply thinking alternately about how warm it had been in Eriol's arms...and then confusing herself by noting how easy she had felt with herself when dancing with Syaoran too...what was it with those two? Why couldn't she differentiate? Was there anything to differentiate about? Sighing, she sipped her water again.
Love was confusing.
H-h-hoeee!? Love? Wait a minute...
Hoeeeeeeeeeee...
-----------------------------------
So THERE you have a long chapter six. I know, you'll have more S and S AND S and E and due to the plot's many twists we'll probably end up with something you might get angry at me for: Some Syaoran and Tomoyo. But forewarning, if there happen to be people who like that idea, I'm sorry, Gomen minna, but it won't last. Remember, Syaoran is a player. He likes Sakura but won't admit it to himself and so what does he do?
Well, Tomoyo is rich and beautiful, and smart to boot, what do you think he'll do?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
More importantly though, what's Sakura gonna do to get back at him?
Love triangles are fun, but squares are even more intricate, cuz they all come back to one another in the end...or do they?
Guess you'll have to review a lot to find out. ^_~ Remember, the standard remains: more reviews, more chapters.
-Kaji Hikage