Pretty Baby, Why Can't You See?
By SwEeT AnGeL 1004
Chapter 9: Test and Results
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"What?!" everyone asked in unison.
"I'll do it," Sakura repeated.
"You didn't tell us anything about this," Meiling said accusingly.
Sakura shrugged apologetically, "Sorry. I was thinking about it…and what have I got to lose?"
"You made a good choice, Sakura," Touya said, blinking furiously.
"Do you have something in your eye?" Sakura asked, concerned.
"Tears of joy," Syaoran said.
Sakura grinned, and said, "It's a late Christmas present."
"An unexpected one," Eriol said under his breath.
"Ooh, speaking of Christmas, I brought the developed pictures!" Tomoyo said.
She took out three thick envelopes and opened the first one.
Taking out the stack of pictures, she passed them to Eriol who was sitting next to her.
She took the next stack and handed them to Syaoran.
He flipped through them, pausing at the last one, which was the one with Sakura kissing him.
He blushed as he remembered the other kiss Sakura had given him on New Year's.
Syaoran took the double copies of the picture and stuck them in his jacket pocket.
"Don't you think I want one?" Sakura asked, talking in his ear.
"Augh!" Syaoran jumped up, and Sakura quickly apologized, "Sorry. Didn't think I'd scare you."
"Uh, it's okay. Here, take it," Syaoran shoved one of the pictures to Sakura.
Sakura smiled, "Thanks."
"I have all the negatives, so I can definitely make more copies of the pictures," Tomoyo said loudly.
Syaoran winced, and tucked the picture in more securely.
The rest of the lunch went smoothly, with Touya seeming to be more talkative and cheerful.
"So when do you want to do the test?" Touya asked Sakura.
She blinked, "Oh. Don't we have to go to a specialist or anything?"
Touya shook his head, and said rather bashfully, "I bought a kit from the internet. It's just a couple of cotton swabs and tubes. I just have to send them in, and the results will come back."
"Prepared, weren't you?" Meiling nudged him.
Touya blushed, "More like eager."
"Are you sure the results are going to be accurate? I mean, if you bought them off the internet…" Sakura trailed off.
"They're from the National Genetics Institution. I think that makes them pretty accurate," Touya said.
"Oh. How about we go to my house and do them tonight? I get off of work at six," Sakura said.
"Okay. I don't know where it is," Touya said.
"I'll take you," Syaoran said.
"All right. Because Tomoyo and I are going on a date…" Eriol said.
"When don't you go on dates?" Meiling rolled her eyes.
"Shut up," Tomoyo blushed.
She played with the ring Eriol had given her absently, and they finished up their dinner.
"Want me to drive you to the restaurant?" Syaoran asked Sakura.
She smiled, "No, it's okay. I can walk there from here."
"Take care to not slip on those ice patches," Syaoran warned, and Sakura laughed.
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"Is this the house?" Touya asked, looking at the tall apartment building in distaste.
"Yeah. Now get your stuff and let's get in," Syaoran said, parking the car and turning off the engine.
He got out of the car, and said, "Tomoyo and Eriol are at our house, aren't they?"
Touya nodded, "Yeah. Hey, wait for me!"
Touya followed Syaoran into the building, and Syaoran started climbing up the stairs.
"Don't they have an elevator?" Touya puffed, wiping his sweating brow.
"Aw, shut up. I thought you were fit," Syaoran said.
"Yeah, but not fit enough to climb a hundred flights of stairs!" Touya groaned.
Syaoran rolled his eyes.
He stopped and said, "Here we are."
Syaoran raised his fist and knocked on the door.
"Hi!" Sakura opened the door.
"Come on in," Meiling hollered from inside.
Sakura led the way in, and she seated the two men on the couch.
"Do you guys want some tea or coffee?" Sakura asked.
"Water," Touya said.
Syaoran nodded, "Same here."
Sakura went and got them two glasses of water, and handed it to them.
The four of them sat on the couch, quiet.
"Um, so I guess you want to get started?" Touya broke the silence.
"Yeah! So what do I do?" Sakura asked.
"Here," Touya handed her a cotton q-tip.
"Um, okay," Sakura took it and stared at it.
Touya fumbled as he got out a glass vial with a vacuum sealed lid.
"Just put the swab in your mouth and get some saliva on it," Touya said.
Sakura stuck the q-tip into her mouth and then took it out.
She put it into the glass vial and Touya quickly shut it.
"That's it," Touya said.
"Oh. That was easy," Sakura said brightly.
"Um, Touya, could you come look at our sink faucet? I have a feeling it might be broken," Meiling lied, desperate to get Touya and herself away so that Sakura and Syaoran might have some time alone together.
"Huh? Okay," Touya got up and trailed Meiling into the hallway.
Sakura and Syaoran sat in the living room in silence.
"Um, this is too uncomfortable want to go outside? I have a feeling Meiling might be spying on us," Sakura said.
Syaoran laughed, "All right."
They grabbed their jackets and headed downstairs, and out into the brisk cold.
"There's a playground right behind this building. We could go sit there," Sakura suggested.
"I don't mind," Syaoran said.
They slowly made their way to the back, where a child's playground with a slide and pair of swings was.
"I used to play here with Meiling and Tomoyo when we were younger. We loved it here," Sakura said.
She leisurely walked over to a swing and sat down on it, Syaoran copying her.
They slowly swung back and forth, and Syaoran asked, "Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?" Sakura asked.
"Doing the test," Syaoran said.
Sakura sighed heavily, "I don't know. I don't want to regret. I try to not regret things I do. But a part of me is scared."
"Of what? The results?" Syaoran asked.
"Yeah. I think I'm more scared of Touya not being my brother, than finding out that he is," Sakura said.
"Why?" Syaoran asked.
"I guess…because I'll be let down and disappointed. I can't help but get my hopes up, you know?" Sakura asked.
"Uh huh…" Syaoran nodded thoughtfully.
Sakura smiled, "Every time we're alone together, we have a great physiological discussion."
Syaoran laughed, "I know. You're a good shrink."
"Me, the shrink? You're the one asking all the questions!" Sakura giggled.
She said, "Push me."
"Huh?" Syaoran gave her a quizzical look.
"I mean, push me on the swing. Come on, up, up," Sakura ordered.
Syaoran smiled good naturedly and got up.
He walked around Sakura and started pushing Sakura, making her swing back and forth.
"You're so light," Syaoran commented, and Sakura blushed, "No I'm not. Maybe you're just heavy."
Syaoran mock-pouted, and gave Sakura one big push.
She flew up into the black sky, and swung back down.
Sakura pumped her legs quickly and closed her eyes, her hair flying out behind her.
The breeze felt wonderful on her face, and she yelled to Syaoran, "Come on, you try!"
Syaoran sat down on the swing cautiously, and sent himself flying.
Sakura and Syaoran swung in sync for awhile, and Sakura said, "Isn't this fun?"
Syaoran blushed slightly, "Yeah. I haven't been on a swing for awhile. Actually, I don't think I really went on swings when I was younger."
"So you grew up with Touya? Was he a good father?" Sakura asked.
Syaoran shrugged, "Well…it was more like three brothers living together. When I was younger, I did look up to Touya a bit. But I was more independent."
Sakura nodded, "I miss having a family…not that I can remember anything."
"Me too. I missed having a father. But I got over it," Syaoran said.
"Sakura! Syaoran! What are you guys doing down there?" they heard a voice call.
They looked up, and saw Meiling's head bobbing out of the window.
Sakura laughed, "We'll be up in a second!"
She slowed the swing down and jumped off it, "Let's go."
"All right," Syaoran got off his swing and winced, "That swing was too small for my butt."
Sakura started laughing hilariously, "That's the first time I heard you say butt! Hehe!"
Syaoran chuckled, and said, "I'll race you up!"
"You're on!" Sakura started running while Syaoran yelled after her, "Hey! That's not fair!"
When they arrived back in the apartment, their stomachs were hurting from laughing too much and they were panting.
"What'd you guys do, chase each other around?" Touya looked down at them lying on the floor.
"Something like that," Syaoran wheezed.
"I swear, Syaoran. I've never seen you act like this," Touya said, and looked at Sakura.
He smiled and said, "And I think it's a good change."
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A week later…Saturday
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"Quick, call everyone and tell them to meet at the café across the bookstore on 18th street," Touya said into the phone.
"Eh? All right. What time?" Eriol asked sleepily from his bed.
"Like right now. I already called Syaoran, and he's on his way from the gym. Meet me in five minutes?" Touya said.
"Okay."
Eriol closed his cell phone, and groaned.
He opened it back up and speed dialed Tomoyo's cell phone number.
He glanced at the clock, and was surprised to see that it was already 9.
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"That was Eriol," Tomoyo announced, closing her cell phone, "We're supposed to be at the café at 18th street in five minutes. Apparently Touya has some important news to share with us."
Sakura stood up, "The results from the test! That must be it!"
Meiling's jaw dropped, "Already?"
"It's been a week. C'mon, hurry up!" Sakura quickly got up and changed.
She yelled to Yuki, who was watching TV in the living room, "We'll be back in twenty minutes! With the results!"
Of course, they had filled in
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The six people met in the café, and Touya was holding a large envelope.
"Are those the results?" Sakura asked nervously.
Touya nodded silently.
"Okay. Open it," Sakura said.
She squeezed Meiling's and Tomoyo's hands and she watched Touya quietly rip open the envelope.
A piece of paper fluttered out, and Touya picked it up.
He cleared his throat, "Ahem. Dear Mr. Touya Kinomoto. We have processed your DNA sample and Ms. Sakura Yuki's sample. It appears that indeed you share DNA, and are direct brother and sister…"
Touya dropped the paper.
Sakura blinked.
"Congratulations," Tomoyo said softly.
"Yeah, congratulations," Eriol said.
"Sakura? Sakura?" Meiling waved her hands over Sakura's glazed face.
"Huh?" Sakura quickly snapped out of it, "Oh."
"Um, we're going to go outside," Tomoyo quickly said, "You two can be alone for awhile."
Tomoyo, Eriol, Meiling and Syaoran exited, leaving Sakura facing Touya inside the café.
Ironically, the song 'Pretty Baby' by Vanessa Carlton was playing on the speakers.
"So…I guess what you said was true," Sakura said softly.
Touya nodded, "It's kind of weird to see it written down like that."
"Yeah…but I'm sorry, Touya," Sakura said.
"Sorry for what?" Touya asked.
"Sorry that I can't remember anything. Hell, I didn't even believe that you were my brother. For causing you so much pain…"
"It's okay. You're here now. I hate myself for have letting you go like that. And I should've known earlier."
"It's not your fault," Sakura said.
"I hate to admit it, but I know."
Sakura nodded slowly, and they sat in silence again.
"Tell me some memories," Sakura said.
"Well…our mother died when you were about six, I think. She was beautiful. Nadeshiko Kinomoto. She was a model, and you look exactly like her," Touya started.
"Do you have any pictures?" Sakura asked eagerly.
"No…" Touya said.
Sakura looked crestfallen, "Oh."
"I'm sorry. I lost everything Father died. His name was Fujitaka Kinomoto. He was tall, had brown hair and glasses. He looked somewhat like Eriol. He was an archaeologist. You absolutely adored him."
Sakura smiled, "He sounds nice."
"He was. His birthday was on the 3rd," Touya said softly.
Sakura bit her lip, "I'm sorry."
Touya waved it away, "Anyways, you were about to enter 4th grade. I would be going to 10th grade. We lived in a small house and you used to roller blade to school. I rode my bike with Yukito."
"Yuki?" Sakura asked.
Touya shook his head, "No…Yukito Tsukishiro. I used to call him Yuki, though. That was my nick name for him."
"Oh. What happened to him?" Sakura asked, suspicious.
"I don't know. I don't know what happened to anything after Father died. I'm surprised they didn't file a missing person's report."
"Oh. I live with a guy named Yuki," Sakura said carefully.
"So I heard," Touya said.
"Well, actually, we named him…so he couldn't be your friend. Snow Bunny, white moon. Snow moon?" Sakura mumbled.
"Okay," Touya laughed, "Did you know I can play the piano?"
"Really? Who taught you?" Sakura asked, intrigued.
"Mother did. When you were born, I was jealous of you. So our mother taught me the piano. It was our special time together."
Sakura looked at Touya wistfully, "It sucks I can't remember anything."
"Maybe you will. Someday, you might," Touya said.
"I don't think we look alike," Sakura said thoughtfully, looking at Touya.
She examined his tousled black hair and his intense blackish eyes.
"Nope," Touya said cheerfully, "But you look like my mother."
Sakura smiled, "I'm glad."
"Um, I think those four are getting worried. Want to go outside?" Touya asked.
"Sure," Sakura said.
They got up and made sure the bill was paid, and started heading out the door.
Sakura slipped her hand into Touya's and said, "Thank you, oniichan."
Touya looked surprised, "No. Thank you. I used to call you a little monster."
Sakura laughed, "I'm not surprised."
When they walked out of the café hand in hand, everyone was mildly shocked.
"So…you two have a nice time?" Syaoran asked, not being able to keep his eyes off Sakura and Touya's hands interlocked.
"Yeah," Sakura said, "We had a nice talk."
"Mm," Syaoran commented.
He was trying to ignore the fact that his heart was pumping rapidly, and the fact that he was envious of Sakura holding Touya's hand.
They were brother and sister, and they had every right to do so…
But why was Syaoran getting so…jealous?
"Hey, I got to go home. I'm sorry, baby, but I have some work to do. I have to still catch up on some work I didn't get to do during our vacation," Eriol said to Tomoyo.
"Oh…well, I guess you can mee--I mean, we can get together later," Tomoyo said sweetly.
She turned to the rest of the group and said, "You guys want to come to our house for some tea?"
She winked at Meiling, who nodded excitedly, "Yeah!"
"Those two are up to something," Syaoran muttered under his breath.
They split up into groups and the girls rode back to their house in Sakura's car, while Touya and Syaoran followed in their own cars.
They arrived back at the apartment building and started climbing the stairs.
When they reached their floor, Tomoyo and Meiling grabbed hold of Sakura and covered her eyes.
"Syaoran, open the door," Meiling directed.
Sakura slowly walked into the apartment door, and Tomoyo and Meiling let go of her.
"AUGH!!! TOBY!!!!!!!!!!" Sakura shrieked, and ran into the arms of a handsome, tall blonde.
Syaoran and Touya exchanged looks, 'Toby?'
They got a closer look at the newcomer.
He was tall, and had rugged blonde hair and blue eyes. As in, he was American.
He was tanned and looked every bit like a California beach boy, and he had an arm around Sakura, which both Syaoran and Touya wanted to chop off. The arm, not Sakura.
"Touya, Syaoran," Sakura said, breathless, "This is Toby Mawasomi. He's from America. He was my best friend in junior high. Well, other than Meiling and Tomoyo, I mean."
"Nice to meet you," Touya said curtly, and held out a hand for Toby to shake.
"Hey!" Toby grinned, flashing his 1000-watt smile at Touya, and shook his hand.
"This is Syaoran. He's Meiling's cousin. And this is Touya…my brother," Sakura introduced.
Toby raised his eyebrows, "Brother, eh?"
"Yeah. Why don't we all sit down and talk?" Sakura suggested, "While we get you guys some tea."
"Water would be fine," Syaoran and Touya said.
"Coke for me," Toby said.
Meiling raised an eyebrow, "All right. We'll drink the tea."
Five minutes later, they were all settled down on the couch and were sipping their drinks.
"So, tell me about you two," Touya said suspiciously.
"Oh. We met in sixth grade. I liked her," Toby laughed, "But she wouldn't have anything to do with me."
Syaoran grinned on the inside, bur Toby continued on, "And so we just decided to be friends. Meiling and Tomoyo decided that they liked me, and throughout junior high and high school, us four were best friends."
"Interesting. None of them mentioned you," Syaoran said.
Toby laughed, "Probably not. I went to America for college, back where I came from. I was adopted by my Japanese parents. Therefore, my Japanese surname. I work for Newsweek."
"You never told me you were stopping by!" Sakura said.
"We wanted it to be a surprised. He's staying here for a week between planes from Bahrain and New York," Meiling explained.
"Mm," Touya said, "Where are you going to sleep?"
Toby shrugged, "Here."
Touya nearly choked, "What?"
"I don't see what's so wrong with that," Meiling objected, "I mean, he's stayed at our house for days back in junior high and high school."
"Don't you have any other friends?" Syaoran asked pointedly.
Toby laughed, "Nobody liked me because I was too blond. The girls did, and that gave the guys more reasons to hate me. Oh, Sakura, show them this."
Toby took a small picture out from his wallet, a worn and wrinkled picture.
"Oh, it's your prom picture!" Tomoyo exclaimed, "I haven't seen it in ages!"
Syaoran took it and looked at it.
He nearly gasped when he saw her grinning coyly at the camera, outfitted in a light pink strapless ball gown.
Toby's blond hair was sticking up messily and he looked out of place in his black suit, but he was also beaming at camera, his hands around Sakura's waist.
"Who did you guys go to the prom with?" Touya asked.
Tomoyo said, "Some guy from my chemistry class."
Meiling grinned, "I went solo. And I had a damn good time."
Tomoyo protested, "You took another girl's date at the dance! And then he took you to the party!"
Meiling shrugged, "He kept on stepping on my feet."
Syaoran couldn't tear his eyes away from the picture.
Sakura was so beautiful…
"Can I have my picture back?" Toby asked.
"Huh. Oh, here, take it," Syaoran handed the picture back to Toby, who tucked it securely back into his wallet.
"Well, I'm going to take a nap," Toby yawned, "Jet lag."
"All right. You can sleep in Yuki's bed for now. He's not home," Sakura said, and led Toby to the bedroom.
Touya commented to Syaoran, "I don't like that kid."
Syaoran snorted, "Neither do I."
"You guys are so judgmental," Meiling whacked a sofa cushion at Syaoran, "He's perfectly nice. We love him."
"That's why. It's not good for a guy to have to undivided attention and care of three women," Touya said.
"Oh, whatever. He's leaving in a week, so be nice to him," Tomoyo said.
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That night…
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Syaoran went out jogging around nine.
It was freezing cold, but he had to get away from the apartment once in a while.
Syaoran expertly paced himself and just ran, and not to his surprise he ended up in Sakura's apartment.
Syaoran grinned and headed around the apartment to the playground, when he heard voices that made him stop.
He snuck around and peered at the playground.
It was Toby and Sakura out on the playground, with Toby pushing Sakura while she flew on the swings.
They were both laughing and talking, but Syaoran couldn't hear what they were saying.
He looked at them, and couldn't help but feel jealous…although he couldn't imagine why.
Syaoran sighed, and turned to run back home.
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"What did you think of my friends?" Sakura asked.
"Which ones? The two guys?" Toby asked, pushing Sakura.
"Uh huh. What did you think of Touya? The older one? He's my brother," Sakura said.
"That surprised me. I guess he was okay, but I don't think any of them liked me," Toby said.
Sakura laughed, "That doesn't shock me. Those two are probably jealous."
"I think the brown-haired one likes you," Toby said.
"What? Syaoran? No way. We're just friends," Sakura said.
"That's what everyone says," Toby teased.
He then got serious and said, "I came here to talk to you."
"About what?" Sakura asked, turning around midair.
"Well, I have some connections all throughout the world in different magazine," Toby began.
Sakura snorted, then said, "Go on."
"And one of my friends says that they need a new face in their magazine. A model. For Vogue. I instantly thought of you. And if you want, you could try it," Toby said.
Sakura slowed the swing down suddenly.
"That's so weird," Sakura smiled.
"What is?" Toby asked.
"My mom was a model. Nadeshiko Kinimoto," Sakura said.
"Oh. It must run in the family then. Does it mean that you'll do it?" Toby asked.
"I'll give it a try. What do I do?" Sakura asked.
Toby fished in his pocket for his wallet and took out a business card.
"Call this number. They'll probably arrange an appointment with you, and see if you're good enough. Keep in mind that modeling is risky business," Toby warned.
"I know," Sakura said, and gave Toby a hug, "Thank you."
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Sakura nervously bit her fingernails as dial tone rang.
"Hello? Vogue Modeling Department, Cheryl speaking," a voice said.
"Hello? Hi, my name is Sakura Yuki-Kinomoto. My friend Toby Mawasomi gave me Mr. Sukutchi's business card, and I'm supposed to make an appointment with him," Sakura blurted out.
"Oh, all right. The name's Kinomoto?" Cheryl asked.
"Um, Yuki-Kinomoto," Sakura said, wondering why she had added the last part.
"Sounds familiar. All right, Mr. Sukutchi can see you tomorrow at five-thirty. Is that all right with you?" the chirpy voice asked.
"That sounds fine," Sakura said, "Thank you very much."
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Syaoran was walking to the car from the post office, having bought some stamps, when he caught sight of Toby.
He was walking on the sidewalk, talking in a cell phone with a bag slung over his shoulder.
Toby was easy to spot, what with his blond hair standing him out of the brown-and-black headed crowd.
Toby closed his cell phone and saw Syaoran, and waved his arm in greeting.
"Want to get a cup of coffee?" Toby asked cheerfully.
"Um, all right," Syaoran said, shrugging.
They walked into a Starbucks, and ordered some lattes.
The two men sat down on the couches with their drinks, sipping them slowly.
Toby started the conversation, "I don't think you like me."
Syaoran looked up from his drink, "Huh. Oh," he shrugged.
"And I think I know why," Toby tapped his cup gently, "I think you're jealous of me."
Syaoran's eyebrows shot up, and Toby said, "You don't have to be. I think you think that I want Sakura, but I don't. I love her as my sister. And I think you should hurry up and catch her before anyone else does."
Syaoran said gruffly, "Who ever said I liked her?"
"I can tell," Toby grinned, "Or at least you're beginning to like her. I know these things."
"How?" Syaoran asked.
"I'm a photographer. Looking through the camera, I can see more than one perspective. And right now, I think you and Sakura would be perfect for each other. Go for it."
Syaoran shrugged, "Whatever."
Toby smiled and said, "I got to go back. I promised to buy a gallon of milk for the ladies."
"All right. See you," Syaoran said, warming slightly up to this weird American kid.
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Next day…Sakura's interview
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"Oh my god, what the hell am I going to wear?" Sakura frantically asked, throwing around clothes.
"Relax, Sakura. It's just an interview," Toby said, popping the tab off of a coke.
"An interview? I want to get this job, I'm sick and tired of working at the damn restaurant and the school---where is my pink skirt?" Sakura demanded.
"Here, wear this," Toby threw a tan, brown and red plaid knit skirt at her, which came down halfway between her ankles and knees.
"And this," Toby picked up a brown long-sleeved shirt and handed it to Sakura.
"Wear your brown boots and sweep your hair back. The skirt makes your legs look long, the boots give you three more inches added to your height, and the shirt makes you look thin. Sweeping you hair back gives your face the camera-square," Toby lectured, "I didn't go to three different colleges majoring in photography for nothing. And ogling at French models, either."
"Thanks, Toby," Sakura gave him a hug, "You're the best."
"All right. Now go kick their asses," Toby ordered, "Or I'll kick yours."
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Sakura nervously sat down in the waiting area of the large Vogue building.
She played with a strand of hair until a receptionist, Cheryl, called out, "Miss Sakura Yuki-Kinomoto?"
Sakura stood up, and raised her hand, "Here."
"Mr. Sukutchi will see you now," Cheryl said.
Sakura smoothened her skirt out and walked, hopefully gracefully, to the room Cheryl had directed her to.
She knocked before entering, and bowed respectfully to the fat old man who was sitting on his chair smoking a cigar.
"Miss Yuki-Kinomoto? It's a pleasure to meet you. I understand you were referred to by a Mr. Toby Mawasomi? He's a good friend of mine," Mr. Sukutchi greeted.
"Me too," Sakura smiled, "How are you?"
"I'm just fine. Now…Kinomoto…I've heard of that name before. It rings a bell," Mr. Sukutchi mused.
"Nadeshiko Kinomoto was my mother. She was a model," Sakura said.
"Ah! Nadeshiko!" Mr. Sukutchi pulled out a drawer.
"She was my best model," Mr. Sukutchi said, "Very young and beautiful."
"You knew her?" Sakura asked eagerly.
"She worked directly under me," Mr. Sukutchi said, and exclaimed, "Ah hah! Here we go."
He pulled out a file and opened it.
There were torn pages from magazines, covers and advertisements, and separate photos.
"This was your mother, indeed. You two look exactly alike," Mr. Sukutchi proclaimed.
Sakura took the photos and examined them.
What everyone had said was true…she did look like Nadeshiko.
"I never knew my mother," Sakura admitted, "She died before I could remember her."
Mr. Sukutchi clicked his tongue sympathetically, and said, "You may keep those photos if you like. I have many more of them."
"Thank you sir. Now, what are we supposed to do for the interview?" Sakura asked.
Mr. Sukutchi waved his hand, "No need. You're hired. You're perfect for the job. Especially with some family background," he winked.
Sakura blushed, "Thank you sir!"
"Now, we're starting our spring wardrobe. It comes out in two months; March. So we need to get right to work. Is Monday, tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure!" Sakura exclaimed eagerly.
"We'll discuss pay and benefits later. Come directly to my office tomorrow, and I'll give you a personal tour around the building," Mr. Sukutchi said.
"Thank you, sir!" Sakura bowed again and left the room.
She had a broad grin on as she left Mr. Sukutchi's office, and smiled at Cheryl.
Cheryl asked, "Did you get the job?"
"Yup!" Sakura exclaimed.
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End of chapter 9. Next chapter, "Two Kidnappings in One Day."
A/N: Hm, is it time to update so soon? I guess it is. Well…the next chapter will be up on the 16th…hopefully, by then, I'll have finished the whole series. I'm thinking of starting a couple of new fanfics…I've tried, but I've been focusing on this lately, plus I haven't had much time to write, what with school and all. So…please review!! And btw, put your e-mail in your review if you want me to e-mail you when I update!!
By SwEeT AnGeL 1004
Chapter 9: Test and Results
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"What?!" everyone asked in unison.
"I'll do it," Sakura repeated.
"You didn't tell us anything about this," Meiling said accusingly.
Sakura shrugged apologetically, "Sorry. I was thinking about it…and what have I got to lose?"
"You made a good choice, Sakura," Touya said, blinking furiously.
"Do you have something in your eye?" Sakura asked, concerned.
"Tears of joy," Syaoran said.
Sakura grinned, and said, "It's a late Christmas present."
"An unexpected one," Eriol said under his breath.
"Ooh, speaking of Christmas, I brought the developed pictures!" Tomoyo said.
She took out three thick envelopes and opened the first one.
Taking out the stack of pictures, she passed them to Eriol who was sitting next to her.
She took the next stack and handed them to Syaoran.
He flipped through them, pausing at the last one, which was the one with Sakura kissing him.
He blushed as he remembered the other kiss Sakura had given him on New Year's.
Syaoran took the double copies of the picture and stuck them in his jacket pocket.
"Don't you think I want one?" Sakura asked, talking in his ear.
"Augh!" Syaoran jumped up, and Sakura quickly apologized, "Sorry. Didn't think I'd scare you."
"Uh, it's okay. Here, take it," Syaoran shoved one of the pictures to Sakura.
Sakura smiled, "Thanks."
"I have all the negatives, so I can definitely make more copies of the pictures," Tomoyo said loudly.
Syaoran winced, and tucked the picture in more securely.
The rest of the lunch went smoothly, with Touya seeming to be more talkative and cheerful.
"So when do you want to do the test?" Touya asked Sakura.
She blinked, "Oh. Don't we have to go to a specialist or anything?"
Touya shook his head, and said rather bashfully, "I bought a kit from the internet. It's just a couple of cotton swabs and tubes. I just have to send them in, and the results will come back."
"Prepared, weren't you?" Meiling nudged him.
Touya blushed, "More like eager."
"Are you sure the results are going to be accurate? I mean, if you bought them off the internet…" Sakura trailed off.
"They're from the National Genetics Institution. I think that makes them pretty accurate," Touya said.
"Oh. How about we go to my house and do them tonight? I get off of work at six," Sakura said.
"Okay. I don't know where it is," Touya said.
"I'll take you," Syaoran said.
"All right. Because Tomoyo and I are going on a date…" Eriol said.
"When don't you go on dates?" Meiling rolled her eyes.
"Shut up," Tomoyo blushed.
She played with the ring Eriol had given her absently, and they finished up their dinner.
"Want me to drive you to the restaurant?" Syaoran asked Sakura.
She smiled, "No, it's okay. I can walk there from here."
"Take care to not slip on those ice patches," Syaoran warned, and Sakura laughed.
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"Is this the house?" Touya asked, looking at the tall apartment building in distaste.
"Yeah. Now get your stuff and let's get in," Syaoran said, parking the car and turning off the engine.
He got out of the car, and said, "Tomoyo and Eriol are at our house, aren't they?"
Touya nodded, "Yeah. Hey, wait for me!"
Touya followed Syaoran into the building, and Syaoran started climbing up the stairs.
"Don't they have an elevator?" Touya puffed, wiping his sweating brow.
"Aw, shut up. I thought you were fit," Syaoran said.
"Yeah, but not fit enough to climb a hundred flights of stairs!" Touya groaned.
Syaoran rolled his eyes.
He stopped and said, "Here we are."
Syaoran raised his fist and knocked on the door.
"Hi!" Sakura opened the door.
"Come on in," Meiling hollered from inside.
Sakura led the way in, and she seated the two men on the couch.
"Do you guys want some tea or coffee?" Sakura asked.
"Water," Touya said.
Syaoran nodded, "Same here."
Sakura went and got them two glasses of water, and handed it to them.
The four of them sat on the couch, quiet.
"Um, so I guess you want to get started?" Touya broke the silence.
"Yeah! So what do I do?" Sakura asked.
"Here," Touya handed her a cotton q-tip.
"Um, okay," Sakura took it and stared at it.
Touya fumbled as he got out a glass vial with a vacuum sealed lid.
"Just put the swab in your mouth and get some saliva on it," Touya said.
Sakura stuck the q-tip into her mouth and then took it out.
She put it into the glass vial and Touya quickly shut it.
"That's it," Touya said.
"Oh. That was easy," Sakura said brightly.
"Um, Touya, could you come look at our sink faucet? I have a feeling it might be broken," Meiling lied, desperate to get Touya and herself away so that Sakura and Syaoran might have some time alone together.
"Huh? Okay," Touya got up and trailed Meiling into the hallway.
Sakura and Syaoran sat in the living room in silence.
"Um, this is too uncomfortable want to go outside? I have a feeling Meiling might be spying on us," Sakura said.
Syaoran laughed, "All right."
They grabbed their jackets and headed downstairs, and out into the brisk cold.
"There's a playground right behind this building. We could go sit there," Sakura suggested.
"I don't mind," Syaoran said.
They slowly made their way to the back, where a child's playground with a slide and pair of swings was.
"I used to play here with Meiling and Tomoyo when we were younger. We loved it here," Sakura said.
She leisurely walked over to a swing and sat down on it, Syaoran copying her.
They slowly swung back and forth, and Syaoran asked, "Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?" Sakura asked.
"Doing the test," Syaoran said.
Sakura sighed heavily, "I don't know. I don't want to regret. I try to not regret things I do. But a part of me is scared."
"Of what? The results?" Syaoran asked.
"Yeah. I think I'm more scared of Touya not being my brother, than finding out that he is," Sakura said.
"Why?" Syaoran asked.
"I guess…because I'll be let down and disappointed. I can't help but get my hopes up, you know?" Sakura asked.
"Uh huh…" Syaoran nodded thoughtfully.
Sakura smiled, "Every time we're alone together, we have a great physiological discussion."
Syaoran laughed, "I know. You're a good shrink."
"Me, the shrink? You're the one asking all the questions!" Sakura giggled.
She said, "Push me."
"Huh?" Syaoran gave her a quizzical look.
"I mean, push me on the swing. Come on, up, up," Sakura ordered.
Syaoran smiled good naturedly and got up.
He walked around Sakura and started pushing Sakura, making her swing back and forth.
"You're so light," Syaoran commented, and Sakura blushed, "No I'm not. Maybe you're just heavy."
Syaoran mock-pouted, and gave Sakura one big push.
She flew up into the black sky, and swung back down.
Sakura pumped her legs quickly and closed her eyes, her hair flying out behind her.
The breeze felt wonderful on her face, and she yelled to Syaoran, "Come on, you try!"
Syaoran sat down on the swing cautiously, and sent himself flying.
Sakura and Syaoran swung in sync for awhile, and Sakura said, "Isn't this fun?"
Syaoran blushed slightly, "Yeah. I haven't been on a swing for awhile. Actually, I don't think I really went on swings when I was younger."
"So you grew up with Touya? Was he a good father?" Sakura asked.
Syaoran shrugged, "Well…it was more like three brothers living together. When I was younger, I did look up to Touya a bit. But I was more independent."
Sakura nodded, "I miss having a family…not that I can remember anything."
"Me too. I missed having a father. But I got over it," Syaoran said.
"Sakura! Syaoran! What are you guys doing down there?" they heard a voice call.
They looked up, and saw Meiling's head bobbing out of the window.
Sakura laughed, "We'll be up in a second!"
She slowed the swing down and jumped off it, "Let's go."
"All right," Syaoran got off his swing and winced, "That swing was too small for my butt."
Sakura started laughing hilariously, "That's the first time I heard you say butt! Hehe!"
Syaoran chuckled, and said, "I'll race you up!"
"You're on!" Sakura started running while Syaoran yelled after her, "Hey! That's not fair!"
When they arrived back in the apartment, their stomachs were hurting from laughing too much and they were panting.
"What'd you guys do, chase each other around?" Touya looked down at them lying on the floor.
"Something like that," Syaoran wheezed.
"I swear, Syaoran. I've never seen you act like this," Touya said, and looked at Sakura.
He smiled and said, "And I think it's a good change."
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A week later…Saturday
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"Quick, call everyone and tell them to meet at the café across the bookstore on 18th street," Touya said into the phone.
"Eh? All right. What time?" Eriol asked sleepily from his bed.
"Like right now. I already called Syaoran, and he's on his way from the gym. Meet me in five minutes?" Touya said.
"Okay."
Eriol closed his cell phone, and groaned.
He opened it back up and speed dialed Tomoyo's cell phone number.
He glanced at the clock, and was surprised to see that it was already 9.
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"That was Eriol," Tomoyo announced, closing her cell phone, "We're supposed to be at the café at 18th street in five minutes. Apparently Touya has some important news to share with us."
Sakura stood up, "The results from the test! That must be it!"
Meiling's jaw dropped, "Already?"
"It's been a week. C'mon, hurry up!" Sakura quickly got up and changed.
She yelled to Yuki, who was watching TV in the living room, "We'll be back in twenty minutes! With the results!"
Of course, they had filled in
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The six people met in the café, and Touya was holding a large envelope.
"Are those the results?" Sakura asked nervously.
Touya nodded silently.
"Okay. Open it," Sakura said.
She squeezed Meiling's and Tomoyo's hands and she watched Touya quietly rip open the envelope.
A piece of paper fluttered out, and Touya picked it up.
He cleared his throat, "Ahem. Dear Mr. Touya Kinomoto. We have processed your DNA sample and Ms. Sakura Yuki's sample. It appears that indeed you share DNA, and are direct brother and sister…"
Touya dropped the paper.
Sakura blinked.
"Congratulations," Tomoyo said softly.
"Yeah, congratulations," Eriol said.
"Sakura? Sakura?" Meiling waved her hands over Sakura's glazed face.
"Huh?" Sakura quickly snapped out of it, "Oh."
"Um, we're going to go outside," Tomoyo quickly said, "You two can be alone for awhile."
Tomoyo, Eriol, Meiling and Syaoran exited, leaving Sakura facing Touya inside the café.
Ironically, the song 'Pretty Baby' by Vanessa Carlton was playing on the speakers.
"So…I guess what you said was true," Sakura said softly.
Touya nodded, "It's kind of weird to see it written down like that."
"Yeah…but I'm sorry, Touya," Sakura said.
"Sorry for what?" Touya asked.
"Sorry that I can't remember anything. Hell, I didn't even believe that you were my brother. For causing you so much pain…"
"It's okay. You're here now. I hate myself for have letting you go like that. And I should've known earlier."
"It's not your fault," Sakura said.
"I hate to admit it, but I know."
Sakura nodded slowly, and they sat in silence again.
"Tell me some memories," Sakura said.
"Well…our mother died when you were about six, I think. She was beautiful. Nadeshiko Kinomoto. She was a model, and you look exactly like her," Touya started.
"Do you have any pictures?" Sakura asked eagerly.
"No…" Touya said.
Sakura looked crestfallen, "Oh."
"I'm sorry. I lost everything Father died. His name was Fujitaka Kinomoto. He was tall, had brown hair and glasses. He looked somewhat like Eriol. He was an archaeologist. You absolutely adored him."
Sakura smiled, "He sounds nice."
"He was. His birthday was on the 3rd," Touya said softly.
Sakura bit her lip, "I'm sorry."
Touya waved it away, "Anyways, you were about to enter 4th grade. I would be going to 10th grade. We lived in a small house and you used to roller blade to school. I rode my bike with Yukito."
"Yuki?" Sakura asked.
Touya shook his head, "No…Yukito Tsukishiro. I used to call him Yuki, though. That was my nick name for him."
"Oh. What happened to him?" Sakura asked, suspicious.
"I don't know. I don't know what happened to anything after Father died. I'm surprised they didn't file a missing person's report."
"Oh. I live with a guy named Yuki," Sakura said carefully.
"So I heard," Touya said.
"Well, actually, we named him…so he couldn't be your friend. Snow Bunny, white moon. Snow moon?" Sakura mumbled.
"Okay," Touya laughed, "Did you know I can play the piano?"
"Really? Who taught you?" Sakura asked, intrigued.
"Mother did. When you were born, I was jealous of you. So our mother taught me the piano. It was our special time together."
Sakura looked at Touya wistfully, "It sucks I can't remember anything."
"Maybe you will. Someday, you might," Touya said.
"I don't think we look alike," Sakura said thoughtfully, looking at Touya.
She examined his tousled black hair and his intense blackish eyes.
"Nope," Touya said cheerfully, "But you look like my mother."
Sakura smiled, "I'm glad."
"Um, I think those four are getting worried. Want to go outside?" Touya asked.
"Sure," Sakura said.
They got up and made sure the bill was paid, and started heading out the door.
Sakura slipped her hand into Touya's and said, "Thank you, oniichan."
Touya looked surprised, "No. Thank you. I used to call you a little monster."
Sakura laughed, "I'm not surprised."
When they walked out of the café hand in hand, everyone was mildly shocked.
"So…you two have a nice time?" Syaoran asked, not being able to keep his eyes off Sakura and Touya's hands interlocked.
"Yeah," Sakura said, "We had a nice talk."
"Mm," Syaoran commented.
He was trying to ignore the fact that his heart was pumping rapidly, and the fact that he was envious of Sakura holding Touya's hand.
They were brother and sister, and they had every right to do so…
But why was Syaoran getting so…jealous?
"Hey, I got to go home. I'm sorry, baby, but I have some work to do. I have to still catch up on some work I didn't get to do during our vacation," Eriol said to Tomoyo.
"Oh…well, I guess you can mee--I mean, we can get together later," Tomoyo said sweetly.
She turned to the rest of the group and said, "You guys want to come to our house for some tea?"
She winked at Meiling, who nodded excitedly, "Yeah!"
"Those two are up to something," Syaoran muttered under his breath.
They split up into groups and the girls rode back to their house in Sakura's car, while Touya and Syaoran followed in their own cars.
They arrived back at the apartment building and started climbing the stairs.
When they reached their floor, Tomoyo and Meiling grabbed hold of Sakura and covered her eyes.
"Syaoran, open the door," Meiling directed.
Sakura slowly walked into the apartment door, and Tomoyo and Meiling let go of her.
"AUGH!!! TOBY!!!!!!!!!!" Sakura shrieked, and ran into the arms of a handsome, tall blonde.
Syaoran and Touya exchanged looks, 'Toby?'
They got a closer look at the newcomer.
He was tall, and had rugged blonde hair and blue eyes. As in, he was American.
He was tanned and looked every bit like a California beach boy, and he had an arm around Sakura, which both Syaoran and Touya wanted to chop off. The arm, not Sakura.
"Touya, Syaoran," Sakura said, breathless, "This is Toby Mawasomi. He's from America. He was my best friend in junior high. Well, other than Meiling and Tomoyo, I mean."
"Nice to meet you," Touya said curtly, and held out a hand for Toby to shake.
"Hey!" Toby grinned, flashing his 1000-watt smile at Touya, and shook his hand.
"This is Syaoran. He's Meiling's cousin. And this is Touya…my brother," Sakura introduced.
Toby raised his eyebrows, "Brother, eh?"
"Yeah. Why don't we all sit down and talk?" Sakura suggested, "While we get you guys some tea."
"Water would be fine," Syaoran and Touya said.
"Coke for me," Toby said.
Meiling raised an eyebrow, "All right. We'll drink the tea."
Five minutes later, they were all settled down on the couch and were sipping their drinks.
"So, tell me about you two," Touya said suspiciously.
"Oh. We met in sixth grade. I liked her," Toby laughed, "But she wouldn't have anything to do with me."
Syaoran grinned on the inside, bur Toby continued on, "And so we just decided to be friends. Meiling and Tomoyo decided that they liked me, and throughout junior high and high school, us four were best friends."
"Interesting. None of them mentioned you," Syaoran said.
Toby laughed, "Probably not. I went to America for college, back where I came from. I was adopted by my Japanese parents. Therefore, my Japanese surname. I work for Newsweek."
"You never told me you were stopping by!" Sakura said.
"We wanted it to be a surprised. He's staying here for a week between planes from Bahrain and New York," Meiling explained.
"Mm," Touya said, "Where are you going to sleep?"
Toby shrugged, "Here."
Touya nearly choked, "What?"
"I don't see what's so wrong with that," Meiling objected, "I mean, he's stayed at our house for days back in junior high and high school."
"Don't you have any other friends?" Syaoran asked pointedly.
Toby laughed, "Nobody liked me because I was too blond. The girls did, and that gave the guys more reasons to hate me. Oh, Sakura, show them this."
Toby took a small picture out from his wallet, a worn and wrinkled picture.
"Oh, it's your prom picture!" Tomoyo exclaimed, "I haven't seen it in ages!"
Syaoran took it and looked at it.
He nearly gasped when he saw her grinning coyly at the camera, outfitted in a light pink strapless ball gown.
Toby's blond hair was sticking up messily and he looked out of place in his black suit, but he was also beaming at camera, his hands around Sakura's waist.
"Who did you guys go to the prom with?" Touya asked.
Tomoyo said, "Some guy from my chemistry class."
Meiling grinned, "I went solo. And I had a damn good time."
Tomoyo protested, "You took another girl's date at the dance! And then he took you to the party!"
Meiling shrugged, "He kept on stepping on my feet."
Syaoran couldn't tear his eyes away from the picture.
Sakura was so beautiful…
"Can I have my picture back?" Toby asked.
"Huh. Oh, here, take it," Syaoran handed the picture back to Toby, who tucked it securely back into his wallet.
"Well, I'm going to take a nap," Toby yawned, "Jet lag."
"All right. You can sleep in Yuki's bed for now. He's not home," Sakura said, and led Toby to the bedroom.
Touya commented to Syaoran, "I don't like that kid."
Syaoran snorted, "Neither do I."
"You guys are so judgmental," Meiling whacked a sofa cushion at Syaoran, "He's perfectly nice. We love him."
"That's why. It's not good for a guy to have to undivided attention and care of three women," Touya said.
"Oh, whatever. He's leaving in a week, so be nice to him," Tomoyo said.
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That night…
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Syaoran went out jogging around nine.
It was freezing cold, but he had to get away from the apartment once in a while.
Syaoran expertly paced himself and just ran, and not to his surprise he ended up in Sakura's apartment.
Syaoran grinned and headed around the apartment to the playground, when he heard voices that made him stop.
He snuck around and peered at the playground.
It was Toby and Sakura out on the playground, with Toby pushing Sakura while she flew on the swings.
They were both laughing and talking, but Syaoran couldn't hear what they were saying.
He looked at them, and couldn't help but feel jealous…although he couldn't imagine why.
Syaoran sighed, and turned to run back home.
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"What did you think of my friends?" Sakura asked.
"Which ones? The two guys?" Toby asked, pushing Sakura.
"Uh huh. What did you think of Touya? The older one? He's my brother," Sakura said.
"That surprised me. I guess he was okay, but I don't think any of them liked me," Toby said.
Sakura laughed, "That doesn't shock me. Those two are probably jealous."
"I think the brown-haired one likes you," Toby said.
"What? Syaoran? No way. We're just friends," Sakura said.
"That's what everyone says," Toby teased.
He then got serious and said, "I came here to talk to you."
"About what?" Sakura asked, turning around midair.
"Well, I have some connections all throughout the world in different magazine," Toby began.
Sakura snorted, then said, "Go on."
"And one of my friends says that they need a new face in their magazine. A model. For Vogue. I instantly thought of you. And if you want, you could try it," Toby said.
Sakura slowed the swing down suddenly.
"That's so weird," Sakura smiled.
"What is?" Toby asked.
"My mom was a model. Nadeshiko Kinimoto," Sakura said.
"Oh. It must run in the family then. Does it mean that you'll do it?" Toby asked.
"I'll give it a try. What do I do?" Sakura asked.
Toby fished in his pocket for his wallet and took out a business card.
"Call this number. They'll probably arrange an appointment with you, and see if you're good enough. Keep in mind that modeling is risky business," Toby warned.
"I know," Sakura said, and gave Toby a hug, "Thank you."
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Sakura nervously bit her fingernails as dial tone rang.
"Hello? Vogue Modeling Department, Cheryl speaking," a voice said.
"Hello? Hi, my name is Sakura Yuki-Kinomoto. My friend Toby Mawasomi gave me Mr. Sukutchi's business card, and I'm supposed to make an appointment with him," Sakura blurted out.
"Oh, all right. The name's Kinomoto?" Cheryl asked.
"Um, Yuki-Kinomoto," Sakura said, wondering why she had added the last part.
"Sounds familiar. All right, Mr. Sukutchi can see you tomorrow at five-thirty. Is that all right with you?" the chirpy voice asked.
"That sounds fine," Sakura said, "Thank you very much."
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Syaoran was walking to the car from the post office, having bought some stamps, when he caught sight of Toby.
He was walking on the sidewalk, talking in a cell phone with a bag slung over his shoulder.
Toby was easy to spot, what with his blond hair standing him out of the brown-and-black headed crowd.
Toby closed his cell phone and saw Syaoran, and waved his arm in greeting.
"Want to get a cup of coffee?" Toby asked cheerfully.
"Um, all right," Syaoran said, shrugging.
They walked into a Starbucks, and ordered some lattes.
The two men sat down on the couches with their drinks, sipping them slowly.
Toby started the conversation, "I don't think you like me."
Syaoran looked up from his drink, "Huh. Oh," he shrugged.
"And I think I know why," Toby tapped his cup gently, "I think you're jealous of me."
Syaoran's eyebrows shot up, and Toby said, "You don't have to be. I think you think that I want Sakura, but I don't. I love her as my sister. And I think you should hurry up and catch her before anyone else does."
Syaoran said gruffly, "Who ever said I liked her?"
"I can tell," Toby grinned, "Or at least you're beginning to like her. I know these things."
"How?" Syaoran asked.
"I'm a photographer. Looking through the camera, I can see more than one perspective. And right now, I think you and Sakura would be perfect for each other. Go for it."
Syaoran shrugged, "Whatever."
Toby smiled and said, "I got to go back. I promised to buy a gallon of milk for the ladies."
"All right. See you," Syaoran said, warming slightly up to this weird American kid.
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Next day…Sakura's interview
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"Oh my god, what the hell am I going to wear?" Sakura frantically asked, throwing around clothes.
"Relax, Sakura. It's just an interview," Toby said, popping the tab off of a coke.
"An interview? I want to get this job, I'm sick and tired of working at the damn restaurant and the school---where is my pink skirt?" Sakura demanded.
"Here, wear this," Toby threw a tan, brown and red plaid knit skirt at her, which came down halfway between her ankles and knees.
"And this," Toby picked up a brown long-sleeved shirt and handed it to Sakura.
"Wear your brown boots and sweep your hair back. The skirt makes your legs look long, the boots give you three more inches added to your height, and the shirt makes you look thin. Sweeping you hair back gives your face the camera-square," Toby lectured, "I didn't go to three different colleges majoring in photography for nothing. And ogling at French models, either."
"Thanks, Toby," Sakura gave him a hug, "You're the best."
"All right. Now go kick their asses," Toby ordered, "Or I'll kick yours."
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Sakura nervously sat down in the waiting area of the large Vogue building.
She played with a strand of hair until a receptionist, Cheryl, called out, "Miss Sakura Yuki-Kinomoto?"
Sakura stood up, and raised her hand, "Here."
"Mr. Sukutchi will see you now," Cheryl said.
Sakura smoothened her skirt out and walked, hopefully gracefully, to the room Cheryl had directed her to.
She knocked before entering, and bowed respectfully to the fat old man who was sitting on his chair smoking a cigar.
"Miss Yuki-Kinomoto? It's a pleasure to meet you. I understand you were referred to by a Mr. Toby Mawasomi? He's a good friend of mine," Mr. Sukutchi greeted.
"Me too," Sakura smiled, "How are you?"
"I'm just fine. Now…Kinomoto…I've heard of that name before. It rings a bell," Mr. Sukutchi mused.
"Nadeshiko Kinomoto was my mother. She was a model," Sakura said.
"Ah! Nadeshiko!" Mr. Sukutchi pulled out a drawer.
"She was my best model," Mr. Sukutchi said, "Very young and beautiful."
"You knew her?" Sakura asked eagerly.
"She worked directly under me," Mr. Sukutchi said, and exclaimed, "Ah hah! Here we go."
He pulled out a file and opened it.
There were torn pages from magazines, covers and advertisements, and separate photos.
"This was your mother, indeed. You two look exactly alike," Mr. Sukutchi proclaimed.
Sakura took the photos and examined them.
What everyone had said was true…she did look like Nadeshiko.
"I never knew my mother," Sakura admitted, "She died before I could remember her."
Mr. Sukutchi clicked his tongue sympathetically, and said, "You may keep those photos if you like. I have many more of them."
"Thank you sir. Now, what are we supposed to do for the interview?" Sakura asked.
Mr. Sukutchi waved his hand, "No need. You're hired. You're perfect for the job. Especially with some family background," he winked.
Sakura blushed, "Thank you sir!"
"Now, we're starting our spring wardrobe. It comes out in two months; March. So we need to get right to work. Is Monday, tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure!" Sakura exclaimed eagerly.
"We'll discuss pay and benefits later. Come directly to my office tomorrow, and I'll give you a personal tour around the building," Mr. Sukutchi said.
"Thank you, sir!" Sakura bowed again and left the room.
She had a broad grin on as she left Mr. Sukutchi's office, and smiled at Cheryl.
Cheryl asked, "Did you get the job?"
"Yup!" Sakura exclaimed.
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End of chapter 9. Next chapter, "Two Kidnappings in One Day."
A/N: Hm, is it time to update so soon? I guess it is. Well…the next chapter will be up on the 16th…hopefully, by then, I'll have finished the whole series. I'm thinking of starting a couple of new fanfics…I've tried, but I've been focusing on this lately, plus I haven't had much time to write, what with school and all. So…please review!! And btw, put your e-mail in your review if you want me to e-mail you when I update!!
