Disclaimers: Winged Guardian: Card Captor Sakura isn't for me to call my own, though I
wish dearly that it is.
Note:
"..." stands for speech
[...] stands for thoughts
{...} stands for author's comments
'...' stands for the chapter's title
Cold-blooded Assassin
By Winged Guardian
Chapter Three: 'Syaoran Li'
The minute Syaoran stepped out of the shadows, Sakura spun around, all senses alert.
Bright green orbs met his burning amber gaze as Sakura drew her in breath sharply, in
an inaudible gasp.
Syaoran's POV
Syaoran saw a flicker of some unreadable emotion cross her emerald eyes as 'he' stared
back at him steadily, almost defiantly, meeting his ocher eyes boldly. [It looks like
recognition, coupled with something else...but it can't be...how can 'he' already know
who I am when I haven't even introduced myself yet??]
Both of them stood stock-still, unmoving in their positions, for what felt like an eternity,
both not breaking the other's gaze.
Sakura met his eyes all too clearly, without the slightest hint of hesitation.
Syaoran just stared at her steadily as she returned his stare with a glare of her own, with
more than just a hint of challenge in those blazing green eyes.
That was something defensive in the manner Sakura met Syaoran's eyes and Syaoran
sensed it.
There was something more to 'Yukito' than 'he' let on, but he just couldn't put his
finger on exactly what it was. 'He' was just different and Syaoran certainly intended to
find out what it was if it was the last thing he did.
The moment he met 'his' cool green eyes, he had sensed it. There was an air of
obscurity surrounding the mysterious stranger with the haunting emerald eyes. Syaoran
knew at once that 'he' was hiding something the moment he set eyes on him. 'Yukito'
also had, strangely, a sense of helplessness and great sorrow radiating from his unseen
aura, and there was just something about 'him' which attracted and drew Syaoran to
'him', like a fluttering moth to a flickering lamp.
'Yukito' seemed vulnerable, and yet also very strong at the same time.
One thing Syaoran was sure of, 'Yukito' was definitely very willful and could be
extremely obstinate if he wanted to. He could see it in 'his' resolute green eyes, the way
'he' had locked his eyes with 'his' own unwavering gaze and the way his jaw was set
determinedly.
Syaoran could tell that he had to be careful around 'Yukito' and 'his' trust was hard won
and had to be proven.
What Sakura did not know was, the bigger the challenge, the more she intrigued Syaoran,
and the more determined Syaoran was to solve her mystery
{ Winged Guardian: Sakura is growing into another Touya, don't you think?? I guess it
runs in the family. *smirks*
Sakura: *indignantly* Am not! Mou! You meanie! }
Sakura's POV
Sakura had known who it was the minute she saw him.
He was Syaoran Li.
Angered by his spying, she stared at him defiantly, with an air of unbreakable
resolution, giving him eye for eye, gaze for gaze.
Unfazed by her ferocious glare, he had crossed his arms and leant against the wall,
examining her quietly.
Sakura saw his powerful air of acute concentration as he studied her.
He gave off the sense that he was used to obedience and his amber eyes demanded her
darkest secrets, penetrating her shell of cool reserve and tense wariness.
She felt naked under his burning ocher gaze which seemed to uncover her deepest
secrets.
She felt as if his intense amber gaze could pierce through the mask she wore on the
outside, seeing right to her heart and stripping her soul of all her hidden secrets.
She could tell that he was a perceptive and observant person and she couldn't shake off
the feeling that he had somehow seen through her icy exterior to glimpse a little of her
hidden self and emotions.
She felt uneasy under his deep scrutiny but she was certainly not going to allow him the
pleasure of seeing her discomfort.
No, she glared right back at him, daring him to do even more.
He just stared back at her calmly, refusing to tear his gaze away from her eyes.
She knew that he would come up with something. He wasn't one to pass up a challenge.
She would have to be all the more careful.
Sakura did not want to be discovered and the sooner she completed the mission, the
better.
[Watch out, Syaoran Li.]
She smirked.
[You don't know what you have gotten yourself into. No one messes with Agent 0711
and lived to tell the tale.]
Normal POV
There was a tense silence between the two 'men' as their gazes locked, both
refusing to look away.
That is, until...
The sound of high-pitched giggles brought them back to reality.
And Sakura and Syaoran came back to themselves with a jolt and similar frowns
appeared on both their faces when they found themselves surrounded by swooning girls
who looked absolutely delighted and overjoyed to see two gorgeous 'guys'.
"Tsukishiro, please come this way." Syaoran said courteously but firmly.
Sakura was more than glad to get away from these giggly girls.
At moments like these, she was more aware of her real sex than ever and she felt a fool.
Sakura nodded curtly in agreement and both 'men' started walking hastily towards the
lift which was located at the end of the room.
On their way to the lift, they passed quite a few rows of tables and tried to be discreet as
they could. However, they still attracted female attention and heads turned wherever they
went.
The whole female population in the room was staring at them as if their dreams had all
come true.
"The new guy's cute!"
"Yeah, he's adorable!"
At that, Sakura almost choked. Her, cute!?!?? Adorable!?!?!?!! Kami-Sama!!
Syaoran fought to keep his smile from turning into a smirk and succeeded only by the
barest of fractions.
By then, the male population was glaring at Sakura spitefully. This guy was new and he
was already a hot shot with the girls!!! Who was he and how dare he!!?!
Sakura saw their hostility and gave them so fierce a glare that the entire room
immediately fell into an unnatural and uncomfortable silence.
The males who had glared had her were promptly starting to regret it severely and their
eyes were darting around the room nervously, their gazes falling on anywhere but her.
Syaoran raised an eyebrow, impressed by the young 'man' 's ability to influence others.
However, the noisy females could not manage such a feat as to stay quiet for long. After
a few minutes, their chatter filled up the whole room once again.
"The new guy looks so sexy!!"
Sakura was starting to feel rather sick, hearing their seductive whispers aimed at her.
Perhaps disguising herself as a guy wasn't such a good idea after all.........
The corners of Syaoran's mouth was twitching uncontrollably when he saw the
younger 'man''s expression.
"Do you think he'll be interested in a date??"
[Not a chance.] Sakura thought darkly.
"No way!! I saw him first!!"
"He talked to me!" the clerk said possessively.
By then, Sakura wanted out, and increased her walking speed, attempting to ignore the
loud whispers.
"So what? He'll never be interested in you in a million years!"
[Yeah, that's right. And this extends to all of you.] Sakura thought sarcastically.
The whole room fell into a hurt silence.
Then, Sakura realized that she had accidentally spoken her last thought out loud.
All eyes were on her.
Syaoran smile turned into a one-sided smirk.
How was 'Yukito' going to get out of that mess?
Sakura cursed herself mentally.
Not wanting to hurt the girls or their pride, Sakura sighed and said loudly for all to hear,
"I already have a fiancée."
"A fiancée." Sakura repeated slowly, as if talking to a backward child.
There were disappointed murmurs from the females and relieved sighs from the males.
Before Sakura could rest her heart at ease, the noise level increased dramatically again.
"Well, I bet I can make that new guy fall for me!"
"Yeah! That's an idea! After all, they not married yet! There's still a chance!"
"Yeah, we'll just have to work harder!!!"
By then, all color had drained from Sakura and her face was a ghostly white.
Instead of killing their hopes, she had somehow unintentionally added fuel to the fire.
Syaoran's smile had turned out into an all-out smirk which was clearly visible.
Oh well, what could he say? It was true that after all, misery loves company and someone
was finally experiencing what he had felt all those excruciating years of pure torture and
painful suffering.
However, the tables turned.
"Nah! Li's cuter!!"
"Yeah, he's such a hunk!"
"Look at all his muscles, the sensuous lips...I bet he's a great kisser!"
Many females sighed at that, blissful expressions on their faces as they fantasized what it
would be like to kiss Syaoran.
"I wonder how it feels like to be kissed by him..."
"Oh my god...if he did that to me, I wouldn't eat or drink for a month at the very least!!"
Sighs of agreement greeted that sentence.
By now, Sakura was smirking and watching Syaoran Li, clearly amused by his facial expressions.
He had at first turned as white as a sheet, then he blushed a million shades of red, and
then his face turned an interesting shade of purple.
"Well, well," Sakura drawled, unable to resist the overpowering temptation, "Looks like
someone here has captured the sexual affections from the majority of the women working
in this building. Wonder what you did to get them so obsessed with you..."
Making her voice high and shrill, Sakura swung her hips from side to side and
mimicked the women, putting emphasis on his name, "his sensuous lips...I wonder how it
feels like to be kissed by Syaoran...Oh my god...I wouldn't eat or drink for a month at the
very least!!"
At that, Syaoran had turned a darker shade of red than believed possible and now
resembled an over-ripe tomato.
Giggles were heard from the room and the women who said that were looking rather
embarrassed as their colleagues teased them ceaselessly, without mercy.
All eyes were on Syaoran and the newcomer.
Guffaws were heard from the males who were trying desperately to contain their
laughter but were failing miserably.
The blushing furiously Syaoran was humiliated and extremely embarrassed.
Not to mention annoyed.
Did I mention annoyed??
Ah yes, but that word doesn't fit it.
It was more like, oh, I don't know, mad, furious, fuming, infuriated, enraged, incensed.
Oh yes, he was utterly livid.
'Yukito Tsukishiro' was dead meat.
Syaoran gritted her teeth and jammed his hands into his pocket. It took every single bit
of his willpower to control himself and keep from strangling 'Yukito' and murdering him
slowly with his bare hands.
What really got to him was how much 'Yukito' had sounded like the women. 'He'
sounded very real and woman-like.
Syaoran barely composed himself before he turned slowly to the smirking 'Yukito' and
gave him a death-glare that clearly said "SHUT-UP-IF-YOU-VALUE-YOUR-LIFE"
To annoy him even further, Sakura appeared unaffected by his murderous glare,
continuing to smirk at the steadily growing angrier by the second Syaoran. Sakura gave
him an innocent smile which was dripping with sweetness.
It didn't fool him for a second.
He continued glaring at Sakura and his fists clenched into balls which didn't go unnoticed
by Sakura.
Sakura just gave him an infuriating smile.
She was enjoying herself immensely. [This is what you get, Syaoran Li, when dealing
with 0711. I can't have you disrupting my plans and ruining my mission which is to
annihilate you and besides, that's what you get for smirking at my misfortune just now.]
Syaoran scowled ferociously and looked like he was ready to kill anyone who came near
to him within a mile's radius. 'Yukito' was starting to remind him strongly of his
annoying cousin, Eriol.
[Oh, Kami-Sama!! Not yet another Eriol!!! What have I done to offend you!??!?!?!
Why is there always someone to make my life a living hell???!!! What have I done in my
past life to deserve all this!?!??!]
Sakura relented and made a wise decision to remain silent for the rest of the walk to their
destination.
*^*^*^*^*
5 minutes later
Sakura stepped into a richly furnished, well-designed and comfortable office which was
currently empty of its occupants.
Syaoran had decided to let it go for the moment but he swore vengeance for that
incident.
There was no way that 'Yukito' was going get off the hook so easily. Oh no, he was
going to lie low for the time being and torture him with the suspense and unease before
working his revenge on 'him'.
He studied Sakura quietly as she examined the room.
The room was painted a light shade of green, [Pretty unusual, for an office] Sakura noted
[Judging by the furniture, this office must be of someone of high status and the light
green signifies that this room is a private office. Obviously, this is the office of someone
of high importance.]
[The question is whose office this is.]
"This is my office," Syaoran said casually, knowing that she was wondering that by the
way she examined her surroundings.
Sakura nodded her head, careful to hide her surprise that he could tell what she was
thinking about. That explained the furniture and the walls. She would have to be more
careful. She did not want him interpreting her every move.
She wanted to lie low for the moment, before finding out more, then executing her plans
and confronting him.
She waited patiently for him to start the interview.
Syaoran studied 'Yukito'. Seeing 'his' expectant look, Syaoran started his interrogation.
"Where and what was your last job??"
"Tsuki Corporate Private Limited. Personal assistant."
"Why did you quit?"
Syaoran's amber eyes never left her emerald ones.
He watched her carefully, looking for signs of deceit.
"My boss died by consuming a venomous poison." Sakura said smoothly, lowering her
eyes, hinting sorrow.
[Yeah, my mission was completed. There was no reason for me to remain there.]
Syaoran nodded his head, accepting her explanation.
However, raising an eyebrow, he asked, slightly incredulous, "Poisoned???"
[This kind of things rarely happens. I mean, poison?? Shot, maybe, but, poisoned???]
Hearing the disbelief in his tone, Sakura nodded affirmative, "He was eating dinner
when he just suddenly dropped dead.", leaving out that she was the one who he was
having dinner with.
Sakura was a master at herb lore and achieved many awards for her extensive
knowledge that surpassed many other professionals who worked on it all of their lives.
She also had a degree in medicines and would have furthered her studies had the accident
not happened.
As for the poison, she had made it herself, being an expert in the uses of plants
and even animals, such as the elephant's tusks, some species of snakes' skin or even the
antlers of some species of antelope. The resulting concoction was a deadly transparent
liquid that blended in with all types of drinks within a few seconds. It was tasteless and
no one could tell the difference. A drop of that poisonous potion could make a full grown
man lose consciousness immediately. It was built to kill silently and painlessly. It left no
traces in the victim's body. She had named it the Silencer. It consisted of various poisons
from some species of spiders, snakes, and lord knows what else. It had taken her a month
of sleepless nights to get it right, as some poisons cancelled out the effects of other
poisons and she had to balance it properly, using chemicals to neutralize some of its
effects to leave no sign of its existence.
And only she had the andidote.
Syaoran suddenly recalled the incident not too long ago which caught his attention. [Ah,
so that's who 'Yukito' had been working for.]
"Okay. I've viewed your qualifications and they are satisfactory. You're hired." Syaoran
said.
Sakura smiled, a glint in her pale green eyes.
"However," Syaoran continued in a business-like tone, "I assume that you already know
that you are expected to be responsible and punctual. Incompetence will not be stood for
and good quality work is expected from you. If you wish to take leave for personal
reasons, they have to be liable and you have to consult me beforehand. And last of all,
you cannot just resign whenever you like."
A wicked smile appeared on Sakura's face and she said sweetly, "You should never
assume things, Mr. Li."
Syaoran gave her a glare.
"Appearances can be deceiving." Sakura finished, nonchalantly.
His amber eyes narrowed as he studied 'him'. What did that mean?
Sakura just continued smiling at him innocently.
His dark amber eyes flashed in response to the challenge, more determined than ever to
learn his secrets.
[I'll find out if it's the last thing I do...You're not who you seem you are and one way or
another, I will discover what you are hiding, Yukito Tsukishiro.]
Suddenly, Syaoran realized that a good way to start was to find out more about 'Yukito'
and since this was an interview, he had the right to asked all the questions he wanted.
Smiling wolfishly, Syaoran asked, "So, do you live alone?"
Sakura stared at him suspiciously and answered him warily, "Yes."
"Then what about your fiancée??" Syaoran asked sweetly, "Isn't she going to move in
soon?? When will your marriage be?"
Caught off guard, a light blush crept across her cheeks and she stared at him, speechless.
Syaoran grinned. He was enjoying himself.
Recovering promptly, Sakura glared at him and muttered lowly, "Dirty-minded
pervert..."
Syaoran heard that and turned a deep shade of red, protesting violently, "No, I don't
mean it that way! Anyway, isn't it natural that you would, err...feel some attraction or
desire for her??"
Sakura's furious blush became evident and she thought [Definitely not! Tomoyo is like
a sister to me and besides, I'm a girl! And she isn't really my fiancée anyway!! But what
am I going to say to him??? I certainly can't say no!! Wait a minute. Why are we having
this sort of conversation anyway!??!?!?!]
"Why are you asking about this, anyway?? What has it got to do with company
affairs???" Sakura asked defensively.
Syaoran seemed caught. His brain worked feverishly, searching desperately for a
suitable answer.
"I need to know more about you to work well together." Syaoran supplied hastily.
Sakura eyed him suspiciously, "You're talking about my fiancée, not me." She stated,
putting Syaoran into a further stage of discomfort.
"Err..." Syaoran mumbled, eyes downcast.
"What? I can't hear you." Sakura said, a mischievous glint in her playful green eyes.
Syaoran looked up and saw the spark. Realizing that Sakura did that deliberately, his
cool amber eyes narrowed dangerously and a smirk appeared on his face.
Two could play at this game.
"What?? You want me to come nearer??" Syaoran asked huskily, his voice a low
murmur as he leant closer to her, his breath warm in her ear.
Sakura swallowed and she tried to move away, staring at him nervously.
Syaoran smirked, amused at her obvious distress.
And then...
He got closer...
Closer...
Closer...
And closer...
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Doesn't this scene seem awfully familiar? *far too cheerfully*
People: *growls*
Winged Guardian: *grins*
=====================================================================================
Just when he was scant inches from her ear, Syaoran finished the sentence.
"TSUKISHIRO?!?!?!" he yelled loudly, bursting her eardrums and deafening her.
"HOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Sakura shrieked, and it sounded through the entire
building.
Employees stopped their work to stare in the direction of the office.
"The interview seems to be going quite nicely," one of them said, smirking.
The others snickered loudly.
{ Winged Guardian: Haha! Fooled ya!! Syaoran doesn't know that Sakura's a girl......
.........yet *smirks* }
Syaoran collapsed on the floor, laughing hysterically.
[The look on 'Tsukishiro' face was priceless!!!]
Sakura gave him a venomous glare which could strip paint.
She looked ready to murder him.
Syaoran saw the deadly look on her face and sobered instantly, quickly composing
himself.
He stood up and brushed non-existent dust from his slightly wrinkled clothes.
He just couldn't resist it.
Smirking, he commented casually, in a tone like he was talking about the weather, "By
the way, you sounded like a girl."
At that, Sakura turned a deathly pale and her anger drained out of her immediately.
She swallowed and cursed herself mentally. [BAKA!! BAKA!! BAKA!! You forgot to
disguise your voice when he gave you a shock!!! You almost ruined everything!!! Now,
ACT like a boy!!]
Sakura growled, low in her throat and glared daggers at him.
Syaoran hastily moved a safe distance away from her and changed the subject rapidly,
"Why do you wear that turban??"
Syaoran screamed at himself mentally. [What a lame subject!!!]
Sakura looked uncomfortable and said quickly, "It is for religious purposes."
Syaoran stopped yelling at himself mentally and eyed her carefully. [Is it me? Or does
'Yukito Tsukishiro' feel uncomfortable talking about the turban??]
Sakura fidgeted under his close scrutiny.
[Oh well. Perhaps turbans are sensitive subjects to people of that religion.] Syaoran
thought, dismissing it.
"Never mind." Syaoran said. "What about your parents??"
Sakura heaved a sigh of relief in her mind and returned to glaring at him crossly.
"Choked to death." Sakura said, glaring at Syaoran as if she was wishing that Syaoran
would choke to his death.
"Your sister?"
"Died of the Mad Cow Disease."
"Your brother?"
"Killer litter."
"Your cousins?"
"They strangled one another to death."
"Your aunts and uncles?"
"Drowned."
"Your nieces and nephews?"
"Committed suicide."
Syaoran had to choke down his laughter. 'Yukito' was glaring at him as if he wished that
all those things happened to him.
"My, what tragic endings. How creative." Syaoran said, clearly amused.
"So, why are you the only one still alive??"
A flicker of some unfathomable emotion crossed her pale green eyes, as she suddenly
looked haunted and furtive but it passed so quickly that Syaoran wasn't sure that he really
saw it.
But, during that split-second, Sakura had seemed so vulnerable and something new, a
strange warm emotion of fierce protectiveness came over Syaoran; and for some
unknown reason, Syaoran found himself wanting to take Sakura into his arms and
comfort her, promising that no one would ever hurt her again.
The strange emotion passed, leaving Syaoran feeling confused.
"No idea." Sakura said in an emotionless tone in answer to his question.
Somehow, Sakura seemed even more distant than she had been before, cold and aloof to
the world.
She had shut herself away.
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: *hums a tune, seemingly harmless*
But things are never what they seem
Suddenly
*starts yelling happily* PEOPLE!!!! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winged Guardian: *smirks at the people groaning on the floor, clutching their deafened eardrums*
Hope you enjoyed reading my fanfic!!!
~ Winged Guardian ~
Heart_given_Wings@hotmail.com
wish dearly that it is.
Note:
"..." stands for speech
[...] stands for thoughts
{...} stands for author's comments
'...' stands for the chapter's title
Cold-blooded Assassin
By Winged Guardian
Chapter Three: 'Syaoran Li'
The minute Syaoran stepped out of the shadows, Sakura spun around, all senses alert.
Bright green orbs met his burning amber gaze as Sakura drew her in breath sharply, in
an inaudible gasp.
Syaoran's POV
Syaoran saw a flicker of some unreadable emotion cross her emerald eyes as 'he' stared
back at him steadily, almost defiantly, meeting his ocher eyes boldly. [It looks like
recognition, coupled with something else...but it can't be...how can 'he' already know
who I am when I haven't even introduced myself yet??]
Both of them stood stock-still, unmoving in their positions, for what felt like an eternity,
both not breaking the other's gaze.
Sakura met his eyes all too clearly, without the slightest hint of hesitation.
Syaoran just stared at her steadily as she returned his stare with a glare of her own, with
more than just a hint of challenge in those blazing green eyes.
That was something defensive in the manner Sakura met Syaoran's eyes and Syaoran
sensed it.
There was something more to 'Yukito' than 'he' let on, but he just couldn't put his
finger on exactly what it was. 'He' was just different and Syaoran certainly intended to
find out what it was if it was the last thing he did.
The moment he met 'his' cool green eyes, he had sensed it. There was an air of
obscurity surrounding the mysterious stranger with the haunting emerald eyes. Syaoran
knew at once that 'he' was hiding something the moment he set eyes on him. 'Yukito'
also had, strangely, a sense of helplessness and great sorrow radiating from his unseen
aura, and there was just something about 'him' which attracted and drew Syaoran to
'him', like a fluttering moth to a flickering lamp.
'Yukito' seemed vulnerable, and yet also very strong at the same time.
One thing Syaoran was sure of, 'Yukito' was definitely very willful and could be
extremely obstinate if he wanted to. He could see it in 'his' resolute green eyes, the way
'he' had locked his eyes with 'his' own unwavering gaze and the way his jaw was set
determinedly.
Syaoran could tell that he had to be careful around 'Yukito' and 'his' trust was hard won
and had to be proven.
What Sakura did not know was, the bigger the challenge, the more she intrigued Syaoran,
and the more determined Syaoran was to solve her mystery
{ Winged Guardian: Sakura is growing into another Touya, don't you think?? I guess it
runs in the family. *smirks*
Sakura: *indignantly* Am not! Mou! You meanie! }
Sakura's POV
Sakura had known who it was the minute she saw him.
He was Syaoran Li.
Angered by his spying, she stared at him defiantly, with an air of unbreakable
resolution, giving him eye for eye, gaze for gaze.
Unfazed by her ferocious glare, he had crossed his arms and leant against the wall,
examining her quietly.
Sakura saw his powerful air of acute concentration as he studied her.
He gave off the sense that he was used to obedience and his amber eyes demanded her
darkest secrets, penetrating her shell of cool reserve and tense wariness.
She felt naked under his burning ocher gaze which seemed to uncover her deepest
secrets.
She felt as if his intense amber gaze could pierce through the mask she wore on the
outside, seeing right to her heart and stripping her soul of all her hidden secrets.
She could tell that he was a perceptive and observant person and she couldn't shake off
the feeling that he had somehow seen through her icy exterior to glimpse a little of her
hidden self and emotions.
She felt uneasy under his deep scrutiny but she was certainly not going to allow him the
pleasure of seeing her discomfort.
No, she glared right back at him, daring him to do even more.
He just stared back at her calmly, refusing to tear his gaze away from her eyes.
She knew that he would come up with something. He wasn't one to pass up a challenge.
She would have to be all the more careful.
Sakura did not want to be discovered and the sooner she completed the mission, the
better.
[Watch out, Syaoran Li.]
She smirked.
[You don't know what you have gotten yourself into. No one messes with Agent 0711
and lived to tell the tale.]
Normal POV
There was a tense silence between the two 'men' as their gazes locked, both
refusing to look away.
That is, until...
The sound of high-pitched giggles brought them back to reality.
And Sakura and Syaoran came back to themselves with a jolt and similar frowns
appeared on both their faces when they found themselves surrounded by swooning girls
who looked absolutely delighted and overjoyed to see two gorgeous 'guys'.
"Tsukishiro, please come this way." Syaoran said courteously but firmly.
Sakura was more than glad to get away from these giggly girls.
At moments like these, she was more aware of her real sex than ever and she felt a fool.
Sakura nodded curtly in agreement and both 'men' started walking hastily towards the
lift which was located at the end of the room.
On their way to the lift, they passed quite a few rows of tables and tried to be discreet as
they could. However, they still attracted female attention and heads turned wherever they
went.
The whole female population in the room was staring at them as if their dreams had all
come true.
"The new guy's cute!"
"Yeah, he's adorable!"
At that, Sakura almost choked. Her, cute!?!?? Adorable!?!?!?!! Kami-Sama!!
Syaoran fought to keep his smile from turning into a smirk and succeeded only by the
barest of fractions.
By then, the male population was glaring at Sakura spitefully. This guy was new and he
was already a hot shot with the girls!!! Who was he and how dare he!!?!
Sakura saw their hostility and gave them so fierce a glare that the entire room
immediately fell into an unnatural and uncomfortable silence.
The males who had glared had her were promptly starting to regret it severely and their
eyes were darting around the room nervously, their gazes falling on anywhere but her.
Syaoran raised an eyebrow, impressed by the young 'man' 's ability to influence others.
However, the noisy females could not manage such a feat as to stay quiet for long. After
a few minutes, their chatter filled up the whole room once again.
"The new guy looks so sexy!!"
Sakura was starting to feel rather sick, hearing their seductive whispers aimed at her.
Perhaps disguising herself as a guy wasn't such a good idea after all.........
The corners of Syaoran's mouth was twitching uncontrollably when he saw the
younger 'man''s expression.
"Do you think he'll be interested in a date??"
[Not a chance.] Sakura thought darkly.
"No way!! I saw him first!!"
"He talked to me!" the clerk said possessively.
By then, Sakura wanted out, and increased her walking speed, attempting to ignore the
loud whispers.
"So what? He'll never be interested in you in a million years!"
[Yeah, that's right. And this extends to all of you.] Sakura thought sarcastically.
The whole room fell into a hurt silence.
Then, Sakura realized that she had accidentally spoken her last thought out loud.
All eyes were on her.
Syaoran smile turned into a one-sided smirk.
How was 'Yukito' going to get out of that mess?
Sakura cursed herself mentally.
Not wanting to hurt the girls or their pride, Sakura sighed and said loudly for all to hear,
"I already have a fiancée."
"A fiancée." Sakura repeated slowly, as if talking to a backward child.
There were disappointed murmurs from the females and relieved sighs from the males.
Before Sakura could rest her heart at ease, the noise level increased dramatically again.
"Well, I bet I can make that new guy fall for me!"
"Yeah! That's an idea! After all, they not married yet! There's still a chance!"
"Yeah, we'll just have to work harder!!!"
By then, all color had drained from Sakura and her face was a ghostly white.
Instead of killing their hopes, she had somehow unintentionally added fuel to the fire.
Syaoran's smile had turned out into an all-out smirk which was clearly visible.
Oh well, what could he say? It was true that after all, misery loves company and someone
was finally experiencing what he had felt all those excruciating years of pure torture and
painful suffering.
However, the tables turned.
"Nah! Li's cuter!!"
"Yeah, he's such a hunk!"
"Look at all his muscles, the sensuous lips...I bet he's a great kisser!"
Many females sighed at that, blissful expressions on their faces as they fantasized what it
would be like to kiss Syaoran.
"I wonder how it feels like to be kissed by him..."
"Oh my god...if he did that to me, I wouldn't eat or drink for a month at the very least!!"
Sighs of agreement greeted that sentence.
By now, Sakura was smirking and watching Syaoran Li, clearly amused by his facial expressions.
He had at first turned as white as a sheet, then he blushed a million shades of red, and
then his face turned an interesting shade of purple.
"Well, well," Sakura drawled, unable to resist the overpowering temptation, "Looks like
someone here has captured the sexual affections from the majority of the women working
in this building. Wonder what you did to get them so obsessed with you..."
Making her voice high and shrill, Sakura swung her hips from side to side and
mimicked the women, putting emphasis on his name, "his sensuous lips...I wonder how it
feels like to be kissed by Syaoran...Oh my god...I wouldn't eat or drink for a month at the
very least!!"
At that, Syaoran had turned a darker shade of red than believed possible and now
resembled an over-ripe tomato.
Giggles were heard from the room and the women who said that were looking rather
embarrassed as their colleagues teased them ceaselessly, without mercy.
All eyes were on Syaoran and the newcomer.
Guffaws were heard from the males who were trying desperately to contain their
laughter but were failing miserably.
The blushing furiously Syaoran was humiliated and extremely embarrassed.
Not to mention annoyed.
Did I mention annoyed??
Ah yes, but that word doesn't fit it.
It was more like, oh, I don't know, mad, furious, fuming, infuriated, enraged, incensed.
Oh yes, he was utterly livid.
'Yukito Tsukishiro' was dead meat.
Syaoran gritted her teeth and jammed his hands into his pocket. It took every single bit
of his willpower to control himself and keep from strangling 'Yukito' and murdering him
slowly with his bare hands.
What really got to him was how much 'Yukito' had sounded like the women. 'He'
sounded very real and woman-like.
Syaoran barely composed himself before he turned slowly to the smirking 'Yukito' and
gave him a death-glare that clearly said "SHUT-UP-IF-YOU-VALUE-YOUR-LIFE"
To annoy him even further, Sakura appeared unaffected by his murderous glare,
continuing to smirk at the steadily growing angrier by the second Syaoran. Sakura gave
him an innocent smile which was dripping with sweetness.
It didn't fool him for a second.
He continued glaring at Sakura and his fists clenched into balls which didn't go unnoticed
by Sakura.
Sakura just gave him an infuriating smile.
She was enjoying herself immensely. [This is what you get, Syaoran Li, when dealing
with 0711. I can't have you disrupting my plans and ruining my mission which is to
annihilate you and besides, that's what you get for smirking at my misfortune just now.]
Syaoran scowled ferociously and looked like he was ready to kill anyone who came near
to him within a mile's radius. 'Yukito' was starting to remind him strongly of his
annoying cousin, Eriol.
[Oh, Kami-Sama!! Not yet another Eriol!!! What have I done to offend you!??!?!?!
Why is there always someone to make my life a living hell???!!! What have I done in my
past life to deserve all this!?!??!]
Sakura relented and made a wise decision to remain silent for the rest of the walk to their
destination.
*^*^*^*^*
5 minutes later
Sakura stepped into a richly furnished, well-designed and comfortable office which was
currently empty of its occupants.
Syaoran had decided to let it go for the moment but he swore vengeance for that
incident.
There was no way that 'Yukito' was going get off the hook so easily. Oh no, he was
going to lie low for the time being and torture him with the suspense and unease before
working his revenge on 'him'.
He studied Sakura quietly as she examined the room.
The room was painted a light shade of green, [Pretty unusual, for an office] Sakura noted
[Judging by the furniture, this office must be of someone of high status and the light
green signifies that this room is a private office. Obviously, this is the office of someone
of high importance.]
[The question is whose office this is.]
"This is my office," Syaoran said casually, knowing that she was wondering that by the
way she examined her surroundings.
Sakura nodded her head, careful to hide her surprise that he could tell what she was
thinking about. That explained the furniture and the walls. She would have to be more
careful. She did not want him interpreting her every move.
She wanted to lie low for the moment, before finding out more, then executing her plans
and confronting him.
She waited patiently for him to start the interview.
Syaoran studied 'Yukito'. Seeing 'his' expectant look, Syaoran started his interrogation.
"Where and what was your last job??"
"Tsuki Corporate Private Limited. Personal assistant."
"Why did you quit?"
Syaoran's amber eyes never left her emerald ones.
He watched her carefully, looking for signs of deceit.
"My boss died by consuming a venomous poison." Sakura said smoothly, lowering her
eyes, hinting sorrow.
[Yeah, my mission was completed. There was no reason for me to remain there.]
Syaoran nodded his head, accepting her explanation.
However, raising an eyebrow, he asked, slightly incredulous, "Poisoned???"
[This kind of things rarely happens. I mean, poison?? Shot, maybe, but, poisoned???]
Hearing the disbelief in his tone, Sakura nodded affirmative, "He was eating dinner
when he just suddenly dropped dead.", leaving out that she was the one who he was
having dinner with.
Sakura was a master at herb lore and achieved many awards for her extensive
knowledge that surpassed many other professionals who worked on it all of their lives.
She also had a degree in medicines and would have furthered her studies had the accident
not happened.
As for the poison, she had made it herself, being an expert in the uses of plants
and even animals, such as the elephant's tusks, some species of snakes' skin or even the
antlers of some species of antelope. The resulting concoction was a deadly transparent
liquid that blended in with all types of drinks within a few seconds. It was tasteless and
no one could tell the difference. A drop of that poisonous potion could make a full grown
man lose consciousness immediately. It was built to kill silently and painlessly. It left no
traces in the victim's body. She had named it the Silencer. It consisted of various poisons
from some species of spiders, snakes, and lord knows what else. It had taken her a month
of sleepless nights to get it right, as some poisons cancelled out the effects of other
poisons and she had to balance it properly, using chemicals to neutralize some of its
effects to leave no sign of its existence.
And only she had the andidote.
Syaoran suddenly recalled the incident not too long ago which caught his attention. [Ah,
so that's who 'Yukito' had been working for.]
"Okay. I've viewed your qualifications and they are satisfactory. You're hired." Syaoran
said.
Sakura smiled, a glint in her pale green eyes.
"However," Syaoran continued in a business-like tone, "I assume that you already know
that you are expected to be responsible and punctual. Incompetence will not be stood for
and good quality work is expected from you. If you wish to take leave for personal
reasons, they have to be liable and you have to consult me beforehand. And last of all,
you cannot just resign whenever you like."
A wicked smile appeared on Sakura's face and she said sweetly, "You should never
assume things, Mr. Li."
Syaoran gave her a glare.
"Appearances can be deceiving." Sakura finished, nonchalantly.
His amber eyes narrowed as he studied 'him'. What did that mean?
Sakura just continued smiling at him innocently.
His dark amber eyes flashed in response to the challenge, more determined than ever to
learn his secrets.
[I'll find out if it's the last thing I do...You're not who you seem you are and one way or
another, I will discover what you are hiding, Yukito Tsukishiro.]
Suddenly, Syaoran realized that a good way to start was to find out more about 'Yukito'
and since this was an interview, he had the right to asked all the questions he wanted.
Smiling wolfishly, Syaoran asked, "So, do you live alone?"
Sakura stared at him suspiciously and answered him warily, "Yes."
"Then what about your fiancée??" Syaoran asked sweetly, "Isn't she going to move in
soon?? When will your marriage be?"
Caught off guard, a light blush crept across her cheeks and she stared at him, speechless.
Syaoran grinned. He was enjoying himself.
Recovering promptly, Sakura glared at him and muttered lowly, "Dirty-minded
pervert..."
Syaoran heard that and turned a deep shade of red, protesting violently, "No, I don't
mean it that way! Anyway, isn't it natural that you would, err...feel some attraction or
desire for her??"
Sakura's furious blush became evident and she thought [Definitely not! Tomoyo is like
a sister to me and besides, I'm a girl! And she isn't really my fiancée anyway!! But what
am I going to say to him??? I certainly can't say no!! Wait a minute. Why are we having
this sort of conversation anyway!??!?!?!]
"Why are you asking about this, anyway?? What has it got to do with company
affairs???" Sakura asked defensively.
Syaoran seemed caught. His brain worked feverishly, searching desperately for a
suitable answer.
"I need to know more about you to work well together." Syaoran supplied hastily.
Sakura eyed him suspiciously, "You're talking about my fiancée, not me." She stated,
putting Syaoran into a further stage of discomfort.
"Err..." Syaoran mumbled, eyes downcast.
"What? I can't hear you." Sakura said, a mischievous glint in her playful green eyes.
Syaoran looked up and saw the spark. Realizing that Sakura did that deliberately, his
cool amber eyes narrowed dangerously and a smirk appeared on his face.
Two could play at this game.
"What?? You want me to come nearer??" Syaoran asked huskily, his voice a low
murmur as he leant closer to her, his breath warm in her ear.
Sakura swallowed and she tried to move away, staring at him nervously.
Syaoran smirked, amused at her obvious distress.
And then...
He got closer...
Closer...
Closer...
And closer...
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: Doesn't this scene seem awfully familiar? *far too cheerfully*
People: *growls*
Winged Guardian: *grins*
=====================================================================================
Just when he was scant inches from her ear, Syaoran finished the sentence.
"TSUKISHIRO?!?!?!" he yelled loudly, bursting her eardrums and deafening her.
"HOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Sakura shrieked, and it sounded through the entire
building.
Employees stopped their work to stare in the direction of the office.
"The interview seems to be going quite nicely," one of them said, smirking.
The others snickered loudly.
{ Winged Guardian: Haha! Fooled ya!! Syaoran doesn't know that Sakura's a girl......
.........yet *smirks* }
Syaoran collapsed on the floor, laughing hysterically.
[The look on 'Tsukishiro' face was priceless!!!]
Sakura gave him a venomous glare which could strip paint.
She looked ready to murder him.
Syaoran saw the deadly look on her face and sobered instantly, quickly composing
himself.
He stood up and brushed non-existent dust from his slightly wrinkled clothes.
He just couldn't resist it.
Smirking, he commented casually, in a tone like he was talking about the weather, "By
the way, you sounded like a girl."
At that, Sakura turned a deathly pale and her anger drained out of her immediately.
She swallowed and cursed herself mentally. [BAKA!! BAKA!! BAKA!! You forgot to
disguise your voice when he gave you a shock!!! You almost ruined everything!!! Now,
ACT like a boy!!]
Sakura growled, low in her throat and glared daggers at him.
Syaoran hastily moved a safe distance away from her and changed the subject rapidly,
"Why do you wear that turban??"
Syaoran screamed at himself mentally. [What a lame subject!!!]
Sakura looked uncomfortable and said quickly, "It is for religious purposes."
Syaoran stopped yelling at himself mentally and eyed her carefully. [Is it me? Or does
'Yukito Tsukishiro' feel uncomfortable talking about the turban??]
Sakura fidgeted under his close scrutiny.
[Oh well. Perhaps turbans are sensitive subjects to people of that religion.] Syaoran
thought, dismissing it.
"Never mind." Syaoran said. "What about your parents??"
Sakura heaved a sigh of relief in her mind and returned to glaring at him crossly.
"Choked to death." Sakura said, glaring at Syaoran as if she was wishing that Syaoran
would choke to his death.
"Your sister?"
"Died of the Mad Cow Disease."
"Your brother?"
"Killer litter."
"Your cousins?"
"They strangled one another to death."
"Your aunts and uncles?"
"Drowned."
"Your nieces and nephews?"
"Committed suicide."
Syaoran had to choke down his laughter. 'Yukito' was glaring at him as if he wished that
all those things happened to him.
"My, what tragic endings. How creative." Syaoran said, clearly amused.
"So, why are you the only one still alive??"
A flicker of some unfathomable emotion crossed her pale green eyes, as she suddenly
looked haunted and furtive but it passed so quickly that Syaoran wasn't sure that he really
saw it.
But, during that split-second, Sakura had seemed so vulnerable and something new, a
strange warm emotion of fierce protectiveness came over Syaoran; and for some
unknown reason, Syaoran found himself wanting to take Sakura into his arms and
comfort her, promising that no one would ever hurt her again.
The strange emotion passed, leaving Syaoran feeling confused.
"No idea." Sakura said in an emotionless tone in answer to his question.
Somehow, Sakura seemed even more distant than she had been before, cold and aloof to
the world.
She had shut herself away.
=====================================================================================
Winged Guardian: *hums a tune, seemingly harmless*
But things are never what they seem
Suddenly
*starts yelling happily* PEOPLE!!!! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winged Guardian: *smirks at the people groaning on the floor, clutching their deafened eardrums*
Hope you enjoyed reading my fanfic!!!
~ Winged Guardian ~
Heart_given_Wings@hotmail.com