Angelic Assignment


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Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura's characters, unfortunately. *tear*

Authoress Ramble: I'm sort of sad today ... I hope it doesn't affect my writing style. My boyfriend and I had a bit of a fight, you see, and I just feel really hurt right now ... oh well. Please enjoy this story ... it took a lot of willpower to write it. ^^;;;

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Sakura looked down at the driver's license held between her fingertips, blushing slightly. She still felt humiliated for what she had mistakenly done to the poor boy. He'd seemed so angry; she winced. He probably hated her now, if only in an impersonal way.

She'd apologized to Tomoyo profusely, the violet-haired girl assuring her that it was alright; those things happened. She'd cleaned up the mess successfully despite shaking hands. She hadn't expected Eriol to suddenly appear.

I guess I was just secretly hoping, Sakura thought to herself, That my visit to Heaven was nothing but a dream, and that this was my real life. But it's not; it's completely faked, all of it. Seeing Eriol made me realize that.

She sighed sadly, dispelling these thoughts. Everything was happening so quickly, and she had so little time. She needed to focus on what was important, what was real. She needed to focus on her assignment.

So that boy was my assignment, Sakura thought, recalling his face. His amber eyes had been dark and distant, perhaps saddened. His voice was so monotone, so devoid of any emotion. She hadn't been able to detect the slightest hint of happiness in him.

I suppose a suicidal person would look that way, Sakura thought. Disconnected from reality, not showing any enthusiasm toward it. Anyone would want to distance themselves from a world that had so deeply hurt them ..

This thought led Sakura to a series of new ones. What had hurt this boy so much that he wanted to die? Was he mistreated by his parents? Teased at his high school? Certainly, he must have nothing to live for ..

I probably made his life worse, she thought mournfully. Spilling hot coffee on him! My God! I've heard that little things can push suicidal people over the edge .. I hope I didn't ..

At this, Sakura began to walk a little faster. She'd stopped to ask a few random people on the streets of Obaida directions, and she knew well where she was going now. She had the address memorized.

She was going to visit Syaoran Li .. to apologize to him, and to possibly come up with some excuse to see him again.

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Sakura stood nervously in front of the large door, looking up at the house in awe. It was huge; a mansion, nearly! The doorway was fronted by two large pillars that reached up to support a second-story balcony; there were two stories above that. The house was red brick, and appeared very formal and elegant, too much so.

She blinked in confusion. Perhaps she had the wrong house. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the driver's license; no. This was correct house.

She looked back at the door again, raising her hand to ring the doorbell and then hesitating.

How could someone so suicidal live such a grand life?, she asked herself, shaking her head in disbelief. She had so much to learn about this mysterious boy.

Swallowing her fear, she rang the doorbell. She waited a moment, and before she knew it, the door opened.

A maid faced her, smiling, though in a forced sort of way. Sakura smiled nervously back.

Uhm, hello, she said shyly. I'm here to see Syaoran Li.

the maid said, looking slightly confused. Master Syaoran has so few visitors. Please, come inside.

Sakura stepped through the doorway at the maid's request, looking around the room she'd just walked into in awe. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, glittering in the light. A wide, polished staircase in front of her led up to the second story. Her shoes clicked softly on the marble floor.

Please, sit down while I inform him of your arrival, the maid said politely, gesturing to a sitting room that was just to the left of the grand entryway. Sakura walked into it and took a seat on a dark green chair, trying her best to get comfortable. She failed miserably, fidgeting in her seat while biting her bottom lip nervously.

Suddenly, a boy appeared in the doorway, his eyes narrowed. He was clearly annoyed.

Sakura gasped in half-surprise, running her eyes over him. He was wearing black swimming trunks and had a white towel slung over his shoulders, his hair disheveled and dripping wet.

In fact, he looked strangely attractive. She took in a deep breath, trying her best to focus on the task at hand .. speaking, that is.

Uhm .. hello!, Sakura blurted out. Syaoran raised an eyebrow at her.

I notice you're staring, he said bluntly. Obviously, I was just in the middle of swimming.

Sakura nodded quickly, blushing.

I'm ahh, my name is Sakura, she said. I came here to apologize about spilling your coffee on you, I really didn't mean to-

Ahh, so that's who you are, Syaoran said, unamused. I was wondering. I remember you now, but .. you came all the way here to apologize to me about that? And how the hell did you find out who I was and where I lived? Are you some kind of psy-

No, that's not the only reason, Sakura said suddenly, slightly annoying at his near-insult. You left your wallet on the table. I came here to return it.

Syaoran said, clearly surprised. He blinked twice while Sakura began to smile smugly, glad to have redeemed herself.

Here it is, she purred, setting it down on a dark wood coffee table in front of her. He stared at it for a moment, not knowing what to make of this new development. He didn't know what to say to such a kind, honest act.

I, ahh, he stuttered, looking from the wallet to Sakura to the wallet again, That is .. thank you.

You're welcome, Sakura said simply, pleased. Now, if there's any way I could repay you for that accident .. oh, I know! I'll give you a free coffee at the shop!

She smiled to herself. This was a wonderful plan .. she would lure him back to the coffee shop, where she could innocently sit at his table and strike up a conversation, slowly getting to know him and earning his trust. She'd know all of his problems in no time at all.

Syaoran, however, had different ideas. He frowned at this proposition.

No thanks, he said, narrowing his amber eyes. I have no plans to go back to your coffee shop, even if it's for free coffee. I'd prefer to go somewhere where the service is less ... clumsy.

Sakura gasped, shocked at his blunt insult. She frowned deeply, offended.

Of course, she snapped. Syaoran smiled suddenly, raising an eyebrow as though amused.

I'm sorry, he purred suddenly. That was wrong of me to say. However, I want you to pay me back in a different way .. care to take a short tour of my home?

Sakura blinked in surprise, raising her own eyebrow in suspicion. That was a sudden suggestion ... too sudden.

Sure .., she said hesitantly, standing. Syaoran grinned, flashing perfect, white teeth.

This way, he said, turning and walking down the hallway. Sakura followed, slightly confused.

This is the kitchen, Syaoran said, gesturing to doors as he passed them, This is the dining room. This is a closet ..

He's not even showing me the rooms,' Sakura thought in annoyance and suspicion. We're just walking past them! What is he up to?'

And this is the pool!, Syaoran said enthusiastically, throwing open a pair of wide French doors.

It's ... gorgeous, Sakura said, stepping behind him into a huge room with a glass dome for a ceiling. Lush, green potted plants lined its walls, making the room seem like some sort of tropical paradise. The pool itself was huge, and the hot tub near to it was just as generously-sized.

I like it, too, Syaoran said, looking over the room with new eyes. There's a nice sauna also.

Ahh ... ahh, Sakura said, only half-listening. She had never seen such a wonderful pool environment. The heavy, warm air was calming as well as encouraging, making the cool lapping water of the pool look heavenly to her body.

Syaoran walked leisurely over to the pool's edge, turning to face Sakura with a sly smile. She shook her head in awe.

This is amazing, she said distractedly. You're so lucky ..

he said, lowering his eyes slightly. I'd be lucky if I were shallow.

Sakura frowned. What do you mean?, she asked.

Syaoran shook his head quickly. he said in a low voice.

he began again, his voice brighter. I know what you can do to pay me back for that tiny little coffee incident.

Sakura asked. And what is that?

Experience for a few brief minutes the shock and anger I felt, he said simply, stepping forward. Sakura stepped back toward the water nervously, eying him with a confused expression.

But how .., she asked, blinking as though afraid. Syaoran smiled, stepping forward again and reaching out his hands.

Like this, he purred, suddenly lunging forward with his palms outstretched, pushing Sakura toward the water and over the edge of the pool.

She screamed as she lost her balance and fell backward into the pool, her body hitting the warm water with a loud splash. She kicked her way to the surface in clothes that had suddenly become very heavy and oppressive, gasping for breath when she finally found the air she was seeking.

Syaoran watched her smugly, and Sakura growled to herself, seeing this.

What a jerk,' she thought angrily. I'll show him payback!'

At this she began kicking more frantically, throwing her arms into the air wildly.

Oh my god!, she shouted. Help me! I can't swim! I'm drowning! I'm going to .. err ... die! Oh please, someone help me! I'll die! I'll die!

She cringed at the irony of her own cries.

Syaoran watched all of this in shock, suddenly growing worried and then fearful. He looked all around him, realizing that they were alone. Feeling guilty and terrified, he threw off his towel and dived gracefully into the pool.

He swam to Sakura quickly, sliding a strong arm around her slim waist and pulling her back to the edge of the pool. Sakura grabbed it with her hand, and seeing this, Syaoran climbed up over the edge of the pool, onto the floor. Sakura tried to do the same, struggling to pull herself up over the edge.

Syaoran reached out his hand to her, frowning as though deeply worried.

Sakura took it, and together they pulled her onto the floor. She rolled onto it, stopping herself on her back. She panted with her eyes closed, keeping up her act.

Syaoran kneeled at her side, looking over her worriedly with a frown straining his handsome features.

Are you alright, ahh... err ... what is your name? Will you okay?, he asked.

Sakura pretended to cough up water, reaching her hand to her throat.

My name is Sakura, she said between coughs. Sah! Kura .. !

Syaoran repeated, unsure of what to do to help her. Will you be alright?

Sakura said, her coughing' slowing suddenly. I'll be fine. What is your name?

he said worriedly. Do you need a doctor?

Sakura repeated, opening her eyes only to narrow them. No, I will not. I want you to know something.

Syaoran looked down at her face in confusion. he asked.

You're a jerk!, Sakura said suddenly, reaching her hand up to slap his face. Syaoran jerked back as she lowered her hand, shocked.

I-I guess I deserve that, he said, frowning. At least I know now you're okay.

Of course I'm okay, Sakura snapped, pulling herself into a sitting position and then to her feet. Syaoran stood as well, rubbing his cheek with his hand.

Do you always do this to people who do nice things for you?, she continued, losing her temper. Syaoran frowned.

he said numbly. He looked her over, taking in her long, drenched red hair, her dripping wet clothing. It clung to her body, revealing womanly curves and full breasts. He suddenly felt very regretful, guilty. He allowed his frown to deepen.

You're an exception, he finished with weak sarcasm, trying his best to salvage his dignity. Sakura shook her head in disbelief, still angry.

It's no wonder the maid said you had no visitors, she snapped.

At this she turned on her heel, walking quickly out of the beautiful room and down the hallway, letting herself out of the front doors. She stormed home and continued to be angry even as she dug for her keys at the doorway to her apartment, muttering under her breath about how she had never encountered anyone so frustrating.

It was only after she'd changed into dry, comfortable clothing and laid down on her bed that she began to realize her mistake.

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That's the end for now. I've been lazy as far as writing (this should have been posted days ago!), but ahh, well ... oh well. Thank you for being patient.

If you liked it, please review. I love reviews. =)

Thanks for reading!