Angelic Assignment


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

Authoress Ramble: My boyfriend sounded so sad and emotionally tired when I talked to him on the phone today, finally ... it made me so sad. I feel so helpless, because I love him so deeply and yet I can do nothing to help him ... ahh, the story, the story. Well, please enjoy it! I've been trying to work hard on it and to do my best to make the chapters full and enjoyable.

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Wonderful work, the deep voice on the other end of the line drawled sarcastically. You've succeeded in bringing them closer together. He'll be eating out of the palm of her hand in no time.

the girl protested, clutching the phone a bit tighter in her sweaty hand, I didn't know she was going to jump in and play heroine! What was I supposed to do?! It would have worked perfectly otherwise.

You should have expected that, the voice said severely. She's one of them, after all. Did you honestly believe she'd sit and watch?

The girl pouted as she felt her cheeks redden in shame.

I didn't think she'd find out about the fight, she said timidly. I didn't think she'd be around to watch, or to jump in on-

I'm very disappointed in you, the voice scolded darkly. You should plan for these things. Your job is not always an easy one. She may be new, but she has a whole shitload of divine luck on her side. She can and will interfere with our plans for him.

I understand, the girl said pleadingly. Please, don't ..

Punish you?, the voice purred. We'll see.

No, please!, the girl shouted into the receiver, suddenly standing from her previous sitting position on the couch. Please, please, I'll do better next time ... I promise I won't mess up again!

You had better not, the voice said darkly. You have two weeks to bring that boy into our grasp. If you fail ..

I won't fail, the girl vowed with a scowl. He's mine. I won't let her get in my way.

Very good, the voice purred. Do whatever you have to. Don't be afraid to go to ... extreme measures. Understand?

the girl said. I understand. I won't hold back.

the voice said. There was a brief pause. Continue with your work, then. I will see you in two weeks. Farewell, my child.

the girl said respectfully as she pressed the button on her black cellphone. She dropped it to the couch cushion unconsciously as her hand curled into a fist.

the girl mentally purred. I won't hold back.

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Sakura groaned quietly, turning over onto her side. She whimpered as her eyes fluttered open; her vision was blurry and constantly shifting, and her head was dizzy and heavy, pounding with pain.

She tried to focus on the room around her, but to no avail; she could only make out blurred, distorted shapes. She sighed, whimpering as the pounding in her head continued.

Where am I ...?, Sakura mumbled. All she could see was white, blurry white everywhere.

Am I back in Heaven again? Did I fail ..?, she muttered inaudibly.

Syaoran suddenly sat upright at the sound of Sakura's mumbling voice. He stood from his chair and walked over to her bedside.

Syaoran said hesitantly. Are you okay .. S-Sakura?

She groaned again and looked at the source of the voice, a blurry form in the shape of a man.

she asked, blinking. Uhh .. ohhh .. why does my head hurt so damn much if I'm back in ..

I'm not Eriol, Syaoran said with a sweatdrop. It's me. Syaoran. You hit your head when you fell, erhm, I mean .. when you got knocked down when .. Tachi .. hit you ..

Syaoran mentally growled as he thought of his, remembering the way Tachi had mindlessly struck her. He clenched his fist in anger .. Tachi would pay later for hitting a girl. Especially this one.

Sakura repeated, blinking in confusion. So I'm not dead ..

Syaoran said, raising an eyebrow and frowning. You're in the nurse's office.

The nurse's ... Tachi ... he hit .. oh, Sakura mumbled, her eyes widening as she began to remember. She'd been punched by the boy that was fighting with Syaoran because ... she jumped into the fight, unable to watch him be hurt ...

She blushed as the memories flooded her, remembering her immediate and selfless panic. She had been so worried over his well-being ... did she really care for Syaoran so much already ... ?

Her blushed deepened as she looked up and met Syaoran's concerned amber eyes, staring down at her disheveled body.

You remember, Syaoran stated. Sakura nodded, turning away from his penetrating gaze.

You're .. you must be crazy, Syaoran began, stuttering slightly. Why the hell did you do that? Why did you jump between us? You had to have known that you might get hurt!

I, uhm, that is, Sakura mumbled, trying to find the right words. She blushed, realizing that if she told him what had really happened, he'd know that she cared for him even though he'd clearly communicated through his actions that he did not want to be her friend.

She bit her bottom lip; what else could she say? She couldn't very well lie, and her answer was fairly obvious anyway.

I, well, Sakura began again. I didn't want to see you get hurt ..

I would have been fine, Syaoran mumbled proudly. Sakura frowned deeply.

But he had punched you hard in the stomach, and ... your lip .., she said, staring at his chin. Syaoran blushed, knowing that running down it was a dried stream of blood.

It isn't your job to protect me, he growled. I can take care of myself. I didn't ask for your help! You shouldn't have ..

I wanted to, Sakura said suddenly, blushing. Syaoran's eyes widened at this, staring at her in shock.

he stuttered, unsure of how to respond to this. You ... you still shouldn't have! I'm not worth being hurt over. And ... crap, and now I owe you.

Owe me?, Sakura queried in confusion. She blinked, slowly pulling herself up into a sitting position.

Syaoran said quickly. Are you .. you're going to be alright?

My head hurts like you wouldn't believe, Sakura said with a slight smile, But I think I'll be fine. I just need some ice.

Syaoran said, coughing slightly as Sakura smiled. His voice had sounded so concerned just then, so caring. That's good. I'll get you some. Uhm, some ice, I mean.

He disappeared out through the door of the small white room, which housed a small hospital-like bed, a chair and a large white cabinet. He returned a moment later, handing Sakura a bag of ice with adverted eyes. She took it with a smile and pressed it to the swollen lump on the side of her forehead, which was covered with gauze ... apparently, she had a scrape there, too.

Thank you, Sakura said with a grateful smile. Syaoran nodded quickly.

It's no trouble, he said, blushing as he continued to avoid her gaze.

I mean, thank you, she continued. Not just for the ice, but for bringing me here. Did you carry me?

Syaoran said, his blush deepening slightly. Since when did he blush so easily?! Damn it, he cursed. And why didn't she remembered that part? She'd been talking to him when he was carrying her here ...

He remembered, then, that her talking had been more like unconscious mumbling. She probably wouldn't have remembered that. That meant that she didn't remember calling him ... he frowned at this. Her boyfriend.

Is something wrong?, Sakura suddenly questioned, breaking him from his thoughts with her concerned, gentle voice.

Syaoran said quickly. I was just ... erhm, never mind. And yes, I carried you here.

That was very kind of you, Sakura said warmly, tilting her head to the side slightly as a gentle smile spread across her beautiful features.

Anyone would have done so, Syaoran muttered, continuing to avoid her eyes. I mean, I couldn't just leave you .. lying there ..

Sakura insisted. Thank you.

You're welcome, Syaoran said, slowly bringing his eyes to hers. Sakura stared back at him for a moment, slightly bewildered; his voice was so calm, so ... there was something beyond his words.

When she said nothing, Syaoran frowned, releasing his breath.

I should let you go, he said quietly. I'm sure you have plans with your boyfriend ... or at least, you should call him and tell him what happened ..

As his voice trailed off, Sakura frowned as well.

she asked, her eyes suddenly growing sad and moist. Syaoran did not notice this, nodding distractedly.

he stated numbly, and as he spoke the name Sakura gasped, holding in her breath for a moment too long.

I ... how did you find out about Kenji?, she asked, shocked.

You were mumbling about him earlier, when you were still delirious, Syaoran said, taking care to avoid her eyes once again. When I was carrying you. You thought that I was him.

I .. Kenji, Sakura said, trying her hardest to hold back her tears. She began to breath deeply in a weak attempt to control herself. Kenji and I ... we ... he is not my boyfriend any longer, because I ... we ... were separated.

Syaoran looked at her in surprise. You broke up with him?

You could say that, Sakura said quietly, her eyes despondent. She took in a deep breath; she had to be strong now. We could no longer be together, and so ... I have no boyfriend.

Syaoran said. That's too bad.

Secretly, though, he didn't feel the least bit sad about this new development. Though it made no sense to him, knowing that Sakura had no lover sent a wave of relief through his neglected heart.

Sakura muttered. She coughed then, suspiciously. In truth, she was on the borderline between composure and sobbing, unable to stop the whimpering and choking sounds she was making in her throat. She was coughing to cover up these tortured noises.

A single tear rolled down her cheek, and Sakura looked away in shame.

Syaoran saw this and frowned, stepping toward her hesitantly.

he said shakily, Hey, don't cry. It's alright.

He hovered over her a moment, unsure of what to do, how to make her stop crying. Deciding that she was in need of some sort of comfort, he reached out and shyly put his trembling hand on her shoulder.

Sakura looked up, surprised, her lips parted as she searched for something to say. Syaoran's eyes widened at this; her face was suddenly dangerously close to his, their eyes locked and their breathing heavy with anticipation.

He swallowed hard and suddenly took a step back, removing his hand. Sakura frowned at this, shyly wiping away the tear with the back of her hand.

Thank you, she said quietly, looking toward him and smiling weakly.

It's nothing, Syaoran muttered, blushing. I .. I think I should go now.

Sakura repeated, disappointed. She did not want him to go ..

She searched her mind for something to say, but came up with nothing. Then, suddenly, her eyes widened and she smiled slightly - she had an idea. This would be her chance.

Hey, wait, she said suddenly, wanting to delay him and also cement their next meeting. You said that you owe me.

Syaoran said, swallowing hard in his nervousness. He had been hoping that she would forget that little slip of the tongue. Well ... yeah. I guess I sort of do.

Sakura said, her lips curving into a smile. I think I know just how you can repay me.

Syaoran asked, suddenly feeling timid. Why was she smiling that way?!

Spend one day with me, Sakura blurted out, blushing. It was her plan, yes, but that didn't seem to make it any less embarrassing.

Spend .. a day with you?, Syaoran repeated in shock. But ... why? Why would you want to spend time with me when you could be-

Sakura said reassuringly. I just want a chance to be your friend.

Syaoran said, bewildered. His eyes softened; this request of hers had touched him somehow. It made him pleased deep inside of himself, as though it filled in part a hole in his heart that had long since needed to be nurtured.

he found himself saying, not even thinking about his reply. He held his breath a moment later; maybe she was joking. Maybe she didn't really mean it. Now was the part where she would laugh at him.

I'll look up your number, Sakura said, pleased. We can do something tomorrow.

Syaoran repeated in surprise. But ... tomorrow is .. we have school.

Sakura blushed at this. It was true; he was right, they did. But she had so little time ... she couldn't afford to wait until the weekend! It had to be sooner.

I have a head injury, she said with a wink, though deep inside she did feel guilty ... well, sort of. And you ... you will sadly have a fever tomorrow ..

And here I thought you were a goodie-goodie, Syaoran said with a smirk. Sakura grinned in response, suddenly feeling more relaxed than she had ever felt around him.

she said teasingly, her eyes flashing happily as she gazed upon the first real smile he had ever given her, I'm no angel.


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Sakura had walked home in a happy daze, despite her slight headache. Finally, things were looking up for her! Maybe saving this boy wouldn't be so difficult after all.

He doesn't seem so bad, she thought cheerfully to herself. Just before we said good-bye to one another he seemed to actually ... like me.

She smiled at this, secretly pleased, and unlocked the door to her apartment nearly floating on air.

It was only when she'd been watching the television for about ten minutes that she began to frown. She'd made plans with him ... but she had no idea what to do with him.

She thought and thought while biting her lower lip, but came up with nothing. Then, suddenly, her eyes widening with delight, it came to her.

Literally ... the idea came to her, not from her.

The white cellphone that Sakura had set on the dining room table suddenly rang just as Sakura was giving up hope. Blinking in surprise, she got up from the couch and dashed to the table, picking up the cellphone and pressing the button with a curious smile.

she asked eagerly.

I heard that you were having some trouble, a calm, fluid voice said. Sakura's smile widened.

she said. But ... trouble with what?

Trouble coming up with an idea as to what to do with him, Eriol said smoothly, and Sakura blushed in embarrassment.

Well, yes, she mumbled. I just don't know ...

Say no more, Eriol said, smiling to himself from his seat at the coffee shop. I have the perfect idea. He'll remember tomorrow forever, I promise you that.

You do?, Sakura said, pleased and excited. Where should we go?

Well, it's actually a pretty common place, Eriol said, taking a sip of his coffee. But I trust you to make it memorable.

I'll try, Sakura said, blushing. I hope that it will cheer him up.

Oh, it will, Eriol said knowingly. By the way, Sakura, I'm very proud of you. You're doing very well ... I'm happy to see you making progress with him.

Sakura said, Well, thank you. I appreciate you saying so.

Eriol said, taking another sip. Go into your bedroom and open the top drawer of your dresser. It will give you a clue as to where you'll be going with Syaoran.

Sakura said eagerly. Just hold on a moment!

Eriol said, smirking as he waited.

Sakura walked to her bedroom and opened the door, stepping inside. She walked over to her dresser and slid open the top drawer with a smile. Her eyes widened then, and promptly .. she gasped.

She raised the phone to her ear once again.

she said in shock. Are you sure? I mean .. I can wear that? You're encouraging me to wear that*? It's not very ... umm ... angelic, other than the colour.

Oh, please, Eriol said as he took another long sip of his coffee. Heaven isn't that bad, Sakura. We do try to have a little bit of fun.

Sakura mumbled, blushing. That's good. It's nice, actually.

I'm glad you like it, Eriol said. Don't worry. It'll fit perfectly!

Thank you, she said in reply, her cheeks still a brilliant shade of red.

You're welcome, Eriol said with a smirk. He took another sip of his coffee. Well, I should let you go now. Just ask Syaoran for directions ... he'll know how to get there.

Oh, alright, Sakura said, not really understanding but too shy to ask further. I'll, ahh ... talk with you later?

Yes, you will, Eriol said cheerfully. I wish you all the luck on Earth, Sakura.

Thank you, Sakura said, sliding open the top dresser drawer again and peering down at its contents with a frown. Deep inside herself, however, she felt playful and excited- she knew that tomorrow would be fun. I think I'm going to need it.

Eriol laughed. Have confidence in yourself! Farewell, my dear.

Bye bye, Eriol, Sakura said, slowly pressing the button on her white cellphone as a shy smile spread across her blushing face. Tomorrow would be fun, indeed.

Eriol pressed the button on his own white cellphone and set it on the table, smiling and pleased. He raised his coffee cup once again, ready to take another sip ...

Oh, damn, Eriol said, frowning. I'm all out of coffee.

Would you care for some more?, a cheerful voice said next to him. Eriol turned to his side as his eyes widened, taking in the sight of a beautiful woman. He smiled at her long, violet hair and her deep amethyst eyes.

I would love some, he said, holding out his cup to her as she refilled it. Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his, and after a wordless pause, she smiled in return.

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Syaoran slid into his bed hesitantly, not really feeling that he was really to go to sleep. He knew that he had to, however- it was late- because he had plans for the next day ... plans with a kind, beautiful single girl.

He shut off his lamp and stared up at the ceiling, still in shock about this otherwise simple situation. He'd never gone out with just with a girl before. All the friends he'd ever had, and those were few and far in-between, had been distinctly male. No girl had ever really expressed interest in him, and he had never, being the cold and distant loner he was, expressed interest in dating any of them.

Though she didn't really act like it was a date kind of thing, Syaoran reasoned with himself. I think she feels sorry for me. Yeah, that's it.

He frowned at this thought, however. Would you jump in front of a strong punch to protect someone that you just felt sorry for?

He sighed despite himself. There was something about this girl, something that drew him from his cold and emotionless shell. She made him want to ... he didn't know. Try a little harder to be ... well ... desirable. And by this, he didn't mean work out and actually comb his hair once a day. He meant that her presence made him want to smile ... to talk and say things other than insults.

I should make the best of this, he vowed to himself. I swear that I won't treat her like shit again. And truthfully, he knew that he wouldn't. He didn't want to scare her away.

Syaoran yawned, closing his eyes as his body slowly became tired, lack of sleep finally claiming him. The last thing he felt, his emotions set free by sleep, was excitement.

She is pretty .., his mind mumbled as he fell asleep, imagining her kind emerald eyes, her long red hair that fell over her small shoulders in flowing waves, her cheerful smile, the full pink lips that formed that beautiful smile ...

That night, he did not dream of her, knowing in the deepest part of his mind that because of tomorrow, he had no need to.


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Well, the chapter is over again. Hurray for a bit of kawaii-ness and fluff! And hurray for revealing more of Meiling's role in all of this ...

* === Note! I don't know if any perverts read this story (one writes it, I know that for certain!) but just so that you don't interpret and and the wrong way, the thing in the dresser drawer that she is going to wear on her outing with Syaoran is not lingerie or something sex-related like that. Yup, it's only chaste PG-13 for now! Gotta preserve the cuteness!

If you liked it, please review. Reviews make me smile. ^_^

Thanks for reading, as always! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter!