Angelic Assignment


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

Authoress Ramble: Well, ahh, happy news. My boyfriend is back from the clinic. ^_^; I'm very happy to have him home. I'd been missing him so much, and I'd been so worried .. ahh. He still has his problems, though, despite being glad to be home once again. I just hope that my love can help him. I hope that he can find strength in it ..

Well, in any case, thanks so much to the people who offered me kind and empathetic reviews about him. *hugs all of you* I'm sure your altruistic thoughts helped him very much. And also, thank you for all of your reviews just in general! You're all so nice. ^^ I was really happy to see people who'd read and reviewed Amber Eyes reading this story. Thank you so much for liking my writing enough to come back for more! Much love and appreciation to everyone. You make my life a little bit happier ... I hope you know that. Writing in itself does, of course, but knowing that I can please and affect people with my writing .. it just gives me a calm, satisfied feeling of contentment. So thank you.

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Sakura's fingers had been trembling as she dialed his number, staring at the open phonebook intently so as not to dial it incorrectly. She took in a deep breath and swallowed her fears. After all, she was only giving him a phone call ... it was nothing to be worried about. At least, that's what she told herself, exhaling as she ordered her mind to be calm and her heart to slow down.

a deep, masculine voice answered. You have reached the Li residence.

Sakura blinked in confusion, reasoning after a moment that because of his formal tone, he was probably one of the butlers that worked in the Li mansion.

she said shyly. I called to talk with Syaoran, is he-

One moment ma'am, the voice said quickly, barely allowing her to finish. She blinked several times, holding the phone to her ear as she listened to buzzing silence for a few minutes. Finally, she hear shuffling noises as someone approached and picked up the phone.

a quiet, yet familiarly concise voice said. Sakura smiled at the voice, which sounded slightly shy and yet still sound with pride. She knew that voice. It was Syaoran.

Hey Syaoran, she said, trying her best to sound cheerful. It's me, Sakura.

I know, Syaoran answered too quickly. He blushed, adding on a rushed explanation. I, uhh, recognized your voice.

Though he would never admit it to anyone and was probably hardly aware of it himself, her voice, sweet and light, make his stomach flip nervously and his heartbeat quicken slightly. He coughed quietly, loosening his collar.

Meanwhile, Sakura smiled at the fact that he had recognized her voice.

I just called to tell you, she began slyly, feeling a bit more confident, That our destination for tomorrow is a surprise.

A surprise?, Syaoran repeated suspiciously. She grinned at this; apparently he didn't like surprises. However .. she was going to make sure he liked this one ...

Yes, a surprise, she replied, twirling a strand of red hair in her fingers.

I see, Syaoran said, his voice slightly resentful. Who did she think she was, anyway? She was acting as though he had to go on this outing, as though he desperately wanted to and would go anywhere.

His mind drifted for a second at this. He frowned as he realized that he really didn't care where they went. His cheeks began to burn with pink heat.

he grumbled, glad that she was not there to see him blush. Sakura smiled at this.

she replied cheerily. The only thing I ask is that you give me a ride.

I .. uhh, Syaoran mumbled, having not expected this. Ehrm ... well, I guess I cou-

Thanks so much!, she cried out sweetly. That would be wonderful.

Syaoran shook his head in amazement as she gave him the address to her family's apartment building. What had he gotten himself into?

And that's my apartment number, she finished with a smile.

Syaoran said, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. I should be able to find it.

Sakura answered. She swallowed nervously, though she was feeling more excited than anything. Tomorrow ... tomorrow she would show him what life was all about.

I'll be there at nine, Syaoran said, sharing her nervousness as well as a bit of her excitement.

I'll be waiting, Sakura said sweetly, smiling. Well ... I'll see you tomorrow!

Syaoran said numbly, his mind too focused on how fast his heart was suddenly beating. Uhm .. well, bye.

Bye bye!, Sakura said, smiling as she clicked the button on her white cellphone. He'd see ... they would have a wonderful time. She'd see to it personally.

Syaoran starred at the phone in his hands, the dull dial tone still pulsing. He closed his eyes, calming himself ... how did this all happen? It was as if this girl had dropped from skies and straight into his life, as though it had all been planned and he was just a minor character in the play of his life.

He sighed, hanging up the phone with sweaty hands. Why did this girl make him feel this way? He suddenly felt more nervous than he seemingly ever had before, but at the same time excited for reasons beyond his comprehension. She effected him so deeply, and yet he hardly knew who she was. And she certainly didn't know him.

He went upstairs and disappeared into his room, retiring to bed soon afterwards. Thoughts of her and tomorrow kept swinging through his mind, lulling him to sleep. For some strange reason, the image of her smiling face calmed him, soothed some part of him that always seemed to be screaming with need.

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This is insane, Sakura's mind chanted as she slid a white tank-top over her head, shaking her long red locks free as soon as she'd pull it down taut over her flat stomach. Could she really do this ... go there and spend an entire day with a (nearly) complete stranger?

She sighed as she combed her hair, glancing at the clock absentmindedly- 8:38. she cursed, finishing her hair quickly and running into the kitchen where she fixed an extremely quick breakfast for herself. She nearly shoved the blueberry muffin down her throat, not wanting to be eating when Syaoran arrived.

She felt her heart quicken at this. He would be there soon.

She settled onto the couch, flipping on the television and frowning, clearly annoyed, when she next glanced at the clock. 9:07.

I nearly choked on breakfast to be ready before he arrived, and he doesn't even get here on time!, she mentally complained. Then, worry began to overtake her. Maybe he couldn't find her apartment building. Or maybe, just maybe, she thought, her frown deepening at this ... maybe he'd just decided not to come.

I hope he doesn't stand me up, Sakura thought worriedly. She glanced at the clock again. 9:09.

Heh, well, he isn't that late .. yet .., her mind amended.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Sakura jumped up excitedly, smoothing her tank top unconsciously as she made her way to the door, plastering a bright smile on her face as she opened it.

Syaoran's eyes widened as the door slid open, not prepared for what he was about to see. He nearly gasped as he looked her over, his amber eyes avidly taking in her long, pale legs, revealed by short jean shorts. He swallowed hard when he realized how very tight her white tank top was, hugging her curves nicely and accenting her full breasts. It revealed a strip of her flat stomach, barely covering her belly button.

His hands began to sweat as his eyes jumped to her face, meeting her cheerful emerald eyes.

Syaoran stuttered. .. H-Hello.

Good morning!, Sakura chimed happily, not realizing Syaoran's nervousness. Are you ready to go?

Yeah, sure, Syaoran said as calmly as he could, trying to keep his eyes away from the tank top as much as physically possible as Sakura stepped out into the hall next to him, closing and locking her door. She turned to him eagerly.

Let's go, then, she said with a smile, leading him down the hallway and stairs until they reached the street in front of the apartment building. Sakura looked up and down the street, confused.

Where's your car?, she questioned with a frown. Syaoran, finally regaining his composure, smirked at this.

There is no car, he purred, raising his arm and pointing to a new-looking black motorcycle. Sakura's eyes widened in shock.

That's ... that's yours?!, she exclaimed nervously. Syaoran nodded proudly.

It was a birthday gift, he said as Sakura continued to stare, her face visibly paling at least two shades.

It looks really awesome, it's just that, she mumbled shyly, I, ahh. I've never ridden one and I'm sort of ..

Syaoran finished with a haughty smile. Sakura nodded as she quickly adverted her eyes, blushing.

Don't be, he assured, pushing her toward his jet-black pride and joy. I'm a great driver. And even if I'm not ... I have an extra helmet for you.

Sakura swallowed hard at this little joke, feeling very hesitant about mounting the bike, no matter how tempting it looked just sitting there, its new black paint gleaming in the morning sunlight.

I, uhh, she mumbled as they neared the bike and finally stopped in front of it. Ehrm, that is ...

Don't worry, Syaoran said at her side, turning toward her. His voice was softer than before, suddenly calm and reassuring. Sakura turned her head to the side and looked up into his eyes unsurely.

Well .., she said hesitantly. She stopped talking, her eyes widening slightly as Syaoran placed his fingertips on the small of her back gently, nudging her forward.

Don't worry, he repeated slowly. He smiled then, a timid and small but genuine smile. You'll be fine.

Sakura smiled back a little bit at this, mysteriously feeling less afraid of the ride she was about to take.

she said quietly, resolving unconsciously to trust him.

Syaoran walked up to the bike and took one of the two black helmets that were sitting on the seat, handing one to her. Sakura slid it over her long red tresses as Syaoran put on his own, climbing onto the bike in one smooth motion.

Get on, he commanded reassuringly as he gripped the handles. Sakura climbed onto the bike as well, though much more clumsily than he had, positioning herself nearly a foot behind him.

Syaoran turned back to face her, his amber eyes frowning.

You'll slide off if you just sit there, he warned, though his voice was more concerned than scolding. I'm sorry to say this, he continued, muttering the first part as he blushed, But you're going to have get closer.

Sakura blushed as well, feeling slightly embarrassed. She inched closer to him, closing the distance between their bodies so that her stomach was nearly pressed against his hunched back.

Shyly, she wrapped her arms around his body, clutching him tightly as nervousness once again swept over her.

Syaoran blushed as she did this, squeezing him to the point that the pressure of her touch warmed his skin. His bit his bottom lip nervously, pausing to enjoy the feeling of her arms around his waist, her body pressed against his.

He snapped out of it a moment later, however, starting the engine. As he did so, Sakura yelped in fear, clutching him even tighter.

Syaoran blushed even deeper at this, barely able to speak to her out of nervousness.

he choked out. So, where is it we're going exactly?

Sakura mumbled, blushing when she realized that she'd forgotten to tell him earlier. She'd been so surprised by the bike ..

We're going to the beach, she mumbled, forgetting to sound confident and sly in her surprise destination because her fear of the purring motor made her voice soft and trembling with nervousness.

Syaoran said, surprised. He knew where the nearest beach was, of course, but ... he hadn't expected to be going somewhere so ... informal with her.

was all he managed to say, still digesting his surprise.

Don't go too fast, Sakura cried out suddenly. Syaoran was aware once again of her arms wrapped tightly around him, and his blush returned with a vengeance. He coughed slightly to dispel the uncomfortable feeling her touch sent through his entire body, exciting it ...

He coughed again, definitely not wanting to steer his thoughts in that direction. She was only scared, for the gods' sake! He frowned at this thought, remembering ...

Don't be so scared, he said to her reassuringly. We'll be fine. I promise. I wouldn't drive this thing around if I knew it was dangerous.

I know, I'm just .., Sakura mumbled, blushing.

It's alright, Syaoran said, his eyes softening for her. Just try to relax. And don't worry ... we'll be there soon.

Sakura choked out quickly. She tightened her grip a final time as Syaoran began to edge slowly out of his parking space, entering the street and increasing his speed fluidly as he sped down it.

He continued to blush furiously at Sakura's tight, fear-inspired embrace. It sent warm shivers up and down his spine that were unfamiliar and, in his mind, unwelcome. He swallowed hard, trying his best to remember that she was only scared. She wasn't holding him like that because she ...

The pair sped down the streets of Obaiba in silence, and though they reached the beach in a little less than twenty minutes, it felt like an eternity for the blushing driver.

In fact, he nearly sighed with relief as he parked the motorcycle, stopping the engine. Sakura's grip loosened a minute later, after a few moments of brief hesitation. She slid off the bike first, pulling off her helmet as Syaoran dismounted himself, removing his own helmet.

We're here, Sakura said with a smile, relief flooding her at being able to stand on solid ground once again. She had to admit, though, the ride had been exhilarating in some ways, so fast, the wind whipping past her, the warmth of his body against hers ... she blushed at this, immediately disregarding this final thought. She'd only been scared! That was all.

Syaoran said in a bored tone, trying to dispel any memory of Sakura's arms around his body. Why had he gotten so nervous over it, anyway?

Sakura said excitedly. Let's go then!

She turned and began to walk quickly toward the wooden stairs that lead to the beach beyond the parking lot. Syaoran walked after her nervously, not quite sure what to do or say. What was she expecting from him?

Come on!, Sakura encouraged as they reached the stairs and began to climb them. Syaoran followed her slowly, pausing just behind her when she suddenly stopped at the apex of the stairs.

Sakura breathed, her eyes widening as her lips curved elegantly into a genuine smile of awe and appreciation. Look, Syaoran.

Syaoran walked the few steps to her side and looked out at what she was seeing. In front of them was the ocean, stretched out as far as the eye can see, whitecaps rolling with the cool sea breeze. Waves crashed onto the shore, sweeping over the white sand with the calmest, most soothing thunder-like sound she had ever heard.

It's beautiful, she said quietly, smiling. Her emerald eyes sparkled in the warm sunlight.

Syaoran whispered, agreeing with her. It truly was beautiful, the ocean with its dark calm and white-tipped fury, the placid rhythm of the waves crashing upon the shore. His amber eyes softened as he stared at it.

I bet Heaven is like this, in a way, he said. A darkness passed through his eyes then that Sakura failed to see, too busy taking in the beautiful scene in front of her. You know ... life after we die.

Sakura frowned at this, her breath catching in her throat. She hadn't seen enough of Heaven, she reasoned, to truly know if he were right or not. Maybe when you were able to stay there for a long time, you could visit heavenly oceans and seas of light ... but she had never caught a glimpse of anything like that on her brief trip there.

she began quietly. Maybe it is, but perhaps .. this is all there is. Maybe these precious places on Earth are as good as it gets, and we're just too blind to realize it.

She turned then and looked at Syaoran, smiling sweetly and praying deep inside of herself that he understood her warning. He turned to her, his face expressionless as he stared at her, searching her emerald eyes for her reasoning.

I doubt it, he said, slowly beginning to frown. Heaven is a thousand times better than this, I'm sure.

Sakura questioned, frowning as he did. What makes you so sure?

Because only decent people get into Heaven, he said, his amber eyes darkening once again. And that means that there, you don't have to deal with all the shit the world hands you everyday.

Sakura's frown deepened, her chest tightening. He said this statement with so much certainty and venom that she wanted nothing more than to reach out and hold him in her arms, show him that the world could hand him more than pain.

Life isn't always like that, Sakura cried out quietly, her voice low and slightly trembling with desperation. It doesn't have to be like that. There are things here that make all the hardships worth it .. helping others, the love of your friends and family, finding your sou-

Just stop there, Syaoran snapped. I'm happy for you, since you obviously have all of those things. But don't assume that I have any of them!

Sakura choked on her words, taken aback. She felt as though she were about to cry, tears beginning to fill her eyes. He was wrong! She wasn't with her friends or her family. And her soulmate .. she had been so cruelly lost to him ..

She frowned, adverting her eyes and looking back to the ocean with a numb, glassy stare. Syaoran blinked, watching her and frowning deeply when he suddenly began to realize that he had caused that wetness to flood her emerald eyes, caused that deep frown to curse her lips. Guilt pulled at his heartstrings, and he sighed sadly.

he said quietly, but loud enough so that she could hear him. I didn't mean to hurt you by saying that. It's just that I've had ..

A hard life, Sakura finished for him, turning to him once again. She smiled then, but it was a smile so sad that it was nearly unbearable for Syaoran take in. Everyone has their own tragedies, Syaoran. I understand. I just wanted to tell you that it's never worth surrendering your hope for the future.

He stared at her, having absolutely no idea what to say to this. She didn't know him at all and thus had no right to be a judge of his life and how he dealt with it, and yet ... her words, general though they were, rang with truth in a way he couldn't explain. The calm, fluid way in which she had stated her words, speaking each one with conviction and knowing, made her statement seem not advice but the absolute truth.

I want to believe you, was all he managed to say. Sakura frowned at this, hoping to have gotten a more positive response, and yet .. she knew that he had been listening. And a deeper part of her knew that he had understood her.

Let's .. let's walk along the water, ne?, she said shakily, unsure of what else she could say. Syaoran nodded calmly, his amber eyes deep and still intent on her.

Sakura smiled shyly and walked down the beach so that she was close to the crashing waves, but not too close. She slid off her sandals and stepped onto the wet sand, yelping when a wave rolled in and sent water flowing around her ankles just before it retreated back into the sea.

Syaoran removed his shoes as well, continuing to follow the now quiet, yet still cheerful emerald-eyed girl. He too stepped onto the wet sand, closing the distance between himself and Sakura so that he was no longer following her, but rather walking at her side.

They walked together in silence for some time. Sakura was closest to the ocean, and from time to time she looked out at it longingly, her eyes lost. He frowned, knowing that she was thinking things that were close to her heart, things that he would never be able to hear.

The silence eventually unnerved him, and cautiously, he spoke.

he said gently.

She snapped out of her reveries and turned to him in confusion, looking about her for something new. She frowned, not knowing what she was looking for.

she asked. Syaoran locked his eyes with hers for a brief moment, then turned his head so that he was looking behind the two of them.

Our footprints, he said quietly, and Sakura, blinking in surprise, turned her head back as well. She watched with no expression on her face, her lips slightly parted, as a wave crashed onto the beach. Water flowed onto the sand and washed away the trail of footprints that they had made, two sets side by side.

She said nothing, not knowing what she was to say or what was so spellbinding about their footprints disappearing into the sea.

I wish, Syaoran began, turning his head back to the beach in front of him, That the past could be like that. Like footprints in the sand. You create them, but as you move on, they're rhythmically swept away. The past disappears as you continue to walk through your life.

Sakura turned to her side and looked up at him then, taken aback by this sudden expression of true wisdom, wisdom that went beyond his years. She frowned deeply .. what in his past plagued him so deeply that he wished for it to be swept away? Or was it perhaps just his past in general .. the hardships of his life, the way each new day of rejection at school had slowly eroded his enthusiasm for others and for .. his own life?

She thought of her own past then .. of Kenji. Is she had the choice, would she wish for her memories of him to be washed away? They hurt her, yes, made her sad and lonely even now, but ..

No, she thought, her chest tightening. Even if those memories cause me pain, I could never give them up. They're far too precious to me, despite their price ..

Sakura whispered quietly, her voice entwined with the gentle sea breeze, There are things in your past that you want to remember, to keep always. Memories of times of happiness, memories of people you lov-

Not really, Syaoran said numbly. I'd much rather start each day anew, with no memories at all.

Sakura frowned deeply as this, feeling once again as though she were about to cry. How could his heart be so empty that he had nothing in it to cherish?

Then you've never loved, she said numbly, her mind gasping as the words rolled off her tongue. She hadn't meant to whisper that aloud ..

Syaoran turned to her, his amber eyes deep and distant, reminding Sakura very much of the ocean itself, of its calm, dark depths. Her heart nearly stopped beating as she took in his deep, unrelenting frown, his piercing gaze.

he whispered with terrible certainty, You're right.

Sakura pressed her lips together tightly as a single warm tear rolled down her cheek. His eyes looked so cold then ... how could she reach someone so lost that he had never loved?



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Meiling smirked silently from her perch on the wooden railing of the stairs that led to the beach. She was sitting on it with inhuman grace, perfectly balanced atop its slim surface as she absentmindedly swung her bare legs back and forth.

She raised a hand to her pale cheek, holding her long black tresses away from her eyes as the sea breeze blew them wildly. She continued to smirk at the lone couple walking along the ocean's edge.

Love is so meaningless, she said to herself, her ruby eyes flashing. If she had more than merely two weeks, she'd probably break his poor little heart soon after tricking him into loving her. She'd do my job for me.

Ahh, but since Heaven has to rush things so much, I have to hurry in completing my job as well, she whispered aloud. I might as well get started.

She jumped down and landed gracefully in the sand, the strings of her black bikini dancing wildly in the wind along with her hair. Her smirk never faltered as she walked along the beach, shrewdly following the couple as a simple yet devious plan began to form in her devilish mind.


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Poor Sakura, every time she gets close to him it's one step forward, two steps back ... although that's not her fault at all. Oh, yes, that reminds me.

Some people reviewed asking about Meiling and no, she is not related to Syaoran. They're aren't cousins in this fic just like there is no magic and no cards. She's a bit out of character, I know, but well ... she has a role to play in all of this! An important role!

I rather like the way this chapter turned out ... first some fluff between the couple, but then .. well .. a lot of serious thoughts. I think this chapter is balanced in that regard.

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

And as always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. =3