A/N: Please forgive any wackiness. I'm on spring break, sick, and hopped up on cough meds. I know not what I do. And since I cant speak, writing seemed the best option. So here is the next chapter.
Discalimer: I own nothing. It's kinda like communism in that sense, aint it?
So Much for Romance
Days passed and nothing over eventful disrupted the usual flow of the teens' lives. Sakura forgot all about the odd note Tomoyo had received, the incident after she left Tomoyo's, and even Li's "attack." It was easier that way. Denial, a lovely attribute of human society. If you don't like something pretend it doesn't exist.
And soon enough Sakura found herself in her room on the phone with Tomoyo.
T: So you will be at Meilin's house by noon right?
S: Noon! Why so early? The dance doesn't even begin until eight.
T: Well there is prep time, photographs by the family, dinner, then the professional photos, and then the dance. We need all the time we can get.
S: *just groaned*
T: Hey, no moping. It will be fun. You have a hot date and a wonderful dress if I do say so myself.
S: Of course you would, you made it.
They giggled.
S: Alright I'll be there at noon ready to be attacked by the curling iron. Good night.
T: Night. Sweet dreams.
Sakura put the phone back on the receiver sighing. Nervous energy was coursing through her veins, but the question was why? She had never been excited about dances, but her body now nearly jittered with anticipation. What was going to happen tomorrow?
Nothing is going to happen if I don't get any sleep! Sakura shouted to herself, turning off the light and getting into bed. Eventually the sound of the ocean was able to lull her to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In Sakura dreamland:
Sakura once again saw a figure similar to herself. The girl was walking through a dimly lit corridor. Her ringleted hair was laced back with cream colored ribbons to flatter the peach and cream silk gown that she wore. Wow look at that getup. The pearls, the lace, the frills. She looks like she stepped out of a Three Musketeers movie. 'Dartanian, oh my darling Dartanian, where art thou?' giggled Sakura.
The sweet strains of an orchestra wafted through the gilded door ahead of her, watched by two doormen. Hmmm I wonder if they are like those British guys who won't ever smile. They certainly have the 'I'm constipated' look down to art.
The girl then looked down at the mask in her hands, its smooth curves adorned by a peachy pink blossom pattern. She didn't know what flower it was; it was foreign. A gift from her father from his extensive travels. She covered half her face with it, tying the ribbons around her head, then signaling the doormen to allow her through.
She was nearly blinded by the glow of the room. Chandeliers sparkled above, their reflections in the mirrored walls twinkled back. The room seemed to shimmer and swirl as dancers twirled around the polished marble floor, crowds milling about them.
Two girls approached, one in a deep crimson gown, the other a rich violet, daring colors for young girls to wear at that age. But hidden identities permitted this breach in etiquette. "There you are Sophia. We were wondering when you'd reappear."
"I just wanted to wander for a while Theresa. I've returned."
"For a moment we feared that some commoners had snatched you up. The lower class has been kidnapping and ransoming nobility of late." The girl in red said, only slightly joking.
"Marianne, I am sure the threat of an uprising is only a rumor. King Louis XVIII will help the poor with the food crisis." Sophia confidently stated.
The two friends rolled their eyes behind their masks. "Oh our naïve little Sophia, when will you open your eyes and see that our king cares nothing for the welfare of France or her people." Theresa said smiling. Well I'm an idiot when it comes to politics too, Sakura justified, but then again who isn't these days.
"Enough political jabber," Marianne commanded. "This is a dance. We are here to meet eligible bachelors. One down side of course is the no face or title restriction."
"I find it very romantic. You can find someone to love not based upon appearance or money or status, but on a true connection." Sophia said dreamily.
"You have been reading romance novels haven't you?" Marianne accused.
"Maybe. Maybe not." Sophia mumbled looking at her feet.
Theresa and Marianne laughed at their friend, who got embarrassed quite easily.
"Sophia do you recognize the fellow over there?" Theresa questioned. "He's been watching you for the past few minutes."
"Who?" Sophia looked around, puzzled. "I don't see anyone looking this way."
"Oh he seems to have vanished. He was tall, dressed nicely, brown hair, and a wolf mask. Maybe he has affections toward you." Theresa teased.
At that moment the orchestra ended and a stuffy looking man in a red and blue uniform strutted to the center of the room, chest puffed out like a proud peacock. In a whine similar to the sound of helium escaping a balloon he announced, "And now if all the eligible young ladies and gentlemen would proceed to the floor for a waltz. Remember to never remove your masks or reveal who you are, no full names are allowed."
"Oh, I love the waltz. It's similar to floating on air." Sophia gushed.
"Only if you have a good partner, that is." Theresa commented as they began to make their way through the crowd.
"I pity the fool who dances with Sophia. She is prone to inflict permanent foot injuries." Marianne teased as Sophia glared.
"Remember last year's Christmas Debut when she lost balance dancing with Count Viscarle and trampled the English ambassador and his wife." Theresa added. The two giggled onto the floor while Sophia stated as primly as she could, "I have been practicing."
Sophia found herself facing a man towering a good foot and a half above her. Yikes! This is gonna be awkward. And it was. Sophia managed not to cause any accidents, but the pair looked atrocious with him bent over just to keep his hand at her waist. Their movements were jerky and sporadic. Looks like their epileptic Sakura mused.
Sakura noticed the dancers begin to pull into a circle formation with the girls in the outer ring. This was Sophia's favorite part of the waltz. The men would twirl their partners to the right, dancing with the new ones from the left and eventually passing again, keeping the girls flowing in a circle. She would get a chance to dance with most of the gentlemen in the ring and her final partner would be determined by the orchestra who would shift the music to signal the end of the circle. The newly matched couples would then separate from the group.
Her giant of a partner twirled her into the arms of an awaiting Raven masked man who was a few inches shorter than she. She barely caught his name, her mind too busy trying not to laugh at the height of her partners; maybe fate had something against her. Raven man then released her to the Clown, whose shock of red hair matched his circus like mask. He called himself Pierre and spent their time discussing how charming he was. Sophia struggled not to say something rude. Narcissism drove her up the wall. Finally he passed her to a gentleman with a mask of the Night and the Day. He tried to say something, most likely his name, but his mumbling was too difficult to understand. It's like he's speaking a foreign language. He's probably nervous or drunk…maybe both. Night and Day turned into Stag, who turned into Tree, who turned into Sun who turned into Stone. Yikes it's like speed dating meets a musical. This is crazy. How are you expected to keep track.
But Sophia's focus was elsewhere. '1.2.3, 2.2.3, 1.2.3, 2.2.3' she chanted to herself. She was determined to not be the one to ruin the circle. She was so wrapped in concentrating that she barely noticed who she was dancing with until a rumbling voice disrupted her numbers. '1.2..'
"Hello."
Sophia snapped back to reality, looking at her partner. It was him; the one Theresa said was watching her, the one in the Wolf mask. She brought her eyes to his and felt the floor droop out from beneath her. I can sympathize, Sakura thought, her mind shifting a second towards Li. The room melted away; in their minds it was just the two of them. Adrenaline rushed, flushing her cheeks. It was a miracle that her feet were even moving at all, much less in a pattern. He must be a good lead. Oh, maybe I should retract that statement, Sakura thought as she witnessed Theresa bump into the pair.
Wolf had not passed Sophia on, and to top it all off the couple was clueless to the girls bouncing off them! Luckily, the conductor seeing the traffic jam, wisely shifted the music and people partnered, leaving the broken circle behind. Angry girls shot glares at Sophia, but she wouldn't even have noticed her dress being alight much less some angered prissies turning apoplectic.
'I'm flying' was the only coherent thought in her head. Slowly the music was brought to an end. The crowd applauded for the orchestra as they took their break, except for Sophia and the Wolf. They stood still, gazing into each other's eyes, chests heaving, looking like they'd just run the 4 mile relay.
Theresa and Marianne circled around them, curious, finally waving their hands between Sophia and the Wolf's faces. "Good evening!" they trilled.
"Sophia would you or you mysterious partner care to explain how you seemed to forget how to dance in a ring?"
Silence.
The Wolf reached out, grabbing Sophia's hand in his brushing his lips across it. It sparked on contact. Sophia felt a bright blush paint her cheeks as a small smile pulled at the man's lips. "It was a pleasure milady." And with that he turned and left.
She watched him fade into the crowd, oblivious to her friends chattering like chipmunks over the adorableness of it all. Finally one line of their conversation penetrated her daze, "Who is he?"
"Oh no!" she dismayed. "I don't even know his name." Ahhh, the romantic plot. Girl must find mystery man. Why is this only a dream? Reality bites. It is so… FREEZING!!!!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sakura awoke with a start, soaked in icy water.
Toya laughed evilly as his flabbergasted sister tried to comprehend what had just happened.
"Why you…what…I wet...bucket in hand…IDIOT!!!!!" She shrieked.
"Monsters need special encouragement to be awoken from hibernation." He said innocently.
"Turning my bed into a swimming pool is not the way to go! What delusional voice in your idiotic head told you this was a brilliant idea that you in your ignorance decided to carry out?"
"Maybe the phone call from Tomoyo yelling at me to make sure you are not late is a reason," Toya retorted. "I deserved some fun for that that annoyance," he chuckled heading for the door. "Oh and by the way, you are expected at Meilin's at noon and it is 11:50." He shut the door just in time to hear "WHHAAAAAAAAAA!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"As usual she is late, despite my reminder and me annoying her brother to wake her up." Tomoyo sighed. "I can't wait till she gets here so you two can see your dresses."
"Can I take a peek at mine pleeeeaaaaseeeee." Meilin whimpered.
"Nope. The master will only reveal her artwork when the full audience is present."
Meilin practically dropped to the floor. She's impossible! She thought. Sakura better get here soon. Patience was not exactly Meilin's strong suit.
Just as commanded, Sakura appeared in the door way, resembling a drowned rat.
"Ah, I see you've just gotten out of the shower." Hah, as if you could call it that! "That will make you hair good to work with." Tomoyo said steering her into the room.
Sakura opened her mouth to scold Tomoyo for calling Toya, and then decided against it realizing Tomoyo would be wielding hot objects for her hair. So if she didn't want 'accidentally' fried hair she best not piss Tomoyo off.
"And now for the revealing. Drum roll please."
Meilin and Sakura obligingly began to whap their hands on the furniture as Tomoyo pulled the dresses from a long bag.
First was Meilin's dress. It was a full length red silk gown with thick straps, and a low cut square neckline. It looked like a singer's outfit from the 40's. All that was missing was the feather boa.
Next was Tomoyo's, a vibrant eggplant color dress that had swirls of silver glitter rushing across the material. It looked perfect for going to the Oscars.
And last came Sakura's. A flowing green material waved around. Fitted to her body and ending in a gypsy hem. Flecks of gold shimmered here and there in the light.
"Ohhh, they are beautiful." Sakura murmured holding hers up in front of the mirror.
Meilin noticed something new. "So, Sakura, did you know that green is Li's favorite color?"
"Ummm, not really. Why do you ask?"
"Well I noticed that you had asked Tomoyo to make your dress green instead of the usual pink and was pondering the meaning of the change. Does it have anything to do with my cousin and his preferences?" She asked grinning.
Crap! Busted, Sakura thought. "Of course not. What a silly idea. I merely thought it was time for a change, and well since my eyes are green I thought wearing green might highlight them. That's all."
Her friends did not fail to notice the faint blush rising to Sakura's cheeks as she spoke. When Sakura left to go change Tomoyo and Meilin did a little happy dance.
"She likes him!" Tomoyo squealed.
"Then we can use that to our advantage. Operation hook Li and Sakura up begins tonight." Meilin declared high fiving Tomoyo. Unfortunately in their excitement, their hands missed and they ended up in a heap on the floor. Maybe Sakura's clumsiness was contagious.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hours later the girls were dressed with make up, hairdos, and killer shoes-literally. Heels are murder.
Meilin sidled up to Sakura, "So who are you getting dolled up for, Ben …or Li?"
Gulp. "Sillies, it's a dance. That's the time to dress up." Sakura replied.
"Sure, evade the question." Meilin said.
Tomoyo joined in. "We know you Sakura. Even for the prom, you'd wear jeans and a t-shirt if you could. You gave into being this fancy way too easily."
"This appearance consciousness thing has only sprung up recently, as in the past week or so."
"You too are impossible!" Sakura cried "What can I do to prove that there is nothing going on between me and Li?"
They smiled evilly. It was probably not the smartest move to allow them to give her dares.
"You sure you wanna let us do that?" Tomoyo asked.
Well can't back down now, I'd look guilty. Which I am not by the way. I just met him. And he's a freak. And there's Ben. And… and…I am running out of excuses. "What do I have to fear?" she boldly questioned as she sat down on a chair.
Meilin and Tomoyo looked at each other then back at Sakura and said, "Dance with him."
"Ack!" Sakura squawked as she fell out of her chair. "Dance?" her voice squeaked out. "I can't"
"Hah! Then you like him." They accused.
An idea came to her, "Ben is my date. I'd probably be dancing with him."
"…"
Score one for me Sakura cheered.
Knock knock (A/N: once again bad sound effects.)
Sakura went to the door since Meilin and Tomoyo were too busy grumbling to notice.
She opened the door and found herself face to face with Li….in a suit. Li tried to speak, "Eriol sent me….." and just stopped the moment he looked at what was in front of him.
Damn, he looks good in a suit. Oh, the strong shoulders. Gonna faint……Stop drooling she commanded herself, but not very successfully. They stood there in the doorway staring. Sakura noticed Li's gaze start at her feet and work its way up. By the time he was at her face it was beet red.
"Li" Tomoyo said sweetly.
No response.
"Sakura" Meilin said in the same sing-songy voice.
No acknowledgement.
They smirked as Tomoyo filmed this moment.
The moment ended when Eriol and Ben appeared behind Li. "So Li what happened?" Eriol asked whapping him on the back. "Lose your way?" Seeing the girls, "Hey beautifuls. I sent Li here to fetch you but he seems to have failed. Probably had a mental overload at the sight of you gorgeous beauties."
Ben walked by Li to Sakura. "You look stunning. Green is definitely you color. Then again I don't know any color you look bad in." Could the line have any more cheese in it? Probably not, but the guy was nervous so she forgave him.
He then produced a small plastic box with the corsage. Taking it out, he slid it on her wrist, and then laced his fingers with her. Li bristled and shifted his gaze to the floor.
"Well I think it's time to take this show on the road." Meilin directed. "To the limo!"
"Onward ho!" Eriol joined in. The group left in laughter.
Sakura looked up at a smiling Ben thinking This night could actually turn out okay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No more food for the next week!" Meilin wailed as she got out of the limo in front of the school. "I think I could burst."
"New rule for dances," Sakura pronounced, "No buffets cause we're all pigs. Whoops!" she shrieked as she tripped getting out. Luckily Li caught her before she fell on the pavement. Their eyes met and they quickly looked away.
When they all were out, they proceeded toward the entrance of the gym, colored lights seen flashing through the windows. Little white lights outlined the doorways, hanging in the air reminding Sakura of fireflies. It's beautiful.
Tomoyo then took charge, "And now time for pictures. I want a group one."
Sakura groaned over her friend's need to document everything, Probably why she is the scribe. What! Why did that pop into my head? She shoved the thought away. The whole idea unsettled her.
To the photographer they marched, who then looked them over as they sat down on the various boxes and stools. "I'm tinkin' of somefing very modelish. Who are zee couples?" he asked. What kind of accent is that? Sakura thought.
"Well, there is me and Sakura," Ben spoke up stepping behind Sakura, "And Tomoyo and Eriol. So that leaves Meilin and Li."
"Hold up." Meilin commanded. "I am not gonna be in a picture where it looks like my cousin is my date."
"Well how about Ben and Li switch places?" Tomoyo suggested innocently, as if the idea just came to her instead of a few hours ago in Meilin's room.
"Perfect!" Meilin exclaimed grabbing Ben's arm. He started to speak when Meilin asked, "Unless you don't want to be near me?" That shut him up. Meilin knew Ben never wanted to be mean or rude.
So Ben went with Meilin to the other side as Tomoyo pushed Li in the direction of Sakura. He slowly placed his hand on her bare shoulders. Okay don't panic. Don't panic. Shit! Not working! Her mind flipped as she could feel the energy from the contact of his skin on hers.
Although she could not see, Li was having the same trouble as Sakura. I should let go, but I can't. I shouldn't be doing this. Why do I feel this way? What spell has she put me under?
The moment the flash went off the two jumped apart, trembling. Ben looked at them perplexed while Meilin mouthed to Tomoyo "sexual tension."
"Now that my lady's wish has been fulfilled how about we go to the gym?" Eriol suggested, offering his arm to Tomoyo. Ben did the same to Sakura walking after them, as Meilin and Li trailed behind separately.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Meilin! There you are." A guy shouted over the music as he approached the group. He was tall with dark hair and dark eyes, moving with the grace of a fighter.
"Hey Derek! I didn't know you would be here. Oh hey, these are my friends Sakura, Tomoyo, Eriol, Ben, and my cousin Li. Guys, this is Derek. He's in martial arts with me." Meilin said smiling.
"So do you wanna dance?" He asked looking a bit nervous.
"Sure." His smile brightened.
Tomoyo and Sakura giggled as their friend was led away. So maybe that's why she refused to miss a single martial arts class even when she was sick. She then began to hum 'Love is in the Air.'
A slow song started up.
"Well I think Meilin's friend had a brilliant idea. Would the lady grace me with a dance?" Ben asked Sakura, extending his hand out toward her.
Sakura could feel Li's gaze on them. Why does he even care? And why do I feel guilty? I barely know the guy. It's not like I'm doing anything shameful. But despite that feeling, Sakura took Ben's hand and they went away from Tomoyo, Eriol, and Li. Tomoyo was too busy filming to be bothered with dancing.
Out on the floor, Ben drew Sakura in close, placing his arms about her waist. It was nice and warm. She rested her head on his shoulder looking out at the people dancing around them. Some looked so adorable, all lovey-dovey. Whoa! she thought looking away. I think that couple might be getting a little too lovey-dovey for public places. Get a room. I..
"Sakura."
"Hmmm?" Sakura asked as Ben pulled back slightly.
"When I told you I had feelings for you, well it wasn't the complete truth. I.. I…" oh, don't say it she pleaded. Don't say it! "I love you." Aiyaa! What do I say? What do I do? May day may day! The ship USS Winter Formal has hit an iceberg and is going down. Repeat is going down. Her panic was stopped as Ben leaned over and placed his lips upon hers.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You know contrary to popular opinion, staring harder will not change what you see in front of you."
"What do you mean Eriol?" Li asked, disgruntled. He was still staring at Sakura and Ben, his hands clenched, looking on the verge of having a coronary.
"Only that you seem to be taking a particular interest in that lovely couple over there." Eriol replied cheerfully.
"So?" Li demanded.
"Instead of just standing around like a dope, you could always just ask Sakura to dance."
Before Li could reply to Eriol's 'outrageous' suggestion, Eriol had disappeared, leaving his words to rattle around in Li's head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The kiss was sweet and gentle and nice and …and…and that was it. There was no spark, no fire or excitement. It was just nice and nothing else.
Sakura pulled back, unsure of what to do or say. She had just realized something. I felt more from one touch from Li's fingers then when Ben was kissing me. She couldn't lead Ben on, not when it was clear that she was more attracted to another guy. Alright I am going to have to break it to him gently. And she opened her mouth to let him know when he said, "How about I go get us some drinks." Sakura nearly tripped over herself on those words. He says 'I love you' and the next words out of his mouth are 'let's get drinks.' So much for romance these days.
Sakura was about to look for Tomoyo when standing a few feet away was Li and she froze. It's like my feet are stuck to floor. Alright who poured cement on my feet? This makes no sense. Why can't I get away from him?!?
Li slowly walked toward Sakura almost in a trance, as if being forcibly pulled towards her.
The music suddenly changes from a sappy love song to a sultry beat, you could almost hear the yearning echo in every note. (A/N: The song is #1 Crush by Garbage. A song of lust and longing, makes my heart ache every time I hear it. Good dance song too.)
'I would die for you'
'I would die for you'
"Do you wanna dance?"
Did he just say that? Or did I? Did anyone? Sakura's mind questioned, unsure of what was going on.
'I've been dying just to feel you by my side'
'To know that you mine'
Slowly they began to sway in time to the music. Li then reached out and took both her hands in his, Sakura trembling from the chills rushing through her.
Li turned Sakura around, pulling her close against him, his arms wrapping protectively about her waist. They fit together perfectly, moving together as one.
'I would cry for you'
'I would cry for you'
He slid an arm away, only to brush its fingertips down her bare arm.
My body is alive. It's all tingly and bubbly like a cold soda. So many sensations. It's like I'm drowning in feelings. I don't understand what's going on. How does he have such power over me?
Sakura looked over her shoulder into his eyes, seeing the same panic that she felt.
'I'll wash away your pain with all my tears'
'and drown your fear'
We no longer have control of whatever is going on, she thought. All we can do is hold on to each other.
'I will pray for you'
'I will sell my soul for something pure and true'
A heavy ache began to fill their chests, only increasing as Li began to slowly bend his head closer to Sakura's. She close her eyes, heart pounding like his in anticipation and
'for someone like you…..'
A/N: My first cliffhanger! I couldn't help it. so what did you think? Any guesses on the mystery dreams? he he I am having so much fun, then again Robitussin may be the cause. So tell your opinions using that little button down there. I have 6 reviews, like one for each chapter, so who will be 7 for chapter 7? And thank you to those who have reviewed. me so happy. but I will be even happier the more people say. and don't you ppl want me to be happy?