----- Sort of a Fairytale
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Thank you.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my third fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that. No, wait, actually now that I think about it, there is a lot of twists in this! LoL.
Oh, and mild (depends on your own definition here) cursing in this chapter. I don't know how many it would be mild for you guys, but deepest apologies for the vulgar language.
Iris Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: SakuraKChan: First off, I must thank you for all that praise you have given me! I really don't think my stories are that well done (yes, us authors tend to be a bit harsh on ourselves), but I am pleased nonetheless. Oh, and thank you for your congratulations on my acceptances! To think that my stories are actually being read and appreciated by a senior at college really makes me happy. Hehe. So, thanks! I hope you like this chapter.
DaShyGurl: Sorry about the cliffhanger! Seriously. However, it's not bad of one if you read this chapter. Hehe, explanations will come later. Thanks for reviewing.
Dragonstar03: I've updated! Aren't you pretty glad?
Yamiyumetenshi: Thanks for your congratulations. Hey, don't you get more money, as you grow older? Or maybe that's just my family. From the way I see it, when you get older, you need more money, since you're becoming more independent. In my family, those who are going to be college, in college, or out of college, are given more money. Oh, and concerning my story, things are never what they seem. *Insert evil laughter * Ignore that; I'm overly hyper.
Syaoransbear: I hope this fast update has satisfied your scruples, dear. Just kidding.
SulliMike23: Things just keep on piling up, hm?
Lind-liu: Thanks!
Iced Faerie (aka SakuraLova): I'm glad you still love my fic, even if you have changed your name. Happy belated birthday and I'm glad I updated my last chapter to be your gift.
AnimeObessionFantasy: Yes, things are always unexpected. Like the Card Captor Sakura motto, "expect the unexpected." Hehe.
Sarah: Hehe, perhaps this chapter's cliffhanger is a bit milder than last one's. Don't you love it how Sakura so witty and totally kicks ass? LoL.
Ms. Pac Man: Oh, I don't want to ruin the story by telling you everything, even though I really want to. Although this chapter doesn't really contain any answers, reasons will come.
Avelyn Lauren: Wow! Long review! So touched here. Hm, so first off, you're totally welcome to email me, and that goes for anyone else. Secondly, your idea was quite amusing and I have thought of something, although with Sakura not as quite as helpless. I do love that fiery temper she has. LoL, I can't bear to have her gone that long. Anyhow, this chapter does contain sweet moments, as well as humorous ones. As for the next chapter, even I don't know what will be in it. As for acceptances, hopefully there is more to come. I'm sure you'll be glad that I've updated before Valentine's Day. Also, no worries about getting where I live; in another few months, I'll be back in the States and prepare myself for some major culture shock. LoL.
Dreamy-gal: I do take writing pretty seriously, as it is one of my interests. :) So, even if it does take me a while a to update, it's because I'm constantly rereading and rewriting everything I've written. Hehe. As for romantic Syaoran and Sakura moments, I'm sure this one does contain it, even if it isn't what you would have imagined for it to be.
Illusioner1412: Don't worry, school has take over my life as well. However, second semester of senior year is rolling around and I've already been hit with senioritis.
Fire Temptress: You, along with everyone else, are planning to kill me for that cliffhanger I left. However, as you read on, you'll find that the cliffhanger isn't as bad as it is. As for your wish of a love confession, there is one in this chapter, occurring in the most amusing way possible. Hehe. Not much action or plot happening, but it's all the matter of building up the grand finale. Hehe. I don't even know what I'm taking about here. Anyhow, read on and review!
Sally: Thanks!
Hououza: I'm glad you liked the twist at the ending of the story. Of course, there is more to come, and in many ways than one. Thanks for reviewing!
Starrygaze: I'm glad you liked the Sakura and Syaoran interaction, but as for some answers I'm afraid you won't find many here.
Dancer 5: I always look forward to your reviews, wondering what line you'll pick out that stands out from the rest. Hehe. Don't have any big surprises for you in this chapter, but they're coming. And thanks for your congratulations!
Daz: Thank you; truly, for the two reviews even if I said the one for chapter seven wasn't necessary. Thanks. Yes, I do hate clichés and although I try to avoid them, some things are simply unavoidable. I really do hope that my story's original. Sigh. I'm working on it.
Rika: Thank you time eight for all eight reviews you have given me! I'm glad that you really do like this fic and that Sakura and Syaoran's relationship was quite plausible.
*****: As much as I laugh about being an evil author, I truly hope that I'm not one. Cliffhangers are no more fun for you than they are for me. I have to end my chapter suddenly to prevent myself from not dividing my story into chapters. So sorry if it's getting on your nerves.
HanaTenshiHimeko: Yep, that's me, with a weird approach. I tend to look things in a weird way. LoL.
Cherry Princess Sakura: LoL, perhaps I am leaving too many cliffhangers. Hopefully this one is not that bad of one. After all, each chapter is a cliffhanger, because it's a wait until the next chapters. Oh well. Anyhow, your wish for romance is in this chapter, and this chapter's mainly for you, along with romance demanding readers. It's a chapter to relax a bit before the fun comes along.
Raigne: Thank you for you best wishes for the honor program for Penn State. Hopefully all will go well. As already said, this chapter's going to be a breather and the answers will only be revealed piece by piece.
:) Thanks for reviewing. This chapter will hopefully have enough kawaii- ness to keep you satisfied until next time.
Chibilee: To you, I give you my most sincere thanks, for you actually sent me an email because ff.net was having a few glitches. That meant a lot to me, since you went through all that trouble when you could have chosen not to review. I'm glad you like how the story's going so far and thank you for your congrats at my college acceptances! I hope you like this chapter!
And EVERYONE ELSE, thank you as well. I'm just pleased you are willing to take time out to read my story, and that's enough for me, even if you don't review; you still have my utmost thanks.
---- CHAPTER NINE: Paparazzi Fun
"Tomoyo?"
"Hm?" She answered sleepily.
"I'm sorry. Were you sleeping?" The voice apologized from across the dark room.
"Mm, no." Tomoyo mumbled, shaking her head lightly. "What did you want to say Eriol?"
There was a slight pause where only the sound of steady, rhythmic breathing could be heard. Tomoyo blinked sleepily, focusing her eyes against the darkness of their room. Turning over on her side, she looked across the room at Eriol's bed.
"Sweetie," He paused. "Whose Hayushi?"
Tomoyo gasped out loud; that was the last thing that she had expected him to ask. Eriol frowned once he heard her sharp intake of air.
"Tomoyo?"
"What made you ask that?" She finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Syaoran called me last night; we talked for over two hours." He sighed. "Sakura must have told you about their search of the apartment room. It was Sakura who figured everything out, including the man who once lived there. According to Syaoran, the guy was Miraki Hayushi," His voice trailed off.
"He was Sakura's ex-boyfriend as you might already know." Tomoyo continued, her voice soft. "He's one year older than us and the first time he saw Sakura, he was totally smitten with her. Hayushi chased after Sakura for two months, and never gave up despite Sakura's warnings and protests. After all, it was only around three months since that incident at prom night. In the end however, Sakura finally agreed to a date with him. He was known for being a nice and reserved young man and the upperclassmen who knew him said that Hayushi was a nice guy." Tomoyo sighed sadly. "Actually, I'm the one to blame."
"No one can predict the future, Tomoyo." Eriol replied comfortingly.
"Yes, but it was me who told Sakura to go on a date. Who knew that one date would follow one another? At first Sakura seemed fine with the whole thing, but once Sakura started to refuse him, Hayushi started to change. Somehow Sakura bargained with him and they decided to go on one last date after one month of relationship." Her voice cracked and Tomoyo swallowed painfully. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Eriol walking towards her until he was lifting up her blanket and lying down with her. He gave her a warm smile and shifted in her bed such that she was leaning against him, her head on his chest. Somehow listening to his steady heartbeat gave her enough courage to go on.
"Sakura didn't tell me much, but when the police called me, I knew that something horrible had happened to her. Once I saw her broken face, crumbled and torn, I knew that she had been raped. The police told me that she was probably drugged and by then it had been too late to stop anything and that probably she didn't remember much." Tomoyo shut her eyes tightly, hugging Eriol tighter to herself.
"The night at the pub last time, when Sakura was drugged, she lasted really long and defeated many men. Only lately did I finally realize that Sakura was somehow rendered helpless for the whole disgusting act to have happened. I know now that Sakura remembers every single detail of that night."
Eriol closed his eyes, cannot believing the horrors the world contained. Sakura had written briefly that she hated her ex in her letters but she never really wrote why.
Tomoyo was sobbing. Eriol wrapped his arms tighter around her, gently smoothing her hair. "Tell me, sweetness, did this guy do anything else to Sakura?"
"No." She mumbled her reply to his chest. "At least I don't think so. He pretty much left Sakura alone after that."
"I wonder what's he's doing." Eriol said quietly. "This is all too eerie and it can't be some simple revenge on a girl who had dumped him."
Tomoyo nodded. "Are you going to tell Li-san what I said? About Hayushi?"
Eriol shrugged. "I don't know; if I have to perhaps. It would be better for the both of them if Sakura told him, but it would have to depend on Sakura. Remember, Sakura didn't even tell me the details, nor you Tomoyo."
He pulled the covers over them more comfortably when he felt Tomoyo shiver in his arms.
"I'm not cold, Eriol." She whispered, trembling. "I'm just afraid."
Eriol closed his eyes, pulling Tomoyo even closer to him, as if wanting to shield her from all the bad in the world. He caressed her hair lovingly. "I'm afraid too," He told her, trying to steady his voice. "But we have to believe in one another."
Tomoyo nodded. "I love you, Eriol."
"I love you too. Remember that Tomoyo. No matter what happens, my love for you always." He whispered back fiercely.
----- A few days later -----
Sakura glared, her feet set apart in such a stance that labeled her as stubborn, unyielding. Syaoran returned the look, his face equally as fierce.
"Will you get out of the way?" She hissed angrily, trying to get pass him but Syaoran blocked her every move. God damn the fucking small door, Sakura cursed in her head.
"We have to talk." He told her.
"There is nothing to talk about." Sakura replied angrily. "Now get out of my way."
Syaoran blocked her again. "No. I told you, you're not going anywhere until you tell me everything."
Sakura ignored him.
"Damn it, Sakura, you will tell me." He barked. "Who is this Hayushi such that he has connections to Monoko? Stop acting all-powerful and solving this fucking case by yourself! You need someone!"
Sakura glared frostily at him. "And you're the one to help?" She mocked. "You don't even know me."
"So tell me!" Syaoran shot back. "How am I supposed to help if you don't tell me anything? God damn it, you're not alone Sakura! Why can't you just let yourself open to some help?"
"You want to know why?" Sakura fired back. "Fine! I'll tell you! Because every fucking person that I've trusted out there has turned their back on me! Every single man that I've ever known, that I thought I had feelings for, were playing with me and used me. And you know what? I would be fucking much better without them. I've gotten this far without anyone, I don't need anyone."
Syaoran stared at the angry girl before him, her dark green eyes blazing, chin held up high. His gaze softened. "Not this time, Sakura, not this time."
"Who are to you make such judgments?" Sakura scoffed. "This is my own business and I fully intend to have the last say here."
"It's never your own."
"Oh, that's right. You're my boyfriend." She said sarcastically. "How could I have forgotten such an important fact as that?"
"Sakura,"
"Stop calling me that!" She snapped.
"Sakura,"
"Shut it Li and get the hell out of my way." Sakura fumed. She threw her Nike duffel bag on the ground. "You're asking for a fight." She moved into her fighting stance, the glint in her eyes showed that she was perfectly serious.
"Wait," Syaoran blocked the punch that came flying towards him. Sakura glared at him, silencing him with quick punches. Syaoran cursed under his breath, blocking rapidly. There wasn't even time to think, much less talk. So he didn't think.
Her punch stopped less than a centimeter away from his nose. Syaoran stared at it then to the crossed expression of Sakura's face and the eyes that were mocking him. Then slowly, Sakura lowered her hand to her side. Even though she never showed it, Syaoran knew that Sakura would never hit someone who was innocent or had no means of defending himself.
"So you've thought it through." She said dryly.
"Yes I have." Syaoran spoke with a grin on his face. "I've figured out why I'm falling in love with you."
Sakura made a choking sound and Syaoran looked up startled. To his surprise, Sakura was laughing, hard. For a moment he didn't know what to say, so he didn't. He just stood there like a dumbstruck fool.
"You men are all the same." She informed him, with an amused smirk. "Those words mean totally nothing to me for they express nothing. You expect me to be touched at those words and that I'll be bound by them, blinded by the truth." She gave a harsh laugh. "Men always want to be the more dominant one, the one with more control. You hardly can deny the fact that you have fantasized about me, and to think I told you on our first meet that we would never be together. I don't say things I don't mean, Li."
"I don't say thing I don't mean either, Kinomoto Sakura." Syaoran replied swiftly. "Who was the one who stayed by your side? Who comforted you and shared your difficulties? I did, Sakura. I'm the one who has seen you without those barriers you put around yourself. I've seen the real you, without any brittle sophistication."
"A fault on my part, I do admit." She responded. "However, you were the one who interpreted the matters deeper than they actually contained. I hold no feelings for you."
"Then you would have hit me."
Sakura rounded a piercing stare at him, holding his amber eyes firmly in her hold. "You know that answer if I do not."
He grinned sheepishly. "You got me there," he admitted.
Sakura growled, exasperated. "Li, I have class in thirty minutes. Move. I don't have time to play your annoying childish games."
"On one condition," Syaoran said cheekily.
"Syaoran Li, do not, I warn you, piss me off." Her eyes glinted; the hand that was holding her duffle bag was clenching the strap quite tightly. "You have exactly three seconds to get your annoying face out of my sight."
"If you promise me," He started.
"One." Sakura counted slowly, her feet tapping impatiently.
"To go on," Syaoran continued.
"Two." Her voice was somehow getting more infuriated.
"A date with me." He finished as Sakura dropped the last number. She shoved him out of the way and walked out the door without another word. When she was at the stairs, she stopped, her hand resting on the rail.
"Oh, by the way, the answer is no." She replied calmly and descended down the stairs quickly. Syaoran smiled lightly to himself, running a hand through his messy hair.
"I knew it wouldn't work." He murmured out loud as he watched Sakura's car speed off in the direction of the gym where she taught those little kids karate. "I can't believe I asked her, Kinomoto Sakura, on a date." Syaoran chuckled lightly to himself. "I must be going crazy, but at least I'm not the only love sick idiot out there."
-----
"You asked her what!" Meiling shouted.
"I asked her,"
"Tomoyo! Pick up the other telephone! Hurry!" Meiling shouted to her best friend, totally disregarding the fact that Syaoran had spoken. On the other end of the phone, Syaoran sighed. What had he gotten himself into now? Perhaps he should have waited until Eriol was done with his classes, but it was all too late now. He had thought Meiling would have understood, considering the whole campus news of her chasing Kai, but he had clearly been wrong.
"Syaoran, tell her! Tell Tomoyo what you just told me." She commanded.
"I asked Sakura on a date." He repeated tiredly.
Tomoyo laughed. "She must have told you no; is that why you're calling? For help? Backup? Hints? A few pointers?"
"It's going to cost you, buddy, but we'll help you." Meiling joined in, totally thrilled at this excitement. Hell, this was more fun than the last time she blackmailed her cousin! "So, what do you want to know? Don't worry, we'll charge you in the end, so you don't have to worry about not giving us anything in return."
"But I,"
"Meiling," Tomoyo said through their three-way telephone conversation, "don't frighten our customer." Syaoran groaned; these two were worse than all his sisters combined. "First off, don't mention the price! We don't want him to know that he'll be broke within a few questions. Secondly, perhaps we should ask him a few questions as to why he wants a date. After all, this is Sakura who we're talking about here, not some random girl."
"Agreed. So, Syaoran, for starters, what impulse made you ask Sakura on a date?" Meiling asked. "Wait, before you answer, Tomoyo, are you ready?"
"Wait," was the muffled reply. There was a faint clinking sound of buttons being pressed. "Tape recorder ready. I'm ready to go whenever you are."
"What! You're recording this?" Syaoran sputtered incredulously.
"Of course," Meiling replied nonchalantly. "This is a milestone, cousin. Now, remember, speak clearly and distinctly; pronounce each syllable. Don't mumble. You might want to talk a bit louder though. Anyhow, act normal!"
"Easy for you to say," he grumbled.
"What was that Li?" Tomoyo asked a bit too pleasantly. "Talk up!"
"Never mind." He groaned.
"So, Syaoran, what impulse made you ask Sakura on a date? I thought you two were always on a formal basis. What caused this sudden change?" Meiling asked; her voice laced with excitement.
"Well, I, uh,"
"Don't worry; take your time. Perhaps you should think over the answer before you reply." Tomoyo encouraged.
"That's good advice." Meiling nodded in agreement. "Yes, we'll sit here quietly and patiently while you think."
"Hm. I think I'll have to label this one as 'Syaoran Li's confession of undying love for Kinomoto Sakura; a story of gradual change from hate to trust and love.' What do you think, Meiling?"
"Well, as long as I have a copy, I don't mind at all. You may have the honors this time."
"Thank you."
"Don't sweat it."
"Wait, do you think it sounds better is I said, 'a story of love at second sight' instead of 'a story of gradual change from hate to trust and love'?"
"Will you guys shut up?" Syaoran roared. "I had enough; you two are completely annoying and I don't know why I'm even putting up with you guys! I just like Sakura okay? There are no reasons, it just happened! Emotions never make any sense!"
There was a pause after Syaoran had his sudden outburst. Then, with complete synchronization, the two started clapping.
"Well said, Li." Tomoyo nodded her head professionally. "Well said."
"Wonderful." Meiling added. "That's the smartest thing you've said your whole life. Do you have anything else to say?"
"Yeah, I do." Syaoran said dryly. "Fuck off."
"Oh!" Tomoyo said, putting on her shocked face. "Li, did you just curse? That wasn't very gentleman like, now was it?"
"Not at all." Meiling chided. "You should apologize."
"What the hell should I apologize? I'm the one being," He paused. "You know what? I have something else to say."
"Please do." Tomoyo said smiling.
"Goodbye."
"Wait! Syaoran!" Meiling cursed. "He hung up on me, Meiling Li! He actually hung up on me!"
Tomoyo laughed. "Oh, come off it Meiling." She said, putting Meiling's phone back into its cradle. "At least we got this." She held up the black tape recorder, an evil grin on her face. Meiling's was even wider if that was even possible.
"Well, what are you doing? Replay the whole conversation!"
-----
Sakura punched hard, her fist cutting through the air as her yell did. Then a series of quick punches added with strong hard kicks finished her moves as she finally let out the air in her lungs in her final ending move, moving her hands to her sides and bowing to her imaginary opponent.
Then her cell phone rang, demanding attention. Sakura growled, focusing on her steady punches, one following the other, but whoever was the caller was had no intention of giving up. Cursing herself for even turning on the cell phone, Sakura did two complete back flips to where her bag was.
She didn't even have the time to say something when Meiling's voice blared from the other end.
"Sakura! You won't believe what happened! Listen to this!" Her friend jabbered, hushing down after a winding sound was heard.
"Will you guys shut up?" Syaoran roared from the phone. "I had enough; you two are completely annoying and I don't know why I'm even putting up with you guys! I just like Sakura okay? There are no reasons, it just happened! Emotions never make any sense!"
Meiling promptly clicked the tape off. "So, what do you think of my cousin's declaration of undying love?"
"I don't think you can call it that." Sakura replied dryly. "It sounded like he was pressured to say that rather than willingly. Did you guys prepare some sort of script or something?"
"What?" Tomoyo piped up. "But doesn't his words make your heart flutter? After all, it is directly from his mouth."
"I don't date, if that's what the two of you called me for. Li's more of a wimp than I thought him to be if he sunk so low as to ask someone else to convince me to go on a date on him."
"It's not a date; it's a friendly dinner." Tomoyo corrected slyly. "I promise you, Sakura, that Li's different and he won't pull any moves on him."
"That's right. If he does anything we'll whip him black and blue and make him wish that he never was born." Meiling added. "If he does anything wrong, I give you all rights to hit him in any way, shape, or form. Added to that, I'll give you any choice of blackmail material that I have collected in all these years."
"Bargains don't work on me." Sakura answered, drying the sweat with her towel. "I don't need you to give me permission to fight Li; I can do that whenever I wish. Furthermore, I have enough blackmail material in my hands currently that are quite sufficient, although your collection is quite amazing."
"Thank you." Meiling replied.
"However, I don't see why a date is necessary."
"Sakura, think of it as a trap." Tomoyo said, pulling out her plan B into use. "The two of you alone on a date will definitely draw attention and this so called perverted stalker will most likely to be there. A high classed restaurant will definitely narrow the people you want to keep an eye on."
"True."
"Yeah, and you guys can dine at Lakeshore restaurant where Syaoran's sister works. She can give you guys a copy of who dined at there." Meiling added. "It will totally be a professional meet on business, no romance needed."
"But,"
"So! Syaoran will be at your door to pick you up at seven, so Tomoyo and I will be at your apartment in thirty minutes to dress you up and everything. That gives us roughly five hours, which should be enough."
"See you then, Sakura!" Tomoyo said happily and the two matchmakers promptly turned off their phones. Sakura raised her eyebrow, glancing at the cell phone in her hands. Sighing out loud, she began to pack her bags to leave.
-----
Eriol chuckled lightly to himself as he walked into Sakura's apartment room where two overly hyper girls were clucking over a crossed Sakura in the mist of clothes strewn everywhere.
"Poor Sakura." He said, giving Sakura a sympathic smile.
"Eriol!" Tomoyo bounded over to him, giving him a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. "It's Sakura's first date with Li; of course everything has to be perfect."
"It's not a date." Sakura said crossly. "Control your woman, Eriol."
Eriol laughed. "I'll try my best. So where's the other main character?"
"Syaoran?" Meiling asked. "When I called him to tell of the date half an hour ago he said he was going out. I don't think he'll be here until five hours later when he has to pick up Sakura." She shrugged. "Most likely he's nervous. So, Eriol, since you're here, what color should Sakura wear?"
"Whatever you ladies decide will best." Eriol answered, smiling pleasantly. "I'll go find our dear Syaoran and give him a few pointers."
"Good idea, Eriol." Sakura replied. "Might as well go take him to Touya so Touya can give him a few talks." She grinned wolfishly.
Eriol laughed. "Sending him to the dungeon so soon? Last time I checked, Touya wasn't all together that happy about Syaoran living so close to you."
Sakura's grin grew wider. "All the better. Maybe I should call Touya and tell him you guys made me go on a date."
"You wouldn't!" Tomoyo said shocked.
"Why not?" Sakura replied.
"Meiling, say something!" Tomoyo looked at her partner in crime for support.
"Well, why not?" The Chinese girl shrugged. "It's good blackmail material if we could record the whole thing."
"You're joking!" Tomoyo told Sakura.
"I'm dead serious Tomoyo." She replied. "Li has to know what he's dealing with. No one I ever knew went on a date without going through the whole Touya interrogation. It proves to be effective for scaring off guys for a while."
"Eriol, when you find Li, tell him to call my brother." Sakura handed a piece of paper to her friend. He nodded and turned to leave. "Oh, and tell Li I said good luck." She crackled evilly. If she had to suffer through the whole date, plus the whole ordeal of dressing and makeup for five hours, it would only be fair if Syaoran had to go through five hours of lecture.
----
Syaoran stared at the piece of paper Eriol gave him. "I have to call him?" He said incredulously.
Eriol chuckled. "Indeed. Sakura called him, so he'll be expecting your call." He replied. "I'll give you some privacy then. I'll be in my own office when you're done. Oh, by the way, Sakura told me to tell you good luck."
With that, Eriol left Syaoran in his own cubicle at the police station. Syaoran sighed and looked at the number in his hand again.
"Might as well get it over with." He said to himself. Picking up the phone, he dialed.
"So you're Syaoran Li." A fierce voice came from the other end. "I'm Sakura's older brother, Touya Kinomoto. You'll address me as Kinomoto and nothing else wise guy. I've heard from my little sister that you're dating her tonight. Why did you want to date her? What do you think of her? And where will you be taking her for dinner? What other activities will you be doing tonight? What gifts are you giving her? And what time are you planning to bring her home? What will you be wearing?"
Syaoran groaned.
"Don't you groan me, Li." Touya interrupted. "Answer those questions."
It was going to be a long talk.
----- Two hours later ----
"Okay, so what are you going to give Sakura tonight?" Touya asked,
"What?"
"Gifts." He sighed. "You're planning to give her one, right?"
"Oh, yeah." Syaoran said lamely.
"You're not giving her one?" Sakura's brother demanded.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I haven't really thought about it."
It was now Touya's turn to sigh. "Look, I don't like you anymore than all those other retards that dated my little sister. Hell, I don't think I even trust you, even if you are Sakura's bodyguard, Eriol's best friend, Meiling's cousin, and whatever friend connection you have to Tomoyo. However, since this whole date is more of a business thing and inevitable, I'm going to give you a few pointers. Do you have a pen? I'm expecting you to write this all down."
"What? Oh, um, yeah." Syaoran fumbled for a pen. "Um, ready."
"Good. Mostly likely you'll plan to give her a gift. Flowers will do nicely on a first date." Touya said. "Now, don't give her lilies; Sakura's a bit allergic to them because their scent's a bit too strong. Of course her favorite flower is the Sakura, but they aren't really in bloom yet. Roses are fine; her favorite would be white ones edged with a dark pink. Other flowers are okay, but don't get a whole bouquet of them. She doesn't like guys spending that much money on her; it makes her feel as if she's never had a bouquet of flowers before and that she's too poor to buy some herself. However, they are necessary, as a symbol to show that you actually went through the whole trouble of buying them."
Syaoran blinked, writing down the information. This guy really cared about his baby sister, and hell did he know tons of information about her.
"Treat her like a lady but don't do everything for her. What she hates most is guys asking her what she wants to eat, and then having the guy answers for her, telling her that this dish and that dish is exceptionally fine, and then ordering for her." Touya continued. "I mean, what an dolt."
Syaoran had to stop himself from chuckling at that.
"Compliment her, but don't pile them on her. She doesn't really fall for praises if you haven't noticed that. However, Sakura's sharp and she'll catch if you really mean what you say." Her brother warned.
"I'll remember that."
"You better." Touya replied. "I can't believe I'm actually giving you all this information."
"Thank you." Syaoran said sincerely.
Touya snorted. "Yeah, whatever gaki. Now listen up; I have more to say to you."
-----
"Sakura so kawaii!" Tomoyo clapped her hands delightfully. "Don't move! I have to tape this." She instructed, whipping out her camera and tapping her best friend from all angles and all sorts of technical tricks."
She rolled her eyes. "Isn't this a bit too formal?"
Meiling shook her head. "No, Lakeshore's one of the best restaurants around; top ten in Japan the last time I checked. Fanren, Syaoran's sister, is the owner of the hotel, a chain of hotels actually. Syaoran's three other sisters, Fuutie, Feimei, and Sheifa are managers of the other hotels. I called her before I came and she's reserved a spot for you." Meiling grinned. "She's really excited."
"Whoopee," Sakura drawled sarcastically. "I cannot wait until this night is over and I can take this dress off of me. What time is it?"
"Six thirty." Tomoyo supplied. "But knowing Li, he'll be here early to pick you up."
"Most likely. It's a good thirty minute drive to the restaurant." Meiling said thoughtfully. Then her eyes lit up. "So, any last minute thoughts you want to say before Syaoran comes? You have a dreamy look in your eyes."
Sakura was grinning roguishly. "I'm wondering how the talk with Touya went." Then she laughed evilly. Meiling and Tomoyo shared a look, shaking their heads.
-----
"And before I let you go, gaki, remember your manners. I'll come and beat the living shit out of you if you do anything wrong." Touya reminded.
"You have my word." Syaoran said, trying to push how tired he was from his voice. Gods, the conversation had been three hours and thirty-three minutes long! It was already five twenty-seven and he still had to buy flowers, take a shower, and change into his suit.
"I'll leave you to go shower. Oh, and don't wear cologne."
"Oh?" Syaoran responded, too tired to come up with anything else to say.
"Bad memories." The older man replied shortly without any further explanations. "Just don't wear any."
"I won't."
Touya sighed. "Look, I'm just worried for my little kaijuu, okay? She's been through a hell of rotten stuff and she's seen more bad than good in the world sometimes. You do not want to know the things she's been through." He paused. "I don't even know why I've bothered to tell you this much. Maybe it's because you're the one who's in charge of protecting my sister for me since I'm not there."
Syaoran nodded, sitting up in his seat at the change in tone of Sakura's older brother.
"So, um, take care of her?" He asked.
"Of course I will." Syaoran replied seriously.
Touya grunted. "This doesn't mean I'm allowing you to officially date her." He informed. "I'm simply allowing you to be her bodyguard for a while; that is, until I can. Sakura loads too much stress on herself."
Syaoran wisely decided not to say anything.
"Well, I guess I'll leave it at that." His voice seemed much sadder.
"I promise you that Sakura's in good hands. I'll do my best to protect her from whatever that is to come."
"Mm." Touya replied absentmindedly.
"Um, it's been nice talking to you Kinomoto. I'll reread everything that I've taken down before I go pick up Sakura." Syaoran said, not really knowing what to say actually.
"Yeah, you go do that gaki." He replied. "You go do that. Now, Sakura's going to inform me on everything that happens tonight, so no tricks. And if this guy really does appear, you give him all that you got, you hear? I've had enough of that fucking bastard's games and it's about time we set it to an end."
"My thoughts exactly Kinomoto." Syaoran replied. "I'll be leaving now."
"Mm. And mind the little kaijuu's feet; she kicks hard."
Syaoran chuckled. "I'm very well aware of that Kinomoto."
"Good, then you know what else she can do." Touya replied smartly. "Goodbye." And then he hung up without another word. Syaoran couldn't help but sigh out loud. Leaning back on his chair, he ran his hand through his brown hair. Seven pages of hand written notes, both sides. He gave himself a few minutes to recollect himself before getting up and driving back to his apartment to get ready. In his pockets were his notes and in his mind he already had an idea of what kind of flowers to get Sakura.
-----
"He's late." Meiling said, as she stared at Sakura's digital clock that showed it was exactly seven and one minutes.
"He's right next store," Tomoyo replied. "He won't be going anywhere."
"True. I'll give him five more minutes then." Meiling relented. "After all, most likely Touya gave him on hell of a lecture."
Yet before five minutes were up, there was a polite knock on the door. Tomoyo jumped up, squealing. "Hurry Sakura! Answer the door!"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "You guys act like you're the ones on the date. There's nothing to be so excited about; it's only Li." However, she got up to her feet and opened the door, taking her own sweet time.
"Well, we should be going." Sakura told Syaoran who was dressed nicely in a black tux with his chocolate brown hair nicely jelled. She quickly walked out the door and firmly closed it behind her.
"That eager?" Syaoran asked amused.
"I'm doing you a favor." She replied. "Those two will surely have your head off if my brother hasn't already."
Syaoran smiled grimly. "The talk went, um, interestingly enough. Your brother is quite, uh, protective of you."
Sakura laughed. "Well, that's Touya, my lovable, as sweet as ever, brother. So, let's get this date thingy over with then. I've heard a couple of interesting things about your sisters as well from Meiling."
"A spitting image of Meiling," Syaoran quipped. "It's nothing pleasant at all."
"I pity you." Sakura informed him.
"What can I say?" Syaoran said. "Anyhow, your brother kindly reminded me to buy you flowers, so here." He gave her a small yet elegant bouquet of her favorite kind of roses, white with the edge of the petals a dark hue of pink.
Sakura gave him a half smile. "Thank you. Touya told you?"
Syaoran grinned sheepishly. "He did."
"Well, thank you anyhow." Sakura replied, fingered a rose softly. The two walked to Syaoran's black jeep. Remembering what Syaoran said, he made no offer to open the door for Sakura.
The ride there was silent, the two not saying a word. Sakura had her head leaned to her right, watching the images outside the window. Syaoran meanwhile was looking at her from the corner of his eyes. He really didn't know what possessed him to ask her on a date. However, it was all worth the trouble. She looked simply dazzling in her wine red halter styled dress. Her auburn locks were curled slightly and piled up elegantly with a few strands framing her face. Pink eye shadow made her green eyes stand out even more, giving her an elegant, royal look.
"You look wonderful." He whispered.
Sakura looked up him, surprised. "Thank you," she paused, "Syaoran."
He grinned. "My pleasure, Sakura."
"Touya must have had one long talk with you." Sakura said. "On your best behavior, hm?"
Syaoran chuckled. "I hope I will be." He replied. "He's warned me about how had you kick people's shins. Your most brutal blow, after many years of practicing and polishing."
Sakura grinned, barring all her teeth. "Good, then I hope I've made myself clear."
----
"Wow, so Meiling wasn't lying when she said Lakeshore's one of the best restaurants around." Sakura said, staring awed at the hotel that glowed with a sense of formality and high class. "Your sister Fanren must be quite talented."
Syaoran offered her hand, which Sakura took. He handed his keys to a formally dressed man who parked Syaoran's car for him. "Fanren's my favorite out of all my sisters if I really have to choose. She's the one who acts her age, and most of the time older."
"Well, I must see her before we go." Sakura informed him as they walked inside.
"Reservations under the name of Li, Kari." Syaoran told the lady behind the counter.
"You haven't been here in a while." She replied, smiling. "Your sister was most delighted when she heard that you were dining tonight. Come, she's reserved you one of the best tables."
Kari led them to a more isolated part of the restaurant. When Sakura sat down, the wonderful scenery that their table overlooked awed her.
"Tokyo's especially magical at night; so these would be our best seats now." Kari said with a small smile to Sakura. "If you decide to come during the day, we have a few tables that overlook the cherry blossom groves, which would be absolutely beautiful when they are in bloom."
"I'm sure they would be." Sakura replied gracefully.
"So, Xiao Lang, are you going to introduce me to your date or shall I ask myself?"
Syaoran cracked a grin. "Sakura, this is Kari Chen, Fanren's best friend since who knows when. Kari, this is Kinomoto Sakura."
"Nice to meet you," Kari said, smiling so happily that it lit her whole face up. "Well, then, shall I call your sister or would you like to order first?"
Syaoran looked at Sakura. "Your decision."
"I would love to meet Syaoran's sister if she's not busy right now." Sakura said sincerely. "She must be a wonderful person if she can create something so spectacular."
Kari nodded. "Of course." She bowed lightly. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Nice meeting you Kinomoto."
Sakura's eyes were observing the room carefully, memorizing each face she saw. Syaoran smiled what she was doing.
"I'll watch your back." He leaned over and gave her a charming smile. Sakura had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"Whatever. I'm not all that useless in a dress." She was grinning roguishly, tapping Syaoran's feet under the table.
He groaned; Sakura was wearing her boots, her combat boots to be exact, underneath that long dress where no one could see what she was wearing, even when she sat down.
She chuckled. "Never underestimate me." She turned her heads in the direction of where Kari had left. "It's been a good twenty minutes. Where do you think she's gone?"
Syaoran frowned. "I don't know. Fanren's never really that busy. She's usually just watching over the cooks and everything. Last time I came, she was out in three seconds flat."
However, Kari came out a few minutes afterwards, smiling a bit nervously. "I'm sorry, but Fanren's a bit, um, busy right now." She shrugged. "She might not be able to see you tonight. Gomen, Kinomoto."
Sakura gave a warm smile. "Don't worry about it." She chuckled lightly. "It'll give me some time to use the restroom before the food is served." She turned to her date. "Syao, give me a few minutes, will you?"
Syaoran looked at her for a while before nodding. "Please do; take your time."
Kari told her where the bathroom was and quickly left the two's table. Sakura winked before walking off towards the bathroom, in the direction where Kari had just returned from.
Sakura pushed open the door of the bathroom with a long bang, making sure no was there. Sighing out loud, she spotted a small security camera at top right corner, on top of the sinks.
"Now how did Eriol do it?" She mumbled to herself. Bending down, she slipped her hand underneath her dress, her hand coming in contact with her black combat boots. Sliding a hand inside her boots, she fished out a shiny blade. She walked towards the sinks pretending to wash her hands while she sneaked her right hand under the camera. With a flick of the blade, she slightly made a horizontal cut on a thick white wire and slid a small chip inside. Sliding the blade carefully back to its original place, she walked into a stall. There, she took off her dress. Beneath was her black halter that was fashioned by Tomoyo such that it didn't show when she wore her dress. Added to that were her trustworthy black tights. After her fighting gloves were firmly in place, she dialed Eriol, making it ring three times before hanging up. Now, it was Eriol's turn. When she felt her phone vibrate three times back, Sakura slid outside her stall. Now, the camera would see the bathroom as it was, with no one inside.
Sakura had to stifle a laugh when she saw herself in the mirror, formal hair with her black outfit. Grinning wolfishly, she took out her pins, her auburn hair flowing down. Gathering in her hair into a tight ponytail, she strutted out the bathroom, tossing her hairpins into the trashcan as she did.
Everything before that was simple. Now, it was time for her favorite game: to catch the rat slinking in the kitchens and dispose it.
-----
I think I'm going to leave it there. It's already much longer than my usual chapters already. Besides, I didn't want to get into the game and leave it hanging there. Hehe, however, I will leave you guys in the dark a little while as to what Sakura's going to do. Hey, at least I got this chapter out pretty fast though! It's even before Valentine's Day so I have to wish you all and early Valentine's Day once again. LoL.
This chapter wasn't that violent and suspenseful so it was much easier to write out. Actually, in this chapter nothing really much happened; to me, at least. I'm still a little behind on the plot. Anyhow, next chapter will be much more interesting; tons of action there. On the other hand, it will take me a bit longer to write out.
Sigh, school starts for me in one day. I have to say goodbye to my Chinese New Year break holiday and to my mornings of waking late and typing my stories. Oh, and my nights of staying up late while hugging my pillow and my remote control; no one to fight against for the remote since everyone's all asleep. Heheh.
Anyhow, enough of my nonsense; haven't you guys realize how often I go on tangents? Argh, there I go again. Review! Please; I really want to know how this chapter went!
Iris Dreamer.
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Thank you.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my third fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that. No, wait, actually now that I think about it, there is a lot of twists in this! LoL.
Oh, and mild (depends on your own definition here) cursing in this chapter. I don't know how many it would be mild for you guys, but deepest apologies for the vulgar language.
Iris Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: SakuraKChan: First off, I must thank you for all that praise you have given me! I really don't think my stories are that well done (yes, us authors tend to be a bit harsh on ourselves), but I am pleased nonetheless. Oh, and thank you for your congratulations on my acceptances! To think that my stories are actually being read and appreciated by a senior at college really makes me happy. Hehe. So, thanks! I hope you like this chapter.
DaShyGurl: Sorry about the cliffhanger! Seriously. However, it's not bad of one if you read this chapter. Hehe, explanations will come later. Thanks for reviewing.
Dragonstar03: I've updated! Aren't you pretty glad?
Yamiyumetenshi: Thanks for your congratulations. Hey, don't you get more money, as you grow older? Or maybe that's just my family. From the way I see it, when you get older, you need more money, since you're becoming more independent. In my family, those who are going to be college, in college, or out of college, are given more money. Oh, and concerning my story, things are never what they seem. *Insert evil laughter * Ignore that; I'm overly hyper.
Syaoransbear: I hope this fast update has satisfied your scruples, dear. Just kidding.
SulliMike23: Things just keep on piling up, hm?
Lind-liu: Thanks!
Iced Faerie (aka SakuraLova): I'm glad you still love my fic, even if you have changed your name. Happy belated birthday and I'm glad I updated my last chapter to be your gift.
AnimeObessionFantasy: Yes, things are always unexpected. Like the Card Captor Sakura motto, "expect the unexpected." Hehe.
Sarah: Hehe, perhaps this chapter's cliffhanger is a bit milder than last one's. Don't you love it how Sakura so witty and totally kicks ass? LoL.
Ms. Pac Man: Oh, I don't want to ruin the story by telling you everything, even though I really want to. Although this chapter doesn't really contain any answers, reasons will come.
Avelyn Lauren: Wow! Long review! So touched here. Hm, so first off, you're totally welcome to email me, and that goes for anyone else. Secondly, your idea was quite amusing and I have thought of something, although with Sakura not as quite as helpless. I do love that fiery temper she has. LoL, I can't bear to have her gone that long. Anyhow, this chapter does contain sweet moments, as well as humorous ones. As for the next chapter, even I don't know what will be in it. As for acceptances, hopefully there is more to come. I'm sure you'll be glad that I've updated before Valentine's Day. Also, no worries about getting where I live; in another few months, I'll be back in the States and prepare myself for some major culture shock. LoL.
Dreamy-gal: I do take writing pretty seriously, as it is one of my interests. :) So, even if it does take me a while a to update, it's because I'm constantly rereading and rewriting everything I've written. Hehe. As for romantic Syaoran and Sakura moments, I'm sure this one does contain it, even if it isn't what you would have imagined for it to be.
Illusioner1412: Don't worry, school has take over my life as well. However, second semester of senior year is rolling around and I've already been hit with senioritis.
Fire Temptress: You, along with everyone else, are planning to kill me for that cliffhanger I left. However, as you read on, you'll find that the cliffhanger isn't as bad as it is. As for your wish of a love confession, there is one in this chapter, occurring in the most amusing way possible. Hehe. Not much action or plot happening, but it's all the matter of building up the grand finale. Hehe. I don't even know what I'm taking about here. Anyhow, read on and review!
Sally: Thanks!
Hououza: I'm glad you liked the twist at the ending of the story. Of course, there is more to come, and in many ways than one. Thanks for reviewing!
Starrygaze: I'm glad you liked the Sakura and Syaoran interaction, but as for some answers I'm afraid you won't find many here.
Dancer 5: I always look forward to your reviews, wondering what line you'll pick out that stands out from the rest. Hehe. Don't have any big surprises for you in this chapter, but they're coming. And thanks for your congratulations!
Daz: Thank you; truly, for the two reviews even if I said the one for chapter seven wasn't necessary. Thanks. Yes, I do hate clichés and although I try to avoid them, some things are simply unavoidable. I really do hope that my story's original. Sigh. I'm working on it.
Rika: Thank you time eight for all eight reviews you have given me! I'm glad that you really do like this fic and that Sakura and Syaoran's relationship was quite plausible.
*****: As much as I laugh about being an evil author, I truly hope that I'm not one. Cliffhangers are no more fun for you than they are for me. I have to end my chapter suddenly to prevent myself from not dividing my story into chapters. So sorry if it's getting on your nerves.
HanaTenshiHimeko: Yep, that's me, with a weird approach. I tend to look things in a weird way. LoL.
Cherry Princess Sakura: LoL, perhaps I am leaving too many cliffhangers. Hopefully this one is not that bad of one. After all, each chapter is a cliffhanger, because it's a wait until the next chapters. Oh well. Anyhow, your wish for romance is in this chapter, and this chapter's mainly for you, along with romance demanding readers. It's a chapter to relax a bit before the fun comes along.
Raigne: Thank you for you best wishes for the honor program for Penn State. Hopefully all will go well. As already said, this chapter's going to be a breather and the answers will only be revealed piece by piece.
:) Thanks for reviewing. This chapter will hopefully have enough kawaii- ness to keep you satisfied until next time.
Chibilee: To you, I give you my most sincere thanks, for you actually sent me an email because ff.net was having a few glitches. That meant a lot to me, since you went through all that trouble when you could have chosen not to review. I'm glad you like how the story's going so far and thank you for your congrats at my college acceptances! I hope you like this chapter!
And EVERYONE ELSE, thank you as well. I'm just pleased you are willing to take time out to read my story, and that's enough for me, even if you don't review; you still have my utmost thanks.
---- CHAPTER NINE: Paparazzi Fun
"Tomoyo?"
"Hm?" She answered sleepily.
"I'm sorry. Were you sleeping?" The voice apologized from across the dark room.
"Mm, no." Tomoyo mumbled, shaking her head lightly. "What did you want to say Eriol?"
There was a slight pause where only the sound of steady, rhythmic breathing could be heard. Tomoyo blinked sleepily, focusing her eyes against the darkness of their room. Turning over on her side, she looked across the room at Eriol's bed.
"Sweetie," He paused. "Whose Hayushi?"
Tomoyo gasped out loud; that was the last thing that she had expected him to ask. Eriol frowned once he heard her sharp intake of air.
"Tomoyo?"
"What made you ask that?" She finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Syaoran called me last night; we talked for over two hours." He sighed. "Sakura must have told you about their search of the apartment room. It was Sakura who figured everything out, including the man who once lived there. According to Syaoran, the guy was Miraki Hayushi," His voice trailed off.
"He was Sakura's ex-boyfriend as you might already know." Tomoyo continued, her voice soft. "He's one year older than us and the first time he saw Sakura, he was totally smitten with her. Hayushi chased after Sakura for two months, and never gave up despite Sakura's warnings and protests. After all, it was only around three months since that incident at prom night. In the end however, Sakura finally agreed to a date with him. He was known for being a nice and reserved young man and the upperclassmen who knew him said that Hayushi was a nice guy." Tomoyo sighed sadly. "Actually, I'm the one to blame."
"No one can predict the future, Tomoyo." Eriol replied comfortingly.
"Yes, but it was me who told Sakura to go on a date. Who knew that one date would follow one another? At first Sakura seemed fine with the whole thing, but once Sakura started to refuse him, Hayushi started to change. Somehow Sakura bargained with him and they decided to go on one last date after one month of relationship." Her voice cracked and Tomoyo swallowed painfully. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Eriol walking towards her until he was lifting up her blanket and lying down with her. He gave her a warm smile and shifted in her bed such that she was leaning against him, her head on his chest. Somehow listening to his steady heartbeat gave her enough courage to go on.
"Sakura didn't tell me much, but when the police called me, I knew that something horrible had happened to her. Once I saw her broken face, crumbled and torn, I knew that she had been raped. The police told me that she was probably drugged and by then it had been too late to stop anything and that probably she didn't remember much." Tomoyo shut her eyes tightly, hugging Eriol tighter to herself.
"The night at the pub last time, when Sakura was drugged, she lasted really long and defeated many men. Only lately did I finally realize that Sakura was somehow rendered helpless for the whole disgusting act to have happened. I know now that Sakura remembers every single detail of that night."
Eriol closed his eyes, cannot believing the horrors the world contained. Sakura had written briefly that she hated her ex in her letters but she never really wrote why.
Tomoyo was sobbing. Eriol wrapped his arms tighter around her, gently smoothing her hair. "Tell me, sweetness, did this guy do anything else to Sakura?"
"No." She mumbled her reply to his chest. "At least I don't think so. He pretty much left Sakura alone after that."
"I wonder what's he's doing." Eriol said quietly. "This is all too eerie and it can't be some simple revenge on a girl who had dumped him."
Tomoyo nodded. "Are you going to tell Li-san what I said? About Hayushi?"
Eriol shrugged. "I don't know; if I have to perhaps. It would be better for the both of them if Sakura told him, but it would have to depend on Sakura. Remember, Sakura didn't even tell me the details, nor you Tomoyo."
He pulled the covers over them more comfortably when he felt Tomoyo shiver in his arms.
"I'm not cold, Eriol." She whispered, trembling. "I'm just afraid."
Eriol closed his eyes, pulling Tomoyo even closer to him, as if wanting to shield her from all the bad in the world. He caressed her hair lovingly. "I'm afraid too," He told her, trying to steady his voice. "But we have to believe in one another."
Tomoyo nodded. "I love you, Eriol."
"I love you too. Remember that Tomoyo. No matter what happens, my love for you always." He whispered back fiercely.
----- A few days later -----
Sakura glared, her feet set apart in such a stance that labeled her as stubborn, unyielding. Syaoran returned the look, his face equally as fierce.
"Will you get out of the way?" She hissed angrily, trying to get pass him but Syaoran blocked her every move. God damn the fucking small door, Sakura cursed in her head.
"We have to talk." He told her.
"There is nothing to talk about." Sakura replied angrily. "Now get out of my way."
Syaoran blocked her again. "No. I told you, you're not going anywhere until you tell me everything."
Sakura ignored him.
"Damn it, Sakura, you will tell me." He barked. "Who is this Hayushi such that he has connections to Monoko? Stop acting all-powerful and solving this fucking case by yourself! You need someone!"
Sakura glared frostily at him. "And you're the one to help?" She mocked. "You don't even know me."
"So tell me!" Syaoran shot back. "How am I supposed to help if you don't tell me anything? God damn it, you're not alone Sakura! Why can't you just let yourself open to some help?"
"You want to know why?" Sakura fired back. "Fine! I'll tell you! Because every fucking person that I've trusted out there has turned their back on me! Every single man that I've ever known, that I thought I had feelings for, were playing with me and used me. And you know what? I would be fucking much better without them. I've gotten this far without anyone, I don't need anyone."
Syaoran stared at the angry girl before him, her dark green eyes blazing, chin held up high. His gaze softened. "Not this time, Sakura, not this time."
"Who are to you make such judgments?" Sakura scoffed. "This is my own business and I fully intend to have the last say here."
"It's never your own."
"Oh, that's right. You're my boyfriend." She said sarcastically. "How could I have forgotten such an important fact as that?"
"Sakura,"
"Stop calling me that!" She snapped.
"Sakura,"
"Shut it Li and get the hell out of my way." Sakura fumed. She threw her Nike duffel bag on the ground. "You're asking for a fight." She moved into her fighting stance, the glint in her eyes showed that she was perfectly serious.
"Wait," Syaoran blocked the punch that came flying towards him. Sakura glared at him, silencing him with quick punches. Syaoran cursed under his breath, blocking rapidly. There wasn't even time to think, much less talk. So he didn't think.
Her punch stopped less than a centimeter away from his nose. Syaoran stared at it then to the crossed expression of Sakura's face and the eyes that were mocking him. Then slowly, Sakura lowered her hand to her side. Even though she never showed it, Syaoran knew that Sakura would never hit someone who was innocent or had no means of defending himself.
"So you've thought it through." She said dryly.
"Yes I have." Syaoran spoke with a grin on his face. "I've figured out why I'm falling in love with you."
Sakura made a choking sound and Syaoran looked up startled. To his surprise, Sakura was laughing, hard. For a moment he didn't know what to say, so he didn't. He just stood there like a dumbstruck fool.
"You men are all the same." She informed him, with an amused smirk. "Those words mean totally nothing to me for they express nothing. You expect me to be touched at those words and that I'll be bound by them, blinded by the truth." She gave a harsh laugh. "Men always want to be the more dominant one, the one with more control. You hardly can deny the fact that you have fantasized about me, and to think I told you on our first meet that we would never be together. I don't say things I don't mean, Li."
"I don't say thing I don't mean either, Kinomoto Sakura." Syaoran replied swiftly. "Who was the one who stayed by your side? Who comforted you and shared your difficulties? I did, Sakura. I'm the one who has seen you without those barriers you put around yourself. I've seen the real you, without any brittle sophistication."
"A fault on my part, I do admit." She responded. "However, you were the one who interpreted the matters deeper than they actually contained. I hold no feelings for you."
"Then you would have hit me."
Sakura rounded a piercing stare at him, holding his amber eyes firmly in her hold. "You know that answer if I do not."
He grinned sheepishly. "You got me there," he admitted.
Sakura growled, exasperated. "Li, I have class in thirty minutes. Move. I don't have time to play your annoying childish games."
"On one condition," Syaoran said cheekily.
"Syaoran Li, do not, I warn you, piss me off." Her eyes glinted; the hand that was holding her duffle bag was clenching the strap quite tightly. "You have exactly three seconds to get your annoying face out of my sight."
"If you promise me," He started.
"One." Sakura counted slowly, her feet tapping impatiently.
"To go on," Syaoran continued.
"Two." Her voice was somehow getting more infuriated.
"A date with me." He finished as Sakura dropped the last number. She shoved him out of the way and walked out the door without another word. When she was at the stairs, she stopped, her hand resting on the rail.
"Oh, by the way, the answer is no." She replied calmly and descended down the stairs quickly. Syaoran smiled lightly to himself, running a hand through his messy hair.
"I knew it wouldn't work." He murmured out loud as he watched Sakura's car speed off in the direction of the gym where she taught those little kids karate. "I can't believe I asked her, Kinomoto Sakura, on a date." Syaoran chuckled lightly to himself. "I must be going crazy, but at least I'm not the only love sick idiot out there."
-----
"You asked her what!" Meiling shouted.
"I asked her,"
"Tomoyo! Pick up the other telephone! Hurry!" Meiling shouted to her best friend, totally disregarding the fact that Syaoran had spoken. On the other end of the phone, Syaoran sighed. What had he gotten himself into now? Perhaps he should have waited until Eriol was done with his classes, but it was all too late now. He had thought Meiling would have understood, considering the whole campus news of her chasing Kai, but he had clearly been wrong.
"Syaoran, tell her! Tell Tomoyo what you just told me." She commanded.
"I asked Sakura on a date." He repeated tiredly.
Tomoyo laughed. "She must have told you no; is that why you're calling? For help? Backup? Hints? A few pointers?"
"It's going to cost you, buddy, but we'll help you." Meiling joined in, totally thrilled at this excitement. Hell, this was more fun than the last time she blackmailed her cousin! "So, what do you want to know? Don't worry, we'll charge you in the end, so you don't have to worry about not giving us anything in return."
"But I,"
"Meiling," Tomoyo said through their three-way telephone conversation, "don't frighten our customer." Syaoran groaned; these two were worse than all his sisters combined. "First off, don't mention the price! We don't want him to know that he'll be broke within a few questions. Secondly, perhaps we should ask him a few questions as to why he wants a date. After all, this is Sakura who we're talking about here, not some random girl."
"Agreed. So, Syaoran, for starters, what impulse made you ask Sakura on a date?" Meiling asked. "Wait, before you answer, Tomoyo, are you ready?"
"Wait," was the muffled reply. There was a faint clinking sound of buttons being pressed. "Tape recorder ready. I'm ready to go whenever you are."
"What! You're recording this?" Syaoran sputtered incredulously.
"Of course," Meiling replied nonchalantly. "This is a milestone, cousin. Now, remember, speak clearly and distinctly; pronounce each syllable. Don't mumble. You might want to talk a bit louder though. Anyhow, act normal!"
"Easy for you to say," he grumbled.
"What was that Li?" Tomoyo asked a bit too pleasantly. "Talk up!"
"Never mind." He groaned.
"So, Syaoran, what impulse made you ask Sakura on a date? I thought you two were always on a formal basis. What caused this sudden change?" Meiling asked; her voice laced with excitement.
"Well, I, uh,"
"Don't worry; take your time. Perhaps you should think over the answer before you reply." Tomoyo encouraged.
"That's good advice." Meiling nodded in agreement. "Yes, we'll sit here quietly and patiently while you think."
"Hm. I think I'll have to label this one as 'Syaoran Li's confession of undying love for Kinomoto Sakura; a story of gradual change from hate to trust and love.' What do you think, Meiling?"
"Well, as long as I have a copy, I don't mind at all. You may have the honors this time."
"Thank you."
"Don't sweat it."
"Wait, do you think it sounds better is I said, 'a story of love at second sight' instead of 'a story of gradual change from hate to trust and love'?"
"Will you guys shut up?" Syaoran roared. "I had enough; you two are completely annoying and I don't know why I'm even putting up with you guys! I just like Sakura okay? There are no reasons, it just happened! Emotions never make any sense!"
There was a pause after Syaoran had his sudden outburst. Then, with complete synchronization, the two started clapping.
"Well said, Li." Tomoyo nodded her head professionally. "Well said."
"Wonderful." Meiling added. "That's the smartest thing you've said your whole life. Do you have anything else to say?"
"Yeah, I do." Syaoran said dryly. "Fuck off."
"Oh!" Tomoyo said, putting on her shocked face. "Li, did you just curse? That wasn't very gentleman like, now was it?"
"Not at all." Meiling chided. "You should apologize."
"What the hell should I apologize? I'm the one being," He paused. "You know what? I have something else to say."
"Please do." Tomoyo said smiling.
"Goodbye."
"Wait! Syaoran!" Meiling cursed. "He hung up on me, Meiling Li! He actually hung up on me!"
Tomoyo laughed. "Oh, come off it Meiling." She said, putting Meiling's phone back into its cradle. "At least we got this." She held up the black tape recorder, an evil grin on her face. Meiling's was even wider if that was even possible.
"Well, what are you doing? Replay the whole conversation!"
-----
Sakura punched hard, her fist cutting through the air as her yell did. Then a series of quick punches added with strong hard kicks finished her moves as she finally let out the air in her lungs in her final ending move, moving her hands to her sides and bowing to her imaginary opponent.
Then her cell phone rang, demanding attention. Sakura growled, focusing on her steady punches, one following the other, but whoever was the caller was had no intention of giving up. Cursing herself for even turning on the cell phone, Sakura did two complete back flips to where her bag was.
She didn't even have the time to say something when Meiling's voice blared from the other end.
"Sakura! You won't believe what happened! Listen to this!" Her friend jabbered, hushing down after a winding sound was heard.
"Will you guys shut up?" Syaoran roared from the phone. "I had enough; you two are completely annoying and I don't know why I'm even putting up with you guys! I just like Sakura okay? There are no reasons, it just happened! Emotions never make any sense!"
Meiling promptly clicked the tape off. "So, what do you think of my cousin's declaration of undying love?"
"I don't think you can call it that." Sakura replied dryly. "It sounded like he was pressured to say that rather than willingly. Did you guys prepare some sort of script or something?"
"What?" Tomoyo piped up. "But doesn't his words make your heart flutter? After all, it is directly from his mouth."
"I don't date, if that's what the two of you called me for. Li's more of a wimp than I thought him to be if he sunk so low as to ask someone else to convince me to go on a date on him."
"It's not a date; it's a friendly dinner." Tomoyo corrected slyly. "I promise you, Sakura, that Li's different and he won't pull any moves on him."
"That's right. If he does anything we'll whip him black and blue and make him wish that he never was born." Meiling added. "If he does anything wrong, I give you all rights to hit him in any way, shape, or form. Added to that, I'll give you any choice of blackmail material that I have collected in all these years."
"Bargains don't work on me." Sakura answered, drying the sweat with her towel. "I don't need you to give me permission to fight Li; I can do that whenever I wish. Furthermore, I have enough blackmail material in my hands currently that are quite sufficient, although your collection is quite amazing."
"Thank you." Meiling replied.
"However, I don't see why a date is necessary."
"Sakura, think of it as a trap." Tomoyo said, pulling out her plan B into use. "The two of you alone on a date will definitely draw attention and this so called perverted stalker will most likely to be there. A high classed restaurant will definitely narrow the people you want to keep an eye on."
"True."
"Yeah, and you guys can dine at Lakeshore restaurant where Syaoran's sister works. She can give you guys a copy of who dined at there." Meiling added. "It will totally be a professional meet on business, no romance needed."
"But,"
"So! Syaoran will be at your door to pick you up at seven, so Tomoyo and I will be at your apartment in thirty minutes to dress you up and everything. That gives us roughly five hours, which should be enough."
"See you then, Sakura!" Tomoyo said happily and the two matchmakers promptly turned off their phones. Sakura raised her eyebrow, glancing at the cell phone in her hands. Sighing out loud, she began to pack her bags to leave.
-----
Eriol chuckled lightly to himself as he walked into Sakura's apartment room where two overly hyper girls were clucking over a crossed Sakura in the mist of clothes strewn everywhere.
"Poor Sakura." He said, giving Sakura a sympathic smile.
"Eriol!" Tomoyo bounded over to him, giving him a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. "It's Sakura's first date with Li; of course everything has to be perfect."
"It's not a date." Sakura said crossly. "Control your woman, Eriol."
Eriol laughed. "I'll try my best. So where's the other main character?"
"Syaoran?" Meiling asked. "When I called him to tell of the date half an hour ago he said he was going out. I don't think he'll be here until five hours later when he has to pick up Sakura." She shrugged. "Most likely he's nervous. So, Eriol, since you're here, what color should Sakura wear?"
"Whatever you ladies decide will best." Eriol answered, smiling pleasantly. "I'll go find our dear Syaoran and give him a few pointers."
"Good idea, Eriol." Sakura replied. "Might as well go take him to Touya so Touya can give him a few talks." She grinned wolfishly.
Eriol laughed. "Sending him to the dungeon so soon? Last time I checked, Touya wasn't all together that happy about Syaoran living so close to you."
Sakura's grin grew wider. "All the better. Maybe I should call Touya and tell him you guys made me go on a date."
"You wouldn't!" Tomoyo said shocked.
"Why not?" Sakura replied.
"Meiling, say something!" Tomoyo looked at her partner in crime for support.
"Well, why not?" The Chinese girl shrugged. "It's good blackmail material if we could record the whole thing."
"You're joking!" Tomoyo told Sakura.
"I'm dead serious Tomoyo." She replied. "Li has to know what he's dealing with. No one I ever knew went on a date without going through the whole Touya interrogation. It proves to be effective for scaring off guys for a while."
"Eriol, when you find Li, tell him to call my brother." Sakura handed a piece of paper to her friend. He nodded and turned to leave. "Oh, and tell Li I said good luck." She crackled evilly. If she had to suffer through the whole date, plus the whole ordeal of dressing and makeup for five hours, it would only be fair if Syaoran had to go through five hours of lecture.
----
Syaoran stared at the piece of paper Eriol gave him. "I have to call him?" He said incredulously.
Eriol chuckled. "Indeed. Sakura called him, so he'll be expecting your call." He replied. "I'll give you some privacy then. I'll be in my own office when you're done. Oh, by the way, Sakura told me to tell you good luck."
With that, Eriol left Syaoran in his own cubicle at the police station. Syaoran sighed and looked at the number in his hand again.
"Might as well get it over with." He said to himself. Picking up the phone, he dialed.
"So you're Syaoran Li." A fierce voice came from the other end. "I'm Sakura's older brother, Touya Kinomoto. You'll address me as Kinomoto and nothing else wise guy. I've heard from my little sister that you're dating her tonight. Why did you want to date her? What do you think of her? And where will you be taking her for dinner? What other activities will you be doing tonight? What gifts are you giving her? And what time are you planning to bring her home? What will you be wearing?"
Syaoran groaned.
"Don't you groan me, Li." Touya interrupted. "Answer those questions."
It was going to be a long talk.
----- Two hours later ----
"Okay, so what are you going to give Sakura tonight?" Touya asked,
"What?"
"Gifts." He sighed. "You're planning to give her one, right?"
"Oh, yeah." Syaoran said lamely.
"You're not giving her one?" Sakura's brother demanded.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I haven't really thought about it."
It was now Touya's turn to sigh. "Look, I don't like you anymore than all those other retards that dated my little sister. Hell, I don't think I even trust you, even if you are Sakura's bodyguard, Eriol's best friend, Meiling's cousin, and whatever friend connection you have to Tomoyo. However, since this whole date is more of a business thing and inevitable, I'm going to give you a few pointers. Do you have a pen? I'm expecting you to write this all down."
"What? Oh, um, yeah." Syaoran fumbled for a pen. "Um, ready."
"Good. Mostly likely you'll plan to give her a gift. Flowers will do nicely on a first date." Touya said. "Now, don't give her lilies; Sakura's a bit allergic to them because their scent's a bit too strong. Of course her favorite flower is the Sakura, but they aren't really in bloom yet. Roses are fine; her favorite would be white ones edged with a dark pink. Other flowers are okay, but don't get a whole bouquet of them. She doesn't like guys spending that much money on her; it makes her feel as if she's never had a bouquet of flowers before and that she's too poor to buy some herself. However, they are necessary, as a symbol to show that you actually went through the whole trouble of buying them."
Syaoran blinked, writing down the information. This guy really cared about his baby sister, and hell did he know tons of information about her.
"Treat her like a lady but don't do everything for her. What she hates most is guys asking her what she wants to eat, and then having the guy answers for her, telling her that this dish and that dish is exceptionally fine, and then ordering for her." Touya continued. "I mean, what an dolt."
Syaoran had to stop himself from chuckling at that.
"Compliment her, but don't pile them on her. She doesn't really fall for praises if you haven't noticed that. However, Sakura's sharp and she'll catch if you really mean what you say." Her brother warned.
"I'll remember that."
"You better." Touya replied. "I can't believe I'm actually giving you all this information."
"Thank you." Syaoran said sincerely.
Touya snorted. "Yeah, whatever gaki. Now listen up; I have more to say to you."
-----
"Sakura so kawaii!" Tomoyo clapped her hands delightfully. "Don't move! I have to tape this." She instructed, whipping out her camera and tapping her best friend from all angles and all sorts of technical tricks."
She rolled her eyes. "Isn't this a bit too formal?"
Meiling shook her head. "No, Lakeshore's one of the best restaurants around; top ten in Japan the last time I checked. Fanren, Syaoran's sister, is the owner of the hotel, a chain of hotels actually. Syaoran's three other sisters, Fuutie, Feimei, and Sheifa are managers of the other hotels. I called her before I came and she's reserved a spot for you." Meiling grinned. "She's really excited."
"Whoopee," Sakura drawled sarcastically. "I cannot wait until this night is over and I can take this dress off of me. What time is it?"
"Six thirty." Tomoyo supplied. "But knowing Li, he'll be here early to pick you up."
"Most likely. It's a good thirty minute drive to the restaurant." Meiling said thoughtfully. Then her eyes lit up. "So, any last minute thoughts you want to say before Syaoran comes? You have a dreamy look in your eyes."
Sakura was grinning roguishly. "I'm wondering how the talk with Touya went." Then she laughed evilly. Meiling and Tomoyo shared a look, shaking their heads.
-----
"And before I let you go, gaki, remember your manners. I'll come and beat the living shit out of you if you do anything wrong." Touya reminded.
"You have my word." Syaoran said, trying to push how tired he was from his voice. Gods, the conversation had been three hours and thirty-three minutes long! It was already five twenty-seven and he still had to buy flowers, take a shower, and change into his suit.
"I'll leave you to go shower. Oh, and don't wear cologne."
"Oh?" Syaoran responded, too tired to come up with anything else to say.
"Bad memories." The older man replied shortly without any further explanations. "Just don't wear any."
"I won't."
Touya sighed. "Look, I'm just worried for my little kaijuu, okay? She's been through a hell of rotten stuff and she's seen more bad than good in the world sometimes. You do not want to know the things she's been through." He paused. "I don't even know why I've bothered to tell you this much. Maybe it's because you're the one who's in charge of protecting my sister for me since I'm not there."
Syaoran nodded, sitting up in his seat at the change in tone of Sakura's older brother.
"So, um, take care of her?" He asked.
"Of course I will." Syaoran replied seriously.
Touya grunted. "This doesn't mean I'm allowing you to officially date her." He informed. "I'm simply allowing you to be her bodyguard for a while; that is, until I can. Sakura loads too much stress on herself."
Syaoran wisely decided not to say anything.
"Well, I guess I'll leave it at that." His voice seemed much sadder.
"I promise you that Sakura's in good hands. I'll do my best to protect her from whatever that is to come."
"Mm." Touya replied absentmindedly.
"Um, it's been nice talking to you Kinomoto. I'll reread everything that I've taken down before I go pick up Sakura." Syaoran said, not really knowing what to say actually.
"Yeah, you go do that gaki." He replied. "You go do that. Now, Sakura's going to inform me on everything that happens tonight, so no tricks. And if this guy really does appear, you give him all that you got, you hear? I've had enough of that fucking bastard's games and it's about time we set it to an end."
"My thoughts exactly Kinomoto." Syaoran replied. "I'll be leaving now."
"Mm. And mind the little kaijuu's feet; she kicks hard."
Syaoran chuckled. "I'm very well aware of that Kinomoto."
"Good, then you know what else she can do." Touya replied smartly. "Goodbye." And then he hung up without another word. Syaoran couldn't help but sigh out loud. Leaning back on his chair, he ran his hand through his brown hair. Seven pages of hand written notes, both sides. He gave himself a few minutes to recollect himself before getting up and driving back to his apartment to get ready. In his pockets were his notes and in his mind he already had an idea of what kind of flowers to get Sakura.
-----
"He's late." Meiling said, as she stared at Sakura's digital clock that showed it was exactly seven and one minutes.
"He's right next store," Tomoyo replied. "He won't be going anywhere."
"True. I'll give him five more minutes then." Meiling relented. "After all, most likely Touya gave him on hell of a lecture."
Yet before five minutes were up, there was a polite knock on the door. Tomoyo jumped up, squealing. "Hurry Sakura! Answer the door!"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "You guys act like you're the ones on the date. There's nothing to be so excited about; it's only Li." However, she got up to her feet and opened the door, taking her own sweet time.
"Well, we should be going." Sakura told Syaoran who was dressed nicely in a black tux with his chocolate brown hair nicely jelled. She quickly walked out the door and firmly closed it behind her.
"That eager?" Syaoran asked amused.
"I'm doing you a favor." She replied. "Those two will surely have your head off if my brother hasn't already."
Syaoran smiled grimly. "The talk went, um, interestingly enough. Your brother is quite, uh, protective of you."
Sakura laughed. "Well, that's Touya, my lovable, as sweet as ever, brother. So, let's get this date thingy over with then. I've heard a couple of interesting things about your sisters as well from Meiling."
"A spitting image of Meiling," Syaoran quipped. "It's nothing pleasant at all."
"I pity you." Sakura informed him.
"What can I say?" Syaoran said. "Anyhow, your brother kindly reminded me to buy you flowers, so here." He gave her a small yet elegant bouquet of her favorite kind of roses, white with the edge of the petals a dark hue of pink.
Sakura gave him a half smile. "Thank you. Touya told you?"
Syaoran grinned sheepishly. "He did."
"Well, thank you anyhow." Sakura replied, fingered a rose softly. The two walked to Syaoran's black jeep. Remembering what Syaoran said, he made no offer to open the door for Sakura.
The ride there was silent, the two not saying a word. Sakura had her head leaned to her right, watching the images outside the window. Syaoran meanwhile was looking at her from the corner of his eyes. He really didn't know what possessed him to ask her on a date. However, it was all worth the trouble. She looked simply dazzling in her wine red halter styled dress. Her auburn locks were curled slightly and piled up elegantly with a few strands framing her face. Pink eye shadow made her green eyes stand out even more, giving her an elegant, royal look.
"You look wonderful." He whispered.
Sakura looked up him, surprised. "Thank you," she paused, "Syaoran."
He grinned. "My pleasure, Sakura."
"Touya must have had one long talk with you." Sakura said. "On your best behavior, hm?"
Syaoran chuckled. "I hope I will be." He replied. "He's warned me about how had you kick people's shins. Your most brutal blow, after many years of practicing and polishing."
Sakura grinned, barring all her teeth. "Good, then I hope I've made myself clear."
----
"Wow, so Meiling wasn't lying when she said Lakeshore's one of the best restaurants around." Sakura said, staring awed at the hotel that glowed with a sense of formality and high class. "Your sister Fanren must be quite talented."
Syaoran offered her hand, which Sakura took. He handed his keys to a formally dressed man who parked Syaoran's car for him. "Fanren's my favorite out of all my sisters if I really have to choose. She's the one who acts her age, and most of the time older."
"Well, I must see her before we go." Sakura informed him as they walked inside.
"Reservations under the name of Li, Kari." Syaoran told the lady behind the counter.
"You haven't been here in a while." She replied, smiling. "Your sister was most delighted when she heard that you were dining tonight. Come, she's reserved you one of the best tables."
Kari led them to a more isolated part of the restaurant. When Sakura sat down, the wonderful scenery that their table overlooked awed her.
"Tokyo's especially magical at night; so these would be our best seats now." Kari said with a small smile to Sakura. "If you decide to come during the day, we have a few tables that overlook the cherry blossom groves, which would be absolutely beautiful when they are in bloom."
"I'm sure they would be." Sakura replied gracefully.
"So, Xiao Lang, are you going to introduce me to your date or shall I ask myself?"
Syaoran cracked a grin. "Sakura, this is Kari Chen, Fanren's best friend since who knows when. Kari, this is Kinomoto Sakura."
"Nice to meet you," Kari said, smiling so happily that it lit her whole face up. "Well, then, shall I call your sister or would you like to order first?"
Syaoran looked at Sakura. "Your decision."
"I would love to meet Syaoran's sister if she's not busy right now." Sakura said sincerely. "She must be a wonderful person if she can create something so spectacular."
Kari nodded. "Of course." She bowed lightly. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Nice meeting you Kinomoto."
Sakura's eyes were observing the room carefully, memorizing each face she saw. Syaoran smiled what she was doing.
"I'll watch your back." He leaned over and gave her a charming smile. Sakura had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"Whatever. I'm not all that useless in a dress." She was grinning roguishly, tapping Syaoran's feet under the table.
He groaned; Sakura was wearing her boots, her combat boots to be exact, underneath that long dress where no one could see what she was wearing, even when she sat down.
She chuckled. "Never underestimate me." She turned her heads in the direction of where Kari had left. "It's been a good twenty minutes. Where do you think she's gone?"
Syaoran frowned. "I don't know. Fanren's never really that busy. She's usually just watching over the cooks and everything. Last time I came, she was out in three seconds flat."
However, Kari came out a few minutes afterwards, smiling a bit nervously. "I'm sorry, but Fanren's a bit, um, busy right now." She shrugged. "She might not be able to see you tonight. Gomen, Kinomoto."
Sakura gave a warm smile. "Don't worry about it." She chuckled lightly. "It'll give me some time to use the restroom before the food is served." She turned to her date. "Syao, give me a few minutes, will you?"
Syaoran looked at her for a while before nodding. "Please do; take your time."
Kari told her where the bathroom was and quickly left the two's table. Sakura winked before walking off towards the bathroom, in the direction where Kari had just returned from.
Sakura pushed open the door of the bathroom with a long bang, making sure no was there. Sighing out loud, she spotted a small security camera at top right corner, on top of the sinks.
"Now how did Eriol do it?" She mumbled to herself. Bending down, she slipped her hand underneath her dress, her hand coming in contact with her black combat boots. Sliding a hand inside her boots, she fished out a shiny blade. She walked towards the sinks pretending to wash her hands while she sneaked her right hand under the camera. With a flick of the blade, she slightly made a horizontal cut on a thick white wire and slid a small chip inside. Sliding the blade carefully back to its original place, she walked into a stall. There, she took off her dress. Beneath was her black halter that was fashioned by Tomoyo such that it didn't show when she wore her dress. Added to that were her trustworthy black tights. After her fighting gloves were firmly in place, she dialed Eriol, making it ring three times before hanging up. Now, it was Eriol's turn. When she felt her phone vibrate three times back, Sakura slid outside her stall. Now, the camera would see the bathroom as it was, with no one inside.
Sakura had to stifle a laugh when she saw herself in the mirror, formal hair with her black outfit. Grinning wolfishly, she took out her pins, her auburn hair flowing down. Gathering in her hair into a tight ponytail, she strutted out the bathroom, tossing her hairpins into the trashcan as she did.
Everything before that was simple. Now, it was time for her favorite game: to catch the rat slinking in the kitchens and dispose it.
-----
I think I'm going to leave it there. It's already much longer than my usual chapters already. Besides, I didn't want to get into the game and leave it hanging there. Hehe, however, I will leave you guys in the dark a little while as to what Sakura's going to do. Hey, at least I got this chapter out pretty fast though! It's even before Valentine's Day so I have to wish you all and early Valentine's Day once again. LoL.
This chapter wasn't that violent and suspenseful so it was much easier to write out. Actually, in this chapter nothing really much happened; to me, at least. I'm still a little behind on the plot. Anyhow, next chapter will be much more interesting; tons of action there. On the other hand, it will take me a bit longer to write out.
Sigh, school starts for me in one day. I have to say goodbye to my Chinese New Year break holiday and to my mornings of waking late and typing my stories. Oh, and my nights of staying up late while hugging my pillow and my remote control; no one to fight against for the remote since everyone's all asleep. Heheh.
Anyhow, enough of my nonsense; haven't you guys realize how often I go on tangents? Argh, there I go again. Review! Please; I really want to know how this chapter went!
Iris Dreamer.