Controversial Apartment #115: The Love Room

Chapter 2

A Job Hunting We Will Go

BAM BAM BAM was what Sakura woke to. The loud obnoxious noise had been nagging at her senses for several minutes. At first it was dim and on the edge of her mind. She had gotten the impression that it was just her imagination until it began to get louder and louder until it was accompanied by a somewhat familiar voice.

"TURN OFF YOUR FUCKIN' MUSIC! I CAN'T SLEEP WITH THAT LOUD ANNOYING SOUND BLARING THROUGHOUT THE PLACE! IF YOU DON'T, I'M GOING TO TEAR DOWN THIS DOOR! AND I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU'RE WEARING!"

It was that Li guy again. She looked to the nightstand next to her bed where her clock normally sat, back at her former home. No clock. Pushing the little 'light' button on her watch, she read in bold red numbers: 5:17 AM

'Urg... didn't even realize I fell asleep...'

"DID YOU HEAR ME?! I SAID TURN OFF YOUR FUCKIN' MUSIC! DO YOU WANT ME TO COME IN THERE?!"

How annoying. It felt almost like home. Touya yelling and screaming for her to turn down her music. Except this time, it was her new roomy.

"OK OK! I HEAR YOU!" she screamed as she got off the warm, comfortable bed. She flipped the switch on top of the stereo with agitation.

"HAPPY?!" she yelled at the door.

"Not really since I didn't get a wink of sleep! Courtesy of you and your music!" came the sarcastic remark from the other side of the door.

"You're welcome!" she returned. She rolled her eyes. It was a Monday. Thank God she hadn't officially transfered to her new school. Of course, since the district was surrounded by all boy schools, she'd have to do a little something to fit in. Heh... she had been working on it for a couple of years now, so it wasn't going to be much of a problem. But, even though it was still early, she needed to get up. She'd be getting up at six anyways to go job hunting, since her small money supply wouldn't last more than a month or so. Two months if she got off lucky.

Silence had ensued after her roomy had left. For where, she didn't care. As long as it was away from her door. It was a bit unnerving to have a guy she didn't even know every well standing just outside her door, and she on the other side, about to change clothes. What if he had X-ray vision like Superman?

Sakura laughed to herself. Yeah, right. Her roomy a superhero... now THAT would be funny.

Picking out an oversized black tee that said 'Im like a SUPERHERO! without superpowers and motivation', her red boxers (that she had snatched from the surprised boys yesterday), a pair of large baggy blue jeans, and some bandage used to wrap large wounds, she headed for the bathroom, humming a small tune that she had picked up from... somewhere. Couldn't seem to remember where she got it from.

Stepping out of her room, she turned to head to the bathroom located at the end of the hall but stopped short when she saw Mr. 'Turn Off Your Fuckin' Music' standing in there, brushing his teeth at the sink. He turned his head slightly to glance at her before turning back to face the mirror in front of him.

Figures.

"Planning to brush your teeth forever? Or you gonna finish sometime today?" asked Sakura, annoyed. Back home, Touya was always up before she was, so they never had this sort of problem. Well, guess it was something she was going to have to get used to.

Sakura watched as she rested her hand on her hip, just to show him her impatience and annoyance. He rolled his eyes as he kept brushing his teeth.

"Your fault. If you didn't have your music turned up so loud then you wouldn't have this problem, now would you?"

"Ok ok. My bad. It's COMPLETELY and TOTALLY my fault for falling asleep with my music on I admit. Now move. You're in my way."

Ignoring her, he continued to brush away, causing Sakura to bite her lip to keep from yelling at him... or, knowing her tomboyish nature, worse.

"Fine. You win. I'll come back when you're done, your Majesty." she said in exasperation before turning, and carrying her clothes in her arms, marched off to the kitchen. At least he couldn't stop her from rummaging through his food... or what was left of it besides junk food.

--------------------

Who did she think she was, trying to push him around like some Raggedy Ann doll? Bunch of bull, that's what it was. The only people who were allowed to push him around was his mother... and possibly his sisters. And Meiling on certain occasions. But that's it! No one else! Plus, that girl needed an attitude adjustment. Or maybe it was her 'time of the month'.

Syaoran cringed at that thought. Horrors from his childhood flooded back to him of one of his sisters. He was nine years old when he had accidentally walked in on her in the bathroom. Oh, such horrors. Then again, he was still a child back then and many things horrified him, such as his neighbors dog eating it's own poop. Now days, it took something ghastly to bring him to his knees from horror, if not sickness.

He spit the foamy substance created from toothpaste into the sink before rinsing his mouth out then his toothbrush. At least he wouldn't let that cocky girl have her own way. Maybe he'd teach her a thing of two about manners.

--------------------

Sakura had begun to warm up the left over stew from yesterday, or what was left of it. The two boys had eaten most of it, leaving about two bowls worth left at the bottom of the pot. Oh well. Not like she could eat the entire pot before it spoiled anyways.

As soon as she had set the food in the microwave Syaoran entered the kitchen. Of course she didn't realize he was there, having her back to him as she stared in a zombie-like state at the food cooking.

"Your eyes are going to go bad if you keep staring like that." he said before shuffling to the refrigerator to find something edible and not overrun with mold or something of that sort.

She turned to him before closing the distance between them, causing him to look up in surprise at her approaching foot steps. He had expected her to stop but she kept walking forwards and towards him. He grew uneasy and felt a lump rise in his throat.

"Now what is it?" he managed to get out, but very weakly, until she brushed past him, grabbing her clothes off the counter next to the fridge behind him. How easy it was to make this little boy nervous. Guess he really hasn't been around girls that much. He exhaled slowly.

"Im just getting my clothes, sheesh, no need to get so aroused." she joked.

He sent her a glare. There was that cocky attitude of hers again. Well, he was going to do something about it. And right now.

"You know, I really really don't like that att--" he was cut off by Sakura's voice coming from her retreating figure, before he could finish.

"Don't bother looking for food. I was going to warm up a bowl of stew for ya but seeing how the bathroom is vacant, im gonna shower before you decide to use it again. Oh, and you can have my bowl in the microwave. Im not really that hungry."

He suddenly felt like an ass. Well, she DID have a superiority complex, but her taking the time to actually fix, or rather, warm-up some breakfast for him was the last thing he had expected from her. Well, guess he'd keep quiet for now... until she begins to get cocky again at least.

It was a few minutes after he heard the shower start up there came a loud banging sound against his door. He sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. It was a habit he had when he was stressed or nervous. 'Must be Eriol again.' was the first thought that came to him. It was always Eriol, several times a day usually.

Closing the fridge, Syaoran quickly strolled to the door.

There came that loud banging again.

"Im coming im coming! Christ! Don't have a cow."

Syaoran slipped the chain off the door lock before turning the 'button' on the door handle. He jerked the door open just as Eriol was about to slam his fist into the door again but had caught himself midway, nearly connecting his hand to Syaoran's face. Syaoran glanced over Eriol, naked from head to toe with the exception of a towel over his waist and water dripping from his hair, still partly foamy.

"Dude, didn't I tell you not to use the water until after six? I shower at this time of morning, remember?" he crossed his arms over his chest before suddenly reaching down to catch his slipping shower towel. He watched as Syaoran slapped a hand to his face in sudden realization.

"Sorry. Forgot newbie doesn't know the rules and how-to's of this place yet." groaned Syaoran. Another thing he'd have to teach her, aside from manners.

"Oh. Forgot you have that hot girl as your room mate." He grinned up at the exasperated Syaoran, hand still covering his face.

"Heh, so she's showering now, huh? Don't think she'll notice if I come to 'borrow' some shampoo, do ya?" he joked.

"You're a sick bastard, y'know?"

"And you're a lucky, undeserving bastard. You know, it's still not too late to trade rooms."

"I said no earlier and I'll say it again. 'NO'. Now go away. Your dripping water at my door, plus people are going to get the wrong idea if they see us standing here with how you're dressed. Hell, even im starting to get the wrong idea."

"Oh, come ON! Give me a break here! You have everything! Money, popularity, perfect grades, and now you have a girl living WITH you! At least trade rooms!"

"No."

"Oh, please?! A week! Just a week! Im beggin' ya! Have a heart!"

"I do. Just not sympathy. Now GOODBYE."

Syaoran slammed the door in the protesting Eriol's face. He could still hear the protesting and begging sap when he left the entrance way and back into the kitchen where he pulled the steaming bowl out of the microwave. He walked over to a drawer and pulled out a spoon before dipping it in the bowl and taking a bite. Had to admit, she was a pretty damn good cook. He himself knew how to make a few dishes, all Chinese of course, but never bothered, too lazy to go out to buy the ingredients. But when he did take the time to shop, he usually ended up buying bags of chips or chocolate. Mm... yes, chocolate. Something he couldn't live without. To him, it made up one of the major food groups. It was a surprise that he didn't have cavities yet.

It was nearing six o'clock when Sakura had emerged from the steaming bathroom, fully clothed with her hair dried and lustrous with silky softness. Syaoran was adjusting his tie to his school uniform when she had stepped out.

She looked to her right and into the open door of her room mates, and gave a long whistle. His uniform was formed from a thick long sleeved black over coat that could be buttoned if desired with the school emblem on the right sleeve, with a black undershirt with a red tie with the school emblem at the bottom, complete with white slacks. Students were allowed to switch the red tie with a white one and shoes were left up to the student to choose to their liking, as long as they weren't torn and worn badly.

"Nice uniform. At least you don't look like a slob now."

Ignoring her, Syaoran watched as she entered his room, without his consult or care, before she stood next to him, looking at her reflection in the full body mirror, comparing her height with his. She slapped a hand onto his shoulder, much to his dismay, and exhaled loudly.

"Lookin' good. You look like you're a successful businessman. Now, if you could only work on that walk of yours and that foul mouth, then you'd even have me fooled!" she laughed to herself as she began to walk out, Syaoran only rolling his eyes in discontent. Him? A foul mouth? Ha, she shouldn't be talking. She was just as bad as he was!

--------------------

Sakura emerged from her room with the same cabbie hat as before on her head, carefully holding her hair within, and her skateboard under her right arm. Today, she was going to skateboard as she looked for jobs. And if it mean all over town, then so be it. Normally she'd take her flashy car, but hey, nothing beats stretching your legs and burning some calories! Besides, how else was she going to keep the fat off her lean body?

She was putting on her Doc Martins when Syaoran emerged from the hall behind her.

"And where do you think you're going?"

"A job hunting I will go." came her simple reply.

"On a skateboard? I'd take your car if I were you. And I wouldn't recommend wearing boots while skateboarding. They'll kill your feet."

She just grinned as she slipped the other boot on.

"Why so worried? Don't tell me you actually care. Besides, I know what Im doing. These boots have steel toes. They'd hurt worse if I kicked someone with them."

"Whatever."

Standing up, Sakura gave him a look that said 'care to try me?'. Syaoran knew what that look meant and didn't bother to say any more. Besides, who knows where her foot might connect?

"Well, I'll be back at five, if not sooner. If im not, you can assume the worse."

"You don't have to remind me."

"Heh. Ok. And I guess I will see you laters. Till then, ciao." she said quickly, before jerking the door open and dropping her board to the floor and riding it all the way to the elevator at the end of the hall. Syaoran only watched as he stepped out and locked the door with his key. He heard the closing of another door behind him as well. It was Eriol just stepping out, dressed in the same uniform.

Eriol looked around, slightly confused.

"So, uh, where's Kinomoto?"

"Just skated into the elevator and disappeared."

"Oh." was all Eriol could say, a little disappointed.

--------------------

Warm fall air whipped Sakura's oversized clothes around her wildly as she rode her skateboard down the wide sidewalk, passing a few earlier risers as they stared at her disappearing figure, wondering who that skinny 'guy' was with the pretty face. Of course Sakura paid no mind as she reached into her back pocket and pulled out a clipping from the newspaper's job section and scanned it, attention partly where she was going and the other on the small piece of thin paper in her hand.

'Ok... first on the list is the Hollywood Theater. Hmm, looks like they need someone to work at the ticket stand. Well, as long as they pay at least minimum wage. Seems pretty easy anyways.'

--------------------

Syaoran stared out of the large window located next to his seat. The maples were already yellow and were now reddening at their edges. He sighed. Fall was the best time of year. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect for outdoor activities. Too bad soccer season was held during the spring, when it was still cold out.

Suddenly something gently clattered onto his desk. He looked down and there was a folded piece of paper next to his elbow. Glancing around suspiciously, Syaoran attempted to open the note without making a lot of noise. He cringed as the paper crackled open before glancing around one last time. Seeing the teacher busily scratch some letters onto the board with chalk, his back facing the class, Syaoran quickly skimmed the letters contents.

Yo. I swear you're the luckiest guy alive. I say it's still not too late to do a little switcheroo. We could just say you're staying in my apartment to exorcize ghosts or something. Your family does that kind of shit, right? Or something like that that. And meanwhile I can stay in your apartment for, what? A measly week? I'll even pay to stay in your place. Just name your price. Well, don't go over 80, cuz I can't afford to waste more than that. But I mean, how many guys get off having a girl for a room mate? Guess you could say im jealous.

I know you don't like the idea of having a girl in the place, but just be a little nice. She'll be putty in your hands if you treat her like a lady in no time. Trust me, I know. My cousin, Mizuki, told me when I asked for advice for handling girls. Well, I can't really guarantee it cuz I haven't had time to try it out, living in a town full of guys and all. But give it a try. And if you don't, then back off and give me a chance.

You'll regret it in the end though, after I've scored. Ha ha.

Syaoran gave Eriol an 'I can't believe you're that desperate' look before picking up his pencil to write a little something back.

'I said no. Im not going to trade just because of your sexual frustrations. Go suck a cock, dumbass.'

Folding the paper up, he tossed it back at Eriol before Eriol nearly ripped the note apart, anxious and hoping for the answer he was expecting. His face faltered when he read the note, then sent a glare at him, mouthing the words: BASTARD. I HOPE YOU GO TO HELL.

Syaoran only grinned back in triumph. Triumph of what, he wasn't sure, but he felt like now was the perfect time to smirk pompously at his annoying friend. Hopefully that was all that was needed to get the point across to his block headed neighbor.

'Hmm... speaking of Kinomoto, I wonder what that crazy girl is up to...'

--------------------

"AARRGG!!! WHY!? WHY DOES MY LUCK HAVE TO BE THIS BAD?!?!" Sakura yelled in frustration, earning her a few odd looks from the male population around her, as she sat on a marble step that lead into an expensive clothing store she had just been in.

She had been looking for a job for over two hours now and had visited every place on the job listing. But every time she was turned away, all saying that the positions were filled. How did that happen!?

Scanning the job ad over and over, her eyes suddenly fell on something that would explain her lack of a job. Eyes widening, she felt a deep anger rise.

'Touya... im going to destroy you the next time I see you!!!'

There at the bottom of the paper slip said July 19, 20

She buried her face in her hands, her fingers twisting themselves around her hair before she pulled in aggravation. Dammit! Dammit all! The whole time she was wasting her time. And for what?! For nothing! The stupid ad was well over a month old!!! How did that stupid brother of hers grab an old newspaper?!

Sakura moaned in misery as she heard a jingle of bells somewhere across the street. Wearily, she looked up and watched as a girl in the oddest dress with frills upon frills and ribbon and lace came out of the bakery, holding a big folded board with something written on it. Her eyes were a light brown with short hair a similar color in pigtails. She looked to be a bit shorter than Sakura.

'A girl? What's she doing here? I thought I was the only girl around here...'

The girl erected the board next to door before returning to the safety of the small bakery, and there, written in bright green and blue curly letters was a help wanted sign.

Chiharu Bakery Now hiring!

Eyes widening, Sakura picked up her board as she got up and before crossing the street, glanced around quickly. Seeing no cars, she dashed across the road and right up to the small bakery shop.

Without hesitation she briskly walked into the bakery. She must have looked mad, chest heaving as she looked around frantically for an employee. She wasn't necessarily out of breath, more like gasping for air from anxiety. A job... this may be her only chance!

She dashed up to the girl at the counter. It was the same girl that had placed the sign up. She smiled as she saw Sakura come up to the front desk.

"May I help you? We have a sale today on our cakes. We guarantee freshness, and if your not satisfied, we will--"

"Yeah yeah, im not here to buy a cake or pastry or whatever. I saw your help wanted sign. Im your man, I'll do whatever you need me to. I'll bake, I'll work the register, I'll clean up the place, I'll do whatever you want. Just please... I need a job."

The girl was surprised, least to say, before she smiled.

"It's been years since I've seen another girl around these parts. And one dressed as you are at that." she said, as she covered her mouth in an attempt to stifle her chuckle. Sakura only nodded, trying to contain herself.

"PleasehiremeI'lldoanythingyouwant!! PLEASE!"

The girl continued to smile at Sakura's speech spasms. It was actually a funny sight. Sakura was looking around the place quickly. Clean... too clean. White walls with pictures of cakes and pastries hung on them with a few tables off in the corner. The floor was black and deep blue in a checker pattern at at the front stood a glass case filled with cakes and other sweets in baskets and on stands.

"Ok, first tell me what you can do."

"What I can do? I can do anything. Im a trick of all trades."

"Ok then... can you bake? Things such as cake and whatnot?"

Sakura thought for a moment before answering. Well, she COULD bake, just not things like donuts and pastries. Cakes were easy, since her father had taught her when she was little.

"Well... honestly I can bake cakes, but I can't say much for pastries."

The girl nodded in approval.

"What about working the register?"

"Fully capable."

"How well do you do around people?"

Sakura cringed at the question. Well, she could handle most people fairly well, it was the those annoying bossy ones that she couldn't handle well. She herself was bossy and knew it, but she didn't like competing. At least not for seniority. Especially against guys.

"I can do fairly well." came her quick reply.

"You don't mind wearing a uniform, do you?"

Sakura smiled. Uniforms? Ha! She wore a uniform back at her old school! Well, the mens anyways. She had always cringed at anything that exposed her legs, unless they were her oversized shorts she wore that required a belt to hold up. And they only exposed her shins, never anything above the knees. At least a uniform would save her the time of picking something out to wear.

"A uniform? Ha, can I ever! My old school required us to wear uniforms, so it shouldn't be a problem. Nope, no problem at all."

"That's good to hear. At first I didn't think you'd be willing, seeing how you, er, dress and all. No offense."

"No offense taken. I get that a lot."

"Well, why don't you come back here and I'll show you around." the girl said, clasping her hands together in front of her chest.

"Does that mean im hired?!" Sakura had stiffened quite visibly at the question. She held her breath without realizing it until the girl nodded, a broad grin on her face.

"YES!" Sakura yelled as she punched the air with her free hand, the other still clutching her board. She was glowing in triumph. At last, a job!

--------------------

"... so she jumps out of her seat, spilling her Pepsi all down her white blouse! And you wouldn't believe it, but man! All I could do was thank god that I was sitting right next to her! The 'view' was awesome."

It was warm with a gentle breeze blowing in the school court yard. Students were scattered about, most with their groupies gossiping as they ate their lunch. Anyone that didn't want to eat out stayed indoors. Most likely in the cafeteria.

Syaoran sighed as he leaned against a tree and sighed. He shifted his gaze from the guy a few yards away with his friends, telling them about his little 'adventure' in a theater during the weekend. He couldn't help but roll his eyes, his attention shifting to Eriol.

"You know, even though Kinomoto acts tough, I bet she's only bluffing." Eriol said, as he picked through, what seemed to be, his lunch. (Though it mostly consisted of only rice.)

"Of course she is. All tomboys bluff to make themselves seem bigger. And tell me, why are we talking about her again?"

"Dunno. There's nothing else to talk about I guess." Eriol moved some of his rice over into the corner of his bento box before trying to pick a hole somewhere near the center of the rice.

"Are you going to eat that or just play with it? 'Cause if you don't want it, I'll take it." Syaoran said, as he reached over to try and pull the box out of Eriol's hands. Eriol jerked it away as he shoved a chopstick full of rice into his mouth.

"Of course im going to eat it. Bring your own lunch, you bum."

Syaoran returned to his former position against the tree, now lifting his arms behind his head. He grinned mischievously.

"Maybe I'll have Kinomoto make me one..."

Eriol sent a glare at him.

"I can't believe im actually friends with you. You're a real asshole."

"Yeah, I know." Syaoran grinned.

--------------------

Sakura waved goodbye to her new boss. Once outside she stretched her arms, a smile forming on her lips.

So, she finally got a job. And an easy one at that. All she had to do was hand out pastries and cakes to customers over the counter. Plus the pay was a little more than minimum wage, seeing how they usually got a lot of customers. Especially during the early mornings. All she had to do now was wait for a call from the girl, named Chiharu, and by that time she would have a uniform. Sakura didn't have an idea what the uniform would look like, all she knew was that by the time Chiharu had finished making the uniform (she made all of the uniforms by hand), she could start work. She was told she'd get a call within a week or so if not sooner.

'Maybe I'll spare Touya from a painful death the next time I see him. I'll make it quick and painless.' she thought, laughing to herself, happy she finally got a job.

'Well, now that that's out of the way, I think I'll head home to finish unpacking. Then maybe tomorrow I'll worry about school.'

She was just about to take off on her board when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Thinking it was Chiharu, she kept from turning around and kicking whoever it was square in the face, if not their neck.

Turning around, she saw it was no Chiharu, but rather a guy wearing the same uniform as Syaoran, only his tie was white. He had deep brown hair, a few shades off from black, and his eyes were a deep violet, his skin fair.

She sent a glare at him, glancing between the hand on her shoulder and the guys face. Time to act tough... act like a guy.

Lowering her voice in an attempt to sound more guyish, she spoke, "Take your hand off me."

The guy only smiled at first, not intimidated in the least.

"What's a cute girl like you doing around here?"

Ugh... so he knew. Well, there was still a chance she could trick him into thinking otherwise.

"Girl? But you're mistaken. Im a guy."

She watched as he looked from her face to her chest. Thank god she had used that bandage wrap that morning to tie down her breasts! It gave her a more flat-chested look. More like a guy to put it bluntly.

"How cute, a tomboy. You don't have to pretend you're a guy. Mens clothing don't really suit you. You should be wearing a cute pink dress or something like that."

Sakura noticed a few other guys behind him, all dressed in the same uniform. Oh, isn't this great? The idiot had friends. There were three of them. All roughly the same height as their boss.

Brushing the hand off her shoulder with a smirk on her face, she sneered, "Since when did the zoo release the monkeys? Monkeys should stay in their cages and behave. Not bother innocent bystanders."

Sakura watched as his mouth tightened into a thin line before relaxing. The guy put up a fake smile. A smile Sakura didn't like one bit.

"Look, take yourself and your idiots and leave me alone. Before things get ugly." she spat, not liking the guy one bit.

"Idiots?" he said, loud enough for his groupies to hear. He chuckled as he turned to his friends.

"You hear that? She called you guys idiots. I don't think that's very ladylike. What do you think?"

They all began to protest, saying things like 'Yeah!' and 'Teach her a lesson.' unintelligible things along those lines.

He turned back to Sakura, a smirk on his face as he crossed his arms over his chest, his friends popping their knuckles, ready to take her down.

"Yes, I agree. I think we should teach her some manners."

Sakura glared at them before taking a step back, preparing herself for a fight, her skateboard forgotten. The guys eyes suddenly flickered to something behind her and she caught the relection in his eyes. It was another person, but she couldn't make out the details. Whipping her head around to see who it was, something hard and cold suddenly connected with her face and everything went black.

to be continued....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UWAH! I FINISHED THE SECOND CHAPTER!!! W00t! I'll try to update again soon! Like in a week or something. But arigato to my dear readers. Couldn't have done it without you! I was going to update this LOOOONG time ago, but I had somehow forgotten all about these stories! Whoops, silly me! Things are going to get interesting during the next chapter, so be sure to tune back in for the next episode of DRAGON BALL Z! (Cracks up.) Sorry, just had to say that. Couldn't resist. XD

Anyways, you might notice how often these guys cuss. Sorry bout that. But im just trying to get the whole high school feel going here. (It's like that where I go to school ) And the slang and what not.

Well, please review! Tell me you love it, you hate it, and tell me what I messed up on! ROAR! NOW LET US GO TO THE PLANET OF CHEESE!!!!!!