Disguise

Blue Sonnet

The newlyweds stood in the center of the room, looking every bit the perfect couple to the guests gathered before them. The bride was stunning in her wedding gown, her auburn hair flowing loose along her back. Beside her, the groom was wearing his usual smile, the smile that they had known for years, except now there was something infinitely more charming about it.

"Look at those two! Aren't they just lovely?"

Tomoyo smiled at her best friend, quickly discerning the longing deep within those emerald eyes. "Yes, I think so too. Chiharu and Yamazaki are certainly meant for each other. But I bet you would look just as beautiful on your wedding day, if not more."

"You know, Sakura, Tomoyo's right. You're 21 now. You can't keep ignoring half the men at your side of the planet," Rika commented. "If you've been looking in the mirror lately, you'll realize what a catch you really are. Besides, you and Tomoyo are the only ones who aren't married yet in our group. Naoko isn't counted, mind you. Even Tomoyo has an excuse since she already has a boyfriend."

Always good at evasions, Sakura chuckled. "You're right. She has an excuse for a boyfriend."

"Eriol is not an 'excuse for a boyfriend'. He's a very sweet, handsome, and considerate man, and if you have a problem remembering, he's the reason you're working in Hong Kong right now." Tomoyo looked sincerely upset.

Naoko snorted. "I don't see how a woman needs a man for her life to be complete. Only romance books say that. That's why I don't read them."

All three rolled their eyes at Naoko's comment, but couldn't bring themselves to correct her. Sakura gave it a rest, and then turned to apologize. "Oh, don't take it seriously, Tomoyo. I was just joking. And yes, I'm really grateful for that. My boss, Ms. Yelan, is just incredible. She's really nice."

Ever since elementary school, the five of them had always been really close. They were five very different people, but unexpectedly, they became friends. Rika the school idol, with her short, curly, coal-colored locks; Naoko the bookworm, with auburn hair and glasses far larger than her eyes; Chiharu the bossy girl, always looking for cute boys but had eyes only for one; Tomoyo the quiet angel, who brings comfort and warmth with a look from her amethyst eyes and her golden voice; and Sakura, her emerald eyes a fountain of cheerfulness and naiveté, never putting herself first before anyone else.

Sakura clearly remembered their conversations before, about not going away from Tomoeda, about always staying close. But of course, it was inevitable, since circumstances change. It was just after graduation from college when she realized that she needed a respite from everything, and Eriol's offer was the answer. A job in Hong Kong, away from everyone, away from everything, just away. She'd read about the Li Corporation, where Eriol was currently Finance Director, in the newspapers. And secretary to the President was a very highly-paid job, though very challenging. It was just her regret that she couldn't mask her surprise at the amount he stated as her due. After the first few months, everything had gone smoothly. Mrs. Yelan Li was a pleasure to work with, and Sakura had already developed a fondness for her and her daughters, all of whom were very nice. Not only that, Tomoyo had moved in with her at her apartment in Hong Kong, with two sets of wardrobes with her, which made Sakura's adjustment so much easier, though frustrating at times.

Even then, the five friends never lost contact with each other, and Sakura and Tomoyo were repeatedly invited to visit. Rika had married with only Tomoyo going there to grace the wedding, since she was too "tied-up" to fly back to Tomoeda. But this time, Chiharu was most persuasive, and had almost gone up and flown to Hong Kong if she hadn't promised her attendance. So now, here she was.

"Right, Sakura?"

Sakura snapped from her reverie to look at Chiharu. The bride had already made her way to them without her noticing, and was looking at her pointedly. "Huh? Oh sorry, I wasn't listening. What were you asking me?" She smiled apologetically.

Chiharu sighed. "I knew you were daydreaming again when I saw that blank look. Haven't you gotten over that by now? Anyway, I was telling them that sometime soon, we'll have to visit you there in Hong Kong. And then you and Tomoyo can take us sightseeing."

"That would be nice, but I'm afraid I haven't been to many places yet. It's just been two years, you know. But I think Tomoyo has some great places in mind," Sakura replied.

Tomoyo frowned at her. "Sakura, you shouldn't worm out of these things. It's always been work, eat, and sleep for you. If you don't go out, how will you find a guy who'll seriously like you?"

"Exactly my point."

Tomoyo shook her head in resignation. It's been two years now since her best friend had lost her cheerfulness, and with it her interest in the opposite sex.

"Anyway, we won't back down from this, Sakura. It's been a long time since we saw each other, and longer since we enjoyed doing something together. We can plan this right now," Naoko said. Then turning to Chiharu, "And you, just go on entertaining your other guests, and we'll inform you of the plans right after you come back."

Sakura groaned inwardly. This is going to be a LONG day.

"I'm home."

"Syaoran! What are you doing here?!" Yelan Li was ecstatic.

"Why, I'm not permitted to come home anymore?" He grinned and made his way to her to embrace her.

"But you said the flight was tomorrow! I could've sent Wei to the airport if you'd just called," she said, still locked in the embrace. "Let me look at you."

He released her then, and she began her study. Auburn hair and deep amber eyes, he had his father's handsome looks. And though he rarely showed it, he had his mother's stubbornness as well. Four years certainly hadn't changed his features, but her other sense was very certain it had changed his disposition.

"How did you get here, then?" she asked him pointedly.

"I called Eriol. He picked me up at the airport and we spent some time talking. Then he took me to my favorite restaurant and drove me here, so don't bother preparing food for me. I'm stuffed."

She turned towards the door. "Then let me call Fanren and your other sisters. I'm sure they're all excited to see you after such a long time."

Syaoran groaned. Excited was an understatement. They'd probably hover over him for hours. "Mother, as much as I want to, I would probably be too tired from the flight to talk with them. Can I rest in my room first?"

When Yelan turned, she caught, and appreciated, the gleam in his eyes. "Alright, if you insist. I think they can wait another day for your homecoming." She smiled, and walked with him to his room.

Alright, alright. I know that no one in his right mind would hire a 19 yr. old for the company president's secretary, but I wanted it to be natural when their youthful stubbornness comes through. Anyway, read and review guys! Tell me what it's like. Is it good? Does it suck? Suggestions? Ideas? Click that button at the bottom of this page!