Step Up to Love
By Snow Blossoms Angel
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.
Summary: The Kinomoto twins couldn't be more different but both have the dreams of becoming dancers. Nothing could come between them right? Not even Asia's Number 1 Bachelor – Li Syaoran?
Aging: Sakura & Sukiya – 17, Tomoyo & Meiling – 18, Eriol – 20 and Syaoran – 21.
Italics means thoughts, stressed words or songs.
Bold Italics are song words.
Chapter 2: First Sight
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Sakura sighed in discontent. Upon arriving at Maryland Performing Arts Academy in Hong Kong with Sukiya and Tomoyo who had been accepted due her excellent singing abilities, design skills and the fact she could afford it, Sakura and her sister still hadn't managed to find a job which could pay enough for their joint apartment with Tomoyo. She had offered to pay for them until they could afford the rent but Sakura refused immediately, not wanting to be a burden on her best friend. They had kindly been given the chance to bartend in a nightclub named Tokyo Moonshine owned by Sakura's childhood friend and Chiharu's boyfriend Yamazaki Takashi. Although the sisters were only seventeen, he agreed to take them on as long as they kept a low profile.
Meanwhile Sukiya had distanced herself from the other two in an attempt to associate with the more influential people in the school. She had befriended a girl named Li Meiling who came from well-known family and was the most popular girl at the academy. She had decided that if she mixed with the richer girls she would be able to use them to her own advantage whenever she needed them. When she had first met Tomoyo she had concluded that her wealth made her a useful ally but she was soon fed up with her constant appraisal and video-taping of Sakura and finally she just about loathed her but was able to hide her feelings towards the heiress of Daidouji Designs. She was quite fond of her sister but in truth hated that everyone always mothered her like she was a lost child. She just wished that she got the same attention as her.
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Li Syaoran was utterly frustrated. The Li Modeling Agency needed a new face to keep up its reputation. He picked up the glass on the table and flung it against the wall causing it to shatter into hundreds of pieces. His rival Hiwatari Ryoga was gaining more exposure with his latest signing Tsukishiro Yukito, who was already topping the charts.
"Well you seem happy," Eriol his best friend and manager of the company commented, sarcasm clearly evident. "What's got you all wound up my cute, little descendant?" he asked observing as Syaoran's face displayed irritation, anger and worry at the same time, it was quite funny really.
"Don't call me that!" he snapped but only let out a deep breath when his supposed friend raised an eyebrow at him. "We have to find a new model; we're hardly even competition to Hiwatari any more! Mother is not backing down on finding me a wife; she keeps introducing me to these money-minded idiots! And on top of it all Meiling keeps bugging me about going to some show her school is putting on today!" Syaoran shouted. He looked up at the Eriol who was failing miserably at hiding the smile on his face and groaned, "Life can't get any worse."
"You need to get out more man, instead of spending all your time with some girl, who you brush of anyways the next day, in our penthouse suite, leaving me to check into a room downstairs cause there's no chance of getting any sleep. Seriously man, I'm getting bags under my eyes! I don't need to look like I'm twenty going on fifty!" he cursed loudly yet the only reaction he got from Syaoran was his trademark smirk. "Let's just go clubbing after Meiling's show thing, it'll help you take your mind off things," he said dryly. Syaoran opened his mouth to refuse but Eriol got in there before him, "Don't make me call your sisters to drag you out of this office. I might even tell Meiling that you've decided that she's the love of your life and you want to marry her." Grinning he left the room, where Syaoran sat his mouth hung open unable to come up with a comeback, a glare slowly appearing on his face. Go to hell Hiiragizawa!
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Sakura kept glancing at the clock, the performance was due to start soon and she was extremely nervous. The air of tension was only increasing as everyone practiced their routines continuously. This was going to be the first time she had ever danced without her sister and she wasn't gaining any confidence as the minutes passed. The school had been rehearsing the routine for barely two weeks yet they had decided it was the ideal time for a showcase to which friends and family would be invited to. A sense of sorrow overtook her as she realized that her parents and big brother wouldn't be in the crowd but she pushed it took the back of the mind hoping that they would be watching from above. Today she was going to dance for them and she would make them proud.
Sukiya checked her reflection and smiled finally satisfied with herself. She would be dancing with Meiling and another girl named Hasu. Together they had decided that they would be stars of show, dressed the most seductive costumes of black, glittery ballet outfits and they wore a lot of makeup to give off a smoldering look that would be noticed by the whole audience. They had decided to dance to Feelin' Good by The Pussycat Dolls.
The spectators filed into the Grand Hall, waiting in anticipation to see the efforts of the girls. Sakura and Tomoyo peered through the red velvet curtains into the gathering, catching sight of Tomoyo's mother Daidouji Sonomi they waved to her and the gesture was returned to them. After everyone had been seated, the headmistress started with a speech thanking everyone for coming and told them about the booklets that were placed on the seats which displayed information about the various acts, music and photos of the performers. At last the first group was introduced and soon after it was Tomoyo's turn. Everyone was awestruck as sang Because of You by Kelly Clarkson harmoniously whilst playing the piano expertly.
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Syaoran and Eriol entered the hall to be greeted by the amazing voice of Tomoyo Daidouji. They took a seat right at the back of the room, the view of the stage wasn't too good but that's what they get for arriving late. The girl on stage ended her piece and stepped up from the piano and bowed receiving plenty of cheers and clapping. After she had exited the stage Meiling and two other girls had been presented. Meiling's eyes searched the crowd for two familiar faces and beamed in recognition when she came to the back row. As the music began Syaoran had to admit she had improved her dancing and the other two weren't bad either especially that Kinotomo or whatever her name was. After they had finished the audience shouted their approval and a few catcalls were heard.
Syaoran and Eriol got up ready to leave when the announcer started talking again.
"And finally tonight we have Kinomoto Sakura who will be singing and dancing to Now I Know by Rihanna," she exclaimed. Syaoran glanced at the stage.
It's
that girl who was dancing with Meiling just now. She's kinda cute
no wait she's downright gorgeous .Why didn't I notice when she
was dancing before? He looked at Eriol who apparently was
thinking the same as him and said softly to him, "Looks like we
have our next top model."
Eriol only nodded his mouth agape thinking to himself. Where has this girl been hiding her whole life? She's striking but I can't that other girl out of my mind, one who sang Because of You, she was radiante with her dark purple hair, light complexion and sparkling amethyst eyes. I wish I had actually found out her name. If only we didn't arrive late. Damn Syaoran and his useless shortcuts! I knew we should have taken a taxi!
The girl began dancing and as her pure voice filled the room once the music started causing everyone to gasp at the fact she managed to perform magnificent moves at the same time.
Took a chance, roll the dice of me and you
Opened up, let you in my world
Like a dance, started slow and then love took control
Swept away, so proud to be your girl
When you read a story much to fast
Sometimes a happy ending doesn't last
Syaoran was mesmerized as he slowly sat back down, his eyes never leaving the lone figure on the stage as she glided elegantly across the stage twirling and moving to the rhythm of the orchestra. She seemed almost unaware of her viewers, completely concentrating on the music.
Now I know that love ain't meant to be a play thing
Now I know it's not an ordinary everyday thing
Now I know that when it's right it's so amazing
When it's wrong you gotta let it go
Now I know
Now I know
It felt like his blank had gone blank all he could think about was the smoothness of her voice which held a slight undertone of tragedy. He felt like he actually knew everything that she went through in her life and he wanted nothing than to hold her in his arms. What am I feeling? He asked himself.
Remember when, we said our love would last forever
But then again, how are we to know
There come a time, that love will change like stormy weather
A sunny day will suddenly turn cold
Time will teach you all you need to learn
But there'll always be a first time you get burned
The crowd watched as this breathtaking beauty did different steps from cabrioles to manèges simultaneously; hardly able to believe she was just seventeen. They were convinced that she would make a brilliant dancer or singer when she was older.
Now I know that love ain't meant to be a play thing
Now I know it's not an ordinary everyday thing
Now I know that when it's right it's so amazing
When it's wrong you gotta let it go
Now I know
Now I know
He couldn't do it no matter how much he tried he couldn't pry his eyes off her. Sure he had met the world's most spectacular women through his line of work but nothing like this before. She's unique. He concluded.
I don't regret a single day
Joy and pain along the way
A broken heart's the price we pay
As sad as it may seem
Baby can't you see
It's the way it's gotta be
It was nearing the end of the song and everyone just gazed in wonderment. You betta get packing Hiwatari cause there's no way you'll be able to able find beauty as admirable as this. We're gonna blow you off the chart so say goodbye. Syaoran thought, a true smile gracing his face.
Now I know that love ain't meant to be a play thing
Now I know it's not an ordinary everyday thing
Now I know that when it's right it's so amazing
When it's wrong you gotta let it go
Now I know
Yeah
Now I know
I know
After a long pause the entire place burst into applause every person standing up to show their appreciation to this young girl. Sakura let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding in relief and looked into the crowds and was suddenly startled, because for the first time exquisite emerald clashed with intensive amber…….
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So what do ya think? I hope I didn't disappoint! Plz review! Fanx 4 reading! Luv ya!