Disclaimer: This is the first and only time it's going to appear in this story. Do you really think I'd be writing this if I own CCS? Actually, I'd be sitting back comfortably in my mansion with maids to attend to my every need. Heh. My fantasy.

First Sight

By: Cherrysinger

Chapter One

First

And I believe this may call for a proper introduction, and well,
Don't you see, I'm the narrator, and this is just the prologue?
Swear to shake it up, if you swear to listen
Oh, we're still so young, desperate for attention
I aim to be your eyes, trophy boys, trophy wives.

-The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage, Panic at the Disco

-

"Please do it for me, Sakura? I desperately need them...you have no idea how long I've gone without–"

Cough.

"Erm. Yeah. You know what I mean. Sorry. So will you do it?"

Pause.

"Please, Sakura?"

-

Tell me all that you've thrown away
Find out games you don't wanna play
You are the only one that needs to know.

-Dirty Little Secret, All-American Rejects

-

I looked around again. There were people staring at me (I grudgingly admitted it could've been my imagination), and it only made me want to disappear even more than I already did.

But if I ever got my hands on that little rat ever again...

I could barely finish the thought.

Turning my red face back in front of me, I grabbed a couple of each item, hunching my back to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Then I edged over to the next aisle, wincing as a guy hooted at me. I scowled at him and swiped the last item I needed to get, which made him leer at me more. I ignored him, going to another, empty aisle where I felt like wiping the sweat from my forehead. Finally! This torture was going to end.

I started towards the cashier. I was going out into open grounds soon...therefore, no empty aisles to cower in. How to hide them, how to hide them–

A stroke of pure genius hit me. Grinning, I stuffed them into my purse. I straightened up and walked, gloating to myself, to go and buy them. Granted, I still had to think about what I'd do once I reached there, but for now I had saved myself from feeling like an idiot.

I headed for the least noticeable cashier, swinging my Gucci purse...

"Hold it right there!" an angry voice shouted from behind me. I paused for a moment, but then shook it off.

"Excuse me, miss," a hand grabbed me roughly by the shoulder. My eyes widened.

I whipped around to see a middle-aged man with brown hair and annoyed blue eyes staring down at me.

Horrified, I could only stare. He had been talking to me all along?

"May I see your purse for a moment?" he asked, hand out. I numbly handed it over.

He sifted through the contents, mouth pursed into a thin line. Then he fished a few things out.

Oh no. He couldn't think that I–

"I'm sorry, but you're going to have to come with me. It appears that you were about to steal these," he held up the monstrosities. My eyes widened and my mouth dropped.

"N-no! No. I wasn't, I was just, just," I sputtered incoherently for a moment, mortified beyond belief. Then I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, "No." I repeated firmly, "I can assure you I was not stealing,"

"Why did you put these into your purse then?" he asked, brandishing them into the air once again.

Yes. Thank you Bob. Put it up for the whole world to see why don't you.

"I'm doing a favor for my friend, you can see I was already heading towards the cashier, but unfortunately I'm not used to buying...these things. I was very, very embarrassed so I put them in my purse," I couldn't continue. He didn't seem to understand. "To hide them. Yes. So no one would see and I could just, you know, buy them and be off," I finished in a rush, not caring how strange it sounded.

Finally, understanding dawned on him, although he stared at me doubtfully for a moment. He relinquished his hold on the objects and gave them back to me along with my purse, and I promptly balled as much as I could in my hands. I turned away, my murderous thoughts towards the rat doubling.

Only to find everyone in the store staring at me. The hairs at the back of my neck prickled ominously.

If I were imagining it before, I definitely wasn't now.

I felt like melting and becoming one with the floor, and it probably showed on my face. But I quickly pushed myself back up, clenching my fists.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and marched determinedly forward, throwing the objects defiantly onto the counter and pulling out a bill. I kept my gaze on the black conveyor belt even as I collected my change and took the bag.

It was only when I was exiting the store that I looked up. My face paled.

Of all the things, I thought miserably.

A guy stood there. But he was looking at me–he just saw me at the worst of worst times. A half smile curved his face, hazel eyes smirking in surprised amusement. His dark brown hair was falling, rumpled, over his forehead. Our eyes met for the briefest of moments and understanding flashed between us, something sparking and setting my nerves on fire. But I glanced away and the moment was lost.

The world rushed back to me and I realized I was lingering in the doorway of the store, stupidly watching the man. I quickly turned and hurried out, my face flushed. I hoped to god I would never see him again.

He was still gazing after me.

-

There's never a right time to say goodbye
But I gotta make the first move
'Cause if I don't you gonna start hating me.

-Say Goodbye, Chris Brown

-

"So, you're telling me..." her mouth trembled. "You're telling me that..."

She started laughing, vainly trying to muffle it with a hand.

"That's very funny isn't it?" I glared at her, successful only in making her laughter grow. "You're the one who made me go buy...buy sex toys and condoms in the first place–just because you haven't 'had any' in a long time!"

She launched into new peals of laughter.

"Sorry! N-not my fault! Sakura, lighten up okay? It's not as bad as...as you think," she choked out.

That was it.

I shoved her ungrateful blond (fake, it was normally dark) head off of my bed.

"I'm having the worst summer thanks to you!"

I was really upset...I was just humiliated earlier in the day and all she could do was laugh? I made for the door, but a hand grabbed my shoulder.

"No! Wait, don't go Sakura. I'm sorry, I'll stop," her voice had calmed somewhat, and even though it still had a breathless, wavering quality, I could tell she was being serious. Reluctantly, I turned around.

"Don't ask me to do that again?"

"I won't," she sighed, and sat on my bed, crossing her legs. "So, a really sexy guy saw you in your most embarrassing moment ever? What did he look like again?"

"Tomoyo!"

"Sakura!" she mimicked, "Seriously! I do feel sorry and all, but I have to know about this,"

I sighed, but I had to agree with her. I tugged on my t-shirt and started.

"He was buying Gatorade and some gum. Sorry, I know that's not important. Anyway he had messy dark brown hair, almost black, which was sort of long and fell over his forehead. And he had hazel eyes, which is completely unfair because since when do Asian people have hazel eyes?" I sighed, kicking my feet. I wasn't so great when it came to the guy's department.

"Sounds like your type," Tomoyo nodded, a slight grin on her face.

"I know," I groaned miserably, slumping beside her on the bed and stretching my arms above me.

"You've got it bad," she giggled. I quickly shot up from the bed.

"I do not. I don't even know him. I saw him once for crying out loud!" I exclaimed loudly, but even I knew I was in denial. Over a stupid guy I saw only once. Then I crossed my arms and stared at the carpet, brooding. Tomoyo attempted to tease me again but I wouldn't budge. Finally, with a sigh, she gave up and we sat in silence for a few minutes.

After the silence stretched and became awkward, I couldn't resist sneaking a look at her. Tomoyo's forehead was wrinkled, a sign of deep thinking, and her violet eyes were pensive. Suddenly, she spoke, startling me.

"Listen, I know I've been a bad friend lately, neglecting you because of Eriol and all."

I bit my lip. She wryly held up a hand.

"You don't have to say anything. I know I have. Today just confirmed it for me."

I waited silently for her to make her point.

"Can I make it up to you by going on a trip to the beach?"

I stared at her disbelievingly for a moment. That was the most random thing ever.

Tomoyo laughed sheepishly.

She was serious! I perked up, a smile spreading across my face. Maybe the rat wasn't so bad after all.

"Right now? Honestly?"

"Yup," she answered in a chirpy voice, and all was right in the world again. I checked out the window, and the hot summer sun was up perfectly in the cloudless sky. I laughed, my mood brightening, and hooked an arm through hers,

"Let's go,"

-

Watch Out! Oh! Watch Out!
She's saying, Come get me! Come get me.

-Yeah, Usher

-

Half an hour later, Tomoyo was shifting gears in her Corvette, while I hummed to a song absentmindedly beside her.

After a few minutes, Tomoyo slowed and smirked,

"Well, lookie here. Babes at twelve-o-clock,"

I realized with a start that we'd arrived at the beach. I looked out the window. There were a lot of guys walking around in their swimming trunks or surfer suits. Although I preferred not to call them 'babes' since it wasn't something I generally did, I had to admit Tomoyo had a point.

Time to ruin her fun.

"No hooking up. None. You have a boyfriend. Eriol, remember?" I gave her a sly smile and snatched up my bag, opening the door and stepping out as I saw a joking scowl make its way onto her face.

"Fine, I won't. I do like Eriol a lot..." she grinned, stepping out. She adjusted her sunglasses. I gave her an approving nod and said,

"Good. He doesn't deserve to be cheated on." I said solemnly, making sure she knew I was serious. Then I grinned, bounding away from the parking lot. I scanned the beach as I went.

And stopped dead in my tracks.

...The guy was there.

Horror. He was talking and laughing with a couple of his friends, clad only in swimming trunks. He had that lean, but fit body...like a soccer player or swimmer would have. His hair was just as messy as before, and it suited him perfectly. Yum. Oh, great. It was not a great time to be thinking thoughts like that. He hadn't seen me yet, good. Panicking, I ran back to Tomoyo, who was still trudging from the parking lot.

I grabbed her arm and dragged her back behind a large van.

"What the h–"

"Tomoyo!" I interrupted her, eyes pleading and a lost note in my voice.

"What is it?" she was immediately on guard.

"He's there." I mumbled.

"Who?"

"You know who,"

"Wha–oh," her eyes sparkled with sudden realization, "Where? I have to see him, he must be something for you to make such a big deal out of him,"

"What am I going to do?" I asked her.

"Calm down, he probably hasn't seen you yet,"

"No, but he will,"

"So? Let him see how pretty and sweet you are."

I paused.

"I'll just pretend I don't know he's there."

Tomoyo groaned.

"Stupid...whatever, if that works for you,"

I ignored her, and instead leaned my forehead on her shoulder, all of a sudden weary.

"Thanks." I grumbled to her.

"Hey, what are friends for?" she said jokingly.

I pushed myself away from her. I purposefully looked away from where the guy was. We chose a spot to spread our towel, which was a comfortable distance from the water. Tomoyo wasted no time in throwing her shirt and jean skirt off, showing off her purple bikini, which looked great on her. I sighed enviously, eyeing my own drab light brown locks, which were a strange color with glints of gold, red and occasionally dark brown streaking through it, visible in the light. It was the hybrid of the blond and the dark brown of my parents' hair. I didn't particularly like it, although I liked how straight and smooth it was. And then there were my eyes. They were a stormy green color. Yes, there was such a thing. Wasn't it supposed to be stormy blue? But no, I got stuck with a cloudy grayish-green color (they used to be a clear, emerald green when I was younger), while Tomoyo had those violet eyes. I hadn't even known violet eyes existed until I met her.

I slowly and consciously peeled away my own blue t-shirt and billowy white skirt, kicking off my flip flops along the way. I had worn a modest dark blue two-piece that had funky diagonal pink stripes, going the opposite way on the bottom half then the top. The bottom had a small pretend-belt that had a small clasp to one side, the kind that were useless other than for show, and the top had the same clasps except bigger to hold each strap up.

I was a bit shy of being in a bikini so I quickly sat down and dug for a book to read. As I was taking out an adventure/fantasy novel I'd been wanting to open for a long time, I felt a familiar prickling at the back of my neck.

Someone was watching me. Nervously I turned around.

Hazel eyes pierced my own. Eyes that I would never forget.

It was him.

Those eyes left mine to trace over me. I felt a shiver go down my spine, an unnamed emotion churning inside of me. He finally saw me. I had dreaded this moment before, but it wasn't as horrible as I thought. Why was he looking at me like that, the dinky girl who embarrassed herself at a store? It baffled me, and I quickly looked away, nervousness coloring my cheeks.

The book lay forgotten in the sand.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pick up his drink and say something to a dark-haired guy beside him, looking almost embarrassed, and then he was heading my way.

I almost didn't believe my eyes, and in shock I turned my head in his direction, only to see a smile appear on his face as he caught me facing him. Shyly, I smiled back, and his widened.

"Who's that Sak?" Tomoyo chose that moment to ask. I turned around, lowering my voice,

"That's him."

"Oh, the guy from the store huh?" she said again. My mouth parted in horror. But the damage was already done. I peeked over my shoulder, only to see the guy stop in his tracks, a shocked look coming over his face.

I couldn't believe how horrible I felt.

Jesus, I did have a crush on this guy. It may have been shallow because I hadn't talked to him before, but I didn't think so. We had understood each other when we saw each other at the store.

Tomoyo finally realized what she did. She guiltily looked away from me, fidgeting with the sand. I felt my anger dissipate at this image. I sighed and shook my head.

"It's not your fault. You didn't know," I said. She still looked slightly guilty so I rolled my eyes,

"Chicks before dicks right?" I reassured. A smile appeared on her face at the joke and she nodded, but when she brought her head back up again, that smile quickly turned into a grin. Confused, I stared at her, and she nodded to something behind me. I turned around, only to find that the guy hadn't gone the other way like I thought he would. Instead, he was standing right behind me and looking down at me with an expression I couldn't read.

"Hey," he greeted softly in a deep voice. I blushed and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"H-hi," I answered. He only grinned in response.

"You're the girl who was at that store earlier today, right? That person thought you were stealing...er..." he stopped uncertainly. I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

"Oh, don't worry you can just call them 'things'. They were for my friend Tomoyo anyway," I said, distracted by the topic and not stuttering for once. I pointed to said person, who was listening silently with an eager grin on her face. She turned a mortified face to me, but I mouthed 'payback' to her.

The guy turned amazed eyes to her, but then something like relief, which I didn't understand, flashed through his eyes as they turned to me.

"Well, 'things' they are then. I just had to say that was the most entertainment I had all summer so far. I hope you don't mind me just coming up here and all, I didn't even think you remembered me, and I felt sort of weird since I didn't even talk to you before," he finished, a hand ruffling his hair.

"Uh..." my face turned red again, "Thanks, I guess. But just to let you know, I, uh, I'm never doing that ever again. Bob was a butt, uh, bum,"

His forehead creased in confusion.

"Bob?" he asked.

"The clerk who stopped me...it said on his name tag," I muttered sheepishly. That expression, pleasant surprise and amusement took over his eyes again.

"Yeah. I'd be pretty embarrassed too. Well, I mean, not that it couldn't have happened to anybody...I mean, you handled it really well," he fumbled and then sighed, frustrated.

I suddenly felt more comfortable at his hesitance.

"Hi, I'm Sakura," I held out a hand. He blinked for a moment, but just when I was starting to feel foolish he shifted his drink to his other hand and took my hand in a firm shake. A warm heat jolted me as we made contact, and I struggled to keep my breathing normal, because I was sure it was one-sided.

"A handshake, huh?" he commented in a neutral way, "Nice name, too. I'm Syaoran. And that's Tomoyo, right?"

I glowed at his comment, and nodded at his question.

"Your name isn't so bad either. It suits you,"

"Thanks."

Tomoyo shook her head as Syaoran offered her a hand.

"Sorry, that's her thing,"

"Okay,"

Abruptly, Tomoyo got up.

"Listen, Sak, I got to go...uh...flirt with some guys okay?" she said suddenly, so much so that it was painfully obvious what she was doing. She flashed me a smirk and took off, leaving me alone with Syaoran.

"Sak?" Syaoran looked at me.

"Nickname. She just calls me that for sometimes," I said, embarrassed.

"I like Sakura better,"

I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult, and it must have showed on my face because he laughed, face brightening beautifully.

"It's a compliment," he confirmed, and then held a hand to me. "Do you maybe want to go get a drink?"

"Sure,"

Was there ever any doubt?

I took his hand and he hauled me up. Once again, something sparked at the touch, and this time he seemed to sense it too. He looked into my eyes and held my hand for longer than he needed before letting go. My heart thudded against my chest. Maybe, just maybe it was mutual.

We continued in silence until we got to the stand. I was about to get lemonade but then, I spotted an ice cream truck.

"Popsicles!" I cried excitedly, unconsciously taking his hand and pulling him over.

It was only when we were standing before the truck that I suddenly realized and I dropped his hand as if it were on fire. I glanced at him sideways, shifting my feet. Syaoran's eyes were bright, but he only gave me a slight playful smirk when he caught me looking. I dragged my eyes back to the ice cream man and asked for a popsicle, and then pulled out my five dollar bill when a hand stopped me. Surprised, I watched as Syaoran handed over his money. I gaped stupidly at him.

"What did you do that for?" I asked in astonishment. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"I'm buying for a pretty a girl," he said, smiling at me after. "And it's not flattery if it's true," he sensed what I was about to say.

He was such a sweet talker.

"What?" he asked.

"I...said that out loud?" I laughed nervously.

"That I'm such a sweet talker?" he grinned, something like sweet satisfaction in his voice.

"Oh," I said in a small voice. But then I straightened, "Hey, it's true,"

Syaoran only shook his head. He slowly handed me my popsicle, our hands brushing.

"You're some girl Sakura," smiling a soft smile.

-

I was waiting for you to tell me you were ready
I know what to do, if only you would let me
As long as you're cool with it, I'll treat you right.

-Me & U, Cassie

-

"So?" Tomoyo asked expectantly as we got into her car.

"So what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"So did anything happen with Syaoran!" she burst out incredulously, "I can't have left you on the beach to be bored out of my mind for nothing,"

My shoulders sagged.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Uh, nothing happened..." I trailed off, staring at my lap.

"What!" Tomoyo screeched, the car swerving slightly. I jerked forward and turned wide eyes to her.

"TOMOYO!" I yelled. She cringed.

"Sorry, sorry...but you mean absolutely nothing happened?" she scowled at me.

I shrugged.

"Well...he complimented me a lot and gave me these looks all the time, and we got along pretty well, but he didn't ask to see me again or even for my number," I informed her, slightly miserably. My thing for him was one-sided after all. And it would probably always remain that way.

"Then you're too good for him," she said soothingly, "But damn, was he hot."

I almost felt like laughing.

"Shut up,"

"So are you going to go with anyone to the party at Mei Lin's next week? I heard it was going to be a pool party, you know with summer and all here," she asked after a moment of silence. I threw her a withering look.

She muffled her laughter against a hand.

"I guess not. But I could hook you up with somebody, Eriol knows lots of people," she offered.

I considered it. At first I was tempted to say no because the last thing I needed was a date who had taken me as a last resort, but I also didn't want to moon over a complete stranger.

"Okay," I agreed, "But could you find someone who at least likes me as a friend? And that has a good personality?"

Tomoyo gave me a thumbs-up.

"Done."

-

Think I wanna make that move, now
Baby, tell me if you like it.

-Me & U, Cassie

-

The rest of my week flew by like all my other summers.

It was...normal. Usually I wouldn't care but I couldn't stop myself from wondering at times that it didn't really satisfy me anymore. It seemed boring. That day at the beach with Syaoran was exciting and new. Traveling the new waters. He was sweet, funny, smart, and deep too, which only made me like him better than before. I didn't tell Tomoyo, but we had talked about our dreams and ambitions, what we wanted to do while we still could. It may have seemed cheesy, but at the time it was perfect. No regular guy would have done that with me.

But I had resigned myself. If this was how it was going to be, then I'd have to live with it. And soon enough, distractions came in the form of Mei Lin's party, and Tomoyo was at my door.

The doorbell was ringing.

I hadn't invited anybody over had I? Glaring at the door when more impatient ringing came, I jogged down the stairs in my sweats and yanked it open.

"What do you want?" I said irately before I could see who it was.

"Is this how you treat all your guests and saviors?" Tomoyo asked. What was she doing here?

"What the hell are you doing here?" I decided to speak my mind. Tomoyo tsk-ed and stepped inside, leaving me still holding the door open and scowling at her.

"Not in a good mood I take it. And what are you wearing? Mei Lin's party is today!" she surveyed my sweat pants and loose Beatles shirt. I closed the door and followed her confusedly to my room.

"But isn't that two hours away? I can just put on some clothes before I go, it's just a party,"

"No," Tomoyo groaned, "You're going to a party with a date. There's a difference, and anyway you never get dressed up. It's about time you start. I brought some clothes for both of us,"

I was gaping once again. I didn't even know she had gotten me a date, let alone that I was supposed to get dressed up!

"Who's this date of mine?" I asked suspiciously.

"You'll see,"

I wanted to throttle her. She laughed and then held out some eyeliner, beckoning me.

Forty minutes later, I sat on the bed, dazed.

"Are you done yet?" I asked. She nodded, satisfied, and pushed me in front of a mirror. My eyes almost popped out. I didn't look like the slut I thought I would, and instead I looked...nice.

I had on a dark pink tank top with a thin white crop sweater over it, done together with a small pink button. It was partially see through and very delicate, and the sleeves were short and fluttery. The skirt was one that Tomoyo had found at the back of my closet, white and ending two inches above my knees. At the top of it, a pink sash tied a small bow at the side. She gave me pink ballet flats to wear. For makeup she only put on mascara, green eyeliner (made my eyes look less cloudy) and some peach lip gloss, but it went a long way when it was combined with how my hair was in loose, flowing waves she somehow did with her curling iron.

Beaming at me, she hurriedly did herself, me giving her advice since I was hopeless at doing anything myself. In the end she settled for a short pleated black skirt (much shorter than mine) and an electric blue sleeveless top that belonged to me. She had a pair of strappy blue heels.

Suddenly, just a few minutes after Tomoyo had finished doing herself, the doorbell rang through the house and butterflies appeared in my stomach. Tomoyo smiled at me slyly and moved to go get it, but I grabbed her arm.

"Let my mom get it," I said, nervous. She rolled her eyes at me and yanked her arm out of my grasp, clunking down the stairs. I very slowly followed after her, only to see her opening the door and ushering the two in. I steeled myself.

"Hi," I greeted hesitantly, waving slightly. The two guys, one of which I could recognize as Eriol for the unusual blue hair, turned around. I knew that face...

"Luke!" I said incredulously, and then squinted to make sure I wasn't mistaken.

"Yeah," he grinned. That settled it. Out of all the things that changed about him, his smile remained the same, along with his light green eyes. The rest of him looked slightly different...he was taller, his hair was a dark brown instead of the dusty color she remembered, and he looked older, his jaw line more defined.

I shrieked and then jumped on him and hugging him, almost barreling him over. I asked questions in a hurried frenzy, confused but happy beyond belief.

"What? Luke how did you get here! I thought you moved to British Columbia...that's really far from here! So, how did you–what are you doing here?" I stopped when he put a hand to my arm, chuckling a bit. All of a sudden I felt awkward, and I disentangled myself. It wasn't like me to go leaping on people, and the years of not seeing him all of a sudden caught up to me. It was strange seeing him so handsome, so different that I felt overwhelmed and small compared to him. I avoided his eyes.

He sighed.

"I came over to visit my cousins, but I got in touch with Eriol, and Tomoyo's his girlfriend, right? So she said you needed a date, and I thought we could go as friends. How many years ago did I leave anyway?" he asked quietly, a subdued tone in his voice.

"Tomoyo never told me." I shook my head. "And you...well, you left right before our first year in high school. And now it's the summer before our senior year," I finished, slightly wistfully. I had thought I'd be spending my senior year with him.

Sadness passed over his face momentarily, but then he straightened and composed himself, looking at me with an appraising eye.

"You look different,"

"In a good way?" I lightly teased.

"Hm," he nodded.

"You too," I hesitated, but then hooked my arm around his and dragged him outside to where Tomoyo and Eriol were waiting, calling a goodbye out to my mom.

Tomoyo let me drive her Corvette since she was going with Pete, but I quickly surrendered the keys to Luke, who had been eyeing the car greedily. Another thing that hadn't changed about him.

We drove to Mei Lin's silently, because we didn't know what to say to each other. We had years to catch up on, but I decided to save it for tomorrow. Today I would treat him as a friend I saw everyday, but it was still weird beyond anything.

And, soon enough I found my thoughts wandering off into a different, more dangerous direction, wondering for a fleeting moment if Syaoran would be at the party. But I quickly squelched it and looked more firmly out the window.

We quickly got to Mei Lin's party and parked the car on the side of the road, Luke taking me gently by the arm and leading me inside, away from the gathering around the pool although nobody was swimming. Tomoyo and Eriol had already disappeared to who knew where.

Inside was even more crowded than outside, but people were actually dancing rather than milling around. R&B music was playing I looked imploringly at Luke.

"Yes, we'll dance," he rolled his eyes. I smacked him, but felt some of my tension melting away with the excited, adrenaline-rush feeling in the air. I took his hands and started moving, dancing playfully around him and making him turn in a circle where he was.

Heh. Who was the best dancer?

But he quickly showed me, and he'd even learned some new tricks. Amazed, I tried copying him, only to fail miserably.

"I'm still better than you!" I stuck my tongue out at him, only half annoyed. I twirled around, almost losing my balance and crashing into him, but he caught me.

"Still as clumsy as ever, eh Kinomoto?"

I laughed, that rush flowing through me. I was so caught up that I didn't notice Luke slowing and stopping, looking behind my shoulder.

"Can I interrupt?" a vaguely familiar male voice said politely, but there was an edge it that suggested he was holding back a scowl.

I turned around, ready to tell whoever it was off that I hadn't seen Luke in three years and now some stranger wanted to dance with me? But I stopped. Because staring back at me, the slightest glint of displeasure swimming in his eyes, was Syaoran. Definitely not a stranger. Shock chilled me and all I could do was stare back, my eyes frozen on his face.

In the corner of my eye I dimly registered Luke moving back, looking back and forth between Syaoran and me, but I didn't move. I was still staring at those hazel eyes, locked in a silent battle.

"I'll be in the backyard by the pool," he mumbled, and then he was gone. Right after he left, everything suddenly rushed back to me–Syaoran looking at me with that expression in his eyes, the people pushing around me, him at the party. I tore my gaze away from his, stepping back, recalling why I was mad at him in the first place. I forced myself to glare at him angrily and snap,

"What do you want?"

He looked taken aback, the smile that had appeared on his face rapidly fading. I shook my head and turned around, but a hand grabbed my wrist. I tried shaking free, but his grip was too firm and I resented the way that my body still reacted to him. Turning around, I caught an almost hurt look on his face.

"Sakura..." he trailed off, dropping my wrist.

"Oh, yeah. It's you," I pretended to only just remember who he was, "At the store and the beach. Right." He flinched. "Now, you just scared off my date who I haven't seen in three years. I have some catching up to do," my voice had betrayed me and cracked for a second, but he had heard. His eyes looked resentful for a moment.

"Can't we just talk?" he asked imploringly, taking my hand. I wrenched it away, shaking my head.

"Sakura," he said again, but this time frustrated, "I know you remember me, don't deny it. What did I do?"

"I..." my voice faltered. All of a sudden I couldn't face him anymore. "Nothing, you didn't do anything." Liar. "We don't even know each other, we've only talked once," I forced every word out, but hating how there was some semblance of truth in it. I turned around, not daring to look at his face after I had said that, and wove quickly through the crowd, away from him, ignoring him when he called after me. There was a burning in my chest, but I ignored that too, reminding myself that he was a jerk who wasn't worth my time. I couldn't let him continue to lead me on like he was.

But god, I wanted him to.

I found a couch to sit on and sighed, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. I was going to go find Luke in a moment, but I needed a break first.

But the couch sunk beside me not a minute later and I opened my eyes in confusion.

The sight that met me had my face whipping the other way in embarrassment and disgust. I got up and made my way through the open glass doors, moving past the porch onto the green lawn. Luke was leaning back against a lawn chair and sipping an alcoholic-looking drink, feet propped up. I marched towards him and narrowed my eyes at the beverage,

"What is this?" I growled. "I am not driving for the both of us and having to take care of you when you throw up too...and you're drinking underage."

He seemed surprised at my sudden appearance, but he chose not to comment.

"It's just a corkscrew, don't worry. I won't get drunk off of one glass of it, and you should know by now that parties like this don't exactly follow that rule," he smirked.

Huh. He better have meant it.

"Uh, sorry about back there. That was just some jerk, I was surprised to see him is all. I came to find you as soon as I got rid of him," I fiddled with my hair. Luke didn't press the topic.

"So, how's life?" he asked instead, setting his drink down. I contemplated the different meanings of this, and felt embarrassment take its mark on me again.

"Screwed," I shrugged, "You, coming here all of a sudden. It's so weird seeing you after three years. You never came to visit before."

"Sorry about that by the way," he said softly. I smiled quickly at him.

"I know it's because you couldn't afford it, or any long-distance calls but, you're...you're so different but at the same time, not," I avoided his gaze again, leaning back on my heels.

"Don't you think it's the same for me?" he smiled wryly.

I almost laughed at the irony.

"I guess it's time to get caught up huh? I was going to save this until tomorrow but I need to tell you...everything," I turned serious.

"Is it about the guy you were with?" he asked hesitantly, reading my face.

"Yeah." I nodded. Luke held out his arms and I sank into them gratefully, and that was all it took for me to pour everything out. He listened silently as I told him. He was a great listener, and I remembered that this was part of why he had been my best guy buddy. At the end of it all I felt a rumbling in his chest. Confused, I glanced up.

"Are you laughing!" I yelled incredulously.

First Tomoyo, and now him. What went wrong in my judgement of people?

He forced himself to stop, but a few chuckles still escaped him.

"S-sorry Sakura...it's just that you've only properly talked to this guy once and you sound like you're crazy about him, and the first time you saw him was when you were buying sex toys for Tomoyo. And now you're insanely mad at him, practically bit the poor guy's head off, just because he didn't ask for your number or anything, and you don't want him to lead you on anymore," his mouth still had a suspicious quiver to it. I glared at him, but then I realized how stupid it did sound when he put it like that.

"Whenever something happens to me, why does it always have to happen the weird way?" I tipped my head to the cloudless sky, as if asking the gods.

"Who knows, Sakura, who knows," he laughed, and his chest rumbled again. I realized I was sitting in his lap and I moved off, but he stopped me with a hand on my arm. "Hey, this is just like when we were seven, remember? Come on, stay. You're like the little sister I never had," he patted my head, which made me grumble, but I relented anyway. I laid my head on his shoulder, relaxing, until I felt him tense. Again. It was just like when we were dancing.

Closing my eyes and hoping it wasn't who I thought it was, I waited.

"What do you want?" came Luke's voice.

"Can I talk to Sakura for a moment?" Syaoran. Grimacing, I buried my face deeper.

"Didn't you already talk to her before?" Luke said cooly.

"I didn't get a chance to talk to her properly,"

"I don't think she wants to talk to you right now,"

"Please, just for a moment," Syaoran sighed, sounding tired.

"Sorry, but no can do man,"

"Who are you anyway? Her boyfriend?" he finally snapped, losing his temper. I heard him take a deep breath and then sigh, "Look, I'm really sorry but I need to straighten things out. I didn't even know she had a...boyfriend,"

"Hm," Luke didn't bother denying it. I knew I was being a coward hiding behind him, and I hadn't particularly cared before, but Syaoran deserved to know how I felt about him. Lifting my head, I pushed off of Luke.

"Luke, it's ok. I'll go,"

He gave me a 'what are you doing' look but I pointedly walked off, gesturing for Syaoran to follow me. I went around the side of the house, which was impressive in its property, and went behind and underneath a willow tree so no one would see us. Syaoran had been silent this whole time but once I had stilled and the tree was behind us he approached me and wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me to him gently.

My mouth gaped. Again. What was with this guy and surprising me?

"What are you doing?" I gasped, pushing on his chest. He didn't budge. I looked up, my hands stopping and drifting slowly down to my sides as I saw an unexpected emotion there. Anguish.

"Sakura, I know I don't know you that well, but I thought we had something,"

Surprised, I could only watch him.

"You led me on and now it's like you want nothing to do with me. You had a boyfriend and you didn't tell me...I really didn't think you were that type of person," he murmured, sadness clouding his eyes and a brown lock falling down over them.

Leading him on? I was leading him on? Was this some kind of joke!

"What are you talking about!" I exploded, thoughts of peaceful discussion thrown out the window, "Me leading you on? I think it's the other way around!" I finished, anger and hurt filling me.

"But–you–I thought–you have a boyfriend," he sputtered, then seized my shoulders, "What's going on, Sakura?"

I was breathing heavily, then closed my eyes, trying to sort my thoughts.

"That, was not my boyfriend. That was Luke. I haven't seen him in three years until today," I said, my eyes still shut.

I felt the tension in his shoulders loosen slightly.

"Then why the hell did he say he was your boyfriend?" He tightened his arms around my waist almost possessively.

"To protect me," I grit out.

"From what? Me?" Bewilderment. Confusion. Anger. "Listen, I have no idea what I did to make you mad at me. We definitely haven't even talked long enough to already be fighting. God, I don't know what you want from me,"

I twisted away from him angrily, shaking, but he gripped my chin and tipped it up. Light fingers plucked at my eyelids.

"Look at me, Sakura,"

I stubbornly shook my head, but he repeated, firmer and commanding.

"Look. At. Me."

My eyes flew open.

"Happy?" I all but snarled.

"Tell me what's going on," his eyes pierced mine, and his grip almost crushed my shoulders.

"Not if you think this is all a game," my eyes burned.

"You–" Comprehension dawned in his eyes. "You...you thought I was just playing you," he stated flatly. I drew in a breath and nodded, looking unseeingly at the ground. "Then tell me, what is this," he said, so softly and carefully that he could've disappeared. Then he pulled me to him roughly and his mouth slammed onto mine. I inhaled sharply, my hand clenching on his shirt and trying to push him away. He only slid his hands down to my back, and I suddenly found myself against the rough bark of the tree, his mouth furious above mine. And my mind was lost.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, fingers pulling at his hair. Heat–hot and strange and dangerous and wonderful, seared through me, and I only wanted more. He nibbled my lower lip and my mouth parted, and I couldn't stop a moan when his tongue entered my mouth. He smiled darkly against my lips. Tentatively, I kissed him back. God, I wanted him. I liked him so, so much.

Instinctively, my mouth closed on his tongue. He stilled. My eyes opened in worry, but all I caught was his expression of pure ecstasy right before his mouth came down to devour mine again.

Was I mad before? I thought hazily.

But Syaoran chose that moment to pull away from me, our mouths making a small parting noise. We were both panting, and when Syaoran opened his eyes they were dreamy and dilated, only a thick ring of hazel showing

"Wow..." I whispered without realizing it. That was the best kiss I had ever gotten, and it wasn't like I had a lot of experience anyway. A semblance of male pride flashed in Syaoran's eyes and he brought his thumb up to stroke my cheek.

"You're so beautiful," his breath puffed against my lips, but he pulled back after a moment, studying me intently.

"You...really mean it?" I mumbled quietly, scrutinizing him.

"Yes, I mean it about everything...that wasn't just 'nothing', Sakura," he replied softly.

"No, it wasn't," I agreed, "You honestly aren't playing me," I stated, wonderingly.

"Sakura," he sighed, reaching up and frustratingly ripping a hanging tendril of the willow tree off. "What have I been trying to tell you this entire time? You've been treating me badly because you thought that I didn't care about you, but you just jumped to a conclusion. I thought you were playing with me because you did,"

Well, when he put it that way, I did sound incredibly foolish, even I admitted that to myself. What a mess.

"Sorry," I apologized, then asked hesitantly, "But what was I supposed to think when you didn't ask to see me again or anything that day at the beach Syaoran?" I was laying myself out here, I just hoped that he wouldn't hurt me.

Understanding rippled over Syaoran.

"It was all about that?" he questioned, then a disbelieving look stole over his face. "I'm so stupid," he grumbled.

"You can't have been more stupid than me," I reassured.

"I was, believe me," he said dryly, "This is all my fault...but then again I wouldn't have gotten that amazing kiss if I hadn't done what I did," he grinned at me roguishly, making my cheeks heat up, "You mentioned going to Mei Lin's party right? Well it just so happens that Mei Lin's my second cousin, or third, can't remember, but anyway I thought I'd be here and I'd surprise you. So I didn't ask to see you again."

"You were going to do that for me?" I gaped at him. Queer guy...

He dropped a kiss on my nose.

"Sure..." he smiled at me. "Actually, I went to the beach hoping you would be there, since everyone goes,"

I was speechless. No words other than he was crazy. I wasn't that special.

"Yeah, I'm a stalker," he rolled his eyes, "But you were there so it doesn't matter. By the way, I love that bikini,"

"You're so pathetic," I teased. A tint of red dusted his cheeks. He was blushing.

"This is the first time I've done that," he muttered, his ego bruised. Then he adopted a serious expression, "Listen, if you were just anyone else, I wouldn't give a flying shit if you were mad at me because I did something, since I don't know you that much. But the thing is, when I saw you at that store, I was thinking, that girl's different, she's got guts. And I don't know...it was strange. It's never happened to me before."

Something was welling up inside of me, and it was making me feel so elated that I could barely think. I wouldn't be surprised if I woke up right now.

"Me too...I thought I was crazy and it was just me," I admitted sheepishly. Like, or love at first sight...

"Unless we're both crazy," he smiled ruefully, then he stared at me intensely, "I want to get to know you, Sakura, and I don't even know your favorite color yet,"

"Pink," I informed him, then tilted my head thoughtfully. "You're right. I don't know you that much either. All I know is that you weren't this, er, aggressive and forward before. You were more sweet-talking and...well, you're still a sweet-talker but it's different. I want to get to know you too,"

He leaned forward, and our lips were only a hair away from each other. I could get used to this.

"Friday at seven," he breathed. I grabbed the back of his head and brought him forward, pressing my mouth against his.

Did he really need an answer?

-

Let's get these teen hearts beating. Faster, faster
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
Will you dance to this beat, and hold a lover close?

-Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off, Panic at the Disco

-

A/N: This is the edited version. Syaoran with hazel eyes? Awesome. I was thinking about it the other day. Don't believe in love at first sight, but my best friend does, so defiantly I made a story all about it. That's just like me -groan-. Check out the next chapter please! XD

PLEASE R&R! No flames, constructive criticism okay.