Written by Fantasy Angol
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that is to do with CSS, CLAMP does! I don't really own the plot either, just the version of the plot and some characters that I invented.
Chapter 33: A Reserved Promise
"NO WAY! Syaoran because of trying to protect you went into hospital!" exclaimed the stunned Tomoyo looking at Sakura with wide eyes.
The two were at work once again and stood behind the counter in the empty cake shop. Sakura nodded pouting a little.
"But what I'm worried about is at the end of the month, he wants me to go to his birthday party and meet his mother!" groaned Sakura.
"Meet his OKAA-SAN?" said Tomoyo. Sakura nodded again. "Well, I think it's a big thing when rich families like the Li's introduce girls into the family." Tomoyo 'ahemed' and did a stern, serious look. She talked in a deep low voice. "My dearest mother, this is Miss Sakura Kinomoto. I wish to spend my life with her, not bad ne?"
Sakura slapped Tomoyo on the shoulder.
"What are you talking about Tomoyo! I haven't even gone out properly with him yet! What 'I want to spend my life with her' thing!" exclaimed Sakura. Tomoyo giggled. Sakura sighed leaning her elbows on the counter. "But that's not the major thing I'm worried about. What I'm worried about is what present I'm going to give him!"
"Present? Mmmm………How about baking cookies? The most important thing is that it comes from the heart right?"
"Cookies?" said Sakura thoughtfully.
After their shift they stayed behind and went to the kitchen to start on the present. Sakura pulled out the first batch out from the oven and groaned. They were burnt and smelly.
"HOEEE! LOOK at them! They're all burnt and horrible! Who would eat them!" said Sakura dumping them in the trash.
Tomoyo wrinkled her nose at the foul smell then put a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder.
"Don't worry Sakura. The party's not till the end of the month, we still have a few days. I'll help you till you get it right!" Tomoyo said with a smile.
Sakura nodded strongly and got the cutter, cutting up the next batch of dough.
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Sakura pulled out the 20th batch of cookies out of her oven at home. She placed them on the table and looked at them closely.
"YESS! ONLY HALF BURNT!" she yelled in triumph jumping up and down.
She was covered in flour head to toe. Baking utensils was everywhere in the kitchen. Sakura was oblivious to the mess she had made. She continued to mix up another bowl of mixture for another batch. She was only woken up from her crazy baking faze when I cell phone started to ring. She pouted picking up, wondering who would disturb her at such a time.
"Moshi Moshi?"
"Sakura…?"
Sakura paused taking in the voice.
"Syaoran…?"
There was an awkward silence before Syaoran spoke up.
"Um… are you free at four?"
"Er four… um yea four… yeah I'm free," stuttered Sakura giving gulping.
"Good. Meet me at Tokyo Café then."
"Oh… okay. I'll see you then."
"Ja."
"Ja."
Sakura hung up staring at her cookies. She poked one that resembled Syaoran's face. She had tried moulding and cutting them to look like him with messy hair and everything.
"When did it become so awkward…?" she muttered.
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Sakura leapt into the café looking at her watch. 10 minutes past four. She bit her lip as the waiter asked her how many seats she needed. She shook her head giving a careless glance at him. She was too busy scanning the area for Syaoran and he's glaring amber eyes that told her he wasn't happy about her lateness.
He better not be pissed at me… I was just making myself look better for him! It took me ages to find something matching to wear… she thought with a slight fright.
"Two please. Me and her."
Sakura blinked as she heard the voice spoke behind her. Could it be… Syaoran was… late? She whipped around meeting with the famous amber eyes that warmed her every time.
"You're… not early," said Sakura.
"Of course… what do you think I am? After all those times of you being late," said Syaoran hands in pockets.
Sakura made a face at him as the waiter led them to two stools near the bar area of the café. Syaoran chuckled softly at the cute face she made. They sat side by side on the high stool ordering their drinks. Sakura ordered a strawberry milkshake for herself and was surprised when Syaoran ordered a chocolate one.
"When did you drink such… un-manly beverages?" she giggled.
"My doctor won't let me drink any alcohol or caffeine… something about not good for my body re-functioning itself at the moment," muttered Syaoran in despair.
Sakura's heart stopped for a second as the event of what happened ran through her mind. She had tried her best to forget it as much as she could but now she was more reminded about it more then ever. She didn't know why, but it hurt every time she thought about it. Not only did it hurt her head from the thinking but in her heart as well. The images of Syaoran all bloody and weak on the floor scared her deeply. She took a deep breath calming herself. Luckily, Syaoran was too busy rummaging in his pockets to notice. He fished out a forest green envelop with pretty gold metallic writing on the front.
"The reason I wanted to meet up with you is to give you this," he said pushing it towards her on the table. "I didn't really um… properly invite you I guess."
Sakura picked up the envelop running her fingers over the metallic writing that said "To: Miss Sakura Kinomoto". She remembered the thousand batches of cookies she'd been baking all day. She smiled and put the invitation into her handbag.
"Arigatou Syaoran," she said looking into his amber stare.
Syaoran didn't say anything but stared deep into her swirl of emerald pools. He took in her features that had tranced him from the first time they've met. The neat nose, the cute lush lips and the rosey cheeks. It took the two awhile to notice that they were staring at each other with such intensity. They immediately wrenched away from each other's eyes, sipping their drinks, faces flushed.
"So…" began Syaoran, not wanting a deadly silence to slice the atmosphere. "How has everything been… no more contact from the Jimbo guy right?"
Sakura's heart clenched as she was reminded of the event once again. Her eyes grew weary and she stared at her milkshake's straw.
"No… he hasn't tried contacting me or anything since… that day," she said softly.
How can he still be asking her if she was okay? It wasn't her that was beaten almost to death. It wasn't her that had to spend a week in hospital. It wasn't her that's currently getting head migraines now and then. It was HIM. It was Syaoran that was in pain yet he was the one asking her if she was alright and comforting her all the time.
"Syaoran…" she began slowly.
"Mmm?" he said turning his head to look at her.
She looked at him, his strong features yet peaceful and gentle look in his eyes. He had has usual plain but casual look, a black muscle tee and ripped baggy jeans. Her eyes continued to have a weary look and seem to well up with slight tears.
She hated the feeling of resent in her heart. She hated it.
"I'm sorry Syaoran," she started her voice shaking. "Thanks… so much for saving me…. I said I didn't want you to come and all but I know I'm just lying to myself. I did want you to come and save me… I just wasn't used to the fact of someone risking themselves for me… It's always been me that did that… I was the one that always stood up for my friends… save them from their crisis. I was always the one known with the reputation to stand up for myself…I had a name to keep up really…."
She took a shuddering breath, voice shaking more then ever now. She tried to keep her tears in as she continued.
"But then you proved me wrong… A reputation, standing up for yourself, all that… it didn't matter at all when it's all real… when it's really happening to you… a matter of life and death. You don't think about all that stuff… all you think about is how afraid you are and how much you want someone to come and save you…to take you away and tell you you're safe and everything's going to be okay…"
Sakura was sobbing now, her voice choked with tears and her hands at her face. She didn't stop till she felt her hands being lifted from her teary face and held firmly by a larger warm hand. Another hand snaked around her waist and with a quick movement she was pushed into a broad warm chest. She blinked her teary eyes as she rested the side of her head onto Syaoran's comforting chest.
"A girl should never have to live up to such a reputation… it's a guys job," Syaoran murmured in her hair. "As long as I'm here with you Sakura… I'll make sure I'll take you away, tell you you're safe…and everything's gonna be okay. I Promise."
Tears came down Sakura's wet cheeks again, this time because of happiness. She pulled away looking into Syaoran's eyes again. It was still the same peaceful and gentle look that he gave her before, the warm look- reserved for her.
"Arigatou Syaoran," she whispered through tears.
Syaoran held her hand tightly and brought it up to his lips, kissing it gently. Sakura smiled with glee even though the tears didn't stop coming down. She moved her arms around Syaoran's waist and hugged onto him tight and he returned it.
She knew where she would be safe now. Safe, comforted and happy. It was right there. Right there in his arms.
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A Mercedes Benz with a silver panther leaping symbol at the front, pulled up outside Sakura's house. Sakura had finally finished dressing for the party and was wearing a pink halter top and denim mini skirt. She also wore a black jacket zipped up and sneakers on her feet. She walked out of the house and was stunned as Shingo, Hiro, Eriol and a familiar girl walked up the pathway in formal outfits. The guys wore tuxedos, Shingo in white, Eriol in grey and Hiro in silver. Sakura halted and blinked.
"What are you guys doing here? And… Ann! You're back! You've cut your hair!" exclaimed Sakura.
Ann smiled. Her blue hair was now a little shorter then shoulder length and went curving towards her face. She wore a purple long, cocktail dress. A diamond necklace hung on her neck and she wore diamond stars, dangling earrings to match. One elegant bacheloress.
"Long time no see Sakura," Ann smiled at her. "I just came back this morning."
"What are you doing back!" exclaimed Sakura.
"This is a Li birthday party and I was invited. Of course I'm back to attend it," said Ann giving a small giggle.
"But what are all of you doing HERE," said Sakura blinking.
"We're here to escort you that's why," said Eriol eyeing Sakura.
"And WHY are you guys dressed like that?" laughed Sakura.
Hiro looked at himself then up again. He thought he was wearing pretty normal stuff. Eriol looked at Sakura in disbelief.
"Sakura, this is one of the Li's birthday parties!" said Eriol.
Hiro shook his head making a face and looked at Sakura.
"What are you wearing underneath the jacket?" Hiro asked.
Sakura blinked crossing her arms, gripping her pink handbag tightly. She didn't like the poshy looks they were giving her as well as their constant eyeing.
"What I normally wear to parties?" she said hotly.
They all rolled their eyes at her.
"We need to fix her up big time," said Ann to the three guys.
"Good thing you suggested to come and get her or we would be dead meat man!" exclaimed Eriol to Shingo.
"Think of something guys," said Hiro still eyeing the casual outfit Sakura wore.
"Think of what? It's a bit late now," said Shingo grimly.
They all bit their lips, trying to think of something.
"Get to Syaoran's house!" said Ann suddenly.
"Nani?" said Hiro giving her a look, thinking wouldn't that be the last place to be at this situation.
"Gin would have some clothes!" exclaimed Eriol looking at his smart sister.
They all nodded while Sakura looked at them so confused. The three hot guys proceeded towards Sakura and took hold of her. Sakura's eyes widened and she looked up at them shocked.
"What do you guys want?" she stammered as they took her and went to the car with Ann. "HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON! NANI!"
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At the Li mansion, they all rushed into Gin's room and ordered a maid to work on Sakura. The maid began powdering her face and putting on make up. The others had opened up Gin's wardrobe and searched for her dresses. Eriol being observant in ladies and dresses pulled out the ones he thought were decent, putting them on the bed. Hiro looked at them and smiled.
"Good thing you remembered about Gin Ann. But don't you guys think it'll be a bit rude if we don't tell her that we're doing this?" said Hiro rubbing his chin.
"Iie, don't worry. Gin likes Sakura as well and she's more clear about Auntie Yelan's attitude then us. She wouldn't mind," said Shingo who sat on a sofa in the room, arms crossed.
Sakura kept turning to looked at them but the maid kept turning her head back to face her so she could put on the make up. Ann looked at Sakura and picked a pair of clear pearl studs for her ears. She thought it would make her look more pure. Eriol lifted up a red lacy, low neck dress by the coat hanger.
"Sakura what do you think of this one? Auntie Yelan loves this designer brand," said Eriol.
"I don't think it's a good one because if she wore it she'll look too mature," said Shingo from the sofa.
"Don't worry about them Sakura. Just do your make up. They know what to do," said Ann smiling at Sakura.
Shingo stood up as Hiro lifted up a V neck dress that reached the floor with slits on the sides.
"How about this one?" said Hiro.
"No good either. I'm afraid that in Auntie Yelan's eyes she'll think that Sakura isn't a proper girl," said Shingo seriously.
Why are they all acting so strange? Is this Auntie Yelan that they keep talking about Syaoran's mother? Thought Sakura.
"Just let me wear my original clothes! You don't have to go to all this trouble! I don't mind looking out of place, I always am anyway around you guys!" Sakura exclaimed.
They all ignored her. Ann went next to her brother to help them look for a right dress. Shingo lifted a black dress that was similar to Ann's but not as long, just a little pass the knees with thin straps for the shoulders and pieces of fancy clear black material on the hems.
"This one might do it," Shingo said.
"Isn't this the dress that Gin wore in her High School prom?" said Hiro looking at it up and down.
"Would Sakura fit in it? I think she whould. After all Sakura's figure is smaller then Gin's, so back then Gin's size should be her size right now," said Eriol giving a nod.
Sakura took hold of the maid's hand and stopped her from putting on the make up for the moment. She turned to all of them.
"I need to ask you guys this. Why do we need to dress so nice?" she blurted. They all looked up at her. "Why is it so special that you won't even listen to me when I say I don't care if I'm embarrassed in these clothes!"
Hiro gave a laugh and leaned on the wardrobe with his elbows, looking down at the carpet. Shingo looked at her while Eriol looked at his friends and sister. Ann looked away not catching her eyes.
"Did we ever tell you that Xiao Lang's mother is a very frightening woman?" said Hiro giving a cool smile looking up at Sakura.
"Hai, she is a very hard headed person especially towards girls. If she knew that Xiao Lang brought you home with him and everything else, and he's the Li foundation's next heir, about your future………" said Eriol looking Sakura with blue awkward eyes.
"Future?" asked Sakura confused.
"Future means marriage. You're the first girl that Syaoran's ever brought home. His mother would look at you like his fiancée," said Shingo keeping a straight face.
"FIANCEE?" exclaimed Sakura. She stood up immediately and grabbed her stuff. "Sorry- got to go!"
"Sakura!" said Ann holding on to her Sakura's arm, not letting her go and looked at her sadly.
"Don't play around!" said Eriol.
Sakura pulled her arm away.
"I'm here to participate in a birthday party. All this is scaring me! I'm not attending this party anymore!" she shouted looking at all of them. Never in her life has she been seen as someone's fiancée and especially without preparation. Besides, Syaoran didn't even ask her to marry him anyway!
They all stared at her with a small silence. Eriol wouldn't ever let one of his best friends down.
"Sons and daughters of rich families like us are all like this! The reason why they end up sending us all to Tokyo University that our four families opened, is to keep us from knowing other 'sort' people. Just to keep their heir safe. If my parents found out that I've been sleeping around with girls from amongst my friends my future would be get married before I even finish this semester. But I mean, this is SYAORAN. He's the only right heir to the big Li foundation!" said Eriol looking straight at Sakura, making sure she was listening to every word.
"Marriage?………" said Sakura solemn.
"Hai. All of us has to go through this," said Shingo looking at Sakura expressionless, hoping she would understand.
"You think we were born wanting to have fun and be players? It's because of our families we have to marry a woman that we don't love. Of course we rather have fun now before it's too late," said Hiro giving a laugh at the woman don't love bit.
Sakura looked down so confused, not knowing what to do.
"Sakura," came Ann's soft voice. She hadn't spoke for a while and it was not always that she spoke so gently and softly these days. She looked straight at Sakura with a grim expressionless. "I have an arranged marriage as well. In fact, I don't even get to choose anyone because I'm a girl. I get chosen. Because you're my friend I'm telling you this: I know for a fact that Auntie Yelan has me on her list of fiancées for Xiao Lang. And I know it's near the top because she knows my family well. In fact, I'll bet you anything that I'm on Hiro and Shingo's parent's lists as well and probably many others… But if you just try and be Xiao Lang's fiancée today, you might be able to stay with him forever for sure if aunt Yelan accepts you and also give me and many other girls a better chance to find someone they love by wiping our names of the list…." Sakura looked at Ann sadly seeing that Ann has to go through all this being just a girl like her.
She reminds me of someone, she thought looking at Ann. The beauty, the richness and the wise words…Sharina Whitley…Both beautiful and daughters of rich families. Is it possible for me to be like them? Or even pretend?
Sakura looked at all of them seeing their sad and pleading eyes.
"So, can you please please please just do this for Xiao Lang? Pretend to be a rich heir just for tonight? PLEASE?" said Eriol. "Even though we know you two can't have a real future, you still need to do be the best that you can………."
Sakura frowned as she felt, amber, dark brown and 2 blue stares on her. They were all pleading. She didn't know if she could even say no.
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Sakura stood at the entrance of a large ballroom in the Li mansion. She was dressed in the black dress that they had chosen for her and the large pearl earrings. Her auburn hair was taken down so it flowed down making her look young and innocent but yet a lady. She really did look like a rich heir. She held a small gold paper bag tightly. She stared at all the rich people around her. Clow 3 and Ann walked through the entrance doors and spotted her immediately. They walked up from behind her. Eriol stood next to Sakura.
"Why are you standing here for? Go in," said Eriol.
Sakura looked up at Eriol with her nervous emeralds. She was so nervous she thought she could wet herself.
"I…" she said.
Hiro gave her a small nudge and push making Sakura sigh. She knew she couldn't back out now. She looked at Ann. Ann gave her a warm smile and a nod. Sakura took a deep breath and took her first step. She began a steady walk into the ballroom with Clow 3 and Ann behind her.
"Happy birthday Master Li," said a business woman.
"Arigato," said Syaoran who was near the food table in a white tux. He looked up and saw Sakura and his friends. "Excuse me for a moment." He walked over to them with a happy smile. He stopped in front of them and smirked. "Why are you guys so late? Just came?"
Sakura was frowning and looked up at him.
"iie, I've been here for a while," she said thinking of the full hour they spent in Gin's room pampering her up and talking.
Syaoran looked at her up and down.
"You sure look beautiful tonight," said Syaoran caressing her cheek gently before pulling his hand away. Hiro, Eriol and Shingo had to give a small smile.
"Ann, Eriol and your friends chose the dress," said Sakura still not smiling and for some reason feeling rather tired.
Syaoran crossed his arms and smirked again.
"Eriol actually did something good," said Syaoran.
Eriol shook his head and chuckled.
"As long as you're happy," said Eriol.
"You really look like a rich heir like us," laughed Syaoran.
"It's a fake rich heir," frowned Sakura, she couldn't help but make that comment.
"Fake…?" said Syaoran frowning.
Hiro and Shingo made sure they couldn't catch Syaoran's eye while Sakura gave Eriol a look as he looked back.
"Er…" Said Eriol. "…Happy birthday Xiao Lang!"
Eriol handed a wrapped present to Syaoran. Shingo did the same. Hiro handed Syaoran a small cube shaped present.
"How come it's so heavy? What is it?" asked Syaoran shaking it.
"You'll find out when you open it," smiled Hiro.
"Why so secretive?" laughed Syaoran turning to Ann.
"Now my present," said Ann. "Is on it's way. I got a something for you in Australia. It'll be here in a few hours."
"OK," said Syaoran smiling.
Sakura reached into the small gold paper bag and was about to pull out the box that held her cookies when a man in a business suit came over and bowed to Syaoran.
"Master Li, this is our company's birthday present to you. It is one of our newest designed cars. It is parked outside already, we hope you like it. Have a wonderful birthday," said the man handing Syaoran the box with the car keys with two hands for manners.
"Arigatou," said Syaoran and turned to Sakura who just watched him receive a new car like a child had received a lollipop. "How about you?"
"Um, me?………..Happy birthday," stuttered Sakura not taking the cookies out and hid the bag behind her back. She didn't want to give him useless cookies when somebody just gave him a car.
"Nani? Happy birthday? Where's my present?" said Syaoran.
"I forgot it," lied Sakura.
"FORGOT it? You come to my birthday party and you forget the present?" said Syaoran, he's voice in mocked hurt.
Shingo smiled and Hiro chuckled.
"Sorry! I forgot it. I can't do anything about it now," said Sakura pouting.
"If apologising works then the police would loose their jobs," said Syaoran shaking his head. "Geez, you're stupid."
Sakura looked down blushing.
"Doesn't matter," said Syaoran smiling then took her hand. "Come, I want you to meet my mother."
"Huh? What are you talking about! If I stay right here with all the people around your mum can't see me!" exclaimed Sakura pulling back.
Syaoran kept up the tugging, still holding onto her hand.
"What are you so scared for? I'm not telling her you're my wife or something!" exclaimed Syaoran still pulling.
Shingo held Sakura's arm with his own while Syaoran still pulled. It looked a bit familiar to the time the two was practically fighting over her. It was a tight struggle. Eriol who was right next to Sakura knew it couldn't end up like last time with Sakura landing on the floor. He put his hand on Sakura's waist (HA, pervert!) in case there was an accident and looked at Syaoran worriedly.
"Come!" said Syaoran.
"Iie! I'm scared! Help me Shingo!" exclaimed Sakura.
"I won't let go unless you stop being so stubborn!" said Syaoran.
"HELP! I don't want to go!"
Hiro and Ann watched worriedly. Then it all happened in a flash. Syaoran had lost grip taking Eriol and Shingo by surprise. Sakura went flying, whamming into a waiter holding a tray of expensive china plates. The waiter fell and the plates shattered. She landed a heap on the floor. Eriol's face went to panic, Shingo's went to "oh no", Hiro shook his head and Ann bit her lip knowing they were in deep trouble. Every head turned to see what made the loud noise. Shingo walked to Sakura while Eriol turned his head once to look at all the people before following suit. They squat down next to her to see if she was OK. Sakura was flushing crimson.
"Are you alright?" asked Eriol.
Then suddenly……….
"What is all this noise!" came a strong feminie voice in Cantonese.
A woman wearing a black sparkling dress, white silk wrapped around her arms, high black bun piled on her head came walking towards them. She glared at the teenagers.
Yelan Li.
Big apologies to every single one of you that are readers of this fic!
I know I took such a long time to update but I had a few problems. One
was you guys wanted some SS fluff so I had to whip up something to add
in since the original chapter didn't have the fluff scene! (So another
apology if the next part of the story from the fluff scene doesn't "go"
as much…) So that sort of delayed me. The main thing though was because
my new semesters started at school and I'm just getting into the drift
of senior high and is currently working towards my school certificate
exam, so that's a big bugger for me unfortunately. I've also been sick
with annoying stomach problems and also been utterly tired for some
reason after returning form vacation… But I hope you enjoyed this
chapter anyway and would forgive me for my rudeness for updating so
late! You guys are AWESOME giving me 12 reviews for the last chapter! I
love you! Please show me that you don't hate me by reviewing hehe….
I'll update ASAP!
Love, Angol