Field of Daisies

fupoki

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Yay, I'm back! And back in record time too! LOL… Thanks to all those who took the time to read the first two chapters and more lovin' goes to those who reviewed. I would especially like to thank wackywang to giving me some uber constructive criticism! After writing essays only for the last three years… I need to get back on track on writing fiction… I will definitely think about any advice anyone has for me! One reason why I'm going back to writing fanfics is because I want to improve my writing so YESSIRRAH! And of course, because I LOOOVEEE it! Okay let's start!

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Chapter Three: All That Fancy Smancy

Sporting a lavender summer dress, Tomoyo was a walking grape. She was some kind of violet from head to toe. Sakura smiled at her best friend, she had never seen Tomoyo wear something so… plain before… she had always worn something extravagant and would make at least twenty heads turn. "What's with the new get up?" she teased.

"Oh…" Tomoyo trailed off and paused. "Well, I decided to be more low key when I'm in China, 'cause you know, I don't want to attract any attention…"

"It's your mother isn't it…?" Sakura interrupted. Ever since Sakura had known Tomoyo, she had only met her mother twice. She knew that their relationship was never close; Tomoyo's mother was the president of a huge toy company that was scattered around the whole world. Sakura had always wished that those two would just sit down and have a long talk.

"Yea… it's always because of my mother, funny isn't it?" Tomoyo grimaced, "But anyways, you won't believe what Touya and your dad made me bring…" Tomoyo pulled a bright pink suitcase from behind the sofa and dropped it onto the carpet. "I sat there for about two hours as your family raced around the house finding all these things… they kept forgetting things…" she continued to babble, "I didn't even think I would've made it here alive!"

Sakura let out a giggle and imagined stupid Touya and her father running around the house and most likely tripping on all the mess they usually left behind.

"Your father sent some pictures, food and some letters…" Tomoyo announced, "And Touya… made me bring… THIS." She help up a ragged yellow doll, it had tiny angel wings on its back and a little mischievous smile.

Sakura tossed her head back and burst out in laughter, "KERO! Stupid Touya, he used to take away Kero away from me when I was younger and stick him on super high shelves…" She grabbed the old stuffed animal and reminisced all the times she would tackle Touya for stealing her precious teddy. These memories caused a flood of tears to come bursting through – everything she left behind could never be replaced or revisited…

"Aw, Sakura, everyone misses you very much too… Don't cry!" Tomoyo smiled, "Just think about it this way, while everyone's lives are still the same old boring events day after day, you get to live out your life as a princess in this palace with you're intensely handsome and perfect husband."

Sakura snapped her mouth shut forcing herself to hold back any comments she would have against Toji, instead she smiled and nodded at her friend. "So we're still going to that charity benefit later tonight, right?"

Tomoyo's eyes immediately glittered and squealed, "OF COURSE! Do you know how long I've been waiting to dress you up again, Sakura? I spent the entire plane ride picking out the most exquisite outfit ever! I'll make every man in there drool for you."

Sakura rolled her eyes and laughed, "Even when I'm married, Tomoyo?"

"Why dah-ling," Tomoyo flicked her hair to imitate a snobby rich lady, "Exactly the point why I'm doing it, men go nuts when they know they can't have you." Tomoyo whipped out her magic tools and jumped on Sakura, "Dahling, shall we start having some fun?"

"Lead the way, dear, lead the way…" Sakura grinned and allowed her best friend to usher her up to her room. It was just like the old days, when Tomoyo would adorn Sakura in her latest creations and she would squeal "KAWAII!" as she forced Sakura to twirl around.

Several hours later, Tomoyo was still shuffling and sharpening Sakura as she put the finishing touches on her model, each strand of hair was taken care of and no skin pore was left clogged. Sakura was speechless at the dress Tomoyo had created for her - it was a pale pink silk dress that hugged her body that fell right below her knees with a little hint of ruffles and tiny crystals shimmered along a ribbon that was secured at her waist. No matter how extravagant the dress may have looked, Tomoyo managed to pull off the dress without forgetting about Sakura's captivating emerald eyes.

"Sakura, dahling, you absolutely stunning…" Tomoyo gushed, and played with a tiny piece of hair, "Wait 'till Toji sees you in this."

"You were always the prettier one between the both of us, Tomoyo." Sakura stated, it was all so surreal, she felt like the same Cinderella she had transformed into many months ago when she had first met Toji.

"Sorry, babe, but I'm going to have to agree with Tomoyo this time," Toji slammed Sakura's thoughts shut, "You don't know how lucky I will feel when I walk into that room with you on my arm." He snaked his arms around her and grinned into the mirror. Sakura noticed that he had already dressed up for the event, he was dressed in a crisp black tuxedo and just like Tomoyo's intention for Sakura, Toji would definitely break many hearts tonight as well.

Tomoyo looked at the reflection and squealed, "I have to have a picture of this! Look at you two… just like a Princess and her Prince."

Sakura let out a crooked smile, she was amused at the irony of all this, she stared at her reflection as Toji just kept grinning, this was all a fake reality, as soon as they were alone that mirror would be broken as well. "Just one picture, okay, Tomoyo?"

"No, I need you both in different angles and all, since I need to show this to everyone at home too!" Tomoyo shot back.

Toji chuckled as Tomoyo scurried around them and snapped numerous photos, "Well make it quick, we better get going if we want to make it to the party. Wouldn't want to waste your expertise, right Tomoyo?"

"Yes, I totally agree with you…" Tomoyo smiled and pushed the married couple out of the door.

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Many reporters lined along the red carpet leading to the crystal castle, camera flashes blinded those that made their way to the Diamond Palace. Sakura struggled to look past the flashes and noticed the humungous castle in the distance. She brushed passed all the reporters and caught some of their announcements.

"We're reporting from Diamond Palace, and tonight, The Children's of Luk Soong Charity Benefit is taking place… Celebrities are pouring in and showing their support. One anticipated individual that has stirred major support for this special occasion is Sakamoto Toji and wife Kinomoto Sakura. Quite an interesting story between these two, Sakamoto had always been a sought out bachelor, he had a wide selection for any girl but instead he had picked an unknown girl out of nowhere… Your modern day Cinderella story as everyone in China and Japan are calling it."

Tomoyo had been telling her about the Diamond Palace, it was a castle garnished with millions of diamonds and crystals – she was really Cinderella going to the ball.

"This benefit would never have launched without the direction of Li Syaoran. At only the age of 20, he is on the road to successfully taking over his father's company. He has expanded it overseas and it is now known as one of the largest companies in both China and Japan. Rumor has it he has been engaged to someone for about 3 years now… Well speak of the devil, the Prince has arrived…"

Sakura frowned at the mention of Syaoran's name - she didn't want to see that jerk THAT soon. And to think, this whole evening she would be surrounded by him and his goons.

"You better behave…" she heard Toji say as her arm was laced around his. It was what Toji always did when they went out for public affairs, he would grit his teeth but keep his charming smile for the cameras but still managed to sneer a remark here and there.

She gave an innocent smile to Toji and looked straight ahead. They stepped into the Palace and Sakura felt as if she had been sent back in time. It was a déjà vu - the scene was ripped out of her memories, the ladies decorated in their most extravagant dresses and expensive jewelry and the men sporting tuxes as they swished a glass of wine in their hands… it was just like the day she had met the man who would ruin her life. The scent of lilies filled her nostrils as candles flickered wildly in every direction she turned. She scanned the room in search of the ravishing purple haired girl – Tomoyo had left right before they had left for the party, she was going to be introduced to another snobby rich boy that her mother had arranged to be her escort. 'I bet Tomoyo is already starting her plans to make the boy's life miserable.' Sakura chuckled inwardly.

"I finally found you, Sakura!" Tomoyo called from behind her, "I can't believe it took me so long to find you… everyone's talking about you." She grabbed Sakura's arm and dragged her from Toji's side, he had already been engrossed in conversation with a couple of clients of his.

Sakura gave her a confused look and perked up her ears. She heard whispering around her and her name being passed around like a can of nuts, she blushed and looked down. 'Do I look weird or something?'

"Relax…" Tomoyo whispered into her ear, "They're only staring because you look ten billion times prettier than them."

Sakura spent the early portion of her ballroom experience being dragged amongst the crowds and globs of people as Tomoyo introduced her to many people – just like she had always done. The range varied from little girls, from middle aged clients that had worked with Toji to old women that attempted to catch young bachelors. Sakura kept feeling like there were people watching her… She had noticed Toji across the room still with the group of men and their cigars, chatting away and plastering that fake smile.

Finally, Tomoyo had made a pit stop at the punch table as everyone headed for the dance floor. "Tomoyo…" Sakura sighed from exhaustion, "Whatever happened to your escort?"

"Oh… him…" Tomoyo looked crestfallen, "Somewhere I guess. He's a smooth one, I'm guessing he should be hunting me down by now…"

Tomoyo furrowed her eyebrows at the sight of a navy haired man and mysterious midnight blue eyes. "Well what do you know… you just had to arrive on time…"

"I can't leave my beautiful date's side for too long," The man grinned and he turned towards Sakura, "and you must be Toji's wife, they sure don't lie when they say you are stunning."

Sakura's eyebrow shot up and gave him a light smile, "Call me Sakura."

"Hiiragizawa Eriol, head of Eros Corporation, at your service." Eriol smiled, "I'm Li's partner and I'm also in on the deal with him and your husband."

"Don't mind this fool, Sakura," Tomoyo rolled her eyes, "He's probably tried to pick up every single girl in this ballroom with that line."

"You know I like you best, Tomoyo." Eriol winked.

"Ugh, you're disgusting."

"Anyways, I know you would like to be charmed by my handsome face all day, but I came over here to tell you that your mother is asking for you."

Tomoyo let out a long sigh, "I'm coming… Sakura, I'll be back in a second." She followed Eriol out of the crowd who had his arm out and took it.

Sakura smiled at the two, she had a feeling that Tomoyo was feeling a little something for the boy and like always she had a weird way of showing it. Tomoyo always seemed indifferent to all the other men that her mother had introduced her to, time after time, she would chase them out of her arms before the party had started but with Eriol… he had lasted a lot longer than any of them had.

Suddenly, a group of women, which Tomoyo had introduced to Sakura before, surrounded her. "So Sakura," a lady wearing a crimson red dress with matching lipstick started, "how is it living with the Toji Sakamoto?"

Sakura blinked and answered, "Toji treats me well." 'Nice understatement there, Sakura…'

"So tell us, how exactly did you hook onto him?" another asked.

"Well I…" Sakura shifted and tugged on her dress uncomfortably.

"We've never heard of you before you married Toji… and usually everyone knows everyone in the socialite group." One interjected with a smug expression.

"Er…"

"Excuse me ladies, I'm going to have take Mrs. Sakamoto out of your hands, her husband is calling her." A voice squeaked. With an abrupt jerk, a hand wrapped around Sakura's arm and pulled her out of the pits of unpleasantness.

Sakura was anticipating in seeing Tomoyo standing in front of her but instead a tall woman with light brown hair and sparkling blue eyes smiled back at her. "You seemed very uncomfortable in there… I would be too especially when it's Mrs. Chen and her crew."

Sakura laughed, she liked this girl already, "Thanks for rescuing me and I'm Sakura by the way."

"I'm Yuri, nice to meet you finally Sakura." Yuri held out her hand and Sakura shook it warmly. "Are you enjoying the party?"

"I could be doing something far better than this… but it's not too bad."

"I love coming to these parties even though you have to deal with posh old ladies, but I'm here to represent my fiancé."

"Your fiancé is one lucky guy, Yuri."

"I hope he realizes that soon."

Silence washed over the two women which left Sakura standing there to watch couples dance on the floor. Suddenly, Sakura realized that the song that was playing was the song she and Toji had first danced to, she felt almost sick to her stomach, "Yuri, I need to step out for awhile, it was nice meeting you and I hope you enjoy the rest of the party."

"Likewise." Yuri flashed the same smile she had before and bowed.

Sakura bowed and headed towards the exit. Her escape through the balcony doors was a burst of fresh air; all that remained was the wind rustling through the flower garden that spread across the grounds and the slight hush of the party inside. This is where she wanted to be, free, and away from all that fancy smancy.

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He sat on the railing, staring at the moon that shone brightly back at him – mocking him, teasing him that he was trapped in this life with no door out and it could simply dance and tickle his senses. Syaoran gave a slight jump when he saw the balcony doors swing open, he saw a woman zoom past him and leaned over the railing. He watched her as she let out a long sigh; it was the woman had met only hours before, she seemed like nothing special other than the fact that she was the wife of his top client. He saw every woman as the same except Sakura had managed to poke him in the sides even on their first encounter; this frustrated him immensely, seriously, what was so special about this girl?

"Whatever…" he muttered to himself and stepped out of the shadows.

Syaoran noticed her flinch slightly and faced him, "I didn't know that you were out here."

"Good," he grumbled, "I was trying to hide."

"I'm not much of a party person either," Sakura directed her attention toward the twinkling stars, "Just everything here doesn't seem all that… real to me."

'This girl actually has some brains.' Syaoran thought, flabbergasted. "I only do these benefits since I'm forced to. I apologize for making you doll up for this event, Princess."

She looked somewhat hurt but still kept a light smile on her face, "The purpose of the event is great and all, but I just wished it was more about the kids instead of just rich people dressing up."

"Well sorry…" Syaoran shot back; he was still trying to regain composure after his surprise, "Next time I'll dress up as a clown or something… for the kids." This girl was something else that's for sure.

A giggle escaped from her glimmering pink lips, Syaoran just stood and watched her, trying to gain logic of why he didn't already chase the girl out crying already. Little did he know, was this only the beginning of something new for the both of them.

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"Excuse me Syaoran, but I'm going to take my wife back to the party now." Toji slithered in, he had made a great deal of emphasis on "my" which somewhat stunned Syaoran.

Sakura stared at him, her eyes huge like she had done something wrong. She turned to Syaoran, praying that he would come to the rescue; she definitely didn't want to spend the evening with Toji.

"Sure, go ahead, Sakamoto, she's your wife, not mine." Syaoran told him.

"I'll see you tomorrow alright, Li? Bring your fiancé too." Toji grinned and pulled Sakura out of the balcony.

"I can't wait." Syaoran plastered the same fake smile he would for all his clients. 'Protective little bastard isn't he?' he asked himself and went back to staring out into the night sky.

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CHECK IT. I exceeded my past chapters… takes a lot for all the events I want to squeeze in. Anyways, might have been a bit choppy cause I did it in different sittings. Please review and tell me what you think! And, any suggestions/criticisms etc. are very much appreciated. I'll be back ASAP for the next installment.

AND! Thanks for again for reading.

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