A/N: Let's read this chapter! Yay!

Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura. They own me... in mind, body and spirit. Hehe.


Chapter 11: If you really like James Bond...


Normal POV

"Hey, you."

Silence.

"Excuse me..."

Silence.

"If you don't answer me I'll hack into the student body grade system—"

"Fine!"

"...You know what?"

"...No."

Naoko shot him an irritated glare, but didn't think it worthwhile to acknowledge his annoying response and continued as if he didn't say anything, "I think there's something going on between them."

Kei Inasu lifted an eyebrow, sparing a glance at the girl sitting across from him. This was the third—no, fourth time she had interrupted him while he was working in his office, and whatever she said never made any sense. Right now she wasn't making any sense whatsoever. He sighed, putting down his pen and deciding that she wasn't going to leave him in peace until he cooperated with... with...whatever that was bothering her and causing her to bother him. "Define 'them'," he responded coolly.

She huffed quietly at his obvious lack of intelligence and explained slowly, "Eriol Hiiragizawa and Tomoyo." She lifted both eyebrows in emphasis, her eyes showing impatience. He merely gave her a confused look. She sighed. "I think Eriol Hiiragizawa is in love with Tomoyo Daidouji."

Kei's brown eyes widened and he abruptly choked, hacking and coughing so hard that a cat would've been astonished. "Eriol—The Eriol—Tomoyo—love—Daidouji—crazy—mental—Eriol—love?—I'm going to die!" Naoko stared at him with open contempt and astonishment, wondering why he was hacking like an idiot. After a while he calmed down and caught her eye, realizing she was being extremely serious, and he raised an eyebrow. "You're mental. Eriol doesn't love Tomoyo Daidouji. She's got the looks, sure, but he wouldn't be insane as to—"

"Wanna bet?" She cut in sharply, her glasses flashing. He blinked, taken aback at her words. "If you won't believe me, I'll get them together by myself." With that she stood up quickly, her chair nearly toppling over. She gave him a final glare and stomped out of the room, making sure to slam the door after her.

Kei looked at the door, and then allowed himself to sigh with relief. "Eriol, buddy, you've got yourself some trouble here." He thought about Naoko, the main troublemaker, and smirked. He played with his earring thoughtfully, wondering how to deal with both Naoko and the Winter Festival paper work. Both seemed intent on giving him no peace of mind until he dealt with them... directly.

Tomoyo's POV

Sometimes I remember what he said...

"She's my girlfriend."

And it would come to me in a flash, just like that. I would be filled with thrills of joy and reminded that there was a great guy out there that showed interest in me.

I would feel really nice inside... yet, not entirely warm and fuzzy like other girls have confessed that were in my position. Maybe it doesn't exactly exist. Or perhaps I am feeling that... only, I'm just not satisfied with it...

Either way. I'm glad there is someone that likes me that way.

Could this be 'it'?


"S-Sakura?" I yelped, staring at the door in horror and shock. Of all times she had to show up at my house unexpectedly, it just had to be now. Syaoran was staring at the door too, a mixed look of anxiety and astonishment on his face. The doorknob started to turn, and at the last minute (or second), I shoved the frozen guy behind my bed, whirling around just as Sakura walked in. There was a confused and slightly suspicious expression on her face as she looked around my room and then at me.

"Were you talking to Sy-Li, Tomoyo?" she asked directly. I winced mentally, but forced a smile. I'd better wing this one.

"I was just on the phone with him," I said smoothly, pointing to my cell phone, which was conveniently in my pocket. "He was... calling about... uh... shoes!" She gave me a weird look. I hastily added, "Because he wasn't sure what matched... uh. Yeah... But Sakura, what are you doing here?" Good plan, Tomoyo. Change the subject in a less dangerous direction.

Sakura seemed satisfied with my answer and her whole demeanor changed when she remembered the reason she came here. "Oh, Tomoyo," she sighed, her voice not happy. "Dad's at a meeting until night, and I thought it would be perfectly okay to go tonight without telling him, but then my stupid brother cornered me and demanded to know where I was going and why I was wearing a dress, and so I lied about going to your house and playing dress-up and to come back before nine and yeah, I'm in a bit of trouble." She finished with a deep breath and then slumped onto my bed, making both the hidden figure behind it and me stiffen. I'd forgotten about my older cousin. That Touya... always so protective about his little sister.

Hmm... it would help if he didn't interfere with my plans, but since he could be quite evil and dangerous when he wanted to be, I decided to deal with him later. Right now, I had to take care of a certain male that was hiding behind my bed and my cousin's inconvenient presence. Think, Tomoyo, think! There's got to be a way so that everything looks normal and Sakura doesn't find out about Syaoran...

I suddenly grinned as a perfect idea flashed into my head. I could feel my eyes twinkling. It was a good feeling. Oh yes, very good. "Hey, I've got an idea, Sakura," I told her as she drowned in her current sorrows (or maybe not sorrows... more like stress). And the brown-haired guy was probably fainting with nervousness, which would make sense since Sakura was only a foot or two away from him. "Well, since you told Touya you'd be here, he'll never know if you went out on that date with Syaoran. It'll be quite safe, actually." As I talked, my cousin slowly sat up on my bed and her eyes grew wider as she found hope in my suggestion. Now she jumped off the bed, her happy, determined aura back again.

Not that I actually did anything much... It's all Touya, really. Heh. Older brothers.

"That's a great plan, Tomoyo!" she exclaimed. Oh, ho, ho, yes I know. I'm brilliant. She clapped her hands and started towards the door, and then stopped and turned back to look at me. "How do I look?" she asked a little apprehensively.

I beamed and gave her a thumbs up. "Great, Sakura! You're so cute!" Both of youlook cute together, I added mentally. Then I waved her off, saying, "You'd better hurry, it's almost 7." She looked at her watch and gave a gasp, and then rushed out of the room, yelling something that sounded like goodbye and stupid Touya. Eh, she's a cute one all right.

"Is she gone?" a hoarse whisper came from behind me. I looked back and saw Syaoran peeking above the bed, his eyes wary. I smiled and nodded. He gave a sigh of relief and got up, brushing his clothes. Then he nodded briskly at me and strode out of my room. "Thanks. Now that possessive freak won't be after my head." He shuddered and glared, which was an odd combination. But I understood since I knew his relationship withthe older brother. It would bea problemifSakura and Syaorandecided to get married..."See you... later, Daidouji." I knew he was thinking about my 'spying', and I was excited about it also. Or perhaps he's not nearly excited. More like scared. Heh.

Uh oh. Sakura was already ahead of Syaoran, and if he was planning to walk and avoid her at the same time... he'd be late. A guy should never be late to a date. Sakura liked guys who were caring, sensitive (to a woman, at least) and sweet, and if he made her wait for him... that would be losing big points.

I took my devices, along with some other items, and hurried out of the room after Syaoran. "Wait!" I called, as he was about to go outside. He stopped at the door and gave me a curious look. I smiled. "The limo's outside."


RRRRAAAAAAAAARRRR!

Did I mention that they were the most irritating, life-interfering, annoying people in all human history?

Bodyguards, that is.

Bleh. I hate it.

It's not like I hate them, or even dislike them. I've talked to them many times when I was younger and they proved to be interesting, honest people. They were very nice, and extremely dedicated to their job. They cared about their job like it was their life. You don't see very many people who are that devoted to their jobs. It's a gift, as some people might say. It's torture, as I might say.

If only they weren't so good at their jobs.

Said bodyguards were holding me captive in the limo as Syaoran got off and hurried into the café. Just in time too, because the honey-haired girl soon appeared at the door and walked in with all her splendor and glory. The splendor and glory that I made, of course. Hehe.

But that's not the issue here. No, not at all.

I had to get in there. Syaoran needed me... and I needed to spy on them.

But first I needed to get out of here. And that wasn't going to happen if I remained in this limo surrounded by bodyguards.

Move. You. Poke.

So maybe it was for my own good. After all, when there are angry company presidents trying to possibly kidnap you and force you to marry his thirty-five-year old son, protection is vital. I suppose I should be thankful. And I am, really. Only, not nearly enough thankful that I'm pleased with the current situation.

I need to spy on them right now!

"Miss Daidouji, you may not be comfortable with this decision, but your mother ordered specifically that you are never to step out of the mansion unprotected. I'm sorry, but we're not letting you go outside, especially this late at night." Blah, blah, BLAH! Of course, I nodded politely as the head bodyguard woman listed off my mother's orders and why I should be safe, but inside, I was... well, you know.

Sometimes being rich really sucked. Like right now.

I needed to think of an idea—a plan, anything. Something might be going on right now in that café, and Syaoran might need my help. Too bad these communication devices can only work in short distances with no obstacles—meaning, I can't tell him anything from in this limo. And it's not like I can get out of it either—!

Gasp. I have an idea.

I suddenly gasp (out loud this time) and my eyes widened as I turned to my bodyguards. They stared at me in concern (at least, that's what it looked like from behind their shades) and asked if I was all right. "No! I-I don't think—" I flustered for a bit. Ugh. This is very un-Tomoyo-like. But then, in this case... "I think I've started my period."

Seriously. I'm brilliant.

The head bodyguard woman raised an eyebrow, and then nodded briskly as the pained look on my face increased ever so slightly. "We'll follow you, Miss Daidouji." Great. Thanks a lot. I nodded, painfully, and grabbed my large bag that was filled with my disguises and devices as one of the bodyguards opened my door. As we all entered the café, heads turned to stare at me and my entourage of women-in-black. Sigh. The cost of being rich... waah. None of the waiters and waitress' stopped us for using private bathrooms.

I spotted the lovely couple over by the window, and kept back a laugh. Syaoran was facing me, and Sakura's back was toward me. From the looks of it, things were kind of... awkward. His face was a little red, frustrated, and definitely nervous. I could tell from my cousin's rigid back that she was feeling equally, or more, anxious as him.

Well, here's Tomoyo to the rescue!

"Miss Daidouji, the restrooms are that way."

Dang it. The bodyguards all waited for me as I slowly walked over to them, smiling apologetically (not really, but yeah). Then Syaoran caught my eye. He gave me weird eyes and invisible gestures. But, alas, his non-talking communication skills had not improved any since the last time. So I whispered into my talking device (the fake diamond necklace), "Can you hear me?"

I saw him turn in his seat as if to look around for the waiter (haha, so clever!) and mutter, "Yeah. There's a table behind Sakura." The bodyguards were still waiting for me to go to the bathroom, but I had paused to examine a music concert flyer on the café bulletin wall.

"I know," I whispered, "but there's a problem. Bodyguards. Won't let me stay by myself."

The chocolate-eyed boy looked like his frustration increased. But when Sakura asked him if something was wrong (thanks to his wristband), he just smiled and said, "No, I'm fine. Where's that waiter? Wait here, I'll check up on our food, 'kay?" He actually looked at her in the eyes and I could tell Sakura was momentarily surprised by his unusual thoughtfulness. Well, I would be too, but... heh. He's doing this for me. When she nodded, he got up and walked nonchalantly towards me.

"Miss Daidouji," the head bodyguard woman said a little impatiently, "didn't you say you were starting 'it'? We should hurry." Aw, shoot. I nodded, smiling again. As I walked (slowly) to the bathroom, Syaoran was walking behind the bodyguards.

"Hey," he said lowly, "do you think maybe you can go to the bathroom soI can stall some time for you? That way you can get away from them." I blinked, standing in front of the bathroom door. Hey, that was exactly my plan.

"Okay," I answered softly, not wasting anytime. But I wondered what he meant by stalling for time. How would he do that? With a mental shrug, I entered the bathroom, the rest of the bothersome bodyguards trooping after me. I took my sweet time reading the instructions on the pad/tampon case, searching for change in my purse. What was Syaoran going to do? When was he going to do it? Where were my coins?

All the sudden, I felt a light, harmless twinge in my head. There was a chiming change in the air, like a twang of a string. And just like that, everything around me froze. The ladies at the sink weren't talking, the water had stopped where it was midair, the bodyguards didn't even breath, and the entire room looked a little faded. Then I realized what must have happened.

Syaoran used magic. Just what type of magic he used I have no idea, especially since Sakura had all the Clow Cards... but I know he used magic. I was certain he just stopped time. And if I remember correctly, time took up a lot of energy. With that thought, I immediately bolted into action, taking out my sunglasses, scarf, and big hat, then took off my jacket and replaced it with a long raincoat. Then I switched my shoes for sandals. And Walla! I looked like a weird lady with bad fashion sense.

Apparently Sakura thinks I already am a weird lady with bad fashion sense...

I took one last look at the motionless bodyguards, and giggled with glee. Hee hee. I'm such a mischievous child. With that, I hurried out of the bathroom. I was momentarily shocked because it was crazy out there. Everything was in mid-action, like someone pressed 'pause' while watching a video or something. I saw a water about to trip, his expression that of dismay and shock, and the tray of food in his hands about to become trash. Just then, I saw Syaoran coming out of the kitchen. He spotted me in my entire disguise, and then the waiter I was standing next to. His jaw dropped. "That's my food!" he exclaimed indignantly. Ooooh. That's not good. He sighed and took it out of the air, stationing himself a little in front of the waiter. Then he said to me, "Stand in front of the door—look like you've just come in."

I hurried to the door, standing a little dumbly. Well, I can't just act like I didn't know what to do! To make a good effect, I placed my hand on the door, as if I just came through. Maybe I should place my fingers on my sunglasses and model—make it look like I was a foreign royalty or something. As I was contemplating this intriguing thought, I heard Syaoran mutter some words I didn't understand, and then, suddenly, the whole world came back to life. The hustle, bustle of the café continued as if nothing happened—which was true, but not entirely. I blinked my shock away, stunned by the sudden noise. It was as if something switched the volume back on from mute. Then gathering my senses, I strode purposefully toward the empty table behind Sakura, who was looking around, possibly for her future husband, ahem.

I saw the brown-haired guy talking to the waiter, who seemed extremely bewildered and astonished at his good luck of not dropping an order. Syaoran walked back to his table, carrying the tray of food. I noticed he looked slightly exhausted, like he hadn't slept for a while or something. Well, duh, he just used a lot of big-time magic. Of course he'd be tired. And apparently Sakura noticed as well.

"Hey, you all right?" she asked, almost a little concernedly. She didn't know that magic had just happened right under her nose. Well, that's Time for you. Syaoran snapped his head up to look at her, and then blinked and passed her the plate of food. I hid a grin, watching his face carefully.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine," he answered, smiling, albeit strained smile. I was impressed at the way he was acting all gentlemanly and nonchalant. I could tell Sakura was even more worried about him. GASP. Well, it looked like he didn't need me at all. But then, since I went through all this trouble...

"She can't have gone too far! Spread and search the block!" ordered the head bodyguard woman, nearly knocking oversomeone as she ran out the door. The bodyguards poured from the bathroom hall and into the café, exiting swiftly though the exit. I held my breath and covered my face partially with a supporting hand, waiting until they exited the door to release my breath.

Wow. I did it. I, Tomoyo Daidouji, managed to ditch the bodyguards. At last. I was... victorious. Free. Muah ha ha!

"Where did those bodyguards come from?" said a female voice. I say female because at first I wasn't sure if it was Sakura that asked the question. But then I heardmy cousinask her "date" something different, and he answered accordingly without my help. I realized it was the waitress behind me that asked the question. I turned slightly around when she asked, "Are you okay, sir?"

"Yes, I'm fine," the "sir" answered smoothly. I frowned, wondering why that voice seemed so familiar. But then, I know a lot of guy's voices, so it wasn't that unusual. "I'll just seat myself, thank you," he continued. He must've been the guy that the bodyguards almost knocked over. I had to disguise a snort, which would've been totally undignified if I didn't. He past me, and Sakura's table, and sat down behind Syaoran so that he was facing me... only, two table away. It was a little weird, because now I saw Syaoran's and a sunglass-wearing man's face... facing me. And he was wearing a cap. Not that that's important. Oh well, enough about that.

"So... is it true that you've dated Kimi Harazina three times?" Sakura's voice suddenly sounded in my ear. I blinked, and saw Syaoran stiffen a little. His eyes flickered to me before he chuckled nervously. Obviously, he was trying to think of a good, decent, non-jerky type of answer. And, of course, I had the right answer.

"Say you did, but only because you wanted to give her chances to show she was a nice person to hang out with. But she wasn't," I whispered, keeping my eyes on him, but covering my mouth with a scarf. He said it. Sakura seemed a little surprised at the non-Syaoran answer, but quickly snapped another question.

"What do you see in a 'nice person'?" Oooh. Tough question, but of course, I know the answer to that one. At least, the answer Sakura wants.

"You see kindness, honesty, patience, and understanding," I whispered, listing off the virtues that Sakura had listed a long time ago back when we were in middle school. Ah, I remembered back then, when we were innocent school girls. Not that we aren't now, of course... Minus the innocent part, if you please. Eh heh.

Syaoran repeated what I said, but then a slightly glazed look entered his eyes and he added, "And loving. A nice person always gives love to others." He looked straight into Sakura's eyes (I think) and for a moment they had a staring contest like that. It was so romantic. I almost started sniffing.

After a while, Sakura cleared her throat and asked, "Um, then... Do you think someone who acts like they're better than another person is a nice person?" I could hear the smug tone in her voice. She was trying to test whether Syaoran was admitting to all the arrogant and rude comments he gave her when they were... not-"dating". I took a deep breath just as he did, and thought about a good answer.

But before I could whisper anything, Syaoran took another deep breath and said, "I don't think that person is a nice person. Especially if they think they're better than anybody else. It just proves that the person they think they're better than is, in fact, the... nice person." His voice became quiet as he continued, "That person probably doesn't know what kind of person they are... that's why they think they're better than everybody else."

Well. That would work. Very good, Mr. Li. I applaud.

Sakura seemed a little at lost for words at the profound response, and took a while to recollect her thoughts. She asked slowly, "Do you think you're a nice person... Li?"

Oh... no! I bit my lip and hissed, "Say, 'It's Syaoran'."

He blinked and blurted, "Say it's Syaoran!" I nearly burst out laughing as an awkward silence followed. Ah, I'm so evil.

Sakura paused before saying in a very confused voice, "Um... what?"

He recovered quickly and replied, "My name is Syaoran. Remember, we're supposed to be going out—people are going to think it's weird if you call me by my surname." Then he paused and added, "Wouldn't you agree... Sakura?"

Oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh—!

My, my.Syaoran Li is being very suave, is he not? But I wonder why I suddenly told him to say that. Hmm. Probably because I'm a genius.

Ahem.

"Well, I guess... no," Syaoran was saying in answer to her question. "No. I'm not a nice person—at all." He grinned quite sardonically. I frowned and waved my hands, catching his attention and causing him to immediately drop the smirk/arrogant grin/infuriating quirk. "I haven't been the nicest person to you, as you probably know..."

Sakura snorted. Very unlady-like of her, but, well, sometimes Sakura doesn't act like a polite, charming lady. Again with the fire-breathing-raging-mad-dragon thing.

"But," he continued, his voice going in a slightly lower pitch, "it doesn't really matter what I am. It's important for you... that... well..." I saw his eyes turn darker as he stared at Sakura. This time I knew he was staring at her. If only I brought my video camera... wait, no. Never mind about that. You see...

Video Camera equals trip down memory lane. Trip down memory lane equals unpleasant reminders. Anyways...

I caught his slow words as he said, "You... Sakura... You... are..."

The doorbell tinkled as a new gust of customers swept in. Some loud new customers. I glanced behind me and then blinked. There were a group of girls whispering and gawking at me—no, the couple in front of me. At first I was pissed that I'd just missed what Syaoran said, but then I became amused. Hehe.

It was the I Love Syaoran (ILS) Fanclub. And boy, they looked pissed.

Haha. Amusing. Heh. Funny. This should be interesting.

The furiously whispering girls moved their way towards a table not too far from Sakura and Syaoran's table, and started giving my cousin dirty looks. The couple noticed them, and I noted that Sakura had leaned forward a little more across the table toward her "date". The chocolate-eyed boy was merely bewildered as to why these girls that went to their school was here. Humph. He obviously had no idea one of those girls were crazy, fanatic and totally in love with him: Kimi Harazina. He had no clue she still had the hots for him. But he was going to notice now. Oh yes, he was going to find out.

Plus, that expression on her face was definitely not pretty.

Hey, why didn't any of the ILE (I Love Eriol) Fanclub girls threaten me for being "involved" with their precious idol? I thought Hiiragizawa was top of the school in that area. I even heard that once when Hiiragizawa asked a girl for some help on his homework (which I highly doubt) the Fanclub literally destroyed every bit of the girl's self-esteem. Horrible, I know, but true. That's why I never really liked Hiiragizawa, his fanclub, and everything else that went along with his popularity. So... why wasn't I ever terrorized? I mean, like "self-esteem-destroying" kind of terror. Could it be... that maybe he told them to back off...?

Heh. HA! Yeah right. Like he would do anything like that! As if! He wouldn't "stoop down" to that level. Not him. Not in my life. That would never happen. NEVER.

...But... That nagging kept bothering my mind and refused to go away.

I shook my head and focused back on the date I was supposed to be watching. So far Syaoran was doing pretty good. However, now that the jealous enemies (ILS) had entered the scene, I wasn't so sure what was going to happen.

And so, I waited. I waited patiently, watching both parties being aware of each other but not really acknowledging it. Neither side did much of anything, but glance at each other with suspicious eyes. Sakura was inching closer to Syaoran, and the brown-haired guy was keeping an eye on both female parties. I was having trouble just watching all of them. And then, just when I thought someone was going to do something...

It Happened.

...BAM! The café door swung open and a mean gust of wind swirled in, bringing everyone's attention on the suddenly dark, stormy sky outside. Just then, an army of black-clad FBI agent-looking men trooped in, all carrying arms and blazing huge cannon-like guns shouting for everyone to get down—

Actually, not really.

In fact, I just had to go pee. For real, this time.

Excuse me while I drown myself in my cup of water. Here comes Dorky Tomoyo.

Just as I was about to get up, a shadow loomed over my table. Déjà vu from a familiar moment earlier today flashed in my mind before I looked up at the shadow-maker. It was a man. No, wait, an... FBI agent?

Whoa, whoa, hold it. I was just kidding—what the heck? I mean, when you make a joke about something, it isn't supposed to just happen. I was starting to feel a little afraid.

The man looked at me (I think—he was wearing sunglasses) and said in a low, officious tone, "Miss Daidouji? President Sonomi's daughter, correct?" I blinked. Oh. He could be one of Mom's workers. I nodded, wondering why he was here and whether my mom sent him. He gave a brisk nod. "Come with me, please. Your mother is waiting in the limo."

Uh oh. I gulped, but didn't let him see. How did Mom know I was here? I was busted—

Wait. How did Mom know I was here? She was supposed to be at an important meeting with an insurance company thirteen hours away from here! She was supposed to be coming home tomorrow evening. How in the heck did she...? Oh. I...

I'm so freaking stupid. My bodyguards, the threat note, my mother's warning, the Mirror company's threat, the potential kidnap... ding, ding, ding!

I looked sharply back up at the man, but suddenly felt a cold metal touch my thigh through the thinness of my skirt. Immediately I stiffened, knowing without recognizing what it was. That stupid bastard. He took me by surprise. What a cheap trick. Using weapons to threaten innocent girls...

I was innocent! I tell you, innocent!

"Don't speak; don't do anything stupid. Come with me silently if you value your life..."

I was scared. Of course. Anyone in my position would be scared of that low, creepy voice of his. But... Who was I to be afraid of loosing my life? After all, wasn't it just a few years ago when I would've gladly sacrificed my life for the one I loved? Yeah, that's right! My life's not that important. I can stand to die. Especially if my mom's life's work is on the line here. So... let him do what he wants! I didn't care! I lifted my chin defiantly and was about to open my mouth when he whispered, "If you value your mother's life..."

Damn. Whatever he says goes. I nodded slightly and stiffly got up, slowly, so the stupid FBI look-alike wouldn't be all alarmed or anything. I shot a desperate look at Syaoran, Sakura, heck, even those ILS members... but all of them were too caught up in their staring contest to even notice me.

My friends sure are very helpful, aren't they? No, it's not their fault... but... I wish they'd at least notice if their sacrificing friend here was going to leave the freaking café!

Outside the sky was already dark (since it's winter and all) and there was a slight breeze in the air. But overall, tonight was quite warmer than it had been for the past week. It wouldn't really matter to me, since I'm wearing a hat and a raincoat. That's dorky ole me all right.

If you haven't noticed, I wasn't screaming on top of my lungs or trying to make a break for it because the stupid man had his (cleverly hidden) weapon of violence (AKA gun) on my back and I, for one, didn't think it was safe to dash off anywhere. Yet.

Note the 'yet'.

...Still waiting...

And waiting.

And are we heading towards that dark, shiny limo at the darkest corner of the street over there? Yes, I do believe we are. Not good.

There were people walking up and down the sidewalks everywhere, yet none of them even glanced at me. Well, they probably glanced at the tall, FBI-looking guy directly behind me, but that didn't help any. Hello! Girl about to be kidnapped here! My life is at stake here! Come on people! But where in the world was my mom? If those bastards did anything to her, I swear...

Suddenly, as if he read my mind, he said, "Your mother isn't here. If you want to know, she's safe at her meeting thirteen hours away from here." I heard a smirk in his voice. "Little girl, you actually fell for that buff. Hah! How fool—"

Next thing you know... I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Seriously.

The bastard behind me suddenly tripped and stumbled on a crevice in the sidewalk, and the gunpoint was suddenly not on my back anymore. I suddenly realized that I could get out of this alive and instinctively hurtled off, trying to get in the crowd of people that luckily swarmed by. I could hear the FBI-wannabe cursing loudly and yelling something horrible—but I kept silent and as casual as possible and hid in the crowd.

And Tomoyo Daidouji managed to ditch an annoying person once again. I'm getting good at this... maybe I should become a professional ditcher!

"There she is! Get her!"

Or maybe I could use some more practice. Not that I want any of it. I pushed through a couple holding hands and chanced a look behind me. About five or seven big men with FBI-looking sunglasses were running after me through the crowd. Eep, not good. I made a break for it.

Run, Tomoyo, run! Faster, faster, you're running for your life here! It seems my love for lifecame back to me.I panted hard as I sprinted through the streets. The restaurant and shop signs illuminated my vision as I passed them, lighting my way. Finally, I came upon a familiar street. It was near Sakura's neighborhood. Instinctively, I made a turn and found myself facing the old King Penguin slide and the park behind it.

Ah... old memories. Those fond times when I was younger and played here as an innocent child... For the old days.

"That way! She went there!"

Crap. They were still on my trail. I gulped hard and ran as fast as I could into the park, placing my dark sunglasses in my pocket and praying that they wouldn't find me here. Well, I did have an advantage. As a child I spent most of my days sitting here and running around the park. I knew it like the back of my—

WHAM.

I slammed into a tree.

This is the second time I've run into a tree this month! There is seriously something wrong with Nature here!

Hopefully those bastards didn't hear that little running into the tree...

"There! That's her! GET HER!"

Oh. My. Noodles. They. Are. Still. After. Me.

The stitch in my side was bigger than the size of Texas (I think) and my panting was so loud that the sound alone could've traced me to the FBI-wannabes. Aw, jeez, what was a girl to do? I was just a normal, weird girl trying to get by in life. Why did this have to happen to me? WHY! I could hear running footsteps not too far behind. I kept running, though I had to clutch my side and breath like a frog blowing itself up.

...Ew...mental image.

As soon as I heard the running behind me fade away, I hid behind a massive oak tree and caught my breath. I never knew oxygen was so... so... yummy. Uh, hehe. Yeah. Yummy. Delicious. Mmm.

I wonder what Syaoran and Sakura are doing right now at the café. Are those ILS girls still glaring at them?

Uh... Oh. I feel it. It's rising... er, sinking. It wasn't a new feeling, this unpleasant sensation. It was bad... it was really bad...

I still needed to pee. Dang it. Maybe I should use this break to...? Nah.

I bit my lip, stifling any rising panic and anxiety that had been building up since I left the café. No, erase that, I've been feeling anxious since before I was in the stinking café. Hmm. Some of my bodyguards here right now wouldn't hurt. Heh. Maybe I shouldn't have just ditched them like that. See where it got me? Eh.

Sigh. I'm such an idiot. And just as I started to sigh again, a sound reached my ears. It was very close. And sounded kind of like... like somebody stepping on a tiny twig... not more than five feet away from me.

Oh-oh-hhhhh...

I tried not to breath and slowly started to stand up. Maybe if I didn't make any noise and creep away the person wouldn't hear me and I could make my escape. Or should I just sprint...?

Suddenly, a large hand clamped over my mouth, scaring the hell out of me and nearly giving me a heart attack.

It's been a known cause that when you're scared a lot as a youngster your chance of getting a heart attack before you're forty increases. At least, that's what somebody said. Maybe it was Sakura? Or was it Chiharu? Well, either one of them. I think Chiharu was even thinking about becoming a nurse or something because she was so worried about getting heart attacks and diseases. But, you know, to each their own. Anyways...

Hey, wait a minute. There's a hand over my mouth, which could possibly be one of the FBI-wannabes, in case I haven't noticed! What am I doing, blabbering (in my head) about heart attacks? I know, I'm so stupid!

Ahem. Okay. Back to the hand.

...The Hand. Oh my.

...Something smells like fresh shampoo and... a faint, vague scent that I can't quite put my finger on. Like...

Somebody was very close behind me, because my head was leaning on their... or should I say, his, chest. I knew that this person was not those FBI-wannabes. But... he could be a rapist/mugger/kidnapper/something and goodness knows THAT'S not good. His breath brushed my hair that had fallen out of its bun, and his other hand was on my wrist... whose hand was on his hand that was over my mouth... and my other hand was on his wrist that was holding my hand that was on his hand that was on my mouth...

And basically we were a tangled mess.

When he was sure I wasn't going to talk, he slowly released his hand over my mouth, but kept holding my wrist. I immediately turned around, which was awkward because we were still sitting... slash squatting... and sort of standing... so yeah, it was hard. But through the dark I managed to see a pair of sunglasses, a flash of his watch, and... a cap? Hey, I know where I've seen that!

He was the guy from the café!

...But, wait... huh?

How did he... Where did... When... He knew I was... Wait, who the heck was he? I'm a little confused here, can you tell? I stared at him (the back of his head) as he tugged me along by the wrist, creeping through the trees' dark shadows. He must've followed me out when the FBI guy who I assumed came from Mirror pulled the gun on me. But how did he know to follow me? And he managed to find me all the way out here! Perhaps he was a super-smart cop... in training. Or maybe a freaky stalker. Yeah, that's possible. But somehow he didn't look like a stalker to me. But what do I know? I'm stalkerish myself.

Distant yells and calls echoed across the park, and I bit my lip, wondering whether they knew I was still here. Mr. Mysterious/Stalker/cop-in-training was silently guiding me to who knows where, and I suddenly had no idea where we were going. Where was he leading me? What if he was a stalker...? Hmm.

Then I would be in trouble, huh...?

Brilliant, Daidouji, you're a freaking genius.

At least he wasn't taking me to those FBI wannabes. But still, he could be dangerous.

So why was I letting him drag me around? I could've screamed and yelled (which actually wouldn't be a good idea right now) or kicked and struggled like the Cat Woman I was (I don't think she struggled like I imagined). However, I felt a familiar sense of... familiarity around him. Like, as if I knew this presence... and was extremely comfortable in it. Weird, eh? Well, I'm a weirdo.

I was just about to speak up when the footsteps and yelling came back—louder than before. The FBI wannabes (Mirror's Henchmen) were onto our trail again. This was getting quite old, if I may say so. Maybe I should just turn back and tell them to their faces to go away... heh. But reality sucks, so I shouldn't be overreacting.

Back to the voices and footsteps. Well, my mysterious hero/stalker/cop-in-training (I'm still convinced this fellow was with the real FBI) was leading me a little faster through some foliage and upon an old, abandoned shed that used to hold the Park's grooming supplies. But it had been more than sixty years since it's been in use, and the only visitors it has nowadays are possibly the rats and a few wild, furry animals. Eugh.

Wait... he wasn't planning to go in there!

Eh... hehe, how funny of me to think... that...

He reached the ancient, dark wooden door of the shed and pushed it open, the hinges creaking painfully as it swung slowly. I guess he was planning to go in there... here. It was dark inside, but we didn't have time to do anything because then the Mirror Henchmen were nearing the shed. Mr. Hero/Mysterious/still-cop-in-training pulled me gently in and shut the door quietly, engulfing us in total darkness. I guess we are going to be in there... and stay there.

I would've said something, but just then voices came from directly outside. From the cracks in the door, I could see the faint moonlight and the shadows of the figures outside. They were arguing about whether to go inside or not. I held my breath, trying to make myself as un-existable as I could. Which isn't too hard, sadly. So as I was trying to make myself disappear, the voices seem to fade, until finally, they were gone. What I didn't notice was that my hero was muttering under his breath the entire time.

Dang it, now that I think about it, I would've noticed there was supposed to be an old light switch around here. But of course, I forgot all about it.

Once they'd gone, and my breath was back, I turned in the general direction of where the door was and decided to step confidentally forward—only to bump hard into something not as solid (as the door) but solid enough for me to go, "Oh!" Dorky Tomoyo. You just bumped into the wall.

"Are you okay?"

I almost jumped clear out of my skin as the voice came from behind me. Or beside me. Or was it in front of me...? Well, either way, he was very close to me. I realized I'd bumped into him, not the wall. Ooops. "Are you okay?" he repeated, his voice sounding a little concerned. Hey... I frowned, trying to remember something. There was something about his voice that was very familiar... yet I couldn't quite place it. I heard it often enough to recognize it... but I wasn't sure who it was.

(So dumb... wait a little until Tomoyo finally uses her brain.)

Wait. Answer his question first, Tomoyo. "Um, yeah, I'm okay," I said, a little uncertainly. I couldn't see him very well at all, so I felt kind of stupid (or at least, more stupid than usual) talking into the seemingly empty air in front of me. "Er, if you don't mind me asking..." I spoke up, hesitating. "...Who are you?"

There was a silence as I waited for his answer. At first I thought he'd left the shed, and then I felt shocked and indignant that he'd ditch me like that. But then I heard a light rustling movement and a short sigh. I wonder why he was so reluctant to answer. Perhaps he was a stalker... Oh my.

Then, "It's me, Tomoyo. Don't you know my voice?"

Oh my goodness. It's him. HIM! It's the crazy pizza boy from my dreams! He lives! AHHH!

...Or, eh heh, NOT. I can be very eccentric when I want to be.

But who in the world was he? Well... who else would say my first name like that...? Hmmm.

Him. At the café, when he sat behind... and he looked... and his weird sunglasses... when I first recognized his voice... he...

It was Eriol. Uh, I mean, Hiiragizawa. I mean... ugh. How do I call him Hiiragizawa when he just saved my life? And what was he doing here anyways?

"Are you a stalker?" I blurted without thinking. Quite obviously I wasn't in my senses. I could already feel the awkward silence looming upon us as my question seemed to float in midair. I'm such an idiot. I mean, Hiiragizawa—or Eriol—just saved my skin and how do I repay him? I ask if he's a stalker.

"Uh, I don't know," he replied, his tone a little uncertain. Whoa. Whoa. That tone of voice shouldn't be there. He wasn't supposed to be all uncertain and agreeing with my accusations. What was wrong with him? And why in the world did he say 'I don't know?' Didn't he know?

He must've known I was a little more than shocked at his answer, so he hurriedly added, "I was just kidding!"

Oh, yeah. Very good joke. It's SO funny. Like, AHAHAHA.

Hiiragizawa, you idiot. You have no idea how much my heart attack rate increased just from the day I made that stupid bet with you. I'm going to die before I'm forty.

"Tomoyo?"

I shot a glare at his general direction, irritated that he still didn't understand my feelings (no, I don't like him) and decided to give him a dose of my sharp sarcasm. Ooh, alliteration right there. I've got skills.

I opened my mouth to tell him something along the lines of 'Go to hell, you stupid, arrogant bastard-who-stole-my-dignity-and-increased-my-heart-attack-rate-because-of-your-blue-blue-eyes-and-stupid-nice-smile-and-a-habit-of-sneaking-up-on-me-when-I-least-expect-it!' or simply 'I-hate-you!' but instead what came out of my mouth was:

"Thank you Eriol."

Yeah. That's what I said.

Now what was that? I'm pretty sure those three words were not along the lines of 'Go to hell'. And definitely not 'I hate you'. Could it be that I was already falling for the infamous Hiiragizawa "charm" that threw so many females off at school? No, no, that was impossible, I had Len! So... it was because he saved my life. I was warming up to him without realizing it because he'd rescued me. I think. I hope. That was his intention, right? And that was why I was feeling this way... right?

I just noticed he never answered to my "thanks".

There was an awkward silence as we stared at anything but each other (at least, in my case) trying to think of something worthwhile to say. Finally, I cleared my throat softly and asked, "Um, so, why are you here?"

He shifted a little, but didn't seem uncomfortablewhen heanswered, "I saw you leaving the café with that FBI-looking man and thought maybe he wasn't with you for your own good but instead maybe trying to kidnap you and so I followed you two out until you got here." There seemed to be a sort of sheepish and helpless tone in his voice as he rambled on about his answer. I blinked. Since when did Hiiragizawa ever seem helpless? Since when did he ever even ramble? This was something very interesting indeed.

"Wait. Why were you in the café in the first place?" I asked suspiciously, my eyebrows knitted as I looked at his general direction. I think he glanced at me and then took a breath, definitely sounding helpless. Hah. I was making him nervous! This is SO payback. I watched his shadowed figure carefully, narrowing my eyes for good measure so that he could really freak out. Ah... I'm so mean.

"What were you doing at the café, Tomoyo?" he suddenly asked, a mischievous tone in his voice. Darn. He foiled my plan. Why did he have to be so evil and cunning? Not that evil and cunning had anything to do with my plans... or anything. Heh. "Hmm?" he said when I didn't answer.

I straightened myself and gave a haughty (completely made-up) explanation. "Well... I... wanted some coffee! And then I had to go to the bathroom! So I stopped by the café and happened to just sit behind—" Hold on a second. I halted and thought hard. If Eriol—Hiiragizawa was the guy in the cap, and that guy happened to sit behind Syaoran...

He seemed to have already known what I was thinking, because he chuckled (evilly) and stated, "Yes, well, I came to spy on them as well."

As well? Spy? What could he possibly... Grr... He was going to steal my job! And how did he know about the date? Did Syaoran tell him? "How did—" I started to ask, but he beat me to it.

"Sakura asked me to come to their "date" and give her some advice."

Sakura. My cousin. My best friend. How could she do this to me? Just go behind my back and... and... So that's why they were talking before school in the morning. She was asking him to spy on the date while... while Syaoran was asking me to do the same thing! Oh my graciousness! Destined soul mates think alike! They were going to be the ultimate couple of the century! Ah hah! Muah hah! YES! YEAH!

"Ultimate what?" Erio—Hiiragizawa asked.

Crap. I've got to start controlling my thoughts before they slip out of my mouth. "Uh, it's nothing," I said breezily, waving my hand. I could barely see my hand in the dark. Oh yeah. We were still in the shed. With no light. In the dark. Alone. "Um... maybe we should get out of here," I suggested weakly. I sensed Hiiragizawa already moving, and I moved also—only to bump hard into him again. Jeez, if I were a bat I wouldn't survive more than a day. How do those little vampires do it? Perhaps I should ask Hiiragizawa... I backed away hastily, only to crash into some garden tools and creating a huge avalanche on the shelf above it. I only just got away as the ancient items fell. As I was saying...

"Here, let's turn on the lights," came Eriol's voice from behind me.

And suddenly... there was light.

Ah. It burns. Turn it off. No, don't. Just get me out of here. The light. I am such a wuss. Ahh.

"Tomoyo?" He still calls me by my first name. I'm having a hard time getting used to it. "Hey, are you all right?" I turned to face him as I tried to open my eyes wide, but I still had to squint. He laughed a little at my efforts and I gave him a Daidouji Glare. Nobody laughs at Daidouji and gets away with it.

"Well then," I said lightly as soon as my eyes recovered. "I'm getting out of here." I stepped towards the old door and pushed the door. It didn't budge. I had to keep pushing and grunting and digging my heels in and everything to get that door to open—only, it wouldn't open. Haha, see the funniness there...? No. No, you don't. I don't either. The young man behind me only watched at my valiant (yet pathetic) efforts. I turned to him and gave him a sweet, sweet smile, saying, "Why don't you help me open this door?" You'd better get it open, buddy, or you won't have a very happy rescue-e here. He merely shrugged and stepped forward next to me to try opening the door.

Then I realized he had taken off his sunglasses. Once again, I was startled by the strange clarity of his blue eyes and how much different they seemed without those wire-rimmed sophisticated glasses covering them. Could he see without his glasses? How bad was his eyesight? Would he notice if I stuck a foot out to trip him?

Now, now, Tomoyo... you shouldn't be so mean to the man who just saved you from rabid henchmen.

Yet.

Why the heck wasn't the stupid door opening? I watched as even the big, strong Eriol Hiiragizawa couldn't open the old wooden thing. "Hey, Tomoyo?" he said after he gave up pushing the door. I only raised an eyebrow. He continued without looking at me, "Did you ever check if the door had, maybe, a door handle?"

...Okay. So what? Who cares if the door had a handle? It wasn't my problem!

Yes, I'm an idiot.

"Well, then," I huffed, marching over to him and pushing him aside with more strength than needed (yet he only budged a little) grabbed the door handle that was miraculously still attached to the wood. I gave it a gentle twist and...

Miraculously it was not attached to the wood anymore.

The now-broken handle dangled in my frozen hands as I stared at the very much useless door. Beside me, Hiiragizawa snorted softly in amusement. I whirled and glared at him. So what if it was my fault? He shouldn't be laughing at me either!

"It's okay, Tomoyo, we still have each other," Eriol Hiiragizawa offered in the silence. I think I would have preferred the silence right about then.

I forced myself not to pummel his face and stiffly marched to the other side of the shed—as far away from him and that door as possible. And maybe there was a window here somewhere... so I could possibly escape. None. There were no windows in this crappy shed.

Great. I was stuck with Eriol Hiiragizawa in an ancient, abandoned shed for who knows how long (fifty years?) and had no idea when my mom was going to arrive home and find out I was gone. From the looks of it I was going to be in here for a long time—with Eriol Hiiragizawa. Alone. All alone. It was night. I was doomed.

"Tomoyo?"

That innocent, nerve-wracking voice... he was so annoying! I fought back a feral growl and grunted in response, not facing him.

He laughed lightly (a nice sounding laugh, interesting enough) and chided, "Now, now, you shouldn't be so cold to your rescuer." I merely shot him a look. He seemed extremely happy. For what reason he could be happy I have no clue. What had gotten into him anyway? First he seems to hate me, then he says he wants to go out with me (what is that? Does he like me or something?) and then he starts acting all ignoring to me and then now... he's all friendly. What was it with his stupid mood swings? Is it guy PMS? Hmm... it's like he's interested in what I'm doing or something like that. Only, I couldn't quite place my finger on what it was... just like that scent earlier, I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was about him...

When I started to glance at him again, I nearly screamed and jumped back. There—see that? There's the cause of my increased heart attack rates. Eriol—Hiiragizawa was only a foot away from me, leaning his head quite close to mine, and his deep blue eyes—just searching into mine. It was... quite unnerving. Maybe he was a stalker... or something. Perhaps even trying to give me a heart attack. Who knows? With someone as lying, cheating, arrogant, personality-switching, blue-eyes-piercing, utterly confusing as him, he could be anything.

Just then he grabbed my hand gently and leaned a little closer, an unreadable expression in his eyes as he stared at me. I didn't have time (nor the ability) to tell him to leave me alone because he said in a deep tone, "I know you probably hate me and never want to have anything to do with me after high school. But..." he took a deep breath and shifted his eyes above my head. "...I don't feel comfortable having such a bad relationship with someone like you. Because you're a nice person, under all that dorkiness, and I can't stand to have somebody nice hate me." He looked back at me with those deep blue eyes and gave me a smile. It was one of those nice smiles again. And I was only confused by his words because they made me surprised, angry and a little happy at the same time. Not a very good combination let me tell you.

There had to be a reason he was saying all this. Only, I couldn't exactly tell...

"Tomoyo, will you be my friend?"

Ah.


A/N: Okay, eleventh chapter down. It was quite spur-of-the-moment stuff I put in here. But that's okay, because spur-of-the-moment can be good. Only, I hope it's really good... or good enough. Anyway, thank you so much for reading (and reviewing!) and I'll try to update as soon as possible (or ASAP as some LAZY people call it).