Sakura walked into the kitchen the phone plastered to her ear as she half listened to Tomoyo who was talking away about one thing or another. First it was Eriol, then her wedding, then what she was going to wear, then there was some discussion and teasing about her mystery man and that brought them back to Eriol.
Sakura reached into the fridge and took out the carton of orange juice, taking a swig of it directly from the carton before placing it back in the fridge and screwing the cap back on.
"Sakura are you even listening to me?"
"Yes Tomoyo I'm listening. You were just telling me about how Eriol called you the other day."
"Just checking."
"So, wha'd he call you about? Oh let me guess, he just called to say 'I love you' or to say 'hey Tomoyo'-or he probably calls you Tomo-chan or something cute like that doesn't he-' hey Tomo-chan have you seen my tongue, I seemed to have lost it. Can you check in your mouth for me?'"
"Sakura! That was horrible!"
"Hahaha you know I'm just kidding Tomoyo. But I bet he does call you Tomo-chan or something."
"Shut up Sakura…And for your information we were talking about Syaoran."
Sakuras eyebrows shot up in surprise as she heard Tomoyo's satisfied humph on the other end. "That caught your attention pretty fast."
"Shut up Tomoyo. Why were you walking about Syaoran?"
"Well no reason really. Eriol just called to tell me he was leaving in two weeks and that we should all do something before he leaves. Apparently he's pretty busy this week at the café so maybe next week. So don't make any big plans-other then your wedding of course, which you still have to let me help plan- for the week after next."
"Yeah…ok, I'll do my best. But if I get called in for work its really not my fault. The kids have a rank test next week so we'll see. Ms. Kisana is also helping me train a bit for an audition next month."
"Alright. Anyways, I have to go, mom needs me in the boutique so I'll call you up during the afternoon slum."
"Bye Tomoyo. I might stop by later, maybe for lunch."
"Ok, I'll see you then."
Sakura hung up the phone and placed it back on the charger and sighed. "He's leaving so soon, and he didn't even tell me. Psh whatever, he can leave any time he wants; at least I still have Shakespeare and Dickens to keep me company." Sakura just sat down in her chair when the phone rang again. Sakura growled and stood up and grabbed the phone harshly off charger and muttered an irritated "Hello" into it.
"Sakura? This is Master Kwan, my wife just called and I need you to take the next class at the dojo. Is that ok? I know you don't usually work today but-"
"Don't worry about it master Kwan, I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Thank you so much."
There was a click and Sakura hung-up, she knew if she wanted to be there in ten minutes she would have to leave now and take the bike, since Touya was back he was using the car. Some b.s. Excuse about him being older and having first dibs on the car when she had it. She grabbed her tie kwon do bag and headed out the door.
Syaoran stood leaning over yet another dirty table, wiping off small puddles of coffee into the rag while sending bits of crumbs off another table onto the floor. Brian could get that when he came over with the broom at closing.
Closing. That was still eight hours away. He sighed heavily and straightened his back making it crack a few times as he did so. "This is going to be a long day." He shook his head wearily and picked up his tub of dirty dishes and dropped them off in the kitchen for Kira to wash. He sat down on the counter next to the girl who took the tub from him and placed it in the sink. "How long you here today Syaoran? Kaho said you're working longer hours now. Do ya really need the money that much?"
"No, not really, just need something to do, somewhere to go."
"It is summer vacation you know, you could go to the park, go to a movie, or the beach or the mall or something. Personally I would rather be anywhere but here today."
Syaoran smirked. "That's because you're dish girl."
"Hey, being table boy isn't that much better."
"Yeah but at least I change shifts every 4 hours. I only have to do tables for two more hours before I'm behind the counter for the rest of the day."
"You suck. Just encourage the customers to take a take out cup so it gives me less to do."
Syaoran let out a quick laugh taking an empty tub heading towards the door. "Will do"
"Oh Syaoran, if you're not busy after work Brain and some of the guys have this make shift band thing they do afterwards to just kinda relax. Nothing serious. But if you wanna come you're welcome to join us."
"Sure, I'll go with you guys. Have fun with those dishes Kira."
Her only retort was her tongue sticking out of her mouth with a playful scowl following his retreating back.
Syaoran stepped up to another empty table picking up the half finished coffee cup and placed it into his tub, almost dropping it entirely as a familiar blur sped past the window on a bicycle. He shook his head forcefully telling him self he was imagining it. "Jeez, just keep your mind in the here and now and you'll be fine Syaoran."
"Who you talking to Syaoran?"
Syaoran turned around to see Brain standing there with a broom in hand.
"Hey I heard you were coming with us after work to jam a bit."
"Yeah, do you mind?"
"No I just came to ask if you played any instruments."
"Guitar, a bit, a long time ago back in the beginning of high school."
"You should be fine, give it a little bit and you'll be back at it. Like riding a bike."
"I can't ride a bike." Brian looked at Syaoran's serious solemn face surprised before the other started laughing. "I'm just kidding, you should've seen your face just then! Actually, you should just look at your face, maybe there's something you can do about it."
Brian smiled and punched Syaoran lightly in the arm. "Shut up man. You really shouldn't be aloud to do that. Use that voice and that face you could have told me you were a chick and I would have believed you."
This made both guys laugh before both went back to their respective jobs in the small café.
Maybe today wouldn't be as long as he'd thought. And even though a small corner of his mind dreaded the thought of her coming in some time that afternoon, the larger part of his brain still wanted her to come in even if his heart dreaded it.
"Come on Shinta, you can kick harder then that. Aim for the center, concentrate and you'll get it."
"But Miss. Sakura, its too high!" the younger boy protested, a look of concentration and frustration on his face.
Sakura smiled, lowering the punching pad on her arm a fraction lower. Shinta hit it this time a little stronger and she smiled ruffling his hair and moving on to the next student who did the same.
"Ok guys, since we have some time left I want you all to get into pairs. One of you will strap pads to their arms and the other will practice the punches and kicks we went over today. You'll most likely be expected to perform them in part of your rank test. If you guys get through it I'll let you guys fool around on the mats till your parents come."
There was a cheer from the kids as Sakura watched them form pairs and start their drills. They really weren't so bad for eight and nine year olds. She was pulled out of her thoughts as she felt a small tug on her shirt and looked down to see one of the younger students, Kana, looking up at her with watery eyes.
"Whats wrong Kana?"
"There's no one to be my partner."
"That's right, Jintas not here today."
The girl nodded sadly, "He's sick. None of the other kids wanna be my partner 'cause I'm weak."
"Then I'll be your partner Kana-chan. We'll show them who's weak."
Kana smiled brightly and nodded and they began practicing, Sakura giving a few pointers here and there to guide the girl. She really wasn't bad at fighting, she just lacked the confidence, and she didn't want to hurt anyone. If she would get over that fear of hurting others and getting hurt then she could be the best in their class.
Sakura looked up from the girl in front of her to the small fight that was breaking out in the far corner. Boys, they just had to show who was stronger.
"HEY! Haru! Seikai! Break it up!" In three long strides she was towering over the two boys pulling them apart angrily. "Hey! Come on now! There will be plenty of time to compare your level at the rank match. Now both of you, how many times do I have to tell you guys that fighting is only supposed to be used in self-defence. Not to harm other people, as specially your friends."
"He's not my friend!"
"Yeah! Seikai is always starting fights with everyone, that's why he has no friends!"
"I do so have friends!"
"Oh yeah, then who!"
"…"
"Stop it! Both of you! Haru, go change and sit in the opposite corner till your mom comes. Seikai I want to talk to you. The rest of you can got play on the mats now."
Sakura turned her attention towards Seikai once she had seen Haru stalk off to change in one of the stalls. "Seikai? Is it true, did you start the fight?"
"Haru was making fun of me. He said that even Kana could punch harder then me and that I had no friends."
"You and I both know that isn't true. You're a very strong student and I'm sure you have plenty of friends."
"But I don't."
"I'm sure you do they just don't go here."
"Well…one but he's mad at me. He said he didn't want to be my friend anymore."
"Come on Seikai kids say that all the time. Oh and Kana isn't weak. Kana! Come here a second."
"Yes miss Sakura?"
"Come on, I want you to practice a bit with Seikai while I check on the others. Show him what you're made of."
The girl smiled weakly managing a mumbled "Ok" as she took the training pads from Sakura and turned to practice with Seikai.
Just then Haru's mom walked in. This was not going to be fun; it's not like every parent to want to hear his or her son is causing trouble. After reprimanding two kids for being to wild she turned to talk with Harus mom. This was going to be fun. She was already drained; she really didn't need an angry parent right now. What she really needed right now was a good book and a cup of coffee.
"One caramel latte to go please."
"Coming right up. That'll be 2.95"
The young lady watched as the man took her order and with practiced ease made her latte, even putting a little whipped cream on top before handing it to her."
"Thank you, have a nice day."
Syaoran looked up at the clock. Twenty minutes till he was off and she still hadn't come in yet. 'I don't know why I'd expect her to come in anyway. She's probably busy with wedding plans and work…I shouldn't want to see her.'
"Hey Syaoran, earth to Syaoran."
"What? Oh! Sorry can I help yo- Sakura? Hey sorry I spaced out there for a second. Wow, haven't seen you in a while how's it going?"
"It's going pretty good, dead tired though. I just got off work and I need a little pick-me-up to get me all the way home."
"That's what we're here for. What can I get you?"
"Espresso. Black. To go."
"1.95"
Syaoran made her coffee carefully moving around Sato as he came out of the back with a mop before handing Sakura her coffee. It took Sakura to move to take the beverage from him. 'He moves so gracefully. Even just moving around Sato-san like that. He moves…like water.' She shook her head laughing to herself, taking the coffee.
"Thanks Syaoran."
She was about to walk out the door when Syaoran called back to her.
"Next Friday, Its open mic. Me and some of the guys are doing something for it, you know, just for fun. If you, Tomoyo and Eriol want to come for that then ditch and hang out after…"
"Yeah, sounds like fun. I'd be something fun to do before you leave. Later"
Syaoran stood shocked, how did she know he was leaving. He didn't tell her.
A nudge in the back told him he had spaced out again and that he should start cleaning up to close shop. He sighed, taking off his apron placing it on its proper hook in the back.
"Hey Syaoran you coming or what?"
"Yeah I'm coming." 'And I know just the song I'd like to practice for next Friday.'
Sakura silently cursed to herself as she rode towards home when she remembered she was supposed to go to Ms. Kisana's studio. She arrived just as the older woman was about to lock up, thinking Sakura wasn't coming.
"Sakura-san I'm glad you made it. Here are the keys I trust you to lock up. You know where to leave the keys don't you."
"Yup, thank you so much for letting me use your studio"
"No problem. Have fun dear. Work hard, and work on your technique, you're getting rusty."
"Yes ma'am."
Sakura nodded smiling and entered into the large dance studio placing her gym bag off to the side before stepping into the center of the room taking deep calming breaths in front of the mirror before doing her routine stretches.
She wasn't sure who or when the music came on but as soon as it did she could feel her body begin to sway to the music and her body began moving on its own. She could hardly hear the music going in the background as she moved gracefully through the room in a freestyle, moving to how the music made her feel conveying the pure emotion in the song.
The song ended and it then occurred to her to look up to see who had turned on the music and smiled seeing Tomoyo standing in the doorway.
"I thought I might find you here. Although the coffee shop was my first guess but Syaoran said you left already. He also said we were going to the open mic next Friday."
"Yeah sorry I didn't ask you if you wanted to or not, hope you didn't make some big plan or something, it was kind of impulsive."
"No problem Sakura. Now, show me this dance you've been working on."
"Sure. Can you skip the CD that's in there to song 13?"
Tomoyo did so and Sakura once again found herself taking deep breaths.
Welcome to the planet
Welcome to existence
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everybody's watching you now
Everybody waits for you now
What happens next
What happens next
Her arms rose to the air as the song started, before spreading out. She leapt into the air spinning landing perfectly. Her movements were pure liquid.
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before
The chorus started and she went into a series of complicated turns, sinking to the floor the emotions flowing across her face as she felt a deeper meaning flow threw the words into her
Welcome to the fallout
Welcome to resistance
The tension is here
Tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be
Tomoyo watched as her friend leapt and twirled, expressing the emotions of the song threw her face and gestures with her arms.
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before
Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here
She could feel herself get lost in the spin. She could turn forever, never getting sick of seeing the world spinning unrecognizably in front of her and for the briefest second as her eyes shut and she leaned back into the spin she saw them, the briefest flash of hot amber. She held onto the image as she leapt out of the spin to the floor expressing everything inside her. Dancing as if he was there and he could hear her saying,
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened before.
Tomoyo watched mouth a gape as she saw Sakura intertwine both arms reaching up with an expression that could only be described as longing.
It was silent for the longest time. The CD had moved on to the next song and Sakura was moving to pack up her bag changing back into her street shoes waiting patiently for Tomoyo to break out of her shock.
"Wow. That was amazing. Sakura, I think that's the best dance you've come up with thus far. Not everyone can pull off a lyrical like that. Do that for any audition and I'm sure you'd get in anywhere."
"Thanks Tomoyo, but there are still some technical things I have to work on. I'm getting rusty on my technique. But I'll get there." Sakura smiled leading Tomoyo out of the studio and locking it behind her, placing the key under the porcelain gnome on the front lawn of the studio and got up onto her bike waving a short goodbye to Tomoyo as she rode off.
Tomoyo watched as Sakura rode down the street towards home.
"It'll work out Sakura, I promise, I know you'll get there some day. I know it."
haha a special thanks to Amie who actually held me to updating sooner. Lol even though it still took me like a month haha but I appreciate the push Amie
Alright! Look the plot is moving! Things are happening! And it didn't take me a month to update again. Lol ok so maybe it was close to a month but hey, I'm a busy girl and this is like…10 pages…or something like that (even though its like 3411 words…me and my dialogue XP)
I heard that song "Dare you to move" by Switchfoot (which I do not own) on the radio a few days ago and I was like 'man… I wanna put that in my fanfiction somewhere' and I figured, Sakura is a dancer so lets make her dance. I hope you could sorta visualize it or kinda make something up in your head; I know it looks really good in my head. Lol
Next chapter is probably going to be the pinnacle of fluffyness that this fic is gonna get. So prepare yourself for some sweet S+S action in the next chapter. I've already written it. (it was like the 3rd chapter I wrote. Lol I just had to find a good place to stick it in)
So the more reviews I get the sooner you get to the major part you've all been waiting for…Well maybe not all of you but most likely a good portion of you. So later all! And remember
More Reviews means sooner chapter. And now I can actually say that because I've already written the next chapter XD!