Hello!

So far so good, I think. And thank you for all the reviews.

Disclaimer: My possessions does not include CCS

Normal POV

"Kura-chan! Wake-up. Rise and shine! Tomoyo is already out with her friends, I think it's for a study group." Sonomi cried as she opened the curtains of Sakura's room.

"Mmmmm, Okaa-san. Five more minutes, please." mumbled Sakura as she dug her head further into the pillow.

"I was here half and hour ago, and you said the exact same thing! It's twelve already!"

"Argh! Fine, I'll rise but I won't shine!" Sakura joked as she sat up from her bed.

"You got work at 2pm, so you better leave at 1:15. And always remember first impressions always counts!" Sonomi said, as she grabbed the brush and began combing through Sakura's hair.

"So, that gives me one hour to get ready. Plenty of time." Sakura said as she was about to go back to bed.

"Oh, no you don't. I already started combing your hair, you don't want to mess it all up again."

"Oh, fine. But just because it's you, okaa san." Sakura laughed as she waited for Sonomi to untangle the rest of the mess.

…………………………………………………………..

"Oh, fudge cake!" Sakura cried as she grabbed her shoes and her toast to go. She only had half an hour to go.

"Wish me, luck. Okaasan!"

"Kura…stop!!" cried Sonomi as Sakura was about to make her exit.

"What's wrong, okaasan?"

"Err… Well, for a starter. You're about to eat your shoes and wear your toast on your feet?"

Sakura sweat-dropped. "Thanks Okaasan. Ittekimasu. (I'm off)"

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Sakura's POV

Fortunately Eriol was right. The work was simple, although it does get tiring. I started my shift at 2 pm, I actually made it on time with 5 minutes to spare.

During my shift there were times at which there was no customers which left me there to ponder.

At first it was about the supermarket's name, "Li Supermarket". It wasn't because I never heard of the franchise, quite the opposite; its quite popular amongst many communities. But as I thought of the name, it brought me back to when Tomoyo told me to stay away from Li Syaoran. Does he even go to Tomoeda High?

But in the end it was pointless. I don't even know the guy. So, I'm safe. My only worries are those at school, where people seem to dislike me. It never happened at my old school before. Does it really make a difference just becuase I'm dressed this way?

My second thought then was on Eriol. I really wanted to stay friends with him, he was different to the others. At least, I hope he was. He said he was going to pick me up after my shift, saying that I'll probably get lost on the way. But maybe he was only joking.

But I was looking forward to him picking me up. I'll just have to see.

Oh, another thing about this job. Time sure goes by really slow when there are no customers.

Like, I found myself standing there, day dreaming.

When suddenly, I felt a pair of hands on my shoulder.

……………………………………………

Syaoran's POV

"BOO!" it was 20 minutes to 6, before Sakura finished. And I just happened to find her daydreaming.

WHACK

Ouch…that hurt, not much though. She's only a girl.

"Oh my God. Eriol. I swear I didn't know it was you!" Sakura said panicking realizing WHO she had hit.

"Well, who did you think it was? You're in a supermarket!" I said still rubbing my cheek. I wasn't mad. It didn't hurt, it just felt better if I were to rubbed it. Honestly.

"Err…."

"Exactly!" Huh, I won. What did I win?

"I'm sorry, really. What are you doing, here? I don't think I'm even allowed to talk to you. You're not exactly buying anything." Sakura replied.

Okay, now stop whining and be a man. Not that she punched me all that hard anyway.

"Oh, don't worry. You won't get in trouble; I mean I did get you the job." Too much info, why? My family owns the place.

She even gave me that confused look.

"Oh, I work here from time to time. So, like I said, don't worry. Now go get your stuff."

"But I finish at 6 not 5:40. Just wait 20 more minutes." Sakura said, trying to reason with me.

"Here, I'll just cover for you, okay? Now go." It's actually been a while since I worked the register, but it shouldn't be too hard. Sakura was about to argue back, but not if I had something to do about it.

"Just go." I said, as she was about to open her mouth.

Surprisingly she smiled, "Okay."

She's way too easy going.

Maybe this would make the guilt go away?

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Sakura's POV

As I went to retrieve my stuff, my stomach started to grumble. I hadn't had food since 12 in the morning. I needed food. Eriol was covering for me for 20 minutes, so why not, treat myself to some chocolate? And Eriol, apparently he loves chocolate. Something about, because it's the colour of his hair.

Once I got to the desired aisle, I noticed there was a sale on potato chips and lollies. I had a craving on potato chips and lollies, and there was no sale on chocolates. Bad luck for Syaoran, I guess.

But that doesn't feel right, nor did it sound like me. I guess, Eriol gets his chocolate. Sighs. But I'm getting most of it, because I am paying for it. (hehehehehehehe)

As I headed for Eriol's checkout, I saw him serving the customers.

As I looked around, I saw Eriol, he then gave me the peace sign. "Those better be for me." he said. I could only shake my head. Baka (idiot)

I guess, we were still friends. I was glad.

…………………………………………………………………………

"Hello, mam. How are you today? You're looking quite lovely today." Eriol had addressed. Funny, enough he seemed serious. As he acquired his British English aceent.

"Quite well, thank you. Sir." I played along.

"Great choice, I'm rather quite fond of choclate."

"I know…" I laughed.

"It's the colour of your/my hair." We said at the same time. We both smiled at that.

"Well, it's exactly six. Time to go?" Eriol asked.

"Yup, as soon as your finished."

Right after we decided to go to a café. Eriol said he'll treat me, I declined but he insisted saying that he wanted to, seeing that today was my first day at work. But, I saw it in his eyes, guilt. What could he be guilty about?

So far he's the most honest pleasant person I've met. Considering the current context.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Normal POV (n.b Syaoran would be mentioned as Eriol)

Sakura agreed. Only because Eriol persisted and they had compromised to Eriol paying and Sakura choosing the café. She knew of a café nice and cosy but it was on the "poor" side of the town, she hoped Eriol didn't mind and he didn't.

It actually gave him more time to prepare.

"Sakura, I got your stuff that you left behind yesterday."

"Thanks, my usb is in there. I really needed it. Thank you. Can I get it off you when we arrive in the café?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

Silence then consumed them. Both didn't mind, both had problems going through their mind.

"Eriol" was wondering if befriending Sakura was the way to go but more importantly on how to tell her he wasn't Eriol, but the school prince, Li Syaoran.

While Sakura on the other hand, pondered in future reference would she become a burden to Eriol?

"Eriol, do you still believe I'm being bullied?" It came out of nowhere, for "Eriol".

"Yes." The answer was short but clear.

"I see." Sakura sighed.

The street they took was empty, or so it was until they turned a corner and a pair of children stopped Sakura.

"Excuse me, Onee-chan. (sister)" the elder child had said, nagging on Sakura's sleeve.

At the word, "onee-chan" Sakura's smile was one of a loving one. But this couldn't be seen, she was wearing a scarf. She never thought she'd be called that, especially with this appearance.

"What's wrong? Are you guys lost?" Sakura asked as she crouched down to look at the pair of children.

They appeared to be siblings, the older being the brother and the younger being a sister. Both were wearing clothes that belonged to the area. They were probably really cold.

"No. That's not it. We're not lost. It's just that…" The young boy replied, as tears started to fall. The younger sibling following, as if on cue.

But not after many seconds, a warm hand cupped the child's cheek as she wiped away the tears. Then the younger sibling.

"If you want, you don't have to tell me you're problem. Just tell me, how I can help." Sakura asked, not wanting to come out too strong.

The child shook his head. "My mother is ill, deeply ill. We don't have money to pay for her bills. My sister and I haven't had food for two whole days straight…." At this point both children were crying into the tissue given to them before hand.

At this, Sakura stood up, lifting her hand off the boy's head, no longer comforting him. The boy was alarmed.

"And in which direction does your mother live?" Eriol questioned, witnessing the whole event.

At this both children, pointed at a direction. Only problem being they were pointing at opposite ends.

"Uh..Huh! I knew you guys were lying!" Eriol smirked.

The boy then stop all track of his tears, he knew his plans were foiled. And he was going to be mocked. It wasn't the first time.

"Here. It isn't much. But hopefully, it would help."

Warm hands once again engulfed the young boy's hands, Sakura's hands.

"You're such a brave boy, especially at such an age." Sakura said as she looked into the young boy's eyes.

The young boy couldn't see Sakura's eye but it wasn't necessary. This wasn't sympathy but kindness.

"Thank-you." The boy then took the money, gave a nod and quickly ran-away with his sister.

"No problems. Just take care of yourself and your sister." Sakura had to cry out as the boy left quite in a rush.

"Damn rat. If he didn't run away all of a sudden I would had got him. Why did you give him money? He was lying!" Eriol asked, witnessing the ending.

"I know. I was just grateful that the story he made up wasn't true." Sakura smiled staring into the distance where the siblings left.

"I guess, you're right." Eriol said, staring at Sakura's peaceful image.

He now knew his answer. He was going to tell her.

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sakura's POV

Took us about half an hour to get to the café when it was suppose to take us 15 minutes max. But I was happy; I got to help out the siblings. I just hope the best would come to them soon.

"Can I take your orders?" the waitress asked. The waitress was about our age I think, well she looked really young. And she happened to only give Eriol eye contact.

"Sakura, what do you want? It is my treat, order whatever you want." Eriol said.

"Hm, I'm still looking." I nodded as I replied, looking at Eriol still reading his menu. The waitress then had a small frown on her face compared to her look before.

"I'll just take a hot chocolate, with marshmallows on the side." Eriol said handing the menu back to the waitress. Eriol smiled, which then resulted in the waitress smiling.

That was the affect Eriol had on girls, he really was a charmer. He could easily turn a girl's frown upside down.

I even found myself smiling.

"I'll have the same thing."

"That's it? You don't have to help me save." Eriol then gave me the bizarre look.

"But how can I eat if you don't eat?" I replied.

"I'll have two slices of double-choc mud cake please." Eriol told the waitress.

Eriol sighed at me, as I handed the waitress the menu. She snatched it out of hands.

Personally, that's a bit harsh, but it was understandable.

It was understandable, someone like me was not suppose to be seen with someone like Eriol. It was expected.

She then turned to head to the counter.

"Oh, and miss!" I beckoned her.

I saw her shoulders sag, as she turned around her eye-balls came back down. Giving the notion that she was rolling her eyes beforehand. She then gave me the "be quick" aura.

"Yes, mam." She managed to say. She makes me sound old.

"We're not together." I think she understood what I meant, unlike someone else. It was a girl's thing.

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Syaoran's POV

"I thought we settled this before. I'm paying. Plus do you even have any money on you? After you gave that kid all the money in your wallet?" I said, as the waitress went back to the counter, with quite the astonished look.

She's been giving me the eye, ever since I steeped foot into the store. Personally, if Sakura wasn't her, I probably would have got a free chocolate off her. I'm not cheap, I just like freebies.

She then laughed.

"I said that, because she was glaring at me the whole time. She probably thought we were together." At this we both laughed. Why? Because it was impossible.

"Impossible, right?" Sakura had continued to laughing.

Most girls, wouldn't talk to me this way. Maybe except for Meiling but that's because she's my cousin. Because all girls I've met so far, are after something.

"No offence, but definitely. I mean, we can be good friends. But we're not going to go "there"" Our laughs lessen as time passed.

"You consider me, as a friend?" Sakura voiced out.

I've heard that line so many times. Not the exact one, I've heard this line many times, "You consider me, only as a friend." A word really does make a difference.

The waitress then happened to interrupt our conversation as she sat our orders in front of us.

I waited for her to leave to answer Sakura's question. The way the conversation was going, it didn't sound that hard to tell her the truth. Sakura seemed to be the type who's really understanding and forgiving.

But she bet me to it.

"Wow! This really is a lot of chocolate."

I stared at her. She really does suck at "lying". I can tell she thought that she had put me into an uncomfortable situation. And she didn't want the awkwardness.

"You really do suck at changing the topics. I was going to answer, your question as soon as she left, you know."

She then blushed, picked up her fork and started to poke her slice of cake.

"I wasn't trying to change the topic! This is a lot of chocolate." She defended herself.

"Stop looking at me, that way!"

I laughed, "And what way, am I looking at you?" I raised my eye-brows suggestively.

She changed her fork to her spoon and started to stir her hot chocolate.

She was really fidgeting.

"I wasn't implying that! So, it wasn't that look!" She said, fidgety. She was looking at her hot chocolate then at me, as if nodding.

It really was hilarious. She really is getting nervous; I think she's trying to distract herself.

"But how do you know, I'm not implying what I'm implying now." I continued to raise my eye-brows suggestively.

At this her face turned red, with her scarf on and her glasses fogged up; she really looked funny. So, what was a guy in my situation to do? Laugh out loud.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Normal POV

Realization seemed to, had finally sift thought Sakura's mind. Eriol was only playing with her. In the inside she was cursing herself, for being so stupid.

Click

She had a reputation to save, uphold.

"HUH!" She proudly stood up, with her hands folded. She then pointed her second finger at the still-laughing Eriol.

Eriol looked up, and found himself laughing more with Sakura's face still so red, with her scarf on and her glasses fogged up and her standing up, looking like a fool.

Sakura squinted her eyes at him, and even pouted. Seeing that he didn't stop laughing. But Eriol couldn't see her expression, not with what she got on. Well, except for the fact she was red in the face.

Sakura then coughed, giving her idea another attempt. She had a reputation to uphold.

"Like I was saying. HUH!" She said, with more confidence.

Eriol continued with his laughing state but the volume had lessened.

"I got you! I changed the topic! Didn't I? And you said, I sucked at changing the topic." Sakura even gave a smirk of her own. She even had her hand at her hip, giving off the proud stature.

Eriol stopped laughing.

Silience filled the atmosphere but not for long.

"AS IF! Nice try, Kinomoto!" Eriol said, as he went for a slice of cake.

Eriol then went on thinking, she couldn't had been testing me. I did not fall for it!

Sakura then dropped her should and sat down.

"It was a good try, wasn't it?" she giggled as she went for her slice. Grinning away. Eriol, himself couldn't help grinning along. The chocolate cake then, tasted better than ever before.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

"So, like I said. Until "somebody" was "trying" to change the topic, I do consider you as a friend." Eriol said, as he finished his slice of cake.

"Me, too." Sakura said, gobbling the bit of her cake.

"Well, now that we're officially friends, Sakura. There's something I have to tell you."

"Hm?" Sakura said, looking up from her cup of hot chocolate.

"What's wrong?" she continued, seeing that Eriol was having problems bringing up the topic.

"Well, it's more like I forgot to tell you something or I sorta lied to you." Eriol continued.

"Spill. It couldn't be that bad." Sakura assured, sipping at her hot chocolate.

"Well, let me ask you. You know the play Romeo and Juliet, right?"

"Duh, everyone knows of that play." Sakura joked, trying to spoon out the leftover chocolate from her hot chocolate.

Eriol noticed Sakura wasn't taking the ordeal all too serious, so he thought he might as well just shoot.

"You know the line; a rose by any name will smell just as sweet?" Eriol continued.

By this time, Sakura had given up and given her full attention to Eriol.

"Oh, that was Juliet's line. When she was on the balcony right?" Sakura questioned.

"Yeah. That's the line."

"I like that line. But my favorite was violent delights have violent endings, something like that." Sakura laughed, believing she probably got the line wrong.

"Errrr….That's not the point. Point being, what do you think of that line?" Eriol persisted.

"I guess, I agree." Sakura agreed, without putting much thought into it.

"Oh, good. Because I'll tell you a secret." Eriol said, in such a relief tone when compared to his previous lines.

At this, Sakura's ears twitched. She was a female.

So, she leaned forward, whilst nodding her head eagerly.

"Well, first. I sorta do regret doing what I did. But by telling you now probably makes no difference." Eriol started.

"Just tell me!" Sakura urged. If only she knew what she was saying.

"Okay, hold your horses." Eriol then took a breath holding up the suspense.

"I'm actually Li Syaoran. And Eriol is actually my best friend/cousin."

………………………………………………….

Syaoran's POV

As I looked up, I actually saw her face turn pale. She then gasped.

"You're joking?" She had stuttered.

I must really have a great affect on girls, I mean even on Sakura.

Boy was I wrong.

"Nope, I'm Li Syaoran. In flesh." Bad move.

I then found myself dripping wet. Sakura had splashed her glass of water onto me.

"What the hell? What's wrong with you?" I was pissed. No one had ever thrown water at me.

I did nothing wrong!

"You liar!" she spat at me. As she packed her stuff into her bag.

"What the hell? You agreed, a rose by any name would smell just as sweet! So what, if I didn't tell you my real name? Would it really make a difference? I just wanted to make sure, you weren't like the other girls!" I reasoned.

Why was I even explaining myself? She poured water over me! I'm not saying that I have the right to pour water over her but was her actions truly justified?

"Eriol, urgh! Li san. Please, move." She asked seeing that I was in her way of escaping.

"Call me, Syaoran. We're friends remember? And I'm not moving until you apologize for dumping water onto me!"

"Syaoran? How do I know that's even your real name?!" she said as she tried to shove me aside. Too bad, I'm like twice her size. No, I'm not fat. I was exaggerating.

"You want to see my student ID card?"

"No! That's not even the point. Well, it is. But the main point is, you lied!"

"I know. That's why I'm confessing know. What's wrong with you? You're being so hypocritical. You said, a rose by any name would smell just as sweet!" I shouted, I didn't mean to. But she was being so unreasonable. Maybe all this time she was acting. What happened to her being forgiving? Easy going? Understanding?

"Maybe!" she shouted back with the same tone as mine.

"But you're no rose! You're a thorn bush, calling itself a rose! There's a difference."

And with that she got away.

...

Review?? I have a feeling there are many mistakes in this and I didnt really get to express my ideas. What do you guys think?