A Winter's Tale
A fiction by moondocc
The Re-written version of A Winter's Tale

Dedicated to Sakurajen for reviewing my stories through thick&thin!

CHAPTER FOUR

"Li!" An auburn-haired woman screamed. "Stop it!"

The man named Li snuck out from behind a public restroom box, emerging with a playful smirk on his face. "Sorry, Kinomoto. I just couldn't resist."

Sakura glared at the famous actor. Seriously, how old is he, really? Why is he acting like a three-year-old? No, no, why is he acting like a two-year-old? She looked at her new dress. It's now ruined, thanks to the brilliant artistic mind of a certain actor. Syaoran had somehow convinced her to sit in a wet-paint bench in the park that they were shooting in, and now her lavender dress had green strips running across it. She groaned. Why is she stuck with such an immature actor…for possibly the rest of her life? Japan's hottest couple or not, she can't bear it anymore! He's so annoying and frustrating!

"Your dress looked so inviting," he commented. "It was so funny! You didn't even realize the wet-paint sign right under your nose!"

"You said that if I sat there, squirrels would come to me!" Sakura argued.

Syaoran blinked. Then he burst out laughing. "You actually believed me?"

Sakura raised her eyebrow. "Was it a lie?"

Syaoran stared at her. Honestly, how dumb can one be? How can one not differentiate between the truth and reality? He wanted to at least try to respect her naïve character by trying very hard not to laugh, but the tip of his mouth suggested otherwise. Sakura grunted. "I should have known…"

"Of course you should have. Who are you to be calling me a two-year-old?" he asked defensively, his vow falling apart. How could one resist laughing at a fool? Sakura shook her head and walked away from the set. "And for the record," Syaoran yelled after her, "I do not look like a potato!"

Sakura continued walking, this time she trying to contain her laughter. Seriously now, is he retarded or is he retarded? "What an idiot…" she muttered, and joined Tomoyo, who was filming the set in awe.

"How beautiful!" she exclaimed when Sakura walked over. Sakura nodded, observing her friend. "How's living alone?" she asked carefully. Tomoyo hated to live alone, but she had no choice since Sakura was forced to move in with Syaoran.

"It's fine. Although I do wish you could come and visit me more." Tomoyo said sadly. Sakura looked down. "I'm sorry, Tomoyo, I'm so fed up with Syaoran that I don't know what's right and wrong anymore."

"That's ok, Sakura," Tomoyo smiled kindly, "I'm always here to forgive you when no one else is there to forgive you." Sakura stuck out her tongue. Being around Tomoyo was so wonderful, so unlike being around with Li. Being around with Li is like stuck alone with a Portuguese man-of-war, always trying to sting each other.

"How's my brother?" Sakura asked. She hasn't seen Touya since she was filming scene 12. "Oh, he's alright. I went to visit him and Eriol. They're getting along just fine. I mean, the two of them are best friends, along with baka."

"I don't see how that's possible. Eriol's so much more mature than the both of them." Sakura said absentmindedly, her eyes trailing around for Jimmy. "What's your excuse for visiting Touya this time, Tomoyo?"

Tomoyo laughed. "We're friends, you know!" she said accusingly. Sakura rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure, friends." She flicked her fingers up and down. "Friends...that's exactly what you are."

Tomoyo chuckled. "Alright, fine. I went to give him a videotape that I shot while in Europe last month." Sakura's eyes focused, "Oooh?" she made a sound much used to describe monkeys.

"Yes, he asked for it, actually."

"Oooooooohhhhh?" This time it was like a chimpanzee.

"It was a footage of the places I've traveled—France, Italy, England, and Germany. It's five hours and twenty-five minutes long." Tomoyo explained.

"OoOooOOooO OoOOOoooOOo OoooOOOOO OOOooooooOOOooooo!" a bunch of gorillas.

"I don't know if Touya's going to watch all of it, but I explained everything as I went along. I added music too!" Tomoyo said cheerfully, brushing her bangs out of her sight. Her long lavender hair flew down her waist, and she was wearing a plum-colored summer dress that accentuated the amethyst in her eyes. This was all observed by a tall man who was walking into the park. She looks so soft…the man thought, blushed, and then cleared his throat.

"I'm sure he will watch it. I mean, you guys are friends after all," Sakura elbowed Tomoyo, hinting something suggestive. "Oh ho ho ho ho ho, I sure hope so!" Tomoyo laughed. Sakura then stuck her fingers on Tomoyo's waist and tickled her. The two women laughed happily, capturing the essence of innocence. The tall man walked slower now, carefully watching Sakura and Tomoyo. His steps are growing smaller and smaller until he caught sight of an amber-eyed actor.

"Syaoran!" He called out, extending his arms and waving them in air. Syaoran was just talking to Jimmy about their next scene before he turned around. His face lit up immediately. "Touya! Man, it took you a long time to walk from your apartment!"

Touya cleared his throat. "Yeah, I know. Eriol's still at home sleeping." Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "Eriol? Sleeping? Eriol and sleeping does not go in one sentence."

"Well, he's pretty worn out from the movie." Touya shrugged. "How's living with my sister?" he sneered sophisticatedly, hinting something in particular. Syaoran caught his hint and almost tumbled over. "It's horrible. She annoys me so much. I hate her."

Touya shrunk back. "Excuse me?"

"I admire her so much, I hail her." Syaoran corrected, clearing his throat. "Hail to the chief! Hail to the chief!" he chuckled nervously. Touya pretended he didn't hear Syaoran's previous, previous comment, and nodded. "Yes, I take it that you're going to watch over her now."

Syaoran looked away. He didn't exactly want to answer Touya. After all, the evil plan is going on right about now. I hope Aki does it good, and I mean good"How's Tomoyo?" he asked, changing the subject.

Touya looked surprised. "What do you mean?"

"Don't pretend you don't know." Syaoran winked suggestively. Touya faltered, unsure of what to say. "W-what?"

"I heard about the videotape. How is it? How is it?" Syaoran asked innocently, batting his eyelashes. Anything to get Touya off the subject of his sister. Even if it means…certain sacrifices.

"It was pretty good, I guess," Touya sighed, relieved. He thought Syaoran was talking about something…else. "I liked Italy, especially the fountain of Trevi. Tomoyo explained to me that that was her favorite spot, and she threw a coin in there and wished for something."

"Oh?" Syaoran asked, interested. "What did she wish for?"

Touya shook his head. "I don't know. She wouldn't tell me. But she said she wished for someone…" he trailed off, thoughtful.

"Like, as a present? How can you buy someone? THIS ISN'T THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY."

Touya looked at Syaoran in a strange way. "Who are you?"

Syaoran looked back defiantly. "Don't patronize me, Kinomoto." Touya laughed. "I'm not, gaki."

To this Syaoran threw Touya a punch in the stomach. "Owww…" he whined, "that hurt," a smirk crept on his face, "…gaki!" Syaoran grunted, his hands forming fists. "I warn you, Kinomoto… I warn you now…" his voice was getting dangerous. He was almost as tall as Touya, which still proved a threat. "Hai, Li Syaoran. I'm going now," Touya backed away, his hands rising in front of him in case Syaoran decides to attack.

"That's it, Kinomoto, walk away." Syaoran said proudly, his voice pervading tones of success. Touya shook his head. "I only backed away in order to have you look nice during your shot," he muttered softly so that Syaoran wouldn't hear, "I wouldn't want you to film with a black eye…gaki."

Rosaline sauntered into the bookstore carrying a Coach purse on her arm. She wore a lavender sweater and a denim jacket, completely aware that her long, auburn hair fell smoothly down her shoulders as waves of cascading strands stretched elegantly past her chest. A confident smile carried her stature as she waved hello to the cashier.

"Good morning, Miss Ohiro! How are you today?" The cashier, a twenty-something blond, bid her. She knew that he had always had a crush on her. She knew, and she was proud of it. Not only was she the desire of many young suitors, she was a woman's woman. She carried herself like a princess, and spoke like a queen. That was Rosaline Ohiro. So different from the childhood Rosie Ohiro that a certain chestnut-haired man had come to love.

Rosaline walked into the Literature section and browsed the shelves for a certain book, which was assigned for her literature class, The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway. She was required to read the entire book in English, and her English skills weren't polished enough yet. She planned to buy an abridged version.

Her slim fingers traced the books in the top shelf. Ta-da! She saw the perfect book she wanted to buy. It had a navy blue cover with gold letters. "Shit," Rosaline cursed, "I can't reach…" she whispered to herself. Just when she turned around sulkily to get Yuu, the cashier, a strong pair of hands pulled the navy-covered book and shoved it in front of her.

Rosaline froze, surprised as a book magically sat still in front of her face. She slowly reached out her hand and grabbed it. She moved the book out of the way to see a handsome stranger towering her tiny figure.

"Did it hurt?" the stranger spoke. He was extremely handsome that it sent shivers down Rosaline's spine. The stranger had orange hair and sharp emerald eyes, just like hers, except his was the color of Roaring Ocean; hers, a trickling stream.

"D-Did what hurt?" Rosaline asked, confused. Still she smiled at him. She felt so comfortable in his presence, so…warm. Sakura felt what Rosaline felt too. She gazed intently at the man in front of her, Mashimato Daisuke. The actor was extremely…hot.

"Did it hurt?" he continued, reaching out his hand to touch her head, "I always wondered if it hurt when you fell from heaven." He beamed.

Rosaline chuckled. "Does that pickup line ever work with anyone?"

The stranger smiled. "Nah, but I've always wanted to try it on a beautiful girl. I wouldn't waste it on anyone else other than you."

Rosaline didn't know what to say. She was lost in happiness by his comment. "I'm Hayama Akito. I'm half Japanese, half English." He extended his hand.

"I'm Rosie-I mean, Rosaline," Rosaline spoke shyly, reaching out her hand to shake his. She no longer referred to herself as Rosie anymore. Ever since Noah left, that chapter of her life was closed.

Liar.

Liar Liar. Pants on fire.

She winced, cursing herself for thinking of him. "Are you alright?" asked Akito.

"Yes, quite, thank you," Rosaline replied. "I was just going to get this book because my professor had assigned us to read this entire thing in a week. In English too!"

"Oh? Do you go to Tokyo University?"

Rosaline widened her eyes. "Hoe? How do you know?" Shit…I said 'hoe', Sakura thought. She just couldn't help herself. I hope Jimmy doesn't cut this scene…I'm going to forget the lines again if he does.

"I think I had this assignment three years ago," Akito said simply, "Professor Oniga right?"

"Hai." Rosaline said quietly. Akito began walking Rosaline out of literature section. "I'm a senior at Tokyo University. I major in business. You?"

"Aii…" Rosaline smiled weakly, feeling that her major was so insignificant compared to Akito's. "I major in…creative writing."

Akito laughed. "Creative writing! A girl like you should major in religion."

Rosaline narrowed her eyes. "What? Why religion?"

"Then you can learn your origin. You know. Where angels came from." Akito smiled, showing Rosaline a row of glittery white teeth.

"You flatter me, Akito." Rosaline replied. Somehow Sakura felt flattered too.

"CUT!" Jimmy yelled from his director's seat as the camera stopped rolling. The whole crew had walked from Princess Park to the bookstore across from it, Princess Books. Jimmy was superstitious, and he felt it crucial that something so royal would encourage the movie. Besides, Princess Books was pretty grand itself, being funded by the royal family in Japan.

"Great job, you guys!" Jimmy congratulated Daisuke and Sakura, shaking both of their hands. "You know, next month we'll have to go to China to shoot. I'm thinking Harbin to shoot the snow and I want there to be an open-door ice skating thing." Jimmy thought to himself.

Sakura nodded nervously. She felt too overwhelmed to breathe in Daisuke's presence. She was supposed to have a crush on Jimmy! Who was…seven years senior…while Daisuke was Syaoran's age… her mind is bursting in flames.

"Good job, Mashimato," Sakura smiled, extending her hand to touch Daisuke's. Daisuke shook hers quickly. His grip was strong and steady, she noted. "Daisuke," he told her. "Don't call me Mashimato. Daisuke." He winked. Sakura chuckled. "Okay, Daisuke."

"And seriously, Miss Sakura. Did it hurt?"

Sakura got out of Syaoran's car, her heart a happy thing. Daisuke's comment had thrown her completely off the cliff as she felt herself falling for his charms. "No." Sakura mumbled stupidly, her robotic mind telling her to stay focused. Sudden she felt herself being yanked back while a series of honks deafened her ears. She abruptly turned around.

Syaoran's eyes gazed attentively at hers. "Kinomoto, what were you thinking, walking on the street without looking at both your sides! You could have been killed just now."

Sakura blinked. She looked around. She was in the middle of the street, and the car that whooshed past her had already left, its owner flicking her off. Sakura placed her hand on her chest dramatically and sighed. "Oh my god, that car!"

"Yes, you idiot. Now let's go!" Syaoran snapped, clearly irritated that Sakura didn't even take the chance to thank him for saving her life. Without her, their movie will never get finished, and she would die painfully at twenty one.

Syaoran pulled the glass door open for Sakura as she entered the lobby cheerfully, her mind still browsing the movie scene. What could she have been thinking of that was so important that she didn't notice cars passing her by? Syaoran thought, confused. What a strange person.

Sakura pressed the button for the elevator as Syaoran quickly walked over to Aki for a confirmation. Aki nodded his head as he handed Syaoran some small papers. "All done, Syaoran."

Syaoran grinned. "How much?"

"You'll see." Aki smirked evilly as he hi-fived Syaoran. "Score!" they both muttered happily. Now it was Syaoran's turn to be super dooper evil.

"Come on, Li!" Sakura hollered impatiently from within the elevator. "Gotta go, Aki," Syaoran said hurriedly as he winked. Aki gave him a thumbs-up.

"God, you're so slow, Li. I wasted a whole ten seconds just waiting for you to get in." Sakura complained as she looked at her watch.

"And that's what, 0.00000000000000000000000000000000000001 percent of your life?" Syaoran said in aggravation. He was getting really sick of her now. The elevator door closed with a ding as the two stood uncomfortably in silence.

God. For the first time, Syaoran hated that his apartment is on the top floor. Why does it have to be on the 58th floor?But soon, soon I'll be able to get rid of her.

Sakura shifted and curled herself in a ball at the corner of the elevator. When they got on the 33rd floor an old lady entered, her cane supporting her weight. The three stood in awkward silence again. Ding! The old lady got out at 54th floor.

"Only four more floors to go!" Syaoran said cheerfully. Sakura ignored him, studying her reflection in the bronze mirror against her.

When they stepped out, Syaoran felt his heart thump louder. He got out his keys. His hands were shaking fearfully. What will she do once she finds out? He thought bitterly, wishing that he hadn't pulled a prank like this. It was funny, but it wasn't…that funny.

The lock turned in slow motion as Syaoran's heartbeat walloped quicker and quicker. When he pushed open the door, Sakura was smiling sheepishly at the ceiling. Syaoran stood in awe, observing his apartment.

And then, he grinned. "Come in, Kinomoto," he said sweetly.

Sakura shook her head back into reality as she stepped in. At first she had no reaction at all, merely gazing at how empty the apartment looked. It was then that she noticed how empty it looked that she screeched.

Syaoran made sure to cover his ears.

"AHHHHHHH!" Sakura screamed. "WHAT HAPPENED!" she shrieked as she turned around and looked at the space around her. Syaoran looked down. There was a small bag resting against the door. Smirking, he grabbed it and grabbed Sakura's arm and led her out.

He pushed her on the other side of his marble door and grinned, handing her some bills that Aki had just given him. "We had a great auction today," he smirked, "a friend of mine auctioned all your stuff. It was a great sale, I heard. Once people heard that you owned them, they flocked here like crazy."

Sakura made what sounded like a very angry noise. He shoved the money in Sakura's hands and handed her the small bag. "Nobody wanted this, by the way." He smiled, walked back, and shut the door in her face. Sakura was too shocked to react to any of this. She slowly looked down at the bills in her hand.

He gave her thirteen dollars. Thirteen dollars for all the clothes and bed sheets and electronics that she had brought here. Thirteen dollars.

She looked at the bag. Slowly she pulled apart its lips and peered inside.

It was then she set her mind on murdering Syaoran. She stormed out of the building quickly, never failing to scream one last time for the whole world to hear. She dropped the money and the bag at his door and rushed off.

On the floor were three porno magazines. That was the thing that no one wanted.

To be continued…

Author's Note. hahaah revenge sweet revenge! The porno magazines… Sakura didn't own them, Syaoran just wanted to piss her off! Anyway, did you guys like this chapter? I'm sorry it's short… I'll make it up to you guys in the next chapter!

Oh. Clarification. Jimmy and Daisuke are both really complicated characters. Jimmy sees Sakura as his sister (a.k.a. like Yukito) while Daisuke is a young, famous bachelor who's really good at pickup lines. Hahaah. Well anyway, we'll see how the story goes. Maybe I'll kill off Daisuke and make Jimmy the main object of her affection again. Maybe not. I'm not sure yetttttt.

Ohhh. And the name Akito Hayama is from Kodocha. Daisuke is from DNAngel, obviously. I don't know any cool Japanese names so sorry…I had to steal them from other mangas : (

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