WAY TO THE TOP
By Freya-Wings
Chapter 3
Hey. I want to thank all my readers for being such a darling and spreading joy into my ultimately boring life. I am currently writing three stories at the same time, if that is ever possible for other people. My mind hurts from thinking too much. Maybe I'm daydreaming a little too often. Lately I have been very lazy. I may be eating too much. NO, bad stuff! Go away
P.S. In the next few chapters there will be an explicit scene, so I want a poll from all of you to vote how this lemon is going to be like
POLL:
Not lemon (just straight forward), A little lemon (with a few hints of things happening), lemon (explicit), very lemony (over the top lemon that makes you shiver in delight).
Totally Kawaii: You like the word kawaii!!!! It's different. That's why I decided to make this story with different characters. If you want the original Syaoran and Sakura, read my other story called 'irreplaceable to the heart.' Thanks for commenting!
Selena Thalia:You have such a nice name! Thanks for reading and commenting! Enjoy!
To'xx'y:LOL… what's ugly betty? But thank you for reading and reviewing. It's wonderful that you like this story. Sorry… I reposted this because I read your review and I mistaken you for another reviewer.
French coutoure: like the name, are you French? LOL, just wondering. Well… I decided to make it a little fast so that I can get to the good part. Sorry for making it boring but I thank you for the comment. Hope you enjoy this one. Cheers. BTW, do you have THAT MUCH pets?
Dbzgtfan2004:Thanks for reading this 'cute story.' Cheers
Rawritskim:The whole purpose of this different character will be explained in later chapters. I hope that doesn't make you not want to read it. LOL
lodoOlashunsweetie:LOL, you are reading my stories its great! Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy this one. Cheers
ffgirl-07:Well yeah, the boss is usually mean and there's a reason for it. Keep reading. Nice to meet you. Cheers
Animefreakkagome: LOL… smiley to u too!!!
Disclaimer: you all know CCS is not mine. If it is, I'll be a millionaire.
Chapter 3: The Incantation
(Last Chapter)
'Who said anything about eating here?' Syaoran simply said. Sakura looked carefully at him, wondering whether he was being serious. When he didn't reply back, she laughed, 'where do you plan on going then?'
'Well, since we're dressed up for the occasion, I know a good Italian place,' Syaoran smiled and Sakura momentarily felt a wave of heat all over her face.
Feeling the wine twisting inside of her, she sneered, 'well… lead the way.'
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That night the air was not too cold and not too hot. It was just perfect for a night walk along the busy street. Syaoran had been beaming with happiness as he walked side by side with his boss. Rather, his angry boss. Sakura was not very happy when Syaoran decided not to drive Sakura's limousine and walk instead.
'We both have feet. Let's use it! Or are you one of those people who like keeping flabbier body?' Syaoran had managed to make Sakura angry and frustrated. He also managed to make her walk instead of driving, which is why he was whistling in pride and cheerfulness.
'What made you in this much joy?' Sakura asked with a low angry tone, 'and where the hell is the restaurant? Don't make me fire you.'
Syaoran laughed and waved his hands in front of him. 'You see, Madame, the difference between now and at the office, are working time. Now, we are not considered working partners but merrily two joyful and over dressed people who are walking along the crowded streets.' So while you make my life a living hell at the office, I will make your life a living hell now, Syaoran thought as Sakura's face grew redder.
'Ah, here it is,' Syaoran beamed and stopped in front of a crowded pizza place. Sakura was in loss of words.
'Come on,' Syaoran said as he tagged Sakura by the arms, leading her into the restaurant.
'Li!' Sakura said aloud among the loud chatter of the hungry people, 'just what do you think you are doing? You think I will be sitting here at this,' she looked around the area with a disgusting look upon her face, 'this filthy heap of garbage? Don't you realize we are absolutely over dressed?'
'Enough with the sarcasm Miss Kinomoto,' Syaoran exclaimed cheerfully, ignoring the unsatisfied look on her face, 'have a little fun, who cares if we are overdressed? This place has the best pizza in the world.'
Sakura was about to repudiate the remark but Syaoran had already walked into the crowd, twisting his way through to get his orders. Sakura was silent for a moment, feeling left out among the others. People passed her with a look on their eyes and Sakura blushed. It wasn't her fault that she was here, she thought as she waited for Syaoran to come rescue her, so what if she was overdressed.
Suddenly she felt eyes boring deep into her and she felt naked. She turned around when she felt a touch on her right arm. There were two men standing before them.
'Hey you off to a party or something?' The blond one asked and Sakura turned away, ignoring the looks they gave her. 'Dude, she completely ignored you,' the other said behind her back. Sakura closed her eyes and waited for them to leave her alone. 'Hey woman, what the hell are you standing there for? Come over to our table, we've got plenty of pizza and drinks if you want to sit with…'
He stopped abruptly when Sakura turned and faced them with a facial expression she liked to use at work. They looked startled when they stared at those demanding and intimidating eyes but the blond was not affected. Is he stupid or something? Sakura thought as the blond continued, 'come on. It's my treat for the lovely lady. You can have a party at our place.'
'Why don't you get your ugly face away from mine?' Sakura said with a dangerous tone. She eyed him with a menacing stare. The blond looked hurt and angry, he shot back, 'don't get so comfy bitch. I'm just being a nice guy.' His friend looked worried and grabbed his arm to pull him back, away from Sakura, who still eyed him with a threatening look upon her beautiful face.
When he was gone, Sakura felt drained all over. When she turned around, she found Syaoran staring at her, holding their pizza on one hand and drinks on the other. He seemed to have watched the whole scene.
'Come on Li,' Sakura said tiredly, discomfited at her own action. Syaoran didn't say anything as they both say down on a chair quite far from the blond man. Sakura's expression remained stiff but deep down Syaoran knew what she was thinking. But he decided to let it go for now. So he merrily allowed himself a bite on his large pepperoni pizza and groaned in satisfaction.
'Oh my Lord,' Syaoran said to Sakura, 'this is the best ever. Go on, have a taste.' Sakura felt too beaten to say any more sarcastic comments but she stared at the pizza and felt her stomach tighten and her mouth salivate. 'Come on,' Syaoran said, convincing her, 'you have to have one of these in your life time. One won't hurt. It's not going to gain you 5 pounds.'
Sakura paused and thought carefully before taking one on the hand and tasted a bit off the edge. Sure enough, it melted straight in her mouth and she felt her cravings increase. 'So what do you think? It's good right, I told you.'
Sakura nodded and smirked, 'well, I have to say that your taste in food is much better than your taste in fashion.'
'Hey,' Syaoran said defensively, 'I'm straight, okay. I'm pretty rare species in your company so you'd better take good care of me.' After he had said this Syaoran was bewildered at the sound of a hearty laugh.
It was the first time Syaoran had ever seen Sakura laugh in front of him. She was beaming with sincerity and Syaoran looked at her in admiration. She looked like a completely different person. That mouth she usually used to compose mockery and skeptic comments was then replaced with a genuine and earnest smile.
Syaoran felt his heart melt and he smiled.
He didn't want to stop her from laughing, so while they continue eating their large pizzas, they shared a conversation. Much to both of their surprise, they talked together like they knew each other. It was like they were friends.
Half an hour later, when all of their pizzas have been consumed by these two hungry friends, Syaoran sighed and lay back onto the chair, patting his stomach. 'Man, I am so full,' Syaoran breathed out as Sakura laughed again.
Then he noticed the blond on the other desk. He was looking with a sudden hatred at his direction. Syaoran frowned. Was I oblivious to his glare for the past half hour? Syaoran thought to himself. The blond man had a disappointed and angry look upon his face and Syaoran became uncomfortable.
Sakura followed his gaze and turned away again when she saw who he was looking at. 'Dumb bastard,' Sakura said with a low frustrated tone. Syaoran became curious.
'Can I ask you a question?' Syaoran asked. Sakura looked at him oddly, 'and you are asking permission?'
Syaoran continued, 'no… well… I'm just rather curious.' Sakura paused and stared at him in the eye. 'Do you always behave like that around men?'
'Like what?' Sakura's dangerous tone was back. Syaoran had to be careful with her mood swings. 'No, I mean… he was only asking you to come eat with him. Do you always refuse a man's offer? Not that I am supporting what he had done but… what if he really liked you?'
Sakura paused for a moment, stirring the color of Syaoran's eyes and said, 'you once said, don't judge a book by its cover. He only came up to me because he probably thinks he could get laid by an overdressed and rich woman who also happens to be beautiful.'
'I agree with what you said,' Syaoran said as Sakura blushed deep red and he drank the last drop of his coke. Sakura was deep in thoughts as Syaoran looked back at the blond man. 'Don't you ever feel jaded … or guilty?' Syaoran continued with a low voice. 'Don't you ever wonder how people would feel if you always act cold to them.'
Sakura suddenly looked livid. 'Are you preaching me? Are you questioning how I work or how I talk to people?'
'No!' Syaoran quickly said, 'it's nothing like that… I'm just coming back to the conversation we had at the hotel.' Sakura didn't reply. She just said, 'I need to go,' She took her purse and decided to get up but as she was about to stand, she knocked over her drink and black liquid spread all over her white gown.
Sakura stood in shock. Syaoran had already reacted. He immediately grabbed napkins and tried to wipe the drink away from her beautiful and most probably very expensive gown. 'You know what, I don't have time for this,' Sakura's voice grew in frustration and she started to walk away, leaving Syaoran with a guilty look upon his face.
He noticed that people were staring at him. Syaoran grinned sheepishly and ran to get her. This is so much drama.
'Miss Kinomoto, wait!' Syaoran yelled from Sakura's back. God damn it, these high heeled shoes are not meant for running. Before Sakura could get a taxi, she could feel Syaoran's hands on Sakura's. She turned to stare at him coldly. But Syaoran held a hand in front of her face and talked before Sakura could reject him, 'I'm very sorry for what I said Miss Kinomoto. I don't care if you fire me for this. But I can't take my words back, I apologize.'
Sakura frowned and glanced down at her new white gown that was now covered with coke. 'The only thing I could help you now is get this gown washed. Please, come over to my place. It's only a couple of steps away from here. I could get your gown washed and dried.'
Sakura frowned and her cheeks were burning, 'do you really think my time is not precious to you?'
'It will only take a second,' Syaoran interjected and looked into her eyes deeply, seeking for a possibility of apologizing to her, 'please, this is all I can do for now, please accept it.'
Sakura didn't say anything. A taxi stopped in front of them and asked if they wanted the ride. Sakura bit her lip and didn't respond. The taxi driver got frustrated and drove off to find other customers. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief and gestured for Sakura to follow him.
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Soon, Sakura was standing in the middle of a small living room. It was small but it looked homey, Sakura thought as she took a good look around the place.
'My roommate seems to have disappeared off somewhere,' Syaoran said as he walked out of his room, 'you can wear this for now while you wait for me to wash the gown. You can change in there.' Syaoran pointed at his room. Sakura blushed a little and walked off to where he pointed.
How did it end up like this? Syaoran thought as the door to his room closed. How did my boss end up in my apartment? How peculiar…
Syaoran shook his head and headed to the kitchen to fix both of them drinks. When she came out, she was wearing his short pants and large shirt. It looked too big on her petite body but when Syaoran laid his eyes on her, he felt his cheek burn. He looked away as he poured hot water onto a cup. 'I've made some coffee for you,' Syaoran said while Sakura sat on a stool near the kitchen counter. Syaoran offered her a cup of coffee. She nodded a thank you and drank the delicious hot drink.
'I've been thinking about what you said,' Sakura said in a small voice, 'and I admit that I do have some issues with meeting people. And I hope you will listen to my story because I will most likely fire you anyway.'
Syaoran licked his lip, wondering whether it was a good time to discuss firing him. 'Sure enough there must be a reason behind it,' Syaoran said with a small smile. Sakura could see a twinkle in his eyes and she felt like she could open up to him. Ever since he came into that room he had been a contradiction, a complete opposite of her. He looked so cheerful and full of life. She hated him for that.
Sakura paused before continuing, 'My mother died when I was 5 years old. My father was hardly around. My big brother uses most of his time away for boarding school, go to university and work. Does that give you a lighter view of my background?'
Syaoran just nodded and waited for her to continue. 'I don't think I had a normal life. Ever since my father worked in his own company, he had been using me and my brother to be his assets. I was blind to see what happened if I followed his orders. I grew up being an extreme workaholic.'
Syaoran chuckled slightly, 'are you happy at what you are doing?'
Sakura didn't say anything. She stared into her coffee as if it was the most interesting thing she ever saw. 'You can call me nuts. But I have never been happy,' Sakura said with a voice that was barely audible. She looked up at Syaoran and Syaoran could see a hint of pain in her eyes. There was a sorrow deep within her heart and it seemed she longed for someone to help her get rid of it. Her face looked so tired and drained that Syaoran wondered if she was sick.
'I also have no parents. My parents died when I was 13,' Syaoran said with a mousy grin, 'there are some things in life that you can't stop. No matter how much you wish for impossible things, they can never come true.' Sakura's mouth was a little open, searching his face for some kind of weakness. He has no weakness, Sakura though sheepishly.
'But we can always lift ourselves up. No matter how hard life can be, you cannot just drown in misery,' Sakura said plainly as she drank her coffee again.
'Precisely,' Syaoran grinned and they both gazed at each other. They were communicating with their own language as they stared into each others eyes. They both felt ridiculously trapped with their own foolishness. It was as if, they comprehended each other.
Suddenly, they heard a sound of a bell from another room. Syaoran sighed and said, 'the laundry must be ready.' So Syaoran walked off, leaving Sakura staring into space.
What in the world was that? Sakura thought to herself as she felt her heart beat faster. Sakura questioned herself as to why her cheeks burn so badly every time she locked her eyes to his. She had no time to think when Syaoran walked in carrying her brand new looking gown. Sakura smiled as she accepted his offer and walked into the room to change.
There were no words left. Sakura said goodbye a few minutes later, leaving Syaoran wonder to himself. There were so many questions filling his mind, he couldn't sleep well that night.
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The next morning, when Syaoran walked into the office of the company, he bared none other than a grin upon his face. It was a goofy grin, because deep down inside, he was extremely nervous. What would Kinomoto react when she sees me? Syaoran wondered as he entered the secretary office, and saw Naruku typing madly onto her computer.
'Miss Kinomoto wants to see you. You can just knock and walk in, there's no one inside,' Naruku said without taking her eyes off of the computer. Syaoran walked past her, sighed deeply as to calm himself down and knocked on the door.
Sakura was sitting comfortably on her chair, looking absolutely stunning, as usual. But she had a 'work' face plastered upon her when he entered. She was his boss after all.
'Come sit down Mr. Li,' Sakura said as she pointed the chair in front of him. He did as she told.
'So the sponsor that was supposed to come that night called me after I got home. He wants another meeting held,' Sakura said with a sour face and he remembered how much she hated that guy, 'But before we meet he wants a draft photograph of some ideas given to me.'
Sakura passed a pile of papers to Syaoran and he took a look at it. It was a list of details regarding all the things Syaoran was supposed to photograph. 'It's basically the list of all the things he wants the specific photographer to take for him before our meeting. The due date is next week. I will be seeing your work later on.' Sakura stopped and took a pen and write some things on it.
Syaoran was still sitting on the chair, wondering what she wanted next. She looked just like the first time he met her. What are the chances of seeing that woman he met at the restaurant and in his apartment? Syaoran thought as he watched her fix her glasses.
Suddenly she stopped writing and lifted her eyes to see him. 'Why are you still sitting there?' Sakura asked stupidly. Syaoran blushed and got up, 'I'm sorry. I'll get to work on that.' Wow, a completely different person.
But before Syaoran could walk out, the glass door in front of them opened and three big black suited men walked in and held out the door. Sakura watched in horror as a man with expensive black suit walked in. He had a handsome face, with dark hair and fair flawless skin. He was taller than Syaoran and Syaoran immediately felt intimidated by his presence.
'Touya-sama,' Sakura got up from her chair, walked in front of him and bowed gracefully. The man in front of her did not respond. He walked to her desk and sat on her chair.
'Close the door,' he said with a deep masculine voice and the guards walked out and closed the door just like he said.
'Onii-san,' Sakura said loudly with a rather angry look, 'why didn't you call me if you wanted to come by?'
Syaoran felt his knees weakened when he realized this was Sakura's brother, the well known president of the company. He felt strange to see him in Sakura's office. Syaoran looked back and forth at Sakura and the man whose name was Touya Kinomoto and saw a resemblance on their flawless face.
'Sakura-san,' Touya said with a low voice, 'you get hot-headed easily.' Sakura wanted to scream but she held her well manners and spoke with an elegant yet demanding tone, 'if you are going to spy on me again then I'll---'
'That man would be fine Sakura-san,' Touya simply said. Syaoran was confused but Sakura felt her cheeks burn and eyed her brother.
'So you think I would need your permission,' Sakura said with an angry voice, 'you have no right to tell me what I should or shouldn't do.'
'Sakura-san, you're missing the point here,' Touya said without breaking eye contact, 'it's for the good of the company.'
'How dare you treat me like I am some kind of object,' Sakura said and banged her fist onto her desk. Syaoran felt her anger and was too confused to say anything. 'Our father wouldn't allow this kind of decision. Just because he is now in prison doesn't mean you have the right to make his decisions,' Sakura's eyes were shining as she yelled in anger at her brother. Syaoran stood there with a frown upon his face.
'Sakura,' her brother said with a sharper tone, eyeing her with intense eyes, 'I hope you have thought this thoroughly. There are things you must do. Ryu Edward will be at our house tonight. I hope that your presence there is absolute.'
'How dare he come to our own home,' Sakura suddenly yelled and lunged at her brother. Syaoran reacted immediately. He held her arms as she struggled to punch her brother, who was calmly sitting on her chair. 'Kinomoto, stop this,' Syaoran said as he held her back with his strong arms.
Sakura stopped her actions and suddenly felt weakened. She bowed her head and leaned on Syaoran. Syaoran wasn't sure what to do. He could feel Touya's stare on him.
'And just who are you?' Touya asked Syaoran with daunting eyes. Syaoran gulped and replied with a low voice, 'I'm her photographer.'
Touya didn't question any further. He closed his eyes and softly sighed. He got up the chair and walked to the door. Sakura's breathing was heavy but Syaoran couldn't see her eyes or what she was thinking. 'Until next time,' Touya said with a low masculine tone and walked out of her office.
As soon as the door closed, Sakura held on to Syaoran's shirt and placed her head on the crook of his neck. She softly pressed her body against his and Syaoran could feel an immense wave of heat spreading his face. Sakura gripped on his shirt and Syaoran noticed she was shivering. Despite his fears, despite how this may look like, Syaoran slowly touched her shoulders and embraced her in his arms. He could sense Sakura relaxed and she pressed her body into the embrace, allowing herself to be swallowed by the warm security of Syaoran's arms.
'What is the meaning of this,' a voice said and Sakura and Syaoran looked up to see a man wearing a dark blue working suit, standing just at her doorway. He had a handsome feature, with blond hair and blue eyes. He looked taller than Syaoran and a bit older.
'Yuuki,' Sakura whispered. Syaoran let go of Sakura as the man at her doorway looked angrily at Syaoran.
'Who the fuck is that guy?' Yuuki said with a menacing stare in his blue eyes as he walked to Syaoran threateningly. Sakura quickly blocked his way to Syaoran and said nervously, 'it's okay Yuuki. He's just here for the meeting. You said we were going to go eat lunch together right.'
She started to push him back and Yuuki was blaring angrily at Syaoran. He pointed his finger at him and said menacingly, 'don't you ever touch my girl.'
Sakura was blushing as she grabbed her coat and pushed him out of the office. Yuuki looked at him before turning around arrogantly and walked out of the office, 'let's go Sakura.'
Syaoran could see Sakura's strange gaze before she closed the door to her own office. Syaoran just stood there in shock. What the hell was that about?
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Ne… so what do you think? Am I going fast again. Sorry.
I want to say thank you for those who are reading my stories. My target is to get a total of 20 reviews. Um…. I think… even 18 is fine but I want to hear from you please. Thanks see you on the next chapter.
P.S. In the next few chapters there will be an explicit scene, so I want a poll from all of you to vote how this lemon is going to be like
POLL:
Not lemon (just straight forward), A little lemon (with a few hints of things happening), lemon (explicit), very lemony (over the top lemon that makes you shiver in delight).
Because I don't want to disappoint you if I have to change the ratings to M...