Reality's Dream

Chapter 9: Ethereal Angel

"Tomoyo, put the pencil down." Sakura whimpered slowly backing away from the advancing Tomoyo wielding an eyeliner pencil. "I'll be wearing a mask. I don't need make UP!" Sakura had backed up into the chair resting in front of the vanity.

Tomoyo saw her opportunity and took it. She pushed Sakura into the chair, whipping her face upwards and beginning to draw away as Sakura flinched. "You keep moving your face and I'll really make you look like an Egyptian." Tomoyo threatened and Sakura ceded, ceasing her movements for fear of big lines across her eyes.

As Tomoyo worked her makeup magic the rest of the Li household was scurrying about making sure all was set and the first guests began to arrive. Both girls went to the Li house to get ready early for the celebration. Sakura had unsuccessfully tried to convince Tomoyo that make up was unnecessary but as usual when it came to anything to do with clothing or fashion Tomoyo won that battle.

"There." Tomoyo stated her amethyst eyes scanning critically for anything else left out. "Hmmm and the most important touch…Lip gloss!"

Truthfully Sakura loved the gooey substance. It was the only makeup she could handle. It was smooth and slick. It could smell like anything from bubble gum to chocolate to even floral scents. It came in all colors, some with shimmer or even glitter. Who could not love such variety? Sakura rubbed her lips against each other enjoying the slippery slide that occurred.

"Alright now don't look in the mirror just yet until you put your costume on" Tomoyo directed Sakura over to the material draped on the bed. Undoing her robe, she then slipped the garment on careful of course not to smudge the makeup or ruffle the hair. 'Tomoyo would kill me,' Sakura giggled at the thought.

"Something funny?" Tomoyo inquired. She was busy adjusting the purple velvet dress with gold embroidery. It was a design from the medieval ages, rather pretty too but Sakura had to suppress a giggle at the sight of the pointy hat resting atop her friend's head with the flowing cream gauze trailing down behind. It just brought back so many kid memories of playing princess with the hats and the elastic chin strings that would leave red marks when she wore them too long.

"Yeah, yeah I know." Tomoyo said catching her eyes and knowing what Sakura was remembering. "Lady Yolane at your service." And with that Tomoyo made an over exaggerated curtsy. The two girls giggled.

It was then that Sakura realized how long it had been since the two of them had moments like these, fun and carefree. Since she and Syaoran had started going out, maybe even before that. But her decision to give up her love had this freeing effect. Yes it still hurt but the hope of being eventually free of that pain gave her the strength to try.

"Enough gawking." Tomoyo chided. Sakura had gone staring off into space with her thoughts and was shaken out of them by the tugging of her friend. "Time to see yourself."

Sakura gave a small smile to her friend before facing her reflection in the full length mirror. What lay before her eyes was beyond belief. 'That's me?' In the cool glass stood a girl draped in white, the smooth material was embracing the figure closely until releasing slightly below the chest, flowing in folds to the floor. The rise and fall from her breathing was highlighted by the semi-low cut square neckline of the sleeveless dress. Sakura was even more amazed by Tomoyo's artistry. There were silvery white wings that branched out from her back, looking so delicate that the slightest breeze could knock all the feathers down. Sakura's gaze finally traveled up to her face that seemed to be light by a hidden candle, her skin glowing from an internal source. "Tomoyo…this is…amazing." Sakura said, lost for words to describe the awe and gratitude she felt.

The two embraced, mindful of the wings of course. "You're welcome Sakura. You know I would do anything for you. Besides since you have a date I figured it would do well to show you off." Tomoyo giggled.

"It's not a date." Sakura protested.

"Of course it isn't." Tomoyo pretended to agree. "Then why won't you say who it is?"

"Because I knew you would make a big deal of it." Sakura said knowing fully well that Tomoyo could get a little crazy when it came to two things, fashion and love. This night technically had both since Tomoyo considered Sakura's mystery man to have some sort of romantic involvement.

Before Tomoyo could prod further she glanced at the clock and gave out a slight squeak of shock. "Oh I promised Syaoran to meet him downstairs ten minutes ago." She headed to the door but noticed Sakura wasn't following. "You coming?"

"Oh I'll be there in a few. You go on ahead." Sakura answered and Tomoyo nodded and departed. She wanted to gather her strength before facing Syaoran. Each day since her resolution had been a struggle, and she could tell it had been a strain on their friendship. Sakura just hoped it would all turn out alright in the end.

Sakura jumped at the sound of someone knocking at the door.

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"Syaoran!"

Syaoran turned at his name to find his girlfriend approaching him. "Tomoyo. You look beautiful as always." They linked arms, exchanging a quick kiss. After parting he realized something was missing. "Where's Sakura at? I thought she was with you."

"Oh she should be here any moment." Tomoyo answered. "You look quite dashing my charming knight."

Syaoran made a face. He was in a faux chain mail shirt with silver shoulder pad like things that were to be some kind of mini armor. His eyes hid behind a similar styled silver mask. 'I feel like an idiot.' But Syaoran had agreed to let Tomoyo make their costumes and so he obligingly wore this…outfit.

The next few minutes were spent chatting with guests, which truthfully Syaoran found to be rather uninteresting. He was so used to having Sakura with him cracking jokes under her breath. Or the two of them would spend time making up what the secret lives of these people were. Like the famous banker Mr. Elvis Duman who was as dry as parchment but was really an ex-porn star who lived at home with his wife and a life partner plus twenty or so Siamese cats, many of whom had won blue ribbons. 'Maybe I can find a new one and then point them out to Sakura later,' Syaoran idly thought.

His searching gaze was brought to a crashing halt when his eyes were caught by…well an angel, literally. Syaoran felt all his breath rush out at the sight of the beautiful woman in white. 'She's… stunning.' Syaoran thought unable to produce sufficient words to describe the sight in front of him. The woman floated with an ethereal grace. Her face was hidden behind a white mask but he could still see her glowing creamy skin contrasting with the flowing gown that emphasized soft curves. The angel had her face turned away from Syaoran, pointed at the man she was being escorted by. The couple was drawing nearer and Syaoran thought there was something familiar about the gorgeous woman approaching, her golden hair shimmering in the chandelier light.

Her head slowly began to turn his way. Syaoran felt his heart pound in his chest as in anticipation, but what was he expecting?

Syaoran's warm amber eyes met with those oh so familiar vibrant emerald eyes of his best friend Sakura Kinomoto.

'Sakura?'

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A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed.