I hope you know that this chapter kills me with its horribleness. But I'm trying to crank out chapters.
Much love to all those who stuck with me and kept egging me on (and my house (joking, just joking)), here is another chapter of your favorite story.
Words of the Wolf:
- And Australia is going WTF Mate?
- Sometimes, it's not worth the trouble of opening it. So I take a short cut. Stab it and cut open. The only problem is closing it. (by moi)
Disclaimer: Do not own the main characters of this story, but the extra characters and plot belong to moi.
Last Chapter:
"I know. But it's good to start learning now, and at least have a basic understanding. And the more a model tries to learn, the more people like about her. She is an image, an idol. She says she likes to learn…say…history. People will start looking it up."
Sakura grumbled, "What about yourself?"
Tomoyo smiled, "I have to do it as well. And so will Meilin, if you're wondering. And mom probably had Eriol and Syaoran started on that stuff years ago, for their end of taking over the Li clan and businesses. Now, go to bed. We're leaving early."
Sakura blinked, rather surprised Tomoyo had packed so fast, so neatly, and so much more than she did herself.
Cuddling up to Kero, she was quick to go to sleep, more light hearted than that morning. It felt real good too, to say good bye.
Live the Life on the Rails
The next morning, the house was in a hurry. At 6, the luggage from the rooms were loaded into the helicopter and sent ahead to the airport. All were awake…except one person.
Tomoyo knew what to do. Slipping into Sakura's bedroom, she started moaning like a ghost, which quickly brought the brunette to attention, throwing a pillow. Ducking, Tomoyo laughed softly, pulling out clothes for her friend, then going to her own room to get dressed.
Taking a quick shower, Sakura looked over her form.
In the last five months, her body had stayed at 5' 10", but still grew. As she recalled from one of her favorite animes (Azumanga Daioh), she was American, despite her Japanese heritage, hitting almost C. Her shoulders were slender yet broad, and her hips wide while her waist was just right, giving her an hour glass figure that their grandmother had, unlike Tomoyo, who inherited Nadeshiko's slim Japanese frame (but an American chest and just hitting 5' 11").
Tomoyo had set out a nice outfit, trying to maintain Sakura's tomboyish edge while showing off her femininity. Something to do with getting practice. Of what, she had no clue other than getting comfy with the whole modeling thing.
In the mirror, she saw her skin back to its tan instead of the sick pale it was the past two days, and her eyes were normal again. It felt nice; the pressure wasn't massed up like it had been. The late night party was probably what she needed.
She was in slightly baggy black pants with black and white bondage straps in an x from her belt to her knee pockets (on the side), a white tank top under one of Touya's black button up office shirts with sleeves cuffed up. For accessories she had a silk black choker with small silver bell, and silver dangly earrings and silver bracelets, with a black paper boy hat. Pulling up her hair in a low bun with strands framing her face, she looked pretty damn good, and she didn't have to wear any make up except her lip gloss. Comfy but styled.
Grabbing her MP3 player and board, and ran out the door with Kero following half heartedly, as if he knew he wasn't allowed to come.
Tomoyo was waiting for her by the stairs landing, dressed in baggy dark blue pants with a white eastern dragon embroidered around the hips and leg, its head dropping to Tomoyo's left knee. She had an off the shoulder crimson shirt and a soft black leather vest, her hair in pigtail braids with a red ribbon woven into it, with a black cadet hat with a red and white dragon. She had several long bead necklaces, and studs in her ears.
The two just grinned at each other, boards in hand with their carry-ons resting on their shoulders. Racing down the stairs to the others, they were brought into a hug by Yelan, then Yukito. Yukito had a twinkly smile,
"Have fun, girls."
With that, the party left the house, Kero and Spinel beside Yukito as they watched their owners go into the helicopter and head away for their week off.
At least the dogs would have the affection of all their new friends, the kitchen staff.
Getting on the private jet (yet again, this clan seemed to love the color black and their clan symbol a bit much), Sakura and Tomoyo were spilt up to sit next to their prospective fiancée. Luckily, they both had the window seat, Sakura sat behind Tomoyo, Syaoran quiet as always.
After take off, Tomoyo lowered her seat, turning to face her friend. Syaoran and Eriol were occupied with their music and reading books (in Eriol's case). Tomoyo was in thought.
"What should we name the design brand? I mean, we can't keep it the same as before." Sakura nodded, hesitant to say,
"Tomy brand?"
"No, that's too much like Tommy Girl…what about DK?" Sakura shook her head,
"No, there's DKNY, remember…um, what about Clow? You know, the story about the Japanese wizard?" Tomoyo nodded, smiling,
"I loved that story as a kid! He brought so much to the world…and we'll bring our fashion to the world. Now I get it!" Writing furiously in her notebook, Tomoyo took notes as they discussed their plans. Tomoyo informed Sakura of the 'fashion' industry.
"We need to get designs out for spring, and start featuring them. We have to do all kinds of styles; tomboy, goth, glam, norm, girly, dresses, office, night out, mall, hanging out, swimming, etc. The list goes on for hours, trust me. And that's not including the male clothes." Sakura's eyes were bulging out.
"I have to wear all that?" Tomoyo giggled lightly,
"Yes, Sakura-chan. I'll wear it too, so you're not alone in this…hey, did you have any ideas recently?"
Sakura nodded, bringing out an art book Tomoyo gave her several months ago. Handing it over, she waited for her friend's critical and expert eye to critique her work. She had drawn up some clothes, as well as toys, just that night. Tomoyo turned the pages, nodding to herself, mumbling, taking her pencil to fix a detail or write something.
Coming to one of the last pages, the raven haired girl's eyes went wide; a quiet gasp escaped her throat. Fingering the sketch, she said without looking up,
"This…wow…sexy, not to revealing…kind of traditional Chinese meets a little modern….gorgeous…this is definitely in." Sakura was curious,
"Which one?" Tomoyo showed her the picture where she had a Chinese gown, but the cut was all the way to the hips, the front low cut, and the sleeves were ancient Grecian. Nodding, she accepted the compliment. Wait till Tomoyo saw the Japanese influenced one…
"My goodness Sakura! You…holy shit!" Yep…she spent extra detail on this one. No one would ever wear it, but it was beautiful. She glanced up to see her cousin grin at her.
"We've got work to do."
They landed on the tarmac about an hour later, and Sakura was shocked at the sight. The mountains were white with green clusters of trees; the tops were covered in clouds. The resort was set in the large valley of the mountain pass, and green eyes observed as they passed building after building, malls, hotels, hot springs.
Their hotel was one of the largest, extravagant but simple at the time. The limo stopped under the awning, and the party got out, striding into the lobby without so much as a second glance.
Sakura and Tomoyo, however, thanked the doorman, who seemed rather surprised, but she didn't see it as she followed the others, smelling the Christmas trees in the lobby, people mingling about in the chairs and sofas, drinking coffee and cocoa, conversations kept to themselves.
At the reception desk, they met a pretty woman in a plain maroon kimono with a white and green obi. She smiled brightly at them,
"Konnichiwa, minna- sama. Your rooms are both prepared. Here are your cards, rooms 225 and 226. Have a nice day."
She gave everyone a plastic key card, and they all went upstairs. They split when reaching the suites, the sisters and Meilin in room 226 and the rest in 225. Their luggage was already waiting by the couch in the living room, and Sakura explored their living space while the others unpacked.
Tomoyo and she were sharing a room, and Tomoyo insisted on doing the unpacking, and the guys were off in their room.
Sakura was amazed at the size of the suite. It was a flippin' apartment! The kitchen had all its appliances and utensils, spacey for movement, though monotone with all its white walls, gray counter and oak cabinets. What she liked about it was that it was open to the living room, with an extra counter used for a table, with little bar stools on the other side.
Moving to the living room, it was as big as her room at the Li mansion (which was huge by normal standards), with a cream carpet, white walls, and deep red furniture. The tv was plasma, and was that a PS3 she spied?
Heading to the bedroom, she smiled. It was simple, one window, and an adjoining bathroom, king sized bed, 2 bureaus and a smaller tv that was on the music channel. Apparently Tomoyo had already finished, because she was already sprawled on the bed, both of their laptops booting up and she was sifting through some papers in her binder.
Closing the door behind her and turning up the tv a bit more, she settled down on the bed across from Tomoyo, and without further instruction, they got to work. For a couple hours, they sat and Sakura typed up what ever came into play, taking both of the laptops to do the financials. When Tomoyo wasn't needed, Sakura slipped on her headphones (that go around the neck), and drowned out all the noises from the world of her and the two laptops.
Finally stopping her tapping on the keyboard, Sakura stretched, lowering her headphones and reading out the contract.
"I, Li Sakura, and I, Li Tomoyo, agree to a merger in our companies. We have a co-leadership along with Li Meilin, and all decisions are made together unless heard otherwise. As of now, there is no change in the business's themselves, other then ownership and name. The name of 'Housho Agency and Designs' is changed to 'Clow Fashions and Model Studios.' The head designer is Li Tomoyo, and the featuring model is Li Sakura. Li Meilin is PR and assistant to both, along with being a model.'
"Then it goes onto the technical stuff, our plans of operation, goals, and our agenda for the next three months, contact information of major clients and business partners, who we need to talk to asap, and finances of the companies and our family finances on another spread sheet."
Sakura sighed, satisfied with her job. She was glad that her parents had her take those business classes. Tomoyo took the laptop and scrolled down, nodding with what she read, impressed.
"And then we get this to Takamuo-san, he makes this an official contract, we sign it, and it's sealed. We're done for now, what time is it?" Glancing at her watch, Sakura suddenly felt drained,
"It's time for me to eat. We should get out, because I need a break." Powering down the laptop, Sakura crawled out of the bed to the door. But when she was a foot from it, it swung open to reveal Syaoran, changed into a blood red polo and khaki cargo pants, his hair as messy as usual. Some loud voices coming from the living room. He asked,
"We're going out for lunch, but Meilin and Eriol are debating on where to eat. Any suggestions?" Tomoyo called out from the bathroom, fixing her hair,
"PIZZA OR DIE!!!"
Sakura giggled at that, and turned to the stoic face of Syaoran.
"If I want to live, I must agree with her. It sounds good, too." With a nod, he left with the door still open. Gathering her stuff together, Sakura got her black and white jacket on as Tomoyo finished getting her hair prepped, and the two headed in to the living room to see the other three ready to go. With out a word, Syaoran and Eriol lead the way out of the room, followed by the three girls.
Barely two minutes later, they were in the limo heading to the mall, where the food court was large, and there was an adjoining skate park. Being dropped off, they quickly entered the mall with a greeting from door greeters, and the five of them walked to the food court with out any one recognizing them, passing hordes of people in the mall as just a group of regular teenagers.
While the girls sat down, the boys got their orders, only to return minutes later laden with pizza, bread, and drinks. Distributing the meal, Syaoran sat next to Sakura, Eriol by Tomoyo, and Meilin sat at the corner between the two girls, watching how the four just sat and ate in silence, observing the rest of the food court except each other. She knew her cousins well, and despite their pretense of being ladies men, they were shy beyond belief. And even if they hated the skater girls, she knew that in no time, the boys'll fall for them.
And if it isn't soon enough, Meilin could easily plan for it. But until then, she'd wait. She already knew that, despite Sakura's insistence, the skater girls liked the twins. But she only smiled secretly as she bit into her pizza.
Finishing up, they walked around for awhile before heading over to the skating park. It was crowded with over 50 people for the large indoor park. Sakura's blood was pumping from the excitement of everyone around her, and Tomoyo led her to the rental office. Given black board, helmets, and pads, they strapped them on quickly and efficiently, Tomoyo pulling her hair up. The Li's went to sit in the Cove, or the hang out with couches and tables, and the girls left their excess possessions with them.
Standing on the edge, they looked below them as people tried to nail tricks or crash. They felt as if they were on the edge of the world, sending shivers up their spines. Glancing at one another with a wide grin, Tomoyo held out her left hand, and Sakura slapped it with her right hand.
With that, they fell. Riding straight down, curving up with the ramp, Sakura spun her board three times while spinning her body in a 180, landing on the ramp, swerving to the left to go to the street obstacle course. Taking the lead, Tomoyo rode on the half pipe, leaving Sakura on the down hill railing, where she did a nose dive but quickly pulled up in time to spin with board in hand for a 360 turn.
Tomoyo landed a 180 mid jump, and ducking low on to the board as she saw Sakura jump over her, board again in hand, but this time she went straight instead of spinning. Neither noticed that quite a lot of people were watching the two, especially Meilin, and many were using there cameras or cell phones to get a picture. The two were inches off each other, a grin on both their faces as they came out in v. Meilin quickly went over to people who had better picture angles and asked for a copy.
Both kept going, Sakura even with Tomoyo for awhile as they did twin tricks, getting close, one over the other. As they flew down the rails, Tomoyo decided to take a break, sweating and not feeling the best.
She went back to the landing and joined the others at the Cove, the lounge packed with a lot of teens, and she settled into the couch that their group managed to get in a private area. Taking off her helmet, her hair came undone and fell down her back. Meilin gave her some cold water, asking in awe,
"Do you guys practice those moves or something? Because that was wicked!" Tomoyo shook her head, calming her breath to stop her panting,
"No, we never practiced mirror tricks except on the rail. I don't know where the hell those moves came from, but it felt good."
After another half hour, Sakura skated up, went into a high jump, flipped forward of her board, stepped two inches from the edge, and grabbed her board casually as it fell beside her. Gliding up to the groups semi private area, she saw three gaping Li's, and one Tomoyo with stars in her eyes. Sitting next to Tomoyo, she guzzled down some water that Meilin handed to her. Tomoyo grinned,
"You do know that you just did the front flip snatch, a.k.a. the Falling Sakura, which totally secured the gold for you at the National Youth and X games, right?" Sakura nodded, puzzled.
"Yeah, so?" Tomoyo gushed,
"You do know that you are the only person in history who has performed it with perfect precision, and that's why it's named after you, right?"
"Nu-uh. There's probably a bunch of people who can do that."
"Uh…No, not really. You,, Empress Ying Fa, are THE only one who has done it." Sakura eyed her suspiciously.
"Are you sure?"
"Very." Sakura's eyes widened at the implications.
"Oh." The group sat in silence for a couple more minutes, and then Sakura got up. "Meilin, go get the equipment. We can teach you now, if you'd like." No sooner had she said this, than Meilin appeared with pads on, helmet tight, and board in hand, a huge excited smile on her face. "Ready!"
Tomoyo got up to help Sakura, and they showed Meilin the basics of skating. After Meilin got it down, the other two strapped up again, and took Meilin to the edge by holding her hands on either side. Grinning, they three of them fell over the edge.
Meilin held onto them as they went down, heading towards a beginner ramp, and they let go before they reached it, splitting in three directions. Meilin's heart stopped as she went in the air for barely a few seconds, but when she was on the ramp going down, she let out a breath she didn't know she had held in.
Stopping as she came to Sakura and Tomoyo, who waited for her on the other side. She was quiet at first, then flung her arms around their necks and brought them into a bone crushing hug.
"Oh, that was so cool! I mean, it's almost like snowboarding, with out the snow! I mean, my heart just stopped in the air!" Sakura and Tomoyo tried to breath,
"Mei…lin….can't….breath…" Mailin suddenly let them go, and their faces returned to normal color. Slightly embarrassed, she scratched her arm. "Sorry." Tomoyo patted her on the arm with a smile. "It's alright, you're still in the adrenaline rush. It's normal. We get it all the time." Sakura nodded, "It wouldn't be right if we didn't."
Tomoyo then remembered something. Turning to Meilin, she asked slyly,
"Is there a club nearby…or possibly a nice restaurant close by?" Melin looked at her, curious, "Yeah, they got a lot of both around, why?" Tomoyo smirked knowingly,
"Girls night out for the three of us, and the sisters if they want." Sakura stared at her scandalously,
"So that's why you packed dresses!!" The two ignored her out burst, and Meilin asked,
"Why not invite the twins? You guys need to start getting along." Tomoyo scoffed and answered for Sakura.
"They don't like us, not even as friends. And besides, they're only being nice because their sisters and their mom while tear out their throats if they don't behave. Ad by the way their acting, they seem to be on the pity route, which neither of us care for." Meilin asked, surprised by the well thought out explanation.
"What makes you say that?" Sakura answered this time, scratching her nose.
"One night their yelling at us, the next their polite. It's like a mood swing." Meilin deflated at that,
"Oh…well, I have no problem with girls night out. But you two need to hang out with them sometime this week. Alone….Now, is girls night out tonight?" Tomoyo replied with stars in her eyes,
"Sure! I can dress you two up! My kawaii Sakura…" Meilin and Sakura backed away from Tomoyo as she day dreamed. The three of them skated for a little bit longer before they headed back to the landing, only to find the twins surrounded by many girls, rather uncomfortable looking. Grabbing their clothes and wallets while Meilin went to take back the gear, Sakura put on her glasses before she whistled, grabbing the unsuccessfully flirtatious girls and the Li twins attentions.
"We're heading out, unless you two want to stay here."
Both boys jumped away while politely excusing themselves, grabbing their fiancées wrist and practically dragging the girls out of the mall to the awaiting limo. The three girls snickered quietly while the boys scowled, and no one said anything on the way back to the hotel. As the car stopped under the awning, the three girls dashed out and ran to their rooms, Meilin grabbing her stuff and brought it over to the 'couples' room.
As Tomoyo set up their room like a salon, Sakura looked at the messages on her phone. All the guys had called, so she decided to call them back. First Kioshi.
#Moshi moshi, Kioshi speaking.#
"Hey, Kioshi." She heard him gasp on the other line.
#Ying Fa!! Guys, it's Ying Fa!!# With in seconds, they all shouted hello into the phone. Sakura smiled wryly.
"Hey guys, I just was calling back to say hi before me and the girls go out tonight."
#That's cool, as long as you two are alright. Just call us tomorrow about your smashing night out, ok? Spread the love to Tomy for us.# Sakura laughed at his try of a British accent,
"Will do. Night!" Clicking off the phone, she turned to Tomoyo who finally finished, and said,
"The guys send their love and greetings. And Kioshi is working on his British accent again." Tomoyo giggled.
"That boy is stoked about being a model. He already thinks that we'll go international in one season our something." Sakura just smiled, knowing that it was actually quite possible with the two of them at the top of the chain. Looking down at the bed to see three robes, she remembered what they were doing. While putting on her mid thigh length yukata of white and black butterflies, she asked nonchantly,
"So who's going first?" Tomoyo thought for a second then called out,
"Meilin! Get your sassy butt in here!" Meilin came through the door seconds later, shutting silently. Putting her own bags and dress on the bed, she quickly stripped and got her own matching yukata on. Tomoyo started sprouting out orders.
"Meilin, hair in a tight bun. Sakura, wash her face, then put on the face mask…the red stuff. Put little cucmbers on her eyes for the fun of it. Meilin, legs over the bath tub."
They quickly followed directions, and Tomoyo was already hot waxing Meilin's right leg when all was said and done. Meilin didn't even wince when it was torn off. Under her straight face, she explained to Tomoyo,
"I've had to wax since I was 12, so I'm used to the pain. Smart thing, all at once." Tomoyo took the compliment as she did the left leg, and got the same result. Sakura asked in horror,
"Can I just shave?" And the answer from both was an abrupt "NO!? She cowered slightly at that response. "Just checking."
She knew it was gonna hurt. Tomoyo spread lotion on Meilin's legs and feet, then Tomoyo switched around, Sakura getting the blue mask for Tomoyo, and the green for herself. Knowing of Sakura's lack of experience, Tomoyo had Meilin wax for her, wincing only slightly. The two girls knew that Sakura would only run if she knew the pain, so the held her down and did both legs at the same time, causing extra pain, and Sakura screamed loud enough for the guys in the living room to hear.
Tomoyo ran to the door before they could barge in like firemen, and locked it. Eriol called out,
"Is everything alright in there?" She calmed her breath down to answer, "Yeah, we're ok. Sakura just hit her foot on the metal bar under the bed." Syaoran voice muffled through the door, "You sure she's ok?" Tomoyo huffed, "Yeah, pretty sure. Just don't come in!" Both the guys looked at each other suspiciously before returning to the tv.
Tomoyo ran back to see Sakura fully lotioned, her face contorted in pain, mouth stuffed with a hand towel, as Meilin had also done the armpits while she was away. Taking out the towel, Sakura cried out quietly,
"Please don't make me do that again. Please!" Tomoyo shook her head. "You're gonna have to get used to it, Sakura-chan." Sakura grumbled, "Why didn't you guys have too-" Tomoyo and Meilin answered, "Did it last night. And the last you have to do is eyebrows, and those are a piece of cake." Washing off Sakura's face mask, they finished off with her eyebrows into soft arches. After Tomoyo shooed her away from the bathroom with a new mask with a fruit smell, Sakura just laid on the bed in recovery, snacking on the delicious cookies they had backed in mass quantities.
It wasn't long when the other two were finished, and the three stood in their yukatas as they looked their clothes for something to wear. As Tomoyo had brought a wide selection for all of them, it was actually rather hard. Sifting through the clothes, Tomoyo was deciding on choices for them, accounting whether, what they wanted to look like, how approachable was the outfit, etc.
Washing off the masks, Tomoyo had on only red blush with a tint of red, for her pale skin, eyeshadow a deep purple and silver, and lipstick was only a light red. Sakura did her hair into a half waterfall, the rest of her hair dangling down her shoulders and back. She wore Yukito's gift, with swirling silver earrings.
Meilin's make up consisted of a light pink red blush, thick black eyeliner, and dark red eye shadow that fanned out, and dark red lipstick. Her hair was in her well worn pigtails, but with red and white silk ribbons. She had on a black arm band with a gold chain, and gold loop earrings.
Sakura's make up the other two enjoyed applying. Light red blush for her tan, thick eyeliner that swept a little past the slit of her eye, giving her a lift and more mysterious look, while the eye shadow was a mix of black, then silver, then white. The lipstick was a soft red, more her natural color. Her hair was in a messy bun, strands falling down in curls, her face framed by her long bangs. Her jewelry accounted with a simple silver arm bracelet, the silk black choker with the silver bell she wore that day, and long silver dangles in leaf shapes.
Finished with that, they finally got dressed, and saw the end result. Meilin wore a spaghetti strapped red silk mini, tight and mid thigh. She wore black 4 inch stilettos, with a black purse that would hold all of their stuff for the night.
Sakura was convinced into a strapless tight black silk dress that went to mid thigh, so it showed off her very curvy body very nicely. She somehow managed to walk in high platforms with ankle and calf wraps in black ribbon.
Tomoyo wore silver cross toe strap high heels with a halter top dress that showed until mid back, giving her a low front cut, hem at low thigh, but slits up to 3 inches.
Exiting the room first, she got the attention of her cousins, who looked puzzled at their cousin dressing up like she was partying back at home. When Tomoyo came out of the room, talking to Sakura, she didn't Eriol's reaction of flipping out in a good way when he saw his fiancée glide in that sexy tight little dress.
But when Sakura came out of the room, shutting it behind her, she merely looked up to see Syaoran staring at her, which she quickly turned away from, glad for the blush on her face. Syaoran's heart had stopped as he mentally checked things over. She was in a dress. A tight black number that showed every part of that curving lovely body. Her entire out look was just drop dead gorgeous. For some reason, a shiver went down his spine.
With out another minute, the girls just went out the door with a small bye, Meilin telling them to call her cell if they needed anything, and that they'll be gone for the night. They past the receptionist at the lobby, and she even was awed by their modelesqe walk and looks, but they smiled and thanked the door opener, which she puzzled over. Most didn't even know the guy was there.
The limo ride was a short one, the girls laughing to themselves about Sakura's joke on high heels. Meilin directed the driver to a restaurant called The Dai-Go. She didn't think was a good time to tell them about her cousin's reactions, knowing it would ruin their good mood. But she would tell them tomorrow or the next day.
Stopping under the awning of the restaurant, Daidouji and Kinomoto both realized that this was a classy restaurant, and entering the doors, they were greeted warmly by the hostess, who showed them to a table with in seconds because of Meilin's reservation. Seated at a private booth, a waiter stood at the ready to give them drinks and orders. It didn't take long for Sakura start,
"I will have oyakodon, kappa-zushi, and ginger tea, please." Meilin went next,
"The unadon, sushi, and water, please." Tomoyo waited for a second before her order,
"I would like the gyudon, side of tempura shrimp, and water, please." The waiter bowed before rushing off to get the orders complete, and while the girls waited they talked and listened to the people around them talk, even though it was rude. The waiter came back after awhile with their food an drinks, and the girls chowed down while listening on the guys in the booth behind Sakura and Meilin. Someone suddenly said,
"Have you guys heard about that famous skater chick, Kinomoto Sakura, and her cousin, Daidouji Tomoyo? The news is calling the Two Richest Heiresses in all of Asia. And with them marrying into the Li clan, they're worth even more. What I don't get is why they oblige to marrying two twits like that." Someone answered with a bored voice,
"It was mutual agreement set since they were born, I here. You know how the old fashioned money families are. They always got to arrange marriages for their children. But I'm curious as to who marries who." A different voice answered,
"I heard Kinomoto is marrying the next leader of the clan, and Daidouji marries the advisory brother. Man, I wish I was one of the brothers. Don't care who, just know both girls are hot!" The first voice picked up again, who the girls guessed as the type of guy who liked to be in the know-how.
"Did you know that the head Li family has a first cousin, a Li Meilin, who they're looking to find a suitable husband for?" The second voice answered, slightly disgusted,
"Sick how they try to pawn off their children for money and connections." The third sighed,
"That is pretty sad. They have no say either."
The girls had eaten the majority of the meal as they listened, but stopped when they heard them talk about Meilin. Sakura waved over the waiter, and asked pertly,
"Can you please ask the men behind me to hold their tongues or at least quite down? Thank you." The waiter did just that, and when one of the guys asked who was trying to shut him up, the waiter merely walked away. The girls finished their meal quickly, splitting up to cover the tip and bill. Making their way back to the limo, the simply ignored the conversation they heard and returned to their excited moods, the driver heading to a place called Ice. Just walking to the door they were let in with no problem.
The walls echoed the loud beat off the dance floor. Reserving a table where someone watched Meilin's purse and their drinks, they looked around them. The neon and strobe lights were going crazy, the room dark except by the bar and tables. The place was packed, but the 3 moved themselves to the center so they could stick together. For about 3 hours, they danced without interruption, but suddenly three guys moved themselves to dance with the girls. At first, neither of them cared. Until the guys started getting to close for comfort and grinding.
But when the one Meilin danced with put his hand in the wrong place, she automatically ran back to the table, the other two ditching their guy as well. Cooling down, they drank soda, talking a little as they breathed. Yet it wasn't long until the three guys came over with some beers in hand. Each sat next to a girl and tried to make conversation. The one with Sakura obviously was to drunk to know when to stop touching her, because he moved his hand to hold her other shoulder, only to graze her breast as his arm slumped around her waist. Sakura quickly got out of his grasp and stood back, motioning for the other two to follow her. Speaking in a huskier woman's voice, she said,
"Why don't you guys wait here for a little, and we'll come back ready to play." And before the guys could answer, Sakura grabbed the other two by their wrists and then joined in to the crowd, going out the front door. Racing each other back to the limo (more like tip toeing really fast. High heels and ice is not a good combo), they jumped in and high tailed it back to the limo. They didn't even speak until the got in to the elevator. No words were said as with only a glance at each other, they burst out laughing and congratulating Sakura on a smooth save.
As they reached the end of the hall where the 'couples' room was, they entered while still laughing out of breath. Sakura waved at the two boys standing up at the sound of the door, giggling still,
"Hey guys. What's up?" Syaoran glared at them crossly,
"Where have you three been? I've been calling your cell all night, Meilin!" Sakura snorted at the shrewd greeting,
"Geez Syaoran, what's eating you? Meilin told you earlier that we'd be out late. Why didn't you just call our cells?" Syaoran rounded on her in seconds.
"I don't care! First, me and Eriol are in charge of your asses whether you like it or not, and we need to know where you two go. Second, we don't have your cell numbers. And third, why do all three of you reek of alcohol?" Eriol sniffed the air and realized that his twin was right. All three girls just looked offended by the accusation in Syaoran's voice. Sakura started on him, standing inches from his face as she narrowed her eyes,
"Well, I'll tell you this, Li. You don't need to know since you don't seem to give a damn!" Syaoran retorted with out thinking. "Fine, stupid bitch." Sakura quickly replied, "Fine, fucking asshole!" Turning on her heel, she brusquely pounded her way to her and Tomoyo's room, slamming the door with a sense of finality.
Meilin sighed, saying good night to Tomoyo with a hug, but glared at her cousins as they looked around pissed. Tomoyo simply went to her room without a glance at the twins, locking the door behind her. Washing their faces off with Tomoyo's face wipes, the make up was gone in seconds. Putting away all the dresses and make up and home spa, they stripped into more comfortable clothes, Sakura in her brother's long cotton blue pj bottoms and sports bra, deciding on her black tank top. Letting out her hair, she watched tv as she brushed it and swept it into a braid.
It was hard, but after a while, Sakura lost control of herself, sinking her face into one of the fluffy pillows, crying and screaming her frustrations. Tomoyo hugged her and patted her on the back, doing what little she could. Calming herself down enough to spit out a few words, Sakura managed to audibly say between sobs,
"I want Touya…I want my big brother. He wouldn't let Syaoran be an ass to me. I want to be his little monster again."
Consumed by another choke, she held onto the pillow as a life jacket. Tomoyo sighed, knowing what Sakura was talking about. Touya was a big brother in the short time she knew him. A pain sometimes, but he had this protective streak that just made you so used to being under his wing. But it would be a long time before Sakura could get over that. She always had someone protect her and hold her till the storm past. Sadly, Tomoyo said,
"Sakura, since I can't be a brother, what if I got Eriol to be a substitute. Would that be alright?" Sakura didn't answer, staring into space. Tomoyo just nodded to herself as confirmation. Stepping out of their room, she saw Eriol on the couch, alone and watching tv, while Syaoran seemed to be in the guy's room. She walked behind the couch, speaking softly,
"Eriol?" He turned her at the sound of her sweet voice, but then he scowled in memory of earlier. "Yeah?" Tomoyo fidgeted with her feet before gathering the courage to ask, "Can I ask a weird favor from you?" He raised an eyebrow at that. He always remembered Tomoyo as a confident person, and she was acting nervous all of the sudden. "What?" Tomoyo answered,
"Can you, well, act like a brother to Sakura? You know, hug her and comfort her? Because Syaoran hurt her." Eriol asked, curious, "How's that?" Tomoyo was losing patience, and she looked him hard in the eye. "Eriol, are you going to help her or not?"
He was surprised by the desperation in her voice. Standing up slowly, he walked around the couch, and replied, "Sure. But why me?" Tomoyo answered truthfully, "Because you're the closest thing to a brother that's anywhere near here." She headed over to the bedroom and opened the door for him, and he tiptoed in, sitting on the bed next to the sobbing brunette. He asked kindly,
"Sakura?" She looked up at him, cheeks wet, eyes red, puffy, and ready to shed some more. Sitting up, she stared him in the eyes evenly despite her disheveled appearance. Eriol saw the emotions crossing her unguarded face. Sad, lonely, in pain, vunerable; like a lost child. He remembered when his dad died. He was just the same. He honestly couldn't leave Sakura like this on her own. Tomoyo said she needed a brother, and he guessed that he'll be one for the brunette. Though it was awkward to start.
"If you need a brother, you know I'm for you, alright?"
Sakura took no longer than three seconds to latch her arms around his neck and start crying into his chest again. Caught off guard by the quick movement, he steadied himself to balance the two of them. Glancing over at Tomoyo by the door, she smiled softly, mouthing a thank you as she shut the door. Eriol hugged Sakura slightly, and then she started talking as she cried,
"I want them all back. Aunt Sonomi, Mom, Dad, Touya. I want them all home, decorating the Christmas tree, hiding the presents, making Dad's cake, being together."
Eriol sat in silence, listening to her, letting her cry it out. It took her awhile before she said anything comprehendible.
"I especially want Touya back…He was my big brother. He said I would always be his little monster, his and only his. He would always be there. He promised to be there, to always protect me. But he's not…He promised…and he's not here to make the hurt go away, or to stop the scary thunder storms, or make all the mean people go away, or from Syaoran…he's not here…He's gone, and he won't came back, not matter how much I want him to…"
She sobbed again, her body racking as she poured everything out. Eriol's hold tightened around her, as he remembered saying those words himself. He remembered that it was so hard as a kid, getting over his father's abrupt death. He at least had his large family to cope with it. But Tomoyo and Sakura…they only had each other. And him and Syaoran weren't helping any. Sakura was mumbling now, and he barely caught the words,
"I want my big brother…I won't complain, I promise…I just want to say…that if I was the little monster…then he was the big monster…"
For some reason, Eriol started to slightly choke himself. He spoke softly in her ear,
"Don't worry, Sakura. I bet your brother knows that already." Her tilted up, eyes half lidded as she was exhausting herself. She asked hopefully, "You really think so?" He smiled at her genuinely, "Yep." Sakura just smiled softly, slowly drifting off, "That's good." He held her until she went limp, breathing evenly as she went to sleep. Laying her out on the bed, he pulled the covers up to her chin. He smirked, whispering,
"Just hold on a little longer Sakura. Syaoran is difficult. Give him some more time."
Quietly, he tiptoed back out to the living room where Tomoyo was sitting, a worried look on her face. He tapped her shoulder, and she was startled from her revere.
"She just fell asleep."
Tomoyo was relieved, and jumping up, she hugged Eriol around the neck, the smell of lavender and violets filled his nose with a tickling joy. Both suddenly felt tingles running through their bodies, but Tomoyo ignored her fast beating heart as thanked him continuously. After awhile, she let go, but stood on her toes and pecked him on the cheek before scampering back to her room, the door closed quietly.
Eriol touched his cheek, blushing after she had left. His body was going in flashes all over. For some reason, his body had a major attraction to hers. Then again, he knew why.
Going to his room and get into pjs, he slept on the living room couch the first night, dreams of lavender fields in his head.
Author Commentary:
Dude. I was slaving over this chapter for months. It sucks, but it's been hard for me to write lately. And here's another thing. I've been going completely off my original copy. The changes are small right now, but you'll understand in the next few chapters what I mean. I'm kinda making it obvious about the twins and Meilin. I originally had Syaoran just be nice in general…but I'm going to give you guys a spoiler. During their week vacation, S and S are going on a date. And both are going to start crushing on the other.
Ha! Spoiled it for you guys. I know I was going to go slow with this, but for some reason, I decided to up it a little. The phase in which they realize they like each other is going to be a long one. And sometime in the next few chapters, you'll understand why Syaoran and Eriol hate skaters (it actually is a simple reason, obvious too).
Not the greatest of chapters, I'll easily admit to it, but I'm trying to go away from the original story and create a whole new story line. I told you, the original had no real plot.
But, just so you know, I lurve you guys. You kept me going, and some of your reviews were awesome to read. And I know people were still reading my work, which made me feel extra special.
So this chapter (as bad as it was) is dedicated to everybody who kept me going despite my stubborn nature to do the opposite. Thanks you guys.
Chapter 25:
BlueMeteorGirl, VcChick (I'm back, hope your ready!), Frosted BlossomZ, nanaimoanimefan, Callista Miralni, PurpleMumei, midnightwillcome (glad you could write again), Kaze-Yume No Tenshi, pyscho-pyro-shrink (I loved my will sign off. It was different, and seemed much better than a good bye), Sharingan Hikari, Sakura Panda63, ccslover4life (thanks for sticking with me this long. I know I keep cutting off, but I always promise to come back! So you get major hugs!)
Chapter 26:
BlueMeteorGirl (I loved the cookies part. Though I was about drooling when I wrote it), ccslover4life, takari love, Callista Miralni (thanks. I liked the Syao and Saku part too.), pyscho-pyro-shrink, Frosted BlossomZ, Modoki Mokona (dun worry, I get confused to sometimes), VcChick, Sakura Panda63, LilChinaMan4eva (it's rated M for future…um…adult reading. It's innocent for now…but…just for future ref), Chrisdz (I'm guilty. Sorry. Didn't mean to wait so long, honest!), Sabriel J, Unknown (thank you for not giving me a barf bag. That would have wrecked my day), AnonymousM (I know, I do that at times), yumeniai, Kawaii-Kunoichi (COOKIES!), xXx[[[AlyssaxXx, CCS89 (when I read your review, I was about ready to cry with happiness at it. That was a major compliment to me, so I thank you with thousands of hugs. It meant a lot to me), -Night-of-the-Angel-, Mama, Daiguren (simple, Touya knew Tomoyo when he was a kid, and they kept the to girls separated as kids, the family just talked through the parents and Touya), Nightwing's Gurl 2023 (thanks for the compliment, and for you, hugs!), Summersunset (dun worry, my brilliance is here. And so is a chapter just for you guys), demonic-shinigamikitsune, tearsfalldownmycheeks, MizundastoodLuva, blackroseposeur
Merry Christmas you guys, and Happy New Year.
And so this is when I say Read it, Review it, Love it! Later loves!
Wolf