17
Disclaimer: I do not in fact own Cardcaptor Sakura storyline or its characters but I do as a matter of fact take full ownership of this story :~Tigeret~:
Authors Note: Thank you all for those of you fellow readers who took the small amount of time to review this story and I hope that with the following chapters it comes to your expectations! Enjoy
X X X
Last Time:
At first, she didn't think that Syaoran was going to be so quiet. In fact, she thought he was going to be like a horrible house pest. After all, she had heard so many stories about Syaoran and all his wild fiascos. But he managed to be quiet, maybe it was only when he was asleep that he was quiet. Shrugging, she sat down on the floor and went back to work.
X X X
Hours passed and Syaoran still hadn't moved from Sakura's office chair. Sakura had finished sorting through all of the papers on the floor when Eriol came by earlier, now she started on the papers that were still in the file cabinet. It was the most work she had ever did in one night but, like Tomoyo said, once she started on a project that was all she thought about until it was completed. Suddenly her cell started vibrating, since she had switched it from sound in cases like this so as not to wait the Corporation Head up. Running quickly out of her office without disturbing her piles and her boss, she answered the phone in a rather hushed tone.
"Hello Tomoyo-chan."
"Sakura? Are you alright? Eriol said that you didn't want to come home and that Syaoran is with you. Are you safe? What about dinner?" Sakura sighed. She had forgotten all about dinner and when her stomach growled, she realized that she was a tad bit hungry. She giggled on the phone.
"Calm Down Tomoyo-chan. I'm perfectly fine. Syaoran is here but hes sleeping. Yes, I'm safe and I did forget about having dinner."
"It's 10 o'clock at night you haven't had anything to eat since Eriol got you lunch…hey… no Eriol…Eriol I'm talking…"
"Sakura? Its me, Eriol. You do need to eat but don't leave without Syaoran at least. He'll probably be waking up soon. Be careful and keep a watchful eye on him. Hes better then having no protection but hes still a guy."
"Uh…ok…sounds good? Now I've got work to do. I love you both. Sweet dreams, good night."
"Night" the signal went dead. Sakura sighed as she looked around the area outside her office. Food was the least of her worries, on her top was Tomoyo. Tomoyo always worried about her well-being. She was always the one telling Sakura something or giving her advice…it was about time she and Eriol had some alone one-on-one time since they started dating…but what did Eriol mean by keeping a 'watchful eye' on Syaoran, she wondered. She shook her head and walked back into her office again quietly as she could. She looked over at the sleeping Syaoran in her office chair in wonderment. She leaned against her desk and closed her eyes. She had been working straight hours and still felt like something inside her was keeping her going she just didn't know what it was exactly. She was exhausted that much was a given and she really did want to just put everything on hold and just go home for the night but she decided against it.
Meanwhile, Syaoran groaned and turned over in the chair. He slowly opened his eyes and groggily looked around. Trying to remember what or where he was he looked over and saw Sakura on the floor by her desk and remembered what had happened. He was supervising her work, which was pretty much a non-stop process, and since the silence developed he had fallen asleep. Then something else entered his mind – why hadn't she left yet? Surely it was well into the night from the look of the darkness outside the window, so why was she still there in that office when she should be at home sleeping? After looking around a bit more he found that there were more papers on the floor and the file cabinets were wide opened.
"Sleeping Beauty awakens…" the sudden soft voice made him jump and stumble onto the floor. Looking around he saw that Sakura was slumped on the floor giggling and then it turned into a full laugh. He just stared at her. Here, he was on the floor after making a fool of himself and he was just letting her laugh at him. But he couldn't help but let her. Her laugh was gentle but childish and it was making his stomach do flips. A deep rouge color set deep into his tan cheeks. He was letting this new girl take advantage of his moment of grogginess.
"What are you laughing at?" She quieted her laughing and slowed her breathing down. She got off the floor and smiled down at him with her hand extended out to him. Was she offering him help or was she just playing a cruel game?
"I'm sorry Li-sama, I didn't know I shouldn't have laughed but I couldn't help it." He just stared at her hand as if it was some kind of disease and he didn't want any share of it. Who was this girl? He grabbed her hand lightly. Her skin was unbelievably soft; softer than the women who lotioned every day and made sure their skin was soft. Her soft green eyes even seemed to have a spark of their own. His dusted himself off but dared not to be released from his trance. She coughed uncomfortably to try to break the silence.
"So its 10 at night and I'm probably sure your…"
"Would you like me to drive you home? You don't have to come to work at 8 tomorrow." His answer took her off-guard but not as much as his tone. He sounded between being eager and being exasperated. She was only going to ask about dinner but a ride home? That was completely off-hand.
"Uh Li-sama I was only going to ask if you were hungry…and plus if I go home now I'd have take stacks of these folders home…"
"Kinomoto-san…"
"Just Sakura is fine." His heart fluttered.
"Sakura-san, your work hours are from 8 am to 4 pm. Eriol is usually the one that stays late, except for me. Eriol gets here at 7:30 am everyday. I have no doubt that you've probably been here from 7:45, and if your right about the time, to 10 something at night. Its only your first day. Plus I'm sure Eriol is worried about you as is your friend." Sakura stood transfixed to where she was. He was speaking to her it seemed like gibberish. She was nothing like him – he was a slacker, from what she had been told, where she shined in being a workaholic as her dearest friend once told her. It was only her first day and already he was telling her to take the next day off.
"Li-sama,"
"Syaoran is just fine." Her heart skipped a beat for some unknown reason.
"Syaoran, your generosity is extremely well noticed and even more appreciated but I sadly must decline." She said shaking her head slowly looking into his mysterious amber eyes. They just seemed to drown her in their warm depths.
"Well at least let me take you home and buy you dinner. And no paper." He smiled at her disapproval. Perhaps working with her was going to be interesting. "After all, if you finished tonight, what would you have to do?" She paused and then smiled.
"Li-san,"
"Syaoran."
"Syaoran-san, as much as a Kinomoto never turns down free food, but sadly I think I may have to decline…"
"Sakura," He rose from the floor and looked into her emerald green eyes. He was about a foot taller than her, his chin went over her head. His height made her feel the blood rush to her face and his heat radiated off of his body almost begging her to come near. Now she could see why women seemed to become putty in his hands. Unfortunately for him, she thought, I'm not an easy girl. "Sakura, I would be honored if you would join me for dinner and allow me to take you home." He said, to Sakura, it sounded forced and frostily. She narrowed her eyes. If he was forcing himself to ask her, then he was wasting his time!
"If you're going to force yourself to ask a girl for dinner and to take her home when you offered first, don't bother asking." She retorted folding her arms across her chest. She didn't care if he was taller than she was, she could still hold her own. He sighed and ran a hand through his already messy hair.
"I wasn't forcing myself to ask you. I'm a little thirsty and trying to talk with a dry mouth kind of makes things come out a bit…harsh." She looked at him skeptically but Kinomoto's had they're pride too.
"Fine. I'll accept your invitation but saying that you left your wallet in your office or leaving me to pay for the meal isn't going to cut it with me." She said pointing a finger at him. He smiled lazily at her. She walked around him and grabbed both her jacket and her purse before walking to the door where Syaoran opened the door and bowed slightly.
"After you?" He asked charmingly.
"Oh no Mademoiselle, ladies always go first." She said motioning for him to go before herself. But she shrugged after she received a glare for her comment and laughed as she walked out of her office as he walked right behind her. When they got into the elevator, a question popped in his head.
"How long exactly was I asleep?" He asked rubbing his neck.
"Hmm…this afternoon you did seem pale. You fell asleep around 2 something and just woke up a few minutes ago…so I'm guessing around 8 hours?" She said smiling at him.
"And now how do I look?" he asked stepping closer to her. She gulped and took a deep breath before looking into his eyes.
"Your complexion has returned…and more." She said pushing him slightly away from her, discontinuing their closeness.
"More?" his stomach growled and a blush raced to his face. "oh yeah, my abundant appetite." He said sarcastically making her giggle. When they reached the bottom floor they remained silent as they walked to his car. But as soon as Sakura saw it she gasped.
"You have a V12 2005 Ferrari Scaglietti 540 bhp horsepower with the highest speed of 195 mph and its burgundy too!" She couldn't help but say something as she surveyed the car running her hand over the smooth red surface. He starred stunned as a blush ran into her cheeks.
"You know cars?!"
"Um… well my brother was so protective of me while I was growing up. He made sure that I knew as much as I would allow him to teach me about cars and stuff…why?" he stumbled and stammered but unlocked the door to the car.
"Well I think you may be the first girl that I've ever met that knows a Ferrari Scaglietti from a Ferrari F430. Sorry I got that wrong, first woman." Sakura giggled.
"I can believe that." She said as she got into his car. Heat flustered to his face. During so many dates he'd start what usually led to hot erotic sex right there in that passenger seat…but now that he thought about it…he thought it wrong to taint what goodness Sakura radiated with the disgusting routine he did with his other dates. Then her comment suddenly rang clear in his head.
"Whats that suppose to mean exactly?" He gave her a rather searching expression. She shrugged as if it was just another day in another person's car.
"Well from all the stories that's been swept around about you and you're outrageous fiascos, you've had lots of dim witted girls on your arm and you have done a lot of things and I wouldn't be surprised if those girls didn't know a car." He gazed at her and noted the bitter tone in her voice as she spoke about his past dates. He stared harshly at the road.
"Well they had their good points…"
"Oh I'm sure they did." She nodded, "most likely all in your bed." He grounded his teeth together.
"Is that a problem? Is there a problem with my personal life that you would like to point out?" He spoke coldly and she was not going to turn around and be nicer either.
"Yes, Li-san, there is a problem."
"Well why don't you…"
"Well damnit if you would let me speak I would tell you the problem!" He shut his mouth and continued glancing at the girl in his passenger seat. This was the most heated talk that he ever had with a girl beside his cousin Meiling, but she was family this girl was outside the family and she was yelling at him?!
"Thank you. Now you caravan around with all kinds of pompous girls that have nothing in their head but who is going to be the next guy in their bed and well you just happen to fall for their big busts and large bottoms and how blond the next girl is! I'm sorry to criticize Li-san but you don't think. You've got a brilliant mind but you drown yourself with people who…don't appreciate your mind but what kind of sex or fiasco they can get out of you!" She said taking a deep breath.
They rode down the road in silence. It was the kind of silence where you didn't know what to say that would cool things over because you either didn't want to make a further fool of yourself or to make the other person mad further. The silence was something that he had grown used to but it was the air of silence that made him begin to perspire with nerves and anger as if he was 17 again going on his first date but this was a little different: the girl just yelled at him. For having a wild personal life. On just one ride it was affecting him more than the hundreds of dates he had been on before… and it was all because of this one little girl. He just had to break the ice.
"So…um…do you want anything specific?" he asked breaking the silence chilling coldness that had settled between them. She sighed and shook her head still looking out the window.
"Anything is fine by me…" He smiled and pulled into a Wendy's drive through. She gave him a confused look.
"You said anything, so I'm taking it that you're pretty much free lanced about meals." He chuckled, his chuckled was deep chested. She wondered what it would be like to touch him while he laughed just to feel that warmth…wait a second!? Where did all THAT come from?!
"Well…order me a frosty with my meal!" he laughed. This girl just about amazed him. One minute she was scolding him like a child the next she was the one acting like a child. Once they had their food, Syaoran pulled into a parking spot and parked completely turning off the car. Sakura gave him a confused and scared expression. This was just the sort of thing that Tomoyo warned her about when she accepted the job. Somehow her mixed expression of hurt, fear, and confusion felt oddly hurtful.
"I'm not trying to scare you, Sakura; I just wanted you to eat before you get home. I didn't mean to scare you honestly." He said putting his hands up in defense. She looked at him skeptically but then relaxed and smiled lightly but she still kept wits about her. This was Syaoran Li – man whore of Li Corps and a predator for any woman.
"Its alright. I just didn't know what you were doing is all. After all you don't seem to have a very good rep with girls." He seemed hurt and shocked all at the same time. He had a bad rep? What kind of guy did girls take him to be exactly? These kinds of questions kept popping in his head and they once again ended up in silence. He was curious about this girl; he was soon finding himself to think. About who she was, how did she really get the job, why was she in the business and why of all things was violating this girl seemed to be the worst of any crime? It was all too confusing. She was an ordinary woman wasn't she? She wasn't risqué or wild like the girls he usually looked at…but she also seemed so…forbidden…so off-limits it was like he was close to the forbidden fruit but it was still out of his reach.
"So you live with a boyfriend?" he found the words slipping out of his mouth before he could take it back. She blushed fiercely and she gave him a fierce glare.
"I most certainly do not! That's very impertinent of you to even assume…"She said blushing before taking a deep breath and looking down at her hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to screech…I haven't got a boyfriend…not for 7 years…I live with my cousin in her apartment and Eriol sometimes stays over. She lives downstairs in the master and I have the upstairs bedroom…" He gave her a quizzical look.
"But what about your brother?" She looked away.
"He lives in our old house in Kyoto…I do miss him so much and ever since my father…passed away and left the house to us he has been there taking care of it…Of course his friend Yukito lives with him but still…" Syaoran looked away for a minute but then looked back his voice was light.
"I'm sorry…my father passed away too…when I was just about to start my freshman year of college…You met my mother…" his voice started out light but then turned bitter.
"Yes…she is very beautiful."
"She is…so are my sisters, all four of them…" Sakura was shocked.
"You have 4 sisters? All younger than you are?" he shook his head.
"Yes, all of them and each of them are well married off…sometimes I wished that I never had siblings…but then I think of all the times…" His voice became distant and silent.
"All the times what? I can only imagine what you've done for them to protect them." He looked back at her, his face beyond solemn.
"Yes…I've always been there when they needed me. When they needed a shoulder to cry on…Someone to mess with, talk with about things sisters wouldn't quite understand…And those are the times when I like having them around." He said smiling what seemed to be a true smile and it really lightened his face. She smiled at his sincere honesty. Suddenly not only did is face begin to heat up but also his heart was starting to skip beats for some unknown reason. He didn't know why this strange but intriguing girl had such an effect on him. He cleared his throat hoping she couldn't see his red cheeks.
"Well before your cousin starts thinking that I've gone and kidnapped you and Eriol blames me for being a man-whore, lets get you home." He smiled charmingly at her. Shocked at his outright bluntness, she blushed and they both strapped in and drove out of the parking lot. As they drove, Sakura couldn't help but feel the need to thank him…
"Uh…Syaoran…" He glanced quickly at her but she knew that she had his undivided attention which under the heat of his amber gaze she felt very… naked. "Thank you…" He was felt his body prick with electricity. Someone was thanking him? No one had ever thanked him before not even his sisters after all hes done for him they just ran out of the room saying that he was sweet…
"For what?"
"For dinner…driving me home…being courteous…honestly with your history I had no idea that you could be this…down to earth. If you hadn't offered to take me home…I would still be either in my office working or I would've walked home by myself…"
"Oh no you wouldn't have. Eriol would not have let you, not in this neighborhood." He said firmly pulling up beside the sidewalk in front of Sakura's apartment building. She gave him a confused look.
"Because…" He didn't want to say how he really felt in front of another girl…last time he did…it stung too much to think about the months together… so he decided on the spot to tell her what she wanted to hear. "Eriol wouldn't have let you. He would've come and got you. Now go on in, before they go and ask for a search party. Tell them I said good night and Sakura," he looked at her through his car window as she was about to step onto the first step of her apartment building, "Sweet dreams." He smiled over at her before pulling away and driving down the road alone again. Sakura climbed the stairs unlocked the door but not before hearing a loud screech.
"Eriol! Sakura is home! Sakura-chan where have you been?!" Sakura sighed but winced. She knew she would have to face her cousin's wrath sooner or later that day, so why not now?
"Syaoran just bought me dinner and drove me home for the night…" Sakura said meekly. Tomoyo stood with her mouth hanging wide open.
"'Syaoran'!? Syaoran Li!? He drove you home?! And he didn't do anything unforgivable to you?! And since when have you been on friendly terms with him?!" Sakura shook her head and looked levelly at her cousin. She knew that her cousin was only looking out for her but this was going a bit far.
"No Tomoyo-chan. He didn't do anything horrible or sexual or anything of the sort. He was actually really sweet. And he told me earlier tonight when he woke up that I can call him just 'Syaoran.'" Tomoyo was extremely shocked. Sakura kissed the stunned Tomoyo on the cheek and hummed her way upstairs to her room, climbing the steps about two at a time. Back in Eriol's office which stood beside Tomoyo's room, Eriol paced back and forth his company phone pressed to his ear.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Eriol, darling, how wonderful it is to be able to talk to you. How have you been?"
"Auntie Yelan, is something wrong? Did I get a file wrong on one of the stacks that I put on your desk earlier today?" He asked her getting straight to the point. This was usually how their conversations began; she would try to act all sweet and nice and caring and Eriol would go straight to any point he thought she would want to talk about. He and his aunt Yelan, Syaoran's mother, weren't all too close but Syaoran confided in Eriol a lot and that's what made Yelan be so nosy about what Eriol thought. It was from time to time, during moments like these that he remembered why his cousin was the way that he was.
"Oh now Eriol! My dearest nephew! What would make you think something was wrong with your work? Your work is always superb down to a tee. No, actually I wanted to thank you."
"Thank me? For what?" Now he was beginning to get very suspicious. Yelan was one of those women that never thanked anyone unless they were above her status so why was she going to start now?
"For tell us about that delightfully charming Kinomoto girl! Shes remarkably wonderful and she knows what she is doing and talking about. Plus it just gave me a splendid idea for how I can possibly get my wild son to settle down." He groaned silently. He didn't like the idea of using anyone to settle down Syaoran because he knew that Syaoran wouldn't go for it. He was the kind of person that would settle himself when he found someone he could easily call his equal.
"Why kind of idea Auntie? I hope its not another attempt to marry Syaoran off. He won't go for it."
"Well…what would happen if you cousin Meiling started working with you and Syaoran? And perhaps she can push Syaoran to see reason and perhaps if she does her job well he'll choose her to be his wife. That would indeed make for strong children…"
"Auntie…"
"Eriol, I'm not finished yet. Now since Sakura is a bright young girl and she'll be working a lot with my brass son, she does seem the kind of person that would be able to hold her own against my son…" Eriol gulped. Tomoyo wouldn't like where this seem to be heading and he was beginning to think that this idea was doom to fail.
"Auntie…She only just started. You can't push her into a position she may not be able to handle. Yes, I'm sure she'll be able to stand her ground against Syaoran but what does Meiling coming to work for us and getting together with my cousin have to do with Sakura being able to stand her ground?"
"Aww my sweet nephew, you always did have my son down to a tee haven't you? But if you'll let me finish I'll explain what Sakura has to do with my plan,"
"Alright well I'm listening but I'm going to tell you ahead of time; its not going to work."
"Oh have a little faith. Anyways Sakura could tone down his anger by standing her ground when he gets into one of his little fits, after all you know as well as I do that Syaoran doesn't fully appreciate Meiling's importance. After a few times of berating his anger he should be much calmer than he would if no one was there to stand up to him. What do you think of my plan now?"
"Why do you want Meiling and Syaoran to get together?"
"Shes intelligent, brass and she knows that if she did anything outside of marriage she would be disowned. She has class too. Her blood is of the top class and that should be shared with out family. Besides you have to admit that with Syaoran's pick of girls are below the line and that Meiling would be a much better choice as a wife then one of them. Now I must be going. I must tell my brilliant plan to your cousin. Sweet dreams my dear nephew." And then the signal went dead. He leaned on his desk with a sigh roughly escaping his mouth.
"Eriol-koi?" he turned and found Tomoyo's silhouette figure standing in the doorway. "Darling who was that?" she pressed walking over to him. He ran his fingers through his hair with a deep sigh. Tomoyo knew then that something was off. He only did that when he was really frustrated or in deep concentration and doubled over with the access of sighs, she figured it was because of frustration.
"My Aunt…about thanking me for appointing Sakura as the new accountant…"
"What is so bad about that Koi? Shes a wonderful worker…"
"She wants Sakura to play as his 'nanny' and whenever he gets mad she might have to play as the disciplinant… and while she is doing the discipline inflicting, my other cousin, Meiling, will be working in the same office which will mean more tension for everyone…" Tomoyo was beyond confused.
"What does that mean? Why is there going to be more tension…"
"Syaoran and Meiling have been pushed towards a marriage since they were very little. It was all Yelan's idea that she told Meiling's family seeing as how Meiling is the last of our family and she is female. Syaoran can't stand Meiling because of Meiling's attitude; its dominant. Meiling is just like his mother is some ways and those ways are the reasons why Syaoran tries to stay away from her."
"Ok but that…"
"Sakura gets to be the 'punching bag' for Syaoran's tempers. That's what she is being pushed to be. In other terms, when Syaoran has a temper, she may have to deal with it first hand." He explained solemnly. Tomoyo's eyes grew in surprise.
"Excuse me?! Not my cousin…"
"Tomoyo-Koi…think about what you were about to say…" He pulled her closer to him and rubbed her arms soothingly. "Syaoran is my dear cousin. And he has come to me for several things, even though on the outside he seems harsh, deep down he is a good guy. He really is…hes not all that bad…"
"But…"
"No matter what the tabloids say or people hes worked with say, deep down he really has a big heart. At work he has to keep a certain face what with Auntie Yelan always wanting to know Syaoran's business, and he has to be secretive when it comes to newspapers and tabloids because they want gossip and he does have a short fuse which does tend to get him in a lot of trouble…" Tomoyo looked down. Inside she felt bad for the guy all because she assumed that he was bad inside and out. Being in the fashion business, she understood about keeping a face around co-workers and not being what a person seems on the outside. She dealt with lots of models who were whiny and who complained when they didn't get their way but around other people they acted sweet and kind even if it was with an icy feel to it. She sighed.
"I guess your right…I shouldn't assume so much about a person just because of what people say…after all he may be a different person around some…" she said holding Eriol in a tight embrace. With her face in his chest, she didn't seem the slight frown on his face.
'This plan is bound to fail and people are going to get hurt…I can already see it…'
X X X
The next day came much too fast for Sakura and everyone living in the Kinomoto/Daidouji apartment. It was about 7:30 am when suddenly…Eriol's cell went off. He quickly shot out of bed half asleep and grabbed his cell that laid on the night table beside the bed. He quickly looked at Tomoyo then answered the phone.
"Hello?" he asked groggily. He looked at the clock and groaned. It was too early to be getting work calls. Didn't people know what sleep was?
"Hey Eriol, its me, Syaoran."
"Syaoran? I won't be there till 8:30 and Sakura will be there as soon as she can…"
"She needs a break. She needs a day off actually. She worked long hours last night and she needs to have, at least, a few plenty hours of sleep. If she wants to still come in she can come in around noon but she is not to stay past 5 pm." Eriol sat silent. Syaoran was giving someone a break? Since when did ever give anyone a break?
"Um…is this for real Syaoran or are you just playing around because its too early to be…"
"Completely serious. Do tell Tomoyo-domo my thanks for not freaking out on Sakura coming home so late after I got dinner for her. And…you can come in later too. Take your time. Oh and Eriol?"
"Um…yes?"
"We'll need to schedule a meeting, just you and me. Its about…an new international congress with Hong Kong HQ and Russia, England, and Germany. We need to plan it and send it to my mother before next week."
"Um…yes…sure when?"
"Whenever you want. Have a great sleep." The signal went dead. Eriol was shocked stunned where he sat. Tomoyo soon aroused at the loss of heat by her body and sat up gently and gave his bare back light tender kisses. He leaned his head a little towards her, acknowledging her tenderness.
"Koi…who was that?"
"That was Syaoran…he said to give Sakura a day late pass. She doesn't have to come to work today…but if she does insist, she can come in around noon. He also said…that I could come in late…" This made Tomoyo strangely become alert.
"Li? Syaoran Li? What has gotten into him lately? Eriol…Hes acting so strange from the way he usually does…" Eriol turned to Tomoyo on the bed. By the way of her alert but scared meek voice he felt his heart gave a stab inside his own body. He placed a gentle hand on her cheek. She was so magnificent in his eyes ever since he first laid eyes on her. Beautiful eyes of a deep lavender swan deep into the very pit of his soul and he knew that with every moment of looking into her eyes, she could see every flaw and blemish. Long dark black hair that fell in light curls down to her mid back gave her the air of exotic and experience. He truly had no idea why his cousin was being so generous. He would have to go to work to find out what exactly is going on with him.
"I'm going to go in early." He finally said barely above a whisper. "Let Sakura sleep in. In fact, I'll catch the bus and she can drive my car to get to work." He leaned in and kissed her with deep longing. He didn't want to go to work early but he had to find out what his cousin was planning and the only way 2 do that is to go to his office and sit him down and talk to him about it. Getting out of bed he quickly got dressed into another suit of the day while Tomoyo sat on the bed still not understanding what was happening.
"Eriol I don't understand…" she began meekly close to tears. Eriol stopped in the middle of buttoning his shirt and sat beside her on the bed.
"Koi, I know you don't understand but I'm going to find out whats the matter with our company owner." Tomoyo watched as he got back to his task of getting dressed. When he finished the task he gave her a quick kiss, grabbed his briefcase and walked out of the door. Tomoyo was completely stumped. She walked out of her room and upstairs as quietly as she could. Inside Sakura's room, Sakura was peacefully asleep, completely 'dead' to the world. She sighed.
Sakura and Tomoyo had always been close but after the death of Sakura's mother Nadashiko, both Tomoyo and her mom took both the Kinomoto kids and their father in…Sakura then became like a sister to her, a best friend, cousin and sister all in one. Everything was fine…until Sakura's father died. Tomoyo remembered both the siblings falling to pieces after finding out about their father dying. Now as Tomoyo looked down at Sakura, she knew her to be a grown woman and she also knew that she couldn't protect Sakura forever. Tomoyo couldn't bare to think of her sweet cherry blossom being hurt again. She left Sakura's room in peace and walked into her room laid down in her own bed and began to think.
X X X
Eriol walked into the office building bend on finding Syaoran and figuring him out. "Good morning mister…" he didn't even smile as he walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor – Syaoran's office floor. He didn't know how he would get the information out of him but he would find out what he wanted. When he arrived to Syaoran's office, he threw open the door and found Syaoran on the floor with…paper airplanes everywhere? He smiled up at Eriol.
"Hey! I thought I told you not to come in till later? So much for you listening… so what brings you here so early in the morning?" Eriol dropped his briefcase and closed both doors.
"What has gotten into you for one and what congress meeting do we need to plan?" Eriol asked sternly. Syaoran gave him a confused look. Eriol was never usually this harsh but here he was looking at Syaoran like he was a child being caught doing a terrible deed.
"Are you ok Eriol?" He asked slowly getting to his feet.
"Yes, but why call me at 7 giving me and Sakura the day off? You never do no matter how many hours I work. And since when do you arrange international meetings with me? That's your mother's job if you remember correctly." Eriol asked getting straight to the point. Syaoran sighed and ran a hand through his dark brown locks of hair.
"Ok well…I thought Sakura did need a break. Her first day and she works over time and I figured you'd think something was going on about the meeting so…you would come early…I need your advice." He finally spat out. Eriol was thrown for a loop. Syaoran was asking Eriol for advice without being forced to by his mother?
"You? You need my advice? For what?"
"Sakura…" Another loop.
"What about her?" Syaoran sighed and sat down at his desk with another paper airplane in his hands.
"I've stayed here all night…been thinking about everything I've ever done…She is so different from any person I've ever been around…Shes got spunk and shes pretty but intelligent and she sure as hell knows what shes talking about…"
"And?"
"And well…I don't know her! I've never been around her…awake anyways and when I was it was either silent or she was yelling at me for something that I either did wrong in my past or something I said…I've got to work with her…during international meetings and the such…" Eriol was still halfway lost but only shrugged.
"So? What do you want me to tell you? Sakura knows business and she can hold her own on situations that deal with money hungry men. Even against sarcastic egotistical males like you."
"But Eriol…I can't…nevermind…" Eriol gave him a skeptical look then walked out of Syaoran's office, briefcase in hand. He frowned as he walked back to the elevator and made his way to his own office. He knew that it would come to this sort of thinking…when he finally made it to his office he pulled out his cell phone and dialed the one girl that he cherished more than anything; Tomoyo. Back at the apartment, Tomoyo's cell began to go off softly on the night table on the other side of the bed. She hadn't been able to sleep so she sighed and answered the phone. It was, after all, only 9:45 am.
"Hello?" Tomoyo asked into the phone sadly. Eriol's heart squirmed in his chest.
"Tomoyo-Koi, I'm so sorry that I walked out of the apartment so quickly on you. Truly how can I ever make it up to you?" Tomoyo sighed in relief. It was Eriol. She was so worried about him when he ran out of the apartment to go to the office that she didn't know if she would hear from him at all until the usual time he talked to her which was around noon time. Then she remembered why he left so early and couldn't help but feel that she was not going to like where all this was going to go.
"You don't have to make up for it. I was just extremely worried about you this morning."
"I know Koi, I know but I needed answers and I think I have an idea as to whats going on…"
"And?" She was curious, she had to admit, as to what was going on but she kept it to herself.
"Come to find out, Syaoran doesn't know how to take to our little cherry blossom. Shes yelled at him for some of the things that hes done from what he says and its thrown him for a loop." She was confused.
"So? But why give her the day off?"
"I believe that he wants to give her the day off because he doesn't want to realize that shes got a good head on her shoulders and shes different from what hes used to."
"What do you mean?"
"Hes used to people like Mister Haynami who flatter him to get what they want or the provocative woman hes seen with because they only see his money which means that they're easy to understand; Sakura is different therefore he doesn't know how to handle her." Now it all made sense.
"So what is there to do?"
"We just have to let things go where they're going and try not to interfere…" Tomoyo nodded.
"I just…I just don't want my little cherry blossom to get hurt again…" she said barely above a whisper. Eriol sighed. After only dating Tomoyo for 6 months, he absolutely loved both of them; one as a little sister, and the other as the love of his life. Eriol knew that Tomoyo would do anything in his power to protect her from anything that could be of any kind of danger. And with that, Tomoyo fretted every time something with any kind of possibility that could put Sakura in danger.
"I know you don't and neither do I, believe me, if I had the power to keep her from every danger the world could throw I would…but she knows that there are some things that you have to go through in order to make yourself stronger…"
"How can you be so positive?" Tomoyo asked barely above a whisper. Eriol sighed and rubbed his temples. He knew Tomoyo was beginning to fret over her dear friend but there had to be something that could calm the nerves before they began… he didn't fully know what she meant by not wanting Sakura to get hurt again but that's what lead to some of the problems they had. He wanted to give her the world openly and before all the people of the world…but because she didn't want to 'upset' Sakura by showing too my open affection, he had to refrain.
"Darling, Koi, I can be positive because I have faith in Sakura. I have faith that if she needs someone I know that she'll either come to one of us and talk to us about whats going on or what she needs help with. Have a little bit of faith in her Tomoyo-koi." He said calmly. He heard Tomoyo sigh again this time it sounded in defeat.
"Fine…Shes still asleep anyways and probably won't be up until her stomach wakes her up." She said giggly for the first time since the conversation started. Eriol felt his heart flutter in response.
"Its good to hear you laugh. Sadly though I've got to get started on my work for the day…I love you Koi…" She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.
"I love you too. Have fun at work."
"You too bye." Then the signal went dead. Tomoyo placed her cell back on the night table and looked over at the pictures she set in colored frames. The largest picture on her night table was a picture of Sakura and herself when they just got accepted into college. This was before Tomoyo met Eriol and before Sakura got hurt…Her smile faded from her face as the memories came running back to the front of her mind. She never talked about the incident with Sakura in the room and she still refused to tell Eriol why she refused to be so public with their affection and feelings. She knew it hurt, it hurt both of them, to hide the feelings they both shared so strongly but it was her fear of the past that held her back. A faint knock raped at her bedroom door and when she looked up, there stood Sakura; groggy but awake.
"What are you thinking about Tomoyo-chan?" She asked slowly rubbing her eyes. Tomoyo shook her head and masked her upset expression.
"Nothing really…just looking at our pictures…" Sakura came into the room and inspected the same picture that had caught Tomoyo's attention.
"Ah…that was the day we found out that we got accepted into Tokyo University. That was such a happy day…" Sakura said barely audible to her ears. Tomoyo, though she calmed her features well, was being to boil over with nerves. She had to change the subject soon, then she remembered; no work for Sakura.
"Oh I almost forgot to tell you," trying to act casual, but Sakura could tell that something was off with her cousin, "Uh…Li-san called Eriol this morning. He said that you both could have the day off. And he even pointed out that he didn't think you should come in today. But if you feel you must you can come around noon and work until five." Tomoyo said putting on a smile hoping that Sakura would be gullible for once and believe her. Sakura could feel that something was wrong but didn't want to press her cousin to tell her. Then it hit her: she stared wide eyed at Tomoyo.
"You mean he called and you didn't bother to wake me up?!" She said in disbelief. It was only her 2nd day and she was already getting a day break. That was highly unprofessional in her book and she was not about to let that happen.
"Well…no I didn't bother. Eriol even said not to…" Sakura got up and ran upstairs yelling;
"Oh Tomoyo-chan you should have! Oh great now how am I going to get to work…" Tomoyo followed after Sakura much slower than Sakura was going…
"Don't worry about that. Eriol left his car so that you could drive to work should you choose to…"
"Of course I want to go! I have to! Its my job plus I've got over 20 stack of papers that I have to go through and re-file and categorized! I've got to get it done!" She said coming out of her room in sweatpants, sneakers and a light blue tee-shirt. Tomoyo almost laughed at the sight of her frantic cousin. Sakura prided herself in looking professional and now she was going out of her pride box and going into work-mood. Sakura quickly threw her hair up and grabbed both the keys to Eriol's car and an apple off the counter.
"Bye Tomoyo-chan!" Then she was gone. Tomoyo sighed and decided that maybe it was best to warn Eriol of the incoming hurricane she called 'family.'
X X X
Sakura rushed to the car and drove as fast as she was allowed to go, hoping to get to work as fast as she could. She couldn't believe Tomoyo didn't wake her up when Eriol left for the office. She knew Tomoyo was only just looking out for her but it was her job that was at stake. 'No one is as good as you' bull wouldn't save her if every time she pulled an all-nighter she took the next day off. She arrived faster than she thought she would and practically ran to the front desk scaring the day lights out of Yuki.
"Yuki, what floor is Eriol on?" She asked, her breaths rigid and separate.
"Uh…hes on t-the 22nd floor…"
"Thanks!" was the only thing Yuki heard before she saw the honey brown girl run towards the elevator. Punching the 22nd button on the brightly lit panel, she shifted her weight nervously from one foot to the other. It was hard not to be nervous when it came to being in work. Especially with how she acted in front of Yuki. She checked how many floors she had left; 16. Only 6 more floors left. She was getting impatient which was totally unlike her. She was a very patient person. Floor 22- when the thick door opened, she bound straight out and towards Eriol's office which had to be the largest office on this floor. She reached his office and slammed the doors opened. She saw that he smiled on the phone and whispered something before hanging up and smiling at her.
"Well, how do you feel Sakura-chan?" Eriol asked calmly but still with smile on his face. It took Sakura a moment to get her mind straight before walking further into his office.
"Why didn't you guys wake me up?! I have to finish all my work and staying home just after one all-nighter doesn't cut it! It could get me fired Eriol!" She asked leaning on his desk. Her emerald green eyes were shining fiercely. Eriol remained calm. Tomoyo had called him a bit before Sakura got to him to tell him that she wasn't all too thrilled which helped him keep his calm façade.
"We actually was told not to. Tomoyo told you the truth, Syaoran told us not to wake you." 'Hes in for it.' He said resting his chin on his folded hands. She blinked a few times before smiling with the same fiery expression on her face.
"Thank you Eriol-chan." He gave her an inquiry look and she held out her hand.
"All I plan to do is ask him what exactly was he thinking. People like him will do anything, especially if they want to prove a family member wrong, just to be right. Its part of business and I won't let his 'generosity' get me fired!" Sakura said before storming out of the room. Eriol couldn't help the small smile that graced his face just thinking about his cousin-in-law walking into his cousin's office out rightly demanding and pointing a finger at him.
"What a shell shock hes going to get…" he whispered out loud to himself. When she left Eriol's office, her sudden nerves turned to irritation. She knew she shouldn't be getting irritated but it was like her boss was up to something. He didn't know her quite well, she knew that for a fact, because he would have known that shes not the kind of worker to leave things undone, but she still felt he had something up his sleeves. When she got into the elevator, she pressed the button for the 26th floor calmly and sighed. She knew it was considered pertinent to confront your boss but she felt she had a right to. When the elevator reached the top floor, she sighed and exited the elevator walking briskly to Syaoran's office. Knocking softly she breathed in quickly until she heard a rather disgruntled "Come in." Opening the door, Sakura had to refrain from having a giggle fit at the sight before her. Syaoran was sleeping in his office chair, his mouth hanging slightly ajar and with a bit of drool hanging down his chin and all over his office were paper airplanes. Standing off to the side was a very irritated Li Yelan.
"Oh Li-domo," Sakura bowed after realizing the older woman's presence in the room. Seeing Sakura's bright smiling face, she smiled and bowed in return though it was not as low as Sakura's.
"Ah good morning Kinomoto-san. How good it is to see you, at least someone knows duty unlike others…" She spat. Sakura glanced nervously from mother to son then back to the mother.
"Um…madam hes been here all night…" she lied blushing deeply. She didn't know why she was lying to her new employer's face and she could feel the guilt bug eating at her insides but once Yelan sighed Sakura suddenly became quite curious.
"Well that's a good thing to know… I was beginning to wonder when his little shenanigans were going to stop." Yelan smiled at Sakura's curious expression."If your in this business long enough you'll understand. My son is a shameless party boy, but I won't get into that. You can get the gossip from some of the clerks around the offices. Now, I must leave. I only came in here to yell at him." She said before walking out, her heals clicking with each step. Sakura looked over at her sleeping employer and decided to do a bit of investigating. Time to get to know her fellow co-workers. Walking out much more quietly than his mother, Sakura closed the door to his office and slowly but with purpose walked to the elevator.
"I think its time to get to know why his mother and my cousin all seem to think so low of him."
'Operation: Investigate has just commenced!'
X X X
Well that's all for now! Hope you enjoyed that long chapter! I'll not to make the next one sooo long
By the way, thank you to all my reviewers! I hope that this chapter and the next few chapters will be satisfactory!
~:Tigeret:~
