Chapter 5:- 45 Percent in Love

"When I said you can work your magic, I did not in any way say or imply the two of you any sort of permission to inflict pain on me!" I cried out in pain when another one of my eyebrow hair was pulled.

"Oh hush, Sakura. You can be such a drama queen sometimes." Replied Aphrodite as she yet again pulled a hair with a pair of tweezers.

"Hold on, you guys said shopping, then why am I getting a makeover."

"We did go shopping remember."

"Picking up your dry cleaning does not count in anyway."

Meiling smiled at us, as she casually pulled out her cell phone. She pressed a few numbers quickly. And waited about three seconds before saying, "Hello? Ah, Kinomoto-san! So nice to talk to you again. Yes, we're all okay. No, actually we were wondering if Sakura could stay the weekend at our house. Umm… no, nothing like that. Just you know, a girl's night type thing. Yeah. Perfect, we have her uniform. Oh, don't worry, we'll figure something out to wake her up. 'k bye!"

I eyed her suspiciously, "Tell me you didn't ask to have me sleepover!"

"Oh but I did. See, this way, you'll have no escaping if something spicy happens between you and Mr. You-know-who." Winked Meiling.

"You girls are evil—OW! Tomoyo! That hurt!" I cried out in pain again.

Both Artemis and Aphrodite rolled their eyes.

"It seems that our little cherry blossom is unknown to the world of fashion, and more importantly womanhood. So, it is only natural, that Meiling and I, being very well educated in the field, will bestow upon you our great learning." Answered Tomoyo dramatically.

"More like deceptive illusion to bring about an early death for me." I muttered, knowing full well the two goddesses had heard. "Honestly, I don't really see the point in this at all. Why are we going through all this trouble, again?"

"Actually, we're going to be going to a dance, a small gathering. It's just that Syaoran was going to invite you, but you know how we were all busy with all the winter festival things. Not to mention, we had to get you ready to be able to handle everything thrown at you." Replied Meiling offhandedly.

"You literally threw things at me!" I accused Meiling as I recalled asking who had a certain file, only to have it chucked at me from behind Meiling's desk.

Tomoyo snickered behind a hand, while Meiling gave me a sheepish smile. "Yeah, sorry about that one."

"Right…" I said as I rolled my eyes. "Like that's not going to happen, again."

This time, Meiling looked away, before clearing her throat and continuing. "Anyway, as I was saying. He never really got a chance to ask you out to it. And so, we're going to surprise him by having you show up as his date."

I felt my eyes narrow in suspicion. "You two have money on this don't you?"

"Oh, come on Sakura. Do we honestly look like people who would place bets on you?" asked Tomoyo innocently.

"You won't, but your boyfriends. Now they are another story. And since the two of you are so competitive where your boyfriends are involved…"

"Fine, Naozumi has twenty thousand yen placed that Syaoran's mouth will drop open and then he would touch your shoulder to make sure your real." Said Meiling as she started to pull my hair away from my head. "Tomoyo, I'll handle her hair, you work on her makeup."

"Eriol's is kind of dramatic, where Syaoran will believe that it's all a prank, before coming up to and trying to pull your 'mask' off. And, then when he realises your real, turn bright red like a tomato." She used air quotations when she said mask, before nodding to Meiling. Then she said conspiratorially, "The thing is, that we have never, and I mean it never seen Syaoran blush—not even an embarrassing one. That's actually one of the things we have vowed to see."

"You guys are worse than me."

"Hey, it's not like anyone said we can't enjoy life. Besides, I'm sure you'll want to see his impression of you after we're done." Shrugged Tomoyo as she turned up the volume of the radio using a remote control. "Mei, I was thinking to try the natural look. Actually, she doesn't need foundation or anything. How about we bring out her eyes?"

Meiling must have made some sort of movement from behind her head. "Yeah, I think so. I was thinking of going with a simple hairstyle too."

I mentally sighed. God, this was going to take a long time. I started to listen to the music that was playing on the radio and tuned out, and attempted to ignore the probing and pulling on my skull and or face.

After almost twelve songs, another song started. It's Gonna be Love by Mandy Moore. See, the song was going okay until it oddly sounded like:

"It's gonna be Syaoran… baby"

Was it just me, but did the words of the song change?

"It's gonna be Sakura… baby"

Whoa!

"It's gonna be true…baby."

"It's gonna be love."

I jerked up to glare at the two goddesses beside me. When my eyes turned to them they innocently looked at me.

"What's wrong?" asked Artemis.

I looked at the two confused. Maybe it hadn't been them, and maybe it had actually been me. Huh. That's odd. I shook my head, "Nothing, I thought I heard something. Don't worry about it."

"Whatever you say, dear."

"I'm done with her hair, what about you, 'Yo?"

"How many times have I told you not to call me that Ling." Tomoyo said her eyes narrowing dangerously. "And yes, I am done with the make up."

I sighed, here we go again, time to intervene before it escalates into a full blown out war with tissue paper. Now that had been a headache to clean. "If the two of are done with me, shouldn't you start to work on one another?"

The two goddesses stopped and turned to me, blinking as if the thought hadn't even occurred to them. "You two are going, right?" I said feeling nervous. "You can't let me go alone! I won't know anyone! I'll be the disasters, because I'll end up arguing with Li! And then he'll make up some stupid bet which I will lose and then I'll have to go live with the pink flaming flamingos with frog heads!!"

I looked up at them and saw that the two were trying exceptionally hard not to laugh, bless their hearts for trying not to embarrass me too much. I winced, "I said that out loud didn't I?"

Meiling was barely able to nod her head in contained laughter. "Oh, just laugh it out! I know I'm a big bunch of oddity combined into a mega-ball of self-inflicted embarrassment—a dork." I said dramatically bringing my hands to hold my face.

This caused the two to burst, and I watched with a smile coming on my lips before, before I too was laughing with them.

As we finally regained our composer, I got up from my seat and effectively placed Tomoyo in it. "I'll do your nails, and I'm actually not bad in the whole make-up category. I usually help Kaho-chan with it before she goes out." I explained as I started to look through the different powders to find something that would bring out her features. "Personally, it's too much work for myself." I replied after getting the silent question about myself.

Tomoyo smiled, "Oh, don't worry. I trust you."

Meiling smiled, "Yeah, if you can work with Mizuiki-sensei then I must say, you must be good. I guess I'll work on this witch's hair."

"Hey! I have your dress!"

"Sorry, sorry."

"What colour is your dress Tomoyo? I want to find something that'll help bring out your eyes and fair complexion, but I'm not sure whether to go with a silvery blue, because it would look great or something more neutral." I said while looking at the shades of blue and a pale glitter.

"It's a blue-ish navy dress, so go with the silver." Tomoyo replied after a thought.

"Then tight curls are the way to go, and I'll pull her hair back so that she doesn't have her bangs around her face, for a more mature look" Mumbled Meiling as she began to work.

We hummed while the two of us worked on her until it was Meiling's turn. And soon, the three of us were done, and were ready for our dresses.

"We should probably get into our dresses, but I don't want Sakura to see herself until after she gets an opinion from Syaoran." Said Tomoyo.

"Excuse me? How can I not see what I have to wear, and why do I have to wait until after Li's opinion?" I asked.

"Simply because you'll feel too self-conscious." Replied Meiling off handily as she accepted her dress from Tomoyo.

"Not to mention that you are beyond stubborn. After all, if someone gives you a compliment, but you yourself do not like the way you look—then you just won't accept a compliment."

"That a stupid reason, Tomoyo." I said, clearly annoyed at the idea. But, I suppose I did have a tendency to do that.

"I think it fairs well."

"But how are we going to do this?"

"I'm not sure, we can't blindfold her-- it'll mess up her eyes."

"Hello, still here." I grumbled.

"We could put some sort of brace, or a veil type thing to cover her eyes."

"Oh I know we'll place a box on her head! A cardboard box! Or… a paper bag!! We'll punch some hole in it so she could breathe! It's perfect!" said an excited Tomoyo.

"WHAT!? Why in all the wondrous world of beautiful techno-colours would you do that?" Then I remembered a certain book I read as a little child, and groaned, "I'm not the paper bag princess!"

Meiling raised an eyebrow, "Where do you come up with this stuff?" she asked while shaking her head.

"Honestly, I have no idea. It sort of just pops in." I said distractedly, "But, why?! I mean I do know why, but can we… you know not?" I tried again.

Tomoyo threw an amused glance at me, "Fine, dear. We were only joking." My face lit up like Christmas was only a day away. "But--" My face automatically dropped. "—you are not allowed to make any comment about yourself out loud."

"Well I suppose I could live with that." I mumbled, cringing at the image of me in a paper bag… ugh… that would be absolutely horrific. "So, is this like a small get together, or like a high school thing?"

"Umm, Mei why don't you take this one." Replied Tomoyo nervously. I narrowed my eyes. I had a weird feeling I wasn't going to like this.

"Thanks a lot 'Moyo." Meiling said. Okay, so I really wasn't going to like this. Was this a collage party or something? But then again our make up was more formal and elegant than funk.

My eyes widened, "It's a formal." I stated, anger brewing inside me, which was quickly extinguished by nerves. That would mean people would watch, and… f-formal d-dance?!

God, no.

Please, god no.

Meiling and Tomoyo both looked away.

"Flaming pink flamingos, with frog heads." I said as I fell back into a chair. "Are you two out of your minds?! That means I might have to do the waltz or something?! I have two left feet!" I winced at the thought of my poor partner's feet.

Tomoyo and Meiling rolled their eyes, "Stop being so melodramatic. It all depends on your partner."

I leaned back into the chair. "I hate my life." I was then promptly gathered up into the girls' hands and pushed into a room that contained a long mirror and a pink dress.

My eyes widened, it was absolutely gorgeous! (A/N I'm not going to got into details with the dress, if you want to know what they look like, go onto my profile and view the picture links of all three dresses. BTW hair and makeup is the same as the ones in the pictures).

It sparkled softly. I can't afford this. I looked back towards the closed door. I felt my heart swell at the thought of Tomoyo and Meiling doing something like this.

Slowly I swallowed a large lump in my throat. I smiled sadly, when was the last time I wore a formal dress?

Mother's funeral?

"It's okay… Sakura. It's been a while but maybe you'll be as beautiful as your mother when you wear it." Was softly said as Saku popped onto my shoulder lightly touching my cheek.

I sighed at the thought, and shook my head softly, "I don't know. But I think this whole thing will be worth it."

"Good, you should come to pass with it. After all, you did inherit your beautiful features from Nadeshiko, only your hair and eyes from Fujitaka." Then Saku winked at her, "Besides you've already done so much, you can't back out now. For some reason I think--I'm sure Syaoran will be drooling non-stop."

I let out a soft giggle, "I doubt that's going to happen. Nothing seems to rattle that idiot. But I suppose cleaning up will be a some what of a shock to him."

"You've been spending too much time with Kaho." Muttered Saku as she started to poof out.

I smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Saku."

I gently pulled the dress free from the hanger and started to unzip its back. I slowly slipped it on, feeling the silky material caress my skin. Adjusting it, I looked over to the mirror and smiled. There in front of the large mirror.

Maybe I could pull this off.

I turned to find a pair of one inch heels by where the dress had been. I slipped my feet into them completing the ensemble. Thanking god the goddesses hadn't left higher heels.

I shyly opened the door and peeked out to see Meiling and Tomoyo looking absolutely stunning. With their hair and make-up they looked like models from a magazine, but alive! It truly did feel like they were from a different world.

I could feel myself far inferior from them. Aphrodite seemed to have caught my eyes, and grinned widely.

"Sakura, come out from there!" she said in a sing-song-voice.

Did I want to go out there? Answer: Hell no.

Did I have much of a choice with the stubborn duo? Regrettable Answer: … uh… no.

"I-I'm not coming." Damn it, my voice broke even though I was trying to come out strong only to sound meek. "It doesn't suit me."

I heard a loud gasp, "Are you questioning my styling abilities?!"

I rolled my eyes, really was it always about her? "I-it's not the style of the dress Tomoyo!" I hissed out, "It's that it doesn't—I don't do it justice."

I could practically hear Tomoyo fall in a dramatic way towards Meiling, while clutching at her heart, "Your words wound me deeply."

"Sakura how could you hurt your best friend! It's too cruel for words; I don't know how much of my dear friend's pain I can take." cried out Meiling as she sniffed theatrically.

"Saaakkkuurraaa, I- I see the… ligghhhtt."

Really it was hard not to giggle in this situation. So, I did.

"No!!! Tomoyo! You haven't made me the godmother of your children yet!"

"I don't have any children you nitwit!"

"But you will, since you're shag—" Meiling's voice became muffled, probably because undoubtedly Tomoyo had place her hand over her mouth.

"You little witch, don't you dare say that when you are off with Naozumi doing all that R-rated stuff!"

"Ha! You do it more than me. I've hear--"

"Virgin freaking ears!!" I all but yelled out covering my ears with both hands and closing my eyes tightly.

I felt two hands grab me and pulling me out, and then I heard squeals and giggles.

"Guys…" I mumbled feeling defeated. Really did they have to be so cunning? I nervously played with my hands, almost fearing their reaction.

"You look gorgeous!"

"How could you hide such beauty? That's a crime!"

Meiling almost rolled over in laughter, "Syaoran is going to faint!"

My eyes widened and a slow smile tugged on my lips, I let it grow feeling tinges of tears in my eyes, "Thank you. I haven't worn a dress since my mother's funeral. Thank you." I said graciously.

The two goddesses didn't waste anytime as they enveloped me in a tight hug. The decision to take that picture had at least two good outcomes I thought as I hugged them back.

"We'll always be here for you Sakura." They said softly, as they slowly pulled away. But they held each of my hands in their own, Meiling on my left and Tomoyo on my right.

"We may not be related, but honestly, you are like a sister to us." Said Tomoyo as she held my hand, her eyes were wet, yet no tears spilled.

"Syaoran may have introduced us, but I had a feeling I'd like you before when I noticed you." Meiling said quietly, as she lightly squeezed my hand. I looked at her, and she too had light tears gleaming in her eyes.

I gave a small laugh, "We shouldn't cry our make-up…" My heart swelled up because of them. Why hadn't I ever had such good friends before?

This had caused the other girls to giggle and we hugged each other again. "Well then ladies, it's time. The boys should be downstairs." Said Tomoyo.

"How come we're ladies while the guys are boys? Shouldn't they be men?" I asked as I was lead towards the main lobby of the giant mansion.

Meiling rolled her eyes, "Please, when those boys become men, the world will flip over."

I laughed softly, "I suppose that is true, after all I don't think Li has the capability of becoming a man."

"Besides, I don't know about you, but being a man would require those three to grow up. And the way they're going, we'll be married old women with canes."

"Yeah, like that'll happen considering the two of you would have married the over grown children." I said giggling.

Tomoyo gave a dreamy sigh, "I wish the three of us would get married together on the same day. Kind of like a joint wedding of sorts."

Meiling and I looked at one another and silently laughed, trying to cover it up with our hands. That was when a maid came towards us and politely said, "Hiiragizawa-sama and Sugimoto-sama are awaiting your arrival in the main lobby, Young Lady."

I raised an eyebrow, "You've got to be kidding me? Sama? And young Lady?"

Tomoyo actually blushed slightly, "We didn't want to tell you, because we thought you might be intimidated."

My other eyebrow joined the already raised, "Oh, so you guys are like royalty or something?"

Meiling grinned, "No, she isn't nor are the guys as far as I know."

"It's just that our families are either political or entrepreneurs. Really, that is all." Tomoyo said, but then paused as if thinking something, "Though the Li family is very old."

"Oh." I finally said, wow now that was unexpected. But then again maybe not, after all I kind of did expect them to be abnormal in some way. So, I grinned, "Ha, looks like you guys have too much responsibility. I'm glad I'm not in your or Li's position. I suspect he probably has to work a lot harder, doesn't he? Maybe that explains why he is such an apa." I looked up, "Damn it, that explains his crazy and tyrannical personality! Aw! I was going to blame his stupid ego, now there is an actual logical reason to blame"

I turned to look at both Meiling's and Tomoyo were watching me in an odd manner. "What?" I asked

"You don't care?" asked Meiling.

"About what?"

"About all of this and our families?"

"That's like asking me to question why Touya loves Kaho-chan, or like why the sky is blue. Or why I don't like yogurt. Or why for the love god, can Yukitto-kun eat like a freaking horse and gain the equivalence of zero pounds. It's like wondering why the world is round not flat—"

"Alright we get it!" Said Meiling as she raised her hands. I could see that she and Tomoyo shared a smile; I briefly wondered what that was about.

Tomoyo then grabbed my hands as well as Meiling's and began to run pulling me along. I laughed with Meiling as we were dragged to where Hiiragizawa-kun and Sugimoto-kun stood.

"Don't you ladies look absolutely stunning today." Commented Hiiragizawa-kun as he leaned over to kiss Tomoyo softly on her cheek.

"Syaoran will faint." Said Sugimoto-kun with a slight smirk. "He won't know what hit him."

I could feel myself colour slightly. But I coolly, grinned, "Well, what can I say? You're girlfriends can really pull through on some magic."

"Ah, yes. Are you trying to sugar coat it?" asked Hiiragizawa-kun with a slight smirk.

"The torture our dear Tomoyo sometimes puts her models—friends seems a bit much?"

"That's only because you wouldn't cooperate with her, so she almost had to tie you down." Replied Meiling.

I mentally raised an eyebrow, now what does that mean?

"Are you telling me that the two of you didn't do the same thing to Kinomoto-chan?"

Well, now. This will most likely continue on for a while. Now, about this dance…Oh! If this thing is a formal, I'm most likely going to have a date.

But, it can't possibly be Li right? I mean the guy is a total idiot. What if he doesn't like the way I look?

"Well, no… she was smart enough to readily agree. Not just that, in fact she helped us."

Damn, since when do I care if he likes it or not?

Maybe you like him? Said the tiny voice of Kura in my head.

But I would rather be with Li than some stranger. That was a given.

Whoa, hold up. I want to be with Li?! Did I hear that correctly? Do I like him?!

That little devil!

"You have got to be kidding me!" I said out loud, interrupting everyone with that thought. "No, freaking way!" I said as I vehemently shook my head, trying to get that thought out.

Tomoyo then asked very slowly, as if speaking to a child, "Are you…not smart?"

I glanced around and saw confused faces looking at me with a small amount of concern. They must think I'm a nut-job. Wonder-freaking-full. "Uh… what were we talking about again?"

Tomoyo and Meiling just shook their head. "Come on! Let's go. I'm sure Syaoran is bored and getting angrier by the second."

"Can't we make him suffer some more?" I asked with big eyes. "He truly does deserve it." After all, he is making me think like a complete idiot.

Tomoyo replied by rolling her eyes.

I smiled nervously as we approached the manor. Yes, it was very much a manor that the Queen of England would feel inferior against. So, to sum it all I was feeling very much intimidated.

Tomoyo's had been bad enough that it was a mansion. But a manor! The same building that had been featured on T.V. for architectural structure and it beauty for design. I remembered Dad talking about it, saying that the owner wanted something that would have a little bit of culture from all over the world.

The limo pulled up at the entrance of the mansion. I looked out and saw that many cars and limos were already parked around the entrance.

"I thought this was a small event." I said.

"Only about one hundred or so guests are invited." Answered Sugimoto-kun as he glanced out the window.

"You call that small?" I muttered. Geez, what a way to make a person feel small.

"Don't worry Sakura, Auntie Yelan is going to be there." Meiling said in a comforting manner.

"And that is?"

"Syaoran's mother. It means that there is going to be total control over the whole event." Answered Hiiragizawa-san

Pink flamingos!

I am so, royally screwed! Not only was I going to a formal party, where formal dance was required, but to add to that I was going to meet Li's mother!

Really, Sakura you should have already known that. After all the girls did say that you would be going to Li's house for the party.

Li's mother! Oh, flamingos! I am beyond nervous.

"Buck up kiddo, we're here." Said Hiiragizawa-kun with a grin.

"Uh-huh." I said, completely distracted by my nerves.

We all walked slowly as we made our way from the car to the main parlour. It was hard to pay attention to my nerves as I was taking into the beauty of the house.

I was in awe as I noticed the amount of detail on the doors and the artwork that hung around.

"Where the hell have you the four of you been!" said Li as walked into the parlour.

I noticed that the four gods and goddesses had come in front of me, blocking me from Li's view. I felt myself smirk, as I thought this would be equivalent to some revenge.

"You survived." Smirked Sugimoto-kun

"Ha! I swear to god, if I have to dodge another set of girls and their god damn mothers I'm going to hurl something at them." Li then sighed, "And I don't even have anyone to play with." He added dejectedly.

Tomoyo and Meiling had raised an eyebrow as the asked together, "Someone to play with?"

Li opened his mouth to say something, but Hiiragizawa-kun beat him to it, "You don't mean our most esteemed and lovely student council secretary, do you?"

"Of course I do! She's just so amusing! I miss my Ying Fa!"

I stepped out from the wall of deities and walked towards Li, noting with satisfaction his stunned expression that he barely managed to keep his normal persona.

"Your Ying Fa? Huh, Li last I checked I did not belong to anyone, and especially not tyrannical maniacs such as yourself."

"Sakura?" he asked uneasily, "is that really you?"

I rolled my eyes, "No Li, it's some odd girl obsessively in love with you."

He smiled so amazingly that caused me to gasp, and before I knew it. I had been pulled into a hug. his head was buried into my semi-up hair. I could feel his warm breath on my ear.

Oh. My. God.

I. Can't. Breath.

Three. Word. Sentences.

"I wanted to ask you… but you seemed so busy." He whispered and placed a soft kiss under my ear lobe that brought shivers throughout my body.

My. Pink. Flamingos.

Oh. My. Heart.

I slowly took a small breath of air. "You're really impossible." I was trying really hard not to think about the feelings that the small kiss brought. "We're…in company."

At that Li seemed to remember where he was as he pulled back, causing my body to miss his heat.

Pink flamingos! That sounded dirty.

He smirked, "Of course I knew that Ying Fa."

"Right, of course." I said as I shook my head, I turned towards Sugimoto-kun and Hiiragizawa-kun. "Who won boys?"

Sugimoto-kun smirked, "I believe that I did."

"No you didn't."

"Yes, I did. Yours was too dramatic." He said, then with a gesture towards us, "Besides, he hugged her, and was shocked. That clearly has nothing to do with him trying to pull at her face."

"Nu-uh!"

I felt Li's hand slid down slowly from my shoulder to the middle of my back, and finally came to rest two inches above my hip, "Why don't I show you around, Ying Fa?" We began to leave the bickering friends.

"Why don't you take that hand off my back, Li." Came out instead as, "S-sure, the architecture of your home is really interesting."

Well, what can I say? He was being respectful, and keeping his hand far, far away from dangerous territory.

Then a thought struck me, "Hey, aren't you mad at those guys for betting on you?"

He smiled, bemused "Well, I've known for quiet a while about their bet, but I wasn't sure it had anything to do with you. Honestly, those two need to bet. If they didn't even I, don't quiet know what would occupy their minds."

I could not help but nod, "Knowing them, we would be subjected to some new sort of torture. I have to say Li, you're house is astonishing. It seriously is."

"You like it? Mother went crazy when she was having this house built." Li said while looking past me, as if remembering a certain moment. "After father died, she wanted to move here, and take a bit of a break. But even during the mourning, she was very adamant about the structure and beauty of this place."

"Your mother has remarkable taste."

"What she is, is a remarkable nag, perfectionist and an all out in-your-business type of woman."

"Aww, wittle Syaoran wuves his mommy wommy!"

"You-!!" He then gasped, and a slight blush reached his cheeks. "You… called me Syaoran…" he said in awe.

"I-I… excuse me?" I stuttered out, still unable to look away from the slight blush on his cheeks.

His eyes shined, as he reached out and held my face in his large hands. Wow… they really were large and warm. He ever so gently touched his forehead onto mine, and held my glaze.

You know how in one of those cheesy romance movies or novels the heroine seems to drown into the dark, musky stranger's eyes.

Yeah, well I just proved it. It happens!!!

Honestly, I had no idea his eyes were so… gorgeous. They were absolutely stunning. I never realised that eyes could be so complex. His were so tinted with every shade of brown there was. He really is handsome isn't he? And to think, guys only seem to grow up to be more stunning, while girls on the other hand don't necessarily grow to be more beautiful.

I noticed his gaze drift towards my lips, as I licked them. He seemed as if battling something inside, before his eyes met mine once again. He smiled. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Uh, y-yes. Sure. Sounds good." How many times was that in one day that I had been rendered speechless or to the point where I could no longer say a coherent sentence? See. It must be some sort of disease.

Well lady luck has completely left my side hasn't she?

His hands traced a gentle path from my ear down to the end of my neck, "I'll be right back, Sakura."

I smiled at him and then he was gone. Just like that. Gone. I felt so alone. Weird isn't it? I smiled as I began to notice where Syaoran had taken us.

It was the most magnificent hall I had ever been to. Okay, so I do admit (rather grudgingly of course) that this is the first hall I have ever been to. But my flamingos, this was exactly like something from a fairy tale.

Flowers lined the windows and doors, and an orchestra played at the very end of the hall. There were several chandeliers with the mother pearl of chandeliers was at the dead center of the hall. There were so many people all dressed in such formal attire, everyone looked like they belonged here. They were all so graceful, elegant, poised and looked… well blue blood. Clearly, they must have been.

Did I belong to this world? Did I deserve to be friends with such people? Did I embarrass them—

"Hello there. I'm sorry I didn't mean to bother you or anything. But I must tell you that you look absolutely striking in that dress." Said a crisp, soft spoken voice.

I looked up to see a woman that was in her fifties smiling down at me. Her eyes were the same as Li, yet a little lighter. I quickly drifted from that thought, and admired her perfect face and her neatly styled hair. I bowed respectfully to her. "Thank you."

"My such a well mannered girl." She stated. She placed a perfectly manicured hand under my chin, causing me to look up. "You are beautiful you know, so there is nothing to be intimidated about. These people may look like this on the outside, all pampered up and such, yet they don't know the meaning of true beauty."

"I… it's not that I'm intimidated by them it's more that I feel like I don't quiet belong here."

"As long as there is one person you feel like you belong with, everything turns out well."

"How do you know that you belong with them?"

"It like watching a flower bloom." She said after a moment of silence. "You feel like you've been watching it forever, but then suddenly without you even realising, it's bloomed into a unbelievable creation." She smiled gently at me, "it is unfortunate that I have to end this conversation so soon, apparently those over extravagant people require something of me. Oh, before I forget, I would love to continue our conversation some other time."

She smiled softly as she walked off. Huh, a blooming flower? Really? Now who was she?

"Ying Fa? I brought you apple cider." said Li as he handed me a glass with the drink.

I smiled in gratitude. "Thanks Li." Wow, how sweet was that? He knew not to get me fruit punch.

"What it's back to Li now?"

"Would you rather I call you an apa?"

"What does that mean anyway?"

"Oh... it's girl language."

"More like Sakura language."

"Li!" I smacked him lightly on the arm, as I pouted.

He smiled down at me, and took my hand. "W-would you like to dance?"

I looked up at him as I sipped my drink. He was blushing lightly and couldn't seem to make eye contact with me. Awwwww how cute! I felt like squealing on the inside. "I would love to Syaoran."

I couldn't help but laugh at the happy expression that lit his face. Placing my glass on a passing waiter's tray we both made our way to the dance floor. He guided my arms to rest over his shoulders, while placing his on my waist.

Slowly began our dance.