Kalli: Hey guys! Oh, I love all you wonderful reviewers! Replies for everyone, as usual:
.
.
Anime Obsession Fantasy – You shall see in time.......-evil laugh-
Mini Sweety – Well, I consider that very high praise, especially since your always honest in your reviews! Thank you SO much! And as to Sakura's decision, there's an explanation in the notes right after the review replies. Yes, if that society truly existed, I'm sure it'd be quite a popular one! As for updating soon, I suppose it really depends on your definition of 'soon'........-sweatdrop- And don't make your reviews shorter! I love your long reviews! I hope you enjoy this chapter too, even though it's a little more slow-paced in my opinion.
SweetBabyGurl- Yes, we ALL love Syaoran and his adorable jealous spells! It's so cute! No dates in this one, but there will be in the next one! Sorry about the slow updating (again), but I hope you like it anyway!
Iced Faerie – Ah, who WILL she choose? You'll see in time, my friend. And I agree, it's too bad that they're not real, because if they were, the fangirls would be a bit more satisfied. Sorry about the not-so-fast update!
Fleur137 – Hehe, she does look like a player, doesn't she? Well, she'll have to choose eventually........
Heather-Hezzer-and-Honaluki – Thanks! As to who she'll pick, you will all find out soon enough...and I know it was you who threw that chocolate at me!
sakura tenshi.AnGeL oF lOvE – Thank you!
Sakura-Blossom12 – Aww, you're so sweet! -huggles- I hope you enjoy the new chappy!
Cherrixwolf – Sorry about the cliffy, but I couldn't resist! Sorry about the slowness, but enjoy the new chappy anyway!
Cherry Jade- Thank you! You'll find out whom she likes soon enough! -wink-
Starmoon88 - -Sniff -You are so nice! -huggles- Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
Nightswift – Hey girlie! In Syaoran's mind, Sakura IS his woman. Indeed, poor Sakura, I do believe I've made her a player...and since I did FINALLY update, you're not really gonna kill me...right? -gulp-
Hermione Malfoy Potter – Maybe....maybe not. But you'll find out...eventually. -grin-
Dragonstar03 – Well, what's your definition of 'soon', exactly? -sweatdrop-
Redeyes143 – I know, it seems like I never update, but I swear I do, it just takes a bit of a long time..... Happy reading!
MusiqMistress – I'm sorry it took so long! I hope you still remember what it's about this time too! Well, I hope that your brother and your niece didn't ruin your good day! I hope you enjoy this chapter, especially since it took so long to get it posted!
Qleo-chan – Thank you! Hope you enjoy, and sorry about the long wait!
Cereza – Thanks! And as for Sato, no, he's not gonna be evil, even though I thought about that for a while. But I thought I'd keep him as a nice guy to complicate things a little more. Enjoy!
Bluerose151- Hmm...who will she choose? Sato or Syaoran? Well, you'll find out in due time! Sorry about the slow updating!
White Blossoms – 2 months? That's just plain cruelty. But I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and I hope you enjoy this one as much, especially since it took SO long to update!
EL - -grins evilly- Perhaps it's Syaoran, perhaps it's not.......Mwahahaha! You will all see in the end!
Blah-Blah – I'm sorry it took so long to update! Thank you so much for your comment on it being a good story and all (and sorry about the cliffy!).
Midnight Crystal – Thank you so much for your wonderful praise! As to who she choose, well, you'll all find out eventually, but anyway, I think you'll like this next hobby, it's not quite what you'd expect.
Cherrypal – Thanks! I'm glad you like the humor and stuff, and I completely agree on the no frozen brains part. And while I won't cut out things about everyone else, I will try to focus it more on SS, and I'll also try to make him get back his flirtyness, because that always seems to be a fan favorite. And if you wanna know when I'm gonna update next, you can go to my profile and click on 'homepage' and it'll take you to my Xanga site, where I keep all my stats on stories, so you'll know where I am with each story.
Lilaznangel – Thanks for your comments and sorry about the slow updates!
Forestfairy – Thanks! And of course I'll e-mail you! I e-mail anyone who leaves their address when I update. Sorry about the slowness, but I hope you still enjoy it!
Star Gazer – I'm so sorry to leave you hanging! But I did FINALLY update, so I hope you enjoy this chappie!
LiL oBs3ss3r – Well, it has been awhile, hasn't it? -sweatdrop- I hope you like it anyway though.
Chikichiki – Thank you so much! -huggles- Sorry about the slow update, but I hope you like it anyway.
PersonaJXT – Thank you!
ChibiYuffie1 – That's so sweet of you! Thanks!
Dana- The Kurama Lover – Well, thank you! I didn't exactly update soon, but at least it wasn't a year or something, right? Happy reading! .
.
Kalli: Anyway, Kira's still not back yet, but I'm sure she'll be joining us soon! But, I need to explain something real quick. A lot of people asked about the 'one' that Sakura's choosing. She said she MIGHT, I repeat, MIGHT know who she's going to choose. Things are heating up in the love triangle and ya never know where it's gonna go. So, she's not playing around, she just has a good idea of which one it is that she's gonna end up with first.
Syaoran: I'm glad Kira's not here to maul me again.
Kalli: Who says I won't? -grin-
Syaoran: Oh, hell no. I'm getting kinda tired of girls always throwing themselves at me!
Kalli: ALL girls?
Syaoran: -blink- Eh.....
Kalli: Betcha wouldn't mind if SAKURA threw herself at ya, huh? -nudge, nudge-
Syaoran: -blush-
Kalli: I thought so. Anyway, I'm keeping stats on my stories at my Xanga page, and u can find a link to my new website on there in my author profile, so if u wanna know when I'm gonna update next, CHECK THE PAGE! Now, on with the story.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
When Did Dating Get SO Complicated?!
.
.
.
.
-Sakura's House the Next Morning- #$Sakura P.O.V.#$
I woke up feeling relaxed and happy. 2 dates, 2 men, decisions, decisions. I grinned and swung myself out of bed, then checked the clock. "It's only 7? Wow, I'm up pretty early today!"
I got in my uniform and put my hair up into a high ponytail, then bounced downstairs, meeting Touya's amazed stare with a smirk. "Good morning."
"What are you doing up this early, squirt?"
"I woke up all by myself without the alarm clock or anything!"
"Good job, maybe next week we can take the training wheels off your bike."
I growled and kicked his shin, smiling when he choked on his coffee because of the impact. "Haha........."
Dad smiled warmly at me as he always did in the morning. "Morning, Sakura- chan. How are you today?"
"I feel good.....na na na na na.....I knew that I would.......na na na na na na na!"
I hummed on, watching Touya's eye tick. "Would you shut up with the humming?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, does that BOTHER you? Is it ANNOYING?"
"Spawn of Satan......."
"I heard that!"
He stuck his tongue out at me, then turned to face Dad. "Hey, Coach is out of town and there won't be a sub until tomorrow, so I'll cook dinner tonight since I won't have to go to practice."
"Thank you, Touya, I appreciate it."
I froze. 'Uh-oh. If Touya gets home early, he'll know that I've been out late! Since Dad gets home late and Touya usually has practice, they don't know that I've been out with Syaoran! I just have a bad feeling that Touya won't be happy about it at all..........'
"Sakura, you okay?"
I snapped to when Touya waved his hand in front of my face. "Yeah, I just remembered that I've agreed to go to the mall with Meiling."
I felt like sinking into a hole. 'Great, now I'm lying......'
"Oh? How late are you gonna be out?"
"Till' around, uh.....7ish."
"Okay."
I felt relief wash over my mind. 'Sakura, you bad girl. Lying to the family. If they find out, my ass will be grounded.'
"Oh, if you're going to the mall, could you pick me up some books for school? I'll give you the money for them."
I started to sweat. What to do? Wait a minute, maybe I really COULD go to the mall with Meiling, and just bring Syaoran along........
"Sure, Touya."
"Thanks." He said as he fished out some bills to pay for the books, then jotted down the titles on a piece of paper and gave it to me.
"I'm gonna head to school, see you guys later!"
"Bye."
"Have a good day, Sakura."
I ran out the door and walked down to school right as the bell rang and took my seat near the back of the class.
I didn't have a chance to talk to Meiling until lunch, when everyone was sitting under the cherry blossom tree.
She greeted me with a sly smile. "Hey Sakura, how are things going with Romeo?"
"Eh?"
"Syaoran."
"Oh. Well, I was about to talk to you about that."
"Yeah?"
"Can you go to the mall with me and Syaoran today around 5?"
Chiharu raised her eyebrows suggestively. "Why, do you need some supervision so that you 2 don't get 'out of hand'?"
I glared at Chiharu and growled at everyone who was kind enough to laugh. "No, I just.....well, um......"
"Spit it out!" cried Rika.
"My dad and Touya don't know about my outings with him, and I told Touya that I was going to the mall with you today instead."
"So you want to go with me just to be safe in case he were to see you?"
"Yeah."
She shook her head and sighed. "Fine, I'll do it. But only if you promise to buy me a snack when I want it."
"Deal."
"Should I just meet you guys there at the food court?"
"Yeah."
I sighed in relief. There was 1 problem solved. Now, to get Syaoran to go without him knowing exactly what I was up to, because I had the distinct feeling that he wouldn't be so agreeable if he knew that the hobby of the day was shopping.
"Are we shopping for anything in particular?" asked Meiling curiously.
"Not really........"
Meiling smiled smugly. "What? Don't need more sex toys? Syaoran keeping you satisfied enough?"
My mouth dropped while everyone else erupted into loud laughter. "Meiling! You little bitch, I can't believe you just said that!"
She winked at me and shook her head. "I couldn't help it, babe! It was too tempting!"
"You suck."
"You swallow."
I once again found myself gaping open-mouthed at her blunt and perverted comment while everyone else burst into fresh laughter. "We're on a roll today, aren't we, Meiling?"
"Yep, and I'm not breaking stride."
I rolled my eyes. "Geez, you're such a perv."
"It runs in the family, doncha know."
"Oh, don't I?"
"I'm sure you do, you lucky, lucky girl."
"Oh, yes, so lucky."
-Later with Syaoran-#$Syaoran P.O.V.#$
I glanced at the clock. 3:27. Sakura would be here any minute now.
I straightened my tie and checked the mirror. 'Gotta look totally irresistible for the lady, that way she'll be all mine.'
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I grinned and said in my most suave voice, "Come in."
The door opened revealing Eriol with his eyebrow raised. "Expecting Sakura?"
I scowled. "Yes, so this better be important."
"Not really, I just thought I'd drop off the stock report."
He dropped a small folder on my desk and looked at me curiously. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"Are you really serious about Sakura or are you just playing around until you get what you want?"
I looked up in surprise. "Why?"
"She's nice, I don't want you to just throw her away like another one of your '2-night stands'."
"Oh, my ex's have their own category now?"
Eriol glared at me harshly. "Syaoran, answer the question."
"Well, uh..........I don't think she's all that interested anyway."
"I think she might be more interested than you think. Let's say your date goes well, and-"
"How do you know about our date?"
"You just told me."
I growled. 'Aren't we smart, Eriol? Just you wait.....'
Eriol smiled smugly. "Anyway....." His expression turned cold again. "Say your date goes well, and she wants to go out again. Then what? Are you gonna dump her after the second one?"
I paused. All this time, she'd been so uninterested in dating me that I'd never thought about what would happen beyond the second date......
"I don't know, Eriol."
"Let's say YOU have a good time too. Are you going to dump her or not?"
I sank back into my seat, all my confidence from a few minutes ago gone. "I really don't know. I like her, but I just don't know if I like her so much that I'd want it to be a steady thing."
"Then you better let her know that, so that if you decide you can't grow up a little and finally commit yourself to something, she won't have her heart broken."
I had never seen Eriol so angry before. "What do you want me to say to her?"
"Just tell her the truth, Syaoran, tell her that you'll see how it goes, but that you might not be ready for a steady relationship."
"Okay."
"And if you don't tell her, and you break her heart after 2 dates, I'll ring your neck. She doesn't deserve to be treated like another play toy." He snorted. "Hell, half of your former dates didn't deserve to be dropped like they were."
I sat as still as could be, just in case sudden movement would set off his temper. "I'll tell her."
"Good. Normally, I wouldn't say anything because I don't know the girls you date, and I figure it's their business. But Sakura is someone that I know, and besides the fact that she'd probably kick your ass, Meiling certainly won't have you in her good graces anymore, and neither will I."
I nodded and Eriol left, right as Sakura walked in panting. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had to stay and clean up some food that Meiling and me threw at Yamazaki."
"It's fine."
She looked at me and frowned a bit. "Hey, are you okay? You look really pale."
I shook my head nervously. "No, I'm fine."
She shrugged. "If you say so. Well, where's the work for today?"
"Well, I need you to drop these off with Karina, if you don't mind."
She smiled brightly as I handed her 5 pages that were paper-clipped together. 'She has a pretty smile.'
"No problem."
With that, she practically ran out of the room to go find Karina, then came back a few seconds later blushing. "And, uh, where do I find her?"
I laughed heartily and shook my head. "She's on the 7th floor, at the 2nd desk you see on your right."
"Thanks!"
As she bounded out again, I sighed, then jumped when a voice came over the intercom. "Sir, you have a phone call."
It was just Naoko. "Who is it?"
"Your mother, sir. Can I put her through?"
I smacked my forehead and groaned. 'Great....'
"Should I take that as a 'no'?"
"Oh, no, put her through, of course."
There were a few clicking sounds and then a voice as serene and sharp as it could be came through. "Hello, Syaoran."
"H-hello, mother."
"How are you?"
"I'm......alright. How are you?"
"Wonderful." She paused for a few seconds, then spoke again. "It's been about a month now, Syaoran."
I blinked. Why was she telling me this? "Yeah, since you last called, I guess it has been."
"How's your search going?" (A/n – Refer to chapter 1 if you don't remember this)
"Search?"
"For a fiancé?"
"Oh, it's going fine. I actually have a date with a girl next Friday that seems like a good prospect."
"Well, that's good. Tell me about her."
"Her name is Sakura Kinomoto, she's 18-"
"18? That seems a bit young, Syaoran....."
"Well, yes, but she's very mature for her age." I gulped. 'Kind of.......'
"Hmm.....well, I suppose if you really like each other....."
"She's funny, she's bright, she's............unique."
"Well, she sounds nice. How did you meet her?"
"She's my new secretary, but I didn't technically hire her."
"Then how on earth did she come to work for you?"
"Well, she's got to have a job so that the law can keep an eye on her."
"Syaoran, dear, why does the law need to keep an eye on her, exactly?"
"Because she's got a court case going on, and they haven't had a trial yet."
"Right. I don't know if I'm crazy about this one, Syaoran."
"She's been warding off all my attempts to get a date for weeks now, and she finally said yes yesterday."
"Then again, she may be able to keep you on your toes."
I snorted. 'You got that right......' "Yeah."
"So you really like this one?"
I paused for a moment, then smiled to myself. "Yeah...I do."
-Sakura-#$Normal P.O.V.#$
Sakura walked to the elevator and stepped in, but heard a yell from outside. "Wait! Hold the elevator!"
She quickly pressed the 'Open Door' button and waited until the person was inside, then smiled. "Hey, Sato."
He grinned at her boyishly. "Hey, Sakura. How's it going?"
"Pretty good. I'm running down some papers to Karina, so I expect that means that I'm allowed to have some chat time before I get back to work."
"Well, we're going to the same floor then. I gotta drop some things off with Watanabe."
"Ah."
He leaned in a little closer and whispered secretively. "There's a rumor from Nakuru-san that there's something going on between those 2."
Sakura blinked in surprise. "Is there really?!"
"That's what I've heard, but I don't know if it's true or not."
She grinned. "I think we should attempt a match-making."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you think so?"
"Yeah. They'd make a nice couple."
"What do you propose?"
"Well, we'd have to get them on a date, of course...but how?"
"We could invite them to go with us on Friday, if you want, that is."
"Would that really be okay with you?"
He shrugged. "Sure. Who knows, it might be better to bring a group along, even if it's just for the match-making."
She smiled. "Thanks, I think you'll make a great partner in crime."
The elevator dinged as it reached the 7th floor and the doors opened. Sakura and Sato stepped out of the elevator and leaned in to whisper again.
"Okay, Sato, you ask Watanabe, and I'll ask Karina, then we'll meet back up in 15 minutes and see how it went."
"Got it."
Then they split up and Sakura walked over towards Karina's desk. "Hey!"
Karina grinned. "Skipping out on your work duties, Sakura?"
"Not quite. Here, papers from the boss-man."
She snorted. "Lovely nickname."
"Isn't it fabulous?"
"Of course."
Sakura paused, picking her words carefully. "Karina, is there anything going on between you and Watanabe, by any chance?"
She blushed brightly and shook her head. "No......"
"I get the feeling that there's a little more to it."
"Well, I guess I wouldn't mind, but there's not."
"Well, me and Sato are going on a date this Friday, and we were hop-"
"You and Sato?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Just wondering. I always thought Syaoran would rip off the head of anyone who tried to date you before he did."
Sakura grinned. "Well, I'm going on a date with him too."
"My, my, somebody works fast around here."
"Well, I'm just 'exploring my options'."
"Well, good for you."
"So, anyway, we're going on a date this Friday and I was wondering if perhaps you and Watanabe would go with us? It'd be nice to have a big group, ya know, for good conversation!"
"Well, I guess I could. What about him?"
"Uh...........I'm sure he'd be thrilled!"
"You have no idea, do you?"
"No. Sato's talking to him right now."
"Oh."
Sakura felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to face Sato, who whispered "He'll go.", then nodded at Karina and left.
Sakura turned back to her and grinned. "He'll go!"
"Well, I guess I'll go too. What time?"
"6ish. We haven't really decided what to do yet, but I'll get back to you on that."
Karina sighed in defeat. "Alright."
"Well, I'll see ya later, okay?"
"Okay. See ya!"
Sakura grinned and rushed to the elevator, where Sato was holding it open for her. "Thanks, Sato."
"No problem. Did she say yes?"
"Yep."
"Good, cause I told Watanabe that she did."
Sakura burst out laughing. "Aren't we tricky?"
"Oh, yes."
"Hey, where are we going, exactly?"
"To the 10th floor?"
"No, on our date."
"Oh. I was gonna ask you about that. Where do you want to go?"
Sakura smiled. 'What a gentleman.' "Well, I was thinking a nice dinner."
"Sounds good to me. Anywhere in particular that you want to go?"
She wrinkled her nose in thought, then jumped when the elevator dinged, indicating that they were at the 10th floor again, and they stepped out, then walked over to Sato's desk.
"I don't think so."
"Well, where do you want to meet?"
"How about somewhere that's near a lot of restaurants so that we can check out our options?"
"Good idea. How about near the mall? There's tons of restaurants around there."
"Shall we meet at the front entrance?"
"Sounds good."
-Syaoran-
Syaoran checked the clock and tapped a pen on the desk. "Sakura, it does not take 20 minutes to deliver some papers 3 floors down."
After waiting a few minutes, he pressed the intercom. "Yanagisawa?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Connect me to Karina's desk, please."
"Yes, sir."
There were a few clicks and Karina's voice came in over the speaker. "Yes, sir?"
"Is Sakura still down there?"
"No, she left with Sato just a few minutes ago."
"Sato?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
He let go of the intercom button and groaned. "Not that guy again. He's hitting on my woman!"
Suddenly, Syaoran stood up and walked out of the office. He marched towards Sato's desk and glared at the sight of Sakura and Sato chatting happily.
"Sakura!" he barked.
She jumped and turned to face him. "What?!"
"You need to get back to work." He said, grinding his teeth.
She sighed and smiled at Sato. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Bye, Sakura."
She turned and followed Syaoran back to his office. "Ok, what work do you need me to do?"
Syaoran stiffened and looked around nervously. He'd forgotten that little detail when he'd called her back. "Um......."
"You don't have anything, do you? You just wanted to pull me away from Sato!"
"That's not true. I need you to...calculate some new costs for our budget."
"Oh?"
He handed her a clipboard with numbers and dollar signs. "Yeah, here ya go!"
"Um...this is the company budget plan?"
"Yeah."
"Since when does that include 'Videos from Blockbuster'?"
"What?!" Syaoran snatched the clipboard out of her hands and scanned it. "What is this?"
Suddenly, Nakuru's head popped in the door. "Hi guys, Eriol said he accidentally gave you my monthly budget calculations?"
The other 2 stared at the paper in Syaoran's hands. "Does it have 'Videos from Blockbuster' on it?"
"Yep."
"Here ya go."
"Oh, fabulous. Here, Eriol said to give you the Company's budget costs in exchange."
Sakura took them and smiled at Nakuru, who returned the smile with one of her own that beamed with her hyper energy. "Later!"
The remaining 2 looked at each other for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "Well, that would explain a lot."
"Yeah. I guess you really DID have work for me to do after all."
"Of course I did."
She smirked. "Fine, I'll believe you this time, but you lucked out. Next time, I'll be able to prove that your jealousy got the best of you and you had to drag me away from Sato to calm your rage."
"Think what you want, but it's not true."
She sighed fakely. "What's a girl to do?"
Syaoran raised his eyebrows suggestively. "Well-"
She cut him off with a sharp glare. "Syaoran!"
"Fine, fine. I was just kidding!"
Sakura rolled her eyes at him in exasperation. "Whatever."
"You can go over the budget with Nakuru's if you want, since there's not much to do today."
"Yay! See ya later!" She ran out quickly, then popped her head back in the door. "I hope you brought a change of clothes."
"I brought jeans and a t-shirt, and a helmet, just cause I never know what you're coming up with next."
"Well, you won't need a helmet unless you say something stupid again."
"Goody. What are we doing anyway?"
"You'll see..." she said secretively, winking at him, then closing the door as she bounced off to go see Nakuru.
Once she left, he leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply. He knew he'd have to talk to her sooner or later, might as well be today. But it would make the whole thing so awkward..............
He groaned. 'I like her, but being tied down to anyone just seems hopeless to me. But, if I had to choose a girl to be stuck with...'
So, upon that thought, he decided that it would be in his best interests to tell her. Besides, he was a wee bit afraid that Eriol would kick his ass out of the 10th floor window if he didn't.
-Sakura- #$Sakura P.O.V.#$
I went about halfway towards the elevator when I stopped, realizing that I had no clue as to where Nakuru would be, so I went over and knocked on Eriol's door. "Come in!"
I looked in and smiled. "Hey, Eriol. Do you happen to know where Nakuru is?"
He grinned. "Did you want to ask her about her blockbuster videos?"
I quirked an eyebrow. "Should I?"
He shrugged. "I didn't dare. I'm not sure I want to know the answer."
"Me neither. Actually, Boss-man said I could go over the company budget with her if I wanted to."
"But him and me already went over it."
"You did?"
"Yeah. Let me see it for a sec."
I handed it to him and watched as he scanned in quickly. "I think he just means to add it all up."
I groaned. "But he knows that I suck at math!"
"Well, fortunately for you, Nakuru loves math."
"Why?"
"I don't know. She's a strange girl."
"Hmm."
Eriol handed back the papers and smiled. "I'm sure she'd love to help you. She's probably lazing off at her computer and playing video games again."
"There are video games on the computers?"
He raised an eyebrow at me. "It's a company secret, so it's not to leave this room."
"Oh, of course. I'll never tell your terrible, evil secret."
So, I left the room, paused, then walked back in again. "Um, do you know where Nakuru is?"
"3rd desk on the right if you walk straight from this office."
"Thanks."
I marched out and went to Nakuru's desk, where there was a small group gathered behind her staring at something on the computer screen and she was typing furiously. "Haha, take that!"
I walked behind the group and peeked over their heads to see what was going on. As Eriol predicted, she was playing a video game that apparently involved blasting away little spaceships with missiles.
The game suddenly stopped and a loud electronic voice came through the speakers that said "High score!"
Nakuru whooped and started doing what looked like a deranged happy dance while sitting in her chair as her co-workers clapped.
"So, this is what you really do all day."
"Oh, hey, Sakura! Didja hear, I just got another high score on the game!"
"Can I play?"
"Sure."
I sat down at her chair and waited while she showed me how to work it, then pressed play on the options menu on the screen. After shooting easy stuff in the first few levels, I was hooked, and apparently so were all the staring workers behind me.
I let out a loud "Yeah!" as I shot down 10 ships in a row and heard some claps behind me and a "You TELL those spaceships, Sakura!" from Nakuru.
I laughed and kept on playing until I finally got shot down by a warship that would've gotten me 50 points, but just as I was about to get up, I heard the electronic voice say "High score!" again.
I grinned and stuck my tongue out at Nakuru. "Ha! Beat that, Akizuki!"
"Oh, you're on, Kinomoto."
We battled for the title of 'Supreme Game Champion of the Whole Building' for another half hour, bringing in more and more workers to stare mindlessly at the screen.
It was my turn again and Nakuru had just beat the last high score I had by 50 points, and I was about to kick her ass and beat her by a thousand points, but there was a sudden hush and a shadow fell across the keyboard.
I looked up to meet the questioning eyes of none other than Syaoran. "Uh, hi?"
"Done with that budget yet?"
"Um, we're working on it?"
His face went flat and he shook his head. "Uh-huh. I suppose you must be very talented to multi-task between working on the budget and playing 'Alien Wars 3000'."
"How do you know the name of it?" asked Nakuru accusingly.
He blushed lightly and lowered his head a bit. "Well...I might've played it once or twice."
"Uh-huh. Is there actually any work for me to do?"
"No, I just thought I'd tell you that you can all leave. It's past 5."
"PAST 5?!"
"Yes, past 5, Sakura."
"Oh no! I told Meiling we'd meet her at 5!"
"Meiling? Why are we meeting her?"
"We just are, okay?!"
He backed away slowly with a bit of a frightened look in his eyes. "Fine! I won't question your evil motives anymore!"
"Thank you. You drive, I have to make a few calls." I turned around and smiled at Nakuru. "See ya tomorrow! We'll go over the budget stuff then!"
"See ya tomorrow!"
"I'll change and meet you out at my car, okay?" said Syaoran, who was walking towards the bathrooms.
"Okay, but hurry!" I yelled at his back, even though I'm not sure he heard me because he was walking away so fast. Perhaps I scared him a bit......
-In the car on the way to the mall- #$ Normal P.O.V.#$
Sakura took out her cell phone and quickly dialed in a number, then placed the phone to her ear. "Hey, Mei. It's Sakura."
Sakura paused. "What? Yeah, I was playing a game-"
She gasped. "Not THAT kind of game! Geez, did you drown your head in the gutter?"
Another pause. "Oh, you did? Sorry."
"What?"
"What?"
"A carrot lard seedling?"
"Oh, a tarot card reading! Did it tell you that you're on the road to fame and fortune?" She paused, then made an odd face. "Oh. Well, good for you and your un-conceived child."
"Ok, we'll see you soon. Bye." And she finally hung up.
Syaoran grinned. "Dare I ask what she said?"
"Not if you value your head, you won't."
"Where do I turn now?"
"Left."
"Where are we going exactly?"
"Oh, nowhere, really."
"I have a feeling that you're not telling me the whole truth."
"You should be more trusting of my judgment."
"Sure."
"Ok, now turn right."
"Into the mall parking lot?"
"Yes."
"Are we going to the mall, perhaps?"
"You sure do catch on quick."
He reluctantly pulled in, but gave her a wary glance. "What are we going to do here?"
"Well, there's a great place that has lots of things in it that I thought might have a hobby for you!"
"What's it called?"
"You'll see."
"I'm sure I will......."
A few minutes later, they walked into the mall to meet a very impatient Meiling. "Finally! I was about to die from boredom!"
Sakura raised a skeptical eyebrow at her, and Meiling looked away. "Ok, well, not DIE exactly......." Then she smiled at her cousin. "Hey cuz! Ready to go shopping?"
"Yeah, after Sakura tells me what this place is that has all this stuff in it for me to find a hobby."
"Um.....it's called the mall."
"What?! You tricked me!"
"No, I didn't, I just told you the truth and you took it the wrong way!"
"I'm not going shopping with you guys, no way. I'm not a bag carrier!"
"Even for 2 lovely ladies such as ourselves?" Said Meiling dramatically, flipping her hair back.
"Well, if you put it that way..........no."
Sakura smiled sweetly. "Please?"
He faltered a bit, but shook his head. "No!"
Sakura bit her lip thoughtfully, then grinned evilly and slowly, like the Grinch. "Eve if we're going to Victoria's Secret?"
That caught his interest. "Really?"
She nodded, then looked over his shoulder at Meiling, who was giving her a clear 'What the hell are you doing?' look.
"Yep, it'll be our last stop, though."
"I suppose I could be a bag carrier this ONE time, as long as you promise to model whatever you buy at Victoria's Secret for me."
Sakura grinned. "Sure!"
She saw Meiling choke a bit behind him. "But for now, let's just look around some, okay?"
"Meiling and me will go up ahead, okay?"
"You're leaving me behind?"
"You're a big boy, you can handle it." She cried, grabbing Meiling and marching into the closest store, ignoring what the store name was.
Meiling looked at her with owlish eyes and blinked. "Sakura, is there a reason that you dragged me into the maternity store?"
Sakura slapped her forehead. "Shit." Then she dragged a hysterically laughing Meiling behind her and went into the bookstore, leaving Syaoran outside on a bench.
"Something you need to tell me, Saku?" asked Meiling, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Shut up, ya perv! I've got a plan!"
"I hope so. Why are you going to Victoria's Secret?"
"Well, that's the whole plan, but you'll see what I mean when the time comes." She whispered mysteriously.
Meiling shook her head. "Oh, boy."
-2 hours later-
Syaoran plopped down on a bench, looking exhausted. "Please tell me you're done."
"Why? Are you tired of carrying around those 3 tiny bags?" asked Meiling jokingly, gesturing at the 3 small bags carrying earrings and 2 necklaces, and Touya's books.
"No, but I'm damn tired of carrying around this gigantic teddy bear." He said, gesturing to the large teddy bear next to him on the bench.
"Oh, but it's for Chiharu's birthday next month! She loves teddy bears! And if we hadn't had you to carry it, we might not have gotten it and Chiharu wouldn't be able to look forward to such a fabulous present!"
"Actually, Meiling, I think that if you hadn't had me to carry it, you would've carried it around yourself, you lazy ass."
She just grinned cheekily at him. "Well, don't worry, Syaoran! We just have one more stop."
Suddenly, he seemed much more energetic. "Victoria's Secret?!"
Sakura nodded happily. "That's right!"
He eagerly followed the 2 girls to the lingerie store, where Sakura instructed him to wait outside. "But, I thought you said that you'd model it for me!"
"And I will! But you have to wait here."
Syaoran pouted and tapped his foot impatiently until Sakura and Meiling came back out in a fit of giggles holding a small bag.
"When do I get to see it modeled?"
"I'm modeling it for you right now, see." She said, sticking her hand in his face.
"What do you mean?"
"It's on my hands!"
"What's on your hands?"
"The lotion that I bought!"
Syaoran froze. "Why, you evil, cruel woman! What a dirty trick to play on poor me who's had to lug around your stupid stuff for 2 hours!"
"Well, I told the truth, but again, you took it the wrong way."
"Oh, the painful cruelty of a sneaky woman."
Sakura laughed, then looked at Syaoran's watch and frowned. "Mei, can you give me a ride home?"
"Sure, as long as I can come in for a while. My feet are killing me."
"Fine with me."
"Will Touya care?"
"No, and it wouldn't matter if he did, because you can kick his ass any day."
"Of course I can!"
Syaoran watched the 2 chat and was reminded of his talk with Eriol earlier. 'Shit...I guess I'll have to tell her tomorrow.'
"Hey cuz, you think you can haul all that heavy stuff out to my car?"
"Yeah, fine." He grumbled.
After he followed them to their car, they bid each other goodbye and went their separate ways.
Syaoran went back to his house, wondering if he could work up the courage to talk to Sakura the next day, and Sakura and Meiling on their way back to Sakura's laughing about the day's events.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Kalli: Well, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter! I know it took a long time for me to update, but I'll TRY to have the next one up faster!
Syaoran: Sure ya will...
Kalli: I should just make her MARRY Sato in the next chapter.
Syaoran: twitch
Kalli: Heh-heh. I win!
Syaoran: Bitch......
Kalli: Till' next time! And please, review! Because if I get lots of reviews, I'll be much more likely to update sooner...wink, wink
.
.
Anime Obsession Fantasy – You shall see in time.......-evil laugh-
Mini Sweety – Well, I consider that very high praise, especially since your always honest in your reviews! Thank you SO much! And as to Sakura's decision, there's an explanation in the notes right after the review replies. Yes, if that society truly existed, I'm sure it'd be quite a popular one! As for updating soon, I suppose it really depends on your definition of 'soon'........-sweatdrop- And don't make your reviews shorter! I love your long reviews! I hope you enjoy this chapter too, even though it's a little more slow-paced in my opinion.
SweetBabyGurl- Yes, we ALL love Syaoran and his adorable jealous spells! It's so cute! No dates in this one, but there will be in the next one! Sorry about the slow updating (again), but I hope you like it anyway!
Iced Faerie – Ah, who WILL she choose? You'll see in time, my friend. And I agree, it's too bad that they're not real, because if they were, the fangirls would be a bit more satisfied. Sorry about the not-so-fast update!
Fleur137 – Hehe, she does look like a player, doesn't she? Well, she'll have to choose eventually........
Heather-Hezzer-and-Honaluki – Thanks! As to who she'll pick, you will all find out soon enough...and I know it was you who threw that chocolate at me!
sakura tenshi.AnGeL oF lOvE – Thank you!
Sakura-Blossom12 – Aww, you're so sweet! -huggles- I hope you enjoy the new chappy!
Cherrixwolf – Sorry about the cliffy, but I couldn't resist! Sorry about the slowness, but enjoy the new chappy anyway!
Cherry Jade- Thank you! You'll find out whom she likes soon enough! -wink-
Starmoon88 - -Sniff -You are so nice! -huggles- Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
Nightswift – Hey girlie! In Syaoran's mind, Sakura IS his woman. Indeed, poor Sakura, I do believe I've made her a player...and since I did FINALLY update, you're not really gonna kill me...right? -gulp-
Hermione Malfoy Potter – Maybe....maybe not. But you'll find out...eventually. -grin-
Dragonstar03 – Well, what's your definition of 'soon', exactly? -sweatdrop-
Redeyes143 – I know, it seems like I never update, but I swear I do, it just takes a bit of a long time..... Happy reading!
MusiqMistress – I'm sorry it took so long! I hope you still remember what it's about this time too! Well, I hope that your brother and your niece didn't ruin your good day! I hope you enjoy this chapter, especially since it took so long to get it posted!
Qleo-chan – Thank you! Hope you enjoy, and sorry about the long wait!
Cereza – Thanks! And as for Sato, no, he's not gonna be evil, even though I thought about that for a while. But I thought I'd keep him as a nice guy to complicate things a little more. Enjoy!
Bluerose151- Hmm...who will she choose? Sato or Syaoran? Well, you'll find out in due time! Sorry about the slow updating!
White Blossoms – 2 months? That's just plain cruelty. But I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and I hope you enjoy this one as much, especially since it took SO long to update!
EL - -grins evilly- Perhaps it's Syaoran, perhaps it's not.......Mwahahaha! You will all see in the end!
Blah-Blah – I'm sorry it took so long to update! Thank you so much for your comment on it being a good story and all (and sorry about the cliffy!).
Midnight Crystal – Thank you so much for your wonderful praise! As to who she choose, well, you'll all find out eventually, but anyway, I think you'll like this next hobby, it's not quite what you'd expect.
Cherrypal – Thanks! I'm glad you like the humor and stuff, and I completely agree on the no frozen brains part. And while I won't cut out things about everyone else, I will try to focus it more on SS, and I'll also try to make him get back his flirtyness, because that always seems to be a fan favorite. And if you wanna know when I'm gonna update next, you can go to my profile and click on 'homepage' and it'll take you to my Xanga site, where I keep all my stats on stories, so you'll know where I am with each story.
Lilaznangel – Thanks for your comments and sorry about the slow updates!
Forestfairy – Thanks! And of course I'll e-mail you! I e-mail anyone who leaves their address when I update. Sorry about the slowness, but I hope you still enjoy it!
Star Gazer – I'm so sorry to leave you hanging! But I did FINALLY update, so I hope you enjoy this chappie!
LiL oBs3ss3r – Well, it has been awhile, hasn't it? -sweatdrop- I hope you like it anyway though.
Chikichiki – Thank you so much! -huggles- Sorry about the slow update, but I hope you like it anyway.
PersonaJXT – Thank you!
ChibiYuffie1 – That's so sweet of you! Thanks!
Dana- The Kurama Lover – Well, thank you! I didn't exactly update soon, but at least it wasn't a year or something, right? Happy reading! .
.
Kalli: Anyway, Kira's still not back yet, but I'm sure she'll be joining us soon! But, I need to explain something real quick. A lot of people asked about the 'one' that Sakura's choosing. She said she MIGHT, I repeat, MIGHT know who she's going to choose. Things are heating up in the love triangle and ya never know where it's gonna go. So, she's not playing around, she just has a good idea of which one it is that she's gonna end up with first.
Syaoran: I'm glad Kira's not here to maul me again.
Kalli: Who says I won't? -grin-
Syaoran: Oh, hell no. I'm getting kinda tired of girls always throwing themselves at me!
Kalli: ALL girls?
Syaoran: -blink- Eh.....
Kalli: Betcha wouldn't mind if SAKURA threw herself at ya, huh? -nudge, nudge-
Syaoran: -blush-
Kalli: I thought so. Anyway, I'm keeping stats on my stories at my Xanga page, and u can find a link to my new website on there in my author profile, so if u wanna know when I'm gonna update next, CHECK THE PAGE! Now, on with the story.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
When Did Dating Get SO Complicated?!
.
.
.
.
-Sakura's House the Next Morning- #$Sakura P.O.V.#$
I woke up feeling relaxed and happy. 2 dates, 2 men, decisions, decisions. I grinned and swung myself out of bed, then checked the clock. "It's only 7? Wow, I'm up pretty early today!"
I got in my uniform and put my hair up into a high ponytail, then bounced downstairs, meeting Touya's amazed stare with a smirk. "Good morning."
"What are you doing up this early, squirt?"
"I woke up all by myself without the alarm clock or anything!"
"Good job, maybe next week we can take the training wheels off your bike."
I growled and kicked his shin, smiling when he choked on his coffee because of the impact. "Haha........."
Dad smiled warmly at me as he always did in the morning. "Morning, Sakura- chan. How are you today?"
"I feel good.....na na na na na.....I knew that I would.......na na na na na na na!"
I hummed on, watching Touya's eye tick. "Would you shut up with the humming?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, does that BOTHER you? Is it ANNOYING?"
"Spawn of Satan......."
"I heard that!"
He stuck his tongue out at me, then turned to face Dad. "Hey, Coach is out of town and there won't be a sub until tomorrow, so I'll cook dinner tonight since I won't have to go to practice."
"Thank you, Touya, I appreciate it."
I froze. 'Uh-oh. If Touya gets home early, he'll know that I've been out late! Since Dad gets home late and Touya usually has practice, they don't know that I've been out with Syaoran! I just have a bad feeling that Touya won't be happy about it at all..........'
"Sakura, you okay?"
I snapped to when Touya waved his hand in front of my face. "Yeah, I just remembered that I've agreed to go to the mall with Meiling."
I felt like sinking into a hole. 'Great, now I'm lying......'
"Oh? How late are you gonna be out?"
"Till' around, uh.....7ish."
"Okay."
I felt relief wash over my mind. 'Sakura, you bad girl. Lying to the family. If they find out, my ass will be grounded.'
"Oh, if you're going to the mall, could you pick me up some books for school? I'll give you the money for them."
I started to sweat. What to do? Wait a minute, maybe I really COULD go to the mall with Meiling, and just bring Syaoran along........
"Sure, Touya."
"Thanks." He said as he fished out some bills to pay for the books, then jotted down the titles on a piece of paper and gave it to me.
"I'm gonna head to school, see you guys later!"
"Bye."
"Have a good day, Sakura."
I ran out the door and walked down to school right as the bell rang and took my seat near the back of the class.
I didn't have a chance to talk to Meiling until lunch, when everyone was sitting under the cherry blossom tree.
She greeted me with a sly smile. "Hey Sakura, how are things going with Romeo?"
"Eh?"
"Syaoran."
"Oh. Well, I was about to talk to you about that."
"Yeah?"
"Can you go to the mall with me and Syaoran today around 5?"
Chiharu raised her eyebrows suggestively. "Why, do you need some supervision so that you 2 don't get 'out of hand'?"
I glared at Chiharu and growled at everyone who was kind enough to laugh. "No, I just.....well, um......"
"Spit it out!" cried Rika.
"My dad and Touya don't know about my outings with him, and I told Touya that I was going to the mall with you today instead."
"So you want to go with me just to be safe in case he were to see you?"
"Yeah."
She shook her head and sighed. "Fine, I'll do it. But only if you promise to buy me a snack when I want it."
"Deal."
"Should I just meet you guys there at the food court?"
"Yeah."
I sighed in relief. There was 1 problem solved. Now, to get Syaoran to go without him knowing exactly what I was up to, because I had the distinct feeling that he wouldn't be so agreeable if he knew that the hobby of the day was shopping.
"Are we shopping for anything in particular?" asked Meiling curiously.
"Not really........"
Meiling smiled smugly. "What? Don't need more sex toys? Syaoran keeping you satisfied enough?"
My mouth dropped while everyone else erupted into loud laughter. "Meiling! You little bitch, I can't believe you just said that!"
She winked at me and shook her head. "I couldn't help it, babe! It was too tempting!"
"You suck."
"You swallow."
I once again found myself gaping open-mouthed at her blunt and perverted comment while everyone else burst into fresh laughter. "We're on a roll today, aren't we, Meiling?"
"Yep, and I'm not breaking stride."
I rolled my eyes. "Geez, you're such a perv."
"It runs in the family, doncha know."
"Oh, don't I?"
"I'm sure you do, you lucky, lucky girl."
"Oh, yes, so lucky."
-Later with Syaoran-#$Syaoran P.O.V.#$
I glanced at the clock. 3:27. Sakura would be here any minute now.
I straightened my tie and checked the mirror. 'Gotta look totally irresistible for the lady, that way she'll be all mine.'
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I grinned and said in my most suave voice, "Come in."
The door opened revealing Eriol with his eyebrow raised. "Expecting Sakura?"
I scowled. "Yes, so this better be important."
"Not really, I just thought I'd drop off the stock report."
He dropped a small folder on my desk and looked at me curiously. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"Are you really serious about Sakura or are you just playing around until you get what you want?"
I looked up in surprise. "Why?"
"She's nice, I don't want you to just throw her away like another one of your '2-night stands'."
"Oh, my ex's have their own category now?"
Eriol glared at me harshly. "Syaoran, answer the question."
"Well, uh..........I don't think she's all that interested anyway."
"I think she might be more interested than you think. Let's say your date goes well, and-"
"How do you know about our date?"
"You just told me."
I growled. 'Aren't we smart, Eriol? Just you wait.....'
Eriol smiled smugly. "Anyway....." His expression turned cold again. "Say your date goes well, and she wants to go out again. Then what? Are you gonna dump her after the second one?"
I paused. All this time, she'd been so uninterested in dating me that I'd never thought about what would happen beyond the second date......
"I don't know, Eriol."
"Let's say YOU have a good time too. Are you going to dump her or not?"
I sank back into my seat, all my confidence from a few minutes ago gone. "I really don't know. I like her, but I just don't know if I like her so much that I'd want it to be a steady thing."
"Then you better let her know that, so that if you decide you can't grow up a little and finally commit yourself to something, she won't have her heart broken."
I had never seen Eriol so angry before. "What do you want me to say to her?"
"Just tell her the truth, Syaoran, tell her that you'll see how it goes, but that you might not be ready for a steady relationship."
"Okay."
"And if you don't tell her, and you break her heart after 2 dates, I'll ring your neck. She doesn't deserve to be treated like another play toy." He snorted. "Hell, half of your former dates didn't deserve to be dropped like they were."
I sat as still as could be, just in case sudden movement would set off his temper. "I'll tell her."
"Good. Normally, I wouldn't say anything because I don't know the girls you date, and I figure it's their business. But Sakura is someone that I know, and besides the fact that she'd probably kick your ass, Meiling certainly won't have you in her good graces anymore, and neither will I."
I nodded and Eriol left, right as Sakura walked in panting. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had to stay and clean up some food that Meiling and me threw at Yamazaki."
"It's fine."
She looked at me and frowned a bit. "Hey, are you okay? You look really pale."
I shook my head nervously. "No, I'm fine."
She shrugged. "If you say so. Well, where's the work for today?"
"Well, I need you to drop these off with Karina, if you don't mind."
She smiled brightly as I handed her 5 pages that were paper-clipped together. 'She has a pretty smile.'
"No problem."
With that, she practically ran out of the room to go find Karina, then came back a few seconds later blushing. "And, uh, where do I find her?"
I laughed heartily and shook my head. "She's on the 7th floor, at the 2nd desk you see on your right."
"Thanks!"
As she bounded out again, I sighed, then jumped when a voice came over the intercom. "Sir, you have a phone call."
It was just Naoko. "Who is it?"
"Your mother, sir. Can I put her through?"
I smacked my forehead and groaned. 'Great....'
"Should I take that as a 'no'?"
"Oh, no, put her through, of course."
There were a few clicking sounds and then a voice as serene and sharp as it could be came through. "Hello, Syaoran."
"H-hello, mother."
"How are you?"
"I'm......alright. How are you?"
"Wonderful." She paused for a few seconds, then spoke again. "It's been about a month now, Syaoran."
I blinked. Why was she telling me this? "Yeah, since you last called, I guess it has been."
"How's your search going?" (A/n – Refer to chapter 1 if you don't remember this)
"Search?"
"For a fiancé?"
"Oh, it's going fine. I actually have a date with a girl next Friday that seems like a good prospect."
"Well, that's good. Tell me about her."
"Her name is Sakura Kinomoto, she's 18-"
"18? That seems a bit young, Syaoran....."
"Well, yes, but she's very mature for her age." I gulped. 'Kind of.......'
"Hmm.....well, I suppose if you really like each other....."
"She's funny, she's bright, she's............unique."
"Well, she sounds nice. How did you meet her?"
"She's my new secretary, but I didn't technically hire her."
"Then how on earth did she come to work for you?"
"Well, she's got to have a job so that the law can keep an eye on her."
"Syaoran, dear, why does the law need to keep an eye on her, exactly?"
"Because she's got a court case going on, and they haven't had a trial yet."
"Right. I don't know if I'm crazy about this one, Syaoran."
"She's been warding off all my attempts to get a date for weeks now, and she finally said yes yesterday."
"Then again, she may be able to keep you on your toes."
I snorted. 'You got that right......' "Yeah."
"So you really like this one?"
I paused for a moment, then smiled to myself. "Yeah...I do."
-Sakura-#$Normal P.O.V.#$
Sakura walked to the elevator and stepped in, but heard a yell from outside. "Wait! Hold the elevator!"
She quickly pressed the 'Open Door' button and waited until the person was inside, then smiled. "Hey, Sato."
He grinned at her boyishly. "Hey, Sakura. How's it going?"
"Pretty good. I'm running down some papers to Karina, so I expect that means that I'm allowed to have some chat time before I get back to work."
"Well, we're going to the same floor then. I gotta drop some things off with Watanabe."
"Ah."
He leaned in a little closer and whispered secretively. "There's a rumor from Nakuru-san that there's something going on between those 2."
Sakura blinked in surprise. "Is there really?!"
"That's what I've heard, but I don't know if it's true or not."
She grinned. "I think we should attempt a match-making."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you think so?"
"Yeah. They'd make a nice couple."
"What do you propose?"
"Well, we'd have to get them on a date, of course...but how?"
"We could invite them to go with us on Friday, if you want, that is."
"Would that really be okay with you?"
He shrugged. "Sure. Who knows, it might be better to bring a group along, even if it's just for the match-making."
She smiled. "Thanks, I think you'll make a great partner in crime."
The elevator dinged as it reached the 7th floor and the doors opened. Sakura and Sato stepped out of the elevator and leaned in to whisper again.
"Okay, Sato, you ask Watanabe, and I'll ask Karina, then we'll meet back up in 15 minutes and see how it went."
"Got it."
Then they split up and Sakura walked over towards Karina's desk. "Hey!"
Karina grinned. "Skipping out on your work duties, Sakura?"
"Not quite. Here, papers from the boss-man."
She snorted. "Lovely nickname."
"Isn't it fabulous?"
"Of course."
Sakura paused, picking her words carefully. "Karina, is there anything going on between you and Watanabe, by any chance?"
She blushed brightly and shook her head. "No......"
"I get the feeling that there's a little more to it."
"Well, I guess I wouldn't mind, but there's not."
"Well, me and Sato are going on a date this Friday, and we were hop-"
"You and Sato?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Just wondering. I always thought Syaoran would rip off the head of anyone who tried to date you before he did."
Sakura grinned. "Well, I'm going on a date with him too."
"My, my, somebody works fast around here."
"Well, I'm just 'exploring my options'."
"Well, good for you."
"So, anyway, we're going on a date this Friday and I was wondering if perhaps you and Watanabe would go with us? It'd be nice to have a big group, ya know, for good conversation!"
"Well, I guess I could. What about him?"
"Uh...........I'm sure he'd be thrilled!"
"You have no idea, do you?"
"No. Sato's talking to him right now."
"Oh."
Sakura felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to face Sato, who whispered "He'll go.", then nodded at Karina and left.
Sakura turned back to her and grinned. "He'll go!"
"Well, I guess I'll go too. What time?"
"6ish. We haven't really decided what to do yet, but I'll get back to you on that."
Karina sighed in defeat. "Alright."
"Well, I'll see ya later, okay?"
"Okay. See ya!"
Sakura grinned and rushed to the elevator, where Sato was holding it open for her. "Thanks, Sato."
"No problem. Did she say yes?"
"Yep."
"Good, cause I told Watanabe that she did."
Sakura burst out laughing. "Aren't we tricky?"
"Oh, yes."
"Hey, where are we going, exactly?"
"To the 10th floor?"
"No, on our date."
"Oh. I was gonna ask you about that. Where do you want to go?"
Sakura smiled. 'What a gentleman.' "Well, I was thinking a nice dinner."
"Sounds good to me. Anywhere in particular that you want to go?"
She wrinkled her nose in thought, then jumped when the elevator dinged, indicating that they were at the 10th floor again, and they stepped out, then walked over to Sato's desk.
"I don't think so."
"Well, where do you want to meet?"
"How about somewhere that's near a lot of restaurants so that we can check out our options?"
"Good idea. How about near the mall? There's tons of restaurants around there."
"Shall we meet at the front entrance?"
"Sounds good."
-Syaoran-
Syaoran checked the clock and tapped a pen on the desk. "Sakura, it does not take 20 minutes to deliver some papers 3 floors down."
After waiting a few minutes, he pressed the intercom. "Yanagisawa?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Connect me to Karina's desk, please."
"Yes, sir."
There were a few clicks and Karina's voice came in over the speaker. "Yes, sir?"
"Is Sakura still down there?"
"No, she left with Sato just a few minutes ago."
"Sato?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
He let go of the intercom button and groaned. "Not that guy again. He's hitting on my woman!"
Suddenly, Syaoran stood up and walked out of the office. He marched towards Sato's desk and glared at the sight of Sakura and Sato chatting happily.
"Sakura!" he barked.
She jumped and turned to face him. "What?!"
"You need to get back to work." He said, grinding his teeth.
She sighed and smiled at Sato. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Bye, Sakura."
She turned and followed Syaoran back to his office. "Ok, what work do you need me to do?"
Syaoran stiffened and looked around nervously. He'd forgotten that little detail when he'd called her back. "Um......."
"You don't have anything, do you? You just wanted to pull me away from Sato!"
"That's not true. I need you to...calculate some new costs for our budget."
"Oh?"
He handed her a clipboard with numbers and dollar signs. "Yeah, here ya go!"
"Um...this is the company budget plan?"
"Yeah."
"Since when does that include 'Videos from Blockbuster'?"
"What?!" Syaoran snatched the clipboard out of her hands and scanned it. "What is this?"
Suddenly, Nakuru's head popped in the door. "Hi guys, Eriol said he accidentally gave you my monthly budget calculations?"
The other 2 stared at the paper in Syaoran's hands. "Does it have 'Videos from Blockbuster' on it?"
"Yep."
"Here ya go."
"Oh, fabulous. Here, Eriol said to give you the Company's budget costs in exchange."
Sakura took them and smiled at Nakuru, who returned the smile with one of her own that beamed with her hyper energy. "Later!"
The remaining 2 looked at each other for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "Well, that would explain a lot."
"Yeah. I guess you really DID have work for me to do after all."
"Of course I did."
She smirked. "Fine, I'll believe you this time, but you lucked out. Next time, I'll be able to prove that your jealousy got the best of you and you had to drag me away from Sato to calm your rage."
"Think what you want, but it's not true."
She sighed fakely. "What's a girl to do?"
Syaoran raised his eyebrows suggestively. "Well-"
She cut him off with a sharp glare. "Syaoran!"
"Fine, fine. I was just kidding!"
Sakura rolled her eyes at him in exasperation. "Whatever."
"You can go over the budget with Nakuru's if you want, since there's not much to do today."
"Yay! See ya later!" She ran out quickly, then popped her head back in the door. "I hope you brought a change of clothes."
"I brought jeans and a t-shirt, and a helmet, just cause I never know what you're coming up with next."
"Well, you won't need a helmet unless you say something stupid again."
"Goody. What are we doing anyway?"
"You'll see..." she said secretively, winking at him, then closing the door as she bounced off to go see Nakuru.
Once she left, he leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply. He knew he'd have to talk to her sooner or later, might as well be today. But it would make the whole thing so awkward..............
He groaned. 'I like her, but being tied down to anyone just seems hopeless to me. But, if I had to choose a girl to be stuck with...'
So, upon that thought, he decided that it would be in his best interests to tell her. Besides, he was a wee bit afraid that Eriol would kick his ass out of the 10th floor window if he didn't.
-Sakura- #$Sakura P.O.V.#$
I went about halfway towards the elevator when I stopped, realizing that I had no clue as to where Nakuru would be, so I went over and knocked on Eriol's door. "Come in!"
I looked in and smiled. "Hey, Eriol. Do you happen to know where Nakuru is?"
He grinned. "Did you want to ask her about her blockbuster videos?"
I quirked an eyebrow. "Should I?"
He shrugged. "I didn't dare. I'm not sure I want to know the answer."
"Me neither. Actually, Boss-man said I could go over the company budget with her if I wanted to."
"But him and me already went over it."
"You did?"
"Yeah. Let me see it for a sec."
I handed it to him and watched as he scanned in quickly. "I think he just means to add it all up."
I groaned. "But he knows that I suck at math!"
"Well, fortunately for you, Nakuru loves math."
"Why?"
"I don't know. She's a strange girl."
"Hmm."
Eriol handed back the papers and smiled. "I'm sure she'd love to help you. She's probably lazing off at her computer and playing video games again."
"There are video games on the computers?"
He raised an eyebrow at me. "It's a company secret, so it's not to leave this room."
"Oh, of course. I'll never tell your terrible, evil secret."
So, I left the room, paused, then walked back in again. "Um, do you know where Nakuru is?"
"3rd desk on the right if you walk straight from this office."
"Thanks."
I marched out and went to Nakuru's desk, where there was a small group gathered behind her staring at something on the computer screen and she was typing furiously. "Haha, take that!"
I walked behind the group and peeked over their heads to see what was going on. As Eriol predicted, she was playing a video game that apparently involved blasting away little spaceships with missiles.
The game suddenly stopped and a loud electronic voice came through the speakers that said "High score!"
Nakuru whooped and started doing what looked like a deranged happy dance while sitting in her chair as her co-workers clapped.
"So, this is what you really do all day."
"Oh, hey, Sakura! Didja hear, I just got another high score on the game!"
"Can I play?"
"Sure."
I sat down at her chair and waited while she showed me how to work it, then pressed play on the options menu on the screen. After shooting easy stuff in the first few levels, I was hooked, and apparently so were all the staring workers behind me.
I let out a loud "Yeah!" as I shot down 10 ships in a row and heard some claps behind me and a "You TELL those spaceships, Sakura!" from Nakuru.
I laughed and kept on playing until I finally got shot down by a warship that would've gotten me 50 points, but just as I was about to get up, I heard the electronic voice say "High score!" again.
I grinned and stuck my tongue out at Nakuru. "Ha! Beat that, Akizuki!"
"Oh, you're on, Kinomoto."
We battled for the title of 'Supreme Game Champion of the Whole Building' for another half hour, bringing in more and more workers to stare mindlessly at the screen.
It was my turn again and Nakuru had just beat the last high score I had by 50 points, and I was about to kick her ass and beat her by a thousand points, but there was a sudden hush and a shadow fell across the keyboard.
I looked up to meet the questioning eyes of none other than Syaoran. "Uh, hi?"
"Done with that budget yet?"
"Um, we're working on it?"
His face went flat and he shook his head. "Uh-huh. I suppose you must be very talented to multi-task between working on the budget and playing 'Alien Wars 3000'."
"How do you know the name of it?" asked Nakuru accusingly.
He blushed lightly and lowered his head a bit. "Well...I might've played it once or twice."
"Uh-huh. Is there actually any work for me to do?"
"No, I just thought I'd tell you that you can all leave. It's past 5."
"PAST 5?!"
"Yes, past 5, Sakura."
"Oh no! I told Meiling we'd meet her at 5!"
"Meiling? Why are we meeting her?"
"We just are, okay?!"
He backed away slowly with a bit of a frightened look in his eyes. "Fine! I won't question your evil motives anymore!"
"Thank you. You drive, I have to make a few calls." I turned around and smiled at Nakuru. "See ya tomorrow! We'll go over the budget stuff then!"
"See ya tomorrow!"
"I'll change and meet you out at my car, okay?" said Syaoran, who was walking towards the bathrooms.
"Okay, but hurry!" I yelled at his back, even though I'm not sure he heard me because he was walking away so fast. Perhaps I scared him a bit......
-In the car on the way to the mall- #$ Normal P.O.V.#$
Sakura took out her cell phone and quickly dialed in a number, then placed the phone to her ear. "Hey, Mei. It's Sakura."
Sakura paused. "What? Yeah, I was playing a game-"
She gasped. "Not THAT kind of game! Geez, did you drown your head in the gutter?"
Another pause. "Oh, you did? Sorry."
"What?"
"What?"
"A carrot lard seedling?"
"Oh, a tarot card reading! Did it tell you that you're on the road to fame and fortune?" She paused, then made an odd face. "Oh. Well, good for you and your un-conceived child."
"Ok, we'll see you soon. Bye." And she finally hung up.
Syaoran grinned. "Dare I ask what she said?"
"Not if you value your head, you won't."
"Where do I turn now?"
"Left."
"Where are we going exactly?"
"Oh, nowhere, really."
"I have a feeling that you're not telling me the whole truth."
"You should be more trusting of my judgment."
"Sure."
"Ok, now turn right."
"Into the mall parking lot?"
"Yes."
"Are we going to the mall, perhaps?"
"You sure do catch on quick."
He reluctantly pulled in, but gave her a wary glance. "What are we going to do here?"
"Well, there's a great place that has lots of things in it that I thought might have a hobby for you!"
"What's it called?"
"You'll see."
"I'm sure I will......."
A few minutes later, they walked into the mall to meet a very impatient Meiling. "Finally! I was about to die from boredom!"
Sakura raised a skeptical eyebrow at her, and Meiling looked away. "Ok, well, not DIE exactly......." Then she smiled at her cousin. "Hey cuz! Ready to go shopping?"
"Yeah, after Sakura tells me what this place is that has all this stuff in it for me to find a hobby."
"Um.....it's called the mall."
"What?! You tricked me!"
"No, I didn't, I just told you the truth and you took it the wrong way!"
"I'm not going shopping with you guys, no way. I'm not a bag carrier!"
"Even for 2 lovely ladies such as ourselves?" Said Meiling dramatically, flipping her hair back.
"Well, if you put it that way..........no."
Sakura smiled sweetly. "Please?"
He faltered a bit, but shook his head. "No!"
Sakura bit her lip thoughtfully, then grinned evilly and slowly, like the Grinch. "Eve if we're going to Victoria's Secret?"
That caught his interest. "Really?"
She nodded, then looked over his shoulder at Meiling, who was giving her a clear 'What the hell are you doing?' look.
"Yep, it'll be our last stop, though."
"I suppose I could be a bag carrier this ONE time, as long as you promise to model whatever you buy at Victoria's Secret for me."
Sakura grinned. "Sure!"
She saw Meiling choke a bit behind him. "But for now, let's just look around some, okay?"
"Meiling and me will go up ahead, okay?"
"You're leaving me behind?"
"You're a big boy, you can handle it." She cried, grabbing Meiling and marching into the closest store, ignoring what the store name was.
Meiling looked at her with owlish eyes and blinked. "Sakura, is there a reason that you dragged me into the maternity store?"
Sakura slapped her forehead. "Shit." Then she dragged a hysterically laughing Meiling behind her and went into the bookstore, leaving Syaoran outside on a bench.
"Something you need to tell me, Saku?" asked Meiling, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Shut up, ya perv! I've got a plan!"
"I hope so. Why are you going to Victoria's Secret?"
"Well, that's the whole plan, but you'll see what I mean when the time comes." She whispered mysteriously.
Meiling shook her head. "Oh, boy."
-2 hours later-
Syaoran plopped down on a bench, looking exhausted. "Please tell me you're done."
"Why? Are you tired of carrying around those 3 tiny bags?" asked Meiling jokingly, gesturing at the 3 small bags carrying earrings and 2 necklaces, and Touya's books.
"No, but I'm damn tired of carrying around this gigantic teddy bear." He said, gesturing to the large teddy bear next to him on the bench.
"Oh, but it's for Chiharu's birthday next month! She loves teddy bears! And if we hadn't had you to carry it, we might not have gotten it and Chiharu wouldn't be able to look forward to such a fabulous present!"
"Actually, Meiling, I think that if you hadn't had me to carry it, you would've carried it around yourself, you lazy ass."
She just grinned cheekily at him. "Well, don't worry, Syaoran! We just have one more stop."
Suddenly, he seemed much more energetic. "Victoria's Secret?!"
Sakura nodded happily. "That's right!"
He eagerly followed the 2 girls to the lingerie store, where Sakura instructed him to wait outside. "But, I thought you said that you'd model it for me!"
"And I will! But you have to wait here."
Syaoran pouted and tapped his foot impatiently until Sakura and Meiling came back out in a fit of giggles holding a small bag.
"When do I get to see it modeled?"
"I'm modeling it for you right now, see." She said, sticking her hand in his face.
"What do you mean?"
"It's on my hands!"
"What's on your hands?"
"The lotion that I bought!"
Syaoran froze. "Why, you evil, cruel woman! What a dirty trick to play on poor me who's had to lug around your stupid stuff for 2 hours!"
"Well, I told the truth, but again, you took it the wrong way."
"Oh, the painful cruelty of a sneaky woman."
Sakura laughed, then looked at Syaoran's watch and frowned. "Mei, can you give me a ride home?"
"Sure, as long as I can come in for a while. My feet are killing me."
"Fine with me."
"Will Touya care?"
"No, and it wouldn't matter if he did, because you can kick his ass any day."
"Of course I can!"
Syaoran watched the 2 chat and was reminded of his talk with Eriol earlier. 'Shit...I guess I'll have to tell her tomorrow.'
"Hey cuz, you think you can haul all that heavy stuff out to my car?"
"Yeah, fine." He grumbled.
After he followed them to their car, they bid each other goodbye and went their separate ways.
Syaoran went back to his house, wondering if he could work up the courage to talk to Sakura the next day, and Sakura and Meiling on their way back to Sakura's laughing about the day's events.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Kalli: Well, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter! I know it took a long time for me to update, but I'll TRY to have the next one up faster!
Syaoran: Sure ya will...
Kalli: I should just make her MARRY Sato in the next chapter.
Syaoran: twitch
Kalli: Heh-heh. I win!
Syaoran: Bitch......
Kalli: Till' next time! And please, review! Because if I get lots of reviews, I'll be much more likely to update sooner...wink, wink