Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Shadow of the Dragon ❯ Tomoyo at the Ball ( Chapter 21 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Lord Archive 
Kurogane needs to enter a ball, and Tomoyo has agreed to help him.
Anime/Manga: Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.24.2010 | Pages: 9 | Words: 7.3K | Visits: 412 | Status: Completed
Kurogane needs to enter a ball, and Tomoyo has agreed to help him.
Anime/Manga: Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.24.2010 | Pages: 9 | Words: 7.3K | Visits: 412 | Status: Completed
Sakura was tenderly applying some blush to her friend when she suddenly broke into a fit of giggles.
Tomoyo pouted. "What's so funny?"
Sakura smiled cheerfully. "I lost count how many times you've helped get me ready for some event or date and now I'm here helping you." She then frowned. "I just wish I could be around to see your date."
Tomoyo shook her head. "Probably best you didn't. You still have odd ideas about this dance. I'm doing it as a favor, not a date." She then cocked her head. "Though it might not be a bad idea to introduce him to Meiling-chan. He's the kind of guy she would be interested in."
Sakura blinked a few times. "He knows how to fight?"
Tomoyo looked a little surprised. "Yes. I haven't seen him fight, but I've heard he's a master."
"Then you better hold on him tight or Meiling-chan might steal him from you," Sakura pleaded strongly.
"She can have him," Tomoyo asserted.
"And you promised to give him a chance," Sakura returned.
"Fine, fine." Tomoyo sighed.
"Now sit still. This make-up won't put itself on," Sakura commanded.
"Unless you enchant them," Tomoyo joked nervously.
Sakura laughed sheepishly while carefully applying some eyeliner to the girl. "I've tried doing that with cleaning the house. It ended up a lot like that one cartoon: a big mess. Doubt you want to look like a clown."
Tomoyo shared in the laughter.
"You're scared about this, aren't you?" Sakura asked.
"Maybe a little," Tomoyo admitted.
"Don't be," Sakura admonished, pulling out some lipstick and pressing it to the girl's lips. "Remember what you told me before my first date: just be yourself. You want him to like you for who you are. Pretending to be something better won't work as there is no better you than you." She then pouted. "Too bad Yukito thought of it more as taking his little sister out so he could steal more time to see my brother."
Tomoyo giggled before biting down on a cloth to remove excess lipstick. "Well, those 'dates' did help you out with Li-kun, didn't they?"
Sakura nodded. "Took care of most of the first date jitters. Still was nervous as hell on our first official date." She looked at her friend deeply. "It's only natural. Just try to calm down and enjoy yourself."
"Wish you could come with me," Tomoyo muttered.
"That would be a nice pay back since you invited yourself to most of my dates, but I doubt I could sneak in," Sakura replied. "Besides, I already have plans with Syaoran-kun."
Tomoyo pouted. "Sakura's first concert, and I'll miss it."
"I've been to all of yours," Sakura corrected.
"It's not the same as a school concert. There will be a lot more energy!" Tomoyo gazed to the side.
"Don't you dare think about skipping out on your date to video tape me," Sakura ordered.
"I can't back out of this now, and I doubt I'd get any clear video anyway." Tomoyo smiled wryly. "Still tempting."
"You need to go on a first date some day, so you may as well do it today," Sakura pressed.
"Any plans for after the concert?" Tomoyo questioned.
Sakura blushed a little. "No specific plans...."
"Will tonight be the night?" Tomoyo wondered intensely.
Sakura turned away. "I... don't know. Doubt it."
"Oh? Why not?" Tomoyo wondered.
"We're likely to bother Meiling-chan getting to Syaoran-kun's apartment late as it is. I wouldn't want to do THAT with her around," Sakura explained.
Tomoyo nodded, knowing her best friend was going to stay the night with Li in fear of disturbing her father while he was working on some university project. "You don't have to make it back to his apartment..."
Sakura gave her friend a look while blushing badly. "And ask your bodyguards to drop us off at one of those motels?"
"Right, that would get back to mother. Best to use The Silence and The Lock, so Meiling-chan wouldn't have to know," Tomoyo suggested mischievously.
Sakura looked like an overripe tomato. "And have a couple of my cards awake and WATCHING?"
Tomoyo gazed at her friend knowingly. "Is there another reason you're making these excuses?"
Sakura looked away. "You heard what happened with Misora-chan and Gotoh-kun?"
Tomoyo sighed. "It was obviously a mistake for them, or rather for Gotoh-san."
"For him?" Sakura asked in surprise. "Gotoh-kun dumped her after they had sex!"
"Yes, because it scared him," Tomoyo pointed out. "Misora-san doesn't regret what they did. She's only upset because he got scared of what it meant."
"What do you mean?" Sakura pressed.
"What comes after sex?" Tomoyo questioned seriously.
Sakura blinked. "Babies and marriage."
"Right!" Tomoyo pointed at her friend. "And Gotoh-san was not ready for that. For what it means to be a girl's lover. So, he ran from Misora-san once he figured out there's only two ways for them to go: they break up or he spends the rest of his life with her."
Sakura looked away. "What if Syaoran-kun-"
"Don't even think that," Tomoyo chastised. "Would Li-kun really leave you because he was AFRAID?"
"I want to say 'no,' but... I can't help it. That's a big step, you know," Sakura fretted.
"Yes. It is." Tomoyo smiled. "Now that we're done with me. It's time to get you ready. When I'm done with you, Li-kun will never want to let you go."
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Card Captor Sakura: Shadow of the Dragon
Chapter 21: Tomoyo at the Ball
Card Captor Sakura belongs to the fine ladies of CLAMP. Used without consent, all rights reserved.
By: Lord Archive
Author's Warnings:
This contains mature themes not intended for children under thirteen.
This series contains:
Adult situations.
Sexual situations withOUT detailed description of sex nor the naked human body.
Brief moments of violence, some cases involving people getting severely injured and possibly death.
Occasional use of vulgar language.
Japanese humor: which include bathroom jokes, panty fetish and shocking situations.
Depictions of criminal activity committed by fictional characters.
References of homosexuality.
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Hinagashi approached a rather irritable looking Chinese girl. She had beaten him to the appointed spot despite that he had arrived early. He knew how to handle this. "Hey there, Butterfly."
Meiling turned and smiled, her apparent irritation forgotten. "So, what's the big surprise?"
Hinagashi pulled out a pair of tickets. "How about third row to see Tange Sakura live?"
Meiling laughed while holding her forehead. "Wish you had warned me. Then I could've helped Daidouji for her date."
Hinagashi frowned. "But then we'd have trouble getting there on time. The concert is being held at the other side of Tokyo. It'll take a few hours getting there."
Meiling pulled out her cell phone and dialed. "Hey, Kinomoto, how does Daidouji look for her date?"
The boy frowned, wondering if he some how messed up and was in the process of being dumped.
"Yeah, well, guess who'll be sitting right behind you?" Meiling groused.
"Huh?" Hinagashi emitted in confusion
"Yeah. A ride would be better than the subway. We're at Fifth and Juri Lane," Meiling informed and then blinked. "Yeah, see you in a few seconds."
Hinagashi gazed at his date. "What's going on?"
Meiling merely pointed down the street as a limousine turned the corner. Still she said nothing as it pulled up in front of them and a tough looking woman in a business suit exited the front and opened the back door. "Let's go."
The boy was dumbfounded as he was pulled into the stretched car. He sweated a little nervously as he saw the girl's cousin sitting in the back, but then looked in surprise at the cute girl next to him who was wearing a white and pink shirt and skirt that made her look like she should be going on stage as an idol.
"Hinagashi," Syaoran grunted his 'hello.'
The girl blinked a few times as she stared. "Um, hello. I'm Kinomoto Sakura."
"Hinagashi Masuru," the boy replied stiffly.
"Yeah, I know he's not the sort of guy I normally go for, but he knows how to make me feel beautiful," Meiling pseudo-bragged.
Hinagashi slumped. He knew he wasn't the most attractive guy, and that Meiling or her cousin could beat the shit out of him in seconds. Meiling was even a little taller than him despite that he was more than two years older than her.
Sakura let out a nervous giggle. "That's all a girl really wants to feel some times."
Syaoran began to blush and tried to say something but failed.
Hinagashi couldn't hide his smirk. Apparently he was better at something than his girlfriend's first love. "So, did one of you win a contest?"
"Huh?" Sakura emitted.
"Bought the tickets," Syaoran muttered.
"The limo belongs to Daidouji, as in Daidouji Toys Limited, who is her cousin and best friend," Meiling added. "Kinomoto's just borrowing it while Daidouji is on a date."
"I'm surprised that Daidouji didn't talk you into going with her," Syaoran commented.
Sakura smiled shyly. "I know Tomoyo-chan wished I could've gone, but, well, we weren't invited to the ball. I doubt we could've snuck in. I wouldn't know the first thing about being at such an elegant party."
Meiling laughed. "You're going to have to learn! I can name a few parties that you'll have to deal with stupid rich people: when you, Daidouji and myself get married. Not to mention when Syaoran and I are declared adults."
"Don't remind me about that birthday." Syaoran looked away. "Maybe I can hide in Japan, go on one Kinomoto-sensei's archeology digs or something."
Sakura pouted. "I should encourage you to go to those parties, but after what happened at your sister's wedding reception...."
"Oh, I've got to watch that video again!" Meiling was almost howling in mirth.
"That wasn't your fault. Lufang was a being a complete jerk," Syaoran tried to assure her.
"Hate to break it to you, but you're a rich jerk, too," Meiling joked. "I should know."
"What does that make you?" Syaoran shot back.
"A rich bitch," Meiling replied as a matter-of-fact.
Hinagashi felt left out of the conversation, not sure what to make of it.
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Tomoyo felt very stiff as she almost forced herself to walk to the foyer where her 'date' was waiting for her. She was thankful in a way that this was her first official date in the eyes of her friends considering that was not what filled her with dread. She was going to a fancy ball with an assassin. Without her, he would be unable to attend. Whoever the target was tonight, she would be an accomplice, regardless of how little she was actually involved. This would be the third time the blood of another person would splash onto her dress.
Arriving at her destination, Tomoyo froze at the sight of her mother gazing intently at a surprisingly nervous looking Kurogane. She wished the maid had not interrupted by announcing her presence.
Kurogane shot to his feet and bowed in his stylish black tuxedo. "Daidouji, you are quite beautiful. Thank you...."
Tomoyo had to force herself to not giggle at his attempt to be formal. It allowed her to fall back on taught manners. "I thank you for inviting me."
Sonomi stood up and walked to her daughter. In a low voice, she warned, "Be careful, and don't get any more involved with him than you already are."
"Easier said than done," Tomoyo replied curtly. "He can destroy my life easily."
"In more ways than you know," Sonomi pressed. "Enjoy yourself."
Tomoyo nodded, but did not believe she would enjoy this. A date to a murder scene with her date as the murderer should not be fun for anyone. Still, she accepted Kurogane's hand as he led to his limousine She eyed the elderly man playing the part of chauffeur who oddly carried the same air as Wei did, an actual servant rather than an assistant or someone rented for the day.
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Sakura frowned at the massive line outside the stadium. It was going to take them forever to get inside. While she could not see the traffic ahead, it was obvious the driver was having a hard time pulling up to a curb to let them out.
Finally they were set free, but Sakura fretted as a security guard walked straight for them.
"Tickets?" the guard requested.
"Row two." Syaoran held up his.
"Row twenty and her protectors," intoned one of the bodyguards.
"Hoe," Sakura squeaked.
The security guard appraised the girl. "Protectors?"
"Kinomoto is an heir, and such events makes her an easy target. We do not expect trouble, any more than you expect trouble at the concert. We're both here to make sure any small issues don't become large ones," the bodyguard replied.
The security guard nodded. "Just be sure not to cause any issues." He then turned toward Hinagashi and Meiling. "And you?"
Hinagashi blushed. "Um, third row winner of the 'Otaku no Tange' contest."
Meiling raised an eyebrow. "Remind me to never go into your room."
The security guard chuckled and pointed at a manned door. "The radio station will want to get a photo of you. You all can go ahead to that door."
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Tomoyo was hardly surprised that instead of going to the front of the large, elegant hall, they were driven around to the back. Waiting for them was a white haired man who did strike her as someone who worked with her 'date.'
"What are you doing here?" Kurogane growled.
The man ignored him. He instead bowed and introduced himself. "I'm Fye D. Florite, you can call me Fye."
Tomoyo frowned, but responded in kind with a curtsey. "Daidouji Tomoyo."
"Really?" Fye grinned dementedly at Kurogane. "Why would Kuropi be so tight lipped about you?"
"I would not hazard a guess," Tomoyo replied since her supposed date was too busy growling.
Fye smirked knowingly. "Your request has been met." He held up a pair of masks. "Though few seem to actually bother use them."
"Whatever." Kurogane snatched the one meant for him and quickly put it on.
Tomoyo had to stifle herself from giggling. The white mask certainly went with Kurogane's black tuxedo, but it completed the look to make him appear as if he was cosplaying Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon.
She took the matching white feathery mask, but regrettably didn't have the blond hair or white dress to complete the image. Had she known about this ahead of time, it would've made a good disguise in case something went bad.
Fye leaned forward and whispered softly to her. "He may act all tough and gruff, but he's really a big puppy barking. He doesn't like people knowing what he's really like."
Tomoyo nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kurogane growled. "What did you say to her?"
"Arf arf, woof woof," Fye teasingly replied before running into the hall.
Tomoyo and Kurogane had followed immediately after the man, but entering the kitchen they only saw cooks focused on their tasks and not paying any mind to them nor gave any indication that someone just ran through the room or hid in it.
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Despite being let in without having to wait in the massive line, Sakura still found herself behind a group of people to get a few concessions to have during the concert with the two bodyguards that had come with them. Syaoran and Meiling went ahead to their seats, while Hinagashi waited with her to get what Meiling had requested.
"What's with the bodyguards?" Hinagashi asked suddenly.
Sakura began to fidget wildly.
"Sakura-sama is an heir to the Amamiya family fortune, albeit a minor one. However, if something were to happen to Tomoyo-hime, she would become the primary heir. Due to recent issues, it was deemed wise to keep an extra eye on her," one of the bodyguards explained.
"Are Li's and your families really disgustingly rich?" Hinagashi questioned.
"I'm not all that rich, but Syaoran-kun and Tomoyo-chan are very rich, yes," Sakura answered looking away from him.
Hinagashi frowned. "Would Meiling-chan get in trouble for dating someone like me?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "I, ah, don't know if she'd be the one in trouble." She looked at him nervously. "Best not to go too far with her... until we know how her family would... react first."
"Any tips on being approved by them?" Hinagashi wondered.
"Syaoran-kun's mother and sisters like me... I just don't know about the rest of the family," Sakura replied.
"There isn't some Li clan elders we would need approval from, are there?" Hinagashi questioned with a sense of dread.
"Not as far as I know. It's just..." Sakura shook her head. "Sorry, it's hard to explain. Mostly a feeling that might not be true. I hope it's not true. I want to explain it, but I can't."
Sakura was quite thankful that is was her turn to place an order, and did so quickly. Snacks in hand she rushed towards her seat, leaving Hinagashi and one of the guards behind as the other one followed her.
Syaoran motioned for the seat his girlfriend had.
Sakura giggled nervously as she sat down and held up a yellow box. "Would you like some Cream Collon?"
Syaoran blinked and began to stutter uncontrollably
Meiling leaned forward and pointed at what was in Sakura's hand. "The candy, you perv."
"Hoe?" Sakura squeaked in confusion
Syaoran flushed an intense red. "S-sorry, misheard you."
Meiling whispered into Sakura's ear. "'Colon' is part of an arse, and you can guess what 'cream' he was thinking of."
"Hooooooeeeeeee!" Sakura squeaked again, and then pouted. "Syaoran-kun is a pervert!"
"Stupid candy name," Syaoran muttered.
Sakura looked at the box of creamed filled graham crackers. "Meiling-chan, you can have these. I don't want them now."
Meiling couldn't stop laughing.
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Tomoyo frowned and muttered out, "Sorry."
Kurogane didn't wince as his dance partner once again stepped on his toes. "You just need to relax."
"Easier said than done." Tomoyo smiled sheepishly. "I've never been that good at dancing, with or without a partner."
"You're too self-conscious. You need to know when to let go," Kurogane advised.
Tomoyo pouted. "Relaxing would be easier."
Kurogane gave no reply. The song came to an end and the couple parted. His gaze shot to the side and with a few steps vanished into the mass of party goers.
Tomoyo looked away and retreated from the dance floor. Having been to similar parties before for her mother, there were a few people she recognized and she tried to keep her distance from them. With her date absent, she eventually made her way to the punch bowl.
"Tomoyo-chan?"
Tomoyo jumped and whirled around, paling slightly seeing the man standing before her. "Ah, Great-Grandfather, what brings you here?"
The elderly Englishman smirked. "I was invited. Coming here is a nice change of pace. I had not known you would be here." He gazed at her intently. "So... who's your date for tonight and where is he?"
Tomoyo glanced to the side. "I came here more as a favor than as his date. I'm not sure where he is right now."
"Oh?" Amamiya looked over the party guests. "It would not be a bad idea to test the waters here. You may be surprised at what you find."
Tomoyo gave her great-grandfather a look. "Not you too. Sakura-chan is also pushing me to take this seriously. It's just a favor."
Amamiya shook his head. "And how is Sakura-chan doing?"
"Happily on a date with her beloved." Tomoyo sighed. "Which might be why she's so insistent. Of our friends, I'm the only one who isn't seeing anyone."
"When one is happy, they wish to share in that." Amamiya put his hand on his great-granddaughter's shoulder. "Try to find your own special person. I made horribly mistakes with my granddaughters and I pray you don't repeat what happened with your mother."
"If I promise to give him a chance, could you go home?" Tomoyo shyly looked at her feet. "It'd be harder for me if I know you're around."
Amamiya chuckled. "I regret that I can't take you up on that. These parties are not just for recreation. I still have some business to attend to and I must wait until the toast for the guest of honor before I can talk to his parents."
Tomoyo clutched at the front of her dress. "I... see. I have to go find my so-called date."
Amamiya looked confused as the girl dashed off.
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"What's the chance this guy isn't a quack and pyramids really are landing sites for aliens?" Hanami wondered, holding up an article in one of the less reputable scientific publications.
Fujitaka didn't immediately reply despite the snort sound that came from under his kitchen table. "Hard to say. I think I would've heard more concrete examples than what 'The Chariots of the Gods' put forth. However, as references of ancient aliens visiting us are all from thousands of years ago, those with the power to control energy could potentially be descendants of those aliens."
Hanami pouted. "I'd accept aliens before magic being real."
"That's partly why I don't discount the ancient aliens hypothesis. Had you asked me years ago if magic existed, I'd laugh it off as being pure myth." Fujitaka sighed. "Finding out magic is real has made me reevaluate everything I know about archeology. It's caused me a few problems teaching things that I no longer believe to be true, yet getting fired for teaching magic as being real would be the least of my worries."
"They would send you to the looney bin." Hanami looked at him skeptically. "You haven't even shown me any proof magic is real."
Fujitaka would point out the missing pork bun from the table, but that was hardly proof. Showing her the thief would certainly do it, but he wasn't ready to expose his daughter's magic. "I'm afraid what I have access to wouldn't prove anything."
Hanami raised an eyebrow. "What do you have access to?"
"A golem's heart, but without the golem it's merely a statue," Fujitaka answered. "I don't blame you for not believing me. I didn't entirely believe it when I was first told me magic was real. When the time is right, you'll see it for yourself."
"I suppose Touya-kun has some magical sight or something," Hanami questioned in a disbelieving tone. "He certainly talks like he can see the future."
Fujitaka frowned. "Touya certainly can see some things, that allows him to make educated guesses on the future. If you think he's been off to you, he's been hostile to Sakura's boyfriend."
"Is there any reason why the first time I'm here is when your daughter isn't home?" Hanami wondered.
"It's nothing you might be fearing." Fujitaka paused to think. "Sakura has had a lot of drama in her life lately and I'm not sure how she'd react to you. I'm waiting for when she's ready."
"Ah." Hanami then pouted as she looked at the time. "I'll miss the bus if don't leave now."
"I can drive you home," Fujitaka offered.
"Tempting, but then I might not go home and then your daughter really would have 'issues' with me," Hanami teased.
Fujitaka laughed sheepishly while blushing. "I guess. Thank you for the help on the presentation."
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"Daidouji-chan, is that you?"
Tomoyo quickly hated her instinctual response to turn and see who had said that. "Hello, Matsumoto-kun. It has been a while." But not nearly long enough, in her opinion.
"Too long." Matsumoto grinned lecherously. "You don't often come to these parties."
"I don't usually have a date," Tomoyo replied curtly. It did not escape her notice that her great-grandfather was signaling her for the second time that night. Last time he motioned for her to 'go for it' this time he signaled 'no.'
Matsumoto looked around. "And what cad would leave a beautiful lady to wonder by her lonesome?"
"Perhaps you should be asking your date that," Tomoyo returned.
"Miki-chan is a beauty, but she's no lady," Matsumoto said proudly as if to complement Tomoyo by putting down his date, who was now scowling at him.
"And how are your half-siblings?" Tomoyo questioned pointedly. "I hear your father is showing interest in having Hibiki-kun learn the business."
"I have no siblings, half or otherwise," Matsumoto growled.
"So you say, but the son of a mistress is still an heir, especially if he's more skilled than the legitimate one." Tomoyo glanced at him with contempt. "If I was you, I'd would've been concerned about your rumored sisters as well, but I know your views of women were taught to you by your father."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Matsumoto hissed.
"Ask your father what happened when he tried to treat my mother as a 'mere woman,' and then remember that I'm my mother's daughter, and you'd get the same or worse from me," Tomoyo replied before pointedly turning away and walked off.
Matsumoto likewise turned away, only to see his date leaving the hall.
Tomoyo came to a halt when Kurogane suddenly appeared next to her. Before she could say anything, the apparent hosts of the party stood upon a landing in clear view of all the guests. While she was sure she had never met them, there was a certain familiarity of their looks that troubled her.
"Thank you all for coming here today to help celebrate the day my son, Youou, has come of age," the man spoke proudly. "Though this is all mere formality as he has already taken over one of the family businesses with great zealousness."
"Son, come up here and take off that mask," the woman on the landing demanded sweetly.
Tomoyo's troubled feelings intensified as Kurogane pulled off his mask and took her by the hand leading her to the stairs.
Arriving at the landing Kurogane stiffly turned around and bowed to the guests.
"Now say something to your guests," his mother whispered.
"Thank you," was all Kurogane said.
"Reminds me of my twentieth birthday speech, only I had more to say," Kurogane's father joked.
His mother smirked. "Only because you went 'ah, um, ano, ah...' before saying 'thank you.'"
Tomoyo might've laughed at Kurogane's clear embarrassment if her mind was not overloading on the sheer fact this party was not what she had expected. Her 'date' wasn't here to kill anyone. He had actually asked her here to be his date. This really was her first official date.
As music began to play once more, she found herself guided into another dance with Kurogane this time in clear view of everyone. Unsurprisingly she repeatedly stepped on his toes. It didn't help her as her great-grandfather once again was signaling his thoughts, giving her an enthusiastic 'go for it.'
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Sakura kept singing random lyrics she heard from the concert as she bounced in her seat. The concert was over but they waited for most of the concert goers to leave to avoid the massive crowd.
"No loitering," groused the janitor.
Sakura whirled around and cried out with a huff, "Onichan!"
"Should I be surprised you have a part time job here?" Meiling deadpanned.
"College isn't getting any cheaper," Yukito replied as he walked up to them. "Did you enjoy the concert."
"Yup!" Sakura chirped. "Tange-chan was awesome!"
Hinagashi looked confused as Syaoran and Touya went into a glaring contest.
"I'm actually surprised I haven't seen you two doing more temp jobs lately," Meiling commented.
Yukito smirked. "Sakura-chan has been trying to keep her schedule a secret from Toya."
"It wasn't hard to figure out the brat would take you here," Touya spat.
"Syaoran-kun is NOT a brat!" Sakura defended hotly.
"Right," Touya growled with sarcasm. "He's a MONSTROUS brat."
"No he's not! I'm the monster!" Sakura blinked. "Wait!"
"You said it, not me," Touya teased.
Yukito chuckled lightly. "That's enough, Toya. Have a safe trip home."
"You better be going home," Touya grumbled.
"She's spending the night with me," Syaoran announced.
Touya's glare was deadly, but Yukito's hand clamped down tightly on his shoulder preventing him from jumping the boy.
"And I'll be in the next room," Meiling reminded. "It won't be any different than the other times they've shared a bed."
"It's safe to go now," one of the bodyguards announced.
"Safer than the boys will be if we stay," Meiling groused. "Here, you guys enjoy this kind of stuff." She passed Yukito the box of Cream Collon.
Yukito looked a little confused.
Sakura dragged Syaoran with her as she followed the bodyguard out of the stadium.
Hinagashi looked at his girlfriend as they walked behind the couple. "What was that about?"
"The mean one was Kinomoto's older brother," Meiling replied.
"Huh? Then why is Sakura-san an heir ahead of him?" Hinagashi wondered.
"Because her brother will be creaming Tsukishiro's colon tonight," Meiling joked.
"MEILING-CHAN!?" Sakura cried out.
"Like you didn't want Tsukishiro to give you some 'cream filling' before Syaoran got you to fall for him," Meiling shot back.
"You must be the only person to dislike Tsukishiro," Syaoran muttered.
"If he choose Kinomoto, you'd still be mine," Meiling retorted.
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Tomoyo managed to slip away from her date and made her way outside to the garden. She needed a moment to breath and catch her thoughts. Her mother's words from earlier now carried a whole new meaning. She had been the only one to believe this had not been a real date.
"Is something wrong?"
Tomoyo jumped in surprise, but was relieved to see her great-grandfather. "Not really, I guess."
"I don't think anyone noticed you stepped on his toes," Amamiya tried to comfort her.
"One of the benefits of a long dress," Tomoyo noted.
Amamiya appraised the girl. "Then why are you hiding from your date?"
"He did that earlier to me," Tomoyo reminded.
"Not by choice. He had things to discuss with his parents." Amamiya gazed over the garden's pond. "I may not know the lad very well, but he'd be good for you if he's half the man his father is."
Tomoyo smirked. "I certainly know he's a man-amongst-men. It's just..."
"Just what?" Amamiya pressed.
"I thought I was here as a favor." Tomoyo looked away. "I didn't realize he had honestly asked me for a date."
"Is there anything wrong with this actually being a date?" Amamiya questioned.
"That's the question I've been trying to figure out." Tomoyo sighed. "It's not as if I'm seeing anyone as the ones I'm interested in have other interests. I just don't know how I feel about him."
Amamiya placed a comforting hand on the girl. "This is something that running away won't solve. To learn how you truly feel, you must face him. If you enjoy being around him, go for it. If he makes you uncomfortable, then let him know that and let him go." He then gave his great-granddaughter a light shove.
Tomoyo stumbled a few steps before being caught in Kurogane's strong arms.
"She's all yours. Hurt her and die," Amamiya said with a smile.
Kurogane glanced at Tomoyo in confusion
"He's my great-grandfather," Tomoyo answered his unvoiced question.
Kurogane grunted in acknowledgment, yet didn't pull away despite that the girl was now firmly on her feet. "Sorry."
Tomoyo pulled away and looked at him. "Sorry about what?"
Kurogane turned his gaze to the pond. "For making things confusing. I'm not sure what to make of this either. Li Yelan told me some things that led me to ask you here. I had meant it as a favor, not a date."
"What sort of things did Li-kun's mother say?" Tomoyo wondered.
"That a need I have will be answered by a dark request. I needed a date for tonight," Kurogane replied.
"Anything else?" Tomoyo pressed.
Kurogane folded his arms. "That I should get used to you ordering me around."
Tomoyo wasn't sure if she should be upset or laugh. "For now let's keep things professional. Sakura-chan's safety is more important than my own."
Kurogane gave a noncommittal grunt.
"I mean it, Sakura-chan has a destiny beyond my own," Tomoyo asserted.
"I would not be a man if I let anything happen to either of you," Kurogane retorted.
"By being near Sakura-chan I'll be exposed to risks that may force you to choose. Sakura-chan is your priority, not me," Tomoyo ordered.
Kurogane's gaze hardened on the girl. "Why are you being so insistent on this?"
"You are out of leads, are you not?" Tomoyo questioned.
Kurogane nodded.
"And you have some magic in your blood, correct?" Tomoyo continued.
Kurogane frowned. "Similar enough to count."
"So hiding yourself to watch over Sakura-chan would be difficult as eventually either she or Li-kun would sense your presence," Tomoyo pointed out. "Which means the best method to get close enough to her would be as my 'boyfriend.' That way your presence won't be in question the next time she is attacked."
Kurogane frowned. "It's not my style, but I see your logic."
"I have a concert in two weeks from today at four. Li-kun has a soccer game at that time which Sakura-chan won't be able to attend as it would make her late to cheer at our school's American Football game at seven. While Meiling-chan will be present, it offers one of the better chances to ambush Sakura-chan," Tomoyo informed him.
"Easier to hide in such events," Kurogane noted. "I'll be there."
------------------------
Coming Next: Sakura's Thoughts on the Future
It's time for students to submit career choices to better decide on what path to take in senior high.
This extra idea came from the website fmylife (dot) com. Where people can post about the bad stuff that happened to them. I tried to pick canon events that had nothing directly dealing with magic. One of these references an event in one of the Tomoyo's Video Diary anime extras.
OMAKE!
Today, my lover told me she's breaking up with me because she's moving back to England tomorrow. She knew about going back even before we met and decided not to tell me.
--
Today, I got engaged to the most wonderful person I ever met. We promised to wait until we're married. We're getting married in six years.
--
Today, I moved to Japan to be with my fiance. When I got to his home, he had two girls with him. He said I overreacted to kicking them out and yelling at him. One of them was wearing a shirt I gave him! What am I supposed to think?!
--
Today, in class we were assigned roles in the school play randomly so everyone would have a 'fair chance' to get the staring role. I get to be Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, I suffer from stage fright, and I'm a guy.
--
Today, I learned that my pathologically liar of a boyfriend squints all the time to avoid eye contact and the only time I'll get to see his eyes is when I stomp on his foot.
--
Today, I moved back to Hong Kong away from my fiance and learned that the girl I had been mean to for the past few months for trying to steal away my fiance really has been in love with someone else the entire time.
--
Today, I confessed my love for my brother's best friend only to find out he's more than friends with my brother.
--
Today, I went to see my fiance for the weekend because he wanted to talk to me. By the time we got a moment alone, I had already figured out what he was going to say. He was in love with my stupid friend.
--
Today, I helped a girl get over being dumped by her 'fiance' by letting her cry on my lap. Her 'fiance' is in love with the same girl as me. And that girl loves him, even if she doesn't realize it yet. I wanted to cry too.
--
Today, I finally figured out that I'm in love with one of my friends, and he just moved back to Hong Kong.
--
Today, after months I've worked on creating an original play for school and weeks of rehearsals, the lead actor got hurt and the only guy I can get to replace him was horribly stiff in his lines during the last school play and he has only one day to memorize all of his lines.
Tomoyo pouted. "What's so funny?"
Sakura smiled cheerfully. "I lost count how many times you've helped get me ready for some event or date and now I'm here helping you." She then frowned. "I just wish I could be around to see your date."
Tomoyo shook her head. "Probably best you didn't. You still have odd ideas about this dance. I'm doing it as a favor, not a date." She then cocked her head. "Though it might not be a bad idea to introduce him to Meiling-chan. He's the kind of guy she would be interested in."
Sakura blinked a few times. "He knows how to fight?"
Tomoyo looked a little surprised. "Yes. I haven't seen him fight, but I've heard he's a master."
"Then you better hold on him tight or Meiling-chan might steal him from you," Sakura pleaded strongly.
"She can have him," Tomoyo asserted.
"And you promised to give him a chance," Sakura returned.
"Fine, fine." Tomoyo sighed.
"Now sit still. This make-up won't put itself on," Sakura commanded.
"Unless you enchant them," Tomoyo joked nervously.
Sakura laughed sheepishly while carefully applying some eyeliner to the girl. "I've tried doing that with cleaning the house. It ended up a lot like that one cartoon: a big mess. Doubt you want to look like a clown."
Tomoyo shared in the laughter.
"You're scared about this, aren't you?" Sakura asked.
"Maybe a little," Tomoyo admitted.
"Don't be," Sakura admonished, pulling out some lipstick and pressing it to the girl's lips. "Remember what you told me before my first date: just be yourself. You want him to like you for who you are. Pretending to be something better won't work as there is no better you than you." She then pouted. "Too bad Yukito thought of it more as taking his little sister out so he could steal more time to see my brother."
Tomoyo giggled before biting down on a cloth to remove excess lipstick. "Well, those 'dates' did help you out with Li-kun, didn't they?"
Sakura nodded. "Took care of most of the first date jitters. Still was nervous as hell on our first official date." She looked at her friend deeply. "It's only natural. Just try to calm down and enjoy yourself."
"Wish you could come with me," Tomoyo muttered.
"That would be a nice pay back since you invited yourself to most of my dates, but I doubt I could sneak in," Sakura replied. "Besides, I already have plans with Syaoran-kun."
Tomoyo pouted. "Sakura's first concert, and I'll miss it."
"I've been to all of yours," Sakura corrected.
"It's not the same as a school concert. There will be a lot more energy!" Tomoyo gazed to the side.
"Don't you dare think about skipping out on your date to video tape me," Sakura ordered.
"I can't back out of this now, and I doubt I'd get any clear video anyway." Tomoyo smiled wryly. "Still tempting."
"You need to go on a first date some day, so you may as well do it today," Sakura pressed.
"Any plans for after the concert?" Tomoyo questioned.
Sakura blushed a little. "No specific plans...."
"Will tonight be the night?" Tomoyo wondered intensely.
Sakura turned away. "I... don't know. Doubt it."
"Oh? Why not?" Tomoyo wondered.
"We're likely to bother Meiling-chan getting to Syaoran-kun's apartment late as it is. I wouldn't want to do THAT with her around," Sakura explained.
Tomoyo nodded, knowing her best friend was going to stay the night with Li in fear of disturbing her father while he was working on some university project. "You don't have to make it back to his apartment..."
Sakura gave her friend a look while blushing badly. "And ask your bodyguards to drop us off at one of those motels?"
"Right, that would get back to mother. Best to use The Silence and The Lock, so Meiling-chan wouldn't have to know," Tomoyo suggested mischievously.
Sakura looked like an overripe tomato. "And have a couple of my cards awake and WATCHING?"
Tomoyo gazed at her friend knowingly. "Is there another reason you're making these excuses?"
Sakura looked away. "You heard what happened with Misora-chan and Gotoh-kun?"
Tomoyo sighed. "It was obviously a mistake for them, or rather for Gotoh-san."
"For him?" Sakura asked in surprise. "Gotoh-kun dumped her after they had sex!"
"Yes, because it scared him," Tomoyo pointed out. "Misora-san doesn't regret what they did. She's only upset because he got scared of what it meant."
"What do you mean?" Sakura pressed.
"What comes after sex?" Tomoyo questioned seriously.
Sakura blinked. "Babies and marriage."
"Right!" Tomoyo pointed at her friend. "And Gotoh-san was not ready for that. For what it means to be a girl's lover. So, he ran from Misora-san once he figured out there's only two ways for them to go: they break up or he spends the rest of his life with her."
Sakura looked away. "What if Syaoran-kun-"
"Don't even think that," Tomoyo chastised. "Would Li-kun really leave you because he was AFRAID?"
"I want to say 'no,' but... I can't help it. That's a big step, you know," Sakura fretted.
"Yes. It is." Tomoyo smiled. "Now that we're done with me. It's time to get you ready. When I'm done with you, Li-kun will never want to let you go."
------------------------
Card Captor Sakura: Shadow of the Dragon
Chapter 21: Tomoyo at the Ball
Card Captor Sakura belongs to the fine ladies of CLAMP. Used without consent, all rights reserved.
By: Lord Archive
Author's Warnings:
This contains mature themes not intended for children under thirteen.
This series contains:
Adult situations.
Sexual situations withOUT detailed description of sex nor the naked human body.
Brief moments of violence, some cases involving people getting severely injured and possibly death.
Occasional use of vulgar language.
Japanese humor: which include bathroom jokes, panty fetish and shocking situations.
Depictions of criminal activity committed by fictional characters.
References of homosexuality.
------------------------
Hinagashi approached a rather irritable looking Chinese girl. She had beaten him to the appointed spot despite that he had arrived early. He knew how to handle this. "Hey there, Butterfly."
Meiling turned and smiled, her apparent irritation forgotten. "So, what's the big surprise?"
Hinagashi pulled out a pair of tickets. "How about third row to see Tange Sakura live?"
Meiling laughed while holding her forehead. "Wish you had warned me. Then I could've helped Daidouji for her date."
Hinagashi frowned. "But then we'd have trouble getting there on time. The concert is being held at the other side of Tokyo. It'll take a few hours getting there."
Meiling pulled out her cell phone and dialed. "Hey, Kinomoto, how does Daidouji look for her date?"
The boy frowned, wondering if he some how messed up and was in the process of being dumped.
"Yeah, well, guess who'll be sitting right behind you?" Meiling groused.
"Huh?" Hinagashi emitted in confusion
"Yeah. A ride would be better than the subway. We're at Fifth and Juri Lane," Meiling informed and then blinked. "Yeah, see you in a few seconds."
Hinagashi gazed at his date. "What's going on?"
Meiling merely pointed down the street as a limousine turned the corner. Still she said nothing as it pulled up in front of them and a tough looking woman in a business suit exited the front and opened the back door. "Let's go."
The boy was dumbfounded as he was pulled into the stretched car. He sweated a little nervously as he saw the girl's cousin sitting in the back, but then looked in surprise at the cute girl next to him who was wearing a white and pink shirt and skirt that made her look like she should be going on stage as an idol.
"Hinagashi," Syaoran grunted his 'hello.'
The girl blinked a few times as she stared. "Um, hello. I'm Kinomoto Sakura."
"Hinagashi Masuru," the boy replied stiffly.
"Yeah, I know he's not the sort of guy I normally go for, but he knows how to make me feel beautiful," Meiling pseudo-bragged.
Hinagashi slumped. He knew he wasn't the most attractive guy, and that Meiling or her cousin could beat the shit out of him in seconds. Meiling was even a little taller than him despite that he was more than two years older than her.
Sakura let out a nervous giggle. "That's all a girl really wants to feel some times."
Syaoran began to blush and tried to say something but failed.
Hinagashi couldn't hide his smirk. Apparently he was better at something than his girlfriend's first love. "So, did one of you win a contest?"
"Huh?" Sakura emitted.
"Bought the tickets," Syaoran muttered.
"The limo belongs to Daidouji, as in Daidouji Toys Limited, who is her cousin and best friend," Meiling added. "Kinomoto's just borrowing it while Daidouji is on a date."
"I'm surprised that Daidouji didn't talk you into going with her," Syaoran commented.
Sakura smiled shyly. "I know Tomoyo-chan wished I could've gone, but, well, we weren't invited to the ball. I doubt we could've snuck in. I wouldn't know the first thing about being at such an elegant party."
Meiling laughed. "You're going to have to learn! I can name a few parties that you'll have to deal with stupid rich people: when you, Daidouji and myself get married. Not to mention when Syaoran and I are declared adults."
"Don't remind me about that birthday." Syaoran looked away. "Maybe I can hide in Japan, go on one Kinomoto-sensei's archeology digs or something."
Sakura pouted. "I should encourage you to go to those parties, but after what happened at your sister's wedding reception...."
"Oh, I've got to watch that video again!" Meiling was almost howling in mirth.
"That wasn't your fault. Lufang was a being a complete jerk," Syaoran tried to assure her.
"Hate to break it to you, but you're a rich jerk, too," Meiling joked. "I should know."
"What does that make you?" Syaoran shot back.
"A rich bitch," Meiling replied as a matter-of-fact.
Hinagashi felt left out of the conversation, not sure what to make of it.
------------------------
Tomoyo felt very stiff as she almost forced herself to walk to the foyer where her 'date' was waiting for her. She was thankful in a way that this was her first official date in the eyes of her friends considering that was not what filled her with dread. She was going to a fancy ball with an assassin. Without her, he would be unable to attend. Whoever the target was tonight, she would be an accomplice, regardless of how little she was actually involved. This would be the third time the blood of another person would splash onto her dress.
Arriving at her destination, Tomoyo froze at the sight of her mother gazing intently at a surprisingly nervous looking Kurogane. She wished the maid had not interrupted by announcing her presence.
Kurogane shot to his feet and bowed in his stylish black tuxedo. "Daidouji, you are quite beautiful. Thank you...."
Tomoyo had to force herself to not giggle at his attempt to be formal. It allowed her to fall back on taught manners. "I thank you for inviting me."
Sonomi stood up and walked to her daughter. In a low voice, she warned, "Be careful, and don't get any more involved with him than you already are."
"Easier said than done," Tomoyo replied curtly. "He can destroy my life easily."
"In more ways than you know," Sonomi pressed. "Enjoy yourself."
Tomoyo nodded, but did not believe she would enjoy this. A date to a murder scene with her date as the murderer should not be fun for anyone. Still, she accepted Kurogane's hand as he led to his limousine She eyed the elderly man playing the part of chauffeur who oddly carried the same air as Wei did, an actual servant rather than an assistant or someone rented for the day.
------------------------
Sakura frowned at the massive line outside the stadium. It was going to take them forever to get inside. While she could not see the traffic ahead, it was obvious the driver was having a hard time pulling up to a curb to let them out.
Finally they were set free, but Sakura fretted as a security guard walked straight for them.
"Tickets?" the guard requested.
"Row two." Syaoran held up his.
"Row twenty and her protectors," intoned one of the bodyguards.
"Hoe," Sakura squeaked.
The security guard appraised the girl. "Protectors?"
"Kinomoto is an heir, and such events makes her an easy target. We do not expect trouble, any more than you expect trouble at the concert. We're both here to make sure any small issues don't become large ones," the bodyguard replied.
The security guard nodded. "Just be sure not to cause any issues." He then turned toward Hinagashi and Meiling. "And you?"
Hinagashi blushed. "Um, third row winner of the 'Otaku no Tange' contest."
Meiling raised an eyebrow. "Remind me to never go into your room."
The security guard chuckled and pointed at a manned door. "The radio station will want to get a photo of you. You all can go ahead to that door."
------------------------
Tomoyo was hardly surprised that instead of going to the front of the large, elegant hall, they were driven around to the back. Waiting for them was a white haired man who did strike her as someone who worked with her 'date.'
"What are you doing here?" Kurogane growled.
The man ignored him. He instead bowed and introduced himself. "I'm Fye D. Florite, you can call me Fye."
Tomoyo frowned, but responded in kind with a curtsey. "Daidouji Tomoyo."
"Really?" Fye grinned dementedly at Kurogane. "Why would Kuropi be so tight lipped about you?"
"I would not hazard a guess," Tomoyo replied since her supposed date was too busy growling.
Fye smirked knowingly. "Your request has been met." He held up a pair of masks. "Though few seem to actually bother use them."
"Whatever." Kurogane snatched the one meant for him and quickly put it on.
Tomoyo had to stifle herself from giggling. The white mask certainly went with Kurogane's black tuxedo, but it completed the look to make him appear as if he was cosplaying Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon.
She took the matching white feathery mask, but regrettably didn't have the blond hair or white dress to complete the image. Had she known about this ahead of time, it would've made a good disguise in case something went bad.
Fye leaned forward and whispered softly to her. "He may act all tough and gruff, but he's really a big puppy barking. He doesn't like people knowing what he's really like."
Tomoyo nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kurogane growled. "What did you say to her?"
"Arf arf, woof woof," Fye teasingly replied before running into the hall.
Tomoyo and Kurogane had followed immediately after the man, but entering the kitchen they only saw cooks focused on their tasks and not paying any mind to them nor gave any indication that someone just ran through the room or hid in it.
------------------------
Despite being let in without having to wait in the massive line, Sakura still found herself behind a group of people to get a few concessions to have during the concert with the two bodyguards that had come with them. Syaoran and Meiling went ahead to their seats, while Hinagashi waited with her to get what Meiling had requested.
"What's with the bodyguards?" Hinagashi asked suddenly.
Sakura began to fidget wildly.
"Sakura-sama is an heir to the Amamiya family fortune, albeit a minor one. However, if something were to happen to Tomoyo-hime, she would become the primary heir. Due to recent issues, it was deemed wise to keep an extra eye on her," one of the bodyguards explained.
"Are Li's and your families really disgustingly rich?" Hinagashi questioned.
"I'm not all that rich, but Syaoran-kun and Tomoyo-chan are very rich, yes," Sakura answered looking away from him.
Hinagashi frowned. "Would Meiling-chan get in trouble for dating someone like me?"
Sakura's eyes widened. "I, ah, don't know if she'd be the one in trouble." She looked at him nervously. "Best not to go too far with her... until we know how her family would... react first."
"Any tips on being approved by them?" Hinagashi wondered.
"Syaoran-kun's mother and sisters like me... I just don't know about the rest of the family," Sakura replied.
"There isn't some Li clan elders we would need approval from, are there?" Hinagashi questioned with a sense of dread.
"Not as far as I know. It's just..." Sakura shook her head. "Sorry, it's hard to explain. Mostly a feeling that might not be true. I hope it's not true. I want to explain it, but I can't."
Sakura was quite thankful that is was her turn to place an order, and did so quickly. Snacks in hand she rushed towards her seat, leaving Hinagashi and one of the guards behind as the other one followed her.
Syaoran motioned for the seat his girlfriend had.
Sakura giggled nervously as she sat down and held up a yellow box. "Would you like some Cream Collon?"
Syaoran blinked and began to stutter uncontrollably
Meiling leaned forward and pointed at what was in Sakura's hand. "The candy, you perv."
"Hoe?" Sakura squeaked in confusion
Syaoran flushed an intense red. "S-sorry, misheard you."
Meiling whispered into Sakura's ear. "'Colon' is part of an arse, and you can guess what 'cream' he was thinking of."
"Hooooooeeeeeee!" Sakura squeaked again, and then pouted. "Syaoran-kun is a pervert!"
"Stupid candy name," Syaoran muttered.
Sakura looked at the box of creamed filled graham crackers. "Meiling-chan, you can have these. I don't want them now."
Meiling couldn't stop laughing.
------------------------
Tomoyo frowned and muttered out, "Sorry."
Kurogane didn't wince as his dance partner once again stepped on his toes. "You just need to relax."
"Easier said than done." Tomoyo smiled sheepishly. "I've never been that good at dancing, with or without a partner."
"You're too self-conscious. You need to know when to let go," Kurogane advised.
Tomoyo pouted. "Relaxing would be easier."
Kurogane gave no reply. The song came to an end and the couple parted. His gaze shot to the side and with a few steps vanished into the mass of party goers.
Tomoyo looked away and retreated from the dance floor. Having been to similar parties before for her mother, there were a few people she recognized and she tried to keep her distance from them. With her date absent, she eventually made her way to the punch bowl.
"Tomoyo-chan?"
Tomoyo jumped and whirled around, paling slightly seeing the man standing before her. "Ah, Great-Grandfather, what brings you here?"
The elderly Englishman smirked. "I was invited. Coming here is a nice change of pace. I had not known you would be here." He gazed at her intently. "So... who's your date for tonight and where is he?"
Tomoyo glanced to the side. "I came here more as a favor than as his date. I'm not sure where he is right now."
"Oh?" Amamiya looked over the party guests. "It would not be a bad idea to test the waters here. You may be surprised at what you find."
Tomoyo gave her great-grandfather a look. "Not you too. Sakura-chan is also pushing me to take this seriously. It's just a favor."
Amamiya shook his head. "And how is Sakura-chan doing?"
"Happily on a date with her beloved." Tomoyo sighed. "Which might be why she's so insistent. Of our friends, I'm the only one who isn't seeing anyone."
"When one is happy, they wish to share in that." Amamiya put his hand on his great-granddaughter's shoulder. "Try to find your own special person. I made horribly mistakes with my granddaughters and I pray you don't repeat what happened with your mother."
"If I promise to give him a chance, could you go home?" Tomoyo shyly looked at her feet. "It'd be harder for me if I know you're around."
Amamiya chuckled. "I regret that I can't take you up on that. These parties are not just for recreation. I still have some business to attend to and I must wait until the toast for the guest of honor before I can talk to his parents."
Tomoyo clutched at the front of her dress. "I... see. I have to go find my so-called date."
Amamiya looked confused as the girl dashed off.
------------------------
"What's the chance this guy isn't a quack and pyramids really are landing sites for aliens?" Hanami wondered, holding up an article in one of the less reputable scientific publications.
Fujitaka didn't immediately reply despite the snort sound that came from under his kitchen table. "Hard to say. I think I would've heard more concrete examples than what 'The Chariots of the Gods' put forth. However, as references of ancient aliens visiting us are all from thousands of years ago, those with the power to control energy could potentially be descendants of those aliens."
Hanami pouted. "I'd accept aliens before magic being real."
"That's partly why I don't discount the ancient aliens hypothesis. Had you asked me years ago if magic existed, I'd laugh it off as being pure myth." Fujitaka sighed. "Finding out magic is real has made me reevaluate everything I know about archeology. It's caused me a few problems teaching things that I no longer believe to be true, yet getting fired for teaching magic as being real would be the least of my worries."
"They would send you to the looney bin." Hanami looked at him skeptically. "You haven't even shown me any proof magic is real."
Fujitaka would point out the missing pork bun from the table, but that was hardly proof. Showing her the thief would certainly do it, but he wasn't ready to expose his daughter's magic. "I'm afraid what I have access to wouldn't prove anything."
Hanami raised an eyebrow. "What do you have access to?"
"A golem's heart, but without the golem it's merely a statue," Fujitaka answered. "I don't blame you for not believing me. I didn't entirely believe it when I was first told me magic was real. When the time is right, you'll see it for yourself."
"I suppose Touya-kun has some magical sight or something," Hanami questioned in a disbelieving tone. "He certainly talks like he can see the future."
Fujitaka frowned. "Touya certainly can see some things, that allows him to make educated guesses on the future. If you think he's been off to you, he's been hostile to Sakura's boyfriend."
"Is there any reason why the first time I'm here is when your daughter isn't home?" Hanami wondered.
"It's nothing you might be fearing." Fujitaka paused to think. "Sakura has had a lot of drama in her life lately and I'm not sure how she'd react to you. I'm waiting for when she's ready."
"Ah." Hanami then pouted as she looked at the time. "I'll miss the bus if don't leave now."
"I can drive you home," Fujitaka offered.
"Tempting, but then I might not go home and then your daughter really would have 'issues' with me," Hanami teased.
Fujitaka laughed sheepishly while blushing. "I guess. Thank you for the help on the presentation."
------------------------
"Daidouji-chan, is that you?"
Tomoyo quickly hated her instinctual response to turn and see who had said that. "Hello, Matsumoto-kun. It has been a while." But not nearly long enough, in her opinion.
"Too long." Matsumoto grinned lecherously. "You don't often come to these parties."
"I don't usually have a date," Tomoyo replied curtly. It did not escape her notice that her great-grandfather was signaling her for the second time that night. Last time he motioned for her to 'go for it' this time he signaled 'no.'
Matsumoto looked around. "And what cad would leave a beautiful lady to wonder by her lonesome?"
"Perhaps you should be asking your date that," Tomoyo returned.
"Miki-chan is a beauty, but she's no lady," Matsumoto said proudly as if to complement Tomoyo by putting down his date, who was now scowling at him.
"And how are your half-siblings?" Tomoyo questioned pointedly. "I hear your father is showing interest in having Hibiki-kun learn the business."
"I have no siblings, half or otherwise," Matsumoto growled.
"So you say, but the son of a mistress is still an heir, especially if he's more skilled than the legitimate one." Tomoyo glanced at him with contempt. "If I was you, I'd would've been concerned about your rumored sisters as well, but I know your views of women were taught to you by your father."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Matsumoto hissed.
"Ask your father what happened when he tried to treat my mother as a 'mere woman,' and then remember that I'm my mother's daughter, and you'd get the same or worse from me," Tomoyo replied before pointedly turning away and walked off.
Matsumoto likewise turned away, only to see his date leaving the hall.
Tomoyo came to a halt when Kurogane suddenly appeared next to her. Before she could say anything, the apparent hosts of the party stood upon a landing in clear view of all the guests. While she was sure she had never met them, there was a certain familiarity of their looks that troubled her.
"Thank you all for coming here today to help celebrate the day my son, Youou, has come of age," the man spoke proudly. "Though this is all mere formality as he has already taken over one of the family businesses with great zealousness."
"Son, come up here and take off that mask," the woman on the landing demanded sweetly.
Tomoyo's troubled feelings intensified as Kurogane pulled off his mask and took her by the hand leading her to the stairs.
Arriving at the landing Kurogane stiffly turned around and bowed to the guests.
"Now say something to your guests," his mother whispered.
"Thank you," was all Kurogane said.
"Reminds me of my twentieth birthday speech, only I had more to say," Kurogane's father joked.
His mother smirked. "Only because you went 'ah, um, ano, ah...' before saying 'thank you.'"
Tomoyo might've laughed at Kurogane's clear embarrassment if her mind was not overloading on the sheer fact this party was not what she had expected. Her 'date' wasn't here to kill anyone. He had actually asked her here to be his date. This really was her first official date.
As music began to play once more, she found herself guided into another dance with Kurogane this time in clear view of everyone. Unsurprisingly she repeatedly stepped on his toes. It didn't help her as her great-grandfather once again was signaling his thoughts, giving her an enthusiastic 'go for it.'
------------------------
Sakura kept singing random lyrics she heard from the concert as she bounced in her seat. The concert was over but they waited for most of the concert goers to leave to avoid the massive crowd.
"No loitering," groused the janitor.
Sakura whirled around and cried out with a huff, "Onichan!"
"Should I be surprised you have a part time job here?" Meiling deadpanned.
"College isn't getting any cheaper," Yukito replied as he walked up to them. "Did you enjoy the concert."
"Yup!" Sakura chirped. "Tange-chan was awesome!"
Hinagashi looked confused as Syaoran and Touya went into a glaring contest.
"I'm actually surprised I haven't seen you two doing more temp jobs lately," Meiling commented.
Yukito smirked. "Sakura-chan has been trying to keep her schedule a secret from Toya."
"It wasn't hard to figure out the brat would take you here," Touya spat.
"Syaoran-kun is NOT a brat!" Sakura defended hotly.
"Right," Touya growled with sarcasm. "He's a MONSTROUS brat."
"No he's not! I'm the monster!" Sakura blinked. "Wait!"
"You said it, not me," Touya teased.
Yukito chuckled lightly. "That's enough, Toya. Have a safe trip home."
"You better be going home," Touya grumbled.
"She's spending the night with me," Syaoran announced.
Touya's glare was deadly, but Yukito's hand clamped down tightly on his shoulder preventing him from jumping the boy.
"And I'll be in the next room," Meiling reminded. "It won't be any different than the other times they've shared a bed."
"It's safe to go now," one of the bodyguards announced.
"Safer than the boys will be if we stay," Meiling groused. "Here, you guys enjoy this kind of stuff." She passed Yukito the box of Cream Collon.
Yukito looked a little confused.
Sakura dragged Syaoran with her as she followed the bodyguard out of the stadium.
Hinagashi looked at his girlfriend as they walked behind the couple. "What was that about?"
"The mean one was Kinomoto's older brother," Meiling replied.
"Huh? Then why is Sakura-san an heir ahead of him?" Hinagashi wondered.
"Because her brother will be creaming Tsukishiro's colon tonight," Meiling joked.
"MEILING-CHAN!?" Sakura cried out.
"Like you didn't want Tsukishiro to give you some 'cream filling' before Syaoran got you to fall for him," Meiling shot back.
"You must be the only person to dislike Tsukishiro," Syaoran muttered.
"If he choose Kinomoto, you'd still be mine," Meiling retorted.
------------------------
Tomoyo managed to slip away from her date and made her way outside to the garden. She needed a moment to breath and catch her thoughts. Her mother's words from earlier now carried a whole new meaning. She had been the only one to believe this had not been a real date.
"Is something wrong?"
Tomoyo jumped in surprise, but was relieved to see her great-grandfather. "Not really, I guess."
"I don't think anyone noticed you stepped on his toes," Amamiya tried to comfort her.
"One of the benefits of a long dress," Tomoyo noted.
Amamiya appraised the girl. "Then why are you hiding from your date?"
"He did that earlier to me," Tomoyo reminded.
"Not by choice. He had things to discuss with his parents." Amamiya gazed over the garden's pond. "I may not know the lad very well, but he'd be good for you if he's half the man his father is."
Tomoyo smirked. "I certainly know he's a man-amongst-men. It's just..."
"Just what?" Amamiya pressed.
"I thought I was here as a favor." Tomoyo looked away. "I didn't realize he had honestly asked me for a date."
"Is there anything wrong with this actually being a date?" Amamiya questioned.
"That's the question I've been trying to figure out." Tomoyo sighed. "It's not as if I'm seeing anyone as the ones I'm interested in have other interests. I just don't know how I feel about him."
Amamiya placed a comforting hand on the girl. "This is something that running away won't solve. To learn how you truly feel, you must face him. If you enjoy being around him, go for it. If he makes you uncomfortable, then let him know that and let him go." He then gave his great-granddaughter a light shove.
Tomoyo stumbled a few steps before being caught in Kurogane's strong arms.
"She's all yours. Hurt her and die," Amamiya said with a smile.
Kurogane glanced at Tomoyo in confusion
"He's my great-grandfather," Tomoyo answered his unvoiced question.
Kurogane grunted in acknowledgment, yet didn't pull away despite that the girl was now firmly on her feet. "Sorry."
Tomoyo pulled away and looked at him. "Sorry about what?"
Kurogane turned his gaze to the pond. "For making things confusing. I'm not sure what to make of this either. Li Yelan told me some things that led me to ask you here. I had meant it as a favor, not a date."
"What sort of things did Li-kun's mother say?" Tomoyo wondered.
"That a need I have will be answered by a dark request. I needed a date for tonight," Kurogane replied.
"Anything else?" Tomoyo pressed.
Kurogane folded his arms. "That I should get used to you ordering me around."
Tomoyo wasn't sure if she should be upset or laugh. "For now let's keep things professional. Sakura-chan's safety is more important than my own."
Kurogane gave a noncommittal grunt.
"I mean it, Sakura-chan has a destiny beyond my own," Tomoyo asserted.
"I would not be a man if I let anything happen to either of you," Kurogane retorted.
"By being near Sakura-chan I'll be exposed to risks that may force you to choose. Sakura-chan is your priority, not me," Tomoyo ordered.
Kurogane's gaze hardened on the girl. "Why are you being so insistent on this?"
"You are out of leads, are you not?" Tomoyo questioned.
Kurogane nodded.
"And you have some magic in your blood, correct?" Tomoyo continued.
Kurogane frowned. "Similar enough to count."
"So hiding yourself to watch over Sakura-chan would be difficult as eventually either she or Li-kun would sense your presence," Tomoyo pointed out. "Which means the best method to get close enough to her would be as my 'boyfriend.' That way your presence won't be in question the next time she is attacked."
Kurogane frowned. "It's not my style, but I see your logic."
"I have a concert in two weeks from today at four. Li-kun has a soccer game at that time which Sakura-chan won't be able to attend as it would make her late to cheer at our school's American Football game at seven. While Meiling-chan will be present, it offers one of the better chances to ambush Sakura-chan," Tomoyo informed him.
"Easier to hide in such events," Kurogane noted. "I'll be there."
------------------------
Coming Next: Sakura's Thoughts on the Future
It's time for students to submit career choices to better decide on what path to take in senior high.
This extra idea came from the website fmylife (dot) com. Where people can post about the bad stuff that happened to them. I tried to pick canon events that had nothing directly dealing with magic. One of these references an event in one of the Tomoyo's Video Diary anime extras.
OMAKE!
Today, my lover told me she's breaking up with me because she's moving back to England tomorrow. She knew about going back even before we met and decided not to tell me.
--
Today, I got engaged to the most wonderful person I ever met. We promised to wait until we're married. We're getting married in six years.
--
Today, I moved to Japan to be with my fiance. When I got to his home, he had two girls with him. He said I overreacted to kicking them out and yelling at him. One of them was wearing a shirt I gave him! What am I supposed to think?!
--
Today, in class we were assigned roles in the school play randomly so everyone would have a 'fair chance' to get the staring role. I get to be Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, I suffer from stage fright, and I'm a guy.
--
Today, I learned that my pathologically liar of a boyfriend squints all the time to avoid eye contact and the only time I'll get to see his eyes is when I stomp on his foot.
--
Today, I moved back to Hong Kong away from my fiance and learned that the girl I had been mean to for the past few months for trying to steal away my fiance really has been in love with someone else the entire time.
--
Today, I confessed my love for my brother's best friend only to find out he's more than friends with my brother.
--
Today, I went to see my fiance for the weekend because he wanted to talk to me. By the time we got a moment alone, I had already figured out what he was going to say. He was in love with my stupid friend.
--
Today, I helped a girl get over being dumped by her 'fiance' by letting her cry on my lap. Her 'fiance' is in love with the same girl as me. And that girl loves him, even if she doesn't realize it yet. I wanted to cry too.
--
Today, I finally figured out that I'm in love with one of my friends, and he just moved back to Hong Kong.
--
Today, after months I've worked on creating an original play for school and weeks of rehearsals, the lead actor got hurt and the only guy I can get to replace him was horribly stiff in his lines during the last school play and he has only one day to memorize all of his lines.