Hey people! This is my first ccs fic or rather my first fic ever. So please excuse any weird formatting or bad grammar. Man, this story is probably a mess. I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Constructive criticism is welcome but no flames please. So, try to enjoy this weird word child that, my brain puked out

Update- I found some errors in the chapter so I'm uploading a version that's been corrected. Chapter 2 is mostly done, and I will post it soon. Thanks for all the reviews!

DISCLAIMER- I do not own CLAMP or any of the other stories, authors referenced in my fic

Chapter 1

That's for the weather to decide

Rain. Somehow what a lot of people thought of as depressing was something that calmed him. The rhythmic sound of the water hitting the surface always reminded him of days spent at home, quietly reading, seated in his favourite armchair with a nice cup of coffee next to him. Nothing but him, his cup of coffee and an entire world waiting to be explored in his hands. He smiled lightly thinking of the book waiting for him back in his apartment.

He'd been busy lately with university exams (which ended the previous week) and his part-time job at the tea house-which happened to be the place he was at now -daydreaming and not working. He sighed and forced himself to move towards the counter to man the register. It was late afternoon and considering the weather the place was empty and probably wouldn't see any customers any time soon.

He scanned the place admiring it as he never got the chance to see it empty in the middle of the day. It was a small cosy room with five tables opposite to the counter facing the window. The walls were painted lime and tangerine. The room was filled with little potted plants and paintings on the walls-it gave off a comfortable warm vibe which, added to the smell of tea and cake made it an ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Next to the window there stood a piano where employees would play pieces if requested.

The counter had four bar stool height chairs lined up though not a lot of people usually sat there as most of the crowd that came were satisfied with getting their food and settling themselves to do some quiet reading or work. Not much of a party place but he figured this suited him best. The owner Mr Akiyuki, a kind 63-year-old man affectionately referred to as Aki-chan by the regulars had asked if he could help in the store for the summer and not having the heart to refuse him he had agreed to take up the job. He'd known Akiyuki-san for quite some time now, so he didn't mind. Well it's not like he had anything better to do for the summer other than read and he was getting paid.

An hour passed, and the rain still hadn't stopped. In fact, it seemed to be getting heavier. 22-year-old Syaoran Li stood dazed staring at the door wondering if anyone would be stupid enough to actually go out in this rain and co— "Ahhh it's pouring like crazy out there! I thought it'd stop in a while, but it just kept getting worse. Ohh I'm soaked, Aki-chan can I get a towel pl- eh... You're not Aki-chan".

Syaoran couldn't help but stare at the person who had just entered the shop like a whirlwind and had stated something so blatantly obvious. Of course he wasn't a 63-year-old man. Before he could open his mouth to say anything she left. Syaoran gaped. "What in the world was tha-" She came back in just as abruptly as she had left "I'm in the right place so you must be new here" she stated and smiled.

Syaoran couldn't help but stare at her for a second before realizing that he was the only one there, so she was probably talking to him.

"Eh...uh - um yeah I - I joined last week. Akiyuki-san had some business to attend to so I'm looking after the shop for him" said Syaoran still a little bit shocked.

"I was actually in the library reading and then realized it was raining so I thought I'd go home but it got heavier so I stopped by here because it was on the way and since I hadn't stopped by to see Aki-chan in a while it seemed like a good idea, but I didn't think he'd be out and uh - well it's nice to meet you. My name is Sakura Kinomoto" she said in a single breath.

Syaoran, still staring didn't move an inch processing what he had just heard from this stranger.

"Um..." Sakura looked at him her smile faltering a little.

Syaoran snapped out of his trance mentally smacking himself because he'd been staring at her. "Oh eh - ah I'm sorry I'll go get you a towel" Syaoran said a little flustered and went to the back room. He came back and handed her the towel which she accepted gratefully. She dried her hair lightly and sat on one of the bar stools in front of the counter." Well since I'm already here might as well wait it out" she said.

"What would you like to order?" Syaoran asked finally feeling his senses coming back to him.

" Hmm well I can't really decide... What am I in the mood for" she said staring at the menu talking to herself.

Syaoran took this time to observe the whirlwind that had come from the storm outside.

She was young girl, probably the same age as him maybe younger. She was small, with face length short auburn hair pulled back with a red headband, her emerald eyes scanning the menu with an intense glare .

She sighed in defeat. "I can't really decide" she said smiling sheepishly.

"Would it be okay if I made you something myself?" Syaoran asked wondering a second later why he had just said that because he had absolutely no idea about what she would like or if she had any allergies or what her tastes were, did she have a sweet tooth or maybe she had diabetes or-"

"Oh yeah! That seems exciting! It'll be like a mystery drink!" she said raising her arms in the air like a child interrupting Syaoran's rapid train of thought.

Syaoran still a bit unsure "Um do you have any uh—uh allergies I should know about?" he said lightly scratching his cheek.

Sakura blinked," No no I'll eat anything under the sun" she said grinning without thinking.

Realizing what she said she mentally smacked herself." Great now another person knows I'm an uncontrollable foodie"

"Uh – um what I meant to say was, no I don't have any allergies" she with a light cough.

Syaoran nodded and turned away, not before a light smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He didn't smile a lot but something about her made him feel lighter.

Sakura Kinomoto hummed to herself silently while waiting. She let her eyes wander around the shop admiring the place and taking in the warm atmosphere. She'd been visiting this shop ever since she was a little girl. The cosy lighting of the shop, the smell of damp earth lingering in the room, the faint scent of vanilla from the back room— this place always managed to calm her and make all her worries disappear.

Her eyes finally rested on the man in front her making her order. She could only see his back, but she remembered his face when she had entered. He had had his mouth slightly open staring at her in confusion. Well she couldn't blame him considering she had been drenching wet and had started rambling as soon as she entered. He looked around the same age as her, although taller than her. He had messy brown hair that probably looked messier than usual because of the humidity. She also didn't fail to notice the slight smile he had when he turned to make her something.

She leaned back against the chair and thought about how she ended up alone in a tea shop on a rainy day without her umbrella when all she had planned to do that day was sleep in.

Sakura had never been an early riser, a morning person or anything related to the time of day before 10 AM. So, when she suddenly found herself wide awake at 7 in the morning she desperately tried to go back to sleep with no luck. Finally, after half-an hour of tossing and turning she finally decided to accept defeat and get up to start her day much earlier than she would have preferred. After the usual morning routine, she headed towards the kitchen to get breakfast started. Her roommate Tomoyo Daidoji who was on breakfast duty today was still asleep, so she figured she'd make something instead. Tomoyo was her best-friend. They'd been friends ever since they were 5 years old. Now at 22 they were practically sisters.

Sakura turned on the T.V and listened to the news as she gathered some ingredients to make some pancakes.

'Today's weather will be bright and sunny with 2% chance of precipitation. The skies will be clear with temperatures remaining at 25 degrees Celsius. A perfect day to start the summer isn't it..." The sound drowned out as Sakura busied herself with breakfast. She heard footsteps approaching her and she turned around greeted with a sunny smile from Tomoyo.

"Sakura-chan are you feeling okay?" Tomoyo asked as she placed her hand on Sakura's forehead.

"Eh - I'm fine Tomoyo-chan, hail and healthy, is there something on my face?" Sakura asked confused.

"No no there's nothing on your face. It's just that it's 8 and you're awake" Tomoyo said giggling.

"Yes yes very funny Tomoyo-chan" Sakura said trying to look annoyed. It soon turned into a smile. "I just couldn't sleep today that's all"

"Oh. Well if you're heading out don't forget to take an umbrella because it might just rain" Tomoyo said laughing.

"Tomoyo-chan, me waking up early can't be that big of a deal you know" Sakura said in mock indignation.

"That's for the weather to decide Sakura-chan" Tomoyo said joining Sakura in the kitchen to make pancakes.

"Ah" Sakura said snapping out of her daze. "I guess me waking up is a big deal" she said to herself.

"What was that?" Syaoran asked turning around.

" Eh? Ah - Ahahaha no no no nothing really" Sakura said slightly hadn't realized that she said it loud.

Syaoran shrugged and placed a plate and tea cup before her. "I hope you'll like it" he said.

Sakura smiled and took the cup. She took one sip and her eyes widened. "This is honey milk isn't it!?" she asked excitedly. "My brother used to make all the time when I was a kid whenever I was sick or on rainy days like this" she said smiling fondly at the memory. "Thank you" she said smiling gently and taking another sip.

Syaoran a little taken aback at her sincerity couldn't help but reply. "My sisters and I used to drink it too when we were kids on days like this one. I'm glad you liked it" he said smiling lightly thinking back to the days where all of them used to sit around the fire talking about their day or watching movies or just sitting and listening to the rainfall.

"You look better smiling" Sakura blurted out.

"Huh?"

Realizing what she had just said Sakura panicked" Ah no! That's not what I meant - I mean you look nice without a smile, Ahh not in a weird way , it's just that you look better with one - I'm not saying you look ugly without one, I mean you look like a serious guy who doesn't smile a lot so - Ahh I'm sorry we just met and I'm acting like I know you when I don't even know your name. I'm really really sorry!" Sakura rambled blushing in embarrassment.

Syaoran looked at her with a surprised and amused expression.

"It's okay" he said trying to emphasize that he wasn't offended by what she said. "Well she is kinda right" he thought.

"My name is Syaoran Li".

Sakura still blushing looked up lightly. "Nice to meet you Li-kun" she said mustering a smile. Still embarrassed she changed the subject " Ah what's this" she said pointing at the plate he had just placed in front of her.

"We had some fresh cake and seeing as you're our only customer and since you'd probably want something to eat too..." Syaoran said, his hand running through his hair making it even more ruffled if that was possible.

Sakura looked at him and back at the plate and smiled sincerely. "Thank you". Syaoran grunted in response and turned around slightly embarrassed.

The two of them spent the next 10 minutes in comfortable silence, Sakura eating and Syaoran busying himself with whatever trying to keep himself distracted.

Why'd I suddenly blurt that about my sisters?

When Sakura finally finished she sighed in satisfaction. She looked outside wondering if the rain would have stopped. But it seemed to just be getting worse. "Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book." she said to herself looking outside.

"That's a quote isn't it? Bill Watterson if I remember right" Syaoran said turning to face her.

"Yeah it is!" she said excitedly. "I love tea and rain and reading!" she said smiling brightly.

"Hmm me too actually. Well other than the tea part" Syaoran said.

"Eh - You don't like tea?!" she asked in exasperation. "But you work in a tea shop Li-kun!"

"Well this is just a favour for Akiyuki-san and plus...I'm more of a coffee person. I'm actually sick of tea" he said thinking with his hand on his chin.

"Sick of tea? That's like being sick of breathing!" Sakura said in a deep voice with an accent.

Syaoran stared at her for a second and then burst out laughing. "Was that supposed to be Uncle Iroh" he asked in between laughs.

"Wha - What's so funny?! I'll have you know that I do the best impressions in my class!" Sakura said in pride.

Syaoran still laughing a little took the empty cup and plate from the counter table. "Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one life's true delights" he said in his best Iroh imitation voice. Now it was Sakura's turn to burst out laughing. "I think my impression was a lot better than yours" Syaoran said in mock indignation. But he soon found himself laughing alongside her.

"Uncle Iroh is the best" Sakura said a smile still gracing her lips.

"You know what they say "Be the person Uncle Iroh knows you can be" " Syaoran said with a light smile as he started washing the dishes.

"Talk about motivation!" Sakura said punching the air. "You like Avatar as much as I do I think" Sakura said grinning

"Who wouldn't? It's probably one of the best shows out there" Syaoran said returning her smile.

"I think you and I are going to get along really well" Sakura said giggling.

"I think you're right" Syaoran said with a small smile tugging his lips.

He dried the washed dishes and placed them back on the shelf. He glanced at the clock. The time was 6'o clock. 2 hours had flown by and he hadn't even noticed it. He glanced at the girl whose presence seemed to make time disappear. She was gazing happily outside the window admiring the rain that seemed to have slowed down. She glanced at her watch.

" It's getting pretty late and I think the rain is slowing down too" she said taking her bag and standing up. "I guess I should go now" she said a little sadly.

Syaoran told her to wait for a second and went to the back. He came back and handed her an umbrella. "Here take this. The rain hasn't completely stopped yet" he said.

"Eh but this isn't the store umbrella" Sakura said scanning the umbrella in his hand.

"No, it's mine" said Syaoran matter-of-factly.

"Oh no I couldn't take this. You'll need it when you head back" she said pushing the umbrella away.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be here until Akiyuki-san comes back. The rain will probably stop by then." Syaoran said pushing the umbrella back into her hands.

"Eh well I'm not sure...I mean you might catch a cold or pneumonia or you might have to help an old lady cross the street and realize then a sudden breeze might blow her umbrella away and you won't have one either and then both of you might catch a cold and then you-"

Syaoran couldn't help but laugh a little at her " You worry too much. Trust me it's fine you can return it the next time you come to see Akiyuki-san" he said reassuringly.

"And I promise to make sure your hypothetical old lady reaches home safely too" he added smirking a little.

Sakura slightly embarrassed realizing she went on a ramble spree again looked at him.

Seeing his light smirk, she ended up smirking too.

"Well Li-kun I know all the old ladies in this neighbourhood hypothetical and real, so I'll be checking with them" she said giggling slightly.

Syaoran looked at her moving his fist forward "I never go back on my word. That's my ninja way!"

"ttebayo!" Sakura said raising her hand too.

They both stared at each other for a second and then burst out laughing.

"Take care on your way back " he said smiling, and she walked out nodding and smiling back at him.

Silence returned to the tea room. Syaoran was little surprised at his inner geek making an appearance. I've never done that before he thought.

Syaoran was beginning to slightly miss the person that was there just a minute ago when suddenly the bells near the door clanked indicating that someone was opening it.

Expecting another customer Syaoran straightened up to welcome the new patron and turned to face the door. Just as he was about to open his mouth

"I'll see around?" Sakura said with her head peeking around the door.

Syaoran stood there for the second time on the same day gaping at the same person in surprise. Though this time he composed himself a little faster.

"Yeah" he said smiling at her sincerely.

"Good" she said grinning and left the shop for the second time that day.

Syaoran stood there staring at the door wondering if she would enter a third time. But a few minutes passed, and he figured this time she went home.

"Well today was an interesting day" he thought.

He was already looking forward to the next time he would see the whirlwind from the storm outside.

Maybe this summer job wouldn't be so bad.

Please R&R

Note: I know I'm kinda bad at descriptions of places so I'll post links or references to places that are similar to what I pictured in my head.