--Winter Season--
The soon-to-be winter nights were so cold, with harsh wind blowing constantly. The good things about it, though, were the spectacularly beautiful lights throughout the city. It was clear that winter had arrived; everyone had worn heavy coats and turtleneck sweaters, stores were already starting to sell Christmas decors, and snow continually fell from the sky, making the city look like a picturesque winter wonderland. Work was still there, though. Nothing was going to change that, much to the roommates' dismay.
--
After what happened in Halloween, a lot of things changed. Hikaru had indeed quit her job as manager of their office. Sakura just didn't know who would be replacing her. No matter how cruel Hikaru was to her, she had always thought in the back of her mind, that Hikaru had a reason behind it all. And when Syaoran explained to her in full detail of their conversation, Sakura was able to understand. Hikaru loved Syaoran so much, and she felt that it was unfair for her to have loved him for 8 long years, and yet he didn't love her back. Sakura, on the other hand, knew him for a few years less, and yet he was in love with her. What Sakura got from Syaoran's words was that Hikaru realized love wasn't based on how long you knew someone…it was on how much they made you feel.
Standing up from her desk, she walked over to the boss's office to see who the new boss was. Knocking on the door, she was answered with the same man who told her months ago that there was a high chance of her getting laid off. Completely taken aback, she entered the office uncertainty.
"Hi, sir…you-you're back," she was hesitant.
"Indeed I am, Miss Kinomoto," he showed a weary smile, "how has it been in the past few months, eh?"
"It-it's been different." She admitted nervously.
He chuckled. "I heard about Niijimata and her change of ways," he reasoned, "and you must be wondering what I'm doing back."
Nodding helplessly, Sakura stayed quiet.
"Well, first of all, I'd like to say that you have nothing to worry about. You're not going to be laid off. It was sort of like a punishment for me to have been laid off like that. I…lost this job from my lack of understanding and communicating with the people below me, like you. I apologize for the rudeness I have put on you and your fellow co-workers before."
She was surprised at his apology, but nonetheless accepted it. "It's okay, sir," she smiled slowly.
He grinned. "Ah…then what is it that you want?"
Sakura shrugged. "I was just wondering who the new boss was going to be, but I'm glad it's you," she confessed.
"I'm glad to be back," he agreed.
----
Syaoran and Sakura drove home safely. The roads were slippery from melted snow and the severe snowfall made it hard to see through the front window. As soon as the two got home, they were met by sweet-smelling hot chocolate. Sakura sniffed and smiled and was glad to be home. Syaoran showed a little smile when he saw her reaction at the smell, but felt the same. The air was so aromatic. He took off his jacket and helped Sakura with hers. She mumbled a little thanks and rushed in the kitchen to see four hot chocolate mugs with three marshmallows in each.
"Mmm!" She squealed. "Tomoyo, thank you!"
Tomoyo stood up from the couch and walked her way to the kitchen. "You're not supposed to drink it yet!" She scolded good-humouredly. "We have to wait until Eriol comes back."
"Why? Where is he?" Sakura asked, smelling the fragrance.
"He went to buy some stuff." Tomoyo glanced at Sakura's outfit. "I think you should change."
"I think you're right." She smiled and made her way to her room.
----
Late that night, Sakura crept into Syaoran's room. He was lying on his bed with both hands under his head and elbows sticking out. His eyes were focused on the window beside him, staring out at the cold wet night. She knocked quietly and he glanced towards her. She walked in and closed the door behind her. He moved closer to the window and gave space to the woman tiptoeing her way to him.
"Hi." She whispered shyly and buried herself under his warm blanket.
"Hey." He whispered back and wrapped his arms around her. "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to be with you," she replied quietly.
His insides turned into mush, and automatically, his arms tightened around her waist. Looking down at the beauty he held in his arms, he kissed the top of her head. "What happened today at work?"
Sakura smiled. "My new boss is actually my old boss…and he apologized for being rude before. He said he was laid off because of his lack of understanding and communication with his co-workers."
Syaoran hid a smirk. "At least he apologized."
"Yeah," she mumbled. "But I can't help thinking of Hikaru. If…if she was just able to let go of you from the beginning, I think she and I could've been really good friends."
"It's all ifs, 'Kura," he pointed out, "and you can't change the past. And besides, you've got me, Eriol, and Tomoyo to be looking for more best friends."
She shifted in his arms and looked up at him. "I'm not looking for any more best friends. I just like having a lot of friends, you know," she reached and brushed his bangs. "I didn't exactly like the feeling of hurting her, even though she hurt me. I mean…you felt guilty too, didn't you?"
He nodded lazily, knowing where Sakura was coming from. Instead of saying anything back, he grabbed her hand and kissed it delicately. She giggled, feeling butterflies inside her stomach.
She looked into his amber eyes, and he in her emeralds. They stared at each other for what seemed like minutes. Both heads inched forward and lips meshed together in a sweet kiss. The feeling of love was clear between them. Syaoran moved in a way that Sakura was under him, and they were kissing like the end of the world was coming. In Sakura's mind, she thought of how lucky in her life. In Syaoran's, he couldn't help but feel the desire to spend the night with her in a way only married couples were intended to do.
"Sakura…" He murmured when he took a breath.
"Mmm…" She whispered. "What is it?"
"I want you to sleep with me…just for tonight."
Her eyes widened and he pulled away to look at her. "What?"
"Sleep with me. I want to make love to you," he murmured, "please."
Her eyes shook and her fingers trembled. "Y-you want me to spend the night with you…?"
He looked into her eyes intensely.
Contented tears sprung in her emeralds once again, but she blinked rapidly and they went away. She nodded happily. "Okay."
He dipped his head down and passionately captured her lips into his once again.
----
Tomoyo got a small ladder from the basement of the apartment. Since her three roommates were sleeping soundly, she couldn't get the help she needed. Christmas was just around the corner, only 3 weeks away, and she decided to fix the house before anyone else could. Tomoyo was the official decorator of their apartment, so she had to get the Christmas boxes shoved deep inside a high cupboard. Her stomach was only slightly bulging, having been pregnant for 3 and ½ months. She started to climb the unbalanced ladder, afraid for her own safety, but since her no-good of a fiancé was sleeping soundly, she had no one else to turn to.
At first, she was going to ask Syaoran for help, but when she opened his door, she saw Sakura sleeping there with him, with a big white blanket covering both their bodies. Her suspicions were right. They had slept together. Tomoyo at first thought it wasn't right for a couple to make love when they only dated for a while. She felt that it was wrong, but her and Eriol had done it too. She remembered the reasons they did it and knew then why Syaoran and Sakura did it. Love was the biggest reason there was, not lust.
So she stepped onto the highest stage and clutched the knobs of the cupboard. She gave a pull and finally the doors opened. Dust came out, covering her eyesight. She coughed loudly and flailed her arms in front of her, trying to push away the dust. Her balance started to quiver and she was afraid to fall. "Aah!!!" Suddenly, one door from behind opened, and Eriol came out. His eyes filled with fear. "Tomoyo!" He yelled, and he immediately wrapped his arms around the pregnant woman's waist, not allowing her to tumble down.
"What the hell do you think you're doing??" He asked angrily, fear overcoming his senses.
She continued to cough. "I was just (cough) trying to get (cough) all the Christmas decorations!" She defended.
He slid one arm under her thighs and the other under her back.
"W-whoa! What (cough) are you doing now??" She asked as soon as he lifted her from the ladder towards the couch in the living room.
"You're a pregnant woman, Tomoyo! You're not supposed to be on your feet on a damn ladder!!" He dropped her on the couch, and started pacing back and forth, angry with her.
She glared at him as soon as her coughing fit stopped. "Well, you were too busy sleeping your head off to care!"
He matched her glare, but felt so mad and angry with himself. He knew it was his fault that she almost fell, and the guilt buried his heart deep inside. Then he understood what Syaoran had felt when Sakura got lost, and Syaoran kept rambling on about failing her. Eriol himself felt like he failed the woman of his dreams. Forgetting their fight, he strode over to her and embraced her in a loving hug. He kissed her neck lightly and looked into her eyes. She wrapped her arms around him as well, feeling the need to be held. Both then came to their senses.
"I'm sorry…" She whispered. "I didn't mean to do it…"
"Tomoyo…please don't do that again. I was scared as hell when I saw you." He muttered. "I love you baby. I'm sorry."
"I was scared, Eriol. Thank you for saving me."
"That's my job, honey." He whispered and pulled away to look at her. He wiped her tears away. "Stop crying. It'll be ok…"
She nodded and they kissed sweetly.
----
That afternoon, Syaoran and Sakura heard what happened. Worry completely shone in all their faces, but Tomoyo assured them that she was fine. They asked about the baby, and he or she too was fine. The men did their jobs and got the boxes out of the cupboard, spreading them around the living room. Sakura tried to convince Tomoyo to just rest and relax on the bed, but she didn't. She shook her head vigorously, telling them that she was the decorator and no one else, but she still allowed them to help.
Eriol and Syaoran were to get the rather large plastic Christmas tree on its legs and to spread the branches apart. Sakura was to untangle the 150 Christmas lights, straighten out the gold garlands, and take out the silver trimmings. Tomoyo had the job of collecting all balls, bells, and other decors. The Angel doll was standing in a clear box holding a star in her hand. One box that didn't get touched yet was opened by Tomoyo, and inside were the wreath, mistletoes, Christmas stockings, and wrapping paper.
"I can't wait for Christmas!!" Tomoyo squealed, clutching onto her own Christmas stocking, the one her mom made for her.
"We can't either." Sakura chirped in. She just finished disentangling the lights. "It's going to be so wonderful!!"
"You know what sucks about Christmas?" Eriol muttered as he placed the top third of the tree on the pole. "Me and Syaoran have to wait for your shopping and hold your bags."
"Damn right." Syaoran muttered back. "It's like a rule or something that guys have to hold the girls' stuff."
The girls laughed. "But here's the ironic thing! The things you're holding are actually your gifts." Tomoyo stated.
"Oh really?" Their eyebrows perked up.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Can we get this done before we think about the shopping, please?"
Eriol and Syaoran nodded helplessly and continued doing what they were doing. Tomoyo giggled. "This'll be the best Christmas yet!"
-- Eve of Christmas --
One Saturday night, the four left the apartment and drove around the city, looking at the beautiful lights surrounding the spectacular malls. The roads were slick, but Syaoran, being the skilled driver that he was, handled it perfectly. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Eriol were looking at the snowflakes dropping on their windows. They were beautiful, being so differently designed. The winter season sure was special…well at least to them.
"So where do you wanna go?" Syaoran asked from the driver's seat.
Sakura turned around to face the two in the back. "You call it."
"Just go around the city for an hour and then we'll go back." Eriol suggested.
"Yeah." The women agreed.
"Will do." Syaoran replied.
The drive was long, but wonderful. When they rounded a national park, they saw beautiful colourful lights accented on a large pine tree. Passing by the malls, they window-shopped and looked at the nice sculptures and not so nice sculptures. In almost every shop, there was a Christmas tree full of decorations. There were some, though, that didn't celebrate Christmas and had absolutely no ornaments whatsoever, but that was quite all right.
As Syaoran drove back to the basement of their building, Eriol and Tomoyo hid a small yawn. Sakura was already sleeping soundly on her side, with both hands beneath her cheek resting on the side of the window. When he parked it, the couple in the back waited patiently by the door, trying very hard to have eyes open. Syaoran went around the car and took Sakura in his arms. They got to the room and Syaoran walked to Sakura's room first. He laid her down on the bed and knelt down.
"Goodnight, babe." He whispered and kissed her lovingly on the cheek.
She turned and faced him with eyes closed. "Goodnight, Syaoran…" She murmured, her hand reaching out to him.
He kissed it lightly and stood up and left the room.
----
There were only seven days left until Christmas Day and neither Sakura nor Tomoyo could keep their excitement inside. Early morning, they woke up singing at the top of their voices some holiday song as if that would bring Christmas closer. Syaoran and Eriol had to endure scratchy, dry voices at the early hours of dawn. The results would be pillows over heads and blankets thrown around them.
Tomoyo was unbelievably giddy for a pregnant woman. She wasn't suffering moody swings like some, and she didn't go through the usual morning sickness. It was only one morning when she greatly threw up in the toilet. Her and Sakura's cheerfulness strongly brightened the usual dull apartment. With the Christmas decorations on, it really seemed like Christmas in their small, yet cozy home.
It was an added bonus, too, that the men weren't so cold. Ordinarily, Syaoran would isolate himself and act cold until the holiday passed, but this time, his spirits were bright, and it was all thanks to Sakura.
Eriol and Syaoran were watching a special Christmas show while Tomoyo and Sakura wrapped the gifts expertly in Tomoyo's room. Of course they hadn't bought themselves gifts, but they made sure that the men bought the gifts for them. Sakura was tying a green bow around a rectangular box covered with a green and red wrapper. Once she finished, she put the gift by one corner.
"How many gifts did we buy??" Tomoyo asked, wiping a drop of sweat from her forehead. "It feels like we've been doing this for 2 hours!"
"It's only been 30 minutes, Tom." Sakura said, smiling. "I think you should stop. You're getting tired so easily because of that little blubber you're carrying." She teased.
Tomoyo huffed. "I know, but you don't have to dig it in." She put the scissors and wrapper down and tried to breathe.
"Honey, maybe you should go get some water. I'll finish the rest." She smiled reassuringly. "And when you're done that, go and rest by Eriol, ok? You've got to take care of baby, you know."
"Yeah I know." She stood up with Sakura's help. "Ok I'm taking your advice." She blinked her eyes for a minute. "Hey…"
"What?"
Tomoyo hesitated. "Never mind." She shook her head.
"You sure?" Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah." Tomoyo broke into a smile. "Thanks Sak."
"No problem."
--
Tomoyo got the water as ordered and sat herself between the two men. She leaned her back and placed her feet on top of the middle table. She gave a small happy sigh and closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of relaxation. Syaoran raised an eyebrow at her, confused at what she was doing, while Eriol grinned at his wife-to-be. Syaoran looked back at the TV and switched the channel to a cartoon show. The scene currently going on was a man gripping his pregnant wife's hand.
"Guys, look at this." Syaoran interrupted.
Tomoyo opened her eyes and looked at the screen. Ten minutes passed and then the delivered baby was passed onto the father's waiting arms. Eriol's eyes were reddening, feeling tears brush his eyelashes.
"Oh my gosh…" She whispered silently, touching her trembling lips. "That's so sweet…"
Syaoran hid a smile. "So…do I have to ask?"
The two turned their faces at him. "We don't know yet." Eriol replied. "The doctor said that when she's at least 5 or 6 months' pregnant, and then we'll know."
"What are you guys talking about?" Tomoyo asked. "I'm kind of confused…"
"Syaoran was just asking about the gender of the baby." Eriol reasoned.
"Right." Syaoran agreed. "But would you guys rather have a girl than a boy?"
"Boy." Eriol stated.
"Girl." Tomoyo said the same time Eriol answered.
"What??" The two looked at each other.
"No! We're going to have a girl!" Tomoyo interjected.
"But Tomoyo, a boy is a lot better than a girl…think of the financial budget!"
Syaoran rolled his eyes and stood up. "I'll go see what Sakura's doing…" Neither was paying attention.
--
"What's up?" He asked as soon as he got the door open. He peered in and saw the auburn-haired woman placing masking tape on one corner of a box.
"I am wrapping these gifts." She said a matter-of-factly. "Which are actually for you guys, so you've got to leave."
"Sorry, can't. The couple's fighting about which gender of the baby they want." He tossed himself on Tomoyo's well-made bed.
Sakura glared at what he did. "Syaoran…that's not very nice. It's Tomoyo's bed."
"Yes I think I'm aware of that." He joked and placed his hands under his head. "Tomoyo won't mind."
"Oh yeah." She replied dryly.
As soon as Sakura finished, she put the already-wrapped boxes in a big plastic bag. There were 4 more other things that needed wrapping, and those were for their friends from outside. Each of them bought 1 gift for the whole staff of their work and 1 gift for their boss. Syaoran, Eriol, and Sakura had 3 gifts each and Tomoyo had 5 gifts. There were many other gifts for their families. Since she was pregnant, it was only right to get her 2 extra presents for the baby.
"So what'd you get me?" Sakura asked teasingly. "Is it a…oh a beautiful, extravagant, diamond with emeralds necklace?"
He shook his head and rolled his eyes at her. "You think I got enough money to buy you something that elaborate?"
"I'm only kidding." She smiled and took a heavy book and placed it on top of the wrapping paper.
"I got you something really nice." He stated. "I think you'd like it."
"I'm sure I will." She grinned at him.
"Yep."
Syaoran looked out the opened window. It was already cold and he didn't understand why Tomoyo wanted the cool wind outside. He got up from his position on the bed and shut the window tightly. He rearranged the slightly messy bed and sat behind Sakura, gripping her hips with both hands. He sent kisses in the back of her neck causing small giggles erupting from her.
"Stop…" She giggled.
He kissed her one last time and moved away.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Since when'd you have to ask for permission?" He teased.
She elbowed him playfully. "If something happened to me…would you do anything for me?"
He stared at her incredulously. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm just asking." She answered lightly. "Just that…if something did happen to me-"
"Nothing's gonna happen to you." He interrupted.
"No I know, but if something did, would you do anything for me?"
He looked at her in a very confused way. "I would."
"Good." She kissed him on the cheek. "I just wanted to ask. That's all."
"Sakura…" He didn't trust her. "What's going on?"
"Nothing!" She assured. "It's just that…I want a guarantee."
"What would you want me to do?" He asked her in a sort-of scared way.
"To give me a smile. A real smile." She said, smiling. "I'm glad that you smile now, but when you do…it's tiny."
He looked down. "Well…"
"No it's ok with me! Just that…if ever I don't see you again or you don't see me again, I want your brightest smile to be in my memory."
"We'll always see each other, Sakura. Nothing's gonna happen to us." He said with furrowed brows.
"But you don't know that for sure." She reminded. "Don't get too upset about it. I didn't mean it in a bad way."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." She turned her body around and hugged him tightly. "Please stop worrying. I'm not keeping anything from you." She giggled. "I'm not sick or anything."
"Ok." He breathed calmly. "I love you, 'Kura."
"I love you too."
-----
It was the 24th of December and the city was filled with Christmas spirit. Every house on their block was amazingly bright and so full of colours. Some trees in parks were decorated with multi-colour Christmas lights. Even the snow fell so gracefully, making the metropolis look like a winter wonderland. Outside neighbours' houses were carollers, singing joyous songs with enthusiasm. Bells were rung and stars shone from every top of a Christmas tree.
In the four's apartment, green was more common than any other colour. Mistletoes hung on every corridor of the room. The wreath, wonderfully made, was suspended on their doorbell. The Christmas tree stood at 8ft and was filled with gorgeous ornaments, coloured silver and gold, with sparkles. Silver trimmings, gold garnishes, hundreds of rainbow lights, red and green and blue balls, and very many other ornaments were presented along with the tree. Colourful gift-wraps glimmered as the light hit them.
Sakura and Tomoyo prepared a huge dinner for their families visiting. There were different kinds of delicacies on the table, first with the American delicacy of a turkey and a chicken, second with the Japanese delicacy of sushi, and there were many others, such as grilled fish, pizza, wonton, and the Japanese Christmas cake. Plastic plates were found on one side of the table, along with the utensils and plastic cups. Syaoran and Eriol brought up many pop cans from the car, and it had already piled up in the fridge. Most were put in the cooler in the basement.
"Oh my gosh…this is so amazing…" Sakura whispered. "I can't wait to see dad and Touya!"
Tomoyo grinned. "Me too. I can't wait for my mom to come here and tell me how proud she is of me!"
Eriol and Syaoran gave them confused looks. Of course the men hadn't wanted their families to come over.
"The only mistake you made in this holiday was inviting my sisters." Syaoran muttered. "I mean it's all right for mom, but come on…the four of them??"
Sakura and Tomoyo scoffed. "You are the worst brother in the world."
"Actually, that's not true. Touya is." Sakura pointed out.
"Right, right." Tomoyo murmured.
Eriol stayed quiet. "Just be happy they're coming," he replied morosely.
Sakura gasped. "Oh my gosh, Eriol, I'm so sorry!"
"No it's ok," he smiled sadly, "I know you didn't mean to offend me or anything."
"I'm sorry," Tomoyo whispered at his side.
He glanced down at her and encircled his arms around her waist. "It's ok, Tom."
"Don't worry, man." Syaoran said and put an arm around his best friend's shoulder. "We're your family. You got us."
Eriol's smile brightened and he looked at Syaoran with gratitude. "Thanks man."
----
Later that evening, all the family guests piled up in the house. First arriving were Sakura's family with Tomoyo's, because they lived closer than the other. Touya and Fujitaka made their way inside the warm home. Sakura hugged them, tears almost rushing down her cheeks. Happiness was very clear in her eyes as she saw the family she hadn't seen for almost 2 years. Tomoyo hugged her mother with gladness. As soon as Sonomi saw the slight bulge on her daughter's stomach, she immediately touched it and closed her eyes, feeling her granddaughter/son for the first time.
"How are you, Tomoyo? It seems like it's been so long since I've seen you!" Sonomi held Tomoyo's hands.
"I know, mom!" Tomoyo laughed. "But I'm so happy you're here!"
"So am I." She smiled.
"You're going to have a grandchild and a son-in-law. How do you feel?" Tomoyo asked shyly.
"I'm very proud of you, honey. You've gotten this far without me." She meant with all her heart.
Tomoyo smiled as tears threatened to fall. "Thank you mom."
They hugged once more.
Eriol cleared his throat, and Tomoyo then realized she hadn't introduced him yet.
"Oh yeah. Mom, I'd like you to meet him." Tomoyo said knowingly.
"Ohh, where is he?" Sonomi asked with excitement.
"This is the father of my baby…and my fiancé." Tomoyo held Eriol's hand.
"How are you, Ms. Daidouji?" Eriol smiled genuinely and kissed her hand. "My name's Eriol Hiiragizawa."
Sonomi blushed from the action. "Well…I think you've picked a very remarkable young man, Tomoyo." She smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Eriol."
"You too ma'am."
"Didn't I?" Tomoyo giggled.
"Sakura, how are you??" Fujitaka asked. "I've missed you, baby girl."
"Daddy, I've missed you too." Sakura hugged him tightly.
"What about me, kaijuu?" Touya teased lightly.
Sakura pulled away and jumped at the taller man. "I missed you a lot too, Touya! I don't know why!"
He laughed and kissed her on the cheek. "What have you been up to?"
"Well…I want you guys to meet my boyfriend…" She smiled hesitantly.
"You have a boyfriend?" Both men asked with eyes widening at the second.
"Um…yeah." Sakura quickly pulled Syaoran over to them.
He stood calmly with dignity and offered to shake their hands. "How're you doing? I'm Syaoran Li."
Touya glared and crossed his arms. "Syaoran Li?" He turned to Sakura. "I don't trust this guy, kaijuu. He sounds like a bastard."
Syaoran's eyes hardened.
"Don't mind my son. He's a little overprotective of our baby girl." Fujitaka smiled warmly. "I'm Fujitaka Kinomoto. It's nice to meet you, Syaoran."
Syaoran looked back at the older man. "Good to meet you too, sir."
"Touya, shake this man's hand. Now." Fujitaka ordered.
He snorted and shook Syaoran's hand stubbornly. "There. Now can we get in? It's cramped in here."
"Right, right." Sakura smiled nervously and let them all in.
As the families talked in the living room, Syaoran waited with dread. Eriol was sitting right with him, feeling just as nervous. Yelan Li was not just Syaoran's mother; she was, in a way, Eriol's as well. And the four loud women added to their anxiety. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and giggles erupted from outside. The only thing Syaoran could do was growl under his breath. Eriol stood up and pulled Syaoran with him to the door to greet the family. Syaoran opened it lazily. As soon as the wooden door widened, the flock of women hugged him and Eriol fiercely they almost lost their breaths. "Aah!" The two men yelped in surprise. When Syaoran got his composure back, he pulled away from his mother's arms and closed the door behind them. Eriol got out weakly and stood right beside Syaoran.
"How are you…mom?" Syaoran found a small smirk under all that unease.
"Auntie Yelan, how are you?" Eriol echoed.
"Very well, young lads." She smiled. "How have you been?"
"Great." They both muttered, wearing totally fake smiles.
"Oh my gosh, don't they look so adorably handsome??" The women gushed.
"No wonder Eriol got someone pregnant! No woman can resist that boy's looks!"
Eriol gulped as he heard that. Syaoran smirked.
"Doesn't Syaoran have a girlfriend too?? Oh my! We have to find her!! We have to get pictures!!"
Syaoran's eyes widened at this and he quickly moved in front of his sisters. "There's no need to do that." He replied, trying to stop them.
"Syaoran, can we move to the living room? It's rather overcrowded here." Yelan mentioned.
"Uh yeah of course. Eriol, show them the way." Syaoran said.
"Right." He smiled at the women. "Let's go ladies."
Syaoran pulled back his sisters. "Don't try finding my girlfriend."
"Uh no thank you." Feimei grinned.
He sighed and dropped his head. He knew he could never win against them. "All right fine, but don't touch the pregnant woman. She's got a baby inside and if you trample her, Eriol's grilling your asses."
"We're not going to trample her!" Sheifa said exasperatedly. "Now let us go!"
He gave them one last glare and let them go.
--
Soon, everyone knew each other. All the adults spoke to each other and got to know one another a little bit better. Syaoran's sisters had actually spent 15 minutes gushing over Sakura and Tomoyo, causing the men to get a little edgy, but after that, they tracked down the 'hottie' standing in the balcony and just basically stalked him, praising him of how good-looking he was. Of course, Touya couldn't get enough of it, but then it just got so annoying. His ears burned from the loudness of their voices. It was pretty wild, but very fun.
"Yukito's coming over later." Touya informed them as he passed by with four women trailing after.
Sakura was giggling the whole time. Eriol kept worrying about Tomoyo, but she assured him that she was fine. Syaoran couldn't get enough as he saw the woman he loved get along well with his family. He carefully held her close. "So how're you doing tonight?" He asked.
She smiled and blushed. "I'm doing great." She replied. "How about you?"
"All right." He kissed her on the cheek. "Don't you get annoyed by my sisters?"
She shook her head. "I love them! They're very beautiful and wonderful!"
"Yeah right."
"They are." Sakura laughed. "How about my brother?"
He snorted. "When he starts liking me, then I'll start liking him."
Sakura kissed Syaoran on the lips. "Touya's a stubborn guy. Much like yourself, actually."
Syaoran turned red a little. "Yeah well. Guys will be guys."
--
At about 9pm, Yukito arrived with Meilin as they shared the same cab. They had gotten to know each other along the way and that was good. Syaoran hugged his cousin and Sakura hugged her long-ago crush. It was a nice reunion. The Li women started flirting with Yukito as well, making Touya feel slightly better. Then Tomoyo announced that the feast was about to begin. Everyone gathered around the table and made a small greeting for the birth of Christ.
Eriol and Syaoran carved the turkey and soon everyone dug in. The adults were seated on the table while Tomoyo, Eriol, Sakura, Syaoran, and Meilin ate their dinner in the living room. Sakura sat herself really close to Syaoran while Meilin sat on the other side. Tomoyo and Eriol sat together on the loveseat. Tomoyo seemed to eat a lot more than the others, but they knew the reason why. On TV was a Christmas special, the Grinch. It was hilarious and had pure Christmas fun.
At the stroke of midnight, everyone assembled in the living room. Yelan, Sonomi, and Fujitaka sat on the loveseat, the four sisters, Yukito, and Touya gathered themselves on the large couch, and the five youngest ones sat on the living room floor. The relatives put their own gifts in the huge pile, so Sakura gave out the gifts and everyone opened their own. After Syaoran finished his, he put them in a corner and watched Sakura's face as she opened his gift.
Everyone minded their own business, so no one paid attention to them. Syaoran moved closer to her as she unwrapped the silver blue box. When she opened it, she made a gasp. His heart jumped and he set his jaws straight as he looked at her. He still couldn't believe that anyone could be that beautiful. Suddenly her jade eyes met his and they were slightly wet. He gave a hopeful look and she nodded, holding the box tightly in her hand. She jumped at him in delight.
"I thought you knew I was joking…" She whispered in his ear.
"I knew it. I just wasn't joking." He whispered back, holding her tightly to him.
"B-but Syaoran…how did you afford this?" Her eyes were so bright and fearful.
He sent her a smile that brought shivers down her spine. "Don't worry about it…so…do you like it?"
"Of course I do! I love it so much!" She hugged him again and caught his lips in hers. "I love you…thank you."
"No problem." He took the emerald-diamond necklace and put it around her slender neck. He kissed the nape of her neck lightly as he let go of her.
She giggled and cuddled up to him. "Look at everyone…they're so happy."
"And we're happy." He replied, pecking her on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas." She smiled at him.
"Merry Christmas." He replied back, kissing her once again.