Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter Two
Wow! Thanks so much for the reviews you guys! They really cheered me up :D
Uhm, this is the second last chapter! Wow, almost done, this story is :) I really appreciate your support!
This is a Christmas story, if any of you didn't know that, and this chapter will include some Christmas stuff. Uhm, the last chapter will sorta draw away from the whole Christmas-y scene and just sort of have it like a winter setting. So yeah. I'm trying not to confuse you… I am really bad at this whole, get it done before Christmas is over thing. -.-;; Remember my last Christmas story:sigh:
Uhm, there's a little twist… not much of one, but it's there. I think. Anyways, this is the second last chapter, and I really hoped you've enjoyed the experience! ;)
So, enough babbling! Get reading!
The two didn't know how long they sat there, watching the birds fly and twirl in their endless dance. Their empty plates lay on the ground next to them, the crumbs gently fluttering in the wind.
Sakura had eventually fallen asleep, fatigued after the late bedtime and early rise.
She slept on Syaoran's shoulder. He started at the unfamiliar weight on his side, but quickly adjusted, his hand curled around hers.
Snow Becomes Spring by Strawberry'd
Chapter Eleven: Finding and Losing
It took all of three days, but Sakura finally found the perfect gift for Syaoran. She also bought a disposable camera and gave it to Tomoyo with secret words of instruction. She had smiled delightedly and told Sakura she'd do the best she could.
She was cooped up in her room for days now. Every now and then, she would creep out and then creep in without many people seeing her. But someone always did.
Yelen saw her walking into the kitchen, and then walking out a few minutes later, a piece of paper firming clutched in her hand. A piece of paper Yelen recognized as Miyako's famous apple pie recipe.
Eriol saw her running into the private greenhouse, and walking out, looking extremely pleased, holding a few pink blossoms in her hand.
They both didn't make anything of it at the time, but as the pieces started to fit together, their suspicions grew.
Especially after they saw Tomoyo snapping away whenever Syaoran was around.
But, unknown to Sakura, Tomoyo filled the camera with shots of the two of them, instead of just Syaoran, like Sakura had wanted. She shot the twoof them… together. (AN: insert gasp here)
Meanwhile, Syaoran was struggling mentally about his gift to Sakura. Eriol's comment hit him hard. If Eriol got Sakura a present, did that mean Syaoran had to too? His mind whirled.
The question was… what?
From his short knowledge of the female gender, they liked pink stuff, fluffy stuff, shiny stuff, and lip gloss. (AN: summed me up pretty good.)
But that seemed too… impersonal. After all, hadn't the two of them spent a lot of time together lately?
He had to get her something… something she liked, something that no one else would get her, or even think of getting her.
Syaoran racked his brain. Something she needed? His thoughts roamed to that day when she had played her flute. Maybe she needed a new one? But no… the one she had was in perfectly good condition; the notes played pure and the body was nice and shiny.
So then what else…? Scrunching his eyes tightly together, Syaoran didn't notice Eriol creep up behind him.
"Ah, Syaoran." He said, mysteriously. "Could you help me with a little… problem?"
He snapped out of his reverie and glared at his cousin. "I suppose."
Eriol smiled. "I need you to help me pick out a gift for Sakura-chan. I want to get her something special."
Syaoran was flabbergasted. When did Eriol start liking Sakura that way?
As he was wound up in his thoughts, Eriol smiled and his glasses glinted.
But… but, why do I even care that much? Gah, it's only Sakura!
Eriol chuckled. "If you didn't want to help me, Syaoran, you could have just told me. I'll find something for her on my own."
Maybe… if I went with Eriol, I can get something better than his gift! He thought, not realizing that he 'shouldn't even care'.
"No, it's ok. I'll help you." Syaoran said, casually.
Eriol smiled and turned away. "Excellent."
"Sakura!" Tomoyo whined. "You need to help me!"
Her friend laughed. "With what?"
"I don't know what to get Eriol-kun!"
Sakura laughed harder. "Aw, look at you! You're worrying about what to get him like some twelve-year old wondering what to wear to her first dance!"
Tomoyo pouted and frowned at her best friend. Slowly, she crept up behind her and flung a pillow at her.
Sakura shrieked as she grabbed the nearest soft, fluffy thing and hurled at Tomoyo.
The two girls engaged in this harmless activity for a few minutes before Tomoyo stopped, breathless.
"Seriously, I need a gift, and I have no idea what to get."
"One question: boxers, or briefs?" Sakura asked, a huge grin dancing on her lips.
Tomoyo's mouth fell open. "You ! Of course, boxers!"
The two girls laughed. "Get him a pair of boxers." Sakura said after catching her breath.
Tomoyo's mouth curled up in a wry smile. "You serious?"
Sakura yuh-huhed. Tomoyo grinned. "Only if you come with me."
"Don't I always?"
Syaoran was, once again, thinking of a gift to get Sakura, something that would top Eriol, although he didn't understand his sudden need to appear on top to the girl.
As the day went on, he found he could hardly think of anything else. Her eyes, her smile… it whirled around him, dizzily.
I don't know howI don't know why
But girl it seems
You've touched my life
She was everywhere. In the flowers perched on the table near the door; in the way the snow fell outside.
You're in my dreams
You're in my heart
I'm not myself
When we're apart
He tried to fall asleep, to get away from his… his… predicament. But sleep wasn't merciful. Images of her… the sound of her voice, her laugh, they haunted him.
Something strange has come over me
A raging wind across my seas
And girl you know that your eyes are to blame
Her eyes… And when he got up, he wasn't any better. He would come down for breakfast, and she was there, smiling and laughing. Syaoran wanted to clutch his head and scream.
What am I supposed to do
If I can't get over you
And come to find that you don't feel the same
Why was he feeling this way? He stared at her endlessly, trying to find a reason… some kind of logic! It was… so… irrational… these feelings.
'Cause I'm falling, falling
Girl, I'm falling for you
And I pray you're falling too
I've been falling, falling
His heart pounded when she was close, when her lips curved in his favor, when her eyes sparkled
Ever since the moment I laid eyes on you
(Girl I'm falling, falling, falling
When I laid eyes on you
Girl I'm falling, falling, falling. Yeah...)
He sat at the table, twirling his chopsticks. Her eyes… so green.
I lose my step
I lose my ground
I lose myself
When you're around
She suddenly came out of the door, always laughing, with that smile.
I'm holding on
For my life
To keep from drowning in your eyes
Am I sick? Why do I feel hot…?
Girl, what have you done to me
To make me fall so desperately
To think that I don't even know your name
His eyes fell to the floor. What was the meaning of this…? Why couldn't she just get out of his head?
(No, no)How am I supposed to live (supposed to live)
If I can't get over this (get over this)
And you decide that you don't feel the same
"Syaoran?" Her voice shocked him.
"Y-Yes?" his features settled in a blush. She head tilted and she frowned.
"Me and Tomoyo were going to ask you if you wanted to come shopping for Eriol, but if you're not feeling well…" She trailed off.
'Cause I'm falling, falling
Girl, I'm falling for you
And I pray you're falling too
I've been falling, falling
"No, no, I'll come." Syaoran attempted to smile, to reassure her. For some reason, when she looked worried, something in him… just… hurt.
(Falling)Will you stay or will you go
(Heaven)Heaven knows what my future holds
(Questions)Questions linger on my mind
He walked with the girls, his mind on the emerald-eyed on to his left. He swallowed when she suddenly turned to him and asked a question. She grinned wryly.
"Tomoyo wanted to get Eriol boxers." She winked at the other girl. "What do you think, Syaoran-kun?"
(Day break)From day break to dark of night
(I'm falling)I don't know what's come over me
"That's… a good idea. But I don't think he would…" At her downcast look, Syaoran scrambled for the right words. "…he would want the orange ones." He finished lamely.
What… what is this?
Can't you see that I'm falling, falling
Girl, I'm falling for you
And I pray you're falling too (yeah)
Sakura and Tomoyo laughed.
"Then we should get him the orange ones!" They linked arms and started to walk into a store.
Sakura stopped for Syaoran. "Come on!"
Why… what… I think… I think…
Falling, falling
Ever since the moment
I laid eyes on you
Oooohh I'm falling
Syaoran blinked at the girl. A smile slowly spread over his features. He walked into the store with Sakura.
I think I'm falling in love with you…
Syaoran knew what to get her. Words… said by a child, by a small voice, full of hope and happiness.
"Are you my new family?"
He set out that very night. Sneaking into his mother's desk, he searched for the certificate that claimed Sakura adopted.
Sakura… Kinomoto, it read.
Syaoran smiled wryly. It was a surprise no one else had tried this. But maybe that's was because there was no reason to…
He went back to his room, his laptop opened and ready to go.
Opening an orphanage webpage, he typed in the word, Kinomoto.
"So, what do you think?" Tomoyo asked hopefully, as she showed Sakura some of the pictures she had developed.
Those were the only ones that she knew Sakura wouldn't go ballistic over. The other ones were kept safe with her.
"They're wonderful!" Sakura hugged her friend. "He's gonna love this; I just know it!"
Tomoyo eyed her friend carefully. "Sakura, why are you going through all of this for him?"
Sakura blushed lightly. "Because it's Christmas… I think this is an appropriate gift." She turned her head from Tomoyo and took the pictures, opening the book and seeing where to place them.
Tomoyo smiled at her friend's antics.
She grabbed the things she was holding. "Can I do it? Please? It'll be so good, you'll see!"
Sakura laughed. "Sure, go ahead. You'd probably be better at it than me."
With a mischievous grin, Tomoyo meticulously placed the book and the pictures at her desk.
She watched as Sakura exited the room before taking out the extra disposable camera. Tomoyo knew where Sakura was going, and she followed.
Syaoran printed out the address just as someone knocked on his room. He hastily closed his laptop and hid the paper under his bedcovers.
He opened the door. It was her.
"Y-Yes?" He stuttered, a blush coming back with a vengeance.
Sakura smiled at him. "It's time for dinner."
Syaoran nodded and followed her, not noticing a camera's telltale click and flash.
The next day, Syaoran vanished. Sakura wondered over his disappearance but shrugged over it.
She concentrated on wrapping the gifts that she got for her friends.
Tomoyo waltz into the room, grinning. "I've finished the book, 'cept for one picture."
Sakura nodded to her. "That's fine. When you're done, could you wrap it for me?"
Tomoyo pouted. "But I wanted to show you it!"
Sakura bit her lip and firmly put a piece of tape on a corner. "I can see it when he opens it."
Tomoyo huffed, jokingly. "Finnne!"
"Cool, thanks." Sakura grinned at her friend, successfully wrapping her hand with tape.
That same day, Syaoran was visiting a hospital. He was in room 166, level 3. He stared at a man with dark, slightly long hair, sleeping peacefully.
He had been asleep for almost ten years. One Touya Kinomoto was in a coma.
This had been his only lead… Syaoran frowned; he hardly expected this man to awaken before Christmas that was coincidently in only five day's time.
Nevertheless… Syaoran continued to visit this man, everyday. He came early in the morning and later in the evening, hoping for any change.
There never was.
On the third day, Syaoran couldn't stand it anymore. He walked to the man sleeping.
"D'you know your sister? She's living with me now. Not really living with me, but close enough. I'm in love with her, y'see, and I think you'd probably be the best Christmas present she'd ever get. How 'bout you wake up sometime soon? I wanna see her face when she sees you."
Syaoran blew the hair out of his eyes. "Huh, spilling out my guts to some stranger; I do something new everyday!"
Syaoran left, and didn't notice the twitch of Touya Kinomoto's left foot.
"Doctor! Doctor! The man! The one in room 166!" A nurse screamed frantically.
The doctor stopped and recognition dawned on his face. "Kinomoto?" He all but whispered.
"Sir, he's- he's waking up!"
Room 166 was somewhat of a marvel in that hospital. A man, totally unknown but for a name lay in a coma for more than ten years.
Now, two days before Christmas, he awoke.
Sakura smiled happily as she gazed at the wondrous sight that the Christmas tree made. The garlands and the tinsel. She sighed deeply and twirled under the bright lights.
"You're gonna fall, you know." came a voice.
She stopped and smiled dazzlingly at the owner of the voice.
She grabbed Syaoran by the wrists and whirled him around with her.
"You need to lighten up!" She laughed. "It's Christmas!"
Syaoran couldn't help but smile… and blush. He was at such a close proximity to her!
Meanwhile, Tomoyo was just starting down the stairs when she saw a familiar two persons dancing under a Christmas tree.
Her eyes widened at the perfect camera shot and fumbled for it.
Good thing she kept it with her at all times!
She zoomed in and settled on the two.
Carefully, she clicked the camera and raced off to the nearest camera developing store.
Touya Kinomoto stared dubiously at the mansion that lay in front of him.
The nurse told him that a young man had visited him consecutively for a couple of days and left an address for where to contact him.
While the nurses told him that he should rest and gather energy, Touya had a sense of restlessness; he felt like he had to do something.
He took a breath and rang the doorbell.
He heard laughter and then a young man opened he door.
Syaoran stared at the man. He… was awake?
"You… you're not… you're… awake?" He said weakly.
"Yeah, I guess I am." Touya smirked at him. "So, what did you want?"
"Syaoran who is it?" Another voice came and a girl appeared.
Touya stared at the girl. It had been a long time… but she hadn't changed much.
"S-Sakura?" He questioned, his heart in his throat.
The girl looked at him, confused.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" She asked.
She didn't remember… but that was ok, she was here, he could teach her everything.
"Sakura…" The boy said. Touya frowned. He didn't like the way he said her name with such… familiarity.
"Sakura, this is your brother." He concluded, stepping back slightly.
"B-Brother?" She turned to him, her eyes wide. "I-I have a brother?"
The boy smiled, albeit sadly. "Merry Christmas, Sakura."
She let out a shriek and flung her arms around the boy.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Tomoyo had just returned to see Sakura, Syaoran and a man she didn't recognize sitting around the table, talking.
As soon as Sakura saw her, she jumped up and introduced them quickly.
"Tomoyo-chan, this is Touya. He's… my brother!" Sakura beamed.
Tomoyo stared in shock. "Sakura-chan… that's… wonderful!" The two started screaming and jumping up and down.
"So… when do you think you can get ready?" Touya asked, after the screaming had abated.
Sakura stopped to look at him. "What do you mean… get ready?"
"Well, we're going to go soon, aren't we?" Touya smiled at her. "I have a pretty good sized apartment. It's no where near the size of this house…"
"D'you mean… I'm moving out?" Sakura asked, confused.
Touya shifted nervously. "Yeah…"
Sakura nodded slowly. "Give me… maybe an hour?"
Touya accepted this and smiled at her. "Do you want to see some pictures of dad and mom…?"
She gasped. "You have some?"
He nodded. "In my wallet." He pulled it out and gave it to her.
As Syaoran watched Sakura's eyes roam over the pictures, marveling at the people, he knew he did the right thing…
… even if it meant losing her.
To The Reviewers:
Pinaygrrl- Aw, thanks! Lol, you're always my first reviewer! Thanks so much!
Chikichiki- o.o Sparkles? Where:looks around: Thanks so much for the review!
Serenity's Blaim- Haha, I indubitably loved your review:blushes: thanks:giggles: it's not that good though :) Hope you liked the chapter!
AnimeObsessionFantasy- Lol Thanks!
Phantom Demon- Thanks!
Kyoyama Kita- Aww, thanks so much! And caps too :grin:
GUrLa-aYa- Haha, sorry! Just a little joke :laughs: Thanks so much!
Babiriceball- You! You gave me five reviews :dances: Thanks so much! But you what would have been better :wink: 10; one for every chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
VcChick- :laughs: we all love Syao-kun! Thanks for reviewing!
EKoolcat369- Aw, thanks! Sorry if the chapter was late!
Dark-luvin-angel- Aw, s'ok! I hope school doesn't get you down too much! After a stressing day of edumacation, I find fanfiction is just the thing to get my spirits up! Something about fluff… :laughs: I hope you like the update!
Littlelonewolf- Haha, I like it! And Eriol doesn't really like Sakura :smirks: She's Syao-kun's! Lol but he wants Syaoran to think he likes her so he has to get her a gift! D'you see? Eriol's very cunning :giggles:
Avelyn Lauren- Haha, maybe! Syaoran gets jealous so very easily :huggles: but that's why we love him! And the fact that he's so dashing. Haha, did I just say dashing :laughs:
Prozacfairy- Aww! Thanks so much! Yeah, Tomoyo and Eriol are very essential to SxS, otherwise the two would be too shy to do anything :giggle:
Kawaiiseeker987- Haha, I have a couple of hugs… lol and a kiss or two… maybe! Thanks so for reviewing! Hope you liked the update!
BlackIcyRoses- New name…? from what? O.o I'm confused… :sigh: Aww! That's so sweet of you! Thanks so much :smile:
Candied Cherries- Looks like your review got cut off… lol oh well, thanks so much for reviewing! I like your penname :smile:
Animated freak- Haha, sorry but no. ExS is… interesting, but it's not my main passion :starry eyes:
Kenny's grounded all the time- Thanks for reviewing! Hope you liked the chapter.
The song? Falling by N'sync. Oh yeah, you know you like that old school :wink:
I changed my name! From Strawberry Promises to Strawberry'd! You can still call my Strawberry-chan, -sama, or anything with honorifics, or Ichigo-chan, if you call me that now… Lol, but Strawberry Promises was too lengthy.
Thank you all so much for the reviews! Iiee, I was so happy! The review amount like doubled! And ohmigosh, I'm so sorry about the long wait for the chapter. I knew what I wanted to write, and what to do and all that, but then I had this idea for another fic, and I spent all my time writing that! If you like Rurouni Kenshin, look out for a new story from me :wink: And wow this chapter was long! I hope you liked it!
So, next chapter's the last…
Speaking of chapters, did you expect for what happened to happen? C'mon now, be truthful!
Oh, and I'm running a poll… of sorts.
I just wanted to know where and how old my readers/reviewers are.
Pick
a) if you are from the ages of 10 and below
b) if you are from the ages of 11-15
c) if you are from the ages of 16-25
d) if you are from the ages of 26-30
e) if you are from the ages of 30 and up
And with that, could you put the country you live in? I'm gonna guess most of you are in the 11-15 range… and North America's gonna be my guess for the country/continent.
That would be cool. I wanna know who's reading my stuff out there in the world. :smile:
Imagine if I was getting like… France… and Sweden… That would be so cool!
Anyways, thanks if you do that, and for reading the chapter, and for just being so cool!
Review now! Please! And thanks :waves:
