It was December 22nd and the Kinomoto household was full of Christmas spirit. Syaoran and Yukito had joined Fujitaka, Touya and Sakura for dinner and they now all sat discussing the day's events, whilst finishing the lovely dessert Yukito had brought along. He himself was especially pleased, since he had convinced Touya not to work over Christmas or New Year and that meant he had him all to himself over the Christmas period.

When there was finally a gap in conversation Touya turned to Sakura with a smirk on his face and said "Kaiju, its your turn to do the dishes." Sakura turned to glare at her brother; her foot ready to stomp on his toes when he added "Get the gaki to help you."

"To-Ya!" Yukito admonished before turning to smile at Sakura. "We'll do the dishes for you."

However, before Touya could react, Syaoran stood quickly. "Arigato Yukito-san, but if it is Sakura's chore I will assist her."

This prompted Sakura, who was still glaring at her brother, to stand up and help to move the dirty plates to the sink in the kitchen. When they had finally taken to their task, Touya and Yukito smiled at each other and moved into the lounge, whilst Fujitaka excused himself to do some work in the study.

With the two of them, the washing up didn't take as long as usual; even with Sakura attempting to start a water fight which, although livening up the task, did mean the kitchen was somewhat more damp than usual. They were just finishing up when Sakura finally plucked up the courage to ask Syaoran the question she had been dreading asking since winter had begun to approach.

"So when is your Mother expecting you home Syaoran-kun?"

Syaoran paused with both dish-cloth and dish still in his hand. Slowly he placed them to the side and shifted nervously before replying.

"She… isn't expecting me."

"Oh. You mean she hasn't told you yet?"

"Iie. I mean… I'm not returning home for Christmas."

"Then where are you going?"

"Well…ummm…I've spoken to your Father and he has given me permission to see you."

Syaoran's face reddened as he realised just how that sounded. "I mean he has asked me if I would like to join your family celebrations and I have accepted." He slowly let out a breath as he waited nervously for Sakura's reaction. But he didn't have to wait long as a huge smile spread quickly across her face and, without warning, she threw herself into his arms in a tight hug.

"I'm so happy you are staying!"

Pulling back after a while she smiled up at him, a look of delight written all over her face.

"I don't want to leave you again Sakura." He replied slowly giving her a nervous but devoted smile, lowering his face to hers.

Sakura felt him move closer, his breath mingling with hers, and then her heart suddenly sped up rapidly. The first touch of his lips on hers was so soft and gentle she felt shivers tingle down her spine. She wrapped her arms around his neck holding him close…

"Kaiju!" Touya's voice made them jump apart as he stuck his head around the corner.
"Hurry up! If we don't start this film soon Yuki will have finished the popcorn."

Sakura and Syaoran smiled as they heard Yuki's indignant reply and slowly put away the last plate; a shy smile communicating their internal excitement. Both now relishing the extra time they now had together, they walked hand in hand into the lounge.