Hey all! How long has it been since my last update?
A week? Two? I don't know. However, I do know that I've tried to post this chapter more than a few times. Hopefully this will be my last attempt and my computer won't freak out before it actually is added to my story.

I seriously can not believe that I'm already up to the fifth chapter. And I still haven't even posted up to their sleepover! This one's shorter than my last few, though.
I've got more written up, but I like the way it cuts off so I'm not going to change it.

I'm not going to really ramble for once and just get to the story.
So yeah, hope you enjoy the fifth chapter!

Syaoran stared, immobilized by shock. He could have sworn that he'd heard his cousin referring to him from just behind the very perceptive Tomoyo-san. Despite having fit the voice to the person, Syaoran's jaw still slackened when he saw what the small Eriol Hiiragizawa had grown into. He was even taller than Syaoran by an inch or so, stalky, and had this charismatic look to him.

"Tell me, how are my favorite aunt and her four exceptionally beautiful daughters? Not stealing one too many hearts, I hope." Hiiragizawa smiled and laughed merrily, his attempt to make conversation and catch up on lost time. Syaoran, finally finding himself able to move once more, glanced over to Sakura-san. His cousin's smile grew. The dark-haired boy looked up to his older cousin, eyes narrowed. He was sure he was just being toyed with, that his cousin was irritating him for his own enjoyment. Like he always had. So the young man did the only thing that could come to mind at that moment; he quickly stood and made a dash for the exit out of the cafeteria. Only to run into a person.

"I'm sorry, I-" Syaoran apologized, stumbling over his own words.

"I should have been watching where I was going." The older man replied, laughing the collision off. "I was texting my wife and wasn't looking where I was walking. Why she doesn't just let me call her, I'll never understand." He laughed again, shaking his head at his phone after finishing his message. He eyed the younger male, as if trying to match a name to his face. He perked up a moment later then stared at the tawny-haired teenager, thoroughly interested. "You wouldn't happen to be Syaoran Li, would you?"

Syaoran nodded in affirmation. "That's me. But how did you know?"

The man beamed. "I'm the boys' gym teacher, Mr. Yasutake. I got a call from your school a week or so ago. They mentioned how they were going to be losing you to our school and told me to keep an open spot for you on the soccer team."

Syaoran winced at the information. He'd hoped to blend in a bit at the Japanese High school, just attend his classes and then return to his new home. He didn't want the kind of attention that came when he played soccer, he never had liked it in the first place. Still, he couldn't seem to tell Yasutake-sama that he'd decided not to play for the school's team. There was something oddly familiar about the man he was sure he'd never met before this moment, something that made him feel it would be wrong to disappoint him. So he did the complete opposite of what he'd planned. He straightened up and smiled up to the man, hopeful. "Really? Then does that mean I can still try out?" The question had flown from his lips before his mind could even comprehend it. He internally cursed himself for speaking before thinking. But it was already too late.

"Sure does." Mr. Yasutake grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling from the action. "You finished eating?" he questioned, excited.

The boy nodded.

"Great! Then we can do it right now."

"Right now?" Syaoran choked out, taken aback.

The teacher laughed at the student's unsure tone and patted his back in an encouraging fashion. He was already taking to the boy before he'd even kicked the ball. Mr. Yasutake suspected it had something to do with how uptight the young man was. He just seemed too serious for someone of his age. The older man was in fact the exact opposite. So he found his rather odd demeanor endearing, a characteristic he hoped a son of his would have. "Yeah, why not?" He asked rhetorically. "Let me just get someone to help me. Wait right here."

"Okay." Syaoran agreed, waiting till the teacher was out of sight to finally hit himself upside the head. What have you gotten yourself into? The question echoed through his head as he slumped forward.

Syaoran stood at the edge of the field, fully clothed in his new gym uniform, unsure of what to do. The young man that Coach Yasutake had gotten to assist him was being instructed by the older male as he set up the farthest goal. The tawny-haired boy wasn't sure what to make of his peer. One minute the blonde would turn his head in Syaoran's direction just to shoot glares at him, and in the next he would be grinning over to the new student - no threat visible. Maybe he's just had a bad day. Syaoran thought, trying to brush it off when he'd been called over by the coach.

"Li, I think we're ready for you." the older male spoke, giving the goal's netting a final tug. When the new student finally made it over to him and his long-time player he ruffled the blonde's hair and gestured for him to follow.

"Okay guys, show me what you've got." The lanky teacher spoke, grinning widely to the two boys. "First one that makes it to three goals gets the open team captain position."

Syaoran noticed the not-too-subtle look that the other teenager had shot him, though ignored it as they all jogged to the center of the field. Preparing for a kick-off. Syaoran's eyes widened with realization. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be doing this. After dad-The auburn-haired student shook his head, dispelling the thought. After all this time had passed, he knew it would be nice to race across the field once more. His muscles ached for that sort of excertion. The ball was put in its place and the two got on either half of the field, facing each other directly. In this light, his opponent seemed almost other-worldly; translucent in the daylight. His fair hair whipped about in the gentle breeze and his eyes shown too-brilliantly. They were the most vibrant thing about his appearance, everything else was painted in a gentle pastel. There's something about him ... somethingoff. Syaoran shifted uncomfortably, the hairs on the back of his neck pricking slightly with the thought, not sure of what to make of the eerie young man.

And then the whistle sounded. The dark-haired boy didn't move. Syaoran was immobile, he couldn't think to. His eyes had glazed over as a memory washed over his senses.

- Flashback to the previous year -

The wind whipped fiercely at his face, making his eyes water and surrounding him with the familiar scent of autumn. The fans seated in the bleachers all screamed and cheered as the two teams emerged from their side-lines. He and his fellow teammates exchanged nods of encouragement and looks of determination as their feet crunched against the turf. Syaoran could hear his pulse beat quickly in his ears. It was his team's final game of the season; the previous year's championships. They'd made it this far, and Syaoran planned to make all of their effort worth it.

He made sure his pads were all in place as he crossed the field, preparing for the first kick-off of the night. He could feel his heart beating in sync with every step he took, and a grin spread wide across his face as he searched the stands for his family. When he finally found his sisters happily bouncing next to their calm and collected parents, the grin stretched wider and he waved up to them. The girls screeched in response and Syaoran could see his father wave back and give him a thumbs up. Syaoran responded by doing the same. His father was beaming with pride and seemed just as eager for the game to begin as his son. At that moment the athletic teenager didn't know that his team would, infact, win the game. He couldn't tell that his father was secretly suffering from pains that would bring a weaker man to his knees and wasn't aware that it would be the last time that the man would ever watch him play.

The refferee blew his whistle and he kicked the ball with all his might in the direction of the other teams' goal. His teammates hollered out praisings as he and the other offence players chased after it, avoiding the defenders. They scored. The game continued like that, Syaoran's team dominating the field, though the opposing team did sneak in a few goals of their own. Finally one minute was left on the clock. Syaoran was shaking with anticipation. They'd done it. They were ahead by seven and he knew it would be impossible for the other team to catch up.

And then a ear splitting scream sounded from the stands. Syaoran's stomach dropped. More screeches followed seconds afterward, and the game came to a halt. His amber orbs searched for the source and widened when the terrible realization set in. The screams had come from his school's side. What was worse was that everyone seated there was frantic. He craned his neck to peer at a large group that had formed in one particular area, then immediately regretted it. He was running before he knew it, stumbling over himself as his legs became wobbly and unsteady. His sisters continued to wail until he made it to the bleachers, only to grab at him to keep him away. The one closest to his age pressed her palm to his eyes. But it was too late. He'd already seen.

He could hear his mother choking out sobs and switching back and forth between various languages that were spoken in their house as she pled with her husband not to leave her. Syaoran felt his knees buckle under his weight and then his world turned completely black. The last thing he heard was the high-pitched ringing of a whistle being blown.

- End of flashback -

Syaoran's opponent easily kicked the ball past him, then barked a laugh as he dribbled it down the turf without any interference. That brought him back to the present. What the hell am I doing? He blinked, remembering where he was. His eyes searched his surroundings and it finally registered in his brain what he was supposed to be doing. Cursing himself, the young man chased after the ball. Just when the fair-haired boy had been about to make a goal, the ball was stolen and sent bouncing in the opposite direction.

The two shared a look of determination before making a dash for the ball - Syaoran reaching it just seconds before the other boy. And that's when he felt it. Pain!He wasn't sure where it had come from, but suddenly his brain was sending messages of a throbbing ache to the lower half of his left leg. The blonde had kicked his ankle, and as Syaoran looked up to see the other's face he noticed that his opponent seemed smug about it. Oh so we're going to play that way, eh? Syaoran eyes narrowed and he bit back the pain, still keeping the ball in his possession as he made his way for the goal. He smiled grimly when he caught another view of the blonde-haired boy's expression just before he stuck his leg out again in an attempt to slow the taller boy down. Okay. Just know that this-Syaoran's eyes burned with determination as he picked up speed. This is war. And I'm not one for backing down.

Sakura was thoroughly confused with the new student's actions. He'd seemed fine and comfortable around her just seconds before he'd made his hurried escape, and she couldn't seem to understand why he'd been in such a rush to leave her behind. Do I smell or something?The auburn haired cheerleader pressed her nose to her uniform, then to her hair, noting that they both smelled just fine. Like lilacs and cherry blossoms. Her cheeks flared crimson when Eriol caught her in the act of sniffing herself. He just laughed in response.

"You'll have to forgive Syaoran. He and I haven't always been on the best of terms. I'm to blame for his rapid departure." The older young man gave a sad smile, his dark eyes pained by the thought. "You see, I used to be quite a trouble maker when I was a young boy, and he probably suspects that I'm the same as ever - plotting out his misery for the remainder of the school year."

"But you aren't like that. And you haven't been that way for as long as I've known you." Tomoyo interrupted, shaking her head in protest as she attempted to protect Eriol's honor.

"No, I haven't been that way for quiet some time. Syaoran and I haven't seen each other in years, though. Before I left China and traveled to Europe with my grandfather. But he doesn't know what to expect from me, so you can't blame him for being wary."

Sakura's brows knit together as she processed the information. "But how do you know each other?"

"We're distant relatives. Sort of like cousins. Like you and Tomoyo-san." The dark-haired young man explained, removing his glasses as he spoke to clean a lens and replacing them as he finished his sentence. The two girls shared a look, their expressions the same - brows raised, eyes wide, and mouths slightly gaping.

Tomoyo was the first to recover from her short spell. "What are you going to do?"

"My grandfather will probably want to get together with his family some time soon. I'll work on regaining his trust then and-" He broke off when he caught sight of the girls' friends.

"Sakura! Tomoyo! Come quick!" Chiharu gasped out, holding a stitch in her side as she panted. She'd just ran across the cafeteria and over to her friends, in a rush to get them to follow her. Tomoyo's lips thinned as she riffled through Chiharu's purse, searching for her inhaler that she was supposed to self-medicate herself with. While the blonde was an active cheerleader, she was known to suffer from pretty severe asthma attacks if she didn't keep them under control. The physical activity was meant to strengthen her lungs, and she enjoyed it very much, even after she'd realized it wasn't doing much for helping her with her breathing. When she'd finally released the medication with the push of her fingers then sucked in a breath, her friends visibly calmed. Her companion, Takashi Yamazaki, took over for her.

"Sora Nishimura is playing against the new student in a one-on-one game at the main soccer field." Yamazaki-kun explained hurriedly.

Tomoyo and Sakura shared a look, both standing up. Eriol followed their suit as Yamazaki continued yelping at them to hurry. "Come on, we have to go now if we want to see it!" He lifted Chiharu up as he finished and swung her round his back, commanding her to hold tight to him. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, fingers fisting his uniform's blazer as she attempted to slow her breaths. Together the group raced to the field, taking in a large group already forming at the side lines.

Students hollered and bounced as the two raced across the turf. Sakura pushed her way through the crowd in search of a better view. Tomoyo trailed close behind her cousin while holding tight onto Eriol's wrist, making sure to follow the auburn-haired girl as she wove through the large pack. Chiharu and Yamazaki-kun brought up the end of the chain of friends, following easily after them with the path that Tomoyo and Eriol created with their joined hands.

Sakura finally let out a gasp, having made it to the front of the crowd. Her emerald orbs widened at the sight of the two players fighting furiously for an upper hand. Li-kun kicked the ball near his own goal, though still smirked as if triumphant. Then he tore after it.

The new student was like a blur, rushing the field and easily dribbling the ball. Sora chased after him out of stubbornness, he was too far behind to catch up. The ball flew into the net of the goal seconds later, followed by the blaring of a whistle. Students cringed at the high-pitched sound but continued their cheering. Sora and the new student jogged over to the boys' gym teacher who was also the soccer coach, both grinning.

"I wonder when he changed." Tomoyo mused, noticing that Syaoran Li and Sora were clad in their gym uniforms. Perceptive little Tomoyo-chan. I didn't even notice. Sakura's thought faded as the raven-haired girl spoke again. "Li-kun's really good, isn't he?"

Her cousin nodded, auburn waves bobbing. Her eyes were still watching after the boys. Without a second thought she was walking in their direction, ignoring the stares she earned from her peers.

"Sakura? What are you doing?" Chiharu questioned at the same time Tomoyo went to grab hold of her.

"I'll be right back," She didn't bother finishing her thought. Her curiosity definitely was getting the best of her, she knew it all too well. But she wanted to hear their conversation. "Good thing I'm not a cat." she mumbled to herself, recalling the old saying as she approached the three of them.

"Practice is after school, right here, opposite the cheerleaders." Sakura heard Coach Yasutake say, while he smiled over to the dark-haired young man. "I'll get your uniform made up before the first game. It's in a couple of weeks, so we have plenty of time to get you up to speed." His friendly eyes landed on Sakura as she neared them. "And speaking of cheerleaders ..."

Sakura felt her cheeks grow hot, she was caught in her eavesdropping. At the coach's words, Sora's head whipped around and he was instantly jogging over to her. Oh this is just great.The blonde-haired boy was only interested in her as he wrapped a sweaty arm around her waist and drew her into a tight hug. "Hey Sakura, did you see us? Wish you could have watched the whole thing," Sora gasped out, still trying to catch his breath.

"Yeah, I saw. But the real question is 'who didn't see'." She responded with a polite grin, then eyed Sora's arm as it ivaded her personal space.

Sora dropped it immediately, giving it a look that said 'how'd that get there?'. "Sorry, I'm getting you all sweaty." She could feel Syaoran-san's amber gaze on her, though was too embarrased to meet it after being released.

The coach laughed and shook his head. "Kinomoto will show you the way." Coach Yasutake teased, winking at her like he always did. Sakura's blush grew and she merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak. The coach barked another laugh and ruffled the new student's hair affectionately. "Welcome to the team, Syaoran. You'll make a great captain."

Like I said, short. Well ... shorter than what I have been posting lately.
This one's named after Trapt's 'Still Frame'. I'm thinking, I need to start using more mellow music. Though I thought it fit the soccer scene, so oh well.
I know, it doesn't seem like much is revealed. But I do have a few hints in here that will eventually make sense, I promise ;D

So yeah. Till next time,
- jo