Author's Note: Sigh… let's try this again! So page breaks didn't work…. yet again. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. So! I finally got my hands on Microsoft Word. Hopefully this fixes the issues, and helps me edit.
Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura nor do I own Itazura na Kiss.
Chapter 3: Sakura's Test of Bravery
Dinner was pretty awkward. Sakura tried to put on a happy face as the family celebrated Syaoran and Sakura's good grades. She looked at Syaoran sadly as he sat in front of her. He never once looked up and returned her gaze.
"Thank you for helping my Sakura-chan," Fujitaka said to Syaoran.
Surprised, Syaoran bowed politely back. "He was happy to help! Right, Xiao Lang?" Yelan nudged her son. This only awarded Sakura with a cold glance. "They really are a perfect match… I think you two should marry!" Yelan announced making both Sakura and Syaoran choke on their beverages.
"Never going to happen," Feimei said simply taking a bite of her dumpling. Yelan gave her a scolding look.
"She's right," Syaoran agreed leaning back into his chair with arms crossed. "Totally not my type." Sakura glared daggers at him. "Why would I want to marry a puny, boyish, brat?"
There was that word again. Her blood boiled. "Well I don't want to marry a conceited, pig headed narcissist."
"Oh really?" Syaoran said smirking. "Li-kun, I like you, and I hope that you return my feelings too." Sakura's mouth dropped open. The parents gasped. "I'll continue to try my best no matter what because you inspire me," she stared at him in disbelief willing him not to add the last part "You're my angel."
"S-Sakura-chan, you like Xiao Lang? Is it true?"
Sakura shot up, chair scraping the ground. "How dare you!"
Syaoran shot up too. "Well how dare you for telling everyone that we live together!"
"I told you it was an accident!" The adults tried to intervene but it was too late.
"Whatever. You know you were dying to get a piggy back ride from your precious angel," he sneered leaning towards her across the table.
"Oh I don't see an angel anymore," she retorted leaning toward him as well. "All I see is a jerk!" and with that she dumped all her rice over his head.
"Hey!" he cried angrily, but was cut off as Fujitaka stood up.
"Sakura, apologize," he said in a stern voice.
"Why?!" she whined.
"We are guests in this house. Apologize now."
Huffing, Sakura stiffly bowed. "I'm sorry," and to Leiyun and Yelan she bowed even further. "'I'm sorry for causing a disturbance."
Yelan waved her off. "It was nothing. Come help with the dishes to make it up to me."
Sakura nodded and followed after Yelan. After most the dishes were washed Yelan ventured. "So how long have you liked Xiao Lang?"
Sakura sighed sadly. "Almost 3 years now."
Yelan nodded. "I could tell right away," Sakura blushed. "They way you look at him is adorable," nudging Sakura she added "But I think you're growing on him. This is the most alive I've ever seen him," sitting down her dish towel she took Sakura's hand's in hers. "I'm rooting for you okay? I love you like my own daughter already!"
Sakura smiled gratefully, giving Yelan a big hug. "Thank you!"
The weeks past and before Sakura knew it the annual fall trip for seniors was upon them. Packing her bags happily, Yelan sighed by the door. "Oh a whole weekend without my bright Sakura."
Sakura smiled trying to stuff Kero into her bag. Trying to play cool she asked. "Is Li-kun looking forward to the trip as well?"
In all the weeks that had passed nothing had really changed with their relationship. He was still cool and aloof, and seemed to take great pleasure picking on her.
Yelan sighed sadly. "Actually, I don't think he's going."
Sakura stopped packing. "What? Why?"
"He says he would rather stay home. So antisocial," Yelan pouted.
Sakura had gotten so used to being around Syaoran all the time it was going to be weird to go 3 days without seeing him. She had secretly hoped to spend a romantic night stargazing.
At school, the teachers were having a hard time controlling their students. Sakura's class laughed jovially and talked amongst one another.
"Ah! A whole 3 days of no school," Chiharu said excitedly.
"Camping with Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo said starry eyed.
"T-Tomoyo-chan," Sakura sweat-dropped.
"Excited to spend the weekend with Li-kun, Sakura-chan?" Chiharu winked.
Sakura sighed sadly, resting her head in her hands. "Actually, he's not going…"
"Why?!" both girls screeched.
She shrugged sadly. "He just doesn't want to. He got special permission to stay back from the principal."
"Well! Maybe this will be good," Tomoyo said resting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Good to spend some time away."
Sakura could only nod sadly.
Syaoran's classroom wasn't nearly as excited. Everyone lamented about having to spend 3 days away from studying. Compared to Sakura's' class, Syaoran's was mostly filled with the top ranking students.
"You're so lucky you don't have to go," said Sota a fellow classmate. "Must be nice to be the great Li-sama," he teased.
Syaoran just shrugged. Spending 3 days in the mountains did not sound appealing. Especially with the weather dropping he didn't like the cold.
"Say Li-kun," Sota began clearing his throat "That Sakura Kinomoto, you turned her down right?"
That caught his attention. "Yes, why?"
"Ah! So that means you're not interested right?" Sota asked sitting on Syaoran's desk.
"Of course not. She's not my type," he replied gruffly not looking at Sota directly.
"Well, then you wouldn't mind if I asked her out then right? I think she's super cute. Totally my type."
He tried to keep a blank face. "Sure. Do whatever you want," he said picking up his book.
"Great! I think I'll make my move at the camping trip," Sota mused.
Syaoran shifted uncomfortably. "Camping trip huh?"
"You never know what can happen at the mountains. Right?" Sota said nudging him.
Syaoran stared blankly ahead. Never know what can happen at the mountains…. Just then Sakura and her friends walked by laughing. Her hair was plaited into one braid today, and her emerald eyes danced in amusement. Seeming to feel his eyes on her she looked up, and shot him a bright smile waving.
He just smiled, and looked down.
Later that week, all the students lined up by the buses chatting away. It was not every day they got to see each other in different clothes. Sakura was dressed in jeans, hiking boots, and a plaid pink shirt with a puffy vest over it.
Tomoyo recorded way. "Kawaii! Sakura-chan you look great!"
Sakura blushed and fiddled with the end of her pony tail.
"Why do we have to ride with the snotty class?" Chiharu said making a face.
Suddenly squeals erupted around them. Looking up bewildered, Sakura's mouth dropped open. There strolling up to the bus was none other than Li Syaoran. He was dressed in distressed jeans, and denim button down.
"I thought you said he wasn't coming?" Chiharu questioned.
"I thought he wasn't…" Sakura mumbled watching him as he brushed past.
Once all the students started to enter the bus Sakura realized that she couldn't sit with Tomoyo and Chiharu. "That's okay! I'll sit across from you!"
"Are you sure Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked worriedly.
Sakura nodded happily taking a seat across the aisle from them. She had barely gone to sit down when a body brushed past her, and took the seat next to the window. Startled she looked up to be greeted by a guy she never seen before. "Kinomoto-san right? My name is Sota Yuki. Mind if I sit here?"
She tried not to look disappointed. She had hoped Syaoran would sit next to her. Not wanting to be impolite she shook her head. "Not at all. Yes I'm Sakura Kinomoto. Nice to meet you."
Suddenly, a throat cleared behind them. Turning Sakura's eyes widened taking in Syaoran lounging behind her in his seat. He was turning down a line of waiting girls who wanted to sit next to him.
"Oh! Li-kun! So you came!" Sota said surprised.
"It turned out that way," Syaoran replied bored flipping through his Ipod.
Tomoyo, seeing the situation just laughed to herself.
"Let's play a game!" Chiharu called sometime later. All the students hurriedly agreed. They had been driving for almost 30 minutes already.
"What should we play?" someone asked.
"Truth or Dare?" offered someone.
"On a bus?! No way!"
"Oh! I know!" Tomoyo said clapping; eyes gleaming mischievously "How about Hot Seat?"
"What's that?" Everyone questioned confused.
"Everyone will take turns being in the "Hot Seat". When it's your turn in the hot seat 5 people get to ask you 5 different questions. You have to answer truthfully. If you get caught telling a lie you has to...hmm…. what should we do?"
"Kiss the person who asked you the question!" Chiharu exclaimed excitedly. Eyes flitting over to her crush Yamazaki Takashi.
"But what if a fellow girl or boy asks the question?" a girl asked.
"Then… you get to pick who they kiss!" Chiharu offered and everyone agreed.
"Alright! Let's start. Also, you do have one veto if you don't want to answer a certain question," Tomoyo explained.
So the game commenced. There was lots of blushing and lots of laughing. Multiple girls tried to get Syaoran to play, but he just ignored everyone, and listened to his IPod.
Finally Tomoyo said, "Sakura-chan! Your turn!"
"Hoeeee," Sakura said worriedly palms sweating. She hated being the center of attention.
"Is it true Li-kun graded your love confession?" a girl asked.
Sakura sweat-dropped and glanced at Syaoran but he ignored her, "Yes…."
"If you had to date any celebrity who would you date?"
"Umm… I guess Lee Min Ho," she answered after a while. All the girls sighed in agreement.
"What's it like living with Li-kun?"
He glanced at her over his Ipod. She swallowed nervously, "It's okay…" that caused some muttering around the bus.
"You've seen his laundry. Boxers or briefs?" one bold girl asked.
The earned her a pointed stare from him, "Um Veto! Veto!" she said waving them off much to all the girls disappointment.
"Okay one more!" Tomoyo said.
"I have one!" Sota said turning to face Sakura. "Do you still like Li-kun?" he asked seriously.
Her mouth went dry. What to do? She told Syaoran she was over him, but she couldn't lie or she would have to kiss Yuki-kun. Glancing nervously at Syaoran her blood boiled when she saw he was just smirking at her confidently.
"No! I don't," she answered finally. That wiped the smirk off from his face. Heheheheheh. She laughed internally to herself.
"You don't?!" Sota cried happily.
"Nope," Sakura tried to say with confidence.
"Liar," came Syaoran's voice. It was the first time he had talked the whole bus ride.
"You lied? Well I guess that means we have to kiss," Sota said hopefully. Sakura's cheeks flushed.
"How do you know she's lying?" Chiharu defended.
With that Syaoran reached around the seat, and pulled Sakura onto his seat. She blushed crimson as he put his arm around her. All the girls squealed in protest. "See? She still likes me."
"So she was lying. Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Everyone chanted.
Sota smiled and leaned over the seat; boldly going in for his kiss.
"Um…um….," Sakura blushed. No! She didn't want her first kiss to be with Sota Yuki!
Suddenly, a hand came up, and stopped Sota's advance. Sota blinked in surprise looking at Syaoran who had stopped him.
"Let's top with the childish game now hm?" he said pushing Sota's head back.
Everyone grumbled but no one dared to disagree. Sota slumped sadly into his now empty seat.
"T-Thank you," Sakura stammered. "I can go sit with my friends…."
"Well you're already here. Might as well stay," he said removing his arm, much to Sakura's disappointment, as put his earbuds back in.
They didn't talk the rest of the way, but Sakura was on cloud 9. Hanyaan! Sitting next to Syaoran-kun!
"Sugoi!" Sakura exclaimed rushing off the bus. She twirled in happiness taking in all the beautiful views. The trees were changing color painting the landscape in a brilliant gold and crimson red. A lake sat down the valley that was crystal clear, and the mountains in the distance rose up gracefully.
All of the tents were divided equally, and Sakura was sharing with Tomoyo and Chiharu. Everyone was in charge of building their own tent.
Syaoran, on the other hand, was stuck with Sota and a talkative guy named Takashi Yamazaki.
"Did you know that tents were invented not as sleeping quarters but as-" Takashi started to say.
"No one cares!" Sota said curtly, and then rounded on Syaoran, "Li-kun, obviously you know Kinomoto-san well. Can't you help a friend out? What does she like?"
Syaoran's eye twitched in annoyance as he finished up the last peg on the tent. His eyes scanned over to where Sakura was laughing with her friends. With a wicked gleam in his eyes he answered, "Well, first things first are she loves ghost stories, and also being in the dark. She can't sleep unless it's pitch black."
"Okay!" Sota said taking notes.
"Her favorite food is also konnyaku," he smirked as Sota made more notes.
After living with Sakura for a couple of months now he had begrudgingly started to learn quite a few things about her.
Such as she was the biggest scaredy cat he ever met. She could not stand ghost stories or really anything scary for that matter. Feimei learned this with relish, and for a solid week told nothing but ghost stories at the dinner table.
She also was scared of the dark, and always kept a small light on in the room while she slept.
One of the first dinners the family had together they learned Sakura didn't care for konnyaku, and much preferred rice omelets or noodle dishes.
He didn't know why he lied to Sota. He decided it was because it would be amusing to see him annoy Sakura. After all, one of his favorite pastimes was annoying her.
He glanced up at her again only to see her smiling in satisfaction as her tent was finished, but then crumple apart. He hid a smile as he walked over to help.
That first afternoon was mostly spent hiking and fishing. Later that night everyone was crowded around the campfire and eating s'mores.
"Too bad we don't have konnyaku," Sota announced to the group. Syaoran hid his smirk. "It's my favorite. Isn't it yummy, Kinomoto-san?"
Sakura tried not to make a face, and smiled politely.
"Oh! How about we tell ghost stories!" Sota announced smiling at Sakura. Everyone agreed talking excitedly.
"Hoeeeeee," Sakura moaned cringing. Tomoyo patted her head reassuringly.
"I'll start!" Sota said getting serious. "Once long ago on this very mountain there was another group of students just like us," Sakura cringed and gripped Tomoyo's hand. "They had to do a test. Two by tow they had to walk into a cave, and pass the bravery test….. But no one survived."
"Hoeeeeee!" Sakura squealed. Syaoran had to cough to cover his laugh.
"They say to this very day that when you go into the caves you can still see their flashlights; desperately searching their way out."
Sota smiled over at Sakura, but she was too busy whimpering into Tomoyo's shoulder.
"There, there, Sakura-chan. We don't have to do that cave test," Tomoyo reassured.
"Oh but we do!" Sota piped up proud of himself. "That's what we are doing tomorrow. Didn't you hear?"
Tomoyo was too polite to shoot him a cross look. So instead she stood, and led Sakura by the hand, "Let's go to bed, ne?"
Chiharu, however, gave Sota a scathing look.
Everyone quickly agreed it was time for bed, and all started to head back to their tents.
"How did I do?" Sota asked Syaoran. "I think I really scared her."
He just smirked, and patted Sota on the shoulder, "Oh I think you really scared her. But remember, it has to be pitch black for her to sleep."
Sota nodded slowly. "Yes… Dark.. Got it! Thank you Li-kun!"
Syaoran smiled. "Anytime."
Later that night Sakura gulped wide awake. That Sota Yuki guy had insisted on turning off all the lanterns, and now it was pitch black. Her heart was still racing from the ghost story. She growled to herself. That Syaoran, laughing at her discomfort. He was so mean!
Sighing in frustration, she tossed in her sleeping bag. And who was he to announce to everyone she still liked him? Yes it was true, but it was so humiliating! But… Not as humiliating as to have to kiss that Sota Yuki guy.
She really didn't understand that guy. All day he had followed her around like a lost little puppy. Stalker. Chiharu had whispered about him. Hopefully he would leave her alone tomorrow. Yikes! Tomorrow! The bravery test! She slid down further in her sleeping bag. Wonder if she disappeared? Wonder if she saw a flashing light? Ohhhhh.. .why did it have to be so dark?!
Suddenly, from outside, a lantern turned on. She quickly sat up, and unzipped the tent. There Syaoran was lighting the lanterns.
"Thank you Li-kun," Sakura said smiling.
"Who said it was for you? I couldn't find my way to the bathroom," he said dropping the match into the bucket of water.
She made a face at him before re-zipping her tent.
"Alright! Let's break into pairs!" a teacher announced looking over the clipboard.
The whole grade was divided, and thankfully Sakura was with Tomoyo. Chiharu had got paired with her crush Yamazaki-kun.
Each pair left in intervals and were told to collect a candle at the back of the cave to prove your bravery. Sakura and Tomoyo were one of the last to leave.
"Okay!" Tomoyo said consulting their map "We just need to stay on this trail, and we'll hit the cave."
The girls talked and laughed the whole way to the cave. "So do you still like him?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura didn't have to wonder who she was talking about. Eyes downcast she answered, "Yes," she sighed in frustration "I don't know why though! He's such a jerk!" she said kicking a rock.
"I think he's jealous of Sota," Tomoyo said, perceptive as ever.
"What?! No way! The great Li-sama jealous?!" Sakura shook her head furiously "Besides," she added sadly "He said he doesn't like stupid girls."
"Well didn't you prove you can be smart? You tested into the top 5%! On your first try!"
"With his help," Sakura muttered "Oh look there's the cave!" Sakura said pointing; stopping dead in her tracks. She quaked in fear.
"It's alright. Stay close to me," Tomoyo said taking her arm. Once entering the cave it was pitch black. Tomoyo switched on their flashlights they were given. "I don't see any other students in here."
"Maybe they are gone forever," Sakura said through chattering teeth. They had just about made it through when suddenly another flashlight was seen in the distance.
"Hoeeeeeee. It's the dead campers out to get us!" Sakura yelled backing away dropping her flashlight.
"Sakura-chan! Be careful!" Tomoyo warned.
But in her fear Sakura backed into her dropped flashlight making her fall and roll her ankle. Sakura cried out in pain clutching her ankle.
"Are you okay?!" Tomoyo asked worriedly crouching down by her.
"No. I think I sprained my ankle," She answered through gritted teeth.
"I'll go for help!" Tomoyo said standing.
"Wait! No! Don't leave me alone," Sakura said clutching onto Tomoyo's hand.
"But I can't carry you… Oh what to do," Tomoyo fretted.
Suddenly, a flashlight beam fell over them making Sakura scream. A familiar voice sighed and said, " I should have known you would fall for that childish ghost story."
Sakura peeked through her closed eyelids, and there stood Li Syaoran.
"I thought your pair went way before us-" Tomoyo began before being cut off.
"Did you fall? You're such a klutz," he said crouching down. He reached out to inspect her ankle.
"Don't! It's fine! I can walk," Sakura protested.
"Stop being stupid and let me see," he said gently removing her hiking shoe. He peeled down her sock, and gently pressed on her ankle. Sakura hissed in pain. "Well it's too early to tell if it's broken, but you shouldn't walk on it." he concluded. Then sighing in annoyance he turned around so that his back was to her. "Come on then. Climb on."
Sakura blinked in surprise, "C-Climb on? On your back?!" her cheeks flamed.
"No on my head. Yes on my back! Come on it hurts to crouch like this!"
"You better do as he says," Tomoyo said gently "I can't carry you."
Sakura nodded and let Tomoyo help her onto his broad back. Once she was settled Syaoran turned to Tomoyo and said, "Will you please go ahead Daidouji-san and let them know Kinomoto is hurt?"
Tomoyo was shocked he knew her name. Getting over it she quickly answered, "Yes!" before scampering off.
Sakura was in a very awkward position. On one hand she loved getting a piggyback from him, but on another she wasn't sure where to hold on.
He answered for her by shifting her up higher making her squeal, and wrap her arms around his neck.
"There, now hold on tight," he said walking forward.
They walked in silence for awhile before Sakura said, "Thank you. I'm always causing trouble for you."
Syaoran just shook his head. "You ended up getting your piggy back anyway," he said referring to their bet a few weeks back.
Sakura just giggled and laid her head on his back. She never realized before but he smelt of cinnamon, sandalwood, and now a with a hint of outdoors. Hanyaan. She thought to herself. Her foot pain going away.
Once down the mountain an SUV was waiting to take Sakura to a hospital to get an X-ray. The nearest one being back home.
Sakura was beyond embarrassed as she was getting settled into the SUV. "Really! I'm fine!"
"Get better Kinomoto-san! I'll bring you some konnyaku!" Sota yelled to her.
Sakura sweat-dropped, and waved him off.
"Okay all settled? I'll drive you back," a teacher said buckling her in. They were lucky that the campsite forest rangers had an extra SUV they could borrow.
"I'm coming too," Syaoran announced walking up to the SUV; backpack thrown over his shoulder.
"Li-san? But why?" the teacher asked confused.
"Well, we do live together. So I'll update her father on the situation." The crowd gasped. It was common knowledge that they lived together, but this was the first time he had confirmed it. Buckling in next to her he settled in for the long drive.
Sakura stared at him in shock.
"What? Stop gaping and get some sleep," he said putting on his earphones.
She nodded slowly and laid her head back eyes closing; remembering the gentle sway of his walk.
"Why are you scared of ghost anyway?" he had asked her during their walk down the mountain.
"My mom died when I was very young," she answered. "There was a mean boy in my old neighborhood who said he could see ghosts. He would tell me they were in the woods, and that they followed me home. I asked him if he could see my mother, but he said no. Anyway he tormented me for years."
Syaoran nodded slowly, scowling.
"Anyway, I know why he couldn't see her. It's because she an angel. As long I know she is watching over me I know everything will be alright."
"What's it with you and angels?" he said referring to her love letter.
"Well I have to believe in something. And I believe all good people are angels at heart," she answered simply.
Shifting her again, he asked, "Then why did you call me an angel?"
"Well that was before I knew the real you, but I still believe you're good at heart. Somewhere… deep... deep...deep…deep...deep down," she continued.
He shifted her again making her laugh.
She had fallen asleep in the car with a small smile playing on her lips. Syaoran stared at her for a moment. Suddenly the car hit a bump making her head fall onto his shoulder. He tensed for a moment, but then relaxed. He didn't bother to move her head.
It turned out that Sakura's ankle was just sprained, and she needed to use crutches for only 1 week. Before she knew it the weeks flew by and the holidays came.
Sakura had looked forward to spending time with Syaoran on Christmas, but the Li family had ended up traveling back to China to see family.
The last day of winter vacation was upon her. The Li's had just got back the night before. Currently she was watching a marathon of an anime about a young girl who traveled around catching cards. Syaoran looked on in disgust as she sat on the couch and munched on a bag of chips.
Yelan watched them sadly. Their relationship hadn't progressed at all. She had hoped after the mountain incident that things would change. The SUV had pulled up to the hospital, and he had carried her in. She sighed in frustration why did they keep denying each other? Suddenly, an idea struck her. Maybe they needed a nudge. Picking up her cell phone she said, "Hello? Yes, this is Yelan Li," she nodded listening, and then gasped "What?! Oh no! Yes… uh huh," Feimei looked up from her video game. Sakura turned from the TV in concern. "Yes! I'll be there shortly." Hanging up her phone she said "Oh! What do?! My mother is in the hospital and I must go to her!"
"Laolao? In China?" Syaoran asked skeptically using the Chinese name for grandma.
Yelan just brushed him off, and hurried about getting packed and ready.
Sakura came up and took her hands, "How can I help?"
"Oh you're so sweet Sakura-chan! Just take care of the house for me okay? Come along Feimei gather your things."
"Hai!" Sakura said happily.
"Why do I have to go? We just got back!" Feimei whined getting dragged by her mother.
"I'll take care of everything! Hope everything is okay!" Sakura called as they ran out of the door. She watched from the door waving goodbye. It wasn't until they were officially gone that it finally hit Sakura. Turning slowly she stared at Syaoran. They were alone. Leiyun had to stay a little longer in China, and her father was traveling on business.
Syaoran sighed and crossed his arms. "Caught on have you?"
Sakura made a face, but then quickly brightened. "Ne, Li-kun, what do you want to do for dinner?"
"Lets' just order out," Syaoran said bored heading upstairs.
Sakura pouted watching him go. It was like the piggy back never happened. He was still cold and aloof as always. Thinking of the piggyback incident, as she liked to call it, she still hadn't properly thanked him for carrying her down the mountain.
Suddenly, an idea struck her, she would cook him dinner! Yes! It was perfect Not only could she say thank you to him, but she could show him how wifey material she was.
"Alright! Just you wait Syaoran. I'll make you the best dinner ever!"
3 Hours Later…..
"HOEEEEEEEE!" Sakura screeched smoke detectors blazing.
Syaoran rushed down the stairs in alarm, and quickly took in the scene before him. Sakura rushed around in disarray. One braid was still intact, and the other was hung loose. She had flour all over face, and currently she was fanning all the smoke with her teddy bear apron. He quickly rushed forward, and opened all the windows. Then he took to the stove, and removed a large black mass. He sat it down on the counter in disgust. "What is this?" he demanded.
Sakura sighed sadly staring the large black mass. "Brownies…." he raised his eyebrows in disbelief. She pointed sadly to a pot he hadn't noticed before. Opening it he took in a soupy looking concoction. He looked at her again questionably. "Spaghetti…" she said answering his unasked question.
He sighed. "Why couldn't you wait and order out?!"
"I wanted to say thank you for carrying me when I hurt my ankle and causing you trouble," she muttered.
His expression softened a little; rolling up sleeves he said, "You throw away all this, and I'll get started on dinner okay?"
After that Sakura watched in admiration while Syaoran prepared a picture perfect meal. He made the spaghetti perfectly, and even made his own sauce. He even had time to re-create Sakura's brownies perfectly.
She was amazed when he sat down the dish in front of her. It looked like it could easily go in a magazine.
"It's almost too pretty to eat," she whispered.
"Then don't," he said taking a bit of spaghetti.
""Itadakimasu!" she said quickly taking a bite of food. Instantly her eyes widened "Oh! This is the best spaghetti I've ever head!"
"Don't talk with your mouth open," he said smirking into his plate.
She made a face at him but took another bite. "So…. you can cook as well? Is there anything you can't do?"
"No," he said simply picking up his plate, and setting it in the sink, and heading upstairs.
"Wait! Don't you want brownies?!" Sakura called.
"I don't do dessert," he said over his shoulder.
"But it's chocolate… you love chocolate.."
He stopped in his tracks. "What makes you say that?" he asked averting his eyes.
"Just things I've noticed. Also like how you don't like yam jelly," she answered simply. "Do you want to eat them together while we finished winter break homework?" she she asked hopefully.
Turning he said, "I finished that the first day home. You mean you haven't started it yet?"
"What? Oh of course I have!" Sakura said blushing and laughing nervously. When he gave her a look she clarified "I just have math left…" he gave her one last look before heading upstairs.
"Don't eat them all," he said talking about brownies. See stuck her tongue out at him.
It was 11 AM and she was still doing homework. "Hoeeeeee. I'm never going to finish this!" she whined flopping backwards. She picked up her favorite stuffed bear Kero, and looked at him imploringly. "What should I do Kero-chan?!" Sighing she glanced at her pink clock. Yelan had called to say they had arrived safely, and they would be staying the night once more. Sitting back up, she stared at her math book again.
She had powered through her other subjects... kind of… but math would take her all night. She decided to get up, and stretch her limbs. Her eyes roamed her room until they fell on her dresser. She opened it and looked upon Syaoran's freshman name pin. The one he had dropped when she first met him. She was hoping tonight would be romantic night, but of course it ended with them in separate rooms, and not seeing each other for most of the night.
She made a face in his general direction. Mr. Genius was probably sound asleep by now. Suddenly, a devious thought occurred to her. Smirking she tip toed to her door and listened. He had helped her before so maybe he wouldn't care if she just…borrowed..his math book.
Sneaking out into the hall in her teddy bear slippers she listened at his door. It looked like the light was off, and no movement from within.
Heart racing she cracked the door open, and peeked inside. There he was asleep in his bed. She tip toed closer, and peered down at him. He looked so innocent asleep. Not like his usual grouchy self.
She crept over to his desk, and quickly found his math book. Clutching the book, and his name tag still in her hand, she silently crept past his bed to the door.
Suddenly, his hand shot out, and grabbed her wrist. She barely had time to squeal before he yanked her down onto the bed. He pinned her down onto the mattress, and peered down at her through his messy bangs.
Her heart sped into overdrive as he leaned down closer to her. "Did you sneak in here to make love?" he whispered huskily.
Sakura's mouth dropped open in shock. "W-What?! No! I w-was getting your um… m-math book."
He laughed sarcastically, "Petty excuse. C'mon Kinomoto. We're the only ones in the house. You sneak into a 19 year old guy's room at night. Don't deny that this isn't what you want. I can feel your heart racing."
Her mouth went dry, and her mind went blank. Keeping her arms pinned he leaned down slowly to kiss her. Her eyes widened. "L-Look I l really like you, and all but isn't this going too fast? Shouldn't we date first?" she felt like her heat was going to explode. He was only an inch away when he started laughing. Again, her mouth fell open in shock.
He rolled off her, and started laughing harder. "I can't believe you fell for that!" he guffawed. Her face heated up angrily. "Shouldn't we date first?" he mimicked in her voice.
She clenched her fist in anger, and realized she still had his name pin in her hand. Grinning devilishly she jabbed him in the behind as he was rolling over laughing.
"Ow!" he yelped sitting up. Looking at her in the shock he demanded "What was that?!"
Hiding the name tag she looked at him innocently. Yawning exaggeratedly, she jumped off the bed. "Well! Time to go to bed!" she said making her way towards the door.
"Forgetting this?" he asked holding up his math book. She blushed furiously and looked away. "Just ask for my help Kinomoto."
Both were yawning the next morning as they got ready to leave for school. She hadn't even bothered to braid her hair that morning.
"Thank you for helping me last night," she said smiling up at him. "Can I thank you by making breakfast?"
"And give me a stomach ache before school? No thank you," seeing her dejected face he quickly added "But you can make me coffee."
Emerald eyes shining she smiled gratefully at him, and set about making coffee. Syaoran watched her with a small smile. So… she still did like him after all.
Author's Note: So what did you think? No Sota is not "Kin-chan". But I took some of Kin-chan's characteristics and put them into Sota. Also, I'm a huge Lee Min Ho fan so I had to sneak him in here. If you don't know who he is google him.
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