Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss or Card Captor Sakura

Chapter 11: Sakura, and the Snowy Ski Trip

Sakura hummed and skipped happily as she made her way down the street. Christmas decorations lined the streets of Tokyo, and bright, twinkling lights shone merrily through store windows. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and this year was going to be the best yet. Yelan had surprised everyone with a ski trip for the holiday. They would be leaving the following day. For now, she was meeting with Tomoyo and Chiharu to exchange gifts.

"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo squealed waving happily.

Sakura waved back, and ran towards their table. "Merry Christmas!" she said greeting her friends warmly.

"Merry Christmas!" Chiharu said back.

Tomoyo had stars in her eyes as she pulled out her new video camera, an early Christmas gift from her mother. "Sakura-chan! You look so cute!" she squealed taping away.

"Hoeee," Sakura sweat dropped. She was dressed in a white and pink sweater with white jeans. She also had on a fuzzy pink hat with matching mittens. "So what are your plans for Christmas Chiharu-chan?" Sakura questioned.

Chiharu blushed and looked away. "Well…"

Christmas in Japan was a big deal for couples. Her and Takashi had been officially dating for awhile now, but the guy was clueless as usual. She had been trying to drop subtle hints all week about a possible date.

"I'm sure he'll come around," Sakura said patting her friend's knee.

"Are you excited to spend the holiday with Li-kun?" Chiharu said winking.

Sakura blushed. It had been a couple of months since they had spent their first night together in the same bed. She vaguely remembered waking up in the middle of the night, and found that she was cuddled into his arms. Heart hammering she tried to pull away before he would notice and get mad, but instead he only pulled her closer. She hadn't ended up sleeping much after that because she was too aware of him.

It was partly the reason she had ducked out so early the next morning, but also of course because she needed to go check on Feimei. Funny, she had the strangest dream that Syaoran had kissed her again.

Sakura nodded. "I've never been skiing before," she said changing the subject. Turning to Tomoyo she asked, "Ne, Tomoyo-chan, don't you usually go skiing over Christmas break too?"

Tomoyo nodded. "I usually go with mother, but this year she has a conference in America so we can't go."

"You're going to be alone?!" Sakura gasped. But she calmed at seeing a faint blush spread over Tomoyo's cheeks. Tomoyo never blushed. "Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura questioned.

"Well… I won't be alone for Christmas," she said blushing. Seeing her friend's baffled expression she squeaked out, "I met someone."

"WHAT?!" both girls screamed causing all the heads in the café to turn towards them.

"Who?!" Chiharu demanded.

"When?!" Sakura squealed.

It had been a week ago. Tomoyo, whom was usually never late for anything in her whole life, was rushing towards school. In her hands she clutched her big winter assignment. She had spent the whole night previously sketching into the wee hours of the morning. She was so preoccupied that she didn't watch where she was going, and ran head long into someone.

Her portfolios got flung into the air and all her drawings scattered about on the ground. She probably would have hit the ground as well if it wasn't for a hand stopping her fall. "I'm so sorry-"she started to say, but stopped looking up at the person who stopped her fall.

There stood a boy about her age smiling down serenely at her. He was very striking with startling blue/black hair, and he had blue eyes behind his glasses. "No I'm sorry," he apologized politely. "I should have watched where I was going."

Tomoyo blushed, and bent down to retrieve her drawings. She was about to reach for her last one when a hand beat her to it. She looked up surprised to see the boy smiling at her drawing. It was sketch she did for Sakura of her wearing a huge white tool dress with red ribbons.

The boy seemed to study her drawing for a moment before he handed it to her. "Why don't you do more drawings like this one?"

"The design teacher thinks they are too gaudy," Tomoyo said in a hushed voice accepting back her drawing.

"It's a pity they stifle your talent," he said. Pointing to her sketchpad she always kept her in her purse he said, "I feel like you should draw more of things you love. Don't let them tell you how to be creative."

Finally his face dawned upon her. "I know you. You play the piano," She had seen him at choir rehearsals.

"Yes and you sing like an angel," he said causing her to blush again. Extending out his hand he said, "Eriol Hiiragizawa."

"Tomoyo Daidouji," she said shaking his hand.

Chiharu and Sakura sighed romantically. So Tomoyo had finally found someone. Suddenly a person slid next to Chiharu. "Did you know that back in the old days if a boy wanted to ask a girl on a date he had to do a trial by fire," the girls blinked at Takashi. "He would need to prove himself worthy of her by performing all sorts of rituals."

"Really?" Sakura breathed picturing Syaoran facing down a large golden lion that started to resemble Kero.

"Yes," came a new voice. The girls looked up and were surprised to see the boy Tomoyo had been talking about. He slid his chair up next to her and said, "In fact the trial was to wear wooden shoes and stand on hot coals. If his shoes didn't catch fire he would prove himself of a true and worthy heart for the girl."

Sakura blinked. Even Chiharu looked stumped. Tomoyo laughed to herself. "Really?" another voice breathed. Everyone looked up to see Syaoran nodding his head. "Then what would they do?"

"If they proved themselves worthy by their shoes staying intact they would need to then prove their strength by carrying the girl on their back," Takashi said eyes glinting.

"This is where the expression getting cold feet comes from," Eriol said glasses glinting. "If the guy got cold feet before the wedding, and didn't want to do the trial by fire there was no wedding."

Both Sakura and Syaoran blinked. Tomoyo laughed to herself. For Syaoran being such a genius he could be just like Sakura sometimes and be very gullible.

Turning to Chiharu Takashi said, "Chiharu, I don't have wooden shoes, and there is no fire, but may I ask you on a date for Christmas Eve?"

Chiharu squealed and threw her arms around his neck. "YES!"

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"HOEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Sakura squealed racing down the mountain. It was only their second day on the ski trip. She had really started to think that she got the hang of skiing and then this happened.

Meilin laughed at seeing her fall in a heap. She had been invited along as well by Leiyun much to Yelan's disagreement.

However, Syaoran wasn't doing much better. He too slid down the mountain, and landed in a rough heap. Meilin sweat dropped. "SYAORAN!" she cried running up to him using his Japanese name. "Are you okay?!" she said trying to heave him up.

He tried to swat her hand away, and get up on his own only to fall down again. Sakura laughed skating up to them. "Finally something you're not good at," she teased. Suddenly, a figure skating down the mountain quickly caught her attention. His blonde hair whipped back, and his skis cut through the snow like glass. "Sugoi!" she cried watching Julian come to a clean stop in front of them. He smiled taking off his goggles. "You're so good at skiing Julian!" Sakura said happily smiling up at Julian in wonder. Syaoran silently seethed on the ground almost breaking his ski pole into two.

Julian smiled down at Syaoran, and offered him a hand. "Need a hand?"

Syaoran tried not to growl as he accepted it. Julian had got to tag along as well. Fujitaka had explained that Julian wouldn't be going back home for the holiday, and had no one to spend it with. So Leiyun had invited him to come along as well… much to Yelan's disagreement.

Julian smiled down at Sakura. "You look adorable Sakura." Sakura blushed prettily, and this time Syaoran's pole did snap. Everyone looked at him in alarm.

"Oh… guess I better get a new one," he mumbled before stalking off. Meilin watched him go with sad ruby eyes.

"Want to do one more run with me?" Julian asked Sakura. She nodded and followed him to the ski lift. Meilin watched her go with a clenched fist.

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Later that night, Syaoran found himself sitting by the fire in the lodge. He stared pensively into the flames. He couldn't believe that 3 months had passed by since Sakura had come to stay with him. She had gone to visit Feimei in the hospital almost every day, and had even introduced him to Tenshi one of her favorite patients where she volunteered.

On the day Feimei got released Sakura had him go see Tenshi one last time, but the poor little boy had got sick again. He remembered how they sat outside the little boy's room, and Sakura turned to him and said, "I meant it when I said you would make a great doctor."

He had turned to her puzzled. "You can heal little boys like Tenshi," Sakura said smiling. "The world needs geniuses like you Syaoran-kun. To help people like him."

Ever since then he had secretly been stopping by the library after class and was reading up on medicine. He had to admit the subject really did fascinate him. It was like every case was a puzzle that needed to be solved. He also liked how you needed to think on your feet quickly.

All this time he had been so unsure of what he wanted to do with his life, but now he finally thought he knew where he was going.

His father had tried to make him go to a company holiday party before they all left. He wanted everyone to meet his successor. His father seemed so confident saying that Syaoran would take over, and he used to think that's where he would end up too. It seemed like his path was laid for him on a straight and narrow road. All he had to do was follow the path, but then Sakura came along and threw him off. Suddenly there were detours left and right, and now life was exciting.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out Sakura's Starkey necklace. He still hadn't returned it to her since the time she had moved out. It had sort of become a good luck charm for him of sorts over the past couple of months. However, he felt it was time to return it to her.

Staring into the flames once more her voice echoed in his head. "Syaoran-kun!"

He sighed to himself and said, "Sakura."

"What?" came a voice behind him. He looked around surprised to see Sakura leaning over the couch with her head tilted. He tried to keep a clam exposure on the outside, but on the inside his heart sped into the overdrive. What was she doing out here?! "Why are you out here by yourself?" she asked plopping down next to him.

"I couldn't sleep," he answered truthfully.

She nodded. "I couldn't either."

The two sat in silence for a moment, and stared at the jumping flames. It was the first time they had been alone since September. "Thank you," she said suddenly making him look at her questionably. "Thank you for letting me stay with you that night. I know it was probably a hardship on you."

He swallowed. "It wasn't a big deal," he said gruffly.

"Also, thank you for opening up to me," she said smiling sweetly at him. "It really means a lot to me." The fire illuminated her honey hair, and her emerald eyes sparkled in the dark. He was mesmerized for a moment.

"Um…Sakura-"he started to say, but was cut off by her jumping off the couch and squealing.

"Look Syaoran-kun!" she said excitedly running up to the window and pointing. "Snow!" she said racing outside.

He followed her outside and shook his head as she twirled around like a little girl laughing. With flushed cheeks she smiled up at him. She blinked at him in surprise when he handed her a small object. She was surprised to see her Starkey necklace. She had honestly thought he had thrown it away.

"It's yours anyway," he said quickly shoving his hands back in his pockets. "I meant to return it to you months ago."

"Thank you. And I have a present for you as well," she said smiling up at him. From within her sweater she produced a scarf. He took it puzzled. "I'm sorry if it's not very good. I'm not good at knitting… your mom had to help me…"

It was the first time someone had ever made him something. He looked at the girl before him smiling up at him happily with flushed cheeks and dazzling emerald eyes. He remembered Julian's advice about telling people how you feel rather than having them read between the lines. What did he feel for this girl? He was still confused about it most days, but seeing her standing in front of him right now with snow falling gently around her he couldn't help but to think how beautiful she looked.

"Baka," he found himself saying. "Let's go inside before you catch a cold."

Sakura blinked at him confused. He looked like he was about to say something for a moment, and then stopped.

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Meilin sat in the lodge the next day, and stared out the window. She watched as Syaoran and Sakura laughed with one another.

Julian sighed sitting next to her. He too stared out at Sakura. Regarding him with ruby eyes Meilin said, "Why don't you tell Sakura how you feel?"

Julian blinked at her, but then sighed. "As long as she's happy I'm happy," he said watching as Sakura threw a snow ball at Syaoran's head.

"I don't know how you can be so calm about it," Meilin grumbled.

"Some days it's hard," he said deciding to be truthful. "There are days where I wonder if I would be better for her."

"Of course you would. You're perfect for her. Unlike Xiao Lang. They are complete opposites," Meilin said waving her hand in Syaoran's general direction. "She's so happy and carefree and he's so…."

"Robotic?" Julian offered.

"Yes!" Meilin laughed but then stopped. Biting her lip she said, "He's the only guy I've ever loved. He promised me we would get married if he didn't find someone he loved more," looking out at Sakura she said, "I feel like I lost."

"But do you really love him Meilin?" Julian asked standing. "Or are you just comfortable?"

"What?!" she gasped. "Of course I love him."

Julian just shrugged and took his leave. Meilin seethed silently. How dare he say that she did not love Syaoran? Of course she loved him. Did she not become good at karate for him? Did she not become a grade A tennis player for him? She studied into the wee hours of the morning just to be as smart as him. She was who she was today because she loved Syaoran. And what did Sakura do? Sakura just got to live with him for a measly year, and what that was that? No… she would not lose to a puny, happy go lucky, stupid girl.

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The girls were changing for dinner when Meilin took notice of a new necklace hanging around Sakura's neck. "That's a pretty necklace," she complimented.

Sakura smiled joyfully. "Thank you! Syaoran-kun got it for me."

Meilin's blood went cold. "Oh?"

On the last day of the slopes Meilin hatched a plan. She saw her opportunity as Sakura slid down the mountain and fell in heap. "Here let me help you," Meilin said gilding over. Sakura gratefully took her offered hand. She was so preoccupied with getting on comfortable footing that she didn't notice when Meilin took off her necklace.

"Thank you!" Sakura said appreciatively. "You're a good friend Meilin-chan!"

Meilin's heart sank to her stomach, and she avoided looking at Sakura directly. "Yeah… no problem."

Later that night Sakura was distraught. She had torn apart her room looking for the Starkey necklace, but she couldn't find it anywhere.

Tears stun her eyes as she tried to hold them back. No! She couldn't have lost it. How could she lose it?! Just when Syaoran had given it back to her.

"What are you looking for?" Meilin asked by the doorway.

Tearfully Sakura asked, "Meilin-chan, have you seen my Starkey necklace? I can't find it anywhere."

She pretended to think about it for a moment before she said, "Oh no! I think I remember seeing it in the snow today. I'm so sorry! I should have realized it was yours."

Sakura's heart sank. So she had dropped it outside. Fighting back tears she bowed thankfully to Meilin before running out of the room.

Meilin watched her go with a guilty feeling. No! Why should I be guilty?! She chided herself. But Sakura had been nothing but nice to her. Why was she doing this?

With a determined look in her eyes Sakura pulled on her bunny jacket. It was red with red bunny ears; a Tomoyo creation. She braced herself and made her way outside. She was shocked to see that a blizzard had started. For a moment she faltered before she bravely took a step forward. She had to find her necklace!

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The family gathered for dinner that night and Yelan looked around worried. "Has anyone seen Sakura-chan?"

Fujitaka looked around worried as well. "I last saw her when we were all heading in," Julian said.

"Is she in her room?" Leiyun asked Meilin.

"No I was just there not that long ago," she said avoiding everyone's eyes. Really where was she. She had just meant for Sakura and Syaoran to get mad at each other. Not for her to do something stupid.

"Do you think she went out there?" Feimei asked pointing towards the blizzard.

Syaoran bolted up in his seat. "I'm going to go look for her."

"Oh no you will not," Yelan said grabbing his shirt. "It's dangerous out there!"

"Mother! Something bad could have happened to her! I need to find her," he said trying to pull away.

"I'll go alert the ski patrol," Fujitaka said hurrying off.

Suddenly, Syaoran rounded on Meilin. "We need to talk."

Meilin gulped but followed him away from everyone else.

"You did what?!" Syaoran shouted.

"I'm sorry," Meiiln said tearfully. And she really did feel sorry. She never meant for Sakura to be put in danger. "I only meant for you guys to get mad at each other-"

"Meilin! How could you?!" Syaoran screamed.

"Because I love you!" she shouted back tears falling freely now. "I love you," she whispered. "But you love her!" she said tearfully.

She expected him to deny it but instead he said, "I do feel something for her. I'm not for sure if it's love yet, but I do care for her."

Meilin gulped. "So is this it? Have you found someone else you like more?"

Syaoran took her hands, and stared sincerely into her eyes. "I'm truly sorry Meilin. You'll make some guy the happiest guy in the world, but I'm sorry that's not me."

Meilin tried to put on a bright face. "Okay then! The deal is off," she said before running away.

"Meilin!" Syaoran shouted and tried to run after her, but a hand stopped him.

He was surprised to see Fujitaka s standing there. "Let her be," was he all he said.

Syaoran nodded sadly.

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Sakura searched desperately in the snow for her necklace. Her hands were numb, and her face was numb. She shook from head to toe as she finally collapsed into the snow. She had searched as long as she could. But how could she face him? She couldn't.

Suddenly a light fell on her. Looking up delusional she whimpered, "Syaoran?"

"Are you okay?" Julian asked picking her up off the ground.

Everyone was relieved when Julian returned with Sakura. Syaoran ran up to them and asked, "Is she okay?!"

"I think she's passed out from exhaustion, but the medic is going to take a look at her," Julian explained.

"Here let me take her," Syaoran said putting Sakura on his back before Julian could protest.

"Syaoran…" she moaned burying her head into his shoulder.

Laying her down gently on her bed he stared down at her for a moment before placing the necklace securely back on her. "Baka," he whispered. "This is the second time you've almost killed yourself over this necklace. Why risk your life for something so stupid?"

"Because you gave it to me," she whispered staring at him tiredly. "It's important to me."

He just shook his head as he stared down at her.

Meilin watched from the doorway sadly and whispered, "Good bye Xiao Lang."

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Author's Note: Whew… So I think this is my first chapter where pretty much 100% of it is from CCS and not so much Itazura na Kiss. There is a Christmas episode for it, but honestly I really didn't like it. I had just watched the Ski episode of CCS again, and got the idea to base the chapter off of that instead. I'm sorry it was kind of short, but I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Let me know what you think! Just as a forewarning the action is really going to start to pick up next chapter since we are getting close to the end. Only 5 more chapters left.

Please review!