Chapter Nine

Meet the Difference between Love and Hate

I give everything up,

For the ones I love.

I give everything up,

To change hate into love.

December 2019 – Tomoeda, Japan

The last week before Christmas ended without any trouble. Tomiko enjoyed her popularity, as everyone made way as soon as she got in sight. She didn't bother Sakura and her friends, not thinking it was necessary at the moment.

So the last week at school this year ended quite peacefully for Sakura. Though Christmas was normally a very cheerful period of the year, Sakura didn't look forward to it. That's because normally, she would spent it with her family, but that could not be this year. Her father was still away on his trip and wouldn't be back before the end of January. And Touya and Yukito were away with Christmas to visit some old school friends, who had invited them over.

And although Touya really wanted to go, he had rejected to please Sakura. But she, of course, convinced him to go and not to worry about her. It may have taken her over more than an hour; she did convince him to go. He would go there three days before Christmas, and be home two days after. So Sakura had to spend seven days alone at home.

On the last day of school there wasn't anyone who enthusiastically learned, so the teachers soon gave them the day off. Chiharu and Sakura waited outside for the rest to join them. They didn't have to wait long for Tomoyo, Rika and Naoko to come.

'I'm going to England with Eriol, to celebrate with his parents.' Tomoyo beamed enthusiastically. 'I've never been there, it's so exciting!'

'Wow, that's so cool!' Rika beamed. 'My parents want to go to Tokyo, to my family, so I'm tagging along. I haven't seen them for quite a while.'

'Oh, you lucky girls!' Naoko mixed in. 'I'm going to my family just a few miles away. On second thought, my entire family comes, so it will be fun anyways.'

'Yamazaki and I are going to celebrate it with just to two of us.' Chiharu said smiling, a bright blush appearing on her cheeks. 'We can borrow the holiday house we always visit in summer. It's going to be so nice!'

'That's right, just me and Chi-chan.' Yamazaki said as he appeared behind her. He put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, making her blush deeper.

'Aah! Then I'm going to be alone with Ted all week!' Nakuru screeched, as she hung her arms around Chiharu's and Sakura's neck. 'I haven't seen you all in so long!' She beamed excitedly and pulled them closer.

'Hello, Nakuru.' Sakura said, trying to giggle. All her friends were as cheerful as ever. Soon Eriol and Ted came along, and Ted pulled Nakuru away to go to their dorm. He said something about Nakuru skipping the chores.

'What are you going to do, Sakura-chan?' Tomoyo asked her.

Sakura smiled her famous fake smile. 'Not much, dad and Touya are away.'

'Eeeh!?' All the girls screeched. At the same time, Syaoran joined their group. 'You're going to stay alone during Christmas?' Tomoyo asked unbelievingly. 'No way, Touya would never allow that!'

She shrugged and smiled a bit helpless. 'He didn't, but I convinced him to go. He's meeting his old college friends, and I didn't want him to miss that. He hardly sees them anyway.'

'How about Yukito?' Tomoyo asked slowly, already expecting the answer. Her eyes were telling everyone that she absolutely not agreed to this.

'He's going as well.'

Tomoyo looked quite angry, a look that did not suited her. She couldn't leave Sakura here all alone. She couldn't join Rika, who was with family in Tokyo by then. Chiharu and Yamazaki could use some privacy. Noako was neither an option. Nakuru and Ted as well: Tomoyo secretly knew that Ted had a crush on Nakuru, and this was his change to tell her that. That left only one option.

'Where are you going, Syaoran?' Eriol asked his friend, who hadn't said anything yet.

He showed an evil grin to him. 'I was asked to celebrate Christmas together with... Sophia.'

Now it was Eriol's turn to look flabbergasted. 'W-what? Mom asked you to come? To England?' Syaoran nodded. 'J-just like that?' He nodded again. 'But... but I wanted to introduce Tomoyo to them. It's totally different when you're there as well!'

'Don't worry.' Tomoyo said as she gave a short squeeze in his hand. 'Sakura-chan is coming as well.'

'Eeeh?!' Both Sakura and Eriol exclaimed.

'Yes.' Tomoyo stated firmly. 'I'm not letting her stay here on her own. And she can keep Syaoran company if we want to be alone.' They were not able to misunderstand her, and certainly not to disobey her, that's how firm her voice sounded and stern her eyes shone.

'But Tomoyo...' Sakura tried.

'What?'

'How can you decide that, you haven't even asked if I wanted to come.'

'Do you want to spend Christmas alone?'

Sakura cringed. 'No, not specifically, but it's Eriol's home, doesn't he have a say in this?'

Tomoyo looked sternly at her boyfriend, as if daring him to go against her. Eriol tried to smile, but failed miserably. He was no match against his Tomoyo. 'Of course you can come, Sakura. You already know my parents; they would love it if you come.'

Sakura smiled meekly. 'Thank you, but I still can't come though.'

'Why not?' Eriol and Tomoyo asked at the same time.

A small blush crept up her cheeks. 'Well, England is not around the corner.'

'So?'

'I eh... I-I can't exactly eh…'

'Well??'

'...afford it.' The last came out in a whisper. Her poverty had always bothered her, when in front of her friends.

'Then I'll pay for you.' Tomoyo stated, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. But Sakura quickly shook her head saying that she didn't want that.

'Then I pay.' Eriol opted.

'Eh? No, that's as worse as Tomoyo paying!' Sakura still frantically shook her head, waving with her arms, trying to make it clear.

But it didn't help, because then Eriol shrugged and said: 'Then the almighty Syaoran-sama will pay.'

The almighty Syaoran-sama raised his brows but shrugged indicating he didn't care at all. But Sakura waved frantically with her arms, trying to get some attention. 'No! No! No!' She yelled until she got her wanted attention. 'That's neither an option, it's the exact same thing! I won't take money from my friends.'

Tomoyo sighed exaggeratedly and hung her shoulders in defeat. 'Alright, then you can pay me back in due time...'

'Why do I get the idea that you're not telling me everything?' Sakura narrowed her eyes at her friend.

With her arms crossed Tomoyo looked down on her with a glare. '...when you found yourself a good paying job, a nice huge house, a car and computer. A husband and at least three children. Three sons to be exactly. Oh, and only when you have a dog and two cats.' She nodded, glad with her decision.

'Ah!' Sakura pointed an accusing finger at her, stamping on the ground. 'You're never going to let me pay you back!'

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In the end, they dropped Sakura at home, while the rest went out for Christmas shopping. Going to England, meant more presents to buy, and the girls seemed pretty excited about doing so. The boys just followed them around, pretending to be bored, while observing them carefully, trying to found out what they could buy for the girls.

But having no money to fly to England also meant having no money to buy all of them presents. So Sakura went home to think of something else to give them. I mean, she had to give something instead of nothing at al. And thinking about it, now she could make something for Touya and Yukito as well.

In the past, they wouldn't do anything special with Christmas, but just be together, eating something special and playing games. Staying up till late and laughing until they fell asleep: Sakura had always been the first to fall asleep... So this year, being with her friends, instead of her family, she wanted to make something special. And without any better ideas coming up, she decided to make scarfs for everyone and bake for Eriol's parents something delicious as well.

She counted on her fingers for who she had to make all those scarfs.

Tomoyo, that must be purple or lilac, I guess. Maybe a bit thin, that suits her better.

That's one.

Eriol, he's getting a dark blue scarf, obviously.

Touya gets a black one.

That's three.

Yukito likes brown.

Syaoran... will probably like a green one. Dark green is a better option.

Sophia likes light pink. Oh, and flowers! I can make flowers on it.

And Kyo gets a... a... light blue one? Red? No, grey. Yes, grey. With stripes! Yes, in two colors: grey and white.

That makes... seven scarfs. SEVEN?? What am I thinking?? I only have four and a half day to make them, and I can't even knit! Sakura began to ran frantically around, hands in her hair, stressing herself out, before she called Rika to learn her how to knit.

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Touya had groggily agreed for Sakura to go to England. He didn't like it that the Gaki and the Creep would be there as well, but he knew Sophia and trusted her with his little sister. So when he left with the car to travel all the way up north where his friends lived, he explicitly told her what she could and could not do, and warned her overall to stay away from boys. He even allowed her, if she behaved, to stay there until school started again.

He dropped the two goldfishes with Kaho, who would take care of them until one of them returned, and told Sakura several times to lock the door and shut down electricity when she left for England. With a last hug, Touya ruffled her hair, mumbling something about her being a monster, and jumped up and down on one foot after she effectively stomped it. Sakura handed him two formless packages. 'Those are for you and Yukito.' She said affectionately. 'You can open them with Christmas.'

Once Touya had left, Sakura hurried inside and started on her fifth scarf. She only had one more day after this, and then she had to go to England. Tomoyo and Eriol were already there, giving themselves the opportunity to properly introduce Tomoyo to his parents. Tomoyo had taken care of her ticket, and she flew on the same plane as Syaoran, only on a different side. Syaoran had booked earlier than her, so when Tomoyo finally got Sakura's ticket, all seats around Syaoran were already taken.

Not that she minded. Now she could work on her scarfs for a little while more, without anyone finding out about it. She doubted that they would like the scarfs, but it's the thought that counts, right? It seemed to be the best thing she could do for them.

When the time came to hurry up and go to the airport, she rushed through the house, quickly grabbing her backpack and belongings. Because of the time she spent on the scarfs, she didn't pack her things yet. Knowing full well that she probably forgot a couple of things, she stood ready by the door at the moment Syaoran came to pick her up to catch their plane. At least she didn't forget to shut down electricity and close the doors.

They drove away from her little home, towards the airport, but it hardly got through to her, her thoughts being with the scarfs. She especially felt sorry for Touya, because he got the first scarf and it didn't really look... good. Well, neither did Yukito's, but that one resulted in something that somewhat looked like a scarf. Oh well, they wouldn't mind.

Only one scarf remained, and she was actually quite proud of that one. Knitting so much the past days really did improve her skills. As far as she had skills. She yawned sleepily which made Syaoran raise a brow.

'It's five o'clock, how can you already be tired?' Syaoran asked from beside her. They both sat in the back seat. Eriol didn't want his car to be at the airport the entire holiday, so Syaoran had ordered a taxi.

'I've been busy! Besides, aren't you sleepy as well? You've got bags under your eyes.' She pointed at his eyes, which looked like he hadn't slept in days. He just shrugged.

'I've been busy as well. Besides, I can sleep in the plane later.'

'I thought you wouldn't go to work that much anymore?'

Syaoran let out a short laugh. 'I wasn't planning to, but my mother got some things for me to do.'

'You've got a hard life.' She stifled another yawn. 'Oh well, so have I.'

She hadn't trained with Syaoran this morning, but she had done so for the past days, holiday or not. And she had improved quite a bit. Her condition still remained far from what it used to be, but Syaoran thought it good enough to train more seriously from now on. It helped a great deal that her hand had officially been healed and the bandage removed.

'Glad you can finally say so out loud.' He gave her a little smile and she looked away quickly.

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December 2019 – Abbotsbury, England – Christmas Holiday

The scenery seemed more beautiful than in Japan, but that could have been the snow. It hadn't snowed in Tomoeda just yet, but here there lay a five feet pack of snow. Sakura looked out her side of the window as they drove the last part to Abbotsbury. She pointed everything she saw out to Syaoran, who sat next to her, working on his laptop. He looked up every now and then, when she saw something even more beautiful than before.

'Syaoran, look! A polar bear!'

'What?' He asked strangely. His work absorbed him, but this just didn't sound right.

Sakura looked at him with a broad smile. 'Just kidding!' She bent over to take a short look at his laptop. 'It's the middle of Christmas holiday, why are you working? I think everything outside is much more interesting.'

'Really?' He gave her a mocking look. 'Maybe I'm not so lucky that the companies are closed in these weeks. Maybe only the schools are free.'

She really tried to look mockingly back, but that only resulted in a fit of laughter on her side. 'I do hope you're not going to work the entire time. It will be lonely if Tomoyo wants to be alone with Eriol. Oh wait, maybe Sophia can use some help. Kyo-san probably has to work as well, so maybe she wants some company. You already know them, right?'

He nodded. 'They have lived in China for a while. We were neighbors. We still have contact on regular basis. My mother and Sophia are especially close.'

'Really? That must be nice. I only met her once when she visited Eriol. I think he is very lucky to have such a nice mom.' A sweet smile covered her face with memories of her own mother. Her image seemed clearer than usual, probably because she dreamed so much of her in the hospital when she was out cold.

'He is, but he doesn't see them much. They don't have the time to keep flying between England and Japan.'

'Eh, but aren't we intruding then?'

He shrugged. 'Nah, we're only intruding Eriol and Tomoyo.'

Sakura let out a laugh. 'Don't smile so cunningly. You actually enjoy that, don't you? Poor Tomoyo...' Syaoran's smile grew larger.

'That's because they probably are going to bother me with the same things soon.' His smile disappeared and a glare came back. 'With Ryu and Eriol both having a girl, that only leaves me as single. I'm quite sure they won't stop bothering me before I found one, so I might as well irritate them back as much as possible.'

She looked at him with large eyes. How could he speak so openly about this? She had to try really hard to suppress a blush. But she couldn't help but ask. 'Bothering how?'

'Playing Cupid, I guess. Just like Eriol and I did with Ryu and Meilin. Although that really went overboard sometimes. Most of the times...' A sweat drop appeared on his face. 'But we meant well. We were very sure they felt the same, so...'

Sakura tapped with her finger on her lip, deep in thought. 'Then I hate to disappoint you, but I think Meilin will surely help them. Tomoyo too, I guess.' She gave him a mean grin. 'Maybe I should help as well. Wouldn't want to be left out, of course.'

He answered her grin with a deep scowl. 'You wouldn't dare.' He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. If she went to find him a girlfriend, then that meant that she at least wouldn't be a... He mentally slapped his head. What was he thinking?

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!

He already had her as a good friend, wasn't that enough? He didn't want to ruin what they had right now. A deep friendship.

He mentally slapped himself for the second time. Idiot! You're not even denying that you would like that! Idiot! Deny it, now! And he tried to push the thought back, as far as possible.

'You think so? I think I dare.' The car pulled up at a grand mansion, covered by a large ivy. She quickly got out the car, before Syaoran could say anything. 'Ah, so pretty!' She exclaimed happily as she ran to the house.

Syaoran put his laptop away and followed her to the house. A smile appeared on his lips, because of her childish enthusiasm. She still hadn't told him anything, but after that one time when she cried in his arms, she certainly cheered up. Her old smile had come back.

The door opened and Sophia came outside. 'Sakura dear, it's so good to see you!'

'Sophia!' Sakura ran up to her and gave her a hug.

Sophia was in her fifties, but looked like a sweet, old, grandma. But without all the wrinkles. She spoke fluently Japanese; almost as good as she spoke English, her native language. She turned Sakura around and held her face to see how she looked. 'You have lost weight, my dear. Have you been eating properly? Ah, maybe it's from everything that happened. Hospitals are never good for your weight. I'm going to make sure you won't miss anything while you are here.'

Syaoran walked up to them, while the chauffeur unloaded their stuff. 'Ah, there you are.' Sophia said as she hugged Syaoran. 'I'm very glad you agreed to come, sweetie. Yelen said you could use some time away from everything.'

'I'm glad you invited me, Sophia. It's good to be back.' While he said that, he looked so sincere and honest, and his smile so true, that Sakura's heart skipped a beat. He must really like it here, to be able to give that expression, she thought. I've never seen him look like this.

'Sakura!' Tomoyo's voice went through the house, and before Sakura could turn around, Tomoyo almost jumped on her back. 'I'm so glad you didn't bail out under this one. You should always spend Christmas with the people you love.'

'Tomoyoooo! Let me go, you're suffocating me!' Sakura wailed. Tomoyo released her with an 'Oh, sorry!' and smiled happily at Syaoran. 'Why do I have the idea you mean something else.' Sakura muttered, stroking her sore throat.

Tomoyo gave them both an innocent look. 'Who, me? I wouldn't dare.'

'Where did I hear this before?' Syaoran muttered and quickly went inside.

While Tomoyo took Sakura by the arm to show her around, Sophia gave instructions to the chauffeur to where Sakura's and Syaoran's belongings should go.

'I'm glad your wrist is all better now. How are the trainings going?' Tomoyo asked her friend. They sat in a room with a fireplace, drinking hot chocolate. Eriol and Syaoran had disappeared off to somewhere.

'Troublesome, I suppose. I'm so quickly tired, there isn't much progress. But I'm training on my own as well. I guess I can run laps here too, although I don't know the neighborhood.'

'I think it's save here. Tomiko doesn't even know we are here.'

She sipped her drink and sank some deeper in the chair. 'Tomiko isn't the only rotten person in the world.' Suddenly she sat upright. 'Ah! That's like admitting she was behind it.'

Tomoyo rolled her eyes. 'Because she did, she did!'

'Hm, even I think so.' Sakura sat back again, her hand on her head. 'But the police questioned her, and there just isn't any proof. Maybe she really didn't do it.'

'They knew your name, right? They were really after only you. It must be from someone who knows you and hates you.' Tomoyo stated. She bent down to put another log on the fire. The flames slowly engulfed the log and she warmed her hand in front it. 'That only leads to Tomiko. Or maybe that boy and his sister.' She snorted. 'Hmpf, I don't even know their names.'

'I don't want to name them. But I don't think they did this. Heck, I don't even think they still remember me.'

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The library really was a place he loved to visit. Not just at school, but also at home, and even here. Most of the books here were, of course, English, but that was alright. He could read English as well as Japanese. With his fingers he traced the covers, looking for something interesting. He remembered from last visits, that Kyo and Sophia loved to read about science fiction and fantasy. Numerous bookshelves stood full of them. Others were filled with books about management, probably from Kyo, and an enormous collection of sweet love stories – obviously from Sophia. He also found some shelves about nature and animals.

'If you're not working, then you're reading.' An irritating voice came from behind him. He didn't have to turn around to know who it was. After all, this guy always showed up at unexpected times. Which made him quite predictable in the end.

'What do you need, four eyes?'

'Auch!' Eriol pretended to be hurt, but he just couldn't do it. It was usual for Syaoran to react that way. 'If I were you, I should read something of David Eddings. Fun reading and a good story. Let's say, to take your mind of things.'

His eyes followed the pointing finger and he noticed the books. Without reading the backside, he took the first book under his arm, ready to take it somewhere quiet. Normally, when Eriol said to read a book for whatever reason, he picked out the right one.

'You are going to spend some time with the rest of us, right?'

He looked his friend in the eyes to see if he was serious. Definitely. He sighed. 'Don't worry, I will. But I would also like some time for myself. I've been real busy lately and I am sleep deprived.'

'And I want you to have that time, as long as you show yourself every now and then. After all, you must not abandon your friends. I also want my time with Tomoyo, but I don't want Sakura to be alone, understand?'

'Yes, yes, Eriol-sama!' Syaoran muttered sweetly.

'Eh?! That wasn't like you! Do it again?'

'Hell no.'

'Please?'

'Save the memory, my friend, because you are not going to hear that again.' He hit Eriol friendly on the shoulders and walked out with his book, leaving Eriol perplexed behind.

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'I hope you like the food, it's not Japanese.' Sophia exclaimed as she put the pan on the table. 'It's carrot stew, perfect for when it's cold.'

Sakura looked longingly at the pan, wondering what it would taste like. Stew wasn't unknown in Japan, but she had never eaten it before. It smelled delicious at least. Syaoran and Eriol also looked longingly at the pan, but because they already knew what it tasted like. They knew that Sophia was one of the best when it came to cooking. Tomoyo looked like she wanted to throw up, stew wasn't really her thing.

They ate quiet, and when Tomoyo finished her first small portion, she asked with a red face if she could please, please, have another one. Sakura tried to stifle her laughter, but Sophia and Kyo laughed out loud. 'Sure dear. That's what you get from thinking my cooking is that terrible.'

When they finished, Sakura helped Sophia clearing the table and doing the dishes. 'Thank you, Sakura, but you really don't have to.'

'It's okay, I really want to help you. I feel bad if I don't.' She gave a sweet smile to Sophia, thinking that the scarf she made would really suit her. Christmas was already the next day, and all the presents lay under the Christmas three. Five formless packages from her side. She felt awful knowing that hers looked so bad, even wrapped.

She remembered the young man on the plane that sat next to her. He had said to her, while she did her best knitting the last scarf, that it was really humiliating to get handmade presents from a girl, even for Christmas. He told her that it would have been nicer to buy scarfs, although scarfs themselves weren't a really nice gift at all.

She felt the heat rising to her face at the thought of those harsh words. Ah! Who cares! It's the thought that counts. She had also said that to him, but he just shrugged and said: 'It's your Christmas. I just wanted to give some good advice.' To prove her point, she made another scarf with the remaining treats, telling herself this scarf would be for herself.

Stupid stranger... she muttered in her head. Just in time she noticed the cup she held was about to break from her fierce grip. Quickly she released her anger and went on with the dishes.

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The next day, it seemed she had nothing to worry about.

She awoke early, and went running in the neighborhood. Having no idea which way she went, she fastened her speed and turned corner after corner. It didn't take long for her to not feel the icy cold anymore, that's how hard her muscles worked to run. When she reached the mansion again, she felt tired, but decided to run another round. Everything went so well, that she forgot time. When Kyo waved at her to sign she really had to come inside now, she already ran five rounds. A quick look on the clock taught her that she had been out there for almost one and a half hour.

Seeing that, she jumped in the air, extremely happy. Tomoyo and Syaoran came downstairs to see what the commotion was about. 'Yippee! I ran for one and a half hour! I can still do it!' Her eyes shined brightly and she danced her victory dance. Her friends just looked at her as if she were mad.

'Sakura, I remember you telling me that you used to ran only for an hour max.' Tomoyo yawned. 'And it's way too early for you to be awake...'

Sakura giggled at her friend and sat on the ground. 'But man, I'm worn out! I can't take another step.' She stifled a yawn and closed her eyes, breathing hard. 'It felt so good running here. I could just go on and on!'

Sophia poked her head around the corner. 'Sakura dear, why not take a shower, then we can begin breakfast. I made something special. Tomoyo dear, can you wake my son up?' They both nodded and went upstairs.

Syaoran followed Kyo and Sophia to the kitchen and helped them with the last preparations. 'Really, I saw her running past the house and a while later again, and again. She really has stamina.'

Syaoran nodded at him. 'Yes, she is really trying hard. Training is getting better as well. Her strength is returning rapidly now.'

Sophia rested her hand on his shoulder. 'Have I told you already how glad I am that you're learning her martial arts? It's really doing wonders, Eriol says.'

'I'm doing what I can.'

'Oh, remember the dojo in the back? You can use that if you want. I'll make sure the heating is on.'

'You're as nice as ever Sophia-san. I'm really happy you invited me over for these days.'

Meanwhile, Eriol listened from behind the door. It was odd, that Syaoran showed his nice side to his mother and father, but less to his friends, or even Syaoran's own parents. Ah well, that's the power of my mother. Everyone loves her.

Eriol rested his head against the wall, wondering how it had come his friend had changed so much since he went to Tomoeda. He acted so much nicer now, then before that. Sure, he knew certainly Sakura was the cause of it. But he wondered if his friend had more feelings than just friendship for her.

If Tomoyo knew, she would do everything to set those two up, but he wasn't sure if that would be best for Sakura. But on the other hand... Maybe talking it over with Tomoyo would be best. No one knows Sakura as well as my Tomoyo does. Speaking if the devil...

Tomoyo snuck under his arm and gave him a hug. 'I thought you were still in bed.' She whispered while pecking him on the lips.

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The clock in the living room pointed at 2 o'clock. The four friends played games, now and then accompanied by Eriol's parents. When they grew tired of it, Syaoran took Sakura to the dojo for some serious training.

'Hoe! Why is there a dojo here? We are in England.' Sakura wondered.

Syaoran pulled of his shoes. He had changed in his training gear, because he planned on teaching Sakura how to defend herself, instead of only doing the warming up. 'Kyo build this when moving here. He used to be very good at karate, though he hasn't trained that often in the past years.'

Sakura nodded and tossed her shoes aside. 'So what are we going to do today?'

'First we have to do some warming up, and then I'll teach you some basics.'

'Yeah!'

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The warm beam of the shower washed away all her sweat from the training. This had officially been the first real lesson, because Syaoran had trained with her, showing her how to hit, how to block and how to fall. He even let her practice on him.

Although he only showed her basics, it really exhausted her. But it made her happy as well. He had praised her when she succeeded in something, and scolded her when she just didn't get the message. Or didn't pay attention.

She turned the switch, letting the water stop falling on her.

At first, she really didn't like it she had to practice on Syaoran. I mean, she had to hit him, kick him, stomp him and what more. But it soon became clear that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't hit him, not even once. He blocked every move. That was a relief, but it also made her very fanatical. She would give everything to defeat him. If it meant more training, so be it.

After drying off, she wrapped the towel around her, looking at herself in the mirror.

Her shoulder still showed a scar from the attack. It had healed, but not as good as the wound on her thigh, which had almost completely disappeared. She really hated it, looking at that scar. Looking at her body. It had changed so much. So many bruises where still visible, and those ugly scars... Even with the towel wrapped around her, she could still see so much of them.

For a while she thought that wearing sleeveless shirts wouldn't be an option anymore. It wouldn't suit her anyway, not like this. But on the other hand, who cared. She couldn't afford an entire new wardrobe just because of this. The scar wasn't that big, anyway, it was more like a nasty memory.

She grabbed the ointment from the hospital and put it on the scar. The doctor had told her that it might disappear completely in time, as long as she took good care of it. And so she did.

Twenty minutes later she got out of the bathroom, all clean and still red. She slowly walked from the bathroom to the room she occupied, next to Tomoyo's and Eriol's room. She heard them softly talking.

'Of course it's a good idea; I don't see any reason why not.'

'But sweetie, you think she is ready for that?'

Sakura sighed. Typical Eriol to call Tomoyo that, although he only did that when they were alone. Thank goodness for that. She left them alone to talk, not bothering to eavesdrop and went in her room. The window showed her that it had started to snow again. She felt like going for a long walk. The weather report said tomorrow would be sunny, so walking might be a good option then.

The bathroom door closed, meaning Syaoran got in. She felt a tingle in her back as she remembered how close they were during training. How silly... She quickly put on a nice skirt and blouse – it is Christmas after all – and went downstairs. She passed the library and decided to take a look. It's all English, I can't read it that well. After walking around a bit, she found some books in Japanese. 'Bleh, boring...'

'What do you mean, boring? Books are very interesting.'

'Hoe!' Sakura screamed and turned around. 'Syaoran, don't give me a heart attack!'

He smiled and pulled out the book she was looking at. 'How to try and speak Japanese. Well, you've got to start somewhere. I think it's from the time Sophia still had to learn it.' He shrugged and put the book back. He noticed Sakura stared at him. 'What?'

'H-hoe!' She looked away and tried her best to suppress the upcoming blush, not succeeding completely. She really couldn't help it, really. Syaoran popped out of nowhere – after taking a shower in record time, may I add – and looked completely gorgeous with his messy hair still wet, and his shirt half loose. 'Nothing! Come on, dress up! Dinner is almost ready.' Although she thought he looked better the way he was dressed now.

Syaoran raised a brow, wondering what that's all about. 'I know, I left my jacket here.' He went to grab it from the chair, as Sakura quickly left to cool of her burning face.

'Why do I have the feeling she was admiring your wet appearance?' Eriol questioned from behind another bookcase. He smiled cunningly and Syaoran had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes at the guy.

'Let's just think that you are for once wrong about something.' Syaoran clapped his friend on the back, pushing him a bit to the door. 'Let's go eat.'

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After eating, they all went to the living room, ready to open the presents.

Tomoyo squealed in delight at something handmade of her cute Sakura, Sophia wounded the scarf around her neck immediately, Kyo thanked her and hung it with his jacket. Syaoran looked really happy and Eriol whined that Syaoran's scarf looked best, except for the color, because he thought blue was better than green.

'I can't help it, Eriol. It's the last I made; I still had to practice when I did yours.' She smiled sweetly and you could see she enjoyed that fact a bit too much. 'It was the third I made, so don't worry. Touya's and Yukito's are worse.'

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December 2019 – Kyoto, Japan – Christmas Holiday

'What the...' Deep wrinkles appeared on Touya's forehead. 'What's it supposed to be?'

His friends got a fit of laughter. 'It's wooly I guess.' One of them said.

Yukito unpacked his present. 'I've got one too. This one looks like a... scarf? Maybe.'

'There is a note with.' Someone pointed out. Touya grabbed it, unfolded it and started to glare.

'Stupid monster.' He muttered, but he also had to laugh a bit. His sister really was something else.

He passed the note to Yukito. 'To my overprotective brother and my sweet childhood friend who often is a way better brother.' Yukito smiled sweetly at his friend. 'Hah! She prefers me as a brother.' He looked at the note and continued.

'For once I wanted to give you two something for Christmas, because you already have to miss my presence, poor guys. And of course I couldn't buy anything, so I made you something. You probably can't guess what it is, but think happy: it's the thought that counts, right? They're supposed to be scarfs, I've knitted them myself, as well as the scarfs for Tomoyo, Eriol, Syaoran, Sophia and Kyo. But you know me, I can't knit at all. And because of lack of time, I had to practice on yours. And just to be really mean, I made Syaoran's scarf last, so his actually does look like one. Jealous Touya? Ah, I hope you are, 'cus I made yours first. I didn't made one for your friends, because I still wish them a happy Christmas. ^_^ Well enjoy your time away from your sweetest little sister.

Sakura the monster (That's the first and last time I willingly say I am)

Ps: Don't take it all too serious, I really do love you both!'

Yukito let out a laugh, his friends where already rolling on the floor in laughter. Touya looked bitter at his peace of wool. 'You can't possibly call this a scarf!'

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December 2019 – Abbotsbury, England – Christmas Holiday

'You didn't!'

'I did.'

'But Sakura, you are not supposed to do something like that. You're the sweet sister, right? You're ruining my image of you!' Tomoyo whined.

Eriol and Syaoran where laughing loudly and trough hiccups Eriol announced: 'I like this image better! Poor Touya!'

'I don't see you knitting anything, Eriol.' Sakura tried, but to no avail. After all, they couldn't see her doing it as well.

'You better watch out, Syao-pun. When you see Touya, he's going to exchange yours with his scarf.'

Syao-pun hit Eriol on the head, not all that softly. 'Syao-pun!? You've got some nerve...'

While the last presents were unwrapped, Syaoran chased Eriol throughout the entire mansion.

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December 2019 – Weymouth, England – Christmas Holiday

'Why all the way here?' Sakura asked, looking out the window.

'Because it's really beautiful here. And Weymouth isn't that far away. Besides, you're the one that wanted to walk.' Eriol stated, while resting his head on Tomoyo's shoulder. Syaoran had his laptop on his knees, working as long as they weren't there yet.

When they finally arrived, Sakura jumped out of the car, already running ahead. Tomoyo followed swiftly, camcorder in hand. 'Sakura looks so cute! I'm glad I let her wear my creations again.' The creations were a long light pink coat, with white scarf and gloves. The rest of them had to do it with their own clothes, except for the now famous scarfs.

Sakura ran up ahead, twirling and dancing, being excited over every little thing. After a while, Tomoyo and Eriol walked hand in hand, pretty far behind Syaoran. Sakura ran up to him and grabbed his hand, motioning he had to follow. 'Syaoran, I saw a white rabbit! Come!' She started to run, dragging him with her to wherever she saw the little creature.

Arrived at the spot, Sakura looked around frantically. 'No, where is he gone to?'

Syaoran put a hand on her head, ruffling her hair. 'You honestly think it would have waited for you to come back? It probably went into hiding.' He walked towards the path again, Sakura slowly following.

'He was really cute though.'

'Maybe you will see another one later.'

For a while Sakura walked next to him, their two friends falling further and further behind. But as soon as she saw a really beautiful mushroom which survived the winter, she was gone again. Syaoran didn't really mind though, not being in the mood to talk anyway. He was content, just looking at her running figure, excited over such simple things she saw on her way.

He noticed a small smile grew on his lips, but decided to let it be for a while. He hadn't felt this relaxed in a while. A look over his shoulder learned that his friends where just little specks in the distance. That's okay though, they also need their time together. After a while, the woods ended and they came into the outer parts of the Weymouth. Sakura still ran in front and he saw her heading for a grand fountain. He hit himself on the forehead. 'Doesn't she realize that is someone's backyard?'

Meanwhile Sakura ran indeed up to the fountain. Not that she really liked it, but there were two swans sitting on the side of it. On a safe distance she knelt down and admired them. She didn't realize she invaded someone's backyard, nor that the owner took a walk through it.

Syaoran followed Sakura in the garden, soon realizing where this place exactly was. When he saw a tall, thin old lady nearing them, he bowed to her and spoke in fluently English. 'Happy Christmas, miss Goodridge.'

'Good morning, sir Li. What, may I ask, are you doing here?' Her voice sounded less friendly than last time he met her.

'My apologies. I spent my Christmas holiday nearby, and my friends and I were taking a walk. Sakura here,' He pointed at Sakura who had gone to the other side of the fountain, oblivious to the persons standing on the other side. 'wondered of in your backyard, probably without knowing she did. I am trying to retrieve her.'

At that moment Sakura ran up to them, saying something about swans. When she neared, she noticed the elder women and the house behind her, and promptly realized where she probably was. 'Oh, I'm sorry. Did I invade your garden?' She asked in fluently Japanese, while bowing down to her.

Syaoran translated it to Miss Goodridge, who actually showed a small smile. 'I guess it is okay. Are those your friends?'

Syaoran looked behind him and saw Tomoyo and Eriol nearing cautiously and nodded. 'Yes they are.'

'Well, excuse me my manners. My husband died a short while ago, so I am not in the best of moods. But why don't you all come in for a nice cup of tea?' She went ahead of them not taking no for an answer, into her grand house, soon followed by the four friends. They sat down on luxurious chairs and introduced themselves to her, after Syaoran explained to them who she was, and where he knew her from.

'Do you all speak English?' She asked and got a nod from everyone. 'Good, because I can't speak Japanese at all.' A maid came in with tea and cake, and gave everyone a piece. 'I hope you don't mind coming in. Usually I don't invite random people found in my backyard.'

'I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention.' Sakura apologized in a strange accent, a red taint on her cheeks.

'That's okay dear. Lately I am not in a happy mood, so I reacted a bit stiffly when I discovered strangers in my garden. You see, my husband died suddenly from an heart attack and it's been really hectic since then. Not to mention the sadness and loneliness.'

'My condolences.' Tomoyo said sincerely, joined in with Sakura. 'Can we do anything to help you?'

'Nice try dear, but I'm quite sure you can't bring him back. But I would like it if you can keep me company for a short while. Christmas is not a time to spend alone.' Sakura nodded eagerly at the request and so they stayed there for a while. After about thirty minutes, they decided they should move on. While Eriol and Tomoyo walked outside, Sakura remembered something.

'I know it's not much, but I would like you to have this scarf. I made one for all of them, and from the wool that was leftover, I made this one.' Sakura said as she took the scarf from her pocket and hung it around the old lady's neck. 'I hope you still have a nice Christmas!'

Miss Goodridge laid her hand on the scarf and thanked her warmly. 'Christmas has already succeeded. Thank you, my dear.'

Sakura smiled, waved and ran after her friends. Syaoran still stood next to his client.

'You have nice friends, Li Syaoran, it's not something every big leader has. While I have become sterner these past weeks, you have become gentler. Your eyes are brighter now.'

He let out a weak smile. 'It's not a surprise, miss. You lost someone dear to you, I gained one.'

'I know it is not my place to say, but I do think she suits you. You seem so nice together.' She raised an eyebrow at him. 'Do you know your eyes soften when you look at her?'

'Do they?' He sounded both questioning and knowing at the same time. He didn't mean it to sound like that.

'You like her, don't you?'

'I do, but I don't know in which way, honestly.'

'Don't worry, you will find out soon enough.' The old women neighed her head to him with style. 'Happy Christmas, Mr Li.'

When Syaoran reached his friends again, it didn't take long for Eriol and Tomoyo to be left behind again. Sakura stayed by his side for the remaining of the walk, maybe to make sure she didn't invade anyone else's territory again. They spoke little, but friendly and just enjoyed their surroundings.

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'No Sakura, you are the guest! I don't want you to work this hard. Leave the laundry and cooking to me, okay?' Sophia said in earnest and got a pouting look back. 'Why don't you go to Tomoyo and Eriol? I'm sure they won't mind!'

Sophia really is a dear. Sakura thought. But sometimes even more dens than I am. But she nodded nonetheless and left the laundry for what it was. 'Okay, then.'

She walked out the room, into the hallway. Eriol and Tomoyo had requested her earlier for some time alone, and she surely had not in mind to bother them. Syaoran studied in his room and also asked for some time for himself. It's not that she isn't used to being alone, but at the moment, she felt completely bored.

This only resulted in walking in her room, out again, in the bathroom, out again, trough the hallway, in the library and out again. She went outside, visited the dojo, went back inside and went to her room. A peek at the clock learned that she only wasted about ten minutes. She sighed and came to a conclusion. Syaoran already trained with her this morning, but why not train some more on her own? So she got her training gear, tied her hair up and went to the dojo again.

The silence seemed eerie to her, but she started warming up, nonetheless. When finished, she discovered a cd-player and a few cd's. She tried them, until she found one with a good beat and let that cd play. On the rhythm, she went through everything Syaoran had learned her, from the first to the last day. She discovered soon that her stamina had returned almost completely; no tiredness, good condition and no sore muscles.

Discovering that, she put on a different cd, a gentler one, and started to dance on it. Not much later she tried out all her former cheerleader steps and she found herself lost in the movements, not knowing anything else, except for the way her muscles moved on the music.

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Syaoran stretched his arms when he finished the last paragraph. He had worked on his homework from early this morning, and sighed with relief now he had finished everything for the next month. The clock pointed at half past three, meaning a lot of time left before dinner and he decided to train some, then meditate and maybe after that, read a good book.

But when he neared the dojo, he heard music coming out from it, and he hesitated before opening the door slightly. What he saw, made his hearth skip a beat, his breath caught in his throat. Sakura danced, no, just moved, the music hugging her body. He stared at her form for a few seconds, before quickly closing the door again in front of him.

He cursed softly. The wave of lust that swept through him, took him by surprise. It's not that he didn't understand, nor that he didn't expect it to happen sometimes, but the timing was completely off.

I know it is cliché, but she looked just like an... Like an angel.

Damn! He really needed a cold shower now. He decided to wait a few minutes in the cold winter air, cooling down, before opening the door again, fully prepared this time. Sakura didn't notice his entrance, and he sat down on the side, admiring her from a distance. At this moment, she walked on her hands, turning in circles.

The music stopped – the cd probably ended – and Sakura let herself slide to the ground. But before her feet reached the ground safely, she noticed him. She gave a yelp and fell down.

'Auch!' She said, and sat up straight, rubbing her back with one hand, and looked at her other hand.

Syaoran jumped up and went to her side immediately. 'You okay?' Concern filled his eyes and voice, but a smile adorned his lips.

Sakura looked from her hand towards him. 'You could have warned me! Look at what you did to my finger!' She showed him her finger by holding it close to his eyes. It started to swell a bit and looked painful.

Without thinking, he took her finger and held it to his lips, giving it a soft kiss. He wanted to say: 'There, all better now' just as his nanny had always done when he was little, but he forgot as soon as he noticed her face filled with horror of what he had done. She yanked her hand away, scrambled up and ran out of the dojo, without her shoes. The door slammed shut behind her.

Syaoran stared numbly ahead of him. You idiot! His mind roared with thoughts, regarding his stupidity. Why did you do that? It's Sakura, for crying out loud! He hadn't meant anything with it, heck; he hardly realized he did it. It's just something he grew up with, and found normal. Meilin never thought badly of it, but then again, Meilin was his cousin.

But he could understand why Sakura reacted like that. She went through so much, and being scared to fiscally be so close to someone didn't help it. Even worse - he had guessed, and Tomoyo had admitted when confronting her – Sakura didn't want a boyfriend, drove all that made an attempt away. If she thought he tried to make an attempt, then no wonder she was scared. They were friends, and he didn't want to lose her just because of this.

Really, he hadn't tried to make an attempt; he just acted completely based on what his nanny had thought him when he was hurt, a long time ago.

He decided to leave her be for the time being, and train first. He thought that if he poured all his anger in his training, he would calm down a bit. Then, when Sakura had time to think about it, he would go there and talk it over.

Thirty minutes later, he went to the house, took a shower and readied himself to go over to her.

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Sakura paced around in her own room, talking to herself, her nerves on edge. 'Calm down, just calm down.' Her hands changed spot every two seconds, then in the air, then in her hair, then on her back. 'He didn't mean anything with it, probably. There is no reason to think he meant anything with it.' After a few more circles she flopped herself on the bed. She could already hear Syaoran returning, going into the bathroom. How long am I pacing already? She turned around on her other side, being completely restless. 'I feel like I am exaggerating...' She probably did. Syaoran thinks of me as a friend, doesn't he? Nothing more... nothing less.

Somehow, that thought disappointed her a bit as well. A small part of her wanted him to be more. It's just that a very big part of her advised against it, told her it wouldn't bring anything but misfortune.

A few minutes later a soft knock came from the door. 'Sakura, can I talk to you?'

Sakura groaned slightly. It couldn't have gone any other way; of course he would come to talk it over. For a moment she thought of not answering, but decided it better to just get it over with. 'The door is open.' She heard herself say.

The door opened and his head poked around it, before entering the room, closing the door behind him. He had convinced himself that Tomoyo and Eriol where still busy, before coming to Sakura. She sat on the bed, looking straight at him as he put her shoes for her by the door.

'I'm overreacting, am I not?' She sounded honest, but a bit scared to. He nodded, and she patted on the bed, motioning for him to sit down next to her. 'And you didn't mean anything with it, right?' He nodded again, not looking at her, but at the flowered wall in front of him. 'I'm really sorry I freaked out. You're a really good friend; I know you wouldn't do anything to me.' He nodded again, and silence followed.

A while later, Syaoran finally spoke, his eyes hadn't left the flower pattern of the wall. 'Well, I don't know what to say more, you already said everything I wanted to say.' He gave her a half smile which she gladly returned. 'I just acted without thinking. Meilin never spoke ill of it.'

Sakura let out a laugh and rested her head on his shoulder for a short moment. 'You're a really good friend, Syaoran. I trust you with my life, so I should trust you with these little things too.' After she said that, she pulled her head away from his shoulder and stood up, mumbling that she wanted to take a shower. Syaoran's arm hung in mid air, on the place where her shoulders would have been, if she hadn't stood up that abruptly.

She left the room, leaving him sitting on her bed. He sighed deeply and wondered what was worse. The fact that he still didn't know how he really felt about her, or that she obviously didn't want more than just friendship.

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