After several months of blockage, I return with a few themes
Title: Strawberry Jam
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Yue x Syaoran
Fandom: Card Captor Sakura
Theme: #5, Strawberry Jam
Rating: Pg-13
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to CLAMP and Kodansha. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws. Steal and you die!
Notes: AU, mentions of Sakura x Tomoyo, one-sided past Sakura x Syaoran,
Summary: Syaoran and Yue go strawberry picking
Syaoran looked at the shopping list as he checked off the last item. “That’s the baking soda. We’re finished.”
Yue frowned. “Are you sure? I do not think Touya would have sent us to get ingredients three days in advance if… what’s that?”
Syaoran looked down at the bottom. “Fresh strawberries from Kiwari?”
“Well, if we do not need to give these to him until then, we might as well.”
Syaoran suddenly grinned. “I remember. Sakura and I had a field trip at a strawberry farm the day we caught the Lock card…”
“And you forgot to take the strawberries home to Cerberus. He was ever so disappointed.” Yue took a quick glance at Yukito’s memories and verified the truth. “I suppose that’s why he wants us to get these strawberries there. Mistress Sakura would probably appreciate the effort.
Syaoran nodded with a smile.
“Well, it will be quicker if we just fly.” Syaoran’s grin grew wider as Yue picked him up easily and they shot off into the sky. Flying was always nice, and he didn’t begrudge Sakura her Cards anymore, no, not really… during the last battle with Eriol-Clow, when they had changed Light and Dark into Sakura cards together, while Yue and Cerberus were meshed as energy inside the complex spell weave of her Staff,
It must have taken some of his magic too, and yes, he knew that something was different, but he had not quite realized it until he got home… Sakura confessing her love for Tomoyo in front of him had been awkward, so he had fled the scene, nursing a broken heart, and when he had caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he was shocked to realize that the symbol on the front of his ceremonial robes had changed into a silver crescent moon flanked with feathery white wings…
The second surprise had been unexpected as well, finding Yue outside his window was not what he had expected at all from the moon guardian, but he had unlatched the glass - the entire wall was a sliding glass door, really, and as soon as Yue had entered he’d felt… exhilarated, almost trembling with anticipation though he knew not why…
Perhaps it was the joy that Sakura had finished changing all of her cards from Clow into Sakura cards, or perhaps it was the knowledge that she loved another, but he had not been in the most coherent form of mind, and Yue had taken advantage of it. Before he knew what he had gotten into, he was in the guardian’s lap, cuddled against Yue’s chest while the moon guardian placed sucking kisses along his neck and collarbone. And by the time the bed entered into the equation, well, he’d been beyond complaining about odd treatment…
Now though, he lay in Yue’s arms and watched the scenery pass by quickly underfoot. Within moments, they were at the entrance to the farm. Yue vanished his wings and cast a brief illusion spell over him self so he looked like Yukito, save for a touch of hardness in the eyes and lips.
Delicious…
The man at the gate took their money and ushered them inside, surprised since it was a school day and no school trips were scheduled. Still, it was their business what they did.
The two of them bent over the rows and began picking strawberries. It was quite fun, and within an hour or two they had several baskets full of strawberries. Syaoran and Yue washed them and than headed to the kitchen to sort.
“Well, the best ones go into the cake as decoration, and I wonder what we should do with the rest?”
“He only specified two pounds…” Syaoran said thoughtfully.
“We could make jam.”
“…Jam?”
“You’ve never had any?” Yue asked in surprise. “Strawberry jam was one of Clow’s favorites.”
“I’ve never had jam.” Syaoran reminded Yue that he was from Hong Kong, though he did not look it. With a smile, the moon guardian laughed and said that they could make some back at his apartment. That was to his liking, and they left the farm and flew back to Tomoeda.
Back in the kitchen, Syaoran pulled on an apron that read ‘Kiss the Cook’, blushing as he did so.
“It was a gift from my older sisters!”
“They have good taste.” Yue replied, as he found a mixing bowl and some sugar. They would need something to mash the berries with as well… and some pectin, if he remembered Clow’s instructions correctly. With a sigh, he summoned the Create card and pulled out the necessary ingredients.
Syaoran had finished washing and cutting the tops of all the berries, so they placed them in a large ceramic bowl, mixed in sugar and a touch of lemon juice, before putting the liquid mix to simmer on top of the stove.
Yue watched as Syaoran perched on a kitchen stool and stirred, peering into the liquid every few minutes. “That’s good…”
“I can cook, you know.”
“And what an adorable cook you make too.” Syaoran blushed at Yue’s words and hastily began stirring faster, a bit too much force though…
“Ow!”
Yue descended with ice in a towel as a burst of berry juice splattered on his face and stirring arm. Shaking his head, he began applying the cold before a burn was pronounced.
“You’ve no need to get that worked up…”
He colored as Yue fixed a penetrating gaze on him. “I’m sorry…”
“Why are you apologizing? I should not have startled you.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry about he jam. I wanted you to taste it so you would be happy. If you don’t want to make it, it is fine.”
“That’s not what I meant…” He touched his cheek gingerly, than resumed stirring. A few minutes later, the timer rang.
They lay the hot jam out to cool, some of it was sealed into a round glass jar that Yue had procured earlier, but the rest, they slathered on sponge cake. Syaoran took his first bite as his eyes lit up. “It’s so sweet…”
“Not as sweet as you are.” Yue returned, taking a bite of his own. They had done well, for a first effort…
“I’m not that sweet, am I?”
Yue leaned across the table and placed a hand on his cheek. “Yes, you are.”
Syaoran colored and took another bite. Within minutes, he had devoured everything. Now he understood Cerberus’s passion for strawberries a little bit better…
And when Yue kissed him, it made the whole experience glow. He tasted strawberries and cool mint, and shivered.
“We should make jam again.” Yue said, and as Syaoran followed him to the bedroom, he was inclined to agree.
End Fic
Completed 1/23/06
And... another theme...
Title: When Marriage is required
Author: Shadow/phantomness
Pairing: Yue x Syaoran
Fandom: CCS
Theme: #6, Green Tea
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: CLAMP owns CCS. I just own this fanfic.
Notes: AU, incorrect gender pronouns, marriage
Summary: Syaoran meets his fiancée
There was a gentle clink of china outside. Syaoran sighed as he placed another black stone on his game board. His mother, though kind in her attentions, did not seem to realize he had no interest in marriage as of yet. He was still too young to be tied down to a woman, no matter how extraordinary, and if she had brought Meiling in again, well, he would deal with it later.
He sighed and poured himself another glass of tea. It tasted faintly bitter, but it was most likely his imagination. He stood up and padded down the wooden floors to the dining area.
This new girl was tall, he noticed, with long white hair. Exotic, perhaps, but her features were sharp. She did look rather lovely, and the kimono of purest white frosted with blue snowflakes suited her well. Perhaps…
Li Yelan poured another cup of tea and watched. She had made it through the tea ceremony flawlessly, and her needlework skills were good…. She was only a few years younger than Syaoran, but her maturity would temper Syaoran’s impatience, and all in all, everything seemed rather well. She looked at the girl’s father and gave a discreet nod.
Clow settled his spectacles with a relieved sigh, almost. This really was for the best… the documents were signed that very moment and a servant talked to Syaoran and informed him that his new fiancée was waiting. That was a bit startling, but expected. The girl must have passed all of mother’s tests…
He kept his temper under control, resolving not to drive the girl away until he knew her a little better. He still was not fond of the idea of marriage, but if need be, he would adapt. It was for the good of the Clan, after all…
Yue was surprised that the proposal had been accepted so quickly, but she was to wed her new husband the day after. It was lucky her father was a great magician and could transport things over distance, in any case, her trunks arrived within moments and she was shown to a guest room for the night.
She sighed. She knew next to nothing about her new husband, save that he was the future head of the Li Clan. They had no time to get to know each other before the ceremony though…
Perhaps it would not be as bad as she feared, perhaps not…
He was getting married in the morning and he was nervous. This woman was completely unknown, but at least she was beautiful. Still, a pristine exterior could hide a rotten heart, and he had not wished the risk, but his mother knew best after all.
With a sigh, he began moving his furniture so he would have room, and studied the bed. His normal bed had been taken away and replaced with a canopied bed resplendent with curtains of dark green velvet.
He looked around helplessly. There was an empty dresser for her to use, it had been moved in, a full length mirror and another closet, plus a little writing desk, but…
But he was just not ready for something. The idea of sleeping with her scared him to death. He sighed as he climbed into bed, pulling on his green silk pajamas, wishing that time would stop so he could continue his carefree life.
So much for that hope…
With a sigh, he muttered a spell and extinguished the candles, pulling the covers over his head. What a mess.
The day next dawned clear and blue, nary a cloud in the sky. Syaoran glared at the sky as he brushed his teeth and changed into his ceremonial robes. A hairdresser came in and managed to wrestle his messy brown hair into a semblance of order, the Clan jeweler pierced his ears with emerald studs and brought him the ceremonial sword-bell to wear, and congratulated him on his good fortune.
He was shaking inside, but he kept up his cold façade as a light meal was served, and the wedding ceremony began. Afterwards, he and his new bride retired to their room.
He studied her. She looked pale and drawn in the dark red kimono embroidered with gold, and he felt a momentary sense of respite.
“Don’t worry. We don’t have to do anything tonight. It would be too awkward.”
Yue was glad for his words, and she was more than happy to obey. She watched as he left the room to go for a stroll in the gardens and than changed into a thin white night robe.
That night, they slept side by side, but nothing occurred. In truth, Syaoran liked it that way. He dreaded the time when they would actually have to consummate. He was just too frightened about the prospect…
Oh, he ought to have urges like any other young man, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was his magic and his studies….
This new responsibility was overwhelmingly odd!
Several weeks passed. Syaoran discovered that his new wife was very quiet, but interested in magic. She knew a little too, wind and water, as befitted a female. They took long walks in the gardens together and chatted about various things.
True, their relationship had not progressed anything besides the occasional chaste kiss, but Syaoran was quite satisfied, and glad that everything had worked out so well…
They were taking tea together in the pavilion when the inevitable occurred. A man dropped down from the top of the pavilion, knife in hand. Before Syaoran had time to grab his sword amulet, Yue had reacted. Wings exploded out of her back in a flurry of white feathers, and an arrow was in hand, moonlight in liquid form stabbed through the man’s heart. He fell over with a gurgle of blood.
Syaoran stared, his mind working frantically but his body of its own accord hugged his savior tightly.
Yue placed her hands in Syaoran’s hair, smiling sadly. So now he knew…
Or did he? The boy was flushing red, before he tipped his head up, lips parting slightly, in invitation. Yue took it and kissed him, feeling him relax…
“I don’t care.”
“Mm?”
Syaoran half-smiled. “You’re Clow’s moon guardian, aren’t you?”
“How did you guess?”
“It all fit.” He smiled and met brilliant silver eyes. “I do not care. I still… care for you. I hope you feel the same for me.”
Yue smiled. “You still doubt me?”
He looked at them, standing amidst shattered porcelain, Yue’s kimono splattered with green tea and blood, and he laughed as they kissed again.
“No.”
End Fic
Completed 1/23/06
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Yue x Syaoran
Fandom: Card Captor Sakura
Theme: #5, Strawberry Jam
Rating: Pg-13
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to CLAMP and Kodansha. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws. Steal and you die!
Notes: AU, mentions of Sakura x Tomoyo, one-sided past Sakura x Syaoran,
Summary: Syaoran and Yue go strawberry picking
Syaoran looked at the shopping list as he checked off the last item. “That’s the baking soda. We’re finished.”
Yue frowned. “Are you sure? I do not think Touya would have sent us to get ingredients three days in advance if… what’s that?”
Syaoran looked down at the bottom. “Fresh strawberries from Kiwari?”
“Well, if we do not need to give these to him until then, we might as well.”
Syaoran suddenly grinned. “I remember. Sakura and I had a field trip at a strawberry farm the day we caught the Lock card…”
“And you forgot to take the strawberries home to Cerberus. He was ever so disappointed.” Yue took a quick glance at Yukito’s memories and verified the truth. “I suppose that’s why he wants us to get these strawberries there. Mistress Sakura would probably appreciate the effort.
Syaoran nodded with a smile.
“Well, it will be quicker if we just fly.” Syaoran’s grin grew wider as Yue picked him up easily and they shot off into the sky. Flying was always nice, and he didn’t begrudge Sakura her Cards anymore, no, not really… during the last battle with Eriol-Clow, when they had changed Light and Dark into Sakura cards together, while Yue and Cerberus were meshed as energy inside the complex spell weave of her Staff,
It must have taken some of his magic too, and yes, he knew that something was different, but he had not quite realized it until he got home… Sakura confessing her love for Tomoyo in front of him had been awkward, so he had fled the scene, nursing a broken heart, and when he had caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he was shocked to realize that the symbol on the front of his ceremonial robes had changed into a silver crescent moon flanked with feathery white wings…
The second surprise had been unexpected as well, finding Yue outside his window was not what he had expected at all from the moon guardian, but he had unlatched the glass - the entire wall was a sliding glass door, really, and as soon as Yue had entered he’d felt… exhilarated, almost trembling with anticipation though he knew not why…
Perhaps it was the joy that Sakura had finished changing all of her cards from Clow into Sakura cards, or perhaps it was the knowledge that she loved another, but he had not been in the most coherent form of mind, and Yue had taken advantage of it. Before he knew what he had gotten into, he was in the guardian’s lap, cuddled against Yue’s chest while the moon guardian placed sucking kisses along his neck and collarbone. And by the time the bed entered into the equation, well, he’d been beyond complaining about odd treatment…
Now though, he lay in Yue’s arms and watched the scenery pass by quickly underfoot. Within moments, they were at the entrance to the farm. Yue vanished his wings and cast a brief illusion spell over him self so he looked like Yukito, save for a touch of hardness in the eyes and lips.
Delicious…
The man at the gate took their money and ushered them inside, surprised since it was a school day and no school trips were scheduled. Still, it was their business what they did.
The two of them bent over the rows and began picking strawberries. It was quite fun, and within an hour or two they had several baskets full of strawberries. Syaoran and Yue washed them and than headed to the kitchen to sort.
“Well, the best ones go into the cake as decoration, and I wonder what we should do with the rest?”
“He only specified two pounds…” Syaoran said thoughtfully.
“We could make jam.”
“…Jam?”
“You’ve never had any?” Yue asked in surprise. “Strawberry jam was one of Clow’s favorites.”
“I’ve never had jam.” Syaoran reminded Yue that he was from Hong Kong, though he did not look it. With a smile, the moon guardian laughed and said that they could make some back at his apartment. That was to his liking, and they left the farm and flew back to Tomoeda.
Back in the kitchen, Syaoran pulled on an apron that read ‘Kiss the Cook’, blushing as he did so.
“It was a gift from my older sisters!”
“They have good taste.” Yue replied, as he found a mixing bowl and some sugar. They would need something to mash the berries with as well… and some pectin, if he remembered Clow’s instructions correctly. With a sigh, he summoned the Create card and pulled out the necessary ingredients.
Syaoran had finished washing and cutting the tops of all the berries, so they placed them in a large ceramic bowl, mixed in sugar and a touch of lemon juice, before putting the liquid mix to simmer on top of the stove.
Yue watched as Syaoran perched on a kitchen stool and stirred, peering into the liquid every few minutes. “That’s good…”
“I can cook, you know.”
“And what an adorable cook you make too.” Syaoran blushed at Yue’s words and hastily began stirring faster, a bit too much force though…
“Ow!”
Yue descended with ice in a towel as a burst of berry juice splattered on his face and stirring arm. Shaking his head, he began applying the cold before a burn was pronounced.
“You’ve no need to get that worked up…”
He colored as Yue fixed a penetrating gaze on him. “I’m sorry…”
“Why are you apologizing? I should not have startled you.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry about he jam. I wanted you to taste it so you would be happy. If you don’t want to make it, it is fine.”
“That’s not what I meant…” He touched his cheek gingerly, than resumed stirring. A few minutes later, the timer rang.
They lay the hot jam out to cool, some of it was sealed into a round glass jar that Yue had procured earlier, but the rest, they slathered on sponge cake. Syaoran took his first bite as his eyes lit up. “It’s so sweet…”
“Not as sweet as you are.” Yue returned, taking a bite of his own. They had done well, for a first effort…
“I’m not that sweet, am I?”
Yue leaned across the table and placed a hand on his cheek. “Yes, you are.”
Syaoran colored and took another bite. Within minutes, he had devoured everything. Now he understood Cerberus’s passion for strawberries a little bit better…
And when Yue kissed him, it made the whole experience glow. He tasted strawberries and cool mint, and shivered.
“We should make jam again.” Yue said, and as Syaoran followed him to the bedroom, he was inclined to agree.
End Fic
Completed 1/23/06
And... another theme...
Title: When Marriage is required
Author: Shadow/phantomness
Pairing: Yue x Syaoran
Fandom: CCS
Theme: #6, Green Tea
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: CLAMP owns CCS. I just own this fanfic.
Notes: AU, incorrect gender pronouns, marriage
Summary: Syaoran meets his fiancée
There was a gentle clink of china outside. Syaoran sighed as he placed another black stone on his game board. His mother, though kind in her attentions, did not seem to realize he had no interest in marriage as of yet. He was still too young to be tied down to a woman, no matter how extraordinary, and if she had brought Meiling in again, well, he would deal with it later.
He sighed and poured himself another glass of tea. It tasted faintly bitter, but it was most likely his imagination. He stood up and padded down the wooden floors to the dining area.
This new girl was tall, he noticed, with long white hair. Exotic, perhaps, but her features were sharp. She did look rather lovely, and the kimono of purest white frosted with blue snowflakes suited her well. Perhaps…
Li Yelan poured another cup of tea and watched. She had made it through the tea ceremony flawlessly, and her needlework skills were good…. She was only a few years younger than Syaoran, but her maturity would temper Syaoran’s impatience, and all in all, everything seemed rather well. She looked at the girl’s father and gave a discreet nod.
Clow settled his spectacles with a relieved sigh, almost. This really was for the best… the documents were signed that very moment and a servant talked to Syaoran and informed him that his new fiancée was waiting. That was a bit startling, but expected. The girl must have passed all of mother’s tests…
He kept his temper under control, resolving not to drive the girl away until he knew her a little better. He still was not fond of the idea of marriage, but if need be, he would adapt. It was for the good of the Clan, after all…
Yue was surprised that the proposal had been accepted so quickly, but she was to wed her new husband the day after. It was lucky her father was a great magician and could transport things over distance, in any case, her trunks arrived within moments and she was shown to a guest room for the night.
She sighed. She knew next to nothing about her new husband, save that he was the future head of the Li Clan. They had no time to get to know each other before the ceremony though…
Perhaps it would not be as bad as she feared, perhaps not…
He was getting married in the morning and he was nervous. This woman was completely unknown, but at least she was beautiful. Still, a pristine exterior could hide a rotten heart, and he had not wished the risk, but his mother knew best after all.
With a sigh, he began moving his furniture so he would have room, and studied the bed. His normal bed had been taken away and replaced with a canopied bed resplendent with curtains of dark green velvet.
He looked around helplessly. There was an empty dresser for her to use, it had been moved in, a full length mirror and another closet, plus a little writing desk, but…
But he was just not ready for something. The idea of sleeping with her scared him to death. He sighed as he climbed into bed, pulling on his green silk pajamas, wishing that time would stop so he could continue his carefree life.
So much for that hope…
With a sigh, he muttered a spell and extinguished the candles, pulling the covers over his head. What a mess.
The day next dawned clear and blue, nary a cloud in the sky. Syaoran glared at the sky as he brushed his teeth and changed into his ceremonial robes. A hairdresser came in and managed to wrestle his messy brown hair into a semblance of order, the Clan jeweler pierced his ears with emerald studs and brought him the ceremonial sword-bell to wear, and congratulated him on his good fortune.
He was shaking inside, but he kept up his cold façade as a light meal was served, and the wedding ceremony began. Afterwards, he and his new bride retired to their room.
He studied her. She looked pale and drawn in the dark red kimono embroidered with gold, and he felt a momentary sense of respite.
“Don’t worry. We don’t have to do anything tonight. It would be too awkward.”
Yue was glad for his words, and she was more than happy to obey. She watched as he left the room to go for a stroll in the gardens and than changed into a thin white night robe.
That night, they slept side by side, but nothing occurred. In truth, Syaoran liked it that way. He dreaded the time when they would actually have to consummate. He was just too frightened about the prospect…
Oh, he ought to have urges like any other young man, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was his magic and his studies….
This new responsibility was overwhelmingly odd!
Several weeks passed. Syaoran discovered that his new wife was very quiet, but interested in magic. She knew a little too, wind and water, as befitted a female. They took long walks in the gardens together and chatted about various things.
True, their relationship had not progressed anything besides the occasional chaste kiss, but Syaoran was quite satisfied, and glad that everything had worked out so well…
They were taking tea together in the pavilion when the inevitable occurred. A man dropped down from the top of the pavilion, knife in hand. Before Syaoran had time to grab his sword amulet, Yue had reacted. Wings exploded out of her back in a flurry of white feathers, and an arrow was in hand, moonlight in liquid form stabbed through the man’s heart. He fell over with a gurgle of blood.
Syaoran stared, his mind working frantically but his body of its own accord hugged his savior tightly.
Yue placed her hands in Syaoran’s hair, smiling sadly. So now he knew…
Or did he? The boy was flushing red, before he tipped his head up, lips parting slightly, in invitation. Yue took it and kissed him, feeling him relax…
“I don’t care.”
“Mm?”
Syaoran half-smiled. “You’re Clow’s moon guardian, aren’t you?”
“How did you guess?”
“It all fit.” He smiled and met brilliant silver eyes. “I do not care. I still… care for you. I hope you feel the same for me.”
Yue smiled. “You still doubt me?”
He looked at them, standing amidst shattered porcelain, Yue’s kimono splattered with green tea and blood, and he laughed as they kissed again.
“No.”
End Fic
Completed 1/23/06