storypaint | Birthday Present (Eriol/Syaoran)

Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura
Title: Birthday Present
Author: rhap_chan
Theme: 5) Chocolate
Pairing/Characters: Li Syaoran/Hiiragizawa Eriol
Rating: G, but pre-yaoi
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to CLAMP. The opinions and actions expressed in these stories are not necessarily the views and beliefs of the original author or me.
Notes/Summary: Eriol sends Syaoran a birthday gift and a promise to visit. Why is he so flustered about seeing Eriol again?

Syaoran had honestly forgotten that Eriol had moved back to England and the postmark on the package caught him by surprise. Cautiously he opened the box-- couldn't be too careful, the magician was unpredictable-- but the only things in it were a box of chocolate and a small card.

"Happy birthday," the card said cheerfully on front. Syaoran couldn't read it, since it was in English, but the letters were brightly colored and there was a picture of a party hat. The inside was carefully written in somewhat archaic Chinese.

Happy birthday, dear Syaoran. I know you love chocolate, so I have sent you some. As a better present, I am coming to visit you and our family tomorrow. ~Love, Eriol

Syaoran growled, but then he blushed. He wasn't sure what to do, actually. Ever since Eriol had revealed his true identity, he was torn between helpless rage at being manipulated, and gratitude, for Eriol's pushing had led him to Sakura. That hadn't worked out as anticipated (Syaoran sighed), but that wasn't Eriol's fault. Who knew that Tomoyo would steal his love away?

And now Eriol was coming to visit like he was family. Which, Syaoran supposed, he technically was, but most family waited for invitations. And it wasn't like he wanted to see Eriol at his birthday, anyway.

He set the note back in the box and pulled out the chocolate. It was good quality stuff from Switzerland, and dark chocolate, his absolute favorite. He held the box up to his nose, anticipating the wonderfully sharp scent, but inhaling Eriol's particular smell at the same time. Eriol had packed the box himself. The cologne blended particularly well with the chocolate, something almost cinnamon-inspired.

Of course one of Syaoran's sisters wandered into the room at this time. She looked at Syaoran and squealed.

"Who sent you candy, little brother? Is she cute?"

"No one!" Syaoran snapped. "And he's not cute!" Hastily he threw the chocolate back in the packing box, picked it up, and strode out of the room.

"Then why are you blushing?" the sister teased from behind him. Syaoran lifted a hand to his face and was embarrassed to feel the heat. There wasn't any need for that...

Syaoran went into his room and locked the door, for good measure. Then he opened the box of chocolates, examined it carefully for spells, and ate one. It was amazing, like he thought it would be.

Eriol was coming tomorrow, Syaoran thought, and he wasn't sure if he was annoyed or anticipatory. He guessed he would see in the morning.