Chapter 3 you guys! I can't believe I'm updating again… I'm supposed to be studying for my exams today…but who cares! Thank you guys for reading my story…and don't lose patience in me if I don't update soon. As you know, I'm kinda busy with my schoolwork. BTW, Tomoyo now wears glasses and does her hair in ponytails. Syaoran still have messy hair, Sakura has evolved from pigtails to longer pigtails, and Eriol is well…Eriol? That's that! Presenting…the Third Chapter of Under the Stars: Goodnights dedicated to Esme, my first reviewer for the second chapter. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: CCS is still NOT mine…sigh
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Small recap:
As he turned, Tomoyo felt her breath caught. This was no stranger. Even though he's now 6'2 tall, wearing a black tuxedo and no glasses, she'll know that smile anywhere.
"Good evening Daidouji-san. Surprised?" Hiirigizawa Eriol asked, smiling mischievously.
And everything went black.
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Tomoyo groaned and stirred in her bed, feeling the early rays of the morning sun upon her face. She blinked her purple eyes and sat up, still half asleep. For a moment, she stared at the little blue birds singing and hopping at the windowsill, making her smile. Their song was so peaceful and sweet that she was contented just staring at them and humming a little.
After a few minutes, something beeped at her side. The birds were frightened by the sound and fluttered away. Tomoyo frowned at the loss of music and glared at the cause of the noise. She was startled that it was her alarm clock. Funny, she never heard it ring before. She was more surprised at where the hands are pointed. 8:00
Suddenly she was fully awake. Tomoyo threw her covers on top of her bed and ran to the bathroom, not bothering to wear her fluffy purple slippers.
"I'M LAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTEEEEEEE!"
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Tomoyo was still panting as she let herself drop on her chair. Their classroom was already half filled with noisy, chattering students. After waving at Sakura at the end of the room (whom was with Li, as usual) she closed her eyes for a while, cursing herself.
Usually, she comes to school around 6:00 in the morning, way earlier than the rest of her classmates. Now she's a mess (in her opinion. But you know her, a hair out of place means incredibly messy to her).
"Ohayo (slang for good morning), Tomoyo"
Tomoyo groaned and opened her eyes. It was bad enough that she looked like a mess but it was even worse that it's Syaoran who saw her like this.
"Good morning Syaoran." Tomoyo said stiffly, removing her hairbrush from her bag and running it along her smooth satin-like hair, careful to avoid looking at Syaoran's concerned face. She knew it was a bit childish, but she still think of Syaoran as "The Rival." She wanted to beat him at everything. So far, she was able to do so, except for two small facts. One, she don't have powers and incredible martial art skills, and two, he have Sakura.
"I just wanted to thank you, for, um, last night." Syaoran said, clearly embarrassed, his ear turning bright red.
Tomoyo didn't reply and returned her brush in her bag, tapping her fingernails on the table.
The sound was making Syaoran more nervous. He glanced at Sakura, whom smiled and nodded encouragingly. "You know, about Sakura locking herself in the bathroom, and you climbing the trellis-"
"It's okay. That was nothing." interrupted Tomoyo, wanting to save herself and Syaoran from the embarrassment.
Syaoran, still red, nodded. 'What can I possibly say that Tomoyo and I are both interested in?' he asked himself, staring at his shoes. Tomoyo, looking everywhere exceot to the messy auburn haired guy in front of her, was thinking 'Why doesn't he get the point and leave?'
Syaoran coughed and loosened his tie.
Tomoyo stared at her nails.
Syaoran shifted his weight from left foot to the right.
Tomoyo stared harder at her nails.
Finally, the silence was broken by the opening of the door. Both of them looked up and saw the professor came in. "Okay everyone, back to your seats. I have a surprise for you."
Li looked immensely relieved and sat at his desk. Tomoyo rolled her eyes and tightened her ponytail.
"I have a new student here, transferring from Europe. Please come in." The teacher said, beckoning to someone outside the room.
A familiar figure was standing in front. Tomoyo's eyes widened behind her glasses. She heard choking behind her that could only be Syaoran. Sakura exclaimed loudly "You!"
"Yes, me." Eriol said, smiling that mischievous little smile of his.
Professor Suuki said "Looks like you know each other. Everyone, this is Hiirigizawa Eriol. He will be joining us until the school year ends so please, make him feel welcome." He turned to Eriol. "You can sit beside Kinimoto-san."
"Yes, of course I will do so, Professor." Eriol said in his rich, accented voice.
Eriol caught Tomoyo's eyes and his smile intensified. As he approach her desk, Tomoyo can't help but keep her eyes on him. Now she remembers what happened last night! He visited her at her house. Then…the rest was history.
She could hear all the girls murmuring things like "He's so cute!" "I can't believe he's in our class!" "Do you think he has a girlfriend?" "Darn it! Why does he have to be beside Sakura-san? He can sit beside me!" She even heard a boy exclaim "Darn it! He's too beautiful be a guy!"
Eriol stopped directly in front of Tomoyo, then asked politely "How are you this morning, Daidouji-san? Feeling alright?"
"Yes, Hiirigizawa-san. And you?" Tomoyo asked in a same tone, pretending not to notice the intensified murmurs of her fellow pupils.
"I'm great, thank you for asking. See you around." With that, Eriol winked and strode casually to his chair.
"Eriol I can't believe you're back!" came Sakura's excited whisper. Tomoyo turned around and saw her hugging the long lost friend. She could also see the twitch in Syaoran's jaw, as if he's trying to control himself.
Professor Suuki rapped on his desk. "Okay, everyone, that's enough. Let's go pick up what we left yesterday."
The professor continued babbling on, but Tomoyo tuned her out, gazing absently at the blackboard.
She was amazed at the gall of Eriol to casually return to Tomoeda after how many years, and how he looks today. Eriol suddenly had a growth spurt, towering above her. Although he grew up, he was still beautiful. Too beautiful. Calling him handsome would be an insult. He has large eyes and that hypnotic smile. Certainly, he was one of the most charismatic persons Tomoyo ever met.
'Daidouji, stop that! Remember, you have your exams next week. Forget about Hiiirigizawa!' Tomoyo scolded herself, shaking her head a little.
At the rest of the day, Tomoyo had a hard time focusing on the lessons.
Eriol smiled as he stared at Tomoyo even more, not caring about the lessons at all.
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RIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
"Okay class, we end our discussion today. Dismiss!"
Tomoyo scowled and jammed her textbook inside her bag. She was dying to interrogate Eriol, but due to her "ethics", she was forbidden to talk to males that aren't a family member, just for the sake of curiosity or anything since it was unladylike.
"Curse that stupid manner school Mom sent me to," muttered Tomoyo under her breath.
All the other females surrounded Eriol's desk, asking questions, some even proposing to be his girlfriend.
Tomoyo snorted, irritated at the high pitched voices of the girls, most of them laughing at something Eriol said. Syaoran was wearing the exact same expression on his face. He was standing by the door, waiting for Sakura. She turned to leave the room.
"Tomoyo-chan! Matte (Wait)!" Sakura exclaimed as Tomoyo turned to leave. She was fighting the crowd of adoring girls.
(Oh yeah, her desk and Eriol's is kinda like a "shared" desk. It's like in a science lab; their table is a big one that can seat two. That's why when the girls encircled Eriol's desk; it meant that she was also surrounded by girls since they are seatmates. Got it? )
Tomoyo stopped and put a smile on her face. Even with Sakura panting like that, she's just too darned KAWAII (cute)!
"Eriol's asked me to tell you to meet us at La Blanché tonight, 8:00. He'll be treating us." Sakura said, beaming happily at Tomoyo.
Tomoyo shrugged, and the two of them exited the room, with Syaoran trailing behind them, silent. "I have a lot to do, Sakura-chan."
"Demo (but) Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura turned her huge, puppy dog eyes to her bestfriend, looking so sweet and innocent. "It's Friday night. Just this night, Please come with me? Please?"
Tomoyo groaned inwardly. When Sakura turned on her charm, she can talk anybody into anything. "Fine. But just for a little while, okay?"
"Cool!"
The walk home was a silent one. Tomoyo didn't have to ask, but she knew what was on her friends' mind. The mysterious appearance of Eriol Hiirigizawa.
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Tomoyo posed in front of her full length mirror, taking in view of her dark blue cocktail dress. The contrast on her pale skin was absolutely stunning, and the absence of any jewelry only added elegance to the simplicity of her outfit.
Tomoyo stared at her reflection hard. 'This is crazy. I should be doing something else tonight. Why am I wasting time to meet that Eriol anyway? So what if he's back? Maybe I'm coming because Sakura asked me to be there. That's it, I guess.' She sighed and seated at her vanity table. She applied a powder, some gloss, hesitated a little, and then dabbed her favorite perfume of lilies behind her ear called Rendezvous. She clutched her bag and strode out of the room.
As she descended the stairway, Kiffy caught a sight of her and nearly dropped the laundry in her arms. "Mademoiselle? You're going out tonight?"
"Yes Kiffy." Tomoyo applying a bored tone, not minding the look of surprise in Kiffy's face. "Is my mother here?"
"Madame is resting in her chambers, mademoiselle."
"Very well. If she looks for me," which I doubt, Tomoyo added to herself "Tell her I've gone out with a few friends of mine. I have my cell phone if you need me."
Tomoyo strode out of the driveway, leaving a surprised kiffy in her wake. Her chauffeur nearly fainted when he saw his beautiful mademoiselle, but nevertheless held the door open for her at the back of the limousine. Tomoyo seated herself gracefully. For some reason, she was excited as Richard the driver pulled out of the driveway and into the night.
This is going to be a night to remember.
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Back at the house, Kiffy immediately put the laundry in the laundry room then rushed out to the kitchen to announce to her colleagues the miracle she saw tonight.
Their prim and proper Mademoiselle Tomoyo, the most conservative teenager in the world dressed up, her hair down, her glasses in her purse, going out in a date!
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Tomoyo entered the lobby of La Blanché, taking in the muted lights, cozy atmosphere, wondrous, classical music, and nodded her head appreciatively. She had to admit it, Hiirigizawa have style.
Tomoyo strode to the maitre d' and cleared her throat.
The maitre d' looked up and put on his I'm-happy-you're-here smile. "Good evening Madame. Do you have a reservation?"
"I don't have a reservation, but I'm meeting my friends here."
"Yes of course. Your friend's name would be?"
"Hiirigizawa Eriol."
The maitre d' checked his book for a while then nodded. "Yes of course. If you would follow me Miss…?"
"Daidouji. Daidouji Tomoyo"
"DAIDOUJI TOMOYO!" The maitre d' spun so fast Tomoyo thought he snapped. "As in the Daidouji Tomoyo?"
Tomoyo nervously laughed. She loathed scenes like this, being a kind of celebrity due to her mother's wealth. "Well, I guess so."
"Miss Daidouji, La Blanché is most honored that you are here." The maitre d' bowed.
"As I am." Tomoyo said, also bowing, embarrassed that the people entering are starting to stare at her.
"Would you like a guided tour? A special meal? It would be on the house, Miss Daidouji. We are only too flattered that you chose La Blanché, especially after reading in Flavor magazine how much picky you are, and what a connoisseur you are."
"I would really like that, but I am late for my appointment. Some other time." Tomoyo said, shrugging.
"Of course. To Mr. Hiirigizawa's table then." The maitre d' snapped his fingers, and then offered his arm.
Tomoyo laid a hand on her hand, her face burning as they marched to Eriol's table, as if some kind of a parade with all the waiters behind them.
Her shame doubled when she saw the reaction on her friends faces. Sakura was totally surprised, Syaoran was frowning as if it was some kind of a joke, and Eriol was smiling as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Here you are Miss Daidouji." The maitre d' announced, pulling the chair for Tomoyo. "Once again, I'm quite honored you are here. Please enjoy yourself." With that, the maitre d' walked away with the wake of waiters behind him.
Tomoyo was still blushing as she sat down and spread the napkin on her lap. "What?" She asked her friends, who were looking at her with different reactions.
"Oh my God, Tomoyo-chan, what did you do to have that kind of special treatment? Did you somehow owned this restaurant?" asked Sakura, her green eyes wide. She looked breathtaking in a deep emerald cocktail dress; complete with a complete set of diamond and platinum jewelry, and of course, her engagement ring.
Before Tomoyo could respond, Syaoran piped up. "Maybe someone is planning to kidnap you or something, and the maitre d' is somehow in their plan. You better be careful Tomoyo." He said in that natural cautious tone of his.
"No, it's nothing like that guys. It's nothing." Tomoyo said, her face burning.
Eriol smiled and took a sip of his water. "What matters is you are here now Daidouji-san. Now we can order." He snapped his fingers and in an instant, a suited waiter stood by their table, a pen and paper poised in his hands.
"May I take your order?"
(Oh, I'll skip from the ordering part. It would be too long and boring. By the way, their table arrangement would be Sakura is across Eriol and at the left of Syaoran, Syaoran is across Tomoyo, and Tomoyo is seated beside Eriol.)
Their salad came, and everyone dug in to their food silently. Well, almost everyone except Sakura, who was bombarding questions at Eriol.
"How was England Eriol? Did you like it there? Where did you go to school? Did you tell Kaho-sama that you'll return here?" Sakura asked, her eyes shining brightly.
Eriol took a bite of his shrimp Creole before answering her questions. "England was great, a little bit chilly but nevertheless nice. I learned to like it there, but there's no place like Tomoeda. I went to a private school for boys. Yes, I did tell Kaho that I'll be coming home. After all, for such an important event, how can I miss it?"
Syaoran nearly spat out his lettuce. He quickly wiped his face with his napkin and took a sip of water, blushing. Tomoyo hid her smile, while Sakura blinked innocently.
"What important event are you talking about, Eriol-kun?"
"Well, your wedding of course. I plan to take part in it even though my wonderful kawaii descendent didn't send me an invitation." Eriol said patiently, gesturing to her ring.
"Oh!" exclaimed Sakura, turning as red as the tomatoes in her salad. She clutched her ring as if someone would steal it, and Syaoran turned, if possible, redder.
"So, where are you planning to stay, Hiirigizawa-san?" Tomoyo asked, trying to change the topic to stop the two lovers from exploding in embarrassment.
Sakura smiled gratefully at Tomoyo, and she winked back at her.
"Since my residence isn't standing anymore (remember in 2nd movie guys? Eriol's mansion is replaced with an amusement park) I'm planning to stay in a hotel."
Syaoran scowled at him but not in an angry way. "Hotel? That's dangerous. And pricey."
Sakura smiled brightly. "Why stay in a hotel if you can stay at my house?" Syaoran suddenly spat out his salad and looked at her disbelievingly. "You can share the guest room with Syaoran-kun!"
Syaoran, Tomoyo, and Eriol imagined the two of them sharing one bed. All three of them shivered. Not a pretty sight.
"No really, Sakura-chan, that's okay, I'd rather pay a high fee than spend one night with my cute descendant. It would be torture."
Syaoran glared at Eriol, "As if I would want to spend a night with you!"
Sakura frowned at Syaoran. "Li Syaoran, that's rude!"
Eriol stuck his tongue out while Syaoran cast another evil glare at him before turning his soft puppy dog eyes to Sakura.
"But-but Honey! I can't share a room with that creature!" Syaoran exclaimed.
"Syao-chan, what are you talking about? The room is enough for two persons."
"If it would be trouble to you guys, Hiirigizawa-san can stay in my house." Tomoyo said, shrugging.
"You're a life saver Tomoyo!" shouted Syaoran, pumping his fist in the air.
"Are you sure it would be ok with you?" Sakura asked.
"Of course."
"Great! Then it's settled!" Eriol said, smiling at her. "Thank you very much, Daidouji-san."
"Anything, Hiirigizawa-kun."
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(They are finished eating their appetizers. Eriol asked for a bottle of champagne to toast Sakura and Syaoran's wedding. After one glassful however, Sakura was drunk and ready to go home. And so in the middle of the main course, the dinner was cut short.)
Syaoran carried his beloved inside his black sports car and seated her gently in the passenger seat. Eriol watched as Syaoran laid a tender kiss on Sakura's forehead before shutting the door.
"Geez. I didn't know you got so sappy in a short period of time, Syao-chan." Eriol said in a false sweet songy voice.
"Oh please. As if you never do that to Kaho-sama." Syaoran craned his neck. "Where's Tomoyo?"
"Inside, shaking hands with the maitre d'. He seemed so heartbroken that Daidouji-san was going to leave." An amused smile played across Eriol's lips.
"Tell her we've gone home, okay?"
"Of course. Have a pleasant evening, Syaoran."
"Still the shitty gentleman you are, Eriol." Syaoran gave him a smile and waved.
Eriol let out a laugh, which made him less like a debonair but more of a human.
"Goodnight dude. Safe trip."
"Yeah, safe trip." Eriol echoed, watching as Syaoran climbed in the car, started the engine, and drove out to the Kinimoto residence. Eriol sighed and gazed at the stars.
He was still looking skyward when Tomoyo saw him as she stepped out of the restaurant. "Hiirigizawa-kun?"
"Ah, Daidouji-san. Ready to go home?"
Tomoyo shrugged. "Sure. My driver would be here any minute. I'll just-"
Eriol took the cell phone from her hands and replaced it inside her bag. "Don't call your driver, Diadouji-san. I have my car right here."
Tomoyo shrugged and followed Eriol to his car, a sleek black Cadillac. He opened the door at the passenger seat for her, and then climbed inside the car himself.
They were both silent as Eriol drove out to the highway.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Aren't you going to ask me something?"
Surprised, Tomoyo looked up from fiddling her bag's strap. "Ask you what?"
"I dunno. Why I was at your house last night?"
"Are you doing that shitty mind reading thing of yours again?"
Eriol looked at her, surprised. "I never heard you swore before." He glanced back at the road. "I must say it was quite refreshing."
Tomoyo was equally surprised. She thought Eriol would somehow be offended, or something.
They were silent again.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"What are you doing at my house last night?"
"I don't know. Kind of an instinct, I guess."
"Instinct?" Tomoyo smiled at him. "What are you talking about?"
Eriol pulled up the Daidouji driveway. Already, Tomoyo was feeling sleepy. "We're here Daidouji-san."
Tomoyo didn't bother to wait for him to open the door and climbed out, yawning most unladylike. Eriol noticed this.
"Go up to bed, Daidouji-san. We'll talk about this tomorrow."
Both of them climbed the stairs, were the door was opened by the surprised butler. "Daidouji-san, I was not notified that we have a guest."
"Dmitri, this is Hiirigizawa Eriol. He'll be staying with us from now on." Then Tomoyo went up to her room and threw herself on her bed.
The two men left at the entrance were staring after her. The butler cleared his throat. "Well, Monsieur Eriol, welcome to the Daidouji residence. Kiffy…" he rang a little bell. Kiffy scampered out, looking awfully sleepy. At the sight of Eriol she blushed and stood a little straighter, trying to smooth her curls. "…will accompany you to your room."
Kiffy smiled awkwardly at Eriol. "Follow me Monsieur. No bags?" She asked.
"None, my darling."
'Oh, he's so cute! What luck, he's staying here!'
They started climbing the stairs. "Have we met before?" Eriol asked, smiling.
"Yes, we talk last night as you were waiting for Mademoiselle Tomoyo." Kiffy said, flustered. She still can't believe her good luck.
"Oh yes, I remember now." Eriol stopped. Kiffy also stopped, blinking. Eriol put a hand on her shoulder, which double her heart beats. "Pardon me, but could you do me a favor?"
A favor? "Sure Monsieur. Anyone whom Mademoiselle Tomoyo brought to this house would be obeyed."
"Well, if that's the case, could you be a doll and lead me to Daidouji-san's room?"
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Eriol sat at the edge of Tomoyo's bed and gazed at her sleeping form. He pulled her purple comforter up to her chin. He simply stood there for several minutes, then kissed her forehead, and murmured "Goodnight, Daidouji-san."
Eriol turned to exit the room, when he heard a low, sleepy murmur. "Goodnight, Hiirigizawa-kun."
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Another chapter finished! Anyway, from now on, I will list a "WALL OF FAME" where my lovely reviewers will be recognized. And the one who first reviewed in the last chapter, the next chapter would be dedicated to you! That's why Esme got the honor, okay:) Anyway, please review; I cherish all your opinions and reactions, whether it's good or bad. And here is the first wall of Flame!
WALL OF FAME!
Syden …
I'm sorry about the weird symbols on the first chapter….but I fixed them, look! flashes a copy of the first chapter no more HTML tags! Yay! Thank you for being my first reviewer! MWAH! I hope you enjoy the story! I pledge that before this year, I'll finish this story for you guys! hugs and kisses
aaaaaaq …
Thanks for the review! You really think it's nice? I think so too: ) anyway, as I said before, I fixed the tags, and I think it's easier to read too… I really appreciate your review! hugs and kisses
dashgirl …
Yes, unfortunately, those are HTML tags, and I already fixed it! Go check! Thank you for your review! I guess yes, I'm full of emotion that time… : ) I hope my other chapters are full of emotion too! Thank you and hope you enjoy the story! hugs and kisses
Esme …
Wow! You are my first reviewer in the second chapter! This one's for you! Yes, I do plan to update soon, and please keep on reading my story. And please don't cut off my head. LOL. Take care! hugs and kisses