Title: A Kismet Misconstrued
Author: EmCeeBi WashuEl
Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura (AU)
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS. CCS is owned by CLAMP. As for the other characters appearing in this work, they are all fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living, and dead or even in other fanfics and/or anime is purely coincidental unless otherwise specified. But, Oh well, the plot is surely mine! ^_^
Pairing: Eriol Hiiragizawa and Tomoyo Daidouji
Rating: T
Summary: Whilst everyone is struggling in their chosen fields, a famous author's novel turned TV Series will bring them back together thirteen years after the card chasing days. Amidst the production, a curse is about to befall, and two unlikely characters might just make or break themselves through it all.
A/N: Thank you for all your patience and the reviews! Please give me more! So please Review! Review! Review.
Enjoy!
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5th Chapter
Strawberry Frappe
The two o'clock sun was hidden beneath the layers and layers of gigantic white and puffy clouds across the sky. It was odd that the atmosphere isn't as gloomy as one would expect rather it was a perfect setting for any outdoor activity.
Perfectly enough for his taste anyway.
His grey eyes continued to scrutinize the little cafe that he's in. It wasn't his first time in this little quaint place, he had been in here more than enough times since a couple of months ago. He's current schedule for the quarter allowed him to familiarize himself to several towns in this side of the country, thus he's already used to this busy yet calm ambiance of this little cafe. This has been where he was frequently called to business meetings and such.
Though today he's in here for a different kind of "business".
As he patiently waited for he's order, his eyes didn't cease observing the people inside the cafe; It was a busy Saturday afternoon or so it seems. This was the first time he had been in here on a weekend; it seems as though it's as busy as always if not busier. The silent and varied chatter of the people around him amuses him to no need. There's just always something about human behavior that fascinates him, so observing them is quite a hobby of his. He got never bored out of it and he didn't think that he'll ever be.
Minutes later, a plain looking waitress came with his order and after another minute of him muttering pleasantries of gratitude and her batting her not-s0-fake eyelashes, he was finally able to got out of the cafe making his way to his 'special appointment' with his order in his hands.
A cup of hot chocolate and a cup of chilled strawberry frappe.
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His long legs soon reached the meeting place specified a leisure park's entrance gate. He made his way to the ticket lounge and made himself comfortable in one of the couches as he waited for his 'business date'. He gave himself a look-over in one of the mirror-walls once just to make sure he was as decent as he could possibly be. Nakuro's reminder keeps repeating itself in the back of his head.
Apparently Nakuro was awaken by the shrill ringing of their business home number at around ten o'clock and she being his personal assistant and head secretary was forced to take the call. The call though was not something she or he could have ever predicted. It was the Daidouji heiress who had requested an appointment later in that afternoon hinting that it was something of 'business' in nature. The only thing that he could think of is the 'Crescent Sphere'; the novel turned TV Series project that they had together, though he couldn't think of anything that might be wrong with it or their contract for that matter. He hadn't taken the time to prod Nakuro on whether she was lying and or playing with him or not, because the moment he heard that the meeting was with Tomoyo he jumped out of the bed in haste to prepare.
It didn't help his nerves that the tone that his guardian used in reminding him was the major-teasing-tone designed to irritate him to no end.
"Daidouji-chan said that it's not so formal business meeting so you can just dress in casual!"
With one last look-over his casual attire, he released a heavy sigh. He can't be anymore casual that he is now in any other business meeting can he? He'd jinx who'd ever disagree to his cotton polo shirt with pseudo buttons and really faded jeans adding his open-toed khaki-leathered sandals as 'casual'. After all he felt too comfortable in his outfit for it not to be considered casual.
With another heavy sigh, he took a seat in one of couches facing the park.
For the life of him, he didn't know why he's making such a big deal out of his outfit, probably because he didn't want the famous designer to comment on it again just like the last time three weeks ago. It would really be pleasant to hear an approval instead of jibe or discreet insult from her. Besides, he didn't feel that's a nice way to get re-acquainted after three weeks. Right?
Right.
Three weeks. Almost.
Has it already been three weeks? For real?
Technically, yes -or- not?
Well they had obviously met up the first Saturday of September and now it's what? - the last Saturday of the month? so technically it has been already been three weeks right? However, although they didn't get the chance to sit and talk with each other the past three weeks; it's wrong to say that they hadn't seen each other. In fact, he had seen her several times randomly in nine days out of the last twenty days not counting today.
The first instance was Monday after the tour on the free way, he was on his way to work and two cars away from his left was Tomoyo inside her car and most likely was on her way to work as well. Thursday the same week he saw her at one of the fabric stalls in the mall while he was from a conference in one of the function halls. Wednesday after that week he saw her again having lunch at a restaurant in where he was having his lunch meeting with one of his clients. That week ended with him seeing her at the same cafe where he came from; if he's not mistaken she was there in a client meeting.
However, the current week had proved to be more interesting- disturbing -shocking than that of the previous ones since he had seen her the last five days at different times and places. For a reincarnation of one of the greatest wizards of all time, he couldn't understand how or why it had happened.
There weren't any magical aura present during those times. He couldn't think of any plausible reason on why they seemed to be at the same place at the time doing different things with no means of interacting with each other. He supposed he could have done something or could have talk to her those times but there weren't opportunities for such things -much to his chagrin.
He had watched her so carefully during those times that she appeared out of nowhere in front of him. If he had not, then how'd he know that she drinks mocha frappe in the morning and that she's the type who's not afraid to eat and she prefers juice than soda as beverage for lunch? She also never fails to have a dose of her strawberry frappe in the afternoon. Hopefully she still had a room for another cup this afternoon since he bought her one. And if the things that he had concluded doesn't qualify 'watching over', he didn't know how else to define the word.
No! Of course he is not a stalker, he just thoroughly observes her, since he tried to discreetly discern if there's anything that she might need help with or something. And it's not like it was a conscious effort to always watch her, most of the times his eyes automatically finds her. Don't ask him why.
He had thought a lot of possibilities that would and could incite such happenings. He just wasn't that successful.
Coincidence?
No. definitely not.
Aside from him being a non-believer of such; everything is just too much of coincidence to be such.
Destiny? Fate?
Too cliché -but possible although of what?
There must be something that he needs to do for her or vice versa. It could also be there's something the two of them needed to do for others or for each other. There are a lot of possibilities and he might just have the answers today.
That must have been one of the reasons why he's anxious in meeting her today -in the next few minutes err- half an hour more. He's in no way excited. Was he convincing himself?
And he's definitely not jittery because he'll be meeting with a world-renowned fashion designer that's currently tag as one of the most beautiful people in the world today, who's currently featured as the cover girl for the number one ranking business magazine on top of the table in front of him.
Sigh.
He just needed answers and if the answers are unsatisfactory then he would consult the stars and the moon at the earliest available time conveniently possible.
Sigh.
Looking at the time, it seems that he still has few minutes left it wouldn't hurt to read the business magazine for a while. He's a business tycoon after all.
Right.
He didn't knew how he ended up the article regarding the heiress' most talk-about birthday celebration at the beginning of the month when he was originally reading an article regarding some stock predictions and whatnot. It must have been because of the two-whole-page poster of the amethyst lady in her golden birthday gown seemingly her own creation. She was dressed to impress whether it was unintentional or not, standing regal with her blonde-amber eyed escort. The caption at the lower right reads:
"Tomoyo Daidouji, Nadeshikoâ„¢ Designs Corp. Owner, President and CEO celebrated her twenty third birthday last September 3. She's escorted by Michael Ajikko Schneider, Daidouji Corporations' Site Planning Development Project Manager"
The article featured the heiress birthday gala and the recent happenings in her personal life which she expertly dodged with acceptable yet vague answers. There were more than a thousand words in that article but there was only a quarter of it that had made sense or that had seemed truth. He could've done a better job writing just basing it in his observations in the last week! Not that he had any plans of doing that. He's positive that he would never be caught dead in that act.
He was about to read the part wherein the interviewer asked the heiress about her relationship with her escort when his nose caught a whiff of something minty, not to sweet but relaxing and definitely smelt good. He's mind reeled in action as he tried to identify the fragrance completely forgetting about what he was doing however a blur of purplish something almost collided to him.
"I apologize for the delay Hiiragizawa-kun, I lost track of time!" A breathless melodic voice suddenly registered in his ears.
Soon not only his sense of smell, touch and hearing registered the presence of the beautiful heiress, his sense of sight soon joined the others as his eyes landed on her breathless appearance literally and figuratively. She's bent both palms on her knees and breathing hard, her lovely face flushed evidently from running.
It took several seconds before Eriol could react at the sudden interruption. This is the perfect example on how Tomoyo just suddenly appears in his range without so much warning. Glancing at his watch, it was just a minute passed their meeting time. Of course! Leave it to Tomoyo to make a big deal out of one minute. Straightening himself, he gave her his warmest smile assuring her that there wasn't any problem after all he was sort of preoccupied as well. He patiently waited for the heiress to calm her adrenaline.
Several seconds later, Tomoyo was able to face him properly. "It's nice seeing you again, Daidouji-chan. I hope you still have a room for chilled strawberry frappe?" Whether Tomoyo suspected anything with the gesture was left unknown since she gave him a most grateful smile.
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He was expecting that they'd settle under one of the Cherry Blossoms tree that were strategically scattered in the area but after fifteen minutes of strolling the park; he remained clueless as when he arrived if not even more confused. There weren't any significant interaction between them since they left the lounge though the silence isn't the awkward type. Tomoyo seemed to take her time savoring the frappe and Eriol wouldn't dare interrupt her when she was clearly in a state of bliss. He contented himself stealing glances at her and taking the view of the park. It was his first time in this place since there weren't any reason for him to end up in such a place.
They passed another series of Cherry Blossoms trees after another couple of minutes when Eriol had finally a miniscule idea on where they were heading and if his instincts are right like they usually are then they are bound to end somewhere near or under the willow tree just the edge of the lake a hundred feet away from where they are. The tree like any of its kinds was blessed with leaves hanging about it, although this one seemed to be taller than most but with lower and longer branches. One side of which is completely covered with thick leaves making the tree seemed a tall cave surrounded with moss.
There were a variety of people scattered throughout the place, some in groups, a number of couples and some were strolling alone. The uniformed and disguised bodyguards of the heiress didn't escape his eyes.
"As expected, very perceptive indeed Hiiragizawa-kun.." he heard his companion muttered, cutting him off from his speculations. He glanced her way and found out that she seemed to be expecting him to reply or something, the strawberry frappe far gone. He was torn between answering smartly or just answering sincerely and since he couldn't decide he just smirked and shrugged.
Few more steps and they've reached their destination which was under the very notable willow tree; the only willow tree amidst all of the Cherry Blossoms. The heiress led him inside the cave-like structure and the mage was a little startled in what laid inside. There was a picnic blanket delicately strewn at the base of the tree. A little picnic basket at one side and at the middle of it was the thick, maroon ring binder that she had used last time at the tour. Scattered in an organized manner were pieces of sketch pad with design sketches drawn it.
"Um..." Tomoyo started bringing him out of his musings. "I apologize for the mess..." she continued while blushing "I lost track of time so I hastily ran out when I noticed the time..." she kept mumbling as she gathered the sheets making room for the tycoon to sit.
Smirking in the usual way, Eriol picked few sheets as well helping her "Why Daidouji-chan, if you call this a mess, I'd have trouble what tidy looks for you... "
"I'd no doubt you can imagine it Hiiragizawa-kun..." The reply sounded a little too sweet for sincere to Eriol's ear but decided to ignore it. He took his time helping her while stealing glances at her. It was so amusing watching her with a faint blush on her cheeks. She looked really pretty; he took account of her casual attire -the most casual he would probably be able to see. Her hair tied in a single high ponytail with several strands of hair left out to frame her face. Flip flops matched with skinny black jeans and a lavender sleeveless blouse that flairs below the bust line accentuated all her assets but made her looked really comfy! Yup! Definitely casual.
It took them only a minute to fix everything in lieu to the heiress' standards and in no time both of them were comfortable sitting on the blanket. Eriol felt it was time to inquire about the purpose of the appointment since the day would soon to end. "So tell me Daidouji-chan, to what do I owe the pleasure of this appointment?"
"Well... none other than to yourself of course... "
Eriol's mind ran miles per minute thinking on what he could have done that would persuade the heiress to meet up with him in a secluded area with her bodyguards around. Gulp. Could she have noticed his watchful eyes this recent walk. She probably thought he's a stalker. He swore to the heavens he's not stalking her! She just seemed to appear out of nowhere! It's her fault! And why was he feeling a little paranoid?
It was a good thing that the heiress was browsing through the ring binder else she would have probably seen his frantic state. When finally the amethyst lady looked her way, he only raised one of his brows gesturing for her to continue. It wouldn't be good if he gave a hint of his anxiousness so he better shut up.
"The last time we met, you promised that you'd be available in any case we'd need your help with the production. Incidentally, I happen to need assistance and I know you're perfect for the job. That is if you accept."
The tycoon very discreetly released the breath he'd been holding after hearing Tomoyo's answer. Wheeww! "Of course moron!" He had promised that the last time, since he felt that leasing his place isn't really that much of a help although he had given the staff discounts.
Composing himself once again he inquired. "Of course..."
"I'd recommend you hear what my request is about first before you accept..." she warned and he nodded.
She gave him a clean sheet from her sketch pad and a pen as she began to explain. "I was thinking of asking Sakura for this, however as you know she's out of the country and the only person conveniently available for me is you." She looked at him and he stare back patiently waiting. "Would you please draw the Earthy Card for me?"
Blink.
"Rest assured Hiiragizawa-kun that I planned nothing evil in nature w-"
"I don't think you're capable doing anything remotely evil..." Eriol cut as he started moving his pencil on the pad missing the two-second baffled look of the heiress. "I understand that you'll have trouble asking Sakura-chan to do this for you given the circumstances and I know that you'd never purposely harm things that matter to Sakura-chan a lot." the mage continued as his hands danced with each strokes."I can also safely assume that you'll need this for your job with the Crescent Sphere" he continued briefly glancing her way. "What I don't know is what makes you think that would bother me that I needed to draw one of cards for you?"
"I didn't say anything about it being a bother to you. I merely said that you should listen to the request first before you agree to it" she retorted as she too continued with her sketches. "It's a standard business practice, might I remind you?"
He halted from his sketching and turned her way. "I graciously appreciate your concern for my welfare though you and I both know that's only half of the truth. You implied something else..." his voice teasing with an edge of seriousness.
The heiress just glanced back at him. "Well, I guess I'd leave you with what you want to believe.. I've already answered your question."
Eriol internally sighed while kept asking himself whether to push her or not with the answers. Clearly there was something else with the warning. Did she feel that he would be uncomfortable talking about supernatural abilities with her? Why? When she was one of the chosen few who were able to know the secret the rest of the mankind might or might not know.
If he pushes now, would she completely pull away from him? Or will it just be like the usual banter that they always seemed to end up with? Would he be willing to risk that course of action now that he had more and more questions rather than answers at present?
He risked a glance at her and she seemed to be engrossed with whatever she's sketching but he could clearly feel the hurricane of emotions around her. She might be as confused as he was or she might just be having a completely unrelated problem. Argh! He wished he's callous enough to just evade her privacy and just read her freaking inconceivable mind!
Fortunately or unfortunately, he's too polite to cross that thinning line and he couldn't risk the already fragile companionship that they have. Next time perhaps he can be forceful, not just at the moment.
After several seconds, he was done with the image of the Earthy Card and handed it over to the heiress. There was a clear brief astonishment as the amethyst lady looked at the finish product. Eriol suddenly thought he must have overdone the detail of the card. He really couldn't help himself after all he's the creator of the card in his previous lifetime.
"It's -really ... beautiful and very detailed. Thank you..." Tomoyo told him with a tone of awe, admiration and gratefulness.
He smiled at her. "It's no trouble at all. Though, I might have overdone the detail. I can't help it, pardon." the heiress just shook her head and smiled back. "No. It's no problem at all. It's perfect as it is. You clearly hadn't forgotten it... -them."
The mage chuckled. "How could I forget them? I created them!"
"Exactly." To Eriol's ears she had sounded a bit sarcastic with a hint of -of -of sorrow? He couldn't be sure and decided not to push just yet.
"Something tells me that this wouldn't be the last time you'd need me to draw other cards."
She briefly glanced at him and pursed her lips concentrating back on her sketch pad. "True, and though as much as I would like you to draw all that I would need for the project now, I still have to decide which of them. I can't let you draw all of the fifty-two since there is a possibility of it being seen by others and I would have a difficult time making a fool proof story as to where the inspiration came from or what are them for that matter." She paused as she securely tucked her current finished pad and changed to another sheet. "Plus, I have a full schedule. I can only squeeze this project every Saturdays"
That caught the tycoon's attention and cautiously asked "Do you already have a general idea how many Saturdays it'd take you to finish the project?"
"Yeah. Six Saturdays starting today."
He frowned. "Only Six?" The mage then took a sheet from his unfinished pile and studied it.
The heiress stared at him seemingly suspicious but answered. "Technically -no. But I gave myself five Saturdays to finish the designs; once I'm done I already have a team who'll handle the physical product. I just need to come up with the detailed drawn concept for them to follow." She explained as she watched Eriol work on one of her sketches. She couldn't help but ask him "What are you doing?"
"Well, my lady what does it look like? I'm assisting you."
He felt her move closer to where he is. "Do you know what to do? Not that I don't trust your prowess and all. It's-"
"Trust me on this; it's fairly easy given that you made specific instructions on what type of coloring material to use. I'm sure I can follow and if not..." He answered then briefly paused though hastily added "... I can always return it to its previous state unblemished." he concluded with a smirked waving his magic key to her. Clearly telling him that he could just use his magic if something happens. It was eerie but it was a surefire assurance so she let him help out and mumbled a thank you.
She decided to keep the conversation going as they both work. "You're still using magic?"
"Only when it's necessary." Paused. "What made you think I would stop?"
The uncertainty was clear when the heiress answered. "I-I didn't assume anything! I'm merely curious."
"But then you wouldn't have asked me if you were sure..."
"Do I need to reiterate that I just inquired because I was curious? How can I be sure? We haven't had any type of contact within the last thirteen years."
"Alright point taken, there's no need for you to tire yourself repeating the same answer. As for fixing the gap created the last thirteen years, you can start asking me questions since we have ways to go before the day's work ends." he eyed the unfinished pile yet to be done.
She sighed in defeat but kept silent.
"What? You don't have any question? Nothing at all?" The mage prodded while carefully watching her as she work.
"I don't think i have anything right now. Besides it's your sole digression on whether to share or not whatever happened to your life the last 13 years and to whomever you want to disclose it to. Though, I'll be honored if you'd find me worthy enough." The reply came without even batting an eye.
Eriol decided he could push her just a little "Is that a subtle way of asking me to share it to you?"
"We both know I didn't imply anything." The response was clipped.
"You wound me and here I thought I'm interesting enough that you'd be curious to unearth my past!" The mage retorted feigning hurt.
The heiress graced him with a brief glance. "Then I'm afraid you're talking to the wrong person Sir. I'm not the nosey type." The mage chuckled before responding.
"You didn't deny that I'm interesting though..."
The heiress frowned and raised one of her eyebrows and replied nonchalantly "Personally I think anyone as eccentric as you should be interesting enough..."
"Ouch!" Then he looked at her "If so then why aren't you showing any kind of interest?" If one isn't patient, they would have wiped the tycoon's smirk a very long time ago. The heiress on the other hand was so busy doing something that she might not have seen it or she just doesn't care.
"Maybe I'm immune?"
"Intriguing." Then the mage teasingly added "You must have spent a lot of time with eccentric peeps like me that you'd become immune which leads me to wonder on why you do so. Could it be I'm your type? -err eccentric people I mean."
As much as he had wanted to rile her up, she kept working and appeared unaffected. "I wouldn't go that far I just happen to that kind of luck in my life. However, feel free to think whatever you like."
"Aww! Aren't you one of the few who'd had the power to refuse my charm?"
"Wow! What can I say I feel extremely blessed!" her tone sounded a little sarcastic.
"I guess you should be. There only a handful of your types in both my lifetimes."
Silence.
He didn't expect silence as a response in fact he's getting used to her and her comebacks. When he didn't heard any reply he decided to react. "What?"
Tomoyo glared at him then spent a second glance to his finished works. She had found nothing wrong with it and decided to finally retort. "Nothing. I just don't know how to react to that."
His face looked baffled at her answer. "And here I thought you're going to inquire something related to reincarnations and such."
The heiress seemed to contemplate his response and cautiously inquired. "Have you always been asked?"
"I think its human nature to question something they don't understand." Came the nonchalant reply.
She couldn't argue with that right? "I agree."
"Which led me to wonder why you haven't asked." He found her studying his expressions most likely she's verifying whether if he had asked it out of pure curiosity. He could swear he's really just curious.
"I already have a theory and I honestly don't really intend to prove myself right or wrong, that being said I don't feel the need to ask you or anyone expert on that matter."
"Why is that?" he further asked. Isn't it natural to know answers why wouldn't she feel the need to do so?
She looked at him as if she expects him to already know the answer. "Because, it doesn't matter; you're still you no matter how many lifetimes you might have. Right?"
Briefly stunned the mage inwardly muttered. Of course she would always make sense no matter what.He found it amazing on how her logic works though he wanted to know about her little theory. "True. Although, others will still question how it feels and/or how it works. Not all people is as sharp as you are or could make sense like you do"
It took her a minute to contemplate before she answered. "Ok I'll share with you my theory and again there's no need for you to correct it."
"Of course."
The heiress' explanation started as the two of them started on a new sheet to work on. "I've decided to compare reincarnation with having amnesia." The heiress paused as if willing the mage to react to her, though her eyes never left the sheet that she was working on. There was no retort so she continued. "Hmmm let's take me for an example, let's say I am a survivor of a plane crash and though I was saved I landed in a different country and I suffer amnesia."
"- given the situation, I might not even know my name and since I'm in a different country then it'd be a fact that I would be living in completely different environment with totally different people, culture and behaviors. There will come a time that I would learn to adapt and in the long run I would be able to create my own personality based on the new environment although there will always be a fragment of traits and or behaviors from my past that I wouldn't be able to destroy and would eventually remain with me."
"- Therefore, I'm one and the same at the end of day. Should the time come for me to remember, it would only add up to my identity. I would have the same memories but that would only remain as such my 'past' - even if I choose to live the way I used to I still wouldn't be able to deny the fact that I had live a different life. There will always be a piece of me that would show and remind me of it for sure. I think it's up to me really decide at the end whether I'll let this fact bother me or not but, it shouldn't really matter so long as I made that choice."
"- So Hiiragizawa-kun, I can see that you have already made the choice. I really couldn't care less of the details so long as you don't. If it matters to you or if it disturbs you in one way or the other then I guess I would want to push myself to understand so that I can help. However, in your case I personally think that it really doesn't matter." Tomoyo ended with a gentle smile and sincere eyes that gazed at him.
"Umm... WOW!" Speechless much again Eriol? Great! She must have really given the topic a lot of thought and as for the reason why, he could only guess. She amazes him like always with her enormous patience and sense of understanding.
The heiress humbly replied. "I'm sure you can make it simpler than that."
"Perhaps." Came his cocky reply which the heiress ignored and playfully retorted "This discussion only proves your eccentricity!"
The mage just smiled at her and huffed "Aren't you blessed this eccentric is helping you out?"
"I think I've thank you enough but rest assured I'll thank you again so long as there's a need to do so..." she answered with a shrug.
He smirked and beamed at her "Just get used to it because you'll be doing that for the next four weeks or so..." he teasingly added and as expected the heiress was confused and was only able to mumble a "Huh?"
"I have already cleared my schedule for the next six consecutive Saturday!" The heiress looked even more confused with that response so he hastily added "I'll be helping you out with this project and don't even refuse my help because you clearly need it."
"Why do I feel that I don't have a choice?"
"Simply because you don't."
The heiress looked at him and his overconfident smirk. She had then decided to get back at his brashness since the opportunity had presented itself. "I don't know why you're being complacent when we clearly have unfinished business."
Eriol studied her features and his instincts told them to be wary though at the moment the only muscle that reacted was one of his eyebrows. He raised it indicating his confusion. Funny, when just merely a minute ago she was the one looking confused.
The heiress crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. Uh oh. "Might I remind you that you aren't off the hook yet Mr. E.H!"
GULP! Damn!Here he was thinking that they could spend the day without bringing that up! He should have known better! Of course she'll bring it up because it is her lifetime mission to make him confessed or whatever. Clearly she never fails to keep him on his toes. The only good thing is that she hadn't said anything about the I O U list today and he better keep it that way.
"Just because I chose not to pressed the matter doesn't mean you're free... you'll confess eventually... I'm sure..." Eriol was sure as well that he would and it wouldn't be long now. If the overconfident smirked that she had on her face is not an indication- he don't know what else is.
He inwardly sighed in defeat "If you say so princess of the earth, now why don't I treat you a cup of chilled strawberry frappe since we've finished our load today?" He almost congratulated himself for sounding unaffected as he helped her clean up when Tomoyo stood a few feet away facing him squarely. "Let me just warn you Mr. E.H. that even though I'll gladly accept your treat; it doesn't meant that I can be bribe. Understood?"
The mage could only mumble an incoherent "Of course!" as the heiress happily chirped."Now let's both get a cup of chilled strawberry frappe!"
TBC
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If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. -Albert Einstein
Next Chapter: Of Friends and Families
A/N: Thank you for reading! Review! Review! Review!
EmCeeBi WashuEl
