The Sakura-gumi has finally reached their final year in high school, ready to face the world. Ready yet not so ready to let go of their crushes and true loves, there whimsical past to face the inevitable future.

oOoOoOo

"Thanks for walking me home again," Tomoyo said gratefully. "I didn't realize it was so late."

Eriol shrugged. It was Thursday. Four days had passed since they started to practice their number after school. They were both perfectionists so it meant that they weren't likely to leave practice without getting everything down to pat.

"It's all right," he said cheerfully. "I thought you could use the company."

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm, you make me believe that chivalry isn't dead after all. You're a true gentleman, Eriol-kun."

They laughed. His smile took her breath away. "I'd rather walk a longer route if it means bringing you right to your doorstep. Young ladies shouldn't walk alone at night."

Tomoyo smiled at him affectionately. "Thanks, Eriol-kun. It means a lot."

They reached the gates of the Daidouji mansion. It loomed grandly on the distance like a beautiful monument. They stared at it with different eyes. Tomoyo saw her childhood home and the testament to her mother's hard work. Eriol saw a house that resembled his residence in England and the castle that he hasn't conquered yet.

She thought for a moment before brightening. "Would you like to have dinner with us?"

Eriol blushed lightly. He was beginning to like Tomoyo more and more. Her prim, proper and polite mask was being replaced by a warm, cheerful and pretty girl who can bend rules and social etiquette without committing any gaffes. It was so unexpected of her to ask him straight. He was glad she was herself when around him.

"Yes, if it's not too much trouble," he answered suavely.

The dark-haired heiress laughed lightly. She opened the gates and entered with him at her heels. Her happy chatter accompanied them as they reached the mansion. He decided that he'd never get tired of listening to her talk.

"The cook says that dinner will be ready in ten minutes," she said as they entered the house. Her blue eyes were twinkling. "You have to taste her tiramisu. If you don't, you can't claim that you've truly lived."

Eriol smiled. "Really, I'll be happy to. I appreciate wonderful cooking. Like yours, Tomoyo-san."

She blushed at his praise. It was true that he'd taken to spending lunch times with them. He never did that on all of their years in school. Eriol was a good friend but he never spent much time with them before. It seemed to her that he was making up for it. Because of that, she prepared a lovely lunchbox for him everyday.

"Thank you," she said sweetly. "Mother will be home soon. She'd love to meet you."

They arrived at the living room. Eriol sat down on one of the magnificent cream-colored sofas and looked around. He liked the cozy and tasteful arrangement of the room. It was large and spacious but not intimidating at all. He grew up with wealth; he appreciated the simple beauty of her home.

Tomoyo sat down too. She watched him observe and drink in his surroundings. It didn't strike her as a surprise when she realized that he looked perfect inside her house, as if he was meant to be there. She grinned.

She was about to say something when her mothered entered the living room.

Sonomi Daidouji was a woman of the world. She was a sharp and savvy businesswoman with a great reputation. But when she was home, she was a consummate mother and friend to her only daughter. Dressed down in jeans and a turtleneck sweater, she was surprised to see Tomoyo entertaining a visitor.

She recovered swiftly. Smiling, she strode to the young man. He stood up as a sign of respect for her. With a quick appraisal of his smile, she turned to her daughter. "I'm sorry to interrupt. We've never met, have we?"

Tomoyo smiled back. "Mother, this is Hiiragizawa Eriol-kun. Eriol-kun, she is my mother."

Sonomi extended a hand to him. He took it and they shook hands. She stared at him a bit longer. "You look familiar."

"I'm sure. I'm very pleased to finally meet you, Daidouji-san." Eriol said politely. He flashed a suave and debonair smile at the Daidouji matriarch. She was taken, he could tell. "I hope you don't mind if I impose myself on your home for a quick dinner."

"Its fine," the older woman smiled warmly "We haven't had dinner guests for a long time. Please stay and make yourself at home."

Tomoyo watched, fascinated. Her mother didn't like other people much unless she knew them for a long time. It was strange and wonderful to watch her mother sit down and engage Eriol with witty and amusing conversation. After a few minutes, they were talking like old friends.

She wondered if it was his power or charm that won her mother. If so, why was he doing it?

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Conversation was easy and light. Her mother was delighted with Eriol. Tomoyo was glad that he looked like he was having fun. She enjoyed herself thoroughly because she was starting to see Eriol as a great friend.

"It's delicious," Eriol said warmly after a bite of tiramisu.

They laughed lightly. He was starting to like Sonomi and Tomoyo a lot. They were warm and wonderful people.

"You can visit us anytime," Sonomi said "What will you study in college?"

"I'll study archeology," the English boy smiled warmly. "Tomoeda's university is offering it."

The Daidouji matriarch looked surprised. "Tomoyo-chan told me you were from England. Why won't you pursue your course over there?"

Deep blue eyes glanced briefly at Tomoyo before meeting Sonomi's eyes. His smile was mysterious. "It's because I want to be closer to home."

"If so, you'd probably get Sakura-chan's father as your professor," Tomoyo said lightly. "You've never met him, correct?"

"Yes, I haven't." Eriol replied. "What's he like?"

It was a smooth move. Sonomi's attention was diverted. She launched into a long tirade about how much she loathed the brown-haired man who stole her favorite cousin from her. The teenagers merely smiled throughout the conversation; they were amused at the obvious display of devotion from the toy company president. Anyone can see that she liked the subject.

After dinner, Tomoyo offered to show him the dress.

Sonomi departed, saying that she had to finish reading her mail. The mage followed the heiress upstairs. Tomoyo was kind enough to explain that her mother gave her one of the mansion's wings to do as she pleased. Aside from her bedroom she had a private cinema, small library, den and studio.

Eriol was suitably impressed. He noted that Tomoyo wasn't bragging but she was merely stating facts. Wealth never turned her head. She was still as sweet and modest in spite of the grandeur that surrounded her.

Tomoyo opened the door to her walk-in closet. He hesitated at the doorway; he didn't know if he should intrude on her private place. She grabbed his hand and dragged him in. "Don't be shy, Eriol-kun."

She smiled as she turned on the lights to show him a large room with ivory walls and rose-colored accents. There was a large gilded mirror mounted on the corner with ornate carvings. The same shade of rose can be found on the couch and sofa on the other side of the room near the open glass double-doors. He wondered where she stored her clothes.

His eyes traveled to the right. The gilded door handles gave away the closet. He watched her enter one of her closets. Curious, he followed.

"Hi, I'm sorry if it's such a mess." Tomoyo said with a muffled voice. She was browsing through racks and racks of clothes.

The closet, he decided, is an entirely separate room. The clothes racks were neatly lined along the two walls to clear space in the middle. Compartments of different sizes were placed strategically around the room and he supposed that it contained her accessories like hats, shoes and the like.

He went in, grinning. "Well! It seems like you don't need to go shopping at all."

Tomoyo laughed lightly. "Yes, that's true. I love making clothes. But a girl can't resist fabulous designer clothes now and then."

"You're quite the designer yourself," he teased as he gestured to the separate rack that contained Sakura's old battle costumes. She blushed. "Will you take up fashion design?"

The dark-haired heiress shook her head. "I'm going to study Business in a good university. My mother expects me to take over our company someday."

He sat down on one of the stools that were scattered around the room. "Is that what you really want?"

She was quiet. He waited as she sorted through her clothes. It was rare for them to converse about such serious matters. After a while, Tomoyo stopped. She stared down at the colorful collection of apparel in front of her with a thoughtful expression.

"I'd like to study fashion design. Or teach children at a preschool," she started dreamily "There was a time when I played with the thought of becoming a famous painter or sculptor. Then I realized I can become a world-famous singer. I can put my focus on a lot of things…

"God has blessed me with many things. I'm very happy to have my family and friends. I'm lucky because I don't have to worry about money at all. Many said I was charmed," she continued in a softer tone. "That's why I want to live to the fullest of my abilities. I also want to make my mother very happy…"

Eriol listened to her. She became more beautiful in his eyes as he realized what she was trying to say. Tomoyo was a really kind girl. She would willingly sacrifice some of her time in order to make someone very important happy.

"I'd also like to be a toy company president. Who knows? My talents won't go to waste there," Tomoyo smiled mischievously "I can always do all of those things at the side, yes?"

"Yes, you can." He said in an encouraging tone.

The mage got up and went to her side. He surveyed her wardrobe with mild interest before he chose a dress. Holding it up, he turned to her with a smile. "This is very pretty."

"It looks even prettier when it's on a person," she replied cheerfully.

"Can you show me?" Eriol suggested, smiling wider. "I love to make clothes too but Nakuru wears most of them. Perhaps I can make a dress for you too as payment?"

She blushed pink. Then Tomoyo shooed him out of the little room to wear it. They were laughing as she shut the door. Tomoyo leaned back on the door with a hand to her heart. It was beating so fast. She didn't realize that she was having so much fun around him she forgot to be self-conscious.

A few minutes later, she stepped out of the room clad in a deep blue off-shoulder dress. It clung to her body like second skin. She was also wearing silver high heels to add some inches to her height. He clapped appreciatively.

"You look beautiful," he said sincerely.

"Shall I show you more designs?" she asked shyly.

Eriol nodded. He smiled encouragingly. "Think of me as the audience to your very first fashion show."

Tomoyo beamed. Without another word, she reentered her closet.

She modeled dress after dress that she made with painstaking care. All of her dresses were beautiful, flattering and very feminine. Anyone could see that the creator was blessed with good taste and great skills. Eriol enjoyed the rare display of her sparkling wit and radiant personality.

"This will be the last dress for tonight," she sang from behind the door. "It's time for you to go home."

"Can't you adopt me so I can stay with you forever?" Eriol replied in a teasing tone.

"There's only one way for you to do that," she retorted as she changed into the last dress. "And you won't like it, I think."

"What might that way be?" he asked, curious.

She stepped out of the door. "You'll have to marry me."

His jaw dropped and his eyes widened with surprise.

Tomoyo was a beautiful girl but in her new dress she was exquisite. The dress was made of soft, beautiful material that was the color of deepest midnight blue. The modest but sexy v neckline showed off her smooth neck while her bodice brought attention to her tiny waist. The skirts unfurled beneath the dress like petals of a rose. He could see that her delicate feet and ankles were in high silver stilettos. For effect, she had pulled up her hair in an elegant chignon and real diamonds glinted on each ear.

"I'm only joking of course," she said with a secret smile. "This is the dress that I'll give to you."

"You're so beautiful," Eriol murmured appreciatively. "It's so beautiful too."

She smiled wider this time. "Thank you. I'm very glad that you like it. Shall I give it to you tomorrow after I put on the finishing touches?"

"That will be wonderful," he said quietly "Thank you so much again."

Their eyes met. He saw her hide her sadness behind a sweet smile. It tore his heart apart.

"Can I ask something…" her pretty voice trailed off. Beautiful eyes stared back intently. "Who will you give this dress to?"

Eriol reached forward to move her bangs out of the way. He smiled gently. "It's for me to know and for you to find out. But rest assured that she's a beautiful person who deserves it."

It's Nakuru-san, she thought uncertainly.

"Ah, well," Tomoyo said quietly. She looked away. "I want to see my creation on her then. Let me change clothes now. I'll have to see you off."

He watched her enter the closet quickly. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. It hurt him to evade her question. If only she knew… "You'd definitely see it on her."

oOoOoOo

That night, Tomoyo didn't want to sleep. A full moon rose up in the dark sky to peek into her window. She lay in bed with her hair spread out like a dark puddle underneath her head. Her eyes stayed fix on the ceiling.

So many things have happened since last week. She spent her high school years yearning for him to notice her. She wanted to be his friend. Two weeks before graduation and suddenly they were friends on first name basis. It was too much, too soon.

She rolled over to her side so she could look at the moon.

As always, she wondered on who the mysterious woman could be and why he wanted a dress for her. From what Eriol had told her, she gathered that she must be a very special person. Otherwise the mage wouldn't have bothered. Why her?

Because you make clothes for free, she thought sarcastically. It was the truth though. She sighed.

Eriol was a mystery. No matter how much time they spent or how many times they talked, she still couldn't figure him out. He treated her kindly. He was friendly especially to her. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that they were flirting but he never made a move except for an impulsive kiss.

Tomoyo groaned in frustration. She wanted to hit her head on the wall. Thinking about him usually brought on such impulsive thoughts. He frustrated her, excited her and made a fool out of her. But she liked it that way.

She smiled into her pillow. That was what it meant to be in love.

oOoOoOo