Author's Notes: Terribly sorry for the five-month update delay! But here it is. J This is going to be the second to the last chapter of A Prince for a Price, so I hope you still enjoy this one!

Chapter 25
Moving On

"Hello? This is Nakuru."

"Ms. Nakuru, this is Kia. I'm just calling to say that we managed to find out where Mr. Eriol was and who he's with."

"Tell me."

"He was at an Italian restaurant in the Victorian Gardens and was reportedly seen with Ms. Mizuki."

Nakuru frowned. I knew it. Her brows started to crease together in annoyance for both his cousin and that lady whom she thought she finally got rid of.

"Just the two of them?" Nakuru asked.

"Yes, and there's something else." Kia said. "Ms. Mizuki checked in at the Crowne Plaza hotel and was so drunk, they said."

Nakuru gripped her phone tightly that it almost broke into pieces. "And? Did Eriol get in the hotel too?"

"No. He immediately drove off after bringing her to the hotel. That was all the information I got, miss."

"Thank you, Kia."

Both women hung up the phone and the other's displease was clear on her face.

Nakuru's eyes focused towards the double doors that forbade them from being in contact with Tomoyo. She felt even more worried for the heiress, for she knew how she would feel if she found out Eriol was with Kaho while she was going through such pain.

Eriol… What were you thinking?

-x-

Eriol finally arrived at the Hiiragizawa mansion and rushed out of his car and into the oak doors. Mori greeted him but with an albeit quite surprised expression at him being there without their young mistress.

Without even having enough time to greet the head butler back, Eriol dashed towards the staircase and into the master bedroom, looking for his wife but found no one there.

"Tomoyo?"

He searched for her in another room, and another, until he noticed that no one except for a few maids were present.

"Where is she?" Eriol was already breathing heavily from exhaustion until he ran downstairs again and asked for them instead. "Mori, where's Tomoyo?"

"Young master, I'm surprised you don't know. Ms. Tomoyo is at the hospital with Ms. Nakuru and the others right now." Mori answered.

"What! Why?" He asked.

"Ms. Tomoyo's going through labor."

It was all Eriol needed to hear before he rushed back to the driveway and into his car, and raced out of the mansion.

"Damnit!" He cursed quite loudly. It was a good thing traffic cleared up a bit but it didn't at all help Eriol with his mood. And if there was one thing that was on his mind right now, it was: I'm really sorry Tomoyo.

-x-

"I hope they're okay." Sonomi prayed with her hands clasped together.

Sakura was sitting beside her on the bench outside of Tomoyo's room while Nakuru was still standing, face in pure seriousness. Syaoran left for a while to get a few drinks for the girls.

Suddenly, they heard haste footsteps coming their way and found out it was none other than Eriol.

"Eriol!" Sonomi exclaimed.

Said man stopped in front of them and asked, "How is she? Is everything alright?" He said in deep breaths from running up the stairs towards their level instead of taking the elevator which for him was taking far too goddamn long.

Eriol looked at Nakuru but only got a glare for a start.

"Where were you? All of us have been worried sick for Tomoyo and you've been off god knows where!" Nakuru screeched that a nurse was forced to shush out her high tune.

"Come on Nakuru, you can yell at him later. Tomoyo needs him now that he's here." Sakura coaxed and fortunately it helped Nakuru to calm down. The latter just nodded and gave a pat to her cousin and urged him to go inside already.

"Go. You're the only one who can enter anyway." Nakuru said.

Eriol nodded and was given permission by a nurse who passed him a gown and a surgical mask. The nurse opened the door and led him inside where a certain commotion was being heard that caused more worries for those waiting outside.

Eriol's eyes first darted towards the two lumps resting on each baby bed and he could immediately feel the tears forming in his eyes. The twins… He thought as he neared them and touched their fragile hands. He smiled at the reaction the babies had after touching them, knowing that they could sense who he was in their lives.

Thank you, Tomoyo.

His eyes now searched for his wife and so he ran towards the bed surrounded by doctors and nurses and immediately asked to look through.

One nurse gave him space and he instantly grabbed for Tomoyo's hand and caressed it reassuringly. "Tomoyo I'm here, be strong."

It was a good thing that Tomoyo's condition have started to calm down even before he arrived so the doctors were only checking for her condition to be stable before they could leave.

"What happened?" Eriol managed to ask despite the tears.

"Mrs. Hiiragizawa lost so much blood during her labor and her pulse became unstable. But, it's a good thing she's a very strong woman, her condition's becoming better now." One of the doctors answered.

"That's very good news." Eriol smiled tearfully, and looked back at Tomoyo again. "I'm really sorry I wasn't here when it happened Tomoyo, I'm really sorry."

He noticed how she looked even paler than before, the bags under her eyes ached his heart especially the little tear strains on her cheeks made him feel even guiltier than ever. He realized how hard it must be for her to go through this alone, and he'll never forgive himself if anything else happened to her.

Eriol reached out and brushed the hair off her face. He observed her now steady breathing and her dry lips, but still, he thought, Tomoyo looks the same strong beautiful woman he always knew. And he never felt so mad at himself for leaving her like this because of his own stupid temptations and choices.

It took the medical team a few more minutes before they could sense the stabilization of her condition and leave Tomoyo to rest.

"Everything seems to be fine now, Mr. Hiiragizawa. We're just going to fix up everything else and Mrs. Hiiragizawa will be prepared to transfer to a more comfortable room for resting." The doctor said.

Eriol nodded. "Yes. And the twins?"

"They will be transferred in the same room as well. It's good that there are no complications for both of them."

And Eriol sighed in huge relief.

He was escorted back outside first for the preparations where he relayed the news to the others.

"Oh thank God!" Sonomi exhaled deeply.

"I'm proud of Tomoyo." Sakura cried softly with Syaoran by her side, comforting her.

"What a relief." Nakuru smiled.

Eriol nodded in agreement until Nakuru looked at him straight in the eye.

"I need to talk to you."

And Eriol suddenly felt panicky from that strict tone of his cousin's. He knew he had everything to feel guilty about, and with Nakuru's connections, he already had a huge feeling what it was going to be about.

-x-

Eriol and Nakuru found a solitary place in the fire exit staircase. Nakuru's glare intensified and Eriol heaved a huge chunk of breath before finally deciding to break the silence.

"Look Nakuru, I'm sorry, I—"

Slap.

Eriol would've fallen off the stairs if he didn't hold on to the railing in a split second. His eyeglasses fell two steps below though, but nothing would compare to what his face expressed right now. His blue eyes turned darker, but he knew deep inside he well deserved that slap.

"That's for Tomoyo, whom I know would never have the guts to slap you but you know damn as well I do that you deserve so much more than that." Nakuru said in a deep, scary tone.

Silence came back as Eriol retrieved his eyeglasses and placing it back atop his nose. His left cheek slightly burned from the impact but he chose to accept it instead of yelling or talking back.

"I'm sorry." Was all he could say.

"I heard enough information and reason from Kia as to why you weren't here when it happened. And out of all of us, Tomoyo was the one who felt the most betrayed." She said. "Don't worry, I didn't tell them. And I most certainly wouldn't tell her, 'cause I know you're the one who should tell her why you broke your promise. And whatever Tomoyo says in return, accept it. Because you goddamn well deserve whatever punishment she's going to give you."

And he knew, that both he and Nakuru already know what Tomoyo might consider doing after he explains what happened.

"I understand." Eriol said.

Nakuru turned her back against him and before she opened the door, she said, "I may have helped you in driving away the devil before Eriol, but this time, it was your own choice that led to this. I won't be able to help you anymore with what she decides. Good luck."

Eriol closed his eyes and breathed. Good luck, I'm really going to need it.

-x-

Where… am I?

Tomoyo's eyes slowly fluttered open and adjusted to the low light coming from one corner of the room. Her eyes scanned across the room and it took some time until she realized where she was.

Oh right, I'm in the hospital… She thought. Her body felt a bit heavy and really tired, and on one side she could feel as if something was holding down her left hand.

Tomoyo turned and her eyes focused on her hand, and then to the one holding it.

Eriol! Her eyes widened. The said lad was sleeping with his head down on the bed, all the while sitting on a chair he pulled up beside her bed. Tomoyo's heart dropped at the sight of him looking tired as well, as she traced her fingers against his smooth skin.

That is until she immediately sat up and turned to the other side of the room.

"My babies!" She nearly choked out as her throat felt dry from her long sleep and rest. With any amount of energy left, she carefully slid her hand away from Eriol's grasp and pushed herself out of her bed, and walked towards the two smaller beds near hers—each with a twin that she was very proud of.

Tears started to form in her eyes as for the first time, she saw her babies healthy and peacefully resting in their beds. "I'm so happy nothing bad happened to you, my babies." She cried.

Tomoyo grabbed a chair nearby and placed it beside the beds where she could sit while watching her twins. Once settled, she reached both of her hands to caress each one of the baby, and before she knew it, she was already humming to a soft lullaby she made herself while they still weren't born.

"Mommy loves you both so much, okay? Never forget that. Even if…" She sniffed but still continued. "Even if I won't be around as much as your dad beside you, I'll always love you both."

Her humming continued, and so did her tears. No matter how much she yearned to stay with them, she knew she couldn't, not with the feeling of getting in between Eriol and his true love. She had intervened enough, and her job was already done.

But… She thought. I'll really miss you, my babies. Eriol will be a fantastic father, I'm sure of it. I'm just… I'm just feeling sad that I won't be able to see you walk for the first time, or hear you say your first words; but both of you must grow really strong for mommy, okay?

And as if they understood what she felt, both twins woke and held a finger from Tomoyo's hand, startling the heiress in return. Both of them had opened their eyes, and although they still couldn't see properly, they were assured that their mother was just them.

One even had to squint because a tear fell from Tomoyo's eye and right onto the baby's face.

"Oh you guys…" She managed to smile in between tears. It was then that she noticed that the one on the left looked exactly like Eriol, with his black hair with a few blue highlights and the mesmerizing azure eyes that Tomoyo could never get enough of. And on the right, she observed, was a mix between her and Eriol—with jet black hair and sapphire gems for eyes, she knew this one was going to be a heartbreaker too.

"You," she turned to the one on the right, "You're the one who couldn't stop crying after you were born weren't you?" She knew he was the one who was born second, the baby who just can't stop crying even after his brother already toned down. "Well I'm pretty sure babies who cry often a lot are going to be really good singers in the future, so maybe you should be called Hibiki."

As if agreeing, the baby smiled and gripped her finger tighter, much to Tomoyo's surprise. She then turned to the twin brother, who already gave out a sense of mysteriousness that was truly of Eriol's. She observed him carefully and the blue orbs just drew Tomoyo deeper, "Aoi. You'll be named Aoi." She nodded. This time, it was the older twin who smiled and moved.

Tomoyo noticed that their name bands were still empty and so she reached out for the counter, grabbed the small marker and placed her decided names on their bands.

"But… I think I should ask your father about this first." Tomoyo suddenly stopped.

"Ask me about what?"

That took Tomoyo by surprise as she turned, almost dropping the pen in the process. She could see Eriol from behind, stretching her arms and giving out a small yawn, followed by a smile as he stood up.

"Don't look so surprised, I'm the one who should be surprised that you're awake and managed to go all the way over there." Eriol joked as he walked towards them with a tired smile.

"Good morning to you too," Tomoyo gave a shy smile when Eriol bent down and gave her a peck on the forehead. "Where's everyone else?"

"Syaoran took Sakura and your mom home for a while and Nakuru had to leave because of an emergency in the business, but all of them will come back late." He answered.

"Oh, I see," was her only response.

"Hey, do you need anything? Are you hurt anywhere?" Eriol asked worriedly.

Tomoyo shook her head in response. "No, I'm fine. Thank you." She said and turned towards the twins again.

"Alright, so what is it you wanted to ask me?" Eriol said.

Tomoyo bit her lip for a few seconds before finally answering. "If the twins may be named Aoi and Hibiki—the elder one, is Aoi, and the one right here is Hibiki, since I can remember faintly that he can't stop crying." She said, pointing to the right twin.

Eriol gave a small chuckle and unconsciously said, "That would've been a sight to see."

At that, Tomoyo's smile faded into a frown and chose to remain silent. Eriol immediately understood why and gave her another peck on the temple.

"I'm truly sorry Tomoyo, for not being there, for not being with you when you went through such pain. I'm sorry, I—" But he was cut short by Tomoyo who just turned to him.

"So, Aoi and Hibiki's okay?" She asked, as if not hearing his apology.

Eriol stared at her for a while until he could only nod and smile, "They're perfect."

Tomoyo agreed and wrote the names in their respective bands. "There. Now they're not the unnamed Hiiragizawa twins anymore!" She said in utmost glee it was a wonder where she got her energy from.

"Tomoyo, I…" Eriol started but she managed to cut him off again.

"Eriol," Tomoyo called in a soft yet stern voice, and although she was addressing him, her eyes remained focused on the twins who were now fast asleep and resting. "I know that this shouldn't be the time to discuss but… I'm really grateful for this. For all of this. And for the both of them."

No, she couldn't be… Eriol suddenly felt his throat dry as he gulped heavily and his palms felt sweaty. "Tomoyo, what are you saying?" He surprised himself by even managing to ask.

At this, Tomoyo finally looked at him with a worried yet small smile. Eriol even had to ignore the somewhat pained look she was also sporting that pinched his heart even more. "I've done my part of the deal, Eriol. I think it's time we each go back to our own lives now."

Tomoyo knew how much will it took to say those words. Clearly, Eriol wasn't expecting it to come right now, right away just when she just gave birth. And in honesty, Tomoyo didn't expect that she would say it right now too, but eventually she realized, that she might as well do it now when she can still have the chance to collect all her will and force herself to be away from the now three important men in her life.

Eriol still hasn't said anything until Tomoyo began tearing up again, and slowly her tears fell down her cheek one by one. She covered her face with her hands as the sobs continued and deepened every time, that Eriol couldn't help but reach out and gather her in his arms. He was worried that this might take a toll on her fragile health right now, but he doesn't exactly know what he should say.

"Tomoyo please, stop crying. We can discuss this when you're already better, not when you're still recovering." He tried as he brushed his fingers against her smooth hair.

But Tomoyo wouldn't yield. She shook her head across his chest and repeated her decision. "I have to do this Eriol. We have to do this. I can't stand it any longer. I have to do this for everyone's sake. For you, for the twins, for me—" She ended it with a small hiccup and Eriol suddenly felt a bit frustrated.

"How is this going to be better for everyone?" It was another mistake that he let his mouth get ahead of him again, but her answer was definitely not something he was ever expecting.

"I love you Eriol," She said beyond whisper but he still heard every word. "I love you so much, that's why I can't stay." Tomoyo repeated.

She never knew that her first ever confession would be like this, would feel like this, but—at least I managed to say it before I leave.

No… Eriol thought, as he slowly felt the tears from his own. W-Why now? "No, no, no!"

"E-Eriol?" Tomoyo finally looked up and met his eyes.

I love you too so much, Tomoyo! "I-I'm sorry I wasn't here when you gave birth to the twins. I'm sorry I broke my promise. I'm really sorry I went to Kaho instead of coming home. I…"

"What?" Tomoyo immediately asked after his last statement. "Y-You went to meet K… Kaho?"

Eriol nodded in guilt and he wasn't surprised when Tomoyo tried to pull away from his embrace. This caused him to panic and hold on to her tighter than before. "I'm truly sorry, Tomoyo. If only I could undo those mistakes that I've done, I would. Just please, don't leave me just yet."

Yet Tomoyo managed to free from his grasp, and a small smile remained on her sweet, delicate face. She stared at him, his face red, his glasses already crooked, and eyes contained deep sorrow and guilt that it only added to the twitch in her heart.

She heaved a big sigh before reaching out to his face, hand on each side of his cheek, and called out his name so softly, he mistook it for an angel's call. "Eriol…"

Eriol heeded and looked at her, his own hand reaching up to hers on his face, as he tried to send out apologetic messages through their eye contact.

"I love you, Tomoyo."

Tomoyo's small smile remained. "Thank you Eriol for being honest, and I love you too. But I'm sure that the love you feel for Kaho is so much more and cannot be compared to how you feel for me. Maybe even more than how much I feel for you." She said.

"No Tomoyo, I…"

"Eriol, please. Enough. I can't always stand in between you two. The twins are enough. And sad for me to say, I've already known long ago about your relationship with Kaho. She told me about it herself, but it doesn't matter now. It hurts, yes, very much, but I wouldn't want to be the girl who keeps ruining other people's relationships. I've done my part as the Daidouji heiress, and you have done yours too."

"Tomoyo, please…"

"Just promise me one thing Eriol: please take care of the twins. I know they'll be great just like you. And I hope that you let them find their own true love, and not force them into this arrangement just like what we had." Tomoyo said.

"Please stay, if not for me, at least for the twins." Eriol said in a low, sad tone.

"It's not good to treat the twins as hostages, Eriol." She managed to joke. "I'm sorry, I can't and I shouldn't. I have to leave and move on, and so do you. I'm really grateful for everything."

No, please don't leave. He wanted to say it out loud, but he knew he doesn't have the right anymore to do so.

"And whatever Tomoyo says in return, accept it. Because you goddamn well deserve whatever punishment she's going to give you." Nakuru's words were harsh but he knew she was right. He never expected this to happen really soon, but it seems as though Tomoyo has made up her mind a long time ago.

"Tomoyo?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

A smile and a nod.

"It's okay."

to be continued

Author's Notes: I have two confessions I would like to make. 1) That I seriously considered that either Tomoyo died, or one of the twins died, 'cause I felt that that kind of drama is needed in this story; then again maybe not 'cause I realized that there's too much drama in here already that death is already ugh. (plus you guys might kill me for killing one of the characters hehe); and 2) I also seriously considered ending the story here and keeping it open whether they would be back together or not. Because come on, don't you guys like open-ended stories too? :D …Yeah, maybe not everyone.

So how'd you guys like this one? Is it too dramatic? Too cheesy? Too OC? Let me know with your reviews! :D