Forever in your eyes
Chapter 13
Author's jibberish: Now the storyline takes a twist!
"Oh Eriol! I'm so happy for you!" Nakuru smiled as she gave Eriol a big hug. "You're not in denial anymore!"
"I never said I was," Eriol noted, "It just took me a while to realize it."
"So, what are you going to do now that you know you love her?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. Tell her?"
Nakuru slapped his arm. "Duh! Of course!"
"How?"
"Hmm..." Nakuru placed her finger on her chin. "Take her somewhere special."
Eriol nodded, the wheels in his head turning. "Of course."
He had arranged dinner at the Tenshi restaurant, which had an overview of the lake. He suggested that they could watch the New Years fireworks at the park right outside.
Praise to Kami-sama, she accepted his invitation. For a whole week, Eriol was on cloud nine. His guardians were full of smiles, seeing their master so elated.
Finally, the 31st came. Eriol picked her up around 9:30 pm, as planned. Tomoyo wore a simple pink dress, matching headband and the blue cardigan.
He took her to the Tenshi restaurant. They were soon seated near the window where they could see the moon dance on the water.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"So are you," Eriol told her.
Her hand flew to her cheek, feeling a blush. "Oh, you don't mean that."
"I do though," Eriol said as he gazed at her.
They ordered the food and reminisced while they waited. "You had no one else to go with to the fall ball, did you?"
Eriol smiled. "How'd you know?"
Tomoyo shrugged. "I guessed. Anyway, how are you and your feelings for Kaho?"
"Ah..." Eriol turned to the ceiling, then to her. "I learned to live without her. I know I can."
"I'm glad."
There was a small band at the stage, and they began to play soft music. After they finished their meal, Eriol stood and took her hand. "My lady, I refuse to leave until you dance with me."
"Why, Sir, I'd love to," she played along. She and he headed to the dance floor. He held her close to him. Eriol was in love and he couldn't be any happier.
Near midnight, Eriol took her to King Penguin Park just next door to the restaurant. It was 5 minutes until New Years. Tomoyo immediately sat on one of the swings. Eriol offered to push her. She rocked back and forth, her laughter ringing through the air. They were like this for a while until the fireworks started. Eriol slowly stopped her swing, and together, they watched the sky. The colors illuminated her face. Tomoyo turned to him because she noticed him staring at her.
Then, it all changed. Eriol leaned in close to her. Even when she whispered his name, that didn't stop him. He gently placed his lips against hers, tracing the curves of her chin with his fingertips. The kiss was short but it sent electricity through Eriol's body. He never felt such bliss before. Her lips then tasted salty. He pulled away and noticed tears were rolling down her face. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern filling his voice. He feared he hurt her somehow.
"I...I'm sorry," she apologized. She stood up and tried to walk away from him.
But Eriol wouldn't allow that. He ran up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Please, don't leave. I need to tell you something Tomoyo."
Her eyes widened. "Please don't..."
"I love you," he admitted. "After spending so much time with you, getting to know you better, I know now how much I love you." He turned her, making her face him. "I do, Tomoyo. I love you."
Her sobs increased and she shook her head. "No...you can't. You just can't."
"Why? What's wrong?"
"We can be friends, and we can hang out...but you can't be in love with me," Tomoyo said between sobs.
His blue eyes filled with confusion. "Why not?"
"Because..." Tomoyo looked into his eyes. "I'm engaged."
...to be continued =)
Jibberish: Didn't expect that now, did ya?! =)