AN: I can assure you, no typos. Read and understand everything as it is.
Chapter 6: Pretending is an Art
The next day, Eriol pleasantly woke up and ate his breakfast as if it was the best thing in the world. Then he took his things and started off. "Something's not right," Spinel said. Nakuru nodded. "Yeah, like he's unusually happy." "I doubt if the reason is because Tomoyo's going out with another guy," Spinel added. "Because I can assure you, he nearly wrecked the house with all the tantrums in the world." "Then what could it be?"
"Good morning!" And at once, his joys were blown away at the sight of a familiar antagonist. "Hi Robbie!" The girl beamed, obviously delighted to see him. "Good morning Captain Maxwell," he nodded politely. "Morning to you too Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo's sudden silence wasn't gone unnoticed by the two men. "By the way, Tomoyo," the senior man turned, "are you free this afternoon?" Eriol remained steady as he openly listened. They wouldn't even care, anyhow. "I have choral practice this afternoon." Eriol hid his surprise. Tomoyo wouldn't be using a lame excuse unless she notices something. Robin however remained unfazed. "It's okay. May I know the reason?" "I have tutoring lessons with Eriol. I want to rest early as well." Something's bound to happen. "I understand."
"Is that all?" She nodded without looking at him. At this point, Eriol knew she still wanted to say something although she's quite nervous about bringing it up. "Let's talk about it later?" She sighed deeply. Understanding Tomoyo's silent language took him a year to fully adjust to. And he's so proud of that. Tomoyo, too, was having the same thoughts as he did. Her best friend was the only person who was able to see through it all and managed to coax his way in patiently. And to think she nearly drove him crazy for a year, trying to understand her silence. She's so happy in having him for a best boyfriend. Boyfriend? She giggled inside. Maybe he just thinks of her as the younger sister he never had. Just like Nakuru. But he treats you differently, another Tomoyo reasoned. In a more subtle way of letting you know that he cares for you. Then another joined in the conversation. She's right Tomoyo! Why don't you snap out of it? It's probably infatuation because he's been very kind to me. They groaned. "We're here."
Tomoyo listened quietly as Eriol explained the history of Queen Elizabeth I. If one there was one thing that she needed help on, it was this. English History was the only obstacle that she hadn't seen when she entered college. She hadn't given much thought to this when she decided to study in England. With her almost perfect score in Japanese History, she was sure that she'd make it. It was okay during the first year. She had asked Eriol to lend her some books for reference. But on her sophomore year, she started to feel the heaviness of the subject on her. She hadn't asked Eriol because she thought he was too busy with his studies to lend a hand. And so she had to bear with it. Luckily she scraped a decent grade and made the dean's list. Junior year started to take its toll on her. With the course proper starting to really squeeze her brain, she finally gave up carrying the burden and asked him. Just as they where nearing half the topic, the lights when dark, bathing the room in complete darkness. "That's weird. It's unusual for a blackout to happen in London," Eriol spoke. "Let me go and check the fuse box," Tomoyo stood up. Eriol immediately followed. "I'll help." She held out a blind hand to stop him. But she silently gasped as it hit a smooth surface. Eriol's chest. She felt hot in the face as she felt his heart beating under the cotton material. "No thanks, I know my way around the house and it's best for you to remain here." Yeah it's best if you don't see me, she thought nervously. What was that all about?
She groped for the flashlight in the drawer. There! She switched it on. She went to the kitchen and looked for the fuse box. Everything sure looks different in the dark. Tomoyo immediately became startled when she opened the cabinet. "Nothing's wrong with the fuse box?"
Eriol sat in the couch in silence. He could hear distant rumblings in the sky. A storm was coming. No wonder he felt hot a while ago. Or was it because he felt Tomoyo's hand on his chest? He sighed as he sank back on the soft seat. It would be nice if he had her hand on him again. And the rest of her as well. He felt even hotter as the rumblings outside grew louder.
Forty-five minutes had passed and no sign that the Electric Company had fixed the problem. And so the two had to contend with candlelight for the time being. "And when Queen Elizabeth learned of the death of Lord Robert Dudley, she locked herself up in grief. Her door had to be broken down by Lord Burghley, the Lord High Treasurer, as well as her most trusted servant." This wasn't so bad after all, Tomoyo giggled naughtily. She found herself staring at her "teacher" for a long time and didn't care if he was becoming very much uncomfortable under her steady gaze. His sapphire eyes glittered in the light and the shadows that played around his face were simply irresistible. She giggled again.
This has got to be the pits! Not that I find it somehow enjoyable, but she's really making me lose my self-control! Eriol wiped the sweat on his forehead with his hanky, speaking as he did so. He was on the subject of The Queen's love life when he caught Tomoyo staring at him. Well, a student should pay attention and anybody who'd give a glance would find nothing wrong about it. But NO! She didn't mind at all if he realized that she was openly flirting with him. She had removed her sweater (in front of him) and was only wearing a snugly fit sleeveless turtleneck and a short skirt. Then she gave the stare that could be found in 'particular' magazines, wherein made- up models stared at you with the melting intensity that was good as it gets hotter. And now, he just caught her slowly, deliberately licking her lower lip.
Tomoyo suddenly stood, causing Eriol to jump. "I'm getting hot, and I'd like to drink something. Can I fix you anything?" Hallelujah! "Water. Cold water."
She fought the urge to laugh out loud as she got to the kitchen. It was simply hilarious! "I knew I should've brought my video camera," she whispered. Eriol's reaction to everything she did was unforgettable. But she was amazed at how he managed to withstand all of it, uncomfortable as he was. She admired it secretly. Any guy who immediately lost his self-control once she did that was absolutely out of the list. Tomoyo grinned in realization. She just solved her problem on boy hunting. Placing everything on a tray, she headed back to the living room. When suddenly, a loud blast of thunder clapped. She screamed, accidentally tripping and throwing the contents forward. Zeroing on Eriol who was standing to help her. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry," she quickly said as she stood up after seeing Eriol's soaked attire. "I'll get some spare clothes upstairs." Then she left. He sighed as he began stripping off his clothes.
"Shit! I just had to screw this one!" She piled the shirt and trousers, rather angrily, on her arm and immediately went down. Reaching the bottom of the stairs and turning right to enter the living room, she was shocked to silence at the scene before her. Eriol was pulling of his T-shirt, slowly as he flexed his chiseled muscles at the movement. Tomoyo felt the blush scream DON'T LOOK! She quickly turned around when she saw him unbuckling his belt. "Uh Eriol." He looked up, seeing Tomoyo calling him with her back turned. "Oh, the clothes." She stiffened up as she felt him come up behind her. Tomoyo shut her eyes. His nearness was overwhelming her. And his cologne. gods have mercy on her! "Tomoyo?" She didn't move. A hand suddenly shook her shoulder. Tomoyo opened her eyes to meet Eriol's direct gaze. "Aaaahhhhh!" She jumped back and fell. "Tomoyo!" he walked to her, still topless and belt unbuckled. With fly still closed (whew!). She suddenly felt fear race through her bloodstream, her hairs standing on end as he kneeled in front of her. "What is it?" When Tomoyo remained wordless, Eriol looked down and saw that he was shirtless. He mentally shook his head at the cowering girl and nearly let out a big laugh as he spoke. "You're still holding the clothes."
Lecture had continued after a while, then ended abruptly as Tomoyo announced she was tired and Eriol needed go home as well.
Tomoyo walked home in a hurry. She didn't accept Robin's invitation, again, and right after club practice, she didn't wait for Eriol. And forgot to tell him that she didn't want him over that afternoon. Thoughts of last night bothered her. What had gotten into me? I wasn't sugar-high and neither did I have my period. Why did I deliberately flirt with him? To practice my seduction prowess? Baka! You shouldn't have done that to the poor boy. Now he thinks you're some uncontrollable, arrogant slut. You still have some explaining to do, you know. She sighed. The sooner I get home, the better.
Eriol's phone rang. "Hello?" "Hi Eriol. It's me Tomoyo." "Hey! Um-" "It's a pre-recorded voice message so don't bother talking. I just want to inform you that I'm not up to studying right now so you can stay home. That's all." And the line went beep. He put away his cell phone and slowed down his pace. He was nearing Tomoyo's house when he received the message. He saw Tomoyo jogging home and ignored his shouts. So he passed by her house and headed home.
Tomoyo cautiously opened the front door and peered out. 'Good. No sign of him.' She adjusted her bag, went down the steps, and quietly opened the gate. She looked around again and began walking in a fast pace. Seeing still no sign that the boy was following her, she slowed down to stroll. The sun was beginning the day and Tomoyo couldn't help but smile with it. She looked at the houses, whose English architecture never ceased to amaze her whenever she passed by everyday since her first days in London. She continued walking to school with a smile on her face.
"I'm sorry Sir, but my mistress had left a little earlier than usual," the housekeeper said. "Thanks. Good day ma'am," he nodded before walking ahead. Why is she ignoring me? Was it because of the other day? Hmm, maybe she's still embarrassed. Knowing Tomoyo, it was very out of character of her to do that. And she's probably trying to find a way to apologize one way or the other. Or unless she's up to something. But which?
The dismissal bell rang and students flooded out. Eriol was still wondering where she could be. He figured out that she might have gone somewhere quiet so he headed to the back of the school grounds. Searching around the vast school grounds, his hunch proved right and spotted Tomoyo seated on a bench. Or rather sleeping on its backrest. He sat down beside her and pulled her head on his shoulder.
Tomoyo dimly felt someone sit beside her. But she felt so comfy with it that she continued to sleep. Thoughts entered her sleepy brain. 'What can I say to Eriol? He has to understand that I wasn't myself at that time and felt a little naughty. But he was so kawaii that I couldn't stop myself! Maybe I should ask someone who could help me. Someone who knows him. Maybe I could ask Robin.'
Eriol was really heating up. He was just staring at Tomoyo's pretty face when she muttered "Eriol. so kawaii." He thanked the skies that Tomoyo was asleep and didn't see him furiously blush. He continued to stare at her when Tomoyo began to blush and a smile upturned her pink and moist lips. 'Oh my god! Don't let her lose your self- control Eriol.' 'Warning! Warning! Testosterone level going high! Adrenaline rush going too fast! Not very good!' He was mustering all the strength that he had and pulled away slowly when he saw Tomoyo biting her pink lips hard enough and it darkened to a red color. 'Danger! Danger! Must send signals for more oxygen! Brain is losing control! Find an alternative!' Eriol's energy melted away, leaned over to taste the sweet temptation, and didn't care if he committed the sin for all eternity. ".Robin." He tensed up, renewed vigor allowing him to abruptly pull away. Breathing hard in fast-surfacing anger, he stood away and stumbled back to face Tomoyo who was knocked awake.
Tomoyo suddenly felt air beside her and woke up from nearly falling into the seat. She saw Eriol standing in front of her. "Eriol? What are you doing here?" she asked. "I came looking for you. Being the GOOD BEST FRIEND that I am, I decided to help whatever problems you have," he started sarcastically. "But it seems that you don't need me. I guess I'm not that important anymore, now that Maxwell occupies your whole system. I'm leaving." She was confused. "What makes you say that I need him?" "I just heard you say 'Robin' in that oh-I-need-you-so tone of yours," Eriol answered stiffly. "Now I know that you've just chosen between your best friend and that guy." She was flabbergasted. Did I say that out loud? "And now you're thinking of an excuse to cover-up, huh? Well no need, because I'm going!" Realizing that Eriol didn't understand, she stood up and called him. "Wait! You don't understand! Let me explain!" He kept walking. "I said you didn't have to! Can't you understand that!" She ran up to him, keeping in a jogging pace. "Please, it's not what you think it is!" She grabbed his hand. But he slapped it away. "Stay away from me!"
++++++
The sun was setting, and Tomoyo was still seated on the bench, crying. She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Eriol?" But it turned out to be Robin. Tomoyo didn't send him away, now that she needed someone to talk to. "Hi." He sat down beside her. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"
The next day, Eriol pleasantly woke up and ate his breakfast as if it was the best thing in the world. Then he took his things and started off. "Something's not right," Spinel said. Nakuru nodded. "Yeah, like he's unusually happy." "I doubt if the reason is because Tomoyo's going out with another guy," Spinel added. "Because I can assure you, he nearly wrecked the house with all the tantrums in the world." "Then what could it be?"
"Good morning!" And at once, his joys were blown away at the sight of a familiar antagonist. "Hi Robbie!" The girl beamed, obviously delighted to see him. "Good morning Captain Maxwell," he nodded politely. "Morning to you too Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo's sudden silence wasn't gone unnoticed by the two men. "By the way, Tomoyo," the senior man turned, "are you free this afternoon?" Eriol remained steady as he openly listened. They wouldn't even care, anyhow. "I have choral practice this afternoon." Eriol hid his surprise. Tomoyo wouldn't be using a lame excuse unless she notices something. Robin however remained unfazed. "It's okay. May I know the reason?" "I have tutoring lessons with Eriol. I want to rest early as well." Something's bound to happen. "I understand."
"Is that all?" She nodded without looking at him. At this point, Eriol knew she still wanted to say something although she's quite nervous about bringing it up. "Let's talk about it later?" She sighed deeply. Understanding Tomoyo's silent language took him a year to fully adjust to. And he's so proud of that. Tomoyo, too, was having the same thoughts as he did. Her best friend was the only person who was able to see through it all and managed to coax his way in patiently. And to think she nearly drove him crazy for a year, trying to understand her silence. She's so happy in having him for a best boyfriend. Boyfriend? She giggled inside. Maybe he just thinks of her as the younger sister he never had. Just like Nakuru. But he treats you differently, another Tomoyo reasoned. In a more subtle way of letting you know that he cares for you. Then another joined in the conversation. She's right Tomoyo! Why don't you snap out of it? It's probably infatuation because he's been very kind to me. They groaned. "We're here."
Tomoyo listened quietly as Eriol explained the history of Queen Elizabeth I. If one there was one thing that she needed help on, it was this. English History was the only obstacle that she hadn't seen when she entered college. She hadn't given much thought to this when she decided to study in England. With her almost perfect score in Japanese History, she was sure that she'd make it. It was okay during the first year. She had asked Eriol to lend her some books for reference. But on her sophomore year, she started to feel the heaviness of the subject on her. She hadn't asked Eriol because she thought he was too busy with his studies to lend a hand. And so she had to bear with it. Luckily she scraped a decent grade and made the dean's list. Junior year started to take its toll on her. With the course proper starting to really squeeze her brain, she finally gave up carrying the burden and asked him. Just as they where nearing half the topic, the lights when dark, bathing the room in complete darkness. "That's weird. It's unusual for a blackout to happen in London," Eriol spoke. "Let me go and check the fuse box," Tomoyo stood up. Eriol immediately followed. "I'll help." She held out a blind hand to stop him. But she silently gasped as it hit a smooth surface. Eriol's chest. She felt hot in the face as she felt his heart beating under the cotton material. "No thanks, I know my way around the house and it's best for you to remain here." Yeah it's best if you don't see me, she thought nervously. What was that all about?
She groped for the flashlight in the drawer. There! She switched it on. She went to the kitchen and looked for the fuse box. Everything sure looks different in the dark. Tomoyo immediately became startled when she opened the cabinet. "Nothing's wrong with the fuse box?"
Eriol sat in the couch in silence. He could hear distant rumblings in the sky. A storm was coming. No wonder he felt hot a while ago. Or was it because he felt Tomoyo's hand on his chest? He sighed as he sank back on the soft seat. It would be nice if he had her hand on him again. And the rest of her as well. He felt even hotter as the rumblings outside grew louder.
Forty-five minutes had passed and no sign that the Electric Company had fixed the problem. And so the two had to contend with candlelight for the time being. "And when Queen Elizabeth learned of the death of Lord Robert Dudley, she locked herself up in grief. Her door had to be broken down by Lord Burghley, the Lord High Treasurer, as well as her most trusted servant." This wasn't so bad after all, Tomoyo giggled naughtily. She found herself staring at her "teacher" for a long time and didn't care if he was becoming very much uncomfortable under her steady gaze. His sapphire eyes glittered in the light and the shadows that played around his face were simply irresistible. She giggled again.
This has got to be the pits! Not that I find it somehow enjoyable, but she's really making me lose my self-control! Eriol wiped the sweat on his forehead with his hanky, speaking as he did so. He was on the subject of The Queen's love life when he caught Tomoyo staring at him. Well, a student should pay attention and anybody who'd give a glance would find nothing wrong about it. But NO! She didn't mind at all if he realized that she was openly flirting with him. She had removed her sweater (in front of him) and was only wearing a snugly fit sleeveless turtleneck and a short skirt. Then she gave the stare that could be found in 'particular' magazines, wherein made- up models stared at you with the melting intensity that was good as it gets hotter. And now, he just caught her slowly, deliberately licking her lower lip.
Tomoyo suddenly stood, causing Eriol to jump. "I'm getting hot, and I'd like to drink something. Can I fix you anything?" Hallelujah! "Water. Cold water."
She fought the urge to laugh out loud as she got to the kitchen. It was simply hilarious! "I knew I should've brought my video camera," she whispered. Eriol's reaction to everything she did was unforgettable. But she was amazed at how he managed to withstand all of it, uncomfortable as he was. She admired it secretly. Any guy who immediately lost his self-control once she did that was absolutely out of the list. Tomoyo grinned in realization. She just solved her problem on boy hunting. Placing everything on a tray, she headed back to the living room. When suddenly, a loud blast of thunder clapped. She screamed, accidentally tripping and throwing the contents forward. Zeroing on Eriol who was standing to help her. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry," she quickly said as she stood up after seeing Eriol's soaked attire. "I'll get some spare clothes upstairs." Then she left. He sighed as he began stripping off his clothes.
"Shit! I just had to screw this one!" She piled the shirt and trousers, rather angrily, on her arm and immediately went down. Reaching the bottom of the stairs and turning right to enter the living room, she was shocked to silence at the scene before her. Eriol was pulling of his T-shirt, slowly as he flexed his chiseled muscles at the movement. Tomoyo felt the blush scream DON'T LOOK! She quickly turned around when she saw him unbuckling his belt. "Uh Eriol." He looked up, seeing Tomoyo calling him with her back turned. "Oh, the clothes." She stiffened up as she felt him come up behind her. Tomoyo shut her eyes. His nearness was overwhelming her. And his cologne. gods have mercy on her! "Tomoyo?" She didn't move. A hand suddenly shook her shoulder. Tomoyo opened her eyes to meet Eriol's direct gaze. "Aaaahhhhh!" She jumped back and fell. "Tomoyo!" he walked to her, still topless and belt unbuckled. With fly still closed (whew!). She suddenly felt fear race through her bloodstream, her hairs standing on end as he kneeled in front of her. "What is it?" When Tomoyo remained wordless, Eriol looked down and saw that he was shirtless. He mentally shook his head at the cowering girl and nearly let out a big laugh as he spoke. "You're still holding the clothes."
Lecture had continued after a while, then ended abruptly as Tomoyo announced she was tired and Eriol needed go home as well.
Tomoyo walked home in a hurry. She didn't accept Robin's invitation, again, and right after club practice, she didn't wait for Eriol. And forgot to tell him that she didn't want him over that afternoon. Thoughts of last night bothered her. What had gotten into me? I wasn't sugar-high and neither did I have my period. Why did I deliberately flirt with him? To practice my seduction prowess? Baka! You shouldn't have done that to the poor boy. Now he thinks you're some uncontrollable, arrogant slut. You still have some explaining to do, you know. She sighed. The sooner I get home, the better.
Eriol's phone rang. "Hello?" "Hi Eriol. It's me Tomoyo." "Hey! Um-" "It's a pre-recorded voice message so don't bother talking. I just want to inform you that I'm not up to studying right now so you can stay home. That's all." And the line went beep. He put away his cell phone and slowed down his pace. He was nearing Tomoyo's house when he received the message. He saw Tomoyo jogging home and ignored his shouts. So he passed by her house and headed home.
Tomoyo cautiously opened the front door and peered out. 'Good. No sign of him.' She adjusted her bag, went down the steps, and quietly opened the gate. She looked around again and began walking in a fast pace. Seeing still no sign that the boy was following her, she slowed down to stroll. The sun was beginning the day and Tomoyo couldn't help but smile with it. She looked at the houses, whose English architecture never ceased to amaze her whenever she passed by everyday since her first days in London. She continued walking to school with a smile on her face.
"I'm sorry Sir, but my mistress had left a little earlier than usual," the housekeeper said. "Thanks. Good day ma'am," he nodded before walking ahead. Why is she ignoring me? Was it because of the other day? Hmm, maybe she's still embarrassed. Knowing Tomoyo, it was very out of character of her to do that. And she's probably trying to find a way to apologize one way or the other. Or unless she's up to something. But which?
The dismissal bell rang and students flooded out. Eriol was still wondering where she could be. He figured out that she might have gone somewhere quiet so he headed to the back of the school grounds. Searching around the vast school grounds, his hunch proved right and spotted Tomoyo seated on a bench. Or rather sleeping on its backrest. He sat down beside her and pulled her head on his shoulder.
Tomoyo dimly felt someone sit beside her. But she felt so comfy with it that she continued to sleep. Thoughts entered her sleepy brain. 'What can I say to Eriol? He has to understand that I wasn't myself at that time and felt a little naughty. But he was so kawaii that I couldn't stop myself! Maybe I should ask someone who could help me. Someone who knows him. Maybe I could ask Robin.'
Eriol was really heating up. He was just staring at Tomoyo's pretty face when she muttered "Eriol. so kawaii." He thanked the skies that Tomoyo was asleep and didn't see him furiously blush. He continued to stare at her when Tomoyo began to blush and a smile upturned her pink and moist lips. 'Oh my god! Don't let her lose your self- control Eriol.' 'Warning! Warning! Testosterone level going high! Adrenaline rush going too fast! Not very good!' He was mustering all the strength that he had and pulled away slowly when he saw Tomoyo biting her pink lips hard enough and it darkened to a red color. 'Danger! Danger! Must send signals for more oxygen! Brain is losing control! Find an alternative!' Eriol's energy melted away, leaned over to taste the sweet temptation, and didn't care if he committed the sin for all eternity. ".Robin." He tensed up, renewed vigor allowing him to abruptly pull away. Breathing hard in fast-surfacing anger, he stood away and stumbled back to face Tomoyo who was knocked awake.
Tomoyo suddenly felt air beside her and woke up from nearly falling into the seat. She saw Eriol standing in front of her. "Eriol? What are you doing here?" she asked. "I came looking for you. Being the GOOD BEST FRIEND that I am, I decided to help whatever problems you have," he started sarcastically. "But it seems that you don't need me. I guess I'm not that important anymore, now that Maxwell occupies your whole system. I'm leaving." She was confused. "What makes you say that I need him?" "I just heard you say 'Robin' in that oh-I-need-you-so tone of yours," Eriol answered stiffly. "Now I know that you've just chosen between your best friend and that guy." She was flabbergasted. Did I say that out loud? "And now you're thinking of an excuse to cover-up, huh? Well no need, because I'm going!" Realizing that Eriol didn't understand, she stood up and called him. "Wait! You don't understand! Let me explain!" He kept walking. "I said you didn't have to! Can't you understand that!" She ran up to him, keeping in a jogging pace. "Please, it's not what you think it is!" She grabbed his hand. But he slapped it away. "Stay away from me!"
++++++
The sun was setting, and Tomoyo was still seated on the bench, crying. She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Eriol?" But it turned out to be Robin. Tomoyo didn't send him away, now that she needed someone to talk to. "Hi." He sat down beside her. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"