A School Excursion

A School Excursion

Chapter 6

( All characters duly belong to CLAMP ! )

Author's Notes : Okay, there is no S+S action this time, just an explanation of Eriol's feelings when he was in England and why he returned to Japan in THIS story only. Don't read if you're not an E+T fan or erm … a E+S fan (yaoi lovers). If you're just bored or curious as to how I explain it, then go ahead ! Read it ! Remember to review okay ? Thanks a million !

~ *** ~

" Good morning Sakura-chan ! Err … are you all right ? "

" Good morning to you Tomoyo-chan. Why ? Do I look horrible ? "

" You look rather pale, did you sleep well last night ? "

There was a polite snort or outburst from Eriol who was standing behind Tomoyo at this point. Syaoran who was beside Sakura glared at him with a vein popping out on his head.

" Eriol, was it something I said ? "

" No Tomoyo, not really. "

The two clueless girls continued chatting about face colours and related matters while the two boys walked slowly behind them. Syaoran continued glaring at Eriol before making a loud humph. Eriol chuckled politely.

" My dear relative, what is wrong with you ? Why do I get such treatment so early in the morning ? Or rather, did you do something guilty last night ? "

Syaoran flushed as red as a fire-engine truck and whipped around at the taller boy.

" You … you mind what you're saying Eriol ! She complained of a headache yesterday so .. so .. I merely made a honey drink for her .. nothing happened you twit ! "

" Ah, did I say something happened ? My my Syaoran, your imagination surprises me. "

" Grrr .. "

Syaoran turned around again and shoved his hands into his pockets. Eriol smiled, almost victoriously. Tomoyo turned around and motioned for them to hurry up.

The entire batch was assembled at the school carpark on the 3rd day of their trip. They were scheduled to visit a local museum and they were specifically told not to bring their cameras or camcorders into the museum. This greatly disappointed Tomoyo but she knew she didn't have much of a choice.

" Tomoyo-chan, we can buy some postcards instead. They have a great collection of the different places taken at different angles. "

" That would have to do. I still feel so lost without my camcorder. "

Sakura giggled as she hugged her friend comfortingly.

" No worries Tomoyo-chan ! We'll enjoy ourselves anyway ! "

Tomoyo couldn't help but smile at Sakura. She was glad that Sakura was always there to cheer her up. She hoped she had been of a great friend to her too.

" Sakura, time to get on the bus. Tomoyo-san, Eriol is waiting for you on the coach. "

" Hai, thank you Li-kun. "

Sakura released Tomoyo and gave her one last smile. As she walked back to Syaoran's side, Tomoyo started observing Sakura's behaviour.

[ She seemed so different whenever she's with Li-kun. Her eyes would seem to twinkle even brighter, her smile seemed more brilliant and somehow, her face radiated pure happiness … I guess … I guess only Li-kun could bring it out of her ]

Tomoyo smiled almost to herself, thinking back to the times when they were only in Elementary School and how she had tried ways and means to push the both of them together. It didn't matter to her that Sakura would be occupied with Syaoran and probably neglect her unknowingly. She had been glad that Sakura chose her as her best friend and if Sakura was happy, so was she.

[ Or do I crave for a different happiness ? ]

Tomoyo questioned herself as she climbed on board the coach and her eyes settled on the sight of the dark-haired bespectacled guy. She had never thought of Eriol more than just a friend a few years ago. She had never really regarded him as an enemy before and it slowly turned into friendship because to her, his eyes showed no danger or threat. Sadly, they hardly talked, they had never even maintained eye contact for more than 2 minutes. However, he suddenly changed when he returned to Japan from England, all loving and affectionate …

[ For me ? Or was it for Sakura-chan ? Why did he think of me ONLY when he flew back to England ? Was it because he knew Li-kun would have Sakura-chan to himself eventually ? Was I merely … merely some back-up plan or was I a victim of his rebound feelings ? In the first place, does Eriol like Sakura-chan ? ]

Tomoyo's mind flashed these conflicting and doubtful thoughts as she started walking down the narrow aisle of the coach. Her eyes were slightly glazed as she shuffled past Syaoran and Sakura's seats, making Sakura look up suddenly.

[ Do I … do I even love him ? … I only paid attention to him only when he flew back and paid attention to ME. I could be the one playing with his feelings after all … who do I really love ? I only wanted to make my friends around me happy … right ? ]

" NO. "

Tomoyo snapped out of reverie so suddenly that she thought the back of her head had cracked with the force. She shifted her eyes towards the owner of the voice and wasn't really surprised that it came from the person who started her doubts.

" E … Eriol … "

" I apologise for reading your thoughts, but you looked rather lost today. In fact, I thought you looked very possessed. See, even your friends are worried about you. "

Tomoyo turned around slowly to see Sakura and Syaoran both peering out from behind their seats. She smiled weakly and bowed her head in a thank-you gesture. She proceeded to sit down onto her usual place in the coach and sighed deeply as she snuggled in. Eriol was surprisingly quiet as Tomoyo settled down.

" Eriol ? Don't you want to scold me ? "

" For whatever reason ? "

" You … you read my thoughts didn't you ? "

Tomoyo blushed slightly with embarrassment, knowing full well what negative thoughts she was holding a few moments ago. It wasn't really good to have a boyfriend who knew you TOO well.

" Tomoyo … "

Eriol sighed as he laid a hand over her delicate shoulder. He took out his glasses and peered at them for a while, as though he was torned.

" I totally understand your feelings. Why should I be angry ? "

In the end, Eriol decided to question her instead. Tomoyo looked down at her fingers and her brow creased with thought.

" I doubt you all the time. I doubt you when you use your magic. I doubt the words you spoke to me. I doubt your reasons. I doubt your heart. I doubt your feelings. Eriol, I don't know myself anymore … "

Tomoyo stifled a strangled sob as she clutched Eriol's uniform tightly before digging her head into them to muffle the cries which threatened to over-whelm her. Eriol sighed lightly to himself again before hugging her gently, smoothing out her hair as he did so.

" It's okay Tomoyo. I know how confused you are feeling. Look, I'll explain every single detail to you what happened to me in England which made me fly back … if it makes you feel less worried. "

Tomoyo flung her head up to look at Eriol in surprise and she blinked her teary eyes twice, trying to fathom the meaning from what he had just said.

" Really ? "

" Hai, but only for YOU. You're not supposed to tell anyone else. "

Tomoyo carefully dried her eyes with the handkerchief Eriol had offered to her and nodded her head gratefully. Eriol took a deep breath as he stared out of the window and started to tell his story.

***

" Spinel Sun, go and get some coffee for me will you ? I want to try and work this out. "

" Hai Eriol-sama … don't tire yourself again this time. You're very troublesome when you're sick. "

" I know I know. JUST this one and I'll go to bed really soon. "

" Geez … "

Spinel Sun floated lazily towards the beautiful crafted doors and pushed them open slowly. He went outside and sighed to himself. Ruby Moon walked across the corridors and caught sight ot the flying animal.

" Spinel Sun !! "

Ruby Moon pounced on the shocked little thing which dodged just as quickly.

" Ruby Moon, for goodness's sake ! I ain't some soft toy. Don't you have things to do ?! "

" I just finished them. Now I'm bored. "

" Bored ? Then PLEASE go to sleep ! What am I now ? Some sleep-inducer animal ? Why don't you people ever go to sleep ? I want sleep but I can't have them until you guys go to sleep ! Geez … this is so infuriating. "

" But it's still early … "

" Early my foot ! It's already well past 2 am for Pete's sake. If we had neighbours, we'll probably be thrown out of our residence because of the noise you make sometimes. "

" Oh Spinel-dear, what's eating you ? "

The pointy-eared animal sighed in defeat and floated to the kitchen with its head down. Ruby Moon turned slightly serious as he ( well, he looks like a she but we'll stick with he ) followed the floating object.

" You must be worried about Eriol-sama huh. "

Spinel Sun nodded as he expertly poured the fragrant coffee into a delicately designed china cup. Although small in size, he lifted the entire cup and saucer with no difficulties.

" He's been cooping himself up all the time. We would never ever thought of this as strange before we went to Japan, but don't you find it queer when he started opening up while we were there ? It was amazing how that Card Captor could do to human hearts … no … in fact to all hearts which were capable of emotions. I swore I dropped dead on the spot when I saw Eriol-sama smile … earnestly. It was the weirdest thing I've ever saw. He truly enjoyed his time there in Japan. Honestly, I wouldn't really want him to come back to this dusty place alone in England but I guess we don't have a choice. "

Ruby Moon listened in all seriousness as he nodded his head in agreement slowly but surely. He sighed too as they walked down the long corridor together.

" Eriol-sama would definitely be sick soon. But no, not physically sick isn't it ? How are we gonna help him in this state ? "

" We could get those gang in Japan to visit him. "

" True, but it'll only be for a while and it may have even more drastic consequences. "

" So what do you suggest ? "

Ruby Moon smiled as his eyes started glittering.

" THAT'S IT ! Tell him this … "

***

Eriol rubbed his temples as he slowly put down his fountain pen. He was writing on a very long and complicated essay for his school assignment but his head seemed to fail him in every aspect today.

[ No, not today. It has been like this EVERYDAY. I think I'm losing it … I can't get myself to concentrate at all. I can't seem to sit still. I can't think ! Damn … ]

The doors opened again as Eriol broke his thoughts and smiled as his two faithful followers stroded in.

[ They aren't my followers … they're friends … according to Sakura's theory ]

" Hey Eriol-sama ! What's biting you today ? "

" You Ruby Moon, if you keep hanging off me like this. "

" Owwwww Eriol-sama, you're now so much better to hold to. Look at the physique of yours ! I just want to gobble you up whole ! "

Eriol chuckled to himself as he continued letting Ruby Moon fuss over him. It wasn't as though he wasn't used to it. Since he started gaining rapidly in height and physique, Ruby Moon had been all over him, despite his initial objections which were made in jeer.

Spinel Sun was the one who hardly beat around the bush so as soon as he placed Eriol's coffee down, he coughed a little, causing Ruby Moon to stop in his " fumblings ".

" Eriol-sama, both of us are very worried about the strain on you. Are you sure you're capable of pulling this off ? "

" I'm glad that you're worried for me. I'm sure I'll do fine. I've been doing fine for the past few years haven't I ? "

Ruby Moon released Eriol and shook his head heavily.

" You're lying Eriol-sama. Ever since we returned from Japan, you've been acting weirdly. We could feel the sharpness of your magic wavering. "

" Hmm, nothing seems to escape from your observations. So what do you suggest ? "

" Return to Japan. "

***

Eriol couldn't sleep that night. He had dismissed Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun to bed while he worked things out alone. What Ruby Moon said awoke a different emotion from him. It was a feeling of warmth and friendliness. Was it caused by Sakura ? Eriol turned to his side and in the dark, his bluish eyes wavered a little as his mind remembered Sakura's face and her laughter. Her determination as she captured and defeated the Clow Cards. The memory of her calling him a friend. The blushing face whenever she was with Li. The comforting strength friends needed from her which she gave unconditionally.

[ Okay, I admit that Sakura did stir something in me … but I can safely say that it isn't anything romantic or anything to do with my heart. She's not my destined one … I know she isn't. So why is my heart pulling me back ? What does it really want ? Why am I thinking along the line of the affairs of the heart ? ]

Eriol had a hard time falling asleep that night.

***

" Good morning Eriol ! Today we're going to Room 34 for our Music Lesson. "

" Good morning Jonathan, and why is that so ? "

" Mrs Tettenborn wants to show us a videotape of the winning entries of some Japanese schools' choirs singing English songs issued from our school. Guess it'll be quite a sight wouldn't it ? "

" Maybe. "

His classmate waved goodbye as he walked over to his friends on the other side of the room as Eriol sat down in his own seat. He spoke very little and was respected by peers for being highly academic and owning a certain kind of wisdom in him. Most of the students didn't dare to speak to him for fear they might utter something totally stupid, which was why he found Sakura and Syaoran amusing. They were so open with their feelings and yet totally embarrassed after that.

As he followed his classmates to Room 34, they saw the teacher already waiting for them, remote control in hand. They sat down quietly and took attendance. After that was done, the teacher explained briefly the situation and everyone hushed as the video tape started running. Eriol didn't know why he felt funny all of a sudden. He kept his eyes peeled onto the TV, as though he seemed to know why he was watching it, as though he was just waiting for it to happen.

He saw about 15 students standing in the usual position of the winning school's choir. The lead singer sang with a powerful yet gentle voice which captivated the Eriol's class. Reluctantly, he felt drawn towards her. His eyes never leaving the screen, he slowly placed a hand over his heart, which had started pumping harder. A very slight redness came over his face ( wooo … we'll love to see that ) and he looked away from the TV for the first time.

[ This is definitely NOT magic. It has absolutely nothing to do with magic nor the Clow Cards. So … so why am I feeling this way ? This … this is actually the first time I've felt something tug at my heart which feels so NORMAL … so unmagical … ]

Eriol suddenly felt unsure for the first time in his life. He was experiencing emotions which he couldn't pinpoint exactly this time. He wished Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon were right beside him at this moment and feel what he was going through. As he carefully looked up again at the lead singer, he felt his cheeks starting to flush. Thanking silently for the curtains which darkened the entire room, he thought he was going crazy.

[ Who is SHE ? Why in God's name does she look so FAMILIAR ? What the hell is going on with ME ?!! ]

As the Japanese host started introducing the names of the choir group from Tomoeda High School, his whole world came to a complete halt when his mind echoed the name again and again … tormenting him …

" Daidouji Tomoyo-san. "

***

Eriol stopped in front of the great mansion he called home and suddenly didn't want to walk in. His tall frame stood motionlessly at the steps, his usually alert eyes turning confused and doubtful. He didn't know that he was starting to look more and more like Clow Reed with his glasses and all. The only difference was probably the length of the hair. Eriol had maintained it short after he returned to England.

[ This is totally absurd. Why would I feel so totally crazy over Daidouji-san ? Was it her voice ? Did Sakura taint her voice with magic ? No, that's even more totally illogical. THINK Eriol … damn it … ]

Eriol banged his fist onto the doors, rattling it so that it seemed to echo through the empty neighbourhood. He could feel Spinel Sun shifting his attention towards him now from within the mansion. With all good timing, a drizzle started to fall upon him and Eriol sighed wistfully, wishing that his entire being be washed away as well.

" Eriol-sama ! What are you doing standing in the rain ?! "

Spinel Sun had swung open the doors and was furiously chiding him. Eriol couldn't retaliate nor say something comforting to him now. He was too confused.

" Eriol-sama, something is SERIOUSLY wrong with you. You seemed very unsure. "

" Bingo. "

" What is worrying you ? "

" Myself. "

" HUH ? "

Spinel Sun watched in silence as his master carefully pulled off his wet school jacket and hung it on a hanger. He thanked Spinel Sun for the towel and placed it over his head, his hair still dripping from the rain. His white-collared shirt was now clinging wet onto his frame and he carefully removed his glasses. Spinel Sun decided to take the chance to observe his master.

[ It seems like yesterday when Eriol-sama was only the size of an Elementary School kid. Now he's even more taller than Ruby Moon and he reminds me so much of Clow Reed-sama. Yes, it is time for him to grow up and find new feelings in him ]

" I believe you found some foreign emotions stir in you ? "

Eriol looked at Spinel Sun wonderingly but he nodded all the same. He started to rub his head with the white towel he was holding.

" Who is she ? "

Eriol thought he was almost gonna blush but he remained stone-faced as much as possible and wondered how he was going to answer.

" Why do you say that Spinel Sun ? "

" Because you are at that age anyway. Isn't it time you find yourself a mate ? "

" A … a mate ?! "

Eriol gasped and choked at the usage of terms Spinel Sun was using.

" No Spinel Sun, we don't use the word mate to call our other half. "

" Oh, how about a confidante or a girlfriend ? Sounds better ? "

" Yes, but what caused you to think it's related to THAT ? "

Eriol insisted on digging out the truth from the mock-grinning flying object.

" I said because you were at that age. "

" I don't think it's that simple. "

" It is. We lived much longer that you did and we know all the facts of life. Furthermore, remember that beneath it all, you're still human. "

Eriol looked up into Spinel Sun's eyes as the word seemed to vibrate against him. Feeling rather defenceless since he was very inexperienced, he decided to seek advice instead.

" So … what do I do now ? I'm … I'm confused … why is it her ? I don't really know her very well actually. If it was Sakura I wouldn't be so surprised since we talked more often. But I know it can't be Sakura for I JUST know that it won't be her. But why HER ? "

Spinel Sun had a big anime sweat-drop as he realised Eriol was starting to mumble to himself. Coughing a little to catch his master's attention, he cleared his throat and started a simple explanation.

" Well Eriol-sama, love strikes in the least possible way which you expect. Even Clow Reed was taken aback by the few erm … pleasant … surprises which life threw onto his face so to speak. You could have probably been taken aback by the sudden change of the girl, or the crystal clear voice of hers, or the look in her eyes when she's determined to win just like Kinomoto-san … "

" Wait a minute … how do you know SHE had a crystal clear voice … or she had a sudden change … it could be ANY girl I meet during Sunday classes or reading classes … why MUST she have a crystal clear voice and a sudden change ? Spinel Sun … have you been spying on me ?! "

" Whoops … but anyway … "

Eriol groaned inwardly.

" She is the one isn't she ? She made you feel totally off-track, wheezy and tongue-tied. "

" I'm not sure about wheezy and tongue-tied. "

" Well anyway, you know it's something to do with her. Daidouji-san. "

The name caused Eriol to stiffen up considerably, causing a light chuckle from Spinel Sun. The flying object landed gently on his master's shoulder and shook his head.

" So what are you going to do now Eriol-sama ? "

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Eriol took a deep breath and whispered almost to himself.

" I'll take your word … I'll fly back to Japan … "

***

" So the rest is history actually. You know everything else … "

" W .. o.. w ... I didn't know I had such irresistable force which a powerful magician like you couldn't repel ! This is surprising ! "

Tomoyo whined to herself as Eriol choked on the drink he was about to have.

" I am glad that you told me about it Eriol. I love you whole-heartedly … "

" I can feel it from you. "

" You do ? "

" Yeah. "

" So can you feel what I want from you ? "

Eriol looked at Tomoyo before putting down his bottle. He pulled Tomoyo into a fierce embrace and sealed her waiting lips with an earnest kiss of his own.