*Disclaimer* you know and I know CCS is not mine..
Where Memories Lie..
Chapter 2
Truth, Hope & Picnics
--Eriol's POV--
My eyes widened at her request. I slunk back slightly into my peice of the couch. I had been expecting this but not quite so direct. My view shot directly to Tomoyo's sad gaze but she quickly abandoned my silent plea for help as she turned her head in the other direction. I had no support, no getting out of this spot and all eyes were on me. What was I supposed to do in this situation? I could tell the truth and say Syaoran had always belonged to Sakura. I could lie and say I had no idea what anyone was talking about. Tomoyo's words rang in my ears like a whisper "I can't help but feel we have been given a second chance.." I shook the temptation out of my head as the mistress' green eyes glossed with emotion in my direction. I couldn't do that to her now, after all I put her through years ago. I had already decided that her happiness was more important than mine.. with that, Tomoyo could agree.
This will be my second time giving you up Syaoran.. I corrected my posture preparing myself to tell the truth. I planted my eyes on Syaoran's confused face.
"In the past you were engaged to Meiling. That part is true. She however broke her engagement with you when she found out you loved Sakura. Since then you and Sakura have been together. Why Meiling has decided to take up her nulled engagement again is her own decision and I can't explain her own reasons. I ask myself if her family even approved of her re-engagement, but that's none of my business."
It probably came out alot more cold and uncaring than I had meant it to. I turned to Meiling who cowered in her chair and hung on tightly to my little wolf's arm.
"You should be ashamed of yourself.." I rebuked.
Tomoyo seemed to wince at my remark aswell, even though it had not been meant for her. Meiling was not going to let me get away with that and she burst out angrily in tears.
"Who do you think you are to pretend to know what I'm feeling!?" she yelled as her voice quivered along with her balled up fists.
Tomoyo immediately restrained her. "Meiling, don't talk to Eriol that way! He is your family, the carrier of your ancestors blood! Have more respect." she said in a susprisingly louder fashion than was common for her.
"Don't you think I know that!? Do you really think I care!?" snapped the other, then proceeded to point me out as if targeting me with a mental curse.
"I have loved Syaoran more than anyone in this room! You couldn't possibly know what it's like..to lose the warm thoughts and emotions of someone who was so close to you!", she flung herself to Syaoran's side and dug her hot face into his arm, "..to know that he doesn't even remember the sacrifice I made for him. And all because I left him in the hands of another..I don't even have his friendship because of her!" she sobbed.
"Meiling.." uttered Syaoran while placing a gentle arm around her.
"..because of her..someone I trusted and grew to care for. She betrayed my trust in her, and you expect me to just leave him with her? I would have never let this happen to you Syaoran! I just want to take care of you and be with you like I should have always been."
Meiling's words stabbed at my heart. She was right. I couldn't possibly know what she felt. I never had Syaoran's warm thoughts, his feelings, his trust. She had a bond with him I could have only dreamed of. It must have been very hard for her to lose something like that. I, on the other hand, have nothing to lose in all this. So what if Syaoran didn't remember me, it was probably for the best; like a new start. I suddenly knew what it was like to feel so unimportant. I realized I had no affect on Syaoran's life. My presence to him was a mere moment in time. Perhaps I had been kidding myself by hanging onto the small hope that something good could come out of this tragedy. Syaoran had two girls who loved him very much. Two people who would do and say anything to see him happy. I could not compete with that, even though I shared their intense love for him. Perhaps I was doing my part by keeping to myself. Tomoyo's knowing glance told me she understood the emotions crossing my face. Her own face fell as tears overcame Sakura at Meiling's accusations.
"But..it was an accident.." she sniffled.
"Shut up Kinomoto! Stop finding excuses for everything and take responsibility for what happened. You are such a coward!..and to think you are the mistress of those cards. You make me sick..how could you?..how could you!" Meiling lashed out still being held by Syaoran who was torn between the two ladies.
I did not want to add to his emotional distress and decided to leave him to his fate. I could not be part of this. I stood abruptly to leave while excusing myself. The girls stopped their cries at my sudden choice.
"Wait Eriol!..I have one more question.." Sakura begged of me.
I stopped to listen.
"Is there anything you can do for him?"
I stared at my overwhelmed descendant in the arms of two women. His blank eyes filled with confusion. "If you're asking me to bring his memory back..I can't."
Her eyes searched my face for an explanation.
"The human memory is composed of too many things. Complex emotions that tie in with your psyche. Even physical triggers like the sound of a song or the smell of something baking all contribute to your over-all memory. It is something that is easy to erase..but too hard to bring back completely without side-effects. That is something Syaoran must do on his own. I'm sorry. Please, excuse me.. I have a long night of unpacking ahead of me and you need some time to yourselves. Goodnight." and I turned heading for the door only to be followed out by Tomoyo.
I sighed deeply once outside, the door closed firmly behind me. Tomoyo stood next to me. I stared up at the setting sky.
"You are right Eriol." she murmered, "Perhaps we should give up...and thank you." her face flushed with embarassment and my head jerked to the side confused by her comment.
"Thank you for snapping me out of my foolish hopes. I know you meant it for Meiling but..I really was ashamed of myself at that instant. Hoping for a second that you would lie. That you would deny everything; that Sakura would have cried giving up on Syaoran and I would have been there to pick up her broken peices. But I was so selfishly wrong. You did the right thing."
"Did I?" I sighed resting my head up against the door of his apartment. I let my fingertips trail along the metal surface of the door's number.
"It hurts..to lose him again for the second time. To be so honest, despite my will. And perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if this was only affecting me. But it affects your place with Sakura too and I can't stop thinking that I have ruined it for both of us."
She smiled unexpectedly at my melancholy musing. "There is still a chance for you Eriol. Didn't you feel it? The warmth Syaoran has for you. It's something he has surpressed for so long. Now, without his memories to hold him back, he is reliving lost emotions. This time he might be honest with himself and realize who it is he truly loves."
"Tomoyo.."
She turned her solemn gaze towards the sky. "I may not be so lucky. Sakura's heart will always belong to him I suppose. Maybe in time, if things go your way, she might allow herself to open her heart once more.. and I will be waiting till then."
I smiled. Tomoyo really was a selfless person. Her patient love is probably the least understood and most underestimated kind, but it is probably also the strongest. She turned to me one more time, another gesture of sadness playing on her face.
"In truth, it's all my fault Eriol and the least I can do is give you confidence."
I grew curious of what exactly she meant, and she could read my unspoken question instantly.
"If I had known years ago, what I know now..I would not have tried so hard to bring Sakura and Syaoran together. I was so blind to your feelings and I thought the only match for Syaoran was Sakura at the time. She hadn't even noticed him yet but I pulled them together because I only had her happiness in mind. I completely neglected yours."
I shook my head at her comment. "There is no way you could have possibly known Tomoyo, we barely knew each other then. I tried my best to hide whatever it was I felt. At the time I was involved with Kaho too, so it was an even bigger reason to deny my love for Syaoran. You did what you felt was right, and I am only sorry I wasn't honest enough with myself, or you, untill it was too late. Besides..it's in the past, all we can do now is wait."
She smiled slightly, maybe she felt forgiven for a crime she did not commit.
"It's about time I went" I declared.
She nodded, "I need to go check on Sakura and make sure everything is ok."
What a great friend she was. "Goodnight Tomoyo."
She gave me a half decent smile "Be patient Eriol..he'll come around."
--Syaoran's POV--
I tossed and turned. Unable to sleep in my own unrecognizable bed. Something about today's events was bothering me perhaps. I couldn't put my finger on it. It could actually be a compilation of things, I just wasn't so sure. Meiling's cries, Sakura's desperate hope for the truth, Tomoyo's utter silence.. Eriol. A current ran through my veins at the thought of his painfilled face. Why did he look at me the way he did? There was something I was missing. Something I didn't know about him, or maybe something I didn't know about myself. Was there some big secret between us, perhaps something noone but him and I knew? There was something he was trying to hide behind those peircing eyes of his. Was there a reason why this was bothering me so much? Is there something perhaps I was trying to hide myself? Why did I feel the need to get to know him better even though the truth of my love life was made clear to me today. I should be trying to get to know Sakura or Meiling better. Somehow I was not ready yet to settle down with anyone. I needed to find out more about everyone , and myself, before I started something.
I mentally turned the pages of tonight's events over and over in my head. The looks I had recieved when I told the girls I was heading to my room. Sakura wanting to resume something I could not understand. Meiling wanting to resolve something uncertain. And I..wanting to escape everything..just to be left alone. Meiling retreating to her room as Tomoyo led a sobbing Sakura out of the apartment. Tomoyo. Another strange enigma. Her eyes resembled Eriol's tonight. They wore the same expression. It was something I barely noticed at first. It was all so subtle. The slight wringing of her hands on the hem of her skirt. The mournful tinge in her eye, the slight twich as Sakura hung onto my arm. It was something I could not define and it surprised me that perhaps Eriol shared those same feelings..but towards who? It couldn't be me. Why am I even thinking this? I am promised to one girl and being pulled by the other..I should be thinking about my situation with them right? Perhaps I should think of tomorrow..yes, just let things play out tomorrow.
~*~
"I know, let's get some icecream!"
"Forget icecream Kinomoto, I say we go for some pastries!"
I found myself walking through the park with Sakura and Meiling, one hanging off of each arm. How I got myself into this mess I will never know. Perhaps I was hoping they would tell me more about myself so I blindly agreed to go on their picnic. Instead I got an earful of bickering on both their parts. It was amazing they called each other 'friend' once.
I pulled myself towards a bench, nearly dragging the two of them as they continued snapping at each other. I was tired and we had yet to wait for the others. Meiling was a sharp one and she was the first to get the gist of my fatigue.
"You look tired Syaoran, do you want me to get you something to drink maybe?" she offered.
I nodded in agreement.
"I know, maybe you want some lemonade, it was always your favorite." chirped Sakura digging through her basket.
Meiling immediately contradicted her, "Shows how much you know! He likes sweets better. A milkshake sounds good right luv?".
I sighed, they were at it again. "Just how much DO you two know about me? The size of my shoes?" I mumbled.
"Size 8 1/2!" declared Sakura.
"Wrong, size 9!"
They glared at each other. I layed back and closed my eyes trying to tune them out. After they both agreed on a number the area grew almost silent. Meiling grew impatient.
"So..Syaoran..have you decided yet?"
I blinked at her in surprise.
"Which one of us do you want to get to know better?" Sakura finished.
I sat up straight, I just knew this question would pop up again. "I need to know more about myself first, lots of things are still a blur. Things about my family, about the magical ability I possess.."
Meiling stood up energetically. "Well I can tell you all about your family! We grew up together so I know all about your family back in China! Kinomoto could never tell you much about that." she smirked proudly.
Sakura also stood up in defiance to her comment. "Well I can tell you about your magical abilities! Anything you need to know." she threw Meiling a challenging glance, but the dark haired girl only laughed.
"You couldn't possibly tell him all he needs to know. Your style of magic is quite different than his. He had been studying magic a lot longer than you had. He mastered skills way before you even know what a Clow Card was!"
Sakura shrank back slightly. A dejected look to her face. "That may be true..but I know alot more about that than you do. You have no magic ability."
Meiling's face dropped defeatedly. The girls grew silent, sizing each other up with come-backs. I couldn't tell if I was here for a picnic or a death match, and then my attention was stolen by the two figures walking up to us in the distance.
The girls looked and Sakura waved at them excitedly.
"They're coming!" she said as Tomoyo and Eriol approached us.
Meiling sighed, "They make such a cute couple don't they?"
Sakura looked at her in surprise as if she never thought about the idea. I found my face growing hot and I loosened the first button of my shirt. I felt suffocated at Meiling's remark. Could it be true that they were involved? Why did I even care..I should be happy for them..right? It's not like I have anything to be jealous about.
I crossed my arms as they reached us. Tomoyo ran to Sakura's side first and Eriol greeted us all, thanking us for inviting him. I could hardly say a word to him. The girls ran off with the basket and blankets in hand to find a good spot. Eriol and I trailed behind them. I wasn't so sure but I could almost tell he was watching me. His expression held a mild look of worry, was there something he wanted to say? I was curious but had no time to act as I found myself being pulled by one of the girls towards the blanket.
Soon enough we had all settled down and were munching away on the variety of food. The girls talked a lot among themselves and the atmosphere around us was actually normal for a while but I could not help but sigh. Eriol seemed to notice as he threw me a worried look.
"Something wrong Syaoran?" he said.
I tried to smile and play it off. "Not at all.." I said.
The corners of his mouth formed into a devilish grin. "You're lying.." he winked.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
Meiling turned her attention to me interupting us. "Of course Eriol would know, he knows everything." she teased.
Sakura was also drawn into our discussion. "Oh! Here we go. Eriol is just the person you should talk to if you want to know the truth about everything," she cheered, "He probably knows more about you then all of us put together."
I had almost forgotten that Eriol was the reincarnation of my ancestor Clow Read. I bet he could answer my questions.
--Eriol's POV--
I nearly jumped at Sakura's words. Syaoran seemed mildly interested though. I shot Tomoyo a few nervous glances. She only smiled back at me; again leaving me in the spotlight. Syaoran rested his chin on his hands, his face lighting up with a childish innocence and curiosity.
"Is that true!? Can you really answer my questions."
I tried to look elsewhere, thinking of anything to change the subject but all eyes were on me. "I..I suppose..".
Meiling, being the sharp one she was, narrowed her eyes at me as if she was dissecting every word that came out of my mouth. I would have to keep my cool around her.
She made a gesture of being full and stretched out letting a sluggish sigh escape. "Well I'm tired! I say we go home now Syaoran, it's a little late don't you think?"
She seemed to be catching on to me, and I did not want my intentions known so early in the game so I agreed.
"Perhaps it is time we retired." my voice not certain of my own words.
Tomoyo had dissapointment written all over her face. She turned to Sakura, "Should we go then? My people can give you a ride home Sakura-chan." she smiled.
Sakura smiled back at her and they stood up. That initiated all of us to begin clearing everything out. Meiling latched onto Syaoran and made a motion to leave. Sakura told him she would call him and everyone seemed to be ready to go. To my surprise, Syaoran spoke up.
"I'll catch you later Meiling, I need to talk to Eriol for a bit. I hope that's ok with you." he said turning to me.
My heart skipped a beat as everyone stopped in shock. I shrugged, "Sure..I guess."
Tomoyo threw me a genuine smile. Meiling looked immensely displeased. "Whatever just be back as early as possible." she said knowing not to argue, "I'll be waiting for you.."
It sounded frighteningly ominous coming from her. Tomoyo let Sakura walk ahead as she followed behind her. "I knew he'd come around.." she whispered breifly as she passed me on my side. I smiled, perhaps she was right.
Before I knew it, we were alone. I began to stroll through the park without hurry and he walked beside me quietly. I suppose he was eagerly awaiting some words of wisdom on my part. I was so nervous, I wasn't so sure if I WAS able to talk.
"So..is there something on your mind?" I managed to leak out.
"Plenty.." he began but suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Actually..I was hoping there was somewhere more private we could go."
I could have sprung a nosebleed just thinking about what his words implied. I was probably overreacting and I prayed it did not show on my face. For some reason he felt an urge to explain himself.
"I just want you to tell me about, perhaps show me, my magical skills." he looked around him, "I doubt we can do that out here."
I mentally slapped myself. Of course! Why would he even think about..my head was in the gutter. I managed to convince myself that it was now or never however.
"We could always go to my hotel room.." I sheepishly suggested trying not to blush.
All my cards had been layed on the table.
Where Memories Lie..
Chapter 2
Truth, Hope & Picnics
--Eriol's POV--
My eyes widened at her request. I slunk back slightly into my peice of the couch. I had been expecting this but not quite so direct. My view shot directly to Tomoyo's sad gaze but she quickly abandoned my silent plea for help as she turned her head in the other direction. I had no support, no getting out of this spot and all eyes were on me. What was I supposed to do in this situation? I could tell the truth and say Syaoran had always belonged to Sakura. I could lie and say I had no idea what anyone was talking about. Tomoyo's words rang in my ears like a whisper "I can't help but feel we have been given a second chance.." I shook the temptation out of my head as the mistress' green eyes glossed with emotion in my direction. I couldn't do that to her now, after all I put her through years ago. I had already decided that her happiness was more important than mine.. with that, Tomoyo could agree.
This will be my second time giving you up Syaoran.. I corrected my posture preparing myself to tell the truth. I planted my eyes on Syaoran's confused face.
"In the past you were engaged to Meiling. That part is true. She however broke her engagement with you when she found out you loved Sakura. Since then you and Sakura have been together. Why Meiling has decided to take up her nulled engagement again is her own decision and I can't explain her own reasons. I ask myself if her family even approved of her re-engagement, but that's none of my business."
It probably came out alot more cold and uncaring than I had meant it to. I turned to Meiling who cowered in her chair and hung on tightly to my little wolf's arm.
"You should be ashamed of yourself.." I rebuked.
Tomoyo seemed to wince at my remark aswell, even though it had not been meant for her. Meiling was not going to let me get away with that and she burst out angrily in tears.
"Who do you think you are to pretend to know what I'm feeling!?" she yelled as her voice quivered along with her balled up fists.
Tomoyo immediately restrained her. "Meiling, don't talk to Eriol that way! He is your family, the carrier of your ancestors blood! Have more respect." she said in a susprisingly louder fashion than was common for her.
"Don't you think I know that!? Do you really think I care!?" snapped the other, then proceeded to point me out as if targeting me with a mental curse.
"I have loved Syaoran more than anyone in this room! You couldn't possibly know what it's like..to lose the warm thoughts and emotions of someone who was so close to you!", she flung herself to Syaoran's side and dug her hot face into his arm, "..to know that he doesn't even remember the sacrifice I made for him. And all because I left him in the hands of another..I don't even have his friendship because of her!" she sobbed.
"Meiling.." uttered Syaoran while placing a gentle arm around her.
"..because of her..someone I trusted and grew to care for. She betrayed my trust in her, and you expect me to just leave him with her? I would have never let this happen to you Syaoran! I just want to take care of you and be with you like I should have always been."
Meiling's words stabbed at my heart. She was right. I couldn't possibly know what she felt. I never had Syaoran's warm thoughts, his feelings, his trust. She had a bond with him I could have only dreamed of. It must have been very hard for her to lose something like that. I, on the other hand, have nothing to lose in all this. So what if Syaoran didn't remember me, it was probably for the best; like a new start. I suddenly knew what it was like to feel so unimportant. I realized I had no affect on Syaoran's life. My presence to him was a mere moment in time. Perhaps I had been kidding myself by hanging onto the small hope that something good could come out of this tragedy. Syaoran had two girls who loved him very much. Two people who would do and say anything to see him happy. I could not compete with that, even though I shared their intense love for him. Perhaps I was doing my part by keeping to myself. Tomoyo's knowing glance told me she understood the emotions crossing my face. Her own face fell as tears overcame Sakura at Meiling's accusations.
"But..it was an accident.." she sniffled.
"Shut up Kinomoto! Stop finding excuses for everything and take responsibility for what happened. You are such a coward!..and to think you are the mistress of those cards. You make me sick..how could you?..how could you!" Meiling lashed out still being held by Syaoran who was torn between the two ladies.
I did not want to add to his emotional distress and decided to leave him to his fate. I could not be part of this. I stood abruptly to leave while excusing myself. The girls stopped their cries at my sudden choice.
"Wait Eriol!..I have one more question.." Sakura begged of me.
I stopped to listen.
"Is there anything you can do for him?"
I stared at my overwhelmed descendant in the arms of two women. His blank eyes filled with confusion. "If you're asking me to bring his memory back..I can't."
Her eyes searched my face for an explanation.
"The human memory is composed of too many things. Complex emotions that tie in with your psyche. Even physical triggers like the sound of a song or the smell of something baking all contribute to your over-all memory. It is something that is easy to erase..but too hard to bring back completely without side-effects. That is something Syaoran must do on his own. I'm sorry. Please, excuse me.. I have a long night of unpacking ahead of me and you need some time to yourselves. Goodnight." and I turned heading for the door only to be followed out by Tomoyo.
I sighed deeply once outside, the door closed firmly behind me. Tomoyo stood next to me. I stared up at the setting sky.
"You are right Eriol." she murmered, "Perhaps we should give up...and thank you." her face flushed with embarassment and my head jerked to the side confused by her comment.
"Thank you for snapping me out of my foolish hopes. I know you meant it for Meiling but..I really was ashamed of myself at that instant. Hoping for a second that you would lie. That you would deny everything; that Sakura would have cried giving up on Syaoran and I would have been there to pick up her broken peices. But I was so selfishly wrong. You did the right thing."
"Did I?" I sighed resting my head up against the door of his apartment. I let my fingertips trail along the metal surface of the door's number.
"It hurts..to lose him again for the second time. To be so honest, despite my will. And perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if this was only affecting me. But it affects your place with Sakura too and I can't stop thinking that I have ruined it for both of us."
She smiled unexpectedly at my melancholy musing. "There is still a chance for you Eriol. Didn't you feel it? The warmth Syaoran has for you. It's something he has surpressed for so long. Now, without his memories to hold him back, he is reliving lost emotions. This time he might be honest with himself and realize who it is he truly loves."
"Tomoyo.."
She turned her solemn gaze towards the sky. "I may not be so lucky. Sakura's heart will always belong to him I suppose. Maybe in time, if things go your way, she might allow herself to open her heart once more.. and I will be waiting till then."
I smiled. Tomoyo really was a selfless person. Her patient love is probably the least understood and most underestimated kind, but it is probably also the strongest. She turned to me one more time, another gesture of sadness playing on her face.
"In truth, it's all my fault Eriol and the least I can do is give you confidence."
I grew curious of what exactly she meant, and she could read my unspoken question instantly.
"If I had known years ago, what I know now..I would not have tried so hard to bring Sakura and Syaoran together. I was so blind to your feelings and I thought the only match for Syaoran was Sakura at the time. She hadn't even noticed him yet but I pulled them together because I only had her happiness in mind. I completely neglected yours."
I shook my head at her comment. "There is no way you could have possibly known Tomoyo, we barely knew each other then. I tried my best to hide whatever it was I felt. At the time I was involved with Kaho too, so it was an even bigger reason to deny my love for Syaoran. You did what you felt was right, and I am only sorry I wasn't honest enough with myself, or you, untill it was too late. Besides..it's in the past, all we can do now is wait."
She smiled slightly, maybe she felt forgiven for a crime she did not commit.
"It's about time I went" I declared.
She nodded, "I need to go check on Sakura and make sure everything is ok."
What a great friend she was. "Goodnight Tomoyo."
She gave me a half decent smile "Be patient Eriol..he'll come around."
--Syaoran's POV--
I tossed and turned. Unable to sleep in my own unrecognizable bed. Something about today's events was bothering me perhaps. I couldn't put my finger on it. It could actually be a compilation of things, I just wasn't so sure. Meiling's cries, Sakura's desperate hope for the truth, Tomoyo's utter silence.. Eriol. A current ran through my veins at the thought of his painfilled face. Why did he look at me the way he did? There was something I was missing. Something I didn't know about him, or maybe something I didn't know about myself. Was there some big secret between us, perhaps something noone but him and I knew? There was something he was trying to hide behind those peircing eyes of his. Was there a reason why this was bothering me so much? Is there something perhaps I was trying to hide myself? Why did I feel the need to get to know him better even though the truth of my love life was made clear to me today. I should be trying to get to know Sakura or Meiling better. Somehow I was not ready yet to settle down with anyone. I needed to find out more about everyone , and myself, before I started something.
I mentally turned the pages of tonight's events over and over in my head. The looks I had recieved when I told the girls I was heading to my room. Sakura wanting to resume something I could not understand. Meiling wanting to resolve something uncertain. And I..wanting to escape everything..just to be left alone. Meiling retreating to her room as Tomoyo led a sobbing Sakura out of the apartment. Tomoyo. Another strange enigma. Her eyes resembled Eriol's tonight. They wore the same expression. It was something I barely noticed at first. It was all so subtle. The slight wringing of her hands on the hem of her skirt. The mournful tinge in her eye, the slight twich as Sakura hung onto my arm. It was something I could not define and it surprised me that perhaps Eriol shared those same feelings..but towards who? It couldn't be me. Why am I even thinking this? I am promised to one girl and being pulled by the other..I should be thinking about my situation with them right? Perhaps I should think of tomorrow..yes, just let things play out tomorrow.
~*~
"I know, let's get some icecream!"
"Forget icecream Kinomoto, I say we go for some pastries!"
I found myself walking through the park with Sakura and Meiling, one hanging off of each arm. How I got myself into this mess I will never know. Perhaps I was hoping they would tell me more about myself so I blindly agreed to go on their picnic. Instead I got an earful of bickering on both their parts. It was amazing they called each other 'friend' once.
I pulled myself towards a bench, nearly dragging the two of them as they continued snapping at each other. I was tired and we had yet to wait for the others. Meiling was a sharp one and she was the first to get the gist of my fatigue.
"You look tired Syaoran, do you want me to get you something to drink maybe?" she offered.
I nodded in agreement.
"I know, maybe you want some lemonade, it was always your favorite." chirped Sakura digging through her basket.
Meiling immediately contradicted her, "Shows how much you know! He likes sweets better. A milkshake sounds good right luv?".
I sighed, they were at it again. "Just how much DO you two know about me? The size of my shoes?" I mumbled.
"Size 8 1/2!" declared Sakura.
"Wrong, size 9!"
They glared at each other. I layed back and closed my eyes trying to tune them out. After they both agreed on a number the area grew almost silent. Meiling grew impatient.
"So..Syaoran..have you decided yet?"
I blinked at her in surprise.
"Which one of us do you want to get to know better?" Sakura finished.
I sat up straight, I just knew this question would pop up again. "I need to know more about myself first, lots of things are still a blur. Things about my family, about the magical ability I possess.."
Meiling stood up energetically. "Well I can tell you all about your family! We grew up together so I know all about your family back in China! Kinomoto could never tell you much about that." she smirked proudly.
Sakura also stood up in defiance to her comment. "Well I can tell you about your magical abilities! Anything you need to know." she threw Meiling a challenging glance, but the dark haired girl only laughed.
"You couldn't possibly tell him all he needs to know. Your style of magic is quite different than his. He had been studying magic a lot longer than you had. He mastered skills way before you even know what a Clow Card was!"
Sakura shrank back slightly. A dejected look to her face. "That may be true..but I know alot more about that than you do. You have no magic ability."
Meiling's face dropped defeatedly. The girls grew silent, sizing each other up with come-backs. I couldn't tell if I was here for a picnic or a death match, and then my attention was stolen by the two figures walking up to us in the distance.
The girls looked and Sakura waved at them excitedly.
"They're coming!" she said as Tomoyo and Eriol approached us.
Meiling sighed, "They make such a cute couple don't they?"
Sakura looked at her in surprise as if she never thought about the idea. I found my face growing hot and I loosened the first button of my shirt. I felt suffocated at Meiling's remark. Could it be true that they were involved? Why did I even care..I should be happy for them..right? It's not like I have anything to be jealous about.
I crossed my arms as they reached us. Tomoyo ran to Sakura's side first and Eriol greeted us all, thanking us for inviting him. I could hardly say a word to him. The girls ran off with the basket and blankets in hand to find a good spot. Eriol and I trailed behind them. I wasn't so sure but I could almost tell he was watching me. His expression held a mild look of worry, was there something he wanted to say? I was curious but had no time to act as I found myself being pulled by one of the girls towards the blanket.
Soon enough we had all settled down and were munching away on the variety of food. The girls talked a lot among themselves and the atmosphere around us was actually normal for a while but I could not help but sigh. Eriol seemed to notice as he threw me a worried look.
"Something wrong Syaoran?" he said.
I tried to smile and play it off. "Not at all.." I said.
The corners of his mouth formed into a devilish grin. "You're lying.." he winked.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
Meiling turned her attention to me interupting us. "Of course Eriol would know, he knows everything." she teased.
Sakura was also drawn into our discussion. "Oh! Here we go. Eriol is just the person you should talk to if you want to know the truth about everything," she cheered, "He probably knows more about you then all of us put together."
I had almost forgotten that Eriol was the reincarnation of my ancestor Clow Read. I bet he could answer my questions.
--Eriol's POV--
I nearly jumped at Sakura's words. Syaoran seemed mildly interested though. I shot Tomoyo a few nervous glances. She only smiled back at me; again leaving me in the spotlight. Syaoran rested his chin on his hands, his face lighting up with a childish innocence and curiosity.
"Is that true!? Can you really answer my questions."
I tried to look elsewhere, thinking of anything to change the subject but all eyes were on me. "I..I suppose..".
Meiling, being the sharp one she was, narrowed her eyes at me as if she was dissecting every word that came out of my mouth. I would have to keep my cool around her.
She made a gesture of being full and stretched out letting a sluggish sigh escape. "Well I'm tired! I say we go home now Syaoran, it's a little late don't you think?"
She seemed to be catching on to me, and I did not want my intentions known so early in the game so I agreed.
"Perhaps it is time we retired." my voice not certain of my own words.
Tomoyo had dissapointment written all over her face. She turned to Sakura, "Should we go then? My people can give you a ride home Sakura-chan." she smiled.
Sakura smiled back at her and they stood up. That initiated all of us to begin clearing everything out. Meiling latched onto Syaoran and made a motion to leave. Sakura told him she would call him and everyone seemed to be ready to go. To my surprise, Syaoran spoke up.
"I'll catch you later Meiling, I need to talk to Eriol for a bit. I hope that's ok with you." he said turning to me.
My heart skipped a beat as everyone stopped in shock. I shrugged, "Sure..I guess."
Tomoyo threw me a genuine smile. Meiling looked immensely displeased. "Whatever just be back as early as possible." she said knowing not to argue, "I'll be waiting for you.."
It sounded frighteningly ominous coming from her. Tomoyo let Sakura walk ahead as she followed behind her. "I knew he'd come around.." she whispered breifly as she passed me on my side. I smiled, perhaps she was right.
Before I knew it, we were alone. I began to stroll through the park without hurry and he walked beside me quietly. I suppose he was eagerly awaiting some words of wisdom on my part. I was so nervous, I wasn't so sure if I WAS able to talk.
"So..is there something on your mind?" I managed to leak out.
"Plenty.." he began but suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Actually..I was hoping there was somewhere more private we could go."
I could have sprung a nosebleed just thinking about what his words implied. I was probably overreacting and I prayed it did not show on my face. For some reason he felt an urge to explain himself.
"I just want you to tell me about, perhaps show me, my magical skills." he looked around him, "I doubt we can do that out here."
I mentally slapped myself. Of course! Why would he even think about..my head was in the gutter. I managed to convince myself that it was now or never however.
"We could always go to my hotel room.." I sheepishly suggested trying not to blush.
All my cards had been layed on the table.