Disclaimer: All characters portrayed in this fanfic are the property of CLAMP and their company people. They're not mine. Well, except that is the people that I'll be making up. :D
AN: . Gomen, it took a while, even though I promised that I'd make shorter and faster chapters. I had writer's block. I have an idea for the next part already. So...Review and tell me how I'm doing and I'll promise I'll try to get the next part out before next week? Well either way I'm gonna try to get it out before next week...eh, I think I've babbled on enough...enjoy. o.o;
Eriol strolled toward a large elaborate mansion. The Ionic columns that decorated the porch were exact down to the slightest detail. As he neared the double front doors, it opened as if by magic. With an air of calmness, he walked right through the intricately carved entrance way. Eriol strolled through the house as if he knew where every nook and cranny was. Reaching the living room, he was treated to a rather amusing scene of Nakuru trying to stuff a powdered doughnut into the small guardian's mouth.
"At it again I see."
Both moon and sun guardians froze in their positions and turned their gazes to the intruder. Before he knew it, Nakuru had enveloped him in a hug which almost knocked him off his feet. "We haven't seen you in so long Eriol-sama!!!" she shouted with unsurpassed glee.
Eriol awkwardly patting her back. "Nakuru," he replied wearily in response to her enthusiastic reaction.
Spinel watching the scene disapprovingly from his halted position in the air.
"Master," Spinel acknowledged fluttering by Nakuru's happily grinning face. "He's not a teddy bear you know," Spinel commented pointedly to the sun guardian. He sighed sharply, "Release him."
"Oh!" Nakuru released Eriol and he awkwardly regained his composure. "It's just that, we haven't seen you in so long!" Nakuru wailed dramatically clutching Spinel to her.
Spinel eyed her and tried desperately to wriggle out of her grasp. "It's been a week," he stated, finally giving up the struggle when she let go on her own. "Master visited us last weekend. Or don't you remember?"
"But Suppi! It seemed so much longer!" As Nakuru whined a mischievous look entered her eyes. Surreptitiously advancing towards him with a doughnut held behind her back.
Spinel saw her intentions and hovered over to his Master's shoulder, taking a seat. A daring look was etched on Spinel's face. Seeing that she had already lost this one, Nakuru smiled and practically bounced into the kitchen. "I'll make some tea for you Eriol-sama!" she sang as she rounded a corner.
Spinel looked up at his master for the reason of his unexpected visit.
"I believe it is time for some change. Ronan has already left to continue on with his life," Eriol informed Spinel after Nakuru disappeared into the hallway.
Spinel hopped off Eriol's shoulder and fluttered in front of his master. Spinel's face held complete awareness of the situation. An unvoiced conversation seemed to transpire between sorcerer and guardian. "So, Tomoyo too?"
Eriol nodded, "If she'll agree." He surveyed his living room. It was dark and musty. He'd have to clean up and change some things.
Spinel's eyes followed Eriol's gaze. "We'll work on it. Conserve your energy."
Eriol shook his head, "No. I want to." Eriol closed his eyes, focusing his magic and slowly the curtains, carpet, furniture, and everything else in the room, transformed right before their eyes. The room got livelier and developed a cozy and a more home-like atmosphere. He stood there a moment with his eyes closed, collecting himself. Then opened his eyes again.
Spinel was concerned. "How are you Master?" he inquired placing a gentle paw on Eriol's shoulder.
"I'll live."
The moon guardian observation him doubtfully but decided to let it slide.
"I apologize for I have to cut the visit short, but I'm going to be late for an appointment. Give Nakuru a farewell for me," Eriol said striding to the door. He opened the door and stepped out into the blazing sun, enjoying it's warmth. Eriol closed the door quietly as if he was sneaking out from his home at midnight for a drink or two. He then made his way down to the coffee shop with a weary step.
Inside, Spinel watched the door close with intensity in his eyes. Behind him Nakuru stepped out from the heavily shadowed hallway. "We have to do something."
Spinel nodded in undiminished agreement.
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Tomoyo leaned at the counter staring at the bustling of the small café as she sipped on her Caramel Macchiato. It was break time and she usually spent it watching the crowd slipping in and out of the small beverage shop. Almost everyone was chatting good-naturedly with their friends or partners. Her eyes drifted to a young woman whom was sitting by herself and looking quite frazzled. The woman's emerald green eyes reminded her very much of Sakura. It almost held the same radiance and depth in color, except this woman's eyes possessed a hint of frustration.
Deciding that the woman and herself probably needed a friendly conversation, Tomoyo made her way over with an extra cup of Macchiato. The young woman blinked at Tomoyo when she placed the cup in front of her. "It's on me," Tomoyo greeted. The woman blinked at her again. "You looked stressed," she continued giving a weak shrug of her shoulders, hoping the woman wouldn't take it the wrong way.
To her complete bewilderment, the woman laughed. "Thank you."
Tomoyo smiled when the woman gestured for her to sit down. "My name's Tomoyo Daidouji," she supplied.
"Mine's Akiko Arai. It's nice to meet you." Akiko took a sip of the Caramel Macchiato, paused and looked at her with a slight frown, "Hey, you dance for the English National Ballet don't you?"
Tomoyo's smile faltered, "Uhm, you could say that. I take classes there."
Akiko beamed at her. "I thought I recognized you, my little sister takes classes there too. I think I've seen you around."
Tomoyo's smile was a little fixed. "Yeah..."
"So my two favorite females know each other?" Eriol said from behind Tomoyo, obviously amused.
Akiko arched an eyebrow at her boyfriend and Tomoyo did a double take as she turned around to see Eriol. "Two?"
Eriol smiled as he took a seat near Akiko. "Sure, Tomoyo here's my roommate."
Akiko's face developed a 'oh really?' look, to which Eriol grinned good-naturedly to reassure her. Akiko tried to make her expression inconspicuous to Tomoyo as she glared back at the boy. Tomoyo watched the tension build between the couple and cleared her throat. "Well, I think my break time is over. You two have a good day."
As Tomoyo left, Akiko looked at Eriol expectantly for an explanation. Eriol sighed and his gaze traveled over to Tomoyo, who was busy taking orders from customers. "She's like my little sister. I met her when I was little in Japan. But when I moved I lost touch with her, we weren't that close after all. But I met her again a while ago. And she's been through so much this year." He let out a frustrated breath, "She's fragile now. She doesn't have anybody. I need to take care of her."
Akiko's stubborn face got skeptical, "So as family only?"
Eriol gave her a wearisome smile and pecked her on the mouth. "Only family," he echoed.
From where she worked, Tomoyo could barely hear the conversation between the couple, but it was all audible to her ears. She now knew why Eriol wanted to take care of her. He thought she was weak. How could he? He should know by now that Tomoyo Daidouji wasn't as weak as everyone thought. Even if she has no one, she'd still be able to take care of herself. After all, she didn't have anybody when she first moved to London, yet she stuck with her dreams and made it through.
When Sakura told her she loved Syaoran, Tomoyo stepped aside to allow her friend happiness at her own expense. She suffered all those years by herself, with no one to tell her emotions to. Her dreams and her stubborn nature were the only things that pushed her to continue on. And he thought she was weak? How could he think that? Her anger increased at the thought of his betrayal of her abilities. Tomoyo swallowed her anger as she pulled her eyes away from the happy couple. She'd need to get away from him...