Author's Notes: It seems that I have writer's block again. I was thinking "What will Eriol do after his proposition that he'll get Tomoyo back?" I can't think of any. ^^;;;;; Anyway, I managed to scrape a few ideas a little while ago, and I began writing with fluidity at last. (those ideas were from my past unfinished fics, but don't tell anyone, okay? ^^)

Sally: Yeah, I know it is a short chapter. ^^;;; Gomen. I really am boring when it comes to long chapters.

Fuu: Gee, thanks. Now, the only thing left to do is to think of a way to get ExT back on track! ^^

nadja: hospital? ^^??? I must have forgotten. Anyway, I'm glad you liked ALL the chappies. I plan on speeding up and get this fic done so no one will send flames to my mail again...*cries* And yes, Seguchi is a cutie, isn't he? *smiles* He's evil and he's cute, that's why I like him.

cheerlin: Definitely a new chance for Eriol. Hopefully, he doesn't screw up.

Ruby-servantof-eli: Thanks! Um...person smiling? *reads past chapters* There is somebody there??? Uh...who was that again? *forgets* Oh well, you'll find out in the future chapters. LOL.

Dana Daidouji: ^.^ Tomoyo's too smart to be outwitted by Eriol...but she still loves him...so it's possible she'll easily be won over by Eriol. And yeah...paparazzi are the worst. Wait till the next chapter....ohohohoho....

FlameSolo: So you agreed with Seguchi about Eriol being smooth, huh.

KyteAura: I adore Fruits Basket! I love Yuki! I love Hatori! I love Hatsuharu! I love...erm...well...I love the anime. ^^ Anyway...Eriol said he's gonna get Tomoyo back. He may...but some other things might happen as their pasts unravel, ne? I'm not letting anyone know! *evil laugh*

Yuki-Rabbit: I love your name! *Yuki!* It's the name of one of my muses (voices in my head). Anyway, yep, they finally got together...wonder what will happen next...

GoodGurl: You'll see soon why Seguchi dislikes Eriol so much...

Jaa, as a reward for making 10 reviews, here's the next chapter! Seguchi's secret is about to be revealed! ^.^

Caress of Venus

By nikki hiiragizawa

Chapter 17: Only You

"Tomoyo-chan?" Ukai Noriko studied the young singer, who was staring out of the open door for a long time. "What is it?" Noriko stood up and looked over Tomoyo's shoulder to see what's preoccupying the young singer's mind.

And there it was.

The largest flower arrangement they both had ever seen was lying outside their hotel room door. Pink and red roses bloomed, making the vase almost overflowing with their petals. Primroses and purple hyacinths were intertwined with he large flowers, showering the bouquet with light yellow and violet splashes of color.

"My, who would have sent this large an arrangement?" Noriko asked loudly as Tomoyo stooped by the vase and tried to look for a card. "Could it be a fan or something?"

Tomoyo shook her head as she turned the card over. So, he had kept his promise.

"I'll never let you go, Tomoyo. Please forgive me. Love, Eriol," said the card. Tomoyo smiled as she fondled the flowers. Eriol had taught her all the meanings of the flowers in the vase, on that time she was staying in Eriol's manor. Sorrow, Loyalty, Love and Hope: those were what the flowers tried to convey. Eriol was trying his best to show Tomoyo his feelings in a way that she'll believe...

"Tomoyo-san! Tomoyo-san!" The Grasper keyboardist has her hands on her hips. "What are you spacing out for?"

The purple-eyed girl jumped. "Ah, gomen!"

"How bothersome," Noriko commented. "We're leaving in a few hours and you haven't even packed. Maybe we should get going, ne?"

"Yeah. I'll be right there!" As Noriko left, Tomoyo picked up the large vase and gave it to the chambermaid. She can't carry it back to Nagoya, so she has to leave it here. Besides, the flowers would probably bloom better here than in a moving bus. However, she took for herself the card, and one piece each of the flowers for good luck. "Gomenne, Eriol," she whispered as she left the vase to the attendant. "But flowers are just decorations. I need something more reliable than your words and gifts."

That day, Nittle Grasper and Tomoyo left for Nagoya.

+++

"Okaeri, Eriol-sama." Nakuru readily placed the slippers by hr master's reach. "How was Tomoyo-sama's concert in Nagoya?"

Eriol lazily untied his shoes and slipped on the comfortable slippers. "Just like the old Tomoyo, she was marvelous. Please hold my dinner, Nakuru. I have something to do."

Nakuru frowned as she absently tugged on her apron. It's been a week and it's like this. Tomoyo's concert was near to being completed. Eriol watched every one of them (luckily, they were quite near ^^) and he would come back just as absent-minded as ever. He would skip meals and lock himself up in his art room. It's not that she's meddling, but Nakuru's getting pretty worked up worrying about her master. Why, if Eriol continues like this, he'll die first before having to reunite with Tomoyo! "Nee, Eriol-sama," she called to Eriol's retreating back.

"What is it, Nakuru?" her master answered.

"Are you sure this is okay like this?" Nakuru slowly asked. "You have been skipping meals and everything, and..."

The bespectacled young man looked back and smiled at his housekeeper. "Don't worry, Nakuru. I am fine. I just need to finish something I have left undone. Besides, I promised you I would bring back your mistress, ne?" He chuckled a bit before continuing. "Don't tell me Nakuru is getting all flustered again worrying?"

"I am not!" Nakuru denied. "Well, even if I am just a housekeeper, I would like to say that you should complete your meals, otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do if something happens to you."

Her master smiled at her stubbornness. "Hai. Arigatou, Nakuru. Then I should be retreating."

Eriol-sama, Nakuru thought. I know you did something wrong in the past but you shouldn't punish yourself this way. If destiny destines you and Tomoyo-sama together, then you will be together. Just give it some time.

+++

"The tour is about to end, with your last performance in Tokyo. Do you have any words before going to your last part of the tour?" Cameras flashed and numerous microphones were shoved into their faces.

Seguchi Tohma smiled at the press. They were currently in a press conference before going to their last concert in Zepp Tokyo. "We just want to invite the people to please watch our concert in Tokyo. This will not be the last, though, as we promise to have more concerts in the upcoming year."

"Will you also have Tomoyo-san in your upcoming concerts? He crowd seems to love the rising goddess of pop." Slight mumbles came from the audience.

Tohma nodded. "It would be Tomoyo-san's decision to go with us on tour." He looked at Tomoyo, who smiled.

"I don't have any problems going to the famous Nittle Grasper on tour. I would love to do this again." The press nodded in approval.

One reporter came up. "That is, if Tomoyo-san won't be settling at home with Hiiragizawa Eriol, the genius painter, isn't that so, Tomoyo-san?"

Tomoyo good-naturedly smiled at the audience. It had been a week and she was constantly bugged with the questions of who Eriol is in her life and how does she plan to deal with him. A question as subtle as this is not so provoking to her. "I would rest my case, if that happens." She flashed the cameras an extra sweet smile.

The reporter would not be shrugged off. "But Tomoyo-san, if you and Hiiragizawa-san were lovers, why is it that he didn't paint you in his past works. He always included a red-haired model in his art, which was known to be his wife, yet we have never seen a portrait of the rising goddess of pop. Why is that so? Is this the reason why you were into a serious conflict?"

Tomoyo froze. The question hit a soft spot and the reporter knew it. However, the young singer will not be swayed by questions as those. She should punish this journalist for probing into her private life a bit too deep. "Eriol once told me that he loves hearing my voice. That is how we met, when I was still struggling to be a successful singer. We didn't like each other because of how we look like, ne? If he liked me because of my voice and my personality, I would be gladder even if he didn't paint me, instead of him painting my image over and over because he liked the way I looked."

The media was stunned. Seguchi Tohma used the silence as a getaway. "De wa, we end this press conference. We hope everyone could come to our concert in Tokyo Bayside. We love you all!" The microphones were instantly shut off and before the reporters could start chase, the Nittle Grasper and Tomoyo were already in their car.

"Great speech, Tomoyo-san!" Noriko praised. "You have them all stunned."

"Heh, thank you. I didn't mean to do that, though. I just told them the truth." However, some parts of her answer a while ago was the truth. True enough, she had wanted Eriol to paint her, but he didn't. And that was not because he liked her voice and attitude better....but because....because...

"Ne, Tomoyo-chan, let's go to the amusement park before we go to concert!" Sakuma Ryuichi was tugging at her skirt childishly.

"Dame yo, Ryu-chan. We have to rehearse!" Noriko had him by the collar.

"No! I wanna go to the park!"

"Didn't I tell you that you can't!"

"Noriko-chan is so cruel!"

"Yeah, so what if I am?"

"Hidoi!"

"Mou, the two of you, stop tugging at me..." Tomoyo was caught between a childish fight.

Tohma looked at the rearview mirror. Tomoyo seemed to be confused. Was it because of the flowers he saw Eriol gave Tomoyo? Or was it because of something else?

+++

"This is the last chance," Eriol told himself as he left the Tokyo National Museum. "This is the last card I have to bring you back, Tomoyo. But even if you decline, I'll never give up on winning you back, ever."

Tomorrow, he plans to tell Tomoyo his real feelings in this museum.

+++

"What is it that you want to tell me, Seguchi-san?" Tomoyo was standing in Tohma's office, 12 hours after their last concert took place.

Tohma whirled around on his seat to face her. "Tomoyo-san, did you know why I went after you and persuaded you to be a singer?"

"Uh...we met at the party, didn't we? I thought that was the time..."

The blonde-haired man shook his head. "I scouted you because of your name."

"My name?"

"Hai." Tohma stod up and paced the room. "The Daidouji family in Fukuoka were distant friends of my uncle. Your mother was known for her success as a singer, even though she didn't flourish well in her time."

"I know." Tomoyo bowed her head. It was her mother who taught her how to sing. She could almost still hear her mother's voice lulling her to sleep, calling to her. "But..."

"The news that your family was murdered about 12 years ago shocked everyone. However, it was told that the daughter and sole heiress to a large property was nowhere to be found. It was believed that she was kidnapped by the murderers, but time passed, and she wasn't heard of again. Soon, the news of the heiress was buried under other news."

Tomoyo's eyes widened. She had never heard this side of story before. She didn't have any clear memory of what happened after that incident. She waited for Tohma to continue.

"You probably didn't know about that. I was 19 at that time. I soon forgot. But then I heard that there is a certain Daidouji Tomoyo in Fukuoka, acquainted with the genius painter Hiiragizawa Eriol. I then remembered the news and everything, and figured out you were the daughter of our family friends. I was amazed that the nuns kept you in their orphanage even though they knew your name..."

"Wait!" Tomoyo half-rose from her seat. "How did you know I was from an orphanage..."

Tohma held up a folder. "It is normal for a company to trace the roots of their singer. I researched on your background. I even asked the nuns why they kept you all this time when they knew who you are. They said that you looked happy in the orphanage, and they didn't want to pressure you on the reality of life." He paused before continuing. "Anyway, in my researching, I happen to find your relatives. Your mother's sister is currently in Osaka, running a music school there. She heard the news of your stardom, but she was afraid to inquire of you are the Tomoyo they had lost years ago."

"My...aunt...you..." The young singer covered her face with her hands. "I never..."

"They would like to see you, Tomoyo, and clear up those facts that were hidden from you for a long time."

"What facts? What do you mean, Seguchi-san?"

"Those facts would be left to your aunt's explanation." He dropped a manila folder on the desk. "Here is your allowance for your trip to Osaka. I had it planned that you stay there for a little while, to get to know your family. In the meantime, I'll ask Sakano-san to change your schedule."

Tomoyo held the manila folder tightly. "Why...why are you doing this...all for me...?"

"That would be..." Tohma smiled. "Because you are like a little sister to me. People with beautiful voices like yours shouldn't be left alone and lonely." He turned around and Tomoyo knew she was dismissed.

"Arigatou, Seguchi-san. I owe you a lifetime." She hurriedly went out of the office.

Tohma looked out of the window, his expression worried. "You won't thank me after, Tomoyo-san. I don't even know why I'm doing this, but I hope you will be fine."

+++

Eriol tapped his hand impatiently on the desk. Tomoyo was taking too long to answer her phone. What could be keeping her?

"Hello. Daidouji To..."

"Tomoyo!" Eriol exclaimed. Tomoyo seemed breathless. She must be in a hurry to answer the phone. "It's Eriol."

"Hi Eriol! What is it?"

Heh? The young man frowned. Tomoyo seemed a little too energetic. "Uh...I wanted to ask you out. Could you meet me in front of your hotel tomorrow?"

"Meet you? Well, I'm supposed to be in Osaka by tomorrow..."

"Please. I am begging you, Tomoyo. Just this once."

Eriol sounded serious. There was no way Tomoyo could refuse that tone of voice. Besides, she wanted to know how Eriol will end his wooing. Should she give in and love Eriol again? Or should she...

Well, that depends on how persistent Eriol is, she thought. "Okay, what time do you want to meet?"

"Arigatou!" Eriol's voice said on the other line. "Please meet me at ten AM. I love you!" The phone was hung up and Tomoyo went back to her pondering.

Maybe waiting to meet her family for a little more while is not so bad. Besides, she didn't want to

admit but she missed seeing Eriol's smile...

Tomorrow, she will see for herself how she feels about the young man. Tomorrow, she will meet Hiiragizawa Eriol.

Author's Notes:

Cliffhanger!!!!!! Gehehehe....call me evil...nonononono....really sorry! I wanted to keep you excited. ^.^ Now, what is Eriol planning? Can you guess? Anyone who could guess will have the next chapter dedicated to him or her. ^.^ Also, what is Seguchi hiding? Another twist in the

story...it seems so! *laughs*

A little side announcement. I am looking for affiliates for my fanfic site ;. It's not so good, but if you want to affiliate with me (ExT fanfic site or other fanfic site would be best. ^^) please send me an e-mail with your banner and address. If you don't want to link me, then please just link me to your site and I'll link you too! Just send me your mail! Thank you.

Also, I am looking for people who write CCS, Rurouni Kenshin or Ayashi no Ceres fanfics who has no websites. I am willing to host some of your fics. ^^ I need more authors for my site eh. Send me a link to your fic in FFnet ....or send me one of your fics and if it really is a good fic, then I'll add you to my author's list. These are for people without homepages only (cos it's too bad for an author to just archive their nice fics in FFnet, Fandomination.net or MM.Org only). Currently on my author's lists are KyteAura, L.Hiiragizawa, meseta, P.Rico, and other marvelous writers. That is why, please? Thank you!

Luv ya all!

~nikki tiki. ^.~