LOVE OF AGES
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 7.
~*~*~*~
"Now, Harrods called yesterday morning. They want you to come today, at about twelve, so they can finish the plans for the cat-walk." Sonomi informed Tomoyo three days after their arrival. It was a bright, sunny morning, a perfect start to her day. Eriol and Touya had left earlier with Omata, to go to work, so Tomoyo and the girls had been left alone.
"All right, mother." Tomoyo sighed, petting Spinel, who was purring in her lap. Meiling was nearby, talking on her cell-phone, while Naoko wrote frantically in a note-book that she carried around everywhere. Nakuru had taken Seamus for a ride in the park, and Milly was off doing errands.
"Well, hop to it! We have a lot to do today, darling! And thing number one is pick up Robert from the hotel!" Sonomi stated, picking up her purse and walking to the front door. All three girls silently groaned but obediently followed her out to the limo. After picking Robert up, they traveled to Harrods, where Tomoyo was to have her meeting.
~*~*~*~
"And this is the cat-walk. We thought that the 'I' formation would work better for the angles we want the viewer to see. Now, Alice, would you please give Miss Daidouji a demonstration of how this is to work?"
This all came from the woman coordinator of the show, Tatie Harower. Many of Tomoyo's models from Japan had traveled here on a later flight, because Tomoyo felt that they knew her clothes better than any foreign models. Alice Cooper, was one of her most talented. At six feet with long black hair, deep black eyes, and pale skin, Alice could wear almost anything and make it look good.
Slowly, Alice strutted down the run-way, doing as she would in a real show. Tomoyo watched carefully, while Meiling yawned and walked back into the main part of the building. Tomoyo had a feeling that she had gone to call Omata. Naoko had decided to stay in the lobby and do a little scouting for promising young woman to do later shows, if need be.
"Wonderful, Alice! Now girls, I want all of you out here, please!" Tatie called. About twenty-seven girls came out of the backstage area, and gathered on the stage. Many of them shot Tomoyo waves and smiles, causing her to nod back to them.
"Alice just demonstrated what each of you are expected to do during the show. I want you all to make sure that you have it down, and other than that, I think I can safely say that you are free for the rest of the afternoon. Goodbye, Miss Daidouji." Tatie called, as she exited with Sonomi. Tomoyo smiled and turned to talk to Alice, but someone interrupted her.
"That was quite a display. Do you think that you could do that for our own personal viewing?" Came a joking voice from behind her. Most of the girls gaped at the person behind Tomoyo, and even she gasped in surprise.
"Eriol! What are you doing here?" She gasped, as they hugged briefly. He smiled.
"I had a lunch break, and I was wondering if my most lovely, dear friend would like to accompany me on it?" He asked, bowing. Now the other girls were really shocked. Not only had Tomoyo allowed a *man* to see them before the show, she also seemed to know this one quite well.
"I would be honored, my lord. Just let me give a little pep-talk, and we can be on our way." She turned back around and Eriol snorted.
"Oh. Now they are athletes! What next? Animals in a zoo?" He teased. Tomoyo elbowed him in the side, as she left some last minute instructions with her models. Then she and Eriol made a quick get-away, before anyone could suspect a thing.
~*~*~*~
"Where's Eriol?"
Tyson, Kaho, and some of the other office workers had gone to a quiet little café for their lunch-break, and were preparing to order.
"He told me he was busy, and to go without him." Tyson explained to Kaho, as they all sat around the table. There were about ten of them, and they were all chatting and enjoying their break. Kaho's face fell, but she forced a smile on her lips. Their food had just come, when something caught Tyson's eye, and he turned, openmouthed.
"Why that son-of-a-gun! He sure was busy! Busy picking up women!" A co- worker choked, as he caught sight of what Tyson was gaping at. For there, being escorted to a private booth, was Eriol with Tomoyo close at his side. They seemed to have not noticed the shocked stares they were getting, and both sat down at their booth, laughing. The workers could just hear what was being said.
"...then Yamazaki tried to tell a lie, right in the middle of graduation! Suffice to say, Chiharu was *not* pleased, and she went right up on that stage and strangled him breathless. It was so kawaii!" Tomoyo was commenting. Eriol laughed.
"You will never change. I can still remember when you first yelled that, the day Sakura fell asleep with her head in my lap." He teased. Tomoyo grew dreamy-eyed and her voice became far away.
"But it was adorable! You looked so content, yet so helpless, because you couldn't move to see if she was really asleep, or just play acting!" Tomoyo giggled. Eriol smiled.
"I *didn't* know what to do! Lunch was almost over, and I didn't want to startle her..."
"So you waited until Milly finally came in twenty minutes after the bell rang, worried out of her mind because we hadn't returned!" Tomoyo laughed. Eriol winced.
"It wasn't my fault that everyone fell asleep! Even you were, so don't talk to me about missing class! Besides. I couldn't talk to tell you that it was time to go in!" He reminded her. She grinned.
"I know. But still...it was so kawaii!" Tomoyo finished, as the waitress came to get their orders. Tyson grinned at his fellow workers and got up, sneaking up behind Tomoyo.
"Put your hands up and give me all your money!"
"I'm sorry, dear sir, but I don't give charity to men who have millions." Tomoyo replied carelessly, taking a sip of her water and not even looking behind her. Eriol had raised an eyebrow as his friend pulled this stunt, but relaxed when he heard Tomoyo's reply.
"What are you doing here?" Eriol asked, frowning. Tyson smirked.
"The question should be, what are *you* doing here, Mr. 'I-have-work-to-do- so-go-without-me'."
"I did have work to do. I had to save this fair lady from a horde of nymphs who had kidnapped her." Eriol stated with a straight face. Tomoyo grinned and hit his arm.
"He thought that I would be tired after all that work, and frankly, he's right. I was getting sick of listening to everyone telling me over and over what is going to happen in the show. It is as if I have never had one before!" Tomoyo sighed. Eriol nodded matter-of-factly as Tyson seated himself and struck up a lively conversation about the show. Tomoyo gave her answers cheerfully, and then Tyson insisted on introducing her to the rest of the workers.
"Sir, your food." The waitress was back, and she let her gaze run up and down Eriol's body before leaving. Tyson rolled his eyes at this, and Tomoyo smirked.
"Is he ignoring her, or is he just naive?" She whispered to Tyson. The man grinned.
"A little of both."
"I heard that!" Eriol snapped, grasping Tomoyo's hand and leading her over to their table. Tyson stuck out his tongue childishly, and then looked at his watch.
"Oops! Time to go!" He announced, smirking. Eriol ignored him, and continued his conversation with Tomoyo. The rest of the workers looked uncertain, while Kaho's fists clenched once again. They were about to leave when the door of the café opened, and a young man stalked in.
"Tomoyo-san, where have you been? Your mother is frantic!" Robert shouted, making sure to attract plenty of attention. Eriol turned and hid his frown, while Tomoyo simply smiled pleasantly.
"I am perfectly safe, Mr. Roderick. Eriol simply took me out to lunch." She stated, taking a dainty sip of her soda. Robert's face darkened.
"Well, lunch or no, I'm afraid I must take you away. Your mother insists." He stated, grasping her wrist. Tomoyo tried to jerk her arm away, but he simply held tighter, pulling her out of her seat.
"Mr. Roderick, please..." Suddenly, a hand came out and clasped Robert's, tearing his grip away. Tomoyo sighed in relief and looked at her savior, Eriol, who was now standing with one hand supporting her's, the other holding Robert.
"You will keep your hands off the lady. She is quite safe with me, and I will explain everything to Sonomi when we get back." He stated calmly, gently leading Tomoyo out of the restaurant without another word. Luckily, he had left some money on the table, more than enough to pay for their meal. As soon as they were back in his car, Eriol turned and looked at Tomoyo's wrist closely.
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. It might bruise a little, but that's all. I'm sure he was just trying to obey mother..."
"You keep thinking that, lovely friend of mine." He chuckled, pulling out into the street. She smiled and leaned back.
"Besides, with you protecting me, I have nothing to worry about." She murmured, her eyes closing tiredly. He looked over and smiled tenderly at her. His friend had grown from that big-hearted little girl, to this wondrous creature that had so many hidden secrets, he had yet to discover them all.
But he was determined to do so, at all costs.
~*~*~*~
"TOMOYO!!! Where on earth were you?! We were so worried!" Sonomi shrieked that evening, when Eriol and Tomoyo returned home. Tomoyo rolled her eyes and Eriol smiled.
"Tomoyo was feeling a bit under the weather, so I took her out to lunch. Then we got to talking and time ran away, so we went out to dinner, too. I apologize for not having her home before nine." He said jokingly. Sonomi smiled at his manner, and with a relieved sigh, she sank back down onto the couch. She, Meiling, Omata, Naoko, Tyson, Touya and Nakuru were all in the sitting room, and all were looking quite relieved.
"Oh, that's fine, then. But, Tomoyo, darling, how are you feeling?" Sonomi asked, worried. Tomoyo smiled.
"Just a bit tired. I guess that I just need more sleep." She stated. Meiling yawned.
"I agree. I'm rather tired as well." She murmured, standing up and straightening her skirt. Omata shot Eriol and Tyson a sly look, then with a sweep of his arms, picked up his protesting wife and carried her up the stairs, Tomoyo trailing after in a fit of laughter. Naoko smiled, then returned to the book she was reading, hardly noticing that the rest of the people in the room were leaving as well.
"Goodnight, Eriol. See you in the office tomorrow." Tyson muttered to his friend, as he saw that Naoko was still sitting there. Eriol shot him a knowing glance, then went upstairs. Tyson slowly made his way over to the oblivious girl and put a hand on her shoulder. With a flinch, she looked up and smiled.
"Mr. Burnside, what are you still doing here?" She asked. Tyson pretended to look offended.
"Oh, so that's how it is? You want me out of your sight as soon as possible? Fine, then, I'll leave." He muttered, making to walk towards the door. Naoko's face fell and she grasped his sleeve.
"I didn't mean that. I simply meant that everyone had already gone up to bed and...well..." Her earnest face made his heart melt and he smiled warmly at her.
"This isn't my house? Have you forgotten so soon, Miss Naoko? It practically *is* my home. I spent most of my childhood here, you know." He murmured, sitting next to her on the couch. Naoko blushed.
"Actually, I didn't. I only knew Eriol when I was eight, and after that, I never saw him again, until now. This is the first time I've heard from him in years." She stated, putting her book to the side. Tyson smiled.
"When we were in high-school, I practically boarded here. You see, my parents are very social, and they are invited to parties at numerous homes every night. I was never invited, nor did my parents care to have me there, so I simply came over here every day, and spent time with Eriol and his family. They have become more of a family to me than my own parents." He chuckled a bit bitterly at the end of this, and Naoko looked at her lap.
"I'm sorry. My parents were always there for me, and have always looked out for my well-being. You see, my father was ill constantly during my childhood, and my mother had to work full hours just to support us. When I was twelve, my dad passed away, and my mother then had to support the two of us. But she was always there when I needed to talk to her." Naoko stopped as she realized that this may not be something he wanted to hear. Tyson, however, was listening in interest.
"Please go on! I want to know more about your life." He pleaded. Naoko's cheeks reddened.
"It isn't that glamorous, Mr. Burnside. I come from a poor family, got into college on scholarships, and probably wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for Daidouji-sama's kindness and Tomoyo's friendship." She whispered. Tyson smiled.
"It sounds better than my life, where everything was handed to me on a silver platter. And it's Tyson, please." He said, covering her hand with his. Naoko's blush flooded up once again, and she smiled waveringly at him.
"Tyson." She murmured, a yawn emerging from her mouth just after the word. Tyson laughed softly and helped her up.
"You had best get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be just as busy as today." He murmured, leading her from the room. Naoko smiled and obeyed him, she going up the staircase while he went to the front door. She had just turned from sight when a voice wafted up to her.
"Sweet dreams, Naoko."
~*~*~*~
"So when are Sakura and Syaoran supposed to arrive?" Eriol asked as he drove Tomoyo to the agency the next morning. Tomoyo smiled.
"Sometime next month. Won't they be surprised that Touya has a family?" She laughed in delight. Eriol smiled.
"I'll bet. I can just imagine Syaoran's mouth dropping open and him yelling something like, 'that moron has reproduced?!?!'." He laughed as Tomoyo giggled into her hand for a moment, then sobered, as if a thought had suddenly struck her.
"Eriol...I have a question." Tomoyo stopped, unsure of how to continue. Ever since Kaho's visit a few days before, Tomoyo had felt rather uncomfortable with the situation, and felt that it needed to be addressed as soon as possible.
"Shoot away."
"Do you like Kaho?" She got right to the point. Eriol's eyes widened quite a bit, and a barely-there flush rose to his pale cheeks.
"What do you mean? As in, like as a coworker, like as an employer to his employee..."
"Like as in, 'to have feelings for'. Do you?" Tomoyo asked. Eriol's cheeks brightened the slightest bit.
"Why do you ask?"
"Nakuru seems to think so, and to tell the whole truth, I'm not sure she is comfortable with it. Besides. You're blushing." She stated dryly, a slight smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. Eriol sighed.
"I don't really know how I feel about her. I went out with her a few times in the past years... and you'd never guess it by her appearance, but she is actually several years *older* than me. Yes, I enjoy her company and she is quite pretty to look at...but I cannot say I have 'feeling's' for her in that way, no." He answered carefully. Tomoyo silently sighed in relief.
"But now I have a question. What is between you and Robert?" Eriol asked suddenly, turning the tables on her. Tomoyo started and felt her own cheeks redden.
"Nothing on my part, besides friendship, and maybe not even that. I can't be sure about him, though. He proposed, just before we came here, in fact...and I told him I would think about it..." She trailed off. She knew that she didn't love him, but when he had proposed, he had put up a good argument...
*FLASHBACK*
*Ding-Dong!*
"Coming!" Tomoyo called, looking up from the sketch that she was making of a new dress design. She walked over to the door of her apartment and opened the door, shocked by who she saw outside.
"Mr. Roderick! What a surprise." Tomoyo choked back her shock and held the door open for him to enter. He smiled at her and entered, looking around at the elegant apartment.
"May I help you with something?" Tomoyo asked, as she shut the door. He turned.
"Excuse me?"
"Well, you must have come here for some reason!" She said teasingly, a slight twinge of annoyance running through her. He turned to face her and nodded.
"I did. Please sit down." His voice was deeper than usual, and softer...almost sensual. Tomoyo had to repress a shudder of something that was not disgust. She silently did as he asked, sitting on the couch in the corner of her living room. He sat down next to her and then turned, his eyes earnest.
"Tomoyo, you and I have known each other for some time, correct?" He asked. She nodded.
"And you must know that I feel more for you than just friendship, don't you?" He asked. Tomoyo nodded again, wondering where this was going. The man next to her shifted uncomfortably.
"In fact, I think I love you, Tomoyo."
After this statement, he was silent, watching her face, while she tried to digest what he had just said. She had never felt a strong attraction to this man, but he was so kind to her...
"I came here tonight to ask you to be my wife, Tomoyo." He murmured in that same deep voice. Tomoyo met his eyes and couldn't pull herself away.
"But...but you hardly *know* me!" She stammered, trying to get her wits back. He smiled and covered her hand with his, squeezing it lovingly.
"But I love you. And even if you don't feel the same way, you can learn to. Few marriages start off with the couple actually loving each other, nowadays. But I am sure we can become quite fond of each other." He breathed, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Tomoyo shuddered as his arms surrounded her.
She still felt nothing but a strange passion from the kiss. But he had said that he loved her...and perhaps, in time, she could learn to love him...
"I will have to think about it." She breathed, pulling back. A few minutes later, he left and she leaned against the door, tears coming to her eyes. She knew that she didn't love Robert, in fact, she had never felt that way about any man. But this feeling that was running through her now. What was it?
*END FLASHBACK*
"Passion, I suppose." Eriol said shortly, keeping his eyes on the road. Was it just her, or was there a hint of sharpness to his voice as he said that?
"I suppose you're right. But he is a good man, and he has a comfortable living...I would be content, at least." She murmured. Eriol narrowed his eyes and then abruptly steered to the edge of the road and stopped, causing the car to jerk. Tomoyo stared at him in astonishment as he put the emergency break on and then turned to her, his face serious.
"Don't you DARE even consider that, Tomoyo." His voice was harsh, and edged with ice. Tomoyo's eyes widened in hurt.
"But..."
"You are better than that. You always were and you always will be. You deserve the best and that Road-Prick person will certainly not be able to give you that. Don't lower yourself to the standards that your mother and other social butterflies set. You deserve more than that, higher than that. YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT." The last words were almost desperate, and filled with pain. Tomoyo felt tears enter her eyes.
"I don't understand..."
"When I was disabled, mutated, horrifying, you were the only person who dared to see through that. That alone, put you far above the people of this world. Then you introduced me to your friends and proved that you were practically an angel sent to earth. Above everything, you stayed with me, made me feel welcomed, liked...loved. You are an angel, Tomoyo, and you always will be. Don't lower yourself to our humble status, just because everyone is pressuring you to be 'content'. You deserve only the best. And the 'best' is the person who will make you laugh, make you joyful, make you LOVE. Only then should you give yourself away. Only then." He murmured. He had taken her hands and was now stroking his thumbs over the backs of the warm, silky skin. Tomoyo's tears were now dripping down her face and he gently reached up with one hand, to wipe them away.
"Do you really believe that?" She whispered. He smiled.
"Yes. And only then will I feel safe to give my approval. Until then, I will dislike all your suitors with a vengeance." He chuckled. Tomoyo gave a watery laugh and sighed.
"Eriol, thank you." She whispered, as he turned to start the car again. He grinned over at her.
"Any time."
~*~*~*~
"Eriol?"
Eriol looked up from his paperwork and saw Kaho peeking into his office. With a smile, he motioned her in, then turned his eyes back to his work, trying to forget the conversation he had with Tomoyo that morning.
"What can I help you with?" He asked. Kaho laughed lightly.
"Oh, I just had some free time and I thought I'd bother you a little. I hope you don't mind." She murmured, her voice sweet. Eriol couldn't help but smile.
"Of course not. Have a seat. I am afraid I will not be much company, but you can try." He chuckled at this. She smiled.
"Oh, that's all right. I'll just talk and you can listen."
"Or you can talk and I can give involuntary answers. I think it would work better that way." He stated, as his gaze trailed from his papers to where she sat, across from him. Looking at her now, he could honestly admit that what he had said to Tomoyo was the truth. He did like her, but his feelings for her were not set in stone. Kaho was a *very* attractive woman, and she was quite nice.
But right now his mind had conflicting arguments. He had seen the worry in Tomoyo's eyes when she had brought up the woman in question, and he knew that Tomoyo would not bring up something that was not important. He also knew that he had known Kaho longer, and understood her better than most people.
With a disgusted shake of his head, Eriol went back to reading the papers, trying to get his mind off the argument in whole. That was hard to do, however, seeing as a pair of hands were now gently rubbing his shoulders in a massage.
"You're too tense, Eriol. You should really relax." Kaho murmured, her hands deftly rubbing at the kinks in his shoulders and neck. Eriol smiled and shut his eyes, enjoying the treatment. His head fell back slightly and he gave a groan of contentment. Kaho gave a soft laugh and continued on with the treatment, her head bending down to his.
"Enjoying yourself?"
"Mmm..."
"Good." Her voice was breathy and before he knew it, a pair of lips had found his neck and were placing feather-light kisses upwards, over his jaw, and finally pressing against his own. Eriol sat in shock for a moment, and before he had time to recover himself, Kaho had pulled away, smiling.
"I have to get back to my work. See you later, Eriol." She called, walking out of his office. It took quite a few minutes for the shock to wear away, and for him to think straight. And even then, only one thought was able to snowball past the confusion in his mind.
'Tomoyo's gonna kill me.'
~*~*~*~
"Good! Now get out there and break a leg!" Tatie Harrower called to Alice, as the model stepped out onto the runway. From behind the curtains, Tomoyo watched eagerly as all of the girls made flawless runs.
"This is wonderful! Look at them!" Tatie hissed, pointing out over the audience. There were several gaudily-dressed persons in the back, watching with hawk-eyes as the models did their work. Tomoyo recognized them immediately as some of the most prominent fashion agents in Europe.
"They look pleased." She said uncertainly, trying to read their expressions. Tatie patted her back.
"Of course they do! They have a designer genius on their hands!" She laughed, as the last model finished her run. Tomoyo sighed in relief and slipped away to her private sitting room that they had set up just with her in mind. When she got there, she tiredly un-locked the door and was startled to see Robert there, holding a champagne bottle.
"You were wonderful, love. Simply amazing!" He stated, popping the cork and pouring the liquid into two stemmed-glass goblets. Tomoyo forced a smile and took the drink, taking a small sip. She had never had much of a taste for alcohol of any kind, but the gesture was nice and she didn't want to offend him. With a sigh, she sank down onto a chair.
"Quite a day?" He asked, taking a gulp of his own drink. Tomoyo nodded.
"All the models were completely nervous, even through they have done it before. And backstage was simply a zoo...but it all turned out all right." She murmured, setting down her glass and standing back up. He smiled and twined an arm around her waist.
"I know. I was out there rooting for you." He murmured, kissing her cheek. Tomoyo forced herself not to shy away, but instead, gently pulled out of his grasp with a smile.
"You haven't answered me, you know." He murmured, trying to pull her close again. She moved away and pretended to be trying to find something in her purse.
"What do you mean?"
"I asked you to marry me. Most women would have answered by now." He stated, a slight, confident smile on his lips and he played with a strand of her long hair. Tomoyo smiled back and walked to the door.
"Most women aren't me, Robert. I still need some time." She murmured, leaving the room and meeting Meiling, who was waiting for her near the entrance.
If Tomoyo had looked back, she would have seen an ugly scowl on the young man's face.
~*~*~*~
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 7.
~*~*~*~
"Now, Harrods called yesterday morning. They want you to come today, at about twelve, so they can finish the plans for the cat-walk." Sonomi informed Tomoyo three days after their arrival. It was a bright, sunny morning, a perfect start to her day. Eriol and Touya had left earlier with Omata, to go to work, so Tomoyo and the girls had been left alone.
"All right, mother." Tomoyo sighed, petting Spinel, who was purring in her lap. Meiling was nearby, talking on her cell-phone, while Naoko wrote frantically in a note-book that she carried around everywhere. Nakuru had taken Seamus for a ride in the park, and Milly was off doing errands.
"Well, hop to it! We have a lot to do today, darling! And thing number one is pick up Robert from the hotel!" Sonomi stated, picking up her purse and walking to the front door. All three girls silently groaned but obediently followed her out to the limo. After picking Robert up, they traveled to Harrods, where Tomoyo was to have her meeting.
~*~*~*~
"And this is the cat-walk. We thought that the 'I' formation would work better for the angles we want the viewer to see. Now, Alice, would you please give Miss Daidouji a demonstration of how this is to work?"
This all came from the woman coordinator of the show, Tatie Harower. Many of Tomoyo's models from Japan had traveled here on a later flight, because Tomoyo felt that they knew her clothes better than any foreign models. Alice Cooper, was one of her most talented. At six feet with long black hair, deep black eyes, and pale skin, Alice could wear almost anything and make it look good.
Slowly, Alice strutted down the run-way, doing as she would in a real show. Tomoyo watched carefully, while Meiling yawned and walked back into the main part of the building. Tomoyo had a feeling that she had gone to call Omata. Naoko had decided to stay in the lobby and do a little scouting for promising young woman to do later shows, if need be.
"Wonderful, Alice! Now girls, I want all of you out here, please!" Tatie called. About twenty-seven girls came out of the backstage area, and gathered on the stage. Many of them shot Tomoyo waves and smiles, causing her to nod back to them.
"Alice just demonstrated what each of you are expected to do during the show. I want you all to make sure that you have it down, and other than that, I think I can safely say that you are free for the rest of the afternoon. Goodbye, Miss Daidouji." Tatie called, as she exited with Sonomi. Tomoyo smiled and turned to talk to Alice, but someone interrupted her.
"That was quite a display. Do you think that you could do that for our own personal viewing?" Came a joking voice from behind her. Most of the girls gaped at the person behind Tomoyo, and even she gasped in surprise.
"Eriol! What are you doing here?" She gasped, as they hugged briefly. He smiled.
"I had a lunch break, and I was wondering if my most lovely, dear friend would like to accompany me on it?" He asked, bowing. Now the other girls were really shocked. Not only had Tomoyo allowed a *man* to see them before the show, she also seemed to know this one quite well.
"I would be honored, my lord. Just let me give a little pep-talk, and we can be on our way." She turned back around and Eriol snorted.
"Oh. Now they are athletes! What next? Animals in a zoo?" He teased. Tomoyo elbowed him in the side, as she left some last minute instructions with her models. Then she and Eriol made a quick get-away, before anyone could suspect a thing.
~*~*~*~
"Where's Eriol?"
Tyson, Kaho, and some of the other office workers had gone to a quiet little café for their lunch-break, and were preparing to order.
"He told me he was busy, and to go without him." Tyson explained to Kaho, as they all sat around the table. There were about ten of them, and they were all chatting and enjoying their break. Kaho's face fell, but she forced a smile on her lips. Their food had just come, when something caught Tyson's eye, and he turned, openmouthed.
"Why that son-of-a-gun! He sure was busy! Busy picking up women!" A co- worker choked, as he caught sight of what Tyson was gaping at. For there, being escorted to a private booth, was Eriol with Tomoyo close at his side. They seemed to have not noticed the shocked stares they were getting, and both sat down at their booth, laughing. The workers could just hear what was being said.
"...then Yamazaki tried to tell a lie, right in the middle of graduation! Suffice to say, Chiharu was *not* pleased, and she went right up on that stage and strangled him breathless. It was so kawaii!" Tomoyo was commenting. Eriol laughed.
"You will never change. I can still remember when you first yelled that, the day Sakura fell asleep with her head in my lap." He teased. Tomoyo grew dreamy-eyed and her voice became far away.
"But it was adorable! You looked so content, yet so helpless, because you couldn't move to see if she was really asleep, or just play acting!" Tomoyo giggled. Eriol smiled.
"I *didn't* know what to do! Lunch was almost over, and I didn't want to startle her..."
"So you waited until Milly finally came in twenty minutes after the bell rang, worried out of her mind because we hadn't returned!" Tomoyo laughed. Eriol winced.
"It wasn't my fault that everyone fell asleep! Even you were, so don't talk to me about missing class! Besides. I couldn't talk to tell you that it was time to go in!" He reminded her. She grinned.
"I know. But still...it was so kawaii!" Tomoyo finished, as the waitress came to get their orders. Tyson grinned at his fellow workers and got up, sneaking up behind Tomoyo.
"Put your hands up and give me all your money!"
"I'm sorry, dear sir, but I don't give charity to men who have millions." Tomoyo replied carelessly, taking a sip of her water and not even looking behind her. Eriol had raised an eyebrow as his friend pulled this stunt, but relaxed when he heard Tomoyo's reply.
"What are you doing here?" Eriol asked, frowning. Tyson smirked.
"The question should be, what are *you* doing here, Mr. 'I-have-work-to-do- so-go-without-me'."
"I did have work to do. I had to save this fair lady from a horde of nymphs who had kidnapped her." Eriol stated with a straight face. Tomoyo grinned and hit his arm.
"He thought that I would be tired after all that work, and frankly, he's right. I was getting sick of listening to everyone telling me over and over what is going to happen in the show. It is as if I have never had one before!" Tomoyo sighed. Eriol nodded matter-of-factly as Tyson seated himself and struck up a lively conversation about the show. Tomoyo gave her answers cheerfully, and then Tyson insisted on introducing her to the rest of the workers.
"Sir, your food." The waitress was back, and she let her gaze run up and down Eriol's body before leaving. Tyson rolled his eyes at this, and Tomoyo smirked.
"Is he ignoring her, or is he just naive?" She whispered to Tyson. The man grinned.
"A little of both."
"I heard that!" Eriol snapped, grasping Tomoyo's hand and leading her over to their table. Tyson stuck out his tongue childishly, and then looked at his watch.
"Oops! Time to go!" He announced, smirking. Eriol ignored him, and continued his conversation with Tomoyo. The rest of the workers looked uncertain, while Kaho's fists clenched once again. They were about to leave when the door of the café opened, and a young man stalked in.
"Tomoyo-san, where have you been? Your mother is frantic!" Robert shouted, making sure to attract plenty of attention. Eriol turned and hid his frown, while Tomoyo simply smiled pleasantly.
"I am perfectly safe, Mr. Roderick. Eriol simply took me out to lunch." She stated, taking a dainty sip of her soda. Robert's face darkened.
"Well, lunch or no, I'm afraid I must take you away. Your mother insists." He stated, grasping her wrist. Tomoyo tried to jerk her arm away, but he simply held tighter, pulling her out of her seat.
"Mr. Roderick, please..." Suddenly, a hand came out and clasped Robert's, tearing his grip away. Tomoyo sighed in relief and looked at her savior, Eriol, who was now standing with one hand supporting her's, the other holding Robert.
"You will keep your hands off the lady. She is quite safe with me, and I will explain everything to Sonomi when we get back." He stated calmly, gently leading Tomoyo out of the restaurant without another word. Luckily, he had left some money on the table, more than enough to pay for their meal. As soon as they were back in his car, Eriol turned and looked at Tomoyo's wrist closely.
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. It might bruise a little, but that's all. I'm sure he was just trying to obey mother..."
"You keep thinking that, lovely friend of mine." He chuckled, pulling out into the street. She smiled and leaned back.
"Besides, with you protecting me, I have nothing to worry about." She murmured, her eyes closing tiredly. He looked over and smiled tenderly at her. His friend had grown from that big-hearted little girl, to this wondrous creature that had so many hidden secrets, he had yet to discover them all.
But he was determined to do so, at all costs.
~*~*~*~
"TOMOYO!!! Where on earth were you?! We were so worried!" Sonomi shrieked that evening, when Eriol and Tomoyo returned home. Tomoyo rolled her eyes and Eriol smiled.
"Tomoyo was feeling a bit under the weather, so I took her out to lunch. Then we got to talking and time ran away, so we went out to dinner, too. I apologize for not having her home before nine." He said jokingly. Sonomi smiled at his manner, and with a relieved sigh, she sank back down onto the couch. She, Meiling, Omata, Naoko, Tyson, Touya and Nakuru were all in the sitting room, and all were looking quite relieved.
"Oh, that's fine, then. But, Tomoyo, darling, how are you feeling?" Sonomi asked, worried. Tomoyo smiled.
"Just a bit tired. I guess that I just need more sleep." She stated. Meiling yawned.
"I agree. I'm rather tired as well." She murmured, standing up and straightening her skirt. Omata shot Eriol and Tyson a sly look, then with a sweep of his arms, picked up his protesting wife and carried her up the stairs, Tomoyo trailing after in a fit of laughter. Naoko smiled, then returned to the book she was reading, hardly noticing that the rest of the people in the room were leaving as well.
"Goodnight, Eriol. See you in the office tomorrow." Tyson muttered to his friend, as he saw that Naoko was still sitting there. Eriol shot him a knowing glance, then went upstairs. Tyson slowly made his way over to the oblivious girl and put a hand on her shoulder. With a flinch, she looked up and smiled.
"Mr. Burnside, what are you still doing here?" She asked. Tyson pretended to look offended.
"Oh, so that's how it is? You want me out of your sight as soon as possible? Fine, then, I'll leave." He muttered, making to walk towards the door. Naoko's face fell and she grasped his sleeve.
"I didn't mean that. I simply meant that everyone had already gone up to bed and...well..." Her earnest face made his heart melt and he smiled warmly at her.
"This isn't my house? Have you forgotten so soon, Miss Naoko? It practically *is* my home. I spent most of my childhood here, you know." He murmured, sitting next to her on the couch. Naoko blushed.
"Actually, I didn't. I only knew Eriol when I was eight, and after that, I never saw him again, until now. This is the first time I've heard from him in years." She stated, putting her book to the side. Tyson smiled.
"When we were in high-school, I practically boarded here. You see, my parents are very social, and they are invited to parties at numerous homes every night. I was never invited, nor did my parents care to have me there, so I simply came over here every day, and spent time with Eriol and his family. They have become more of a family to me than my own parents." He chuckled a bit bitterly at the end of this, and Naoko looked at her lap.
"I'm sorry. My parents were always there for me, and have always looked out for my well-being. You see, my father was ill constantly during my childhood, and my mother had to work full hours just to support us. When I was twelve, my dad passed away, and my mother then had to support the two of us. But she was always there when I needed to talk to her." Naoko stopped as she realized that this may not be something he wanted to hear. Tyson, however, was listening in interest.
"Please go on! I want to know more about your life." He pleaded. Naoko's cheeks reddened.
"It isn't that glamorous, Mr. Burnside. I come from a poor family, got into college on scholarships, and probably wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for Daidouji-sama's kindness and Tomoyo's friendship." She whispered. Tyson smiled.
"It sounds better than my life, where everything was handed to me on a silver platter. And it's Tyson, please." He said, covering her hand with his. Naoko's blush flooded up once again, and she smiled waveringly at him.
"Tyson." She murmured, a yawn emerging from her mouth just after the word. Tyson laughed softly and helped her up.
"You had best get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be just as busy as today." He murmured, leading her from the room. Naoko smiled and obeyed him, she going up the staircase while he went to the front door. She had just turned from sight when a voice wafted up to her.
"Sweet dreams, Naoko."
~*~*~*~
"So when are Sakura and Syaoran supposed to arrive?" Eriol asked as he drove Tomoyo to the agency the next morning. Tomoyo smiled.
"Sometime next month. Won't they be surprised that Touya has a family?" She laughed in delight. Eriol smiled.
"I'll bet. I can just imagine Syaoran's mouth dropping open and him yelling something like, 'that moron has reproduced?!?!'." He laughed as Tomoyo giggled into her hand for a moment, then sobered, as if a thought had suddenly struck her.
"Eriol...I have a question." Tomoyo stopped, unsure of how to continue. Ever since Kaho's visit a few days before, Tomoyo had felt rather uncomfortable with the situation, and felt that it needed to be addressed as soon as possible.
"Shoot away."
"Do you like Kaho?" She got right to the point. Eriol's eyes widened quite a bit, and a barely-there flush rose to his pale cheeks.
"What do you mean? As in, like as a coworker, like as an employer to his employee..."
"Like as in, 'to have feelings for'. Do you?" Tomoyo asked. Eriol's cheeks brightened the slightest bit.
"Why do you ask?"
"Nakuru seems to think so, and to tell the whole truth, I'm not sure she is comfortable with it. Besides. You're blushing." She stated dryly, a slight smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. Eriol sighed.
"I don't really know how I feel about her. I went out with her a few times in the past years... and you'd never guess it by her appearance, but she is actually several years *older* than me. Yes, I enjoy her company and she is quite pretty to look at...but I cannot say I have 'feeling's' for her in that way, no." He answered carefully. Tomoyo silently sighed in relief.
"But now I have a question. What is between you and Robert?" Eriol asked suddenly, turning the tables on her. Tomoyo started and felt her own cheeks redden.
"Nothing on my part, besides friendship, and maybe not even that. I can't be sure about him, though. He proposed, just before we came here, in fact...and I told him I would think about it..." She trailed off. She knew that she didn't love him, but when he had proposed, he had put up a good argument...
*FLASHBACK*
*Ding-Dong!*
"Coming!" Tomoyo called, looking up from the sketch that she was making of a new dress design. She walked over to the door of her apartment and opened the door, shocked by who she saw outside.
"Mr. Roderick! What a surprise." Tomoyo choked back her shock and held the door open for him to enter. He smiled at her and entered, looking around at the elegant apartment.
"May I help you with something?" Tomoyo asked, as she shut the door. He turned.
"Excuse me?"
"Well, you must have come here for some reason!" She said teasingly, a slight twinge of annoyance running through her. He turned to face her and nodded.
"I did. Please sit down." His voice was deeper than usual, and softer...almost sensual. Tomoyo had to repress a shudder of something that was not disgust. She silently did as he asked, sitting on the couch in the corner of her living room. He sat down next to her and then turned, his eyes earnest.
"Tomoyo, you and I have known each other for some time, correct?" He asked. She nodded.
"And you must know that I feel more for you than just friendship, don't you?" He asked. Tomoyo nodded again, wondering where this was going. The man next to her shifted uncomfortably.
"In fact, I think I love you, Tomoyo."
After this statement, he was silent, watching her face, while she tried to digest what he had just said. She had never felt a strong attraction to this man, but he was so kind to her...
"I came here tonight to ask you to be my wife, Tomoyo." He murmured in that same deep voice. Tomoyo met his eyes and couldn't pull herself away.
"But...but you hardly *know* me!" She stammered, trying to get her wits back. He smiled and covered her hand with his, squeezing it lovingly.
"But I love you. And even if you don't feel the same way, you can learn to. Few marriages start off with the couple actually loving each other, nowadays. But I am sure we can become quite fond of each other." He breathed, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Tomoyo shuddered as his arms surrounded her.
She still felt nothing but a strange passion from the kiss. But he had said that he loved her...and perhaps, in time, she could learn to love him...
"I will have to think about it." She breathed, pulling back. A few minutes later, he left and she leaned against the door, tears coming to her eyes. She knew that she didn't love Robert, in fact, she had never felt that way about any man. But this feeling that was running through her now. What was it?
*END FLASHBACK*
"Passion, I suppose." Eriol said shortly, keeping his eyes on the road. Was it just her, or was there a hint of sharpness to his voice as he said that?
"I suppose you're right. But he is a good man, and he has a comfortable living...I would be content, at least." She murmured. Eriol narrowed his eyes and then abruptly steered to the edge of the road and stopped, causing the car to jerk. Tomoyo stared at him in astonishment as he put the emergency break on and then turned to her, his face serious.
"Don't you DARE even consider that, Tomoyo." His voice was harsh, and edged with ice. Tomoyo's eyes widened in hurt.
"But..."
"You are better than that. You always were and you always will be. You deserve the best and that Road-Prick person will certainly not be able to give you that. Don't lower yourself to the standards that your mother and other social butterflies set. You deserve more than that, higher than that. YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT." The last words were almost desperate, and filled with pain. Tomoyo felt tears enter her eyes.
"I don't understand..."
"When I was disabled, mutated, horrifying, you were the only person who dared to see through that. That alone, put you far above the people of this world. Then you introduced me to your friends and proved that you were practically an angel sent to earth. Above everything, you stayed with me, made me feel welcomed, liked...loved. You are an angel, Tomoyo, and you always will be. Don't lower yourself to our humble status, just because everyone is pressuring you to be 'content'. You deserve only the best. And the 'best' is the person who will make you laugh, make you joyful, make you LOVE. Only then should you give yourself away. Only then." He murmured. He had taken her hands and was now stroking his thumbs over the backs of the warm, silky skin. Tomoyo's tears were now dripping down her face and he gently reached up with one hand, to wipe them away.
"Do you really believe that?" She whispered. He smiled.
"Yes. And only then will I feel safe to give my approval. Until then, I will dislike all your suitors with a vengeance." He chuckled. Tomoyo gave a watery laugh and sighed.
"Eriol, thank you." She whispered, as he turned to start the car again. He grinned over at her.
"Any time."
~*~*~*~
"Eriol?"
Eriol looked up from his paperwork and saw Kaho peeking into his office. With a smile, he motioned her in, then turned his eyes back to his work, trying to forget the conversation he had with Tomoyo that morning.
"What can I help you with?" He asked. Kaho laughed lightly.
"Oh, I just had some free time and I thought I'd bother you a little. I hope you don't mind." She murmured, her voice sweet. Eriol couldn't help but smile.
"Of course not. Have a seat. I am afraid I will not be much company, but you can try." He chuckled at this. She smiled.
"Oh, that's all right. I'll just talk and you can listen."
"Or you can talk and I can give involuntary answers. I think it would work better that way." He stated, as his gaze trailed from his papers to where she sat, across from him. Looking at her now, he could honestly admit that what he had said to Tomoyo was the truth. He did like her, but his feelings for her were not set in stone. Kaho was a *very* attractive woman, and she was quite nice.
But right now his mind had conflicting arguments. He had seen the worry in Tomoyo's eyes when she had brought up the woman in question, and he knew that Tomoyo would not bring up something that was not important. He also knew that he had known Kaho longer, and understood her better than most people.
With a disgusted shake of his head, Eriol went back to reading the papers, trying to get his mind off the argument in whole. That was hard to do, however, seeing as a pair of hands were now gently rubbing his shoulders in a massage.
"You're too tense, Eriol. You should really relax." Kaho murmured, her hands deftly rubbing at the kinks in his shoulders and neck. Eriol smiled and shut his eyes, enjoying the treatment. His head fell back slightly and he gave a groan of contentment. Kaho gave a soft laugh and continued on with the treatment, her head bending down to his.
"Enjoying yourself?"
"Mmm..."
"Good." Her voice was breathy and before he knew it, a pair of lips had found his neck and were placing feather-light kisses upwards, over his jaw, and finally pressing against his own. Eriol sat in shock for a moment, and before he had time to recover himself, Kaho had pulled away, smiling.
"I have to get back to my work. See you later, Eriol." She called, walking out of his office. It took quite a few minutes for the shock to wear away, and for him to think straight. And even then, only one thought was able to snowball past the confusion in his mind.
'Tomoyo's gonna kill me.'
~*~*~*~
"Good! Now get out there and break a leg!" Tatie Harrower called to Alice, as the model stepped out onto the runway. From behind the curtains, Tomoyo watched eagerly as all of the girls made flawless runs.
"This is wonderful! Look at them!" Tatie hissed, pointing out over the audience. There were several gaudily-dressed persons in the back, watching with hawk-eyes as the models did their work. Tomoyo recognized them immediately as some of the most prominent fashion agents in Europe.
"They look pleased." She said uncertainly, trying to read their expressions. Tatie patted her back.
"Of course they do! They have a designer genius on their hands!" She laughed, as the last model finished her run. Tomoyo sighed in relief and slipped away to her private sitting room that they had set up just with her in mind. When she got there, she tiredly un-locked the door and was startled to see Robert there, holding a champagne bottle.
"You were wonderful, love. Simply amazing!" He stated, popping the cork and pouring the liquid into two stemmed-glass goblets. Tomoyo forced a smile and took the drink, taking a small sip. She had never had much of a taste for alcohol of any kind, but the gesture was nice and she didn't want to offend him. With a sigh, she sank down onto a chair.
"Quite a day?" He asked, taking a gulp of his own drink. Tomoyo nodded.
"All the models were completely nervous, even through they have done it before. And backstage was simply a zoo...but it all turned out all right." She murmured, setting down her glass and standing back up. He smiled and twined an arm around her waist.
"I know. I was out there rooting for you." He murmured, kissing her cheek. Tomoyo forced herself not to shy away, but instead, gently pulled out of his grasp with a smile.
"You haven't answered me, you know." He murmured, trying to pull her close again. She moved away and pretended to be trying to find something in her purse.
"What do you mean?"
"I asked you to marry me. Most women would have answered by now." He stated, a slight, confident smile on his lips and he played with a strand of her long hair. Tomoyo smiled back and walked to the door.
"Most women aren't me, Robert. I still need some time." She murmured, leaving the room and meeting Meiling, who was waiting for her near the entrance.
If Tomoyo had looked back, she would have seen an ugly scowl on the young man's face.
~*~*~*~
