Chapter 8
Sorry for the delay of this chapter! ^_^' Please review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura or any of the characters used in this fanfiction, except for Kiri and Kagi. Don't sue me!
"_" = Character talking
'_' = Character's thoughts
{_} = My input, that is if I ever have any
Weeks had gone past and Eriol, Tomoyo and Kagi had become even closer friends. Sakura told them this one day.
"Honto?" Tomoyo said, surprised. "I hadn't noticed."
"I'm so glad for you! You have two very good friends that you can rely on to protect you." Sakura said. Tomoyo blushed and nodded. "Do you want to go out for ice-cream this afternoon?" Sakura asked. Tomoyo shook her head. Sakura's face fell.
"I want to practice for the concert at school tonight." Tomoyo said. Sakura nodded.
"Next time, ne?"
"Un." Tomoyo agreed, nodding.
~~~
Tomoyo was in the music room. Everyone else in the school was gone, except for a few teachers and some students. Tomoyo had been practicing the song she was supposed to be singing for music. She could have practiced at home, but she preferred the music room at school. Tomoyo was tired. She had gone to sleep late last night and had been up early this morning. She lay her head on her hands. 'I'll just rest for a moment.' she thought and fell asleep on the desk.
Tomoyo sat up, alert. 'How long have I been asleep?' she asked herself. She looked out the window. The sky was considerably darker than it had been before. She looked around and found Eriol standing in the doorway, staring at her. She stared back. His eyes were expressionless and his glasses reflected the sky. They stayed staring at each other like that for what seemed like hours, but only being a few minutes. 'I never noticed how handsome he is.' Tomoyo thought. Finally, amusement flashed in Eriol's eyes and he smiled. Tomoyo smiled, too and walked over to him.
"I'll walk you home." he said.
"How long have you been watching me?" Tomoyo asked, while they were walking out of the school.
"Not very long. I had to go lock up the music room and I saw you there." Eriol answered. She rubbed her eyes. "Tired?" he asked. She nodded.
"Didn't get much sleep last night." she said. They were walking along the street. It was dark, but Tomoyo felt safe being there with him. "Why were you at school so late?" Tomoyo asked.
"Rena-chan {their teacher} had some things she wanted me to do. I hadn't finished working until now." Eriol said. "What about you?" he asked.
"I was practicing, again." she said. They stopped outside Tomoyo's house. He touched the place underneath Tomoyo's eyes, gently with his fingertips. There was evidence of bags there. Tomoyo pulled back in shock and stared at him. Eriol smiled.
"Get some sleep, Tomoyo-san. I wouldn't want you to faint at school." He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "I'll see you tomorrow." Eriol said and walked away. Tomoyo brought a hand to her cheek. It was warm. She knew she was blushing. Tomoyo walked past the gate of her house and towards the front door. 'I don't think I like him flirting with me.'
~~~
Eriol lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He knew what he was feeling. He knew. He had been feeling this for the last few days. His heartbeat spontaneously going faster at some moments. Blushing unexpectedly. Eriol knew he was in love and had actually accepted. He was in love with his bestfriend. Did she feel anything for him? Did she suspect his feelings? He would constantly ask himself these questions. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. 'Tomoyo…'
~~~
Tomoyo sat at her desk, her head in her arms. She was sleepy, even though she had had plenty of sleep last night. She opened her eyes.
"Boo." Tomoyo sat up in surprise. Kagi grinned and sat down next to her.
"Don't surprise me like that!" Tomoyo said. He laughed. Tomoyo pouted.
"You're cute." Kagi said. She blushed a little and he laughed more. Tomoyo started laughing, too. Eriol walked at that moment. He saw Tomoyo and Kagi laughing with each other and felt a twinge of jealousy. Tomoyo turned to Eriol and smiled.
"Ohayoo." she said.
"Ohayoo." Eriol replied. He went and sat near them both. He examined Tomoyo's face. "Still tired?" Tomoyo nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't be practicing today, so there's no need to come fetch me again." Tomoyo said, smiling. He smiled back.
"What happened yesterday?" Kagi asked.
"Tomoyo had fallen asleep in the music room and I saw her there. Did you know she looks like an angel when she sleeps?" Eriol asked. Tomoyo blushed and hit his arm. He grinned. Kagi frowned.
'Flirt with someone else!' his mind shouted at Eriol. Eriol glanced at Kagi. Kagi forced a smile.
~~~
Eriol was looking at the sky, thinking. 'He loves her, too.' he thought. 'He must.' Eriol sighed. It was the end of the day and he was hanging around on top of the school. Eriol couldn't help hearing Kagi's thought. It had been practically thrown at him. He ran a hand through his hair. 'Even though he's my friend, I won't give her up to him. Not without fighting.' Eriol thought. The roof door swung open.
"Eriol! Everybody is waiting for you. What are you doing here?" Sakura asked. He grinned. Sakura was always her genki self. It cheered him up, a little.
"I was just thinking, Sakura-chan." Eriol said.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked, concerned. He shook his head.
"Not really." he half-lied. She nodded and grabbed his hand.
"Let's go then, okay? We're planning to go for ice cream this afternoon. You're not doing anything, ne?" she asked. He shook his head, smiling. Sakura smiled, happily and dragged Eriol down the stairs.
~~~
Eriol, Tomoyo, Sakura, Syaoran and Kagi were all sitting around a table eating ice cream.
"How do you like it here so far?" Sakura asked Kagi.
"I like it very much here. It is very peaceful, well, at least it isn't as busy as Tokyo." Kagi replied. Sakura smiled.
"How is Meilin-chan, Syaoran-kun?" Tomoyo asked. Kagi looked at her questioningly. "She's Syaoran-kun's cousin from Hong Kong. She is an old friend of ours." she explained.
"I'd like to meet her one day." Eriol said, thoughtfully.
"I doubt she'd like to meet you. She's fine. Nothing has really changed. She hasn't called in a while or sent any letters so I wouldn't know too much." Syaoran said.
"You should invite her over to Japan again. Does she have a boyfriend, yet?" Tomoyo asked, curiously. Syaoran stuttered.
"Nani?" he asked.
"I asked, does she have a boyfriend?" Tomoyo repeated, amused. He shook his head.
"The thought of Meilin with a boyfriend. I can't imagine it." Syaoran said. Sakura hit him, playfully.
"That isn't nice. Invite her over sometime. Tomoyo and I could find plenty of guys that would like to go out with her, ne?" Sakura said turning to Tomoyo.
"Maybe." Syaoran said.
"How about your sisters and family? I'd love to meet them!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Li-kun will probably take you to see them sometime…" Eriol said, grinning evilly. Sakura looked at Eriol, confused. Syaoran blushed.
"What do you mean, Eriol-kun?" Sakura asked.
"What I meant to say was…" Eriol was interrupted.
"Shut up, Hiiragizawa." Syaoran said.
~~~
Tomoyo was walking into the classroom. She was later than she usually was.
"Matte!" Sakura called and ran up to her. She stopped before Tomoyo and tried to regain her breath. Tomoyo smiled. She looked so kawaii with her cheeks flushed like that.
"You're here early, Sakura-chan." Tomoyo said. Sakura stood up and grinned.
"I have good news!" Sakura said. "I'm getting married!" Tomoyo looked at her shocked. "Syaoran asked me to marry him! I'm so happy!" Sakura said, hugging Tomoyo. Tomoyo's eyes clouded over.
"I missed Syaoran-kun proposing! I wish I could have been there. I'm so happy for you though." Tomoyo said, falsely cheerful.
"He surprised me." Sakura said, letting Tomoyo out of her embrace. She began retelling the events that happened between her and Syaoran until the teacher came. Tomoyo sat at her desk and looked out the window, deep in thought.
~~~
'Sakura. Will I ever be free of the feelings I have for you? Will I ever find room in my heart to love another?' Tomoyo thought. It was break time and Tomoyo was on the roof of the school, looking over the town. Tomoyo felt a burning sensation in her eyes. She started to breathe deeply, so her tears would not fall.
"You can cry if you want." Eriol said, coming up next to her. 'Strange,' she thought, 'I didn't even hear him come up, but I guess he is Clow Reed's reincarnation.' Tomoyo shook her head.
"Why should I cry?" Tomoyo asked.
"Because you love Sakura and she's engaged to my cute little descendant." Eriol said. Tomoyo still didn't look at him.
"What makes you think what you say is true?" she asked, a challenge edging her words. He looked at her, but she still refused to look at him.
"You're eyes and how you don't look happy when you smile." he said. Tomoyo smiled, bitterly.
"You can always see through my masks. Do you pity me?" she said.
"No, you're not someone to be pitied. You are someone to be admired." Eriol said. He looked down. "Do you want to talk about it?" Tomoyo shook her head. "Do you want me to leave?" he asked, hesitantly.
"No." Tomoyo turned to him and smiled, sadly. She took his hand in one of her own. "Stay, okay?" Eriol nodded and squeezed her hand. They both turned and looked over the town absorbed in their own thoughts.
~~~
Eriol was walking home alone that day. He heard footsteps behind him and he turned.
"Matte!" Kagi called. Eriol stopped walking. Kagi reached him and bent over to catch his breath. When he had he stood up and looked around. "Isn't Tomoyo-chan walking home with you?" Kagi asked. Eriol shook his head.
"She went to Sakura-san's home today." Eriol said. Eriol saw disappointment flash in his eyes. Eriol smiled to himself. Kagi started to walk with Eriol.
"Are you doing anything? If you want, we could go for tea or something." Kagi offered. Eriol thought for a moment then nodded. They changed direction and walked to the nearest café. They sat at a table and both ordered some drinks. When they arrived, they sipped at their drinks. "You are quite a strange person, you know. No offence meant." Kagi said, suddenly.
"None taken. It is true, of course." Eriol replied, smiling. Kagi smiled, too.
"You are pretty mature for your age. I hear the girls in our class say it everyday. You are very quiet and like to read old books. I had a look at one of the books you were reading once and it was in a different script!" Kagi said. Eriol laughed.
"I have a very extensive education." he replied, mysteriously. Kagi laughed.
"Honestly. You come from England, don't you? Why did you come to Tomoeda?" Kagi asked, curiously. Eriol smiled. One thing Eriol knew about Kagi was that he was as curious as a baby kitten. He asked some very difficult questions, sometimes. It was strange to have a very good friend, but they don't know your real identity.
"Hai, I come from England. I heard that it was very nice here and I had gotten sick of the weather in England, anyway. I convinced my cousin to come, too. I'm glad I came to Tomoeda." Eriol said. Most of what he had said had been lies, but what could be done?
"You must be rich." Kagi stated. The other boy shrugged.
"I get by." he said, modestly, which caused Kagi to laugh.
"I've seen your house, you know. You are rich." he said. Eriol drank from his cup. Kagi looked away.
"I'm glad I came here, too." Kagi said, dreamily. Eriol knew he was thinking of Tomoyo. Eriol sighed. Maybe he should confront him now.
"You love her, don't you?" Eriol said, suddenly. Kagi started out of his reverie and sat straight.
"Sumimasen!?" Kagi said, loudly. People looked at them. Kagi cleared his throat and lowered his tone. "Excuse me?"
"You-love-Tomoyo, ne?" Eriol repeated, slowly. Kagi blushed, immediately and Eriol smiled, knowingly.
"How do you know?" Kagi asked, not looking at him.
"I'm very observant. The quiet ones usually are." Eriol said.
"Does Tomoyo know?" Kagi asked, looking at Eriol. The blue-eyed boy looked up, thoughtfully.
"I don't think so. She is very observant when it comes to other people and love, but I doubt she would know if someone were in love with her. She might figure out in a while, especially if they were very obvious. I guess she just tends not to see in those situations." Eriol said. Kagi laughed, bitterly.
"I'm a fool, ne?" Kagi said, despairingly.
"What do you mean?" Eriol asked, surprised. Kagi looked at him, surprised.
"She's in love with you. I thought you knew." Eriol drew back in surprise. He shook his head.
"No, I know for a fact she doesn't love me." Eriol said. The green-eyed boy shrugged.
"It doesn't matter. I know, at least, you love her." he stated. Eriol glanced at him and smiled.
"So I'm not the only observant one. I do love her, I won't deny it." Eriol said.
""I see it in your eyes, but just barely. Your glasses don't let out much." Kagi laughed. "You know, you are the hardest person to read I have ever met." Eriol flashed a smile. Kagi finished his drink and stood. He lay the money to pay for his drink on the table.
"So I guess we will be somewhat rivals from now on. May the best man win." Kagi held out his hand. Eriol laughed shook it. Kagi walked away, smiling. Eriol smiled and sat down to finish his drink.
~~~
Tomoyo was sitting at Sakura's house, talking about various things.
"Will you be going to Hong Kong these holidays?" Tomoyo asked. Sakura nodded.
"I have to go and get approval of the Elders before we can get married." Sakura answered.
"I doubt that they will disapprove. Even if they did, would you listen?" Tomoyo asked. Sakura blushed and laughed.
"I guess not." Sakura looked at Tomoyo, worriedly. "Are you alright? About me going away, I mean." Tomoyo looked at Sakura, surprised.
"Of course, Sakura-chan." Tomoyo said.
"At least Ka-kun and Eriol-kun will take care of you." Sakura said. Tomoyo cleared her throat.
"You do know I love you, don't you?" Tomoyo said. Sakura nodded.
"I suspected after a while. When Eriol-kun taught me about reading auras, then I was sure. I love you, too, but not in the way you want me to." Sakura said. Tomoyo looked away. Sakura put her hand on Tomoyo's arm. "Don't worry. I know you will find the one who loves you most one day and you will love them, too. You'll be happy and everything will be fine." Sakura said. Tomoyo smiled, weakly.
"Whatever you say." Tomoyo said. Sakura smiled.
"Trust me."
~~~
Weeks had passed and it was the day Sakura and Syaoran were leaving for Hong Kong. Kagi, Eriol and Tomoyo were there to see them both off. Sakura and Tomoyo hugged. Sakura was crying a bit. They were standing a little away from the boys and talking quietly to each other. Syaoran came up to Kagi and Eriol. Eriol was grinning. Syaoran held out his hand and Kagi clasped it in his own. He shook hands with Eriol, too, though grudgingly.
"See you in a few weeks I guess." Syaoran said.
"Say hello to the Elders for me." Eriol said. Syaoran made a face. Kagi gave them a puzzled look. Eriol just grinned.
"See you, Li." Kagi said. Syaoran looked at both of them and then glanced at Tomoyo. He lowered his voice.
"If any of you two hurt Tomoyo-chan, I'll take the first plane back here and break your necks." Syaoran whispered, fiercely. His eyes glittered in belligerence. "I mean every word. Don't hurt her." Eriol smiled, charmingly.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Eriol said. Syaoran glared at him. Eriol's face turned serious. "I won't hurt her." he said, seriously. Syaoran nodded. Kagi watched this exchange in fascination. Syaoran turned to glare at Kagi.
"What, me too?" Kagi asked surprised. Syaoran shot him an icy look. "Me neither. I would never hurt Tomoyo-chan deliberately." he said.
"It won't matter if it is deliberate or not. If she gets hurt, that person is dead." Syaoran said. Sakura and Tomoyo came over to them.
"What were you talking about?" Sakura asked them. Syaoran wrapped an arm around her.
"Just death threats." Eriol said, smiling. Syaoran glared, yet again. Sakura went and hugged Eriol.
"Bye, Eriol-kun. Take care of Tomoyo-chan." Sakura told him. Tomoyo blushed.
"Sakura-chan! I can take care of myself." Tomoyo told her, indignantly. Sakura grinned. Much to Kagi's surprise, Sakura hugged him, too.
"Bye, Ka-kun." she said. Syaoran and Sakura went to the terminal and gave their tickets in. Sakura gave a last wave and they both boarded the plane. Sadness floated over Tomoyo's features, but was quickly stuffed back into a corner and replaced with a fake mask with a fake smile. How Tomoyo hated that mask sometimes. Tomoyo's eyes watered a bit. She took out a blue handkerchief and dried her eyes. Eriol looked at it in surprise.
"You still have that?" he asked.
"You told me to keep it, ne?" Tomoyo replied, smiling.
"You alright?" Kagi asked, concerned. Tomoyo nodded.
"Hai, 'kaasan." she said and smiled. If Eriol hadn't known Tomoyo as he did, he probably would have been fooled by her smile. He nearly was fooled, too. Kagi laughed and they walked out of the airport.
LONGISH CHAPTER. Did you like it? I don't like this fic very much. Pretty strange, since I am the one who wrote it. Oh well. Please review, I am in need of inspiration. Next chapter will probably be pretty weird, but bear with me in this fic. Ja!