Farsighted

By SibylSofiana

Disclaimer: Extends to previous and forthcoming chapters.

Sibyl: "Regretfully, Eriol isn't mine! I don't mind sharing, though." Sofiana: (cough, cough) "Ah...we don't own CCS."

'Nuff said.

* * for thoughts

Chapter 3

Stirrings

Tomoyo woke up to sunshine in the early morning hours of London. Still tired but hungry, she got out of bed in search of breakfast. She managed to find a robe by the door (probably Mizuki-sensei's), which she wore as she made her way out of the room.

Hiiragizawa's room was across her own, but the door was still closed. *He's probably still asleep, after all the fuss last night,* Tomoyo thought. *Poor Hiiragizawa-kun. I'll have to talk to him once he wakes up. But what if it's about Mizuki-sensei?*

She didn't know if she was qualified to give relationship advice. She was practically loveless - if she counted (or did not count) her special relationship with Sakura-chan. Oh, she tried going out once or twice with some nice boys her mother approved of - but they did not compare with Sakura-chan. *Sigh*

But she had been there for Meiling when her heart was broken. And she was even there for Syaoran when he had been confused about his feelings for Sakura-chan. And there was Nakuru, who needed a girl friend to talk to -- about Touya, Hiiragizawa-kun and all the males in his/her life. So, if it was only an ear that Hiiragizawa-kun needed, she'd be there for him.

~o~

On her way down, she was able to finally appreciate Hiiragizawa's house. It had high ceilings, inviting and cozy nooks, comfortable looking furniture, and beautiful art pieces that gave it a look of simple, understated elegance.

On the wall beside the staircase were paintings of the unlikely trio - Nakuru-chan doing a pirouette; Spinel-san snoozing in the library; Hiiragizawa-kun, serious as always but with a mischievous glint in his eyes almost hidden by his eyeglasses. Almost. For someone as adept as Tomoyo was at looking beyond the picture, it was easy to see -- and there was a blank space on the wall beside Hiiragizawa's portrait - like something had hung there before...

The staircase opened up to the living room, where a grand piano was. She didn't think Hiiragizawa's house would be complete without one. On top of the piano was a picture frame, but it lay facedown. Tomoyo gently lifted it to find a photograph of a beautiful redheaded woman, who was smiling at the photographer. Mizuki-sensei.

She put back the picture frame on the piano and looked around. It certainly was a beautiful house... but she had no time to linger, her stomach was growling!

~o~

After a while she found herself in the kitchen, watching Eriol's guardians prepare breakfast. Or rather, one was preparing breakfast while the other kept giving snide comments.

"The eggs are as hard as a rock, Ruby Moon. Are you sure you know how to boil eggs?"

"That's why they're called HARD-boiled eggs, Suppi-chan," responded Nakuru as she observed veins pop out of Suppi's head.

"MY name is Spinel, not...."

"Besides, it's supposed to make your teeth stronger," continued Nakuru, who ignored Suppi's outburst.

"CALCIUM is supposed to make your teeth stronger, Ruby Moon. And you get that from milk, not HARD eggs."

"You're just jealous 'coz i'm pretty and you're not."

"What has that got to do with our conversation!?! You're changing the subject!"

Before they could bicker in earnest, they heard someone giggling behind them. They turned to find Tomoyo at the kitchen archway, her hand covering her mouth in an attempt to muffle her laughter.

"G...Good morning Naku...Nakuru-chan, Spinel-san," Tomoyo said, in between gasps of laughter. Spinel Sun nodded gravely, while Nakuru squealed.

"We-didn't-know-you-were-there-you-must-be-hungry-don't-worry-I'll-finish- making-breakfast-soon-come-and-sit-down-and-have-tea!!!", she said all in one breath, earning another giggle from Tomoyo.

"I could help you if you like," she volunteered, but Nakuru waved her away.

"No...no, Suppi-chan and I can do it! Come and sit down!"

"Ah, do you mind if I make a call first?"

"Of course not, Tomoyo-chan! Are you calling the hotel? You can tell them you're checking out later because you're definitely staying here for the summer!"

Tomoyo had been intending to call Sakura, but at Nakuru's words she looked up startled. She had only thought she'd be staying for a few days before going home to Tomoeda.

"Wouldn't Hiiragizawa-kun mind my staying here?"

"Of course not. Go on, go on, call the hotel now. We can return your rental car later. Eriol has three, and he gave me one of them, so we can go around! Shopping!"

Bemusedly, Tomoyo left the kitchen but not before seeing Nakuru forcefeed Spinel some sugar.

@@@@@

Sakura was comfortably close to Syaoran who had her in a nice, warm hug. Touya was conveniently being "inconvenienced" by Syaoran's predatory sisters, which Syaoran was thankful for, as it gave him a little private time with Sakura without Touya glaring over his shoulder.

They were just talking, updating each other about school and their friends. Sakura had been talking about Tomoyo when the phone rang. As Sakura snuggled closer, he reached for the phone with his free hand.

"Moshi, moshi, Li residence..." he was only half listening, but when he heard the voice on the other side of the line, he straightened up. "Tomoyo! Hi, where are you? Hai, Sakura's here with me. Hold on," he handed the phone over to the excited girl beside him.

"Tomoyo-chan! Wish you were here, everything's just wonderful! They're making a fuss about Otousan and Kero-chan, and Onii-chan's so mean, he's so...what? You're WHERE?!?"

Surprised at her change in tone, Syaoran looked at Sakura, who was rapidly becoming red in the face and worried. "What is it?" he whispered. "Did Tomoyo go somewhere?"

Sakura mouthed the words quickly, and he was amazed.

"Tomoyo's in London?"

He suddenly thought about Hiiragizawa. Was something wrong?

"Is he alright? You haven't talked to him yet?" Sakura listened and then, "Are you sure? All right, just call us when you need us, okay? Yes, yes, I'll say hello to everybody. Please take care of Eriol-kun, Tomoyo-chan! You take care, too. Bye."

Once Sakura put the phone down, Syaoran looked at her curiously.

"It's Eriol ... something's wrong but Tomoyo won't tell me about it. She keeps saying she can handle it, but I'm still worried. Maybe I should go there..."

"Now, now, don't overreact," Syaoran tried to calm her down. "I'm sure Tomoyo can handle it whatever it is. I don't think Hiiragizawa will want all of us barging in. Let's just wait a while. If we have to, we can all go, alright?"

Sakura reluctantly gave in. She was worried about Eriol, but she trusted Tomoyo. If she needed to, she could always dream later tonight and find out what was wrong.

@@@@@

Dream Sequence:

At that moment, Eriol found himself in the throes of a strange dream. He found himself in his garden back in Tomoeda. No, Clow's garden.

And then Clow was there.

It was strange, Eriol thought, to look at Clow Reed like he was a separate person. Clow was kneeling by a bed of chrysanthemums and he, Eriol Hiiragizawa, was walking towards the strangely compelling figure. It was strange because he and Clow Reed were one and the same. Or so he thought all these years.

Clow Reed looked up and gave Eriol a gentle smile. He slowly straightened up until they were almost eye level. Eriol diffidently noted that they had the same dark hair, almost the same height, the same body build, the same glasses. But while they had the same hint of sadness in their eyes, Clow's was somehow more profound than Eriol's current sadness. And hurt.

"Eriol," he turned back to look at those familiar eyes, eyes that looked at him kindly, like a father to a confused son.

"Would you say Kinomoto Fujitaka's work is done?"

Confused, Eriol looked at Clow. Fujitaka-san? But all Fujitaka had to do was take care of Sakura.

He answered, "Yes, I would say he's done a good job of taking care of Sakura."

"Of loving Nadeshiko, and raising Touya and Sakura, without magic?"

"Yes, I would say Fujitaka-san did a wonderful job. Why are you asking me this?" he asked, but Clow ignored his question.

"Have you already done the work you were meant to do? Is Sakura the Card Mistress? Are the cards already hers?" Clow asked.

"Yes, my work is done." Saying those words made Eriol feel curiously empty. What was his purpose now?

"Then my work is done as well," replied Clow.

Eriol looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Eriol, you are half my reincarnation. And so is Fujitaka. But both your work is done. Fujitaka isn't Clow Reed. You aren't Clow Reed. You are Eriol Hiiragizawa - it was meant to be that way in the end. Fujitaka has his own life, now it's time for you to have yours."

"Is that why I'm losing my memories - your memories?"

"Yes, you're meant to make your own. Clow Reed the Sorcerer is gone - nobody should have that much power, or remember that much. What remaining magic you have is enough for you to make sure that Sakura will always be protected. Not to mention that being protected by that Li wolf cub is enough in itself," Clow Reed grinned.

Eriol grew silent. "What about Kaho?"

Clow became serious once again.

"Mizuki Kaho is a vessel of power - she was raised to embrace magic. She cannot help but be attracted to you, a reincarnation of Clow Reed. A part of her will always care for you, but... seek an equal, not a mentor, Eriol."

"But I love her."

"Yes, I know. But as it is time for you to move on, so must she. Her work is done. Let her go. Seek Eriol Hiiragizawa's true heart, not Clow Reed's reflected needs. Be at peace, Eriol Hiiragizawa." Clow laid one hand on Eriol's shoulder, then walked away.

Eriol watched him go, feelings of panic touching his breast. Clow! He wanted to shout but he couldn't. As he wrestled with his feelings, a melody drifted by him, soothing and familiar. He gave one last look at the departing Clow, then headed for the sound.

Eriol then opened his eyes.

@@@@@

After her call to Sakura, Tomoyo decided to take a stroll in the gardens while waiting for breakfast. The air was cool, lavishing the blooming flowers with dew. She sat on a chair just under a willow tree and closed her eyes, losing herself in the heady fragrance of the dew-drenched blossoms around her. She started to hum, then let loose anyway in full melody. She loved this certain song - it was soft and beautiful. It talked of new beginnings and letting go of memories. It certainly soothed her when she was particularly lonely without Sakura-chan.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Miss Tomoyo." A voice said gravely behind her.

Tomoyo opened her eyes and turned her head to see a tousle-haired young man in a deep blue velvet robe standing behind her. His dark hair was standing on end and his eyes were scrunched up behind his glasses... she had to admit he looked adorable. Most of the time, he was always neat as a pin, not a hair out of place. So, seeing him like this, even the way he was last night, made him seem more human and approachable.

"Hiiragizawa-kun! Oh my, did I wake you?" She had forgotten that his rooms were overlooking the garden, and she might have disturbed him while she was singing.

"Yes, you did, but I can think of no other pleasant way to wake up than to hear your lovely singing voice."

"Too bad we can't bring your piano out," she quipped.

"Who says?" Before she could even blink, the piano was already there in front of them.

"Remind me next time to be careful with what I wish for." Tomoyo said dryly. "With you around, I'm gonna start believing the impossible is possible."

"At the moment, I am your most humble servant." Eriol replied extravagantly. "I'm happy to know Miss Tomoyo has such faith in me. Would you like to play a duet? It will be just like the old days."

"That would be fun!" Before either of them could move towards the piano, Tomoyo's stomach grumbled as if in protest of activity before sustenance. Tomoyo's usually serene face turned into an embarrasingly red hue hauntingly similar to Syaoran's whenever Sakura was in the vicinity.

Eriol, being the gentleman that he was, resisted the urge to grin. He simply smiled as he extended his arm to Tomoyo.

"Let's go eat breakfast first, shall we?"

As he led her back to the kitchens, Tomoyo hesitatingly looked at him.

"Hiiragizawa-kun..."

"Yes, Miss Tomoyo?" he looked at her inquiringly, but she hadn't the heart to ask. Not yet. Instead, she shook her head and talked to him about Sakura-chan.

@@@@@

After breakfast and a quick shower, Tomoyo was ensconced in Eriol's Aston Martin (drool, baby, drool!) - Eriol sheepishly explaining to Tomoyo something about the latest James Bond movie -- while Nakuru drove Tomoyo's rental car, Spinel in the passenger seat. They drove to the hotel, where Nakuru accompanied Tomoyo in returning the rental and checking out of the hotel. Tomoyo just left a message at the desk for Akiko and Rei to contact her if necessary at the Hiiragizawa Manor.

As they all stepped out of the hotel, Eriol glanced at the happily chattering girls and asked them, "Well, where do you want to go next?"

Tomoyo and Nakuru both looked at each other before simultaneously answering Eriol.

"Shopping!"

@@@@@

Eriol and Spinel patiently waited outside each shop the girls stopped by, with each trip increasing Eriol's load of shopping bags, mostly Nakuru's. Sporting a smug look on his face, Eriol manfully refused Tomoyo's assistance, saying his muscles could more than handle a few trifling bags. (Which of course led Tomoyo to eye his physique. His thinner frame, probably from his enforced starvation of two days, did not disguise his otherwise well-toned body). With an evil look, Nakuru dragged Tomoyo into a nearby toy shop.

A few minutes later, Nakuru emerged from the store with a smirk on her own face that rivalled his own (after all, she did learn it from him). The smug look vanished from Eriol's face as he eyed the humongous teddy bear Nakuru handed to him. As if the size wasn't enough, it also had miles and miles of lace and pink ribbons that he had to carry along with their earlier purchases. Finally, unable to endure the amused stares of other female shoppers, he buried his face in the fluffy teddy bear and begged Nakuru to end his torment.

"Where you saying something, Master? I can't hear you." Nakuru managed to look innocent.

"Mfff Nkkrumphktn mmstrrr --" garbled sounds come out from Eriol, whose face was still buried beneath the stuffed toy.

"You're talking to the bear, Eriol-sama, not to me. Haven't you told me countless times how rude that is?"

Eriol lifted his head to reveal glowing cheeks.

"I give up. You win, Nakuru. Can you now take pity on your poor master and deposit this baggage in the car?" Blue puppy eyes looked pleadingly at Nakuru.

"Awww... Master is so kawaii when he does that! How can I resist?" Nakuru took the bear from his arms and headed towards the parking lot.

*How can she indeed?* Thoughts of irresistible, pleading cerulean eyes strayed in Tomoyo's mind as she watched Eriol sigh in relief. She jerked herself away from her thoughts. *What am I thinking?*

@@@@@

Then had dinner in a not-so-fancy restaurant that allowed pets ("Oh, Suppi- chan won't bite, he's been house trained" -- earning Nakuru a quick baring of fangs). As if the past two days never happened, they were laughing and swapping stories with each other, trying to outrival each other in telling the most outrageous ones. Hiiragizawa won, of course. Looking at him talking animatedly to Nakuru, Tomoyo thought to herself, *At least he's laughing now...*

While the two were bickering on the way back to the car, Eriol walked quietly with Tomoyo, who could almost see the wheels in his mind turning. He could feel her looking at him questioningly, but never prying. Amazingly enough, this had been an almost normal day - and he admitted to himself that he was glad Daidouji Tomoyo was here. Ensuring that her stay in London as a guest would be wonderful made him temporarily forget his problem with Kaho.

"Miss Tomoyo?"

"Hai?" her soft voice answered, violet eyes curiously compassionate.

"I can give you a quick tour, early tomorrow morning. Just the two of us."

"That would be nice, Hiiragizawa-kun."

"Then - we could talk..." She only nodded, and walked with him companionably back to the car.

@@@@@

When he led her back to Kaho's room for an early night, he fell silent again, but managed to say a brief good night. As his own head hit the pillow, exhaustion made him close his eyes immediately and drift into a deep slumber. But this time, his dreams ended on a happier note... Somehow, he knew Sakura had a hand in it.

@@@@@

Before he knew it, his eyes immediately opened of their own accord. The day curiously boded well and he felt refreshed. He took a quick shower and headed down the stairs to prepare breakfast. He felt guilty about letting Nakuru do the chores. ANY chore. Irrational, yes. A part of him did believe that Nakuru's sole duty was to ornament his surroundings with his bubbly personality. His/Her. Aaarggh. (Eriol wasn't even going into THAT. It was too early to have a headache.)

After a full day yesterday, he doubted anyone else was awake at this time. But he was already eager to act as tour guide and take Tomoyo around London. Then they could talk. Right.

He was already halfway towards the kitchen when he heard the doorbell ring.

*I'd better answer that.* Eriol hummed tunelessly and walked to the front door.

"Hello, Eriol."

It was Kaho.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Authors' Babble:

Whew, this is a very loooong chapter! It's all YOUR fault, all those nice reviews went to our heads, so now we're racking our brains for more and more juicy stuff. ^_^

We send our thanks to the following reviewers: Rin the Kitsune (Sesshomaru yumyum!), June, Aurora Starcrystal, not applicable, KawaiinessPnay, misery- chick, and Dana Daidouji!

Yeah, well, Eriol did deserve the tongue-lashing from Tomoyo. Cute as he is, we can't have him bullying our heroine, ne?

The Aston Martin is probably a bit too much, but then again, if Eriol has the means, he'd splurge tastefully, right? ^_^ As for the money, let's just say that Clow Reed left some in a trust fund somewhere.

Sofiana: Beware, next chapter is mostly about Kaho, so please be nice. (I like Kaho, and it's not a crime! But Tomoyo would be better for Eriol, ne?) Sibyl would like to do some Kaho-bashing - Sibyl: You got that right! Sofiana: -- but we will be nice, and appreciate Kaho for what she is, all right? Sibyl: What! Kaho is nothing but a -mmpfh! (muffled noises of scuffling feet and unrolling packaging tape) Sofiana: Phew! Unfortunately, Sibyl is busy and cannot be contacted for more commentary at this time.