Farsighted
By SibylSofiana
Chapter Seven
My Dream Woke Up and Bit Me
~o~o~o~o~
Tomoyo woke up first. She didn't open her eyes immediately and just savored the feeling of warmth. London had been chilly the past few mornings, and the heat from the fireplace did a lot to dispel the cold in her room. She suddenly felt like stretching but found she couldn't. Something heavy was across her chest...
Her eyes snapped open, and she was stunned to see Eriol's sleeping face just inches from hers. She couldn't remember what happened last night - what was she doing in the library, sleeping with Eriol on the sofa?!?
Eriol's face was at the side of her neck, probably breathing in her hair. Not only was his arm around her, his left leg was on top of hers beneath the blanket. Hoeee!
The signs of another blush stained Tomoyo's cheek - Now she was acting like Sakura-chan. Good thing Eriol-san was still asleep -- what if her mother saw her in this predicament?
At the thought of her mother, Tomoyo saw the humor in the situation, but quickly drew in her giggles to avoid waking Eriol up. Oh this was precious! *I believe Mother would be in shock, but not for long... too bad the videocam is in my room. *
The arm Eriol had around her waist clung to her possessively. *Funny, I wouldn't have pegged Eriol as a hugger, * Tomoyo thought amusedly. Now she wouldn't be able to move away without waking him up.
*Not that I'm in a hurry to...* came a stray thought. Which Tomoyo quickly ignored. Instead, she concentrated on her current predicament.
*How did I end up here, anyway? I obviously fell asleep but how did I - more importantly, how do I get out of here? * A few minutes of self-debate made her decide to wait.
*Sooner or later, Eriol will move then I can get out from under him without waking him up,* she resolved, keeping her eyes open for opportunity.
A few minutes later, her eyelids fluttered, *must keep watch...*
And closed.
~o~
A firm non-believer of self-denial (except in Sakura's case), Tomoyo sleepily tried to gather her thoughts as she yawned and snuggled closer to Eriol.
Yes, I find Eriol attractive. Waking up to him hugging me like I'm his favorite plushie is not exactly repulsive. Pleasant, in fact. Fine- it feels nice. Very nice.
@@@@@
Eriol knew the moment he regained semi-consciousness that Spinel Sun had put a sleeping draught in his tea. The bloody guardian probably meant well, since he had been tired and couldn't sleep. It was that or Spinel probably just wanted payback for the sugar high Eriol had given him yesterday. Eriol shuddered as he remembered Spinel's payback for Nakuru's pranks on other days. Thank God Spinel only thought to drug him... the funny thing was, he was still probably dreaming. He couldn't possibly be smelling Tomoyo's fragrant hair, or her magnolia-scented skin...
One disadvantage of being a teenager, despite being a sorcerer, was dealing with his hormones. Except for exchanging a few kisses and heady embraces with Kaho, he had always held back. The annoying thing was, he couldn't even draw on Clow Reed's memories of adolescence any more.
And now he was fantasizing about Tomoyo, of all people! But he had always liked how she smelled. And there was nothing wrong with dreaming, right?
So he held his pillow tight and breathed in the dream-scent of magnolias, and he imagined the dream-Tomoyo snuggling closer and sighing.
@@@@@
"More tea, Eriol-sama?"
Eriol knew he would never live it down. Nakuru had been "tea"sing him mercilessly while Spinel gave him that unrepentant, smug grin of his. They always laughed at him behind his back, even Tomoyo, while his ears would turn red at the memory. Definitely not funny. He tried to putting it out of his mind, even as he suspiciously sniffed at every cup of tea his would-be guardians kept offering him.
~o~
It had been raining for the past few days and they had nothing to do except watch the telly, read books, talk and play chess. Turned out that Nakuru knew how to play the violin, so Nakuru would play while Tomoyo sang. Eriol would start towards the piano, but then move away without playing. Nobody said anything, and he'd just sit back beside Tomoyo as she sang.
But Tomoyo was self-conscious -- which was a first -- and she would often falter at certain lines. She was probably as embarrassed as he was, and he wasn't helping any by sitting so close by her. But he had gotten so used to her being always beside him. It was comforting to him. So despite the amusement of his guardians, he stubbornly tried to put it out of his mind and act normally. And it worked after a while.
It was on one of these rainy days that Eriol suddenly remembered Charles' invitation.
"Bloody hell! Oops, pardon me Spinel," Eriol apologized as Spinel, Nakuru and Tomoyo looked up, surprised. "It's just that I forgot that Charles' dinner party is two days from now."
"Eriol-sama! How come you didn't tell me!" Nakuru wailed. "I don't have anything to wear!"
"I did just tell you, Nakuru. And you have lots of clothes. We shopped last week," he reminded her.
"But we didn't get anything for a dance. Charles-san's parties always have dances!" Nakuru wailed again. But before Eriol could reply, Tomoyo volunteered her services. "I can make you something, Nakuru-chan. I always make Sakura-chan's party dresses. "
Oh," She suddenly remembered. "I didn't bring any cloth with me, so I guess we'd still have to buy some."
"You're so good to me, Tomoyo-channnnn!" shrieked Nakuru, who suddenly grabbed Tomoyo and whirled her around the room. "ARIGATOU! If you make my dress, Charles-san will surely dance with me now!" With Spinel muttering, "Baka, were you even invited?" under his breath, Nakuru ignored him and said to Tomoyo, "We still have lots of cloth in the attic - we had a school drama before, and Eriol-sama made me a costume!"
@@@@@
So, the rest of the day and the next was spent in a frenzy making Nakuru's and Tomoyo's dresses in the attic. They had several bolts of cloth to choose from, and once Tomoyo explained what she had in mind, they set out to work. Nakuru took care of cutting the patterns, Tomoyo went all-out on the sewing machine while Eriol helped in the hemming and the details. He was good at it, and they made good time.
In-between the sewing sessions, Eriol and Tomoyo would talk about Tomoeda, Daidouji Sonomi, their friends, likes and dislikes, plans for the future.
"I haven't really thought of University yet - so I haven't decided what to take up. Besides, there's still cram school to attend for the exams." Tomoyo chewed at her lip.
"I'm sure you'll do fine, Tomoyo-san." Eriol assured her, giving her a smile that would set any girl's heart to flutter. "By the way, my cute descendant is going to take up an engineering course in the university."
"Yes, Sakura told me about it. He's going to the same university as Touya-kun and Tsukishiro-kun." She frowned again. "We're growing up so fast, Eriol-san."
"Time doesn't stand still, Tomoyo-san. We can't be sixth graders forever."
"No. I suppose not."
@@@@@
Sewing finally done by Thursday afternoon, they all crowded down the staircase to partake of the light snack provided by Spinel. Eriol had pulled her hand to the crook of his arm and escorted her down. Tomoyo had been surprisingly quiet and thoughtful all throughout the meal, which Eriol noticed.
Tomoyo soon excused herself.
"Ah, Eriol-san. Is it okay if I make a phone call to my mother?"
~o~
Eriol's eyes followed Tomoyo's retreating figure as she left the kitchen to make a phone call in the library. He ignored his guardians' knowing smirks as he unconsciously stood up to follow her. But before he could trail after her towards the library, he stopped in the living room. He sat on the piano bench and closed his eyes, his face turning red at the subject of his thoughts. He had been thinking about it again. That fateful morning he woke up with Tomoyo in his arms...
*FLASHBACK*
He had been content to stay in his dream - taking in the heady scent of Tomoyo as he nuzzled his face against her hair and neck - so soft and welcoming. He knew he was waking up as he began to drift in and out of consciousness but he was reluctant to end his dream. He clutched at his pillow, dreaming of Tomoyo. * I never had a softer pillow. When did Nakuru start using magnolia scents on my sheets?*
He was roughly jerked awake when he heard a crash. He half-sat up and his eyes opened to see Nakuru at the doorway, a broken tea set and freshly baked scones at her feet. Her mouth hung open, looking at the scene in front of her. Spinel trailed behind her, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
Seeing that look brought back memories of last night on the surface of his thoughts. *Spinel! * He thought in alarm. His mouth suddenly gone dry, he mentally crossed his fingers as he slowly turned his head towards where he made his bed last night.
Disbelief first settled as he took in the sight before him. *I thought it was a dream. *
In front of him was Tomoyo's face framed by waves of the softest, silky, black hair his hands itched to touch. Her long dark eyelashes contrasted against her pale features-as did her lips, red against the cold of London morn.
Eriol's breath caught at his throat as he looked down on their position. Or, to be more exact, his position. Even as he was startled out of his sleep, his arm had refused to let go of its possessive hold on Tomoyo's waist.
*Maybe it's an alien arm,* he mused. *Yamazaki would love that one.* He doubted it, though. It felt strange, holding Tomoyo like that, but it somehow felt right. Like pieces of a puzzle, fitting together.
His moment of reflection ended as he studied their positions further. Panic settled in as he felt his leg beneath the blanket, flung across her own legs and tangling with them. He struggled to recall the name of all the gods he knew and hastily invoked them.
*I promise I'll be good. I'll never trick Spinel again. Just don't let her wake up. Please..don't let her wake up.*
Either the gods were asleep, or he prayed to the wrong ones.
Tomoyo's eyelids fluttered, then opened to violet eyes zeroing in on his own blue, flustered ones.
*I am so dead.*
*END FLASHBACK*
@@@@@
After her disturbing phone call, Tomoyo soon made up her mind on a course of action. With her decision in mind, she set about finding Eriol and informing him of it. She found him in the living room, playing the piano. She stood transfixed by the door as rich, melodious notes reached her ears . She barely noticed Nakuru and Spinel, who looked up as she entered.
Her gaze was set on Eriol, the way the light glinted off his dark hair, the way his fingers ran over the piano keys ever so gracefully, so instinctively, giving expression to his thoughts and feelings. His eyes were closed as if he were in a world of his own creation - presenting a calm, soothing visage.
Tomoyo could only look and listen in awe.
* I think this is the first time I've heard Eriol play since I got here. I've never seen him like this before-so at peace with himself. Kami help me, his music is enough to entrance me-but I musn't be. I can't... *
Tomoyo snapped out of her thoughts as something more disturbing penetrated her awareness.
The eyes that were closed before now opened to reveal intense, blue eyes.
Staring back at her.
@@@@@
He had been so intent on his thoughts that he only just realized that he was playing the piano. It had been a long time since he had last played it. The piano was his refuge, next to his garden.
*I've finally put my past to rest. I'm ready for what the future holds for me.*
He looked up to see Tomoyo at the doorway, nodding her head as if she were listening to his inner thoughts. All he could do was stare. And then incredible violet eyes looked back at him, seeking something from him. And he wanted to give it, if only he knew what lay behind those beautiful eyes.
@@@@@
Nakuru looked at her watch then switched back to her master and Tomoyo. *They've been staring at each other for five minutes and fifteen seconds and counting. How come I didn't notice before?* Nakuru's eyes were shining. *I've restrained myself long enough. I can't take this anymore! They're so.. so....*
Spinel knew danger when he saw it. He even sensed it emanate in waves just beside him as he looked at Nakuru in horror. He made a move to escape it, but Nakuru was faster. She grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and proceeded to smother him in her chest.
"Kawaii!" Nakuru's squeal bounced off the walls, startling the teenagers.
@@@@@
Once the ensuing tumult died down and both guardians headed out toward the kitchen, Tomoyo finally forced out the words she knew she had to say.
"Eriol-san...I've decided to go home the day after tomorrow."
Eriol felt his state of tranquillity come crashing down at her words.
@@@@@
*She's leaving tomorrow. *
That practically summed up the contents of Eriol's thoughts as he paced the length of his foyer. Nakuru had already come down, looking radiant and unmistakably girlish in the dress Tomoyo made for her. Nakuru went with Spinel to do a quick patrol before they left for the party. That left him to wait for Tomoyo.
Eriol's emotions left him confused. He would really miss Tomoyo. She was thoughtful and sensitive, sewing all day to make Nakuru happy. She was fiercely loyal and protective, keeping Spinel safe from his and Nakuru's pranks whenever she was around that it earned her a pedestal in Spinel's eyes. She had been there when he needed help the most. She was caring and kind, concerned for him but never prying. He didn't want her to go.
*It's not like I'd never see her again.* Eriol argued to himself. *I can still write her letters, can't I?* But he felt curiously empty inside as he thought about it.
At the back of his mind came the nagging feeling that this scene should somehow be familiar, but it eluded him. He filed it away for further reflection later when he heard a sound above him.
He glanced up to see Tomoyo, elegantly clad in a simple white sleeveless cocktail dress that reached her knees.
*Let my mates die in envy.* Eriol uncharitably thought as he continued to gaze at her. He noticed a blush creep up Tomoyo's cheeks as she reached his side.
"Thanks... I think."
Eriol's eyes widened as he realized he spoke out loud again. *Times like these I wish I still were the suave Clow Reed. What is wrong with me? Bloody tongue! I should just cut it out and end my misery.*
"I would be sad if you did that, Eriol." Tomoyo quietly said.
"Aargh... Did I say that out loud again?" Eriol exasperatedly sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Tomoyo's eyes twinkled as she looked up at him. "No, you didn't. But I know you well enough to guess what you're thinking. Shall we?"
*=*=*=
Authors Whining At Their Fate
Do you guys know how many sleepless nights this chapter entailed?!? Aaargh! We're posting it NOW!!!
Sofiana: Oh, sheesh...get me to bed! (Drops dead and snores)
Sibyl: (Pokes Sofiana) I wish Tomoyo would call Spinel Suppi-chan. Kawaii Suppi-chan! Sofiana? Sofiana?...Ah, well. Gnyt folks. Couple more chapters to go.
Sofiana: (raises head blearily) If we last that long! Mmmzzzzz.......
We would like to thank our reviewers: Shima and Tempis, StarFall4790, flitterbug, not applicable, BishounenzAngel, June6, crystal wolf1, KawaiinessPnay, Dana Daidouji, misery-chick4, and Mornings Light.
Hope you liked this one too. Thank you!!!
By SibylSofiana
Chapter Seven
My Dream Woke Up and Bit Me
~o~o~o~o~
Tomoyo woke up first. She didn't open her eyes immediately and just savored the feeling of warmth. London had been chilly the past few mornings, and the heat from the fireplace did a lot to dispel the cold in her room. She suddenly felt like stretching but found she couldn't. Something heavy was across her chest...
Her eyes snapped open, and she was stunned to see Eriol's sleeping face just inches from hers. She couldn't remember what happened last night - what was she doing in the library, sleeping with Eriol on the sofa?!?
Eriol's face was at the side of her neck, probably breathing in her hair. Not only was his arm around her, his left leg was on top of hers beneath the blanket. Hoeee!
The signs of another blush stained Tomoyo's cheek - Now she was acting like Sakura-chan. Good thing Eriol-san was still asleep -- what if her mother saw her in this predicament?
At the thought of her mother, Tomoyo saw the humor in the situation, but quickly drew in her giggles to avoid waking Eriol up. Oh this was precious! *I believe Mother would be in shock, but not for long... too bad the videocam is in my room. *
The arm Eriol had around her waist clung to her possessively. *Funny, I wouldn't have pegged Eriol as a hugger, * Tomoyo thought amusedly. Now she wouldn't be able to move away without waking him up.
*Not that I'm in a hurry to...* came a stray thought. Which Tomoyo quickly ignored. Instead, she concentrated on her current predicament.
*How did I end up here, anyway? I obviously fell asleep but how did I - more importantly, how do I get out of here? * A few minutes of self-debate made her decide to wait.
*Sooner or later, Eriol will move then I can get out from under him without waking him up,* she resolved, keeping her eyes open for opportunity.
A few minutes later, her eyelids fluttered, *must keep watch...*
And closed.
~o~
A firm non-believer of self-denial (except in Sakura's case), Tomoyo sleepily tried to gather her thoughts as she yawned and snuggled closer to Eriol.
Yes, I find Eriol attractive. Waking up to him hugging me like I'm his favorite plushie is not exactly repulsive. Pleasant, in fact. Fine- it feels nice. Very nice.
@@@@@
Eriol knew the moment he regained semi-consciousness that Spinel Sun had put a sleeping draught in his tea. The bloody guardian probably meant well, since he had been tired and couldn't sleep. It was that or Spinel probably just wanted payback for the sugar high Eriol had given him yesterday. Eriol shuddered as he remembered Spinel's payback for Nakuru's pranks on other days. Thank God Spinel only thought to drug him... the funny thing was, he was still probably dreaming. He couldn't possibly be smelling Tomoyo's fragrant hair, or her magnolia-scented skin...
One disadvantage of being a teenager, despite being a sorcerer, was dealing with his hormones. Except for exchanging a few kisses and heady embraces with Kaho, he had always held back. The annoying thing was, he couldn't even draw on Clow Reed's memories of adolescence any more.
And now he was fantasizing about Tomoyo, of all people! But he had always liked how she smelled. And there was nothing wrong with dreaming, right?
So he held his pillow tight and breathed in the dream-scent of magnolias, and he imagined the dream-Tomoyo snuggling closer and sighing.
@@@@@
"More tea, Eriol-sama?"
Eriol knew he would never live it down. Nakuru had been "tea"sing him mercilessly while Spinel gave him that unrepentant, smug grin of his. They always laughed at him behind his back, even Tomoyo, while his ears would turn red at the memory. Definitely not funny. He tried to putting it out of his mind, even as he suspiciously sniffed at every cup of tea his would-be guardians kept offering him.
~o~
It had been raining for the past few days and they had nothing to do except watch the telly, read books, talk and play chess. Turned out that Nakuru knew how to play the violin, so Nakuru would play while Tomoyo sang. Eriol would start towards the piano, but then move away without playing. Nobody said anything, and he'd just sit back beside Tomoyo as she sang.
But Tomoyo was self-conscious -- which was a first -- and she would often falter at certain lines. She was probably as embarrassed as he was, and he wasn't helping any by sitting so close by her. But he had gotten so used to her being always beside him. It was comforting to him. So despite the amusement of his guardians, he stubbornly tried to put it out of his mind and act normally. And it worked after a while.
It was on one of these rainy days that Eriol suddenly remembered Charles' invitation.
"Bloody hell! Oops, pardon me Spinel," Eriol apologized as Spinel, Nakuru and Tomoyo looked up, surprised. "It's just that I forgot that Charles' dinner party is two days from now."
"Eriol-sama! How come you didn't tell me!" Nakuru wailed. "I don't have anything to wear!"
"I did just tell you, Nakuru. And you have lots of clothes. We shopped last week," he reminded her.
"But we didn't get anything for a dance. Charles-san's parties always have dances!" Nakuru wailed again. But before Eriol could reply, Tomoyo volunteered her services. "I can make you something, Nakuru-chan. I always make Sakura-chan's party dresses. "
Oh," She suddenly remembered. "I didn't bring any cloth with me, so I guess we'd still have to buy some."
"You're so good to me, Tomoyo-channnnn!" shrieked Nakuru, who suddenly grabbed Tomoyo and whirled her around the room. "ARIGATOU! If you make my dress, Charles-san will surely dance with me now!" With Spinel muttering, "Baka, were you even invited?" under his breath, Nakuru ignored him and said to Tomoyo, "We still have lots of cloth in the attic - we had a school drama before, and Eriol-sama made me a costume!"
@@@@@
So, the rest of the day and the next was spent in a frenzy making Nakuru's and Tomoyo's dresses in the attic. They had several bolts of cloth to choose from, and once Tomoyo explained what she had in mind, they set out to work. Nakuru took care of cutting the patterns, Tomoyo went all-out on the sewing machine while Eriol helped in the hemming and the details. He was good at it, and they made good time.
In-between the sewing sessions, Eriol and Tomoyo would talk about Tomoeda, Daidouji Sonomi, their friends, likes and dislikes, plans for the future.
"I haven't really thought of University yet - so I haven't decided what to take up. Besides, there's still cram school to attend for the exams." Tomoyo chewed at her lip.
"I'm sure you'll do fine, Tomoyo-san." Eriol assured her, giving her a smile that would set any girl's heart to flutter. "By the way, my cute descendant is going to take up an engineering course in the university."
"Yes, Sakura told me about it. He's going to the same university as Touya-kun and Tsukishiro-kun." She frowned again. "We're growing up so fast, Eriol-san."
"Time doesn't stand still, Tomoyo-san. We can't be sixth graders forever."
"No. I suppose not."
@@@@@
Sewing finally done by Thursday afternoon, they all crowded down the staircase to partake of the light snack provided by Spinel. Eriol had pulled her hand to the crook of his arm and escorted her down. Tomoyo had been surprisingly quiet and thoughtful all throughout the meal, which Eriol noticed.
Tomoyo soon excused herself.
"Ah, Eriol-san. Is it okay if I make a phone call to my mother?"
~o~
Eriol's eyes followed Tomoyo's retreating figure as she left the kitchen to make a phone call in the library. He ignored his guardians' knowing smirks as he unconsciously stood up to follow her. But before he could trail after her towards the library, he stopped in the living room. He sat on the piano bench and closed his eyes, his face turning red at the subject of his thoughts. He had been thinking about it again. That fateful morning he woke up with Tomoyo in his arms...
*FLASHBACK*
He had been content to stay in his dream - taking in the heady scent of Tomoyo as he nuzzled his face against her hair and neck - so soft and welcoming. He knew he was waking up as he began to drift in and out of consciousness but he was reluctant to end his dream. He clutched at his pillow, dreaming of Tomoyo. * I never had a softer pillow. When did Nakuru start using magnolia scents on my sheets?*
He was roughly jerked awake when he heard a crash. He half-sat up and his eyes opened to see Nakuru at the doorway, a broken tea set and freshly baked scones at her feet. Her mouth hung open, looking at the scene in front of her. Spinel trailed behind her, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
Seeing that look brought back memories of last night on the surface of his thoughts. *Spinel! * He thought in alarm. His mouth suddenly gone dry, he mentally crossed his fingers as he slowly turned his head towards where he made his bed last night.
Disbelief first settled as he took in the sight before him. *I thought it was a dream. *
In front of him was Tomoyo's face framed by waves of the softest, silky, black hair his hands itched to touch. Her long dark eyelashes contrasted against her pale features-as did her lips, red against the cold of London morn.
Eriol's breath caught at his throat as he looked down on their position. Or, to be more exact, his position. Even as he was startled out of his sleep, his arm had refused to let go of its possessive hold on Tomoyo's waist.
*Maybe it's an alien arm,* he mused. *Yamazaki would love that one.* He doubted it, though. It felt strange, holding Tomoyo like that, but it somehow felt right. Like pieces of a puzzle, fitting together.
His moment of reflection ended as he studied their positions further. Panic settled in as he felt his leg beneath the blanket, flung across her own legs and tangling with them. He struggled to recall the name of all the gods he knew and hastily invoked them.
*I promise I'll be good. I'll never trick Spinel again. Just don't let her wake up. Please..don't let her wake up.*
Either the gods were asleep, or he prayed to the wrong ones.
Tomoyo's eyelids fluttered, then opened to violet eyes zeroing in on his own blue, flustered ones.
*I am so dead.*
*END FLASHBACK*
@@@@@
After her disturbing phone call, Tomoyo soon made up her mind on a course of action. With her decision in mind, she set about finding Eriol and informing him of it. She found him in the living room, playing the piano. She stood transfixed by the door as rich, melodious notes reached her ears . She barely noticed Nakuru and Spinel, who looked up as she entered.
Her gaze was set on Eriol, the way the light glinted off his dark hair, the way his fingers ran over the piano keys ever so gracefully, so instinctively, giving expression to his thoughts and feelings. His eyes were closed as if he were in a world of his own creation - presenting a calm, soothing visage.
Tomoyo could only look and listen in awe.
* I think this is the first time I've heard Eriol play since I got here. I've never seen him like this before-so at peace with himself. Kami help me, his music is enough to entrance me-but I musn't be. I can't... *
Tomoyo snapped out of her thoughts as something more disturbing penetrated her awareness.
The eyes that were closed before now opened to reveal intense, blue eyes.
Staring back at her.
@@@@@
He had been so intent on his thoughts that he only just realized that he was playing the piano. It had been a long time since he had last played it. The piano was his refuge, next to his garden.
*I've finally put my past to rest. I'm ready for what the future holds for me.*
He looked up to see Tomoyo at the doorway, nodding her head as if she were listening to his inner thoughts. All he could do was stare. And then incredible violet eyes looked back at him, seeking something from him. And he wanted to give it, if only he knew what lay behind those beautiful eyes.
@@@@@
Nakuru looked at her watch then switched back to her master and Tomoyo. *They've been staring at each other for five minutes and fifteen seconds and counting. How come I didn't notice before?* Nakuru's eyes were shining. *I've restrained myself long enough. I can't take this anymore! They're so.. so....*
Spinel knew danger when he saw it. He even sensed it emanate in waves just beside him as he looked at Nakuru in horror. He made a move to escape it, but Nakuru was faster. She grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and proceeded to smother him in her chest.
"Kawaii!" Nakuru's squeal bounced off the walls, startling the teenagers.
@@@@@
Once the ensuing tumult died down and both guardians headed out toward the kitchen, Tomoyo finally forced out the words she knew she had to say.
"Eriol-san...I've decided to go home the day after tomorrow."
Eriol felt his state of tranquillity come crashing down at her words.
@@@@@
*She's leaving tomorrow. *
That practically summed up the contents of Eriol's thoughts as he paced the length of his foyer. Nakuru had already come down, looking radiant and unmistakably girlish in the dress Tomoyo made for her. Nakuru went with Spinel to do a quick patrol before they left for the party. That left him to wait for Tomoyo.
Eriol's emotions left him confused. He would really miss Tomoyo. She was thoughtful and sensitive, sewing all day to make Nakuru happy. She was fiercely loyal and protective, keeping Spinel safe from his and Nakuru's pranks whenever she was around that it earned her a pedestal in Spinel's eyes. She had been there when he needed help the most. She was caring and kind, concerned for him but never prying. He didn't want her to go.
*It's not like I'd never see her again.* Eriol argued to himself. *I can still write her letters, can't I?* But he felt curiously empty inside as he thought about it.
At the back of his mind came the nagging feeling that this scene should somehow be familiar, but it eluded him. He filed it away for further reflection later when he heard a sound above him.
He glanced up to see Tomoyo, elegantly clad in a simple white sleeveless cocktail dress that reached her knees.
*Let my mates die in envy.* Eriol uncharitably thought as he continued to gaze at her. He noticed a blush creep up Tomoyo's cheeks as she reached his side.
"Thanks... I think."
Eriol's eyes widened as he realized he spoke out loud again. *Times like these I wish I still were the suave Clow Reed. What is wrong with me? Bloody tongue! I should just cut it out and end my misery.*
"I would be sad if you did that, Eriol." Tomoyo quietly said.
"Aargh... Did I say that out loud again?" Eriol exasperatedly sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Tomoyo's eyes twinkled as she looked up at him. "No, you didn't. But I know you well enough to guess what you're thinking. Shall we?"
*=*=*=
Authors Whining At Their Fate
Do you guys know how many sleepless nights this chapter entailed?!? Aaargh! We're posting it NOW!!!
Sofiana: Oh, sheesh...get me to bed! (Drops dead and snores)
Sibyl: (Pokes Sofiana) I wish Tomoyo would call Spinel Suppi-chan. Kawaii Suppi-chan! Sofiana? Sofiana?...Ah, well. Gnyt folks. Couple more chapters to go.
Sofiana: (raises head blearily) If we last that long! Mmmzzzzz.......
We would like to thank our reviewers: Shima and Tempis, StarFall4790, flitterbug, not applicable, BishounenzAngel, June6, crystal wolf1, KawaiinessPnay, Dana Daidouji, misery-chick4, and Mornings Light.
Hope you liked this one too. Thank you!!!
