FARSIGHTED
By SibylSofiana
Chapter Nine How Can I Convince You
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Sonomi Daidouji looked out of the window at Tomoyo who had just emerged from the limousine. She could tell that this trip to London had changed her daughter.
*My dear Tomoyo grew up again. And I wasn't there by her side.* Sonomi sighed in regret. There were some things in life that just wasn't fair.
She met Tomoyo by the door and immediately stopped in her tracks. It was eerie, to be looking at yourself all over again. She recognized that look in her daughter's eyes, the same look she had when Kinomoto-sensei had finally discovered her greatest treasure -- beloved Nadeshiko. Helpless. As if there was something she wanted so badly, but couldn't make herself reach for it.
Sonomi's eyes steeled. *If that Hiiragizawa boy hurt my baby--,* the intellectual architect of the Daidouji toy corporation who earned millions from her toy designs mentally sketched new and elaborate methods of torture for the unknowing lad who had caused her daughter so much pain. Sonomi's smile was catty. *I guess I really am a genius.* She immediately sobered as Tomoyo approached her.
"I'm glad to be home, Mother." Tomoyo's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Silence reigned for a few moments before Sonomi broke it saying,
"I've missed you, Tomoyo. You must be tired, go rest now." Tomoyo turned to walk away when she felt her mother's arms wrap around her from behind.
"I'm here if you need me, Tomoyo."
"I know, Mother." With those words, she ran up to her bedroom.
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Tomoyo entered her bedroom only to find Spinel, sitting on top of her luggage, the zipper halfway open.
"Spinel-san...?"
"He wouldn't like it if something happened to you on the way home." Spinel said by way of explanation.
"How can I send you back? It's too soon for me to go back, Spinel. I-I can't face him yet." Tomoyo's voice faltered, unwilling to utter HIS name.
"Then, can I stay and watch over you, Mistress Tomoyo?"
"M..mistress?" Tomoyo's face burned at the implication.
"Hai. My master has already made his choice, even if you are yet undecided."
Tomoyo had no answer for that one.
Spinel spoke again.
"There is a letter on your table, Tomoyo-sama. I'll be in your sitting room if you need me."
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Tomoyo untied the ribbon from her hair and let it trail down from her hand to the floor as she walked towards her bed, still holding his letter in her other hand. Her hair fell down in waves, obscuring her face. As she sat down on the bed, she carefully opened the seal on the envelope and pulled out the letter. His bold scrawl met her eyes, and tears began to form in her eyelids as she read his letter.
Dearest Tomoyo,
Gomen nasai. I did not mean to force my feelings on you. You are probably right...everything just happened so fast. But please give me the benefit of the doubt. My feelings are not the work of the past two weeks in your company - I have been heading in this direction for the past four years, but I have been too farsighted, if not blind.
I have not thanked you for coming here... for clearing my mind, for healing my heart, for changing my life.
No matter how long it takes you, my dearest Tomoyo, I will be here waiting.
Hiiragizawa Eriol
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London, England. A few DAYS later.
Someone was pounding on the heavy oak door. Very insistently.
Nakuru, the door!"
No answer.
Disgruntled, Eriol came out of the library and headed for the foyer. Ever since Nakuru had started going out with Charles (surprise, surprise), he was almost always left to his own devices for days on end.
*What's the use of a guardian who isn't even there?* Not that he couldn't defend himself if the situation arose. (But it would have been NICE to have someone else to talk to besides his reflection in the mirror, now wouldn't it?!? Now that Spinel Sun was gone. And Tomoyo.) Sigh.
He plastered a polite smile on his face and resignedly pulled open the door, ready to say - 'No, I'm not buying any cookies, and No, I don't want to subscribe to Horse and Hound Weekly' --
Only to find himself face to face with THE Daidouji Sonomi. And a host of bodyguards in dark suits.
!~O~O~!
After gaping like an idiot for what seemed an eternity, Eriol suddenly found his manners and his voice.
"Ah, ohayo gozaimasu, Daidouji-san... please, come in."
As he led the way to the living room, Daidouji Sonomi reached out a hand to stop him. Eriol could only gaze blankly at the hand on his shoulder as a score of bodyguards entered his foyer and surrounded him and their employer in a ring.
Sonomi's eyes were steely. "I will not mince words, Hiiragizawa-kun. My daughter is still confused right now and I don't want you to do anything that will confuse her even more."
Sonomi paused and narrowed her eyes at him, signaling her escorts to tighten the circle around them, not unlike a noose around a man's neck. Eriol visibly gulped at the imagery.
"What I'm trying to say is, my daughter is still making up her mind. Until then, lay off. If she wants you, there's no doubt she'll have you. Do you have a problem with that, Hiiragizawa-kun?"
Sonomi's voice had gone soft, while the hand on Eriol's shoulder tightened, belying her intent. Eriol quickly turned his tongue loose to pacify his intended future mother-in-law.
"No. None at all, ma'am."
That must have been the right thing to say, because suddenly the hand loosened and the bodyguards retreated until there was only Eriol and Sonomi in the foyer.
As Eriol watched them retreat bemusedly, Sonomi's quick mind was already analyzing and processing the information given to her by her senses.
*Hmm.. the place is big enough, I suppose. He's obviously well-off. He's not too hard on the eyes, either.*
Eriol cleared his throat as Sonomi turned her attention back to him.
"Um..would you like to have tea, Daidouji-sama?" Eriol smiled, his charm turned on full blast as he waited for its effects on a VERY protective mother. He was not disappointed.
Upon seeing him smile, Sonomi helplessly returned it with one of her own and showed Eriol just where Tomoyo got her smile. *No wonder Tomoyo couldn't resist this particular young man. Amamiya women do have good taste. He reminds me of someone, though. I can't remember exactly who..so charming and courteous...*
"I'd like that very much, Hiiragizawa-kun." Sonomi's voice was mild as she elegantly followed Eriol to the study. The young man in front of her grinned at no one in particular.
*Heh...who would have thought it. THE Daidouji Sonomi was brought down with a smile.*
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Hongkong. A few days after Eriol's fateful meeting with Daidouji Sonomi.
Kinomoto Fujitaka had been bewildered and overwhelmed by all the attention the Li Clan had been showering him the past three weeks. Yes, he was half Clow Reed's reincarnation, but Sakura had inherited his magic, not him. As it was, Li-kun's sisters and the Li Elders had already besieged Sakura. He was glad they would be leaving in a couple of days. Classes would soon be starting, and they had intruded on the Li family hospitality long enough already, and Touya was doing just fine.
In those three weeks, he often found himself in the library, picking up a small volume here and there. The collection was actually fascinating, if almost limited to Chinese classical writings. But there were also a smattering of Japanese tomes and English books about esoteric magic. This time he had found a slim volume embossed with a sun and moon entitled, "The Mystery of Clow Reed". He soon found himself engrossed in the story of the man who had been Clow Reed, that he heard neither the door opening, nor the footsteps that came further into the room.
"Ah, that's my husband's favorite book."
Fujitaka looked up to see Li Yelan standing near the study table, and he immediately stood up and gave a small bow.
"Ni hao, Mrs. Li. It's an intriguing book."
"Yes, considering that it's about YOUR past life." Yelan smiled and took the chair opposite him. "My husband was always fascinated by Clow Reed. I shared his interest in gaining Clow's magical knowledge. Even though my husband's family considered Clow Reed a rogue ancestor, they nevertheless wanted the Clow Cards for the Clan. "
"But then Sakura became Card Mistress."
Yelan smiled. "Do not get me wrong, Kinomoto-sensei. When his father died, Syaoran became The Li. Protecting and leading the Clan was of utmost importance. That was why he was after the Cards, to prove himself worthy. But he was young and the Elders were hard on him. Even me." She looked over at some point behind him, remembering a past that evoked such sadness and regret in her eyes.
"Do not be too hard on yourself." Yelan glanced back at Fujitaka as he tried to cheer her up. "As you said, Syaoran-kun is The Li. You did what you had to do and I'm sure he didn't take it against you. He turned out to be a fine and responsible young man, and I'm sure he loves you very much, Mrs. Li."
Li Yelan smiled and gave a slight nod. "I thank you, Kinomoto-sensei." Fujitaka politely asked her to call him by his first name.
"Ah, then please call me Yelan. We have stood on ceremony for so long, Fujitaka-san." Fujitaka only smiled and nodded.
After chatting a while longer, Yelan soon stood up. "I will now leave you to your reading. May you know him who was before you, and thus know more about yourself."
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Fujitaka was still thinking about what Li Yelan said when the phone rang.
As there was nobody else nearby, he put the book down and picked up the phone himself.
"Ni hao, Li residence."
"Ni hao," replied a voice in Cantonese. "I wish to speak to Kinomoto Sakura?"
Sakura? "May I know who's calling?"
"Is that you, Kinomoto-sensei?" the voice suddenly asked in English.
Ah, the accent sounded familiar. Fujitaka smiled wryly to himself. He didn't have to finish reading his book to know himself - probably just talking to his other half would be the ticket. "Hiiragizawa-kun?"
"Hello, Kinomoto-sensei. I hope you're enjoying your vacation in Hongkong."
"Despite the fuss about being Clow Reed in my past life, and watching Touya and Li-kun try to kill each other every other day, I would say I am." Fujitaka said wryly, and he could hear the young man chuckle at the other end of the line.
"As for Sakura, she's not here right now, she's out with Meiling and Syaoran's sisters." Fujitaka explained. "Anything wrong, Hiiragizawa- kun?" Then with a flash of insight (from Clow?) - "Is it about Tomoyo?"
A sigh at the other end of the line. "How right you are, sensei. Care to listen to the travails of my adolescent existence?" Without even waiting for Fujitaka's reply, Eriol proceeded to tell his tale from the very beginning -- his growing friendship with Tomoyo over the years, the end of his relationship with Mizuki Kaho, his sudden grasp of his true feelings, and finally ending with Sonomi Daidouji's threat to his person if he harmed even one precious hair strand on her lovely daughter's head.
"Sonomi actually came over and threatened you?" Fujitaka chuckled at the end of what was a very entertaining narrative. "Well, she actually did that to me when I started dating Nadeshiko-san. She's quite protective of her treasures." He could hear Eriol's wry agreement at the other end of the line. "What did she say?"
"Well, the gist was that I keep my ever loving hands off her daughter until she finally makes up her own mind, even if it takes her ten years. Gods, I hope it doesn't take that long!"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. Amamiya women generally make up their minds quickly, but sometimes they're too stubborn. So, are you going to keep your promise?"
"I didn't promise NOT to write her. Other than that, I might have to give her enough time. " Another sigh. "Enough of me. If you don't mind me asking - don't you plan on seeing someone else? I know you love Nadeshiko, but you're still young, and I'm sure she'd want you to be happy, Sensei."
Fujitaka took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I'm happy with the way things are now, Hiiragizawa-kun." He sighed and added, "But if Nadeshiko has her way, I'll probably be seeing a lot more of Sonomi," he confided glumly.
Eriol whooped at the other end of the line. "You and Sonomi?!? That's almost suicide!"
Nadeshiko, who up until now was silently listening to her husband talk to his other self, couldn't help but make her presence known in defense of her spirited if overly-protective cousin.
"Oh, she's not that bad."
Both former reincarnations rolled their eyes at her remark and snorted. Yeah, right.
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Tomoeda. Daidouji Mansion.
It was a warm July evening. Tomoyo lay curled up in the sofa in her room, finishing her latest sewing project - another dress for Sakura-chan. She had actually just gotten off the phone with her best friend, who was obviously very worried about her, but trying not to let it show. Tomoyo was grateful for Sakura's understanding - she really didn't feel like talking to anybody yet. Even Spinel wasn't saying a word. He was just watching over her and keeping her company most of the time (when he was not bickering with Kero-chan). If he ever talked to his master, she never caught him at it. Right now, Spinel in his true form was dozing at her feet, and she felt quite content and safe for no reason at all.
The phone beside her suddenly rang. Spinel only raised his head, then went back to sleep. Tomoyo put down her project and picked up the phone.
"Moshi moshi." When she heard the voice at the other end of the line, she perked up. "Syaoran-kun! Happy birthday! Did you get your present?"
"That's why I called," said Syaoran at the other end of the line. "Thank you very much for your gift. It arrived just in time and - I really like it, Tomoyo. Arigatou."
"I'm glad you liked it. When I saw it in a London shop, I knew I had to buy it..." Tomoyo couldn't continue, because she started thinking of her time in London again. Thinking of Eriol.
Unfortunately for her, Syaoran found his opening for what was really on his mind. "Sakura's worried about you, Tomoyo-chan... so am I."
"I know." She sighed. "Thanks for worrying about me, you guys, but I'm really okay. It's just that -- Eriol, he -" Tomoyo didn't even finish her statement as Syaoran suddenly growled.
"Hiiragizawa didn't DO anything to you, did he?" Syaoran's tone was ominous. "Because if he did..."
Alarmed, Tomoyo hastened to reassure him. "NO! I mean, no he didn't, he was the perfect gentleman."
Tomoyo could almost see Syaoran's raised eyebrow.
"Oh? The perfect gentleman, eh? I bet that sly weasel was charming to you all the time. I bet he was like that to other girls when you had your back turned. Don't worry, Tomoyo, he's gonna pay for leading you on like that."
Tomoyo was starting to get really distraught at the thought of Syaoran and Eriol hurting each other.
"It wasn't like that, Syaoran-kun!!! I swear, he wasn't like that to other girls! I should know -- because I kept looking at him! He was polite to them, but to me he was sweet and kind and charming, and possessive only of me. Of me! Only me!"
Intent on thoroughly convincing her loyal and protective friend, Tomoyo's rambled on, before she finally took in what she had just said.
"He loves me... he really loves me," she whispered in awe, more to herself than to Syaoran. Tomoyo's eyes widened in realization.
"And I love him... I really love Eriol."
Syaoran finally relented and laughed . "See? You've already made up your mind."
Tomoyo was aghast to find out that one blushing-at-the-slightest-mention-of- cherry-blossoms Syaoran had managed to trick her. This cannot be tolerated, she mused.
"You're so bad, Li-kun."
"So, now I'm back to Li-kun, eh?" He teased. But he then moved to reassure her.
"I'm sure everything will work out fine, Tomoyo. Hiiragizawa will give you the time you need. He was blind for four years, he deserves to wait a few more!"
(Mutters to himself, *Feh, I'm waiting for Sakura! Better to keep things fair...* which Tomoyo hears.)
Syaoran soon continued. "Just begin again from where your friendship last left off, then take it slowly from there. Everything will be alright," quoting Sakura.
Tomoyo smiled at the other end of the line. "Thank you for your advice, Syaoran-kun," she said in her best syrupy voice.
"You're welcome," came the smug reply. *(That weasel owes me big time. Hehe... I think I'm gonna enjoy collecting...)*
Tomoyo, now all cheered up (and nowhere to go), now smiled in evil anticipation. In her best Meiling-chan imitation, she said,
"Aww... that was really sweet of you, Syaoran-kun. How will I ever repay you?"
Suddenly Syaoran started to have a bad feeling about the turn of the conversation.
"Er, you don't really have to, Tomoyo-chan..."
"I know!" Tomoyo enthusiastically interrupted. "I owe you a costume, Syaoran-kun!"
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Authors' Notes:
Sofiana: I got the chapter title from the first line of a song that hit me when we were still writing this. Can anybody guess the title of the song? (Hint, hint: It's also the title of the last chapter ;p)
Sibyl: Reviews, people! We hunger, we crave, we absolutely subsist on them!
SibylSofiana: To everybody, thank you for your reviews! We appreciate them all, we take them all in - the good and the bad. So let us know what you think.
Sibyl: (whispers) I wanna reach over a hundred reviews! Wanna, wanna!
Our personal thanks go to KyteAura, June6, Aurora Starcrystal, not applicable, Shima and Tempis, Dana Daidouji, flitter bug, KawaiinessPnay, PLum BLoSsOm, crystal wolf=P, Candyland
By SibylSofiana
Chapter Nine How Can I Convince You
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Sonomi Daidouji looked out of the window at Tomoyo who had just emerged from the limousine. She could tell that this trip to London had changed her daughter.
*My dear Tomoyo grew up again. And I wasn't there by her side.* Sonomi sighed in regret. There were some things in life that just wasn't fair.
She met Tomoyo by the door and immediately stopped in her tracks. It was eerie, to be looking at yourself all over again. She recognized that look in her daughter's eyes, the same look she had when Kinomoto-sensei had finally discovered her greatest treasure -- beloved Nadeshiko. Helpless. As if there was something she wanted so badly, but couldn't make herself reach for it.
Sonomi's eyes steeled. *If that Hiiragizawa boy hurt my baby--,* the intellectual architect of the Daidouji toy corporation who earned millions from her toy designs mentally sketched new and elaborate methods of torture for the unknowing lad who had caused her daughter so much pain. Sonomi's smile was catty. *I guess I really am a genius.* She immediately sobered as Tomoyo approached her.
"I'm glad to be home, Mother." Tomoyo's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Silence reigned for a few moments before Sonomi broke it saying,
"I've missed you, Tomoyo. You must be tired, go rest now." Tomoyo turned to walk away when she felt her mother's arms wrap around her from behind.
"I'm here if you need me, Tomoyo."
"I know, Mother." With those words, she ran up to her bedroom.
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Tomoyo entered her bedroom only to find Spinel, sitting on top of her luggage, the zipper halfway open.
"Spinel-san...?"
"He wouldn't like it if something happened to you on the way home." Spinel said by way of explanation.
"How can I send you back? It's too soon for me to go back, Spinel. I-I can't face him yet." Tomoyo's voice faltered, unwilling to utter HIS name.
"Then, can I stay and watch over you, Mistress Tomoyo?"
"M..mistress?" Tomoyo's face burned at the implication.
"Hai. My master has already made his choice, even if you are yet undecided."
Tomoyo had no answer for that one.
Spinel spoke again.
"There is a letter on your table, Tomoyo-sama. I'll be in your sitting room if you need me."
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Tomoyo untied the ribbon from her hair and let it trail down from her hand to the floor as she walked towards her bed, still holding his letter in her other hand. Her hair fell down in waves, obscuring her face. As she sat down on the bed, she carefully opened the seal on the envelope and pulled out the letter. His bold scrawl met her eyes, and tears began to form in her eyelids as she read his letter.
Dearest Tomoyo,
Gomen nasai. I did not mean to force my feelings on you. You are probably right...everything just happened so fast. But please give me the benefit of the doubt. My feelings are not the work of the past two weeks in your company - I have been heading in this direction for the past four years, but I have been too farsighted, if not blind.
I have not thanked you for coming here... for clearing my mind, for healing my heart, for changing my life.
No matter how long it takes you, my dearest Tomoyo, I will be here waiting.
Hiiragizawa Eriol
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London, England. A few DAYS later.
Someone was pounding on the heavy oak door. Very insistently.
Nakuru, the door!"
No answer.
Disgruntled, Eriol came out of the library and headed for the foyer. Ever since Nakuru had started going out with Charles (surprise, surprise), he was almost always left to his own devices for days on end.
*What's the use of a guardian who isn't even there?* Not that he couldn't defend himself if the situation arose. (But it would have been NICE to have someone else to talk to besides his reflection in the mirror, now wouldn't it?!? Now that Spinel Sun was gone. And Tomoyo.) Sigh.
He plastered a polite smile on his face and resignedly pulled open the door, ready to say - 'No, I'm not buying any cookies, and No, I don't want to subscribe to Horse and Hound Weekly' --
Only to find himself face to face with THE Daidouji Sonomi. And a host of bodyguards in dark suits.
!~O~O~!
After gaping like an idiot for what seemed an eternity, Eriol suddenly found his manners and his voice.
"Ah, ohayo gozaimasu, Daidouji-san... please, come in."
As he led the way to the living room, Daidouji Sonomi reached out a hand to stop him. Eriol could only gaze blankly at the hand on his shoulder as a score of bodyguards entered his foyer and surrounded him and their employer in a ring.
Sonomi's eyes were steely. "I will not mince words, Hiiragizawa-kun. My daughter is still confused right now and I don't want you to do anything that will confuse her even more."
Sonomi paused and narrowed her eyes at him, signaling her escorts to tighten the circle around them, not unlike a noose around a man's neck. Eriol visibly gulped at the imagery.
"What I'm trying to say is, my daughter is still making up her mind. Until then, lay off. If she wants you, there's no doubt she'll have you. Do you have a problem with that, Hiiragizawa-kun?"
Sonomi's voice had gone soft, while the hand on Eriol's shoulder tightened, belying her intent. Eriol quickly turned his tongue loose to pacify his intended future mother-in-law.
"No. None at all, ma'am."
That must have been the right thing to say, because suddenly the hand loosened and the bodyguards retreated until there was only Eriol and Sonomi in the foyer.
As Eriol watched them retreat bemusedly, Sonomi's quick mind was already analyzing and processing the information given to her by her senses.
*Hmm.. the place is big enough, I suppose. He's obviously well-off. He's not too hard on the eyes, either.*
Eriol cleared his throat as Sonomi turned her attention back to him.
"Um..would you like to have tea, Daidouji-sama?" Eriol smiled, his charm turned on full blast as he waited for its effects on a VERY protective mother. He was not disappointed.
Upon seeing him smile, Sonomi helplessly returned it with one of her own and showed Eriol just where Tomoyo got her smile. *No wonder Tomoyo couldn't resist this particular young man. Amamiya women do have good taste. He reminds me of someone, though. I can't remember exactly who..so charming and courteous...*
"I'd like that very much, Hiiragizawa-kun." Sonomi's voice was mild as she elegantly followed Eriol to the study. The young man in front of her grinned at no one in particular.
*Heh...who would have thought it. THE Daidouji Sonomi was brought down with a smile.*
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Hongkong. A few days after Eriol's fateful meeting with Daidouji Sonomi.
Kinomoto Fujitaka had been bewildered and overwhelmed by all the attention the Li Clan had been showering him the past three weeks. Yes, he was half Clow Reed's reincarnation, but Sakura had inherited his magic, not him. As it was, Li-kun's sisters and the Li Elders had already besieged Sakura. He was glad they would be leaving in a couple of days. Classes would soon be starting, and they had intruded on the Li family hospitality long enough already, and Touya was doing just fine.
In those three weeks, he often found himself in the library, picking up a small volume here and there. The collection was actually fascinating, if almost limited to Chinese classical writings. But there were also a smattering of Japanese tomes and English books about esoteric magic. This time he had found a slim volume embossed with a sun and moon entitled, "The Mystery of Clow Reed". He soon found himself engrossed in the story of the man who had been Clow Reed, that he heard neither the door opening, nor the footsteps that came further into the room.
"Ah, that's my husband's favorite book."
Fujitaka looked up to see Li Yelan standing near the study table, and he immediately stood up and gave a small bow.
"Ni hao, Mrs. Li. It's an intriguing book."
"Yes, considering that it's about YOUR past life." Yelan smiled and took the chair opposite him. "My husband was always fascinated by Clow Reed. I shared his interest in gaining Clow's magical knowledge. Even though my husband's family considered Clow Reed a rogue ancestor, they nevertheless wanted the Clow Cards for the Clan. "
"But then Sakura became Card Mistress."
Yelan smiled. "Do not get me wrong, Kinomoto-sensei. When his father died, Syaoran became The Li. Protecting and leading the Clan was of utmost importance. That was why he was after the Cards, to prove himself worthy. But he was young and the Elders were hard on him. Even me." She looked over at some point behind him, remembering a past that evoked such sadness and regret in her eyes.
"Do not be too hard on yourself." Yelan glanced back at Fujitaka as he tried to cheer her up. "As you said, Syaoran-kun is The Li. You did what you had to do and I'm sure he didn't take it against you. He turned out to be a fine and responsible young man, and I'm sure he loves you very much, Mrs. Li."
Li Yelan smiled and gave a slight nod. "I thank you, Kinomoto-sensei." Fujitaka politely asked her to call him by his first name.
"Ah, then please call me Yelan. We have stood on ceremony for so long, Fujitaka-san." Fujitaka only smiled and nodded.
After chatting a while longer, Yelan soon stood up. "I will now leave you to your reading. May you know him who was before you, and thus know more about yourself."
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Fujitaka was still thinking about what Li Yelan said when the phone rang.
As there was nobody else nearby, he put the book down and picked up the phone himself.
"Ni hao, Li residence."
"Ni hao," replied a voice in Cantonese. "I wish to speak to Kinomoto Sakura?"
Sakura? "May I know who's calling?"
"Is that you, Kinomoto-sensei?" the voice suddenly asked in English.
Ah, the accent sounded familiar. Fujitaka smiled wryly to himself. He didn't have to finish reading his book to know himself - probably just talking to his other half would be the ticket. "Hiiragizawa-kun?"
"Hello, Kinomoto-sensei. I hope you're enjoying your vacation in Hongkong."
"Despite the fuss about being Clow Reed in my past life, and watching Touya and Li-kun try to kill each other every other day, I would say I am." Fujitaka said wryly, and he could hear the young man chuckle at the other end of the line.
"As for Sakura, she's not here right now, she's out with Meiling and Syaoran's sisters." Fujitaka explained. "Anything wrong, Hiiragizawa- kun?" Then with a flash of insight (from Clow?) - "Is it about Tomoyo?"
A sigh at the other end of the line. "How right you are, sensei. Care to listen to the travails of my adolescent existence?" Without even waiting for Fujitaka's reply, Eriol proceeded to tell his tale from the very beginning -- his growing friendship with Tomoyo over the years, the end of his relationship with Mizuki Kaho, his sudden grasp of his true feelings, and finally ending with Sonomi Daidouji's threat to his person if he harmed even one precious hair strand on her lovely daughter's head.
"Sonomi actually came over and threatened you?" Fujitaka chuckled at the end of what was a very entertaining narrative. "Well, she actually did that to me when I started dating Nadeshiko-san. She's quite protective of her treasures." He could hear Eriol's wry agreement at the other end of the line. "What did she say?"
"Well, the gist was that I keep my ever loving hands off her daughter until she finally makes up her own mind, even if it takes her ten years. Gods, I hope it doesn't take that long!"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. Amamiya women generally make up their minds quickly, but sometimes they're too stubborn. So, are you going to keep your promise?"
"I didn't promise NOT to write her. Other than that, I might have to give her enough time. " Another sigh. "Enough of me. If you don't mind me asking - don't you plan on seeing someone else? I know you love Nadeshiko, but you're still young, and I'm sure she'd want you to be happy, Sensei."
Fujitaka took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I'm happy with the way things are now, Hiiragizawa-kun." He sighed and added, "But if Nadeshiko has her way, I'll probably be seeing a lot more of Sonomi," he confided glumly.
Eriol whooped at the other end of the line. "You and Sonomi?!? That's almost suicide!"
Nadeshiko, who up until now was silently listening to her husband talk to his other self, couldn't help but make her presence known in defense of her spirited if overly-protective cousin.
"Oh, she's not that bad."
Both former reincarnations rolled their eyes at her remark and snorted. Yeah, right.
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Tomoeda. Daidouji Mansion.
It was a warm July evening. Tomoyo lay curled up in the sofa in her room, finishing her latest sewing project - another dress for Sakura-chan. She had actually just gotten off the phone with her best friend, who was obviously very worried about her, but trying not to let it show. Tomoyo was grateful for Sakura's understanding - she really didn't feel like talking to anybody yet. Even Spinel wasn't saying a word. He was just watching over her and keeping her company most of the time (when he was not bickering with Kero-chan). If he ever talked to his master, she never caught him at it. Right now, Spinel in his true form was dozing at her feet, and she felt quite content and safe for no reason at all.
The phone beside her suddenly rang. Spinel only raised his head, then went back to sleep. Tomoyo put down her project and picked up the phone.
"Moshi moshi." When she heard the voice at the other end of the line, she perked up. "Syaoran-kun! Happy birthday! Did you get your present?"
"That's why I called," said Syaoran at the other end of the line. "Thank you very much for your gift. It arrived just in time and - I really like it, Tomoyo. Arigatou."
"I'm glad you liked it. When I saw it in a London shop, I knew I had to buy it..." Tomoyo couldn't continue, because she started thinking of her time in London again. Thinking of Eriol.
Unfortunately for her, Syaoran found his opening for what was really on his mind. "Sakura's worried about you, Tomoyo-chan... so am I."
"I know." She sighed. "Thanks for worrying about me, you guys, but I'm really okay. It's just that -- Eriol, he -" Tomoyo didn't even finish her statement as Syaoran suddenly growled.
"Hiiragizawa didn't DO anything to you, did he?" Syaoran's tone was ominous. "Because if he did..."
Alarmed, Tomoyo hastened to reassure him. "NO! I mean, no he didn't, he was the perfect gentleman."
Tomoyo could almost see Syaoran's raised eyebrow.
"Oh? The perfect gentleman, eh? I bet that sly weasel was charming to you all the time. I bet he was like that to other girls when you had your back turned. Don't worry, Tomoyo, he's gonna pay for leading you on like that."
Tomoyo was starting to get really distraught at the thought of Syaoran and Eriol hurting each other.
"It wasn't like that, Syaoran-kun!!! I swear, he wasn't like that to other girls! I should know -- because I kept looking at him! He was polite to them, but to me he was sweet and kind and charming, and possessive only of me. Of me! Only me!"
Intent on thoroughly convincing her loyal and protective friend, Tomoyo's rambled on, before she finally took in what she had just said.
"He loves me... he really loves me," she whispered in awe, more to herself than to Syaoran. Tomoyo's eyes widened in realization.
"And I love him... I really love Eriol."
Syaoran finally relented and laughed . "See? You've already made up your mind."
Tomoyo was aghast to find out that one blushing-at-the-slightest-mention-of- cherry-blossoms Syaoran had managed to trick her. This cannot be tolerated, she mused.
"You're so bad, Li-kun."
"So, now I'm back to Li-kun, eh?" He teased. But he then moved to reassure her.
"I'm sure everything will work out fine, Tomoyo. Hiiragizawa will give you the time you need. He was blind for four years, he deserves to wait a few more!"
(Mutters to himself, *Feh, I'm waiting for Sakura! Better to keep things fair...* which Tomoyo hears.)
Syaoran soon continued. "Just begin again from where your friendship last left off, then take it slowly from there. Everything will be alright," quoting Sakura.
Tomoyo smiled at the other end of the line. "Thank you for your advice, Syaoran-kun," she said in her best syrupy voice.
"You're welcome," came the smug reply. *(That weasel owes me big time. Hehe... I think I'm gonna enjoy collecting...)*
Tomoyo, now all cheered up (and nowhere to go), now smiled in evil anticipation. In her best Meiling-chan imitation, she said,
"Aww... that was really sweet of you, Syaoran-kun. How will I ever repay you?"
Suddenly Syaoran started to have a bad feeling about the turn of the conversation.
"Er, you don't really have to, Tomoyo-chan..."
"I know!" Tomoyo enthusiastically interrupted. "I owe you a costume, Syaoran-kun!"
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Authors' Notes:
Sofiana: I got the chapter title from the first line of a song that hit me when we were still writing this. Can anybody guess the title of the song? (Hint, hint: It's also the title of the last chapter ;p)
Sibyl: Reviews, people! We hunger, we crave, we absolutely subsist on them!
SibylSofiana: To everybody, thank you for your reviews! We appreciate them all, we take them all in - the good and the bad. So let us know what you think.
Sibyl: (whispers) I wanna reach over a hundred reviews! Wanna, wanna!
Our personal thanks go to KyteAura, June6, Aurora Starcrystal, not applicable, Shima and Tempis, Dana Daidouji, flitter bug, KawaiinessPnay, PLum BLoSsOm, crystal wolf=P, Candyland
