Sakura Saku (Cherry blossom blooming)

Chapter 8

Tomoyo walked out of the radio station, her arm in Eriol's. Surprisingly, she always felt comforted around Eriol and loved to be near him. Tomoyo had asked herself why yesterday before bed and she had found out the answer, and she was terrified of the knowledge.

She loved Eriol.

She knew herself that it was crazy. But she couldn't help herself from falling helplessly in love with him. She kept it to herself and remained her normal cheery self, as she was scared that if she told Eriol, he might reject her and his knowledge of her crush on him might strain their friendship. Sure, Eriol might return her feelings. But it was better safe than sorry.

"So, Tomoyo, how are you, really?" asked Eriol. Tomoyo thought about it for a while.

"Me? Well, I have my own company, I have Sakura, I have you, I have Syaoran, I have Meiling, I am fat, but most of all, I have my baby," said Tomoyo as she emphasized her point by patting her still flat belly. It was only a few months old. Eriol opened the door of his car for her and she slid in. Walking to the other side of the car, he sat on the driver's seat and started the car.

"So, where now?" He asked. Tomoyo thought about it for a little while.

"What about your house?" she asked. Eriol smiled and drove out of the station's car park.

"What's so nice about my house anyway?" asked Eriol absently. Tomoyo shrugged. They both sat in companionable silence after that, all the way to Eriol's house.

"So, here we are. Do you want something to drink? Tea, coffee?" asked Eriol as he helped Tomoyo out of her coat. Tomoyo smiled.

"Tea will be fine," she said at last.

"Coming right up," said Eriol as he made his way into the kitchen. Tomoyo looked around the house. Even thought this was the second time coming here, she felt as if it was the first time. She sighed and leaned back on the couch, closing her eyes. This had been an exhausting day. Her company was fine but there was a lot of paperwork to be done and she had finally finished everything and ran to the radio station, having an inkling that Sakura might run. Sure enough, Sakura did attempt to run and it was a good thing that Tomoyo was there to stop her. Tomoyo unknowing fell into a light sleep and didn't realize Eriol coming back.

Eriol walked into the room and froze. There sat Tomoyo, her eyes closed, and her neck waiting to be gloriously feasted upon. Wait! Where did that thought come from?

Eriol swallowed nervously and walked slowly towards her, not daring to wake her up. No, this was not right, but he wanted to kiss her badly. Eriol sat on the couch opposite her, trying to calm his frantic nerves. He realized that, not only did he want her physically; he wanted her to be with him all the time. He tried to imagine Tomoyo with Greg and instantly felt a surge of hatred and jealousy. It was official. He was in love with the angelic Tomoyo. He frowned at the realization. He looked at Tomoyo's peaceful face and smiled. She looked so innocent, so matured, and so fragile; that he did not even dare touch her, for fear that she might shatter under his touch. Tomoyo suddenly stirred but all she did was shift a fraction. Eriol sighed in relief and looked at her shoulders. They seemed tensed. Without thinking, he stood up and went behind her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders and started kneading them gently, but firmly. Tomoyo moaned with pleasure and opened her eyes with her smile. Eriol was surprised that she didn't freak out.

"When did you learn to charm girls with those hands of yours? This is really good. You should start your own massage parlor. You'll own loads and I can come in everyday after work." Murmured Tomoyo.

"That's what my mother used to say. I had practice with her," said Eriol as his hands kneaded her softly. Tomoyo closed her eyes again and leaned back, obviously enjoying the attention she was being given.

"Work was tough huh?" asked Eriol gently. Tomoyo sighed and nodded her head, eyes still closed.

"Try owning a top designer company and having loads of paperwork to do. It'll kill your shoulders." Said Tomoyo with a gentle laugh. Eriol smiled and shook his head.

"Well, being a personal assistant to Syaoran isn't that easy too. Try being the target of his glares. You'll die." Said Eriol with a chuckle. They both laughed at the thought and were silent as it faded, Eriol still kneading her shoulders, Tomoyo's eyes still closed. Eriol looked at her neck, exposed and so smooth and silky. He wondered how she would react if he trailed kisses down her neck. Would she scream and jump up in shock, slapping him squarely in the face, or maybe, just maybe, she would react to his touch nicely and let him feast on her? Eriol did not wait for an answer from his mind. He liked the second though better than the first. Slowly, he brushed a finger on her neck and felt her shudder with pleasure. Eriol was encouraged and placed one side of his palm on her neck.

Tomoyo felt Eriol's hand stray from her shoulders to her neck and shuddered with pleasure. She wanted more but she did not dare ask. As if reading her mind, she felt him place a palm on her neck, rubbing it gently. Tomoyo moaned and he put another palm on her neck. Tomoyo threw her head back and groaned. It felt so good that she didn't want him to stop. Thankfully, he didn't but instead, he kissed her neck tenderly and Tomoyo reached back, running her fingers through his black hair. Tomoyo felt strange that he should have this kind of effect on her but she did not care. All she wanted Eriol to do now was kiss her. Tomoyo shifted her head a little and finally found his mouth, dissolving into a sweet, passionate kiss that melted all her troubles. Eriol seemed hesitant at first but when Tomoyo turned in the couch and put her arms around his neck, he kissed her for all he was worth. Eriol made a noise deep in his throat and the kiss seared through their bodies, warming them both. He pulled her closer to him and ran his fingers on her back, making them both groan. Tomoyo felt Eriol's mouth leave hers and trailed down to her chin and then her neck as he began to feast on it, nipping it gently. Tomoyo ran her fingers through his hair again and arched her neck for him to have greater access. He returned to her mouth and explored it cleverly with his tongue, making Tomoyo weak in her knees. The kiss disintegrated into small ones and it finally stopped.

Eriol pulled back and examined Tomoyo's flushed face. Her fingers were still tangled in his hair as he absorbed what had happened. Did Tomoyo just responded to his kisses? What did that mean? Did it mean that-

"I love you," muttered Eriol softly. It was either now or never. He saw surprise flash through Tomoyo's eyes and she winced suddenly. Eriol looked down and saw that she had been kneeling on the couch the whole time. He let out a chuckled and went around it, letting Tomoyo sit down properly. Her knees were now reddish from all the kneeling and she frowned at it. Eriol laughed and sat down on the floor, using his thumb to slowly rub away the redness. He looked at her keens as it slowly returned to its original color and was aware that Tomoyo was gazing at him. He plucked up his courage and looked into her searching eyes. What was she searching for? Truth?

"I'm wondering," whispered Tomoyo breathlessly, "If you can repeat what you said?" Eriol forced himself to keep looking at her.

"I love you," repeated Eriol in a shaky voice. Tomoyo's lips suddenly trembled and tears spilled from her eyes, but she didn't make a sound.

"Do you know how long I have been waiting for you to say that?" said Tomoyo with a shaky smile. Eriol was shocked. Did that really mean that-

"OD you know that I love you too?" said Tomoyo. Eriol's heart leapt with joy. He couldn't believe it! Out of all the people, Tomoyo chose to love him! Eriol didn't want to rejoice too soon. Yet.

"Do you mean it?" he asked. Tomoyo looked at him blandly.

"Did you?" she countered. Eriol's face broke into a grin and he sat beside her, hugging her joyfully. Tomoyo returned the hug and snuggled up into his chest.

"Of course I meant it. I don't use that word often though," said Eriol thoughtfully. Tomoyo's stomach was leaping with dolphins before that but hearing those words calmed her and she looked up.

"I meant what I said too," she said at last. Eriol smiled and kissed her straight on the lips. Tomoyo's body responded almost immediately and when the kiss broke, Tomoyo smiled up at his face. She knew that she was going to be very happy with him around.

I thought that this was ok… but I liked the one with Sakura and Syaoran better. Ahhaha…tell me what you guys think ok? Cherrios!