Disclaimer: see chapter 1.

Starless.

"Hiiragizawa-san?" Tomoyo looked up in disbelief. She was hoping that she wasn't imagining things but was also hoping that he wasn't there either. She did not want to experience the pain of losing to others and keeping her emotions to herself again.

But the figure remained standing before her. It seemed to be…solute and solid. And the eyes were as mysterious as always, never allowing anyone to penetrate through the solid gaze that protected his true thoughts. It was like old times, where she could only interpret his thoughts through his actions. Unlike Mizuki sensei, who seemed to be able to tell what he was thinking just by a mere look at him…yes, Mizuki sensei whom she could never beat…whom she could never surpass in his heart.

Eriol smiled at Tomoyo, as he sensed her confusion towards his sudden appearance. He took her hand and kissed it like he always did in politeness. Though she didn't show it, both of them knew that she cringed at the contact between her palm and his lips. She hated the feeling of his affections since young, for she knew that it was nothing special. He knew that she hated him doing that to her as she had developed feelings for him since young at the age of 10, but the fact was just that he only had eyes for another.

But the question was whether she had forgotten about it. And he hoped that she hadn't.

"Yes, it's me Daidouji-san. Long time no see." He said, with a glint in his eyes and a smile on his face. This was bad…something was going on and Tomoyo not being able to figure it out was worse. Tomoyo didn't reply. She was too scared for anything to happen. All she plainly did was stare, before she realized her manners.

She bowed to him, as a gesture that she welcomed him or greeted him. But they knew it was neither. She was scared.

Why are you doing this to me? Coming back without your beloved Mizuki?

"How's Mizuki sensei?" she asked, not wanting the awkward silence to fill the atmosphere. She knew that it was the last topic that she should bring up, but she brought it up anyway.

"Kaho is…[all of a sudden, a gentle look masked his face]…alright. She's back in England." He told her, knowing what question she'd ask next.

Ok. So he came without her. Care to tell me why? Tomoyo thought just as she forced out another smile. She hated that gentle look on his face, for only Sakura and Mizuki sensei was able to bring it out from this magician. "So what are you doing back in Japan all of a sudden?"

It was the last answer she expected. Eriol smiled at the sight of her confused face. She had always been an open book to him though no one else could read her this well, and this made him delighted. He waved his hand before her eyes to see if she was dreaming. Snapping out of her spaced out situation, she bowed in apology.

"I see you're going home now…let me take you back." Eriol told her, and like the gentleman he always were and always will be, he bowed and moved out of the way for her to walk first. Tomoyo was utterly conscious of her situation. One wrong move and he'll break your heart again…remember that.

"Thank you. But I think I'd be able to find my house alone. No need for escorts." She coldly replied, knowing that he would back off to her wishes. He never did anything to disappoint others and that was one thing she knew. But he had grown up.

"But I think it is not too safe for a young lady like you to be walking at this hour of the night. I think it is best that I walk you back." He said, holding out his arm for her to take it. Tomoyo took it for she could never win Eriol in this sort of battle. As she walked with him, she felt this zesty feeling running inside her, as though her heart was jumping. She was nervous and afraid for smiles that came from Eriol weren't always up to any good. Or should she say were never up to any good.

Silence filled between them but even Tomoyo could not be bothered to strike up a conversation. She just did not know what to say. But perhaps if she kept quiet, then he wouldn't be able to find fault with her and thus, would be safe from whatever he was planning.

But Eriol always had a backup plan. He had not seen this lady for years and doubt that her personality may be the same. Then again, it was the good-natured Tomoyo that he always knew. Thus, it was already time to carry out plan B, which was to not say anything for he knew the anxiety she was facing. Come to think of it…what kind of plan is this?

They continued walking until they reached the majestic Daidouji gate. He rang the doorbell for her and the guards came to escort her to the door. It was time for them to part. Just as the gates were closed to bar her from the outside world, Eriol gave her another gracious bow and a grin spread across his Cheshire-like face. It gave her another shiver down her spine as he walked off.

As she entered her house, Tomoyo thought about what he had said.

Because I wanted to see you…

Something bad was about to happen.

Yue was still busy flying about searching for the heiress. It had already searched the area closest to her mansion during the first few moments of its search, but she hadn't returned. It should've known. It had practically combed the whole park by now, and she wasn't in sight. Taking a double check, Yue headed for the direction to her mansion. But what it didn't expect to meet was Eriol instead.

"…"

Mainey's Corner:
Oha!  I know that maybe the ending for this chapter was quite stupid. But I thought that I'd just try. I don't think I'll be updating for the next week since I have so many tests that I haven't studied for and I've just been so busy. So hope you like this one and I'll have one the week after next! Ja ne!
Once again, thank you to all those that reviewed.