All in the Game of Love
Back with the 22nd chapter!! *I counted correctly, I hope?* Anyway, in answer to some reviews…
To Kami = Thank you for your criticism. But I'm not perfect and my work isn't either, I admit. I tend to flaw somewhere sometime so do pardon me on this. However, if there is a major error I've made, you could help by pointing out where.
Nikumu-chan = CLOUD IS AWESOME! There you go, girl! We're both Cloud Strife fans, yeah baby!
Aika-Naoki12 = Thank you for your so many reviews at one-shot. Knew it wasn't easy *wink wink* Appreciated it!
Amethyst-flower = I was actually thinking of playing through FFVIII again during my school break! Just like you, I got bored and stopped playing it. Perhaps next year I'll pick it up again?
To Manuca = Haha, sorry, no unfortunately I'm not a scout and neither do I often go on camps. Seldom, actually. But I always go on sleepover parties at the beach with my friends so I based the settings of these two chapters on my experiences there.
To all of ya, arigatou for your time and support! LUV YA ALL! I know it's over already but still my greetings of "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!" goes out to all of ya!!! After all, there's 12 days to Christmas, isn't it? *wink wink*
Sit back and enjoy! Taadaa!
As always,
Mysterio000
p.s. the almighty one!
*
The kiss was light as a feather. Like a blessed dream that had woven itself among the pink and purple clouds hovering above. His lips covered hers, massaging it slowly with such tenderness he hadn't known before. Unlike the previous kiss they had shared which had driven him high with fire, this was much more softer.
Careful not to hurt her, he brought a hand to her waist before leaning in further, taking in the full curve of her lips as they continued to offer its pliability. Sweet as the first white ray of the stars that began to shine above, her lips parted to his.
Almost meekly, a dainty hand made its way across those well-toned muscles before coming to a rest. His mouth continued to taste every bit of her sweetness away, his tongue gently joining with hers before embarking on its own journey inside that tantalizing cavern.
As though he couldn't get enough of her, his strong arms laced around her slender waist, pulling her closer to kiss those inviting lips of hers. Lifting a finger to her ivory cheeks, he caressed them with exquisite softness and he wondered how ever could her skin feel so velvety each time. Her touch lying on his back scorched him as his head arched even further to nibble on those petal-like lips.
Under the new blanket of the starry, starry skies, time stood still to nothing as the two continued to embark on their own questing journey, locked in each other's lips.
After what seemed like a moment of eternity, the both of them broke away slowly but their gazes only remained on each other. Amethyst melted into dark azure.
Those beautiful lips now curled into a glowing smile, "Ready to seek with me now?"
He was well aware that he still had his arms around her and that was nothing of assistance to the uncountable streaks of pain that painted his face, "I…I don't know."
He still wasn't sure if he wanted to stand up now and walk away from this situation. It was too good to be true.
Beneath the lilac skies in which the colors twirled with the waves of the lapping sea, a boy and a girl sat on the soft white sand, locked in each other's embrace, gazing into each other's eyes. Now wasn't this scenario just like a dream?
He didn't want to wake up soon.
"The rest would be looking for us." Tomoyo teased, poking a delicate finger into his ribs that caused his muscles to buck in response beneath.
"I…" He sucked in his breath, knowing that she still had her other hand around his back. It drove him insane to know that he wanted it to last this way forever.
Forever?
Now this was bad. "I think so." He finally blurted out in one breath, coming to the realization of how difficult it was for him to take a breath with her scent breathing into him at this short distance.
"Shall we get up then?" She asked, her eyes twinkling with a hint of a giggle as her hands fell back to her side.
Eriol held back the reluctance that was tugging at his heart and he finally shrugged, his shoulder sagging, "I…guess." Still, he remained stoned until Tomoyo stood up before him, her hands pressing down on her shorts to dust away the sand. Finally deciding to wake up from this dream once and for all, or so it seemed, he stood up on his two feet.
Only then did he notice the scrunched-up face on her features. Creased with abrupt worry, his hand quickly shot towards hers, holding her firmly with his grip. "What's wrong, Tomoyo?"
The raven-haired lady hunched forward, pain evident on her face. "Cramp…" She uttered out almost inaudibly.
"What?" Eriol inched in to hear the words from her lips when it dawned on him. He looked down at her with disbelief, "You're having a leg cramp?"
Tomoyo nodded before feeling his arms quickly going around her to offer strong support.
"You're impossible, dammit." He muttered to himself, keeping his hold tight on the girl before him.
"I am not deaf, mind you, Eriol Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo squeezed the words from her lips as she struggled against the pain that was tearing at her leg.
"Stop moving, will you?" Eriol chided with an exasperated sigh, deciding that the girl before him could be as much stubborn as he is. He pulled her closer into his arms to make sure she wouldn't put any pressure on her cramped leg, ignoring her weak squirming.
From afar, a familiar voice cried out.
"Eriol! Tomoyo! Where are you!?" It was Sakura, and his best bet was that the rest of the classmates were looking for them now. The game would have ended by then.
"The game's over! We're all caught! Tomoyo! Eriol!" Yamazaki's voice was then heard ringing across the beach.
Eriol sighed as he looked down at the form in his arms, pain still streaked across her face as she held on beseechingly to him in hope for support.
"Eriol, they're looking for us." She finally spoke, lifting her eyes to his.
"So? You can't walk yet." Eriol turned around to check if the rest were here by now.
"I can try." Tomoyo tried to ignore the pain as she stood on her two feet, carefully placing her balance in check. She was about to succeed when she felt her leg clenched again, causing her to fall into Eriol's arms.
"I said, stop moving, will you!? Why don't you ever listen!?" Eriol rebuked, holding her arms tighter in his powerful grip. He didn't know why he had gotten so anxious over a small matter like that, but seeing her struggling against physical pain was causing something to stir in his heart. He couldn't say what or why.
"We can't let them wait for us!" Tomoyo gave a sigh, persistent on making her way back to their class's side.
"Fine, fine!" Eriol let out a puff of exasperated breath, deciding that nothing could stop this girl now. "Hold on to me while I turn around."
"Turn around?" Tomoyo asked with a puzzled expression as she did as she was told - holding on to the ends of his sleeve. She grew even more curious as Eriol lowered to his knees on the sand before her, turned on his back.
"What are you doing?" She questioned him, confused.
"What else do you think I'm doing?" He asked with a lopsided grin, pointing to his back as he ignored her astonished face.
She pointed to herself, as though not believing what he was up to at the moment, "You want me to…?" She left the question incomplete, only to have him nod to confirm her suspicions.
"I might fall!" She spoke before wincing when the pain came again.
"Shut up and get on now! I'm not having you walk back there!" He lectured firmly, his back arched for her to hitch a ride on it.
"I'd say first. You're not going to get paid for this." Despite the circumstances, a giggle flowed with her breath as she climbed onto his back, a smile lit on her ivory features.
He easily lifted her, proving her weight to be of no obstacle to him as he took the first step forward that would lead them both back to their destination. "I don't need any pay. What do you think I am, huh?"
"A horse." She giggled, leaning in to rest her head on his shoulder, unaware of the turmoil she caused when she did that.
"I'm not a horse." He retorted with a reluctant smile. He always found it hard to keep his spirits down around this cheerful girl.
"Oh, yes you are. I wouldn't mind being your jockey." Tomoyo was breaking into fits of laughter now, ringing sounds of melodious bells into his ears as she did so.
He mocked a sigh, feigning a sorrowful face in return, "I'm upset, really. Would you rather beat me with a whip so I can move faster instead?"
Tomoyo laughed heartily, her slender fingers playing lightly with his ear, "Go horsie, go horsie!"
Total crimson bombarded his face when he felt those digits brush against his face several a times, tickling something sweet within the pit of his stomach. In spite of it, he found a reason to smile before quickening his pace by a few steps. In a few seconds, he was practically running across the white sands.
"No! Eriol, you're going too fast!" Tomoyo circled her arms around his neck for support, "I'm falling off!"
"I'm supposed to go faster when you whip me, isn't it?" Eriol let out a chuckle as he covered the grounds beneath him without difficulty, picturing Tomoyo behind looking around with frantic.
"No! I didn't whip you! Eriol!!!" Tomoyo yelped, feeling herself almost flying on his back.
"You won't fall." He reassured with a grin pasted on his face.
"I'm afraid of that--" She couldn't finish her sentence. Both of them were flung to the floor when he tripped over a stone in the way.
By now, Tomoyo was laughing uncontrollably as she lied unhurt on the sand. Beside, the blue-eyed boy was not in a much different state. He was laughing. He couldn't remember when the last time he had laughed so hard, uncaring about his cool and calm exterior self for once. But it felt great now. And free.
"I told you that!" Tomoyo complained lightheartedly as she crawled over to Eriol's side. "Why did I ever listen to you?"
Eriol pushed himself up from the ground, the same goofy smile never leaving his face. "You always do."
She grinned widely, combing her smooth locks down to soothe them, "Right. Just remember this. A horse is not to be trusted."
"Neither is a jockey." He countered with satisfy.
"Oh, stop that! It was your fault that brought us down to the sand!" She pouted, placing her hands on her hips.
"Remind me again." He suddenly arched an eyebrow. "Wait…Your cramp?"
Taken aback, Tomoyo looked down at her leg before frowning. "That was strange. I thought…" She suddenly giggled. "Your piggyback ride proves itself as a good medicine."
"Nonsense." He stood up before lowering himself closer to her. "Does it still feel stiff?"
"A little."
He let out a sigh before pulling her up to his level, "You're hopeless, you know?"
"Not as much as you do, Hiiragizawa." She teased back.
"Proud of it." He muttered before sliding an arm around her waist, supporting her back to the place where their classmates were waiting for them anxiously.
*
It was past 1am and by then, all the tents in the area had been zipped up with all lights off. No more activities disrupted the peace and quiet that was beginning to settle around the surroundings as the entire class retired to sleep soon enough.
The moonlight shone from the canopy of stars, its silver rays dancing its way down to a particular place before melting in strings of colors. The sight of the dark blue horizon in the distance of the sea was as tranquil as the light chirpings of the birds in the trees above.
Seemingly, the soft footsteps treading its way down to the seaside was of nothing disturbance to the tender night. Angelic as they were, its soft sounds only blended in to the nature of the hour.
A quiet breeze blew by and sang through the dark locks of a certain amethyst-eyed girl. Without a sound, she made her way in the semi-darkness towards a high rock and climbed above. Perching herself comfortably, she allowed herself to enjoy the magnificent scenery that spread before her eyes.
Blue and purple, that was how she saw in the world in at this time.
Finally alone, she gave herself time to think of the previous kiss in which both had been only too willing to give. She hadn't known why he had initiated it, or why he had done that. But whatever the reason it was, it had only confused her tremendously even more.
Despite it all, a small smile still found its way to her lips.
She had made a promise with herself, remember? She wasn't about to break it.
I'll bring back those cheery eyes of yours…
The laughter she had remembered from Eriol awhile ago had only embedded itself deeper into her memory. It had stirred something alive from within her she hadn't known existed. Whatever it was, seeing him so happy like that made her glad.
Tomoyo wrapped herself with her arms. The night was getting colder and the chill was beginning to lift from the waters. From above, the moon was dipping itself into the clouds once more. Yet, the stars remained.
It was only when she felt something warm covered her shoulders that prompted her instincts that somebody was around. Amethyst orbs lifted to gaze into marine ones.
She was startled at first, her eyes widening in surprise. But the expression soon faded as the blue-eyed boy took his place beside her, painting a light smile on her face.
"You're cold." He spoke into the silence, looking at Tomoyo who was looking at the jacket he had draped on her shoulders.
She then looked into his eyes, smiling, "Thank you."
He said nothing at first before shrugging his shoulders, "What are you doing out here, anyway?"
"I couldn't sleep." She answered back simply. "What about you?"
"Couldn't sleep, too." His gaze settled upon the dark color of the seas, where it seemed as though a glow had been pulled vertically across to produce the magical effect.
"Why? Did you hear me leaving? Did I wake you up?" She looked at him worriedly.
"No, no." He was quick to deny the untruth, shaking his head vehemently. "It was just a usual case of insomnia."
"Oh…" She pulled the jacket closer to her. "How did you know I was out here, anyway?"
He was silent for a moment when he shrugged, "Instincts, I guess."
She eyed him with a cocked eyebrow, "Instincts?" Now, she was confused. For a moment, she thought Eriol Hiiragizawa was a sorcerer who had special psychic powers. She almost laughed at the thought.
"I don't know." If not for the darkness veiling his expression, he was actually flushing red beneath. His eyes then traveled to her huddled form before his forehead creased. "You shouldn't be out here. You're cold."
"What if I want to be cold?" She countered back, the same impish look he remembered her for returning to her features.
"You're mad, that is." He rolled his eyes before leaning forward to pull the collar of the jacket closer to her. "You're gonna catch a chill before you know it."
She managed a laugh despite the shiver that just shook her frame. Whether it was his touch or the cold, she couldn't differentiate. "I'm strong."
"Yeah, yeah. I believe." He eyed her for a moment before looking away.
"I don't get you. How can you come up here and not be cold?" She teased lightly, her features splitting into a bright smile.
"Why? Are you beginning to get envious of me?" He returned the tease, looking away as a smile tugged on his reluctant lips. He received a playful nudge in his ribs as a result.
"You're getting good progress with your counterattacks." She said with a giggle.
"As always." He was about to look away again when he felt her grip his arm and prompt him to stand up. "What?" He looked at her in puzzle.
"The waltz." Her eyes twinkled with etherealness. "Want to try it?"
That numbed him to the core as he looked at her with thoughts of those cornstalks again. For awhile, he thought she was crazy.
"What?" He asked, not believing his ears.
"The waltz." She sighed, repeating herself. "Or do you even remember it? We don't have much time left. And I'm sure you and I are too lazy to hit the library for more information."
"I…" He was frozen in his place. Practicing for a waltz scene? Right here in the middle of…?
He looked around. They were on the top of the rock that overlooked everything else on the beach. From the top, the moon was reappearing once more behind the dark silver linings of the clouds, creating a beam of pathway down to Earth once more. And somehow, was it a coincidence or more when it seemed to shine a spotlight down only on them?
"Eriol!" She gave her best puppy look that she knew many men could never resist. "Can't we just give it a go? Or must I put on a princess's costume before you're willing to dance with me?"
Dance with me…
That sounded so good. And that was enough to make his blood run hot as his heartbeats hammered in his ears. How could he resist the temptation and say 'no' to an offer like this when she was looking so captivating under the sprinkling moon rays with a smile that could rival the elemental beauty of the rain and sun?
He was looking at her with such intensity that he hadn't realized he was already allowing her to pull him up to his two feet. Before he could blink an eye, she had already placed her palm on his shoulder and her other hand reached out to take his.
Clumsily, Eriol stumbled a few steps as he watched on with growing eyes. Less than a foot away was Tomoyo Daidouji with her arms around him, laughing at his confused form as she prepared the both of them to do the waltz.
Yet he was not ready.
She was already twirling into his arms as her feet began to tap to an unheard rhythm. Humming a song softly from her lips that took the beat of a ballroom waltz, she placed a dainty feet out before leading Eriol on the basic steps.
The blue-eyed boy was nervous. He had seen people doing their waltz on the television, even in movies, but he had never once tried it in real life. The previous dance he had gotten involved with Tomoyo was the rock music the other time at Emma's party. This, in his words, was much more different.
His mouth closed and opened in bewilderment as his orbs watched the petite form before him steadily. She had her palm in his still, and the other one laid on his shoulder. Step by step, she continued to relish the moves of a waltz until the numb from his mind dissipated with the light wind that blew against them.
Concentrating solely on Tomoyo now, he watched in bemusement and wonder as she showed him the steps slowly, looking up to smile at him occasionally.
"It's quite easy actually. My parents used to waltz in the living hall when I was younger." Her movements came to a halt, but her hands continued to rest on his body, tingling every nerves of it. "Get the hang of it already?"
He could only nod as his eyes continued to penetrate quietly into hers.
She mocked a sigh before her left feet came forth, nudging his to take a step back. "Take a step back now." She instructed as her hands guided to meet his movements. "One, two, three." She showed him, counting the steps before looking up.
"Still can manage?" She asked with a light smile, teasing and curved.
"I…I guess." He finally uttered out when he recovered from his momentary daze. It still was a pressurizing and difficult moment for him to get use to her closeness. Still, the butterflies in his stomach were untamable.
"Okay. We'll do it slowly, alright?" She gave a smile before humming the song from her lips again.
At first, Eriol had difficult catching up with her movements and he would often stumble on her feet when he did so. He would apologize profusely and she would only laugh it off.
"That's okay. We'll try it again." She would always encourage whenever he felt like giving up. Then his spirits would lift again and she would take his hands once more to guide him through the waltz.
Passing through the first hour was tough at first but it soon got to him and the waltz would come easily into his mind without even thinking.
By the second hour, his free hand had already snaked around her waist to complete the basics of the waltz. Each step, each movement they made blended perfectly with each other under the silky moon of the night. When the grey clouds in the skies finally made a clearing for the moon to shine at its peak on its own silver world, the couple was already twirling their way on the raised rock in each other's arms, securely safe and comfortable.
"You learn fast." Tomoyo remarked as she looked up at him with a smile in the midst of their waltz.
"Not when I took more than an hour to learn it." He reminded her gently with a low chuckle, dipping his head slightly with a coy expression.
"But you learnt it in the end, didn't you?" She giggled. "Why did you agree to do this in the first place?"
He pretended to look shock, "I agreed? I didn't even have the chance to protest."
"But you didn't want to protest." She teased.
He couldn't argue back. She was right on that point. When she had pulled him up and placed her arms on his, the thought of fighting back had never occurred to him.
His head snapped up when her voice reached him once more, knitted into a hum that acted as the music for them at the moment.
"Why do you keep humming?" He asked out of the blue, not that he personally minded.
She giggled. "I don't know. I thought we could have some music when we're doing a waltz."
He shrugged his shoulders. "I see."
"Perhaps my humming is no good. What we need is real-life music." Tomoyo's head arched into the direction of the place where their tents were set up. Behind, lamps were lit along the walkway where glimpses of coffee houses belted them. However, in the middle of a night like this, activities were seldom.
Eriol doubt that possibility of real-life music. But what would happen if the sea could suddenly sing a waltz for them? That would be magical indeed.
As though an answer to his wish, a song began to drift in from the quiet atmosphere of the night.
Taken aback and astonished with his thoughts coming true, his eyes began to search around for the source of music.
"It's from the fast-food restaurant at that area." Tomoyo pointed out, her gaze settling upon the 24-hours restaurant that was located a few distances from them.
"Oh…" Eriol turned his attention back to the raven-haired lady before him. "I didn't notice that."
"Me neither." Tomoyo gave a laugh. "We could really use the music though."
Eriol listened in abit, their waltz movements coming to a gradual halt.
If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all?
The melody was soothing, he decided, and the lyrics…the lyrics moved something in him and touched something there.
"That isn't a song suitable for a waltz actually." Tomoyo giggled, pulling away from his arms. Instantly, his head jerked down, his entire body feeling a sudden loss when her touch had left his after staying there for those long moments.
He was aching for her. He didn't want her to let go just yet.
"I…I see." He decided to seek distraction from those disturbing thoughts by concentrating on the song's lyrics.
I never know what the future brings
But I know you are here with me now
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
She probed into his mind again when she moved, inching towards the edge of the rock before sitting down like he had found her there hours ago.
"Getting tired?" He asked gently, approaching her side before bending down to her level.
She shook her head, and he wondered how ever could she keep the same radiant smile always on her face, never diminishing.
"Just getting a little cold."
"You'd better get back to the tent then." He spoke, silently praying that she wouldn't catch a chill if she stayed out any longer.
"I'll prefer staying here." She tilted her head, a charming smile on her lips that sounded red alarms throughout his body and mind. "As long as you're accompanying me."
His mind almost shut down at that thought and he shuddered when he realized how much he actually liked that idea. But here she was, looking at him with such pure innocence that there was surely no way he could reject her.
"I see." He quietly spoke.
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
"I was just joking." She quickly added after his words. "Of course you can go back if you're tired."
His eyes bore into hers for a long time before he spoke slowly, voicing his words carefully. "If I go back now, will you still stay here?"
She considered his question for a moment before breaking into a smile. "I guess so." Her hands suddenly reached for the collar of the jacket, undoing the zip. "Then I guess you would want your jacket back then?"
"No." He grabbed her hand, halting her movements. "Just put it on."
"Okay." She replied after a moment's hesitation. "Are you going back already?"
"I never said that." He finally sat down beside her, surprising her slightly.
"You're staying?" She sounded amused.
"You just thought I was going." As unwilling he was, he could not fight the smile back as it lifted the corner of his lips.
If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
She giggled softly before turning back to the sea. The melody of the song was still playing at the back, settling in smoothly with the moment.
Eriol lowered his eyes down a little when they turned slightly to settle upon those porcelain-like features. Almost as immediate and natural, crimson shaded his boyish cheeks yet for once, he did nothing to look away.
She was still oblivious of his intense stare. Somehow, she had sought interest in those dark blue waters beneath them. Late now, the tides were traveling at a slower place, its tranquil ripples splashing against the shore like a piece of music itself.
Gazing at her under the moonlight now had never transformed her into such a beauty. Those amethyst eyes, if they were mesmerizing, they were twinkling now. As shafts of silver soaked at those dark tumbles, her cascading hair seemed almost shining now. Her cheeks, though always ivory, were now visible with ribbons of pink sprinkled on them.
I don't know why you're so far away
But I know that this much is true
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you're the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life
Now he could understand why she had the majority male population of Shades after her heels all day long.
She was beautiful. No. 'Beauty' was a word too tame for her. Mesmerizing. Angelic. Breathtaking. She was all of them and so much more.
He couldn't understand why. He knew he had stared at Tomoyo Daidouji several a times now. Each time he had looked, each time he had gazed, he would always see something more in her. Infinite beauty, she possessed them. Every angle he would see her was enough to put him in a trance.
He only blinked when he found her looking into his direction abruptly. Their gazes met and it was then he realized that he hadn't taken a breath till now.
Breathe, he had to remind himself.
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
They hadn't spoke. There hadn't been a word for a minute now.
Yet their gazes remained.
Then her eyebrow arched, and she began to giggle.
"What's so funny?" He asked, still feeling as if he had been electrocuted after that one long minute. Had he even breathed? Or blinked? He couldn't recall.
"No, no." She waved a hand to dismiss it off. Eyes crinkling, she turned back to the sea, her form curling into a ball once more.
"Have you heard of the talentime concert in Shades?" She asked, her gaze still not meeting his.
"Not yet." He admitted before raising an eyebrow in veiled interest. "Why? Will you be part of it?"
"I…" She paused, her expression unreadable. "I don't know."
Eriol was silent for a moment before he spoke, "You could try."
It was then when she looked at him with innocent eyes, "You really think so?"
He didn't even have to stop to think. He had heard her sing more than enough to know that she had a beautiful voice. "Yeah, sure."
'Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
'Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be with you tonight
And know my heart is by your side
Again, she was silent, turning her attention to the waters again. It caused him to be curious and worried at the same time, and he leant forward to place a gentle finger on her chin, tilting her head up.
"What's wrong?" He asked, eyes bearing into hers.
She smiled. Soft and angelic. "No, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking of something, that's all."
"I see." He stared at her again when he caught a soft yawn escaping from her lips. Undeniably concerned, he asked if she was getting tired.
"I should think so." She replied, rubbing her eyes to keep them awake. It was obvious that weariness was beginning to take a toll on her.
"Get back to the tent then." He instructed.
"I don't wish to sleep in there." She suppressed another incoming yawn.
"You're stubborn, you know?" He sighed.
"I know, I know." Another giggle escaped from her lips despite already having difficulty keeping her eyes open.
Finally realizing there was no other options left and deciding that there was no way he would allow her to sleep out here in the chill, he reached out to take her palm in his.
"Tomoyo?" He called out softly.
"Hmm?" She was about to rub her eyes again when his hands stilled hers.
"Sleep." He ordered, taking both of her hands now.
"Wha--?" Her sentence was cut off when he pulled her into his warm embrace, his arms snug around her.
There was silence for awhile.
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
"What are you doing?" She finally asked, a giggle bubbling from her voice. Even as she spoke, a hand was already making its way to his back.
"I want you to sleep." He said firmly.
"This way?" She asked lightly, looking up into his warm eyes.
"This way." He affirmed. "I don't want you to catch a chill. Now shut up and sleep."
She rubbed her eyes, another soft yawn escaping. Feeling comfortably secure in his arms, she huddled closer to him, her eyes closing in serenity. "Okay."
Eriol Hiiragizawa looked down at the form lying in his arms before a powerful, quavering fist of emotions hit him and overwhelmed his heart. On impulse, he folded his arms around Tomoyo tighter, bringing her closer into his embrace. He felt her shift a little before resting her head lightly on his shoulder.
Strange. On such a cold night did he felt so warm.
From a distance, the song that was once brought on now faded away into the darkness, the lyrics softly lingering in his mind as his eyes closed in submission, too.
If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
It had been difficult to fight from smiling when Tomoyo had been around every time, hadn't it?
If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
And when they had danced to the waltz awhile ago, the sensation he had felt when her small palm fit in his had been…had been so fitting. As if it had been an everyday thing. As if it had been forever.
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
Those countless sleepless nights he had. Only one name, one person whirling in his mind, reminding him time and time again of the familiar smiles. One picture, one image.
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Eriol's eyes snapped open at this.
If I don't need you…
If I'm not made for you…
If you're not the one…
His thoughts came to a cease, time freezing to nothing. Looking down at the sleeping girl in his arms, his eyes slowly then traced to the skies.
A pair of birds flew across before disappearing. Behind, the moon still shone bright.
He was silent for a long moment before his head dipped again.
And then ever so slowly, those marine eyes rose to meet the sea again.
Yes, he had been blind. Too blind. It had been there all along, hadn't it?
Now it dawned on him. Bright and clear like the stars that formed a canopy of blanket in the dark skies now.
Gazing at the girl before him again, a smile touched his lips. There were no questions now.
He finally knew.
**
END of chapter!
Yeah! I pulled through the days! School is reopening in 2 days and I'm sitted here before my desk, nearing midnight, finishing up this chapter. Yes, finally it's done and you can tell what is going on through Eriol's head now. I'm as sleepy as Tomoyo is now and I havta go before I knock off on my desk before my computer!!
Credit goes to Daniel Bedingfield for his contribution of his song, 'If You're Not The One' in this chapter. Also for inspiring me to choose his song title as my chapter title. Domo arigatou!
I apologize if this chapter was going slow again. However, I'm too tired to arrange another plot so I hope this chapter is still enough to satisfy you guys =) I wouldn't have completed this chapter without Daniel Bedingfield so you go, dude! It was also his other track, Never Gonna Leave your Side, that also kept me awake through this chapter.
Before I dozed off on this note, a thousand thank-yous to all of you for your continuous support. Pardon me for any major errors. I'm bushed! -_-"
As always
Mysterio000
p.s. the almighty one!